#when i was literally contemplating signing up for a job i would regret just to get away at my

[trashytummiez]

Story Prompt: Mina does the Coke and Mentos challenge and ends up with a bubbly belchy belly afterwards.

Warning: contains belly kink bloating burps fluff hiccups indigestion nausea tummy play tummy rubs

"Is it recording?" Mina asked in her casual wares standing in a field.

Kirishima gave a thumbs up from behind his phone whilst recording his girlfriend.

Mina grinned and waved back at the camera. "Hiiiii guys! Soooo we read your comments on the last challenge video and since so many of you requested it we're gonna tackle the coke and mentos challenge!" She held up a thick 2 liter bottle of diet coke with a pack of mentos. "Seems easy enough don'tcha think?"

"You got this dude!" Kirishima encouraged her from behind the camera.

"Let's find out!" Mina said excitedly then pouted at the camera. "If I get sick though I'm totally blaming this on Mineta. Don't act like you weren't one of the commentators you little purple creep!"

Her pout turned to an eager and confident grin.

"Anyway! Let's do this!"

She opened the mentos pack and popped a mentos into her mouth.

"Now I keep hearing mixed things that you're not supposed to chew them or anything right? So," she dipped her head back and swallowed the mentos whole which made a tiny lump emerge from the front of her pink neck until it sank down her gullet with a light squelch. Mina popped another mentos into her mouth and did the same thing of swallowing it whole. She did that for about five or six mentos then huffed softly. "Wow swallowing those whole doesn't feel the best," she complained rubbing her throat softly but that discomfort was short lived. "But that should make them more reactive so lets get this challenge started for reals!"

Now came the fun part.

Mina cracked open her 2 liter bottle of diet coke and lifted it up to her lips so she could begin chugging it down. She rested her eyes shut as she took in big thick gulps of soda. Her throat throbbed and rippled with the passage of fizzy diet sugar water flowing down her gullet all at once.

"Wow you're really guzzlin' that stuff down!" Kirishima exclaimed with an impressed whistle.

Mina continued chugging at an impressive rate. She got the soda down to its label in one go without stopping and Kirishima cheering her on for every second of her chugging.

Eventually she pulled the bottle away and panted so heavily that some soda dribbled from her mouth. In the midst of her panting she gave a short but foamy sounding burp. She covered her mouth after then immediately blew her hand back with a massive burp. That one belted out of her so hard that Kirishima would've sworn that even he could feel it.

The boy laughed heavily behind the camera. "Gahahahah! Dude nice! That was real manly!"

"Whew! Wow!" Mina exclaimed and patted her tummy in an impressed sort of way. "Ungh man that was so loud!"

"How're ya feelin' so far?" Kirishima asked.

Mina rubbed her stomach experimentally and pouted in contemplation. "Kinda full but..." she paused while she rubbed and gave a look of discomfort. Then she gripped her stomach a little more firmly and gave another powerful burp that left her panting and left Kirishima laughing. "Unf...'kay I'm definitely feelin' a lil bubbly," Mina admitted and rubbed her belly gently from side to side. Then she grinned again. "But nothin' I can't handle!"

So she went back to swigging her beverage down. Mina could always get a lot of liquids down since her body burned through whatever she ate slightly faster from the acid she secretes warming her body temperature up. The more soda filled her tummy up though the more the mentos began to react. By not chewing them up first those minty shells fizzed with the soda in her stomach and reacted much more violently than they otherwise would have. It was getting so bad that Kirishima could actually hear Mina's belly gurgling from where he was standing.

"Dude I think I can actually hear yer stomach gurglin'! This is pretty intense ain't it," Kirishima asked.

Mina nodded while she chugged her bottle down. One hand rested on her tummy and rubbed it softly up and down. It was beginning to look bloated from both the soda she's downed and all the bubbles filling her up. And the churning noises were only getting louder by the second.

She eventually had to pull away again and catch her breath. Only for a grizzly sounding burp to erupt out of her mouth with extreme force. Mina gasped when that one left her system then patted her belly and burped again. "Oooh dude I don't feel good," Mina complained and held her bloated tummy with both hands. She held a hand over her mouth and gave an incredibly thick closed mouth burp.

Kirishima frowned with concern for her girlfriend. "D'ya wanna stop? We can take a break or call it quits. I don't want'cha gettin' sick or anything."

But Mina shook her head. She opened her mouth to start speaking but ended up burping hard instead which made her cover her mouth. "Nuh uh. Plus ultra right? It's just some silly challenge. Nothing we can't-" Mina interrupted herself with a large burp then covered her mouth again. "...Unf...handle."

She brought the bottle stubbornly to her lips and was about to chug but had to stop and burp again. One thing was certain this challenge was making her incredibly gassy. But that didn't stop her.

Mina powered on through. She guzzled the drink down while the fizz in her belly intensified. Her stomach was expanding more from the carbonation and all the soda she was drinking to the point where her normally flat tummy was looking a little round behind her tight shirt.

She continued chugging with a fiery look of determination in her eyes.

Kirishima cheered her on inspired by that very determination. "You got this dude! What's a lil soda compared to a hero right?!"

...He got really inspired by her determination.

It was getting painful though. The churning bubbling in Mina's tummy was growing aggressive with a sickly acidity to it. It made her throat feel sour and raw with a light burning in her chest.

But still Mina chugged on without any signs of quitting.

Until she somehow managed to down every last drop of the bottle. After swallowing the rest down she flipped the bottle upside down and shook it to show not a drop fall out.

"Ha! Done...!" Mina panted confidently yet exhaustedly. Suddenly she dropped the bottle and her hands flew to her belly in time for the girl to unleash the single loudest and longest burp she'd ever uttered clocking in at ten seconds straight!

Kirishima fell in love with her all over again.

"...Dude. That was the manliest thing I've ever seen...!" he muttered in absolute awe.

Mina just gasped like she was out of breath then burped again.

"God I feel so bloated," Mina moaned and took a moment to massage her bloated tummy with both hands. But she managed a grin back at the camera. "Okay guys! Challenge beaten!" She paused to give a really deep closed mouth burp that rumbled heavily behind her lips. "Ungh...mostly. Anyway! If you have any other challenges you wanna see me or my boyfriend doing hit us up in the comments below! And as always th-aaAAAAAANKsss-for watching...!"

Kirishima snickered when Mina accidentally burped the word 'thanks' out but that seemed like as good a time as any to stop recording.

The second he did Kirishima put the phone in his pocket and helped Mina sit down on the grass so he could help her feel a little better. He very gently started to rub her tummy up and down while she leaned back and groaned.

"Ooooooh I don't feel good..." Mina groaned out. Her stomach gurgled thickly in agreement.

"I'll bet. That sounds gnarly..." Kirishima admitted. He gently rubbed over the rounded crest of Mina's stomach using the heel of his palm to knead into it as he rubbed. "Still. Ya did a real good job! That was so manly the way ya powered through yer own discomfort like that!"

Mina turned her head and held a fist against her mouth in time to let rip a big closed mouth burp that she could barely contain behind her lips. The sound rumbled in her mouth heavily for a few seconds and left her breezily blowing the gas off to the side. "Unnngh...urhp...I'd call it a draw really. The challenge is kinda kicking my butt right now..."

"Naw you got this," Kirishima encouraged her and kneaded an especially tense part of her belly. The burp that the pink girl released after that was so strong that even Kirishima could feel it reverberating in his own body.

"Ohhhh that felt good," Mina moaned palming the side of her tummy in a deeply satisfied way.

Kirishima grinned while he kneaded her belly some more to help work more gas out. "Hahah~ I love that."

"What me burping?"

"Naw! Like-well okay that's pretty awesome too-but like the way ya don't get all embarrassed by it even though we're out in public. It's so fearless and manly!"

Mina giggled and instantly regretted it when the giggles jiggled her tummy around and made her hiccup. She covered her mouth but managed a grin back at Kirishima. "Got a thing for tomboys do ya?"

The red-haired boy scratched his cheek and blushed lightly. "...Kinda."

"Well for the record I have a thing for manly boys like you. So..." Mina leaned over and kissed Kirishima's cheek making the boy blush even harder than he already was.

She grinned satisfied but her belly gave another painfully gaseous grumble that left her groaning with discomfort. "Ohhhh man that still feels rough..."

"Here lemme help," Kirishima said.

He eagerly kneaded into Mina's tummy sliding his hand under her shirt so he could knead his fingers directly against her soft pink stomach. His fingers were hardened ever so slightly by focusing his hardening quirk into them. Kirishima compressed them into the tightest part of Mina's belly hoping to unknot her stomach muscles.

But in the process of pressing into her belly like that he dislodged a sizable pressure pocket.

Mina lurched sharply when that happened and covered her mouth like she was about to be sick. Instead her hand was blown back as she let out a giant record breaking burp. It carried on for several seconds. Not as long as that ten second burp she gave when she finished the bottle but around there and arguably louder and gassier. In fact Kirishima could feel the gas exiting so hard from her stomach that he felt her flesh jiggle ever so slightly. The feeling had him blushing even harder.

When that enormous gas bubble had been dislodged from her tummy Mina gasped breathlessly like a weight had been lifted from her stomach. Then she slapped her belly with one hand and gave another huge burp. And with that came another long throaty burp. That massive displacement of air caused the rest of the air in her stomach to come rushing up.

After letting out one last especially lengthy burp Mina flopped backwards onto her back with her arms at her sides and sighed heavily.

"Hhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh...ohhhhh that feels soooooooo much better..."

Kirishima grinned a big fang-filled grin and gave her a thumbs up. "Dude that was epic!"

Mina smiled heavenly back at Kirishima. "Couldn't have done it without my manly man's help."

At this rate Kirishima was blushing so hard that his face was matching his red hair after a while.

#kink fic #mina ashido #eijiro kirishima #mina x kirishima #belly kink #tummy rub #bloating #chugging #soda chug #coke and mentos bloat #burping #fluff #tummy noises #indigestion #nausea

[mooniefics]

AFTER CONTEMPLATING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES:

reiner braun 🤪 + “please?? just pretend we’re dating. it’s only for today, i promise!”

this is literally the cutest moonie, i'm proud of you for hitting 250!! ilysm 💖✨💕

oh my gosh i’m so sorry this took me so long,, thank u so much for the request n the congratulations mar !! very happy that my first work for this event can be for my love, our one n only reiner ♡(｡- ω -)

in all your years of knowing reiner, you couldn’t say that you’d ever once heard him sounding so frantic.

“please?? just pretend we’re dating. it’s only for today, i promise!”

those were the exact words he’d used over the phone, imploring for you to come to the official marley high ten-year reunion and pose as his girlfriend. despite how you assured him that you were certain no one would judge him for being single, he seemed adamant that it would be the exact opposite. and after a few apologies for your laughter at his predicament and a brief negotiation over his payment of getting you your favorite drink from the cafe near your workplace for the next few weeks, it was a done deal.

though you admittedly felt a twinge of anxiety upon entering the venue of chattering adults, dressed in the best semi-formal outfit you had in your closet, you could see that he was the more obviously nervous one between the two of you.

“just relax, rei.” you murmured, slipping your hand in his and giggling at the way his arm tensed, “these are your high school friends! i’m sure they’ll be surprised enough that you managed to find a nice girl like me all by yourself—“ he huffed disapprovingly, earning another small laugh, “—and only ask about your work or something.”

you barely finished your brief attempt at a pep talk when a loud voice came from somewhere by the food table. “is that you, braun?!”

reiner’s jaw shifted, a sign you’d come to learn meant him holding back a wince, turning to see a man with slicked back hair and a broad grin on his face approaching. based on his heavy-lidded gaze, paired with the red solo cup tipping dangerously horizontal in his grasp, you assumed he was quite tipsy already.

“considering how late you are, i wasn’t sure you’d even show,” he chuckled, still having to peer up at reiner despite still being taller than you, “but the more i thought about it, the more i remembered you never were the punctual type anyways.”

“great to see you too, porco..” reiner replied half-heartedly, palm already getting clammy in your grasp.

you glanced momentarily between them, deciding to come to your friend’s rescue by clearing your throat, drawing the teasing attention away from him. “actually, he was late because of me.” you flashed a smile, leaning into reiner’s side. “just wanted to look my best since i knew i was gonna be meeting his old friends.”

“holy shit..” porco muttered after a moment of silence, hazel eyes blowing wide as he stared at you like you’d disappear if he blinked even once, only breaking his gaze to turn over his shoulder and call out, “piecky, c’mere! i think reiner’s actually got a fuckin’ girlfriend!!”

you barely stifled a laugh at reiner’s low sigh of discomfort, pointedly ignoring how the people around glanced at porco’s shout. “did you seriously used to hang around with that guy?”

“no..” he grumbled back, “he hung around the people i hung around with and always gave me shit for no reason.”

“wow, rei, feeling a little feisty tonight, are we?”

he scoffed as you reached up to poke at his cheek, able to see the pink flush that had settled over his sharp features despite the dim lighting, dodging your inquiry while he looked ahead. “he’s coming back.”

putting on the smile you’d practiced so many times right back on, you caught sight of a cheerful dark-haired woman sidling over to your small group. “reiner?! you seriously got even taller? who’s this?”

you both exchanged names, offering a hand for her to shake which she eagerly took, turning to reiner for affirmation of your identity, to which he said, “yeah, she's my.. girlfriend...”

“how long have the two of you been together?”

“a couple months—”

“—almost a year.”

you quickly laughed off the sudden nerves of giving conflicting answers, turning back to reiner’s friends and recovering with, “we’re not super big on keeping track of dates. you know how time flies when you love someone.” you turned up to reiner, lips perking into a doting smile, “right?”

his cheeks flushed an even darker red, a sheepish smile brightening his expression. “right.”

“looks like you’re the only single one, pock.” pieck teased, laughing when the man rolled his eyes and huffed.

“you’re still with zeke?” reiner asked, prompting her to extend her left hand, waggling her fingers to show off the large diamond ring on her finger.

“yep, engaged for two years now!”

“apparently still too good to come to anything she invites him to.” porco grumbled in response.

“i already told you he’s on a business trip,” she frowned, taking his cup from his hand and taking a generous sip from it, “i’m sure he would’ve come if he hadn’t had somewhere else to be.”

“whatever you say..” he sighed, letting her finish his drink despite his apparent annoyance.

thankfully, your small slip up had been ignored, allowing both you and reiner to relax when the two finally turned their attention back to you. the night progressed much less turbulently than you’d previously anticipated, reiner allowing you to handle any questions directed at your relationship, not saying anything when you frequently slipped in little white lies to make everything seem more convincing. it didn’t stray terribly far from the truth, you were entirely honest about the way you’d met and the things that had made you “fall in love with him”. 

you took a strange amount of joy in posing as his significant other, just as he gave equally genuine reactions when you wrapped his arm around your shoulder or ate something from his plate of food, flustered and smiling all throughout. for a few brief moments, you almost forgot that he was meant to be pretending too. he’d seemed more than happy to see that you were getting along well with all his old friends.

you learned more about reiner in the hour that you’d been milling around the room with him than you probably ever had in the confines of the job environment that you’d met him in—intrigued to hear that he’d been the captain of the football team, feuded with the neighboring high-school’s while being head over heels for the captain of their cheer team, held the title of champion arm-wrestler for all four years he attended marley—little details that you made you would’ve never known had you never agreed to come. the unintentionally intimidating, humble, easy-to-fluster human resources manager that you’d befriended apparently used to be a total jock, always getting himself into trouble. 

and, based on how many times you’d been congratulated on managing to stick by his side for longer than a few months, you could only assume that you hadn’t even scratched the surface of discovering the entirety of reiner’s character.

eventually, your small group of four that’d you started out the night with had reconvened, tipsy from constantly sipping on spiked punch, an excited exclamation from pieck made all of you turn. “look! the photo booth finally opened up!!”

she was already rushing away for the corner of the venue before anyone could say a word, everyone following suit with a laugh as she stuffed a five dollar bill into the pay slot.

“uhh, pieck, i think this thing was only meant for two people.. max.” porco said after drawing open the curtain, earning a frown from her.

