#The Christmas Spirit must have got her after all! (even if she won’t wear a Santa hat) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

orbitariums · 3 years

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winter with a weasley | fred w. + black fem. reader

i was tired of searching high and low for hp imagines with black readers so !! here goes my own :) send me recs of hp writers who write for black girls!!!

reader is a black woman and a ravenclaw!

happy holidays <333

word count: 5k

The pitter patter of snow could be heard from inside the dimly lit library, wet snowflakes streaking down the window panes of the large window beside you. The night sky was falling upon you, twinkling stars forming around the top of the castle. The air was clear, no fog to be seen, but your eyes were glazing over as if you were in the midst of a fog storm anyway, your nose buried deep in a copy of “Winograd’s Wondrous Water Plants.” You blinked away the sleepiness clouding up your eyesight, stifling a yawn. The candle in front of you threatened to burn out, and you flicked a lazy finger towards it, the flame rising once again. You were grateful for the cozy, thick sweater Luna had knitted you, protecting you from the slight chill that was penetrating the glass window. You pulled it closer to you, though its warmth threatened to make you fall asleep.

You had hardly realized that your cheek was dragging against your palm, and that your eyes were feeling droopier than ever, until you were jolted to a start when you heard Harry Potter’s voice from beside you. He was standing at the side of the otherwise empty library table that you were sitting at, a book clutched beneath his arm.

“There you are, everyone’s been wondering where you were. Well, mainly Fred,” Harry admitted, his eyes glancing at you, hunched over your book with nothing but candlelight in front of you. “What’re you doing in the library anyway, exams are over.”

You pushed your shoulder blades back, relieving some of the tension in your body from being curled up with books for hours after classes had ended for the winter break. You were slightly relieved to see Harry, as you were starting to get sort of a headache from all the words jumbling up together on the page. You replied with a small smile.

“Just doing some after-exam review, that’s all. I want to see what I missed, if anything.

That way I’ll know what to study harder for next time, that’s all,” you shrugged, and Harry couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face.

“Just like Hermione,” he noted. “I’m only in here because I’m returning a book. Fred will think you’ve gone mental, studying after exams.”

You chuckled to think of the pink-faced, tousle-haired Weasley twin. He was crazy about you, and everyone knew it. You, on the other hand, were far too focused on your studies to pay him any real attention. He was a distraction, and a horrible one at that— you’d never ace your exams if you were with him, he’d probably have you helping set up him and George’s next prank. Your playfully unamused demeanor towards his advances didn’t stop him anyway, he still teased you and flirted with you every chance he got, because no matter how much you told yourself you shouldn’t have a boyfriend, he always caught how bashful you became at his flirtatious remarks.

“Well, he’ll survive, won’t he?” you shook your head playfully, and Harry nodded in the other direction, out of the library.

“Take a break, we’re having a little party in the common room, you should join us,” Harry suggested, and you took one glance from your books to the lanky boy in front of you before sighing and closing your book. Why not?

When you clamored through the entrance to the common room after avoiding the Fat Lady’s attempt at a poor rendition of Deck the Halls, you were met with all the holiday cheer you’d ever need for a lifetime. The Gryffindor common room, already in the Christmas spirit with all its red furniture, was draped in Christmas lights and holiday wreaths. The sound of holiday music blasted through the room, bewitched so that it was unable to be heard by passersby, in the hopes that no one would break up their little party.

The smell of baked goods wafted past your nose as you entered, and you found your stomach growling— you’d spent lunch studying, hardly eating a thing, and you’d skipped out on dinner to huddle up in the practically deserted library. In the corner of the room was a tree that changed colors each time someone passed by it, and you could see aggravated gnomes shuffling about on one of the window sills, griping about how they were forced into itchy, tiny holiday sweaters. The room was warm and full of Christmas cheer, and you could even spot a student with a permanent drizzle of snow over their head, covered in a coat and a beanie with white flakes spotting the top.

You couldn’t help but giggle at the sight, covering your mouth with your hand. You were glad Harry had gotten you out, otherwise you’d probably still be in the library half-asleep. This was much, much better, and you weren’t just saying that. You could see Hermione and Ron approaching you, broad grins on their faces.

“There you are! We were hoping you’d show up,” Hermione gave you a hug, followed by Ron.

“Harry says you were in the library. Honestly, I don’t understand you two,” Ron said, meaning you and Hermione.

Hermione rolled her eyes while you just chuckled, though you were promptly distracted,

“Well, I’m here now. Is that treacle fudge?”

You headed over to the table of food in a hungry daze, your mouth threatening to water the closer you got to it. You were stacking on food onto a holiday themed plate before you knew it, chicken legs smothered with gravy, greens, cornish pasties, pumpkin sandwich cookies, and treacle tart. You were about to grab utensils, your eyes focused on the table below you, until you were barricaded by two all-too-familiar figures on either side of you. You sighed in exasperation, looking up at Fred Weasley, who was in front of you, then turning to George Weasley, who was directly behind you.

“Fancy seeing you here!” George exclaimed, a wide grin on his face.

“Really, would’ve thought you were gonna be a no-show!” Fred cupped your shoulder with his hand, spinning you to face him.

“Though, how could he miss you?” George started, making you turn again to face him this time.

“You positively light up the room when you walk in,” Fred answered George smoothly, spinning you by the shoulder yet again for you to face him.

You were dizzy from the amount of times the twins had you spinning this way and that, but you steadied yourself in enough time to wag your finger disapprovingly at Fred, the main culprit in all this,

“Must you always surround me?”

You reached for a fork and a knife, but Fred conjured both from his robes pocket, teeth sparkling as he grinned widely at you.

You rolled your eyes, but took the fork and knife anyway, muttering a thanks.

“Really though, where were you?” Fred asked, following you even as you walked away, side by side.

“The library,” you answered shortly, and Fred stared at you, shaking his head in clear disdain,

“Honestly, woman, don’t you ever take a break?”

You turned to face him, snickering as you rolled your eyes and took a bite of your treacle fudge,

“Don’t you ever take a break?”

Fred smirked, poking underneath your chin with a coquettish finger,

“Not from you.”

You couldn’t help the heat that flooded your cheeks even if the response was corny. Fred Weasley was always quick on his feet, and never one to back down from a challenge. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t like him in the way he so obviously liked you. It was so amusing to watch, even if it could be annoying— no matter what, Fred was shamelessly, devastatingly in love with you. He wasn’t embarrassed to be turned down, or to show it in the only ways he knew how: through poking fun at you and using the most annoying, yet memorable pick up lines in the book on you.

“I’ve noticed,” you cocked your head with a smug expression, and Fred only shook his head, gearing up to say something just as smug as you until he was interrupted by the soft hum of Luna Lovegood’s voice as she zoomed up behind you, happy to see you wearing her sweater.

“YN!” she exclaimed, her voice wispy and cheerful as usual.

You turned to face her, completely dismissing Fred, who decided he’d get you back later. You engulfed her in a hug, and the two of you got to talking, dancing, and sharing a jug of butterbeer that George had smuggled in.

You had finished the jug and your food, and you were laying back on one of the couches in front of the crackling fireplace, which was roaring high with orange-hued flames. You were tired, but the good kind, not from spending hours hunched over a book this time around, but from partying and eating so much you could hardly move. Ron, on the other hand, was sitting on the floor in front of you, scarfing down another turkey leg.

“Honestly, Ron, do you ever stop eating?” Hermione hissed on the floor beside him, and Ron frowned, whining through a mouthful of food,

“It’s the holidays, Her-my-knee, let me live for once.”

Apparently, it was now time for the gift giving, which the Weasley twins were in charge of emceeing, and they were making a very big deal of it. Each time someone was up to give a gift, they used their wands as microphones, their voices booming around the room as they called the names of the people meant to collect their gifts from the receiver. Harry had gotten Ron a Chudley Cannons quidditch shirt, you already had Luna’s sweater and you had given her a pair of flying sneakers to make flying that much easier. All the gift-giving and receiving was quite lovely to watch, and everyone ended up satisfied. The twins had made sure no one left empty handed, giving people goodies that would probably turn into toads in an hour or two.

“And now, the last present of the night, and we truly do save the best for last,” George announced with a proud, thunderous voice.

Fred eased up beside George like a sneaky weasel, George throwing an arm around his shoulders. Fred had something in a sparkly, glittering gift bag, and everyone was intrigued, leaning forward to see what it was.

“Take it away, Freddy,” George patted Fred’s shoulder, then slinked away so Fred could have the floor all to himself.

“This gift goes out to a special someone,” Fred wiggled his eyebrows, deliberately making his voice deeper, and everyone started to hoot lowly. “A certain little smartypants Ravenclaw girl who has my heart.”

You chuckled, rolling your eyes playfully and looking away from Fred, who had zeroed in on you.

“She’s a bit shy,” Fred joked, making the room erupt in laughter.

“Go on!” Luna prodded you, her eyes twinkling as she smiled at you.

You lugged yourself up off the couch and got up, making your way over to Fred, who was standing in front of everyone next to the color-changing Christmas tree, which burned a passionate red when you stood in front of Fred.

“You idiot,” you remarked playfully, and he only grinned, handing you the bag.

“See what’s inside, won’t you!” George hollered, and you glared at him before opening the bag.

Inside was a flower in a pot full of red soil. Not just any flower, but perhaps the most beautiful flower you’d ever seen. Its leaves, a pale pink color, seemed to shine, light radiating off of the petals and basking your face in a warm glow. The petals were fat and wide, spiraling at the end into little hollow heart shapes, all of which were of varying colors. As it got closer to the center, the colors of the flower grew into deeper myriads of pinks and purples. You had never seen such a plant before, and you were a top herbology student, plants and flowers were your specialty. It was so beautiful, and probably rare as well. You didn’t know what you were expecting, but nothing like this. You were so surprised, you half expected it to be a prank of Fred and George’s, thinking it might transfigure into a mole rat.

The rest of the students in the packed common room were just as shocked as you were, gasping and whispering amongst themselves, immediately enamoured by the unique beauty of the flower that made cooing noises in your hand like a little puppy.

“Fred,” you gasped, looking up at him with widened eyes.

“Thought it’d fit you, know you’re into plants and all that smart people stuff,” Fred grinned, clearly satisfied with your reaction.

“I-it’s amazing, I-”

“That’s not all, he’s got more for you in the bag!” George cut you off, and Fred shoved him playfully, laughing,

“Shut up, you bloke! Let her see for herself.”

You ruffled through the bag, which was indeed full of your favorite sweets— honeydukes chocolate, pepper imps, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavored Beans, chocolate frogs, and more. You could hardly generate a response, your mouth stuck open in an o-shape. You liked Fred, but you didn’t expect this from him.

You chuckled, still shocked, and grinned, bemused,

“Fred, this really is a lot, I honestly didn’t expect it. I-I don’t know how to thank you!”

Before you knew it, you were lunging forward to embrace him, hugging him tight in front of everyone. He was lucky he could cover his face in your shoulder, because he was red as a tomato. You gazed at the flower in your hands when you pulled away, still entranced by it.

“‘M glad you like it,” Fred murmured almost shyly, the first you’d ever heard him sound anything other than cocky.

You frowned, truly feeling terrible— you weren’t expecting anything from Fred, and so you didn’t get him anything. Now you felt horrible, standing there empty handed when he’d just given you the most thoughtful, beautiful gift.

“Oh, Fred, I didn’t get you anything!” you bemoaned, your eyebrows furrowing together. “I feel horrible.”

“‘S alright, you’ll make it up to me,” Fred smirked, leaning back against the wall of the fireplace and folding his arms.

The room filled with a plethora of suggestive “oohs” and “ahhs”, and when you turned to face Ron, you saw he had gone red from watching his brother flirt with you, meanwhile Harry was stifling a laugh, and Ginny was burying her face in her knees while Hermione rolled her eyes. You looked back over at Fred and couldn’t help but smile, shaking your head slowly.

“I just might have to,” was all you said, George leaping onto Fred in celebration.

After the gift giving was over, well, it had ended with you, (and it really was best for last), the party started to wind down as people began to say their goodbyes and make their way back to their dorms. Most people would be going home for Christmas, but you’d be staying here at Hogwarts, scraping by with the few friends who would still be there. But, you weren’t getting away with it that easy. While talking with Fred, George, Hermione, Ron and Harry, you mentioned how you’d be staying in the castle for break. They all made an uproar in disagreement, shaking their heads and complaining.

“That’s rubbish, you’ve got to at least come to our place over break,” George threw his hands up, and Fred nodded vigorously— you couldn’t help but think this had been on his mind the longest.

“Yes, do come to The Burrow, I’ll be there as well,” Hermione insisted, clutching your arm.

You smiled, looking around at all the needy faces. You hadn’t expected them to be so welcoming, it was already a full house. You didn’t want to intrude, “Won’t your mom be so busy? I mean, all of us? I don’t want to make her holiday stressful.”

George scoffed,

“The woman will make it stressful no matter what.”

“Really. Besides, mum loves you,” Fred persisted. “She can’t get over me being with a smart Ravenclaw girl who’ll keep me out of trouble.”

You snorted,

“But I’m not with you.”

“You will be,” Fred shrugged, unbothered, and you refused to meet his eye because you knew you wouldn’t be able to restrain your smile if you did look at him.

“Come on, just come with us! We’ll be leaving in a few days and get there just a day before Christmas Eve, that’s more than enough time to pack your things,” Ron demanded, and you couldn’t help but give in, your body shaking with laughter.

“Alright, alright, I’ll spend the holiday with you.”

The circle of friends erupted into cheers, and you grinned, your sparkling eyes meeting Fred’s, who was truly glad he’d have you there for the break.

Things were really beginning to wind down shortly after, and you were getting ready to head back to your dorm and go to bed. Luna had already left, and you were one of the few people still remaining. You’d spent the rest of your time talking to that circle of friends, though Fred got next to you whenever he could and talked your ear off. When you were on your way to leave, holding your gift in its sparkly gift bag from Fred, you turned around at the sound of footsteps thudding behind you. It was Fred, running up to you, coming to a stop in front of you,

“YN, wait. I’ll walk you back to your dorm.”

“Sure,” you grinned warmly.

You and Fred left together, walking side by side in the dark, winding halls of the castle. You talked quietly, Fred taking any chance to make you laugh, and you did laugh each and every time. You stopped in front of your dormitory and stood there, facing each other, not quite saying anything, just smiling stupidly at each other. It was almost humorous how you tried to avoid your fate with Fred, knowing you liked him back. But you always beat around the bush, because you were really a very studious girl and you knew Fred Weasley would just be a distraction. But you knew he wasn’t that bad. How could he be?

“Well,” you sniffed awkwardly, cupping your gift bag in your palms.

“Welllll,” Fred echoed, dragging out the word and making you laugh.

“Really, Fred, thank you, I can’t imagine how you even got this, it’s beautiful, really.”

“Reminded me of you.”

“Oh, Fred,” you groaned, making a face like you’d just tasted a sour lemon and laughing. “You’re so cheesy.”

“But you like that about me,” Fred squinted his eyes at you, as if he was seeing right through you.

“I can neither confirm or deny that statement. Your head might explode if I confirm,” you teased, and he simply nodded in agreement.

“You’ve got a point.”

“Really though, how did you get this? I’ve never seen such a thing before. Don’t tell me you stole it from Professor Sprout.”

“Honestly, how much of a git do you think I am? I’ve got my connections, that’s all. It’s special, keep your eye on it.”

“Alright,” you grinned, sniffing the fragrant, honey-nectar scented center of the flower. “I’ll leave you be. I really do feel bad that I didn’t get you anything though. If I’d known I would’ve-”

Fred shook his head,

“Oh shut up. Of course I had to get you something, all I wanted this holiday was to get you something you’d like. And you like it, don’t you?” You nodded, and he smiled. “That’s all I need.”

You smiled, pleased, then sighed,

“I really should get going to bed though, and you should too, it’s nearly curfew.”

Fred merely shrugged carelessly,

“Meh, I’m on break, who gives a rat’s ass what Filch tries to do.”

“Okay, Fred, whatever you say,” you grinned, shaking your head playfully at his devil-may-care attitude. “Goodnight, now.”

“Goodnight,” Fred smiled at you.

You started to turn to your dorm, but you turned back at the last second, saying his name,

“Wait, Fred?”

“Yeah?” he replied, only for you to lean forward and kiss him softly on the cheek, pulling away slowly and blinking ever so gently. Blush was rising up his cheeks steadily, and he looked like he had melted on the spot, gawking at you.

You smiled, satisfied with yourself, and spun around, actually about to leave this time,

“See you in the morning!”

That night, you could’ve sworn your flower grew at least an inch taller, and you hadn’t even done a thing to it.

In the few days you had left at Hogwarts, you and Fred had been spending an awful lot of time together. You were actually taking the time to get to know him, because deep down you knew it was what you both wanted. Each time George passed by you two talking in an empty corridor, he coughed, “lovebirds!” And finally, it was time to leave. You all boarded the train back home, you sharing a car with Ginny and Hermione while the boys stayed with each other, though Fred passed by every hour or so to try and amuse you.

“D’you like him, Fred?” Ginny asked, leaning her head against the cool train window.

You looked down at the table, unable to hide your smile,

“Yeah, I do. And he knows it.”

“I think you two would be cute,” Hermione beamed, glancing up from the newspaper.

“I have to say, Fred’s never picked a better choice,” Ginny smiled.

The holidays at the Weasley house were hectic, but they were lovely all the same. George didn’t lie when he said his mother, Molly Weasley, made holidays stressful, but it was the good kind of stress. You were never bored, or lonely for that matter. You always had something to do, whether it be crusting pies, helping Molly magically wash the dishes, pillow fights with Ron and Harry, or listening to Hermione go on and on about her marks for her exams. Besides, Molly really did love you. She kept gushing over how smart and well-behaved you were. And you were convinced Fred had lied and told her you two were a couple, because any time she saw you and Fred together, she cooed, “you two!” and snapped a picture, leaving you blinded by the flash of her old camera.

It was probably the most bustling Christmas you’d had yet, and everything was going well.

The afternoon before, Molly had cooked a wonderful feast to be scarved down for tomorrow, and she put charms on all the meals to keep them warm and protected from the boys, who she knew would try to sneak down and take a bite before it was time. You sauntered around the kitchen on Christmas Eve. It was nighttime, and the kitchen was pitch black except for the light emanating from the tip of your wand. You opened the fridge, trying to make yourself a glass of warm pumpkin juice before bed. You’d stayed up late reading, thinking everyone else had gone to sleep. But you were wrong, and you gasped when the kitchen light turned on suddenly.

You jumped, clutching your chest and breathing in and out, only to see Fred laughing in the corner of the kitchen. You sighed in relief,

“Jesus, Fred, you scared me. Thought I was the only one up.”

Fred cocked his head to the side as if he were examining you,

“Late sleeper?”

You nodded,

“Sometimes. Why are you up?”

“I happen to be a late sleeper myself… and I heard your footsteps going down to the kitchen.”

You quirked a brow, amused,

“So you followed me?”

“This is my house, if anything, you’re following me,” Fred defended himself, folding his arms.

“I’m only joking, Weasley,” you snorted, continuing to fix yourself a glass of pumpkin juice.

“I like when you call me that,” Fred remarked, and you pretended not to hear him, but your cheeks were hot as ever.

He got closer to you, standing right beside you at the kitchen counter and leaning against it, watching as your hands shook out of nerves while you poured your juice. Since when did Fred make you nervous? And why was being close to him making you so lightheaded? He was looking at you, but you refused to look at him, keeping your eyes trained on your glass, not even noticing when it almost overflowed because your thoughts were elsewhere.

Fred, who had his cheek pressed into his palm, smirked, and did a onceover of you.

“Need help?” he taunted you.

You chuckled nervously, huffing,

“No?”

“You sure?” he asked, almost challenging you to look at him.

You turned to face him, rolling your eyes, but you weren’t prepared for him to be standing up, towering over you. You took a deep breath in, while he simply grinned. You looked up at him, blinking rapidly as if there was something in your eye.

“Here,” Fred leaned into you, and you froze, only to realize that he was just pulling out his wand and tapping it against your glass.

When you picked it up and took a drink, the pumpkin juice was just as warm as you’d wanted it to be, and you didn’t even need to heat it up like you were going to.

“Thanks,” you grinned, your eyes flickering from his to the floor.

“Should be getting to bed. Happy Christmas Eve,” Fred gave you a slick three fingered wave and slinked away up the stairs, leaving you there to exhale a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. You were in over your head, for sure.

On Christmas morning, you were the first one up, surprisingly. You got ready as quietly as possible, passing Hermione’s cat on the way to the bathroom as you got ready. For Christmas, you decided you’d dress nicely, putting on a well-fitting orange turtleneck with a black miniskirt. You headed down the stairs silently and found yourself in the kitchen, holding your plant in your hands so you could place it on the window in front of the sink and let it get a bit more light there.

You paused when you heard footsteps coming down the stairs, and when you saw Fred, you bit down on your lip. He grinned at you, dressed in his personal Christmas best, a sweater with “F” emblazoned on it that his mom forced him to wear every holiday season, and black skinny jeans.

“Hey,” was all he said with a knowing smile, and you grinned.

“Hi.”

“You’re up early,” Fred remarked, inching close to you so the only thing separating your body from his was the plant you were holding in between the two of you.

“You are too.”

“Funny coincidence.”

“Yeah. You’d almost think you were trying to catch me alone,” you narrowed your eyes at him playfully, a smug smile tugging at the corner of your lips.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Fred played along.

“You’re a real joker, Fred Weasley.”

“I know,” Fred agreed. “But I’d be a real Scrooge if I didn’t make one tiny little

improvement to this Christmas.”

“And what’s that?” you chimed.

Fred tapped his wand just above him, and lo and behold, a mistletoe flower appeared out of thin air, levitating above your heads. You looked up at it, holding your gaze on the plant for a few seconds before giggling, looking down at Fred who was smiling at you.

“Merry Christmas,” he remarked quietly, his brown eyes peering into yours, inching his head forward, spreading his warmth.

“Merry Christmas,” you practically whispered just in time for his lips to brush against yours, tilting your head forward to engulf him in a slow, sweet kiss under the mistletoe, the light shining in from the kitchen windows, a healthy amount of snow falling outside.

His lips tasted like peppermint, and he smelled like mischief, but you wanted to hold him close. His sweater was scratchy and warm and thick, bristling against you. He was tender with you, his hands reaching up to roam your face, caressing your cheek and pulling you in closer to him by the small of your back, the petals of the flower in between you pressing against your chests. After a while, you pulled away, Fred’s cheeks red as ever, and your entire body on fire. You weren’t sure why you’d held back for so long, because now that you had a taste of him, you wanted more and more. When you pulled away, you blinked a bit, coming back down onto earth. When you and Fred met eyes again, you both giggled stupidly, clearly high off each other’s touch.

When you looked down at the plant, you noticed it had grown inches taller suddenly, and you looked down at it in bewilderment. It had done the same thing after you parted ways with Fred the night of the holiday party in the Gryffindor common room.

Fred answered the question you were about to ask,

“It’s an Amorfluous flower. It’s meant to be given as a gift from one lover to another, so that each time we kiss, it grows.”

You were in awe of Fred. Not only had he managed to get you a gift that was extremely fitting for you, but he got you one that was even more sentimental than you had managed to realize. You were amazed, and you looked up at him awestruck, tears threatening to form in your eyes.

He chuckled at the sight of you and hugged you close, careful of the flower,

“Don’t cry!”

“It’s- it’s just so lovely,” you sniffled, wiping away the tears from your eyes. “Thank you, thank you so much.”

Fred smirked,

“You’ve made it up to me, the lack of a gift.”

You chuckled,

“Good.”

“Er… should we kiss again? For the flower, of course,” Fred suggested, nodding down at the flower.

“Yes, of course. For the flower,” you grinned knowingly and leaned in again, your lips uniting in a sweet kiss once more.

#harry potter #harry potter oneshot #harry potter imagine #fred weasley #fred weasley x black reader #fred weasley x reader #hogwarts #christmas imagine #harry potter x black reader #black reader #reader insert #poc!reader #black!reader

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everythingsinred · 3 years

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Let's Talk About NatsuMikan: Natsume (pt. 11)

So much happened in the last arc! We saw just how selfless Natsume can be. We got proof that he's suffering from his life-shortening alice shape. We discovered some things about alice stones. We watched as Natsume saw proof that Mikan cares about him.

Now we'll see him give up on trying to distance himself from her. There's no point, now that he's fully in love with her. But how does his new approach mesh with his selflessness and with the inevitable punishment that awaits him?

Chapter 45

Now, Natsume not trying to distance himself from her anymore might not be quite as outstanding as one might imagine, but he’s had a serious change of heart in the past arc. He’s gone through a lot. She is the reason he decided to keep his alice, and knowing that she likes him at least a little will make him much more eager to be by her side, even if just for a short time. But he’s still Natsume, and the trouble with Persona still exists.

It’s not like he’s about to start wooing her or anything. He’s still completely given up on that option. Even if Mikan could like him, which now might seem more possible than before, he still doesn’t have much to give. Not like Ruka does. Natsume loving you is still like having a target on your back, and he will do anything to minimize the one on Mikan’s as much as he can.

The class is in Central Town, seeing the town alive with wintry Christmas spirit. It’s quite lucky that everyone in school seems to be there, so everyone can join in on planning Natsume’s belated birthday. Natsume’s birthday was on November 27, but it’s the twelfth of December now. Too much happened and his birthday got lost in the drama.

Natsume is actually present in Central Town too, with Youichi and Mochu, who leave him behind to join in the birthday jumble. Now he’s left all alone and bored. He doesn’t bother them, preferring to let them do whatever it is they’re doing. He sits on his own, sleepy.

Natsume seems content on his own. He has such a hectic and tiresome life that it must be nice to sit in the quiet and be able to hear his own thoughts. A kid like him needs a break once in a while after all, so it makes sense that he’d take advantage of everyone being distracted, instead of going over to see what they’re all doing.

But his respite is short-lived, because he spots Persona in the crowd. He’s wearing all black so he stands out anyway, but Natsume has been living in fear of that figure for years now. He could recognize Persona anywhere, and knows when to stand at attention and be alert when he spots him. It’s concerning to see how quickly Natsume becomes frightened at just one glimpse of Persona.

His teacher only came by to taunt him, giving him a reminder of what was undoubtedly a lesson drilled into Natsume after the Z Arc: “Don’t go thinking anything like, ‘I might be free someday.’” Persona is always around, always watching, always looming and threatening. Natsume can’t relax or catch a breath when someone is always looking over his shoulder and observing his every move.

