#and take that story and push everything important about it aside just so you can slap flags on the characters and ship them with yourselves

[ladyloveandjustice]

Winter 2024 Anime Overview: Dungeon Meshi (Delicious in Dungeon)

Premise: Laios is the leader of an adventuring party, and his sister, Falin, got eaten by a dragon while sacrificing herself to save the team. Fortunately, in the dungeon they were exploring, people can be resurrected with magic. Unfortunately, if the dragon fully digests Falin, they probably can’t resurrect her. They have no time to resupply and must traverse many levels of the dungeon filled with monsters to find the dragon. Laios declares that since they can’t get food, they’ll eat the monsters in the dungeon instead-- and as a huge monster fanatic. he's unsettlingly excited about this. He’s accompanied by elf mage Marcille and hafling rogue Chilchuck in his quest, who are much more reluctant about monster-eating. They run into a dwarf, Senshi, who is an expert at cooking monsters, and the delicious race against time to save Falin begins!

...Oh what the hell, I'll say it. FINALLY, some good fucking food.

Memes aside, I love this story so much that writing a review of Delicious in Dungeon/Dungeon Meshi is daunting, because I really want to get across how great it is. But are there enough words in the English language to convey this? We can only try.

Dungeon Meshi combines cooking and adventure animanga expertly, humorously treating eating monsters with the complexity of actual recipes (and indeed, the recipes for the monsters are based off real life recipes). You can experience the warmth and contentment of sharing a meal and enjoy the way the story goes in depth about the biology of the monsters and ecology of classic RPG style dungeon. But at the same time these characters are on a classic fantasy quest and there’s lot’s of excitement as they work together overcome monsters, obstacles and their own weaknesses to save Falin.

The first thing that stands out about Dungeon Meshi is that it’s immediately entertaining and funny. A lot of humor is mined out of Marcille’s complete disgust at eating monsters (and Chilchuck’s more measured reluctance) contrasted with Laios and Senshi’s bizarre enthusiasm for it. The face game of the series is on point, especially Marcille’s.

The characters play off each other very well, have a hilarious dynamic and tons of quirks. They're immediately lovable. They're eccentric weirdos who push each other's buttons, misfits who just happen to fit together, and that's always the best.

I've seen some first time anime viewers complained about that how the early episodes are supposed to be race to save Falin, but there isn't much urgency as the characters have adventures and meals on the way. I can see that as a criticism (though it didn’t stick out to me much in the manga) but this is because we’re mostly seeing them in between the times they’re traveling, when they need downtime and mealtime. The fact that people should never neglect eating and rest if they want to succeed is a pretty important message of the show. You’ve got to let the series cook (forgive the pun). As it goes on, the urgency and tension increases ramps way up. the plot truly takes form and we see a lot of the world building from early parts pay off.

Phenomenal, intricate worldbuilding is the next big thing that stands out about Dunmeshi. Any viewers paying attention will notice it pretty quickly. Ryoko Kui doesn’t dump her complex world or her character’s detailed backstories on the viewer all at once, instead she lets it unfold bit by bit, so the viewer/reader can watch the world expand as the journey goes on, as if we are truly living this world and exploring it along with the characters.

 Everything is carefully thought out, from the structure of the societies, the cultural nuances and physiology of the different magical races, the conflicts between said races and the ways they integrate, the ecosystem and the different monsters and how they function…I could go on forever. And best of all, Dunmeshi's worldbuilding is never to the detriment of it’s incredibly rich story and characters, all of which are also developed wonderfully.

After all, Dugeon Meshi isn’t simply a story about making food and eating monsters—it’s about the ways we consume and ARE consumed, it’s about the endless cycle of life and death and the pain of struggling against that cycle. It’s about the endless hunger that drives us all and the ways we try to fill ourselves up. It’s about the ways we can find both solace and terror in the monstrous, about our struggle to accept not just monsters, but anyone who's different from us. It’s not just about natural ecosystems, but social and soicetal ecosystems and the ways they both hurt and help us. It’s about all the things that make good meal, one that can draw people together and help us find essential humanity that connects us.

These strong themes are all expressed through the world and the journeys of the characters. And god, do I love these characters.

Even from the start, the characters overturn RPG/fantasy archetypes. (We have an elf who’s not that into nature and dwarf who LOVES nature and doesn’t like blacksmithing)… but the most special thing about these characters is how they deepen, becoming more and more complex and fascinating as the series unfolds. None of them are quite who you think they are while also being exactly how they appear.

Marcille is one of my favorite characters in anything ever. She’s just an absolute disaster, while also being terrifyingly powerful. She’s a magic honors student who buried herself in theory but doesn’t have a lot of experience with the real world and gets upset it doesn’t work like schoo (I feel that). Her pride and generally high strung nature can lead to blunders that make her very funny to watch. She’s an a total nerd in a way that’s so relatable, she has intelligence in spades, but not a lot of wisdom.

 But on the other hand, she’s an aching wounded soul who’s struggling under the surface, dealing with grief and loss constantly. She's obsessed with control in a world that uncontrollable. She’s incredibly driven and unnervingly dedicated to her goals. She’s also scarily devoted to the people she loves and will cross any moral line, break any taboo, and cover herself in blood and sin to save them. She refuses to let silly things like “laws” and “rules” stifle her research or get in her way .And while she's a neat freak who;s grossed out by monsters, she's the first person to dive into the blood and guts and horror when shit gets real.

The contrast between her being a sweel, silly, dorky lovable nerd who flails around and being a powerful badass who has complex motivations, an intricate arc, and sometimes questionable morals is so great. Get you a girl who can do both. She's basically everything I love in a character.

Marcille’s love for Falin and infinite devotion is also key to the story, and it’s so refreshing to see a well-written relationship between women be so central to a fantasy anime like this. And yes .by love for Falin, I mean in a gay way. It’s not technically canon (Dunmeshi is not into confirming romantic relationships for any of it’s characters really) but it’s hard to interpret their relationship as anything else, and honestly it’s one of the best wlw ships I’ve seen in a while. It’s got everything, the softness, the sweet and sensual intimacy, the angst, the tragedy, the raw unbearable yearning, tearing the world apart and defying even the laws of nature for her, soaking your hands in blood and not letting anything get in your way...yeah, it’s good.

While Marcille is my #1, all the characters in this story are fantastic and I love them all. They all have incredible depth and similarly complex backstories and arcs, and are all fun to watch. For instance, Laios may look like generic human fighter but he’s just the weirdest dude, a wonderfully unhinged man who absolutely has a monstersona. But then we also discover he's someone who struggles socially in a way that many neurodivergent people can relate to, who had a troubled childhood, who grapples with survivor’s guilt, and who, like Marcille, would do anything for his sister and the people he cares about. Chilchuck and Senshi and Falin and all the others the same, really interesting characters who deepen and grow. Everyone's relationships also develop wonderfully.

And on top of all that, it's a show with really well-realized and well-written female characters…who even have diverse body types! We have stock dwarf ladies with muscles! Huge orc and oni women! They’re allowed to be messy and complicated, badass and vulnerable, and that’s definitely a part of my affection for the series. (and famously, most of the fanservice of the series is focused on Senshi’s endless pant shots (loincloth, if we’re being specific)) and while there are moments with the female characters that make me fan myself, it’s not the obnoxious anime unsexy bullshit way that treats women like objects.

And specifically for the anime, Trigger is doing great work with it. There’s so much cool and vivid animation. There are some small moments from the manga that I really miss and wish they had kept, but it’s been a largely faithful adaptation that understands what makes the story great, and I can’t ask for much more. The English simuldub is also genuinely good with all of the VA’s turning in great performances (and Prozd plays Senshi!)

Dungeon Meshi is honestly one to the best stories in recent years, and it’s easy to let it take over your brain. So come along with me and enjoy the funny jokes, the splendid storytelling, the endearing and endlessly fascinating characters and the delectable world. You don’t want to miss out on this delicious meal.

#dungeon meshi #delicious in dungeon #anime overview #winter 2024 anime #marcille #marcille donato #laios touden #falin touden #anime #ryoko kui

[leeneir]

Missions; Iso x GN!Reader Headcanons-Drabble

Ok so funny story, I was planning on posting a fic actually but my dumbass wrote it on tumblr and didnt save itand my phone died and i lost 90% of my progress so heres a drabble/headcanons I have abt missions with Iso

Not proofread, tbh none of my posts are💀

On your first mission together which also happened to be Iso's very first so he was still lesrning the ropes, you'd be the one aside from a senior member on your team to help guide him.

You two are stationed together on one site and he keeps making comments and asking questions about a lot of things to the point where you wonder if this really was the feared 'Dead Lilac', it was difficult to imagine when he was acting like he's seeing the sky for the firsy time.

But then the first bullet whizzes past, and Iso does a complete 180. He's no longer talking or making remarks, instead, he emits a purple aura, his eyes glowing, filled with concentration and determination, ready to take on the enemy. It was kinda hot in your opinion.

You may have been an agent longer than him, but he definitely has more experience. Iso saved you from getting shot dozens of times, throwing himself infront of you and coming out of it unscathed because he had his shield up.

The mission is a success via team elimination, you secure the spike and everyone goes home. Iso, however, is blanked out and isn't paying attention to anything around him. It's as if he's a mindless machine. You decide to sit down with him on the V/LTR and offer him a snack, he instantly snaps out of it and takes the snack grstefully.

You aren't assigned on another mission together for a while, and during that time, you hear stories about how much of a monster he is on the field from the others. You bring that up to him to compliment, but he's bashful about it.

You note how he isn't bashful about his skills when the others compliment him, and you wonder why you keep catching him looking at you. Every time you do, you notice how the tips of his ears are a tinge bit red.

The day comes when you two are assigned together, and it just so happens you two are put on a site together again. While you're setting up, he comes up to you, sheepishly asking what the plan was because... he forgot to read the mission brief...

You wonder how tf he forgot to read the brief when it was one of the most important things and explain it to him anyway. Though, he looked like he wasn't really paying attention, he was just staring at you with a look you've never seen before.

The enemy rush in on the opposite site and you two rotate over, watching each other's 6 oclock. You lead through while Iso is behind you, following closely with his focus unmatched.

The spike is planted, you guys get the picks. The rest of the team is down, leaving it up to you and him. Iso gets most of them, there's only one enemy left.

Iso doesn't realize it, but someone is aiming for him. You see it, and you push him out of the way as you shoot the last guy. Unfortunately, they also shot a bullet which grazed your side, leaving a deep gash.

He's panicking, how the hell did he let this happen? He can see the blood seeping through your clothing and he almost forgets everything. You yell at him to defuse the spike which manages to snap him out of it as you apply pressure to the wound.

Once the spike is defused, Iso immediately runs back to you, the precision and focus he has as a master assassin is half way out the window as he's performing first aid on you. He's apologizing over and over again for not being careful, while at the same time scolding you for taking the bullet. HE'S the bulletproof one here, not you.

Iso calls for backup and updates HQ about the mission status before turning his attentioned back to you. He's still upset about your injury, and scolds you again.

You make up some sort of excuse, having realized the reason why you did what you did. Iso continues to get upset over it and is asking you why you would do that.

You got really annoyed by his scolding and you tell him to shut up before grabbing his collar and pulling him in for a kiss.

#li zhao yu #valorant iso #valorant iso x reader #i love iso #iso #iso valorant #iso x reader #iso x reader hcs #valorant x reader #valorant

[atthebell]

ok back from work as promised I think one of the most interesting parts of qcellbit’s character we get from the fuga backstory is we basically meet him post redemption arc. you have a character that did horrible things in the past that took steps to reconcile with the people he hurt and become a better person. and then you start the story there, and from there, the narrative asks what would it take to push him back to that person he used to be. It’s such an interesting way to set up your character, and it only gets more interesting when despite every hardship he goes through it turns out he can’t go back to being that person. that’s what I think a lot of people missed during the federation murders arc (due to all the blood. who can blame them really), the cell persona was just that, a persona. it was a tactical move to push away the people he cared about in an effort to protect them from the consequences of his actions. even with his mental health at rock bottom he was in his own way STILL trying to help other people. everything we’ve seen has shown that nothing short of losing everyone he cares about could push him over that edge, and yet there’s nothing he could ever do to make him trust himself not to. it’s enough to drive me to madness

YES yeah i think it's so interesting how like fuga as just a jokey incidental backstory to explain how tazercraft, felps, & cellbit know each other already ends up working so so well for qcellbit as a character and makes his narrative so interesting (and shows how great cc!cellbit is at roleplay). like yeah he was an awful cannibal murderer-- but when we meet him, he's just some guy who's a little too obsessed with puzzles and mysteries and a little on edge. he's a paranoid catboy with trauma, what's there to worry about?? but then we get to the eggs disappearing and the fed worker killings and you're SPOT ON with how he slips on his past like a suit of armor. none of that progress matters now, nothing of his life after that violence is important, look at the blood, look at the gruesome bodies, look at the messages and the big scary knife. but it's all an act, both for his loved ones & the other islanders & the federation. he wants them all to think he's lost it, that he's gone off the deep end and nothing can stop him, that losing his one thread to normalcy (richarlyson) broke him and reverted him back to f!cell. but that's not what happened-- it was a strategic, knowledgeable move from someone who knows himself and knows what would scare the people around him. the other islanders don't agree with his complete opposition to the federation, so he shows how far he's willing to go; the federation thinks he's compliant, so he shows them what he's willing to do to them to get what he wants, to show them that he's not under their thumb. and in the process he gets to shove aside all his own feelings and put on this version of himself, this monster that he thinks has been hiding inside all along, who can deal with it all and do what needs to be done. and we get to see the kinds of wounds that are still open that he's never really been able to heal from, and know that the cellbit we knew at the start wasn't really ever okay, even if he wasn't the man he was during fuga. that the therapy and the time and the freedom from prison still couldn't fix everything he has going on, that he has a lot to uncover and look into and heal from. i'm so glad you get the tactical side of the persona thing though i felt crazy at the time of the fed worker murders being like people he is doing this ON PURPOSE he's not reverting to anything!!!!! this is a strategic move to scare people and make himself into a target!!!!

#asks #bungusamogus #qsmp #cellbit #qsmp analysis #gahhhh your mind

[masonmyluv]

Secret relationship- Fermín Lopez

Hello everyone! I decided to start writing about Fermin since he’s really hot 🥵 Hope you enjoy!

Mostly fluff in this story, some kissing and a lot of teasing, mentions of accident and blood, but nothing too bad

"Fermin, what are you doing? Someone could see us" you whined as he dragged you behind a wall. "Just needed to kiss you before the game" he said, pecking your lips. "Okay you got your kiss, come on" you said, trying to push him away. "Noo..." he whined, lips moulding with yours in a passionate kiss. "Y/N, where are you? We have to take our places". "Fuck" you moaned, pushing Fermin away. "I'm coming" you replied. "I can't be mad at you because it's your first game in which you start. So good luck" you said, leaving to go with your co-worker.

Nobody knew about your relationship with the Barça player. Your colleagues in the media department always asked who was bringing you coffee almost every morning. And the Barça players always asked Fermin why did he have rosy cheeks or smiling a bit too much after a hard training.

"Camera ready?" Alex, your co-worker asked. "Yep. You?". "Sì. Let the game begin". It was the first time you got to revoked the game from the pitch, field cam as it was named. Obviously it was kind of dangerous, but you like to see the action from up close. That was until a player from Betis tackled the ball and slid into you. And to make it even worse, the ball hit Alex in the head. "Fucking hell" he moaned in pain. "You're bleeding. Hey! You gotta stop the game!" He shouted to the referee, but the game was resumed. "It's fine" you said, although your leg looked really bad. "Hey! Stop the game!" Alex kept shouting until the Betis goalkeeper noticed you two.

"Huh? Why did he stop?!" Gavi asked fuming. "Probably a fan fainted" Pedri shrugged. "Fuck no" Fermin groaned, making a run to where you where surrounded by the medical team. "Hey... what happened?" He asked, a hand on your shoulder. "Just an accident really" you said. "This job's dangerous eh?" The player who tackled you joked. "Apologise to her right now" Fermin said. "It's not a big deal. I get those all the time" he shrugged. "Yeah? What about I rip your leg in this game then?" Fermin turned defensive. "Fermin" you said. He turned to look at you, eyes flaming red. "Okay sorry... bitch" he mumbled the last part, but Fermin heard him and pushed him on the ground. "Fermin! Stop it" you said, but the Spaniard didn't listen to you. Both of the players got a yellow card for it and the medics helped you walk to the changing rooms.

"You're stupid" you told Fermin. "I agree" Gavi said. "Even I wouldn't do that—". "You would do it for your girlfriend" Fermin argued. "Girlfriend? Whose girlfriend is what???" The whole squad turned to look at you. "I... uh... we... you see..." you mumbled. "Y/N, my lovely girlfriend" Fermin said, smiling. "What no! We're not—".

"OOOOH!!!"

"Now I see everything!"

"Yeah me too"

"Why was he smiling after that hard training"

"And he's rosy cheeks too. He was meeting with Y/N"

You were completely confused. "It's okay. I'll Talk with your boss, explain the situation" Fermin's voice was calming you. "I thought... you're..." you still couldn't form a coherent sentence. "Fermin is in love" Ferran sang. "Yeah... I kinda am. With her by my side how can I not be?" He said making you blush. "It will be alright. I promise" Fermin said, pulling you aside. "I'm not sure" you said. "And if they kick you out, we have more time to spend together" he shrugged. You gave him a look. "Okay... I know this is important for you. I promise you won't lose your job because of me" he said. You caught Gavi's smirk and decided to give them something more to tease Fermin with.

"Ouch my leg" you moaned. "Are you alright? Sit here on the bench, love" Fermin panicked, putting your arm around his neck for support. "Aww look at them" Lewi said. "Shut up okay?" Fermin said irritated. "Can we go home?" You pouted. "Of course. Just let me take my things" he said, pecking your lips.

"Really you don't have anything to worry about. It's not like it's forbidden to date one the players" Pedri  said. "Not really I think. I just don't want people to go crazy over it" you said. "I promise we will only tease him, not you" Gavi said. "Okay I'm ready. Let's go" Fermin said, helping you up again. "Speedy recovery, Y/N" the squad said. "Thanks guys".

"I so love you, Fermin" you said when you were in his car, far from all the teasing. "I knew it. I love you too" he said, smiling into the kiss he gave you.

Hope you like it 🥰

Feedback is appreciated ☺️

#fermin lopez #fermin lopez marin #football imagine #fermin lopez fluff

[cupid-styles]

omg ok so blurb idea for ginger ale bc u said u needed inspo

i know u kinda already touched up on this in the main story but what if mias like completely drained from school like its exam season and she has to study but shes also somehow failing classes even tho she studied and is swamped with work but cant get up to do anything bc shes panicking and stuff and idk maybe she pushes him away bc shes freaked out and hes like huh bc she never snaps at him like that bla bla and then some angst and fluff and comfort 😭

im so sorry this wasnt supposed to be that long but inspiration struck😭💀obviously u dont have to write it jus a suggestion

omg LOVE THIS!!!!! here's a little something for you :))

word count: 1.7k

content warnings: angst (all is solved in the end), harry being a dummy, age gap romance (8 years)

based on this one-shot!

masterlist | talk to me

. . .

Harry has never seen Mia so exhausted before.

Granted, they've only been officially dating for a few months, but she's typically a relatively organized student. It's something that he's always admired about her — he can think back to his days in university and immediately remembers scattered deadlines and far too many hungover mornings, resulting in constantly missing classes.

Then again, he's never seen her during finals season, and it's apparent that she's feeling the impact of papers, exams, and one too many late nights spent studying.

Because of the nature of their lives, finding time to spend with one another without work or school is often difficult. It's important to Harry that they actively set aside an evening or two each week that's just for them. No discussion of board meetings, lectures, or any stressors — he likes to keep it simple with a delicious and filling meal, a movie on the TV (whether or not they watch it is a separate factor), and his girl nestled into his side.

But for the first time ever, Mia's texting him to cancel.

Under any other ordinary circumstance, he'd be more understanding. Truly. But it's been almost a week since he's seen her, and he's feeling... well, needy. He misses her! And he knows that distance is good, blah blah blah, but this is their time — and it feels like she's just brushing him off, as if he barely matters.

It's why he ends up calling her on his way home from work with Reese driving smoothly and calmly up in the front. Harry drums his fingers against his knee as he listens to the dial tone, a frown on his lips as he waits for her to answer.

"Hello?"

Relief washes over his chest despite her anxiety-ridden tone. "Hey, I'm heading home from work. Do you want me to have Reese come pick you up?"

She sighs frustratedly, "Harry, I just texted you that I can't come over tonight. I have to study."

"You can't give up a few hours to spend with your boyfriend?" he fires back, an accusatory edge to his voice, "I've barely seen you lately."

"You've been in school before, H, you know how stressful exams season is. I need to do well."

"Mi, you're the smartest person I know, you'll be fine if you take some time away from—"

"I won't be, actually," she suddenly snaps. "I'm already failing one of my most important classes and if I don't get at least a B+ on the final, I'll have to retake it next semester. So no, I can't just slack off for a few hours, I need to study, Harry."

Immediately, he pauses. Mia has never gotten angry with him before, vice versa. And he doesn't think he's being particularly unreasonable — if anything, he feels she is — but he's mature enough to know that nothing's getting solved in this conversation. Not when she's clearly tired and stressed. Instead, he opts for the more caring-boyfriend-approach.

"I didn't know you were failing a course. Why didn't you ask for help?"

"Because you can't solve everything!" Mia exclaims, sending a pang of hurt rattling through his chest. "I need to go, alright? I'll see you soon."

With that, the line goes dead.

. . .

Even when Mia falls asleep on her couch, textbook in her lap and a highlighter between her fingers, she can't believe Harry.

The next morning, when she has a persistent ache in her neck and her back feels like it's broken in two, she knows school isn't the only stressful thing her body's responding to.

