#the things that may indicate my art is mine that i don’t notice? what gives me away?

[loverboybrightsideghost]

zoscar, as promised 😌

#bluebird.txt #bluebird’s art #rqg #rusty quill gaming #zoscar #i’m so proud of this you don’t understand #is it amazing no but i think it’s pretty gosh darn good #and the most important part is i had hella fun drawing it <3 #just a man and his significant annoyance <3 #platonic life partners zoscar truly means so much to me. #i’m a little self conscious but you know what no. Look At My Art Boy. #i don’t really keep my art style super consistent in terms of like the brushes i use or whether i always draw realistic-er or how i color #but i am curious what some immutable elements my art may have if it does have them. like what are the things that i can’t notice? what are #the things that may indicate my art is mine that i don’t notice? what gives me away? #just musing. anyways hehe ZOSCAR!!!!

[voskhodart]

Hey, do you want to learn how to play VHS tapes in the year 202X?

I know this is my art blog, but it has come to my attention that some of you are too young to have experienced the joys of the Video Home System in its prime. Come hither so I can teach you and we can embrace the beauty of physical media together. If you have a thrift store and a TV, this process should work for you.

Step 1: Get a VCR ($4-$15)

DO NOT BUY EXPENSIVE VCR/COMBO SETS FROM THE INTERNET!

The ones you find on sites like eBay and Etsy are insanely overpriced and might not even work. Instead, find a Goodwill, Savers, or independent thrift store near you and go to the electronics section. There’s a good chance they’ll have at least one VCR. If they don’t, try a different shop. You can also check local online marketplaces, yard sales, etc.

Good things to look for:

4 (or more) Heads — Heads are the things that actually read the tape. The more heads you have, the better your picture is going to be.

Auto Tracking — Poor tracking can create a rolling picture, which is a pain to fix. An auto tracking VCR does that work for you.

Pre-2000 — After 2000, electronics started being mass produced with plastic casings and cheap parts. VCRs made after this time are a whole lot easier to break. Ideally, you want something from the late 80s to mid 90s.

Well-known brands — Sony, Toshiba, etc. Japanese manufacturers tend to have the best quality. Early Emersons are nice too.

Generally good condition — If there’s a bullet hole in the case, it’s probably best to pass on. A bit of dust isn’t an issue, but major damage isn’t a good sign. If you can, plug the machine into a power outlet in the store and see if it even turns on.

Head cleaning indicator — Not something you *need*, but I find it nice to have. You’ll want to use a head cleaning tape when the indicator starts flashing.

This is the one I’ll be using for the sake of this guide. This is an old Emerson that I picked up from Goodwill for $7.95. (Notice the five price tags they slapped on top.)

Step 2: Get Some Tapes (¢10-$1)

This is the fun part. Almost every thrift store will have some VHS tapes, usually near the books/DVDs/records. I’ve seen them as expensive as a dollar, but some stores will just give them away for free. I suggest buying a few movies you like, plus one or two shitty tapes to test out your VCR with.

You may also find 20 different copies of Titanic in every store. This is a normal occurance.

Remember to check the condition of any tape you plan on putting in your machine. If the spool looks moldy, you *can* try to clean it, but you’ll need another VCR to do so. If the tape looks wrinkled or otherwise damaged, you can still probably play it, but it will look and sound a lot rougher than you should expect. If the casing is damaged, I wouldn’t risk trying to put it in your VCR at all.

Remember: VHS tapes stopped being produced commercially in 2006. Most tapes you find aren’t going to be in the best shape, because they’re all a few decades old. (Sometimes, though, you will come across a tape with an excellent picture, good sound quality, and subtitles! The Mummy tape that I own is near perfect.)

Step 3: Connecting the VCR to Your TV

For this step, you’re going to want a coaxial cable and a set of RCA cables (the red, yellow, and white ones). If your TV doesn’t have an RCA input, you’ll also need an RCA-to-HDMI converter. If your TV also doesn’t have an HDMI input for whatever reason, you’re shit out of luck.

You’ll plug these cables into the “out” or “out to tv” connection on your VCR, then plug the other end into the back of your TV.

Note: Not all VCRs have right audio (the red one)! That’s fine. Just leave it hanging free. The left audio (white) is your mono audio, so you’ll just have that instead.

Lastly, put the channel switch on the back of your VCR on 3 or 4. I keep mine on 3. This is the number for the channel you’ll go to on your TV to actually see what the VCR is playing.

Step 4: Setting up the TV

I use a little Roku TV, which is surprisingly steady to set up for VCR input:

Settings ➡️ TV Inputs ➡️ Live TV

From here, you’ll either be prompted to scan for channels OR you’ll have to select “scan for antenna channels”. It will ask you if you want to have channels 3 and 4, to which you’ll say “yeah, I do want channels 3 and 4” and click the button that lets you have channels 3 and 4. If you don’t have an antenna, you can skip the other prompts.

I haven’t done this on any other type of TV, but the process should be pretty similar: get yourself to channels 3 and 4 through whatever means necessary.

Once you’re there, it should look like this. Sad, blank, and lonely. But not for long.

Step 5: Playing Your Tapes

This is where things can go really really well or really really wrong. If everything is hooked up, you can grab your shitty tape and insert it into the VCR.

(Make sure there isn’t anything else in there first, though. Some people don’t remove their precious Titanic copies before donating these things.)

You’ll want a tape that’s fairly clean, with no casing damage, and already rewound (black tape in the left window). To insert the tape into a front-loading VCR, slowly and firmly slide it into the slot. Once it’s most of the way in, the machine should “grab” it and pull it all the way inside. You’ll hear the machine make some noises.

(If those noises are really crunchy, that’s probably not a good thing. Troubleshoot with your favorite search engine or head over to r/VHS to see if anyone can help you.)

Once your machine is only making some clunky whirring sounds, it should be safe to press the play button. Enjoy watching your favorite films in the least pleasant format possible. Don’t forget to rewind em when you’re done.

If you have issues, the freaks over at r/VHS tend to be really helpful, but you can also find decade-old YouTube videos that might answer your questions too.

#not art #vhs #retro tech #physical media #technology #analog #long post #tutorial #tape talk

[childofcolors]

Part 2 Ateez storyline

Deja Vu

The beginning of the music video gives me the vibe of sexy spies/thieves that enter a museum to steal something really valuable (which is almost exactly what they are doing, except the stealing part).

From Fever ep. 3- Diary entry

4. Wooyoung

1. The late afternoon of the following day, we finally arrived on the island. From the elongated shadows of the afternoon sun, I could see pensions and sunbeds. When I stepped onto the sand. I could feel the heat rising. The island was considered a tourist paradise in the past. However, nobody had visited this island for their holidays anymore since taking a rest and trip became meaningless and worthless in this world.

2. To escape quickly, Left Eye and the Grimes Siblings stayed in the ship. We walked down the island to look for the place, called the Android Guardian bunker. And we easily found the place, which was blowing off golden yellow steam on this isolated island. When we got there, it was a gallery in the middle of the island. Gallery… They banned all kinds of art - funny of them to settle and build their bunker there. We passed along the empty lobby and went towards the exhibition. The golden yellow steam continually spurted from where an arrow indicated an exhibition route.

‍

3. Some drunk Android Guardians were lying on the floor. And at the end of its view, I could see the Men in Black Fedora were in a glass prison.

*The first part of Wooyoung’s paragraph should be kept in mind when I get to Eternal Sunshine.

After entering the museum, Ateez meet The Black Pirates who are locked up in a glass prison:

5. Hongjoong

1 There was a man at the end of the smoky road. To be more specific, they were there, the Men in Black Fedora that we met in our dreams. One person was leaning on the wall, hardly on their feet and my instinct said that I must save them.

2 I threw myself to the glass wall. It did not move. I bumped into it again. The man finally heard the noise and saw me.

3 “Finally, you are here.”

He said, and he barely took off his mask.

As I saw his face, I was in shock. He was me. The man had exactly the same face as mine.

4 “Listen, we called you here.”

In the midst of these strange incidents, I could only shake my head.

‍

5 “We are captured here, and somebody has to do our work. You may have noticed it. This world needs a change.”

6 “Why does it have to be us? Why do we share the same face?”

I kept questioning him and tried to break the glass wall between us. But not even a small crack.

7 “I don’t have enough time to tell you the whole story. We are going to be seen by the guardians when the smoke fades. Do what I do.”

The man put his hand on the glass wall and told us to copy him. So we put our hands like he did.

8 “We all face walls. Sometimes we think that our lives would be happier without walls but that is not true. If we earn things easily, we could lose them easily.”

The man and I faced each other, and I felt some indescribable energy swirling near us, regardless of this unbelievable reality - the men with the same faces as us, endless questions about this world and everything. Soon after, we were wearing their black suits without even noticing.

As you can see in Hongjoong’s paragraph, after meeting the imprisoned Black Pirates, we finally find out why Ateez were called to the New World by these men in black fedoras:

To pass their roles as the leaders of the rebellion to Ateez because they knew they (the Black pirates) were unable to escape the prison, and somebody needed to lead the rebels. So they found Ateez, who look like them and can replace them without anyone noticing (well…except for the witness…but I’ll come back to this when I talk about Halazia).

With these things in mind, in the Deja Vu MV, we can see this exchange of roles by looking at the difference between them dressed up casually (before the appearance of Black Pirate Hongjoong) and them dressed up in their new suits (after the appearance of Black Pirate Hongjoong). This indicates exactly that the switch happened in the MV just like in the diary entry marked with red.

Before:

After:

(And yes, they are not all in black suits, but I think this has more to do with a stylistic choice rather than lore. The important part is that they are now in suits, or better said, in their new roles as the new leaders.)

At the end of the MV, we see Ateez Yeosang on the ground with the Cromer in his hands while a fragment of Turbulence is playing in the background.

6. San

[...]

4 [...] Android guardians were burning the hope of people and they were drunk from the smoke. I felt a surge of anger coming over me. All of a sudden, Seonghwa shouted,

5 “I can't see Yeosang!”

7. Seonghwa

1 After Yeosang disappeared, we all were in panic and ran instantly to the lobby.

Fortunately, Yeosang also ran to us from the opposite exhibition at the same time. With relief we moved toward the exhibition. While looking back, Yeosang threw a shining object. The object was the Cromer.

2 It was just a short moment of celebration that we are soon going back home when the crowd of Android guardians came up to us behind Yeosang. The biggest guardian grabbed Yeosang’s neck. He threatened us saying that if we do not hand over the Cromer, he would break Yeosang’s neck. There was no way. When Hongjoong, holding the Cromer attempted to approach Yeosang, the Android Guardians ordered not to come near and just to throw the Cromer from a distance.

3 “Don’t hand it over! Once we give it to them, they will take us too!” Yeosang shouted.

It was the worst situation for us. If we did not hand it over, Yeosang would be in danger.

If we just hand it over, everyone would be caught. We cannot let Yeosang sacrifice for 7 members. What can I do?

4 Hongjoong seemed to have the same thought looking at Yeosang and us by turns.

Hongjoong began to speak about his decision. He said that he would throw the Cromer over to them if they would let Yeosang go between us and them.

8. Yeosang

1 This Andoird Guardian could get us whenever he wanted us in this gallery. I don’t doubt that. Is there any way to save myself and get the Cromer? No. These guys are everywhere. It was my fault. I should have been more careful. My friends would not have all been scattered if I had not met them at first. Then we could have not been left in this weird and dangerous place.

2 While regretting my careless behavior, I arrived in the middle of the guardians and my members. The Android Guardian shouted to Hongjoong to pass the Cromer. I saw the Cromer in the hands of Hongjoong.

3 What do we know about that sandglass? I asked myself and an answer popped in my head. It may be a gambling but there was no other way.

4 Hongjoong threw the Cromer to the guardian. The Cromer darted through the air, and I quickly snatched and turned it. The Android Guardians seemed confused, and they immediately started to chase after me. So I smashed the Cromer. The glass broke down and the sand splashed everywhere. I was being dragged away and Hongjoong tried to grab my hand. The light flashed.

Z. Outro

1 “One, two, three, four, five, six… seven.”

San’s quivering voice echoed in the heavy air of Dawn. When we woke up, we were in the warehouse where our journey began, and everything was remaining the same.

Reading the diary entry, we now know what is going on in this scene:

Before I continue the Ateez storyline with Turbulence, I have to talk about Eternal Sunshine because the events from the end of DejaVu happen in parallel with it.

Eternal Sunshine

Please go and watch the music video and tell me they don't look high on something.

I will enter speculation/theory territory right now with this song and MV because neither of them really fit the vibes of the songs up until now. Eternal Sunshine sounds more like the songs found in most Treasure albums.

The little description in Wooyoung's paragraph mentioned earlier in the post, where he describes a vacation resort, is the only thing we might have to connect Eternal Sunshine in the storyline.

Now, what does a vacation resort tend to have?

Hotels, a tennis court, a beach, palm trees.

Now…to put it into the timeline of the story, I think that these are the Black Pirates either under the influence of the yellow smoke or their memories started to be taken from them. Or both. Both sounds right.

Why do I say this? Because the song starts with the lyrics (official translation from youtube mv):

“If you could save only one memory

Which moment do you want to remember?

If I would save only one memory

It will be this moment.”

Singing about what memory they will save while they are imprisoned and the only fate of all the prisoners is for their memories to be taken away from them. Idk, kinda sus.

The events in Eternal Sunshine mv (I think) happen in parallel with the whole Cromer and Ateez Yeosang drama at the end of DejaVu.

From here, the fate of the Black Pirates is that they remain on the island, imprisoned, with (almost) no memories of the past, and are just under the influence of the yellow smoke (more or less).

But for now, in part 3 I will explain the Ateez Storyline (the red storyline) so stay tuned.

#ateez #ateez scenarios #ateez lore #atz #ateez seonghwa #ateez hongjoong #ateezyunho #ateezyeosang #ateezsan #ateez mingi #ateezwooyoung #ateez jongho #seonghwa #hongjoong #yunho #yeosang #san #mingi #wooyoung #jongho #ateezatiny #ateez atiny #atiny #atinylore #loretiny #ateez dejavu #deja vu #ateez deja vu #ateez eternal sunshine #eternal sunshine

[americasmarauders]

ivy--Jason ToddxFem!Reader

author’s note: once upon a time there was a tiny Luíza who thought it was a good idea to wirite a royal!au. She spent 3 months working on it, but she couldn’t make justice to the words in her head so she gave up on it. Then she watched Bridgerton and decided to give the draft another chance; 

so yeah this is a royal!au. this is also my first mature work. nothing explicit just a mention of the devil’s tango. 

BEWARE: minors: there is nothing explicit, but there is a mention of sex towards the end, so read it with discretion. I would classify this as a 16+

words: 11,071

the link to my masterlist is here and the link to my jason playlist is here

#

#

This was a business transaction, she kept reminding herself.

         There were lives on the line, lives she had sworn to protect. It was her duty as the princess to guarantee the continuity and longevity of her bloodline and, above all else, her subjects. And the proposition presented to her guaranteed both of those.

         She saw it coming. Her Father’s lavish spending sprees, buying fights with people he shouldn’t. The vault had emptied—not completely, although it wasn’t nowhere near the same state it once was—and the people had suffered. She inherited the mess.

         Her kingdom, her prized kingdom, so brilliant, so beautiful, was in ruins. Because of an ego too big. She wasn't going to let that happen again. 

         The Wayne’s presented as the exit. The kingdom of Gotham neighbored her own, it would be convenient for them to incorporate hers. But above all else, king Bruce wasn’t looking for lands, he wanted knowledge, something her kingdom had plenty to spare.

         He wanted the kingdom of scholars to be his own. He wanted to stop the gangs, the barbaric gangs that destroyed her precious land, and he needed help from her scholars. Bruce gave her a business offer too hard to refuse. But there’s always a catch.

         ‘She’ll marry into the family,’ he wrote in his letter to the Queen, her mother. ‘My second son, he’s the Captain of the Royal Guards, he’s the one to take my throne. She’ll be a fine Queen, and with her knowledge, Y/N will help defeat this evil lurking in our shadows’.

         At first, she refused. She wanted to do it, but not at the cost of her future, not at the cost of her love. But she cooled her head. She couldn’t let her selfishness get in the way of the kingdom’s prosperity. So, she sent a letter to King Bruce. She accepted, at the condition they would do whatever it takes to preserve her tradition of knowledge. If to preserve her kingdom and give her people a relief she had to sell herself, then she would gladly do it

 #

 #

Gotham was nowhere near as beautiful as her kingdom. It had its charm, she could see why someone would like it, but it didn’t have the same ethereal air to it. On the contrary, it was quite gray and moody.

         She guessed it went along with the family running it. The Wayne’s were famous for being an overly serious, and, quite honestly, incredibly brooding family. King Bruce adopted 6 children—and rumors went around that only one of them was biological; a bastard—and all of them had varying levels of moodiness. She was to marry the second one: Prince Jason, Prince of Park Row.

         For a long time, he was the cautionary tale that was told to the children of the royal families. The Prince gone wrong, he snapped, rebelled, and, to many, he had fallen from grace. It was only a few years back he had resurfaced to the public attention as the one who was to be the next king. What happened between being the fallen Prince to being the heir was a mystery, one she wasn't sure she wanted to unveil.

         She looked at the windows, seeing the tiny rock houses and the calm villagers walking around under the daylight. She knew that once the night fell, things would change and the streets would be filled with those she yearned to eradicate.

         “You do not have to go through with this, my daughter,” her Mother started, once again trying to convince you of backing out of the deal. “We can find another way.”

         “There isn’t,” she answered. Her Mother opened her mouth to try to argue. “Don’t, Mother. You raised me to do what was right by my kingdom and its people and continuing by ourselves isn’t the answer.”

         “You are not sure about that,” Mother said, condescending in her words.

         “Don’t patronize me, Mother,” she shot back, her tone controlled. “I know this isn’t the ideal situation, but our situation wasn’t ideal to begin with,” she inhaled, her gaze shifting to the window of the carriage. “If Father hadn’t been so careless, we wouldn’t be here, and I would have turned down King Bruce’s proposal.”

         “I know,” Mother agreed quietly. “I feel for our loss of freedom, that’s all.”

         “This isn’t a loss of freedom. This is a new beginning. This is our chance to right our wrongs. Is there more freedom than that?” she responded, putting an end to this conversation as the carriage approached the castle.

         It was incredible and grandiose, far more than her family’s castle. It was fitting, she’d heard once from Elizabeth, one of the ladies in her court, that the Waynes vault was enormous. She didn’t know how she knew but seeing the castle alone she believed it.

         The carriage pulled to a stop, the door opening for her exit. Mother went first accepting the help from the coachman. She got out gracefully next, and the coachman closed the door behind her. She saw two men standing approaching. The older one had an austere air to him, but as he got nearer, she saw the crinkles next to his eyes, indications of years of smiling. The younger one had mischief in his eyes, and she couldn’t deny that he was incredibly handsome.

         “Your Majesty,” the older man bowed to her Mother. He then turned to her and bowed, “Your Highness, it is an absolute pleasure to have you in our kingdom.”

         She smiled politely. “The pleasure is all mine, Sir.”

         He smiled back. “I’m Alfred Pennyworth, I run the Wayne estate,” he turned once again to Mother. “Your Majesty, if you please I’ll show you to your quarters.”

         “Yes, thank you, Sir Pennyworth,” Mother answered, following him into the castle.

         The other man cleared his throat. “Your Highness, I’m Prince Dick, Duke of Blüdhaven,” he bowed, and she offered her hand. He kissed it politely, quickly releasing it and standing straight. “I’m the one escorting you today.”

         “Thank you, Prince Dick,” she said politely.

         “Shall we?” he offered his arm, and she couldn’t miss the golden glimmer of his wedding band on his hand.

         “We shall,” she said, controlled.

         Both of them walked calmly, as he showed her around the castle. She noticed the extravagant décor, paintings of generations of Wayne’s before adorning the walls, amongst other priceless pieces of art she was sure were worth more than the entire treasure she had in her kingdom. She quietly observed as he showed the corridor to her quarters for the month—he gracefully omitted the fact that she was marrying a stranger by the end of it and this wasn’t going to be her room any longer than that.

         She heard Prince Dick sigh next to her. “I’m sorry it has come to this,” he stated. “I’m sure I can speak for my Father when I say we all wished for a different outcome.”

        She offered him a tight smile. “Yes, well, I believe what we have agreed on is what’s right for both of our kingdoms,” she noted. “And while I wonder what would have been like if I didn’t come to this decision, if I may be candid, I do not regret making it.”

        He chuckled. “Yes, I’m glad you do not have any regrets, Your Highness,” he said. “And I’m glad you were candid about it. I’m positive you’ll do great in our family.”

        He stopped in front of a large and sturdy double door. He knocked 3 times. “The King awaits you,” he stated to her. “You shall wait here.”

        “Yes, thank you, Your Highness,” she bowed slightly. “Thank you for escorting me.”

 #

#

“I will not marry her, for fucks sake,” Jason growled, slamming his hands on his guardian’s imponent desk. “I will not be a fucking bargain coin for your politics, Bruce.”

         Bruce didn’t even flinch with his son’s outburst. “It is your duty.”

         “Shove the duty up your ass, then. I have too many things to worry about, I don’t want another.”

         Bruce continued to look at the map sprawled out on his desk, “The L/N’s are incredibly smart and their kingdom holds a lot of the knowledge that we need to defeat the Joker’s gang and the others. This is very much your concern, isn’t it?”

         Jason shuddered at the mention of Joker. “It is,” he said, defiant.

         “Then marry her and do your job,” he stood up, leaning menacingly over the desk to look Jason in the eye. “You are the main responsible for our safety, and although I disagree with your methods, you are doing a good job. You need to start thinking of the future, Jason. This is bigger than you.”

         Jason huffed in annoyance. “I know of that,” he muttered. Then he smirked and said: “But you didn’t marry and had biological kids, Bruce,” he taunted. “Why should I do it the traditional way?”

        “Because I know what it’s like to not go down that path, son,” he answered, raising his voice slightly, but still composed. “I don’t want you to be like me, I want you to be better.”

        Jason was speechless. He tried to mutter a word but his brain couldn’t think of any of it. “I still don't want to marry her.”

        “You will, though,” his Father answered, opening his drawer and pulling the contract out of it. “And all I ask of you is to not push her away. You’ll need her, more than she’ll need you.”

        Jason wasn’t exactly sure what he meant by that. And he hated to admit—he and Bruce were constantly fighting over everything, especially after… after—but his Father was right. He wished it didn’t come at the cost of his liberty. He wasn’t looking for a wife. He found that it would only hold him back. But the prospect of the crown loomed in his horizon, and if he wanted to do right by his people, marrying was one of the requirements. It was too late to turn back.

         Three sturdy knocks sounded. Jason quickly recomposed himself.

 #

#

She had seen King Bruce once, when she was younger. Her Mother threw a gala for whatever reason and he attended. She didn’t remember seeing any of his kids there, or maybe she was too occupied with her own thoughts to notice.

         She remembered him being charming and handsome. A lot of the ladies of the court wanted to marry him, but somehow none of them had managed to. She recalled the color of his eyes so vividly, not because it was beautiful—it was—but because it revealed something deeper about himself that left her guessing. She could never discover it, though. Some things are better left unsaid and unknown.

         Looking at him now felt like she had entered a time machine. He had stayed the same, save a couple of wrinkles of worry—totally comprehensible for someone with his position.

         She curtsied. “Your Majesty, it’s an honor to meet you once again,” she said.

         “Princess Y/N, please come in,” he motioned for her to come in. She straightened up and calmly walked into the room. “I believe you haven’t acquainted yourself with Prince Jason,” he nodded towards the direction of the man standing angrily in the corner.

         “No, I haven’t,” she smiled politely and turned to the man. She curtsied, “Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

         She could feel him rolling his eyes, even if she couldn’t see him. “The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness,” he answered sarcastically.

         She uncurled and crossed her hands in front of her body. She glanced one last time at her suitor, studying him.

        He was beautiful.

        Jason had the prettiest eyes she had ever seen. They were the perfect shade of blue, and she never thought there was a perfect shade of color. His hair had a streak of white, that made him look even more rugged than he already was. His hair was swept, messy in the perfect way. He was pretty in the way a bounty hunter or a thief would be, not the way a prince would. Princes were known for being pristine and soft around the edges: Jason was nothing like that.

        She turned her eyes to the king. “I believe we have arrangements to make,” she said calmly.

        “Yes, we do,” the king replied. He picked up a stack of papers on top of his desk. “I took the liberty of assembling a contract for the annexation,” his hand rested on top of it. “Your input will be valuable.”

        King Bruce handed her the papers. “Thank you very much, your Majesty. I imagine this needs to be signed by the end of the week?”

        “Yes, but I’d rather it was signed today. Forgive me for the rush, but we need your scholars’ help as soon as possible.”

        “I understand,” she replied. “By the end of the day we can sign then.”

        “That’s perfect, Princess Y/N. Jason, escort her to the library so she can read in peace,” Bruce commanded.

        “Yes, Father,” he gritted through his teeth. She could feel his body shaking with anger and resentment and she knew she was the source of it.

        He strode towards the door and flung it open for her. She curtsied to the king one last time, before turning and accompanying her suitor towards the library.

        Jason’s hands were crossed behind his back, his feet heavily stomping the ground. She kept up with him, walking side by side, lifting her dress slightly.

        The walk was filled with strained silence. She started to feel uneasy about the waves of anger coming off Jason, she felt the need to address it.        

        He stopped abruptly and opened the double door standing in front of them, revealing the most beautiful library she had ever laid eyes on. Bookshelves adorned all of the walls, from the ceiling to the floor. The stairs to the mezzanine—once again filled with full bookshelves—were of sculpted wood and she considered them pieces of art. The ceiling had the most beautiful paintings on it, and she wondered who had the patience to paint such a huge canvas. It was all breathtaking.

        “Well, this is the library. If you need anything don’t hesitate on calling one of the help,” Jason said mechanically, snapping her back to reality.

        “Thank you, your Highness,” she muttered, still quite perplexed at the sight. She inhaled deeply and said: “I know this situation isn’t ideal and that you might feel cornered. But, truly, I’m not here to get in your way. I just want what’s best for my people.”

        Jason hummed, his anger somewhat subsiding but still very much present. “Yes, well,” he said, “I think you should get to reading that contract. Wouldn’t want to keep his Majesty waiting,” he finished, voice laced with sarcastic undertones. He turned around and left her alone with the papers.

#

#

It was late at night. The sun was long gone. Her stomach rumbled in hunger; the last thing she ate was at lunch, when she was about halfway through the papers.

         It wasn’t even that long, she just wanted to be thorough. She had read every single line for what it was and all the possible meaning behind it. Kudos to King Bruce for making such a complete and meaningful contract, she had been entertained the entire day.

         She rubbed her eyes, exhausted. She had managed to reorganize the contract after pulling it apart, the small piece of paper with her suggestions resting on top of it. With her hands stained with ink, she picked the papers up and headed towards the door, when it opened.

         “Sir Pennyworth,” she said in surprise, “I wasn’t expecting you.”

         “Your Highness, his Majesty has sent me to escort you to his office. I believe you’ve settled on the final details of the papers?” he announced politely.

         “Yes, I did. King Bruce did a superb job on it,” she complimented. He guided the way towards the office.

         “I’m afraid it wasn’t him who wrote it,” Sir Pennyworth pondered.

         “No?” she replied.

         “I’m sure it was Prince Tim, he’s the one with an aptitude for these endeavors,” he said.

         “Oh, I’m afraid I haven’t met Prince Tim, yet. I’ll be sure to compliment him when I do.”

         “He’ll be excited, your Highness,” he commented. “What did you think of Gotham so far?”

         She smiled sweetly at the older man. “I haven’t seen the city yet, but I found the part I have seen completely charming,��� it wasn’t completely a lie. It was charming. Just not as charming as her own kingdom. “The castle, though, I’m mesmerized by it. You have done an incredible job maintaining it, Sir Pennyworth.”

         “Please, your Highness, call me Alfred. Thank you for your kind words,” he smiled warmly.

         “Well, Alfred,” she stressed his name, respecting his wishes, “thank you for escorting me.”

         She stopped as she saw the familiar door, holding the papers tightly. “It’s been my pleasure, your Highness,” he bowed, and left.

         She knocked on the door, calmly. A muffled come in came through and she turned the doorknob. Walking in, she saw King Bruce and three of his sons gathered around a round desk in the corner, a map sprawled out. She curtsied. “Your Majesties, I’m here with the contract and my notes.”

         She saw one of the Princes mouth ‘notes?’ to Prince Dick, (who shrug it off, just as confused) as Prince Jason rolled his eyes at her once more. “Please, Princess, sit down so we can further discuss it,” he motioned to his desk. “Dick, Tim, we will continue debating this tomorrow. Dick, you are dismissed. Tim, stay in case we need to change the composition.”

         Both Princes furrowed their eyebrows. As Dick left the room without a word or bow—which she was sure broke some kind of protocol—Tim decided to sit on an armchair next to the table they were standing before. The door closed with a click and she sat down, the papers resting on her lap gently.

         “I heard you said you have some notes on the text?” King Bruce initiated politely.

         “I mean no disrespect, your Majesty. The redaction was splendid,” she complimented, “I just mean there could be a couple of points added to make it more complete.”

         “Yes, yes,” he agreed, “please make your points.”

         “I agreed to this proposition on the condition of preserving my kingdom’s tradition in academia. While there was a clause in page 5 that stated that clearly, I thought it would be to everyone’s benefit if it was expanded into specifics,” she handed him the contract and the notes.

         He glanced over the notes, Jason reading it too, behind his Father. “I think these are all fair requests.”

         She smiled. A much needed win for her kingdom. “Thank you,” she said.

         “Tim, grab a pen and paper and add these to the text,” Bruce ordered. “We sign this tonight.”

         Tim jumped up from his seat, quickly opening a drawer for the pen and paper, and grabbing her notes. He scribbled furiously and within minutes the new page of the contract was finished, both parties agreeing to it.

         “Now, all there’s left to do is sign,” Tim announced handing a pen to Jason.

         She noticed Jason’s eyes filled with something indescribable, a mix of what she assumed was anger and grief. She wished both of them had a choice, but this was bigger than both. She prayed to the stars that both could make the best of this bad situation.

         He signed, handing the pen to her. Her fingers brushed for a mere second, and she felt heat rising to her cheeks. She quickly recomposed herself and swiftly signed out her name, her kingdom.

         It was done. It was easier than she thought it would be. She hoped she hadn’t made the wrong decision, and there was all that was left to do.

         King Bruce dismissed Tim, leaving just her and Jason in the room. “There’s the matter of the engagement ball,” he stated. “We hope to announce your engagement by the end of next week.”

        “Of course,” she stated clearly. Jason only grunted. 

        “Should I expect both of you to be involved in the planning?” the King asked. It sounded more like an order and she knew Jason knew about that. 

        Jason nodded stiffly. She then turned to the King and opened a polite smile. “Yes, of course, Your Majesty,” she agreed. 

        King Bruce dismissed both of them and Jason ran out of the room. 

         She ran to catch up to him, his long strides almost besting her in a long gown and high heels. “Prince Jason, wait!” she shouted.

         He stopped and turned. “What?”

         If she was taken aback by his rudeness she was sure to not show it. “Since now it’s official, I was wondering if I could tag along to one of your strategy meetings. I might have some knowledge to share or point the way to help.”

         “Aren’t you going to be too busy planning the ball?” he taunted. 

         “I’m perfectly capable of focusing on more than one thing,” she replied dryly. “Gotham is my kingdom now, I want it to prosper. And I want to be a part of it.”

         His face didn’t leave any indications on whether or not he was to grant her permission to participate, so she was surprised when she heard him agreeing. “I’ll arrange for you to participate in one. I’ll send Alfred to tell you details,” he dismissed and turned around once again intended to walk to wherever he was headed.

        “Thank you,” she shouted after him. 

        He hesitated before walking. He turned to her slightly and gave her a smile--and she felt like it was an honest one. He turned back and disappeared. 

 #

#

A gentle breeze blew as she walked down the busy streets of Gotham. Her dress—which she felt was too light for this occasion—blended in with the crowd splendidly. Jason walked beside her calmly, his hands behind his back.

         His face was serene and calm, as if he was truly where he belonged. She thought it as a good quality: it meant he was empathic, not on a pedestal like most heirs. He came from the people and he would serve his people. Her heart fluttered involuntarily. She struggled to contain it.

         The people of the city were quite vivacious and charming. The city in itself was gloomy and, quite honestly, a touch depressing, but the people colored the streets and made it feel almost as if the city was breathing.

         “This is so different,” she said, perplexed by the movement around her. No one as they passed by her noticed who she was, or better, what she was. “They don’t care.”

         Jason smiled. “No, they don’t.”

         “It’s quite magical,” she concluded.

         “It may be to us, but to other people,” he pointed to a couple, both very dirty and very thin sitting on the floor. They tried to get people’s attention, but they just didn’t care, “well, it can be quite awful.”

         She wished she was just as cold as those other people. It would save her a whole lot of suffering but she wasn’t. People’s pains found a way to her heart and became her own. She pushed through the crowd, muttering a few ‘excuse me’s along the way. She took off the only jewelry—a necklace, so simple and delicate; it was one of her favorites—she was wearing and left it in the can the old couple had in front of them.

         She knelt to be at eye level with them and said, looking at their shocked faces: “Sell it, please. It’s worth some money and you’ll be able to buy some food and clothes.”

         Their faces lit up and they thanked her enthusiastically. She smiled at them before getting up and rejoining Jason and continuing her walk. He had the same shock the couple had. He offered his arm, out of politeness she was sure, and her hand rested on the crook of his elbow.

         “Out of all the things I thought you would do, I—” he trailed off.

         “You think so little of me,” she said. “I’m not heartless, you know?”

         “I never assumed that,” he muttered.

         She looked him dead in the eye. His eyes twinkled in the sunlight and once again she had to fight the fluttering feeling in her stomach. “Good.”

         A few beats went by before either of them spoke again. She was the one to break the silence. “Does Gotham have any social programs to help the poor? It would greatly benefit the people,” she added kindly. “If there isn’t, I’m sure I can think of something to help.”

         Jason fought to contain a smile creeping on his face. “I think His Majesty deals with this type of project. You’d have to talk to him,” he said, guiding her back to the carriage.

         “I’ll discuss it with him then,” she said, impassive, her lips quirking up at the end. “Have you arranged for me to participate in the meeting?”

         Jason sobered up quickly. He couldn’t show her that he found her amusing. He couldn’t be so transparent. He didn’t want a wife, he repeated to himself. He didn’t need a wife, he tried to convince himself. This girl was not for him, she was too good. “I did.”

         She smiled. “Great. I’ll catch up on studies so I can understand everything.”

         He hoped he had remained impassive, because he couldn’t control the plethora of feelings inside his heart. Fuck.

 #

#

Jason paced in his office. Tim watched him closely, studying his brother.

