#the old guard trick or treat event

[elioslover]

Little Angel, Only Freak? - Grapejuice.

🎃 Halloween Flashbacks 🎃

This can be read as a stand-alone piece! 👻 I've really been wanting to include some flashback moments from Harry and Klutz's past, so I thought Halloween would be the perfect place to start!

Premise: Harry has been pining over Y/n - his best friends slightly older sister - for as long as he can remember.

GRAPEJUICE MASTERPOST / Other Writing

NB! Y/n's (Klutz) brother's name is Jack. In Grapejuice it's mentioned that Harry may have wrote some songs about Klutz. These events were inspired specifically by two of his masterpieces lmao, so lemme know if you notice any references hehe. - Em. xo

Warnings: Drinking/smoking (this oneshot contains quite a bit due to the fact that they are attending a lot of Halloween parties). Age-gap (2yrs). Self-insert she/her.

Word count: 5.4k

🍷 2011 🍷

Sitting with your legs criss-crossed, on the kitchen counter which is perhaps the highest off of the ground you are most comfortable with. Your firm belief in keeping your feet on the soil, neither under deep waters nor up in the air. 

That aside, you are eating a toastie, courtesy of your own cooking- rather surprised that not only did you manage to get ready on time, but actually finished with plenty to spare. 

Indulging in your meal, the sound of Travis Scott accompanying your chewing, Harry's sudden appearance in the kitchen is startling, but nothing out of the ordinary. Besides, there have been plenty of worse and compromising interactions in the past. 

“Aren’t you too old to be trick-or-treating?” You mumble through your food-filled mouth, eyeing him from top to bottom, shamefully admiring his choice of costume. Perhaps you were a sucker for a sexy pirate- though a large part of you believes the 'sexy' part was unintentional. 

Harry only smiles and meanders further into the kitchen, invading the fridge for god knows what before giving up, strolling over to you, invading your space in an instant and with audacity you have never witnessed prior, he snatches the half-devoured triangle of a toastie and takes a hearty bite before speaking through muffled chews, 

“Age is but a construct.”

“I guess I agree.” You shrug, thoughts travelling to the dangerously explicit fantasies you experienced at the mere existence of Tom Hard, your brain concocting a dreamland in which a 15-year age gap would be graciously welcomed. 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Harry archives the moment. An entirely separate dreamland surrounds him and yourself. But, you still seem so far away, Harry is aching to extend the conversation, “Where are you off to, a Tarantino-themed party?”

“That my dear, is none of your business.”

“Well for what it’s worth,” he informs both sweetly and sultry, “you make a beautiful *Viper.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, Styles.” You open the gates and let your guard down, needing him to know you notice him- see him, and if vulnerability is the way to make that clear, god willing, something inside you wishes to share it. 

Harry is stunned- your words are one thing, your tone is another. He wants, no, he needs to hear your softness, again and again. Then there is an invasive double honk and it can only belong to the red Mazda parked in the driveway, stark headlights shining through the kitchen curtains. 

You hop off the counter without a care in the world, straighten out your costume, and check your makeup in the reflection of the microwave before strolling straight past Harry and into the entrance hall, grabbing your matching purse. You raise your voice to address both your brother and the sexy pouting pirate stunned to silence,

“That’s my ride." Certain they've both heard, you open the front door and as an afterthought, call over your shoulder, "Save me a Mars bar!”

👻

The boys are in line for the entrance to a club that Jack stated would be "popping", but there is a clear age limit and Harry's anxiety is already reaching its limit. He turns to Darth Vader- ignoring how ridiculous his friend is- and Harry cautiously ponders aloud, 

“Are you sure we’re even gonna get in?”

“Trust me.” Jack sternly enforces. 

“What is this hold you have over me?” Harry concedes. 

By what could either be deemed a miracle or exceptional finesse, it's not long before the boys have their left wrists stamped with a small ink jack-o-lantern, and are entering the club. 

“See! Am I ever wrong?” Jack projects against the booming bass, but Harry certainly hears him, more focused on the dissipating nerves being replaced with confidence. 

“Drinks!” Jack doesn't allow a retort, making his way to the bar with the assurance that Harry is following close behind. Harry was, and after a few other patrons are tended to, the boys order their choices and cheer a duet of tequilas in celebration of their success. 

The tequila is still travelling down Harry's throat when a voice, so sweet and so familiar, almost causes him to choke, his eyes opening, neck dropping to look at the person who had exclaimed "Oi!". Unsurprisingly, you are standing there, arms on your hips, a look of disappointment painted across your face,

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“To be fair, I didn’t expect you to be here either.” Jack shrugs.

“I thought you were trick-or-treating, Jack." You chide.

“Oh, please, we’re seventeen. You knew that was a cover.” His eye-rolls with a jovial smirk. 

“Still. I thought at least a house party.” 

“Which is exactly where you said you would be.”

“Shut up.” Your last line of defence. 

“C’mon, Y/n. Go have fun, it’ll be like we’re not even here.”

With a dissatisfied sigh, you grab your drink from the bar counter and gather within the group of girls all dressed with glamorous uniqueness, disappearing into the mass of dancers, praying that Jack’s statement would prove correct. 

But, as expected, this promise was broken within the first hour after the desperate need for a Marlboro was lulling in your lungs, and for some useless and godforsaken reason, smoking is banned from the bar and dancefloor- bar vaping- however, due to the lack of an outside area, the designated smoking zone was the hallway. 

After a trip to the bathroom- which had vanity counters, ladies waiting near the cashmere wash towels to unnecessarily aid in drying your hands; each bathroom is garnished with gold framing and every stall comes with a little glass table attached to the wall; perfect for cutting lines of coke- you decided it was time to settle down for a good smoke, spotting an empty, luxurious maroon and velvet two-seater sofa. 

Your focus is on the ridiculous custom silver bear lighter you bought second-hand, your head bowed, smoke balanced between your lips, so it comes as a great surprise when you glance up and Harry is standing before you. By the time your cigarette sets alight, he is settled next to you on the lounger, 

“Fancy seeing you here.” He teases lazily.

“You lost Jack?” You shift your body to better see him, simultaneously handing him your smoke. 

“Always do.” He softly chuckles, knuckles brushing your fingertips in exchange, and he takes a good drag, hoping it will miraculously cure the anxiety that seemed to return the moment he found himself alone. 

“That guy’s a menace.” 

"This is the strangest hallway I've ever seen." He comments, glancing around the room of scattered stoners and straight smokers. Then he remembers the house he visited less than three hours ago, "And that's saying something." 

"Our hallway is not that bad." You lamely defend- this conversation has been ongoing since youth. 

"Can't believe we're sitting on a chez lounge." Harry marvels, hand stroking at the smooth material. 

"This place truly is something." You agree, proceeding to ponder the answer to a premonition she needs confirmation for, “What are you doing over here?”

“Just needed a breather.” He admits. “You?”

“Guess I’m doing the same.” You consider. 

“What’s the matter, klutz?” He reads your mood like a medium- some sort of magician.

“Boys are shitty.” You allow him the tip of the ice burg- it has been bugging you, perhaps not as much as the other things bothering and plaguing you.

“We are.” He agrees lightly, knowing it would be detrimental to pry. 

“You aren’t. most of the time, anyway.” 

“I thought I was the most annoying person you know.”

“You are. Maybe ever.” You dramatise your distaste, “But you are by no means shitty.”

For a reason Harry had always known, yet never questioned, he found your presence as relaxing as falling asleep cradled by a fluffy cloud. He briefly wonders if you feel the same, but knows better than to embrace hope. Nevertheless, he says what he can guarantee will suit your interesting demeanour, 

“I’m sorry about… whatever you’re going through.” 

“Thanks, Harry.” You smile earnestly as the pair of you proceed to pass the cigarette back and forth, comfortable in the presence of taking a cool-down. 

But, with your vulnerability out in the open, it becomes mandatory to verify the reason he is currently sitting beside you, 

“Why aren’t you down there?”

Harry knew it was coming, thought about what to say, and came up with a few reasonable excuses but as soon as the question leaves your quirked and lush lips, the truth comes pouring out and he cannot do anything but witness his honesty,

“I feel out of my element.”

“That’s all in your head.” You try to reassure him, knowing it isn’t that simple, yet hoping he might allow you the chance to prove it, even for just a moment. 

“Oh, is that right?” He smirks. 

You are standing before he can blink twice, singing your cigarette in the ashtray and reaching your arm out for him to join you, 

“C’mon, I’ll show you.”

He doesn’t protest- he doesn’t even hesitate as he wraps his hand in your own, raising from the chair and allowing you to drag him wherever you please. 

This results in descending stairs, weaving through a crowd before finally reaching the destination; the bar. He shouldn’t be surprised, but the pleasure and subconscious pride he wore as you tugged him about, moving closer, sometimes a few steps apart, but never letting go of his hand- even if only one finger was hooked to his own.

The bartender arrives with such haste that Harry is almost certain it has something to do with your beauty- it does- but mere moments later he finds out that you are in fact a regular visitor- and a loved one, at that. 

Harry is so enamoured and floored with such an overload of new information about you that he hardly registers when you tilt over the counter and order four tequilas. 

And when the tequila arrives, there are five, offered as, ‘on the house’. Your reaction is mischievous and Harry feels exhilarated at the promise of your mission to make his night memorable.  

“Bottoms up.” You command, double-parking and encouraging Harry to wrap both of his shot glasses in each palm. He does as follows, giving you awkward cheers before copying your skill and tossing back the tequila one after the other. You then guide Harry to drop both glasses on the table and immediately grab the lonesome shot glass, still filled to the brim. 

You go in for half a sip, savouring the sharp spirits slipping down your throat but leaving half the glass full. Handing it over to Harry he finishes the drink and turns to you in anticipation for further instructions. Your shoulders can’t resist a consequential shudder, and then you clap your hands together and cheekily beam up at him,

“Now, we dance.”

“I can’t dance.” His pitch is one of panic and protest. 

“Neither can I.” You answer proudly, wrapping his hand in your own and leading him onto the dancefloor.

🍷 2016 🍷

Your boyfriend has caused yet another scene, taking it personally when some poor guy dressed as a zombie accidentally stepped on his foot.

Before he had the chance to toss more furniture, you plan an escape and make a beeline for the kitchen- somewhere likely to be devoid of party-goers. But when you round the corner, the sight of Harry, dressed in a white and red striped shirt, hair quaffed beneath a goofy matching beanie, and eyes framed by large, black round glasses. He's sitting on the counter, his light jean-clad legs dangling, shoes knocking against the bottom cabinets.

He seems too calm for such a festive evening, especially when he is as notorious as Jack when it comes to turning into a playful nuisance- affectionate, chatty, and likely to end up attempting to dance.

You walk straight over, only coming to a halt when your sternum presses into his knees, and beneath those gaudy glasses, you don't miss the way his deep green eyes swell and his lashes bash beautifully with bafflement.

"Ah, here's Waldo." You beam up at him.

"Y'got me." He lightly shrugged, a sneaky smile painting his cheeks.

"What do I win?"

Eyes widening with an accompanying Chesire cat smile, your tone tainted with taunting cheeriness. But, nonsensically you lean in closer, bare abdomen grazing his denim.

Whether intentional or not, Harry is set alight, his burning knees spreading along his stomach, trailing up his chest, simmering his heart and throat, coals burning at his cheeks and brain. He is so stoned on placebo, that his mouth is unable to project his profession,

"Anything you want."

You are experiencing first-degree burns, bathing yourself in diversion,

"Are these your real glasses?" You lean your face forward, lining up with his own, your hands gently clasping the black frames and examining the determined false lenses. "Guess not."

There are less than zero reasons for your bodies to remain so stuck, relaxed in the sanctuary of physical contact, but neither of you makes an attempt to move, unaddressed and absolutely mad. You deem it time to turn things around,

"Avoiding the party?"

"A little." He shrugs.

"Bad company?"

"The worst." He tilts his chin to the ceiling before returning his gaze to your own, "Though I can't imagine I'm much better."

"Anything is better than the mess going on outside." You meet his pondersome eyes with a competitive roll of your own.

Now Harry understands the crash he had heard through the kitchen window. Your expressions of annoyance and disappointment emit all of the information he needs to know,

"Dickie acting up again?"

"You know that's not his name."

"It should be."

Harry has never shied away from expressing his distaste for your boyfriend- simply because you were dating him. Harry was hardly around, and when he was, you were almost guaranteed to be absent due to plans with Ricky.

With a sudden bough of frustration, your hands press into Harry's upper thighs to properly balance yourself. he does everything- and more- to avoid physically reacting to your unusual closeness. You breathe out and it matches the mournful furrow of your brow,

"He's just... why does he have to be so aggressive?"

"Yeah, that table certainly didn't deserve that." Harry leans in, looking down at you with a worrisome but sensitive demeanour. And then he leaps and lightly wraps his hand around your hip.

His eyes are studying your soft face, his heart focused on your sweet features and the feeling of your skin separated by his clothes, but his head is still stuck on the confusion currently holding you captive. He can't help by prying,

"He's not... aggressive with you, right?"

"Not yet." The words trail off of your tongue. And then you toss everything aside, pressing your fingers into his thigh "I don't wanna talk about it right now."

Harry doesn't know how to react, sudden shocks of arousal emulating at the discomfort of your digging nails, the desperate desire to destroy the distance between your lips, loop his arm around your neck, softly cup your cheek and express how special you should be treated- with such certainty that you never forget,

"I like your costume. Might be your best so far."

It definitely is, you are rather impressed with how well your Other Mother costume turned out. Though, your already tragic bank account has taken a traumatic bashing,

"I spent way too much money on it."

"How much?" His grin is mischievous.

"Too much."

"Now I have to know." He pleads, but know you will never utter the shame you suffer. He won't let you off the hook so easy, though, "Just to rub it in, I'll have you know, I only spent three pounds."

