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takemebackto-eden · 7 months

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EM ‘Hey Stranger’ • Chapter Two - Freak

Chapter summary: Eddie and Nina meet again at Steve’s house.

Content warnings: alcohol use.

‘Baby, if you wanna leave, come to California,

Be a freak like me, too.

Screw your anonymity, loving me is all you need to feel, like I do.

We can slow dance to rock music, kiss while we do it,

Talk till we both turn blue.

Baby, if you wanna leave, come to California,

Be a freak like me too.’

Freak - Lana Del Rey

Friday / 9pm / Steve's house

When Eddie enters Steve’s house the music is playing loudly, but he is relieved to see only Nancy, Nina, Jonathan, Robin and Steve there, rather than the whole school. Eddie says ‘Hi’ to everyone and walks into the kitchen to grab a beer. When he turns around from the fridge, Nina is there to greet him.

Nina: “Hey, Eddie.”

Eddie: [breathless] “Hey Nina.”

Nina: “Glad you could make it.”

Eddie: “You too. I mean, obviously you’d be going, what with Robin going and you being with Robin and Robin being Steve’s best friend and…” [flustered, embarrassed] “I’ll be shutting up now.” [Nina giggles at Eddie, he smiles] “Nice to see you.”

Nina: [smiling] “You too.”

Time passes and Eddie and Jonathan are on the couch, beers in hand, talking. Nina, Nancy and Robin are chatting in the kitchen. Steve is setting up beer pong.

Jonathan: “You should go up and talk to her.”

Eddie: [eyes snapping away from Nina, dumb] “Huh?”

Jonathan: [teasing] “You’ve been staring at Nina all night.”

Eddie: “We’ve only been here an hour.” [Jonathan scoffed, Eddie peeled the label off his beer, shy] “I don’t really know her that well.”

Jonathan: “She’s just moved here from Cali, she’s really nice.” [thoughtful] “You two would have a lot in common actually.”

Eddie: [surprised] “We would?”

Jonathan: “Yeah, she’s into the whole tarot-cards-voodoo-witchy-hippie shit you are into.”

Eddie: (offended) “I’m not into tarot-cards-voodoo-witchy-hippie shit.” [scoffing] “Jesus, didn’t think you, of all people, believed I was a cult leader like the rest of Hawkins.”

Jonathan: (amused) “The way Will and his friends follow you around, you almost are a cult leader.”

Eddie: (laughing) “They’re good kids.”

Jonathan: (joking, amused) “Cult leader turned father figure, apparently.”

Eddie: (scoffing) “Fun uncle at best.” [his eyes go back to Nina who happens to catch his eyes, she blushes and continues her conversation with Nancy and Robin]

Jonathan: “Seriously dude, go talk to her.”

Eddie: “What about? I’m no good with girls and shit.”

Jonathan: (laughing) “And you think I am? I got Nancy by a miracle alone.”

I need more than a damn miracle, Eddie thinks.

Jonathan: “Come on, you haven’t liked anyone since Chrissy.” [Jonathan freezes, then winces as Eddie’s eyes cast to his lap] “Sorry man.”

Eddie: [looking at Nina who is dancing in the kitchen with Robin, smiling] “Look at how happy she is.” [looking down at his lap again, taking a gulp of his beer] “She doesn’t need my bullshit.”

Jonathan: [to himself] “Oh boy, sad drunk Eddie came early tonight.”

Eddie: (offended) “I’m not sad.” [hiccuping] “And I’m not drunk either.”

Jonathan: (laughing) “Whatever you say, lightweight.” [shouting over to the kitchen] “Nina! Come here!”

Eddie: [through gritted teeth, to Jonathan] “What are you doing?”

Jonathan: “Wingmanning you, you’re welcome.”

Nina: [walking into the lounge, bottles of beer in hand] “What’s up Jonathan?” [handing Jonathan a bottle] “Refill?” [handing Eddie a bottle]

Eddie: [quietly] “Thanks.”

Nina: (smiling at Eddie) “Don’t mention it.”

Jonathan: “It seems like Eddie here would like his palm read.”

Eddie: (stuttering) “Huh- What?”

Nina: [wary, confused] “Sure.” [sitting cross-legged on the couch next to Eddie]

Jonathan: [standing up, clutching his bottle, smug] “Well I’m going to find Nancy.” [smirking at Eddie] “See you guys in a bit.”

An awkward silence lies between Eddie and Nina. Nina looks at Eddie expectantly, Eddie is still fiddling with his beer bottle, not looking at Nina.

Nina: [awkwardly] “So, uh, you want me to read your palm?”

Eddie: [stuttering] “Uh, sure, yeah” [he wipes his hand nervously on his jeans, placing the palm facing up in front of Nina.]

Nina dramatically clears her throat and takes Eddie’s hand in hers, Eddie smiles nervously, watching Nina’s every move.

Nina: “So this here…” [she trails a pointed black nail across a line on his palm] “Is your life line. It trails off a little bit here which could mean a change in environment or circumstance, maybe a big reality check?” [tracing line on his hand, Eddie holds back a shudder] “And this line is the ring of Solomon, which represents the mental state in the pursuit of mysticism. It sort of reflects your intelligence outside of literary subjects.” [looking up at Eddie, who is looking at her in awe] “Does that make sense?”

Eddie: [stuttering] “Y-yeah. What does mine mean?”

Nina: [looking back at the lines on his hand] “Yours is a semi circle which means you are talented in performance and have great musical ability, but also show your emotions on your face.” [looking back at Eddie, laughing] “Does that sound like you?”

Eddie: (shy, blushing) “Oh, I don’t know. I’m in a band, I guess.” [eager, awkward] “Keep going.”

Nina: (smiling) “This here, is your intuition line. It’s strong, that’s good.”

Eddie: [smiling brightly] “It is?”

Nina: “Yeah.” [shying from Eddie’s gaze, looking at his palm, frowning] “This here is your health line. There seems to be a bit of a break here, but after that it’s pretty stable.”

Eddie: (sad) “Yeah, that sounds about right.” [Nina looks up at him confused, Eddie shrugs it off, lying] “I was in hospital last year, a few broken bones.”

Nina: [frowning, changing the subject, can sense Eddie’s uneasiness] “This is your heart line.” [Her nail strokes the line softly. Eddie’s heart catches in his throat and he shifts in his seat, flustered] “It seems pretty solid, a few stray lines at the start, childhood crushes maybe? But when you’ve found the one, you’re with them till the end.”

Eddie: (breathless) “Really?” [looking at his palm]

Nina: (smiling brightly) “Really. Impressive.”

Eddie: [staring at Nina in awe] “Amazing.” [coughing himself to reality, looking down at his hand] “That’s so cool, thanks.”

Nina: “No problem.” [still holding Eddie’s palm, laughing awkwardly] “Oh, sorry, here, you can have your hand back. It's yours after all.”

Eddie: (shy) “Thanks.” [gaining confidence] “Where did you learn to do that?”

Nina: [laughing] “California is full of hippies.” [tucking her hair behind her ear, keen] “I like your rings.”

Eddie finds himself fiddling with the silver rings on his fingers, then looks at Nina’s hands; fingers almost as ring-clad as his.

Eddie: (shy) “I like yours too.”

Nina: “So you’re in a band?”

Eddie: “Yeah, Corroded Coffin. We play at the Hideout on Tuesdays.”

Nina: (excited) “No way! I’ve seen your posters around town! That’s so cool!”

Eddie: (smiling but nervous) “Thanks. We don’t get a massive turn-out but it’s fun.” [trying to continue conversation] “So, did you like that album I recommended you?”

Nina: (sheepish) “I actually haven’t listened to it yet.”

Eddie: (hurt) “Oh.”

Nina: (smiling)“It’s been a bit chaotic with unpacking and school, but I will, I promise!”

Eddie: [glancing up at Nina, smiling] “I’ll hold you to that.”

They look at each other for a moment, smiling, happy to finally be in each other's company.

Nina: [taking a sip of her beer] “So how do you know Jonathan and everyone?”

Eddie: “We kinda all got thrown together last year. Nancy’s brother Mike is in a club I run.”

Nina: “Hellfire, right?”

Eddie: [blushing] “Right.”

Nina: “What’s the club?” [Nina knows the answer but feigns ignorance; wanting to talk to Eddie more.]

Eddie: [blushing hard] “It’s lame.”

Nina: “Tell me.”

Eddie: [peeling more of the label off his bottle] “It’s a Dungeons and Dragons club.”

Nina: “That’s not lame.”

Eddie: [scoffing] “Yeah, right.”

Nina: “It’s not. Some of my friends back home used to play.”

Eddie: (surprised) “Really?”

Nina: (smiling) “Yeah!” (Shy) “I used to play occasionally.”

Eddie: “No way!”

[cutaway - in the kitchen]

Steve: [entering the kitchen, looking at Nina and Eddie] “They both look snug.”

Nancy: “Leave them be, Steve.”

Jonathan: “He’s finally talking to her.”

Robin: “Wait, Eddie likes Nina back? Fuck yes!”

Jonathan: (laughing) “Are you kidding? He’s been drooling over her since he met her, he’s not subtle.”

Steve: [determined] “I’m gonna go cockblock, beer pong is ready.” [walking out the kitchen]

Nancy: “Wait, Steve!” [she tries to grab Steve but he’s already walking to the couch where Eddie and Nina are, turning back to face Nancy, holding his hands up dismissively ] “Nice one, Steve.”

Robin: [shaking her head] "Dingus."

[back in the living room, cont.]

Nina: [blushing, fiddling with her beer bottle] “I was the group’s sorcerer.”

Eddie: [with wide eyes] “Wow.” [staring at Nina, catching himself, looking at his bottle intently] “You could join our group if you’d-“

Steve: [slumping down beside Nina, causing her to fall into his side, he effortlessly puts his arm over her shoulder] “Hey guys, what are you doing?”

Nina: [disappointed by the intrusion but playing it off coolly] “I’m reading Eddie’s palm, Stevie.”

Eddie’s jaw clenched with jealousy at Steve’s nickname and the arm around Nina’s shoulder.

Steve: “Ooh, do mine!”

Nina: [fake enthusiasm] “Sure!” [Nina takes Steve’s palm, faking intrigue] “Hmm, interesting.”

Steve: [dumb, oblivious] “What? What does it say?”

Nina: [with a cheeky grin] “It says you’re a dickhead.”

Eddie snorts with laughter and Steve rolls his eyes. Robin and Nancy try to hide their laughter in the kitchen.

Steve: “Nice Nina, real nice.”

Nina: [cheeky] “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

Robin, Nancy and Jonathan enter the living room. Nancy sits over Jonathan on the loveseat, Robin sits on the floor.

Robin: “Are we playing beer pong or what?”

Steve: (whiny) “Nina is bullying me.”

Robin: (smirking) “I take Nina’s side on this, always.”

Jonathan: “Sounds like it was deserved, personally.”

Steve: “I did not invite you guys over to bully me.”

Nina: (smug) “But it’s so easy to do, Stevie.” [she pinches his cheeks and he rolls his eyes]

Eddie: [hiding his jealousy, changing the subject] “So, beer pong!”

11:20pm

Robin: [frustrated, drunk] “This is rigged.”

Nina: (smirking) “You can’t rig beer pong, idiot.” [She bounces the ping pong ball into the cup, landing with a splash. Steve and Nina cheer as Eddie and Robin groan] “Yes! Drink up, Eddie!”

Eddie: (groaning) “Fucks sake!” [Eddie chugs his fifth drink of the night] “I think you’re going to kill me.”

Steve: (smug) “Don’t be such a sore loser.” [Eddie rolls his eyes and finishes the drink]

Robin: “I don’t know what you’re talking about King Steve, you’re shit at this!”

Steve: “Am not!”

Eddie: (smirking) “Nina is clearly pulling you through.”

Steve: (offended) “She is not!”

Robin: “She’s cheating, she’s rigged this!” [to Eddie, drunkenly, whisper-shouting] “She’s a wizard.” [Nina laughs at Robin’s drunken state] “She’s using witchcraft!” [Eddie raises his eyebrows at Nina, questioning Robin’s statement. Nina smirks and mouths ‘Sorceress’ back at him, which makes him grin, blushing pink.]

Eddie picks up the ping pong ball and, with some accuracy, manages to get it in Nina’s drink. He bows dramatically as Robin whoops, Nina smiles coyly and picks up the drink.

Nina: [chugging her drink] “Alright Munson, you got one in, don’t let it go to your head.”

Steve takes his turn and dunks the ping pong ball into Robin’s drink, causing her to groan, while Steve runs around the kitchen chanting ‘King Steve!’, ‘King Steve!’ ‘King Steve!’.

Midnight

Steve: “So what’s next guys? Spin the bottle?” [he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively]

Nancy: (giggling) “We’re not fifteen anymore, Steve.”

Jonathan: “Truth or dare?”

Robin: “Hell no! We don’t need to see Steve kiss Eddie’s hairy ass again, I will throw up.”

Steve and Eddie turn bright red with embarrassment and Nina giggles on the couch, falling softly into Eddie’s side. Eddie’s heart pounds on his chest and he finds himself smiling down at Nina who is unaware of his loving looks.

Nancy: “What about 20 questions? We can quiz Nina.”

Nina: (blushing, shifting nervously) “We can?”

Nancy: “Not in a bad way! Like a ‘this is your life’ thing, so we can get to know you better.”

Jonathan: [teasing] “Nancy wants to be a journalist, she insists on finding out everyone’s life stories.” [Nancy blushes and shoved Jonathan playfully]

Nina: [uncomfortable, smiling awkwardly] “My life isn’t very interesting, I can promise you.”

Robin: “Sure it is! You’re the coolest person I know!”

Nina: (teasing) “You know about five people Robin, that doesn’t count.” [Robin sticks out her tongue at Nina and she laughs in response] “How about ‘never have I ever’? That way I can find things out about you guys too.”

Everyone agrees and shifts in their seats, awakened by the idea of a new game.

Nancy: “How do you play?”

Nina: [shuffling off the couch to sit on the floor opposite Steve, much to Eddie’s disappointment] “I say something that I’ve never done and if you’ve done it, you drink!”

Robin: [sniggering] “Nina always gets hammered at this game.”

Nina: [scalding] “Rude.” [smirking, cheeky] “I just happen to have a lot of life experience, that’s all.” What kind of life experience? Eddie thinks. “Besides, I’ve had more than enough, I'm the designated driver, I’m not drinking anymore.” [smirking at Robin] “So drink up, bestie!”

As the secrets and laughter are shared and drinks flow, Eddie drunkenly lies down on the couch behind Nina, fiddling with the ends of her hair.

Jonathan: “So how do you and Robin know each other if you’re not actually related?”

Robin: “You know how you have a friend but they’re like family but not related? Nina’s Mom and my Mom are basically sisters.”

Nina: [moving back to the couch beside Eddie, Eddie flops beside her] “My Mom and Aunt Sheryl grew up and went to university together, thus making Robin and I best friends and practically cousins.”

The group nods with an understanding “Ohh!”

Eddie: [slumped, drunk, head on Nina’s shoulder, mumbled] “You smell nice.”

Nina: [blushing] “Thanks.”

Eddie: “Good enough to eat.” [Eddie slaps his face, perhaps a bit too hard in his drunken state] “No! Bad Eddie! Naughty thoughts. No pizza rolls for you tonight.” [Nina laughs hard, careful not to shake Eddie too much]

Jonathan: [shaking his head at Eddie, amused] “Smooth Eddie, so smooth.”

Eddie: “Do you like pizza rolls Nina? I like pizza rolls.”

Nina: [smiling down at Eddie] “Never had one.”

Eddie: (aghast)“What! No way! We must have pizza rolls this instant.” [Eddie gets up and goes to grab his car keys]

Nina: [jumping up, stealing his keys] “Woah there! No driving for you.”

Eddie: [pouting] “But pizza rolls!”

Nina: [soft, smiling] “We can get some later.”

Eddie: [eyes hazy, smiling drunkenly] “Yeah?”

Nina: (smiling) “Sure.”

Nancy: “I don’t want to alarm you Nina but Robin has passed out.”

Nina looks over at Robin and sighs, laughing airily at her friend's inability to handle her alcohol.

Nina: “I better take her home.” [Eddie has to hide his disappointment that the night is over] “Come on Eddie, home time.”

Eddie: [blushing] “Huh?”

Nina: “I’ll give you a lift home, you’re in no state to drive.”

Eddie: [wobbly] “I’ll have you know I am perfectly fine-“ [Eddie stumbled pulling on his jacket and knocks the vase off the table, fumbling quickly to catch it, smiling sheepishly at Steve with the vase in his hands] “Oops.”

Steve: [to Nina] “For that, you should make him walk home.”

Nina laughs and grabs her keys, shaking Robin softly to wake her up.

2am / Nina’s car

Eddie: [giggling drunkenly] “She’s a witch, did you know she’s a witch, Robin?” [Robin mumbles in her sleep, pushing Eddie away] “She’s put a spell on me, she’s hexed me, she’s bewitched me!” [shaking Robin] “Robin! She’s bewitched me, you’re my team mate, you’re supposed to protect me!”

Nina: (smirking) “You’ve bewitched me, body and soul.”

Eddie: [blushing, confused] “Huh?”

Nina: (smiling) “Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austin.”

Eddie: (in awe) “Wow.”

Nina: “And for the record, I’m not actually a witch.”

Eddie: “So you’re like a nerd, huh?”

Nina: [eyebrows raised in shock, surprised] “Pardon?”

Eddie: [drunk] “You like D&D and can quote literature from memory, you’re a closet nerd.”

Nina: [offended but laughing] “I am not!”

Eddie: (teasingly) “I’ve seen you in Science, you’re a massive nerd.”

Nina: “I am not!”

Eddie: [cheeky] “You so are, behind that tan bad girl exterior you’re a big nerd like the rest of us.” [Nina stares at him, mouth wide in shock, hiding her laughter] “It’s okay, we’re all nerds too, you’ll fit right in with us freaks.”

Nina: (flirty)“Wow, a giant nerd and a freak? You’re wooing the pants off me here, Eddie.”

Eddie: [to himself, not realising how loud he is] “Ha! I wish!”

Nina: [concerned, laughing an airy laugh] “You’re trying to get into my pants, Munson?”

Eddie: [drunk, drawing on the condensation on the window] “I just want to be around you. I think you’re really cool.” [Nina blushes, Eddie tracing his palm, giggling to himself] “You read my palm. It tickled.” [Nina watches him, smiling] “Felt all tingly.”

Nina: [smiling at him warmly] “You okay there tiger?”

Eddie: [slumped in the seat] “I’m great! Happiest I’ve been in a long time.”

Nina looks at him concerned, picking up on Eddie’s slight sombre tone.

Eddie: [hiccuping, words slurred] “I’m not usually like this, you should know.”

Nina: [curiously] “What are you usually like?”

Eddie: “Loud, usually don’t give a fuck.” [quieter] “I feel different when I’m around you.”

Nina: [worried, hurt] “Why? You don’t have to be.”

Eddie: [shyly] “You make me nervous.”

Nina: (teasingly) “Cute.”

Eddie: [bluntly] “Do you like Steve?”

Nina: [concentrating on the road] “Well, yeah! He’s really nice.”

Eddie: “Oh.”

Nina: (confused) “I think everyone’s really nice.”

Eddie: “You shouldn’t like Steve.”

Nina: (amused) “I shouldn’t?”

Eddie: (cheeky) “Nah, he won’t get you like I get you.”

Nina: “And how’s that?”

Eddie: [looking at her lovingly, giddy] “He’s too normal. You don’t need normal. You need a freak, like me.”

Nina: (warmly) “Freaks together, right?”

Eddie: [with a sleepy drunk smile] “Exactly!”

Saturday / 2pm / Hawkins Record Store

Nina: [coming through the door, smiling brightly] “Hey Eddie!”

Eddie pulls his head up quickly from resting on the shop counter, wincing at the speed of his movements, the rush of his head not helping his pounding headache.

Eddie: [breathless] “Nina… Hi.” [nervous] “What are you doing here?”

Nina: “I brought you pizza.” [She sets the food down on the counter]

Eddie: [smiling, confused] “Why?”

Nina: (smiling) “You spent the entire car journey home talking about pizza rolls. I thought this might help with the hangover.”

Eddie: [sheepish] “So that’s how I got home…” [Nina laughs] “Thank you, I really appreciate it.” [Eddie opens the cardboard pizza box and his mouth waters] “You want a slice?”

Nina: “Sure.” [They both sit quietly eating the pizza, music playing softly in the background]

Eddie: (shy) “This is really kind of you, thank you.”

Nina: “Don’t mention it.”

Eddie: [nervous] “I didn’t make too much of an ass of myself, did I?”

Nina: (smirking) “Besides calling me a nerd and a freak, you did pretty well actually. AC/DC came on the radio and you gave me a beautiful rendition of ‘You Shook Me All Night Long.”

Eddie: [sheepish] “Wow, I’m surprised you didn’t kick me out the car.”

Nina: (shrugging) “Eh, it was funny.”

Eddie: “I’m sorry.” [awkward, insecure] “Seriously, I’m surprised you came here today after that, you didn’t have to.”

Nina: [finishing the slice, smiling] “Seems I just can’t stay away.” [Eddie’s face drops, gobsmacked. Nina picks up her bag and heads to the door] “See you around, Eddie, enjoy the pizza.” [Nina leaves the shop, leaving Eddie speechless]

Eddie and Nina barely interacted with each other the following week, besides the occasional wave across the cafeteria or smile down the corridor. Eddie desperately tried to think of excuses to talk to her in Science, each time talking himself out of it. He felt himself pining for her attention. Science became his favourite lesson of the week.

➡️ Chapter Three - Late Night Talking

16 notes · View notes

thunderpot · 3 years

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Die! Just die! If you can’t die, then just dig a hole somewhere and pretend to be dead!

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the-winter-spider · 3 years

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Element: Part 2

Characters: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: Hints around possible suicide attempt, angst

A/N: Got this out a lot faster than i thought, once again i didnt read thru it lol so please excuse if there is any errors!

Word count: 2.1k

Part one

****

Bucky reached into the water pulling you out with his right arm, he let a gasp out when the temperature of the water touched his skin it was ice cold sending goosebumps all throughout his body. You were fully clothed, limp, cold to the touch, skin pale, lips blue. Not like he was used to, this wasn't the you he grew to love. You were radiant, your eyes were the most beautiful colour they reminded him of the night sky the way they shined like the stars, your lips were plump and filled with colour, looking at them now he almost couldn’t remember if they were more red or pink, he could feel his palms getting clammy, panic was running through him, when was the last time he saw the sparkle in your eyes? You were his sun, you were warmth, in this moment he felt regret he never got to kiss your lips.

He set you gently down on the tiled floor, you laid there lifeless, Steve was already kneeling down getting ready to start chest compressions, anything to bring you back, to Bucky, to him, to the team.

“No no no” Bucky mumbled.

“Vitals?” Tony frantically asked the AI

“No heartbeat detected”

Bucky didn’t know but tears were streaming down his face, so much regret was running through his veins, he didn't try hard enough and he knew that now but he didn't want to push you, he hated when Steve or Sam tried to push him. He wanted to hold you more and not like this, he wanted to feel life in your body, not this, all Bucky had ever known was death after being used by HYDRA for all those years and when they were finally out his head, everyone he knew before HYDRA were dead, except Steve of course but you brought life back into the super soldier something he was almost positive would never happened and Bucky was barely ever wrong but with you it felt so right.

The water surrounding them slowly started to evaporate, they realized it wasn’t coming from the tap in the tub, you made all the water and the fact it was disappearing, panic set in. “Where's medical?!” Tony frantically shouted.

“They are on there way” FRIDAY announced

Bucky couldn’t wait; he waited his whole life and it was a long one to finally be free and find someone like you, it felt like hours had passed since he busted down your door but he knew it had only been seconds, if not minutes. He scooped you up off the floor holding you in his arms as tightly as he could, he felt like they were wasting time sitting here doing what felt like the bare minimum when he knew the kind of medicine Tony had, he was a Stark after all and from being in the war he knew every second counted, he had a small hope that if he started running towards the medic wing your chances would be better rather than waiting around. He couldn’t take his eyes off of you fearing that this would be one of the last times he saw you and he wasn't prepared for that. You were so limp in his arms, water no longer dripping off of you. As he passed the rest of the team, all he could hear was gasps. He met the medical team half way, setting you on the stretcher before they ran off with you to med bay, Tony and Bruce trailing close behind them.

Bucky was frozen in place, he couldn’t feel anything, he felt like he was in a dream, a bad one, not like the nightmares he was used to this felt much worse, he kept hoping that he would wake up and leave his room to find you in the kitchen eating your morning cereal with Steve and you would give him the most beautiful smile he’s ever seen in all his years, the way he felt your eyes light up and the sun got a little brighter when you were near him, you thought he didn’t notice but Bucky noticed everything with you, or he thought he did. He doesn't even know when he stopped noticing things with you, or when you started to ignore the team, especially him. Part of him didn't even want to think about how long ago it started happening, how long you were truly alone.

