#all the prevs….i’m glad we all agree

[kingtomura]

Deja Vu | 2 | The Girl Who Cried Wolf

summary: Your best friend died years ago. He went up in flames until there was nothing left — so why does it feel like you can still see him sometimes? content: touya todoroki x female reader, childhood friends au, reader has a quirk, time skipping, flashbacks, fluff, heavy angst, soft touya, hurt/comfort, tragedy, virginity loss, vaginal fingering, piv, smut with feelings, mdni wc: 9.2k | Prev | Chapter 3 | m. list | read on ao3

You’ve never been good at hide-and-seek. 

“Touya,” you yell into the crisp air of the forest, “this isn’t funny!” You’ve been at this for what feels like forever and it’s just not working. 

You can’t find him. 

The wind was chilling you to the bone and it was almost dinner time. This was becoming more and more pointless as the minutes ticked by. You just wanted to find him so you both could go eat. 

“Okay, well if you’re not gonna come out then I don’t wanna play anymore!” You shout, fully ready to turn tail and get out of there. 

You hear a groan from the bushes and Touya emerges, his hair now white on one side and red on the other. 

“You’re no fun.” He chides. “What are you gonna do when you have to find a villain?”

“I’ll find them, of course! But not on an empty stomach.” You huff, just glad that he’s stopped messing around and you can both head back now. 

You are both six years old and Touya’s passion for becoming the number one hero burns brighter each passing day. You can only imagine what the coming years will be like.

Touya stood up fully, brushing the residual snow from his pants, forever unbothered by the cold. “Right… whatever you say.” 

In that moment your stomach growls and Touya raises a brow.

Frustration makes itself known again as you stomp your foot in the white snow, cheeks flushing in embarrassment. “We were at this for so long! I’m tired. And cold.”

“You’re always cold.” He muses, walking towards you and taking your hand. 

You shrug, ducking your nose into your scarf to avoid being called Rudolph again, as Touya loves to do. Instead, you try to focus on the warmth of his hand in yours. “And you’re always warm.”

Touya hums, leading you both back to his home that was nearby. His mother promised to make Udon tonight and it was all you could think about. 

“You know, you haven't said much about your new baby brother.” You start, tilting your head to get a better look at him, he always seemed more tense when going towards the home.

His tense features smooth out at the mention of his new sibling, brows softening and a smile sliding onto his face. “Oh, yeah. Well he doesn’t do much yet. He can’t talk or anything. He’s trying, but he’s kind of a potato.”

The comment makes you laugh, and you watch as fresh, new snowflakes make their way down from the sky, landing in Touya’s hair and your jacket. It’s at this moment you decide that winter is your favorite season. 

The way Touya squeezes your hand brings you back to the present, the warmth making your heart dance. “But, I can't wait until he does talk. I bet he’ll be pretty cool.”

“Yeah, I think so, too.” You agree, “But you have to make sure you set a good example for him. Or else he’ll be the cool brother, you know.”

Touya scoffs, brows furrowing in irritation that doesn’t quite meet his eyes. “I know that! I’m always cool…”

You mutter a soft sure as your best friend’s home comes into view. 

Udon was so close, you could almost taste it. 

“Race you there!” Touya shouts, dropping your hand and taking off, effectively leaving you in the dust.

“Hey!” You try to catch up, but the headstart he had over you was too great, and you end up last — much to your dismay. Touya was already inside and kicking his shoes off by the time you made it in. “You cheated!”

The boy only shrugs, removing his coat and putting it away, “If you wanna be a hero you have to always be alert, that’s what dad says anyway.”

You follow suit, kicking off your shoes and jacket, and running to greet his mother. It was perfect timing, you noted, as Rei had only just begun placing piping hot bowls of Udon down at the table for all of you. 

“Hi, Fuyumi!” You greet watching her emerge from further into the home. She returns with a wave, taking her place at the table. 

There was no time to waste as you dig into the soup, enjoying the way it warmed your insides from the cool air outside.

“And where have you two been all day?” Rei questions, tone neutral and patient. It’s at this moment you notice the overheated head of the household was not present for dinner. It's something you cannot say that you mind, given how tense the air is when the man does come around. 

“We were out playing hide and seek.” Touya supplied through a mouthful of noodles.

Rei looks skeptical, resting her chin on her hand as she watched her son. “Just playing hide and seek, Touya? No extra training?” 

The boy stops, watching his mother before taking a sip of his water, “Maybe a little bit of training…”

“Touya.”

“What?” He asks, growing aggravated at the woman's pestering. You could only watch as the interaction went on, trying to enjoy your Udon as best you could. 

“I told you not to push yourself today. It’s already hard enough to get your father to give you an off day, at least enjoy it by not overdoing it.”

“I wasn’t overdoing it! It’s fine, okay?” His frustration is growing and you begin to shift in your seat, unsettled by the conversation. It wasn’t the first time Rei had scolded Touya about quirk training, but it always ended the same — no progress on the topic being made. 

Rei sighs, the stresses of her day to day beginning to catch up with her. “I just don’t want you to overdo it. I want you to enjoy being a child too, Touya. Just have fun sometimes.”

“But I do have fun — all the time!” 

She’s tired, you can tell by the bags lining her eyes and the unkept status of her hair. Your mom looks like this too, on the days her job runs over and she has to come home late. Maybe all moms look this way, you ponder as you down the rest of your soup. 

“Listen, I know you want to get stronger, but you’ve been turning up hurt more often than not. At least hold off until the doctor's appointment.” 

You watch as Touyas brows scrunch and his lips turn down in a frown. You know that look very well. He's upset. “What? That’s dumb! I won’t be the best if I let a few burns stop me.”

“Touya…” Rei looks like Touya, you realize in this moment, a near carbon copy of her son the way her features mirror his own. “It’s just for a little while, okay? Not forever.”

He scoffs, done with the conversation and Rei only looks on. “Whatever.”

That’s the end of the conversation, sending dinner into a deep silence with tension crowding the air. 

By the end of dinner, you are more than ready to head to bed, quick to finish your nightly duties and prepare for bed. 

You try to bite back a yawn as you slide the door to the bedroom open, it is futile and you feel the tears pull at the corners of your eyes — signaling that it was time for bed. 

Touya was already clad in his pajamas and currently rolling out the extra futon for you to sleep on. It was a soft white and blue and you wasted no time getting under the blankets.

“Hey, don’t go to sleep yet.” Your best friend whined, arms crossed and judging stare watching you make yourself comfortable. 

You sit up, meeting his eyes with a raised brow. “‘M not. Just getting comfy.” 

“Yeah, sure.” He stops, dropping his eyes to his lap, lost in thought. “Do you think she was right?”

“Hm? Who?”

Touya sucks his teeth, eye roll not directed at you, but his frustration. “My mom. When she said that I train too much.”

“Oh,” you didn’t think so. You were sure how much Touya trained with his father, but you knew it was never anything extensive when it was only you two together. There was no way that was considered too much. “No, I don't think you do.”

He smiles, and you feel like you’ve made the right call. “Good! I just want to be strong. I don’t see why she doesn’t get that. She says I'll end up hurting myself. But when I get burned it’s only a little bit.”

“Yeah, when I use my quirk too much my head will start to hurt really bad and my nose bleeds a little, but it goes away after a while.” You bring a hand to your nose, thankful there was no metallic smell lingering from the last time you used your quirk. 

“The burns go away too! I knew you would understand.” He smiles, and then focuses on you, tone serious. “Hey, let's make a promise, then.” 

This piques your interest. “What kind of promise?”

“That we’ll both keep trying to get strong. We can look after each other so we won't push too hard. Promise?” He holds out his fist with his pinky extended. His eyes are vivid within the dark room, the cerulean blue filled with a boyish determination that makes your mind rush and your heart flutter. 

It's so quiet, the hushed whispers between you two make this feel more like a secret than a promise, and maybe in some ways it is. A secret that binds you both to each other, one that is in its own a safety net and a comfort when you need it most. 

You reach back, interlocking his pinky with yours. “I promise.”

He brings it forward, pulling you towards him just a little. Touya kisses the exposed part of your pinky, and you bring his closer to do the same.

The deal was sealed. Promise made.

The sound of footsteps pulled you both from your steely gaze and towards the door. Touya's eyes widened, knowing you both were not supposed to be awake at this hour. You lock eyes and both duck down, covering yourselves with the blankets and feigning sleep.

It was just in time as the door to the room slid open, a wandering Rei glancing around the now still room. She stood there for a moment — muttering about how she could have sworn she heard voices — before turning to leave, door sliding shut and footsteps trailing back to her side of the home. 

Both you and Touya tried as best you could to keep your snickers and laughs down, even going as far as slapping a hand over his mouth and yours to silence the noises. Only once there were no more sounds of footsteps did you release your hold on him, bringing an index finger to your mouth to shush him further. 

“Okay,” Touya whispered into the quiet of the room, his voice carrying despite the honest effort to be silent, “we have to go to bed, for real this time.”

“Yeah.” You nod, trying your best to bite back a smile. You were sure the both of you were the only two people awake in the world right now. No one else but you, him in the pale moonlight — with the stars tagging along, sneaking into the space and lighting up the dim room, eavesdropping on your hushed laughs and promises. 

“Goodnight,” he breathes, no more than a whisper.

“Goodnight, Touya.”

—--------------------

You wake with a start, body sitting straight up in bed as your chest heaved. Your eyes darted left and right but all you could see was the familiar posters along the walls of your bedroom. 

Your bedroom?

“Oh, I see you’re awake.” 

Your head snaps to the voice, honey sweet and always familiar. Your mother stood at your door, leaning against the dark wood of the doorframe and giving you a look that made a pit form in your stomach. You clench the cotton of your bed's comforter, the fabric anchoring you to the room.

“You’ve been out for a while.” She continues when she realizes you won’t speak. And what could you say? That you chased your dead best friend in the forest and overused your quirk to catch him? It sounds ridiculous. 

So, you bring the words to your mouth and try to give her a response. Even if it’s a small, insignificant one. 

“Have I?” The words feel dry and heavy on your tongue, like you haven’t spoken in days. Maybe you haven’t. 

Your mother nods, taking your response as consent to come further into your room. Her steps are soft, as if any loud noise would scare you off or make you shut down. It’s hard to look away from her worried gaze, so you don’t. 

You watch as she makes her way over, sitting down on your bed and the look she gives you makes your chest ache.

The somber aura in her eyes brings you no comfort.

“What were you doing out there?” She skips to the point, not wasting another minute. It’s like the question has been running through her head for a while now. 

Your eyes fall to your fists clutching the bedsheets. 

What could you say?

“I��” You swallow, the worst she could do was not believe you. “I saw something in the forest.”

Your mother shifts on the bed, turning to look at you head on. “What did you see?”

There was no way she wouldn’t think you were crazy, but you had to try. 

“Touya. I swear I saw him.” Your eyes meet hers and you wished they hadn’t. The look of sorrow is now replaced with something much worse. Pity. 

“Sweetie…” 

You inhale, tears blurring your vision and you knew this would happen. “Don’t! It was him — I know it was.” 

“I'm not saying it wasn’t.” She defends, bringing a hand up in surrender. “I’m just worried about you. You know what the doctors told you about your quirk.”

The quirk. You didn’t even think about that. 

Too caught up in the possibility of seeing Touya again. 

Your mother sighs, “You’ve been out for three days. Three. You can’t blame me for being worried about you — or upset.”

And you don’t. 

Three days is a long time. You reach a hand up, taking note of the bandages wrapped around your head. You’re not even sure how you ended up back in your room. 

“Just… Remember what the doctors said.” And you do remember! But it was an emergency. One that you couldn’t risk letting pass you by. She speaks again, her voice stern. “I don’t want to lose you.”

You sit there in silence, taking her words in. The heavy tears on your lower lids fall, dampening the blanket in droplets. 

“It’s around that time of year again, I know. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. As a mother I wish I could protect you from this kind of hurt.” She stops, voice wavering as her own eyes grew glossy. “But it’s also why I can’t risk losing you either.”

You want to say something, anything to make her stop. It’s not the same. 

“I don’t doubt that you saw something, but I want you to understand that it was late at night, and you’re still grieving.” 

Your jaw is starting to ache from how hard you’re clenching your teeth — fury below the surface of your frustration. 

Of course she doesn’t believe you. 

Why would you be foolish enough to think she would? 

She sighs, the lecture coming to an end. “Don’t destroy yourself for this, okay?” Your mother reaches out and covers your exposed hand with her own. It takes everything in you not to snatch it away. 

“Promise me, please.”

You meet her eyes, the sorrow swimming in them makes you feel like you’re drowning, so you do the only thing you can think of — you nod, and agree. 

“I promise.” 

And you do. It won’t destroy you to find out the truth. You’ll be okay and intact. No promises will be broken, not again. 

You go out to the forest that night. Even though your head is still wrapped in bandages and you get dizzy if you turn your head a little too fast — you still go. You have to.

It’s eating you up and you have to be sure you weren't hallucinating. 

Your mother has been keeping a close eye on you. She’s so worried, not only about your physical health but your mental health as well. And you don’t blame her. To have her only daughter fall out in the forest and wake up claiming to see her dead best friend? It’s worrisome, but you know better.

You wave the flashlight in your hand, backtracking your steps in the forest. 

It's fruitless, due to the fresh fallen snow and lack of footprints. But that doesn’t deter you. You know he was here, he had to be.

After what felt like an hour of a search, you decide to turn back, knowing there would be no point as the snowfall increased. It would eventually make things harder to see and you would rather not get stuck in a snowstorm. 

Fuyumi won’t say it out loud but she is worried about you. 

She’s worried you have finally gone off the deep end and you are too far gone to be brought back to shore. 

“Fuyumi, I know what I saw. It was him — I swear!” You pleaded, knowing how you must sound.

She knows how much you love Touya, and how devastated you were, but what she doesn’t understand is what you mean when you say you saw him. 

Her eyes were filled with sadness and …pity. The same pity that’s been haunting you for days now. “I believe you saw something. I don’t want to shut you down, it’s just… I know how your quirk is. I know what happens if you overuse it. It could have been in your mind right before you went out.” 

You scoff in shock, eyes wide and disbelieving of what you’re hearing. Of all people you thought Fuyumi would understand, or at least hear you out. 

She doesn't understand. She wouldn’t understand. 

You shake your head, eyes downcast as you fight the familiar burn of tears in your eyes, muttering under your breath, “I know what I saw.” 

Those were his eyes. It was his nose and his hair. It was Touya. 

This doesn’t stop her from trying to comfort you, bringing that familiar hand to your shoulder and giving it a squeeze. What would usually feel like a comfort is now a vice, suffocating you as you drown is the reality around you.

No one will believe a word you say.

“Maybe,” she starts, words careful and gentle, knowing you were as fragile as glass, ready to shatter at any sudden movement. “Maybe Touya is watching over you in some way. Like a guardian angel.”

The warm tears fall now, unable to be held back by your crumbling will. 

“I know how hard it is, really, I do. But I want you to know that you’re not alone, okay?” You can feel Fuyumi’s gaze on you, silently pleading for you to look up, look at her, but you won't. You can’t. You know what you saw and it doesn’t matter if anyone believes you. 

You would never stop looking for Touya. 

Fuyumi lets you go and it feels like you can breathe again. She has become such a good friend over the years, second best to Touya, but it’s not the same. 

You go to stand, having had enough of crying for one week and she stops you. 

“Wait, I don’t want you to go! At least stay for dinner with us. Does your mom work late tonight?”

You nod, she usually does on Fridays. 

“Then it’s settled. Stay over, let's watch movies or something.” She falters, eyes to the floor as she bites her bottom lip, “I don’t want to be alone, either.”

Something in your heart tugs and you agree, moving to join her once more in the living room. 

Fuyumi may not understand, but she was still your close friend. “Okay, but I get to choose the movie, though.”

And she smiles.

For now, you would be okay. 

—----------------------

“It’s so stupid!” 

There’s a flash of fire and a tree goes up in flames. Touya is upset. 

“It’s just not fair.”

“I know…” You drag, hating when he got this way. “But it’s what they told me.” 

“That means we can’t be heroes together anymore!”

The wave of sadness you feel makes your head hurt and eyes water. “I know… I don’t know what to do.”

“Well, they told me I had to stop training, too. Dad said he wouldn’t do it anymore because I hurt myself. You know what I say to that? Who cares! We can be strong if we want to. It's not fair.”

You know it’s not fair.

You are seven years old when the doctors tell you that you cannot continue to use your quirk. 

Telekinesis is not only rare, but it is dangerous. Not just to you, but to others around you. The doctors were very clear about what would happen if you lost control or if you overexerted yourself. 

The consequences could be devastating. 

But quirks are such an important part of one’s life and for them to tell you to just not use them? It’s unheard of. 

It also doesn’t help that Touya has another sibling on the way. One that his father is eerily excited about. 

“Do you remember our promise?” He asks, pulling you from your thoughts. 

You nod, knowing the promise is something you could never forget. 

“Well, I think it's more important than ever now. If they dont want us to do it, then we just shouldn’t tell them.” There is a determined purpose in his voice as he turns to face you, committed eyes meeting yours.

“I don’t know, Touya. That sounds like lying.”

“It’s not if you don’t say anything.” He insists, tone even. 

Your gaze falls to the ground, watching as the wind blows the leaves along the snow. It’s like their own secret dance. Your promise is beginning to feel more like a secret dance as well.

“Look,” Touya starts, walking towards you and capturing your attention once more, “I swear, if anything happens, I’ll just say I did it.” 

You shake your head, brows furrowed in confusion and fists clenched, “No! Then you would get in trouble, and what if we can’t hang out anymore? We can be in this together, Touya.” 

He smiles, soft and sweet. Your dedication relaxes him more than he thought it would. 

His warm hands are on your face again, warming your cheeks and the butterflies that have been living in your stomach go wild again. You absently wonder if you should tell your mother about it. 

“Your nose is all red again, Rudolph.” He says before bringing you closer and brushing his nose against yours.

You were sure if your face got any warmer you would probably explode. 

Touya carries on, walking away from you and further into the forest. You trail behind, even though you knew this part of it well, you still didn’t want to run the risk of getting lost. 

“Where are we going?” Your voice carries in this part of the woods, and it sounds more like a shout. 

“I found this cool spot the other day! Let me show you.”

Confident as always, Touya trails through and you speed up to chase him. 

Now you're sure your face is red, but he doesn't mention it again. 

“It’s down here.” Touya points and there’s a drop to get to the area. 

It only takes a jump and he lands on his feet — he makes it look so easy, but you know he’s probably gotten a lot of practice and put himself in positions more dangerous than this. 

There’s that doubt in the forefront of your mind again, the fear that makes you hesitate. “I don’t like heights, Touya.” 

“It’s okay! C’mon, I’ll catch you. It’s just a little further.” He’s reassuring as he holds out his arms. 

Always fearless Touya. 

You trust him, and it’s all you can think as you close your eyes and give yourself a little running start and then jump. 

There’s a ringing in your ears again and you don’t feel his arms right away, instead you feel light. As light as a feather as you drift down to the ground. 

The lack of impact makes the fear ebb away as you open your eyes. There’s Touya, arms out and waiting as he watches you with widened eyes filled with wonder. 

You’ve somehow activated your quirk and slowed your own fall. You absently think that it almost feels kind of fun, the way you softly land in Touya’s waiting arms. 

“Whoa,” he starts, eyes never leaving yours. “You looked like an angel or something.”

You don’t know why, but the comparison makes your cheeks flush as you fight for a way to respond. 

Nothing comes to mind and you only bite down a smile. You’ve never tried something like that before with your quirk and the excitement makes your fear fade away. 

“I didn’t know you could do that.”

“Me either,” you shrug. It’s new to you too, and you weren’t against trying it again. 

“Well, c'mon, let’s go before it gets dark.” And he’s taking off, pulling you along with him by the hand. The wind is chilly but it doesn’t completely cool you. Touya keeps you warm, from the outside by his hand and from the inside with his words. Maybe there was more to his fire quirk than you thought. 

“Don’t run so fast, Touya!”

He laughs, but slows down for you, looking back and flashing a smile, “Whatever you say, angel.” 

—-------------

It’s the end of March and spring is on the way. 

The snow melting, the rain clouds are rolling their way in, readying to greet April and bring life to the incoming May flowers, and your mother—

“We need them by tonight!” She yells through the phone and it’s enough to make you hold the device far away from your ear. 

“I heard you the first time, mom.” You sigh, looking around again for the small shop and making your way towards it. “I’ll have all the stuff by then. The party will be fine, I promise.” 

Tonight is your father’s big homecoming day from overseas. He’s been working away from home for eight months now and your mother has decided to throw him a welcome home party at the last minute. He will be here by tonight and so will the guests — if you finish in time everything will go according to plan. 

“I just want everything to be perfect.” Her voice presses and you hum in response. You know how she wants things to be, but your father isn’t picky. He’s the most easy going man you know and if there’s a hiccup here and there, well, you’re sure he won't mind. 

“Okay, mom.” You start, grabbing your items and making your way to the checkout line. “I’m about to check out now, so I’ll let you know when I'm on the way home.”