         “Why are you so exasperated?” Tim questioned. “I’m glad you like her, otherwise you would have led a horrible life.”

         “That’s exactly my point,” Jason said, running his hands through his hair. “I don’t want to like her, Tim. She’s too good for me.”

         “How do you know that? You’ve barely even met her,” Tim leaned forward, his elbows resting on his thighs.

         “I just fucking know it, Tim,” he snapped, yelling at his brother. “It’s bullshit, that’s what it is. I wasn’t supposed to be in this situation, I’m not supposed to fall in love and get married and have a white picket fence life, goddammit. Look at me” he motioned to himself, looking straight into Tim’s eyes, “I’m a fucking disgrace. I’m a monster who kills people without remorse, I’m—”

         “Enough with the self-pity, Jason!” Tim got up abruptly, matching Jason’s volume. Jason’s mouth promptly shut. “Stop it. You’ve wallowed in it since Bruce told you about the arrangement, I won’t allow it anymore,” he added quietly. “You know none of what you said is true, you know it,” Tim walked to his brother and rested his hands on his shoulder. “Fuck what you think, Jay. Fuck what everybody else thinks, okay? You’re already getting married to her no matter what, let yourself like her. It’s the least you could do.”

         “I can’t—” Jason inhaled sharply recomposing himself. “I don’t know if I can like her the way she deserves.”

         “Then try. Isn’t it what you’ve spent your life doing? Trying? Try this too. What’s the worst that could happen?”

         “She hates me and I have to be married for the rest of my life with someone who hates me,” he didn’t say that that was his greatest fear. That he never wanted to be like his parents, fighting and bickering and beating each other. Showing their worst to the world. Having a kid and traumatizing him to the point he’d hardly trust someone.

         “So, you’d be just like another royal,” Tim tried to lighten up the mood. He noticed Jason’s somber expression and quickly sobered up.  “She doesn’t hate you. She’s trying so hard to please you, to prove to you she’s a worthy addition to the family, can’t you see?”

         “She’s not doing it for me,” Jason got out of Tim’s hold, turning his back to his brother. 

         “She may not, but she’s trying hard, when most wouldn’t even bother. That’s something, Jay,” Tim completed. 

         Jason didn’t complement Tim. He had enough with the talking and the convincing. Tim sighed sadly, and left the room, leaving Jason to sulk alone.

#

#

Between setting everything up for the ball, arranging the wedding ceremony, learning everything she could about Gotham recent history, and everything else she had taken upon, she was completely and utterly occupied. 

        It was for the better though. The more she was doing, the less she stayed inside her head, thinking about herself and letting her anxiety and doubt eat her inside. She had done the right thing, she kept reminding herself. She had done the best thing for her people, they would prosper, they would not suffer anymore. 

        And yet, there was always a little voice telling her that she had signed her people’s death sentence. The more she learned about Gotham, the more she read about its history and its horrors and its corruption, the more she thought she had condemned her people to a life in misery. Look at the amount of homeless, she thought, why did Gotham have so many homeless people, so many kids?

        No. No. No. She wouldn’t allow herself to get nervous. She was sure in her decision, and Prince Jason had proven himself to be reliable, even if he was distant. When she asked him a favor, he did it. When she asked him a question about his lands--Park Row--he would answer it truthfully. It was more than she could have expected in an arranged marriage. Most of those ended up in misery, both parties unfaithful to their spouses. She knew Prince Jason wouldn’t seek pleasure and comfort elsewhere. She felt it. 

        As soon as she stopped in front of Jason’s improvised study in Gotham’s main castle, Prince Tim opened the door. She could see Jason gazing through the window, his back turned to the door. 

        “Princess Y/N!” Prince Tim exclaimed, surprised. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”

        She saw Jason tense and turn to them. She smiled. “I have a couple of things to discuss with Prince Jason,” she explained. 

        Tim chuckled. “Yes, yes, of course,” he shook his head and said with an airy smile on his face. He turned to Jason and shared a look. Jason looked like he could kill his brother. Tim stepped out of the way and let her enter the room. She entered and Tim left closing the door behind him. 

        She stared at him. He looked tired, the bags under his eyes casting shadows over his face. But somehow, his eyes looked brighter than she had ever seen it before. She has trouble breathing and her heart beated faster inside her chest. She swallowed dryly, her hands gripping tightly the papers she carried. She curtsied to him. Follow protocol. Protocol is safe, it doesn’t make anyone nervous. 

        “You wanted to see me?” he asked, his voice strained. 

        “Yes, well,” she snapped out of her daze, “there’s still a few details to be decided for the ball.”

        He sighed and sat on his chair, his body looking exhausted. “Can’t you decide?”

        “It’s not only my ball,” she said. “I can’t decide for you, Your Highness.”

        “Don’t call me Your Highness,” he muttered, annoyed. “It’s weird. We’re going to be married,” he explained. “I don’t want to have protocol in the middle of it.”

        She looked down at her feet and back up at him. There went her comfort, the line she drew to not get too close. It was a business transaction after all, no need to get personal. Well, she figured, it got personal when she promised herself as a bargain coin for politics. “Yes, of course,” she whispered. “It won’t happen again,” she finished.

        He sighed. He mentioned for her to sit in front of her and she sat. “We need to establish some rules before we embark in this...journey together,” he stated. 

        “Of course,” she agreed.

        “I don’t want you to be restrained by protocols and etiquette when speaking to me,” he said softly. “We’re going to rule a kingdom together, one that just got bigger, we’re going to have to trust each other.”

        “I agree,” she said, hesitant. “What is your point?”

        “Call me Jason,” he said. “I never really liked my title all that much and I don’t want my future wife using it when talking to me,” he stated. It was the first time she heard him referring to her as his future wife, and he said it like it didn’t bother him. It sent butterflies to her stomach. 

        “Yes, you’re right,” she shook her head. Of course he was. Her parents never called each other by their titles when they were alone. “I suppose you’d want to form a friendship too?”

        His mouth quirked up. “That would be preferable, yes,” he said. 

        “Okay, then, Jason,” she stressed his name. “Then we should start this partnership deciding which colors do you want the napkins to be.”

        “Actually,” Jason started, “I have something to give you first.”

        She raised her eyebrows. “You do?”

        “Yes,” he breathed. “I wanted to start this on the right foot,” he pulled out a little velvet box from a drawer behind the desk and walked to be beside her. “Since we’re engaged, I thought it was only appropriate to give you an engagement ring.”

        She looked up at him, surprised. “You didn’t have to,” she shook her head. “I wasn’t expecting this.”

        He smiled at her. “Open it,” he urged her. 

        She picked up the box and opened. Resting inside it, she noticed, was the prettiest ring she had ever seen. There was a single ruby, sided with two simple diamonds. It wasn’t the flashiest and biggest engagement ring she ever saw--one of the ladies of her court married a rich duke from a far away kingdom and he had given her a diamond ring that almost covered her entire finger. “It’s beautiful,” she said, staring at it.

        “Allow me,” he said, picking the box, and slipping the ring on her finger. His hands lingered on hers longer than it should have. “There.”

        She stared at it for a bit longer. “I have no words, Jason.”

        He smirked and walked to his chair. “How about we decide the color of the napkins?”

        He knew he shouldn’t have done that. He was getting involved, he was cultivating feelings for her, feelings he had refused to have just mere minutes ago when he was talking with Tim. But when he was with her, he couldn’t help it, he was just swept away by her. Suddenly, around her, Jason wanted to do everything to please her, to make her happy and satisfied. 

        Jason knew he was in deep shit. Jason knew he was falling for her, and he wanted, consciously, to stop that. But he couldn’t: his heart spoke louder. 

        He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.

 #

#

They had walked side by side the entirety of the ball. Her hand rested in a variety of places, the crook of his elbow, his hand, or the skirt of her dress. It didn’t need any saying that her favorite place for her hand to be was in his. 

        Nevertheless, the fluttering it sent to her stomach every time he would smile at her--albeit she knew the smile was only for show--it didn’t diminish the anger she felt at him.

        They walked side by side all night, him telling a fantasious story about how they met. It was love at first sight, he’d tell. They’d met under the moonlight, a sky full of stars, he looked at her and knew she was meant for him. She wore a blue dress, according to him. She smiled at him and it was like a whole new world opened up to him, a world full of love. According to him.

        The worst part was that she couldn’t say anything. Because she didn’t know anything about the lie he had constructed, what he had told other people when she was talking to his brothers while he was talking to Kings of other kingdoms. And that was what made her angry. He had reduced her, at least for the night, as a mere accessory for him. 

        He had been so sweet with her, so charming and loving. And then he did what he did. It could have been worse, she thought. He could have been invasive, he could have ignored her ‘no’. In that way, he was an angel. But he was still shitty with her that night. And it didn’t matter that it could have been a million times worse, Jason had reduced her to an arm candy. She still felt like an object. That would never be acceptable to her.

        He took her to the dance floor, as the orchestra played a slow song. 

        “It was a charming story you told our guests,” she said, her voice impassive. 

        “I figured it would be better for them to think we’re marrying for love instead of what actually is,” he explained, his hand resting on her lower back and the other holding her hand. She ignored the feeling his touch sent through her body. 

        “I wish you would have told me,” she said, her voice strained. She tried to control her anger. 

        “What do you mean?” he asked, confused. 

        “I discovered you had concocted a story for us at the same time all the others did, Jason,” she said. “And I couldn’t say anything, in risk of exposing the lie you’ve built.”

        He looked at her confused for a mere second, before recognizing what he did. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I didn’t think--”

        “You didn’t,” she interrupted him. “I’m not an accessory, Jason. I’m far too smart for that role,” she said. “I can’t stand by your side and smile and wave as if it’s just all I can do. I came to Gotham expecting not to be numbed by antique expectations of women of royalty. And you forced me to fit that box tonight. I hate it.”

        “I’m truly sorry,” he said sincerely. 

        “Yes,” she nodded. “Next time you decide to lie, at least tell me what you’re planning. After all this is a partnership, we agreed on that. We can’t act behind each other's back.”

        “You’re absolutely right,” he agreed, squeezing the hand he was holding more tightly and bringing her closer to him. “It won’t ever happen again.”

        “Good,” she nodded. 

        She knew he was trying to charm her with his tight hold on her. She tried to stay mad at him, tried to remain impassive, but she found that she felt safe with his arms around her like that. She broke a shy smile at him. He smiled at her too, his eyes bright with something unrecognizable. 

#

#

She sat quietly in the corner, a notebook resting in her lap. Her fingers twiddled with the pen, as she listened attentively to what the council members had to say.

         It was refreshing to be intellectually stimulated when she’d spent the entire week deciding dumb details about the wedding. It didn’t matter what flower arrangement the church was going to be decorated with, or which color the napkins were. She really didn’t care about it. If it were up to her she’d be married in a tiny room with no party. But it wasn’t, so she complied.

         “—we need to send humanitarian help to the Bowery, the people are starving!” Lady Helena exclaimed, cutting Tim in his long rant about something overly complicated.

         “We can send help after we eliminate Scarecrow!” Tim replied just as loudly. “If we send food, the gang will intercept and the situation will get worse, Helena. Don’t you get it?”

         “What I get, Tim,” she said annoyed, “is that you are so entangled in your overly complicated plan to dismantle their operation that you are blind to the suffering of your people.”

         Tim got up abruptly from the table, angry at Lady Helena, his fists balled up like he was going to punch her. Dick rested a hand in his brother's arms, calmly guiding him down for him to sit. Tim sat with a thud, his eyes flaming with rage, his face red.

         Jason, who was awfully quiet the entire meeting, sighed and rubbed his hands on his face. He leaned forward on the table, looking defeated. “And here I thought we’d make a good first impression,” he mumbled.

         “It’s okay, your Highness,” she said respectfully, thinking it would be better to use his title in front of the committee instead of his name. “In fact, I think I might have the solution to the Bowery problem.”

         Tim scoffed. “Good luck with that. I’ve been trying for the past year to solve it and I’m nowhere near to the solution.”

         She ignored his comment. “Anyway, I remember reading something about Scarecrow in my dad’s files. I’d need to reread to be sure, but I know there’s a safe way to provide supplies for those in need.”

         Jason clasped his hands together. “Great! We’ll discuss details at the next meeting after we get those files.”

         “If you don’t mind, I’d rather pick those up myself,” she said 

         “Sure, I’ll ask Alfred to arrange the trip,” he dismissed. “Well if there’s nothing else to discuss, this meeting is finished.”

        The council members disbanded leaving only her and Jason in the council room. 

        “What did you think?” Jason asked, his voice tired. 

        “They mean well,” she started, “but I can see that they’re desperate for results. And desperation in these situations isn’t a good thing.”

        “I know,” he sighed, his hands running through his hair. “I know, I’ve tried telling them but it never works in the long run.”

        She smiled. “Good thing I know how to help,” she said. 

        “Yeah,” he sighed. “It’s good that you’re here.”

#

#

He knew it was coming. He thought he was prepared for it. He thought he wouldn’t feel anything when he saw her walking down the long aisle, he hoped he wouldn’t. But when Jason saw her in her white dress, walking towards him, his heart stopped for a second and the world stopped turning. 

        She chose to walk down the aisle by herself. She wanted to show she wasn’t led into any decisions. She was doing this by her own accord, her own judgement. Jason thought it showed a lot of her character. She stood by her decisions and its consequences. She was strong. He admired her, more than he cared to admit. 

        Jason could barely remember the ceremony. He couldn’t stop looking at her, memorizing every detail of her in the light of the Gotham Cathedral, the crown she was wearing, the embroidery in her dress. But most importantly, the look in her eyes. It was everything to Jason. 

        He couldn’t exactly place what it was yet, but it was there and it meant more to him than he realized it ever could. 

        He floated through the ball after the ceremony. It was weird to call someone his wife, he never thought he would see the day he could call someone that. But Jason found that it didn’t repulse him like it would have before he met her. He was left with a tingly sensation of joy inside him. 

        It scared the daylight out of him. 

        He kept a tight grip on her, walking side by side. She was enchanting. She talked smartly with Kings of neighboring kingdoms. He heard King Clark of Metropolis commenting to Bruce how perceptive the new princess was. How intelligent she was. 

        Jason knew all of that, but it still didn’t stop him from being mesmerized. 

        “Who’s that gentleman?” she nodded towards an old man on the corner of the room. 

        Jason hummed looking at the man. “That’s Oswald Cobblepot. He is a part of one of the oldest families of Gotham.”

        “He has been staring intensely at me for the entire ball,” she looked at Jason, whispering to him. 

        “Well, you are the future Queen,” he commented. “People will stare at you more.”

        “No,” she shook her head, her hand resting on the crook of his elbow. He guided her through the ballroom. “This is different. He looks at me like he hates me.”

        “Oh,” he said. “He has a…quarrel, if you will, with the Waynes. His family was one of the few that founded Gotham. The Cobblepots almost ruled the land, but the Waynes got the kingdom. They have hated our family since then.”

        “Now that I’m a Wayne, he hates me?” she asked. “This doesn’t feel right.”

        “Well, technically you’re a Todd-Wayne, but yes.”

        She hummed. “He seems suspicious, Jason,” she whispered. “I think he’s planning something.”

        “Cobblepot is a coward, he would never hurt you,” Jason reassured. “But he would pay for someone to do so.”

        “You think he has?” a twinge of panic rising in her voice. 

        “He has done that before,” Jason said. “He wasn’t supposed to be invited, but Bruce insisted, and I had to dislocate more guards to the ballroom because of him.”

        “Can you keep an eye on him?” she asked. “I have a bad feeling about him.”

        “We always keep an eye on him, Y/N” he whispered. “He’s a criminal.”

        “What?” she said, shocked. He guided her to the dance floor, as a soft song played through the room. 

        “We have undercover guards track him everywhere,” he stated quietly, as if no one was supposed to know. “We have to every criminal mastermind this city has ever had the pleasure to meet.”

        “That’s a lot of guards then,” she commented. 

        “It’s a fucking nightmare,” he laughed. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone get to you, love.”

        She looked at his eyes and smiled. “Thank you, Jason.”

        “I’m your husband now, Y/N. It’s my duty,” he said.

        She smiled shyly at him and glanced at their feet for a second before looking back at him. “I never thought…”

        He smiled at her. “What?”

        She shook her head, smiling at him, completely lost for words. “Nevermind.”

        He sighed and tightened his hold on her. “I didn’t say this yet, but you look breathtaking today,” he stated, clearly. 

        “You look beautiful too,” she replied. 

        He gaped at her, like he wasn’t expecting the compliment. He quickly recomposed himself. “Well, I guess we make a breathtakingly beautiful couple then,” he joked. 

        “I guess we do,” she looked deeply into his eyes, smiling softly. Her eyes glinted with something different, something familiar and warm. But something he couldn’t quite name yet. 

        He found that he looked forward to the day when he could.

#

# 

She had dismissed the maid that would help her get rid of the dress. She was too nervous to deal with anyone else. She paced in front of her vanity, waiting for Jason to come in their room. 

        It was so weird to think that now there was a ‘they’. They were a couple, they were a unit.  It was a first for her, and she hadn’t had the time to think about it until all of the whirlwind of the wedding had passed. 

        “I thought you would have been out of that uncomfortable dress by now,” she heard him. She turned to see him. His shirt was unbuttoned, his tie hanging untied on his neck. He carried his jacket over his shoulder. He looked relaxed and comfortable, and she got even more nervous looking at him.

        “I was nervous so I sent Claire away,” she shrugged. 

        He took a step in her direction. “What are you nervous about?”

        She sighed and pressed her hands together over the skirt of her dress. “About us,” she whispered. “I didn’t think of the after. I didn’t have the time.”

        He smiled and took another step towards her, finally close enough to her. She could see perfectly the sincerity in his eyes. She could see the scar above his eyebrow and the tiny freckles on his nose. “You don’t have to be nervous about anything,” he reassured her. “I won’t do anything you don’t want to do.”

        “It’s not only that,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ve never done this before. This…” she hesitated, “partnership. I know things are different for men.”

        “I don’t see how,” he furrowed his eyebrows. 

        “You know how,” she snapped. “Men are praised for their sexual endeavours. Women are expected to remain pure until marriage,” she explained calmly. “And it’s not fair to either of us, you have an unfair advantage over me and I--,” she stopped herself.

        “It’s okay,” he whispered. “You can say it, I won’t be hurt.”

        She shook her head. “I don’t know how to do this, Jason,” she admitted. “I’ve never even been kissed before.”

        He smirked. “That’s easy to resolve,” he stated. His hands cradled her face and he leaned in, stopping just before their lips met. “If you want, of course,” he whispered, his breath mixing with hers. 

        Her breath got caught up in her throat. She wasn’t expecting him to be that direct. She thought he would seduce her first, like in the romance novel she had read. She’d rather his directness. “Yes,” she whispered. 

        He smirked and clashed his lips with hers. She closed her eyes and grabbed his shoulders tightly. His lips were surprisingly soft on hers, and she wondered what would happen if he decided to kiss with more passion instead of holding back. 

        She decided to, then, take the first step towards that direction. Her hands moved to his hair and she brought his lips closer to hers--which she thought it was impossible. She responded with more passion and more eagerness and he was shocked for a second before complying. 

        One of his hands moved to her waist and pressed her body closer to his. She opened her mouth just a little and his tongue licked her lips, entering her mouth slightly. She felt a wave of heat invade her, and she let it in pleasurably. His mouth started to make way down her neck, his fingers on her back, fumbling with the buttons of her dress.

        She felt panicked at the intimacy of the act and tensed. Jason felt her nervousness and stopped. “We don’t have to go further if you don’t want to,” he whispered. 

        “It’s too much,” she replied, her voice strained. “It’s not you, Jay, I’m just not ready.”

        He cradled her head, and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I’d wait forever for you,” he said. “I can wait until you’re ready.”

        She gave him a shy smile. “Thank you,” she said softly. 

        “You’re welcome,” he said. “Now, let me undo those buttons and get some sleep,” he said. “It’s been a long day.”

#

#

The carriage shook as they rode through the country towards her kingdom. She looked out of the tiny window at the horizon, admiring the view. 

        “Did you miss home?” Jason asked. 

        She looked at him. “I did miss my Mother, and my friends,” she said, “But I don’t know if it’s my home anymore.”

        “What is home then?” he asked, curious. 

        She searched in his eyes any indication of his intentions with that question. She found nothing but admiration and warmth and--if she’d be so bold--love. “I’m not sure yet,” she said. “When I found out, I’ll tell you.”

        “Please do, I’d like to visit that place,” he laughed. 

        Now that they were officially married, they had moved back to Jason’s residence in Park Row. They were almost completely disconnected from the Wayne Castle in the outskirts of the city. Park Row was in a part of the city called Old Gotham, some would say it’s the heart of the city, right in the center, the most populous part. Others would say it’s the cancer of the mechanism of the town, littered with homeless and thieves.

        Jason was born in Park Row. His parents were simple people. He didn’t give her much detail on who they were, and she could feel it hurt to talk about that subject so she didn’t push him to say anything. All he would tell was that his Father died first, and he was left as a child to help his sick Mother and him survive. 

        He became a pickpocket at age 8. His Mother died when he was 9. He lived on the streets up until he was 13. That was when King Bruce found him and took him in. Jason said he was trying to steal one of the wheels of his carriage when Bruce arrived and offered him shelter and food. Next day, he was already adopted and enrolled in classes. Next day he became a prince. She wondered what it was like for him to have gone through such a radical change in the span of a day. 

        He disappeared when he was 17. He was especially cagey about his time away. No matter what questions she asked he wouldn’t answer any of them. She wanted to attribute it to mystique, but she knew it was because of trauma. 

        When he came back he was a changed man, a stronger one, a more traumatised one. That was when he started to disagree with his Father more. He would question the methods Bruce would use in his hunt for justice in Gotham. He would question everything Bruce did, in Jason’s exact words. He didn’t detail anything and she started to notice a trend in his behavior: when something hurt him too deeply, he would barely talk about it. 

        Next thing he knew, he agreed to be the heir, he accepted the role his older brother left for him. He said it was because he knew better than any of his siblings how it was to be on the streets and suffer like most in Gotham. He would do better by them, and she believed in him. Wholeheartedly. 

        “So, what’s the plan of attack here?” he asked. 

        “We go in, say hello to my Mother and go to my Father’s study and look for the files,” she said. “It’s a dangerous mission, be careful,” she joked. 

        “We should have called for backup,” he said, seriously, embarking on her joke. “Maybe 1,000 soldiers would have sufficed.”

        “More like 10,000,” she laughed. “Seriously, we’ll just spend the afternoon going through dusty paperwork,” she said. “It’s going to be quite boring.”

        He smiled. “Nothing’s boring with you,” he stated. 

        She smiled back. “I quite disagree, but I appreciate the compliment.”

        The carriage halted to a stop. Jason opened the door for her and offered his hand for her to come down the steps. She accepted it and stood proudly by his side. He offered his arm and she took it. He led her towards the staircase that led to the main entrance of her castle. She could see her Mother standing there waiting for her. 

        She had her problems with her Mother, but she still loved her. She left Jason’s hold and ran up the stairs to meet her Mother. She panted when she finally got up the stairs, but nevertheless, she held her Mother in a tight embrace. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered. 

        “You shouldn’t have run,” her Mother said in her ear, her voice humorous. “What would Prince Jason think?”

        “Jason would think I love my Mother and I’ve missed her,” she stated. “How have you been?” she said, breaking the hug.

        “I’ve been okay,” Mother answered. She looked behind her daughter and her expression became impassive. “Your Highness,” her Mother said. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

        Jason smiled at her mother. “The pleasure is all mine.”

        She smiled at her husband and at her Mother. “Shall we get inside?”she suggested. “Jason and I have to go through Father’s files.”

        “Oh, those things?” her Mother said. “Good luck, I know he left those completely disorganized.”

        “I remember,” she muttered. “It’s going to be a nightmare,” she said to Jason. 

        “I don’t mind,” Jason stated. “We can spend as long as we want here,” he gripped her hand. “This is important for us back in Gotham, it’s important to be thorough.”

        “Well,” her Mother started, “I’ll leave you two to work then. I’ll send in some tea for you.”

        “Thank you Mother,” she said, watching her Mother disappear into the corridor. She turned to Jason and smiled. “Shall we?”

        He bowed slightly and said: “Lead the way, My Lady.”

        She smiled and started getting up the stairs, Jason right beside her. 

        It was charming how much Jason’s behavior towards her had changed so much in a relatively small amount of time. When she had first met him, she feared a loveless marriage, with a husband cold towards her. But, slowly--or as slow as it felt--he had shifted. He started being less sarcastic and more truthful. He would still make sarcastic remarks, but never directed towards her. Jason started being soft and understanding. It was weird to think of a man so big and rough as him as soft and gentle, but it was how she saw him. 

        She knew he had his insecurities. He had told her once. He had told her he was reluctant to trust her, that he thought he didn’t deserve her. She said he was selling himself short. He replied that she didn’t know most things that he had done. She thought that it didn’t matter because she was falling in love with him. 

        Love. What a strange feeling. What an overwhelmingly dangerous feeling. It had changed her entire view of the world. She was much more willing to happiness, to the tiny beautiful things of the world. She saw things colored pink. She knew this effect would pass, but she would enjoy it while she could. 

        She felt his hand brush hers. She looked down at their hands, barely touching and then looked at him with a smile. He looked forward, his face impassive, like he had no idea what he was doing. She held his hand and he squeezed it.  Her mouth quirked up slightly. 

        She led him right to a giant double door. She released his hand and opened the door, revealing her Father’s office. 

        It was considerably smaller than King Bruce’s office, but it still held an air of authority. Behind the main desk there was a big window that had a view of the castle entrance.   Both side walls were bookcases, from the ceiling to the ground. In the middle of the room was the King’s desk, untouched. 

        “Nobody has come in here since he died,” she said quietly. “Except me.”

        “I’m sorry for your loss,” he replied. 

        “It’s fine, it’s been a long time,” she sniffed. “I just miss him.”

        Jason remained quiet, examining the room. “Anyways,” she said. “I’ll get those files, and we’ll start looking.”

        She pulled a book in the middle of a bookcase. The bookcase retreated and it revealed a big safe. She opened the safe and revealed piles and piles of papers, untouched for years. “Will you help me?” she asked, picking a pile. 

        He picked up another big pile. He rested it on the floor. “We can pick more up after we go through these,” she said, sitting on the floor. “We’ll be entertained for a while.”

        They spent hours reading. She started a system to organize the files into topics. Those that treated about economic affairs were separated into one corner of the room, those of the political affairs into the other. The political affairs were separated into topics: internal politics, external, and finally security. Those were the ones they had to nitpick through. She catalogued it in criminals: Penguin, Riddler, Two-Face, Scarecrow, the lot. 

        She had through those files at least once in her life. It was interesting to read through once, and she could see Jason was fascinated about the operations her Father had led once. But she found it a bit boring, like she had predicted. Nevertheless she persisted. It was more important than her entertainment. 

        “Y/N” he called for her, “look at this.”

        She got up from the ground and walked towards him. She had discarded her shoes long ago and was almost tempted to change into some pants. “Yes?” she asked. 

        “Is this the file you talked about?” He gave her the document. 

        She scanned through the document. It detailed how they had managed to successfully cut off supplies for the fabrication of the fear gas in her kingdom and how, with that, they had managed to ban Scarecrow from there. “It is,” she said. “I can’t believe you found it, I thought we would spend another day looking for it.”

        “We already did that,” he said. “We already tried stopping the production of the gas, we discovered an antidote for it, it didn’t stop Crane.”

        She smiled. “It’s not only that,” she explained, turning her back and going to the internal affairs pile. “You can’t stop only Crane, you have to redirect his soldiers to a more positive occupation,” she found the file and gave it to him. “See?”

        He read through the document quickly. “But we have social programs in Gotham, it still--”

        “You have and those social programs are great,” she said. “But it’s not enough for you to take care of the children and the homeless, you have to take care of the poor, those who struggle to get a job and do whatever it takes to not be helped by those social programs.

          “You have to direct those men and women to better jobs, give them better chances, educate them and then you’ll defeat Scarecrow fully,” she finished

        “Because then they’ll know better than to join him,” he whispered. “It’s brilliant.”

        “It’s how you stop them,” she smiled and sat on his lap. “This is the beginning of the end, Jason. We’re on the right path.”

        “How didn’t we think of it?” he asked himself. Her hands found his cheeks, caressing it gently. 

        “You were too focused on the short term solution, and it’s okay,” she assured. “Now, you can do better.”

        “I will,” he looked into her eyes and he said. “Thank you.”

        “For what?” she asked, confused. 

        “For everything,” he whispered. “For agreeing to give up being the sole sovereign of a land to joining Gotham and be its Queen, for being so wonderfully smart, for being patient with me for umm--”

        She interrupted him, kissing him with passion. She stopped the kiss and rested her forehead on his. “You don’t need to thank me, Jay,” she said. “I’m doing what’s right.”

        “For that I love you,” he responded. She tensed at those words. “Oh, shit, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to--”

        “I love you,” she said. “I love you,” she kissed him with a passion. 

        “Is it too soon?” he mumbled on her lips. “Is it too soon to say that we love each other?”

        “I feel like I’ve waited all my life for you,” she mumbled back. “So, no.”

        “Great,” he whispered. 

        Then he kissed her like his life depended on it. His kiss was filled with a fiery passion she had never felt before. Granted she hadn’t kissed much in her life, but nevertheless this was a new first for her. 

        His tongue made an entrance in her mouth and she felt a fire run through her. She returned his passion, gripping the base of his hair. He moaned against her mouth, bringing her closer to him. He gripped her waist with determination as his lips moved swiftly against hers. 

        He tilted her head upwards and his mouth kissed its way to her neck. She hummed and as he bit a sensitive part of her skin. “Jay,” she moaned. 

        “If you want me to stop, I will,” he replied, his mouth still on her neck pecking where he had just bitten. 

        “Don’t stop,” she said. 

        “You shall have your wish, then, My Princess,” he smirked and kissed the corner of her mouth. 

        She got impatient and grabbed his face, smashing his lips on hers. She kept on kissing him, running her hands through his hair. He fumbled with the buttons of her dress and she didn’t feel like tensing and running away. She wanted him to continue to fumble with the buttons, she wanted him to open those buttons and take off her dress. 

        “Jason,” she mumbled. 

        He hummed in response, his lips leaving hers. He kissed all over her face and she giggled delighted. 

        “How about we take this elsewhere?” she suggested, trying to be seductive. 

        He smirked and looked at her softly. “Are you sure?” he asked. 

        “Yes, I am,” she affirmed. “I’m ready.”

        He smiled and kissed her lovingly. “I love you,” he whispered, he got up and started carrying her towards the door of the office. He couldn’t stop kissing her even if he tried. 

        “No!” she exclaimed. “There’s a secret bedroom next to here.”

        “Is this castle full of secret passages?” he mumbled, his lips trying to find hers like a magnet. 

        “Yes,” she breathed out. “Pull that book,” she pointed to a book in the top corner of the last shelf of the last bookcase. 

        He pulled the book and the bookcase retreated revealing a simple wooden door. He opened it and it revealed a King’s bedroom. 

        “My Father slept here after he pulled all nighters,” she kissed his neck gently. “After he got sick he barely came into the office so it’s been unused for years.”

        He smiled and lifted her chin. He looked in her eyes lovingly. “Are you really sure?” he asked once again. “I don’t want you to regret anything.”

        “How can I, Jason?” she said. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me.”

        He smiled at her. He closed the door behind him and they laid together. 

        To think one day he had questioned how he could want a wife. He hadn’t met her before. He hadn’t known he was destined to meet such a wonderful person, determined and strong. He hadn’t known he was meant to love her. 

        He had been too naïve to think he wouldn’t need her. He needed her more than he needed air, water, food. And he knew she needed him. It was a partnership after all. They needed each other, they trusted each other, and they loved each other.

#

#

author’s note: don’t forget to reblog if you’ve liked to make sure more people see it. also, the link to my jason playlist is here

#jason todd x reader #jason todd x y/n #jason todd x you #jason todd fanfiction #Jason Todd #red hood x reader #Red Hood X y/n #red hood #royal!au #prince!jason #king!bruce #princess!reader #my masterlist #royalty!jason todd #royal!jason todd

[words-etched-in-her-skin]

Part 2 of my ‘House Dimitrescu’ series on Ao3. I am currently working on Part 3 (Alcina body worship), and will post that here when I finish 😏

Every candle in Castle Dimitrescu was lit in preparation. Alcina’s large frame silhouetted against the low lighting of the room like the masterpiece that she was. The brim of her hat tipping slightly forward as she gave you a small nod. You look quite delicious tonight, my pet.. she had told you. Her words still swimming freshly through your mind - the look on her face as you stepped out into the hallway in your new outfit - and you swore, for just a moment, that you saw her sinful tongue skating it’s way deliciously across her bottom lip. Suns dissolving to slivers as her pupils dilated - devouring you where you stood.

“Tonight is a very important night for my daughter’s and I.” The smooth tones of Alcina’s voice ricocheted off the high ceilings of the castle as she moved elegantly throughout the room. “It has been such a long time since we’ve…”

Each word becoming more muffled as your thoughts began to wander. You knew you should’ve been listening - waiting for her queue - but all you could think about was the night ahead of you. The fresh memory of her shadow completely enveloping you - cornered in the hallway - warm breath skating across the top half of your body as she leaned in to whisper. The three words that dripped from her tongue in the most delicious of ways, making you wet... Tonight, you’re mine. It wasn’t the first time you had been invited back to her room, but it was the first time she had ever proclaimed it in such a way. Mine.

“Psst… Heyyy… Hey, sweets.. You’re up.”

Your eyes shot up, locking onto Daniela’s as she gave you a wink. Fuck, has Alcina already said my name? You took a look around, everyone in the room was completely still - Alcina’s eyes slightly amused as if she was fully aware of what had you so distracted. Yeah, totally wasn’t completely lost in the gay thought of you or anything. Internally rolling your eyes, you rose from your seat. The faded plush carpet still soft beneath your feet as you made your way down the length of the room. Rows of candlelight illuminating your every step. Alcina’s eyes boring into you - the tiniest smirk painted upon her perfect lips as she turned to face you - finishing her speech as she did. The sweet musk of her pheromones rolling over you in waves as she leaned down, pinning a flower much like her own to the lapel of your vest.

“Welcome home, my pet.” She whispered, making you shudder. “I’ll be back in my chambers in exactly ten minutes. It’d do you well to make quick work of your thank yous. I do not like to be kept waiting.”

You swallowed hard as she pulled away, silken cream accentuating her curves as she made her way back to the corridor - your brain glitching with each delicious sway of her hips. You wasted no time in making your way back through the room, only stopping to say a quick goodnight to the girls - each of them with a knowing look on their face. A fierce blush quickly moving in as Daniela gave you her own version of a thumbs up. Yeah, that thumb definitely isn’t hers. You moved through the long corridors of the castle as swiftly as possible - anticipation rolling over you like a fever dream. Every cell in your body alive - charged - eager to be completely overwhelmed by her presence. You rapped your fingers lightly against the thick wood of her bedroom door, only entering once you heard her answer - knowing there would be severe punishment if you didn’t - the lashes on your backside still fresh from the last time.

