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imagine-that-100 · 3 years

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Why No Answer? | Part 2 |

Description of Part 1: Alex Turner x Reader (Female) | You’re woken up in the middle of the night to find Alex drunk and high on your doorstep. Looking after him proves to be a tiring and revealing ordeal.

Word Count: 12.8k

Warnings: Angst (from the past) but lots of fluff.

A/N: So this was requested by the lovely @psychkunox, really hope you enjoy this. I don’t know what happened, but I got very carried away with the word count yet again sorry about that ahha. I would recommend watching the Restaurant scene from When Harry Met Sally either before or after you read. It’s quite comical and will give you more context. Anyway though, Likes, Reblogs, and Feedback is always appreciated, but thank you all for reading, I really hope you all enjoy xx

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Read Part 1: | Here |

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“Al stop.” You scorn him in a whisper as he once again kisses the back of your neck as you stand in the queue for Space Mountain.

You really tried not to indulge in the feeling of his lips on your skin because it was an extremely addicting sensation. But you were in public, in Disney World of all places where everyone had their phones and cameras out, and the band were all standing in front of you in the queue.

“Alex.” You whisper shout again and pull yourself out of the hold he had on your hips when you felt him do it again.

You turn around and shake your head when you note the mischief in his eyes and the slight smirk gracing his pretty lips. You wanted nothing more to have them on your own in such a beautiful place but that couldn’t happen since you both decided you wanted to keep your relationship between yourselves for a while longer.

You were their photographer which meant that you didn’t want things to get weird with them on tour. And after you and Alex both decided to keep your relationship on the downlow when you initially started going out with each other, you sort of wanted to keep it that way, so nothing changed the dynamic of your group.

You were only 2 years younger than Matt and Alex, 3 years younger than Jamie and Nick, so you’d always been pretty close with them all. You thought of them all as your brothers as you were growing up as Alex had gone to the same primary school as you and Matt and they had been best mates since the beginning.

They met Jamie and Nick in High School along with Andy who was obviously initially in the band, before he stepped down and Nick took over. They had always been your family who’d taken good care of you and you knew just how lucky you were to have them all.

But obviously to them you’d always been Matt’s little, and sometimes annoying, sister. When they were 14/15 they all wanted nothing to do with you and you were certain Alex had hated you once upon a time, but that might have been because you were a 12 year old who’d started growing up having crushes on all of your brothers friends.

Thankfully they didn’t disown you completely as when you reached the less annoying age of 15, they didn’t seem to push you out as much. You liked hanging out with all of them, and you saw them more because they always had to come to your house because Matt couldn’t move the drum kit unless it was for a gig.

You’d always liked music as it had always been an escape for you. Like when the band were first starting out when you’d go up to your bedroom to escape the utter shit music they were making, and you’d have your Pulp and Blur records on.

There was a new band you actually introduced them too at the time which was The Strokes, which is comical in hindsight because if you’d never told Alex and Matt to listen to that record when they caught you humming along to Barely Legal, you weren’t sure Alex would have had the motivation to keep the band going and get it as big as they had become.

It wasn’t a secret that Alex’s hero was Julian Casablancas.

A few years later the band was getting bigger and the excitement in your household at them potentially making it big was intense. So much so that your Mum and Dad threw a party for them all when they got scouted and got the record deal.

It was at that party that Matt and Alex drunkenly agreed to let you be their photographer as soon as you were done with your photography apprenticeship. It was something they never forgot though and they did actually let you become their photographer.

So as soon as your apprenticeship finished in the summer of 2006, your 18-year-old self joined the lads on their tour. To say it was a dream come true would be an understatement.

Both you and Matt had loved photography your entire lives, stemming from when your Grandma bought you both a digital camera each one year for Christmas. Since then, it’d become your passion and your plan was to be a photographer anyway.

But being the photographer for Arctic Monkeys meant that you got to travel the world and see places you never thought you would, and you never got home sick because you already had your family around you.

You honestly adored your job.

In the breaks between their tours and them writing new material you would take other photography jobs in the years off, but that didn’t really happen for the first four years of them all being big.

Alex asked Domino if you could do their The Age of the Understatement tour too which you were surprised by, but of course you did it. A job was a job and you weren’t going to turn it down just because your brother wasn’t there.

Usually on the tours you’d stay in a separate bus from the lads because after the first week into the first tour you joined them on you saw what an absolute shit tip they all created. They were all revolting and all typical lads, being messy, every other sentence was a sex joke, and they were just revolting creatures.

To you it was genuinely a surprise they actually showered after every gig.

But thankfully with the years passing and being on tour busses became a constant for them instead of something new and exciting, they all got better. So, their Suck It And See tour was the first full tour you’d actually stayed in the bus with them.

Although sometimes you wished you hadn’t because that tour was where he met Breana and you definitely heard things you’d never want to hear again. You don’t know how the other lads weren’t scarred from the noises that came out of Matt’s bunk those nights.

All you had to say about it was thank god for earphones and ear defenders.

But you think it was on that tour that you started getting closer to Alex and the other lads. Mostly due to Matt being a love stuck puppy who spent most of his time with Breana but also because you didn’t want to burden him with your emotions.

About a month before the Suck It And See tour started in the February of 2011, your arsehole of a boyfriend texted you saying that he didn’t want to see you anymore. He was an arsehole for doing it over text and then not answering your calls afterwards, but he was an even bigger arsehole for getting with who you thought was your best friend as soon as the tour started.

Matt and the lads obviously knew about the breakup but due to them all having no social media none of them knew what your best friend had done to you. So, you cried about that betrayal in your bunk at night when you knew everyone else was asleep and you cried when you found moments of solitude.

They had enough going on with interviews and tours and you didn’t want them to burden them with your issues too. But that stopped when Alex walked in on your crying in the back lounge of the bus about a month into the tour.

Your ex best friend had just posted a picture of her and your ex who you still had the misfortune of having feelings for and you just crumbled. When you saw it you just couldn’t bear the thought of being around anyone else, so you slipped out of their presence and cried your way back to the tour bus.

Thankfully no one followed you in your time of crisis which meant that you got your uncontrollable sobs out of the way alone. But of course, someone came back to the bus and found you.

And that person was Alex.

He’d come back for another pack of fags needing the extra nicotine in the hours before a show. But all thoughts of that stopped when he heard crying come from the back end of the bus.

He walked past the bunks and opened the door into the back lounge to find you sat on the floor with your head buried into your knees and sobs were ringing in his ears. His heart dropped at the sight.

“Y/N what's wrong?” Alex asks, rushing over to you.

And when you didn't answer he called your name again. “Y/N?”

But you just shake your head and continue sobbing into your knees. So he begs, “Please talk to me, love”

He was kneeling down beside you, his hand coming to the back of your head as if to slowly coax you out of your hiding stop. And after stroking the back of your head for a minute, your head rises from your hiding spot but your eyes remain shut and you continue to sob.

Alex tries his best to coax you out of your sobs but you’re pretty much hyperventilating in front of him. After another one of the longest minutes of Alex’s life he manages to get you to slow your cries enough for words to fall from your lips.

“My life’s falling apart” You sob, still refusing to look at him. Your breathing is better but still erratic when you continue to tell him in a pain stricken voice, “I can’t carry on crying myself to sleep like this every night... I- I just want to feel normal again”

“What’s happened? Why are you upset?” Alex begs for you to tell him, ripping the tears from under your eyes.

The only thing that comes to mind is your previous relationship, so Alex asks, “Is it about your ex?”

You nod, tears still pouring down your eyes, “He’s taken everything Alex... My life is fucking ruined”

“No he hasn’t Y/N. You’re here, you’ve got us” He tries to assure you, but you just shake your head.

After a second you open your watery eyes and Alex can see how much pain they hold. They somehow contain even more when you speak the words out loud, “He’s going out with Y/B/F.”

Even Alex’s blood runs cold when he hears that. His words almost get caught in his throat when he asks, “What?”

You nod, sniffling a bit and wiping your own tears from your cheeks when you repeat, “He’s going out with Y/B/F.”

“Please tell me you’re joking” The words fall from his mouth before he can stop them.

You and your best friend had been together since day one, like you’d practically been friends since birth. You were practically sisters.

It was only the odd time Alex would come to yours and Matt’s house growing up and Y/B/F wasn’t there with you. You were the annoying girls he couldn’t escape.

Not that he still felt like that as you yourself had become a really good friend but back when you were 12 you were both so fucking annoying. But everyone knew that your and Y/B/F came as a pair.

You were the best of friends, and completely inseparable.

“I don’t think I’d be on the floor crying if I was joking Alex.” You whine, trying your best to stop your tears now someone else was with you.

You nod towards your phone that you threw on the sofa when you walked in the room and say, “Just look”

So Alex does. He takes your phone off the side and unlocks it knowing your password was your birthday and he quickly puts the numbers in and watches as it unlocks.

And his heart sinks at the proof that lays in his hands. There on the screen he can clearly see the picture of your best friend and your ex-boyfriend quite clearly together.

They were posed in the way couples typically posed for pictures and then there was another of them at the same party and they stood kissing, and Alex found it repulsive.

“This isn’t okay.” Alex looks up from the phone to see your head no leaning back against the settee, tears falling freely down your cheeks now.

You make no effort to look at him when you say, “I know.”

“Why didn’t Matt tell me?” Alex asks, a little confused.

Surely this was something that was to be at least hushedly whispered to the people closest to you.

“Because he doesn't know.” You say simply.

“Why?” He asks, locking the phone so you didn’t see the pictures again.

You told Matt everything these days. There was no point in secrets between you as you were adults and you cared for the other’s well-being.

You’d always been open with each other, minus the time that you went out to a party when you were 16 and came back with a series of love bites on your neck. All of the lads had been really shocked when you walked in a little bit tipsy with those on your skin.

Matt had been furious and a little disgusted knowing someone had been touching you in a romantic sense. So, it was no surprise to the other lads that when you were questioned on if something more happened, you pressed your swollen lips together and slipped up to your room denying that anything else had happened.

It was comical because it was clear to everyone else that it had gone further than someone kissing your neck.

Everyone took the piss out of Matt that night saying that someone had just taken his sister's virginity and it left the drummer mortified. But you always denied it to the full band until about 6 months later when Alex had asked you in the kitchen if you were actually lying or not.

Of course, Alex didn’t actually tell any of the others when you confirmed what everyone already knew. But that was the last time you’d ever lied to your brother.

So, hearing that your brother didn’t know about this shocking and frankly disgusting news in your life was concerning.

You looked up towards your brothers’ best mate and told him the truth, “Because I can’t ruin his time with Breana…”

You had to trail off because the lump in your throat was getting too much. So you swallowed it away before continuing, your voice still pained, barely above a whisper, “He really likes her and he doesn’t need to be worrying about me... She could be the mother of his children for all we know... I’m not ruining that chance because my life has fallen apart.”

“He’d understand Y/N/N.” Alex told you, once again leaning forward to wipe away your tears.

You shake your head, “It’s not fair.”

“And you think what’s happened to you is fair?” Alex questions, knowing full well that it wasn’t.

No one deserved this type of betrayal. Especially you.

You just started weeping again then and Alex brought you into his arms, needing to console you in a hug. Thankfully you didn’t resist his hug and Alex let you cry into his shoulder as you clung to him.

After a while of him rubbing your back and whispering you sweet nothings, he had to tell you, “You could have told me Y/N/N.”

You shake your head into his neck then, Alex could still feel the tears falling onto his skin. He just about hears you say into his shoulder, “You’re happy with Arielle, I don’t want you dealing with my shit either.”

“Your family, what hurts you hurts me” Alex tells you, “You’ve always got me Y/N… Always.”

After another five minutes of you both on the floor, Arielle walks in and is immediately worried seeing you sat on the ground crying into Alex’s arms. Alex just politely asked her to go and get Matt though which she did, and you didn’t oppose it.

You couldn’t deal with that on your own any longer and you were thankful for Alex being so kind to you. Your heart just fully melted in your chest later on after everything had been explained to everyone and he pulled you aside and gave you another big hug.

He whispered to you, “You’re going to be okay Y/N/N.” before placing a kiss to the top of your head.

The rest of that tour was filled with him making sure you were always okay and so did the other lads. But maybe it felt more personal to you when Alex checked on you because he was the one that found you.

It was him that just told you to cut them from your life completely and block them on everything as ‘they weren’t good enough for you anyway’. After you did that you felt better about your life. You’d cleared them from your Instagram, leaving no trace on your page that they were ever in your life and it was a difficult purge, but it definitely helped you in the long run.

The years without them in your life were tough but it had proven to be for the best in the end.

Because once upon a time you thought you were going to marry your ex-boyfriend, but now you were standing in Disney World with your boyfriend trying to steal kisses from you. And you wouldn’t change it for the world.

You give your boyfriend of 4 months a warning look, but his eyes just held mischief. You had to remind him, “They are going to see.”

“Then let’s go somewhere else.” Alex says moving back towards you, and ushering you to move up the line a bit.

“After this we’ll try and escape.” You promise, but he was really shit at turning you down and you wanted it to be believable. “But you have to actually pretend you don’t wanna go.”

He rolls his eyes but sighs, “Fine.”

After Space Mountain you announced to the lads that you wanted to go see the Disney characters next which they all groaned at. You first of all pleaded with Matt to come with you knowing he wouldn’t before the rest of the lads and one by one they all dismissed you.

The last person you asked was Alex and he surprisingly put up a good fight until you ‘wore him down’ and got your own way. You spent the rest of the afternoon going round with him and getting pictures of the both of you with the characters and you got a nice lady to take a few pictures of you both outside the castle.

Those were your favourites, especially the one where he was kissing you.

As you were walking back to meet the others who were already back at the bus, you felt the need to tell him something which you’d yet to say. You didn’t think you’d find a better time than walking hand in hand in front of the Disney castle after one of the best days of your life.

So you pause your walk back for a moment to kiss him one last time before you make it back to the others. The kiss was sweet, just like the whole day had been, and you definitely felt like it was the right time to say, “I love you Alex.”

Immediately a smile found its way onto his lips, and he was practically beaming with joy. “You love me?” Alex asks you in a little disbelief.

“Yeah…” You nod, a massive smile on your lips “A lot as well.”

Alex leant down and kissed you again then, this time though his arms wrapped around your waist and lifted you off your feet, spinning you around in his arms. It caused you to giggle into the kiss a little but you loved it.

When your feet touched the ground again Alex told you, “I love you so much Y/N”

“I know.” You grin as he’d already told you once before.

Alex just chuckles at you, “Alright Han Solo” which made you giggle.

“I love you more than anything Al, thank you for making me happy.” You tell him wrapping your arms around him, needing a tight embrace just so he knew you meant every single word.

His arms obviously snake around you, making you feel secure in the warm hug. And your heart melts once more when he kisses your head and says, “I love you more Angel, thank you for letting me make you happy.”

~*~*~*~

“Al.” You said attempting and failing to pull away from the kiss he’d trapped you in.

If you were honest, you really weren’t really putting up much of a fight to stop the kisses. You were in one of their many tents that this festival they were performing at had given them.

There was one for chilling out in, one that was essentially a bar, and a few more you’d yet to explore. But Alex had pulled you into one with the mass of beanbags in it and he wasted no alone time to have his lips connect to yours.

“Yes baby?” He says in his low voice and you could hear his hunger for you in his voice before he kissed you again.

It made your stomach flip as you knew exactly what he was thinking as you’d heard his voice like that many times since you started seeing each other. You both had to show some restraint though as anyone could walk into the tent, there was only a flimsy curtain between inside and outside.

You pull on his hair to make him pull away as you couldn’t do it yourself as he’d trapped you between him and a beanbag. Once his soft lips parted from yours, you told him seriously, “Wait until the hotel.”

“But I want you now.” Alex then pouts at you, confirming the explicit thoughts that were running through his head.

You tell him truthfully, finding his pout very cute, “And I want you, but I’m not shagging you in a tent.”

“Why?” Alex questions, looking around for a moment before his gorgeous brown eyes meet your Y/E/C ones again. He chuckles, “It's a really posh tent.”

You guess it was too post to actually call it a tent. It was huge for a start and looked very expensive. You definitely felt privileged to get to experience all of this with him and the band.

“Hun you had me all last night...” You shake your head whilst smiling like an idiot, “You can retrain yourself until we get back.”

“Not easily.” He pouts again and it makes you giggle which he once again finds adorable.

Another kiss is exchanged then but you don't let it get to what it just had been like. You stop it after he tries to distract you and deepen it again but you’re having none of it.

“You need to go or there gunna be like ‘what’s he doing in there?’” You say knowing he’d be asked to drink with them sooner rather than later.

Alex smiles knowing you’re right, but he chuckles when he tells you, “You know we have to tell them at some point, right?”

“Yeah I know, I just want as much of this tour to be as normal as possible.” You say, aimlessly stroking your fingers up and down the short hair on the back of his hair. You grin when you say, “I’d like to escape Jamie’s jokes for as long as possible.”

Alex just laughs then before he pecks your lips once more. “I don’t blame you Angel… But you can handle yourself. We’ll be fine.”

“I know.” You smile, feeling very content in this moment that you had with him. “I love you Al.”

“I love you too.” He tells you before he steals another kiss and gets himself up. “Do you want a drink?”

You shake your head whilst you get yourself comfy on the beanbag, also reaching to the nearby blanket to cover yourself with. “Nah, I’m good thanks. I’m gunna have a nap before the show.”

Alex smiles at you then, turning back towards you when he gets near the curtain to leave. He just stops by the curtain that divides him from outside and when he sees you getting curled up under the blanket.

He can’t help but nod and say, “Yeah.”

“Yeah what?” You ask looking back up to him standing there grinning at you.

Alex nods down at you in your cosy spot and continues, “Yeah, you were definitely meant for me.”

You grin like an idiot then before you tell him, “Love you baby.”

“Love you too.” Alex smiles and sends a wink your way before he heads out of the tent.

You can’t help but shut your eyes and snuggle into your new ‘bed’ with a massive grin on your face. But when you hear Miles say, “Oi Al, you dickhead. Come and have a shot.” you just start giggling.

~*~*~*~

You were absolutely plastered, and it was really making Alex laugh. Even more so than it usually would because you were trying your best not to be obvious that you wanted his affection.

You were a clingy drunk which was absolutely fine, and all the lads knew that, but watching you slip up around him and having to make up for it with the other lads was really comical for Alex.

You’d just come over to Alex after you’d beaten him at pool and teased him for being shit. To which Alex was shooting digs back at you but all you did in response was laugh, call him a sore loser and ruffle his perfect hair up which you knew annoyed him.

So Alex had just forced your hands out of his hair by grabbing your wrists and stopping you from doing anything more. He gave you warning looks like he would have done any other time you annoyed him before you got together but you also noted the looks as a reminder of the secret that you’d set out.

That was what led you to sitting on Jamie’s lap and talking his ear off about Katie whilst playing with his wavy hair. He threatened you to get off it, saying he’d cut it all off which you at first drunkenly pleaded with him not too but then you changed your mind saying he could definitely pull off a Peaky Blinders cut.

Once off Jamie you went on to have some flirty banter with Miles as Nick and Jamie played pool. Alex was watching you with an amused look on his face as his best mate was teasing you about not being on the pull whilst being in a bar with everyone.

You came back with things like, “Aw Miles, I couldn’t do that to you. I know you’d cry yourself to sleep if I entertained anyone elses flirting besides yours.”

Alex also found your laugh adorable when Miles kissed you on your cheek and Matt told him to leave you alone and to stop flirting with you. It was times like that that made Alex glad his best mate didn’t know about the two of you yet.

But after Nick’s game of pool finished and Nick won, he was calling it a night, despite it being relatively early. It seemed that you knew your tolerance though and decided to head back to the bus with Nick.

So you then went around the other 4 lads who were staying and made a bit of an effort to kiss them all goodnight, Alex presumed so you could kiss him. Something which proved to be correct because you came to him last after kissing all the other lads, including your brother, on the cheek and came to give him one.

“Thank you for my drinks” You drunkenly smile at him and Alex grins down at you in an amused way.

“You’re welcome love” Alex chuckles at your tipsy state and you then force a hug upon him.

He obviously hugs you back but he’s aware of his mates looking so he doesn’t make it completely obvious that he’s enjoying the hug as much as he is despite him really wanting to. He wanted nothing more than to kiss your lips instead of you leaning in to kiss his cheek.

When you left his arms, he smiled at you and you moved back to your brother and made him give you a hug. Something which Matt did but not without a roll of his eyes, but Alex could tell it was a playful one.

“See you in the morning guys.” You say with a smile after linking your arm through Nick’s so he could help you walk back.

Everyone said bye to you then and their attention was on the new game of pool again. But whilst it was Matt’s go Alex let his eyes focus on you.

You were so cute, he wanted nothing more than to take you back to a hotel away from the others so he could just be with you all night. But Alex also understood why you wanted to keep it a secret for a while longer.

Tours were long, and he knew you’d both be bullied about it for a while from the others, which you were both prepared for. But you were due to be on the road for the next year with AM due out in September.

The plan was to tell them as soon as interviews back home started so you didn’t have to be around the joking for long. Alex was used to it after Alexa and Arielle, but he knew you weren’t, and he respected that.

So that was why he denied it when the lads began to question him on it about 5 minutes after you left.

“What’s going on?” Matt asks as Alex pots another ball into the pool table.

Alex grins thinking Matt was just fuming he was losing. As Alex moves around the table to eye up another winning shot, he says, “I’m beating you at pool

“No.” Matt shakes his head, earning eye contact from his best mate. “I mean with Y/N/N.”

“What do you mean?” Alex asks as he leans over the table to play his next shot, “She’s just gone back with Nick.”

“Don’t think he means that.” Miles grinned at him after he missed the tricky shot he’d chosen.

Alex raises his eyebrows in a questioning way, getting the feeling that people were catching on to how you were around each other.

And that suspicion is confirmed when Jamie says, “You’re very touchy with each other.”

“Touchy?” Alex laughs, as he watches your brother take another shot, “Jamie mate, she was on your lap earlier.”

“Yeah, but she keeps like teasing you and messing with your hair and shit.” Matt chips in with his observations after missing his shot on the stripped balls.

Alex rolls his eyes, “Matt, you literally fucked with my hair earlier today and Jamie did it yesterday... You all like to fucking annoy me by doing that.”

Alex continues to defend the both of you even though he wishes he didn’t have to. “You know what she’s like when she’s drunk, she doesn’t leave anyone alone.”

“He has a point; she didn’t shy away from me kissing her.” Miles points out raising his pint to the drummer.

Matt fakes a gag then and says, “Leave her the fuck alone Kane.”

“But she loves me.” Miles pouts, resting a hand over his heart like Matt’s words had hurt him. “You definitely want me as your brother-in-law.”

Alex smiles to himself knowing that he was now 6 months ahead of Miles in that category. God, he loved you. He could definitely see a bright future with you, and he had every intention to marry you one day in the years to come.

“I’d rather go to a Radiohead gig.” Matt says which earns a laugh from everyone, knowing how the hatred between the bands still hadn’t died out.

~*~*~*~

A month later you thought you were doing well. You were very careful around everyone after Alex told you about the questioning he got after the bar.

You were just normal with each other throughout the days, not overly interacting with each other. But when Alex’s eyes were hidden by his sunglasses, he couldn’t help but let his eyes wonder.

And it definitely helped that it was your job to take pictures of him. You could stare at him all day that way, even if it was through a camera lens.

Moments alone came when you’d stay in the bus when they went on nights out and Alex would venture back early meaning on nights like that, he actually got to give you goodnight kisses like he loved doing. Other moments took place when he would wander off at the multitude of festivals they were doing.

You’d say you were going getting pictures of different acts that no one else wanted to go watch. Alex would say he was going for a walk about 20 minutes later. Purely coincidence that you met up with him on his walk after you’d taken a photo or two.

Other times you snuck into each other's hotel rooms about an hour after you’d all gone your separate ways. But it was your nights in the hotels that you loved the most.

You got your privacy, and it was secure. The same as it was when he came to your house before the tour or when you went to his.

You loved being alone with him.

And tonight, all the other lads had gone out to a party somewhere and Alex had been faking an illness all day so he could stay in and they wouldn’t ask questions. They wouldn’t think it was weird you not going because you rarely went out with them.

They knew you valued your sleep too much.

So that was why you were alone in the back lounge with Alex tonight. And you’d honestly had one of the best nights being your normal cuddly selves.

You’d just watched a film with each other whilst being cuddled up on the sofa and you very nearly fell asleep in his embrace, but you weren’t wasting a full night alone with him. After the film you both went out and got yourselves a takeout from a place just down the road.

You made it into a full date night which was fucking adorable. After food, you coexisted normally for a little while, Alex letting you lean back against him whilst you edited your photos on your night off.

You were a pro at it after so many years, so it took no longer than an hour for the ones promotion wanted of them all. Alex was quite happily watching you edit the pictures of him and his friends as he absentmindedly played with your hair, placed random little kisses on your neck or on the back of your head, and at one point he even sang.

It was a really beautiful song, one that you’d only heard once before when he let you listen to the album when it was finished.

You only knew the title because he said it often in the song but having your boyfriend softly sing Mad Sounds into your ear as you worked you wished you could freeze time and appreciate it. His voice was amazing as everyone knew, but hearing it so close and so soft, it was hard to keep shivers from running down your spine.

“Such a beautiful song Al.” You smile closing your laptop as you’d finished what you needed to do and he’d finished singing.

You turn to him a bit more and he smiles back at you, tucking a stray strand of your hair behind your ear. “Like you then.” Alex grins before pressing his lips to yours.

You smile into the kiss as the comment was very adorable of him, but when you pulled back bullying was in order, “You’re so cheesy.”

“You love it.” Alex grins as you get up and put your laptop away, but you grab your small Lumix camera and come to sit back down.

You grin as you come and sit back down, this time straddling his lap so you could get a few close ups of him looking cute. You bring the viewfinder up to your eye and once you see his adorable smile on the other side of the lens you capture the perfection.

“I do.” You grin back at him.

You like that Alex never shies away from you when you have a camera in your hand. You knew after this much time that he trusted you with what you were capturing, especially in these moments together they wouldn’t be seen by anyone else.

“However…” You say, putting the camera down for a moment, “Me and your music are nothing alike.”

Alex frowns at you a little then, his hands running up your thighs, pulling you a little closer, “I think a certain track and our text message history would claim otherwise.”

You roll your eyes then knowing he was talking about Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? But when he grins at your eye roll you quickly snap another picture of him.

“I guess I shouldn't have got involved with a lyricist if I didn't want songs about me, should I?” You ask with a knowing smirk as you pull the camera away from your face.

You don’t bother checking it on the screen as it pops up, you already knew it would be a good picture. Not because you took it, but because it was of him and he was happy.

“No, probably not.” Alex chuckles as he takes the camera from you before raising it to take one of you.

You give him a pointed look after the photograph and joke, “You better hope you get to release your B-sides before Matt catches on.”

“I’ll be murdered, I have no doubt.” Alex grins and you burst out laughing at him being dramatic.

Alex thinks you look gorgeous though, so he raises your camera back up and you let him, not having a problem with him taking your picture. You smile at first but after he gets the first picture, he keeps looking through the viewfinder so you then puff your cheeks out jokingly and move closer to the camera.

Alex chuckles from behind it and he moves the camera from his face so you can both giggle together. He steals a kiss from you which you gladly accept, and you can't help but bite your lip afterwards.

