#everyone is allowed a bad drama once in a while | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

secretsandwriting · 7 days

Note

heyyyy ryyyyy <333

since ur requests are open i thought id go ahead and ask if you're mayhaps open to anything for batmom? i don't have a completely solid idea but maybe smn like batmom has been getting threats or maybe hate or smn from somebody and everyone's reactions and how they get hella protective?

obv no pressure and you definitely do not have to write this

hope you have a great day bb

Heyyyyy, so this grew hands and wrote itself, I hope you enjoy it. It did end up with a lot of backstory.

Earned Position

5.3k words

You knew this would happen. Once your relationship with Bruce got out there would be an influx of love and hate. You also knew that everyone else knew that as well. It was common knowledge than anyone around a celebrity of sorts would experience that.

Of course you did the normal things, turned off most notifications and only looked through areas online you knew would mostly be safe. You blocked tags and and only followed people you knew or ones who didn’t post about drama.

When you did stumble onto hate, you moved on. If someone kept sending you nasty messages you blocked them, when they made other accounts to keep sending the same things, you changed your settings so only those you followed could message you.

It wasn’t something you wanted to deal with but it was something you could handle. Something you started mentally preparing yourself for when Bruce’s attention on you lasted more than 4 dates, even more so when you caught yourself daydreaming about him.

You were not going to let random bitter people on the internet destroy your happiness like they did their own. Your family however, wanted to destroy what was left of your haters' happiness. Something you were trying to curb, but trying to tell a family of vigilantes who considered you the best mom in existence not to destroy your haters was like talking to a brick wall. Over the years, you had gotten used to it. It barely even registered anymore. But there had been a recent influx of the hate and while it didn’t bother you, it bothered the rest of your family. None of them could stand people talking bad about their mom.

While you hadn’t been there while the older ones were young, the second you had introduced yourself to them, you had taken a very important role in their lives. None of them realizing it at first. All of them had gotten used to the random women Bruce brought home that it took a little while for them to realize how important you were.

Dick wasn’t sure at first. Thinking you were just another girlfriend that wouldn’t last long. So he didn’t really interact with you much. Ignoring your existence when it wasn’t too rude, or at least obviously rude. Until one night when he was staying at the manor and had a nightmare about his parents death.

Bruce had an open bed policy. As long as there was still room for him, his bed was open. A policy he had started when Dick had gotten old enough he was worried he wouldn’t be allowed to go when he had a nightmare. Bruce had always reminded all his kids, that nightmares don’t go away just because you’re older and that needing comfort wasn’t something they would outgrow.

The thing was, you were there. Girlfriends didn’t mind when children did it but they never liked it when his adult kids did it. The shaking in his hands and the way he saw them fall in the darkness of every blink told him the only way he was getting any sleep was with someone.

Hopefully he could just slip into Bruce’s side and leave before you woke up. That was the plan until he found Damian on Bruce’s side and you had been pulled closer to Bruce taking up what was left. You moved a little and Dick took that as his sign to deal with it himself until he heard you whisper his name. He hummed so you knew it was him and not some random stranger standing over Bruce’s side of the bed.

“Nightmare?”

“Yeah.”

“Come on.” You lifted the blanket next to you, “Bruce told me you guys come here when you have nightmares. There's plenty of room over here for you.” Dick hesitated for a second before giving in. He needed sleep anyway. You weren’t when you said there was plenty of room, Dick had most of your half of the bed. Once he had settled on his side, facing away from you, he felt you pull the blanket over his shoulders.

“Night Dick, sleep well.” For some reason, that was what did it. Once the tears started they didn’t stop. Silent sobs made him shudder and he felt one of your hands gently rubbing his back. “Oh Dick.” There was no pity in your tone and he found himself rolling over and curling into you. Your chin resting on his head while you rubbed his back.

The next day, he followed you around like a puppy. Your side of the bed became his favorite when he had nightmares and it wasn’t long before he turned to you for general comfort over anything.

Jason met you at his grave. Neither of you exchanged words, but he caught something in your gaze he didn’t quite understand. He also wasn’t sure why you were at his grave either, he didn’t know you when he was younger.

When he saw the Gotham News post about Bruce and Your 2nd anniversary, it brought more questions than answers. Why were you at his grave alone? Let alone longer than a few seconds. It was an odd way to gain more of Bruce’s affections.

Every Tuesday you would be there, leaving flowers and talking softly to the stone. Every time you left, you would smile and nod, the look in your eyes he couldn’t figure out was still there. Every time he would strain to heat what you were saying and only be able yo a few words here and there.

6 months into it, the routine changed. You brought a blanket and Basket with your usual flowers. You did what you normally did with the flowers but instead of talking to the stone you waved him over. When he didn’t move, you stopped what you were doing and looked at him.

“Jason Todd, I have been keeping your secret for 6 months. Helping me spread this blanket and having lunch won’t change it.” He stared at you while you waited expectantly. Eventually when he could get himself to move, he came over and helped. He sat down where you motioned for him too, all while trying to figure out how you knew.

“Bruce mentioned this used to be your favorite when you were younger so I asked Alfred to teach me how to make it. I hope it's up to your standards.” He looked at the plate of food you handed him. It was almost overflowing with food, all of which reminded him of the good times back at the manor before he died. “Alfred also sent your favorite cookies when he heard I would be eating at your grave.” The bag of cookies was placed next to the basket, within easy reach.

“Why?” Was all Jason managed to choke out around the lump in his throat.

“I decided early on in life, no matter who I was with, I would love their family as my own. My grandfather hated my grandmothers side and it caused a lot of pain in all the generations. I decided I would never do that to another family.” Jason found himself back in control enough to start eating.

“So when I started dating Bruce and he told me about you, I decided to treat you like you were my own. Even though I had never met you and you were dead. Most of what that meant was keeping your grave clean and always making sure there were fresh flowers. While I did that, I would tell you everything that was going on.”

“How did you know it was me?”

“Your eyes, they may be a different color but they looked too similar. So I did a little digging and found pictures of your biological pictures to place the face shape it matched. I think however you look more like Bruce then either of them.”

“Are you going to tell them?”

“As much as I would love to. It’s your choice. You’ve been keeping this to yourself for a reason. If I can help you get to a place to tell them, I would love to. But I won’t say a word until you're ready. However, I would like to keep having lunch with you.”

A year later, Jason reintroduced himself to the rest of the family a lot calmer than originally planned and was glued to your side anytime he felt overwhelmed that night. Every Tuesday after that, lunch was scheduled.

Tim was nervous when it came to you. He was still living in the manor so he saw you more than the older two. You always seemed nice and respected his privacy but Bruce was always with you so you obviously would.

It was when he wasn’t around that worried Tim. Bruce attracted golddiggers and they were always mean when Bruce wasn’t there. When you were given a copy of the key, Time braced himself.

Of course he knew that if he told Bruce anything that happened like that, Bruce would break it off. He had always told them that they came first. But he also knew that Bruce liked you a lot. All the other ones Bruce liked a lot that turned out to be horrible, he broked it off. Tim had seen how it had made him upset and he really hated doing that to him. Maybe he could deal with it for once.

So when Bruce left for a business trip, Tim was Expecting the worst. What he didn’t expect was for you to knock on his door and ask if you could join him. When he agreed and stepped back so you could come in. He expected you to go to his bed or his desk chair not, the oversized bean bag on the floor.

“I have a question for you but you can’t tell Bruce yet.” Here it comes. “What would a funny way to tell him I know he’s Batman?” Tim wasn’t expecting that one. “I was thinking a lot of batpuns but his paranoia is too bad for that.”

“How did you figure it out?” You walked him through your process and didn’t say anything as he wrote parts of it down. Once you finished explaining the process for Bruce, you explained any way it was modified in figuring out their identities.

“Who do you think I am?”

“Red Robin.” Tim found himself getting excited.

“You know those notes you leave him in his office?” You nodded. “You should leave those in the Batcave.” You considered it but your thinking was interrupted but Tim shouting.

“No! One night when we’re all in the cave, you could bring some snacks!”

“You just want snacks when he’s lecturing you don’t you?”

“Maybe..”

“Alright, but you have to tell the others so they can tell me what snack they want.”

So Tim slowly and carefully went through all his siblings, letting them know you figured it out, Bruce didn’t know, and what the plan is. Every time he relayed a snack to you he’d watch how carefully you’d write it out to make sure you had it correct or look up recipes if you couldn’t find it in stores.

Two weeks later, Tim was the one who sent the signal in the middle of a lecture everyone was receiving and he got a front row seat to see Bruce’s face when you walked in and handed out snacks before giving him a kiss and telling him to be nice and leaving.

Any other worries were left in the dust when you helped him win the nerf war for the best seat in the home theater. He thoroughly enjoyed his spot next to you while Bruce swore revenge from the other side of the room.

Damian treated you politely but that was it. His mother was still alive and he didn’t want another one, one was more than enough. Not only that, but you were weird.

One time when you were over, you found one of his report cards. Immediately you were praising him. He didn’t understand why, he had basically failed one of his classes with an A-. You should be disappointed like his mother would be, not hanging it up on the fridge and telling people not to touch it. Definitely not taking him out for ice cream and calling him so smart. He definitely shouldn’t be feeling any pride when he walked past it, but he still was.

When he was practicing his violin and Messed up, you were supposed to tell him to stop failing, that he should be better. Not smiling at him and telling him he’s making good progress. You should be telling him that he should have memorized that piece in a day. He shouldn’t be feeling any pride when he finally does memorize it, it took him 4 days to learn it.

When he was struggling to learn a language, you were supposed to tell him to work harder. He could do better, after all, he already knew so many. Instead you just smiled and recommended a break to refresh his mind.

When he snapped at you in Arabic, he expected you to be upset since you didn’t know what he said and it was obviously not something nice. Instead you set the rule that if he was going to use Arabic to speak to you when upset, that he had to teach it to you and if what he said wasn’t something you had learned yet, he had to tell you in english. When he told you what it meant, you didn’t even get upset. He definitely shouldn’t be as excited as he was when you actually started learning.

So many more little things piled up, leaving Damian confused. The differences between how you and his mother treated him was so big he didn’t know how to process it, he liked you and all the little things made him happy in a way he hadn’t really felt. But he still loved his mom, When he had enough of it, he asked you to stop. He still wanted to love his mom. Once again, you did something you weren’t supposed to.

“Oh Damian, I’m not trying to replace your mom nor am I trying to make you feel like you can’t love her or she doesn’t love you. Your mom and I show our love in different ways and its ok for you to love or like both of us. You mother loves you and she will always be allowed in your life if thats what you want.” You weren’t supposed to do that, but Damian was really glad you did.

Barbara wasn’t sure how you would react to her. She wasn’t just Bruce’s kid. She had a loving family she went back to every night. Most people weren’t really a fan of that, one of Bruce’s past girlfriends had some strong and hurtful things to say about it.

When you took her for a day out, she found herself warming up to you but still waiting for the other shoe to drop. One of the new places you had planned to go, didn’t have wheelchair access. Like all the other girlfriends who had done this, she expected you to be annoyed that your plans had to change or you would just leave her outside while you shopped.

You didn’t seem to notice her hesitation, just looking at what was next on your list and starting the trip there. When Barbara stared a little longer at a new movie that was in theaters, tickets and snacks were bought and you listed to all the lore she told you about before it started.

While it had been a nice day, Barbara wasn’t convinced. One day was easy to fake. Sure she had lots of fun, but Barbara was used to fakes when it came to Bruce’s girlfriends. Of course she wasn’t complaining about you being nice, she just wasn’t sure how long it would last.

“Did you hear about that boutique?” She looked up from her food to look at her dad. “That new one that you tried to go to with Bruce’s girlfriend? Well there was a report that it didn’t meet the Americans with Disabilities act and the boutique is in trouble. People are speculating they’ll have to close down.”

Later that night, Barbara looked into it. They were in trouble, pretty big trouble from the looks of it. Towards the end of the article she found the name of the person who reported it, she wasn’t sure who she was expecting. Not you for sure but the Name Y/n L/n took her by surprise and filled her chest with feelings she couldn’t describe.

The boutique ended up closing but a new one opened. Once it was open, you were the first to ask her to go. That weird feeling came back when she wheeled herself up the ramp and through the door you held open for her. Later that night, in the privacy of her room. She decided she liked you.

Steph seemed like she liked you, she acted like she liked you, she didn’t really like you. Sure you were nice, Bruce loved you, the others were warming up to you, but she wasn’t sure how to feel about you. So she stuck with not actually liking you but pretending to.

So when she was around you, it was all smiles and jokes. She wasn’t a big fan of it all but she did it because she knew you were important to Bruce and that was enough of a reason for her. She knew Bruce and the others could see through the act but as long as you couldn’t, that was enough.

When Bruce announced he had to leave for a business trip right before she could hand him the parents visit for one of her AP classes, something the new teacher liked doing. She tucked the paper away. When Tim gave her a questioning look, she shook her head and later swore him to silence.

Every time she heard someone mention their parents were going, she felt a pang of jealousy in her chest. Every time Tim mentioned bringing it up to you, she swore him into silence again. It wouldn’t be the first time no one showed up for her. She was however thankful you wouldn’t be at the manor as much so she didn’t have to pretend to like you.

When the day arrived, Steph was not having a good day. School dragged on slowly. Slower than normal. When school finally ended, she had to sit in the classroom and watch everyone else that was in her class leave and the parents of her classmates show up while no one was there or coming for her.

Someone sat in the seat next to her, she expected another family member of one of her classmates. Definitely not you. She couldn’t return your smile, too unsure of how you found out, the fact you actually showed up, and how she felt about you being there. You leaned a little closer so that the others in the room wouldn’t easily overhear.

“I know I’m not your parent and someone you just pretend to like so if you want me to leave I will. But I figured someone was better then no one. Oh, and Tim wanted me to tell you he didn’t spill. Your teacher called the manor because no one had RSVPed for you and I answered it.”

That night, as Steph showed off all her hard work to you, the charade fell. She actually enjoyed her time with you and the boost of pride as you oohed and ahhed over all her projects and listened to her explain all the little details. That night, Steph realized, she didn’t need to keep pretending. She liked you, until she found out you didn’t like her favorite show but a nerf war solved that.

Cass could tell you were different then the other girlfriends, your body language as you interacted with all of them showed it. However that didn’t mean she knew how to interact with you.

She had learned that she was fairly hard for new people to interact with. She also knew she had trouble interacting with people she wasn’t fighting. So it wasn’t a surprise when it started rocky.

What was a surprise, was when you found out she was still having trouble reading and writing, you stepped in to help. Well, that wasn’t the surprising part, a lot of girlfriends did that. The surprising part was the amount of patience you had when it was only the two of you.

When one method didn’t help, you tried another. Never once did you snap at her or call her a name. Everytime you got frustrated you would stop and look at her, say something along the lines of “If I had as much trouble with this as you do, I wouldn’t want to keep trying. You're doing absolutely amazing! I’ll keep looking for other ideas, but for now, lets take a break and get a treat.”

Cass wasn’t sure why that always made her feel better, but it did. Every treat you brought was something you made just for the tutoring sessions and it always reminded her of what Alfred had told her once. “Something made with love for you will always taste better.”

And when a method that made it a little easier to learn was found, Cass found herself smiling along with your cheers. Bad days where she couldn’t seem to make any progress were always met with the same excitement, cheers, patience, and treats that all the others were.

Cass still wasn’t sure of what to think of you exactly, but she knew she liked you and that you cared about her.

So when Tim saw the new rise in hate, a sibling meeting was called. They all went through each site, blood boiling as they saw what people were saying about their new parent. Plans were made, declarations of war were ready, and anger fueled all of them. Bruce could tell something was going on, but he wasn’t sure what it was and as long as it didn’t get out of had, he wasn’t sure if he had the energy to deal with it.

War was declared in an interview by Steph. The lady was asking questions when the topic switched to Bruce, then you. The reporter was clearly trying to subtly find some dirt on you and Steph was not going to stand for it.

“Oh yeah! Y/n! She’s the best!” She put on her best press face. Trying to hide her anger over the hidden intent. She didn’t have to lie or act when talking about you but the change in the lady’s face going to disappointment when she didn’t get anything she wanted was making her look very punchable.

“She’s always showing up for us and making sure we’re doing ok. If Y/n and Bruce were to break up, I think most of us would go with Y/n.” The way the lady kept trying to get anything really got on her nerves and Steph decided she needed to get out of there before she started using the lady’s face for target practice. You wouldn’t like that.

Cass was the first one to resort to violence. They had asked a thinly veiled question, basically asking if you were a golddigger. So she punched him in the nose and leaned down to flip the camera off. She hated interviews already but that made it so much worse. She hoped you wouldn’t be too upset with her punching the guy though.

Jason, surprisingly enough. Did not get violent… physically. He did however curse one out and threaten him when the reporter implied you were forcing them to say nice things. When the reporter kept pressing Jason broke his mic and told him if he ever heard him talking bad about you again, a broken mic would be the last of his worries. Jason knew you would be disappointed but he had held back, he didn’t shoot the guy like he wanted.

Tim threw his coffee at one reporter because he heard them say you were nothing but a regular person who didn’t deserve any attention. He then took over her segment, threatening the company to air it or he would make sure they went bankrupt. Once he finished his threats, anything he said was praising you name. Telling everyone how amazing you were and how much they all loved you.

Barbara made it a point to bring up everything you did for the community when they tried to throw some shade at you in an interview. She had documents to prove it and hacked their systems to add them into the interview so they couldn’t claim it was fake. She also made sure to run over his foot when she left.

Dick punched a reporter when they tried to ask him what you were really like behind closed doors. He told them the truth, that you were just as good, kind, patient, and loving behind closed doors as you were out in public. He didn’t throw a punch until the reporter disregarded that as asked again because she couldn’t be that good. Dick knew a lecture would be coming once you saw, but he would rather sit through a lecture then let anyone tarnish your name.

Damian spent 10 minutes cursing and threatening a reporter in Arabic when they asked him if you had ever hurt him. When he was done, he told them in english, that if he ever got asked that question again, he would impale them. He knew you were going to make him sit down and translate everything and the general response you would give but he didn’t care, no one speaks bad about either of his mothers.

Bruce figured out what was going on after Steph’s interview. He saw the ones where they assaulted or threatened the reporters and made sure his lawyers were on standby to keep the kids out of trouble. After all, he had seen more than they had.

He had watched as you tried to connect with Dick early on, how you worked hard to try and get somewhere. He had woken up before you when Dick had come in that night and heard how you handled it. He had woken up the next morning to find you holding Dick close, like you were trying to protect him from the nightmares. He had seen how you never turned Dick down when he wanted comfort, no matter how serious or silly the matter, and he had heard your excitement when you told him Dick liked you.

Bruce had seen the way you never missed a visit to Jason’s grave, on a visit of his own, he saw how much care you showed the stone marking it as his lost son. While he hadn’t been sure why it was alway the same time on Tuesday, he didn;t mention it. He felt the way you would sob in his arms after each visit, a year after the tradition started, you always said you had promised not to tell and he watched as you kept that promise even if it tore you to pieces. Once the shock and tears wore off for a little bit, he could see the trust that Jason had in you.

He heard the way you questioned if you should have a key to the manor, you didn’t want to make Tim uncomfortable in his own home, or how you questioned if you should visit while he was gone. Not wanting to stress Tim out when there was no reason too. He saw the way you and Tim grinned at each other when you brought snacks down for all the kids he was currently lecturing. He head the excitement in your voice as you told him about the tour Tim had given you of the Batcave and the shared laughter as you and Tim worked together to win the nerf war.