Natsume remembers what Persona had told him, that he shouldn’t be getting so comfortable. He is destined always to be tortured and to suffer. There’s nothing else for him. Persona has been going easy on him so far, but next time he won’t be so lenient. (As if Persona has been lenient with his child abuse.) He reminds him that he will never escape his dark fate. Not just in his school life, but in general, Natsume is doomed. Persona and the ESP know this and enjoy watching Natsume writhe under that knowledge. They like holding it over him. They much prefer him miserable and in despair. I’m not sure what kind of person enjoys seeing a child in anguish, but it definitely takes a type of sadist.

Hasn't he been traumatized enough? Hasn't he been through enough? When will they leave him alone?

Natsume watches him, unable to move or say anything, thinking of Persona’s hand on his cheek, before the man is entirely out of view. Natsume feels like he hallucinated this sighting of Persona, which means that those words of warning are doing their job and sticking with him. Natsume should be cautious going forward, or his punishments will be way more severe than they have been.

And just like that, we see that Persona may have been onto something last chapter. He had confidently said that all Natsume needs is to be threatened and he will obey, and it seems he was right. But this time, Persona doesn’t need to specifically bring up Ruka or Youichi or Mikan to make his point. All he has to do is remind Natsume, “DON’T FORGET: YOU’RE HERE FOREVER.” and Natsume will surrender.

And then of course... "Do it for her..."

Natsume loves Mikan, at this point in time, and she may have some fondness for him, in whatever shape she does. That’s nice and he likes that, but it doesn’t change anything. He’s here forever and he has no future. There’s no point getting his hopes up or fantasizing when reality is so glaringly cruel and manifests himself in the middle of Central Town just to taunt him.

Now Natsume is in a sour mood, so he decides he’s going back to the dorms. He makes it back to his big special star room, only to be ambushed by a surprise party for his birthday. He genuinely had never expected this, but that doesn’t mean he’s pleased.

He left Central Town because he was in a bad mood, discouraged after seeing--or hallucinating--Persona. He probably just wants a moment to himself, but now there’s a party in his room and he can’t leave--he’s already home. But these are his friends and classmates (and others, like Narumi), so he allows it.

Natsume's room is the only place where he can drop all pretenses because he's finally alone. And now there's people in it.

In the end, the party is really just an excuse to have a contest over who can give Natsume the best present, and he can tell right away that something is suspicious.

He likes Mochu’s present of manga, and everyone is dismayed how warmly he receives Youichi’s present of a cute drawing. Really, Natsume dislikes presents from people he dislikes, and likes presents from people he likes. Tsubasa and Narumi never stood a chance, especially when Natsume knew who gave the gifts. If they wanted the contest to be fair, they should’ve made it anonymous, but as it is, Natsume is far too biased to be a fair judge of presents.

Ruka’s gift is the most anonymous, because he doesn’t claim ownership of it, just smiles sweetly. The gift is an hourglass made of starsand, and they’re both reminded of the conversation that haunts Ruka: that Natsume would like to go back in time to the old days, or if he can’t do that, then grow up already. He wants to skip his present, go past all his current suffering and have power in his life already, because he doesn’t have any and is at the mercy of an unforgiving academy. Natsume cannot do either, and neither can Ruka. All he can do is give this hourglass, a symbol of the passing time and the desperate wish to stop time altogether.

Ruka knows Natsume better than anybody, but not even he knows that Natsume is dying. There’s a layer to the hourglass that he couldn’t have imagined: that Natsume’s sand is quickly running out, and his time will end soon.

So Natsume does like the present, and particularly the wish of stopping time completely. Seeing how softly Ruka looks at Natsume, after Natsume announces his two favorite gifts, shows just how happy Ruka is that Natsume understood his gift. Natsume might not fully realize it, but he is thoroughly loved, even just by Ruka alone, and although he doesn’t want to burden anybody with his misery, Ruka is still concerned about him and just wants him to be happy. He can’t grant his wish of bending time, but he can give him this.

The rest of the party-goers give their gifts, receiving various apathetic responses from Natsume, until finally it is Mikan’s turn.

Whatever he says, he'd have loved whatever present she got him, just because she was the one who gave it.

Her present is to take a picture with everyone, and have all the party-goers sign a birthday card for him. It requires the help of everyone to make, so it might break the rules of the original competition, but it’s a thoughtful gift. This party is about Natsume, specifically about finding things that will make him happy, and Mikan’s way of making him happy was to make sure there was evidence after tonight that he was thoroughly loved by many people. It’s one thing knowing that Ruka and Youichi love him, and that he has a fan club, but he is appreciated on a much deeper level than that. All these people came to his party and spent the whole day planning presents and cake and decorations because they wanted to show him how much they appreciate him. Even the people he isn’t close to care about him and want him to be happy.

Natsume acts like he hates the present, because he has to. After all, he just saw Persona in Central Town, and that warning was at least a little bit about Mikan. He loves her and wants her close, but he still needs to maintain something of a distance, and being casually mean is a great way of achieving that. Even more is it might have been a present back to Ruka, because he was putting together what the bet was all about, and putting Mikan in last place is like doing Ruka a favor. The truth is, though, he loves the present. If he was honest, Mikan’s present would be in the top spot right next to Youichi’s and Ruka’s.

In the picture, Natsume is surrounded by people who love or at least appreciate him, and the people directly next to him are people he loves with his whole heart. He even has a hint of a smile.

Natsume holds the card and the hourglass as everyone else makes a commotion in his room, because he wants time to stop, just like this.

Natsume is a liar liar pants on fire for saying Mikan's was his least favorite present.

There’s a lot to unpack in just this one moment.

Natsume came into this party unhappy. He just wanted to be alone for a second and process what just happened to him with Persona. Instead, he was ambushed by a party he had no interest in hosting. By the end of it, especially after his favorite presents, Natsume is happy. This is a moment where he’d be happy to stop time, so he could live in it forever.

Part of the reason he’s having such a great time is because he’s surrounded by people he likes (for the most part) who like him too. Who wouldn’t want to stop time in a moment where they can feel loved and appreciated?

In the card, in the TokyoPop version anyway, Mikan’s note to him says, “Happy birthday! Let’s keep being friends!” This is very small text. Practically imperceptible, probably not meant to be read and taken seriously, but Natsume is staring at this card and the picture and the hourglass, so it is all important. Of course he’d stare at her blurb. It’s even further confirmation that she likes him. He could feel it before in the Z Arc when she used her alice to keep his alice from being stolen, but now she keeps showing it. He can see now that she isn’t just being nice because that’s the kind of person she is, or because she’s tolerating him. It’s because she sees him as a friend. He may not be as important to her as she is to him, but simply knowing that she has fondness for him is yet another reason why he’d want to stay still in that moment forever. She might change her mind about him, go back to hating him, forget all about him when she graduates and he’s no longer around. But for now she likes him, and she thinks about his feelings and what would make him happy when she buys him birthday presents.

And finally, Natsume remembers the last part of Persona’s warning: that Natsume should be careful and stop collecting people he’ll just end up having to protect. It’s the worst part of his warning. Natsume is not allowed to care about people, because the teachers will use them to keep him in line, always. Natsume wants time to stop, so he can care about people and not live in fear for their safety, just for a moment. As soon as the moment is over, he will have to go back to worrying and fighting tooth and nail to make sure they’re safe, but for now, he can pretend like he doesn’t have worries or concerns. He wants time to stop so he can be a kid like the rest of them are being.

Chapter Forty-Seven

The first page of the chapter is already quite exciting.

Nobara has known Natsume for the whole time he’s been in the DA class. We can only imagine what kind of person she thought he was, but as she looks through the window, she sees him differently for the first time. She’s always thought of him as the type of person who never smiles, but she can see him smiling now.

What caption can I put here? He loves her. What else is there to say?

It’s been about ten days or so since his birthday party, and Natsume has not been distancing himself from Mikan at all. It’s hard after all, to distance yourself from something that makes you so happy when you’re usually so miserable. It was one thing back then, after the festival, to try and completely cut her out. That was forever ago! He’s too far gone now and he really doesn’t want to. He’s conceded to protecting her to the same extent he protects Youichi and Ruka, anyway, with his whole chest, and if she’s held fully over his head, he’ll do anything he’s asked. If that’s the price for having her around, then he’s willing to pay.

Nobara asks Persona, partially hidden by a curtain so that we don’t know for sure who’s speaking, who that girl is, and of course he answers. This is important because we know that Persona knows that Natsume is not being on his best, most miserable behavior. His punishment won’t be right away, but it is upcoming, and it will not be pretty.

The kids are all ready to prepare for the upcoming Christmas Ball, a very exciting event for the students. Just like the festival, they all help make it happen. Most of them start off on the Cake Prep Team, but Ruka is quickly stolen by the Decoration Team because he can better help with his alice.

Everyone ends up pulled away to help, even Natsume, who is receiving both appreciation and hostility for his presence, as expected. Natsume has come a long way since the beginning of the manga. He now joins the big groups, even if he doesn’t talk much. He lets people drag him away when they need his help. He keeps getting softer and softer, and although he’ll never be as friendly as Mikan or as sweet as Ruka, he’s not quite the boy we first met. Maybe it’s a more obvious difference because he’s actually allowed to participate in the Christmas Ball, not like in the festival, but seeing him actually help out is refreshing.

Mikan is struggling a little bit, meanwhile, because she feels useless, and all her friends keep getting taken away so that they can use their alice to help out. Natsume pops back up, even though he’s been stolen away already, so that he can see Mikan. Sure, all he does is insult her, but he’s trying to let her know he’s paying attention in his own way. Natsume is sloppy about it now, but in no time at all, he’ll be able to show Mikan that he cares in better ways. He just needs practice, and he’ll have plenty of that in the chapters to come.

This is a love language too, I guess.

He gets pulled back away, and Tsubasa remarks, just in case Mikan needed it to be pointed out, that Natsume came back even though he was very busy, just so he could check on her. In fact, Natsume will keep his eye on her throughout the day, because he’s terrible at keeping his distance. He catches Nobara getting cozy with Mikan, and he looks shocked, maybe even affronted.

Nobara is another DA student, one who is very close to Persona. She has a loyalty to him that he simply cannot comprehend because of how much he hates and fears the man. She’s practically glued to Persona’s side half the time, but here she is now, talking to Mikan, to his “kitten of a different color”. Natsume’s mind goes to a dark place and he comes to conclusions that might be off base but aren’t illogical.

When Nobara’s unsteady alice nearly ruins every piece of cake that Mikan is supposed to be keeping an eye on, Natsume melts them again. He’s helping Mikan escape trouble, not Nobara, and to make sure she knows it, he goes right up to them to confront her.

"What are you playing at? Get lost. Get away from my girlfriend."

Natsume thinks Nobara is here as yet another taunt. Mikan is one of the people most precious to him, and a new thing for the ESP and Persona to hold over his head. Why wouldn’t they send Nobara to make him squirm? He has no way of knowing that Nobara is here because she wanted to see Mikan’s sunshine personality for herself. It’s impossible to meet Mikan and not love her, and in fact the last thing Persona wants is for another of his pets to get attached to the kitten of a different color.

To nobody’s surprise, Nobara gets swept away by Mikan as well, just like everybody else. She’s a supportive, friendly, excitable, sweet girl, and she likes making other people happy. Nobara walks away knowing exactly why Natsume gets so soft around her. But she’s stopped by Persona too, just like he is.

Nobara’s darkness is a little different than his. Nobara is tied inexplicably to Persona. He makes her life depressing and dark and miserable, but she cannot leave him alone. She pities him and is loyal to him because nobody else treats him with kindness. Her darkness is eternal because she can’t imagine a life without being by Persona’s side, because she has been her whole life.

Natsume’s darkness is not like that. He has absolutely no feelings of fondness or pity for Persona, just fear and hatred. His darkness is eternal because the academy is working him to the bone, holding everyone he loves hostage as blackmail, and because he’s going to die before he can graduate and escape for good. His life sucks now and it won’t get better because he’ll die.

They both find themselves drawn to Mikan’s light, because she gives them things neither of them have seen much of otherwise, namely hope and happiness. But just because they have this in common doesn’t mean they will bond over it. Natsume still doesn’t trust Nobara, and it’s understandable that he wouldn’t. Sure, Nobara is put into a trance before she goes on missions, but even out of the trance she clings to Persona, and Persona is Natsume’s least favorite person. Who could trust somebody so loyal to the person you fear the most?

Conclusion

Natsume is deeply in love with Mikan, and more or less prepared to face the consequences. He knows he's being watched, expects it even, which explains his hostility to Nobara.

Natsume is awaiting a punishment, and he will eventually get it, but for now he can savor these moments with Mikan.

I wanted to fit the whole Christmas Ball in here, but that was just never going to happen. Just these two chapters held too much content. It'll just have to wait for tomorrow, so I can dedicate more pictures and energy to the whole arc. Stay tuned!

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cipheress-to-k-pop · 3 years

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Amadeus Cho x Rand!Reader

A/N: I can’t believe I’ve never done a Rand!Reader before?? Like how?

Also I totally wrote a Danny Rand as your older brother kind of headcanon so if you want those big brother feels definitely check it out here

Your favourite time of year was Christmas

Why?

Because it was the time that reminded you of K’un-Lun the most

The white snow

The beautiful lights

And just the Christmas spirit is why it’s your favourite time of year

It’s also your favourite time of year because you love to buy people presents

But since you moved the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy it’s been more difficult to buy presents because the amount of people in the team has increased

So, everyone settled for doing a Secret Santa

And you were notorious for buying extremely extravagant presents

So, everyone always wanted you to get their name

The new students at the academy just heard about your generosity like a legend

“Once she got me an apple watch.”

“She got me the latest iPhone.”

“She took me to Italy.”

And Danny’s just there wondering if you’re spending too much money before being like eh what the heck people like it

So, it’s the same deal this year

You get first pick because everyone wants an equal chance of their name getting picked

Everyone had to do a thorough check because Sam tried to cheat once by only putting his name in the draw

So, you draw out your piece of paper

Read it with such an inconspicuous face and wait for the others to pick theirs

After a while some of you leave for training

The only people left in the mess hall are Luke, Peter, Sam and Amadeus

“Who’d you get?”

“Ava.”

“Squirrel girl.”

“Miles.”

“(Y/N).”

And everybody turns to Amadeus like he’s cursed

And he’s like “what?”

And they’re like you’re so screwed

“(Y/N) is rich, she can have anything she wants, which means you have to get her a great gift.”

And this poor baby is just confused like “She doesn’t seem like the type to be very money minded or anything.”

“She isn’t but what if she got your name? If you get her something she won’t like, then it’s gonna make you look bad.” Peter explained

“Once, she got Luke a whole expense paid trip to a 5-star hotel and spa. And he got her socks.”

“SHE SAID SHE LIKED THEM OKAY!”

“Of course, she’s gonna say that! She’s an angel! But you don’t give socks to an heiress!”

And that makes little Amadeus just so worried and nervous

He obviously wants to give you something that you’ll love because he has a teensy tiny crush on you

But he’s also not made of money so he can’t exactly say sky’s the limit

So, he goes to the person who knows you best

Your brother

Danny says that you really don’t care what you get

“Something personal is always the best way, maybe cook her something? Or get her something that has meaning to it.”

But he knows that he can’t cook for his life so he goes to every old store trying to find something but nothing seems good enough

So, he’s just about to give up hope until he passes an empty training room

You’re talking to a friend on the phone

“And Mistletoe is banned here! Just because Nova tried to hang mistletoe in the doorway whenever Fury passed by as a prank! Now no one is allowed to bring Mistletoe here! Like why?! I was so looking forward to it this year!”

And boom

Lightbulb

He’s not sure if you’ll like it

But deep-down he really hopes you do because he wanted to ask you out on a date if you did

So, it’s finally Christmas Day and everyone is opening their presents in the mess hall

And it quickly stops being Secret Santa because everyone says who has who before giving the presents

You got Ben a trip on a private jet to Fiji because he said he wanted to see the beach and do some water sports

It’s a family trip so he can take the spider boys and May if he wanted to

And that’s how you end up underneath a spider pile with them thanking you and you just giggling

And it’s finally your time to open your gift and you’re so excited

Amadeus hands you a small box that’s about the size of a ring box and everyone is waiting eagerly to see what he got you

“I heard you say that you really wanted this the other day, so I hope you like it.”

You open the box to fine a little mistle toe pin sitting inside

It isn’t huge or gilded or something

But he sees the huge smile on your face and his heart skips a beat

Then you chuckle and turn to him

“This wasn’t what I wanted though.”

And his heart just breaks

Everyone literally stopped in their tracks because you have never said you haven’t liked anything before

Even Danny who’s first response is to scold you can’t even process it because you’re never disrespectful this way

And Amadeus knows that

‘So, she must really hate it.’ He thinks but doesn’t know what to do when you’re looking at him that way

“We can return it, if you want.” He says in a really small voice

“Really?”

“Yeah, we can get anything you want.” He says and his heart is just clenching because he really thought you’d like it

And if you didn’t, he thought you would appreciate the thought he put into the gift

“Anything I want?”

“Yep.”

So, you hold out the mistletoe pin and he thinks you’re handing it back to him

But then you hold it just above his head

And plant a slow, soft kiss to his lips

Pulling back and giving him a small smile

“Thanks for the Christmas gift, Amadeus.”

Before getting up and leaving like a boss

But as soon as you get into your room you’re screaming into your pillow and squealing

Meanwhile everyone is just SHOCKED af

Amadeus is actually frozen in place

Once the others actually process what the heck is going on, they all start teasing Amadeus

Flustered Amadeus is my favourite kind of Amadeus

And then Danny is just glaring at him like

“I don’t like what just happened here.”

And the two of you just avoid each other for the next few days

Even though everyone and their mother is invested into your “relationship”

Even Nick keeps an eye (literally) on the two of you

Danny asking you about it but you just blushing and hiding your face in his chest like “Please don’t ask”

You actually don’t see each other for a few days

Until on New Year’s you had been planning to talk it over with him

But then there was an emergency that called for the Spider Boys so you missed him

Just at the stroke of midnight however

Amadeus flies right in front of you and grabs your cheeks

Kissing you underneath the fire works

“Happy New Year, (Y/N).”

Before flying off again to fight crime

You could’ve sworn your heart stopped

As a couple, it’s very easy to tell that you’re kids

Because you’re always just doing the most childish things together

The epitome of young love

Not doing any cheesy shit though cuz Amadeus is an awkward baby

Making breakfast for him all the time

You all share a dorm so when you ask him for a glass of water in the night, he gets out of bed to get you one

Starts keeping water bottles underneath your bed because you always forget but are always thirsty

The type to notice when you get hurt in battle and will tend to you after it’s over

“Be more careful next time okay?”

You’re always wearing the mistletoe pin and then kissing him

“It’s not even Christmas.”

“Oh, so you don’t want a kiss?”

“Get back here!”

Initially everyone really liked to tease you

But the two of you quickly managed to turn it into teasing them

“Oh, you’re just jealous because you haven’t had a girlfriend since you came out of the womb.”

And Sam just walks away like a kicked puppy

To say that your relationship gets old to them quickly is an understatement

“WE GET IT YOU’RE IN LOVE CAN YOU STOP RUBBING IT IN OUR FACES!”

Danny is, conflicted

On one hand he wants to be cool and calm about it

On the other hand, he wants to sit on Amadeus

It feels like the only peaceful solution at this point

But you know he likes Amadeus because let’s be honest, they are very cute together

Danny’s like a mother hen to him

Anyways

Naps in the corner of the lab while Amadeus is working and he takes breaks to check if you’re stirring

Meditating together but it’s just your meditating while Amadeus thinks and then gets an idea and just has to write it down

Cuddling in the leather seats of your private jet because people keep interrupting your dates

And none of them have the keys so they can’t even disturb you

That doesn’t mean they don’t try

But you and Amadeus just put on eye masks and cuddle

Just holding hands after a mission with your head on his shoulder

Quietly appreciating that the both of you survived

Just being such a wholesome, pure couple that is just so full of love

#Ultimate Spider-Man #ultimate spiderman #ultimate spider man #ultimate spiderman x reader #ultimate spider man x reader #iron spider #iron spider x reader #amadeus #amadeus cho #amadeus cho x reader #amadeus cho headcanon #USM #usm x reader #USM x you #marvel one shot #marvel #marvel x reader

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cassandraclare · 4 years

Text

Our December flash fiction piece, A Lightwood Christmas Carol, is the second part of a two part story. If you didn't read part one last month, or want to refresh your memory, click here:

Otherwise, read on!

PART 2

“So,” Gideon said to Will the next night as they patrolled together in Mayfair, “the whole thing was a wash. I’m not murdering some poor bastard’s dog.”

Patrol with Will was normally a relaxing experience for Gideon. They enjoyed each other’s company, and demons had become so scarce in London that almost all of the time it was only a night stroll with a friend. Will even periodically recommended that they investigate for any suspicious activity in some local public house known to him.

Tonight, of course, there would be no ordering a quick round as a cover story for interrogating, i.e. merrily chatting up, the barstaff; Will was far too full of Christmas spirit. He had insisted on taking them by Trafalgar Square and spent many minutes in admiration of its temporary giant tree, and had stopped—twice!—to admire groups of carolers and applaud them. Gideon was bearing up well, he thought, considering. He even got into the spirit a very tiny amount, which is to say he was willing to eat some of the roast chestnuts Will bought.

Now Tatiana (and the dog news) had deflated Will’s mood, and Gideon felt a little badly about it. Will was frowning thoughtfully. “Why not just offer her money?” he said.

Gideon sighed. “Because Tatiana has plenty of money, all of our family money. And Gabriel and I have only our salaries as Shadowhunters. She doesn’t need money.”

Will looked scornful. “Everybody likes more money.”’

“Normally I would agree with you,” Gideon said, shaking his head, “but you did not see Tatiana’s state of mind. She cannot be approached in the way you would approach a rational person. I must do this task for her, but of course I cannot. Hurt a dog, of all things. I would never. Disgusting.”

Will stood looking past him for a long moment, and eventually Gideon said, “Will?”

“We will take care of it,” Will suddenly said. His gaze snapped back to Gideon’s face, and he was smiling. “We will give Tatiana what she wants, and we will not hurt any animals in the process.”

“We?” said Gideon, raising his eyebrows.

“Well, it’s my plan,” Will said reasonably. “So obviously I’ll be along.”

Despite himself, a smile played at the edges of Gideon’s mouth. That was the one thing he had over Tatiana, after all. He wasn’t alone.

###

The front door of Chiswick House swung open with somewhat more speed than it had two days prior, and Tatiana’s suspicious face appeared. She was wearing the same dress she had been wearing before, to Gideon’s dismay. In her left hand she carried the cleaned skull of some unidentifiable small mammal; Gideon didn’t wish to inquire why.

Tatiana’s glare quickly moved from Gideon to Will, who was bopping up and down nervously behind him. Will had insisted on coming, against Gideon’s better judgment, and only now did he realize the possibility that Tatiana might not even see him if Will was along.

Will, for his part, did his best. “Hullo, Tatiana my love,” he said. “Many greetings of the season! How excellently you’ve kept up the place.”

Tatiana blinked at him, startled out of whatever she had been about to shout. Gideon knew that Will had three good nips of brandy in him, and reckoned that was probably the best way to handle the situation. Meet the unexpected with the unexpected.

“Why have you brought my nemesis to my house?” Tatiana said, in the same tone she might have used if she were asking why Gideon had failed to return a book he’d borrowed.

“Crikey,” said Will. “Nemesis? Tatiana, I bear you no ill will. Have I ever, even once, interfered with your life? With your going about your business?”

“Yes,” said Tatiana. “Twice. Once when you murdered my husband, and once when you murdered my father.”

Will made a choked noise. “I murdered your father because he murdered your husband! And I didn’t murder him, he’d changed into some kind of great serpent.”

“A worm, Will,” said Gideon quietly. “He was a giant worm. Not a serpent.”

“As I remember,” said Will, “it were a great wyrm, from the depths of the Abyss, that we dispatched.”

“It was not,” said Gideon.

“It was my father,” ground out Tatiana, “and I wish to know, Gideon, why you have brought him here? I asked you to perform a task for me.”

“And I have performed it,” Gideon said briskly. “Mr. Herondale was good enough to come along, to help protect me from this most vicious of dogs that you described.”

“It’s actually quite vicious,” Will agreed.

“If you’ll just let us come in,” Gideon said.

Tatiana squinted at both of them as if trying to see through a possible glamour. “Well, come in, then. But you won’t get tea.”

“Tatiana,” Will said with an understanding chuckle. “There’s obviously no way I would ever consume any food or drink at your house.”

This was going rather well, Gideon thought.

Ensconced back in his father’s office, with no tea offered nor taken, Tatiana said, “Well?”

Gideon reached into his jacket and lay a dog’s collar, a weathered length of leather cord, down on the desktop with a flourish.

Tatiana looked at it and then up at him. “What is this?”

“It is the dog’s collar,” Gideon said. “A trophy of our dispatching it.”

She looked at it again. “This tells me nothing. You could simply have taken the collar off of that dog.”

“Madam,” said Will, “if I may? No man could possibly have taken the collar off of that dog. I would advise no man to put their hand within several feet of that dog’s neck, if they wish to retain said hand. Now that that collar is off, no man could ever put it back on.” He spoke in serious tones.

“I need something more,” Tatiana said. “If you killed the dog, you must know where it is. Go back and bring me the dog’s tail, or something.”

“Tatiana,” Gideon began, but Will interrupted.

“If I may again,” he said, “the dog resides on the far side of the very tall and very pointy iron fence that stands between the dog’s property and the road. Climbing over that fence at all is a feat that I would advise only the most well-trained of Shadowhunters to attempt once, and I would recommend they do it empty-handed, rather than carrying some random bit of dog. I’m afraid that the collar will have to suffice.”

Tatiana sat back and shook her head, dissatisfaction wrinkling her mouth. “Proof that you have dispatched the dog,” she said, “and not merely that you have encountered it.”

Gideon waited for Will to jump in again, but Will was silent. He seemed unsure how to proceed. Finally, he said, “Tatiana, give him the papers. Because it’s Christmas.”

“What?” said Gideon in disbelief.

Tatiana looked at Will with loathing. “Mundane holidays are meaningless to me.”

“I should have guessed, yes,” muttered Will.

“Please,” said Gideon, at the end of his rope. “My son—he’s…he’s like your son.” Tatiana stared at him in silence for a moment, so he pressed on. “He’s…he’s very small, and he’s often ill, and we worry about his survival. We worry about when we will put Marks on him. Like you do, with your son.”