“but i want us all to take a picture together!” she slid into the booth despite the observation, turning to you, “c’mon, i’m sure we could all squeeze in if you sat on reiner’s lap.”

you felt your face flush, knowing there was no way to work around her request without raising some kind of suspicion and ruining the act you’d both somehow maintained for the entire night. “sounds like a plan..!”

you could feel how tense reiner was behind you as you got settled on his thighs, hesitating to rest his hands on either side of you while pieck and porco struggled to work the screen before them. you were starting to regret not asking if this was okay with him before agreeing, but you were sure he would’ve found some way out of the situation if he was truly uncomfortable. he only seemed to be preoccupied with the thought of making you uncomfortable, something which made a flicker of affection warm your chest.

“alright! we’ve got four pictures,” pieck announced, “starting... now! and make the first a normal one!”

the first three pictures were the standard photo booth antics—one with all of you smiling normally, one with all of you making the most ridiculous face you could think of in five seconds, and one of all of you arguing over what the third photo should’ve been.

“do something cute for the last one to make up for the messed up one!” pieck demanded through her laughter, pointing urgently at the countdown on the screen, “hurry up an’ kiss or something!!”

you turned back to look at reiner, wide golden eyes gazing down at you, obviously unprepared for the steadily escalating circumstance that was only being intensified by the chanting of “kiss, kiss, kiss!” coming from the woman who’d paid for the photos in the first place. and although you knew you had no obligation to do what she asked just because she had been so kind to you despite only meeting you tonight, or because the timer was winding down towards zero all too quickly, you still found yourself reaching out a hand to settle just under his jaw, heart racing impossibly fast when you realized he was already leaning down to meet you halfway.

his lips were still sweet with whatever juice had been mixed with alcohol, skin warm and blushing from your proximity, the hand that had been resting in your lap wandering to lace your fingers with his. the exchange didn't last nearly long enough, the click of the camera drawing you back to the cramped reality, pieck's cheers through giggles and porco's disgusted scoff for you two to get a room.

"i better be invited to your wedding!" pieck joked, reaching across you to draw open the curtains in a silent sign for you to pry yourself away from reiner.

"likewise." you replied with a smile, almost giddy with excitement as you clambered out of the photo booth.

though reiner's expression just barely passed as casual, his cheeks were burning red, even the tips of his ears flushed as the four of you waiting for the machine to dispense your photos. the function was winding down fast, and as soon as your drawn-out goodbyes were finally finished, you and reiner left, hand-in-hand, much to talk over but neither of you willing to speak until you'd reached the privacy of his car.

you turned to him, smiling in the dim glow on the lights of his dash, laughing softly at his sheepish expression, "i know you said we'd only pretend for a day but.. you think i could request a little extension?"

#moonie's shooting star event 1 #reiner braun #snk reiner #snk #aot #reiner x reader #reiner x you #reiner x y/n #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #snk x reader #snk x y/n #snk x you #aot x y/n #aot x reader #aot x you #shingeki no kyoujin fanfiction

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 37

💖 first time reader click here 💖

Five more chapters to go, guys. This is coming to an end 😭 I enjoyed writing it so, so much! In this chapter we have fluff. Literally only fluff and snark, because my babies have suffered enough. And the remainder is gonna be the same. Because fuck pain.

Coulson was mad. Outwardly, of course, he seemed as level-headed as ever, handing out orders and signing papers out left and right, but coming to sit within five feet of him seemed like the worst mistake I had recently made. His phone was ringing practically non-stop and he answered every call, sometimes speaking in different languages I didn't understand, sometimes in rapid-fire English that sounded like Morse code to me.

I'd never been sent to the principal's office but I imagine that's how it feels like. Finally, his shoulders sagged and the breath he took in left his lungs slowly, deflating his body into a tense ball of quiet fury.

"You and mister Brock ruined months worth of investigation and undercover work," The agent finally spoke. "But I can't even be mad at you properly. We've apprehended the main culprit, detained all of his followers except select few that Dr. Xavier took upon himself to handle," His words shocked me; not at all the scolding I was expecting. A deeper part of me was even afraid I'd be taken away and buried under so much red tape not even Tony's seemingly endless money and influence could have gotten me out. "I... Really don't know what more to say." Coulson folded his hands atop the desk, looking over me with a blank look.

"A thank you would be nice," I let my mouth run before the words even really registered in my brain, the cursed thing.

The agent chortled, "Perhaps, we really do owe you a solid one," Before standing up and walking over to the coffee machine in the far corner of his office. "Coffee?" He motioned to a pile of empty cups next to it. I nodded and he set to work. "The guys should be back in two hours, tops," He remarked off-handedly, watching me out of the corner of his eye. There was no way he had missed how my body relaxed into the uncomfortable office chair at the news. "Nobody is hurt except Rogers but I think he'd find how to hurt himself even on recon duty." The man laughed, bringing over two cups of dark, delicious, steamiy hot bean juice. Nhghhgg.

"Steve is a dumbass," I agreed amicably, blowing over the rim of the cup. The stone of coffee on it's own seemed to wake up my previously anxious, half-empty half-racing brain. The past twelve hours were full of urgency, the team being called in for assistance in mere minutes after my and Venom's return to the tower.

They barely had time to wipe their tears and shelf their worries before the suit-up call came, haste hugs and kisses being traded on their way to the quinjet. Coulson showed up not much later after that, a quinjet of his own and a stack of papers for Eddie to fill out, stern instructions for me to follow him and stay glued to his side at all times. I didn't need to ask: it was obvious there was a rat in SHIELD, again. Thankfully, the rat was discovered before they could come and try to increase their odds by doing something to me; I'd hid out in Coulson's office, crashing down into a strange, most likely Venom-induced sleep as footsteps raced past the door.

I'd woken up anxious and disoriented, the owner of the office pacing along the furthest wall and pointedly whispering into his cellphone. The rest was history.

"Your father called," The agent remarked, watching my reaction carefully. "Said to call him back whenever you can."

I was drained, beyond wrung out, and not just from my latest stunt as a parasitic symbiotic alien's host. The past couple of months were a nightmare, an anxiety-riddled, paranoia-spiced mess of a shit show. I was very much looking forward to breathing freely and enjoying my science without hiding my WIPs, enjoying my relationship (s) without fear of being abducted and sending my men into a panicked, destructive spiral.

My voice remained even as I carefully contemplated and spoke my next words. "He can go fuck himself. Him and that harpy of a woman," I sighed: disappointed in my parents, but not surprised. "I'm freshly out of fucks to give. I'm done."

Coulson, if he even was surprised, didn't show it. His expression remained neutral and supportive. "I understand you. There's enough basis for us to aid you in creating a new identity for you, if you'd like," He pushed a stack of papers towards me.

I chewed on my lip in contemplation. It would be handy, sure, I could be rid of the curse that became of my family name and my parents couldn't legally do anything at all to me; on the other side there was my name plastered on several inventions and projects I'd done over the years. In all my years, I was taught that my name is to be my business card.

The decision was obvious. "No, thank you," I looked at him, hoping to convey the sincerity. "I think I will be okay."

He smiled and went back to his paperwork, all but verbally dismissing me. As soon as I finished my coffee and washed the mug, the couch called to me once again and I curled up under the fleece blanket Coulson had thrown over me while I slept, alternating my attention between sneaking glances at his concentrated form and my cellphone and the few meager games it had. There was no signal and no wi-fi access on the Helicarrier. Security reasons, blah blah blah...

A knock sounded out, startling me out of my sluggish thoughts; one of Coulson's hands crawled down to one of the drawers on his right side where I assumed he had hidden a gun. "Come in," He called out, shooting me a pointed look. I sat up, alert.

"M'here to pick up - uh - a Baby," A tired but amused, familiar voice called out. Clint stepped into the room, still wearing his dirty and bloody uniform, and, as my eyes briefly scanned him, the archer appeared to be unhurt save for a few bruises here and there. His eyes landed on me immediately, visibly relieved.

"Waa," I deadpanned indignantly, raising my hands like a toddler would do when they wanted to be picked up. The only thing Clint was missing was a courier's ball cap.

"I assume the mission went smoothly?" Coulson asked, a soft grin and even softer eyes landing on our interaction.

Clint nodded affirmative, walking over and picking me up with ease, disregarding my shierk completely and stopping only when I poked him in the ear - closest appendage to me - in retaliation. His eyes were laughing and his tone was flat. "Caw caw, motherfucker," He announced to me flatly, waving goodbye to Coulson.

We passed more than a dozen agents giving us the biggest side-eye as I dangled over his shoulder, ass up in the air, fiddling with the numerous straps of his gear as Clint power-walked us to the Avengers quinjet. I'd even stuck out my tongue to some dude pointing a finger at us.

My family was already loaded into the vehicle, all in various stages of dirty, bloody and undressed. Coulson's words were true - only Steve sported a wide bandage over his shoulder, neck and head - one look at Bucky and I just knew the Captain would be regretting his stupidity in a few hours time. Even Stephen was there, looking unhurt but very annoyed and tired, as he hovered a few feet off the ground with Cloaky majestically swaying behind him.

"And what the fuck was that little performance for?" I asked once Clint deposited me in the very front row, between a dozing Bruce and a tinkering Tony.

"I had strict instructions from the Hulk," The archer grinned, pushing a few buttons on the dashboard of the vehicle. In seconds, we took off home.

"Oh, hi," Bruce must've heard his green counterpart being mentioned; his eyes cracked open just as I smiled at the scientist and reached over to brush his curly mop of hair out of his face. "M'yes, Hulk is demanding you do not set foot on the ground these days," Bruce was sleepy and warm, so soft when he kissed my hand, I felt my heart swell.

"Gonna spoil me rotten, you lot," I snorted, keeping the happy smile and the warm feeling as Stephen came back from the Astral world, opening his eyes and giving me a grin of his own.

"That's my job," Tony mumbled, still very occupied with a part of his suit. I turned around expecting a kiss; I had to stifle an ugly snort upon discovering one of the parts of his Iron Man suit got damaged and stuck, making a part of the chestplate render one of his arms temporarily immobile. Tony looked like a frustrated toddler building Legos.

"Someone get me a screwdriver and some pliers," I gently pried away the calloused fingers away from the jagged piece of metal, kissing Tony's cheek in the moments until Natasha handed me the required instruments. Tony was free, grimacing in discomfort as he stretched and rotated his arm, in little under ten minutes. "What happened to the nanosuit?" I asked, not remembering the last time I'd seen Tony in one of his older, clunkier creations.

"They had some sort of technopath mutant," He grumbled - I had discovered the source of his ire. "Turns out, Bruce snuck in my special anti-mutant suit I'd made ages ago. Nanosuit got destroyed in seconds and Hulk had to carry me back to the quinjet for a change of equipment," Despite his sour mood, Tony was visibly more relaxed than since the day I confessed I'd been drugged. "Brucie-bear, this is exactly why it remained a prototype."

"It's better to get stuck in a suit than to be a meat pancake on the sidewalk," Used to Tony's tantrums, Bruce merely blinked and continued eating the chocolate that he procured only God knew where.

I locked eyes with Stephen, both of us shaking our heads in almost identical, semi-fond semi-annoyed way. Ah, sweet sweet normalcy.

There were towers of pizza boxes as we arrived in the tower; a couple of agents got all but yeeted out by Tony, with little to no thank you as they had been the ones that arranged the food for us - still, I understood Tony's dislike of the super-secret organisation and merely paid the two for the pizza, politely waving goodbye as they side-eyed Tony with disdain.

Then, I had to tow both Clint and Thor as they attempted to begin eating, still wearing muddy bloody clothes - of course, I did not possess the physical strength required to handle two adult men, so I merely began a small lecture on parasites (Stephen gleefully joined in) and both of them scattered towards the showers like two spooked little first-graders.

I also used the brief moment of stagnation to hug Loki; these days he didn't freeze in surprise but rather warmly hugged me back, whispering something cheeky to me as I buried my face in his chest. Stephen was the one to cough extra-loudly to attempt to separate us - it was, once again, unanimously decided to have a family dinner and a cuddle pile straight after. Food coma had never sounded nicer.

"So, what'd Coulson say to you?" Clint asked curiously as we all settled in, freshly showered and those who needed it, re-bandaged. I was warm and toasty between Tony and Stephen, wearing the former's gym shorts and the latter's hoodie, Bruce's t-shirt underneath it. The scientist himself was drooling onto Tony's shoulder, somwhere between sleep and awareness, glasses askew.

"He basically thanked me and offered me a new identity," I shrugged, polishing off the last of my smoothie and handing the second bottle over to Loki. As usual, no food was wasted and I always had someone to finish my leftovers, especially since Bucky tended to think I could eat as much as him and kept trying to overfeed me like a foie gras goose.

"Congrats, you've been adopted," Natasha snorted from her place between Clint and Steve. Only the red of her hair was visible behind the man-bulk and the blankets.

"Uh," My response was, as always, deeply informative and astute.

"He likes to take in strays," Clint full-belly laughed. "Me at first, then Natasha. He's got a soft spot for Tony and Bucky but he won't admit it."

My eyebrows rose. "That's... That's my job?" I remembered the whole Venom/Eddie situation, our rogue wizard. Coulson was aiming for my place- the audacity! "He can't just do that!"

"And you can?" Stephen's finger booped my nose, making me huff and cuddle up to Tony, turning my butt towards the sorcerer to show him exactly what I thought about his observations. He only laughed harder. "Sounds like someone's a little jealous."

"Okay, boomer," I rolled my eyes. Stephen Strange, a supreme troll is what he is.

"But that's why you love me," He continued as others around us groaned and snorted, too used to us teasing each other about our age difference and my old man kink. Whatever, I got to bang my hot old men anyways.

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @cutenessloading @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie @mikariell95 @gladiosamicitias @warrior1-19 @toomanyrobins @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming

#party favours #bun writes #tony stark x reader #bruce banner x reader #stephen strange x reader

[bad-bitch-beauchamp]

Songs About Me - Chapter Three

After karaoke night and Claire's impromptu performance, both Claire and Jamie spend the next day reconciling with their choices from the night before.

Read on AO3

“Stay, Sassenach! One more drink!” 

“One more drink might be the death of me, Mr. Fraser, and if you’d like to watch me embarrass myself again next week, I can’t be on my deathbed tonight!” 

He had tried to convince her to let him walk her home, but she waved him off and pulled the sweater that had fallen off her shoulder back up to its rightful place at the junction of neck and shoulder -- a place Jamie couldn’t tear himself away from until that moment. She wrangled a loose curl behind her ear, tugged on her coat, and caught Jamie watching her every move, drink at his lips, eyes just over the rim of the glass. She could’ve stayed, could’ve responded, could’ve reacted to what she was feeling right then… no. A couple of hours together in a bar and a poor excuse for a solo at closing time did not change the fact she didn’t know this man. This very handsome man, she reminded herself. No. You came out here for yourself. Leave by yourself.

She met his eyes one last time, gave a nervous laugh, declared “Hope to see you next weekend!” all too loudly, and spun on her heel. She had stepped over the threshold when she thought she heard her name from inside, but she didn’t turn to find out. 

———

Claire realized exactly three things when she awoke the next morning: The sun was shining too brightly, the street musician playing on the corner directly below her bedroom window was playing too loudly, and the memories of the last night with the redhead who loved music and books were coming on too fast. Somehow, in the span of a few hours, he had literally become her waking thoughts. She sat up in bed, still cocooned in a cloud of white cotton sheets and linen comforters. What do you even know about him? Probably not even anything. She pulled herself from the warmth of the bed, her feet landing on a soft oriental rug in shades of blues and greens. His eyes were the colors in this rug. Just like the ocean itself. Okay, she remembered one thing about him. The woven textile gave way to worn hardwood floors, on to cool hexagon tiles lining her bathroom floor as she passed through glass french doors between bookshelves on the wall. 