“Salutations, my pet.”

There was no amount of warning that would have sufficiently prepared you for the view you walked into. The body sprawled across the length of her bed - eyes glowing timbers as you made your way further into the room. The delicious landscape of her thighs ever so prevalent - damn near shimmering in the moonlight that danced it’s way through her bedroom window. Fuck, she’s a literal work of art.

“Good evening, my lady.” You replied, doing your best to sound composed.

She chuckled, giving you a wry smirk. “You seemed quite distracted during the ceremony, my pet. Care to tell me why?”

“Ah, yes. I’m sorry I missed my queue, my lady. It won’t happen again.”

“That is not what I asked, my pet. Don’t make me ask again.”

You swallowed hard, watching every muscle in her body flex slightly as she slowly shifted herself up from her spot on the bed, rising. The fine lace of her nightgown clinging deliciously to every supple curve. Her large frame - imposing - looming over you as you tried to find the proper words. She knew she was only making it harder for you to think, and she reveled in it. Her eyes growing darker while you fumbled to reply.

“I… well, I’m.. It’s just.. Fuck… you are quite distracting, my lady.”

“Oh, I’m aware, dear.” She chuckled. “Though, I will need you to do a better job at listening from now on. I will not be embarrassed in front of my family again. Next time, I may not be so … understanding. Are we clear?”

“Yes, my lady. My apologies.”

“Very good, my pet. Now, as much as I appreciate how nicely that outfit suits you.. I do believe you are a bit overdressed at this point, wouldn’t you agree?”

You gave her a nod - the amount of heat that spilled over you from nothing more than her tone was immediate - unrelenting - a wild fire of anticipation finding its way into every last crevice of your body. The chilled air of the castle becoming more soothing against your flushed skin with every piece of fabric that fell to the floor. Her pupils growing more dilated with each inch of your skin that becomes exposed to her. She was hungry for you - you could see it. It was the way she looked at all of her prey before she completely devoured them. The ways her eyes lingered from one curve to another, taking her time to truly appreciate the landscape of you. Your skin growing more flushed with each gaze that they gifted you. Her hips moving to some unheard melody as she began to close the distance between you - the sheerest of lace allowing you to see just enough of her to make your brain almost completely glitch out. Fuuuck.

“I seem to remember something about a specific kink of yours, my pet.”

“O-oh?”

“Something about being quite the fan of…. The larger things in life?”

“Oh…” Oh, fuck.

“Mhm… and as you may have noticed. There isn’t a single part on me that isn’t .. large.”

Alcina practically purred the last word - the cooled bricks of the castle walls a balm against your overly flushed skin as she continued to push you back. You swallowed, doing your best not give her any indication as to just how fucking wet you were.

“Ah… ahem… yes.. Yes, I may have noticed that.”

She laughed, her voice low and husky - filled with desire. “You are quite fetching when you’re flustered, my pet.”

“Erm.. “

Great, I’ll just be reduced to a chorus of random noises now, thanks.

“What a precious human you are. Maybe even my favorite pet thus far.”

“Mph.. fuck, my lady.”

Another chuckle as she leaned in even further. “And would my delicious pet enjoy it if their Lady.. indulged them in this kink of theirs?”

“.... Y-yes, my lady.”

“Good.” The utter firmness that one single word could muster almost making you short circuit. “Now then, if I were you, my pet. I would turn around and brace yourself against the wall.”

You gulped, this time loud enough for Alcina to hear - causing her to smirk. Her pupils dilated to a point where they threatened to swallow you whole. Nodding, you swiftly turned your body to face the wall, a hand on either side of you for support.

“Well, I do believe this may be my most favorite view of you yet.”

Fuuuck.

She allowed you to settle yourself into position before slowly moving in. “Safeword?”

“Heisenberg.”

The unguarded laugh that cut through the night air immediately made you smirk - the shadow of her silhouette flickering in the candlelight as her head fell back uninhibitedly.

“Oh, you are quite the humorous one, my pet… I do enjoy it.”

“Thank you, my lady.” You replied, blushing.

“Are you ready, dear?”

“Yes, my lady.”

She leaned over - dropping down to your height - warm breath spilling over the back of you as she placed a large hand directly next to your own. You could only imagine just how delicious her hips must have been swayed in order to position herself in such a way. The feeling of her immense frame pressing ever so firmly into your backside as she breathed you in.

“And don’t think I can’t smell how wet you are, my pet… I know you’re dripping for me.” She said, dragging the tip of her tongue up the entire length of your neck. “I bet when I spread those tasty little human legs of yours, the juices will be damn near gushing... Won’t they?”

Error 404. Fuuuuuuu-

“Mmph.”

“Let me hear you, pet.”

You knew when Alcina dropped the ‘my’ that she meant business. “Fuck… yes.. they will be, Lady Dimitrescu.”

She chuckled in response. “Such a good pet”

You were certain you were about to burst into literal gay flames at any moment - every inch of your body covered in a deep crimson. Your breath hitching as the girth of one of Alina’s fingers began to trace it’s way up your inner thigh - stopping just shy of where you wanted it most - resting against your core. You whimpered in response, causing her to chuckle.

“What a needy little human. Are you so desperate to feel me?”

“I’m always desperate to feel you, my lady.”

You knew you had disarmed her, if even for a moment. Quiet as her finger slowly spread your lips apart - warm juices instantly coating it. The sheer size of it apparent as she slid it down the front of your core - allowing the tip of it to just barely slip inside. A soft whimper escaping from your mouth.

“Let’s see how many of these you can take, my pet, hm?”

“Y-yes, my lady. Please.”

“Oh, I do love it when you beg for me, dear.”

Before you could even think to respond - brat out, speak in any way - Alcina slid the length of her finger deep inside, immediately filling you. You whimpered again, grinding your hips down into her - desperate for more.

“Ah, ah… patience, my pet.”

“Yes, my lady. Sorry.”

An achingly slow pace, each teasing thrust only making you drip for her even more. The length of her frame looming over you, heat radiating over you in waves as she slowly slid the girth of her finger in and out of you. If just one of her fingers felt this good, you could only imagine how incredible another would feel.

“More... my lady.. please. “

“Such a delicious little pet.”

Low sweet tones, reverberating across your skin. A sharp inhale as the tip of the second finger pressed against you.

“Ready, my pet?”

“Mmph.. yes, my lady.. fuck.”

Slow and deliberate - a multitude of juices guiding her finger in as your core stretched around them - the second one just as thick as the first - causing you to immediately moan out for her. Body shuddering, eyes half lidded - your body a lightning bolt of pure need.

“Comfortable, dear?”

“Y-yes. my lady.. Very.”

Her pheromones overwhelming you as she leaned in, placing a firm bite to your shoulder. The warm sting of it cascading across your body. Her long tongue skating softly over it before she pulled away, kissing down your nape and shoulder blades. Another bite to your other shoulder as she thrust both fingers deep inside of you.

“Mmmph-!”

You were trying everything in your power to muffle your moans - but the steady pace of Alcina’s fingers were doing their best to quickly unravel you.

“Let me hear you, pet.” She said, punctuating her words with a firm thrust.

“Mmph… Fuck..”

Your forehead fell against the cool brick of the castle wall as you moaned - whimpered - screamed out for her. Warm juices dripping down your inner thighs as you bucked your hips down into the thickness of her fingers. You had never felt anything so good in your entire life - and yet, you still wanted more.

“Fuck… I… Alcina… more.. please.. “

“.... As you wish, my pet.”

A third finger, perfectly positioned - the tip of it, immediately shooting a lightning bolt of the most delicious pain straight through your body - pressing against your entrance. Fuck, she feels so good.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, my lady.”

Even slower than with the second one, Alcina took her time guiding the third finger deep inside of you.

“Comfortable?”

“Mmph.. y-yes…” You tried to answer - the muscles in your body beginning to shake.

“Such a needy human you are… taking so much of me.”

“Mmph.. fuck.. Yes..”

“But you are doing so well, my pet.”

“Erm… fuck..” Fuck.

She took her time allowing your body to adjust to the mere size of her. Every inch of you flushed beyond measure as she started a slow and steady pace. A warm sting as you matched her rhythm - grinding down - taking as much of her as you possibly could. You had never felt so full - so complete - so utterly fulfilled by the simple act of three fingers. You bit your bottom lip, feeling the first tidal wave of pleasure as it started to crash over you. Her fingers becoming more relentless as she took you over the edge. The sheer size of her holding you in place. The amount of bites she gifted you - a trail of burning embers decorating your flushed skin. Her honeyed voice rolling over you, telling you just how fucking perfect you were. Taking her fingers down to the knuckle on each thrust - allowing her to fill you, over and over again. Waves of pleasure crashing again and again. Warm juices dripping down to your knees as her pace proved merciless - until you could barely breathe, barely think - your voice hoarse from screaming out her name. You could feel your body shudder as she finally began to level off - wondering how many orgasms she had just given you - and you hoped she didn’t ask. Alcina leaned down again, placing a soft kiss to your dewy skin - droplets of sweat painted over every inch of you as she slowly slid her fingers out of your throbbing core - causing you to shudder. It was a sound so satisfying that it almost instantly made you wet all over again. FUCK. Your body swiftly falling against the brick - relishing the coolness of it.

“That was absolutely exquisite, my pet. You will have to let me indulge you in that more often.”

“Mmmh.. any.. time.. my lady... “ You responded between breaths.

“... With a strap next time, perhaps. Would you like that?”

You turned - immediately locking your eyes onto hers as you mustered a smirk. “Very much, my lady.”

“Good. Now.. rest up, my pet The hour is late and I still expect to be properly tended to.”

“I would never leave my lady so unsatisfied.” You replied, breath finally steadying.

“I should expect not.”

“Actually… I’ve been thinking, my lady… have you… ever had your body worshiped? Properly?”

With nothing more than the smirk painted across her perfect lips, Alcina undid her nightgown in one fluid motion.

#lady dimitrescu #lady alcina #lady dimitrescu x reader #lady dimitrescu fanfic #daniela dimitrescu #bela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #house dimitrescu #resident evil fanfic #resident evil 8 #resident evil village #smut #tall vampire lady

[weyheyjxlya]

Ａｌｉｖｅ

*•.¸♡ pairing: sugawara koushi x reader

*•.¸♡ genre: nsfw || smut (this is my first time writing one, gomen)

*•.¸♡ prompt : Mirror fuck

*•.¸♡ warning: gay!sugawara au, fingering, handjob, praising?, soft dom!suga? (I’m kinda not good with warnings sorry)

*•.¸♡ a/n : so this is my first server collab from the first server where I’ve met various kinds of people who supported and sparked my inner frustrated writer within. so yeah! I hope this won’t be the last one writing nsfw because geesh it fucked my brains out so ya, I didn’t get to upload my chapter 06.2 because I crammed with this. so I hope you enjoy this babies! ilysm!! also listen to the music indicated while reading it, okay? THAANK YOU!!

“My love,  I’m so afraid for things to change My love, Guess i’m too carried away”

“I guess it is not a dream, yeah?” he asked doubtedly while cuddling you “Yeah, it isn’t kou,” you replied as you’re slowly drifting away from exhaustion. Slowly.. slowly.. slowly… “I really hope this isn’t fantasy. If this what I get for being alive? Then I want it. You are life y/n.” he confessed while caressing your face with the back of his hand as he momentarily appreciates your lovely existence.

“Why am I still alive Kou-chaaaannn??!?” you whined as you shook Sugawara’s hands when you grabbed it out of frustration from your cheating boyfriend that just broke up with you. “You know Y/N-chan, there’s like plenty of fishes in the sea!! Why not search for someone right at this moment and time? I cam even suggest one from the volleyball club! Not Daichi though, he’s mine!!” he protested excitedly.

Back from your first-year senior high school days, you’ve met this light-gray-haired guy with an average height and a slender build. But what attracted you the most is that wonderful mole just below his left eye. It’s so beautiful. It brought out the best of his majestic face like some kind of an accessory that matches the one who wears it perfectly. This guy is such a work of art. You’ve felt your heartbeat continue for like a while when he greeted you charismatically. Showing to you that extraordinary smile, you’ve felt captivated. Damn, this man is so fine “Uhm hi!! I’m Sugawara Koushi. How about you?” he asked “Oh yeah, I’m L/N Y/N! N-nice to m-meet you,” you replied “Nice to meet you also Y/N-chan. I’ve noticed that you’ve been looking at me for a while. Uhm, this is kinda embarrassing but I am gay,” “Oh wow, omg thank you for saying that to me. And yeah, no judgment involved but there’s one thing certain right now,” you cooed “Hmm, what is it? You’re acting kinda weird haha” Sugawara replied nervously “Let’s be friends Koushi!” you’ve suggested “That’s kind of quick but yeah, fine!” he acknowledged ~~ From high school until college, both of you are always together. Both of you are frequently called out as a couple at first but will feel embarrassed when they got to know who Sugawa is. Months and years passed, you only just thought Sugawara as your best friend. You’ve tried your best to bore in into your mind but your heart always betrayed you. You still like Sugawara all along and you fell hard for him. Hence, you’ve tried your best to suppress it. So you’ve got yourself into various relationships, that in the end, it just ends in like a flick of a hand. It’s easy, momentarily, pretend, and temporary. You just can’t get Sugawara out of your heart.  It even got to the point where you’re imagining Sugawara as your own partner in life and love –also in bed because everything just felt so empty. You can’t get him out of your heart. Then finally, you’ve met some guy which helped you got into a relationship seriously.

“Am I too ugly? Do I lack anything? Why did I got cheated on Kou-chan?” you sobbed again despite the moisturizer that Sugawara applied on your face to prep you from glamor. You’ve been adoring yourself for a while now and you’re wearing a deep red silk robe that has done its job perfectly. Hugging your beautiful curves,  complimenting your beautiful skin, and made you feel things again that you’ve forgotten for quite a long time. Dreamy as it is but you’ve been wondering. You’ve done everything you can but still, why have you been cheated on? “Y/N-chan, come on. You’re more than that, we both know it. I won’t be sticking with you up until now (even though we barely meet for a while recently since your boyfriend gets jealous because of me) if you don’t have that beaut,” Sugawara comforted with tease while smoothing out your dress for your night out after your boyfriend cheated on you “Gosh, the pain and pleasure that I got every night because of his jealousy over you. I might die the day after,” you protested jokingly while drying off your tears with tissue from the vanity mirror because you’ve wasted quite an amount of expensive moisturizer that had been put on your face because of some tears that fell over for some garbage kind of a guy. Suddenly, Sugawara stopped with what he’s doing when he heard your sudden confession then he walked over you, poker-faced at the edge of the bed to join you to face the mirror. “Come on dear, now close your eyes and let me finish up that art that I’ll create upon this beautiful face of yours,” Sugawara offered with a sudden change of his face, from straight face to a now charming smile as he scooted over you and started reapplying a small amount of that expensive moisturizer again to coat all the spaces that have the moisturizer erased. The application this time is quite relaxing. Suga’s gentle hands have been stroking it ever so gently for a while. Then suddenly, he stopped. As a response to your curiosity, you slowly opened your eyes. Without warning, Sugawara’s lips are planted upon yours. Due to your own shock, you’ve tried to pull yourself from him but he didn’t let it happen. He gently bent your head slightly to the back and then held your face like it’s the most fragile thing that he has ever held on and continued placing kisses in various places. Before you could protest, you’re now drunk from the euphoria that Sugawara gave you. With hearts thumping loud, mind becoming black, and your own body becoming numb and now giving into his kisses, you’ve wanted this for so long and it’s happening now. So without thinking, you drew your arms around his neck and you’ve felt his flirtatious grin drawn in his lips.  He guided your head to the side then he continued kissing until he insistently licked your lips as permission to part your trembling lips. Without a moment’s hesitation, you gave in to him completely. You dropped all your guards down as this is the moment that you’ve been longing for. That sweet,  gentle, and addicting kiss of his made you forget all types of kisses that you’ve experienced before. It was experienced and mature. But then you’ve felt sad and Sugawara felt the sudden emotion because that you’ve become unresponsive to his kiss. “Why sugar?” he asked as he momentarily pulled back from the kiss “You’re really experienced with this and those experiences aren’t with me,” you pouted as tears fell upon your cheeks “Shush sugar. If it’s not for those experiences, I wouldn’t be this great for you, right? This is a new case for me but this sensation that I’m feeling right now cannot compare to anything. You make me feel things Y/N and I love you so much that it hurts,” he replied while wiping your tears with the back of his hands. “Come here sugar,” he sweetly called as he patted his lap and he held out his hands and you took it. Swiftly, as you sat on his lap he immediately pulled you into a tight hug and nuzzled the crook of your head like it’s the last time that he’ll see you. “Finally, you’re here now,” he murmured as he immediately pulled your face and started kissing you. It’s gentle but demanding. The kiss made you feel completely melted as every inch of your body dissolves into his. The fuzzy feeling made you wrap your shoulders around his neck, grip into his hair, and pulled him closer. You’ve never felt like this before. Hungry as it is but you’ve never wanted anyone like this ever. As this moment continues, both of you are now completely peeling off the label “friends” in between you and both of you know it so well. This is the beginning of something. Breaths may stop you for a short moment but it never became a hindrance as both of you are passionately showing how needy you are with each other. As the kiss continued, Sugawara realized how long he had been holding back from this passionate desire to be yours completely.  How perplexed he is at night when he realizes that he fell for such an idiotic straight best friend of his. How jealous he is every time you get into another relationship. How irritated he can sense how much of an asshole since he is a man a swell. How sad he is when you’re not by his side because you’re with someone. He wanted you all along but he suppressed it just to keep you from the awkwardness and from leaving him. Now that the moment’s here, he’s now thanking the heavens as this moment has been taking the man out of him. Now he’s praying that they keep him from where the light is because he might lose himself from this moment. Slowly, Sugawara pushed you backward, without breaking the kiss he laid you flat against the bed. On your peripheral vision, you witness how you’re deliciously making out in the mirror but you don’t care. You don’t care because it has been years since you’ve been longing for this. Even after those stupid relationships, it is still him. Sugawara Koushi is the only thing that you want for. The feeling of his weight upon yours sent signals all throughout your system because the feeling is phenomenal. You get to take in his sweet kind of cinnamon and a little hint of clean linen smell that lingers his body –this kind smell of his has sent you wanting his body more. His hands are now exploring everywhere and it doesn’t matter. He starts planting kisses upon your jaw down to your neck when he starts searching for the sash of your robe. When he got a hold of it he suddenly pulled back and stared at you with his charming puppy eyes and without hesitation, you nodded which left an angelic grin upon his face. He lets go and placed the robe sash on a spot where he can find it then he cupped your face again to passionately kiss it again and the other hand travels with delicious, teasing, and slow speed down from your neck, collar, breasts, and hips as he finally reached the robe sash again that sent shivers down your spine. When he finally released the bow from being tied, he gently helped you get free from the garment. As he finally got you out of it and the robe not within your sight, he sat upright then he deliciously registered your naked body with a burning gaze that consumes you in no time. “I could look at this all throughout my life sugar. You’re extraordinary and I love you so much,” he praised when he lifted his shirt over his head and undoes his pants with his underwear and throws it off from the bed. Having the image of the naked Sugawara in front of you is heavenly that it awakened your inner woman twerking its ass off from the happiness that it’s experiencing right now. He is beyond beautiful. Charming in his own ways. Angelic but it looked like the one who’s gonna cut our wings with and escape. Sugawara really looked like a man that came out of your dreams. Suddenly, your mouth became dry when you saw his growing member that made you gasp for some air. Seeing this reaction seeping out of you Sugawara chuckled and he excitedly hovered over you again. Sugawara strokes your face with the back of his hands and obviously, his touch resonates in the depth of your groin. Bending over, Sugawara slowly kissed your lips and started his slow torture. Starting from your neck down to your breast he started trailing kisses, nuzzling, then sucking hard that left its trails with love bruises. Every kiss made your nipples peak and harden as it starts off the fire of your desire. When Sugawara saw, he put on his devilish grin and has now started sucking your nipple from the left breast while deliciously playing with his hand on the other that left you panting and grabbing his hair because you’re now selfishly wanting for more. “Koushi, please,” you begged “So eager huh, okay sugar,” he responded and suddenly his tongue is suddenly inside your mouth then he started again with his travel starting from your breasts, across your stomach, and down to your navel. He sits up again with eyes brimming with joy as he wondered over the art that he made across your beautiful body. Feeling proud because he’s the creator of it. Out of joy, he bent down again and starts shifting lower until he reached your clitoris. You cried out by this traveling of his then you suddenly felt all of your nerves when his incredible tongue worked its way on your cunt so much that it left you a whining mess. “Calm down sugar,” he mumbled when he deliciously continued his business with your cunt and suddenly he slipped one finger which left you breathless and gasping for air. Then he slipped one more and this leads you to the edge as he started moving it in and out with agonizing slowness. The stimulation you’re experiencing was extravagant due to the mere fact that you’re doing it with the subject of your suppressed love. “Hmmm, this is definitely new for me, sugar and I’m loving it. Most specifically this,” he murmured when he starts stroking your spongy walls then he continues with relentlessly licking and sucking your clit which made your mind get blown by the stimulation and sensation that Sugawara gives you. After a few pumps, you have reached your first mind-blowing orgasms which left your sense go numb and your body go limp. Due to your sudden burst and to your mind-blowing high you instantaneously thought of Sugawara. So all of a sudden you sat up then pushed him back and you grabbed his member and started palming him which then he let out a loud groan and started looking upon you with a hooded and full of desire gaze which left you excitingly and slowly pumping him until he reached his own orgasm that he had been holding back for a while now. “Well that’s kind of embarrassing, I’ve been holding that back for a while now. Oh well, patience sugar. This will soon fill you up,” he replied and winked as he reached for the condom which is in one of the drawers of his vanity mirror. He planted a kiss on your lips first then he laid you again on the bed then started hovering over you again, he slipped on a condom, and then without asking for permission, he’s inside you, slow at first but builds up its pace until it’s hard and fast. Groans, moans, and lewd sounds of your bodies clashing have filled the room which leads you both nearing your own orgasms but to your dismay, on the spur of the moment, Sugawara pulled out of you and flips you over. When you took your time to flip over because your body’s been limp and all, he suddenly pulled you upright so that you’re practically sitting on him. But what made heat haunted your ears and face more, it’s that you’re now facing the mirror that has its lights on. He scooted the both of you a little to the side and now you can brightly see how your cunt sucking in his dick nearly balls deep. “Kou this is kinda embarrassing,” you mewled as you held your face due to your obvious embarrassment. “Then enjoy it sugar,” he replied with amusement. Splendidly, his hands moved up to your breasts, palms it, and tugging gently on your nipples which made your groan for more and tossing your head back against his shoulders. He starts biting downs your neck when he splendidly flexes his hips, filling you up slowly again and again. “You mean the world to me sugar. I’ve realized how empty I am when you’re gone so I never want to let you go now” he breathes against your ear “Yes and neither do I Koushi,” you gasped as he starts slamming to you again to your mewl over his name. This never felt so good he thought. As he was slamming you so hard your moans and cries are now echoing the whole room. “That’s right sugar, let me hear you,” he whispered as he snakes one hand on your waist and another on your hip. Firmly that you know it’ll leave some mark after then he pushes into you harder and harder. With your breaths growing harsher and harsher, ragged, tired, and with gritted teeth both of you found your release together. After catching up some air, both of you collapsed on the bed together and you are now curled up on the bed with his front pressed on your back, his nose on your hair. “What I’m feeling right now frightens me Koushi,” you trembled “Me too Y/N. Everything’s so new to me,” he says quietly “I know, so what if this is just on a whim then you’ll leave me,” you choked as the thought is horrific. “It won’t happen and I won’t go somewhere sugar. I love you so much,” So to confirm the answer you turned your back to gaze at him and he’s now showing a serious and sincere face and it made your heart flutter. You leaned over and kissed him gently and he smiled and reaches up to tuck your hair behind your ear which calmed down your heart more. “I’ve never ever felt this amazing sugar and you made it happen. My heart cannot settle itself right now because you’re here in my arms now. I would do everything just to feel this way and to not lose you anymore Y/N. You have my whole heart, I promise.” he promised as you kiss him again and it planted a smile on your lips “So this is not a dream, yeah?” he asked doubtedly while cuddling you “Yeah, it isn’t kou,” you replied as you’re slowly drifting away from exhaustion. Slowly.. slowly.. slowly… “I really hope this isn’t fantasy. If this what I get for being alive? Then I want it. You are life y/n.” he confessed while caressing your face with the back of his hand as he momentarily appreciates your lovely existence. “I promise, even to death. I’ll love you forever Y/N,” he added as he also drifts away to sleep

*•.¸♡ gen. taglist ♡¸.•*  here ya go @maviiiiic​

#hq #haikyuu #haikyu #haikyu!! #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu au #haikyuu scenarios #haikyuu fluff #haikyuu angst #haikyuu smut #haikyuu!! #haikyuu sugawara #sugawara koushi smut #sugawara scenario #sugawara x you #sugawara imagine #sugawara scenarios #sugawara au #sugawara angst #sugawara fluff #sugawara koushi x reader #sugawara koushi x you #sugawara koushi #sugawara koushi imagines #sugawara koushi scenarios #sugawara koushi au

[redhoodssweetheart]

By the Sea Part Four

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Mermaid!Reader

Requested: No (Requests are closed)

Word Count: 2.6K

Warnings: Angst, fluff

Description:  Y/N is a mermaid that longs for the land.  Her friend Natasha tells her that she knows a human who will take care of her and leads her there, she only has one rule: do not under any circumstances fall in love with a human.  But Steve’s friend Bucky is drawing her in, in ways she hadn’t expected.  Will Y/N be able to return to the ocean once her stay in the human realm is complete?  And what happens when Natasha learns that Y/N is betrothed to be married to their king’s son?  Will she drag her friend back or keep her hidden amongst the humans?

Natasha drug herself out of the water and found the clothes that Steve had left for her in their usual spot.  She quickly put them on and stormed up to the house where Steve and Y/N were sitting on the back porch enjoying a nice lunch together.  Y/N smiled when she noticed Natasha, but it slowly slipped away when she saw the look on the other mermaid’s face.

“How dare you not tell me the real reason for running away to the human world!”  Steve stood up and blocked Natasha’s path to Y/N.  She glared up at him, “Get out of my way, Steve.  This doesn’t concern you.”

“Hear her out, Nat,” he replied.  “Please, for me.”

Natasha’s anger cooled some at the pleading look on Steve’s face, but she could still feel her anger simmering below the surface.  He moved away from her so that she could see Y/N who was sitting frozen in her seat.  “Explain.”

“I’ve known for years,” Y/N began to explain.  “I’ve known since I was fifteen that Loki and I were supposed to be married to one another.  I never wanted this, I never wanted to be the future queen, I just wanted freedom.  And now it’s getting closer to when they were going to announce our impending wedding to one another and I panicked.  I don’t love him, Natasha.  I wanted to be given a choice and it was stripped from me.  How could they not even consider my feelings on this?  How could they just look at me and think that it was a perfect match made by the gods themselves?”  Y/N shook her head.  “So I decided to run to the one place no one would think to look.  Why would a mermaid go here?”

Natasha sat down across from her, “Y/N, King Odin is furious.  Everyone knows that you were betrothed to Loki now and they’re in a panic looking for you.  Some believe that you could have been kidnapped by a rival kingdom, but soon they may figure out that you ran to the human world.  When and if that happens I don’t know what the consequences will be when they find you.”  Y/N could see that her friend was worried, and she hated that she was the cause of it.

Y/N looked down at her hands, “I know that things will be difficult if they found me and that the consequences may be severe, but I can’t live that life anymore.  I can’t live each day tied to a man that I won’t ever love.”

“How do you know you won’t love him?”  Natasha gently prompted, hoping to maybe talk some sense into her friend and have her come home.

Y/N took in a shaky breath, “Loki and I would spend time together while we were growing up.  The court wanted us to get to know one another more intimately over the years as we grew.  I love Loki but as a friend or a brother.  He had never given me any indication that he wouldn’t be a good match, but deep in my soul, I knew that he wasn’t meant to be mine.  He was never meant to be mine.”

Natasha contemplated Y/N’s words, she understood that being forced into a marriage wasn’t an ideal situation.  And not being in love or knowing you never would be in love was a frightening thought when thinking about how the rest of your days were going to go.  “What now?  Are you just going to spend the rest of your days here in the human world?  Where will you stay?”

“She can stay with me for as long as she likes, it was the same offer I gave you,” Steve cut in.  “She will have a room and food for the rest of her days or for however long she decides to stay with me.”

“Steve, this is ridiculous, a mermaid cannot possibly stay in the human world forever!  She needs to go into the ocean on occasion and if she’s marked as a traitor or wanted by the crown then every mermaid from here to the farthest depths will know and look for her.  She will never be safe going out there again.  But if she comes home now and apologizes for the panic she caused then she still has a chance.”

“And I’m not going to do that!”  Y/N stood up, her own anger flaring to life inside her.  “I just told you why I can’t marry Loki and you think that I care if I’m wanted or labeled a traitor?  At least I will be happier here than there trapped in a marriage that I’m not happy in.”

Natasha curled her hands into fists, “You’re not listening, you will be a traitor, the water won’t be safe for you and you need the ocean for your survival.  They’re not just going to give up looking for you Y/N, they will find you and the consequences won’t be pretty.”

Without another word, Y/N stormed off back inside the house and through the front door.  She wasn’t going to stay there and let Natasha tell her how she should or shouldn’t live her life.  She knew the risks when she decided to come here.  She knew that the crown would label her a traitor or come looking for her, but she thought any existence was better than being forced into something she didn’t want to do.

Natasha went to go after her but Steve stopped her.  “Let her go, Natasha,” he said in his gentle tone.  “She’s angry and so are you.  But you need to look at it from her perspective.  Any way she chooses she’s giving up something.  Only staying here she gets to keep her happiness even if it means she can’t go home.”

“How can she think that this is a good idea?!  Steve, she will be hunted down!  They’ll kill her.”  Natasha was scared of losing her friend, of watching them put her to death all because she didn’t want to marry Loki.  “I can’t lose her.”

Steve pulled Natasha in for a hug, “It’s her life and she needs to be the one that chooses which paths she needs to take.  I’ll protect her as best I can.”

Natasha clung to Steve trying to calm her racing thoughts and wondered if there was anything she could do to save her friend.

Y/N wasn’t sure where she was going, only that she needed to get away.  She needed to get away from Natasha telling her how to live her life and that she was making the wrong choice.  She knew the risks in coming here, she knew that she would be hunted, but she just wanted some happiness.  Something that would carry her through her days.

The crowded streets of the village came into view and she slowed her pace.  She didn’t want to shove through the crowds, she wasn’t even sure where she was going.  She just began wandering aimlessly through the streets looking for something to distract her mind.

Bucky was sitting in one of the cafes with Clint and Tony sharing lunch when he saw Y/N pass by the window looking lost.  “I have to go,” he said quickly as he shoved his chair back and raced for the door.

Clint and Tony shared a look with one another, confused by their younger friend’s sudden departure.  “Do you know what that was all about?”  Clint asked Tony.

“No idea,” he responded as he craned his neck to see where Bucky was running off to in such a hurry.

“Y/N wait!”  Bucky called out as he hurried to catch up with her.

She paused at the sound of his voice and turned around, surprised to see him there.  “Bucky?  What are you doing?”

He pointed to the cafe that he had just been sitting in, “I was having lunch with some friends when I noticed you.  You were looking a little lost and I came to offer some assistance.”

“Oh,” she felt bad that she had interrupted their lunch.  “I’m all right, you should go back with your friends and spend some time with them.”

“Nonsense,” he replied.  “I have lunch with them every day and you look like you could use a friend.”  He offered her his arm like he had the day before, “Come on, let’s see if I can help cheer you up.”

Y/N hated that she was pulling him away from his friends, but he showed no signs of wanting to go back and she honestly could use a friend.  “What are we going to do?”

“I could show you my loft, I have a space here in the village where I paint.  It’s quiet there and would offer some peace and quiet.”  It wasn’t often that Bucky let another person into his loft, but this was a special case.  He could tell that Y/N needed somewhere to go where she could hide from the world.

“All right, take me to your loft,” she felt a fluttering feeling in her stomach and her heart began to pound as she let Bucky lead her through the streets toward his loft.  She also wondered if Bucky was the friend that had painted the picture of Natasha for Steve.  She assumed that she was about to find out when she saw his other works of art.

They reached a building that was away from the crowds of people and in a quieter district of the town where people lived versus where they owned their shops.  Y/N and Bucky climbed the stairs to the top floor which opened into a wide-open space with large windows all around them.  It was a mess with paint splatters on the floor and along the walls.  Tarps were strewn about and piles of canvases were propped up against the walls.  Some were filled with brilliant images while others were left blank for future projects.

“Look around, I’m not shy about others seeing my work.”  Bucky walked over to one wall and gathered up his easel and stool as Y/N wandered around the room and stared at the paintings before her.  He watched her for a few minutes before grabbing for his paints.  “So?”

She turned her head and smiled a brilliant smile, “They’re beautiful.”

He beamed at her, it pleased him that she thought his artwork was beautiful.  “Thank you, it’s been a hobby of mine for many years now.”

Y/N paused in front of a row of paintings and started flipping through until she came upon one that was similar to the one Steve had hanging in his entryway.  She pulled it out and noticed that instead of just the one mermaid there were several.  “So you’re the one who painted the mermaid hanging in Steve’s entryway,” it wasn’t a question.

He paused what he was doing and peaked around the canvas at her, “I did.  Do you like it?”

She hummed and turned her attention back to the piece of artwork in her hands, “I do.”

“Steve seems to believe mermaids exist,” Bucky said absentmindedly as he continued to work.  “He has all this folklore on them and even started his own.  He once claimed he saw one when he was a teenager, but no one believed him.”

Y/N wondered if that was around the time he discovered Natasha.  “And who’s to say there aren’t mermaids out there?”

Bucky shrugged, “I guess there could be, but I won’t believe it until I see it.  Do you believe in them?”

Y/N bit her lip to keep from smiling, “I do.”

They fell silent again as Bucky continued to work on his project.  Y/N hadn’t realized that he was painting a picture of her as she wandered around his studio, letting her mind forget all her worries and stresses from the day.  Hours passed and she was now sitting on his floor with a sketchpad in hand as she tried her best to begin drawing.

She wasn’t used to holding the charcoal in her hand and her lines were wobbly as she tried to recreate her underwater home from memory.  Bucky would peak at her from around his canvas and watch her for a few moments before picking up where he left off on his picture.  The sky had grown dark and Bucky had lit several candles to give the loft a cozy glow.