Tatiana continued to watch Gideon in silence with a lizard-like stare.

“I know we do not see eye-to-eye on our family history,” he said doggedly, and ignored Will’s quiet hmph! from beside him. “But we are family nevertheless, and we may both have…inherited something. From our father. Something we’ve now passed to our sons. I must look through the papers to see if there is any clue there.”

She stared for a long and agonizing moment, and then she said, “Get out of my house.”

“Tatiana,” he began.

“How dare you compare your son and mine!” she said, her voice rising in volume. “Anyone could guess where the weakness in your son originates, and it is obviously with your decision to mix your blood with the most mundane you could find!” Her voice had risen to a shout.

“Sophie is an Ascended Shadowhunter!” Will shouted back, staunchly, and Gideon realized he was happy that Will was there.

“I don’t care!” Tatiana shouted. “My son is of the blood of two of the oldest of the Shadowhunter families. He is not weak like your son. Go back to your weakness, Gideon. Get out of my sight, get out of my house, and do not darken my door again. I have not missed your company, nor your brother’s, and I am relieved that my child will not grow up under the corrupting influence of either of you.”

Gideon made to stand up, but Will said “Tatiana, if I may yet again,” and he sat back down. Tatiana glowered at him. “I think,” Will went on, in a newly serious tone, “that if you and I could step outside into the hallway for a moment and talk in private—just for a moment. Give me three minutes, that is all. And after that, we will depart and we promise never to return. Right, Gideon?”

Gideon did not much wish to promise never to return to the house he’d grown up in, so he only said, “Whatever you wish.”

Tatiana examined Will’s face carefully, and then said, “You have two minutes, starting from this moment.” She rose from her seat and made for the door.

“Will, what are you—” Gideon began.

Will put the tip of his finger to his lips to quiet Gideon. “Trust me,” he said. “I believe that I can create a Christmas miracle.”

Helplessly Gideon watched his sister and his friend depart and close the door behind them. The seconds ticked by. Two minutes passed, then another two, then three more.

Then Tatiana came back into the room, followed by Will. Gideon tried to read Will’s expression, but it was neutral, nonchalant.

In Tatiana’s hands were two notebooks, packed with loose papers supplementing their own contents. Their covers, and the loose pages, were densely smeared with soot. “The papers of Benedict Lightwood,” she said. “You do not deserve them. And I am not gifting them to you. They are part of the house, and the house is mine, and they are also mine. You shall have them to peruse or copy at your leisure for the term of one week, and if they are not returned by that date, in their original condition, may the Angel have mercy on your souls. Both of you,” she added in Will’s direction.

Will threw up his hands in surrender. “I really just came for the dog-wrestling.”

Wondering, Gideon took the papers from her. He turned to look at Will, who murmured to him, “A Christmas miracle,” with a small smile.

“Come now,” Gideon said in the carriage on the way back from Chiswick, “what did you say to Tatiana to make her concede?”

It was snowing, that rare snow with very little wind, so flakes fell in a picturesque fluttering, rather than battering at the carriage like they might have as they made their way through Hammersmith, back in the direction of Central London. Will leaned back in his seat and gazed out the window.

“Well, if you must know,” he said, “I delivered an extremely well-considered speech, touching on the topics of the importance of family, the virtue of forgiveness, the need for all Shadowhunters to be allied in the fight against demons, the smallness of the sacrifice being asked of her, the pointlessness of revenge, and, of course, the giving nature of the season.”

“Oh?”

“Yes,” said Will eagerly. “And then, I counted banknotes totalling two hundred British pounds sterling directly into her hand.”

“Will!” said Gideon, shocked.

“I told you,” Will said airily. “Everyone likes money. Even mad revenge-seeking sisters, with the dried blood of their husbands on their frocks, like money.”

Gideon was flummoxed. It was an enormous sum. “You didn’t have to do that, Will,” he said. “She doesn’t deserve the money.”

“What she doesn’t deserve,” Will said hotly, “is the moral victory. It was money well-spent to be gone from that house.”

Gideon opened the journals, marveling at Will Herondale. His financial standing was better than Gideon’s own, surely, but two hundred pounds was an enormous amount of money, well more than Will could throw away on a lark. And yet he’d not hesitated to wield that money for Gideon’s sake, had in fact, Gideon now realized, brought the money with him on purpose.

So strange, Gideon thought with a sidelong look at Will, who continued harrumphing to himself quietly in victory. At this moment this boy he’d despised as a child was more his family than his own actual sister. And he found he was able to accept that. A Christmas miracle indeed.

“I really had better return these to Tatiana in a week,” he said, examining the journals again before he started reading. “Or she’s like to set a demon on me.”

Will chuckled. “Ha. Maybe she would at that.”

Gideon paused. “She might, you know. All jokes aside. It’s a legitimate possibility.”

“It is,” agreed Will, a little more grimly.

Minutes passed, during which Gideon skimmed the papers, frowning. After a time he found himself back at the beginning, and he wrinkled his brow, bemused.

Will turned back from where he had been watching the Bath Road go by. “What is it?” he said.

“There’s nothing here,” Gideon said, frustrated. “Plenty of terrible things, of course. My father was a…a…” He struggled for the right word.

“Monster?” suggested Will.

“Pervert,” said Gideon carefully. He shuffled through the pages until he found one that was only an elaborate diagram his father had made up in pencil and showed it to Will.

Will blinked at it. “Jiminy,” he said.

“But there’s nothing here that would cause weakness or fragility in his descendants,” Gideon went on. “No curses, no hexes, no demon poisons….”

“Only the pox, then,” Will said dryly.

“Yes, but that isn’t hereditary,” Gideon said. “We looked into that years ago for our own sakes.” He shuffled the papers. “All that trouble, and for nothing. Thomas remains frail and I remain unable to do anything for him.”

There was a silence and then Will said, “Gideon, it is Christmastime, and Christmas is a time to tell the truth. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“If you say so,” Gideon said, waving his hand. From his experience Christmas a time to sing in the street and eat a goose, but who knew what strange traditions Will had from his mundane childhood. “In any event, I’d agree you should tell the truth whatever the time of year.”

“Gideon,” Will said, clapping his hand on Gideon’s shoulder. “There is nothing wrong whatsoever with Thomas.”

Gideon sighed. “That’s very kind of you to say, Will, but—”

“But nothing. Thomas is just small. Sometimes children are small. He’s not cursed or hexed.”

“He gets sick,” Gideon pressed. “All the time.”

Will laughed. “Do you have any idea how sick Cecily was as an infant? She was colicky, and then she had fevers…she cried more than she slept, those first few years.”

“And then what?”

Will threw up his hands. “And then nothing! She grew! She fell ill less and less often. That is the way of children. And we did not have terrifying mute telepathic doctors to take care of us. Does Thomas eat? Does he exert himself when he does feel well?”

“Yes,” Gideon admitted.

“Well then,” said Will, leaning back as if his point was made. “Put your mind aside from your supposed cursed family. Tatiana’s son is sickly—does that surprise you, now you’ve seen the house? Now you’ve seen Tatiana? No, of course not.” He looked at Gideon intently. “Thomas’s only trouble,” he said firmly, “is that he is an adorable wee thing.”

Gideon stared at Will. Then he broke into laughter. Will laughed too, his usual hearty chuckle, and Gideon found himself feeling better. He was still worried about Thomas—he would be for a few years, he knew, until the boy had passed the time of worrisome childhood ailments and could be protected with runes—but he felt better nonetheless. He had thought of many ways he might feel on the way back from his sister’s house, but “better” had not been one of them.

“Christmas miracle,” Will whispered gleefully.

Well, thought Gideon. Some kind of miracle, anyway.

#the infernal devices #the last hours #tid #tlh #gideon lightwood #cassandra clare #tsc #shadowhunters #cassandra jean #william herondale #flash fiction

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youarejesting · 3 years

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Mall Santa

[Full Masterlist]

Beta: @juniethebug Dedicated: To my Secret Santa @wishesunderthestars I hope you enjoy this. Rating: All Pairing: Namjoon x Reader x Jimin Genre: Soft boy Joon, Fluff, mistletoe kiss, cute baby bangtan visits Santa, Santa Joon, Elf Jimin. Words: 2.7k

Summary: Being a mall Santa was hard so each Santa had two assistant elves, checking the schedule Namjoon saw he was working with two of the kindest and cutest elves that all the Santas wished they were paired with Y/n and Jimin. He is scared of tripping over his boots, knocking off his wig and beard and confessing his huge crush on the two of you.

Namjoon grimaced, looking at the timesheet in the staff room. His name was written in that stupid lobster size twelve font beside the old Jolly man’s name. Yes, that’s right. Namjoon was going to be dressing as the man in red and he was nervous.

It was a big role and he was so clumsy he might accidentally say the wrong thing, or heaven forbid that he trips on those obnoxiously big boots. He had only experienced the joys of old saint Nick's character a grand total of three times and once it was for ten minutes as a baby vomited in his beard.

His finger ran along the timesheet to see who would be his elf assistants. Each Santa had two personal assistants to help them through the shift. To deal with overly curious children, impatient parents, or misguided teens who wished nothing more than to ruin the Christmas spirit for children.

Jimin. Well, as far as assistants go he was a kind young man and worked really hard. Among the Santa’s he was referred to as an angel, he knew whatever Santa needed sometimes before they knew themselves. Always fetching drinks to keep Santa hydrated and making sure they stayed at the perfect temperature. Not too hot or cold.

Y/n. Now she was a sight for sore and withered eyes, the enthusiastic young woman made the whole scene come to life. She would laugh and sing, encouraging the children and parents to join, the crowds were never awkward or unhappy when she was on shift.

It seemed like he was in good hands, and the shift was going to be great, he could just feel it. Unable to wipe the smile from his face, did he mention he had the biggest, fattest crush on both of you. Yeah, like he said today was going to be good.

“Hey, how are we feeling?” Jimin called dancing into the locker room, he was happily singing some indie music in his soft tones. Namjoon’s heart was a flutter. “We got a good crowd out there, who is working today?”

Before Namjoon could even muster the courage to open his mouth, Jimin was reading the board, “Ah, Namjoon-hyung, we are working together,” Jimin gave him that sweet eye smile and sauntered over.

“How are you, let me know if you need anything today, I don’t want you to get overheated, I know the heaters in this place coupled with the suit and beard are hell but I will try to keep you cool.”

“Thanks, I am just a little nervous, I have only been Santa a few times, and well, one of those times I was vomited on, and another time I accidentally used my satoori, and well it was almost a disaster.” Namjoon was dressed only in baggy red suit pants and slumped on the bench trying to calm his nerves.

“You will be fine,” Jimin smiled, taking Namjoon by the shoulders and lifted him to his feet. He removed Namjoon’s shirt and raised a perfect eyebrow in reaction to Namjoon’s broad chest. He then took the red jacket and helped Namjoon's arms into the sleeves.

Namjoon was in a daze at how the young man just took action helping him dress the part. Once dressed he sat watching Jimin dress using spirit gum to glue his elf ears to his own. His striped stockings drew more attention to his shapely legs.

“Are you ready to go?” Jimin asked, catching Namjoon staring and biting back a smirk. He packed up his locker and walked over taking Namjoon’s hand and wrapping it around his, leading him down the corridor.

Ahead of them was a female elf, the red striped stockings looked almost like candy cane swirls that disappeared tantalizingly under the green hem of the skirt.

It was Y/n. You were singing, making a dramatic spin the skirt lifting into a full circle of rippling fabric.

You were singing something soft and sweet, that Namjoon couldn’t quite recognize. Jimin however had no trouble joining in, his sweet voice matching with yours and it was like an angels choir.

Honestly, how could two of the purest humans bless his life today? He saw you turn and skip over the bells on your elf shoes jingling the whole way. Namjoon felt his body heat up as you got closer, your sparkly green eyeshadow but he thought it couldn’t compare to the twinkle in your eyes.

He saw the gold shimmer on your cheekbones mingling with the beautiful faint pink stain that drifted across your cheeks and nose. Namjoon thought you and Jimin were the cutest elves he had ever seen.

“Hello Namjoon, Hello Jimin,” you smiled, taking Namjoon’s other arm in yours. “Are we ready?”

After getting ready in the locker rooms you all arrived at the staff room dropping off your lunch boxes. “Wait, Y/n can you do my make up like that?”

“Sure sit down, Jimin,” you smiled sweetly and began making the young man over with a small compact case of makeup she would keep for after lunch.

Standing in front of Jimin one leg on either side of his thigh and holding his chin while you worked. “You look so cute,” Namjoon nodded not expecting you to notice “Namjoon doesn’t he look cute?”

“Yeah really cute, you both look like elves,” Namjoon’s heart ached for the two of you, in your costumes and makeup.

“There is a lineup of children but we don’t start for another ten minutes so I will get them singing and set up with the camera crew.” Y/n smiled softly nodding to the camera crew and leading the way.

“So how long have you liked her?” Jimin asked with a cheeky grin, “you can’t seem to take your eyes off of her,”

“It’s not like that,” Namjoon stuttered, unable to form words.

“Hey, cool off for a moment,” Jimin smiled, stepping out to help hype the children for Santa, letting Namjoon have a moment of solace.

The sweet voices of Jimin and Y/n mingled with the children in a chorus of jingle bells gave Namjoon at least a few verses of peace to calm his beating heart. He was unable to hold the smile when his two elf assistants called out for Santa to come see the children.

He walked out, waving to the children with a big smile and a deep ‘HOHOHO’ that made the children beam back. He took a seat in the large throne-like armchair and got comfortable as the children stepped in with their parents and he smiled for photos.

Within the first few families and children was a young boy and a baby with chubby cheeks, a stylish outfit and a cap, he was placed into Namjoon’s arms and he was quick to react as the young boy was tugging his beard down.

“Ah what a rambunctious little tyke what is his name?” Namjoon used his Santa Claus deep voice.

“His name is Min Yoongi, he is my little brother Santa, can you make sure to get him presents too, Mumma says he likes soft things,” the young boy smiled a gap-tooth grin looking down at his brother.

“Alright, I think I can find something,” Santa grinned at the young boy who scurried off.

Half an hour later saw a child dragging his parents by the hands and practically running through the gate and running full pelt into Namjoon’s lap. “Santa!”

“Careful, you don’t want to hurt Santa,” Jimin smiled as Y/n handed the young boy a small sweets bag making him grin.

“Hello, what is your name young man?” Namjoon looked at him amused. The boy took a breath practically shaking with anticipation.

“Hello, My name is Jeon Jungkook and I am seven and in second grade. This year for Christmas I wanted to ask for some Ninja gear, the real stuff with sharp edges. I am old enough to use them, I won’t hurt myself.”

“You are a big boy aren’t you, but not even adults start with the real things, maybe you could practice with the safe stuff and every year you can get closer to the real stuff.” He smiled but Jungkook was pouting.

“Every Ninja must first learn how to fight without weapons, you could learn taekwondo,” Jimin smiled doing a flip and some kicks, that made the child gasp, “Ninja’s know how to move quietly unseen you have a lot to practice.”

“Santa, I want to learn to fight,” the parents hummed curiously whispering to one another about signing him up for classes and Namjoon gave a soft ‘HOHOHO’ belly laugh that made the boy giggle.

“Santa will see what he can do,” He waved the boy off and soon it was time for lunch, Namjoon took off his beard and jacket in the staff room and listened to the two of you talking. He enjoyed watching the two of you giggle and tell funny stories about your weekends and plans for Christmas.

The three of you seemed to all be alone over Christmas and Jimin opened an invitation over the table that anyone could join him for dinner. You agreed enthusiastically asking Namjoon if he was able to join and he gave a noncommittal answer saying he would have to check.

He definitely didn’t have to check to know that he wasn’t busy, it was more about whether he could stand having a cute dinner with the two of you and not combust. The camera crew headed out first ready to set up for a new onslaught of children.

It didn’t take long to get back in the groove when Jimin called next opening the gate, two adults stepped in and a tiny figure stepped in. He was wearing a dark green Christmas sweater and he was nervously playing with the hem.

He must have been about eight and he looked like he wanted to cry, Y/n knelt on the ground sitting on her heels and looked at the young boy speaking softly. The two spoke for a while quietly about something Namjoon couldn’t hear, but he watched the little boy accept the small pouch of lollies and she stood up taking his hand and walking over.

“Hello Santa,” His voice was soft and breathy, “the pretty elf said you get nervous around lots of people. That's why you have a fence and give people sweets so they like you.”

“I do get nervous, I sometimes trip and I think people might laugh at me,” Namjoon explained and patted the seat beside him, “what is your name?”

“Kim Seokjin, sir,” Seokjin sat his ankles resting on the edge of the couch where Namjoon’s knees bent. The boy was polite and small for his age and yet appeared even smaller by personality. “You can make wishes come true right?”

“I can try, what can I help you with?” Jimin and Y/n were looking endearingly at the two and talking with the parents as some photos were taken.

“Can you help me make friends?” Seokjin whispered sadly, the declaration seemed to shock all the adults in the area. Namjoon blinked confused and then gave a chuckle.

“My dear boy, am I not your friend?” Namjoon teased “Santa is friends with everyone and that includes you, and his elves are your friends too”

“What about friends my age that I can play with at school?” He smiled, “I want to see them every day.”

“Well, That’s up to you, the key to finding a best friend is being yourself. There is always someone who would want to be your friend. Santa likes to laugh so he always says funny jokes to make friends. Do you know any funny jokes?”

Seokjin nodded eagerly, sitting up and looking at Santa, “What do you get when you cross a sheep with a kangaroo?”

“What do you get?” Namjoon ran his hand over his fake curly beard and gave a small smile.

“A wooly jumper!” Seokjin smiled, Namjoon gave a deep ‘HOHOHO’ laugh and patted the boy on the head, it seemed the boy was more confident and smiling brightly, capturing the perfect photo.

“Bye Santa,” He waved to Namjoon who waved back with a gloved hand.

Not all experiences with children are easy. Namjoon was smiling as gently as he could at a young boy who was hiding behind his mother’s leg. Jimin and Y/n were both crouched down talking to the boy and giggling while playing with him. His name was Hoseok and he had let a few nervous tears slip when Namjoon wiggled his fingers in a playful wave.

Eventually, Hoseok sat beside Namjoon but the tears started pouring and the photo would be one they remembered for years.

The line diminished and the final hour was almost up, everyone was packing up when they heard a tiny voice shouting. “Wait, Santa!” Namjoon turned and looked at the small boy running, his long fringe had been pulled into a fountain on his head with a Christmas scrunchie.

“Wait, I have a wish!” He frowned and Namjoon walked over to the gate and opened it for the boy, smiling down he held out his hand and walked him to the seat.

“What is your name son?” Namjoon asked while Jimin looked around for his parents. Y/n found a small pouch of sweets tied with a ribbon, from the leftover box and handed it to the little boy.

“My name is Kim Taehyung and I wanted to wish for something Santa,” He said before cupping Namjoon’s ear and whispering, “I want to wish for a puppy, the fluffy one at the pound, his name is Yeontan and he doesn’t have a home Santa.”

“Hmm, A puppy is a lot of work,” Namjoon saw his mother arrive looking relieved that he was okay and apologizing to them. Namjoon also saw his father who had similar features sneak up with a carry case with a fluffy something inside. “Santa doesn’t give out puppies to anyone, you would have to feed him and water him and love him every day. Do you think you could do it?”

“I can. I can. I promise,” He cheered, they placed the dog carrier inside the fence and Jimin opened it letting the dog step out and scooping it up.

“Close your eyes and wish really hard, okay?” Namjoon smiled, as the boy closed his eyes and Jimin handed him the puppy, which he held out letting it lick the boy's face. The boy startled eyes opening to see the fluffy puppy. “Merry Christmas, Taehyung”

“Thank you Santa, Thank you so much,” He giggled and ran over to his parents, the dog running circles around his feet. The group got up to leave once more when the boy gasped. Turning back he saw them pointing under the arch. “You are all under the mistletoe, you have to kiss!”

Jimin and Y/n leaned and placed a peck on Namjoon’s cheeks making him blush underneath his fake beard and glasses. The three of you scurried off to the locker rooms and Namjoon placed the things in the laundry basket to be cleaned for the next Santa. You and Jimin had changed as well into your regular clothes and the three of you grinned awkwardly in the hallway.

“I guess we will see each other at Jimin’s for Christmas dinner?” You said but it came out more as a question. Walking ahead Namjoon watched the two of you leaving talking about what to bring and your plans for the afternoon and Namjoon frowned. It was Christmas and he thought now was as good a time as any to tell you both.

“I am in love with you both?” Namjoon said the words echoing louder than he planned and the two of you turned, making him shrink at the thought of rejection. “I just wanted to be honest, I am in love with both of you.”

“That’s funny, I am in love with you both as well,” Y/n giggled her body falling against Jimin’s who was giggling back and nodding, before toppling over onto his butt.

“Same,” He wiped his eyes, “Why did you think I invited you to have Christmas at my place.”

If you enjoyed this story don’t forget to Like | Share so others can enjoy it too during christmas. Please see my [Masterlist] for more of my work.

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imaginesandinserts · 4 years

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Irreverent Pt. 35 - The Fifth

Title: Irreverent Pt. 35 - The Fifth Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Reader Rating: M Words: 5130

Irreverent Series Masterlist

It's the middle of the night after a long case away involving a family annihilator, after which you and Aaron had picked up Jack and more or less collapsed into bed from sheer exhaustion. You're woken up suddenly and for a second you're not sure why until you feel Aaron shift erratically behind you. You turn slowly towards him to see his face contorted and a thin layer of sweat covering his brow. He's having a nightmare, and knowing everything he's been through, you can only imagine what it's about.

Reaching out slowly, so as to not startle him, you softly shake him. "Aaron, honey, wake up." It takes a bit more shaking to really get him out of his sleep. He wakes with a start and a shout and you worry he'll wake Jack. "Shh, it's okay, you're okay." Your hands are running over his chest and face, trying to help him calm down.

Aaron had been having the Foyet dream again. The dream where he's driving and driving and he hears Haley and he hears Jack, except now it's not just them, it's also you. He's driving and the car isn't moving fast enough and he hears that first gunshot that hits Haley. He hears yours voice - your voice asking him why he didn't make the deal, your voice telling him to hurry - and then a second gunshot.

He's shaking as he realizes that he's in bed, that you're there, and reasonably he knows that Jack is in his room down the hall. You're saying something and he's nodding but not sure what he's saying yes to. He feels cold and clammy and your hands are softly brushing back his hair as his breathing starts to become normal again. From the nightstand, you'd grabbed the glass of water and are handing it to him, your hand cupping his as he brings it up to his mouth.

"You're okay, you're alright. Everything's okay. Jack's alright. It's okay."

He nods, hearing you this time, and allows you to help him lay down, his head against your chest and your hands running over his arms and through his hair. It's helping. Reminding him. Grounding him. This is the first time he's had someone around for this nightmare. He's used to waking up alone and then getting up to check on Jack - just in case. But he has your voice in his ear, assuring him that Jack is alright.

He closes his eyes and focuses on the steady beat of your heart.

You're there.

*------------*

It had been a short case and it had ended relatively well all things considered - the Unsub was apprehended before he got his hands on his next victim. Sometimes you just take the wins you're handed, and so the team had flown out of Phoenix in good spirits, looking forward to a long weekend off. Rossi had already planned a barbeque at his place on Sunday and you and Aaron had plans to take Jack to the new Dinosaur exhibit at the Smithsonian on Saturday. Monday - if you all made it that far without a case - would be dedicated to introducing Jack to the Toy Story series. You'd ordered him a little Woody outfit and toy as a surprise and just received the notification that it was delivered, so it was perfect timing really.

"I'm just saying, he wasn't too far off the mark," you hear Spencer's voice as you're sitting sideways on the couch, your legs in his lap.

The latest Unsub had formed unhealthy attachments with women who he helped provide tech support to, so the conversation had turned to that again, as far as you could tell. JJ thought it was creepy how the guy had essentially used his access to the customer log to stalk his victims that fit his fantasy and the two of them had been talking it over as she was typing out her report. Her and Will had plans for tomorrow and you knew she wanted to get home early tonight so was doing her best to wrap up her work before you even landed.

You debated starting yours too as you saw that Hotch was working on some paper work as well. Emily and Derek however were sitting and chatting about something or the other and Rossi was reading a newspaper. Who did that anymore? You really needed to introduce him to a kindle or something. Maybe for Christmas. Then again he's a published author. He might take offense at having the feel of a real book be replaced with technology.

You decided to join JJ and Spencer's conversation - maybe you'd learn something to add to your report that you would type soon and not wait to do until after you landed. Of course not.

"What're you guys talking about, Spence?"

"I'm just trying to explain to JJ, that while the Unsub might have gone about it in an unorthodox manner," you hear JJ scoff at Spencer's description of the murders, "he wasn't wrong about the initial premise."

"Which is?" you prompted, trying to take mental notes at the least.

"That many people find love through work - be it a customer, client, or coworker. We spend at minimum, 40% of our waking hours at work. Add in the fact that many people tie their work to a facet of their identity, it makes sense that relationships formed in workplace settings have a high degree of success."

You nod along, taking a drink from the bottle of sparkling water you'd grabbed earlier.

"I mean, just look at you and Hotch - you two seem to be making it work."

You felt yourself choke on the water and cough, enough to get everyone's attention. No. You'd misheard. He hadn't said that. Why was it so quiet on the plane all of a sudden? They're all looking at you. You and Hotch. Emily and Derek had entirely stopped talking. Rossi had put down his paper. No one was saying anything really, as if they were waiting.

You meet Aaron's eyes and see the same question reflected there. Do they know?

You're about to contradict it, really, you are. You're going to ask Spencer what he's talking about. Because you and Hotch are not together - no sir. He must be mistaken. He must have you confused with someone else.

That option is taken from you, however, when Aaron straightens, putting down his pen, and asks Spencer, "How long have you known?"

It's JJ who answers however. "We didn't actually. Not for sure at least. Thanks for the confirmation." There's a smirk on her face and a knowing glint in her eye. You look around and see that they're all wearing pretty much identical smirks.

You can feel the incredulity building in your head. You'd been had. Actually no. You had not. Aaron had. You were all set to deny deny deny. He had to open his big mouth and ask a self-incriminating question. I should pull up the Virginia Bar records and check if he's still licensed because he's really losing his touch.

Aaron had the good grace to look a little ashamed at having been tricked so easily.

You're supposed to say something, but this isn't how you'd planned on telling everyone that you were sleeping with the boss. Well not just sleeping with, but still! There had been a plan. A carefully orchestrated plan involving dinner and copious amounts of expensive alcohol so that no one could be upset at having been lied to. It was very hard for people to be upset with you after you've fed them. Especially if you made your tiramisu. The tiramisu had been part of the plan!