She thinks dating an older guy is great. Dating Harry is great. Until moments like this, when he somehow forgets that people — including his girlfriend — need to work to get certain things in life, and that they won't just be given an entire company a month after graduation. She doesn't doubt that he understands that on some level, but from the perspective of a partner — well, she thinks he's being pretty insensitive.

Her fingers twitch at her sides in class as she tries her best to pay attention, wanting nothing more to grab her phone from her bag to see if he's texted her. Midway through the day, though, there's still nothing. She can't believe he still hasn't apologized for how he acted the previous night, and it only makes anger fester in her chest even more.

Finally, by the time she trudges home in the cold (December is nearing, and with that comes miserable gusts of wind and flurries of snow), she's had it with his silent treatment. She's barely through the door when she decides that she'll be the one to break the tension — only, when she kicks her shoes off at the door, she notices that her kitchen and living room lights are on, and she surely turned them off before heading out this morning.

Gripping her phone in her hand, she quietly tip-toes out of the entryway, nervous that there's some sort of... homely intruder eating her snacks or watching TV. Instead, she gasps out in shock, clutching her chest when her eyes fall on none other than Harry.

"What the fuck?!" Mia exclaims, her heart thumping quickly with anxiety. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you."

She squints her eyes, feeling her eyebrows nearly shoot up to her forehead. "So you call. Or text. Not break into my house!"

"You gave me a spare key, Mia—"

"That's for emergencies!" she shouts, suddenly feeling like the living room is slowly getting smaller and closing in on her.

"But you never would've let me come over—"

"Harry, I was literally about to call you when I walked in the door. I'm still mad at you for last night! And you're only making me angrier by being here!"

Tears well up in her eyes as she spits the words out at him. She never thought she'd be in this position with him — it hurts her to even verbalize her anger.

"Wait," Harry stands from the couch, a furrow in his brows as he crosses his arms over the button-up he likely wore to work today, "You're mad at me?"

Mia stares back at him like he has two heads.

"Yes," she slowly replies. "Do not tell me you're mad at me."

His throat bobs. "Yeah. I am."

"For what?!" her anger festers in her chest all over again, exploding like an overflowing pot of boiling water.

"You— you haven't been around lately. You haven't been spending time with me or treating me like a priority."

She squints her eyes, her fingertips finding her temples as an ache begins to settle at the sides of her head. With a shake of her head, she turns around, stomping back towards the entryway of her apartment.

"You need to go," she decides, not even bothering to shed her jacket off yet, "I can't talk to you right now. You're being incredibly unreasonable."

"So you just want to walk away, then? We're not gonna solve anything, we're just gonna keep ignoring each other?"

"I was never ignoring you! I was waiting for you to apologize to me, only to find out that you think I'm in the wrong!"

Harry scoffs as he follows her down the hallway. "Well, I'm not leaving. I want to fix things. And I'm not going until we do."

"Is your approach to annoy me into apologizing?" Mia snaps.

"No," he mutters with a roll of his eyes, "Maybe we're both just being emotional."

She shrugs her shoulders.

"Do you still want me to go?"

Mia shifts her stance from foot to foot. With a noisy sigh, she shakes her head before mumbling out, "No. Let's just... talk about it."

He nods. There's a silence lulling between them as she stands with her back pressed against the wall, stubbornness apparent as she crosses her arms over her chest. He swallows and rolls his lips into a thin line.

"I'm sorry for coming over unannounced. That was very immature of me and crossing a boundary. I wasn't thinking, I just wanted to see you."

She keeps her eyes on the floor. "I just wish you'd texted or called instead. I waited all day to hear from you."

"I'm sorry," Harry repeats, his sock-clad feet taking a hesitant step closer to her, "It makes me feel stupid, how needy I can get. I know we're both busy with our own lives but I adore you, Mi. And I hate being away from you."

"I hate it, too," she mumbles, her bottom lip slightly pouted. "And you're not stupid for being needy... I just need you to understand that I'm working hard trying to get my education, and I need you to respect when I'm stressed or busy."

"I will. I'll do better."

She glances up to look at him. He looks tired, his eyes sad. With a quiet sigh, she lifts her hand to press her palm against his warm cheek. The prickles of his facial hair serve as a harsh juxtaposition from the soft skin beneath.

"I'm sorry, too. I never want you to feel like I don't care or I don't want to be with you. I just get so overwhelmed."

"I understand," Harry coos, wrapping a hand around her wrist to bring it to his mouth. He presses light kisses into her palm. "I know you care. I have to work on being more secure in our relationship."

Mia hums at his kisses, his gentle nature a welcomed change from their arguing.

"You know, you could always move closer," she murmurs with a smirk. He chuckles.

"Yeah. Or you could always just move in."

She rolls her eyes, "Then I'd really never get any work done."

"Mm, but think about how nice it'd be," he mumbles, slipping an arm around her waist to pull her closer. "I'd cook you dinner all the time, bring you snacks and tea while you study... you'd have your own office, of course. We could get a dog or a cat, too. Share a bed every night... you wouldn't have to use travel sizes of all your skincare stuff either, because everything would be there already."

She smiles to herself as she leans her head on his shoulder. The thought is nice. So nice. But they both know it's too early in their relationship, regardless of how deeply they feel for one another. Maybe it's a dream to work up to — a sweet, domestic life together.

"And you know what would be the best part?" she asks, brushing her lips up against the shell of his ear.

"Hm?"

"I'd get to use your heated bathroom floors every day."

#bestie asks #this took FOREVER #sorrrryyyy hehe #sugar daddy h #writing

[project-sekai-facts]

idk if I can ask u this but what is ur opinion on arata and kotaro

hello first off SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG FOR ME TO ANSWER but no i don't mind giving my opinions on the side characters

Arata and Kotaro are actually two of my favorite side characters! I didn't like them that much at first to be honest but they've definitely grown on me a lot recently.

I think Kotaro is really overlooked actually. Like I still see people bring up his actions in the main story when he’s moved on a lot past that, and then just write him off because of it. And I mean, it’s probably because he never got too much screentime between then and Power of Unity, but since he’s been making more regular appearances I think they’ve taken his character in a really interesting direction. He initially became a singer because he wanted to be a cool older brother for his baby brother and just happened to see RW at that time, which pushed him into street music. He just did it as a passtime because he was sort of good at it. However, RW did have a big impact on him, just like it had on An and Akito, even if he was only sorta casual in the street music scene. He admits in POU that the reason he never went further was because he was afraid, and seeing VBS putting their all into it inspired him.

It’s sort of subtle up until Light Up the Fire, but Kotaro doesn't have a lot of self-esteem or confidence in his singing. I think the first time it's ever brought up is in Power of Unity as far as I remember, where he asks once or twice if he's holding everyone back. LUTF makes it really clear that he has a lot of insecurities: he believes he's holding everyone back and he believes that he has no talent compared to the others. And that's what sticks out to me, because 3/4 of VBS have felt the same way. Kohane, Akito, and Toya all at some point or another believed they were holding everyone back, be it because they were a rookie, lacking talent, or had no resolve. Kotaro has been all of those and it’s obvious that he is written the way he is to serve as a mirror character to those three. He's had the same insecurities but the way he goes about dealing with them is totally different. While VBS had each other to rely on, Kotaro doesn't have a singing partner or group. He's a solo artist. And while he works with VBS, Arata, and EVER, he isn't part of any of their groups. Even Arata who also works alone still has Souma, but more on that in a minute.

(Also just an aside, I think he’s a mirror to Kohane slightly more than the others, and that slightly being the fact that VBS is what got him inspired to take this seriously, because that’s how Kohane got inspired she saw the others and wanted to be just like them, she wanted something to throw herself into and give her all to. The fact that she’s the main one who tries to call out to him when he breaks down in LUTF I think also plays into this, like it seems to hint that she’s able to relate to him.)

I really think Kotaro is much more than how he was presented in the main story and could definitely become a pretty strong side character if he ever got an event with a bit more focus (like how Vivid Old Tale gave Nagi a lot of screentime or POU had a lot of focus on Arata). Also clpl have you ever considered giving Kotaro a partner please give him a partner. Considering you rubbed in how important singing partners are before now why haven't you even tried to give him one?

Arata has definitely been given more development than Kotaro and I genuinely think he has one of the best arcs of any side character. Like he starts out as a rival for Akito, a foil to Akito. He's basically everything Akito wants to be, and also kind of a dick. Him getting beat by Taiga though, even though it was a small moment, was definitely an important turning point for him because it put him on the same level as everyone else. Because even he has someone better than him.

Oh and his development in POU was so good I'm probably gonna go on a little tangent about his relationship with Souma now because it's so important to his character. Arata's doing all of this for Souma. Souma was the one who wanted to do street music, Souma was the one who took Arata to RW, everything was Souma's dream, but it was still important to Arata. They were partners after all. But that's what it is. Were. Even if Arata wasn't the one who was in that car accident, it still took a toll on him. Souma has been forced into a position where he isn't going to be able to achieve his dreams, so Arata has to carry all that weight on his back. Surpassing RW suddenly has become so much more important to Arata because he wants, needs, Souma's dream to become a reality. The thing is, with how caught up he was in doing everything for Souma, he approached everything on his own. Surpassing RW isn't something he can do alone; the original was a collaboration between several groups, there's no way Arata could do it alone. He needed to work with people again, which he finally realised in POU.

Actually I think one of my favorite moments in his arc has to be his showdown with Taiga in LUTF. Because he's been able to overcome what was holding him back, he's actually able to get closer to Taiga's level. That is, until Taiga drops the "we're not so different" bomb. Because that moment is so powerful. Because at that point we see Arata as less of a foil to Akito and more of a parallel to Taiga. Both of them went through a similar loss of a partner, and Taiga uses that to get under Arata's skin and he goes for a deep cut. Souma is incredibly important to Arata, and Taiga knows that and had a similar experience of losing someone important to him, and is able to see exactly what’s still holding Arata back from reaching his full potential. Arata is doing all of this for Souma. For Souma. Taiga points out that Arata isn’t carrying Souma’s dream, he’s clinging onto the idea to cope with his grief. The thing is, Souma can’t surpass RW anymore. Arata’s loaded that responsibility onto himself, without even considering his own feelings on the matter. As Taiga says, Arata is good, great even, but he can’t be the best unless he asks himself if he wants this. Arata can’t even say that he is carrying Souma’s dream, that he does want to do this and he isn’t just clinging onto the idea to cope, and it crushes him to the point of leaving Shibuya.

Honestly I think leaving was what was best for Arata in that moment. Because he does need to take a step back and just let himself actually process his grief. Because even if Souma is still alive, that partnership was still lost and Arata had dedicated everything to that partnership and to Souma, and really he still does. And honestly I think this is what he wants even if you take Souma’s dreams out of the equation, but he needs time to himself to think about what he wants. I don’t know when we’ll next see him again honestly it might be a while but I’m interested to see how that goes. Arata is surprisingly developed and nuanced for a side character and the fact the devs managed to do this across 3 events, two of which he only appears in for a couple chapters is insane. Oh yeah also I like him a bit more than Kotaro if the wall of text wasn’t obvious.

#it's actually impossible for me to give my opinion on a character without writing a character analysis instead #asks #mod talks #apologies again for taking literally 2 months to answer this #arata tono #kotaro mita

[ellisgirl]

Jude Jazza & Ellis Twilight — Villains Want to Embarrass Little Robin Story Event

Chapter 1

I do not own any contents of Ikemen Villains. This story being uploaded in this blog belongs solely to CYBIRD. Please support them by downloading their games and buying their stories. Both English and Japanese are not my mother tongue languages, please keep in mind that there will be mistakes and added words for my own preferences. I translate for my personal entertainment and for my own practice only.

Victor: "Kate...... Will you be Her Majesty the Queen?"

Kate: "......It's a mission. Please tell me your story."

Victor: "Oh, how fast you're talking about! To your remarkable growth as a Fairy Tale Master I... I... I...Nngh——!”

Victor: "Aside from the feeling, that's right, it's a mission.”

Victor: "The American ambassador is coming. According to prior information, he was plotting an assassination."

Kate: "It's really important, isn't it... so I'm her double?"

Victor: "Yes. Jude and Ellis are going to be your bodyguards."

Kate: "Why those two...?!”

(Putting aside Ellis, Mr. Jude seems to be reluctant, I can hear him saying, "It's my time to read.")

Victor: "They used to being on the wrong side of a knife, and even if the ambassador carries out the assassination, the two of them will make it looks good!"

(.....It sure looks like they're going to do a good job of fighting it off....)

Kate: "What in the world do I have to do as Her Majesty?"

Victor: "We will be presented with gifts, and we will dine with them at a dinner party.

Victor: “Basically, you just have to accept the gifts gratefully.”

Victor: “Since the ministers on our side are also with us, it’s okay to basically leave difficult matters to them.”

Kate: "The point is, I just have to dress up as Her Majesty the Queen and sit down... Is that what you mean?”

Victor: "That's right! Her Majesty is someone who prefers tranquility, so I don't mind if you don’t say a word."

Victor: “I'll have them both follow up nicely, since you probably don't feel comfortable with your voice in the first place."

Victor: “It pains me to ask you to be the argument, but......I can only ask you because you know what's going on."

Victor: “I'd like to see you do it.”

(This is also proof that he is trusted me as a Fairy Tale Master. Besides, Her Majesty's life is at stake)

Kate: "Yes, I'll do my best."

(Mr. Jude is a sadist who enjoys torturing people.)

(I’m in debt to him, but I don't know what will be required at the end, so I can't do it coarsely.)

(Ellis is very kind and will do anything to make people happy, but......)

("anything" is too much, so you have to be careful not to be too spoiled.)

(Anyway, in order to finish this mission peacefully and safely, I will fulfill my duty as Her Majesty's substitute, that’s all)

Kate: "Victor, could you tell me about some of His Majesty's gestures? Habits and other characteristics?"

Victor: “…..”

Victor: "Of course, it's fine. I'll tell you everything I know."

…

After taking acting lessons from Victor, I was stuck in the library.

The royal family, the faces and names of ministers, the history of Britain and the United States. I gained some knowledge I wish I could, but...

…

(In the end, the more I studied, the more despair I felt just by facing the reality that I was full of things I didn't know...)

She wears a crown, a veil that covers to the bottom, shoes that disguise her height, and a luxurious dress,

I already overwhelmed by a sense of defeat,

Jude: "You fell asleep in the library, you mediocre."

Ellis: "I'm glad you didn't catch a cold."

Kate: “……!”

Mr. Jude and Ellis, who were on either side of me, smiled as if they had seen through my thoughts.

Kate: “I was wondering who might have been covered me with a blanket without my knowing it....... Was it the two of you?”

Ellis: "Yeah, Miss Kate, you looked cold.”

Kate: "Thank you, Ellis."

Ellis: “Jude was pushing Miss Kate, who was about to slip off your desk, back onto the desk.... by his knees."

Jude: "Because you got in the way."

Kate: "To kick a sleeping lady in the foot…..”

Jude: "Girls who are calling themselves Sleeping Beauty in the library make me laugh."

Jude: “You must have worked this little brain of yours in a mediocre's way, right? Great, great"

Ellis: “Yeah. It's so great that you're studying to impersonate Her Majesty."

The former is completely ironic, the latter is pure praise.

What kind of expression should I make, my facial muscles are confused.

(and... anyway)

Kate: "I look forward to working with you for the next two days."

Jude: “A decoy is someone who is willing to die in place of someone else.”

Jude: "...Even if you die, as long as I can get rid of the assassin, that's fine, so it's an easy win."

Ellis: “Don't worry, I'll take good care of you."

Ellis: "I don't know much about politics or diplomacy, but I'm good at reading the signs that knives and bullets are coming."

Ellis: "I'll do my best to support you so that you don't suffer.”

Kate: "Wow... I'll do my best, too."

If Mr. Jude is a spice that makes your tongue ache with pain, Ellis is a sweet sugar that has been boiled down to a sludge.

When I'm sandwiched between two extreme people, I don't have time to calm down.

(I wonder why Ellis works for Mr. Jude.)

(Mr. Jude isn't the type to attract people, but he keeps Ellis nearby.)

I remember hearing somewhere that the two of them are together because they have a contract.

(What kind of contract......?)

Jude: “A mediocre as queen is going to be ousted soon.”

Kate: “Even Mr. Jude, with that attitude and way of speaking, would you be able to act as Her Majesty’s bodyguard?”

Ellis: “Jude is more proper in these public appearances than you'd think."

Jude: "I don't know about you, but this guy is dangerous."

Kate: "What's wrong with Ellis.....?”

Ellis: "Well, what is it?"

Jude: "You'll know in the meantime."

(Are you saying that Ellis can't be a better escort than you? .....I have a feeling it's the other way around.)

Ellis: ".....Hey, Jude, Miss Kate."

Jude: “Aah?”

Kate: "What is it?"

Ellis: "I have one suggestion—“

Ellis: "If you can complete the mission without revealing your true identity, we'll ask each other for one favour. What do you think?"

(When the mission is complete, will you listen to my request?)

Jude: "What a shitty proposal."

Ellis: "I've been thinking about how Kate can enjoy the mission."

Ellis: "How about......?”

(Ellis, .....I'm so glad you thought of that.)

From this morning, I realised that my feelings were actually sinking due to the weight of the crown.

(.....Ellis really looks after people well.)

Kate: "Thank you very much, Ellis. Let's do that!"

Ellis: "Fufu, Deal."

(......Huh? But we ask for each other’s “requests”..... I mean...)

(By listening to Mr. Jude and Ellis’s requests...)

Jude: "......Well, good luck. I'll be thinking about what I'm going to "ask" you to do while I watch your abomination."

Ellis: "I will also think of a “request” that will make you happy..."

…

With a conflicting smile, my facial muscles were confused again.

———

Chamberlain: “U.S. Ambassador Abel Edmond has arrived.”

The chamberlain declares loudly, and the door of the audience room opens slowly.

(......It's finally time.)

Mr. Jude and Ellis are waiting behind.

"Why does Her Majesty send men from nowhere to wait on us instead of her guards?" I could hear the ministers whispering as we entered the hall.

(Once Mr. Jude glared at me, the nagging stopped suddenly.)

(When Ellis smiled, the awkward gazes also decreased.)

(As long as the two of them are with you, there's no danger to your life...It's okay.)

Straighten your back, straighten your posture, and adjust your habitation as Victor taught you.

(I will focus on acting like Her Majesty in the eyes of the ambassador who is about to come.)

Abel: “I am extremely humbled by the honor of having an audience with you, Her Majesty the Queen!”

The ambassador who appeared was a man with sparkling white teeth. A smile as bright as the sun.

(Wow... You're more frank than I thought.)

In response to his salute, I nodded quietly so as not to lose my dignity.

Ellis: “You look good."

Jude: "It's a noisy face even if you keep silent."

(Please don't make me laugh!)

With the background music of the whispered impressions expressed simply by the two men standing behind me, Mr. Abel enthusiastically introduced the offerings.

(Even through the veil, they look dazzling.......)

Once again, I am overwhelmed by the treasure that makes me feel the majesty of Her Majesty the Queen.

Abel: "And this is one of the rarest and most colorful birds in the world. It's even more beautiful with its wings spread."

When Mr. Abel pulled out a large parrot-like bird from the cage,

Abel: “Come on, let’s take a look!?”

The parrot suddenly lifted its head and flew away from Abel's hand.

(They're coming this way!?)

Jude & Ellis: “——!”

Masterlist

Chapter 1 >> Chapter 2 >> Premium End >> Epilogue

#ikemen villains #ikevil #ikemen series #ellis twilight #jude jazza #ikevil ellis #ikevil jude #ikemen villains story event #ikemen games #ikevil translations

[mysweetgirl2-love]

Sunk in Familiarity - Kakashi Hatake x Reader

Jesus christ, this went waaaay over my personal word limit.

Though! I like it enough... it's a little rushed in the end? But I think the story ends on a good note, and unless I was wanting to make a part 2 I would've done the pacing more justice.

Either way, here's some fun antics with Team 7 surrounding their lovable Sensei ^^! Hope you enjoy :))

Prompt #7: Costume

Word Count: 5.5k

✦✧✦✧

Free days were far and few between once you’d become a sensei for the Academy. Even with you having not being tasked with an individual team of genin for the foreseeable futures, a career some of your colleagues recently undertook at the request of Lord Third, your schedule wasn’t entirely open either. You didn’t mind, though; your peers still stuck to being home, or at least close to it, with only going out into the fire nation to complete D-rank missions.

Regardless of that, your job was just as important as the individual sensei’s who harbored the teams to face the rest of the shinobi world. Preparing the kids in the classroom for the field was a vital first step, one that you were responsible in helping them take.

It more so just meant you had to deal with the kids all at once instead of three at a time, work out their childish qualms with one another before sending them off to participate in missions and the rest of the shinobi-world.

Your recently graduated class had all successfully found their sensei’s with peers from your past, and all were turning into fine ninja as far as you were concerned. Antics would still rise up among the trios, today being no different in schemes from some of those familiar students among the Hidden Leaf.

“Sensei!” You were interrupted mid-stroll along the village fence by a hoarse shout from behind, the voice’s person not hard to discern.

You turned on your heel, the gleam of the kid’s recently acquired headband blinding you momentarily before you could focus on the blonde’s ferocious grin, “Hello, Naruto—“

your voice felt short with surprise in finding he wasn’t alone, you then readjusting to see his other two teammates standing over his shoulders, “Sasuke, Sakura... is everything alright, you three?”

“We need your help, M’am!” Sakura, your forever fiesty fighter spoke up, “We’ve been put on a secret mission.”

“A secret mission, you say?” This can only mean so many things, and it wasn’t against your interest to find more out, “Without Kakashi-sensei? Sounds dangerous.”

“Nevermind him.” Sasuke scoffed before taking a step forward now, pushing Naruto aside much to the other’s audible dismay, “He can’t be involved in this.”

“Oh?” You tilt your head on its side, curiously looking over each former student, “Why’s that?”

