#so i could meet with them less frequently. say once a month | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mochroialainn · 26 days

Text

Despite everything

Title: Despite Everything Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy Characters: Sebastian Sallow x reader Plot: Despite everything he did, despite everything he said to you, the months of pain caused he caused you. Some part of you still saw the good, saw the kind and the caring and the protective. Most of all you still saw the hurt and the pain he suffered, so despite everything you gave him back the one thing he loved most in the world. His sister . Themes: Angst, hurt/comfort Warnings: Asshole Sebastian, mild hurt/comfort, love confessions, fem!reader. Word count: 6,769 Notes: This is based in 7th year, all characters are ages up to 18. I also have yet to finish the game, so please excuse any errors! This also got very out of hand very quickly and I apologise for the length

Golden light filtered through the windows of the Sallow home in Feldcroft illuminating everything inside in a warm honey glow that gave Anne a feeling of hope as she watched the person who had slowly became her best friend over the past year and a half, fiddle with her wand, twirling it between her fingers and twisting and turning it absentmindedly as her eyes scanned over the piece of parchment in her hands.

It was an unlikely friendship, but one that was true and ran deep. It was a friendship built on trust and love and seeing every part of the other. For too long all people saw in Anne was her illness, the dreadful curse that had taken over her life too long. They pittied her and feared her at the same time, they didn’t want the same thing to happen to them and even though it wasn’t contagious people tended to stay clear of her. But [name] wasn’t like that, she saw Anne wholly for who she was. She saw her as a person rather than her illness,

She saw the Anne that many thought was lost the day she was cursed, she saw the daring adventurous girl she once was. [Name] always revelled in reading and hearing the stories of Anne and Sebastian when they were children, their mischieviousness and the trouble they would get into, she proclaimed one day that Anne and Sebastian were probably the reason Solomon had grey hairs, causing the two girls to fall into a fit of giggles.

And Anne saw [name] as more than the Hero of Hogwarts, she saw past the facade of strength and courage to see the crumbling girl beneath who carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. The girl who was suddenly whisked into a world of magic and was the only one with the power to stop it from crumbling. She saw the vulnerability and the fear hidden deep below the mask. But she also saw the kindness and the protectiveness, saw it in the way she spoke of her friends. Of Ominis and Sebastian and how she would have burned the world to the ground if anything were to happen to them, and those two boys were the most important people in her life and as soon as she saw how [name] cared for them she was quickly added to the list.

Since their initial meeting, the girls had sent each other countless owls back and forth and [Name] would visit Anne any time she could, though her visits became less frequent towards the end of their 5th year. Anne had asked about in her letters, saying she missed [Name] and even tried to sweeten it by saying that even Solomon missed her because he loved the way Anne’s eyes would light up anytime [Name] was around and he was happy she had a friend like her. Something had changed,she just didn’t know what and though [Name] never divulged the information she had a feeling it was to do with her stubborn, hard-headed brother who couldn’t see a good thing if it him in the face with same force as a bludger.

It was during the summer of their sixth year that Anne finally pulled the information from Ominis who had come to see her and Sebastian. Sebastian and Solomon had gone off to do some shopping, the pair slowly mending bridges together, and Anne had asked Ominis about [Name]. She had noticed the way he fidgeted uncomfortably, pulling on his sleeves and chewing on hislips nervously. After much pestering from Anne’s side, Ominis had finally relented and told her what happened.

About her working with a goblin and Sebastians reaction, him calling her ignorant and icing her out as if she had never meant anything to him. To how he was treating her like she meant nothing to him, like she didn’t even exist. And Anne swore if she could she was going to beat her brother black and blue because she was simply the best thing to ever happen to him. Ominis had sensed her getting worked up, the tension and heat in the room rising, and he had let her know that Imelda Reyes already landed a punch on Sebastian that landed him in the hospital wing with a broken nose and Gareth Weasley had accidentally spilled a potion on him that made him smell like sour milk for 2 whole weeks. That had got a chuckle out of her and Ominis promised to tell [name] that she should come visit and that was enough for Anne.

So [Name] did just that, she and Ominis conspired with Anne and Solomon to have her go over when Sebastian wasn’t around so the girls could talk. It was during one of these visits that [Name] revealed she hadn’t stopped looking for something to help Anne, even if she couldn’t find a cure she wanted to find something that could illviate the pain and make it so Anne could return to Hogwarts. Anne was gobsmacked when she said it, not wanting her to loose herself in the dark magic the same way Sebastian had.

That was when [name] explained to Anne that she wasn’t going anywhere near dark magic ever again, her use of it had left her scarred and broken and she was still putting herself back together with the help of her friends, and she revealed her connection to ancient magic and how she could wield it. She told her of Isidora taking the pain away from her father and how Sebastian had damn near lost her mind when she refused to do it. She explained to Anne she simply didn’t know enough, she had seen what happened to Isidora and those she claimed to help by taking away their pain and she was not prepared to take Anne out of one torment to throw her straight into another. She had to study it more and she didn’t care how long it took but she would find a way to help Anne that didn’t involve dark magic or Isidora’s method.

[Name] always kept Anne informed of her research, telling her what she had learned and the progress she had made even if she was only half a step closer, she also told her stories of Hogwarts and the spells they were learning how the more she researched healing the more she wanted to become a healer. This continued for over a year, the two becoming best friends and sneaking around Sebastian but never mentioning him, both recognising the pain he had caused [Name], and to now.

It was two weeks before the end of summer and [name] returning to Hogwarts for the 7th and final year. She had spent most of her summer researching and working and perfection and finally, finally she found the last bit she needed and as soon as she had confirmation from Anne that Sebastian was out of their home and would be gone for a few hours she used floo powder to travel to the Sallow home where had been pacing and re-reading for the last hour as Anne watched on amusedly, hope blooming in her chest.

Finally [Name] folded the parchment that had been in her hand up and returned it to her pocket and faced Anne with a smile. “Are you ready?”

Anne nodded and whispered a quiet “yes” just loud enough to [Name] to hear, but it was all she needed to hear. If Anne was ready, so was she. She stood beside Anne’s bed, the point of her wand nearly touching her hair line, she spoke a soft encatation the tip of her wand glowing blue, the familiar surge of ancient magic flowing through her and making her feel feather light.

Moving the wand slowly down Anne’s forehead a trail of light followed from the first point, she stopped at point below between Anne’s eyebrows she repeated the incantation again and another pool of light followed as she repeated the steps again moving her wand down Anne's body, stopping at her throat, the center of her chest just slightly right of her heart, at the base of her strernum, at her belly button, and finally at her feet, the trail of light following the path.

Once she finished the last incantation, he moved her wand once again, placing it directly above Anne’s heart a repeated another incantation this one different can causing the magic to spread out around Anne until every inch of her body was covered in the brilliant blue of ancient magic. The tip of [Name]’s wand dug into the soft flesh of Anne’s chest, not hard enough to cause pain but enough for it to be felt and for her to control the magic working its way through Anne’s body with a lot more precision and she closed her eyes.

It was an intense feeling, being able to move and see the magic rolling through someone's body. Being able to locate the curse that had buried itself deep inside Anne. She found it quite quickly, seeing it as dark, throned vines that had twisted itself around Anne’s nervous system and rooted right in her heart. Slowly, [Name] started untangling the vines using her magic to weaken their grip on Anne’s body, pulling them away and covering them in the light of ancient magic causing them to wither and wilt away, she started with the vines twisted around ther nerves slowly killing them all before moving on to the organs and then the muscles and finally to the root of the dark magic lodged inside her heart. This one was a little trickier and required a lot more care and patience, slowly she pulled at the roots, pulling them out one by one and killing them until only one remained and then until none remained.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and and removed her wand from Anne’s chest, the light at the end extinguishing as the ancient magic around Anne faded. The golden light that had been shining in the room previously had gone, now the room was illuminated in a silver hue the full moon outside the window shining on the two girls and providing the only light in the room.

“How do you feel?” [Name]’s voice was soft, exhaustion making its home in her body as her muscles started to feel heavy and her brain started to fog. She knew the magic would take it out of her, knew it would leave her exhausted but she wouldn’t let Anne see that, she would only worry [Name] had done too much at once and fuss over her.

“I feel… good.” Anne smiled, the pain she usually felt gone, the tension in her muscles easing. Breathing was easier and her chest felt light for the first time in years, she took a deep breath and reveled in the fact that it didn’t hurt. A smile quickly came to her lips as she sat herself up, back leaning against the headboard, tears pricked at her eyes as the joy took over and she couldn’t help but let a few slips past and a joyous laugh feel from her lips. [Name] started tearing up as well, reaching out to take Anne’s hand as she mumbled out ‘thank yous’ between the tears.

“What are you doing here?” An angry voice cuts through the sobs of Anne and causes both girls to whip their head to the door to see Sebastian standing here his face red and nostrils flared as he glared directly at [Name]. The girls eyes widened as she stood in shock, she knew there was always a risk he would come home but she thought she had enough time to leave before he did but the spell must have took much longer than she thought. She wanted to apperate out there and then, to disappear and not face the angry face of the boy she still cared so deeply for despite everything. Beside him Ominis stood, his hand outstretched across Sebastians chest to stop him from charging forward.

“Sebastian…” Ominis’ voice was a stern. It was a warning to his friend not to do anything stupid or in anger. Sebastian simply growled in response placing his hand on Ominis’ and pushing his friends hand away as he stalked towards [Name].He was taller than her now, she remember being able to look him in his eyes in 5th year but he had shot up in 6th year and now he towered over her, eyes cold and harsh as he glared.

“What.are.you.doing.here?” His voice was harsher than his glare, the sound of it actually struck fear into [Name]’s heart as she strugged to come up with a response. The exhaustion had fully sank in now, her muscles were giving in on her and she could feel her legs shaking, barely holding her weight up and her head felt like it had been submerged underwater and everything seemed so far away and so close all at once. Her chest constricted, breathing hard to do as every breath felt like a sharp pain. Her body was starting to shut down, she needed to rest and if she didn’t leave soon she was going to collapse.

Anne’s hand left hers and instead grabbed Sebastians, drawing his gaze away from [Name] just in time as she tumbled slightly backwards. Anne saw it happened from her periphery, the way [Name] was struggling to standing and seemed to sway from side to side, but she knew she needed to calm Sebastian down before she could help her friend.Sebastian’s glare softened slightly when he turned to his sister and the hand she wasn’t holding closed over the top of hers in comfort. “Sebastian, she was helping me. She found a cure.”

Sebastians eyes widened at her words, the harshness melting away and making room for shock instead as his eyes darted between Anne and [Name]. “What?” His words caught in his throat,a lump forming and stopping any more words from coming out as he eyed his sister up and down and reached out to cup her cheek and rub it gently with his thumb. Anne nodded her head as a confirmation that it was true, “I’m cured Sebastian.”

That was the last thing [Name] heard before she hit the floor, the exhaustion finally taking over her body and rendering her unconscious. Ominis jumped at the sound, eyes immediately landing on the spot where [Name] had fallen, his hand was in his hand leading him to hear before Sebastian could even mutter a word or get close to her. His hands were gentle as he felt for her arm, fingers moving slowly down until he reached her wrist he pressed into it gently a relieved sigh leaving his lips as he felt the her pulse. “Sebastian, go get Solomon.”

Sebastian nodded and released Anne’s hand and face, rushing down to get his uncle. Anne slowly moved from her place on the bed, so used to being careful with her body to join Ominis on the floor and placing [Name]’s head in her lap as she ran a hand through her hair gently and placed her forehead against hers as a silent thank you for what she had done through she knew [Name] couldn’t feel it. Sebastian and Solomon quickly returned, Solomon’s shock of seeing Anne up and not in pain quickly being replaced with mild panic at the sight of the unconscious witch in her lab.

“We need to get her to a healer, now”.

༺═────────────═༻

When [Name] awoke she was in the hospital wing of Hogwarts, Matron Blainey standing over her with wand in hand as she did some basic checks on her body. “Ah, look who’s awake”

“Matron Blainey? How did I get here?” Confusion clouded [Name]’s mind, the last thing she remembered was Sebastian towering over her, his icy glare piercing through her entire body. It hurt to try and remember anything else, she tried to sit up but Matron Blainey placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her head gently.

“You’re exhausted dear, you’ve been unconscious for two days. Solomon Sallow brought you in alongside a very healthy looking Anne Sallow who explained you had used ancient magic to cure her.” [Name] lay back down, head hiting the pillow with a soft ‘thump’ as she out an exacerbated sigh, she hated being confined to a bed and not being able to move. More than that she wanted to see Anne and make sure she was still okay. Matron Blainey placed a hand atop her forehead as she continued speaking, “the magic you used exhausted you and caused you to collapse in the middle of Anne’s bedroom. Solomon tried to find a healer in Feldcroft but they were of gathering supplies and so he apperated you here, he was just lucky I was doing some final checks before the new school year started”

[Name] nodded her head gently, the movement causing immense pain in her head as her body finally registered the aches flowing through it, including the migraine that was now blaring right behind her head. “And Anne?” Matron Blainey took out a wiggenweld potion and gently had [Name] drink it, “For the pain”

She capped the empty potion bottle before turning back to the station beside the bed and lifting a hot towel and laying it gently against [Name]’s head. “She’s good, I checked her over myself and she seems to be in tip-top shape thanks to you. In fact I believe they are currently speaking to Professor Black about her returning to Hogwarts after the summer.” A smile broke out onto [Name]’s lips which Matron Blainey returned, “Now rest. Your parents have been informed of what has happened but I want to keep you here for observation for a bit longer”

Relief filled [Name]’s body, it had worked and Anne was okay with that, she closed her eyes and feel into a deep slumber.

༺═────────────═༻

[Name] spent 3 more days in the hospital wing, most of it she spent sleeping and recovering under the careful eye of Matron Blainey who informed she had quite a few visitors, Anne for one was coming almost daily alongside Ominis and they spoke to her as she slept. Talking about how excited Anne was to get back to Hogwarts and how she would have extra assignments to do to catch up, she might have to do an extra year to complete bother her O.W.L.S and her N.E.W.T.S but she didn’t mind as long as she was back. Matron Blainey told her Ominis usually just watched Anne talk but joined in occasionally mostly just to vent about his summer had been terrible with his family and catching up with Anne. She had also said Solomon had visited a few times and when asked about the flower at her bedside, the matron had informed her that Sebastian had left them it was beautiful bouquet of blue hyacinths and daffodils.

[Name] was shocked Sebastian had came, he hadn’t spoke to her in over a year and a half and openly spoke bad about her to friends, berating her and undermining her skills and efforts and yet here he was visiting her and leaving flowers. When Matron Blainey commented on the blue hyacinths and daffodils being an unusual combination, [Name] had simply replied, “In the language of flowers, blue hyacinths are a symbol of remorse and sincerity and daffodils mean forgiveness and hope”

The flower choice was deliberated, Sebastian knew [Name] had a small fascination with the language of flowers and had spent time in her 6th year learning it with Professor Garlick, she assumed he had gone to either her or Ominis for advice on the flowers to use. But she appreciated the sentiment all the same. Matron Blainey had simply nodded her head and commented that he must be trying to apologise for something incredibly bad if he was going to such length. Though she didn’t verbalise it, [Name] definitely thought ‘you can say that again’.

After the 3rd day in the Hostpial Wing, [Name] was allowed to return home and get ready for the upcoming school year, it was only a week and a half away after all. Her parents fussed over her a little, making sure she was okay before scolding her softly for beingso reckless with such a powerful spell and then they told her how proud they were of her for what she did.

The week and a half leading up to school was uneventful, she got owls from Imelda, Poppy, Garteth and Anne about the upcoming year and she answered them all as quickly as she could. She was excited to start the new year, learning new spells and polishing up all her other spells and skills but yet one thing niggled in the back of her mind, a constant thought that never seemed to disappear no matter how hard she tried to push it away. That thought was simply Sebastian Sallow.

She didn’t know what to think, didn’t know what to do about the curly haired boy. She had loved him since 5th year, even after he called her ignorant and began ignoring her. Began speaking bad of her to anyone who would listen, he had broke her with that. She thought he had cared about it, at one point thought he loved her like she loved him but that didn’t seem to be the case. And then he goes and sends her a bouquet of forgiveness and turned her mind upside down once again with thoughts of him. Whatever thoughts she had of him and wanting to forgive him though were pushed to the side, she had spoke to Imelda and Poppy in her letters about what happened and they both had the same sentiment that flowers were not enough and an apology and they would want more, well Imelda would want him to beg for forgiveness while Poppy would want more of a show of remorse and though she might not agree with how they want the forgiveness to be asked for, she agreed he need to earn her forgiveness and the flowers were simply not enough for him breaking her heart. So as she boarded the Hogwarts express, she pushed all thoughts of him to the side and joined her friends in a carriage to have a proper catch up of what they did over the summer.

