#it's only natural of course for me to put my current two favorites together ... (pokes them with a stick) cmon.. do something... | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

miekasa · 3 years

Note

M-mie could we get some athlete boyfriend eren hcs too if you don’t mind, please and thank you😩

He is: my boyfriend, and I love him dearly. Perfect amount of himbo and athlete without being a jock, everybody give it up for Eren for being my dream boy <3

Eren plays sports year round, with the exception of maybe one or two winter seasons, just because his school/work/home life was too busy for athletics at those times. Otherwise, he’s always go something to practice for: soccer in the fall, hockey in the winter, and his choice of baseball or basketball in the spring.

He’s not a varsity athlete; that is, he’s not “committed” to any one team, so he’s not tied to playing one sport every year, nor are his academics linked to his athletics, or vice versa. He’s just a pretty athletic guy, and he’s got a lot of energy, and he enjoys sports, so naturally he plays whenever he can.

As it turns out, it does help him with his academics. Knowing he’s got practice the majority of the week forces Eren into building a schedule that prioritizes both schoolwork and sports so he can enjoy them equally. It teaches him to be independent in a way that he wasn’t expecting, but he’s come to really love.

And because he loves it, he doesn’t mind working hard for it. Liking the way he’s set it up for himself encourages him to do his best in both areas. It’s really just good for him all around: a good outlet fo his energy, a good way to spend his time, a good way to keep his grades in check, and a good way to keep himself comfortably happy and busy.

His appetite is insatiable, so it’s only dramatized when playing sports. He takes the all you can eat in all you can eat sushi a little too seriously.

The thing is… he’s a shit cook, too, so it’s not like he’s meal prepping to make sure he’s satisfying his appetite. He just buys a shit ton of food whenever he’s hungry. He’s always asking you if you wanna grab food, and part of it is to ensure that you’re eating—not as much as him, but eating nonetheless—but part of it is that he just likes sharing meals with someone.

He also doesn’t like to eat alone, so even if you only have your ten California rolls to his forty six spicy tuna rolls, that’s fine; he just wants the company.

That’s also why even if you say you’re not hungry, he’ll drag you out to eat with him anyway. And you’ll probably get fed some of his food even if you don’t order anything and insist that you’re not hungry because, “It’s really good, baby, just try it—just one bite, it’s okay I’ve got plenty left!”

He usually keeps a few granola bars and chips and other snacks of his liking on him. But because of Eren’s nature, he keeps them on you, too: in your car, in your backpack, in your apartment/dorm. You’ll meet him after class and he’ll kinda just start walking behind you, and you realize he’s opening your backpack, and you don’t even have time to question him before he’s pulling a bar out of the smallest pocket with a smile and munching on it.

Sometimes you come home and see his little protein shakes in your fridge. You definitely didn’t put them there, but you don’t move them, either. When you stock up on more when they’re running low, Eren contemplates marrying you.

If it’s been a hard week of practice or school, he tends to get sleepy when studying (usually when studying for his least favorite class, no coincidence there). He’ll close his laptop, put his hood up, and scooch his chair closer to yours before leaning his head on your shoulder.

He gets increasingly clingier the longer he naps; hand wrapping around your waist, nose poking at your neck. He’s not so subtly trying to hint that he wants you to quit studying and take him home to cuddle instead. If you don’t get the message, expect him to shut your laptop for you.

When you protest, Eren just looks at you with pouty lips and tired eyes, “Chemistry sucks anyway. Wanna nap, and also wanted you to do that thing with your hands when you massage my back for me.” (He then promptly falls asleep mid-massage on your bed).

He’s actually got a waiver to see a physical massage therapist because of how frequently he’s exercising. On occasion, he goes, but he claims he likes your massages much better. Also because he’s hesitant about a stranger touching him and once he moaned when the guy was working on his back and Eren swears it was one of the most embarrassing moments of his life.

He doesn’t get upset if you can’t make it to every game, but he does like it when you show up. Gets all cheesy and cocky with his arm around your shoulder, going on about how, “You’re my good luck charm, baby. I play better when you’re watching, you know?”

He has so much team clothing, from sweats to hoodies to t-shirts to socks. All he asks is that you wear something on game days, even if you can’t be there to support him while he’s playing. And that you keep one or two things for yourself anyway. He’ll put them in your closet for your if you don’t take them yourself <2

Because seeing you in his hoodie is always great, but his team hoodies are extra special, because they’ve got his name and his number on them. Whenever you’re wearing one, he trails just a half step behind you so he can see JAEGER printed on your back while you walk. Something about you wearing his last name around is… enticing, to say the least.

Even if it’s not the clothes branded with his name, Eren’s got a thing for you in sweats and/or workout clothes, so he’ll toss them at you whenever you sleep over. He’s always handsy, even if you’re just wearing an Under Armour shirt with the school’s logo on it; the material of it, and knowing that it’s his just makes him want to keep his hands on you.

Truthfully, he doesn’t workout all that much outside of practice. Occasionally, he’ll go to the gym with some of his teammates if they need a buddy, or go himself to stretch or take one of the free classes, but he doesn’t have a strict schedule for it. If you go to the gym, he’ll follow you if you ask, tho.

Turns out something that he does like is yoga. He’s not particularly flexible lmfao, but the stretching helps with muscle pain and tension, and he kinda finds the whole atmosphere of it relaxing. He’s still not so great at the meditation part of it, but he’s getting there.

(Actually, it’s pretty cute because on Tuesday and Thursdays, the yoga classes at the gym on campus are open-level and beginner friendly. That’s when the majority of the athletes show up, and you see people like Eren, Jean and Connie holding tree pose in the back room).

This, of course, makes him think that couples yoga is a great idea. Let’s just say, you’re lucky that Eren is strong enough to catch you and has sharp reflexes, because he’s certainly not the most balanced partner for this activity.

Game days are fun for him, and usually even if his team loses, he’s still so pumped up on adrenaline that he’s pretty happy. He only gets moody if he thinks the other team is playing dirty, or the refs are unfair, or he’s just been in a bad mood because of something that happened in his personal life; sports are an outlet for him, not his drive in life, so losing a game doesn’t take a huge toll on him.

Usually, even if he is upset about something personal, he’s able to funnel it into his game play. Small things used to make his whole sportsmanship sour, but overtime, he’s really gotten better at using his energy to fuel the right things. However, one thing that makes him foul (emotionally and literally; as in he might foul out of a game), is if he’s been fighting with you.

Sometimes it works in his favor—using the game as outlet, like usual—but it goes south pretty quickly. Because instead of using his aggression in a productive way, he gets distracted and easily pissed off, and it’s no good for anybody, especially himself. Because if he fouls out, or the coach takes him out for doing too much, then he can’t play; and if he can’t play then all that pent up frustration has no where to go; and then he’s forced to just sit with himself and his thoughts, but usually he starts deflecting and telling everyone else to piss off. Truly a no good, very bad box he’s put himself in.

You guys don’t fight that often, and it’s rare that it drags out for an extended amount of time when you do; but as with any relationship, it can happen. And when it does happen, if Armin doesn’t get to you first, expect one of Eren’s teammates to come groveling at your feet.

Or, rather, two. Because when you and Eren were fighting for over two weeks about god knows what at this point, it was Connie and Jean who ambushed you in the library. Jean had some pride to keep, but Connie was practically begging you to make up with Eren: “Look, I know he’s probably the one who said or did something to piss you off, and I’m not saying you gotta forgive him, but please just talk to him. I can’t run anymore extra laps because of him, and it’s gonna be so embarrassing if we lose to a C-list team on Friday because Eren’s funking up everyone’s attitude. PLEASE!”

Jean is more interested in the tea between you guys, but he also wants Eren to go back to being his normal hotheaded self, and not his current moody self. “He’s been playing like a bitch baby all week, and I’m gonna knock his skull in if he doesn’t fucking get his act together,” Jean rolls his eyes, “So just show up on Friday, alright? Do it for me and Connie, at least.”

When Eren does see you in the crowd at the game, it’s not a Troy and Gabriella moment, but when he sees you he feels so much relief that he’s physically calmer and way more mentally relaxed—because at this point Eren wasn’t even mad, he was just scared you might break up with him, and that fear brought out the worst in him. Seeing you in the stands, even if you didn’t wanna speak to him, was reassurance that you still gave a damn about him, and that was motivation enough.

He rushes to you after the game, wanting to make sure you don’t get swept away or leave with your friends. He’s smiling and so happy to finally see you that he almost forgets that you’re mad with him; hugging you and grinning ear to ear. When the reality kicks in, he kinda steps back at bit and rubs at his neck, embarrassed, but at least he knows he still has a chance to make things right with you.

(When you do make up, you’re surprised to find flowers and $10 coupon for your favorite pizza place in your mailbox a few days later. They’re from Connie, and his poorly handwritten note thanks you for “saving the team” and “curbing Eren’s temper).

#anonymous #aot x reader #snk x reader #eren x reader #eren jaeger x reader #aot imagines #he is... my BOYFRIEND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!#MY FUCKEN BOYFRIEND !!!!!!!! MY BABEYYYYYYYYYYY #eren fluff #eren smut

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itsallyscorner · 3 years

Note

just like magic with marvel cast, the vibe is----- a perfect song for a lil b*tch with a good heart and a sarcastic mouth

just like magic is the song we ALL need for 2020😌 Start manifesting ya’ll🖤 Also thank you sm for the request I am so so sorry this took so freakin’ long😭 Love u, happy reading🖤🖤 Tried to add my own lil twist to your request:)

(A lil different from the request, but I tried to make the reader have a bit sas.)

💌.

just like magic

Growing up within the Marvel Cinematic Universe was probably one of things you were most grateful for. When you first started out you weren’t that social. You were new to the business, you didn’t know anybody and you were intimidated by every single actor you crossed paths with.

At first you didn’t feel like you fit in. You felt as if you were a burden to everyone else. You barely talked to anyone which made the others approach you out of force by the Russos. Everyone around you was talented while you were just some newcomer who had jack shit as experience. The first few years you were insecure of yourself mentally and physically. You weren’t as pretty or fit as the other women in the MCU nor did your skills live up to theirs. Which led to some unhealthy habits. Plus there were haters and movie critics who would say horrible things about you and your acting.

You had a rocky start unlike Tom Holland and even Lexi Rabe. Until one day when you realized that you had to change how you were thinking. It took you a while but all that negative thinking you were doing was only bringing you negative energy. So when you had a break from filming movies, your number one goal was to improve yourself.

Wake up in my bed, I just wanna have a good day (Mmm, ah)

Think it in my head, then it happens how it should, ayy

Twelve o'clock, I got a team meeting, then a meditation at like 1:30

Then I ride to the studio listening to some shit I wrote (Oh)

You woke up with smile on your face in a sense of calmness. The sun shined bright hues into your room as you got up from your bed. Today was the first day back on set. You guys were finally filming Civil War and you were honestly so excited. As you did your morning routine, you went over how the day would go in your head. You’re genuinely excited to see the entire cast. It has been almost half a year since you’ve seen everyone and you couldn’t wait to be back.

You took one last look at yourself in the mirror. Compared to the previous year, you looked and felt healthy. Your eyes shined and you looked well relaxed. You know like one of those face cleanser commercials? That’s how you felt. You felt like a breath of fresh air.

The ride to the studio took a good 30 minutes but it felt like seconds. You entered the set with a new sense of confidence and pride. The energy was practically radiating off you.

“(Y/n)?” You hear someone call from behind you. You turn around and see Scarlett looking at you.

“Hey!” You greet her as you approach her. You pulled her into a hug, startling her.

“Oh! Hello to you too, honey.” She laughed as she wrapped her arms around you. “How are you?”

“I’m doing great! Life’s been good.” You answer as a toothy grin graces itself on your face. Scarlett’s eyes are filled with shocked. From the previous times she’s talked to you she’s never seen you so loud or open. You were always shy and closed off from everyone on set.

Good karma, my aesthetic (Aesthetic)

Keep my conscience clear, that's why I'm so magnetic

Manifest it (Yeah), I finessed it (I finessed it)

Take my pen and write some love letters to Heaven

Eventually everyone on set caught on to your new attitude. Though they tried to be discreet about their reactions and shocked expressions, you could still see how they were caught off guard by your sudden change of nature.

Anthony watched as you conversed with Elizabeth and Scarlett on the couch in Robert’s “village” . You were probably the most smiliest person in the room beating Evans, who was eating his lunch.

“She’s like different. But in a good way. It’s like she’s bloomed.” Anthony thought out loud to the men beside him. Chris (E) and Sebastian look in your direction.

“Bloomed?” Chris snorted as he swallowed his food.

“Yeah, like she’s growing into a woman.” Anthony hummed proudly as he went back to his own lunch. Sebastian smiled at you, “I think she’s gained some confidence in herself and finally realized how good of a person she is.”

“If she’s finally realized that, I’m glad she did. She’s like a ball of sunshine, it’s adorable.” Chris smiled proudly at you as your hands move around animatedly while explaining some story to the two women in front of you.

“Y’all think it’s a boy?” Anthony wondered. Sebastian rolled his eyes at his friend. Before he can even respond Anthony is calling you over. You approach the men with a smile and take a seat beside Sebastian.

“What’s up?” You greet them. Chris nods at you as he chews on his sandwich. Sebastian greeting you with a quiet “hey”.

“So who’s the lucky man?” Anthony asks teasingly. Your brows knit together head tilting to the side.

“Man?”

“Yes man, or boy, whatever. Who’s got you feelin’ yourself, (y/n).” Anthony wiggles his brows as he shimmies closer to you. Sebastian, who’s in between you two, cringes at the man to his left.

You didn’t take any offense to the question, knowing that everyone was curious as to why you were so unlike yourself.

You chuckled before smirking at the older man, “Anthony, honey. I don’t need a man to be feelin’ myself. I did this on my own.”

Chris and Sebastian’s mouth drop at your answer. Chris laughed as he pointed out Anthony’s face. Sebastian slung an arm around your shoulder bringing you into a side hug as he laughed with Chris.

“To be fair” Chris began to say but started to laugh, “To be fair, you deserved that.” Anthony’s face went flushed as he nodded to himself. You suddenly felt bad that you put him on the spot.

“Alright, stop laughing at him.” You playfully glare at Chris and Seb. You poke Anthony’s arm, “To answer your question, I’ve just been working on myself. Thinking more positively, I even tried manifestation.”

“You know what, that’s good. You’re taking care of yourself mentally and physically. I’m proud of you for doing this for yourself, we all are.” Anthony tells you as he motions to the two other men.

You look at all three of them, all of them looking at you with pride, “Thanks guys.”

Just like magic (Baby), just like magic (Oh yeah)

Middle finger to my thumb and then I snap it

Just like magic (Yeah), I'm attractive (Oh yeah)

I get everything I want 'cause I attract it (Oh)

As the months passed, the more you evolved into another version of you. You walked with determination, carried yourself with such grace and you’ve gained confidence in your career. You didn’t let your insecurities get to you, instead you faced them and overcame them. You were tired of letting them control you.

Your change in attitude and perspective on life has definitely affected your life in many ways. Manifestation was one of the things that have helped you the most. Writing about your goals and putting that energy out to the world has helped you persevere in your job. You’ve only faced good karma; sending out positive energy and receiving it back from the universe.

So far you’ve been casted in two new projects and have a campaign lined up with Gucci. If you were told a year ago that you’d be working with big time directors and freakin’ Gucci, you wouldn’t have believe them. Life has been unreal ever since you decided to change your life around. But of course you had to thank your Marvel family, without them and their support you probably wouldn’t haven gotten to where you were today.

Looking at my phone, but I'm tryna disconnect it (Oh yeah)

Read a fuckin' book, I be tryna stay connected (Yeah)

Say it's tricky at the top, gotta keep a slim ego for a thick wallet

Losing friends left and right, but I just send 'em love and light (Oh)

As many people recognized your success many people still tried to pull you down. Some fans on social media have noticed your change in behavior and have even praised you for practicing self care. While others still tried to push you off the mountain of success you were currently on and drag you across the ground.

These were the reasons as to why you were barely on your phone anymore. You used to be invested in your phone but after realizing how much negativity it brought you, you’ve decided to slowly disconnect from it. Which led you to becoming more interested into books.

Chris (E) had even brought some of his favorite arts of literature for you to borrow. You were currently on your third book of his, Sapiens A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. You were sitting outside your trailer in a fold up chair under the shade. Your peacefulness was interrupted by Tom (Holland) who had a worried expression on his face.

“Have you not seen it yet?” He asked you as soon as he was in front of you. Being the two most youngest actors on the current set, you guys were closer to each other than with the adults.

“Seen what, Tommy?” You put a finger in between the pages you were reading to save your spot. Tom pulls his phone out and began to type. He tapped on his screen and turned the screen to you.

“She’s been talking crap about you for days.” You read the article and saw that one of your “friends”, Sabrina has been speaking out about your success and how it’s changed you as a person.

“She’s going off about how the more money you get in your wallet, the more bratty and arrogant you become.” He grumbled as he turned his phone off.

“I could care less, honestly. I know I haven’t done anything to her and if I did I was unaware of it. Plus, she stopped talking to me after I said I couldn’t get her a part in a movie.” You shrugged as you placed a proper bookmark in the book.

“You’re not upset?”

“I mean it’s sad that she’s acting so two faced. But if that’s how she wants to roll, then be my guest. It’s her loss, not everyone has great taste.” You flicked a piece of hair away from your face with your hand.

“You’re not gonna release a statement against her?”

“No, probably just wish her well with her life and move on with my own.” You answered much to Tom’s dismay.

Redesign your brain, we gon' make some new habits

Just like magic (Just like magic), just like magic

Filming has officially ended a few months ago and now you guys were doing press tour for Civil War. Before you were the new and improved version of yourself, you dreaded press tours. Some interviewers were nice and respectful, but there were those who would ask inappropriate questions and were just rude in general. All you could remember during those past tours was wanting to leave those rooms as soon as possible.

The q&a panel at New York had a packed room. There were many journalist crowded in the room shoulder to shoulder. You were sat in between Elizabeth and Scarlett, two of the women who have been guiding you and teaching you about life as a woman in the business. They were also like your older sisters.

The panel had been going smoothly for the first half hour until a man with a snobby face and cocky demeanor approached the mic.

“Hello, I’m Keith and my question’s for (y/n).” He began. You nodded in his direction, motioning for him to continue.

“I think everyone’s noticed how you’ve changed and developed as a person. Obviously something’s changed in your life. So I want to know if you’ve had any intimate relationships with any of the men in the cast?” You were surprised at the man’s question. First it was bold of him to ask such a question and second it was just disrespectful to you and the others on the cast.

“I mean someone’s gotta be fucking you good to make you crawl out your shell.” The man finished shrugging nonchalantly. Robert was about to interject but your mouth was quicker than his. The men of the cast were disgusted at the man while they sat at the edge of their seats.

“Well last time I checked my contract, my job was to act, not sleep around with the men who are part of these movies.” You spoke into the mic. All the attention was on you while the room was at a standstill.

“It’s also very upsetting that you think a girl needs to be fucked in order to be confident in herself. I hate to break it to you but women are completely capable of turning their lives around without the help of men and that says a lot about you, sir. So if I were you, I’d take myself back to my seat and rethink my life because if one of us has to redesign our brains it’s you.” You finished as you placed your mic on your lap. The room was silent until the cast began to clap. This was your first time standing up for yourself, usually Robert or Scarlett would swoop in and save you but this time, you were saving yourself.

You shook your head as you blushed, shoving your head in your hands. You felt some pats on the backs and cheers from your dysfunctional family. You look up and see Scarlett and Elizabeth smiling at you proudly.

“Isn’t she amazing?” Robert asked the crowd as he hugged you. The crowd cheering you on.

Just like magic, your life felt like a dream come true, knowing that you were worth it and enough for the people around you and for yourself.

#marvel #mcu #avengers #chris evans #chris evans x reader #Sebastian Stan #sebastian stan x reader #anthony mackie x reader #Anthony Mackie #Scarlett Johansson #Scarlett Johansson x reader #marvel cast x teen!reader #marvel cast x reader #ally’s 700 celebration #ally’s requests

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garbagevanfleet · 3 years

Text

Brightest Blue (series)

PART FIFTEEN (final chapter)

Pairing: Josh & female!Reader Warnings: 18+ ONLY, sexual content, alcohol, feelings Summary: Things are changing. New state. New school. New roommate. You just pray things are going to click into place. Notes: What an odd feeling this is. I love writing fics, but when you work so long and hard on something, it’s hard to let it go. I’m really pleased with how it turned out though, and I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone that read it and interacted with it. A big thank you to my editor, @lantern-inthenight for sticking with me through it, and thank you again to everyone on my taglist.

MASTERPOST

taglist: @valleyd0ll @satingrass-maidensfair @guitarfingers @thebohemianpenguin @peaceisouranthem @oblvions @hansonobsessed @myownparadise96 @anditsmywholeheart @kill-fear-the-power-of-lies @bigblack-catattack @dharma-divine

There was a plant in the Kiszka house that you couldn’t stop looking at - you found yourself making your way to the kitchen, just so you could peek in on it. It was a Christmas cactus placed on the south-facing window sill above the sink, spilling out of the sides of its terra cotta pot in long tendrils.

Shapely, dark green, and perfectly healthy - it was the perfect metaphor for the household that loved it. The fuchsia pink buds on the tips of every trailing vine were promising to open every day since you’d arrived, and - perfectly on queue - the first one opened on Christmas Eve. It had been tightly closed when you greeted it in the morning as you sipped your cup of coffee, but by the time the family was snacking on a veggie tray and cocktail weenies at lunchtime, it was fully open, facing the floor in a way that reminded you of a ballerina’s tutu.

“You like this thing, huh?” Josh had asked, audible to just you over the lively conversation and music filling the kitchen and dining room. He was standing closely behind your right shoulder, charmingly trying to get the same view of the cactus that you were - as if that could help him appreciate it better.

“Isn’t it lovely?” you replied, turning your head and realizing at the same time that you could kiss his cheek if you leaned in closer. The two of you shared a lingering look that you put an end to just before you could start feeling physically warm.

He hummed in consideration after a moment. “It’s pretty,” he agreed and then smiled weakly. “It kinda just looks like another plant to me though, if I’m being honest.”

You turned to face him then, giving him a warm look. “There’s a lot of beauty to be found in things that other people don’t know to consider. It gives you kind of a selfish satisfaction.”

The slightly suggestive tone you’d taken put a puzzled smile on his face. He gave you a look that somehow perfectly let you know that he’d be back to pry at the deeper meaning of this conversation later when you were alone.

“We got this for Christmas for my mom one year when we were little kids. Sam and Ronnie liked the color.” He smiled at it past your shoulder. “It used to be so tiny.”

It certainly wasn’t anymore. As a matter of fact, it was currently threatening to take over the whole sill - swallow up the little knick-knacks peppered around it.

“It’s really happy,” you agreed.

+++

Dinner that night was photo-worthy. Laid out on the table were dishes upon dishes of different comfort foods, each with its own oversized serving spoon. Jake had been trying to make homemade bread through the entirety of your time there - the first night was his very first time making it and it was a little raw, then the next night it seemed a little hard, then the next it looked a little overcooked and dense. Tonight, however, it looked worthy of a cooking magazine cover.

PERFECT BREAD ON THE SIXTH TRY! it would read triumphantly.

No one had a claim on any of the specific spots at the dining table, so it was free game - which was how you were able to finagle your way into sitting between Jake and Sam for that evening’s meal. You liked them a lot, for the record, but you had been thinking a lot about your earlier interaction with Josh, and that was the reason for your chosen position.

You wanted to stare at him without arousing suspicion - or rather, any more suspicion than was already present amongst the six of you.

He had given you a questioning look as he sat directly across the table from you, scooting his chair in until he could rest his elbows on the wood. You offered him a reassuring smile as you settled in, but secretly you reveling in the fact it’d seem awfully non-platonic if he questioned your choice out loud.

While you ate, he only caught you looking at him once, to which he responded by playfully poking his tongue out at you. Otherwise, you listened intently to a story that Sam was telling you about a fated time he found a designer jacket in a truck stop bathroom and it fit perfectly. You also chatted lightly with Jake - who was sitting to your right - about each of your classes and he graciously listened to you gripe at length about the weather and its lack of consistency, which was obviously very kind of him.

When dinner was over, the family changed into their pajamas before meeting in the living room with their wine to sit around the tree and open one present each of their choosing. It went around in a circle, starting with Josh who received a new cutting board and a set of knives that his mom jokingly assured him he couldn’t have until he was ready to go back to Ann Arbor. You were unabashedly visibly excited to be able to use a knife that could cut without having to use a sawing motion.

Jake had unknowingly chosen to open the present you got for him, which was a leather-bound journal and fountain pen that cost more than you wanted to admit but after you saw it at the store, you couldn’t stop thinking about it. You had felt incredibly cool while purchasing it, so in a way, it was kind of a gift for you too.

The gift you opened was a wool sweater from Josh’s parents and when you lovingly clutched the forest green fabric to your chest, it was a genuine gesture. You reminded them that they didn’t have to get you anything, but thanked them profusely when they informed you that you were being silly.

After the designated presents were opened, warm conversation was had as the Rudolph Christmas movie played quietly in the background. It was one of your holiday favorites though, so you probably paid more attention to it than the rest of the family.

Once 10 pm hit, there was a sharp rise in the frequency of yawns, and shortly after that people started turning in, one by one. Everyone was wished a good night, knowing that when they woke up again, it would be Christmas.

After Jake turned in around 11:30, you and Josh were the last ones standing - or sitting rather.

You were sitting next to each other on the sofa, about a foot apart because despite Jake having been privy to your relationship, it was just good practice when any member of his family was around.

As soon as Jake’s bedroom door was closed, Josh seemed to visibly relax his muscles, though his fingers still fidgeted with his jeans every few moments.

“Are you liking being home?” you asked and then took a sip of wine, already knowing what he was going to say.

He gave you a low, pained-sounding hum through a grimacing smile. “We should have just told my family what the nature of our relationship was - I don’t think I can handle not touching you much longer.”

“M’kay, couple things to address here,” you started through an amused smirk. “You were able to handle not touching me for months - I think you can handle literally one and a half more days. And two-”

He cut you off with a finger against your lips. “Yeah, but had I known you wanted me to, it would have made a lot of difference.”

You pressed a kiss to the digit before he quickly pulled it away with an accusatory squint in his eye.

“And secondly,” you tried again pointedly. “What would you have told them? ‘Hey guys, I have very very fuzzy boundaries with my roommate and that often results in us sleeping together, both literally and as a euphemism’?”

He shot you a teasing smirk. “Cute. You’re very cute,” he said sarcastically.

After a very long, comfortable silence, you spoke again, voice low and hushed. “So, can I scoot closer to you now?”

He looked over at you from out of the corner of his eye, still holding that smirk. “Please do.”

You shuffled until your thigh was touching his.

Of course, you had missed it right away, but you hadn’t really realized how much you’d missed being physically close to him until you caught the now-familiar scent of his cologne.

Another comfortable silence fell upon the room, quiet enough that all you could hear was the quiet crackling of the logs in the stone fireplace.

“Can I kiss you too?” you asked, looking over at him through the sheer curtain of your hair.

He looked like he was truly mulling it over as his eyes flicked down the hall to his siblings’ rooms, and then across the living room and up the set of stairs to his parents’ room. After a second, he let out a huff and said, “Fuck it.”

He reached over and tugged on your various limbs until you were sitting in his lap, face to face.

It had been so forbidden to you up until then, that when he leaned in and caught your lips, you let out a groan under your breath.

“I missed you,” he breathed, almost directly against your mouth. “I love knowing you in any aspect, but I’ve been burning for this.”

It made the heat rise to your cheeks, as well as your lap - but you couldn’t let him know he’d turned you on so easily, so you replied breathily with, “That’s an awfully fancy way of telling me you’re horny, babe.”

He was biting back a laugh for a split second before, grabbing your hips a little tighter to gain back what dominance you had borrowed from him with your teasing.

You pressed your luck. “Really, very eloquent.”

A look of contemplation flashed over his features as he was obviously deciding what to do next. He lifted you with little effort and then pressed you firmly backward until your shoulders hit the seat of the couch. Then he crawled over you and stared down into your eyes triumphantly.

“Aren’t you worried about someone coming out here?” you challenged through a grin.

He leaned in until he could drag his teeth across your cheekbone, making your skin prickle. “I don’t care anymore,” he replied, and then - in a show of brutal honesty - pressed his crotch against your hip and ground down just enough to show you how hard he was.

Your breath caught in your throat, and involuntarily, you bucked up against him.

You kissed him so forcefully that it was almost more like just mashing your mouths together for a long moment. His hand slipped down between your bodies until his fingers brushed over your navel, the ticklish feeling making the muscles jump under the touch. It was the anticipation of his next move that fucked you up the most.

He was dragging his fingers lower, just about to dip under the band of your pajama pants when he seemed to have a moment of clarity and pulled his hand away altogether. You frowned at him, pushing your hips up to meet his hand instead, to which he responded by placing his palm on your stomach and pressing you back down with a laugh.

“Let’s go to my room,” he suggested.

“No, wait.” You gave him the softest eyes you could. “It’s so romantic out here right now - the lights on the tree, the fire, the soft couch. Would you just kiss me here for a bit?”

The look on his face could only be described as enamored. He stared at your face for a few long seconds before you finally asked if he was alright.

“I’m lucky to have you.”

He said it under his breath, so sincerely and honestly, that you weren’t sure how to respond until you could catch up with your thoughts. You cupped his jaw in your right palm, raking your fingers through his hair and he careened your touch in a way that had you feeling like a melting scoop of ice cream.

“You know, I sometimes think about how poorly the whole ‘moving across the country to a place you’ve never been for school’ thing could have gone. There were so many variables that had to click into place, and somehow I still ended up living with a person that,” You paused to brush your thumb against his cheekbone, hoping to portray your meaning through your touch. “Might be a literal angel.”

He raked his front teeth over his bottom lip subconsciously as he consumed the compliment. You could see his brain chewing it over as he snickered a laugh.

“Though, I think angels are supposed to deliver good tidings and not black eyes,” you teased.

You couldn’t name the look he adopted then, but it seemed somewhere between solemn and proud reminiscence. The frown forming on your features was not lost on him, and you quickly spoke before he could change the subject.

“What’s wrong?”

He hummed and met your eyes. “I never wanted you to find out about that,” he said like an admission.

“What do you mean?”

“There were a lot of things I did to get your attention, but that was completely reactionary. I’ve never been a violent person - well, to anyone but my siblings anyway-”

You huffed a laugh at him but nodded for him to continue.

“You were right,” He met your eyes with an intense sincerity. “I am a lover. Not a fighter.”

“I know,” you whispered as you brushed a stray curl from his forehead. “But you must have known I would find out, right?”

“I wasn’t thinking about that at the time, but yeah - in retrospect - of course, you’d find out. But I did it. I sought him out and it just-” He bit his lip for a second to take a pause. “I saw him and all I could think about was you crying on my shoulder that night.”

You didn’t say anything. You just let him gather his thoughts as the crackling of the fire served as a placeholder in his silence.

“He’s lucky he only got a black eye because I wanted to kill him for touching you.”

It was clear after a moment that he was waiting for you to respond, possibly even hoping for validation at such a vulnerable moment.

“If I’m being honest, Josh, I still can’t believe you could do that - I can’t even imagine you yelling at someone in a way that was anywhere near serious.”

He stared at you for a few long beats, and you watched the reflection of the Christmas lights twinkle like stars speckled over the dark canvas of his eyes.