Steve placed his hand on his best friends shoulder giving in a gentle squeeze “they’re gonna do everything in their power to get her back Buck”

—

Bucky couldn’t stop but replaying the last couple weeks or was it months? In his mind, did you do this on purpose? Was it an accident? Why did you do it? He remembers the first time he decided not to ask you to come with them. Sam, Steve, Natasha and him were going to try out this new chinese restaurant as they were coming up to your door, he was hoping for a miracle and you would open the door already ready to come with them and it would sort of be like a date but not really but he would pretend it was, but it didn't happen and he wasn’t sure how much more his heart could take of being shot down all the time so he decided he wasn't going to ask you tonight, when they finally reached your door, Steve stopped “Buck, aren't you going to ask y/n if she wants to come?”

Bucky's eyes went to your door, he doesn't remember the last time he was in your room, laying in your bed with you talking about anything and everything. He felt a pain in his chest and he mumbled out “No point” shrugging his shoulders leaving the 3 of his friends behind him making his way to the elevator. He heard them laughing, probably at him he felt pathetic he was a super soldier for christ sake but he couldn’t muster up all the strength in the world to ask you on a real date just him and you, or to admit his ever growing feelings for you, so he did what he knew best, kept quiet and to himself, he just wish he knew then he was hurting you in the process too, not just himself.

—

Everyone was patiently waiting in the common room just outside med bay. Bucky couldn't take his attention away from the plum tree just outside the window, when you grew it for him he swore his heart skipped a beat, that was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for him, he still remembers that day like it only just happened. He had just left the gym and was heading back to his room when he saw you laying down in front of his door reading whatever book you were reading, you must have been deep into the book because you didn't notice him standing directly above you, he whispered “Good book?” making you jump and drop the book on your face, he couldn’t help but chuckle, he threw his towel over his shoulder offering you a hand up.

“It was a good book till i lost my place” You huffed

“Sorry doll” he smiled, something he only ever did around you, the real kind of smile, the kind that made his cheeks hurts not the fake kind he did around everyone else, he watched you dust yourself off and run your fingers through your hair, fixing yourself up, he didn't understand why you already looked perfect “So what do i owe the pleasure of having a beautiful girl like you waiting on a guy like me?”

Giggling “Well i have something for you, a gift” you blushed, he watched you rock back and forth on your feet, he was getting that feeling in his stomach again he wasn't sure what it was but it was warm, something he didn't think he deserved to feel again let it actually happening but here it was, with you.

He quickly showered and changed, when he stepped out of the bathroom you hadn’t moved you were still sitting on the edge of his bed, flipping through your book, trying to figure out where you left off, when you felt his presence you looked up, your eyes meeting his “You ready to go Buck?”

He nodded making his way to the door “after you doll”

It was silent when the two of you were making your way wherever you were leading him, he didn't ask any questions he would follow you anywhere, anytime no questions asked. You made your way outside to a tree he doesnt think he seen before, because it was the only tree there, he watched you start moving your hands with elegance, he was and always has been in complete awe of your abilities, with a doubt in his mind you were the most amazing person to have ever come from HYDRA. He had no idea what the gift was but he knew he would love it, whatever it was because it was from you, but when Bucky saw something start growing on the tree his eyes went wide “How did you know?”

“I overheard you talking to Steve about them the other day, how you missed them and the ones from the store didn't taste the same” You spoke softly, folding your hands behind your back looking down shyly. Bucky made his way to the plum tree picking one before he made his way over to you, he used his right arm to put a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingertips lightly touching your cheek while doing so it sent shivers down your spine and butterflies in your stomach, you lifted your gaze to meet his. He took your hand in his, giving it a light squeeze “this is my favourite gift”.

“The tree or that one plum?” you giggled, pointing at the perfect plum in his hand.

He took a moment before responding to you, really taking everything in, the view, his feelings because he was feeling a lot of them, some new some old, the emotions he could see in your eyes, how perfect you truly were but also how right it felt having your hand in his, his tongue ran over his lips “You” he breathed out, you kept your gaze on him for a few more seconds before you felt heat rising to your cheeks, looking back down, his thumb rubbing circles on your hand, he wasn't sure if you felt what he was feeling but when a single butterfly landed on the plum in his hand, he knew.

—

Bucky wasn't the best with time, after being in and out of cryo for so long he didn't care to tell time, so he wasn't sure how long he was standing here staring at the window lost in thought till he was finally pulled away from it, he felt Steve come up from behind him, he cleared his throat, placing another hand on his friends shoulder looking out the window to see what Bucky was staring at for the last hour.

“Y’know she grew that for me?”

Steve smiled “I know because you wouldn’t shut up about it” Bucky let out a soft chuckle, turning to face his friend “I messed up Steve”

Steve didn’t say anything he didn’t know what to say and Steve almost always knew what to say but he couldn’t comfort his friend because it was unknown if you were alive or not, he knew you were a fighter but what he saw, you were lifeless, FRIDAY even confirmed there was no heartbeat, he wasn't trying to give his oldest friend false hope, so in the meantime he decided that just being there was enough.

“I don’t understand, she can breathe underwater can't she?” Natasha finally spoke to no one in particular, turning all heads towards her before anyone could respond when the door opened. Tony walked in “She can” all eyes were on him, something he usually loved but it made him feel uneasy today. It was quiet, Tony sat down took off his glasses, he rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fingers before looking Bucky dead in the eye “they found a heart beat, its shallow but its there”

***

TAGS: @majo240820 @vicmc624 @jessyballet @jhiddles03 @mggpleasedontlookhere @smallangryandpink @lilxberry @thisisnotangel @hereforalongtime512 @austynparksandpizza

#bucky barns x y/n #bucky barns x you #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barns x reader #bucky #bucky x female reader #bucky x you #bucky barnes angst

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thevividgreenmoss · 3 years

Text

My grandfather was awake and lucid for a longish while between late Friday night and Saturday morning apparently first time since this past Sunday when we all thought that was It and crammed ourselves seven people in one sedan that got a flat on the way over of course (as we were leaving the handle of the screen door came off in my hand as I was closing it behind me so the vibe was very on the nose things farcically falling apart that whole goddamn day lol) but then when we made it he was smiling and laughing and talking to and teasing everyone that was there, albeit with much more effort than it would have taken him even just a week earlier when he was already in a really frail state because of his hip surgery. My sister happened to be up later than she usually ever is and got to video call and chat with him for a bit I wanted terribly for my cousin in Colorado to be able to also but by the time he could get through my grandpa's blood pressure had suddenly spiked or something and he'd drifted back into that borderline unconscious state so they didn't get a chance to talk which makes me want to claw my fucking skin off of my face but who knows maybe another opportunity will present itself hopefully it does like he suddenly became really talkative and energized the other day after not having said more than maybe a couple sentences over the few previous days like I was there with him for several hours on Thursday and the entire time he didn't say a word and only opened his eyes once for like half a second and even that I might have been imagining after sitting there sleep-deprived and holding his hand trying not to cry because then my mom would start crying and then my aunt and on and on and if he's conscious at that point he'll start to get worried and his heart rate will destabilize but after that for this one stretch without anyone expecting it he was really talkative and alert and joking around with the nurses and doctors and all that for a while but then later yesterday afternoon he started to get disoriented and drift in and out of the present in between dreaming and waking again at one point apparently he kept saying 'look at my shoes' to my mom and her sisters and they thought it was just just the medication/pain-induced delirium talking but he kept insisting and eventually said 'you're not taking me seriously' and I guess gave up? Or said it a few more times I'm not clear on the course of events I only heard all this secondhand when my younger aunt, who also got diagnosed with cancer late last year but thankfully is more or less in the clear now, got back home last night and she and I went into his room and took all the shoes out of the cabinet he keeps them in and like looked inside and turned over and examined the soles of every pair, took the cushion insert things out of the ones that had them, checked for scooby doo-esque hidden doors, all that but there was nothing there just shoes. Her kids flew back out yesterday morning, the older one's tentatively returning to Toronto in the next week or so she had a painfully rough time in some ways her first couple of years and then abruptly had to be uprooted and leave because of covid then everything with her mom and in time honored eldest daughter tradition bearing the brunt of the familial frustration and insanity associated with that and now everything with our grandpa I really really want her senior year to go smoothly and be enjoyable and memorable in a manner opposite to how this past year+ has been I'm so worried about her and her little sister's starting freshman year there in the fall and I'm terribly worried about her in a whole different way like she's still really attached to her parents in this innocent way that still strongly resembles like a baby's adoring my mom hung the moon type attachment and it can be especially hard being away for the first time ever when that's the case...like she's hyper hypersensitive even by my family's standards lmao but she does have this sort of self-possession and inner groundedness that no one can quite pin down but it's

definitely there and maybe that

could carry her through I really hope so...they were saying to come up to visit them in the fall hopefully I can find a job soon after returning to Texas and like be able to afford to do that and also like keep paying the bills and shit lol in either case I hope so so badly that they'll be okay like I think they will be the women in my family are all really strong but they've also had to be because of various fucked circumstances and I don't want that to keep having to be the case...my grandpa's a Strong Woman in a certain way also honestly lmao like my mom's aunts have always been like your father raised you in a way beyond even most mothers which like who fucking receives let alone genuinely deserves that kind of praise from their in-laws lmao let alone a man from a notoriously patriarchal culture of a generation when fathers from any culture barely had any involvement in their children's upbringing at all which I mean most still don't but even more so back then and like literally everyone we've been hearing from or seeing drop by at the hospital has a story of how at one point or another my grandpa was there for them when no one else was like distant cousins variously removed and loose family friends all with something about how he comforted me when no one else could, I remember word for word what he said to me when I suffered some loss of my own, he's the strongest man in our family, the best times we ever had were when he was near us, when he'd take us out, his youngest brother's children saying he cared for and spoiled them as if their were his own after their dad died suddenly when they were just kids, my mom's third cousin whose own father was with her till a late age saying that he was even more of a father to me than my own father, his other brother's son who was ostracized for decades by his immediate family on some straight up racist ass bullshit on the part of his mom and older brother because he married a black woman but my grandpa stayed in touch and made sure my mom and uncle did as well and made sure we all got together when he'd came to the states, like even now lying there on what very well might be his literal deathbed when he can barely talk he was telling my uncle he's worried about him and he needs to go home and rest, asking who's taking care of the house, are the kids all okay even at this point his thoughts are for others. After I put his shoes back in the cabinet I closed it and opened the one beside just in case I guess just in case what I don't know but it was just like standard cabinet stuff clothes a shaving kit and a couple of what I assume are photo albums that I didn't feel like I should open for some reason and a few old books, a collection of Ghalib's which I can't really read very easily if at all because it's in Urdu lol, a history of government college of Lahore where his father was teaching at the time of his death and the two philosophy textbooks my great grandfather had written himself, Inductive & Deductive Reasoning, and inside the latter I found a handful of yellowed pages torn out of an old notebook upon which mostly seem to be translations of french poems and I think maybe a song or two? I guess old coursework or just for funsies I'm not sure whether written by my grandfather or his own father. My khala was mentioning just the other day that she'd kept one of my grandpa's old notebooks marked as having been designated for biology but inside it were no actual notes just urdu poetry which she wasn't sure whether it was his own original tossed off work or something the lifelong frustrated creative transcribed while bored in class. The night I got here I was looking through his bookshelves after everyone had gone to bed and then a couple of weeks ago I was sitting in the living room by myself watching archer when my cousin came and sat down next to me upset and unable to sleep on her own first night here and I held her and tried not to cry and then went through the same bookshelves again, this time with my cousin who we came to Pakistan for the first time after moving to the US

to see being born who turned three

the day we arrived on what until this current trip was the last time I was here her little sister having just been born earlier that same year (whose life I may or may not have saved when I caught her after she was dropped by the person holding her (the fact that (parentheticals within parentheticals!) I may or may not have been the one who dropped her in the first place is immaterial imo not that I'm the one on trial here but what's important is that I caught her and if anything this would be an even more athletically impressive and frankly heroic incident if I'd been the one that was holding her to begin with since I was 8/9 years old at the time and there wasn't much of a distance for her to fall and yet I kept her from hitting the ground like talk about reflexes like that's what's important and what's more important than even that @ my year older cousin (whose younger sister was the first baby in the family after myself whose arrival in this world when I was three had me positively giddy in the way that young children get when witnessing the miracle of even younger children, who's the only other one of the cousins that's been here during all this, just me and the three I got to see as darling little babies) who was the only other person in the room with me at the time, is that we take this to our fucking graves no one can hear a word of this least of all any adults in the house who like not that they're the ones on trial here either but like who allowed for this scenario to transpire in the first place where two children and an infant are in a room by themselves unsupervised in retrospect that's somewhat irresponsible not that I'd ever hold it against them or even mention it because then they might get mad and not let me hold my little cousin anymore and I do love holding my little baby cousin and carrying her around everywhere, mostly without incident)) neither of whom I'd see in person again until we visited them in Canada the summer after I graduated college the trip during which I finished the last of the Neapolitan novels the day after landing and turned 22 the day after their mother, my younger khala, turned 43, looking through my nana's bookshelves with my baby cousin no longer a baby but a U of T classics major entering her senior year, noting the overlaps with our own, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, George Eliot, the same exact copies of Cheever and Kafka's collected shorts, Umberto Eco, Proust, wondering what the various titles meant to him or what they might say about him, wondering how much of even the version of him that can be hypothesized based off his library I'm missing now that I'm limited to the much reduced version of what had been in his old home in Lahore (when he visited us after my junior year of hs and my mom was trying to convince him to downsize and move in with my other aunt with whom he's been living the past several years, the one who most resembles my grandfather the only one that has his cheekbones my khala whose eyes have sunken all the way into her skull before my eyes with exhaustion and grief over the past two weeks, when my mom was like what's the point of just hanging onto a bunch of books that you've already read: I look at them [dramatic pause], and I feel happy [my mom sighing equally dramatically in.exasperation, me cracking up in the background]) the city I was born in the house where I spent the first almost five years of my life before we moved to the US to join my dad who'd moved back shortly after my mom became pregnant with what turned out to be me, abu nana's house with the garden we'd walk through every morning holding his hand and following along as he puttered around with his plants in the garden in the house in the city he had to leave to move into my khala's house in Islamabad where I've been the past almost a month now where two weeks ago he suddenly came down with pneumonia and had to be dragged to a hospital in Rawalpindi where he's been since, not in his house, my nana's house, with the garden in the city I haven't seen since the last time I was in this country the

summer I

turned nine the day after my khala turned 30 the day before my other khala turned 32(?) the summer I first remember obsessive compulsive disorder becoming an overwhelming aspect of my consciousness although it was there before, the first summer of the Iraq war and being terrified watching the Iraq war unfold on the BBC evening news my nana would turn on

at dinner time and hearing for the first time or maybe just the first time I remember the night we left the phrase 'the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer' from my younger khala talking to her sisters and some family friends that had come over to see us off feeling terrified and cold then embarrassed because she noticed my face visibly fall from across the room and told my mom and I was like godammit everyone knows I'm scared now smhead then crying the entire flight back home because I missed everyone and maybe had a little kid premonition that I wouldn't return to my nana's house and I would be years and years till I saw any of them again some I still haven't or maybe there was nothing premonitory about it but in either case that's the way it turned out. I do feel grateful I got to see him again at all, when he last came to the US late 2016-early 2017 I was sure it would be the last time we would be in the same room. I'd make breakfast for us every morning and we'd eat together and the entire day I'd sit next to him inhaling secondhand smoke and talking and reading. I was in the midst of my initial aborted attempt to read Swann's way when he arrived. I'd gotten to Guermantes way last summer but I couldn't find a secondhand copy so I had to read it via ebook and that didn't feel right so I abandoned it until now I've been reading a copy pulled from his bookshelf. Last he visited was the first time I learned we were both Garcia Marquez-heads which I'd kind of assumed before and I showed him Mad Men which he heavily fucked with and also every John Le Carre adaptation I could track down online. From the first time I read one hundred years of solitude the summer after freshman year of college the passage describing Colonel Aureliano Buendia's death already absolutely and unbearably heartwrenching enough immediately brought thoughts of my grandfather, aching aching sorrow over the solitude that he himself existed within in all the fucking pain his life has been inordinately filled with grief over the knowledge of this inevitable final separation from him after so many years and so much distance already having separated him from the people he loved and cared for and he loved and cared for so many people so deeply with such sincerity and beauty and endless endless warmth and compassion and humor when Gabo wrote of the colonel trying to reach back through to his memories and being unable to after previously recalling that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice even years later, as he faced the firing squad, at the moment of his death like a 'baby chick' my poor frail beautiful grandfather appearing exactly the same way when he'd take off his dentures and curl over to the side to sleep, then when awake but still half asleep hearing your voice having brought his apple cider vinegar and garlic concoction or a cup of tea or just coming by to hold his hand or play with his beard the way all of his grandchildren have at one point or another and smiling with his eyes still closed smiling bright and wide the expression of a precious little cat purring as you scratch under its chin always the most beautiful smile and even as his hair turned white and his body withered and wrinkled and shrunk his cheekbones while still not bad long ago ceased being the way they were in that picture from his wedding day back when he he looked like young Robert De Niro's much much prettier Kashmiri cousin from then until now always that same radiance and those same quick-witted and kind and bright bright bright sparkling eyes. The past month and a half I've been feeling like I'm seeing my own mother dying before my eyes along with her father, my adorable beloved abu nana, I can't even begin to comprehend how she must be feeling right now I feel like I'm witnessing her death in advance through all of this and losing the part of her that is him even though I know that's not actually the case. Things have been so fucking painful and complicated between us but the one thing we've shared that's never

been painful is our love for him. When he left after his last visit four years ago I spent the next two days barely able to even talk. Compliments or like any positive comments directed in my directions have almost always caused me this reflexive discomfort and uneasiness but whenever he or anyone else would say that I'm his favorite grandchild I'd want to hold on to that as closely as i possibly can. I don't want him to leave us and more than that I want for whatever happens to at least happen with him back at home but neither of those things seem likely right now although who the fuck knows. I hope his last thoughts can be of flowers, like Kafka's, and Lispector's, or of love, wherever he is I hope it's not asking too much to hope for that at least. For someone that spent his life so deeply immersed within that Garciamarquesian solitude he never made those around him feel any way other than at home, safe and warm and loved and adored and adorable and lovable and at home not because of a place not even the garden at the house in Lahore but with him always always I've never felt more at home than during the times I spent near him, and his love and his flowers

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lelenoir · 3 years

Text

characters;; wong kunhang, wong yukhei [ft: yuna and sejun (ocs)]

word count;; 4.8k

warnings;; hallucinations, implied character death, hendery discreetly trying to kill you

part of @starryqian & @takitaro 's stephen king collab,, this is very late im so sorry :(

shoutout to @jenoir for proofreading this messy baby :')

sorry if comes off as a bit rushed :(( i was ✨struggling✨ and i wanted to get this out soon

NIGHT SEVEN

Run. Run as fast as you can. Run till your legs burn. Run till the sun dies out. Your life depends on it.

The woods were an unforgiving place. Especially at night when the lights turn off and the mind is at its all time high. The sounds you were hearing were unmistakable. The footsteps and the chunk of leaves cracking beneath them told you they were close. And they were coming in fast.

Your breaths came out in pants while your legs begged you to stop. But you couldn't, not when you came all this way. Suffered days in the harsh wrath of mother nature. No, you couldn't afford to die now. And as if things weren't worse enough, you tripped on an overarching root. A wild thorn grazing the skin of your ankle, making you hiss.

The sounds were getting closer now but your legs had already given up. Already turning to jelly as soon as you'd stopped running. You huddled yourself against a nearby tree in hopes of its protection. The low growl that erupted from whatever was out there echoed around the trees like a villain toying with its prey.

Your instincts were telling you to gather whatever you could. To pray to whatever higher being was up there for one last miracle. But you knew better. There were no gods that could hear you within these woods.

So you count to ten like Hendery taught you and braced yourself at the mercy of whatever being was on the other side of the trunk.

Five… four… three… two… one.

DAY ONE, TWO HOURS BEFORE

Friends. You love them. You care for them. And you'd do pretty much anything for them. Right now you really hated that concept. And you really hated the way you'd fallen for it.

Sitting in the backseat of a car with your friend and her boyfriend arguing in the front was not how you expected your Friday to go. You grumbled under your breath, looking out the window as you watched landmarks pass by. You were such a great friend. And in your greatness as a friend, you let yourself be strung along to what you've just declared as 'the worst weekend of your life'.

"If you want to stop then stop! I'm just saying that with all the places you want to stop by we might not get to the one place we actually want to go in time." She argued, putting air quotes on the words 'stop by' with an over the top eye roll. That's your friend, Yuna. She wasn't like that most of the time, the opposite actually. In your friend group she was considered as this huge ball of sunshine. Her current boyfriend just brings out the worst in her, which, in your book, is reason number one on why she should break up with him.

"You say it's okay but then you always add something like that. If you don't want to just say it! No need to act like such a saint." And on the left corner was, you guessed it, her boyfriend Sejun. As an individual, he was okay. A little douchey but everyone has a bit of douchiness inside of them in your opinion. However, pair him up with Yuna then that's a different story. They were like monsters, only acting up when close to one another. It makes you wonder why they're still holding on to each other. But, alas, humans are very complex creatures. You'd rather read a book than try to understand them.

So you do. You whip out 'Alice in Wonderland' off your bag and start reading. You didn't like butting into other people's relationships, much less going on weekend trips with them but Yuna, your sweet amazing friend, managed to convince you to go with them. How? Through bribery. Yup, after promising you that you were free for this and next month's rent, you were quick to settle your belongings. You were a simple girl with simple priorities and at the top of that list of priorities is surviving college.

You'd read at least two chapters when they'd decided to stop at some mountain. Being the sporty and outgoing couple that they were, they weren't here to take pictures nor eat at the local diner. No. They were here to hike.

You sighed in defeat when Yuna visibly beamed at you. You reluctantly placed your book down next to you before grabbing your small bag of food and water.

The two were now giving each other the silent treatment while Yuna held onto you like a leech. It was awkward to say the least, especially with the side glances they keep giving each other and you were in the middle of it. Like a small child in the middle of their parents' divorce all over again. You hated it.

You could already feel the energy getting drained away from you and you hadn't even stepped on the mountain yet. That's how intense they were. You never voiced it out. Too afraid that they might gang up on you instead of each other. They may be worse against each other but together, they're a nightmare. You much preferred them going at each other's throats rather than yours.

The mountain was as green as you expected it to be. There was a clear path set out at the foot of it with little to no people standing by. It was higher than most you'd climbed and a vast forest enveloped it. The place was quiet and it looked like one of those towns that rarely had anything bad happen to it but on the off chance that something did happen, it was bad. Really bad.

"Okay so we have like an hour here before we continue on our trip." Yuna said, looking at the map in her hands. "This should be fun."

Really? You wanted to ask. But oh you were such a good friend. You scoped the mountain once again, already dreading the experience as Yuna gestures you to come forward and Sejun already walking up the path. You sighed to yourself, opting to give yourself an internal pep talk as your legs carried you to the start of a very begrudging journey.

You can do this. You can do this. You can do this.

An hour had passed. And you know it had, based on the watch you'd carried on your wrist. The small diner at the bottom of the mountain had already left your vision minutes ago.

On your way up, the ground diverged into two paths. The right side leading towards a secluded resort while the other pointed towards an upward slope. The couple opted to take the left. Your frown deepened.

One hour, my ass! You screamed in your mind, throwing a mini tantrum as you glared at Yuna's back. Your feet stomping on the (thankfully) dry ground, lips pursed and brows stitched together. You hated being a good friend.

In the midst of your childish antics, you heard a chain snap off your bag. You quickly turned around to see your treasured key chain on the ground. It was a gift from your late mother, a small remembrance of the time you both went to Disneyland. The first and last time. You bent down to pick it up when a sudden flash of white tore through your line of sight.

A white rabbit stood in front of you, your keychain tucked in between its mouth as it stared at you. As if waiting for you to chase it. Its red eyes bore into yours.

They say when your eyes focus on one thing, everything around you blurs in the distance. Nothing but muffled background noises and subtle outside forces. That should've been your first warning.

"Why are you even yelling at me?" Sejun complained, snapping your attention back. They were back at it again. You hadn't even heard Yuna yell at him during your short daze. You held back for a while, watching them argue as they walked. That should've been your second warning.

Like a magnet, you felt your gaze shift back to the rabbit. Indistinct whispers emerged around you. That should've been your third. You glared at the small creature still holding on to your precious trinket before it suddenly dashed in the woods. You clenched your teeth, unable to stop yourself as you followed after it. Strike.

DAY ONE

You cheered in triumph as you retrieved your belonging, smirking at the rabbit as it looked up to you. The rabbit cocked it's head on one side, as if to question you, before hopping away from you. You furrowed your eyebrows before finally looking around where you were. Your eyes widened at your surroundings. The green scenery of the trees covered your vision as you cautiously stepped forward. The path was nowhere to be found and dead silence engulfed the air.