He just looked so good. His skin was flawless these days and the fact that all of his fair wasn’t around his face anymore made his stunning jawline stand out. His brown eyes that were usually always hidden by sunglasses were shining brightly and the smile on his lips really showed how happy he was.

And seeing him happy made you happy. You could safely say you truly loved him. You’d do anything to keep you both as happy as you are now.

Whilst you’re deep in thought, Alex raises your camera back up to his eye which breaks your daydreaming about his features and you playfully roll your eyes.

“Smile for me Angel.” He asks and you do for one shot because he is pretty cute and pretty impossible not to smile at.

“Beautiful.” Alex confirms when he quickly looks down at the screen seeing the picture, he just caught of you.

“Like you then.” You use his own words against him with a playful smile.

Alex then puts your camera down to the side and with his newly free hand he cups the back of your neck and mumbles a ‘very good’ before bringing you in for a kiss. Playful and sweet were the only ways to describe it.

You just adored this alone time with him, sitting on his lap at the back bus, which was usually a very crowded area for you all to use, and you were kissing each other like it was just yesterday you got together. Everything still felt just as exciting and new and you never wanted his lips off yours.

You loved that it was you who got to run your fingers through his hair and pull on it when you wanted a kiss to carry on longer, like you just did. You loved the way his large hands held your hips, keeping you close to him.

But mostly you loved that he was always wanting affection. You’d not been in a relationship for a very long time so it made you nervous initially but there was something about Alex that you craved, and his affection was definitely one of those things that you were addicted to now.

You never wanted moments like these to end. But of course, that wouldn’t be realistic.

“I fucking knew it!”

You both pull away from each other to see Jamie with his jaw agape by the door. And your heart dropped to the ground.

“Jamie.” Alex says before Jamie can run out of the room.

“Oh I can’t fucking believe it.” He says, still stood there with his jacket in his hand but he looks like his whole world has ended. “I’ve gotta go get Matt.”

The panic in you rises then and you practically just off Alex’s lap and grab your intruders’ arm before he can turn back, “Jamie no, don’t.” You plead, pulling on his arm to come into the room.

He turns back towards you then and he lets himself be pulled into the room. His head is still baffled though which leads him to say rather loudly, “You’re shagging, aren’t you?”

Your eyes go wide at the volume of his voice and you scorn, “Jamie.” quietly as you pull him further into the room so you can shut the door once more.

His eyes go wide impossibly wider though and he gasps, “You are!” looking from you to Alex who was still sat down.

“Matt is going to fucking murder you.” Jamie chuckles looking Alex dead in the eye as you ensure that no one else is on the bus by looking down through the bunks (thankfully all the curtains were still open) to the front lounge and you saw no one down the other end.

“Jamie please don’t start.” You hear Alex say, evidently not wanting this to get out of hand.

You close the door and turn around to the still very shocked man and say, “I’ll explain just please shut up and sit down.”

So you did explain that you’d been seeing each other for months. Jamie was shocked because he only started to suspect something a month into the tour.

But after he’d let the information sink in, it wasn’t really so shocking anymore. Which is why you’d got onto the conversation of why it was still a secret after you’d been going out for months.

“You know he’d be fine.” Jamie tells you, sitting down opposite you both, trying to persuade you to tell Matt. “He wouldn’t actually kick off, you can both do what you like.”

“It’s not really just about Matt.” You tell him honestly from your point of view. “It’s about all of you making jokes and shit for months. I didn’t want that.”

“Y/N we wouldn’t do that.” Jamie says leaning towards the both of you from the other sofa, but you’re having none of it.

“Cookie you’re the worst one for it.” You say with a pointed look.

You then point to Alex, who you were sitting beside now and say, “I remember what you were like with him and Arielle.”

And it was a lot. They joked about it all the time to start with, and it was annoying for you, let alone Alex and her.

“Him and Arielle were different.” Jamie states, a little on the defensive side, but then he follows it up with, “You don’t make funny videos for a living, I actually respect you a hell of a lot for putting up with us.”

You shake your head and tell the tipsy, but now definitely more sober man, “You’re not that bad.”

“Oh, we are.” Jamie says and you laugh because you were just being polite.

They could be a handful sometimes if you were telling the truth. But you wouldn’t change anything about any of them. You loved them all because of who and how they were, and they were all your family.

Jamie follows up with, “I'm genuinely surprised you actually want to go out with him after knowing what he’s like.”

You giggle at that and just pout as you joke, “I know, but you’re taken Cookie, so I went for the next best thing.”

“Hey” Alex scoffs, looking towards you, pretending to be offended.

You and Jamie just laugh at him though, and you intertwine your fingers when you grab Alex’s hand to hold as a little apology. You’d be sure to actually swear to him that you were joking later though.

Jamie notes the gesture and he can see the little knowing smiles on your faces and his heart melts a bit for the both of you. You were both pretty cute with each other to be fair and the more that Jamie had been playing detective about it he thought that the two of you would be a pretty good match.

So he was genuinely happy for the both of you.

“And as for the jokes…” Jamie continues, causing the two of you to look back around at him. But Jamie looks at you as he says, “If it upset you, you know I wouldn't do it”

“I don’t mind the odd joke about me sucking his dick or whatever, but I’ll go crazy if that's all I hear about for the next year.” You tell him honestly.

You could handle jokes, it wasn’t anything new. They joked about your first boyfriend to Matt for the longest time and had done each time you got a new one.

You could take a joke. But not 24/7 like this tour would promise it would.

“Okay, never say that again.” Jamie pleads, the shocked look not coming off his face, but you and Alex just laugh at his reaction.

His head goes into his hands for a moment but afterwards he looks at you both and says, “Yeah, you don’t have anything to worry about, joke wise, until I get comfortable with this dynamic because that was strange coming from your mouth.”

“You’ve heard me say worse than that, surely?” You ask, very amused by his discomfort.

Jamie just blankly says, “Not about Alex… And you’re practically my sister.”

“Sorry Cookie. I’ve got a right to say rude jokes about my boyfriend when I want to. He can say ones about me but from your reaction I don’t think you want him to.”

He then looks Alex dead in the eye and begs, “Please don’t.”

You both just end up laughing.

~*~*~*~

You decided after that night that you would think about being more open to telling Matt about everything that was going on. Thankfully Jamie was quite respectful of the whole thing and actually kept your secret.

He didn’t make things awkward for you both either, if anything he helped you both out a lot. Sometimes when you were out with them Jamie would keep the others entertained so you could escape with Alex for a little bit on a ‘fag break’ which would consist of stolen kisses.

Other times when you were all out, Jamie would lowkey guilt trip Alex into going back with you early so no one asked questions which you loved him even more for.

During this month that Jamie knew though, you’d been trying to come up with a way to tell Matt. Because you weren’t stupid, you knew this couldn’t go on for much longer.

Each time you tried to tell him though something would happen which meant that you didn’t. Once you froze, unable to tell him because you just genuinely didn’t know how to.

It wasn’t exactly something that you could drop on him and expect him to be fine with. Your nerves probably didn’t help but other times when you worked up the courage to do it, other things would go wrong.

Matt was in a foul mood one of the times, so that was a no go. Miles and Nick came in and interrupted another time before you got the words out and it was like a never ending series of unfortunate events that stopped you.

Alex had politely offered to do it after a few failed attempts but you said that you’d be more comfortable doing it. Partly because you thought that you should be the one to tell your brother and partly because you knew Matt wouldn’t hit you.

But there had been multiple failed attempts since then so you thought that you may actually make it to the end of the summer festivals at this rate.

It was nearing the end of August now and you were all staying in a hotel again tonight as you’d got to the city they were performing in the day before the show. You were pleased because it meant another night in with Alex so after you’d all had your dinner downstairs you’d given him your spare key card for your room so he could come to you whenever he liked.

Alex told you that he was looking forward to using it and he was excited to spend another night with you. It warmed your heart hearing that and when he rang you at 9:30 saying he was just running to the shop to grab the both of you some snacks, he said he’d let himself in about 20 minutes when he got back.

And that is why you were a little surprised when there was knocking on the door about 10 minutes later. You thought that was fast for a start but you gave him the key card so you wouldn’t have to get up and answer the door.

“Come in!” You shout across the room hoping he would hear you.

It seems that he does but his muffled response is, “It’s locked.” when the handle doesn’t budge.

You roll your eyes and mumble, “That’s why I gave you a key.” under your breath as you get up off your bed and head to the door.

And you’re about to scorn him but when the door opens you don’t find your boyfriend. You find your brother.

“Hey.” Matt says, stepping into your room after the door opens.

You’re shocked by his presence but try and act as calm as possible when you say, “Hey, you alright?”

Thank fuck you were still dressed. And thank fuck Alex wasn’t already here because you didn’t want him to find out like that.

But then you realised he’d be here in 10 minutes or so. And that made you want to get Matt out as quickly as possible.

“I’m fine, are you?” Your brother asks once he picks up the complimentary chocolate that the hotel had put on your bed which you were saving for later.

Any other night you would have ripped the shit out of him for coming in and doing that but now was not the time. You were borderline panicking as you were about to be caught out. But you try and disguise that as best as possible.

“Yeah, great thanks.” But really you’re just thinking, Shit.

Your brother asks you, “What do you have planned for tonight?”

Thinking on your feet all you can come up with is, “Just editing more pictures.”

“Fancy blowing it off and watching Netflix with me?” Matt questions and you all of a sudden feel really guilty that you want him to leave as much as you do.

You pull a little bit of a face at his question and try to carry on your lie, “Oh, I would but I’m honestly not feeling all that great after tea, so I was just gunna get an early night after I’ve done a few more pictures.”

“Funny that.” Your brother states when you turn away from him to grab your laptop from your bag as he sits himself down at the end of your bed.

You move towards the little desk that was in the room though and ask, “What is?”

“Alex isn’t feeling too well either.”

Well shit. You were too alike for your own good, coming up with the same excuses without telling the other.

“Oh?” You question, shitting it at this point, so you just open up your MacBook to distract you. “Maybe it was something we ate downstairs?”

All your brother replied was, “Doubt that because I had the same thing as you both.”

You choose no response as your best response and just continue to pull up a picture of Matt you hadn’t finished editing on photoshop yet. Being creative always eased your nerves so hopefully him watching you edit a picture of him would distract him.

“Y/N.” Matt says, trying to gain your attention.

You instead just carry-on messing with the photograph and suggest, “Maybe you should go check on our friend bro, could be being sick for all we know. Wouldn’t make for the prettiest show tomorrow”

“Y/N…” Matt says once more, and you know he wants you to look at him.

So you do and you see your brother sat on the end of your bed, looking at you. He asks in a serious yet calm tone, “Is Alex really ‘just a friend’ anymore?

Well. You guess you didn’t have to find a way to tell him anymore.

You sigh and shake your head, “No.” and as you close your laptop you tell the truth, “He’s a lot more.”

Matt can tell you’re serious straight away just by the way you were looking at him. And it makes him shake his head a bit in disbelief. He says calmly but in a tone that worries you, as he also runs a hand through his hair, “I knew it.”

“Please don’t be angry Matt.” You all but beg as you turn in your chair towards him more. “It’s my fault we didn't tell you sooner... I didn’t want things to be different with the group, so I was the one who wanted to keep it a secret.”

“You know you didn’t have to do that, right?” Matt has to ask you, feeling awful that you felt like you couldn’t tell him something. “I just want you to be happy... Al’s practically family so of course I want the same for him.”

“I know, I’m really sorry…” You trail off for a second, “It just got to a point where I didn’t know how to tell you and when I tried to things always got in the way.”

Matt nods completely understanding that. At least you wanted to tell him.

“When did it start?” Is the question Matt asks you next.

“New Year’s Day” You say quickly before wincing a little, hearing that it has been 8 months out loud.

You felt so bad.

Matt is shocked by that news too, “That long...? Really?”

“Yeah.” You nod, feeling awful, “I’m sorry.”

Matt ends up asking you a few more questions after that which were pretty much big brother sort of questions, making sure Alex was treating you right and stuff like that. Thankfully this had all gone very plain sailing and Matt was happy for you like you both knew he would be.

And he had forgiven you for not telling him for so long too which was a big relief. It felt like a massive weight off your shoulders.

So much so that you had to get up off your seat and give him a hug. Matt stood up for the embrace, so you got to hug him properly and it was such a lovely warm hug that you felt like you hadn’t had in such a long time.

Halfway through that long hug though, both you and Matt hear the door to your room unlock. You press your lips together and wince a little knowing exactly what is about to happen.

“Hey Y/N/N.” You hear Alex say from somewhere behind you and you let go of Matt and both of you look towards Alex now closing the door, not yet noticing the situation.

After he closes the door though, he begins to say before he turns towards you, “I got you thes- oh”

Matt smiles though seeing your favourite flowers in his best friend’s hand. You can’t help but smile at the sight of them too, and his face falling realising Matt was here was a little funny too.

He looked a little scared.

“I’m glad you’re treating her right Al.” Matt tells him, and Alex struggles with his words for a second and he looks to you for help.

“I just told him.” You nod confirming it out loud for him.

Alex’s eyes go from you back to his best mate then and he starts, “Listen Matt, I’m sor-”

But Matt interrupts, “No no I don’t need an apology.” He shakes his head, “Just don’t fuck it up.” He then looks between the both of you, “Either of you... Because that would make for a really awkward tour.”

You smile at that and say, “I don’t plan on doing, and I know he doesn’t either.”

Matt grins at you then and he looks back to Alex and takes a few steps towards him. He points a finger to his chest and says very seriously, “Make her cry Turner, and I'll castrate you.”

Alex slowly nods, “Noted”

Matt must then break into a grin because Alex does too, and your brother then heads over to the door.

Matt turns back towards you and says, “Have a nice night love birds.” and walks out with a grin and he shuts the door behind him.

Both you and Alex stay silent for a second looking at the door almost in disbelief that the thing you’d both waited 8 months to do, was now over. Alex turns around to look at you and you’re both just awkwardly smiling at each other.

Alex puts the plastic bag filled with snacks down on the table he was standing beside and says, “Well you could have pre warned me.”

You shake your head, “I didn’t know he was coming. But he asked me to watch Netflix with him and apparently I gave the same excuse as you.”

“Oh fuck. Clever, aren’t we?” Alex chuckles a little and you nod in response.

Alex holds up the flowers he got for you and you can’t help but smile, “Well, I was hoping to surprise you with these, but you definitely won on the surprise front tonight.”

You giggle at that and you lean up to kiss him after taking the flowers from him, “Thank you my love.”

You briefly put them down whilst you say, “At least we don’t have to stay away from each other anymore.”

“Never going to let you go now Darling.” Alex chuckles before picking you up in a hug and spinning you around. You can’t help but giggle.

The next morning you both ventured downstairs to have breakfast with the others and found that they were all there waiting for you at your table with knowing looks. You and Alex just had grins on your faces knowing Matt would have gone around and told them all before you even got the chance.

They were all of course happy for you but of course you got some jokes and some questions. Jamie had got a bit used to it now, so he was starting with his jokes in private to you but when you sat down, he asked the both of you, “Suck his dick last night?”

“Wow, you’ve been waiting for that one, haven’t you?” You laugh, sitting yourself down next to him, immediately reaching for the menu so you could see what was on offer for breakfast.

The table obviously all laughed, and it was all fun and playful as you imagined it would be. You were glad Matt wasn’t cringing at all the details that you were giving out, as it was things like how far back moments happened, like when Alex asked you out officially and stuff like that.

All of the lads seemed really happy for you and even some of your other friends that were a part of the crew were shocked but buzzing for you. Alex got loads of people saying, ‘You better treat her right’ which made you laugh a lot.

But thankfully it was business as usual, just with the addition of getting to hold his hand and kiss him the odd time when you wanted. You’d rather most of your affection be in private though so not much had really changed on the social front.

Even when you were trying to be discrete about it, you didn’t find it too hard because you were still just the same Y/N and Alex. You’d been friends for years, so the dynamic shift wasn’t all that drastic.

You both were just the same friends that you could walk next to each other and it just be normal. You didn’t have to be touching each other all the time, you’d go walk with Miles or Nick and just go spend time with Alex every now and then.

You were glad that things never felt too different.

You guess the only thing that marginally was different was the first night back on the bus after you’d been staying in the hotel. You were all heading to bed and when you came out of the bathroom after changing, you headed to your own bunk, but then realised you didn’t actually need to.

Alex’s bunk was the top bunk in the middle, so you walked right past your own and straight to his. He was just in his boxers like most of the lads usually were when they slept on this bus.

“Hey.” You say with a big smile.

“Hey.” Alex grins, his messy hair almost falling into his eyes. He makes you smile when he says, “Was just about to come kiss you”

“Vile.” You hear Miles gag from the bunk directly below and you look down at him and frown.

“Miles, he kisses you... What are you on about?” You question, not understanding.

They were literally always touchy feely with each other which you thought was cute and adorable. They’d always been great mates and were close enough to actually perform together using one microphone.

So it made you laugh when Alex lent down over his bunk to say, “Little offended there mate.” to his friend.

Nick bursts out laughing at your backchat and Alex’s hurt and you chuckle along before you glance back to your boyfriend. Once his head was the right way up again you smile at him.

“I can join you for the night now, right?” You ask him and you love the smile that comes to his lips.

He nods, “Course you can.”

So Alex shuffles back in the bunk, enough for you to comfortably jump up and once you lay beside him you can’t stop grinning. It definitely felt weird to be in a bunk with him for everyone to see but it definitely makes you happy, even if it was a tight squeeze.

“Hi” You grin at him as he’s on his side, his back pressed to the wall of the bunk, looking down on you.

“Hey beautiful.” Alex says before he leans down and kisses you.

You of course kiss him back but after a second you quickly part so you can reach down to the curtain and pull it closed. You doubt that Nick wanted to watch from the bunk opposite.

As soon as your lips were back attached to Alex’s though you hear Nick whisper shout to everyone, “It’s starting!”

If your eyes were open, you would have rolled when but you just try to keep the smile off your lips, so you don’t ruin the kiss. And thankfully you both controlled yourselves enough to hold your smiles so you could indulge in a very nice kiss.

“If I hear anything come from that bunk, you don’t want to know what will happen.” Matt calls out loudly and you break apart from the kiss to laugh.

It seems like everyone else found it comical too, but it was even funnier when Jamie asked him, “What are you gunna do? Cry?”

“Fuck off Cookie.” Your brother says back, and you chuckle at that too.

You and Alex keep your curtain closed as the rest of them chat away and you get yourselves comfortable in the bunk. You are basically cuddled together in the bunk, with the duvet over you both, you still on your back and Alex tucked into your neck as he lay on his side.

You were glad you didn’t feel like you were about to roll out of the bunk, so it definitely made sense you were that way around. That and Alex quite liked to pick his head up every few minutes and trap you in another kiss.

A trap you certainly didn’t mind.

Usually when you all got in your bunks, curtains would stay open as you would all chat to each other and one by one curtains would close until you were all knackered and pass out until the next day. So, it wasn’t a shock that tonight you were all talking for quite a while, you and Alex just chatting to each other quietly in your bunk, liking the privacy that the curtain provided.

But after about 15 minutes someone shouted your name, popping yours and Alex’s bubble.

“Y/N?” You hear Jamie call you.

You smile knowing a joke was bound to come your way and respond, “Yeah?”

“I’ve got a question for you.” He informs and you can practically hear him smiling.

You grin at Alex and shout back to Jamie, “Okay, go on.”

“You know because you’re a photographer... Does that mean you take pictures of you and Alex in the bedroom?” Jamie asks teasingly and your immediately roll your eyes, but it doesn’t stop you from playing along.

“Shit.” You say jokingly loud, “How do they know?” You scorn Alex jokingly and he’s just silently laughing.

“Matt.” You call and joke, “Maybe don’t go through that SD card tomorrow.”

Earlier on he asked to see some of the pictures after the gig tonight and you said he could look through them before you started editing them tomorrow.

“I’ll burn it” Matt says back, and you just start silently giggling.

“What are you both up to in there?” You both hear Nick ask.

Alex says in a teasing voice, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

Both of you have another few kisses in the time between those jokes and the next time you were heckled. But you were just cuddled when they next started joking.

“They are very quiet up there.” You both hear Miles say.

You shake your head and Alex sighs a little as you hear the rest of them chuckle.

“You doing good? You getting it up, Al?” Miles asks and you both feel him punch the top of his bunk, subsequently the bottom of yours.

You aren’t surprised when Alex doesn’t grace him with an answer.

“Very quiet indeed.” Nick laughs, more than likely looking down at Miles so they could share a laugh.

Jamie seems to jump in then with, “They are definitely biting their tongues.”

“Fuck off all of you.” Matt gets defensive but that just makes it comical.

You decided to upset your brother then by pretending to be annoyed when you scorn them, “You’re all really ruining the mood.”

Alex chuckles at that then, even though you weren’t doing anything. That is what made it funnier to him though.

“Sorry, do you need silence for Alex to get you off.” Jamie asks and it makes you roll your eyes at the question.

You reply, “No.” as an idea comes to mind.

“So you don't mind us carrying on talking then?” Miles asks teasingly. You can practically hear the smirk.

You backchat with, “Not if yous don't mind some noises too?”

“Fire away Hun.”

You brother almost shouts in distress, “No don’t. Both of you stay very fucking quiet.”

Jamie defends you both then, “Oh right so it’s alright when you and Breana fuck but when it’s Alex and Y/N you’re suddenly a prude.”

An argument starts out then with Matt defending himself and then Jamie defending you and so on and then it becomes a big thing. But you find it quite funny that Matt is getting annoyed, so you decide to make your own joke too.

“Al” You whisper, and he looks up at you for you to ask him, “Have you ever seen When Harry Met Sally?”

“Yeah, I watched it with you on the last tour.” He whispers back, reminding you.

You remember him doing now. You’d all had a movie night on the bus during the Suck It And See tour and because you were a little depressed they let you choose the film and you chose that one because it made you laugh.

“Okay, good.” You smirk knowing exactly what you were about to do.

Your boyfriend doesn’t yet get it though, so he asks in a whisper, “Why?”

“Alex” You say a bit louder, a smile you couldn’t hold back drawing to your face.

“What babe?” He asks you and you have to close your eyes, so you don’t break and start laughing.

You try to make your voice sound sultrier and you fake moan louder, “Oh god.”

At that though the boys arguing dies down as Alex whispers, “What are you doing?”

You hold your laugh and, “Alex.” falls from your lips in a breathy moan. And it’s loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Y/N, fuck off.” You hear your brother shout, clearly not amused.

You however come straight back with a very load moan of, “Alex fuck.”

“Matt I’m not touching her.” Alex shouts and you open your eyes to see Alex propped up to the side of you, looking at you like he was scared.

You don’t give it a second thought before you gasp even louder, “Right there Al”

You can hear Miles cackling below you both and you don’t let up with the moans you’re making despite wanting to laugh too. Next you raise your hand up to the ceiling of the bunk as if you’re using it to brace yourself, “Fuck.”

“Oh my god, don’t stop.” You plead in a desperate way as you look to your mortified boyfriend.

“Y/N shut up.” Alex whispers, but it just makes you carry on more.

The fake moans fall from you lips, filling the bunks with your pleads and gasps. Alex is still mortified, but the laughter coming from Jamie, Nick, and Miles just fuels you on.

You go fully Sally Albright on them. A series of loud moans leave your lips like:

“Yes Alex yes!”

“Faster.”

“Oh god.”

“Don’t stop!”

Alex shouts over your loud voice, “Matt, I fucking swear I’m not touching her!”

The way you moan, “Fuck Al” seems to just dismiss what Alex said straight away though.

“Stop!” Matt shouts back, obviously angry now.

You immediately contradict in a fake moan, “Don’t stop!”

“Alex!” You all but scream as you bang on the ceiling of the bunk again a few times.

You go to take it a step further, but you’re apparently not allowed, “Fuck, Alex plea-”

Your boyfriend puts his hand over your mouth so you can’t carry on. However, you just start dramatically fake moaning, and it sounds a lot dirtier because his hand is over your mouth.

You carry on until you get a rise out of Matt despite Alex pleading with you to stop with a scared look on his face. But you know your brother was about to stop so you just looked at your boyfriend’s gorgeous brown eyes and carried on.

And before you know it Matt is swearing getting himself out of his bunk and the curtain of yours is practically ripped open. As soon as you see sight of your brother you stop the fake moans completely as if it never happened.

Alex holds both his hands up in the air as if he’s being held at gunpoint. Matt can quite clearly see you're fully clothed and have a massive shit eating grin on your face.

“Damn that was good, thanks Al.” You joke to your boyfriend but you’re looking at your brother.

Matt holds up a finger at you and warns, “You’re on very thin ice right now.”

He looks angry and embarrassed all at once. He’s bright red but looks absolutely fuming so you can’t stop your laugh.

You giggle questioning, “Why because you know your best mate can fuck your sister?”

Jamie bursts out laughing at that and you crumble into a louder laugh.

“Stop it.” Alex gasps, playfully hitting your shoulder once again looking petrified as he glanced from you to your brother.

“I don’t need to hear whatever that was.” Matt scorns you and you’re very quick to give him some backchat.

“Did you just admit to us all that you’ve never given Bre an orgasm? Because if you don’t know what those sounds were then I feel sorry for her.” You joke back trying to be cocky.

Jamie’s laugh echoes through the bus and you can hear Miles cackling from below. You could see Nick gasping for breath in a fit of laughter and Alex gasps in shock from beside you.

“You need to fuck off Y/N.” Matt gives you one more death glare before he stalks back to his bunk.

“Oh pull the drum stick out your arse!” You say getting a little annoyed at how your brother couldn’t take a joke. “You better hope our hotel rooms are never next to each other.”

“Shut the fuck up. I won’t tell you again.” Matt says as he gets back into his bunk and shuts his curtain in a strop.

“Aw…” You pout turning back to Alex in your bunk. You give him a quick kiss and then joke, “Better save the next orgasm for the next hotel Darling.”

“I’m begging you to stop talking.” Alex shakes his head, still looking at you a little shocked that you’d actually done what you just had.

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from Matt.” You giggle, and you say louder so the bus can hear you, “He’s not that scary... Just gotta bring up the time he shat himself when we were in the bat house in Chester Zoo and he quietens right down.”

You all hear Matt shout, “Fuck off!”

You and everyone else on the bus, bar Matt, started laughing then and you were still giggling away when you cuddled yourself into your boyfriend's body. Jamie and Miles begin to applaud you during their continued laughter which just makes your giggles difficult to silence.

Alex is still half shocked as he cuddled you into him, loving your humour but not actually believing you just faked an orgasm that loud on a tour bus surrounded by all your mates and your brother. He shakes his head and kisses the top of yours before telling you, “You’re gunna be the death of me.”

“Least it’ll be a fun death.” You joke and Alex laughs.

“You’re right.” Alex chuckles when you look up at him. You're grinning like an idiot and Alex tells you, “I love you, you psycho.”

“Love you too, weirdo.” You grin and proceed to kiss him sweetly.

After the kiss though you actually want to go to sleep in your boyfriend's arms peacefully. So despite Nick, Miles, and Jamie all still chuckling away, you turn back towards the curtain to redraw it and as you do you catch Jamie’s eye.