Neither of them were ready to leave just yet and Bucky was almost done with his painting.  He also didn’t want her to leave just yet.  He had forgotten how lonely it could get here when he was by himself and even though they weren’t talking it was a comfortable silence that descended upon them.

“Come here,” Bucky said once he had put his paintbrush down.  

Y/N discarded her piece of paper and charcoal and stood.  She had wondered what he had been working on all this time and when she stepped over beside him her eyes widened as she witnessed the painting he had spent all afternoon on.  “Is… is that me?”

In the painting, there was a young woman with her hair color and hairstyle standing in Bucky’s loft admiring his artwork as the sun shined through the window panes casting a bright glow across the space.  “It is,” he replied as he looked up at her shocked expression.  “You inspired me.  You looked so peaceful that I had to paint it.”

Y/N could feel her heart skip a beat, “It’s just as beautiful as everything else.”

“I think it may be my best work yet,” he said softly as she gazed down at him.  He stood and went to say something when someone began banging at the door.  

“Bucky!  Open up, I know you’re in there!  I haven’t seen Y/N for a while and I’m worried about her,” Steve shouted, clearly panicked.

Y/N suddenly felt embarrassed and terrible that she hadn’t let Steve know she was all right.  Before Bucky could react Y/N rushed over to the door and pulled it open, “I’m so sorry, Steve!”

He wrapped her in his arms, “Oh thank God, you’re all right.  When you didn’t come home I started looking all over town for you.  I thought something bad had happened.”  After their conversation that afternoon he was afraid that her people had found her and dragged her back to her kingdom.

“It’s my fault,” Bucky said as he made his way over to them.  “I kept her out longer than I should have.”  He gestured to the painting he had just finished, “I began painting her and just lost track of the time.”

Steve straightened, but kept a protective arm around her, “Next time please let me know if you plan on keeping her out past sunset.  She doesn’t know the village like we do and I worried that someone had made off with her.”

Bucky bowed his head apologetically, “I’m sorry.”

“I had fun today,” Y/N said in hopes that it would ease some of the tension and bring a smile back to Bucky’s face.  “We should do it again sometime.”

Bucky nodded his head, a smile beginning to grow, “I’d love that.”

Steve and Y/N said their farewells leaving Bucky to close up shop after them.  On the way home, Steve made Y/N swear that she would never scare him like that again.  She apologized profusely and asked if Natasha was still at his home.  He told her that she had left before sunset so she had no idea about the panic Y/N had caused Steve.

Y/N silently wished that she could go back and spend a few more hours with Bucky in his loft, but she let Steve lead her home and lecture her about the dangers of being out past sunset.

#Bucky Barnes x Reader #Bucky Barnes x Reader fluff #Bucky Barnes x Reader angst #Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader #Bucky Barnes x Mermaid!Reader #Bucky Barnes #Bucky Barnes fanfic #Bucky Barnes fanfiction #Bucky Barnes fluff #Bucky Barnes angst

[funkymbtifiction]

Hi Charity, how are you? So, this must be the 5th or 6th time I write to you asking about both MBTI and Enneagram, but I believe this time it’ll be a little different because I’ll try to be very sincere, because honestly this doubt is killing me (I’m already apologizing for the text size). [For a little backstory, I introduced myself as a INTP 5w6 and you made me realize I was getting E5 wrong, you told me that I’m probably a 3, and I agreed with you; but you also told me I was a high-Fe user, but that I still refuse to believe.]

Well, the point is that I keep wondering about being 3w4 or 6w5. But the main reason for that is because I don’t want to be inadequate. The point is that I consider myself INTP, and I know that INTP E3 is a strange combination, but I really fit everything in INTP, even the Ti-Si loop, Fe grip, Se blind… I’m 100% sure of the functions I use, but I often wonder if I could be an ISFJ that had Fe suppressed (you know, due to bad experiences with people)… I know that lately I have been using more Fe than an INTP would use, but even this can be explained by me being an E3.

You could be an ENTP, but if the functions, grip, loops, etc fit INTP, then go with the easiest answer: INTP. And it does sound like you are over-indulging in Fe right now, in all your people-pleasing and “how are they responding to me???” behaviors.

So, you could be a 6w5. Some of what you said fits it. I’ll give my thoughts below.

Other reasonings to E3:

I thought I was enneatype 5 because that was my test result and I liked being an intellectual type, so I started to act like the description of the E5. I read several, many descriptions to find out how I should act in certain situations. I even “inherited” 5’s fears, and to tell you the truth, since you told me I’m not E5 it was like a weight had lifted off my shoulders, it was VERY easy to stop acting like E5. <- this is a good indicator against being a 5, if you had to study and try and behave more like one to come across that way, rather than seeing these as negative things holding you back and actively working against them. There may also be some Ne involved in this, since NPs are quite good at ‘faking’ things and assuming them to be real when they are not (low self awareness is a problem especially in ENP types who go off their self-assumptions rather than detailed facts).

I overthink how everyone can secretly dislike me for being praised by teachers, getting high marks and doing different projects; so when someone actually praises me I’m even surprised, ‘cause at first I thought they were going to hate me. Basically, I want to show myself off but I’m afraid that they think I’m being a pull bag or arrogant. <-- this is way more 6 than 3. A 3 would gloat and be glad that people are noticing how exceptional they are, but 6s don’t expect praise and are a bit shocked or even suspicious to receive it.

I want to be seen, in the sense of not wanting to be excluded/invisible. I want to be liked, not in the sense of being THE popular person, but simply not having any conflict with anyone and no reason for them to walk away from me. [...] But I’ve always been bothered by being stuck with a persona and not being able to show who I really am, this is because I thought that if I showed them the real me, they would be surprised and find it weird that, out of nowhere, I act differently than I usually did, and I couldn’t bear it. <-- again, this is more 6 than 3, because your motivation is to avoid conflict and not to be popular. 6s hate conflict, rather like 9s. They also move to 3 under stress, so your line to 3 might be in play right now.

As I want to be seen, I tend to want to stand out in academic activities trying to do different things, but I also try to stand out with a different appearance, like, colored hair. I’m apprehensive about the reaction of people, but if they treat it as if such different things are nothing, I’d be very discontented. <- again, this is 6ish. Wanting to be provocative and get a reaction, feeling bummed if you do not get one, but wanting to avoid too much negativity. This is also heavily so/sp -- sp-secondaries use their body to make a statement, as their ‘playground’ area (crazy hair, tattoos as ‘body art,’ etc).

I really hate it when someone popular with my friends doesn’t treat me the same way they treat them (like, ignore me); I start to dislike such a person, I keep thinking like “why is they ignoring me? Did I do something?” but also “what’s wrong with them? Only full of bs person hates someone who hasn’t done anything inappropriate.” -> here I’m referring to such gentle sweet persona of mine. <- over-thinking reactions and creating negative scenarios? 6ish.

I react defensively to criticism, for example: after I presented a project, my professor asked me questions about it, and I didn’t know how to answer them and so I answered in a way that could be interpreted as rude; I was thinking like “what is the need to ask that kind of question? Does he want to humiliate me in front of everyone??” <- again, you are assuming the worst. 6ish.

Now, for enneagram 6:

I’ve always been an anxious person, so I try not to think that my anxiety is a sign of being enneatype 6, but at the same time… my biggest fear is being alone, not having friends, not being able to start a family. I really have a hard time disconnecting from people.

I don’t start something before I know all the necessary steps, but then I get overwhelmed by the amount of things to do and I just give up before I start.

I create fantasies of the worst scenarios that can happen and I think of a way of action to deal with them; I end up acting as if this bad scenario is real and is already happening and that is why I end up acting quite defensive, being often hostile, unnecessarily.

I seek the opinions of others about what to do, how to work, who I am (as I’m doing right now, asking you for the hundredth time…), because apparently I don’t know any of that.

I continually doubt my own characteristics, making me constantly worried that I’m being mistyped.

I usually “test” people to make sure I can share personal details with them.

I have this emotions detachment (this is why I thought I was E5…) and I tend to rationalize emotions. eg.: when I realize I’m feeling something unusual, I lose myself thinking about why am I feeling it, what may have caused it, how long have I been feeling it, how should I act with it, and then I just forget, you know, to FEEL it.

I identify with some traits of the counterphobic E6: usually when I am afraid of something, I try to face it; but it only works with normal fears, I rarely do it with things related to people. I definitely hate passivity, merging with others, not having my own opinions, so I have a somewhat rebellious nature.

I used to be quite open-minded, only more and more I have preferred the known to the changes. It’s just that, lately, some things have seemed unnecessary to change.

I’d say you are an NTP core 6w5 so/sp with a 3 fix, and possibly a 369 tritype.

#question #enneagram #enneagram 6 #submission

[refinedbuffoonery]

Riley + Sunglasses + Undercover (6)

masterlist.

Read it on AO3. 

*****

Mac fidgeted with the T.V. remote. Riley hadn’t returned yet. Bozer and Matty busied themselves with digging up intel on Petrov, and Desi sprawled across the couch. 

Which left Mac with nothing to do but think. 

Riley would be back any minute now, and Mac had no idea what to say to her. They needed to talk about the kiss. Dropping a “you’re my best friend and favorite coworker, but surprise, I’m in love with you” bomb on her in the middle of a mission seemed like a stupid idea, but ignoring what happened would make it even more awkward than it already was. Fuck. 

Mac snapped his head toward the door as the lock clicked. Riley slipped inside, opening the door just wide enough to squeeze through. Her hair was a windswept, tangled mess, but other than that, she appeared to be fine. Tension eased in his chest that Mac hadn’t realized was there before. 

She still wore his jacket. 

Riley went right to his side, although she remained a respectful distance away instead of standing shoulder-to-shoulder like usual. She looked almost...shy. Mac could see the hesitation in her eyes. He really fucked up. Now she wouldn’t even come near him. 

“Miss much?” she asked. 

“Nobody’s planning on killing us, yet.” 

“First time this week,” she retorted. Mac chuckled, earning a glare from Desi. 

Slowly, Mac closed the space between himself and Riley, so they could talk without being overheard. He gave her the opportunity to back away, but, to his surprise, she didn’t. “We need to talk,” he whispered. Riley paled. Shit, that was not the reaction he wanted. Not even close. 

“Mac, I...I understand.” Her eyes said it all. She looked disappointed. Embarrassed. Hurt. No no no no no no. Whatever she thought she understood, it was a far cry from what he was about to say. Did she really not know how he felt? He wanted to touch her. He wanted to pull her into his arms and show her all the things she didn’t understand. He wanted to tell her that his heart belonged to her, and he was committed to her for the long haul, although that may not be as long as they’d like since they both had a penchant for getting shot at. And then, after all that, he wanted to back her into a wall and tell her how sexy she looked in his jacket and learn exactly how to elicit those little noises again. 

He needed to stop thinking those things about her. Riley could read him like a book. 

Yet, she’d utterly failed to see what was right in front of her face. Maybe...maybe she misunderstood because he’d hid it so well. Too well, if the brokenness in her eyes was any indication. 

“Riles, no--” 

She shook her head. “Don’t ‘Riles’ me right now.” 

“Got him,” Bozer announced, leaving Mac with his jaw hung open. His unsaid words evaporated off his tongue. 

“Viktor Petrov,” Bozer read off the screen, “thirty four year old Bulgarian mob boss and rare art connoisseur.”

Riley moved to stand behind Bozer, reading over his shoulder. Mac studied her--feet shoulder-width apart, hands behind her back. He liked to think of it as her war-room stance. The woman could save the world while standing like that. “He’s on several intelligence agencies’ watch lists,” Riley said. “Looks like he’s never been arrested, but Petrov is a power player in the Eastern European black market.” 

Raising his eyebrows, Mac slid his gaze to Desi. “You sure do know how to pick ‘em.” 

“Don’t forget, I picked you too,” she shot back. Ouch. He probably deserved that. Bozer suddenly found the computer screen extra fascinating. 

“In her defense,” Riley said, “he is really hot.” The two women shared a conspiratorial glance. If they ever really became friends, all hell would break loose.  

Matty broke the ensuing awkward tension. “Get this. He’s part of a collective of shady powerful individuals that uses black market items, real or fake, to keep tabs on all the major power players of the world--major corporations, terrorist cells, and--wait for it--intelligence agencies.” 

“Like the CIA,” Riley muttered. 

“Exactly. Someone in the group puts an item on the market just to see who comes running,” Matty explained. 

“So he thought he was pulling a fast one on a wealthy American, but…” Bozer trailed off. 

Mac delivered the final blow. “We were made the moment he saw Desi.” 

*****

This mission seemed to be one cursed piece of bad news after the next, Bozer thought. 

Petrov was going to out them as spies to the whole European criminal underworld, thus preventing them from ever doing field work again on the whole continent. They’d never be safe with Petrov’s bounty on their heads. 

If that wasn’t enough trouble, there was something weird going on with Mac and Riley. Post-Codex, Mac almost exclusively called her “Riles.” But, ever since their weird little whisper session, Mac abandoned the nickname. Bozer had no idea why. 

As if it were trying to spite him, the computer made an error noise. Bozer sarcastically imitated the sound. He didn’t feel any better. 

*****

Desi hated playing bait. She’d much rather be the one waiting in the shadows, swooping in just in the nick of time to save whoever got stuck as bait. But, noooooooo. Here she was, leaning against a wall, trying to look bored and sexy at the same time. 

It had been Bozer’s idea to have her wear the last of Riley’s dresses. This one was a skimpy, silver-sequined dress that latched onto her body like a leech. The neckline plunged below her breasts, and if it was any shorter, it’d be a shirt. It fit her well enough, except for the top. Riley’s boobs were bigger than hers, and it had taken some creative safety-pinning on Riley’s part to make the dress fit. 

To top it all off, there wasn’t a chance in hell she could hide a gun under that thing. 

“Sitting around waiting to get kidnapped, again. Best. Day. Ever.” Desi didn’t shy from making quips over comms while she waited. No one indulged her. 

Petrov’s steady, confident footsteps were her only warning before he rounded the corner. He spotted her instantly, eyes glimmering like he was starving and she was a cheeseburger on a sparkling silver platter. 

“I should’ve known better than to leave you unsupervised.” His voice was a promise of a thousand mistakes to be made. “Hello, darling. Miss me?” 

“I did until you drugged me and tied me up.” 

“I seem to recall you like being tied up.” 

She smiled but laced her words with venom. “Not that kind. Besides, I’d much rather tie you up instead.” Desi practically heard the words behind his smirk. Whatever you say, darling. 

She fought back memories bubbling to the surface as he dragged his gaze up and down her body. “That is quite the dress.” She snorted. He knew her well enough to know she would never wear a dress this ridiculous of her own free will. “I see you’ve gotten more tattoos since we last...met,” he said, innuendo dripping off the last word. His eyes traced the new designs on her arms and thighs before turning inquisitive, as if imagining what new tattoos there were in places he couldn’t see. She thought about making a snarky comment but decided against it. 

Viktor finally met her eyes again, and Desi remembered what drew her to him in the first place. His striking blue eyes were nothing like Mac’s. While Mac’s were bright and curious, Viktor’s were dark, intense, and captivating. In another time and place, she could’ve lost herself counting the green flecks in them. 

“Who are you waiting for?” he asked, likely knowing the answer already. “I assume you didn’t get all dressed up for nothing.” 

“You, actually.” 

“Is that so?” He definitely knew. 

“Yes. I’m waiting for you to give me an apology.” 

He stepped closer. “The verbal kind? Or the other kind?” 

“Are you trying to seduce me?” Desi asked dryly. She had no intention of ever getting in bed with him again, but damn he was distracting. 

 “Why? Are you seducible?” Viktor grazed his fingers up her arms, sending a shiver down her spine. He growled, “What kind of apology do you want, Desiree?” 

Desi put on a show of thinking through her options. “Both.” 

“Greedy. Your room or mine?” 

“Mine.” She had him now. Desi pushed off the wall and looped her pinky finger around his. He dutifully walked behind her, like a dog called to heel. She led him to the elevator and the trap waiting above. Okay, Riley, she thought. Your turn. 

Desi stopped at the room next door to the suite the team was using as home base and made sure Viktor was paying close attention as she slid the room key from her bra. His eyes glazed a bit, still a sucker for little things like that. Desi opened the door and waved him through. “After you.” She gave him a wicked smile, the first genuine one of their encounter. 

Not suspecting a thing--What an idiot, Desi thought--Viktor Petrov strolled into the room and found himself face to face with a scarily cold and calculating Riley, who, as far as he knew, was American businesswoman and heiress Danika Jackson. He quickly hid his surprise beneath a mask of neutrality. Lounging in a chair, Riley looked infinitely, gloriously bored. 

“I see you’ve met my bodyguard,” Riley said cooly. 

Viktor didn’t miss a beat. “Bodyguard, you say? Seems like a boring job for someone of your--” he glanced at Desi “--background.” Desi kept her face blank. He was Riley’s problem now. 

Riley began, “Mr. Petrov, as a successful businessman, I’m sure you already know that eventually, people like us outgrow the people around us. So, we must continually surround ourselves with the very best.” Riley looked him dead in the eye, cold and unfeeling. “There’s no point in carrying dead weight to the top.” She gestured to Desi. “She is far from dead weight. Besides, the private sector pays better.” Viktor didn’t notice, but Desi saw how Riley pressed her heels firmer into the floor, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. The little movement was the only sign of the Riley she knew beneath the icy exterior. 

Viktor looked a little uneasy, but he definitely wasn’t scared of the woman before him. But, by the time Riley was done with him, he would be. Riley’s eyes ignited, recognizing the challenge. 

“Now, about your little locket chip scam.” 

*****

Mac and Bozer didn’t know where this cold, calculating, and slightly insane Riley came from. They rarely got glimpses of the business side to Artemis37, but here she was, in the flesh. Mac watched the scene unfold on the computer screen, equally in awe and terrified of her. 

A woman to be feared. 

She made Matty the Hun look like a kitten. If she could see this, Matty would be proud of her. 

There was no sign of their Riley behind that cold stare. Her fingers drummed the arm of her chair. To his credit, Petrov didn’t cower. In fact, he was starting to look a little too comfortable, which was about to be a problem. 

Perhaps he needed a...demonstration. Something to make him squirm a little. 

Mac’s idea was a terrible one, and Riley would probably shoot him for it later, but it was still an idea, and Mac was pretty sure it would work. Even if he damned himself in the process. 

He just hoped she’d sincerely meant it when she said the surprise closet kiss was okay. 

“Stay here,” he said, walking to the door. 

Bozer made a face. “Okay?” Mac didn’t say anything else as the door clicked behind him. 

If Petrov was half as smart as Desi made him out to be, then he’d be monitoring footsteps in the hallway. He’d immediately know it was a set-up if Mac walked straight next door to the room Riley and Desi had Petrov cornered in. Mac forced himself to walk past the room--past Riley--to the stairwell on the opposite end of the hall, taking his time descending to three floors below. He could hear Riley’s half of the conversation over comms, but Petrov wasn’t close enough to either woman for their comms to pick up his voice. 

Mac fixated on the cold arrogance in Riley’s tone as he strode for the elevator. There wasn’t a shred of the woman he’d come to know and love in it, like she’d turned her emotions off as easily as flicking a light switch. He shivered. 

The elevator took its sweet time arriving, and in the meantime, Riley had some choice words about Pierre. The doors opened, revealing a middle-aged couple already inside. They scowled when they noticed he pressed the button for just three floors above. Mac flashed them an innocent smile. 

Mac stepped out of the elevator onto his floor, bracing himself for what he was about to do. He took heavier steps than normal, ensuring Petrov wouldn’t recognize the same pattern from before. Riley confided, once, that as a kid she would learn the pattern of people’s footsteps so she was never caught unaware. By footsteps alone, she knew who was walking down the hall--her mom, Elwood, even Jack. The variations in their gaits, she’d said, said a lot about their current state. For example, her dad’s steps normally were unhurried, but when Elwood’s walk turned heavy and prowling, it was her first warning to find somewhere to hide. And cover her ears. 

Mac’s heart snapped when Riley confessed she still did it, mostly out of habit. He swore right then and there that his kids--and hers, for that matter--would never need to learn that skill, for any reason. 

Mac swiped his key card and walked right in, ignoring Desi standing by the door in her disco ball dress. Petrov stood in the middle of the room, a healthy distance away from both women, with his hands in his pockets. He had the casual posture of a man who was used to being the most powerful person in a room. The man exuded wealth, from his perfectly tailored suit to his immaculate leather shoes. 

And then Mac saw Riley. 

The video feed he’d been watching didn’t do her justice. She lounged in an antique chair like it was her throne, the hotel suite her court. Her navy blue gown pooled at her feet, and her black acrylic nails gave the illusion of claws or talons drumming the armrests, not human fingers. 

Mac dragged his gaze higher. 

Her hair tumbled down her bare shoulders, no longer wild and windswept. No, this Riley was a far cry from the woman who’d cackled while speeding down foreign streets in a stolen Lamborghini convertible. This Riley was polished, cold, and looked like she was debating skinning Petrov alive. 

Her dark eyes, usually so full of laughter and compassion, held the vast, black emptiness of the space between stars. They were black holes, consuming everything in their path. 

She was otherworldly, predatory, and very, very sexy. 

Mac started to banish the thought from his brain, but he reconsidered. He was here to play the role of scandalous boyfriend, after all. 

He let every more-than-friendly thought he’d ever had about Riley turn his expression ravenous. Musings and memories of her flashed in his mind. The way her laugh warmed him from the inside out. The way she sat too close and furrowed her brow while she thoroughly beat him at any and every video game. The way her ass looked in one of the bazillion pairs of skin-tight jeans she owned. 

He didn’t care if she saw the truth in his eyes. Didn’t care if she read his feelings like a book. 

Some part of him wanted her to see the truth of it all, glimmering just underneath the fake-boyfriend façade. 

Mac wanted her to see how he never wanted to be with anyone else when shit hit the fan. How their middle-of-the-night fridge meetings were the only thing holding him together sometimes. How he was brimming with pride every time she improvised, whether in the field or at home. How one of her smiles made all coherent thoughts vanish from his head. How he’d wanted to ravish her the moment she dragged him into that damn closet. How--

Petrov cleared his throat. 

Mac blinked slowly and slid his gaze to the mob boss, feigning surprise. “Oh! I didn’t realize you had company. My apologies.” Riley’s eyes glittered like she knew just how not-sorry Mac was. 

He changed his mind. They weren’t just pools of darkness between stars. Those eyes contained the whole fucking universe. Black holes, galaxies, supernovas, and everything in between. 

He stalked toward her, trying to convey his plan with just his eyes. For a brief second, understanding flashed in her eyes before a cruel smile curled her lips--practically the first time all night they were on the same page. Mac revealed his relief for only a split second. He mouthed, Can I kiss you? Riley tilted her jaw, baring her neck to him. She didn’t need to utter a single word for him to understand. Make Petrov squirm, but don’t ruin my lipstick this time. 

It killed Mac to do this to her twice, but he didn’t have a better plan. He hadn’t touched her at all since the closet, as if that would ever make up for what he did. Now here he was, silently begging her to re-enact the closet scene. He didn’t know what that made him. A douchebag, most likely. 

Playing like this was like dangling their real feelings over a blazing inferno, hoping they didn’t do any irreversible damage. At least this time, Mac had Riley’s consent. If she said no, he would’ve found some other way to get under Petrov’s skin. 

Bracing his hands on Riley’s forearms, Mac pressed featherlight kisses to her neck. His thumb brushed a thin scar he didn’t know she had. Lingering traces of her perfume filled his nose, his lungs. He trailed his lips across her skin, searching for her pulse. Upon finding it, he pressed his lips firmly against her neck, reveling in the sensation of her blood roaring beneath his mouth. 

His blood roared alongside hers. This is just a game, he reminded himself. A power play to disarm Petrov. He nipped her skin, then soothed the small hurt with his tongue. Her breath hitched. Mac’s self-control hung by a thread. Riley was intoxicating, and getting drunk on her and losing his head would only land them in even more trouble. 

He pulled back. “I’m going to take a shower. Feel free to join me when you’re done here.” Mac winked. 

“If you want me against a wall, Damon, I’d much rather it be somewhere you can fuck me hard enough to make the paintings fall off.” 

Riley wore a mask of quiet, glittering amusement, but it was all Mac could do not to combust on the spot. He couldn’t believe she said that. He’d started this little game, and she always played to win, but...shit. 

This woman was going to bring him to his fucking knees. 

With as much bravado as he could muster, he replied, “We can do both.” Mac pressed a chaste kiss to the back of her hand before walking into the bathroom, closing the door, and taking the coldest shower of his life. 

*****

Petrov squirmed like a worm on a hook while he was forced to watch her and Mac’s little show. The way Mac had practically fucked her with his eyes made Riley want to squirm too. But, like, good squirming. Maybe even the kind that ended with her head thrown back and sheets clenched between her fingers. 

But, Danika Jackson didn’t squirm. Her heart didn’t feel like it was about to explode. She didn’t have to memorize every press of her man’s lips against her neck, because for her, this moment was real and would happen again. She needed to be Danika, who was calm and cunning, not Riley, whose heart was breaking, because this was just a game, and Mac meant none of it. 

That quick kiss on her hand nearly undid her. Petrov, thankfully, had been too busy staring at the floor to catch the cracks in her façade. She focused back on Petrov, pretending her heart wasn’t pounding and her brain wasn’t short circuiting. 

Riley stared at him, putting on a show of contemplating throwing him out right then and there so she could join Mac in the shower. It wasn’t hard. She was definitely thinking about it. 

Finally, she got back to the matter at hand. “As I was saying, I don’t appreciate you kidnapping my employee or trying to pull a fast one on someone clearly smarter than you.” She paused. “Why.” It was a command, not a question. 

Petrov glanced at Desi. “What has she told you about me?” He almost sounded nervous. A bit of Riley’s terror eased, but only a bit. You’ve got this, she reminded herself. 

“Everything. I know about the career that makes you happy, the career that pays the bills, and I know about your little black market spy collective, although I was surprised to learn your products aren’t as high quality as advertised.” Riley sneered. This was a gamble, she knew, showing her hand like this. She really hoped it paid off. 

Petrov snapped his head to Desi, looking vaguely horrified. “You knew about that?” Desi gave him a not-so-innocent shrug. 

Before he could say anything else, Riley continued. “Why is your collective watching me and my company, Mr. Petrov?”

He shifted his weight from one foot to another, clearly debating something in his head. “I wasn’t actually watching you at all,” he conceded. “I believe there is a mole in my operation, a spy.” 

Riley arched an eyebrow. “Interesting.” Behind him, Desi narrowed her eyes. 

“I made sure knowledge of the sale fell on select ears and waited to see which agency made an appearance. And sure enough, none other than my favorite spy shows up.” He smirked at Desi. 

“Ex-spy,” Riley corrected. “Although, I have been known to use her skills when I need information, or something done under the radar, if you catch my drift.” She knew what he was doing. Petrov made a calculated risk in revealing his potential mole problem. One slip-up on her part and he could easily connect the dots between his CIA mole and them. The best she could do now was convince him that she--and Desi--were just as shady and well-connected as him. “I assume you are responsible for the building being on lockdown?” 

“Can’t have my customers running away without paying, now can I?” She’d caught him off guard before, but he was back on his game now. Dammit. 

“Here’s the deal. You will call off your dogs and let us and everyone else leave the hotel, and in exchange I will return your locket and won’t expose you as a fraud.” He scoffed. “I am a woman of my word, Mr. Petrov.” 

“And if I don’t agree?” 

Her response was out of her mouth before Riley even knew what she was saying. “Then I will use my recording of this conversation to clone your voice and command your men to stand down myself before throwing your useless body out the window and taking bets on which direction your blood will spray when you splatter on the pavement.” Riley stared him down, swallowing her horror at her gruesome threat. She was pretty sure she was going to puke the second he was out of the room. 

“Very well,” he agreed, taken aback. Petrov cast a nervous glance in Desi’s direction. There was no pity in her smoldering eyes. None. 

Riley pulled the locket out of her bra and dangled it from her hand, waiting. Petrov took the hint and quickly made a phone call. “I have the locket. Stand down.” Satisfied, Riley handed him the locket in dismissal. 

She wasn’t going to say anything more, but the entitled way he raked his gaze up Desi’s body on his way out the door had Riley opening her mouth one more time, just to piss him off. “Good luck with your mole problem, Viktor.” 

The door shut, and seconds later a nod from Desi confirmed he’d walked down the hall and was out of earshot. 

Walking in on Mac be damned, Riley sprinted into the bathroom and hurled her guts into the toilet. 

#beth writes #riley+sunglasses+undercover #macgyver #macriley #mac x riley #angus macgyver #riley davis #macgyver fanfiction

[buckthegrump]

Why Can’t I Say That I’m In Love?

Summary: As a young girl you went into town with your parents to see the villagers. That's where you met one little boy who would change your life and your heart. But as the princess of the kingdom, there are things that are expected of you. Falling in love with the baker’s son is not one of them. Baker!Bucky x Princess!Reader

Word Count: 3505

Warnings: Angst, a little bit of fluff,

A/n: This is my entry for @daffodilsbucky​ ‘s writing challenge my prompt was Royal AU and yes I did just post a different royal AU and no I’m not going to stop 

It started when you were young. No more than eight years of age. Your parents had taken you from the castle into town, it was a tradition for the royal family to go and visit amongst the commoners at least once a month. It was supposed to show the subjects that the royals were relatable.

You had been excited to go and see other kids. The castle was a lonely place for a young princess. You’d really only met one or two kids that weren’t royalty. One of them just so happened to be your best friend Natasha. 

The royal governess was accompanying you because your parents would need the extra help keeping an eye on you. And it would give you a special opportunity to have some hands-on learning.

It was a perfect autumn day when your family went into town, well the weather was perfect. As it would turn out the act of going into town and being amongst the commoners was rather boring when you’re eight and not allowed to play with any of the other kids.

That is until you reached the bakery.

“Mr. Barnes,” your father greeted the baker, “I have a request if you could -”

You stopped paying attention as your father spoke with the baker and his wife. You looked over to the end of the counter that held all cakes and pastries to find a boy half-hidden behind it. After a quick glance to the grown-ups in the room making sure they weren’t paying attention, you snuck over to him.

“Hi,” you whispered to him, “I’m Y/n. What’s your name?”

He stared at you blankly and your heart dropped. He probably didn’t want to be friends with you because you were the princess, or maybe you’d introduced yourself incorrectly.

“I’m Bucky,” his whisper was much quieter than yours had been and you almost missed it but your mom had often said that she was sure you had abnormally great hearing.

“Do you wanna be friends?” You asked.

“Can a princess be friends with a baker’s son?” His brows knitted together in confusion.

You paused. “I don’t know, but even if it’s not allowed I don’t care.”

Bucky looked over at the adults who were still engaged in whatever conversation they were having.

“Ok,” he finally answered, “let’s be friends.”

* * *

You saw Bucky often enough as a child, he would often accompany his father or mother to the castle whenever they had business with the king and queen. More often than not, Y/n was in a lesson when he came around but she’d gotten very good about sneaking around.

But then when the two of you became teenagers and started seriously learning the art of your trade, you barely saw him and when you did it was either in court or at a ball. In your kingdom, the balls that the royals held were open to everyone. So you would catch his eye across the room and he would smile at him.

During court, Bucky would often come to bring you a gift. It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for people of the kingdom to bring a gift, a lot of them did in exchange for a problem to be solved. But Bucky never really had a problem. 

Come his turn, he would approach and hand your parents and you sperate gifts. It was always a pastry and it was always wrapped in some sort of parchment.

Yours was smaller than the king and queens but you didn’t mind a bit for Bucky would always put little decorations on your pastry. Then one day you noticed that the parchment had a note written on it.

I know we are not able to speak privately much anymore, but you are still my friend.

The handwriting was beautiful but you supposed it should be since Bucky decorated cakes. It wasn’t long after that when you realized you were in love with the baker’s son.

* * *

You were walking through the gardens one spring afternoon, it had been raining almost non stop the week before so the lands were especially green. As you walked leisurely along the path, you stumbled into something.

“I’m so sorry your highness,” came a familiar voice. You looked at who you’d run into to find Bucky. “Forgive me I did not see you approaching.”

“The fault is mine, James,” you said with a curtsey, “for I was not paying attention.”

“Your highness -”

“You do not have to be so formal, James,” you looked around the garden, “we are alone.”

“Call me Bucky and I will,” he bargained.

“Are you trying to barter with a princess?”

Bucky smiled and turned away a blush creeping onto his face. “It would seem so.”

“I agree to your terms, Bucky.”

“And how are you today, Y/n?” You almost forgot to answer. The way he said your name had your heart beating at a rate that could not be healthy.

“Splendid, it’s a lovely day outside. After the winter we had, I was unsure if I would ever be able to walk outside again without multiple furs on.”

“I can’t imagine that the castle gets that cold,” he teased.

His blue eyes were sparkling, you weren’t aware that eyes could sparkle like that. Or maybe that was just something that was specific to him.

“I was more referring to the stables.”

Bucky frowned slightly. “Why were you in the stables?”

“I had to help tend to the horses, one of the stable boys broke his leg and they would’ve been understaffed and forced to stay much later than necessary. So I helped.”

“I can’t imagine that tending to the horses is a job for a princess.”

“Maybe not,” you conceded, “But I don’t mind the work.”

You stood there with Bucky staring at you and you at him. You wanted to tell him, the words were begging to fall from your lips. But that wouldn’t be fair to him. If a princess confesses her love for someone below her in rank, a few things were likely to happen.

One, the person would take advantage of the princess’s love and abuse it. Two, the person could laugh and walk away calling the princess naive. Or three, (the one you believed to be the most likely in this situation) they would feel obligated to reciprocate the feels despite not having. 

And you weren’t about to have Bucky feel forced into anything, it was probably just a crush because Bucky treated you differently than everyone else. There’s no way it could be love. And even if it was it wasn’t like you would know, having never been in love.

“Thank you for stopping to talk to me your high- Y/n,” he bowed his head not breaking eye contact with you, “I hope to see you again soon.”

“The pleasure was all mine, Bucky. I do hope you and your family are planning to bake the cakes for the upcoming ball,” you smirked at him, “It is my birthday you know.”

“Well of course, who else would make you a honey cake,” he smiled.

“That’s my favorite.”

“Yes, I know.” He bowed again and walked away. 

* * *

“Natasha, there’s no need to worry,” you said as your friend helped you with your corset, “it is merely a small infatuation.”

Natasha snorted, very unladylike but you found it funny. “Please don’t try and lie to me. I’ve seen the way you look at each other. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“James would never -”

“He may not mean to, Y/n. But because you love him, you give him the power to,” she said in a low voice. 

She was one of the only people who had the fortitude to forgo your title in favor of your name regularly. She never did it in front of other people but it’d taken you years to convince Bucky to do the same. 

“I do not know what you mean by that, Natasha,” you lied.