She sighs on the other end, but lets you go, not before fully explaining why she needs the banners and streamers in a certain color and you cut her off, hanging up and checking out. 

It's been a few months since the incident in the forest and you’ve given up trying to make anyone see your point of view. They all thought you were hallucinating, but you knew better. You saw Touya. There was nothing they could say or do to make you think otherwise. 

You heave a sigh and continue your walk through the town thinking of the countless decorations you will undoubtedly have to help your mother hang for the night. It gives you something to do, but god, last minute events were not your favorite. 

There aren’t as many people out and about this time of day and you're thankful. It’s almost peaceful, the way you can weave through the sparse crowd and get lost in your own thoughts. 

Until you see it.

It makes you stop in your tracks, heart beating so loud in your chest you could feel it pulsing in your ears. 

White hair and blue eyes.

You take a few hurried steps to the alley you know you saw the figure go into. 

He was wearing an oversized black hoodie with the hood pulled up, but you knew the moment he turned and his eyes met yours. Touya. 

Without a second thought you dropped the bags you were holding and ran after him. He was halfway through the window of an abandoned building when you made down the alley, but was swift as he jumped through it. There was no doubt Touya was fast, but you wouldn’t let him get away. Not this time. 

You follow him, jumping through the same window and chasing as he maneuvers through the dusty dilapidated building. It’s hard to catch your breath and you are sure you’re running on pure adrenaline now, but none of that matters. 

All that matters now is that you aren’t crazy. It was broad daylight when you locked eyes. You know Touya is alive.

“Touya, wait!” You barely register the tears running down your face as you run, but you dont care to wipe them away. Why would he run from you? Why would he hide from you? There are so many questions that you need answered. “Stop!” 

He takes a left turn and you follow, before seeing him dip right and it’s getting harder and harder to keep up. After the last incident you refuse to use your quirk. Not unless you wanted to ruin your chances and pass out again. 

At one point you lose him completely, but there is no outlet in the dusty room you’ve cornered him in. He has to be hiding somewhere. 

“Touya, please! If that’s you,” you yell out, voice hoarse from emotion, “please, come back. Talk to me.” You’re looking around the dark room, walking further in and searching for something, anything that shows his presence. 

You make the mistake of having your back to the door, the only exit in the room and Touya darts out, passing you and making it back into the main part of the building. 

You curse before hurrying behind him, but it was too late. All you could see was him hopping the window and landing on his feet below. It was too high for you to follow so you only grip the window pane, tears of frustration running down your cheeks as you watched him run.

“What about our promise?” You yell, wondering if your words could reach him.

There’s a sick feeling forming in your gut and you try to pull yourself together — wiping your eyes with the sleeve of your shirt and the sobs shook your body. You had a party to prepare for and you couldn’t keep playing this game of back and forth.

Your mother gives you an earful when you arrive home much later than you were supposed to, but she was so focused on getting your father’s welcome home party together that she let you off the hook easily.

As long as you helped her hang the decorations. 

There is a tense air around the both of you and you know your mother is hesitating asking. You aren't sure if it’s to save you the trouble of a pointless conversation or if she is just tired of hearing about it. 

You decide not to tell her of your latest meeting. Brushing off any odd stares and worried glances with excuses of being tired. It was not wise to tell anyone what you saw. They would only think of you as the girl who cried wolf.

When your father made it home you knew he could tell something was off with you by just one look alone. 

He participated in the socializing and games until the crowd died down and people began to leave. You had called it a night long ago and made your way to your room, headphones on and catching up on homework. 

There was a knock loud enough to hear through the headphones, making you remove one and causing you to turn and see your father standing at the door. 

“Yes?” You ask, unsure what he could want at this hour.

He gives you a small smile, one as gentle and kind as you've always known him to be, and asks to come in — taking a seat on your bed while you close the book at your desk.

“I wanted to talk.” He started, watching as you removed the headphones from your head completely and gave him your undivided attention, sure that this would be about what’s been going on lately. 

“Have you started looking for colleges?”

The question surprises you, and you shake your head. You should start looking soon, since you turn seventeen soon and only have one year left, but it hasn’t been your main priority. “No, I haven’t.”

He only smiles, eyes crinkling shut as he waves off your worried expression, “It’s fine! I actually had an alternative for you. It’s something I've been looking into during the business trip.”

Your interest is officially piqued as you urge him to continue. 

“Well, I’m sure you know this, but you have a pretty rare quirk.” He starts, tone leveled, “I’ve been working on research studies and there’s somewhere I found that would love to have you intern and learn more about it.”

You tilt your head. “You want me to be a guinea pig?”

“No!” Your father laughs, already knowing how it would sound. “No, not that at all. I want to understand your quirk better, and for you to understand it better. I think it would be good for you. A chance to grow.”

To grow. You narrow your eyes at the words, starting to understand what he was getting at. “So you’ve heard.”

“I did. And before you get upset — I believe you. I will always believe you, and that's why I want you to do this." His words make your eyes widen and he continues. “It’s in a small town a little further away, but the internship comes with your own apartment and a stipend for food. Your mother and I will still support you, of course...”

You hold a hand up to stop him, “wait, how far away is the town?”

Your father rubs the back of his neck, an anxious habit he’s had as long as you could remember. “About four hours from here.”

“Four hours?” Your voice is louder than you meant for it to be but you can't help it, standing to your feet in disbelief. 

“It’s such a good opportunity for you, honey. This town… has too many memories. It’ll help you grow. At least tell me you’ll consider it?”

It feels like hours before you speak again, the stunned feeling hijacking your body. But you do respond, you owe him that much. 

“Alright, I’ll think about it.” You give, taking your seat at your desk again. It feels like your mind is swimming, but you had to at least mull it over. 

“Thank you,” your father stands and hugs you, pressing a kiss to the top of your head before exiting your room. “I promise it won't be so bad. Goodnight, honey, I love you.”

You only nod in response. Maybe getting away would be good for you. 

The first day you find a gift it is raining outside.

You stumble up to your front doorstep, closing your umbrella and shaking off the excess water.  

“What the…” You reach down to pick up the little box, and turn it over to examine it. Maybe your mother got something delivered. 

The thought follows you into the home as you pull off your raincoat and rainboots, making your way to the kitchen where your mother had started on dinner.

“Oh, welcome home.” She greets, stirring the pot of soup and eyeing the box in your hand. “What do you have there?”

Your brows furrow as you take a seat at the table. “I thought you would know. It’s not for you?”

“Nope.” 

The response only makes your brows furrow more as you search for maybe a name or any indication that it was delivered to the wrong place. 

“You should open it.” Your mother pipes up and you shrug, ripping the paper and opening the box. 

You drop the box the moment you see the item. 

There was no way.

“What? What's the matter?” Your mother questions, her eyes filled with worry as she reaches for the box.

You snatch it away from her and dart off to your room, supplying her with an excuse about how you don’t feel well before locking yourself in your bedroom. 

The box held a golden locket inside of it. It was in the shape of a heart and you were terrified to open it and see what lay inside of it. You decide that the suspense would be too much and open it anyway — the photo makes your breath hitch.

It was you and Touya. 

You, with your bright eyes and happy smile and Touya, half white and half red hair looking at you as you hug him, cheeks pressed together. 

There was no denying it now. Touya was alive and he was hiding from you. 

Maybe he’s watching over you — like a guardian angel. Fuyumi’s voice rang in your head as you fought the tears blurring your vision. 

Why would he send you this and not talk to you?

All of it made your head spin as you thought of the countless reasons and possibilities. You didn't bother to wipe the tears from your eyes as they rolled down your cheeks. Only opting to lay down in your bed, holding the locket close to your chest as you stared at the ceiling above. 

It made no sense. Touya could trust you, so why would he hide from you?

Unless he didn’t want to be found.

The next gifts come in different forms and sizes, ranging from your favorite snack to cute cards. 

Always something small but never with a note or handwriting. It was almost like he truly didn’t want to be found. 

And maybe he didn’t. 

It’s scary at first, receiving random gifts and items from someone who might as well be a ghost, but as the months went on you grew used to it and even began to expect it at some point. 

Now you knew you could rest easy knowing that Touya was alive and maybe, just maybe he was waiting on the right moment to come out. You would trust him.

It also doesn’t take long for you to come to a decision with your fathers offer. 

It’s an amazing opportunity and you should take advantage of that while you can. You tell him as much and you could feel his excitement through the phone call. He was away on business again, but he would handle most of the heavy lifting, all you had to do was apply and wait on your offer once you graduate. 

There was just one thing you had to do before you left. 

—--------------------

You are eighteen years old when you leave Musutafu.

By this time you couldn’t take it anymore. Either Touya had gotten better at hiding or he knew you would be leaving soon, but there was nothing else from him — and there hadn’t been for months. At this point it felt like glimpses of the past haunting you. Every part of the city reminded you of him and of your childhood together. 

Fuyumi was upset to see you go, but she understood. 

You still believed, deep down, she thought you were losing your mind. 

You needed this though – needed a getaway. The ghost of Touya was holding you down, holding you back. 

Even though the gifts stopped coming months ago. 

She is kind as she hugs you and waves you off, knowing that one main reason for your company in her home was to visit Touya’s shrine. She does not stop you, does not ask questions — not after the time she mentioned how you didn’t bring him up as often. 

There was no need to. You only told her that you’ve moved past that and you knew Touya was watching over you, a small smile on your face as you touched the locket dangling from your neck. Fuyumi didn’t bring the topic up again.

Today is the day you leave. You had waited and waited for any sign of Touya again, but there was nothing. So you took matters into your own hands, making a little bag of gifts and a card that held the new updates to your life and address.

It was a long shot, but it was a chance you had to take.

Once you finished, it didn't take long to make your way back home, gathering your things as your parents insisted on driving you to the train stop. With your mother buzzing around you like a bee, making sure everything was perfect before you went off on your own. 

The idea of new beginnings had begun to feel a little more welcomed.

Your new apartment is small. 

It is small and cozy and just enough for you. It’s a comfortable one bedroom place and you can only imagine all the ways you will decorate the space. 

The town is also cozy and quaint – one that is reminiscent of old fairy tales, but a lot less magical. You can't help but sigh at the mundane routine you’ve fallen into since you’ve arrived. A nice walk from your apartment to the research lab, and from the research lab to your home. Since it’s summer there aren't many researchers on campus, so you have more than enough time to explore the parks and stores. 

One week turns into two and then two weeks turn into a month. You’ve gotten used to the small town and the people that live there. It's become relaxing and the new routine has eased your nerves. Maybe your father was right about needing a change.

But no matter what you do, you cannot stop thinking about Touya. 

The thought of leaving him is heavy, but when you touch your locket, you know it is for the best.

Everything changes on a Thursday night. 

It’s a normal night, one where there is no need to go to the lab, so you hang around in the apartment — setting up cozy lights and posters from home. It’s beginning to come together more and more everyday, and you decided to end it all with a simple and easy meal. One that you could mindlessly eat while watching a movie. 

It's a foolproof plan, really. 

You’re stirring the pot of noodles, humming a tune when you hear the knocks at your door. It is dark outside, and you haven’t made enough friends to warrant visitors, so the idea of a guest at this hour sends alarms ringing in your mind.

You grip the wooden spoon tight as you take cautious steps to your door, knowing that if it came down to it you would be more than ready to whack whoever trespassed. 

“Who is it?” You call out, loud enough for the intruder to hear, but get no response. 

At this point you are sure it was just your imagination and you turn, ready to get back to your noodles, when the knocks sound throughout the apartment again.

Frustrating is the only thought on your mind as you stomp towards your front door, ready to give whoever was on the other side of it a piece of your mind for interrupting your peaceful night with this bullshit—

The door swings open and your words die on your tongue.

Cerulean blue looks down at you and you were right — he has gotten taller.

“Hey, angel.”

You couldn’t believe your eyes. You wouldn’t believe your eyes because if you did you would see Touya, your childhood best friend Touya on your doorstep. Real and in the flesh, hair white as snow and eyes worn with fatigue. 

“Can I come in?” He asks and you are shellshocked, only stepping to the side as your eyes follow his every move. 

This was a moment you thought of for years after your first encounter in the forest, and for him to be here, with you. It didn’t feel real.

“Touya,” you gasp, voice low as if being any louder would wake you from this dream you must be having.

“I know.” His eyes are downcast with a sorrow you’ve never seen in him before, “I.. have a lot I want to tell you.”

It’s at that moment that the timer for your ramen goes off, startling you both and sending you rushing to the kitchen. You offer him a seat and insist that you’ve made enough for the both of you. 

There was so much you needed to discuss, so much to catch up on.  You didn’t know where to start. 

The little table you use to eat on is small, but perfect for the two of you, you realize as you set both bowls down and hand him a set of metal chopsticks. 

Your heart was in overdrive as you ran through thousands of things to ask, millions of unspoken words to say. You’ve imagined this moment in your head for years. Time and time again you’ve thought of what you would say to him, what you would do if you ever saw him again. 

Now the opportunity has presented itself and all you can manage is a wide eyed look as you both quietly eat your ramen. 

Surreal. 

This moment feels surreal and you’re sure that if you make any sudden movements or ask any loud questions, that it would be gone. Touya would be gone, disappearing in an instant and leaving you alone in your apartment. 

He speaks first, saving you the trouble of searching for words. “The food was good.” 

His voice sounds scratchy, like it hasn’t been used in years and you can't help but wonder why. 

“Thank you.” It’s all you can manage to get out, stunned to your core and desperately searching for words. 

You go to stand, taking the empty bowls with you to the kitchen and Touya follows suit, trailing behind in the small space of the apartment and you are hyper aware of his presence. 

You can feel the warmth of his body even when he is steps away from you. It radiates and blankets you in feelings you haven’t felt in years. 

As you place the bowls in the sink you can’t help but wonder where should you go from here. It’s a thought that plagues you as you grip the edge of the sink, fists tight and head hung low while you brace yourself to turn around, to face the reality of the truth standing right behind you—

You do it. You turn and it’s not a dream. It’s not your imagination, you conclude as you look into Touya's eyes, blue and familiar. Eyes you would know anywhere. 

His hair is snow white, the last color you saw it as before he—

“You kept it.” His eyes drop to the golden locket around your neck, a small smile pulling at his features. 

“Of course I did.” You’re firm, bringing two fingers up to brush against it, the cool feeling bringing you comfort over the last few years. 

His gaze seems far away as he zeros in on your locket, “I was worried you wouldn’t, after the last time we—“

“Don’t.” You cut him off, words sharp. “Don’t talk about it. Not tonight.”

You don’t know what you’re doing or where your mind is going as you take a step forward. He’s so different, yet so familiar and you can’t help but reach your hand up to brush over the newly faded scars along his cheek. 

Touya leans into the touch, closing his eyes and allowing you to feel. 

When he opens them again you get that feeling in your chest that always pulls at you and for the first time, you can finally place a word to the feeling. 

“I’m sorry,” you stammer, vision blurring with tears as you fight for your words, “I’m sorry I didn’t—“

Touya stops you, crashing his lips into yours and effectively silencing your racing thoughts. It’s warm and he’s so close, you wish you could pull him closer but you settle for this, allowing the tears to freely roll down your cheeks. 

When he pulls away there is only the smallest distance between you two. Noses so close they are almost touching. 

“I don’t care about any of that,” his eyes are so focused on yours, it feels like he’s put you in a trance. “I’m the one who should be apologizing, anyway.”

Before you could even shake your head, tell him no it’s the other way around, he’s pulling you back into a kiss, one so soft and so gentle you feel as though his lips were made for yours. 

It presses on, your hands finding his hair, soft and fluffy as you’ve always known it, while his hands hold your waist, pulling you in and keeping you close. 

This is not your first kiss, and it’s not Touya's either. You both decided at around eleven years old that you would try to emulate your parents and see what the fuss was about. Surely enough, you didn’t think you did it right because there was nothing. No sparks, no fireworks — just lips pressed together. 

You were both too young at the time, you now realize as you wrap your arms around Touya's neck, tilting your head and deepening the kiss. Way too young to realize that love is not fairytales and fireworks. 

Love is slow, it is steady and it is this — right here, right now, kissing your best friend in your tiny apartment kitchen. 

It’s perfect, you think as you both make your way to the bedroom, Touya trailing behind you for once as you lead him through the space. Hushed laughs and soft smiles dance together as you fall onto the bed. 

He is above you, and you wonder how you could have ever lived without his presence. The thought makes you sick. 

“I love you.” And it’s not your lips that moved, not your voice. It’s Touya, as he looks down at you, cheeks flushed and breathing heavy. “I never stopped loving you.”

“Touya…” Your heart swells and it’s then you feel it. The droplets of tears, falling from his eyes and onto your cheeks. They were as warm as he had always been and you waste no time pulling him down into another kiss — pulling away only enough to press your foreheads together. “I’ve always loved you.”

And you have. Even in death you loved him, nothing could take that love away from you. 

The next kiss is hungry, teeth and tongues clashing in a rush as you both fought to remove your clothes. You have regretted all the things that went unsaid, the actions that went undone and you were both not going to waste any of this new time you had been given. 

You feel one of Touya's fingers prod your entrance and the hesitation reminds you that you’re both inexperienced. New to the world of sex, but forever patient. You could guide each other, you decide as you gasp when he slowly slips a finger inside, slick coating the digit and making the press easier. 

Touya watches you with heavy lidded eyes as he pumps the digit, causing you to whine at the pressure. He pulls out soon after, searching for your sensitive bundle of nerves and giving a sly smirk when you moan at the touch. He’s found it and wastes no time rubbing circles, slow at first to get a feel of what makes you tick, but gaining more confidence as he goes on. 

There was a pressure beginning to build in your lower abdomen and it made you pull him close, thighs tensing as you squeeze your eyes shut. 

“Close?” His voice is a whisper beside your ear.

You only nod, unable to give him a verbal answer as your pleasure builds. 

You can feel his smile as he turns his head, cheeks brushing against yours. “Let go for me, I’ve got you.” 

And you do. 

You let go of the tension and allow your body to fall into the pleasure of your climax— gasping as it washed over you in waves, sending shocks of pleasure radiating through your body. 

“Fuck,” Touya moans above you as he works you through it, only moving to line up with your entrance once you’ve come down from your high. 

The press of it makes your breath hitch, but when you look up into Touya’s eyes you feel safe. 

“Tell me if you want to stop, okay?” And you nod, trusting him to be soft and slow. 

He’s nervous, too, and you can tell by the way his brows furrowed in focus. He doesn’t want to mess up your first time, but nothing could ruin this moment. Not even the twinge of pain you feel as the head of Touya’s cock pushes past your entrance, the tight muscles constricting against the intrusion. 

You reach out, hands finding balance against his back as he pressed on, muttering words of comfort to you and ebbing away the pain. 

It doesn’t take long before the pain has been washed away and replaced with the blossoming buzz of pleasure, Touya's hips having a steady pace as he begins to gain more momentum. 

The pleasure is quickly building again and you tell him as much, crying out when he snaps his hips at a particular angle and sends a flash of bliss up your spine. 

“Fuck, Touya, there! Right there,” you cry and he catches on instantly. He’s always been a fast learner. 

The angle he has is perfect as he brushes against the soft spot inside you over and over again, making your thighs shake and toes curl in pleasure as you meet your end once again. The feeling settles deep in your bones as the warmth of it spreads throughout your body like a warm blanket. 

Touya isn’t far behind, if his erratic pace was anything to go by. You could only watch in awe as he chased his high, with his brows furrowed and eyes tightly shut. You fall more in love as you feel his hips stutter and then stall, his white hot seed filling you from the inside and making you shudder. 

It was a new feeling that you believed you could get addicted to if you weren’t careful. 

But none of that mattered right now, because Touya was leaning down, pressing a kiss to your lips and you knew that right here, right now was the most important.

Everything else would have to wait until tomorrow.

#dabi x reader #todoroki touya x reader #touya todoroki x reader #touya todoroki #todoroki touya #touya x reader #dabi smut #mha x reader #my works #my hero academia #boku no hero academia #dabi x you #touya todoroki x you

[ventismacchiato]

42 behind the lens — curtain call !

epilogue

scaramouche x gender neutral reader

It’s at the times between recording scenes where you really get a glimpse at your lover.

His sweat stained hair and tear stained cheeks from a rather intense scene never get old. You were feeling rather fond as he made his way over to you, falling into your director’s chair and heaving a heavy breath. The only one other than you allowed to sit in it.

For a mere moment, you both simply look at each other. You guys were on break so a few conversation topics come to mind, it wasn’t often you guys got to speak as lovers rather than coworkers during work. And while they’re all things you’d like to talk to Scaramouche about, you realize you don’t need to force conversation with him.

There’s a hue of weariness that shows in Scara’s eyes, but you can tell that he’s happy. He’s doing what he’s been striving to do for all his years at university, so of course he is.

You search his dark eyes for his thoughts, too. When your eyes meet Scara’s he let’s out a tired smile.

“I missed you,” he easily says. The words come out easier than they would’ve years ago.

Your heart skips a beat, even years later.

“How? We’ve been working together all day,” you say.

“Do I need a reason to miss the person I love?” Scara scoffs, looking away from you to study the script he brought with him.

It isn’t the first time Scaramouche had told you that he loves you, but it’s never stopped holding the same weight it did the first time he’d ever said it.