When Claire inherited her Uncle Lamb’s brownstone, she could remember only one thing about the place from her visits: the upstairs was magical. Quentin Lambert Beauchamp was an archaeologist, and although it rarely happened, he had decided he needed a home base to work from. In the historic brownstone, he neglected to update much besides the upper level. As the brownstone was on a corner lot, Lamb declared it must have every window possible to let in the light. Days were too gloomy and cloudy in England, and he would soak up all the light he could while teaching here at Harvard, thank you very much. The most magical room in the entire home (according to both Beauchamps) was lined from front to back with alternating windows and storage -- wide bookshelves on the top, long cabinets on the bottom. The opposite side was almost entirely made of the same bookshelves, save for two sets of french doors leading to a large closet and a larger master bathroom, respectively. The bookshelves traveled up to a curved ceiling, rails and ladders lined the walls to reach the highest and most precious of his belongs (now hers as well). Claire had painted the walls and trim shades of white and cream and ivory. The shelves were stripped and stained with a neutral-tone light wood with white filler. The brass fixtures and ladder rails sparkled in the warm morning light. Claire placed plants wherever she could fit them, and donned the shelves with memories to mingle with the ones Lamb left behind. This room, this place, was her favorite in the whole world. 

Back in the bathroom and walking to the walk-in shower, Claire bent down to reach the sweater she tossed aside the night before. The underside of his hair is this color. Right at the base of his neck, with the extra curls. She shook her head and started the tap. Maybe all his curls would turn that color when he got wet. She turned the faucet as hot as she could stand it, reached an arm for her phone, and set Spotify to only play Blink-182. We’re done with those feelings! No feelings, only the angst possible with punk rock! 

Cold tile brought her down to earth again when she stepped out of the shower, the trails of water dripping down her back and breasts a refreshing break from the onslaught of pounding heat. He felt like a breath of fresh air. Just like this. 

With a towel wrapped around head and a t-shirt tossed on, she made her way back to the bedroom and took a seat on her bed. She desperately wished she had stayed for that last drink. Or at least got his number? Why didn’t I get his number?! Now, she’d have to wait another six days before seeing him again. Maybe her attraction to him was nothing more than lust, but if she could text with him, get to know him better, maybe she could find out. With no way of reaching him, she opted to get dressed and head out to clear her head. Maybe find a place to write? Since her decision to put herself first, she’d put letting off steam by writing and singing. It fell in live with the general creativity that fueled her life, while still being different enough from the greenhouse to give her a bit of rest and peace. As she contemplated where to adventure off that morning and pondered the correct way to lace her Doc Marten boots, her phone rang. A photo of three fresh faces graced her screen, a woman with wild dark curls with her mouth gaping with laughter, another woman with a waterfall of red hair and piercing green eyes made less intimidating by the crinkles at the edges, and a man with deep dimples surrounding his smile and an eyebrow raised in surprise at the camera taking their picture. Claire hit the accept button on the call, and thus the inquisition arrived. 

“We need to talk about last night!” The screen was split in two, with Geillis’ video on top and Joe’s on the bottom with Claire’s in the corner. 

“What about last night? I honestly thought our song was pretty good! I was thinking next week we could do--”

“That’s obviously not what we’re talking about, LJ! But agreed, we did a damn good job.”

“Will you two quit it?” Geillis cut them off and brought her face closer to her screen. “We need to talk about Claire, that viking, and the unreal chemistry. Spill it ALL, Claire.”

———

Jamie had woke nursing a headache, but alas, today would not be the day for rest. He flipped the sign in the window of Fraser Literature from closed to open, and began to check off the list of opening duties. On the list was to water the plants. Set on a table in a small alcove, on top of side table next to an worn leather chair for patrons to sit and peruse a story in, hanging from simple planters in the window that stretched from edge to edge in front of the shop, guarding the aisles of books ready to be enjoyed by people who hadn’t read them yet. Jamie often visited a greenhouse just outside town for the shop’s plants. While a small place, it was teeming with love, peacefulness, and a sense of adventure with green as far as the eye could see, boarding the windows with giant leaves and trailing vines. The feeling inside was something he wanted to emulate in his own place, and so he started adding a wee bit of flora here and there. Rupert and Angus initially laughed off his efforts, claiming Jamie was “destroying the manly vibe” they were aiming for. With every bit of decoration, every little bit of effort however, the shop grew in reputation and success. Jamie was immensely proud of the shop he built, and even more grateful he was able to spend his days surrounded by the words of great men and women, constantly inspired and in awe of the endless stories at his fingertips. 

The boys -- Angus and Rupert, that is -- had brought up the idea of expanding into a few other fine art ideas within the shop. Jamie had been reluctant to agree to anything that wasn’t directly related to literature. As they stood around the front counter, Rupert led the charge: 

“Jamie, man. The people who like books are also the ones who like art and music and such. Why not try to bring them all together?” 

“What if they don’t care about the books? What if they don’t even look at them, and don’t care? What’s the point in having the shop, then?”

It was Angus’ turn to reply with, “Well the point is getting people in the door, and letting your “wee shop” as ye always call it speak for itself, aye?” 

Jamie had to agree with that point. He settled for telling the lads that if they could come up with a suitable idea, he’d agree to it. Twenty minutes later, Angus and Rupert stood in his office doorway saying they would be asking for local musicians to come and perform. 

“Doesn’t seem like yer asking for approval.” 

Jamie didn’t look up from his computer, but could hear the grin in Rupert’s voice as he replied, “‘Tis because ye know it’s a good idea, and ye wouldn’t refuse a good idea.” 

Jamie sat back in the rolling leather chair behind his antique desk and sighed, then laughed. “Why do I even try to control what ye two do? Yer jes’ going to do it anyway.” The lads grinned at each other and shrugged. “Go on then, see if ye can have some posters made up to put in the window.” 

He stood as Rupert saluted him and Angus muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, “Aye aye, captain,” and stretched his long, lean, muscles. He needed to get a few errands completed, so opted to spend the next few hours outside both to complete his tasks and to get out in the fresh air. He told his friends he’d be back soon, and to let them know if he needed anything. 

With one step out into the sunlight, he immediately regretted the amount he had drunk the night before. Two in the morning was not a suitable time to be out, but for the lass with the dark curls and the whisky eyes, he’d give every moment of his time. From the moment he woke, he thought of her. Thought of how she made him laugh. Thought of how bonny she felt under his fingers, her hips on the barstool as she wiggled back into place, her thigh touching his under the booth table. He thought of how she’d gone up on stage as an act of defiance against him for the insult to her friend’s song, but how instead she ended up showing a piece of her soul to him, and him alone. He thought of how her eyes matched the swirling liquid in his glass. He thought of her abrupt departure after he had asked her to stay, and how he almost ran out after. He thought of how he was so incredibly stupid as to not have asked for her number before she ran. Look what ye did -- now ye have to wait to see her, and yer barely functional as it is. While Angus and Rupert had been gauging his interest for the musical talent in his office earlier, he had been searching the Facebook page for the 21st Amendment, combing it for references to her. To Claire. Maybe she had performed there? Perhaps she and her friends had tagged the place in one of their pictures? There was no sign of her, and she hadn’t told him her last name. Six days to go, mate. Ye can do this. She’s just a lass. Ye don’t know her. 

After a few hours of tedious tasks (could the post office ever be efficient, just this once?), he made his way back to Fraser Literature. It was a warm day for autumn, and the shop would have a cart with discount books out on the sidewalk and the door propped open for fresh air. He would never tire of seeing his name on something he built, something he was so proud of. As he neared the shop however, it wasn’t the name on the window that drew his attention -- it was the many people standing inside, facing the window, looking outside. Jamie stopped and looked around, but not finding anything out of place around him. He took a few steps closer. They weren’t looking outside, but rather at the inside corner of the shop, the corner where the window meets the wall. He was only a few steps away when he saw it, when he heard it. A woman with bouncy curls and a round arse, sitting with her back to the window at a keyboard bench. He didn’t have to see her face to know. Her voice was enough. It was enough at two in the morning to imprint on him forever. 

She was there, in his shop. His place. Claire. God, his Claire. 

With one shaky step and an attempt at a steadying breath, he moved inside his sanctuary.

#songs about me fic #in which tessaactually tries fan fic #outlander prompt exchange #outlander fan fic #outlander fan fiction

[magicalforcesau]

Letters (part 2)

As Obi-Wan and Satine continue their written correspondence in the back half of their Hogwarts career, their bond strengthens to the point where it might not strictly be platonic.

ao3 link

Fifth Year Summer

Dear Ben,

I GOT MY MENTORSHIP REQUEST APPROVED! I’m going to be a peer mentor this upcoming year! Oh, I know this is going to be another responsibility when we’re already saddling quite a bit with OWLS and our duties as prefects. While it was your initial idea to join, I have no regrets. If I’m to influence the minds of thousands from the Ministry, it will do me good to have practice on a smaller and more impressionable scale. Besides, far too many first years are led astray in my opinion. Having firm and caring guidance will be most beneficial.

I hope you can write to me with the same news, even if I still believe you are pushing yourself far too hard. Just please consider your own mental health for this upcoming term. You’re already wound tighter than anyone I know. I would truly not like to partake in the bets that Fives and Echo make behind your back about when your head will explode. I believe either myself or Cody would win. We know you best.

Speaking of being wound tight, I have been dedicating my summer to the practice of enchanting muggle objects as per our homework assignments. Turns out, it truly is not that difficult. I’ve been careful not to alter anything that would come into contact with other muggles, but I look forward to showing you the results of some of my recreations. Between you and me, I’ve been constructing some that were not on the instructed list.

You’re not technically a prefect yet, Obi-Wan Kenobi, so don’t even think about making a wise remark about how you could see me in trouble.

Yours Truly,

Satine

Dear Satine,

I, too, just received confirmation that I’m to mentor a first year this upcoming school year! Regardless of your speculation and wariness, I stand by my decision. We will be kept busy, but idle minds mean time wasted. If you hadn’t agreed on principle, I don’t believe you would have signed up right behind me. As for my extracurricular activities, pretending as though I am not stressed in the slightest about the prospect of the coming year is futile, but I hope to work through it and to become a better student as a result of it. My father has relented on training by Quidditch form. There are bigger things to worry about such as OWLS, which is why I’m to be locked in all summer. No complaints there- I’d much rather read.

Speaking of reading, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the books you snuck into my trunk. Yes, I found them and they were quite a welcome surprise. A bit of relaxing education is just what the doctor ordered. Not literally, because I loathe visiting my family’s practitioner. He takes the term “witch doctor” to new levels and I will leave it at that.

You’ve always been far better at charming objects than I ever have. To be fair, I still don’t have a full understanding of what certain muggle objects actually do, but I’ve got most of the list marked off by this point. While I promise not to report you for deliberate rule breaking, I do admire your gumption. I hope you’ll one day let me see what you’ve crafted. You know I adore learning the novelties of the muggle world. I believe last we spoke, you were telling me about ‘computers’.

As always, I’d love to know more. You have a manner of speaking that simply can’t go unnoticed, at least not to me.

Best,

Obi-Wan

Fifth Year- Winter

Dear Satine,

I apologize if this owl reaches you at an indecent hour. I know how you are about your beauty sleep. It’s been strange being back home, even if for a couple of weeks. It’s only made me realize just how unreal this year has been in terms of excitement and mystery. Though I do not blame the boy for any of it, I won’t lie that it was a much quieter school without Anakin Skywalker present. I wouldn’t change any of it, of course. I believe I am making a difference in working with him. He has a bright mind, if he chooses to use it.

I still can’t get the vision of him foaming at the mouth on the floor out of my head. There’s no doubt that someone has it in for him. I can only imagine who. While eccentric, Anakin is still just a child. He’s harmless.

At risk of drastically changing the subject- my true reason for writing was to thank you again for the watch. My parents have ingrained in me the importance of writing thank you notes regardless of the nature of the gift. However, this might be the first time the sentiment has felt important in action. It may sound ungrateful, but a boy can only receive so many tie clips before he starts to sound a bit robotic in his delivery.

However, please note that every word I say, I mean through my very bones. I hope you didn’t take my silence at receiving it to be anything less than breathlessness. You always keep me guessing, Satine Kryze, and I would have you no different. I am still in awe every time I catch a gander at my wrist.

You did a marvelous job in transfixing and refurbishing it. Seriously, it is of no wonder that Charms comes easier to you than it does to me. Had I not known otherwise; I would have assumed this watch was always crafted with the intention of being magical. Even if it were just a standard watch, it would still have meant more to me than anything I’ve received simply because it came from you. My friend. I’m not sure I deserve it.

I suppose I’ve no excuse for fear of being late any longer, now do I?

It’s never coming off!

Obi-Wan

Dear Ben,

I’m no longer, by any means, insinuating that the boy is trouble. Or more accurately, I don’t believe he’s cognizant of these omens. What concerns me, is Qui-Gon seems to believe that a dark time is upon us. He won’t share his suspicions outright, but I can tell just by how he talks to Anakin with a certain level of wonder and curiosity. Surely, you see it too.

Even still, I say, when school starts up, we try and start our own investigation- off the books and away from Anakin, of course. We needn’t worry him more than he already is. Perhaps while Gryffindor has the field for Quidditch practice we can better research. There’s been too many strange occurrences this year for it to all be coincidental. I’d argue this is the tipping point.

We can further discuss a game plan back at school, but at risk of hurting feelings and potentially endangering lives, we should keep this between us.

I am, however, glad to hear you enjoyed the watch ♥

Yours,

Satine

Sixth Year- Summer

Dear Satine,

I received my OWLS results today as I’m sure you did the same. I wanted you to hear from me, personally, that I am, in fact, alive and well despite what I received as scores. I’m surprised at how alive and how well, quite actually.

For some context- I received all O’s in everything… With the exception of Arithmancy- of which I got an E. I’m not positive where exactly I went wrong in studying for it. I don’t recall the exam being particularly difficult. It’s never been a prized subject of mine as you well know, but I’ve always delivered nothing less than near-perfect marks.

My parents took the news surprisingly well. As opposed to blaming me for slacking off or being distracted by frivolous things such as friends… They were in support of me. In fact, they’re positive that the school is deliberately discriminating against me. I think it might have to do with the recent revelation regarding Anakin being the chosen one. They’ve been much kinder to me and the choices I’ve made as a result of my association with him. Where they believed I was wasting my time, I apparently “saw” what they couldn’t- even if my decision to mentor Anakin had absolutely nothing to do with the matter.

I still have not yet mentioned my pursuit of becoming an Auror. You have to space this kind of news out when you can. They’ve supported me on this, but I’m not sure they’d take that in stride. My parents have been itching to have me become a lawyer or a politician for as long as I can remember.

How were your scores? I’m sure you did brilliantly. I should know, I studied alongside you during all of this madness. I’m eager to properly celebrate with you when we next meet. My mother asked me where I’d gotten the watch the other day and I exclaimed that the brightest witch of my age crafted it for me personally… She assumed it was Ventress, but you’ve always thrived in the chaos of being underestimated, now haven’t you? I will never make that mistake.

Truly,

Ben

Dear Ben,

Don’t you ever scare me with such a dramatic introduction ever again! I nearly had a heart attack, assuming you’d gone and failed your OWLS in a fit of insanity. Given how unusual our fifth year was, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if it had another anomaly to toss our way. I thought I was going to have to portkey to you and shake the living daylights out of you for being so foolish.

You landed on your feet, as you always do and seem to make it look incredibly easy to those that do not know any better. We’re matching, actually, except my E was in DADA- likely during the practical session when I wouldn’t cast that Sectumsempra spell. To have us perform such an act on a defenseless animal is cruel (even if it was a spider), particularly in the name of ‘testing’. If they must endorse the epidemic of violence, can they not simply provide test dummies?

I’m actually surprised I scored that high, since the instructor looked at me like I had ten heads. I spoke to Cody today. He passed, despite how hard he doubted himself. We both knew that he would do fine, of course.

Ventress has been around a lot more frequently, hasn’t she? I know that she’s been quite displaced ever since Dooku’s outing. She’s quite smug and entitled for someone who hardly does anything aside from being an errand girl to a Sith terror. I’m sure she’ll be continuing her tricks this year. To think your family thinks you could be as shrewd and awful as her.