༺═────────────═༻

It was two weeks into the new term and Sebastian still hadn’t made a move to properly apologise to [Name], instead he just stared longingly at her across the tables in the Great Hall and in classes watching as she laughed and smiled with her other friends, with Gareth Weasley. The sight of the red-head making her laugh filled him with jealousy, jealousy that was undeserved mind you and he knew it. He knew he had no right to be jealous,[Name] wast his and she never was no matter how much his heart called out to her . He was the one that pushed her away, he was the one who couldn’t see past his anger and his stubbornness to see she was only trying to help and by the time that word got to him that it was Rockwood who had cursed Anne and not goblins it was too late, the damage was already done. He didn’t think there was anything he could say now that could make her forgive him, even if Matron Blainey had told him she adored the flowers and took them home with her, somewhere deep in his mind told him she would never forgive him and that part of him always won over the side that told him to at least try.

A ‘smack’ to the back of his head brought him out of reprieve and he turns to his sister in shock, eyes wide and a look of ‘what the fuck was that for’ flitted accross his face. Anne simply huffed and crossed her arms over her chest and she stared at her brother incredously, “You can’t be serious?”

The look of shock turned to a questioning one as he looked at his sister, “What?” Beside Anne, sat Ominis who rolled his eyes at his friends denseness, the action was almost in synch with Anne’s as she face palmed and rolled her own eyes. “You are such a dumb ass Sebastian Sallow”

“What for?” Sebastian knew he did a lot of stupid things, a lot, but he genuinely did not know what his sister was talking about until she motioned towards [Name] and raised an eyebrow, “You still haven’t talked to her?”

Anne knew he hadn’t, [Name] had told her as much the night before as she, [Name], and Imelda sat in around the fire in their dorm rooms gossipping. Imelda made a comment about how he didn’t deserve forgiveness anyway which caused the other two girls to roll their eyes, Anne knew where Imelda was coming from. She knew [Name] didn’t solely rely on her for female friendship and Sebsatian was her brother so she didn’t want to bring her problems about him to Anne and Imedla had stayed up many nights holding a crying [Name] in her arms as she got through the heartbreak that was loosing Sebastian Sallow, she was the one who helped her pick up the pieces of her broken heart and slowly glue it back together.

But Anne knew her brother, knew he wanted to apologise. Wanted to fix things. He was just stupid and stubborn and an absolute fool when it came to manners of the heart. Sebastian cast his eyes down to his hands, fingers fiddling together as he avoided Anne’s intense gaze and shook his head. It was strange to see him so demure, so shy, he was usually so confident about everything. Thats when Anne knew he didn’t know what to do.

She let out a sigh and dropped her hand to his, prompting him to look up at her through his eye lashes, “Just tell her how you feel Sebastian before you loose your chance.” As she said that, his eyes looked up at your again just in time to see Gareth tucking a strand of hair behind your ear and subtly glance down at your lips as if he wanted to kiss you. A pit formed in Sebastians stomach, the jealousy now turning into something tangible and real and dangerous, he couldn’t loose you. Not to Weasley, not to anybody. He stood from his spot at the table quickly, and abruptly stormed out of the room the dramatics of his actions drawing attention from the other slytherins near him.

“What’s gotten into him?” Imelda asked as she eyed his back, Ominis’ simple response was “he finally grew a pair” causing a chuckle to leave the mouths of the surrounding slytherins, including Anne.

༺═────────────═༻

A haggard sigh slips through [Name]’s slips as she walked into her dorm room, the light of the lanterns illuminating the space in such a way it feels homely and welcoming, it's a comfort of a home away from home to come back to at thend of a long school day, Imelda sits on her bed, booked surrounding her as she studies and scribbles away on her parchment. It seemed the only time the quidditch captain and prefect had to study as in the early morning dawn before the sun even kissed the sky before quidditch practive and at dusk as the moons silvery moon starts to illuminate the black lake in an etheral light before she has to attend her prefect duties. She glances up at [Name] briefly offering a small smile and pointing to the other girls bed with her head, “There’s something on your bed”

Confused, [Name] turns towards her bed and walks towards it cautiously afraid one of the other slytherins had got the wrong idea and thought she was an easy target for a prank. Instead of an ill-fated prank on her bed there is a bouquet of flowers, a plain velvet box and a note. Her fingers trail over the bouqert gently, this one is fuller than the one at the hospital wing full of wisteria (her favourite flower), carnations, and tulips. She smiles gently and lifts the bouquet, taking a smell of the flowers and letting out a content smile. The flowers were symbolic once again, wisteria is associated with long life and love, carnations meant deep affectionate love, and the red tuplips were usually conveyed that a person was your one true love.

Conjuring a vase, she places the flowers inside them as her heart hammers inside her chest, feelings she thought long forgotten bubbling to the surface as she turns back to her bed and lifts the velvet box and opens it. She gasps gently as she pulls out a gold chain with a beautiful moissante heart, she turns it over in her hands admiring the beauty and craftsmanship of the piece and an inscription catches her eye, ‘tuum in aeternum’, her heart beat quickens once again as her latin lessons finally come in handy as she quickly translates the phrase in her mind to ‘yours forever’.

Tears start forming in her eyes as she places the necklace back in its box and slips it into her pocket before reaching for the note, its simple and reads ‘im sorry. Please meet me in the undercroft tonight at 12 - S.S’. She lets out a shuttering breath and blinks the tears back, she didn’t know what to expect if she went. Didn’t know how she would react to him. To speaking to him again, with the way her heart was beating and how touch she was at the gifts he gave her she didn’t know if she could stop herself from immediately throwing herself into his arms.

Imelda’s voice pulls her out of her rolling thoughts, “Who’s it from?”

Clearing her throat, she turns to Imelda and looks back down at the card her voice coming out as barely a whisper, “Sebastian…” Imelda doesn’t ask for more information, she knows she doesn’t have to instead she just raises and eyebrow and waits for her friend to continue, “He wants to meet tonight at 12.”

At this Imelda rolls her eyes and placed her quill down, she was going to chastise her friend for breaking curfew and going back to Sebastian when he didn’t deserve it but the look on [Name]’s face as she stared at the small piece of paper has her biting her tongue. She see’s the hope in her eyes that this might be their chance at reconciliation, that they could make up and she sees the love there as well. The love her friend had pushed so far down inside of her Imelda worried she had stopped herself from feeling the motion ever again and she lets out a sigh. “Let me know what corridor you need clear and I’ll keep the other prefects away”

༺═────────────═༻

[Name] would have to thank Imelda a million times over for this, she knew her friend didn’t hold Sebastian in high regard after everything that had happened in 5th year and she still held the memory of Imelda turning round and socking him right in the nose when she heard him speak badly of [Name] for the first time. It shows that Imelda cared, despite how prickly she could be. As Imelda promised, the corridor leading to the UnderCroft was clear, giving her a clear path without the risk of any prefect seeing through her disillusionment charm. Standing before the entryway to the UnderCroft [Name] takes a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves bundling up inside of her and turning her stomach into knots.

After removing her disillusionment charm, she takes a few before she feels fully confident in going down and as she descends her hands roughly card through her hair and they start picking at the skin around her nails in nervousness. They let out another shuddering breath as the doors open to the UnderCroft, their heart feels like it's about to beat out of their chest as they take the first step out and the knots in their stomach seems to deepen to the point that they feel nauseous and that feeling only intensifies when she see’s Sebastian leaning against on the pillars with his arms crossed over his chest and his head facing the ceiling, eyes closed in contemplation.

He looked so handsome, he had always been handsome but something about him was different. She realised she hand’t really looked at him since that day in 5th year, after all she had been avoiding him, but his jawline had gotten sharper and there was an air of maturity around him that she hadn’t seen before. She knew he was taller, he had towered over her in the Sallow home in Feldrcoft after all, but he was broader too. He had well and truly grown into himself and he was so devestaingly handsome it almost killed her.

His eyes opened and his head snapped towards her, his gaze was piercing but not the way it was in his home. Then it was full of anger and it had scared it. This time, it was different. It was as if he was looking right through her, like he was staring straight into her very being and could see how nervous she was. His eyes also held something else, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on but it was gentle and kind and as his gaze went over her entire body she felt like she was being draped in warmth and comfort, the same kind of feeling she got on a stormy day and she wrapped herself up in blankets with hot chocolate and a good book.

She takes a step closer to him and he does the same, they stay silent as their eyes take each other in fully for the first time in a year and a half. Sebastian wasn’t the only one who changed, she had too. She had changed her hair style, courtesy of Poppy’s advise, and it shaped her face beautiful and accentuated her features, the shape of her eyes, the slope of nose, the plumpness of her lips and he wanted to reach out and kiss her. And though she didn’t grow quite as tall as he did, she had grown some and with that growth came other changes that he would be ashamed to admit he noticed, the plumpness of her hips and thighs, it made her hip dips more noticeable and made her look even more beautiful.

He would never admit it to anyone, he barely admitted it to himself but he had spent many nights dreaming of how her body would feel in his hands, her silk skin against his and her bare thighs pressing against his, her bare chest pressing against his. He had spent many sleepless nights fantasising about having her because he believed it would never really happen.

They take a few more steps towards each other until their standing toe to toe, they stand in silence for a bit the only sound being their breathing and they don’t move, they simply bask in each others presence. Sebastian is the first to move, he takes one of her hands in her own and presses a gentle kiss to knuckles before muttering “You’re absolutely beautiful.”

Blush quickly seeps over [Name]’s face, dusting her cheeks rosy pink, “And I am an absolute fool.” His other hand comes up to cup at her cheek and he rubs gentle circles into the apple of hit as he continues, “I couldn’t bear the thought of loosing you to goblins. Of falling into their schemes and traps I thought you were abandoning me for them, I thought you had given up on me.”

A sad smile form on [Name]’s face as she reached her own hand up to cup the one Sebastian has on her cheek, “I never would have abandoned you Sebastian”

“I know. But I’m stubborn and hardheaded and a complete and utter asshole.I felt betrayed and I was hurt and angry and I thought by hurting you I would hurt less. I thought if I could convince you to hate me it would be easier for me to hate you for betraying me. But it wasn’t.”

He lets out a shuttering breath, his words soft as he speaks them. Almost as if someone else will here them and his words are only means for you, “It was the hardest damn thing I ever had to do. Acting like I hate you. Like I hated the ground your walked one, when in actuality I wanted to worship it. I wanted to worship you.”

[Name] turns her head slightly and kisses the palm of the hand holding her cheek, urgin him to continue, “You are simply amazing, a powerful witch in your own right who could kick my ass in a duel anytime. But you are also sweet, and kind and compassionate, you are the most courageous peson I know and you protect and care for those you love. You are better than I am in every way and I am so undeserving of you and your love. But I love you, I love you so much that it hurts. I have loved you since your first day in Defense Against the Dark Arts when you kicked my ass in your first every duel, that was the day I gladly ripped my heart and placed it in your hands for safekeeping and I thank Merlin every second of every minute of every hour or day that you decided not to crush it. My heart is and always be your eternally”

“Tuum in aeternum” [Name]’s whisper is soft and finally she recognises the look in his eyes, the one that felt like warmth and comfor and home, it was love. Sebastian always kept a mask on, acting cool and collected and calm, his true emotions rarely shining through his carefully built facade to keep people from getting too close, but for her, for her, he dropped the mask and his walls he had built to keep his emotions to himself were crumbling before her very eyes.

His eyes brightened at the recognition of the phrase and he can’t stop his excitement seeping through, “You got the necklace?”

[Name] nodded her head and pulled the velvet box from her pocket and opened it, the moissonite twinkling below the torches in the UnderCroft. “I did. Will you help me put it on?” He quickly nods and she hands him the box as she turns and pulls her hair out of the way, his hands are gentle as he places the necklac against her chests and clasps it at the back of her neck. She turns back to him and cups his face gently in her hands.

“Despite everything, despite the pain you put me through this past year and a half, I still and always will love you Sebastian Sallow. My heart has been yours since you took the fall for me with Scribner. I have seen the dark sides of you but I have also seen the light.I have seen the kind and caring person you are, how much you love and care for Anne and Ominis and how you would burn the world down to protect them. You are not wholly bad Sebastian, you are good too and you are deserving of love and more. I am still hurting from what you did to me, but I forgive you”

Shock covers his features and Sebastian is quick to wrap [Name] in a tight embrace,pulling her close against his chest and leaning his head into her shoulder, “I will spend every minute of every day making it up to you, I promise you that.”

Sebastian pulls away from the hug and quickly ducks down to place a chaste kiss on [Name]’s lips, testing the waters for how far he can go. He goes to pull back but she is wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him back for more, their lips crash together in a passionate kiss and as they pull apart again they both whisper the same words “Tuum in aeternum”, their solemn vow to one another to love each other, eternally.

#hogwarts legacy x reader #hogwarts legacy x mc #hogwarts legacy one shot #hogwarts legacy angst #hogwarts legacy hurt/comfort #hogwarts legacy x fem!reader #hogwarts legacy x female reader #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian sallow one shot #sebastian sallow angst #sebasian sallow hurt/comfort #sebastian sallow x fem!reader #sebastian sallow x female reader

168 notes · View notes

ashotofogdensoldfirewhiskey · 1 year

Text

April 12: Argue

Day 12 of @hinnymicrofic

She’s arguing with her mother, equal parts terrified and furious, trying to get her to see reason, when she feels him walk up behind them.

Their reunion certainly isn’t what she’d fantasized about since he left - Harry’s only looked at her once since she arrived. Rather than happy, he’d looked haunted to see her, like the very sight of her struck fear into his heart.

He appears older, though she can’t pinpoint what about him has aged. Perhaps it’s that he holds himself like an adult, now, commanding some sort of attention and respect without asking for it. But the dark circles beneath his eyes and the frequent journey his hands take through his hair points to a bone deep exhaustion and a steep toll that the past year has taken.

She needs to fight with her family, with him. Her mother can’t possibly fail to understand that, can she?

On some level, she recognizes the vague innocence her mother is trying to protect, some ideal notion that children ought not to be involved in wars. Well, they ought not to be, but they are. Ginny is involved. Has been since she was 11, despite the fact that her family seems to conveniently forget it at every opportunity.

Ginny hasn’t forgotten.

The delusion of protecting her from any of this should have been abandoned at the first drop of ink in that cursed diary. How can they expect her to sit back, to watch as everyone she loves puts themselves in danger to fight a battle that is more personal to her than to any of them?

But Mum’s still telling her no, and you can’t, and you’re too young, like fighting a war would be a more reasonable thing to do in three month’s time, so Ginny turns to Harry, hoping to find an ally - that he’ll understand better than anyone the need to act, to protect.

She meets his gaze and her heart sinks into the floor.

He’s looking at her like he’s a marionette and she’s the last string holding him upright, and then he shakes his head.

She only turns away from him when the tears sting.

She can’t believe he’s asking this of her, but it’s the asking that does it. His eyes aren’t saying no; they’re saying please. He’s not telling her she’s incapable, or she’s too young for this; he’s simply begging her to stay out of it. She resents the way she can read his every thought, because perhaps if she couldn’t, if she loved him less, then she could have ignored his silent plea: I can’t do this if you’re here.

His appeal works where no one else’s would have; she’s made friends with the fear in his eyes, has lived with hers since he disappeared from the wedding. She accepts it; doesn’t argue any further. He has a job to do, after all.

He’d better go and do it, then, and come back to her. Because she needs to tell him afterward that it isn’t fucking fair that he’s begged her to protect his heart while hers is pumping frantically in the palm of his hand.

#hinny #DH Ginny POV #hinny microfic

192 notes · View notes

genericpuff · 6 months

Note

I followed artsangel since her previous comic immaterial. I have to say she IS talented and has the skills. But her style is verrrrry time consuming and she would only update every 2 weeks. I used to study her art a lot because I was always impressed by it, and Im fairly certain it did not look like like that when it was on canvas. I used to see her progresses on her stories and she uses a lot of assets and predrawn faces to keep her consistent pixar look. The faces were less uncanny and more expressive. Now the eyes are all wonky and displaced.

I think she may have used ai to polish her panels. Perhaps the workload proved too much, or maybe she was feeling insecure. I was concerned when she got picked up by webtoon because I could tell it would be difficult for her to keep up the schedule. Ai is super powerful but its not powerful enough to make a COMIC, not even consistently. She probably using it as an enhancer to her already great skills. A shame though, she doesn’t need it.

Also I think the reason her preproduction period was so quick is because she was highly prepared before launch. She already has multiple comics under her belt and webtoon probably didn’t need to change much. Im sure she just reused her canvas comic for her reboot and built a buffer in the meantime.

Having to meet deadlines can definitely be a reason but not an excuse IMO.

One creator I can think of who has a similar style (albeit in black and grey) is figmentforms, creator of A Tale of Two Rulers.

Updates are slow, she posts maybe a new page once a month, the art is gorgeous but it's clear it takes her time. It's a free to read comic. It's worth the wait.

That said, if she wanted to make her updates more frequent, I wouldn't blame her at all for utilizing new tools and methods to do so - but it wouldn't justify her in using AI tools that are stealing other people's art.

There are loads of shortcuts that artists already use that are fine because they're still genuinely handcrafted. 3D models, overlay textures, blur effects, etc. are all tools that artists use to help speed up the drawing process and were made by hand.

And beyond that, the need to make the process more efficient isn't a crime, but it's in how you do it. You can use these tools irresponsibly or at the cost of your own comic's quality. Case in point, Lore Olympus and Let's Play, which are both godawful in how they implement 3D backgrounds and stock images:

Creating comics is finding a balance between efficiency and quality, not sacrificing one for the other and using it as justification to avoid criticism for that sacrifice.