“Yeah, well,” he started, just above a whisper. His brows were tipped into a look of contemplation - the spacing of his words making you think that he wasn’t sure how to proceed. “You do crazy things to protect the people you love.”

It wasn’t voluntary in any way when your breathing stopped, it just happened - like your lungs were locked up for a few long seconds as you waited for one of you to say something.

“You’re my best friend,” he said like a confession, looking more serious than you’d ever seen him. “And I love you.”

Undeniably, your face was peachy pink - you could feel it tingling warm. You weren’t sure what to do with your hands, but you knew you wanted to touch him. His skin tightened around his jaw when you ghosted your fingers over it.

“You love me?”

He nodded at you, a small but confident motion. “You fill a lot of different positions in my life. I’m not in love with you yet - I don’t think - but I want your permission to be.”

Without wasting another second, you caught his lips in an earnest kiss, your chest feeling like it might implode. It only lasted for a moment before he was pulling you back up until you were sitting in his lap.

“Was that romantic enough for you?” he asked, trying to shade his voice with humor but it came out sounding breathless instead.

“I literally can’t imagine anything more romantic,” you agreed with a weak laugh and then teased, “Unless you proposed. You’re not going to propose, are you?”

He adopted a disbelieving smirk. “Do you want me to? I’m sure I can fashion a ring out of something. Maybe there’s a cock ring joke in there somewhere-”

You rolled your eyes playfully and cut him off with, “Please shut up and take me to bed. Right now, okay?”

He ushered you off of him with a breathy laugh before gently nudging you in the general direction of his room. “Hurry along then.”

The two of you padded quietly down the hall, shutting the door without making a peep.

The only light in his room was what you could see of the Christmas lights that framed the front door, casting a white-gold glow over the setting.

When he laid you out over the bed, it was significantly gentler than you were expecting as was the kiss he placed - first on your cheek and then your jaw and down your neck to your throat.

His hands slipped under your pajama top, tugging lighting at the buttons on it from the inside and letting his fingers make the skin across your navel tighten. Instinctively, your fingers tangled into his hair, keeping him close enough that the pointed tip of his nose was resting on your sternum. The warm humidity of his breath hitting your skin was both calming and exciting at the same time in a way you couldn’t describe if you tried. His fingers worked to undo your top with relative ease, sliding it off of your chest after.

You eyed the way his bicep flexed as he held all of his weight on it, and wrapped your fingers around it to give it a squeeze. He reacted by dragging his teeth across your breast with just enough sting to make your hips lift off the bed. The way he sucked one of your nipples into his mouth and rolled it around with his tongue made you squirm, fingers flexing into his tense skin. A tingly, warm feeling set over you as you wrapped your legs around his hips and sat up to shrug your shirt off.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this,” he stated simply as he ran his fingers down your bare chest.

You hummed at him through a smile, pinching his chin in your fingers and tilting his head up until he had to look you in the eyes. He gave you a grin as he bit his bottom lip and then leaned in to press a kiss against your cheek. In your heart, you knew the gesture had you blushing, but it was confirmed for you when he smugly rubbed his thumb across your cheekbone.

The chill in the room made your newly-naked skin prickle as he tossed your pajama pants to the floor, followed quickly by his own. With all of your clothing discarded into a pile, he pulled you up onto your knees, cupped both sides of your jaw with his hands, and tugged your face closer until your noses were touching. You listened to his shaky breathing for a moment before you dug your fingers into his hips, pulling him back over you as you laid out on the bed.

You knew your nails were digging into his skin - probably a little too deeply - as he pushed into you, one of his hands wrapped around your thigh to keep it hitched over his hip. This was confirmed for you when you heard him suck in a breath that sounded more like a hiss, though you got the feeling that he liked the sting of it.

Through the entirety of the time he was fucking you, he barely pulled his body away from you at all, instead opting to just rock himself against you until you were near tears. The biggest challenge was barely making a sound as you reached your peak, your face buried in the humid crook of his neck and shoulder.

You weren’t positive how much time had passed, but as you laid together, post-orgasm, you realized just how exhausted you were.

Neither of you had said a word for quite a while, so it sounded too loud when you spoke into the dark room.

“Are you going back to the living room?” you whispered.

“Nah, fuck it. I’m not going anywhere,” he replied, nuzzling the top of his nose into your hair as you laid, half on his bare chest. Just before you fell asleep you remembered the very first night you slept in his bed, and how much had changed since then - and how much had not really changed at all.

+++

You had meant to set an alarm - really. But you hadn’t gotten around to it the night before, which is why when you came stumbling out of the bedroom with Josh close behind you, you were met with a few pairs of eyes staring at you from the living room. Trying not to look like the most guilty human on earth, you ducked your head and quickly made your retreat to the bathroom. Neither of you said a word as you brushed your teeth together, sneaking playful glances at each other in the mirror.

By the time you had both showered - Josh first and then you second - and changed into your clothes for the day, it was 9:30. You both found the dining room table hosting his entire family and enough breakfast food piled on top of the worn wood to satisfy a small army.

The two spots that they saved for you were next to each other, so you settled in and tried to prepare for the most awkward meal of your life thus far.

“You almost made it to the end,” Jake quipped, apparently happy as hell to deliver the first blow.

You watched Josh’s eyes flick up at him, delivering him a chilly look.

“Okay, it wasn’t really a secret before, but it’s definitely not anymore,” Jake finished, rolling his eyes as the bowl of scrambled eggs was passed to him.

Josh poured himself a glass of orange juice and then gestured for your glass too. “If I were in the living room last night, Santa wouldn’t have come. Really, you have me to thank for the gifts you receive today.” He finished filling your glass and set the carton back down before continuing. “And I’ll take that thank you in the form of you shutting up and minding your own business.”

Jake snorted a laugh as he dished himself out some breakfast. He opened his mouth to tease Josh further, but when he looked up and met your eyes, he let the next remark die on his lips - instead just settling for a smug smirk.

No one mentioned anything else about it, but as the meal went on, you realized that you really had nothing to be ashamed of. You brushed your fingers against Josh’s under the table and then let him lace them together as his sister was telling a story about the best gift she’d ever received. You didn’t share a look with him, but you didn’t have to as his thumb swiped over the top of your hand, over and over.

After breakfast was eaten and presents were opened, Josh found you on your way out of the restroom and motioned for you to follow him to his room.

“I have something for you,” he started as he took your hand and sat you on the bed. You crossed your hands in your lap, settling into your spot with a smile. He closed the door behind him and then lifted the bag he’d packed from home onto the dresser.

He pulled out a little box like a magician would pull a rabbit from his hat, and then held it out for you to take.

“It really isn’t much, because we obviously don’t have a lot of money, but after what you did for Penny- Well. I wanted to do something meaningful too,” he explained sheepishly.

The box was wrapped in mint green foil and marked with your name on a brown paper tag.

You took a lot of care removing the wrapping, and gently opened the top of the box as you held his eyes.

Inside was a 4-inch terra cotta pot, decorated with delicately painted sunflowers on a white background.

“It’s obviously not perfect-” he started, but you didn’t let him finish before you set the pot on his bedspread and wrapped your arms around his neck.

“It’s perfect,” you stated simply.

+++

He slept with you again that night, this time sparing any sneaky behavior - and this time, when the two of you emerged from his room, no one even batted an eye. It took you only a few moments to pack your things up, but over an hour to say all of your goodbyes.

You watched as his mother hugged him again, just like she had when he’d arrived - tightly, like she could barely stand to let him leave. This time, she hugged you too, nearly just as warmly.

Josh helped you get your bags into the trunk of your car, being decidedly less gentle with Jake’s belongings, and the two of you crawled into the front seats as Jake was ribbing his much taller younger brother at the front door.

“Hey, I got you this. I looked it up on my phone and the wiki page said I could just rip it off, so I did,” he explained as he placed a long arm of the Christmas cactus into your lap.

You look at it for a long moment, your chest feeling tight.

He must have mistaken your silence for apprehension, because he continued on, letting a concerned tone shade his words. “It said it wouldn’t hurt the plant and that it would eventually just grow roots. Is that right? So you can have one of your own, you know? Since you liked it so much. You could even use the little pot.”

You let your eyes meet his as you tried to choke back the feeling in your throat that was threatening tears. Embarrassingly, your voice was a little shaky when you stated, “I love you too.”

He looked completely stunned, but he only had a moment to fix his expression before Jake was opening the back door and sliding effortlessly in.

“You guys good to go?” Jake asked as he leaned forward and snatched the aux cable from where it was rested on the center console.

You gave Josh an expectant smile, but when it was clear that he wasn’t going to respond, you leaned over and pressed a kiss against his lips, prompting him to say through a beaming grin, “Let’s go home.”

#brightest blue fic #Brightest Blue #josh fic #josh kiszka #josh x reader #josh kiszka smut #josh kiszka fic

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mionemymind · 3 years

Text

Do I owe her the truth?

Summary: (Hermione x Gender Neutral Reader) Should Y/n tell the truth to Hermione no matter the consequences?

Words: 5223

A/N: Let me know what y’all think. I’m sorry I having been writing a lot but I figured you deserve something for waiting for so long. Thank you for being patient. You all are the best!!

According to the great philosopher Kant, one must always do the nature of the good principle regardless of the outcome. Simply put, even if a killer was knocking on the door and asking for your friend, you must answer with the truth of their location. Although a lot argue over philosophies, Y/n simply minded their business. They figured that they have their whole life to sort out what good things they must do and bad things they must keep away. However, a bright witch among their age, made them question every single good and bad thing they had sorted out in life. Because on the very most important day of Hermione’s life, Y/n pondered the question, “Do I owe her the truth?”

The story starts out small like any simple home. You must start with a bit of foundation and the right material for it to be built. So, when Y/n transferred from Ilvermorny to Hogwarts, the very first student they were introduced to was Hermione Granger.

Walking around the halls, Y/n found themselves slightly amazed at the walls of the castle. From the decorations, to the hallways, its scenery, and even its people were more amazing than of Ilvermorny. “Right this way.” Professor McGonagall led the young sorcerer to the very Great Albus Dumbledore. Y/n had only read of the magnificent things Professor Dumbledore has done for the wizarding world and was only slightly scared to meet her current headmaster. While opening the vastly large door, Y/n slowly followed Professor McGonagall in. At the sound of the doors opening, a booming but soft voice uttered, “Ah there you are! Do come sit.” Walking up the stairs, Y/n sat at the seat in front of his desk. Sweaty palms and nervous thoughts clouded their mind. “It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Hogwarts. I know you must be eager to survey the school so I will make this brief.” With a slight pause, Dumbledore had signaled for McGonagall to leave. “As a long-standing tradition of Hogwarts, let me first assign you your house.” Quickly, a hat that looked as if it lived through many ages, was placed on Y/n’s head. “Fierce loyalty like no other to those she cares about why you must be HUFFLEPUFF!”

The hat was taken off as quickly as it was placed. Soon, a new attire was placed on her lap. “Here is your new schedule that corresponds with what you should be learning now. I took great liberty to consult with your headmaster about your curriculum. They talk highly about you in regards to your academics and wizarding abilities.” Y/n blushed at the sound of the compliment. They weren’t used to the praise given to them. “To make sure you are consistently tested, I made sure to put you in classes with one of the brightest witches of your age – ah and here she is.” Y/n turned around and suddenly timed slowed down. A girl with red and black robes entered the room as if she already owned it. It was the confidence that surrounded her aura the most, but Y/n had noticed more of the beauty that she shows.

“This young witch is Hermione Granger.” Leaping to their feet, Y/n stood up to shake Hermione’s hand. “Y/n Y/l/n.” Hermione gave a small smile and sat next to Y/n as Dumbledore had briefly explained the rules of the school. “Ah – I believe that takes care of everything. Ms. Granger please give our newest student a welcoming tour around the school. I have already informed your teachers of your absence. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Other than that, welcome to Hogwarts.”

The two young students left the office and went to the nearest bathroom. While Y/n changed to their new robes, Hermione had fiddled with her hands. “Not to intrude, but you must be extremely smart.” Y/n was buttoning their shirt when Hermione had answered the question. Good thing she couldn’t see them otherwise Hermione would have seen how red Y/n turned. Scratching their neck, Y/n replied, “I guess you could say that.”

“Oh, it’s not a guess rather a fact. You happen to have been put with some of the most difficult classes Hogwarts can currently offer for our year. That’s not something every new student experiences.” It was the way Hermione had said it as a matter of fact that made Y/n blush more. Exiting the stall, Hermione turned around and saw that they had their tie around their neck. “Need help?” Hermione said while pointing at their tie.

Once again Y/n blushed and nodded. Hermione was quick to get close to Y/n and started to tie their tie. “I do have to warn you though. There’s not a lot of competition when it comes to academics in Hogwarts. Don’t get me wrong, there is certain bright students, but none seem to come close.” Tightening the tie, Hermione looked into Y/n eyes. It was the first time she noticed how deep they looked. Regardless of their color, they were enchanting as well. “However, you seem to be my closest competition. So, I will have to take every chance I can get to beat you.” Y/n chuckled at the bright young witch in front of them. Hermione backed away after realized how close they were and cleared her throat. “Don’t take it as a laughing matter. Academics are truly important to me.”

Y/n had put their hands up in defense. “Don’t worry…I just find it funny that you think it’s going to be easy to compete with me.” Y/n smirked at their come back. If you were to ask where the hell that confidence came from, don’t bother. Y/n doesn’t know the answer either. With a similar smirk, Hermione said, “You and I are going to be great together.”

The story continues as the home is built. The next few things needed are the walls and roof.

It was the summer after their third year when Hermione, Harry, and Y/n had spent the summer at the Burrow. Ron had almost forgotten to invite Y/n when Ginny saved the day. The three of showed up at the house all dropping in one by one. Y/n was the last one to drop in, showing up during dinner time. Slowly walking in with trunk in hand, Y/n was met with the sound of their name echoing through the house. Ginny was the first to notice Y/n’s presence and loudly yelled, “Y/n!” Ginny quickly gave Y/n a hug when the echoes came from up the stairs.

“Did someone say Y/n?” George asked.

“Y/n?”

“Are they here?”

“Y/n’s here?!”

Hermione was the last one to ask when a stampede of people came running down the stairs. “Y/n!” One by one, they all started a group hug with Y/n in the middle. “Guys, I can’t breathe.” They all broke apart allowing Y/n to regain air, but was cut off when Molly came swooping in. “Oh, hello dear. I was beginning to worry that you couldn’t make it – are you hungry? You must be starving. I cooked your favorite.” Molly was quick to ramble on and on when Fred had pried the two apart. “Mum, I think Y/n needs oxygen. We’ll go ahead and start setting up the table.”

Molly slightly blushed and smiled at Y/n. “I’m glad that you’re here Y/n. Now come on people, dinner won’t serve itself.” The group was quick to help around the house, working like a well-oiled machine. Soon, everyone was sitting down at the table enjoying their home cooked meal. Y/n was sitting smack dab in the middle between Ginny and Hermione. Across from them were the boys.

Over the course of dinner, plenty of topics arose such as school, quidditch, muggles (only because Arthur can’t get enough), and more. The boys plus Ginny and Y/n couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming Quidditch World Cup. Hermione butted in about how glad she was that summer finally came. It was especially hard on the girl considering her tight schedule.

After dinner came the night. The house was quiet as the guests separated to their assigned rooms. It just so happens that Hermione and Y/n were assigned Charlie’s old room. If it weren’t for the dragon paraphernalia, Charlie’s room was actually quite neat and well organized. “Going to take a gander but I think Charlie really likes dragons.” Hermione snorted at Y/n’s obviously sarcastic comment. “Oh really? Could’ve mistaken me, I thought he was a quidditch fan.” Jokes aside, the two changed into their sleeping garments and went to bed.

Well Hermione went to bed while Y/n stared at the ceiling deep in thought. It was not until the moon was shining brightly through the window that Y/n realized how late it was. Considering the time, they tried to sleep but failed miserably. After giving up, Y/n laid on their side and faced towards Hermione. Seeing as the young wizard had already spent too much time alone with their thoughts, Y/n poked Hermione’s face until she was awake.

“Hermione. Psssst. Hermione” Y/n whispered as they poked her. “Hermione. Psst.” At the feeling of someone poking her, Hermione swatted their hand away. Seeing Hermione with an annoyed sleeping face was funny to Y/n but being alone sucked more. “Hermione, are you awake?” Suddenly, Hermione’s eyes opened; it was like a fierce dragon was staring into your soul. She looked mad at the fact someone woke her up from her slumber. “What Y/n?”

With an innocent smile, Y/n looked at Hermione and said, “Wanna tell secrets?” Hermione rolled her eyes and faced the opposite way of Y/n. “Go to sleep Y/n. We have to wake up early soon.” Y/n groaned at Hermione’s words. She was right, of course, but Y/n couldn’t go to sleep. Night was always the hardest.

“Come on Hermione.” Y/n received no response from the girl. Only a silent shoulder. Laying on her back and hands behind their head, Y/n looked at the ceiling. “Ya know, I know your secret…at least one of them.” Y/n glanced at Hermione and she still was facing away. “Or maybe two of them. Well, it’s the same secret, it just so happens that two Hermiones happen to share them.” Hermione quickly shot up and faced towards Y/n to see them smirking. “It’s not that hard to tell that a bright witch like you can’t be in two classes at once, but somehow you were.” Hermione grabbed her pillow and proceeded to hit Y/n with it. “Don’t you dare tell a soul Y/n Y/l/n. I won’t be afraid to hex you.”

Y/n grabbed the pillow and threw it back at the witch, making sure to aim at her face. “Well maybe next time, try not to be in two places at once. It sure threw me off when I had to drop off a note for the Professor only to have found you in a different class. And after I returned, you were still at the same spot I left you.”

“Unbelievable. I knew I should have volunteered to do that, but you just had to be faster than me.” Hermione rolled her eyes and sat up against the bed frame. Y/n followed suit and did the same thing. There was still an obvious smirk on their face. After a couple minutes, the silence broke. “Well, are you going to tell me your secret since you exposed mine?”

“Well Ms. Grainger lets see what secret you get to hear today.” Pondering for a moment, Y/n tried to think of information that no one knew, something of equivalently as important such as time traveling. “I got it! However, you have to promise me that you won’t tell a soul not even Crookshanks.” Y/n held out their hand with only their pinky in the air. Hermione looked them in the eye as she said, “I promise.” They locked pinkies as Y/n said, “I think I like girls.”

Hermione blinked for a couple seconds which only led devasting thoughts in Y/n’s mind. It didn’t take long, but she responded with, “Oh for Merlin’s sake. If you’re going to tell me a secret Y/n, at least make it to something that isn’t so painfully obvious.”

Hermione broke the gaze as Y/n stared in disbelief. “Don’t look so surprised. Just as you said, maybe next time try not to be caught staring at every single girl in Hogwarts.”

Gulping down their fear, Y/n said, “You don’t mind?” Hermione shook her head. “Nope. Not one single bit. You’re still the same, just love who you love except for racists and he who shall not be named. Well there’s a list. As long as they’re not genuinely bad people and you can see them joining SPEW, then I approve.”

Y/n looked at the girl beside her in amazement and wonder. They continued the conversation as the night grew, telling even more daring secrets as the previous. But one secret did remain with Y/n that night, it was their everlasting crush on Hermione Jean Granger.

The second to last thing a home needs is the spark to light the fireplace as well as the furniture. That way the home can feel as warm and as safe to those that harbor in it.

It was a winter wonderland at Hogwarts. Students were preparing to travel back home to their respective families. However, a group of students decided to spend the last weekend at Hogsmeade before leaving the next day. Right now, they had crowed the room at The Three Broomsticks with laughter, joy, and happy memories. The air was filled with a different type of warmth, one that felt safe and even like a second home. Everyone was talking so loudly within small groups, it was hard to even feel alone. Ginny and Y/n were standing near the fire talking when Fred had grabbed the attention of the room. “Everyone. Everyone. I propose a game. Let’s do a simple muggle game called truth or dare.” Everyone in the group oood as they knew where this was going to lead. They would start with a couple truths before someone breaks the ice with a good dare. Typically, the twins were the ones to propose the dare, but not a lot could compete. “Whoever cannot complete the truth or dare shall lose. Completion allows you to stay,” George had added.

The group sat in a tight makeshift circle that almost took up all the chairs and tables provided. “I’ll start. Harry, who was the last person you snogged?” All eyes were now on the chosen one. Everyone could see his nervousness, but everyone knew he would never want to be the first one out. “Draco.” Certain eyes went wide, but Y/n simply went unphased since she somewhat caught the two making out in between classes. “No questions. Neville, is your crush in this room?” Neville immediately turned red at the question and was the first one to back out. There were small boos mainly coming from the twins. “Since Neville backed out, lets go with the person to his right, Ron. Is your crush in this room?” Ron had the same reaction as Neville but had looked at the ceiling to refrain from giving away his crush. “Yes.” Everyone looked among each other trying to figure out who it could possibly be. “Don’t even try asking who it is. Ginny since you’re bloody enjoying this, did you and Y/n ever snog?” Y/n and Ginny both went wide eyed causing the group to lean a little bit closer to the two. What added more was at how everyone knew how close the two were. Not wanting to entirely answer the question, Ginny backed out the circle causing more booing from the crowd. “What a buzzkill. However, lets just ask the second-best person. Well Y/n, have you snogged my sister?”

Y/n looked at the crowded but had kept glancing towards Hermione. Although it was a simple question, Y/n hadn’t wanted to entirely answer it. You see, Ginny and Y/n did kiss before, but it was an accident. There was a bump, a stumble, then a fall, and then an accident kiss. It didn’t mean anything to the two of them, plus Y/n felt like her heart might’ve been for somewhere. So, Y/n had followed Ginny in the same manner and backed out the circle. “Oh bloody hell! You two have a knack to keep this stupid mystery alive.” They both rolled their eyes at Ron and watched the game continue. What Y/n failed to realize was how affected a certain witch was at their answer.

The game dwindled down until there was three left and unironically it was the golden trio that had made it this far. It was a little surprising for Y/n that Hermione had made it this far. Majority of the time, Hermione would be among the first to decline doing a truth or dare. “I’m sorry Hermione, but I must win. So, I dare you to kiss Ron.” It was something about the dare that made Y/n’s stomach turn. Their mood soured so quickly that they almost felt sick. Slightly tapping Ginny’s back, Y/n whispered in her ear, “Hey, I’m gonna head outside real quick. I don’t feel so good.” Ginny gave a concerned look. She was going to say something back, but Y/n was already out the door with their hand clutching their stomach.

Besides Ginny, Hermione was the only other person that noticed Y/n had left. In her line of sight, she saw past Ron and briefly seen them leave in distress. The deafening chants of “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” didn’t register with her. The only thing running through Hermione’s mind was Y/n. “I’m sorry, I can’t do this dare guys.” Quickly getting out the circle, the chants stopped, and the game continued to declare the winner. Hermione excused herself and made her way outside. She made sure to grab hers and Y/n’s coat. “What an idiot. It’s freezing cold out there.”

Stepping out the tavern, Hermione saw various witches and wizards pass by. Some she knew and some she didn’t. Walking further out, Hermione grew frustrated after not quickly finding her friend. “Where the hell are you?” Walking around further, she saw an outline of a person. Clearly, they had no coat on with how much they were shivering. Hermione walked closer to the figure and realized it was Y/n. “For someone so bloody smart, you are such an idiot.” Hermione accidentally wrapped her own coat around Y/n. She didn’t realize she had instinctively put on her best friend’s coat. Y/n chuckled, but it was cut short due to the freezing weather. Hermione sat down beside them and focused on the view in front of them. There was a small silence between the two as they had people watched. Hermione almost forgot why she even went outside in the first place. She shook her head remembering her thought, “Are you okay? I saw you leave in a hurry.”

Y/n glanced at Hermione, giving her a sheepish smile. “Yeah, I think my stomach was just feeling off. I went outside to get better air.” Hermione looked in their eyes and was quick to call bullshit. “Better air? It’s absolutely freezing out here. Even Merlin themselves wouldn’t want to be outside this weather. So why don’t you tell me the real truth? And if you lie Y/n, I will not hesitate to read your mind.” Y/n gulped at the sound of her threat. They glanced back out into the view in front of them. Taking a deep breath, Y/n nervously replied with, “During your dare, I suddenly felt…sick…I don’t know why but my stomach felt so knotty and I felt like I couldn’t breathe. So, I left.” Y/n glanced back at Hermione and immediately noticed the look on her face. It was intense and serious. Suddenly, something in the air felt different. It was getting hotter and hotter regardless of the snow falling around them.

“Can I kiss you?” Hermione asked in such a small whisper. A lump appeared in Y/n’s throat. They didn’t know what to quite say. They never really thought about what their feelings meant towards Hermione, but then again, everyone practically knew that Y/n and Hermione were in love with each other. Y/n just happened to be the biggest dumbass when it comes to realizing their feelings for others. But here Y/n was. They weren’t answering the question, but felt themselves leaning in. The two closed their eyes and was slowly leaning in. Hermione felt her heart beating so fast that she was certain it would explode, but she didn’t care. She knew that for so long, she wanted this.

However…the moment never arrived. It was cut off from a distant yell, “Y/n!” The two quickly separated and looked at different directions. Suddenly Hermione took it a step further and slightly moved away from Y/n. “There you are – I’ve been looking every where for you!” Ginny jogged up to the duo, noting the awkward tension that emerged. “We have to go back to the castle, I’ll explain on the way.” The red head dragged away her best friend while giving a small nod towards Hermione.

When they were far enough and half way towards the castle, Ginny explained the dire situation. “It’s your parents Y/n, you have to go home. An owl was sent towards the tavern. Here, you’re going to want to read this.” Ginny handed Y/n the letter. After reading it, Y/n’s stomach dropped. “I have to get home.” Ginny sent them a look. “Clearly dumbass. Come on, let’s get your stuff.” It was eerie quiet between the two since the situation had escalated. Y/n’s parents were in trouble and needed Y/n’s help.

Back at Hogsmeade, Hermione didn’t quite know what to feel. She was so close to kissing her crush, but Ginny just had to ruin the moment. The same person she was somewhat certain had Y/n’s heart. Asking the younger lad to kiss her took all the courage Hermione had, and here she was slightly heartbroken that she was gone. So deep in thought, Hermione didn’t notice Ron sit next to her until he said something. “Hey.”

“I need you to explain to Hermione that I’m sorry.” Ginny sighed. She slightly felt guilty for ruining the moment, but time was precious and something Y/n very much needed now. “I know you saw what was going to happen, but I don’t even know what I was doing.” Closing their trunk, Y/n stood up and looked at Ginny. “I do know that I also need to realize what I feel for Hermione. For a lot of my life, I thought I just had a deep love for her. I guess now it might be even deeper.” Ginny walked up and gave Y/n a bone chilling hug.

“I’ll try my best, but she’s definitely going to want to hear it from you.” They separated. Y/n saw the tears forming in Ginny’s eyes. “I’m going to bloody miss you. Please be safe in America and you better send me an owl at least once every two weeks.” Y/n gave Ginny and small salute and crossed their heart.

“I will Ginny. Besides, I need you to deliver all the letters I write for Hermione. I really gotta figure this out.” With one last hug and a small punch to Y/n’s shoulder, the young student left Hogwarts on to the next ride to America. The letter was still clutched in her hand and in it was detailed the long passage of how to save Y/n’s parents from the very people chasing after them. Y/n didn’t quite know how long it was going to take to save their parents, but they could only hope Hermione could understand. “Please wait for me.” Y/n whispered to Hermione in particular, but the younger witch didn’t hear those words. Instead, Hermione heard comforting words from a different red head.

The last thing a home needs is the very people that should live in it. It needs family, friends, and most certainly you and me.

Y/n stood, pacing around the bathroom. They knew time was running out, it was now or never. “Why? Why? Why? Why?” Y/n stood still and pinched the bridge of their nose. Eyes closed, Y/n pondered more and more about all of the things they didn’t do. How could they have let this go on for this long? Why did they let it go on for this long? Deep in thought, Y/n didn’t notice a certain ginger walk into the bathroom. “Y/n, what in the bloody hell are you doing there? Hermione has been calling you and quite worried sick. If it wasn’t her big day, I would have already knocked you out you big prat.”

Y/n glanced at the second most important person of her life. With a heavy sigh, Y/n slid down the wall. Their knees were propped, hands in their face, and heart in their throat. “I don’t know what to do anymore Ginny.” Ginny pursed her lips and looked back out the door, making sure the coast was clear, before locking the door. She laid her small bouquet of flowers on the sink and sat down near Y/n while trying not to mess up her dress.

“Although I love my idiot brother with all my heart…I somehow love you more.” They sat there together knowing where this was going. “I can’t do it Ginny. I really can’t sit there without feeling like my world is crashing apart right in front of my eyes…The worst thing about it is, I can only blame myself for letting it go this long.”

Ginny rested her head on her best friend’s shoulder. She didn’t quite know what to say anymore. Offering her presence and her ear was the only thing left. “I-I-I spent so long in other countries to try and find my parents while trying to find myself. To try and figure out what I feel for her and by the time I have, she’s already engaged to another…And it’s my stupid fucking fault for ever thinking Hermione would wait. I mean why would she? If some other bloke can already provide her happiness, why should she wait for me? For…us?” Y/n hadn’t realized they were crying until their hands suddenly felt wet. “It’s sad, isn’t it?” Y/n said as they wiped their tears. “What is?”

“Knowing I am my own cause for my sadness. I mean who I am to blame Hermione. The girl was only doing what Aristotle says. Because as he said, we all want to be selfishly happy.” Sighing in defeat, Y/n got up and dusted off their attire. Lending their hand out, Ginny got up and did the same manner. “How much time do I got?”

Ginny looked at the clock in the bathroom. “You have five minutes before she needs to be walking down the isle.” With a small smile, Y/n kissed Ginny forehead and said a small goodbye. The two were only going to part ways for merely a bit. After all, Ginny is Y/n’s second-best friend. But here was Y/n, jogging to the very person that was going to forever have their heart.

Standing outside the bride’s room, Y/n silently prayed and opened the door. There she was in all her glory, the bride to be, the love of her life, the Hermione Granger. However, the brunette herself wasn’t feeling so great. With all the stress of wanting the wedding to be perfect, it wasn’t helping that her very best friend was mysteriously disappearing all the time without a single word. She looked up and sighed once she saw who it was. Picking up her dress, Hermione strutted to Y/n as they closed the door behind them. “Do you have any clue how worried sick I have been?”

“I-” With a single motion of Hermione’s hand, Y/n remained silent. “And anytime I happen to need my best friend to calm me down, they’re nowhere in sight. What is wrong with you? This is my special day Y/n and you haven’t been as great of a friend as you should be. So please, enlighten me where have you been running off to that’s sooo important that you need to leave me?” It was those piercing eyes that made Y/n’s heart melt over and over again. It’s those very same eyes that could practically melt the iceberg that hit the titanic. And it’s those eyes that makes Y/n’s world spin again.

“I…I can’t be your friend Hermione.” Y/n’s voice was so soft and so delicate, Hermione almost questioned if her ears were playing tricks. “What are you bloody saying? You’re not making any sense.” And all the remaining courage Y/n could muster up, they held her hands, looked her in the eyes and said, “When I was gone, I learned of this great philosopher named Kant-” “What does this have to-” Hermione saw the silently begging eyes in front of her and shut her mouth. This was serious and she wasn’t quite sure if she was ready for it.