How is Anakin this summer? I contemplated sending him an owl just to see how he was processing the more recent revelations, but it would most likely sound more from the heart if it came from you. You were truly excellent with him this year, if I hadn’t already mentioned it. I know I convinced you to break away from the status quo and lean into your desires to become an auror, but you’ve got a real knack for teaching and seeing the best in people. It’s truly one of your best traits. That, and the fact that regardless how much of a mess you are, you always manage to look pristine from head to toe.

Actually, that last bit is borderline infuriating. I hope to see you before the summer lets out. I understand why that might be difficult, but it seems with your parents’ investment in Anakin, you might have a valid reason to be away from the homestead more often. If you understand what I’m saying.

Best,

Satine

Sixth Year- Winter

{A draft from the desk of Obi-Wan Kenobi}

[Boldened text in parenthesis] = out loud thoughts

Dear Satine,

How do I say this without sounding like a damn fool? You kissed me!

It’s been brought to my attention by literally everyone that we have a certain noticeable chemistry. [Why am I saying what everyone else thinks when I should be saying what I think?] Usually, when we are together, we argue. A lot. Sometimes, I’m surprised we haven’t strangled each other yet by how heated some of our debates become. You have this ability to get under my skin in a way that no one else possesses. Truthfully, I love [Too strong! Don’t go scaring her off now] truly appreciate that about you.

But there are times when I get this feeling… And it’s come on more and more the longer I know you… Like we could get beyond the possible strangulation phase and onto something… Better. [What is wrong with me?] You challenge me and I think sometimes I’m able to challenge you as well. I think having people in your life that push you to be the best you can be is a sign of true companionship friendship. You’ve become a constant in my life that I wouldn’t shake even if I could. Looking back, it’s only natural for me to grow feelings for you.

Where I tried to convince myself those feelings were simply an intense comradery, I cannot deny that I do not notice how the light casts on Cody’s hair or linger on him as he walks away [Blast that makes me sound like a pervert] wonder what his hand would feel like in mine. My heart doesn’t quicken if Cody touches my shoulder or laughs at one of my jokes. Cody doesn’t sit incredibly close to me at the dining hall, but if he did, I would be more confused than completely entranced. Cody is my other best friend, but my entire day is not made or broken by seeing him smile.

I wouldn’t be jealous if the seventh year boys decided to notice that Cody was beautiful.

And you are disarmingly beautiful, but I’ve always known that, even if I try to ignore it.

You can imagine how terrifying all of this is to realize at the remarkable hour of 3 in the morning- a mere 3 hours after you decided to kiss me under the mistletoe. How am I supposed to think of anything else now or ever again? Which leads me to think [Don’t be presumptuous] wonder… If you share these feelings. And if you do, we’ve got quite a predicament there. Because if I could blissfully convinced myself that we could never be, I’d be able to bury that deep within me, but even the idea of hope that you could see me in that light… I fear that would be all too tempting. The evidence says that you might. You’ve always been a better investigator than myself, but I can’t shake this feeling that we have these spellbound moments where everything slows down. And it’s just you and me. During those moments, everything is alright.

Usually, when I’m troubled as I am now, I do not hesitate to reach out to you. You’re my co-conspirator, my fellow prefect, my best friend. However, given the situation, that’s not very easy to do. Even if Qui-Gon speaks of it like it is . I wish it were, because now all I can imagine is the mark you’ve left with your kiss. It’s the same sort of feeling I get every time I touch the face of the watch you gifted me last year.

Should I ever muster up the courage to send this letter to you, which I definitely shouldn’t, because you deserve the sort of man that would bare his heart in person, please understand that while I’ve dedicated my life to studying magical text, I’m not nearly as well-versed in the subject of love. Since I’m so certain you’ll never read this, there’s no point in denying that it’s anything less than love.

Love,

Ben

Seventh Year- Summer

Dear Ben,

I wanted to ensure that you were on the road of being okay, all things considering. I tried to wait to give you space, but I couldn’t make it more than a week without knowing you weren’t going mad locked up in that house of yours. I’m not even positive you’ll write me back, which is infuriating, but understanding since Qui-Gon’s passing is not one to be taken lightly by anyone, but especially you. I wish I could alleviate the pain you must be feeling in any way.

I’m relieved just a little bit, knowing that Anakin is in your care. It was very surprising of your parents to offer him refuge, as he’s currently got no one else to possibly lean on. Hopefully the two of you can find some solace in each other during these difficult times. I care for both of you very much and my heart aches knowing I am virtually helpless in making this any better. I know you are likely placing an immense amount of pressure on yourself to distract you from addressing your own mentor’s death, but while your parents might encourage this behavior, it’s not a true way of coping. You need to let someone in.

Stay safe. Do not hesitate to reach out (no matter how cliché that sounds). Even if you talk to Cody instead, that’s fine. Just… Don’t lock yourself in that head of yours and go rogue. I’d miss you far too much.

With Love,

Satine

Dear Satine,

I’m not okay, but I’ll have to be soon. Anakin is safe and on the same boat. I’ll write later with a real reply. I’m not quite in the spirit right now. I just wanted you to know that I haven’t gone completely mad in absence.

~Obi-Wan

Dear Satine,

I’m sorry to be writing to you so late in “true” reply. I’ve been quite busy with Anakin this summer. It has been helpful having someone else around. While a gray cloud still seems to follow him around, I’d say he’s faring better than expected. It’s alarming how resilient the boy is, but also incredibly depressing that it needs to be that way. We’ve discussed the matter of Qui-Gon’s death a couple of times. While you won’t like this, I think there is some closure to knowing that Anakin’s attacker, who became Qui-Gon’s murderer, is dead.

Meanwhile, I must confess that it still haunts me every night. I haven’t said anything to Anakin, because like you rightfully assumed, I’m not about to unload that burden onto him. He feels it’s his fault just as much as I do. We’ve taken to playing Quidditch outside. My family owns several acres of land, so we are able to get out of earshot every now and then. Anakin actually gets on quite nicely with my parents, which is a massive relief. Getting back to school for our final year will be a good way to get back into routine. On the other hand, I’m dreading trying to attempt adjusting to a school without Qui-Gon.

I suppose studying my brains out for the NEWTS alongside you will provide for ample distraction. You, alone, are admittedly very distracting. I am referring to your character of course. A general statement.

There’s always Quidditch, unfortunately, which isn’t nearly as fun and carefree as playing with Anakin in the yard. Despite how massively competitive he is? He’s just turned 13 and he’s loads better than me already. I still hate the flying aspect.

I’m writing you, of course, because we just got notified that I’m to be the Head Boy to your Head Girl. This incredibly tragic time has truly made me appreciate the people I have in my life. You are, without a doubt, shining at the top of that metaphorical list in bold and underlined print. I wouldn’t be Head Boy had it not been for you.

A lot has changed thus far, Satine, and I’m growing tired of being afraid. Life is too short and it’s always going to throw negatives at us- some that are absolutely debilitating. However, there is always the light, which has made me think that perhaps this year, some changes don’t have to be bad. There are many things I’d like to discuss with you, in person. Because this sort of conversation should be the kind that happens face-to-face.

Would you like to meet before school?

Truly Yours,

Ben

#obitine #Obi-Wan Kenobi #satine kryze #the clone wars #star wars #hpau #magical forces au #fragments of the garden

[hollysoda]

10 years later..

Oops I haven’t posted in over two months-

These are my predictions for what the swsh cast would be doing 10 years after the game, just because it’s interesting (also my age headcanons)

Hop - 21

He’s still Sonia’s assistant and is completely dedicated to his job. Sonia usually gets him to do field research since he doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty (or licking nectar off peoples faces). As he’s gotten older he’s begun to look a lot more like Leon. That, along with his dorky personality, has led him to be quite the heartthrob amongst girls in the region (but we all know that his heart is set on Bede)

Bede - 22

Although he continues to be a brat, Bede has matured into a charming gentleman. He’s still Ballonlea’s gym leader and holds the position with great pride. In fact, his strength in battle has allowed him to become one of the strongest gym leaders in the region (and oh boy does he love to flaunt his status.) He just wishes that Opal was still around to support him when things got tough

Marnie - 21

Just like her big brother, Marnie has turned into a rockstar/gym leader, playing electric guitar whilst battling. She’s notorious for her bold fashion choices - literally everything she wears is made of leather and covered in spikes - and ability to stay calm even in the most heated battles. Despite the drastic change in demeanour, in private she’s still a big sweetheart

Leon - 35

He’s now the chairman of the league. At first he didn’t want the title, knowing what Rose tried to do to the region, however his motivation to make battles as fun as possible drove him to take on the role. Life is stressful for him but he still finds the time to hang out with Hop and Sonia. And yes, he’s still pants with directions (he basically lives in Wyndon now and still can’t get to the Battle Tower without turning down the wrong street.)

Sonia - 35

She continues to research the gigantamax phenomena, just like her grandmother. People often tell her that there’s nothing more to learn about it but somehow she turns around and comes up with a brand new theory. Her bond with Hop is incredibly strong after working with him almost every single day; it’s gotten to the point where Sonia has unofficially become Hop’s older sister.

Milo - 32

He recently retired from his position as gym leader to focus working on the farm. Of course he still loves to battle but he just wanted to settle down into a quiet life surrounded by Wooloos. He doesn’t regret stepping down early at all. His younger brother now runs the gym and does a pretty good job at it

Nessa - 35

Honestly, she’s hardly changed. She continues to juggle being a gym leader and model. Although she might be ten years older, she’s still one of the prettiest women in the Galar and is a familiar face on magazines and billboards. Despite how busy she is, her rarely received free time is spent shopping/going to cafes with Sonia

Kabu - 62

He was desperate to stay gym leader for as long as possible to try and surpass Opal’s long reign but after a pretty bad injury he was forced to retire. The cruel end to his career damaged his mentality for a while. Unfortunately this led to there not being a fire gym in one gym challenge. After managing to regain his confidence, he’s been busy training a successor to live up to his high standards

Allister - 18

Recently he shocked the whole region after he took off his mask for the first time after winning an exhibition match. A mixture of maturing and Bea’s pep-talks has gradually helped to increase his confidence. However, he still carries around his mask just in case and is very awkward in interviews

Bea - 26

She is still committed to being as strong as possible but doesn’t go to the same extremes as what she did when she was younger. Recently she’s began teaching karate to children. Although she seems intimidating on the outside her long friendship with Allister has turned her into a ‘big sister’ figure for a lot of youngsters

Melony - 57

She’s been contemplating on retirement for a while. As of late the family feud between her and Gordie has calmed down and now she’s desperate to settle down and spend more time with her children. In the meantime, she’s been busy training her daughter so she can take her role as soon as possible

Gordie - 36

He doesn’t show any signs of stepping down as gym leader, he doesn’t have the heart to let his hundreds of fans down. Actually, he plans on staying as the gym leader for as long as he can. He still has high hopes of becoming the champion one day

Piers - 34

He’s had more time to write new music than ever. A couple of years ago he released his first official album; it blew up in Galar and after a successful tour he became known worldwide. Despite his newfound fame he always finds time to visit Spikemuth and cheer Marnie on throughout her matches

Raihan - 35

He realised his time as a gym leader was over after a streak of losses (and his closest rivals had retired). The region was devastated to watch their beloved dragon king step down but he still passionately updates his social media with various selfies of him and Leon. Recently he’s began a series on PokeTube of him offering advice on taking care of dragon type Pokemon, hoping to inspire future users of the type

Have I missed anyone? I had this in my drafts for ages lol

#pokemon swsh #pokemon #pkmn #pokemonswordshield #pokemon hop #pokemon bede #pokemon marnie #pokemon leon #pokemon sonia #pokemon milo #pokemon nessa #pokemon kabu #pokemon bea #pokemon allister #pokemon melony #pokemon piers #pokemon raihan #toomanytagsugh

[saladejin]

Call An Uber? | 02

BTS x Reader | idolverse au, uber driver!Reader, translator!Reader |  Fluff, flirting, super slow burn, angst and hurt/comfort, mature themes and eventual smut 

Summary:  Your normal life with a normal, yet inconsistent job gets drastically changed when your dreams come true. Sounds boring right?

What happens when all of this occurs, but you’re still doing something you love AND getting a large sum for it? Now there’s something to think about, and it’s definitely not what you’re thinking.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2.4k

< masterpost >

»»————- <<prev | next >> ————-««            

Bold = English

       "You make it sound like we're gonna die." 

"Yeah well you will, if you don't move your ass." I swung open my door, tugging the mask higher on my face and swishing my (h/c) hair around to cover the rest partially. 

Hopefully any lurking cameras wouldn't sneak a peek of my flustered appearance, because that would be embarrassing in itself. I had worn only the lightest makeup possible today. Of course I didn't want to look like a troll in front of my customers, but now that I was breathing right next to two perfect, ethereal human beings, I suddenly wished I’d made a better effort to impress. 

"Quick!" Jimin's abrupt gasp snapped me out of my thoughtless gazing, and I turned around to see Jungkook walking towards me swiftly. Jimin was already heading inside, but had thrown a worried glance back in my direction when he saw my frozen form on the pavement. I instantly started at the sudden pressure on my lower back and jumped forward when Jungkook's large hand pressed me in that direction. 

"Sorry, but you probably shouldn't touch me if people can see," I murmured and led the way through the sliding doors into the cooled administration room.

Jungkook's tentative hand jerked away as if he had touched a burning hot iron.

The weather had been quite warm outside, but I hadn't taken too much notice because of the exceptional air conditioning of my car. I whipped my head around one last time to blow a tiny kiss to my precious baby parked outside, as it was still new and had already been through an exciting car-chase of sorts. Even copping a harsh slap to the ass in the process. 

I'll be back soon Red. 

I turned back around to see the cheeky maknae giving me an incredulous look with one eyebrow raised. 

"Don't judge me, it's new." 

When Namjoon came to fetch his two younger members, he was definitely far from pleased. As soon as he entered the room all three of us were sitting in, he gave me a quick glance up and down with his expression hardening the closer he looked. Despite his misgivings, the tall man still managed to flash me a strained smile while he dipped his head in a sign of respect. He was truly a kind soul, and I knew he’d probably need to make an initial judgement based off this first look.

The professional demeanour continued as his careful eyes flickered to Jimin and Jungkook. He had already gone through the initial apologies and displays of gratitude as soon as he bowed, but now his expression was disappointed as he beckoned the other two members in the room.

"You two come with me." 

Damn, his leader voice was definitely no joke! I felt myself squirm in my seat, probably from the uncomfortable tension suddenly flooding the room. Namjoon looked as good as ever, silvery grey hair styled in a way that just made me speechless, but his usually calm and thoughtful expression was tired and stressed. 

Poor guy, he must have torn his hair out over this. I hope he doesn't think I'm insane or something.

I knew there was absolutely no way he would trust me completely on the first meeting, but seeing as though his fellow band members had mentioned their situation and fortunate escapade, his gaze seemed softer than it could've been.

Thinking about what could've gone wrong made me shudder, and I pushed the thoughts away as the two boys I had shared a car with for the past half an hour jumped to their feet. I was sad, but I mean who wouldn't be? I had fangirled over them so many times and once I’d actually met them, it seemed quite literally too good to be true.

I knew they couldn't stay though, and when it came down to it, I was most likely viewed as just another fan. Just another fan that they had happened to meet coincidentally, but still nothing too estranged from a fan meeting event where girls from various backgrounds would provide them with gifts and words of encouragement. 

Why would I expect anything different from this? 

I forced down the bile rising in my throat and avoided making eye contact with any of the boys, as I couldn't bear to watch them go. Slipping through my fingers, kind of like the moment you begin to wake up from a dream you longed to replay over and over.

The realisation that they’d halted in their movements took me way too long, but as I snapped up to meet Jungkook's conflicted expression, I suddenly gasped. "Oh, sorry!" 

I tugged off the mask he had graciously lent me and held it out with a shaky hand in the younger boy's direction. His eyes flashed with recognition and even surprise, much to my own confusion. 

"Oh, that...I won't mind if you keep it, I have plenty of others." 

I let out a sharp breath and smiled forlornly. "Creepy, you're giving me your clothes now?"