"Yuna?" You called out anxiously. "Sejun?" You tried once more. "Yuna!" You say louder but there was no reply. You looked up to the beating sun. It was noon. You couldn't tell which was east or west.

"Yuna!" You screamed. A flock of birds flew in the distance. The loud crows and scampers of the forest animals harmonised with your echo. "Sejun!"

You gulped. You looked in between the trees, trying to decipher even a small silhouette of a clearing. You narrowed your eyes, loosening up your shoulders and hands before taking another step. Then another. And another until you're finally walking towards god knows where. You were slow but you weren't really in a rush.

You pulled your bag closer to your body.

The slightest of sounds rang in your ears making you snap your head to every direction only to see that there was nothing there. That never eased your paranoia. You can feel its eyes trail along the fabric of your jacket. Feel its breath on the back of your neck. Hear its growls close to the shell of your ear. You clasped your shaking hands together, your nervousness evident as your legs began to turn jelly.

"Y-yuna!" You called out helplessly. Tears began to tickle the sides of your temples. "Anyone!?"

It was like that time you went to an amusement park with Yuna. The loud thundering rhythm in your chest, the strong rush of adrenaline leaving your body as soon as it entered, not to mention the growing anxiety constantly increasing as every second passed. It was almost hard to breathe. Almost difficult to take another step.

You collapsed on the ground, spent and shaking. Your hands stayed close to your chest in an attempt to keep warm as the air seemed to have gotten cold---despite being scorching a few moments ago---vision already hazy as you began to slip out of reality.

Just then, a figure emerged from the trees. His tall stature crouched down to get a better look at you. You couldn't even muster up a smile in relief at the stranger. Too tired to feel the cold hand on your cheeks, lightly slapping you back to reality.

Then you let yourself be engulfed in darkness.

DAY TWO

You jolt awake at the impact of his toes on your knee. Your eyes, still blurry from exhaustion, had a hard time adjusting to the harsh light of the afternoon sun.

"You're awake." A voice sighed in relief. You turned your attention to the sound, unsure and terrified as you drew your arms in front of you. "Woah, no need to fight there, little one."

"I'm not a child." You tell him but the stranger merely cocked his head to the side. His gaze curiously fixed on you before smiling.

"Then why are you here?" He shot back. The question seemed to hang in the air and an unsettling ominous feeling creeped up your spine as you mustered up your answer.

"I got lost." You say, face almost a breath away from his as he leaned in closer before prompting his head to nod.

"Exactly." He grinned. "Surely an adult wouldn't get lost within these woods. Especially for a silly trinket such as this." He holds out an object engulfed in his hand. There lay your keychain, dangling in the air and close to your face. You lifted your hand to take it until the stranger dropped it on the ground. It was not much of an action but it was humiliating as you tentatively picked it up from the soil.

"You must be hungry, aren't you?" The stranger lifted his body off the ground.

"Who are you?" You asked, voice still weak as you struggled to support your weight.

He smirked, staring down at you in utter confidence. "Hendery will do for now." You furrowed your eyebrows as he crouched down, once again, in front of you then putting your bag on your lap. "Eat up, little one."

Meanwhile…

"I didn't even notice. God what kind of a person doesn't notice her friend has gone missing." The girl sobbed for the nth time that day. Only a few of the officers paid her any mind while a boy, he assumed to be her boyfriend, sat next to her with his arms engulfing her in a comforting hug.

Lucas sighed at the pitiful sight, there was really nothing much he could do now. The map splayed in front of him was scribbled with a small 'x' within a large circle. He stared menacingly at the location.

"Detective," one of his subordinates came up to him. " What's our course of action?"

He sighed, closing his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

The subordinate couldn't understand his superior's reaction. Why did he look so distressed? It's only been a day since the victim has gone missing. They could be weak or injured, but that's about it. Throughout his time here, a handful of people got lost and all of them have been found.

"Sir?" He succeeded in getting Lucas out of his reverie. The detective then moved his fingers to rub at the lines on his forehead.

"Have everyone search in pairs around the perimeter." He finally ordered.

The subordinate nodded before scurrying off to relay the command.

It was futile. Lucas wanted to say but then that would make him look lazy. He never liked the word, but it was one that described his opponent greatly. He's been lazy. It was suspicious that he managed to find those lost tourists so easily, often they were found by their companions if they searched hard enough, but somehow this search has now stretched for a day.

The missing person, L/n Y/n, was last seen by her two friends yesterday, November 15, XXXX. It has been a day since then. The longest search in five years.

Lucas narrowed his eyes at the small x located at the north east side of the map.

What are you playing at, Kunhang?

xxx

"Keep up, little one. We have a long way ahead of us." Hendery calls out, walking a few feet away from you. His strides, quick and wide, has you picking up your pace. You couldn't help but pant as you trail behind him, the food in your pack weighing you down a bit but you couldn't afford to leave them behind.

"Why are you doing this?" You askes in between heavy breaths. Relief washed over you when he paused.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Why are you helping me?" You finally caught up to him. You splayed your arm out to the nearest tree as you calmed your breathing.

"Isn't this what you wanted?" He shot back as if it was stupidly obvious.

"Yes but--"

"You hear a person desperately calling out to someone for help and they sound incredibly in need. Wouldn't you help them?" You stared at him in shock, both of you quiet for a moment before he spoke again. "Isn't mankind built to be rational and compassionate? Do you doubt me as a person?"

"N-no I was just curious." Hendery narrowed his eyes at you, pursing his lips as he thought deeply. Not long after, a smile stretched on his face.

"Right, curiosity does come from rationality. I can't really blame you for being human I guess… but you must understand, little one, curiosity is a double edged sword. Once you wield it recklessly, the consequences may be severe." He looked away from you, eyes focusing on whatever was ahead before assuming his previous trek. "Keep up, little one, the sun won't last forever."

"Where are we going?" He smiled at that and you noticed that he had gone at a slower pace than before, walking side by side with you.

"You've used your curiosity well I see. We are going to find shelter. It's been hours now so the police are probably already looking for you. I don't know where you started running but let's hope this area of the forest is still part of the search. Daylight is slowly dying and we need to find a safe place rather than that clearing you passed out in."

"Why are you here then?" You asked. "In the forest, I mean."

"One thing about mankind is that they don't recognize chances." He whispered under his breath. A sound of confusion escaped your lips, he either ignored it or didn't hear it. "Some things are better left a secret, little one. Use your curiosities wisely."

DAY THREE

"If an animal comes rushing at you, what do you do?" Hendery asked one morning as he sat at the edge of the small stream you'd found.

In the years you'd watched documentaries and survival movies, one thing always played a vital role in human survival: water. So when you happened to come across the stream, the both of you couldn't say no to the opportunity. During your walk yesterday, the both of you came across a small shack hidden by the trees: its wooden walls looked old and were infested by moss; however you weren't really picky. It was the only shelter you could find and you lacked the supplies and skills to even attempt making a tent. There was a small window on one side and a few empty shelves on the other.

You thought for a while about his question before telling him the first answer that comes to mind. "Dodge it, I guess."

He stood up from his seat, walking towards you before sitting next to you. In a flash, you felt his hand push against your collarbone, sending you back on the ground.

He looked down at you and hummed. "Seems pretty ineffective."

You glared. "I wasn't ready."

"And what makes you think that you'll be ready when the attack comes?" He raised an eyebrow. You opened your mouth to retort but no words came. "I thought so."

He pushed his body off the ground once again. This time, to inspect the plants behind you.

"What would you do then?" He smirked.

"Like you said, I'll dodge." He starts, swaying his body slightly for a moment before suddenly running towards you. "Then attack." He whispered, just by your ear and you felt a chill run down your spine. A small shadow rose above you and it's then that you saw a large rock in his hand, parallel to the skull of your forehead. You sensed the object pick up its pace and you barely had enough time as you moved your head away from its course.

Hendery smashed the rock to the ground. His body slanted forward and you took this chance to stand and land a hit directly at his nape with the side of your hand. He jolted forward at the force and you started to distance yourself away from him.

"What the fuck, Hendery?" You watch in slight horror as he chuckled lightly before turning to you with a smile.

"No need to worry, y/n." He picked up a piece of the rock. "It's shale," he held it up with his fingers before breaking them, "practically harmless."

You let him walk past you before making your way towards the remnants of the stone. Looking back, you see him occupy himself with some berries on a nearby bush. You gently picked up a small piece of the rock, imitating what Hendery just did with his fingers.

It wouldn't budge.

You furrowed your eyebrows, this time using both hands to break it. The sheer force of your finger tips made your skin slip. A small cut was drawn on your thumb and you narrowed your eyes on it.

You looked over to Hendery who was now picking out some berries. You glared at his back. This fucker was trying to kill you.

You decided not to voice out your concerns. It was smarter to observe him for now and run away later.

Use your curiosities wisely. The words echoed in your mind as you gripped the strap of your bag tighter.

It'd been a while since he's had this much entertainment. From a human, no less. Usually they would've been dead by now or begging for their pitiful lives. But you? You were something special.

Hendery couldn't help but smirk.

DAY FIVE

"You don't trust me." You flinched at the sound of his voice. All of the forest seemed to have stopped moving for a second as you scramble for your thoughts.

You whip around, ready to deny the accusation before he lifted one finger up to silence you. "I don't really blame you about this but then why are you still here?"

Why were you still here?

You had an answer to that of course but admitting it out loud would've exposed you further to the man in front of you. You were afraid, weak and very fragile at this point. Your body was growing unbearably hot and your head has been in pain since yesterday. You didn't want to inform him of your state.

"There's safety in numbers. I don't know what's out there and frankly, I'm not prepared to face them either." You answered curtly. The response heightened Hendery's interest and he couldn't help but wonder: why would you lie?

Fortunately, he let it go. Being as he was, he asked you another question. "If an animal stalks you while you're powerless, what would you do?"

"Another one of your hypothetical scenarios?"

He shrugged, "you'll never know."

"Guess I'll die."

Hendery blew raspberries at that, unable to contain his laughter at your blunt reply. "You really are amusing, aren't you?"

"What do you suggest I do then?"

"Good point," he thinks for a moment, resting his chin on his fingers in a childish manner that made you slightly confused about the different sides he held. He sighed in defeat, "it really is a hopeless case!" He groaned, "the least you could probably do is count to ten and hope for the best."

You raised an eyebrow at him, holding back a humoured smile. "Thanks for the tip."

He grinned, "you're welcome!"

xxx

That night, a low rumbling growl awoke you from your slumber. You jumped up from your position, the thin blankets of leaves rustling below you as you looked around the dark room. The dim glow of the moon didn't help much but you could faintly see a huge silhouette of a figure standing right outside the window. Its back was turned in your view and you couldn't identify what it was.

You looked to your side to see Hendery gone. You panicked, the adrenaline spiking up to your lungs as you began to panic. The figure was still out there and it was not going anywhere.

You take a cautious step forward, the floorboards creaking as you did so. You tensed at the loud sound. Your whole body froze, keeping an eye at the window when the door of the shack suddenly opened.

"Did I wake you?" Hendery asked, rubbing his temples while he stood at the door. "I needed to pee."

"N-no?" He only nodded his head before groggily walking to his spot on the floor.

You were now wide awake. The will to sleep abandoning you as you hesitantly lay on your back.

The shadow was still there.

DAY SEVEN

"Hey y/n," you looked up from your seat to the man next to you. The slight flinch of your shoulders didn't go unnoticed by him.

You'd been exceptionally jumpy since yesterday and Hendery knew why. Fear was a cord that humans could never cut off. Once you're introduced to an unknown being, your whole body freezes as you desperately try to make sense of what you've witnessed, just to ease your irrational mind.

"We don't have any food left." Hendery says, holding out the empty wrappers of the bread you ate the night before.

You thought for a while, the image of the shadow pushed to the back of your head for a short while. "I guess we need to start looking for something to eat? I think there are some edible berries and plants we can collect."

He appeared to be considering it before nodding his head. "Okay! I'll go look for something to eat. Go start up a fire y/n to keep us warm while I go in the woods."

You nodded your head, already preoccupied with the grass, thoughts wandering back again to whatever it was that you saw.

With the way you were going, it almost felt like Hendery had only been gone for a few seconds when he came back just to see you hunched over; the same stance you had when he left. He sighed.

"You okay?" And there you were again, jumping a few good centimeters away from him. "I told you to start a fire."

Your eyes widened in shock before sputtering out multiple apologies. Hendery pressed his lips to a thin line.

"I'll start it, don't worry y/n. Just stay here." You nodded, eyes focusing on the ground that you failed to see the smirk on your companion's lips. He handed you a leaf filled with mushrooms, berries and some nuts.

"I hope they find us soon." You huffed, lifting a few of the food to your lips. Hendery watched you intently, smiling to himself before picking at the edibles on his makeshift plate.

"I hope so too. It's already been a week."

Suddenly, you felt your vision turn hazy. You furrowed your brows, concentrating on a specific tree as it morphed with its surroundings. "H-hendery?"

You lazily turned your head to your side, the weight felt light on your neck that you whipped faster than you've anticipated. Thus, your brain began to ache. You focused on Hendery's features, his expression unreadable as he, too, became a blurry mess of lights and shadows.

Once your eyes finally closed, Hendery let out the chuckle he's been holding in. He lifted your body off the ground.

Thus the game comes to end.

NIGHT SEVEN

Four… three… two… one…

You opened your eyes when you realised your limbs were still intact. The animal was nowhere in sight. Still, you couldn't shake off the overwhelming presence you felt all around you.

Looking around, it was pitch black. No shine of the moonlight peeked through the leaves of the trees, no sound of the whistles of the wind as you stood up from your terrified stance. Cautiously, you took a step forward. Your bag slumping down your shoulders before falling to the ground.

Your whole body felt weightless and you didn't find enough care in you to pick it up. Not even when the gleam of your treasures keychain sparked your vision.

You were tired.

You fell forward, a flash of bright white lights shocking your eyes as you squinted. A hum of a familiar lullaby and a chorus of footsteps neared your fragile body. You allowed your eyes to close as you finally relaxed, feeling the warmth of an embrace wrap around you. The smell of mint and chocolates killing you to sleep as gentle hands lift you up.

The soft song never faltered, vibrating across the person's chest and to your warm cheek.

You were going home.

xxx

In the shadows, Hendery watched as multiple police officers circled your body. One of them, Wong Yukhei, lifted you off the ground. He shakes his head in disappointment and regret at the state you're in: head bloodied, limbs bruised, and skin already blue.

Cold hands and feet already limp from the games he played, strumming your chords throughout the week until you eventually snapped.

Hendery hummed, a sweet lullaby in contrast to his wicked deeds. There was no shadow, no animal, nor a Hendery to begin with. It was all a byproduct of the scared, fragile and lonely human mind.

"How unfortunate, little one."

#nct-writers #neothestars #neowritingsnet #wayvhoursnet #kpopscape #starryktown #wayv imagines #wayv hendery #wong hendery #hendery imagines #hendery x reader #wong kunhang #wong guanheng #wong kunhang x reader #wong kunhang imagines #collabs

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the-shiftshop · 4 years

Text

Hey Diary - Part 1

“Damn it, Keith! Give me back my phone!”

“Aww. Is the baby gonna cry because he can’t watch porn anymore? Get lost!”

Friday lunch. Keith and his crew laughed and proceeded to kicking me till I curl on the floor. I screamed as long as I can but nobody came to my call.

“Hope to see you in hell, Nerd! I’m gonna keep your phone now, Felix, and maybe... do something it.”

After a while, they went off, with my phone. I don’t really care if they pick on me and shit. It’s not that everyone in this school hates me. I’ve already spent years of bullying in a different school and I guess I’ve experienced too much to care, but this year is different. I’m trying to keep a good reputation and I can’t let myself be in for the shame-stage again, but now that Keith has my phone, I guess I’ll be back to becoming the school’s target again.

I’m worried that he might spread everything written in my phone, I had been writing my diary there, although I know people wouldn’t really care about me since I’m actually that barely in the background kind of nerd, but what if they do? My reputation had probably already started to lower because of Keith and I don’t want that to happen, this may be another year spent in a different school filled with shame and bullying, but damn, I guess I can’t do anything about it.

I started to bring myself to my calm state, trying not to feel the pain all over my body. I stood up and walked across the alleyway,pretending nothing happened, or as if I’m not about to cry. I was stopped in my tracks in the middle of the alley when I heard something open to my right.

A store? I never knew there’s a store here. Why did nobody came to my help when there’s a nearby store?

The store look like a very old 1 floored building standing in between two other towering compounds. It looks out of place as if it was built in the middle of a pathway. I went closer to it, seeing the door open wide with yellow lights coming out of it. As I move closer, I was able to read the signage.

“The Shift Shop”

Without any second thoughts, I went in and was greeted by sort of eye-catching stuffs. There were shelves filled with different kinds of items categorized by kind. It was so random, actually. There were soaps, shirts, accessories, school supplies, toys for children and, well, for adults, and even electronics. It looks like your typical thrift shop but everything looks brand new.

I went closer to the electronics and strolled through the phones. There were your common brands, but there were also a lot of brands I never heard of, like Shiftle, Transfone and Miracle-Mi so I was expecting them to be extremely expensive but when I looked at the price...

“Yes, they’re sold for a cheap price as if you’re only buying lunch from school, but doesn’t really matter, payment is optional.” A man was suddenly beside me and I jumped in my place. “Ah, sorry to scare you like that. It’s just.... my habit.”

The man was probably in his 60s. Wearing a down-striped white and blue apron with a name tag on his right chest labeling him as the “Owner”. I greeted him and said sorry for suddenly barging in, but he laughed and said stores are supposed to be entered without the owner’s permission. I then felt dumb for saying that. I looked around and saw other staffs roaming around and tending some of the products.

I went back to look at the phones. It’s true. The phones are approximately ranging only from 2 to 5 dollars, depending on the size. I looked at the man with caution and he smiled at me brightly.

“Uhm... I suppose these phones are not broken... right?” I asked.

“Of course they are not.” He laughed at me again and with a snap of his fingers, every electronics around us flashed open.

I was taken a back, but pretended like I was not crept out. I just need another diary to wrote on, or maybe a temporary one until I get back my phone from Keith. If not, guess I’m gonna keep it so that I can vent out once the students start to hate me one by one.

Trying not to stay silent for too long, I asked him “Can you recommend me a phone that’s good for writing diaries in?”

He then grabbed across my shoulder and showed me this phone. It’s one of those brand I never heard before. He pressed the power button and showed the home screen to me. He talked about the phone for a while, but I wasn’t listening. I was scrolling across the applications. There I saw a diary app. I smiled and decided.

“And the diary app can change your-”

“Thank you, I’ll be buying this.” I cut him off.

He smiled at me once more and we took the phone to the counter. I paid and he put the phone on a box.

“If you need more help, there’s a manual inside this box. It also includes the features of the Diary App I was talking about earlier.” He gave me the box and he grabbed my money.

I thanked him and went out. As soon as I get out, I felt a wind pass my shoulder. When I looked back to the shop. It was gone. Was I hallucinating? Where did it go? Eh, at least I have my new phone now. I put the box in my bag and went straight home.

I entered the door of our house and dad was sitting on the table, eating lunch. I tried my best to not let him know that I’m already here so I crept slowly to my room upstairs.

“Felix, you home?” I heard my dad call. I then ran as fast as I can. I locked my door and dropped my bag on my bed.

Today was very tiring indeed. I have tons of assignments today. I should probably do them now. Actually, after I check the phone first.

I opened my bag and grabbed the box out. I pulled out the cover of the box and got the phone. I pressed the power button and went straight to the Diary app. I started the log with a “Dear Diary” but for some reason, it kept correcting itself to “Hey Diary.”. I tried to change it back to what I intended to write but it kept going back to what it want to show. Found a bug already... Damn... Well, it’s for $3 dollars so I don’t have to complain. I continued writing what happened today. Same with the start, the phone changes some of my sentences into a different one, but I just let it be. I just want to get rid of my pain in my chest so bad.

Friday.

Hey Diary,

I lost my phone but I bought a new one from this store I saw in the alleyway. Technically I didn’t lose my phone. Keith took it from me. I wanted to get mad but for some reason I can’t. I just walked away. Everything I wrote for my dairy logs though were all in Keith’s hands now.

Damn. To be honest, I’m getting tired of being kicked around by people. I have no friends anyway, why do they bother bullying me? Why did he took my phone? He won’t have anyone to tell my secrets to anyway.

Whatever the reason, I wish that I don’t have them. I wish I’m exactly what people in my school expect me to be. I wish I don’t have to be bullied.

With that. I clicked save. As soon as I do so, I suddenly felt like I’m about to faint. I lost my balance and I grabbed my nightstand to help myself stay up. I hit my head with my other hand, but no avail. I suddenly fell over my bed and fainted.

---

My eyes suddenly opened with me breathing heavily. I’m now lying on my bed properly. I rose up and looked around. What happened when I was out? I then looked for my phone. It was on my right. I reached for it and was surprised to see a muscular arm that was obviously not mine, but it was attached on my body that was... similarly... ripped!?

This made me reach for my phone much quicker. I used the phone’s screen as a mirror and looked at myself... or my new self...

I definitely look different but I need to look at myself from a better view. I ran to my bathroom, then tripped midway as I was not accustomed to my new weight. Standing up, I realized that my room is oddly well organized. No more clothes randomly lying around and cum-filled tissues rolling on the floor. Everything was just clean. I got that off my mind and proceeded to the bathroom, tumbling as I try to get used to my new body.

I opened the light and slowly walked to the wall mirror. My eyes widened to myself. I still have my own face, but damn was it much improved. No more acne, just a clean, slimmer, better face. That’s not the only surprise, I looked down my body to see a very muscular body which I had dreamed of having. I felt much better! I look better! I am better.

My phone which was still in my hand suddenly beeped and I saw a notification from my Diary app. I opened it to see a pop up.

Wish was completed. Please take a picture and attach to the log to confirm change and to keep the new reality.

I live in a new reality now? What did the app did to me? A wish... It’s probably what I wrote before!

I smiled to myself and chuckled. Hearing my new voice was another thing and it made my new cock rise. It was deeper than my original one and actually sexier.

Having a new set of daily routine, I proceeded to brushing my teeth. I found myself sexy while doing that so I decided to take a picture of myself and attached it to my previous diary entry.

I guess I’ll be enjoying my new life at school.

In the next few days, I stopped using the app for a while and downloaded a few essential apps to my phone. Being in this new body kinda gave me my own confidence and I decided to show off my body more. I didn’t get to do this in my old body. I mean who would want to see that kind of body online? Now... Damn, I reached a hundred followers in just a few hours. I get tons of thirst comments in my posts and I’m starting to like my new life.

Through the weekend, I noticed few things. Nobody remembered me being a nerd with acne issues. Dad acts as if we work out together when he have free time. There were a few classmates I never talked to before who were now sending me messages. Basically I went from a barely noticed student to a hot campus crush in a matter of seconds, but for Keith... I have no idea. I bet he still have something bad planning in his head.

I didn’t really gain any knowledge with my new life. I seemed like a nerd trapped in a stranger’s body. I can still remember my past self. I can still remember everything I studied. I don’t even know my new friends’ names unless they tell me, but some new habits suddenly just come out naturally. While taking a walk out the house last Saturday, I came across kids who were playing basketball. They pulled me and asked to play ball with them since they lack one player. I wanted to decline since I never really played this before, but somehow, I knew how to dribble a ball properly. It’s like this new body has its own muscle memory.

I wonder if I have a girlfriend though. Well, nobody’s texting me “hey” so I guess I do not. Someone should’ve already knocked at the door now asking if I’m home.

Still, I have decided. I will not go back to my old body. The old Felix is gone, and I bet the new Felix’s gonna have so much fun.

#body modification #shapeshift #Hey Diary

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talesofafangirlwithadvr · 4 years

Text

AUGUST PICKS!

And we’re back with another month wrap up! August involved a lot of TV watching (as per usual), but I feel like I watched a lot of things I’ve already talked about before (ex: The 100, Violetta). So it was a little bit harder to feature some new titles. I felt accomplished this month because I finished quite a few series. So, without further ado...let’s do this!

Spoilers!! But you knew that already :)

...

......

So I know I’ve spoken about some of these shows A LOT recently, but I still had to include them in this wrap up because they were a good amount of the month. (Even if they feel like they were so long ago.)

CURSED

This book to screen adaptation on Netflix following Nimue (AKA the Lady of the Lake) re-invents the King Arthur myth. It was an entertaining and enjoyable watch that makes me hope there’s a second season. There were certain parts that bothered me and I wish some characters had more time on screen, but as someone who likes King Arthur and fantasy TV I’d recommend it. 3/5 for me.

For more on my thoughts regarding the show check out my earlier post: **Spoilers** Featuring Cursed

DC’S STARGIRL

A show that I’ve often been documenting my reviews/feelings after watching each episode. (That’s how you can tell IT’S THAT GOOD.) While it was a bit slow in the beginning (mainly because of it having the quality of being on a streaming service-ending on a cliffhanger for you to binge the next episode immediately kind of feel), it picked up and has easily become one of my favorites for the year. (YEAH...I KNOW. I SAID YEAR.) You can check out my page for more specific reactions in my posts, but here are some of the moments that stick out to me the most when I think about season 1.