Naruto eyes you cautiously, his head snapping to the right and then to the left, him leaning to look around the back of you before again turning over his shoulder. Once all directions had been throughly checked in his better judgement, you assumed, he finally centered himself back in focusing on you. He waved his hand back in his direction, beckoning you to lean forward in which you comply to nearing the group of genin.

He cups his hand up towards your face, against the front of your ear, “It’s about Kakashi-sensei. We’re gonna finally see the face behind the mask!” 

“You’re serious?” You ask quietly, a little taken aback by their goal.

Out of any scenario these three could make a mission out of, it’s not that you didn’t expect them to end up with this one. You just weren't expecting it, and your eyes grew wide in surprise as you pulled back to stare at the three—their own expressions letting you know they were all convinced with their self-proclaimed mission.

Your face slightly fell with the edge this knowledge gave you, “Oh, you’re all serious.”

“Yep!”

“Very.”

“M-hm!”

They all replied, sounding off one-by-one as if there was an order to their speech. A nervous chuckle resounded in your chest at that, your hands placing themselves on your hips.

“Well, it sounds like you’ll have some tough work ahead of you…” You hesitantly began, Naruto leaping up to cut you off with more information.

“We actually already have help from others!” He claimed once airborne, the kid then landing and taking your hand in his smaller, calloused one, and tugging you back slightly, “He was the one who told us to come find you!”

No longer innocently playing along, the fact that another ninja from the leaf had specifically told Team 7 to find you made you beyond suspicious. All would be quelled, though, when the man Naruto was regarding stepped out from behind the tree a few feet away.

Eyes narrowing in caution, you raised a brow in the person’s direction when you weren't sure who was approaching. The name was definitely lost on you, and the face was not going immediately connect with one you could remember. He was a stranger, as far as you were concerned.

He wasn’t outwardly unordinary, wearing what looked to be a green trench coat and a tan scarf wrapped around his neck and over his shoulders, a camera dangling against the front of his chest as well. He had shaggy brown hair which swept in his eyes and almost hid how grey they were now that you had progressively gotten closer to the apparent-photographer. The oddest thing about him was definitely the purple face paint that covered the lids of his eyes and fell in two elongated blocks over his cheeks, almost down towards his jaw. An imperfect mole punctually dotted right beneath the curve of his smile, making him into… what you would describe as a unique individual.

“Hello!” The ninja chimed, and it was like a ghost of someone you once knew was suddenly standing in front of you—and just as quickly, the feeling was gone. The voice before you belonged to a stranger all over again.

“Hi.” You shortly responded, the kids beside you visibly tensing at the hard tone you held, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around the village.”

You surely hadn’t, everything happening in front of you just felt off. Like the situation itself was somehow amiss… you just couldn’t point out a valid enough reason as to why. Superstitious as ever, you were sure Kakashi would also feel similarly if he knew what was going on.

Even with your less-than-friendly greeting, the man managed to widen his smile into a grin, “No, you wouldn’t have!”

“His name’s Sukea!” Naruto spoke back up from your side, grabbing your attention to dilute it from the scarfed man, “He’s wanting a scoop.”

“… A scoop?” You repeat, raising an unimpressed brow in the adult’s direction—him finally letting out a nervous laugh.

“I—I’m a photographer, you see!” Sukea brought his camera up from his chest, motioning it towards you, “Trying to get the latest and greatest documented from the five great nations. Simple as that.”

“Simple?” you huff an irritated grunt, turning on your heel to begin walking away, “I thought you three were better than talking to crazy strangers.”

“No, please sensei!” Naruto yanks at your arm, the force causing you to stumble back into a halt, “We need his help!”

You scoff in wanting to object to the spiky-haired boy’s whines—but you also saw how Sasuke and Sakura looked up at you with a similar yearning. Saying no to three was much more difficult than just one, and you slumped at the thought.

“So, why need me if you have him anyway?” you cautiously ask.

The kids all gave each other hopeful looks before again regarding you, a new note of excitement within their manner. One you found to be maybe a little too visible, and you swore you heard the self proclaimed photographer snicker. 

“Sensei…” Sakura started, in responding to your question, “You really don’t know?”

You shook your head, confused enough as it was. Not fully grasping a solid plan as to how your talents would even begin to help discover what stay hidden beneath Kakashi’s mask. There must’ve been something you were missing, the three genin smirking now in your direction before looking back to Sukea. He had stepped even closer now, a similar smirk like the kid’s mirrored on his features.

Evermore growing in your confusion, the look on Sukea’s face further added frustration to your list of feelings. And now, him being a complete stranger wasn’t the issue—he clearly knew too much for your liking that really became your annoyance with him. Like he was in on the biggest secret this whole mission could have, and was only stringing you and Team 7 along for his entertainment.

“Am I supposed to?” You countered—not towards Sakura. Your eyes were glued to Sukea, challenging him to laugh if he would.

“Sukea pointed it out to us yesterday.” Sasuke interrupted this time, his arms stiffly crossing over his chest, “The way Kakashi-sensei acts around you.”

“He what?!” You shouted back, jaw slack and definitely shattered at your feet below you, “You guys were spying on us?!”

“No, no, not them.” Sukea took a step forward, the nervous smile pulled back over his features, “Just me.”

“You.” The edge in your tone was clear, no longer afraid in offending now knowing you were facing your stalker, “Why the hell were you spying on us?”

“Please, it’s not…” he stumbled, as if looking for the right words to say, “I wasn’t doing it to be a creep.”

“Well, you failed on that end. Clearly.” 

The photographer fretfully voiced your name, like it were a forbidden word; and for him, you’d damn well consider it one. The airy voice he had when saying it made your skin crawl, you were throughly freaked. Even with the harsh glare you had been giving him ever since being introduced, he still spoke up your name. “Let’s clarify—It wasn’t spying. Do you even remember what you and Kakashi were doing yesterday?”

Of course you knew what the two of you had done yesterday. You had been looking forward to spending time with him all week, it’d been awhile since the both of you got to spend any time together and were wanting to stop by your favorite book spot. It was just that, a nice outing followed up with some ramen for dinner. So when…

“Obviously you were hiding yourself from us yesterday.” You grumbled, now following Sasuke’s attitude in crossing your arms over yourself, “I think that fact makes it ‘stalking’.”

“Agh! Nevermind if you think it’s stalking or not!” Naruto sounded up again, the fiery kid clearly fed up with whatever conversation could be left. “Sukea says Kakashi-sensei obviously has a soft spot for you, and if we lure him out with your presence we’ll definitely be able to catch him off guard!”

Your brow furrowed now in Naruto’s direction, and the overwhelming feeling of defeat with giving in to your favorite trio’s wishes was on your horizon. 

“Yeah, well how can he know that just by spying on two people for an afternoon? Hm?” You wave off the blonde boy, turning to face the three once again. “Besides, guys, I don’t think this is really a good idea. What’s so important about seeing under Kakashi’s mask? I’ve known him for years, at this rate, and still don’t know what he looks like. Does it really matter that much?”

Naruto and Sakura’s eyes blew wide whilst Sasuke merely huffed emphatically through his nose, the first two then erupting into complaints.

“Of course it matters!”

“Sensei, this could very well be the most vital information upcoming ninja like us could be getting our hands on!”

“Don’t you think since Kakashi’s our sensei now that we should see what he looks like! What if…” Naruto froze as his mind played catch up with his thoughts, and something clearly struck him, “What if we’re asked to identify a body! How would we know if it was him or not?!”

“His hair—“

“WE NEED TO KNOW!”  

You flinched at the screeching children, your shoulders slouching when they finally waited for your response, even Sasuke showing little signs of anticipation for what you were going to say. It was hard to make the decision—as much as you loved helping them out, this seemed like a bad idea. And, you were looking out for your friendship with Kakashi, if he found out and got upset? Who knows what would happen between the two of you…

“You know…” You jumped at the incoming voice of Sukea again, warily then turning to glance his way, “Regardless of what happens, I think Kakashi would be proud of them for displaying teamwork with others if you were to help them.”

The suggestion didn’t really help in your decision making, but when you looked back down at Team 7 to still find their unwavering hope in gaining your support in their super, secret mission… there was really no way you could bring yourself to say no.

“…Alright,” The kids gasped in excited surprise as you finally gave in, “I’ll help… but nothing too crazy! I’m backing out if things get out of hand, and—“ You reach over the kids heads, not hesitating to snag the strange photographer by his collar; much to his surprise. “I’ll be bringing him to the Hokage, personally. Capeesh?” 

Team 7 was reminded of their earlier days in classes where you’d switch out with Iruka to give the poor man a break, remembering how you’d whip the class back into shape in his absence and you weren’t worried about shaking the shinobi up a little along the way. With the fresh memory in mind, the three heads carefully nodded in response, Sukea still awkwardly leaning over them—resisting against your firm grip.

You regarded the kids once more to make sure they understood the severity of which you meant this, pushing back against Sukea to put him back behind his ‘protectors’. “Good. Let’s just hurry up and get this over with…”

Turning on your heel, you started to head back into town, mentally beginning to make a list as to where the grey-haired shinobi might have already ended up this afternoon. The kids, giggling and whispering a couple times to themselves, faintly cheered encouragingly to one another before than running to catch up with you. Sukea, thankfully, staying to walk behind.

With no telling to how this could turn out, you tried putting your best foot forward in leading you to help the kids succeed, a new hope now on your mind as well. Maybe helping them wouldn’t end in disaster, maybe you would finally see the face of the one shinobi you had always thought to be such a desirable mystery in your life. The person you never went further than asking to hang out with, the one you’d indulge in your deepest secrets with a feel safe knowing he was merely listening to you. He meant so much to you in everything you experienced alongside him, it was hard to believe you were trying to invade such a private fact about him on a random afternoon like this.

Maybe it would end up being fine, maybe he wouldn’t be upset and possibly find it funny that even adults were in on this little task. Whatever the case would be, you were now filled with a newfound eagerness to get to the bottom of this. Alongside Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura… and the odd acquaintance Sukea, what could really go wrong?

— 

So many things, it turns out. So many things could end up going wrong.

The plan you and your newly-founded team had come up with seemed solid. You, seemingly innocent and harmless, would wait at the corner of town with the other four off and out of sight. In their absence, you would sit in wait for Kakashi to eventually head down the road to where he thought he was meeting Sasuke for a training lesson; instead was supposed to find you in a surprise attack of hugging him around his neck and holding him in place with Shikamaru’s shadow possession. Yes, Naruto had even gone that far to get the back up of Shikamaru, along with a handful of his other friends, if you weren’t able to get the mask off in time for Sukea to snap a photo.

It seemed simple enough, and was a whole lot better than Sukea’s suggestion to make it seem like you’d fallen into the river prompting Kakashi to come save you. No way in hell were you letting that happen in risk of mouth-to-mouth when already the idea of Kakashi in any romantic setting had you reeling in the privacy of your thoughts. That much wasn’t happening.

Even with the ‘better plan’ being anticipated to be put into action, and the help from the rest of Naruto’s newfound friends from other Teams, it still wasn’t enough. In the end, Shikamaru’s shadow possession wasn’t strong enough to last on both your’s and Kakashi’s shadow with Tenten using Shikamaru as a boost to follow after Rock Lee and Neji. What was meant to be harmless was actually the end to your full out attempt at discovering the mystery…and Kakashi was still there, masked and clearly upset with the advantages taken against him.

It was now, after running in a full out sprint and splitting up from the rest of the dashing genin that you hopefully lost the pursuing Team 7 Leader. You were gasping for air when you finally came to a stop back where you first had gotten yourself into the mess in the first place—right along the first fence, now beneath the shade of the oak tree. 

Wearily, you sighed out with both hands on your hips, steadily inhaling to try and regain control of your gasping lungs. Finding it safe enough to now rest, and not wanting to seek out Kakashi in facing consequences just yet, you approached the tree’s base and promptly fell against its wood.

Quickly sliding down the tree once graced with the first bit of rest, you lay yourself out in the shade and calm from whatever the hell just happened. Tired, nervous at the idea  seeing Kakashi, the little relief you held with now being by yourself was alleviating—to say the very least.

Evidently, it wasn’t meant to last.

“Didn’t realize how fast you would be, after all that.” 

You gasped at the approaching voice, eyes flying wide and snapping up in the direction of the approaching individual. It took all your willpower not to sneer in the direction of Sukea, his camera clunking softly against the center of his chest. Rolling your eyes obnoxiously, you crossed your arms over your chest and further sink to the ground. “What the hell do you still want?”

“Everyone ran away so fast, I didn’t get a chance to really apologize.” He cheekily laughed, your brow only hardening at what you assumed was his ‘innocent-guy’ act. 

“Apologize?” You had a list of what you could want from him, at this rate. An apology wasn’t among the bullet points you’d already thought through.

“Yeah, you know… for wasting your time.” He gestured to your exhausted self on the ground, you snorting a humorless laugh to begin your response.

“Really?” Tilting your head on its side, you raise an eyebrow up at him, “Wasting my time?”

Sukea merely smiled at my questioning tone, his lips pressing against each other in a hard line as he peered down at you. 

“Still just as suspicious of me?”

“Why would that have changed?” You frowned again, sitting up a little as he suddenly took a step closer, “It’s not like you gave me any real grounds to trust you. I only went along with it for the sake of Naruto and his team.”

“Ah, well why be so cautious of me in the first place?” Sukea stepped up to stand beside you against the tree, his arms folding over his chest this time too as he used the trunk to support his back. He was clearly waiting for a response, and you bit the tip of your tongue to keep from saying something unnecessarily rude at his taunting. “…Does it matter?”

“Sure,” Sukea shrugged, looking off towards the sky suddenly, “humor me.”

“I—You.” Stunned a little, you scoffed and waved him off suddenly; if you weren’t already fed up enough with his behavior up to this point. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And, you still haven’t answered my question.” He promptly responded, his legs suddenly folding as you found him then seated up next to you, “Do you have a good reason to be so guarded? Or, is it just stubbornness?”

It sounded like he knew people called you stubborn, or it was something he was somehow familiar with. Whatever the case may be, you finally revolted in yourself and turned to confront the photographer.

“What gives you the right way to be so rude? I mean, really. We’ve never met and—“ Sukea began chuckling at your sudden outburst, and your confusion fell apart into pure disbelief at the reaction. “I’m sorry… is something funny about this?”

“No! No, no, no, hah… not at all.” He turned to grin down at you, the stupid grin on his face making dimples slightly carve at the sides of his face. “Clearly.”

You blink in trying to regain conscious thinking in this moment, the tease he so clearly was directing at you flustering you in ways you didn’t want to be possible. Yet, here you were at his mercy… and none of it made sense. You weren’t able to reason as to why he made you feel this way, there was just something about him…

“…God, who are you?”

Sukea laughed out again, this time having to throw his head back with the sheer force of his laughter. You couldn’t help but apprehensively smile now, confounded at the ninja beside you.

“Trust me,” He huffed out softly, an all too familiar nickname of yours breathing from his lips before he turned back to you, “you know who I am. I think you have to know me better than anyone in this village, at this rate.”

There was a change in his voice, and it resounded in an all too familiar tone you could pin-point in a crowd if the circumstances called for it. Still not entirely understanding what was happening, the cogs in your brain were fervently churning in your mind. Sukea’s grin widened at the thoughtfulness riddling your features, and your heart suddenly sunk in familiarity.

“Holy shit,” You fell off the tree’s trunk and landed in the patchy grass below, your hands flying out from under you and scrambling to sit you back up at a distance this time, “no way.”

“Haha, did I get you?” ‘Sukea’s’ hand lifted over his head, fingers tangling into his seemingly brown locks before tearing at the roots; the hair pulling off his head with ease and revealing a spiky mound of grey bangs that lay beneath. There was no longer a mysterious photographer sitting beside you, your long-time shinobi friend revealing more than just his identity to you in that moment.

“Kakashi—“ You breathed, gawking very openly at the fact you were now truly facing the man behind the mask—and had been since earlier this afternoon, “why?—“

“I meant it earlier when I said I’d be happy to see you helping out my team with learning more around the importance of teamwork.” He beamed, the stupid beauty mark from earlier making your heart race now.

You wanted to grin in return, laugh along with his happiness at even the lack of success Team 7 had with their secret mission. But, you couldn’t help but stay so completely awestruck in the wake of this reveal. He was as beautiful as he always had been in your eyes, and all you wanted to do was now memorize the features before you in case it was the last time you’d ever be able to see them again. Kakashi must’ve sensed your wariness, his grin closing into a warm, sincere smile—his face pushing closer in your direction.

“Not what you expected?” He softly asked.

You scoffed at the question, shaking your head at how tickled this made you. “I mean… I guess I didn’t know what I was expecting entirely.”

From the space you had placed between the both of you, you tentatively placed a hand back in front of you and crept back towards him. He watched you with an easy stare, and arguably looked maybe the most peaceful you’d ever seen him. It made your face flush in quiet heat and nerves feel like they were pumping fire through each motion you made to close the distance between the both of you. 

“…I’m sorry for antagonizing you so much, today.” Kakashi was suddenly apologizing, you huffing in surprise at how sudden it felt for you while he continued, “I did chase after you to apologize.”

“Ah,” You slowly nodded at his reasoning, now taking the chance to taunt him as he had today, “well… in that case, you’re forgiven.” 

Kakashi laughed openly at your acceptance of his apology, shaking his head and letting his grey hair settle from being stuffed in the wig all day. You took another look at his eyes, suddenly confused as to how he pulled this disguise off in the first place.

“Wait, your sharingan…” You didn’t think before placing a steady hand on his face, leaning closer to try and peek at his left eye, “How?”

“The contact works as a suppressant, made with me in mind.” He calmly responded, now weaning away from your touch and instead arguably pressing into the warmth your fingertips held, “I used them to go undercover when I was still in Anbu…”

“I see,” You hummed, leaning back a little to see his face in its entirety again. It was then you registered just how forward you had acted in holding his face, and your hand quickly snapped back to your side. Shame shot flared up inside you like a burning fire, and you frantically began tripping over yourself to apologize, “I—I’m so sorry, oh my god, I wasn’t thinking, and—“ 

“Woah, it’s okay,” Kakashi lifted a hand to silence you in which you were quick to comply, the same hand then falling back to the one that had just been pressed against him. Delicate fingers wrapped timidly around your wrist, he too being hesitant to take whatever ‘this’ was a step too far, but regardless brought your palm back towards his face where he goaded your fingers back to his cheek and flattened your hand back against him. “I… I didn’t mind.”

Your chest felt tight in anticipation, and you had no words to explain how it all made you feel. Kakashi wasn’t rushing you to speak, he too was staring at you as he thrived in the adoration between you both. He swallowed, a quick breath as he spoke up again.

“Uh… remember when Naruto mentioned how… I act around you?” 

You paused at the question, trying to recall what he had said an hour or so ago. “Yeah…?”

“Was that… uncomfortable?” 

“What?” Your eyes grew wide, shocked he would even be worried about such a thing, “No… no, never uncomfortable. Not from you—Sukea? Another story.”

Kakashi chuckled again at your joking of his persona, his breath hot against the edge of your palm, fleeting just as quickly as it had appeared. It made your hair stand on end, and you shuddered softly at its touch. He watched you with his eyes now halved in appeal, studying each glimmer and gleam you produced just by existing in the space beside him. You were the diamond in his roughest of days, the light at the end of the tunnel he always hoped to reach. Instead, you were reaching out to him in this moment, physically holding him and letting that light encapsulate him fully.

Forever grateful is how he would feel in relation to you, the you who saved him when all else was lost; the you who kept him safe when you probably didn’t realize it. 

“Well, then, I apologize for Sukea’s efforts in trying to help my team.” He murmured, his eyes dangerously flitting towards your parting lips, further eliciting the deep desire he held anytime you were close like this. This was the first time contact had been made, though, so what was really stopping him from going further.

Dignity? He had none left when it came to you, surely you realized that too?

“Hah, I accept.” You resounded, your thumb swiping over his cheekbone as you felt into the trance that came along with those grey contacts, “So… with your attitude differing around me, this is okay then?”

Kakashi didn’t voice a response, just softly brushing his head against your skin in a nod. This was more than okay, this might as well be a dream come true.

It was too hard to keep away any longer, the anticipation had built in both of your hearts and one finally had to brim. You swept in towards him, and took his lips in yours. His newly exposed, newly perceived lips that instantly melted to yours and made it as though fireworks resounded in the broad daylight around you both. It was so sudden, so solidifying in your heart that there was no longer denying how right you were for one another. Perfection was hardly the right word to describe how fulfilling this finally felt.

Your hand reached past his head, pressing to the shag of the hair growing towards the back of his neck—lightly tugging at the roots while he too moved to bring you in. Put you somehow closer, wanting at your hearts in one another’s chest to maybe touch if the moment allowed it to be so. 

“Sensei?!” The screech of a student sounded from the end of the road, you and Kakashi leaping back at the interruption. “I think those are their feet! Over here, Sasuke! Sakura!”

“Crap!” You whispered, Kakashi already frantically moving to grab the wig he foolishly took off in broad daylight. But, he was already prepared for something like this happening, the man turning to you with a light smirk as you watched him hopelessly. “Hide, before they get here!”

“Way ahead of you~” He chuckled, a single finger pressing to his now sorely red lips in shushing you, and your cheeks warmed to another degree at the smirk he flashed before disappearing into the branches above. You took a glance and sighed at the relief in not being able to see any sign of him—the shinobi securely hidden amongst the leaves.

“Sensei!” Sakura was the first to reach you, your head flying back forward to see her approach. “We were so worried Kakashi-sensei had caught you!”

“Yeah, sensei… that was close!” Naruto bounded to her side, the two overwhelmingly worried for your sake. Sasuke didn’t look anymore bothered than he usually did, regarding you all warily.

You laughed cheerily at the troublesome genin, shaking your head gently in their direction, “No, guys. I’m fine, really… I escaped.”

The two visibly sighed in relief, Sasuke’s eyes closing to show his own sign of comfort in seeing that you were fine. You grinned, hoisting yourself up from the ground and standing before them.