I laughed softly when he rolled his eyes and dismissed me with a joking wave of his hand, bunny smile flashing. Jimin also couldn't help but grin at the maknae's chivalrous attempt and how it had completely backfired.

Someone cleared their throat deeply and I met the pointed look of Namjoon once more, even though his gaze had settled the tiniest bit at seeing his fellow members act comfortably. 

"(Y/n)-ssi, is it?" 

"Yes, I'm sorry to make you wait so long Kim Namjoon-ssi. You must have been worried sick." I struggled to be as respectful as I could, my eyebrows knitting together in concentration as I spoke. Did I even use the correct honorific? Maybe I should have used something higher because he's the leader of the group. Ah, I don't know! 

A chuckle broke me from the horrifying contemplation, and I flinched slightly as Jimin bent down to enter my line of vision. "Don't worry too hard about all the honorific stuff, Namjoonie-hyung will understand." 

I nodded with a cringe alighting my features, annoyed at my own obvious floundering with their language. I had been in the country for a couple of months, so why couldn't I just get my act together and converse properly? 

"Do...you speak English at all?" Namjoon ventured with a smile that made his dimples pop adorably. I let out a big sigh and ran a hand through my windblown hair while nodding. 

"Yep, I'm from (Y/c). But I do understand Korean fairly well, it's just the honorifics and technicalities that trip me up a bit." 

Jimin and Jungkook groan simultaneously at the revelation that I was fluent in the language they practiced the most, and I couldn't help but smirk. They must have had some suspicion, as I did't exactly look Korean anyway, but there was always the notion that I could have been born to foreign parents and grown up here. 

"I never would have known! Your Korean is still great," Jimin whined lowly and I couldn't help but laugh, the look in my eyes eventually shifting to one of apology. 

"That's fine, it's alright to just use 'ssi' anyway," Namjoon nodded and I relaxed my shoulders in relief. The switch back to Korean was somewhat jarring, but it was only fair that everyone in the room should understand the gist of the conversation. 

"But hyung, she told us she doesn't mind if you don't use them for her," Jungkook was next to pipe up, and I was surprised he even remembered such a thing at this point in time. I just smiled and shook my head in response. 

"I don't mind either way. I'm not fussed at all." 

"Yes, well we should be going anyway." Namjoon cut off the conversation and glanced at his watch, looking back around at everyone in the room. 

"Thankyou (Y/n)-ssi for taking care of our members, something like this shouldn't happen again." 

At the sound of their leader's stern voice, the boys both hung their heads slightly, and I knew that even though the situation had worked out for the best, it definitely was not ideal for this kind of thing to happen when their careers could be put on the line. 

"It's alright, Jungkook's mask is the only thanks I need," I decided to joke so that I can see the younger boys smile again, and I was rewarded with the most beautiful pearly white grins yet. Namjoon chuckled and motioned with one hand for the boys to leave the room before him.

Jungkook turned and threw a small wave and bow in my direction. I returned them, and he finally exited the room with a hefty sigh to let out all of his pent-up stress. Jimin followed with the same gestures and I responded with a faintly sorrowful smile. Ah, what I wouldn’t give to just spend a whole day with them. I was then ultimately left alone with the leader of BTS. To say I wasn’t a tad intimidated would be a lie. 

"Once again, you have truly done us a service. We are glad to have a fan such as yourself supporting us,” Namjoon spoke after a few seconds of silent tension.

"Thank you, you have no idea how much you guys have helped me already, so please don't feel as though you owe me anything," I quietly respond and watch as his eyes cloud with admiration and respect suddenly.

Maybe he regretted acting so robotic and cold when he came in, but he was the leader and professionalism mattered so much when you were faced with a situation that called for big demonstrations of leadership. Namjoon smiled and bowed again, reaching out to shake my hand kindly before leaving the room to join the others. I knew all that was left was meeting the CEO of Bighit Entertainment. 

Yeah, because that's something to just brush over. 

God, so much was happening to me today. How could I possibly go back to streaming endless amounts of videos and fangirling over pictures when I had actually spoken with three members of the band itself? I forced down the niggling thoughts of 'that's only three out of seven' and grunted apprehensively. 

You're lucky enough as it is, don't be greedy. 

The thing is, nothing about my long-distance relationship with the boys was normal anymore, and I wondered if the girls who attended fan-meetings felt exactly the same way. The fact that they were just normal guys with normal thoughts had always crossed my mind when I watched them through the screen, but seeing it in action proved to be disarming at the very least. 

Stupid world-famous idols, don't play with my heart like this.

The meeting and disclaimer signage with Bang PD went well in the end, and I was consistently surprised at how kind-hearted and open he was with everything that had gone down. All the staff I had encountered were nothing short of accommodating, and they were continuously apologising for the mess caused. Even though I had told them many times it was truly a blessing in disguise, they remained insistent on the matter.

"Please, I want you to take this as a token of our gratitude." Bang PD smiled warmly in my direction, and before I could refuse he held out a slip of paper. It was a cheque, and my eyes blew wide when my eyes scanned the tiny bold numbers printed neatly on the surface.

"Please, I can't accept this, I already got paid for my service."

Before the short man could shake his head and insist further, a light knock sounded on the frosted glass pane of the office door before opening. In stepped a young woman who bowed repeatedly for her intrusion, her short night black hair bobbing up and down along with her.

"I'm terribly sorry Bang PD-nim, but the donor from Chile has arrived back at the office ahead of schedule."

The founder of Bighit nodded in understanding, clearing his throat to speed up whatever process was happening. He turned back to me with a reassuring glance and I took a deep breath, fully understanding I wasn't really able to refuse his generous offer.

"Right, well thank you once again for your service, I have other things to attend to it seems. It was lovely to meet you."

The cheque still scorching hot in my left hand not going unnoticed, I forced myself to return his smile with a gulp. He gestured softly for the door and followed me out. The young woman looked quite flustered as she shifted from foot to foot just outside the bleak office entryway.

The building's interior was very modern and clean-cut, and I knew it was probably very, very different from the actual Bighit Entertainment building itself. Seeing as it was meant for living arrangements and not vital meetings such as the one mentioned earlier.

I exchanged formalities with Mr.Bang once more before I turned towards the exit of the dormitory building, my big and exciting day coming to a close just like that.

"I'm sorry, but it seems our Spanish interpreter has called in absent today. I've just been informed that the donor came without one," the hushed whisper from the woman reached my ears as I took a couple of steps towards the large glass doors. I heard a sharp click of a tongue and a deep, masculine sigh from behind me. 

"Well what are we going to do? I don't know enough Spanish for an entire face-to-face meeting like this."

"Does anyone else in the company?" The woman's voice was growing frantic, as she was apparently about to drown in her sudden bout of panic.

Bang PD's tone was irritated. "Why the hell was this not scheduled better?"

I honestly could not blame him. What kind of interpreter would just call in absent on such an important event? Even if the sickness was life-threatening, there were ways to notify and organise something to compensate for it, or give some warning to reschedule.

A small smile stretched my lips as I twirled around on one of my heels happily, once again facing the distraught looking woman and CEO who were deep in hurried conversation.

"If I mentioned that I was fluent in Spanish, would that help?"

             Copyright © 2020 by salade. All rights reserved.   

#btsfanfic #bts fanfiction #bts fluff #bts x reader #bts #bts scenarios #ot7 #bts angst #bts crack #bts smut #bts imagine #reader insert #kim namjoon #park jimin #kim seokjin #jung hoseok #min yoongi #kim taehyung #jeon jungkook #fluff and smut #call an uber? #saladejin

[sapphiewritesandstuff]

So it Turns Out Casper the Ghost is Real

I wrote this weeks ago but was too scared to post it...

Paring: Hanako-kun x reader

Word Count：2574

The sound of the lock clicking open eased your frustrations as the said lock falls away, enabling you to pry open the door of your school. Moonlight shone down on you, and you can almost sense the moon’s face of disappoint as it watched you literally break into your school at night for some stupid dare.

It is currently 2:50 AM on a Tuesday morning. Why are you here? Well, it’s all because of a stupid dare. You swallow back a yawn, cursing softly as you trip over absolutely nothing on your way in. Not a bad omen at all, you thought to yourself, closing the door you had just opened with a soft thud.

You winced, goosebumps appearing on your skin, as you listened intently for the sounds of any security guards (or something more sinister and inhuman) in the dark, silent school. Nothing. You released a breath of relief then stiffening when the next task you have to perform came to mind.

“Hm… let’s see, (Name)-chan…” Your friend narrowed her eyes at you, her cruel smirk sent pangs of fear in your heart. “I dare you to go to the school Thursday night, and at 3:00 AM sharp, call Hanako-san in the third floor bathroom, and stay the night in that bathroom!”

You froze in fear, struggling not to let her see your weakness. Your other ‘friends’ snickered and you heard comments of, “Ha, good one,” and “I bet she’s too chicken to actually do it.”

“Are you s-c-a-r-e-d, (Name)?” She asked, dragging out the syllable of the word scared, giggling.

“O-of course not!” You stammered, cursing the shaking of your voice, knowing all too well what would happen if you refused her request. Mocked and laughed at for months. Whispers of how much of a scaredy-cat you were. No, you are not going to let that happen.

“I’ll do it.”

Those three words made you regret everything.

Still, as you began your climb to the third floor, you chanted quietly, “I’m not scared, I’m not a chicken, I can do it, ghosts don’t exist,” hoping to trick yourself into thinking these words are true.

Second floor. You don’t know why you’re still friends with them. You were always an outcast, not going along with trends or worshiping the ground the school idols walked on (cough, Teru Minamoto, cough). However, they were the first people to ‘accept’ you for who you are. Or so you thought. Deep down, you know what they are doing. Hanging around you just so they can laugh at your misfortunes and damage your already shattered reputation. Yet, you can’t bring yourself to leave them. I wonder why, you thought bitterly.

The quiet sounds of your steps are the only things to be heard in the vast, empty school building. The silence gave you the creeps, you shivered at the thought of the confined girl’s bathroom, the darkness, the-

“Stop, (Name), stop. You’re just scaring yourself. Nothing’s going to happen, nothing’s going to happen.”

The darkness swam before your eyes and you had to lean against the walls to steady yourself. You had spent the entirety of last night twisting and turning in your bed, scenarios of what could happen playing in your head endlessly until the first rays of dawn beamed into your room.

Nevertheless, despite how sleep deprived you were, you felt no sense of exhaustion, only fear and stifling nervousness. You checked your watch, 2:54 AM. You had only 6 minutes to get to the bathroom and begin the ritual.

You fast-walked up the last flight of the stairs, stopping before the doorway of the bathroom. You could see the silvers of moonlight shining in from the windows. You swallowed the saliva that had built up in your mouth, stepping into the semi-darkness cautiously.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, the bathroom is still the bathroom. No creepy ghost girl in red skirts awaited you and you released the breath you had been holding. Approaching the third stall, you blinked at the red door, imaging what would happen, rejecting the other possibility.

You would knock three times, say, “Hanako-san, Hanako-san, are you there?” and an awkward silence would ensue between you and the bathroom door. Then, you can successfully prove that the legend is nothing but a rumor, stay the night, and prove to your stupid friends you are NOT a scaredy-cat.

Or, the door would creak open and the disembodied figure of a ghost girl would-

That would not happen!

You shook your head hard, the momentum almost launching your small form sideways to the floor.

Beep, beep, beep. Beep, beep, beep!

The sound of the alarm on your watch scared you to your wit’s end, heart almost leaping out of your throat.

3:00 AM. Time’s up.

You frantically turned it off, trying to steady your heart rate. Taking a deep breath, you lifted your right hand, knocking softly on the door three times. In a small, soft voice, you breathed out, “Hanako-san, Hanako-san, are you there?”

Silence. You retracted your hand, giddy with the realization that this rumor is false and no ghost is going to appear to-

The bathroom door creaked, a hand reaching around it, “Here I am,” a voice said in a sing-song tone.

You paled, stumbling back a few feet, back hitting the bathroom wall, eyes fixed on the hand. You blinked. It was gone. The bathroom door opened completely, revealing-

Nothing. There were no ghost girls, no red skirts, just a good-old toilet in a bathroom stall.

You let out a breath for what seems like the nth time today, walking forward to examine the stall.

Only to feel a hand rest on your shoulder along with the same voice whispering, “Over here.”

You screamed, stumbling around to see-

The figure of a boy, highlighted by the moonlight leaking through the windows, clad in what looks like uniform from a while ago, two strange, orb-like things floating around him. He himself is floating.

He chuckled, floating closer to you. You could almost see through him. Strangely, in this moment, you could feel no trace of fear, only wild bewilderment.

“Are you okay?” The boy asked, voice full of amusement.

Debatable. “That’s it,” you whispered, slumping down, staring straight into his amber colored orbs.

“Hm?”

“I’ve finally cracked,” you continued, laughing weakly, “sleep deprivation finally caught up to me.” With that, your eyes promptly rolled up into your skull and you lost consciousness.

---

You awoke to someone nudging your cheek.

“Hello? Anyone home?” A boy’s voice asked. Wait. A boy? Your eyes snapped open. The strange ghost boy pokes your cheek one more time before stepping back with a grin, “You’re awake.”

“Who…?” You trailed off, still a little dazed.

“The seventh of the Seven Wonders of the School,” he said lightly, one hand gripping the brim of his hat, “Hanako-san of the Bathroom.”

His eyes glinted with mischief, “Nice to meet you.”

“... But you’re a boy! And what are you doing in the girl’s bathroom anyways? Are you just some perverted ghost pretending to be a School Wonder? If you really are Hanako-san, where’s your bob haircut? What about your red skirt?”

You could see Hanako lean away from your barrage of questions, as if they were a physical force.

“I am Hanako-san, but you can call me Hanako-kun! Yes, I’m a boy, but all the other rumors are true,” he replied, flashing you the peace signs, “and I’m just going to ignore that comment about ‘some perverted ghost’.”

You still couldn’t believe your eyes. You couldn’t decide if you are indeed seeing a ghost that is supposedly haunting the girl’s bathroom or if you’re hallucinating from the lack of sleep. Frankly, you decided the latter is more probable. But you decided to wait and see.

“I grant the wish of whoever summons me and take one thing as payment. You have a wish, right?” Hanako asked, head tilted to the side in an inquiring way that is admittingly adorable.

Wait, what? Adorable? No, no, no. Hanako is just a perverted ghost that lives in the girl’s bathroom (or a fragment of your imagination, you can’t decide). There’s nothing adorable about that.

“Uh… actually,” you purse your lips, reminded of the reason why you’re here.

“Don’t be shy! You can start by telling me your name,” the amber-eyed ghost said cheerfully, pulling out a notebook seemingly out of nowhere.

“It’s (Name) (Last Name).”

“(Name) (Last Name)... got it. Now, what do I have the pleasure of helping you with today?”

You looked off to the side, trying to come up with an appropriate response. “Well, you see, I was dared in a game of truth and dare to summon Hanako-san. I don't actually have a wish.”

His eyes widened, then narrowed. Hanako peered at you, finger on his chin in a contemplative gesture. “Young lady, summoning an apparition just for fun is a dangerous thing to do. If you’re not careful,” his voice lowered drastically, “there will be consequences.”

You shrugged, unfazed. “I can live with one bad decision.”

Hanako took a step closer to you, ducking down to peer up at your face. “Are you sure about that?”

No. “Yep,” you replied, turning around to place your backpack on the floor beside the sink, which at the same time gets your job done and simultaneously creates distance from the close position the two of you were in . Unzipping your bag, you took out a towel and a small blanket.

“What are you doing now~?”

You froze, Hanako’s voice right next to your ear. From this distance, you could feel the chilly air coming off of him. Spinning around, you plopped yourself down, trying to unfluster yourself. Why is he so close?

“I-I also have to stay the night as part of the dare,” you stuttered, turning your head to the side to avoid looking at the ghost.

“Really? Who came up with your dare?” Hanako asked, still floating a few inches off the ground. His voice isn’t as playful as it was before. Maybe it was just your imagination. You riffled through your backpack, shrugging your shoulders, “My friend.”