You can feel your face heating up the longer the silence goes on. Realistically it's only a few seconds at most while both you and Aaron process that everyone knows now. But it feels like a very long stretch of quiet in which they're all just looking at you as if they expect you to start making out with one another any minute now.

"How'd you figure it out?" you finally ask, hoping that question would urge Spencer to talk and distract everyone from staring at you. You sneak a peak at Emily. She doesn't look mad or upset really. That's good.

"Well, I've suspected since Hotch got shot," Spencer explains. "I was pretty sure you made a large donation to the surgery department to get Dr. Kepner instead of Dr. Wilson, which didn't really make sense as something someone would do for a friend or a coworker. Though sometimes I do tend to misread those types of situations so I asked JJ and she agreed with my interpretation that it was unlikely you'd make a large donation for just anyone like that."

You look at Aaron and see him color just slightly. The two of you had had a bit of an argument about you throwing your money around to get your way, but you'd reminded him that his bullet wound had healed remarkably and there was barely a scar at all. Plus, it was your money and you could use it however you wanted and then you'd said something about how scared you'd been and how you didn't know how else to help and could he please just not be mad at you for doing something that was good for him. You weren't sure if it was what you said or the fact that you were sat in his lap pouting and upset when you'd done it, that had made him finally relent.

You still refused to tell him exactly how much you'd donated.

"We won't hold that against you, though," JJ says kindly. You can see the humor dancing in her eyes.

If the jet were to suddenly rip a hole and pull you clean through, you wouldn't be all too upset about it.

"You also said no to a date with Charlie," Derek adds. Detective Charles Bass was a friend of Derek's from the Chicago PD whom you'd met on the case prior. "You and I both know he's your type, princess." Derek has a teasing smile on his face that helps you calm down a little bit.

You rolled your eyes but didn't refute his claim. He wasn't wrong. Detective Bass was incredibly good looking and charming and exactly your type if you weren't already completely head over heels for a certain unit chief. Aaron had laughed when you told him and then proceeded to remind you exactly why you said no to dates with other men. You two were lucky no one had heard you with how thin hotel room walls could be. Though now you have to wonder if they had indeed heard you but were adding it to the pile of evidence they'd been collecting.

"And then," Emily decides to finally contribute, prompting you to really look at her, "when I was taking the lunch order, and Hotch was busy, you knew his sandwich order exactly. When I handed it to him he asked how I knew that he didn't like mayonnaise on his roast beef sandwiches. I didn't know that. But you sure did." Emily has a smug look on her face and there's a promise in her eyes that the two of you will be discussing this later. In detail.

You're just sitting there now, shaking your head. It was embarrassing to have your profiler coworkers point out things that you really should've known to be more careful about. You're sure Aaron feels similarly awkward because he's just silently looking at each person as they speak, a flush coloring his face and neck.

Rossi looks like the cat that ate the canary, however he is conspicuously quiet. You have to wonder how long he's known that the others suspect you and Hotch were together. However none of them seem upset really or even surprised so that has to be of some solace to Aaron. He'd had the ridiculous notion that Derek and Emily would think he was taking advantage of you or some nonsense. As if anyone could possibly think that of him.

"And finally, there was the case in LA a few weeks back when we got called in late and both you and Hotch arrived around the same time. Which in and of itself wouldn't be too odd, but you were wearing an emerald green cocktail dress with off the shoulder sleeves and Hotch was also dressed up and wearing a tie that matched your dress exactly. Hotch doesn't have green ties." Spencer relays all of this as though it's all oh so obvious and you really want to call him a weirdo for knowing what ties Hotch does and doesn't have - but he's right. You'd bought him that green tie because it was your favorite color and he'd matched your dress when the two of you had gone out to dinner on a rare night off. "Plus, the two of you often tend to match. Is that on purpose or subconscious - I've been wanting to ask."

You look down at your red blouse and then across to Aaron's red tie. Well, if any of them hadn't believed it before, they sure did now.

You might as well have been caught red-handed.

*------------*

Sunday was a nice and sunny day. You and Aaron had arrived at Rossi's together with Jack. In the same car. That was a definite perk of everyone knowing - the two of you had been growing tired of always bringing two cars to and from places and trying your best to arrive a few minutes after the other.

Jack had immediately found Henry and the two of them were playing in the shallow end of the pool with Aaron and Will keeping watch nearby, while Rossi and Reid manned the grill. Well Rossi was doing the grilling. Spencer was spouting facts about the origins of barbeque which Aaron had long since tuned out from.

He looks over as you lay in a deck chair near the girls and Derek. Prentiss, JJ, and Garcia had all opted for bikinis and were working on their tans. You'd taken off your coverup and were wearing a wine colored one piece swimsuit underneath, your hair tied up in a high ponytail reminiscent of some pop star whose name he could never remember. Last week, he had come home to you and Jack singing along to her teeny bopper tunes and when he'd complained you'd told him that music didn't stop with the Beatles and it was good to have balance. He'd had the song stuck in his head for days.

All in all the team had taken the two of you dating relatively well. They'd all said they were happy for the two of you and no one seemed too upset at having been kept in the dark about it. He supposed he was grateful given the group's history with secrets. He was also pretty sure he'd seen some money exchange hands afterwards, however had decided to not bring that up with you - he had a feeling you wouldn't be thrilled to know your coworkers were betting on your personal life.

On the other side of the pool, you were getting settled in and enjoying the warmth of the sun on your skin. Emily's lying next to you on her stomach after you'd finished lathering her back with sunscreen.

"Derek, where's Savannah?" JJ asks, taking a sip from the giant margarita glass that Rossi had handed each of you as you entered. She's sitting up in her chair, sunglasses perched on her head and an eye on Henry the entire time.

"She's on call, but she says hello," Derek answers. You know it's been rough on them trying to see each other despite both of their busy schedules. That's one thing you're grateful for with you and Aaron working on the same team - you get to see him at home and at work. Though, you suppose you might as well enjoy it while it lasts. McKinney has been hinting at getting you working - part time at least - with some local task force groups to increase your exposure. You'd end up splitting your time between that and the BAU.

"Alright, let's talk about what we all really want to know more about!" Penelope turns to you, her face a mixture of curiosity and childlike glee. Heat and alcohol were not a good mix. "Y/N, tell us more about you and Hotch!"

You'd been dreading this. You'd told Aaron as much when the two of you were getting ready that morning and at this moment you resented him for being on the other side of the pool with Will. Will who wasn't nosey and minded his own business.

Sighing, you prop yourself up to take a sip of your own drink. "What do you guys want to know?"

"How long have you been together? Officially."

"A few months - since the career day conversation."

"That long?!" JJ's eyes widen in surprise.

"Didn't you hide Will from us for almost half a year?" Derek raises an eyebrow at her hypocrisy however she doesn't seem perturbed.

"Yes, but that was different. Hotch and Y/N are both around us practically 24/7. I'm surprised they managed to hide it that long."

You laugh. "Well we obviously weren't that good at the hiding if you guys figured it out."

"Don't sell yourself short, princess. If pretty boy hadn't told us all about the hospital thing we wouldn't have given it too much thought."

"He's right," Emily agrees. "You and Hotch being together isn't like a surprise, but it is also."

"What do you mean?" You're intrigued by that because that's something that's bothered you since you declared your relationship to Strauss. She hadn't been surprised and she'd said no one else would be either. You hadn't really taken her word for it.

"I mean, you guys were basically a couple already - all the stuff you did with Jack, always partnering up together, not to mention the fact that Hotch has been in love with you forever."

You roll your eyes. Everyone's said that - Emily, Rossi, even Aaron when he told you that he'd loved you for years. You couldn't help but be a bit skeptical. Years? Really? Deep down you knew the reason why you're bothered - it's because you can imagine how painful that must've been for him if it was true - you'd flirted with other men, you'd dated, and then there had been the time when you two were barely speaking. While that had been awful for you as well, you couldn't imagine how much worse it was for him knowing he was in love with you and you two were barely talking.

"But also it was a small surprise," JJ continues, drawing your attention back. "Like, none of us thought Hotch was your type - at least based on the other guys we've seen you date. We honestly thought about setting him up a few times just to help him get over it and move on."

That was news to you. No one had ever mentioned wanting to set Hotch up with anyone to you. "Why didn't you?"

You see JJ and Emily exchange a look. Emily's the one who answers, though she seems hesitant. "Well, we did. Once. We set him up on a blind date with my friend Sarah. Apparently all he did was talk about the team and Jack…and you."

You raised your eyebrows at that and looked over at Aaron, throwing Jack into the water. "He talked about me?"

"According to Sarah, it seemed like he was hung up on some girl named Y/N," JJ teases, "and she was pretty upset that we wasted her time."

You can't help the pleased smile or the slight color that comes to your face. You wanted to ask why none of them had told you, but you knew the answer. They wouldn't betray Aaron like that.

"So," and you can tell this is Emily's way of changing the subject back to what she really wants to talk about. "How's the sex?" Her mouth is twisted into a smirk, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Derek takes that as his cue to excuse himself from the girl talk and walks over to join Rossi at the grill. As if you'd talk about that with him there anyways.

You shake your head. "Emily he's your boss."

"He's your boss too, and you're sleeping with him. I just wanna know what it's like."

JJ and Penelope are also looking at you expectantly. You bite your lip, and with a sigh you admit, "It's the best sex of my life."

Their loud ooohs and teasing squeals catch the guys' attention and you meet Aaron's gaze as he's walking over.

Aaron can sense the girls' eyes on him as he walks over to you to grab the keys to the car. Jack wanted to grab the waterguns to play with.

"Hey, the keys still in your bag?"

You nod as he grabs the bag from the other side of your chair and looks for the car keys. You'd all become far too quiet the second he'd approached. Emily was stifling a dirty smirk very very poorly and both JJ and Penelope were still giggling behind their drinks.

"Were you talking about me?" he asks, a small smirk on his face as he fishes out the keys.

"Yes," Emily replies, flipping her sunglasses up to meet his eyes. "Now go away so we can continue."

Aaron chuckles and shakes his head. He's about to walk away, but as he passes the back of your chair, you suddenly feel a light tug at your ponytail, and before you can react he's pulled your head back and captured your lips in a sweet kiss that takes your breath away. Letting go, he throws a wink at your shocked face before strolling away.

You take a second before you look back at the girls and you're met with three identical faces of outright surprise.

Emily recovers first, fanning herself with her hand. "Has Hotch always been this hot?"

The four of you can't help but laugh again.

Yes he has.

*------------*

You'd changed out of your swimsuit and into a dress after playing waterguns with Jack and Henry in the afternoon. The food and drinks had flowed throughout the day, and everyone had moved into Rossi's large living room as the sun set. It was pretty much assumed that no one was in a state to drive back home that night.

Jack had eventually tuckered himself out and fallen asleep in your lap before Aaron picked him up and took him to the guest bedroom to lay him down next to Henry. You were feeling a little sleepy yourself, tucked into Emily's side on the large couch, lazily holding a glass of wine, and trying to follow the conversation.

"So, he just said you weren't good? Like, straight up?" JJ looks appalled that anyone could be so rude to someone's face.

"Yeah, can you believe it? I had an off day and still went down on him and he comes at me with that," Emily replies, the rage clear on her face. Her latest paramour had been less than appreciative of her skills and she had been filling you all in on the aftermath.

"You did dump him, didn't you sugar?" Penelope was equally worked up, her nostrils flaring.

"Of course," Emily assures her, "And then," she continues a bit hesitantly, "I did something…else."

That definitely caught your attention. "Oh God…what'd you do Em?"

"Well, I may have gone through my contacts and obtained more personal feedback." She's not looking at you and instead speaking into her wine glass. You're pretty sure it's her third and that was after margaritas all afternoon.

You blink as you process what she had said. However, Penelope beats you to it. "You called up your exes and ASKED?!"

"How else am I supposed to know? I was feeling insecure and I needed to know if he was right. There isn't exactly a Yelp to rate blowjob skills."

You groaned. Of course she had.

"Emily, you can't just call people and ask them that." You couldn't believe she'd done that. You could not even fathom.

"Why not? I feel better and I know he was wrong."

You just shook your head, smiling in spite of yourself. Suppose you do have to admire the confidence.

"Maybe I should do that," Penelope says, twirling her phone in her hands.

"Alright, you're cut off." You grabbed her glass from her hand and moved it to the table. "We can't all just go around asking men to rate us." This was an entirely alcohol fueled conversation at this point.

JJ agreed with you, making a grab for Emily's glass as well, which she dodged. Damn those undercover agent reflexes.

"I don't know Y/N," Emily teased, "you always like being the best. Wouldn't it be nice to know for sure."

You narrowed your eyes at her.

Before you could say anything else, however, she'd already called out. "Hotch!"

You watch Aaron turn from his conversation with Reid, beer bottle in hand. He looked a little flushed from the day drinking, his hair flopping adorably to his forehead. "Yes?"

"Does Y/N give good head?"

You feel your jaw drop and your eyes widen in horror. You're already shaking your head at Aaron. You're waiting for him to say that it wasn't appropriate. Waiting for him to ignore it and roll his eyes and turn away. Instead he looks at you and the look in his eyes tells you exactly what he's thinking about. You can feel yourself heat up under his gaze.

Aaron, in his defense, was a few beers in and his guard had been down. He'd spent the entire day watching you in your bathing suit and when Prentiss - blatantly - asked him if you gave good head, his mind went immediately to a few weeks back.

A few weeks back when you'd woken up before him - which you rarely did. He had woken to the feeling of little kitten licks on the tip of his cock and the sight of you knelt between his legs. He'd shifted, alerting you to the fact that he was awake, and you'd looked up at him with the cutest smile.

"Good morning." He'd raised an eyebrow, at your position.

You'd hummed in response, taking him into your mouth, tongue swirling around the head, and released him with a kiss on the tip.

His eyes darkened as he shifted to sit against the headboard and watched you move with him.

"What do I owe this wakeup call to?"

You'd appraised him, still knelt between his legs, as if debating exactly what to say. He knew you weren't incredibly experienced in this particular area and he'd been more than happy to forego it altogether in your time together thus far. You bit your lip, and spoke slowly. "You know that I haven't done this much."

He nods, watching you fidget with your hands.

"Will you teach me?"

He felt a jolt of need that went straight to his cock. He was about to imprint this image of you to his mind forever - kneeling between his legs, doe eyes looking up at him from under your lashes, mouth pouty and lips glossy from his precome coating them. This would be the image that he would forever bring to the forefront anytime he was unfortunate enough to spend a night without you.

He lets out a shaky breath before nodding yes.

You were an incredibly fast learner.

You watch as Aaron tips the head of the beer bottle to his mouth and takes another drag, before lowering it. He looks right at you when he finally speaks, deliberately slow. "I have no complaints."

You let out a breath of disbelief and the girls started laughing around you as he turned back around to his conversation amongst jostling from Derek and Rossi. Cocky little…

When you walked to the kitchen to grab some water, you could feel his eyes on you and you're not surprised when he joins you a moment later, arms circling your waist from behind.

"Hi." His breath is warm against your neck and you can tell he's just this side of drunk because he's very loosely holding himself to you.

You simply hummed as he pressed his lips to your neck. He had been very touchy today and to be honest, you hadn't expected this level of PDA from Aaron. You'd expected him to be much more reserved, though that's likely exactly what would happen once everyone was back at work.

"Was that the right answer?" He mumbles into your skin, leaving open mouth kisses along your neck.

You smile, rolling your eyes. "The right answer was I plead the fifth. I thought you were a lawyer."

His chest rumbles with laughter behind you and you can hear the teasing smile in his voice. "Well, your honor, I think I'm a few beers in and allowed to appreciate my girlfriend's skills. Any chance I could talk you into another demonstration?" Oh he was really pushing his luck.

You bite your lip to prevent the grin that's threatening to break out. "I thought you were drunk."

You try to turn to face him but he pushes you into the counter, grinding against you. "Not that drunk."

He moves his hand to cup your jaw, turning your face towards him, and capturing your lips in a wet, dirty kiss that leaves you moaning and grinding back into him.

You're grateful the kitchen is hidden from view of the living room and no one has walked in on you both yet.

"Aaron, we can't have sex in Rossi's house," you whisper urgently when he gives you a moment to breathe.

"You're kidding, right? He told me where the condoms are."

You scoff. As if the two of you even used condoms.

But he's looking at you earnestly and you chance another look in the direction of the living room. It sounded like everyone was talking and distracted. They probably wouldn't miss you.

He can see the wheels turning in your head, and he smiles triumphantly as he sees the acceptance in your eyes.

"You're a bad influence Agent Hotchner," you say as his lips meet yours again and the two of you start making your way down the hallway to the back of the house.

#Criminal Minds #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds reader insert #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner imagine #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotch x reader #aaron hotchner x you #hotch #hotch x reader #hotch x you #hotch x y/n #irreverentseries

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lov3nerdstuff · 3 years

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Voluptas Noctis Aeternae {Part 6.11}

*Severus Snape x OC*

Summary: It is the year 1983 when the ordinary life of Robin Mitchell takes a drastic turn: she is accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Despite the struggles of being a muggle-born in Slytherin, she soon discovers her passion for Potions, and even manages the impossible: gaining the favor of Severus Snape. Throughout the years, Robin finds that the not quite so ordinary Potions Professor goes from being a brooding stranger to being more than she had ever deemed possible. An ally, a mentor, a friend... and eventually, the person she loves the most. Through adventure, prophecies and the little struggles of daily life in a castle full of mysteries, Robin chooses a path for herself, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more, and two people abandoned by the world can finally find a home.

General warnings: professor x student, blood, violence, trauma, neglectful families, bullying, cursing

Words: 4.5k

Read Part 1.1 here! All Parts can be found on the Masterlist!

______________________________

It was that time of the year again before Robin knew. As always, christmas had approached fast and suddenly rather than steadily, but the festive spirit had been long evident throughout the entire month of December. The holidays this year looked a little different than usual though; Cas had been asked by a fifth year student to attend the new year's ball with him, upon which she spontaneously had decided to stay at Hogwarts over the holidays. Robin had offered to take Jorien to the ball as her plus one, but the girl had decided to just go home as planned. So it was just Cas and Robin who would attend the ball this year.

Honestly, Robin felt weary of the boy who had asked Cas out. He seemed nice enough at the first glance, but something about him was ringing an alarm bell in the back of her mind. Cas obviously didn't care about Robin's words of warning, saying how she at least had a date for the ball, which probably should've hurt Robin more than it did. After this rather uncomfortable conversation however, she had decided to keep her concerns to herself, but an eye on Cas nonetheless. She didn't want her to get hurt, not even by something that, to her, was so ridiculously irrelevant as teenage drama. Because she knew that to Cas, it wasn't irrelevant at all.

The last day of the year came, and before long Robin thanked herself for actually bothering to invest in a dress this year. And she foremost thanked herself for having the endurance last summer to actually make an effort and not just get the first best one in Diagon Alley, which would've merely been a differently coloured version of what pretty much all of the other girls wore (with a few honorable exceptions, of course). No, Robin had made the decision to go with her own taste rather than the attempt to fit in, and she still stood behind it to the fullest.

Cas on the other hand had about five different dresses lying on her bed and was desperate to pick one, which did not even come as a surprise to Robin. The girl's love for fashion had exploded rather than faded, and while Robin had no idea why Cas had packed so many pretty dresses unaware that she would be attending the ball, it also didn't particularly surprise her.

"You should wear the dark blue one." Robin commented from her seat on her own bed, while she unsuccessfully tried to untangle her hair. "It reminds me of the nightsky. And who doesn't love the night?"

"Most people don't, actually." Cas sighed in exaggerated despair. "I was thinking about the peach coloured one with the ruffles."

"You're the fashion guru." Robin shrugged. "But I think darker colours are more classy. And the ball is very classy, most of the time. Or trying to be anyway."

"Classy or stuffy?"

"A bit of both, perhaps. Foremost, it is entirely what you make of it."

"In that case, I'll wear the peach coloured one." Cas decided with a more or less determined expression. "What about you? We're gonna be late if you don't get started at once!"

"Well, I don't have an entire wardrobe of dresses to pick between. I showered and sorted out my hair; I'll literally be done within five minutes from this point on."

"What about makeup? What about hairstyles?! What about shoes?!" Cas asked in return, incredulous about Robin's lack of enthusiasm about these things. "Seriously, aren't you gonna make any effort at all?"

"As you said, I don't have a date anyway. Nobody expects me to make an effort." Robin shrugged in return, unbothered by her roommate's comments. "And since you obviously didn't see me for the last few years, I will kindly let you know that putting on an actual dress this year IS me making an effort."

"I cannot believe you. I just cannot believe you…" Cas rolled her eyes as she muttered to herself, but then went ahead to get ready herself and leave Robin reading on her bed in peace for the next hour and a half. That's how long it took Cas to go through all of her extensive preparations and procedures, and Robin thought it was admirable how much effort she put into this indeed.

Finally, twenty minutes before the ball would begin and while Cas was still in the bathroom making 'last minute' adjustments to her colorful eye makeup, Robin got up from her bed with a sigh, put her book down and dug her dress out of her trunk at last. Like most things she bought these days, it was almost entirely black, but for the silver ornamentations and spiky flowers sewed onto the shoulders. Everything from the waist down was flowing black fabric, as was the long pieces that attached to the shoulders instead of sleeves, billowing down the arms like a backless cape. That precisely was also what made it difficult to put on, without stepping onto the piles of fabric that however barely brushed the ground once she pulled it up. The neckline came in high at the sides, almost high enough to cover up her scar, while the front was curved into a low V shape, that had always reminded Robin of spades. The solid black of the simple corset made up for the detailing on the shoulders and the heavy billowing fabrics of the skirt, and its snug fit and the thick fabric were comforting rather than confining to her. For once, Robin actually felt powerful through wearing a mere piece of clothing. And while perhaps she might not fit in with the other students, she definitely would with the professors.

"Bloody hell!" Cas suddenly exclaimed, and Robin jumped in return, twirling around to face the girl who spoke on in the meanwhile. "How dare you looking that gorgeous?!"

Robin's face heated up in an instant, and even though it was Cas she was talking to, she couldn't help being flustered. "Uh, thanks, I guess."

"I mean, I still stand with my statement that you shouldn't wear so much black, but good gracious… that dress is a piece of art. And it just screams 'Robin' to me, so you actually did pick well for once!"

"Don't sound so surprised." Robin rolled her eyes, while she had to smile nonetheless. "But thank you anyway. I wanted to look like myself tonight, and not like I dressed up as someone I'm not."

"But dressing up as someone you're not for one night is the entire point of it!" Cas replied with a grin, then dimmed it down to a smile. "But I understand you, and I think you look exactly like yourself. Just more beautiful than usual."

"Thanks…" Robin scoffed in humour, torn between sarcasm and honesty, and thus settled for both. "Again."

"So tell me, who do you wanna impress with that dress?" Cas quirked an eyebrow at Robin, smirking while she observed her closely. "And don't tell me no one, because I know you, and you wouldn't have made an effort just for yourself."

"Everyone." Robin answered instead, deeming it just as not-saying as 'no one'. Meanwhile, she tried to find a place to store her wand, which was turning out to be an actual problem now. No sleeves, no real sleeves at least, and no hemlines or pockets. Great. Then however an idea struck her, and in no time she had twisted her hair up into a bun, which she could easily fixate with her wand indeed. Two problems solved with one action, wonderful.

"I cannot believe you just did that." Cas commented on Robin's action in an instant. "And I cannot believe that it actually looks good! I spent an hour doing my hair, and you just… use your wand like a hair accessory within two bloody seconds."

Robin sighed in return, but she had to smile once again at Cas and her view of the world. "Your hair looks a million times better, believe me. I'm not trying to look good, I'm only trying to look acceptable while being functional. That's a difference."

"If you say so…" Cas sighed, and the two girls finally started making their way up to the great hall. "Coming back to my question though; who do you really want to impress? Is it that boy who's sitting next to you in Professor Morgan's class since recently?"

"Alexander? God no!" Robin snorted, shaking her head to herself while she actually enjoyed striding through the hallways quite so elegantly for once. "If you must know, I'm not trying to impress someone, but to prove a point to someone."

"Uuh!" Cas squealed quietly, skipping in her steps next to Robin in glee. "To whom? And which point?"

"You would do well to focus on your own date for now. Where did he want to meet you again?"

"Just outside the hall. You won't scare him off, Robin, will you? I know you don't like him, but he's really cool and so are his friends, and I don't wanna be the stupid third year whose big sister has to watch over her."

"You won't even notice me tonight, unless you need me. Good?"

"Yes. Thank you." Cas smiled, then took a deep breath while her smile widened even more. "I'm actually going to the ball! With a cute boy! Can you believe it?! I've waited for this moment for months!!!"

"I hope tonight is everything you dreamt of." Robin replied with a small smile, but it was tainted by concern no less. Just shortly before they reached the last crossing before the great hall, she turned to Cas once more. "Don't get into trouble, and don't do anything stupid. I don't want to find you drunk in our bathroom later or anything of that sort."

"Yes, professor." Cas rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, but gave Robin a small hug nonetheless, before she skipped ahead and towards wherever she would meet her date.

Robin decided to give Cas a little while at least, to spare her the embarrassment of arriving with her watchdog indeed. When she finally did make her way into the great hall, she was barely still on time, with two more minutes to go until the festivities would begin. The very moment she entered the hall, a few more eyes were drawn to her than in the last years, but not enough to make her feel observed. At least Robin didn't notice enough eyes on her to feel like people were actually paying attention to her. In an instant, she moved to stand off to the side and let her eyes trail over the crowds in the search for her own company.

"Looking for something?" Snape's voice was so close behind her that Robin jumped for the second time this evening, but then turned around to him with a smile. The very moment she did, she believed to see a glimpse of sincere awe flashing through his eyes, but she might as well be mistaken. She probably was, unfortunately. It might just be the candles and some wishful thinking.

"Looking for someone." She smiled up at him in amusement. "But it seems that someone found me first."

"How very fortunate for you." He replied with a not-smirk, as much of it as he would show in public at least, and his gaze flickered over her garments for just a second before returning to her eyes. "Did you have to choose black?"

"Obviously." She smirked, feeling highly amused by his difficulty to show a suitable reaction to her choice of outfit.

"It suits you."

Now, that she hadn't expected, but she appreciated it nonetheless as her smirk turned into a smile. "Thank you."

"How… came the change in your choice of attire for tonight's event?"