You wink at him before drawing the curtain and Jamie wolf whistles, which has you and Alex giggling away together as you cuddle yourself into him once more. You kiss Alex once more before playfully calling out to the others who were still laughing, “Night boys”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thank you for reading x

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gointothevvater · 3 years

Text

Her full profile is finally here! Seven pages of information! I may have gone down the rabbit hole just a tiny bit!

St. Cecilia Jameson

Gender: Cis female

Status: Alive

Occupation: Singer for British rock band Stiletto ("Like the knife or like the shoe?" "Yes.")

Family: Elizabeth Robinson, née Wallis (Mother), Bryony Robinson (Older half-sister), Esme Robinson, née Davies (Grandmother, deceased), Herakles Zafeiriou (Biological father, though she's never met him), Evander Zafeiriou (Older half-brother, who she's also never met, though they've exchanged family photos and stories via email)

Voiced by: Florence Pugh (Speaking), Lzzy Hale (Singing)

Age: A few months younger than Pickles

Date of birth: December 15 (Sagittarius)

Place of birth: Oxford, England

Birth name: Felicity Robinson (Initially, only Sammy knows this, though the rest of SnB learns it at Esme's funeral)

Nicknames: Ceelie (By Pickles and Sammy, mostly, though the Dethklok boys pick it up eventually), Star (By Magnus), princess (By Skwisgaar)

Ethnicity: Half English, half Greek (Though she's unaware of the latter for most of her life)

Height: Five-foot-one

Sexuality: Bisexual

Relationship status: It's complicated. It's always complicated. She's unlucky in love.

Current location: London, England

Appearance: St. Cecilia is a petite woman (She's half a head shorter than Pickles!) with golden skin and long white-blonde hair, which she wears in a high ponytail. She has thick, dark brows and bright brown eyes (Skwisgaar says she has "wolf eyes"). She has three white marigolds tattooed on each shoulder, a labret piercing, and a vertical collarbone piercing at the hollow of her throat. Her ears are pierced three times each, in which she wears two silver hoops and a silver stud on each side, and she has a small black star beneath each eye. She has a Christina piercing, nipple piercings, and a belly button piercing. She has a No Time For Antivenom tattoo on her sternum, and a European robin tattoo at the back of her neck. Along her spine, she has a tattoo reading "to thine own self be true." She has a shitty stick-and-poke crown tattooed behind her right ear. She has a pear body type, with wide hips, a small chest, and an even smaller waist (Nathan can encircle her waist with his hands). She typically wears a black muscle shirt, ripped dark jeans, heavy boots, black driving gloves, and a studded black leather collar with a D-ring at the front. She also wears a Gibson pearl guitar pick on a necklace, which was given to her by Pickles when they first started dating in the 80s. She wears a silver cuff on each ear, and her tongue is pierced with a simple silver stud.

During flashbacks to the Snakes N' Barrels era, she's shown with darker blonde hair cut in a mullet style, and only her labret and ear piercings, plus one on the right side of her nose. She wears a cropped white tank, with high-waisted jeans and black Converse sneakers. She wears mismatched armbands, one black, one striped, and the same collar she wears in the present.

Her more casual look consists of a black button-up shirt with the sleeves pushed up, which she wears tucked into a pair of leather pants. She wears pumps instead of boots, and her hair is twisted up in a clip. She keeps her collar, but doesn't wear the pick necklace or her ear cuff, and she switches her hoop earrings for studs. She doesn't apply her stars.

For fancier occasions, she wears a black dress with spaghetti straps and a very short, flared skirt, black opera gloves and black strap pumps. She, as always, wears her collar with it, and she pulls her hair into a high bun.

Personality: St. Cecilia is cocky, witty, and teasing, but ultimately good-natured. She's a bit selfish and stubborn, but she does everything with 110% effort, hoping to impress people, even if she winds up getting hurt in the process. She'll do literally anything for validation. To say she's vain would be an understatement. She's something of a coquette who flirts with both men and women, and is she has a tendency to "think with her dick," as Tony once put it. She's slow to anger, but quick to jealousy, and she holds grudges for far too long. She's the playful type, but it's largely in a chill way. She's an obvious extrovert, and the role as frontman for Stiletto came very naturally.

Skills & Hobbies: St. Cecilia writes good poetry, great song lyrics, and terrible erotica. She likes plants and is quite the chess player (Though she hasn't managed to beat Charles even once), which she learned during her school days. She also learned to fence, ride horses, and speak fluent Latin there.

Musical Talents: She's a classically trained singer (When she was little, she was part of her church's choir), and she writes most of the song lyrics and some of the music for her band, Stiletto. In Snakes N' Barrels, she played lead guitar on a white Jackson Pro Series Rhoads RR3, but during their reunion concert, she plays a more modern Gibson Explorer '76 Reissue 2010 Cherry. She took piano lessons for several years as a child, and she's still pretty good. Nothing outstanding, but if Stiletto needs to incorporate a piano into a song, she's perfectly capable of playing it herself.

Relationships:

-Pickles the Drummer: Their relationship is a complicated one. They've known each other for ages, and they've been together through the highest highs and the lowest lows, all the way down to rock bottom. She partially blames him for her late teens and early twenties being the fiasco they were, and she cut off contact with him for a long time after the SnB breakup. During the run of the show itself, the two reconcile somewhat and even become more or less friends before Abigail shows up and things start to crumble again. They have a hard time admitting it, but there's love between them, and there has been for a long time. They're both afraid to try getting together again, though, as there's a mutual fear of the relationship ending as it did the first time, with them hating each other again. They're back together at the end of Doomstar, but there's no way of telling if the love between them is enough to keep them together or if they'll just fall apart all over again.

-Magnus Hammersmith: They were more off-and-on than anything, but they were together for years, even though quite a bit of it was long-distance. It wasn't supposed to be a serious thing. It was just supposed to be a quick fuck. Then it was supposed to be a performance to annoy Pickles, but Magnus quickly realized that St. Cecilia's feelings for Pickles were too strong for her to be any use to him in his revenge plot. The basis of their bond formed because they understood each other on a level they've never known with anyone else: Former Snakes N' Barrels guitarist St. Cecilia Jameson and former Dethklok guitarist Magus Hammersmith both understand on a fundamental level what it's like to be left behind and forgotten. Magnus caught a bit of feelings, and when Roy Cornickelson's funeral came around, Magnus warned St. Cecilia not to attend. It was their last interaction, and it forever cast him in a positive light for her, even after she learned what he was doing with the Metal Masked Assassin.

-Nathan Explosion: They get along pretty well. Their first meeting was at a singers-only Crystal Mountain party, and they ended the evening with a quickie in the coatroom. He wrote a song about the encounter, but Pickles never figured out that it was about St. Cecilia, which Nathan thinks is just the funniest thing. He mostly sees St. Cecilia as one of the guys once she meets with Dethklok again for the SnB reunion. It's a "been there, done that" kind of deal. She's not brutal, but she's funny and she's fun, and goddamn, is she pretty, and they would absolutely hang out if they could get their schedules to line up.

-Skwisgaar Skwigelf: St. Cecilia is nothing short of enchanted by Skwisgaar. It's not a crush, exactly, but she has a huge amount of admiration for him. They've practiced together a time or two, but she's a little rusty and winds up with her fingers bleeding because her calluses have gone soft. He tends to tease her over her soft hands. A guitar god, he tells her, can't have hands like a princess. His calling her “princess” becomes a bit of a thing for them. The two of them often have brunch together, talking shit and drinking. She's good for him; He's never had a female friend before.

-Toki Wartooth: Within the series itself, St. Cecilia hasn't given Toki much thought. He's cute, but he's just sorta there. His incident during the SOBERTOWN USA concert really scared her, and she more or less avoids him after that. Post-DSR, though, their relationship changes. He, like her, was hurt by Magnus, and even with him dead, Toki misses him terribly. St. Cecilia misses him, too. As sad as it is, this becomes their common ground. Their other connection, odd as it sounds, is pole dancing. St. Cecilia does it for exercise, and Toki did it for money, and they often compete to see who's better on the pole.

-William Murderface: St. Cecilia actually has a begrudging fondness for Murderface. He's awful, but he's also pretty funny, and she likes to hear him talk about knives and medieval weaponry, as her family home is full of such things. They clash over things, of course, but she likes being around him more often than not.

-Charles Offdensen: St. Cecilia really likes Charles, actually. He's basically the only person on the show who's really "on her level" class-wise. He attended Harvard, and she attended Oxford, so they have a great deal to talk about. They play a lot of chess and fence on occasion, and if it weren't for her feelings for Pickles and his obligation to the Church, they just might have gotten together.

-Dick Knubbler: They're friends, in a way. She thinks he's kind of a weirdo, but he knows how to have a good time, so as long as he isn't hitting on her, she likes being around him.

-Abigail Remeltincdrinc: They became friends mostly due to the fact that they were both women in the music industry (And both working for Crystal Mountain) and supporting each other seemed the right thing to do. Abigail getting involved with Dethklok and catching Pickles's attention quickly became a sore spot, and they drifted apart after that. After DSR, things got even worse. Abigail, naturally, is glad that Magnus is gone, while St. Cecilia is devastated by the loss. They had something of a falling-out over it, and they haven't really spoken since.

-Edgar Jomfru: Despite being very different people, St. Cecilia really enjoys Edgar's company. He merely tolerates her at first, but she grows on him, to the point where they're legitimately friends come Doomstar. The two of them often have lunch together on the roof of Mordhaus so they can get some fresh air.

-Family: St. Cecilia's family consists of her mother, Elizabeth, her older sister, Bryony, and her now-deceased grandmother, Esme. St. Cecilia has a very formal, cold relationship with her mother, and she has no desire to change that. As far as she's concerned, her mother doesn't deserve to have a good relationship with her. St. Cecilia adores Bryony, though. Though Elizabeth brags about her, Bryony remains modest and is very close with her sister because of it. Though there's seven years between them, they may as well be twins. Esme, who passed away in 1993, was more of a mother to St. Cecilia than Elizabeth ever was, and St. Cecilia still misses her terribly. She was a big part of getting SnB off the ground, and the boys even came to her funeral.

-Snakes N' Barrels: St. Cecilia adores all the boys, of course, but Sammy is the only one she really kept in touch with after the breakup. He was her favorite long before Pickles joined. There was a pregnancy scare not long after the band took off that somehow, against all odds, brought the two of them even closer. Sammy was St. Cecilia's first love. Her relationships with Tony and Snazz were much more professional, though none of them were anywhere near professional. The crown tattoo behind her right ear was done by Tony on a drunken night in, and it was too good a night for her to even consider covering it or getting it removed.

-Stiletto: She gets along with them all quite well! She's known Niamh McLoughlin, their bassist, the longest, and their friendship dates back to their school days. Lex Clarke and Priyanka Dayal, the drummer and the guitarist respectively, came as a package deal, as they've been more or less married for years. St. Cecilia adores them and the sweetness of their relationship. She's a little envious of them, actually, though she would never say so.

History:

-Childhood: St. Cecilia was born in Oxford, England to Elizabeth Robinson. She was raised more or less at her family's girls-only boarding school, away from her mother. When she was fourteen, she fell off a horse during an equestrian class and badly injured her shoulder. She was one of the popular girls during her school days, up until she hit fifteen and decided that she was no longer a child and had a right to demand respect from her emotionally distant mother. She quit the piano lessons she had been taking for several years and took up the guitar, though it aggravated her injured shoulder and even as a teen, she developed a dependence on painkillers. This rebellious period stretched until she was sixteen and ran away with the help of her grandmother. St. Cecilia was given her name just before she left, so it would be easier for her to hide, as well as a hefty sum to tide her over until she could get herself settled. She was only in LA for a few weeks before she met Sammy at a bar where the SnB prototype band was playing. Naturally, Snazz and Tony weren't thrilled with the idea of Sammy's kinda-sorta-girlfriend trying to become their lead guitarist, and when Snazz disparagingly referred to St. Cecilia as Yoko, she broke his nose (How could he have not expected violence when a Beatles-loving British girl was called such a horrible thing?). This earned their respect and is an event that they laugh about to this day.

-Snakes n' Barrels era: St. Cecilia stuck with the band for several months before they found Pickles, and she was smitten with him the moment she heard him sing. Esme was an important source of financial support during their formative years. The band made it big after not too long, and they all grew quite close. St. Cecilia ended up in an ill-fated off-and-on relationship with Pickles as time went on, and to this day she doesn't remember the first time she told him she loved him. It wasn't long after his first OD and his following stint in rehab that she told him, and they were both drunk in celebration of his release. His tolerance, even post-rehab, was far higher than hers, though, and he remembers, though he sometimes hates that he does. Though there was genuine love between them, the stress of the band and both of their substance abuse problems drove a wedge between not only the couple, but also the entire band. Coupled with Pickles fucking groupies behind St. Cecilia's back and St. Cecilia's becoming a rather serious Vicodin addict to combat the pain in her injured shoulder, the band was doomed. Pickles came to see St. Cecilia off on her flight back to England, saying he would meet her there when his next residuals check came in, but he never made it, and they didn't speak to each other for years afterward. It hurt, but St. Cecilia supposed it was for the best. A clean break, and all that.

-Preklok: After SnB broke up, St. Cecilia returned to Oxford, staying with Bryony in their mother's guest house as she tried to figure out her next move. Despite her gift for writing lyrics, she had no talent for writing books, and that idea quickly went down the drain. She still received a large amount of money in residuals, but she was reduced to a mere socialite, though it mostly agreed with her. At her mother's insistence, she attended a few classes at Oxford University. She absolutely loved it. In 1992, Esme passed away. St. Cecilia only told Sammy about it, but he took the initiative and brought Pickles, Tony and Snazz with him to the funeral. St. Cecilia was initially pissed, but she really appreciated the support. That was the only time she saw Pickles between SnB's breakup and their reunion concert. He was devastated when her parting words to him were "I love you with everything I am, but I never wanna see you again." In the mid-90s, she posed for an issue of Playboy, and Pickles has a copy of the issue tucked away somewhere. It wasn't until 1998, when she moved to a little flat in London, that St. Cecilia reunited with her school friend Niamh and the idea of Stiletto came about. They found Priyanka and Lex at an open mic night at one of the local clubs, and they hit it off, both as friends and as bandmates. They played at many clubs and pubs, and they were soon found by a scout at another open mic night. They signed with the UK branch of Crystal Mountain Records and were assigned the surly but efficient Melinda Glasscock as their manager, and within three years, Stiletto was huge, due in part to St. Cecilia's residual fame from Snakes N' Barrels. Their first tour was through Europe, but the second came to America, where St. Cecilia met Magnus in a bar post-show. They got on really well, and she invited him to her hotel room for the night. They exchanged numbers and got quite close over time, with her even flying him out to London from time to time so they could hang out. Magnus knew who she was from the start, and while he planned to use her feelings for Pickles to get her on his side, that soon faded and he came to genuinely like her. She wouldn't learn who he was until later on. A few years before canon, she had a quickie with Nathan in a coat room at a singers-only part at Crystal Mountain records, and he used the fact that she couldn't fit her mouth around his dick as inspiration for Dethklok's infamous song "Glasgow Smile."

-Season 1:

-St. Cecilia's first mention within the confines of canon is during Performance Klok, when Pickles mentions he hasn't been in a serious relationship since the '80s despite the fact that he would certainly thrive under such attention.

-She first appears in Snakes N' Barrels, during the documentary the Dethklok is watching. The guys are a little critical when they (Save Nathan, who's known for a long time) learn that part of SnB's downfall was due to Pickles's failed relationship with St. Cecilia. There's some comedic nonsense talk about fucking one's guitarist before Pickles goes to speak with Charles. Though St. Cecilia is working on an album with Stiletto when she's asked to go the reunion, she manages to push through and finish in time, though she arrives nearly late. She finds Pickles backstage, and when he sweeps in to kiss her, she pulls away a bit, saying they can't do this, as she's spoken for. She lets him hold her close, though. The rest of Dethklok finds them like that, and St. Cecilia excuses herself to go find Sammy, Tony and Snazz. There's some talk about Pickles not leaving Dethklok, which he says he won't, but they're rather worried after catching him with St. Cecilia in his arms. Meanwhile, she manages to find the boys, and they meet with Pickles backstage. While the boys partake of the Totally Awesome Sweet Alabama Liquid Snake, St. Cecilia doesn't, as she once humiliated herself by passing out on stage and doesn't wish to repeat the incident. She presses a kiss to Pickles's palm before they go on stage, an old ritual that they were never able to shake. What happens is far worse than someone just passing out, and she and Pickles leave the stage amidst the chaos while the medical Klokateers take care of the boys and see them off to the hospital. It's a disaster. She's embarrassed and angry, and she turns down Pickles's offer of a ride home and calls someone instead, as she didn't get her money converted and can't pay for a cab. This someone turns out to be the man who's claimed her, Magnus, and Pickles is none too happy about it. He tries to stop her from going with him, but it doesn't work.

-She isn't seen in Dethkids, but she is mentioned. When Pickles starts drinking harder than usual, he finally gives in to the urge to call her, to talk about how Sammy and Snazz and Tony are doing, and to tell her that she should steer clear of Magnus. He's so drunk, though, that she barely has even an idea of what he's talking about.

-Offscreen, but somewhere between the two SnB episodes, Magnus and St. Cecilia abruptly break up. She has a feeling something was going on with him, but his sudden disappearance really hurt her. They had been together off and on for years, after all. A few weeks before he left, he bought her a little pink knife and showed her how to use it, just in case he wasn't around to protect her. When he left, he left his guitar behind, and she still has it as of Doomstar.

-Season 2:

-She's mentioned by Seth in Dethwedding, though only as "that British chick" he thought Pickles would eventually have married. Pickles nearly decks him for even mentioning her.

-St. Cecilia's next appearance is in Snakes N' Barrels II. In part one, during the advertisement for the SOBERTOWN USA concert, she's missing from the band lineup, and Pickles is both relieved and a little concerned by her absence.

-In SnB II part two, Nathan, Skwisgaar and Toki find her among the crowd at the SOBERTOWN USA concert. Nathan asks if she wasn't invited to play, but she says that she was: She just didn't think it was right to play without Pickles. Realizing that Pickles is sneaking around backstage, she leaves to go find him and try to keep him from doing something he'll regret. She only finds him just as Tony, Snazz and Sammy start freaking out, and she only just manages to keep Pickles from killing Rikki Kixx, though she honestly doesn't mind the thought of him dead. She pulls Pickles away from the stage, where he calls the Klokateers to take care of Sammy, Snazz and Tony, and she sets to icing down his bruised knuckles. She tells him that she and Magnus broke up, and he's thoroughly pleased about it: She's too good for him, anyway. That irritates her a bit, but she tells him to call her sometime, though she insists he do it when he's not drunk off his ass.

-Season 3:

-Ironically, when Pickles calls her in Dethhealth to inform her that he's dying, he's in fact drunk again. She wants to go to Mordhaus to see him, but he tells her to stay where she is, as he doesn't want her seeing him like that, though she's seen him at rock bottom as it is. At the end of the episode, he's drunker and higher than ever, but he calls her again to let her know he's all right. She can't understand him, though, so he puts Nathan on to explain. She’s thoroughly relieved, but she’s still considering going to Mordhaus to see him. She implores of Nathan, "Take care of him, all right?"

-Offscreen, in the time between Dethhealth and Dethmas, Pickles goes to London for a while to appease St. Cecilia, and to their mutual surprise, it's not really all that different from how it was when they were actually together. There's lots of cuddling and kissing and great sex and just... Hanging out. It's easy for them to be together. They have their share of problems, but the old spark between them is still there. Pickles is honestly a little scared of that: What if he falls for her all over again just for her to break his heart like she did last time? The fact that she has Magnus's guitar makes him doubly suspicious. He starts drinking harder than ever to drown out the thoughts of her.

-In Rehabklok, when Pickles's drinking is brought to the attention of the band and he's sent to rehab, he tries for a while to blame it on St. Cecilia. She broke his heart, and he drinks to cope. It makes perfect sense, until he starts to really think about it and realizes that he's equally at fault for how their relationship (And also SnB) fell apart. He realizes, after many years, that he hurt her as badly as she hurt him. And that makes him feel even worse. He talks the doctor into letting him call her to apologize, but it doesn't go well: She's a little offended that he would even consider blaming her for his drinking, given he was a drunk long before they met. "Is that what I am to you now? An excuse to get drunk and act a fool?" Not long after that, Pickles realizes the real cause for his drinking.

-Just before Charles goes to speak to the UN in Doublebookedklok, he calls St. Cecilia and cryptically asks her if she speaks Latin. She owes him a favor for getting her out of some legal trouble, so she can't really refuse. Several months before, she punched a scummy paparazzo who called Magnus washed-up, and Charles used his reeducation program to keep those involved from pressing charges or damaging St. Cecilia's reputation.

-Season 4:

-In Fanklok, before Charles meets with the band to discuss Klokikon, he welcomes St. Cecilia to Mordhaus and presents her with an ancient-looking journal that belonged to Aurelius Isambard, one of the original prophets of the Church of the Black Klok. She's taken down to the basement, where she's introduced to Edgar Jomfru, and gets to work.

-In Diversityklok, after he's spoken to Edgar, Charles speaks to St. Cecilia. He finds her engrossed, but thoroughly worried. She asks if this is real, and she's even more worried when he tells her it is.

-Offscreen, St. Cecilia has been hard at work translating the journal, and she's come to a passage that seems to describe the growing tension between the band. It also mentions an approaching star, and she takes to sitting on the roof at night to observe the sky.

-In Prankklok, when Pickles tells Nathan that he's not allowed to drink any tequila during their friender-bender, Nathan tells him he can't visit St. Cecilia when they stop in London. Pickles reluctantly agrees. Not long after, we see Pickles on his phone, though, debating on calling her just before he notices the storm warning.

-Offscreen, St. Cecilia approaches Charles about a phrase repeated over and over in the journal: Fata sidus oritur, the star of fate is born.

-After Charles breaks the news about Ice Festival to Skwisgaar in Bookklok, he goes to speak with St. Cecilia and Edgar in the basement. She's tacked two star maps to the wall: One from the previous week and one from the previous night. There's a spot near the center of the first map that seems bigger on the second one. She looks like the world is ending when she tells him it's the Doomstar. It's real. It's coming? When? Soon, she says. Far too soon.

-When Charles tells the boys he's going out of town in Dethcamp, it's to take St. Cecilia to an observatory, where they meet with Ishnifus and spend a few days tracking the Doomstar's movement as it comes closer and closer to Earth.

-In Going Downklok, when Pickles shows up all decked out for his meeting with Abigail, Nathan is quick to ask, "Don't you have a girlfriend?" Pickles insists he doesn't; He and St. Cecilia was hurt and angry the last time they spoke. On top of that, he believes she's all the way in London, and Abigail is right there.

-Offscreen, between Dethdinner and Breakup Klok, St. Cecilia is tagged in the video of Pickles leaving Dethklok by a drunken Toki. She's incredibly hurt. Pickles has nothing, he said. She, apparently, is nothing.

-In Breakup Klok, Pickles tries to call St. Cecilia to invite her to his wine tasting, but she refuses to answer and sends him straight to voicemail. Towards the end of the episode, after the escape from Salacia, Charles requests a check-up on Edgar and St. Cecilia back at Mordhaus, and Pickles is stunned and angry to learn that she's been more or less within arm's reach for months. Had he known, he's certain things would have been different-- He wouldn't have tried to make a move on Abigail and he wouldn't have fucked up his chance to get back with St. Cecilia again.

-Offscreen, St. Cecilia speaks to Charles about staying at a hotel for a few days, just until Roy Cornickelson's funeral, after which she'll return to Mordhaus and her translation work. The day of the funeral, though, she receives a call from Magnus telling her she absolutely cannot attend, as he can't guarantee her safety. It's the last time she has contact with him before his death. We also see her watching the news about Dethklok's breakup and the insinuation that Abigail caused it, and St. Cecilia chucks a bottle at the TV, mirroring Pickles's actions in SnB II.

-In Church of the Black Klok, St. Cecilia is fetched from the hotel by Klokateers and taken to the Dethsub, where she meets with Charles, pointedly ignores Pickles, and goes to work with Edgar instead.

-The Doomstar Requiem:

-In "One of Us Must Die," St. Cecilia can be seen on one of the slides, staring up into the sky with Isambard's journal held to her chest. Towards the end of the song, reading from the book, she sings, "Dethklok, they must be rejoined/Evil, it must be destroyed/No more apathetic stoics/They can learn to be heroic/Write the song that will be our salvation..."

-In "Training," while carrying the journal, she sings the lyrics, "As the prophecy foretold, the Doomstar has been born/And you all will be endowed with a power known to none." Nathan, Skwisgaar and Murderface are looking at the art of the Prophecy, but Pickles is watching her. Ishnifus places a hand upon her shoulder, and they sing together, "The Deth lights are within you all waiting to be woken/And when the five are united, the evil will be broken," in a show of solidarity.

-In "En Antris et Stella Fatum Cruenti," just after Ishnifus is killed and the Doomstar goes red, we see a shot of Charles, Edgar and St. Cecilia at the Church, watching the sky.

-In "Morte Lumina," in a mirror to Nathan and Abigail's kiss, we see Pickles approach St. Cecilia, and she presses a kiss to his palm (Which is a really significant gesture between them) before he pulls her into his arms.

Trivia:

-The stars on her cheeks are actually a makeup trick, as she's afraid to have a needle so close to her eyes.

-She smokes Honeyrose Cherry cigarettes (Which have roughened her voice a bit), but she doesn't drink to excess, save when she's with Pickles. He's a terrible influence on her, but she adores him just the same. Considering him and Magnus, she has rather bad taste in men.

-Her signature scent is Estée Lauder's Cinnabar, which features notes of jasmine, orange blossom, cloves, and patchouli. She uses a cinnamon body oil when she wants to get Pickles's attention. It always works.

-She wants nothing more than to be loved, but she's keenly aware of the fact that most of the people who "love" her only want to coast on her fame. It's resulted in her having a hard time trusting people. The fact that Pickles and the rest of Dethklok don't need to coast off her is part of why she likes them so much.

-She's an iced coffee addict, and she prefers chocolate, caramel, or hazelnut varieties.

-She was raised Catholic, and while she lapsed a long time ago, she has occasional bouts of Catholic Guilt. Her name is related to her religion, as St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music.

-Her preferred alcohol is Bombay Sapphire gin, though she also likes white wine and champagne.

-She's a plant mom. Her flat is full of plants, including a little devil's tongue cactus she bought at a farmer's market in LA when she first came to America. It's traveled the world with her! It lived in the cupholder of Snazz's van for several years, and now it lives in her kitchen, perched on top of the microwave.

-She has a pretty serious oral fixation. She's always got something in her mouth: A cigarette, a pen, a popsicle, someone's fingers, a dick. Depends on her mood. Getting her tongue pierced helped a little, as she can play with the stud, but some habits just can't be broken.

-She and the rest of Stiletto own a condo building in London together, and she naturally has the penthouse to herself. It's very airy and open, with lots of mirrors and plants and exposed brick. One corner of her living room is just a huge window that looks out on the city. It's her favorite feature. Magnus is too nervous to go near it.

#this is a lot but i feel like she feels like a real character almost #Metalocalypse #nathan explosion #pickles the drummer #skwisgaar skwigelf #toki wartooth #william murderface #charles offdensen #magnus hammersmith #mtl #my mtl #st. cecilia jameson

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facets-and-rainbows · 4 years

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Blue Exorcist 10th anniversary book Q&A session

The 10th anniversary book has a section where Katoh answers 100 questions submitted by fans on Twitter, so here they are translated/paraphrased! May contain manga spoilers up to the recent flashback arc, so be warned.