“I am talking about the fact that after this birthday you will be courted by men all across the land who hope to have your hand in marriage. And James may not take to kindly to you being pursued by prince after prince. Especially since he will never get the chance to.”

Natasha was right, she normally was but you had gotten into the habit of not telling her that or her ego might not fit into the castle any longer. Your 21st birthday was right around the corner and then it would be time for you to find a husband so when the crown was passed along to you, you would have someone to rule with you.

And you understood why a union between two different kingdoms would be advantageous. But you were apprehensive of the notion that you would have to marry someone that you’d only met a few times before. Not to mention that you would be married before you actually got to know them, it seemed idiotic that this was customary.

“Well, I think you will find that he is not in love with me.” You put your arms up and Natasha helped you into your dress. “He’s never giving me any indication that he is.”

Natasha sighed theatrically. “Y/n, that’s because he’s afraid that you don’t fell the same way.”

You quickly changed the subject to something else as you finished getting ready for the ball.

* * *

The ball was in full swing and you’d already danced with two dukes or lords or whatever they’d called themselves. Both of them had stepped on your feet as you danced and one had commented on how quaint it was that you enjoyed tending to the horses. 

When your mother had asked if you liked either of them you gave her a disgusted look, which she laughed at quietly, then told you to keep your face neutral.

The festivities were nowhere near over but you’d snuck out for a moment as you’d done many times before. You walked to a room a few doors away from the grand hall. It was quiet but you could still hear the band playing faintly.

“You know,” a voice said from the doorway and you spun around only to find the one person you actually wanted to see. “It’s considered bad form for the princess to leave her own ball.”

“But it’s so boring,” you whined.

“Y/n, it’s your birthday ball,” Bucky reasoned. He was leaning against the archway in his trousers and nicest shirt with a formal coat over it.

“My birthday isn’t for a few more days, and that doesn’t change the fact that it’s boring me.”

“Well, what would you suggest we do about that?” 

“I might have more fun if I got to dance with the someone I actually want to dance with,” you admitted.

Bucky smiled at you and pushed himself off the wall. He walked towards you as the band continued to play their lively tune, once he got to you he held out his hand which you gladly took. As if the band knew what was going on, they switched to a slower song.

Bucky wrapped one hand around your waist and held your hand in the other. You place your free hand on his shoulder and he spun you around the room. 

The world seemed to melt away and it was just the two of you dancing. Even if the room hadn’t been empty, you wouldn’t have noticed. Hell, someone could walk in on you and Bucky and you probably wouldn’t notice. 

The song ended and Bucky pulled away from you. You dropped your hands to your sides and watched him carefully. 

“Thank you for indulging me with a dance, your highness.” And with that, he bowed before exiting the room, leaving you alone.

The rest of the ball droned on, you almost fell asleep standing up multiple times. The only thing that was keeping you awake was your thoughts of Bucky. After that dance, you couldn’t help but wonder if Natasha had been right and he did have feelings for you.

* * *

Two years passed since your 21st birthday, and your parents were still trying to find you a suitor.

It was becoming hard for them to find someone for you to even look at without your face twisting into disgust when you’d already found someone. Not that anyone other than Natasha knew your true feelings.

Bucky didn’t even know, but that was because you hadn’t told him. And you weren’t sure that you ever would.

Over the two years, your parents held countless balls. All of which you’d snuck out of just to have one dance with Bucky. He always met you in the same place and held you close no matter the tempo or style of song the band was playing.

It was only ever for one song, and it never felt long enough. Words were rarely ever spoken between the two of you and when they were it was a simple greeting. If a full conversation was made you would slip up and tell him.

But what good would telling him do? You were to marry a prince or duke. And telling Bucky of your true feelings would only end badly for one or both of you. So you stayed quiet. You enjoyed what little time you got with him.

* * *

Prince Peter Quill. That was who had been spending a fortnight at your palace. He was planning on proposing, you could feel it.

You were just hoping and praying that he wouldn’t do it at a ball because you had no intention of saying yes. It wasn’t like his kingdom was the strongest one in the land and it would be what was best for your people. Quite the opposite actually.

Luckily, Peter had the good sense to propose in a private setting before a ball your parents had set up in hopes that you would say yes. 

When he got down on one knee and asked in the most unimaginative way if you would marry him you asked if you could think about it. He agreed and you ran off to hide in a tower.

Bucky was in the room you’d gone to hide in.

“Apologies, your majesty,” Bucky bowed his head, “I thought I would be alone up here.”

“No, James, I thought the same but you were here first so I will leave -”

“Nonsense,” he cut you off, “this is your home. I’m only here to bake the cakes for tonight.”

He began to leave but stopped when he was right next to you, he looked over at you. You were clearly distressed and it seemed like he had something to say.

“May I speak candidly?” He asked.

“Do you fear that I would ever punish you for what you say to me?”

“No, but I felt that would be warning enough for what I’m about to say may not be what you want to hear.” He closed the door that you’d opened turned so he was fully facing you and you did the same.

“Bucky -” you whispered but he held up his hand.

“This is not my place but I feel I should tell you. And I need to do so before you are promised to another. I am not fooling myself by thinking that what I am about to say will change what you are going to say to the prince.”

He stopped and shifted on his feet and you felt all the air leave your lungs.

“I am in love with you. Honestly, I fell in love with you a long time ago and if I had been smart I would’ve stopped coming to the balls and dancing with you because I know it’s going to hurt when you tell me that you aren’t in love with me. But I’m selfish. I enjoyed the fantasy that I’d made up in my head that you could possibly love me too. But I’m but a baker’s son. I’m sorry to burden you with these truths but I would never forgive myself if I took it to my grave. Y/n Y/l/n, I love you.”

Bucky bowed his head slightly and rushed out the door. You were stunned, so much so that you couldn’t speak or move. It felt like a lifetime before you remembered to breathe again.

For a brief moment, you smiled to yourself. He loved you. You reveled in that fact before the reality of your situation kicked in.

You needed to talk to your parents.

* * *

Bucky was pacing around his house, he still lived with his parents and little sisters since he had not yet taken a wife. Everyone in the village kept asking why he didn’t just pick one of the many women who fawned over him. He did not have the courage to tell them that he only had eyes for one.

And now he’s confessed his feelings to the princess, who was probably laughing at him to that prince who looked to become king of this land. 

Gods, he was a fool. Now he would have to leave this kingdom and find refuge in another. 

The door to the cottage opened. He wasn’t expecting to find you when he turned around but that’s who was there. You were in a simple green frock, but your hair looked ready for the ball in a few hours.

“Your majesty, if this is about earlier -” he began but you held up your finger cutting him off.

“After your declaration, I spoke to my parents.” Bucky’s breath got caught in his throat in fear of what you would do to him. He knew he should’ve just said nothing. “And as it would appear, when you are the only heir to the throne people actually listen to you. It is probably a good thing I didn’t figure this out sooner or I would’ve abused that power.”

“Princess -”

“You need to stop cutting me off,” you said sternly and Bucky snapped his mouth closed. “I turned down Prince Peter’s proposal. For more than one reason. When I was younger my mother always told me that when the time came for me to marry I should find a prince that would kneel to propose. Not one of the princes or lords that have asked me has done so.”

Your tongue darted out to wet your lips before you continued.

“Then when I spoke to my mother today, she told me that if I was not to marry anyone with a title I should at least find someone I trusted enough to rule alongside me.”

This was it, Bucky thought to himself, this is the rejection.

“And I cannot expect something from others if I am not willing to do the same. My parents once told me that I was never to bow or kneel before anyone who was below me in rank.” You took a deep breath before lowering yourself to your knees.

“Y/n,” Bucky's voice was barely audible. 

“James Barnes, you have never let me down. You have been nothing but kind to me since I met you. You said that you were being selfish all those times you danced with me but it was I who was the selfish one, at any point, I could’ve stopped. But those dances were and continue to be the best part of the balls.”

“What are you doing?”

“And I continue to be selfish even now. I went to my parents and convinced them that marrying me off to someone outside the kingdom wouldn’t be best for the people, because I’ve already found the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me?” You asked. You looked up at him, eyes wide with fear.

Bucky walked over to where you were kneeling before him and mirrored your position. He took your hand in his.

“Typically the man proposes to the woman,” he whispered.

“If you had proposed it would’ve been under the pretense that I would have to give up my crown and something tells me that you wouldn’t do that.” You squeezed his hand. “But that’s not an answer. I understand if you say no, for I’m not just asking you to marry me. I’m also asking you to become king.”

“I would do anything if it meant I got to be with you.” He smiled brightly at you. “Of course I’ll marry you.”

Unable to control yourself you lunged forward and kissed him. He didn’t hesitate to kiss you back, cupping your face with his hand.

You pulled away and he whined at the loss of contact. 

“I didn’t get you a ring,” you muttered.

“You can have my grandmother’s ring,” he said as he stroked your cheek with his thumb.

“Usually the person who proposes provides the ring.”

Bucky chuckled. “Yes, well, there are a lot of things unusual about us.”

“Yes,” you agreed, “I suppose there are.”

#daffodilsbucky1k #Bucky Barnes x Reader #Bucky Barnes AU #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x you #baker!bucky

[tiaragqueen]

Gemütlichkeit

✂ Pairing: Yandere! Zen x Reader

✂ Word Count: 1,1k+

✂ Trigger Warnings: Possessive behavior, implied manipulation, yandere theme.

[Edited]

***

With graduation drawing near, I’ll no longer able to update as often as I used to not to mention I have to combat my perfectionism too. I can’t promise you anything, but May should be the time where I can be active again. I hope you understand and wish me luck!

If you like my writing, please support me on ko-fi!

“You're lonely, sending a mayday. Cause you may blame, call me babe. I know that now you should better fall.” - You’re Mine [Raving George]

You were never really close to any of the stars, especially Zen. The distinct gap in salaries and fame didn’t pose a problem to you as much as your discomfort when socializing with them. Being a newbie, you were still familiarizing yourself with the new environment and the characters of the people within. You also had gotten attached to the three girls who had assisted you during your first day by conducting a brief tour around the building and giving some general ‘advice’, which included avoiding the actors to prevent the unsavory rumors from circulating. You took the suggestion to heart and had worked hard to elude them as though they were a plague, fully disregarding the hidden motives behind the girls' seeming benevolence.

But Zen's tenacity to flirt with you proved to be troublesome, if not disconcerting. You couldn’t fathom his abrupt interest towards you, or what sparked it in the first place. Sure, you were probably the youngest employee in there, but the fact remained deficient. How could a man be attracted to someone just because of their age? The idea alone sounded too absurd for you.

And now he dared to invite you to a high-class restaurant under the guise of an emergency text. You didn’t even know how and where did he get your number.

“Why am I here?”

You exerted a half-assed effort to conceal your exasperation and trouble and grumbled. The whole atmosphere was pacific and sensual, befitting the dusky sky through the glass. In contrast to the elegant theme and his immaculate suit, you wore a plain tank top and jeans. The judgmental glances that you sporadically received from other patrons also served to heighten your sense of embarrassment and alienation.

“Don’t you like it?” Zen asked, smiling artlessly as if he hadn’t tricked you into coming earlier. “I heard girls love eating in expensive restaurants, so I went ahead and reserved a spot for us.”

“What makes you think I want to eat here?” you inquired sullenly. While you wouldn’t deny the prospect of going out to places you could normally gaze from the distance was nice, you also wouldn’t deny that this was a bit too good to be true.

Because how would he know that you’d been wanting to visit this restaurant when you barely even talked to him?

Zen shrugged. “Just a hunch, I guess. Besides, I can see my handsome face clearly from this glass. The workers did a great job of cleaning the place.”

Bullshit, you squinted warily.

“Zen-seonbae, I don’t appreciate you fooling me. I truly thought you were in danger earlier.”

“It’s not like you have anything better to do, anyway,” he replied coolly, pouring red wine on to the glasses. It hadn’t even grazed the territory of a trained waiter, but you presumed that this wasn’t the first time he drank wine, nor was it the first time he served drink for anyone – if his mannerism was anything to go by.

Maybe his job required him to perfect the art of pouring wine properly and smoothly and you were discerning too far into trivial things.

“Your… ‘friends’ exclude you from their plans again, right? So, you should have an empty schedule tonight. Besides…” Pushing one of the glasses towards you, Zen intertwined his fingers and rested his chin on them. “Do you really want to pass up a chance to eat with an attractive man like me?”

The chill of the night glided through the ventilation and draped your body like an invisible coat. His face stayed casual, yet the calculative glint that lurked within those ruby irises made you wonder how deep his knowledge over your life truly was.

“They didn’t exclude me.” Feeling an ebullient need to hide the dejection, you insisted otherwise.

He slowly smiled and chuckled. “Your lying face is so cute, you know?” Sighing, Zen cocked his head and gazed at you dreamily. “But there’s no point in covering the truth, don’t you think?”

It was true. Those girls weren’t your close friends, by any means. Just a group of colleagues that you were closer with due to your tendency of being attached to anyone who assisted or possessed an amiable demeanor, even if they later proved to be far from pleasant. That was the reason you always strived for their approval because you didn’t know how to truly open up to strangers and you tended to make do with what was available.

It was true, and that was why it hurt. It hurt to learn that your efforts went unnoticed by your seniors. It hurt to realize that, at the end of the day, you were merely a junior – or worse – a stranger to their close-knit group. It hurt to know that he was right, and as he said, there was no point in covering the truth.

The maroon tablecloth suddenly became your object of interest. “How did you know, anyway?”

“Well, it’s pretty obvious. How you’re always chasing them because you don’t have other friends to talk to. I know you’re new in the industry, and I know that you’re still getting used to the environment, but I think you’re just generally a shy person and that hinders your ability to socialize.”

Was it really that obvious? Or did you just lack introspection?

“But that’s okay!” Zen beamed. “You don’t have to rely on them because you have me now.”

Your heart began to pump faster despite his goodwill. “What do you mean?” you inquired.

Deliberately overlooking your tensed posture, he calmly twirled his glass. “I know you’ve been warned by them to avoid us actors, and I understand that. But we’re not a plague, you know? We’re humans with feelings, and just like any other humans, not all of us are bad.”

When you displayed no response, Zen glanced to his right and continued.

“What I want you to know is that you can trust me. I will never jeopardize our relationship and I won’t forsake you.”

Following his line of sight, you spied the girls chatting and laughing jubilantly down below. Streaks of red bloomed on their faces, indicating their recent drinks.

“You can never break a bond that has been tested through time.” he mused. “And it's hard to change the bond that has been established long ago.”

You averted your gaze and noticed a palm lied flat on the table.

“But we can start creating one now; a bond where you won’t be forgotten and where your efforts will be recognized. You’ll like that, won’t you?”

Fully disregarding the hidden motives behind his seeming benevolence, you swallowed your hunch and placed your palm atop his.

“… Okay.”

#yandere mysme au #mysme yandere #yandere mystic messenger #yandere mysme #mysme yandere au #Yandere zen #Yandere hyun ryu #Yandere zen x reader #Yandere hyun ryu x reader #zen x reader #hyun ryu x reader #yandere scenario #yandere imagine #yandere oneshot

[koltarmi]

Accustomed to Your Presence - Chapter 2

Notes: Chapter 2 of my reed900 Jane Austen AU. Life has been crazy and for some reason, my draft deleted, so sorry for the delay! Once again, thanks to AJ in the Octopunk Media discord for beta-reading. Title is from Sense and Sensibility.

Read it here or on AO3

Summary: Gavin arrives at Hargrove House and meets the new neighbours.

Chapter 2: “It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy; — it is disposition alone.”

Hargrove House is as imposing as he remembers it. The term house truly did not capture the air of grandioseness Gavin could feel suffocating him the moment the mansion came within his sight. 

The doors to the rented coach are hardly open half an inch before he spots his aunt beaming at him.

“Gavin, you’ve become such a handsome man!” Lady Maria Kamski pulled him into a tight embrace. 

He had wondered how long it would take before the ass-kissing began. It seemed his aunt was ready from the get go. Patting the older woman on the back, she finally let go when the young woman behind her spoke up. 

“Mother, please contain yourself and release our dearest cousin. He did not survive Napoleon’s forces just to be suffocated by you.” 

Ada, the bright-eyed and blonde-haired little girl he knew at 18, had grown up. She stood before them and the slightest smirk that graced her lips betrayed her otherwise stoic expression. From her dry tone, it was clear she had been instructed by her mother to be complimentary. Gavin, at the very least, could appreciate her subtlety when it came to the art of flattery. 

“Let’s not stand here any longer,” Maria said. “I’ll call for some tea. We have so much to catch up on.” 

As they were seated in the drawing room, Gavin realized their small party was missing a smug presence.  

“Where’s Elijah?” he asked. “Don’t tell me he’s pacing in the study and having philosophical debates with himself again.” 

Maria laughed as if he had told the funniest joke in the world. “Oh no,” she sighed, her face growing somber. “Since my dear Sir Henry passed, god bless his soul, Elijah has been so busy overseeing the transfer of everything. He’s currently on his way to Antigua to deal with some unpleasantness at the sugar plantations.” 

He had been ready to give the older woman the benefit of the doubt. After all, he wasn’t the only victim of Sir Henry’s unruly temper, but Gavin’s jaw clenched tightly at her words.  

He huffed as the tea was brought into the room. “Unpleasantness? That’s a funny way of saying people fighting against their forced enslavement.” 

Maria froze as she stuttered to find the right words to say. “I...um…Well-” 

“Ma’am, Lord Connor Stern and Doctor Stern are here,” Johnson, the butler, announced. 

Pleased that she no longer had to explain herself, Maria rose as the footsteps of her two guests echoed through the foyer. “Oh, it seems with the excitement of your arrival, I completely forgot that we were expecting visitors. Gavin, I must introduce you to them.”  

Following suit, Gavin stood up from his seat to greet his aunt’s stuffy rich friends. He was taken aback at first when he found himself looking at two identical young men. His aunt’s snobby friends were identical twins no less. 

No, upon closer inspection while the two men had similar features there were slight subtleties Gavin noticed. The taller of the two brothers sported a stoic expression which only served to make his features look even more sharp and severe. In contrast, the shorter man possessed an air of levity apparent in the fine lines around his eyes and mouth that indicated he smiled often.

After Ada and Maria dipped into polite curtsies, Maria walked towards the men with a smile full of motherly affection on her face. 

“Lord Stern and Doctor Stern. Lovely to see the both of you. You remember my daughter, Ada, of course?” 

The shorter of the two men nodded and easily grinned back. “Yes, it’s a pleasure to see you and Mrs. Myers.” 

It was only then that Gavin noticed the gold band on Ada’s ring finger.

“It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my dear nephew, Captain Gavin Reed. He’s just returned from the war and was gracious enough to grant us a visit.” 

The shorter man stepped forward and approached to shake Gavin’s hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.” 

The taller man also offered his hand. His piercing grey eyes reminded Gavin of terrible storms that had the power to destroy ships and throw men overboard. “Thank you for your service,” the taller man said, his voice was the slightest octave lower than his brother.

Suppressing a chill down his spine Gavin nodded and took a much needed step back. “It was my pleasure.” 

“I was quite disheartened to hear the news of your mother’s passing. Amanda was a dear friend and she’ll be terribly missed,” Maria interjected. “How are you feeling, Lord Stern?”

The shorter man nodded, his smile transforming into a thin line. “It’s been hard on the both of us,” he replied, gesturing to his brother who stood beside him. “I’m sure you understand. I can’t imagine Sir Henry’s passing was easy to deal with. However, Mother wouldn’t want us to focus on such maudlin subjects, would she?” 

“You’re quite right,” Maria agreed enthusiastically. “If you’re not in a rush, you should join us for tea.” 

“We wouldn’t want to intrude,” replied the brother who had to be Doctor Stern.

“Nonsense! Sit down and I’ll call for more,” she said. She gestured for Lord Stern to sit down in the spot she previously occupied beside Ada as she moved to a chair. Meaning the only available spot for the doctor was beside Gavin.

The moment they sat down, Maria began peppering the two of them with a variety of questions ranging from the details of their lodgings in Hertfordshire to some bits of London gossip she had caught wisps of. As they continued chatting, Gavin lightly tapped his finger against the tea saucer to keep his restlessness at bay. 

“Sorry to interrupt,” said Doctor Stern. “But I remember you mentioned having some magnolia trees planted in the garden. The weather is pleasant today and I would like to see the tree while they’re in full bloom.” 

Given the opportunity to show off the lavish home, Maria Kamski’s face brightened suddenly. “What an excellent idea! I’m afraid you’ll have to go out without me. Too much sun gives me the most terrible headaches, but Ada will give you a wonderful tour of our grounds. Gavin, dear, your room will be ready by the time you come in if you want to rest or change before supper.” 

“Will I be sleeping in the attic again? I think I left a book of mine up there.” 

At the confused looks of the two brothers’ faces, Maria laughed nervously. “Oh, you’re so funny, Gavin. You’ll be staying in a guest room, of course.” 

Putting on his most smug smile, Gavin replied, “Amazing what a title and money can get you.” Impatient to get outside, he walked towards the back doors that led to the garden. 

He enjoyed the fresh air and warm afternoon sun for a few quiet moments before the rest joined him outside. 

“The magnolia trees are further back in the gardens,” Ada said. “But we’ve made a few improvements here and there, if you would like to see them?” 

While Doctor Stern nodded, Lord Stern replied with an eager grin, “Lead the way, Mrs. Myers.” 

As Ada led them through the garden, Gavin fell several steps behind, taking the opportunity to stretch his limbs after the long carriage ride. However, Doctor Stern noticed his slow steps and slowed down himself to match Gavin’s pace. They walked silently side by side as the distance between them Ada and the other had widened considerably. 

“I presume that you prefer the outdoors, Captain?” the doctor asked. 

Gavin nodded. “I do. The only thing that can stop you out here are the elements.” 

Looking ahead, he noticed Ada stumble, grabbing on to Lord Stern’s arm to steady herself. 

“Your brother seems like a good person. He should be careful around Ada.” 

A curious look appeared on the taller man’s face. “What should he be careful of?” 

“Did you ever get the chance to to meet Sir Henry Kamski?” Gavin asked. 

“No, I did not.” 

“Be glad you didn’t. He was an unpleasant man with a hell of a temper,” Gavin said. “When I left Hargrove, Ada was five years old, but the way she holds herself and the look in her eyes; they all remind me of her father.” 

“You’re quite observant and blunt,” Doctor Stern noted. 

Gavin smirked and the doctor’s word choice. “I might have grown up with the Kamskis, but Sir Henry made it very clear I did not belong at Hargrove. Thought I was too outspoken and defiant,” he said, scratching at the scar on his nose. 

“Since you’ve offered your honest opinion, may I be as bold to offer mine?” 

Gavin nodded. 

“I don’t know if you’re aware of the fact that Mrs. Meyers is widowed. It’s clear Mrs. Kamski wants her to remarry. When my brother and I first arrived, she was equally attentive to both of us, until she discovered Connor,” he gestured at his brother in front of him. “Is older than I and the heir to our father’s fortune.” 

Gavin sighed as he processed the new information. “She is definitely her father’s daughter, calculating mind and all. Did she get your hopes up?” 

Doctor Stern firmly shook his head. “No, not at all. I am a bachelor of my own volition.”

“No one has ever caught your eye before?” 

“I’ve met plenty of pleasant and attractive people,” the doctor said. “None of which I could connect to on an intellectual and emotional level.” 

As the magnolia trees came into their view, Doctor Stern paused in his steps, glancing at Ada and Connor in the distance. 

“Society dictates that we have to be the most amiable versions of ourselves, which is quite frankly something I find draining. I want to thank you for our conversation, Captain Reed,” he said. “It was quite…refreshing. However, I think we should take your advice and catch up with my brother and your cousin.”

Gavin chuckled. He never thought he would be thanked for his lack of propriety. 

“Anytime,” he replied.

#deartfest #reed900 #my writing #gavin reed #rk900 #dbh #detroit evolution #octopunk media

[mrsbhandari]

Artsy as Fuck - Graphite

A/N: Hello!! its been a whole ass brick since I updated this but ive been writing a lot of anime shit and just couldn’t think of anything for this but then I got an idea!! so yeah I hope you like it!!

Word Count: 

Warnings: language, NSFW for the first few paragraphs but after that its kind of angsty?? a lil bit. idk how to write angst so idk if it even counts lmao

Summary: Colt and Roze refuse to confront feelings that arose after their...eventful morning. 

Tag list: 1530

@omgjasminesimone, @edgiestwinter, @bucketofsoup, @donutsgirl36, @desireepow-1986, @lovehugsandcandy, @troublemakerinspace, @client-327

Masterlist

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The steam of the shower was only adding to the clouding of his mind as his hands ran down Roze’s sides, making her shiver despite the heat of the water. 

“To be clear--oh--This means nothing,” she said, moaning as his lips attached to her neck and added to the hickeys there. Colt felt a twinge of sadness, but he didn’t know about what. She moved her hands up to his shoulders and he forgot completely.

“Mhmm.”

“Seriously, Colt, this is just to...relieve tension.”

“Mhmm.”

“Colt, pay atten--oh, yes.” Colt cut her off with a swift bite to the junction of her shoulder and her neck as well as a finger brushing her entrance, sufficiently lubricated from a combination of her own slick and the water. He easily slid two fingers into her, letting a gasp reverberate in the shower as he pressed against her sweet spot. Instantly, her grip tightened on his biceps, tough beneath her touch. Nails embedded themselves into his skin, sure to leave crescent bruises visible when he posed for her class in 20 minutes. 

Remembering his job, Colt quickened his fingers, relishing Roze’s loud gasps against his shoulder as they pressed their chests together. This may just be for ‘tension relieving,’ but damn was it good. Her orgasm hit her and his arm snaked around her waist, holding her up and against him while she moaned in his ear. She rode out her orgasm for a few more seconds before weakly grabbing his wrist and pulling his fingers out, catching her breath as the water cascaded down her back. Pulling away, she rested her hands on Colt’s shoulders, partially to hold herself up and partially to watch him as he raised his fingers to his lips, cleaning them with a long tongue while keeping eye contact with her.

“Delicious.”

“You’re so annoying,” she breathed out, cool facade broken by hitched breaths.

“At least I’m good at fucking, though, right?”

Her mouth barely quirked to a smile before falling back into her neutral pout. She stepped out of the shower without a word. 

“Right?!”

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

It was not the right time to wear a tank top, yet it was all she had. She had thought about asking Colt to borrow one of his shirts, but that seemed too...intimate. For their situation. That’s what she told herself. Secretly, Roze cursed the hot LA weather as well as her expectation that she wasn’t going to do anything with Colt when she met up with him at the garage. 

In all honesty, she knew that sex with Colt was a game-changer--especially sex that good. With sex, there were so many emotions swirling around, ripe for the taking, that it seemed impossible not to fall for him. That stupid smile when he caught her staring, the way his eyes roll back when he came, the dark look in his eye when she got too lippy with him; they all added up to extend the emotions of that heavenly hour into a full-blown relationship, which is not what she needed. Especially with Colt. He agreed. It had been ten minutes since they left the garage, yet she was already thinking about the possibility of next time with him. Internally, she cursed herself again for saying that it meant nothing. But he agreed. 

She ignored the pang of disappointment that found its way into her heart despite her best efforts to separate her feelings from this little...predicament she found herself in. How am I supposed to fake date a person I keep feeling things for? Especially when he’s only using me to avoid a girl.

Said girl walked into the studio, giving Roze and her mosaic of bruises a major side-eye and eye roll. Ingrid’s eyes traveled to Colt, knowing that he should have marks as well, and scoffed at the deep red of the scratches along his shoulders, revealed by his wife beater and clean overalls that were folded over at the waist, much like how it was at the garage. Ingrid couldn’t deny that he looked like he should be June’s picture in a calendar, but she wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of knowing she thought that. 

“Did you have to wear that here?” Roze playfully tugged on one of the sleeves tied around his waist. He was leaning over her easel, looking down at her from where his chin was resting on the wood. 

“Professor told me to wear something and layer it. I’m a mechanic, not a designer.” In reality, the comment about his clothes did hurt him a little, even if it wasn’t meant seriously. He didn’t look as stylish as most of the people in the class, and he definitely didn’t look cool or rich enough to be Roze’s boyfriend. She always looked fresh from an expensive magazine to him; he thought he looked like the search results for ‘mechanic’ at the Spirit Halloween website. He smiled a little at the thought and decided it was a problem to confront another day.

“Well, Kaneko, right now you’re a model.” Roze calling him by his last name only made the memories from an hour ago, already fresh, rush back into his mind. She sent him a smirk that let him know she knew what she made him think about. Their conversation was cut short by more students arriving for the class, prompting Colt to step up on the podium and strike a pose for the class, making sure to drape his clothing in a way they could draw to show the clothing. He felt a little bit more confident in himself with his girlfriend calling him a model, but he tried to keep his face neutral. 

He stood for hours on the podium, but he certainly couldn’t complain as he was standing directly in front of Roze who, in between actually drawing him, spent more of the time making silly faces to get him to laugh and break his resolve. His girlfriend was so cute. 

Except she’s not. The thought hit him like a bag of bricks. This is temporary. You fucked and she said it didn’t mean anything. And why should it? She’s a cool art student, going places. You’re stuck here with no direction. Better to get that through your head now rather than later. This is all fake. His face turned pensive as he stood there, ignoring her cross-eyes in her most recent attempt to make him break. She’s probably just acting to make this whole thing more believable, he reasoned, pushing all thoughts of a real relationship out of his head. Suddenly, all he wanted was for the class to be over. 

His wish was soon granted by the professor clapping his hands together and announcing the class’ end. Before he could leave, Roze gathered her stuff and approached him, wary of the watchful eye Ingrid was casting over them to catch any slip-ups that would indicate any reason to believe that something was amiss.

“Wanna go to lunch? My pick today.” She sent him a sweet smile that he couldn’t help but melt at the sight of. Fuck. Don’t think it means anything. He gave a curt nod and a tight smile in response, ignoring the concern that clouded her eyes. This means nothing.

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

“I’ll pay.” Colt’s eyes flitted to hers across the fancy table as she handed a stack of bills to the waiter, telling him to keep the change as a tip. Colt didn’t want to say that he felt emasculated by Roze paying, because he was perfectly fine with that aspect of it. He did, however, feel poor. Here he was in this nice restaurant (cloth napkins and a mini chandelier for every table? Bougie.) in overalls, trying to brush off the pitying looks that kept getting sent Roze’s way as she sat with him and paid for him with cash. 

They must think it’s a gender-bent Pretty Woman situation. The demons in his head laughed at him, boiling his blood and stirring the pot of deprecating thoughts swirling around his mind. I’m not a charity case. Roze seemed to notice his sudden change in attitude but decided to say nothing about it. 

“How was your risotto?”

“Good.”

“And your chicken?”

“Fine. Little dry.”

“Oh, mine tasted great.”

“Congrats.”

“Ok, fuckwad.” She slammed her cutlery down on her plate and leaned forward, placing her elbows on the table to carry her head on her interlocked fingers. “What’s with you?”

He feigned disinterest. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You were fine this morning and through class, but then you just...shut down.”

“I don’t know why you would care. It’s not like we’re dating or anything.” Colt didn’t know what the fuck he was saying. 

“Are you always this angsty?” The comment surprised him and he looked over to find Roze with her head cocked and an amused shine in her eyes. The sight made one part of him sweat and the other scoff. 

“Why did you bring me here, Roze?”

“I like it here,” she answered without missing a beat. 

“Why?”

“Why are you asking?”

“I want to know.”

#colt kaneko #colt x mc #colt choices #colt rod #colt kaneko x mc #playchoices #playchoices rod #fanfic #fanfiction #n*sfw #ride or die #a bad boy romance #artsy as fuck

[elk-and-thearchivist]

Chiaroscuro, Chapter 4: Revelations

Here is the fourth chapter of my RP with @grumpyoldsnake​​​ / @justashadetalkative​​​ ! For this chapter art, I did the composition and character flats, while @grumpyoldsnake​​ did the background, shading, and effects. The other artwork in here is one recycled from an ask a ways back, heh.

The streamlined, edited version is on AO3 here. I would recommend reading that one, since there are a few minor content changes as well.

Fun fact: this is the first time I concretely wrote anything about Elk’s backstory! It was just a vague idea then, heh.

-

Old troubles are revealed, and new ones uncovered.

Words: 7655 Characters: Elk and Wiki (mine), Linast and Phosa ( @justashadetalkative​​​​ ) Indented is me, regular is @justashadetalkative​​​​ Dashes are POV shifts. *Asterisks+italics* indicate telepathic communication, to distinguish them from thoughts and emphasis.

The first thing they became aware of was a deep-rooted pain, piercing through their void. They twitched, jerking from the sudden realization of pain. What... had happened?

They remembered... the creatures, and then - the Ooma. The memory of the spot of orange speeding towards them, and light, and sound, and a crack-

*Oh... you're awake... that's good...* Wiki's thoughts filtered into theirs. *I... need you to focus. We're safe.*

Too exhausted to properly respond, they gathered their presence of mind and sunk into the feeling of soul coursing through their body. They could feel the cracks in their mask seal slowly, until they were completely gone. All the remained was an immense exhaustion, mirrored in Wiki.

*Ah... good... I'm going to rest a bit. You may want to talk to Linast...* Their memories of what had happened up to that point flashed through Elk's mind, before Wiki completely sunk into oblivion.

Elk shook their head lightly, gradually becoming aware of their surroundings - sounds and sight finally filtering back.

A light pressure against their shoulder disappeared as they shook their head. “S-sorry, ssorry, just didn’t want you to fall off—“

As their vision cleared, Linast’s face came into focus from where he had leaned worriedly over them. His eyes darted across their mask, taking in their newly fused shell with evident relief and a faint smile. “Well, you’re looking a lot better anyway—are you awake?”

They perked up a bit at the sight of Linast, trying to speak- before recalling that Wiki was asleep. Right. They settled for an exhausted wave, before gesturing to Linast. Was he alright?

Linast’s smile widened slightly. “Hey. I’m really glad you’re back.” His brow furrowed as they gestured at him, and he looked confused for a moment.

“...What—me?” Linast snorted, or something like it, a staticky scoffing noise emanating from his chest. “I’m not the one that just got blown up. I’m fine.” Linast stayed leaned above them for a moment longer, seeming to check them over for damage again, and then he finally straightened up. “I’m... s̷̡s̀͘orry that happened. I—I told you I wouldn’t... let you get hurt.”

They immediately shook their head, reaching forward and patting Linast on his arm. It wasn't as if he could control whether they got hurt or not. They were just careless, and they panicked when they had to- when they had to fight back.

They froze a bit at the memory, the creature shooting towards them-

“—okay? Ssshit. Ah... Elk, hey, you’re okay. I’m okay, too. I—well, I think Wiki’s asleep, because—you’re not making sssounds, anymore, again, and I—think you s-said you share a voice?” Linast peered at Elk, looking worried again. There was a steady tapping noise near their head, a quiet counterpoint to his rambling. “But—I’m guessing they’re okay, too. We’re... in the atrium of the, of the Archives. Not... wherever you’re at. Or maybe you’re still hurt? Um...”