You huff, leaning further into his touch, enjoying the feeling of his fingers on your flesh. He has to tilt to see you fully, and you aid him craning your neck to meet him in the middle, dismissing the deemed unnecessary distance,

"Well, you've done a terrible job at making it hard to find you."

"Maybe I wanted you to find me." He shrugs with suave.

"That was ambitious."

"It worked, yeah?" He is seeping with playful pride, though he cannot prevent his need to compliment you- perhaps the only way to get his attraction across was through words, true words at that, "You really do look beautiful."

"Not just sexy?"

"Sexy as fuck." He groans, fingers pressing into the plush fleshyness of your waist, "But not just sexy."

"Filthy." You scold seductively.

And then you seem to find yourself sinking further into his touch, trying with everything in you to get nearer- his neck so biteable, collarbone begging for loving bruises. Harry is on the same page, body pressing into your own, his palm trailing up and settling on your lower back.

You think he might kiss you. You think you are out of your mind... But, you think you're going to let him. The only thing to pause your seemingly-senseless thoughts is the defensive, stern, and frankly, threatening boom of your boyfriend,

"Hey, what the fuck are you doing with my girl?"

Like velcro being violently ripped apart, you have never moved with such haste in all of your current existence to date. Harry is now at least three feet away from you, and your boyfriend is berzerkly striding towards him. Harry calmly and rationally raises his palms in defence,

"Nothing, mate."

"Ricky-" You edge closer.

But, your boyfriend has already aimed his fist at Harry's face, and instead of reacting with returned aggression, he interjects,

"Mate, chill out." Harry reasons with a casual shrug, "She's like a sister to me."

An invasive feeling of disappointment pangs at your heart at the sound of sister, and to this day you will not analyse why. It was something you were guaranteed to repeat in the future.

"Am I supposed to believe that?" Ricky scoffs but his arm drops to his side nevertheless.

Harry hops off of the counter with ease, stepping past your boyfriend with effortless confidence. He glances over at you for a mere instance- not long enough for you to comprehend the event that just unfolded.

He reaches over to the nearest countertop and grabs his solo-cup and before turning his back completely, he addresses Ricky with finality,

"Believe what you want, Batman."

🍷 2018 🍷

Harry knocks for a third time before Jack finally answers the door- and when he does, dressed Pennywise- a red balloon tied to his wrist- Harry instantly regrets his entire life, attempting to prepare for a chaotic Halloween party. Whenever Jack finds himself in an extravagant, far-too-detailed costume, two things are certain; there will be a magically, monstrous punch bowl, and Jack will be dancing on any piece of furniture that catches his eye.

“So, this was your last-minute decision?” Harry works hard to keep the disturbed feelings from projecting across his features.

“It was this or Heisenburg, okay?” Jack sighs, audatiously comparing his- what can only be described as a slutty Pennywise to simply purchasing a hazmat.

“How much time did you spend on this?” Harry finds his amusement increasing.

“Too long.” Jack admits with distaste. But all in all, This is the best of his costumes to date, and Harry certainly agrees.

“I’m sure the ladies will love it.” He commends, and Jack nods avidly, his face mimicking that of confidence.

Harry ponders halfheartedly as they enter the home Harry knows so well- the home he spent at least a quarter of his 28 years. It's only as he reaches the living room, packed with both familiar and unfamiliar faces. Many of them seem older than he, and Harry can only assume these are friends of Jack’s college, and your work colleagues.

A pang of panic threatens to become a full-blown wave of disappointment and regret. Missing out on the life he could have had.

Before he can be swept away by his newfound unfamiliarity, Jack has led them to the makeshift bar- a dining table decorated with spooky decorations, all surrounding the notorious monster of the eve- the Halloween punch. Harry doesn’t protest- by this point he deems it necessary.

Lightly tapping their cups together in cheers. Jack takes a hearty sip before his brows suddenly raise in realization,

“Huh. That’s funny.” Jack finally takes a moment to acknowledge his best friend, emulating the Devil himself.

“Hm?” Harry asks halfheartedly, eyes scanning the room for something and he doesn’t even know what.

“I just noticed your costume.”

Harry’s gaze snaps back to Jack, giving him a puzzled look, masking a sudden bough of insecurity simmering beneath the surface,

“I look funny?”

“No, Y/n told me she was gonna be an Angel. Coincidence, huh?” Jack shrugs.

“Is she here?” Harry tries to hide the sudden panic.

“Not yet. You know she’s gonna lose her mind over it.” Jack grins, always bemused by the so-called banter between his sister and best friend. 

Harry’s panic is substituted by an odd sense of relief- he now knows what- or who- he had been searching for. With a bough of mischievous confidence, he mimics his best friend's grin and informs,

“Just what I wanted to hear.”

👻

Upon the news of his holy crush’s imminent arrival, Harry finishes his first punch cup and then heads towards the ‘bar’ to pour another.

Pleasantly, someone is already attending to the punch- an old teammate from his high school football team has the same intentions, finishing up on filling his cup before recognizing Harry and enthusiastically initiating a catch-up. One that proves helpful, replacing his thoughts of you with good conversation and in turn, allows him to react.

It’s unclear how long this chat persisted as the boys moved from the make-shift bar to a spot on the porch- already scattered with smokers and an extremely tense game of beer-pong.

Eventually, the punch has caught up with him and Harry has to excuse himself in favour of the bathroom. This should be an easy enough task, but this monstrous punch has proved poisonous as it lags his movements and encourages him to take a long, good look at himself in the cobweb-framed mirror.

Impressed with his costume, and impressed with how calm and cheery he felt. Things don’t seem so bad- the intrusive thoughts were offering silence for the sake of letting him have a good time.

His best friend’s home has always had the oddest of hallways. A complicated combination of narrow to wide, with unnecessary corners and nooks. These proved sacred during the times of childhood, the perfect place to out-smart the person trying to yell, ‘Tag, you’re it!’ Now, this hallway is treacherous and Harry longs to find himself back in the living room, especially with the amount of party-goers crowding the corridor.

Looking back, Harry wonders if he would have even seen you wedged between a pair of what seems to be Cersei and Jaime Lannister. It would be hard not to, with the way the shimmering satin dress and the sparkling halo create a ring of glory around you.

But you certainly see him, meandering down the hallway dressed in a costume to match your own. Your first feeling should be annoyance, but unfortunately, your thoughts are redirected to just how good he looks.

The duo you were humouring are a thing of the past as you mutter an “excuse me”- gaze and mind already set on intercepting Satan himself.

He’s leaning against the wall- being extra careful to not knock over any picture frames. His head is bowed, contemplating his next move and it suddenly and forcefully occurs to him that his original plan to find you was diverted by a pointless side-quest.

As if the thin veil of Halloween was thoughtful enough to grant him instant gratification, a set of white heels, laced to the upper calf is walking his way. He lets his eyes trail the length of soft thighs up to the seams of lacy trim, savouring each fleshy, smooth thigh before finally addressing the owner's face.

When his eyes are met with your own, glittering with each blink, Harry’s widen in surprise, jaw threatening to slack as you stop before him. Giving him a good glance before mimicking his stance and balancing yourself against the wall. 

“Well, well, well.” Your tone is both amused and annoyed.

A sudden rush of ease and euphoria washes over him at the coolness of your mood- though, that was subject to change rather quickly in the presence of Harry.

On a whim you attribute to both a poisonous punch and the devil standing before you, Harry is taken off guard by the sudden contact of your palm on his chest, even more, surprised as you push and guide him into the nearest alcove.

But that was as far as your thoughts had progressed, what was the plan now? This is a result of impulsivity, and when you concede and don’t go on to say anything further, Harry takes the opportunity to back you into the corner, arms balancing loosely on the wall near your face.

“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” His smile is cheesy.

“I’m sure you’re enjoying this.” Your eyes roll, arms crossing your chest in distaste.

Harry tilts down ever so slightly, aligning his lips with the shell of your ear,

“Loving it.”

“And I’m supposed to believe this is just a coincidence?”

“Believe what you want, Angel.”

He returns to his previous position, aching to get a better look at your face, hoping that the blush pink scattered across your cheeks is a product of not makeup, but himself. You cannot admit that it’s a combination of both- not even to yourself- instead opting for a classic eye-roll and continuing to do what you do best,

“I see you chose to go costume-less this year.”

“You’re hilarious.”

“You’re the Devil.” You try, “Truly.”

By now, your hands have dropped to your sides, securing distance but still unexplainably allowing Harry the chance to wander closer if he wishes. He does, but only enough for your chests to brush, his head bowed to gaze your way, one of his hands reaching out to fiddle with the accessory adorning your head,

“Why, because I make you want to ditch that pretty little halo?”

“You’re insane.” You chide, palm raising to his abdomen in protest.

“And you want me.” He articulates with certainty.

“Correction, you’re psychotic.”

But you like the feeling of his muscles tensing beneath your hold, the musky and fruity aroma invading your senses. The curve where his shoulder and neck meet is aligned with your chin, and for a split second, you ponder the impulse to get closer, latch your lips to his skin and sink your teeth in.

Harry likes having you so near, he can smell the Chanel and cocoa butter seeping from your skin, the crown of your head smells of something fruity and fresh. And when your hand absentmindedly trails further along his stomach, settling on his shoulder, Harry almost stops breathing when his impulses get the best of him, wrapping his free arm around your waist, and when you don’t protest and your free arm goes to rest along his shoulder, he thinks he might have a chance,

“Are you sure, pretty Angel? Your body seems to think otherwise.”

“Shut up, Harry.”

“You’re more than welcome.” he smirks, loving the way your eyes simmer with conflict, “…To shut me up, that is.”

You decide that fame has done a lot to him, not just the typical singing, stadiums and superstardom, so why the hell is he talking like a… man? Like he knows how to seduce a woman, and why the fuck does that make your stomach churn with curiosity.

But, you remind yourself that age equals experience and that makes you the superior. Besides, from the way he’s currently behaving, you have an inkling that his ego has likely inflated.

This could be fun. Two could play at this game, and no matter the amount of fraternizing Harry may have committed, you were competitively and egotistically prepared to knock him down a peg.

Raising to the tip of your toes, hand tightening on his shoulder, nails softly scratching at his back, your other hand reaching to wrap around his neck, your thumb stroking the crook of his chin. Batting your eyelashes with a lick of the lips, you ensure he hears each and every word,

“Is that what you want, sweet boy?” You coo, and Harry stiffens in an instant, blinking rapidly as you push on, “Want me to take care of you?”

“You can do whatever you want.” He blurts out before the ‘ou’, fist flexing against the wall, his body aching to be tangled up with your own.

It's cute, and unnecessarily arousing, and as much as you know you shouldn’t, there’s an ache in your chest that chants for you to crumb him along for just a little longer,

“Pity. After all, this is just a costume.”

“Prove it.”

His eyes are eager, nose bumping along your forehead, and your hand comes to its finale as it holds his cheek in place, gently pulling his face nearer to your own. You pout, but the sly smirk prints itself at the corners of your lips nevertheless,

“A Devil certainly isn't deserving.” 

“Prove it anyways.”

Harry thinks he’s about two sentences away from begging for something he didn’t know he needed so desperately. As much as it pains you to put a pin in this, the confusion of juxtaposition of attraction is threatening to make you light-headed.

“No.”

So, to Harry’s utter dismay, you release him from your hold and tactfully slip out between the space you once occupied. With one more sympathetic pat on his shoulder, you smile at him and make your way back down the hallway, feathered wings taunting him in your wake.

🍷 2019 🍷

Harry was lucky enough to have been in town for Halloween- he can't count how many holidays he missed over the last half-decade. He’s dressed as her favourite thing; a teddy bear- fuzzy ears and makeup to match. Your brother, Jack was hosting his famously chaotic annual Halloween celebration, and Harry was far too giddy at the guarantee of seeing you again. He can't count the missed holidays, but he can certainly count how many years it’s been since you last spoke- mar the quick birthday wishes, and periodic congratulations and praise.

But, after an hour or so, he is starting to doubt his certainty, gaze shamelessly studying the room, hoping he had merely missed your arrival. Two solo cups of warm beer later, Harry is itching to locate you- this is your tradition after all, and he was so sure that this time would end differently, that she would finally see him for the man he was becoming.

He definitely wouldn’t be asking Jack why you weren’t here- partially because he seems preoccupied with a makeshift gravity bong. Instead, Harry seeks out one of your oldest friends, Nova, who is dressed as a Harley Quinn, but before he can even reach the group in which she mingles, his boot trips on a rug and unable to help it, the contents of his cup comes spilling out, splashing and coating Nova’s front with the sticky substance. After apologising profusely- even if just to come off polite- Harry musters up the humility to ponder your lack of presence.

Disheartened and disappointed when she responds with, “She’s in Italy”, Harry is once again confused by Jack’s lack of mentioning the news. Though none of his business, the dichotomy of standing his ground and avoiding the question versus caving in and simply asking Jack has him in quite the frenzy.  

The rest of the evening is a bore- Harry switches to ginger ale, and though he attempts to mingle, maintaining interest proves to be impossible, and for the first time, Harry makes the decision to head home early.

But, now, with a make-up-free face and his favourite jammies, he is tucked beneath the fluffiest sheets and your mere existence is pulling the sheets tighter, trapping him in a series of thoughts of yours truly, thinking about you.

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[phantomtwitch]

Electric Core/No One Knows AU

I meant to post this for some event, but never got around to it. Since AO3 is functionally down at the moment, I figured I'd share it in case folks are looking for something to read. It's kind of similar to 'As the Ice Begins to Crack' in terms of vibes (or at least that's what I was aiming for - I want to write more AUs in that vein, and I might expand more on this at some point).

Enjoy!

Tucker knows it’s coming as soon as the air shifts. 