"You complained last year that I was wearing the same thing I wore to the conference the summer before." Robin shrugged, observing his almost uncertain expression. "Thought I'd prove to you that I can look nice too, when I actually try."

"You didn't need to." He mused, but before Robin could give a reply, both their attention was drawn to the front of the room where Dumbledore was getting started with his welcoming speech.

Robin turned towards the front to at least pretend to listen, and a few seconds later she noticed the gentle hand that came to rest on the small of her back. She had to smile in an instant, glancing up at Snape out of the corners of her eyes, but he was looking towards the front as neutrally and indifferently as always, always the contrast to his lingering touch. Oh, how she had missed this.

… … …

As soon as the possibility had come up, Snape and Robin had moved back into their usual corner and to their usual table. For a good two hours they stayed sitting there like always, in their usual habit of gossiping and teasing, until at last the inevitable happened, the one thing Robin had indeed seen coming all along.

With the saddest face in history, Cas came approaching them with an expression showing precisely that she was barely able to keep her tears from spilling over. Robin's immediate line of thought went along the path of 'told you so', but she frowned it away and out of her mind, and instead jumped to her feet in honest concern.

"I'll be back in a second." She said to Snape, who nodded in return, then she went to meet Cas a few steps further down the wall. They weren't technically out of sight, but out of earshot at least. "What happened?"

"As if that would be so hard to guess." Cas replied with a scoff, crossing her arms over her chest but making herself so small at the same time that it appeared more as a gesture of holding herself together than defiance. Robin simply went ahead and hugged her then, out of an impulse, and Cas immediately clung onto her in return. "You were right… He's an asshole."

"What did he do?" Robin asked softly, drawing reassuring circles on her friend's back, while on the inside however, she felt furious. Whatever that boy had done, he would pay for making Cas cry. Even if it was just teenage drama, Robin wasn't having it tonight. Or perhaps she just needed a deserving victim for her own annoyance at Cas for not listening to her any earlier.

"He and his two stupid friends wanted to go and hang out somewhere else, somewhere more interesting than here and 'have a little fun'. I said I didn't want to, so they just made fun of me for being such a prudish child and dreadfully boring. Then they just laughed at me and Jos said he should never have asked me to the ball." She mumbled into Robin's shoulder, and only a few seconds later she looked up at her again. "I'm not boring, am I?"

"Not at all." Robin replied with a small smile. "I'm very proud of you for not letting them drag you into something you didn't want to do."

"It's not even that I'm scared to do something forbidden… I couldn't care less, honestly, unless it's something really bad. But I just want to stay here for a while, you know… to enjoy the ball. I like the ball." Cas shrugged, still looking sad about it. "No need to insult me for that, right?"

"Nothing gives them the right to insult you at all." Robin replied pointedly, then let her eyes trail over the room for a second before turning back to Cas. "Did they leave already?"

"No… they wanted to find some other people first who would actually be willing to go with them for their private party." The girl scoffed, pushing her hair behind her ear with a bit more confidence already. "Why?"

"I should have a little talk with Jos, and with his friends as well if needed." Robin stated in a dangerous calm, then started pulling Cas along, back towards her table. Without making much fuss about it, she sat Cas down next to Snape. "Wait here, yes? I'll be right back."

"You don't have to, Robin, really, it's-..."

"Yes, I do have to." She replied calmly, ignoring both Cas' insecure look and Snape's mildly irritated one, and then turned on her heel to find the boy in question. They really needed to have a talk; no one mistreated or ridiculed her friends.

Jos really wasn't too difficult to find, his group of friends practically entertained the entire section of the room. 'Cool and popular' Cas had said… more like 'jocks and jerks'. Robin approached him without slowing down, and even though the boy was only a fifth year, he was a good head taller than her. That didn't intimidate her in the least however, and while being surrounded by so many people, so many strangers, would've made her nervous in any other situation, it did not do so now. She was on a mission, and somehow her body seemed to understand that.

"Jos?" She merely asked in a cold calm tone once she stood facing the boy.

"Uh, yeah? That would be me." He quirked an eyebrow down at her in amusement, while his pals nudged him in the sides with utterly pathetic grins. "The one and only."

"I thought so." Robin returned, then didn't waste a second to follow her impulses once again. The thing about physically strong people was that they usually spent ridiculously little time guarding their minds. Thus it was but an effortless thought on Robin's part, and she was in his mind, staring him down at the same time while he stumbled backwards against a table, then slumped down on the bench behind his legs. She felt his mind trying to lock her out, but it was a pathetic attempt at the most, and thus she went ahead to give him a very clear visual of what would happen to him should he ever dare to say a single bad word about Cas again, in her presence or not. After half a minute of this the boy was a terrified mess, half sitting and half sprawled out on the bench, looking up at Robin with teary eyes while she withdrew from his mind at last. Then she turned to his gawking friends, who hadn't even tried to help their pal.

"Would anyone else like to know what happens when you mess with the wrong people?" She asked politely, and five people shook their heads immediately. As much as she wanted to smirk at that, she kept her face neutral. "Great. Have a nice evening."

Without waiting for their reactions, she turned around once more and made her way through the hall and back towards her own table, feeling her confidence fade the moment she was out of their sight. Geez… she really shouldn't have done that. All those years she'd been doing her best to stand above such impulsive behaviour, and here she was now, mildly torturing a lower year. Letting off steam on other people. Great job, idiot. Perhaps it was the dress that gave her the illusion of too much power. Perhaps it was Snape's company.

"And? How did it go?" Cas asked the very second Robin approached them, and the girl luckily looked a lot more like herself already. Not sad and small anymore, but excited and almost happy again, and Robin found that this was what had made her own uncharacteristic behavior worth it in the end. To see her friends happy, she would gladly go against her higher standards.

"I made him cry." Robin sighed in resignation, and sat down on the bench in between Cas and Snape. "It was a very wrong thing to do though, so don't take it as an example. A negative one, perhaps."

"I don't care if it was wrong, you made him cry for me and that's awesome." Cas grinned, then almost knocked Robin off the bench with a tight hug. "Thank you! I really should have listened to you earlier…"

"It's nothing, really. But yes, you should have." Robin huffed in amusement, even though she still felt mildly concerned about the entire 'revenge leads to more revenge' thing. But she hadn't seen any speckle of that in Jos' mind, so perhaps it really wasn't an issue for once. Not when it was about something so minor, with somebody so imbecilic.

"Uhm, sorry to, uh… to interrupt…" A foreign voice drew Robin's attention to a blond curly haired boy she couldn't remember seeing before, and Cas followed suit while she let go of Robin. The boy obviously seemed unsettled either by Snape or Robin, perhaps by both of them, for he only glanced at them nervously from time to time and otherwise focused on Cas entirely. "I, uh… I couldn't help noticing what my idiot classmates said to you, and well… I just wanted to ask if you were alright?"

Cas blushed a deep crimson, and Robin had to subtly nudge her in the side eventually to remind her that she could speak. "Uh, yeah, I… Thank you. That's… very nice of you to ask."

Robin could practically feel how Snape rolled his eyes at the scene, but she was also very much aware of the fact that he was still here despite everything that had happened in the past minutes. She couldn't help nudging him in the side as well, smirking, and he gave her a glare in return. Robin smiled even more.

"Would you… uh, would you care for a dance perhaps? With me, I mean? I could try to cheer you up with my horrible dancing skills and ridiculous jokes." The blonde boy finally got out with a crooked smile, and Cas nodded immediately. Then she gave Robin a questioning look, but she just motioned for her to go ahead already. Thus, within seconds, Cas and the boy vanished in the crowd.

"I have never seen something more pathetic in my entire life." Snape finally remarked dryly, and Robin had to snort at the comment. It was absolutely only for show, and she knew that just as well as him.

"Oh come on, I think it was adorable." She replied with a smirk. "I feel a lot better about this one than that prick she came here with."

"You are aware that I missed the important bits of the conversation, yes?"

"I know." Robin sighed, then turned to him to explain. "Fifth year, straight brown hair, very tall, called Jos. Might be a nickname though. You know him?"

"Yes. I could've told you from the start that he is a complete dunderhead."

"I for my part knew that from the start as well, but Cas didn't want to believe me when I told her. Either way, he asked her to the ball, she had high hopes, but then he and his friends made fun of her, right before she came here. So much for the pre-story." Robin sighed again, her smile faltering. "Then I did something stupid and very much unlike me. I went over there and basically bashed him in the head with a few pictures strategically placed in his mind, of what I would do to him if he kept on being an arse."

"So that's what got him to shiver in fear at the mere sight of you." Snape mused with a not-smirk, and Robin was twice surprised in return.

"You saw that?" She asked first of all, frowning.

"I did indeed. Most of it, at least."

"And you're not disappointed? Not even telling me how idiotic that was? How imbecile and irresponsible and redundant?" She added the second question right on, and part of her hoped that he would do just what she'd said, and part of her hoped for the opposite. "You've been telling me since first year how stupid impulsive reactions like this are!"

"Why would I need to tell you something you are already well aware of?" He quirked an eyebrow at her, but upon her defeated expression, he finally sighed as well. "Sometimes we do a wrong thing for the right reasons. You defended someone you care about. I doubt that could even be considered wrong in the first place."

"And using legilimency on lower years? How are you going to justify that?"

"I won't, that certainly was wrong by any means. But I enjoyed watching it nonetheless." He said with another not-smirk, which finally got Robin to smile as well. "You certainly know how to intimidate people. It's quite impressive."

"I learned from the very best." She replied with a smirk, and he rolled his eyes in return, while his own smile still lingered on his lips.

They just kept on chatting for a while then, the incident soon forgotten and insignificant, and before long things returned to normal. Almost normal, for they were left sitting closer together than ever after Cas had left, shoulders almost touching now, heat brushing against the bare skin of Robin's arms when her robe sleeves moved out of the way. She knew that he must take notice of the closeness as well, of her shoulder gently brushing against his arm from time to time whenever she moved, and yet he didn't move away at all. The thought made her smile.

They had been listening to the music for a while, merely enjoying each other's company like they did so very often, when Robin caught sight of Cas dancing with the blond boy again. It had been an hour at least since they had left to dance; obviously it was going quite well, and Robin couldn't help being curious.

"Who is the boy dancing with Cas anyway?" She asked Snape, while still keeping her eyes on the couple on the dancefloor.

"Curious, are we?" He mused in return, undoubtedly humoured. "His name is Simon Durrell, fifth year. Ravenclaw. He is quite horrible at potions, but smarter and therefore less of a nuisance than his peers. Wears his heart on his sleeves quite like your friend."

"Good." Robin smiled up at Snape at last. "I would've hated having to behead him if he was a jerk to Cas. She looks happy dancing with him."

"You should be dancing as well." Snape said in a sudden feigned neutrality that made Robin's smile fade in return. "One doesn't wear a gown like that only to hide in a corner all night."

"Why not?" She shrugged, focusing on her hands in her lap. Was he trying to get rid of her? Find a polite excuse to get away? No, that wouldn't be like him at all. He would just get up and leave if he wanted to. Robin didn’t know what he wanted to hear. "Nobody's ever asked me to dance anyway."

"Oh please... You are by far better than waiting for some dunderhead to ask you for a dance. Go and ask someone first, someone who deserves your company." His tone turned from neutral to grave in a broken second, as he turned to look away along with it. "Or at least someone who knows that they never will."

There was something ineffably sad about his words, his voice, his eyes when she looked up at him once more. He wasn't trying to get rid of her… He was giving her the chance to be happier elsewhere, without him. Robbin’s heart skipped a beat, then squeezed all air out of her lungs. If only he knew; if only she could make him understand. Then again… Perhaps she could.

"You know what? I will." Robin replied determinedly, and rose to her feet with one graceful move. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed out her dress with shaking hands, standing straight after sitting for so long, and then finally turned back around to Snape. Gods, he looked so sad under all those facades. She took another deep breath, then held out her hand to him. "Would you do me the honor and dance with me?"

______________________________

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inlovewithfictionals · 3 years

Text

Be True Pt.2 (Jason Todd x Reader)

A/n: I half-wrote this a month ago, but then I decided to make it Christmas themed. And so here it is, the part two to I Need You Alive. Another thing, I have 0 experience on “meet the parents” thing so this might not be that realistic :’)

Keys: Y/H/T: Your Hometown, Y/M: Your Mum, Y/D: Your Dad

Genre: Fluff, duh.

Warning(s): Jason is most likely a bit OOC (I’m not so sure where to put the Todd into a family meeting, forgive me.), I didn’t proofread this yet so beware the spelling or grammar mistakes.

That being said, I hope you enjoy this!

Word Count: 1903

Snowy road, a small morning light shines, Christmas songs on the radio, a calm and comfortable silence between Y/N and Jason in the car. At least for Y/N. Jason on the other hand, he’s nervous.

The two are on the way to Y/N’s parents’ house. They had planned this a few months back, but due to Jason being Red Hood and needing to help the Batfam, they had to hold it back. And finally, here they are. On the way to Y/H/T for Christmas. And Jason as I said earlier is nervous.

His body is a little tense, hands gripping the steering wheel, traces of worry on his face. It wasn’t until he let out an audible sigh when Y/N notices that her boyfriend is in distress.

“Jaybird, what’s wrong?” She asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Huh? Oh nothing.” Jason hesitantly answered.

Y/N’s brows creased, tilting her head slightly. And then a small smile shows on her face, “Anxious? Nervous again? I thought I already said that my parents likes you?”

“But I never met them in person. What if the first official impression is bad? They’d change their minds.” He let out another sigh, slowing the car down when he realized that he’s gone a bit too fast on his anxious state.

After a moment of focusing on the road ahead, he heard Y/N giggles. Jason glanced at her for a while before he turn back to the road. “What? What is it?” He asked.

“Nothing, it’s just- you’re THE Red Hood, you fight crimes at night like a badass, gone on dangerous missions and such with Batman and the others, and yet here you are afraid of meeting my parents.”

“I’m not ‘afraid.’ I’m just worried.” He argued.

Y/N puts her hand that was previously on Jason’s shoulder on her mouth to stop herself from letting out a laugh, which didn’t really work since Jason could still hear her. Nonetheless, he chuckled along with her. “Okay, fine. I’m a little afraid. Just a little.”

Y/N’s laugh dies down as she shakes her head, “There’s nothing to be afraid of. My parents are chill. Sometimes strict, but they’re nice people. Besides, it’s just for a day. Trust me when I say you’ll be fine, you big dork.” She chuckles, leaning to his side to kiss his cheek and give him a reassuring smile. Jason’s shoulder falls in a relieved manner. He nods slowly, indicating to Y/N that he’s okay now. Well, at least, better than before.

“Okay. I’m alright. I’m Jason Peter Todd, the second Robin and now Red Hood, and I’m gonna meet your parents and they’re gonna fucking like me!” His voice gets louder and more energetic on each word he says.

“That’s the fucking spirit, Todd!” Y/N announced.

Once again, both of them goes on to another laughing session.

This might not be as bad as I thought, Jason thinks.

. . . .

They arrived at Y/N’s parents’ house just a few hours later around 11 AM. Given the fact that there was not a lot of traffic jams and the snow is not pouring like that scene from Frozen.

Jason parked the car and turn down the engines. He takes a deep breath, turning his head to Y/N, who’s taking off her seatbelt and wrapping her neck and half of her face with a scarf.

“Are you ready?” She asked.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m ready.”

With that, they stepped out of the car and walks to the front door. Y/N knocked the door a few times, “Mum, Dad! I’m- we’re home!”

There are rushing-footsteps sounds coming from inside of the house, followed by a small and cheerful, “It’s them! Coming!”

The door opens to reveal a friendly looking woman wearing a cream coloured sweater and some comfortable black pants. Her face lights up even brighter when she looked at Y/N and Jason. The woman then rushed to hug Y/N with an enthusiastic laugh.

“Y/N! You’re here! Oh and merry Christmas, sweetheart!”

“Merry Christmas to you too, mum. Missed you. Sorry we took so long to visit.” Y/N said hugging her back.

“Oh it’s fine. I know how busy you are.” Her mum smiled at her. She takes a look at Jason for a second, before she went up to him and hugging him as well. “You must be the guy Y/N is whipped for. She talks a lot about you. That explains why I was eager for you to visit. Also, merry Christmas, Jason!”

A subtle blush shows on Jason’s face. Maybe it’s the cold, maybe it’s the fact that Y/N’s mum said that her daughter talks about him to her parents. His tense body slowly ease into her embrace, a smile shows up on his face. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Y/L/N. Sorry for making you wait.”

“Again, its fine, Jason. All is well here, no worries! And please, call me Y/M. Don’t be so formal.” She smiles at Jason. Even on this cold day, like Y/N’s, Y/M’s smile is capable of warming him. Ah, so that’s where she inherited the personality from.

“Now come on, brunch is ready!”

Y/M opens the door wider and made a motion with her hands for Y/N and Jason to come in. They took off their beanies, scarfs, outer jackets, and puts them on the hanger inside, beside the door.

“Y/D? They’re here!” Y/M announced as she walks to the kitchen with Jason and Y/N trailing behind.

“Wait! I haven’t put on my sweater!” A male voice replied from the living room.

Y/N stops her track and peep her head into the living room to see her dad standing up from the couch just after he puts the sweater on. He was wearing a classic green-red-white Christmas themed sweater with little snowmen on it and a pair of dark grey pants.

“Dad! Merry Christmas!” She made her way to her father’s embrace.

“Merry Christmas, little one.” Much like her mum, he has a friendly face decorated with a grin. “Is he here?”

The girl nodded and turns her head towards Jason who was waiting by the entrance. He realized that they were waiting for him, so he took soft but quick steps to them. Y/N grabs his arm and pull it close. Sort of like she’s hugging Jason’s arm.

“Dad, this is Jason. The one you ‘want to intimidate.’”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Y/L/N.” Jason says, putting his right arm for Y/D to shake.

Y/D completely ignores the hand and sling his arm on Jason’s shoulder as Y/N lets him go. His eyebrows scrunched, looking at Jason like he’s inspecting him to see if he’s a good news or bad news. Once again, Jason feels afraid under his stare. But that feeling was quickly wiped away when Y/D smiles at him and shaking his hand.

“Just Y/D is okay. Nice to meet you, Jason! Are you treating her right?” He asked, patting him and nods his head to Y/N.

“I sure hope I am. Y/N, what do you think?”

“Eh, you’re okay.” She teased.

Jason fake gasped while Y/D snickered. “How could you say that? After everything we’ve been through!”

“I’m joking! He’s amazing, dad.” She laughed.

“Good, as expected then. Now come eat your foods! It’s not staying warm forever you know?” Y/M’s voice called from the living room entrance where Jason was standing before. She was leaning on the frame, with her hands crossed like a mother who’s playfully scolding her 5 year old. Or- olds.

All of them then went to the kitchen and sit in the dining area. They shared random lighthearted conversations. At times, Y/N’s parents asked Jason about himself which Jason had to answer without telling them about his nighttime persona. In the middle of the whole funny, embarrassing, or adventurous stories they share, Y/N puts her hand on Jason’s thigh and squeeze it lightly to get his attention.

“See? They like you.” She whispered to him. Jason just gave her a cocky smile, “of course they do.”

“Bold thing to say for someone who’s afraid to go here a few hours ago.”

“That was natural reaction, Y/L/N.” He whispered back,

“Sure. Whatever you say, Red Hood.” She leans closer to his ear and whispered more quietly on the last part so that her parents won’t hear.

“I swear, if you’re gonna compare the Red Hood me and THIS me again…” Y/N just giggled at him making her parents look at them with fond smiles.

. . . .

What was supposed to be an hour brunch turned into 3 hours. They got caught into the conversations. Plus, Y/M feels the need to show Jason Y/N’s old pictures to which Jason took pics of and he definitely sends it to Grayson.

Now Jason and Y/D are sharing hot chocolate in the living room while the girls are in the kitchen tidying things up while chit-chatting happily. Girl things probably…

Jason stares at Y/N from his seat. As cliché as it sounds, the light coming from the window made her look pretty almost like a scene from a movie. Not that she’s not pretty before, but right now she’s exceptionally pretty. She’s not perfect, physically nor mentally. He knows that. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. As he smiled at her, she smiled back before continuing her talk with her mum.

“You really love her, don’t you?” Y/D suddenly asked.

“I do. I do, sir.” He softly answered making Y/D hum in an accepting manner.

He hesitated, but Jason Wonder Woman-ed up and leans closer to Y/D just in case the girls could hear him. They might not be able to considering the flow of their girl-talk, but he’s being careful. “Sir, I know this is too soon but I was wondering… Do I have your blessing to take her hand? I’m not going to do it yet in a short time and I know we’re still early in the relationship, but am I good enough for her to you?”

Y/D’s lips thinned. Right now, he looked seriously intimidating to Jason. He takes a deep breath before looking at the robin again. “To be honest, I don’t think anyone is good enough for Y/N. Not in my eyes at least. She’s precious, gentle, and yet- she’s brave and strong. Complete with flaws but that doesn’t make her any less of a woman. My little princess. The last thing I want is for someone to break her in any way.”

Jason looked down to his mug, tracing the rim of the mug. His heart fell little by little when he heard those words. Y/D sipped his hot chocolate, looking at the almost empty mug.

“That being said, be true with her, Jason.”

Jason’s eyes shot up from the mug up to look at him. “Sir?”

“You’re enough for her. Hurt her and I’ll hunt you down.” Despite the threat, he still give Jason a fatherly pat on the back and his smile is back. Jason chuckled shakily, nodding his head. “Thank you and don’t worry,” he glances back at Y/N, “I don’t plan on hurting her.”

. . . .

“You really are her father, aren’t you?” Jason questioned.

“I am. What’s with the sudden question?” Y/D asked back with a confused smile and one eyebrow raised.

“It’s just that you can threat someone with a very innocent face. Y/N does that a lot.”

A/n: Have a happy Christmas, everyone! I hope you got what you wanted for Christmas this year.

Masterlist

#jason todd x reader #jason todd x you #jason todd imagine #jason todd fluff #Jason Todd #merry chrysler #red hood imagine

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alleycat97 · 3 years

Text

Merry Christmas

Queen B

Chloe x MC (Bea)

Tag list: @samanthadalton @paolaqueen5580 @fundamentalromantic @kwaj05 @penda-bear @kamilahsayeet2063

Christmas time at Belvoire was always an event. It would be Bea’s first Christmas in New York and it was only a few days left before winter break. Most students would return home but Bea decided to stay back and do some sightseeing with her time off.

Christmas at an Ivy League school was incredible, mainly because nearly everyone was loaded and all the gifts were ridiculous. There had been some sort of Christmas party every night, and everyone hopped around. Being a Zeta meant you had to be at every party to keep status, but for this one night, Chloe wanted to spend it with her girl Bea. She just picked the night of the talent show to do it.

“You’re throwing away tradition for farmsville!?” Poppy scolded Chloe.

“I leave in two days Poppy! I won’t get to see her for an entire month!” Chloe snapped back.

“I don’t see it. Why must you waste your time with that social reject Chloe. You can do much better.”

Chloe sighed, it was always like this with Poppy. Nothing or no one was ever good enough. Chloe always did as told but she wouldn’t budge on this, she was tired of being a pushover. “No Poppy, im not going to the show. Bea is coming here to have a movie night and that’s that.”

Poppy’s jaw hit the floor as Chloe confidently walked back upstairs and slammed her door. Bea was ruining her friend.

“Hey Veronica?” Chloe said walking through their shared bathroom and into her room.

“Yeah?” Veronica responded pausing her stream.

“Can you give me a hand real quick?”

“Yea sure. Lemme end this live and I’ll be right there.”

Chloe squealed and ran back into her room, waiting for V. Veronica wasn’t too far behind and entered the room, leaning against the doorframe waiting for instruction.

“Ok, you remember how you told me to get Bea something she would love for Christmas?” Chloe asked happily.

“Is it in that big ass box? Jesus Chloe that thing is bigger than a car.”

“Not yet. That’s why I need you. This is my gift.” Chloe climbed inside the box and closed herself in it. After she stopped rustling around she hollered from inside. “I can’t figure how how to wrap it if I’m inside. Would you mind?” Chloe asked in all seriousness.

Veronica doubled over in laughter agitating Chloe who was waiting patiently inside. Chloe finally popped back up,

“What’s so funny?”

“Chloe!” Veronica tried to breathe. “You’re telling me your gift to Bea, is you?”

“Yeah? You said something she will love? I know she loves me so I figured it would be the perfect gift.” Chloe pouted.

“Oh Chlo, that’s so sweet but I meant something like a necklace, or perfume. Something to show your love to her. She already loves you, gifting yourself is just silly. Not to mention dangerous.”

“I knew I would screw up.” Chloe climbed out of her box and face planted on her bed. Veronica walked over to rub her back.

“Didn’t you get her anything? She loves flannels and shoes.” Veronica tried.

“Nooooo. I was so sold on the me idea I didn’t think to buy anything. I’m screwed she’s gonna be here in an hour and I’ve got nothing.”

“Just tell her the truth sweetie. Christmas isn’t always about presents. It’s about being with loved ones and showing your love with each other. You have this killer movie date planned, I’m sure Bea will love it.”

“Yeah maybe. I better get ready.”

“That’s the spirit.” Veronica cheered.

Nearly an hour later the doorbell rang and Poppy was the one to answer it.

“Ugh what do you want loser?” Poppy greeted Bea.

“Ummm rude? I’m here for my date with Chloe.” Bea said forcing her way into the house trying not to drop her perfectly wrapped present.

“Oh yeah. The same Chloe who will miss the Belvoire Christmas Talent Show because of you. Thanks a lot, now I’m down a dancer.”

“Sorry not sorry? Look at it this way, without me there, you might actually win something this year.” Bea challenged.

“Whatever, just get out of my sight and don’t touch anything.” Poppy said storming off.

Bea made her way up to Chloe’s room, only to be intercepted by Veronica in the foyer.

“Hey Bea, a word?”

“Sup V?”

“I’m actually suppose to stall, Chloe isn’t quite ready yet. I just wanted to say I’m really glad you two are together.”

“Aw thanks V.”

“I mean it Bea. You make Chloe so happy and she deserves it. She is usually miserable with Poppy and her home life sucks being the middle child. You’ve given her an out and she’s flourishing. Just take care of her alright?”

“Chloe and her happiness is my priority, I’ll sacrifice anything for her.” Bea said wholeheartedly.

“I know you will.” V smiled, “Looks like times up, you girls have fun.”

Chloe popped out into the hall with a smile before nearly tackling Bea with a hug and a flurry of kisses, “Sorry I got tied up. I couldn’t decided on which pajamas I wanted.”