Bruce saw how you worked to give Damian the affection he didn’t think he needed. He felt you crying in his arms upset over the fact Damian thought you would be angry because he made a mistake or struggled in a class. He heard you practicing your Arabic as you got ready for bed and he watched as you stress paced over whether or not you said the right thing to him about his mother.

He saw how angry you had been when you came back from your day out with Barbara. He had heard your call with your lawyer as you tried to figure out what to do. He saw you going through the laws and making a list to make sure your lawyer didn’t miss any. He heard about the movie you didn’t particularly care about and the lore you remembered in case of another because you wanted Barbara to have someone she could tell all of her favorite things too.

Bruce saw the pictures you had taken from the school night. He heard all the details from you as you praised Steph’s work. He saw the way Steph stopped acting around you and the silly arguments the two of you would get into for fun. He heard the way you would listen to her as she verbally worked out her problems. He saw the way Steph looked for you in a crowd, the way she knew you were there but not where you stood exactly, the thought of you not being there never crossed her.

He saw the way you stayed up late, researching different ways to teach reading and writing. He heard the patience and kindness and you worked with Cass. He saw the way you always made a treat just for Cass to have after each lesson because you wanted to reward her hard work. He heard the way you cried for Cass when she had a bad day and got frustrated with herself because you knew she was smart and you wanted her to see it too. He heard your celebrations when Cass made any progress, no matter the size.

Bruce heard, saw, and felt the way you worked hard to have a relationship with his kids. How you had mourned for their losses, celebrated their wins, and felt their pain. He saw the way his kids blossomed under your care, growing to be better and more confident in themselves. The way you cared for them as if they were your own flesh and blood. So when he was asked about his kids behavior, he said as much.

“Y/n has worked hard to be accepted by them. She’s given so much of her time, effort, patience, and love and never wanted anything in return. She always shows up for them, no matter what the occasion is, big or small, it doesn’t matter. If they want her there, she’ll be there. Everytime they need or want her, she’s there. She never judges them and treats them as if they were her own blood. Of course their upset and lashing out, people are insulting the woman who has cared for them more then most of their biological mothers.”

Later, a clip of you scolding Bruce and all the kids went viral. While you were scolding them over their behavior and making the kids who had reacted with violence or threats write apology letters because asking mean questions does not make it right to respond badly especially when its someone just trying to start drama. Everyone one noticed that there was no actual bite to your tone and no anger when they all refused to stop acting like that. In fact, there was a small soft smile on your face as you shook your head at your family.

#dc #jason todd #dick grayson #tim drake #fem reader #batman x reader #bruce wayne x reader #Damian wayne #cassandra cain #stephanie brown #barbara gordon #batfamily x reader #batmom reader #batmom #request #cipheress-to-k-pop

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thisisourlovestory · 2 months

Text

It’s Nice to Have a Friend

part 2- the chronicles of a stargirl and her sun masterlist

Luke Castellan x reader

Summary- the first full day at camp where slight drama unfolds and you make a new friend

Word count- 5.4k

Notes- thank you @imaginingmoonlight again for the vibe (I don’t know what else to call it) and I’d also like to say that I was actually inspired to write this series by @tangledinlove because the killerverse is amazing and I love it so also thanks to her otherwise I wouldn’t have done this.

Taglist:

@abbersreads @tenshis-cake

“We've just got to find out what you're good at first.” Annabeth explained as you walked beside her. “It might be that you are just really bad at using weapons but don't feel bad. You barely nicked him and he was standing in the wrong place so it was technically his own fault.” You winced.

“I didn't mean to, I swear, it just kinda slipped out of my hand before I was ready.” Annabeth grinned.

“At least you know to never try to throw a javelin when we do sports unless you want to skewer someone.” You glared at her.

“I'm glad someone is enjoying my embarrassment. I could have killed him! And then what would happen? Besides, I don't think that helped my prospects of making any friends here other than you.” She waved a dismissive hand.

“You'll make friends. It's just that you're new and the circumstances were interesting to say the least. Also it is spring so there are way less people here than there will be in summer.” You sent her an unimpressed look.

“You can't talk. Everyone loves you. I'll bet even Mr D doesn't hate you as much as the rest of us.”

“That is a lie. Plenty of campers don't like me.”

“Oh really? Name one.” You crossed your arms over your chest as she struggled to answer. “Didn't think so.” You said smugly as she stuck her tongue out.

“We've got to get to the armoury. It's time to try out sword fighting.” You paled.

“Can we not skip it?”

“Not a chance.”

Annabeth rummaged through a pile of swords. Occasionally picking one up to show to you and immediately putting it back down at your face. You wandered around the armoury, glancing every once in a while at Annabeth to check she hadn't cut herself accidentally. Finally she emerged from the pile, holding a sword triumphantly above her head.

“This one is perfect.” She held it out and you gingerly took it. The bronze blade was sharp and shining, the smooth metal cold to the touch.

“I don't see why I can't just use my knife.” She sighed.

“Because it's not made of celestial bronze so it won't kill monsters. Now get out there, I'll be out in a moment to teach you some stuff.” You trudged out and took your place on the sawdust, swinging the sword from side to side, letting the tip brush the floor lightly. Annabeth followed out quickly and got into position.

“Just try and land a hit on me.” You gaped at her.

“You want me to try and hit you?” She shrugged.

“It's a good way to test if you have a natural ability for sword fighting” Without warning she swung her sword forward and you lifted your own to block the blow.

“Not bad.” She swung again and you stumbled back slightly to avoid the hit.

“So I just kinda,” You swept the sword in front of you and Annabeth jumped back to avoid it, “Actually I think that works.” Annabeth slashed her blade through the air and you ducked, sweeping your own out in a wide arc, hitting her ankles with the flat side of the blade. She hissed at the sting and narrowed her eyes as you rose up and smiled. She rained down a flurry of blows on you and you blocked each one as well as you could, ending up with a multitude of tiny nicks on your arms. You rolled onto the floor to dodge a particularly well aimed stab headed straight for your neck and twirled the sword in the air before thrusting it forward to just under her chin. Annabeth’s eyes widened in shock before a grin took over her face.

“Not bad, but-” She grabbed the hilt of your sword and twisted, forcing you to let go and allowing her to poke you lightly in the stomach. “I win.” She handed you back the sword and you stabbed it into the ground. “Rule number one is never let up your guard, always be expecting an attack. It’s what keeps you alive. But for your first time you did pretty good. Better than most, and with a little training you’ll be able to beat me.” You hummed.

“Maybe. But the sword feels…wrong in my hands. Like I shouldn’t be holding it.” Annabeth frowned.

“We do still need to try out some other weapons. You might like them more.” She turned and walked back to the armoury, gesturing for you to follow her. “You’re doing archery later but for now grab some knives or daggers and try to throw them at those targets over there.” You did as she instructed and gathered a collection of bronze knives, carrying them over to a bench and dumping them on it with a clatter. You squinted at a target, judging how far the distance was and picked up one of the knives.

“Wait for me before you throw them.” Annabeth started but you had already tossed it up into the air allowing it to spin and then caught it and threw it full speed across the room. In a blur it hit dead centre. Annabeth looked at you surprised. “I guess you can throw.” You were already throwing more knives at the other targets, each one making a dull thudding as they hit home in the bullseye. You huffed and pushed your hair out of your eyes as you finished, sweat dripping from your brow, eyes sparkling with exhilaration.

“That. Was. Amazing!.” You exclaimed and twirled on the spot. “Did you see that? It was so cool.” She nodded, calculating, but you didn't notice. Too caught up in your own achievement.

“Yeah those throws were scary accurate for a beginner.”

“I think we've found what I'm good at.” She laughed.

“Not so fast, you've still gotta try out archery. And Luke is helping with that. He couldn't help now cause he had to supervise the climbing wall. Make sure nobody gets burned alive that kind of stuff. But he's taking you for your first archery lesson later, responsibilities that come with being head counsellor of the Hermes cabin. That and none of the current Apollo kids stay year round yet.” She rambled and you watched with an amused smile. “Anyway we have to get going for lunch, since it's not summer and there's not so many people we don't have to sit at designated tables like usual, if we did most people would literally just be sitting by themselves and that's just sad.” Your stomach rumbled and you glared down at it before looking up at her sheepishly.

“I'm apparently incredibly hungry so please lead the way.” She rolled her eyes and discarded her sword in a pile, kicked open the door and began the fairly long walk to the mess hall. You both trudged past the cabins where all the other campers were also starting to walk to the mess hall. There weren't many at all, about twenty across all twelve cabins, chattering happily to one another as they walked in a clump. Everyone sat down on random benches, presumably with their friends, and piled the food that appeared on the tables onto their plates in mountains.

There was a varied selection of food, all stacked in heaps so they filled up all the available space, there was something for everyone. Breads, cheeses and cuts of meat spread out for a buffet style meal, pots of soup, bowls with all kinds of pasta, rice and meat coated in sticky sweet sauces. There were even baskets stacked with fresh fruit surrounded by tiny bite sized sweets covered in sugar. Annabeth grabbed some food for herself and picked up some meat from a pile that stained her fingers red.

“Try this it's good, It's beef marinated in some random sauce and then cooked on the barbecue. Nobody actually knows what's in the sauce but it's kinda spicy.” She paused thoughtfully. “And it has garlic in it. I think.” She licked her fingers, getting rid of the red stain as you followed her advice and plated some of the beef along with rice and a warm bread roll dripping with butter. Annabeth immediately made her way over to the fire and dropped some food into it, you snatched up a bunch of grapes and followed suit. As the grapes fell into the flames you shut your eyes and bent your neck slightly.

“Hi, it's me, again. I don't know who you are but could you maybe send a sign or something. It couldn't hurt. Could it?” You mumbled and straightened up as smoke rose into the air smelling like every kind of food you could ever imagine.

“I really can see why they like burnt food.” You stated as you sat down next to Annabeth at a table. “It smells annoyingly good.” You took a bite of food. “And that's delicious as well.” She smiled, taking a bite of her own food.

“Told you so.” You both ate in silence, too occupied with savouring every bite that you forgot to ask any questions. All too soon the lunch break was over and Annabeth was directing you to the archery field.

“So you basically just follow the path past the Big House and he said he'd be waiting for you there and if you got lost he'd go and find you.” She turned around as someone called her name and yelled back. “Give me a minute.” She looked back at you. “Have fun and I'll see you later at dinner.” She spun on her heel and ran off as you did the same and walked in the opposite direction.

You hummed quietly to yourself as you walked through the woods, the trees shading you from the sun. Dust from the path floated in the air as you kicked the stones from it and into the grass, other campers passed you once or twice, attempting to whisper to each other about you and failing as their voices rang out like foghorns through the otherwise silent trees. You passed the Big House and caught Chiron watching. You waved slightly and continued without waiting to see if he responded. After a few more minutes of walking you arrived at the archery field to see the targets lined up and a selection of bows laid on the grass ready for use. You looked around and saw nobody. Not a single soul in sight. He's probably just running late, you thought, Annabeth said he was head of the Hermes cabin though so he must be busy taking care of something. So you waited. You sat down on the damp floor and fiddled around, picking blades of grass and twisting them around your fingers as tightly as possible before they snapped, plucking daisies, weaving them into a crown and placing it on your head. You even resorted to picking up one of the bows, subsequently snapping the string across your hand and leaving a raised red line across the palm of it. Then you settled back down, made yourself comfortable and placed your chin in your hand. You hadn't meant to fall asleep but the night before had been almost sleepless, tossing and turning in an unfamiliar bed with unfamiliar people in some of the other bunks. So you somehow ended up drifting off with the warm heat of the sun on your back and a cool breeze blowing across your face.

You woke up just as suddenly as you had fallen asleep, an owl hooted softly and you realised it was growing dark. The sun almost completely set in the horizon, only a thin sliver of light peeking out from behind the trees. You got to your feet and began the march up to the cabins. It was most definitely too late for dinner but you remembered Annabeth mentioning there was a campfire tonight. You followed the smoke rising in the distance and the faint glow of the flames, tripping over the occasional dip in the ground and sliding over the grass. Shortly, you arrived at the campfire and Annabeth spotted you almost immediately, jumping to her feet and running over.

“Where were you?” She asked, an accusatory tone to her voice and a frown on her face. “I couldn't find you anywhere. And what is that in your hair?”

“I don't want to talk about it.” You mumbled, sitting down and reaching out for a stick; shoving a marshmallow onto it then holding it above the fire to toast.

“Did you suck at archery?” You laughed half heartedly at her question.

“I wouldn't know yet Annabeth.” She tilted her head and studied you puzzled before a look of understanding passed over her face.

“He didn't teach you any archery.”

“He didn't even bother to show up.” You corrected, pulling the marshmallow out of reach from the fire and blowing on it slightly as you grabbed two chocolate covered biscuits with the other hand and mashed the marshmallow between them. The chocolate melted, mixing with the gooey melted mess of marshmallow. You lifted it to your mouth and took a bite.

“And I don’t care at the moment. I just want to eat my smore. I forgot how good they were, do you want one?”

“No I already had some. I’ve been meaning to ask you, where did you get that hoodie from?”

“Oh it was waiting for me yesterday when I woke up. Probably just a spare one from lost and found since my clothes were ruined.”

“Right, lost and found.” Annabeth sat still for a second then grabbed your hand and dragged you around the campfire to the opposite side despite your protests.

“Why are you so freakishly strong?”

“I am not freakishly strong! And that hoodie, not from lost and found.” She stopped in her tracks as you looked at her confused.

“Huh.”

“Never mind, it’s just a hoodie. Now I have to have a little chat with Luke.” She continued to drag you until you both stood directly in front of him.

“Hey Annabeth.” Luke greeted her with a grin as he stopped talking to the people sitting around him. “What's up?”

“What's up?” She seethed. “What's up is I asked you to help earlier and you didn't want to so I pretty much begged until you said yes because I had something important on.” She took a deep breath and tears filled her eyes. “And then you didn't even do what you said you would.”

“Annabeth…”

“No don't,” She interrupted, “I don't know what exactly your problem is with Y/N since you seemed fine with her last night when she woke up but you're going to sort it out right now.” She punctuated her sentence by pushing you down next to him.

“Can we have a minute.” Luke said to the others and they all obliged, walking over to other people laughing and sneaking peeks back. “Annabeth, seriously why would you think I have a problem with Y/N?”

“You didn't want to help her, you made up fake excuses to get out of it and then you agreed but didn't follow through. So you have some kind of problem otherwise you wouldn't have done any of that.” She crossed her arms and you spoke up.

“Annabeth it's fine, really it's fine. I don't mind if Luke doesn't like me. It's not a big deal.”

“It's a big deal to me! I want you to be friends. And you'll be really good friends I swear. So can you sort out whatever is wrong and get along please. Ask each other some questions, get to know each other better. Say twenty each?” With that she ran back to the other side of the campfire to her siblings leaving you both staring after her in shock. After a moment Luke broke the silence.

“Where did you come here from?” You blinked and answered slowly.

“I lived in the UK until I was eight then moved to the USA because my parents got a job offer.” His eyes sharpened.

“Parents?”

“Yeah. I was adopted, I don't know who my real parents were. Suppose I might find out who one of them is someday though. How about you?”

“Grew up in Connecticut, ran away when I was nine.” You stared at him vaguely shocked. From everything you had heard from Annabeth, Luke was the golden boy and he had run away from home. It was hard to believe but the bitter look in his eyes quickly changed your mind.

“When you were nine. So you were homeless for how long?” He shrugged.

“Five years. But I'm here now, and I've got Annabeth and my half siblings.” You hummed and shuffled around on the log, crossing your legs and leaning forward on your hands facing him.

“How did you meet Annabeth?”

“Just before we arrived at camp, we were walking down an alley and she jumps out and almost knocks my head in with a hammer.” He laughed slightly. “We took her in and then we got here.” You tilted your head.

“We?” His expression changed immediately. “Don't want to talk about it. Got it.” He looked at you.

“Annabeth is my little sister. Not by blood but by choice. We’re family and it seems she wants you to be part of our family.”

“You are very close to each other having known each other for so little time.” He smiled slightly.

“I would say she’s easy to like but that’s not entirely true.”

“Yes she can be quite intense at times. And I’ve only known her a day, can’t imagine what she must be like once you’ve known her a bit longer than that.” You grinned at him and tilted your head. “Must be unbearable.”

“You get used to it. Annabeth is Annabeth, she’s smarter than everyone, always six steps ahead of everyone else, she’s an incredible fighter and along with that she’s stubborn as a mule. But I wouldn’t change anything about her because then she wouldn’t be Annabeth.” He sighed and rested his elbows on his knees, holding his clasped hands in front of him.

“I am sorry I missed your archery lesson. I didn’t mean to I just got caught up practising.” You raised an eyebrow.

“Practising what?”

“Sword fighting. I’m supposed to be the best swordsman in three hundred years and I need to practise if I ever want to go on a quest.” You hummed noncommittally.

“I suppose that makes sense.”

You turned to look at the fire. The flames a bright yellow, dancing up into the sky, twisting and turning, bright against the darkness of the night. Your eyes followed the smoke, whispers of grey spiralling up, up, up into the atmosphere.

“I can give you the lesson now if you’d like.” Your eyes widened in surprise as you turned to face him.

“You would?”

“It’s the least I can do to make up for skipping out on you earlier.” He quickly stood up and held out his hand. “Coming?” You smiled brightly and grabbed his hand.

“Lead the way Castellan.”

“Remind me why we're in the armoury again.”

“You need a good bow before you can shoot right. So here we are.” He raised his hands and turned in a circle. “Take your pick.” You rummaged through the bows, picking one up occasionally to inspect it. There were so many different styles, some smaller, some larger, some metal, some wooden, some decorated and ornate; others as plain as could be. The difference between being inconspicuous and wanting to show off. You stepped over to a crate and pushed off the lid, letting it fall on the ground with a bang. You shuffled through the few bows stored in the crate, disgust filling your face at the ostentatious designs.

“Do people just use these to look cool?”

“Some of the Apollo kids definitely do. But they can shoot with any bow and make the shot so it doesn’t really matter to them.” He picked one up and held it out. “This one looks like it’d fit you.” You scrunched your nose.

“It’s too…much. Yeah, it’s too much.” You slid over to another rack and pulled some off.

“I’m not sure if I’ll ever find…” Your voice trailed off as you picked one up from the very back, pulling it out of the pile that it was buried under. The bow was a smooth crescent, dipping in the middle, covered with strips of leather, with slightly curved ends, pointed and dipped in silver. The wood was engraved with miniature flowers and vines, each petal painted delicately with faded colours of red, blue and purple, the vines thin lines of green weaving through them. Your fingers floated over them, tracing each petal's outline with a look of wonderment on your face.

“Well how about this one?” You snapped your head up quickly, holding the bow close to your body, Luke raised his eyebrows. “You good?” You cleared your throat.

“This one. This is the one.”

“Are you sure? This one,” He waved the one in his hand in the air,”Is particularly nice and actually new, made only a couple of days ago.” You regarded the one he was holding with disdain. It was plain, nothing that made it stand out. It could not have been more unlike the one you held tightly in one hand, fingers flexing around the leather grip.

“No. This is the one, it’s perfect.” He sighed.