The differences are subtle at first. A faint whiff of ozone, a slight chill to the air as the wind picks up and sweeps the fall leaves into spirals over the ground, and then the hairs on his arms stand on end. Then comes the low-pitched hum, the hiss that sounds like electricity running through high-voltage cables, peppered with the occasional burst of static and awful whining as the air grows heavy and thick, the sky darkening even when moments ago the sun shone brightly above them.

Sam freezes next to him, her fingers clutching her milkshake tightly as her eyes dart from side to side, looking for somewhere to hide until they land on an abandoned house nearby. “Come on,” she insists, tugging at his hand.

“Sam, there’s no way that place is safe, it’s been condemned for years–”

“--and being out here with Phantom is?” she interrupts, and Tucker scowls, knowing that she’s right, but moving from one dangerous spot to another isn’t ideal. There’s nowhere else close enough to go, though, or at least not anywhere they won’t risk getting struck once the lightning starts, and he follows her with a groan and an eye roll. They’re on the porch when the first lightning bolt strikes the pavement nearby, making it explode and sending shrapnel flying that barely misses him and Sam, and thunder roars, painfully loud and close. He slaps his hands over his ears, trying to block out what noise he can, but his ears are still ringing when it stops.

Sam forces one of the windows open and climbs through, with Tucker following shortly after. The house is empty and covered in heavy dust that makes Tucker sneeze as they disturb it, the air almost as oppressive inside as it was out, and in the corner he can see signs of something rotting that he doesn’t dare approach. 

The two of them stand at the window even though they both know better. When a ghost that is more an embodiment of the storm than the kind of vague, intangible figure haunting ghost stories becomes a common fixture in town, endless safety lectures and drills become the norm. Knowing what to do in the event of a thunderstorm is the closest the teachers can get to explaining the safety precautions that are necessary when Phantom is about. 

He’s only actually seen Phantom once before, when Sam begged him and Danny to go on a ghost hunting trip back in freshman year on Halloween. Tucker wasn’t terribly interested in ghosts, but he was too old for trick-or-treating and not popular enough to score an invite to any parties, so he agreed. Danny did, too, but bailed at the last minute, claiming he felt too tired and sick to go with them. 

Tucker tries not to think about Danny too much. The three of them haven’t spoken in close to six months, at least, drifting further and further apart despite his and Sam’s best efforts to stay friends their first two years of high school together. Most days he’s barely in class anymore, and when he is Danny is constantly tucked away in a corner, curling in tightly on himself, careful to avoid getting too close to anyone. Dark circles constantly ring his eyes, his expression hollow and skin too pale. Sam asked Jazz once before she went off to college if Danny was seriously ill and she denied it, even as it was clear something about him had changed since high school started.

“Do you ever talk to Danny anymore?” he asks suddenly, and the shift in conversation as they peer out the window and wait for the elusive Phantom to make his appearance catches Sam off guard.

“No. Does anyone?” she says, her tone resigned as another loud peal of thunder echoes around them, and Tucker swears he sees the house shaking. They argued a few times about what to do and what else to try, never figuring out a way to reach him. 

“I guess not.” He turns back to look outside, rubbing his arms as a figure blinks into existence on the road. The features are hard to make out, as always, because of the bright green lightning that flickers across his form, making it nearly impossible to stare at Phantom for too long. His hair looks wispy and white, his eyes swirling pools of green amidst a heavily shadowed face, and his form is hazy and more like smoke or dark clouds in the vague shape of a person, yet there’s an odd solidity in the way that he moves at times, as if by far heavier and present than he ought to be in this inhuman state. 

The words that come out when Phantom speaks next aren’t any language humans can hope to imitate, but it’s clearly a form of communication, the ear piercing whine and buzzing reminding Tucker of standing beneath high-voltage wires even as it rises and lowers in pitch and the rhythms shift. There’s an echo to the words, a way it loops through the air as if constantly caught inside a tunnel no matter where Phantom appears, and his voice gets under Tucker’s skin, prickling like static beneath the surface and making him rub his arms more fiercely than before.

Another ghost roars back, his voice full of snarling and hissing, the sounds animalistic even as there’s a mechanical clicking that accompanies it, and Tucker recognizes it and winces as he spots the strange robotic ghost flying in mid-air, green flames cascading down his skull and back, completely unhampered by the rain that is now beginning to steadily fall. The Fentons call him Skulker. The hunter ghost is infamous, stalking his ‘prey’ throughout Amity Park, although what particular creature ends up being his prey in any given week is often impossible to know until it’s too late. Mostly what he hunts are other animals and ghosts, and for whatever reason, Phantom has long been one of his favored targets.

But the ghost stands little to no chance against Phantom.

“Maybe we should get away from the window,” suggests Tucker uneasily as a green blast extends from Phantom’s palm, swirling with crackling green lightning as it lashes out at Skulker, and sparking arcs of electricity dart from it, sparking against a stop sign and dancing across the pavement towards their hiding place. Though no one has ever seen Phantom directly attack a human before, his powers are wild and dangerous, the lightning barely controlled.

And Tucker’s all too aware that just because no one has ever witnessed Phantom attacking someone before doesn’t mean he wouldn’t do it.

“No, I want to watch,” whispers Sam stubbornly as she peers through the window, but her knuckles are white as she grips the window frame. Tucker barely suppresses a sigh as he remains firmly in place. The things he does for his best friend.

His only friend, a quiet voice whispers, but he ignores it. 

The fight is brutal, the ghosts barely visible as they attack each other, but the evidence of their fight is everywhere as green fire spirals, intertwining with the lightning amidst the rain. “It’s kind of beautiful, isn’t it?” says Sam, the lights and shadows dancing in front of them, and he nods despite himself. It’s terrifying, inhuman. The Fentons’ say that ghosts are nothing more than imprints, echoes of post-human consciousness, but as he watches them fight Tucker realizes he’s never truly understood exactly what that means, if they’re spirits or souls or just the fading echoes given some unnatural life at the very moment of someone’s death. 

“How do you think Phantom died?” he asks as Skulker slams into the pavement, the machinery smoking and his flames dwindling as the rain comes down harder, and Sam doesn’t answer, likely unable to hear him over the downpour and crackle of thunder. They watch as Phantom looms over Skulker, his indistinct form more monstrous than ever, and then he slams a fist into the machinery, his fingers sharp, black claws that spark as they dig through the metal frame and pull out a shimmering, shifting ghost, so tiny compared to the hulking frame encapsulating it. 

The rain begins to slow and Tucker wonders for a moment what Phantom will do, if he will destroy the squirming helpless thing in his hands, but then there’s a soft whisper, the sounds that come from Phantom no longer sending chills down his spine but inviting comfort instead, of an odd sort of warmth and gentleness. The ghost–is it Skulker? Tucker isn’t sure–responds in a mewling, annoyed tone, but stops fighting back as Phantom pulls an odd soup like container from . . . Tucker isn’t sure, actually, just where Phantom pulls it from, but he flicks the cap open with practiced ease and sucks the small ghost inside. 

“Isn’t that one of the Fentons’ inventions?” wonders Sam, and Tucker jolts as he realizes she’s right. He remembers seeing it once in one of the assemblies, but the device has rarely appeared in their arsenal since they created the portal guns to send the ghost back to their own dimension instead. “Think he stole it from them?”

“With the level of security they have around that place? Doubt it,” says Tucker. Though it’s been ages since he was last at the Fentons, their ghost security was aggressive enough that it would target sufficiently ecto contaminated humans by mistake, let alone a incredibly powerful ghost like Phantom. Tucker doubts they’ve downgraded their security since then, especially since the number of ghost attacks are only increasing. “Maybe he found it in the trash.”

“Maybe,” she hums, sounding doubtful, and it’s at that moment that the electric green eyes snap towards them, focusing intently, and although it’s too late both Sam and Tucker duck in a futile effort to hide. 

“Shit,” hisses Tucker, and Sam shushes him, putting a finger to her lips, but it’s too late as the air in front of them crackles and flickers as a bolt of electricity impossibly strikes the floor in front of them, Phantom appearing within it, his arms wrapped around the thermos. He and Sam flinch as they curl in towards each other, Sam’s hand grasping his own tightly now as the two of them tremble, and he can barely stand to look at Phantom, the electricity arcing along his body too bright. 

A hiss of static erupts, the same odd ghost speech as always, but this time Tucker understands it, hearing words within the noise even though that shouldn’t be possible. “You shouldn’t stay here,” says Phantom, the sparks around him diminishing, although now that Tucker can make out his features more clearly it’s almost worse as he opens his mouth to speak, sharp white fangs sparkling within. 

“Well where else were we supposed to go with you out there fighting?” grumbles Sam, and Tucker stares at her in horror, unable to believe she would dare to speak to any ghost, let alone Phantom, that way. But the ghost lets out an odd sound, of echoing loops and trills and whirring, and it takes Tucker a second to realize he’s laughing. 

“Fair. But this place is haunted,” he replies with a grin, “and the ghost that lives here doesn’t take kindly to intruders.”

“That’s–um–fine,” stutters Tucker, squeezing Sam’s hand tightly before she can utter another word as he forces himself to his feet. “We’ll, um, get going. And, um, thanks.”

The sparks stop running along his body, freezing at midpoints in a way that completely unnerves Tucker, as if the ghost is frozen in a photo instead of standing in front of them. “Thanks?” he repeats.

“For stopping the ghost?” he squeaks out. “And warning us about the, um, other ghost haunting this place?” His voice is so high that Tucker thinks he could sing soprano right now if Phantom asked. 

Phantom continues to stare at him, saying nothing and remaining so still Tucker would swear he’s a statue, and eventually Tucker swallows as he grabs Sam’s hand and tries to pull her through the window, but she refuses to budge. “Sam,” he hisses, tugging again. “Come on. Let’s go.”

“Not yet,” she insists. “Phantom . . . Are you . . . do you have a place to go?”

“I’m not a lost puppy,” he says, the unnatural stillness rolling off him with a wave of sparks. “And I can’t be near humans for long anyway. It’s hard to control the electricity, and dying from electrocution is a terrible way to go.” There’s a noise behind the words, an echo of long, awful scream that makes Tucker shiver and instinctively realize then that Phantom is speaking from experience, and for the first time it occurs to him that the noises that comprise each ghost’s individual speech aren’t half as random as he believed. 

It’s the sound of their death, echoing for eternity, never letting them or anyone else forget. “Is that . . .” asks Sam, wanting to confirm it.

“Yes,” he says simply, and then there’s the sound of something breaking upstairs, a window smashing and shattering, and static prickles against Tucker’s skin. “You should go.”

“Right. And, um, bye, I guess?” says Tucker awkwardly, and finally Sam follows him out the window and back out onto the street. Despite the sounds upstairs, there’s no broken glass outside beneath any of the windows above them, and as he glances back he can see Phantom’s eyes watching, considering them carefully, before another bolt strikes and he vanishes in a clap of thunder, leaving Sam and Tucker alone once more. 

#danny phantom #dp fanfiction #electric core au #creepy Phantom #I do not know why I always do creepy Danny fics as a Tucker POV #but here we are again #¯\_(ツ)_/¯ #my writing #look i just really like Tucker

[suntoru]

𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒’𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝚙𝚝. 𝟷

⤷ feat. various bnha men.

synopsis: spending halloween with them and couples costumes <3

back to flufftober masterlist | part 2.

warnings: fluff, a sprinkle of curses, established relationships, some are costumes are based on female characters, some are based on official art

izuku midoriya.

⤷ your couples costume… ghosts!

you and izuku dress up as two cute ghosts! instead of any simple old sheets thrown over your heads, inko hand-sews them for you. you’re equally as shocked at the amount of effort she put in them, and very thankful. they come with cute little matching patches that you absolutely love! hand in hand, you stun everyone with your adorable costumes. izuku is turning a bit red, but that’s okay, as long as it makes you happy, he’d wear a trash bag for all he cares.

⤷ your halloween event… pumpkin patch!

you both decide to go to a pumpkin patch with eri! giggling and smiling, you all choose a pumpkin to carve. as of right now, you’re sipping your pumpkin spice latte, while izuku is busy getting eri a candy apple. you glance lovingly at him zipping up her jacket, telling her she might get sick later if she doesn’t. later, you’re making jack-o-lanterns, and you snort at the intricate all might pumpkin that he oh so carefully carved. but even if he’s doing the most ridiculous things, you can’t help but feel your heart melt.

bakugou katsuki.

⤷ your couples costume… a wolf and red riding hood!

will it take an assload of convincing? yes. but is it worth it? also yes. katsuki is busy snarling at his own fuzzy ears, while you snap some cute photos of you two. the large green jacket with a fluffy hood compliments the outfit, as well as the collar and tail. it really fits his personality well, though. he acts like your big, bad, wolf, but in reality, he’s your personal guard dog. he’s pretending like he hates it, but if that means he gets to see you as little red riding hood, he supposes the ears could stay on.

⤷ your halloween event… corn maze!

he thinks it’s stupid. getting trapped inside a fucking corn wall? he may as well just be stuck in a giant rat trap or some shit. but you tug his sleeve and you bring out the puppy dog eyes, and he can’t resist. he caves, and he lets you drag him inside. you walk around for a bit before his instincts pick up a person following them, and when something touches his shoulder, he doesn’t hesitate to blow its face off. but oops, it’s not a villain, just a poor person in a plastic mask who now has third degree burns all over their face. katsuki gets super embarrassed and just walks off.

shoto todoroki.

⤷ your couples costume… vampires!

shoto todoroki is unconventionally pretty. you might have made a mistake for this one, because now everybody, including yourself, can’t take your eyes off of him. even normally, he’s more than a ten, but you find yourself in quite the predicament. you are glued to him the entire day, you’re getting jealous looks from all the students at ua. but todoroki isn’t doing any better. if you pay very close attention, you can notice a very subtle pink creeping up on his face.