“So you decided to wear mine?” Bea laughed looking her girlfriend over.

“These are mine?” Chloe protested.

“Chloe, I left those here for when I came over, you don’t even like Star Wars!”

“Hmmm well I’m already wearing them. Now come on! The movies starting!”

Bea always pictured this moment, snuggled in bed with her lover a week away from Christmas sharing kisses, and watching hallmark movies. Now what she got wasn’t exactly what she pictured, a heated aggressive make out session with her hands cuffed to the headboard while Die Hard was playing in the background.

After the credits had finished and both girls regathered their stamina, Bea dug up her present to Chloe that had been buried under all the clothes.

“I think it’s time to open presents babe.” Bea said handing the box to Chloe. “Merry Christmas.”

Chloe started to open the box but couldn’t, which started to concern Bea.

“Chlo? Is something wrong?”

Chloe started to cry naturally at the guilt, “I’m so sorry Bea. I can’t accept this.”

“Why not? Chloe? What wrong sweetie?” Bea begged.

“I forgot to get you a gift....” Chloe trailed off.

“Ok? And?”

“You’re not mad?” Chloe sniffled.

“Well no. Chloe it’s ok really, it’s just a gift. We get each other stuff all the time.”

“But this is Christmas! I tried Bea.” Chloe explained what she intended to be Bea’s gift and the confusion she received from Veronica and Bea understood completely. Chloe had a heart that outweighed a small sedan but sometimes...she thought about things too....literally.

Bea reached over and raised Chloe’s face to meet her own. Slowly raking her thumb over the girls soft cheeks to wipe the tears away, “Chloe, I don’t need an object from you to show your love. All I need is you, right here, right now. Just being with you will always be better than any gift you can buy at a store I promise you. Now open that damn box or else I will.”

Chloe tried to fight back a smile as she undid the bow and ripped the paper away exposing a small box. She opened the lid to reveal a beautiful necklace.

“Oh Bea it’s beautiful! I love the little penguin pennant.”

“He’s got your initials on the back and his eyes are made of your gemstone.” Bea added pointing out its features.

“Oh thank you so much Bea I love it. Help me put it on?” Chloe asked holding the necklace out to Bea.

Chloe moved her hair out of the way and Bea placed the necklace around her neck and clipped it on in the back.

She slowly slid forward as she wrapped her arms down around Chloe’s chest. Lips playfully nipping at her ear, “Merry Christmas Love.”

#playchoices #pixelberry #chloe st james #chloe x mc #queen b chloe #queen b mc #queen b poppy #queen b choices #queen b veronica

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miragold123 · 3 years

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A collection of my favorite Phineas and Ferb quotes

I, for one, am starting to get bored and boredom is something up of which I will not put. (Rollercoaster)

Is my nose really that pointy? (Are You My Mummy?)

Follow-up single? Who do you think we are, some two-bit hacks who will keep writing new songs just because you pay us obscene amounts of cash?! Phineas and the Ferb-Tones are strictly a one-hit wonder! Good day to you, sir! (Flop Starz)

Um, that man isn't wearing any clothes. (Toy to the World)

You won't tell me? Is this because you don't speak or are you just being a jerk? (One Good Scare Ought To Do It!)

Of course, then I discovered girls and the rest is a blur. (The Ballad of Bad Beard)

Hey, Dad, can we help? Well, I'm afraid not, unless you can preform miracles. What's your budget? (Dude, We're Getting The Band Back Together)

Think of all the practical applications a caveman can have in the modern world. ... Actually, you know, besides politics, I can't think of anything. (Boyfriend from 27,000 B.C.)

I can't hear you! My cheeks are covering my ears! (Out to launch)

I lost her to a boy bigger fingers... (Out to Launch)

It got up... and it danced away. (Out of Toon)

Hey, wait a minute. Everyone. That British kid is saying something really, really... boring (The Lake Nose Monster)

Your hot dog is no match for my bratwurst! (Backyard Aquarium)

Nothing says "mothers love" like a giant robotic platypus butt. (Perry Lay's an Egg)

I'm sorry, all questions must be phrased in the form of an answer. (Let's Take A Quiz)

So, how about that airline food? (Cheer Up, Candace)

It occurred to me while I was on fire. (Cheer Up, Candace)

Well, if you reverse engineer the human heart, you're bound to find love at its core. And gross, smushy red stuff. Yes, love and gross, smushy red stuff. And ventricles! Actually, I think ventricles is already included in gross, squishy red stuff. (What Do It Do?)

Well, next time you can do all the cooking, and I'll stand around coming up with evil plans that ultimately fail. (Nerdy Dancin')

Nice? Aw, now I got to go do something to balance out the universe. See you on the news. (Hip Hip Parade)

The problem with you is: you're completely delusional. (Wizard of Odd)

Yeah, see, 'cause, 'cause he hit him. I'm not an idiot, Charles. (The Beak)

There was no rug, sir. (Phineas and Ferb-Busters!)

Give up? Give up?! The day may come when we'll give up on fruitless searches after a mere eleven minutes, but that day is not today! The day may come when our favorite reptile may be lost from our memories and his enduring love of mushrooms forgotten, but that day is not today! Today we search! We will search for him in the streets, we will search for him in the trenches, we will search for him in the alleys and the mini-malls and the cul-de-sacs of this fair land. We'll search for him in the multilevel car parks and municipal recreational facilities. And we few. We happy few. We small band of brothers — and girl from across the street. We shall not cease 'til he is found! (The Lizard Whisperer)

If the molecular splitter doesn't just disappear when this is over, we should really consider destroying it. (Split Personality)

I'm kicking my own butt! (Brain Drain)

Look! A sponge and a starfish! There's gotta be something we can make out of this! (Summer Belongs to You)

Maldito seas, Perry el ornitorrinco! (The Great Indoors)

If I had a nickel for every time I was doomed by a puppet, I'd had two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice, right? (Across the Second Dimension)

You know, my crimes against humanity had just completely slipped my mind. (Across the Second Dimension)

I've got a date with destiny, and it ain't going to end with a kiss! (The Belly of the Beast)

"Don't believe everything you read." Words to live by. (Magic Carpet Ride)

So what would you do with my hair? Nothing. It's perfect the way it is. Wow, you are good. Girlfriend, please. (Bad Hair Day)

Now, Candace, your brothers have issued a gold-based currency which has seriously devalued the euro. What do you do? (Perry the Actorpus)

Oh! I am sorry, Phineas. I seem to have broken your fire. (Phineas and Ferb Family Christmas)

Space is cold and unforgiving, like my father. (Ferb TV)

Woah, hey, hold it! What's with the banjo? Traveling music. Where are they going? Alabama? (Excaliferb)

You know what I like about our friends? We say things like, "We're gonna douse you in ant pheromones." And they're just like, "Okay, whatever." They're so cool. (Gi-Ants)

He's gonna John Wilkes my Booth! (Let's Bounce)

Phineas, go! Ice chalet! (Bully Bromance Breakup)

Tell me she was deported! (Buford Confidential)

Aw, look at the little guy. What's the fastest way I can transfer all my assets into his name. (Meapless in Seattle)

Why, yes. How about a romantic dinner for two? Wanna sip, Phineas? Oh, no, thanks. Oh, okay. I understand. You know, you want to keep yourself open to other drink options. I get it. Actually, I didn't want to say anything in front of anybody, but, it's, I don't like zucchini. Oh. (Doofapus)

Dr. D will be so proud! Assuming he survives the cataclysm. (Norm Unleashed)

Hey, guys, I landed up here. Should I come down? No! Throw down that vine. ... NO! Just one end. Okay, but I don't know what you're gonna do with half of a vine. Is it me? It is him, right? Buford, pull. ... On the vine. Oops, sorry. It's him. (Where's Perry? (Part 2))

It was at that point I decided to stop narrating. (What'd I Miss)

Ha-ha-ha! We're just having fun with you! That wasn't the real Balloony! It wasn't? No, of course not! The real Balloony popped three weeks ago! (This is Your Backstory)

Norm you monster! Can't you see I'm in pain?! (This is Your Backstory)

I was heading to a golden land of opportunity; a land with a pioneering spirit which welcomed misfits like me! But I ended up in America instead. (This is Your Backstory)

Yeah, we all know the song... But I'm not exactly sure how. (Fly on the Wall)

Ooh, I hope they do not have a male dancer popping out of it. They asked, but they couldn't afford me. (Happy Birthday, Isabella)

Don't ever make Phineas angry. You wouldn't like it when he's angry. (Mission Marvel)

I want your father to disown you and adopt me! (Thanks, but No Thanks)

Yes, the universe is constantly expanding. But what is it expanding into? Oooooooh... Okay, now my mind is blown. (Cheers for Fears)

We can formally begin courting. (Steampunx)

Behold! The I-Don't-Care-inator! (Live and Let Drive)

Yu-rah-noose, check. Buford, that is not how it is pronounced. It is on this channel. (The Inator Method)

Seriously? Someone moved the Earth and it wasn't you? Not this time, no. (Phineas and Ferb Save Summer)

This must be a special episode. He's yelling at his sister again. (Phineas and Ferb Save Summer)

Look, I'm shakin' bacon! You like that? It's a call back to something I didn't even hear! (Night of the Living Pharmacist)

🎶It's just about the time spent together. With you~ 🎶(Last Day of Summer)

#pnf #phineas and ferb #phineas and ferb quotes

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darkpoisonouslove · 3 years

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Winx Club Season 6 Thoughts Part 1

I have watched this more than once and even though I have some memories of the ending, I still have no idea what is happening in this season. Now my expectations have been updated to “take what I can get” so that should go better. Also, I will be writing the number of the episode above the section of thoughts that deals with it so that it can be easier to navigate my posts. With that said, let’s get to it:

- Wow, they actually showed Daphne together with the Winx in the intro? Nice. However, I am torn between wanting to move on from Sirenix and despising the fact that I’ll have to suffer through Bloomix and Mythix this season. It’s a lose-lose situation for me.

6x01:

- The Trix now have beef with Daphne as well? And they are going back to the somewhat original plan of the Coven to destroy Domino? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am actually excited about this!

- Did Daphne just try to go through the door? Aww, sweet precious child who has forgotten what it is to have a body. I am in pain for her even though I am happy that she is human again. I do not like the way that Marion and Oritel seem to not grasp the very obvious problem that Daphne is facing, however. I wish we could see their relationship with Daphne but we can’t step aside from Bloom for three seconds. At least they are showing some consequences of everything Daphne has gone and keeps going through.

- If the beast is the most powerful thing in the Magic Dimension, why does it listen to the Trix instead of just eating them before moving on to Domino? And it looked pretty awake without them having to summon it. So yeah, not much sense in this.

- Okay, I can get that Daphne is still getting used to having a body again but her doubting herself does not feel in character to me. She was always the one to tell Bloom to not doubt herself and she never lost faith in anyone from their family even when she spent two decades as a spirit. This is not my Daphne. She would know how to proceed. It’s like they reversed all her wisdom after bringing her back. As if you can’t be wise unless you’re a non-corporeal entity. I don’t like that. And wasn’t she the nymph of Magix? She is now the nymph of Domino. I mean, she could be both, I guess, but the titles are never used simultaneously.

- Why are the Specialists flying on their bikes if the ship is also there? And why is Daphne wearing heels if she has trouble walking?!?!?!?!

- Did Marion do all of the decorations with her magic? I’m just gonna accept that it was her. Also, I am kinda glad that they kept the maids from Magical Adventure. They were well-intentioned even if a little overbearing.

- Yes, Bloom, great way to be empathetic with your sister. Keep telling her about DANCING even though she can’t even walk in a straight line... or any kind of line. They should have waited with the party. And Daphne tripped here because Bloom had stepped on her clothes. It wasn’t her fault. Though, a makeover might be good for her. I am not a fan of the way Stella referred to her as if Daphne is the younger one and needs help (even though she does need help).

- I also don’t like the fact that they are trying to say that Daphne is stuck on who she was which keeps her from becoming who she needs to be in the present. It does not sound like her. But it’s cute that all the Winx are trying to help her. I won’t mind her being a more central part of this season. She has helped them so many times that it would be nice to see them do something for her or even with her.

- Daphne does look nice! Certainly better than Winx in their hideous dresses Won’t we burn those things already?!

- Yeah, Daphne cowering away and hiding at Oritel’s side is definitely not in character. Sorry but she legit gave everything she had to save her sister from the Ancestral Witches even when she knew it would be the end of her.

- Oh, look. They’re using the special Sirenix spells. I can’t believe it.

- Oritel (and Marion) must be so goddamn sick of the Trix and them threatening his family already. And it hasn’t been more than a year since they came back from Obsidian.

- Oh, poor Daphne. I feel so bad for her. But at least she has her family now and they can hold her and help her get through it. Though, I still think this isn’t entirely in character for her. Tritannus tortured her and she refused to tell him anything and she kept fighting even from her cell despite how limited her resources were. Here she hasn’t even tried. They said she didn’t have her powers but we haven’t seen her try to use them and Daphne has always tried until the very last moment.

- Okay, but I hate it when they send them places only for them to realize they had the answer all along.

- Omg, she was gonna sacrifice herself just to not threaten anyone else. This is more like Daphne. But I am so happy that she got her powers back. Even though they really half assed her Sirenix transformation, though I guess that was to be expected. After Roxy (oh, wait, and Diaspro, too), she is the only fairy besides Winx to be given any transformation so I guess they thought that anything would do.

6x02:

- Why is Kiko excited to be back at Alfea? And what the hell are Daphne and Bloom doing there? Daphne should be on Domino and getting reacquainted with politics and economy for when she will be queen and Bloom and the other Winx should probably be in the Love and Pet store. Anywhere, really, but at Alfea. Why are they at Alfea again? *sigh*

- Aww, I love the fact that they are all still wearing the charm bracelets Bloom gave them for Christmas. It’s cute. I am not as much a fan of Stella being as obsessed with fashion as she was in season 5. They made her whole character about that (except the struggle with her parents but that has also been resolved now more or less so...)

- I guess bending down is overrated now. You just use magic instead of any other way of solving problems like picking things up from the floor or making space in a room. And poor Kiko. No one noticed that he got miniaturized.

- The new clothes suck. They look so... same. At least the old outfits still had some personality to them.

- How did Griselda not feel the wave of Stella’s magic? Or notice the... illusion? (I suppose Stella used dispersed light to create the appearance of a normal bedroom instead of the boutique.) At least she noticed Kiko. But ewwww, why did he lick Bloom’s face (and after he was angry with her)? He’s not a dog!!!!! Please, writers.

- Oh, no! The pixies are here. Why did they not only change Tecna and Musa’s pixies, but also the design for Piff? Locket, Amore and Chatta look almost the same but I am so not on board with the very fact that they are all back. The least the writers could have done would have been to keep the old pixies (and designs). (Just, please, tell me that the Winx aren’t students again.)

- Faragonda has been Headmistress of Alfea for 100 years? Yeah, right. Direct contradiction right there. In SotLK Hagen said that when they battled the Coven, they were Winx’ age. So they should be about 50. I just hate this. And Faragonda saying that she doesn’t like celebrating anniversaries because they make her feel old? That feels OOC to me but okay.

- Lmao, dying at that dance between Faragonda and Wizgiz. XDDD

- Griffin sounds like she’s finally turned the education in CT in the right direction. She even asked the elder students to help the freshmen which is nice because we’ve seen her not care about the malice witches exhibited towards each other (which I call bullshit on but still). But with the proving thing? Yeah, okay.

- Obviously Selina and Bloom know each other because Selina is from Earth and we all know that everything that happens on Earth is in Gardenia. Love how Griffin didn’t react to that info, though. Does that mean that there were witches on Earth even when the fairies were trapped? Dammit, writers, develop your damn world!

- How did the pixies even defeat the trolls the first time around? And why the hell did they decide that it was a good idea to imprison them under pixie village? You see, this is why you don’t live over the place you imprisoned your enemies. Because they don’t need to find you if they get free. They are already there.

- Oh, Griffin actually stopped the destruction of Pixie Village? I am surprised. I thought she would just let it go on. I mean, the show hasn’t been all that consistent with her characterization so...

- How the hell is Bloom sensing the other pixies? She isn’t bonded to them. If anything, Locket should be the one being able/unable to trace them.

- I was ready to be majorly pissed at this episode and now I am. It was already annoying me but the Trix defeating Griffin so easily made everything much worse. And like... she didn’t even try to fight them? She could have put up a shield to protect herself from all their attacks and she could have used her ability to fly in order to be more mobile while fighting them but nah. She just got soundly defeated. Amazing. And by amazing, I mean the exact opposite. This was horrible and I hate it.

- So... did the Trix ditch their Sirenix? And where did they get those new powers? Also, why the hell did the other witches join them so easily? I know that most witches must want recognition but some of those witches were there when the Trix nearly killed them both in season 1 and season 2. They at least shouldn’t have joined them. Or even if they’d joined, it should have been just a cover so that they don’t get spelled like Griffin and they could secretly work on taking the Trix down. Oh, yes, and why do the Trix want to take over the other colleges? That somehow doesn’t make sense. They already tried that back at season 1 and it didn’t work out.

- What the hell happened to Cloud Tower being a living being? They just destroyed parts of it but nah, that hasn’t come up yet. I hate this. Also, the fact that Griffin not only got turned into a crow but also hit by a lightning. Poor baby!

- Oh, great! She almost died. Love how it was never addressed what it was like for Griffin not just to be a crow but also unable to help save her school and her witches because she couldn’t even warn the others what was going on.

6x03:

- Why can’t Roxy just grant the crow the ability to talk? We know from season 4 that she can. The dark magic could have prevented that but at least they would know that there is a spell on the crow. And how did Faragonda not feel Griffin? There should be some part of her aura or whatever that hasn’t changed despite the magic in place. Not to mention that Griffin could have tried to show her it was her in some way. The two know each other. Surely if Griffin flew around and pulled out an object that means something to both of them, Faragonda would have started wondering and would have probably figured out what happened. There were so many ways around this but the writers didn’t want contact to be possible because otherwise, it would be over too soon when Winx defeated the Trix.

- Why are the boys at Linphea college now? Also, why doesn’t Brandon know that Sky has a cousin? I guess Thoren doesn’t show up on Eraklyon but does that mean that his whole family has just let go of their ties to the crown? I somehow doubt that.

- Yes, Musa. Destroying all of Alfea with your music will surely cheer up the pixies.

- So why is Miele not in Alfea? That sounds kind of weird. Although, it is possible that she didn’t want to be in Flora’s shadow or in her surveillance the whole time.

- Studies? *groan* Why the fuck are they students again?!?!?! I hate this. But I like the fact that Griselda is back. It’s not the same without her.

- So... not just Bloom, but all the rest of Winx know who Thoren is? But Brandon doesn’t? You know, Brandon who is Sky’s best friend and squire? Yeah, right.

- “Barbaric yell”? Fuck you, too, you “spiritual” snob.

- Is that Nex? Please, tell me it’s not. He seems even worse than Roy. Who is instantly jealous even though he has no right to be since he and Layla aren’t dating. God, I really miss Nabu. He was such a mature and sweet guy. Exactly what Layla needed. (And why is Roy with the Specialists when that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever?)

- Great job, Tecna. Now Helia is probably gonna think that Flora is visiting some old boyfriend. You could have just told him she was seeing her sister. Though, I have to ask where the hell Flora has been all summer if not at home (since she hasn’t seen Miele in so long)? And from her own words it sounds like she hasn’t seen her since season 3 which is just ridiculous.

- You tell him, Layla. Though, that will only make it worse if they get together later because I do not expect the writing to be clever enough to imply that it was Layla who helped Nex (I presume) get over his pride and superiority complex.

- If Linphea college is so great, why didn’t Flora study there as well? Is it new? It has to be very new in order for that to be the explanation.

- Wait, they actually realized it’s Griffin? But why can she only speak in single words and not whole sentences? Roxy could make Artu talk like a person.

- Yes, they have to tell everyone else because it’s not like Cloud Tower is a whole castle floating in the sky that is probably visible from kilometers.

- Oh, wow. They bothered to give Miele a five-second transformation? I can’t believe it. How very generous of them.

- They actually managed to make the connection between the flying Cloud Tower and the trouble on the ground? I am surprised by their normal level deduction skills.

- Did the Legendarium just negate not only their spell, but also their powers? Wow. That is... actually kinda interesting even though I do not expect it to make a lot of sense when they bother to explain it.

- At least the Specialists caught Winx before they could fall and die. I actually like the fact that they all have to retreat. It was obviously hard on them even though they didn’t have their powers anymore.

- Oh, goodie. It’s Bloomix time. In case someone hadn’t realized that Bloom is sooooo special. She now gets her own transformation. It’s fun how they didn’t even bother explaining how it was possible for the Legendarium to extinguish all their powers.

6x04:

- Well, at least Stella’s enthusiasm can never be extinguished. But yes, just exercise in high heels, why don’t you? I am so sick of them never wearing comfortable shoes. Enough heels already! They need to wear something that is actually suitable for the activity at hand.

- Poor Kiko. At least Stella didn’t break something while pulling that stunt.

- So Thoren and Daphen actually know each other? Why is everyone acting so familiar with everyone else even though they shouldn’t know each other? I hate this. Also, Thoren doesn’t sound all that sincere. I mean, he probably is. It just doesn’t exactly sound like that to me.

- I am sick of them making Stella the most incompetent in everything. You’re telling me that Tecna that is always on her phone and computer is pulling off all the physical exercise with no problem but Stella that can probably run a marathon if there is shopping involved can’t? I am not buying it.

- I am so done with both Roy and Nex. But more with Nex. Roy is kinda jealous which is ridiculous because he isn’t with Layla but Nex is being a fucking asshole and I hate him so much. I really hope he changes if he is going to be with Layla. (He’ll have to. I don’t believe she would ever spare another glance at him if he remains like that and if she does, then the writers have completely ruined her.)

- I wish Daphne would go to the rescue mission as well. She was the one who figured out the whole way to save everyone.

- Miele was doing so well! She was so brave, fighting multiple opponents. She is great! She even has more interesting spells than Flora.

- Wait, basilisks? Aren’t they supposed to be like snakes? These look more like dragons. I know they said flying basilisks but still.

- The petrifying stares are kinda interesting. But we all know that no Winx is gonna get turned to stone so there is still no tension here. Cute Riven and Sky moment, however.

- Seriously? Bloom can withstand a Trix convergence on her own but Griffin couldn’t? Yeah, makes total sense. I have said this already but if Winx are obviously stronger than the teachers, why not just make them directors of the schools and be done with it? It’s not like anyone else is getting anything done anyway.

- Awww, Stella did the flip! Nice!

- That basilisk totally could have petrified Flora and the other fairies but, of course, it didn’t even try. Like I said, no fucking stakes whatsoever.

- Didn’t they already deal with the tree... whatever the hell they are (I am too lazy to check how you write that and, honestly, this show does not deserve the effort)? Why are there more? Also, she totally did not need to save Miele from falling because Miele has wings. She could have just went back into flight and Flora could have earned her Bloomix just for saving her from the tree thing.

- Okay, the Bloomix spells look better actually. I hope. Otherwise, this will really get on my nerves.

- Why weren’t the Linphea fairies using their wings? That could have saved them from being petrified. I think in flight it would be easier to dodge the rays than it would be while you’re running AND HAVING YOUR BACK TURNED ON THE BASILISKS. BECAUSE THAT IS FUCKING SMART.

- And talking about smart, Roy was an absolute idiot. He could have just whisked Layla away while he was on his hoverbike and been done with it. He didn’t have to get in front of her and get turned into stone. And what does Nex do? His sudden care for Roy made him all stupid as well and he got himself petrified too. Great fucking job! I see how amazing you are in your supposed area of expertise.

6x05:

- Aww, I love the way Stella pulled Layla out of danger. I am really starting to ship this. Could have gone without Layla asking her if she remembered the flip since she obviously did as Stella performed it just a couple of minutes earlier (but it was in the last episode so they have to even give a flashback!) but it was cute that they did it together. I don’t really think that their actions should have qualified them for earning Bloomix but anyway. I don’t mind that they transformed together because their dynamic is really cute and I am sinking in deep.

- Ah, yes. Bloom was fighting the Trix. Totally forgot that because there was no stakes to that fight whatsoever. I do like the aesthetic of Bloom being in a different transformation than Stella and Layla. We haven’t seen that since three seasons ago when the first Enchantix was won.

- How did Stella get inspired for THESE hats by the battle? This is so totally not appropriate wear for any remotely intense situation. At least she didn’t get sulky this time when the rest didn’t like her designs.

- They’re making Riven an asshole again. I am glad that they had Tecna also being busy with her own things. Honestly, I kinda feel like they’re making Musa too demanding when it comes to attention. And Tecna is right that her algorithm is quiet while Musa’s music isn’t. When you live with other people, you have to respect their space. However, you’d think that they’d resolved this issue years ago since they have been roommates forever. I do like the symbols on their door, though. It really personalizes the space.

- Oh, Daphne has friends! That is really cool! Though, I hope this girl is a magical creature that ages differently because otherwise, this doesn’t make sense. What they said about the long time they haven’t seen each other makes me hopeful.

- These pandemonium sprites look like rats. I am not impressed. Even if they have destructive screams. You’d think the Magic Dimension will have something more interesting. The legend of the four sisters from the Hallowinx episode was leagues above this both in complexity and in creepiness. They need to step it up a notch with the Legendarium. And they don’t even explain any extended history (if any) behind the legends which could have been a great way to worldbuild. But nah.

- I don’t understand what is Musa’s problem. Tecna is allowed to not enjoy herself. And Musa is acting as if if all of her friends don’t enjoy the place she loves, she will not be validated in her love for it. It’s getting annoying. Not to mention that the pixies are not helping. I forgot their only role is to clown around... Which by the way, we already have Kiko for.

- Okay, the thing with the sounds residing in the pandemonium cave is actually kinda cool. Still not sure how exactly Tecna and Musa defeated the sprites but it was cool to see them team up. I’ve always known that the two of them can combine to a very powerful result. And Tecna creating tech for Musa is super cute!

- Ooooh, Diaspro team-up with the Trix! I love it! And Diaspro and Icy circling each other looked like they were checking each other out. They just need to get Bloom to leave Sky and join them and it is going to be the most powerful OT3 ever. (Why is Diaspro still only in her Winx form, though. It has been six years (and possibly more depending on where the movies fit in the time line).)