(Note that I’m playing it very fast and loose here because there are A HUNDRED OF THEM, so not exact wordings, but it should capture the gist. Lemme know if there are any you want elaborated on)

1. Katoh likes the feel of traditional drawing more than digital but is impressed with how far digital has come

2. Meph THOROUGHLY ABUSES spacetime to watch all his shows and ensure that he gets all the merch he wants

3. Did the girls take all of Yukio’s school uniform buttons in middle school? Yes, they did (apparently it’s like A Thing for girls to ask for a button from their crush at middle school graduation, based on some sad movie from the 60s where a guy who got drafted as a kamikaze pilot gave a girl one of his uniform buttons to remember him by)

4. Rin's tail is about a meter long

5. There are tons of servants working at Mephisto's mansion. Belial is in charge of them

6. Katoh borrows from all sorts of neat real locations when making settings

7. Katoh identifies with pretty much all the characters the most! Except Lucifer.

8. Demon designs she's proud of include the impure king and hachirou, pretty much anything that was the main one in an arc

9. Katoh lists a bunch of her favorite musical artists/music she’s listening to recently: King Gnu, Official Hige Dandism, Kenshi Yonezu, BAD HOP, Sakanaction, Keyakizaka 46, Hypnosis Mic, Aimer, B’Z, Queen Bee.

10. Awww the rabbit manga that characters are often reading isn't just Robo to Usakichi, it's an even older one that she drew as a little kid

11. She likes industrial style interior designs

12. Rin and Yukio alternated who got the top bunk growing up, because they couldn't agree on it lol

13. Katoh cares a whole lot about panel layouts and speech bubble positions, might even be her favorite part of the process (it shows!)

4. Katoh does NOT have a mashou, lol

15. Rin has probably been practicing in secret so he can learn to carry stuff with his tail

16. Izumo probably got into shojo manga around 1st grade, her mom had some around the house

17. Specialty dishes: Rin - lots of stuff but especially nabe Yuri - stuff you can throw together quickly Shiro - stuff he learned from Yuri and/or cookbooks, alongside teaching Rin Yukio - Does. Not. Cook.

18. Can't pick a favorite place she's been on research, but there's no place like Japan

19. Kinzou's band isn't currently meeting because demons, but he's probably still thinking of new songs

20. Hardest characters to draw: anyone with detailed flowing hair. Hardest to write for: Lightning and Gedouin. She had to go read books about serial killers specifically for material for Gedouin, lol

21. Suguro actually gets a dorm room to himself, though allegedly Yukio is technically assigned as his roommate, lol. Didn't end up that way what with Yukio being a teacher and also Rin’s whole...situation

22. Shiemi makes some of her own hair accessories! Cute

23. Katoh doesn't mind if you include stuff with fan letters but check with the editor first

24. Time for making each chapter: Planning/storyboarding: 1-5 days. Sketching: 3-5 days. Drawing/inking: the rest. Just...the rest of the time

25. Neither Suguro nor Izumo have dated before and neither is currently dating. But that's probably just because things were hectic for them! It could happen

26. Yukio breaks 5 or 6 pairs of glasses a year, someone get this kid a strap or something

27. How many spare glasses does Yukio have? Check the fanbook lol it's in there (dang it Katoh)

28. The demon she wants us to pay the most attention to is Lucifer. Because plot.

29. What's under the Order's big meeting table? It's a BOTTOMLESS PIT and if you fall in it you DIE that's what makes it COOL (laughs)

30. What are the job requirements for the angelic legion? Literally just Arthur liking you and inviting you to join

31. She WANTS to do more character profiles but just hasn't gotten to it

32. Rin's tail feels like a cat tail, texture wise

33. The "red Assiah fire" is literally just actual fire nothing special

34. Rin's current hair color is light blue fading to white at the ends

35. Thoughts on Rin's growth: she likes that he stays positive in awful situations and she also thinks it's very main character of him to face the past instead of avoiding it

36. Mephisto didn't purposely surround Rin with stuffed animals when he woke up after going crispy. Mephisto's bed is just Like That

37. Kurikara was based on a cool sword she found in a sword book, but that one was technically just a ceremonial sword. The symbol on it us a Sanskrit letter kaan (sp?) associated with Fudou Myouou

38. Kuro can communicate with normal cats and hangs out with them often

39. Sometimes Shiemi's skirt is extra fancy around the hem what's up with that? Apparently it's an optional accessory that comes with the skirts help I haven't noticed this and don't know any fashion terms in any language

40. When coloring, Katoh always tries to have an overall theme in mind ("emphasis on blue" etc) so it comes together in the end

41. Yes the twins are genetically related to Shiro because of Goro (she says they're like his nephews but I say GENETICALLY at least they'd be indistinguishable from his children)

42. Strongest mom of all the strong moms around here? Yuri! Did you SEE her give birth??

43. Are you careful about your own health Katoh-sensei? Not particularly! Her mom has had to bring her food at work sometimes! Don't do this at home kids

44. At the dating events Shura goes to, does she drink cocktails in moderation? Yeah, she probably downplays her normal drinking habits at these things. But normally she's down for just about any kind of drink

45. Lucifer just really likes oysters okay

46. How many pages of manga does Katoh draw in a day? If she's being good about self-care: three. Maximum number ever: TEN

47. Mephisto is one of those folks who can eat like a garbage compactor and never gain weight. Possibly because his body resists that sort of change the same way it resists aging etc

48. First food Rin cooked: fish burger type patty. Yukio's favorite things Rin cooks: fish simmered in soy sauce, yellowtail with daikon radish. It's fish all the way down

49: Did Rin ever get more monthly allowance from Mephisto? It doubled! He gets TWO 2000 yen bills now (rip) [T/N: That's uh, that's USD $37.26 a month or 33.10 euro]

50. Why isn't Rin more popular with the girls? He gets nervous talking to them, plus he's too oblivious to notice even if he DID have some fans

51. Why change Suguro's hair? She gets bored with keeping everything the same, and she wanted a visual representation that he was getting serious and going into kind of a training arc

52. Things Katoh pays extra attention to when drawing: trying to capture the feel of whatever she's drawing (like "that looks warm and soft" or "I bet that guy stinks" cough Lightning cough)

53: Does Rin take after Yuri more? (He's got her eyes!) Katoh tried to draw Yuri so she looks like both twins. Personality, too - Yukio has her smarts and Rin has her optimism

54: Do you ever wanna be like Mephisto? Well she'd like to be able to get away with just ANYTHING EVER, but no, let's not be like Mephisto

55. Konekomaru not only carries around a cat toy in case he meets any cats, he MAKES cat toys to carry around based on what he thinks the cats would like

56. How'd you come up with Shima? Go read the fan book!

57. Do the kids have Twitter/Instagram accounts? Rin - probably not. Konekomaru might be on some social media. Paku and Izumo are totally on instagram

58. Is there something Rin makes that you wish you could try? All of it! That's the whole idea! He's good at cooking!

59. Will we ever have a (G-rated) reveal of what ALL of Mamushi and her family's tattoos look like? Maybe! She'll think about it

60. Does Arthur have a repertoire of different hairstyles? Not really, he just puts some of it up on the top. Heck he might even have people to do that for him

61. If you wrote a shojo manga what would it be about? She'd have to do a lot of research before even coming up with a story, since there are so many style differences between the genres aside from just the subject

62. The other two of Mephisto's top 3 favorite foods: Cup ramen and....f-fried bubblegum?? Is that a THING???

63. Where do you start when drawing a character? Usually the outline of their face but if it's a complex pose/composition she'll start with whatever's in the foreground (like hands)

64. If Katoh could have a familiar, what demon would she choose? Mephisto. As the all-powerful author, she might actually be able to command him as a familiar!

66. If you swapped Yukio and Rin's relationship around what would change? not much, you'd pretty much have Rin going to the Illuminati and Yukio going to the past

67. Top 3 foods/souvenirs to try in Kyushu? Well she doesn't know what’s good CURRENTLY but when she was there she always used to like burdock tempura udon, hakata torimon (a kind of manju with white bean paste inside), and Chikae style cod roe. today I learned Katoh went to high school in Kyushu

68. Katoh listens to music a lot while she's storyboarding, then when she and the assistants are all drawing and inking they put various videos/movies and stuff on in the background

69. For all his hitting on girls, is Shima actually popular with the ladies at all? He's got enough girls in his life that he probably COULD find a girlfriend if he really wanted, but the double agent thing tends to get in the way. He still wouldn't be as popular as Yukio though (side thought/translator’s note: Shima would be proud of being number 69.)

70. Katoh has the ending planned out in a big-picture way, but there are still a few details here and there that she's fretting over

71. It's cute when the boys put their ties over their shoulders when they're working on something! Where'd that come from? She just figured a tie might get in the way and that seemed like a realistic way to get it out of the way

72. Looks like Yukio is getting some facial hair! What about Rin? They're both about the age for it, but maybe Rin can't grow a beard yet. Maybe a little peach fuzz here and there

73. Katoh's favorite blue exorcist merch? There were some exorcist licenses a while back, and the exorcist pins. Basically it's really cool that these little accessories she drew ACTUALLY EXIST NOW, LIKE YOU CAN HOLD THEM IN YOUR HANDS

74. Okay realtalk how long do we have left, I don't want the series to end yet? We're solidly in the second half by now but it's not, like, ABOUT to end yet

75. Katoh would be a Knight meister, based on what characters she likes to play in games and such

76. How many people in the whole exorcism cram school? More than you think! She doesn't give a number but apparently licensed exorcists also attend classes for new meisters, etc, so there's a wide age range attending

77. How's Arthur feel about, like, studying Taming on the way to becoming Paladin? He's at least mostly accepted that you have to use demons to fight demons effectively

78. Konekomaru started wearing glasses in his first year of middle school, so like 7th grade (more recent than I thought!) He has one spare pair, in contrast to Yukio lol

79. Katoh's current obsessions? Ghost/scary stories! She's even been going to live readings of them recently

80. Media Katoh consumes for inspiration? A wide range of foreign teen drama, horror/suspense, shojo manga, light novels, anime, etc. Special focus on things where two boys are in conflict or there are brothers involved

81. If they weren't exorcists what jobs would they have? Rin - chef. Yukio - doctor. Shiemi - uh, florist?

82. Inspiration for the design of True Cross Town? Katoh and her assistants gathered up a bunch of references, picked out stuff they felt matched the tone, and mashed them all up together

83. Did you use any references etc for the school/exorcist uniforms? She says she probably should have but she just kind of made them up before publication

84. Favorite part of drawing? For color pages, picking out a color scheme. For black and white, drawing in all the little details (though she doesn't always get time to lately)

85. Once again confirms the demon kings' weird hair is a representation of their horns. ADDS THAT PEOPLE WHO CAN'T SEE DEMONS CAN'T SEE THE WEIRD HAIR

86. Now that Yukio's at the Illuminati, where's he gonna get his Jump SQ and spare glasses? Well he probably never planned to stay for long, but hey it's a big ship and they might have an optometrist and/or newsstand there

87. Do you base the demon characters on any references etc? Not really, she just gets a general idea of popular demon designs and then makes up her own in her own style

88. Merchandise Katoh personally wants to have made: stuff that an adult could just use in their day to day life. Also, it's not gonna happen, but if her favorite figure brand made AoEx figures she could die happy

89. If Beelzebub's host body was a beautiful woman, how would Shima react? Would the womanizing win out over the bug phobia? Katoh replies that Shima would probably just faint from being near a girl that pretty, before the bugs even got involved

90. Will the twins ever get to smile and eat dinner together again?? We'll just have to wait and see!

91. What do you check at a "scenario check"? what's a scenario check man I dunno They check for people being out of character or the setting feeling off. They had a lot of these checks for the anime, but they also do them for the drama CD, games, and all that other stuff where multiple authors are involved

92. Why does Shura use baldy as an insult for people who are clearly not bald? She feels like they have some kind of metaphorical, mental kind of "baldness" and she's calling them out on it. Whatever that means

93. After Blue Exorcist ends, what do you want to draw next? She has SO MANY IDEAS, SO MANY

94. Did Katoh make up the Shinto chants that, for example, Izumo used against Gedouin? They're assembled from bits of actual Shinto prayers according to what feels right in the scene

95. Yukio reads the Jump SQ, right, and, just hear me out here, he likes gag manga, right? Does this mean he reads Salaryman Yukio? It's something he would read, but let's say that in the AoEx universe there's just a very similar manga that he finds oddly relatable

96. What do Yukio and Shima do in their free time on the Dominus Liminus? oh my god you guys this ship has so many amenities. Yukio probably spends time reading in the library, which they totally have. There's also, like, a gym, and a movie theater, and a THEATER theater, all of which are free. Shima probably hangs out at the pool (!) and goes to the movies, and hits on illuminati girls, lol

97. Easiest character to draw? The ones with boring simple hair, lol. Lightning gets an honorable mention for ALSO not having eyes in most shots, but Rin wins--he was specifically designed to be easy for Katoh to draw because that's what you want in your main character

98. How do demons understand gender? They just possess whatever feels like the best match to how they feel in Gehenna, whether that's a man, or a woman, or a rat, or whatever

99. Where do you start when you're coming up with a story? She starts with character design and how the characters relate to each other. Currently she's just continuing an existing story, so she works on splitting up the overall plot into episodes and fleshing it out with scenes and information about characters

100. When do you feel most happy? She honestly feels like she lives a very happy life overall. Mentions noticing a lot of little things, like how nice her cats' heads smell when she cuddles them or taking a nice cold refreshing drink of water. There's happiness in everything. aww.

#blue exorcist #interview #Ao no Exorcist #translation

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robynsri · 3 years

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ooc: hi pals! my name is megan, i use she/her pronouns and live in est, and i’m playing robyn. for disclosure purposes i am white.

anyway here are some of the basics for robyn!!

skeleton: the alibi name: robyn srinivas age: twenty six gender: cis woman occupation: online psychic medium

see below for most of the answers to the app & wanted connections

wanted connections: a cousin in the 15 (geraldine is tamil indian & white, so cousins must be either at least half tamil or half white), a role model from the 15 who does not give a shit about her even though they might pretend to (or might not tbh), a crush or someone who had a crush on her during high school

what was your character like eight years ago?

Robyn has always been bitter.

She’s an only child in a large family; literally she’s the only only child of all of her cousins. Her parents figured she was enough trouble to deal with, why add in more? Despite being surrounded by people she’s always felt lonely. Hell, constantly having people around may have been part of the reason she felt so lonely.

Considered an outsider by pretty much everyone, Robyn was never going to be prom queen, class president, or even valedictorian. She skated by with great (but not good enough to be in the top % of her class) grades, minimal after school activities, and a job at the movie theater she got as soon as she turned 16.

Despite having so many feelings inside her, this loneliness and rage and bitterness toward her peers, there was always an emptiness. At the end of the day she could simply turn off her feelings. It wasn’t (and isn’t) the healthiest way to cope, but it was something that comforted her. The pain of being an outsider was never too heavy to suppress.

How, if at all, have they changed in those eight years?

Robyn is nearly unrecognizable. Her personal style went from “whatever’s clean” to a curated wardrobe. While she was laid-back and carefree when she was younger, she’s now learned what it takes to get (and keep) people’s attention. Instead of riding her bike or taking her skateboard everywhere, she’s invested in a little car of her own.

Her glow up wasn’t a direct response to the tragedy, but it sure was helped by it. Once she finally became a part of the group (which she slowly learned was in name only) she felt important, and she started molding herself to fit the standard the others had set. It seems, however, she’ll never measure up. When everyone went their own ways, she had to learn to find confidence on her own, and putting on these new clothes felt like the first step. Now it’s all a fun little facade she puts on - and it was working.

The first few years of parties and events were fun, but they ring hollow now that it’s been nearly a decade. The awkward introductions, lies about “oh, we were friends in high school-” and photos with fake smiles posted on socials. It’s not suspicious to anyone that none of their throwback pics feature her, but she’s somehow part of their cherished history.

Now that everyone’s back, she’s reminded of just how small she felt around her Marli and their friends. It’s more apparent now than ever that she was only seen as their alibi, a piece of the puzzle to keep them all safe.

Additional Info:

My concept of how she became the alibi: She was working at the movie theater that night; after the murder, the gang all scrambled for cover at the theater where they were panicking over what they’d done. Desperate for their approval, she fished out movie tickets from the trash and handed them to everyone. They were at the movies all night, together, and she saw them. She ripped their tickets. They couldn’t have done anything, right? Because she saw them. No one had to convince her to help out. In fact, she’d offered. Especially when she saw the panic in Mars’s eyes. Family first, right?

#sierraintro

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p-artsypants · 3 years

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The Ghost of Smokey Joe (1)

Minnie the Moocher

Adrien Agreste was acting bizarre. Stilted body language, plastic smile, and he seemed to have forgotten how close they were. Before she can get the truth out of him, Marinette finds herself as the sole heir to the Gabriel brand and the mansion, following the murder-suicide of both Adrien and Gabriel Agreste. The mystery continues as Tikki explains that Adrien was Chat Noir...but if Adrien is six feet under, why is Chat Noir still running around?

Ao3 | FF.net

This was started before season three ended, though I was busy at the time and couldn’t finish it. Basically, season 4 never happened, and the Peacock Miraculous is still broken.

—

At the age of 22, life had a good projection for Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She finally got her big break, somewhat thanks to Adrien. She was working at Gabriel, as one of Gabriel Agreste’s lead designers, though she was still technically an intern. Though Adrien didn’t directly have a hand in getting her the job, his continued praise of her work in front of his father probably had something to do with it.

Though it was never confirmed, Marinette would never have to worry if she got the job on her own merit or not. She did.

In fact, Gabriel was continually impressed with her work, even after she had landed the position. His harsh criticisms ended with her. Where he never hesitated to rip another designer to shreds for a mistake, Marinette never had to face that rage.

He just honestly respected her too much to do so. And it helped that she was so gracious with his critiques. Never taking anything personally, and doing everything for the brand.

Co-workers probably could have been resentful to her, but if they were, it was never outwardly shown. It helped that she readily got along with and tried to be friends with everyone. She took advice to heart, and accepted criticisms professionally. So it was hard to dislike her. Even when she was the one that was accepted into the Agreste Manor to work with Gabriel in person. A rare treat for any employee. And she got to go at least twice a week.

There was just one little tiny problem.

8 years later, Marinette no longer had a crush on Adrien. Oh no, she was head over heels in love with him. The deepest, most pure, sweet, and sincere love there was. And he had no clue.

It was her curse. As they got older and matured, so did her feelings. He only got more handsome, more friendly and outgoing, and more perfect to her. He learned he was allowed to be affectionate with his friends, her, Alya, and Nino, and didn’t hold back. Marinette was showered in hugs, cheek kisses, and hand holds. All punctuated with the dreaded phrase, ‘you’re such a great friend, Marinette’.

It’s like he wanted her to suffer.

As they graduated Collegé, Adrien confessed that he was afraid they’d all grow apart as they went off to University. Marinette took that as a challenge and made sure to invite them to weekly get-togethers. And so friends did they remain.

And only friends.

Marinettte came home to her shared apartment with Alya. Her long time best friend was sprawled out in the middle of the living room, surrounded by swatches.

Marinette laughed at the sight. “Wedding blues?”

“Yes!” Alya shrieked, sitting up. “We’ve been together for 8 years, engaged for six months, and I still haven’t picked our colors yet!”

“I thought you were doing burnt sienna and forest green? You know, a call back to your stint as Rena Rouge and Carapace?” A supposed secret between them up until a few years ago.

“I can’t. I don’t like the combination anymore. And no matter how temporary, our superhero run should remain a secret. I shouldn’t have even told you.” She started cleaning up the swatches, resigned to know that she wasn’t getting anywhere tonight. “How goes the apartment search?”

Marinette winced. “Not as great as I was hoping. A lot of places that I could afford, but I could afford better with a roommate. I want to have savings, you know?”

“Did you ask Adrien?”

Marinette blushed. “You know that’s not a good idea.”

“Why not? He’s still living at the mansion. And you’re such good friends.” Alya smirked at her. “Or, you could just ask him out. Then live with your parents for a few months until he realizes how perfect you are and proposes.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Says you! Look, you’re my maid of honor, he’s Nino’s best man. At least ask him out as a pretense to have an official date to the wedding.”

“A wedding that’s six months away?” Marinette asked, as she hung up her purse and coat. “And what if something catastrophic happens between then?”

“Then you kiss and make up at my wedding.”

Marinette rolled her eyes before heading over to the kitchen. “Alya, he hasn’t dated anyone since Kagami. I think he’s holding out for someone.”

“Yeah! You!”

Marinette fondly shook her head. “He’s not.”

“He is!”

“Did he tell Nino, and he told you?”

“Well, no. Nino’s been trying for years to get his crush out of him.”

“Then, there you go. If it was me, Nino would have found out by now. No, it’s someone else. Maybe a married woman, or a man.”

Alya laughed at that. “Girl, you always go to the worst case scenario. Just…flirt with him a little, prod him with your womanly wiles.” Then she batted her eyes. “Please? For me?”

“Alright. I’ll see what I can do. You know it’s going to go so well this time, right?”

“That’s the spirit!”

“I was being sarcastic!”

Folks here's a story 'bout Minnie the Moocher,

She was a red hot hoochie coocher,

She was the roughest, toughest frail,

But Minnie had a heart as big as a whale.

The next day at work, Marinette forgot all about flirting. It was a race to finish her project. She had gotten the design approved, and now it was on to start assembling the piece.

There was a knock at her office door.

“‘Ome ‘n,” she said with a mouth full of pins.

Who would arrive except for handsome, angelic, and...pale? Adrien. “Are you busy?” He asked with a small voice.

Quickly, Marinette shoved the pins into the fabric to hold it in place, and dumped the rest back into the tin.

“I can take a break.” Anything for you. She thought, offering him a chair.

“Thanks,” he nearly collapsed into it. Then he looked around the office, for what, she didn’t know.

“Soooo...what’s up?”

Adrien didn’t answer right away, still scanning the room, eyes narrowed. He rubbed his palms on his pants.

“Are you okay?” She pushed a little more.

“Huh? Oh, uh…” He clenched his fists and swallowed harshly. “Do you…want to have dinner with me tonight?”

A blush stained her cheeks. “Really?”

“Yeah, um…somewhere private. I want to talk to you about something, but um…it’s a secret.”

“Well, Alya is going on a late night date with Nino, if you want to come to our apartment. I could just order some Chinese?”

He exhaled slowly and smiled at her. “That sounds awesome, thanks Marinette.”

“What time? I get out around 6.”

“I’ll meet you at 7 then?”

“Yeah, yeah that sounds perfect.” Spurred on by the fact he was finally asking her out on a date, Marinette leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Adrien blushed furiously before standing. “Um, I’ll see you tonight then. Thanks for um…yeah, I’ll let you get back to work.”

Marinette continued to grin at him shyly until he left. Then she collapsed in the chair he had occupied. She didn’t have to flirt or do anything! It was finally happening! A date! With Adrien!

She ran to her purse and snatched up her phone. “Alya!” She called. “Alya, it finally happened! Clear the next 15 minutes and get the popcorn, I need to panic!”

He gave her his townhouse and his racing horses

Each meal she ate was a dozen courses

She had a million dollars worth of nickels and dimes

She sat around and counted them all a million times

That night, Marinette sat ready and waiting. The apartment was spotless. She had ordered his favorite dish, and wore a cute little green dress (his favorite color.)

“Alright, I’m leaving,” declared Alya. “You two behave.”

“It’s a first date, Alya. Like we’re going to do anything at all.”

“Puh-lease, the sexual tension between you two is unbearable. He’s going to be on you like white on rice!”

“Don’t be so vulgar!” Marinette laughed. “Adrien is a gentleman.”

“Sure. Anyways, I hope you have fun!”

“I’m sure we will.”

“Bye girl, bye.”

“Bye girl, bye!”

And the door closed.

Any minute now, Adrien would be knocking. And then what? Would he kiss her cheek like she had? A hug maybe? Or both? What was appropriate for her? Offer to take his coat? Yes yes, that sounded right. Was her hair okay? She brushed her teeth, right?

“Wine!” She announced. “What wine pairs with Chinese food?”

“Might I suggest Riesling?” Said Tikki, from her hiding place.

“Riesling! Riesling…I don’t have Riesling! I don’t know what that is!”

Tikki laughed at her. “Marinette, just relax. Just do a Rosé. It’s fine.”

Marinette hurried to the cabinet and fetched a bottle and two glasses. Then she poured one for herself and downed it in one go. “I don’t know if I can do this! I’m so nervous!”

“You and Adrien are great friends, it’ll go great! Just relax and enjoy it. He’s not even here yet, there’s no reason to panic.”

“You’re right! I’ll just…I’ll just wait!”

So she sat and fidgeted. Nothing to do but wait.

And wait she did.

8 o’clock came before she knew it. And she checked her phone. Nothing.

Did you forget about dinner? She texted.

There was no reply.

“It’s alright Marinette, he’ll come. Maybe he got held up in traffic, or his father needed him for something?” Tikki said encouragingly.

“Yeah, maybe…he’d at least call, wouldn’t he?” Not waiting for an answer, she called him first.

“Hey there, it’s Adrien, I’m not available to answer right now…”

She hung up.

She poured herself another glass. “He wouldn’t just…ghost me?”

“He cares a lot about you, of course he wouldn’t.”

“Hey there, it’s Adrien, I’m not available to answer right now…” Another voicemail.

9 o’clock.

Poor Min, poor Min, poor Min

“Hey there, it’s Adrien, I’m not available to answer right now…”

The Chinese went cold, and the bottle of Rosé was emptied.

He never showed up.

I can’t guarantee prompt updates for a little bit. I have some logistics to figure out, but I have a few chapters ready, so I figured I’d start posting! All the chapter titles are songs from my spooky halloween playlist that inspired this fic (and their lyrics will be in the chapters)! You can find that playlist here. The playlist will be updated as the fic goes on.

I hope to post the last chapter on Halloween!

#ml #miraculous ladybug #fanfiction #the ghost of Smokey Joe #marinette dupain cheng #adrienette #adrien agreste #ladybug #chat noir #mystery #murder mystery #horror #ghosts

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thedisneyfanartdidntdie · 2 years

Text

Revamp - Character Trees

See Part 2 - Charater Arcs for full character analysis

Current ages of characters (start of PvP arc) are next to names in parenthesis

The Disney Siblings (in order from oldest to youngest)

Felix (24) - cat // half-sibling

Oswald Walter Rabbit (24) - lucky rabbit // emotionally healing // secretly loving/trusting

Felicity FieldMouse (23) - feisty female // adventurer - bestie w Della // mom to Ferdy and Morty // last name from husband

Morty (6)

Ferdy (6)

Mickey Walter Mouse (22) - mischievous mouse // poster child // most dramatic character growth

The Duck fam - the biggest and most complicated tree 🙄😂

Scrooge McDuck (who knows) - oldest // penny-pincher

Ludwig Van Drake (younger than Scrooge) - Scrooge's cousin

Della Duck (24) - oldest // adventurer mentor/bestie to Felicity

Louis (8) - green // peacekeeper

Dewey (8) - blue // rival to leader

Huey (8) - red // leader

Donald Duck (22) - youngest // caretaker

The Rodawn family

Em Rodawn - Mortimer's mother // plays Private!Minnie's mom in PvP

Ben Rodawn - Mortimer's father // plays Private!Minnie's dad in PvP

Mortimer Rodawn (26) - (15 @ Minnie's adoption) 5 years older than Minnie // rival towards Mickey over Minnie NOT romantically but because Minnie is his adopted younger sister!