You heard his sigh of pity?-sympathy?-exasperation? “You must not have great friends.” His words were light, as if it didn’t matter much to him. You paused in your idle search to turn and glare at the amber eyed ghost.

Hanako floated in a relaxed position, hands behind his head. He wasn’t even looking at you. You felt the strange need to defend your friends. “They’re not too bad. Just kind of ride or die.”

In an instant, you fell back against the wall of the bathroom, narrowed amber eyes staring into your wide (Eye Color) ones. Hanako pinned your wrists down against the wall, leaning forward so that his cold breath tickled your ear.

“Ride or die, huh?” He murmured, “well, one day, your luck’s going to run out.” You gaped ahead, heart almost jumping out of your throat. “Wha-what do you mean?” You managed to get out, breath hitching in the middle of the sentence.

Hanako leaned back, releasing your wrists so that they fell limply against your sides. His eyes were weirdly intense. He ignored your question, choosing to stand back up to gaze at you from above. “What if they had asked you to go to a harmful spirit? One that kills humans?”

He bent down, hands behind his back, once again staring right into your eyes, “What then?”

You stared back, saying the only thing that came to mind. “You’re weird, Hanako-kun.”

He chuckled dryly, expression strangely forlorn, floating over to settle on a ledge by the window, “Am I now?”

You turned your face away from him to stare at the entrance of the bathroom. Silence settled upon the small bathroom. His mood sure changed quickly.

Instead of focusing on Hanako’s strange turn of emotions, you took this time to ponder his  words.

Deep down, you had always known these people were not your real friends. They never treated you as their equal, always degrading and mocking you and every one of your little quirks and hobbies. Their eyes flashing with cruel satisfaction whenever they see you down, stepping on your already bloodied form just to hear your pained cries.

Without your consent, a tear slid down your cheek. You stiffened, sitting up to rub the evidence of your weakness away. But they didn’t stop. Every touch only served as blows to the weakening dam of emotion.

“(Last Name)?” Hanako’s voice sounded, urging you to wipe at your damp cheeks more frantically. When you didn’t respond, he stepped towards your quivering form, brows slightly knitted in concern.

Hanako knelt behind you, a hand extended, intended to rest on your shaking shoulder. His eyes widened a smidge when he caught sight of your flushed and damp cheeks as you turned to slap his hand away.

A sob tore from your throat when the amber-eyed ghost’s concerned expression came into view. Seeing it only made your chest tighter. You wanted someone to hug you, a real friend, someone who truly cares for you, for your wellbeing, for your emotions.

With the surges of emotion came your words. “I know they don’t care,” you whispered, voice thick from your tears.

“(Last Na)-?”

“I know they aren’t really my friends!” You yelled, twisting around to glare at Hanako with watery eyes and damp cheeks. “I know they only keep me around to make fun of me, I know everyone thinks I’m weird, and I know you don’t really care either.” Your voice began to grow gradually quieter, so that your last proclamation was barely audible.

You watched Hanako’s mouth open, probably ready to throw more lies at you. “You don’t have to pretend. After all, why should you bother? Why should anyone?”

You buried your head in your arms, turning away from the boy.

“I’ll be your friend,” his voice sounded soft, very close, but you can’t be bothered to lift your head anymore. However, you didn’t expect it when arms snaked around your form, pressing you to a lukewarm body. Instinctively, your own wrapped around him.

It was strangely comforting.

Too tired to protest, you straightened yourself and laid your head on Hanako’s chest, snuggling up to him. You heard a soft chuckle through a haze of sadness and exhaustion. The sensation of someone stroking your hair is comforting and the arm looped around your waist feels right somehow.

You wanted to let yourself fall into the comforting darkness known as sleep, but a particular detail keeps jabbing you in the side.

“You will?”

“Hm?” You could feel his chest rumbling with the sound. “Be my friend?” You slurred.

“Of course. Now go to sleep, you look horrible like this,” Hanako’s voice is teasing, but you’re too tired to care anymore, so you just flopped your arm against his side in protest. He didn’t even flinch.

“One more thing,” you had no idea how you’re still awake but you managed to lift your head and get out, “since we’re friends, please call me (Name).”

You wonder if life would be different after this. You wonder if, with Hanako, you can make better memories than with the others.

You wonder if you can remember to falcon punch your ‘friend’ in her smug, self-satisfied face when you wake up.

#jshk #tbhk #hanako kun x reader #self indulgent fluff #amane yugi x reader #jshk x reader #tbhk x reader

[queenmuzz]

Deep Blue Sea: Chapter X

The Pieces (of Pizza) Fit

Read the full story on Ao3 Here! Where the Hell is my brother?

The voice, full of rage, nearly gave you a migraine as you struggled to get out of the unyielding grip.  Slow to anger, my ass, you brain unhelpfully supplied to you as you frantically tried to get out of his grasp.  At the same time, the clock was ticking as your oxygen levels depleted and your lungs protested.  Great job, your brain continued, trying to get your crush (NOT MY CRUSH you corrected) to safety, only to get killed by the one man you thought could save him.  If it weren’t for the fact that you kinda needed your  brain to remain alive, you’d attempt to shut the damn thing off.

WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?

His grip tightened, and you could have heard an angry growl in the water, instead of in your head.  And just when you felt like you couldn't take any more, you were pulled out of the water.  You tried to take a breath of precious air, terrified that he’d dunk you back in, but he slammed you into the hull, knocking any remaining air out of you.  Your head whacked painfully on the fiberglass frame, and your vision turned black for a moment.  Your jackknife slipped out of your wet hands, and into the depths, leaving you nigh defenseless.

“I swear to the Tidemother, if you have touched a hair on his head, I’ll drag you to the deepest fucking depths of the ocean, and let the scavengers eat your corpse.”

You tried to respond, tried to tell him that you meant him no harm, but his face was full of fury, and now he gripped your neck in his webbed hands.  Your hands latched on to his wrist, in a futile attempt to break free, but all you managed to do was to jostle the amulet free from under your shirt. 

The glint of gold must have attracted his attention because he loosened his grip slightly allowing you to gasp out for air.  Perhaps he recognized it as a sign that Vergil trusted you.

That idea went out the window as he snarled, and suddenly you were lifted up and thrown back onto the deck, sliding a metre and a half across the wood. 

You barely had time to reorient yourself before you heard a massive splash, a crushing weight on your torso, and most worryingly of all, the cold, sharp tip of metal at your throat.  Your vision rapidly cleared, you saw him on top of you, teeth bared, reared back, with an honest to God sword pointed at your throat.  (Where the hell did that come from? your brain asked unhelpfully)

“I don’t go after humans,” his icy voice chilled you to the bone, “But for you…” the sword tip moved slightly to lift the amulet up, “I’ll gladly make an exception.  Where. Is. He.”

“Help…”  you managed to croak.

“Bit too late to be begging for help, babe” he sardonically replied.

You shook your head, and slowly grabbed the amulet, intending somehow to take it off, before, surprisingly it easily unlatched itself.  Sparing a quick glance at it as you cautiously slid it to the side, you were perplexed that there was no clasp, no broken chain...magic?

No time to ruminate about it, you took another breath of air, praying that it wouldn’t be your last.

“Help….him”

Confusion flooded Dante’s face, as to your relief, he withdrew his weapon away from the hollow of your throat as he snatched the chain and scooted away from you.  You took this precious moment to catch your breath, heaving in and out and when you had recovered some of your strength, you rolled over to see Dante clutching the amulet to his chest, a matching one in silver and red around his neck, his eyes shut tight.   The sword was gone, and you were beginning to think your lack of oxygen had caused you to hallucinate it.

A good minute passed as you watched him, neither one of you moving an inch.  What he was doing with it, you had no idea.  You slowly backed up, you didn’t want to hurt him if he attacked again, you just wanted to convince him that you truly wanted his help.  

And then, out of nowhere, the merman laughed.  It wasn’t a soft chuckle like his brother’s, but it didn’t seem dangerous.  

“Oh bro…   you’re such an idiot…” he bent his head over the necklace, his wet hair obscuring most of his face, leaving only a toothy smile, “You know, once I get your tail fins out of there, I’m never gonna let you forget this, right?”  You weren’t sure if he was talking to the gem, his brother, or himself.

He brushed his hair to the side, allowing you to see his face.  It was much kinder than before, if a bit embarrassed.  “I…. eh, sorry ‘bout that, kinda swam out before checking the current, you know what I mean?  Mom always told me I was a bit impulsive.  You okay?”

“Yeah…” your voice was raspy, but felt much better “Wait, did you just know what happened just by holding that?” you pointed at the chain, dangling in his hand.

“Well, I got the gist of it, it’s not like we can send messages like you humans do in your little things you carry around constantly, but it can give me a bubbleful of information.” He chuckled, “So, my brother’s been captured and being kept as a pet, but you’re a friend of his.” 

Your heart warmed up at the fact that Vergil, despite everything, considered you worthy of friendship.  You hoped that you could be on friendly terms with his brother.  So you did the thing that worked with Vergil.  Grabbing the cardboard box that had fallen to the deck in the kerfuffle, and opened it up.

“Want a piece?”

The way his nostrils flared and his eyes widened at the sight, you realized you had made the correct decision.

*****

“So, Verg says to me.  ‘Brother, I wager you ten cordina to get on that boat and grab something from it’...” Dante regaled you as he worked on his fifth slice of pizza, savouring every mouthful.  His imitation of his brother was quite on the nose. He lounged on the sunny side of the deck, still shielded from prying eyes by the way you tilted the sail, as you anchored the boat.

“And I says ‘you’re on!’ and I scope out this boat full of guys playing loud music.  I’m looking for a way to sneak on the damn boat, but there’s waaaay too many people dancing or something.  But I’ll do anything to prove my bro wrong, so I wait.  And Wait. And Wait.  But when the Dawnfather was just about to rise, everyone finally fell asleep.  So I flop on board, and I’m terrified that I’ll wake up someone, but everyone is really sleeping, like if it wasn’t for those funny noises you guys make when you sleep, I’d think they were dead.   I grab the first thing I see, one of these,” he held up the half eaten slice, “and I bring it to Verg, and he grumbly pays off the bet. But,” he finished off the slice, “what’s weird, this stuff was the real prize.  Vergil could have offered me a hundred cordina for that one piece, and I’d have said no…. It was so fucking delicious.  And now you come along with a whole box of this…” “Pizza” 

“Mmmm… Pizza…” he picked up another slice and stretched out the cheese.  “I gotta say, this is why I like you humans, you come out with some pretty delicious food.  It’s hard to make this stuff when you are surrounded by water.”

You smiled.  Vergil had said they were twins, and while they looked very similar, (aside from scale colour) their personalities couldn’t possibly be any more different.  While Vergil was calm, composed, and contemplative   Dante was brash, bombastic, and brazen.  Vergil was disdainful of humanity, (although you couldn’t really blame him), while Dante seemed to enjoy the quirks humans had.  But strangely, despite his totally different personality, you liked him, though not in the same way as his brother.

“So, you want to get my brother back to the open waters, eh?”  He had emptied the box of its contents, and was now licking his fingers for any remnants of melted cheese.  

“Yes, and I need your help to make sure he gets as far away as possible, and doesn’t try to do something that’s liable to get him captured again.”

“That I can do… although I can hardly believe that he actually regrets not listening to me. You sure he said that?”

“Pretty much…”

Dante went a bit serious… “Okay, it should be simple.   You get him to the ocean...let’s say,” he scanned the horizon, before pointing at the beach that lay next to the suspension bridge that linked both sides of the bay. “Right there.  Should be when the next time the Tidemother shows her full face, that’ll give you enough light to see, to slip him out, and also the tide will be up, making the trek to the water’s edge as simple as possible.  I’ll be waiting, and I’ll drag him by the tail fins out of here, if I have to…. and knowing Vergil, that’s probably literally, not figuratively speaking.”

“That simple?”  you were perplexed.  Surely there had to be more, or else Vergil would have been dropped off a long time ago, before you had time to develop feelings for him. 

“Should be, I mean, you come across any trouble, he can probably use Yamato to get rid of any problems.”  He now was scraping the melted cheese off the bottom of the box, and you were worried that if you didn’t stop him, he’d just eat the entire thing, cardboard and all.

“Yamato?”  you’d never heard that term before.  

Dante dropped the box, looking alarmed, “Wait, he hasn’t shown you Yamato?” his eyebrows shot up, “okay, that makes sense on why he’s been stuck… he doesn’t have his, …. um….” he cocked his head in thought, “I guess a rough translation would be ‘soul-weapon.’”  You shook your head.  Vergil had never mentioned anything about a weapon.

Dante continued, “I don’t really know how you humans see your souls, but the gist is, everyone of us has a weapon that’s intrinsically connected with our soul, our very being.”  He rubbed his head, “some of us have harpoons, others daggers, even have a few with a trident. Me on the other hand…” his hand waved out, and instantly, in a red flash, appeared a sword.  You hadn’t imagined it!  “This is Rebellion, ain’t she a beaut?” 

You had to agree.  It was a long solid sword, with what seemed to be a stylized human skull at the crossguard, but with shark teeth poking out from where the eyes were, as well as embedded into the ricasso of the blade.  It definitely was intimidating.  “So, a brief summary of how we look at our lives.  Us Merfolk see life like the way water moves.  Water flows throughout the ocean, until the Dawnfather decides it is time for it to ascend, and so the water becomes the clouds above, before raining back down and eventually rejoining the ocean.  It’s a cycle.”

“Ah,” you nodded, “like reincarnation”

“I guess?” Dante shrugged, “the philosophy of it all was all mom’s and Verg’s thing.  Anyways,”  he looked at Rebellion, “like I said, the weapon is linked to our soul, and if anything happens to it, it’s like someone took a bucketful of  that water and just locked it away, never able to return to the ocean, or repeat the cycle.  And it’s irreversible, a fate worse than death.”

Instantly, your mind went back to something similar Vergil had said all those months ago, and you remembered the ‘leash’ the good Doctor had in a long slender briefcase.  The pieces were beginning to fit.

“I mean, it’s hard to damage one of these, but it can be done, and most likely there’s the connection that's the issue.”

“The connection?”

“You can’t stray too far from your weapon, that’s why if you get too far, SNAP,” Rebellion dissipated in a shower of sparks.  “It’s the same as if the weapon got destroyed.  Somebody probably got a hold of Yamato, and you got lucky that they haven’t gone too far with it, or they know that they can use it over him.” his brow furrowed.  “On the bright side, it means it can’t be too far from where he is right now, so you won’t have to search too far.  But on the other hand… I’m still trying to figure out why he never told you  about this…”  he seemed honestly puzzled , “I mean, he trusted you enough with the amulet.” It worried you too.  Was Vergil too proud to ask a mere human, even one he was on good terms with for aid?  If he had just asked, you would have dropped everything to find and get this Yamato back for him.  It would have saved you a lot of heartache.  

“I think..” you said, “I know where his sword would be.”  The warehouse.  It was the only building Doctor Griffon could possibly keep the ‘leash’.  It wouldn’t be hard to get to, you had keys and codes for all the buildings on the property.

“Good!” his face brightened, “you get that sword to him, and you bring him here, and I can get him out.  Easy as swimming!”

“Yeah… easy as swimming” You attempted to match his enthusiasm.

“You know, you’re a good person.  Vergil has never been too close with humans, especially after mom and dad… well,” his features fell, “I thought I lost him too… was halfway about to follow him on a suicidal attack. When I felt the amulet,” he clutched it tightly in his hand, “I thought that he’d escaped, and when I found out it was a human, I just… I just snapped.”  

“You don’t have to apologise, Dante.  He’s your brother, after all.”

“Well, he’s a lucky son-of-a-barnacle to have an Odar like you, Dawnfather knows what would have happened to him if he didn’t meet you.”

You were slightly confused, “Odar?  Never heard that term.”

“Ah, keep forgetting you’re not familiar with Old Mer.  Basically a term for a human, but in a good way” he clarified. “Oh,” you murmured, mostly to yourself. “That’s not what Vergil calls me.”