If Sarah Ellerton was using AI based on her own art and being honest about it, I don't think anyone would be nearly as upset. It might prompt a debate over what's ethical in the world of comics - whether or not it's right for consumers to pay for a product that's being churned out of an AI prompt - but at least it wouldn't be theft and it would probably just be there as an aid to an artist who's been doing this for 20 years and had to find a way to make the process more efficient. I think AI can be used as a productive tool if it's implemented responsibly and without being at the cost of another artist's work.

The issue is that 1.) Sarah is being VERY suspicious over the whole thing which leads us to believe that she's NOT using ethical AI assistance, and 2.) there's a VERY clear distinction near the end of her previous comic, Immaterial, where you can basically tell when she adopted AI. The main character Alex, for example, literally became a whole other person.

This is a common problem for AI coloring prompts, a LOT of them are bad at rendering darker skin tones (I think I mentioned this in my last post, but I literally got to playtest AI coloring tools from WT's a couple years ago, and they could NOT figure out darker skin tones, any dark colors that were put down were assumed to be shadows so characters just looked like white characters with the curtains pulled over their face).

She just looks like a SamDoesArts poster girl now. Everything unique about her has been stripped away and you can see this transition in the final page of Immaterial and the first episode of Quantum Entanglement:

None of it feels like organically her, it feels like a cheap machine reproduction.

I don't doubt that this person has evolved a lot as an artist or that her older work was genuinely her, she's clearly got a lot of skill that only someone who's been drawing comics for years would gain.

But it's clear somewhere along the way she succumbed to insecurity or stopped caring enough to start using AI to do the heavy lifting. I mean honestly, her work from before was fine! So I don't see why she would be using it for 'polishing', there are so many ugly ass webtoons on the platform so even the art from Immaterial - even if she had to simplify it a bit more to make it easier to meet deadlines - would likely be a refreshing change of pace.

But the way she's utilized AI here, I was quicker to assume Sam Yang drew Quantum Entanglement when I first saw it.

And it is a shame, because, as you said, she doesn't need it. Her art is perfectly capable on its own and while I can understand her need to make the process more efficient, there are better ways to do that than using AI that's clearly ripping off other artists and then lying about it. It's a shame she'd put her reputation on the line as a seasoned artist just to meet Webtoons' stupid deadlines. Like, how can it be worth it?

#quantum entanglement #webtoon critical #anti AI

88 notes · View notes

rorywritesjunk · 30 days

Text

Let’s be one another’s present tense

Buggy ‘rescues’ you from an abusive situation, and after a less than stellar introduction, he has you audition for his crew to keep you safe. You want safety, security, and joining a circus seems like the best idea.

Rating: Soft NC-17 for this chapter. Warning: Communication is a THING. These two are trying. Buggy is mopey. They're working on it, okay. Talks of sex, some touching happens, Cupcake needs her man. A/N: Still dealing with relationship stuff.

Title comes from “Crater Lake” by Lady Lamb

Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 + Chapter 3 + Chapter 4 + Chapter 5 + Chapter 6 + Chapter 7 + Chapter 8 + Chapter 9 (NC-17) + Chapter 10 + Chapter 11 + Chapter 12 + Chapter 13 TAGLIST: @lostfirefly @neuvilleteismybby @fluffybunnyu @sinning-23 @the-angriest-angel @ane5e @fanshavegottensotoxic @honey-deerling

Chapter 13

The two of you took a ‘break’ from what you had been up to for a month, instead going back to more simple sex. Buggy still thought writing up scripts was the way to go, but you were neutral on the idea. While you understood where he was coming from as it was to make you more comfortable, it felt like maybe some of the fun and spontaneity was taken out of it, which you told him when he brought it up again one night, leading to an argument.

“It’s for your benefit!” He insisted as he held out the blank sheets of paper to you. “I don't want you upset again!”

“Buggy, I appreciate it but I don't think it's going to work!” You told him from your spot on the bed, refusing to take the stack from him. “Why does it have to be a script? Why can't we just write out some things that are not okay to say?”

“Becaaaaause!” He whined pitifully. “What if I upset you again? Baby, I don't want to make you cry!”

“If we talk things out we’ll be okay.” You sighed as he pouted at you. He looked silly, face still full of makeup, hair pulled back in his bandana, lips pouty as he looked down at you with the papers in his hand. He kept trying to get you to take it from him, which you knew if you did it meant the possibility of him wanting to write out extravagant scenes of sex that could either be incredibly cringy or incredibly arousing, you weren't sure.

“Okay, okay, here's my suggestion.” You finally said. “We can try it once and if it ends up working then great, but if it doesn't we don't do it. How does that sound, babe?”

Buggy stopped pouting long enough to think it over. He could win you over with the idea, he just had to make sure the first time was perfect. He didn't want to be the reason you cried.

“Okay, fine.” He agreed. “I'm going to write the most mind blowing sex scene for us, babe. You will be begging me to fuck you.”

“I kinda already do, Buggy.” You reminded him. “Frequently, I might add.”

You knew Buggy had focus when he wanted it and right now he was the most focused you'd ever seen him since meeting him and you were the center of it. He was laying on the bed on his stomach, kicking his feet as he stared at you with a stack of paper in front of him, scribbles, words, things crossed out were scattered across them as he chewed on the end of his pencil while you sat back against the headboard knitting a hat. It was evening, the two of you dressed down for the night with him in boxers and you wearing one of his shirts to sleep in. It wasn't worth sleeping naked in case either of you had to get up in the middle of the night for an emergency.

“Might as well illustrate what you wanna do, babe, since you've been staring at me for so long.” You said, not looking up from your project. “ What are you planning in that head of yours?”

“Oh, you'll find out.” He grinned, reaching over with the pencil to tap you on the foot lightly. “You'll love it.”

You glanced over at him, nudging his arm with your foot gently. He grabbed it and kissed the top of it before he returned to his papers.

“You like me being fearsome, so I gotta make sure I'm like that for you.” Buggy said as he wrote some things down. “And I love what you do for me, y’know, all that shit you say. The filth that comes out of your pretty mouth is so surprising, babe.”

“Aw, well, I'm glad I can surprise you.” You grinned, setting the knitting aside before stretching out on the bed in front of him, laying on your side as you propped your head up on your hand. “So, what do you have so far, Buggy?”

He looked at you, down at the scribbled pages, then back at you. “Nothing… yet! Art takes time, babe, you can't rush the process!’

“Okay, okay.” You chuckled softly. “Just let me know what you need.”

Buggy shrugged as he looked back down at his papers. He just wanted it to be perfect. He didn't want to see you upset like that again. He didn't mean to upset you that day; a month had passed but it felt like yesterday. He was determined to make sure you two could still continue what you had been doing but without anyone feeling put out. With a sigh he wrote some things down again before tapping the pencil against the paper.

“Would it help if you said out loud what you wanted to write?” You suggested. “I won't say anything, I'll just listen.”

He shrugged again, crossing something out again as he mumbled, “I just want it to be perfect.”

“Babe, I love you and I'll love whatever you write out, okay?” You assured him. “It's not like we’re going to have an audience, y’know, so don't worry.”

“Still.” He frowned and crossed his arms in front of him, resting his head on them. “Just want it to be perfect.”

You sighed and reached over to run your fingers through his hair gently. This was something you had been worried about, that he would stress about it more than he needed to. You got up and crawled over to him, pushing him onto his back before settling on his thighs. He looked up at you curiously, his hands moving to rest on your thighs as you placed your hands on top of his.

“Here's the thing, babe. I love when you fuck me.” You started to tell him as your fingers laced with his as you looked down at him. “You are sweet, gentle, and caring and I love that about you. And I also love it when you're rough and when you tell me all the things you'd do to me if only we had time.” You grinned down at him. You always loved seeing him under you. “Y’know, about making sure I can't walk for a few days, how you'd fuck me ‘til I'm seein’ stars and your name is the only one I'd know after you're done wrecking me.”

“Fuck, Cupcake-”

“Yes?” You pulled your hand free from his and reached down to touch his cheek. “I can stop if you want. Just let me know, okay?”

“Mm, no, no, it's fine, just…” He turned his head to kiss your palm softly. “Give me a sec, babe.”

You nodded, stroking his cheek softly as you moved your other hand to his chest, sliding your palm over his chest slowly, running your fingers through his chest hair, occasionally tugging at some of it.

“I love you, Buggy.” You murmured as he nodded, taking a deep breath before he sat up suddenly, arm wrapping behind your back to keep you from losing your balance from his movements. Your hands went to his shoulders, steadying yourself as he pulled you in for a kiss.

“You fuckin’ better.” He growled, catching you by surprise. He grinned, keeping you close as you stared at him. “Aw, babe, did I startle you? You thought you had me all relaxed and cozy under you, thinking you were in charge.”

“Yea, um-”

“Shh, shh, don't talk, baby.” He murmured, tightening his hold on you as his free hand moved between your bodies and between your legs. “This is okay, yea? Tell me this is okay.”

“You um, just told me not to talk, Buggy.” You assured him, digging your nails into his shoulders as his fingers dipped between your folds. You had opted not to wear underwear, just out of laziness, and you were glad you didn't. “But, um, this is okay, really.”

“Good.” Buggy grinned as he touched you, teasing you just enough that you were squirming in his lap. “What should I do to you, hm? Keep touching you like this, or should I watch you fuck yourself on my cock while I sit back and watch?”

“Oh fuck.” Honestly, you didn't care. He was touching you so carefully, fingers circling your clit, brushing over your entrance, the gentlest of touches, when really you just wanted him to get to fucking you. You let your head drop onto his shoulder, letting out a pitiful whine before he was tutting and shaking his head.

“No, no, I need to see your gorgeous face.” He scolded gently. “Cupcake, baby, do I need to back you into a corner to get you to look at me?”

“Gimme a second, Buggy!” You huffed at him, digging your nails into his skin as he pressed his finger in slowly. “J-Jus’ wasn’t expectin’ this.”

He grinned, his hand still while you took a deep breath. You didn’t anticipate this happening, but you weren’t complaining. You just wanted him to relax, to stop worrying about every little thing, and if him taking charge like this and teasing you until you wanted to scream then fine, you could cope with him slowly pushing his finger in, barely to the second knuckle, whispering to you how much he loved you, that you meant the world to him, that he was going to fuck you slow tonight, take his time for sure until you were a mess underneath him.

And he did pull his hand back to flip you onto your back, looking down at you. Buggy had no filter. He couldn’t stop himself as he looked at you, wearing his shirt, spreading your legs for him. He suddenly blurted out, “Will you marry me?”

That was not what you were expecting to hear.

#buggy the clown #cupcake x buggy #opla buggy the clown #buggy the clown x reader #buggy the clown x you #buggy the clown x oc #buggy x reader #buggy x you #buggy x oc #opla buggy the clown x reader #opla buggy the clown x you #opla buggy the clown x oc #opla buggy x reader #opla buggy x you #opla buggy x oc

28 notes · View notes

soubi122 · 1 year

Text

Breakups

Breakups are hard, you weren't expecting to be broken twice in row by the same person...

Warnings: MDNI (minors do not engage), both parties are adults, unprotected sex, slight angst if you squint, smut, mentions of murder, spoilers if you have not read the Tenjiku arc.

Hanma Shuji was notorious for his callus behavior, his demeanor was nothing short of boorish. The man smoked anywhere he felt like it, did anything he wanted, fucked who ever he wanted and beat the shit out of who ever he wanted. He was known for his strength and also known to have no mercy on his opponents. How did you cross paths and how did you end up falling for him?

“I'm leaving Shuji.” You say teary eyed as you pack your belongings. He couldn't even bat an eyelash at your worlds. “Whatever doll…” There was no ounce of care or respect on his tongue. It burned, much more than you thought - it was as if he was putting his cigarette out on your skin. The moment you walked out that door it felt like you were shattering into a million pieces. Things weren't just the same anymore.

You met him when he was a loner, never one to keep company or friends but for some reason you always ended up stuck with him or under him. It was a relationship where things just came to be. You moved in with him after a year together and it was always entertaining. There wasn't a dull moment between you too. Whether he was trying to get your sweets in public or if he was throwing fists - there was always a spark. The adrenaline rush sometimes gave you a high you didn't even know you needed until you met him. There was always that question looming over everyone's head, what is a sweetheart like you doing with a demon like him? He wasn't one for emotions but everything changed when he met Kisaki Tetta. He became much more of an asshole than he already was. The devotion that he had for Kisaki was making you feel as if you meant nothing to him. Worse was when he got involved with Tenjiku, he followed Kisaki through hell and back. But he wouldn't do the same for you, even when you asked him for the simplest things - it was always 'I don't have time for that', 'how dull', or your favorite - 'Kisaki is waiting for me'. Enough is enough, with a heavy heart you made the choice to walk away from him, you were nothing more than a stubborn ache in his head that he couldn't wait to get rid of.

“Finally, you know your place…” A familiar voice said when you walked out of Hanma's apartment. It was none other than Kisaki, the cause of your dismay and heartache. “He's all yours you little shit…” You retorted and bumped shoulders as you made your way down the block. The ache in your chest was becoming unbearable, what was years of breaking down barriers was all gone in less than 6 months after meeting Kisaki.

Months passed by and there was no sign of Hanma anywhere. You saw the news, there were three deaths in the Kanto incident. One of them happened to be Kisaki, the demon who ended up getting Shuji tangled in murder. He was an accomplice to Kisaki in the death of an innocent girl who happened to be none other than the younger sister of Sano Manjiro. You only met once, but it was enough to make your heart sink. By the looks of it, he was on the run and with nowhere left to go - where would he go?

You looked for him day and night, asking around the sketchier side of town if they'd seen a man with tattoos on his hands, but of course he was a wanted man - no one dared to cross the reaper. No one gave you any clues or answers. Concerned with his safety, you tried putting yourself out there so that he could come find you. As much as you knew it was wrong, you knew that if the authorities, Mikey, or worse - the man with the dragon tattoo on his temple got a hold of Shuji, you’d never see him again. Leaving behind notes in places where he used to frequent was another way to try to get him to find you. "He might just kill you too (Y/N)." A friend said when they caught wind of you searching for your ex boyfriend. You gave up after months of him being MIA.

A year later…

What a shit show, your clients were completely out-of-hand today, your bosses made you stay late, multiple coworkers called in sick, you almost had to punch a client for getting too handsy. You were walking home from work late at night and the quiet fear of someone following you started to creep up on you. Turning to look over your shoulder, you saw nothing - just an empty street with flickering lamp posts. It was unnerving as you would have preferred to see someone, just so you know you're not crazy.

When you finally made it home, you unlocked your door and stepped in, exhaling a sigh of relief. I need to change my hours, this is ridiculous… Your train of thought was disrupted when the lights weren't turning on. The cherry on top of your disaster sundae. Walking around blindly in the dark, you began cursing yourself when you tripped on a pair of shoes that were in the hallway. Your hands were reaching for all the light switches but it was no use. It looked like your unit lost power. A small creek coming from somewhere in your apartment made you spin around blindly in the darkness, trying to focus on what was in front of you. “He-” You began but immediately stopped yourself, recalling all the horror movies you've seen before, it was always the person who called out 'Hello', that got killed first. Quietly, you backed away from the hallway and into the living room. You were going to call your neighbor for help, just in case there was really someone in your apartment.

The moment you turned to face the doorway, you were met with a tall figure blocking your exit route. Your blood ran cold, making you freeze in place. Their heavy footsteps echoed louder in your ear as the figure began to come closer. The stench of cigarettes perforated your nostrils and you thought you were going to die. This person must have been in the middle of the robbery when you got home. The flicker of a lighter made you flinch, the yellow-orange light was too dim to make out who was in front of you. You could only catch a few details, he was tall, had a hoodie over him and had long hair. The hood drooped over his eyes, you couldn't tell if he was looking at you. His other hand moved slowly upward, he held a cigarette and lit it up. You could hear him inhale and the tip of the cigarette burned red - the combination of the lighter and cigarette light illuminated his hands. You felt your stomach drop when you noticed the signature tattoo… The person standing in your home was none other than Hanma Shuji.

“Shuji…?” You asked carefully, your feet were still cemented to the ground as a chill ran up your spine. “It's been a while, doll…” He said as he pulled his hood back, allowing you to see his face for the first time in over a year. His hair grew out, blonde streaks framed his face and even at this distance you noticed the dark circles under his eyes. For a man who has been on the run, you were almost certain he was at his wits end - he would only come to you if he had nowhere else left to go.

He began to close the distance slowly and carefully. Knowing you weren’t stupid enough to make any sudden moves, he was more worried about you trying to punch him more than anything. “What are you doing here? Why are you here?” You tried to choke back your fear, it’s been so long - you weren’t sure if this was still the same Shuji you knew. “I need a favor.” Hanma asked with a bit of discomfiture. Struggling with how to respond, you half wanted to wrap your arms around him and the other half wanted to shove him out of your apartment. “I can’t…I’m living with someone.” You lied through your teeth to try and get him out of your apartment, if you get caught harboring a criminal then that was it. Kiss your work goodbye and that life you worked so hard to build - it would have been for nothing.