I can’t wait for season 2!!

AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER

June doesn’t feel like that long ago, but because I started season 1 two months ago (and because of the world of quarantine) it feels like a long time ago. Especially when this show is only 18-20 episodes that are each about 20/25 minutes. For me, I enjoyed season 1, but not as much as seasons 2 and 3. I definitely watched the first season slower because of this. Once the Ba Sing Se plot happened I was very invested. I enjoyed most of Book 2 in the Earth Kingdom before this, but Ba Sing Se was definitely the best. I was so impressed that they put that into a kid show. Then again, there’s so much in this show that is well done and brings up such relevant issues to a younger audience. I loved following Aang, Katara and Sakka and enjoyed Toph’s addition to Team Avatar. Overall I think Uncle Iroh is my favorite character in the show. I loved all the wisdom he had and how he saw the best in Zuko the entire time. Their team up was great and I am so happy he got his tea shop in the end. His escape from prison was amazing. I love a good redemption arc and from the start was excited to see Prince Zuko’s (it’s one of the ‘spoilers’ I knew going in). I think it was really well done and I liked how they showed him struggling with it. The last agni kai between Zuko and Azula was such a beautiful scene and the music score behind it was so chilling. I love how they chose a slow, instrumental song to play in the background. It’s not what I was expecting and it was such an awesome choice. Overall, I really liked the music and have added it to my writing playlist. I’m really glad I decided to watch Avatar the Last Airbender.

From one binged show starting in June to another....

VIOLETTA SEASON 2

It’s crazy; you don’t think 80 episodes would go by that fast, but they do. Once you hit episode 50, I just zip by the rest in the season. So many of the plots get SO GOOD, you can’t help but watch so many episodes back to back (to back). For season 2, episode 75 was one of my favorites for the whole season. I love how some of the cast actually got to go to Madrid. (Even the intro music changed when they were there.) Diego really grew on me. I loved the added plot of discovering who his dad is! Feels very telenovela. Gregorio’s reaction was priceless-such great acting-and I loved how much it has changed his character so far. I’m excited to see where he is headed for season 3.

Leonetta forever! The reason they weren’t together was a bit weak, but I get they needed the love triangle. Overall the Leon/Violetta/Diego love triangle was a lot stronger than season 1′s (in my opinion). It felt better developed. I enjoyed a lot of the couples this season. Frederico and Ludi are a pair I didn’t know I wanted till it happened. Olga and Ramallo actually got a kiss!!! I loved hearing Ramallo talk about how Olga is the only woman in his life. So rare to see such emotions from him. Fran and Leon’s friendship was adorable. I loved their moments in Madrid. She was their #1 shipper. I know in the beginning I said there wasn’t a lot of music and performances, but as the season progressed we definitely got a lot of new songs (which I cannot stop singing). I miss my time at the Studio and hope the third season will be streaming on Disney Plus soon. I heard it could be September 18th so fingers crossed!!

THE INBESTIGATORS

Filling the void that was left by Little Lunch (and produced by the same studio) is the InBESTigators! A show that follows 4 elementary students who live in Australia and solve mysteries. One of the things I really loved about Little Lunch was how serious they made really trivial, kid-like things sound. I have often described it as an Office-like children’s show, where they talk about their problems directly to the camera and give several ‘Jim’ stares and glances to the camera. With the InBESTigators it’s a similar set up where our four sleuths, Ezra, Maudie, Ava and Kyle, relay a mystery they solved directly to us the viewer, while we watch in flashback. All of the mysteries are typical things that could happen in school or home; from overwatering a neighbor’s prize-winning flowers, packages getting stolen, a lost notebook or catching a cheater during a test. All of the kids are entertaining and funny. They each have a different dynamic that brings something to the team. Currently two of the seasons are on Netflix, and there will be a third season (but who knows when it will be filmed-I’m just happy it will eventually happen).

If you’re looking for a fun/light-hearted watch look no further. You’ll have a good time.

UNITED WE FALL

This ABC sitcom fits well on the network and like it would be on Friday nights, but has a stronger day in airing thanks to the pandemic. I hadn’t really heard much about the show and then BAM it was advertised. It felt like the network had it in its back pocket. Nevertheless, I am really enjoying it. The actors have a nice dynamic and it is very funny and relatable. I like how it represents a family with two different cultural backgrounds, but doesn’t make that the main focus of the show. Instead it is discussed naturally. Overall, I don’t know how many people know about it, so I wanted to share it as one of my picks for the month and suggest you watch it if you are looking for something both funny and optimistic.

DOUBLING DOWN WITH THE DERRICOS

I LOVE this family! As TLC is a network with predictable choices in TV shows, one about a family with multiples does not seem shocking. However, this is not your average family with multiples. At the start of the show, Karen and Deon have a total of 11 children (with only two of them being what they called ‘singletons’). They have twins, quints, and another set of twins (that would have been triplets). Her last three pregnancies were multiples and then she becomes pregnant with triplets. AGAIN! This family is considered a miracle because she had no IVF or anything like that for her conceptions. I love watching them because they seem like a great group to be apart of. They are what the epitome of family should be like. There is so much love. I know when my family watches the show we are all so impressed by how well behaved all of the kids are. People with half the amount of kids often have trouble teaching them to behave. I highly suggest giving the Derricos a watch. New episodes are now airing on TLC.

SOME LAST MINUTE ADDS....

I know Ben Platt’s concert has been available on Netflix for a while now, but I just got the chance to watch it this month. It was SOOO GOOD and I was upset when it was over. It felt so fast! I had already added a lot of his songs to my playlists, and after watching added the last few I had missed. Now I’ve been listening non-stop. I loved how his concert welcomed us so much into his personal life. The added stories in-between songs helped to see why he created that specific one. Watching the concert was a fun time and something you should consider if you are feeling down during quarantine.

Every Saturday night we try to watch a movie while we eat dinner. It’s become a new tradition since quarantine began and we were unable to go out to eat or to the movies. This week Jojo Rabbit was the pick. Going into the film, I didn’t know much expect, but that it was a comedy and I assumed a satire. What I didn’t expect was how dark of a turn it would take. It’s amazing how a film can have you laughing uncontrollably at the start and then have you crying at the end. This is definitely a film I could see analyzing in a film studies class. There was so much foreshadowing and moments where so much more was going on then what was shown on the surface. I think it did a great job making the viewer think not only about the time in which it was supposed to take place, but also our current world. I know it’s a good movie when it still has me thinking about it days later. I even did some research into it after watching. Definitely can understand the hype about it and will watch it again in the future.

When I was putting this list together I was just starting to watch Umbrella Academy. I know, I’m late to the party, but with the newest season coming out this summer I knew it was now or never. (I just had to finish some of the other stuff I was watching first.) Currently, I only have 1 episode left in the first season and am really enjoying it. I was pretty good about spoilers going into it, so a lot of it was new to me. I made some theories on who I thought would be the cause of the apocalypse and so far I am right. I am very interested to see how this season ends and get into the next one because I heard that the majority of people liked that one more. I’ll have a more detailed review in my September Picks, I’m sure of it!

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definitelynottony · 4 years

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“Santa” “Baby”

[Also on A03]

It was the weekend before Christmas. Some no name Billy didn’t know invited him, Tommy and the whole class to a holiday party he was throwing.

“It’s an open house guys! Just come and bring people with you. I’m getting a couple kegs, parents are outta town. It’s gonna be sick!”

“Sweet man. Yeah we’ll be there, right Billy?” Tommy too eagerly nudged Billy’s shoulder.

“Yeah. Sure. Whatever.”

Billy responded nonchalantly. He was almost always down for a party but his current attention was heavily fixated on the tall brunette laughing from up the hallway. He wanted to know what was so funny. That Wheeler girl was with him and Byers so it couldn’t have been anything too entertaining.

“Hey, so uh who else is gunna be there?” Billy’s gaze returned to the boy Tommy was still chatting it up with.

“Not sure man, the whole grade probably”

“Think Harr- whole team, basketball team will be there?”

“Yeah dude, teams always lookin’ for a party.” Tommy jumped in. “Why?”

“Nah no reason. Just wanted ta know if there’s gunna be people I know. Still don’t know half the class man.”

“Well everyone knows who you are so problem solved.”

Tommy over the last few months of Billy starting Hawkins high has become his own personal cheerleader. He was a pocket sized confidence boost and one of the best wing man Billy’s had. But god he could get on his nerves.

Like right now for instance, Tommy turned to wave off no name and then-

“well look who it is! The King bitch himself. Hey Harrington is it true you’ve been having threesoms with creep and creepett. You swing both ways now?”

Tommy H. Called out and taunted Steve Harrington as he made his way past them in the hallway. Steve’s eyes still watery from laughing. Billy saw him coming before Tommy noticed him; Billy’s eyes just had a habit of finding Harrington on reflex.

“Oh fuck you Tommy.” Steve seemed to be caught off guard but he bit with venom. His eyes shifted from Tommy to Billy and back to Tommy.

Billy’s eyes just studied the brunette. He was taking a backseat to whatever this situation was. Although the blonde would admit getting Steve worked up was becoming a favorite pastime of his. He wasn’t too sure how he felt watching Tommy getting a rise out of him but fuck it, cause seeing Harrington’s face contort like that was too good.

“You’d like that huh? Sorry to disappoint Harrington but I don’t swing that way. Guess you’ll have to find Byers if you want some dick.”

“Holy shit Hall I swear if you don’t shut your mouth in two seconds!”

“Awe did I hit a nerve Stevie ?” Tommy H crooned sarcastically.

Steve’s fists were growing white and his jaw clenched. Billy was now inclined to take a front seat position on the conversation. Maybe it became too close to home? But he was putting a hand on Tommy’s shoulder giving it a slight pull. Which made both boys stop and look back to the blonde.

“Alright-alright ladies, yur both very pretty. And as entertaining as your lover’s quarrel is I got shit ta do and yur both in my way.”

Billy’s eyes flicked up to the brunette’s just in time to see them go wide for a second. It was enough for him to lick out a grin; he patted Tommy’s shoulder

“I’ll see ya at the party man.”

“Yeah alright Billy, see ya later.” Tommy dismissed him.

Harrington had already taken his leave while Tommy was distracted by Billy’s parting words. Which left Tommy with nothing else to do but go find Carroll and get ready for the party.

Billy found himself walking behind Steve, casually, they were both just heading to the parking lot. Being a Friday made everyone eager to leave the prison that was high school. Steve didn’t seem to be one of those people however. He seemed pretty bummed actually, head hung kind of low and his hands were in his coat pockets. Billy lit a cigarette and puffed out a couple drags.

“Hey pretty boy.” Billy appeared to Steve’s side passing him the cigarette.

The brunette looked at him but continued walking on “I’m not in the mood for any of your shit Hargrove.”

“No strings or bullshit attached. Scouts honor.” He smirked insisting him to take the smoke which finally Harrington did. He took a long hit from it, kept the smoke in for a beat; passing it back to the blonde at his side and released a steady stream of smoke above him. Billy happily took it back.

“Don’t let him get under your skin man, he ain’t worth it.”

“Are, are you trying to be nice to me right now?” Steve asked shocked.

“Hm. Guess I am. Tis the season fer miracles after all.”

Billy laughed a bit and nudged himself against Steve’s shoulder. “But seriously dude, Tommy’s all talk. He’s always chewing off my ear with shit like ‘Steve and I go way back he use to be the king’ and 'I don’t get why Steve doesn’t just come back and apologize’ . He’s seriously just pining fer yur attention.”

“Yeah then why does he have to say shit like earlier? I mean it’s not cool. If he wants to bust my balls there’s a lot of other shit he can dredge up.” Steve stuck out his hand and reached for the cigarette again.

Billy obliged. “Don’t know man, maybe he’s the insecure one?”

“What? You think he likes dick?”

“I’ve heard of crazier shit.”

“Yeah, so have I, I guess.”

They both laughed and passes the smoke back and for until Steve reached his car first. Billy was still a few rows back. They stood in front of the driver’s side door for a bit, Billy shuttered when a December breeze swept in. A leather jacket (especially with almost nothing underneath) only keeps you so warm.

“You know if you wore more clothes you wouldn’t be so cold.” Steve piped up as he stamped out the butt on the blacktop.

“Yeah, probably, but then everyone would be missin’ out on the show.” Billy grinned around his tongue and used his hand to emphasize his unbuttoned shirt.

Steve’s eyes followed the blonde’s hand, trailed down the strip of skin that showed his chest and a tease of his abs. Nothing Steve hasn’t seen, hell, he’s seen Billy naked in the gym showers. But he’s never blatantly looked at the blonde, some glances here and there but never so openly before. Steve knew Billy knew what he was thinking about it or he wouldn’t have said

“Like what ya see Harrington? Told ya, it would be a shame ta cover up if it means you wouldn’t be lookin’ at me like that no more.”

And Steve cheeks grew dark, he could blame it on the cold but they both knew his face wasn’t that red a minute ago. Steve’s gaze quickly shot up to meet Billy’s again before dropping it all together to look at the ground. Steve knew he was bad at hiding his shit. That’s the reason him and Nancy got together in the first place. She took one look at him and could see his damn heart eyes for her. What could the kid do, he was born with his heart on his sleeve.

“Don’t make that face pretty boy. Just teasin’ ya.” Billy slid up against the BMW to match Steve’s position. He was shoulder to shoulder again and gave the brunette another nudge.

“You know you’re an asshole right?” Steve picked his head back up to see that the blonde had moved in beside him.

“Course I do, it’s a choice Harrington, a lifestyle if you will.”

Steve laughed quietly at that. “So, uh, you going to the party tonight?”

“Steve Harrington, are you askin’ me out?”

“What! No. no I-”

Billy cut him off with laughter,

“Jesus! Fuck off.”

“Sorry! Sorry man” Billy apologized between laughing. He recovered quick enough though when Steve gave his shoulder a hefty punch. “Ow.” The blonde rubbed at it. “I can’t help it Steve, your faces, god there just so good.”

Steve stiffened a bit, that kind of took him off guard. Billy must’ve noticed 'cause he quickly turned to face the brunette “so are you goin’ to the party?” Billy cocked an eyebrow waiting for a response.

“Billy Hargrove, you asking me out?” Steve looked at him and mimicked the blonde as best as he could.

“Sure am pretty boy.” Billy smiled, shifted a bit against the car. Crossed his legs, resting his arm on the car’s rooftop; other hand comfortable on his belt. Definitely a power stance if Steve ever saw one.

“Good one Billy. Not falling for it again though.” Steve said dryly but his face still had remnants of shock on it.

“Well shit. Here I was hopin’ you already fell fer me Harrington. Guess I’m gunna have'ta try harder.”

“…you’re serious?”

“Deadly.”

“I. I… wait.” Steve got off of the car took a few steps and rubbed his forehead. Billy turned forward legs still crossed and his arms now folded over each other barricading his chest. His eyes sharp to the brunette’s back. Then Steve turned on his heels to face the blonde.

“You’re seriously not fucking with me Hargrove?”

“Not yet at least.” Billy scoffed out lowly. It came out as annoyed but it was dripping with relief. “Come'er” he nodded his head and reached out his arm like he was calling in a dog. Well Steve did have puppy eyes.

“What?”

“Said come here” Billy stretched to grab onto Steve’s shirt; he tugged him in, Steve went. He didn’t really know what was happening if he was being honest. For all he knew Billy was either going to punch him for thinking he was actually… gay . Or kiss him cause Billy was actually gay. But the blonde just pulled him in real close till there were just a few inches separating them. Then he settled himself back against the Bimmer.

He licked his lips “Tell me somethin’ Stevie” he was almost at a whisper, a conversation just for their ears only. “Are you fuckin’ around with that Byers’ guy?”

“What! No!” Shouted Steve.

“Shhh” Billy hissed out.

“Jesus. Sorry, no I’m not. He’s with Nancy now anyways. And he’s not even gay.” Steve did or didn’t intentionally leave out 'and neither am I’ cause maybe, maybe he was? Or maybe he just liked both. Boys and girls. Maybe that made more sense to the teen.

“Good. Now tell me somethin’ else. Are you inta dick?”

Cause of course Billy couldn’t just ask him if he was gay! No, he had to be an asshole, ‘cause he was an asshole; by choice! And Steve’s body stiffened again and he felt his face flush again. And he didn’t even know if his body would let him respond.

“Okay. Let me clarify” Billy reached his hand low to hook onto Steve’s belt loops and dragged him even closer. More threatening, no maybe more sensual? But then again Billy’s entire presence was 'threatening but sensual’ it was just his thing. “Are you inta my dick?”

If the bolt of heat that just surged through Steve’s body, and how tightly he was clenching his fists was any indication then he’d have to go with a solid, hell yes . But what came out was more of a shaky loss of breath whimper.

Billy’s eyes shut for a beat as he sighed out a heavy growl like breath. “Think I’ll take that as a yes then Harrington.”

“Y-yeah” Steve whispered out. Billy was staring him down. He was very content with himself at the moment, maybe even be happy if Steve would make another pretty sound for him. So the devil in leather snuck his fingers up from the brunette’s jeans and pinched at his side.

“Fuck. Ow! Biiilly!” He whined and the blonde ate it up, Steve whining his name. Yeah, he could leave happy now.

“You’re such a a- Ow! Billyyy! Stoop!”

“What, my hand slipped.”

“Up my shirt? You’re hand slipped up my- oh. Shit. That’s actually a good one.” Steve laughed. Billy ate that up too, then he pushed himself up off Steve’s car. Momentarily making the two even closer than previously before.

“Hey” Steve whispered out cause any louder would have been too loud with their proximity.

“Hi” the blonde charmed.

“You wanna come over before the party? Pregame or something.”

“Or somethin’ ?”

“Yeah.”

Billy bit at his lip in frustration then turned his head and broke his eye contact with the brunette. “Can’t.”

“But I-”

“Hey, I didn’t say I didn’t wanna pretty boy. Just said I can’t. I gotta bring Max home.”

“Oh. Your sister right?”

“Step sister” he corrected. “You meet 'er yet? She seems ta always be hanging with those nerds that are attached ta yur hip.”

“They’re not-” Steve paused, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to defend the kids or himself. “Yeah I met her. She’s a”

“-a shitbird.” Billy finished for him.

“Was gunna say spitfire but yeah, sure.”

“Well whatever she is, she’s been waiting fer me in the car.” Billy pointed to his Camaro and Steve’s eyes followed. Yeah, there she was,she looked kind of pissed, definitely cold. Steve waved a little awkward. Max looked the other way.

“Like I said, shitbird.”

Steve laughed. “Okay, I’ll see you later I guess.”

“Bet on it Stevie.”

When Steve climbed into the BMW he was slumped over in complete shock as to what just happened. His eyes were wide and he was zoned out, gaze fixed on his steering wheel. It took him a few to get the car going, shaky hands and all.

Billy got into the Camaro.

“So?” Max said still looking out the window

“Yeah.”

“Told ya.”

“Shut it!”

Billy started up the engine and pulled out of the lot, almost drifting on an ice patch.

“How’d you get in the car anyways?”

“Picked the lock”

“Figures.”

Yeah. Billy has taught her well, not that he’d ever admit it.

And then Steve walked into the party. It was a little later then he thought he’d originally get there but he had to make sure his hair looked, well, even better than it normally did. He walked around, it was a good size house. He recognized most of the faces he saw and then he got a beer. Made the rounds, he didn’t see Billy so far but he’d only been there for twenty minutes. He did meet Santa Claus though. He was nice, gave him a jello shot and a condom. Very thoughtful of him.

He talked it up with a few people here and there. Finished his first beer and was half way through the second one when he heard what he assumed was Billy; or more so where he could find Billy.

“That’s how you do it Hawkins!”

“Long live the keg king!”

People cheering, shouting, clapping. Kind of hard to miss really. Steve wasn’t sure why he didn’t think to check out back to begin with; didn’t really matter however since the crowd was returning inside. Steve could see Billy, still in his leather jacket but he was wearing a red button down now. Completely opened, honestly there was no point in even wear a damn shirt if he wore it like that. There was quite a crowd around the dubbed new keg king so Steve just circled around a bit. Didn’t really want to disrupt or more so interrupt.

It’s like Billy could smell him or something though, 'cause before Steve could lap around the kitchen to grab another drink, Billy was gaining on him.

“Ssstevie” He crooned after the brunette, slurring probably more then tipsy. “Sttop walkin away” he demanded.

“I’m not walking away Billy, I’m just grabbing another drink. Chill out.”

“God. I’m sssooo happy yur 'ere Stevie.” Billy was basically nuzzling into Steve’s shoulders.

“Billy how drunk are you right now?” Steve laughed as he opened his bottle. He tried to turn around but Billy wouldn’t let him. He held him in place with his body heavy on the brunette’s back.

“Come on Billy, get off.”

“Mmm. Keep s'alking like that Harrington ands I might.” The drunk blonde slurred in Steve’s ear. Could have been a turn on his he wasn’t so damn gone. Steve wasn’t sure if this was how Billy got when he drank all the time or if it was just tonight but Billy was stuck to him like glue.

“I’m gonna take it you’re a clingy drunk, huh Billy?” Steve out maneuvered the blonde so he could finally turn around. He kind of wished he hadn’t because staring back at him was a shiner the size of a tennis ball. It took up almost Billy’s whole right side jaw.

“Shit! Billy what happened?” Steve put down his beer, full worried mom mode and grabbed Billy’s face to examine it. It looked fresh, too fresh and it had dried blood scabbed over it; which meant it hadn’t been cleaned yet.

“Life happensed Stevie.” Billy smirked pushing his face closer; trying to get more into Steve’s face. Steve was being a killjoy and pushing him back.

“Seriously Billy, I know your smashed but just tell me who hit you?” The brunette was more pouty then demanding.

“Nuna yur business Harrin'ton” Billy bit out, standing back up properly. Well as proper as drunk people do.

“I’m just worried about you asshole.”

“Don’t be. We’re 'ere ta have a good time. Ight?” Billy tried to scoop Steve into his arm but Steve pulled away.

“No. Not alright. You can go have a good time. I think I’m just gonna go.”

“Shit. No, Stevie come on. Just-just come on.”

“Billy I’ve been in this situation before and it didn’t end well for me. Don’t really want to go through it again.” Steve started to leave, the sting of Nancy’s drunken stooper started to burn again.

“Stevieee! I’m sorry. Come on. Don’t leave me.” Billy pulled on the brunette’s arm, even when drunk he was still stronger than Steve. Steve tripped back landed somewhere between gripping the counter and leaning on Billy.

“Ow. Billy stop!”

“Shit. Shit. Did I hurt you? Fuck I’m sorry Steve.” Billy let go. It almost seemed to sober him up.

“It’s fine, you just tugged me too hard. I’m fine.”

“Steve. I’m sorry. Such an asshole, fuck. Are ya sure yur not hurt?” Billy tried gently rubbed over the brunette’s shoulder.

“I said I’m okay. Yeah you are an asshole but you didn’t do that on purpose, ok? You’re drunk and-” Steve was cut off by Billy’s thumb sliding over his lips. “Billy?” Steve muffed around his thumb.

Billy had a smirk on his face, it wasn’t his usual 'sex’ grin; it was small and quiet. “Hey”

“Hi” they were back to this apparently.

“You look real nice Stevie. I didn’t tell you that yet.” Billy pressed his thumb a little harder to Steve’s mouth.

“Tha-mmph” Steve was cut off again, he had to admit the way Billy was looking at him, only at him was more of a turn on then Billy’s thumb in his mouth. Steve bit it, not too hard but hard enough and pulled his head back, trying to get it out of his mouth. That just seemed to get Billy even more aroused.

“Mmm.” He growled in the back of his throat. “Stevie yous look so good with somethin in yur mouth.”

Shit. Yeah. That definitely flipped the switch on. But that wasn’t happening, not in the middle of a random dudes kitchen surround with random kids they went to school with.

“Okay. Billy, how bout we find you a place to sit down? Sound good.”

Billy nodded his head, he was still stupid grining at Steve as the brunette tried to lead him out to the main house area. “Billy can you at least try to stand up, you’re fuckin heavy.”

“All muscle baby.” He cooed in Steve’s ear. Steve rolled his eyes. This is why he stopped coming to parties after the whole Nancy thing. He couldn’t deal with drunk people. All his patience went with dealing with the brat pack.

“Bathroom” Billy perked up “yeah” he agreed with himself.

“You have to go?”

“No we have'ta go.” He corrected Steve.

“Fine. Whatever.” He really didn’t want to deal with this situation anymore. They stumbled around a bit, mostly due to Billy not picking up his feet but then Steve found the master bedroom. It was a familiar layout so he figured it would be in the back like his parent’s room was. His house was bigger though, not that he really cared about that sort of thing.

“Alright, there’s the bathroom.” Steve let go of the blonde and pointed to the master bath. Billy just looked around the room, stared at the bed for a beat and that stupid grin came back all too quickly.