Pulled back to the present, they lifted their head to look at Linast. Focus, focus. They took a moment to process his words, and - at times like these it was very frustrating to be unable to speak. And be unable to make expressions, but they never were able to, anyways.

They patted Linast's arm to draw his attention again. How to communicate... They covered the "mouth" area of their mask, nodding - yes, Wiki's asleep so they couldn't talk. They then patted their mask. No cracks left! Luckily. Soul is a wonderful thing. But they were definitely not at full strength, so they sat back down.

And- they sat straight up again- right, Phosa! How much time had passed? They pointed to Linast's core, then pointed to the room's entrance, tilting their head in silent question.

Linast straightened, watching through Elk’s charades. Some of the worried tension drained from his shoulders as they indicated they and Wiki were alright. He frowned thoughtfully as they gestured to his core, and his gaze followed their next gesture to the entrance.

“Oh—Phosa, right? Ah, yeah, sshe just left to try to... capture one of the—rift people that were chasing us. While they’re hurt.” Linast shrugged. Reaching up, he drummed his fingers against his core in a steady rhythm that produced the same tapping noise as before. “I don’t know how long she’ll be gone, but... I’m not worried yet.”

Elk nodded. Linast would know Phosa's limits, they'll trust him on this one. Even if they were still a little worried.

They slouched on the bench bonelessly, breathing out a quiet breath of air as they turned their head to stare blankly at the ceiling. Absentmindedly, they put a hand on their shell. Even if they were fine now, if Wiki hadn't been there - they doubted it would have remained intact. They shivered at the thought. They've never had their shell completely broken, but they doubted it would be anything good.

Linast watched them, and his tapping quieted as he hooked his fingertips into one of the many whorled ridges on the surface of his core.

“...that was close, wasn’t it?” he asked, his voice subdued. “Wiki kept saying you—would be fine, once you woke up, but that’s only because you can heal so quickly. You were in danger until you did.”

Elk shifted, wrapping their arms around themself before giving another nod. Not so mention that they were lucky they had just gone to the spring - if they didn't have enough soul, they would really be in trouble.

If they had just- been more careful, or if they were faster, or if they weren't so afraid of attacking attacking anything- Wiki had been the one to strike, and it still sparked the dread coursing through their body. Why couldn't they do anything? They were weak. They were always weak. ~~It's why they were thrown away-~~

They didn't notice as their grip on themself became tighter, as they curled further into themself.

“...hey, no, it’s—it’s okay. You’re okay now, yeah? You got out of there. And we’ll—we’ll be more careful.” A light pressure settled around Elk’s shoulders, with an odd, fluttery insolidity to it. But it soon firmed into a proper hug as Linast gently tucked them against his side. “I didn’t mean to... hm. How did... Phosa do this, when...”

Linast fell silent for a moment, and then he shifted, gesturing to get their attention. “Hey, I’m gonna try something. You don’t... have to talk, if you don’t want to, we can—we can definitely just ssit here, that’s fine. You—it’d probably be good to rest, you look... exhausted. But, uh.”

Gesturing again, Linast set a pale, shadowy symbol hovering in the air within easy touching distance in front of Elk. “Are you s-sscared that you got that hurt?” Another gesture, and Linast set up a second, different symbol, and pointed to it. “Or is it... like before, when—when you felt like you sshould be able to fight?”

Linast hummed, then sighed. “...s-ssorry, I haven’t known you that long. Ah...” A third symbol. “Or is it neither of those, and I should—keep guessing?” He hummed again, clearly still thinking. Then he twitched slightly, and his arm loosened from around their shoulders. He made a fourth symbol. “Shit, and, ah—do you want me to keep hugging you? Ssorry, I—should have asked before I, before I did.”

Linast's touch and voice grounded them, drawing them out of their turbulent thoughts. They lightly grabbed his arm when he started to move away, immediately pointing to the fourth symbol. It was... nice. Somehow, they felt safer. Better.

They took another moment, leaning into his side, before looking at the other symbols. Sure, they were scared by the prospect of death, so they pointed to first and shook their hand in what they hope would be understood as a "kind of" gesture. But the real issue was probably...

They pointed to the second symbol, squeezing Linast's arm slightly.

Linast sighed, a soft rush of static as Elk gestured to the relevant symbols. He gave them a gentle squeeze in return, as if trying to steady them by the pressure alone.

“Okay. Well, first off, like I s-said, you’re okay now. And I’m really glad you are. And we’re gonna be more careful. For... the rest? I... know I rambled a bit, before, when this came up. I might not have made a lot of s-sense,” Linast admitted, and grimaced. “Sorry about that. It’s. I just... I kind of know how you feel? And I—well, like I ssaid, I’ve learned that... trying to just force myself into things doesn’t, doesn’t work. Even if we want it to.”

Linast sighed again, and hunched into himself a bit. He’d started tapping at his core again with his free hand, the rhythm more agitated than before, not entirely steady.

“Knowing that doesn’t... actually help much, though, does it?” Linast continued. He sounded a bit bitter. “Almost the opposite. It s-sseems like it just—means the obvious fix is... futile. It still feels like—like ss-something’s wrong with you, and you’re just not strong enough to will it away. It feels like it should be ssimple, but here you are and you—you can’t do it. You keep failing.”

Elk squeezed Linast's arm a bit tighter at that, looking away and nodding. It was hard, knowing you were made to be something, meant to do something, and knowing that you could not. But more than that, it was the thought that... if you couldn't do what you were meant to do, could you do anything at all?

A drop of void slid out of their eye.

Linast shuddered just slightly, with a quiet hiss. Then some of the tension drained back out of him and the hiss turned into a hum, soft and soothing. He reached down with his free hand to brush away the drop of void on their mask, then patted their hand on his arm.

“...okay,” he said, after a bit of a pause. “Can I... ask why being able to fight is ss-so important to you? I know... that you were s-saying it’d be useful, earlier. But, I mean. It’s—not everyday you get... other dimensional people invading and, and trying to hunt you. That’s, uh, that’s kind of on us. And... you’ve been doing pretty well, with Wiki, yeah? Exploring and things. You’re really good at avoiding those—husks, c-ccertainly. But it... sounded like it was a thing you and Wiki had talked about, before.“

Linast started up his hum again, for a minute. Then he set up a new array of symbols, pointing to each in turn. “You don’t want to talk about it at all. You want to wait until Wiki’s awake. You want me to try to help you answer like this. You want to keep talking but don’t want to answer that question.”

They wrapped their arms around him, burying themself in Linast's embrace - a balm to their distress. But before long, they hesitantly lifted a hand.

They... weren't sure. But maybe. Linast could help. He was nice...

They pointed to the second. If they were going to share, they might as well go all the way.

“Wait for Wiki? Okay. We can definitely do that.” Linast let out a slow sigh, shivering again, and tightened his arm around them for a moment. “Do you need to sleep, too? I can keep watch for a while.”

They gave another squeeze. If only they could speak to express their gratitude. Some rest sounded very good right about now....

They nodded, settling into a comfortable position against Linast before drawing themself inwards.

Linast kept his arm around Elk, humming softly at times; perhaps in thought, perhaps still attempting to soothe them. Regardless, he sat still with them until they'd fallen completely asleep.

—

Wiki snapped to awareness, like being suddenly pulled from a dream. Or, like they were already awake and suddenly became aware of it. Where were they...?

Ah! The Archives, yes. Elk seemed to have fallen asleep, but was stirring at the presence of Wiki. They became aware of a presence at their side - Linast?

They ran through Elk's memories - they were glad he could reassure Elk. They always felt like they couldn't do anything, despite all the evidence otherwise. Wiki gave a soft sigh before they emerged from Elk, turning to face the other inhabitant of the bench. "Linast?"

Linast sat curled next to Elk, one arm wrapped loosely around them. His other hand pressed against his core, his fingers digging into the ridges that lined its surface.

He looked paler than normal; only the shadows supporting his core and those in his arms at their various tasks seemed to have any substance to them. And even that seemed lessened, and drifted faintly at the edges like so much smoke.

Linast shifted as Wiki spoke, sitting up a bit to look at them. “Hey, Wiki.” Then he twitched, seeming to register them properly. He straightened up the rest of the way, and his body darkened again, some of the loose edges pulling back together as he offered them a tired smile. “Wiki! Hey. Glad to—I’m glad you’re awake, again. You ffeeling okay?”

"Indeed I am. Some rest certainly did me some good." They drew closer to him, observing his form. "Was that normal? Just now. You seemed a little more insubstantial than usual."

Linast’s smile widened slightly. “I’m glad,” he said, then shrugged, glancing down at Elk for a moment as if checking they were still there. “And, ah—yeah, I’m just... tired. Getting a bit harder to, um... words… multitask, is all. I was just... distracted. Keeping watch.”

"Ahh... Very understandable. Thank you - at least we have a brief respite for now." They turned to look at Elk. "I'm grateful you could be there Elk. I wish I could assuage their worries, but..."

"I know you're doing your best. I'm just... me." Elk rolled over, exposing their face to the outside world once more. "But- now that I can say it-" they embraced Linast. "Thank you."

Linast huffed, returning the hug. “I just... rambled at you for a while,” he protested, resting his forehead on theirs for a moment. He kept a hand on their shoulder when he straightened again, seeming disinclined to break contact completely.

“But—I’m glad that talking, ah, helped. It can be... nice to know s-ssomeone understands how you feel, at least, s-sometimes. I take it I wasn’t… wasn’t too far off mark.”

"... You were pretty much on it." Elk shifted on the bench. "So... did you... want to know...?"

Wiki laid a tendril on Elk's head. "If you'd prefer... I can show you the memory. It's easier in some ways. But maybe harder in others. I can also simply explain, Elk, if you do not wish to."

Linast hesitated, looking conflicted. “I don’t... mm.” He sagged, tension draining all at once, and the hand on his chest flexed restlessly. “I’m, ah. I don’t mean it... personally. But I’ve... had enough of, ah, telepaths putting—putting experiences in my head. S-sometimes I’m not even sure if it’s me reacting to s-ssomething, or if it’s just... leftovers from what’s been shared. Sorry. I know it’d be easier.”

Linast fell silent for a moment, staring off into space, then shook his head. “But, I... yeah. I mean. Either of you telling me would... help me understand, anyway. If you—ss-still want to talk about it.”

Wiki nodded. "Ah... of course. I understand."

"Mind things can be uncomfortable. We're just so used to the convenience of sharing thoughts." Elk fidgeted with their hands for a moment, before grasping them and putting them in their lap. "I... I want to say it."

Wiki closed their eyes and gave a reassuring pat. "I'm here. Linast is here. Take as long as you need."

Linast made a soft noise of assent, giving their shoulder a squeeze. “Yep. You’re s-ssafe here, and we’re listening.”

They sighed, taking a moment, before looking up at nothing in particular. "He created us. Thousands? Millions? All for the sake of finding one perfect vessel. One pure vessel." Their gaze slid down. "We were all brought to the palace. Put through 'trials.' Tested."

They fidgeted with their hands. "We were taught how to fight. Trained to be knights - potentially."

Gaze sliding left. "At that time, I didn't know anything. I didn't really feel anything, either. We weren't supposed to. We all did as we were told. I did as I was told.

And... I was told to fight another like me. Unlike the other fights, they didn't tell us to stop. That meant we kept going.

I..." They looked down. "When they hit me, I struck back, cracking their shell. I hesitated. I didn't know. They told me to keep going. I struck them again. Isn't this when they made us stop? My nail was covered in the void of my sibling. They told me to keep going. Until their shell broke. I looked into their eyes, moments before they vanished. I realized what I'd done. I threw my nail away from me. They gave it back. Told me to fight again. I shook my head. Insisted. I swiped my nail at them - and then he came."

They clenched a fist in their cloak. "'This one is a failure. Dispose of it.'"

Linast hissed, slow and cold. His fingers twitched on Elk’s shoulder, and he closed his eyes, his form flickering unsteadily. He managed to calm himself before long, though. He opened his eyes again and looped his arm around Elk in another hug. “And... hhow did they... try to get rid of you?”

Elk looked up at the ceiling. "They told me to come with them somewhere. I... didn't want to, but I didn't know what to do but obey. One of the... caretakers. Brought me and the shell of the one I..." They looked away. Wiki squeezed Elk tightly around the shoulders, reassuring.

"We walked deeper into the basin. It was completely silent. We reached a door. Beyond it... I felt... it felt so familiar.

The one who brought us there picked us up. Walked into the door. Beyond it was an endless darkness - and I know now - that was where he took us from in the first place. It called to me then...

I did nothing as she walked to the edge of the abyss.

She tossed my sibling first, and I realized what was happening. I began to struggle. I pulled my nail from where I held it in my body, and struck her. She stumbled, letting me go- but then, she slipped on the ledge- grabbing my cloak as we both fell into the endless chasm."

They looked up again. "It's... a big blank after that. I don't know how much time I spent there."

Linast’s form flickered again, the pressure of his hand atop Elk’s shoulder fading and reforming. He was quiet for a long moment, staring off into space.

“That’ss... a. Pretty complicated introduction to ffighting,” he said, eventually. “I’m—I’m nnot s-surprised you... freeze, when... you think you might have to, again. Those are ssome pretty bad memories, to be reminded of. Easy to wonder if things... will go that badly, again.”

Linast’s fingers on his core flexed, and he shook his head lightly, turning to look down at Elk. “But... you... sstill feel like it’s a thing you should be able to do.”

Elk flinched, nodding. "It's... useful to be able to defend yourself. We're good at running," they gave a light huff of a laugh, "but running can only do so much. And... you can never stop."

They fell silent for a moment. "Even if I could just. Fend off things on my own. That would be good... But... Every time I move to attack, I think of inky void on my nail, looking into the blank eyes of my sibling, of falling, falling."

Linast hummed. “Fflashbacks s-suck,” he said quietly. “Especially when... you get them when you need to be thinking clearly. When there actually is danger. Half the... half of the techniques for dealing with them normally involve telling yourself you’re ssafe, now.” He let out a humorless laugh.

Elk gave a huff at that. "Yeah- I'm. Pretty in danger whenever that happens. Wiki usually takes over when my limbs feel weighed down by lead."

Wiki nodded. "I don't particularly mind fighting, myself. I'm just rather weak." They climbed onto the bench next to Elk, opposite of Linast. "There's nothing wrong with avoiding danger. We've done pretty well with that, haven't we?"

"Th.. that's..." They looked at their hands. "I guess... except for this time."

“To... be ffair,” Linast offered. “The, ah. The Sspire’s... pretty cursed. We s-seem to bring danger pretty much everywhere.” He made a huffing noise. “I doubt you’re nnnormally triggering those... jellyfish things—Ooma—on purpose.”

He shook his head again, and directed a mild frown at Elk. “But... mm. There are—there are things you can do, to help with the... with the flashbacks. I can try to help, if... if there’s time, and if you want me to. But.” Linast paused and closed his eyes, apparently gathering his thoughts.

After a minute he shook his head, opening his eyes to give Elk a pointed look. “You... before. I asked—why being able to f-fight was, was important to you. And you didn’t... you didn’t s-ssay you don’t feel ssafe, traveling with Wiki, or that you’re... tired of always having to run. You’re only s-saying that now. You... you told me about what happened, first. What you were asked to do. What your creator ssaid.”

Linast let out a quiet hiss, looking away from them to stare out the atrium’s windows. “You told me that you wouldn’t ffight when they asked, and that they threw you away.“

They cringed. "That's... probably... the crux of it. I..." They took a breath, letting it out slowly. "I don't want to feel this way. I don't want him to take so much of my mind, when he made us to have none." They looked up at Linast. "If... There's anything you know about how to deal with this. I'd... be grateful."

Linast made a sighing sound, his form flickering. “...mm. It’s... I’ll nneed to... think, f-for a while, I think,” he admitted. “Trauma ssshit’s... complicated. Can’t undo it in a day. And I’m... sstill working out a lot of my own s-stuff, I don’t... I really don’t have all the answers. Words aren’t. Words aren’t s-sso great, right nnow, either.”

Linast looked back down from the windows, meeting Elk’s gaze. “But... Ffor now, and... for what it’s worth. What I’m hearing is that... the ffirst choice you ever made. The first thing you—you chose to do without being—no, despite being told... was to refuse to murder another one of your siblings. Literally the ffirst time you saw death up close, right, and you—you decided you didn’t want to make more of it. Even though you were being told it was good, that it was what you were... s-supposed to do.” He leaned into them slightly, a careful bump on the shoulder. “That doesn’t ssound like a failure to me. I think it’s—admirable. I think it’s amazing.”

Linast leaned back away from them, dropping his suddenly distinctly clawed hand to the bench and gripping it tightly. He shuddered a bit, and the hand at his core tightened as well. “Your creator, on the other hhand, was a fffucking f-fool,” he added in a low hiss. “Even—even more of one than most people who, who make people like that, make them to try to get a job done. And that’s s-ssaying something.”

Wiki felt an overwhelming surge of gratitude from Elk - it nearly brought tears to their own own eyes.

Elk suddenly wrapped their arms around Linast, squeezing tightly. "Th... thank you... more than you know. I'm... I'm feeling a lot better already. Take all the time you need. And," they pulled back a bit, "if you ever want to talk about what plagues your mind... We'll be glad to listen, if you think it would help."

Wiki brushed a tendril across Elk's shell, before facing Linast. "Yes... You've done plenty for us. Please, rest now. Gather your thoughts. We will watch." They paused a moment before realizing- "Is Phosa still out? How long have we..."

Linast twitched rather badly at Elk’s hug, his form flickering and nearly phasing through them at first. But he leaned into them after a moment, his hand lifting from the bench to pat at their arm. “...I’m glad. I will.”

He blinked at Wiki’s question, looking up at them. “Hm? Um, nno, sshe’s not back. It’s been... I mean, we’ve been talking f-ffor. For a while? Right?” Linast frowned, starting to look more agitated. His posture tensed again. “I... I don’t know how long you were asleep, though? I don’t...”

With a soft scree-click, Linast’s fingers cut through the ridge of his core that they’d been gripping and came to rest on the next one down. He flinched and gave a soft hiss of pain, some of his tension draining away with the distraction. He lifted his hand and looked down in what seemed like genuine surprise at the damage he’d just done. “...ow.”

Both Elk and Wiki startled - Elk gave a small squeak.

"Oh- oh dear. Linast, are you quite alright? You seem....... tense, to say the least." They hovered a few tendrils near him, hesitant to go closer. "I... I'm not aware of how much time had passed, but considering the state we were in, I'd expect a few hours at least."

“I’m... I’m... tired?” Linast trailed off, seeming uncertain about the statement. He pressed a carefully closed fist over the scratches on his core. “I... always get, get a bit... twitchy. Bitey? Light pain... does that. When I can’t com... disss... Mm. Ignore it, anymore. And it’s... Elk was hurt. Your creator’s horrible. Phosa... I shouldn’t have—have lossst track of… of time like that. But I’ve been... better. At nnnot—scratching us.”

He shivered convulsively, looking out the atrium window. “...and hours is too long. Phosa would have at least... checked in. And sshe would have felt—that, jusst now.”

Elk leaned back, nervously clenching their hands. "Ah-hh, I should have let you rest... Sorry if I've... made it worse..."

Wiki narrowed their eyes at a corner of the atrium. "... This is concerning, though. I- we- the creatures. There... might be something we didn't expect. They're certainly harder to kill than most things around here... They might..." They blinked a few times, a faint memory at the edge of their mind. Was it a memory? They've never seen the creatures before, though... Have they? They shook their head. Focus. "Linast, is it possible for you to communicate with Phosa at the moment?"

“I’m used to it,” Linast said, a bit distantly. “Sssomeone had to keep watch.”

He roused as Wiki said his name, and looked away from the window to refocus on them.

“Nno, not... really. We can’t—sshare thoughts, like you. We... sometimes get... emotions. But it’s more like we... mm. Words. Influence each other’s moods than, than even being able to tell it’s nnot—ours.” Linast hummed, closing his eyes as if trying to think.

“We can—fffind each other? And—ssome physical stuff. If we’re awake or nnot, have enough—enough energy or are too tired, if we’re using a lot of magic or nnot. Pain, if it’s... in our core.” His hand tilted as he ran a thumb across the new notches in their core. “...n-nnormally.”

Elk shot a worried look to Wiki - well, shooting a look with feelings of worry. "You should rest. Does your core heal over time? The atrium should be safe... If they haven't found us yet, I doubt they'll find us at all."

Wiki hummed. "If you know where Phosa is, we can go out to search for her. Now that we're rested, we'll probably be fine on our own-"

Linast barked out a laugh. “—sssorry, ssorry, it’s just. I mean.” He gestured vaguely out the atrium windows. “Ssshe’s—that way. Outsside my—my range, right nnow, so I can’t even... tell you exactly how fffar.”

He shook his head, and drummed his fingers against their core. “...you might... be... able to contact her? Just because—just because I’m nnnot in her head doesn’t mean ssshe isn’t... here, in part.” Linast shivered, his voice going a bit thin. “Sssomething’s... definitely nnot right. Now that I’m... paying attention. I—we—sshe, maybe. Kinda want to kill s-something.”

"Wh-"

"Kill something? That doesn't doesn't sound good. Whether something's aggravated her to that point, or if something is influencing her..." Wiki brought a tendril to their chin. "I... I could try. If you're alright with it. It may be intrusive - probing a mind is more active than mere communication..."

Linast closed his eyes and gave a stressed, unhappy hum. “I... I know. You did the... the language thing, earlier...” He shook his head, and made a visible effort to relax. “...I do trusst you, though. And I—I don’t like this. S-sssomething’s wrong. I want to—to know what ssshe’s doing, before we... jump into things.”

"Alright. Very well. Elk, just in case..."

Elk nodded, and Wiki completely removed themself from their body before approaching Linast. "Your core would likely offer a stronger connection. But if you'd like, I can try to reach her through contact with your magic first."

Linast hesitated, then shook his head and pulled his core from his chest. “I think I should... ss-stop concentrating. Ffor at—at least a bit. I’m—having enough issues that it... might be dissstracting to you.  And... you’re right, our core’s likely... going to work better.”

He set his core on the bench, and directed a tense frown at Wiki. “...Be careful? If—if s-something is... influencing her. Us. Or if sshe’s hurt and it—bleeds through. Don’t... mm. Just be careful.”

Wiki inclined their head. "Understandable. I shall do my best." They extended a few tendrils to the core, avoiding the scratches as they wrapped around it.

Closing their eyes, they focused their mind into the core. The world fell away as they drew their mind deeper, probing for other presences.

Linast’s mind was scattered.

Some of that felt familiar to Wiki. Linast’s mind might be centered in his core, but pouring the majority of his attention outward into his shadowform created something of a disconnect. And while the injuries to his core during their previous contact with him had pained him considerably, he’d seemed able to push that pain to the back of his mind unusually well; another careful compartmentalization.

But now, Linast’s attention drifted in all directions in a much less controlled fashion. And even as he let his tenuous hold on his shadowform fade, removing both the sting of light upon it and any need to force his focus outwards, he still struggled to gather his thoughts. The burn of light exposure seemed to echo disruptively through his mind even though he’d released his magic.

Wiki’s initial probings did not reveal any immediately obvious presences other than Linast. But as they pressed deeper, something that could only be described as bright drew their attention. Pursuing it lead to an area of the core that seemed like it would be accessible enough to Wiki, but which Linast’s mind refused to even acknowledge beyond a few faint tendrils of connection.

One of these connections was a nagging, directionless desire to hunt. That seemed relevant. Wiki drew closer.

They found... Phosa’s awareness, in the same way that one could be said to be aware of one’s body. It should have been a simple enough connection to follow to the rest of her consciousness. But the majority of her mind felt distant and well beyond Wiki’s reach, somehow.

Much more present was a searing light that Wiki could tell at once was not Phosa, now that they felt it more directly. It jarred against what little of her mind was here with a grating feedback that kept it from meshing with her fully. And it was hungry.

Wiki jerked, instinctively shielding their mind from the light. A sense of dread sunk into them - Phosa was under the influence of something far more powerful than they'd imagined.

They attempted to quarantine the presence interlocked with Phosa, constructing mental barriers of void - Linast was probably being affected as well. Hopefully they'll last... it's a good thing that Void was born to oppose light.

That done, they turned to the blinding light in the core. Phosa seemed so far away, but perhaps... They tried to weave their way towards her presence, seeking gaps in the other light's influence. Phosa-

Wiki felt some reaction from her, nonlinguistic and distant as it was. A twitch, a sudden uncertain hope—and then the feedback of the other light’s incompatibility with Phosa rose in a screech all around them. Their mind echoed with it, ringing, drifting.

Where had they...

They were—they are...

… They are... at the bottom of a dark cavern that stretches upward beyond the edges of their sight. Strands of webbing cross through it at irregular intervals, and large, hulking spheres hang suspended-

—They are a part of the center of a field of death, the corpses of some alien species piled high and arranged in careful patterns stretching into the distance. They reach to the seeds of flame they’ve planted within each body and begin to burn each to ash. The ground splits beneath the heat and begins to collapse downwards into their grasp, and the widening fissure spills their light up into the sky-

— They are in front of Linast, who sits half-formed as a simple torso hovering above a pool of shadow around his core. But it’s Phosa who’s speaking, for all that she’s little more than a thin sheen of light around the core at the center of her sibling’s protective hovering. “That’s right,” she says. She sounds tired and dazed but she’s recovering quickly, her voice gaining some momentum. “We’d been... we were going to Deepnest, right? That was... that was the plan-“

— They are reaching out through their disciples’ touch. They capture the flame of life as it begins to gutter out beneath their fingers and they make it their own-

—But none of that makes... sense. Does it?

They are... shifting through silken records- No, they were… cutting at the creature that had grabbed at Elk- No, that wasn’t right.

They were... holding Elk together—no. They were... no.

...

What were they doing...?

Something tugged at the edge of their mind. Another presence, someone else...

"Ma'am?"

They turned to look at the bug that had just entered the room, carrying some records. He seemed to be some kind of pill bug, cloth tied upon his head. "I got what you asked-"

That wasn't right. The presence was stronger now, insistent.

Something broke their seal. Consciousness rushed towards them, like a flood, and they looked into hollow eyes-

Wiki blinked. The glow of acid filled the bronze of the room, purple light diffusing through the windows. Elk stood in front of them, grabbing a tendril.

*Wiki? Can you hear me? Are you alright?*

They blinked again. "I..." They looked at their surroundings. The glasslike core was next to them - they must have let go of it. Luckily, they hadn't lifted it from the bench, so it didn't look like any further damage was done.

That's right. They were trying to reach Phosa through the core, and then…

"Ugh..." They pressed a tendril to their face. What was it they saw? Certainly, some of it was in the past, yet... They'd never been to some of those places, and the visions of light...

They stiffened. "Elk- Phosa is, she's under the influence of another entity. A powerful being, something like light... But it's not... The old light. Something different... We have to. We need to find her-"

*Wiki, wait! You've been out of it for a while, are you sure you're alright?* Elk gripped their tendril more tightly.

"I'm fine now. I'm not sure what just... it might have been an effect making mental contact with the entity. But I... it's not the first time something like this has happened, just not to this degree. I... I'll think about it later."

They turned back to the core. "l hate to trouble Linast again, but I need to let him know. We might be able to carry him to let him rest, but." They reached towards the core-

Elk snatched them back, locking gazes with them. *You're sure it's fine?*

*Of course.* "I quarantined the light. It should last, at least for a bit." With that, they turned back to the core, one tendril making contact with the surface. *Linast?*

It took a moment, but Linast roused soon enough. It seemed he’d fallen asleep—a realization that sparked enough alarm from him to echo through the connection Wiki had established.

A layer of darkness pulled up around the core. A moment later Linast had reformed and quickly looked around the room, taking in Wiki, Elk, and the empty atrium. Only once he’d checked his surroundings did he relax, pressing a hand up against his core with a grimace.

“Shit. I’m sorry, I—for some reason it got harder to think when I s-stopped manifesting, I’m not sure what...” Shaking his head, Linast refocused on Wiki. “Are you okay? Were you able to contact her?” His expression creased with worry. “I... can’t feel her as well as before.”

Wiki shook their head. "Not... exactly. She's... under the influence of a powerful entity of light. It doesn't seem compatible with her own light, but... it's overpowering her will, it seems." Their tendrils curled in anxiety. "I've constructed a few mental barriers to isolate you from being influenced by the entity. Unfortunately, with how entangled Phosa is right now, that means it's also a divide between you and her."

"It also sort of put Wiki in a daze for a bit," Elk spoke up - the contact they had with Wiki seemed to be sufficient to speak. They were sitting on the bench, eyes downcast and hands gripping the seat tightly. "Whatever... influence," they ground out the word with clear displeasure, "is happening, it seems powerful enough to affect us beings of Void, as well."

Wiki huffed. "Perhaps." They turned back to Linast. "I... saw a few things. Some of them I recall - they occurred in the past - but... some were not. I was... in places I haven't been. Visions of... light. The entity's light, I think...? I saw you and Phosa as well, for just a moment, but... it was so strange. Like an odd dream."

Linast hunched into himself as he listened to their explanation, his arms folded around his chest. “I... hate that things can be that wrong without me even noticing for so long,” he muttered, and ran a shaky hand down his face. “We need to... I... fuck.”

He glanced from Elk’s tense posture to Wiki, scanning them over. “...an odd dream. Did it feel like that in the moment, or only now? If it can mess with perceptions...”

"I... Hmm." The tapped their chin. "It felt real, then. Like I was there. Only now do I feel that it was oddly out of place. Disjointed. Then again..." They hummed in thought. "I have... had similar situations... I think? None so forceful. None jumping from place to place like just now. But... flashbacks that felt so real... things that I've never seen before. I assumed it was from the memories buried in my mind..."

Linast frowned as he watched Wiki think. “Maybe... but... Phosa and I definitely haven’t met you, before.” He shivered slightly. “We’re—pretty young, for sstarters. And we’ve got—a few muddled memories of our own, me more than Phosa, but we know what was happening during them. We either wouldn’t have been recognizable, or wouldn’t have been... coherent.”

Linast pushed himself to his feet. He wavered unsteadily for a moment but quickly found his balance again and began to pace, fingers tapping at his core. “...whatever happened, whether—whether that thing did it to you or not, I need to go find Phosa. You... you ssaid it wasn’t compatible with her. Maybe she’ll be able to fight it off once she’s not projecting s-so far, or... I don’t know. I need to try, though. And... we need to try to seal these things off as s-soon as possible. Apparently we keep managing to—underestimate them. But we still haven’t heard from the Spire...”

"I-" Wiki paused. "You're right. I don't have enough data, and we have more pressing matters." They rose from where they were seated.

"No word..." Elk muttered. "That doesn't sound good."

"Looks like we'll stick with our original plan. You mentioned sealing- we'd planned to go to Deepnest, in the far reaches of this kingdom. The Weavers there are rumored to be masters in weaving seals and spells. We were discussing it with Phosa before we were... well. Interrupted. We'll go there once we retrieve her..."

"Oh, and-" Elk jumped up from their seat, "If it helps, you can rest while we seek her out. We might need a bit of directional help, but we'll be able to carry your core."

"In our void is most convenient, but we certainly have enough limbs to carry you ourselves."

Linast didn’t stop pacing as they explained their previous plan, but he did seem to be listening, his head tilted toward them as he nodded occasionally. He slowed to a stop as they offered to carry him, though, and looked conflicted as he turned to look them over.

“I... I’m not going to say I don’t need your help. I do, I—I know I’m getting clumsy. And you two are more likely to be able to help Phosa with mind shit than I ever will be, anyway. Sstars, this thing might have had me, ah, influenced by now too, without you. I was... I can think way more clearly now, after whatever you did.” He frowned at them, looking tense. “But... are you sure?”

Linast gestured out the atrium windows to the canyon beyond. “You don’t have to go back there,” he pointed out. “We—we sstill don’t know what they can do, or what they’ve done to Phosa—what she might try to do to us. And you had a plan, it s-sounds like. If you can get to this—Deepnest place safely on your own... well, we can travel fast, straight through walls if we need to. Let us know what direction it is and we’ll catch up. Or... nnot, but at least you two would still have a chance at getting ssome help and fixing this.“

Wiki shook their head. "Deepnest is easy to get lost in, and it's not a good place to be alone. It would be best if we were to stick together, regardless of whether we assist now. Which..."

"We will, obviously." Elk's tone held little room for argument. "We're certain."

"And... the barriers I've constructed are only temporary. It would be best if we could evict the entity from Phosa's mind entirely. Which I will certainly be able to assist with - generally speaking, void is very effective at opposing light. And I'd like to think that I am skilled in regards to mental navigation and manipulation."

Linast sagged with evident relief. For all that he’d questioned them, it was fairly obvious which answer he’d hoped that they would give. “I... Thank you. Both of you.”

He pressed a palm to his chest, glancing away. “I, uh... planning, then. Okay.” Linast hummed, closing his eyes.

“I don’t... think your void is a good idea,” he decided after some thought. “Cutting off from Phosa is never very good for her, I don’t want to try it with her projected so far away. She wouldn’t just ssnap back to our core like I would. But if you could carry us for a while, that would help, yeah. I’m, ah. Your s-springs gave us plenty of energy, but I’ve been... awake and manifested for too long. It was a long day even before we got here, and then we were hurt...”

"Very well," Wiki nodded. "We'll be careful. Just let us know where to go."

"Get some rest, alright? We don't know what'll happen once we get there." Elk gave a light pat to Linast's arm.

Linast gave Elk a weak smile at the pat. “I’ll try. Thank you.”

He glanced back up again, looking to Wiki. “She’s definitely in the—the general direction we came from, but... further away than the Ooma were, I think?” he said. “She might have moved closer to the rifts, or off down a side path, or... I don’t know. I’ll be able to tell better when we’re closer. You might be able to feel her through our core, too.”

As he spoke, Linast cupped his hands. He winced slightly as his core shifted. Much like it had when he’d teleported earlier, his core began to unspool, the intricate ridges covering its surface separating and lifting outwards.

This time, rather than fading away they curved around to reform in his hands. But they seemed to weave themselves more tightly, now. The resulting sphere was much smaller than before, small enough to fit into even Elk’s hand without too much issue. Linast passed the core over. “Careful, we’re not actually lighter. It can be—disconcerting. Might be easier to carry, though.”

Elk laughed lightly. "I'm a lot stronger than you might expect- oh, that is much heavier than it looks." They cradled the core in their hands, before looking to Wiki.

"We'll be fine. If I'm getting lost, I'll try to sense where she is from your core. Now then..." Wiki flowed into Elk, settling into the familiarity of their void. They wrapped a few tendrils around the core, keeping them under their cloak but not impeding any movement. "Let's go find Phosa."