It’s a rare type of love. The kind that exists so rarely for people in this industry and that lead lives similar to your guys’.

His loves makes you feel alive everyday. And Scara should know it, you should tell him more often—even if it’s rather dramatic for midday on set for their most recent project. It’s something you’d bring up at night that you two could laugh about in bed. Even if it catches Scara off guard.

But Scaramouche’s love caught you off guard, too, and every second you got the privilege to spend with him was a gift.

And as you stare at him, fiddling with the sleeves of his costume and eyebrows scrunched as he mouths his lines, you couldn’t help but feel your heart grow heavy.

“I suppose you don’t,” you reply, a minute too late, but Scara still chuckles at your response as he tosses the script aside.

“What? You’re not going to say it back?” he teases, “And I thought I was the emotionally constipated one.”

“Oh, fuck off,” you mutter, hitting him on the shoulder, “I love you, too. I guess.”

“Archons, you’re worse than me.”

“No, you were much worse when we were younger!”

“It was hot and mysterious when I did it.”

“Uh huh, just go back to set I’m sick of you.”

“Weird way to say you agree but okay.”

“Go!”

.

.

.

୨⎯ THE END ⎯୧

behind the lens !

masterlist — prev

author’s notes — and that’s a wrap folks! hope the ending wasn’t awkward i just wanted it to be short and sweet. anyway, thank u to everyone who read and kept up with this fic, means a lot to me that this blew up as it was smth i wrote for myself. if ur rereading this or are a reader in the future ty to you too! i appreciate the silent readers, anons, and ppl who left me sm cute comments and reblogs. u guys made writing it more fun and easier to ignore the not so nice ppl. i cant reply to everyone but just know i do read every ask and comment i get! i do hope to see u guys in my notifs in the future even if i don’t write for genshin anymore, but if not then i’m glad you gave my writing a chance <3 have a great day/night byebye

synopsis — you, better known as STARDUST, and BALLADEER have always been in competition for the top streamer spot on twitch, which is especially impressive since the two of you have never shown your faces. you’ve never been on good terms, constantly one-upping each other in matches and getting into petty arguments on twitter, causing your fans to also dislike each other. that’s until BALLADEER does a face reveal that breaks the internet with his good looks…which makes you realize it’s the same guy you went on a date with last night. the type of date that made you crave to see him again. the only problem was he didn’t know you were STARDUST and he was way different behind the lens than he portrayed himself online to you. should you keep your identity a secret to salvage the relationship or just let him go?

taglist — @captainzep @elysiumarchieve @plinkuro @sakkakuu-squared @eliqusgenma @vuvulia @kunikuzushiit @ins4nebish @stxrgxzxr @lilacponds @uma-umie @mitsukifilms @caesars-bubbles @wheneverthesunrise @its-like-twilight @kazuhalvrr @erosdevil @thenightsflower @p1utto @noodleshark420 @lxry-chxn @court-jester-stuff @lauragalliart @veyu002 @kaeyas-eyepatch-69 @leathernourishingshoepolish @courtneydefender @drunkwithfever @exhaustedcommunist @vincanzu @ainlaw @ovaliz @kitsuvil @whatamidoing89 @celestair @kunihaver @kazioli @xiaosoneandonly @cridtiins @cherrybeomgyu @asukahiriko @moon-320 @orionicchaos @cartierfiles [1/3]

#behind the lens smau #scaramouche x you #scaramouche x yn #scaramouche x reader smau #scaramouche x reader #scaramouche smau #scaramouche x gender neutral reader #genshin smau #genshin scaramouche

[ynverse]

it’s a match - shush

CHILDE x gn! reader

“uhm,” you mumbled, turning towards childe, “hi?”

childe only looked at you and put a finger over his lips, a dorky smile on his face. you could only watch as a grown man, who willingly chose to sit next to you, shushed you. you weren’t sure if you felt more embarrassed or annoyed but you immediately tried to make yourself smaller.

“the 2pm appointment?”

the voice of an old man stopped your mind from spiraling over your first interaction with childe. your “partner” nodded his head and outstretched a hand towards you, frowning slightly as you stood up. he must have been insane to think you would reach for his hand after he told shushed you. you were already starting to regret your deal with venti.

“right this way,” the man motioned into his office, though you caught his eyes looking at childe’s hand.

he was already started to analyze you guys…how fun.

you and childe followed him, sitting yourselves down on a couch that sat across a single chair. still reeling in your embarrassment, you sat at the far right corner while childe sat at the far left corner. the atmosphere was almost suffocating as you desperately tried to find anything to look at.

“thank you for seeing us,” childe spoke joyfully.

“no need to thank me,” the therapist sat down and got out some sheets of paper and a pen, “i’m glad you two are here to better your relationship!”

you thought introductions and initial questions would be the most awkward but the therapist seemed to want to prove you wrong.

“i just feel like there are always walls between us. it’s as if we don’t really know each other.”

“childe, please refrain from generalizations and use i statements to talk about your feelings.”

“i’m sorry. i personally feel like we aren’t as close as before. sometimes, i feel like we are just strangers.”

it took everything for you to not laugh or cringe as he spoke.

“and y/n? how do you feel?”

“i don’t know?”

the whole idea was funnier in your head but having to try and gaslight a therapist was way more intimidating in action. you also wanted to hold on to the tiniest bit of pride you had left and it was slowly slipping as childe spoke. you did not want to be the problem in the relationship, fake or not.

“i guess i feel like childe doesn’t know me that well? so it’s hard for me to be open around him. i don’t doubt his feelings but i guess i think it’s…misdirected? like he is in love with the idea of me instead of who i am.”

you both thanked the therapist and went to the parking lot. both of you said nothing as you made your way out, only nodding your head as a thanks when one of you held the door open for each other.

“so…how was it?”

“childe…what?”

“did you think it was fun? like do you want to keep doing this?”

he seemed a lot more shy than before, trying to use hand gestures to get his point across. for the first time today, you let out a laugh. maybe it was the weirdness of the situation finally getting to you, but seeing childe ask if you want to continue therapy was the funniest thing you heard all day.

“is that a yes?”

“sure.”

“okay good,” he laughs as he grabs his car keys, “i can walk you to your car, if that’s okay?”

“oh, i didn’t drive here. i had my friend drop me off.”

“do you want me to take you home?”

childe noticed the way you stiffened a little, realizing how sudden it must have felt for you. he quickly waved his hands in front of him while speaking quickly.

“wait. i swear i’m not like a predator or anything i just feel bad cause i mean i am fake dating you and like what kind of fake boyfriend would i be…but you don’t have to agree because i know-“

“thank you. i’d love a ride.”

prev | masterlist | next

fun facts

the therapist’s first impression is that you guys aren’t dating for love but just to not feel alone (rude)

venti was in the living room with xiao and he laughed so hard when he read that childe shushed you. he started wheezing and xiao had to get him some water

you are definitely thinking about how he shushed you on the ride home

a/n: I KEPT CRINGING WHILE WRITING… like guys the second hand embarrassment i keep getting… like imagine having to look a therapist in the eye and lie like this

taglist [open]: @gekkow @aemiko @kamikoii @the-ghost-0f-t0m0 @tsunotaro-san @dazaisboner @elektranxtchiios @hh0pe @softlie @akxtagawaxryxn0sxke @saeransblush @duckyyyx @iv-vee @brfrtbrt @ilyuu @eternal-dokja @boywxonder @sainthoma @ahnneyong @hollythius-rising @fallencrescentmoon @elernity

#it’s a match! smau #genshin impact #genshin #genshin fluff #childe #genshin childe #genshin smau #childe smau #childe x reader #childe fluff #tartaglia #genshin ajax #genshin fanfic #genshin x reader #genshin impact childe #genshin fanfiction

[pardi-real]

Honeymoon Knight / Chapter 9 - A Waltz with You

Prev | All | Next

Boschi: "Oh... So, the lord finally got some flowers."

Ammon: "And not just any flowers... it's a flower crown!"

Fennesz: "It looks like an azalea flower crown. Lovely, and perfect for you, my lord."

Muu: “It's so beautiful! I'm glad for you, my lord!"

> "Thank you, both of you"

Haures: "Moreover, white azaleas… it's a beautiful flower, both visually and in the language of flowers."

> “Is that so?” > "What's the meaning of white azaleas?"

Ammon: "Hehe… The meaning of white azaleas is... ‘Happiness with your love'."

Boschi: "Kuku... That's a nice flower language, my lord."

Haures: "Heh... Boschi is right. Setting aside who your ‘special someone’ is, my lord... everyone here cherishes you, that's for sure."

Fennesz: "Fufu… I agree with Haures.”

Ammon: "Although… I’m the one who cherishes the lord the most ♪"

Haures: "Hm… I can't let that slide, Ammon."

Boschi: “It's irritating, but I'm on the same page with Haures. Ammon, if you want to take it back, now's the time."

Fennesz: "Please, the three of you, don't argue in front of the lord... And besides... When it comes to feelings towards the lord, I'm not losing either…”

Boschi: "Oh... you've become bolder now, Fennesz?"

Muu: “Fufu... Everyone cherishes the lord! Of course, I feel the same! I love the lord too!"

> "I cherish all of you too"

Fennesz: "M-my lord..."

Haures: "Heh… Thank you, my lord."

Boschi: "Just as I thought... the lord is a kind fella."

Ammon: "Hehe… That's right. That kindness… is so wonderful that I want to cherish it."

> "Thank you guys"

And so, with the second-floor butlers, I spent a delightful time in Rosetown.

[Lonestar Residence]

That night. I, along with the butlers, returned to the Lonestar Residence. Apparently, tonight… A party was being held to celebrate the heir candidate's marriage. I participated in that party as the lord of Devil's Palace…

Honestly, I wasn't planning to attend, but... A few hours before the party started, there was a message from Lord Lonestar asking if I would attend. Not wanting to give a negative impression by declining, I… reluctantly decided to join the party.

~ Some hours later ~

After the party settled down a bit… I went out to the garden for a breather.

Haures: "Thank you for your hard work, my lord."

Fennesz: "Deciding to join the party so suddenly must have caught you off guard."

> "Yeah, I was taken by surprise"

Boschi: "You were thinking about us as our lord, huh? Thanks, my lord."

> "I want to do what I can for you guys"

Ammon: "You're really a good person, my lord."

> "It's because everyone treats me well" > “I’m really grateful to all of you”

Ammon: "Saying such kind words... Isn't it kinda unfair~? *Close-up* When you say such gentle words... I want to cherish you even more. Okay, my lord?"

> "Uh, well..."

Haures: "Hey, Ammon. You're getting too close to the lord."

Ammon: “Sure, sure, I get it~. Hehe. Let's save the rest for when we're alone, my lord."

Haures: "Honestly… guys like you…"

> "Is everything okay with assisting at the party?"

Boschi: "For that, we don't have to bother helping. The second-floor butlers were meant to have a break from the beginning. We were only at the party venue because you were attending... If the lord isn't present, there's no need for us to be there either.”

Fennesz: "By the way, Muu has been asked for help by Lono, so... he's probably doing his best right now."

> "I see"

Ammon: "So, tonight, we'll be by your side all the time, okay?"

Haures: "My lord. Would you like something to drink or eat?"

> "Um…” > (But, I want everyone to rest...)

Haures: "Please, don't hesitate. Taking care of you is our job. Rather, being able to do something for you is a joy."

> "Alright, then I'll have some"

Haures: "Certainly."

Boschi: "Speaking of which, there were some delicious desserts... and there were things that maybe you'd like, my lord... Should I bring them?"

Haures: "In that case, Boschi, come with me."

Saying that, the two of them walked towards the party venue.

Fennesz: "Please wait a little longer."

Ammon: "Until the two return, should we chat?"

> "Sure"

~ After a while ~

I enjoyed the tea and dessert brought by Haures and Boschi. Then, after chatting for a while... Music could be heard from the direction of the party venue.

> “This is..."

Ammon: "Looks like the dance has started."

Boschi: "A waltz... Heh.  Hey, my lord."

> "Hm?"

Boschi: "If you'd like, would you dance with us?"

> "Huh, now?"

Boschi: "Yeah. Is it a no?”

> “I don't mind though…”

Haures: "Hey, Boschi. Why are you suddenly saying that..."

Boschi: "It's nothing... I just felt like dancing with the lord after so long."

Fennesz: "Come to think of it, when we, the second-floor butlers, went on a mission with the lord for the first time... we talked about waltzing, didn't we?"

Ammon: "When we participated in the Black Tea Party, right? How nostalgic."

Haures: "Hmm... I did practice waltzing with the lord, if I recall correctly..."

Ammon: "Isn't it fine? Then, let's dance."

Haures: "Ammon, even you..."

Ammon: "It's okay, no one is watching."

Fennesz: "Me too. If it's alright with you, my lord... I might want to dance together..."

Haures: "Fennesz…!"

Boschi: "What you wanna do, my lord?"

> “Yeah, let's dance” > "I want to dance with everyone"

Boschi: “You hear that, Haures."

Haures: "Yea…..."

Ammon: “So, are you saying that you're fine skipping the dance, Mr. Haures?”

Haures: “Wait. I didn't say that. Me too, if the lord is fine with it… I want to dance.”

Ammon: “So, you've decided.”

*Close-up* Haures: “Well then, my lord. Could I have the pleasure of dancing with you?”

> "Um..."

Boschi: "Hey. Why is the guy who hesitated until the end trying to cut in line?"

Haures: I'm not trying to cut in line or anything…”

*Close-up* Boschi: "My lord... If you're going to dance, you'll start with me, right?"

Ammon: "No, it'll be with me, right?"

Fennesz: "Please. My lord..."

The hands of the four were directed towards me. I hesitated considerably, but in the end, I took the hand of the person I wanted to dance with first. The time that followed was like a dream... I danced alternately with the four of them... and had a wonderful night.

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#honeymoon knight #*aknk

[btssmutficslovingfan01]

Day 9: Lactation | The Daily Life of a Noble

Pairing: Jimin x Hoseok x Fem!Reader

Genre: Smut

Words: 773

A/N: Pregnant warning, mentions of past physical abuse! And really bad descrriptions of how people had sex in the victorian era....like shakespeare made up words too! I may have made some shit up but that's why we write fanfics!

🎃 Don't be shy, check my other cocktober fics! 🎃

⇤Prev | Next ⇥

___________________

“I’m so glad we can be together now…” Your husband placed a hand on your belly.

“All three of us…” The Park clan’s middle child placed his hand on the other side of your lower stomach.

“How did this even happen?” You leaned into Hoseok’s embrace.

“Are you still not used to me, dear?” Jimin asked, placing a kiss on your forehead. “Not at all. I’m not used to being loved, I suppose.” Your previous fiance, Hoseok’s brother, was an evil man. He often belittled you and struck you down when no one was watching. And then he died on his way back from visiting the royal palace, killed by assassins. Of course you were worried about your new beloved, but that was before you knew Hoseok.

Jimin came into the picture a few months after you were married to Hoseok, as his guest. And then you heard it, the sounds of their noisy lovemaking. You walked in, unaware of what was happening and thanks to Jimin’s playful nature you ended up staying the entire night. Eventually you ended up taking him as a lover as well, and then shifted into a more deeper relationship between the two, entangled nights a many between them, until you became pregnant with the seeds of their love. It didn’t matter to you who the father was, and neither did they care. They loved you deeply, and knew each would love the baby in his own way, regardless of who’s blood the child carried. The servants whispered about you surely, as Jimin indefinitely lived with you but he was here under the pretenses of business and hospitality as your guest. You knew the servants were no idiots, they surely knew of the nightly partakings you had with your “guest” and husband, sometimes both at once.

You were on the rocking chair as Hoseok pressed a wet kiss to your cheek and Jimin was kissing down your folds. You were quivering, holding your voice back as the servants were probably readying the mansion for your audience with your mother and sisters later. Right now you just needed a release which your lover was more than excited to give you.

“You taste impossibly wet today, my dear.” Jimin hummed as he worked down your sopping bud.

“Oh, look at that, she’s soaked from the top…sweetheart, let me take off that for you.” Hoseok helped you remove your garments and undergarments, both him and Jimin staring at your pregnant body in awe.

“Sixth month and you still look as ripe as the day I arrived.” Jimin kissed your hands with pure love in his eyes.

“She is a vision.” Your husband agreed with his lover. Slowly, your breasts began to leak a thick white substance.

“Is that…oh my….she’s leaking, darling.” Jimin pointed out to your husband.

“I believe that our lady is preparing for the babe’s arrival,” Hoseok replied curtly, closing his eyes and turning his face towards your hardened nipples. “I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if we had a little taste.” Before you could get a word in, his lips were wrapped around your left tit, suckling them as greedily as he smirked, rubbing the other one with his free hand. And then Jimin began to suck too.

“F-fuck!” You closed your eyes as both men sucked your tits. “Uh-oh…we might be making the babe a little angry.” Jimin said. They shared a laugh as they felt the baby kick your belly. You groaned, feeling needier than usual. “P-please…” You whined.

“Alright, sweet girl. That’s enough. Time for the main event.” Jimin stood up, whipping out his cock for you to take.

“Go on, suck his cock, my love.” Hoseok’s voice rang like church bells in your ears.

“Mmm…” You wasted no time on taking Jimin’s cock in your mouth while your husband squeezed your nipples and slowly lowered his shaft into your entrance. You fucked your lover with your mouth as your husband worked your pussy open.

You clenched around him as he came effortlessly, and with a few more pumps, Jimin’s semen painted your face white and your breast milk coated their bodies as you had your orgasm. Jimin would not stop rubbing your clit while Hoseok fucked you, and on top of all that using his lips, the little cheater! You came easily thanks to his help and collapsed from exhaustion.

“My god…” You moaned. “Thank you.” You sighed.

“You’re very welcome.” Jimin gave you a soft kiss and wiped your face off with a wet cloth.

“Let’s clean off our girl now.” Your husband handed him another cloth and helped you back into your gown.

#jimin #j hope #hoseok #bts #jimin x reader x hoseok #jihope x reader #jihope #poly bts #kinktober 2023 #female reader #victorian au #jimin x reader #hoseok x reader #jhope x reader #bts smut

[pawseds]

Interview with Claretta Tedyono 3: A Very Important Person

TORONTO, 2011: “Your first concert, for one. It was a huge success! You and Maestro Andrea Gurewitsch, the conductor, also pulled many heartstrings.”

C: We're very close. He taught me since I was 10, conducted my concerts and my new album, was at my funeral and my wedding. Even when I cut contact from the musical world, he tried reaching out to make sure I was okay.

“How did you meet?”

C: My father, a pianist, wanted to go to America for Curtis. But my mother wanted me to grow up normally: she said if Curtis reinforced my shut-in world, I'd forget how to socialise! They compromised when my father learned Maestro resigned from Curtis to move back to Canada. He reached out, Maestro agreed to teach me, and we moved!

“What was being taught by him like?”

C: He was the gentleness I lacked in childhood. My mom only noticed failures. I’d only play what my dad wants to hear. But Maestro, the only one who saw me as a kid, encouraged me. “The audience is here for you, cara! No one else!” he’d say. He was very aware of my pressure and never added to it. He only taught me how to understand myself and others better on a whole. And to remember to smile after concerts!

“He’s quite the role model.”

C: He’s like a father. He mentioned he sees me as a daughter, but I never knew he left Curtis due to his daughter’s passing until much later. He calls it destiny. Me, I’m just glad he's here.

---

Claretta offered the machine her violin and suddenly, the glare of the house lights and the eruption of thunderous applause drowned her other self. Fingers hooked around her violin’s neck, she fought against the tingling that threatened numbness down her left. She drew deep breaths to steady herself.

Andrea rushed off his stand, concerned. “Cara, your tears! Are you alright? Are you hurt? Can you walk?”

She nodded. “I’m fine. I’m just—” her tight lips quivered and she sniffled, “these are happy tears. I’m really happy.”

Andrea softened. He pulled her into a warm embrace and stroked her hair, letting the violinist lean against him, letting the little girl he met 20 years ago sob into his chest.

“Oh, cara mia,” he chuckles amid tears, “then smile. You are finally home.”

Originally for the TopOC contest on Instagram in 2023, in which each rounnd prompt has a drawn and written segment. I decided to make all the written segments connected to each other.

First | Prev | Next Read more about the TTRPG campaign she came out of!

#ttrpg #ttrpg art #ttrpg character #ttrpg community #pawsedsart #original character #original art #oc #oc art #my ocs #my art #drawing #art #character design #character art #ttrpg campaign #artwork #artists on tumblr #digital art #illustration #art tag #ttrpg oc #oc artist #oc artwork #oc story #original character art #itite #digital illustration

[sparkle9510]

Baby Robins and Tiny Ladybugs Ch. 4

I live! It's been over 2 years since I last updated, and I am so sorry for that! It's been a rollercoaster ^^; Writers block, college, internships, graduation, you name it. I hope you guys enjoy this! -------------------------------------- First Prev Next “If she causes you problems, let me know,” Marinette warned him. “She doesn’t hurt my friends and gets away with it.” 

“Thanks Marinette! From now on, we’ll have each other’s backs,” Adrien smiled. “I guess that makes us partners huh?” 