“Alright then, I’m not going to argue with you. Follow me.” He walked outside with you behind and stood in front of a target, illuminated by the dim light from torches lit up around the edge of the field. He steadied an arrow. “You pull back, straighten your aim and release.” He let go and the arrow landed just outside the bullseye. “Your turn.” You fiddled with the bow, stroking the leather nervously and tapping the sharp silver capped ends. He smirked teasingly. “Come on then. Or are you scared you won’t be good enough at it.” You scoffed and stomped over to him, grabbing an arrow and nocking it, pulling the string taut to your cheek and narrowing your eyes at the target.

“First of all, you’ll never hit the target like that. Lift your elbow. And widen your stance.” You shuffled your feet. “No, not quite. May I?” You nodded. “You need to just,” He moved behind you and placed one hand on your waist, the other on your arm and kicked one of your feet to the side, “That’s better. Now,” He lifted your elbow up. “Fire.” He whispered in your ear, his warm breath grazing your skin. You sucked in a deep breath and let the arrow fly. You squeezed your eyes shut as it shot through the air and hit the target with a dull thud.

“Well look at that.” Luke murmured behind you.

“What is it Castellan?”

“Why don’t you open your eyes and see for yourself.” You hesitantly opened them and looked disbelievingly at the target, the arrow sitting in the middle of the bullseye. You took a double take, looking back at Luke and then back to the target.

“I did that? Me?” You whispered and Luke chucked quietly.

“Yeah you did but let’s try again. This time by yourself. Make sure it wasn’t just my expert skills that made you shoot like that on your first try.” He nodded to the target and you nocked another arrow, pulling back the string to your cheek with ease and letting it loose quickly, sending the arrow flying and splitting the wood of the previous one as it lodged just between the feathers.

“Not just your expert skills apparently.” His lips twitched upwards.

“Perhaps not, but I will need more proof.”

“Then I will give you some.” With that you fired a volley of arrows, each one landing so they formed a star when you finished. You stared proudly at your work. “How’s that for your proof?”

“That's pretty hard proof. You must be a natural at archery and my teachings clearly have nothing to do with it.”

“Your teachings have something to do with it. You got me that first shot. I’m just a quick learner, and lobbing things at targets is apparently my thing now.” You dropped the bow down carefully in the grass and turned around to look at him and added as an afterthought. “Except for spears. That did not go well.”

“I heard.” You winced and twiddled your thumbs.

“Yeah. Anyway thank you for this, you really didn’t have to.” He shrugged.

“Like I said, I wanted to make up for this afternoon and giving you a late lesson seemed the best way to do it.” You rolled your eyes at his words and threw yourself down on the ground, unbothered by the damp soil. Your hands rested on your stomach and the longer pieces of grass ticked your ears as you gazed up at the sky, the stars twinkled above, shining brightly like miniature diamonds. They decorated the night, small pockets of light in the deep blue sky, soon to give way to pure blackness but the stars would still be there.

You felt Luke lay down next to you and heard him ask you a question.

“What’s your favourite colour?”

“What?” You asked back, turning to look at him.

“Your favourite colour. Annabeth said we should get to know each other so what’s your favourite colour?” You stared at him for a second and found nothing but truth in his eyes.

“I’m not sure,” You paused for a moment, “I like green a lot though. It’s pretty and there are so many different shades of it, some are more blue like the sea and others are more the colour of the trees. But you can find traces of green everywhere and I think that’s why I like it, it's not just some obscure colour that you can only find in clothes. It’s all around us, you’ve just got to look for it” You stopped, slightly out of breath. “Sorry, you weren’t really looking for that kind of long winded explanation were you.”

“No I don’t mind, it was interesting. Besides, I've heard longer explanations from Annabeth about why she had nutella on her toast in the morning rather than her usual jam.” You tipped your head to the side and laughed.

“And what was the reason for that exactly?”

“The first time she did it I believe she spouted some nonsense about it being high in fibre as well as having iron and calcium in it and also would give her more energy to deal with, as she put it, incompetent fools. However every other time she's done it she just gives me a look as if I'm completely stupid.” You muffled a snort at his indignant tone.

“She sounds like a middle aged woman called Susan or something. And for the record you are stupid.”

“I always thought she was more of a Theresa but each to their own and I’m not stupid at all thank you very much.” You snorted again and quickly covered it with a cough, composing yourself as he smiled smugly at the reaction he managed to pull out of you.

“So anyway, what’s your favourite colour?” You asked, shifting slightly to look at him better.

“Blue, a really clear bright blue, like the sky in summer, electric blue almost.” He answered decisively and you tapped your fingers together in thought.

“And how old are you?”

“Fifteen, you?”

“Fourteen. Why do you want to go on a quest so badly?”

“I need to prove that I'm a hero. And going on a quest is the only way I can do that.”

“Is it?” He faced you with a look of disbelief.

“Yes, if I go on a quest I'm a hero because I get glory from it, you don't get glory from sitting around at camp doing nothing. You have to fight for it so I need to go on a quest.”

“Right, sorry.” You murmured and looked back up at the sky, head resting on your crossed arms. “The stars are beautiful aren’t they.” You muttered. “I find it hard to believe they can only be found in such distant planes of the universe when we can see them right there in front of us.” You lifted a hand and traced a kind of w shape in the sky. “That’s Cassiopeia, the Queen, you probably already know this but she was the mother of Andromeda and was forced to sacrifice her to a sea monster due to her own pride when she boasted her beauty was greater than that of the sea nymphs.” You pointed to another cluster of stars. “And that’s Ursa Major,” You moved your finger again, “And that’s Virgo, the Maiden.”

“How do you know those constellations?” Luke asked quietly.

“My dad.” You smiled. “He taught me all the constellations and we would go stargazing together in the country whenever he had a free night. The first time he took me was when I was three and he said I asked for food every two minutes, after that he would always bring a picnic, sandwiches, carrot sticks, biscuits and little slices of cake with tea or hot chocolate in a thermos so I would never get hungry. And we would lie on a blanket and watch the stars, pointing out all the constellations we saw and naming whatever stars we could. On special occasions he would bring his telescope and let me use it so that I could see everything that was happening as closely as possible.”

“He sounds nice.”

“Yeah he is,” You whispered, “He really is.” You both went silent for a while, simply gazing up at the stars in peace and quiet, comfortable in each other's company.

After a while Luke stood up.

“We should get going, everyone will already be sleeping by now and we can tidy this all up first thing tomorrow.” You sat up and took his offered hand, allowing him to pull you to your feet.

“Thanks.” You leant down to scoop up your new bow. “I can take this back can't I?”

“It's yours.” He answered simply as he started to walk to the cabins with you hurrying to walk next to him.

“Thanks again for, y’know.” He glanced down at you.

“You don't need to keep thanking me, it was my fault for not showing up earlier. I was just making good on my promise to Annabeth.”

“Yeah but still, I appreciate it. Other people wouldn't have done what you just did.” You reached the semicircle of cabins and took a step into the Hermes one before you realised Luke wasn't following. You turned your head back to look at him only to find him looking at you with an unreadable expression on his face.

“What is it? Do I have something on my face?” You slapped your cheek lightly.

“No you just-” He stepped forwards and righted something on your head, brushing the hair back from your face in the process. “Your flowers were falling off stargirl.”

“Oh.” You breathed out, a hand rising to feel the flowers. “Thank you, I forgot I had them, I thought they would've fallen off earlier.” You furrowed your eyebrows. “Stargirl?” He shrugged and offered a simple explanation before walking past you into the cabin.

“It suits you.” You smiled and made your way to your bed, quickly grabbing a top and pair of pyjama shorts before running to change into them behind the private screen set up in the corner of the cabin and then bouncing into bed. You lay there for a minute, staring up at the wooden ceiling, before you turned to face the empty bed next to you.

“Hey Castellan.” You whispered loudly and from the other side of the room he answered.

“What is it stargirl?”

“Are we friends now?”

“Nah, we're best friends stargirl, I don’t just teach anyone archery in the middle of the night. and don't think you can get out of this easily, best friends are for life.” You smiled into the darkness at the joking tone in his voice and answered with a hint of laughter.

“Wouldn't dream of it. I gotta say, it's nice to have a friend.” You hurriedly added, “Other than Annabeth and Maisie,” And turned over to the other side, “Goodnight Castellan.” You said and burrowed deep into the duvet. The last thing you heard was a soft laugh and Luke's voice saying.

“Goodnight stargirl, sleep well.”

Light pink sky up on the roof Sun sinks down, no curfew Twenty questions, we tell the truth You've been stressed out lately? Yeah me too

#luke castellan x you #luke castellan x reader #luke castellan imagine #luke castellan #percy jackon and the olympians #annabeth chase #taylor swift lyrics #pjo tv show #pjotv x reader #pjo x reader

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calisources · 30 days

Text

𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒.

All sentences on these meme make references to royal balls, medieval ballrooms or regency, basically set during any period drama. You can change names, pronouns, titles and more as you see fit. Most of these were taken from different source materials found via google search. This meme makes references to masquerades, royal dances and partners.

Dancing, at its best, is independence and intimacy in balance.

Dance is the timeless interpretation of life.

Music does not need language of words for it has movements of dance to do its translation.

Masks reveal. They don’t conceal. Masks reveal your cravings, your passion, your deepest most secret desires.

It was you. I know it was you.

Look at me, Kia! Look me in the eye and tell me you’re not her.

And who shall you be once you don your grand disguise?

I don't like to hear you talk about yourself that way. Your scars do not define you, young lady. Your action do.

All the ladies must dress the same and the men have to find their partners. It’s a game of sorts.

Even the smallfolk have their own version of the ball, at the steps of the castle.

Swoon, Dora. Every young woman deserves to swoon over the love of her life.

Dash it, Everton, how'd you know it was me?

A masquerade could have been a beautiful dance.

Oh, well. What's a royal ball? After all, I suppose it would be frightfully dull, and-and-and boring, and-and completely... Completely wonderful.

Each finds a partner, and upon the bell, we must change partner until we find the one we came to be. . .or the one we desire.

It has been a while since you gave me the honor to dance with you.

If the princess is not too occupied, I would wish for a dance, perhaps?

The Queen and King have to open the ball but the King is gone. No mind, I shall be in his place.

Sometimes in life confusion tends to arise and only dialogue of dance seems to make sense.

If we want our men to dance, we have to inspire them.

But with something more, something bigger, something that will give them a reason to want to dance.

But when balls are held for pleasure, They're the balls that I like best.

Will you be my princess for the Ball?

Keeping pushing, Andrei, and you and I are going to play a game.

Nothing like a ball to cheer a nation, give the old lords wine and the young boys the opportunity to find a nice woman and everyone shows up.

Where are you taking me? The ball hasn’t ended.

Royals is like a beautiful, broken angel: hard to look at, but utterly impossible to turn away from.

Attend the royal ball in all your glory and find out what fate has in store for you.

How many dances is one allowed before people begin to whisper?

You cannot behave like a brute. It is my duty to dance with every suitor. I am their princess.

I do not recognize you, my lord? Are you from these lands?

It is bad luck to steal a princess.

Attend the royal ball in all your glory and find out what fate has in store for you.

There is nothing quite like dancing in the moonlight. It sets your soul on fire and your heart aflutter.

The beauty of a ball is not just in its grandeur, but in the connections it sparks, the emotions it stirs, and the hopes it ignites.

Just keep your eyes on me. No one else here matters.

I shall keep dancing with you until you stop being stubborn and go speak with me. Or you rather have people whisper?

The princess looks beautiful tonight, does she not?

Father, please, you must dance as well. Your dull looks are making people bored.

You promised me a dance when you were better. Are you?

I've loved you at every dance, on every walk, every time we've been together and every time we've been apart.

I can feel people's eyes on me.

Every time I walk into a ballroom, I know they are comparing me to Daphne.

You both get to choose your passions and adventures, while my beloved is chosen by me. And now I must join them for a dance.

Are you planning on running away when the clock strikes midnight?

If you do wish to go away, I know a spot, secluded enough.

You wish for me to go with you, alone, unchaperoned. I am a maiden, my lord.

Aye, but I am no lord, sweet maiden. And these masks allow us some privacy.

This is my last chance to find a match on my own accord. If I don’t. The King will do it for me and I would rather not.

I'm only a girl, not a princess.

Believe me - they're all looking at you.

They're all looking at you.

You are requested and required to present yourself to your king.

I do not even know if that beautiful slipper will fit But, if it does--will you take me as I am?

It would be an insult to take you to the palace dressed in these old rags.

How charming, how perfectly charming.

When I go back, they will try to pair me off with a lady of their choosing. I'm expected to marry for advantage.

Oh. Well, whose advantage would this marriage be of?

I hope you don't find our kingdom too confining.

I am. An apprentice monarch. Still learning my trade.

Our prince seems quite taken with her.

She went straight for him. You have to appreciate her efficiency.

Walk into the room knowing you are the best. Shoulders back, chin up. Their attitudes will totally change.

You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.

The ball is about to come to an end, and you have yet not told me your name.

I thought we agreed we would remain strangers.

I’m afraid my true identity would put you in danger.

Have you ever been kissed by a stranger at the end of a ball? If not, let me be the first.

Put him on all the invitation lists, he's a divine dancer.

I’m afraid I’m more used to swordfight than ballroom.

You will ruin your pretty gown, princess. I would not wish to step on your toes.

Silly, I am a great dancer, no one ever steps on my toes.

No. Let them dance. Interrupting would cause a scandal.

One of these men will be my husband one day. What a thought.

The art of husband seeking at it’s peak, during royal ball season.

Maiden beware, a gentleman can become a beast when the bell strikes.

#roleplay memes #sentence meme #( cali meme. )#rp memes #rp prompt #rp musings #roleplay prompt #ballroom meme #royal ball meme #royal dance meme #masquerade meme

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merakiui · 7 months

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*DIGS YOU OUT FROM THE MUD* MOOOOOAR!!!! HDJSJSK once azul find out the secret behind his fave milk, floyd takes him out back and forces him to breed u to keep quiet and jade omg jad has the biggest balls and loves to put them on ur face aaaaaaa

AAAAAAAA YES YES YES OTL THANK YOU FOR DIGGING ME OUT.......... allow me to describe The Vision because I had more thoughts while I was trapped under the mud.

(cw: nsfw, female hucow reader, breeding, pregnancy, bull hybrid jade, lactation, there's really no plot here; just pure horny >_< )

✧ floyd has the biggest crush on you and it's so obvious, but he's not allowed to touch you because boring farm regulations and blah blah blah. >:( it wouldn't be good if another male's scent was on you when they're trying to pair you and jade together, and floyd thinks that's a stupid rule because you're his girl!!! he definitely doesn't follow it. maybe he promises to be good and pull out each time, maybe give you a bath to wash his scent off, just to keep things safe. he's so stupidly in love with you and it shows. orz his favorite thing to do is milk you because you make the cutest little sounds. he's painfully hard the entire time and he can't stop looking at your heavy tits, admiring the feel of them in his hands, or the way you tremble, your body alight with arousal. he's down so bad. he has to cap all of the bottles and stock them in the fridge first before he's going off to deal with his erection. T_T

✧ and jade......... he's a sly bastard. he knows floyd's in love with you (anyone could tell) and he takes every possible opportunity to stir up drama just for the fun of it. floyd threatens to send him off to the slaughterhouse if he keeps acting like an ass, but that's jade's specialty. <3 he just loves pressing you against the fence and rutting into you from behind, loves to drink straight from your tits, loves to fuck you in broad daylight so that everyone on the farm knows you're getting your guts rearranged by him. and floyd hates it! it's just not fair. why did they have to bring jade in? can't they just leave the breeding up to floyd? he'd gladly knock you up. but you and jade are so compatible and jade's so possessive of you, and the last time floyd tried to enter your pen he was swiftly kicked in the stomach. ;;;;;

✧ and azul!!!! he loves, loves, loves the milk from this farm. it's just so delicious; it's made the dishes at his restaurant taste even better than before. since he's an ambitious man, he originally visits the farm with the intention of purchasing whichever dairy cow is responsible for producing such high-quality milk just so he can get it straight from the source without having to go through the hoops of shipping and whatnot. but floyd's so evasive with answering his questions and as azul's leaving in a huff he passes the barn and spies you inside and...... now he needs you!!! he'll pay any price; he's desperate. floyd's dying inside because no one's supposed to know about you, but this loud-mouthed businessman knows and..... he allows azul to milk you so he can take a few bottles home for himself in exchange for his silence, and azul is so good at rizzing you that he ends up fucking you. and jade lets it happen because it's another fun way to watch floyd shrivel up and die. T_T he's so mean,,,,,

✧ and when you're pregnant, your milk production seems to double and you have to be milked multiple times a day because your tits get so heavy and full. floyd's living the dream, even more so when you weep and beg him to just fuck you already because you're soooo sensitive and soooo horny and you desperately need to be filled with cock; and jade's busy napping, so he can't do it. floyd gladly takes his place and he's the happiest in the world because after so long he finally gets to fuck you. he cums so much, all of it stuffed inside, and he cradles your belly so sweetly and tenderly.

✧ the alternative to this idea is that azul kidnaps you from the farm and keeps you captive in his home so that he can always have your milk for himself. not only for personal enjoyment but for the mostro lounge as well, and you hate him so much because he took you away from your home and friends and he keeps you shackled and collared with a little bell so you won't run away or escape. you've spent so long with him and you're months into your first pregnancy with him and he's been nothing but sweet and soft and he fucks you so good; and he's always so eager to milk you and he praises you constantly. stockholm syndrome kicks in and suddenly he's not so bad. suddenly you don't hate him anymore. suddenly you're riding him into the sheets with reckless abandon and coming apart on his cock because it feels so good and you love him so much and this is where you've always wanted to be. this is your home.

#twisted chit chat #n/sfw #tw: breeding #tw: lactation #tw: pregnancy #tw: hybrids #i might have to write something for that last plot with azuzu.......#i do not write about stockholm syndrome enough but the idea of hucow darling being conditioned to rely on him for everything is so good orz #because he's the one who does everything for you #and he's manipulated you so well that you no longer fear his touch and why should you when he's been nothing but kind and helpful and !!!!!#(burying myself under the mud this time because these thoughts are plaguing me)

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twstfanblog · 3 months

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*~Period Drama~* Monday-Extended

A/N: SCREAMS EVEN LOUDER. So excited to share this with you guys! Sorry it took me so long to update the series, I took a winter break along with getting ill on the first fucking day of the new year. Another thank you to @bun-lapin for allowing me to use their lovely OCs for this fic series! I love them so much and I'm having so much fun playing with them! Word Count: 6K (This is literally just half the part omfg...) Warnings: She/They Pronouns OC, (Poorly written fight scene, Lilia) Pairings: YuuxJamilxAzulxMalleus (Poly) ~Taglist(Oh wow this got big) @twistedcece @deltrea @krenenbaker @koebishrimpuwu @cat100200 @emyluwinter @obsessionswithfandoms @ady-hilborn @lucid-stories @girl-nahh-two @itz-hydrodeptus-foxy7 @chyluna @riddlesimps @death-the-jo @a-twistedheartslonging @qixlin @chaosistheonlyway @welcome-to-my-horde @abell2029cluster @kirans-wonderland @coffee-or-hot-cocoa @the-ace-reader @iamsoconfusedallofthetime Start, Part 2 (Octavinelle), Part 3 (Heartslabyul), Part 4 (Savanaclaw), Part 4.5 (Here), Part 5 (Diasomnia pt.2)

Silver was concerned, he could say that truthfully now.

He sat beside Malleus, the horned fae sitting between him and his father pouting. Across from them were Sebek and his friends, minus Yuu and Ortho. The fact the prefect was missing from the ensemble being the reason Malleus was pouting again.