“Oh no you don’t loverboy. We came here for the bathroom so get that stupid smirk off your face.” Steve chimed hoping to break the chain of whatever Billy was thinking of .

“You’re no fun Stevie.” Billy sulked as he scuffed into the bathroom. “Well come on!” He called impatiently.

“What? I don’t have to go.” Steve waited back.

“Get in 'ere Harrington!”

“Jesus! Alright!” Steve stomped into the bathroom after Billy, Billy closing the door behind him.

“Okay, what?” Steve asked as Billy sat on the closed toilet seat. Apparently he didn’t have to go either cause he just sat down and patted his lap.

“Sit.”

“No way.”

“I thought ya were gunna clean me up pretty boy.”

“Oh.” Steve blinked for a moment, yeah that was still bothering him. He looked at the bruise, it seriously looked like it was still swelling. So Steve started shuffling through the cabinets to find a washcloth, rubbing alcohol ect.

“Are you going to tell me what happened?” Steve asked as he wet the cloth.

“I ran inta a door ” he replied dryly.

“Billy.”

“Fine.” It wasn’t much of a fight but Billy surrendered and Steve rewarded him for it.

“So?” The brunette asked as he sat down on Billy’s lap, completely straddling him and the toilet seat with his long legs. Billy leaned back giving Steve more room to sit. Billy moaned as he shuffled on top of him; grabbing hold of his hips for support.

“Mmm fuck” Billy huffed out biting his lip slowly rutting up into the brunette.

“Hey cool it big guy we ain’t doing shit till you tell me what happened.” Steve started to wipe the bruise off, it was still warm to touch. “Start talkin Hargrove.”

“God. You’re so fuckin hot when yur bossy baby. Fuck. Just wanna eat you up.” Billy’s grip tightened as he pushed up against Steve again.

And yeah, that was definitely getting Steve hot, like really fucking hot. But he also was stubborn and he was gonna get his answer one way or another. “This is going to sting alright.” He disclaimed as he rubbed the alcohol over the blonde’s jaw.

“AHow shit!” Billy jumped as his grip grew stronger on Steve.

“I warned you, now start talking or I’m going to do it again.”

“God damn Harrington! You’re more of an asshole then I am.” Steve just held up the washcloth again. “Fuck. Alright. I got inta it with my old man okay. Not a big deal.” Billy relaxed a bit back against the seat.

“Your dad did that? Why?”

“I was late bringin Max home today.”

“Shit. C-cause of me? She was late cause you were talking to me.”

“Hey, no, no it was all my fault Harrington, you hear me.” He pulled Steve in closer to his chest.

“Still. He hits you? That, shit, Billy.”

“Steve, it’s fine. It ain’t all the time and it’s only when I deserve it.”

“What the fuck?” Steve’s face furrowed “Billy you don’t deserve that! Not to get hit. Period.”

“Ste-mmm” lips met lips and Steve’s were crashing hard down onto Billy’s. His fists pulled tight onto the leather collar of Billy’s jacket. The blonde’s hands started gripping again, hungrily. He leaned up more into the kiss; to bite, to introduce his tongue. Steve’s mouth was so hot, and he was starting to rut into Billy now.

They pulled away for air, the brunette moaned quietly as Billy pushed Steve’s hips down deeper against him. They were both so hard, Steve can’t remember the last time he was actually this hard, this hot, panting.

“Fuck pretty boy. You’re so goddamn good baby.” Billy praised the other as he kissed into his neck. He was going to have Steve cuming in his pants at this rate.

“Billy” he whined, his hands moved up to grip onto the blonde’s shoulder’s for support as he grinded himself down harder “fuck” his breath caught in his throat.

“That’s it baby. Just like that.”

“Fuck, Billy I need more” Steve pleaded to the blonde receiving a wide grin from the other who then leaned up to kiss him again. Then his hands left the brunette’s side and started to unbutton Steve’s jeans. He was so hard, his dick trying to rip out of them. So eager for Billy’s hand to latch onto it. “Ahhh” Steve shuddered as Billy started to rub him, his hand is so big and warm and all Steve could do was fling his head back in pleasure.

“You’re fuckin gorgeous Stevie.”

“Mmm Billy! You feel so good ”

“Fuck” Billy growled, guttural against Steve’s shoulder. His own dick was throbbing, the rough denim against it almost hurt. “Stevie baby” the blonde panted out as he grabbed one of Steve’s hands off his shoulder and slid it down to his bulge. Steve bit his lip and nodded undoing the blonde’s pants. “Yeah, god fuck yes. You feel amazing baby”

Billy was a talker but the praises really did something for Steve. Like encouraging him that he’s doing something right, cause yeah he’s jerked off plenty of times, but he’s never done it for another guy before. He tried to focus on what he likes, rubbed his thumb over the head down his shaft; returning his attention back to the slit. That made Billy shudder and buck in Steve’s hand.

“Billy I’m gunna-”

“Yeah me too baby” the blonde leaned up to kiss Steve, slow and passionate with just a hint of teeth. Steve cried and whimpered in Billy’s mouth and Billy licked it all up. Then they came, Steve followed quickly by Billy. They were a mess of sweat and hot breaths and cum covered jeans. And they were all smiles and soft giggles and kisses.

“Christ, Harrington.” Billy leaned up against the sink counter after they cleaned up a bit. Steve was still trying to wipe off his pants after tucking himself back in. “I know I’m not Santa Clause, but you can sit on my lap anytime baby.”

“Oh my god, Billy. Just shut up and kiss me.”

#That one shot I was talking about #Harringrove #Christmas Harringrove #Billy is an asshole #Drunk Billy Hargrove #Mom Steve #High key bossy bottom Steve Harrington #billy x steve #billy x steve fanfic #harringrove fanfic #harringrove au #harringrove fic #mywritings

106 notes · View notes

thetvmoviefan · 4 years

Text

Nabrina FanFics Part 7 (Friday 13th Update)

Sabrina Spellman & Nicholas Scratch (Nick Scratch) FanFics MASTERLIST

Updated: December 13, 2019 (12/13/2019) also Friday 13th

FINALLY!! We got the release date for Part 3 of CAOS and it’s going to come on January 24, 2020!! While Netflix still has yet to release a official trailer even though today (12/13) was good to release it, thought it would be a good day to release a newly updated list of Current and NEW Nabrina FanFictions for anyone waiting for our favorite Power Couple Sabrina Spellman and Nicholas Scrath to come back. So If you’re in need a Nabrina fix or a general CAOS fix here’s a lst of fics that are worth the reads and re-reads till Part 3 comes out.

As always have a Wicked or Hell-ish time with these fics and ENJOY!!!

Fics in Order by Last Update 12/13/2019

[Key: AU=Alternate Universe - AH=All Human - * = New Fic to List]

1. “Just a Little Obsessed”*

Author: eyerys

Summary: Nicholas has developed a tinie-tiny crush on Sabrina. Nothing like major or whatever. It's not like he thinks about her all the time or daydreams about what it would be like to be with her or how cool she is. No, not at all.Sabrina doesn't have a crush on Nick. No, not at all. Uh-uh. She has Harvey. Sweet and loving Harvey Kinkle. But for some reason, she can't help but find her mind wandering. Rated Teen - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 12/13/2019

2. “Lessons in the Unseen”

Author: bunivy

Summary: Academy Teachers AU. Sabrina Spellman lives as simple a life as a half-mortal half-witch can. Despite her dislike for the headmaster, she enjoys spending her time teaching Ritual Magic at the Academy of Unseen Arts, hoping to positively shape the minds of young witches and warlocks. However, with the sudden dreadful announcement of her aunt Zelda's engagement and the appearance of one mysterious - and strikingly handsome - Nicholas Scratch, Sabrina finds that her life is not so simple anymore. Or all that safe. AU - Rated Mature - Chapters 31/? - Last Update 12/12/2019

3. “Off The Record - One Shots”*

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: Missing scenes from my completed piece, 'Off The Record.'AU/AH - Not Rated - Chapters 3/? - Last Update 12/12/2019

4. “Ocean”*

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: AU, M-Rated. Nicholas Scratch has everything working in his favor. He's got a decent job as a history teacher, his roommate Melvin is always up for video games and getting high, and Sabrina Spellman lets him mess up her sheets frequently. Sabrina knows Nick isn't good for her, but she can't stay away, no matter how hard it is to pretend she's completely okay with their casual arrangement. But when life takes an unexpected curve, Nick is forced to face a new normal he doesn't know how to navigate. And Sabrina may or may not be there to help him through it. AU/AH - Rated Mature - Chapters 8/? - Last Update 12/09/2019

5. “I knew you were trouble”*

Author: Miss_Kath90

Summary: Sabrina didn’t know that being away from home for the first time could be so hard.Away from her aunts, friends and her-lifelong-boyfriend, Sabrina have to deal with the nostalgia but also with the new challenges College's life mean: get used to share a room with a not-so-nice roommate, put up with long hours of study and very few of sleep, learn to live from pre-cooked meals instead of her aunt Hilda’s homemade ones, find balance between her studies and her new social life… And resist the temptation a certain Nicholas Scratch mean for her. AU/AH - Rated Mature - Chapters 4/? - Last Update 12/07/2019

6. “As The Moon Rises”*

Author: venzaren

Summary: Sabrina Spellman is tired.Tired of living a double life. Tired of facing discrimination at the hands of her pack. Tired of dealing with her status as an Omega. And most of all, she's tired of people hounding her about finding her mate.Then Nick Scratch returns to Greendale. AU - Rated General - Chapters 1/? - Last Update 12/07/2019

7. “Thirteen Memories”

Author: tempestbreak

Summary: (Set at the end of Season 2) Sabrina and her friends go to Hell and rescue Nick -- but what happens when that's the easy part?It turns out, having the Dark Lord inside your mind for months can do some damage, and Nick comes back different. His memories of the events leading up to his sacrifice, including his relationship with Sabrina, are gone. How can Sabrina help him regain his memories of their time together when she's not even sure she trusts her own? Rated Mature - Chapters 6/? - Last Update 11/02/2019

8. “But The Greatest Is Love”

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: The acheron captured Lucifer Morningstar, but their problems are far from over. The coven is decimated, the Church of Night is no more, Father Blackwood is on the run, and Nick and Sabrina's relationship is in ruins. How do they pick up the pieces and move on? There are more questions than answers and the consequences could be of biblical proportions. Rated Mature - Chapters 25/25 - COMPLETED 10/28/2019

9. ”Ground Beneath Her Feet”

Author: mindlesshappy

Summary: Sabrina is born out of a miracle - one that she wishes would repeat for her, but when she is destined for someone else, how much can she resist before her heart decides to give in. Alternatively, Nick is Sabrina's soulmate, but she really just wants Harvey to be it. Also, in the backseat are all the other possible ships, getting their own soulmate glories. Rated Teen - Chapters 15/? - Last Update 10/22/2019

10. “Back to You”

Author: nadiaselite

Summary: Sabrina brings Nick back from hell. Rated Teen - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 10/11/2019

11. “The Open Road”

Author: paradiamond

Summary: Nick wants her back, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes. In fact, he insists on it. Rated Teen - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 9/22/2019

12. “The words “I love you” aren’t enough”*

Author: Miss_Kath90

Summary: “Look at me, Nick” he was reluctant but when he finally looked up she took his face in her hands making him unable to look away “What you did that day… Nick, you sacrificed yourself for my sake, even when I mistreated you and told you all those horrible things. You did it for me, because you love me… Don’t you see? You’re incapable of being evil.”Or... Sabrina gets her boyfriend back but things don’t go as smoothly as she thinks they will. Rated Mature - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 9/22/2019

13. “Be True to Your School”

Author: rayo aka @its-nabrina-bitch

Summary: Nicholas Scratch is the Golden Boy™ of Baxter High; star athlete, top of his class academically, and devastatingly handsome. Sabrina Spellman sees Sophomore year as an opportunity to expand her horizons; joining the cheerleading squad, running for student council, and making new friends along the way while working to maintain her relationships with her old friends. What Sabrina Spellman doesn't know: sophomore year is about to turn her world upside-down. AU - Rated General - Chapters 4/? - Last Update 9/12/2019

14. “Mission: Let’s get my boyfriend back”

Author: My_Evak_Heart

Summary: Sabrina and the Fright Club ventures on their first mission: getting Nick back from Hell Not Rated - Chapters 1/1 - Last Update 9/7/2019

15. “Jealousy is a killer”

Author: Melissa1226

Summary: Will Sabrina and Nick Start something new? and who is watching them from the shadow full of jealousy? Rated Mature - Chapters 8/? - Last Update 8/28/2019

16. “The Institute for Divine Craft”

Author: rayo aka @its-nabrina-bitch

Summary: After a humiliating spat with Father Blackwood pushes Sabrina away from her witching life and the Academy, Madam Satan crafts an alternative solution to move Sabrina Spellman further down the path of night. Ultimately leading her to the Institute for the Divine Craft. A handsome Headmaster with mysterious ties to her father, convinces Sabrina to abandon her mortal life, and cultivate her abilities as a child of the Church of Lucifer. AU - Rated Mature - Chapters 16/? - Last Update 8/21/2019

17. “The Jock”

Author: mikaila_ealum

Summary: An Alternate Universe where Nicholas Scratch is Baxter High’s quarterback along with one of the most popular boys at school. With few knowing the truth, Scratch is living a double life as a warlock at the Academy of Unseen Arts. Sabrina takes a hiatus from the Academy to get more in touch with her mortal side. When Sabrina gets back she becomes partners with Nicholas for a project in theatre class. AU - Chapters 8/? - Last Update 8/07/2019

18. “act 5, scene 2 (thou and i are too wise to woo peaceably)”

Author: ghostemo aka @wickedscratch

Summary: When Sabrina Spellman rose to a challenge issued by Prudence Night, she never imagined she’d actually make the varsity cheer squad - or that doing so would upend life as she knew it. Now she has to navigate her new role within the social hierarchy of hell -er Baxter High as well as trying to get her boyfriend to actually communicate. It certainly doesn’t help that she’s been paired up with the annoyingly handsome Nicholas Scratch, captain of Greendale’s beloved football team, for a project in her theater class. It’s exactly as, if not more so, cliche as it sounds. AU/AH - Rated Teen - Chapters 3/? - 7/25/2019

19. “Off the Record”

Author: sarahkwut

Summary: AU. Detective Nicholas Scratch left New York for Greendale in desperate need of a change of scenery. The small town takes some getting used to, but local reporter Sabrina Spellman quickly grabs his attention. It's the fresh start he needed until Greendale's residents start turning up dead. With a murderer on the loose, no one is innocent - and anyone might be next. AU/AH - Rated Mature - Chapters 29/29 - COMPLETED 7/22/2019

20. “Bring You Close To Me”

Author: BridgetMcKennitt

Summary: Sabrina and her friends managed to bring Nicholas back from Hell. There was a lot the two of them needed to discuss, but tonight, they had this. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 7/13/2019

21. “A Brief Moment”

Author: bunivy

Summary: Ever since he's returned from Hell, Nicholas Scratch has been having nightmares. With help from Aunt Hilda, Sabrina unknowingly shows him a light and for a moment, Nicholas knows everything will be okay. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 6/24/2019

22. “To Hell and Back”

Author: swtnerdgirl

Summary: A year has passed since Sabrina and her friends rescued Nick from Hell. No one came back the same. They all had their scars. Some emotionally. Some physically. In the days leading to Hilda's wedding, they all prepare for their lives to change and heal their wounds. Rated Mature - Chapters 16/? - Last Update 6/06/2019

23. “Dead Witch Walking”

Author: rayo aka @its-nabrina-bitch

Summary: Faced with the possibility of being harrowed to death by her classmates, Sabrina finds an escape. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 5/26/2019

24. “Moonlight Beneath Rough Lips”

Author: ivylikeveins

Summary: After the encounter with the thirteen witches of Greendale, Sabrina enters the dining hall with moonlight locks bathed in soft blue hues, and Nick does not know what to do. He ends up with a soft and small Sabrina pressed into his chest, sleeping, and wrapped around his very much over-sized jacket with Nick's lips pressed into the soft, pearly strands he wants his soul to get entangled within. Rated Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 5/19/2019

25. “The Hunt”

Author: OnlyInAutumn

Summary: Nick howled into the night, up at the stars to signify that he was ready on the eve of Lupercalia, the darkness of midnight around them. The first sound of the horn sent them into the forest. The hunt had begun. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 5/11/2019

26. “Secrets, Secrets are no Fun”

Author: filmharlot

Summary: Sabrina is the new kid for the first time in her life. Choosing to go to the Academy full-time seems to be a hard transition than she was expecting. With the Weird Sisters harassment at an all-time high, dealing with leaving her mortal friend's and condescending teachers, Sabrina is suffering. She's not even allowed to have Salem for comfort. It's not all bad though. She is finally free to do magic whenever she wants, and there's a charming warlock who is being particularly nice to her. Plus, someone is leaving kind gifts on her bed at the end of the night. She just wishes she knew who it was. Not Rated - Chapters 1/? - Last Update 5/06/2019

27. “My only love sprung from my only hate”

Author: filmharlot

Summary: High School AU where Nick is based on the version of him that Sabrina creates in her dream during the Batibat episode. Harvey and Sabrina have broken up and don't want to work together on the Romeo and Juliet assignment in Drama class, so she ends up being partners with Nick AU - Not Rated - Chapters 7/? - Last Update 5/04/2019

28. “Unsettled Nighttime Creatures”

Author: mindlesshappy

Summary: We all know Sabrina is going to save Nick. This is how Nick reacts to being saved - which, spoilers alert - is like a very stupid warlock. Rated Teen - Chapters 5/5 - Completed 4/25/2019

29. “Selfless”

Author: sarahwut

Summary: Sabrina Spellman dragged Nicholas Scratch back from Hell. But Hell might be better than a world in which they aren't together. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Completed 4/23/2019

30. “Homecoming”

Author: cherrystems

Summary: After several months Sabrina is able to get Nick back from Hell with the help of her family and friends. However, Nick has to adjust to Earth again while dealing with PTSD and anxiety. This tells the story of the growth of Sabrina and Nick's relationship over the recovery time. Not Rated - Chapters 3/? - Last Update 4/20/2019

31. “Under Your Spell”

Author: londonmarie

Summary: Sabrina doesn't hesitate to have her Dark Baptism and things go differently. Rated Teen - Chapters 10/? - Last Update 4/18/2019

32. “Photographs”

Author: Greyowl9831

Summary: It's been at least 150 years since Sabrina signed her name in the Book of the Beast. One day she finds an old photo album. Will the memories it contains be a great walk down memory lane or will it be more than she can bare? Not Rated - Chapters 4/? - Last Update 4/14/2019

33. “An itch That Needed Scratching”

Author: umbrellacorp

Summary: What if Nick slayed his familiar and Sabrina and Nick got to experience the last night of the Lupercalia festival alone. Tonight, Sabrina would be transformed. Nick was going to show her power that she never knew she had, an innate carnal power. They were about to become the most powerful union of the Church of Night. Rated E Mature - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 4/13/2019

34. “and I keep waiting (but I won’t say I’m waiting)”

Author: lost_n_stereo @lost-n-stereo

Summary: You would think that it would hurt less as the days go by, since it’s been nearly two years since Nick sacrificed himself for the greater good and Lilith took him to hell. Except, he didn’t sacrifice himself for the greater good, he sacrificed himself for her. And that makes it a hell of a lot tougher to let go. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 4/10/2019

35. “The Four Pictures”

Author: Copper_16

Summary: It’s been 10 years. Nick and Sabrina are teachers at the Academy along with some familiar faces. It’s been a decade there can’t be that much chaos anymore, right? Wrong. Rated Teen - Chapters 3/? - Last Update 4/09/2019

36. “Fire”

Author: OnlyInAutumn

Summary: Their power—together—was overwhelming. It was something that she had not felt either, the consuming feeling of expanding power. It was entirely addicting. Rated Mature - Chapters 2/2 - Completed 3/24/2019

37. “something I can believe”

Author: Anry

Summary: Missing scene after Sabrina's baptism. I wouldn't say that it's really a relationship here, just conversation. Rated General - Chapters 1/1 - One Shot - Last Update 1/25/2019

AND THERE YOU GO AGAIN!!!

Everyone please make sure to leave love through the comments and giving kudos to all these amazing writers who have worked so hard on giving on Nabrina fics, because of course without them the wait for Part 3 would be so much harder.

But honestly these writers work so hard on these stories they truly deserve the encouragement and love for the hard work in writing they do. Giving a simple “I love the chapter, can’t wait for more” will keep them going.

So make sure to say how much you love their writing or even what you liked about the story/chapter or just by passing their stories to other fellow Nabrina Shippers or just CAOS fans.

If anyone has any other suggestions for the list feel free to message me anytime :).

Again! ENJOY

#Nabrina #Nicbrina #Sabrina Spellman #Nick Scratch #Nicholas Scratch #CAOS #Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #Nabrina Fics

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omgrachwrites · 4 years

Text

Schooled (Bucky Barnes)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x OC

Summary: After the passing of Ava’s father she starts acting out which drives her right into the arms of one gorgeous Professor Barnes.

Warnings: fluff, angst, suggestive themes, swearing, main characters are 20+

Words: 2269

A/N: So, this is very very loosely based on an old fic that I wrote on my old blog so I thought I’d revamp it a bit lot! I’m gonna be tagging the people that were tagged in the original version of this so I hope you guys don’t mind! Also, sorry that they haven’t met in this first part, they meet in the next part, I promise! Please let me know if you would like to be tagged and let me know what you think, I love you all! xxx

Part One - the beginning

It was a beautiful late summer’s day, the birds were chirping and the leaves were starting to turn that burnt orange colour just in time for fall. Everything seemed right with the world, but Ava’s world had seemed to crash and burn and there had been noting she could have done to halt the plan that fate had set in motion. She was a firm believer in everything happening for a reason but why did it have to be her dad? Although his send-off was a nice one, just like he deserved but she still hadn’t been ready to say goodbye to him.

Ava sighed at her reflection in her mirror before making her way downstairs, as she walked into the living room her little sister Morgan looked up from her drawing and gasped, “you look like a princess!”

Ava smiled and smoothed her fingers through her newly dyed blonde hair, “we can both be princesses together then,” she grinned, Morgan giggled and went back to her drawing, she didn’t fully understand what was going on.

Ava looked over at her stepmom who gave her a sad smile, “every time I looked in the mirror I saw him. I needed to make a change,” Ava explained, fiddling with the ends of her hair.

Without a word Pepper pulled her into a huge hug, after a moment she said, “you don’t have to explain, you look beautiful and I’m so glad your back in New York.”

Ava smiled as they pulled away from each other, “dad would have wanted us all to be together, besides I’m definitely not a Californian girl, some of those girls were horrible,” she chuckled, she was so excited to be attending NYU with her old friends and she was even more excited to be staying in the dorms, “and, there was a clear reason why my dad got full custody of me when he and my mom got divorced,” she said, rolling her eyes making Pepper laugh.

“So,” she continued, pouring herself a cup of tea, adding a touch of cinnamon and ginger to it, “which of dad’s things need sorting through? I want to help,” she added as it looked like Pepper was about to argue.

Pepper sighed and nodded, “Rhodey is sorting through the lab, there’s so much shit in there that he’ll probably need a hand.”

Ava nodded and made her way back out of the room and towards the lab, ruffling Morgan’s hair as she went. As she walked into the lab she smirked as she saw Rhodey’s head stuffed into a tall storage box, muffled swearing was coming from the inside of it. She giggled and leaned against the doorway of the lab as Rhodey wrenched his head out of the box, spilling packaging peanuts everywhere.

“Need a hand Uncle Rhodey?” she giggled behind her hand as Rhodey grimaced, brushing peanuts off of his clothes.

“I’d be grateful for the help kiddo,” he nodded, “nice hair by the way.”

Pepper was right, the lab was just full of shit – Tony really had been a hoarder – he probably had never used any of the stuff they found. They found loads of interesting stuff though like an old newspaper article about Ava’s grandfather from the 40’s. Rhodey and Ava had a good old laugh about the photographs they found from Tony’s old college days. Ava unearthed an old jersey that had to be the softest material that she’d ever felt and it somehow still smelled like Tony. She made a mental note to take it off to college with her.

She was sorting through her dad’s desk when she came across a memory stick along with a cutting from a newspaper article.

“Rhodey…” Ava asked slowly, “what’s this?” she asked, upon further inspection she saw that there was a note attached to the back that read, ‘for Ava.’

Rhodey chewed his lip and walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, “you should watch it, your dad would have wanted you to.”

Ava nodded without a word and she quickly set up the laptop to plug the memory stick into. Straight away she saw a younger Tony Stark sitting on a couch; he looked up at the camera, flashing that signature grin. Ava felt tears brewing in her eyes.