6x06:

- Vortex of flames? And fire eaters? That finally sounds intense. Let’s just hope that it will deliver as much as that’s possible at this point in time. Also, I love the fact that Diaspro is invited to the event on Domino. She is a princess, after all, and it would be a good idea to try to smooth things out with her kingdom (since she and Bloom aren’t on good terms).

- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Daphne is getting crowned as the heir to the throne! Yessss! Good! I am so happy to hear this! And they’ve gotten rid of the ugly dresses. Though, you’d think that Daphne will also have a new dress that is special for her coronation.

- Well, Thoren has jumped on quite the fast horse. Which I know will keep being the case but... What is Sky’s problem? Is it that Diaspro is there? Or is it because of Thoren? They’re suddenly being inseparable.

- Yeah, I don’t think Bloom’s weakness is from sharing the Dragon Fire. It is supposed to be inextinguishable so it shouldn’t be weakened by a few sparks that she gave to her friends.

- Aww, Daphne, honey, we know you will do your best for Domino! You already have! The whole planet wouldn’t be here without you and your family wouldn’t be either. I am so glad she is finally getting the recognition she deserves.

- Yeah, okay, Thoren left Sky but that was years ago. People change. Though, considering who he’s grown up with (aka Erendor), I can see how that is a foreign concept to Sky. Not to absolve him of responsibility for being so quick to judge after all this time in which he hasn’t bothered to see Thoren. And besides, they should let Daphne make her own decisions. She is more than capable of protecting herself.

- “I just love love” Amore is every shipper ever. Probably why she is most tolerable to me from the pixies.

- This is bullshit. Bloom was born without Dragon Fire. She didn’t have any before Daphne gave it to her. She doesn’t need it to sustain her. Maybe to sustain her powers. But not her life. And back in season 1 when the Trix stole the Dragon Fire from her, she was just fine. She wasn’t passing out and stuff. Stop making inconsistencies just to have more drama, dammit!

- Those fire eater things look stupid. I hope they are more effective, at least.

- Love how Diaspro didn’t even get to have her transformation even though they didn’t have to draw her a new one. They just had to take the transformation sequence from season 1. But even that was too much. At least Sky has learned not to trust her anymore. I can’t believe this day came.

- I like to think that Oritel asking about the girls meant all of Winx not just Bloom and Daphne (even if he didn’t but I think that he did).

- So why did Daphne just stand there instead of blasting Diaspro before she could throw Bloom into the vortex? I do love Diaspro and her wicked good days, though. If only she would just stop caring about Sky. I mean, Icy is right there!

- So it is confirmed that Bloom is a pyromaniac now, right? She was falling towards a vortex of flames and thinking about how beautiful it is. I can def see her lighting things on fire just to see the pretty flames once she got old enough to use a lighter. What is that hydra in the vortex, though, and where did it come from?

- Of course, Bloom can defeat the hydra and survive the vortex even though she was too weak to walk on her own. Of fucking course! Makes perfect sense! (I just hope the Trix will take Diaspro on their side even though Bloom survived. Diaspro did her job and the Trix have been failing to kill Bloom for years. They can’t hold that against her.) Edit: Where the hell did Diaspro go? We never see her again for the rest of the first half of the season (and possibly the second half as well). This plot point was just abandoned midway and I hate it!

- They already danced. Nothing says that they can’t again but they’re making such a big deal out of it.

- I’m gonna say it here but I am really not a fan of the Bloomix designs. The separate elements are good on their own but combined all together are too much for me. I don’t know where in the outfit to look because every part of it is screaming for attention.

6x07:

- Wow. I guess Stella doesn’t have to worry about getting rid of spiders. She can just yell at them and they’re going to leave. That’s actually useful. Wish I could do that.

- Please, tell me that Faragonda is at least taking some interest in how things with Griffin are going. Not that I have doubts about how well Roxy can take care of her but I doubt that Griffin is feeling very comfortable with the whole ordeal. I think she’d feel better if she spent some of her time as a crow with Faragonda. (Also, why didn’t Faragonda try to break the spell on her? If she can’t, then how did anyone else?)

- I have to say that them saying the Library of Alexandria wasn’t burned but hidden is hurting me because I wish that could be true. At least then the books wouldn’t have been destroyed even though we still wouldn’t have access to them.

- Love it how Daphne’s class has only the Winx and some other fairies when it is convenient. Aka when the Trix need someone to pose as.

- Why did the Specialists only come to Alfea to wish Winx goodbye? They could have done that on the phone. And I really don’t like the way they are making me like Roy by having an even worse option there for Layla. But the gift was actually cool. At least he gets her to a certain level.

- What was the idea of Daphne taking an entire balloon for her and the pixies if the pixies aren’t even flying with the balloon? They’re flying on their own and are just keeping up with the balloon. She could have gone with Bloom and the pixies could have been in the other balloon with Winx.

- I thought Bloom used her fire to make the storm disperse but nope. She just brought the two balloons higher up. And I just got excited over nothing. Damn!

- Really? Cherie just solved this? On her own? Even though Winx couldn’t? Yes, I agree with the Trix. This is ridiculous.

- Of course. Where there is Egypt, there are mummies. Normally, I don’t complain about mummies as I love all things Egyptian but there isn’t one thing that Winx hasn’t managed to fuck up in the last couple of seasons so I am not thrilled about this development.

- Why aren’t the Trix attacking? They have a perfect opportunity. They could blast Winx in back as they deal with the mummies and finish them off. But that would be too reasonable a plan. They have to wait for Winx to get a handle on the situation because they can’t be bothered to move their asses and get something fucking done.

6x08:

- How is THAT going for their bandages? They just keep blasting the mummies.

- Really not a fan of the way Daphne’s magic appears to be elemental. I think it would have been cooler for her to have some other powers. Or at least have just one element (and I think water would have been more interesting).

- Why does light seem to work on the mummies? They’re dead! They shouldn’t care about light. Nor sleep for that matter! I was gonna say that rain would make more sense as it would make their bandages wet but that didn’t work, yet somehow sleep seemed to have an effect. At least for a while. The lack of logic in this is unreal.

- Chatta just found the oldest way for defeating a mummy - unwrapping it from the bandages. Has none of them watched any movies? That is literally everywhere! Even though it does not make sense either because under the bandages there is a dried up body and this should have been gruesome as hell, not successful.

- Why did Selina send the Sphinx after the city instead of after Winx? That seems like they wanted to cause some unnecessary destruction only to make the Sphinx look tougher. Like we don’t know they’re gonna defeat it.

- How can Bloom feel everything? This is getting preposterous.

- Well, of course, Bloom can also sense a diary that she has never seen. Because it obviously has the energy of a living person and she can feel it. Makes perfect sense, why are you asking?

- At least the Trix are pretty good at keeping up the charade as Alfea fairies. Despite Stormy’s almost instant fuck-up in the the previous episode. Though, if they were smarter, they would be studying Winx to find out how they beat them every time and then deliberately set out to prevent that from happening so that they can win.

- When did Selina get into the library? I know Acheron told her that she needs to find the diary but she managed to teleport to another planet and we didn’t even see it. Not to mention that he said he knows where she can find the diary, yet she doesn’t seem to be doing so well in her search for it.

- Of course, suddenly it turns out that Bloom had a friend in Gardenia that she has never ever mentioned before and no one knew nothing about. Makes sense. They did look cute together, though.

- Seriously????? Piff got the Sphinx?!?!?!?! The Trix are an absolute mood in those last two episodes. This is ridiculous... again.

- Yeah, sure. They’re just doing convergence left and right. And with Daphne. Not like that should be hard to pull off. And I hate to say this but it should have worked. They so totally don’t need Bloom in order for the convergence to happen.

- Originally, they were supposed to have only one try but whatever. And my guess was five letters because I thought he was only asking about the word “books”. I didn’t think it was supposed to be “those books”. But I was still close enough. And it wasn’t that hard a riddle.

- So the library didn’t get burned down. Winx fucked it up and now you can’t enter it anymore. Nice one! Yeah, successful mission for you. But you managed to send to hell the whole library.

6x09:

- “We’re getting to see the world”? Yeah, one country from one single planet. It’s not like they have been all over the Magic Dimension. Sure, they are totally impressed by Earth that has been shown to be behind on tech AND magic. This line would make sense if they were normal people from Earth. The way things are, it just sounds weird.

- They really have no better way to create danger and are using the pixies to mess with the balloons? Pathetic. Also, why is Daphne using water to stabilize the balloon? How does that make sense?

- They’re just making pointless filler. Stella could have given them the proper warm attire the first time around. There was no need for that ridiculousness. I cannot anymore.

- Oh, yes, suddenly Bloom’s rationalizing abilities peak and she is considering all the question marks around Selina being in the library. Right. Totally bought that.

- Well, at least the Trix are rocking the disguises and the undercover work. That is the breath of fresh air that I need.

- How are the pixies not dead? The Trix turned Griffin into a crow but the pixies are somehow putting up a fight against them? I am going to scream. This is unbelievably stupid. The Trix have the power to decimate the pixies with one hit. So why didn’t they? They would have done us all a favor.

- Yeah, it was so obvious that Piff would wake them up before the Trix could finish them off. It’s just too convenient.

- I see Icy is still struggling with her crush on Bloom that hasn’t let up since the third movie. She didn’t even try to fight. And after all of this, they didn’t even take the diary? Come on!

- They saved his restaurant? It never would have been endangered if they hadn’t shown up! And I didn’t see anyone putting any conscious thought into saving the restaurant... or destroying it for that matter.

- Speaking of their never ending journey, are you telling me that this is the still the day that they left Egypt? Please, do not tell me that they somehow managed to get from Egypt to China in hot air balloons in one day! The hell!

- Oh, yeah, Icy, blame Stormy. You totally had the chance to blow the Winx away but you decided to leave because you don’t actually want to be rid of Bloom. Just admit it instead of blaming Stormy for your leadership and decisions.

- Pearls of restraint? Seriously? How do pearls relate to restraint? This sounds ridiculous. Are you telling me that they are going for some ocean-fire opposition here? Thanks, I hate it!

- Of course, the pearls are easy as fuck to find. Why would they be hidden or protected or something? Pft!

- How the hell did he give them a live flower? And they just said it’s one of a kind and handmade. Where did it come from? That just... doesn’t make sense. Why do I even bother anymore? Not to mention that it is supposed to only grow in Gardenia but he totally had one that was still alive in China. I don’t even know what to say anymore. I have run out of reactions over how incredibly illogical all of this is!

6x10:

- How many colleges are there and why have none of them ever come up before? I should be glad that they are giving us some tiny bit of worldbuilding but what we get is half assed as hell. We don’t even know where these things are or how they even help the Trix.

- Yeah, the Specialists AND the palladins are training at Alfea because THAT makes perfect sense. But OMG! Riven humoring Kiko and being so cheerful? with him? Absolute perfection!

- I am sick of the pixies. They weren’t so annoying in seasons 2 and 3. What happened?

- Oh, they brought back the freshmen? I thought no one would remember about them. I am pleasantly surprised for the second time in two minutes and I cannot believe it.

- They also unspelled Griffin? Nice.

- Am I the only one that is weirded out by the fact that everyone is referring to them as “the Winx” now? They just called them “girls” before. And even the dragon tamer from the previous episode referred to them that way which was just weird af.

- Aaaaaand Alfea just gained another facility. Not like that takes space or anything. And they were like “Oh, yeah, there was totes a greenhouse in this school and Flora didn’t know about it because it was abandoned BUT... it’s in perfect shape.” The bullshit is unreal once again.

- Omg, Stella and Brandon are so adorable! He is instantly humoring her and just rolling with her theatrical performance. They were made for each other.

- Yes, of course, Sky is the only one that is picking on the “wrong” vibes Selina is emitting. Because he is just so instinctive and it would be an opportunity for drama between him and Bloom (further supported by her just instantly trusting Selina and breaking Alfea protocol for it). Edit: There was no fight between Bloom and Sky about Selina, I can’t believe it! At this point they would throw just about anything between them so I am surprised that they didn’t use the opportunity.

- Wow. Does Stella really have to change their outfits every time they step into a different room? And she just left Selina out. It would have been weird to change her clothes as well but leaving her out was also just... odd.

- Plant monsters again? Didn’t they fight similar plants at one point? I honestly don’t remember when that was anymore but the ones they already fought looked like sunflowers. Maybe in Gardenia when Diana took over? That sounds right.

- Ah, this explains why they unspelled Griffin. That way they had all Palladium, Griffin and Selina pretending to be with them just so everything can piece together in a convenient way.

- Well, this is the most consistent Bloom has been ever since season 3. Something happens and she is instantly running back to Gardenia. At least the Winx tried to talk her out of it (and aww, precious Stella even crying over it!). And okay, I get she is upset that she nearly got Flora killed (love how Selina will never answer for that even though it was one of the closest calls ever) but she just wanted to protect a friend. She couldn’t have known what Selina was planning. And leaving now after they were in such a rush to find Eldora seems very counterproductive and selfish or at least self-absorbed on her part. They still have work to do.

6x11:

- There’s a Bloom dopelganger at Cloud Tower? Why are they even accepting students? And why did that fairy decide to join them (also, the hair cages are the stupidest thing ever)? They didn’t even give her a reason to do that. I almost feel like they only did it to show it’s possible to switch from being a fairy to being a witch in order to set up Selina’s story. Not like Mirta ever existed or anything. Or Faragonda for that matter (and yes, they switched from being a witch to being a fairy but that implies that the opposite is also possible).

- What, Griselda now has a problem with classical music? But I can’t believe we are seeing Roxy after she is done being useful to the plot. And it was nice to see her in a class in the previous episode.

- Why did Stella need to give them wings? We can go an episode without being reminded that she’s into fashion. And I hate how they are making Winx fight the second Bloom is not there. How is training gonna help if they can’t lock up the Legendarium? That should be a priority!

- Oh, god, the filler is unbearable (so I’m skipping it) and it’s not even giving a good perspective on the emotional mess which I think was the point. They could have done so much in the half an episode they wasted. (Also, how come Layla ended up with Nex when she seems to have more in common with Roy or at least get along with him better?)

- Even the Trix know that Bloom runs back to Earth every time there are consequences for her actions that she doesn’t want to face. But why vampires? And they made it sound like the idea of vampires exists only on Earth. That seems kinda weird.

- And the flower is in Gardenia. I mean, I knew that because I remember parts of the whole Eldora thing. But still.

- Yes, Layla and Stella are the only ones that grew up as princesses so only they can try to be leaders when Bloom is gone. I have to say that that shot of all of them hugging with Kiko but without Bloom is literally perfect for the rewrite I would do that has Layla as the main character and her and Stella are dating. (Why the hell did Bloom leave Kiko behind? She has NEVER done that before!)

- Oh, they’re energy vampires? They don’t drink blood? Or that’s just a paralyzing spell? Oh, wait, no. It’s a hypnotizing spell. I do hate to admit that that seems to be one of the abilities of vampires but they have reduced them to just that? And kinda draining energy? Booooooooring.

- Wait, the vampires are suddenly shooting beams out of their eyes somehow. ‘Cause that makes sense.

- At least Bloom realized that the Legendarium brought the vampires to life. I was just gonna say that it’s dumb of her to not figure that out after so many episodes.

- Well, this episode was completely pointless and could have been easily cut. So could have been the next, I’m guessing. The pixies were pointless as well because Bloom was going to run into the vampires sooner or later and Winx were supposed to go to Gardenia anyway because the flower is there. There was no need for any of this, really.

6x12:

- Poor Mike and Vanessa. They have been threatened so many times because Bloom will not face her problems and drags them with her to Gardenia. And they are still never complaining about it, never even for a second wished that she hadn’t found out the truth about herself. They are so precious, I love them!

- If you can’t stay at your home, why did you barricade yourself inside it? The logic.

- Of course, she doesn’t have a complete plan. Why would she? She didn’t have to stop and fight them. She could have just kept flying to get them far, far away. It’s clear that she is their target. And that would have bought her time to think.

- And once again, Winx show up just on time to save her. Couldn’t have let the vampires take a bite or two... Oh, wait. They don’t bite. Why would they? Not like that is literally the MAIN thing to a vampire.

- Oh, come on! She’s acting like they have been apart for ages and she abandoned them forever. And her little speech is annoying me because she sounds like she had an epiphany and I call bullshit on that. She was moping right up until the battle and then she clearly wasn’t thinking about ANYTHING.

- Stella legit turned Bloom into a broom?!?!?! For what possible reason? And was she planning to sweep the streets with Bloom’s hair. Very inappropriate even if I would have had nothing against seeing that.

- Oh, yeah. Great idea to leave behind the transformations and go all casual. They might have been able to fight back otherwise and we couldn’t have had that. They needed to be “enslaved” in order for something to appear to be happening.

- What do you mean Stella’s address is Alfea college? Her address should be on Solaria. And why did she just not put Mike and Vanessa’s address? That’s the only Earth address she could have used. But no! Her fashion obsession had to be dragged back in but at least this time it served some purpose.

- “Solar halo”? That sounds so cool. But did the vampire really leave two pixies “guard” against a fairy and four more pixies? How does that make sense? Your math does not add the fuck up! I know you’re undead but you must have some brains left in there.

- Oh, yeah, and the sunlight even breaks the vampires’ spell BEFORE destroying the vampires. NO.

- They make me sick as well, Darcy, don’t worry. They really left enough time for the fashion show as well? I am getting sick of this fashion obsession when there is nothing else going on! There is no plot. There is no point to these episodes.

- She wants inspiration? She didn’t have enough of that when they were fighting all the goth vampires? Though, I have to say that I really like the designs! She really mixed them up and I am so happy to see Stella designing something with a goth streak because it works for one of my ideas.

6x13:

- This is the most important pizza on a TV show ever. But I am so happy to see how excited Mike and Vanessa are to have all the girls together. They have basically adopted all of them at this point.

- Does this episode intend to start at some point? 1/4 is already done and they have not done anything AT ALL!

- Oh, the touch of Selina and Bloom feels is the first interesting thing.

- Even Mike has noticed how convenient it is that everything is in Gardenia. But wait, Bloom had a drawing of the flower and she didn’t remember it when she first saw it? Wow! They are amping up the ridiculousness even more.

- Wait, why did Bloom keep saying that she’s Bloom and Eldora keeps ignoring that? Isn’t Eldora supposed to be the one that remembers her and Bloom should be the one to have her memories wiped or whatever? Also, Eldora’s cheerfulness is exhausting me when it is coupled with her chaotic energy. That post about Eldora being a drunk Faragonda is too real since Faragonda’s cheerfulness and positivity is a lot more peaceful.

- Weren’t there supposed to be no more fairies on Earth after the Wizards of the Black Circle? Then how come Eldora and Selina were just fine? That is stupid and contradicts the entirety of season 4 but, of course, no one cares about continuity. What is that? If it doesn’t make money, it’s not of interest.

- Yeah, Selina’s backstory makes no sense because she wasn’t after power. She was happy with Eldora and then all of a sudden, boom! She’s evil. Yeah, right. And where did the being the witch of snakes come from? She has never been shown to... oh, wait! That was somehow relevant to the finale, wasn’t it? Ugggggh!

- Lmaooo, the Trix are writing their own critique on the whole thing. Yes, it is all the same old song and dance. I wish they would get more interesting powers. And instead we’re getting Mythix that is both ugly and unnecessary.

- Why didn’t the Winx try telling the Trix that Selina is playing them? That would have made things different.

- “I’m so over the Legendarium.” We all are, Layla. We all are.

- So Eldora is the fairy of flowers? Aka the previous Flora.

- A bit responsible? Yeah, guess who would have never found the Legendarium if not for her. And leaving it unprotected where it could find Selina was so incredibly stupid.

Part 2 is here.

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rons-hermiones · 3 years

Text

Come Find Me

by rons-hermiones

Summary: Unplanned, Hermione is forced to spend Christmas at the Burrow due to her grandmother falling very ill. After being ignored by Hermione for weeks, Ron is determined to show her how much she means to him. Just before he gets the chance to tell her, Bellatrix Lestrange shows up with other plans for Hermione. Can Ron get to her before it's too late? (Ron/Hermione Half-Blood Prince AU)

Rating: M for language & dark themes in later chapters.

Warning: this chapter does contain sexual assault (non consensual kissing), it is nothing graphic, but please if it’s upsetting I’d skip this one.

Chapter Twenty One

Hermione isn’t sure how long it’s been. Surely it feels like a lifetime but she knows that can’t be.

She tried to mark the passing of time with whenever Draco or his mother would come with her meals. Eventually, that felt pointless. No matter how many times the cold porridge mixed with pain potion came, it didn’t help much.

Not when the Cruciatus Curse was being cast on her daily.

Sometimes Narcissa or Draco would speak in hushed whispers to her about how she was only to be dealt with by Bellatrix or the Dark Lord himself.

So basically, they were subtly telling her to count her lucky stars that someone like Dolohov, Greyback, or that vile man Scabior weren’t getting their hands on her.

It was a small mercy, but something she was having trouble appreciating as of late. Not when she’s vowed herself to silence, only speaking to herself when she felt her own sanity slipping away.

Yesterday she barely remembered her fathers name. Today it rang in her head too well. The day before last she convinced herself she had lived in Ottery St Catchpole, it was four hours later she recalled she grew up in Hampstead. And just a few days ago, she swore Draco was a boy named Thomas she hasn’t seen since Muggle primary school.

The only thing she seemed to hold onto was Hogwarts, A History, the very copy Ron gifted her. Despite all the horrors and torture, she just can’t seem to shake him. Not that she wants to.

Narcissa seems to notice her slipping away slowly. She tries to get her to talk about anything when she’s around. But she stays silent.

Speaking of the woman, the only thing she’s been grateful for since she arrived is Narcissa Malfoy.

From her understanding, magic in the dungeon has to be granted to you by some sort of keeper, who she assumes is Bellatrix or Voldemort. Only those granted access can use magic down there, or so Narcissa says. She thinks she’s read about magic like this, but she can’t be sure.

Narcissa enchanted a candle to light so she could read. The woman seemed to notice, but not outright comment on the book she clutched to. The candle was amazingly set to fizzle out whenever someone other than Missus Malfoy entered. It even burned out when Draco came.

So far she’s been able to catalogue the few able to perform magic down here.

Bellatrix, who apparated in here her first day and who has since used spells on her down here.

Hermione just assumes Lucius Malfoy also was granted access because he doesn’t exactly strike her as the type of man to let a woman have more power then he does.

Shockingly, Wormtail is also able to conjure up magic in the dungeons. This notion baffled Hermione. What feels like a lifetime ago, but in hindsight was two days, the man tried to perform some sort of stinging jinx on her. Of course, it failed, nearly causing a few hives on her ankle. Later, Narcissa came to treat her and explained Pettigrew was granted access down here because he often was tasked with tending to prisoners.

Other than that, the likes of Greyback, Dolohov, Scabior, Rookwood, and the rest of the filth that rots upstairs haven’t been down here. She would bet a sickle they weren’t allowed to use spells, being Greyback side-alonged in here not that long ago.

Voldemort obviously can do whatever he wants down here, but thinks the dungeons below him, literally and metaphorically. Instead he has someone else collect her, inflicting punishment upstairs.

Draco also can’t perform magic. Hermione doesn’t know Malfoy well at all, besides the fact he’s a right git, so it could be because he’s underage but she can’t be sure. It’s not like she’s ever sung his praises and she won’t start now.

So he comes down and gives her cold porridge, stale bread, and water, it doesn’t mean anything to her. It helps her survive, but she suspects he’s in charge of making sure she does so for some sick twisted reason.

And as much as she has begged and pleaded his mother to let her go, she knows she can’t because things are too complicated. Apparently Draco’s been caught in the middle of all this somehow and the best thing she can do is help Hermione heal. Ease some of her pain.

Narcissa pours her potions and casts charms that barely go unnoticed by Bellatrix. All while her son pouts and broods next to her, after all he’s only ever cared for himself. Merlin, he doesn’t even try to speak to her, just the occasional ‘Granger you have to eat, please.’ Other than that, Narcissa is her only decent company.

But she still longs for more. So, so much more.

However, there’s no time to dwell on it right now. Not as the candle blows out and heels click onto the steps.

There will surely be time to yearn for something better. When Malfoy’s mother comes down and asks her questions about everything she can think of. Hermione’s still not sure if it’s to keep her sane or to keep her busy. She doesn’t care. And even if she can’t always respond, she needs it.

But right now, Bellatrix apparently needs her.

“Up! Up! Up!” She chants wildly with a grin.

Knowing there’s no use fighting it, she peels herself off the ground and stumbles to her feet.

“I sure did wear you out yesterday didn’t I?”

And she had. Casting all sorts of spells on Hermione. Ones she didn’t even dare read about.

“No matter, we're going to have some fun today. You want to have fun don’t you Mudblood?”

This is usually how it goes. Bellatrix madly sounds off to herself as Hermione remains stoic and silent. No matter, it seems the crazy witch likes talking like this.

As she grabs her arm roughly and drags her up the stairs she goes on, “it’s come to my attention we’ve missed New Year’s Muddy.”

New Year’s has passed already? That means it’s been at least a week. The brunette implies it’s been more since she said they ‘missed’ it.

As she’s being thrown into the room that has become a product of her worst nightmares she sees three harrowing faces.

“I wanted to give you something special.” Bellatrix says feigning sympathy, “I figured since you didn’t have your New Year’s kiss you so longed to share with that disgusting Blood Traitor, I’d help you out. Girl to girl.” The smile she’s wearing makes Hermione ponder trying out wandless magic.

“So here with me today are three more than eligible bachelors! Perfectly capable wizards,” she pauses, eyes roving over Greyback’s hairy chest, “and then some...” Bellatrix faces Hermione again, “since I’m feeling in spirit of the New Year, I’ll allow you to pick your suitor. Who will it be Mudblood?”

And it’s like the most fucked up game show ever. She doesn’t want anyone in this room looking at her, never mind touching her.

“Indecisive I see. Let me help you make things easier,” she begins circling the men, “this one seems to rather like you despite the dirt running through your veins. But I must say his breath is horrendous.” The woman mock whispers to Hermione as Scabior dares to grin likes it’s a compliment.

“Antonin here, well you two have history, do you not? I reckon he’s dying to get his hands on you again, aren’t you?”

At this Dolohov eagerly shakes his head as she notices his fingers tick around his wand.

“And Greyback, well we all know how much he longs to taste you. You know how such creatures can be, you hang about the likes of Remus Lupin, my poor excuse of a cousin's poor excuse of a best friend.” She comments.

And that does it for Hermione.

“D-d-d,” she tries, but her voice is shaky and wavering under their gazes. It’s like there is some sort of mental block in her brain preventing her from speaking.