#hollow knight #hollow knight oc #Abime Spire #chiaroscuro #elk #elk art #elk rp #archivist #archivist art #archivist rp #linast #phosa #collab #rp #writing #justashadetalkative #art #my art #my content #others' OCs #op

[dacrethehalls]

Wonder Palace

Billy Hargrove x OC

Summary: Billy gets a summer job as a life guard at a water park in the next town over. He never expects to find a family in the rag tag group of people who work with him. Word Count: 15k+ Warnings: Physical Abuse, Abuse mention, Drug use, language, slight Smut A/N: Off Cannon! Season 3! Billy because baby boy deserves all the love and happiness in the world. This is based on State Champ’s music video for the song Losing Myself. This is my first fic in forever and it has taken me WEEKS to finish it. I’m rusty, so be nice!

Summer in Arbor Pines, Indiana was my absolute favorite time of year. Not only did it mean school was out, it also marked the opening of Reynolds’ Wonder Palace, a seasonal water and mini amusement park on the outskirts of town. 

I spent almost every summer since I was 14 working there becoming a somewhat dysfunctional but loving family with the rest of the staff. 

My best friends; Geoff, Maggie, Issac and Derrick were among the group of people I worked with along with our  pseudo big brother, Tyler Reynolds, or as we called him, Naldo. Who’s family owned the Amusement Park.

Arbor Pines was a smaller town right outside of Hawkins, and Naldo’s Palace, as we all called it was right in the middle of both cities.

I blew my horn at the blue camaro who cut me off at the gas station sticking my middle finger up at the driver as I pulled my jeep into the gas station. I was already running late, but that never stopped me from grabbing the world’s best breakfast burrito from the world’s shittest corner store.

“Is it opening day already Daph?” Francis, the clerk beamed as I sat a cup of coffee and my burrito on the counter. I hummed pulling out a wad of cash from my pocket. 

“The best day of the year!” I mused as Francis placed my items in a bag. 

“I’m thinking of bringing Sydney and the kids next week. Do you give any friends and family discounts?”

“Of course! I work everyday, I’ll be sure to leave tickets at admissions for you.” I chortled grabbing my things off the counter. I gave a quick wave goodbye as I headed back to my Jeep.

“Daph, have you seen the new life guard?” Maggie asked as I climbed over the pool float rental counter. “His name is Billy, he’s from Hawkins” she continued as I punched my clock in card. 

“It’s opening day and you’re already looking at the new meat?” I mused pulling my staff shirt over my head and hoisting myself up on the counter. Maggie’s mouth curved up into a smile, “of course, I’m a planner.”

I let out a snorty laugh swinging my legs a little, kicking the pool floats in front of me, “You think he’s as cute as Robin? I’m really sad that she got a job at Star Court and isn’t here with us.”

I pushed my bottom lip out, dramatically frowning at the thought of not being able to work next to one of the prettiest girls I had ever seen. “Well, he’s blonde and you have a thing for people with light colored hair. He’s a solid ten out of ten.”

I rolled my eyes playfully pushing her. 

“... and this is Daphne and Maggie! Ladies, this is Billy Hargrove.” Naldo mused banging on the counter-top to get our attention.

Maggie and I’s head jerked over in the direction the boys were standing. I kicked my legs over to the other side of the counter grinning. 

“I’m Daphne.” I chirped offering my hand for Billy to shake. 

Maggie wasn’t kidding, the boy was a complete work of art, from his blonde curls that adorned his head to his torso with well defined muscles. My heart instantly fluttered when the two of us made eye contact.

He was beautiful. Until he opened his mouth. 

I could tell by the way he deepened his voice, eyeing both Maggie and I with hungry eyes that he was a complete bonehead.

“Daph, you have training duties with Billy today. First rotation will be The Serpent.” Naldo grinned nodding his head towards the giant water slide. “You mind introducing him to the rest of the staff on your way over there?”

I nodded giving a toothy grin. “Of course!” 

I hopped off the counter saluting Naldo and Maggie, than looking over at Billy “Let’s go Fabio.” I mused Strolling backwards placing my heart shaped sunglasses on my face.

Billy followed quietly behind me as I introduced him to the rest of the staff.

 I knew he wasn’t paying attention to me at all by the occasional “Mmmhm.” and “uh huh.” I got as we made our way to The Serpent. I switched from talking about the park over to mine and my friends latest campaign, to talking about the latest centerfold in playboy, laughing to myself noticing he still wasn’t paying attention to me. 

“Daphne!”

I felt arms wrap around me picking me off the ground. “You missed the morning roundup. You know what that means. SUPER SOAK!” Geoff yelled as our friends Issac and Derrick came out of the bathroom spraying me down with their water guns. 

“Don’t you losers have anything better to do than hide in the shadows and attack an innocent bystander?”

“Poor Princess Daphne, is in distress with nobody to help her.” Derrick grinned shooting me again. Geoff flipped me over throwing me over his shoulder, carrying me towards my post. 

I didn’t even try to protest Geoff carrying me. This was a usual occurrence not only being bullied by my best friends, but also being called Princess Daphne from the video game Dragon’s Lair.

All three boys eyes lit up when the game was released, having more ammo other than Daphne from Scooby Doo to poke fun at my name. Dragon’s Lair give them an inch and they take a mile.

“Well, I wouldn't have been late if an asshole in a blue camaro wouldn't have tailgated me, making me go twenty under the speed limit. I wasn’t going to not stop and Syd’s Gas Station and get a steak and egg burrito.” I chortled.

“You left the neighborhood before any of us and you were still the one that was late.”

I rolled my eyes looking up at the boy behind us.  “Billy, these three idiots are Geoff, Issac and Derrick.” I grunted as the other two boys fell back behind Billy, still spraying me with water. 

“And if you miss morning roundup, you’ll get sprayed with a water gun.” I huffed as Geoff sat me on my feet on the stairs.

“Our girl Daphne is always late. Don’t be like her!” Issac mused as Billy pushed past us heading up the stairs.

The four of us watched silently before I cleared my throat. “I think Naldo sticking me with him is some form of punishment. I’ve known him for about fifteen minutes,” I gestured my hand up the stairs watching the blonde boy climb up the third flight.  “And I already want to fight him.”

The three boys started laughing as the park horns blew indicating the park was now opened. 

“Try not to let anyone drown.” I quipped snatching the water gun out of Issac’s hand winking at the boys before heading up to the top of the slide.

Later That Morning

“So you’re from California?” I questioned as I helped a father and his daughter into their tube. “I’ve always wanted to go there, I love the beach.” I added looking over at Billy who wasn’t paying attention to me at all. 

I rolled my eyes looking down at the duo in front of me, “You ready kiddo?” I Sang, placing my whistle in my mouth. 

She nodded as her father held on to her tightly, “3...2...1..blast off!” I yelled blowing my whistle and stepping aside as the tube started its small plummet to the swirling bowl below.

Billy and I traded places for the next set of people as I continued to make conversation with the boy who was completely uninterested  with everything I had to say.

“You’re not very nice” I finally, muttered watching as he pushed a kid in his tube down the slide, I was counting down the moments until our first rotation was over.

“I don’t have to be nice, princess. I’m just here to make money so I can leave this shit stain of a state.” He chided leaning on the railing looking down at me.

“Oh my god, you can talk!” I beamed clapping my hands.

Billy rolled his eyes as he helped another kid into a float pushing him down before he was actually prepared to slide.

  “Come on, lighten up Billy. We don’t have to be friends, but I can promise you work will be a lot more bearable if you drop the bad boy facade” I stepped down the little ledge switching place with Billy again, ignoring the kid getting into the tube behind me.

 “How about you stop acting like you know me, prin-”

“Call me Princess again and you’ll be the next one to go down this slide” I warned, cutting him as the kids snickered behind us.

“I’d listen to her, dude. I pretended I was drowning so she would give me CPR last year and sh-” I grunted snatching the float from under the boy kicking him down the slide. “I can still taste the peanut butter sandwich he had for lunch.” I complained, as the last of the queue took their place on our slides.

“You’re not very nice” He mocked suppressing a laugh, turning from me so I couldn't see him smile. I felt a warmth grow in my chest, watching the boy in front of me. I contorted my face in disgust at the feeling that smile gave me. 

“Believe me, he deserved that.” I grinned watching as Billy relaxed his posture a little. “I have to admit, you may have won me over a little with that one” 

“I’m a very likable person.” I chortled as he smirked stepping closer to me. “And you’re really pretty too”

I stepped back feeling the blood rush to my cheeks while looking at Billy like he was a complete nut Job. 

“I have watched you flirt with every single girl who has crossed your path today. It’s not going to work on me.” I stammered.

“I like it when I have to work for a girl.” He smiled devilishly making me feel even more flustered. 

If it wasn't for us being on the clock and a bunch of children surrounding us, I would have totally let him take me right then and there. But I had enough self control to know how bad of a decision that would have been. 

Never get your honey where you get your money.  I repeated the words my mother told me on my very first day of working here to myself as I tried my best not to seem completely flustered.

I cleared my throat as Isaac and Geoff approached us. 

“You two can go on break now, and then you have lazy river duties.” Issac Hummed looking between Billy and I, giving me a look that I prayed only Derrick noticed.

“Oh thank god!” I praised shoving my rescue float at Isaac. I looked over Billy, smiling at him, pretending that the last five minutes didn’t happen.

“Let’s go, Fabio. We might as well stick together if we have the same duties for the next rotation.” 

“Not a chance Princess.” He smirked as one of the many girls who flirted with him this morning shuffled up to us once we made it down the steps. “I have lunch plans already.”  He eyed the girl, Victoria, hungrily. 

What a pig.

I scrunched my nose, looking up at him. “Have fun with that.” I muttered as he took her hand, pulling her to the direction of the employee entrance. 

I turned on my heel making my way back towards the rental booth, where Maggie was still stationed. 

“How was first rotation?” Maggie questioned as I climbed over the counter and grabbing my lunch box from the cubby beneath it. 

“Billy is a complete bonehead.”

I hoisted myself up on the counter, crossing my legs under one another and putting my lunchbox in my lap. 

“He’ll fit in perfectly with the boys then.” She chuckled making me grimace at the thought of Billy being part of our group. 

 “Mags, he would one hundred percent make fun of us for playing D and D.”

���But I bet you he’s never played Drunk Dungeon and Dragons before.” she grinned.

I chuckled taking a bite out of my ham sandwich. 

“Where is Judd Nelson at any way?”

“Eating lunch with Victoria Andrews.” I snorted using finger quotes around Eating Lunch

Maggie’s face contorted up in disgust. “He went off with Hickey Vicky?”

“I asked if he wanted to eat with me but he told me he isn’t here to make friends, so I see it as a lost cause.” I spoke, cringing at how bitter that sounded after I had said it.

Maggie let out an excited gasp, slamming her hands down on the counter on either side of me. “You’re crushing on him aren't you!?” She mused leaning in and taking a bite from my sandwich.

“No! I am not. I called him a bonehead for a reason.” I sputtered, eyes growing wide knowing that Maggie, the girl I had known since I was seven years old could see right through my bullshit.

She smirked at me crossing her arms. “Getting small flutters in my stomach is not a crush Margaret.” I jeered saying her full name.

“It totally is,” she retorted. “And you’re blushing!”

I sat my sandwich on my knees as I touched my cheeks with both hands. “He’s just flirty and was trying to pull a move on me and then he went off with Victoria.”

I avoided Maggie's gaze turning my focus on the rest of my lunch.

I made towards my new station, stopping and saying hello to some of the park’s regular customers. The lazy river was probably the most boring part of the water park. 

It consisted mostly of the parents who brought their kids to the park and let them run loose, along with the occasional shithead kids who got joy out of taunting the life guards with water guns. 

I started gathering the floats that people had left at the end of the lazy river, putting them back into the bin they belonged in. 

“Hey, princess.” 

I turned looking over at Billy disapprovingly. “How was lunch?” He questioned as I grabbed another float tossing it into the bin. 

“I ate a ham sandwich, an apple and some chocolate pudding. And I sat at the rental booth with Maggie.  How was your lunch?”

A smile spread across his face as he placed his whistle in his mouth, “It was great.”

“Just so you know, Hickey-”  I closed my eyes suppressing my laugh at the nickname we all dubbed the poor girl when we were all twelve years old.  “-I mean Vicky is a little on the loony side...and is probably already planning your wedding.”

Billy grimaced, as he helped me clear the rest of the floats out. 

“You couldn’t have warned me?”

“I didn’t warn Issaac when he hooked up with her and he’s one of my best friends.” I mused, struggling to push the ben. Billy bumped his hip into mine moving me as he started pushing it without ease.  

“The lazy river is the most boring but easy duty. Beginning of rotation we clear out the tubes from the gathering pool and same with the end. And then we just sit thirty feet apart and hope nobody will drown”

Billy hummed as we walked together to the start of the lazy river.  

“So, I was an asshole this morning, and I wanted to apologize for that” Billy uttered. “I just need money and I don’t need any attachments.” 

I raised my eyebrow looking over at him. “Flirting with me this morning and hooking up with a girl on lunch break isn't an attachment?” I questioned

Billy nodded his head pushing his lower lip out. “Touche.”

“I’m just saying, if you’re going to have vehicular sex on break, you might as well at least try to be friends with some of the staff. It doesn't even have to be me,”

I brought my whistle up to my mouth blowing into it and looking over at two kids who were running. 

“Do you dweebs not know how to read?!” I yelled pointing to the NO RUNNING sign that was posted on almost every pole around the water park.

“Sorry, Miss Daphne!” One of them yelled as both boys slowed their gait. 

I turned back looking at Billy with a smile, “Derek, Issac, Maggie, and Geoff are my best friends, so if you’re friends with one of us, your friends with all of us.”

He chuckled to himself quietly. “I figured that much. And what about Tyler?”

“You mean Naldo? He’s like the mom in the group. He’s five years older than all of us. He makes sure we don’t ever get ourselves killed. Or kill each other.” 

Billy nodded. “My little sister has a friend like that. I think it’s weird but you know, it’s whatever.”

I shrugged. “He’s probably like a role model to her. My dad is an ass and I’m an only child, so having Naldo to go when I had problems was great.”

Billy nodded in agreement, “Kinda wish I had someone like that.” he muttered. “I mean, as long as you work here, you’ll have Naldo. Everyone needs a Naldo in their life.” 

“I mean, I guess you’re right.” He shrugged as we stopped in front of the steps to the lazy river. 

“I know I am.” I grinned earning a laugh from Billy.

We unloaded all the floats we gathered, Billy mostly telling me about himself, where he was from and how he was working as much as he could to go back.

Second rotation seemed to drag on after Billy and I went to our separate. I was dreaming of a cold shower after sitting out in the sweltering afternoon heat. 

I signed slumping down in my chair kicking my legs over the railing. Discreetly looking over at Billy and laughing at how un interested he was in the conversation that Victoria was trying to have with him. 

I turned my attention back to the water watching as a few people floated by me. 

Suddenly feeling cold water being poured over my head, I gasped, turning  to see who the culprit was seeing two middle school age boys laughing at me. 

I jumped off my chair hitting one of them in the back of the head with my rescue float. 

“YOU LITTLE SHITS ARE GOING TO WISH YOU HADN'T DONE THAT!” I fumed running after them and tackling them to the ground behind Billy’s lifeguard chair.

I sat on both boys hitting them both in the head with my life raft. “You twerps ever do that again you will be banned for life from this entire park!” I screamed hitting them again.

“Hey, relax.” Billy spoke lifting me off the boys, who were starting to cry as I struggled against Billy’s arms that was locked around my waist.

 “That’s right, you cry for your mommy you shit stains!” I yelled kicking my legs at them as Billy carried me away from the two boys. “Uh,” he mumbled quietly as he set me down on my feet. 

“Although that was probably the hottest things I have ever seen, but In my experience, trying to bring harm to middle schoolers will only bring harm to yourself.”

“Those two always like to pull shit with me.” I grunted as Naldo ran up to us. “Daphne would you like to tell me why the Erikson boys are crying right now?”

“Yeah, they poured water on me...again I guess hanging them up by their trunks to the light pole last year didn’t teach them anything.” I chided only to have Naldo  shake his head angrily at me.

“Daphne, this-”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s my first and last warning.” I rolled my eyes cutting him off before adding “ I’m off lifeguard duties for the season, blah blah blah.” I chided as Naldo shook his head again in disappointment. 

“I’m not that mean Daph. But I’m upset, just don’t act out so fast when they mess with you and let me handle it. Promise me you’ll come to me? That’s what the walkie talkies are for.”

I sighed in defeat, “I’m sorry, Naldo. I’ll go apologize to the boys too. And I’ll- uh sanitize the floats and snorkel gear tonight.” 

A smile grew across his face, accepting my apology“Toot it and boot it Daph,” Naldo exclaimed holding his hand out. We high fived then bumped our fists together. 

“Ok, you two can get back to your posts now.” he spoke, turning on his heal and heading back from where he came from.

“Toot it…..and boot it?” Billy questioned raising an eyebrow. 

“He makes everyone do that. So get use to it Hargrove.”

I trudged out the back gate to my car noticing the blue Camaro from this morning parked next to mine, and Billy laying back on top of the hood. “Billy?” I questioned, approaching both vehicles.

He lifted his head looking over at me as I stood beside him. 

“What are you still doing here? Everyone is gone.”

“I’m just avoiding going home,” He admitted. “Why?” I questioned throwing my bag in the back of my Jeep  then laying next to Billy on top of his car. He grunted in response to me pushing him over a little to make room for myself. 

“I just don’t want to go home.”

I could tell by the look on his face that it wasn't a subject I should push. “You want to spend the night at my place?” I offered

Billy looked over at me raising his eyebrows at me, a smirk forming on his lips. 

“Uck, You wish, Fabio. I’m just being nice. I have a pullout couch in my room.”

Billy chuckled nervously, “I guess I can take you up on the offer.”

I sat up, sliding off of his car, “Okie dokie then, I’m starving so just follow me home.” I chirped turning around and climbing into my jeep.

“Oh and by the way, You drive like an asshole.”

Billy rolled his eyes as he slid off the hood of his car. “You’re the one that goes twenty under the speed limit.”

“Yeah, well I wouldn't have if you didn’t ride my ass like you were doing.” I chortled as I started my car. 

“I’ll see you in a little bit, Fabio.”

It didn't take long for us to arrive at my house, I pulled into my driveway getting out as Billy parked his Camaro behind me

“Your parents will be okay with this?” Billy questioned as we went up the front steps of the house.

“Mom is a nurse over at Hawkins Memorial. She won’t be home until the morning,” I assured stepping into our home. “And besides, she wouldn’t care, she loves all of my friends. Maggie and the boys stay over all the time.”

“What about your dad?” Billy questioned.

“Doesn’t Live here.” I grinned dropping my bag by the door before kicking my shoes off. 

“Billy, this Tatoonie my cat. She’s an asshole and will probably either pee on your shoes or sleep on your head tonight.” I giggled as we made our way to my bedroom. 

Billy paused backing up looking at a framed photos of me and my mother hung up on the wall. 

“Santa Monica Pier.” He whispered looking over at me. 

“My mom took me there for my fifth birthday, paid for surfing lessons. We went every year until she left my dad and we couldn't afford it anymore” I frowned looking at the 8 photos of my mom and I standing happily together on the beach.

“You can surf?” Billy questioned looking over at me.

“Yeah, but I’m awful at it, if you were paying attention to what I was saying this morning you would have known that.” I crossed my arms jokingly glaring at him. 

“I’ve been saving money so I can go back and visit. It’s been a while and I really miss the ocean.” I added looking back at the pictures and some of the best memories I had with my mother. 

“I want to go back also,” Billy spoke softly not taking his eyes off of the center portrait of the Santa Monica Pier. 

“Well if you play your cards right, I might let you come with me.” I winked 

grabbing Billy’s hand pulling him away from the photos and to my room.

 He looked around taking in my room and the various posters and photos that adorned my walls.

“Make yourself at home, I’m going to shower.” I quipped grabbing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from the mound of clean clothes sitting on top of my bed I hadn’t bothered to fold then padding into my bathroom.

I quickly washed the work day off of me, taking the time to shave the areas on my body that needed it, - you know just in case. I stepped out of the shower, pulling a t-shirt over my head and wrapping my hair up in the towel to dry it.

I went back into my room right as Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent filled my room. Billy was sitting in front of my record player, thumbing through my collection of vinyls. 

“You have great taste in music.” 

I chuckled sitting next to him. “Thank you, there is a record store here in town that has a killer selection.”  

He pulled Black Sabbath's Paranoia album out of my collection placing the needle precisely at the beginning of the song Iron Man. I laid back kicking my legs up and resting them on the wall in front of me. 

Billy followed my motion laying the opposite way, placing his head next to mine.

“Hey, Princess?” 

“Call me that again and you’ll sleep outside with the family of unfriendly gophers that live in my backyard.” I grunted. 

He sighed loudly. “Daphne.” He corrected turning his head looking over at me. I hummed in response, closing my eyes, focusing on the music that was humming through the speakers.

“Thanks for letting me stay tonight. Even if we just met.” Billy whispered. I turned my head, smiling at him.

 “It’s not a problem. I figured you didn’t want to talk about why you didn’t want to go home so I didn’t press it.”

He didn’t respond, he kept his focus on me. I rolled up on my side propping myself up on my elbow, looking down at him. “But if you ever want to talk, just know I’m here. I’m a good listener.”

 Billy looked at me sitting up and pressing his lips to mine I stared wide eyed at him as he placed his hand on the side of my head, his fingers gripping some of my hair. My heart started to flutter after the shock of being kissed wore off.  

 Billy pulled away looking at me, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” He apologized. 

I tried my best to hide the shock of being kissed on my face, feeling my cheeks grow incredibly warm.

“I-I mean y-you could have -a-asked. I would've said y-yes, but that’s b-beside the p-point.” I stammered, rolling back on my back and trying to regain my composure. Normally when I was kissed, I didn't get so flustered. I was able to play it cool, but this kiss was different. 

I cleared my throat looking back over at Billy who hadn’t taken his eyes off of me. “Can I kiss you again?” Billy questioned softly, any trace of the bad boy facade completely gone. He reached over gently caressing my cheek. 

I could have melted into him right then and there without any hesitation. But playing hard to get would be more fun. I wanted to see how flustered I could make him, just like he had just done to me now and earlier on in the day.

“I’m actually really fucking hungry. Come on, Fabio lets raid the kitchen for some grub” I stood up putting my hand out to help Billy up. He took it with a smile, not even needing my counter weight to help him up. 

“...so is that a no on the kissing you thing.” Billy questioned stroking my cheek with his hand.

“Yes, that’s a no.” I chuckled lightly grabbing onto his wrist. “Let’s go, lover boy.”

I lead Billy into the kitchen. “Mom and I made meatloaf last night. We have leftovers from that ooooor,” I hummed looking in the freezer, “We have pizza, pot pies ooooor,” I sang again looking in the small cookie jar on our counter we kept our money in for take out. “We can order Chinese.”

I turned facing Billy who was leaning against the counter. “You’re the guest so you can choose” I mused.

 “Pizza is fine” 

“Done deal.” I grabbed a cheese pizza from the freezer turning on the oven so it would start to preheat. 

Turning back to the fridge I grabbed two beers, tossing one over to Billy, who continued to stare at me silently. “What’s your deal, Billy?” I questioned raising an eyebrow at him. 

“Nothing- it’s nothing. I just- it’s-” He sputtered popping the can open. I chuckled stepping around the counter and standing by him. 

“Now that we have decided on dinner, I suppose that you can kiss me. If you still want-”

Billy pressed his lips against mine cutting me off mid sentence, softly placing his hand on my cheek. I stepped closer to him, standing between his legs as his hand found its way to the back of my head, fingers knotting in my hair has he deepened the kiss.

I had never been kissed like this before, it almost felt like time came to a complete stop as our lips moved against each other. It wasn’t until the oven’s timer went off alerting us that the pizza was finished cooking that I had noticed it’d been a whole half hour that we stood in my kitchen making out.

I cleared my throat stepping back, “The Pizza is ready.”

Billy let out a small throaty laugh -- trying to hide the fact that he was just as flustered as I was. “I didn’t really peg you as that good of a kisser.” He mused earning an eye roll from me.

“Better than Hickey Vicky?” I joked winking at him as I sauntered over to the oven grabbing oven mitts and pulling the pizza out and sitting it on the stove.  

Once it was cooled, I brought the tray over to the counter Billy was at sitting it on the bar and finding a place next to him. 

“I would say you’re definitely in the top five.” 

I contorted my face in disgust. 

“I don’t know if I should take that as an insult or a compliment.” 

Billy hummed in response looking over at me, he opened his mouth then promptly shutting it opting to shove a slice of pizza in his mouth than telling me what he was thinking.  

We sat in comfortable silence eating our dinner. 

“I need to wash my uniforms, if you want to give me yours too I toss them in with my dirty laundry.” I spoke, finally breaking the silence. Billy got up and made his way back to my room emerging with soiled clothes and handing them over to me.

I threw Billy and I’s dirty uniforms in the washer pressing start before walking back out to the kitchen, smiling at him as I watched him clean up the small mess we made from dinner. 

“Ok, uniforms are in the wash, Mom will probably put them in the dryer when she gets home, So I’m going to pass out.” I nodded my head towards where my room was.

“Uh, you’re welcome to sleep on the couch out here or in my room. The latter would probably be the best option so my mother doesn't come home from work to a man-child with a mullet asleep in her living room.”

Billy chuckled following me to my room. 

“I want to thank you again, Daph, for letting me stay here.”

“Oh, it’s honestly no problem, You’re a bone head, but I enjoy your company.”

Billy plopped down on my couch pulling his shirt off over his head. I grabbed a blanket from the top shelf of my closet, unfolding it and draping it over Billy. He smiled up to me sleepily, “You’re going to steal my heart from me” He muttered as I grabbed a pillow handing it to him.

“I don’t take hearts, I break them.” I joked leaning down and pressing a small kiss on Billy’s cheek then switching off the lights in my room. 

Billy let out a soft chuckle, repeating the words I had just spoke to him. I rolled my eyes climbing onto my bed and getting under the covers.

“Goodnight, Princess.”

“Goodnight, Fabio.”

I rested my cheek on my hand watching as all the people in the park passed by the shaved ice stand I was assigned to for my shift. 

Most of the customers opted for actual ice cream or frozen lemonades over the shaved ice truck, which didn’t bother me too much, not only was I able to sit in an air conditioned trailer, but my stand was also located close to Billy’s lifeguard post.

We were about a month and a couple weeks into the season. And Billy and I had grown pretty close, especially since he stayed at my house a few times a week.  

The boys and Maggie, of course,  welcomed him into our group with open arms and he begrudgingly became the Barbarian in our DND party.

The fuzzy feelings I felt in my chest when I was around him and the fact that my mother absolutely adored him didn’t help my situation either. 

And that made me feel gross, seeing how he was always flirting with me and all the girls around him. Especially since we spent ninety percent of our lunch breaks making out in the backseat of my Jeep.

It was gross.

He was gross.

“Are you crushing on Billy?”

I rolled my eyes turning my attention to Naldo, who was leaning on the counter behind me, with a huge shit eating grin plastered across his face. “No, Tyler I’m not crushing on Billy!” I growled.

“Then where did that come from?” He questioned poking at the red mark on my neck.

“I got bit by a spider,” I lied. 

Naldo pinched the bridge of his nose shaking his head. “I know when you’re lying Daphne Louise.”

I grimaced at the use of my full name. Naldo undoubtedly making a dig at me for calling him Tyler moments before. 

“Hypothetically speaking, if I were to be crushing on Billy. And he left Hickeys on my neck even when I have repeatedly asked him over and over not to would you be angry with me?”

Naldo let out a guttural high pitched laugh startling the people who were walking by. I was almost certain Billy had heard him also, I nodded at the startled customers then looking across the way at Billy who lifted his arm up in a what the fuck kind of way. I gave him a shrug before turning back to Naldo.

“What the fuck was that!?”  I hissed as Naldo failed to regain his composure.

“I knew it!” He exclaimed, “You’ve been a lot nicer than usual.. And,” He grabbed my leg making me lose my balance falling into the counter. “You’ve been shaving your legs.”

“You’re such a weirdo.” I fumed as he dropped my leg.

“Happiness looks so good on you, Kid.” he chortled 

I smiled to myself eyeing Billy has he waved sheepishly at me. I waved back at him. Not turning back to Naldo, who started singing Billy and Daphne sittin’ in a tree. 

I finally turned to him, sighing. “Yes, I like him. Will that make you shut up?” 

Naldo looked at me, smugly. “Like I said, Happiness looks good on you. But how about you two eat lunch with all of us today instead of eating lunch in your jeep.” 

I rolled my eyes at him, “Okay, Naldo.” 

I held my fist out to him as he we did our not so secret toot it and boot it hand shake.

“I’m serious, I better see you in the food court!” He chirped as he stepped out of the shaved ice stand. I gave him a small salute before he turned and skipped away.

Our first shift felt like it lasted forever and I was hungry for some actual food instead of the ice I had been grazing on all morning. The person who came to relieve me was late, per usual, so I was late meeting up with him for our daily lunch break. 

“There’s a party everyone is going to tonight Billy, are you going?” I overheard as I made my way up to Billy and the girls that had flocked around him.

“Please, and hang around the losers that work here?” Billy quipped once I was standing behind him.

“You work here too, Hargrove, so that makes you a loser by association.” I chimed in, poking him in the back. 

Billy rolled his eyes before pushing his sunglasses back up the bridge of his nose and turning back to the girls.

“Have a good lunch break, Jackass.” I quipped grabbing the cigarette from behind his ear and placing it between my lips heading towards the burger post. 

I wasn’t even half way there before Billy caught up to me, throwing his arm around my shoulder. 

“You know I was just kidding right? About you and the others being losers?” Billy spoke, quickly obviously hiding the anxiety that he actually pissed me off in his voice.

“Sure you were, Fabio” I smirked as we reached the doors to small cafeteria. He dropped his arm  that was draped around my shoulder to open the door for me. 

“I’m serious Daph.”

I rolled my eyes rising up on my toes pressing my lips to his cheek. “Billy, I’m just fucking with you. Don’t you worry that pretty little face of yours.”

 Billy ducked down quickly kissing my nose. I beamed up at him grabbing his hand as we shuffled into the building. 

“There’s a party tonight Billy, are you going? You can crash at my place after.” Issac offered leaning back in his chair.

“Please, Issac, Billy is way too cool to be seen at an Arbor Pines party. Apparently we’re all a bunch of losers.” I quipped looking over at Billy hinting at the conversation he had had earlier with some of the girls that crowded around him at the pool during shift change. 

Billy's lips twitched up as he dug his fork into his potato salad. It was small and quick and I was almost certain that I was the only one who saw it.

“We weren’t a bunch of losers when we kicked Hawkins High’s basketball team at nationals.” Geoff smirked.

 “And you made that Tommy kid cry.” I chortled taking a bite of my hamburger.

This time Billy didn’t suppress his laugh, it bellowed out of him as he threw his head back, eyes watering. “You  were the one that made Tommy cry?” Billy asked between laughs trying to catch his breath.

“Jesus, Hargrove, in through your nose and out through your mouth.” I insisted, flinging a french fry at him. 

“Tommy H cries all the time.” Billy sputtered causing all of us to start laughing along with him.

I felt the warmth creep across my chest again, watching as Billy was generally getting along with our little group. His asshole behavior and blunt attitude fit in perfectly with the rest of our personalities. 

“When we were little, all of us were on a soccer team together, and he cried because he got beat by a team with girls on it.” I sat back rolling my eyes. 

“Back to the party, you in Hargrove? We’ll have a few kegs, different kinds of alcohol and some special baked goods. You can’t say no, It’s your girlfriend’s birthday party.” Issac coaxed, winking at Billy. 

Without a beat, Billy turned to me, eyebrows raised. “It’s your birthday?” Ignoring the fact that Issac referred to me as his girlfriend.

The look on his face was a mixture of embarrassment and panic, for either forgetting, not remembering my birthday.

“Relax, Billy, It’s tomorrow, and don’t think I ever told you my birthday.” I chuckled watching as his rigid posture became more relaxed.

He bit down on his lip trying to regain his composure.

 “If there is a keg, you can count me in.” Billy grinned.

I wiped my mouth shooting my two middle fingers up at Billy. He stood there staring at me in disbelief after I beat his keg stand time by 30 seconds. I smirked at him blowing a kiss as I placed a cigarette in my mouth. 

“It’s okay Fabio, You’re still the keg king in Hawkins” I quipped patting him on the chest. 

 “That was…..sexy.” He blurted as I passed my cigarette to him. He drew it in tilting his head up blowing the smoke in the air before passing it back to me. 

“I almost forgot! I got you something!” Billy grabbed my hand pulling me through the crowd and out to his car. 

“Billy, you didn’t have to get me anything.” I giggled as he dug through the back seat of his car. “Well you’re my best friend and the fact that I didn't know your birthday is so bad. So here you go!” He shoved a badly wrapped package into my hands smiling down at me. 

My heart fluttered at how excited he was, and how he referred to as his best friend. I tore at the paper chuckling as it revealed a half eaten bag of cherry licorice and a small stuffed animal obviously taken from the carnival games at work.

“I will cherish these for the rest of my life.” I beamed pulling Billy into a hug. He wrapped his arms around me picking me off my feet. “Thank you.” I whispered into his shoulder as he placed me back onto the ground. 

“It’s no problem, Princess.”

The night continued on with more and more people showing up for the occasion. We danced, and sang and drank the night away as everyone wished me a happy birthday. 

Half way through the party I decided to try and start sobering up so I wouldn't be completely hungover on my actual birthday.

I made myself a home on the front law where it was pretty quiet. I laid back watch the stars before Billy plopped down next to me in the grass. 

“Has anyone told you that you’re kinda scary?” He coaxed causing me to laugh. 

“How high are you right now?” He shrugged laying back looking up at the sky. 

“Only, a little,” he grinned sheepishly at me before continuing. 

“You’re one of  the sweetest people I have ever met. Your love and compassion for people-even the ones you hate is so genuine. You bring light into people’s lives, Daphne. And that scares me.”

I brought my knees up to my chest, hugging my arms around me in an attempt to keep my heart contained in one place as I looked down at the boy.

 “Why would that scare you?” I questioned him as he closed his eyes drawing in his cigarette, than offering it to me. 

I took it placing it in my mouth. 

“The last person that was a light in my life left me alone in the dark.”

I frowned watching as he was fighting whatever thoughts were crossing his mind. “I lose myself in the best possible way when you’re around,” Billy opened his eyes, looking over at me as he sat up. I bit down on my lip, looking at him. 

“I’m in love with you.” Billy spoke leaning in and pressing his lips to mine hungrily, our teeth clicking together as he knotted his fingers in my hair. 

“Do you want to go inside?” I muttered on Billy’s lips. He opened his eyes slowly looking down at me through his lashes. 

I lead Billy through the house and to the empty guest room, Maggie and I would always use when we stayed the night with Issac. I closed the door behind us, turning the lock  then looking up at Billy. 