“So…?” They all faced you again with the trailing off in your tone, “What’s the verdict?”

“For Kakashi-sensei?” Naruto nervously replied, awkwardly scratching at the back of his head, “Uh… I think—“

“I believe we’re done for the day.” The three shinobi jumped at the incoming voice, slowly turning to face the wrath of their Team Leader. Kakashi regarded them sternly, his cold gaze finding you and almost easing. He muttered your name, the noise muffled by his mask; you couldn’t help but smile in response.

“Kakashi.” You replied with a light nod. He put a hand on his hip, shaking his head disappointedly in your direction before turning to the three.

“What you idiots tried pulling today was incredibly rude. You should learn to respect privacy!” He lectured. 

“We’re really sorry, sensei!” Sakura spoke up, “It was Naruto’s—“

You flicked the back of her shoulder as she tried pinning the blame, the smaller girl flinching in response but respectfully quieting down at the correction. Kakashi regarded her with a weary sigh, looking once more to you.

“I apologize for my team’s behavior in getting you wrapped up in their shenanigans today… I hope you can forgive them.”

“Oh, trust me,” You smiled happily in the direction of the three, the outcome maybe the best thing that had happened to you in awhile, “I already have.”

The trio frowned in confusion at how warmly you spoke now, not knowing the bright side that ended up being your now reality. Kakashi didn’t let them stand around for long, grabbing at Naruto and Sasuke’s shoulder before shoving them back in the direction of the village.

“We best be off now,” He grumbled over their whining complaints, “these three still have to report back to Hokage over their attempt of seeing me yesterday.”

They all groaned, you lightly giggled at the resistance but waved in goodbye anyway. “I’ll see you around, you guys… take care.”

“Bye, sensei…” They all replied meekly, the consequences now being faced.

Kakashi didn’t pause in walking, but instead turned lightly over his shoulder—a wink from his visible eye sent your way. You mimicked the gesture, grinning happily at the thought of seeing him later. 

It was going to be sundown soon… you could only guess what this all meant from here.

#kakashi x reader #kakashi #kakashi hatake #sukea #hatake kakashi #soft kakashi #i love kakashi #fanfic #oneshot #writing #fanfiction #x reader #softtober #anime #naruto #naruto shippuden #team 7 #kakashi fluff #kakashi love #what a sensei #he's the sweetest #i'm devoted to this man #im so in love #help

[secretsandwriting]

The Little Moments [Dew]

The little moments in which the ghouls realize that the feeling in their chest when they see you isn't just instincts anymore, it's love and their drowning in it.

A sequel of sorts to mate. Can be read alone.

[Mountain] [Aether] [Rain] [Swiss] [Poly]

            Dew wasn’t sure what to think when the instincts died down and he realized fully what had happened. He had met his mate in the only way he genuinely didn’t want to. His parents had mated like this and it had gone bad and he didn’t want that.

            Yet here he was, heading to your office because he needed to check on you. He couldn’t even go 7 hours without seeing you, he hated it. He felt so dependant and needy and there was nothing he could do about it without making himself feel sick. 

            Ignoring it made it worse physically and giving in and checking you brought up all sorts of ugly thoughts. He had gone so long trying to avoid needing someone after seeing so many people in horrible situations because of it that it felt wrong even though it was natural. 

            This past week had been bad. He didn’t know why but he had just been on edge. It was obvious to everyone and so Copia and Sister Imperator had let him off the hook a little and you had kept putting aside work to go lay in the nest with him.

            When he made it to your office he stood outside the door for a few minutes, listening to the noises coming from your office, keyboard keys clicking, the scratching of a pen on paper, the rustling of the blanket you always had on your lap, and the random little noises you would make. He tried to convince himself that all that noise meant you were ok and that was all he needed but it didn’t work, so with a heavy heart he knocked on your door and waited.

            “Come in.” You sounded stressed and it was his fault. His instincts screamed at him to make it better, to put an end to whatever was stressing his mate out but it was him and the guilt was heavy. When he stepped in you glanced up and offered him a tired smile “You don’t have to knock, you know. You’re more than welcome to enter as you please.” He wasn’t sure how to handle that so he just nodded. He could see that you didn’t believe it. “You ok? I can push a few things to tomorrow if you need.”

            “No, you’re already behind because you’ve been doing that all week.” You stopped everything and stared at him. He didn’t know what to take of it. 

            “Sit down, I just need to send an email and I’ll be done for the day, argue all you want but it will get you nowhere.” He sighed and sat down in the seat across from your desk, leaning back he let his head drop behind him. “Alright, come on.” 

            He let you grab his hand and pull him closer enjoying the contact and let you guide him back to your room. He settled down in the nest while you went and changed, he fought down the purr fighting to come out when you walked out in one of his shirts.

            He didn’t fight when you pulled him into your chest, instead tucking himself into your neck breathing in your scent. Despite his best efforts he couldn’t help but purr when you started rubbing his back, relaxing him into you even more. 

            “Dew, I know you’re coming to terms with this but you need to understand I wouldn’t do things like this if it was important to me. You’re important to me and you need to understand that ok?” 

            Oh… He was Important to you?

_______________________

            Dew’s pride swelled when you giggled at the story he was telling you about. Thrilled with the knowledge he could make you laugh and smile. He felt your grip on his arm tighten a bit and the grin under his mask grew. 

            Never had he been as thankful as he was today that your office was a little ways away from your room. It gave him more time with you before he had to go to practice for the next few hours. Dew loved walking you places, especially the feeling of your hand holding onto his arm. 

            Nothing compared to the soft red that would dust your cheeks when he offered you his arm, or the way your eyes danced when he said something you found funny. He would become a court jester if he could see your eyes light up like that everyday. 

            You had him wrapped around your little finger and you didn’t even know it. He would do anything for you, there was no limit. Dew was helplessly in love with you and it was terrifying. 

________________________________________

            Dew had had a rough day. It wasn’t a bad day but it was rough so when you got back to the den from your office Dew had dragged you to the couch where he had already set out a brush and hair ties. He plopped down on the pillow on the floor and waited for you to settle in behind him. When you took a second too long he let out a small whine, both of you knew he was exaggerating. If he was really that needy you would be in the nest.

            The second he felt your hands in his hair, a soft rumbling purr spilled out of his chest. You could feel the vibrations in your legs where he was leaning back against you. He had no idea what you would do with his hair and he really didn’t care. Whatever you did he would love, even if it was something hideous.

            When Aether came into the den clearly deep in instinct holding a sister who hadn’t talked to anyone, Dew was worried you would stop to talk with her. Instead, you continued running your fingers through his hair while you talked. It provided good background noise and he got to hear your voice which was swiftly becoming one of his favorite sounds.

            You suddenly switched from the soft touches to more firm scratches on his scalp, he melted against you. His purring going up in volume as he relaxed into your touch. He heard you giggling and reigned in as much of his focus as he could. 

            “Dew loves his scalp being scratched. I found out on accident a few weeks ago when I was playing with his hair. I thought he had passed out from out due to how fast he had relaxed.” You kept talking about things that you had noticed about most of the ghouls but Dew couldn’t focus through the head scratching so he stopped trying. 

            You eventually stopped scratching and went back to just playing with his hair but he was far too relaxed to do much other than lean against your legs and purr. He should see if he could get you to do this more often.

            “Alright Dew,” you rubbed his shoulder. “How about we go to the nest until dinner?” That sounded nice, Dew thought he would like that. He could hear you giggling again and he swore he would do anything to hear you laugh like that all the time. “Dew, you have to get up so we can go to the nest.” With a lot of help from you, he stumbled into your room and was dropped into the nest where he curled up and made grabby hands at you. 

            “Let me change and I’ll be right there.” When you finally got into the nest with him, he curled up into you. Breathing your scent in he realized you were wearing one of his shirts and between that and the nest you smelled so much like him no one would be able to deny you were his mate. He really liked that thought.

_____________________________

            Dew loved snuggling with you, he had skin contact, your warmth, and you were there for a while. All those together were amazing and he loved it. You didn’t seem to mind either so that was also a win, he didn’t feel like he was forcing you to do anything you didn’t want to do. So when you snuggled a little closer one night, his purring increased as normal and he tried to get closer to you, resting his chin on the top of your head, tightening his arms that were around your stomach to pull you closer, and throwing one of his legs over yours.

            “Dew.” He was too tired to form words so he hummed and waited to hear whatever it was you needed, mentally preparing himself to talk and get out of the nest to get you whatever it was you might have wanted. “I love you.” Oh. He didn’t expect that. He didn’t expect that at all. 

            “I love you too.” He pulled you closer, his heart swelling with so much love and adoration for you he thought it might burst. He had loved you for months and he would keep loving you for the rest of his life.

            “Dew… May I have a kiss?” He wasn’t tired anymore. He was actually more awake than he had been in weeks. He pulled away and gently cradled your face, looking for any signs of hesitation. When he didn’t see any, one of his hands slid behind your head and pulled you closer until your lips met. 

            Dew had been imagining this for months. He had wanted it for months, but he didn’t know how long you had and he didn’t want to overstep anything so he pulled away from you lips despite everything in him screaming at him to kiss you breathless. But your hands in his hair pulled him back to you and he couldn’t help himself. Your lips were so soft and you tasted so good and you really didn’t seem to mind.

#Ghost x reader #Ghost fanfiction #ghost bc #band ghost #ghost band #the band ghost #ghost band x reader #nameless ghouls #nameless ghouls x reader #gender neutral reader #gn reader #dewdrop ghoul #dewdrop x reader #ry writes

[kpopfanfictrash]

Not Another Holiday Romance (Teaser)

Posting Date: Saturday, December 24th at 6:00 PM EST

Part of: the Snow Falls Collaboration with @underthejoon and @suga-kookiemonster

Genre: Director!Y/N, Town Historian!Namjoon, One Night Stand!AU

Author's Note: This story will be told in alternating viewpoints between Y/N and Namjoon.

Synopsis: You, a perpetually alone (and utterly cynical) movie director, are sent to the town of Snow Falls, Middle-of-Nowhere for your latest film assignment. Stuck in holiday hell until the new year, you’re determined to get in and get out with minimal damage to your Grinch reputation. That is, until a ridiculously gorgeous (and young?!) town historian is assigned to help with your film. Suddenly, you find yourself the heroine of one of those corny romances you direct – and are discovering they might not be so corny after all.

Estimated WC (Total): 30K

Rating: 18+

Preview WC: 2,021

“But I don’t care what they think,” insists Matt, stepping closer. “I’ve spent my entire life hearing about what I should and shouldn’t do and right now, I don’t care about any of it. I care about you. On Easter,” he adds, blonde hair shining underneath the bright lights.

Bunny – because yes, the character’s real name is Bunny – smiles up at Matt, blinking away tears. Except – hang on. No. Bunny is actually crying, which isn’t in the script.

Exhaling loudly, you push yourself to stand. “CUT!” you call, ignoring the groans from the crew. “Amber, the script says, ‘eyes glistening,’ not full-on waterfalls. Matt’s telling you he wants you, not going off to war. Let’s do it again!”

Dropping her dewy expression, Amber Carmichael (the actress cast as Bunny) turns, squinting against the lights. “You sure?” she calls, raising a hand to her brow. “I thought it added something to the moment! You know, like catharsis.”

“The only thing it added,” grumbles Matt – both the name of the actor and character, “was confusion.”

Ignoring him, Amber flips long, dark hair over one shoulder. “Alright,” she says, unconcerned. “Let’s go again!”

Trying not to sigh, you sit down in your chair. Hiding laughter, your assistant director, Abby, ducks behind her green binder.

“This is gold,” she murmurs as the crew resets. “If this movie weren’t already terrible, Amber’s acting would get it there.”

“And why does that make you cheerful?” you ask. “I’m the director and you’re the assistant director. Our names are tied to this.”

Shrugging, Abby flips a few pages. “Hey, I enjoy my job. We’re making content for people who just want to relax after dinner. An important job which keeps 74.6% of bored housewives from killing their husbands. It’s true – look it up.”

You, of course, do not bother to look it up because Abby is known for making up statistics to suit her purpose. Most are rooted in a semblance of truth though, and you know that people watch Mallhark – your employer – for a reason. Basic escapism if nothing else.

You just aren’t sure an Easter romcom was what they had in mind.

Matt and Amber are currently acting before a greenscreen, the rolling green hills to be added in later. Abby might see this as glass half-full but from where you’re sitting, things look pretty dismal. The main character of your movie is named Bunny, for crying out loud.

Once upon a time, when you were first promoted to director and tasked by Mallhark to make the holidays magical, you took great pride in your work. You stayed up until morning making edits, pouring over screen tests, and searching for locations but lately, you can barely drag yourself to set. Lately, everything has felt stale, and you aren’t sure how to recapture the magic for yourself, let alone someone else.

Pulling your lower lip between teeth, you shove this aside to concentrate on the moment. Magic or not, you need to finish this film today. Your flight out of here is tonight and Mallhark doesn’t take kindly to schedule delays.

“All set?” you yell, waiting for the crew to respond. Once they do, you nod. “Okay. Three… two… one…” You signal to start, settling back in your seat.

Brian, your main camera operator, zooms in to frame the shot. A second operator, Siying, works a hand-held for close-ups. Everyone on set feeds off one another – one of the few things you still appreciate about movie making. Even the cheesiest, cheapest films necessitate a tremendous crew.

Amber and Matt start their scene from the top, with Amber perched on a rock to stare at the (fake) sunset.

“BUNNY!”

Matt runs into frame, startling Bunny into falling sideways, nearly into his lap. The two confess, laying their insecurities out between them. Like a grocery list, Bunny rattles off her fear of commitment, of abandonment and Matt wholeheartedly accepts her as her leading man.

Watching this, you feel a slight twinge in your chest. It’d be nice if real life could be that simple. In your experience though, men tend to run the moment flaws are unearthed.

“I care about you. On Easter,” Matt blurts, ending his monologue.

Bunny stares up at him, starry-eyed. You have to hand it to Matt – as a Mallhark veteran, he really knows his stuff. Cheating his angles, he gives the camera crew the shot they need while continuing to gaze into Bunny’s eyes.

Amber isn’t quite as good, staring back with her lips parted. Maybe it wouldn’t seem so provocative if she hadn’t just come from amateur porn. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but the angles and facial expressions are wildly different here on Mallhark.

Abby must be thinking the same since you catch her scribbling a note in her binder. Possibly edit out porn sigh during ending?

“Oh, Matt,” Bunny says. “I love you.”

“And I love you, Bunny.” Matt gathers her to him, and you close your eyes to brace yourself for the next bit of dialogue. “I’m hop-lessly in love with you.”

The two of them laugh, only sounding slightly strained, which is the best you can hope for. Matt presses his lips to Bunny’s, and you wait an appropriate time before you yell cut.

“That’s it!” you call, standing from your chair. “Thanks, folks!”

Amber and Matt break apart, the crew loudly applauding the successful take. Sagging in your seat, you hear Abby close her binder with a snap.

“So,” she declares. “That was fun.”

Rather than respond, you lower your head and start to rub your temples.

Abby makes a tsking noise. “You’re becoming cynical, Y/N. How can you not love this channel? Come on, think about it – the meet cutes! The banter! The romance! The bunnies!”

“I’m allergic to rabbits,” you mutter.

“Huh.” Abby tilts her head. “Well, bad luck getting assigned to the Easter movie, then.”

“And besides,” you exhale, looking up. “Let’s call a spade a spade, Abby. We’re not solving world hunger. These movies are thinly veiled Christian propaganda that’s being spoon-fed to the viewer. I’m surprised we don’t do blatant product placement, too. Really lean into the consumerist angle.”

“Damn.” Abby snorts. “Who spit in your peppermint mocha this morning?”

“And that’s another thing,” you gripe, jiggling your empty cup. “This mocha was terrible! I should be at least able to taste coffee, right?”

“Depends. Most people who order peppermint mochas just want the chocolate.”

“Ugh. I’m sorry,” you sigh, knowing you’re being unfair. “I’m just in a crappy mood today.”

“You’ve been in a crappy mood for a week,” Abby says, standing from her chair. Stretching both arms overhead, she leans side to side. “Don’t shoot the messenger, but as your best friend I feel obligated to let you know.”

Stomach sinking, you follow her lead and stand. Abby is right. You’ve been generally terrible to be around, and it isn’t her fault. Trailing her throughout the set, you wave goodbye to the crew on your way to the door.

Normally, you’d stay and help clean, but time is of the essence if you want to make your flight. Mallhark, in true capitalist fashion, has scheduled your films back-to-back. You’re even missing the wrap party, which tends to be a trainwreck but in the fun kind of way.

“I know,” you sigh, pushing open a door. “The worst part is I don’t have any right to be a grump. I mean, I have a good job. I’m directing, which is what I want to do. I have a nice place to live. I have food on the table, I have friends –”

“Friend,” Abby corrects, then waves a hand. “Continue.”

Your glare at her is half hearted because once again, she’s correct. “Anyways,” you say, pushing through a second set of doors. “I have everything I need, so I don’t know why I’m in such a funk.”

“Hm,” Abby says in a tone which says incoming monologue.

Stopping at your trailer, you turn around to face her. “Come on,” you say, gesturing with one hand. “Out with it.”

Abby innocently blinks. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Tell me the thing you want to say.”

“It’s just.” She shrugs. “It’s basic science.”

You stare at her for a moment. “Okay, I’ll bite. How is this science?”

“95% of people aren’t happy with what they have.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep.” Abby nods, dark hair flying. “Okay, so I may have made up that number, but it sounds right, doesn’t it? What I mean is – it’s all Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Sure, all your physical and safety needs are met but what about the rest? Are you satisfied and proud of your work? Does having only one friend” – Abby gives you a long look – “fulfill your quota on love and belonging?”

Whatever retort you had dies in your throat, unable to suitably respond. Abby has a point. True, you have it better than some, but it doesn’t mean things in your life are that great. Especially given the email you received last week.

Exhaling slowly, you stare at a point above Abby’s head. “I got the casting list for our next movie,” you mutter.

“O-kay.” She frowns. “Not sure how this ties into our conversation, but okay.”

Dropping your gaze, you look at her. “Nico was cast as the male lead.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh.”

“Fuck.”

“Uh-huh.”

Abby falls silent, clearly struggling to come up with a positive response. You should tell her there isn’t one – you’ve been sitting with this for over a week and have nothing.

Nico Taylor, aka The Ex. Also known as Mallhark’s leading man/heartthrob from many a 00’s movie. He had a brief action career before stepping from the spotlight to ‘sort things out,’ or attend serious therapy to undo the effects of childhood stardom. Now, he’s reemerged on the Mallhark scene.

You met him last fall, had a whirlwind romance where you experienced love for the first time and then, come January 1st, you found yourself dumped. It was brutal, fast, and made all the worse by the fact that you both work for Mallhark.

Thus far, you’ve been able to avoid working with Nico, but it seems your good luck has run out. Typically, directors are involved with casting decisions. Your next film though, is a Christmas movie being shot on location. That means permits, logistics and specific timelines. Because of this, your film schedule changed abruptly and overlapped with your current film. Casting was delegated and now, look where you are.

On the one hand, it’s a sign of Mallhark’s faith in the script to assign such a big star. On the other hand, you’ll be trapped in a remote location with your ex-boyfriend for a month.

Abby slowly shakes her head, her mouth a round o. “Well.” She pauses. “Shit, Y/N. I don’t even know what to say. Let’s go and get drunk at the airport?”

You can’t help but laugh; it’s such an Abby response but for once, you agree. “I mean, yeah. Let’s do it,” you say, pulling open your door. “I’ll grab my bags and meet you out front? We can call an Uber.”

Abby nods, waving goodbye as she heads for her trailer. You’re halfway inside before realizing something and poking your head back out.

“Abby?” you call.

She stops, jogging in place as she turns around. “Yeah?”

“Where are we headed?”

A delighted grin spreads across Abby’s face, which should be your first warning. Stomach sinking, you deduce it’s somewhere suitably cheesy.

“Snow Falls,” she says, clapping both hands together. “Isn’t that adorable? Sounds like something out of a Christmas story!”

“Dear god,” you groan, pulling your head back inside. “I’m going to need more than the in-flight wine to get me through this.”

Zipping up your bag, you place this on the ground and look around your trailer. No personal effects, which is just how you like it. Fewer things to pack means fewer things to repack when the stint inevitably ends.

Five weeks, you remind yourself. Only five weeks until you can repack again.

© kpopfanfictrash, 2022. Do not copy or repost without permission.

Teaser #2: definitive ranking of sluttiest male sweaters

#bangtanarmynet #bts fanfic #namjoon fanfic #bts fic #bts au #namjoon fic #namjoon au #bts writing #namjoon writing

[olicitymckono]

His Girl

I absolutely love Max but I'll always be a Charles girl.

Any errors are my own but I really hope you enjoy.

They were best friends, had been since they were 5 years old when they had first met at the karting track. Her father was an engineer for Ferrari and he had bought her to the track to watch her older brother Luke Sinclair as he raced around the track. Charles Leclerc was one of his competitors. For years she travelled along with her family to different races and she had struck up lifelong friendships with several young up and coming racers. Well actually they had become family, especially when at just 19 years old Luke had been involved in a boating accident with his friends. Losing her brother had been one of the hardest experiences of her life and had it not been for Charles and Pierre she might not have been able to go on. Luke was the one who pushed her to follow her dreams of becoming an engineer just like their dad and undoubtedly, he would be so proud of the fact that she had fulfilled her dream of working for Ferrari at F1 level. Things only got better when Charles officially signed his contract with the team. The two of them spend so much time together even spending family holidays together and when her parents separated a few years after Luke’s death, her dad moving to the other side of the world, Charles had become her constant. However, things started changing when his new girlfriend Charlotte came into the picture. He would make plans with Y/N only for them to change the moment Charlotte called. It had gotten worse because now instead of calling or texting Y/N to cancel or reschedule, he simply forgot to tell her. Just a few weeks ago he had told her to dress up as he was taking her to dinner to celebrate his latest success. She had been super excited and got all dressed up only to wait 2 hours for him not to pitch or even let her know he wasn’t coming. Then today when they had finished qualifying, he had pulled her aside and told to wait for him so they could leave together. After 20 minutes of waiting, she went in search of the Monegasque. Y/N checked his driver’s room but he wasn’t there or in the garage. “Hey Alessandro, have you seen Charles anywhere?” Her Italian colleague was busy checking something on Carlos’ car but looked up when she spoke.