“I guess that does,” she agreed, smirking and holding her fist up. “Partners?” 

“Partners.” 

“Pound it!”

—

A pause settled into the air for a minute or two as both of their brains short circuited. It had made the connection of the all too familiar gesture.

“...Mon chaton?” Marinette hesitantly asked. 

She studied Adrien’s face, which had an unreadable gaze. Was this a mistake? Was she going to out herself to a civilian, one she has a crush on? How was this going to affect their relationship? She’s going to have to go on the run. Make herself a new identity. That wasn’t going to be hard right? Maybe-

“...Our everyday Ladybug inside and out of the mask,” Adrien finally settled on, “and I would not have it any other way. My lady, I am glad we got to reunite outside the mask. Like in Cinderella, I’ve found my purrincess.”

Marinette felt heat flow up to her cheeks. Imagine that. Her prince in shining leather, next to her, all this time. Then the last thing he said registered.

“... Chaton, out of all the times to pun, it had to be now?” 

“My lady, if not now then when ever? Get used to it cause this cat is armed and loaded. If you don’t like it, I guess you’d better put me under Agreste.”

*groan* “Adrien, that was the lamest thing I’ve heard yet.”

—

“Hey Mari!” Alya called out to her once Marinette stepped into the classroom. “Where were you Sunday? We were waiting for you girl!” 

“Sunday?” Marinette tilted her head to the side slightly. “Was there a hangout or something?” 

“We had a class picnic, remember?,” Mylene informed her, “you promised to bring some pastries from the bakery, but you never showed.” 

“Wait, what?” Marinette was stunned, “what-”

“Marinette,” Lila cooed, “if you weren’t going to be able to make it, you should’ve at least given us a head’s up. We would’ve been able to find an alternative. In fact, I know a patissiere that would’ve been able to help if we gave them an early notice.”

Marinette was stunned and a bit hurt. What ploy was this? Looks like everyone knew about it but her. Well, almost everyone. Adrien would’ve told her. 

After the reveal, she felt that their bond was closer than ever. Now, she had someone to talk to, to relate to, about having two lives. He wasn’t just her best friend in the mask, but outside too. They chatted a lot more, especially through text and video calls. She no longer stuttered around him, and he opened himself more to her as she did to him. So, it goes without saying that whatever happens, they would let each other know.

“Marinette,” Lila pouted, “I know we haven’t gotten along well, but I didn’t think you would flake out on us. I- I’m sorry if I caused you some ill will…” 

Tears began pooling under her eye and she started to sniffle. Marinette’s anger began to grow. It was the same thing over and over again. When will she quit?

“Lila-” Marinette began before stopping herself.”Funny, I wouldn't do that. I didn’t even know about it in the first place. So, how was I supposed to make baked goods if I wasn’t even aware?”

“But Lila said she texted you,” Nino chirped in. 

“Yeah, Lila volunteered to let you know and was the one who told us you agreed,” Kim continued, both him and Nino looked at Marinette with a skeptical look on their faces. 

Marinette bit her lips. The room felt big yet suffocating at the same time. How could she prove herself to people that didn’t give her the light of day?

“Where was my invitation?” 

Everyone turned over to look at Adrien who stood at the doorway. He walked over to Marinette, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Unlike his usual smile, he was giving the class a stern look. 

“Why wasn’t I told of the picnic too?” Adrien pressed on.

“Adrien,” Lila plastered on a sympathetic smile, “you were busy with a photoshoot yesterday, so we didn’t want to bother you. Your dad told me how important it was. That’s why I didn’t message you, but I did message Marinette about it. I don’t know why she’s lying and trying to make me look like the bad guy.”

Tears began welling up again.  

“And I’m telling you,” Marinette butted in, “I never received any text.” “But you did,” Lila insisted, “see?” 

Lila pulls out her phone and unlocked it, sharing her screen with the class. There, shown, are the messages “Marinette” had sent, agreeing to it.

“Girl,” Alya peered onto it, “the pics don’t lie. If you were too busy or got held up, you should’ve said something, not pretend not to receive anything. We would’ve totally understood.”

“I-” Marinette began once again, trying to defend herself, but the bell rang, signaling the start of class. 

Sighing, she walked to her seat and got her tablet out, ready for class. Alya gave her a pat on the shoulders, but Marinette didn’t feel any better. Looking around, she saw a few disappointed looks pointed her way along with Lila’s smug one. She couldn’t help but bite her bottom lip as she forced herself to focus in class, forgetting everything else around her. 

—

Unfortunately it got worse from there. More forgotten invites, some accusations which included her allegedly saying things here and there whether it be insults or creating rumors, and even “evidence” of her bullying Lila. Between those lies, Lila made sure to point out the moments where Marinette really did have to flake out or was being impulsive. Her little comments festered until those around her began to harbor resenting feelings. 

It frustrated Marinette that Lila’s promise seemed to be working and her friends were distancing themselves more by the day. While they were still friends, she noticed them having less patience with her, making more snide remarks, and gave her less invites to hangouts. Though that wasn’t the only thing that was happening…

*splash* 

Bringing her hands up, Marinette wiped away the paint that dropped on her. Her classmates began to prank her with the encouragement of Lila. She spewed how it would help them all bond closer, especially mend their friendship (as if there was one in the first place). It started small that she paid no mind, but it became more daring recently. 

Marinette grimaces as she surveyed the damages. Luckily the paint wasn’t going to permanently stain her outfit, but it was definitely going to be a pain in the ass to get rid of. 

“Oh dear,” Lila cooed apologetically, “it seems there was a mishap. I thought I was carrying a bucket of water I got from the art room, but it was paint by mistake. My bad.” 

“Mari!” Adrien quickly walked up to help Marinette, frowning at Lila. “Lila, this is going too far. This ends now.” 

He placed the bucket upright before surveying the extent of the mess. Marinette watched a few emotions go through his face before he looked resigned but resolute. He placed an arm around her and turned her towards the door, gently pushing her towards it.

“Now Adrien, don’t be silly,” Lila chuckled. “We meant no harm! It was just a joke! We didn’t do anything wrong.” 

“Yeah, take it easy sunshine,” Alya went up to pat Adrien’s shoulder. “You know tensions have been rising between the two. Maybe a good laugh will help the two get along.”

But I’m not laughing…

Marinette sighed, giving up. It’s been months at this point of her trying to clear things up with Alya, but she’s stubborn. In other cases, Marinette could give her some respect for it cause she’s not as easily swayed. However, it was also a con cause once her mind’s made up, it’s hard to deter her from her conclusions. 

“Babe, my bro’s right. Even with the water, it would’ve been harsh.”

Everyone turned towards Nino who had voiced this. Kim stood next to him nodding as well. They moved through the crowd until they stood besides Adrien and Marinette. 

“Nino?” Alya called, confused. 

“Alya,” Nino looked disappointed. “This is getting closer to bullying. I’m not gonna stand there and watch my friend get hurt.”

“Come on guys,” Kim continued. “Think about this. Whether paint or water, it’ll ruin Mari’s clothes. We all know she makes her own outfits and it can get ruined with this. Think of all the effort she puts into making them.”

“Nino, Kim,” Lila feigned hurt. “Do you guys really think I’m a bully? When it was Marinette that was mean to me from the very start?” 

She started sniffling, placing one hand over her nose and mouth. 

Here comes the waterworks. Marinette gave Adrien her biggest done face. He seemed to share it too, albeit more subtle.

“Maybe I do,” Nino stated. 

“Nino!” Alya was growing more visibly upset.

“I’ve known Mari since école,” Nino argued. “No matter how she felt, she has always helped others. She would never do the things Lila claims. Lila, on the other hand, only got to know and from the actions I’ve seen? Hasn’t earned my complete trust. So, yeah I’ll believe Marinette and side with her over Lila any time.”

“What Nino said,” Kim smiled, turning towards Marinette. “Let’s go get you cleaned up.” 

Ignoring the class who began comforting Lila once she began full on “crying”, the quartet left. They came across Mrs. Bustier, informing her that they were going to Marinette’s to get a change of clothes before coming back.  However, there were no guarantees as to when. 

“Thanks guys,” Marinette smiled, “I appreciate the support.”

“Of course!” Nino replied, rubbing his neck sheepishly. “We’ve been through thick and thin. We know you’re not what Lila paints you to be. Which is why…uh… Sorry for not believing you before, when you tried warning me and Alya.”

“Yeah,” Kim laughed nervously, “we started noticing some of the things she said were too good to be true. Not only that, but her trying to expel you and framing you for thief wasn’t cool. We should’ve noticed it way earlier though, sorry Mari.”

“It did hurt at first that my friends believed that I was such a bad person,” Marinette admitted, earning a wince from the two, “but I accept your apologies. Thanks for realizing the truth and standing up for me.”

“I’m glad Princess,” Adrien chimed in from the side. “Now you have more people in your corner. I guess this kitty will have to learn how to share.”

“Yeah, but don’t worry, you’ll always be my favorite.” She quipped.

“Of course, this stray cat isn't going anywhere. Now let’s go, you’ve been drenched in paint long enough!”

“You just want to take some of the pastries.”

Adrien and Marinette teased each other relentlessly much to the bewildered Nino and Kim. This was the first time seeing Marinette interacting with Adrien without stuttering or being more clumsy than usual. 

“How long has this been going on??” Kim exclaimed, much to their amusement. ------------------------------- Anddddd I'll end it here! Trying to get my mindset back into what I have planned for this as well as trying not to rush the plot xd. Sorry no batfam appearances. I made a general plot to help guide me but it ended up having it so that they may show up next chapter >.< Wanted to highlight more of what Lila's been doing and show that she's been cultivating the class and molding them to what she wants. If you're still here from when I first started, thank you guys for the support! I really appreciate it! Let me know what you guys enjoyed, what you miss, things to improve, anything! If you just want to rant about Season 5, lmk and I'll send message! I'm cool with talking about it anywhere ^-^. Taglist (I know it’s been a while, so if you want to be taken off, lmk please!): @mooshoon @bluerosette23 @zestyzealot @luciferge @gingerdaile @crazylittlemunchkin @queenmj10 @hypnosharkrebeldreamer @razzledazzle247 @dorkus-minimus @this-is-vander @abrx2002 @maribat-is-lifeblood @sturchling @witchsblackfox @noirdots @zalladane @jessigurl-design @myazael @velvetterabby @dawnwave16 @novicevoice @weird-pale-blonde-person @theyellowfeverexperience @lla-en-rouge @silverwhiteraven @corabeth11 @chocolatecatstheron @tired-butterfly @sassakitty @mon-berry @echpr @loysydark @miraculous-simmer7 @jardimazul @risingmoonyue @theatreandcomicfreak @dast218  @gracerosana @redscarlet95 @fusser90 @sam-spectra @elmokingkong @pirats-pizzacanninibles @shamefullove @xahriia @buticaaba @erick-rose99-stuff  @emjrabbitwolf

#daminette #marinette dupain cheng #ML #MLB #miraculous ladybug #maribat #maridami #Baby Robins and Tiny Ladybugs #my fanfic #adrien agreste #nino lahiffe #lila rossi #lila salt #le chien kim #adrien grows a backbone #protected marinette #adrienette #if you squint #it has potential alright? #but daminette endgame just so you know

[sovasbussy]

red means i love you

Chapter 4

↤ prev. || m.l. || next ↦

Sova drummed his fingers against the top of his desk as he looked at the white invitation card in front of him. There was a little get-together with his coworkers the coming weekend, but he didn’t feel like going to it alone. It was just them getting drunk and coming up with whatever stupid shenanigans they could do in the restaurant. It wasn’t his cup of tea at all, but he knew who he could invite to make it more bearable.

-- You smooth out your shirt as you check yourself in the mirror to see if everything about you is presentable. You were nervous, to say the least. Hanging out with Sova outside of the comfort of either of your homes was a little more nerve-wracking, but being in the presence of the people he worked with was a whole other story.

You heard the light knock on your front door, which meant that a certain blonde man was here to pick you up. Grabbing all your essentials, you quickly headed towards the front door, opening it to reveal Sova waiting for you.

"Ready?" He asked with that oh-so dreamy smile of his. You smiled back at him and nodded, locking your door before heading towards his car. --

Once you arrived at the restaurant, it was awkward to say the least. Sova was pulled away by his coworkers and you were left alone, much to your chagrin.

"Excuse me." Sova chuckled as he moved past you, his hands brushing up against your waist. That little action alone made your entire face flush, your heart racing from how flustered you were. 

Sova threw a quick glance at you with a small smirk growing on his face, sipping on his cocktail before going back into the conversation he was in earlier. You settled into the booth that Sova had reserved for the both of you, looking down at the glass you were holding. You lifted your head up to watch Sova once more, observing him as he interacted with his co-workers. It was different… He wasn’t as touchy as he was with you. He seemed more distant with his coworkers, from the way he talked to the way he stood around them. 

It was more of a relief that you got to watch him, feeling like your romantic feelings were more validated. 

"Yo, are you Sova’s girl or something?" You turned your head in the direction of the voice. Your brows were furrowed while looking at the stranger who had slinked into the booth with you.

"We’re not like that." You were quickly cut off by the man once more.

"Hah! He hasn’t made a move on you? What a waste. " The stench of alcohol reeked from the man’s breath as he pushed himself closer towards you, pushing you back against your seat.

You furrowed your brows and tried to push the man away from you before freezing when you saw two arms flying past your head to push him a distance away from you.

"Hands off." Sova’s voice was curt, glaring at his co-worker for being so pushy towards you. The man gulped and nodded before scurrying away from the both of you.

I’m sorry. Are you okay? " Sova was quick to comfort you, his eyes darting across your face and body to see if you were hurt. He had his hands on the sides of your arms, ministrating gentle squeezes to calm you down. You were quick to nod your head and give him a light smile, "I’m fine, Sasha. He didn’t do anything. You were just glad that he appeared when he did.

Sova’s gaze was back on yours, the worry slowly subsiding from his face. I’ll deal with him later. Should we get back? " He asked, wanting to be alone with you for a little while.

"Yeah, that’s fine with me." You agreed, holding onto his forearm. Sova said his goodbyes to some of his coworkers as he led you out of the restaurant. He kept you close to him as if someone would just jump out and grab you, not that you minded the close proximity between the two of you.

The ride was mostly silent, with only the soft sound of music from the radio filling the air while Sova drove you back home. The car came to a stop and it pulled you away from your daze, turning your head to look at Sova, who was already looking back at you.

He had a soft smile on his face, which made your cheeks flush. You were quick to flick your gaze away, with your face growing redder by the second. Do you say it now? You didn’t know if this was even the right time for a confession. The many conversations with your friends about Sova ran through your mind and today just showed that he treated you differently compared to the other women in his life. You fiddled with your thumbs as your brain scrambled to put together words into coherent sentences.

"Uhm, Sasha..." You started off. Your eyes were still focused on your hands. You could still feel Sova gazing at you from your peripheral vision, and you knew that looking at him would just break your train of thoughts.

Sova’s eyes widened ever so slightly, waiting patiently for you to continue. Of course, he knew what was going to happen next. Monitoring and listening to your calls, texts, and conversations was a way for him to keep tabs on you; finding out your plans was an easy feat.

You pressed your lips together as you cleared your throat. The next few moments were a blur to you, emotions pouring from your lips. Sova, with feigned surprise, looked at you in silence. He was surprised. The man wasn’t expecting such stirring words from you. 

“I…” 

His hesitation made you wince internally. 

“Thank you, дорогая. I would love to be in a relationship with you.” All of the tension in your body faded. You were ecstatic but the relief of having these feelings being reciprocated by the one you so badly yearned for just over took the happiness. You leaned back into your seat with a flustered smile, still not daring to look up at your now-boyfriend. 

Sova leaned closer towards you, closing the distance between you ever so slightly. His fingers gently slid against your cheek, turning your head to face him. He chuckled at the sight of your dark-red cheeks, his eyes slowly gazing down at your lips. 

“May I?” You could feel his breath ghost over your lips. 

“Yes…” Your own voice felt breathless, lost in the heat of the moment. 

Your eyes fluttered shut as Sova kissed your lips, a tender moment you were sure to cherish for days to come. 

For you, this was only the beginning. 

#sova x reader #valorant fanfiction #valorant sova #valorant x reader #reader insert #sova #x reader #fem reader

[cassarilladraws]

Contagious

Lukadrien Fluffuary (using this prompt list) Day 4 - Make Them Laugh/Being Silly Prev | Next Read it on Ao3 Words: 910 Rating: T Carapace explained that he’d been booked solid the following weekend. Usually, he’d still make time for a patrol or two, but the way his schedule lined up he knew that wasn’t possible. His career as a DJ was taking off and the upcoming gigs were important. Of course, his girlfriend was going with him for support. Which meant Rena wouldn’t be running their patrol routes either. “Sorry, I hate to ask you guys to cover for us.” He said. “It’s not a problem at all!” Chat Noir smiled. “I’m glad things are going so well.” “I agree. This is your dream you’re talking about here.” Viperion looked at his friend with pride. “We understand if you need to scale back patrols while you build things up in your career." “Thanks?” Carapace appreciated the sentiment but the way Viperion had emphasized a certain word didn’t go unnoticed by him. He almost snorted at the remark, but kept his composure. There was a beat of silence before Chat Noir burst into laughter. “What?” Viperion asked. “What did I say?” “It’s not what you said. It’s how you said it.” Carapace placed a hand on Viperion’s shoulder and looked at him in mock sorrow doing his best impersonation of a doctor from a soap opera. “I have some news for you, buddy. I’m afraid it’s contagious.”

“What are you talking about? What’s contagious?” Viperion looked from Carapace to Chat Noir. “Why are you laughing?” “Should have told you there was a chance of this happening.” Chat Noir continued the scene Carapace had set. “But I guess I have passed It on to you. My burden is now yours too.” “Ah yes, the dreaded pun disease.” Carapace shook his head. “My best bud here has a severe case. Had it for years, in fact. You’ve heard the symptoms. Tragic.” “It's true. It was impossible for me to keep the signs hidden.” Chat Noir played along, easily falling into the dramatics. “I thought your pun was hissssterical. Symptoms are indeed starting to show. There’s no turning back now, my love.” Viperion rolled his eyes at their antics. “All I said was that we understand if he needs to scale things back.” Carapace couldn’t hold it in anymore. He broke character and threw his head back laughing. Chat Noir chuckled again before approaching his boyfriend. “What you actually said was that we’d understand if he needed to scale things back.” Chat Noir circled behind him playfully and whispered not so quietly in his ear. “With emphasissss on the word scale.” Viperion thought about it. It was true. He had and he didn’t even realize it. Scale…like the scales on his suit. Like the scales of a snake. He had emphasized the word. Viperion brought his palm to his face. That definitely happened. “Remember the other day?” Chat Noir reminded his boyfriend. “You told me I pun so much that meow certain words just come out that way naturally.” Viperion gave a crooked grin. It was anyone’s guess if his boyfriend had replaced the word “now” on purpose or out of habit at this point. “Yeah. Because you do!” “Well, maybe it’s rubbing of on you.” “It’s all your fault then.” Viperion accused playfully. “You’ve ruined me.” “Ruined or improved?” Chat teased. “Is the pun disease really that dreadful? Or a blessing in disguise.” Looking at the couple, Carapace saw an opportunity to mess with his friend. He slipped back into character. “You know experts have theorized that the dreaded pun disease spreads through lip contact.” “Ahh…Lip contact.” Viperion caught on easily and narrowed his eyes at Chat Noir. “There’s been a lot of that lately, my muse. Purrhaps we should lay off a while to ease my symptoms?! Ah, there went another one. Sorry love, but I’m afraid we’ll need to stop kissing so much.” Chat Noir shot daggers at Carapace with his eyes. Which only made Nino erupt into laughter again. “Noooooo…. Don’t even joke like that!” His arm draped across his forehead. Slipping back into the soap opera like scene. “I’d miss the kissing too much. I don’t think that I could bear to live without it.” Despite it all being a silly bit, started at his own expense no less, Viperion didn’t want their little scene to end there. If they were playing this out like a soap opera then… In an instant, Viperion grabbed Chat Noir by the bell and moved so that their faces were mere inches apart. His voice dropped an octave. “I’ll never stop loving you. Even if the dreaded pun disease kills me.” With that, Viperion crashed their lips together. The kiss was short and dramatic. He released Chat Noir’s bell and pulled away with flourish. This had clearly caught the blonde off guard and he was blushing furiously. Carapace snorted. “Oh the suave and smooth Chat Noir, hero of Paris, reduced to a flustered mess.” Chat Noir shrugged, cheeks still scarlet. “It’s not like I mind but….” Then he glared at his boyfriend and spread his arms wide over his head. “How does someone say “even if the dreaded pun disease kills me’ and make it hot?! Seriously?!” “Maybe some of your charm was contagious too, babe.” Viperion winked at him, playing it up even more. This only added to Chat Noir’s flustered state. “You’re killing me.” The laughter erupted from Carapace and the couple couldn’t help but join in. “You two are too much.”