The snicker that escaped his lips made you pout, he sounded the same and it always created a spark regardless of the situation. Hanma took a drag from his cigarette and was now inches from your face, he exhaled the smoke through his nostrils and had a grin on his face. “You live alone dollface.” Damn it, you wished he didn’t know that, you were hoping he’d take the bait. It looks like he had taken a look through your apartment prior to you getting home. “I’ll be quiet and out of your hair in a few days.” Those beautiful golden eyes remained bright, they never dulled - sucking you in. “I-I don’t know Shuji…what if someone sees-” You were met with a long slender finger pressed against your lip, silencing your next words. “Like I said, I’ll be quiet and out in a few days…” If only you had taken up the offer of having a roommate, you would have not been in this situation.

Stepping back, you muttered an ‘ok’. A small sigh of relief could be heard from him. You never thought you’d ever hear an expression of worry or concern from him. He really was at his wits end. “Did you do something to my power?” You ask a little annoyed that you were still in the dark with a pretty much a total stranger. Hanma began to walk away and into your closet in the entryway where you breakers were, he flipped the switches and the lights came back on. It felt as if someone was shining a flashlight in your face, you screwed your eyes shut and winced. The heavy footsteps came close again, when you opened your eyes and adjusted to the light, you finally saw him. The dark circles under his eyes were noticeable, he lost weight and his fingers looked a little boney.

“You look good (Y/N).” He said while smirking at you, admiring your curves and the low cut blouse you were wearing. The pink that dusted your features became visible to him, he always knew what to say to make you feel self conscious. “Go shower, you smell like beer and cigarettes. There is an extra toothbrush in the bathroom drawers. I’ll bring you some clothes too.” You say while turning away from him, you needed an excuse to move away from his sharp eyes. He grinned and began to make his way to your bathroom. Truth is, he knew you had kept some of his clothes, he knew you kept spare stuff in your home just for him. Call it a gut feeling, that or he had already snooped around your apartment long enough to take notice. “Keep the shower head in place please - I know you’re tall but if you move it, you’ll flood my bathroom.” You said while pinching the bridge of your nose. Your shower had a frameless door that covered about 65% of the entryway.

The moment he was out of sight, you walked into your bedroom and collapsed on the soft mattress. What the hell were you thinking allowing him to stay here? He could kill you, he could rob you, he could strangle you in your sleep - oh god, what if he sets your apartment on fire while you’re sleeping? After a few minutes of arguing with yourself you got up to grab a towel and his old clothes - you really only used them while at home but could never bring yourself to throw them out. When you stepped out of your room, you noticed that the bathroom door was cracked and you could hear that the shower was on. He’s in already? Good - I don’t want to face him. You think to yourself as you knock on the door. “Shuji? I’m coming in to leave a towel and some clothes out for you.” He stayed quiet. Mentally, you rolled your eyes at his non responsive ass. By the looks of it, he already knew where the extra stuff was - the toothbrush was already out and used. I guess he really was looking around your apartment before you got home. Through the foggy glass, you could see his silhouette and long hair that reached his shoulders. Fuck, now was not the time to get excited. As much as you denied it, you couldn’t help but think about him when you were alone at night. Sometimes wearing his clothes to bed had you feeling whole, almost as if he was there with you, but the thoughts turned into desire, you’d end up pleasuring yourself when your thoughts ran wild. The thoughts began to make your legs quiver and warmth spread through your core. Thinking about what he was up to, where he was and who he was fucking - it made a knot in your throat and butterflies in your stomach. Soon the bitter taste that lingered on your tongue would snatch you out of bliss.

“(Y/N)?” Hanma asked as he peaked around the edge of the glass, you quickly turned around to face the door to avoid him catching you daydreaming. “Y-Yes?” Crap! You stuttered on your own words and he was quick to catch on. “You’re out of soap…” Huh? That’s not possible, you were almost certain that you replaced the bottle in the shower a few days ago, there was no way it was empty. “Um, there is some extra under the sink…” You say and begin to walk out, but are stopped by him calling your name out again. “Don’t wanna get your floor wet…can you get it for me?” You couldn’t see that lazy grin he had plastered on his face but you could already imagine it. Exhaling in annoyance, you kept facing towards the door and took a few steps back to reach the cabinet door under the sink. When you grabbed the bottle, you stood up and extended your arm back for him to take the soap. “I can’t reach.” Hanma was seriously testing your patience. “Are you kidding me? Those fucking long ass arms of yours can’t reach?” You retorted and took a step back to get closer.

His hands brushed against yours when he reached over to take the bottle from your hands. It felt like electricity coursing through your veins, you almost - almost turned around to face him. “Thanks dollface.” Hanma said coyly, he was taking advantage of you looking the other way so that he could rake his eyes over your figure. Things that he never appreciated about you made his member twitch. You were always too kind, compared to him - you were a saint, an angel who had mercy on a devil.

After exiting the bathroom, you closed the door, making sure there was no way to see him exposed. You didn't know how much more you could take, your core was throbbing and your heart was pounding. If you could, you would go back there and…NO! He made his choice…You think to yourself as you peeled your body away from the door.

Stepping into your bedroom, you began to undress and change into your comfy clothing. It was already 2:00 a.m. and you were ready to just call it a night. A soft knock on your door made you jump and quickly finish changing - “Yes?”, he could hear you shuffling around in your room. “Got anything to eat?” Of course, the first thing he would ask for is food right after a shower, like always. He hasn’t really changed. “You are more than welcome to raid my fridge.” You said while stepping out of your room in your loungewear. Shorts and a tank top, it wasn’t anything flashy or sexy, but oh how you just lit a fire in him. Oh how he regrets letting you walk away that day. He could feel his cock begin to harden at how pretty your skin looked, he wanted to touch it, bite it and mark it.

“Shuji?” You asked, feeling a little uncomfortable at how his eyes traveled along your chest. When he refused to peel his eyes away, you scoffed and turned around to get back into your room to find a sweater or robe to wear. Hanma realized you were planning to hide away and walked in right behind you. The heavy footsteps made you spin around and you were now face to face with him. “Don't…” The low and heavy tone made your heart skip a beat. His word was laced with hunger, it was more of a demand than a request. It felt like you were rooted in place when he got closer, leaning in to ghost his lips on your neck. He could hear your breathing become unsteady, you wanted him more than you were letting on. Your scent was like heaven to him, you never stopped wearing that perfume he said he liked on you. The warm amber, vanilla and sandalwood notes had him intoxicated, memories of you underneath him began to play in his head.

“Shu…” You began to back away but were met with long slender arms being wrapped around your waist, pulling you in. “You're so beautiful, dollface…” He said while nipping at your neck. It made your breath hitch and a light moan escaped your lips. God you could feel his member throb and twitch against you as he left open mouth kisses on your neck. “No one comes close to what you feel like…” Hungry hands began to roam your back and waist, his calloused fingers were tracing your spine and dipping below to grip your hips - it made your breath hitch when he squeezed a little too tight. “Ow, Shuji - stop.” You pleaded but he pushed you backwards, making you fall back into the mattress. He had you pinned beneath him with his mouth latched on to your neck, sucking on the skin and leaving purple marks. It hurts too much to ignore the pain in the pleasure, to ignore the heartache that was running rampant in your chest. “Babe, stop!” In one motion you shoved him away from you, the tears in your eyes were now streaming down your face and he took notice. He was too busy devouring your neck to even feel the fat tears roll down your cheek. You didn’t realize what you just called him but oh how he caught that in an instant, there were still lingering feelings for him.

“You don’t get to just break into my apartment and expect me to act like nothing happened! I can’t act like you didn’t break my heart, I can’t act like you weren’t involved in a murder!” Those last words sounded too harsh, even for you - it made you clasp your hands over your mouth. So that’s what this was about, in his mind you were still bitter about him choosing Kisaki over you, he wasn’t even thinking about murder being the reason why you pushed him off. “Still being a bitch about me leaving you?” The smirk on his face made your heart drop, he thinks that he was the one that ended it? That he’s the one who called it quits? No, he was not about to try and belittle your feelings again.

“I fucking left you, you asshole! I walked out that door and you did nothing to stop me! Even after all I did for you, I gave myself to you-” Hanma was quick to cut you off. “I didn’t ask you to give yourself to me, babe.” The rancorous words felt like someone throwing acid in your face. Why did Hanma even decide to come here? He was responding the only way he knew how, like an asshole. Was it really that easy for him to think that you were going to bend to his will or that you were going to lovingly open your heart for him? “Why the fuck did you come here Shuji?” You spat back. There was a glint of pain in his eyes. He didn’t want to admit it but you were his last choice. When he saw your figure walk down the street a few days ago he was reminded of the days spent with you, how you were the only one who opened up to him and didn’t use him. The memories of having his hands wrapped around your throat while he fucked into your warm and tight walls, and seeing you smile as he did - it sent him over the edge. It was truly the only time he felt peace and maybe even love, but he had his head too far up his ass to even realize it. Once Kisaki was out of the picture, he knew he had nothing left.

“Get off of me Shuji…” You muttered while covering your face with your arm - he didn’t deserve to see you cry over him. Seeing you fall apart for the first time was clouding his judgment. He should have walked out of your apartment, there was a high chance that you would report him to the police if he stayed but the way your chest was heaving up and down - he couldn’t bring himself to leave you.

Hanma leaned in and you feel the strands of long hair cage your face, he nipped your bottom lip while gently moving your arm away from your face. He wanted to see your pouty face and etch it into his memory. Those golden eyes were like rich pools of honey, sucking you in just like before - as much as you wanted to resist, it was futile. The moment he reached to cup your face, you caved in and pulled him in by the collar of his shirt. The kisses were delicate and slow, growing hungrier by the second as you bit his lower lip - making him growl into the kiss. “Were you not happy with me?” You asked between kisses and sobs, you thought about him almost everyday and wondered if he was thinking of you. If he would have come back to you sooner, you were almost a 100% sure you would have ran away with him or hid him from the world.

He couldn’t respond, there was too much running through his head and the way you were kissing him, his whole body was becoming numb. “Shuji?” You asked, while running your fingers through his tresses. His large palms ran down your hips and gripped your ass, making you raise your hips to meet his. He began to move your hips into his, feeling the warmth of your clothed cunt made a whimper escape his throat. Oh how you missed him, behind that destructive demeanor was a man who melted for you.

“I found your notes, dollface.” He finally responded while pulling your shorts down. The pang in your chest felt like someone sucker punching you. “...and you didn’t come back to me?” The anguish in your tone made him feel guilty for once. A sob broke through the heated moment. He knew…he fucking knew… The inner voice was screaming at you, it knew not to trust him, it was begging you to stop before it went any farther. The sensation of something long and hard pressed between your thighs made you pull his hair back. He didn’t even bother to underdress, only pulling the sweats down enough to set his member free. Lining himself up with your slit, he pushed past your entrance and basked at how your body reacted to him. He didn’t even bother to prep you, he wanted to see the raw reactions that contorted your face with pain and pleasure. The stretch burned and you wanted to spit him back out but your body was betraying itself, it wanted more.

He was coating his cock with your sweet arousal by slowly pulling out and thrusting back in little by little when met with resistance. Soft moans and pants filled the room when he bottomed out, he remained still as he felt your velvet walls around his length. His head was resting in the crook of your neck, he too was trying hard not to break. Nothing compared to being buried inside you, your walls were his home, his sanctuary. You could feel him throb between your legs and let out a breathy moan. He took that as his que to move. Slow and deep thrusts had you whimpering underneath him, the way he completely filled you up made the coil in your belly tighten. He pulled your tank top down and pulled the cups of your unlined bra down to expose your perky breasts to the cool air.

Hanma licked his thumb and began to rub it on the pebbled nub. His saliva was acting like a lubricant and his thumb kept tracing gentle circles on it while his mouth latched on to your other nipple. The electricity that ran down your spine made your back arch. Innocent and sweet moans echoed in his ear, god how he loved hearing you fall apart for him. “Shuji…harder…” You begged as you ran your nails down his back, leaving red streaks and threatening to tear the skin. He smirked against your skin. Your body ached for him, burned for him - it felt like an eternity without him. He began to bite and suck on your nipples, making you moan loudly - loud enough for your neighbors to hear. “Fuck dollface, I miss making you scream for me.” He said as he moved on to your left nippled and began biting it again.

His hips began to pick up the pace, repeatedly hitting that sweet spot that had you moaning out his name. “Shit, (Y/N)- you’re gonna make me cum.” Just him panting and grunting out your name had you on cloud 9. The tip of his cock kept kissing your cervix, making you arch your back and pull his hair - never in a million years did you ever think he’d let his hair grow out but oh how it was working to your advantage. Those desperate and hungry moans that bled through his lips as you tugged those tresses had you grinning coyly, even while he was on top - he was losing control. More and more you found yourself wanting to break him, make him regret losing you and make him yours again.

Almost as if he could read your mind, he sat up and pinned your wrists above your head. It only took one hand to do so, there was no struggle to keep your small wrists in place. Those bright eyes of his reflected mischief and fire. “You’re still my good girl, yeah?” Hanma said as he slammed repeatedly into you, making your eyes roll into the back of your skull with each thrust. You could only absentmindedly nod your head and moan out a sweet yes for him. The way he would continuously bring you closer and closer to the edge was making new tears form on your lash line. “Oh god…” You moaned and tried to free your wrists. “Shuji…I’m so close…” He could only look down at you and admire your beautiful face contorted with pleasure. Pleasure that he was giving you, no one else - just him.

With his free hand, he began to teasingly trace light circles on your clit. The sensation was making your legs shake. Hanma can feel the way your walls were contracting and sucking him in deeper and tighter. He was beginning to feel the warmth ravage his core, low grunts and moans were bleeding from his mouth. Not only did he want to reach his high, he wanted you to reach yours as well. That unmistakable feeling was creeping up your spine, your breathing became erratic and with one final thrust and swipe of his fingers on your clit, your eyes were clouded in white.

He painted your walls white and continued to thrust until he completely emptied himself in you. Left in a sweaty and dazed mess you pulled him in for a heated kiss. “Stay with me Shuji.” You whispered into his lips, hoping he would say yes. “I’ll stay, dollface.” He grinned and continued to kiss you. Sweet nothings were exchanged, regardless of the things he did, you still loved him, you still kept him in your heart. Hanma knew that this was his home, you were his home - he should have never left. The whole night was spent between the sheets, that is until you both passed out from exhaustion.

Morning sunlight trickled into your room, the warmth of the bedsheets had you not wanting to open your eyes, let alone move from your comfortable position. You groaned when the sunlight hit your square in the face and you rolled over, the right side of the bed was cold and empty. When last night’s actions finally replayed in your head, you jolted up in a panic - “Shuji?” You gasped and wrapped yourself in a bathrobe. Your legs felt like jelly and you couldn’t even walk straight. “Shuji!” You called out yet again and were met with silence. Looking around, you noticed that the extra close you had kept from him was missing. Your wallet was open and on the table. He stole what little cash you had and walked out. He knew he couldn't stay here with you, not like this. “You fucking liar!” You screamed inside the empty home with hot tears falling down your face. He could have at least said goodbye, he could have at least told you no when you asked him to stay but all he could do was tell you lies and disappear. Something deep down inside you was telling you that this was the last time you’d ever see him again.

#tokyorevengers #tokyo revengers #tokyo rev #tokyo revengers smut #tokyorevengers smut #hanma shuji #hanma shuji smut #oneshot #tr fanfic #shuji hanma #tr smut #hanma x reader #hanma shuji x reader #hanma angst

321 notes · View notes

olinblogin · 3 months

Note

hey there! so I wanted to request a nezha and reader (PLATONIC) angst? maybe nezha had been neglecting reader just a lil bit? or you can just have fun with it (no pressure at all to do it) sorry if this sounds awkward this is my first time requesting anything 🫶‼️

No you’re totally fine! I’ll do my best but I’m not the greatest at angst so please cut me some slack ;v;

(WARNINGS - ANGST, NEGLECTFUL BEHAVIOR, CHILD READER, BITTER ENDING)

The last couple of weeks have been.. hard, to say the least. You’re a mortal, bound to the mortal realm, often secluded away from people because of your disinterest in socializing and mingling with others.

You’d been that way for a long time, in an isolating pit that you refused to dig yourself out of.

It was like that until you met him, Nezha, the deity that protects children and youth. Children like you.

He’d visit you every day, make sure you’d been healthy, you’d play and have fun… he visited every day, until he showed less and less,

Every day to only a couple of days a week,

Soon only one day a month…

Then he hadn’t shown up.

It’s been months. Months since you’ve seen your friend. You would call for him upon your meeting place, never answered.

You sat at your meeting place for days on end until you were dragged back home by your parents who would reprimand you, claiming this ‘imaginary friend’ was getting out of hands with how frequently you visited you used to meet him.

But he wasn’t an imaginary friend, he’s a real friend.

Or at least he was.

More months passed at an agonizingly slow pace, you were only barely able to continue with your life going on with what he’d promised, “every day I’ll meet with you at the top of this hill. No matter how busy I may be, I will answer to your call.”

The promise only played over and over in your head until you couldn’t take it anymore, you found yourself sneaking out in the middle of the night to the meeting place. This went on until it had been two years since you’d seen him.

Until he finally came back.

After two years, he came back.