Minerva Michelle Smalls (21) - (10 @ adoption) adopted by the Rodawn family // spoiled and [admired] v. her personality/arc/maturity

The Geef Family! With the exception of adopted Mickey

Goofy Geef: George (36) = given name // adopted Mickey as Walt's dying wish // had Max at 20, adopted Mickey at 23 (Max = 3, Mickey = 9)

Mrs. Geef: RIP - died in car crash (Max was able to be inorganically delivered and saved) // name = TBD

Sylvia Marpole (32): Goofy's new love interest after Max starts college

Max (Maximillion) Geef (16): named after parent's running schtick "love you millions"

other canon characters w little/developing family backstories

Ortensia (24) - only child (makes her want to have a LOT of kids)

Daisy (22) - younger sister to Donna (mother of April, May, and June)

Clarabelle (33) - had a crush on Goofy but realized Horace was a better fit

Horace (35) - developed a crush on Clarabelle despite how irritating she was lmao

Pluto (∞) - just never dies/ages // Mickey's dog - was Goofy's but he felt Mickey needed Pluto more as Mickey goes through grieving process for Walt and Lillian, goes with Mickey when he begins meeting with Disney Co. as he gets older

Fifi (idk) - Minnie's dog // adopted in NYC when Minnie studies fashion at Daisy's advice when she says she wants love but can't find it w anyone else and isn't w Mickey rn

I'll definitely continue to update this as plots/characters develop but I think this was a good starting ground - for me and anyone who cares to know the consistency throughout these stories.

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sincerelyravens · 3 years

Text

This is something that I wrote to get in Britt’s head for my secret project ;)

Britt Ingelbrecht was born to a mother and her husband in the remains of a crumbling marriage with an brother 4 years older. This did not mean that her early years were not full of love. Her mother would always shower her with love and hugs and her father would read her stories and her brother would play tea party with her—even if he would rather play with monster trucks or superheroes. But, occasionally, her mother and her father would fight and sometimes it would be bad and her brother would distract her with toys.

Even though her parents marriage crumbled, they made certain to know that they were still a team in raising Britt and her brother, Bram. Their father would still take them out and attend their school events. In kindergarten, Britt met Jana (they separated for a few years before reuniting in Scouts) and her friends and she was full of happiness. Her mother would always tell her that she would make a boy very happy one day. As her brother struggled with drugs, Britt felt the need to be the perfect daughter with good grades and no drugs in her system so her parents wouldn’t have to worry about her.

Britt’s first kiss was at a summer camp at the age of thirteen. His name was John, a simple name really, who was a few years older and sweet as could be. One night, John asked Britt to sneak out past curfew and they talked amongst the stars until John leaned closer and nervously, cautiously pressed their lips together. It was the stuff of romance novels and movies, a magical experience that would make one’s heart burst with glee. Instead, Britt felt nothing. There was no fireworks or butterflies—just two mouths pressed together—and a nervousness settled deep in the pit of her stomach. For a few weeks, it continued and Britt kept waiting for a switch to flip, for that feeling to arrive, but it never did. John ended up breaking her up a week before camp finished and her friends had been heartbroken for her.

Over the next crushes and boyfriends that she had, she was determined to have that feeling even if it meant creating it herself. So she kissed her boyfriend’s and held their hands and giggled with her friends over their intimate moments in bed. However, what she kept to herself was the fact that she still had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind—that there was something different that she couldn’t figure out.

In the summer when she was 15, Britt met a girl named Sarah with long brown hair at the summer camp. They were assigned to the same cabin and they were closer, practically inseparable. One night, she and Sarah snuck out to the lake and took a midnight swim, laughing quietly as they splashed one another. As the two of them got out and Sarah leaned a little closer, something stirred in the pit of her stomach... and, instead of the invigorating feeling, it scared her. It scared her more when she had a dream of Sarah kissing her, like John and the others before. She tried to write it off as a one-time thing. But, when Sarah got a boyfriend in another cabin, Britt was devastated because he took more of Sarah’s time and she had forgotten about her friendship with Britt—or, at least, that’s what her mind was saying though her heart was not convinced.

When she left the camp, Britt was determined to forget Sarah and what happened.

Soon, she started dating Jens. Of them all, Jens was the first one that she convinced herself that she felt that way. In his own strange way, Jens made her feel seen and happy. He listened to her talk about stuff that other boys wouldn’t care about and input when he could. But, they also had their fights and when Britt learned that Jana and Jens had been together behind her back, she had been devastated and her heart ripped to shreds.

The situation with Sarah had been different—because, even though she wished to forget it, stirred something inside her, it still reminded her of Sarah pulling away from her and leaving her all alone. While Britt still had Eva and her other friends at school, she had lost her best friend in the entire world—the person that she had been closest to and could tell everything to—and that felt worse... being alone without anyone to really connect to. Eventually, it ended up better because Britt forgave Jana and Jana still loved Britt and they weren’t as close as they were but they were still good.

In May, Britt had met Sander at a coffee shop by their houses. After seeing each other a few times, they had hit it off and started to date and grown close. But it wasn’t love. It was never love—even if they both tried to convince themselves that it was. In the early days, it was fun and it was nice and in good company and they enjoyed being around one another. But as the months went on, they both grew unsatisfied and unable to leave. Sander would break it off only to come back two days later, feeling unwanted and unloved. While she never admitted it, Britt had broken it off more than once only to come back to Sander because she could pretend with him—pretend to be who she should be. And she made mistakes, not trusting him and what he felt, and she knew that.

In the end, it’s Noor that breaks her out of her shell. Noor who is an artist and a dancer and a photographer with an artistic eye that could turn anything into an aesthetic photo. Within two hours, they were the closest of friends and it was the first summer friendship that bled over into the school year. They would still meet up for coffee and Noor’s art exhibitions. They had even tried to plan a double date—as Robbe, Jens’s best friend, had earn Noor’s affections—that ended up them on Noor’s bed talking about anything and everything but Robbe who was confusing. Then, Robbe and Noor broke up and Britt and Sander broke up and everything that ended up their ex-boyfriend’s together forever.

And they were friends. Truly.

However, Britt doesn’t know when it all changes and grows into something more. When she grows nervous whenever she is alone with Noor, when she starts to look forward to seeing her more often, when she ends up dreaming about her. It seemed as though it was a new change, one brought on suddenly, but it was also something that was always there.

When Britt and Noor share their first kiss, nervous beneath a gentle rain after an art show with a camera in their hands, the butterflies start in her stomach—the feeling of euphoria that floods though her body. It was that feeling that was described in romance novels and movies. All at once, Britt realizes this is what it’s supposed to feel like—the way it should’ve always felt like—and there’s a part of her that’s nervous and scared for what it all means, what this kiss all means, but Britt also felt, for the first time, that it was okay—that this was the way she was always supposed to feel.

#wtfock #britt ingelbrecht #posting for funsies #britt: a character study

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alisaspages · 3 years

Text

FOOD//Peter Parker

Fem x Peter Parker

TW// eating disorder

Peter and I have been together since we were born. We’ve been dating since we were 13 after ignoring each other two years straight. He quickly confessed his love after I said sorry. We’re now 15. We’re pretty young. He’s spider-man. And I pretty much begged him to have Tony make me a multi-million dollar suit to make me spider-girl. He said no. But then I talked to Steve who got him to make me my own avenger suit. But technically I’m not an avenger yet.

My hero name is Y/H/N and Tony says my suit is made from a special metal but he won’t tell me what type. I let him experiment on me and use me as a lab rat. I came out with super strength, telekinesis, and teleportation. Bucky taught me how to use knives. Today we were all going for dinner as a kind gesture from Tony. Actually Pepper convinced him.

We went as fancy as we could. I showed up in this:

I went inside and the waitress lead me to our table. I really didn’t want to come. I only said yes for Nat and Peter. “Hi guys” I waved. Peter stared in awe and I blushed. They all looked shocked. “You look like a girl?” Tony said confused. Most times they’d seen me I was wearing baggie clothes and beanies. “Uhh thanks?” I said quietly. Peter pat the spot next to him and I sat next to him on the soft padded chair. I kissed him “hi Spider-boy.” He blushed “you look ravishing. Pretty. Gorgeous.” I giggled a little pleased by the comments and excitement “thanks love.” I held his hand under the table.

Lately I hadn’t been eating since I started gaining weight. I didn’t tell anyone. Peter came over one evening and saw me in a crop top and shorts for the first time I quickly covered myself up and he turned away “sorry. Go ahead and change I’ll wait.” Was all he said squeezing his eyes shut at the wall. He made me dinner the day after that. I gave it to my dogs while he wasn’t looking and I felt so bad.

First the appetizers came. It was nachos, I glanced at it then looked at my feet. “Y/N have some.” Steve said kindly. I shook my head “I’m gonna save myself for the main course. Thanks though.” He nodded and the waitress pulled out her notepad the second time since we’d arrived “what would you like to drink?” She asked looking at me first. I let out a loud sigh “uhhh.. water.” Peter looked at me with concern and whispered “you okay? Usually you eat a lot and order a lot of soda?” I nodded “just tired. Sorry babe.” My eyelids were heavy and usually I’d drink a monster to help at this time but I couldn’t. “Don’t be sorry. It’s my fault. I kept you up all night building my legos with Ned.” I shrugged “it’s okay.” I said kissing his cheek. When we looked back up it was his turn “uhhh coke?” The waitress nodded and was gone within seconds. My stomach grumbled and I tensed knowing Peter heard it. “C’mon love. Eat.” I shook my head “no it’s not that. Yesterday my mom made something absolutely gross and my stomach kind of hurts.” I felt awful lying to him. But I had to stay perfect for him. I was desperate to have Natashas body. Wandas. Even peppers. I would take anyone’s body over mine. I have stretch marks on my thighs, I’m over the average weight for my age, I have a heat allergy, and I’m very short. The list goes on forever. Not to mention the acne.

After ordering our main courses which mine was just a salad, Steve and Natasha looked at me funny “you love this restaurant? You love steak!” Steve said in a confused tone “Yeah… what’s wrong? You seem off.” By this point I wasn’t seeing straight. I missed going to the gym today so that I wouldn’t look so pale. It’s been at least a week. This was bound to happen sooner or later. “Yeah. Just my mom made this terrible meatloaf yesterday. I’m still recovering.” What I didn’t know was aunt May would be coming. She sent food home for me and my mom and I just put it in the fridge. She came in “Hey guys. Sorry I’m late, I couldn’t find my dress.” I choked on my water and coughed “sorry. Hi aunt May.” She waved “how was the food last night?” I shrugged drowsily “I ate my mom’s meatloaf. Sorry May.” She rose a brow “I thought that was for tomorrow?” Fuck. I shook my head “she changed her mind.” May nodded and I rested my head on Peters shoulder. Our food came and May ordered. I poked and prodded at my food and Natasha sighed loudly “okay I’ve seen enough why aren’t you eating?” I shrugged “I’m not feeling well.” She rolled her eyes “Y/N I know you better than you know yourself what’s going on?” I sighed standing up and wobbling “shut up. Stop asking me if I’m fine for gods sakes.” Oh no. Nononono. Fuck. I stumbled and Steve, Peter, and Natasha jumped out of there seats. I closed my eyes but they weren’t opening up again. I felt myself tumble into someone’s arms. Warm and stringy. Peter.

When I opened my eyes again I was connected to a couple tubes and wires but I wasn’t at the hospital. I knew this room too well. I was in the Avengers tower. “Morning.” Tony said smiling. I rolled over and he called the Avengers in. “She’s fine.” He said when Steve and Natasha bursted in right behind Peter. “How are you feeling?” Steve asked concerned. I only shrugged. I needed energy “Can I have a monster?” I asked as I sat up slowly. Peter shook his head “No. Mj called. She told me about your little diet! You can’t live off of monsters and water.” I sighed “it doesn’t matter.” He shook his head faster tears in his eyes. “No! I love you. So it does matter because I need you.” He put a hand on my cheek “why? You’re so beautiful.” I shook my head as the others came in.

I looked at them then looked at Peter. “Look at the girls. Look at Natasha. Everyone falls at their feet. Look at aunt May and Pepper. Look at Wanda. Look at them.” He looked at them confused “I don’t get it.” I shook my head looking at the floor, tears spilling out. “They are so perfect. They have nice boobs and good Ass. They are the perfect weight. They can just eat and still look like fucking Models Peter. Everyone wants to be them or is in love with them. I’d kill to look like them. Natasha knelt “I didn’t get this way starving myself sweetheart.” I looked away and Steve knelt on the other side of me “you’re so beautiful. You don’t have to look like Natasha. Or Pepper or Wanda or Sharon or anyone that isn’t you. You like being yourself don’t you?” I nodded and looked at Loki and Thor “Liz and Flash were making fun of me for it. Liz said I was hideous. Flash said I was worse than Ned. So I stood up for Ned but I couldn’t seem to do the same for me.” Loki pulled his daggers out and I shook my head “I was so frozen. It was pathetic.” Banner shook his head “that’s not pathetic. It’s okay to be scared sometimes. It’s not your fault.”

I hid my face in the crook of peters neck holding Steve’s hand. Steve was always my favourite and he was even my crush. But nobody went over Peters head. “Mj kept telling me I was pretty but it’s so easy for you guys to talk. You have hot perfect bodies. Like Steve has really hot abs. Because they aren’t like “I’ll crush you” abs but they’re “let’s cuddle and kiss” abs. Natashas body is self explanatory, and Peter. Oh Peter. You have the cutest face ever and that one time I saw you in your boxers- oh my god. Whatever! Point in fact is you’re all so perfect and ripped and you probably have really big-“ Peter slapped a hand over my mouth “okay. That’s enough talking.” I giggled a bit.

After that it took me a while to get back to my regular eating habits. But someone would always check in. I was only given rehab monsters till I could stop drinking them all together. They agreed not to tell my family as long as I ate properly. It was fun being able to eat whatever I wanted again. But I still felt conscious about my weight so Nat would help me find better ways to lose weight. We always dragged Wanda Pepper Steve May Peter and Tony to the gym. Often, Steve would bring Bucky and Sharon. I mostly just felt the urge to punch Sharon. Pepper would even bring Maria. Though I was getting healthier I was still finding that I wasn’t always feeling good. Steve said it’s because I have to stop staying up and playing with Peters lego but Nat thinks it’s just my body getting back into its old habits. Tony said it’s from listening to anything Steve says and Bruce says that it’s normal and my body is detoxing or something. Peter just likes to give me cuddles and kisses and belly rubs. Fury tells me he just wants everyone to shut up. Thor thinks I might not be able to go back to normal.

I hope you guys liked, it’s my first time writing about things like this so I hope you enjoyed it :)

#avengers endgame #avengers #glorious purpose #tom holland #spider man #eating problems #15 #natasha romanoff #Steve Rodgers #mom and dad vibes #lowkey daddy vibes from Steve rn

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florenceisfalling · 3 years

Note

"please don't leave me here" with jackie and anyone? 👀

i wish i had a record of when you sent this ask but im pretty sure it was over a year ago. anyway now that you have like zero investment in this fandom anymore, here's saidi/mantodea again

i literally watched like 15 videos abt electric locks for this but i didn't want to try to describe "bridging contact points" and shit in a tense scene so u got,, an attempt here. also i barely talk about jackie so to those who dont know: he's in a long fight against an ex-friend of his named daniel who owns a really shitty corrupt company. anyway

Jackie's heart is beating like a drum, like a hammer, like the hand he hears slamming against the door in front of him.

"Hoodie!" Mantodea's muffled voice screams, "I know you're there! Don't leave me in here, asshole!"

Smoke is rising all around him, knocked over shelves spilling out their contents on the grey concrete floor. It smells acrid in here, and it's getting hard to breathe; the heat presses as a vice on Jackie's face. Yet he hesitates, his gloved hand not quite grabbing the door handle. This could be a trick, couldn't it?

As if on cue, there's another bang from the other side of the door, followed by a yelp - it must be hot to the touch. The voice returns, most the rage sapped from it and replaced by panic, "Please don't leave me here!"

That settles it. JB reaches out, trying the door handle and being stopped by the metal click of the lock. Shit. It's electric, now-melting rubber buttons sticking out of it, and he doesn't have a code. He doesn't have time to get a code.

He decides on the age-old method of bashing the crap out of it with his baton.

The metal dents and bends under the pressure until a seam eventually splits and he can jam his fingers inside. He rips off the lock's cover plate and lets it clatter to the ground. The flames that dance across the book shelves and walls are licking at his back now, drawing closer on the floor and making it hard to see past the blurry tears in his eyes. He fumbles around in the maze of metal and wires for a minute until he manages to pull back the spring of the lock, yanking the door open before the metal pin can slide back in place to crush his fingers.

Mantodea stumbles forward, gasping in relief and grabbing his shoulders to keep herself stable. Cursing and shaking, she waves around an unmarked folder before she drops one side of it, letting every page fall out. "Blank! They're all fucking blank, it was a trap!"

She coughs and the folder is shoved into Jackie's chest, where it, too, slides to the ground. To keep her up, he wraps his arm around her and starts to move towards the exit; he feels a sudden burst of gratefulness for the masks they both wear over their mouths and noses.

While JB has his eyes set on getting out, Mantodea looks ready to kick and scream and snap someone's neck. "I - I can't believe I thought it'd be that easy- th-they nearly killed me! And it's all for nothing, the stupid pages are blank!"

The duo scrambles over broken pieces of furniture covered in flames, barely breathing through the smoke and barely keeping themselves from the scalding heat. Jackie swears he can feel blisters forming on the few exposed parts of his body, but finally they reach the door with the glowing EXIT sign, and they tumble into the street with raspy coughs and wheezes.

After a few minutes of catching their breath and dialing the fire and rescue service, Jackie finally and exhaustedly pipes up, "Why did you care about the pages? Wouldn't you... wouldn't you want those company files destroyed?"

Mantodea glares at him, some of her now-singed hair hanging in her eyes. "You... you think I'm on Daniel's side? Jesus, no. Whoever baited you here lied to me, too."

Jackie sighs with relief despite himself at the confirmation that she's on his side. She doesn't stand on enemy lines like he thought, oh, there's hope in the world.

But that leaves other problems.

"We have to get out of here," she says, a snarl marring her face.

"Wait, wh-why? The fire brigade will be here, and then-"

She shakes her head and raises her hand to stop him. "No, no, you don't understand. Daniel's been trying to smear you and me both, remember? Who do you think he's going to blame this arson on?"

A few moments of silence, followed by a short and simple "...Oh."

They leave the street in quite a hurry after that.

#i fucking hate this #this was my original idea for this prompt a year ago and it sucks as much now as it did then #i think im gonna change pretty much all of jackie's lore. because i hate it #and i dont like how i wrote this but FUCK IT i did not watch all those lockpicking videos for nothing #lmao anyway. yeah just wanted to get some of these old prompts out of my inbox #fic requests #my writing #my fics #my ego posts #my ego hcs #jackieboyman #jse egos

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dreamiehrs · 4 years

Text

lovin’ on repeat series: dance, baby! ➛ l.dh

genre: some fluff, mainly angst, college!au, jealousy, comedy, gender neutral reader

pairing: lee donghyuck x reader

word count: 2,710 words

warning(s): some swearing, drinking

summary: donghyuck was less than happy when his good friend and local hotshot, named na jaemin, dragged him out of his dorm room and to one of his frat parties of his. however, when he catches sight of you, dancing without a worry in the world and laughing with your friends, he realizes that maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to go, after all.

note: hi guys!!! hope u enjoy this fic based off of the song dance, baby! by boy pablo. I love that song by him so much, and I feel like it would fit hyuck the best with how upbeat the song is!! I hope you guys are still looking forward to the other member’s fics, and please let me know if you guys enjoyed this fic of mine :-)

tag list: @notaroyal @angeldreamies @amorcita @nicolettalauren @wooqzi @lovelycharm05 @staymoarmyzen @neolights @florence-cvrt @mimika-28 (send me an ask if you wanna be added onto the tag list!)

➫ masterlist

lee donghyuck had no idea what he was doing here. well, that was actually a complete lie, if he was being honest. his hotshot friend, named na jaemin, had dragged him to his frat party after donghyuck had cooped himself up in his dorm room after failing one of his chemistry tests. don’t even get him started on his professor for that class, he honestly hated his professor’s guts (and everything relating to science, too). he may have shed a few tears after failing that test since it was around 20% of his entire grade, and he barely even had a B in that class, so if he ended up failing that class his parents were going to whoop his ass (and no, he wasn’t being dramatic. his parents would kill him if he failed another science class again).

but besides his dramatic retelling of failing his chemistry test, his friend had still somehow convinced him to dress up a little nice and attend his frat party to brighten up his mood. donghyuck had doubted that going to one of jaemin’s disgusting frat parties would remotely do anything to brighten up his already sour mood. failing the test was one thing, but spilling his entire drink of boba on himself and his stylish outfit was another thing that made him just want to scream out at the universe. however, he would definitely get room complaints and his roommate would have a huge fit if he did so, and he, therefore, let out all of his aggravation by playing rounds and rounds of Overwatch until jaemin dragged him out of his despair (and his dorm room).

jaemin even had the nerve to just throw clothes at him and told him to “try them on and see if you can make a decent enough outfit to woo somebody with tonight.” donghyuck loved his friend, he really did, but tonight he just wanted to bodyslam jaemin down until they reach the core of the earth. alright, he admits that that idea is a little too extreme, but who says he can’t make that idea a reality? he can just hear renjun now, saying his idea is ridiculous until he finally gives in and decides to help donghyuck bodyslam jaemin together.

coming back to reality, though, donghyuck was standing in the corner of the living room awkwardly, holding a cup full of coca-cola as he people-watched while occasionally taking a sip of his carbonated drink. he’s been at the party for about an hour and a half now, and even though it was entertaining to eavesdrop into others conversations and learn all the gossip about michael cheating on his girlfriend with another girl named jessica, but after a while, it began to bore him. even worse, he couldn’t locate jaemin after jaemin had walked right into his frat house with donghyuck by his side, and within 15 minutes, his dear best friend was nowhere to be found. this wasn’t unusual, however, because whenever donghyuck attended one of his friend’s frat parties, jaemin would go missing under 20 minutes, probably smooth-talking anyone who showed the least amount of interest in him.

the music playing wasn’t that great either, it was some shitty pop radio that someone had searched up on Spotify. donghyuck didn’t have anything against pop music, by the way, but the songs that were just playing right now were… horrendous, to say the least. they made him want to plug his ears for the rest of the night and just blast his playlist all night.

oh, did he mention that it was night yet? well, it was around midnight already, and he was doing his best to fight back his sleepiness with his soda. staying up wasn’t that rare for him, in fact, he almost did it every night with how much college was kicking his ass and how playing video games would help him just chill out. also, it didn’t help his sleep deprivation when his roommate was a hardcore gamer, too, and the two of them would stay up until 3 am playing Overwatch numerous nights of the week.

although the party almost was boring him to death right now, almost enough to make him just walk out of the front door and head back to his dorm to play more video games, he couldn't find it in himself to do so when he caught sight of you.

you were standing in the middle of the living room, conversing with your friends with a red solo cup in your hand with a dazzling smile shown on your lips. he was starstruck as he watched you from afar, his eyes never leaving your figure as you start to slowly sway your hips to the song playing. he suddenly became self-conscious of what he was wearing, and he looks down at himself to see his black and white plaid flannel, white graphic tee, dark ripped jeans, and dark cherry red Doc Martens. well, he didn't look too shabby, he thought to himself before taking a sip of his drink to find that his cup was empty.

shit, the only way to get to the kitchen was to pass by you and the 50 other people who were dancing like their life depended on it. doing parkour would be easier than this shit, he thought to himself before sighing and making his way towards your direction. he couldn't find it in himself to walk up to you, say at least a greeting or a small "hi" before he finally reaches the kitchen. he frowns and scrunches his nose as the smell of alcohol fills his senses, and he could never understand why people his age liked getting drunk so much until they couldn’t even speak properly.

he shakes his head at the thought and fills his solo cup to the brim with coca-cola, and he takes a big gulp of it to make sure he doesn't end up spilling his drink all over the floor by accident. however, that almost happens when he chokes on his drink when he hears someone whisper in his ear: "woo anybody yet?"

he turns to his left to be met with jaemin, the one who had abandoned him to go make out with someone, which was quite evident from the red lipstick marks on his neck and how his lips look more red than usual. he takes note at how messed up jaemin's pink locks are, and rolls his eyes at his friend's antics. "no, I haven't 'wooed' anybody yet unlike you, jaem."

jaemin chuckles as he clinks his cup with donghyuck before taking a long swig of his drink. donghyuck did not doubt that there was some sort of alcohol in that cup, as jaemin would occasionally stumble a bit over his own 2 feet. "damn right I did. you should've seen her, man. she was all over me, and she was such a great kisser, too, oh my gosh. I just had to come over here and tell you about it." he boasts, and donghyuck can see his cheeks lightly turn pink as he rambles on about his little make out.

"...well? what happened to the girl?"

jaemin’s face slightly falls after donghyuck asks that question. "oh. I said something about exchanging numbers and eventually going on a date and scared her off. once I said that she quickly made an excuse as to why she had to leave and ran off."

donghyuck laughs as he leans against the counter beside jaemin, his eyes wandering back over to where you were to see a guy making his way up to you. his breath hitches as he watches him snake an arm around your shoulder, bringing you closer beside him. donghyuck zones in on the both of you, and he hate how he can feeling jealousy pool into his veins the longer he stares down the guy beside you, and if it wasn’t for jaemin waving a hand in donghyuck’s face and saying “earth to donghyuck?” a thousand times, he would’ve been in a trance for hours.

he shakes his head as jaemin furrows his eyebrows at his friend’s suspicious behavior, and takes it upon himself to see what was up. his eyes settle on a tall, dark-haired guy with his arm wrapped around someone, and he lets out a little “oh” and the sight. he swivels around to face donghyuck with a teasing grin on his face, and this is another reason as to why donghyuck just wants to leave this disaster of a party. “well... does little hyuck have a crush on someone? hm~?” he scoots closer next to his friend, whose face resembled a tomato with how flustered he was right now.

he swats away at his friend’s hand that was pinching his cheek, rolling his eyes once again at his friend’s antics and poking his tongue onto the inside of his cheek. “well, thanks for giving me another reason to go back and hibernate in my dorm room for the night, jaem. now if you excuse me, I’m leaving now. see ya.”

he takes a step towards the entrance before jaemin’s arm is latched onto his. “wait! hyuck, I’ll help you get their attention. come here.” he insists and places both of his hands on donghyuck’s shoulders before jaemin leads him in your direction.

donghyuck’s eyes go wide at how persistent jaemin was, and he whispers: “no, jaem, stop it. that guy is still right there beside them.” however, jaemin is too focused on getting donghyuck to woo someone tonight, especially someone who he’s attracted to, and doesn’t process his words until the two of them are standing close by you.