Early Saturday morning, Yuu had contacted Malleus and canceled their planned weekend outings. Only stating they weren't feeling up to doing much for the weekend due to a surprise occurrence, promising to see him on Monday during lunch. Bad news that was only doubled by their dorm advisor telling Malleus he was forbidden to enter Ramshackle grounds until further notice. Silver could still remember the sound of Malleus' dejected cello playing, the chords seeming to echo through all of Diasomnia as the rain outside nearly flooded the dorm.

Lilia had managed to improve Malleus’ mood that morning with the fact he was going to see Yuu soon. Only to have his hopes crushed once again at Epel's sheepish explanation that Yuu was still sick. And now the incomplete ‘Firstie Squad’ all squished onto one long couch while he, Lilia, and a sulking Malleus sat on another.

The longer the silence lasted, the longer Silver had a chance to really observe Sebek. As his father was busy keeping Malleus from throwing a tantrum, Silver watched Sebek sit with absolute poise and hands clasped together so tight he feared for his bones. Sebek also refused to look him in the eyes, a bead of sweat keeping a trembling presence on his temple as he kept completely silent. A feat that Silver realized the half-fae had managed since early Saturday evening…

Jack had been quick to state they were skipping 3rd period because Sebek wasn't feeling well, bringing him back to the dorm to keep him company since no one was allowed at Ramshackle. Deuce had noticed him when they entered the dorm, doing a double take with wide eyes as he mumbled about him being a second year under his breath. He asked him frantically, hands grasping tight to his shoulders, if he was also sick, if he had been to the school that day. Silver slowly explained that; no, he had not. He chose to stay in the dorm in an effort to right his internal clock. A task his father and Malleus had been helping with since the 3rd years didn't have classes until after lunch that day.

Just as the grandfather clock chimed, indicating the start of the lunch period, Malleus stood from the couch with a sigh, “Enough waiting. If my lover is ill and unable to attend school, I can simply gather their work and bring it to them.”

Lilia giggles, standing along with Malleus as they start to walk toward the massive double doors leading out of the dorm, “A wonderful idea, Malleus! And since you'll already be there it's not out of the question to sit and visit with them. I'm sure some tea and conversation is just what they need-”

“NO!”

Everyone jumps, staring wide-eyed at Sebek's almost screeching outburst. The half-fae sat more hunched in on himself, shoulders up to his ears as he looked down in embarrassment at the desperate voice crack that echoed through the room. Silver only felt his concern growing as he saw how flushed Sebek's face was getting, as if he was struggling to physically hold something in, “Sebek…Are you okay?”

Epel chimes in, eyes wide in what Silver could only call panic, as he leaned to block their view of Sebek, “That's right! Sebek's sick! You guys should, like, stay and help us heal him up or whatever!”

Malleus and Lilia share a glance before Lilia addresses the freshmen, “Sebek seems to have more than enough support with you four. Add on Silver and I'm sure no illness will last long.”

With a soft smile, Malleus holds a hand out to address Sebek, “As a show of our bond, I will gather your work as well, Sebek. I know you wouldn't want poor health to interrupt your studies.”

Malleus turns away to walk toward the door, only to freeze mid-step at the truly pathetic-sounding whine that echoes through the air. The fae turns back around, eyes wide as he looks at Sebek curled into himself and trying to hide his entire being the best he could in Ace’s lap, “...Sebek?”

Lilia steps forward, worry slowly bleeding onto his face as he taps his chin, “Maybe I can stay back a bit longer and make you some nice and healthy stew…?”

Malleus and Silver share a more concerned look at the idea of Lilia's cooking. Silver makes quick glances at the door as a silent plea for Malleus to escape and bring back some form of relief.

“Perhaps I should find madame Oster or professor Crewel to secure a tonic for Sebek…and lunch of our guests-”

Deuce feels Sebek's panicked grasp on his arm. The half fae too embarrassed to possibly make another sound but begging them to help him keep Malleus from entering the school, “DRACONIA-SENPAI! YOU SHOULD STAY AND READ SEBEK A BEDTIME STORY INSTEAD! T-TO MAKE HIM FEEL BETTER!” By the Seven, he's so sorry, Sebek…

“...” Malleus looks to the side, pondering the idea with honest intensity, “Well, I'm not opposed…”

CLICK-CLUNK

Everyone turns, watching the massive front doors of the dorm slowly have their locks twisted shut. Intricate designs coming alive and moving across the wood and stone to turn the ominous castle into an inescapable prison. In front of the doors stood Hui-Yan, dorm advisor to Diasomnia, clipping the black metal key back to her hip before she turned to the group with a stern expression, “No one is leaving the dorm until further notice.”

Lilia looks at Hui-Yan with wide eyes, ruby irises glancing at the now magically barricaded doors and windows before drifting back to the eastern woman, “Why…?”

“Because, I said so.”

Silver couldn't see it, but he knows his father's eye twitched.

Hui-Yan was the dorm advisor to Diasomnia, something he wasn't entirely sure if his father actually agreed with. The Eastern woman was a threat in all aspects; beautiful, deadly, and cold. Though some (Sebek) spoke ill of how she wielded her power over the dorm, none of them could deny the woman was an icon of nobility, even without a formal title. She was also his and Sebek's personal close combat tutor. How his father convinced her of it he'd never know. But, he would like to have moments without the near-constant threat of being ambushed on his way to the bathroom in the middle of the night…

“I just don't see why we're not allowed out of the dorm. Have we done something wrong, dear advisor?” Lilia walked closer to Hui-Yan, a tight smile on his lips as he openly stared at the key latched to her hip.

“Are you questioning my authority, Vanrouge?”

“...” Lilia took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he leaned away from the golden-eyed teacher, “No ma'am.” Lilia knew he couldn't risk a bunch of impressionable teen boys getting the idea that mutiny was an accepted idea in any form…

“I should hope not. So as I said, no one is allowed out of the dorm until further notice.” she gestures to the empty space beside both of them, “Stand aside.”

Lila stepped over, a tight smile on his face as he let her walk past him, “...” his smile turns teasing, “But…since this does deal with the future of the Draconia bloodline, I believe I outrank you in this matter, so~...”

In a move faster than any of them could follow, Lilia closed the distance between himself and Hui-Yan. He quickly snatched the key from the loop on her hip, only pulling away a few inches before her hand was gripping his wrist.

She glared at Lilia's jovial expression, trying to tug the fae's hand closer only to find resistance, “Release the key, Vanrouge.”

“Nope~.”

Hui-Yan's eyes seem to glow as she snarls, leaning closer to growl in Lilia's face, “Release it…”

“Oh!” Lilia leans in just as close, his teasing smile turning into an almost seductive smirk as he growled back, voice deepening, “Are we growling now?”

“What the fuck?” Ace quietly spoke from couches, the other students in the room watching the display with uncomfortable expressions.

Silver catches eyes with Malleus. While the first years were preoccupied watching the growing struggle between Lilia and their increasingly angered dorm advisor, Silver made quick glances toward the side of the lounge area. While the key locked down the dorm so to speak, it left a single side entrance open for exit only. A small fact that his father had shared once he and Sebek started to search for Malleus at night.

Malleus perks up, smiling in thanks at Silver before looking over his shoulder. Lilia and Hui-Yan had escalated to nearly flinging the other around in an effort to gain control of the key. At a decently brutal slam Lilia took to the floor, yet he didn't release his hold on the key, Malleus took that as his sign to exit stage left.

He had just barely walked out of the room, a pep in his step as he fantasized about how happy his dearest lover would be to see him. Turning the corner he jumped as a voice nearly rivaling Sebek's rang out.

“MALLEUS IS LEAVING!”

Malleus doubles back to glare at the panicked-looking wolf beastman. He'd certainly remember to attend the next dorm lead meeting, if only to speak to Leona about his supposed standards for tattle-tales in his dorm. But, his glare as cut off as he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end, Hui-Yan had him in her sights. He moved back behind the corner, teleporting to the door to gain as much distance as he could from the infuriated woman.

His hand touched the knob, nearly crushing it in his surprise as the doors leading to the small entryway burst open as Lilia's body flew through the air. Malleus looks on in mild horror as Lilia rolls on the floor, the older fae groaning as he slowly stood to his feet. With his sensitive hearing, he knew Hui-Yan was somehow not far behind.

“Should…I stay?”

Lilia laughed wildly, shaking off his jacket and loosening his tie as he cracked his neck side to side, “Worry not! I can handle her just fine…” Lilia dropped to the floor, positioned to start a sprint as he smiled to Malleus, “Say hello to Yuu for me, okay?”

Hui-Yan slammed the half-closed doors open, eyes blazing, “MALLE-UGH!”

Malleus watched with wide eyes as Lilia made a full tackle to Hui-Yan's stomach. The force of it enough to send them both flying through the doorway and crashing a good few feet down the hall. He stands in almost stunned surprise watching the two of them punch and tumble along the floor in a flurry of movement.

…

Well, it'd do him no good to stay there…

Malleus opened the door, casting one last concerned look to Lilia seemingly fighting for his life before he was off toward the school.

Stepping through the mirror, Malleus stopped beside a group of passing beastmen. He could barely raise his hand in greeting before the cat beastman gained a look of pure horror. He grabbed at his posse, shoving and dragging the other stunned and fearful-looking beastmen with him into the Heartslabyul mirror.

“...” He huffs, turning away and continuing his journey toward the school. He thought his reputation had improved. Of course, it wasn't enough for students to openly walk up and speak to him, but he could at least wave without them running in fear of his stature. Maybe he also needed to speak to Riddle…

The short walk to the main building only soured his mood more, students left and right were practically diving to leave his line of sight. He could slightly understand why, his expression must have been terrifying to have a passing canine Ignihyde student completely crumble to his knees. The dog beastman simply muttering to himself ‘Game over, game over.’

If this was a game, Malleus was not enjoying it. Just as the school building came into view, a scent seemed to tickle at his senses. Inhaling deep it was as if time itself stood still. He stopped at the base of the stairs, eyes staring unblinking at the looming castle in front of him. The smell was sweet, like fresh ripe fruits ready to be plucked from branches and eaten. A spice of some type of pepper, spicy and a hinted flavor to accompany the fruit’s juices. A flower he could not name, but so delicate in its scent he always feared breathing it in too harshly. The scent of his child of man, his dearest love and future partner for life.

And the second scent, the one that coated that first like the inky black tar of blot. Iron, heavy, rusted, and fresh. Blood, he smelled his love and blood.

He barely noticed, eyes locked on the school, how the clouds gathered and darkened the sky. He entered the building, his storm slowly overtaking the sun with volatile green flashes trapped inside it. He didn't even care for the fear that was thick in the air at his presence, he needed to trace the scent of his poor injured lover.

Following the trail, he swings open a door and growls as his eyes scan the room. Professors looked up in surprise at his entrance, mugs frozen in the air at mid-sip. But he doesn't find Yuu. His growl grew in severity, electricity crackling around his body before he turned and slammed the door back closed behind him, ignoring the sounds of panic from within the room. The scent still went further into the school, then the field, then back into the school. Each new location giving him no relief from the maddening scent.

Opening a door only to be greeted with an empty classroom, Malleus let out a completely horrific growl. The sound of it almost clicking in his throat as it echoed vaguely in the air. His horns felt warm, the ridges slowly gaining a violent green glow as his worry steadily morphed into anger.

“...can't let him find out.”

“I'm aware, Jamil, but Lilia isn't answering and I can't distract him if I don't know where he is.”

Malleus's eyes snap to the corner, standing still as both Jamil and Azul walked around the corner. Azul was typing furiously on his phone, panic clear in eyes and nearly running into Malleus's prone form. Luckily, Jamil was still aware of his surroundings to stop Azul from walking into the ticking time bomb that was Malleus Draconia.

Azul looks up as Jamil tugs him back, eyes widening as what little color he had drained from his face. He's quick to plaster a wide smile on his face, clasping his hands together as if he was trying to pray for mercy, “Draconia-San! What a…lovely surprise! I wasn't aware you were…going to be in school today…”

“...” He couldn't smell Yuu on either of them, not more than he normally could. Not to mention the smell of blood was just too strong for Malleus to fully focus on his ‘lovers in law’. As they stood in silence, Malleus waited for them to answer his unasked question. When they didn't, he hissed out, “Where?”

Azul perks up with a questioning hum, ignoring Jamil’s frantic grip to the back of his jacket, “Where…is what, Draconia-San?”

“Yuu, where is Yuu?”

“Yuu! Ah…ahahaha…well…you see…maybe we could sit outside and speak about it-”

Malleus stood over Azul, leaning into the cecaelian's face as he whispered harshly, “Either tell me where they are or you will go missing next…”

Azul simply smiled up at Malleus, sweat doting his forehead as he struggled to think up an excuse to curb the fae's anger.

Instead, Jamil sighed, bringing both their attention to himself, “We don't know where Yuu is. They cut their last class.” He braces himself against the overwhelming force of Malleus's magic pouring out, making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end, “Draconia-Sama…It may do you well to calm-”

Malleus fully turns to Jamil, fangs bared as he bites out, “How are you two this calm?” his eyes quickly look back to Azul, the Mer seeming to fully lose the color in his face, “How are you not in just a state as I am? Can you not smell the blood?”

The hall was quiet, neither Azul nor Jamil suddenly having the will to look Malleus in the eye. The fae looks between them in mild confusion, surely they'd be just as worried as he was. He knew they were still in the budding beginnings of their own relationship, but they were all more than fond of Yuu. They should be worried…unless.

The anger that builds in Malleus was palpable, the ridges on his horns glowing even brighter as he realized, “You knew.” Their silence only showed how guilty they were, Malleus nearly roared as electricity cracked along his body, “You both knew, and didn't tell me!?”

“It wasn't from any malicious means!” Azul somehow kept smiling, though from the look in his eyes and the tremble in his hands, Malleus knew it was more a fear response than any type of mocking.

“Well, tell me now. Why is our lover harmed and neither of you aware of their location?” their new round of silence was truly an insult at this point. He took deep, controlled breaths. They weren't working, the lights flickering in and out as his anger rose, “Well?”

“...” Jamil spoke up again, closing his eyes as though preparing for his own death, “We were sworn to secrecy-”

The growl Malleus released fully echoed through the halls, deep and ancient-sounding reverbs sending students into blind panic. Lights flickered and flashed before bursting overhead and sending the halls into darkness. He didn't bother responding to Jamil’s ludicrous statement, brushing past the two and following the fading scent of blood outside.

Jamil released a breath, his hand still gripping to the back of Azul's jacket. Looking over he grimaced. Azul was trembling, a panicked smile still plastered on his face as his eyes watered behind his cracked glasses, “Azul?”

The Mer turned to Jamil, lips parting to manage out a terrified squeak.

He sighs, pulling Azul along to drop him off at the nurse's office.

Bucchi tried to run from him, the hyena breaking out into a sprint as Grim did the second he locked his eyes on his form. He truly didn't blame him, Malleus could only think about the vision he made at the moment. Glowing horns, angered expression, the violent storm following his every step was also unhelpful. But Bucchi was nothing if not a survivor. It wasn't long after he had caught him that he stated Leona had taken Yuu home. That they were sick with some type of alien ailment.

As Malleus walked through the woods, his annoyance only grew with every step. He couldn't simply teleport to Ramshackle, the storm would easily destabilize without him to guide its path. While it could end the storm, it'd more likely cause it to go wild and turn into a literal hurricane. The campus may be filled with traitorous liars, but he couldn't allow such a fate to befall the local gargoyles. Many were far too old and fragile to withstand such a tempest…so walking it is.

The winds had easily blown away any scent of the blood, but the knowledge that Yuu was in Ramshackle was all he needed. Though he perks up, the smell of floral sand peeking through the winds. Bucchi had said Leona had taken Yuu home. Had he caught up to them? His expression fell when he only saw Leona walking the path. He huffs, eyes moving away and toward the peeking tip of Ramshackle's towers. Only to be hit in the chest with a powerful bolt.

Malleus slid back a few feet, momentarily stunned as he looked at Leona. The beastman kept walking toward him, pen glowing brightly grasped in his hand as he glared.

“Turn around. You're not seeing them like this.”

…

“Kingscholar, I truly never thought I would see the day you'd forfeit your life so easily…”

Leona has the gall to smirk, “Good. Cause I'm not, and you’re not going to Ramshackle throwing a fucking tantrum.”

The winds pick up around them, Malleus taking long strides to move past Leona, “You have no right to tell me I can't see them.” He dodged the second blast Leona sent his way. But the third was shot in quick succession the moment he moved to dodge the first, sending him another few feet back. He snarled, eye twitching as he snapped his head back up to Leona, “Kingscholar!”

“Draconia. Anyone ever tell you you’re a sturdy bitch?” he hisses, managing to dodge and fling up a shield against the onslaught of lightning.

It was a dangerous dance for too long. On any other day, Malleus would find Leona's efforts to fight him adorable, admirable even, slightly impressive he had lasted this long one-on-one with him. But in that moment it only served to infuriate him further, willingly turning a deaf ear to Leona's words.

Leona huffed, a bead of sweat forming against his temple as he cast another shield for the dragon fae to slam into and lose speed. It wasn't enough to trap him, but he could still get a sense of enjoyment watching Malleus smack into the invisible walls, “Honestly. People have the nerve to call me stubborn when you can't even be bothered to listen.”

“Enough…”

A wave of lightning rushes directly toward Leona. The beastman clicks his tongue, changing his stance to crouch down and condense a shield around his smaller form. It was the only way he'd be able to make a spell strong enough to withstand the power Malleus threw around like nothing.

But Leona knew him getting hit wasn't Malleus's true goal. He simply needed his defensive range to shrink, giving him ample space to finally speed past him and to Ramshackle. He bit his lip, hating to leave his success to chance. He'd have one shot…

Malleus didn't care that Leona had managed to keep track of him through the spell and electricity. He didn't care about Leona anymore. Instead he readied himself to launch past the downed beastman, more than likely to pass by him and arrive directly to his lover's door. He dashed forward and his eyes widened as multiple things happened at once.

Surprisingly, Leona's shield drops in an elegant movement that redirects the still striking lightning away from his outstretched hand. Heartbreakingly, through the lightning strikes and howling winds, he hears the gut wrenching sobs of Yuu echoing from Ramshackle. Annoyingly, he feels Leona's hand tangle in his hair and pull hard. Managing to stop him mid sprint and to pull him off his feet, sending him falling to the ground hard on his back.

For a brief moment the winds stop, leaving only Leona's labored breathing and the sounds of distance rumbles. Malleus blinks, thoughts racing as he slowly propped himself up from the ground by his elbows. Yuu was crying. This illness was severe enough to make them cry. Kingscholar had thrown him. Yuu was alone and in pain and they hadn't even tried to call for him…others knew and he wasn't…important enough to know…Kingscholar had gripped him by the hair and tossed him like a sack of thorn forsaken potatoes.

Malleus blinks, looking up to the panting beastman standing over him. Only now did he realize how dark Leona's mage stone had become, how tired the other 3rd year looked.

Leona drops to a knee, hissing as he hit the dirt path harder than he was prepared for. Catching his breath he finally pockets his pen and rolls his sore shoulder, “Are you gonna fucking listen now?”