You didn’t know whether you should be angry, or if you should be happy he finally answered on your calls. He stood at the end of the hill, not speaking with a scowl on his face.

“Nezha.. I’ve missed you—“

“Why do you insist on calling upon me.”

His tone of voice frightened you. He never spoke to you like this. Never with such malice.

“Because I wanted to see you.. you promised to meet me every day… it’s been two years since I’ve seen you, Nezha..”

There was an awkward silence on your end, but Nezha’s eyebrows only furrowed to your words.

“Has it never come to you I may be busy in the celestial realm,”

“But I—“

“I don’t need your constant calling when I’m busy.”

The harsh words hit you like a whip. Your own friend going back on his promise. You couldn’t bring yourself to say anything, only tears would well in your eyes and eventually spill.

“Go back home, and do not call for me again.”

You could only plead as you watched one who was once your friend retreat back to the celestial realm. One who you’d trusted with all that burdened you had suddenly left with them all.

All you could do is stand atop the hill, staring into the sky, no matter how much the light hurt your eyes you never looked away. You couldn’t look away. In fear that if you left he would come back for you.

It had been hours you stood like that, until you were eventually dragged back home again by your parents.

You would count the days since then.

Since his betrayal.

You had to move on with your life, forced to move on. You eventually forgot all about him in your later teenage years, but when he came to chew at the back of your mind, you would find yourself contemplating if your parents were right, if he was just an imaginary friend, only to push those thoughts back once again as you’d done dozens of times.

“I’m so sorry.”

#platonic x reader #lmk nezha #nezha x Reader platonic #angst #angst with a sad ending #nezha angst #writing requests #x reader

22 notes · View notes

hrhbella · 1 year

Text

Happy

Pairing: Theodore Nott x fem!Reader

Word Count: 1.7k words

Summary: N/A

Warnings: N/A

Author’s Note: Final part, I believe. I had ideas for scenes, but they would be flashbacks between the two of them. Let me know. -B

——

Sitting on the stool in front of her vanity, she nearly dropped the mascara when the door to her room swung open. Theodore made eye-contact through the mirror,

“Nott. It is general practice to knock before entering.”

He blinks, “I thought it would seem regular.”

“Regular?” she picks up the cosmetic, “How ordinary.”

“Polsy let me in.” Theodore stood in the doorway, slowly taking in the subtle changes to her room.

She turns, facing the unexpected guest. Polsy would, of course, let Theodore Nott in without issue. It didn’t matter if a certain blonde wizard had been frequenting her home, more than Nott ever had. She watches as Nott’s eyes irregularly examine her windowsill. She stood, blocking his path of sight.

“As she would. Much like knocking, inviting visitors off the doorstep is anticipated,” she crosses the room and grabs the black traveling cloak off the back of her settee, “What inspired you to bother me?”

He glides atop the carpeted floor to assist her, gently setting the cloak onto her shoulders, “This doesn’t change how I feel.”

She, once again, faces Nott. A curious look is painted across her features, “This?”

Nott gestures toward her, “Him.”

“How-”

“Still one of my best mates. He hasn’t once gone for a spot of tea on his own account. Or willingly chose to do so instead of a scrimmage match.”

“Ah.”

She firmly holds onto her Floo gloves, and Theodore watches as Floo powder coats her hands.

“That doesn’t change a thing for me,” She opens her mouth but Theodore cuts her off, “I want you. You are-”

“You do not get to stand here and sing me songs about how much I mean to you. Not now.”

He runs a hand through his hair, “It does seem hypocritical of me, I will give you that.”

She scoffs and tosses her gloves onto the side table.

“I made a mistake.”

“Explain to me how you mistakenly fuc-”

“Listen to me, please.” She looks up from staring at her dust-covered manicure and sees the pleading in his eyes,

“Nott, there isn’t anything you could say to me right now that will stop me from Flooing through to Diagon Alley.”

He doesn’t seem to flinch from her admission, “And that may be true.”

“It is.”

“Then there is no harm in hearing that I still love you.”

She can’t bear to witness this proclamation. Anything but the young man in front of her seems more interesting, so she settles on counting the leaves of the plant on the bedside table behind Nott as he continues,

“I have always loved you. Since we were tots. Remember when Polsy had to tell both our fathers that she had walked in on me kissing you, at the ripe age of four?”

She didn’t meet his gaze, though a small smile itched to surface.

“I have always pinned after you. Throughout our adolescence, though I will admit to not being very aware of my own feelings. Our times at Hogwarts only made my affections grow for you. Every Quidditch match you attended, the countless library sessions we shared, and each night at dinner. Every small moment I hold onto and I treasure them, as you’re a part of them.”

The leaves seem less interesting, but she isn’t ready for what Theodore says next,

“I had begged, nay, pleaded with my father to pioneer a marriage between us. Because while I had managed to befriend you, I was too scared to lose you on my own account. If there was the fall back of arrangement, I felt-”

“You wouldn’t have to try as hard?” His exhale flew from his chest, it was as if a troll had sat on his diaphragm.

“You eat a croissant with fruit through the warm seasons. Begrudgingly, you suffer through eggs, toast, and sausage through the fall and winter months. You rattle on about America and the whimsical holidays to be had, but every summer holiday, you can be found in France. Every year for your birthday since you were twelve, you go into Muggle London and pick up a book and some of that face paint.”

He watches eagerly as she smiles, “Make-up.”

“Make-up. And one of your more posh traits, you always wear Floo gloves when traveling as you hate how the powder coats your hands. You don’t think Scourgify actually gets it off and you hate to be bothered to scrub your hands after every Floo.”

They both watch on as she rubs at the powder on her palms. Their eyes meet, and while Theodore feels he has laid out more feelings than he ever felt necessary, he cannot place at all the emotions flying behind her eyes.

“I love you. I do. You are who I am meant to be with. I will not let that fact be disregarded, even if it were my own doing.”

She stares up at the ceiling while exhaling, and Theodore braces himself.

He almost wants to close his eyes as her gaze falls onto him, “And even if I love you still, Nott, you hurt me in a way I do not deserve.”

He nods. No argument to be had.

“I cannot just, just forget.”

“Are you determined to put me off?”

She swipes up the gloves and begins towards the mantle, the lid to the Floo powder floating off the canister, “I have an engagement to get to.”

His jaw would fall to the floor if it were capable of doing so, “Oh?”

“Yes.” She looks poised. Standing straight, politely making eye contact, though clearly indicating to Nott that she wishes to be anywhere else through her position, half standing in the fireplace.

“So it seems. I will take my leave, if you have nothing to add?” He is hopeful, they both can see that fact clear as day.

“Nothing of consequence, I’m afraid. I am sure you can show yourself out.” And with that, he watches as green flames swallow her whole and he finds himself alone in her room.

He doesn’t want to stay idle, and makes haste out of the bedroom. Theodore doesn’t notice her father stopped at the opposite end of the hall, having just left his study, and quickly descends the staircase towards the foyer. Polsy was waiting, and opens the door as he approaches,

“Good day, Master Theodore.”

He nods, sliding on his own coat he had haphazardly given the house elf upon his arrival. Theodore doesn’t think he could stand to look around at the well-kept grounds and instead intently watches as the gravel crunches and moves out from under his step. He continues this until he feels the enchantments wash over his body. The moment he is fully on the other side of her family’s home’s protection, he apparates to his own home, alone.

Theodore sheds his outerwear, tossing it onto the tiled floor. He hopes to down the bottle of Firewhiskey stashed in his bedside table before the afternoon ends. He’ll have to tap into his father’s humble collection after dinner, but Nott thinks the wine with the meal can hold him over.

Having made his way upstairs to his own door, he pushes in and sets a course straight toward the drawer. However, he quickly finds himself hitting the back of his door in surprise. There’s a witch sitting on his bed, traveling cloak still on. His witch, former witch as it were. His chest is heaving with every breath, and his brain cannot seem to put any coherent thought into palpable conversation.

“There is something of consequence I wish to add.”

He tilts his head, “I am all ears.”

She stands, “I love you.”

Theodore reluctantly becomes hopeful.

“I love you. And now I find myself here. Instead of attending tea.”

Nott nods, trying to discern whether he had started drinking already and this was a hallucination, “I find you here, as well.”

I have had tea in my diary for a fortnight. But I love you.”

“Some part of you believes it’s true, clearly, or it wouldn’t have become a dilemma for you, would it? It would just be Tuesday.”

Her concern turns to confusion, “It’s Wednesday, Nott.”

“Allegedly.”

She swipes his words out of the air, and turns fully toward him while raising her eyes to meet his own, “I love you, Theodore. And I do not wish to move on from you. I do not wish to see you move on from me. I want to move on with each other.”

“Oh?”

“I want to call it on. I want to call it all back on; the wedding, the house, us.”

He smiles, “One doesn’t simply call things back on.”

“Then we’ll do the socially acceptable alternative, Nott. At this moment, I couldn’t care less of the particulars.”

“That isn’t the witch I know, you only care about the particulars.”

“There’s one detail I wish to focus on at the moment.” She closes the space between them as he takes a step to meet her.

Theodore could melt if it was appropriate of a young man as they put an end to any gap there was. It had been weeks, months even, since they had shared a kiss. It was different than any with her that he could remember. He found himself holding her close, a hand in her hair and on her lower back. The grip she had on his jumper felt refreshing; he felt needed.

Their foreheads rested against each other as they caught their breaths. She didn't know what possessed her to tell Malfoy that she needed to reschedule. She had no rational clue what led her to Flooing into Nott’s bedroom. There seemed to be nothing of sense to support her practically throwing herself at the young man and kissing him.

“It may be my advanced age,” Theodore looks down at her, “But I don’t remember exactly the feeling of your lips against mine,”

She smiles, the happiness bleeding into her features, “You’re unbearable, Nott.”

Yet, she found herself leaning in.

——

> If you wish to write a formal letter to Her Royal Highness, please do so here.

> If you wish to see Her Royal Highness’ completed list of works, please do so here.

> If you wish to see some of Her Royal Highness’ most frequently asked questions, please do so here.

#theodore nott x you #theo nott x reader #theodore nott imagine #theodore nott fanfiction #theodore nott x reader #theo nott imagine #harry potter imagine

108 notes · View notes

shaylixie · 2 years

Text

Don't Go.

Word count: 2901

Genre: Angst. Fluff.

Pairing: Eminem x fem!reader

Requested: No.

Summary: Marshall desperately wants you to not go on that date.

Warnings: Hints at smut; language.

A/N: Hope you enjoy this! ♡

"You have got to be kidding me. Did you even see the guy? At this point turning him down would just be stupid," says Jessie Reyez.

"Geez, thanks Jess. You're always so nice to me," you reply sarcastically.

"Hey! I just want my girl to get some. C'mon. It's the second time you've run into this guy and it just so happens that he works at the exact same restaurant we're in. He's going to ask you out. Watch. Unless you're waiting for a certain rapper...?"

You don't need to look at her to know she's smirking. Ignoring the heat rising to your cheeks, you elbow her playfully and point out how that certain rapper is late.

Marshall and Denaun were supposed to meet you at the restaurant about an hour ago. Your busy lives made it difficult to all get together, but when the opportunity manifested, there was no doubt about taking it. With Marshall on tour with Denaun, it's been a while since you last saw each other. That didn't stop the daily texts and frequent phone calls though. You know. Just normal friend stuff.

Right as Jessie is about to tease you some more, the two familiar faces walk inside and make their way towards you.

You hug Denaun as Jessie hugs Marshall. When he finally turns to you, you smile somewhat shyly and step towards him.

"Hi," you say.

"Hey." His lips twitch the way it does when he's trying to hide a smile.

He wastes no time in pulling you against him and you wrap your arms around him. The hug is longer than expected, and Jessie and Denaun exchange smug looks.

When you nonchalantly let go and sit down next to each other, Denaun takes a moment to apologise for being late.

"When we touched down, we had to rush to sort out some tour complications. We got caught up and thought we were still early, but...turns out we weren't. You guys didn't get too bored, right?"

Without missing a beat, you say, "As if I could ever get bored around Jess."

It's true. After meeting Jessie through Marshall, you immediately became friends. How it happened, neither of you know. You just remember your mouth opening followed by words. Apparently they were good words because here you are, closer than ever.

"We were actually talking about you." She nods towards Marshall. He raises his eyebrows and waits for her to continue.

You subtly glare at her and then look down, hoping she won't say more.

She proceeds to say more.

"Yeah. Y/n here was wondering what those bendy thumbs can do."

You whip your head towards her as she breaks down in laughter. Denaun joins her and Marshall just looks at you with amusement written all over his face...and a hint of something you can't quite place.

You rush to dispute it.

"I didn't say that! We weren't talking about you. Okay, well. We were...but I just mentioned that you guys were running late. I did not say anything about your thumbs or what they can do."

Way to play it cool. You're going to kill Jessie. You just mentioned his thumbs to her as a joke a couple of months ago. You didn't expect her to remember, much less bring it up.

Marshall lets out a laugh and says, "Shit. So that's why you tease me about them all the time. Well. I'm ready to show you when you are."

Jessie chokes and Denaun says something about table manners. Your heart is racing so fast, it somehow affects your hearing. You settle on picking up the menu even though you already know your order.

On any other day, flirty banter with Marshall was a norm. Today, however, you seem to be affected more than usual. Maybe it's because you're seeing him for the first time in a while. Maybe it's because you're worried that he knew the truth of what Jessie said. Maybe it's both. For once, you don't have a comeback.

After some great food and some even better conversation, things calmed down within you. You and Marshall settled fairly quickly into your usual dynamic, the shyness dissipating.

Just as you're about to ask him whether he's free tonight, a waitress comes up and whispers something in your ear. You excuse yourself and walk out to the restaurant's balcony. There, you see your admirer waiting. He smiles warmly at you. Jessie was right. He is gorgeous.

"Eli. Hi!" you greet.

"Hey. So. How was the food?"

You walk past him to lean on the railing. "It was amazing! No wonder you're a five star chef."

He laughs and takes a polite step toward you.

"Speaking of...so, I was invited to this fancy restaurant opening tonight and I'm in need of a date. Do you...I mean, would you like to join me?"

You glance over his shoulder towards Marshall, who's staring right at you.

Suddenly, a sort of hopelessness fills you. You want it to be him that's asking you out, but it feels like something that will always be out of your reach. Even throughout all the flirty banter, you remind yourself that that's all it is...just banter. You don't think that Marshall feels for you the way you do for him. The way you have for months now.

You look back at Eli and give him your answer.

As soon as you walk back to the booth, Jessie is on you.

"Tell me you said yes."

You sigh, avoiding Marshall's gaze. "I don't know. You tell me." A smile creeps over your face.

"OH MY GOD YOU DID IT finally thank you!!!"

Her reaction makes you laugh, before being interrupted by Denaun.

"I am so lost. What's happening?"

"Our girl is getting laid tonight by a five star chef!" She looks at you and winks. "Looks like he'll finally be the one eating the five star meal."

Denaun immediately glances at Marshall; a flash of concern. You're so distracted by Jessie's reply that you don't notice the way Marshall tenses up. Or how deadly quiet he is. Or how his fists are balled up underneath the table.

"Oh my God, Jessie." You can't help but to cover your face and laugh. "I'm not...no. Shut up! We're just going to some fancy event, alright? He's picking me up at 7."

Marshall is still extremely quiet.

Denaun immediately says, "Yo, that's...great. I'm happy for you. We have to get going though. Still have to sort out a few complications...it's stressing Marshall out, you know?"

You glance at him and from the looks of it, figure that Denaun's right.

After saying goodbye, it seemed like they couldn't leave fast enough. You don't think much about it, but there's a single thought that keeps pestering you. A small, nagging detail. Marshall left without hugging you. He just muttered a quick goodbye and walked out. You figured that since he did it to Jessie too, it didn't mean anything; but the part of you that you shoved away hoped it did.

Back home, you pick up your phone to see if Marshall replied yet.

Read. Still on read.

After lunch, you had texted him to thank him for the wonderful time you had. He usually replies to any and all messages of yours, so it was strange when he just read the message and ignored it.

It bothers you, more than you'd like to admit.

You glance at the clock and finish up the final touches on your appearance. Just as you grab your phone to stall until your date arrives, you hear knocking at your door. Eli must have arrived earlier than expected. As you walk towards the door, the knocking becomes louder and more insistent.

You open the door to a face you weren't expecting to see.

"Don't go."

You stare back at Marshall. He quickly looks you up and down, and let's out a curse under his breath.

You're wearing a soft, strappy silk dress that accentuates your curves and falls gracefully over your hips. There are slits on the sides, teasing just the right amount of leg. Your heels have ribbons that elegantly wind up to just below your calf, and your look is brought together beautifully with the jewellery that adorns you. Not too simple. Not too flashy. Just right.

"Marshall-...what?" you ask, confused.

"I said don't go." There's a sense of urgency in his voice.

"I don't understand. Don't go where? With Eli? Why?"

He doesn't reply. Just looks at you as though he already gave an answer.

You sigh. "Look, Marshall. He's a good guy. Really sweet, actually. I like hanging out with him, so you don't have to worry about it. I'm in good hands."

"That's not what I meant." His gaze burns into yours.

You take a daring step towards him. "Then what did you mean?"

"I just..." he sighs and looks down, frustrated.