#Miraculous Ladybug #Lukadrien #Chat Noir #Viperion #Carapace #Miraculous Fanfiction #Nino Lahiffe #Luka Couffaine #Adrien Agreste #Adrien and Nino #Adrien and Luka #ViperNoir #Lukadrien Fluffuary #Fluffuary2023 #Prompt: Make Them Laugh/Being Silly #Cassarilla writes

[scorpiongrassfield]

Theo Gives You His Number

Start | Prev

You give him yours in return. 

“There,” Theo says with a nod. 

Then after a beat of silence: “Um. If you ever want to talk about things not related to ghosts. That would be okay too.” 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” you reply. 

Silence falls again. 

Theo is more fidgety than you’ve ever seen him. 

He always seems a little different when Pat isn’t around, even when he’s not possessed. At least you think he isn’t possessed right now. 

“Um. You came all this way just to give me my phone back. Did you maybe want a tour of the cabin before you go? You and Pat seemed interested in the building last time you were here,” he says. 

A spark flickers in your mind. 

“You remember last time?” 

Theo looks like he’s been caught red-handed. 

“I. Well. Technically not?” he hedges. 

You raise an eyebrow in question. 

“I have been having memory issues lately. So. I started writing down important things. And while I don’t remember your visit. I do remember reading what I had written down about it. If that makes any sense?” 

“I guess so,” you agree, even if it’s not quite true. You don’t want to rake him over the coals about it. It’s not like you can’t relate to memory issues. 

“I’ve been having some trouble remembering things too,” you say. Part peace offering, part attempt to soothe some of the nervous energy Theo’s putting off. 

“Oh? That’s kinda nice,” Theo says thoughtfully. 

Then he realizes the implications of what he just said. “Wait. No, I don’t mean that it’s nice that you’re having trouble. Of course that’s not nice, not being able to remember things is really scary. Ah. At least it is for me? I just mean it’s nice that we aren’t alone in it. It’s nice to not be alone, don’t you think?” he rambles at light speed. 

You can’t help but laugh. A real, genuine laugh that brings tears to your eyes. You can’t help it. Theo is really endearing when he’s nervous. 

He looks a little unsure of how to interpret your laughter. 

“Sorry, sorry. I’m not really laughing at you,” you say. It’s kind of a lie but if you say you are laughing at him, he’ll take it the wrong way. 

“It is nice to not be alone,” you agree, laughter fading. 

Theo perks up again. “Oh. Good. I was worried I said that wrong thing twice over.” “No. You’re good,” you say. And before the silence that you feel creeping up on you can fully set in: “Can I still take you up on that offer for a tour?” 

“Of course,” he says, then turns and gestures to the spacious hallway you’re in. “So. This is the… I think George used to call it a mud room? It’s the entrance hallway. I’m sure you’ve seen it before.” 

He walks out into the next room. You follow. 

“This is the… I think it’s supposed to be called a great room? I call it a living room,” he says, gesturing around. “It’s. Kind of empty right now. I really only spend time here in the winter. Since it’s where the fireplace is.” 

“Makes sense,” you say, just to show you’re listening. 

Theo nods. 

“And over here…” Theo says, walking over and gesturing to a doorway, “Is the kitchen. And breakfast nook area thing.” 

You peek inside. It’s the same kitchen you had tea with the shadow in. 

“Nice. I like the wallpaper.” 

Theo smiles. “Me too. I’m glad George didn’t get rid of it.” 

“George?” you ask, even if you have an inkling of who that is. 

“Oh. That’s my older cousin. She and her partner lived here before me. They wanted to move so they wouldn’t have to deal with the winters here. And I guess they wanted to keep the house in the family,” he explains. 

“That was nice of them to think of you.” 

“It was. Especially since I was kind of in a bad place before I moved here… I know they’d been talking about moving for a while. But. It does feel like they chose to move Then because of me.” 

“Really?” 

Theo nods. 

“George has always been quite vocal about how she feels about both queer solidarity and helping people that need it. Giving me a place to live that’s out of my parent’s control. That’s… It’s something she would do with intention,” he says, looking pensive. 

Then he comes back to the present. “Oh. But you’re not here to hear about my life story. Sorry.” 

You shake your head. “I don’t mind getting to know you better.”

next

#choose your own adventure #writeblr #interactive fiction #original writing

[alphashley14]

One of Us

A Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated/Mystery Skulls Crossover

<Prev Next>

Chapter 19

No One Ever Really Dies

After fleeing the lounge, Ricky and the kids hurried into Fred and Daphne’s room and shut and locked the door behind them.

Once inside, they stood around the door and listened. 

“I don’t hear anything. What about you Scoob?” Fred asked.

“Not a thing,” Scooby confirmed. 

“Even the best of friends argue,” Daphne said. 

“She’s right,” Ricky said. “They love each other too much to resort to violence. No matter what they’re fighting about.” 

The six of them backed away and sat around the room to talk.

“So like um…” Shaggy plopped down into a chair, “can we talk about… that?” 

“Shaggy’s right. We need to be on the same page about this,” Velma agreed. 

“I just can’t believe that sweet little dog turned out to be…” Daphne left the end of her sentence open-ended, but everyone knew what she meant.

“I trust him,” Ricky said, to all of their surprises. 

“Like really?” Shaggy exclaimed. 

“But why?” Scooby asked. 

“Whatever he was in the past, he isn’t the same guy who’s comforted me today more times than I care to mention,” Ricky said. “I don’t need to remind you all that I have regrets too. But I’ve realized that I was wrong and I’m doing something about it. He didn’t get to finish telling us his story, but it should be obvious to us all that he did the same thing. And unlike me he’s had centuries to do so.” 

“He’s right,” Velma said, thinking back to how Mystery had told her about magic. “If he was the same fox who did all of those things back then, I don’t think any of us would even be standing here right now. If he wanted to hurt us, he’s had infinite opportunities to do so by now. Not to mention that he wanted our trust enough to tell me what his achilles heel is.” 

“Yeah but like, that’s assuming he’s telling the truth,” Shaggy said. 

“I think he has good intentions,” said Scooby, remembering how Mystery had exacted justice on his behalf when the scary priest in the painting had come at him earlier.

“I think so too, just from what we’ve seen and what we’ve been told so far,” Daphne said. “But, I think it’s important that we all remember that we don’t have all of the facts yet. Mystery didn't finish his story.”

“Is it wrong of me to say that I’m kind of glad he didn’t?” Fred asked, anxiously messing with his ascot. “It’s- a lot.” 

“I feel exactly the same way,” Ricky agreed. “Also, adding onto this discussion, I would like to point out that even if we didn’t trust the Mystery Skulls, I believe that continuing to cooperate with them is presently the more strategically sound thing to do. If it weren’t for the Mystery Skulls, my old group would have us vastly outgunned and outnumbered right now. Not that I’m calling you kids incapable. Because it’s honestly impressive how difficult it’s been to get one up on you. But if they cornered us somehow…” 

“He’s right,” Velma said thoughtfully. “The Mystery Skulls actually have a pretty good chance of overpowering them, even without our help.” 

“But if they’re so strong,” Scooby said with a tilt of his head, “then why don’t they just barge in and rescue Arthur?” 

“Actually, yeah. I was sort of wondering the same thing,” Daphne said thoughtfully.

“The situation’s too delicate for that,” Ricky replied. “Right now to Professor Pericles, Arthur- or rather I, am a tool. But if we barged in and tried to rescue Arthur- or me, then we’d need to get the remote from Pericles. And he’s so smart that chances are he’d realize what we were there for before we could do that. He might even realize that the swap’s taken place. And if that happens, I can’t begin to describe how monumentally bad that would be. Because then Arthur’s not just a tool anymore - he becomes a hostage. And I think we all know what the first of his demands would be.” 

“The planispheric disc!” Mystery Inc. exclaimed at once. 

“Like he’s right. He’s totally right!” Shaggy cried. 

“And even if we gave him the disc, there’s no garuntee he’d give Arthur or Mr. E or whoever’s in that body back,” Fred added. “Because as long as he has a hostage, he’s got a way of making sure we don’t interfere with his plans.”

“Which means that as much as we don’t like it,” Ricky walked over to the window and leaned against the glass, looking out over the twisted forest. “The covert operation that Arthur has going on right now is the best chance we have of getting him back safely. I just hope he stays safe in the process.” 

Ricky talked with the kids for another twenty minutes before they bid each other goodnight and at last retired to their rooms for the evening.

As soon as he was back in the seclusion of his room, the entire day finally hit him all at once. Ricky felt like he hadn’t slept in fifteen chapters. He was suddenly so tired. Had it really been only a day? It felt more like seven months.

But as much as he wanted to collapse face-first onto that huge bed and pass out for the rest of this chapter (assuming nothing weird happened in his dreams this time and his insomnia hadn’t followed him to this body), Ricky knew he’d feel monumentally better after a shower.

Ricky looked over to the bathroom with a sigh and repeated what Fred and Mystery had told him earlier. “We’re both guys… it’s only as weird as I make it. Don’t make it weird…” 

The problem was that it was already weird. Ricky had grown more accustomed to what existing in Shaggy’s body felt like, but the shower really forced him to feel the difference. Then there was Shaggy’s hair. Washing Ricky’s hair was a process. Shaggy’s hair on the other hand was as easy as wash, rinse, fluff it with a towel at the end, and- oh wow. Hair’s basically dry already. All done. 

So. If he was looking for plus sides to this whole situation, he supposed he could add that to the list: showers were easy.

After he was dried off, Ricky got dressed to go to sleep, brushed his teeth, turned out the lights, then finally climbed into bed. 

As absolutely magical as the bed was, Ricky laid awake for a long time, letting his thoughts drift wherever they wanted to go. He thought a lot about today. But time and time again, his thoughts wandered back to Cassidy. Until finally, he gave up and stopped trying not to think of her.

She would have loved all of this, he thought to himself. Vivi’s a fighter, just like her. They would have gotten along well. She might’ve been cautious of Mystery, but he would have adored her. She wouldn’t’ve been afraid of Lewis either. And the Dead Beats would have made her laugh. A mental image came to mind. Of her. Laughing as the little pink spirits nuzzled and crowded around her for pets like they had to him and the kids earlier. The thought brought a smile to his lips. 

As nice a thought as it was, it was never going to happen. And it was all his fault. 

Are you here now? Could you have come back as a ghost? Like Lewis? 

No. Ricky didn’t want that for her. If she came back as a ghost, then what if she came back as a weak spirit, like the painting ghosts? Stuck in one place? Trapped where she’d died? Clinging to her humanity and always struggling to not be consumed by stronger beings? Like the wild world of yokai Mystery had described. God, no. Not Cassidy. After all she’d been through, she deserved peace. 

But… where exactly? 

The Mystery Skulls talked about life after death as if there was more than one. If that were true, then perhaps he and Cassidy would truly never meet again. But maybe it was better that way. Wherever she was… all he wanted was what was best for her. But what did he know? Basically nothing. He would have to ask one of the Mystery Skulls about it when he got the chance. 

“Wherever you are,” he prayed to her quietly, “I hope you’re at peace, somewhere worthy of you. And I’m- Oh Angel… Cassidy I’m so sorry…” 

Maybe Ricky was just that exhausted. And perhaps not being in the body of an insomniac had something to do with it too. The last words that slipped past his lips before Ricky cried himself to sleep came out barely a whisper. 

“I love you…”

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

“It’s done,” Lewis said, popping back into the room through the table in front of them. Marcie shrieked and nearly sent Arthur’s coffee flying across the room, but Arthur reached out and caught it before it could spill. 

“Dude. You did that on purpose,” Arthur said dryly. 

“Maybe,” Lewis shrugged. “It was funny tho.” 

“It wasn’t funny to me!” Marcie protested. 

“Sorry,” Lewis said, not sounding remorseful. He flew up to Arthur’s head level and flipped upside down. “But to be fair, I don’t get people I can mess with very often. What’s the point of being a ghost if you can’t at least have a little fun with it right?” 

“Yeah,” Marcie half-laughed, “I guess so.” 

“Is there anything else I can do to help while I’m here? Anything at all?” Lewis asked. 

“You’ve done plenty,” Arthur said. “Seriously Lewis. We may not have been able to pull this off without your help. Just out of curiosity, how many different tracking devices and bugs did you find on the Enigma Machine?” Arthur asked. 

“Four,” Lewis replied. 

“And what did you do with them?” 

“Hid them in the ceiling above the vehicle. Just like you said. When you make your escape, the tracking systems will show that the van is still in the garage. They won’t be able to track it.” 

“And you weren’t seen?” 

“Come on man, you know me. I’ve had plenty of practice avoiding breathers and fucking with security cameras by now,” Lewis said, flipping over so he was upright once more.

  “How foolish of me to doubt you,” Arthur said jokingly. 

“Yeah Arthur. Why’d you do that?” 

They laughed, but soon broke off into silence as an unpleasant truth hung in their air between them.

“I don’t want to leave you,” Lewis said sadly at last.

“And I don’t want you to go,” Arthur admitted, pulling his friend into a hug. “But we both know why you have to.” 

“Your plan will work. It has to,” Lewis said. 

“And when it does, I’ll see you on the road the night after next.” 

“But until then, know that you’ll never be off my mind. Just- remember, Arthur. If you need me for any reason, you can send a message through the Dead Beats.”

“I know. Thanks, Lewis.” Arthur said. 

They pressed their foreheads together for a long moment, a final goodbye, before Lewis turned to Marcie. “Take care of him,” he beseeched her. “Arthur’s the smartest idiot I know. He could build a whole new world with that brain of his, but he’ll get so focused on it that he’ll forget to do important being-alive things. Like eating. Or sleeping. Or occasionally taking a shower.” 

“Hey! I- do not!”

“Oh yeah? How many meals have you eaten today?” 

Arthur opened and closed his mouth, then pursed his lips in thought. “...Does one singular donut count as ‘brunch’?” 

“No it does not. Eat something, Kingsmen!” Lewis barked. 

“All right. All right. You have my word. I’ll scrounge something together.” 

“And you’ll sleep?” 

“... Yyyyes…” Arthur groaned. 

“But you’re going to eat something first.” Lewis said. 

“Fine! Look, Lew! This is me, going to eat something!” Arthur said loudly as he marched into the kitchen. 

Lewis’ scowl softened into a smile as he watched Arthur disappear into the other room. Then he turned back to Marcie once more. “Hey. Uhm. I know you’re doing a lot as it is, but I meant what I said. Take care of him… please.”

“Don’t worry. I will,” Marcie nodded. 

“Seriously. Thank you. The only reason I’m not an anxiety-ridden mess is because I know he’s not totally alone in here.”

“You are an anxiety-ridden mess,” Marcie corrected. 

Lewis barked a laugh. “I guess that’s true. So… it seems like you’re taking this really well. You’re definitely less hesitant to believe all this than Velma was. Any reason why?” 

“I mean Arthur had the Dead Beats as proof of the paranormal from the get-go, so I guess I’ve had a while to come to terms with the whole ‘ghosts are real’ thing before I met you. Other than that, I did have my doubts as to whether he’s really not Mr. E for most of today. Until…” 

“What?” 

“I made one reference. Just one. And the next thing I knew, Arthur had to physically restrain himself from going on a rave about Smash Bros trivia. We got refocused back to the task at hand pretty quick, but that’s definitely when I knew for sure. Mr. E would never.” 

Lewis snorted. “Yeah! That sounds like Arthur!” When Arthur came back into the room, eating the final bites of a ham and cheese sandwich, he didn’t say a word about Lewis being gone. Marcie supposed that for them, just leaving was easier. Or else they’d never be able to let each other go. 

Marcie was tempted to ask Arthur if he was okay, but he spoke up as she was opening her mouth to do so. “You should eat something too. I would’ve made you a sandwich too, but I didn’t know what you liked or if you were vegetarian or anything like that.”

“I’m not vegetarian but yeah. I’ll eat something. Speaking of… it’s getting pretty late you know. Are you… going to sleep soon?” 

“Eventually.” 

“How about a shower?” 

Arthur snorted. “Not a chance in Hell.” 

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Ricky dreamed that night. Of her, of course. 

The last time Ricky ever saw her was in the forest when all five members of the original Mystery Incorporated met together for the first time in 20 years. After Pericles made his offer and flew away, Brad and Judy had left in a huff, at that time still pretending that they were acting in the best interest of their son. Leaving Ricky and Cassidy alone beneath the moonlit trees. 

“The nerve of that bird,” she’d scoffed, angrily kicking a tree root. “Who the hell does he think he is?” 

Ricky just scowled, trying to hide how tempted he was to take him up on his offer. He didn’t trust Pericles. Their relationship would never be what it was. But… he missed him. As hard as he denied it, he missed his old friend. Having lost his every friend and ally, Ricky was alone. He hated being alone. 

Unless… 

“He’s right you know,” Ricky had said. 

And Cassidy had whirled around to scold him, “You can’t possibly be considering-!” 

“Of course not!” (He’d lied both to her and himself that night, of course.) “I just mean that us, working together… we’d have a better chance at getting the pieces than we would by ourselves. My offer still stands, Cassidy. You’re smart. Resourceful. Strong. I want you back on my team.” 

Looking back, she’d looked almost hopeful at first. But as soon as ‘getting the pieces’ left his mouth she had turned sad, her disappointment in him evident. “And my answer is the same,” she sighed. “I told you already, Ricky. I won’t hurt those kids.” 

“Right,” Ricky had said bitterly, “Because they’re good kids. What was it you said? Better than we were?” 

“We were good once too,” she muttered.

“You were a child.” Wait- what was that? A newer memory, the voice of a newer friend, echoing in his ears.

“You were a good kid.” What was he doing? He could be good again. This didn’t have to end the same way it had been the first time. He could save her. She didn’t have to die! 

“And he took advantage of that.” But even as these thoughts occurred to Ricky, everything he wanted to say was trapped at the back of his throat. 

“Goodbye Ricky,” and then she was leaving. 

NO! IF YOU LET HER GO YOU’LL NEVER SEE HER AGAIN!  

Ricky tried to move but his feet were rooted to the spot. He tried to talk, to shout her name, but no sound would come out. He reached out, trying to catch her, but she was just out of reach. 

NO. NO NO NO NO! 

But he watched her walk away, just as he had back then. And as she vanished into the darkness of the trees the memory of another familiar voice, a more cruel voice, echoed in his ears.

“Would you like to know how she died?” 

“NO!”

Ricky shot up, wide awake in a cold sweat. He had to look around for several moments as he recalled where he was and why. He was safe. In Lewis’ mansion. The forest was but one in a long series of regrets. And Cassidy- 

She’s gone.

Ricky took several deep breaths and fell back onto the pillows. 

Fuuuuuck. 

Figures he couldn’t go one night without something weird or otherwise unpleasant happening in his dreams. Granted - he hadn’t ended up in another dimension this time, so this was arguably an improvement. Arguably. As in Ricky could also argue that he preferred the Sitting Room. Seriously, the realities of the waking world were unpleasant as it is. Why did his brain have to torture him when he was asleep, too?

Just then, his stomach made a noise akin to the sound of a dying whale. 

“Fuck you Shaggy,” Ricky grumbled in the dark. But he felt bad as soon as the words left his mouth. It wasn’t Shaggy’s fault that his body for some reason required breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. It was genetics- some kind of disorder- something. In any case, something wasn’t right. 

Come to think of it, how is he not constantly shitting with how much he eats? And how is he not as fat as me while shitting all the time? Where does the food go? Is this kid’s stomach a portal to another dimension??? 

Ah, the thoughts one has while tired as fuck at- Ricky glanced over at the alarm clock to see what godforsaken hour of the night it had the audacity to be - 2:51 in the morning. 

Also, speaking of shitting, he kinda needed to go to the bathroom anyway. 

Grumbling in I-don’t-want-to-get-up, Ricky reluctantly left the bed’s warm comfort. Fuck, he’d been all cozy from his body heat warming the covers and the inside of the mansion was cold - especially at night. But what else should he expect from a haunted house? Ricky turned the bedside lamp on, retrieved his jacket from where it was lying at the foot of his bed, and quickly put it on. 

He used the facilities, then went to the door. He glanced over at the clock again. It was now 3:00 am - the witching hour. Was it a good idea to wander the halls of a haunted house during the witching hour? Probably not. But based on the off-key didgeridoo noises his stomach was making, this stupid body wasn’t going to leave him alone until he fed it. So he really didn’t have much choice if he wanted so much as a chance of getting a wink of more sleep. 

Ricky stepped out into the hall. Fuck - it was dark. Fortunately there were nightlights at pretty regular intervals in the halls for the living, so he wasn’t wandering completely blind. He was fine leaving the East Wing and the few turns after that. Living and working at Destroido meant that he was used to remembering his way through large buildings. He heard footsteps once or twice with no one attached to them, weird glowing orbs darted in and out of sight, and at one point he thought he heard voices muttering. But he didn’t meet any ghosts. That is until- 

Uh-oh. Which way was it again?

Left or right? Should he just walk to the end of each hall and see if anything looked familiar? Dammit, where were the Dead Beats when you needed- 

Scrrrrraaape

Such a quiet sound was deafening in the silent hallway. Ricky froze. 

Scraaape- Scrrrrrraaape

Ricky gulped and turned his head in the direction of the noise. 