“They're crying…”

“Yeah.” Leona sighs, a hand pinching the bridge of his nose then dragging it through sweat misted hair, “As I've been telling you for the past twenty minutes. Yuu's going through some shit right now and isn't emotionally stable. And this-” he gestures to all of Malleus, ignoring the pout that the fae gains, “-is the last thing they should deal with right now…”

Malleus keeps quiet, glare slowly easing and casting his eyes to the ground. Without a word he pushes himself up, not offering a hand to Leona but watching in mild concern as the beastman groaned standing. He sighs, closing his eyes and only growing more distressed as his ears picked up more of Yuu's sobs, “Why didn't they call for me…?”

Leona shrugs, holding back his hiss as his muscles protest, “From what I can gain, this is a normal thing that happens. You know Yuu doesn't like talking about their original world. Not in a way that we'd want anyway…The heightened emotions made them realize some things and they're going through the motions.”

“They're crying as though someone is dead…”

Leona's eyes drift to the side, a soft sorrow in his own expression, an ear twitching as he listens to Yuu cry, “Yeah…crying alone helps sometimes when everything feels like shit. They'll be fine.”

“...” The wind blows, the hairs on the back of Malleus's neck raise as it brings a hint of blood back to his nose, “Did they say the…blood is normal?”

“Bleeding's the main function of it apparently…” Leona groans, stretching his back until a pop sounds, “Look. I'm not gonna hold your hand about this. Yuu's not feeling well and they'll tell you when they're ready to deal with your smothering.” Leona gives Malleus a single pat to his shoulder, gripping to push against the prone fae, “Go back to your dorm. If you go to see them right now, it's just gonna get you both into a tantrum…”

He didn't want to. He didn't want to leave, didn't want to listen to Leona's commands of all people. His dearest was hurting, alone…but they didn't call for him, they didn't call for anyone…

Malleus looks to the tips of the trees, Ramshackle's green shingles only gently bristled from the winds. Even with Yuu's sobs echoing in his ears, he finally lets Leona push him to turn around. He looks at the other 3rd year, voice soft, “They'll be ok without me…?”

Leona looks at him, sighing before he pats at Malleus's shoulder. The hand slips away and Leona walks ahead of him, “Send them a message in the morning. They'll call if they need someone. But, you can stand to get off your pedestal enough to ask for an invitation…”

Malleus watches Leona's tired body walk away, the beastman disappearing over the hill and through the trees. Giving one last look to the lone dorm, Malleus feels his heart go out to the heart broken person alone inside. He could still go, ignore Leona's efforts and simply walk to Ramshackle and ask to be let in. But…Yuu didn't want to see him nor anyone at the moment. It's why they hadn't called for him, why they sent Leona away. They wanted to be alone, and he couldn't fathom why…

But, he turned on his heel, walking the same path Leona had long disappeared from. As he walked the clouds thickened over head, darkening until a soft sprinkle had started to mist the campus.

The scene Malleus walked into was…comical. But it did little to lift his mood.

Surprisingly the locks and barricades had been lifted from the dorm, letting him walk in freely to Hui-Yan being tugged by her arms by Sebek's friends Deuce and Jack. Silver and Sebek both held onto Lilia's legs, trying to pull their mentor from the death lock Hui-Yan's legs made around his throat. It was painfully counterproductive if Lilia's blue-tinted face was anything to go by. The one-on-one fight seemed to have pulled everyone in, Silver and the first years looking at least mildly disheveled and lightly bruised. On one of the couches sat Ace, head tilted back as Epel yelled at him to not tilt his head back.

“You're gonna swallow blood, you dumbass!”

The thunder crack makes everyone jump and freeze, eyes quickly turning to his figure in the doorway. Malleus looked to the ground, already fully shamed as Hui-Yan glared at him. He spoke clearly, bending at the waist to bow in apology to his dorm advisor, “I humbly apologize. You were right to try to keep me in the dorm and I feel deep regret at the trouble I've caused you…”

Hui-Yan doesn't reply, simply unlocking her legs and causing Silver and Sebek to fall to the ground mid pull. Lilia took loud gasping breaths as he choked on air. The woman stands, rotating her arms to easily remove Jack and Deuce’s hold. She points toward Malleus, eyes glaring.

“When I tell you to not do something, it's for the benefit of you and everyone around you.”

“I understand professor Hui-Yan. I apologize…”

His only reply was a stiff nod, Hui-Yan turning to the first years, “You lot are coming with me, I'm delivering you to either your housewardens or your dorm advisor.”

They clearly didn't want to leave, but none of them wanted to be Hui-Yan's next victim. Not to mention the concerned glances they all sent toward Sebek. Each of them flinching at Hui-Yan's demand of ‘Line up’. The first years slowly lining up to be lead out of the dorm.

Deuce whispered toward Hui-Yan, “We tried to help…”

“You failed. March.”

Malleus walked past the first-years, eyes downcast and missing the pleading look Sebek was sending them. He sat on the couch in front of the fireplace, ignoring the first-years all trying to state they were helping and shouldn't be punished. The bitter feeling in him grew as he realized that they knew and deemed it necessary to keep him in the dark.

The creaking echo of the large double doors shutting leaves the lounge empty, silent. Soon Sebek and Silver join him on the couch, Silver placing a comforting arm on his shoulder.

“Were you able to talk to Yuu?”

“...” he sighs, shaking his head and staring into the fire, “They're truly ill…though I must say I'm saddened by the fact…they didn't call for me…”

Lilia had made his way toward them, flopping onto the couch as he wheezed and coughed, “Oh dear. The poor thing really is sick? We should still go see how they're doing…but…maybe tomorrow. Rest is after all the best medicine for ailments…” Just like how his bruised neck will be healed by the next morning light…

Silver nodded, smiling in hopes it would help raise Malleus's mood, “You can check on Yuu tomorrow. For now they can simply rest and-”

“It's not that simple!” Malleus stood from the couch, the fire flaring up along with his emotions. The horned fae scowled, pacing along the floor with clenched fists, “It isn't a simple illness. It's something from their world that we seem to have no understanding of!”

Lilia trades a concerned look with Silver, quickly standing back up to try and lead Malleus back to his seat, “Is it serious? Do we need to send for one of the palace physicians? I know the faculty have decided to avoid any kind of hospital visits, but surely one of the-”

Malleus shakes his head, scowl slowly looking more like a pout, “The faculty knows, their friends know, Azul and Jamil know, Leona knew before me. It's disheartening Lilia! For Yuu to be affected by such an illness that makes them bleed and cry and not be even alerted!”

Sebek flinches, eyes quickly looking anywhere but at Malleus while Silver and Lilia's expressions turn even more concerned.

“Bleeding? They're bleeding!?”

Lilia felt a new wave of adrenaline coursing through his body. Brain racking through years of travel to pinpoint any diseases he came across that resulted in bleeding, “We can…we can go over and check ourselves!”

“No…”

“Malleus.” Lilia gripped onto the once again sulking fae, nails threatening to rip into his school jacket, “Malleus if this is as serious as you state, they need a doctor.”

“Leona has assured me it's ‘natural’. Yuu will have to suffer through this ailment and then they will be returned to proper health…” Malleus looks away, frowning at his reflection in the grand window. Raindrops hitting against the glass, he brings a hand up to touch the pane, “I'm just…upset. They've been dealing with this for who knows how long…and they never reached out to me for comfort or remedy.”

Silver frowns, “Oh…this may be why Yuu canceled your outings?”

Malleus sighs again. If that were true then Yuu had been dealing with this ailment since Saturday. Everyone knew since Saturday…Yuu's friends most likely found out on Saturday, if not on Sunday…Malleus looks outside, frowning as he takes notice of Sebek facing away from him in the reflection of the window. Odd. Sebek normally focused all his attention to him when he was in this foul a mood. Malleus also realized that Sebek had been strangely quiet since he came back from classes early. No…Sebek had been quiet that morning as well. In fact…when was the last time he heard Sebek's echoing call? It was sometime on the weekend he realized, around…Saturday.

Thunder roared, a bright flash of lightning hitting dangerously close to the window making both Silver and Lilia jump in poorly held in surprise. Malleus turned in time with the flash of lightning, catching Sebek's terrified glance before the half-fae quickly turned his head away. He walked to Sebek's hunched-over form, bending at his waist and staring unblinkingly into Sebek's panic-filled eyes.

“...Sebek. Is there something you'd like to tell me?”

Lilia and Silver watched in mute astonishment as Sebek's face slowly cracked, his lemon green eyes quickly filling with tears as his bottom lip wobbled, “I…I…” He turned away, thrusting his phone just past Malleus's face in an effort to not slam it into the fae's nose. “I'M SO SORRY, WAKA-SAMA!!!” Sebek couldn't speak in clear sentences, a jumble of sounds escaping him between his sobs.

Lilia quickly walked over, ready to try to console Sebek as Silver looked surprised. The 2nd year gazed at Sebek as if he was truly seeing him for the first time, “Sebek you know how to keep secrets? From Malleus?”

“Silver, now is…not the time to be focused on that.” Lilia gave a pinched expression, arms already filled with sobbing crocodile fae.

“You can't fault me for being surprised.”

“I can and I will young man. Sebek is sobbing his heart out and-” Lilia stops short, watching Malleus's expression change from empty to slowly enraged, “Malleus…?”

Silver leans closer to Lilia, watching in mild fear as the ridges of Malleus's horn light up, electricity crackling around him wildly the more he read off of Sebek's phone. With what could only be described as a death rattle, Sebek's phone fizzes out and was crushed in Malleus's hand with a heavy crunch.

Other than the horned fae's heavy breathing and Sebek's subdued sobbing, the room was completely silent. Malleus manages to calm himself, the destroyed phone slipping through his fingers as a serene expression crosses his face. As though the very act of crushing something with his bare hands was the true relief he needed that afternoon.

Malleus turns his gaze to Sebek, “Apologies for your phone Sebek. I will ensure you are given a proper replacement on my own expense.”

With a wet sniffle, Sebek nods his head, still afraid to leave the comfort of Lilia's shoulder, “Thank you Waka-Sama…”

“You're still in trouble.”

“Understood Waka-Sama.” Sebek replies, shoulders already shaking with a new wave of tears choking him up.

“Now, if you'll excuse me. I must send a digital message to my lover to request a meeting tomorrow.” With a subdued bow, Malleus disappears in a flash of green light.

Lilia pats at Sebek's back, cooing lightly, “You're not in trouble Sebek, I assure you.”

“T-thank you, Lilia-Samaaaaaaaaaa.”

“Okay…let it out…”

Silver reaches over, a single hand patting at Sebek's hair in comfort, “Well, I'm glad to see I made the correct choice in not going to school today.”

“Silver.”

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anki-of-beleriand · 5 months

Text

Bad Liar Ch. 9

Summary: Life is about lessons, and Wanda has been learning some harsh facts that had define her life and taken her to a place in which she was given a second chance. Then, all of a sudden, she meets you, and she realizes why it's easier to lie to yourself than to accpet what's right in front of her.

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff/ Female!reader - America/Kate - Mentions of past Vision/Wanda - past Natasha/Reader - Some Female!Reader/Carol Danvers

Warnings: Slow burn - slightly Enemies to friends to lovers - Mentions of abusive relationships - Toxic relationships - angst - drama - mentions of abuse - idiots in love - homophobia - more tags as the story progress.

Author's note: Reader and Wanda are confronted by others in regards to their growing feelings, an accident shakes Reader's world, and America and Kate are just two idiots in love.

As always, English is no my mother tongue, so please forgive the grammar, spelling and funny mistakes!

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18

Chapter 9

The vulnerability of love

The soccer field was completely drenched, the field completely unkempt after the soccer team training session every single one of them getting ready for the final match on Saturday.

Even in the midst of such a cold mid-morning, everyone was still filling out the soccer field with some of the team members practicing with the ball and others simply warming up. It had been a small morning, and America hated to be just a spectator to what had been happening from more than twenty minutes. They were supposed to enjoy lunch time out in the open, Kate had been quite insistent to just go over the field and America didn’t understand why until they met with a very sweaty and drenched Riri Williams waiting for them.

America rolled her eyes clenching the thermos flask Kate had left to her care just so she could go down the stands and joined Rori in her training session. America clenched her jaw watching as her best friend giggled while allowing Williams to put her hands on her waist, Williams leaned in whispering something in Kate’s ear and the young woman flushed shaking her head while wriggling her hands nervously. America didn’t know when Kate had taken interested in soccer, she had always been a sports fan but this particular sport was never something she paid closed attention to. Not until now.

Not until she found out Riri Williams was the Captain of the team and they had started talking almost every day ever since Riri helped them out with Wanda’s file.

“You either are going to throw that to Williams, or you're going to break it.” Loki stated leaning back on his elbows, he tilted his head smirking at America. “Personally, I'm bored so I wouldn't say no to you starting something up with Williams.”

Yelena snorted, slapping Loki on his head, Kamala huffed, pressing her lips together. From that distance they couldn’t hear what Riri and Kate had been talking about, but it was something that had made Kate nervous, she would glance up towards her friend every once in a while before shaking her head and pressing Williams into teaching her some moves.

“I don't think America stands a chance…” Kamala said all of a sudden, America turned sharply towards her glaring at her friend who smiled apologetically.

“What the hell is that supposed to be, Kamala?” America exclaimed as she pointed a finger to the field, eyes narrowing. “I could take Williams with my eyes closed if I wanted to!”

Kamala winced looking for some support but finding herself alone in her argument, she opened her mouth to speak but Yelena beat her to it.

“Look at those legs, that abdomen, that skin…” Yelena leaned back patting Kamala on her back. “I'm with Khan on this one, Williams could take you in a fight, and Kate would finish the job if you mess with her girl.”

America was building a counterargument passing around the edges of the stands when Yelena’s words hit her brain. She faltered in her footsteps, and that was all it took for she too lose her footing and slipped down the group of stairs, America could hear the screams from Loki and Yelena, but her world soon became a mixture of colours and blurry images as pain filled her senses. She hit the ground with a heavy thud, the air leaving her lungs as her mouth opened in a silent scream, America clenched her eyes for a moment, her lips parting to let out a whimper filled with pain.

“America!”

The young woman heard her name being called but her mind was still trapped in the piercing pain she felt on her back, arms and legs. A warm sweaty hand placed itself on her forehead, she fluttered her eyes open to see Kate's worried frown and her lips pulled into a thin line.

“I didn't spill the chocolate.” America said, offering a pained smile.

“You're an idiot.” Kate said affectionately, she lifted her face to see Riri coming over with the coach and the assistant. “Stay here, Riri is bringing help.”

America winced, rolling her eyes, “woah, the hero to save the day, fantastic.”

Kate frowned at the sarcasm dripping from America's tone. She was about to say something but soon the coach put her away to see how bad the young woman on the ground had hit herself.

Kate turned around to see Kamala, Yelena and Loki leaning forward torn between being worried and amused. She placed her hands on her waist glaring at them.

“What did you guys do?” The question came accompanied by a hiss, Loki and Yelena looked at one another then at Kamala. “Guys…”

“We did nothing, Kate Bishop.” Yelena shrugged. “She was just a little worked up because you were too distracted with your girl over there.”

“And we kind of point out that she could take America in a fight and that you wouldn't take it lightly if America were to mess with your girl, that’s when she fell.”

Kate opened her mouth to retort until she frowned cocking her head to the side.

“My girl?” She blinked away a couple of times, then her eyes turned into a fierce glare as she finally caught up with her friend's game. “You guys…”

“Hey, Kate, we have to take her to the infirmary.” Riri came from behind her, placing a hand on Kate's shoulder.

“What? Why? Is she okay?” Kate forgot all about her friends and focused her attention on America who was being put on a stretcher, Riri tried to offer a comforting smile but Kate could see there was something else bothering the other girl.

“She is going to be okay, but she may need some medical attention, an X-ray and perhaps painkillers and a good massage. She bruised her back, and ass, so perhaps you could help her out with that massage.” Riri winked playfully at a now blushing Kate who was torn between being completely worried and slightly embarrassed by the comment.

“You can go with her; they’re taking her to the infirmary.” Riri placed a hand on Kate’s arm, her lips curling in a comforting smile. “Go on, I bet you're dying to do just that, play the nurse and everything…”

“Shut up, Williams.” Kate hesitated for a moment before mumbling. “Thank you.”

Without wasting any more time, she sent her friends one last glare before joining the coach and his assistant that were carrying America on the stretcher.

“Don't you guys think you're taking this too far?” Riri asked, turning to the group.

“No.”

“Yes.”

Kamal shrugged sitting down on the bench, she pointed a finger to Loki and Yelena.

“I think we should stop before this end in a tragedy.” Kamala made a gesture with her hand pointing to the ground and Riri. “It is fun and games at first, but you know this could end in a heartbreak.”

“Oh, Kam, don't be overly dramatic.” Loki exclaimed, his elbows on his knees. “Everything has gone according to plan, and Williams here has had her fun as well.”

“Besides, I think this is the best way to make those idiots finally give in.” Yelena kicked the grass tilting her head. “Though, I have to admit the probability of this ending badly is high.”

Kamala set her eyes on Riri who lifted her arms and shook her head.

“Don't look at me, I'm here for the ride.” She smirked, putting her hands on her hips. “And it has been fun and all, but I think one of these days Chavez is gonna break my nose or something.”

Kamala rested her chin on the palm of her hand, she couldn't shake the feeling this was a bad idea, but she had to admit the plan was solid. She lifted her dark eyes to Riri who was now engaged in a conversation with Loki and Yelena.

The day was growing older, Kamala huffed thinking about her conversation with Kate and the confusion growing inside Bishop. They all had one year left in school before they would need to part ways and start college. They had all been friends since kindergarten, and while at first everyone thought of going to the same University and be together forever, they each had started taking measures to ensure their future. Kate and America had been so reluctant to grow in that aspect of their life's, and while America had been protected by her sister taking over the family business, Kate was not so lucky.

“You look thoughtful, is there something you're not telling us?” Loki sat beside Kamala watching as Riri taught Yelena how to kick the ball.

“Next year we are all gonna be so busy trying to enter into a university and decide what to do…” Kamala broke into a nostalgic smile. “I think America and Kate are thinking about that responsibility, you know?”

“I thought you shipped them together.” Loki stated, Kamala rolled her eyes at the term.

“I do! They are so good together.”

“Then, why are you so worried? This plan is going to work.”

“Loki, what if they have to end everything after having gotten just a year of relationship?” Now Kamala grabbed Loki by his forearm, glistening eyes showing the deep emotion she was experiencing and Loki could do nothing more than to roll his eyes.

“You know that's ridiculous, right? They had been in love with one another since America gave her lunch to Kate after she dropped hers by tangling on her feet.”

Kamala giggled remembering the first time they had met America in school. At least, the first time they had talked to one another. Loki hesitated, pressing his lips for an instant before letting out a suffering sigh, his right arm wrapped comfortingly around Kamala's back.

“Everything is going to be fine, Kam, this is just a push in the right direction, but in reality this is something that will happen sooner than later.”

And Kamala had to believe that.

She knew Kate was still afraid to tell everyone about her decision, and America had never made it a secret of what she wanted in life. Sooner or later they would need to part ways, so why not let love find a way?

______________________

Wanda Maximoff strolled down the hallway, her hands busy texting you as she approached the infirmary. She chewed on her lower lip seeing as her messages went through but left unread.

It had been a couple of days since she had last seen you, and just a couple of hours since she last spoke with you. Wanda found herself once more in a turmoil of emotions with you at the centrefold. It certainly had been too long since she had so much fun and found herself relaxing and enjoying her time with the twins and anybody else for that matter. A small smile played on her lips, her chat with you filled with nonsense and meaningful conversations that made Wanda's heart flutter with longing.