His frustration rubs off on you.

"Look, Marshall. Whatever you're trying to say...I don't get it. Okay? I just don't get it. I don't get why you show up here 10 minutes before I'm about to go on a date, with a guy I actually happen to like, and tell me not to go. I don't get why you can't even explain yourself. I don't get why you didn't say anything earlier if you didn't like him. I don't get why you don't even like him when you didn't even speak to him!" You pause. In a softer voice, you add, "I'd like to think I know the reason why, but...I don't."

He doesn't say anything for a beat. "You don't mean that. You don't like him."

You laugh in frustration, and look down at the floor.

He steps towards you, over the threshold, causing you to take a step back. Pointless, since he just steps closer to you again, backing you up against a wall. There's only a sliver of space between you.

"Tell me you don't mean that. Tell me he's not the one you like. The one you want."

You stare into his eyes longer than necessary. He stares back, holding his breath. Your gaze darts to his lips for a second. He doesn't miss it. Still, he waits for your answer.

You remind yourself that you're about to go on a date with a wonderful guy. That this doesn't mean anything to Marshall. That even if he wants you, it's not the same way you want him. That you want to be inside of his heart, and he just wants to be inside you. Your heart sinks at the thought.

Still, you regret it as soon as the words leave your mouth. "He is."

A flash of hurt crosses Marshall's face. He steps back abruptly and walks away from you. But he stops himself at the door and says, "You've got to be fucking kidding me."

"Excuse me?"

He turns around, facing you. "You're telling me all this was for nothing?" At your confused look, he adds, "C'mon. Don't act like you don't know."

In the heat of the moment, you decide to just say it. "You know what? Maybe I don't want to know. Okay? I can't stand the thought of you wanting me far less than I want you. I don't just want a quick fuck or to be friends with benefits or whatever shit you want. That isn't enough for me. I want...more. And if that's not an option then...then I'd rather not have anything at all."

He looks at you then, hurt and offended at your assumption.

"Wow. You really think that's all I want from you? A quick fuck?"

"Well-"

"You're just gonna reduce me to that? Y/n, do you really think I'd put in all this effort for someone I just want to mess around with? I don't do this shit with anyone else. I don't text anyone else between shows and make it a point to call them every chance I get. I don't go out of my way to see anyone the way I do you. I don't come up with every fucking excuse in the book just to spend time with you and touch you and be with you in any way I can with anyone else. I don't show up at anyone else's door asking them not to go on a fucking date that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. And I don't feel this hurt and angry if it's someone I just want to fuck."

Silence.

Your heart drops to your stomach; your mind swirling at his confession, and at your utter stupidity. You realise how much you just fucked up.

"Marshall, I...I'm so sorry. I didn't-"

"Forget it, y/n. Just. Forget it. It's not important, aight? Enjoy your date. Looks like he's right on time."

You watch as Marshall shoulders past Eli, not saying a word, and blink the tears back.

He glances at Marshall, and then back at you. "Hey. Is everything okay?" he asks gently.

You sniff and try to plaster the most convincing smile on your face.

"Yeah, no. Everything's okay. Wanna leave?"

He reaches out to take your arm and says, "You look breathtaking. The real 5 star meal of the night," he winks.

Your mind immediately goes back to what Jessie said earlier, and you instantly become shy. At your flustered expression, he laughs. But your mind just goes back to that moment, and how Marshall must have felt.

On the way back home, Eli finally asks the question.

"So, how long have you liked Marshall?"

"What?!" you sputter.

He laughs. "Come on. I know you do. I saw you with him at the restaurant...and how you glanced in his direction when I asked you out. I thought maybe I was reading into it, but then this evening confirmed it."

A little embarrassed, you ask, "So you heard us, huh?"

"Didn't have to."

You're about to apologise to him when he says, "Don't apologise. Really. I had a great time with you tonight. I won't lie, I really took a liking towards you...I mean, who wouldn't? But your heart belongs to someone else, and I respect that."

"Man, Eli." You pout sympathetically. "I don't think I would have deserved you anyway. I think you might be perfect." He laughs and shakes his head, but you continue. "I genuinely had a wonderful time tonight. And I truly mean it when I say this but, can we still be friends?"

He reassures you that you already are, and offers you an unexpected favour. That night, Eli doesn't take you home.

This time, Marshall is the one to open the door on you.

"Hey," he says. Surprise mixed with caution.

"Hey." A moment passes. "I uhm...I brought you some food. Five star stuff, you know? They gave some away to celebrate the successful opening."

"How did you get here?"

"Eli dropped me off." Marshall furrows his eyebrows, and you shrug. "He offered to. I said yes."

"Why would he do that?"

"Because I wasn't honest with you earlier...and I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. You didn't deserve that, Marshall. I got defensive, and started making messed up assumptions about you. It wasn't right, so I came here to apologise."

He stares at you, and then takes the food as a peace offering, setting it down.

"You said you weren't honest with me?"

"...Yeah."

He waits for you to elaborate.

You don't.

He steps towards you and you look up at him.

"About what, y/n?"

You take a breath in. "About Eli. The way I feel about him."

Marshall moves slightly closer, almost closing the space between you, but not quite. You shiver, and not because of the chill night air.

"And how do you feel about him?" His gaze is intense.

"I don't." Your gaze drops to his lips once again. "He's not the one I like. Or the one I want."

"And who is?" Marshall's eyes are on your lips now.

You don't hesitate this time. "You."

His eyes shoot back to yours, and before you can register, his hand is in your hair while the other pulls you against him. His lips are on yours, and all you can think about is how soft and supple and right they feel. You lean into the kiss and Marshall swipes his tongue against your bottom lip, a silent command to open. You submit. Before you can even familiarise yourself with his tongue against yours, he pulls back.

He says, a little breathless, "Did I tell you how fucking beautiful you look? Shit. That's an understatement. You even have me at a loss for words...that's a feat."

You giggle and press your forehead to his chest. "Shut up."

His fingers find your chin and he lifts your head up, forcing you to look at him. "I'm serious. I was blown away when you opened the door earlier. Forgot what I was even there for. For a second."

You swear you can feel your heart swelling up, and are convinced that you're about to combust. But just before you can, Marshall's lips find yours again. Gentler this time.

He pulls you into the house by your waist, his lips not leaving yours. If you could have any thoughts in this moment, it would be that the wait was worth it.

#eminem x reader #eminem imagine #marshall mathers x reader #marshall mathers imagine

427 notes · View notes

miracles-and-butterflies · 10 months

Text

For @time-for-a-grandkid-round-up, based on the prompt: “Mirabel becoming the next candleholder after Alma.”

Of course! Here’s my take on this headcanon. This started as a joke because the headcanon robs Mirabel of her character development, but I wanted to write something for this. It gets worse before it gets better.

Comments are always appreciated.