“Hey Bella, sorry last I saw him he was headed to his room.”

“Thanks, maybe he’s in the paddock. I’ll see you later.”

“A piú tardi Y/N.” (See you later)

She walked outside towards the paddock, maybe he was talking to one of the other drivers. She spotted Max Verstappen and Daniel Riccardo and made her way over.

Daniel broke into a huge smile as she approached causing Max to look over at his friend. “Y/N, the most beautiful girl in the paddock.”

Shaking her head at the Australian, she chuckled. “You really need to stop flirting Danny, what would Heidi say?”

“Can I join?” he teased.

“Have any of you seen Charles?” she asked them.

Daniel shook his head no but Max answered, “He left about 15 mins ago.”

“He left?” had he really left her again?

Max noticed the look on her face and felt sorry for her. “Yep, him and Charlotte were headed somewhere.”

Y/N nodded her head trying to hide her emotions. He had done it again and she figured she should get used to it but it hurt. “Great.”

“Everything ok Schat?” Max asked putting a hand on her shoulder.

“He was my ride,” she replied.

“Well give me 5 minutes and I’ll give you a ride.” Max offered.

“It's ok. I'll call an Uber.”

“5 mins. No arguing.” Max had a feeling that there was something more to the story and Y/N was important to him. He told her to wait with Daniel while he went to speak to Christian really quick. She smiled in thanks.

Daniel wrapped an arm around her shoulders, “So about that Heidi comment......”

Driving back to the hotel, Max noticed how quiet she was as she stared out the window. “Schat?” he placed a light touch to her knee making her look at him. “What’s really going on?”

“I’m fine Max,” she smiled softly at the Dutchman.

“But...”

He really was a man you couldn’t hide things from. “Charles is acting different.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ever since he started dating Charlotte, he treats me different.”

“How so?”

She shrugged, “He always drops me as soon as she’s around. And I am fully aware that she is his girlfriend, she comes first. But then tell me. I get that plans change. I know he wants to spend time with her.”

“What happened today?”

“Pierre was going to give me a ride back to the hotel but Charles told me to wait, he wanted to grab lunch and talk about something to do with the car. I waited and he left.”

Max nodded in understanding. “He didn’t tell you.”

She shook her head. “Unfortunately, it's not the first time.

“How many times has he done this?” he asked.

“About 5.” Max whistled surprised. “This month.” She finished.

Max looked quickly over at her raising his eyebrows. “This month?” She nodded. “Seriously Y/N, how long has this been going on?”

She shrugged. “Since Charlotte showed up.” She ran a quick hand through her long ash blond hair before continuing, “At first he would at least send a message or call me to cancel but then he just stopped all together.” She looked over at her friend. “I sound like I’m jealous, don’t I?”

“Nope. You have every right to feel the way you do.” Max responded as they reached the hotel. “You deserve to be treated with respect and appreciation.”

She blushed slightly but smiled. “Thanks Max. For everything.”

He returned her smile. “Mijn plezier schat.” (My pleasure darling.)

Before climbing out the car she leaned over and kissed his cheek. No matter how the media portrayed him as a villain, she was lucky enough to know the real Max and he was amazing.

Several weeks had passed with not much going on. F1 was currently on a two-week break before heading to Italy for the next race and Y/N was enjoying some down time with her friends back home in Monaco while Charles was away with Charlotte somewhere. She had not brought up the conversation she’d had with Max. Speaking of Max, he had started to become a very important person in her life, taking up the role that used to belong to Charles. This had not gone unnoticed by the latter. As much as it annoyed him, Charles that Y/N was basically replacing him, he found himself in a position where he had no choice. Charlotte would constantly accuse him of having feelings for his best friend so in order to keep her happy, he had begun to spent less and less time with Y/N. However, after this break he had promised himself that he was going to make a better effort to spend time with her even if it pissed off his girlfriend. The idea of Y/N spending her time with Max or anyone else for that matter was not something he liked or wanted to see.

“So, Y/N, what are you and Charles getting up to on Friday?” Elena Roscon one of Y/N’s high school friends asked taking a sip of her Martini.

Friday was one day away and it also happened to be the day before her birthday. For as long as she had known him, Charles had always planned something the day before so that they could celebrate just the two of them.

“Not sure. He hasn't said anything to me. To be fair we haven’t spoken a hell of a lot lately.”

“How long are you going to punish him?”

“I'm not punishing him.” The brunette looked unconvinced at Y/N. “What? I’m not, I’m just tired of been unappreciated.”

“Y/N maybe it’s not him.”

Y/N scoffed, “So his girlfriend told him to ditch me all these times?”

Elena shrugged, “You never know.”

“Then he is whipped. Can we please talk about something else?”

“Sure, what’s going on with you and a certain Dutchman?”

Y/N chuckled, “Max and I are just friends.”

Elena hummed sarcastically, “I think maybe not.” Y/N simply rolled her eyes before Elena continued. “When do you leave for Imola?”

“Tomorrow. Gonna miss you though,”

“Don't worry I’ll make up for missing your birthday.”

“I know you will.” Y/N smiled.

The next day as soon as they had arrived in Italy, Y/N was called into a meeting. Charles was there and as usual he kept trying to make her laugh throughout. As soon as it was over, she was excited to spend some time with her best friend. Walking out the room she linked arms with him. He leaned over and kissed her head. “I missed you.”

“Me too,” she smiled.

“What you got planned tonight?” he asked.

“Not sure yet. How about you?” she replied hoping he would drop a hint as to what he had planned.

“Charlotte and Valentine are arriving in a few hours. We’re going to Ippocampus Ristorante for dinner. You should come with.”

“Oh,” she let go of his arm and walked a little ahead of him, her heart sinking. He frowned at the action but followed after her. “Thanks, but I really should actually call Pap Pap.”

“Is he okay?” Charles asked concerned for her grandfather. Pap Pap was extremely important not only to her but to himself as well.

“Just seems to be getting a weaker.” She wrapped her arms around her waist.

He quickly caught up to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Hey he’s tough.”

She nodded. “Thanks. I’ll see you later.”

“Wait, I thought we could hang out a bit. Charlotte is still going to be a while.”

She sighed softly putting a smile on her face, “Sure, what you wanna do?”

Two hours later Y/N found herself sitting in her hotel room. She had just finished up her Facetime with Pap Pap. He was doing okay but she had a sense that time was not on his side. Her time with Charles had been too short and along with her growing worry over her grandfather, Y/N felt sad. “I have to do something,” she told herself getting up. She walked to her suitcase and looked through it pulling out a little navy-blue dress she had pack. Biting her lip slightly, she decided she was going to go out. She headed to the bathroom and got dressed.

She found herself at a little bar and it wasn’t long before a group of guys approached her, offering to buy her a drink. She smiled softly and accepted. She wasn’t stupid and naïve so she made sure to keep an eye on her drink as she politely accepted their offer to join them. She wasn't going to lie and say that she didn’t enjoy the company or attention but it did feel different to how it felt spending time with her boys. Even though she worked for Ferrari everyone on the grid had become family and she spent a lot of her time with the guys and some of the wags as well. Isa Carlos’ girlfriend was definitely one of her closest friends but she wasn’t due to be in Italy till the middle of next week just before the actual practices began. But making new friends was actually pretty easy for her and the conversation flowed quite easily with the young men. They were some local college guys and they seemed like real gentlemen, making her feel comfortable. A few were actually surprised that she was an engineer but she held back that she worked for F1.

“Porca puttana.. È quello che penso che sia?" (Holy shit...is that who I think it is?) one of the guys, Antonio she believed asked staring at someone behind her.

She turned around and saw Max. She noticed he was by himself and had several girls around him. He looked around the place before his eyes landed on her and she saw a smile appear before he excused himself from the group of girls and made his way over to her. “Y/N!” he greeted her warmly as she stood up to hug him. He returned the hug squeezing her tightly. “What are you doing here?”

“Just needed a night out. You?” she returned the question.

“Same.”

“You know Max Verstappen?” one of her companions asked drawing their attention.

Max chuckled as she looked back at the Italians. “Yeah, I may have forgotten to mention I’m a Formula 1 engineer.” she said sheepishly.

“Wow.” several of them replied.

“Gentlemen, I hope you don’t mind if I steal Y/N away?” Y/N looked back at the Dutchman with surprised. He shrugged as he put a hand on her back. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I need some company.”

She nodded in understanding and excused herself from the group, thanking them for their hospitality.

“I thought you were only getting in next week?” she asked as they headed to the bar.

“Christian thought it would be a good idea to get a head start on things. He thinks Ferrari has a secret weapon.”

“Oh really?”

“Yep, care to confirm?” he smirked.

She shook her head and locked her lips.

He laughed. “What about you? What’s a beautiful girl like you doing here with a bunch of college boys?”

“Like I said, needed a night out. Usually, I would be doing something with Charles but he had other plans.” she reached for a chair.

“His loss. Come on.” he stopped her from sitting down and offered her his hand.

“What?”

“I’m taking you out for dinner.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know. I want to.”

She saw sincerity in his eyes and happily took his hand.

The night flew by and she was having a lot of fun spending time with him. He really was the sweetest guy off the track. After dinner they walked through some of the town while eating some Gelato, he offered her his jacket as he noticed she was getting cold. She felt goosebumps on her skin where his fingers had brushed against her but she wasn’t sure if it was because of the cold or something else. As they walked towards the hotel the conversation continued to flow.

“I had fun tonight, Y/N. Thank you for joining me.” he smiled as they reached her door.

“I did too. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Don't make plans for tomorrow night.”

“Why?”

“We’re celebrating.” He looked at his watch. “In fact,” he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Happy Birthday Schat.”

She blushed before noticing that it was already the next day. “Thank you.”

“Good night or Good Morning. I’ll see you later.”

She watched him head back to the elevator and waved as the doors opened. He stopped to greet someone she couldn’t see before giving her wink just before climbing into the elevator. Just before the doors closed the other occupant poked their head out. Charles. He gave her a weird look before having to get back in. She shook her head before entering her room.

She had just settled into bed with some mindless show playing in the background when her phone buzzed on the bedside table.

“What were you doing with Max?” Charles.

She rolled her eyes before replying, “He invited me to dinner.”

Two seconds later her phone started ringing and Charles face pop up. She contemplated not answering but knew better. “Hi.”

“You went on a date with him?”

“Firstly, hello to you too.”

“Y/N,” he whined.

She sighed, “We bumped into each other and then went to dinner. Not like I was busy.”

“You could have come with me.”

She leaned back against the pillows. “Didn’t really feel like being a third wheel.”

“You’re never a third wheel. I always want you there.”

He didn’t get it and right now she didn’t want to enlighten him. She was too tired for that. “Where’s Charlotte?”

She heard him close a door with a binge before answering her, “She’s with Valentine. Has an early meeting.”

“Okay.”

“We’re going on a hike afterwards. Please will you come with?” he asked.

“I can’t. I’m meeting Alessandro. We need to go over a few things regarding the cars.”

“Oh,” he sounded sad. “Dinner then.”

She thought about what Max had said about not making plans and part of her wanted to see what he had up his sleeve. “I may have plans already but I’ll let you know later today.”

“Plans....with who?” he asked with a note of annoyance in his voice. She brushed it off as now was not the time to deal with him.

“A friend.”

“Come on. I know all your friends.”

“Maybe I made some new ones,” she snapped.

“Hey,” he said softly. “What’s wrong?”

She sighed pinching the bridge of her nose. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just a little tired.”

He scoffed, “Well maybe next time end the date earlier.”

“Good night, Charles.” She didn’t wait for a response before ending the call. She would deal with him at a decent time. “Happy Birthday to me,” she mumbled as he hadn’t even done that.

Bright and early next day, entirely too early for her liking Y/N was awoken by what started out as a soft knock on her hotel door. She groaned and threw the covers over her head in the hopes that whoever was on the other side of the door would get the message and leave. However, she was out of luck as the knocking not only continued but seemed to get louder. Her phoned buzzed, “Abre la Puerta Cupcake.” (Open the door Cupcake.)

She squinted at the name. “Esperar.” (Wait.) She forced herself out of bed and opened the door when her eyes widened in surprise. Carlos Sainz was standing at the door with a bunch of roses in his hand, but it was the young woman standing next to him that surprised her. It was his girlfriend and Y/N’s favourite WAG. “Isa!”

“Surprise!” the young Spanish woman cried pulling her friend into a tight hug.

“What are you doing here?” Y/N cried wiping away a tear.

“We wanted to surprise you, Y/N.” Carlos replied.

She let go of Isa and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek.

“Happy Birthday!” he smiled.

“I love you guys,” Y/N smiled.

“We love you too, now let's get you dressed. We have a breakfast date.” Isa replied practically pushing her back into the room.

While Isa help Y/N gets ready, Carlos busied himself by putting the flowers into a glass of water. Y/N was like a little sister to him, so to be able to make her day by getting Isa on an earlier flight warmed his heart.

“Shit!” Y/N groaned as she picked up her phone.

“What?” he asked.

“I’m supposed to meet Alessandro this morning.”

Carlos shook his head. “Don't worry about it. I already spoke to him. Rescheduled too tomorrow.”

“You’re the best.” As they headed out, she checked her phone and found dozens of messages. Most of them were from the guys including Max, Checo and Lando and a few were from her family. She quickly replied to as much of them as she could. Nothing from Charles,

Y/N spent a wonderful morning with Carlos and Isa before she headed to the spa, a gift she had received earlier from Max. The massage was heavenly. He hadn't said anything about that night either then to tell her to be ready by 7pm and to dress up. Currently she was in her bathroom applying the final finishing touches. She was dressed in a knee length strapless black dress with matching heels. Looking at herself she could help letting her mind wander to her best friend. Usually, he would be sitting in the room awaiting on her so they could go to a small get together and normally he was the first person to wish her. Yet for some reason he had forgotten. Pascale had called her earlier making her promise to do lunch as soon as she got back to Monaco. Even Arthur and Lorenzo had sent her a message. As if by fate, she got a text from Charles. “Hey, you coming with us tonight?”

She sighed, maybe he had really forgotten. “I have plans. Just about to leave.”

“Fine!”

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked.

“Nothing. Have fun without me. Clearly that’s your new favourite thing. Or maybe you’re hanging out with your new friend Max!”

She rapidly blinked trying to keep herself from crying. “At least he remembered.

She shoved her phone into her bag and headed to the door as she heard a knock.

Standing at the door looking rather handsome in just a simple pair of jeans and a black button up shirt was Max. He smiled looking over her, “Wow! You look beautiful Schat.”

“Thanks,” she blushed. “You look good yourself.”

“Shall we?” he asked putting out his arm for her ever the gentleman.

Max had organised a surprise party for her with a bunch of their friends. Several of the drivers and their girlfriends had gotten in early to come and celebrate with her. The biggest surprise though was seeing Arthur and Lorenzo there as well. She loved spending time with her pseudo brothers particularly Lorenzo who had pretty much taken over the role when Luke died.

“You look beautiful Cherie” he placed a light kiss on her hand.

“Thank you, Enzo,”

“So, what did Charles have up his sleeve this year?” Y/N’s smile dropped at the mention of his younger brother, something that did not go unnoticed. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s not important.” Lorenzo raised a brow telling her he did not believe her. She sighed, “He forgot.”

“Forgot to do something?”

She shook her head, “My birthday. He hasn’t even wished me.”

“That doesn’t sound like Charles.”

“Well, he’s not here and he hasn’t said anything.

“Maybe he’s running late. You know he can be an idiot sometimes.” Lorenzo replied.

“Who’s an idiot?” Arthur asked as he approached with drinks for all of them.

“Charles.” Lorenzo muttered.

Arthur chuckled, “What he do now?”

“Forgot Y/N’S birthday.”

“No way.” he replied looking at Y/N hoping she would tell him Lorenzo was joking.

She shook her head sadly. Arthur reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. “What are you doing?” Y/N asked.

“Calling him.”

She quickly pressed her hand against his to stop him. “Please don’t.”

“Y/N?”

“No Art, if he doesn’t call or show up then that’s on him. Besides I don’t really feel like having Charlotte around.”

“That explains it.” Arthur muttered in annoyance as Lorenzo rolled his eyes.

She looked between the brothers before asking, “Am I missing something?”

Lorenzo leaned in a little closer, “Charlotte is not exactly our favourite person.

“Why?”

“We have our reasons Y/N,” Arthur answered. “But Charles forgetting today?” he shook his head.

“Well, I want to have fun, dance with me?” she grabbed Arthur’s hand and dragged him to the dance floor leaving Lorenzo howling at the look of surprise on his brother’s face.

A few hours later on the other side of the small town, Charles and Charlotte had just finished up dinner and were currently in the taxi. Charlotte had noticed that Charles was not only distracted but annoyed for some reason. He had been quiet and when he had spoken it had been short and snappy. It pissed her off as he was supposed to be paying attention to her. He pulled out his phone and began to scroll through his social media leaving her to fume and stare out the window.

“Oh my God!”

She heard him gasp and quickly turned to look at her boyfriend with a frown. “What is it?”

“I forgot her birthday!”

“Who?”

“Y/N’s” He showed her some of his friends Instagram pictures of at the party.

“So? Seems to me like she is having fun.”

“I forgot.” He rapidly told the driver to head to Charlotte’s hotel.

“What’s going on?” she asked as she barely understood Italian.

“I'm taking you back to the hotel.”

“But we’re supposed to go watch the fireworks!”

“I have to go fix this.”

“Is she your girlfriend, or am I?” she snapped.

He turned to her with anger in his eyes. “Watch it, Charlotte. I’m not having this fight with you again. She is my friend.”

The rest of the drive was silent with a tense atmosphere. But Charles was not going to back down this time. Once they reached the hotel Charlotte got out and slammed the door shut. He didn’t even bother to get out.

“You having fun Schat?” Y/N was currently dancing with Max and couldn’t have asked for a better birthday, except for maybe her best friend being here but seeing as the night was almost over, she resounded herself to the fact that after 21 years of being friends he had actually forgotten.

“I am. I never thanked you for doing all this. Especially in such a little period of time. You really didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to. You’re my friend and you deserve to be celebrated.”

“I wish the fans could see this side of you instead of Mad Max.” she chuckled.

“Maybe I like been Mad Max?”

“You do play him well.” they both laughed as he pulled her closer.

Meanwhile Lorenzo was on the phone with Charles. His little brother had called him up demanding to know where they were so that he could try and make it up to her. After much back and forth with his older brother, Charles decided he would wait for her at her hotel room. Most of the people were leaving now anyway. Lorenzo just hoped his brother didn’t stuff it up more than he had. Nobody thought they noticed especially Y/N but they had. They had noticed the way Charles had been treating her ever since Charlotte came into their lives. It was just one of the reasons that neither of them like the girl. Y/N was important to them and truthfully both of them thought the two friends would be perfect for each other.

A few hours later Max walked her to her door. “Thank you for the best night ever.” She pulled him into a hug, which he swiftly returned.

“Good night Mooi meid.” He leant down and brushed his lips against hers causing her to shiver in delight. He looked at her with a cheeky grin causing her to blush a deep shade of red. (Good night beautiful girl.)

“Good night, Max.” she whispered. As soon as she got into her room she fell down on the bed with a huge smile on her face. She didn’t know why that simple kiss had made her feel giddy especially given the fact that she and Max had been friends for a few years. She had never thought of him that way but maybe there was something there. Over the years she had been too busy to really put time into relationships but she had had a boyfriend or too. They never lasted though and she never knew why.

A soft knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts and she quickly jumped-up thinking Max may have forgotten something. When she opened the door though she found herself staring at a huge bunch of Orchids. Her favourite. Slowly the flowers moved and she saw Charles looking at her with a guilty look on his face. Her face fell slightly something that made his heart ache. She said nothing just simple walked back into the room leaving him to follow.

“Mon amour je suis tellement désolé d’avoir oublié” (My love I am so sorry I forgot.)

He sounded so sad but honestly Y/N felt he didn’t deserve to feel that. She was the one he had hurt. He put the flowers down on the coffee table as he followed her out onto the balcony. Standing next to her he reached out a placed his hand on hers, gulping as she pulled away. “Please let me make it up to you Mon Cherie?”

She finally turned to look at him. He loved her eyes, how they changed shades of green to reflect how she was feeling. And he could see how disappoint she was in him. “How could you forget?”

He stepped closer to her, “I have no excuses. I just need you to know how incredibly sorry I am. I know I hurt you and that was never my intention. I never wanna hurt you.” Thankfully when he touched her this time she didn’t pull away.

“I wanted you there tonight. But I didn’t want to have to tell you.”

“Mon amour, I wasn’t there tonight but I’m going to make it up to you, I promise. Please baby forgive me?”

She mentally brushed aside the fact that he called her baby as well as the feelings it brought up. “I'm not going to make this easy on you. I mean the flowers are a start,” she shrugged.

He smiled brightly before pulling her into his arms. Heart leaping at the fact that she had forgiven him.

Imola, Monaco and Barcelona had come and gone. Ferrari had put up a fight in the last few races which pleased Charles, it wasn’t the wins he had been hoping for but at this point in time he was just really in a good mood. Y/N and him were back to being best friends and things with the car was looking promising for the next race. One problem for Charles though was her growing friendship with Max. He noticed how the Dutchman would look at her and it made him feel jealous. She was his. Y/N on the other hand was enjoying hanging out with Max and they had been doing a lot of that since they had had a break back home in Monaco. She wasn’t quite sure what she was feeling for him but she knew that it was growing. Currently she found herself sitting on the deck of his boat just off the coast. He had invited her and a few friends to spend the day before they had to catch a plan to Canada He was drawn to the young woman and he’d be lying if he didn’t admit to having a bit of a crush on her growing up. Problem back then was Charles had always had her attention. He wasn’t much of a guy for a pissing competition even though the media would disagree and Charles was his friend, but Max couldn’t deny that the idea of stealing her away from the Monegasque thrilled him. He looked at her, watching how she interacted with friends. She had this way about her that just drew people to him. She noticed him looking at her and smiled at him. He might just be falling for her.