Not for a single moment had Wanda stopped to think about the consequences of the game she had been playing with you. She had tricked herself into believing that whatever she was experimenting was normal, that it was something she could control but that little by little had sneaked inside her heart whenever she talked to you, whenever you smiled at her, whenever she was closed to you.

“Professor!” Kate Bishop stood up rather quickly, her eyes wide and filled with a spark of concern that translated into a terse smile. Wanda broke from her thoughts seeing Kate coming her way with a frown attached to her features.

“Hey, Kate, are you alright?” Wanda placed a soothing hand on Kate's shoulder, and the young woman nodded curtly.

“She hurt herself pretty badly, such an idiot!” Kate turned around lifting her hands in the air while pacing around the small waiting room.

Wanda dropped her shoulders, her thumb caressing the carcass of her phone. She followed Kate while the young woman ranted half exasperated and half concerned. It was not a secret that Kate and America had been best friends since forever, and for Wanda it had been quite evident both girls seemed to be at the edges of something else.

The woman stopped her trail of thoughts when you came into her mind. The similarities were there as well, but Wanda knew without a hint of a doubt that you and her were friends. Just good friends. Nothing else. It couldn't be, it was not possible. Wanda was no gay and you… Well, you were, but Wanda wasn't. And even if Wanda was, or entertained the idea, you were taken. Not that…

“Professor?” Wanda jerked awake from her internal rant, she turned to see Kate watching her with curiosity and some exasperation at being ignored.

“Sorry, Kate I…” Wanda made a gesture with her hand to cover up her lack of attention.

Kate huffed, pursing her lips to the side.

“Your phone was ringing, and Doctor Sue wants to see you.”

“Right, let me see what they need.”

Wanda covered her flustered face entertaining herself with the phone. There was a new message and this time around the fluttering in her heart intensified, and her stomach dropped deliciously.

I know, Tasha just called, I just left my office and I’m making my way over there, Wands. I’ll be there in 30 minutes, thank you for telling me. See you in a few.

“Wanda?” Sue Storm stretched her hand towards the newcomer, she smiled nodding backwards. “She is in there, I have to give her a sedative because she was in pain.”

“Thank you, Sue, is it too bad?” Wanda tried to get a glimpse of the bed in which America was now fast asleep.

“Well, not too bad.” Sue made a face signalling a chair, Wanda sat down with Sue who fixed her hair while chuckling. “At this time of the year, when they are not careful, these kinds of accidents do happen. And America is…”

“Prone to them?” Wanda contributed; Sue made a face nodding.

“Yes, I guess it's only normal, Y/N was the same when we were in school.” Sue chuckled, lifting her eyes to the ceiling before turning to Wanda. “She will need some x-rays just to make sure everything is alright, and probably won't be able to come to school for a while, her back and legs are all bruised up.”

Wanda winced chewing on her lower lip, she dropped her eyes to her mobile and her fingers flickered with her unconscious desire to text you.

“Have you talked to her?” Sue asked softly, Wanda lifted her head frowning.

“America?”

Sue held back her amusement, “no, Y/N. I know you two are like friends, right?”

Wanda hated the warmth she felt on her cheeks, and the knowing glance the doctor was sending her way was somewhat unnerving. It was the same stare she received from Natasha, or from Hope whenever Wanda decided to talk about you. Or rant against you, depending on her mood.

“Oh, I…Yeah, we are, I just talked to her…” Wanda hesitated for a moment, bouncing her left leg and she opened her phone but you had not written anything yet.

“She said she will be here in 30 minutes.”

“Perfect, I guess that covers it.” Sue stood up pointing to the bed in which America was asleep. “I guess we can let Kate come in before she opens a hole in my waiting room.”

Wanda chuckled, nodding in agreement.

“She is worried.”

“That she is, you want to see her or are going to wait for Y/N?”

There it was once more, the tone of voice and the glance that told Wanda everyone knew something she didn't. It was slightly unnerving, and Wanda couldn't shake the feeling that it was as if she had been discovered. As if her attraction for you was so evident everyone was amused by it. But it wasn't possible. It couldn't be. Right?

“America is my student so I will wait for her sister to make sure she can…I mean, so…”

“So she can take America to the doctor?” Sue helped the other woman when Wanda seemed a little lost for words.

“Yeah, that. Yes.”

Sue shook her head, now she understood why Natasha and Hope had been torn between being amused and concerned about this newfound friendship. Wanda looked a little lost, while you usually were so easily smitten. Sue observed as Wanda allowed Kate inside the room while talking softly to her, America completely asleep for the time being.

Then Kate went to America and Wanda left. Sue put her phone away dialling a well-known number.

“Hey, Stephen, how are you?”

The parking lot was almost empty, you sighed getting out of the car with your earphones still on.

You think you can be here in an hour?

“Yeah, Stephen, don't worry, I'll be there with America, I just got to school so…” You strolled down the sidewalk towards the main building.

Good, Sue told me it was probably nothing but wants to make sure so let me know and I send for the both of you. And make sure you take her out on a wheelchair.

Your heart dropped at those words, your hands were sweaty at the thought of America being hurt. The moment Natasha called you to inform you about the accident your world stood still. She had assured you it was nothing bad, and soon after Wanda had made the same comment trying to ease out your worries. But this was your little sister, and hearing the word accident brought forth unwelcome memories.

“Hey, you're here.” You faltered in your steps turning to see Wanda coming towards you.

In a moment of sudden vulnerability you hugged her tightly, your whole body relaxing as soon as she allowed her arms around you. Her warmth and body comforting your aching heart.

“Y/N, are you alright?” She whispered, her hand caressing your hair.

“Yeah, I just…thank you.” You stepped back, your body going rigid and whatever flickered of weakness disappeared almost instantly.

“It's okay, she is fine. It was a simple fall but…”

“It was an accident.” You stated bitterly, Wanda frowned but you waved away her confusion.

“Come I need to see her and then I'm taking her to see Stephen.”

Before you could resume your walk a single hand wrapped around yours. Your air caught in your throat, and your heart stopped beating as Wanda came closer to you, her free hand cupping your cheek. For a moment you thought she was going to kiss you, and Wanda entertained such an idea by letting her eyes drop to your lips then to your eyes. She leaned in placing a single kiss on your cheek.

You let out a single gasp, her hand tightening around yours and while she stepped back the distance between the both of you was almost non-existent.

“America is going to be fine, for what I heard she is as tough as her sister, also prone to such troublesome outcomes.” Wanda offered a comforting smile that you couldn't help but return.

“Thank you.”

Wanda smiled shyly at you, looking away before she did something that could destroy the friendship she was forging with you. You hesitated and then leaned in placing a kiss on her forehead, your arms sneaking around her waist pulling her closer to you.

“I mean it, Wands. Thank you.”

Wanda was left in the hall, her heart almost coming out of her chest and her skin imprinting the memory of your lips on her forehead, your body so close to hers. She tried to regulate her heartbeat, and then with a longing she had never felt before followed you into the infirmary.

_______________________

America couldn’t help the grin adorning her features at the sight of Kate and you fuzzing around her fixing everything in her room to make these days more passable. You brought some more pillows, and Kate went right on to fix them around America smiling at her friend while letting the flicker of concern shadow her stare.

“Are you sure you don't need anything else?” You checked the pillows and the blankets, making sure America had the two bottles of water and the medication for the pain.

“I can make sure to bring something else, if you need anything at all.” Continued Kate wriggling her hands in front of her.

“Shouldn’t you be home? Today is a school night, Katie Kate.”

“Ugh, you know I hate that nickname.” Kate rolled her eyes pressing her lips together while making her way to the chair near the window. “And I brought my bag, and mom will send for me later on, so I’m going to do my homework with you and keep you company, so suck it up, Chavez, you’re stuck with me until I said so.”

America softened her features; she followed Kate with her eyes missing your expression of amusement. You stood there for a brief moment, the medication and the water on the bedside table, as well as everything America could need if the night became too much for her. The fact that Kate had come over to help you out had been a great plus, and it had given you the chance to take a deep breath and be there for your sister.

Once Kate had started babbling about homework and facetime with Loki, Kamala and Yelena, America could turn her attention to you. You had been standing in complete silence on the side, the young woman knew she had been quite an idiot for falling down the stands at school. The doctors had been optimistic, and while she had not broken anything, it was quite obvious she hurt her back pretty dumbly. A part of her was embarrassed by the accident while another part was sorry for the fact she was making you overreact with the care and attention she was giving you. America tried to calm you down, perhaps providing you with some jokes or easy words. But at the moment she was just tired and in pain, the only thing she wanted was to be sedated.

“You know there is a new TV show you may like, and I already talked to Tasha and sent her over the medical records for your sick leave notes.” You broke your silence all of a sudden, America nodded pressing her lips together.

“So no chance of missing out on school?” She asked, you snorted and Kate huffed in disbelief.

“Of course not! And you need to be on top form because the festival is two weeks away.” Kate commented, America made a face shrugging.

“I don’t think I wanna go…”

“You have to!” You and Kate stated at the same time, Kate looked almost horrified by the idea and you looked hopefully at your sister.

“I am the one organizing this, and if I’m going to be a chaperone you better be there, kiddo.” Then, as if you were trying to convince yourself nothing was wrong, that you were fine, you started talking about all the things you and Wanda had planned so far.

You were almost babbling by then, after having you completely silent during the afternoon, America was slightly concerned at your sudden talkative persona. You busied yourself by arranging America's clothes, and some books, for a moment everything seemed okay until you just stopped what you were doing and stood watching to her bookshelf where a picture of her and yourself was resting.

“You know? This is nothing, I just didn't calculate my steps and the bleachers were slippery.” America gauged your expression trying to see your face waiting to know what you were thinking exactly, Kate let her eyes wander from you then back to America trying to understand the sudden change of topic coming from America.

“And you heard uncle Stephen, I'm gonna be fine.”

“I know.” You turned to her making your way to where she was resting comfortably. “That’s why you need to get better, Kiddo, so you can go to the dance with us…so, everything will be fine.”

You leaned in to place a kiss on her forehead, America opened her mouth to say something but she knew at the moment you were just trying to pretend everything was fine. She sighed glancing at Kate out of the corner of her eyes.

“I love you.” America screamed out before you left the room, your eyebrows shot upwards and your lips finally curved into a tiny smile.

“Love you too, kiddo. Do your homework and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Both Kate and America blushed as you left chuckling closing the door behind you.

You finally sat down on your sofa with the sound of a random TV show filling up the empty living room. You closed your eyes, resting your head on the back of the sofa letting the sounds washed away your concerns and the fears that had erupted inside you that day. You could smell the sweet aroma of the whisky you had pour for yourself, but you didn’t dare to drink; it wasn’t so much that you need it, but it was a comfort to busy yourself with just about anything you could.

Your life has taken on quite a turn as of late.

Your weekend had been filled with magic and discoveries, the time you spent with Wanda and the kids had filled you out with a longing you were not familiar with. You had laughed, and you had relaxed, you had shared and you had never before had so much fun or felt so safe by being around someone such as Wanda. Your heart fluttered at the memory, and your mind was a whirlpool of possibilities of what would happen if you were just to take a leap of faith with the other woman. Would it be worthy? Would she want it? Would she want you in the same way you wanted her?

Sometimes you thought you saw the signs there, in the way she looked at you with such a warmth glint and that tender smile. In the way she let her touches linger, or how she always seemed to be closer to you, to lean into your touch and just let the tension built up to the point you and her waited for something to give in. For something to happen.

Then, there were times in which you remembered she was married, that her husband was still out there and that she probably was not even interested in women. Perhaps that was Wanda’s way to be a friend, and you coming onto her would be just wrong. Unnecessary. Perhaps, even unwelcome.

As if that wasn’t enough, you had been under a lot of pressure ever since you signed the contract with Jarvis. The man was unbelievable, and he certainly thought highly of himself; not only had he come to the office as if he owned the place, but he had also been trying to get into your good graces by disrupting your meetings and your office whenever he wanted it. It had only been one day, but you were about ready to call Fury and tell him you would no longer keep up the façade. Maria had been the one talking you out of it, reminding you this was for the greater good and that it wouldn’t take too long before they got the man. Still, your had life had complicated just a little bit more when, in one of those rants Jarvis threw your way that day, Monica Rambeau decided to barge in and demand answers about your break-up with Carol.

Carol Danvers would always be your biggest what-if, and your biggest regret. She had always been your friend, and as such, you loved her very much. When you two decided to start a relationship, you had done so ignorant of her feelings for you, and while this didn’t excuse you for using her, you always thought it was a game for her as much as it was for you. You sighed remembering just as Monica said Carol had left that day, no good-bye and no announcements. She just left.

And while you would always be there for Crol, you couldn’t help but thing of what you could not give her, the love that she so deserved and that now seemed to pour out of you in waves towards a single individual you thought impossible.

Wanda Maximoff.

The woman was a complete mystery to you. Her mannerism, her wit and her contradictory personality were some of the things that had enchanted you from the first moment. Getting to know her had been a plus you never thought would happen, and now that you were seeing a part of her you didn't even suspect you knew you were in deep trouble. Wanda had spent most of her time in your mind, and you were still trying to decipher why and how.

“God, I'm a mess.” You shook your head glancing at the stairs and wondering how America and Kate were doing.

You felt the tears prickling your eyes, the suffocating weigh in your chest wanting nothing more than to explode. You clenched your eyes close, the warm sensation of tears rolling down your cheeks brought a grimace to your face. You hated crying.

The sound of a single bell called your attention, you dropped your eyes stopping the overwhelming emotions you were experimenting at the moment.

Your heart leaped contentedly when you noticed the name on the screen.

Can you open the door?

You straightened up, eyes wide opened glancing at the screen then at the door. For a brief moment you just tried to process what was happening until you heard a shy knock on the door. You sprang into action going straight to the door, the sight that greeted you brought a grin to your lips.

Wanda was standing right there, her hands full and the twins standing before her. They were hesitant at first, glancing from you then to Wanda before Tommy stepped forward hugging you tightly.

“Hi, Y/N.” Tommy leaned back showing a toothy grin. “Mummy thought you may need us to be happy, and to make America feel better.”

Wanda opened her eyes blushing profusely at Tommy's words. You arched a single brow ruffling the kid's hair.

“Well, Mommy knows best, right?” You winked at Wanda who was now mortified, Billy frowned stepping closer stretching his hand to you.

“Is America fine? Can we see her?”

“Well, I think she is doing her homework with Kate at the moment.” You could see the disappointment in the kid's face, it took you but a minute before you moved from the door. “But you know what? I bet she would love to have you two coming over to say hi, perhaps help her and Kate a little?”

“Can we?” Billy perked up following you inside the house with Tommy closed behind.

“Sure, but you guys need to make sure Kate and America behaved themselves, deal?”

“Deal!” They exclaimed at the same time.

America and Kate were completely surprised by the twins entering the room running to America and making sure the young woman knew she was missed. Kate chuckled when they tried to go into bed, until America winced in pain and they jumped out of bed scare of having hurt America even worse.

The room was soon filled with excited chatter, and while you stood by the door with Wanda, Kate made sure to look at you and her Professor with care. Wanda was far too close to you to be normal, Wanda’s hand was twitching by her side almost brushing against your own hand, and while your eyes were on the twins and America, Wanda had hers on you.

You watched from afar, smiling at the sight. Out of the corner of your eye you could see Wanda smiling as well. The packages she had been carrying were left in the hall downstairs. You stepped back, your hand resting on Wanda's shoulder. The young woman turned to you following you downstairs.

“This was quite unexpected, Wands.” You commented glancing at the bags with curiosity.

“I thought you may appreciate this.” Wanda lifted one of the bags, handing it over to you.

You snorted, lifting your stare to her, inside the first bag she handled you there was a big bowl of poke. You glanced at the other two, finding more food, your heart shivering at the gesture.

“You didn't have to…” You started but Wanda ignored you grabbing the bags making her way to the kitchen.

“I'm pretty sure you have not eaten at all, and America must be the same. So I thought we could eat together, I didn’t count on Kate being here but I know I brought enough food for everyone.” The confidence Wanda felt when she made the decision of buying for left her as soon as she found herself standing far too close to you.

You were looking at her blankly, not a single expression on your face while your eyes pierced her soul. Wanda fidgeted, her eyes flickering around your face, then she parted her lips and you knew all you had to do was close the distance and you would know how sweet those lips were.

Wanda from her part was completely frozen, her mind blank and deep into an ocean of possibilities. Each one of them was scarier than the previous one. She just had to lean in, to give in and she would cross a line she had never crossed before. If Wanda were to give in, she could end up in a heartbreak.

The moment was broken by Wanda, she dropped her gaze stepping forward to give you a friendly hug. You closed your eyes, your lips pressed together while your heart sank. It was a mistake, and you almost crossed a line that should never be crossed with a friend.

“I know today was not ideal, Y/N, I just thought food and some friendly company could help some.” Wanda sealed the hug with words that pierced deep inside your soul.

It hurt.

And you hated the fact that it hurt so much.

“Thank you, I just… She is my little sister, you know?”

You both parted leaving a great distance in between, Wanda nodded in understanding dancing around the kitchen to grab some plates and get the food ready.

“I know, let me help you with this, perhaps we can work some on the festival while we eat.”

“Yeah, sure that sounds good.”

The tension never left, and the casual touches and the brush of hands became a constant during your time serving dinner. You had to remind yourself that for Wanda you were a friend and that the young woman was straight as an arrow, probably in a disagreement with her husband that could end up with the redhead back in his arms. And while you fought yourself with conflicting emotions, Wanda had to remind herself that you were already engaged with someone else, and that she had never even considered dating a woman. The fact that she felt attracted to you was not as bothersome as she might have thought initially.

Both women kept gravitating around one another, unbeknownst to them the twins, Kate and America were paying close attention to their interaction, their closeness… The unsaid emotions that were quite evident, if seen as innocent, by the most important people in their lives.

America scowled deeply at your smile, the flush in your cheeks, hearing laughter of pure delight, the flirtatious conversation. She then glanced at Wanda observing how the other woman leaned closer. The tension was palpable from a distance.

It was right there and then, America knew you needed to know everything about Wanda Maximoff before it was far too late.

The question was, how should she tell you such news?

_____________________

Hope shivered lightly on her chair, her eyes following the restless form of Wanda that was ranting about her week so far. The session had started like any other, just small talk about the tasks Hope left Wanda for the week and how the young woman had made progress with them.

There was a moment in between that conversation that Y/N had popped up in the conversation making Wanda change completely. Hope found it quite interesting, placing questions here and there until Wanda was babbling terrified about you and how wonderful it was to be with you. How her children love you and America, and how Wanda was left in an ocean of confusion every time she was around you.

Hope never thought whatever relationship the both of you share would become in this. Sure, she considered a friendship, perhaps even a crush but Wanda was certainly affected by you, she was completely shaken by her feelings for you.

“And we just… We ended up having dinner with her and America again, and she was…” Wanda passed her hand through her hair, her eyes glistening with unshed tears she remembered your smile, the warm of your caressed, your words as the both of you pretend to be working on the festival.

“Y/N is a sweet soul, you know?” Hope leaned back, interlocking her fingers. “She can be tough and decisive, but deep down she really is a softie and she always loves without measure, she gives herself to family and friends even if that costs her own soul.”

Wanda stopped harshly in front of the windows, she didn't need to hear such a description to know it to be true. She had seen it, how you would do the impossible to make everyone happy. To perhaps, make things easier for them.