“ahem.” jaemin clears his throat, and donghyuck wants to just disappear right then and there as your head turns towards him and jaemin, and the guy beside you practically glares down at him and donghyuck as his arm slightly tightens around your shoulder. your eyes meet jaemin before glancing over to donghyuck, and you’re temporarily awestruck by how his eyes seemed to glimmer when the two of you met eyes. it takes you a minute to realize that that’s not what you’re here for, to be drawn to any guy that has a fashion sense and is pretty attractive. you didn’t have the time in your busy schedule to fawn over boys who would just steal your heart and run away with it.

“yes?” you question, an eyebrow raised as your eyes gloss over donghyuck’s facial features and the prominent eyebrow piercing that seemed to make him even more attractive than before. you momentarily forget that the guy that you’ve been romantically talking to is standing right by your side, his left arm possessively wrapped around your shoulder. your friends are having their own fun somewhere else, feeling bored after these two random guys came up to you and ruined the party for them. however, you knew that if they gave these two guys a chance, they would fall head over heels for them. both of them were your friends type, and even though that may be the case, it seemed that one of the guys only had eyes for you.

jaemin nudges donghyuck, and you hold back a smile as you see the dark-haired boy roll his eyes at his friend, clearly annoyed at what situation his friend had involved him in right now. “well, my friend over here, named donghyuck, has been eyeing you all night, so I think it’s safe to say that he has the hots for you. I mean, I even caught him in the act earlier! he wouldn’t stop staring at you with hearts in his eyes–”

jaemin is interrupted with a swift jab to the side of his stomach from donghyuck’s elbow, and he doubles over as donghyuck gives you a small smile. “well, if you’ll excuse us two, I will be escorting this pretty boy back to the kitchen so he can sober up.” he gives you and the intimidating guy beside you a nod before wrapping jaemin’s arm around his shoulder and lugging him back to the kitchen. you watch as he does so, your eyes never leaving his figure as some of you hoped that he would actually ask you to dance with him.

“jaem, did you just lose your fucking mind back there?! what the fuck were you planning to happen when you told them that?!” donghyuck whisper-shouts to jaemin when the two of them are back in the kitchen, making sure he’s out of your sight as he turns his back towards you. although he was mildly upset at how jaemin basically exposed his thoughts about you right in front of your face, he was also the tiniest amount of hopeful that you would come barging in here to get to know him more. however, that isn’t likely to happen as donghyuck glances back in your direction, to see you laughing up a storm with the tall guy beside you.

he can feel his heart clench in hurt and disappointment as he turns back to jaemin, just to see that his friend has abandoned him once again this evening. of course, he wasn’t really surprised at the fact that jaemin had disappeared as soon as he had gotten a hold of him, but he just wished that at least one of his other good friends were here. like jeno, who would just joke around for hours and maybe even attempt to try a kegstand. he was always the life of the party, and everyone would seem attracted to him like magnets wherever he would be.

donghyuck yawns as he taps on his phone, checking the time once again to see that an entire hour had gone by. it also didn’t help that he had another reason to leave the party, which was because of his failed interaction with you earlier. he had only spoken one sentence to you during that entire interaction earlier, and he honestly just wanted to slap himself in the face at how awkward he could be around attractive people sometimes. at this rate, all he wanted to do was distract himself and his terrible ability to flirt with people by playing rounds and rounds of Overwatch until he eventually passed out.

before leaving, he makes sure to fill up his blue solo cup up until the brim with coca cola one last time, and also makes the mistake of glancing back over at you to see you all cozied up with the guy from earlier. he couldn’t say he wasn’t surprised, honestly, but he can’t help but to hang his head down on his walk all the way back from the frat party back to his dorm room.

that night, although he was busying himself with playing Overwatch and drinking red bulls until his head spun, he still couldn’t help himself from replaying different scenarios in his head if he had actually asked you to dance with him. would you have been cocky? teasing? frivolous, maybe? he can imagine your elated expression as he busts out some terrible dance moves, and he can almost hear what your laugh would sound like in his head. he hated that he actually blushed at the thought of how beautiful your laugh would sound to his ears, and he proceeds to log off of his computer before burying himself underneath his covers.

that was the one and only chance he had to ask you to dance, because every night after that eventful night that he had decided to attend jaemin’s frat parties, you were never to be seen. even when he tried searching for you, walking in and out of every room more than once, he could never find you after that night, and even though donghyuck expected many things, this wasn’t one of them.

every night after he had gotten back underneath his covers after partying until unholy hours of the night, he would always remember how he failed to ask you, the only person who he was remotely interested in, to dance with him and forget all of your worries together. he was really an idiot, he thought to himself every night before he drifted off to sleep.

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tired-college-student-writing · 4 years

Text

Tim’s Secret Weapon Pt. 5

I’ve been slightly obsessed with @ozmav ‘s Damian Wayne/Marinette Dupain-Cheng pairing as of late, and just saw a post that has inspired me more than anything else has in months, so I felt the need to write it

Summary- Tim has always seen the numbers floating above people’s heads, been able to perceive their threat levels with a single glance. After being a hero for so long he thought he was desensitized to seeing high numbers above people’s heads until Damian brings a new friend home. Part 1 Part 4 Part 5 (HERE) Part 6 _______________________________________________________________________ Dick got a look on his face.

A pinched sort of look that made it look like he was thinking something over intently.

It was a look that filled all of the Bats and anyone that knew him from his Robin days with a sense of dread.

“Dick…” Jason drew out slightly, “What are you thinking?”

“I’m going to do a thing,” He replied almost offhandedly, “Since she hasn’t seen us yet.”

“Don’t-” Damian didn’t even finish since Dick had already disappeared, causing Tim to bury his head in his hands.

“God that’s annoying,” The other three found themselves groaning in unison, their own inside joke even as found his path almost instantly.

The eldest son snuck through the crowd of teens unnoticed, surprisingly. Most would think that one would notice the thirty-year-old right outside the secondary school, but he easily weaved through the crowds and worked his way behind the baker’s daughter.

Marinette was too involved in his conversation with the blond to notice Dick grinning mischievously at her from behind the half wall she was leaning against.

In a swift move, the acrobat grabbed her and lifted her onto his left shoulder in one fell swoop, earning a high pitched squeal from the girl as he spun in a circle perched on the half wall and drawing almost all of the attention of the whole courtyard.

“Hello, Mari!” He greeted casually as if her hands weren’t twisted into his hair in her shock.

She blinked down at him, taking a few seconds to register what was happening before her face morphed into fond irritation, “Seriously, Richard?”

The blond, Neon Green 15, she had been talking to was staring in between them as if he wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be concerned or bemused.

“Ummmm… What’s going on?” the buff boy, White 12, from nearby asked, hand raised slightly.

Marinette glanced around and groaned as she realized that her entire class was staring at her up on top of Dick’s shoulders.

“Everyone, this is Dick” Marinette introduced, “He’s a family friend of sorts. Dick these are my classmates.”

“Nice to meet you,” Dick greeted waving a hand happily with Marinette still balance on one shoulder.

“Should have known Mari was skanky enough to get with a guy twice our age.” The Batfam stiffened and turned to look at the origin of the voice. It was the girl Tim pointed out earlier as being dangerous, Copper 9, a wide smirk on her face as her posse snickered. None of them had to turn to feel the bloodlust boiling off of Damian, not that they would deny the red tinge to their vision. Marinette had wilted in a millisecond.

“Told you that was a bad idea, Grayson,” Damian snapped as the other three walked over much calmer than they were feeling.

Marinette lit back up at their appearance and started poking Dick’s cheek.

“Put me down. Put me down. Put me down. Put me down. Put me down.”

“Okay, Okay!” He laughed as he lifted her off his shoulder and passed him easily to Jason.

Jason grinned, holding her on his hip, “Hey Marigold,”

“Jay!” She giggled giving him a hug, “Not the brother I wanted, and don’t hand me to Tim cause he looks like he hasn’t slept this week and I don’t want to be dropped.”

Jason clutched his chest, “That’s so mean, sunshine! Though you’re right about Tim.”

“Rude,” Tim grumbled, but couldn’t stop the grin that came to his face, “but hug the devil spawn before he tries to rip our arms off.”

Damian glared at him, but as soon as Marinette wrapped her arms around his neck he softened, placing a kiss on her hair, “Missed you, Habibiti,”

“Missed you too, Dames,” She giggled, excitement bubbling, "What are you guys even doing here? I know you don't like to travel too much."

Jason cut in, "Bruce was inspecting the Paris branch, so we just decided to tag along."

"Oh, Bruce is here too? I'll have to make some of those strawberry cream macaroons he likes."

“Brothers? Wow, that’s a new low,”

“Who the fuck are you?” Jason finally snapped, glancing over at Copper 9.

“Who are you?” one of the other girls standing with her, an obnoxious orange 5 twisting over her, asked, phone pointed at them, “Cause showing up to a high school isn’t exactly a good look for post-college graduates, mister.”

“Well going from oldest to youngest, He’s Dick, as Mari already said, I’m Jason, that’s Tim, and the twerp that’s snuggling up to Marigold is Damian, her boyfriend.”

“We’re brothers,” Dick added, as the group around the two girls looked stunned while many of the others perked up.

“This the guy you’ve been telling us about huh?” The tiny pink-haired girl, Icy Blue 13, comments, giving Damian a considering look.

Buff White 12, next to her smirked at them, “You do go for the lookers, huh, Nette?”

A red-haired boy, a lavender 4, laughed softly, “I thought he’d be taller,”

“Since when do you have a boyfriend?!” Orange 5 yelped, causing Mari to roll her eyes as she finally pulled away from the youngest Wayne.

“I’ve been telling you, Alya,” Marinette snapped making the boys blink. There was actual venom in her voice, ice pointily aimed at the other teen. Marinette never had real heat in her words, not even with the Rogues, “I started dating him a year ago, but you didn’t believe me.”

“Two soon,” Damian piped in, looking smug at the flabbergasted group.

“But you’re into Adrian!”

The blond boy, Adrian, Neon Green 15, frowned, “She and I are just friends. She’s been trying to get me with my crush for the last six months? Why on earth would you think she had a crush on me?”

Marinette shrugged, “I mean I did, but I got over it around your fourteenth birthday.”

“Wait,” the boy got a look of realization on his face, “Is that why you always stuttered around me?!”

“Oh my god!” Icy Blue 13 cried, “You can’t tell me you’re seriously that dense!”

“Homeschooled Alix!” He snapped back, “I was homeschooled by a recluse!”

“But if she’s not in love with Adrian,” The pixie cut blonde, Buttercup Yellow 3, questioned trembling slightly, “ Why has she been so mean to Lila?”

“Perhaps,” the nerdy boy, Nerdy White 12, pushing up his glasses, “Marinette’s feeling towards Lila has something to do with the fact that Lila’s claim of having a disease that causes her to do or say things she does not mean to can only be labeled as Compulsive Lying and yet half of the class believes every story that she tells and gets upset at anyone that dares to question her.”

“Shut it, Max,” Alya growled, “This has nothing to-”

“Utterly ridiculous,” The blonde girl, Canary Yellow 14 over her head, cut in without looking up from her phone, “You can’t seriously tell me this has nothing to do with Dupain-Cheng questioning Rossi’s idiotic stories.”

“No one cares about your opinion, Chloe,” Lila purred with an ugly scowl, “Or is it Chealse? I can’t keep up since your mother never seems to get it right.”

“Yeah, no,” Chloe continued, “That insult is like a year and a half too late, and I don’t have to do anything but ask questions.”

“What are you playing at, Bourgeois?”

Chloe looked up from her phone, eyes going to the group surrounding Lila, “At lunch, Lila was talking about her new boyfriend, right? Who feels like reminding everyone of who that was?”

The ginger girl, Tan 4, piped up, “She’s been dating Damian Wayne for the last month! They met at a conference for her nonprofit in Achu.”

Tim couldn’t stop the snort that escaped from him as Damian’s face twisted into disgust. Marinette’s hand covered her mouth to cover her smile but Dick and Jason didn’t even try to stop their laughter from shaking their frames.

“Of all the fucking people!” Jason wheezed, “You pick him!”

“Hey! Don’t laugh it’s romantic!” Canary Yellow 3 cried, tears pricking her eyes.

“Isn’t it Rose?” Lila cooed, eyes narrowed at the laughing group, “Dami-bear is such a sweet man.”

Chloe hummed, eyes sparkling, “I bet he is, but I have another question.”

“What?”

Instead of answering Alya’s question, she turned to the group that was laughing even harder, Dick and Jason were only standing from clutching to each other as they repeated, ‘Dami-bear’ over and over again.

“Do you boys happen to still have your passports on you?”

Tim held up a single finger as he tried desperately to regain his breath.

“What are you playing at, Chloe?” Alya snapped after a tense moment.

“Her point,” Damian growled, and suddenly Tim had a giggling Marinette leaning against his shoulder as the younger man stalked over “Is that I’ve never been to Achu.”

He thrust his passport into her camera lens.

Damian Wayne standing out from the page in stark clarity.

"Oh that note," Tim piped in, smirking slightly as he watched her nine wavier in place as if ready to flick down. Oh, how her tower of lies was crumbling, "using the Wayne to further yourself or claiming that one of us is cheating on anyone can be considered Defamation so I would suggest that you retract any statements you've made before we're forced to talk to our lawyers."

They didn't stick around to see the effect the pronouncement beyond the sickly color Lila turned as her whole posse turned to stare at her in disbelief. Alya looked panicked as the boys grabbed Marinette, who was practically vibrating with nervous energy and herded her towards their car.

Alfred raised an eyebrow, "Did you enjoy yourselves, sirs?"

"You know it!" Dick laughed, as they snapped their seatbelts.

"I hope they didn't cause too much trouble, Miss. Marinette."

"Hello Alfred," She greeted lightly even as her shoulders pulled up next to her ear, "It's nice to see you, and don't worry, they fixed a problem for me."

Tim wanted to ask, and he could see his brothers did as well, but Marinette shook her head.

"Can we go to where you're staying? I think my classmates are going to break out of their stupor soon and I don't want to face them yet."

Alfred's eyes were hard in the rearview mirror, but his voice was as level as ever, "Of course, Miss Marinette. Master Bruce actually would like to meet you at the hotel we're staying at."

"Let's not keep him waiting then,”

______________________________________________________________________

Telling Marinette they knew she was Ladybug could have gone in a lot of different ways, they were aware of this, and had planned for a multitude of them to try and ensure an easier time of getting the girl used to the fact that they knew and were in fact Superheros too.

What they weren’t expecting was for Marinette to pale the second Damian spoke the words, “We know you’re Ladybug,” and flip the platter of sweets into his face, effectively cutting him off before sprinting to the window screaming, “Spots on!”

They were not expecting a bright pink light to overtake her, nearly blinding them.

Tim was not counting on the fact that he could see her number through the blinding light as it faded to pure white as the numbers climbed higher and higher, vanishing once they reached 99, the light fading in the next millisecond to reveal Ladybug in all her glory.

They were not expecting her to open the 80th-floor window of their hotel suite and throw herself out of it, yo-yo catching the next building and flinging her away faster than humanly possible.

“Well,” Jason drawled, eyeing the carnage, “That went well.”

_______________________________________________________________________

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#miraculous ladybug #batman #maribat #marinette dupain cheng #Damian Wayne #Tim Drake #meta!tim #dick grayson #Jason Todd #Alfred Pennyworth #miraculous class #numbers AU #lila gets exposed

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caelesjjk · 4 years

Text

endure | c.h.

This is a fic that has been a very long time in the making, It will be in two parts, and part number 2 is almost finished already, so there wont be a long wait! I really proud of this, and I hope you guys enjoy it!

Warnings: some mentions of injuries and blood and a bit of smutty smut.

“I want your body pressed up against my heart.

I want your hands spreading my thoughts, lingering over the curves of my passions, gripping my hopes, stroking my opinions, and cupping my desires.

I want your soul breathing heavily against my collarbones.

I want your thoughts nibbling on my ears, your passions pressed against my lips, your hopes naked on my skin, your opinions hard under my hands and your desires…

I want your desires letting out soft little moans against my soul.

I want you.”

Fire. It was everywhere, as far as the eye could see.

The smoke burned the lungs and the eyes of those fighting on the beaches of Theoria, but it did not stop them. The Rolonians just kept coming until the white sandy beaches that sat below the cliff side of Elverston Castle were soaked with the blood and filled with thebodies of soldiers from both kingdoms.

Evita was only a child, maybe 5 years old during the Battle of Burning Shores. She watched helplessly as both of her parents were killed in front of her. She sat on the beach with their lifeless bodies and began to think that no one would ever hear her cries.

Her mother, Annaliese, was a lady in waiting for the Queen of Theoria, and also her very best friend. When Queen Morgana learned of the death of Annaliese, she did not hesitate to bring Evita into the castle and take care of her as if she were her own daughter. The King may not have always liked the idea, but even he would grow to love Evita as his own.

The King and Queen had a daughter named Princess Claudette. She was a few years younger than Evita but they still grew up extremely close despite the difference in age. Evita was Princess Claudette’s lady in waiting, just as her mother had been for the Queen. She helped her get ready each and every day. Washing and styling her hair with diamond pins and pearl clips. Evita helped her into her dresses and shoes and never complained. But beyond that, she also helped Claudette with schooling. They were both taught by the same tutor, the Queen insisting that Evita receive an education though most lady’s in waiting may not receive the same treatment.

Being a healer was something that Evita decided to do all on her own. Her mother had also been one, and to honor her memory Evita began the training a few years ago. Queen Morgana took it upon herself to teach Evita everything that she knew and had learned from Annaliese over the many years they had spent being close friends. Over time, Evita had easily made her healing skills useful throughout the castle.

It had been 15 years since the bloody Battle of Burning Shores, but the pain of losing her parents that day still remained. Evita did not think there could possibly be anyone more despicable than a Rolonian, and she hoped that battle would be the last. She wanted to forget the past, without forgetting her parents, but move forward and find happiness.

When Evita turned 20 years old and had not yet married however, it had caused quite a disruption amongst the castles residence. Even though it did not bother her in the slightest, it was uncommon for such things to happen. There was speculation amongst everyone as to why she had not married, and it was entertaining to hear the rumors, if nothing else.

The warm autumn sun had been shining in through Evita’s window for some time now. She knew the longer she waited to get up, the quicker she would need to scramble about to get to Claudette’s chambers in time to help her with her morning routine. But she couldn’t help it. It felt lovely as the rays warmed her skin, a bit of pink blooming against her cheeks. She sighed contently when the birds outside of her barely open window started singing their praises, as she stretched out across her soft bed to awaken her sleepy muscles.

The silky white night gown she was wearing stuck to her skin slightly as she rolled over and threw the thick comforters off her body. Evita made her way from the comfort of her bed and over to the wash tub that sat in the corner of her room. She quickly washed her face and applied a bit of balm that she had made from some crushed pink rose petals she had gathered the week before to her lips. It brightened them just slightly, but wasn’t overly noticeable.

Combing through her dark locks always proved to take the most time each morning. Evita had just recently taken a pair of sewing sheers and cut off almost half of her waist length hair. Queen Morgana had gasped so loudly when she saw it that Evita just knew she was going to be punished. But instead, the kind Queen merely sighed and shook her head with a small smile. She told Evita that it suited her and that maybe one day she would muster up the courage to do the same thing. The Queen truly did care for Evita in the most loving of ways. It was like having a small part of her best friend with her even after she was gone.

Evita dressed in a hurry, lacing up her favorite pair of knee high boots with a smile on her face when she heard the trumpets begin playing outside. It was always an indication that the day had begun. She practically skipped to her door, flinging it open and finding her and Princess Claudette’s bodyguard standing on the other side of it. His dark blue shirt with the Royal Guards crest on the chest was slightly undone and revealing just a bit of chest hair. Evita may have even found him to be beautiful if they had not grown up together in the castle.

“Good morning, my lady.” Ashton bowed, turning and offering her his arm.

“Morning, Sir Ashton.” Evita smiled, stooping down to give him a small curtsy before taking his arm.

“Did you sleep well?” He asked.

“I did. And you, sir?” Evita returned the question.

“I do recall telling you that it was not necessary for you to call me sir.” Ashton looked down at her as they walked with an eyebrow raised.

“You did. However, what good is that fancy new title of yours if I do not use it every chance I get?” Evita sent a wink his way and Ashton laughed. “Why are you not with the princess this morning?” She added.

“I’m your bodyguard as well.” Ashton replied, clearing his throat at the end.

“True. But Princess Claudette is arguably of a bit more importance than I.” Evita took her arm out of Ashton’s as they reached the princess’s bed chambers.

“Not to me.” Ashton bows again, taking her hand and kissing the top of it. “Enjoy your day, my lady.” Evita curtsies again, knowing that her feelings are not the same as Ashton’s are for her. She turns away quickly, opening the door to the princess’ room and closing the door just as quickly.

Once inside the lush bed chambers of the princess, Evita looks around the room for her best friend, who should most certainly be awake by now. Evita makes her way to the oversized bed, the blankets and sheets still completely tucked in perfectly as if no one had even slept in it. Unfortunately, Evita knew just where the Princess of Theoria was, and it was not at all where she should be. But just as Evita is about to go looking for her, Claudette comes climbing up the balcony on the far side of the room, making far too much noise for someone who was sneaking around.

“Some help here, Evie?” Claudette said sounding out of breath as she struggled to get her skirts over the railing in one piece.

“Not again, Claudette. You’re going to get yourself caught.” Evita grabbed her hand and helped hoist her the rest of the way over the railing.

“And then what will they do? My parents could not possibly make my life anymore miserable.” Claudette grabbed her skirts up in her arms and stomped over towards her bed.

“Look at your hair!” Evita rushed over and started pulling knots out of the pins in Claudette’s hair. Claudette swatted her hands away, turning to look at her. Evita could now also see that her lipstick was smudged all across her face and the bust of her dress of slightly ripped.

“Please, do not pass your judgment at me. You have no idea what it’s like being cooped up with constant watch. I hate this place, Evie.” Claudette pouted, falling back onto her bed. Evita decided that Claudette was upset enough, and she wasn’t going to make matters worse by harping at her about the night befores escapades.

“How was Luke?” Evita asked, biting into her bottom lip, trying not to smile.

“Oh Evie, he’s absolutely perfect.” Claudette swooned at the thought of her secret lover.

“Do you love him?” Evita asked, her heart yearning to know that swelling of love.

“Without an ounce of doubt.” Claudette sighed. “But they will never approve of him. He’s a blacksmith, not a drop of royal blood.”

“I’m sure your mother would sympathize, Claudette. She wasn’t of royal blood either.” Evita reminded her.

“Ah yes, my parents were allowed to marry for love. I however, am just a pawn in their game of earning more land for the kingdom. My father is obsessed, Evita.” Claudette dramatically dropped back onto the bed with a frustrated groan.

“That’s not true, Claudette.” Evita gently touched her best friends arm, trying to comfort her.

“Oh it absolutely is, and you know it just as well.” Claudette scowled and folded her arms. Sometimes Evita forgot that she was only but a fresh 18 years old.

“Come. Let us get you washed up before tutoring begins.” Evita stood up from the bed and put her hand out for Claudette to take.

“Fine.” Claudette takes her hand. “But could we not just skip tutoring today, I’m so tired.”

“Perhaps you should not be out romping with the local blacksmith until all hours of the night.” Evita teased, ticking Claudette’s sides quickly.

“Evita! You should not speak of your princess in such a way!” Claudette laughed as she pinched at Evita’s elbow.

“Yes, but I was speaking to my best friend just now. Not the princess.” Evita hugged her arm around Claudette and pressed a kiss to the top of her blonde head.

“You are the only one who can get away with such things.” Claudette laid her head against Evita’s shoulder as they continued walking over to the wash tub in the corner of the room.

Claudette was quite small in stature. She was petite with almost white blonde hair that could reach the backs of her thighs if she wore it down. Her eyes were bluer than a beautiful spring sky. She was everything that came to mind when Evita thought of a princess. Queen Morgana always said that Claudette was the most beautiful baby she had ever laid eyes on, though she had given them all a scare when she was born and had momentarily stopped breathing. The castle nurses and Evita’s mother, as a healer, were able to bring Claudette back and the Queen knew she had been kissed by angels that day.

The Queen just simply did not know her daughter anymore, and Evita did not have the heart to tell her of the things Claudette was doing. It would break her heart. She could only hope that the Queen never found out or the both of them would be in more trouble than they could ever imagine. Women were fully expected to be virgins when they married, especially a princess. But Evita knew that Claudette had forgone her virginity months ago with Luke the blacksmith. She did not understand the consequences those actions might have with her future husband.

Stripping quickly from yesterdays dress, Claudette stepped into the wash tub that had been filled warm water by the maids a bit earlier. Evita finished the task of pulling all the pins from her hair and gently brushing out the knots while Claudette soaked in the water.

“Why do you always push away Ashton?” Claudette asked.

“That’s none of your business, Princess Inquisitive.” Evita told her, running the brush through her hair once more. Claudette’s shoulders slumped with sadness and Evita gave in, as usual. “But if I was going to tell you anything, I would tell you that Ashton is a friend that I do not feel that sort of love for.”

“He worships the very ground you walk on.” Claudette reminds her, making the guilt wash over Evita.

“I do not relish in the fact that feelings are not mutual between us. I do not wish to hurt him.” Evita sighed, reaching into a basket on the ground for some soap and handing it to Claudette. “Use this.”

“He would be good to you. Take care of you.” Claudette held the soap to her nose and deeply breathed in the scent.

“Says the princess in love with a blacksmith.” Evita finished with the knots in Claudette’s hair.

“Could you learn to love him?” Claudette made a soapy lather in her hands, her curiosity genuine. Evita sighed again.

“It would not be love if I had to force the way I felt.” Evita explained. “Now, enough of your questions. Dunk your head so we can wash your hair, it smells of the fire at the blacksmith’s shop.” She helped Claudette immerse her hair into the water without any more questions, for now.

That evening after dinner had been served and the sun was just barely hanging in the sky, one of the King’s soldiers came into the library where Evita was searching for some books on different herbs for healing. Ashton was lingering near the entrance, keeping watch as usual when the soldier approached him.

“We were able to fight them off, the rest of the boats turned back to the main ship.” The solider told Ashton.

“Rolonians trying to make their way onto our beaches again, after all these years?” Ashton tried to keep his voice down so that Evita did not hear him, but her entire body tensed at the mention of Rolonians. She continued to pretend she was reading the book so she could hear more.

“We were able to take out two of their boats before they turned back, sir.” The soldier watched Evita from the corner of his eye, making sure she wasn’t listening.

“We should most certainly celebrate any victory over the Rolonians. Just let me finish up here.” Ashton patted the soldier once on the back before he started moving towards Evita.

“My lady, have you found what you were looking for?” Ashton asked, hands clasped behind his back.

“Yes, just what I needed.” She shows him the book in her hands before slipping it under her arm to carry. “I’m sure you were aware of me listening just now, Ashton.” Evita searches his eyes for a moment before Ashton sighs, a small smile at the corner of his lips.

“Of course you were, my lady. And I’m quite certain you have questions.” Ashton said, a waiting look on his face.

“Are they planning more attacks?” Evita asked, her brow scrunching with worry.

“We cannot be certain. But they are up to something, that I am certain of.” Ashton said, his jaw set tightly. Evita sighed and nodded her head in understanding.