“Ah?  What does he call you? It better not be ‘Chiktik’, or I’ll be punching him in the face when he gets back.”

“He calls me… Sifa.”

There were a few moments of silence, with only the gentle lapping of water against the hull, and the flap of the sail in the breeze.  Dante just stared at you, jaw dangling, looking exactly like a moray eel.  And then, to your astonishment… he just started laughing.

“Verg… of all the mer… well, I guess the polyp doesn’t drift too far from the coral.   Mom would be proud of you.”

“What do you mean?”

“He seriously hasn’t told you what it meant?”

“Vergil said it meant, ‘human,’” you answered and the red scaled merman cackled before looking up to you with a big grin. 

“You really want to know what it means?”

You bit your lower lip, afraid to know, but yet still intrigued, and after some hesitation, you nodded.

“There’s not a perfect translation, but basically, it means ‘Beloved’.  It’s a term you only use… well, for someone you really care about.  Someone…” he paused, as if for emphasis.  “You love.”

It was a good thing you were already sitting, because your legs began to feel like jelly, numbness spreading to your chest.

“He can’t…” you managed to wheeze out.

“Why not?” Dante asked.

“I’m basically his jailor!  There’s no possible way he could be truly in love with me!” You tried to protest.  But to your dawning horror, you realized a whole plethora of signs that he had been developing feelings for you.  The songs, the glances, the gentle touches.  Your head sank into your hands as you stared at the wood.  How could you have been so stupid?  How could you have been so blind?  

Or...maybe you had known, you just didn’t want to accept the truth.

“Well,” Dante added unhelpfully, “you don’t just call anyone Sifa, it's a fairly dedicated term, and Vergil wouldn’t just call you that if he didn’t mean it.”  He slipped back into the water gracefully, apparently oblivious to the turmoil that he had inadvertently caused.

“But there’s no way it would work between us!  I mean,” you pointed at your legs “we’re not even the same species!”

His response was to laugh.   If it wasn’t for the fact that he was Vergil’s  brother, you’d have clobbered him for his continued ignorance about how much this affected you.  “I don’t really think that’s much of an issue, but that’s not for me to say,” he responded cryptically.  “I’m sure Verg can fill you in.”  

And with that, he slipped back into the water, leaving you staring at the trail of bubbles.

No, you were not going to speak to Vergil about any of this.   You were going to keep this whole revelation to yourself, and focus on locating that sword and then getting him home.   It would be painful, but it was for the best for both of you.  That’s what you kept telling yourself.

Without warning, the water opened up again to reveal the smiling visage of Dante, his hand outstretched, holding your jackknife, and his own amulet, keeping the golden one around his neck. “Meetcha when the Tidemother is at her highest point when she shows her full face!  Good luck!” and after handing the blade and the silver amulet  to you, he swam off, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, leaving you alone with your turbulent thoughts.

*****

You returned back home, to see an expectant Vergil poised at the edge of the platform.  His eyes widened as you nodded and handed him the silver amulet, proof that you’d finally met his elusive brother.  He clutched it tightly, and for a moment you panicked, wondering if he was somehow able to look into the latest conversation you and Dante had.  But when he opened his eyes, they were full of relief and happiness.

“Ah, so he is well.”  He leaned back  in the water as he placed the chain around his neck, “That is good, that is good.”

You attempted to add some sort of joviality, “He thinks you’re an idiot for getting yourself captured.”

Vergil chuckled, “That does sound like him.  But at least he’s alright…” he turned to you, smiling gratefully.  “Thank You, Sifa.”

You successfully managed to hide the pain that word caused you as you gave him your best grin.

“Anything for you, Vergil”

#Devil May Cry #Deep Blue Sea #vergil x reader #Vergil #Mergil

[klaushargreevesofficial]

i'll crawl home to her

summary: steve & reader fight before the battle of Starcourt 

requests: Helloooo 😄 I saw your requests were open so could I request an angst/fluff fic with Steve Harrington who gets into a fight with his girlfriend right before the Battle of Starcourt and make up after? Thanks 😍😍 

Heyyyy could I request a steve Harrington x reader where steve shows up at the readers house right after all the shit of s3 went down and she just like takes care of him??? Like soft hugs and first aid and maybe steve being the little spoon??? Your writing is amazing btwww

title from hozier’s work song

warnings for cursing..

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

“fuck off, steve.”

“get out of my car.” you cocked your head and crossed your arms, staring straight ahead as a sign that, no, you would not get out of his car. after a dramatic beat of silence, steve unbuckled his seatbelt, and swung his door open. stalking around to the passenger side, he yanked the handle and stood, feet planted, at your door. “get. out.”

“what the fuck steve, i’m not going to walk home!” delicately placing your feet on the dashboard, you turned to look at him, a defiant glint in your eye. you had the upper hand, you knew. steve wouldn’t touch you or physically make you get out of the car. he’d get tired of waiting, frustrated to no end, and eventually drive you home. the feet on the dashboard was just a little touch you had picked up to speed up the process. you & steve had been here before. 

the fights had started about a month ago. the honeymoon period was gone, worn off as soon as school ended and the two of you had found yourselves with nothing to do but argue. they were about different things, steve forgetting to call you after work, or you “flirting” with some other guy when you came to visit steve at work. they usually all followed the same format; the silent treatment, then steve would ask you to go for a drive and talk things out in his car. this almost never worked and ended with you guys getting into a big screaming argument. then, steve would ask you--nay, tell you---to get out of his car. it usually ended with him driving you home silently and you kissing him as you left. sometimes you’d invite him in for a nap. fighting took a lot of energy.

this fight in particular didn’t quite follow this archetype. there had been screaming matches all week leading up to this moment.  on Sunday, you and steve had walked hand in hand into church, dressed in your Sunday best, smiling at the congregation. you’d been pinching each other’s wrists and swatting at each other discreetly the whole service. Robin pushed you out of scoops ahoy on monday when you stalked in with an accusatory finger pointed at steve. (she had whispered in your ear, “this is for your own good.” you loved robin.) on this tuesday morning, steve called your house and charmed your mom when she answered, just to curse you out when you answered the phone.  (“I’m picking you up in my fucking car before my shift, and we’re gonna talk this shit out, and kiss and make the fuck up.” “what if i don’t want to, asshole?” he had already hung up and was on his way.)

cut to being pulled over on the side of the road, with your feet up on steve’s dashboard. “I'm gonna miss my shift, y/n. just get out.” his tone shifted into one of apathy, and you felt the change.

neither of you had the energy to fight anymore, truthfully, but you were both still mad. you sighed. no way in hell you were getting out of the car. flatly, you replied, “if you care so much about this job, you’d better start driving. you’ve got to take me home before you go to the mall.”

steve let out a loud, exasperated groan and slammed the passenger door shut, making you flinch. as he made his way back around the car, your eyes filled with tears. you were tired of fighting. you missed your old steve, the one who would visibly light up when he saw you, or tell scoops ahoy customers “that’s my girlfriend,” when you sat at a table visiting at work. you missed when he was proud of you, when he craved your presence and would come over quickly before work just to kiss you and tell you he loved you. and this car, god, this car. you missed when it wasn’t a symbol of a fight. you missed drive-in movies and backseat makeouts and laying on the hood watching the stars.

the engine started up, and steve began the drive to your house. “aren’t you tired of fighting?” you asked softly, wiping your eyes. no response from steve.

and truthfully, this was just as painful for him as it was for you. he missed when you’d call him baby, or laugh at his dumb jokes, or calm him down after a family dinner. he missed sleepovers, you wearing his shirt and kissing his neck gently. he missed his girl, he missed feeling like he knew you well enough to call you his girl. he missed when you’d come in to Scoops and sit in the backroom, doodling on the white board that once held a single point with your name on it under “you rule.”

he was speechless. truly, he couldn’t answer you, and he felt like shit about it. you sighed in the spot that should’ve been his reply, and focused your attention out of the window until steve pulled the car into your driveway slowly. you turned to him as you unbuckle your seatbelt, waiting for what usually happened. you waited for him to turn to you, kiss you softly, and send you on your way.

it didn’t happen. eventually, you got out of his car with a quiet “love you,” which steve again didn’t return. he pulled out of the driveway as you stood there and watched.

that was tuesday. you hadn’t heard from him since. it was thursday, july 4th, and steve’s radio silence sent you a loud and clear message that your plans to stay home and watch movies with the word “America” in the title were cancelled. you would have called robin or the party to hang out, but you hadn’t heard from them either. calls to robin weren’t even answered, and after two times of calling the henderson house, you started to feel a little weird. it felt like the whole town of hawkins was either ignoring you or hanging out without you. you even went to joyce’s house with your bike basket full of ingredients to bake cookies with her, but no one was home.

so you spent the day in bed, sad, contemplating if you and steve were even still together. your parents were working, so you had free reign to lounge on any of the surfaces in the house without judgement. part of you hoped steve would show up, regret written on his face, and a bag full of greasy mall food. but 8pm came and passed, and there was no one. no one home, no one around. no one setting off fireworks in your neighborhood. and definitely no remorseful boyfriends here to sweep you off your feet.

after spending the day lounging and moping, you weren’t exactly tired, but the absolute failure of a day upset you to no end and you just wanted it to be over. as soon as you retreated from the couch to your bed and wrapped yourself up in the covers, there was a loud, urgent knock at the door. you should’ve checked, should’ve made sure who it was before running down the hall, socked feet pattering and swinging open the door. but you knew. you knew it was steve because you knew him. you knew he wouldn’t bail on plans without no call, even in the nastiest of fights.

and although you were expecting steve, you were absolutely not expecting him in his scoops ahoy uniform, bloodied and beaten. “come in, what the fuck, come in!” you ushered him inside, instantly emotional.

“hi,” he grinned.

“what the fuck, steve?” you asked, no malice behind your words, just genuine confusion.

he thought for a few seconds then sighed into a chuckle. “it’s a really long story, and one i owe you, but right now, my face is killing me, and i need you.” you’d been waiting for him to say he needed you for months now. no matter how mad you two had been at each other prior to this moment, this is what you both craved.

“well, go shower first, because you smell like piss, then i’ll patch you up and we can talk.” you paused. “really talk, this time.”

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

“I call bullshit. Russians? no way.” steve was perched on the closed toilet seat, eyes closed, as you tried to clean his wounds to the best of his ability. “would I lie to you?” you thought for a second. through everything, no, steve had never lied to you.

“I suppose not. but also, being trapped in a secret russian elevator seems like a pretty sick excuse for not calling, if it wasn’t true,” you replied, and steve laughed, opening his eyes to look up at you.

“I thought about you the whole time, y/n. I missed you.”

“you missed me when you were trapped in a russian base camp? noted.” you gave him a soft kiss over his eyebrow and closed up your first aid kit. “I missed you when i was sitting at home, doing nothing.” you grabbed some of steve’s emergency hair product from under your sink and began to work some into his still-damp hair.

“nothing? you didn’t watch our ‘america’ movies?”

“without you?” he hummed in response.

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

an american in Paris was playing softly on the tv when steve turned to look at you in his  arms. “I'm really sorry, you know? I was a dick. I hate fighting with you. you know that.” you nodded, prompting him to continue. “I thought I was going to die down there, baby. I was drugged, tied up---don’t look at me like that, i know---” you tried to mask your incredulous expression. “--and I truly thought I was dead. and I didn't wanna die knowing that we were fighting. it tore me up. and, like,” he paused to sigh, '' I could die at literally any moment. I could've died on tuesday on my way to pick you up, and my last memory of you would’ve been you being escorted out of scoops by robin because you were inconsolably angry with me.”

you let out a little chuckle and pulled his arms tighter around you. “sorry about that.” there was a lingering moment of comfortable silence as you came up with your response. this healthy communication was something you weren’t entirely sure how to navigate yet, clearly. steve’s entire body was engrossing you, physical contact you had been longing for. you had his full attention, and you weren’t sure what to do with it. “i think...i think that we need to talk more. and if we get mad...just, talk rather then instantly resort to screaming or silence. we need an in-between.” you turned to face him, your hands cupping his cheeks. you let your thumb ghost over his lips, narrowly avoiding the still swollen cut on the side. “this can be our in-between. i love you, i love you so much. i hate wasting all of our time together fighting. i’m tired. i want to be able to come over and just love you, nothing else to it. so maybe, stop being so infuriating all of the time.” he gasped and stuck his tongue out at you. “just kidding.”

“i missed you, baby,” steve murmured. you knew he wasn’t just referring to his time trapped under the mall. you and him both realized that his conversation was one that you both desparately needed to have, and that this marked a new dynamic between the two of you.

“i missed you too,” you sniffled, sticking out your bottom lip. he kissed it gently, making you tear up.

“why are you crying?” he laughed softly and rocked you back and forth in his arms.

you let out a watery chuckle and wiped your eyes on the sleeve of his shirt. “i just missed you!” steve pressed his lips to the top of your head and let them rest there, humming along with the movie. after a few seconds you gasped and pulled away. “steve! stop comforting me!” he gave you a weird look and lifted his hands up in surrender slowly. “you’re the one who was literally tortured by evil russians tonight, and fought a….”

“the mind flayer,” he supplied

“a mind flayer!” you continued, “get up.” steve furrowed his eyebrows as he tried to figure out what your plan was. you stood up and gestured for him. “get. up.” when he stood up reluctantly, you laid on the couch and opened your arms for him.

“stop,” he whined, pulling out the p.

“this is happening, steve!” you grinned and he slowly lowered himself onto the couch and into your arms. this had been a subject of many conversations between the two of you. steve’s aversion to being the little spoon is something he doesn’t like to pinpoint, but you know it’s because he’s so conditioned into being the primary caretaker for people, that it’s hard for him to soften and let that care come in for himself. you figured that being tortured by russians and interdimensional creatures should be an exception to steve’s “big spoon only” rule.

“relax, stevey…” you kiss above his ear and you feel him physically untense in your arms. he sighs, the exhaustion from his week finally hitting him. “go to sleep, patriot. i love you.” he smiles.

#request #steve harrington #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington headcanon #Steve Harrington reader insert #Steve Harrington x y/n #Steve Harrington angst #stranger things imagine #stranger things reader insert #stranger things fanfic #stranger things #Steve Harrington fanfic #steve #Steve x reader #harrington

[silver-rings-and-rabbits]

Sunlight and Shadows

Pairing: Rafael Aveiro x M! MC (Matthew Valentine)

Summary: A continuation of where Open Heart: Second Year chapter 9 left off. I was disappointed but not surprised that they opened chapter 10 with a time jump and left us hanging for two thirds of the chapter, so this is how I imagined my MC to react when Rafael first told him he was leaving town (I know it’s a moot point now, but it was fun to write)

Category: Angst, but with a bit of friendship (one-shot)

"I'm leaving town."

The words hit Matthew like a bullet, tearing right through him, leaving him breathless.

"L-leaving?" he stuttered.

"Yeah." Rafael looked regretful, and Matthew could see why he had tried to keep this news from him for now.

"But...why? Where are you going?" Matthew's voice was soft and hoarse, like it always was when he was upset. Rafael had heard his sad voice before, but knowing he was the direct cause cut him deep. Even though he deserved to feel bad. It was nothing less than he should have expected.

"I'm moving to Brazil," he said weakly. It was pointless to keep the full truth from Matthew now. The box had been opened.

"Brazil?!" Matthew's voice rose up a level and his big eyes widened. "That's so far away..." Matthew bit down on his lip, looking away from Rafael, only for his gaze to land on Kyra in her hospital bed connected to all kinds of tubes and machines, looking small and weak. He turned back to Rafael, his heart pounding in his chest.

"But...what about your family?"

Rafael swallowed. "I've talked about it with everyone. I'm going to stay with my cousin in Salvador and I'll be able to catch up with that side of the family. And my family in Boston are all for it."

"They're all for you just disappearing?!" Matthew asked sharply. He looked away again and drew in a deep breath. He was getting out of control. It was too much now. Maybe June had been right earlier. Maybe he should take a sick day...

Rafael was looking hurt. "I'll miss them, obviously, and they'll miss me but...I've lived in the same neighbourhood my entire life. Maybe it's time for me to start fresh. And that's what they support. I'm not abandoning anyone."