Ding-dong Daddy-o… 

One of the suits of armor had moved. From its usual frozen position to leaning forward with its head turned in Ricky’s direction, glowing pink eyes beneath its mask fixed right on him. 

Ricky gulped. Lewis said they protect the mansion. “U-uh… I-I’m a guest…” he stuttered, fiddling with his fingers, feeling very silly and very scared. “I uh, I got hungry. Could you uh- tell me which way the kitchen is? 

Scccrrrape Scrrrraaape

The suit of armor moved again, pointing towards the left. 

“Oh-” Ricky had kind of not expected it to answer him, much less help. “T-thanks.” 

Scrrrraaape Scrape Scraaape 

The suit of armor briefly bowed to him, then motioned for him to be on his way. 

Heart pounding, Ricky’s whole body felt stiff with fear as he took the route to the left. He could hear the armor’s head turning as it watched him go. As he came to the next hallway (he remembered where he was now), he heard a bunch more scraping behind him as the possessed armor returned to its usual frozen position. 

Well that was terrifying yet helpful. 

Just as terrifying yet equally helpful, every suit of armor Ricky passed from then on pointed in the direction Ricky needed to go. Until finally, very creeped out and not wanting to make any more noise from the metal moving, Ricky told one of the suits of armor as politely as he could that he remembered which way to go from here, but that he appreciated all of their help. The armor bowed to him, resumed its original position, and none of them moved after that. 

Soon after that, came into the foyer, where he was happy to see a familiar troop of pink friends playing tag near the ceiling, zooming around the chandelier. As he stepped out of the doorway, one of the Dead Beats spotted him and pointed him out to his friends, who all made happy trilling noises as they zoomed down to give him nuzzles and demand pets. Trying to stay quiet, Ricky laughed, scritching their heads. “Hey you guys. Boy, am I happy to see you. I’m on my way to the kitchen for a midnight snack. Would you like to keep me company?” 

The Dead Beats were delighted to do just that. 

Then at last, Ricky made it into the kitchen. 

Ricky opened the fridge and squinted from the glare of the bright artificial light, his eyes having adjusted to the dark house. He was looking for a drink when- 

“Ricky?” 

Ricky jumped and banged his head on the top of the fridge with a curse. 

“Oof, you okay dude?” 

“Lewis?” Ricky turned around, rubbing the soon-to-be bump on his head. The ghost was standing by the doorway with a couple more Dead Beats. “You’re back. And- What’re you doing up?” 

“I’m a ghost,” Lewis shrugged. “I don’t exactly need sleep. What’re you doing up?” 

“Uh- couldn’t sleep. And I got hungry.” 

Lewis snorted. “You just missed Scooby. He was in here for a midnight snack not half an hour ago.” 

“Ah. That explains why the fridge doesn’t look as packed as it did earlier,” Ricky said. Right then, one of the Dead Beats floated over to him helpfully with a bag of pretzels. Ricky thanked him and then turned back to Lewis. “So. How was Arthur?” He asked, popping one into his mouth.

Lewis sighed with relief. “He’s okay. Thank God. Marcie’s on board, I helped with some things, and thus far everything’s going according to his plan.” 

“That’s good,” Ricky sighed, eating another handful. “So what exactly is his plan?” He asked after he swallowed. 

“Actually, I needed to talk to you about that…” Lewis rubbed the back of his neck and procured a flashdrive from a pocket in his waistcoat. 

Ricky abruptly stopped chewing. Why did he have a feeling that he knew what the contents of that were? He swallowed. “What’s that?” He asked. 

“Proof of what happened to you,” Lewis winced. 

“... Oh,” Ricky looked away. “Did uh… did you watch it?” 

“No,” Lewis said. “That would be a messed up thing to do. And I’m not going to let anyone else see it without your permission either. So… are you okay with me seeing this? Or anyone else for that matter?” 

“Um… let me get back to you on that. It’s- late. I know somebody should see it but- could I think about it?” 

“No problem man. Take as much time as you need,” Lewis said, tucking it back in his pocket. 

“Oh! Ricky. What are you doing up?” Mystery, in the form of a dog, trotted into the room and hopped up into one of the chairs.

“Ah- uh, bad dreams,” Ricky said, forgetting to lie about it. “-And a midnight snack,” he caught himself, shaking the bag of pretzels. He quickly changed the subject. “So uh, how are you and Vivi? All good?” 

“What happened with Vivi?” Lewis growled.

“Tensions ran high, and we had a moment. About three years ago. But we got through it, and we’re fine now,” Mystery said, hinting very strongly to Lewis that they would talk about it when not in mixed company.

Lewis fortunately caught the hint, because he reverted the subject back to Ricky. “Gotcha. So, Ricky. Bad dreams? Do you… want to talk about it?”

“I’ve just been- thinking a lot about Cassidy,” he admitted, setting down the now-empty bag of pretzels and opening a jug of yogurt. “I know you never knew her but, I really wish you had. She was… she really was perfect.” 

Ricky was too deep in self-pity to notice the panicked look Mystery and Lewis shot each other. 

“I said a lot of really shitty things to her,” Ricky sighed. “Things I didn’t mean. And I just wish I could take it all back, or at least tell her how sorry I am. For all of it.”

He was completely oblivious to Mystery and Lewis silently shouting at each other on either side of him. 

‘Should we tell him???’ Lewis mouthed. 

‘No!’ Mystery mouthed back. 

“And she would have loved this.” Ricky laughed, “Knowing her she’d be like ‘hell no’ at first. But once she got over that initial hurdle I really think she would’ve liked to learn all of this, and to meet you. And you would’ve liked her.” 

‘He deserves to know!’ Lewis mouthed, gesticulating wildly. 

‘Don’t say SHIT!’ Mystery swiped a paw across his throat.

‘He’s heartbroken!’ 

‘It’s too much!’ 

“She would have been a big help too,” Ricky said. “She was so smart. One of the smartest people I ever knew… and the kindest.” 

‘I’m gonna tell him!’ 

‘Don’t you dare!’

‘We should tell him!’ 

“In the morning!” Mystery loud-whispered. 

Ricky looked up, and Mystery and Lewis quickly snapped into “totally-not-up to-something” poses before he could notice. “Did you say something?” He asked. 

“Oh- yes. Cassidy-” The dog cleared his throat. “Cassidy is a truly wonderful person. And uh- in the morning, I have a lot more to tell you and teach you that I bet she would really want to see.” Were it not past 3:00 in the morning, Ricky might have caught Mystery’s use of the word ‘is’ as opposed to ‘was’.

‘Smooth,’ Lewis mouthed at Mystery over Ricky’s head. 

Mystery shot him a glare. None of that was a lie. 

Just then, on its own, the radio on the counter turned on smack in the middle of a Mystery Skulls song.

“If I could do this all a-gain,  If I could start o-ver, and give you everything-”

The three of them turned around to the source of the noise to see the Dead Beats floating totally guilty around the radio. 

“-Yeah, I wouldn’t change a thing. As long as I have you baby- As long as I have you baby!” 

Ricky just looked at them confused and listened while panicked, Mystery and Lewis comically shook their heads, ‘NO!’ 

And the Dead Beats stubbornly nodded, ‘YES!’ 

“See?” Ricky sighed, completely misinterpreting what the Dead Beats were trying to tell him. “They get it.” 

As the strum of the keyboard and the thrum of the beat gave way to lyrics once more, Lewis flew across the room-

“-’Cause no one ever really diiies-” 

Ricky didn’t hear the rest because Lewis cut the radio off. 

“Why’d you turn it off?” Ricky asked, confused. 

“I- uh- it was way too loud. You- sillies,” Lewis turned to the Dead Beats with a too-wide grin. “I know how much you love music, but do you want to wake the whole house? We’re going to have to have a talk later,” The ghost growled at them. 

The Dead Beats just crossed their arms and turned away sharply. Foiled!

While Lewis glared at the Dead Beats, Mystery turned back to Ricky. “Speaking of,” the kitsune-disguised-as-a-dog said, “I really think you ought to get back to sleep.” 

Ricky scoffed. “I’m not so sure that’s going to happen. Sleep doesn’t exactly come to me easily. Not to mention I’m not exactly looking forward to another nightmare.” 

Mystery tilted his head, thoughtful. 

The dog made a flourish with one of his paws, and a small vial appeared on the table in a flash of his foxfire. 

Ricky jumped, not expecting it. The vial was half-moon-shaped, with a star-shaped cork, filled with a beautiful luminous midnight blue fluid. 

“Really? You’re gonna give him that?” Lewis exclaimed. The Dead Beats were still pouting behind him.

“What is it?” Ricky asked.

“Magic,” Mystery replied. “We're acquainted with a number of potion makers and regularly enlist their services. This,” Mystery said, motioning for Ricky to pick up the bottle, “is a half-dose of dreamless sleep potion. It instantly puts its drinker into deep sleep, then awakens the drinker fast enough that the mind never enters the stage of sleep in which dreams occur. This is a half dose, meant to be taken when one wakes in the middle of the night. So it should guarantee you another five hours or so of restful slumber.”

“Just don’t get reliant on that stuff,” Lewis warned. “Trust us, we know from experience: It becomes an unhealthy coping mechanism if you use it too often.”

 “So I will not allow you to use this tomorrow night under any circumstances,” Mystery added with a nod.

Ricky blinked at him for a few moments, so grateful and stunned that words failed him. “I- Thank you Mystery,” He stammered. 

“Oh pish posh. It’s such a simple matter it hardly requires any thanks. But I accept it all the same.” (Bullshit. Ricky could totally tell he was enjoying the gratitude.) 

“Also, don’t drink that until you’re already in bed,” Lewis cautioned. “It’ll put you out so fast that the flavor will still be on your tongue when you konk out. Arthur took it too soon one time and passed the fuck out right in the middle of the apothecary.”

“Sheesh. Strong stuff,” Ricky said, admiring the way the potion glittered. 

“Hardly. Just a little magic,” Mystery chuckled. “Now off to bed with you. The faster you fall asleep the sooner you’ll wake up. There’s much to discuss in the morning.” 

After Ricky finished his yogurt and two packs of popcorn, he bid Mystery and Lewis goodbye and the Dead Beats led him back to his room (Lewis discreetly made it very clear on their way out that they were still in hot water). As Ricky followed the pouting ghosts back to the East Wing, he turned the potion in his hands and wondered if Mystery had ever used it, or if he ever had trouble sleeping. He was centuries old, and had been through so much. Did he get nightmares too? 

The Dead Beats led him on a different route back to the East Wing than he’d taken earlier that took them past the library. Which was why Ricky stopped, confused, in front of the doors. 

The lights were on. 

Curious, he walked into the library and the Dead Beats followed, chirping something that he imagined meant: “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be following us?” But Ricky ignored them. 

The library was seemingly abandoned and dark, save a few lamps and the dull glow of moonlight shining through the windows. It wasn’t immediately apparent who was working this late until Ricky spotted an orange sleeve sticking out of a pile of papers at one of the desks. 

“Velma?” 

“TWELVE!” Velma shouted as her head shot up from the desk. Ricky and the Dead Beats jumped with surprise. She snorted and adjusted her glasses, reorienting herself back to reality from whatever she’d been dreaming about, then her bleary eyes fixed on him. 

“Shaggy-? Wait. No. Sorry. Mr. E- Ricky! Sorry. What are you doing here?” 

“Couldn’t sleep. What’re you doing here?” He asked, crossing his arms. 

“Who could sleep in a house full of books?” She shrugged. Then she yawned, rubbing her eyes beneath her glasses. 

“I’d get back to bed if I were you,” Ricky advised. “Mystery’s also awake and if he finds you in here he’ll probably scold you for neglecting your health and send you back to bed anyway.” 

“Are you going to scold me?” Velma asked. 

“Nah. I’m up at 3am too, so I really can’t talk,” He shrugged. “Come on. Let’s go together.” 

Velma straightened her work station so it wouldn’t look like a tornado had blown through it come morning, and the two of them followed the Dead Beats back to the East Wing.

Their walk was mostly silent until they passed a familiar portrait of a scowling priest, who gave them an extremely distasteful look but didn’t dare say anything out of fear of facing Mystery’s wrath again.

That was when it occurred to Ricky that they were walking along the same stretch of hallway where he’d had that talk with Fred earlier. Also he and Velma were alone. Which made it the perfect opportunity to ask her a rather delicate question. 

Ricky cleared his throat nervously. “Um, Velma?” 

“Yes?” 

“I uh, have a question to ask you… It’s not exactly a fun one, but uh...” 

Velma straightened her spine and squared her shoulders. “Okay,” she said thoughtfully.

“I need to know how Cassidy died.”

Velma’s face softened at the question, but he saw confirmation in her eyes of what he’d already suspected. 

“You were there, weren’t you?” 

Velma looked away, and she didn’t answer for several long moments. She took off her glasses to wipe the wetness from her eyes with her sleeve before she got a grip, put her glasses back on, and confirmed what he already knew: “Yeah. We were there.” 

Ricky’s throat closed. For her, and for the other poor kids who’d had to witness something so awful. He didn’t meet her eyes when he asked her quietly, “Did she suffer?” 

Velma hesitated in her answer. None of them had seen it happen, but they were all haunted by imaginings of Cassidy’s final moments. Had she been shot by the Kriegstaffebots before the self-destruct sequence completed? Was she blown up? Had the explosion killed her instantly? Or had she been covered in burns and injuries, forced to suffer before she faded away? Or had she lasted a bit longer and drowned? Supposedly drowning was a peaceful way to go, but she must have been so scared- 

“No,” Velma said firmly, no matter how much she doubted it. “It happened so fast. I’m sure she didn’t suffer.” 

Ricky’s entire body sagged with relief. “Thank you, Velma."

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Professor Pericles was a homicidal maniac. 

Both fortunately and unfortunately for the entirety of the human race, he was smart about being a homicidal maniac. 

He didn’t just kill people whenever he felt like it. He did so with purpose, waiting until the opportune moment to remove certain pawns or obstacles from his path. Which was good for Marcie and Arthur, because it meant that they likely had a bit of time to stop Professor Pericles from killing someone in the future. 

They had been working for a little under an hour after Lewis left when a stubborn little red light turned green. 

Marcie nearly spat out her coffee. “I’m in!”

“Seriously?” Arthur’s head shot up excitedly from where he was hunched over his own computer, sending a couple of pages of scribbled notes falling from the side of the table. One of the Dead Beats picked them up and put them back helpfully. 

“Yep. Alright, Arthur. Now what?” And with that they swapped computers, and Arthur’s face lit up in the artificial light as his eyes greedily took in the seemingly alien letters and numbers filling the screen. 

Seemingly alien of course, unless you were an expert of Arthur and Marcie’s calibur. For while to untrained eyes it may look like word salad, to the two of them it was like looking into the Matrix, and at a mere glance Arthur knew that Marcie really had pulled through. 

He was looking at the Kriegstaffebot program codes.

It was time to deliver the first strike. The question was: when was Pericles going to feel it?

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

They went into Velma’s room to talk. 

It went about as well as it could have, as painful as it was for both of them.

After Velma finished recounting Cassidy’s final hours, Ricky thanked her and returned to his own room, where he laid back in his bed, the sleeping potion still corked in his hand, and stared at the ceiling processing what he’d been told. 

He blew up K-Ghoul. He. Fucking. Blew up. K-Ghoul. He destroyed her home and her livelihood, and he tried to kill her until he succeeded. 

Ricky was grateful for the potion Mystery had given him, because he was so angry right now that he was certain he’d never get back to sleep otherwise. 

K-Ghoul had been his gift to her when Angel Dynamite had returned to Crystal Cove. He used the excuse that she’d need a good cover to come back with her alias intact. But that wasn’t completely true. He could have just as well gotten her a job as a custodian somewhere if he wanted her to keep an eye on the town and the new Mystery Incorporated unnoticed. But she would have been miserable doing that kind of work. Angel Dynamite was a DJ, and Cassidy had always loved music. It was true that she came back to Crystal Cove for a reason. But he wanted her to be… happy. He also supposed, looking back, that he’d wanted to thank her for all the joy she'd brought him once. And to make amends in his own way, even if the words to apologize hadn’t come (yet another of his many regrets). 

Their breakup was his fault. As the years went by after Pericles’ betrayal, Ricky had grown bitter and angry. And the one who got the brunt of it was the very same person who stuck by his side longer than anyone else. He never struck her. As awful a human being as the curse had twisted him into, he didn’t think he’d be able to live with himself if he ever hit Cassidy. But all the same, he’d been so… mean. And of course, no matter how much she loved him, Cassidy’s self-esteem and strength of spirit was too high to deal with his bullshit, so… They broke up. 

And after all that time, Ricky had still regretted the way he’d treated her. But even though they weren’t together anymore, he… he wanted her to be happy. K-Ghoul had been his way of looking after her, as he should have done all those years ago. 

And Pericles fucking blew it up. Without even consulting me. How dare he? 

“He had no right…” Ricky seethed quietly, feeling more like his bitter old self than he had in a while. But this time his anger was directed at just one bird. Professor Pericles. Not the kids. Not the world. Not Cassidy- 

Cassidy… 

Maybe it made him a horrible person, but he couldn’t help but be a little mad at her. “Why didn’t you come to me?” He whispered into the dark, a tear falling down his cheek. 

I would have protected you. I never would have let him hurt you if I knew. 

But Ricky couldn’t be mad at her. Because he knew exactly why she hadn’t come to him. 

She had no way of knowing that I would have chosen her. I was working with Pericles. For all she knew, I was the one trying to have her killed. 

Imagining that broke Ricky’s heart all over again. That Cassidy died thinking-

Ricky sniffed and closed his eyes. 

Cassidy… died.

As angry as he was, Ricky was also overwhelmingly sad. 

They were in the Midnight Zone. She was surrounded by Kriegstaffebots. The lab exploded. 

No. No, she would never give up! There was no corpse so maybe- 

But their seal friend found her helmet. Even if she survived the blast, the weight of all that water would have killed her for sure. And even if not, there’s absolutely no way she would have been able to swim to the surface before she drowned.

There was no way out. Not even for her.

She’s gone.

In the back of Ricky’s mind, ever since he’d first learned of her death, there had been doubt. A small flicker of hope. Cassidy? Dead? It couldn’t be real. But Velma was no liar, and above that she was a realist. Hearing the facts of how it had happened from her made it… real.

She’s gone.

That was that. That was it. Ricky Owens was never going to see Cassidy Williams again and he didn’t even have a body to bury. The empty shell that had once been her was buried under rubble at the bottom of the ocean, the high walls of the trench the closest thing to a tombstone she would ever have. 

She’s gone. 

Pericles did it. He got rid of her. He pulled the trigger- 

But I put the gun in his talons.

The weight of his own grief threatening to crush him, Ricky redirected his energy into his rage. I never should have saved him all those years ago. 

He uncorked the potion and was immediately hit with an extremely strong smell. There was a lot of lavender but also other herbs and- whatever the hell that was. Ricky had no idea what he was about to ingest, but he trusted Mystery and needed to be well-rested. 

She will be avenged. Her death will not be in vain! I’m going to need every bit of strength I can muster if I’m going to help- 

But Ricky didn’t have a single other thought. For he’d tipped the bottle back and downed it in one gulp. And the instant after a light, minty, earthy flavor hit his tongue, Ricky’s entire body was going slack, the bottle was slipping from his fingers, and he was being enveloped in the welcome peace that slumber brought - completely dead to the world.

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Dawn came with deceptive tranquility. 

The sun was peeking over the horizon and a morning mist had settled over the forest, making the mansion and the twisted, jagged trees around it seem as if they were on an island at the center of an endless gray sea. 

The arrival of a long-awaited guest was marked by the rumble of a familiar engine, and the mist curling around a familiar silhouette like an angel’s wings.

Well. If any of you missed Ricky, you ought to be overjoyed with how Ricky-centered this chapter was. And you should expect the same from the next few chapters as well. If I were to map out the evolution of my plans for this chapter, they'd look like a roundabout with the number of directions this could have gone. At one point it was going to be heavily referencing the exorcist (have fun speculating what the fuck that means) (also that''s the stage I was at when I wrote the last chapter's author's notes, so sorry - I lied. It's gonna be a while before things get "nuts"), but then I realized that part would fit better later in the story. So a large chunk of this chapter was cut out, pasted somewhere else to be saved for later, and rewritten. So you guys have that to look forward to. But I'm happy with where this chapter ended up. I loved the humor and fourth wall breaks, angst is always fun to write, I liked further exploring some off-screen Rickidy interactions that may have happened in the show, and I think it ties up Ricky's grief arc in a neat little bow - right before it's smashed to pieces in the next chapter when You-Know-Who returns! (How did that accidentally become a Harry Potter reference? Oops. Lol. Though the dreamless sleep potion was inspired by the potion of the same name and function in the Harry Potter series. I just got back from Universal Studios, ok?! Harry Potter is on the brain.) Also. We got to meet the suits of armor, Lewis is back with the main group, and Arthur and Marcie have hacked into the Kriegstaffebots. What will they do with that? :D Finally, I just wanted to say that the next chapter of this fic has been living in my head rent-free for almost a year. It's one of the scenes I imagined that made me want to write this fic to begin with. So from the bottom of my heart, I can't even begin to say how excited I am to share it with you. That's all for now Warlocks, Witches, and Badass Bitches.