“He always focused on good principles and always asked about the before of the action. Generally, he believed others should necessarily treat people how they want to be treated. So, a short example is that one should never lie under any circumstances. It does not matter the outcome, but it is simply something you must do. And although I’ve never really believed in absolute, I’ve been asking myself if I should tell the truth. And if people actually deserve to know the truth. So while I thought about it and asked, well what if they deserve the truth, should I still tell them regardless of the outcome? Although I thought I knew a lot of the world, it turns out I only know two things. One is that you deserve to know the absolute truth Hermione and the second is…you are the lie I repeat at night. Because every night I tell I love you, the truth is…I am so in love with you Hermione.”

The world went silent for Hermione. Not even a single pin drop could break the silence for her. Here she was still holding her best friend’s hands as they had just admitted that they were in love with her. “And I’m so sorry Hermione that today of all days was when I told you. I know I had my chances in the letters I sent but I must be honest now because you still deserve the absolute truth. And I’m running out of words to say, because it would be too selfish of me to convince you to run away. So I offer my congratulations Hermione, but I must still run. For then maybe in the blur of life, I can see a small fragment where there could have been you and I.” Y/n kissed Hermione’s forehead as tears may their way down. Letting go of Hermione, Y/n silently walked out the room without turning back because if they had, they would have broken down.

So, while Y/n told Hermione the truth directly. Hermione stood still at the alter with someone who she is most positively certain she loves pondering the very question, “Do I run after the truth?”

#hermione x reader #hermione granger x reader #Hermione Granger Imagines #hermione granger imagine #Hermione Granger

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bebepac · 3 years

Text

Ri-Liamo de Bergerac (Happy birthday Zoehanji )

Happy birthday @zoehanji !!!!!

Original Post date: 04/27/21 at 9:52PM EST (4/28 where you are celebrating your birthday!!!)

I have no idea when we started talking but we did, somewhere in the beginning of my writing journey on this site. Even though I still consider myself to be a beginner here. Thank you for being my friend and being a fellow long distance cousin, as our relative in common would be Drama Whore! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I hope you enjoy this. I know that Fast Forward has always been one of your favorites.

The Book: TRH and Beyond

Pairing: Liam x Riley / Maxwell x Taylor (Maxwell x F!OC)

Warnings: Sexual Innuendo and fluff.

Word Count: 1889

Summary: Maxwell and Taylor go on their first date. Both are nervous and ask Liam and Riley for an assist.

A/N: This is a little similar version of Cyrano de Bergerac, not in the take that someone has a big nose, no one does, but the aspect of someone getting help in a conversation by using someone else’s words. I did ask around to see if anyone had done something similar to this. No one recalled of a similar story, so any similarities to anything currently on the fandom is completely unintentional.

I also used @theworldofprompts prompt: "All my life I've been searching for an answer as to where I belong. Then I met you and everything changed. You treated me like I deserved to be treated and you made me feel like I had a home. I don't want to lose that. I don't want to lose you." which will appear in bold.

Song inspiration for this. I heard this song while i was desperately needing to calm down while i was listening to the calm station on my pandora and I came across this song and enjoyed it so, so here it is for you all to enjoy too. I feel like it has a little sweet nervous energy, but then the music builds like you’re getting used to being with someone. it’s truly a beautiful piece.

First Love by Yiruma

I don’t own rights to the music. But i’m quickly becoming a Yiruma fan. Every song was amazing that i heard today and it had such a unique feel. I could pick them when they started playing on pandora.

Riley raised her eyebrow at Maxwell. She saw him pacing nervously as he kept glancing in Taylor's direction. Taylor was completely oblivious as she had her nose buried in a book she'd gotten from the estate library.

Finally Maxwell had psyched himself up. He walked over to Taylor sitting in the lawn chair next to her.

"Hey Softie."

Taylor put down her book, as did Ellie as she was sharing the oversized lounge chair in the sun with Taylor. Both lifted their sunglasses to their hair.

"Lord Playlist?"

"So I was wondering if you want to have dinner tonight."

"Silly Uncle Maxwell, we eat dinner every night." Ellie confirmed matter of factly.

"What Riley Jr. said." Both Taylor and Ellie picked up their books again, sliding their glasses back to cover their eyes.

Riley laughed to herself. Oh my God Taylor she thought. She is absolutely adorably clueless.

Liam laughed softly. He gently rubbed Riley's stomach.

"Aren't you glad we're married? We don't have to do that."

"You were never like that."

Liam blushed. "I felt like that when I talked to you the first time. I don't even remember what I said on the street to you. I was so dumbfounded by your beauty."

"You don't remember me being so awkward, Liam?"

Liam shook his head. "You… were perfect, is all I remember, My Love."

A light blush hit Max's cheeks.

"What I meant Softie, was you and me alone, away from the estate."

Taylor slowly lowered the book again, her eyes slowly meeting Maxwell’s.

"So like a date?"

"I mean date is a strong word, but it could be an accurate one. Two people dressed nicely eating food together at the same table. I mean I'm not opposed to the idea if you are."

"Auntie Taylor likes food, and to dress nicely. You should see Auntie Taylor's dress for the ball. I picked it!!!!!"

"Excuse me Miss Crown Princess read your book."

"So… whaddya say Softie? Dinner tonight?"

"Sure. Riley Jr. nailed it pretty much."

"Great! I'll meet you out front at seven."

Great."

"I swear this baby likes to just sit in there and poke my bladder for fun." Riley tried to roll out of the lounge chair she was on. “A little help Liam?”

Liam immediately jumped up to assist Riley to her feet.

"You just went thirty minutes ago."

"You tell your daughter that."

Liam affectionately rubbed her stomach, kneeling to plant a soft kiss on it.

"Little One be nice to Mommy. She has kept you safe all this time and we still have a few weeks to go. Let Mommy relax.."

Riley had stepped out of the lavatory only a few steps when Taylor descended on her like a ninja.

"Jesus Christ! Taylor you almost scared the crap out of me, and the way this baby has my bodily functions out of whack it could have legit happened!!!"

“Ew. Riley. Gross. Another reason I won’t procreate. Did you see, Maxwell asked me out!!!! On a date!!!!"

Riley laughed. "Because he likes you, and you like him."

"What are we going to talk about alone?!?!"

"You guys talk, and you are texting back and forth all the time."

"We talk in a group Riley. All Me and Maxwell do via text is meme war each other."

“Huh?”

"Our whole texting conversation… nothing but memes!!!"

She swiped on Maxwell's conversation in her phone it was nothing but pictures.

"It's okay, I'll get an ear piece set from Nico, and help you.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Of course I would. Can’t have your first date with the guy you like nothing but uncomfortable dead air.”

“Thanks Ri. Can you keep this between us?”

“Sure! Do you need help picking an outfit for tonight?"

"Nope, with the outfit, you kind of already did when you gave me my new wardrobe. If I can’t pick from there, I’m truly an idiot."

Little did Riley and Taylor know Maxwell and Liam were having a similar conversation.

“Liam I didn’t think she would really say yes!!! She said yes!!!! She said yes…..”

Then it looked like the gravity of the situation crashed into him. Maxwell looked like he was about to hyperventilate.

“Calm down Maxwell. Taylor likes you. It’s easy to tell from the trained eye. She lets down her guard around you.”

“What are we going to talk about? I can’t talk about peacocks all night. Or Memes. She’ll think I'm a complete buffoon. I don’t even have reservations anywhere. I asked her on a nice date and I don’t even have reservations ANYWHERE!!!! What am i going to do?!?!?!

Liam grabbed Maxwell by the shoulders. “Get a hold of yourself man!!!! And take a breath, your face is turning blue.”

Maxwell took a few cleansing breaths.

“Don’t worry about the reservations, I can handle that. It’s good you are friends with the King and Queen. And for conversation I can got it. I’ll get an earpiece from Bastien, and you’ll be fine.”

“Don’t tell Riley. She still hasn’t let go about the fact of my baby hippo tattoo.”

“Nor will I thank you for reminding me of it.” Liam laughed loudly.

Maxwell and Taylor left on their date. Both Liam and Riley made excuses to not be in the other’s company for the evening.

Both Liam and Riley were pleasantly surprised being a whisper in someone’s ear how well the night was going. Both couldn’t stop thinking about how natural the moments between the two of them felt, and how perfect they were for each other.

“I can’t tell you enough Taylor how beautiful you look to me tonight. And I know you’ve had trouble seeing yourself that way when it comes to that word. But you are Taylor.”

She heard her sister softly gasp. Tears filled Riley’s eyes.

Tell him Thank you, and that you wanted to look nice…. For him.”

Taylor parroted her words.

Taylor starred at the menu. None of it was in English and she had no idea what any of it meant.

I wish I had your eyes right now Riley. Taylor thought.

The conversation was sweet and romantic. It was the perfect date. Maxwell reached across the table taking Taylor’s hand.

“Would you like to dance?”

“Yes.”

As they danced, Taylor started relaxing in Maxwell’s arms.

“You know I have a hard time sharing my emotions sometimes. All the time..”

“I know. And that’s okay. We can take this slow. There’s no rush Softie.”

This felt familiar to Liam.. Too familiar. He knew those words…..her words.

Riley felt the same way but she couldn’t be sure.

Both had gotten up from their desks to investigate to see what the other was up to.

Taylor had never felt like a moment was so perfect and what Riley said, she really felt in her heart.

"All my life I've been searching for an answer as to where I belong. Then I met you and everything changed. You treated me like I deserved to be treated and you made me feel like I had a home. I don't want to lose that. I don't want to lose you."

“Riley?” But she had the feeling, it wasn’t Maxwell’s question.

Taylor pulled away from Maxwell.

“Liam?”

Liam and Riley stared at each other in the hallway.

He touched her ear feeling her ear piece and she touched his, feeling the same.

“I knew it was you.” They both said in unison.

“I could feel your heart Riley, through the words even though it wasn’t you saying them.”

“I could feel you too.”

From the earpieces they could hear Liam and Riley kissing and the sounds of commotion.

“Bedroom, now?” Liam's voice deep, rumbling with desire and need.

“YES LIAM!" Riley cried out.

"OH GOD!" Taylor shrieked.

Both Maxwell and Taylor ripped out their earpieces.

“Well that escalated quickly.” Max cleared his throat looking at their earpieces that were laying on the table. “Won’t be using those for the rest of the evening.”

“Why did you think you needed help on the date Maxwell?”

“Because I’m awkward, when I’m around you.”

“No you’re not. You’re funny, and really nice. I’m the awkward one. I don’t know how to do this normally. I’ve never had a healthy romantic relationship before.”

“That’s okay. I haven’t been in many relationships before either. We can learn together.”

“So can I be honest with you? I have no clue what the hell I ordered. This place is nice but it’s too much for me. I’m guessing it was Liam’s idea? Can we go somewhere else?”

“I know just the place.”

Maxwell and Taylor left that restaurant, and when they got to the second place, Taylor’s smile widened.

“Now stop me Softie if you’ve ever heard this one, a dashing noble wearing a squid tie with an affinity for peacocks, and a Queen of Cordonia lookalike walk into a bar…….”

Date one for Maxwell and Taylor part two was them dressed up like they were going to the ball, eating burgers and drinking cheap Cordonian Beer, playing pool. And it was perfect.. For them.

No. Dead. Air. Conversation flowed easily between the pair.

“Wow. I can’t believe the earpiece stayed in.”

“You don’t think they heard anything did they?”

“I’m sure they probably took them out.”

"Can I ask you something?"

He could hear the slight sadness in Riley's voice. "Sure, you can ask me anything."

"Do you think I'm cool?"

Liam laughed out loud but abruptly stopped when he saw the look on Riley's face.

"Of course you are Riley."

"Then why is Ellie my sister's shadow right now? Why do I feel like she wants nothing to do with me?"

"Riley… it's not that. This pregnancy has been rough on you. You know how active our children are, and how active you were with them. Even while you were pregnant. Well….Taylor fills that spot for what you aren't physically able to do right now. Before it was me. I think you notice it more now because it is her.. But yes, it is clear Ellie adores Taylor. They have bonded and really love each other. “

"It was just so hard when I came back from California Liam. She hated me."

"She didn't. She loved you, and it was my doing that put a wedge between you and her. She was hurting Riley. I did that to her. Not you. I’m sorry for that."

“It’s okay Liam.”

*^*^*^*^*^* Breakfast next day *^*^*^*^*^*^*

“How was dinner last night Taylor?” Riley asked.

“It was great. We went for Burgers and beers.”

“That’s nice.”

Liam lightly cleared his throat.

“So……..”

“We didn’t hear anything. We both ripped our ear pieces out when we heard where things were heading.”

“Riley you’re about to pop, how is that even aerodynamically possible right now?!?!?!”

“Oh it’s possible!” Liam chuckled. “God yes it’s possible.”

“Taylor it’s like when the amusement park is about to close and you want to get on your favorite ride one last time. Even if you’ve had too much food and you’re full and you might throw up. You got to get on that ride one more time.”

“You went to a carnival Mommy?”

“No, she just went on a royal scepter ride. God did I say that out loud?” Taylor slapped her hand over her mouth.

“Oh my God!!! Can we change the subject now please?” Liam inquired, beads of sweat were forming on his face.

“Yes please because this conversation went incredibly awkward!”

Riley laughed looking around the table. The adults looked like they wanted to climb out of their skins and her children looked either confused or unaware of what was happening.

Tags in the Comments!!!

#bebepac writes #birthday fics #happy birthday zoehanji #trh fanfic #trh fandom #liam and riley #maxwell x taylor #fast forward #the world of prompts #choices fic writers creations

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charincharge · 3 years

Text

I Don’t Want To Wait, fifteen

rowaelin high school bff au masterlist

Based on the prompt:

Brushing each other’s hair

“Aelin.”

Aelin heard the voice calling out to her, but she felt no need to respond. Lorcan had been pestering her all damn day. To be fair, he was doing it out of the kindness of his weird, misguided crusty heart. But it didn’t make her feel any better. He couldn’t annoy her into forgetting what today was.

“Aelin!” he repeated, his voice getting louder with his growing annoyance. “Aeeeelinnn,” he sang, finally pushing her over the edge.

“What?!” she snapped.

“Nothing,” he shrugged, pulling out a frozen Snickers bar and biting into it with a smug smile.

“You’re really irritating, you know that?”

“No more irritating than you,” he said through his large bite of ice cream.

“How am I being irritating?”

Lorcan rolled his eyes. “You’ve been pouting since you got here this morning.”

She crossed her arms across her uniformed chest. “I’m not pouting.”

Lorcan stared her down, and she huffed. She knew he was right. She had been pouting. A lot. Since she officially learned of Rowan’s intentions to probably date Lyria, she’d been an emotional mess. Not that Rowan would know. No, she kept her face in a carefully constructed smile each time he mentioned her name, all the while her insides twisted. At least he was no longer keeping it a secret from her, though. And for that she was grateful.

“You are the Poutiest McPouterson of Pout Town,” Lorcan laughed, handing her the second half of his frozen snickers. Aelin frowned but resentfully accepted the half-eaten chocolate.

“And it’s been going on for days.”

Aelin ignored him and kept scrolling through her phone, ignoring him.

“What are you even doing right now?” Lorcan grabbed her phone and rolled his eyes. “Teenage Dream, I Want You To Want Me, Someone Like You, Stay, Summertime Sadness, I Touch Myself...? Oh, wow. This is so much worse than I even thought. This is sad. Like. Really fucking sad. I can’t allow this.” Aelin snatched her phone back and huffed. She didn’t need to be judged right now. She was fragile, and putting together a pining playlist was the only thing making her feel better. The only thing taking her mind off the fact that Lyria had returned from cheer camp and Rowan was officially taking her out tonight. It did make Aelin feel slightly better that Rowan had told her Lyria asked him to hang out, not the other way around. But. It didn’t make it hurt any less. Meanwhile, her big Friday night plans involved listening to her new playlist on repeat until she cried herself to sleep.

Lorcan raised a dark brow, waiting for Aelin to say something, and she finally broke. “Lyria’s back, and she and Rowan are ‘hanging out’ tonight.” She took a large bite of the ice cream, letting the sugar soothe her frayed nerves. Lorcan frowned, looking her over intently and sighed.

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but—” Lorcan paused dramatically. “Come to my party tonight.” Aelin’s eyes narrowed at the hulking brunette, tugging at his long strands of hair, which had grown past his shoulder. “If Rowan is going to date a cheerleader, we’ll find you a football player.”

“I don’t want a football player,” Aelin said with a frown. “I want Rowan.”

Lorcan barked out a laugh. “Yes, I’m fully aware. But, get yourself a distraction, at the very least. Or, just come for a night of drinking. I don’t care.”

“You’re serious,” Aelin said slowly.

Despite their budding friendship, Lorcan hadn’t invited Aelin back to a party at his house since the fateful night she blacked out and socked him in the cheek. Not that she blamed him.

“Just, stick to beer this time.” Aelin couldn’t help but smile. “What?” Lorcan asked, causing Aelin to smile wider. She knew it was a pity invite, but she’d take it.

“You’re a good friend, Lorcan.”

“We’re not friends,” he said too quickly, causing Aelin to laugh. “I just feel bad for you.”

“We’re totally friends.”

“I admit nothing,” he said, rolling his eyes again, but Aelin could see the smile behind them as he got back to work. It was bizarre. If someone had told her three months ago that she’d be friends with Lorcan Salvaterre, she would have laughed at them in the face, but she guessed this summer had changed quite a few things.

. . .

“So, you and Lorcan, huh?”

Aelin poked her head out of her closet to glare at the boy stretched out across her comforter. His phone rested on his stomach, and with his hands resting behind his head, Aelin could see just the smallest sliver of tan skin above his jeans. Taunting her.

Despite Lorcan’s mission to help her move on from Rowan, Aelin had asked him to come help her get ready for Lorcan’s party. She just wanted to see him before he went off with Lyria. Just… one more time. Just the two of them. Before everything changed.

“What?” She shook her head as she threw another pair of jeans across the room and onto Rowan’s feet. “No. We’re barely even friends.”

“Then, why are you freaking out?” he asked, watching her frustration with slight amusement.

“I am not freaking out,” Aelin huffed, locking herself back into her closet. She could hear Rowan’s snort through the door and could practically see his bright eyes rolling at her. She groaned loudly.

“Because I’m going to a party alone!” Aelin huffed. She’d asked Elide to join her, but she had plans with Manon, of course. And apparently Manon would rather cut her own arm off before going to a party at Lorcan’s. So, Aelin was flying solo tonight. And yes, she was nervous about it. “I’m only going to know Lorcan, and it’s going to be weird.”

“You make friends faster than any other human I know, Ace,” Rowan quipped, launching into what she assumed was a supportive manifesto, but he was speaking too low for her to really hear him. Which was fine with her, honestly.

Not wanting to think about how few people she’d know at this thing, she threw herself back into finding the perfect outfit. She wanted to look cute, but not be uncomfortable. Her eyes swept back and forth across the shelves, finally spotting her favorite pair of jean shorts. She tugged them on and grabbed an oversized band tee she’d cut up months ago. It wasn’t great, but it’d do.

She flung the door open in a big reveal, but Rowan had closed his eyes. Naturally. She didn’t know why she tried. This boy did not care what she looked like. Aelin’s nerves gathered in her stomach as she took in her reflection. She frowned. Something was missing.

“Necklace?” she asked the boy who was dozing off on her bed, and he shrugged with little interest. She didn’t know why she’d even asked him.

At her vanity, she pulled out a choker she’d borrowed from Lysandra months ago – and forgot to return – and attempted to put it on, but the chain quickly got tangled in the back of her long hair.

“Owwww,” she complained as she struggled to free the necklace from the knot forming around the chain, but it only served to make things worse. “Ro! A little help?” she asked over her shoulder. “Rowan!”

Rowan opened his eyes slowly and she stared, begging for help. He smiled as he slung his legs over the side of the bed, lumbering his way to her. He lifted up her hair gently and placed it over her shoulder with deft hands, leaving only the tangled part down her back. She stood straighter as she felt his rough fingers brush against the back of her neck, fiddling with the necklace.

She could hear his soft chuckle behind her. “I closed my eyes for three seconds. How did you even do this?” he asked. “You have so much hair,” he laughed, and Aelin could feel his breath against her shoulder. She hadn’t realized how close his mouth was to her skin, and it broke into goosebumps as a shiver ran up her spine.

“I know,” she replied softly. “I can’t remember the last time it was this long.”

Rowan hummed, his movements deceivingly gentle as he worked his way through the long strands, trying not to tug too hard. “I think it was this long when I met you.”

“Oh gods,” Aelin laughed. “It was even longer then.” She suppressed another shiver as Rowan’s fingers ghosted against the back of her neck, holding the hair in place as he pulled at the necklace. “I looked like a troll doll.”

“I like your hair long,” Rowan said, releasing the tangle she hadn’t quite been able to reach at the nape of her neck.

It was so rare that Rowan expressed any kind of preference on the way she looked, Aelin kind of couldn’t believe it. She’d always had fairly long hair, but for him to say he liked it filled her stomach with a swarm of butterflies. She swallowed thickly as he pulled the last twisted piece of hair from the necklace and clasped the chain with practiced ease.

“Thanks.”

“Done,” he said, and she turned around, surprised to see how close he still was to her. His face hovered just an inch away from hers, and she could feel a current of electricity run through her at his proximity.

“Your turn,” she said, breaking the strange tension between them and running her fingers across the top of his shaggy hair.

He pushed her hands away, laughing.

“You need a haircut,” Aelin laughed as Rowan finally gave up trying to push her away and let her brush his hair, which now fell just above his jaw. Aelin reached for the brush on her vanity and smiled as Rowan admit defeat, sitting on the edge of her bed and tilting his head back to let her work. Aelin pushed the long strands back, and, she watched as Rowan’s eyes fluttered close as he took a deep breath. His lips curled up slightly, and she could have sworn she heard his throat rumbling with a contented purr.

“So,” Aelin cleared her throat, trying not to stare at Rowan’s lips as she brushed through his long strands. “Odds I punch Lorcan again tonight?”

Rowan barked out a laugh, his smile widening as he pretended to think about it. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I say it’s fifty-fifty.”

“Thank you for your confidence,” she sassed, sticking her tongue out at him. He grinned in return, but he was quickly distracted by his beeping phone. His brow furrowed as he replied to whatever text and shoved his phone back into his pocket.

Aelin watched with a tugging at her chest as he smiled apologetically and stood from her bed.

“Lyria’s on her way to Maeve’s, so I should…” He made a motion with his head, and Aelin waved him off.

“Right,” she replied quickly. “I’ll let you get to it.”

He nodded and hunched his shoulders, awkwardly fiddling with the beltloops of his jeans. “I’ll talk to you later?” he asked, and Aelin used all her effort to force a smile onto her face.

“Yup,” she said, hoping her smile concealed her sudden feeling of nausea. “You can tell me all about your date.”

He smiled in return. “If you need me to pull you off Lorcan later, let me know.” His smile disappeared as Aelin cracked a smile. “That’s… not that you’ll be on him. That sounded wrong. You know what I meant,” he stuttered.

“Oh, I know.”

Aelin held up her fists and jabbed in the air toward Rowan. He shifted to the side, avoiding her feigned punch and laughed. She jabbed again and he blocked her fist by wrapping his large hand around her knuckles, and her hand went limp in his, falling between them.

He squeezed her hand gently, leaving a tingling sensation that lasted well after he took a step back.

“See ya, slugger,” he said, taking off with a wave.

Aelin laid back onto her bed and breathed in his scent from where he’d just been lounging. She inhaled deeply and let it comfort her. She could do this. She could get through one night without Rowan.

. . .

Aelin was a fool. She didn’t know how she thought she could distract herself by going out tonight. Every few seconds, she desperately pulled her phone from her pocket and checked to see if Rowan had texted her. But of course, he hadn’t.

He was on a date. With another girl.

She belatedly wished she’d asked him what their plans were, because now her mind was left to imagine the absolute worst. She pictured them sharing food and going on a romantic drive down to the pier where they could watch the water and make out to a playlist of Rowan’s choosing. Oh gods, they were going to make out.

Aelin was going to be sick.

“Babe, you’re bringing the whole vibe down,” Lorcan said, plopping onto the couch next to her.

“Don’t call me babe, babe,” she frowned, poking his arm.

“Babe,” he repeated, a goofy smirk across his face.

“Babe.” Aelin blinked twice, hoping to get rid of him, but Lorcan seemed unfazed by her attitude.

“You are having zero fun, and it’s making everyone sad,” Lorcan sighed. “You weren’t into Finn or Cormac?”

Her hand twisted around her beer can as she shrugged. Lorcan had been a surprise, introducing her around as soon as she made it there. She’d been so nervous about not knowing anyone, but she hadn’t thought that Lorcan would bother taking the time to make sure that wasn’t the case for long. But despite his best wingmanning efforts, Aelin couldn’t enjoy herself. She could barely talk to the two football players, completely and utterly distracted by thoughts of Rowan.

“Come with me,” Lorcan said, heaving them off the couch. “You need more to drink.”

Aelin shook her head, her shoulders sagging in as she admitted defeat. This night was a wash. She should just go home and cry.

Lorcan pulled the beer from her hand and finished it himself in one large gulp. He grimaced as he swallowed, shuddering slightly. “You let it get warm. That is gross.”

Aelin stared at the burly boy she’d been so frightened of a few months ago with a raised brow. “Hey, Lorcan?” She paused as he looked toward her with interest. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

He shrugged and reached a hand out to her, pulling her off the couch. “Because you and Whitethorn are both fucking idiots, and being heartbroken sucks.”

Aelin laughed, unable to help herself. “I guess I can drink to that.”

Lorcan grinned widely and clapped. “Then, let’s get to it.”

She let him guide her through the party and into the kitchen where he pulled two more beers from the fridge.

“So…” Aelin didn’t want to push, but his words had gotten her curious. “Any chance you’re going to tell me who caused your broken heart?”

Lorcan laughed as he cracked them both open. “Nope,” he said as he handed Aelin her new cold beer.

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the dramatics of her friend. But she held up her beer to cheers his, knocking the cans against each other as she tilted her head back and let it flow down the back of her throat. She wasn’t exactly a huge beer fan, but, it was definitely safer than whatever red concoction was being scooped out of a literal trashcan. Or, so she’d learned last time.

She downed the can quickly and laughed in surprise as Lorcan held out another one for her.

As she took her next sip, a surprising song filtered through the room, causing Aelin to shoot her eyes up at Lorcan, who was looking at her with laughter in his dark eyes.

“What?” he asked.

“You added this to your playlist for me.”

Lorcan scoffed loudly, shaking his head overexaggerated from side to side. “I did no such thing. I just love Cheap Trick.”

“Babe.” Their new term of endearment hung in the air between them for a millisecond, until the intro of the song ended and launched into the lyrics.

Lorcan cackled wildly as he started singing to her, the words she’d been repeating in her head all week coming out of his mouth with surprising ease.

I want you to want me, I need you to need me

I’d love you to love me, I’m begging you to beg me

Aelin couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled up in her throat at the way Lorcan clutched at his heart when he sang, leading her back through the party. As he sang, he stepped up onto the low coffee table and reached down for Aelin.

She rolled her eyes but smiled, accepting his hand as he pulled her up on the coffee table with him to the round of large cheers from the crowds surrounding them.

I want you to want me, I need you to need me

I’d love you to love me…

I’ll shine up my old brown shoes, I”ll put on a brand new shirt

I’ll get home early from work

If you say that you love me

The beer buzz made its way through her body, loosening her limbs as she swayed back and forth. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, letting the music soothe her as she sang loudly.

Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying?

Ohh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying?

Feeling all alone without a friend you know you feel like dying

Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying?

Lorcan grabbed her hand and spun her under his arm, and Aelin finally felt her anxiety start to dissipate. Yes, this year was going to be different. But different didn’t have to mean, bad, right?

They cheersed again at the beginning of the long guitar solo, both knocking back the rest of their beers quickly. She watched as Lorcan scanned the crowd that had formed around the coffee table, most likely scoping out who he’d take to bed later. And inspired by her sudden lack of inhibitions and surge of happiness, Aelin decided to do the same. Not that she was going to take anyone to bed, but she could see who was potentially interested. She let her eyes trail across the mix of upperclassmen, a few who eyed her swaying hips appreciatively.

She was about to launch back into singing when she spotted an all-too familiar head of silver blonde hair. Her heart pounded. Was it possible that he’d already ended his date and come to seek her out? Had she been worried for absolutely nothing?

Hope swirled in her stomach, but it was quickly squashed as her gaze trailed down his extended arm, down to his hand which was linked with a familiar brunette’s. Her chest contracted at the sight of them, hand in hand, fingers linked, making their way through the party. Aelin lost her step and lost balance, stumbling into Lorcan, who luckily was so sturdy that he barely flinched at her impact, steadying her quickly with a hand around her waist.

“I need another drink,” she said quickly at Lorcan’s questioning stare.

She hopped off the table and made her way through the throngs of sweaty bodies, tracking Rowan’s tall head across the room as he made his way into the kitchen, Lyria in tow. She wanted to look away – it physically hurt her to see his hand in hers, but she couldn’t. Her obsessive gaze followed them, and she held in a gasp as Lyria took a step in front of Rowan, and he moved his hand to the small of her back.

She’d dreamed of being touched like that by Rowan so frequently. And here he was, doing it without a second thought with Lyria. It just solidified what Aelin had already known in her heart: Rowan had never thought of her as more than a friend.

As she gained ground on them, getting closer, she stopped. What the hell was she doing? She should be running the other way from them, not approaching them. But she couldn’t stop. Like a magnet, she was obsessively drawn to Rowan.

“Uh, hey?” she said, tapping his shoulder gently.

He turned and looked down at her, a calm smile curling at his lips. “Hey.”

Aelin shoved her hands into her shorts pockets, not knowing what to say to him.

“Sorry to crash,” Rowan apologized. “Lyria’s friends texted that they were here.”

He pointed to the gaggle of cheerleaders communing in the corner of the kitchen behind him, and Aelin nodded as she watched Lyria distribute hugs to the girls she’d been away from all summer.

“Plus, I know you said you were worried about not having any friends here…” he trailed off, looking nervous.

“It’s fine,” Aelin said, hoping she didn’t sound as affected as she felt. As if there were some invisible wall between her and her best friend that had never been present before.

“You having fun?” he asked, and Aelin shrugged. She wasn’t exactly sure there was an answer for that.

He frowned at her less than enthusiastic reply, and Aelin was about to ask if he wanted to talk outside when Lorcan bounded up beside them.

“G, what’s taking so long?” he asked, seeing her empty hands, cracking a beer and handing it to her. “I have a hoard of friends asking about the hot girl who was dancing on the coffee table.” He looked at her with a pointed glare before sliding his eyes over to the glowering boy beside him. “Oh, hey, Rowan. Didn’t see you there.”

Rowan nodded stiffly, and Aelin quirked an eyebrow at him. Wondering what his deal was.

“How many constitutes a hoard?” she asked Lorcan, taking a sip of her fresh beer.

“Five?”

“Think they could all handle me?” Aelin asked, ignoring the feeling of Rowan’s eyes boring a hole into the side of her head.

“Together?” Lorcan asked, and Rowan inhaled sharply, causing him to sputter and choke on his first sip of beer. As he coughed, Aelin finally let her eyes roll.

“You’re not really thinking…” Rowan said, and Aelin scoffed loudly.

“Of course not, Buzzard.” She paused. “I was kidding.”

How could even remotely think that was a possibility? She watched as the tension visibly drained from his shoulders at her words, and she was annoyed by how relieved that made her feel.

“Well,” he said, his sneaker toeing at the sticky tile floor. “I’ll let you get back to your hoard.”

“And you should get back to your date,” Aelin replied, feeling more annoyed than she had any right to. But there was something in his tone, that slight hint of disapproval that had her on edge.