⤷ your halloween event… trick or treating!

since shoto has probably never done this as a kid, you decide you want to give him something he’s been missing out on all this time. that’s trick or treating! you walk around his neighbourhood intertwining fingers, collecting pillowcases of candy. you don’t know if it’s because he’s the son of the no. 1 pro hero, but you’re getting handfuls of sweets where normal teenagers would have been cursed out. you giggle as you watch shoto say “trick or treat” in the most stoic way possible. oh well, you can’t argue with free stuff, right?

eijiro kirishima.

⤷ your couples costume… pirates!

this matching costume is the cutest thing ever. eijiro’s cute toothy grin completely matches his pirate persona! with the puffed up sleeves and swashbuckling swords, the outfit definitely slays. but, the hat barely fits because of his spiky hair, inciting small snickers from you. he lets you take photos of you two, but later, he picks you up as you giggle uncontrollably from the selfies. they were mostly just goofy pictures of him being caught off guard, and some insta-worthy couple goal pics too.

⤷ your halloween event… ghost stories!

this halloween, you choose to tell scary ghost stories with eijiro and a couple of your friends. you all take turns telling the spooky tales, everyone bundled up and comfy, but just as scared. it’s adorable, really, the way he’s holding you so close and smothering you with blankets. the room is pitch black, and the only light source is from the flashlight. multiple people attempt to scare you, but it’s hard to feel scared when you’ve got kirishima next to you. you know he’ll protect you if he needs to, and everyone ends up failing, trying to spook you.

#mha #mha x reader #mha x y/n #mha x you #mha fluff #bnha #bnha x reader #bnha x y/n #bnha x you #bnha fluff #midoriya x you #midoriya x y/n #midoriya x reader #bakugou x y/n #bakugou x reader #bakugou x you #bakugo x y/n #bakugo x you #bakugo x reader #todoroki x y/n #todoroki x you #todoroki x reader #kirishima x you #kirishima x y/n #kirishima x reader #flufftober #flufftober2022 #izuku midoriya #katsuki bakugou #shoto torodoki

[prpfs]

💀🐺

Hi hi! I'm in the mood for some good old fashion mxm werewolf/vampire stuff but with a twist. Medieval fantasy. Oh, almost forgot to add, I'm 22! (So 18+ roleplayers only! Thanks)

Looking for someone interested in playing Muse B! (The vampire)

Themes I'm hoping to include:

Dead dove, hurt/comfort, whump, angst, drama 👀

And before you ask, yes I'm alright with sexual content between the muses.

I was thinking setting-wise, it's a society where vampires took over. That sort of thing. Humans .. those that haven't gone into hiding, are used for food, and the other major supernatural race (werewolves) were subdued and used as military or guards for the vampires. Or entertainment via fighting rings.

Muse A is a werewolf who was born and raised to be entertainment for vampires in a fighting pit. It's all he knows and in that type of environment, violence and being nothing but a feral creature were encouraged. He knows how to speak, but just barely. He's quick to anger, and pretty much does as he's told by whatever handler is running the fighting pit.

Muse B is a vampire, a high ranking one. Maybe a prince of a well known coven? He immediately becomes enamored with Muse A after the first time he saw him. And continuously buys tickets to go see him fighting in the pit. Muse A is a fan favorite, known for his ferociousness in the fights. Rather than giving quick, clean, kills, he drags it out painfully for his opponent, to the delight of the spectators. Earning him sponsors and a few special privileges. Muse B, haughty and entitled, tries various times to buy Muse A off of the company that runs the fighting ring, only to be continuously denied because Muse A is the company's money maker. Until a corrupt ring master is bought off at a high enough price and sells Muse A to B

At first, Muse B treats A like an exotic pet, putting him in a luxurious room with "toys" and any type of food he wanted, and taking him out to events whenever he wants to show off to other high society types as a way to one up everyone else. But Muse A proves to be a little too feral for this type of life style. Constantly ripping whatever fancy costume the servants forced him into, making a mess of his room, trying to escape, growling and trying to kill anyone that got near to him. Though Muse B grows fond of A, even a little sorry for him. So he begins trying to train him in secret, how to speak properly... How to control himself, etc etc. At first, Muse A is wary, thinking all of this is a trick but as days turn into months, he even begins to like the vampire.

Think villain with his attack dog dynamic. They start falling in love. That kind of thing. Then we can go on from there (yanno, wing it. Or plot 🤷)

I roleplay on discord!

like if interested!

#oc rp #oc roleplay #dead dove #oc x oc #fandomless rp #fandomless roleplay

[astrabear]

@kaydeefalls​ mentioned Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead the other day, and that reminded me of how I put R&G quotes over Old Guard stills as my “tricks” for the trick or treat event last year. I’m really quite proud of these; I think the two properties go together well, in a very sick way.

#the old guard #rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead #tom stoppard #quynh #nile freeman #booker #sebastien le livre #existentialism and immortality #absurdism vs destiny

[ramshackledtrickster]

Another tma au thought: Probably all the assassins have been marked by the Hunt at one point or another, but with varying degrees of ‘giving in’. I’ll just be talking about the big three and desmond since those are the characters I feel most comfortable talking and writing with due to familiarity. Longer text under the cut!

Altaïr is raised with a lot of control as an assassin, seeing and treating it as just what needs to be done and just as a job, so he doesn’t give in to the thrill of prolonging the ‘chase’, but he’s still marked by the Hunt due to the nature of his job regardless, so that’s kind of a looming threat he just had grown accustomed to. Before his major character development though, at least, the Hunt becomes more tempting to him, like in Solomon’s Temple where he abuses his position and ability to kill the old man. That action was closer to a stroke of ego and exercise of power than what his purpose actually advised, and his hubris would come to bite him in the ass. Consequences set in quick, and he couldn’t afford to give back into that temptation. The Beholding eventually entirely occupies him though when he comes into contact with the Apple.

Connor was probably marked by the Hunt and the Desolation from a young age, when he vows to find the Templars that harassed him in the woods and correlating that event to his village burning down. When he starts training and knows his targets, it’s tempting to give in to the Hunt recklessly without forethought, but he was raised right, both by Achilles and his own village. When it comes to being an assassin and hunting to provide, it’s not about running head first any sort of ‘game’ for adrenaline and rage. It’s about control and minimizing unnecessary damage, to provide for yourself and the people around you. In that aspect, Connor is pretty well guarded against the Hunt due to his own morals and upbringings, but throughout the run of the game falls more susceptible and eventually becomes an avatar of the Lonely.

Ezio was closest into falling into the Hunt. Though he had already met his metaphorical death the night of his family’s execution and begun serving the Stranger, the Hunt entity still has ways to trick people into serving and feeding it. Ezio is hellbent on killing those who conspired against his family to suffer for what they’ve done to his father, siblings, and mother. He just wants to be able to protect his family initially, but when it comes to his first target Vieri, I feel he’d nearly give into the frenzy of the moment, wishing he could prolong his suffering and releasing all this pent up rage and grief on him before he is made to stop and consider his actions and motives. It was a sobering moment for himself— he’d already lost himself, but he couldn’t devolve further. The rage still follows him, and he can’t un-become an avatar, but he’s more occupied with minimizing damages for the brotherhood now and blending in as a stranger in the crowd.

As for Desmond, I feel like the Hunt would mark him but in a more subversive manner. From constantly being kidnapped, passed around person to person, on the run, never affording time to settle down, racing against a ticking clock… it made him a candidate for the primal fear of BEING hunted. The adrenaline and unrest feeds the Hunt well in this way. But the dominating entity of the End overtakes him instead.

Again, I’m a little rusty with my Magnus archives lore, so if anyone has objections or other pitches I’m open to em!

#ac tma au #assassins creed

[mariaschmid]

Halloween: Community and Commodity

This year's Halloween allowed me a new glimpse into my children’s worlds. 

I always appreciated Halloween as a time to reflect on death as part of life in our modern-day culture that doesn't have many rituals left.  The spectacle of gore and horror, however, did little to amuse or impress me, not to mention the equally horrifying nature of a ritual being saturated with consumerism and sugar. Begrudgingly we went trick or treating with our children.  But this year was different. 

It started out as the community walk that I always idealised from places like Spain or Italy.  Children gleefully gathering together in natural formations; some fast and competitive, some slow and awestruck, the old helping the young as they all ran from house to house, weaving in between the community of trusted adults they have come to know.  It was perfect.  Once the small ones had more than enough grams (pounds) of sugar, parents slowly returned to what might be described as an excited power struggle over what gets to be eaten before bed.  The older kids, now more closely connected in age groups; showing personality and preferences through such creative costume choices, continued on their trick or treating mission through the community, receiving acceptance, delight and enjoyment in their loaded bags and pillowcases. 

Returning home, the math skills of elementary school prove indispensable as kids sort and count what my son calls a “kids currency”.  Candy is the commodity and the wheeling and dealing begin. First, a promise that we don't siphon off treats without permission.  This is their hard-earned capital, and they want to do with it as they see fit. Again, I was impressed.  After the sorting, occasional consuming and exclaimed delight of their diverse treasure and bounty, a pile of favorites was gathered and guarded, the “saving pile”.  Next several mounds were made to share with friends who were sick and unable to trick or treat and for the preschool who collects for the food bank. 

What followed was true “horse-trading” as they bartered treat for treat, accounting for differences in perceived value and quantity, the spending.  When satisfied with their haul, the generosity of gift piles and the satisfaction of their work and negotiations, it appeared to me that Halloween is not just a consumer event, but a true lesson in what the real commodity is: the safety of community that collects our children and connects them to individual preferences and communal wealth.  

[theoldguardevents]

Welcome to our very first Trick or Treat Tumblr Event!

Due to the pandemic, and many missing out on being able to enjoy Halloween in person due to lockdowns, theoldguardevents is creating an online Trick or Treat event for Halloween Night!

How does it work?

As a creator, you sign up and create tricks and treats to give out to your fellow fandom members who come knocking at your door!

Trick: a meme, shitpost, funny graphic, crack!fic etc. You can even rickroll (must be ToG related though!)

Treat: a sketch, drabble, graphic, ficlet, character art etc. Any type of lovely creation!

The creations have no minimum, these can be drabbles or sketches to full fics or art pieces, it’s entirely up to you what you want to create! Making around 5 of each to accommodate trick-or-treaters is the goal!

Streets: No doubt, everyone wants to make content they love, so you get to decide what you want to create! If you’d like to create JoexNicky, Andromaquynh, Book of Nile, General, OT3 etc. just let us know in the sign up form! Your mod will organise the rest, making sure people will be directed to the right place to Trick or Treat! Further details will be given to the creators that sign up!

Lights out: Once you’re all out of ‘candy’, you’ll be able to post up a sign that lets people know, so you can decide how long you’d like Trick or Treaters visiting your blog!

Content Warnings: if you’d like to post NSFW, or anything that you feel needs a warning, let your mod know in the sign up form, and the mods will take care of the rest. Details will be provided to creators who sign up!

If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to DM or send an Ask to @theoldguardevents or @mods-togevents!

Alternatively you can email [email protected]

Sign up here!

Happy Spooky Season everyone!

#the old guard #togtot21 #joe x nicky #andromaquynh #book of nile #online trick or treat event

[miss-nixy]

trick or treat!!!🎃

A TRICK FOR YOU TOO 👹👹👹

#the old guard #halloween #online trick or treat event

[static-abyss]

Trick or treat! 🍬🎃💕

Hello! 👋 You also get a TREAT. Have some Andromache/Quynh.

what we do in the shadows, andromaquynh, side Joe/Nicky, rated pg-13, killing eve AU, 1.2k

"There's been another murder," Joe says, dropping the file on Quynh's desk.

It's thin for a file on Andromache. Usually, there's more about her latest victim, background information that's pertinent to the case. Sometimes, there are even ordered lists of past offenses and reasons why the victim might have been a target. If it's a really good day, there might even be a new picture of Andromache as she leaves her latest upscale hotel.

"It's a bit anticlimactic, isn't it?" Quynh says, waving the file.

"We didn't find anything on the guy. Not even a traffic ticket," Joe says, coming around to sit at the edge of Quynh's desk.

He takes the file and flips through it. When he finds what he's looking for, he passes it back to Quynh. She takes it and scans down the page, skimming as she goes. The victim was male, late fifties, three daughters, and a wife not much older than his kids. There's a bit on the man's philanthropy, his obituary, a couple of photos from a decently attended funeral, and not much else. Aside from the forensic report and Joe's notes on the case, the man is a ghost.  

"This smells," Quynh says. "No way anyone is this clean."

Joe nods. "Human trafficking?" he asks. "Drug trafficking?"

Quynh hums her agreement, turning to her computer. She types in "Andromache," and scans through the files they have in the system. 

"She doesn't kill without reason," Quynh says, more to herself than to Joe. 

"You just like her," Joe says, easily.

"Shut up, I do not," Quynh says, the old argument comforting in its familiarity.

She can't pinpoint what it is about the current murder that's bothering her. Ever since Quynh was assigned to the Andromache case, she's always found a reason for the murders Andromache commits. She never kills the innocent, not even if it means leaving witnesses. And all the people she's killed so far have been on someone's Most Wanted List. It's not like Andromache to leave nothing but a body behind. There should be more on their dead guy by now, and the fact that all they have is superficial nonsense makes Quynh think that they're about to stumble onto some of the nastier parts of the job.

"Hey Joe," she says, tapping her pen against the edge of her desk. "Want to get some coffee?"

-

Nile Freeman is a former Marine with a medal of honor that she received after accidentally shooting one supposed terrorist or another. She had a promising future and an influential CO to back her up. But something about fighting a losing war hadn't sat right with her. She left soon after receiving her medal, flew back to the States, and opened up a nice, little cafe in Washington DC. 