Several days later things took a devastating turn. She was having dinner with Isa and Carmen the night before Qualifying when she got a phone call that would change her life for ever.

“Hello?”

“Y/N Pap Pap is gone.” Her cousin Gabriel had been the one tasked with sharing the news.

Y/N felt her heart shatter. Her two friends noticed the change and instantly knew something was wrong. They waited as she rapidly spoke in French not been able to understand but Isa got up and moved closer to her friend, wrapping her arms around the girl. As soon as Y/N had put down the phone her whole body just sank against Isa.

Carmen reached out her hand and grabbed hers. “What happened?”

Y/N looked broken and said softly, “My grandfather just died.” Isa gasped and held her tighter as Carmen’s hand tightened. “I have to call Fred....I have to get back home.

“Y/N breathe. We’ll help figure it all out. Just breathe.” Carmen reminded her.

Isa and Carmen shared a look over their heartbroken friend. “I need to make a call. Look after her?” Isa asked Carmen who nodded. Quickly moving away from the table Isa called Carlos.

Just an hour later Y/N was on her way to the airport. Carlos had spoken with Fred who organised for the Ferrari jet to be ready to fly as soon as she got there. Carlos looked at his friend via the mirror and noticed how she just looked out the window. She hadn’t even cried, too numb. Y/N couldn’t believe he was gone. But she couldn’t breakdown...not now when her family needed her. She barely registered any of the conversation that was going on between her two friends but quickly gasped when she heard Charles’ name. “Shit, I have to call him.” She rapidly searched her bag pulling out her phone and quickly found his name. She took a deep breath as she waited for him to answer.

“Hello?” it was a woman’s voice.

“Charlotte?”

“Yes, what do you want?”

Y/N ignored the tone and question. “I have to talk to Charles. It’s an emergency.”

“Well, his busy.”

“Please, it’s important.” She begged.

Charlotte sighed. “He’s in the shower. I will ask him to call you back.”

Y/N simple responded, “Thank you.” She put her phone back into her bag and stared out the window.

“What did he say?” Carlos asked.

“He was in the shower. Charlotte will get him to call back.”

Sitting on the plane hours later on route to Monaco. She had yet to hear from him. Grabbing her phone, she quickly texted him, “Pap Pap is gone. I need you.”

After an 8-hour flight and another 2-hour drive, Y/N had finally made it home and was currently sitting in her childhood bedroom. Qualifying was long over and she had yet to hear anything from her friend. He had read her message but no response. She was pissed but knew that she needed to focus on her family especially her grandmother. Her phone buzzed and she quickly picked it up. “Hello?”

“Hey Schat.”

She smiled sadly hearing Max’s voice. “Hi.”

“I wanna ask if you’re okay but that would be a stupid question.”

She shook her head before realising he couldn’t see her. “It's not stupid. I don’t know how to answer that.”

“I wish I could be there with you,” he sighed.

“I would have loved that. How did Quali go?”

“I got pole and Charles and Checo 2nd and 3rd respectively. “

She sighed, “At least there’s that. But I’m proud of you.”

“Danke. You know I’m tempted to forfeit tomorrow.”

“Don’t you dare. You work hard.”

“I’m on the next flight back though. You shouldn’t have to deal with this on your own.”

“You’re amazing.”

“No, you are. Don’t forget it. Listen I have to go do some interviews but I wanted to check in on you.”

“Thank you. It means a lot.”

“I'll call you later Schat. If you need anything, call.”

“I will.”

Qualifying had been weird for Charles. Yes, he had made P2 but Y/N was not there. He had looked for her but no one seemed to know where she was. He hadn’t had a chance to speak to Carlos all through Quali as he had gotten to the track late, but he knew that Y/N had gone out the night before with Isa. Maybe she had had too much to drink but that wasn’t like her. He went in search of his team mate, finding him leaving his driver’s room. “Hey Carlos?” he jogged to catch up with the Spaniard but Carlos seemed a bit offish with him. “Wait up!”

Carlos eventually stopped and waited. “What do you want Charles?” he asked annoyed.

“Woah, what’s wrong with you?”

“Me?” Carlos snapped.

Charles gave him a questioning look. “Well, you’re the one biting my head off for no reason.”

Carlos pinched his nose in annoyance. “Long day. Look what do you need? I need to check in with Y/N.”

“Well, that’s what I wanted to ask. Have you seen her? I’ve been looking all over for her.”

Carlos looked at him confused. “You’re joking right?”

“Why would I be? Carlos what’s going on man?”

“No, no she called you.”

“Huh?”

Last night. On the way to the airport, she called you. Are you telling me you never called her back?”

“Carlos, I have no idea what you are talking about. She never called me. Just tell me what’s wrong?”

“Charlotte said you would call back. Her Grandfather died.”

The colour drained from his face and Carlos realised that his friend didn’t know. “Charlotte never told you.”

Carlos quickly reached for his friend as he sank against the wall. Charles shook his head. “Is she ok? No of course she isn’t. I have to call her.” He pulled his phone out his pocket and dialled her number. It rang several times before going to voicemail. He tried again, same outcome. Trying one more time his call was declined. “She isn’t answering.”

“Give her some time.”

“Fuck,” he hit the wall.

“Hey calm down.”

“How am I supposed to be calm Carlos. I should be there with her. But I’m here. And clearly, I’m the last to know.”

The two men turned as they heard a pair of heels against the hard floor and saw Charlotte smiling as she approached. Charles felt his blood start boiling. Carlos laid a hand on his shoulder. He understood that Charles was angry with her as was he but he also knew Charles couldn’t lose his temper, not now. “Charlotte, now is not a good time.”

“Why?” she frowned.

Charles started cursing her in French physically making her stop in her tracks.

“Charles!” she snapped back.

“I think you need to leave. Carlos told her as he stood between the two.

“What had gotten into him?”

“You know what you did. Right now, I’m inclined to let him have his say but because of the media I won’t. You screwed up Charlotte. Go before I call security.”

“I don’t...” she began. But the look that Charles threw her made her stop. With a sigh she turned and left.

“I need to go home.” Charles ran a hand threw his hair.

“No, what you need to do is get through the race tomorrow then go.”

“I can’t think about the race now.”

Carlos placed a hand on his shoulder. “You have to. She’s worked hard on these cars. She will want you to race.”

He slowly nodded his head. He just needed to talk to her.

No matter how many times he called or messaged her, she ignored it. She couldn’t nor did she want to deal with it. She had been busy helping her mom organise funeral arrangements. The older woman was not handling her father’s death too well and Y/N took it upon herself to do what needed to be done, no matter how much pain she was in. She had managed to arrange the chapel and the minister, scheduling the funeral for the upcoming Friday. And with just a few days to go she still had so much to do. The Leclerc’s had been a God sent through out. Pascale had been there with her through all the planning and knew that at some point Y/N was going to crack. She knew that the young woman needed support and the fact that Charles wasn’t here disappointed her tremendously. She knew that he was on his way but it didn’t make it any better. She had seen how Y/N had been his support after both Jules and his father had died. And Pascale knew that it would have meant the world to her if he had done the same. Of course she knew that Y/N would have forced him to race that Sunday but he could have reached out. Charles hadn’t told his mother what Charlotte had done. As Lorenzo drove Pascale and Y/N back to her mom’s house the older woman looked over at her, noticing just how tired she was. She was rubbing her head from the bridge of her nose. Pascale had seen that look and action before, after Luke had died and it worried her. She took her hand and smiled at Y/N when she looked up at her second mom. She weakly returned the smile before looking down at her lap taking a deep breath. “Its ok to let go Y/N. Its not going to fall apart if you do.”

“I know. I just can’t. I feel empty.”

“Cherie, that’s ok too.” Lorenzo said from the driver’s seat.

“Am I am awful person for just wanting this to be over?”

“Oh hunny,” Pascale reached over and pulled her into a hug. “No it doesn’t.”

She just nodded.

Pulling up into the driveway the black Pisa was hard to miss and Y/N felt her heart freeze. He really wasn’t who she wanted to see right now. “Lorenzo can you....” she started but he didn’t let her finish pointing out the two men sitting outside. Max and Carlos.

Max was the first to reach her when she got out the car. He pulled her tightly to his chest and kissed her head. “Hi.”

“Hi,” she smiled sadly. “How did the race go? I never got to watch.”

“Don’t worry about the race cariño.” Carlos said as she moved to hug him. “ How are you?”

“Been better.” She shrugged.

The two men greeted Pascale and Lorenzo before the former ushered them inside for tea. As she walked into her childhood home she spotted Charles standing at the kitchen table talking to her grandmother. He straightened up and approached her only for her to walk the other way towards her grandmother. She kissed her grandmere’s cheek and quickly told her what had been discussed with the minister. The older woman held her hand and squeezed. “You need to rest Petal.” Her childhood nickname.

“I will.” She replied.

“Y/N?” Charles asked. “Can we talk?”

“I’m gonna take a shower.” She directed towards her friends and family completely ignoring him. All he could do was watch her walk away.

The day of the funeral arrived and not a moment to soon. Everyone was worried about Y/N. She had yet to cry, scream or show any emotion at all. It was like she was a robot. At any minute she could lose it. Several of her friends were there along with Max and Carlos. The one person who wanted to be there holding her hand was seated behind her as she still refused to acknowledge him. He knew he had fucked up so many times but he had generally been blindsided by his girlfriend or former girlfriend should he say. He respected her so he didn’t his luck, just watching over her, ready to catch her when she fell. Problem was when that moment came it wasn’t him she reached for. It was Max.

Gabriel had just given his eulogy and the pianist began to play Pap Pap’s favourite song when it all hit. Max who was sitting next to her noticed her hands starting to shake and her breathing getting shorter. He looked at her face and saw her eyes watering. He leaned over grabbing her hand and whispered. “You want some air?” She nodded. He stood up and guided her outside, as soon as the air hit her face she broke. He grabbed her tight as the tears that had been built up began to fall. They were silent and plenty. Max rubbed her back as she cried. Spotting Charles making his way over Max said to her, “ Schat, I know you don’t want to but you need him.” She lifted her head and turned to see him watching them. She gulped before looking back at him. Her eyes gave him an answer and he motioned for Charles to come over. As he reached them he pulled his friend into his arms. He didn’t talk, just held her close as he too felt the tears fall. He had loved Pap Pap too.

Unfortunately for Charles after her moment of weakness, she was still hurt. Sitting on the balcony, the night air on her face, he approached her. “Hi,”

She looked up at him. “Hi.”

“Can I sit?”

She nodded.

“I’m sorry. Charlotte never told me.”

“Carlos told me.”

“I would have been here sooner.”

“I messaged you....from the plane.”

He shook his head, “I never got any message.”

She scoffed, “You left me on read.”

“Mon Cheri,” he made to take her hand but she stood up and walked to the wall and leaned over.

She heard him get up and come closer to her. “Baby, I swear, if I got your message I would have been on the next flight. Regardless of the damn race.”

She looked at him. The look on his face told her he wasn’t lying. But the problem was that it was not just this. Every time he has cancelled on her, forgotten her, it was becoming a pattern and she didn’t like it. “I believe you.”

“But we’re not okay are we?” he asked sadly.

She sighed. “I just need some time.”

“I understand. But I need you to know that I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be here.”

She nodded with watery smile. “I’ll see you in Austria.”

Two days before free practice and although she was talking to him, their relationship wasn’t the same. She had forgiven him but she had had sometime to really think. She realised that she needed space from him. He had been a constant figure in her life for so long. And she realised that she was in love with him. It was why she had allowed things to go on for as long as it had. It was also why none of her relationships had lasted. As soon as Charles called or needed her, she had rushed to his side. He had consumed her life without her even realising it. “I’m going to leave at the end of the season.”

“What?” She was sitting across from Max who was surprised at her comment. The whole grid was currently enjoying a night out before the grand prix consumed them. She and Max were the only two at the table at the moment.

“I can’t be around him all the time. I don’t want it to be this way. But it hurts, knowing I don’t matter to him.”

“I don’t think that’s true.”

She looked at him. “Actions prove louder them words.”

“He’s trying.”

“What about when he gets another girlfriend?”

“You love him?” Max asked.

She sighed, “I think I do.”

“But you don’t want to.”

“I don’t know.”

“Schat,” he took her hand. “I don’t know what to say. But you can’t leave this job. You love it and everyone loves you. You’re family.”

She shook her head, “I don’t know what else to do. Working for Ferrari means having to be near him. How can I figure myself out if he’s always there.”

“Give me a few days. Don’t make any decisions yet. Please?”

“Ok.”

On the day of qualifying Y/N was headed towards the Ferrari garage when she was approached by a none other then Christian Horner team principal of Redbull. “Y/N? Hi you got a second?”

“Um sure,” she replied.

He indicated for her to follow him which she did. “ So Max talked to me. You thinking of leaving Ferrari?”

Y/N was stunned to say the least. “I’ve been doing some thinking but haven’t decided what I want to do yet.”

“Well I’m going to be honest here. I want you on my team. You have done some incredible work with Ferrari. You’d make a great asset here.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Think about it. If you choose to leave Ferrari. There’s a spot for you with Redbull.” He patted her shoulder before heading back to work.

She stood there for a minute before Max came up to her. “You ok?”

“You spoke to Christian?”

He nodded. “Like I said, you’re family and we can’t lose you. Besides it would be cool working with you. We’d be unstoppable.”

“Cool you’re heels champion. I haven’t decided yet.”

The day of the race and the atmosphere was electric. P2 and P3 for her Ferrari boys and the car was doing amazing. She was alone in the garage as everyone was getting ready. She walked around each car touching the tyres for good luck, smoothing her hand over the front of it. Just before the race was due to start she walked up to Carlos and kissed each of his cheeks wishing him good luck as she always did. He smiled at her before heading to his room to get dressed. She saw Charles looking at her so she made her way over to him. “ She looks good and feels good. I believe you can do this today.”

“My good luck charm is here.” He winked at her.

“Good luck Charles.” She made to walk back to her station but he grabbed her hand. She looked back at him.

“Where’s my good luck kiss?” he asked.

She leaned up and kissed his left cheek and made to kiss his right when he moved slightly causing the corner of her lips to meet his. She stepped back and blushed slightly. He had this look on his face that she hadn’t seen before and it made her stomach flip. “Go...go get ready.”

“I sure am ready now .” he smiled.

The Ferrari garage erupted in cheers as Charles crossed the finish line in first followed closely by Max in P2 and Carlos in P3. The minute he spotted her in the group he ran up and hugged her. She chuckled before pushing him towards the rest of their team. But when she stood on the podium with her team he made sure to pull her close to him and away from Max. She felt his hand against her back and she knew she had to make a decision before her heart was broken for ever.

In the week of the next grand Prix Y/N asked Fred to talk and brought up the fact that she was considering leaving and about Christian’s offer. He was very understanding and asked her to think long and hard about her decision. He didn’t want to lose her. She had promised and they both agreed that nothing was to be said before she made her choice. However that didn’t not go as planned.

During the first free practice something went wrong and Charles ended up having to retire for the day as something in the car was just not working. To say he was pissed was an understatement. He managed to limp the car into the garage but once he got out the car he lost his temper and began cursing in French. Y/N quickly walked after him to try and reassure him that they would figure it out. But he turned and snapped at her saying something she would never forget. “I don’t know what you did to the car but fix it.”

“What I did?”

“You don’t fucking care about us. Everything was great till you decided to abandon us for Redbull! Can’t have us beating your boyfriend or new boss can you!”

Without a word, she slapped him so hard that the entire garage went deadly silent. “Fuck you!”

Working right through the night she was able to find the problem and they managed to fix the issue just in time for the next set of practices and qualifying. Neither of them said a word to each other. Charles bagged P2 and the belief was that he could win again. Shortly after qualifying Y/N and Alessandro were going over some final notes when Fred joined them. He noticed how her eyes were rapidly blinking and how she was constantly rubbing her head while moving her neck around and around. Honestly she didn’t look good. “Y/N, you need to go get some rest. You don’t look good.”

“Honestly I don’t feel so good,” she said rubbing her temple.

“Go. We can finish up here.”

“Thanks.” As soon as she got into the cab she leaned her head against the back rest. Truthfully she hadn’t been feeling well for a while but things had been so hectic that she had tried to push through it. It’s not something she hadn’t dealt with before.

“Hey,” Charles walked back into the garage and saw Alessandro packing up.

“Hey.”

“You seen Y/N?”

“Fred sent her to rest. She didn’t look so good.”

“What do you mean?” Charles asked concerned.

“She’s been rubbing her head and neck a lot. Heard her say something about a migraine.” He placed his bag over his shoulder. “You should get some rest too. You both have been a bit edgy.”

Charles nodded before saying goodbye. On his way to the car he pulled out his phone. “Hi Maman.”

She was laying on her bed rubbing her head, trying to get rid of the headache that had been bothering her since Pap pap’s death. For days she had been able to fight through the pain, but the last two days it had gotten worse and tonight she was not able to hide it. Hopefully she would feel better in the morning just in time for the race but somehow she doubted it. She closed her eyes, willing the pain to go away when she heard a knock on the hotel door. She groaned before slowly getting up.

“Hey Mon Cheri.” Charles held a large paper bag in one hand and two steaming cups of coffee in his other. “I brought supplies,” he said with a tiny smile. She stepped back and let him in, no energy to argue. He placed the bag and cups down before looking at her fully. “How long?”

She knew what he was talking about. “Since Pap Pap.”

“Mon Amour, why didn’t you say anything?” he knew how bad the migraines could get and it hurt that she hadn’t said anything, even though he knew it was his own fault.”

“I thought I could get there it.”

He nodded grabbing one of the cups on the table, giving it to her. “Its your favourite. Caramel, salted latte.”

“Thanks,” she smiled.

“Ok, sit down and drink your latte. I’m going to get it ready.”

“Get what ready?” she asked.

“Just trust me.”

She narrowed her eyes suspiciously but sat down none the less watching him take a few things out the bag before picking up the bag and heading towards the bedroom. She had just finished her latte when he beckoned her to come into the room. He led her to the en suite where she found he had drawn her a deep bubble bath. Lining the tub were dozens of candles and a few lite incense candles which smelt a lot like, “Lavender?” she asked.

“Yep. I remember once when you got sick, Mamam did this for you. I thought it might help again.”

She felt her heart leap. “ Thank you.”

“Always.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and quickly selected some soothing music. Setting the phone down on the sink before turning back to her. “Get in and relax. Forget everything. Don’t get out till I come call you.”

“Is that an order?” she joked.

He thought for just a second, “Consider it is.” He winked before leaving and closing the door behind him.

After a long time, she could feel how her muscle had started to relax and the pain subsiding just a little. The music that was playing was something she had never heard before but it was so beautiful and relaxing that she felt like she could stay here forever. A gentle knock sounded before the door opened just a jar. “Mon Cheri, you can get out now. Come join me in the kitchen.”

“Ok.”

After drying herself off, she wrapped herself in her gown before making her way through to the kitchen. As she entered the room she saw him standing at the counter tossing what look like a salad. He had laid two plates out with some wine in the middle. Looking up at her he quickly went to pull out a chair and indicated for her to sit. “I ordered some Italian. The salad is home made though.” He sheepishly remarked. He wasn’t the best cook around and the last thing he wanted was for them to get food poisoning. She sat down watching him as he took the seat opposite her. None of them addressed the elephant in the room but the company was pleasant and it almost felt like everything was back to normal. Except it wasn’t.

By the time they had finished dinner and cleared up, Y/N brought it up. They were currently sitting on her bed. He had put a movie on, The Mummy, her favourite and he was sitting behind her gently massaging her shoulders and temple. “Cha?”

“Yes, Mon Cheri?”

“Why are you doing this?” she asked.

“Because I care about you. And I’m sorry.”

She moved so that she was looking at him. He instantly missed the feel of her skin. “It seems like you’ve been saying that a lot lately.”

He nodded, “I know. I can’t justify everything that’s happened but I need you to know how sorry I am for everything. I never wanted to hurt you.”

“I know.”

“Y/N,” he began but she stopped him.

“How could you think I would ever do anything to hurt you or Ferrari?”

Looking down in shame he responded. “I have never wanted to take something back as much as I wanted to do after I said that. I was angry and I took it out on you. You didn’t deserve that.”

“I’ve worked hard to get where I am.”

He grabbed her hand, “I know that better then anyone Mon Cheri. Like I said was angry at myself for not been focused. Because it was my fault. I could tell something wasn’t right with the car but I pushed it. I was too much in my head and not focused. Are you leaving?”

“I don’t know yet. Christian did make me an offer and I am thinking about it.”

“Why?”

“Why did he ask me or why am I thinking about it?”

“I know why he made an offer. You’re amazing and any team would be lucky to have you. Why are you considering? Ferrari has always been your dream.”

“Dreams change. Circumstances and....people change things, ideas.”

“It’s me isn’t it? You want to get away from me.” She didn’t answer him. “You hate me.”

“No!” she placed her hand on his cheek making him look at her. “Charles, no matter how hurt I am, I could never hate you. I love you.” The way she said that told Charles that she meant more than just a friend and it made him happy. Charlotte had been right, he was in love with his best friend. However her next words broke his heart. “And that’s the problem.”

“What?”

“Charles, I don’t mean to hurt you but you can be selfish.”

“Meaning?” he asked and she could hear the hurt in his voice.