She tried not to glance over her shoulder as Lorcan swept her back out to the living room, but she couldn’t help it. She watched as Rowan made his way over to Lyria, sliding his arm around her waist and tugging her close.

She tried to stay focused on anything else for the rest of the party, she really did – but she couldn’t. She found herself constantly seeking out her best friend’s tall head. Despite the amount of guys Lorcan introduced herself – which, was an actual hoard – she was completely uninterested. She nodded and smiled in all the right places, but she barely registered anyone’s names, too busy wondering what the boy on the other side of the house was doing.

Having had enough of torture of her own making, Aelin decided it was finally time to leave the party. She wanted to say goodbye to Rowan before leaving, let him know that he could text her when he left. But her feet froze when she spotted him. He and Lyria were in the shadows under the staircase. She watched with a painful chest as their arms wrapped around each other. It was almost as if she were watching them in slow motion as Rowan ducked down and pressed his lips to Lyria’s. Her lips parted beneath his, and her hands knotted in the hair that Aelin had so carefully brushed earlier that night, keeping him close. A wave of nausea hit her suddenly and fiercely. Her head spun, and she knew she needed to leave the party immediately. Everything hurt. Her whole body.

Shaky legs led her out of the party and across town. She didn’t have the patience to wait for an Uber.

By the time she reached home, Aelin’s sadness had morphed into anger.

Why did she let Rowan have this much control of her? His actions had no right to make her feel this terrible. Her chest bloomed with fury as she thought over his words, his subtle judgment that she shouldn’t be allowed to meet other guys. But apparently, he was allowed to kiss whoever he wanted.

Aelin was finished needing Rowan’s approval. She needed to separate herself from him, from the affirmations she’d always sought out. She stumbled around the kitchen, looking for something in particular and set her mouth in a determined line when she found the tool. Breathing heavily, she reached for a section of her long, golden hair and snipped.

~*~

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#rowaelin #rowan x aelin #high school au #i don't want to wait au #charincharge writes #throne of glass fanfic #tog fanfic

315 notes · View notes

idiotwhotalkstoomuch · 3 years

Note

How did everyone react to Yuus real age and connection to the great 7?

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA THANK YOU FOR ASKING CAUSE I ALREADY HAVE AN IDEA ON HOW THEY FOUND OUT

Note: Some characters already knew her age and connection to the Great Seven so they will react to her appearance in NRC

Btw for looks she looks very generic hence why some boys who know her history overlooked her. (by generic like long brown hair, blue eyes and eyebags. I’ll show a picrew of how I intend her to look soon when I finally pick a favorite)

Also Yuu is royalty of the Valley of the Thorns. When I get back to writing everything will come together.

Also also I need more research to do all these characters properly but since everyone needs a reaction I asked my friend for help so if there seems to be a difference then yeah you know why.

How they found out

(Post overblot Riddle)

*in the infirmary*

Yuu: Relax I was only cut-

Sebek: *enters infirmary* Your Highness! Malleus-sama ordered me to check on you after the news of the overblot came out!

Ace: Wha-

Deuce: Y-your Highness!?!

Yuu: *chuckles*

Yes the scene is somewhat comedic but its just how it is. Me and my friend liked the scene better as a comedic one than a serious one as things get more serious later on so may as well keep up some humor.

HEARTSLABYUL

Riddle Rosehearts - Very shocked and ashamed. He knew of Yuu’s existence and actually read about her and her history as a child but couldn’t tell it was her on first glance because they’re meetings had him in a bad mood from troublemakers so he didn’t notice.

Treats her with the utmost respect even if she tells him to relax. He’s very embarrassed that someone who’s been in the presence of all the Great Seven and befriended or in some cases raised them had to see him and the dorm in such a state.

Trey Clover - It came off as quite a surprise to him especially since he had been treating her like one of his kouhai. He’s one of the more relaxed about the reveal and will only ask if there needs to be changes in the way she’s addressed but overall their interactions are hardly affected. Though he will stop treating her like one of his kouhai as she is older than her by quite (*cough centuries*) a lot.

Cater Diamond - See this man had the advantage of putting a picture of him with Yuu in Magicam which definitely brought out someone who knew of Yuu.

He was pretty surprised to see a bunch of comments asking if that’s legit and was going to ask her about it but Unbirthday party preparations got in the way. Needless to say wanted another selfie with her on his Magicam to tell all his followers it’s legit and how he JUST found out.

Ace Trappola - Isn’t all too worried about it. He’s not one to care all too much about titles and all that stuff but he does take her age as something to tease her on.

When Grim and Deuce are annoying him or causing trouble, he’ll joke about how their troubling the “grandmother” and overall takes it without much effect on their relationship.

Deuce Spade - Is shook beyond belief and has to go and mentally process the reveal.

Should he tell his mom that he’s met such an important historical figure? Wait no should he ask Yuu about it? Would it be rude? AH! SHE SAW HIS DELINQUENT SIDE WHILE ARGUING WITH ACE!

Poor boy is so confused on what to do especially since Yuu came from a magicless student that supposedly has a curse according to the mirror to royalty that raised or befriended all members of the Great Seven.

SAVANACLAW

Leona Kingscholar - Well this lion will continue to chug his respect women juice.

He already respects women back at his home and while for them its due to their strength, in Yuu’s case its cause of her age and wisdom that she shares from time to time.

Ruggie Bucchi - Ruggie would joke around Yuu and treat her like he does his grandmother. He'd probably poke on her getting old and how she probably shouldn't do so much strenuous activities both teasingly and seriously (much to Yuu's dismay. Her body doesn’t actually age.)

Doesn’t rob from or prank her mainly because he doesn’t feel like getting chewed out by the others who treat her like a goddess for befriending and even raising some of the Great Seven.

Jack Howl - Jack is cautious of his behavior around Yuu as he is a respectful young man.

Tends to worry a bit over her being very casual and relaxed in Twisted Wonderland especially since she’s such an important person in history and tends to be a bit overprotective of her.

Is still tsundere.

OCTAVINELLE

Azul Ashengrotto - He. Freaks. Out.

He did extensive research and studying as a child so he knows all about her and her history with the Great Seven.

He wonders how such a historic and ancient woman can casually walk around NRC with little recognition and hopes he can stay calm and suave if she were to ever approach him.

Jade Leech - Jade is intrigued and amused with Azul’s reaction to her. As long as both Azul and Floyd were happy, he couldn’t care less. Though he does want to know if she can cook, he wants help in Mostro Lounge.

Is pleased to have someone to help wrangle Floyd in his more problematic moods. (”In the years I’ve lived in I’ve seen many moody people this isn’t much)

Floyd Leech - Floyd really couldn’t care less.

He sees the little shrimpy (she’s 170 cm tall) and wants to squeeze her, so what if she’s like 900? Floyd wants to play with the shrimpy!

SCARABIA

Kalim Al Asim - Kalim is, well, excited. He’s awe struck at the fact she’s been alive for that long and would probably want to know more about her life. Kalim is a curious kid.

Despite his energetic nature, he likes hearing her share stories of the past.

When he wants to be more independent, he goes to her for help since she’s lived for so long.

Jamil Viper - Jamil would be curt and formal, though he’s currently having a epileptic brain seizure. Jamil was well versed in history, and well...having someone his influential just struck something.

Is cautious of her during the Scarabia arc since she might be old and wise enough to see through his plan.

POMEFIORE

Vil Schoenheit - Vil was already interested in Yuu at the beginning due to being a woman and had a lot of potential but was unimpressed at her eyebags but likes her mature appearance despite being a first year-

Wait the potato is HOW old?

Vil is impressed. Yuu is hundreds of years old yet looks to be in her early twenties at most.

When he learns that Yuu had even met the Evil Queen, he immediately went to ask about what the beautiful Evil Queen did to look as gorgeous as she did and Yuu happily indulges him.

Rook Hunt - Rook is undeniably curious, especially after Yuu manages to evade him. He makes it a habit to monitor her movement, randomly ambush her, and try and chase her around the campus. His success varies on the amount of potato's that surround her. He stays away when she's near Diasmonia.

He enjoys chasing her whenever Yuu is around Ruggie or at rare times, Leona as he'd say, "It's hitting two birds with one stone"

Rook scopes out and probably doesn't intervene as much, opting to observe her movements.

Epel Felmier - Epel is essentially confused, and is currently feeling pity for her as she’s being crowded by so many students. He grimaces when Rook takes interest in her. Epel sends Apple Juice for life fuel. He knows she’ll need it

IGNIHYDE

Idia Shroud - Idia has heard of Yuu, especially with their rather complicated family history. He’s pretty formal towards Yuu.

Generally avoids her even with their family in better terms and Yuu even friends with Hades now. Is upset at her and Ortho’s alliance to get him out of his room.

Ortho Shroud - When Ortho hears her age and experience, Ortho is overjoyed.

He’s so happy to have Yuu join him in his mission to get his brother out of his room. Is oblivious to past family drama.

DIASOMNIA

Malleus Draconia - Yuu had raised him and his family up to his grandmother, the Witch of Thorns, of course he recognized her as soon as he saw her. He’s surprised to see her in NRC but its a welcome one. He uses a spell on Ramshackle to make it habitable for the woman that raised him alongside Lilia.

Finds it amusing that the students had no clue. She’s in history books though Yuu does have a rather mediocre and youthful appearance so it must be why they mistook her as a student.

Yuu had asked him to keep quiet on it but unfortunately it seems that Sebek had exposed her while doing orders on his behalf. He apologizes over it and of course Yuu isn’t mad over it, more exasperated.

Lilia Vanrouge - Lilia is amused that Yuu was mistaken by the teachers as a teenager that could be a student especially since Yuu is older than himself by a few hundred years.

When the cat’s out of the bag, he’ll openly tease the students to be nicer to Yuu who could’ve been friends or related to their great great great great great etc or less grandparents and is their elder.

Is amused as the students attempt to get Yuu into more modern culture, having been accustomed to letters and more traditional ways for so long.

Silver - While Silver was primarily raised by Lilia, he’s surprised to see obaasa- Lady Yuu in NRC.

He isn’t affected all too much since he isn’t addicted to guarding Malleus and Yuu like Sebek but he is quite happy to see her and can always tell when she visits since he tends to wake up with a pillow at the random place he slept in.

Sebek Zigvolt - He is ABSOLUTELY A P P A L L E D. Yuu to Sebek, is the most honourable woman to have ever walked the face of this planet. She has managed to raise most of the great seven and bring kingdoms to prosperity. She helped Malleus-sama train, she helped Lillia-sama rise through the ranks and even brought Maleficent to power in her early days.

The moment he gets to catch up to her in Ramshackle, Yuu has to calm him down because he goes feral when he sees where she has to live in but is appeased when Malleus uses magic to make it habitable and helps her personalize it.

Very clearly struggles to address her casually, shown with him being the one to expose her post overblot Riddle.

Keep sending asks bois I love receiving them. Sorry this took a while there was a lot to go over.

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incorrectsmashbrosquotes · 3 years

Text

The Dragon and the Angel

Sephiroth was in his room, reading a book about the history of Eos and the nations of Lucis, Accordo, Tenebrae and Niflheim and sipping more of his favorite drink, Jenova Fruitjuice Tea with a few droplets of Lifestream extract for a minty aftertaste. His room was set up to be a study and adorned with paintings of memories back home like when he burned down Cloud’s home, though most of the paintings of his dear mom, Jenova.

He was interrupted from his reading when there was a knock at his door, sensing it wasn’t his favorite buddy Cloud, he chose to ignore it, not bothering to waste time on lesser beings. The person on the other side knocked again, this time a bit harder as the wood of the door creaked a bit. A third knocking made Sephiroth snap his book shut in annoyance and respond.

“Im not in the mood for company, woman.” He figured it was Rhea again after her little failed attempt at wooing him and still wanting him. He wasnt one for connections, after all he was a superior being and didn’t bother wasting his time with lesser lifeforms, unless their name was Cloud Strife. He knew the woman would return as he sensed her draconic aura behind the door. However he was surprised when black mist began seeping through the door and condensing before him, the mist coming together and forming the crimson and black cloaked figure of the resident Vampire Overlord, no not Mathias Cronqvist, Gabriel Belmont, and going off of his demeanor and gaze, he wasn’t in the mood for being denied an audience with the One-Winged Angel. “Evening, i hope you don’t mind me stopping by and desiring a chat with you, Sephiroth.” The vampire politely greeted Sephiroth who was smiling to his guest as he reached for his tea cup. “To what do i owe the pleasure for the visit, Gabriel, is this about your little grandchild, Rhea, i believe her name was? Quite the beauty i’ll admit, but not my type, too human…” sipping his tea as Gabriel just raised a brow at the silverette’s words. “Quite funny you should mention that, and ironic, considering your own concievment and upbringing.” Gabriel replied with his hands behind his back, not moving an inch as his words registered with the Ex-SOLDIER. Serpiroth set down his tea and his full attention was on the vampire now.

“Oh i can assure you, my mother is much more than a simple human, she-" "Your mother and father were both humans, both brilliant in their fields of work, though from what i gather, Professer Hojo is a bit of a nutcase and Ms. Crescent is imprsoned on her own terms and suffering major guilt for her actions over many things, including you. Like them you are human, your not even a Cetra like Ms. Gainsborough-Fair, human blood runs through your veins as much as the blood of the alien parasite you cling to so desperately for validation and approval, which was injected into you at such an early time that you suffer from it quite clearly. Your blind to the truth, your ‘dear mother’ only sees you as a means to an end, to consume this world and move on. Course thats not to be as she’s currently a useless corpse who'se entire presence has been wiped clean thanks to Mr. Strife and his companions, they also dealt with your machinations if im right on the details.” Gabriel brought his right hand up to cup his bearded chin as if in thought, sensing he struck a chord within Sephiroth as he felt the slow rise of power. “Is there a point to your visit, vampire, or have you come to mock my mother and hope for a slow death?” Sephiroth asked with a light frown, saw what you will about him and his true parentage, he had no care for them, but insult mommy Jenova in his presence, then it gets personal. Gabriel just shrugged and spoke up after glancing around to all the paintings in the room.

“Mocking? Oh no, you see i prefer to give truths and complete honesty when it comes to chatting about matters such as this. I understand your rejection to my dear Rhea and respect your decision, not everyone desires for companionship, be it platonic or sexual in nature. But would it really kill you again to at least open up that black heart of yours a little bit and make an aquaintance or two, or do you have a bit more of Hojo in you than you like to admit?” Gabriel asked as he heard all about the legendary Sephiroth, as the library in the Smash Mansion hosted a variety of knowledge from fighters to the small details of even the most mundane things. He also knew of his defeat and death, multiple deaths, at the hands of Cloud and his friends. Sephiroth folded his arms over his chest and while a bit annoyed by Gabriel poking the hornet’s nest in regards to Jenova, he asked anyway, “And why should I, I seem to recall you yourself are of higher status than others, but you were once human as well, don’t prattle to me about opening up and befriending others when you yourself keep within your castle and avoid mostly everyone like the plague, hypocrite.” he shot back as Gabriel just gave a light chuckle, not even denying that Sephiroth’s words were false.

“You’re right, I was at first, but I confess, Palutena is very tenacious and managed to open me up again, Ganondorf is always pleasant to hang out with and Cereza is just a treat to be around, all in all, i quite enjoy my group of friends. Im sure if you try you could make some surprising friends around here, while sure they can’t replace dear Genesis and Angeal, it wouldn’t hurt to form new friendships, how do you think Mr. Strife and his team were so equipped to stop you and your goals? If you ask me, you might be the better swordsman, but Cloud clearly is the better fighter, perhaps Jenova should have chosen him to be her son, he clearly is much more capable than you are, Mr. Best-Soldier-Ever~” Gabriel smirked with the jab as Masamune was summoned in Sephiroth’s hand and speared through Gabriel’s chest, through his heart and out his back. Sephiroth blinked as he didn’t hear the cry of agony that he was so accustomed to when cutting people down with his weapon, instead he was greeted with a smiling Gabriel, blade run through his torso as he wasn’t even bothered by it, he just took a step closer as the blade went further through and Sephiroth found himself close to Gabriel, Masamune about to be yanked free by its owner, but stopped when Gabriel’s cold hand clasped around Sephiroth’s wrist. “You’re angry, that good, shows that you haven’t completely discarded your humanity, and nice shot, you cut through my heart in an angle that severed the veins and arteries. But as you can clearly see, im a lot harder to kill. Now put away your washing pole and we can turn this little chat into something more appealing.” Gabriel yanked Masamune out of his body and his blood returned into him as his wound ehaled away, Sephiroth setting his weapon aside as Gabriel summoned a chair and sat down across from Sephiroth now. “Seeing as you made your grand entrance by killing off Galeem, i figure we can start by getting to know each other, from one god slayer to another.” Gabriel offered as he summoned a goblet of blood for himself. Sephiroth thought for a bit then shrugged, why not entertain this idea and see what becomes of it. -Later-

Rhea was carrying a few books she wanted to check out from the library and bring into Garreg Mach, both to help Byleth and Bylethe with their teacher duties and also for herself as she was an avid book reader in her spare time and having access to the many books about various realms and more intrigued her greatly. As she turned the corner of an isle, she bumped into someone she didn’t expect to see again, Sephiroth.

“Excuse me, didn’t see you there, here allow me.” Sephiroth greeted and knelt down as he collected her scattered books and then offered a hand to help Rhea up, she was a bit unsure but took his hand anyway and dusted herself off.

“No worries, i was more focused on my books, what brings you here, Mr. Sephiroth, you enjoy literature as well?” She asked

“I do, i read often when not participating in fights. I actually came here looking for you, Lady Rhea.” At her slightly puzzled look, he explained, “I wish to apologize for how rudely i replied to your advancements earlier. Its not that i think your repulsive or anything, its just that form where I'm from and what I’ve lived through, I’ve not the time or interests for such relationships.” He said as Rhea took that in and looked down, while yes she did manage to get over the heartbreak of rejection, she still found him interesting and couldn’t help but want to know the elusive and scary individual that as Sephiroth. “However, I am not opposed to the suggestion of making acquaintances, or friends if you would prefer.” He said as this had Rhea look back to him with surprise, studying him for any false pretenses as he held a rather calm smile that wasn’t mean. She smiled and looped an arm around his as she guided the black clad man around and started asking some questions on what type of stuff he liked to read. Needless to say, this was the start of an odd but blooming friendship.

-With Gabriel-

“Wow, thats new, here i thought he was a giant asshole for the sake of being one.” Sothis remarked as Palutena’s party were all having lunch and Sothis had tagged along at Palutena’s insistience and the group was watching Rhea and Sephiroth pick out books and go over what interests them in reading. Trevor was there too as he figured to spend more time with dad and the goddess who clearly helped him love again, that and Ganon’s kids were rubbing off on him.

“Looks like the mamasboy had a change of heart and decided to stop being a prick, i wonder if that had anything to do with you, darling?” Bayonetta asked as her eyes shifted from the crystalball on Palutena’s staff showing them the new friends to Gabriel as he was enjoying his burger.

“It did, we had a nice heart to heart and i convinced him that it wouldn’t hurt to make some friends around. Besides, im sure Mr. Strife would enjoy not being constantly followed around by his rival.” He said before taking another bite of his food. Alucard just chuckled and quipped.

“Surprised you didn’t threaten to tear out his wing, father. you usually resort to violence when people get stubborn and don’t want to change.” the vampire son snarked out as Gabriel just rolled his eyes.

Come now, my boy, i can be civil and persuasive when i want to be. Besides, i also promised him a good fight if he made friends with your niece.“ He added as this got Ganondorf thinking of how he could promote this and make money, The Dragon vs the One Winged Angel, sounds enticing.

#smash bros #submission #incorrect super smash bros #super smash bros #incorrect quotes #Sephiroth #Dracula #Gabriel #Gabriel Belmont #Sothis #Rhea #Ganondorf #Final Fantasy #Legend of Zelda #Fire Emblem #Castlevania

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mor-beck-more-problems · 3 years

Text

Reading Rainbow || Morgan & Leah (feat. Sundew and her pixie troop)

TIMING: Current

PARTIES: @phoenixleah & @mor-beck-more-problems

SUMMARY: The White Crest Supernatural Literacy Initiative has its first test run. Results are....mixed.

Pixies fly in the sky I can go twice as high Just take a look It's in a book A reading rainbow

“Are you sure you’re good to go?” Morgan asked, rocking along the edge of the woods. She had secured her keys and phone to her carabiner and tucked everything else she needed in her knapsack: water, taser, knife, snacks, offerings, stationary. She’d asked Deirdre for advice on what pixies liked best. She’d gone through her checklist, and she had a good feeling about this expedition. The fae were so insular and some of the smaller of the bunch, so underserved by the world. Living out in the wild, away from even an Aos Si, surely they could use a leg up for when they had to deal with humans, or if they wanted to engage with the rest of supernatural society. Literacy had been Leah’s idea, of course. But while she had seemed plenty excited by it when they’d talked, Morgan still worried about that knack for suppression she’d mentioned, and the wolf injuries that were only just healing. Was this too much too soon? Was she being a bad friend for not waiting longer?

Morgan squinted behind her over the glare of mid-morning sunlight. Her friend’s hiking bag was at least half her sized, packing everything from a small library’s worth of board books and mini books, to shiny offerings, to camping equipment, including a tent, for some reason. She was one strong wind away from being knocked over, and Morgan couldn’t help but laugh a little. “We can always come back if you’re not up to it, or if you feel like you uh, need more supplies before going in.”

Leah looked over at Morgan, adjusting the bag over her shoulder with a determined nod. “I’m fine, really”, she said, although her eyes didn’t quite meet her friends. She was fine, right? She’d gone out plenty of times since her incident with Ada, and physically, she was fit as a fiddle, thanks to Nisa. Still, it seemed every time she ventured out lately- first with Nicole and then with Kaden, she was faced with another monster attack to deal with, all before fully processing the trauma of what happened with Ada. But she wanted to be over it- an encounter with a monster was never much of a bother before, and she was determined not to let it be now. “I’m fine”, reiterated. “I’m excited, actually… I really think we could do something good here.”

They had been talking for months about spreading literacy around White Crest, and so doing it here and now was the perfect way to clear her mind from all the annoying anxieties that seemed to be popping their way in these days. She shook her head playfully, a smirk playing on her lips. Nicole, too, had something to say about the size of her bag. “It never hurts to be prepared”, she said, holding up her hands in mock defense. “I’ve genuinely thought of everything, Morgan. There’s not one thing we could go back for.” As they walked toward a small picnic table in the distance, she glanced at her friend again, smiling softly. “Besides, it’d just be rude to back out now, don’t you think?”

“No, I don’t, actually,” Morgan said. “I can handle this just fine on my own if you wanted to take it easy for today. I know you’re all shiny and healed, but that doesn’t mean you have to go running into the trees to look for pixies.” But Leah seemed sure, and they did have all the supplies they needed, and then some. “Come here,” she sighed, reaching for her friend’s hand. “Thank you for doing this with me. Lets poke a little way’s into the trees, okay?”

She squeezed Leah’s hand, securing her grip, and walked to where nature clustered the thickest.

“Oh no!” She called. “I think we’ve already lost our way back to the park! I sure hope no one comes to try and take advantage of us! Don’t you?” She winked and Leah, encouraging her to add to the ruse.

Morgan’s insistence that she didn’t need her help was sweet, but Leah didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity like the one they were about to take. Maybe Morgan could handle it on her own, but Leah needed to be there, for her own mental health. She took a deep breath, stepping forward slightly and letting Morgan’s hand wrap around her own. She was fine. Her eyes were alert for any tiny creatures buzzing by, knowing that in order to teach a pixie to read, they’d have to find one first.

She nodded at Morgan with a smirk, her eyes becoming comically wide and her arms outstretched. “I do hope we do not run into any tricks, dear Morgan. We are just two small friends, trying to find our way home! However will we solve this predicament?” Her voice was a bit too loud to be believable, but she was really committing to this act they were putting on. “If only there were someone to play a game with us!”

A high pitched giggle emerged from behind them, followed by a slight rustling of the brush. She pressed her lips together to suppress a smile, glancing at Morgan to see if she’d noticed.

“What’s that?” Morgan said, still exaggerating her voice for the benefit of any pixies hiding deeper in the trees. “Did you hear something? It sounded kind of scary, don’t you think?” She turned and started walking backwards, nodding encouragingly at Leah. “I think I’ll stop and have some of this candy to make myself feel better.” She slung her bag to one shoulder and took out a bag of candy fruit slices, crinkling it as loud as she could.

A hum of fluttering wings tickled her ears. Morgan turned. “Hello--?”

“GOT YOUR NOSE!”

The pixie was so close, she could only see a glowing blur of pink and green. There was a quiet pop like bubbles bursting under fingertips and then a gory impression of Morgan’s severed nose appeared in the pixie’s arms. She flitted back, cackling so hard with delight she started flying in backflips.

“I’ll take that!” Another pixie squeaked. The fruit candy bag was ripped from her grasp and plunked to the floor. Morgan turned, dazed, and saw two tiny sets of legs sticking out of the opening and kicking to find their balance.

“Wha--oh, Stars!” Morgan felt for her nose, just in case. She wasn’t sure if she got to grow a new one if anything happened to it.

“Made you look! Willowbud, look how dumb she is! I made her look!”

Sighing with relief when she felt it, Morgan finally let herself laugh. “You sure did! That was--whew!--some big magic. But I have much better candy if you and your friends will talk to me.” She grinned slyly at them. “And I have it on some very good authority that it’s one of your favorites.”

Leah followed Morgan slowly, her eyes still wide with fake fear, trying to grab the attention of the pixies that were sure to be nearby. “I am feeling very, very scared right now, Morgan. Thank goodness you brought so much candy to keep us well fed and nourished.” There was somewhat of a robotic tone applied to her put upon acting voice, but she felt it was doing the job all the same.

It was fascinating to be able to watch the pixies from so close, and she savored every moment, hoping she could remember it all to document later. She had seen a few as a child, and read about them tons, but being this close was a real treat. She wondered if the excitement shone on her face as much as it fluttered in her heart.

Strands of her hair floated above her head, and she heard the faint buzzing of wings as another pixie held it up, pulling and prodding as if it were the most interesting thing the pixie had ever seen. It flew directly in front of her face, it’s glow shining bright on her nose. “You’ve got a stain on your shirt!”, the pixie squeaked, pointing down toward Leah’s chest. She looked down, mocking shock, before it flew up playfully, poking her in the nose. “MADE YOU LOOK!”

The other pixies erupted in fits of giggles before marveling at Morgan’s news, all rushing toward the candy offered to them. Leah, for her part, got to work on setting up the mini chairs and table she’d borrowed from her niece’s play set, a perfect size for the pixies before them. “You can even sit down, if you’d like!”, she offered, grinning slyly and excitedly at Morgan. This plan might actually work!

Morgan eased to the ground, tearing open a handful of pixie sticks and hold them out. The pixies abandoned the candy fruit slices and flitted over, pulling at their favorites and dousing themselves in sugar.

“That one’s mine!” One of them cried.

“I saw it first!” Said another one.

“It has my name on it! See? It’s Appleseed!”

“They all say the same thing!”

“It’s okay, I have enough colors for everyone!” Morgan said. “But maybe one of you can tell me what these words on the candies do say?”

“Why? Don’t you know, Dummy-Boob?”

Morgan squinted. There was something strangely familiar about this one, the way she fluffed her pollen-strewn hair or flew a little ahead of the others, like she was the boss, or the name she called her. “I asked you first,” she said. “What’s your name, anyway?”

“Sundew,” the pixie said. “Can I have yours?”

“No. Deirdre told me all about your little tricks, and she would be mad if you used our friend offerings to trick me. You wouldn’t make a fae mad on purpose, would you?”

The pixies swarmed into a tittering argument about whether Morgan could possibly mean their Deirdre, and who had last visited her and knew how she was doing, and could they trust this human to know anything about her?

“Not a human,” Morgan tried to interject. “And you can call me Morgan, and you can call my very good and also not-human friend here, Leah!”

“Oh! The Morgan Thing! Yes, yes, yes, I knew it all along,” Sundew said. “I remember you! Your face still looks like a Dummy Boob, but I guess since you gave us Pixie Stickses, you’re good for something.”

That was definitely not how to pronounce Pixie Sticks, but Morgan could see the mistake froSundew flew lazily down to the doll furniture and started munching on her treats. Only then did the other pixies join in. If Sundew thought it was alright, then they could enjoy what was being put in front of them. Morgan side-eyed Leah. She had never been especially good at speaking queen bee unless she was bartering something she knew was wanted, and how were they supposed to convince the pixies that this was a ‘them’ thing?

Leah had no doubt that Morgan would be well versed on how to deal with the pixies, especially after she avoided Sundew’s trick about names. She chuckled at the attempt, observing how the other pixies deflated with disappointment as Morgan refused.

She smiled shyly at the pixies as she was introduced, offering them a small wave as some of them swarmed around her in curiosity. “Morgan’s good for a lot of things, actually”, Leah said, noting how much the other pixies seemed to follow this Sundew’s lead. If they needed to get through to any of them first, it was definitely her. “If you think her Pixie Stickses are good, just wait until you get a look at her flowers and cakes.” Locking eyes with Morgan, she sent her a quick nod, a plan quickly forming in her head.

“Here’s the thing, Sundew. These human treats that the Morgan thing brought?...”- she glanced at Morgan at that, amused, before continuing. “...there are tons of them, all over the world. And they’re totally delicious, right?” The pixies around them tutted tiny noises of agreement as they munched on their own, and Leah sat down on the grass before she continued on, planting a dramatic, sad look on her face. “The problem is that Morgan thing here only brought us the very best tastes. Some of the tastes of the treats? Just awful. You get your tongue on one of the bad ones, it’ll be the only thing on your mind for weeks!”

Dramatic gasps erupted around them, and Sundew seemed to lean forward in her tiny chair. “There’s only one sure way to know which taste you’re about to get, Sundew, and that’s being able to read what flavor treat you’re about to eat.” She sighed dramatically, sitting back on her hands in the grass. Maybe, if Sundew thought this was her idea, she’d actually go for it. “Do you know how to read, Sundew?” She stared at the sky as she asked, as if the question was as casual as asking someone if they knew how to ride a bike (reading was obviously much more important).

“Of course I can read, Lee-lee,” Sundew said, puffing out her tiny, glowing chest. “And I can write too! Which is more than a dummy boob can do. How else would I know it says pixie stickies?” She proudly rippled open a blue pixie stick and dumped a heap of it onto her face to wipe and lick off her face.

“Okay, well, what about you?” Morgan asked, pointing to another pixie. “How do you know which one tastes the best?”

“Your face knows which one is the best!” Sundew interrupted.

“Obviously red always tastes best,” the other pixie said. “That’s why I get all the red ones.”

“See? We knowsy-knows everything we need to, Morgan Dummy Boob,” Sundew said. “You can tell Deirdre thank you for all her presents and I got that sexy spriggan’s number for her just in case she changes her mind, you’re welcome very much for--”

“Okay, moving on!” Morgan said, growing shrill.

Another pixie flitted up to Leah, pulling on her ear to get her attention. “Do you have any more of the stripey ones with the crinklies? I love the minty ones so much, they’re so good, and the stripes are so pretty and then if you get them sticky, you can put them under people’s fingers and toes and make them scream and it’s sooo much fun.”

“What’s this?” Two more said, picking at the doll furniture she’d brought. Together they pulled up one of the tiny cabinets with mini books and spun it around before letting it fall and tumble on the ground. Then up again, and down again, higher, letting the doors snap on their fragile hinges and all the carefully assembled books fall into the dirt.