Next part of ITOG.

~~~~~~

Intertwining Threads of Gold I

What is going on?

It had been a question in Mirabel’s mind for some time. Since the town leaders who worked with Abuela spent increasingly more time in Casita - she doesn’t think she’s ever seen her Abuela working so much; the family seem to be very aware of her, constantly staring and talking; and deliveries from Señor Osvaldo Ortiz have became very frequent. And no birthdays are coming up - Papa has just had his and Isabela’s isn’t for another two months.

If it was any comfort, she wasn’t the only one left unaware. Antonio, naturally as the youngest, was usually kept in the dark. Which meant that when he realised this was strange, he began bothering her for answers as the only one who would understand his frustration of not knowing.

Following another visit from the councilmen, all of whom made a point of acknowledging her in the middle of a conversation with Alma - having merely passed her and her cousin in the dining room - and even Abuela hadn’t look disgruntled about her presence being a distraction to their conversation.

However, Antonio wasn’t so dismissive. He yanked hard at her arm with a curious look in his eyes, without a care for the needle that went off centre in the process.

“Why’s everyone being so strange to you?” He asked.

“I know no more than you do, Antonio. But something is happening.”

“What do you mean?” He clambered up on to a chair beside Mirabel, briefly turning his gaze to where Tío Bruno was carrying in more boxes with Luisa and Camilo. The three of them were whispering and giggling like school children. “I mean, yeah, something is happening. But why do you say it like it’s a bad thing?”

“I overheard Dolores telling Mariano that she couldn’t see him tomorrow. Therefore, something is happening. Something serious.” Mirabel observed.

Antonio gapped. His sister never went a day without visiting Mariano or vice versa. The idea of the couple being separate for once since Casita’s rebuild was practically unheard of. He glanced at his animal friends, who seemed just as clueless as he and Mirabel.

“What does that have to do with you though?” Antonio finally questioned.

She sighed, “That’s what I would like to know.”

Antonio pouted, throwing himself back against the chair. “But nobody tells us anything. They all think we’re babies. We’re never going to know what’s going on!”

Frankly, Mirabel wouldn’t have to wait much longer for her answer.

A few hours later found Mirabel sat in her room, working on a new dress for Tía Pepa. She had been pondering over potential ways she might be able to get some information. Her best bet was the extended family, all of whom were terrible at keeping secrets.

Not even the whole truth, just a little hint at something that would hopefully put her mind on ease and she could be a little less on edge.

There’s a quiet squeak from the doorway, where Dolores poked her head round.

“The family is meeting in the dining room. Immediately.” She announced. Then, after a beat, added, “You’d be best to leave the sewing.”

Hesitantly laying down her sewing, Mirabel smoothed over her skirt, adjusts her glasses in the mirror and followed Dolores down the stairs. Though she does want to know what’s happening (and that this sudden meeting is most likely about it), this was definitely not the way she wanted to find out.

When they arrive, Mirabel finds that the rest of the family (minus Antonio, Camilo and Luisa) are sat around the table. The table is lined with glowing candles, one of which looks brand new and waiting to burn. Everyone, besides herself, has a glass - the fancy glasses that haven’t been used since Isabela’s failed proposal - of red wine and beaming at her as she enters behind Dolores.

She can’t tell if this is more unnerving than the disappointed frowns and narrowed eyes she was expecting.

“Come sit with us, mi amor,” invites Julieta.

Mirabel takes her chair beside Agustín, even more uncomfortable as everyone is still watching her expectantly. She keeps her eyes trained on Dolores as she walks around to her chair, whispering something to Félix that Mirabel doesn’t hear.

There’s an awkward silence as the family nervously glance at each other.

“Will you tell her, Mama?” Julieta asks.

“No. You’re her mother, mija. You know best how to put these things.”

Julieta tries her best not to look disappointed by the response. She still needs a moment to recollect herself, take a breath and organise her thoughts. Perhaps waiting for someone else to get impatient or to take pity on her and start instead. Although, with each passing second, it’s clear that they are all waiting for her.

“Well, Mirabel, we have some excellent news for you,” her mother says. “You remember the night all the councilmen came to dinner? After you had gone to bed, we stayed up discussing the future of Encanto. It can’t be denied that your Abuela is getting older and she won’t be around forever, and someone needs to take the reins. Be in charge of running our community. Everyone felt it was important that the position stay within our family because of your Abuelo’s sacrifice and all of our family’s efforts.”

Mirabel nods along. It was only natural that one day Abuela would be surpassed and Mama, no doubt alongside Tía Pepa and Tío Bruno as they are triplets, will take on the mantle.

But everyone is still staring at her.

“And,” Julieta declares. “Your Abuela has decided that when she passes, you will inherit her position as town leader.”

The family suddenly cheer and applaud, compliments thrown this way and that. Speaking of throwing, colourful petals and confetti are also flying across the table.

But Mirabel wouldn’t know. She remains as quiet and still as humanly possible, in a twisted mix of shock and bewilderment. She is still trying to process her mother’s words, which leaves her unable to respond in any way.

Inherit.

Meaning, to gain something from a previous holder. In this case, becoming the next leader of Encanto. The next matriarch.

She is going to inherit. She, Mirabel Teresa Rojas Madrigal, the unknown, useless and giftless, jinx, is going to inherit the glorious and honoured position of her Abuela, Alma Madrigal, the woman who single-handedly created and governed a wonderful community, has raised several generations of both Madrigals and townspeople, blessed and bestowed countless miracles��

No. There is no way.

She doesn’t want this. She isn’t the next in line, literally - there’s still her mother, Tía, Tío, Isabela, Dolores, Luisa and Camilo before her. She doesn’t want this. She’s not even an adult, nor has she finished school yet - there are still final exams and qualifications and such. She doesn’t want this. She hasn’t even considered her options for her future - that is something she should be thinking about now, time is pressing, she’s useless. She doesn’t want this. She isn’t gifted.

No. She was what destroyed the miracle and Encanto. She cannot be pulled closer to it.

The Madrigal inheritance is going to be hers.

She looks around at the happy and proud faces of her family, blinking and blank-faced.

This must be a dream. This has to be a dream.

“What?” Is all Mirabel says; she must sound pathetic, and stupid.

Julieta smiles adoringly, “We were just telling you that your Abuela has chosen you as her successor, Mirabel. You will be responsible for looking after this town and continuing its success for the next generations. Your Abuela, your father and I, the council and the rest of our family have all agreed that this was the right decision.”

There’s various voices of agreement and thoughts from the rest of the family, but Mirabel doesn’t really pick up any of it.

“What?” She asks again.

Any moment now she will wake up in her room and this will all be ridiculously nonsensical. She will be snug in her little bed in her room, before hurrying into her morning routine. Perhaps she’ll tell her mother about this nightmare as she helps with breakfast.

Mirabel looks at her mother with as much determination as she can muster, but she’s still too shocked to react, “I can’t be.”

Tío Bruno reaches over to take both her cold, shaky hands, in a gesture of support.

“Kid, you’ve been given a seat on the council. The main seat!” Bruno corrects himself. He is beaming at her. “Didn’t I tell you that you were exactly what this family needed? I didn’t even need future vision to know that. Now you can show everyone what you can really do.”

“But what about Mama? And Tía Pepa? And you?” Mirabel questions, rambling.

“Doesn’t matter. We were all happy enough for the role to pass to you.” Pepa answers instead, her siblings nodding together. “Mama wanted it go to you.”

“But… my sisters? And my cousins? Their claim is as good as mine. Better even?”

This time, nobody bothers to reply. They had just answered that question. Mirabel still glances across to Isabela and Dolores just to be sure, she’s disappointed when she realises it is definitely the same answer as before.

“I can’t be,” Mirabel whispers, turning to her father this time. She braves a glance at the rest of the room. “I can’t.” She can feel tears welling up in her eyes. “I can’t do it. I don’t want to do it.”

“Calm yourself, Mirabel,” calls Abuela, since Mirabel’s parents, alongside everyone else, looks astounded at her lack of enthusiasm and are at a loss for words. “Let me tell you, that you are more than capable of this. I trust that you can do this. As does the rest of our family. Our miracle would have warned me when I came to this decision, if there was any doubt. Isabela?”

Taking her cue, her sister rises from Abuela’s side and picks up the non-lit candle, walking around the table down and setting it in front of Mirabel, where her hands are still joint with Tío Bruno’s. She shifts away.

She had barely batted an eye at the only non-lit candle beside Abuela, she assumed it had accidentally gone off or someone had forgotten. But now that it is close up, she can see the beautiful engravings and details reminiscent of Abuelo and Abuela’s wedding candle: that was lost barely two years ago.

A candle for her is a strange present in itself - she’s definitely not going to get married. And what would that have to do with her governing Encanto as the matriarch—

She is going to be the matriarch for the family too. She is going to be the next candleholder.

It feels like the whole world has stopped.

Everyone is still watching, smiling and nodding at her, a few of them are talking but Mirabel isn’t obtaining any of it.

“The candle is yours, nieta,” Abuela’s voice finally cuts through. She doesn’t even look disappointed or annoyed that Mirabel hadn’t worked it out herself, as she would have done a few years ago. “You will not only be the matriarch of the town, but of the family too. You will be responsible for protecting the miracle and bestowing gifts to the next generation. Once I am gone, my room will be yours.”

Tío Bruno goes to guide her hands towards the candle and Mirabel twists sharply in his hold. She touched Abuela’s candle twice and neither was a good experience. She isn’t going to cradle another candle. She won’t dare to do it again. She would sooner cut her own head off.

Once standing and free from Bruno, she catches her mother’s eye. “Mama,” she cries, and even she will admit she sounds childish as she does. “Tell them I can’t do it, I don’t want it.”

Julieta is up on her feet in an instant. Mirabel almost smiles from the instant relief she feels, even if it’s embarrassing to be saved like a child, as her mother comes around to her side. Her mother will rescue her from this misery. Even if it’s just to the kitchen to make a start on dinner, she doesn’t care, so long as it is anywhere but here.

But then her head is lifted by her mother’s hand caressing her cheek, “Mirabel, mi amor, we would never have arranged anything we didn’t think you weren’t capable of. And I completely understand your concerns, but this is a wonderful opportunity for you. Your father and I are so proud of you, your sisters too. You will make a great matriarch.”

“I can’t, Mama,” Mirabel says. “I can’t be. I don’t want to be.”

“You’re nervous, and it’s making you doubtful. It’s natural. You’ll warm up to the idea.” Her father tries next.

“I am not being doubtful, Pa. I don’t want this,” Mirabel reenforces gently, looking up to where he has joined Julieta’s side with a firm handing on Mirabel’s shoulder.

“You have only just heard the news, primita,” interrupts Dolores. “You need some time to truly think about it. You can’t let these worries hold you back in life. You’re growing up.”

“There are many good reasons for this decision, some you might not realise just yet. But you will, with time. You will start visiting the council with me, so that you can build on your confidence and understand the workings of our community.” Abuela continued.

The elderly woman gestured to Pepa, who unraveled a large scroll and passed it across the table for Mirabel. She didn’t make any attempt to take it. Bruno sets it down in front of her.

Not that Mirabel properly read the document, but from having a quick scan, she could sum up that it was an outline of the training she would undergo to prepare her for this role. Lists of dates, events to attend and people to meet. The word ‘ceremony’ beside her name makes her heartbeat uneasy.

She must be crying now - things are blurry in that familiar way, and her glasses are definitely still on. The family mistake it for joy or gratitude, as they just coo and gush at her.

“Now, let’s put these little doubts to rest, and focus on your bright future,” Alma concludes. “There are a few things we need to finalise with the council about this. I figured that you may want to come and do that yourself, or if not we can discuss them now. This has all been done for your benefit, nieta.” Alma’s eyes tearing up a little, fondly.

“I don’t want this.” Mirabel continues, turning back to her mother. “Mama, I can’t! I can’t do this!”

“Breathe, Mirabel. In and out. This is nothing to get upset about. It’s a good thing,” her mother reassures.

She pulls away from her parents’ hold. “No! I won’t do this - I can’t do this! Not if it’s going to hurt someone!”

“It’s not going to hurt anyone.” Another voice, maybe Tío Félix, cuts in.

“Yes, it will! This miserable future is going to kill me, if not anyone else! I should just do it now and spare you all the trouble.”

“Mirabel, come on, you are working yourself up over nothing. This is a great opportunity for you. Of course, there will be change, that’s natural. You should be happy.” This time it’s several voices talking at once and that is what she manages to pick up.

Mirabel stammered, looking around the room. “Is nobody listening? I don’t want it!”

“You’re shocked right now,” Isabela said. Everyone else is talking, suggesting similar ideas. As if everyone is deaf to Mirabel’s refusal. “Dolores is right, you can take some time to think about this. Maybe talk to someone about it.”

“What is the point of no-one cares? If nobody listens?” She retorts.

“We are listening,” Her father comments.

“And we do care about you.” Her mother finishes.

“Then why don’t I matter?” Mirabel inquires, with tears stinging her eyes.

Mirabel doesn’t give anyone the chance to respond, quickly leaving the room.

The family is in silence once again.

Alma and Bruno turn to each other, gapping and not blinking; Isabela sits back in her chair, sipping at her wine; Dolores excuses herself, deciding to be the one to check on her brothers; Pepa and Félix keep opening their mouths, but can’t think of anything to say.

Julieta turns to her husband from the empty spot Mirabel had left, as silent as everybody else, but looking a little more sullen then simply confused or shocked.

Agustín clicks his tongue, “She took that well.”

#encanto #ask me anything #my writing #mirabel madrigal #alma madrigal #julieta madrigal #agustín madrigal #bruno madrigal #pepa madrigal #félix madrigal #isabela madrigal #dolores madrigal #antonio madrigal

41 notes · View notes

lumiereandcogsworth · 1 month

Note

okay so I'm curious, when Maurice would travel with his inventions/art, one, did he ever bring Belle along, or was it something he only started doing once she was older and two, I know she only ever asks for a rose, but did he ever bring back any books for her?

i LOVE this question thank you!!!

i think he definitely took belle along when she was younger, absolutely. he probably didn’t start going to those markets until she was around 7 or 8, when he really started getting back into art business and someone maybe mentioned to him that he could go to these markets in bigger towns and make some side cash!! i think he would bring her especially for the longer ones, like 3-5 days, because that’s just too long to be apart and they only have each other 🥺 and she loved going to them!! i can just imagine her curious little mind pulling her in every direction. he probably loses her at some points and nearly has a heart attack because of it. i’ll have to write that sometime, lmao.

i think the first time she Doesn’t go is when she’s like maybe 15? and it’s only one night. she probably still wanted to go but maybe there was something farm related happening that they both felt it would be better if she stayed, and she was happy to do that. maurice definitely asked pére robert to check in with her though, and i’m sure he had dinner with her that night. i’m SURE they have such academic convos, gosh. need to explore that more too. anyway: after that, i think belle started going with him less. she still joins sometimes, but i think it was partly that she was getting into her own projects at home and didn’t always Want to leave at that exact time because she was really hyperfixated, or it was just like one night, not a big deal, (like what happens in the movie). AND i think maurice did gain a few friends that he would meet up with at those markets, artists from other villages, so belle would get kinda bored because it would be like those unskippable cutscenes like when your parent runs into someone they know at the grocery store. except it’s your dad talking about his passion with other people who share it😭 IT’S LIKE BEING TRAPPED AT HOME DEPOT WITH DAD. anyway you get the point. even as adventurous as belle was, it’s not like the markets were any places too new or crazy, so it got kind of boring for her.

but like i said, i still think she goes sometimes!!! just way less frequently. in one of my courting fics (probably my favorite of my courting fics???) belle had gone with maurice to a market for a WEEK. which was the longest her and adam had been apart since they had met 🥺🥺 which i think maurice did very intentionally lmao. he was (internally) like you guys are so attached at the hip… let’s remember you’re individual people please!!! and also i think he could sense they were getting near the idea of marriage so he wanted one last bit of time with belle before her life really changed 😭😭

and second!!!! yeah no definitely. i like to think that when he says that, “you ask for that every year!” i think that’s for this one specific market he’s going to that day. like maybe it’s a place she’s joined him many times and it just happens near a really beautiful rose garden, or something. so she’s always like !!! ROSE FROM THERE PLEASE!!! but i think he goes to markets a lot more frequently than just once a year. maybe like every few months? especially as belle gets older and he worries less about leaving her at home, if she doesn’t want to join him. but anyway to answer your second question, YEAH! i can totally imagine that people there, who have known maurice and his daughter for years, ask about her when she’s not with him! and they learn all about her and i am SURE she always brought an emotional support book (or two or three) when she goes with him. so the market people know belle reads!!! and yeah probably a few are conservative and think that’s odd but MAJORITY of them are free-spirited artists !! many of them also fled paris the same time as maurice!! these are his people !! so they support that and probably gift him a book to give to her (or just give it right to her if she’s there) every now and then!! it’s not every time but if he can snatch a book for her he absolutely will 🥹

i did have one additional thought but it’s more just about belle getting books in general <3

#i’m about to rewatch the movie so watch me have even more thoughts upon watching that scene lol #but anyway. THANKS! LOVE MY BELOVED LARUES!#belle #papa maurice #batb headcanons #batb 2017

6 notes · View notes

ehimemo34 · 1 year

Text

Authors note: hihi this is my first ever story (that will have multiple chapters) and I've never written anything super long before but I'm giving it a go. So here we are. I wanted to write something about hawks that was dark and angsty. Please enjoy. This is just the prologue and isn't the first chapter yet.

Please be kind and reblog

This story may contain things that may trigger you, please read the trigger warnings before preceding

Tw: angst, violence, blood, gore, death, fluff, use of characters real name, smut, rough smut, Dom! Hawks, Fem! Reader, toxic relationship, manipulation, gaslighting, mental abuse, emotional abuse, kidnapping, Pervert! Hawks, Mean/asshole! Hawks, Murder! Hawks, stalking. Yandere! Hawks

PROLOGUE:

Keigo Tamaki was a simple man in reality; he didn't like flashy cars or big events. He would rather be anywhere else than where he is right now. sitting next to Enji Todoroki, in some meeting about dumb hero shit he really couldn't care less about. "Hawks, pay attention," he turned his head to find his assistant smacking him on the arm, looking rather pissed off with him. "Sorry, sorry..aha," he said, rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes now trailing down his assistant's body.

God, she was hot, especially in that pencil skirt of hers; he would eat her up if he could, but alas, he could not.

She huffed and went back to where she was originally sitting, behind him. Keigo moved his attention to the front of the event, where the stage was being lit up by lights so bright you might as well be staring into the sun. "Ah fuck, this is why I wasn't looking up," Keigo thought, covering his eyes slightly with the sleeve of his jacket. Couldn't they find less blinding lights?

"Further, the deaths of civilians need to be less frequent; they are happening way too often for our liking," some man behind a podium speaking for the commission rambles on, "maybe you should try saving 100s of people at once, you fucking lunatic," Keigo thought.

The commission has been on everyone's back since the number of deaths went up by five last month. It's not easy being a hero. saving everyone and doing their bidding at their beck and call. It's frustrating to deal with the grumpy asses who drank too much on the subway and let their quirks loose or some dumb villains thinking they would get away with robbing banks on the main street.

Keigo didn't think it was his fault for this meeting; in fact, he thought he was doing a rather good job, but apparently not because next thing he knows, he's being called out for the deaths he's apparently caused. "Hawks, you're the best out of everyone here with only 7 deaths in the last 3 months, but it's still not good enough, you need to improve," the balding man said. Keigo let out a sigh, 'time to shine' he thought.

"Yes, I'm sorry. It's been so difficult these past 3 months, with villains rising more than ever. It's a struggle to keep up with them and all the people running around" Keigo said, putting on his best "of course I give a shit about these random people" face.

Across the room, he could hear the other heros whispering, "He really thinks it's okay to blame "struggling" on not saving people?"

He scoffed quietly. "Yes, Hawks, we understand, but these deaths need to stop now. Do you understand?" Okay, yes, maybe he "accidentally killed" two or three people, but it's not like he had a choice; they were after HER. The man looked at Keigo, giving him the eyes as if to say, "We will no longer be covering for you." "Yes, sir, I understand," he said, leaning back into his chair. "You asses," Keigo thought. It's not like they didn't order him to kill villains on the daily, so why should it matter when he takes matters into his own hands now and then? Enji turned to look at him, his eyes narrowing, before moving back towards the commission. He always did that, like he suspected Keigo of something.

Keigo's eyes narrowed in his direction, but as quickly as they narrowed, they disappeared. He has a reputation to keep.

Once the meeting ended, Keigo let out a sigh of relief. If he could, he would stop being a hero now and live a normal life, not having to worry about everyone else. Well, he would stay up all night worrying about someone—his beautiful little Y/N. God, she is perfect in every way in his eyes.

If only she would notice him, and not just as the number-two hero but as HIM. He wished she would; he has been following her for weeks, months, and yet she still keeps him hanging by a thread. Can't she see how much he loves her?

Ah well, it won't matter soon enough. She will be his and only his soon enough.

43 notes · View notes

meekmedea · 1 month

Text

conversations over tea (IV)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I tried to bake,” she tells him during one of their teas.

There’s a genuine look of bafflement at her words. “Why?”

“I was bored.”

A second or two passes before he speaks again, his curiosity apparent. “How did it go?”

Clemensia took a sip from her tea, choosing not to say a word.

“How did it go?” he pressed.

“It came out hard as a rock,” she admits reluctantly when it was clear that Coriolanus wouldn’t drop the matter till she confessed.

The corners of his mouth twitched.

“Oh like you could do any better.”

“Is that a challenge?”

She grins.

Although they are no longer the same children they once were, it was almost heartening to find that he was still as competitive as ever. It made him seem … human instead of the cool, aloof mask he put on nowadays.

This is how they end up standing in his private kitchen one morning. His cooks sent out, as well as any nosy staff that might be lingering about.

“How hard can it be?”

Famous last words. If anything, Coriolanus fares even worse than she had.

Even presidents weren’t exempt from burning bread.

“Not a word to anyone else,” he insists when hours later, it comes out blacker than coal.

Clemensia mimicked zipping her mouth shut.

~~~~~

Their conversations over tea have become a little less one-sided, and she no longer purposefully finds the most bland things to talk about. With his participation, the conversation falls to more casual topics. Politics and anything that might be of importance are things they steer clear of.

In a way, it’s a game. Coriolanus is after whatever it is he gets out of their weekly teas, while Clemensia continues searching for whatever his motive might be.

Of course, there are times when his duties as President of Panem come first. There are weeks where she’ll have arrived on time and he’ll be stuck in some meeting that’s gone overtime or have something last minute to take care of.

In the warmer months, sometimes a maid or an assistant will suggest she wander the gardens as she waits. Or if they’ll offer up the drawing room with the piano if she’d prefer to stay indoors. And when the leaves begin to change their colours, Clemensia prefers the latter.

For a man who cannot play any musical instrument, the piano is kept in surprisingly good condition. Then again, Clemensia supposed that it wasn’t a good look for the president to have a less than perfect image, in his own home nonetheless.

Behind closed doors, the piano is hers to play as she likes. Sheet music is provided underneath the bench – some of the pieces she recognizes as ones she’d played back then; others are new, but not impossible to play.

She can’t help but wonder if he picks them out himself or has someone on his staff do so.

The maid always makes her a cup of tea while she waits for him to join her – Clemensia only ever takes a sip or two, more so focused on the piano instead. Besides when he arrives, a fresh pot of tea is made anyway.

~~~~~~

Is this a test of sorts? To test if she’d flaunt their newly re-established ‘friendship’?

Suffice to say, this is what first comes to mind when the maid that leads her to the drawing room purposefully strays from their usual route, causing her to frequently pass by ministers of various departments in the hallways.

None of these politicians ever stop to make conversation with her, nor does she attempt to do so. But even if there isn’t any conversation, she can sometimes feel the occasional stare as she walks past.

So if Coriolanus expects her to flaunt their connection, he’d be sorely disappointed to learn that Clemensia doesn’t talk of their teas to anyone else.

Because while she is well aware of the social benefits that’d come with being closely associated with the President, she’s also aware that the higher one rises, the harder the fall.

Avarice is dangerous to indulge in, especially in these circumstances.

Conversation with his other guests is kept to zero until one day, the newly instated Minister of Energy mistakes her for a staff member under the employ of the President.

A rude man, she recalls her father having described him once, nothing more than a spoiled brat. One who looked down on all he deemed beneath him.

In a way, perhaps it is her fault, as she doesn’t dress to the nines for these occasions. There’s no point to it – since when does one purposefully dress nicer to call on a friend? But maybe this is why he thinks of her as nothing more than an assistant to order about.

Regardless, Midas is an unpleasant man. One could tell much about an individual based on how they treated service workers and such. And if this is how he acted, then she was anything but impressed.

~~~~~~

It isn’t the last of him though, for once their tea has been poured, Coriolanus mentions him. “Midas is rather…” He made a dismissive gesture with his hand.

Behind her teacup, Clemensia tried not to smile.

“I heard there was an incident with him earlier?”

“Hardly an incident worth mentioning.” Just a rude and arrogant man. Though it had been funny when he demanded to know who she was as she walked away. She could only put up with so much before it became boring.

But her answer is hardly satisfactory, because he continues to needle her about it. “You’ve got my permission to be as blunt as you need to, so long as you're honest about it,” Coriolanus says eventually.

If they’d been children, she would have immediately caved. But alas, they were not, rather, he was this strange mix of the childhood friend she recognized and the President that she did not know very well.

“Well?”

Clemensia made a face at the memory of Midas, displeasure visible – after all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

“That bad?”

“Worse than Niobe’s bragging,” she admits after a second passes. If she had thought Livia stuck-up and unbearable during their childhood, then the older girl had been far, far worse.

That triggers a laugh out of him. “I remember her far too well. Yet you call earlier hardly an incident?”

“I was being polite,” she protests.

“You were being too kind,” he corrects as he refills his cup with more tea. “More than what he deserved.”

“Is that so?”

Though he laughingly agrees, Clemensia had a feeling that he was serious.

And when Clemensia pays a visit to her parents next week, she learns over tea that Midas has been released from his position.