It's called Freeman Brew, and it happens to be Quynh and Joe's favorite place to review cases. Quynh prefers it to the other cafes because of the decor. It sits at the corner of the street, which means it has the optimal number of windows and enough counter space to ensure that Quynh always finds a seat. Not to mention Nile's skills as a hacker.

Joe, on the other hand, likes the cafe because of Nicky. He's one of the baristas, a former priest turned human right's advocate, who doesn't mind that Joe is an outrageous flirt. If he's in a good mood, he even flirts back and given that Joe can put a smile on anyone's face, Nicky is usually in a good mood. 

"Good morning, Nile," Quynh says, when she and Joe step into the cafe. "Large coffee for me, just milk."    

Joe makes a beeline for Nicky, who's cleaning the counters on the other side of the cafe. Quynh waits until Joe has Nicky engaged in conversation before turning back to Nile. She's already waiting, Quynh's coffee on the counter in front of her. 

"Thank you," Quynh says, taking the cup.

She takes a sip and lets her eyes wander around the cafe. There's no one else inside. Like most days that Quynh and Joe come by, the place is empty. 

"You know," Quynh says, conversationally. "If I didn't know any better, I would say this place is a front."

Nile smiles. "That would be illegal."

Quynh grins. "And you and Nicky are the perfect example of law-abiding citizens, aren't you?"

Nile shrugs. "We try," she says. 

Quynh takes another sip of her coffee. It is good coffee, even if the cafe is mostly for show. She's not a hundred percent sure what Nicky's deal is, but Quynh can smell an ex-mercenary from a mile away. The "ex" bit might be generous given that Quynh isn't exactly sure what Nile does either. But it's not her job to know. At the end of the day what matters is that Nile always finds whatever Quynh needs, and Nicky makes a mean latte. 

"I need information," Quynh says.

Nile sighs, leaning her elbows on the counter. "And here I thought this was a social visit."

"It is," Quynh says. "Joe's going to ask Nicky out on a date."

Nile turns to look at Joe and Nicky and Quynh follows her gaze. The two of them are in deep conversation, heads bent close together, shoulders brushing. Quynh would say something, but she's not the one who's going to be filling out the paperwork later. Besides, she thinks Joe will be good for Nicky.

"About the information," Quynh says.

"I need a name."

"Mark Robins."

The silence is too pointed, too hesitant for Nile. 

"Is there a problem?" Quynh asks, feeling the corner of her mouth slide up into a half-smile. 

She's not great at hiding every tell and Nile is good at her job. They both know something is off. 

"You know, I did think it was strange that you offered your services right around the time that we got the Andromache files," Quynh says, putting her coffee cup back on the counter. "I'm not surprised. Just disappointed."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Nile says, pleasant as ever. 

Quynh sighs, mostly for dramatic effect. She pushes off the counter and heads for the door. Joe joins her, stepping ahead to open the door. She's at the threshold, the wind blowing her hair away from her face, when she pauses. 

"Will you at least tell her that I can't help her if she doesn't give me more to go on?"

It's Nicky who answers, his voice carrying even though he's never been loud. "If she needs you, she'll find you," he says.

Quynh nods and heads out of the cafe, stepping into place at Joe's side. He's humming, purposely off-tune, as they head back to the office. 

"Why are you so happy?" she asks. "We just found out that our consultants are Andromache's accomplices."

"Did we?" Joe asks.

Quynh groans. "You know the paperwork on this is going to be a nightmare," she says.

Joe grins. "I won't tell if you don't."

-

A week passes and Quynh's already forgotten about the Mark Robins. There's a murderer running loose in DC and their Supervisor, Copley, has been pushing them all harder than usual. Quynh's put in about twenty hours of overtime that week and she's ready to go home and sleep all weekend.

She's so tired that it takes her a minute to understand what it means that her front door isn't quite lined up with the door frame. She's immediately alert, her hand going to the gun at her side. She pulls out her phone, intending to send Joe a text message, but before she even unlocks her phone, her apartment door swings open.

"Hello Quynh," Andromache says. "I've been waiting for you."

#andromaquynh #tog trick or treat event #the old guard #andromache the scythian #quynh #mine

[loflight501]

How it works: Send me an ask with a number below and I'll send you the corresponding trick or treat. I'll cross out the couples until everything is posted. Some of these ficlets might get full-length fics depending on what ya'll like!

Nextdoor Omegaverse

Rico/Primo

Pierre/Primo

Roberta/Majid

Ettore/Jafar NSFW

Malik/Guido

Daan/Paolo

Rico/Martin Eden

Majid/Paolo

Jafar/Cesare Mild NSFW

Happy Halloween!!!

#the great kenzarelli mulitverse #the old guard #togtot21 #online trick or treat event #primo nizzuto #guido caselli #pierre michel #jafar disney #malik x guido #malik (the mummy) #luca marinelli #marwan kenzari #cesare non essere cattivo #majid zamari #martin eden #paolo guerrisi #kenzarelli omegaverse #nextdoor aboverse #hot mess series #immortal husband adjacent #yusuf al kaysani #nicolo di genova #yusuf x nicolo

[weaselbeaselpants]

The Life of Philip Wittebelos an (unfinished) unauthorized biography so far...

Trying to guess/summarize the events in order, based on what’s seen in Belos’ mindscape. Follow the *** to the bottom for notes on currently unexplained events.

--------------------------------------

>Philip and his brother were super close churning butter once or twice living in a puritan paradise; possibly each other's only companions/close fam. Phil clearly looked up to his brother who even made him his sword and mask. Cute.

>They also dreamed of being ye' old witch hunter-burners. Less cute. Though Wittebro sometimes played the witch for his lil brother to mockkill.

>Wittebro met and followed a REAL witch, which Philip witnessed.

>A ???? of time later Wittebro disappeared/left with the witch. ***Philip followed him.

>Philip found himself in the Boiling Isles pursing his brother and writing his findings down in a journal as he did so. *** he clearly always wanted to escape back to the human world and make a means of doing so.

>After being separated for a bit, Philip learns that his bro has accepted the witches they spent their whole childhood hunting and has gotten this one witch lady preggers. ***Philip feels betrayed, like he lost his family to the witches all the while his brother is just happy to see him again.

>Philip uses this false-sense of security and trust to get his bro and his bro's witchwoman close. *** He murders his brother.

>Philip’s witch-in-law chases him away. ***

>Philip lived life as a hermit recluse using witches to get what he wanted then screwing them over and even killing them. One day with the help of a girl named Luzura and her aunt who’d end up breaking his nose, Philip got an artifact that granted him the power to contact the collector. *** *** Eventually, he begins his process of trying to clone his brother into a Grimwalker for reasons. Each attempt 'failed' because Philip is a possessive genocidal psychopathmanchild who kills everything he remotely cares about and blames it on others, but still keeps the Grimwalker bros around as servants.

>Philip changed his name to Belos after his birthname is “chased out of too many towns”. He began to conceal his identity with a mask modeled after the one he wore as a child, and also cut his ears to appear more witchlike. ***

>Belos became a charlatan and used his grimwalker-brother golden guards to trick witches into thinking he was more powerful than he actually was and branding them in order to control their magic and also steal their palismen.

>Belos rises to power over the years and has the witches he so wants to kill wrapped around his finger; unknowingly helping him craft their doom. He declares himself Emperor with a badass mask.

>A young witch named Lilith who looks weirdly like that one bitch who punched him years ago shows up to join his coven and he has her promoted and rises in the ranks so that if it is her he can possibly stop her from going back in time and breaking his nose.

>Day of Unity, Belos’ ultimate goal to annihilate all the magic in the Isles with the Collector’s help, is finally underway and everyone’s getting branded like he wants. Oh, and the newest grimwalker this time he ends up naming ‘Hunter’ and treats like a nephew rather than (just) a servant or sibling. ***

>Edalyn Clawthorne, Lilith’s druggie sister, turns out to have the Portal door to the human realm because she ends up getting this human girl as an apprentice and- HOLY CRAP IT’S HER. Sets up a petrification-plot to make Lilith work faster and also to get the Owl Lady out of the way to get that door.

>Door achieved...then it’s destroyed by Luzura. Also the Owl Lady gets away with Lilith who’s now on their team and- damnit! Now she’s definitely still gonna break his nose.

***#1: We don’t know if the picture depicting Wittebro walking towards the the witch is the moment they both got lost and were somehow separated upon getting to the Isles (Amphibia style), or if this was just a moment where the brothers met the witch. They seem to still be children here while Philip looks older in the portrait with him looking at the Isles/beggining to write in his diary. It’s also unclear if Wittebro intended to run away with the witch or if it was an accident he ended up in the Boiling Isles with her; and whether or not he did so intitially in Philip’s company.

***#2: Philip’s diary opens by saying he’s beginning his attempts to make a portal door, and Belos is def determined to get/possess the portal for himself, however it hasn’t been confirmed that Belos is the one to make the door yet. Since it IS PhilBelos we’re talking about, him expressively writing down that that is his goal could be another case of him lying to himself and to whoever reads his diary; or it could be a halftruth; or it could be the whole truth and that part hasn’t been explained yet. Also we don’t know how/when/why he lost the portal, though it being at the Clawthorne estate is rather...curious. *eye emoji*

***#3/#5: Who knows how/WHEN exactly he got this, but Belos is possessed/cursed/afflicted + immortal + addicted to palisman juices. It’s possibly one or two afflictions on top of each other, if the scenes wherein he’s meeting Wittebro aren’t just a manifestation of his feelings, but the curse acting up. Perhaps he was cursed sometime before meeting his brother and inlaw; perhaps it was his inlaw who cursed him after he murdered Wittebro. Given that Belos can talk to the Collector and manifests the Collector’s scythe feet, he may also be partially possessed as well. IDK.

***#4: Someone else mentioned this on tumblr already, but whether it was Philip’s intentions to kill his brother from the get go or to kill his brother’s wife and Wittebro happened to get in the way of that- well I don’t know if that makes it any more or less disturbing.

***#6: We don’t know if the artifact he dug up in Elsewhere and Elsewhen has actually been the first time he got in contact w Collector - it could have been just another piece of his plan.

***#7: When Philip carved the glyphs into his arm, if it was before or after or in any way related to his curse/palisman habit is ALSO not clear.

***#8: How much longer it took between the end of Elsewhere and Elsewhen and the first flashback scene in Hollow Mind is unclear, but given that his hair looks different and the grimwalker guard assisting him is an adult, I’m going to bet it’s well past 20 or 30 years.

***#9: Uber disturbing thought but we don’t know at this time if all the grimwalkers were created as children and grew up or if Hunter is unique among the line of succession. If other witches like Darius knew the prev Golden Guard and believe as Hunter did that he(prev GG) was Belos’ brother, then that would imply that the previous guard-brothers were different enough to be believed as a different person...or maybe not.

#toh spoilers #toh theory #emperor belos #philip wittebane

[dissociativebrimstone]

the families on halloween (humanstuck)

The Megidos

Ms. Megido is for whatever reason obsessed with making on theme pinterest level treats and sends the trays off with her kids to pawn onto other parties

Droog (Mr. Megido) and the rest of the Midnight Crew set up outside with a folding table full of store bought snack cakes for the trick-or-treaters and have a bit of a bbq situation going on. Boxcars is making chili : )

Damara constantly party hops, leaving behind some of her mom’s baking (sometimes as the only sign she was ever there)

Aradia adores haunted houses and is that person who brings the Ouija board to Feferi’s party afterwards. Every year she dresses as a sheet ghost but changes her accessories

The Nitrams

They’re generally out of the house, they leave out candy just, in the opened bags on a table by the door for people to grab. Inevitably Tinkerbull Grandmama Bella hangs out and starts distributing it instead after worrying it wouldn’t be fair 

Mr. Nitram makes popcorn balls every year and then goes to help out with fall festivities through hayrides and a petting zoo

Rufioh has been the go-to kid chaperone for ages and still likes hanging out with the trick or treat group. He’s been wearing the same costume every year only slightly altered to deal with his growth spurts. He’s just having a great time. He probably also hangs out at the carnival with Horuss

Tavros turned his old shitty fresh-out-the-hospital chair (don’t worry he’s got a way better chair for everyday use) into a cardboard car complete with speakers for music and a compartment to stash the candy haul in. He teams up with Karkat and Gamzee to jam every year gathering as much sugar as possible

The Captors

Their house decorations are almost exclusively lights. They have one of those projectors they use for every holiday to put up a light display. Sollux programmed a lightshow with it timed to different spooky music. Ψiioniic Syonik likes handing out candy; he just of holds out the bowl to anybody who comes up until he eventually gets a headache, after which he just leaves the bowl to go inside take his meds and go to bed. The candy is usually a mix of different flavored Nerds and then some kind of honey candy nobody’s seen outside of the Captor house

Mituna is still trick or treating and he will never stop. He generally goes with simple costumes and sometimes matches with Latula. He shows up to Porrim’s party, brags about his haul and then refuses to share

Sollux decided he was “too old for this shit” the second he turned 13 and joined Aradia on the haunt circuit so he wouldn’t have to keep wearing the same itchy costume for the 10th time in a row

The Vantases 

They try to hand out candy but end up having to leave a bowl when they all leave. It’s a pretty fair mix of the snack sized candies

Pastor Vantas and Kankri both spend most of the evening at the church trunk or treat

Kankri is in charge of guarding the bowl of keys at Porrim’s party to prevent drunk driving and if he sees you trying to hook up he will report you and Porrim will kick you out. Also....... his costume is Candy Corn... Every year. It’s just a striped sweater and a headband with charms on it

Karkat is extremely competitive about his candy gains and wants to hit as many houses as humanly possible do not waste his time. He eats like 5% of it and ends up just giving it away to his friends after he’s had his chance to gloat about the massive amount