“Hey kid, you’re actually having your first nap of the day right now, I can’t believe that you’re a week old already. I wanted to make this video for you to watch after I’m gone which will hopefully not be for a long time. So, if you’re watching this I’m dead, I’m hoping that I had a good run,” he chuckled, “just wanted to tell you kid that no matter where you choose to go or what you choose to do I will always be the proudest of you. You will always be the best thing that happened to me. Whenever you feel sad or alone just watch this video and know that I’m with you till the end. I love you baby girl,” with those final words Tony flipped the camera off.

“You alright kiddo?” Rhodey asked, Ava sniffled and nodded, wiping her tears away, unplugging the memory stick and slipping it into her back pocket.

“I’m fine, I just didn’t know he had it in him to be so serious that’s all,” she chuckled, trying to make light of the situation. She looked further through the desk and picked up the newspaper cutting that she’d seen earlier. Ava frowned as she read the title, ‘Tony and Natalie Stark welcome miracle baby, Avaline.’

There they were right on the front page and in her dad’s arms pink and tiny, with jet black hair was her, “why was I a miracle baby Uncle Rhodey?” she asked and Rhodey smiled weakly.

“Your mom was told by the doctors that there was only about a 20% chance that she’d be able to get pregnant. When you were born without a hitch your dad swore that it was a miracle and he rushed to announce it to the world.”

“Oh,” Ava lamely finished, blinking back tears as an awkward silence settled in the lab, “I should um start packing for Greece, I leave on Friday and I haven’t even started yet.”

“Okay,” Rhodey nodded understandingly, “I’ll see you later.”

Ava nodded and smiled, thanking god that Rhodey was so understanding, “bye Uncle Rhodey,” she escaped to her room and sighed, she hadn’t exactly lied to get away from the awkward situation. She really did need to pack for Greece. She was so not organised.

About an hour into packing she huffed, feeling extremely bored and started scrolling through her phone. She noticed that her friend Wanda had put a message on the group chat that they had with their other friend MJ.

“Hey ladies! Are we all ready for Greece?! I’m actually so excited; we all deserve the sun, the sea and some excellent food if you ask me! Just got an email from college administration saying that the dorms are co-ed this year! We could be rooming with some hot guys! Ava, you chose the right time to enroll in NYU darling, I wish it was under better circumstances though! Ciao for now xxx”

Ava giggled as she read the message; Wanda had just split up with her boyfriend so it would be great for her if she got roomed with a cute guy. In fact, it’d probably be great for Ava too. It was in that moment that she was determined to stop moping around and make a fresh new start. It was what her dad would have wanted for her. She placed the newspaper cutting about her birth on her desk so she’d remember to pack it for college; she kissed her fingers before touching her dad’s photograph.

“Miss you dad.”

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

Bucky smirked and laid back on the bed, resting his arms behind his head as Natasha walked out of the bathroom, rubbing a towel against her damp red hair. She was so beautiful; she was everything that Bucky had ever dreamed of. Nat looked at Bucky and saw the look on his face and his lust filled eyes.

She rolled her eyes at him playfully, “what are you smirking at gorgeous?” she asked, a smirk to match Bucky’s spread across her face.

“You,” he said simply, “come here,” he chewed his lip, almost whining and Nat huffed with a grin.

“No,” she giggled, backing away from both him and the bed, “you’re gonna get me all dirty again,” she casually flicked her wet her hair over one shoulder and fluttered her eyelashes, knowing what it did to him.

Bucky pouted like a moody teenager, sticking his plump bottom lip out and giving her his best puppy dog eyes, “but we can get clean together again,”

Nat giggled and relented, getting back into the bed with him again, leaning over him to kiss his lips, “god, you are actually beautiful,” Bucky flushed scarlet at her words and tried his best to play it off like it was nothing and he tried to act like her words had no effect whatsoever on him.

“Bucky Barnes, are you blushing?” she teased, nudging his shoulder, making Bucky flush an even deeper colour.

“No!” he said completely unconvincingly, trying to hide his bright red face in the pillow, “leave me alone,” he grumbled, making Nat laugh.

They both heard the distinct sound of a car door slamming and footsteps walking up the gravel path. It didn’t really bother Bucky that much because Nat had told him in the past that she had a roommate. Nat on the other hand, jumped up instantly and padded over to the bay window, discreetly peering out of it as she checked her watch.

“Fuck, shit! Oh my god! Bucky you need to go, like right now!” she spoke frantically, pushing her hair off of her forehead.

Bucky frowned; he couldn’t see why she was so worried, “why? I really want to meet your roommate.”

“Bucky, jesus! I don’t have a roommate, it’s my boyfriend!” he didn’t have time to be so shocked because Nat was urging him to get out of the bed and get dressed. She had to be joking.

“I can’t believe that you didn’t tell me that you’ve got a boyfriend!” he hissed as he pulled his jeans on, “we’ve been sleeping together for months!”

“Never mind that now! Out the window!” she whispered and Bucky’s eyes almost bugged out of his head.

“Out the window?!” he repeated, making sure that he’d heard her right, he was so pissed off beyond belief.

“Yes!” Nat whisper shouted, obviously getting impatient which Bucky thought was rich, “do you want to get beaten up? If you do then by all means stay!” she hissed, flinging his shirt at him.

“For fucks sake!” Bucky grumbled as he climbed out of the window and almost literally shimmied down the drainpipe, “I’m getting far too old for this.”

Steve and Sam both started over the table at Bucky with identical dumbfounded looks on their faces as Bucky finished his crazy story, “I know right,” he chuckled – he could see the humour in it now – as he took a sip of his beer.

“God, I haven’t climbed out of a window since our own college days,” Sam chuckled, shaking his head at Bucky, “and you’re doing it as an actual adult,” he slapped his knee as he laughed about it, obviously finding it really hilarious. Bucky glared at his friend, his pride was still hurting days after climbing out of that window.

“Where the hell do you go to meet these crazy women?” Steve asked, half in awe and half in astonishment.

“Crazy but hot Stevie, that’s the best thing,” Bucky smirked as Steve rolled his eyes and Sam looked kind of proud, “just in bars and stuff man, the usual places where you’d go to meet women,” Bucky shrugged, draining the last of his beer.

“Yeah, well I don’t think that’s working out great for you is it Buck?” Sam chuckled.

“I agree with Sam Bucky and I seriously think that you need to take a holiday or something,” Steve muttered as he got up and went to get the next round of beers.

Bucky shuddered, he couldn’t think of anything worse, he loved going on holiday – like most people but he was terrified of flying. He was bad enough when he was with other people, never mind flying on his own. He hated that it was one of his biggest fears, he really needed to conquer it but it was easier said than done. Sam watched his friend, knowing that he was worried. When Bucky realised that Sam was looking at him he laughed Steve’s comment off casually.

“Is he crazy? Going on an airplane on my own? No thanks.”

“He’s right man; you seriously need a break before you start your new job. And, it would help you forget about what happened last year.”

Bucky’s blood ran cold at Sam’s words, “mate, please do me a favour and don’t talk to me about last year. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Okay, okay,” Sam relented, holding his hands up, “but if you figure that you do want to talk about it then I’m here for you.”

“Thanks man,” Bucky grinned, clinking his empty bottle against Sam’s, thanking for his best friends.

Maybe Steve was right, maybe he needed to let himself go a little bit more. He was looking forward to what the future had in store for him.

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

next part >

Taglist (open): @theonelittleone @void-imaginations @allthingswildareshy @mswinterfalcon @mikariell95 @charles11700 @thejemersoninferno @writingkeepsmewhole @panic-naran @lovely-geek @white-wolf-buckaroo @yoinks-i-dont-feel-so-good

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alexaloraetheris · 5 years

Text

I swear, it’s like we were written by Lemony Snicket...

I have no other explanation for what happened.

First, mom decided we were going on a trip.

A trip to her home village in the mountains. But all the highways going out of the city are so packed it would have been faster walking there on foot. So mom calls up her buddy like:

“Yo, I need a way outta this boiling pile of concrete, gimmie advice.”

“I gotchu homegirl, there’s this old-ass road, from back when the old road was considered new, nobody knows about it but the locals, goes straight to the mountains.”

“Sweet! Daughter, we’re going on this road. Nah, I have no idea where it actually is. It’ll be an adventure! Oh and, you’re driving.”

And then I crashed the car.

It’s worth noting that our car was recently worked on and the mechanic tightened the pedals, so my driving was a bit wonky because I was having to adjust on an unfamiliar road. So when a bus was driving towards us mom panicked and yelled at me to go backwards. I did and bumped into the lady who was like, three inches behind us because I didn’t see her in the side view mirror.

Bus went by without a hitch, and the lady behind us raised a stink that we crashed her car. Mom said okay, here’s my number, have your insurance call me on Monday when they asses the damage (a dented registration plate, we didn’t even lose paint).

So we went on, Mom driving this time. Unfortunately, the car crash lady calls again and mom has to stop to talk. It went something like this.

“Yo, my insurance says we both gotta be there sitting on our asses for the inspection, so get yours back over here, now.”

“You mad woman, no insurance house works on nine PM on a Friday. We’ll be back on Monday, don’t get your knickers in a twist ‘till then.”

“I can’t next week, come back and we’ll do one tomorrow.”

“Ha, now that’s a joke if I ever heard one. If you’re a miracle worker and can find one that works Saturday we’ll come back.”

“Fine.”

“Fine!”

Meanwhile, Stupidog is out by the side of the road stretching his legs, when he suddenly looses that last blob that resembles a brain cell he has. Mom goes to check what is going on, then screams:

“Somebody abandoned three kittens here!!!”

The kittens are maybe four weeks old and halfway feral. They were curious about us but too scared for us to pick them up. We tried catching them but only managed to get one, and the night was fast approaching and we had no hope of catching them in the dark. So I found a piece of cardboard and took my cheap-ass red lip tint from Wish and wrote a sign:

CAUTION! ABANDONED KITTENS

So mom puts the one kitten we did catch in a box, I’m driving again and we’re hoping that our neighbor would like another cat. Car crash lady calls again, she found someone to do the stupid inspection on Saturday. It’s pitch black by then, and I’ve got the long-lights up. And then I see barely in time, horror of all horrors,

A baby owl hopping in front of the car.

So I did what anyone who’s ever read Harry Potter do: I swiveled the fucking car out of the way, nearly drove us into a ditch. I screamed. Mom screamed. Stupidog flew across the car (but he had a doggy seatbelt, he’s fine). Lady on the phone probably thought we died.

I did avoid the owl though.

So I manage to right the car and explain that I wasn’t trying to commit matricide/suicide. So we’re driving again, and mom’s debating whether to go back or just continue.

“Mom,” I said desperately, “we haven’t made it 50 klicks out of the city on this road and the next thing that’s gonna happen is that owl’s gonna turn out to be a pissed off wizard’s familiar who’ll swear vengeance on all our descendants. Let’s just go back.”

So mom sighs that mournful sigh only moms can do and says to just turn around at the next stop.

Of course, then we found a dead dog.

Somebody obviously hit the poor thing and just continued driving. The body was cold already so we just dragged it to the side of the road and left it since we were in the middle of fucking nowhere. And then I had enough.

“That’s it, I’m making a U-turn.”

It was a two-way road so I really should have waited to get to some kind of stop or at least a wider road but nope. I made a fucking U-turn then and there and mom didn’t even say a word and then we fucking sped off the way we came and didn’t look back.

We got back home without a hitch. Mom yelled at her buddy over the phone why didn’t he tell her the road was fucking cursed.

At least the kitten is cute.

#a series of unfortunate events #that's exactly what this was #and why does it always happen to me

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shesdreamingofamonster · 6 years

Text

Beating the Breakup

Word Count: 2,460

Genre: Smut

Pairing: Hoseok x Reader

Summary: After the shitty ending to your long term relationship, your friend suggests a night out. A handsome stranger may turn your week around.

As Requested. ;)

You were having a pretty crappy day. Even though, it had been a few weeks since your longtime boyfriend decided to dump you for his brother’s ex. Apparently, they had been seeing each other the past year of your three-year relationship. You saw them browsing the mall together hand in hand smiling as if nothing in the world felt out of place. But you did. You felt like you didn’t belong anymore. “What you need, is to have a girl’s night out.” You rolled your eyes at your best friend who was getting ready in the mirror in front of you. She was your new roommate now that you had to move out of your joint apartment with your ex. This is how she spent most of her Friday nights. Getting dolled up, going out, either getting too drunk to function or going home with a handsome man. “You know it isn’t really my thing. I can just drink here. Besides,” You tugged at your oversized pajama shirt, “I am in no state to go out, it would take a miracle to get me ready at this point.” Liz just giggled as she placed her lipstick onto the countertop and turned around. “Well here she is, I shall be your fairy god mother for the night. Oh! And no curfew for you Cinderella, you can stay out till Monday for all I care, as long as you go to work. We do need rent money.” You were scrolling through your phone pretending that you didn’t hear her offer. Until a hand took your arm and pulled you up. “Please Y/N. Let me do this for you.” Her eyes were softer, more concerned than angry. You nodded knowing that you did need to get out of this house. “Yay!” She immediately sent you into your room to choose a dress. You however, did not have many options to choose from. There was one that did stand out from the four in your closet. A dark blue low-cut fit and flare dress. You had bought it for your anniversary dinner that never happened. Instead of letting it stay in your closet forever and only being reminded of your shitty relationship, you decided that this would be the next best use for it.

Her eyes widened when you walked back into her room. “Damn! You look amazing in that.” She smiled so fondly that you smiled too. You knew you looked good in it, you had spent two hours looking for the perfect dress. “Now, it is my turn.” She pulled out the stool in front of her vanity and you took a seat. It was nice, being pampered. You were stunned at how well she had done your makeup. A smokey eye with a bold lip, the colors bringing out your eye color. She had given your cheeks some color with a contour that made you look braver than you felt recently. Your hair was half pulled up, with a somewhat effortless look to it. You turned around and thanked her with a hug. “Of course, I just want you to be happy again.” You smiled and got up before you became sappy and emotional. You made your way back to your room to retrieve the black heels that you had bought to go with the dress. The suede finish made them look a little too classy to go partying in, but they were so comfortable that you didn’t care. Taking one last look in the mirror before going to meet Liz at the door, you felt good. And you looked good too. So good, that you decided to let all your cares go away tonight. You needed fun and that is what you were going to find.

Two hours later, and you were very buzzed. You hated being hungover, so you were careful to pace yourself in order to not regret it tomorrow. It was fun, dancing and singing with Liz, until she found a tall and lengthy blonde to bide her time. You had to admit that you were a bit jealous. She always found an attractive man to flirt with. You, were not as lucky. Besides, you haven’t had to impress anyone for a while now. Making your way to the bar, you didn’t seem to be catching anyone’s eye. The bartender was there for your order as soon as you sat down. “What would a pretty lady like you want?” He peered down at your chest, making you feel a bit odd. God, you really haven’t flirted in a long time. “Surprise me.” And with that, he gave a smile before working on your drink. A few moments later, a cocktail was placed in front of you. It smelled like vodka and fruit. You pulled out your wallet but he refused. “It has been paid for. Don’t worry about it.” Then he walked away to entertain another customer. You looked around but didn’t see anyone making eyes at you. You took a sip of the drink, relieved that it actually tasted good. You pulled out your phone to see if Liz had messaged you about slipping away with that guy. Nothing yet. A few decent songs played as you mumbled the words in between sips, your foot moving to the rhythm.

You didn’t realize that someone had sat down next to you until he asked for a drink himself. The bartender giving him a wink as he served up the beer. You turned your head wondering what the wink was all about. A handsome stranger with piercing cheek bones was what you found. You pretended not to notice him and continued sipping on your drink until all that you were getting was air. “It looks like you need another one.” He gave a small laugh as you turned and finally made eye contact with him. You placed the glass down and started fidgeting with the straw. “Do I?” You had to admit, that you were feeling quite giggly at the moment. But you still knew what you were doing, and what was happening. “I am not quite sure that a drink is what I need.” He raised his brow at that. You giggled and covered your mouth. “Sorry, I am kind of moping over a break up right now. Not the best company to be with.” He frowned. “Well if it is any help, if I had a girl as beautiful as you, I wouldn’t let her go.” You scoffed again. And then he laughed too. “That was bad, right?” You both laughed at the awkwardness of it all. But then it led to real conversation. “Wait, you are telling me that you came home from a business trip to find her there?” You were on to another drink, he as well. “She had the audacity to ask me to leave my house.” He had a look of amazement. “So, what did you do?” You recounted the moment, how you were so utterly surprised and upset at the same time. All you wanted to do was rip her hair out as you led her to the door and threw her out. “I left. And when I called him later, it went straight to voicemail. I told him that I wanted him gone by the end of the week, and all of his stuff gone. That I was telling the landlord that the apartment would be free again the next Monday. I realized that as much as I was angry at her, it wouldn’t change anything. That I had lost him a long time ago.” He was looking at you in a way that someone does when they seem to be very interested in what you have to say. Not just that you were a girl he wanted to sleep with so he was listening to your sob story. “That is really good of you. Most people would take it out on the other person.” You just smiled, “No really, trust me. At least I know I have before. I wondered what he had that I didn’t. If he treated her better. Then when I saw them together, it took everything I had not to go over to him. It took me a while to realize that it isn’t him who I should be upset with.” You weren’t sure what to say to that. Not until you looked into his eyes and saw the same sadness that you feel, flicker in them. “Hey, you weren’t wrong to be mad though. It is okay to be upset at someone who ruined something for you.” Then he just gave a small laugh, “I don’t think he ruined it. I think that he may have saved me from something that could have been longer and harder to deal with.” You understood. Three years of memories, that is what you had to deal with. All the moments you believed you knew the person you said that you loved, and who said that they loved you. But you didn’t say anything. He could tell what you were thinking about. And he reached out to take your hand on the table. “Maybe this happened for a reason.” A soft smile crossed your face before he leaned forward and pressed his lips to yours.

You liked him. Really liked him. And this felt right. The way his mouth was molding against yours. As if he was trying to take your pain away. You weren’t sure how long you had been making out. But then a thought crossed your mind as you both began getting more curious with your hands. You pulled away for a moment, breathless. “We never asked for names?” His hands on your waist. “Hoseok.” Another kiss. “Y/F/N.” He brought a hand up to trace the outline of your chin. “I am glad that you decided to come out tonight.” You smiled. The sincerity in his voice was evident. “Me too.” He stood up and gestured with his head to the dance floor. “Care to dance? Even for a little bit.” You took his hand and followed him to the center of the room.

There were so many people. Causing you to stay very close to Hoseok. Every touch, every movement, set your senses on fire. It might have been the alcohol, or the connection that you felt with him. But you didn’t care. No one was paying attention to you. It was as if you both were in your own world. It didn’t take long for the music to take over, and for you both to be glued to one and other. His hands began roaming down to caress your ass, pulling you closer to him. He began placing kisses down your neck, to where the straps of your dress rested. Your hand was in his hair, tangled in his dark locks. The smell of him was only making you feel that you needed him more. You brought your mouth to his ear, “Bathroom.” He looked up with a mischievous grin as you pulled him away.

Since Liz was very used to getting into these types of situations, you had heard of a single bathroom down one of the unpopulated areas of the building. Easy to get to. So, you strung him along, the lights showing the slight sheen of sweat on his brow, his collar bone. His cheeks were flush, just as you assumed yours were. Finally, you found the bathroom. Too impatient, he pushed you against the door, kissing your fiercely. Your hand felt for the doorknob and you smiled into the kiss. He picked you up, your legs wrapping around his waist as he carried you in. After he sat you on the sink, he hastily found the light switch and locked the door behind him. You whined, eager for his lips to meet yours again. But he looked into your eyes for confirmation. You nodded as you brought your hands to his belt, unclasping it as he undid the zipper. He was already hard as he pulled his pants down. His boxer briefs were next as you slid out of your already wet underwear. He took your neck and pulled you to him. Not rough enough to hurt you. You widened your legs, allowing him to do whatever he wished. His hand squeezed your thigh as he kissed you again, his tongue tangling with your own. Then you felt his fingers brush right where you needed them to. Soft moans escaped your mouth as he slid one inside of you, curving to find your weak spot. Your small shudder prompted him to insert another finger and begin thrusting them in and out. It didn’t take long until you were in shambles before him, completely and utterly his. He helped you through your release, coaxing every last sensation he could give you. You pushed into the kiss, biting his lip as you pulled away. Your hand made its way to grab his erect member. As you slid your hand up and down, the sweet sounds of him filled the room. His face contorted as you brought him closer, then he stopped you. And you aligned him perfectly, moving forward as his tip grazed your heat. You bit your own lip as he pushed himself in fully, waiting for you to nod before moving again. Each thrust deeper and quicker. He reached up to cup your breast in his hand as your lips met again. Both of you so close to climax as he picked up the pace. Rapid breathing and sweet moans were all you could hear. “There, right there.” You told him and he smiled as he did as he was told. Moments later you both released together, holding each other as you rode out the euphoria that overcame you. He pulled out and planted a long and passionate kiss on your mouth. “Would you like to come over?” His eyes full of curiosity and delight. You brought your hand to cup his cheek. “I would like nothing more.”

Both of you got redressed and tried to look presentable. He handed you some toilet paper to clean yourself off before slipping on your underwear. Your lipstick was smudged when you looked in the mirror, you turned to see his lips tinted with the same red. He laughed as he walked over to run his fingers along your lips, getting rid of the evidence of what had just occurred. You kissed him again, this time softly.

As you walked out, hand in hand, your phone chimed. You made sure to tell Liz that you were not going to be home tonight as Hoseok slid his arm around your waist. Leading you onto the next step in your new beginning.

Masterlist

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futurewriter2000 · 6 years

Text

Friends, love or nothing at all? ~ part 2

A/N: You wanted part 2, you got it. I really didn't intend to write part 2 for this imagine but since you guys wanted it I wrote it today.

Warning: I didn’t go through it so be careful for some grammar mistakes.

Part 1 Part 3

Potions. Man you hated Potions. It was not because of the subject itself nor Proffesor Slughorn, but because in Potions you had to face the boy who broke your heart.

James Potter.

Soon when the new term arrived, final year, James returned to Hogwarts with a Head Boy badge and a girl under his arms, who appeared to be the Head Girl and the girl he cheated you with. Lilly Evans.

Fantastic.

After months of seeing them together you finally got used to it. It didn't matter anymore. You couldn't avoid him and you weren't the type to hide from your ex. You simply walked in the room with your head held high, not caring if they were there.

Except you did.

You cared a lot and it bothered you seeing them giggling and kissing together. But you pretended to be fine. It hurt, but it was okay because you knew you would get through this.

So here you were. Potions.

Waiting for Proffesor Slughorn to arrive was like waiting for a snail to cross the road. Impossible. So you sat there, your hand supporting your head and your eyelids slowly closing. You were exhausted from the yesterdays party. Damn those Hufflepuffs and their crazy parties.

James was listening to Lilly babble about something and he was slowly falling asleep. Yesterdays party was so crazy he doesn't even remember half of it. Lilly didn't go to the party, thats why she was acting like a 5 year old kid on speed.

His eyes drifted to you. You were already asleep with your hand still supporting your head. Your hair was put in a messy bun amd you looked just as terrible as he did. Except he didn't see you as terrible. He saw you as the most beautiful woman, who adorably sleeps through the class while her hand is slowly sliding away from your head. Until your hand falls, your head hitting the desk and your eyes immediately open.

James quietly chuckled. You looked so adorable right now, looking around if anybody saw that. Your cheeks were red from embarrassment and you tried to hide it with letting down your hair. So adorable. Even when you were not talking to him you seemed to make him laugh.

"I appologise for my absence, class. I have been dealing with some Mandarake drama." he appologised and clapped his hands together to start the class. "You will be paired up by..." he dragged while pulling an old wizarding hat from the desk. "Desenders hat." he finished and placed it on the table. "How it works is the hat pairs you up and you pull out the piece of parchment with your partners name on it."

"Great." you sighed and dropped your head back on your arms.

When the hat arrived to your desk, you reached deeply in it and only felt one piece of parchment. You pulled the parchment out and read the name written on it. Sirius Black.

Fan-freaking-tastic.

You turned towards him only to see him smiling at you and holding up his piece oc parchment with your name on it. Rolling your eyes, you took another sigh and dropped your head back at the table.

---

Standing and counting the ingredients you could feel his eyes on you. You looked at him in the corner of your eyes to catch him watching you back. A large smirk appeared on his lips and he winled at you. Rolling your eyes again, you took another deep sigh and turned your eyes back on the ingridients.

"I get the feeling you don't like us being partnered up." he grinned.

"I don't." you replied and started preparing the cauldron.

"Ouch! I didn't know you hated me." he said overdramatically, putting his hand on his chest.

"I never said I hated you Black. I only said I don't like being paired up with you." you replied and finally turned your gaze to him.

"Oh. Why don't you like being paired up with me?" he grinned and sat on the table.

"Because all you do is check me out every 2 minutes or annoy me. Plus you broke my best friends heart and I had to deal with 3 whole packages of tissues that weekend."

"I do not check you out every two minutes." he denied.

"Don't you think I noticed you. If I wasn't James' ex you would go after me like a wolf." you smirked and walked over to him.