Chapters 1-18 of One of Us are presently posted on Archive of Our Own.

#scooby doo mystery incorporated #sdmi #mystery skulls animated #mystery skulls #fanfiction #archive of our own #one of us #one of us chapter 19 #ricky owens #mr. e #scooby doo #fred jones #fred jones jr #daphne blake #velma dinkley #norville shaggy rogers #shaggy rogers #lewis pepper #msa lewis #arthur kingsmen #msa arthur #msa mystery #dead beats #“Suits of armor you think's a statue” #<- “Scooby Doo” (2002) reference if anyone caught that lol #cassidy williams #angel dynamite

[wc-confessions]

i think its good that in this arc they’re differently stepping out of their comfort zone even in the last arc. i’m glad we’re finally getting a mystery plot point set up like we did back in arc 1 i thjnk it’s gonna be so fun. one day ill get on hwre and ramble about my headcanons and ideas about hollyleaf because i feel like she has lost so much potential as a cat who could’ve rejected religion and become someone who resents starclan, it would be fun cus then we would get more cats who are atheist!!! lets go atheists lets go!!!

oh yea i agree in a way but i'm also a bit doubtful bc ik how much they rely on specific tropes and stuff. then they don't get along with their various ideas clashing which largely affects the stories. i just Rlly dnt want them reverting things like they do in every arc yfm? bc it's like they bring in all these things and don't do anything with it. like with mothwing being atheist what's the point it's no longer interesting if you don't do more with it. then wanting change in the clans. like while i'm glad a little more is being done ,the prev arcs also discussed similar stuff just for things to end with nothing done. the articles esp make me wary what with the way they're written n all.

like in my one post tho i am hoping this arc surprises me once it reaches its conclusion seems like they're actually doing a lot more yea!!

also yes pls ramble some time id love to read your hcs and stuff it's sooo fun reading what ppl have to say their ideas i enjoy it sm

#not a confession #text #asks #the-road-kill #u will get a follow from me sometime hehe

[disorganizedkitten]

You'll Survive Chapter 4

Miraculous Ladybug | 2018 | 556 | Ao3 | Masterlist | Prev | Next

 Chloe knocked the cupboard door closed with her head, and moved to set the five human-sized plates on the table, their Kwami-sized counterparts beside them.

 The rest of the Miraculous Team, -the rest meaning Nino and Adrien,- were coming over for dinner and an overnighter, so the three girls had split up duties to prepare. Alya and the Kwamis were cooking, Marinette was setting up for an after dinner strategy meetup, movie night and sleeping arrangements, and Chloe had settled on setting the table. In reality, it didn’t take much prep work. Cooking was the only thing that actually took very long, as the table took a couple of minutes, the extra bedding was always at the ready for way-too-late-at-night Akuma attacks, movies took five minutes to set up, and a strategy meetup only really required all of Marinette’s notes from the Miraculous Grimoire, so Chloe was pretty sure Marinette was just trying to keep busy.

 “Do you think they’ll come in through the balcony or the front door?”

 “Front door. I hope. I don’t know. I’m so glad we don’t have cameras here! That’s half of why we even got this apartment. Alya, where’d you put those papers on the Pied piper?”

 “Check under my bed. Or maybe by Trixx’s? I might’ve been doing five things at once?”

 Chloe rolled her eyes, and didn’t even have to turn to tell that Marinette’s was doing a I’ve-known-you-long-enough-I-should’ve-known facepalm/eyeroll combo.

 “Okay. I’ll check.” Marinette’s footsteps retreated as Chloe stood back to admire her handiwork. Okay, setting a table was not something she was practiced on, but living in a five star hotel most of her life and having only the best did leave an impression. She knew how to set a table completely and correctly by heart.

****

 “No way bro!” Nino’s exclamation echoed slightly in the small dining room, muffling the sound of silverware for a split second.

 “Yes way bro! It was our first kiss,” Adrien put a hand to his heart, as though even the memory got it racing.

 “Not technically,” Alya interrupted, pointing her fork at Marinette. “Right LB?”

 “We agreed to not talk about that,” Marinette grumbled, shooting a glare at the brunette.

 “I never did,” Chloe volunteered.

 “I’m not sure I did either. If that wasn’t our first kiss, what was?”

 Marinette groaned. “Fine. Dark Cupid. And then Glaciator, but that was on the cheek so I’m not sure it counts.”

 “I forgot you kissed me during Dark Cupid!”

 “You forgot everything from Dark Cupid Adrien, of course the kiss was erased too. Besides, I don’t want to count an Akuma-induced kiss.”

 “Hold up-” Chloe waved her hands, a much more ‘Marinette’ gesture than would be seen in her school days, to halt the conversation. “-Wasn’t Dark Cupid Kim?”

 Alya nodded vigorously. “Yep! When you got him Akumatized.” Chloe wasn’t sure if the lilt in her tone was accusatory or teasing, but she switched to defensive either way.

 “I already apologized for that!”

 “No fighting at the dinner table,” Marinette cut in firmly.

 “But-” both girls started, but Marinette cut them off again.

 “We fight Akuma, not each other.”

 “Geez Dudette, trying to rival Master Fu or something?” Nino’s question worked as a diversion, and the five immediately jumped into a discussion about the most ‘Master Fu’ things they’d ever heard.

#Oh my gosh the formatting #on ao3 #SIX YEARS AGO #I hadn't noticed #yikes #miraculous ladybug #marinette dupain-cheng #chloe bourgeois #alya cesaire #jaymeow writes #Fluff Month 2018 #Multichapter #You'll Survive Fic #Crossposting spam #old writing #adrien agreste #nino lahiffe #this fic is so soft on them #just not high quality

[ellie-e-marcovitz]

One: The Winding Road to Hogwarts

prev.

Monday, 1 September 1890

Cyrus's pov

He rubbed at his cheek, sitting up and dazedly trying to remember what had happened.

Oh, right.

A dragon. Some dark magic. A ministry official, dead. And a destroyed carriage, including schoolbooks and other supplies.

All he had was his wand, his owl (which had flown off), and the ability to see Thestrals. Not the best way to kick off his arrival at a new school.

Speaking of which…

A potion bottle… vial… had appeared in his line of sight, filled with a somewhat familiar potion.

“Wiggenweld?” he asked, voice rough, belatedly realising he’d been screaming before the portkey had whisked him and Professor Fig off to wherever they were now.

“Indeed, Mr. Northrup.” Came Professor Fig’s voice from above him. He gratefully took the small bottle, downing half of it in a gulp, before finishing it off.

Looking around, he took in their surroundings, not entirely hearing what Figg was talking about. Most of the soreness was fading, as the Wiggenweld kicked in, allowing him to catch what Professor Fig was saying.

“…A typical dragon would never -!”

“Professor?” he asked, interrupting Professor Fig’s flustered rant about the dragon. “Sir, where are we? Exactly?”

It’s coastal, wherever they’re at, plenty of water, and salt in the air. Waves crashing against rocks, a sound he knew all too well.

“…I’m not sure,” Fig admitted. “But that key you discovered was clearly a portkey…”

He pushed himself to stand, the space spinning slightly. “Isn’t that something enchanted to bring someone to a specific place?” He breathed deep, letting his brain catch up with his body.

Professor Fig nodded. “Exactly, Mr. Northrup. Glad to see that you’ve paid attention.” A brief pause, as he steadied himself.

“I’m feeling better, professor,” he murmured. “If you’d like to look around a bit.”

Professor Fig nodded. “I would.” His expression grew serious. “But stay close. We have no idea who created this portkey – or why they did so.”

Beckoning for him to follow, Professor Fig started off towards the entrance to the cave they were in.

He quickly caught up with him, emerging out onto a cliffside, looking out over a vast stretch of water, possibly the ocean. Straight in front of them, sticking out of the ocean on a rock pile, was some kind of ruins.

“How far did that portkey take us?” he asked, pausing with Professor Fig close to the edge of the cliff. He was vaguely reminded of the New England coastline. Except for the large ruins jutting from the water, it was almost familiar.

“Farther from London than the carriage travelled…” Professor Fig noted, looking around. “It seems we’re somewhere in the Scottish Highlands.”

He pointed at the crumbling ruins across the water. “Sir… those ruins? Do you think…?”

“…that the portkey was meant to lead us there? I do.” Fig agreed, shouting a little over the waves. “This has not been the day either of us expected.”

Professor Fig’s expression grew deeply serious. “But Miriam sent that portkey to George for a reason. And I have to believe that she – and now, George – died in pursuit of whatever it was meant to lead to in the first place.”

A scrutinising look. “If you’re sure you’re all right, and wouldn’t mind indulging me… I’d like to have a look around myself.”

He nodded. “Absolutely, sir.”

“Good.” There was a note of excitement in Fig’s voice. “Let’s see if we can find a path… However faded it might be.”

He looked off to the right, noting the ragged fabric flags trailing off in that direction. “It seems to be to our right, sir.”

Professor Fig glanced in the same direction. “Good observation. Follow me.”

They moved from the edge of the cliff, close to the face, a faded stone trail marking their way.

“Mind your step,” Fig called back, as he followed, dodging the loose bits of stone and possibly porcelain decorating the ground.

“Professor!” he called, trying to keep up. “Where do you suppose your wife got the portkey that brought us here?” For all the grey hair Professor Fig had, he was in remarkably good shape.

“A good question,” Fig replied, pausing long enough for him to get closer. “Miriam spent years searching for evidence of a long-forgotten form of ancient magic.” A small cliff face scaled, they continued.

“Ancient magic?” he asked, feeling confused. The small cliffs were getting taller.

“Yes,” Professor Fig acknowledged. “A powerful magic, only wielded by a rare few… and one that seems to have been lost to time.” Another pause, and the path sloped around and down, back towards the sea.

Hopping down another few ledges, Professor Fig continued, “Hogwarts castle, where you’ll be attending, was built by, and itself a stronghold of, that ancient magic.”

He was surprised by that fact, nearly face-planting in a patch of grass from a mistimed jump.

“I don’t know where she came into possession of the portkey,” Professor Fig continued, once he’d rightened himself. “But I am certain it was to do with that search.” They moved closer to the edge again, trying to find a hint of where the path might lead. “Ah,” Professor Fig exclaimed, spotting it again. “There’s the path down below.”

He edged closer. He could just make it out in a gap. Professor Fig pointed to the right. “This way.”

Part of him suspected that there used to be stairs here, as he pushed himself up. “But sir,” he asked, following Fig further along the path. “Why was your wife searching for evidence of this lost ancient magic?”

Professor Fig glanced back. “Miriam wanted to understand why such powerful magic had disappeared from the wizarding world… she spoke of the good it could do. Jump down,” he added, before making a leap down.

“Whoa!” he shouted, making the same leap, landing with a groan. “Ow.”

“But magic isn’t any different than any other power,” Fig continued, hopping down another couple ledges. “What really matters is the one who wields it, and the choices they make in using it.”

He nodded, being careful to not land too hard.

Only to face what seemed like ice blocking their path. “Is that ice, professor?”

Professor Fig shook his head. “No, it’s not cold enough here.” He approached the mirror-like blockage. “It appears to be some kind of… enchantment.”

Something about it tingled at his senses.

“Someone wanted to block the path…” Professor Fig muttered, scrutinising the magic. “Let’s see some that wandwork I had you practicing. Focus on the centre.”

He nodded, pulling out the wand he was having to borrow. It still felt weird being able to have a wand with him over the summer months. A flick of his wand, cracks appeared. Another, and it shattered like a mirror.

He closed his eyes, hands in front of his face. Fig seemed to be doing the same, as he opened his eyes.

“Excellent,” came Professor Fig, and he relaxed slightly. “Now, come on.”

Fig hurried forward, almost immediately sliding down a sloped bank of earth. “Whoa!”

He wasn’t much farther behind. “Whaa-!”

“That was a bit rougher than I expected…” Fig noted as they both got to their feet. “Mind your step, the stone seems to be slick up ahead.”

He nodded, before following Professor Fig further into the cliffside.

Rounding the corner, and thankfully not trying to climb the slab of rock above, they reached what almost seemed like a dead end. Nothing but the ocean and crumbling stone in front of them.

“Professor? Where-?” he started, but was cut off by Fig exclaiming, “Ah, up there,” and pointing behind him. Another small cliff face to scale.

Not as small as he’d hoped, as they scrambled up it. Fig seemed more energetic the closer they got. “We’re close now… It’s just ahead!”

Managing to stay close, the ruin filled the view ahead. Despite its ruined appearance, it still seemed quite stately.

As they approached, the wind coming off the ocean picked up.

“Steady yourself!” Fig shouted over the gale, bracing against the wind. He did so, creeping forward and trying not to get blown off. “Reparo!”

He gasped, as huge chunks of rough and hewn stone flew through the air, coming together to form a bridge across the crashing water below.

He paused as the last few pieces fell into place, before hurrying after Professor Fig.

Neither of them said a word, as they hurried across, and up the wind beaten stone steps. He wished there was some kind of railing, though suspected they had been destroyed over however many years this place had been abandoned.

“Almost there!” Professor Fig called out, hurtling up the handful of stairs that remained, and into the decaying ruin itself.

“Whoa…” he gasped. Despite the centuries, there were several walls still standing, blocking the worst of the wind, even as plants wove their way into them.

There was something hauntingly magical about this place, in a way that made him even more curious as to why it was here in the first place.

“Why would someone build this here?” he asked, the question escaping before he could stop it.

Professor Fig seemed equally contemplative. “I suspect they valued their privacy,” he observed, taking in the room at large. “But the portkey led us here for a reason… Let’s have a look around, for anything that seems… out of place.”

He nodded, looking around himself. An odd sense was telling him whatever they were looking for was nearby. He pulled his wand out, not sure what to expect.

Better safe than sorry.

He flicked it several times, feeling the need to practice ‘basic cast,’ figuring it might come in handy. Something on the far wall drew his attention.

Approaching, the weird lines resolved into a carved mural of a man, studying the cards in front of him. “Professor… it’s, well, it looks like a mural of some kind…”

“Hmm…” Professor Fig approached where he stood. “Perhaps our host was a noted Seer. That is interesting…”

Moving out of the professor’s way, he explored further. Something vaguely interesting sat near where they entered, though it was hard to say if it was a trunk or another vase.

Continuing, he found a statue of the same man depicted in the carved mural. “Professor!” he called. “This statue…”

“This may have been his home!”

He nodded to himself, looking around further. The feeling of …whatever it was, grew stronger as he continued further into the ruins.

Pausing in the middle of the archway, he found a narrow and partially destroyed path leading to another part of the ruins. Shrugging, he continued forward, the feeling growing stronger and stronger with each step.

Hurrying up the short flights of stairs, he noticed a flash of sunlight glint off the stone building, which seemed to become mirror-like, much like the enchantment they’d encountered earlier.

There’s that enchanted, crystallised stone again… But what could it be blocking here? He wondered, carefully approaching it. What’s this…? “Professor Fig?!” he called, not sure where in the ruins the professor was currently.

Thankfully, it seemed Professor Fig hadn’t strayed too far behind him and his exploring. And, this time, they approached the enchantment close enough to see their reflections in the room behind it.

“How odd… Why would someone have conjured that enchanted stone here?”

Wait, what? A room? “And how is there a room behind it?”

“What room?” Professor Fig seemed unable to see it. “I don’t see anything.”

A glimmer caught his attention, as he stepped back. “There’s that glow again… like the glow on the portkey container.” Which had vanished as the remainder of the carriage had been torched by the dragon, while they fell.

Something about it implored him to touch, right where the odd torch design lay. So he did.

The magic from the enchantment seemed to crash down onto both of them.

“What in Merlin’s name-!” Professor Fig exclaimed, as the stone wall seemed to shift. Turning around, it took everything for him to not swear.

“Godric’s heart!”

“…Where are we?” he asked, feeling unbalanced. Surely not…

“I don’t believe it…” Fig muttered, surprised. “It’s Gringotts…”

He blinked, then blinked again. How? How did we get back to London?

They cautiously approached the sleeping goblin, still wrapping their minds around the wild circumstances.

“Hello?” he asked, to no avail.

Fig cleared his throat, once, twice, the third time loud enough to wake him. “A-hem.”

“Oh!” the goblin startled, detaching himself from the ledger upon which he had been napping. He leaned over said ledger, realising that there were people in front of him. “It can’t be. Erm, just a moment.”

He promptly scrambled down from his perch. Reaching the floor, he promptly gave a short bow. “Welcome,” he said, “to Gringotts Wizarding Bank.”

He and Professor Fig shared a look.

“Vault number twelve, I presume?” the goblin asked. Professor Fig gave a short nod.

“Precisely.”

“The key?” the goblin asked, holding out his hand.

“Your wife’s portkey?” he asked Fig.

“Oh, yes! Of course…” He fished out the small, metal object, before handing it over to the Gringotts goblin.

Taking it, the goblin pointed to his right. “This way, then.”

Fig paused briefly before following the goblin. “Stay close. Unfortunately, we’re in Ranrok’s territory, being here.”

He nodded at that, remembering the headline before the dragon attacked, before following Professor Fig.

Reaching a platform that had been embedded, the Gringotts goblin whistled into the cavern. That was followed by an odd rattling noise and a metal cart arrived out of the nearby tunnel.

It came to a stop, and the Gringotts goblin turned to face him. “After you.”

He carefully took the right hand seat facing the atrium area, figuring it would be easier to get off from there. Professor Fig, the seat to his left.

“Keep your hands inside the cart,” the Gringotts goblin mentioned as he settled into the driver’s chair. “If you don’t wish to lose them.” The goblin gave a menacing chuckle, that did nothing to sooth whatever nerves were affecting him now.

It was a curvy, gravity-defying ride that left him feeling nauseous at times. “How many vaults are there in Gringotts?” he asked, trying to avoid focusing on the wild ride he was currently on.

“Hundreds,” the Gringotts goblin replied, clearly at ease with the hairpin turns and moments of disorientation. “In fact, you’ll see quite a few on our way to vault twelve. As it is, we’ve just passed beneath the main lobby. The vaults here are some of the newest ones.”

“Are private entrances to the bank common at Gringotts?” Professor Fig asked, picking up on his distraction method, and clearly wanting to know more.

“They are most uncommon. Only a person with great wealth, or power, or both could have arranged for such a service,” came the reply, before the track dropped into a steep dive, one that had him holding onto the cart for sheer life.

“You’ll want to take a breath.” The banker continued, as if the drop was an everyday occurrence.

He felt like being sick, not holding his breath. Then they plunged into a waterfall.

“That waterfall,” Professor Fig gasped. “Washes away all enchantments. It’s one of the security measures here.”

“Experienced the Thief’s Downfall before, have you?”

“I’ve certainly heard of it.” Fig replied.

Another drop. “These are the lower vaults we’re passing now.” The goblin noted, as a row of vault doors flickered past.

“How low are we going?” he asked, still reeling from the impact of the waterfall.

“Vault number twelve was commissioned shortly after Gringotts was founded,” the Gringotts goblin noted. “Which was over four centuries ago. Thus, it resides in the deepest part of the bank.”

He glanced back just when the banker gave a wide smile. “Settle in… We’ve got quite a distance to go…”

It was silent for the majority of the ride, as he tried to focus on the track ahead, rather than the movement of the cart.

Until they pulled into a flatter part, and were stopped by another goblin, this one in a guard’s uniform.

“Vault number?” he asked, more of a growl.

He noted, almost immediately, the dark reddish hue on the band the guard wore. The same dark reddish hue that he’d glimpsed on the dragon before it attacked them. He hoped Professor Fig noticed it as well.

The goblin banker, however, seemed oblivious to the fact. “Vault twelve,” he cheered. “Momentous day. Heh.”

The guard seemed to scowl, though he wasn’t sure. “Mm.” He then gestured, slowly. “On your way.”

He couldn’t help but notice further details about the band. The reddish hue wrapped all the way around the band, along with some kind of pattern decorating it.

That was all he got, before the cart shifted back into motion. It felt like all he could do was watch, numbly, as the guard hopped on his cart and sped off, towards another part of the bank.

A nervous glance towards Professor Fig told him Fig was just as interested.

“Professor -” he hissed, hoping the goblin driving them didn’t hear.

“Hmm?” Fig leaned closer.

He gulped. “The armband that guard was wearing… it was glowing.”

“Like the glow from the portkey container?”

He shook his head, remembering the soft blue glow. “No. Darker, more of a reddish hue.” Another gulp. “I saw that same glow on the dragon’s collar, before it attacked.”

“What was that?” asked the banker, and he swallowed a yelp.

“We were just wondering about that goblin back there.” Thank Merlin (?) for Professor Fig.

“He watches over the oldest section of the bank,” the banker noted. “Rare anyone goes down there anymore…”

A few more twists and turns, they pulled up at another grated platform. “Here we are,” the banker said, bringing the cart to a full stop.

Professor Fig hopped off, followed closely by the banker. He gave himself a shake and followed. No need to linger in one spot too long, if Professor Fig was right about Ranrok.

“When was the last time this vault was accessed?” Professor Fig asked, as he approached.

“A goblin has been stationed at my desk for hundreds of years,” the banker replied. “In that time, no one has visited vault twelve… until today.”