“I…I think…” Wanda turned around with the words at the tip of her tongue, her eyes finding the knowing stare in Hope's eyes.

“Have you ever felt this way before?” Hope didn't need to add anything else to the question, doing so might lead to Wanda trying to hide her emotions, and besides the revelation must come from her.

Wanda wrapped her arms around herself looking away. No. Yes. She was never allowed to feel, to experiment, to decide. But, she had felt things when younger, and once she was old she had tried to see the possibilities, but many of them had been beating out of her.

“I haven't.” She whispered, leaning back against the window.

“And, what do you think about this?” Hope inquired softly, Wanda pressed her lips looking away from Hope.

“I think it's wrong.” She stated after a while.

Hope leaned forward furrowing her brows, Wanda carried with her a heavy weight that was putting her down and filling her with guilt and uncertainty. Hope could see the conflicting emotions running through those green eyes, the way she was holding onto her convictions but also how she was letting herself be the person she was supposed to be.

“Really? Why?”

Wanda opened her mouth then closed it again, she leaned back lifting her head and her eyes stared at the ceiling.

“I'm not supposed to.” Every word seemed to take a toll on her, it was like a painful reminder of everything she was starting to change in her life.

“I have two children, and I have a husband.”

“You're divorcing him, though.”

Wanda smiled bitterly, dropping her arms to her sides.

“I like men.” She said with finality, Hope hummed tilting her head.

“Do you?”

The question caught Wanda by surprise, she liked men, right?

“How many men did you date before going out with Vision?”

Wanda readied her answer but soon stopped herself when no words came out. She looked away slightly annoyed by this, she didn't understand why she had to give explanations.

“I don't remember.” She said flatly.

“You don't? That's pretty curious…”

“No, it is not. It was a long time ago, and I really don't remember.” Wanda defended herself, her passing around the room resuming all of a sudden.

“I just know I like men. She can't… I mean, I can't…”

Hope sighed knowing Wanda's stubborn nature was coming into play and that the younger woman was not ready to admit anything at all. The room fell into a tense silence, and Hope had to wonder how affected were you by the same situation. Were you as confused or you were already hooked up with these newfound emotions? The last time she spoke with you Hope could hear the affection in your voice, she could tell Wanda was becoming someone important to you.

Wanda sat down once more she rested her face on her hands, her voice carried through the room shaking Hope to the core.

“You don't understand, Hope.” Wanda was trembling and the other woman was pretty sure that she was crying. “I can't let myself feel anything for her, I am far too damaged, far too lost and she… She has someone else, and I couldn't be…what she wants. I just… I don't know how to stop feeling like this.”

Hope softened her stare, and by the time Wanda locked her eyes with hers Hope could see the rampage emotions going through Wanda.

“What are you feeling Wanda?”

But Wanda didn't answer, she just sobbed and clenched her eyes closed feeling foolish for being weak. Hope wished the other woman wasn't so hard on herself, she knew whatever Wanda was experimenting would pass but she certainly needed for Y/N to do something to clarify the situation or this would end up in a heartbreak.

The question in here was, were you ready to give the first step?

Only time would tell.

______________________

“Hey, Kiddo, how are you feeling?” You stood up rather quickly making your way towards America who was wincing with each footstep she took.

“I feel horrible, but better than yesterday.” She gritted her teeth holding onto you. “I think I'm still sore and I hate that I can’t recover faster.”

“You should be resting.”

“Ugh, please I'm tired of being in bed, let me help you around or something.” America leaned forward pouting and making eyes at you.

You snorted pointing towards the counter where there were tomatoes ready to be cut. America smirked in triumph setting to work and help you with dinner, she grabbed the knife until her eyes fell on your mobile and the name of Wanda popped up all of a sudden. The music you usually put on while making dinner filling out the kitchen, and the sweet aroma of pasta filled the air. America observed as you waltzed around the kitchen, a smile playing on your lips in ways she had not seen in a very long time.

Not even with Carol.

The young woman furrowed her brows, her eyes coming back to the mobile then to the task at hand. She had not read the messages that you and Wanda had exchanged when talking over the phone, but America had seen enough of your interaction with the other woman to know that there was something there. That you had started developing feelings for her; America hesitated almost grabbing your phone but she decided against it.

“You’re awfully quiet, Kid, what is it?” You cleaned your hands on the washcloth on the stove, your eyes gleaming contentedly at America. “Are feeling okay?”

“Are you?” America asked back, she focused on the tomatoes making sure they were cut correctly before passing them over to you.

You felt your shoulders put backwards, your lips forming a thin line before letting out a heavy sigh.

“I was a little out of it when I heard you hurt yourself, America.” You grabbed the tomatoes putting them together in the blender with the rest of the ingredients for the sauce. “I was really worried, but I’m better now.”

America hesitated for a moment before speaking again, “that’s not what I meant, Y/N.”

You raised an eyebrow at her, America huffed tapping the table.

“Lately, you have been different.” She stated as subtle as she could, you nodded tentatively at her but didn’t interrupt her.

America tilted her head, wincing lightly while looking for the closest chair. You observed as the younger woman stall the conversation, as if she was afraid to say or ask what was so obvious bothering her as of late. You waited patiently trying to think of a reason for America to be this restless towards you.

“How are things with Carol?” The question caught you by surprised, you thought by now America knew what had happened but you realised that the time you had spent with your sister as of late was minimal and whenever the both of you were together Wanda and the twins were in the middle of it.

America scowled noticing how shocked you seemed by the question, you opened your mouth and then closed it your cheeks changing colour while your eyes looked away from her.

“What is it?” This time around America’s tone was demanding. “What happened?”

“I broke things up with her, last Monday.” You stated simply, shrugging while returning your attention back to the dinner.

This time around America was the shocked one, not a friend of you having casual sex with a woman that so obviously was in love with you, America had come to like the blond-haired woman and was hopping that she would be the one to put you out of the dark hole you had fallen into after the break-up with Shuri. The fact you decided to break things up even after you had decided to give the other woman a chance was all America needed to know to talk to you about her recent discoveries and concerns.

“Why? I thought you were going to give the relationship a chance?” America could see this was a topic you were not overly excited to talk about.

“I just thought it was not fair to continue something that wouldn’t go anywhere, Carol got the opportunity of her life to move to the other side of the world and I just…I couldn’t.” You let everything stirring on the stove while facing your younger sister.

The younger woman was glancing at you with a knowing stare you hated and loved. It was so easy to forget you were the older of the two, and you were supposed to be the responsible one. You remembered the time in which America had been crying, asking for your forgiveness after Shuri had left you broken-hearted. She blamed herself, perhaps if America hadn’t been there and you didn’t have to take up the responsibility you two would be together still.

Family comes first, America, and you are my family, if she can’t understand that then she doesn’t deserve me.

That was the moment you had decided to move on, for yourself and for America. Now, standing before you were a more mature woman that knew you better than you knew yourself sometimes, and you knew she was always in the lookout for you to be happy.

“Y/N, this has nothing to do with Professor Maximoff, is it?” America asked tentatively, you almost fell down at such suggestion your eyes opening wide as if you had been caught doing something you were not supposed be doing.

America rolled her eyes when you opened and closed your mouth, the babbling started with half-formed explanations and sputtering words that America stopped lifting a single hand.

“I knew it! You ended things with Carol because of Wanda?! Why?!” America was now pointing a finger at you. “Y/N what the hell is going in on?”

You were trying to talk to her, but America kept on pressuring you into talking, and you were trying to get half-witted explanations that had nothing to do with what you knew was happening inside your heart.

“I swear to God, you hate her a few months ago!”

“I may like her a lot!”

The room fell into a heavy silence.

America and you were breathing hard, both of you looking at one another while the sound of boiling sauce echoed through your ears. America lowered her hand on the table, she grabbed your phone shaking her head with conflicting emotions crossing her face. You frowned not really understanding where this sudden change towards Wanda came from.

“You had been talking to her, haven’t you? She is the one that has been putting that stupid smile in your face, and the one that has made you so…annoying as of late.” America locked her eyes with yours waiting for an answer.

“I just…I…” You hesitated and America lowered the phone.

“You really like her.” America mumbled, you walked around the counter placing hand on your sister’s shoulder.

“What is it? I mean, I thought you would be happy or something, you’re always telling me I should settle down, or look for love or something.” You gauged your sister’s face trying to see where her discomfort came from.

“I don’t want you to get hurt.” America shrugged. “And, Professor Maximoff has two children, and she may not be who you think she is.”

You broke into an easy smile, “hey, Kiddo, I like her, yes. But I also know she may not like me back, I know that.”

“It didn’t stop you from being an idiot and liking her.” America retorted knowing you were not ready to hear the deepness of your own emotions.

You offered a bitter smile shrugging, “we cannot help who we like, America. But I’m gonna be okay, I promise you, is that what had you so worried? That she may hurt me?”

America winced nodding, she flushed turning away from you when you ruffled her hair and wrapped her into a tight hug.

“Oh, lil’ sister, I’m gonna be fine, don’t worry so much.” You chuckled, your heart tugging inside your chest at the small gesture of sisterly love from America.

America went to say something else but your next words stopped her completely.

“I know she is married, and I know that I don’t stand a chance, so…don’t worry. She is a friend, and I will make sure to not cross that line with her.”

“You know she is married?” America blinked her confusion; you nodded a flash of sadness crossing your eyes. “But, Y/N, her husband…”

But whatever America was about to say about the marriage was cut suddenly by the ring of the door. You perked up wiggling your eyebrows, America was slightly confused glancing around the table to see five spots on.

“Are we waiting on someone?” She asked, and you chuckled.

“I invited someone over, I know you would like the surprise.”

You ran over to the door and right there stood Hope with Scott and Caisie. America’s face lit up and she had to stopped herself from running when Hope came right at her engulfing her in a tight embrace.

“HOPE!”

“America!”

You smiled closing the door behind them, Scott grinned goofily wrapping his own arms around you.

“Damn, Y/N, is so good to see you again!”

“You too, Scott, I missed you guys so much.” Scott nodded watching as the rest of the women went right away to the kitchen hearing America babbled about her accident.

“We missed you too, you know? Hope was driving us crazy with her constant worry and indecision to just suck it up and come talk to you.”

You offered a tired smile to the man in front of you.

“She wasn’t the only one, I think we both were fools.”

“That’s right, but now we’re back together so let’s make the most of it. Now, tell me, what has been going on in your life?”

The rest of the afternoon was spent with the friends you hadn’t seen in a while. Everything felt right into place, the old jokes and the new ones, the adventures and the struggles, everything was so familiar that you felt at ease knowing in the midst of separation and internal struggles whenever you had a real friend distance and time didn’t matter at all. They would always be there for you, the same way you would be for them.

Scott, Cassie and America went straight to the basement, Scott carrying America while the older woman blushed unable to struggle for far too long due to the pain on her back. Everyone knew it was that time of the night in which you and Hope would need to have that long await conversation. You served more wine grabbing your glass and Hope’s carrying it with you towards the living room.

“So, how’s work?” You asked settling comfortably on the sofa.

“Same old, same old, it has been good and quite interesting.” Hope offered a cryptic smile, and your heart dropped at what could be hidden there.

“Interesting… How?”

“You know I can’t talk about my patients, right?” Hope asked lightly resting her cheek against the palm of her hand.

“I know.” You hesitated before speaking again. “That’s why I haven’t asked you about her.”

Hope clicked her tongue, her eyes piercing right through yours.

“What’s going on with Wanda, Y/N? As far as I know you were with Carol and now…” hope could certainly not tell you anything at all of the appointment she had that day with Wanda, she could not talk about the other woman’s feelings for you, but she could talk about yours.

You played with the glass in your hand, your eyes watching the red liquid danced around with your heart pounding blood into your ears. You could pretend before America, it was easier to make sur ethe young woman would not be worried about you or your emotions, but Hope had always been there. She had always known. Even if, at some point, she had been gone.

“I think I’m…god, I don’t know.” You mumbled passing your hand through your hair. “Carol was amazing, you know? But I couldn’t feel the way I’m feeling right now for Wanda.”

Hope pressed her lips together, waiting for you to continue.

“I don’t know when it happened, you know? I just though she was beautiful and then, I though she was funny, interesting, smart and I just…” You closed your eyes, opening them again to glance at the screen of your mobile. “I get to meet her even more and all of a sudden I’m just experimenting all these emotions for her, and I know it’s not possible because she…”

“She what, Y/N?” Hope asked when your silence went for far too long, you rolled your eyes taking a long sip from the wine.

“I’m not one of your patients, Hope.”

“No, you are my friend.” Hope stated. “I don’t want you to get hurt, but I also don’t want Wanda to get hurt in the process.”

This last part perked up your curiosity but Hope offered a half smile shaking her head.

“I wouldn’t be able to hurt her, Hope.” You mumbled looking away miserable as ever. “God, why do I always fall for the complicated it ones? What couldn’t I fall for Carol? It would have been perfect!”

Hope raised her brows at the sudden declaration, though she was pretty sure you didn’t even notice your own confession. Two confessions in one single day, that must be a record for Hope who was watching everything developed from afar; she wished things were easier for you and even for Wanda, but she also knew she could not force things to happen, she would need to be patient or else everything could end up in a heart break.

“I think you need to give yourself time, Y/N and you should also be honest with yourself, and her.”

You snorted shaking your head, “look, you must know this already but, she has a husband, she has two kids, it’s a matter of time she may go back to him or perhaps find another man that…I mean, she is straight as an arrow and I’m just always reding the signals incorrectly, I know I have to keep my distance so this is what I’m going to do.”

Hope was really grateful to the fact you were too busy feeling sorry for yourself to notice the hint of panic in her eyes when you mentioned Wanda’s husband. You didn’t know much, for the comment you just made, and Hope was not the right person to provide you with that story. But what stroke Hope the most was the fact you felt miserable at the mere thought that Wanda might found her heart’s love in a man. Which confirmed your assessment of a moment ago: you didn’t know how to read the signs.

“I just don’t know, I should focus on the business and America.” You emptied the glass of wine shaking it in front of Hope’s eyes. “Want some more?”

“No, thank you.” Hope smiled leaning forward and placing a hand on yours, you lifted your stared and waited patiently for Hope to talk.

“Let me give you some advice.”

“Please.” You mumbled, and Hope could see you were just as confused and terrified as Wanda.

“You need to decide what you want, what you really desire. Once you had defined this you should give yourself and others a chance to get there with you.” Hope offered a kind smile as she continued. “I cannot tell you about Wanda, Y/N, but I can tell you really feel so much that you’re still afraid to get hurt. Allow yourself to take a leap of faith and find out what can be possible.”

“What if…” You started trailing off when Hope rolled her eyes.

“Then, you took a risk and whatever the end result you came out of that moment wiser, and with the certainty that you did everything that needed to be done for you to be happy.” Hope then wrapped her arms around you. “You and Wanda deserve that much, at least, and even if it doesn’t end the way you want it, you and her would had gained a friendship that may help you face the hardships of life, so it’s a win-win situation.”

You had a lot to think about by the time you went to bed.

You glanced out of the window to see Wanda’s home had the lights off, she was probably sleeping already with the twins in their room. You grabbed your phone reading the last message she had left in the chat; it had been a simple question about the final arrangements that ended up with her inviting you and America over for lunch the next day.

As the night grew older, you kept your stare to the darkened sky right above your head. The next day would be a new day, and you had made up your mind. Tomorrow would be a new day, and hopefully, it would be the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

************************************************************************Next Chater: The tension between Wanda and Reader grows, the twins play matchmakers, Kate and America shared a kiss, the dance is almost there and someone that shouldn't be there gets a sight of the twins.

#personal #fanfic #wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #wandaxreader #female reader #imagine wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x female reader #reader

164 notes · View notes

gatitties · 3 months

Note

Ayo I wondering if you could the straw hats or heart pirates with reader who's personality involves them being sarcastic, mischievous and brazenly condescending yet sly and humorous. they also have the genso genso no mi that allows the user to create physical illusions that can be seen by everyone. These illusions are highly convincing and shatter like glass when reader dispels them, or someone breaks them. Their most apparent use of them is creating illusions around their body, either to disguise themselves or for their opponent to target while they escapes or moves unseen to another point of attack. They also seem to be somewhat resilient to damage. While fighting an opponent, the illusion concealing reader's outfit was not dispelled even after taking or landing some hits. They also learned to use their devil fruit abilities for psychological manipulation, exploiting the appearance of close friends and families in their enemies to torment and overpower them. Reader at one point displayed their mastery over their devil fruit, where they managed to completely disguise an entire navy ship to physically resemble a marine ship, implying that they could maintain the facade long enough to fool the marines. Their devil fruit awakening would allow the reader to cast illusions from any object or living thing from their own surroundings. An example would be zoro who was cast an illusion on him to make others see him as Charlos (aka the ugly celestial dragon). that would make the opportunity for Luffy or any of the straw hats to fight him while not realizing that is zoro while reader comes up with a plan.

─Strawhats & Heart Pirates x reader

─Summary: You're a mischievous person, you like to cause some chaos with your powers, even if it's your own crew, you just enjoy the drama too much.

─Warnings: none

─ You are a threat and a salvation in equal parts for this crew.

─ Reliable enough to get them out of trouble thanks to your illusions, and evil enough to create small fights between them with your power.

─ You live for drama, and what better drama than blaming others for acts they haven't done? You love causing chaos wherever you step, did you think that just because they are your friends they would get rid of your bad jokes?

─ Nami has probably hit you more than once for being silly or making an unfortunate comment on more than one occasion, but your sarcasm can't be stopped.

─ Robin and Jinbe are the ones who fall least into your traps of illusion, they know how to detect when you are going to do something mischievous, they can read you like an open book.

─ Zoro and Sanji are the ones you mess with the most, confusing them and making their bromance more than just bros, but you're just trying to make love blossom, at least that's your legitimate defense.

─ You can be sarcastic, stubborn… and countless other things, but Chopper is not part of your jokes, at least, not most of the time.

─ Although you will use his appearance in your hallucinations to scare Usopp, there is nothing that scares the sniper more than meeting a monstrous and unreal version of his cute friend.

─ Something that is not so common to use with them is the 'mental control' that you began to develop, it seemed to you that it was something that you should only use with enemies… and with the occasional whim.

─ Do you want to go to a snowy island just to ride a sleigh and make snowmen? Not to mention more! A couple of wishful thinking, some sweet words and you'll be on a winter island the next day.

─ Although they probably scolded you for altering the route, you defend yourself by saying that it wasn't you who agreed to change it, they can't really blame you when they were the ones who "agreed".

─ You have a list with all the most hated people in the crew just to create illusions and provoke everyone to go against each other.

─ Literally sometimes you are the definition of “why have enemies when you have friends.”

─ Law is so fed up with your behaviour but you are so useful in avoiding marines that he allows some of your comments and antics.

─ Although he will probably send you many more tasks than the others as a punishment for taking years off his life with your jokes.

─ You will make him think that he is eating bread, getting on your captain's nerves and doing a puzzle with your body so that you can kill the boredom rebuilding it.

─ Shachi and Penguin have a lot of fights because of you, but they are so easy to fool that it is impossible for you not to confuse them with some of your illusions so that they end up arguing over trivial things.

─ Ikkaku has strictly forbidden you entry to the kitchen because the last thing she needs is to cause more disasters in the kitchen, and she's also a tough nut to crack, your illusions don't work so well with her.

─ Of course Law also learned to see through your power, so you started using a little psychology for your antics.