“I’m going to go down to the beach and gather some seaweed. I’ll see you in the morning.” Evita said, hoping that by some miracle Ashton would just let her go without a fuss.

“Down to the beach? Just after an attack?” Ashton wrapped his hand around her wrist to keep her from walking away.

“I’ll be fine. I only need a few baskets full to make more medicine. And it seems that more attacks may be inevitable, and I’ll need as much as I can get.” Evita gave him a gentle smile and he released his hold.

“You will come directly back, yes? No dawdling?” Ashton asked, concern in his voice still.

“Of course I will.” Evita smiles again, moving towards the door.

“I’ll check on you back at your room a bit later!” Ashton shouted as Evita began jogging down the hallway towards the back entrance of the castle.

There was a staircase that took her down a few levels before Evita was able to reach the door that lead outside. The stairway was a bit dark, but the stone walls were lit up by the orange fire of the torches. Once she was outside, a misty rain beginning to fall as the sunset, she could finally breathe once more. She took a moment to breathe in deeply, the mist tickling her face and sticking to the loose tendrils of hair sticking up on different places on her head. Evita grabbed her baskets from just outside the door and walked down towards the beach.

The sky was a bit gray, with purple and orange mixed in as the sun slowly became the moon. Evita grabbed her skirts up into her arms as she stepped into the shallow part of the water where she could see mounds of seaweed bunching up against the rocks on the shore. It was not pleasant to the touch necessarily, but its healing properties were well worth the slimy texture the seaweed had for the few moments it was between her fingers on its way into the basket.

The waves sounded extra peaceful tonight, lapping at shore in a gentle motion. The beach was always a place that held awful memories for Evita. Her parents were killed not far from here, and it constantly reminded her of that. But as time had passed, the pain had become something she was used to feeling, and now she was able to come here and see it as more of a place to feel connected to them. Because sometimes it felt as if part of them was still here.

Just as the moon found its place in the sky, Evita decided that she had gathered enough seaweed for the time being, and began gathering up her things to make her way back to the castle. Looking out at the ocean, saying good night to her parents, something caught her eye floating in the water not far from the beach. Evita narrowed her eyes to try and see a bit better, finally focusing on the fact that it was a man floating on a piece of wood in the waves. She gasped, eyes widening before taking off in a dead sprint towards the ocean.

The ocean sprayed water in her face as Evita hopped the waves until the water got too deep for her touch the bottom. She swam out further and further until she reached him. The water was freezing, but Evita’s heart was pumping too quickly for her to really feel its effects at this moment in time.

“Sir? You must wake up!” She shouted, trying to wake him. His skin was freezing to the touch and the plump lips on his face were turning blue. Evita grabbed onto the piece of wood he was draped over and started pulling it towards the beach as quickly as she could.

Once her feet were able to touch the bottom again, she grabbed the stranger beneath his arms and started pulling him up onto the sand. He was much taller than she was and a very solid weight as Evita struggled at carrying him. But she did not give up, dragging him the best she could until his body was out of the water. She felt out of breath as she dropped to her knees next to his unmoving body. She knew that in the castle infirmary some other healers and nurses had been practicing what they called “the kiss of life”, where they blew air into the unconscious person to try and help them breathe again. Evita just knew she needed to try.

Propping his head back slightly, she leaned down and closed her eyes before enclosing his lips with her own. She breathed out deeply, filling his lungs and then pulling her mouth off of his. Nothing happened. She tried it once, twice, three more times. Evita pressed her ear against his chest to listen for a heartbeat but she could hear nothing. She gave him another few breaths, then looked around at his body. It was battered and bruised, the material of the shirt at his shoulder was completely soaking in blood from a deep cut. In a slight panic, Evita pressed her hands down on his chest and added pressure. She watched as water began dropping out of his slightly parted mouth when she did. Her eyes widened at the sight, attaching her mouth to his again and giving him more of her breath. She pressed her hands down again just after and watched more water make its way out until he suddenly began coughing.

Evita quickly moved towards his head, lifting it gently and placing it in her lap so that he was slightly sitting up. The stranger continued coughing and spitting up water for a few moments, his breaths slowly coming back to him. Evita placed her hands on his cheeks to help him steady himself before he rolled off of her lap. His eyes slowly began to flutter, long eyelashes still wet from the ocean water. When he opened them fully and was finally able to focus on the girl above him, he smiled gently.

“Have you come to take me to heaven then, angel?” His groggy voice finally spoke. Evita bit her bottom lip between her teeth, pushing some of the wet curls away from his forehead.

“No, good sir. I am no angel, and you are very much alive.” She smiled when he closed his eyes again, head lulling to the side as he let exhaustion consume him.

With much struggling and a few choice words, Evita was able to drag the stranger from the beach and into one of the hidden beach caves that sat a short way down the shore. She made sure he was propped up and would not choke if anymore water decided to come up, and then made her way back outside to gather some wood for a fire. She had no idea why she was doing these things, but something told her that her mother would have done the same thing in this situation, and that was most comforting.

Dry wood was hard to come by at the beach this time of year, but Evita found as much as she could carry in her arms and made her way back into the cave. Her skirts were caked with wet sand and her hair had all fallen from his neatly placed bun on her head and began curling from the salty ocean water. Her toes were freezing inside her boots even though her blood was pumping so quickly from all the adrenaline.

After the wood had been piled up, Evita found two stones, ripping off a piece from the sleeve of her dress to use as a flint. It took multiple tries and many frustrations, but the cave was soon filled with light and warmth from the fire.

Evita had no idea as to what time of the night it was, but if she continued to stay here, she knew someone would come looking for her. She moved back towards the stranger who lied peacefully on the ground. His skin was a beautiful brown glowing in the light from the fire and now that he was breathing again, his lips had gone from a frightening blue to a glorious shade of pink that had only slightly chapped from the weather outside. He was beautiful. The most beautiful man Evita had ever seen. But he was certainly not from Theoria.

The strangers shoulder was still bleeding, as well as a gash across his chest that she had not noticed before. It looked like someone had tried to cut out his heart, but failed. Evita grabbed her shawl from the ground, and though it was damp, it would at least keep him slightly warmer. She draped it over him as she watched his chest rise and fall with shallow breaths. She knew that she needed to get to her medical supplies and back down here without anyone knowing of her intentions as soon as she could if she was going to save this mans life.

She bent down next to him, touching his cheek and feeling his fever beginning to set in. She mentally promised him that she would return, and quickly gathered her things and slipped out of the cave, making her way towards the door that lead back inside the stairway. One last look over her shoulder and a silent prayer that he survived before she closed the door behind her.

Back inside the castle, the halls were dimly lit with candles. This told Evita that it was very late and someone would certainly be looking for her at this point. She tried to quietly make her way towards her chambers, her skirts dragging across the stone floor and bots squishing with water were not helping her cause. Evita rounded a corner, thinking she had made it home free when she noticed a figure standing in front of her bedroom door at the end of the hall.

“Damn it all.” She whispered under her breath as she saw it was Ashton. When his eyes landed on her, he rushed away from the door and over towards her.

“My lady, what’s happened to you? I thought the worst.” Ashton puts a hand on each of her shoulders, stopping her in place.

“I am fine, Ashton. I merely lost track of time.” Evita tried to shake away hands, but he kept them in place.

“There were just Rolonians trying to infiltrate our walls, and you expect me not to worry?” Ashton scoffs. “You were merely going to gather seaweed, and come right back. It has been hours!” His voice carries more than he wanted it to.

“And now you see that I am unharmed and exhausted, do you not? I apologize for my misjudgment on the time, Sir Ashton, but I’d like to go to bed now.” Evita met his eyes, trying to assert herself. Ashton blinked a few times, then released his grip on her shoulders.

“Yes, my lady. Sleep well.” Ashton said, no more questions. Not now, at least.

“Goodnight.” Evita gathered her baskets and quickly slipped into her bedroom, locking the door behind her. She took a moment to breathe before frantically changing into dry clothes and boots.

The supplies she needed were all gathered into a pack that Evita could carry down to the shore. She would not be able to take the leisurely way down the stairs this time and would instead need to take the more treacherous path through the woods and down a small cliff side. Grabbing her long wool cloak from the hook by her door, Evita made her way over to the open window at the far side of the room. Much like the princess had done many times before, she would descend the lattice work and vines beneath her window to get to the ground below.

It took some time, but Evita had managed to make it to the ground without drawing attention to herself. She lifted the hood of her cloak over her head and began the short journey through the woods that surrounded the west side of the castle. The waves were crashing against the rocky beaches as the she descended the path down the cliff side. Her feet slipped slightly on the mossy rocks, but it did not stop her from making it to the beach.

As quick as her feet would carry her, Evita ran towards the cave that held her beautiful stranger. She could see as she approached, that the fire must have gone out in her absence. There was no glow from its flames at the entrance as there should have been. Evita hurried her pace, hoping that she was not too late.

Smoke from the dying fire wafted into Evita’s nose as she entered the cave, slightly out of breath from her fast pace. She moved her hood off of her head and sat down her supplies, squinting into the darkness to try and see if the beautiful stranger was still where she had left him. But before she could make another movement, she was being pulled backwards and the cold metal of a blade was being placed at her throat. Evita stood frozen, heart hammering in her chest.

“Do not move.” A deep voice said next to her ear. “Where am I? What is this place?” He spoke again, tightening his grip on the blade he had pulled from his boot when he heard the footsteps approaching.

“I…I pulled you from the ocean. We stand in a cave on the shores of Theoria.” Evita explained, swallowing thickly.

“Theoria? I should not be here…” The stranger let his guard down momentarily, and Evita took advantage, remembering the cut on his shoulder, she quickly moved a hand up and reached behind her to dig her fingers into his shoulder. The stranger shouted out in pain before falling to his knees, his blade toppling to the ground.

“Who are you?” Evita asked, grabbing the blade from the ground and pointing it towards him. He shook his head, pain still on his features.

“I am nothing but a musician, one not meant to be here.” He sighed, painfully moving to rest his back against the wall of the cave.

“A musician? How does a musician find himself floating alone in the ocean?” Evita asked, hands shaking slightly as she stood her ground with the blade.

“I was to be on the ship that was merely passing by when it was attacked. Just…entertaining the crew.” He stumbled a bit over his explanations.

“Wait…” Evita began to put the pieces together. “You are…Rolonian?” She felt her stomach drop.

“I am, my lady.” He smiled weakly. “Will you kill me now, angel from my dreams?”

“I should…I should most certainly kill you.” But Evita knew she would never be able to do carry out such a task.

“Go on then, my lady. You’ve got me just where you need me to be.” He rested his head back against the cold wall of the cave and closed his eyes. Evita stared at him a moment, and she knew that she should kill him. His people were dangerous. But something told her that her parents would not want her to kill him, for he was innocent in all of this. She sighed loudly, dropping her hands and throwing the blade to the other side of the cave.

“I will not kill you today, Rolonian. I have spent far too much time saving your life to take it away now.” Evita began to untie the clasp of her cloak so she could begin her work. The stranger opened his eyes and watched her.

“I suppose I’ll owe you a great debt then.” He said, a fit of coughs following his words.

“You need to let me tend to your wounds, before you go into shock.” She tossed the cape over a boulder and bent down to gather her supplies.

“Why would you do this for me?” He choked out.

“I do not know. But if you would prefer the ocean, by all means do not let me stop you.” Evita placed a hand on her hip and gave him a look of impatience. The stranger laughed lightly, grabbing at his chest in pain.

He began using his stronger arm to untie the piece of leather that was braided through the front of his cream colored shirt. The bare skin of his chest became exposed as he pulled apart the material, Evita was entranced by the sight, fingers aching to touch him. When those thoughts crossed her mind, she immediately pushed them away. He was from Rolon, and she could not have such thoughts of someone like that. She watched him from the corner of her eye as she quickly rebuilt the fire so that she would have light when stitching up the stranger.

Evita moved closer to him cautiously, moving down to her knees at his side. His face turned towards her, watching her carefully through hooded eyes as she began mixing things from glass vials that were stored in her healers pack. She tore clean pieces of fabric into strips and laid them out so they could be easily accessed. Next, she pulled her needle and thread from a pouch inside the pack, she quickly threaded the needle and sat it to the side.

“It seems you’ve done this before, my lady.” His voice was not much more than a whisper. Evita smiled, pulling out the bottle of vodka she had grabbed from the kitchens many weeks ago, now thankful that she had.

“This is going to cause you much discomfort, so bite down on this.” She handed him a piece of leather to place between his teeth. He looked at her warily, but slowly put the piece of leather between his teeth and relaxed his head back against the wall.

A popping noise sounded through the cave as Evita uncorked the bottle of alcohol. She moved the bottle over towards his shoulder first, wincing slightly when the alcohol spread throughout the wound, causing the Rolonian man to groan out in pain, the sound muffled by the piece of leather in his mouth. Tears were threatening to spill at the corners of his eyes, and Evita looked to him with sympathy before pouring more alcohol into the wound on his chest. His chest heaved with pain as he slumped back in defeat.

“Discomfort you say?” He snapped, the leather dropping from his mouth as he breathes rapidly with wide eyes.

“Did you want me to tell you that it would be excruciating?” Evita snapped back, reaching for the pieces of fabric and spreading a mixture onto it. “This will draw out the impurities.” She explained before placing the fabric over his wounds. This time he did not wince.

“What is your name?” He asked, his breathing beginning to slow again.

“Is it of importance?” Evita looked away from him, afraid of him knowing who she was.

“I would enjoy knowing the name of my savior.” He sat up slightly, watching her again as she prepared more medicines.

“Evita.” She told him.

“Do you live in Elverston Castle, lady Evita?” He coughed again, holding his ribs when the pain returned.

“As merely a maid.” She lied, reaching over and removing the fabric away from the wounds. Evita inspected them as best she could, concerned of the color of the skin that surrounded them. She may have been too late to avoid infection.

“A maid? Do all maids know this much of healing in Theoria?” He asked, biting into his bottom lip when Evita spread another layer of medicine onto his wounds. This medicine would help to numb the wound and surrounding skin while she stitched them up.

“My mother was a healer. I just picked up on a few things.” Evita picked up the gold thread and needle, pouring alcohol over the needle in hopes to keep it sanitary.

“Then I shall thank your mother as well. Her skills being passed to you have saved my life.” He says, eyes following Evita’s nimble fingers as they prepare for the stitches.

“She…she is not with me any longer.” Evita steadied her hand and began stitching up the deep wound on his shoulder, when he did not wince she knew the numbing medication was working.

“I am so sorry, Evita.” He searched for her eyes and finally got her to look at him for a moment. “Truly.”

“Yes, well, your King is responsible for her death.” Her jaw tightens as she continues her careful movements.

“Is that why you hate me so, my lady?” He asked.

“I do not hate you.” She finished the stitches in his shoulder, tying the end of the thread and biting the knot to free the needle. “You have not told me your name, ocean stranger.”

“Ah, yes. Suppose I have not.” He smiled, appearing to think for a moment. “Calum, my lady.” He finally said. Though the name sounded somewhat familiar, Evita merely nodded in response and Calum released a long breath.

Moving over to the other side of his body with her needle and thread so that she could have better access to the wound over his heart. She used the alcohol once more on the needle, and then gently pressed one hand to his bare chest to steady the other as she began working. Calum’s eyes had fallen closed again, but one of his hands made its way up to rest on Evita’s. She froze momentarily, but did not say anything.

When she was finished with the stitches, Evita took a moment to admire her work. She had never been happier that she had learned to sew. Claudette had never wanted to learn, but Evita took it as one more thing she did not need any one else to do for her. She was able to fix Claudette’s dresses and coats quickly without calling for a seamstress. And now, looking at the golden stitches against the warm skin of Calum, she knew it was her best work.

“Finished.” She said, wetting her dry lips with her tongue, attempting to move her hand away from Calum’s chest where he still had his hand placed over it. “May I have my hand back?” She asked quietly.

“Your touch is comforting.” He hummed, eyes still closed.

“I am sure that wins the hearts of many girls back in Rolon.” Evita moved to pull away again, but his grip tightened and his eyes opened to find hers.

“Thank you, for saving my life, my lady. I am forever in your debt.” He pulls her hand up to his mouth, thick lips pressing to the back of it in a searing kiss. Evita’s chest tightens as she watches the gesture unfold. She looked at his eyes a moment longer and then cleared her dry throat before standing up. Calum finally releasing her hand as she did so.

“You will need to stay out of sight while you heal. If the guards catch wind of you here, you will be executed in front of the entire kingdom.” Evita began gathering up her supplies and placing them back into the pack as she spoke.

“What will become of me once I’ve healed then?” Calum asks, painfully getting to his feet.

“I do not know.” Evita said, avoiding his stare. Calum limps towards her, placing a gentle hand on her back.

“Are you going to leave me alone down here, lady Evita?” Calum kept his hand on her back as she turned to face him. Why did his touch make her feel so out of control?

“I will come to check on you in the morning. Bring you some food.” She moved away, grabbing her cloak from the boulder and tying it back into place.

“Will you stay with me then?” He hobbles around, following her as she continues gathering things.

“I…I do not think so. But you really must rest, Calum. Lie down, please.” Evita looks at him, her eyes telling him that he needed to listen.Calum sighs, moving back to his previous spot and sliding down until he’s seated again.

Evita watches as his eyes flutter shut once more, all the pain and exhaustion finally taking its toll on his battered body. She wishes that he was not so beautiful. That somehow she could make her way back into the castle and never think of him again. But that would not be the case. She would lie awake all night, thinking of Calum’s face and the color of his eyes and the shape of his nose. She hated it, and it made her feel guilty for feeling anything at all. But she would not leave him to die without food or proper medicine. She just hoped he survived the night.

The next morning, the sun was just coming up and Evita had not slept for even a moment. She rushed through her morning routine, but still making sure that her hair looked presentable and her dress without wrinkles. She stood at the window and felt the cold breeze prickle her skin, hoping it would clear her mind before she left her room. Thoughts of Calum lying sick or worse, all alone on the cold floor of the cave brought another rush of panic, and she rushed towards her door, throwing it open and almost running directly into Ashton.

“My lady, what is the hurry this morning?” He asks, steadying her on her feet.

“I just need to speak with the princess as soon as possible.” Evita started stepping around him so she could pass by but he stopped her by stepping in her path.

“Have breakfast with me this morning Evita. We have not talked in ages.” Ashton smiled kindly, the dimples near his mouth deepening.

“We speak every day, Ashton.” Evita bounces nervously on the balls of her feet.

“Yes, but not really talking. Talking with meaning.” Ashton reaches out and carefully brushes a piece of hair back into place behind Evita’s ear. She licks her lips, trying not to shy away from his touch.

“Another time, Ashton.” She says kindly, stepping around him and jogging towards Claudette’s bedroom. She looked over her shoulder once to see him nod in agreement and then take a few steps to talk with some other guards.

Grabbing the key for Claudette’s room from the pocket on her dress, Evita slowly unlocked the door and pushed it open, knowing it was much earlier than Claudette preferred to be woken up. Evita could see that the princess was in fact asleep in her own bed. Her blonde hair splayed out across her white sheets as she snored quietly. Evita smiled, climbing up onto her bed and gently shaking her shoulder.

“Ettie, wake up.” Evita whispered, using the nickname she had given to her best friend many years ago.

“What do you want?” Claudette groaned, grabbing her blankets and throwing them over her face.

“I have some things to do today…outside of the castle. Will you need me?” Evita asked, moving the blanket and making Claudette groan again.

“Do as you please, Evita. Just get the hell out of here.” Claudette grumbled.

“Princesses do not swear.” Evita teased, patting Claudette’s leg as she climbed off the bed.

“Piss off.” Claudette grumbled again, throwing a pillow as Evita laughed and made her way back out of the princess’ room.

Evita moved throughout the castle with a smile on her face. She stopped by the infirmary and discreetly grabbed some different medicines. One that she was wary of taking because of its rarity and the flower it came from, but she had a feeling that she should bring it. Something just told her to bring it with her, and so she slipped the vial into her pack before she grabbed some more clean scraps of fabric. Her next stop was the kitchen, where the workers were already busy making the castles breakfast. Loaves of bread were baking in the stone fire and the smell was nothing short of heavenly. Evita made sure to grab a loaf, along with some cheese and some meat that she hoped to cook on the fire for Calum. She also made sure to fill a canteen with clean drinking water before she snuck out of the kitchen and down the stairway that lead down to the beach. She nodded to a few guards who greeted her on her way, but it did not appear that anyone suspected anything was going on.

The beach was empty, as usual this time of year. The cool spray of the ocean greeted Evita’s face as she closed the door to the castle and dashed towards the cave. She could smell the smoke from the fire as she got closer, hoping that she had left enough wood for Calum to use throughout the night. Once she was inside the entrance, she saw him sitting near the fire using a stick to poke at the embers beneath the branches.

“Calum?” She said, her voice sounding as sweet as cherry wine to Calum. His smile reached his eyes, the small crinkles next to them forming in the most beautiful way. He stands up, his arm still wrapped around his torso and a limp in his step as he approaches her.

“Good morning, my lady.” He said, voice sounding deep and scratchy. Evita tried not to smile back, but it was nearly impossible.

“You should not be up and about just yet.” She told him. “I’ve brought you food, come sit back down.”

“My hunger kept me awake most of the night, if I might be honest.” Calum said, eagerly taking the basket of food from her hands.

“There’s enough to get you through a few days.” Evita helped him take out some of the bread and watched as he tore into it teeth first without cutting it into slices. She laughed quietly at the sight, causing Calum to look up from his food with an apologetic look on his face.

“I apologize, my lady. I am far too famished to be eating in front of a lady with any sort of manners.” Calum swallowed his bite, wiping at his mouth with the back of his forearm.

“I am not here to judge your manners, Calum.” She pushed more food towards him, encouraging him to continue eating. “Drink this. It’s clean water.” She handed him the canteen and he began drinking it almost ferociously.

“Thank you, Evita. I truly cannot thank you enough for risking so much for me.” Calum sat down the canteen, sounding almost out of breath. His brows began scrunching together as he clutched at his chest.

“Calum? Is something wrong?” Evita moved closer, reaching out for him.

“My…my chest…” Calum’s eyes rolled to the back of his head just then, and Evita screeched in surprise, jumping forward quickly to grab his head before it hit the ground when he became unconscious.

“Calum? Calum, answer me!” Evita shouted as she shook him gently. He did not respond. She placed her hand beneath his nose and felt no breath coming from it. “No. No, no you will not die.” Evita grabbed the opening of his shirt and ripped it open, the flimsy material tore down the middle.

The wound over his chest must have become infected during the night. The stitches felt hot to the touch, and there were darkened veins traveling on his skin that lead to his heart. He was going into shock, just as Evita had feared he might.

Sitting his head down gently, Evita ran to her pack and grabbed out the medication she had hoped not to have to use. She moved back over to Calum and lifted his head into her lap so he was sitting up enough to swallow the medicine. The vial was small as it shook in Evita’s hand and she began to carefully pour it into his mouth, making sure it went down his throat. And now she needed him to breathe again so it could be swallowed.

Bending down with his head in her lap, she closed her mouth over his and blew in a few breaths. Calum continued to lie there unmoving. She had barely gotten the chance to know her beautiful stranger and already he was being taken away.

“Please wake up, Calum of Rolon. Wake up. Come back.” Evita bent again, breathing into his lungs once more. This time, Calum began coughing. “You must swallow the medicine.” She said in a panic. Calum swallowed thickly, his eyes opening slowly as he looked up to find Evita looking down at him.

“This is the second time your kiss has saved my life, angel.” Calum croaked out, his shaky hand reaching up and cupping Evita’s cheek. His touch seared her to the bone.

“You scared me.” Evita sobbed. She had known this man less than a day, and already whether he lived or died meant so much to her.

“Something told me I was not quite done here on this earth.” His thumb brushed her cheek as he spoke softly.

“I believe that to be true.” Evita whispered, sniffling her nose and then breaking the eye contact with Calum. “Now you need to lie here and let me take care of you so this does not happen again.” She rolled up her cape and placed it on the ground beneath his head while she moved away.

“What medicine have you given me?” Calum asked, his body relaxing slightly.

“It’s from a flower, found only here in Theoria.” Evita bites into her bottom lip nervously before she continues. “It’s said to have…magical properties.”

“Magic?” Calum’s eyebrows rose in curiosity.

“It’s something healers here are still determining. But it…it has done unimaginable things. Things that I cannot explain.” Evita poured some powder into a cup and mixed it with some water. It was a mix of things that would hopefully keep the infection away this time.

“I am a believer in magic, my lady. No need convincing me.” Calum smiled as he watched her, his eyes tired.

“Drink this. Then I’ll need to clean your wounds.” Evita kneeled beside him and helped him drink the mixture from the cup.

“Out of my shirt again, my lady?” Calum teased as he took the last sip of the drink.

“Just take it off and stop acting as if you are a child, Calum.” Evita tried not to smile, but rolled her eyes playfully instead.

Calum sat up slowly, groaning a bit when his muscles and bones ached from the movement. His face contorted painfully as he began pulling the filthy shirt off of his torso. Evita watched him toss the material off to the side and carefully lie back down. The cold cave floor shot chills all over his body but he didn’t have the energy to object.

Evita took out a small bowl that she poured clean water and her ground up herbal mixture that she had prepared previously. When she turned back to see Calum without his shirt to cover him, she was a bit in awe. He was smooth and more breathtaking than she could have imagined him to be. There were some scars littered around his torso that had healed from previous wounds, but none as serious as the ones he would have after his current wounds had closed up. She watched his chest rise and fall slowly with his deep breathing.

“What will you be doing now that you have my shirt off, my lady?” Calum said, a wide smile on his face as Evita’s cheeks heated from embarrassment. She cleared her throat and sat down at his side.

“I’m going to wash your wounds with this new mixture. I have a good feeling about this one, it will help with the side effects from the infection.” She dips a clean piece of cloth into the water mixture and then looks over to find Calum watching her.

“You are fascinating.” Calum said quietly.

“You know nothing of me, Calum.” Evita replied, gently dabbing the cloth to the stitches on his shoulder. He hissed through his teeth at the sensation.

“Please…do not pretend you do not feel what I feel.” Calum tried to sit up but Evita gently pushed him back down, her eyes warning him not to move again.

“I do not know what you are talking about.” Evita looked away, pretending she could not feel his eyes still on her.

“Connection.” He simply says, but does not say anymore. Calum closes his eyes and tries to relax while Evita finishes washing his stitches.

She knew what he meant. That strange pull she felt towards someone she knew nothing about. Her desperate need to make sure he lived. It all made her stomach twist to know that Calum felt something similar at all.

Evita spent the rest of the day making sure that Calum was able to eat and keep down his food and then made a quick trek back to the castle to retrieve clean clothes for him to wear. They were able to talk throughout that time, but also found themselves in comfortable silences. Calum was in awe of the way Evita put her heart into everything that she did. The great lengths she went to for him, as a complete stranger were nothing short of admirable, considering where he had come from. But there were so many things that she just did not know, and could not know for her own safety.

“I should get back to the castle.” She finally said, her cheeks sore from smiling.

“Will you come back tomorrow?” Calum asked, his voice hopeful.

“I will.” Evita gathered her things and began to walk towards the entrance of the cave. “I will bring you some things to keep your mind busy tomorrow. I know that you must be going crazy in this dingy cave.”

“You are more thoughtful than I deserve, my lady.” Calum rested his weight on his elbow as he sat up slightly. The fresh shirt he was wearing practically glowing against his skin.