“You consumed my life in every way. Every relationship I have had had ended because I have always put you first. Every success, ever failure I have been there supporting you. But have you ever stopped to think how I must be feeling? Those failures are mine too. I work day and night trying to make sure that we have a car that’s capable of challenging Redbull. When something doesn’t work, I feel like a failure. That I let the fans, the team, you down.”

“Y/N,” it was now his turn to place a hand on her cheek, looking at her deeply. “The fans love you. The team works together. You could never fail me.” He pulled her closer making her sit on his lap. “I know I’ve screwed up, but please don’t leave.”

She placed her head against his chest. “I don’t know if I can stay.”

“Your right, I am selfish and I’m going to be even more selfish now. Please don’t leave me. I need you, I’m in love with you and I can’t watch you be in that garage, be with him.”

She looked at him when he said he was in love with her. “What?”

“I was angry but also jealous.”

“Of Max?”

He nodded. “Seeing you with him, it drives me crazy. Just the thought of his hands touching you..... I hate it.”

“We just friends.”

“Really?” he asked.

She nodded. “I do care about him and for a while I did think I might be falling for him. But he’s not you. Besides I think he still loves Kelly.”

“Does he know?”

“Yep.”

He leaned his head against hers and she could feel one of his hands rubbing her bare thigh causing goosebumps. “What does this mean for us? I want there to be an us.” He refused to break eye contact and wouldn’t allow her too either. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

She just looked at his eyes feeling a tear break loose and run down her cheek. He quickly wiped it away and without a hesitation he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. She didn’t pull away but kissed him back. As the kiss intensified she felt his hand move further up her leg reaching the top of her thigh before he could go any further she stopped him and pulled away. “You have a race tomorrow.”

“Are you throwing me out?”

She shook her head. “No, but you should rest.” She climbed off his lap and headed to the bathroom to change. When she came out he was gone and she closed her eyes. The fresh tears were her own fault this time. Her phone buzzed. “I’m not letting you go without a fight.”

Charles Leclerc wins the British Grand Prix!!!!

There had just been so much going on that day that neither of them had a chance to talk to each other but that didn’t mean that they hadn’t stolen glances, catching each others eyes ever so often. Charles had been focused and determined to win and show Y/N just how much he appreciated the hard work she put it. He made it a point in his interviews to celebrate her too. And when he stood on the podium in first place he kept his eyes on her. He meant what he said, he was going to win her heart. Y/N had being doing a lot of thinking that night after he left. Her thoughts of leaving Ferrari had made her feel nostalgic and she had pulled out a photo album she always carried with her. Seeing her brother smiling back at her from the pages helped her make her decision. After the race and paddock celebration she had disappeared.

Back at the hotel Charles was getting ready for the after party trying to get hold of her but her phone was off. The joy he felt after the win started to diminish after she had disappeared. He hoped that he would at least see her tonight. He picked up his keys and phone and headed to the door. As he opened it he found her standing there hand raised as if she was about to knock. Her makeup was done and her hair flowed down in soft waves. She had on some heels and a black coat. “Hi,” she smiled.

“Hey.”

“Can I come in?”

“Of course,” he replied stepping aside.

“So I made a decision.” She replied rocking slightly back and forth nervously.

“And?” he asked stepping closer to her.

She took his hands and placed it on the belt of her coat. “Open it up.” He looked at her curiously. “The colour represents my choice of team.”

He looked down and began to slowly undo the belt. As the coat fell open and he saw red peaking through, she indicated for him carry on and take it off. He moved his hands up and he pushed the coat back till it fell off her shoulders. He felt a rush flow through his body from his head down to his toes. He gulped, feeling his jeans tighten in the crotch. She was standing on front of him in a red, silky pair of lingerie. “The outfit, it is for you and your alone. You don’t have to fight.”

He grabbed her and pulled her into a deep, longing kiss. His hands felt like fire against her skin. He broke the kiss only to trail his lips down her throat causing her to moan as he reached a certain spot. She moved closer to him feeling his cock against her stomach. “I need you to touch me,” she whispered.

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “You sure?” he asked.

“I wore this for you to take off.” She said taking his hand and moving it down to her panties.

“God your wet.” He moved his hand across her covered pussy. “If I start I’m not going to stop till you scream my name baby.”

“Ok,” she smiled as she moved her other hand against his cock causing him to groan. He grabbed her making her wrap her legs around his waist and he carried her to the bedroom.

That night not only did he get the win but he got his girl, the girl who would become his wife and mother of his children. The girl he would spend the rest of his life with and both had never been happier.

#charles leclerc x reader #f1 x reader #max verstappen x reader

[spaceless-vacuum]

I saw your yandere Link x Zelda x royal reader and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

I read this somewhere so be aware that this idea isn't mine, but basically it said that the first course of action with a royal!reader would be to try an arrange a marriage between reader and Zelda and I agree with that 100%, it's the safest option and the path with the least resistance in getting reader to love them. Reader can't fight back because their entire family and kingdom would be in agreement that Zelda is their betrothed (if anyone disagrees, the marriage would happen reguardless. If push comes to shove though, Hylia's champion would gladly take them aside to 'have a couple of words').

I also think this is really cool because politics <3, and that there could actually be an obstacle for Link and Zelda.

Betrothal (I was going to do multiple obstacles but I very clearly had a favorite and I'm too tired to continue)

My personal favorite: a fiance(e)! Imagine Link and Zelda being memorized by this royal from a distant kingdom, and throwing everything they have to try and woo you, only to get their hearts crushed when you reveal that you're arranged to marry another.

This can go many ways depending on how you feel.

Maybe you bond with Link and Zelda, scheduling regular visits to Hyrule in order to 'promote/strengthen healthy ties' (in actually the three of you chat all throughout the night: you explaining stories about your own kingdom, link recalling tales of various monsters he's defeated, and Zelda info dumping about various discoveries or castle affairs (she thinks her stories aren't as interesting, but you reassure her that they are, and can maybe he important for ruling in your own kingdom, much to her delight (not that you would ever get to rule your own kingdom, not if they could help it)). The three of you also explore the castle and it's various secrets and rooms, or rather, it's you exploring and them either following closely behind or even leading you there themself (though it's definitely Zelda leading, as link is still very much an active knight that needs to be behind you two at all times). Maybe they were just getting the paperwork done to finally officially start the courting of you three two, when they receive a tearful letter from you, explaining that you are to be wed to a royal/nobleperson against your wishes, and how you wanted nothing more than freedom ironic considering who you were writing to. Maybe you don't even write, maybe you just sneak off into the nearest carriage heading for Hyrule. Poor Link and Zelda get almost no warning when they are called into the throne room, only to see that it's you and boy do you not look good. They barely get out of the throne room before you all but sob their arms (once again, probably Zelda's considering she's the closest, but link is very quick on joining you two), crying about how you were forced into an arrangement where you're set to marry another. Link and Zelda can only make eye contact with each other before trying to calm you down enough so that you stop crying, because the sight of your tears breaks their hearts, as well as brings forth a rage and consuming desire to personally take down both of those dreaded kingdoms that decided to try and take you away from them.

(To make it even worse, I imagine that in this case, reader might actually have wanted to marry them as well. Those two are probably the only people to treat them as a person and not a royal figure, and you can't tell me that the topic of marriage just never came up whenever reader visited the castle, and they can be very persuasive when they want to be. I just imagine reader trying to apologize to them through tears, because they feel like the arranged marriage was their fault. Link and Zelda are quick to reassure reader that no, it was not their fault, but this entire ordeal only cements the fact, in their mind, reader cannot take care of themself, so they will do it for them.)

By the time you finally calm down enough to go to sleep, Zelda and Link (who probably isn't much help politically, but he wanted to try his best anyways (push comes to shove, he can find out where your betrothed lives and plan an 'accident')) are working overtime to try and find a way to get you out of the arrangement. Whatever the other is offering, they'll double, trying to poison the other party's reputation so that unification is ill-advised, even pushing forward that initial offer for Zelda to marry them. Don't get them wrong, if push comes to shove they'll just take you. You're already here, and knowing what awaits you back home, you aren't too inclined to leave.

If you do like you're betrothed, it gets a bit more difficult for them, however their actions relatively stay the same.

Maybe they're still drafting the letter asking for your hand in marriage; they know that you aren't too keen on the idea, but they're positive that they can eventually get through to you, especially if your family approves. Their plans and hearts are crushed however, when you come prancing into whatever room they were in, declaring that you are a taken royal! You happily ramble on about it, it's to some random person you had mentioned offhandedly before, someone they barely knew and wish they could crush. They could only listen to you halfheartedly, Zelda being polite and pretending to be happy alongside you and Link having to resort to the straight-faced mask of knighthood, knowing that his true face underneath was anything but supportive. Both of them only really cared for the important details: name, family, and date set.

They try to sprinkle seeds of doubt in your mind: apparently they treated the last partner they were set to marry so badly that they broke off the engagement for good, their entire kingdom is on the verge of collapse and that taking it on via marriage would doom yours aswell, they even tried to bring up assassination attempts supposedly increasing around that area.

They never did it in a way that made it seem like their idea, rather the occasional comment that would resonate with you with the hopes that you would think it's your idea and break it off cleanly, allowing them to slither their way into your heart. Anything that openly stuck with you, maybe a thoughtful hum in regards to their comments or a 'I didn't know that' would cause them to focus on that aspect and drive it in deeper. They still draft the letters like in the previous paragraph, but this time they're done without your knowledge, and you're still going to stay if all else fails, but it's in a much more typical yandere style.

(I find the idea that the two find out about reader's marriage just via wedding invite incredibly funny. The two just run around like headless chickens, trying to find a solution while being desperately low on time. I know that their solution is probably to just kidnap reader, but the idea of them completely showing up, seeing you in your wedding outfit, only to burst out of their seat during the time for objection with a 5 page document of the other spouses dirty laundry or, Hylia forbid, infidelity much more entertaining).

Off topic ramble that doesn't fit in to my idea but I wanted to share anyway.

This makes me wonder though, if reader was AFAB would King Rhoam even set it up/support, reader's parents, the rest of Hyrule's citizens? If push comes to shove regarding an heir, those three can pick up a random orphan like 'guess what :D', that or link can just become a king consort (or reader being a royal consort, depending on Link and Zelda's relationship status). Also a line of thought, is polyamory/polygamy a thing in royal families? It was more heard of for kings to have multiple consorts than queens, so would that still apply? Would Hyrule be a patriarchy or a matriarchy? I'm assuming it's still patriarchal because of the kings, but Zelda has always been important throughout history. Also, it's Zelda, not just any queen, alongside the hero of Hyrule, so would that change anything? I didn't really mean anything by this so these are quite literally just rambles I wanted to share.

Link would so gladly play wingman to Zelda if she asked for your hand are you kidding! I can see him unaware that he is also so sickly in love with you and just comforting you over the arranged marriage. Even if his words aren't as comforting because they're just the same nonsense the nobles and your parents have been spreading, he's still there to provide comfort and he likes to take you on walks. Showing you his favourite pathway through the woods so the two of you can get some fresh air and so you can clear your mind. You feel like you're going insane; everyone is pushing you to this and it all seems too sweet. Like a pie made with too much sugar it's all too much. Everything lines up too well and it is wrapped up in such a neat tight bow- you are restricted to a golden cage, and it's still a cage!

Yet it's a cage that will allow your kingdom to prosper. You wanted to marry out of love and not necessity. Zelda is all too polite or cordial for it to seem like it's just an obligation. On the surface she seems too calm and collected. There's no slip in the mask. You can tell by the look in her eyes the way the mask seems to drop as she calculates a response that will further push you into a corner. You can tell that not all is as it seems- she's just so distant. The time she spends with you seems so much like she's trying to hide what she's truly feeling and as more time in this country passes you're wondering what it is you're missing.

The most genuine moment you've spent with her was when the two of you passed each other in the hall and she was caught off guard. She didn't expect to see you today and you could tell she was surprised. Not preparing what to say or do she just stood there as you smiled and made polite conversation. She seemed taken back and blushed, laughing even as she tilted her head and examined you. Watching the way your mouth curled up in a smile and the way you held your hands as if each movement you made had to be watched carefully and categorised for later examination; it made you feel more like an expensive doll than a person. She walked by you as the conversation continued and her eyes never left your body. Looking you up and down and laughing as you blushed at such a frankly sudden gesture of interest.

You knew she wanted you but for what? That was what bothered you. She gained little politically from this and all the answers she threw out at meetings seemed to only work to get you closer to the heart of the kingdom. She said she wanted to genuinely get to know you but spent little time having heart to hearts. Behind closed doors she was just as calculating as ever but more touchy. She was testing the waters, testing you to see where your guard dropped and what buttons she could push. She claimed she wanted to drop all manners of civility so the two of you could really get to know each other but she never dropped the second mask she was wearing. What was it covering up?

Link was there to help and you knew this as he took you out often for walks but it was so hard to try and broach the subject of “this woman terrifies me.” and “she's still your friend isn't she?”. You kept a polite distance from him and mostly stared at nature as you walked. Maybe it was in the way you were so casual. Not making note of your nobility and acting like you were just another one of the people here earned his respect. You would do well in Hyrule and away from all of those nobles that only wanted to use you and his people for their own gain. This place was so much nicer for you and you wouldn't even have to worry about what was coming next. He would help you come to terms with your marriage and be here to comfort you; he knew what Zelda wanted and found it cute to watch her gush about you when the two of them talked in private. She was right, you were just so tempting it was impossible not to want to take a bite out of you.

. . . 

You're not Hylian. You're not from Hyrule. Yet you wouldn't be able to tell this form the way you acted. You had no problem adhering to and respecting their customs and even seemed to enjoy them. Happily you shared your own countries' rules while not forcing anyone to adhere to them during the duration of your stay, rather bringing it up was a form of genuine pride in being able to share with them what they had shared with you. Allowing yourself to relax and drop the layers of what royal dignitaries required the other two followed suit. They were much more interested in the way you acted and talked; everything about you was just so hypnotising. Hyrule has its fair share of troubles when it comes to diplomas. Every time Ganon reincarnates he has the chance to wage war on Hyrule or fall to the triforce of power again and it's always a bit of a hassle explaining why stopping him is so important every time it comes up because he's only after Hyrule after all, so why should anyone else care? 

They don't have to worry about that with you. You seem so genuine in wanting to help but as they spend more time with you it seems that your expressions of joy come from another place; you love being in Hyrule and truly want to learn more about them and its history. Why do they reincarnate turns into you slowly explaining you know how draining it must be but that it must be something they're more than happy to do because why else would they keep coming back? It just clicks with them, that sudden understanding that you get it. You understand that there's a burden they so gladly carry and you just want to know more about it and them, and by goodness are they happy to talk.

The meetings you three host slowly turn into hangouts that are spent just talking. Explaining Zelda as a concept and then how the hero continues into Link and then getting to know these two personally is certainly a way to promote healthy ties however it's mostly just an excuse to chat and hang out and everyone around the castle all agree it's so cute to see how close the three of you are. When you have to leave there's a lot of hugging and goodbyes and they promise to visit at some point and you swear you'll write and keep in close contact. Yet that isn't enough, they've had a taste and they won't let you leave. They know that you'll never get to rule your own kingdom and you'll probably just be wed off to some noble brat and the idea of it makes their blood curl.

No one else is allowed to lay their hands on you; but how do they get you to stay?

The idea was brought up by Link, he didn't even know it was a good plan until Zelda picked it up and workshopped it. You're bound to be set to marry a noble and if they ask for your hand first then your kingdom will only mark the price up higher. Anyone who doesnt play the game of politics by gaining more than what they gave is a fool after all. So Link says why don't they undercut a deal; then they don't have to give all that much if the person who was offering the price before was so much worse. Have someone come in and set the bar so low so the two can swoop in. That no matter what Zelda offers it so far exceeds them so what else could your kingdom ask for? They were already getting a better deal.

Zelda adored this idea and worked out a plan. There's more nobles to greet and talk to now that you're gone; and the timing of one unruly noble who was obviously no better than a rat seemed the perfect candidate. All she had to do was drop your name a few times, cementing you as a proper deal while not talking you up too much to make you seem too good of a prize. She would never allow him to keep you but Link was right. This way they could have you running into their arms instead and that would be so much sweeter than trapping you outright. You can't run away from them this way, and the game seemed fun.

The plan was simple and went smoothly. The letter you wrote to them bemoaning your fate after hearing the news- asking for advice on how to escape this was music to the Princesses ears. Her and Link invited you over to Hyrule and said if nothing else you could always run away, not that they want to worry you but darling have you not heard the rumours about that man! In truth he's nothing more than a royal brat but you don't need to know that and with how little interest you are showing him it's only a matter of time before you run into their arms to get away from him. When you show up in the castle they quickly wrap you up in their arms and swear to you that you will never have to leave again. Why would you need to after all?

Why return to those kingdoms that have only betrayed you when you can stay here? It suits you so much better. Just never leave and don't break the rules they set and you'll be alright darling.

The letter asking for your hand in marriage is only sent after you're already in Hyrule. It adds more pressure because they aren't keeping you by force so there's hardly any steady ground for your kingdom to complain, and the other prince can't say or do anything as he wasn't a suitable marriage candidate against Zelda by any means. Link is not much help as the negotiations and price for your hand is discussed but he is there to comfort you and asks if anyone needs to be taken care of. He'll happily plan for accidents to happen if need be! Until then he's running around with you, chasing bugs and picking up flowers to show to you. He's trying so hard to calm you down and make you feel at home. It's so sweet and you really do feel better surrounded by people trying so hard to make you a part of their lives.

How could you ever leave with a reception like that? You would have married them before if asked but this is the nail in the coffin. You can't go back and you wouldn't have wanted to so it all works out well. Even if a little startled you'll soon settle into a routine and bit by bit the worry fades and your new role starts to enter into view. Zelda slowly cements herself into your life and more than that she slowly makes sure you can't leave her through political means, and physical. Let's be real, kidnapping a princess and putting her in a tower away from the world may sound harsh but she's had her fair share with villains doing it to her so she knows a thing or two. With Link here you're not only royally (hah!) screwed, you're also dealing with someone who thinks it's so funny and hilarious that you think you could even attempt to get away from him.

. . .

If you're leaving and just suddenly drop the fact that you're already being handed off, oh boy!

Oh lord, the rush of the two to try and find something- anything to make you leave your spouse is only countered by the first thought on their minds being to plant evidence. Any marriage can be ended by the right glove being placed on the right nightstand. Leaving small pieces of evidence around where not you, but other nobles will find it, your mother or father overhearing rumours that don't make sense but it's hard to trace or find out where they came from. One lady of the court claims she caught the trace of perfume on your spouse's neck and she knows it wasn't yours. Another says she heard or saw something and none of these rumours can be traced back to any one person but everyone claims they've heard or saw something.

The entire time you're stuck in this negative feedback loop. If you go through with the marriage you may be able to overcome this rough patch but what if it's true? What if what everyones saying is true and you're only just now learning about it? Your significant other was able to hide their infidelity when no one was looking but now that there's more trained eyes around they can no longer hide their tendencies. I mean this is a royal wedding after all- and arranged or not the way the call falls is that you don't know too much about the other person until the marriage is planned and the date set. The stress of the planted evidence gets to you most of all and of course just on time your friends arrive to assure you that everything will be ok.

They don't drop the fact that they know at all when they first arrive. This is especially hard for Link because he just wants to be able to yell at the top of his lungs at what a wretch you're marrying and take you away but these situations need a delicate hand and a trained mind from a different source, and Zelda is practically holding Link back the entire time. Hand on his sword arm to stop him from challenging your soon to be lover to a duel. Truly, if he made the mistake of just running him through with his sword the consequences could be dealt with after.

I mean how hard is it to hide a body? That gutless worm could never be a good match for you and his foul mood is easy to tell by the cold uncaring look in his eye that only seems to soften when you walk into the room. He would do anything to stop this wedding and is ready to carry out even the most callus orders the moment Zelda relaxes her grip.

For her part the only thing stopping Zelda from using a more heavy hand is… nothing. She has already set aside a room and a kidnapping date, the time you're leaving and the location your honeymoon will take place has already been found out and you're not leaving without a tail who's prepared to do whatever is necessary. Making it obvious is unnecessary. She's planting seeds of infidelity, Link is helping her with the kidnapping and carrying you back to Hyrule, and by the end of it this will all seem like one huge tragedy that all started once you sent the invite to them.

Inviting your best friends to the wedding, showing them your gown and god all they can think about is how good it would look on the floor of Hyrule castle and the beauty of you in all of your glory is fading because it's not for them! You're marrying some brat who's never going to see the light of day ever again because they made the idiodic choice of having you, they could have chosen anyone else and been safe but they were stupid enough to try and take what already belonged to them. You get to keep the dress but it's stained with a bit of blood by the time you reach Hyrule. The image of you smiling at them as you walk down the aisle is so bittersweet.

The only reason Zelda doesn't throw a fit right there is in no way because she needs to protect her image, damn that no one here has any say in what she says or does, but it's only because she's calm as she sits next to Link watching you pass them as you walk to some insufferable noble brat. It is ONLY because she knows more than everyone here that you two are destined to fail. Your spouse will be dead and the tears that fall down her cheeks are from anger and denial as you walk away from her. She should have kept you at the castle before you ever had the chance to leave but that's ok. You're never going to leave ever again. She knows you'll whine and cry as you are carried off and is so excited about what you'll say. Will you beg for that traitor's life? Swearing allegiance to her just to save his life would be so bittersweet but she can't wait to see the look on your face as you thrash and try to get away as she steals you away. She smiles as she looks at you and fantasises about being there to not only take the life you were promised away but to comfort you with a new one. One much safer and better she will assure you. She'll be the one to hold you from now on.

Link is only kept calm having been assured of the plan and because he knows he's going to be the one to carry it out. His sword has been switched out for several hidden daggers and his fingers twitch every few seconds as he counts the exits and the number of guards. Keeping himself busy by refusing to listen until it's your turn to speak. He can't help it, your voice is so lovely even if the words shouldn't be said to that brat. He curses himself for not acting sooner and wonders why he didn't place the blade in the spouses throat while he was getting ready. The plan to ambush your carriage is already in motion and he can't wait to see the look on that thieves face as the princess carries you off and he leaves to take care of the trash that soiled your good name by tying you to him. Vemrins need to be exterminated.