You stood between his legs and you moved closer. Feeling him tense up and watch his eyes stare at you lips, you looked up to him and reached your hand to his ear. The two of you were inches away and you purposely bit your lip as you saw his eyes travel from head to toe. You leaned closer to his ear and whispered. "Have to get the salt." You grabbed the salt behind him and walked back to the cauldron.

He couldn't believe it. Was he just played by a girl? "Interesting." he smiled and jumped down from the desk.

"You liked?" you smirked and continued to prepare the tools.

"I loved." he replied.

"Good. Now that this is over can you stop flirting and help me with this crap?"

And he did as you said. He was actually helping you with the potion and the two of you had fun working together.

James on the other hand couldn't take his eyes off of the two of you. Seeing you giggling and flirting with his best friend hurt. It hurt him seeing you move on. Even the thought of you with another boy hurt him.

---

The next day you woke up quite early. It was a miracle to see you up in the morning this early. So you got dressed, brushed your hair, washed your face and brushed your teeth. Since your class starts in two hours you decided to wear your normal day clothes. So instead of the usual Hogwarts uniform you put on a black trainer, T-shirt and a jacket. Just when you were about to leave you noticed a piece of paper stucked on your calendar. 'Potions report with Black.'

"Shit." you cursed as you completly forgot about that. "Eh." you added and left the room. You'll just talk to him at breakfast.

And you were meaning to. Entering the Great Hall, you started scanning the Gryffindor table for dark curly hair.

And you saw him. He was sitting next to Remus and poking his book with a fork, while James and Peter laughed.

Finding an empty seat between Remus and Sirius, you plopped yourself down and smiled. "Cao Black."

"Cao? I like that." grinned Sirius and wiggled his eyebrows at you. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"We have Potions report to do till Friday and I happened to have the most lazy partner in Hogwarts. We need to set up a study date."

"Yeah sure. Today at six in the common room.?" he asked and stuffed some eggs in his mouth.

"Yeah. I'm good." you said and got up. "And don't be late." you added before leaving towards some Hufflepuffs.

James watched you the whole time. Even now, when you were gone, his eyes were glued to you. You didn't even bothered to look at him nor to say hi. It sucked and it hurt. He didn't like the two of you being distant from eachother. He might be with Lilly right now but he still loved you.

---

It was 5 o'clock in the afternoon and you had nothing better to do than sit on the armchair and read. It was a terrible book to be honest. It talked about a girl who seemed to have the worst luck in the world. A girl whose first love turned into disappointment, a wife whose husband lost job and started drinking and a mother whose kids have died in the end. Terrible.

"Hey." said James standing in front of you.

You didn't even noticed him coming. This book was not even a good book and you seemed to get pulled into it.

"Hey." you replied and glanced up.

"I need to talk to you."

You closed your book and threw it on the desk. "Go for it."

"What are we excatly?" he asked sitting on the sofa next to you.

"What do you mean?"

"Are we friends, are we strangers or are we nothing at all?"

"James.." you sighed and turned your whole body towards him.

"Because I know you since I was 7 years old and you are really important to me (y/n). I can't live without you not even trying to look at me. I really don't want us to be strangers (y/n), hell I don't even think if I want us to be friends."

"What do you mean?" you preplexed and shot him a clueless look.

"What I did last year, cheating on you with Lilly, was the biggest mistake in my life. I hate myself for doing that. I hate seeing you with Sirius and flirting right in front of me. I hate not having you around. You make me laugh and happy. With you everything is just better. "

"Why are you telling me this? Why now? Why when I have finally decided to move on from you?"

"Because... I don't want you to move on from me. I want you to be with me. I love you (y/n)."

"You are so selfish James. You broke my heart on our anniversary and expect me to forgive you for that?" you yelled, standing up and grabbing your book. "Bye James."

"I have the necklace!" he shouted from behind and pulled out a silver necklace with stag horns. "I never took it off. Ever." he added and walked over to you.

You turned around, tears rolling down your cheeks as you looked at the boy who broke your heart. " You hu-hurt me." you stuttered.

"I know. I didn't mean to. I was a stupid and selfish piece of shit." he cried, feeling his eyes tear up. He cupped your chin and brushed the tears away from your cheeks. "But please believe me when I say that I love you. I love you (y/n)(y/l/n) and I will always love you."

"If I see you talking to another girl I cut you." you threatned with your shakey voice.

"You're the only girl want to talk to." he smiled and brushed his thumbs against your cheeks.

"I hate you so much for doing this to me." you continued.

"I hate myself too."

"If I say I love you, we'll start over? New chapter?"

"A whole new book?" he smiled through tears.

You pulled him down and pressed your lips against his. After a long and pasionate kiss filled with all sorts of emotions, you pulled away and looked up in those hazel eyes of his you thought you'd never see again. "I love you James Potter."

#james potter imagine #james potter x reader #sirius black imagine #sirius x reader #sirius black x reader #james potter #remus lupin #sirius black #the marauders #marauders #marauders imagine

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nehigrape · 3 years

Text

Silent Snow, Secret Snow

Silent Snow, Secret Snow by Conrad Aiken

Just why it should have happened, or why it should have happened just when it did, he could not, of course, possibly have said; nor perhaps could it even have occurred to him to ask. The thing was above all a secret, something to be preciously concealed from Mother and Father; and to that very fact it owed an enormous part of its deliciousness. It was like a peculiarly beautiful trinket to be carried unmentioned in one's trouser-pocket — a rare stamp, an old coin, a few tiny gold links found trodden out of shape on the path in the park, a pebble of carnelian, a sea shell distinguishable from all others by an unusual spot or stripe — and, as if it were any one of these, he carried around with him everywhere a warm and persistent and increasingly beautiful sense of possession. Nor was it only a sense of possession — it was also a sense of protection. It was as if, in some delightful way, his secret gave him a fortress, a wall behind which he could retreat into heavenly seclusion. This was almost the first thing he had noticed about it — apart from the oddness of the thing itself — and it was this that now again, for the fiftieth time, occurred to him, as he sat in the little schoolroom. It was the half hour for geography. Miss Buell was revolving with one finger, slowly, a huge terrestrial globe which had been placed on her desk. The green and yellow continents passed and repassed, questions were asked and answered, and now the little girl in front of him, Deirdre, who had a funny little constellation of freckles on the back of her neck, exactly like the Big Dipper, was standing up and telling Miss Buell that the equator was the line that ran round the middle.

Miss Buell's face, which was old and grayish and kindly, with gray stiff curls beside the cheeks, and eyes that swam very brightly, like little minnows, behind thick glasses, wrinkled itself into a complication of amusements.

"Ah! I see. The earth is wearing a belt, or a sash. Or someone drew a line round it!"

"Oh, no — not that — I mean — "

In the general laughter, he did not share, or only a very little. He was thinking about the Arctic and Antarctic regions, which of course, on the globe, were white. Miss Buell was now telling them about the tropics, the jungles, the steamy heat of equatorial swamps, where the birds and butterflies, and even the snakes, were like living jewels. As he listened to these things, he was already, with a pleasant sense of half-effort, putting his secret between himself and the words. Was it really an effort at all? For effort implied something voluntary, and perhaps even something one did not especially want; whereas this was distinctly pleasant, and came almost of its own accord. All he needed to do was to think of that morning, the first one, and then of all the others —

But it was all so absurdly simple! It had amounted to so little. It was nothing, just an idea — and just why it should have become so wonderful, so permanent, was a mystery — a very pleasant one, to be sure, but also, in an amusing way, foolish. However, without ceasing to listen to Miss Buell, who had now moved up to the north temperate zone, he deliberately invited his memory of the first morning. It was only a moment or two after he had waked up — or perhaps the moment itself. But was there, to be exact, an exact moment? Was one awake all at once? Or was it gradual? Anyway, it was after he had stretched a lazy hand up towards the headrail, and yawned, and then relaxed again among his warm covers, all the more grateful on a December morning, that the thing had happened. Suddenly, for no reason, he had thought of the postman, he remembered the postman.

Perhaps there was nothing so odd in that. After all, he heard the postman almost every morning in his life — his heavy boots could be heard clumping round the corner at the top of the little cobbled hill-street, and then, progressively nearer, progressively louder, the double knock at each door, the crossings and re-crossings of the street, till finally the clumsy steps came stumbling across to the very door, and the tremendous knock came which shook the house itself.

(Miss Buell was saying "Vast wheat-growing areas in North America and Siberia."

Deirdre had for the moment placed her left hand across the back of her neck.)

But on this particular morning, the first morning, as he lay there with his eyes closed, he had for some reason waited for the postman. He wanted to hear him come round the corner. And that was precisely the joke — he never did. He never came. He never had come — round the corner — again. For when at last the steps were heard, they had already, he was quite sure, come a little down the hill, to the first house; and even so, the steps were curiously different — they were softer, they had a new secrecy about them, they were muffled and indistinct; and while the rhythm of them was the same, it now said a new thing — it said peace, it said remoteness, it said cold, it said sleep. And he had understood the situation at once — nothing could have seemed simpler — there had been snow in the night, such as all winter he had been longing for; and it was this which had rendered the postman's first footsteps inaudible, and the later ones faint. Of course! How lovely! And even now it must be snowing — it was going to be a snowy day — the long white ragged lines were drifting and sifting across the street, across the faces of the old houses, whispering and hushing, making little triangles of white in the corners between cobblestones, seething a little when the wind blew them over the ground to a drifted corner; and so it would be all day, getting deeper and deeper and silenter and silenter.

(Miss Buell was saying "Land of perpetual snow.")

All this time, of course (while he lay in bed), he had kept his eyes closed, listening to the nearer progress of the postman, the muffled footsteps thumping and slipping on the snow-sheathed cobbles; and all the other sounds — the double knocks, a frosty far-off voice or two, a bell ringing thinly and softly as if under a sheet of ice — had the same slightly abstracted quality, as if removed by one degree from actuality — as if everything in the world had been insulated by snow. But when at last, pleased, he opened his eyes, and turned them towards the window, to see for himself this long-desired and now so clearly imagined miracle — what he saw instead was brilliant sunlight on a roof; and when, astonished, he jumped out of bed and stared down into the street, expecting to see the cobbles obliterated by the snow, he saw nothing but the bare bright cobbles themselves.

Queer, the effect this extraordinary surprise had had upon him — all the following morning he had kept with him a sense as of snow falling about him, a secret screen of new snow between himself and the world. If he had not dreamed such a thing — and how could he have dreamed it while awake? — how else could one explain it? In any case, the delusion had been so vivid as to affect his entire behavior. He could not now remember whether it was on the first or the second morning — or was it even the third? — that his mother had drawn attention to some oddness in his manner.

"But my darling" — she had said at the breakfast table — "what has come over you? You don't seem to be listening. . . ." And how often that very thing had happened since! (Miss Buell was now asking if anyone knew the difference between the North Pole and the Magnetic Pole. Deirdre was holding up her flickering brown hand, and he could see the four white dimples that marked the knuckles.)

Perhaps it hadn't been either the second or third morning — or even the fourth or fifth. How could he be sure? How could he be sure just when the delicious progress had become clear? Just when it had really begun? The intervals weren't very precise. . . . All he now knew was, that at some point or other — perhaps the second day, perhaps the sixth — he had noticed that the presence of the snow was a little more insistent, the sound of it clearer; and, conversely, the sound of the postman's footsteps more indistinct. Not only could he not hear the steps come round the corner, he could not even hear them at the first house. It was below the first house that he heard them; and then, a few days later, it was below the second house that he heard them; and a few days later again, below the third. Gradually, gradually, the snow was becoming heavier, the sound of its seething louder, the cobblestones more and more muffled. When he found, each morning, on going to the window, after the ritual of listening, that the roofs and cobbles were as bare as ever, it made no difference. This was, after all, only what he had expected. It was even what pleased him, what rewarded him: the thing was his own, belonged to no one else. No one else knew about it, not even his mother and father. There, outside, were the bare cobbles; and here, inside, was the snow. Snow growing heavier each day, muffling the world, hiding the ugly, and deadening increasingly — above all — the steps of the postman.

"But my darling" — she had said at the luncheon table — "what has come over you? You don't seem to listen when people speak to you. That's the third time I've asked you to pass your plate. . . ."

How was one to explain this to Mother? or to Father? There was, of course, nothing to be done about it: nothing. All one could do was to laugh embarrassedly, pretend to be a little ashamed, apologize, and take a sudden and somewhat disingenuous interest in what was being done or said. The cat had stayed out all night. He had a curious swelling on his left cheek — perhaps somebody had kicked him, or a stone had struck him. Mrs. Kempton was or was not coming to tea. The house was going to be house cleaned, or "turned out," on Wednesday instead of Friday. A new lamp was provided for his evening work — perhaps it was eyestrain which accounted for this new and so peculiar vagueness of his — Mother was looking at him with amusement as she said this, but with something else as well. A new lamp? A new lamp. Yes Mother, No Mother, Yes Mother. School is going very well. The geometry is very easy. The history is very dull. The geography is very interesting — particularly when it takes one to the North Pole. Why the North Pole? Oh, well, it would be fun to be an explorer. Another Peary or Scott or Shackleton. And then abruptly he found his interest in the talk at an end, stared at the pudding on his plate, listened, waited, and began once more — ah, how heavenly, too, the first beginnings — to hear or feel — for could he actually hear it? — the silent snow, the secret snow.

(Miss Buell was telling them about the search for the Northwest Passage, about Hendrik Hudson, the Half Moon.)

This had been, indeed, the only distressing feature of the new experience: the fact that it so increasingly had brought him into a kind of mute misunderstanding, or even conflict, with his father and mother. It was as if he were trying to lead a double life. On the one hand he had to be Paul Hasleman, and keep up the appearance of being that person — dress, wash, and answer intelligently when spoken to — ; on the other, he had to explore this new world which had been opened to him. Nor could there be the slightest doubt — not the slightest — that the new world was the profounder and more wonderful of the two. It was irresistible. It was miraculous. Its beauty was simply beyond anything — beyond speech as beyond thought — utterly incommunicable. But how then, between the two worlds, of which he was thus constantly aware, was he to keep a balance? One must get up, one must go to breakfast, one must talk with Mother, go to school, do one's lessons — and, in all this, try not to appear too much of a fool. But if all the while one was also trying to extract the full deliciousness of another and quite separate existence, one which could not easily (if at all) be spoken of — how was one to manage? How was one to explain? Would it be safe to explain? Would it be absurd? Would it merely mean that he would get into some obscure kind of trouble?

These thoughts came and went, came and went, as softly and secretly as the snow; they were not precisely a disturbance, perhaps they were even a pleasure; he liked to have them; their presence was something almost palpable, something he could stroke with his hand, without closing his eyes, and without ceasing to see Miss Buell and the schoolroom and the globe and the freckles on Deirdre's neck; nevertheless he did in a sense cease to see, or to see the obvious external world, and substituted for this vision the vision of snow, the sound of snow, and the slow, almost soundless, approach of the postman. Yesterday, it had been only at the sixth house that the postman had become audible; the snow was much deeper now, it was falling more swiftly and heavily, the sound of its seething was more distinct, more soothing, more persistent. And this morning, it had been — as nearly as he could figure — just above the seventh house — perhaps only a step or two above: at most, he had heard two or three footsteps before the knock had sounded. . . . And with each such narrowing of the sphere, each nearer approach of the limit at which the postman was first audible, it was odd how sharply was increased the amount of illusion which had to be carried into the ordinary business of daily life. Each day it was harder to get out of bed, to go to the window, to look out at the — as always — perfectly empty and snowless street. Each day it was more difficult to go through the perfunctory motions of greeting Mother and Father at breakfast, to reply to their questions, to put his books together and go to school. And at school, how extraordinarily hard to conduct with success simultaneously the public life and the life that was secret. There were times when he longed — positively ached — to tell everyone about it — to burst out with it — only to be checked almost at once by a far-off feeling as of some faint absurdity which was inherent in it — but was it absurd? — and more importantly by a sense of mysterious power in his very secrecy. Yes: it must be kept secret. That, more and more, became clear. At whatever cost to himself, whatever pain to others —

(Miss Buell looked straight at him, smiling, and said, "Perhaps we'll ask Paul. I'm sure Paul will come out of his day-dream long enough to be able to tell us. Won't you, Paul?" He rose slowly from his chair, resting one hand on the brightly varnished desk, and deliberately stared through the snow towards the blackboard. It was an effort, but it was amusing to make it. "Yes," he said slowly, "it was what we now call the Hudson River. This he thought to be the Northwest Passage. He was disappointed." He sat down again, and as he did so Deirdre half turned in her chair and gave him a shy smile, of approval and admiration.)

At whatever pain to others.

This part of it was very puzzling, very puzzling. Mother was very nice, and so was Father. Yes, that was all true enough. He wanted to be nice to them, to tell them everything — and yet, was it really wrong of him to want to have a secret place of his own?

At bedtime, the night before, Mother had said, "If this goes on, my lad, we'll have to see a doctor, we will! We can't have our boy — " But what was it she had said? "Live in another world"? "Live so far away"? The word "far" had been in it, he was sure, and then Mother had taken up a magazine again and laughed a little, but with an expression which wasn't mirthful. He had felt sorry for her. . . .

The bell rang for dismissal. The sound came to him through long curved parallels of falling snow. He saw Deirdre rise, and had himself risen almost as soon — but not quite as soon — as she.

On the walk homeward, which was timeless, it pleased him to see through the accompaniment, or counterpoint, of snow, the items of mere externality on his way. There were many kinds of bricks in the sidewalks, and laid in many kinds of pattern. The garden walls too were various, some of wooden palings, some of plaster, some of stone. Twigs of bushes leaned over the walls; the little hard green winter-buds of lilac, on gray stems, sheathed and fat; other branches very thin and fine and black and desiccated. Dirty sparrows huddled in the bushes, as dull in color as dead fruit left in leafless trees. A single starling creaked on a weather vane. In the gutter, beside a drain, was a scrap of torn and dirty newspaper, caught in a little delta of filth: the word ECZEMA appeared in large capitals, and below it was a letter from Mrs. Amelia D. Cravath, 2100 Pine Street, Fort Worth, Texas, to the effect that after being a sufferer for years she had been cured by Caley's Ointment. In the little delta, beside the fan-shaped and deeply runneled continent of brown mud, were lost twigs, descended from their parent trees, dead matches, a rusty horse-chestnut burr, a small concentration of sparkling gravel on the lip of the sewer, a fragment of eggshell, a streak of yellow sawdust which had been wet and was now dry and congealed, a brown pebble, and a broken feather. Further on was a cement sidewalk, ruled into geometrical parallelograms, with a brass inlay at one end commemorating the contractors who had laid it, and, halfway across, an irregular and random series of dog-tracks, immortalized in synthetic stone. He knew these well, and always stepped on them; to cover the little hollows with his own foot had always been a queer pleasure; today he did it once more, but perfunctorily and detachedly, all the while thinking of something else. That was a dog, a long time ago, who had made a mistake and walked on the cement while it was still wet. He had probably wagged his tail, but that hadn't been recorded. Now, Paul Hasleman, aged twelve, on his way home from school, crossed the same river, which in the meantime had frozen into rock. Homeward through the snow, the snow falling in bright sunshine. Homeward?

Then came the gateway with the two posts surmounted by egg-shaped stones which had been cunningly balanced on their ends, as if by Columbus, and mortared in the very act of balance: a source of perpetual wonder. On the brick wall just beyond, the letter H had been stenciled, presumably for some purpose. H? H.

The green hydrant, with a little green-painted chain attached to the brass screw-cap.

The elm tree, with the great gray wound in the bark, kidney-shaped, into which he always put his hand — to feel the cold but living wood. The injury, he had been sure, was due to the gnawings of a tethered horse. But now it deserved only a passing palm, a merely tolerant eye. There were more important things. Miracles. Beyond the thoughts of trees, mere elms. Beyond the thoughts of sidewalks, mere stone, mere brick, mere cement. Beyond the thoughts even of his own shoes, which trod these sidewalks obediently, bearing a burden — far above — of elaborate mystery. He watched them. They were not very well polished; he had neglected them, for a very good reason: they were one of the many parts of the increasing difficulty of the daily return to daily life, the morning struggle. To get up, having at last opened one's eyes, to go to the window, and discover no snow, to wash, to dress, to descend the curving stairs to breakfast —

At whatever pain to others, nevertheless, one must persevere in severance, since the incommunicability of the experience demanded it. It was desirable of course to be kind to Mother and Father, especially as they seemed to be worried, but it was also desirable to be resolute. If they should decide — as appeared likely — to consult the doctor, Doctor Howells, and have Paul inspected, his heart listened to through a kind of dictaphone, his lungs, his stomach — well, that was all right. He would go through with it. He would give them answer for question, too — perhaps such answers as they hadn't expected? No. That would never do. For the secret world must, at all costs, be preserved.

The bird-house in the apple-tree was empty — it was the wrong time of year for wrens. The little round black door had lost its pleasure. The wrens were enjoying other houses, other nests, remoter trees. But this too was a notion which he only vaguely and grazingly entertained — as if, for the moment, he merely touched an edge of it; there was something further on, which was already assuming a sharper importance; something which already teased at the corners of his eyes, teasing also at the corner of his mind. It was funny to think that he so wanted this, so awaited it — and yet found himself enjoying this momentary dalliance with the bird-house, as if for a quite deliberate postponement and enhancement of the approaching pleasure. He was aware of his delay, of his smiling and detached and now almost uncomprehending gaze at the little bird-house; he knew what he was going to look at next: it was his own little cobbled hill-street, his own house, the little river at the bottom of the hill, the grocer's shop with the cardboard man in the window — and now, thinking of all this, he turned his head, still smiling, and looking quickly right and left through the snow-laden sunlight.

And the mist of snow, as he had foreseen, was still on it — a ghost of snow falling in the bright sunlight, softly and steadily floating and turning and pausing, soundlessly meeting the snow that covered, as with a transparent mirage, the bare bright cobbles. He loved it — he stood still and loved it. Its beauty was paralyzing — beyond all words, all experience, all dream. No fairy-story he had ever read could be compared with it — none had ever given him this extraordinary combination of ethereal loveliness with a something else, unnameable, which was just faintly and deliciously terrifying. What was this thing? As he thought of it, he looked upward toward his own bedroom window, which was open — and it was as if he looked straight into the room and saw himself lying half awake in his bed. There he was — at this very instant he was still perhaps actually there — more truly there than standing here at the edge of the cobbled hill-street, with one hand lifted to shade his eyes against the snow-sun. Had he indeed ever left his room, in all this time? since that very first morning? Was the whole progress still being enacted there, was it still the same morning, and himself not yet wholly awake? And even now, had the postman not yet come round the corner? . . .

This idea amused him, and automatically, as he thought of it, he turned his head and looked toward the top of the hill. There was, of course, nothing there — nothing and no one. The street was empty and quiet. And all the more because of its emptiness it occurred to him to count the houses — a thing which, oddly enough, he hadn't before thought of doing. Of course, he had known there weren't many — many, that is, on his own side of the street, which were the ones that figured in the postman's progress — but nevertheless it came to him as something of a shock to find that there were precisely six, above his own house — his own house was the seventh.

Six!

Astonished, he looked at his own house — looked at the door, on which was the number thirteen — and then realized that the whole thing was exactly and logically and absurdly what he ought to have known. Just the same, the realization gave him abruptly, and even a little frighteningly, a sense of hurry. He was being hurried — he was being rushed. For — he knit his brows — he couldn't be mistaken — it was just above the seventh house, his own house, that the postman had first been audible this very morning. But in that case — in that case — did it mean that tomorrow he would hear nothing? The knock he had heard must have been the knock of their own door. Did it mean — and this was an idea which gave him a really extraordinary feeling of surprise — that he would never hear the postman again? — that tomorrow morning the postman would already have passed the house, in a snow by then so deep as to render his footsteps completely inaudible? That he would have made his approach down the snow-filled street so soundlessly, so secretly, that he, Paul Hasleman, there lying in bed, would not have waked in time, or, waking, would have heard nothing?

But how could that be? Unless even the knocker should be muffled in the snow — frozen tight, perhaps? . . . But in that case —

A vague feeling of disappointment came over him; a vague sadness, as if he felt himself deprived of something which he had long looked forward to, something much prized. After all this, all this beautiful progress, the slow delicious advance of the postman through the silent and secret snow, the knock creeping closer each day, and the footsteps nearer, the audible compass of the world thus daily narrowed, narrowed, narrowed, as the snow soothingly and beautifully encroached and deepened, after all this, was he to be defrauded of the one thing he had so wanted — to be able to count, as it were, the last two or three solemn footsteps, as they finally approached his own door? Was it all going to happen, at the end, so suddenly? or indeed, had it already happened? with no slow and subtle gradations of menace, in which he could luxuriate?

He gazed upward again, toward his own window which flashed in the sun: and this time almost with a feeling that it would be better if he were still in bed, in that room; for in that case this must still be the first morning, and there would be six more mornings to come — or, for that matter, seven or eight or nine — how could he be sure? — or even more.

III

After supper, the inquisition began. He stood before the doctor, under the lamp, and submitted silently to the usual thumpings and tappings.