“Good night, Calum.” Evita felt her heart quicken its pace.

“Sweetest of dreams.” He said with a soft smile. Evita returned the smile, making her way outside. She took the wooded path back around the castle to so she could climb back into her room unnoticed.

Evita was not sure what time of day that it might have been, the past two days were practically blurred into one long dream if she was being honest. She turned her head to take one last look at the beach and it’s crashing waves, and just as she did she ran into another body, causing screams to leave both of them.

“Claudette?!” Evita screeched.

“Evie what are you doing out here?!” Claudette whisper yelled, pulling her cloak back over her head while quickly leading her friend into the wooded area where they could not be seen.

“I’ve been gathering all day. I wanted to make new medications. Are you leaving?” Evita asked, her heart trying to calm itself.

“I am going to see Luke.” Claudette smiled, her cheeks heating slightly.

“If the King and Queen find out about all of this, they’ll have both of us thrown in the dungeon.” Evita teased.

“Would that really be any different than the way they treat me now?” Claudette asked, her face becoming serious.

“Ettie…being a princess comes with responsibilities. I know it can be-“ Evita began to say before Claudette cut her off.

“Do not patronize me, Evita. The same rules do not apply to you and you will never understand.” The anger and hurt evident in Claudette’s voice.

“I did not mean any disrespect, princess.” Evita’s jaw tightened. She had always been there for Claudette, and she always would be. But she hated when Claudette made her feel this way.

“I will return in the morning as I always do.” Claudette lifted her chin, brushing past Evita and continuing her journey to the blacksmiths store in the village. Evita sighed in defeat and continued walking towards the window she needed to climb through to get back into her room.

She climbed the lattice work below the window as quick as she could, and as soon as she had settled her things into the corner of her room, there was a quiet knock on her door. Evita jumped at the sound, making her way to the door and smoothing out her dress. She opened it slowly, seeing the Queen on the other side. Evita knew her eyes were practically popping out of her skull, but she cleared her throat and gathered her thoughts.

“My Queen, I did not know I should be expecting you so late.” Evita bowed slightly, opening the door the rest of the way so the Queen could enter her bed chambers.

“Accept my apologies for the late visit, my darling. But sleep has been low on my list of things to catch up on in recent days.” Queen Morgana gently touched Evita’s shoulder as she walked through the door.

“I could say the same.” Evita smiled, motioning for the Queen to sit on her bed so they could talk.

“Is something troubling you?” The queen asked, settling onto the soft bed.

“It is nothing to be concerned about. I promise.” Evita’s heart sank at the lie. But she needed to protect Calum.

“Very well, my dear.” Queen Morgana folded her hands into her lap. Always looking like the most elegant Queen that had ever sat on the throne of Theoria. “I wanted to ask you for your opinion on a matter.”

“Of course.” Evita replied, turning her body more towards the Queen.

“I know that Claudette is not happy. Her constant need to sneak away from the castle in the middle of the night has only confirmed that fear.” The Queen does not look angry as she speaks, but Evita still cannot help the choking sound that leaves her mouth.

“Sneaking away from the castle?” Evita said, her voice shaking slightly.

“Come now, Evita. I have known from the moment she began this.” The Queen placed her hand on top of Evita’s, letting her know that she was not interrogating her for answers. Evita nodded. “My only wish is that she is safe and that she returns.”

“I wish for those things as well.” Evita squeezed her hand gently.

“I know Claudette does not think the King and I have her best interests at heart, but we only want better for her. And I know that she will hate us for arranging a marriage, but she will understand when she has her own daughter one day.” The Queen explained, sadness evident in her voice.

“Claudette only wishes to marry for love, your highness. Just as you did.” Evita says, hoping not to overstep.

“The Kingdom depends on Claudette marrying the winner of the Grand Tournament this coming summer. Sometimes…sometimes we must do things out of duty and not love. Do you understand this, my darling?” The Queen pushed some loose hairs away from Evita’s face and tucked them behind her ear.

“Yes, your highness.” Evita replied. But she truly, did not understand. Love conquered all, did it not? What could it be that made this so different?

“I knew you would. Always wise beyond your years.” Queen Morgana pulled Evita into a quick hug, kissing the top of her head, before standing up from the bed. “I know Claudette will not stop her escapades to the blacksmith shop. She’s far too stubborn. Just be sure she is safe, for me?”

“Always.” Evita opened the door for the Queen, knowing she would lay down her own life for Claudette at any moment and without question.

“Come see me more, my dear. We can talk about your progress with your healing arts.” Queen Morgana smiles, her bodyguards coming to stand close behind her.

“Of course, my Queen.” Evita returns the smile, seeing Ashton waiting off to the side.

“Sleep well.” The Queen says as she leaves. Evita begins to close her door, but Ashton stops it with his hand.

“A moment of your time, my lady?” Ashton asks, his eyes tired and a bit sad.

“Of course.” Evita stood in the door way, watching Ashton rub at that back of his neck.

“I wanted to apologize to you if I was out of line the last time we saw each other.” He finally said with a sigh.

“All is forgiven, Ashton.” Evita said, keeping her hand on the door, in hopes Ashton would assume she was tired.

“Something seems different of you these past few days.” Ashton says, concern on his features.

“I am merely not getting enough sleep. Nothing more.” Evita explained, her teeth pulling her bottom lip between them.

“Of course, my lady. Sleep well.” Ashton bowed and Evita did the same, closing the door quickly so she could release the longest breath she had ever held in. She made her way to change into her bed clothes and slipped into bed. She was exhausted, but still knew her thoughts of the handsome musician would keep her restless during the night.

The next morning, Evita dressed in a blur. Her stomach turned and her mind raced as she tried to think of yet another reason that she would not be by Claudette’s side for another day. She had been neglecting her duties so carelessly that she was not even sure what the princess’ schedule looked like for today. But all she could think about was getting to Calum as quickly as she could.

On her way past the library, Evita stopped and grabbed some novels that she thought Calum may possibly enjoy. Something to keep his mind busy while he was waiting for his body to heal. She knew that it could not be easy for him to be stranded in a land that was not his own, with nothing but an empty cave and Evita’s company. Still, she hoped that her company was somewhat comforting to him.

Evita nodded towards the guards who stood outside of Claudette’s room before pushing open the door and closing it behind her. Claudette was not in her bed, and she supposed that was not unusual. Evita made sure to straighten her bed sheets and add some relaxing oils to the bathtub the maids had just filled with hot water. She hoped that if Claudette was in a good enough mood that she would be able to sneak off without her noticing that she was once again absent for the day. Just as Evita was about to leave the room, Claudette came blubbering loudly over the stone railing on the balcony.

“Claudette? What’s the matter?” Evita rushed over and helped her climb the rest of the way over the rail. Claudette did not say anything, she threw her arms around Evita’s neck and continued crying. Evita could feel her tears gathering against the exposed skin of her shoulder. “You must tell me what’s happened Ettie. Just breathe.” Evita cooed sweetly, running her hands over Claudette’s blonde hair soothingly.

“He…Luke…he said we cannot see each other anymore.” Claudette cried louder, wrapping her arms even tighter around Evita’s frame.

“Oh no, Ettie. I’m so sorry, darling. What happened?” Evita asked, gently pulling Claudette back so she could see her face as she spoke.

“I awoke this morning and he was not in bed. I found him in the kitchen and he just looked so…defeated. He told me he should not have let things go so far. That a blacksmith shop is no place for a princess. And a blacksmith is no good for a princess.” Claudette wiped her nose and blubbered again.

“Did he say what brought on these feelings?” Evita sat Claudette down on her bed and smoothed her hair away from her face.

“He heard about the Tournament. And that I would be married to the winner. He does not want to drag things out any longer.” Claudette released a shaky breath.

“Perhaps he was right to end it now. I know that is not what you want to hear.” Evita said, knowing Claudette would get upset and send her away.

“I love him, Evita. You could not possibly understand what that means. I will be miserable the rest of my life.” Claudette pushed Evita’s hands away and climbed up the bed to hide beneath her covers.

“I’ll come to check on you later, Ettie.” Evita patted her leg gently, and got up from the bed to leave.

“Do not bother.” Claudette’s muffled voice said from beneath the covers. Evita sighed, leaving the room and her best friend behind her.

She made her way through the castle swiftly. Gathering up some food from the kitchens and more clean water forCalum to drink. She placed everything into a bag with the books and quickly made her way down the passageway that led to the beach. The day outside was surprisingly sunny. It warmed Evita’s skin slightly as she completed the walk to the cave. What she did not expect to find, was Calum standing outside at the waters edge, his bare feet brushing through the wet sand. Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach as she dropped all of her things and took off sprinting towards him.

“What are you doing?!” She shouted as she got closer to him.

“Good morning to you as well, my lady.” Calum smiled as she approached him.

“Have you lost your mind? Do you not remember where you are, Calum? They will kill you if they find you here.” Evita grabbed his wrist and began pulling him back towards the cave, but Calum stopped her and pulled away.

“I have not seen the light of day in almost three days, Evita. I only needed a few moments to breathe it in.” Calum scowled at her, acting as though she was worried for nothing.

“You are Rolonian, Calum. Our kingdoms quite literally hate each other, and you are willing to risk your life for a bit of sunlight?” Evita was almost in tears she was so angry with him.

“And what does that say for us?” Calum asked.

“What?” Evita’s voice was thick with confusion.

“Do you hate me because I am from Rolon?” He asked, the wind blowing around the dark curls on his head in a hypnotizing way.

“I do not hate you, Calum. Would I be keeping you here, safe, if I hated you?” Evita squinted through the suns rays to look up at his face.

“Then please stop letting our Kingdoms dictate how you feel.” Calum looked at her a moment longer, then began walking back towards the cave.

“This was about you and how you have no care for your own life!” Evita said as she followed after him, his long strides almost leaving her behind.

“Do you expect me to hide in this cave for the rest of my days, Evita? There is no way for me to even get back to Rolon. Do you not see this?” Calum turned around quickly to face her, stopping Evita in her tracks.

“I…I just thought we could get you home somehow. Many boats leave this port every day. One of them would surely get you closer to Rolon.” Evita touched his arm gently, he did not pull away this time.

“Do I not get a choice in the matter?” Calum says lowly, his tall frame coming closer to hers and engulfing her in the salty smell of his skin.

“What else would you want?” Evita asked, her head lifting slightly so her eyes could meet his. The gaze between was intense and thick.

“Perhaps I’ll stay with you.” He whispered, fingers ghosting up the seam at the front of her dress and stopping when they reached the part of the dress covering her breasts. Evita could barely swallow she was so nervous.

“You do not want to live in this cave forever.” Evita’s voice barely came out as she watched his fingers continue their path over her exposed chest and neck.

“That will depend.” Calum stepped up again, pressing the front of his body against Evita’s until she was backed against the wall. She was warm and soft, more so than Calum imagined she could be.

“On what?” Evita swallowed thickly, voice shaking. She knew this was wrong, that she should push him away. But there was not one inch of her body that truly wanted that.

“Do you want me to stay?” His forehead pressed against hers gently.

“We know nothing of each other, Calum. How could I ask you to stay here?” Evita sighed, her hands coming up and pushing softly against his chest until he moved to the side for her to step away. She needed to breathe in air that was not filled with his scent.

“All right then, my lady. Tell me everything I need to know.” Calum sat down on the ground next to Evita’s bag of things.

“It is not that simple.” Evita laughed.

“It can be, if you are not afraid to let me in.” Calum raised a thick brow, testing to see how she would react. Evita sighed again.

“Where do I begin?” She said, sitting down next to him and passing him some food from the bag she carried with her.

“Tell me how you became a maid in Elverston castle.” Calum took a bite from an apple, a playful smile on his face as he tilted his head and listened to each word she had to say. Evita hated that she was still lying to him about who she really was.

Evita told him everything. Everything that did not have to do with her being a lady to the princess. She told him about her parents and how they had so tragically been taken from her during the bloody battle. She told him about her love of reading and art, though she did have to explain that she had taught herself to read because maids were surely not allowed to learn to read in the castle.

Evita spent many weeks telling Calum about her life. And he doing the same for her. His parents had also been taken during the battle, and he had become a musician for the King of Rolon only recently. It was his first trip on a ship, entertaining the sailors and those of higher authority on their long journey across the ocean. He told her how Rolon was much warmer than Theoria. The sun was always shining there and the sands were whiter than snow most days. Evita could tell he missed those things when he spoke of them so fondly. The two of them were beginning to realize that they were not so different.

They would lie together, reading books back and forth, sharing their favorite passages and quotes. Calum was always sure to make Evita laugh with his stories and swoon with his flawless singing voice. Bathing in the ocean in the middle of the night with only a lantern to see was not ideal, but it was the only choice Calum had, and he wanted nothing more than to drag Evita into the water with him instead of having her keep watch on the beach. He was completely enamored by her and the way she stayed so strong throughout her struggles. She also had something that he considered a ferocious sweetness, and he wanted to spend his life finding out exactly who she was going to be.

Evita had grown to enjoy the sound of Calum’s laugh and the quiet snores that escaped his lips when he napped with his head in her lap on particularly dreary days inside the cave. His wounds were healing perfectly now, the stitches had formed scars beneath them, but she had to admit that they were well done. She allowed herself that small sense of pride.

Touches between the two of them became much more frequent. Brushing of fingers, lingering hands, and eye contact that never stopped. It was overwhelming to Evita at times, the way he effected her so deeply. It was frightening to a certain degree because the more she got to know him the more difficult it would be to let him go when he inevitably had to leave Theoria for his own safety.

After spending yet another entire day at the cave with Calum, Evita dressed for bed and climbed into bed with more worries than she had ever hoped to carry with her. She untangled her hair and kicked the covers around until she was able to get comfortable. Her stained glass window was cracked open just slightly, letting in some cool air.

“Evita!” She heard someone say, but it was barely audible. Evita thought maybe the exhaustion was starting to get to her, so she closed her eyes and turned her body away from the window.

“Evita!” Her name was quietly shouted again, and this time she was sure that she had heard it. She quickly scrambled off the bed and opened her window a bit further to look outside. Before she could take a step out onto her balcony, small pebbles began popping up over the railing and dinging against the glass.

“Stop that!” Evita said, attempting to keep her voice down as she carefully made her way to stone railing and peaked over the edge. “Calum?!” She said too loudly, he hushed her from below.

“Could I come up?” He said innocently.

“You have no care in the world for your own life, do you?” Evita could feel that her eyes were bulging wide and her skin was flushing hot from the sudden fear washing over her.

“I only wish to be with you.” Calum said, pushing his salty curls away with his fingers.

“How did you even know this was my rooms? You could have woken up the king and queen for gods sake!” Evita paced the balcony, her hand pressed against her forehead.

“I was merely lucky I suppose.” Calum teased, knowing she was feeling the stress of him being so out in the open. “Will you let me come up or shall we continue talking out here?”

“Hurry then.” Evita finally said after a moment of thought. What else would she do? She watched as Calum scaled the lattice work with expert ease, throwing his legs over the railing until he was standing right in front of her.

“Are you angry with me?” Calum asked, standing in the doorway of the balcony.

“Angry? Calum I am not angry, I’m terrified that someone will find you here and take you away from me. Why would you do something so risky?” Evita continued to pace the room.

“I do not wish to cause you any worry, my lady. But the closer you and I become, the harder it becomes to be away from you.” Calum moves to where Evita is pacing and gently grips her wrist to stop her in her steps.

“It is a feeling I know all too well.” Evita’s voice shakes as her eyes rake over his fingers wrapped around her wrist.

“Then let me stay. Just for the night. I’ll return to cave on the beach before anyone else in the kingdom is awake. Just…please let me stay with you.” His dark eyes that seemed to hold a whole other universe inside them pleaded with her to give in.

“Calum…I just don’t think that…” Evita’s words were cut off with lips. Calum had closed the gap between them so quickly she barely had a second to process what was happening. “What do you think you’re doing?!” Evita said a little too loudly, pushing against Calum’s chest.

“Kissing you. Or so I thought.” Calum steps away, giving her space.

“You cannot just kiss me out of nowhere! No warning. And who was to say I even…” She’s cut off once more by Calum’s lips covering hers and swallowing her words. This time, Evita let herself feel him.

Calum was gentle as he parted her lips with his own, his hands sliding from her soft neck and over her jaw in the lightest of touches. His nose brushed back and forth over hers as their lips slotted together with the sweetest of sounds escaping Evita’s mouth. The gentleness of this kiss rattled her to the core. She had never kissed anyone else, and now she knew that she would never want to kiss anyone but Calum. She could feel an indescribable sensation burrowing its way through her veins and burning in the pit of her stomach as he pulled her closer and let his tongue swipe into her mouth. Evita’s knees went weak when she used her own tongue to smooth over the seam of Calum’s lips to move with his. He groaned deeply when Evita finally let herself touch his chest and slide up into the curls at the nape of his neck. His lips felt as if they were scorching Evita’s lips and skin. They heated her blood and set all of her senses on fire. Calum’s breath shuddered against her parted mouth, sending little shivers of pleasure darting through her in a rapid motion.

“I have never felt such a heavenly kiss.” Calum pecked her lips a few more times, making Evita smile at the action. As he continued to lean in for more.

“How many kisses have you had?” Evita pulled at his neck until Calum pressed his forehead against hers.

“Not many.” Calum said quietly. “And absolutely none that meant as much as that one did.”

“That was my first one…the only one.” Evita bit her lip, her cheeks turning pink.

“Your kisses have saved my life. I am only here because of you, angel.” Calum kisses her again, Evita’s breath getting lost on his lips as her eyes fell shut.

“Calum…I…I have not done any of this. But I want to…with you.” Evita said when their kiss chapped lips finally parted.

“I will not pressure you. Most wait for marriage…” Calum brushed his knuckles over the supple skin of her chest and exposed skin of her breasts that spilled from the top of her sleeping dress. Chills spread over Evita’s body like the hottest wildfire.

“That may not be an option for us, Calum.” She played with the leather string that held the front of his cream colored shirt closed. His face went through a few different emotions as he processed what she had said, then sighed when he came to the same conclusion.

“Is this what you want? You want me?” Calum asked, his eyes searching hers.

“It did not take long for me to know this was what I wanted. I may have tried to push it away but I have never been more sure of anything.” Evita’s fingers tangled into the leather string of his shirt again, pulling them downwards until his lips were on hers again. The kiss only lasted a moment, but it was full of reassurance.

“Come sit with me.” Calum said when the kiss had ended, taking her hand and leading her towards the bed. Evita did not hesitate to move with him. “Do all of the maids get their own rooms in Theoria?” He asked as they sat down on the soft blankets. Evita froze for a moment.

“This is…this is just temporary. I’ll be back in the maids quarters soon.” She kept it vague and hoped that Calum did not press for more information.

“I see.” Calum could tell she was hiding something but did not feel that now was the time to dig into it any deeper.

“Will you touch me?” Evita asked, her heart beginning to pound as she scooted closer to him on the bed.

“There will not be an inch of you that I do not touch. But I thought perhaps you would want to touch me first.” Calum untied his shirt as he spoke, removing the material over his head when Evita nodded for him to continue.

“You are…so beautiful.” Evita laughed lightly, embarrassment flooding her cheeks when Calum smiled at her compliment.

“No one has ever called me beautiful.” Calum told her, tossing the shirt to the floor and turning his body more towards her.

“Then the right people have not seen your bare skin.” The words were a whisper as Evita reached out to place her palms on his shoulders and move into his lap with her knees on either side of his hips. This was not a position a lady should find herself in, but she just needed to be closer to him. Calum smiled again, hands moving to her hips to steady her as she settled. The silky material of her sleeping dress bunched between his fingers.

“Tell me, my lady, would you marry me if our kingdoms were not sworn enemies?” Calum asked, watching Evita’s face as she thought about her answer.

“Marriage is merely a ceremony, is it not? Just an excuse for a party that neither of our families could afford. But if you are asking me if I love you enough to do such a sacrament, then the answer is yes.” The words came pouring out and Evita knew that she had possibly said too much.

“You love me, angel?” Calum sat up straight, pressing his chest flush against Evita’s, his grip tightening at the middle of her back as he held her close.

“I do, Calum of Rolon. Of course I do.” Her hands hold each side of his face as they swallow each others labored breaths.

“My love for you is the only thing that has made sense since the moment I arrived in Theoria. I woke up in that cave every day for months knowing that I would see your face…and it was so easy. Living was so easy when it meant I was going to see you again.” Calum began to explain. Evita knew that Calum was not a man of many words, but when he was willing to open up and share these parts of himself, Evita always made sure to listen intently.

“It should not feel as right as it does. But I do not wish to fight it any longer.” Evita wrapped her arms around Calum’s neck and his rough hands slid up her thighs until they were able to slip beneath the material of her sleeping clothes. She was not afraid for him to touch her this way, she welcomed it completely.

“I will always take care of you.” Calum pushed the thin material of her dress up until Evita lifted her arms and let him pull it off of her completely. She was bare beneath it, and he could not stop himself from soaking in every inch of her. Perfect breasts that fit perfectly in the palms for his hands. Soft skin on her stomach and hips that reminded Calum that he was luckiest man in all the lands.

Their lips found their way back to each other in a series of more heated kisses. Evita began to think that she had no idea what breathing even was anymore, and that she surely did not want to remember if it meant she had to stop kissing Calum. He held her close, moving them up on the bed and moving her body beneath his own. He sat up on his knees between her legs and removed his trousers in a quick motion. To say that he was well endowed would have been an absolute understatement, and Evita knew that things were going to have to go much slower than she wanted them to.

Her small hand wrapped around his ridiculously hard cock out of curiosity. Calum’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as he buried his face into Evita’s neck. His reaction urged her to continue the action more, letting her fingers ghost up and down the shaft until his hips were searching for more friction.

“Will this hurt me?” Evita asked, her voice soft but unafraid.

“I think that it will be uncomfortable. That is why you must tell me to stop if it is too much. I love you far too much to cause you pain.” Calum kissed her heated cheeks and lowered his body down so they were pressed together.

“I trust you. I want this to happen.” Evita wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled Calum closer. The wetness that had been gathering between her legs becoming evident and making him bite into his bottom lip. His fingers moved between her legs, pushing in just slightly.

“You are soaking here, all for me.” Calum whispered the words against the shell of her ear, his teeth nipping at the lobe.

“How do you know just where I need you?” Evita moaned as his touch continued.

“Your body knows me…and mine knows you. I would know exactly how you needed me without ever being told.” Calum’s fingers slipped deeper and Evita’s back arched from the bed.

“I am not sure I can wait much longer to have you.” Evita’s desperate words were as sweet as honey, and Claum knew he could never deny her a single thing.

“Relax yourself. Try not to tense up. I’ll go slowly so you can adjust to me.” Calum moved down her body slightly, pressing kisses to her breasts. Evita’s chest heaved with her quick breathing.

“I love you.” She told him, eyes falling closed when she felt him begin to enter her. Calum made sure he went as slow as he could, the tightness of her making his body feel as if it was in a complete frenzy.

“Are you alright, my love?” He asked, his arms shaking slightly as he held himself up and looked down at the beautiful woman beneath him.

“Yes.” She breathed. Evita felt the ache, the dull sensation between her legs. When Calum slowly began to move, it hurt even more. She wrapped herself around him tightly, burying her face into his neck and biting down lightly. Calum groaned loudly at the sensation, his hips sputtering for a moment.

“You feel like heaven.” He said against the shell of her ear. Evita let a few small moans fall from her lips while tears threatened to spill out the corner of her eyes. She chose not to speak, in fear that her voice might shake and she did not want him stop what he was doing. “Look at me, angel.” He said sweetly.

“I’m always looking at you.” Evita finally said, her head leaving the crook of his neck to meet his eyes. Calum’s lips were slightly parted and his brow was furrowed in concentration. Evita knew he was holding back for her.

“How will I ever leave you when I’ve had you this way?” Calum said, his breathing picking up. Evita laced her fingers into his hair and pulled him down into a kiss. It was a kiss that was meant to soothe his thoughts. To confirm that somehow they would always have each other.

Evita knew that Calum was coming to his end. He adjusted himself on the bed so that he was as deep inside of her as he could possibly be. She praised him with quiet words encouragement in his ear and crescent shaped fingernail markings on the middle of his strong back. His release came quickly and almost unexpectedly but that feeling in itself was perfection. The warmth of him ran down her thighs while his tongue lapped at her neck and jaw as they both came down together.

“Calum?” Evita said, hands exploring his sweaty skin.

“Hmm?” His head laid against her chest where he presses lazy kisses.

“Are you afraid?” Evita asked.

“Yes.” He did not need her to be more specific. He knew exactly what she was referring to. But part of him hoped that leaving her would just never become an option. Somehow he could stay with her forever.

Right now, there was no time for fear. There was only this moment and the two of them. So they did not move, just stayed where they were on the bed and fell asleep together without any more words shared between them.

The loud and heart stopping noise that came ringing in through the windows the next morning were enough to jolt Evita and Calum both straight up in bed. It sounded like cannon shots off in the distance, and the yelling of soldiers nearby outside. Evita wrapped a sheet around her body as she scrambled out of bed and rushed over to her window.

She could see ships off in the distance. Ships with red flags flying high on their masts. Red flags meant that Rolon had returned to Theoria. Evita’s heart began to race as she realized this would be Calum’s chance to return to his kingdom. Maybe his only chance. She stood frozen as Calum came up behind her and looked outside to see the ships.

“They came back.” He said, swallowing thickly. “I was not sure that they would.”

“You must go. You…you should go home.” Evita tightened the sheet around her body and moved past Calum to begin getting dressed. Before she could drop the sheet, Calum was back at her side grabbing onto her elbow and pulling her back to face him.

“Do not do that. Please. Do not close yourself off.” Calum cupped her face with his other hand.

“I did not think they would come to take you from me so quickly.” Evita sighed, tears threatening to spill over.

“This is coincidence. They have not come back for me alone, I am just a musician, remember?” Calum’s eyes were wide as he watched her face.

“When will I see you again?” Evita asked, her heart pounding.

“I would never be able to stay away for long. I’ll return for you. And I will bring you back to my kingdom with me.” He was so sure of himself. That somehow that could be different for them.

Calum kissed her hard on the lips, Evita’s head lulling back slightly from the impact of their mouths. Calum pulled away just as quickly, rushing around the room and gathering up his clothes. He tripped over his feet as he quickly put his feet through the legs of his pants.

“You’ll be safe?” Evita followed him as he walked towards the balcony window, worry aching in every muscle of her body.

“To get back to you, I will be the safest.” He smiled as he slipped into his shirt, opening the window all the way and walking out onto the balcony. His eyes went back and forth between Evita and the ships on the horizon.

“I’ll wait for your return.” Evita leaned against the railing as Calum began hoisting himself over the side. Their eyes meeting with realization that this was possibly the last time they would see each other.

“It will be with as much haste as possible, my love.” Calum reached out and cupped her cheek that was wet with tears. Each time he called her ‘my love’ made her heart grow ten sizes.

“I love you, Calum of Rolon.” Evita stepped up closely, foreheads pressing together.

“And I you.” They kissed once more, sweet and sealing with promises to see each other again. And then he was shimmying down the lattice work to the ground, looking back up at Evita one more time before Calum was running towards the beach and out of Evita’s sight. It was a sight full of heartbreak and utter uncertainty

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