The Leijons

They always handmake their costumes and they are cute as hell

They only hand out caramel apple lollipops and make actual caramel apples

Ms Leijon helps out with the church’s trunk-or-treat event

Meulin and Kurloz dress up in matching couples costumes and go to the fall carnival together

Nepeta uses her baby face to get a huge amount of candy

The Maryams

Their house hands out small handfuls of candy (about 3-4 pieces) and the candy was specifically bought to try and avoid possible allergy issues for the kids who get it

Porrim throws a party for the older kids (to get in you need a costume and to say hi to her mom, Dolora, on the porch before coming in). It’s become sort of a pool party affair but one year Damara, Meenah, and Kurloz convinced her to put together a murder mystery party and host it in the town cemetery which went to absolute shit

Kanaya likes all the makeup and costuming but prefers glamour over gore. She ended up tagging along with the Haunted House Goers every year and always rates their aesthetic on a scale of 1 to 100

The Pyropes

They’re handing out Twizzlers and Fruit by the Foot/Fruit Roll-ups. They have a massive dragon inflatable in their lawn and give people Safety Glowsticks

Ms. Pyrope stands out at the end of the driveway to hand stuff out and waves at passing cars 

Latula joins Mituna on his quest for candy and always wears roller skates with her costumes

Terezi is also on the hunt for candy and usually joins Nepeta to do so

The Serkets 

Their house is COVERED in cobwebs. So many spiders.......... Soooooooo maaaaaaaanyyyyyyyy

Mindfang heads to some party or another on the prowl for a holiday fling

Aranea heads out early to help Porrim set up for her party, then returns to hand out treats before returning to actually attend the party. Her mom buys bulk packs of those small containers of cotton candy to pass out

Vriska alternates between scaring children to steal their candy, hanging out at the carnival to try and win the rigged games, and showing up late to bug the Haunted House Gang

The Zahhaks 

They don’t do much on Halloween. It’s not that they don’t like it, they’re just starting their Christmas prep way early (and probably trying to schedule Thanksgiving plans)

Their house is the one that gives out things other than candy, usually apples/pretzels and some sort of party favors like stickers. (Everybody brings the apples to Feferi’s and then they make a bobbing game)

Horrus works on the mechanics of special effects for a few of the local haunted houses. Their own house’s “candy” might be awful but their decorations and animatronics outside are a sight to behold. Also goes to the fall carnival with Rufioh (it’s a double date with Meulin and Kurloz)

Equius is typically tagging along with Nepeta. He used to always get one of those store bought costumes that comes in a bag and inevitably ripped it every year. He’s started to branch out to inflatable costumes that he seems to break less often. A favorite was the year he just wore a horse mask and a maid dress (which ripped down the zipper seam when he tried to help regather some dropped candy)

The Makaras

They decorate for Halloween the way other people decorate for Christmas- three months in advance and to the fucking nines. Their house is usually regarded as kinda creepy anyway because the outside is run down and somewhat abandoned looking so on Halloween it looks absolutely like you might get murdered if you ring the doorbell

Their house is known for giving out huge candy bars and also just giving literally anybody regardless of age or costume wearing a giant handful of candy

GHB initially embraced the horrifying but after more people started showing up for candy he hand to tone it down on the gore factor and tends to wear progressively weirder seasonal sweaters

Kurloz likes helping out his friends and family with their costumes and makeup. He enjoys doing the scarier special effects/decorations and works at a haunted house during the season for extra cash (and cuz its fun). He and Meulin inevitably end up at Porrim’s party.

Gamzee never plans his own costume, he just wears whatever Kurloz has decided will be the most fun to try and make since it’s going to turn out cool regardless and he just wants to run around getting candy and having fun with his friends. He is The Best at bobbing for apples (even if it means at the end of the night his makeup ends up ruined)

The Amporas

The Amporas moved from a neighborhood that didn’t get many trick or treaters and they were used to just not giving out anything. Their house got egged. Now Mr. Ampora just leaves out an empty bowl with a “take one” note to trick people into thinking he tried.  (Cronus usually dumps a bag of mini bars in the bowl after his dad leaves for HIC’s party. Just in case)

Cronus’ costumes are consistently slutty and increasingly stupid

Eridan just adds a cape to the rest of a typical outfit and pretends he doesn’t constantly dress that way every other day of the year. He  dumped trick or treating on the grounds that he thought it was dumb and ended up absorbed into the Haunt Gang with Aradia, Sollux, and Kanaya 

The Peixeses

Meenah and Condi basically always have parties they’re going to and leave Feferi at home to hand out candy

Condi’s are technically business get-togethers that have progressively gotten out of hand over the years

Meenah always insists she’s hosting a party but it’s never at her house and is usually her crashing and taking over somebody else’s with her mere presence

Feferi ended up throwing a big sleepover party every year for everybody as a result (when they were younger, everybody brought her some of their trick-or-treat candy as a thank you and as they got older they all started bringing different party supplies)

#humanstuck #homestuck #headcanon #hs headcanons #hs #canon #trolls #beta trolls #alternia #humanstuck au #human au #homestuck au #hs au #dancestors #aradia medigo #tavros nitram #sollux captor #karkat vantas #nepeta leijon #kanaya maryam #my stuff

[astrabear]

Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween! I drop a treat in your bag!

***********************************

They took stock of the situation. Ten dead bodies, none of whom would be missed by anyone whose feelings mattered. One old building, already well on its way to burning down. Two vehicles – one theirs, one the corpses’ – both of them too damaged by the firefight to be drivable. And the four of them, battered, bloodstained, and filthy.

Nicky took some time to reassure himself that most of the blood on Andy wasn’t hers. She wouldn’t even need any stitches. They were getting better and better at shielding her, even during clusterfucks like tonight had been. Joe wandered around, unsuccessfully trying to get a signal on his phone. Nile focused on not throwing up.

“How far are we from the safehouse?” she asked. “About ten miles?”

“We don’t need to make it all the way to the safehouse,” Andy replied. “We passed a shitty motel on the way here. We can get a couple of rooms, clean up, and leave in the morning. Call Copley, see if he can get some clothes delivered to us or something.”

“How exactly is he supposed to do that?”

Andy shrugged. If she knew how this crap worked, she’d be doing it herself. She told Copley what she needed and he managed it. It had worked so far. “The motel is what, three, maybe four miles away? We should get started.”

Joe objected. “Boss, wait. I remember that motel. That’s right on the edge of town, there are people there. We can’t go walking around looking like this.”

“That won’t be a problem,” Nile informed him. “I had friends who grew up in places like this. Just follow my lead, and act drunk.”

When they were within sight of the light commercial area around the motel, they started staggering and hanging off of each other. A pickup full of teens went past heading out of town, presumably to whatever secret location had been selected that year for drinking and partying. The kids in the truck bed had clearly already gotten started and called out cheerfully to anyone they saw. Nile whooped in response. “Wooooooooo! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!”

A middle-aged man was filling up at the gas station, and his eyes went big when he saw them. “Damn! I’ve never seen makeup that good before!”

“Thanks man!” Joe was starting to get into the spirit of things. “We looked it up on YouTube, they have everything on YouTube –“ Nicky pulled him away before he could get too deeply into character.

The desk clerk looked a little apprehensive. “Can I… help you?”

Nile stayed casual. “Yeah, we just need two rooms please. Gotta sleep off the party before we head home, you know?”

The clerk relaxed a little. “Yeah, I get it. Just fill this out please. Wow, that must have been a hell of a party.”

Joe smiled his most charming smile. “Oh, we looked like this before we got there. That’s the look we were going for. Got all the fake blood they had in stock!”

“Cool, ok.” The clerk processed their credit card and handed over the keys. He nodded toward the bowl at the end of the desk. “Hey, you want any candy? I don’t think we’ll get many more people tonight, take as much as you want.”

“Fuck yes,” Andy muttered to herself as she grabbed two large handfuls. “I fucking love Halloween.”

#the old guard #the old guard trick or treat event #halloween

[alluringjae]

it’s a royal order - jjh

⤑ summary: one of your royal campaigns became a success, and your bodyguard jaehyun was there to see it all happen. it’s only fair to celebrate, right?

⤑ pairing: jaehyun x female reader

⤑ word count: 2k

⤑ genre: fluff, suggestive (dirty talk, jaehyun got a daddy kink, superiority complex!!), implied smut | bodyguard!jaehyun, princess!reader, slight enemies to lovers!au, modern royal!au (where south korea remains under monarchial power)

⤑ warnings: mentions of alcohol, drugs, family problems and therapy, explicit language

⤑ playlist: lows by pink sweat$ | céline by gallant | i put a spell on you by iza | nasty by ariana grande | dance for you by beyonce | body by sinead harnett

⤑ author’s note: this is definitely less emotional than all i do is wait! i got this idea from a show i really enjoyed before it got cancelled named the royals. specifically, i really liked the story of eleanor and jasper, which is the whole princess x bodyguard dynamic. the pining and tension, ugh! if you know this show or not, it doesn’t matter. anyways, thank you for the 30+ followers and 200 notes on aidiw! enjoy!

i need holy water because of this piece.

⤑ credits to jeongjaehyuns for the gif above uwu

⤑  leave me some feedback, constructive criticism or hellos!

“On behalf of the royal family, I would like to extend my utmost support for the Anti-School Violence campaign for all students to have a safer and more meaningful learning environment.” You proudly announced to the board of officials alongside other influential individuals in Korean society.

Being the only princess in the current royal line may have its pressures, but holding a strong, direct impact for a brighter future for the people motivated you to take advantage of your platform for the better. As the image of pure innocence and revamped women empowerment, you aimed to accomplish all the things your mother wished she could before her untimely death alongside your personal aspirations.

Expressing genuine joy with the campaign, with a tinge of desire to annoy the old-fashioned and closeminded officials, your prying eyes were more enamored by a certain man in the back clapping by the ballroom doors. You can’t help but act flustered whenever he witnessed you in a state of success and satisfaction.

This man went by the name Jeong Jaehyun, your trusted bodyguard since you were in your early twenties. 3 years later, he still stuck by your side and helped you endure all the darkness as a royal.

Back then, you went through a rebellious phase that was ruining the image of your family. Clubbing almost every night, drugs, skipping school, you even managed to get all assigned bodyguards to quit! The media ate up all your tricks, turning them into scandals. That was the plan, of course. You desired your own freedom from all the royal obligations because you didn’t ask to be born into that lifestyle. To all of your peers who wished to be in your footsteps, you would’ve impulsively passed your title to them. There’s so much deception that lies behind the glitz and glam of it all.

This unexpected change in your former untainted attitude came to the point that your father, the king himself, stepped in and personally assigned one of his men to get you in check. He figured that appointing a guard nearest your age may lessen the tension and mend you back together.

In the start, you absolutely despised him. There was no way to fool him when you were up to no good. He easily found your alcohol and drug stash which he disposed of on the spot and stood by your bedroom door every night so you wouldn’t sneak out past curfew (which your father also strictly implemented).

One big turning point in your relationship was when he rushed you to the royal hospital when you drank a cocktail that went unnoticeably spiked. To think that this was a typical social gathering with other royals and officials, you’re a constant target to many. You didn’t wake up for a few days, and the entire time, Jaehyun willingly stood by your bedside and outside your hospital room.

Since that and more instances your father insisted you get involved in royal affairs, you softened up. As cliché as it was, the more time spent with him, the more you knew about him and vice versa. He was the one that got you to fully open up about your grief towards your late mother, encouraging you to seek help. Turns out you weren’t as different as you thought despite your differing ranks in society when he also had a void for a missing parent. In his case, it was his father, who ditched his family for his mistress. Silently, you helped each other recover from your traumas alongside therapy. From dreading his presence, you started treating him more casually. Your father’s tactic of assigning a bodyguard around your age admittedly worked.

Oh, how time flies.

This campaign was the last thing on your weekend agenda, so you had the entire late afternoon and evening to yourself. Bowing one last time to the audience, you stepped down from the platform and accepted the soft hand of your bodyguard, who quickly made his way to you despite the flashing cameras. It was something he got used to as it is part of the job.

Once he successfully ushered you out of the ballroom, his hand still held yours. Nothing new, except this event was quite public and you didn’t want anyone to get any wrong ideas. Strolling down one of the many hallways in the palace became a pastime for the both of you, where no one can catch you. It was a safe haven within the destructive life of the Park kingdom.

“You did phenomenal as I expected, your highness.” Jaehyun complimented, recalling your panic the night before as the stage fright hit strong when you were reciting your speech to him over and over again.

“We are in private, Jaehyun. Must you really use those formalities with me?” You taunted, bobbing your head sideways mockingly. With him could you felt like a normal young adult, and you wouldn’t have it any other way. Jaehyun loved being frisky with you, catching you get irked up. And he was up to do it again.

“Hmm last time we strolled these halls, Yuta caught us making out after a successful meeting with the Prime Minister.”

You gasped at his statement, conscious of whoever may be in the vicinity. But before you could refute, your hand that was interlocked with his were mightily slammed against the white wall. You lost your breath for a moment, his warm body closely on yours. His free hand freely roamed up and down your covered waist. His lips were dangerously near your neck, where you’re sensitive. Your hips naturally grinded against him to release the pent-up tension.

“Something tells me you want to do it again, princess?” Now he’s just using your title as a pet name, but you couldn’t complain. It just hits differently when the situation was set up like this.

“I deserve it, don’t I? Got a lot of those hell-driven officials on my side for this round.” You raised both your brows cockily, licking your lips.

“Hell yeah, you do.” Finally, he rids of the tension and plants open kisses on your bare neck. Your throaty moans were uncontrollable, and you could care less.

“My princess,”

Kiss.

“So intelligent,”

Kiss.

“So benevolent,”

Kiss.

“So helpful,”

Kiss.