He stepped towards me hooking his fingers into my belt loops pulling my body to his connecting our lips together. He backed me into the door as his fingers found their way to the hem of my of my shirt. He broke our kiss momentarily to pull my shirt over my head.

I rose up on my toes, to kiss him better pushing him backwards until he fell on the bed. I stepped out of my flats as Billy all but threw his boots across the room. I unzipped my shorts letting them fall to the floor as I climbed on the bed and on top of Billy connecting our lips once more.

His hands traced up my spine finding the band of my bra. “It unhooks from the front.” I chuckled 

after a small grunt came from him.  

“Why would you buy a bra that unhooks from the front?” he groaned has his fingers fumbled to get it unclasped.

“Because it was cute and on sale.” And I also got joy out of watching boys work hard to see my bare chest. I gave Billy a hand throwing my bra to the ground as he looked up and admired my topless form.

He grabbed my hips flipping us over so he was hovering over me, connecting our lips together. His hand that wasn't wrapped in my hair slowly brushed down my body, his fingers finding their way inside of me. I let out a small squeal at how cold his touch felt

. “Sorry,” He chuckled as he continued to move his fingers. 

“You could have warned me that your hands were cold.” I giggled pulling his face back to mine.

I let out a small breathy moans while Billy kissed down my jaw, slowly making his way between my legs, kissing the inside of my thighs.  He pulled my undies all the way off pressing more kisses on the inside of left my thigh before his mouth made its way to my clit.

My fingers instinctively ran through his hair knotting it in my fingers as he continued to hit all the right places with his tongue. 

It didn’t take long for the electrifying sensation I hadn’t felt in so long to take over my entire body completely. 

 “Uh.. Um..B-Billy.” I spoke softly, voice shaky, as the electric sensation slowly left my body. He hummed unbuttoning his pants with one hand while placing small kisses up my body until our lips met once more.

“You have a condom right?” I questioned as he pulled away from me frowning. 

“No, but we can still do it.” He muttered looking down at me.

 “Uh, no we can’t. No condom, no sex.”

His head dropped on my shoulder, an annoyed grunt coming from him. “Do you have one?” he whispered nuzzling his nose into my neck.

 “No,” I lied knowing that I had one hidden away in my wallet, Something my mother had always taught me, to keep one on me as a backup plan for if and when a boy tells me he didn't have one.

Billy sat up crossing his arms glaring down at me. “You’re lying.” I sat up on my elbows frowning, Billy had been around me long enough to pick up on my tiny mannerisms I subconsciously did when I told a lie. 

“I have one in my wallet, but I really don’t feel like doing it anymore.” I mumbled reaching out to touch his face. “I love you too,” I cooed, responding to his confession from earlier. 

“And I don’t want our first time together to be when we both are cross faded in someone else’s house.”

Billy finally rolled off the bed angrily buttoning his pants reaching down and grabbing his shirt. Not even looking at me. 

“Billy, I want to, but I just don’t think its the right time for us to have sex.” I apologized earning a grunt from him as he left the room leaving me alone.

I got up, getting dressed quietly trying not to let the tears that were stinging in my eyes to completely fall.

I took a deep breath and headed back out to the party, where Billy and I didn’t speak for the rest of the night.

“Good morning, my darling birthday Girl!” My mother cheered as I hoisted myself onto the counter next to where she was standing. I smiled at her leaning over dipping my finger into the blueberry muffin batter she was preparing.

“Daphne Louise, that has raw eggs in it!” She scolded as I fished out another blueberry from the mix. 

“That never stopped us from eating cookie dough while watching The Facts of Life” I giggled as my mom swatted at my hand. 

“How was the party last night?” She questioned scooping spoonfuls of the mix into the muffin tin. 

“I think Billy was trying to tell me that he loves me.” I crossed my legs under one another laughing nervously. 

My mother’s eyes lit up as she looked over at me. “Annnnnnd?” She sang.

I dipped my fingers in the batter once again grabbing another blueberry, “We almost had sex. But I stopped it and he got mad and wouldn’t talk to me for the rest of the night”

She knew I wasn’t a virgin, I hadn't been since the ninth grade when I lost it to Joseph West in the back of his Cadillac DeVille. It was way less than satisfying. I asked my mother if it was supposed to be - that bad she laughed at me and told me the first time for everyone was pretty bad. My mother and I had a very close relationship, I was able to tell her things whether she approved of them or not, and she would always offer advice to me when I had any kind of problems.

She gave me a confused look, “Why did you change your mind?” She questioned moving the batter from out of my reach quietly giving me a “tsk.” as a popped another batter covered blue berry in my mouth.

 “I don’t know, I just- want to make sure he’s in it for the right reasons.” I muttered.

“I like him, mom. I actually more than like him, I love him,” I admitted with a sigh. “And I want to protect my heart if the feelings aren’t mutual. What if he was just telling me the things I want to hear from him just so he can get me in the bed.”

My mother sighed wiping her hands down her apron.  

“Honey, that’s just something you will have to decide for yourself. I personally think he really likes you, especially with all the time you two spend together. He never seems to go home. And he stopped sleeping on your couch weeks ago.”

I grinned sheepishly at my mother, knowing that she knew that Billy and I cuddled in my bed the nights that he stayed with me.

Hell, we would even cuddle the nights we both stayed with Maggie or one of the boys.

“Your father called last night. He wants you to come over for dinner to celebrate your birthday.” 

My mother informed me changing the subject, Although we were open with each other she still preferred to not hear about my sex life.

I groaned grabbing and licking the last of the batter off of the spatula. “He’s going to be upset that I haven't applied to any schools still. He won’t even humor the idea of me taking time off of school and living,” I frowned. “I don’t even want to go to college.” I continued looking up at my mother.

My father was the complete opposite then my mother, he was harsh and cold where she was loving and accepting. When I was seven years old, my mother finally had enough of his anger and his hatred that she left with me, finding a home in Arbor Pines.

 Growing up, there was a lot of stress and expectations put on my shoulders from him, from being forced into dance classes when I had to spend the summer with him, to having to go to after school tutoring when I wasn’t meeting his standards of grades.

I finally humored him when I was in high school taking advanced classes as well as being on the cheerleader squad and that still wasn’t enough. What I didn’t tell my mother was the abuse she endured before she got the courage was now put upon me. He promised that he’d never lay a finger on me but that complete changed the older I got, and the more of a failure he found me to be.

My mother cupped my chin in her hands pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Baby girl, no matter what you do, or where you go, you will accomplish wonderful things. I couldn’t be more proud of the young lady that you have become.”

I smiled softly at her as I wrapped my arms around her body hugging her. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too my sweet girl.”

I spent the rest of my morning eating and cleaning the kitchen with my mother and avoided going to Hawkins until I absolutely had to.

“I’ll probably hang out with Robin after dinner then come home.” I announced prancing out of the hallway to the living room where my mom was sitting. I pressed a kiss on her cheek. 

“No parties while I’m gone.” I joked as I headed out the door with a wave.

It took less than an hour to get to Hawkins from my house, it was one of my favorite drives to take, a two lane road with a vast amount of trees, on the days I had to go to Hawkins to spend with my father, I would always take the top off of my car letting the wind and smell of pine surround me as I sped down the road.

One of my biggest dreams was to be able to travel the country, looking for hidden back roads that would twist and turn. Ones that I could zoom down listening to my music as loud as it could go.

I noticed a familiar blue car parked on the side of the road and as much as I didn’t want to stop and check up on the stupid owner with his stupid amazing hair, I did any way because, I’m a nice person that was in love with a asshole.

I pulled up behind Billy honking my car horn at him. He looked up from his flat tire, wiping his forehead, before standing up and stomping towards my jeep. 

“Hiya, Princess.” Billy smirked leaning on my window. I rolled my eyes, ignoring the fact that I would never not be called princess by Billy.

“Come on, I’m heading into town. I can drop you off at the mechanic and they can bring a tow out here.” I smiled nodding to my passenger seat.

Billy took my offer, lumbering around to the passenger side climbing into my jeep. I took off once he was settled humming to myself to make up for the silence between us. 

I wasn’t sure if he remembered the night before or not, which I was really hoping it was the latter. That he didn’t remember the kiss we shared or me rejecting him after us almost having sex.

I made a right turn onto the main road that took us to Hawkins, pushing my latest mix tape into the radio pressing my foot down heavily on the gas.

“AHHH AH!! WE COME FROM THE PLACE WITH THE ICE AND SNOW,” I yelled turning the volume to Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song. 

“FROM THE MIDNIGHT SUN, WHERE THE HOT SPRINGS FLOW,” I looked over at Billy as he clung onto the grab handle above him as we zoomed down the winding roads towards town. 

“The Hammer of the Gods!” I smirked returning my attention back to the road swerving my jeep back into my lane.

“Are you sure you’re allowed to drive?” Billy questioned trying but failing to mask his genuine fear in his voice. 

I laughed easing up on the gas, “What, never been a passenger to someone who drives like you before?” I smirked eyeing the boy next to me. 

He grunted in response as I drummed my thumbs on the steering wheel. “Billy, if I wanted to kill you, vehicular manslaughter wouldn’t be my first choice.” 

I could feel his harsh stare boring into me as I brought the jeep to a stop at a light. “I’m serious. I’d poison you and then get Maggie or Issac to help me hide your body.”

Billy rolled his eyes looking away from me. “Remind me to never eat anything you ever give me.”

“You always seem to enjoy the muffins I bring to Naldo’s every morning.” I mused earning another grunt.

“Ok, what gives Hargrove, I understand you being grumpy because you got a flat tire but did Issac piss in your Cheerios this morning?”

Billy muttered something under his breath that I couldn’t quite understand. I reached over to my radio turning the volume completely down. 

“I’m sorry, what was that?” I questioned, finally pulling into the parking lot of Hawkins only mechanic.  

“If I wanted you to know what I said, Princess, I would have said it louder” Billy grunted opening the door to her car hopping out of it. I sat back in my seat, staring at him.

“Are you seriously angry at me because you didn’t get laid last night?” 

Billy let out another grunt slamming my jeep door shut. I felt my cheeks grow red from anger as I watched the boy stride away angrily. I placed my car in park getting out and chasing after him.

“You’re such a prick, you know that. Huh?” I yelled pushing his shoulder.

 “Was you telling me that you love me last night just some bullshit ploy to get into my pants?!” I jeered as he turned around staring down at me, straight faced.

“What if it was? Huh? What are you going to do Daphne?”

I squeezed my fists into tight balls digging my nails into my palms. “Nothing. I won’t do anything but be completely disappointed in myself for letting some asshole into my heart. There’s a reason I didn’t want to sleep with you and this is it.”

Billy bit down on his lip before sighing and reaching down for my hand. I stepped back crossing my arms over my chest, waiting for him to respond. 

“I’m sorry,” he began stepping towards me, and sign  of anger he had slowly leaving as his composure relaxed. “I meant everything I said to you, Daph.” 

Billy reached out stroking my cheek, “I’m an asshole..and a bonehead and anything else you want to call me.”

I rolled my eyes lightly grabbing  his wrists as his hands found their way to the back of my head.

“I love you” he muttered before closing the space between us and kissing me.

“Who lives here?” Billy asked as I pulled into a driveway of a bright blue house. Billy and I spent most of the afternoon waiting for the Camaro to be repaired. After, I followed Billy to his home where he dropped off his car and got into mine so we could go and eat.

“My father and his wife.” I growled turning to my back seat and digging through the mound of growing cloths, settling on a dress. I pulled my shirt over my head, throwing it in the back seat and replacing it with the dress. Billy just sat there staring at me wide eyed as I traded my doc martens with a pair of white flats. 

 “My father isn’t a big fan of how I dress,” I explained running my hands down the length of my dress. “He’s honestly not a big fan of anything that I do. Probably won’t like you either.” I muttered leaning over and buttoning two of his buttons. 

Billy frowned, “Your mom likes me.”

I chuckled taking my hair down from the messy ponytail it was in. “Yeah well, my dad is an asshole. So we’re not going to stay very long.” I cringed looking at the front door, dreading the monster that was behind it.

We both sauntered inside, Billy following me to my room. “Wow… it’s so…”

“Boring,” I cut him off looking around at the bare walls of my room. “I don’t stay here often, so there's no point in making it homey- especially since my dad will sell my things he doesn't like or want me to have.”

Billy frowned as I shut the door behind us. “Don’t worry we won’t be here for long. Just have to show my face because it’s my birthday.”

I rose on my toes pecking Billy’s slips making him smile.

“Wanna make out?”

I pushed his shoulder playfully as he scooped me up bridal style, pressing his lips to mine.

I could hear the rumble of my father’s car from outside my window. “Uh.. Billy,” I mumbled with a shaky voice as hummed against my neck. 

“I need you to get into my closet” 

Billy looked down at me confused as I slide from underneath him.  

“My dad is home. And you being here is something he won’t like” I dug through my bag grabbing my powder compact, patting down the area where Billy had left a hickey. I groaned at how red the mark had remained. 

“Daphne! Are you here?!”

“Baby, he can’t be that bad.” Billy spoke plodding towards me. 

I turned to him frowning “Billy, please. Just get in my closet and stay there.” I begged pushing him towards the doors. 

I turned around grabbing a book of my bookshelf climbing on my bed and laying down opening it. “DAPHNE!” my father boomed busting into my room. 

“Hiya, Daddy!”I beamed smiling up at him. 

“You didn’t show up for the first day of work at the post. We had to hire Karen Wheeler’s bimbo daughter.” My father growled.

 I closed my tattered copy of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath sitting beside me on the bed 

“Daddy, I told you I was working at Wonder Palace for the summer.” I mused only to earn a grunt of disapproval from him.

I stood up giving him a small hug before sheepishly stepping back eyeing my closet to make sure Billy could not be seen.

 “Can we please not do this right now? It’s my birthday, I came to eat dinner, not fight about my future.”

My father grabbed my arm pushing me hard against the wall. “I’m so sick of you running up and down the street with all the riff-raff you hang around.” I bit down on my lip, breathing heavily 

“You haven’t even given them a chance, dad. They aren’t as bad as you think they are.”

“I told you about these people. Smoking marijuana and drinking at that rundown amusement park isn't a job, It’s about time that you grow up Daphne. You’re 19 years old now. Did you apply to the schools like I asked?”

I looked away seeing Billy looking at me with terror in his eyes from my closet. “No, I didn’t. Mom said that I-“ his hand smacked across my face as he grabbed a hold of my face pinching my cheeks hard. 

“I don’t care what your mother has told you. You’re going to go to college. I didn’t raise a failure did I?” I averted my gaze as tears started to well up in my eyes. 

“Dad- I just graduated. I want to take time off of-” His grasp tightened around my jaw, forcing me harder into the wall.

“DID I RAISE A FAILURE DAPHNE LOUISE?” 

“No sir,”I said through gritted teeth breathing heavily. 

“You didn’t raise me at all. Mom did, and she’s proud of me. She’s proud of the person I am and who I may become in the future.” He lifted his hand to hit me once again but Billy caught him by the wrist, staring angrily at my father.

“Don’t you fucking touch her!” He bellowed pushing him away from me. I dropped to the floor finally letting the tears fall from my eyes. Billy stood in front my me guarding me from my father as he stormed back over to the both of us. 

“You’re not going to amount to anything. Just like your whore of a mother.”

I stood up balling my hands into fists, “And you’re going to die sad and alone.” I growled as Billy remained in front of me. 

“I’m not letting you near her.” He spoke harshly reaching back and placing his hand over mine, squeezing it in an attempt to show me I was safe. 

“And who are you?” Dad challenged bowing his chest up to Billy.

“My name is Billy Hargrove, and I’m in love with your daughter. We work together at Wonder Palace.”

My father squeezed his eyes shut in frustration, a huge knot growing in the pit of my stomach. Billy squeezed my hand again as I stepped up to stand by his side rather than behind him. 

“Really, Daphne? You bring this trash into my house when you know better not to? You let him do this shit to you?” My father pushed Billy roughly away making him fall into my small vanity grabbing my chin, hard, pushing my face away from him so he could get a better look at the marks Billy had left on my neck.

“You’re disgusting.” He barked squeezing my cheeks as Bill pushed him off of me winding back to punch my father in the face. “Hey,” I spoke softly grabbing on to Billy’s arm. 

“Let’s just go.”

Billy looked between my father and I before giving me a small nod. I turned to my dad. “I’m never coming back here again.” I declared as Billy grabbed my hand pulling me out of my room and to the front door, my father not even protesting us leaving.

 I grabbed the keys out of the pocket of my dress. Pushing them into the ignition reeving my car to life and pulling out of the driveway.

“Daph, please pull over let me drive.” 

I Ignored him, pushing my foot down harder on the gas pedal as we zoomed down the street. “Daphne,” Billy reached over caressing my cheek with the back of his hand. I let out a shaky sigh as I pulled over on the side of the road, resting my head on the steering wheel, finally letting out a sob. 

“Daphne,” Billy repeated as he started rubbing my back. 

“My father treats me the same way.” Billy whispered. My head shot up looking over at him. 

“That’s why you never want to go home, isn't it? It’s where, all of your bruises come from?” I wiped my nose with the back of my hand as Billy slumped back in the seat. 

“Yeah. My dad expects a lot from me, and no matter what I do, it’s not good enough.”

“What about your mom?” I questioned. 

“She left when I was young, and she didn't take me with her. But if she did, I'm pretty sure I would have ended up just like you.”

“Cute with a bad attitude? Oh wait…” I joked winking at him. 

“I’m serious,Daphne.”

“Are you going to be ok?” Billy questioned he as pulled into his driveway.

“I have a friend that works at Star Court, I’m going to go and visit her.” I leaned over pressing a kiss to Billy’s cheek. 

“Thank you for today.” I continued as he turned looking at me, placing a small kiss on my nose. 

“Anytime Princess.” Billy climbed out of my Jeep and striding over to the passenger side, opening my door for me. I slid out of my seat, Billy placing his hands on either side of my hips.

“Can I come over tonight?” He murmured leaning down and pressing his lips to my neck. 

“There’s a slice of ice cream cake with your name on it.” I gasped as I felt his teeth lightly graze my neck.

“Uck, can’t you slobber over your girls somewhere else?” 

Billy grunted resting his head on my shoulder as I looked over at the small redhead standing in front of us. 

“You’re Max!” I beamed pushing Billy away from me and stepping towards her. Billy made another grunt of disapproval as I stuck my hand out to his little sister.

“I’m Daphne, Billy’s girlfriend.” I chirped as she reluctantly shook my hand. 

“Max.” 

I looked down noticing the skateboard she held in her hand. 

“I have the same one but mine is blue. Me and my friends always hit the skate park in Arbor Pines when we have time. Next time you should tag along, you can spend the night if you want to!” 

Max looked between Billy and I lifting an eyebrow. “He wouldn’t be invited if that’s what you’re worried about.” I chuckled as Billy slumped against my Jeep. I turned and looked at him angrily. 

“Don’t be rude William.” I smirked earning a laugh from Max as I turned back to her. 

“I’m serious, I don’t have any younger siblings. I am always game for a skateboarding session and a sleep over!”

Max gave me a huge smile before trying to shrug off her obvious excitement. 

“Sounds like fun,” She looked over from me to Billy, who was still throwing a fit that I was talking to his little sister.  “Try not to be a jackass and mess things up. I like her.” She quipped before excusing herself and going inside.

“Daphne, why?” Billy groaned as I turned to face him. 

 “Because if we’re going to be together, I want to try and have a relationship with your family- the ones that matter any way. Did you see how I instantly won her approval because I acknowledged her existence?”

He huffed crossing his arms. 

“Stop being such a grump. Or I’ll make you sleep on the couch tonight.”

Billy sighed in defeat. “Fine. Thank you for caring…..about my little sister.” He spoke through gritted teeth, faking a smile.

I skipped into Scoops Ahoy leaning on the counter as a string of cuss words came from the back room. I hit the bell a few times before a boy with fluffy hair strode out. 

“Ahoy there! Are you ready to be a passenger on the SS Butterscotch? Let me help you and your taste buds to set sail! I’m Steve Harrington.” He exclaimed  running his fingers in his hair smiling at me. 

I lifted an eyebrow at him as Robin opened up the back window to watch the boy fail miserably at flirting with me. 

“This is what you left us for, Buckley?”  Her eyes lit up as she ran out to the front of the store pulling me into a huge hug.

“What are you doing here Daphne!?” 

“I had to come to Hawkins to visit my father for my birthday.” I mumbled with an eye roll. 

Robin cringed contorting her face up in disgust.  “And how did that go?” She questioned as I leaned back on the wall next to the counter. 

“The usual, him being an asshole and hitting me. But my boyfriend came between him and I and my dad kicked us out.”

Robin knew most of what happened at my father’s house, after things got bad and I wasn’t able to go back home to my mother, I would find solace and safety at the Buckley household. Away from my father and whatever he had been drinking that night.

An exasperated sigh came from the boy, Steve standing behind the counter. I turned to him giving a confused look. 

“You okay over there?” I questioned making him wince a little.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that- it’s just of course you have a boyfriend, you’re too pretty not to have one.” 

I laughed at Steve as he awkwardly averted his gaze from mine. “Thank You. You’re very pretty also.” I complemented. 

“I’m Daphne Collins.”  I added offering my hand to the boy for him to shake. He gladly shook my hand reintroducing himself as Robin took me to the back room for us to hang out.

We spent the rest of the day catching up and hanging out until it was time for her to help Steve start closing the store. 

“I love you, Buckley.” I beamed giving the girl a hug before telling her and steve goodbye.

I wandered to the food court noticing a familiar tall blonde haired boy standing incredibly close to a tiny brunette, smiling down at her as he rubbed his hand against her cheek. I marched up behind him tapping him on the back of his shoulder. He grunted turning around

 “I told you to go away Max!” the color in his face completely drained as he looked down at me. 

“Billy who is this?” The girl spoke peeking from behind him as he stood there stifled 

“Yeah Billy, who am I?” I crossed my arms as he regained his composure.

 “She’s just one of the losers I work with. Are you stalking me?”

I didn't even resist punching him in the face, the blow threw him off balance. He turned looking at me holding his cheek in surprised. “You’re an asshole.” I seethed through gritted teeth. I looked at the girl still standing behind him.

 “He’s not worth the heartbreak.”

I turned around seeing that most of the food court had their attention on us. 

“The Show is over, assholes!” I yelled. Before making my way back to the parking lot and to my car.

Billy pointed his rescue float at me before bringing it to his mouth, using it as a makeshift microphone. 

“TOO RA LOO RA TOO RA LOO RA AYE.” Billy sang as he started dancing like a complete dork running into a few people in the process. I stared at him as he started using his float as an air guitar. 

 “COME ON EILEEN, OH I SWEAR WHAT HE MEANS, AT THIS MOMENT YOU MEAN EVERYTHING!”

I rolled my eyes pushing my sunglasses up my nose as Billy made his way dancing towards me and the skeeball carnival game I was in charge of. 

“You know you’re making a complete ass out of yourself in front of the entire park.” I scoffed crossing my arms. 

Billy shimmied pointing his rescue float at me once again as he kept singing along to the rest of the song. 

“Come on, Princess, you can’t stay mad at me forever.”

“You tell me that you love me, twice might I add, and then you turn around and you flirt with any girl that looks your way. Do I only exist to you when you’re not in Hawkins?” I sneered crossing my arms.

Billy frowned dropping his arms to his sides. “Come on Daph, it’s not like that- It’s just,” He paused, thinking of a way to say what he wanted without pissing me off more. 

“You have an image to keep in Hawkins and if you’re seen with the weird stoner chick who likes girls as well as boys people will think less of you.” I blurted leaning back on my stool.

“Life isn’t a popularity contest Billy. If you really loved me than you wouldn’t actually care what people think. And that’s the difference between us, I don’t have to put on this front to get people to like me.”  I sneered as Geoff strolled by doing a double take at both Billy and I.

“Everything ok, Daph?” He questioned looking between us.

 “Do you mind covering for me? I don’t feel very good.” Geoff nodded eyeing Billy skeptically as I grabbed my things and made my way towards the front office.

The knot in my stomach only growing bigger, the more I thought about the past few days I had shared with Billy.

I stepped into Naldo’s office not even bothering to knock, making my way over to and sitting on the sofa he kept in the tiny room.

 “What’s on your mind, Kid?” He questioned, turning his chair around and facing me. 

“Have you ever been in love?”

Naldo smiled softly at me, out of our group of friends, him and I were the closest. He genuinely thought of me as his little sister and was probably the closest thing to a loving father figure I had.

“Hargrove, eh?”  He stood up, taking a few steps over to the couch sitting next to me. 

“I hate myself for feeling this way. I hate it, Naldo. It seems like every time me and him get close, he finds a way to mess things up. Is it me? Am I the issue here?”

I was never the type of girl to question why I got treated badly by who I dated, I would normally end things with the person and move on. But with Billy it was completely different. With Billy, it wasn’t just an infatuation that would only last for the summer. With Billy, I could easily see us together, with a family.

Before him, the only future I saw was me traveling alone finding a beach somewhere to call my home. But now, I wanted the same kind of future but I couldn’t picture it without him. And I hated that.

I hated how I let this complete mess of a boy blow through my entire being like a natural disaster, leaving a permanent imprint in his wake.

“Sometimes, people do really stupid things because they don’t know how to react to the way the person who they love, makes them feel. But Daph, I promise you, by the way Billy just looks at you, He’s in love.”

I frowned looking up from my hands at him, “what do you mean by that?” I questioned. 

Naldo gave me a half smile. “When you’re not looking he looks at you like you’re his entire world.”

“Toot it and boot it.” Naldo mused as I pulled him into a hug. 

I chuckled rubbing my nose on his shirt. He grimaced looking at the snot and tear stain on his shirt. “I love you, Daph.”

“I love you too, Naldo.”

“Daph, your bonehead is here!” My mom called as I stumbled out of the kitchen seeing Billy standing in the foyer next to her. 

“I do not claim ownership to this bonehead you speak of.”

I grunted putting my hands on my hips. 

“Can we talk? Please?” He begged, biting down on his lip, a noticeable bruise forming below his eye. 

“Please tell me you ran into a wall and Geoff didn’t punch you in the face” I grumbled stepping up to him and taking his face in my hands, examining his eye.

 I looked over at my mother who was still standing next to us. Eyeing me with a smile. “Billy will probably stay for dinner, so grab something extra.” I sighed reaching down and grabbing his hand.

Okay, Fabio. Let’s go.” I spoke pulling him to the kitchen as my mom called out her departure to the store. I sat Billy down sauntering over to our refrigerator grabbing a bag of peas wrapping it in a dish towel and handing it to him.  

I grabbed his chin examining the dark purple that had formed around his entire left eye. 

“I don’t think Geoff, Issac or Derek likes me very much.” He muttered earning a laugh from me.

 “They get protective. We all do. All for one and one for all y’know.” 

“I’m sorry,” Billy spoke sitting back in his chair as I took my place on one of the bar stools across from him. 

“I just, I don’t know how to react to these feelings I have. It’s new and scary, and nobody has made me feel like you do.” He blurted averting his gaze from me.

“You being in love with me is no excuse for being an asshole. You can’t just treat me one way and then the next you laugh at me telling people I’m the weirdo you work with.”

He frowned chewing on the bottom of his lip. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“Billy, you are an asshole. But you’re very lucky that I love you and that Naldo talked me into giving you another chance.”

A smile spread across his face as he stood up. “Really?”

He stepped towards me, sitting the bag of peas on the counter next to me before grabbing my face and pulling it to his. I pulled back shaking my head. 

“You’re still in trouble, Fabio. You’re not winning me back that easily.”

He groaned dramatically placing his head on my shoulder.

“You’re an asshole.” I repeated making him look at me. I rubbed my thumb over the bruise that started forming under his eye. 

“I’m going to make you wait until the end of summer,” I started as he closed his eyes from my touch. 

“No making out on lunch, or cuddling in my bed. You can still spend the night, I’m not going to make you stay with your father. We’re friends. Just Friends. Until I say so.”

Billy looked down at me, tears brimming his eyes. “But you promise, that eventually you and I will have a future?” he questioned making me nod.

“I’m not ready to give you another chance as a boyfriend, Billy. But I do love you. I really really love you, so yes we will eventually have a future.”

Billy rested his head against mine. “For you, Daph, I’m willing to wait.”

The remaining months of summer flew by in a complete blur. Billy spent most nights over at my house or he stayed with one of the boy’s house floating around until he eventually stopped going back home all together.

The two of us fell into a comfortable routine of being together but not officially together. I was still withholding myself from him with only a few slip ups when the sexual tension between us got to be too much.

We’d lay in a mess of blankets and tangled limbs on those days, seemingly not letting each other go as we held onto one another. Eventually, I didn’t even bother protesting him sleeping in my bed with me. My absolute favorite time of the day was right before Billy woke up in the mornings.

He was so completely ...Soft when he was sleeping. And I completely loved it. His unruly blonde curls poking out of the quit we were under. Every morning he’d wake up, cuddling into my side. He’d mumble a good morning and a I love you before falling asleep again. 

I was completely head over heels in love with this boy and had him wrapped around my finger. And the best part about it was that he didn’t care what people thought about him anymore. Spending the five summer months with me and my group of friends changed him for the better.

He had a group of guys that befriended him because they wanted to and not because they had something to gain in their social status. 

He was loved and then in return learned how to love and let people in again. He finally had a family who accepted him, flaws and all.

I woke up next to Maggie, who was sprawled out on my bed, leaving little room for me to actually be comfortable. 

We had an end of summer slumber party with Max and her friend El, both girls passed out on my pull out couch. 

Max almost instantly took to me after our first meeting, when she wasn’t with her group of friends she was hanging out with me and Maggie. Sometimes all of her friends would pile into my truck, much to Billy’s dismay as we hauled the load of children to Naldo’s Palace. 

The kids would spend the duration of mine and Billy’s shift running around the park, or they’d be picked up by Steve and taken back home.

“When did you get here?” I questioned hugging Billy from behind. He turned his head slightly peeking down at me.

 “Right before your mom left for work. She told me that everyone was still asleep so I didn’t go into our room.”

“Our room?” 

“Your room.” He chuckled correcting himself. 

“It can be our room, if you want it to be. Y’know, stop bouncing between mine and the boy’s houses. Move here permanently?” I offered as he turned from the stove and the breakfast he was attempting to cook to pulling me into his arms.

“Moving in with you? That sounds so official.” He beamed leaning into me pressing a kiss to my lips.

I smiled into the kiss, “Guess that makes us official.”

“Have you seen Billy?” I asked Maggie as I took a look around to see if I could find him.

 “I went to the bathroom and then ended up talking to Victoria Andrews for twenty minutes.”

Maggie nodded her head up to the top of The Serpent where I could see my boy. Smoking a cigarette.  

“Why is he up there?”

Maggie shrugged, “I don’t know, but he mentioned if I ran into you to tell you to go up there.”

“...Okay?” I muttered reaching down grabbing two beers. 

“Thanks Mags.” I beamed as I made my way to The Serpent.

Once I finally made it to the top, I sat next to Billy swinging my legs over the railing watching as the party boomed below. 

“Whatcha doing up here?” I questioned handing him the can of beer I had grabbed for him..

“Just thinking.” Billy placed his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer to him, I instinctively leaned into him as he pressed a kiss to my head.

“About what?” I questioned reaching up to his hand that was around my shoulder, and intertwining our fingers.

 “What I wanted out of life eight months ago compared to now.”

I gave him a confused look, waiting for him to continue whatever he was thinking about. “Eight months ago, my only plans were to work my ass off and save every penny I made so I could move back to California.Back to my home.”

I felt a tinge of pain pierced through my heart, I had the same plans for myself, but they fell through after we expectancy lost Tyler in a car accident that involved his car being hit by a drunk driver. 

All of us were completely devastated at the lost of our pseudo big brother and one of our closest friends.

I just assumed that after Wonder Palace closed for the season that Billy still had plans to leave and go back to California, even when I made it clear I was staying in Arbor Pines. 

After Tyler passed, we learned that he had left the entire theme park to the five of us, and of course we almost instantly took the offer to make sure that Naldo’s spirit lived on in his theme park he had loved so much.

“But now?” 

He smiled looking away from me, as some of his curls fell into his eyes. Billy took his arm from around me stuffing his hand in the pocket of his jacket pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it exposing a beautiful diamond ring. 

“Now, my home is here with you. And I can’t picturing being anywhere else but where I am right now. I love you, Daphne, and I know we both are young but when you know, you know. Will you marry me?”

I could feel a fire spread inside of me. The butterflies that had made a home in my stomach from the moment I had met the boy in front of me trying  to burst out of my body. 

I looked down at the box Billy held- his hand trembling waiting for me to answer the question he had just asked. I looked up at him giving a soft smile.

 “I thought you wanted no attachments working here.” I joked earning an eye roll from him, completely killing the serious mood Billy had tried to set. 

“I didn’t plan on having any attachments, until I fell in love with an absolute pain in my ass. Now answer the question before I change my mind.” 

“Well at least I a cute pain in the ass.” I fell into a fit of giggles as Billy glared down at me, waiting for me to answer the question he already knew the answer to. 

“Of course I’ll marry you, Billy.” I finally replied feeling my cheeks grow warm as a smile spread across his face. Billy slipped the small ring on my finger placing a kiss on my hand  before pressing his lips to mine. 

“Where did you get this, B? It’s beautiful.” I lifted my hand up looking at my engagement ring, wiggling my fingers out in front of me. 

“I used all of my graduation money from my relatives I have never met and all the money I have saved from working here.” 

Billy placed his arm back around me, as we fell into the same comfortable position we sat in when we were together. We sat up in the tower of the slide where we shared our first shift together until we decided to go to rejoin the party that was growing below.

“Daph, did you say yes!?” Issac beamed as everyone ran up to us. 

“They knew?!” I sputtered turning to look at Billy with wide eyes. “You actually told these idiots you were proposing and trusted them to keep it a secret from me?”

“Of course I told them, Daph. They’re our best friends. I needed their approval.” Billy chuckled pulling me into his side.

 “Wait, So you’re staying here?” I questioned making Billy nod.

“I just told you that I spent all of the money I saved for Cali on your ring. And I just proposed to you so why the hell would I go back to Cali when you and our friends live here?” Billy snorted

“I mean, I guess you're right.” I admitted, slightly embarrassed at the stupid question I had just asked.

“I’ve learned that home isn’t just a place, it’s also the people you surround yourself with. Home for me isn’t in Cali anymore. It’s right here with all of you, right here with the absolute love of my life.” Billy spoke, a small smile growing on his face as Maggie and the boys attacked both of us in a group hug.

Billy was completely right, home wasn't just a place, it was the people that you surround yourself with, the ones that when you felt completely alone, they would be there to catch you when you were falling and remind you that you weren’t alone.

And with us, Billy never had to worry about feeling alone again. He had us, and we had him. And all of us had Reynolds’ Wonder Palace.

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