“Oh, but you wouldn’t want to make people scream, would you?” Leah chided, tilting her head to the side. “That wouldn’t be very nice.” She was too focused on the pixie in front of her to notice the rumblings of Sundew and some of the others, who conspired with tiny whispers and giggles behind her.

Leah let out a sharp gasp as her ear was yanked, the action taking her off guard and causing her heart to flutter. She closed her eyes and let out a breath, and a flash of snarling, hungry werewolf teeth snapped into her vision. She had sworn that the flashbacks were over with, that they’d no longer be disrupting and distressing her at the drop of a hat, but somehow, she kept being proved wrong. Opening her eyes with a start, she swallowed a hard lump in her throat, attempting to focus all of her energy on here, on now, on this.

She reached into her bag, about to feel around for another candy cane to hand over to the small fae with some more coaxing toward reading when the commotion with the doll furniture caught her attention. “Don’t!, ...-stop!” All that hard work, all the arranging and careful planning she’d done, it was a waste if the pixies weren’t going to take it seriously. She reached forward, ready to pull the furniture away from them and carefully piece back together, but the pixies were quicker than she was.

“Don’t stop? Okay, we won’t!” one of them giggled, picking up the nearly destroyed, tiny books and dropping them again and again.

She pushed herself up into a standing position, determined to snatch the books and furniture away from them for good, when the pixies who had been conspiring behind her let out another raucous round of giggles, and Leah only realized why when it was too late.

In a matter of seconds, they had managed to tie her shoelaces together, causing her to tumble back toward the ground with a scream, landing on her hands in front of her with a grunt. Her mind flashed again, and suddenly, she could feel herself tumbling down her hall stairwell with the wolf, breaking and bending and bruising something new with each passing moment. No. No no no. She didn’t want to break anymore, she needed to get away and find a way out and-

“I think we do want to make people scream, Lee-Lee. Even not-human people, like you!”

She wasn’t in her house, it wasn’t that night, everything was healed. So why did she still feel so broken?

As she attempted to push herself back up, the pixies swarmed her, tugging at her hair, her ears, her fingers, her clothes- anything they could to elicit more silly screams and prove their point. Tears stung at her eyes, but she was essentially useless against their tricks, and even as she successfully pushed herself up into a sitting position, they continued to taunt her.

Morgan tried to shield Leah with her body, but there was no point when the pixies could fly over and around her to keep pinching, pulling, and laughing at Leah. “That’s enough!”

“You’re right, we should move onto tickle torture!” Sundew squealed.

“No, that is not what I mean--”

“But she’s so funny when she screams!”

“I know, a-and I understand that but…” But what? What was more important to a pixie than tormenting someone for fun? Panic tensed through Morgan’s muscles. She couldn’t hurt them. She couldn’t scare them. “WHAT IF I KNEW A BETTER WAY!” She shouted. “I know a better way to mess with humans!”

The pixies didn’t stop, but they did look up with eager faces, and some paused in pulling on her hair.

“It’s so fast, once you really know how, and the humans make it so easy, they won’t even know it!”

Sundew folded her arms and flitted up to stare Morgan in the eyes. “Oh, yeah? And what’s that?”

“I won’t tell you anything about it until you leave Leah alone.”

Sundew didn’t seem to like putting a stop to her fun, but she and the other pixies came to the same conclusion with one exchange of looks. Yes, finding easy ways to trick the humans did sound like more fun.

One by one they let go of Leah and flitted over to Morgan and as they each crowded around her vision, she realized that she had no ideas in her head but one, and she would have to hope very hard that this went over very well. “I--need you all to come over here and give me a little space while I show you.”

She took out a notebook and one of the markers she’d brought and wrote very carefully, one word on each set of lines. She was tempted to add an artistic flourish but remembered from her friend crying behind her that these pixies were not as child-like as they seemed, and she wasn’t in the mood to have her art critiqued. “Okay,” she said, donning her teacher-voice. “Can anyone tell me what this says?”

Silence from the pixies.

“This is a way to get humans to do almost anything you want,” Morgan said. “If you can get them to say this or agree to this in writing, You can have so many kinds of fun. Better kinds. And, it works both ways, so you should probably know how to read it.”

“That doesn’t look like anything so special to me,” Sundew said, glaring skeptically.

“We can break it down. It’s definitely a long phrase. You all know the first word, right?” They did. “And the second one?” Only Sundew knew agree, which she was very proud of. But when they got to terms and conditions, the little pixie folded her arms and stuck up her little nose.

“If you’re lying about these words, you’re going to be in sticky-sticky trouble,” She said. “No one gets away with lying to pixies.”

Morgan held out the marker to her. “If you really think I’m lying, then you should be able to check the box without any worries, shouldn’t you?”

All the pixies looked at her, waiting to see what would happen.

“I could tell you first, though, if you want to trust me,” Morgan said.

Sundew got as far as hovering the marker above the checkbox before her doubt came in. “Fine,” she huffed. “What does it say?”

And Morgan told her which each word meant, one by one, helping the others sound it out slowly. “Alright, so put together what does that mean?”

“I agree to your terms and conditions!” Willowbud cried. Her face fell as she realized what she’d said. “..Oops.”

“That’s okay, Willowbud. I release you,” Morgan said. “But you see, you don’t have to speak words to make them powerful. You can do all kinds of magic if you learn to write them down and leave them for other people to find. And there’s even more words than that out here. I could teach you some more of them, but, I’m definitely going to need you to do some things for me first.”

Sundew reluctantly agreed and the rest of the pixies let out the rest of their enthusiasm. Morgan would exchange one lesson in exchange for staying on task while they were in the learning area, which would be in her garden next but might change and be established by her later. And she would get one favor for releasing Willowbud so quickly and recognizing Sundew as her very special teaching assistant. When this was settled, Morgan helped the pixies gather all their candy into the spare dinner napkin they’d brought and waved at them as they flew away, carrying the stash between them all.

When the pixies were gone, really, completely, and not even in earshot gone, Morgan sagged on the ground with relief and crawled over to Leah. “Hey…” she said gently. “That was uh...pretty wild huh? Definitely not how I planned to do things. Are you okay? I brought some first aid stuff, if they did anything to you. Is it okay if I take a look? Leah?”

There was no end in sight, no stop to the pulling, and picking, and flashbacks. The torment- it was everlasting, even with Morgan’s muted voice in Leah’s ears trying to talk the pixies down. But the endless did have an end, even in the darkest of moments, and slowly but surely, whatever Morgan was saying seemed to lure them away.

As soon as it was possible, Leah pushed herself up, crossing her arms over her chest and walking briskly away from the group to lean against a nearby tree, trying to steady her breathing. The trees around them, despite staying in the same space, felt like they were closing in on her, inching and inching until she’d soon have no space left to breath. Suddenly, she was pinned under the wolf again, with no way out of the darkness that encompassed them. There was a sweat above her brow that hadn’t been there earlier.

Why did she still feel like this? Why couldn’t it just be over? She knew she was safe, she knew a bunch of pixies couldn’t hurt her- so why did her brain keep insisting on flashing back to that one, fateful night?

Something in Morgan’s tone shook her out of her thoughts, and Leah’s attention was turned back to her friend and the pixies, who were now surrounding Morgan. How much time had passed since she walked away from them? It had felt like hours, at least, but the position of the sun suggested it had merely been a few moments.

I agree to the terms and conditions.

Suddenly, a new wave of panic bubbled up inside her at what Morgan was saying, at what she was doing, and she closed the distance between them in a flash.

“Morgan-”, she warned, but it was too late- the pixies were already fluttering away with satisfied grins, clearly already planning the tricks they’d play with all they’d learn from Morgan. Her body slunk back down to the ground, in shock and disbelief at what her friend had just done.

“What did you just agree to?” she asked, her eyes wide and angry. Her voice sounded foreign in her ears. It was raspy and uneven and held emotion that she was not yet ready to let spill over. “Why would you… They’re going to torment the whole town, Morgan! Do you have any idea how dangerous what you just did is? How much damage it will do?”

She ignored Morgan’s offer of first aid, too enveloped in the thought of what the pixies might do with all they were about to learn. She was fine. She told Morgan as such, crossing her arms over her chest again.

Morgan flinched back, bewildered. “What did I--” Leah didn’t look tormented anymore, she looked furious. Instinctively, Morgan inched further away. She replayed the last few minutes, but the only thing she could see as wrong was abandoning her friend for so long. But she couldn’t have done things any faster. Or if she could have, but she didn’t know how. “I--I did what I could. I negotiated a no mischief or violence in the learning area agreement so this doesn’t happen again! I got them to leave you alone! What do you mean damage? They--it’s gonna be fine. They’ll have to write a whole lot more convincingly than Sundew’s chickenscretch before they can scam the town into hopping on one foot til they pass out.”

She still had this impulse that she should do something. Her bag was close by. She should check Leah for injuries, right? But stronger than this impulse was her confusion. “I--don’t understand what’s happening right now, Leah. You need to tell me what’s happening because I don’t--I-I know it wasn’t great but isn’t this what we--what is it you think I should be doing?” Morgan finally met her gaze, her look accusing through her hurt.

This was too much. There was a thought, somewhere in the back of her head, that maybe Leah wouldn’t be reacting the way she was if she hadn’t just been tormented by the pixies- if she hadn’t spent the last few weeks tormented by nightmares of being attacked by werewolves, and tiny snowmen that liked to stab your ankles. If the town hadn’t been plagued with people falling into sleep and never woken up again. “And you don’t think they’ll find a way around that? They’re pixies, Morgan. They’re known for their tricks! Giving them the power of those words is like tossing a lit match into a dry forest. They’ll learn… they’ll teach each other, and handwriting be damned, they’ll torment the whole damn town with this.”

She held Morgan’s gaze for a moment, her breathing shallow and heavy, before sucking her teeth and looking at the ground below them. “I don’t know”, she muttered finally, her voice small. “I don’t...know”. A panic began to rise in her chest, building and building in neverending wave of worry. “Everything feels like a big deal, Morgan. Everything feels like it’s about to come crashing down, all the time and all at once. I can’t differentiate between real danger and everyday mishaps, I can’t-...” She let out a sob and put a hand over her chest, struggling to catch her breath.

“No! They’re not going to take over the world! And what’s wrong with appealing to what they like? We’re not here to change them or make them like humans! I don’t--I don’t--I---” Morgan sputtered, quivering as she tried to assemble the pieces between them faster. Her mind whirred in place, nothing made sense, nothing fit. Weren’t they supposed to accept supernaturals the way they were, as long as there wasn’t recreational murder involved? Sure, the pixies might get up to some intense stuff, but education wasn’t about programming people to be like you. The pixies would always be themselves, that wasn’t something to fix.

But Leah breathed, and then she quieted, and then she cried, and then she panicked. Panic, Morgan knew how to handle.

“Hey. Hey, Leah...can I come close?” She inched towards her, hands in plain sight. “I just want you to breathe with me. You know all about breath control, yeah? It’s, um, it’s actually a nice game to play when your lungs don’t regulate themselves anymore because you’re dead.” She let out an uneasy laugh, unsure if levity was something that would help at a time like this. “Breathe slowly with me, and tell me how you feel.” Tentatively, she reached for Leah’s hands and tapped the familiar rhythm on her knuckles. “In, hold, out. In, hold, out. Where did you go, when they hurt you? Come back to me, help me understand…” She kept tapping, kept breathing, and strained all her dead senses toward the earth, searching for more answers.

Leah’s ears felt like they were clogged, and Morgan’s words were far away and muffled, and she could barely make them out. But she continued to hold her eyes, silently pleading with her to help stop whatever magic the pixies had sprouted that was making her lose her breath. This had to be the pixies, right? But then Morgan was requesting to come closer, clear as day, and Leah did what she could to let out a nod. Breath control. Yes. It was one of the first things she learned as a child in phoenix training. Controlling your breath was often the first step in controlling your fire, or even in focusing your heat. Focus, focus ,focus.

She tentatively let Morgan take her hand- it had felt like an anchor on her chest, as if before Morgan had reminded her about breath control it was the only thing keeping her grounded. In, hold, out. It was hard, now, but she kept trying. In, hold, out. Focus. In, hold, out. “I-I...my house, that night…” In, hold, out. She was here, not there. There was far away and gone and didn’t exist anymore, right? “...with A-...with the, ...werewolf”. She let out another sob, squeezing Morgan’s hand tight. “I… it’s still… I can’t stop…” In, hold, out. In, hold, out. “I thought I could… be over it. I thought I could forget. I can’t even get myself into my fucking guest room to clean up the mess we made, I … I can barely sleep through the night without waking up with a start thinking she’s there again, I…” She looked at Morgan again, clinging to her for answers, or comfort, or anything. “...I can’t stop feeling like this.”

“Oh, Leah,” Morgan whispered. She pulled herself closer to her friend and put her free hand on her shoulder and tugged, gently. You can fall, she wanted to say. I’ve got you. Let me catch you. I’ve got you. “Keep focusing. In, hold, out.” She did it with her even if her lungs didn’t need the exercise. “You’re with me now. You’re not alone. I’ve got you, and I’m not going to let anything happen to you. You’re safe now, Leah. Keep breathing with me.” In, hold, out. In, hold, out…

Steadily they went, one round after another, and all the while Morgan told her I’m here, you’re safe, I’m here. At last, when the worst seemed to be ebbing away, Morgan said, “You can’t hide from it, Leah. It’ll just jump out of the shadows at you like this. Love sorrow. She is yours now, and you must take care of what has been given.” She reached up to comb her fingers through Leah’s hair. “I’m sorry. I am so, so very sorry you must carry this with you. That you can’t pretend like it never happened, that you can’t go back to being someone this hadn’t happened to. But you can control it, if you look at it, if you hold it long enough, you can keep it calm and quiet, and one day it won’t be so big or so heavy.” She tugged on Leah again, urging her into her arms. “You have to be the one to decide, though. We don’t have to talk about it right now if you don’t want to. Whatever you need is what we’ll do. I am your friend and I love you and I am here for you as much as you’ll let me.”

In, hold, out. It was helping, Leah thought. In, hold, out. It seemed to be helping. The breaths started entering her lungs more willingly, although the pit in her stomach didn’t cease. And she let herself let go. For the first time since the incident, she let herself be cradled and held and cared for. It wasn’t to her sister, or Bea or Jas, who’d all offered countless times to help her pick up the pieces, but it was here, with Morgan, in the middle of the forest, when her resolve finally cracked. It felt ironic, but she didn’t know why. She listened to Morgan’s words, her voice grounding and soothing as she let herself be pulled back to earth. As she was wrapped into Morgan’s arms, she closed her eyes, her breathing finally… finally feeling steady enough to speak.

“I don’t know...how to look at it”, she admitted, anxiety bubbling up in her chest again. “I-... I’m so used to… I know about the supernatural, you know? I know how to d-deal with them, and handle the dangerous, and help them, and I thought that if something like this ever happened, I wouldn’t be so… sh, so shaken by it.” She let out a quick breath, bringing her hand up to wipe away at the tears that were falling down her cheeks. She swallowed a hard lump in her throat, slowly sitting up and pulling away from Morgan, a bit embarrassed at the whole ordeal. “I didn’t mean to yell at you”, she told her friend, catching her eyes.

Morgan bundled Leah into her arms as tight as she dared. She would have fallen to the forest floor with relief if she could have. Leah’s cries sounded as though they broke her body on the way out, as if her pain had become an invisible creature, clawing its way out. Morgan did her best to soothe the monster away with soft hushes and circles rubbed into Leah’s back, but that was only a bandaid at best. “Hey, don’t worry about me,” she said, brushing the issue aside. “We don’t have to talk about that today. I know you didn’t mean it now.” She kept on, soothing Leah while she held her and hoping with all she had that her dead arms were enough.

“You’re still a person, Leah,” Morgan said into her shoulder. “You can’t theory your way out of being a person, or suffering. You can’t skip around your pain. And feeling pain, carrying suffering, doesn’t make you any less strong or kind or wise, Leah. You are still every bit as valuable, as yourself, as you ever have been. And it’s so hard to feel that sometimes, I know. But nothing is going to be taken away from you if you look at it. If anything, Leah, you will understand more and have an even greater capacity to help people who’ve been hurt after you face this and learn to carry it better.”

Morgan’s skin was an interesting contrast to Leah’s, her friend’s cool and icy while her own burned red hot with embarrassment and sorrow. It was soothing. She let herself sink into it as she closed her eyes and listened to the logic that was flowing around her. She had been so in her head about everything that had happened with the wolf, and all that had happened after too. The snowmen with Nicole, the ballybog and vodnik with Kaden, and now the pixies with Morgan- they seemed to all be adding to an ever piling list of emotions that Leah was determined to deal with in some sort of metaphorical ‘later’ that she would never let come. But now, Morgan offered an out- a way to start digging through the pile and know she could still be herself once she reached the other side of it. And what better way to start than to just… look at it? To see it, to relive it, so that when the flashbacks inevitably came again, they wouldn’t be so jarring or scary. The idea scared her beyond belief, but it made so much sense that Leah couldn’t deny it was a good one.

After a long beat of thinking and sighing and breathing again, Leah let her eyes lock with Morgan’s, wondering if they looked as vulnerable as she felt. “You’re right”, she said finally, her voice just starting to sound like her own again. “I… I’ve been working so hard on pushing it all back- burying myself in work and scribe things so that I could move on and forget about what happened… but how can I expect to forget about it when I’ve not even let myself really remember it?” As she spoke, she picked at the grass awkwardly, needing something to do with her hands. She was fully embarrassed at the scene she’d caused, even if it was just between the two of them. Because of that, her attention was brought back to the mess the pixies had left- the wrappers and doll furniture were strewn about the grass around them, left without a care in the world. “Perhaps we should start cleaning up…”

Morgan took Leah’s face gently in her hands and held her steady while they looked into each other’s eyes, gently and clearly. “So remember. On your terms. And it doesn’t have to be alone.” She stroked her friend’s hair as she looked at the mess around them on the forest floor. “That won’t take so long. I still have the store bags, we can put the wrappers in one until we find a recycling bin and put your niece’s furniture in another. Maybe order her some upgrades to make up for the damaged stuff.” She smiled, relieved and confident. “What I want you to do is think about where you want to go next. Anywhere in town, as long as it’s just for you. No tumbling back into work, okay?” Giving Leah one more knowing look, a gesture to show that they were really okay, Morgan reached into her bag and started scooping up the mess.

Leah let herself sink deeper into Morgan’s touch, losing herself in the sheer gentleness that was presented to her. She let out a slow breath and nodded. “On my terms”. As they cleaned up, she thought about what Morgan said. Normally, she’d probably head to the library basement after an encounter like this, and write down everything she could remember. But she wanted to be better- to stop feeling like the world might fall apart at the drop of a hat, and so for once, she opted to take a break and take Morgan’s advice instead. “Morgan?”, she asked as they picked up the last of the garbage, moving on to the tiny furniture. “Would you like to go to the movies when we’re done here?” She leaned down to pick up the small table, one of its legs barely hanging on. “The Nordica is showing old classics tonight… it might be fun.”

Morgan beamed down at Leah as she stuffed the last of the wrappers and tied off the bag. “Oh, yeah? Hmm, I don’t know…” She scrunched up her face, pretending to give it some very serious thought. “You, me, and the rom com double feature with Irene Dunne and Katherine Hepburn?” Then she burst into laughter and pulled her friend up with a helping hand. “I would be delighted, Leah.”

#reading rainbow #wr leah #wr chatzy #wr leah chatzy #wr pixies #wr pixies chatzy

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dc41896 · 4 years

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Save Room for Us

Hey guys☺️! So this is inspired by the songs “Save Room for Us” by Tinashe and “Should’ve Been Us” by Tori Kelly (idk if that’s a thing for an imagine to be inspired by two songs that but here we are lol). Also I feel like it’s a bit lengthy so sorry about that and hope you guys like it!

Pairing: Chris EvansxBlack Reader

⚠️: Tiny bit of angst but mostly fluff💕!

“Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon? Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grins? Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain? Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?,” you sing along with Pocahontas on the television screen while your 10 month old daughter, Ameera, sat in your lap as you finished securing the bow on her last puff.

Babbling as she gazes at the movie, the chime of the security alarm from the front door opening draws her attention as she crawls towards the armrest. “Looks like your favorite uncle is here,” you smile hearing her excitedly squeal seeing Chris walk into the room.

“I’m coming sweetheart just let me wash my hands first.”

Having stayed with him in his Boston home throughout the entirety of quarantine so far, Ameera had become attached to her new playmate. When he wasn’t being interviewed or working with Mark, you’d find the both of them laughing on the floor on top of one of his throws playing peek a boo or with one of her many toys.

Sometimes they’d even watch Disney movies together with Chris being the reason for her current obsession with Pocahontas. Both sat with eyes glued to the screen wrapped in a blanket eating a snack, you couldn’t help but secretly take a picture trying to hide your laughter at the adorable site.

“Hi meemo,” Chris smiles picking up the already giggling little girl and kissing her cheek before sitting on the couch beside you. “What have you been doing since I’ve been gone huh?”

“The usual. Eating, playing, fussing when she wants to watch her new favorite movie.”

“Sounds like you had a busy day,” he chuckles tickling under her chin. “And what about you? Still packing your stuff?”

“Yea I uh packed some of her toys earlier but that’s it.”

“You know, you don’t have to go. I don’t have a problem with you guys staying as long as you want. Even ma told me to tell you her place is open too,” he adds looking at you while your daughter plays with the pendant on his necklace.

Being your best friend, you knew he’d try to do whatever he could for you both, but that still didn’t take away the guilt you felt from the situation. You didn’t want to inconvenience him in any way with Ameera’s crying or her, at times, crazy sleep schedule especially since he was still working. He assured you that wouldn’t be the case though when he suggested you come stay with him during an impromptu venting session on your part.

Your parents wanted you to stay with them instead of being on your own in the apartment, but with five people living in a three bedroom house you knew things would eventually feel cramped. You were already stressed enough with everything going on and doing your best to take care of your baby. You didn’t feel like your family being on top of you would help.

And so here you were these past four months and counting living with your best friend from high school.

“I know, but my parents have been on my back talking about how they wish they could see Ameera in person and how I should be spending time with them, so I think it’s time we leave. Plus I’m sure you’re ready to get rid of us,” you laugh propping your elbow on the back of the couch.

“Never, if you guys wanted to live here forever I wouldn’t mind,” he smiles as Ameera taps his eyebrows with her small palms trying to get some words out but only releasing grunts making him laugh.

“Hey now, be gentle.”

“It’s ok, I know what she wants.” Raising his eyebrows and making a stern face, she wildly squeals showing her one tooth while grinning and bouncing up and down.

“Listen here small person, if you think you’re the most adorable one here you’re in for a rude awakening,” he speaks in a low voice further prompting her giggles.

“Why have you been doing Lucas Lee in front of my child?,” you laugh as he turns to you returning to his normal expression.

“Well she was fussy one day we were waiting for you to get out the shower so I did it making a funny face and she loved it. I guess it’s been our thing since.”

“Oh boy, I don’t think you know what you’ve created meera.”

“What? Everybody loves Lucas Lee,” he ruggedly speaks getting back into character. “That’s been proven from my numerous fan voted awards,” he winks making you lean forward in laughter and him join in soon after.

“Da-da!” Both of you snapping your heads to your daughter, you watch her giggle with hands on his chest as she presses her lips against his cheek trying to give him a kiss but leaving a slobbery mess instead.

“Da-da!”

“Meemo that’s your first word! Do it again, say da da!”

“Or how about we try uncle? Say un-cle!,” you smile playing with her hand.

“Dada,” she giggles again lying her head in the crook of his neck before letting out a soft yawn and making him aw as he gently sways her side to side.

“I can put her to sleep if you want?”

“No it’s okay I got her. Come on Ameera it’s nap time.”

Taking her from his hands, she pokes out her bottom lip as she begins to fuss not wanting to leave her uncle.

“It’s okay, I’ll be here when you wake up,” he tries to soothe only to be met with tears while you walk her to the guest room. Smiling to himself he hears you quietly sing the familiar melody over the baby monitor on the table eventually getting her to settle. Whenever he heard it, whether from your mouth or somewhere else, he was always brought back to visiting you in the hospital shortly after Ameera was born.

Tip toeing in the room behind your mom to surprise you, he found you alone with a content smile sitting in bed as you gently swaddled the tiny infant lying in front of you.

“My cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore, you're the only girl my heart beats for, how I wish that you were mine,” you sung carefully picking her up to cradle in your arms.

“I picked something up for you while I was out,” your mom smiled moving aside to reveal a slightly crouched Chris holding two large pink gift bags designed with cartoon storks.

“I thought you were away filming?!”

“Well, I heard it was someone’s birthday today so I’m here for the party!,” he answers kissing your temple as he gently hugs you with his free arm trying not to wake the currently sleeping bundle. “Welcome to the world Ameera.”

“Say thank you uncle Chris! You really didn’t have to get more gifts though, you’ve already done enough. And that especially goes for if there’s anything Patriots in there, you might as well throw it out now.”

“No there’s nothing Patriots in here now, but give it a couple years I’m gonna have her own jersey made.”

“You better not,” you both laugh startling Ameera as she begins to squirm and whine in your arms. Consoling her while you apologize, a soft smile forms on his lips as his gaze lingers on you.

Curls tied on the top of your head wearing your light blue ‘granny pajamas’, as you called them, and your glasses perched on your nose he knew you probably didn’t feel it but in this moment it was as if you were the most beautiful being he’d laid eyes on.

He always did think you were beautiful though from the first time you met, and now with the remnants of your pregnancy glow mixing with the one you already had from your natural beauty, he never wanted to look away.

“Hey, sorry about that,” you shyly speak interrupting his thoughts as you return to your seat next to him.

“About what the crying? Y/N I think I’m pretty used to that by now,” he chuckles while you shake your head.

“No, about her calling you dada. I promise we haven’t been practicing that or anything I was just as shocked as you.”

“Oh that, you don’t have to apologize,” he responds waving you off. “I mean she’s seen me everyday for four months, it’s understandable how it would happen. Plus I don’t mind if she wants to call me dad.”

“That’s very sweet, but what happens when you get a girlfriend? You don’t think that’ll seem weird to them your best friend’s kid calling you dad?”

“Well if after I explain why Ameera calls me dad they have a problem, then they’re not for me,” he shrugs.

“And what about when you have kids?”

“Then they’ll have an older sister. Like I said though Y/N if you’re not okay with it-,”

“It’s not that I’m not it’s just...,” you begin, sighing as you look down at the cushion below you trying to figure out your feelings. Of course it warmed your heart how he’d gladly fulfil that role for Ameera, but at the same time she wasn’t his responsibility. You didn’t want him to feel like he was obligated to do anything just because you were friends.

“Chris be honest, do you feel guilty because of what happened with me and Josh?”

Hearing that name instantly made him clench his jaw as he vividly remembered the night you confessed everything that was going on in your seemingly happy relationship. He just called to check on you and Ameera since it had been a while you two last spoke with him back working. You tried to stand strong saying how both of you were fine and updating him on how much she had grown, but being your friend for so long even through the phone he knew something was off.

That’s when you broke down explaining how Josh, your then fiancé, was feeling “stressed” from the pressures of marriage and fatherhood, and how he found comfort in, Kyla, one of the trainers at the gym he frequented.

He’d never consider himself a violent man, but it took every atom and particle in him not to pay a little visit to Josh to take care of him himself.

“Because if you are, you don’t need to be. Meera is mine and his responsibility and if he doesn’t want to step up then-.” Lightly shaking his head, he grabs your hands scooting closer to peer deeper into your brown eyes that were nearly on the verge of tears.

“No no no no Y/N listen to me, what I do for you and for meemo is because I care so much for both of you that I will do any and everything I can. That’s how I’ve felt since we were younger, since you told me you were pregnant, and how I’ll always feel. If anything, the thing I feel guilty about is not saving you from that heartache.”

“Chris don’t do that to yourself, how could you have saved me? You didn’t know that was gonna happen.”

“No I didn’t, but maybe if I would’ve told you earlier what I’ve always wanted to tell you then...things would be different,” he responds seemingly nervous as he releases a breath and eyes look as if he’s trying to carefully choose his next words.

“Our junior year I realized I liked you as more than a friend and I wanted to tell you before I left, but I got scared. So, I figured by the time I saw you again I’d have built up the courage to tell you how I felt but that wasn’t until your graduation where I found out you were going away for college. I didn’t want to be something that potentially added stress or held you back so again I left it alone. Missed chance after missed chance and eventually you met Josh and once you got engaged I knew that was it. I had no more chances. Looking back though I wish I would’ve said something sooner and then you wouldn’t have to had go through all of that and-and...”

Becoming silent, he sighs raking his hand through his dark brown strands looking towards the wooden beams on the ceiling.

“...and Ameera would be our daughter and not just mine,” you finish as he slowly nods with hands covering his face.

“I know, I’m a terrible person for thinking that.” Removing his hands to reveal his reddened face, a small smile rests on your lips as you lift his eyelids open so he could look at you.

“You’re not a terrible person for wondering what could have happened if you did something differently, everyone’s done it in some way. And as far as saving me goes, yea it would’ve been nice but in my opinion, sometimes the things we go through serve as lessons to help us in the future somehow. So take failed relationships for example, those are lessons we learn that help build us to be who we’re supposed to be. And when we finally find our person, yea that’ll come with its own lessons too, but again it’s part of the building process and what we’ve already learned will help us in that relationship with them.”

Light eyes staring into yours, you feel a bit insecure as you sit back turning your attention to the tv as you grab the remote. “Then again that probably made no sense and sounded dumb and naive and-,”

Before you could come up with more adjectives, you feel warm lips and prickling hair tap the corner of your mouth making you instinctively touch the same spot as you look at Chris.

“I-I’m sorry I shouldn’t have tried to kiss you. It’s just what you said earlier definitely wasn’t dumb and-honestly figures I missed because I didn’t ask you first and you didn’t even say how you felt-,” he rambles before your hand covers his mouth.

“Christopher Dork Evans shut up. Would it have been nice of you to ask me first? Yes, and you’re right you shouldn’t have tried to kiss me....especially when my lips were turned in another direction.”

Looking at you slightly confused as you remove your hand, you shift your gaze to his lips as you inch closer until he meets you halfway to connect with yours. Slow and passionate, your lips move together as if they had plenty of practice doing this before. Feeling your body being shifted to his lap, your arms join around his neck as his hands keep you secured to his body holding your back and creeping down until...

“What? What happened?,” he lightly chuckles after you giggle against his lips breaking the intimate moment.

“You weren’t lying when you said that’s your preference.” Quickly removing his hands from your butt the heat returns to neck and face as he nervously laughs.

“Sorry, force of habit. I mean not that every girl I kiss I instantly grab it, and not that I make out with a lot of girls-,”

“It’s okay dork, I don’t mind,” you giggle leaning back in to return to where you left off. Centimeters apart, you both look towards the table once you hear the beginning of a light cry from the baby monitor signaling Ameera had woken up from her nap.

“She’s probably wet,” you both speak at the same time making you both laugh.

“You relax, I got her.” Quickly pecking your lips, you move over so he can stand up to make his way to her room. Face pressed against the pillow held against your chest, you couldn’t get rid of the giddy smile on your lips as his words and everything that followed really sink in.

“Hey meemo! Have a good nap?,” you hear him ask through the baby monitor.

“Da da,” she replies sounding a mix of sad and tired as she holds up her arms to be freed from her crib.

“I know you weren’t ready to wake up yet were you? The nasty wet diaper made you wake up?”