“But,” He changed his pace and direction, swollen lips near your ear.

“But?” You question naïvely. He scoffed, smirking at your antics of playing dumb.

“But a total slut for her bodyguard.” He dominantly planted his lips against yours, one of his veiny hands gripping on your waist and the other by the arch of your butt. He was hungry, needy even. Due to your shared schedules, it’s been a constant struggle to have proper alone time from the snooping eyes of Korean society. After all, it wasn’t in the norm for a princess to fall deep for her bodyguard. Nor were you sure you would be accepted by anyone. Yuta, the bodyguard of your oldest brother, the crowned prince Jinyoung, finding the both of you at that time was a total shock but didn’t care either.

All that mattered was that your feelings towards each other are real and strong. Accepted or not, you had each other.

All this lust put you in a daze, wanting much more than another smooch fest in the hallway. Tugging on his belt, he squeezed your butt tightly. You emitted a moan, which allowed his tongue access. No way could you keep your hands to yourself, touching his upper body and the flexing of his abdominal muscles from his button-up. You felt his now hard member poking through.

Analyzing your area, you were on the other side of the palace. Farther to your bedroom where numerous rendezvouses were made, one kink you’ve considered in the past amplified your mind. Considering this area was also the king’s side, and he was abroad for royal affairs, this was your chance.

“I have an idea, my love. You up for it?” You rose a brow at your lover, challenging him. Not one to overpower this man in bed, but always suggesting a way on how to spice it up.

“And what exactly does your feral brain want to do with me, princess?” His finger lifted your chin so you meet eye to eye. You can just see the fire still burning, and oh how you were ready to intensify it.

“The main ballroom, where my father and late mother’s throne rest, are a few doors away.” Your fingers signal him to lower his stance as his tall height was difficult to reach. With a sneaky smirk,

“Let me ride you in the king’s throne, my love.” Your lips brushed over his and sucked his bottom lip, tugging him by his belt. He groaned, squeezing your butt. “It’s a royal order.”  

“Nasty, your highness. Insanely nasty, you are.” His hands hoisted your waist, boosting you up in his arms. You gasped with profanities, ravenously cut off by his lips again. His nails digging deep in your bare thighs, your legs naturally linked themselves around his torso while your arms passionately intertwined his broad neck.

In between kisses, he carried you to the said main ballroom. One of your wildest imaginations, just a second away. This room remained to be the only place without any guards stationed technological advancements or updated interior designs to preserve its traditional beauty. Dated as far as the 19th century, only special events were held and the highest of the high were allowed inside. Spacious, surrounded by gold linings majestic paintings of angels from above with a huge crystal chandelier right above the center. Right ahead, the original thrones that your ancestors, grandparents, and parents sat on when they were throned in its pure glory.

Pushing your lover on the king’s throne, the gold sun-like rays plastered behind the headrest, he cockily leaned back and manspread his legs for comfort. He rubbed his hands before patting his thigh, waiting for your submission. But you weren’t going to give in just yet.

Not when you prepared a mini-show just for him underneath your designer silk dress.

Jaehyun’s solemn eyes marveled over your gorgeous figure as you stripped down one strap after the other. Due to its silk fabric, it effortlessly dropped down to your figure to reveal a new set of black lace lingerie from your previous trip to Paris. Ages ago, Jaehyun unhesitatingly ripped your favorite ones during his birthday, so you decided to get a mature version of it. A version where your bra lifted your breasts more and undies hiked up to your waist to elongate your legs. Only for the eyes of yourself and the man in front of you, establishing that you were a powerful woman who can be absolutely anyone she can be. Princess, a normal young adult, or his slut, it’s up to you how you see yourself.

Jaehyun mumbled all the profanities he could think of at the moment. Looking like a divine angel when the sun from outside shuns behind you, his slacks tightening so much more than a while ago.

“All this for me?” He ogled shamelessly, undoing the buttons of his dress shirt and untying his necktie. “What did I do to deserve such regal treatment?”

You sneered at his comment, stepping out your dress in your heels and stationing right in front of his luring lap. “You’ve always been there for me, thick and thin. I think you deserve a reward, don’t you think?”

Lowering yourself to straddle him, his breath hissed when your damp core collided with his crotch. Distracted and caught in your trap, “I don’t think you answered my question, my love.”

Rather than a verbal response, he roughly pulled you back in for a kiss. His hands scattered to explore from your back down to your waist. Your hands messily ran through his hair, tugging on some when your body got too sensitive to his wild touches. The thrilling sounds of the two of you drowning in your fiery romance bounced throughout the ballroom, not minding if anyone passed by the hallways outside. It was a private room after all, and whatever happens here, stays here.

Rolling on his crotch while his lips trailed down to your collarbones, the quick snap of your bra wires echoed. The tight lift lessened as Jaehyun’s fingers dropped the straps, unveiling your bare chest covered in his marks.

“Enough playing, princess. Let daddy have some real fun with you.”

#bye im descending #nct #nct scenarios #nct imagines #nct fluff #nct smut #nct x reader #nct 127 #nct 127 scenarios #nct 127 imagines #nct 127 smut #nct 127 x reader #jaehyun #jeong jaehyun #jung jaehyun #nct jaehyun #jaehyun x reader #nct jaehyun x reader #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun smut #jaehyun scenarios #jaehyun imagines

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Imagine being Azula’s favourite friend who she recruits first. The two of you have always had an unspoken attraction which neither of you were brave enough to acknoweldge...until you save her life and Azula decides to reward you

Background

You and Azula attended the academy together and had initially started as rivals. You were an above-average fire bender and because she didn’t know you Azula saw that as a threat. So she made it her mission to ruin your life when one day she found you arguing with Zuko. You didn’t hesitate to yell at him or point out his faults and from that moment on Azula knew she’d misjudged you. Azula be-friended you and you became a part of her group. Over time you became her favourite. She trusted you and could feel your loyalty to her, which was something she grew to respect more and more as Mai was compromised by Zuko and Ty lee became even more whimsical. You soon became inseparable and as the friendship grew it began to feel like more...you realised you liked Azula as more than a friend. You enjoyed every second you spent together and thought she felt the same. The tension between you grew and although Azula would grow flustered around you when you flirted with her she never reciprocated your feelings openly. You were heartbroken but understood that falling for the princess of the fire nation hadn’t been a very smart decision on your part. So needing some space to mend as soon as you graduated from the academy you joined the army. It hurt to be around Azula every day and to know you could be something great together if only your nation was more progressive. So you ran away from the situation and didn’t see Azula for years. You managed to stop thinking about her constantly after a few weeks and soon your heart didn’t feel as broken anymore...but you knew deep down you still cared about her. The princess would always be your first love. 

Your POV

The army was tougher than the fire nation academy for many reasons. For one your name, reputation and grades didn’t matter once you passed through the doors. They didn’t care if you'd sparred with the best fire benders or got the highest grades in combat skills for ten years, you were reduced to a number and treated as one. You hated every second of it but the alternative was to return to your family and you’d take anything over that so you stuck it out. 

One day all the recruits were ordered to wear their best clothes and report to the large training hall which could only mean one thing. Someone wanted to buy troops. High ranking generals or rich businessmen could hire trainees for missions or any jobs they needed completing. The buyer could choose who they wanted after watching you all in training and you would then decide if to accept or not. You took every opportunity you could and so stared straight ahead for inspection, trying your best to look hirable when a voice broke your resolve. "I’m looking for something in particular" Azula told your trainer and you only just managed to keep your head forward but a small smirk broke out on your face. Azula spotted you and walked down the line slowly before stopping in front of you. "Well, well who do we have here?" she asked. You looked up at her and matched her smile "long time no see huh?". Your trainer was horrified at the way you addressed the princess and rushed to yell at you when Azula cut him off with a laugh. She took your arm and you hugged her tightly. Your stomach exploded in butterflies and you clutched her tightly, you’d missed Azula dearly. "Your highness i don’t know what...i’m sorry for this one’s behaviour" the trainer started obliviously and Azula rolled her eyes "are they all as dumb as you? Obviously i know y/n". You smirked and Azula was spurred on by that beautiful expression she’d missed. "You really have no idea who she is?" Azula asked laughing "this is y/n l/n, her father is friends with my father and she is a personal friend to the royal family. To hear you haven’t treated her appropriately is very displeasing" Azula frowned and you smiled as your usually cruel and horrible trainer shook. "I’m sorry we had no idea who she was! We will treat her better, promote her actually" he babbled. "No that won’t do" Azula said "and that wont be necessary, y/n will be leaving with me for a job and won’t be coming back here". The guard hesitated "i...you can’t just take a recruit". "I’m not but i could" Azula growled "i think you’ll find it’s more y/n quits". "She can’t quit" the guard replied “she made an oath” and Azula raised an eyebrow in response "are you tell me what i can do? Are you telling a noblewoman what she can do? Any debt she owes you will be wiped by my command, understand?" Azula barked. The trainer paled but nodded "yes princess" and bowed his head. "Good" Azula nodded and she strode with you right out of the front doors. 

Azula brought you to the lodgings she was staying at in the nearest town and you were amused to see it had been given the royal treatment. Red everywhere, freshly polished surfaces as far as the eye could see, gold and silver decorations lay on every available service and of course a large portrait of the fire lord hung on the wall. Over a lavish dinner Azula told you the mission making you realise you’d accepted and left the army without even asking for any details. You were fine with hunting the avatar and Zuko with Mai and Ty lee but you also recognised you would’ve accepted almost any mission Azula gave you because you’d been so happy to see her. Azula had always had this effect on you and time apart hadn’t done anything to lessen that. You were as much in love with her now as you were the day you left two years ago. 

After dinner Azula led you to your shared apartment, it contained two bedrooms with ensuites and a large living room which you were pleased to see and you sunk into the sofa happily. "Your hair’s shorter" Azula commented suddenly and you nodded touching it self consciously "yeah it was a target in sparring". Azula scoffed "seriously? Don’t they teach the other recruits proper fire bending moves as opposed to childish tricks?". You shrugged "they told us to win by any means. That it doesn’t have to look good so long as you win". Azula laughed again "amateurs all of them! Of course it should look good". You smirked "well when it comes so easy to you" and glanced over her. Azula shrugged but had a large smile on her face "well I suppose I have been blessed in that aspect". You laughed again and smiled "this is nice". Azula smiled too "it is" and you locked eyes for several seconds before she looked away slowly. Azula stood up abruptly "we should get some sleep we’re moving on foot tomorrow to go get Ty lee and then Mai". You were excited at the thought of seeing your old friends and grinned "great! Also don’t think i didn’t notice you came for me first" you called as Azula made her way towards her room. She halted and you smirked "I always knew i was your favourite but really Azula to make it so obvious" you grinned and Azula paused. You walked to your own room and Azula finally responded "i always made it obvious you’re my favourite, it’s nothing new" and went into her room.

You stepped into your own room and leant back against the closed door blushing vividly from the encounter with Azula. You’d spent all your time in the army trying to convince yourself your relationship with Azula was purely platonic. That the fact your heart sped up whenever you thought of her or how you dreamt of her often was just because you were close friends. You managed to convince yourself you weren’t in love with Azula and that she didn’t feel anything for you either but less than a day with her and you knew that was a lie. You couldn’t deny the way she made you feel and how she smiled at you in a way she never did with anyone else...as much as it made you nervous your realisation also excited you. You couldn’t wait to be around Azula again and felt a happy glow spread over you. You settled in your bed, a smile still on your face and burrowed into the exquisite cushions. You expected to fall to sleep easily but a while later you were still awake. You frowned confused as to why. You were happy, you were with Azula and the bed was comfy so why couldn’t you sleep? You figured maybe the bed was too soft compared to what you were used to in the army so went into the living room to try the sofa. You laid down and realised this was better, more like the beds back at the military. You had just closed your eyes when Azula’s door opened. "Trouble sleeping?" she asked and you nodded "i think the bed’s too comfy". Azula laughed "i thought the opposite, really y/n your taste has worsened in our time apart". You shrugged "it’s better than what i’ve been sleeping on for the last 9 months". Azula lay down on the sofa next to you and you looked at her. You didn’t ask why after finding her own bed soooo uncomfortable she came to lay on a sofa barely a foot from where you were and just enjoyed the silence. “So, anything else i missed you didn’t put in your letters?” you asked. Azula hadn’t written to you much at the academy and honestly that had been a good thing. You’d have just missed her more than you already had but she did send brief updates once a month. Azula nodded "probably tons, i couldn’t write often". You didn’t point out she wrote to you on the first of each month religiously instead you turned on your side to look at her. Mai and Ty lee had also written to you but you’d noticed compared to their letters and the changes in their lives Azula’s had been...well boring. You felt almost sorry for her, you’d all moved away to different things but Azula had been stuck at home with a father who was cruel, the ghost of a cold mother and the memory of a banished brother. Azula quickly discussed some events that had happened and then also turned on her side to face you. "What about you then? How was military life really?". You shrugged "not as i expected". "I knew that job would be awful" Azula commented "why did you stay so long then?". You sighed "well i liked some parts of it, the physical training was similar to what we did in the academy which i liked, the mental tests were better, they made me use all my brain". "That’s a first" Azula chimed in and you rolled your eyes "i liked those parts of it...could’ve done without the abuse from the trainers, food restrictions and ban on leaving". Azula raised an eyebrow "remember what i always told you y/n no self-pity, you could’ve left at any time. You chose not to". You thought Azula sounded a bit angry when she said that but you shrugged "i could but that would have meant going back home not coming back to the capital and I’d rather fight all the trainers at once than that" you said through gritted teeth and Azula saw you’d tensed. She recalled you never got along with your family but she hadn’t realised they were part of the reason you’d taken such an awful job so soon after graduation. "They hated my move to the capital and said if i failed at all they’d have me back and married, i had one shot to escape them, there’s no way i’d give it away because i didn’t actually like what i’d chosen". Azula didn’t comment she just watched you conflicted, she hated self pity and weakness but you were so like her, she’d have done the exact same thing in your position. "But you did leave" Azula commented “you left to come with me” and you looked down "i did...". Azula saw the way your face changed, filling with worry and she actually felt slightly guilty. You’d left instinctively for her when she asked, no matter what it might mean for you in the long term. You did all that for her and it proved to her again why you were her closest ally.