"Now will you please say 'Ah!'?"

"Ah!"

"Now again please, if you don't mind."

"Ah."

"Say it slowly, and hold it if you can — "

"Ah-h-h-h-h-h — "

"Good."

How silly all this was. As if it had anything to do with his throat! Or his heart or lungs!

Relaxing his mouth, of which the corners, after all this absurd stretching, felt uncomfortable, he avoided the doctor's eyes, and started towards the fireplace, past his mother's feet (in gray slippers) which projected from the green chair, and his father's feet (in brown slippers) which stood neatly side by side on the hearth rug.

"Hm. There is certainly nothing wrong there . . ."

He felt the doctor's eyes fixed upon him, and, as if merely to be polite, returned the look, but with a feeling of justifiable evasiveness.

"Now, young man, tell me, — do you feel all right?"

"Yes, sir, quite all right."

"No headaches? No dizziness?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Let me see. Let's get a book, if you don't mind — yes, thank you, that will do splendidly — and now, Paul, if you'll just read it, holding it as you would normally hold it — "

He took the book and read:

"And another praise have I to tell for this the city our mother, the gift of a great god, a glory of the land most high; the might of horses, the might of young horses, the might of the sea. . . . For thou, son of Cronus, our lord Poseidon, hast throned herein this pride, since in these roads first thou didst show forth the curb that cures the rage of steeds. And the shapely oar, apt to men's hands, hath a wondrous speed on the brine, following the hundred-footed Nereids. . . . O land that art praised above all lands, now is it for thee to make those bright praises seen in deeds."

He stopped, tentatively, and lowered the heavy book.

"No — as I thought — there is certainly no superficial sign of eye-strain."

Silence thronged the room, and he was aware of the focused scrutiny of the three people who confronted him. . . .

"We could have his eyes examined — but I believe it is something else."

"What could it be?" This was his father's voice.

"It's only this curious absent-minded — " This was his mother's voice.

In the presence of the doctor, they both seemed irritatingly apologetic.

"I believe it is something else. Now, Paul — I would like very much to ask you a question or two. You will answer them, won't you — you know I'm an old, old friend of yours, eh? That's right! . . ."

His back was thumped twice by the doctor's fat fist — then the doctor was grinning at him with false amiability, while with one finger-nail he was scratching the top button of his waistcoat. Beyond the doctor's shoulder was the fire, the fingers of flame making light prestidigitation against the sooty fireback, the soft sound of their random flutter the only sound.

"I would like to know — is there anything that worries you?"

The doctor was again smiling, his eyelids low against the little black pupils, in each of which was a tiny white bead of light. Why answer him? Why answer him at all? "At whatever pain to others" — but it was all a nuisance, this necessity for resistance, this necessity for attention: it was as if one had been stood up on a brilliantly lighted stage, under a great round blaze of spotlight; as if one were merely a trained seal, or a performing dog, or a fish, dipped out of an aquarium and held up by the tail. It would serve them right if he were merely to bark or growl. And meanwhile, to miss these last few precious hours, these hours of which every minute was more beautiful than the last, more menacing — ? He still looked, as if from a great distance, at the beads of light in the doctor's eyes, at the fixed false smile, and then, beyond, once more at his mother's slippers, his father's slippers, the soft flutter of the fire. Even here, even amongst these hostile presences, and in this arranged light, he could see the snow, he could hear it — it was in the corners of the room, where the shadow was deepest, under the sofa, behind the half-opened door which led to the dining room. It was gentler here, softer, its seethe the quietest of whispers, as if, in deference to a drawing room, it had quite deliberately put on its "manners"; it kept itself out of sight, obliterated itself, but distinctly with an air of saying, "Ah, but just wait! Wait till we are alone together! Then I will begin to tell you something new! Something white! something cold! something sleepy! something of cease, and peace, and the long bright curve of space! Tell them to go away. Banish them. Refuse to speak. Leave them, go upstairs to your room, turn out the light and get into bed — I will go with you, I will be waiting for you, I will tell you a better story than Little Kay of the Skates, or The Snow Ghost — I will surround your bed, I will close the windows, pile a deep drift against the door, so that none will ever again be able to enter. Speak to them! . . ." It seemed as if the little hissing voice came from a slow white spiral of falling flakes in the corner by the front window — but he could not be sure. He felt himself smiling, then, and said to the doctor, but without looking at him, looking beyond him still —

"Oh, no, I think not — "

"But are you sure, my boy?"

His father's voice came softly and coldly then — the familiar voice of silken warning. . . .

"You needn't answer at once, Paul — remember we're trying to help you — think it over and be quite sure, won't you?"

He felt himself smiling again, at the notion of being quite sure. What a joke! As if he weren't so sure that reassurance was no longer necessary, and all this cross-examination a ridiculous farce, a grotesque parody! What could they know about it? These gross intelligences, these humdrum minds so bound to the usual, the ordinary? Impossible to tell them about it! Why, even now, even now, with the proof so abundant, so formidable, so imminent, so appallingly present here in this very room, could they believe it? — could even his mother believe it? No — it was only too plain that if anything were said about it, the merest hint given, they would be incredulous — they would laugh — they would say "Absurd!" — think things about him which weren't true. . . .

"Why no, I'm not worried — why should I be?"

He looked then straight at the doctor's low-lidded eyes, looked from one of them to the other, from one bead of light to the other, and gave a little laugh.

The doctor seemed to be disconcerted by this. He drew back in his chair, resting a fat white hand on either knee. The smile faded slowly from his face.

"Well, Paul!" he said, and paused gravely, "I'm afraid you don't take this quite seriously enough. I think you perhaps don't quite realize — don't quite realize — " He took a deep quick breath, and turned, as if helpless, at a loss for words, to the others. But Mother and Father were both silent — no help was forthcoming.

"You must surely know, be aware, that you have not been quite yourself, of late? Don't you know that? . . ."

It was amusing to watch the doctor's renewed attempt at a smile, a queer disorganized look, as of confidential embarrassment.

"I feel all right, sir," he said, and again gave the little laugh.

"And we're trying to help you." The doctor's tone sharpened.

"Yes, sir, I know. But why? I'm all right. I'm just thinking, that's all."

His mother made a quick movement forward, resting a hand on the back of the doctor's chair.

"Thinking?" she said. "But my dear, about what?"

This was a direct challenge — and would have to be directly met. But before he met it, he looked again into the corner by the door, as if for reassurance. He smiled again at what he saw, at what he heard. The little spiral was still there, still softly whirling, like the ghost of a white kitten chasing the ghost of a white tail, and making as it did so the faintest of whispers. It was all right! If only he could remain firm, everything was going to be all right.

"Oh, about anything, about nothing, — you know the way you do!"

"You mean — day-dreaming?"

"Oh, no — thinking!"

"But thinking about what?"

"Anything."

He laughed a third time — but this time, happening to glance upward towards his mother's face, he was appalled at the effect his laughter seemed to have upon her. Her mouth had opened in an expression of horror. . . . This was too bad! Unfortunate! He had known it would cause pain, of course — but he hadn't expected it to be quite so bad as this. Perhaps — perhaps if he just gave them a tiny gleaming hint — ?

"About the snow," he said.

"What on earth!" This was his father's voice. The brown slippers came a step nearer on the hearth-rug.

"But my dear, what do you mean!" This was his mother's voice.

The doctor merely stared.

"Just snow, that's all. I like to think about it."

"Tell us about it, my boy."

"But that's all it is. There's nothing to tell. You know what snow is."

This he said almost angrily, for he felt that they were trying to corner him. He turned sideways so as no longer to face the doctor, and the better to see the inch of blackness between the window-sill and the lowered curtains, — the cold inch of beckoning and delicious night. At once he felt better, more assured.

"Mother — can I go to bed, now, please? I've got a headache."

"But I thought you said — "

"It's just come. It's all these questions — ! Can I, Mother?"

"You can go as soon as the doctor has finished."

"Don't you think this thing ought to be gone into thoroughly, and now?" This was Father's voice. The brown slippers again came a step nearer, the voice was the well-known "punishment" voice, resonant and cruel.

"Oh, what's the use, Norman — "

Quite suddenly, everyone was silent. And without precisely facing them, nevertheless he was aware that all three of them were watching him with an extraordinary intensity — staring hard at him — as if he had done something monstrous, or was himself some kind of monster. He could hear the soft irregular flutter of the flames; the cluck-click-cluck-click of the clock; far and faint, two sudden spurts of laughter from the kitchen, as quickly cut off as begun; a murmur of water in the pipes; and then, the silence seemed to deepen, to spread out, to become worldlong and worldwide, to become timeless and shapeless, and to center inevitably and rightly, with a slow and sleepy but enormous concentration of all power, on the beginning of a new sound. What this new sound was going to be, he knew perfectly well. It might begin with a hiss, but it would end with a roar — there was no time to lose — he must escape. It mustn't happen here —

Without another word, he turned and ran up the stairs.

Not a moment too soon. The darkness was coming in long white waves. A prolonged sibilance filled the night — a great seamless seethe of wild influence went abruptly across it — a cold low humming shook the windows. He shut the door and flung off his clothes in the dark. The bare black floor was like a little raft tossed in waves of snow, almost overwhelmed, washed under whitely, up again, smothered in curled billows of feather. The snow was laughing: it spoke from all sides at once: it pressed closer to him as he ran and jumped exulting into his bed.

"Listen to us!" it said. "Listen! We have come to tell you the story we told you about. You remember? Lie down. Shut your eyes, now — you will no longer see much — in this white darkness who could see, or want to see? We will take the place of everything. . . . Listen — "

A beautiful varying dance of snow began at the front of the room, came forward and then retreated, flattened out toward the floor, then rose fountain-like to the ceiling, swayed, recruited itself from a new stream of flakes which poured laughing in through the humming window, advanced again, lifted long white arms. It said peace, it said remoteness, it said cold — it said —

But then a gash of horrible light fell brutally across the room from the opening door — the snow drew back hissing — something alien had come into the room — something hostile. This thing rushed at him, clutched at him, shook him — and he was not merely horrified, he was filled with such a loathing as he had never known. What was this? this cruel disturbance? this act of anger and hate? It was as if he had to reach up a hand toward another world for any understanding of it — an effort of which he was only barely capable. But of that other world he still remembered just enough to know the exorcising words. They tore themselves from his other life suddenly —

"Mother! Mother! Go away! I hate you!"

And with that effort, everything was solved, everything became all right: the seamless hiss advanced once more, the long white wavering lines rose and fell like enormous whispering sea-waves, the whisper becoming louder, the laughter more numerous.

"Listen!" it said. "We'll tell you the last, the most beautiful and secret story — shut your eyes — it is a very small story — a story that gets smaller and smaller — it comes inward instead of opening like a flower — it is a flower becoming a seed — a little cold seed — do you hear? We are leaning closer to you — "

The hiss was now becoming a roar — the whole world was a vast moving screen of snow — but even now it said peace, it said remoteness, it said cold, it said sleep.

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lady-divine-writes · 6 years

Text

Klaine one-shot - “Dangerous Liaisons” (Rated NC17)

Blaine has a secret he's keeping from Kurt. During what should be a normal Friday night dinner with friends and family, Blaine plans something that might literally change everything. (2768 words)

A/N: This is a re-write featuring contract killer!Blaine. Mention of blood and killing, but nothing too gory. It's funny in a dark sort of way. I hope you enjoy it <3

Notes:

Read on AO3.

The oven timer goes off just as Kurt positions a piece of lavender fondant over the second tier of a five tiered maple walnut cake – Burt Hummel’s absolute favorite. But this version Kurt made with only egg whites to cut down on the cholesterol and applesauce instead of sugar. This way his father can indulge without going off his diet.

Kurt, too.

“Blaine! Honey!” Kurt calls, carefully laying the fondant down. He frowns when all that answers him is silence. “Blaine! Can you come in here and help me please?”

Footsteps clamor down the staircase that leads from the upper level to the living room. Half a second later, Blaine races in, dressed for dinner in slate grey slacks and a white, button-down shirt. The door swings on its hinges as he crosses the kitchen and grabs a set of pot holders hanging off the knob handle of one of the cabinets.

“Upper oven or lower oven?” he asks, dancing in front of the glass doors.

“Upper.” Kurt sighs with deep, spiritual satisfaction as the fondant drapes perfectly. “The pinwheels are ready.”

“You made pinwheels?” Blaine giggles with childish glee. “You know they’re my favorite!”

Blaine slips the quilted pot holders on his hands and pulls the top oven door open. He breathes in as a wave of hot air sweeps over him, carrying with it the savory smell of filet mignon stuffed with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach – a Kurt Hummel specialty. Kurt’s pinwheels are a linchpin in their relationship. They end fights and mend fences. Kurt and Blaine celebrate every birthday/(anti)Valentine’s Day/Christmas/Arbor Day with them. His pinwheels are one of the reasons Blaine fell in love with Kurt; not that Blaine hadn’t been completely head-over-heels the moment he saw Kurt on that fated subway ride in Manhattan more than three years ago, but this dish – this delectable, mouthwatering dish – played a big part in winning Blaine Anderson’s heart.

“Well, you said to pull out all the stops.” Kurt grabs a dish towel off the counter and wipes a sheen of sweat off his forehead. He watches Blaine balance the cookie sheet of pinwheels, looking left and right for a place to set them down. Kurt gestures to the burner covers on the stove top. “This has to be the most elaborate Friday night dinner we’ve ever planned.”

“Speaking of” - Blaine sets the hot tray down – “I have to run out really quick. I forgot to get something.”

Kurt cocks his hip and tilts his head, crossing his arms over his chest, and Blaine knows he’s in for it.

“Blaine Anderson! Everyone’s going to be here in a little less than an hour, and I haven’t even gotten dressed yet!”

“You’ll pull it off. You’re a miracle worker.”

Blaine winks. Kurt rolls his eyes and returns to his cake.

“Fine, but if I’m covered in fondant when everyone arrives, I’ll blame you.”

“Please do.” Blaine comes up behind Kurt and kisses down his neck. “Then they won’t argue when I carry you away and nibble it off.”

Kurt tries not to giggle, but he can’t help it, the image of Blaine eating lavender-tinted fondant off of his naked body both erotic and hilarious … though hilarious is winning.

“Fine, fine.” Kurt waves a hand to dismiss his boyfriend before he starts sucking on his neck and leaving marks Kurt will never have enough time to cover up. “Just be quick about it.”

“Super quick. I promise,” Blaine says, swatting Kurt on the ass as he backs away and heads out the door.

“And pick up another bottle of wine while you’re out,” Kurt calls after him.

“Red or white?”

“Red!”

Kurt sighs, looking down the length of his kitchen counter, piled high with half-decorated cookies, a pan of rising bread dough, and tray after tray of appetizers.

“Jerk,” he mutters under his breath, returning to his task with a grin growing hot on his face at the thought of what else he could get Blaine to eat off his body.

***

Blaine slips on black leather gloves as he rushes down Broadway, cutting through back alleys and keeping to the shadows to avoid being noticed. But the cloak-and-dagger stuff isn’t necessary. The sidewalks are packed with people too wrapped up in their own lives to notice another businessman in a long, black coat walking among the crowd. He keeps his coat collar popped and his eyes lowered as he weaves in and out of mobs waiting at the corners for the lights to change or huddled near a bus stop, gathered around the metal overhang to avoid the light rain that’s started to fall.

The crowd thins in the direction Blaine’s going, and he smiles.

Perfect.

He creeps behind a corner, ducking into a sheltered spot with a clear view of the store door. He sticks close to the brick wall and waits.

Any minute now, he’ll get what he came for.

His mark is a jewelry store owner – a suspected terrorist sympathizer with possible links to Al Qaeda. Blaine doesn’t know for sure. He didn’t ask questions. He’s not paid to know the details. Blaine accepted the job immediately when he heard about it. He felt it was offered to him as an act of providence. It answered a crucial question, one that he had been mulling over for months now.

This job gave him the perfect opportunity to get something that he needed.

Blaine stands stock still, eyes darting from the door, to the alley, to the street, to the buildings all around. He remains hyper-aware of his surroundings - the homeless man asleep in the alley across the way, the bodega owner on the corner sweeping his stoop, two kids riding bikes who seem way too young to be out so late. He hears the bells on the door jingle and he knows the time has come.

He counts in his head, ticking off the seconds, what’s left of his time here in the alley …

… what’s left of a stranger’s time on earth.

Footsteps approach, unhurried, shuffling slightly on the pavement, stopping for a second when the shop owner checks his pockets for his keys, and then starting again. Blaine sees an arm swing forward and he pounces, locking on to an elbow and securing a hand over his mouth before the startled man can even think to scream. Blaine drags him kicking and cursing down the alley till they’re far enough from the street to avoid being seen. Blaine isn’t too concerned with the tenants of the apartments nearby. From what he can tell, the decrepit buildings house immigrants, addicts, and elderly on fixed incomes - people who are rarely inclined to talk to the police.

Blaine tosses the man up against a brick wall, trapping him in a space between two large dumpsters. The man blinks into the darkness, and Blaine waits for his eyes to adjust so he can see his face clearly.

“Mr. … Mr. Smythe?” the man stutters in confusion. Blaine grins like the apex predator he is at the sound of his mark calling him by his pseudonym, the name of his nemesis in the game - an old friend from high school who Blaine is more than certain calls himself Mr. Anderson when he contracts out. “Was … was there something else you n-needed?”

“Yes, actually.” Blaine opens his coat. He pulls out his concealed Glock, taking a dramatic moment to fit a silencer to the barrel. The man swallows hard as Blaine stares at him amused, twisting the silencer slowly until it threads completely.

“I … I don’t understand.” The man looks from the gun to Blaine, and back to the gun.

“There’s nothing to understand,” Blaine says. “I’m going to kill you. You’re going to die.”

The man steps back, stumbling into the wall behind him, and his knees give way. He slides to the ground, his entire body shuddering uncontrollably, fear welling in his dull, brown eyes.

“P-please,” the man whimpers. “I s-swear to God, I did nothing wrong!”

“I don’t know your God,” Blaine says with a shake of his head. “But if I’m here, then chances are you did something to deserve it.”

Blaine aims his gun. The man makes a pitiful, choked sound.

“I have money,” he sniffles, bargaining with what little time he has left. “You can have it. All of it. Anything you want, I’ll give to you. I’ll …”

The man cowering on the filthy cement, pleading for his life, gets cut short by a high, lilting melody coming from somewhere in the vicinity of Blaine’s pants. Both men freeze and stare awkwardly at each other. The tune continues, then repeats, and in spite of literally looking death in the face, the shop owner chuckles.

“Is … is that from the musical Wicked?”

“Shut it!” Blaine snaps, reaching into his pocket with his free hand to find his phone. “That’s my boyfriend’s ringtone. It happens to be his favorite song.”

Blaine’s eyes flick to the screen. He notices the man on the ground out of the corner of his eye making moves to run. Blaine waves his weapon in the man’s face and points it at his head.

“Don’t get any ideas,” he warns, “I’m faster than you think,” and glances back at the screen.

From: Kurt

You’re the one that invited everyone we know in the world over here and you’re late! Where the hell are you? You’re in huge trouble, mister! Get your ass back here NOW!

From: Kurt

Don’t forget the wine.

“I won’t forget the wine,” Blaine grumbles, shoving his phone back in his pocket. The shop owner sees an opportunity. Using this distraction, he rushes Blaine and grabs for his gun. Blaine anticipates it. He knew the man would. They always do. Without flinching, Blaine fires, putting a bullet neatly through the man’s skull, right between his eyes. But instead of falling straight back, the man spins oddly, teetering on his heels. He lurches forward on twisted ankles and lands on Blaine, covering his neck and shirt in blood as he slides down Blaine’s body.

“Ugh!” Blaine groans, hopping out of the path of the dead man dropping to the cement. “Damn it!” Blaine looks at his shirt, the spatters and smudges of blood trailing down to his slacks. “Shit, shit, shit!” Blaine kicks the dead man’s shoulder in frustration. “How am I supposed to cover this up?” he asks, as if the corpse will suddenly wake and start brainstorming options.

“Fuck fuck fuck …” Blaine chants as he struggles with the body, lifting it into the dumpster with a grunt and tossing it inside. He’s not worried about the bullet lodged in the dead man’s skull. He knows the police will dig it out and trace it, and when they do, they’ll find it belongs to a Glock 23, just like his, owned by Clarissa Mildred Porter of West Fargo, North Dakota, an 89-year-old lady who passed away three years ago, and whose personal protection weapon was never recovered after her death.

Not that Blaine killed her.

No women or children – that’s a rule he lives by.

Diabetes and a long standing love of cigarettes and bacon killed her. He just ended up with her gun.

Blaine doesn’t leave the neighborhood the way he came. He still sticks to the shadows, but now he has to jump a few fences and cut through a couple of sketchy-looking backyards to make his way back to Kurt’s house in the East Village unseen.

Blaine loves Kurt’s little house. It’s more of a cottage, with vines trailing up the aging brick, its enclosed patio shrouded by the overhanging branches of a few large trees, completely obscured from the sidewalk not fifteen feet away. Blaine can’t even count the amount of times they’ve made love beneath those trees in broad daylight, outside the notice of parents walking their kids to the daycare down the street, and college kids rushing by on their way to NYU.

Blaine loves how turned on Kurt gets doing something taboo.

The house is nestled in a fairly exclusive neighborhood. Kurt swore once that he saw Michelle Williams walk by with her daughter Matilda, and even though both men agreed that they love her work in Brokeback Mountain, they were far too eager to get started on round two to throw on their clothes and find out.

Blaine looks at his ruined clothes and curses. How is he going to explain this to Kurt?

Blaine tiptoes to the back door, eyeing the sidewalk and the front of the house, watching for signs that their friends saw him approach from the side street and are running out to meet him. He opens the door and peers into the kitchen. Loud talking and boisterous laughter coming from the living room tell him that everyone they invited over for dinner tonight showed up. There’s no way he’ll be able to sneak past them without being seen. He opts for the stairs in the back of the house that lead up to the second floor balcony. They’re vintage - cast iron and in need of some repair, so they’re going to squeak like a motherfucker. But hopefully everyone is too distracted with catching up and Kurt’s delicious cooking to notice. He backs away, heading out of the kitchen on his way to the door as Kurt bustles in from the living room carrying an empty tray.

“Oh, great! Blaine!” Kurt gushes, putting down the tray on the nearest empty surface and rushing forward to greet his boyfriend. “You’re back! I …” Kurt stops dead, coming to a halt so suddenly that he trips over his own feet at the sight in front of him: Blaine -his clothes, his skin, his disheveled hair, spattered in blood. “I … I …” Kurt raises a hand to his mouth, his jaw dropped, eyes widening in horror.

“Kurt …” Blaine raises his hands, inching forward slowly, preparing for the chance that Kurt might run off “… I can explain.”

“You’re … you’re covered in bl-blood!” Kurt’s eyes rake over him from head to toe while, in his mind, he searches for the right words to express his feelings, his confusion, his anger. “You … you … you idiot! Blaine!” Kurt advances, icy blue eyes threatening to slice him apart. “You knew we were going to have a house full of people! Why did you have to go and take a job tonight?”

Kurt glares at Blaine’s soiled clothes, and the smears of blood around his collar, staining his neck. He recoils with disgust and a disapproving shake of his head.

“For Christ’s sake!” Kurt laments in a whisper harsh enough to cut glass. “Did you hit him over the head with a sledgehammer?”

Blaine opens his coat and lets Kurt see the Glock in his holster. Kurt tuts. He takes his dish towel and wraps it around Blaine’s gun, shoving it in the trash can concealed beneath the sink for the time being. He gives Blaine another once over, Blaine’s face fighting to look repentant, but darkening with lust at the way Kurt fusses over him. Kurt throws his hands up in exasperation.

“And you forgot the wine.”

Blaine snickers, leaning in to kiss Kurt’s neck, seeking out that spot that makes Kurt forgive everything.

“But I promise I brought home something better.”

Blaine’s lips barely brush Kurt’s skin when a hand to his chest stops him.

“Not now,” Kurt smirks. “We don’t have time. Go upstairs. I’ll cover for you.”

“What about my clothes?” Blaine asks, watching Kurt do a last second tidy in the kitchen, pausing to wash traces of blood off his hands.

“They’re ruined,” Kurt says definitively. “I don’t have enough pre-treater in the world to get all that out. We’ll stick them in the incinerator and get you a new outfit tomorrow.”

“Really?” Blaine asks, blown away even after all these years at how nonplussed Kurt can behave under pressure.

“Of course.” Kurt turns at the kitchen door and gives Blaine a wink. “You look hot in it.” He pushes through and returns to the gathering with not a single chestnut hair out of place.

Oh yeah, Blaine thinks, a smug smile on his face as he walks out the door and hurries up the stairs, patting his pants pocket and the tiny ring box it holds. He’s chomping at the bit for later tonight when he gets the chance to give it to Kurt. I am definitely marrying that man.

#klaine fanfiction #klaine fic #klaine #Dark!Blaine #Frankie writes

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