“D-d,” Bellatrix mocks with a laugh, “if you’ve got something to say, say it!”

“S-Sirius.” Hermione barely manages.

This makes her cackle even louder, “oh! Something to say about the traitor do you? No matter, I handled him! Not much left to say, no.”

Hermione somehow manages to ball her small hands into angry tight fists at the comment. This woman’s so nonchalant about taking a life, the life of an extraordinary man, her cousin's life no less.

“Who will it be? I haven’t to tell you how impatient I am.”

Her eyes roam over the three men in the room. Not that she’s actually deciding, no, she’s looking for a wand. Weighing who she could best.

Scabior is twirling his mindlessly between his fingers. He looks more enamored with Hermione than anything else. Dolohov is clutching his with fervor, she’s sure the only thing on his mind is cursing her. As for Greyback, the wand is slightly visible in his pocket, he’s too focused on licking his lips.

There’s really no right choice here. All are as bad at the other.

“Alright, new game!” Bellatrix claps.

Then like the crazy woman she is, she starts spinning. Round and round, a hand clutched over her eyes as she hums to herself.

A few moments later she stops, stumbling slightly and giggling like mad. Then, she points her wand, the end of it only centimeters from Dolohov’s nose.

As she pulls her hand away, she begins jumping with joy, “lucky day for you Antonin! Fate has spoken. The girl is yours.” Then Bellatrix steps forward and whispers to him, “remember the Dark Lord’s request. No fatal harm to the Mudblood.”

Instinctively, Hermione backs up as far as she can until she hits a wall. Dolohov is rounding in on her, his wall still hanging in his hand. Looser than before.

And before she can help it his dry cracked lips are pressed firmly over hers. Her first instinct is to kick him, much like she had to with McLaggen, or curse him. Then as he tries to slip his disgusting slimy tongue past her lips, she’s reminded what she needs to do.

Wand. Wand. Wand.

She says it to herself over and over as her hand slowly roves around for his own. That’s all she can cling onto, not wanting to accept the overwhelming feelings of being so violated.

Then she feels the wooden thing and is sickeningly grateful he seems so intent on claiming her, he’s forgotten his vendetta to finish what he started at the Ministry.

In one swift motion she yanks it from his hand.

“St-stupefy!” She channels all of her strength to say it.

It’s not a powerful blow, but he’s being thrown back. Whether the lack of her voice or the wand that so does not fit her, but it works.

“Pr-rotego!” She’s seemed to find her voice as the charm works wonders around her. Seeming to have blocked whatever Bellatrix just threw.

“Clever! But not clever enough! What will you do next Mudblood? Apparate? Go back to that boy you so dearly long for? Pay dear Mum and Dad a visit?” She questions angrily.

Hermione shivers at the mention of her parents. She also doesn’t think she has it in her to apparate. Sure she’s read about it in a book, but it’s risky, dangerous, and she’s so exhausted. To make matters worse, this wand feels as effective as an actual wooden stick in her hand.

“Ex-Expelliarmus!” She cries out next and surprisingly, Bellatrix’s wand flies into her hand.

“Oh!” She laughs.

Hermione’s confused by the smile painting her lips, but soon will realize what it means.

“Greyback, I’m afraid I’ve made a mistake. Have at her.”

And he doesn’t have to be told twice.

Before Hermione notices he pounces on her, knocking her to the floor as both Dolohov and Bellatrix’s wands roll limply along the floor.

She feels his nails plunge into her stomach as they scratch down the expanse of her skin. It’s like he’s taking his time with her.

Lestrange, like she said before, is an impatient woman, as she nudges Greyback from his spot on top of her. And even though he appears to be fighting every instinct, he does as he’s told.

Bellatrix assumes his position as she straddles her, settling most of her weight onto Hermione’s bleeding midriff.

She then leans in close, her hot breath fanning her face, blowing her tears to the sides of her cheeks, “if you think you can pull one over on me, you are sorely mistaken, you ought to know that by now. I have no choice but to remind you of it!”

Then she pulls a dagger from her waist band and slowly rolls up Hermione’s sleeve.

The young witch has no choice but to writhe and kick wildly as the blade slowly scrapes her forearm.

“Hmm,” she thinks, then her face brightens.

A pain, a searing excruciating pain like no other numbs her body. She has no choice but to scream.

Bellatrix pulls away and admires whatever it is she does before diving back in and cutting something else into her victim.

“J-just kill me. P-please.” She begs before she can help it. Hermione can barely manage the words through the pain.

The witch mock pouts at her, “and grant you such mercy.” Her tone then shifted to the one Hermione was used to cold and sharp, “dying is easy Mudblood. Pain lasts! Crucio!”

And she screams again. She’s not sure if it’s from the Cruciatus Curse or the fact that the damned knife is being plunged into her skin, but eventually her screams die out.

Instead the world goes black.

In her unconscious state Bellatrix stands and smiles down at her handy work.

The word ‘Mudblood’ branded onto Hermione.

#Ron Weasley #Ron and Hermione #ron x hermione #rons-hermiones come find me #Hermione Granger #romione fanfic #hp fanfic #hp #sixth year

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trissmarrygoals · 3 years

Text

the train room

Here is my secret Santa gift for @knightryder24! I hope you like it, my mom is a librarian so of course I had to jump on that idea. This was written for @thewitchersecretsanta, thank you so much for getting this together. This will be posted on AO3 at some point, so check it out there as well

Warnings: None

The library is quiet at this time of day. If Geralt is being honest, the library is quiet most times of the day, but he chooses not to dwell on that. Sure, they have some of the lowest patronage in the system, but they’re also in a dying town with no open businesses aside from the bank.

The quiet seeps into every part of the building, seeming to infect his staff and volunteers. He’s put Dara, his daughter Ciri’s friend and a reliable volunteer despite being fourteen, to work pulling holds, and Priscilla and Triss are busy at their computers, probably not doing work. He doesn’t blame them. He isn’t really doing anything either, just watching over his little library.

He’s been director here for five months, and it hasn’t been easy. To survive, the library needs to change, and this small Kaedweni town is nothing if not reluctant to change. He’s the only one of his staff who currently has a masters, although Triss is putting herself through library school. “Someone should be coming about the train room today.”

He spins around. He’d been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn’t noticed Triss leave her desk and come up behind him. “Hmm.”

The train room is one of his projects - or it’s going to be, once he’s buttered the board up enough. Which might take a while, considering he’s socially awkward and prone to underspeaking, but he’ll make it work. He suspects Calanthe, the frankly terrifying head of the board, thinks of him as crazy in an amusing way, which is a start.

“You won’t have to do anything besides unlocking the back for them,” Triss assures him. “It’ll probably be Letho, you’ve met him before.”

He appreciates Triss - saying that she keeps him mostly sane at this job wouldn’t be an exaggeration - but he hates the feeling of being handled. “It’ll be fine, whoever it is.” She just grins in response.

“Do you know where the key is?”

He doesn’t.

He’s not sure what he’s expecting from a firefighter, but it’s definitely not a man his own age in a blue cable knit sweater that brings out his eyes. The kid looks like all of Geralt’s friends from library school, mashed into one. Geralt always felt out of place at library school.

He introduces himself as Jaskier. He’s bright and bubbly and Geralt isn’t sure entirely how to handle him. Because he doesn’t just take the key from Geralt, oh no. He clearly wants to talk.

“I heard you’re trying to move our train room!” He says cheerily. Geralt’s stomach sinks. He didn’t realize the firefighters had heard about that. He can’t afford to alienate them. Jaskier must realize, because he laughs. “Don’t worry, I think it’s a good idea. Don’t tell the other firefighters I said that, though.” Geralt relaxes a little, but not all the way. He rarely relaxes all the way these days. Or maybe ever.

“Do you want to come in?” Jaskier asks with a bright smile that makes something in Geralt do a flip. “I can give you the official tour.”

“I’ve been in there.” Geralt pointedly doesn’t bring up the time he was in there alone and one of the train whistles went off because it was definitely nothing and hadn’t scared him at all. He does watch Jaskier go in, though. Not like that, the way people joke about watching people walk away, because Geralt is wildly asexual and doesn’t really get the whole butt thing. But he appreciates the silhouette of Jaskier in the dark room, the way he moves, the lines of his body. He’s a beautiful thing.

And suddenly, Geralt knows he’s fucked.

The train room opens after Thanksgiving. Suddenly, Geralt’s little library is flooded with people, none of whom are here for books. He tries not to be bitter, but as much as he worries about their circulation numbers, he finds he prefers the library quiet. He likes having it to himself.

There are always firefighters watching the door, welcoming people in. Geralt’s pretty sure they bro around in the back - the previous director told him tales of them using a grill in the train room, but he’s not sure if there’s truth to it.

He definitely doesn’t hang around to see if he can see Jaskier. Not at all, not even a little bit, even though Triss definitely notices. She keeps giving him Looks, which Geralt ignores because nothing is going on.

Except every time Jaskier is there, he always seems to make a point to talk to Geralt. He’s happy and chipper, but Geralt tries not to read anything into it. Why would someone like Jaskier be interested in a dour library director?

"You have a daughter, right?" Jaskier asks one day. "You should bring her by!"

Geralt almost points out that Ciri is fourteen and likely to consider a train room little kid stuff (not to mention that she's heard Geralt ranting about it for the past few months) when Jaskier says, "I'd love to meet her!"

It would, Geralt thinks, probably be good for the library director to be seen engaging in a town tradition, especially since most residents seem to consider him very much an outsider. Yeah. He'll drag Ciri along, and maybe Yennefer, for the image. Or maybe not Yennefer - when they go out in public people tend to make assumptions, and he doesn't want - he doesn't want <i>the town</i> getting the wrong idea.

"We'll be there," he says gruffly, before returning to the shelter of the circulation desk.

They go the next weekend. Ciri is less resistant than expected, mostly because she sees it as an opportunity to engage in her favorite holiday pastime, forcing her dad to engage in "festive" activities and then laughing at him. In a stunning display of hypocrisy, she also mocks him for the rare times he gets too into the season's spirit (he and his brothers admittedly get intense about tree selection). Teenagers. You can't win.

They pull up at the library in Yennefer’s Prius (Geralt’s truck has, yet again, broken down) and Ciri doesn’t wait for him before throwing open the car door and running for the library steps. The line of people has snaked out the door, and Geralt shudders at how much heating is going to cost this month.

Standing in line is never pleasant, but Geralt and Ciri have a time honored tradition of games to play while doing so - quietly deciding which of their linemates are secretly monsters. Before long, they’re through the big glass doors, standing in the warm lobby. Ciri takes her mittens off and shoves them in her coat pocket.

There’s hot chocolate set up in the corner, and Geralt is surprised to see a few people looking through the permanent book sale as they wait. Without really meaning to, he strains to see Jaskier, but the hallway is blocked with people in bulky coats.

Ciri sees him looking. “Expecting someone? Scoping out the competition?” She’s been thoroughly filled in on Geralt’s plans of conquest.

“Yeah, sure.” He tells her, distracted. One of the mittens is falling out of her coat pocket, so he takes it out and puts it in the opposite pocket. She pouts.

“Don’t dad at me in public!”

“But we’re in public, and I’m your dad,” he tells her, deadpan, and she groans.

There’s a soft chuckle from behind them, and Geralt turns to see Jaskier. He’s wearing a jauntily bent santa hat and a cable sweater with trains on the front, and Geralt gets the sudden and deep urge to hug him.

“Hi, Geralt,” he says, sounding strangely breathless. “I wasn’t sure you’d show up.”

“It’s uh. It’s good for the library,” Geralt says, and fuck. If he’s falling over his words like this that means it’s worse than he thought. Luckily, Jaskier doesn’t call him out on it and turns to Ciri instead.

“You must be Cirilla.”

“Ciri,” she says, sticking out her hand for a firm handshake, the way Yennefer taught her.

“Ciri,” he agrees. “Thanks for coming with your dad today.”

“Oh, I couldn’t let him go on his own,” Ciri says with a sly grin. “He gets lonely.”

“I’m right here,” Geralt grumbles, but they ignore him, moving towards the train room and chatting like they’re old friends.

The train room, Geralt will admit, is a lot more impressive when it’s all set up and the lights are on. All the firefighters he sees give him cheery smiles, so he must not be too on their bad side. That or they’re all very good actors.

Christmas comes and goes. Geralt and Ciri spend the morning together, before heading to Vesemir and his husband Ellis’ house for dinner. Yennefer joins them, and at Geralt’s invitation, Triss drops in. Geralt has a sneaking suspicion the two of them hit it off.

It doesn’t snow on Christmas, but it snows the day Geralt goes back to the library. As a part time employee, he got a slightly better holiday deal than most of his employees. To his surprise, the little building seems to echo without the throngs of people.

It doesn’t change his mind about wanting that space, though.

But he does miss something, and it doesn’t take him a long time to realize it’s Jaskier. As he shovels yet more snow off the library stairs and ramp, he finds himself thinking about their talks when the train room had been open. As he weeds in the stacks, he thinks about the easy way he’d conversed with Ciri. As he searches desperately in the circ desk for the book drop key, he thinks of how Jaskier would smile at the story.

Triss and Yennefer go to see a movie together. Triss, for reasons Geralt doesn’t want to think about, avoids telling him the details, but Yennefer suddenly starts volunteering at the library.

The thing is that Geralt could find Jaskier. If he wanted to be wildly unethical, he could look up his phone number in the system, but that thought barely crosses his mind before he dismisses it. But he could ask around. He doesn’t think Jaskier would mind if he asked the fire chief to pass along a message. He doesn’t, though, for a multitude of reasons, all of which boil down to the fact that Jaskier deserves a better relationship than Geralt can give him.

When it comes down to it, Geralt’s good at people, but he’s not good at relationships. He’s not even really good at friendships outside of Yenn (and Borch, and Zoltan, and Milva, and maybe Triss). When he’s hurt, he emotionally pillbugs - pulls all the soft parts inside, leaving only the shell. He’s working on it, but it’s still his go to reaction.

So he doesn’t do anything, and when he lets himself daydream at all, he thinks about next Christmas.

Jaskier shows up on a Wednesday. It’s late January, and the snow has all melted except for dirty gray lumps where the plows piled it up. Geralt is in his office, head full of book orders, and Triss knocks on the door. “Someone’s here to see you,” She says.

Jaskier is standing behind her, looking nervous. “Is it okay if I come in the office?”

“Yeah,” Geralt says, slightly stunned.

“So I was thinking,” Jaskier says. “About your idea about the train room.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. And I want to help you with it.”

Geralt looks at him, taking him all in. Then he says, “I think. I think we should go to the Poppy for lunch this weekend. To talk about the train room.”

Jaskier grins. “Just to talk about the train room?”

“Maybe not just that,” Geralt says, smiling back.

#the witcher #geraskier #witcher secret santa

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fanfics-arent-therapy-but-idc · 3 years

Text

JATP FANFIC

Juke

Fluff

Oneshot

Time and Space

Julie and the boys decide to take a break from the band while Julie gets her bearings at college while they go and explore. Turns out that kindred spirits don’t take well to time and space.

Julie sat on the black swivel chair at the studio, back slightly arched over a keyboard as she recorded a new part to the chorus of a song she was working on. She hummed the lyrics lightly allowing her fingers to make what she heard in her head come to fruition. “Perfect” , she said once she added the keyboard to the song and replayed it. The song was mostly pop with a little bit of soul. It was right on brief as far as she was concerned, but the professors at Berklee were no joke. She just hoped that she did enough for an acceptable grade. After saving the song on her drive, she made her way to her room on 150 Massachusetts avenue. Her roommate, a dance major from Brazil, wasn’t going to be home until 11:00pm, meaning that she had two hours of alone time.

She entered the cozy room with a smile. Alana had turned on the L.E.D fairy lights and she could also smell the faint floral scent of the oil diffuser. She must have done this before she met up with her friends for their weekly Friday dinners . Julie locked the door, sat on her desk, and scribbled a note of gratitude, ending the note with a new Portuguese phrase that she’d picked up from her, “te amo muito”. After placing it on her bed, she began her nightly routine: shower, sing in the shower, wear her comfy pajamas(which consisted of an old, ripped up T-shirt that she had stolen from Luke years ago, and fluffy reindeer pajama pants), check her phone for messages, find out that she didn’t receive any, and ultimately sit on her bed for another hour with her notebook and a pencil. She usually felt most creative around this time, but tonight was not one of those nights. She stared at her phone that was all too proud to showcase her embarrassingly empty notifications list.

At first, the band came to the decision to go on hiatus for Julie’s sake. They had spent every hour of everyday together for two and a half years, cultivating a loyal following and making great music. A needed break, just so Julie could focus on school, was the logical move. Ever since they materialized as real people, they hadn’t spent much time exploring this new world. This was their chance. She mostly attributed the lack of communication to the fact that they probably still had no clue how to use smartphones and ignored the very plausible idea that they might have needed a break from her. She and Flynn spoke more often, but she was easily busier than Julie over at Northwestern with her double major in Performance studies and Film and Media studies.

Sigh. Julie fell backwards onto her bed and closed her eyes, remembering the day she left for Boston. It was still super hot in California, but she had a sweater stuffed into her carry-on for when she landed on the East Coast. The boys drove a separate car that contained most of her luggage, while her Dad, Flynn, and her brother were in another car, blasting the radio. Her father singing the loudest, trying to drown out the pang in his chest, Julie assumed. She was excited to go to college, but she would miss her hometown, her family, Flynn, and the boys. When they parked, the boys insisted on carrying all of the luggage. She had to wrestle Reggie to hold on to her carry-on. The boys wondered at everything they witnessed, none of them having taken a flight anywhere before dying. She distinctly remembers the way Luke smiled and waved at the troupe of pilots walking past them and towards their respective flights. When it was time for her to pass the threshold, her dad broke down, silent tears breaking through. “Mom would be so proud of you”, he assured her. Now it was Julie’s turn to cry. She hugged them all one more time, Luke last of all.

“Hey”, he started, “don’t forget about us when you become a cool, super smart, college student”. Julie laughed so hard that she startled the entire waiting area full of people.

“I promise that I won’t. And just because the band’s taking a break… that doesn’t mean you can’t call, or text, or video call. Don’t be a stranger.”

“Of course, once I figure out how to do that video call thing you’ll be seeing this face once a day”, he promised. Julie laughed again, wiped her tear-stained cheeks, and boarded her flight.

That was three weeks ago. The first time he video called her, the connection was poor, and they couldn’t hear each other. The second time he tried to call, she just got an embarrassingly bad grade on an exam that she had spent all night studying for in addition to being days behind on a project in the very same class. Julie lay in bed cringing at the memory of that afternoon.

“Hey Julie! woah, are you crying? What’s going on are you oka- “

“No- I mean I was, but I- I’m good now, just busy”,

“Oh. Well, what’s up?”

“Uh, nothing much honestly. Just… yeah just super busy”

“Julie, do you need me to hang up?”

“I’m so sorry, but yes. I’m just-”

“Busy? Got it. See you later”

She felt physically ill remembering that day. She had half a mind to text him an apology, but some sort of self-preservation setting inside of her stopped her every time. Knowing Luke, he’d probably texted everyone that she was super busy and not to be disturbed. Maybe that’s why she’s been left on radio silence for a week. Her dad even downsized from his daily calls and he always kept them under ten minutes; even if she insisted that she had more time. She was just about to call it a night when her phone vibrated. She froze. Don’t get too excited. It’s probably from one of your professors.

It wasn’t. Julie blinked and turned the brightness all the way up on her phone. The message read:

🎶Luke🎶: Hey, are you busy?

Julie was quick to respond:

You: No, not at all. Wanna talk?

Just as the little notification popped up to indicate that her message was delivered, there was a knock on her door. She assumed that it was Alana coming home early. She frequently forgot her keys so it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility, but who she opened the door for was completely unexpected.

“Dad! Carlos! What are you doing here?” Standing in front of her door was her dad and brother. She hugged them tightly and to more of her surprise, just outside the doorway was Flynn, Alex, Reggie, and Luke, standing humbly behind everyone else.

“Don’t be mad at us”, Alex said, “Luke made it very clear that this surprise could not be spoiled under any circumstances”.

“But we’re not that good at keeping secrets,” Reggie added.

“So you all decided to ghost me?” she questioned.

“Sort of”, Alex responded quietly. They were all looking at her. Wondering if they had made a grave mistake and if she would slam the door in their faces. She wouldn’t.

“Well… the risk was worth it. I am officially surprised!” she whispered, realizing that her fellow, sleep-deprived, students would not appreciate the interruption. The look of relief on everyone’s face was hilarious.

“Come on everyone, let’s get out of this hallway. I know a good 24-hour diner just around here. They have seats big enough for all of us”, Julie suggested.

“That sounds great Julie, but please tell me that you're getting changed first?” Flynn asked.

Julie remembered that she was in her ‘comfy clothes’. Clothes consisting of Luke’s shirt and Christmas pajamas. “Uhhh, yeah. Give me a minute”. She shut the door, jumped into a pair of jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt. “Okay, now I’m ready! Let’s go”.

The walk to the Diner was short, but Julie had learnt a lot. Carlos just started a photography club at his school, Flynn’s roommate, Justine, has an aunt who owns a hair salon, meaning discounted box braids all year. She was really excited about that. Reggie has been surprising fans at local cafes with acoustic versions of the band’s best hits. Alex has been holed up in every museum and library in California and Dad was up to the same old stuff, taking photos, cooking, and whatever old people do, Julie added to her dad’s protest.

“I am not old”, he responded as he pushed open the Diner doors. The place was pretty clean to most city-dwellers standards. The faded blue and yellow banquets surrounded the walls and long wooden tables were placed across from them. Julie took the liberty of snagging a few stools from the counter, seeing as the room was empty. Julie, Carlos, and her Dad sat on the stools while the rest of the crew spread out on the banquets. When the waitress came around she informed them that they were in luck and that there was a fresh batch of maple bacon and regular glazed hot out of the deep fryer. They ordered one of each for everyone, along with a pot of classic Diner coffee and a pitcher of water for Carlos. As they waited for their desserts, the group fell into a lull. Julie took this chance to get into Luke’s head. He had planned an entire trip across the country for her, but he hadn’t said more than twenty words to her since she’d layed eyes on him.

“So, Luke,” she started tentatively, “what have you been up to? Visit any museums lately?”

“Pfft I wish!” her father exclaimed. She peeked over at a mortified Luke and the sympathetic stares of his friends. “I swear all he ever does is sit in that studio, write songs, and sulk”, he continued mercilessly, only stopping when the waitress arrived.

“Here are the donuts. The coffee and water are coming right up”.

“Thank you so much,” her Dad responded kindly. “Now back to what I was say-”

“Julie, can we talk… outside,” Luke interrupted. Flynn and Carlos tried to stifle a laugh that ended in both of them choking on their donuts. Julie was… confused to say the least but she obliged, standing and walking shyly past the door he opened for her.

‘It’s freezing out here!’ She wanted to say to cut the tension, but she knew that the weather was not one of the topics of conversation that Luke had on his mind. They were walking now, taking small steps to nowhere in particular. Luke spoke first.

“So, as your father has so kindly told you, our beloved friends, and the entire Diner staff, I’m sort of miserable without you”.

Julie snorted. “Well, to be honest, I'm not having such a great time without you either. We’re really that co-dependent, huh?” Luke was smiling next to her and she was smiling back. She really did miss his smile.

“Ha, well, you say co-dependent, and I say that I'm deeply in love with you,” he shrugged, “same difference”. What? Julie froze. She was not prepared for this, but one could say that that was just bad planning on her part. Julie still remembers the day when she almost lost him to Caleb. The feeling of absolute darkness surrounding her heart, the feeling of heartbreak and anger. She was way too young to call that feeling love, but looking back, looking at all of the late-night songwriting sessions and the way she lost all ability to speak when he gave her that smile, maybe it was. Maybe it still is. Realizing that Luke was watching her, she tried to utter some sort of response.

“Luke, I-”

“You don’t have to say it back, in fact I'm asking you not to, but just hear me out on this one request. Please?”

“Okay.”

“Let me stay.”

“Where? My dorm room. I think that Alana and my dad might have something to say about that,” she answered, unsure of where this was going.

“Very funny Molina. He was doing his nervous finger twitch. “C’mon lighten the mood Julie!” She chastised herself.

“Right? I should drop out and pursue a career in come-”

“Let me stay here in Boston”, he butted in. She didn’t mind because she could see how much what he wanted to say scared him. “I'll get my own place, I'll work crappy retail jobs when all my money runs out, I’ll busk on the streets for all I care, but I… I need this. He was gesturing at the two of them.

Julie stood there unmoving. He needed her. The sentiment was horrifying and exciting at the same time, but she couldn’t hide her truth when he was showing his off right in front of her. To her, he was that bit of California sunshine she was always missing, the series of sounds that filled the empty part of a song she was producing, he was like the sweet glaze on a soft donut; he completed her. Without thinking, she grabbed his shaking hands and placed them on her cheeks. Like from memory, he was caressing her face. She placed her hands on his face and did the same. For a split second, Julie was sixteen again, in her mother’s studio, holding on tight to what she had left, what she wanted more than anything.

“I need you too, Luke. You're the glaze to my donut.” It was Luke’s turn to laugh now. Julie knew it was a stupid metaphor, but it got the job done and it made him smile.

“Oh my gosh that was terrible”, he teased, putting both hands over his mouth in shock, “how did you get into Berklee?”

“That’s a lot of talk coming from someone who didn’t get into Berklee”, she teased back, arms folded.

“Hey, don’t underestimate me! I could have gotten in had I applied”, he assured her.

“You don’t even have a transcript, Luke.”

“Once again, do not underestimate my skills of persuasion. I managed to get you to let three ghosts live in your studio” he replied.

“Fine. Then apply next semester,” she teased.

“Is that a challenge, Molina?”

“More like an invitation”, Julie looked him in the eyes now, all jokes aside.

“I’ll be there. Always”, he answered.

“Wow. That was, inspiring”, said a familiar voice, “but can we please get back to the hotel? The waitress just warned us that we don’t want to be walking around here after dark.”

Julie and Luke turned in unison to see a paranoid Alex standing in front them. “Oh, and congratulations on the two of you finally realizing that you are literally inseparable. This past month has been torture for me! Now c’mon, let’s go before we get murdered, but for real this time.”

The trio walked back into the Diner with Luke and Julie holding hands. This was met with various cheers, chants, and a relieved “finally”! from Julie’s dad. “Now I can use my studio in peace!”

THE END!

#jatp #julie x luke #julie molina #luke patterson #juke fic #juke fanfiction #team juke #fanfic #julie and the himbos #julie and the phantoms

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