Silently giggling to yourself with their back and forth exchange as he changes her diaper, you soon hear footsteps returning as you sit up to see her lying on his shoulder while he carefully sits down.

“It’s a little weird, but I’m gonna miss seeing drool spots on my shirts when you guys leave,” he chuckles softly rubbing her back.

“Well I was just thinking that maybe staying with my parents doesn’t have to be long term. Like maybe we could be there for a week or two then come back and do that every now and then. If it’s okay with you that is.”

“Yea of course I’d be fine with that,” he smiles. “What made you change your mind?”

“Meera’s really comfortable here and I don’t want to possibly disrupt that you know? Plus I’d probably have to FaceTime you every day and night or else she’d be upset,” you laugh lightly grazing your thumb back and forth against her tiny hand.

“And it’s just Meera feeling that way?”

“Okay, maybe that’s how we both feel,” you smile leaning up to kiss his cheek.

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krsnbgirl · 4 years

Text

Timing || Dancer!Kuroo x Dancer!Fem!Reader || One Shot

Summary: Timing with Kuroo was never right. You met him through a studio collaboration and immediately the chemistry between the two of you was undeniable. The catch? He was finding his way in life and you were in a relationship. Now that time’s past and you’re each at different stages in life, will time be on your side?

Pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou x Fem!Reader

Word Count: ~6k

Warnings: Light swearing, Final stages of moving on, Emotional cheating (?), visual aids for choreography purposes.

Author’s Note: I’ve really been on a writing spree lately and have been dying to write a Dancer!Kuroo fanfic. I came across an old one-shot I abandoned in my drafts and decided to revamp it and have Kuroo as the main character ^^~ I hope you guys like it! Also currently working on a Kageyama x Reader Series if you’re interested! Let me know what you guys thought of this one shot though, love you guys! xoxo, Ren

You sighed as you stared blankly at the laptop screen in front of you. You were seated against the headboard of your bed with your legs crossed, just like how you’d sit in grade school. Running a hand through your hair, your eyes were glued on the picture that was enlarged on your Instagram feed. ‘I didn’t think he’d move on that quickly…’

In the picture was your ex-boyfriend standing in front of the entrance of the local amusement park with the new girl he was talking to. A slight heavy feeling came into your chest as you exited the browser and pushed the laptop to the side. You pushed yourself off of the bed and rearranged the sweatshirt you were wearing. Making your way towards your desk, your eyes landed on the cork board that was filled with different Polaroids. A nostalgic smile came upon your face as you sat down in front of your desk and took the photo pinned at the top-right corner into your hands. Your ex had his arm tightly around your waist as you both cheekily smiled at the camera. His head was comfortably resting on yours while you were pinching his cheek. You leaned against your chair as you played with the photo, memories flooding your mind. It was when you reached your one year anniversary with your ex. It happened during your freshman year of university and he decided to take you to the amusement park to relive your childhood memories. Now with your third year of university coming to an end, things were different. You bit your lip as your hand hovered over the trash can that was tucked underneath your desk. The Polaroid hung at the edge of your fingertips as you debated to finally put a closing to your most serious relationship to date. You and your ex had broken up around a year ago on mutual agreements. Going to different colleges and having such hectic schedules took a toll on the both of you. It eventually came down to the point where you had naturally drifted away from each other because of how different your circles and interests were. With a sigh, you turned over the photo to look at the message that was written on a small stationery note taped to its back.

To the most special girl in the world:

Life always seems more exciting when you’re around.

We managed to get through a year, so let’s aim for forever, yeah?

You’re the only person that understands me and gets how I think.

I love you, princess. - Terushima Yuji

Terushima was your first serious relationship having been best friends since high school and transitioned into being a couple as you matured into young adults. You were each other’s serious firsts and now that time’s passed, you realized that it was a part of life. One person could be your everything at one point and at some point, one outgrows the other if effort doesn’t come from both sides. In the end, you guys decided to still stay as friends. When the breakup was still fresh, you couldn’t believe it right after it happened. It didn’t actually hit you, but as time passed, the pain started to settle in and eventually you became numb to it. You were so used to having him by your side for so long and it hurt to see him move forward with life as you were just barely getting over him. You thought you’ve been doing fine after so long, but after seeing him post about a new girl, reality finally hit that things were never going to be the same again. An unexplained feeling came over you as you let that kind of realization settle over you. You were thankful that you could still be friends with Terushima, but now there were certain boundaries that you had to respect because he was no longer yours. He had a new girl in his life that he clearly loved and you were still single and finally ready to take the world on again. It was a good run while it lasted and you didn’t regret any moment of it. You felt as if you had come full circle with everything involving your ex. Rather than throwing the Polaroid away, you tucked the photo into the small memory box you kept in your desk. It would serve as a reminder just how much you’ve grown since that moment, plus first loves always had a special place in a person’s heart even after growing out of it.

“(Y/N)? There’s someone here to see you.” your roommate, Megumi, said as she poked her head into your room just as you closed the drawer of your desk shut.

You cocked your head to the side in curiosity as you got up and followed your best friend into the living room of your shared apartment.

“But I wasn’t expecting any visitors…” you murmured.

Megumi shrugged and replied, “I didn’t expect this person to come all the way either.”

As Megumi stepped out of your way and plopped herself onto the couch, you gasped and quickly walked over to hug the person who was standing by the TV, looking at your photos along the wall.

“Tetsurou!” you happily exclaimed and laughed as he spun you around.

“Hey, chibi-chan.” he greeted as he set you down and ruffled your hair.

“I thought you were going to teach a workshop in a studio in Seoul? What are you doing here in Tokyo? The last thing you told me was that you were in Paris.”

Kuroo smirked and said, “Well I had to cancel Seoul when Oikawa called me to headline one of the workshops for his studio. I couldn’t say no to an old friend, now could I? So....”

You arched an eyebrow and crossed your arms as he leaned down to meet your gaze. “I need someone to help me teach the piece I was planning on doing today. So, why not the person who co-choreographed it?

You couldn’t stop yourself from excitedly jumping and grabbing his arm. “You still remember that piece when our studios trained together?”

The latter nodded and straightened up, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Of course, chibi-chan. It’s one of my favorite pieces that I’ve ever choreographed to.”

With an amused smile, you nudged him in the stomach. “You’re such a dork.”

Kuroo chuckled and turned you around by your shoulders, pushing you towards your room. “Well what are you waiting for, slow poke? Go and get ready! We have about two hours to get it down before Oikawa starts to sass us!”

A warm feeling spread throughout your chest as you rushed into your room to put on something more suitable to dance in. You rummaged through your closet and slipped on an over-sized graphic T-shirt with a pair of black biker shorts.. Quickly, you threw your necessities into your duffel bag and exited your room. Kuroo and Megumi were catching up as you made a pit stop in the kitchen to grab water for you two.

“Alrighty, I’m set!” you smiled and tossed Kuroo his water as you made your way towards the shoe rack by the door.

As you guys slipped on your shoes, Kuroo pointed towards the shoes you were wearing and laughed.

“You were always the sneakerhead, huh?”

You playfully winked as you straightened up from retying the laces of your latest pair that you copped as a special little treat for yourself. “I got them recently after getting paid from my last dance gig. I got a hefty sum from it, so I decided that it was finally time to drop a little more than usual.”

Kuroo smiled to himself despite rolling his eyes at your statement. He opened the door for you and the two of you exited your apartment. Once you reached the lobby, you greeted the doorman as you made your way towards the spot where Kuroo parked. You smiled widely when Kuroo stopped by a slick, black sports motorcycle. Letting out a low whistle, you admired the vehicle as you slowly circled around it.

“And you finally got a motorcycle license. This is a total beauty, Kuroo. I’ve been waiting to get on this type of baby for a while.”

Kuroo laughed and tossed you the extra helmet he had in his storage compartment. “Just like you said, we gotta spoil ourselves once in a while right? Now c’mon get on.”

You waited for Kuroo to get settled first before getting on the back seat of his bike. An excited squeal escaped your lips as he revved up the engine. He slid down his visor before turning around to slip yours down as well. You bit your lip as he smirked at you before turning his attention towards the oncoming traffic.

“Better hold on tight.”

Shaking your head at him, you comfortable wrapped your arms around his waist as he began to take you guys to the studio. You smiled widely as you watched the city speed past you, a lively feeling spreading throughout your body. Ever since the breakup happened, you managed to keep yourself busy in order to take your mind off things. Though you were constantly picking up dance gigs and doing other side jobs or even simply cleaning up the apartment, there was always this empty feeling inside of you. But now that Kuroo was back and with you, it felt as if he helped you break the chains you locked yourself up with. Looking up at the bright sky, you breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed how the wind surrounded you. You felt alive. You felt free and genuinely happy for once. The world now looked brighter and you were happy that Kuroo was able to bring that out of you. Tightening your grip around his waist, you mentally thanked the heavens for bringing him back to you.

----

As you monitored the class while Kuroo taught the combination of the piece, you smiled to yourself as you listened to his dorky references. He managed to squeeze in a couple of science puns and you bemusedly shook your head as the whole class laughed, but also understood what he was trying to get at. You held in your breath as you went towards the front of the class to take over his spot so he could also monitor everyone’s progress with the choreography. He gave you a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder because of the unexpected variable that was added into your guys’ equation.

Once people started filing in for your class. Terushima and his new girl were part of the last few that trickled into the full class. He managed to catch you as you walked back in after taking a look at the roster and you were shocked to see them there. While Kuroo was trying to pick music for everyone to stretch to, Terushima walked up to you and introduced you to her. Apparently, she was also a dancer and wanted to take Kuroo’s class. When you met eyes with him, you couldn’t help but smile back at him once he gave you a small smile. The pain that you used to feel wasn’t there anymore and you realized that you really did move on just like he did. Turning your attention back towards the mirror, you met Kuroo’s gaze through your reflection and he gave you a nod of encouragement. You let out a deep breath before gathering everyone’s attention to continue where he left off to finish the piece.

Going over the last eight count, Kuroo ended up joining her in the front to teach together and they finished the workshop. You grooved to the music and let it take control of you as Kuroo danced beside you. When you heard the students having a fun time, you couldn’t help but laugh and smile. Everyone was grooving along with each other because it gave off that happy-go-lucky vibe that anyone could freestyle to. You didn’t even notice Terushima and his new girl as you surround yourself with other dancers. Kuroo would also try to divert your attention away from Terushima if he noticed your eyes wandering. It was hard to kill off old habits and you were glad that Kuroo was there to help you.

It was finally time for you and Kuroo to watch the students do it in groups without your guidance after splitting it in half. You leaned against the mirror as Kuroo did the routine full out while they were marking** it. The way that he moved was something that you admired a lot about him. He was always able to sit in the pocket and fully complete his moves despite his tall stature. You smiled to yourself as you watched the students’ expressions as he walked away and stood next to you. Shouting some encouraging words to them, you smiled at the students before restarting the music for them. As the entire class watched the first group, you leaned against the speaker and Kuroo nudged your arm. You gave him a questioning look and he nodded towards the back corner of the room. **(Marking a piece means going over the choreography with half the energy to really go over whatever a dancer is struggling with. It also helps figure out the right timing for certain moves.)

“You hanging in there?” he asked as you both watched Terushima hand the girl a towel to wipe off the sweat.

You shrugged, not really knowing how to answer. “I mean I didn’t really feel sad when I saw them in the beginning. But it’s just weird to see him in person, y’know?”

Kuroo chuckled and ruffled your hair as he noticed your eyebrows scrunch up and a small pout on your lips, continuing to listen to your small rant. “I tried not to really pay attention, but it’s hard when they’re showing excessive public displays of affection. God, were we that bad when we were together? And he just so happens to be dating another dancer, make it make sense.”

“There, there. Do you think he’s just trying to fill up that empty void since the both of you guys broke up?”

You grunted as you pushed yourself off of the speaker and said, “I don’t know... Honestly as long as he’s happy, then I guess I’ll be fine.”

“That’s my girl.” he praised and slung his arm over your shoulders.

You huffed and flicked his temple. He groaned and said, “Damn, I forgot how strong you could be sometimes.”

You two laughed as everyone clapped for the first group. As the second group filled the floor, you made your way to the front to do it while they marked it. You mentally groaned seeing that said ex and new girl were in your group. Your expression deadpanned and you looked in the mirror to see Kuroo hunched over his phone, trying to contain his laughter. Sighing, you shook away any last negative thought and looked at Kuroo once more. Although still laughing at your luck, his attention was on you and gave you a reassuring smile. ‘You got this, chibi-chan. Ignore them and dance for yourself,’ he mouthed as the music started. Listening to his advice, you ignored everyone around you once more and just danced to your heart’s extent.

There was a reason why the both of you decided to make choreography to this song when you guys were originally assigned as partners. When you sat down together to come up with an idea, you guys were equally going through a rough time. Kuroo was kicked out of his house for choosing dance over his family’s business while you and Terushima were constantly fighting. On your first night of practice, you ended up having a heart to heart with Kuroo. The both of you unintentionally opened up to each other because dance is being vulnerable with yourself physically and emotionally. After spilling out all of your emotions, you guys decided that you simply wanted to be happy. Dance was an escape for you and Kuroo. Kuroo shared the same passion and love you had for dance because you both related over how dancing helps release the day to day stress that piled up. It was just better to live in that moment of dancing all of your emotions out. When it was time to do it for the showcase, the both of you not only had the fastest combination, but your piece’s intentions really showed through the moves and expressions that were displayed on that stage. It was in that moment where you and Kuroo wanted to show the world what dance meant to each other. The song, the moves, and the meaning behind it shared their untold stories. You smiled widely as you watched yourself in the mirror and did the footwork with ease. Adding your own style and facials into it, you felt yourself letting go of everything that was hanging over your head for so long. After being reminded of the origins of the piece you taught with Kuroo, you didn’t care if you were going all in on it while the other dancers were marking it. Dancing with Kuroo by your side was the most you’ve felt alive in the longest time and you weren’t going to let this small moment of yours go to waste.

You smiled breathlessly as you ran back to Kuroo once the piece was over and it was time to watch the dancers once more. He handed you your towel and bottled water before patting you on the shoulder.

“You were amazing, cutie. I haven’t seen you dance like that in forever. You spark’s come back.”

Gulping down the water, you shrugged before giving him a bright smile. You tossed your bottle on the top of your bag and tiredly leaned against him. “I guess I just needed something to help let myself go.”

He adjusted his position so you could comfortably lean your head against his shoulder and you guys continued to watch the class.

“Let yourself go or to finally get some closure?” Kuroo asked.

“Both I guess…” You murmured as you found yourself smiling at Terushima and his girl dance to your and Kuroo’s choreography.

“I’m assuming tonight was something that really helped you then, huh?”

You nodded as everyone clapped for each other. Kuroo warmly gazed down at you and squeezed your cheek. “Then I’m happy that you’re happy.”

He walked off to let everyone get some water and you sighed, feeling grateful to have Kuroo in your life. Ever since he walked into your life, Kuroo always knew what to say when you came to him for advice. He was always willing to listen and be upfront with you if you were being stupid. Without knowing, Kuroo slowly became your best friend because of your shared love of dance and constant meetings for this piece. When he walked back to your shared corner, you couldn’t stop yourself before pulling him into a hug.

“I know I say this a lot, but...just...thanks for everything.” you murmured.

He set his head on top of yours and tightly hugged you back. “I’m always here for you, beautiful.”

You laughed and slightly pulled back to lightly smack his chest. “Oh stop it with these pet names, you dork.”

He let go of you as you told everyone to move to the front of the room. His focus changed towards his phone as he set up the music, a small smirk on his face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, chibi-chan. You’re cute and beautiful. I’m simply stating the truth.”

Kuroo only ever jokingly teased you, but seeing how he was being sincere with that compliment, you felt the heat creep up into your cheeks. Coughing to hide your blush, you rolled your eyes at him. “Ha, you’re so funny. Now c’mon, they’re expecting us to do it for them.”

He chuckled and let the music play as he grabbed your hand. You shook your head at him as you bit your lip, letting him lead you to the middle of the studio. As the both of you danced, the world around you two disappeared. It was just you and Kuroo, looking at the mirror and dancing the routine. You could feel Kuroo’s energy right next to you as you danced and interacted with each other. It brought back memories of your late night to early morning practices. Getting to dance with him once more brought back all of the jokes and heart to hearts that were exchanged during your shared bubble tea and food runs before or after rehearsals. All in all, you were starting to get the old butterflies you chose to ignore when you first met Kuroo.

When your attention came back to the present, you and Kuroo had finally finished the routine. Falling to the floor, everyone threw their shoes** at the both of you and you guys couldn’t help but laugh. All you felt was bliss as you laid on your back and Kuroo sat up, setting his elbows on top of his knees while you caught your breath. You looked up and smiled at Kuroo. It kind of surprised you how quick these old feelings quickly resurfaced and decided to just go with the flow. Throughout the night, Kuroo had been calling you different types of pet names and showed excessive skinship. You weren’t mad at it, but you were still unsure if he was implying something or being his regular affectionate self. **(Shoes being thrown at the choreographer or dancer doing the choreography is a sign of respect and admiration for killing the piece)

Everyone in the room began to chant for the both of you to do an encore since it was the end of the class. You groaned and Kuroo stood up, offering his hand for you to take. He easily hoisted you up and said, “You know we can’t keep the crowd waiting, right?”

You rubbed your forehead, trying to think up another piece you could do together, but over the past two years you collaborated with Kuroo multiple times. There was so much choreography that you guys shared and you puffed out your cheeks since the class wouldn’t let up with their chanting.

“What else is there?”

Kuroo gave you a mischievous smile before heading towards the stereo. He turned towards you, walking backwards and said, “Put your sweater on or else you’ll get cold.”

It didn’t register in your mind right away to what he implied as everyone quieted down. Everyone watched in anticipation as Kuroo scrolled through his phone for the specific song. Nevertheless, you followed his instructions and put on the sweater that you brought to wear after class ended. As the soft melody filled the air, you gasped and snapped your head towards Kuroo who was putting his sweater on as well. He smiled at you and walked up to you as you guys got into place. He nodded at the student he asked to press play for you guys to mark it and the both of you began to effortlessly move together.

This piece was made when the strong emotions you felt for each other was at its peak and your studio directors requested that you and Kuroo collaborated once more to represent your studios at a prefecture competition. The theme of it was ironically love and in the short time period given to you and Kuroo, the choreographed piece was what you two used to speak about your unspoken feelings for each other. You smiled to yourself as you continued to mark the piece since it was a bit on the lengthier side. It was honestly one of your favorite pieces of choreography ever and your mind flashed back to how it came to be.

“(Y/N), what do you think we should do this time?” Kuroo asked as you guys sat on the floor of one of the many rooms your studio provided.

You shrugged and sighed as you laid on your back with your legs stretched out. “I don’t know, Tetsu...it’s up to you.”

Kuroo looked at you as you curled onto your side and focused on your phone. Pursing his lips, he turned his attention towards you and set his phone to the side.

“What’s wrong, (Y/N)?”

You felt him tap your shoulder and looked behind you to meet his gaze. He gave you a look and you caved in to tell him what was bothering you. Sitting up, you curled your legs into your chest and set your chin on top of your knees.

“I didn’t want to bother you...but I feel like Yuji and I will never bounce back after this break that he wanted… As much as I try to still check up on him, he’s grown so distant that I don’t recognize his new behavior sometimes...Do you think there’s another girl? I just don’t know what to do anymore, Tetsu… I just- I just don’t want to be in the dark anymore. Aren’t we supposed to get through everything together? I don’t get it, is it me? Who am I kidding? There is another girl, I saw him flirting with her after his class in their classroom.”

“Don’t you say that ever again, (Y/N).”

You blinked as he quickly cupped your face to stare into your empty eyes. He could see the unshed tears in your eyes and it pained him to see you so broken. Kuroo hated seeing you constantly being hurt by Terushima. He didn’t expect to fall in love with you in a span of three months of dancing together, but he did. The way you were able to welcome him so warmly and easily understood what he struggled with, Kuroo found himself falling hard. Whenever he danced with you and interacted with you, there was this unspoken connection that he’s never felt with anyone before. After the first showcase ended, you guys stayed in touch and had a weekly tradition of hanging out at each other’s apartments. When he was overseas, he missed the hell out of you and when you would cry over the petty little arguments with Terushima, Kuroo wished he had a plane ticket to go back to you.

“You are more than enough, chibi-chan.” he reassured you and pushed some stray hairs out of your face. “Terushima lost sight of the beauty he has by his side and it’s his loss if it ever came down to it. Hell, I’ll immediately take you from him if you’d let me. That girl doesn’t compare to you, at all.”

You smiled weakly knowing the weight that was carried in his words. Leaning into his touch, you sighed and he caressed your cheek. “You know I would do anything to take the pain away from you, (Y/N).”

You tightened the grip that you had around his wrist and he leaned his forehead against yours. The feelings that grew for Kuroo was something you stopped denying a while ago, but still a part of you couldn’t let go of Terushima because of how long you guys knew each other and that you were still in a relationship with him. It confused you because when you were with Terushima, you knew you wanted to be with him. But at the same time, it felt the same whenever you were with Kuroo. A part of you wished that you had met Kuroo first because he gave you the solace and warmth you’ve been seeking for. Your rationality spoke to you as you slowly pulled away, a sad smile on your lips.

“I know you would, Tetsu...But due to the circumstances right now...you know I can’t. We can’t.”

Kuroo felt you slipping away from him and decided it was time to be selfish for a bit. He didn’t want to let you go and wrapped his arms around, burying his face into your neck.

“Please...let’s just be selfish this one time. If he gets to flirt with all the girls he wants on this so called ‘break’ between you two, can’t I have chance? Just until this showcase is over. I just want to show you how much you mean to me and how you are worth the entire world.”

He looked up at you and without thinking, you cupped his cheek and Kuroo sighed into your warm touch.

“Use me if you’d like, I don’t care. You know how I feel about you and I just hate seeing you hurt so much.”

“Tetsu…” you murmured and he noticed the hesitation.

He gave you a small smile before pecking the inside of your wrist. You watched as he stood up and walked over to the speaker then plugged in his phone. The faint sound of the piano filled the air as he made his way back to you and gently helped you to your feet. Kuroo smiled down at you and started to freestyle around you. It was the best way you guys could be vulnerable with each other when the words couldn’t come out. You hugged your arms to your chest as you watched him. His touch ghosted over your body and you bit your lip as he stood behind you.

“For now, just forget about everything and dance with me.”

In that small room, you gave in to the feelings that you tried so hard to suppress. Closing your eyes, you let your body naturally move against his as you danced along to the music. The song spoke out to you because the singers were doing the talking for you both. As you danced with Kuroo, your eyes never left each other the entire time. Interchanging moves and interacting through your eyes and body movements made you feel complete. Kuroo had managed to easily break down your walls and you smiled at him as he grabbed your hand, guiding you across the floor as you did a series of chaine turns*. As the song ended, you landed into his embrace and he lovingly smiled at you. You smiled back at him and he set his head on top of yours.

“I think we just found the song that we’re going to use for the showcase, right chibi-chan?” he said as he tried to catch his breath.

You nodded and in that moment, the both of you came into the silent agreement that you’d be selfish for the next two weeks. While preparing for the showcase, you met up with Kuroo every day to practice and improve your choreography to be the best that it could be. That was when Kuroo’s affectionate side really came into play. He shamelessly flirted with you and the skinship he’d do with you was nonstop. Kuroo took advantage of the small chance you gave him and never wasted a moment. He respected the boundaries you put up and when allowed, Kuroo would only kiss you on the cheek or forehead.

When the showcase ended, the two of you stood on the roof of your apartment. You admired the view and he wrapped his arms around your waist. The air around you guys was heavy as you silently leaned against his embrace.

“So this is it, huh?” he asked softly as he inhaled the comforting scent of your shampoo, tightening his grip around you.

You nodded silently and turned around, resting your hands on his chest. A solemn expression could be seen on your face, not wanting to make a move just yet. Kuroo kissed your forehead and you relished in the comforting feeling he gave you.

“I wish I met you first.” you mumbled as you buried your face into the nape of his neck.

“I know.”

“I’m sorry…”

“I know.”

“You know that I li-”

“I know.”

Kuroo cupped your face and gave you a small smile. It didn’t quite reach his face and you bit your lip as you felt your eyes water.

“I just can’t let go....” your voice trembled.

“I know.”

“You deserve better.”

“I’m willing to wait.” he simply said and leaned his forehead against yours.

“Why?” you whispered as you both closed your eyes, soaking as much of each other as you could.

“You’re worth every moment.”

It was quiet for a couple of moments and once you felt like you were ready, you stepped out of his embrace. He ran his hand through his hair and stepped back as well, admiring the beautiful features of your face.

“I’ll see you whenever, chibi-chan.” he muttered as he felt his heart clench at the fact you wouldn’t be the first thing he saw in the morning.

“See you...Tetsu…”

You were brought back to reality as you ended the mark with his hands in your sweater and the class screamed for you guys to do it full out. He met your gaze and asked, “Are you ready, beautiful?”

As you got back into position to do the choreography, you nodded and the air around the two of you changed. There was no hesitation between you two as you spoke your unspoken feelings towards each other. Overall you felt the lightest you’ve ever been as your gazes never left each other. It was just like you guys danced it the first time, but this time nothing was holding you two back. You danced with your heart and Kuroo could feel the familiar warmth and radiance he missed from you. As you stood in front of each other, dancing out the lyrics of the song with the movements of your hands, you talked to each other through your gazes and the music.

One love, two mouths One love, one house No shirt, no blouse Just us, you find out Nothing that wouldn’t wanna tell you about, no

When the music picked up, Kuroo led the dance and you can feel how much you missed his presence. His touch burned against you as you finished up the routine. The world disappeared around you two as you felt him grip your hands in the pockets of your sweater. He leaned his forehead against yours and you were both breathlessly smiling at each other.

“Woah…” he said as he slowly stood up straight.

You squeezed his hands before they left your pockets and bit your lip. “Woah, indeed.”

You laughed as he dorkily bowed at the class and motioned their attention towards you. As they cheered for you, you shook your head with the brightest smile never leaving your face. He took your hand into his once he walked up to you and you guys bowed to the class, saying your thanks. It was time for the students to do the choreography you taught one last time and the two of you walked off to watch them. Once in your corner once more, you didn’t hesitate to lean yourself against him and he slung his arm over your shoulders. His head rested on your shoulder as you watched the class through the mirror.

“So...what was that?” you murmured.

“I don’t know, chibi-chan. You tell me.” he responded.

You turned your head to look at him, your cheeks blushing. “Oh you most definitely know, Tetsu.”

“Hm? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” he said as he nuzzled your cheek with his nose.

“I’m ready.” you softly said.

“I know.”

“That was fun.”

“I know.”

“I missed you.”

“I know.”

“You’ve been such a tease this whole day.”

“I know.”

“You already knew, huh?”

“Maybe~” he replied in a sing-song tone.

You hummed in thought and turned your attention towards the class once more.

“Hey, (Y/N)?”

Your eyes widened as you felt him lighty kiss your lips before quickly pulling away. It was short and sweet, but had such a big impact on you. Butterflies fluttered in your stomach and your heart raced as he kissed your cheek before walking away to join the freestyle circle that happened at the end of the routine. You laughed in disbelief as you felt your cheeks burn. He walked backwards as he reached the edge of the group and winked at you, holding out his hand for you to join his side.

You took a deep breath and smiled to yourself. It was time for you to move on from your past and dancing with Kuroo helped you realize that. You were finally happy with where you were at and slipped your hand into his as the class made way for you two to be the center of attention once more.

The timing was finally right for you and Kuroo to fully love each other.

#haikyuu #haikyuu!!#haikyuu x reader #kuroo x reader #kuroo x y/n #kuroo tetsurou #terushima #terushima yuji #kuroo oneshot #haikyuu oneshot #haikyuu fanfiction #kuroo x female reader

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searchingwardrobes · 4 years

Text

I Promise to Kiss You (Before You Die) : 1/7

Here it is, my Little Women AU! I love the book, and the 1994 movie version with Winona Ryder is one of my favorite movies. I haven't seen the newest film version yet, and it's all because I'm writing this fic. This one is based on the 1994 film, particularly the scene where Laurie promises a young Amy that he'll kiss her before she dies (that's not in the book, if you're wondering). I'm probably in the minority of people who prefer Laurie with Amy over Jo. I think Jo was right - they would have fought like cats and dogs. They were too much alike. I think the book also develops the relationship between Laurie and Amy better and shows that Amy grows up and matures past her shallowness. Movie versions never have time to show all of that. Anyway, when I read the book I absolutely adored Laurie with Amy. THEN, I was blown away to find the quote below in the book in which Amy calls Laurie her "gallant captain." Obviously, Emma is a lot different personality wise from Amy. The only similarity is that they are both blondes. For that reason, this fic won't completely follow the Little Women plot. Also, this will only show things from Emma's point of view, so the plot threads with the other sisters won't be developed as much as they normally are. Hence, we have a seven chapter MC rather than a thirty-five + chapter MC 😆

Massive thanks to the mods of the @captainswanmoviemarathon for putting this event together! Love to all the other writers in the discord chats, especially for help with the title. Huge shout out to my beta @hookedonapirate - you're the best!

Summary: Emma noticed him first, never forget that, and while all four of the Lucas sisters love Killian Jones, no one loves him the way Emma does, of that she is certain. Killian Jones also made her a promise. Sure, she was only twelve when he made it, but one day he'll realize what it meant. One day, she hopes, he'll get over her sister Ruby and finally notice Emma.

Rated: T

Also on Ao3 , updated every Thursday.

Tagging: @snowbellewells @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kmomof4 @let-it-raines @teamhook @bethacaciakay @xhookswenchx @tiganasummertree @shireness-says @stahlop @scientificapricot @welllpthisishappening @resident-of-storybrooke @thislassishooked @ilovemesomekillianjones @kday426 @ekr032-blog-blog @lfh1226-linda @ultraluckycatnd @nikkiemms @optomisticgirl @profdanglaisstuff @carpedzem @ohmakemeahercules @branlovestowrite @superchocovian @sherlockianwhovian @vvbooklady1256 @hollyethecurious @winterbaby89 @delirious-latenight-laughs @jennjenn615 @snidgetsafan @xsajx

Chapter One: Prologue

“It is so beautiful to be loved as Laurie loves me; he isn’t sentimental, doesn’t say much about it, but I see and feel it in all he says and does, and it makes me so happy and so humble that I don’t seem to be the same girl I was. I never knew how good and generous and tender he was till now, for he lets me read his heart, and I find it full of noble hopes and impulses and purposes, and am so proud to know it’s mine. He says he feels as if he ‘could make a prosperous voyage now with me aboard as mate, and lots of love for ballast.’ I pray he may, and try to be all he believes me, for I love my gallant captain with all my heart and soul and might, and never will desert him while God lets us be together. Oh, Mother, I never knew how much like heaven this world could be when two people love and live for one another!” - Amy about Laurie in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

If anyone had been out on the streets of Storybrooke, Maine on the windy, snowy Christmas Eve of 1863, they would have found lights ablaze in the most prestigious homes of the small hamlet. Save for one.

The Gold mansion upon the hill was not only lit up like your proverbial Christmas tree, but carriages lined the circular drive as the most powerful men from the surrounding six counties arrived for Robert Gold’s lavish annual bash with their families in tow. They would wine and dine in excess of frivolity for the next twelve days of the season.

The white grecian columns of the Mills Mansion would also sparkle with firelight, though the wealthy matron Regina Mills didn’t gather quite the crowd. Her festivities would be far more sedate and her crowd older. Of course the money was older too and not as dripping with unscrupulous business deals as Gold’s. It would mostly be family as well, though that was nothing to sneeze at, considering Regina Mills’ clan could trace their lineage back to the Mayflower.