─ One day you simply decided that it would be a good idea to use your powers to convince everyone to dress up as penguins for a mission, the moment was unforgettable just like cleaning the floor of the submarine with a toothbrush…

─ Once you made Jean Bart take the form of Bepo, although only Law could see him like that, everyone laughed at him for seeing him hug the wrong person.

─ It goes without saying that you had to do another arduous task after messing with your captain.

─ Bepo is probably the only one who escapes the worst jokes, you will use him as a shield for some scoldings, he really is your most powerful weapon against your captain.

─ They always send you to the rear in case they need you to create some illusion for an unexpected situation, Law is usually calculating and rarely prefers to take action if it is not planned in advance.

─ What seems boring to you and sometimes you decide to improvise a little, without ruining the plan, but it's more fun to watch the bad guys beat each other while you just watch the fight like it's a movie

─ The probability of arguing with Law for disobeying him is lower, since at least you didn't ruin the mission, or at least, he doesn't have to remember that you ruined something, you just have to alter his mind a little so that he doesn't realize that your little mistakes.

#op #one piece #one piece x reader #request #x reader #reader insert #op headcanons #headcanons #strawhats #heart pirates #strawhats x reader #heart pirates x reader #this reader is a menace #sfw

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dokk-fukuro · 1 year

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Your Relationship [Osamu Dazai]

۞₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪۞ A/N: f!reader, mention of female genitals, smut, mentions of suicide ۞₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪۞

Dazai as your friend:

Respects your relationship, so he’ll never allow himself to flirt with you;

Becomes the initiator of adventures in which you get involved by chance. And this most often ends with a "debriefing" on the topic of the danger of this event;

He often invites you to spend time with him, although he does not fully understand why he does this;

Still avoids physical contact, so no friendly hugs;

He won’t tell you about his past for a number of reasons, one of which is the fear that you’ll simply turn away from him, as he did with everyone to whom he was important;

If you are friends, this doesn’t mean that at some point he’ll not agree to your possible offer to be friends with benefits in order to get the maximum pleasure out of communication and without too much drama;

Dazai as your boyfriend:

Don't expect him to open up to you even a jot. He is still a secretive person, but already out of fear that you will leave, breaking his heart;

If you are lucky and he dares to tell you at least something, accept it with gratitude. Such a chance rarely, if ever, occurs;

Becomes a little more tactile, so be prepared for his clinging with dramatic sobs. Especially if you don't pay attention to him for too long;

A terrible owner who knows how to be jealous beautifully. No, Dazai won't duel to the death for you, if only because he wants to die with you. However, his actions will once and for all discourage any guy from even breathing next to you;

Says declarations of love only when half asleep. It still seems to him that only deeds designate a person as a person, and not empty words;

With the designation of the status of your relationship, you will begin to flirt less with other girls, but will not completely exclude this from your life;

Perhaps he will even reconsider his views on existence, because your presence in his life fills it with meaning. Therefore, it is possible that Osamu will stop looking for attempts to die;

Now to more intimate moments. In bed, Dazai is very tactile and clingy. He wants to feel you even more than physical contact allows, so he doesn’t miss a single opportunity to cuddle up to your naked skin, covering with kisses;

He doesn’t hide his moans and doesn’t even make an attempt to do so. He likes to show you how good he feels with you. Especially when you're riding him;

Likes to talk. He loves to talk very much. It doesn't matter if it's praise or dirty talk. Dazai doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut in moments of pleasure;

His hands are firmly fixed at the head of the bed as you methodically raise and lower your hips, not thinking of accelerating in any way. This is torture for both of you. Both you and Dazai both want to achieve release as soon as possible.

However, it seems to you that mocking him like this is the best way to remind him that you, namely you, are his girlfriend, the one whom he himself singled out from thousands of others.

Osamu bites his lips, doesn't break eye contact to watch you. He likes it when you're on top, likes to see your expression like a winner. You defeated him, now you are proud of yourself. In times like these, you are especially beautiful to him.

"What's upsetting you, sweety?" The young man tries to utter, trying to get out of his shackles. You know for sure about his incredible ability to free himself from any chains, so you did everything to avoid this. “Please, I realized my mistake. Don't torture me, I want to hear your loud moans while I'm inside you so bad. You’re so warm.”

To say that your heart is pounding from these words is the same as to remain silent. And Osamu is a cunning fox, he knows for sure that this will pity you. The tender walls of your pussy cling around his dick, you squirming, in your thoughts waging an unequal battle with the desire to alleviate the sweet torment of both. And... you give up, picking up the pace, listening to Dazai moaning loudly underneath you.

“You are incredible. Please, belladonna, I want to fill you with my cum,” he drawls, still making vain attempts to discreetly free his hands.

Osamu wants to touch you, to squeeze your thighs in his hands, and the inability to do this is like torture.

And, unlike the relationship of friends with benefits, will remain with you in the same bed until he leaves for work. He appreciates your relationship, believing that the world took pity on him for once, since he sent you to him;

Although he seems like a romantic at first glance, Dazai is far from it. Therefore, bouquets of flowers and a romantic dinner are not about him;

He won’t tell you about ADA so that he doesn’t involve you in these things. However, if you are one of the employees, he’ll try to do everything so that you don’t get hurt, or he’ll reduce the danger to a minimum as much as possible.

#my writing #bungo stray dogs headcanons #bungo stray dogs #bsd #bsd headcanons #bsd dazai #dazai smut #dazai x reader #osamu dazai #Smut #bsd x reader

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chapel-of-rizztual · 1 year

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Ghouls Headcanons 4

dew once drank gasoline and kept coughing flames to scare the shit out of copia. He scare the shit out of everyone and almost burnt have the ministry down. Sunny tried to use him as a flame thrower.

There a hole in the wall in the common room from where Swiss fell through while he was drunk. They told sister it’s been patched up. They are filthy liars.

All ghouls watch and love baby sensory videos. It’s one of the only ways to keep them calm and quiet. It’s also one of the only ways to keep them distracted. The dancing fruit one works the best.

Sunshine bought a motorcycle with the ministry credit card. She got in a lot of trouble with sister because of it. She blamed it on copia. She also bought aether one so they can go on joyrides together.

Mountain eats rocks. Will just straight up pick rocks up off the ground and crunch down on them. He says he like the crunch. He’s not allowed to have crystals anymore because they’re like candy to him. Don’t ask him about the teeth marks in the granite work surfaces in the kitchen, it wasn’t him.

Aether needs glasses to read. All of the other ghouls find it incredibly attractive.

Sunshine, Swiss and dew are known as the terror triple around the ministry. They are not allowed to be left unsupervised together. They are banned from using cleaning supplies because they tired to make mustard gas. They peed in the gas tanks of all cars that the ministry own. They tried to make a bomb in a toilet. Not a big one they just thought it would be funny if the all water systems were broken at the same time. Thankfully they were unsuccessful.

Birds, rabbits and deer and the number 1 distraction to ghouls (apart from themselves).

They will stand at any window, staring intently at the small creatures, ears high, tails swishing and pupils blown wide while chittering and chirping to each other while

Swiss can’t be trusted with laundry detergent. He drinks it like it’s a smoothie.

Ghouls can’t dream. Something about them not having souls makes them unable to.

Mountain has terrible posture from having to duck down through doorways and lean down to talk to people. Cirrus always rubs his back for him to help.

Cumulus makes the best tiramisu ever. She’s famous for it around the ministry.

Special lives in the basement of the ministry and is the biggest gossip ever. If he’s bored he’ll make something just to see the drama unfold.

Nobody knows but cowbell lives in the basement with special. Everyone thinks he got sent back to the pits.

Aether has never sat through a full movie. He always falls asleep about halfway through. Especially if he’s in the middle of a cuddle pile.

Dew walks around with his hand in someone else’s pocket. Jean pocket, coat pocket, shirt pocket, front or back it doesn’t matter to him he’s wiggling his hand in there.

Rains favourite tv show is friends. He’s had it on repeat since he was summoned. His favourite character is joey because he reminds him of Swiss.

Ghouls have their own language that only ghouls understand. They only speak it around each other in private. They prefer to speak their papas native tongue or English around anyone else.

Rain and mountain watch my neighbour totoro together every Friday night without fail. Sometimes cirrus and cumulus join them.

Aether likes to eat bath bombs. He likes the way they fizz on his tongue. He’s gotten banned from every lush store he’s been in.

Cirrus drinks perfume. She says it smells nice so why would it taste bad. She’s surprised every time when it’s awful.

None of the ghouls can handle caffeine.

When dew was first summoned he was terrified of snow.

All of the ghouls are incredible at Mario cart. Especially cumulus and rain. They fight for first place all the time. Swiss is undefeated at just dance.

Dew and rain completely switch personalities when they’re off stage.

Cumulus does a face mask almost every night and dew and Swiss try to lick it off her every time without fail.

All ghouls are banned from playing among us. No explanation needed you already why.

#ghost headcanons #the band ghost #nameless ghouls #dewdrop ghoul #aether ghoul #mountain ghoul #swiss ghoul #rain ghoul #papa emeritus iv #cirrus ghoulette #cumulus ghoulette #sunshine ghoulette #ghoul headcanons

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natlacentral · 2 months

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The cast of Netflix’s adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender knows they can’t please everyone.

It’s a difficult life lesson that many of the show’s young actors have come to learn since they were chosen to star in a live-action reimagining of one of the most beloved animated series of all time.

Like any great saga, the latest iteration of Avatar has taken a circuitous route to the small screen. In 2020, two years after Netflix announced that it was developing a remake, original creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino departed the project over creative differences. A year later, former Nikita and Sleepy Hollow writer-producer Albert Kim officially assumed the role of creator and showrunner, intending to honor the Asian and Indigenous roots of his source material.

Since the debut of the new Avatar last Thursday, longtime fans have remained divided over the many changes that were made to turn a 20-episode half-hour children’s cartoon into an eight-episode serialized drama that has multigenerational appeal. But by maintaining the essence of the original while expanding the world that Konietzko and DiMartino have created, the new creative team is hoping to recapture some of the magic that transformed Avatar into a cultural phenomenon.

Every diehard fan can recite the basic premise by heart: The four nations — Water, Earth, Fire, Air — once lived in harmony, with the Avatar, master of all four elements, keeping the peace between them. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads. A century later, Aang (Gordon Cormier), a 12-year-old Air Nomad frozen in an iceberg, reawakens to take his rightful place as the next Avatar. With his newfound friends Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley), siblings and members of the Southern Water Tribe, Aang sets out on a quest to save the world from the onslaught of Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim) while avoiding being captured by Ozai’s tempestuous son, Crown Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu).

Almost every Zoomer who grew up watching Nickelodeon seems to have their own relationship with the original Avatar. Kiawentiio, whose older siblings would always have the show playing in their house, recalls being drawn to its depiction of a young Indigenous girl, at a time when there was scant representation of Native Americans. Ousley credits Avatar and Star Wars: The Clone Wars for inspiring him to take up martial arts. Liu has a vivid childhood memory of watching a restless Zuko and his tea-drinking uncle Iroh’s first scene together on a boat. Cormier, as the youngest of the bunch, admits that he had not watched the show prior to auditioning. But by the time he entered production, all he could do was live and breathe Avatar.

Daniel Dae Kim, who watched the original with one of his sons when it first aired, tells Teen Vogue that he held a kind of family meeting with his now-adult children and some of his nieces and nephews after receiving an offer from Albert Kim (no relation) to star in the new version. “I called all of them, and I said, ‘What do you think about me doing a part in Avatar?’ And they were like, ‘You should do it!’ without hesitation. Then I asked the next question: ‘Well, I’m playing Ozai. He’s a bad guy…’ They paused for a second, and then they all screamed, ‘You should still do it!’” he says with a laugh.

Once the cast was assembled, the creative team began the seemingly gargantuan task of trying to breathe new life into each of the characters. While the animated series dealt with weighty issues such as genocide, war and imperialism, there is an added human component in live-action storytelling that requires a more grounded approach to depicting real-life reactions and emotions. “We were all definitely allowed to look into the darker sides of each of our characters,” Cormier says. In Aang’s case, he is tasked with a responsibility that he doesn’t necessarily want but feels obligated to assume after discovering that he is the last living Airbender of his kind.

Aang is “naturally a really fun-loving, goofy 12-year-old, so to be hit with something so serious like a genocide [affecting] all of his people, it really affects him badly,” Cormier says. “We see in the first episode where I blow Katara and Sokka off the mountain how badly it’s affected me. It hurt me so much [that] I blasted into the Avatar state and started destroying my home. I think it just shows how serious and traumatic it is for Aang, but slowly, he’ll get through it and become the Avatar.”

The themes of loss and grief remain prevalent across all eight episodes, with each of the young characters being forced to confront their own unresolved trauma.

Katara is forced to reckon with how her memory of her mother’s death has affected her ability to become a full-fledged Waterbender. “Another thing that I feel like impacted her so much, without even really explicitly touching on it, is being the last Waterbender of her tribe,” Kiawentiio says. “She really feels so deeply connected with that part of [herself], even though it’s something that she can’t really access [at first], and she feels this sense of, ‘This is what I should be doing.’”

After his father left years ago on a mission to fight the Firebenders, Sokka was forced to grow up quickly and protect his tribe, especially his younger sister, from the waterbending abilities that had caused them so much pain. “Sokka is a perfect example of somebody that is not healed, is pushing stuff down and won’t let it come out, is putting on different masks to the point where he doesn’t even know who he is when we first find him,” says Ousley, who insisted on finding a way to bring out a more serious side in Sokka without losing his signature sarcasm in this adaptation. “I think the trauma that he has is covered up by humor often and covered up by acting silly, and he will have lots of moments where he actually discovers who he is.”

Zuko, however, may have the most compelling arc of the first season. Having been banished by Ozai from the Fire Nation, Zuko has effectively lost one father but gained another father figure in his Uncle Iroh (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), who takes it upon himself to look after Zuko on his journey to capture the Avatar. In the first season, viewers see Zuko’s Agni Kai — or traditional Firebender duel — with Ozai, who was responsible for giving Zuko his prominent facial scar.

While Ozai “may not have the tools to do it the right way,” Kim understands that his character “is trying, in his own way, to shape his children into what he feels is necessary to secure the future of not only his family, but of the entire Fire Nation.” That kind of tough love, unfortunately, has done irreparable damage to his children.

In a dramatic departure from the original series, the writers decided to introduce Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula earlier than in the original series. In doing so, the family dynamics between Ozai, Zuko and Azula become even more complicated. “Since Zuko’s away on his ship in the first season, you get a glimpse into, while he’s away, what is going on in the Fire Nation and who’s pulling all the strings,” Yu says. “For Azula, Zuko is very much more like a roadblock than anything else. You see that sense of family is not really there.”

“I think the writers did a good job of showing a rivalry between the two fighting for the father’s approval and attention without us directly interacting or speaking with each other,” Liu adds. “Zuko is just trying to prove he is worthy of his father’s love and attention just as much as Azula is. I think people will really come to root for Zuko because of everything that he’s been through.”

The production team was also keen to honor and recreate the costumes of the original series in a way that was not only beautiful but practical for the actors; Kiawentiio and Ousley had to wear heavy coats made of suede and fur, while Kim, Liu and Yu wore layers upon layers of corseted material with large shoulder pads.

“They really helped me complete the character because there was something about when I put on the wardrobe that made me walk [and] feel a certain way,” Kim says, “and it turned my character into someone more regal and powerful.”

It’s almost fitting that the most regal character is played by Hollywood royalty among Asian Americans. For the better part of the last three decades, Kim has been at the forefront of the movement to increase the visibility of Asian Americans in film and television. “The fact that I’m still working and able to see [the change] and be a part of it makes me feel very grateful, because success is not guaranteed to anyone in this business,” he reflects.

Kim believes the new Avatar is a reflection of today’s changing landscape in Western entertainment for more diverse stories that center Asian and Indigenous communities. “I don’t think it’s any secret to say that a live-action version has been done in the past, but it wasn’t done this way,” he says, referring to M. Night Shyamalan’s disastrous The Last Airbender film, which whitewashed many key characters. “I don’t think that it would have been done this way even five or 10 years ago because there wasn’t the same emphasis on proper representation and real diversity [that there is now].”

“I feel like we fought hard for the progress that we’ve made, and at the same time, I acknowledge that there need to be others outside of those of us in the community to push things forward,” he adds. “It takes a community working together along with allies.”

As the most accomplished actor of the group, did Kim have any advice for his younger castmates? “I don’t feel like it’s necessarily my place to be giving advice where it’s not needed or wanted, but it was nice of them to ask me about my experiences and how they could chart their own path forward in a business that’s very difficult,” Kim responds. “I can tell you that I really have been impressed by all of them, and I’m so excited to see the next generation of Asian American actors in particular come in with this attitude, with this opportunity. I would really love nothing more than to see them succeed beyond what we’ve seen in generations previous.”

The first season ends with Aang, Katara and Sokka successfully helping the Northern Water Tribe fend off a vicious attack from the Firebenders. Rather than following the advice of past Avatars, who stressed that he would have to bear the burden of his title alone, Aang realizes that he needs his friends to master all four elements.

“The Avatar still has to learn other elements, so we had to get the ball rolling on water and earth. If we did reach Season 2, I believe that we’ll find Aang already practicing water just because in the group he has quite the master to teach him,” Kiawentiio says with a smile, alluding to her own character.

But the last minutes of the finale also reveal that the attack on the North was actually a decoy for the Fire Nation. Ozai, as it turns out, had his sights on the Earth Kingdom — and his daughter, Azula, has taken over the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu with her own army. Aang’s old friend, King Bumi (Utkarsh Ambudkar), has now been taken prisoner.

“You have this idea of the prodigal son and you put all of your attention to someone who, in Ozai’s eyes, is failing him,” Kim says of the state of Ozai’s relationships with his two most powerful children at the end of the season. “So when there’s another child that you are not looking at in the same way that ends up surprising you, it’s a pleasant surprise, and it changes the way that you see the future. I think Azula was a surprise to him, and it brings him some joy, and he may have overlooked her in the past, but now he sees her as a real heir apparent.”

The revelation that his father has passed him over for his sister, at least for now, shakes up Zuko’s entire world, Liu says. “He feels a weird sense of betrayal because even though it is his sister and his father working against him, they are part of the Fire Nation, and his loyalty towards the Fire Nation was something that we know he was very persistent about, even though he was banished.”

Going forward, Kim would be interested in deepening the portrayal of Ozai’s relationships with his children, as well as his older brother, Iroh. “What is the relationship between the two of them when the second son supersedes the first? And how does Iroh feel about all of that? We never really see that explored,” he remarks. “I’d also like to see what happened to Zuko and Azula’s mom. These kinds of things are crucial to deepening the character, and I would love to see a little bit more of his history and how that informs who he is now.”

While the show has yet to be renewed for a second season, the young actors all have their own hopes for future seasons. Ousley would like to see Sokka “pick up the pieces” emotionally after the beautifully tragic end of his first love, Princess Yue (Amber Midthunder). Yu is ready to “do some of the really iconic Azula lines and scenes that we all know,” especially the Agni Kai in Season 3. Cormier is most excited to potentially adapt “Appa’s Lost Days” and the final fight scene between Aang and Ozai. “Throughout the show, I feel like he's going to learn more and more about why he has to be the Avatar,” he says.

#article #teen vogue #gordon cormier #kiawentiio #ian ousley #dallas liu #daniel dae kim #elizabeth yu #natla #atla #netflix atla #atla netflix #avatar netflix #netflix avatar #avatar the last airbender

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