Father is a little too pleased as he recounts the hand that Midas has been dealt. The man must have made a great number of enemies, for he’s been sent to be the Capitol’s representative in District 5.

~~~~~~

“Your father declined the position,” Coriolanus tells her that Saturday.

Clemensia can see it in the way his brows furrowed, like he couldn’t fathom why her father would decline the promotion as minister. “I know,” she says, taking a sip from her tea.

“Why?” His mouth frowns ever so slightly.

Stars… a frown now. It felt as if she was slowly unlocking more emotions in him, as comical as that thought was. “Father’s getting on in his years.” Her father’s words, not hers. “He’s been considering retirement.”

He looked puzzled now. “Is his health–”

“No, no, not like that,” she says hastily. “He simply doesn’t want to work till the end of his days.” Clemensia didn’t know what possessed her to teasingly add, “Not everyone is a workaholic like you, Coryo.”

Startled, he looked like a deer in headlights by her casual use of the nickname.

Idiot! What had made her decide to use such familiarity? After all, these days, they were more ‘Coriolanus and Clemensia’ than ‘Coryo and Clemmie’. “I–”

He held up a hand to interrupt. “It’s fine,” he says, the shock disappearing into his usual expression. “I just haven’t been called that in a long time.”

first part

next part

#clemensia dovecote #coriolanus snow #tbosas au #blurbs #conversations over tea #platonic #snowcote

6 notes · View notes

theycallme-thejackal · 2 years

Note

what ab when the article from the photo prompt, comes out?

Pairing: Lenny Bruce & Midge Maisel Rated T

Part 1 | Part 2

Uptown/Downtown: Cohorts in Comedy by Charles Ellsworth

If you have ever read a newspaper or watched a late night talk show, it's likely the name Lenny Bruce is familiar to you. The comic has been working nightclubs across the country since 1947, and this past November, the controversial comedian packed the house at Carnegie Hall (during a blizzard, no less).

The name Mrs. Maisel, on the other hand, may not ring a bell for many of our readers. If you frequent the comedy clubs of downtown Manhattan or happened to see Shy Baldwin on tour last year, you may have seen the rising star delivering surprising, spontaneous, or even startling performances.

Mrs. Maisel is the stage name of Miriam Weissman, and if you were to cross her path, you would never expect her to be a comic, much less be able to go toe-to-toe with arguably the best comic of his generation. She sits primly in a chair, wearing a polka-dotted dress, hair coiffed to perfection.

Lenny Bruce has made a name for himself as a notorious, often obscene comic, discussing politics, religion, and his (rather lengthy) arrest record. Mrs. Maisel presents as a proper, put together mother and (ex) wife, her sets laden with stories of the difficulties of being a mother, a daughter, and a divorcée.

The two comedians could not be any more different, and yet, if you are ever fortunate enough to be in the presence of both at once, you could understand why there have been rumors surrounding their relationship for the past year. Their banter is effortless, each one setting the other up for a joke executed expertly.

But how did this seemingly unlikely friendship begin?

"Drunkenly," jokes Bruce, receiving a laugh from Maisel, who goes on to tell the story of the night she became a comedian.

"My husband had just left me," she explains. "So I got very, very drunk, wandered onto the stage at the Gaslight, and then proceeded to get arrested and thrown in the back of a police car next to [Lenny]."

While Maisel talks of the night they met, Bruce watches fondly. "I knew right then that she was special," he says.

When Maisel tries to call his bluff, the male comic simply shrugs and adds, "I'm rarely wrong about this kind of thing. I've been doing comedy for a long time, and there are good comics, there are great comics, and there are the few legends. She's going to be one of them."

I am inclined to agree.

I had the good fortune of seeing Mrs. Maisel perform in Miami while she was on tour with Shy Baldwin. Her sets are often unplanned. The night I happened to see her, she had just discovered her parents in the lobby of the Fontainebleau Hotel, where the tour was performing. The set that followed was some of the most inspired improvised comedy I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.

A soft blush meets her cheeks when I tell her so, but before she can comment, Bruce jumps in. "Didn't you sleep on a pool lounger that night?" He asks, and Maisel lets out a surprisingly undignified laugh.

"I did! I didn't want to wake Carole [Keen, bassist for Shy Baldwin], and Lenny had kept me out until sunrise."

"You had fun that night," Bruce retorts, smirking from behind his hand.

"I had fun that night," she confirms, smiling at him and ruffling his hair affectionately.

So what's next for the two comics?

After his triumph at Carnegie Hall, Bruce disappeared from the comedy scene for a few months for reasons on which he declined to comment, but he is back next week at the Copacabana.

As for Mrs. Maisel?

"I just started working as the warm up comic for The Gordon Ford Show," she says, looking toward Bruce, who gazes at her proudly. "It allows me to make people laugh, support my family, and still have time to work the club scene to work new material."

I ask whether her ambitions are in the realm of television, and she shrugs with a smile. "I love doing stand up. In a way, my marriage ending was the best thing that ever happened to me. It led me to discovering something I'm great at that not a lot of people can do. So I want to work as much as I can. Everywhere I can. But the goal?" She looks to Bruce again, sharing a smile with him before answering.

"Carnegie Hall."

When that day comes, this reporter will be in line at the box office, second only to Lenny Bruce.

#midgelenny #midge x lenny #midgexlenny #tmmm fanfic #marvelous mrs. maisel fanfic #writing prompt #otp: more important than god #jackal fics #answers

58 notes · View notes

eternal-love-song · 11 months

Text

Tea And Compliments

While having lunch alone together, Kaede gives Shuichi a compliment.

[Kaede/Shuichi] [Hope’s Peak, No Killing Game, Fluff, Pre-relationship]

It had taken Shuichi a while to get used to his classmates at Hope's Peak. They were wacky and loud a lot of the time and Shuichi had felt like he would never get used to things in the beginning. Now, a couple months into the school year, he felt like he had a better grasp on things. He knew that if he stayed in the classroom for lunch he was less likely to be bothered than his classmates. He knew that if he wanted to sit outside he needed to be one of the first ones out the door if he wanted to get a good spot. He knew which places his classmates frequented and where to go if he wanted their company or wanted to avoid it.

It was a little hectic, a little loud, but Shuichi enjoyed it.

Today he decided to stay in the classroom for lunch. It was easier to get lost in a book when he stayed in the relative seclusion of the classroom and even when others stayed, they didn't usually bother him. He didn't think today would be any different until he saw that Kaede had opted to stay in the classroom with him.

This wasn't the first time that he had been alone with Kaede, but he had never fully found a way to relax around her. She was so pretty and lit up when she smiled, and Shuichi turned into the most awkward version of himself whenever he was alone with her. He tried to hide himself in his book, hoping that that would distract him from the need to talk. That plan was blown out of the window when, barely a chapter in, Kaede came to sit across from him with two cups of tea.

"I hope you don't mind. I don't really want to be in a big crowd today," she said with a smile.

"I-it's fine!" he said quickly. He felt his face was heating up and tried to hide even more behind his book, hoping that she wouldn't notice.

It was hard to sit across from her without staring. Her eyes were down, staring at a sheet of paper as she did homework or maybe worked on a song. Shuichi couldn't tell without being more obvious in his staring and he didn't want to do that. He was so busy watching her, wondering what she was doing, what she was thinking, that when he went to refill his tea he overfilled his glass.

Shuichi hissed and pulled his newly wet hand away, waving it in the air to try and cool the slight burn from the hot liquid.

"Oh no, Shuichi! Are you okay?" Kaede asked. She moved to help him, but he shook his head, motioning for her to stay seated. Her eyebrows drew together in concern as she watched him mop up the spilled tea. "You didn't burn yourself, did you?"

"No, I'm fine," he said. "Just, um, distracted. I guess."

Kaede frowned, but took another sip of her tea once she was assured there was nothing she could do to help. He could feel her scrutinizing him. Her eyes traveled from his hands all the way up to his face. He blushed when their eyes met then stared firmly down at the table. "You have beautiful eyes."

Shuichi nearly dropped his cup, having lifted it just moments before to wipe beneath it. As it was, he definitely spilled more tea. "W-what?"

"Oh, geez, that's my fault isn't it?" She gave him a sheepish smile as she stood up, reaching to take the cup from his hands and take over his duty of wiping the table. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Shuichi thought that his brain might have short circuited, but he managed to stutter out a response anyway. "I-it's fine!" His voice came out cracked and too high pitched.

"It's just..." Kaede was looking at him again, a determined expression on her face. "Your eyes are really pretty."

"U-um..." Shuichi really didn't know what to say to this. His face was hot and his heart was beating hard and fast.

Kaede finished wiping the table and looked at him. She tried to meet his eyes, but he couldn't gaze and pulled his hat down a little. She reached out to tug he hat up and off. "Don't hide them," she said. "You go through all that trouble to make your eyes look pretty and then you don't even let anyone else see them. It's not fair."

"S-sorry... I mean, um, thank you?" He sounded like an idiot. He wished that he had a hole to hide in. Or a hat to hide behind, at least. "I, um, your eyes... also..."

Kaede blushed, but the smile that lit her face was worth the embarrassment that he was feeling. "You really think so?"

"Yes!" His voice cracked. He was a complete mess. He might as well be the spilled tea that she needed to mop off the table.

Kaede sat back in her chair, still watching him fondly. "I was really happy that I got to spend time with you, Shuichi. I always like it, really. You make great company."

He wasn't sure how. He felt like he was alway making a fool of himself. Kaede was a saint to put up with him being a stuttering mess all of the time, but he was glad that she did. Even if he didn't feel like he deserved it most of the time.

"Sorry if this was kind of abrupt," Kaede said, a slight blush on her own cheeks. "It's just been on my mind and I couldn't help blurting it out."

Shuichi tried to clear his throat and pull himself together a little. "For, um, how long?"

Kaede smiled, leaning toward him. "More and more every time we hang out together," she admitted. Kaede began nervously twiddling her fingers. "When we're alone together, I almost can't think of anything else."

Shuichi reached for his cup of tea, trying to gather his courage. He wasn't sure how she could sound so calm admitting something like that, but if he wanted to be worthy of her, the least he could do was try and meet her energy. He took a long sip, hoping that it would clear his throat and his nerves both. "I... think about you, too," he said.

Kaede reaches across the table to take his hand, blushing even as she smiled at him. "I'm glad."

Shuichi would make a million confessions like that if they made her smile so brightly. "I'm... I'm glad too. That I get to, um, spend time with you like this."

Kaede didn't stop holding his hand for the rest of the lunch hour and he shouldn't pretend that he was able to focus on his book at all after that.

#ELS Writing #Saimatsu #Shuichi Saihara #Kaede Akamatsu #Danganronpa V3 #Fanfiction

10 notes · View notes

omg-im-such-a-masochist · 2 years

Text

Halloweek: Day 4

Editor: @thenightmareismyreality

Tags: @theworldofotps , @writtingrose , @aerynscrichton , @daddyhausen , @damnnhausen , @starwithaheart, @unoficialy-married-to-ace-austin , @sophiewolfheart-blog , @sultryfandoms , @new-zealand-chic , @crowleysqueenofhell , @thealliasylum , @legit9thlunaticwarrior , @baysexuality , @josiewrites , @seeingstarks , @sldghmmr , @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch , @whenimakeitshine1234 , @blaquekittycat , @auburnwrites , @brie-mode-activated

Shoutout to @letsgivethisonemoreshot for sparkling my imagination with her original idea

Everyone in Sandy Fork - Delaware knew about them. In fact, once you moved here two months ago, they were the only subject the town folk and neighborhood seemed to be desperate to tell you about - even more so because you now lived two houses down from theirs.

”Don’t go out at night or alone and don't ever go inside those woods…Lord knows what these people are capable of. I’ve heard things…screams and cries for help coming from somewhere inside those woods. Trust me when I say you might want to keep your distance from them” You’ve lost count of how many times you’d heard that phrase in the past two months. Having lived in Los Angeles for the majority of your adult life, you doubted there was something those crazy hillbillies could do to scare you.

People love to invent stories about others, of that you most certainly knew. And having encountered the Briscoes a handful of times since you moved, you could say they weren’t as bad as people painted them to be. Mark - the younger brother, was the one you encountered the most. Whether it was in the grocery store or coming home from work, you constantly bumped into the man. He sure is a bit funky but then again, you were from L.A. and used to eccentric people.

If you were being honest, the man wasn’t that scary. He helped you sometimes with your groceries and even offered to help when he saw you struggling with the lawnmower, plus he wasn’t that bad, with a few more regular showers, a trip to the barber shop and new clothes he would look quite presentable. But the one that sure was a sight for sore eyes was his older brother - Jay.

You saw him less frequently and your encounters had been a bit more weird than the ones with Mark. Jay was more reserved, not shy, but more so the quiet type. You only met him three times but those were enough to make his presence known.

The first time you met was when Mark introduced you the day he helped with the lawnmower. The younger Briscoe was the one who did all the talking, with Jay only saying a brief “Nice to meet ya” two minutes before leaving back to his house.

The second encounter was a month after you moved. You were finishing polishing your car when you felt someone looking at you, one quick look over your shoulder confirmed your suspicions of being spied on. Except your spy made no effort to make himself unknown.

Jay was leaning against your fence with no shirt on, sipping on a beer and intently staring at you. His green orbs were shamelessly glued to your curves, traveling up and down your body before they went back up to your face. A shiver of need went down your spine and even underneath the summer sun you felt goosebumps rising on your skin. After what felt like ages, you finally asked “Can I help you with something?”. The only response you got from him was a sly smirk before he walked away.

And the third and last encounter was two days ago. You had enjoyed a much needed night out in town at Earl’s bar and grill. You had a few drinks, some warm food and since it was still early and a warm night you decided to walk back home instead of taking an Uber.

On the way back, you passed by The Briscoes’ house and some movement by the window caught your attention. Looking towards the front window, you saw a naked woman pressed against the glass. Her long, blonde hair was wrapped around Jay’s wrist as he pounded her from behind. Her eyes were closed in pure bliss and her mouth moved with unrecognizable words, but his gaze was fixed on you. You felt your cheeks burning with embarrassment as he mouthed “I want you”.

You licked your dried lips and speed walked down the street towards your house, where you spent the rest of the night fantasizing about the handsome hillbilly.

You felt like a teenager all over again, being dared by your friend to go into the “forbidden woods” on Halloween night. Flashbacks of earlier tonight replayed in your mind…

“This is so stupid. There’s nothing in those woods! We both know the Briscoes are not the country version of the Boogie Man” You rolled your eyes in annoyance “Aren’t you a little too old to believe in neighborhood gossip?”

“Well, then prove me wrong” Mitch chuckled before making a toast with your beer bottles “Remember to call me if something goes wrong…I’ll make sure to call the police”

“I thought you were supposed to go rescue me! What kind of a man are you?” You joked with a smirk.

“The smart kind ” He laughed out loud and closed the front door of your house once he was out.

“This is so fucking stupid” You mumbled to yourself as the flashlight lightened the path inside the woods. The only sounds you could hear were the leaves moving on the branches due to the wind and the small twigs breaking underneath your feet. The more you entered the distant woods, the darker and creepier it got. The silence was deafening and successful in creating one of the most terrifying places you’d ever been in.

“Why am I doing this again? Oh yeah, because Mitch is a fool and I’m an even bigger idiot! This is so dumb and pointless” You stopped in your tracks as you continued to talk to yourself “You know what? Fuck this and fuck Mitch. I’m going home”.

When you were about to turn around to go back home, a loud scream came from further in the woods. *What the actual fuck? No…it can’t be true. Oh God, please don’t tell me that those crazy hillbillies actually kill people in these goddamn woods. Can you imagine a sadder death though? Killed by two psycho brothers in fucking Delaware of all places! Jesus Christ, I should’ve stayed in L.A.* The unspoken dialogue roamed your mind until another loud scream made you freeze in place. Your ears seemed to pick up on every little sound and it didn’t take long enough for you to find out what was happening in those woods.

What you learned to be a female voice screamed and moaned while she begged for the younger Briscoe to “please, go faster”. You held back a loud laugh of relief upon understanding what they actually did inside those woods, “If the people only knew” You whispered to yourself before walking back towards your house. The fit of laughter soon died on your lips when you noticed the living room light on, *I didn’t leave it on. I turned off all the lights before I left* The thought roamed your mind and anxiety creeped up on you.

Your breath left in shallow pants as you walked up the four stairs of your front porch. The front door was partially open and when you stepped inside your living room, you quickly took one of the iron fire pokers and called “I’m armed, asshole! You got two minutes to get out through the kitchen door unless you want to celebrate Halloween in the ICU!”

The house remained dead silent as you walked towards the dining room area. As soon as you stepped inside the cozy room, a pair of arms hooked around yours, keeping your arms glued to your body and preventing you from defending yourself. You kicked and fought against the man’s grip, trying your best to set yourself free.

“Ya know, when they say city girls are damsels in distress they clearly haven’t met you yet” The unmistakable voice and accent somehow eased your anxious self and made your breathing normal again. “What are you doing in my house? I don’t recall saying you could come in” You looked over your shoulder at the green eyes that now stared back at you with malice

“But you did want me here” Jay smirked as he loosened his grip around you so you could turn around to face him. “I might be ignorant, but I think that the copy of your front door key placed on my window sill kinda speaks for itself, don't ya think?”.

“Have you ever thought it could be for Mark, not you?”

“If it was for Mark, you’d be the one screaming inside those woods right now” He pushed you back until your lower back bumped against the dining room table “But we both know that’s not what you want…No, you want - need something beyond that…something Mark can’t give ya” Jay leaned forward, tracing the pulse point of your neck with the tip of his nose. “But you know that I can. I can give you what you want and so much more, right, little peach?” His lips now hovered above yours, beard tickling your skin as he whispered “Isn’t that what all of you city girls want? A rough, crude hillbilly to give you the time of your life. Do you in a way none of those playboys can? Treat you like you’re nothing more than a pretty and preppy fuck toy. Toss you around, slap ya in the face, shove you face down on the mattress, spit in your mouth, pull your hair, spank you and watch the posh girl melt away with that pretty makeup on your face”.

“Jay” His name left your lips in a begging tone. Despair, need and want were written all over your eyes as you placed your hands on his biceps “Please”.

Jay’s smirk turned into a toothy grin as he clasped his hand around your throat “Shhh, shut up” His free hand roughly groped your breast, earning a soft moan from you. “I hope you know what you’re in for, peach. Because once I’m done with you, you’ll never want anything but this hillbilly’s dick inside of you”.

#maso’s halloweek 2022 #jay briscoe fanfiction #jay briscoe x reader #jay briscoe imagine #jay briscoe #the briscoes #masochist writes

36 notes · View notes