. . .

I like those rambles and I have to admit I think Rhoam would have plenty of things to say but not anything about you being AFAB mostly just about you and the marriage in general. He doesn’t mind you as a person if he's being honest but he would be worried about how this whole marriage thing would take Zelda away from her work or what you could do to help her with unlocking her powers but it really depends.

I loved the last part to this, just the idea of Link and Zelda with deranged looks on their face carrying you away from the scene of the crime. Good luck getting away from them!

#eye write #yandere link x reader #Yandere zelda x reader #legend of zelda #yandere legend of zelda #link x reader #zelda x reader #royal reader #kidnapping #arranged marriage #tw #cw #request

[skye707]

When it comes to an ideal partner, or just based on what they like in someone, what are the Riddlers’s ‘types’?

I'm gonna start this by saying that, if anyone really wanted to, they could bag any Riddler. As long as you give them smooches and call them smart, they are literal putty in your hands.

That said, I'll take a stab at this one and, as always, just my own personal headcanons

Unburied - Someone bigger than him. He likes to be held and snuggled like a lap dog. Someone who has high standards on hygiene. Y'all can have facial routines together. Generally, someone who is very sure of themselves. He respects that in people.

ZY - Let's be honest, he doesn't know what he wants. If you asked him point-blank, he'd say someone sexy that does everything he says. In reality, he'd probably be happier with someone who knows how to hold their ground and push back. He'd never admit it, but he likes to have his will challenged. Complete subservience is boring.

Dano - As long as you will be kind and snuggle with him, he doesn't care about much else. Not to be rude, but his standards are a little low when it comes to receiving affection...If you're genuinely willing to give and are able to tear down his emotional walls, he's willing to receive.

YJ - Why am I getting this idea that he likes people who are sweet and gentle at first glance but have that innate ability to flip a switch in their brains and become a badass? Like, when he first meets them, he's taken in by their kindness. Then, they go off on someone being mean to him, and he's just like "oh no...I'm in trouble". Instantly smitten.

Gotham - Cuteness. If you are cute and short(er than him [not difficult to achieve]) and a good listener, he is head over heels in a matter of minutes. Bonus points if you laugh at his science jokes, puns, riddles, etc.

BTAA - I think what he looks for is someone witty and funny enough to compete with his 'mental sparring', as they say. One of those people that have a bit of knowledge on a variety of subjects, so his strange references, dead language quotations, and generally colorful attitude is not lost on you. Wouldn't hurt if you had a good sense of style either. He's wants to be the sexiest couple at the grocery store.

Arkham - The first thing he looks for in other people is the strength of their will. Sure, he automatically expects you to be intelligent, but just as important is your ability to forge through difficult situations (i.e., his temper tantrums). If he is going to work with someone long term, he needs to know they have the guts to stick around for the long run.

BTAS - Someone who is polite, well-mannered, but not afraid to be a little adventurous. He wants his life's story to be a thrilling Fred Astaire film, and his co-star needs to be ready to play their role to perfection. There's going to be dancing, singing, riddles, and daring, so buckle up or move aside because he's wasted enough time living a monotonous life.

Telltale - This one was a little difficult, I'm not going to lie. He's been alone so long, he's stopped even looking for the possibility of companionship. But, if I'm going to take a guess, I'd say he's impressed by quiet intelligence. Yeah, all Riddlers look for intelligence, but the kind of intelligence that he can tell has been snuffed for too long? That intrigues him, and what a fun puzzle it will be to refine it for all the world to see.

#riddler #the riddler #edward nashton #edward nygma #unburied!riddler #zero year riddler #capullo riddler #paul dano riddler #dano riddler #young justice riddler #gotham riddler #btaa riddler #arkham riddler #btas riddler #telltale riddler #riddlerverse #Skye

[beardedblizzardstrawberry]

Grief

Wanderer X Gn!Reader

‘The most painful feeling is when a loved one is buried six feet underground, no longer breathing the same air as you. An overwhelm feel of grief is all you’re ever left with now’

W.c:1k

Warning: Mentions of death. Not proofread. 

Blizzard’s inconvenient note: This one’s a short one! I was sleep deprived so I don’t know what I wrote. One question for all. If you had the chance to grant a new name for the wanderer, what would you call him? 

Death...

Why does such topic stabs your heart with a mallet? 

Connected both of your palms, you silently pray underneath one of the many trees standing on the deserted island. Orange and red leaves snaps away from mothers’ branches. The wind taking them elsewhere as they follow. 

The nameless Wanderer stands behind you with a blank look on his face. He wonders. How do you deal with it? Why doesn’t it anger you when life has taken what’s important to you? Don’t you want to just burn everything down to ashes? Call it a joke? 

He finally snaps his thoughts when you gently call his name. The eyes you give him. You show a sense of warmth in them and he despises it. That look of those who used to be by his side. Nothing good ever comes from it. In the end, it’s all a waste. Why even bother?

“Right here is my brother. He was only six years old when he ultimately took his final breath. It’s only been a couple of years but it stays ingrained in my memory”, you said. You don’t tell much about your past to anyone. It’s simply the fact that you don’t trust anyone. The wanderer wasn’t an exception at first. When he opened up to you on the day the both of you were prepared to travel to Tatarasuna, you can’t help but feel a sense of guilt. You would’ve left him at Narukami Island but that goes against the promise you made to the Dendro Archon. Hence why you also decided to unravel your heart before him. 

“We lost both our parents to an unidentified disease. I was young and helpless at the time. Almost all of our neighbours migrated, leaving a few to fend in this tarnished land. My brother and I were one of them”

He listens carefully to whatever you have to say. In the end, it helped him push the burden off his chest when he told you about his story here. 

“When he lie lifeless on the floor of our home, I can’t describe the emotion I felt back then. I didn’t know whether its grief or...betrayal. I wanted to curse the world for it”

Tears brim your eyes as you speak without a care whether he chooses to hear you or not. It’s not the first time you’ve talked to yourself. Sniffles can be heard. He can only stand and watch you suffer from the memories you recall. He knows how you feel, deeply. In spite that, the two of you handled the grief differently whereas he became the destroyer of the world but you, you chose to be the peacemaker of this wretched world. That’s why you studied hard in Fontaine. To study about the life of human like machinery. Thinking that maybe you could bring your brother back. Thus,

It’s all just a fever dream...

Never meant for reality...

Until you met him. 

The first time the both of you laid eyes, both of you knew you wanted nothing from each other. Let alone be near each other. You were brought by one of the sages to abruptly meet with the Dendro Archon. True to her name, she knows everything about you in and out. By scoring first in this years dissertation, you were chosen to study -take care- the former Balladeer, once known as Scaramouche. 

The both of you had your petty fights. You’d admit. Mostly started because of him. However that was all in the past. The both of you learnt to set your differences aside and comply what is told. 

You study and observe him for the God of Wisdom, while he gets the chance to wander again and hone his new heart. This time not impended by the higher ups belonging to the Tsarita. 

You and the nameless wanderer explore far and wide. Immersing in the nature of what you call serene and tranquillity. Without even realising it, whenever he would cause a ruckus, whether It’d be fighting a mob or arguing humans,  you start to concern about his well being. You were beginning to care for him...

But unlike your deceased brother, the wanderer is immortal. You wonder if he feels the same way for you. What will happen if you’re no longer in this world? Does your kindness and affection reach out to him? Your body has fallen too deep into the pits of your emotion. Perhaps you wanted to give him the love that you couldn’t provide for your little brother. You didn’t need the same thing happening to him. 

The story sounds awfully similar to the boy he met centuries ago that he almost thought your brother to be that boy. But who knows, it could be his reincarnation dealing the same ending in sickness. He never displays it but he does have affection for you. Very close to how he felt for both the boy and Katsuragi. Possibly more unique. It’s just that he wishes to never return back to his vulnerable self. Never. Again. 

He doesn’t want to go through a mental break down again...

when you’re gone too...

You turn around slowly after finishing your prayers. He sees your eyes has redden and puffed up from the silent whimpers. His throat tightens at the sight. You remind him of himself and he hates it so much. Why can he conjure an image of himself at your place? For many years, he tried to walk in life as lifeless as he was made out to be. But he feels like a tin soldier who puts their hand on the left side of the chest when they are overwhelmed. 

You stroll to the Wanderer and took his hand in your grasp in which he intertwines his fingers with. The two of you continue your journey and face what awaits in the future. A howl of wind blows. Maple leaves dancing around mid air. He glances at you and his heart softens. He too wants to give you love. Something he wasn’t able to do because of the pain that derived from love. He wants to try again. After all, he’s basically a flipped leaf. 

And when you’re no longer around, he won’t act the same as a result of his previous action. Instead, he’ll be like you. As kind as you. To love like you, just as much as you did for your little brother. He’ll just accept it. Death comes after life. That’s what mortality is all about. 

Ultimately, he’ll wander again in the future. This time as a true lone wanderer without you by his side. Your mere existence becomes a recollection to him. All he can do is move forward in life while you’ll forever be remembered in his heart...

-

@Do not repost, plagiarise or submit this to other platforms without permission.

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#scaramouche x reader #scaramouche #genshin impact #genshin fanfic #genshin impact fatui #genshin x reader #wanderer genshin #wanderer x reader #genshin angst

[ilove-kate-bishop]

Let Me Give You A Good Time

Kate Bishop x Reader

Summary: After messing up on a mission in germany, Kate and Yelena are on the run together with a local superpowered girl who helped them out, you! Kate appreciates your help a lot, in fact, she plans to show you just how much.

Warning: 18+, some Sexual activity at the end, alcohol, swearing (both in english and german),

Note: There are some german sentences here, you will be able to find the translation at the end of the fic, they do not have to be read immediately to understand the plot. They are just an extra

Also, for those hoping for full on smut: sorry, but I can't write that to save my life. So you just get a bit of the beginning here.

Life could be wild sometimes. One day you could discover you can move stuff with your mind, the next you sit in a stolen car together with a russian assassin and a Avenger.

Well, it's not like I had any important plans anyway.

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

"Are you sure we are on the right road?". I tried not to roll my eyes at Yelena, too worried she would take it as a insult, she was still scary after all. It had been decided early that I would be the one to drive, it just made the most sense. I had a german ID and drivers licence, and, of course, can speak german. So the police wouldn't be to suspicious, especially since the owner left the papers in the car, so dear uncle Franz just borrowed me the car, at least that was the story we are going with.

"We are on the A9, we have been since we left Berlin. So yes, it's the right road.", I tried not to sound too annoyed. But hearing Kates giggle beside me told me I didn't succeed. "Let her be Yelena, she is our smart saviour, she knows where to go". I tried to not freeze up when Kate touched my arm.

God, I needed to control this crush. It has been 4 months, I should be used to Kate's antics by now.

I looked at a road sign and then back at the clock in the car, there was no way we would reach Munich before midnight, aside from the fact that we need more gas anyway, we still had over 300 kilometers to go.

"I know we said we want to reach that contact as quickly as we can, but I don't really want to drive or go to a gas station when it's pitch black so.... anyone got an idea where to spend the night?". I could see how Yelena was quickly analysing the road signs. I didn't know the whole story, but apparently there are Black Widows basically everywhere, ready to help Yelena out. It's how we managed to live more or less comfortably in Berlin for 4 months, even if we were in hiding. And it was how we found out that there was someone in Munich who could help get in contact with Melina, whoever that was, though Yelena was excited when she heard.

"I know a place".

----------

"Könnte ich zwei Bier haben?". The barkeeper looked at me, he also looked at Kate behind me for a moment, but then just shrugged, putting two bottles in front of me. They already asked for IDs on the door, not really caring about nationality as long as you were over 18, so there was no reason for the barkeeper to doubt our ages.

"Danke", I put the money on the counter and gave one of the bottles to Kate before pushing myself through the crowds to reach one of tables. Most of the people were either on the dance floor, too drunk to care that the same Schlager song was playing for the third time by now, or standing around in the middle of the room talking to each other. Which meant there were still some free tables.

We reached an empty one at the corner of the room, there were no seats, but we could see most of the room, including the entrance, so it was good to keep lookout for Yelena. I tried not to think about the fact that a few months ago, I would never had to think like that, when everything was still normal. I took the beer from Kate and was holding both of the bottles beneath the table, hiding them as I used my powers to open them.

"Now we just have to wait for Yelena to come back right?". I gave Kate her bottle back, looking at her for the first time since we left the car, really looking at her. And god, I had to hold my breath for a second. The only light in the room was a atmospheric low purple, and GOD how it suited her.

She started smirking at me: "You alright there?". Our hands brushed and I nearly choked. I survived a lot in the last few months, but I really believed Kate would be the death of me. I quickly grabbed my drink, with both hands and tried to look anywhere but in her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just has been a long day so.. I am a bit tired".

I took a sip, trying not to cringe at the bitterness. Beer has never been my favourite, but it was the cheapest they had here. I heard Kate chuckle: "So bad? I thought germans LOVED beer?". I rolled my eyes, relaxing a little. "Thats a stereotype, what, do you expect me to wear a dirndl too?". "You would look cute in one", she took a sip from her own beer, though clearly not liking it either: "I should get you one, then you have something to wear at avenger events".

I felt my cheeks getting hot, and my head was filled with images of Kate taking me shopping. Of her making me try out clothes and making me show how they looked. Her hands running over my arms, slightly pulling everything in place, before her hands went under the dress and slowly....

I shook my head, unable to say anyhing again or look at her at all. God, I had many thoughts about Kate in the last months, but none had went THAT far.

"Tschuldigung", someone basically fell against our table, with such force that our bottles would have fallen if we weren't holding unto them. The guy looked wasted beyond sense and like he was about to puke. "Brauchen Sie Hilfe?". I catched him by his arm as he was about to fall. "Sie? Gott ich bin alt".

I let go of him when he managed to properly hold himself up on the table, only to feel two strong arms snake around my left arm. I tried to ignore Kate pressing herself against me, though it was hard to, since my whole arm seemed to burn at her touch.

"David? Alles ok?", a girl suddenly appeared from the side, grabbing the guy, David, and helping him stand without holding unto the table. "Es tut mir so leid, ich war kurz weg und habe nicht realisiert wieviel er getrunken hatte". I shrugged: "Keine Sorge, er hat nichts gemacht. Braucht Ihr Hilfe?". She smiled at me widely and shook her head. "Nein, wir kommen klar. Aber danke.". She took a small look at Kate. "Und genießt euer Date, ihr seit süß zusammen". And with that they were gone.

"Date?", Kate chuckled behind me, her hot breath hitting my neck. I didn't react, thinking if I should lie and say it meant something else, though I knew she wouldn't fall for that. "She... said we look cute together", my voice became a whisper at the end of the sentence, losing the small confidence I had left.

"She would be right, you are cute enough for the both of us". Kate walked in front of me, one of her hands slowly caressing my cheek. "Did I ever mention how it sounds nice when you speak in your mother language? It's fascinating, to watch your mouth move when you do."

Did she want me to die?

"Am I interrupting?". Yelenas voice made me push back, hitting the wall with my head in the process, making both her and Kate laugh. "I'm guessing you got us a place to stay?", I asked her, trying not to show my embarrassment. Yelena kept grinning for a moment, looking between me and Kate, like she was planning something. "There are rooms above the disco, we can take them, however there is a little thing you should know beforehand.". I didn't think it would be possible for her shit eating grin to become bigger, but it did. "What is it?"

"There are only two rooms free at the moment, each with one bed. Two of us have to share. "

....

How hard would it be to make Yelenas death look like an accident?

___________

I tried not to shake as I opened the door, which was extremely hard, since Kate was right behind me and I could feel her eyes swift over my body. I had to stop myself from basically running into the room once I got the door to open. I heard Kate close to door behind me once she followed me in.

Wow.

That's a big bed.

I threw my bag on one of the tablets before turing to Kate, who was staring at me, smiling. It was hard to look her into the eyes, but I kept doing it anyway, trying to figure out her next move.

Why couldn't I get both telekinesis and telepathy?

"Is this our plan for tonight? To have a staring contest?", Kate was walking towards me, coming to a halt right in front of me. Her eyes, for just a moment, went to my lips, before coming back to my eyes. "In that case, you would have lost", I teased, in a poor effort to calm my nerves.

Kate hummed: "Well, I guess you deserve a reward then, don't you?", she seemed to think for a moment: "You should have gotten a reward for saving our lived a while ago, now that I think about it". I just took a moment to think: "You mean?", I made a vague gesture towards the bed behind me. Kate just smiled at me softly, and god, what I would give for her to look at me like that for the rest of my life. "If that's what you want".

I took a moment to get my voice back and to think. God, 4 months, Kate has been flirty with me for 4 months, and I just thought it was a personality trait of hers. We could have gotten here a long time ago.

"Y-Yeah, I do.... want that", my voice became quiet at the end, but Kate seemed to have heard me perfectly. Not wasting any time, her lips were on mine in a instance. Kate was slightly pushing both of us towards the bed, causing me to made a startled noise when I was suddenly sitting on it. Kate used the opportunity to slip her tongue into my mouth.

Could I get two beers?

When we finally parted we had to catch our breaths, Kate was still grinning though. And god, I could die right here, and be happy.

I reached for Kates jeans, but she simply grabbed my wrists and then proceeded to pin me down on the bed, my hands above my head. "Now, didn't we agree that you were getting the reward?", I looked at her slithly confused: "But? Don't you want to-". Kate gave me a quick kiss to shut me up: "Of course, but we do need to sleep at some point", she managed to get rid of my jeans with ease. "And you have more then enough time to pay me back once we are in New York, don't you?".

I couldn't fight the fuzzy feeling I got when she said that, causing me to just smile like an idiot at her.

"Yes, of- of course".

Kate hummed again as she got rid of my panties, smiling like she just won the lottery. "Try not to be to loud sweetheart, Yelena won't let you hear the end of it otherwise". Then her head disappeared between by thighs.

Yelena would definitely be a nuisance tomorrow.

___________

Translations:

Thanks.

Sorry

Do you need help? (The you here is Sie, which is a more respectful/formal use of you in german)

You? God, I am old.

David? Everything alright?

I am so sorry, I was gone for a bit and I hadn't realised how much he had drunk

Don't worry, he didn't do anything. Do you need help?

No, we can handle it, but thank you!

And have fun on your date, you two are cute together!

#kate bishop x reader #Kate bishop #marvel imagine

[aotopmha]

i totally get your point of view and i too wish that we got more of historia, not only in the final episode, but throughout this final arc. but that doesn't bother me as much because in my mind historia's arc is complete. and while i do wish she did more in these final chapters, i'm happy with everything she did throughout the series and how she ended up in the end. i don't think she ended up in a bad place. sure, she could have been more on-screen, prominent etc. but i'm just happy to see her happy. i think all the characters got a good conclusion. some better than other, though, for sure.

I just really disagree with that.

The very specific idea behind her character to me was that she was no longer her passive persona Krista Lenz.

I, not for once, thought that was her actual "true self", but that's what I feel like she reverted to for the minimal amount of time she was on screen for the last arc.

She complied with her position as a baby machine and took all of Eren's bullshit while for some reason deciding to have a child to simply basically "save herself and stop the 13-year cycle".

We had chapters of character exploration of why she wouldn't doom another child to save herself.

Her father only wanted to use her for his gain and she denied it.

*SHE OPENED AN ORPHANAGE TO GIVE PURPOSE AND PLACE TO THOSE WHO DIDN'T HAVE ONE.*

I 100% think she would not doom another child like this no matter what, even if it ended up "okay" in the end. Even if it is "the only option" to save herself.

Ymir, who is the most important character to her for most of her journey, doesn't even get the tiniest of nods in relation to her at the ending.

Who even IS the Farmer Guy?

If you know anything about how gay-coded characters are treated in fiction, you know how common it is to pair them off with random straight partners without any work put in the character writing.

And okay, let's make the argument that Historia only had a strong friendship with Ymir, she's bisexual and all of the usually weak excuses people give when (even potentially) gay characters are denied a full on relationship by the writers pretty blatantly.

I don't know Farmer Guy. He doesn't even have a name.

As much as I don't care about the romantic aspect to Annie's and Armin's relationship, both also actually have talked to each other on screen. It was there for a long time.

For Farmer Guy, we just have a blurb of saying he used to be one of her bullies who wishes to make amends.

*SO MUCH TIME* went into building her character and this is the payoff?

Her end is "happy" and "complete" only in the most surface-level sense. She and her child are okay. It's not even that I want more, it's that I want something that isn't a bunch of nonsense.

But in reality she has basically zero characterisation in the last chunk of the story and most of what she does is only explained in a couple of lines – so much of the meaning of which is gleaned from other characters talking about her. And because her own words are so minimal, reading her motivations is based on a bunch of conjucture, too.

It's a vague mess.

You can *assume* she had the child because she was pushed into a corner by Eren and the threat of repeating the 13-year cycle. But we never get anything from her beyond this. It's a really massive reversion with very minimal explanation to me.

Aside from the base thematic issue of her taking away the freedom of another child, I think Historia, just like Eren, would be able to be immune to the "influence" of King Fritz (which is actually all OG Ymir herself). I think she would stand against the Rumbling in a way that doesn't involve being a passive pawn because she found her meaning in giving meaning to others.

She wouldn't just forget what she wanted with a snap of a finger and I do not think she was so bound to Ymir emotionally her death removed all of the actual fight from her.

I'm sorry, but I just deeply do not like this take. To me a good character ending isn't the most surface-level happy or sad ending, it is payoff to all of the work the story has done with its characters and themes.

And regarding Historia, I deeply disagree with how she was written in the final arc.

Thank you for the ask!

#Attack on Titan #Shingeki no Kyojin #Historia #Krista #Historia Reiss #Krista Lenz #AoT #SnK #AoT Finale #SnK Finale