Azula laughed and you looked at her confused "y/n do you really think i’d make you give up your job for a small mission?". You frowned "what?". "Your parents won’t be angry because this a much better job, you’ll be paid more and you’re working with me" Azula said pointedly. "They can’t say anything against that, as long as you’re with me they can’t touch you" she smiled and you grinned at Azula "you’d vouch for me?". Azula nodded "of course, i want you with me and that’s what i’ll get, i don’t care who your family are they’re not taking you anywhere ever". You were equally touched and shocked "ever?". Azula nodded "well obviously you might not be here forever but they’re never taking you back to tie you to a marriage, i’ll just keep coming up with excuses to keep you in my company until you’re too old and then they’ll have to leave you alone with me" Azula explained and you smiled "sounds perfect".

Azula laughed and met your eye, seeing how intensely you looked at her gave her chills. Azula had missed you greatly in the capital but honestly she’d let you leave without a fight. She sensed a growing attraction and longing for you which she knew had to stop. So she let you go figuring some distance would be good but as soon as she needed allies the first face in her mind was yours. The second she saw you she knew she’d made the right choice but she also felt the attraction just as suddenly. Laying here staring at you made it more apparent than ever and it scared Azula. She blushed and turned away from you, facing the back of the sofa "try and sleep" she commanded "we'll be up early". 

You didn’t comment on how much Azula was blushing or how she’d chosen to sleep out here with you. You just smiled and closed your eyes basking in the feeling of all she’d said and the safety of her. “Good night Princess” you whispered and you fell asleep almost instantly.

The next day you reunited with Ty lee and then Mai. Ty lee had launched herself at both you and Azula when she saw you and the same occurred for Mai. Mai grunted and hugged Ty lee begrudgingly. "I thought you ran away to the circus?" Mai asked Ty lee and she nodded "i did but y/n and Azula showed up and well they called louder than the universe" Ty lee smiled. "Wait y/n and Azula, isn’t the circus closer to the capital than the military?" Mai asked looking from you to Azula. "Yeah so?" you said confused and Mai shrugged "nothing just seems like it’d make sense to go to the circus first then military but hey i’m sure Azula had her reasons for coming to get you first" Mai smirked slightly. You didn’t look at Azula but Mai and Ty lee exchanged a look at the matching blushes you were both sporting, some things never change. Azula recovered first and pretended Mai hadn’t said anything about the two of you and began explaining her plan. You joined in after a few seconds of recovery but still felt giddy at Mai’s words.

Throughout your trip you and Azula grew closer and closer just like you’d done at the academy. Although neither of you spoke about it you felt drawn to one another and Azula acted differently around you. She sought you out more than the others, always kept the closest proximity to you and paired Mai and Ty lee and you with herself whenever you had to split into teams. As you fell into old habits all the past feelings came back and you began to worry at all the dangerous situations Azula was putting herself in just to please her father. She’d infiltrated Ba Sing Sei without any backup besides you, Ty lee and Mai which terrified you. Of course her plan worked but still you were so grateful Azula had been unharmed and managed to take over the whole city without any mishaps. You hoped it’d be smooth sailing from there but of course she wanted her brother and the avatar too. You did exactly what she said to try and help her but you couldn’t escape the feeling something would go wrong. Azula had left to go and face the avatar all alone apart from her dai lee agents and you couldn’t get her out of your head. Azula had put you in charge of making sure the earth king and his bear were looked after but you wanted to ensure she was okay so left it to Ty lee and Mai. You followed the secret passage you’d seen Azula take and found your way into a massive cavern filled with people. You spotted Azula fighting the avatar and saw her shoot him with a lightning bolt. He fell to the floor and you gaped at the fact Azula had likely just killed the avatar. The water bender with the avatar then went into a rage and flew through the air using a massive wave to catch him. Azula smirked ready to engage with her and you saw Zuko standing beside her. You were surprised to see Zuko beside her, never thinking she’d actually manage to get Zuko on her side but of course she was a master at manipulation. You smiled at all she’d achieved when you noticed Azula’s uncle Iroh was approaching them. He had flames in his hands and was looking right at Azula who was fixed on the water bender. You gasped at Iroh’s intentions and how nobody was aware of what was going on behind them. You broke out into a run and leapt down the cliff as quick as you could. You were getting closer but you still weren’t close enough. Iroh raised his hands and you went into panic mode. “Stop” you yelled and threw your own fire as Iroh released his own. Your strike managed to hit his off course and it hit a rock beside Azula. Azula and Zuko both jumped and Iroh turned to you. You were now stood blocking his path to Azula and you sensed he still wanted to take her down. You anticipated his attack and blocked it instinctively before firing back your own. Iroh was much stronger than you so you were heavily outmatched when suddenly two flames burst onto the scene. Azula sprang in front and began attacking her uncle savagely while Zuko helped. You were again slightly surprised by Zuko but quickly joined in. With three on one even the dragon of the west couldn’t last long and with a final hit from Azula he fell to the floor. “Seize him and throw him in a cage” Azula spat and walked past him to you. “I thought I told you to wait upstairs” she said fixing her intense gaze on you and you shrugged “I wanted to help and I think it’s a good job I did”. Azula shot you a look at your boldness but you could tell she was more amused than annoyed. “You appear to be correct” she replied curtly before walking past you. You smiled after Azula, admiring how happy she looked and why wouldn’t she? She’d taken over Ba Sing Sei, possibly killed the avatar, brought down her uncle and convinced Zuko to ally with her, all in all it had been an excellent day and Azula had proved herself a force to be reckoned with. You began following her when you saw the guards walking Iroh in the opposite direction. You were going to look away when you noticed he was still staring at Azula. You could feel his anger and knew what his intentions were, he meant to finish the job. In the blink of an eye Iroh burst out of his restraints, threw his guards to the side and took a stance. “Azula get down” you yelled sensing the electricity in the air but he had an excellent shot at her and she had nowhere to go. Instinctively you threw yourself into the path of the lightning. 

Azula also responded instinctively. She conjured her own lightning to meet her uncle’s when she saw you running into the fight, You tried to raise a wall of fire but there wasn’t time, you got hit by the bolt and collapsed. Azula only just managed to direct her own bolt away from you and felt her heart beating rapidly. As the smoke cleared Azula saw your body on the floor rage consumed her. She conjured a huge amount of electricity and sent it all at her uncle. He tried to block it but Azula’s bolt sliced through his defences hitting him square in the chest. Azula didn’t even check to see if her bolt had met its mark, she knew it had so rushed to your side. “Y/n” she yelled and she knelt beside you staring at the smoke coming off your back where the bolt had hit you. Your uniform was partially melted and Azula could smell the burning flesh strongly. "I need water” Azula yelled grabbing you and trying to feel for a pulse. She felt one and felt her own breathing somewhat stabilise too. "Now" Azula yelled and people rushed forwards. Azula poured the water over you "it’s okay" she told as you winced as she poured more. "We need to get her into the pool" she called "someone help me get her to the water". Zuko appeared and helped Azula carry you to a fountain. You were semi-conscious which made Azula hurry even quicker, she wanted to reduce your pain as soon as possible. Azula climbed into the fountain first and told Zuko to pass you to her. She took you carefully and laid you on your back floating. Your eyes closed as you passed out and Zuko called for a doctor. Azula clutched your by your arms keeping you close to her in the water "you will not die y/n" she snarled "you will be fine do you hear me?". You didn’t respond. 

Later

You woke up face down on something soft and tried to move your face away from it when shooting pains erupted along your spine. You felt like your back was cracking open and groaned loudly. "Careful y/n" you heard someone say and saw it was Ty Lee. "Ty lee? What happened?". "You got burnt" she explained "on your back..luckily Azula cooled you in time to stop any long-term damage but it’s still really sore so be careful". You reached for your back and flinched at the slightest touch of it. "Stop" Ty lee told you "Azula said i’m to watch you and make sure you rest, apply more soothing cream on it every three hours and just basically always make sure you're okay!" she told you cheerfully. You shook your head "Ty lee i’m fine you don’t have to sit guard over me" you tried to sit up and went pale from the pain. "Don’t do that" Ty lee cried rushing to your side "if you want to get up i can pile some pillows in front of you for you to lean on. I don’t think you can sit up for a while". You pouted annoyed but asked Ty lee to bring you said pillows and managed to pull yourself up onto your elbows "so what happened? Tell me everything". "Well thanks to you we managed to stop Iroh escaping and hurting Azula, we took Ba Sing Sei and the avatar is dead". "Wow" you said surprised "That is... a lot". Ty lee nodded “Ow and Zuko’s back on our side". You nodded and smiled "I bet Mai is happy". Ty lee grinned too "she is i haven’t seen her since we started for home". "We’re on our way back?" you asked and Ty lee nodded "yes but Azula said me, you and Mai are to stay with her even after we arrive back in the capital, she said she still has a need for us". You smiled laying your head down blushing slightly, Azula had kept her promise, she wasn’t letting you go. You sighed happily and Ty lee smiled "y/n?". "I’m just glad to be going back" you smiled "i think we'll have lots of fun". You had been dozing when the sounds of the door made you jolt awake sending shooting pains down your back. You winced but prepared yourself for an attack until you saw her. Azula raised her hands as she saw you jump and she smiled "just me". You relaxed "Azula, sorry i was asleep". "Don’t apologise you need to rest after what happened, i just wanted to come check on you. We'll be in the fire nation in a few hours". "That’s good news" you smiled and Azula nodded "how does the back feel? Ty lee says you’re doing as well as can be expected" Azula’s eyes drifted to your back and you froze. You were now very aware you were laid on your front with only a blanket covering your bare torso from Azula’s eye. Azula stepped closer and you rushed to explain and stop her inspecting you. "I’m fine" you told her "the burns aren’t too bad, they hardly hurt at all". Azula raised an eyebrow "then you won’t mind me having a look?" and stepped beside you. She reached for the blanket and you grabbed her hand with an uncomfortable strain "wait, i lied...i don’t want you to see it, Ty lee says it looks bad. It’s in the blistering stage and yes it hurts but everything has already been done for it and me so you don’t need to see it or check on me". Azula titled her head to one side as you couldn’t meet her eye and she sighed sitting on the floor beside your bed. "It will scar but unlike Zuko you can wear yours with pride" Azula said forcefully and you looked up at her shocked "with time i’m sure it will simply resemble a tattoo" Azula explained. You turned on your side to look at her, something you’d practised with Ty lee and could now manage. "Ty lee told me you did as much for me as you could...i can’t really remember it but..". "Do you remember jumping into the path of lightning for me?" Azula said "without protecting yourself or even any concrete attempt to do so, and what for?". You sighed thinking Azula was angry at you "i...i know it was reckless and stupid, it went against everything we were taught at the academy but I don’t know Azula, i did it without even thinking. I saw it heading for you and you weren’t ready! It would hit you and i just did it without hesitation, i know it seems stupid and emotional but i don’t regret it Azula i’d do it again" you told her sighing, feeling she wouldn’t understand. "I know that might sound stupid...why i’d do that for you but Azula i..." you started as Azula cut you off "y/n". Azula gently raised your head with a hand helping you to look at her. You were confused by Azula’s gaze, it was soft but at the same time intense, you couldn’t recognise the emotion, was she angry? Happy? Excited? Apparently it was somewhere in the middle. Azula leant down to you, hand on your cheek as she ghosted her lips over yours. You felt a sensation like water being thrown over you as Azula kissed you softly and quickly before pulling back "i don’t completely get it but i understand" she smiled blushing softly "i think I can imagine why you did it" she said looking away from you "thank you for saving me". You were speechless, Azula was thanking you? Azula understood why you did it? Did that mean she liked you too? She’d just kissed you so of course she did! Or was that what she thought you wanted? Azula had been used all her life, did she simply think you did this in order to make gains with her? 

Azula smiled slightly to see your brain short-circuiting at her actions and stood up. "i just wanted to make sure you were okay so now I know you are i’ll let you go back to sleep. I’ll wake you when we’re there". You nodded still confused and watched Azula walked away. You weren’t sure what had just happened but you knew you had to make Azula realise you didn’t do this just to use her. "Azula" you said suddenly "is that...what you just did...if that was my reward or what you think i wanted from you after today...i didn’t save you because i was expecting a reward or anything from you so what i’m saying is you don’t have to compensate me if you don’t want to. I didn’t do it for any reason other than to keep you safe". 

Azula blushed suddenly and felt her emotions swirling, she realised she was happy. To hear you express openly your desire for her safety filled her with excitement and she realised nobody had ever cared for her before like you did. Azula nodded slowly "that is welcomed news y/n" she smiled "but i didn’t reward you like that as a forced compensation either" she told you "although my intentions were personal and selfish i suppose”. 

You smirked slightly and nodded "good...i mean fine with me". Azula nodded "i’m glad we understand each other, good night y/n". "Good night princess Azula" you said savouring the words and Azula’s eye twitched but she maintained her calm expression and bowed leaving. You lay back giggling as realisation (and the medication you were on for the pain) set in. Azula had kissed you and told you she didn’t do it because she thought she had to but because she wanted to! For selfish reasons!!! You wrapped yourself in your blankets and didn’t stop smiling even in your sleep.

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Is it just me who loves the idea of being in a secret relationship with the princess of the fire nation? I feel like Azula would excel at sneaking around the palace and would like rebelling against Ozai for once

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