The mysterious mansion of Admiral Nemo Jones, retired hero of the United States Navy, wasn’t filled with guests. However, the rooms of the mansion still blazed with light as the generous man allowed his staff to fully celebrate the holiday, complete with Christmas bonuses and lavish gifts. In a way it was also a welcome home party for his nephew, who had been lost and wandering on the other side of the ocean until Nemo had tracked him down.

The only fine family of Storybrooke Maine (though many would say they were once a fine family - past tense) whose home was not ablaze on this festive evening were the Lucases. Some would say it was because Marco Lucas had been gone these past two years fighting (unnecessarily they would also claim) in the War Between the States. Others would say it was because the Lucases had squandered their fortune taking in orphans and vagrants. Others would say it was their involvement in that embarrassing underground railroad that had cost them their fortune and respect. They would all be wrong.

The women gathered around the wavering firelight in the Lucas parlor did miss Marco Lucas terribly, and it was true that money was tight. Yet the reason their house flickered with only the tiniest light was because all they needed was each other.

Paulette Lucas, affectionately called “Granny” by all who knew her, sat knitting in her rocker with a candle flickering on the table beside her. The girls had begged her to take one night off from the task, but there were too many soldiers in need to stop even for a night. She battled a smile as she focused on her task, knowing a letter from her husband was tucked into her apron pocket.

Ruby Lucas, as usual, was standing far too close to the fire. Her long, dark hair fell in waves over her shoulder. She was a striking beauty, and mothers watched her askance at the scandalous way she refused to wear her hair up though she was already sixteen. She was the only one who was a true granddaughter to Mrs. Lucas. Her mother, a scandal herself, had died of consumption in a saloon out west when Ruby was still an infant. Who her father was, no one knew. That probably had more to do with the scandalous looks rather than her hair (though the latter certainly didn’t help).

Mary Margaret Blanchard sat on the other side of the lamplight from Granny, helping with the knitting. Though she was the oldest of the girls, at seventeen, she had been living with Granny the shortest amount of time. Her parents knew the Lucases through the underground railroad, so when Mary Margaret’s mother passed of scarlet fever when she was ten, her father sent her to them. Only less than a year later, her father was arrested for violating the fugitive slave act. While in prison, he contracted scarlet fever and died.

Belle French sat by the hearth with several kittens mewling in her lap. She was engrossed in the book she held in one hand while her other stroked the kittens absently. Some would say she was even more beautiful than Ruby, even at only fourteen, yet her quiet demeanor and delicate nature turned fewer heads. Belle had been the Lucas’ youngest pupil when they still ran their boarding school. She was only seven when it was forced to close, and her father simply never came back for her.

Then, finally, there was Emma Swan - the only one of Granny’s girls who was still a child. Twelve year old Emma sat curled up in her favorite armchair with a sketchpad in her lap. Her drawing pencils were worn down to almost nubs, yet still she scratched away with her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth. Her blonde hair was a riotous mess, her fingers were smudged with charcoal, and her feet were bare. Not that anyone cared - the Lucas house never stood on ceremony, especially when they were alone. Granny had a difficult time keeping shoes on the child anyway, considering she had spent the first five years of her life without them. She was the child Storybrooke called “the urchin” - mostly in whispers, but sometimes when Emma could hear. Granny had literally found her eating out of the rubbish bin. The benefit of those humble beginnings were that Emma found their current “poverty” hardly trying.

So, dear reader, do not assume that lack of finery equals a lack of happiness. The Lucas women will put aside their knitting, their books, their drawing paper and gather eagerly around Granny’s chair to hear their Papa’s latest letter. They will joyfully sing carols around their out of tune piano. Then they will share hugs and kisses goodnight and head to bed with more love in their hearts than all the other “fine” homes in Storybrooke combined. And across the hedge from their house, in the Jones mansion, a dark haired boy will watch the flickering lights of their candles - counting them: one, two, three, four - as they head up the stairs. He’ll watch them go out one at a time and wonder about the hands that hold them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Merry Christmas!” Emma yelled the following morning, eliciting a groan from Belle, whom she shared a room with. Emma simply rolled her eyes. It was Belle’s own fault - she had stayed up far too late reading again.

“It’s Christmas!” Emma continued to shout as she banged on doors and then thundered down the stairs. “It’s Christmas!”

Her sisters followed her reluctantly, groaning and complaining all the way. Emma ignored them as she fell to her knees beside the Christmas tree.

“Oh hush now,” Granny admonished, “every single one of you were the same at her age.”

“This one’s from me, Granny,” Emma said as soon as Granny sat in her rocker. She thrust an intricately wrapped package into the woman’s lap, then scooted close. Her sisters looked on fondly as soon as they saw that Emma’s enthusiasm wasn’t a selfish one. Granny peeled back the wrapping carefully, setting aside the ribbon Emma had used to tie it. When the gift was revealed, the woman gasped.

“Emma, sweetheart, this is lovely!” It was a sketch of Granny’s favorite tree in the garden next to the house, and Emma had captured it in all its autumn glory of reds, oranges, and yellows.

“I used the last of my colored pencils to get it just right,” Emma told her proudly.

Granny pressed the gift to her chest as she fought back tears. Oh, how she wished she could have afforded another set of drawing pencils for her dear Emma!

None of the gifts beneath the tree were store bought, yet each one was exclaimed over with joy. Somehow, the ingenuity that had gone into making them made them infinitely more valuable. Soon, the tree had nothing beneath it but ribbons and paper.

“I’ll play us a carol!” Belle announced. She sat before the piano, and they all tried to ignore that one key that was never in tune.

As her sister played, Emma pressed her face to the glass of the parlor window. Her eyes widened to see a boy in Admiral Nemo’s house, playing a piano of his own. Of course, his was an incredibly fine piano that was surely always in tune.

“A boy!” Emma cried out. “There’s a boy next door!”

Belle abruptly stopped playing, and the Lucas sisters scrambled to the window, all talking at once.

“A boy?” Ruby asked, pushing the curtains aside further.

“At Nemo’s?” Mary Margaret asked incredulously.

“How old is he?” Emma asked, frustrated that she’d been pushed aside.

“What does he look like?” Belle asked, trying to see beneath Ruby’s arm. “What a fine piano he has,” she sighed when she was able to get a glance.

“I would hate to live with that scary old man.” Emma wrinkled her nose.

“Poor thing,” Mary Margaret tsked sympathetically.

“You don’t think he’ll come to call?” Belle suddenly gasped, looking nervously at her sisters and then over at Granny.

“You mean call, as in courting?” Ruby laughed.

Mary Margaret laughed, too, “You ninny, he’s rich! He would never come courting the likes of us.”

“Thank goodness,” sighed Belle in relief, looking back out the window. She cocked her head as she studied him, “He’s awfully handsome.”

“Girls!” Granny admonished. “Come away from there before the poor boy catches you gawking at him as if he’s on display. Really, I have taught you some propriety.”

“Do you know him, Granny?” Emma asked as she settled down before the fire to play with the spinning top Papa had carved for them.

“I know of him,” Granny replied, eyes never leaving her knitting. Once again, she refused to put aside the chore. “He’s Admiral Nemo’s nephew. He was living in London, and the Admiral has been beside himself since his brother’s death trying to track the child down.”

“I hear he’s had no upbringing at all,” Mary Margaret told them in a scandalized whisper.

“You’ve heard of him too?” Ruby asked.

“At the Rose’s.” Mary Margaret worked as a governess for the wealthy Rose family. “His mother was an actress and his father a cad who abandoned them both.”

“Where was he?” Emma asked. “Why was it so hard to find him?”

“Living on the streets, they say,” Mary Margaret told her softly, sympathy coloring her eyes. Sympathy that Emma always had and always would despise.

Ruby headed back to the window and peered out with a grin upon her face. “It will be fun to have a boy next door.”

“Well,” Granny spoke with a sigh, “I don’t know what mischief is in that pretty head of yours, Ruby, but we will welcome the boy as warmly as we can.” She set aside her knitting and clapped her hands as if that were that. “Now, let’s go begin preparing our Christmas feast!”

The girls all rushed to follow Granny into the kitchen, but Emma stopped at the window, her hands grasping the curtains. Living on the streets they say. The song that the boy was playing, which could be heard faintly on the wind, ended, and he looked up from his sheet music. His eyes caught Emma’s, and he winked at her. She gasped and shoved the curtains closed.

#cs ff #captain swan movie marathon #csmm #cs little women au

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miss-tc-nova · 3 years

Text

Guide - Eraqus & Brain

Yes, I am currently subscribed to the “Brain is Eraqus’s grandpa theory.” When that bit came up, I knew I had to write this. AND, it was originally going to be a lot darker, but I spruced it up a bit and like this version better.

~~~~~

“The darkness will not win!” Wooden weapons clash.

The boy with slate colored hair hits back. “Hiya!”

While the defender stumbles back, he recovers quickly. He prepares to rejoin the fight but movement in the window catches his eye. There’s someone in his house—someone he recognizes.

An enormous gasp leaves his mouth, startling his opponent. His weapon falls into the grass as the boy races for the backdoor. Little feet patter across the floor, rushing for the visitor.

“Grandpa!”

Granite eyes light up. “There’s my little sunshine!” Reaching down, he scoops up the giggling child who immediately reaches for that worn hat. “What have you been up to today?” he asks, straightening the headwear on the little boy’s head.

“Me and my friends were playing Keyblade War but I saw you in the window!” he happily states, pointing out the open backdoor.

“Friends, huh?”

“Yeah! And—”

“Eraqus!” A tiny, little blonde pokes her head inside.

“Come back! We need you to make the teams even!” A white-haired boy runs in, skidding to a halt when he sees the stranger.

Another girl, this one with silver hair and golden eyes, jumps in. “Are you comin’ or not?!”

The enemy from earlier spots Eraqus in his grandfather’s arms and gapes. “M-M-Master Brain!”

A third boy tilts his head of red hair, not very impressed at all. “Hermod, are you sure? He doesn’t look like a master to me.”

Grandpa simply chuckles but Eraqus is not having his friend’s disrespect. “Yes he does, Bragi! This is my grandpa!”

“Just because he’s your grandpa doesn’t mean he’s Master Brain,” Bragi huffs, still eyeing the man suspiciously.

“You pea-brain,” the silver-haired girl snaps. “Teacher told us Eraqus is the grandson of Master Brain. So if that’s Eraqus’s grandpa, then that’s Master Brain.”

His amber eyes widen. “Oh…”

Hermod pushes a sheepish Bragi closer. “Say you’re sorry,” he whispers not so subtly.

Now before a legendary master, the kid doesn’t seem so confident. “S-Sorry, sir.”

Grandpa laughs, letting his grandson slip to the floor. “Don’t worry about it, kid; I’m not working right now. I just came to visit Eraqus, but I guess he’s already got visitors today.”

If Eraqus had to pick his favorite person in the whole world, it would be his grandfather. He loves his mother and father but not the same way he loves this man. “But you can stay, right?” he begs, tugging on the jacket. “I want you to meet my friends!”

“You do, huh?”

Frantic nodding messes the wavy hair. He’d do anything to spend time with Grandpa and will take every chance given to show him off—not because he’s Master Brain, but because Grandpa is the best.

“Alright. Do you want to introduce me then?” Grandpa says with a smile.

His excitement is so great, his words run together in his already small mouth. “This is Bragi and Hermod and Urd and Baldr and Vor and they’re all in my class!”

Children wave or comment at the mention of their names and then it’s Grandpa’s turn. “It’s nice to meet you all. I’m Brain. So you all want to be keyblade warriors, huh?”

Baldr is the first to voice their dreams. “Yeah!”

“We’re gonna be the best!” Urd agrees.

“Oh ho? Even better than me?”

Immediately, the little girl’s confidence falters into fear. “N-No sir! Never better than you!”

A grunt escapes the man as he sits himself on the floor among the kids. “Now that’s not the right answer.” She appears even more distraught. “You should always aspire to be better than the generations that came before. If each and every one of you becomes better warriors than I ever was, then I know the future will be in good hands. So go ahead, be the best, and don’t stop until you are.”

Urd’s frown turns into a beaming smile and the others start to catch her elation too.

“Hey, do you have any cool stories about the Keyblade War?” Bragi asks, having recovered from his blunder as if it never happened.

“Mmm, no, but I do have a great story about this giant Heartless that tried to destroy my favorite bakery.”

Eraqus exclaims, “The one you beat while eating a tart?!”

“Yes, that one.”

“That one’s my favorite!” The kid excitedly sits down, staring up at his grandfather, one hundred percent ready to listen to another telling of his favorite story. Eraqus is an excitable, impatient child but when it comes to his grandfather, he would happily listen to the same story over and over again. Not only is Grandpa his biggest hero, but the relationship he has with his grandfather is the relationship he wishes he shared with his parents.

The gaggle of children plop on the ground while Grandpa tells his silly tale of fending off a ferocious monster. Before long, the storyteller’s got every one of the rambunctious toddlers hanging on his every word, sparing time to answer excellent questions the curious come up with. Their little expressive faces show every bit of awe and delight as they listen, all the while Eraqus radiates pride.

“Wait, how did you pay for the tarts if Master Lauriam took your wallet?” Urd asks, ever the perceptive one.

Hesitation. “Uh…Well…”

Vor gasps, “Master Brain! Did you steal them?!”

“No! Nooooo!” Grandpa replies hastily. A warning finger points at them. “Stealing is bad and you should not steal from other people.”

Eraqus tilts his head. “But didn’t you steal Master Ephemer’s coffee?”

“No! I did not steal the coffee and when the fight was over, I made Lauriam pay for the tarts since he took my wallet!”

“Did he steal it?” Baldr asks.

The master seems to contemplate this new question. “…Yes. And stealing is bad.”

His grandson decides it’s time for a different topic. “Will you tell us the story about you and Master Skuld and the giant trickster?”

“You mean the Trickmaster.”

“Yeah!”

A hand raises. “What’s a Trickmaster?” questions Hermod.

“Well it’s this really tall—”

“Kids.” The interruption comes from the hall where Eraqus’s mother and two more women stand. “Vor, Baldr, your moms are here to pick you up.”

“Aww!” the pair complain.

Baldr protests, “But Master Brain was about to tell us about the Trickmaster!”

“Yeah!” agrees Vor.

“All you munchkins better listen to your mothers,” Grandpa warns them. “They’re doing their best to make sure you grow big and strong.”

“Yes Master Brain,” they all drone, each of them having been taught to respect their elders. The unfortunate two scurry off to their mothers who say something before they come running back.

“Thank you for talking to us.” Vor gives him a bow.

Baldr follows her example. “Thank you, Master Brain.”

“No problem.”

As fantastic fables entertain those remaining, the toddlers are taken away, one by one, by parents until it’s just grandfather and grandson.

“You got some exciting friends, kid,” Grandpa says, watching Eraqus return from bidding Urd goodbye.

“Yeah. They’re all really cool and they don’t treat me funny.”

Grandpa nods, pushing himself off the floor. Eraqus can see something thrilling in those eyes. “That’s good. Now, you’ve got three seconds to run before I TICKLE YOU!”

The boy takes off yelling with the man close behind. Shouting, a foreign phenomenon to the home, fills the silence while the pair rushes around in their game. Their antics lead them to Eraqus’s room where there’s running, roughhousing, mock sword fighting, and more fun than the kid has had since Grandpa’s last visit. This is his best friend who knows all his secrets because Eraqus isn’t afraid to tell him everything; even when he knows he’s done something wrong, he knows that Grandpa may scold him but will still be there to help him learn from his mistake. This is what every kid needs and this is the relationship he gets jealous of when he sees his friends with their parents: one full of respect, freedom, and love.

“Dad.” Grandpa freezes, child above his head, looking to the doorway where his daughter looks on. “Don’t you have a meeting with the council?”

Arms lower to drop the boy onto his bed. “Oh, right. Man, I forgot about that.”

“I noticed,” she replies bluntly. “And Eraqus needs to work on his studies before he goes to bed.”

Said child groans, tugging at Grandpa’s jacket, “Aww, do you have to go?”

The woman opens her mouth to retort, but the man waves her off and she leaves them be. “Sorry kiddo. People are counting on me to make choices to take care of them. Plus, you heard your mom, you got studies to do.” Era gives a little pout and the man ruffles his grandson’s black hair. “Look, the next time I come visit, if your mom tells me you’ve been good, I’ll take you to see the citadel.”

Oh he’s been dying to see that. “Where the keyblade warriors train?!”

Grandpa grins. “That’s the one. But like I said, you gotta behave and do your studies like your mom asks.” A hand extends to the boy. “Deal?”

The kid puts on a show of considering the offer but slaps his little hand into his elder’s. “Deal!”

The stolen hat is taken, plopped back onto the owner’s head while they shake hands. “Alrighty then.” A warm, loving expression softens Brain’s smile. “You’re gonna be a great warrior someday, kid, better than me.”

“You think so?”

“‘Course I do. Always remember, may your heart be your guiding key.”

~~~~~

Warm sunlight beats down on the bright world. Despite its dreary nature, the cemetery, too, is actually quite bright. The youth in white strides along the stone pathway, flowers in hand.

Months ago, he stood in this very vicinity, in the deafening rain, trapped in a bubble of mourning. He cried and screamed and even blew up at the parents he’d never before disrespected. They didn’t understand; they still don’t but the whole thing has managed to blow over. Friends, acquaintances, and even his Master came with condolences, receiving a meager ‘thank you’ in return. Nothing made him feel better and he just couldn’t come to terms with the fact that such a powerful, legendary master—that his grandfather—was dead.

And then he found the words carved into the headstone: “May your heart be your guiding key.”

Even now, those words echo in Grandpa’s voice—the mantra he told the boy at least every time they parted ways. Those were his last words to Eraqus.

Grandpa was the only person who seemed to understand and acknowledge his struggles. The pressure of nobility and responsibility often pressed down on Eraqus but somehow, his grandfather always gave him the support and courage he needed to endure those things. In the face of all his anxieties, it was always his grandfather reaching back to lead him through. Brain was everything Eraqus needed in his life. Even now, in death, he’s still managed to leave his grandson with the strength he needs to move forward.

It’s because of these words that Eraqus became something his parents aren’t exactly proud of. He began shirking his studies and speaking his mind no matter the company—really the only thing that keeps them off his back is the fact that he’s still a pretty damn good student. Just because he’s happy doesn’t mean he can let his grandpa’s faith go to waste; he’s supposed to become a great warrior after all. But, following his grandfather’s words, Eraqus started becoming the person he wanted to be instead of the person he was expected to be.

The boy sits down, resting the bouquet before the stone. From his pocket, he also presents a talisman—the mark of keyblade wielders, even those in training—which he finally earned today.

“There’s so many things I want to tell you.” He expected the tears, but even so, he smiles. “But before I get to all that, I have to say thank you.” The sleeve of his haori drags across his face. “Thanks for guiding me, Grandpa.”

#eraqus #brain #kh brain #kh eraqus #grandpa brain

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sunshinesholland · 4 years

Text

the one (and all the others) [3] | t.h.

pairing: tom holland x reader

word count: 5.1k

summary: You may have a party to attend tonight, but Zendaya is onto Tom and as your best friend and roommate, there’s absolutely no way she won’t be meddling. If everything turns out okay, you suppose you have her and someone named Camden to thank.

warnings: swearing, angst/pining, mention of shitty past relationships

Tom is over at yours and Zendaya’s hanging out, a few hours before the party at Laura’s. All three of you are involved in the arts somehow, so the topic of your work comes up a lot in conversation. Tom is currently in the process of auditioning for a reboot of a 90’s sitcom, one that you and Zendaya watched growing up. Naturally, the three of you have found yourselves discussing the topic of childhood and nostalgia.

“Okay, what about ‘Fresh Prince’? I’d say it’s in my top three shows.”

“Obviously amazing. I’ve watched it a lot but I’m not so sure about the boy from across the pond,” Zendaya replies to you but pokes fun at Tom.

“Hey, I’ve heard of it! It has Will Smith, man’s a legend.”

“Heard of it is not the same as watching it,” you reply with a smile, “very lucky for you, I have the complete collection.” You pat both Tom and Zendaya on their legs before getting up to grab the collection of DVDs.

Tom finds himself staring after you when you leave, lost in his thoughts. He can hear you shuffling around things, looking for it in your messy room. You’d been studying for midterms all week and in the process your room had become collateral damage. He can hear you swearing from inside your room, likely at that stack of books you have piled haphazardly being knocked over in your searching process.

He’s smiling like an idiot, because he just can’t help but think of all these little quirks you have. He hasn’t been in your room in a week or so, as you’ve both been busy. This is the first time hanging out properly in a while, but even then, he can imagine exactly what your room looks like. You likely have an almost empty cup of coffee on your desk, with a swallow of coffee left in it, chapstick left on the rim. He can imagine your glasses, likely sitting outside of their case and on your bed, or tucked between pages of notes. Your favorite pen is likely lying in an obvious place but when you go to look for it later you’ll completely forget where it is. You likely have hair ties scattered around your desk and bed, because you can never decide between your hair up or down when you’re concentrating. You tell Tom: ‘up means business and I need to focus, but it also gives me a headache, so I end up switching between the two’. Which makes no sense to him, but then again he’s never had to deal with the issue.

He knows all of these things because too often he’s sitting in that room right with you, watching you do all these things. Except when he’s there, you opt to study on your bed, so you can sit beside each other. More often than not you’ll end up falling asleep with your nose in a textbook and what a sight it is. Sometimes you’ll fall asleep on his chest, reading a book for your literature class. Now he’s really smiling like an idiot, because he’s thinking about the way your eyebrows scrunch up when you sleep, and the way you mumble when you dream.

“Just go.” Zendaya says, eyes unmoving from her phone and the Instagram scrolling she’s partaking in.

“Excuse me?”

“Go,” she motions to your room, “with her, somewhere. Instead of the party. But since I’m giving you an out for tonight, just tell her how you feel already, please. We’re all rooting for you but it’s taking forever and the pining is getting annoying.”

“Well I just- wait, we?” Tom asks, because Zendaya knows everything so that’s to be expected. But more people than just her know?

“Yeah, me, Jacob, Gwen, Harrison, George, Jake, Harry, Sam—“

“That’s enough,” he mutters, burying his face in his hands, embarrassed.

You come out with two different sets in hand, “Okay so I know I said ‘Fresh Prince’ but I found ‘Clueless’ and I thought maybe we could do both-”

“Actually, Tom actually just told me you guys already have plans for tonight, starting now.” Zendaya stands up and puts her phone in her back pocket.

“Plans? But we have the party tonight, not that I’m not excited to spend time with you, of course.” You reply, smiling but confused. You place the DVD and box-set down on the coffee table.

“Why didn’t you tell me you made plans for us?”

Zendaya hides a smirk as she looks at Tom along with you, waiting to see what lie he can make up.

“Uh...Because it’s a surprise?” He nervously glances over at Zendaya as you look at him attentively. Zendaya gives him a look as if to say ‘you’re on your own’, so he continues.

“I know how um, stressed you’ve been with midterms and, well, you said last week you want to go ice skating before winter ends so—“

“Oh, Tom, you didn’t!” You’re grinning from ear to ear and walk over to wrap your arms around his neck while his wrap around your middle.

Zendaya has a smirk on her face, while Tom looks at her from over your shoulder. It was unbelievably quick (and good) thinking on his part and she’s honestly impressed.

You unwrap yourself from Tom to turn to Zendaya. She quickly returns her expression to neutral as to not give anything away.

“You sure it’s okay? I know you were upset when I cancelled for a date,” your voice is guilty, and Tom just instantly wants to reassure you despite it not being his place.

Zendaya reassures you first, “No, it’s okay. Honestly, Laura will be throwing another party next week anyways. This is more important than some party.”

You’re not sure what she means by that, how ice skating is more important when she made such a big deal out of ditching before. But she smiles at you and she’s got a soft look in her eyes while looking at you two. What that look means and why she’s doing it, you don’t know either.

——

You practically jump out of the car as Tom pulls up to the venue. It’s no Rockefeller Square or Wollman Rink, but instead smaller and in a little park around a mile or two from your apartment complex. It’s quiet and there’s fairy lights strung up in the trees. The rink is enough to fit around 100 people but there’s only a few young couples and one small family on the rink.

“Are you coming?” You grin back at Tom as you race toward the skate rental booth.

“Yeah.”

When you finally get your skates, Tom sits down to put his on, while you opt for doing things the hard way and put them on standing. Though you cheat a little by using Tom’s shoulder to steady yourself as you take off your shoe and attempt to place your foot into the skate.

“You gotta do everything the hard way, Y/N?”

“Absolutely.” You grin, before stumbling when your foot misses the mark.

Tom catches you by your waist, unintentionally pulling you down. You can’t help but feel a little breathless, practically straddling Tom. Aside from cuddling while watching movies or when falling asleep together you don’t really have a lot of physical contact. Well, there is the hugging, just because Tom is a hugger. Along with the hand holding, sometimes for reassurance and sometimes just for closeness. Then there is the hair stroking when either of you is upset or falling asleep in the other’s lap. Okay, so maybe there is a lot of touching, but this just feels different, you admit to yourself.

Tom has a flush to his cheeks but doesn’t make an attempt to move you. You pause for a moment and if anyone asks, it’s just to regain your balance. You crawl off of Tom and instead sit beside him.

“Okay, I guess I’ll do it the lame way.” You joke, voice unsteady.

Tom chuckles half heartedly. Being that close to you, even if accidentally, has him thinking of what he has to do tonight. He knows there’s no way Zendaya will let him get away with not telling you tonight and he has no doubt she will tell you if he doesn’t. But he’s worried about what will happen when he does. You don’t acknowledge what happened and what if that means you don’t feel the same anymore? So the confession will just be one-sided and awkward? Or, worse what if you’re over it, but saying how he feels just opens up old wounds, and you hate him? He would rather have a little bit of you than all of you, even if it hurts him to keep it inside. A happy ending isn’t even on his radar, he’s just worrying about all of the ways he could lose you.

You finish tying up your skates and look over at Tom.

“Okay, I want to go skating sometime tonight and you haven’t even finished lacing up. Do you need me to tie your skates or something?” You tease.

Tom shakes himself out his bemused state, looking up at you.

“No, it’s okay, just give me a second..” he replies softly.

“Okay, I’m going to go in, meet me in there?” You smile back at him, earning a nod from Tom before you make your way into the rink.

Tom watches as you slowly skate around the rink, hands out at your sides catching the wind as you skate, nose and cheeks pinking up from the cold night air. You even let yourself glide for a moment with your eyes closed once you’re away from everyone else on the rink. Tom can’t help but think of how peaceful and content you look. His thoughts are again led back to the upcoming confession and how disastrous the outcome could be. But he allows himself to hope for a moment, that everything will be okay. That it will maybe even be better than it is now.

Of course you are both happy now as friends and friendship is valuable. But he’s tired of seeing you being hurt, of your resolve to find true love slowly wearing down no matter how hard you try to keep it up. Tom knows there is no one that loves you more than him. He knows he can love you properly, because he already does. For all your faults, for all your quirks, he loves you with everything he has. He cannot imagine a life without you but he also cannot imagine going on loving you in silence like this. All he wants is to love you deeply, fully and openly. The kind of love you both deserve, and the kind of love he hopes you return for him.

So Tom finishes lacing his skates and gets up to join you on the ice. He stands near the entrance, holding onto the rail until you skate over to him.

“Didn’t wanna skate over to me?” You ask, smiling and coming to a stop in front of Tom.

“I brought you skating because you like it. I never said I was any good at it.” Tom gives you a nervous smile, which you laugh at.

“I appreciate that and because you’re so sweet, I promise to not let you fall.” You reply and offer him your arm to grab onto.

Tom decides to be bold and instead reaches for your hand to take in his. While you’ve held hands in the past, it feels more intimate this time to both of you. Neither of you thought to bring gloves and there’s something a little romantic about getting your hands freezing cold just so you can touch someone. Tom finds himself wondering when he got so sappy, because all he can think of is while you promise to not let him fall, he’s just thinking how he promises to not let you fall. He’ll always be there to catch you, even if you don’t want him the same way he wants you he’ll stay.

You look down at your hand in his and then up at him with a smile, “Let’s go.”

Tom is practically dragging alongside you, holding out his free hand in an attempt to increase stability. You’re giggling at him and the way he looks like a newborn deer skidding along the ice.

“You’re not very graceful are you? I would think a dancer would be better at this.” You tease him, before he grips your hand tightly.

“Usually I’m dancing on a floor, not ice. And you can’t even dance, so I don’t want to hear anything.” He replies, focused very hard on not falling.

He’s right, you’re awful at dancing. No matter how many late night dance sessions Tom has attempted with you, you’re never very good or graceful. Doesn’t make a difference when you’re drunk or sober, you’re shit at dancing in every state. Theatre/acting major/dancer boy never hesitates to tease you about it, so really you walked into that one.

Before you can retaliate with a remark of your own, Tom’s falling and in an attempt to help, you fall with him. You both land with a thud and Tom on top of you. He’s sure the few people present are staring at the two of you. Tom feels really bad, but the instant reaction is to laugh at how clumsy he is. He looks down at you, expecting a smile or a (badly disguised) expression of annoyance. Instead you’re silent with tears welling up in your eyes.

“Whoa, why are you crying? Are you okay?”

“My wrist.”

Tom looks down to see your wrist bent awkwardly between the two of you.

“Shit!”

He scrambles to get off of you and help you up, grabbing your uninjured wrist to pull you up.

“I’m so, so, so sorry.”

“S’okay, you didn’t do it on purpose.” Your voice comes out choked up and Tom can’t help but feel his own throat close up.

Tonight is supposed to be lovely and romantic and Tom’s gone and quite possibly broken your wrist.

The family that’s skating comes over to the two of you, while Tom holds your shoulders and you clutch your injured wrist.

“Hey, I saw that fall, are you alright?” The mother asks. She has such kind eyes and a caring expression you aren’t surprised when she says, “I’m a nurse, would you like me to look at it?” She motions to your wrist.

Tom looks down at you to see what you’d like to do, since it’s your wrist and at this point he’s willing to do whatever you want, he feels so guilty.

“Um, sure. I don’t really want to spend several hours in the emergency room anyways.” You put on a weak smile, tears spilling over your cheeks.

When you exit the rink, you sit at the picnic table nearby with the mother of the family, who’s name you learn is Carol. You’re lucky she’s so prepared, since she had a first-aid kit in the car, she says she can never be too careful with a young daughter who plays rough. Her daughter sits nearby, quiet. She must be around five, you think. Tom and Carol’s husband are chatting with each other while they return skates to the booth.

“Sorry to ruin your family’s night.” You apologize, assuming them putting their skates away and calling it a night is a result of you falling and this kind woman offering to help.

“Oh no, you definitely didn’t. Camden was getting cold anyways, we were going to head back soon regardless.” She smiles kindly at you, before lifting your wrist.

“I’m just sorry your date got ruined, not a very fun way to end it. Hopefully not a first date though, right?” Carol asks, while examining your wrist. She asks you to move your fingers and wrist a certain way.

You’re used to friends and peers asking whether you’re together, but it feels different when someone older than you does. This stranger is asking you, and she’s likely older and wiser and she’s maternal and for some reason it means you can’t help but confess.

“We’re not dating,” you blurt out, “I mean I love him, but we’re not dating.”

She pauses and looks at you, “Oh... I’m sorry I just thought…”

A little voice speaks up, “If you love him, why aren’t you boyfriend-girlfriend?” The little girl, Camden, asks.

“Camden, that’s not polite.” Her mother scolds.