They stopped in front of the fairly nondescript door, framed by dripping stalactites and a stone border with ‘12’ etched at the keystone.

The banker hurried forward, inserting the key into the surprisingly tiny lock. Stepping to one side, and with much clanking, the banker allowed the door to swing open on its own.

“Vault twelve,” was all he said.

Professor Fig entered first. “Thank you for your help,” he told the banker, before beckoning towards him and entering the vault.

He hurried after the professor, giving the banker a short nod in thanks, and dodging dripping water.

Stepping inside, he was surprised at how small it seemed. “What do you suppose we should be looking for?” he asked Fig,

Professor Fig shrugged. “I’m not sure. Sir,” he started, turning to face the banker. “I wonder if you might…”

“The instructions for vault twelve,” the banker stated, now framed by the vault door. “Indicated that I am to grant access to the holder of the key… and then close the door.”

“Wait-!” Fig exclaimed, as the banker did just that, the vault door closing with a solid thud and locking.

“Best of luck.”

Professor Fig heaved a sigh.

“Professor?” He tried to keep his growing panic out of his voice.

“That was certainly unexpected.” There was a flash of annoyance that crossed Fig’s face, before he shifted to contemplative, more like during their study sessions. “Let me think… There must be something here. Hmmm… I wonder…”

He grew a tad uneasy at what Fig might be thinking.

“What about… Revelio, perhaps.” He tilted his head at the spell. He’d heard of it, but never learned it.

“Revelio? I’ve heard of it…”

“Yes. Rather simple, a revealing charm.” Professor Fig smiled. “Pull out your wand. There’s no time like the present to learn it.”

He pulled out his wand, giving it a slight twirl to get the best hold.

“Let’s see what we’re missing here, shall we?” Professor Fig continued. “Right, focus on my wand movement.”

He watched as Professor Fig traced an ‘R’, before copying his movement.

“Excellent. Now, try casting it.”

“Revelio,” he murmured, fluidly drawing the R. There was a ripple of magic, followed by other, darker ripples across the back wall of the vault. “There! I saw something!”

“Hmmm. Move a bit closer and try casting it again.”

He hurried closer, covering the distance quickly. Barely pausing, he muttered, “Revelio,” and the wall changed. “A door…?”

“Well, that’s a start, at least.” Professor Fig noted. “And there’s that symbol again… I don’t suppose you see a way to… open it?”

“I do, professor! That symbol has the same glow as symbol on the portkey container had, before it opened for me.”  He came closer, half a step behind the professor.

“Hmm,” Professor Fig intoned. “If what you can see reveals the way forward, then there’s a fairly good chance that we are about to discover what secrets this vault holds.”

He gestured towards the door. “Lead the way, Mr. Northrup.”

Stepping up, he gently touched the glowing torch symbol, and pushed. There was a moment of disorientation, as door vanished beneath his fingers and the vault went dark.

“Lumos!” came Professor Fig, light bursting from his wand tip and illuminating a small area around them.

The vault had changed. No longer a long, narrow rectangle, it now seemed to be infinitely large, and more circular in shape.

“This is no ordinary vault,” Fig observed, and he nodded in agreement. “I suspect we will need to earn our way out of here.”

He gulped. “What do mean ‘earn our way out’, Professor? Do you think this is some kind of test?”

Professor Fig nodded, keeping the wand light focused on him. “I do. But to exactly what end, I can’t say.” He started moving forward. “Stay close to me. There will be no Disapparating if things go poorly. Not out of Gringotts.”

There was a particularly ominous tone to Professor Fig’s voice, one he hadn’t heard before. So he hurried after.

Something about the vault unnerved him. He kept his wand in hand, squinting at the mist that seemed to hang at eye level. Professor Fig, lighted wand in hand, led the way.

He wasn’t sure how far they’d travelled, or how long already they had been here, only seeing the occasional, random column. But there was also the feeling of something drawing them towards whatever it was, slowly pulling them through the mist.

Until he spotted a burst of light, blue like the glow decorating the portkey container and door. “I see something, up ahead!”

“What is it?” Professor Fig asked.

“That glow again,” he observed, hurrying forward. “But it’s on the floor…”

He noticed that Professor Fig walked just to the right of it, as he continued straight on. An interesting effect followed him. It was almost like he was stepping in mud on a rainy day. The ground seemed to ripple with his footsteps, as he approached the whirlpool like spot.

As he stepped into it, his body reacted instinctually, and the ground seemed to shift, light exploding out in a ring, changing the floor yet again, taking on the strange, mirror like appearance of the enchantment they’d seen earlier.

“Whoa!” It appeared that, whatever that was, had snuffed out Professor Fig’s wand light. “Lumos!”

Wandlight back, he caught sight of what appeared to be beneath the enchantment.

“What happened?” Professor Fig asked, as he picked himself up out of a crouch.

“When I moved towards the glow,” he started slowly, still trying to wrap his own mind around what just happened, heart pounding in his throat. “It… suddenly seemed as though the ground was, well, swirling about.”

“Are you all right?” Fig asked, voice agitated.

He nodded. “Yes, sir. I’m fine.” Something told him it was far too late to turn back now.

“You seemed to have caused the floor to change…”  There almost seemed to be awe in Professor Fig’s voice, for what, he wasn’t sure.

“That statue…” he breathed, slowly standing.

“What statue…?”

He pointed, shakily, out in front of himself. “There, to your left. I see some sort of statue, like some kind of guard, but only as a reflection, it seems.”

Professor Fig paused, bringing the wandlight over the hidden reflection. There were darker glimmers, much like the ones disguising the door they’d entered.

Stepping closer, he raised his wand. “Revelio.”

A full-bodied statue seemed to bloom into existence, almost exactly mirroring the kneeling reflection. Except…

“I presume this is what you saw reflected on the floor?” Professor Fig asked, clearly curious.

He nodded. “What I see, yes… the reflection’s still there. Except, the statues’ positions don’t match…” he noted, as Professor Fig slowly started to circle it.

And the reflection turned with him. “Wait!” he called out, and Professor Fig paused. “When you moved, the reflection turned in the direction of the light!”

“Hmmm…” Professor Fig was clearly intrigued. “Perhaps you should cast Lumos…”

He nodded, quickly adding his own wandlight. “Lumos!”

“Well done…” There seemed to be a slight grinding sound, as the reflection shifted towards him.

“Now it’s shifting towards me…” he told Professor Fig. “It does follow the wandlight.”

As he moved the reflection the right way around, the statue started to stand. A brief step back, it fell back into a crouch. Moving the reflection into place, the statue stood tall, raised its sword briefly, and touched the tip to the enchanted ground with an almost-musical ‘ping.’

Magic swirled around them, creating a boundary. He gulped, as several more dropped in around them.

Oh no… was his only thought, staring down masked statues.

“Look out…!” came Professor Fig, as the one they’d woken up raised its sword. He just managed to throw up a shield, before all hell broke loose around him.

Professor Fig seemed to do most of the defensive work, as he tried his best not to lose his head, throwing up shields and throwing basic casts, and even managing to destroy a couple of them himself in the process.

The magic around them seemed to howl, almost storm-like, and he hurried over to Professor Fig.

“Stay close!” the professor shouted as he approached. He was within grabbing distance, when… Professor Fig just disappeared. Right in front of him.

The howling stopped. It went dark again. He was on his own.

Little bits of light streaked through the darkness, catching his attention.  Lighting his wand, he called out, “Professor!”

He didn’t exactly like being in this situation. “Professor Fig! Professor, where are you?”

Nothing. This isn’t good… he thought, panic rising, not helped by the feeling of disorientation. Where am I supposed to go?

He took a step, and more of the sparks of light appeared, flying off to his left. Turning in that direction, he set off, following the sparks as they bounded forward with each step.

The wisps seem to be leading me somewhere… he mused, dodging another column, and fruitlessly keeping an eye out for Professor Fig.

Again, he wasn’t sure how long had passed, as he spotted another of the glowing whirlpools of magic up ahead and gulped. That’s where they’re leading me… that glow again.

Stepping into the whirlpool, it again snuffed out the light. And yet again, another mirror like enchantment upon the floor.

And this time, he was looking at waking three of the guardian statues. “Revelio.” I suppose I’m on my own this time.

It took some trial and error, before he realised that he was meant to wake all three at the same time. He gulped. One had been bad enough…

Finding the correct spot, he took a deep breath. It seems I have no choice… I’m going to have to fight my way out of here… He raised his lighted wand, and watched in silent panic as the three statues silently pulled themselves out of a crouch.

“Ping. Ping. Ping.” They came sharp and clear, ringing through the area.

“Protego!” he roared, blunting and halting the blow from the one nearest him. Somehow, he kept his head and blew through the initial few. More arrived, their thuds shaking the ground.

Adrenaline seemed to take over, blurring the battle in his mind, turning his panic into a flurry of fighting and activity. “Protego! Stupefy! Blast!”

Destroying the last one, he was plunged back into darkness. He was really starting to hate this. “Lumos!”

Light flared from his wand again, as more wisps and sparks appeared at his feet. He hurried after them, nervous of what might lie ahead.

Light appeared faster, closer, this time, possibly only twenty, thirty maybe forty feet from where he’d just fought. Fifty at his furthest estimate. And with it, that same strange, torch symbol.

Another whirlpool, more dramatic magic… and the torch symbol seemed to melt, reforming into an arch of some kind. Beyond it, a massive room.

He sprinted forward, barely hesitating. It seemed safer than staying where he was. He hoped he wasn’t wrong.

Hurrying forward, he passed through the arch, gaping at the other side. The room was cavernous. He continued forward, stepping up slightly on a dais, which held a basin of some sort.

Making a circuit of it, he noticed the odd pendant-like object floating above it. Picking it up, he examined it, hoping that, somehow, he’d get an answer.

The sound of large doors opening caught his attention, and he turned to face who or what might be coming in. The dim light glinted…

It was Professor Fig. “There you are!” he exclaimed. “How did you… What is this place?” Professor Fig seemed equally in awe of its proportions.

He shrugged, as the professor walked towards him. “I don’t know.” He held out the pendant object. “But, I found this floating above that, well, basin…” He gestured to the slight basin in the middle of the dais.

Professor Fig seemed to recognise it. “That is no mere basin, Mr. Northrup. I’m unsure if they have them in America, but either way, it’s called a pensive, for viewing memories.” He ran a hand along the smooth edge, clearly surprised at finding one here. “I wonder… “

He held out the pendant, and Professor Fig took it. Pulling the cap off, Fig poured the contents in, stashing the pendant in one of his pockets. The contents of the basin seemed to churn as he did so.

“Now, follow my lead.”  He mirrored Professor Fig’s position, grasping the sides as he did, and reluctantly stuck his face into the silvery mixture.

Which somehow resolved into the room they were in, just with two men he didn’t recognise at all. Each putting their finishing touch on the room.

“All is in place…” came the one in red, and who appeared younger than the other man.

“The portkey is well hidden?”

“Perhaps too well. I have to wonder if the path we’ve created…”

“…May be impossible to follow? It will only be impossible for one who cannot see traces of ancient magic – as I can.”

“Your ability to see what others cannot will not be enough, Percival. We are entrusting the one who embarks on this path with powerful secrets, and with knowledge others will do anything to obtain.”

The elder of the two, Percival, grew stony. “Yes, and if we’re correct, Charles, the witch or wizard who completes the trials will have proven themselves worthy of that knowledge and the responsibility that accompanies it.”

A pause, as they surveyed what they had done.

“We’ve done all that we can.” Charles noted. Percival nodded in agreement, raising his wand to his head, before drawing out a single, silvery thread-like fluid, and the memory ended.

He had plenty of questions buzzing around in his mind, as they came up. “Who-? How-?”

“That’s what you’re seeing?” Professor Fig asked, his voice stunned. “The glow that surrounded them?”

He nodded, feeling dazed. “Yes, sir.”

Professor Fig took in the room again. “Astonishing.”

“Professor,” he asked tentatively. “Can I see magic?”

“Traces of magic, to be precise,” Fig confirmed, clearly preoccupied with putting the pieces together. “The magic that Miriam had always believed, but could never…”

He grew silent, the grief clear on his face. “Miriam, and now perhaps George, died in pursuit of knowledge that has been dormant for centuries... And you, you seem to be the key to understanding exactly why.”

Professor Fig seemed to become manic at the thought. “We wou-.” He broke off the sound of doors opening.

“It all looks rather…different than it did a moment ago…” came the voice of the banker who helped them.

He gaped silently to Professor Fig. What? Professor Fig stiffened at the sound of the goblin, his face darkening.

“Someone’s coming.”

A deeper voice growled, “Who were they?”

The banker’s voice stammered. “I- I don’t know… But, sir… You shouldn’t be here.” Another growl, as the doors were forced open.

And the newspaper seemed to come to life. It could only be Ranrok. Flanked on his right by the guard, the banker to his left, the armoured goblin swept into the room, a nasty scowl on his face.

“I. was. Right,” Ranrok declared, and he noticed that there were several others not far behind Ranrok himself.

“Ranrok,” Fig seemed to snarl in return.

The dark goblin gave a twisted smile. “Seems my reputation precedes me. I was beginning to think that no one was ever going to visit Rackham’s vault.”

He filed that piece away, for when he was less scared. Professor Fig pulled his wand.

“And why are you here?” He drew his as well, half a second behind Fig. No need to be defenceless.

Ranrok held up a hand. “No need for that. Just give me whatever it is you found here, and we can let bygones be bygones.”

A ripple of magic danced across Ranrok’s armour, the same dark, reddish hue that had decorated both the dragon collar and guard’s arm band. He doubted it would really be that easy.

It seemed Professor Fig shared a similar thought, no doubt thinking of both his friend and his wife.

The banker interrupted the stare down. “Sir, they had the key to the vault.”

Ranrok appeared to not like that fact. He grew even more menacing. “Choose your next words wisely.”

“I- I only meant that the instructions for vault twelve were quite clear…” He glanced around, panic on his face growing. “Sir, I must insist. I was to grant access to only to one with the key. And you didn’t ha-”

He just managed to close his eyes, as Ranrok’s armour flared with magic, and the poor banker was thrown. He winced at the thud that followed.

“I have no patience for traitors.” Ranrok growled, and he cracked his eyes. “Now, where were we…”

“I’m not giving you anything,” Professor Fig growled.

Ranrok turned his focus to him, and he gulped. There was something terrifying about being stared down by this particular goblin. “Mmh, well, perhaps your young friend here will be more helpful…”

He gave a short shake of his head, stepping back.

Professor Fig reacted, throwing one spell, which impacted against Ranrok’s had.

Ranrok, in return, threw them against the floor, blasting the magic back. He impacted roughly, briefly blacking out.

It wasn’t long, a minute at most, but it had been enough for the vault to shift into defence, and a towering Guardian had emerged where the pensive had been before.

Ranrok’s whole attention was now on fighting the Guardian. He looked around, helping to steady Professor Fig. There has to be a way out…

He spotted another arch, which seemed to be looking out into a forested area. Anywhere but here… He moved towards it, almost spellbound by it.

“I know a way out!” he shouted at Professor Fig, who seemed to be repelling the giant metal Guardian as well. “Professor!” he shouted, as the Guardian blindly took a swing.

Professor Fig hurried towards him, racing the column the Guardian had broken through. They stuck their heads through the arch…

To suddenly appear in the wooded area, surrounded by the night sky and rustling leaves.

“Oh! Ha!” Professor Fig exclaimed, as they took in their surroundings. “Are you all right, Mr. Northrup?”

“Fine sir.” He said, his voice faint, and he took a moment to take several deep breaths and calm his wildly racing heart. “Where are we…?”

Professor Fig didn’t seem to be listening, not that he could fault him. “I’ve never seen such strong a goblin…” he muttered. “He seemed wholly unaffected by my magic…”

“Where are we?” he asked again, still curious as to where they’d ended up.

Apparently, Professor Fig had no problem figuring out where they were. “It can’t be.” The professor grinned, and he followed Professor Fig towards the lighted signpost. “It seems those who set up the pensive, the locket, along with the path to both, wanted someone with your ability to end up here.”

They paused, almost basking in the glow of the solitary lamp. After the insanity of the afternoon, he relished this brief moment of peace.

“Come,” said Professor Fig, breaking the silence. “We’ve a Sorting Ceremony to get to.”

Chapter 2

#A Fifth Year's Guide to Hogwarts Chaos #chapter 1 #fic #cyrus northrup #hogwarts legacy

[gurugirl]

I kinda agree with the prev anon too like personally stepdad/step anything has never really been my thing especially if there’s like cheating involved BUT I still find the blurbs interesting plus you’re writting is great so it’s not a huge problem for me but like in reality I don’t see a happy ending for them lol like for me it’s all a fantasy lol just like with professor HARYY cuz that man is so bad an toxic lol BUT I STILL EAT UP WHAT YOU PUT OUT!

I’m glad you like my writing - thank you. But as for stepdad Harry, what you’re saying has never been a secret. And it’s been discussed many times already. We already know it’s an unhealthy relationship and what they’re doing is bad - I didn’t disagree with the other anon.

Im confused… did you feel like I tried to make the story anything but? I’ve always been upfront about what’s in each one shot - my warnings are always clear. As is the part that says - don’t read it if you don’t like it.

🤷‍♀️ thanks for your input tho.

Xoxo

#ask

[magicline]

Yumekuro • Link (Rainbow-coloured Wedding Road) Moon Route Meister Story Translation Part 2/3

(A/N): It is recommended to read the story with in-game voiced lines ! Beware of spoilers and enjoy reading ^_^

⚠️ STRICTLY NO REPOSTS !

A Burning Controversy.

Fancy-looking Guy 1 : Hahaha! Now we can consider ourselves as one of the popular streamers!

Link : …..

Emma : (I can't believe there are such cruel streamers…)

Fancy-looking Guy 2 : Hey, just admit that both of you are lovers in the first place!

Fancy-looking Guy 3 : You're making it so hard for us, let's just go home.

BOOM!

Emma : Huh, the equipments…!

Link : Wait—

Link : Right now, we have better things to do than chase after them, alright.

Link : Yeah ~.... They aren't serious enough about the equipments. I'm guessing they aren't compatible enough to be streamers.

Emma : Link…

Link : Don't give me that look, Emma.

Link : We're still not sure if our equipments are broken or not, so let's continue checking it out.

Emma : …. Yeah. I guess.

Link : … Ah ~. Seems like the circuit here is broken. Emma, can you check it with a tester?

Emma : It's not working. The magic formula doesn't respond.

Link : I see. If the circuit is broken, the video output will be affected—

Notification sound!

Link : …A message from Lagoon? What is it?

Link paused his work, then proceed to check the messages he received on Meister Board.

Lagoon : “Link, is the young lady (Emma) with you?”

Lagoon : “A strange man came to our apartment, demanding to see her while trying to describe her characteristics.”

Lagoon : “I managed to turn him away, but he seems fishy to me. Please tell the young lady to be more careful.”

Link : No way… Emma, please connect to Magic Line now.

Emma : Okay…!

After I connected Magic Line with the terminal I had in hand, the video that were taken just now was already posted.

Link : Figured! It must be one of the viewers that came to the apartment.

Emma : This is terrible. With such an incendiary editing…

“Ah, isn’t she the precious partner that Link had mentioned before?”

“Link looked very pissed off, I wonder if she’s still one?”

“She seems to know how to handle the equipments. Is she one of the crew members?”

Emma : (These comments are being too rough…)

Between the two groups who supports Link and those who don’t , there were heated arguments happening in the comment section.

Link : The situation is getting worse… If we’re going to stay here any longer, the people might come for us.

Link : We will need more time to check on the equipments, so we have to cancel the filming for the day.

Emma : You’re right. But…

Link : Huh?

Emma : … If I’m going back to the apartment, I’m afraid I’m going to attract attention from the people and get everyone else into this mess.

Link : No… You’re not the only one. Once they found me, I’m sure they’re going to make a fuss over it.

Link : …

Link : Wait. I have an idea—

City of Machines • Woodman

In a room of an Inn.

Link : During times like this, I’m glad they at least have one room available ~

Emma : It’s a relief they allow same-day check-ins too.

Link : Yeah. I’m sorry we have to share the room, but if you think about it in terms of safety it might be help us that way?

Emma : I have to agree on that safety part… I hope all the fiasco dies down soon.

After Link finished setting up the equipments for viewing, the Magic Line is connected with ease.

Link : Woah… Instead of calming down, the comments are getting more and more heated.

“Whether she is Link’s girlfriend or not, why don’t you ask him?”

“I went to see him, but he wasn’t there!!”

“Has anyone seen him? I need more informations!”

Emma : The comments are getting worse…

Link : Mhm… If we leave them be, people might try to find out about your personal informations.

Link : Let’s do a live-stream here. I will tell everyone, in my very own words.

To be continued…

(A/N): If there are misspellings, mistranslations etc. please let me know and excuse me. 🙏

Next chapter : Moon Route Part 3 (with Story CG spoiler)

Prev. chapter : Moon Route Part 1

#yumekuro #dream meister and the recollected black fairy #ymkr #yumekuro translations #ymkr translations #ymkr tl #yumekuro link #ymkr link