But it’s innocent, she’s just a young girl and maybe it’s just as confusing to her as it is to you.

“No, it’s okay,” you reply, and look at Camden, “Uh, we’re not together because he doesn’t feel the same way about me. I love him as a friend too, and that’s enough for me.”

“Mommy and daddy love each other and they’re not friends, that would be silly. So you can’t love him if you’re not together.”

“Camden…” Her mother uses a warning tone.

“It’s okay,” you smile, “it is silly. I want to be with him, but he doesn’t. Just because I love him doesn’t mean we get to be together. But I don’t stop loving him because he doesn’t love me, I love him on my own. That means even though he doesn’t feel the same, my feelings don’t change. Does that make sense?”

Camden doesn’t respond verbally, but just nods her head.

“Sorry, she hasn’t developed a filter yet.” Carol apologizes as she wraps an Ace bandage around your wrist. She does it gently but applies enough pressure that it dulls some of the pain.

The pain of unrequited love in your chest is still present though and no bandage will fix that.

“It’s okay. I get it.”

“I want you to rest it for 48 hours and ice it. You can take ibuprofen for the pain and swelling. Keep an eye on it, and if it doesn’t get any better after those two days, you need to go to urgent care.”

Tom comes walking back with Camden’s father.

“So, am I destined to wait on you hand and foot forever since I broke yours?” Tom jokes, despite a very obvious worried expression on his face.

“Not broken, probably just a sprain. But keep an eye on her and that wrist, okay?” The mom replies, and you’re thankful she says nothing else to Tom.

“Thank god.” He smiles down at you, pulling you up into a hug and kissing the top of your head.

“That’s sweet, how long have--” The husband starts, but the wife elbows him in the ribs.

“Well, it’s almost Camden’s bedtime, so we’d better get going.” Carol says, in an attempt to cover up her husband’s words.

Tom smiles, finding it a little odd but he’s just thankful you’re okay, “Thank you so much for taking care of her.” He looks down at you.

Camden walks over to the two of you before either of her parents can stop her. You think her mother likely looks as mortified as you do when the words come out of her mouth.

She tugs at Tom’s jacket, “If people love each other, they should be together.” Camden says.

Her mom laughs nervously, picking her up in her arms. “Crazy kid, watches too many princess movies.”

“Nuh-uh! I like Lion King more than princess movies!” She replies in protest.

Carol and her husband give you both a smile before saying goodbye as they walk into their car to leave, but only after Carol reminds you to ice your wrist.

“That was kind of weird.” You nervously laugh, hoping he thinks the five-year-old was just saying random things like kids do.

“Maybe, but she is right.” Tom replies.

You don’t say anything, but you couldn’t agree more.

----

Tom follows you into your apartment, holding your bag and coat he insisted on carrying for you. You flick on the light switch, the apartment dark and quiet since Zendaya is at the party.

“I’m sorry that tonight didn’t go very well.” Tom says, placing your bag on the counter.

“It’s pretty on brand for us. We’re both clumsy so it’s like any normal night.” You smile at Tom before walking into the kitchen. “Like, remember that time I broke your nose while playing Wii tennis?”

“Yeah, before that big audition? The one Z had to pull several strings to get for me?” He teases.

You laugh at his reply, remembering how awful you felt, despite him accidentally dropping a bag of groceries on your foot the week prior. With your good hand, grab the kettle off of the stove to fill it.

“You want some tea?” You ask, placing the kettle on the stove before opening the cupboard.

“Always.” Tom replies, quietly.

He figures there’s no time as good as any. He slowly works up the courage to confess what he’s been feeling for so long and didn’t have the nerve to tell you that night, all those months ago. The thought that is always going through his mind when he’s with you, but even more so when he’s away from you. Being away from you only makes those feelings stronger, and that’s how he knows it’s real. It’s unrelenting and ever-present, even without a visual reminder of you.

He takes a step to you, wanting to hold your hand, or cup your face, or hug you while he confesses, but you turn around abruptly.

“Hey, remind me again why I’m the injured one and I’m the one making you tea?” You joke.

Tom decides to just do it, because if he doesn’t now, he’ll never do it. He’ll make excuses and nothing will ever change. He grabs your hands, gentle with your injured wrist.

“This is not making tea, Holland, this is holding my hands.”

“I’m with you. No matter what else you have in your head, I’m with you and I love you.”

“I love you too, Tom” you reply casually, assuming he means platonically, removing your hands from his to grab two mugs out of the cupboard.

“Wait, was that Ernest Hemmingway?” You question, turning back around to look at him, “You’re letting that English minor get to your head. Just say ‘love you’ like a normal friend.”

“No, I love you. I love you with everything I have, with all that I am, and I’m stupid for not telling you that night. I loved you before that and I love you now and I will continue to love you, even if you don’t feel the same…. That’s Tom Holland, a little less poetic than Hemmingway, but they’re my words.” He says.

Your eyes have closed somewhere along the confession and your expression is blank. Tom just wants to see your gorgeous eyes and try to decipher what’s going on in your mind. He would prefer you confess your love back to him, but at this point he would be okay with annoyance, he’s just scared now.

“Y/N, please just look at me while I confess, after that you can look wherever you want,” his voice is strained.

You keep your eyes closed while you mumble, so incoherently Tom has to ask you to repeat yourself.

“Why didn’t you tell me then?”

He should have known this question would come. There’s not a day that goes by where he doesn’t kick himself for not saying it then and there.

He should reassure you that he’s felt this way, that it’s not just some passing thing, but he’s selfish and instead asks, “I’m telling you now, do you not love me anymore?”

He waits for your response to his question, but it never comes.

“Don’t tell me you love me unless you mean it,” is what you say instead, rather than answering his question.

“You know I mean it,” he swallows deeply, moving just a tiny bit closer to you, wishing he could grab your hands in his again, “Not only am I deeply in love with you, but you’re my best friend and that’s why I was so scared to tell you. I didn’t-- I still don’t want to lose you.”

You would think this is your dream but it feels so overwhelming and rather than feel happy or even relieved, you’re filled with doubt and you’re scared. The instinct is to push him away, so neither of you can get hurt. It was better when your love was unrequited, it was less scary, you weren’t relying on someone else to catch you. Tom’s here, offering to do that and for some reason that caring hurts more than the rest of your past.

You let your eyes meet his, “Why do you think I’m on the tenth ‘the one’ this year, Tom? You’re my best friend you should know better than anyone what rotten luck I have,” your voice unsteady, “I keep going on first dates because no one wants me past that! You’d be smart to follow their lead.”

Tom walks closer to you, taking your wrist in his hand, gentle but demanding of your attention.

“I’ve seen it all, every heartbreak, every tear shed, but I’ve also seen every smile and laugh and every time you have fallen for someone, and I have loved you through all of it. This isn’t a one date and done thing,” he is gentle in his tone, trying to coax you away from dismissing his feelings as false.

“Y/N, Daya just called me out on my bullshit earlier today, telling me everyone sees how I feel about you,” he states, “which is a bit embarrassing for me, because I thought I was being really inconspicuous but that’s besides the point,” he rambles.

“What is the point, Tom?”

“The point is that I love you. I love you the way you have been talking about and dreaming about and looking for the whole time that I’ve known you. My regret here isn’t how I feel, it’s that I didn’t tell you about it sooner.”

Despite being nervous and rambling, he’s calm now because he has to make sure you know. He’s sure of you and he refuses to leave you any room for doubt about how he feels. Hesitantly, his hand drops yours and it only makes you fear he’s abandoning you now, causing you to clench your eyes shut in an attempt to keep tears at bay.

Instead, you feel Tom’s hand on your cheek.

“Hey, look at me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m with you till the end of the line.” He jokes and you can’t help but let a small smile creep onto your face.

Maybe it’s the inspiration from a little girl named Camden, that gives you the courage to trust Tom to catch you and allow you to fall for him. You love him and here he is saying he loves you too. You value his friendship but you can’t allow yourself to not try to have a future with Tom, the one you’ve been thinking about for over a year. You deserve more than empty promises from guys you don’t love and even though there’s a little voice in your head telling you otherwise, you allow yourself to believe you deserve someone as good as Tom.

“You’re far too obsessed with Marvel,” is all you say in reply.

He smiles back softly, glad you aren’t so in your head anymore as a result of his cheesy quote. His thumb wipes away at a tear that has slipped down your cheek.

“I mean it. For real, not like how Steve meant it before he abandoned Bucky.” Tom grins down at you because it’s easy to fall back into friendship with you.

“You really want this? You’d be number eleven, you know.” You say, half joking, half serious.

“All I ever wanted is right here in front of me. Just promise me you won’t love me like you loved one through ten,” he cheekily replies, as he closes the gap between you and you are close enough to still look at each other.

He says love him like the others instead of asking again if you do because he already knows. Maybe on some level you both know that love has been there this whole time. It was a twist of fate, a miscommunication and fear of the unknown. You two have been too shy to admit your own feelings to each other, or acknowledge the other’s, but all your friends could tell. Maybe this time spent growing this friendship was worth it, the pining and the longing and heartache. It’s even a little reminiscent of the Princess Diaries. The first one, where Michael and Mia fall for each other slowly and it’s worth it in the end. While you love Chris Pine, the former couple should have stayed together, they deserved it. And now you’re stuck thinking about Mia’s idea of a foot-popping first kiss, and can’t help think of if you’ll get one with Tom.

“Don’t hesitate, just kiss me already.” He smiles at you, knowing exactly what’s running through that hopeless romantic brain of yours.

“Wow, Holland, you’re bossy. Can I expect the same energy in bed?” You joke, playfully rolling your eyes, but then he’s kissing you softly before you can say anything more.

It feels like melting into place, and you think about how you’ve been looking for this for so long that it feels even better when it’s unexpected like this. With your best friend. He’s familiar, he’s cozy and warm and you already know just about everything and (still, somehow) love him. One of his hands is resting on your cheek, the other on your hip, and the kiss and his touch is enough to warm you from the inside out.

Every emotion from today and every day before now is fueling this kiss. Your arms reach up around his neck, one hand threading through the curls at the nape of his neck. How have I never thought about this before, you think, lost in the moment. There’s no foot-pop, but it’s still just as magical as anyone could wish for.

He’s the one pulling away, and you’re so dazed, really wishing he hadn’t.

“No smart remarks now, Y/L/N?” He smirks at you, as his thumb stroking the skin left exposed from your top riding up.

“I guess uh…” you think, not wanting him to win, as always “All I have to say is, what took you so long?”

He chuckles, leaning in to press his forehead into yours, “All I can say is I waited so long, that we have a lot of lost time to make up for.”

“I think we can do that,” you smile, leaning in to kiss him again, “so long as the only way you’ll ever hurt me is being a clumsy idiot.”

He smiles, and grabs your hand with the injured wrist, placing a kiss on it, “I think I can manage that.”

When Zendaya comes home after the party to see your bedroom door cracked, and you laying atop Tom’s chest, cozied up, all she can think is, thank god, and finally. But also, what the hell happened to her wrist?

taglist: @averyfosterthoughts @martinafigoli @5secondsofalphas @maybemona

#im v nervous about this ending?????????? hopefully its good??????????#ahhh #emi writes #tom holland #tom holland x y/n #tom holland x reader #tom holland blurb #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland writing #tom holland fluff #tom holland one shot #tom holland imagine #tom holland fic #tom holland fanfic #the one (aato)

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letsbenditlikebennett · 4 years

Text

Lie to Me || Ariana & Athena

TIMING: Before the S1 Finale PARTIES: @athenaquinn & @letsbenditlikebennett SUMMARY: A running date with a side of honesty... maybe too much honesty.

Something about going for a run with Athena around campus had Ariana inclined to dress with a little more flare than she normally would have on runs. She opted to wear her favorite cropped sunflower tank with her running shorts and shoes that were supposed to match. She could never really tell, which was why she usually opted for blacks and grays, but it was summertime and sunflowers were her favorite. With her running belt in tow, she headed toward the UMWC campus so they could go for their run. It had been entirely too long since she’d seen Athena and she’d meant to hang out with her sooner. Everything just got so crazy and she hadn’t been quite ready to share all of that with her just yet. Today would be nice though. The sun was shining and there were only a few small puffs of clouds in the sky. Plus, she enjoyed talking with Athena and they’d had a great time when they had played soccer together. She held onto whatever happiness she could these days and smiled widely as she approached Athena. “Hey,” she greeted with a wave before pulling her into a hug, noting she smelled really good for someone who was about to be running. As she broke away from the hug, she said, “It’s really good to see you again. How’s summer been treating you so far?”

She liked the time she spent with Ariana. Even though the other girl was a couple years younger than her, Athena found that they had a lot in common. Ariana was the closest thing to feeling like a breath of fresh air that Athena could imagine. She needed this - especially after everything at the lake. As was typical of her, she arrived early and had stretched just slightly. Just so that she could be ready as soon as possible after Ariana arrived. It was a beautiful day. Not too warm, but not too chilly either. Perfect for her capri running pants and tank-top shirt. She’d had a light jacket in her Jeep, but opted out of wearing it. Shortly after she arrived, she spotted Ariana, giving the other girl a small wave before she pulled her into a hug. Tried not to shrug out of it, because she couldn’t remember the last time someone hugged her. Her hands involuntarily balled up, but it wasn’t so bad, after all. “Hey, I’ve missed you!” She pulled away from the hug and adjusted her ponytail. “It’s been okay! Slow to start for the most part, but that’s how things are sometimes. Excited for camp to start in just a couple weeks. How about you, graduate?” She winked at Ariana. “Ready to join the rest of us in the big wide world?”

It was hard for her not to notice the slight tension in Athena as she hugged her and she felt bad. Ariana hadn’t meant to make her uncomfortable, but she seemed to recover so quickly that she didn’t feel the need to slip an apology in. She just noted as much for the future. It was important to her that the other girl felt comfortable with her and that meant respecting her space. Hugging was more out of instinct. It was something she’d always done and hadn’t really put too much thought into it. As long as Athena seemed happy now, it was okay, and she did. Not surprisingly, she thought summer was a bit slow. She sure did like staying busy. While Ariana wasn’t good at sitting still either, well, at least she hadn’t been before Celeste had died, she was content to do less productive active things. She let out a laugh and said, “What? Summer doesn’t have enough credits for you?” Poking fun felt natural and she found smiling was easier than it had been in weeks. The thought made her cheeks flush slightly as she answered, “I can’t wait for soccer camp either. Getting to work with you and the kids will be a blast. Summer has been… well, it had a really rough start so I have to think it can only get better.” The wink Athena gave her was promising. Maybe Orion wasn’t right, but she wouldn’t know until she tried to ask Athena on a proper date one of these days. She figured knowing about the werewolf thing should come first. It was only fair. Plus, Rio had taken it so well, she had to believe Athena would be open to it, too. They could get to that later though. “I guess I am part of the big wide world now. Feels about the same though a little more real now that the sun’s not an actual eyeball.” It looked like Athena had already been stretching, but she threw in, “If you don’t mind, I’m gonna start off with some stretches, too. I feel like I can get a proper run in now that I can get a shower in and know there won’t be any eyeballs joining in on the fun because, ugh, creepy.”

Ariana wasn’t like other people who Athena usually spent time with. That didn’t matter though - she was nice and the two of them seemed to get along well. She had to admit that she was a bit disappointed that the other girl hadn’t decided to go to UMWC, but part of her also felt the slightest twinge of jealousy at Ariana making her own way in the world. Not that Athena minded - but there was still a certain part of her that would have liked going elsewhere for college. However, everything she had to do here was more important. She didn’t have to think about any of that right now, though. Today was a day that she could spend with Ariana, just enjoying her time. With a normal sun, again. “Yeah, not taking courses for the summer does me in.” She giggled, giving a small shrug. “Yes! The camp’ll be a total dream, and a good part of that’ll be the fact that I’m going to have a dream co-teacher. No offense to Holly or whatever, but having someone my own age will be nice. I’m glad that’s helping to make your summer look up. Or, you know - that it’s looking up in general.” She nodded, “yes - it does feel more real now that the sun is its normal self again. Also absolutely, I only just started so I could use some more stretches myself.” Athena twisted her body back and forth a little bit, loosening her shoulders as she did so before folding into triangle pose - yoga could work for pre-run stretching, after all. “Did you have to deal with eyeballs in the shower? Ick! I’m so sorry. If that happens again let me know, because my house got missed somehow and you could’ve come over.” She gave a wave of her hand, “regardless, happy all things are back to normal.” Athena held up both hands, fingers crossed. “I can only hope we get a bit of time at least where it stays that way.”

To a degree, Ariana could understand Athena’s motivation to stay busy. She’d never been one for sitting still herself and preferred to be doing something. Schoolwork just never seemed to do it for her. It always just made her more antsy and filled with energy that she needed to get out. It was interesting to her how they could be so similar and so different. She found their differences only made her admire the older girl even more. The thought left an unfamiliar flutter in her stomach that she laughed off. “I’m hoping the whole soccer camp and apprenticeship will keep me busy enough.” She couldn’t help how wide her smile grew at the mention of having a dream co-teacher. “We are kind of a dream team, huh,” she pondered, “Holly does seem great, but I’m more excited about working with you. Well, and the kids, but kids are adorable and their excitement is contagious. Like how could you not love that?” It seemed by the way she spoke of the sun, that she probably knew about the supernatural. Orion knew and took her own identity surprisingly well. She could only hope Athena would do the same. She noticed how Athena seemed to move so gracefully as she stretched and incorporated yoga poses in. She found herself mirroring the motions and feeling the relief in several different muscles as she did so. “Yeah, they were really not fun,” she explained, as she began to copy the triangle pose Athena was currently in, “At least I wasn’t doing too much at the time, so I could skip a shower or two because it was gross.” She cracked a grin, “I appreciate that, I’ll definitely keep that in mind if the shower goes on the fritz again.” As she stood up fully again, she tilted her neck to each side and cracked it as she tried to ignore her nerves. If she was ever going to act on her crush, she wanted to know she could tell Athena about who and what she was. “So,” she started, scanning Athena closely, “given you’re not too weirded out about the eyeball sun, I guess you know about all the stuff that goes on in town? Well, probably not all of it, but at least like-- well, you know.”

“I bet it will. Those are both two things you seem incredibly passionate about,” Athena’s smile matched Ariana’s, “well of course. Holly’s good, she can wrangle the kids who decide they don’t want to listen to anybody, but I wouldn’t go out for coffee or dinner with her, no matter how much I admire her. You, on the other hand, I’d happily go out to dinner with. Did we talk about going to the Red Dragon? Because we have to, sometime.” She twisted her body back and forth, stretching out her back for a moment as the two of them continued to talk. “The kids are great. You may walk out of camp with a number of drawings to decorate your room.” This was nice - Ariana was nice and even though they’d met mostly on accident - after all they’d agreed to meet up after only talking online, but Ariana was wonderful as far as Athena could tell, and another small smile crossed her lips as the other girl mirrored her movements. Though Ariana was not quite as precise in her movements, she did have a good handle on things. “I think that if there ever was a reason to skip showering, that is absolutely a good reason. Besides, it’s not like something like that would have gotten you too clean anyhow, so really, you’re doing yourself a favor. Regarding showering at my place, don’t even mention it. I’ve got my own bathroom and everything.” She watched the other girl stand up again and look over at her. “Yes.” She bit her lip. “I’ve lived here my whole life and so I know some things.” A lot of things, actually. “I’ve always been logical, I think. Perhaps due to my namesake,” she winked, “but I also believe in not just explaining things away and blaming the weather or escaped animals.” She looked over to Ariana, “do you - you know, know? Is that why you’re asking me?”

Ariana couldn’t help the suggestive smirk on her face as Athena explained she wouldn’t go out for coffee or dinner with Holly. Sure, Holly was a bit older than them, but the way she spoke did leave her some room to read into their situation. “Is that so,” she asked easily, eyebrow slightly cocked, “We did talk about a lunch date, I believe you even said it was your treat, but I won’t hold you to that. I’m just happy to spend more time with you.” She kept it light, maybe even a little flirty, but honest. Even if her crush was unrequited, she still enjoyed being Athena’s friend and could respect that. She kicked a leg up and held her ankle in her hand as she stretched out her quad. There was still a smile on her face as she replied, “That’s way too cute. I love it already.” She easily nodded along in agreement that the shower thing was sucky, but found herself getting slightly nervous as she contemplated how to tell Athena, well, everything. It was clear she knew about everything and Ariana adjusted her ponytail as she answered, “I know know. I’ve always known, even before White Crest.” With her hands clasped behind her back, continuing to stretch, she let out a deep breath, “So I’d kind of like to start off with I’m sorry for how much I’m about to dump on you, but I like you. Like I actually like you which is totally cool if you don’t feel the same way. I just think it’s important for you to also know some things about me before you even think that first part over.” Her hands fidgeted behind her back, still feeling unsure of where to begin other than the start. “So my sister is a hunter-- well, was,” she choked a bit, her throat feeling impossibly dry as she realized what she said, “That’s-- Crap, I didn’t mean to start off like that. If I’m already sounding totally crazy, I can just-- I don’t know, stop.”

“It is so,” Athena grinned, though she noticed after a moment that Ariana’s smile had changed into one that perhaps might have meant more. Athena shook her head - though she considered herself decently close to Ariana, she didn’t know the other girl quite well enough yet to read more into things, “and I am happy to pay. Though I am pleased to hear that you do not just spend time with me because I am willing to buy you things.” She winked. “It’s a date.” Athena continued to watch the other girl’s fluid movements, nodding along to her comments. “It’s the cutest.” As Ariana continued to talk, Athena felt her chest grow tight. Which was odd - normally, if she found out someone else knew about the supernatural it was more of a relief than anything else. It meant she didn’t have to talk about excessive oil spills or severe air pollution or escaped animals in order to explain away what happened. So why did she feel her heart rate pick up? Then Ariana was apologizing and emphasizing like and Athena’s mouth felt dry. “I - it’s okay.” It was fine for someone to have a crush on her, even if that someone was a girl. Even if - Athena shook her head. She wasn’t going to focus on that right now. “Celeste was a hunter?” She paused. “Was? Ariana, what happened?” She stepped toward the other girl, running her hand through a piece of loose hair. “I - you don’t sound crazy.” I’m a hunter too, she almost said, but refrained. “You can tell me anything.” She pulled her hand away, offering the girl a small smile. “I met Celeste - I - I’m so sorry you lost her.” She bit her lip, waiting for Ariana to continue.

If there hadn’t been so much left to tell Athena, Ariana knew she would have been beaming at the use of the word date. She could only hope that the other girl would still want to hang out with her after she told her everything. Her brother hadn’t seemed bothered by what she was and seemed to think Celeste had been a great woman. Given, he was right on that count. Still, telling Athena felt different. She knew the crush she’d developed hadn’t helped put her at ease and neither did the way she started. Starting with Celeste’s death was already something that was hard for her to talk about. She couldn’t keep her hands still as she took a deep breath, somewhat relieved that Athena encouraged her and let her know it was okay to tell her, but also still dreading the words that came next. “I probably should have not started with that,” she said with a slight tremble in her voice, “I hadn’t realized you met-- I’m sorry.” She tried to blink away the tears beginning to well up. She didn’t want Athena to pity her, but all of this was an important part of who she was. “I’m a werewolf and my sister was a werewolf hunter,” she blurted out, immediately kicking herself for not having a little more tact than that, “I should probably throw in that I’m not like ‘grr’ and all.” She nervously did a little claw hand motion which looked ridiculous with how misty her eyes were. “Well, I mean unless you’re secretly a deer or rabbit… or a gator. Florida was a time. Okay, okay, got a little off topic there. It’s kind of a long and crazy story, but Celeste rescued me back when I was three the night my parents died. We were on the run for a really long time because her parents didn’t take kindly to the whole her rescuing a werewolf thing. They had a bounty on us and prom night-- they drugged and kidnapped me from prom which was… Celeste died saving me.” The words had come flying out of her mouth almost faster than she could even think of them and she looked to Athena expectantly, trying to figure out how she was processing everything she’d just dumped on her.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to say sorry.” Athena could feel her heart grow tight in her chest. She knew hunters died. She’d been told as much since she was young - but she also knew many hunters who’d lived longer than expected. Heck, she planned to be one of those hunters herself. She was not going to die young - and Celeste - Celeste had been talking about applying for nursing school. “You’re,” she could feel her whole body tense up. Her rings felt all the more present. No. No, there was no way. “Oh yeah?” She could feel the knife pressed against her hip bones. She could hear her mother’s words - “All werewolves are vermin, they’ll kill you faster than you can blink. Always be on your toes.” She could see her brother on the ground, the giant, far too big to be real, even, wolf on top of him, moments away from clawing his throat out. She could feel the feeling of the cold silver pipe in her hands. She could see the wolf, dead on the ground. “Of course.” She practically squeaked, her voice too forced. “Well, luckily I don’t own any red capes so I guess I don’t have to worry about that!” Was this trying too hard? “I’ve never been to Florida.” It would be so easy to get her alone. “I know it’s supposed to be humid down there. Celeste rescued you?” Ask for another run in the forest, and then… “She must’ve been super brave. Prom night?” I wouldn’t drug anyone, I don’t need that, that was for amateurs. “Gosh, what an awful prom. Here I thought when my friend got too drunk and almost had the cops called was bad. Sorry, making light of something I shouldn’t.” Because I should get this over with. She rolled her shoulders for a moment, trying to process everything. She let a small smile cover her lips. “Thank you for telling me. You should probably not go around telling everyone that, though.” Her fingers twitched, involuntarily searching for something to hold on to. Her knife was far too appealing, but when she glanced back over to Ariana, the other girls’ eyes wide open, she could feel a small pang in her chest. She knew Ariana. Of course, she’d known that girl’s aunt who she’d outed to her parents as fae too, but this was different. Maybe. “Just as a precaution, you know? You never know who’s listening.”

Ariana couldn’t shake away the anxious feeling that was brewing inside her. While Athena’s words weren’t disapproving, the tension in her body language left her feeling like she was treading through giant squid infested waters. She could hear the slight hitch in her heartrate and the way her voice almost squeaked when she spoke. Even though Athena already knew about this supernatural world, Ariana knew her situation was a lot. Hell, it was too much for her even at the moment. Her own heart felt like it was being squeezed in her chest, leaving her breath feeling like it couldn’t escape her throat. “Yeah, I am. Always have been,” she tried to explain, still scanning Athena for more indication of what she was really thinking. Her words weren’t quite matching up with her tone and it left her confused. “Florida is humid. Gators taste okay, though. Not as good as venison, but,” she shrugged, it was a little easier to focus on the lighter part, even if her voice was strained. “Yeah, rescued me, raised me. She was pretty incredible. I just--.” Wanted to make her proud. Wanted to have her back. Wanted to hear her voice one more time. All were true. None felt right to say. “She was, yeah.” She meant it, but she still felt so unsure of herself in this moment. Like she’d said something wrong that she couldn’t quite place. Like Athena was pulling away from her somehow and she couldn’t place why. “Oh, don’t worry,” she assured, “It’s… there’s not really a right thing to say, you know? She’s gone and the whole night turned into a disaster and it just sucks.” She shifted her weight from the balls of her feet subconsciously, trying to sway away some of the nervous energy. “Yeah, of course. We’re getting closer and all things considered-- I just thought you should know that about me. I’m sorry if it was a lot and you definitely don’t have to even acknowledge that first part. And I don’t-- tell everyone, that is.” She studied Athena, still feeling so unsure of what all of this meant for them. So she weakly added, “Your brother knows though-- I don’t know if that. I’m sorry I just-- What are you thinking? Was that too much? Should I have--” She looked down to her feet, not even sure what she was trying to ask, but looked back up earnestly, hoping to find some sort of clarity in Athena’s response.

She’d been born a werewolf. Athena nodded, trying to do her best to not show everything that she was feeling. Moreover because even she didn’t know entirely how to feel. She was supposed to feel disgust - and she did, in part. Ariana hadn’t seemed like a werewolf, and she’d - Athena stopped for a moment, pressing her hands against her thighs. The day that they’d met had been the day that Orion had hidden her rings, and she must have somehow forgotten to ever do a second check. “I guess that explains how Celeste saved you when you were so young, then.” She felt confused. She could feel her body begin crawling with a similar unfamiliar feeling to when she was around fae, though less severe. Of course less severe, because she couldn’t sense werewolves and that was part of why the two of them were in this situation in the first place. “I’ll take your word for it on the gators versus venison debate. I still haven’t gotten around to trying either.” Why was she making light of this? She was supposed to back away, back down, or just take the knife to Ariana’s throat or chest or anywhere else where she could do significant damage. “She sounds like quite something.” Like what my brother would do, maybe. How did she keep from getting killed - well, until…? All half-formed thoughts left entirely unspoken. “It does suck. I can’t imagine losing a sibling.” That much was true. It was why she’d killed that werewolf in their training room. It was why she felt sick every time he refused to do his divine duty. “We are getting closer.” I hate that this had to happen. Because she liked Ariana, she liked her a lot and part of her commentary earlier, the emphasis on like had felt weird, but not as uncomfortable as she knew it should have. As much as her parents would have wanted her to feel uncomfortable. Not until now. Now it was two-fold, Ariana was a werewolf and female, too. The former made Athena feel sick. “Good. You just, you never know.” Why am I giving her this advice? She wondered for a moment. Followed by, after this, will my mom be able to sense that I’ve been so close with a werewolf? “Orion knows?” Of course he does. He probably hugged you after, didn’t he? Or at least told you everything was perfect and werewolves were always safe. “I don’t know.” That much, at least, wasn’t a lie. “It’s a lot, you know?” I’m supposed to kill you. Heck, the only reason I didn’t kill that other girl who was a werewolf the other day was because sacrificial ritual laws forbade it. I would have, in a heartbeat, otherwise. “I guess I wasn’t quite expecting something like this when you started to ask me about the supernatural.” I wish it had been just about anything else. “You must trust me a lot to have told me this, then.” Which was good, on one hand - it meant that Athena didn’t give out a hint of who she was, how she’d killed not too long ago. On the other hand, the fact that a werewolf liked her felt wrong and even unnerving, to a degree.

There was no fighting the sinking feeling that came with not feeling fully accepted by someone she admired, but Ariana reminded herself she couldn’t just assume how Athena was feeling. She had unpacked quite a lot on her for the sake of being honest and open with her and about she felt about her. It was a lot to process. As impatient as she was, she didn’t feel inclined to push. Not on this. She tried to follow suit in making some light of the situation. “Yeah, they’re definitely not for everyone. If you ever want to try either, I’m pretty good cook,” she offered, hoping it helped put her at ease, even just a little bit. It was evident that Athena still needed some time to process everything. Even with prior knowledge of the supernatural, it had to be a lot for her to take in and she hated seeing her so tense, though she was amazed that somehow even in her tension she remained so put together. Ariana still shifted on her heels, back and forth, trying to get some of that nervous energy out. She ran a hand through her ponytail and looked to Athena. She softened her features and assured, “I do trust you and I know it was a lot. It’s okay if it’s a little overwhelming, because I’m still trying to… well, cope with a lot of it still. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m okay and I’m not going to hurt you. Let’s just--” Forget it? That didn’t really seem like an option. She stood by being open and honest with how she felt about people. They could at least step away from the subject, give Athena some time to figure out how she felt about everything Ariana had just told her. So she leapt a bit, springy on her feet and ready to go. “Let’s run. You don’t have to know how you feel about all of that right now. At the end of the day, we’re still friends,” she said with a smile, lunging one final time to stretch her legs before taking off. “Let’s see if I can keep up with Super Girl herself.��

#wickedswriting #lie to me #athena

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