"But...what about work?"

"I quit," Rafael said simply, and Matthew's jaw dropped in surprise. "Being suspended lead to me thinking about what would come next. I always knew I wouldn't be a paramedic forever and maybe this is how it's meant to go." He shrugged, calmly accepting.

"Oh geez..." Matthew let out a rush of breath, leaning heavily against the wall trying to wrap his head around the news.

It had been six or seven months since Sora had come back to Boston causing Rafael to question everything. Matthew's heart was broken and he was going through a very long and slow recovery process. He had distanced himself from Rafael at first, but when they had danced together at Boston T-Party Music Festival Matthew realised how much he had missed being Rafael's friend. With constant, stern reminders that Rafael was no longer his, Matthew slowly started to let him in again. But now, hearing that Rafael was moving to another country, Matthew realised how much he treasured the few minutes at a time when he could chat to Rafael in the hospital corridors. How he still got a little rush if Rafael hugged him or if they accidentally brushed against each other. Now Matthew was faced with the cold, harsh truth that he had still been hoping Rafael might still have feelings for him, might someday come back to him. How stupid Matthew had been. He really didn't have a chance.

"Hey..." Rafael looked concerned and took a step closer, reaching out towards him. "Matthew, come on, it'll be alr--"

"Don't." Matthew hastily stepped away, and Rafael flinched. Matthew took a deep breath to try and pull himself together and tried again. "I'm sorry Raf, I just...I need to be alone right now. I need to...process..." he looked into Rafael's eyes--warm, chocolate brown; he had once seen them sparkling so beautifully under the light of a street lamp--and his heart seemed to shatter all over again. 'I've decided to be with Sora' 'I'm moving to Brazil'...Really, what difference did it make?

"I need to be alone," Matthew repeated, his voice soft again.

Rafael nodded, sadness crossing his face. He stepped away from Matthew, outstretched hand falling to his side. Once upon a time Matthew had grabbed that hand like a lifeline and dragged Rafael into the on-call room where he had broken down in his arms. That had only been a year ago, though it felt like another life. Maybe even a dream.

Without another word, Matthew turned away and began walking as fast as he could to the locker room. A few people he vaguely knew were in there and cheerfully greeted him. Matthew might have mumbled something in their direction--he was only vaguely aware of his surroundings--as he grabbed his bag and jacket and headed straight for the exit.

He stopped short in the car park, having spotted three familiar figures up ahead. His roommates were leaving, bantering with each other warmly, apparently unaware of the complete shake-up that was going down. Not ready to engage in conversation, Matthew's steps faltered and he slowed down, allowing the distance between them to increase. When his friends turned in the direction of the subway, he turned the opposite way.

His heart was still pounding and he felt shaky and light-headed. It was a little like how he felt after skydiving with everyone last year, except this time there was no security of a parachute and no solid ground to catch him safely. Or at all. He might as well be falling endlessly through nothingness.

As Matthew wandered down the street, a sign for Boston Common caught his eye and he headed for the park. His friends had come here a couple of times last summer to watch old movies, share picnics and try and relax after work. The first time he had gone, Rafael had been unable to join due to work. Eventually Matthew and Bryce had grown bored of the movie and snuck off to 'find an adventure' as Bryce had put it. Even though Matthew knew Rafael was at work, he couldn't help looking around the streets in the hope of bumping into him. Right place, right time.

Last summer had been possibly the best of his life. Moving to a new, scary but exciting city, starting his dream job, meeting his colleagues and finding a whole family in some of them. A handsome paramedic flying him above the city and its coastline as it was all washed in gold. Everything was more than Matthew could have ever dreamed. Only a year ago, but sometimes it felt like much longer. Other times it seemed like only yesterday.

This year should have been great; all his good friends nearby, the coveted position of junior fellow on the diagnostics team. He had grown a lot and come out of his shell since his first day, now he had more confidence in himself than ever before. And he was pleased with his success, but since the unexpected reappearance of Sora, shadows had been cast over his heart and mind.

A lump grew in his throat and his heart ache could have been a literal hole in his chest it hurt so much...but tears didn't come. He couldn't seem to manifest them anymore, even though the first few weeks after the break-up they hadn't seemed to stop. In some ways he preferred not being able to cry but now he wished he could. Anything to relieve the pain.

Matthew had tried to move on, really tried. His friends had encouraged him to go out as much as possible. He had thrown himself into his work more than ever before, to the point where Inez had worried that he was in danger of burning out. Hook-ups, dating apps, Bryce and Jackie being his wing man and woman, nothing really worked. Rafael was the only person Matthew had ever truly wanted to be with.

His phone buzzed against his leg and he dug it out of his pocket to find a text from Elijah: 'you about? We are ordering chinese, you in?' Matthew sighed and typed out a reply: 'Go ahead, but Im not very hungry'. He shoved his phone back into his pocket, ignoring the vibrations. He knew he had just thrown up a red flag. He had always been the type to lose his appetite when he was sad, and he hadn't eaten properly for several days after Rafael had chosen Sora. His weight had noticeably dropped, and ever since then his roommates had constantly checked what he was eating and how much he was eating. Sienna in particular would try and push him to second helpings as much as she could. It had been almost a little annoying at times...but it all came from a place of caring.

Not for the first time, Matthew thought about how lucky he had been to find his friends so soon. He had struggled to make lasting friendships in high school and hadn't kept in touch with many people from med school. At best he had hoped for some decent colleagues who could crack cases alongside him and enjoy a drink or two after work. On his first day alone, Bryce and Jackie had casually flirted with him, Jackie helped him revive his patient, Sienna intervened when Ramsey chewed him out, and Elijah had got lost with him somewhere within the hospital. Before he knew it they were living together and their small garden-level apartment quickly became a cosy home. It was everything he needed, even now.

Matthew smiled a little as he recalled an evening at Donahue's from a few months back. He had had some drinks and said 'I love you guys deeply. You've always got my back. I'd have lost my job without you all and I'm so grateful you're here and I don't tell you that enough.' 

Bryce had ruffled his hair and laughed. 'You tell us that every time we get drunk and sometimes when we're sober!'

Letting out a slow breath, Matthew leaned against a tree and looked towards the sky contemplatively. He had already got more than he ever bargained for when moving to Boston, and never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined meeting someone like Rafael. Surely it was enough to have all that even for only a short time than not at all? Not everything would last forever. Maybe his relationship with Rafael was only ever meant to be short and sweet.

As Matthew left the Common and started home he thought back on his previous conversation with Rafael with a twinge of regret. He hadn't meant to fly off the handle and had almost used Rafael's love for his family as a weapon against him. He hadn't meant to but he was sure it had come across that way. Rafael had been genuinely stung by it.

Matthew didn't want that to be their last conversation and he definitely didn't want to be bitter. As he entered his apartment building, he dug his phone out of his pocket, unsurprised by the concerned messages from his friends. He leaned against the wall beside his front door and dialled, holding his breath while it rang...

"Hello?" Rafael's deep voice was breathless.

"Hey, Raf, it's me," said Matthew, relieved. He had half-expected Rafael to ignore his call.

"Matthew!"

"Hey. Listen...I want to apologise for blowing up at you earlier. And for what I said about you leaving your family. I shouldn't have said that, I know you'd never do it."

"That's OK, you were upset. I know it was a bad time..."

"Well, yeah, but you did try to warn me first..."

There was a pause. Then Rafael said, "Well, I hate to say I told you so but...told you so?"

They both laughed. The tension left Matthew's shoulders.

"When do you fly out?" he asked.

"Erm...end of next week," Rafael said, and Matthew winced. So soon. "Hey Matthew, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"When you moved to Boston...you'd never left Colorado, right? I know you'd moved within the state but this was the furthest you've gone?"

"That's right." Matthew frowned. "Are you nervous?"

"...A bit."

"Well, that's to be expected. I was nervous about moving to a different state but you're moving to another country. That's much further than I've ever gone."

Rafael chuckled. "True, but...well, how did you deal with it?"

Matthew thought for a minute. "First of all, don't bottle up the nerves or you'll become a time bomb." Matthew remembered a few weeks before he moved to Boston, he had pretended he was perfectly fine, then his uncle had casually wished him luck in the big city and he had suddenly broken down. "Make sure you talk through it with someone, you'll be surprised at how much it clears your head.

"But also...I knew this was the right decision for me, no matter what. I wanted to be a doctor and that meant going somewhere that would give me the best guidance and training I could get. And I had been inspired by Ramsey and studied his research the most extensively, so that meant applying to Edenbrook." He shrugged.

There was a pause on the other end of the line as Rafael considered this. "So, what you're saying is, you had a goal and moving to Boston was the best way to achieve it? Like, a means to an end?"

"That's right."

"Oh. I just wish I had a clear set career goal like you do," Raf admitted with a nervous laugh.

Stay in Boston and train to be an OT like you once told me you were thinking of doing Matthew thought suddenly. But he refused to say it. This was not about him. "Think of it as a means to an end to finding your dream job?" he suggested instead. "You might step off the plane and walk right into it for all we know." Rafael laughed again, and Matthew smiled wistfully. It was good to hear him laughing.

"Thanks Matthew. That does help."

"Good. And listen, Raf? If you think it's all gone wrong, if you need an escape, if you need anything at all...you'll always have a place to stay with me." He swallowed, the lump coming back into his throat. "I promise. The couch has your name on it."

"Thank you, Matthew," Rafael said fervently. "And the same goes for you. You will always be welcome to visit."

Matthew smiled sadly. "That would be great. But you know what my life is like. I don't have much time for vacation so don't hold your breath too tightly. I won't be happy if I hear you've suffocated." This time when Rafael laughed Matthew joined in.

"I'm...I'm really happy I met you, Matthew," Rafael said. His voice was hesitant, like he wasn't sure if he should say it.

"I'm really happy I met you too," Matthew replied, his voice soft but tender and earnest. Happier than you'll ever know he added silently. Out of nowhere, a tear suddenly welled in his eye and fell down his cheek.

"I'll be back to Edenbrook at least once before I go. I'll see you then?"

"Sure," Matthew said with a resigned smile. "See you around, Raf."

They ended the call.

Matthew sagged against the wall, a few more tears making their way down his face. It felt oddly nice to cry again. And even though it hurt he was glad to have made the call. Rafael had made him so happy, how could he want anything less for him in return? If that meant Rafael leaving Boston to fly to Brazil...so be it. Before his place at Edenbrook had been confirmed, Matthew would sometimes work himself into a state of anxiety worrying about what he would do if he was rejected and stuck in that small town. If Rafael was now feeling that way about Boston, Matthew could not--would not--hold him in bad faith.

Matthew straightened up and wiped his tears, taking a calming breath before he faced his roommates. He would let them take care of him, and then he would go into work and focus on his patients and do what he came to Boston to do: become the best doctor he could be. Meanwhile Rafael would go to Brazil and live and be happy. 

Maybe the sunlight would return when Matthew met someone new.

#choices #open heart #rafael aveiro #rafael aveiro x mc #casey valentine #open heart second year #oh fanfic

[sereisstuff]

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 4

Demon!Taehyung x chubby reader

Intro -  you accidentally summoned the prince of darkness and now he wants something in return, so he makes you his fiance to trick his father Hades into giving him the crown

summary - Taehyung embarks on a journey to get the potion that will mask your mortality, but he prefers to do other things during the day.

(A/N) - I finally updated yay!! this literally made me contemplate a bunch of shit so it took me hours on end to finish but for you guys, I managed.

!!ENJOY!!

Taehyung didn’t stop following you around wreaking havoc across the playground that plagued your thoughts, he cast aside your frustration and toyed with it in amusement using anything against your whim to force a reaction out of you.

he was here in search of a spell to cover up any sign of mortality that stuck to you like a leech, and of course to brighten his day the young demon decided to use you as his little puppet, constant desires spread like wildfire and Taehyung was the cause.

“I can feel your tension, darling” he advanced to you, you curled your hands into tight fist rolling your eyes in the process, frustration gripped your insides as you glared at the man “touch me and your dead” he paused looking at you with a suggestive stare.

taking the saying with a hint of lust “now that would be fun to see, my little mortal pet” he teased sitting bored on the chair that laid sprawl as a decoration in your home, you should have thanked him for returning you home last night.

but you could only avoid his eyes when he made his appearance, last night wasn’t something you would occasionally do, remembering the hot wave of heat his body gave off amid your dropping warmth you could only snuggle up against him for your own life to be saved.

or so that's what you wanted to think.

“I'm not your pet” you growled, throwing on a pair of shoes to leave the home, not warning Taehyung knowing he, himself would follow anyways. he made it his job to annoy you the entire day and he always completes his missions.

“oh, you're leaving great, now we can both go see that witch” Taehyung followed closely behind you making you want to pull your strands, sucking in a deep breath letting the air course through your lungs as you imagined positive energies flowing through you pushing out the negative.

“I'm going alone” you snapped, wanting to push him out of view but locked your aggressive thoughts into a cage of suppression, now was not the time and by the looks of it, demi gods definitely underestimated the strength of a mortal especially the mortal standing in front of him.

“you're cute when your angry” he flirted, you held the bridge of your nose to calm yourself harshly slapping your sides when you let them go “fine, where to” The ethereal man interlocked your hands with his own, placing a hand on your forehead.

“Remember to breathe,” he said, you had no time to reply before a bright red unnoticeable flame embraced you both consuming your forms to place you elsewhere in the world, dropping you in the middle of a forest.

you coughed loudly regaining your composure, running towards a tree to help you stand “I told you to breath didn’t i” he said with curiosity and an undertone of laughter, poor mortals.

“I'm this close to summoning hade’s to drag your ass back to where you came from” you choked on your words, whatever Taehyung did stop you from breathing for what felt like centuries being able to breathe again made you feel like a fish out of water.

He chuckled “Darling that old man can’t step on earth, and I came from my mother-” you stopped him before he could carry out that sentence “okay, I get it can we please just get this over and done with” you complained following him to the destination.

on the journey, you admired the birds feeling blissful being able to catch their melodies as you walked aimlessly through the forest staring up into the trees hearing the universe speak to you for a few seconds.

“need I warn you about the witch, she can be a bit how should I put this” Taehyung searched for answers, not wanting to degrade his former witch but at the same time wanted to inform you about her ways “-normal”.

you laughed sincerely from the rawness of your tone “none of this is normal if you didn't notice, I'm currently carrying out a deal with the son of Hades and you warn me that she’s not normal.”

“I guess we won’t have any hiccups then” he cheerfully said, waltzing into the shaggy home. upon entering you noticed the walls full of paintings the home having many succulent plants dangling from every wall, corner and inch of this home, the home felt light in a sense that you felt welcome in away.

“Taehyung dear” a youthful voice called through the home, taehyung hoped you wouldn’t act weird but unlike him, you weren’t familiar to his ways as you eyed every bit of the home in admiration, 

“I could see you coming this way and already had prepared your wish” the door squeak causing you to wait on edge for the woman to make her appearance, she steeped out slowly in vintage clothing, her curly locks bouncing with every step she took.

in her hand she held a small bottle of purple substance, she hadn’t looked up yet but there was no need to she already knew of you and your purpose so all she could do was pray to her deities for the best “make sure she swallows it all”.

“I could say that in two ways if she likes-” 

Taehyung glanced at you choking back a form of laughter “but sure, I'll make sure she does, thank you very much” the young woman looked at you with eyes black as night itself, you jolted back in fear not wanting to cause any informality you hesitated to introduce yourself but she held her hands up.

“its okay dear, I wish you all the best for what’s to come” you frowned at her saying, what's to come what does she mean??.

she left the room without another word uttered, shuffling back to her chambers where she finished off some business of her own leaving you once again alone with the young demon and now multiplied with a train of confused thoughts.

“can we go now” you stood from your place heading for the exit.

“I thought we should have a bit of fun, anyways you’ve done nothing but bore me the last few days a drink or two won't be a crime” he suggested running a hand through his hair, you both eyed your outfit grimacing at the attire you would be the center of attention if you went and for all the wrong reasons.

“no” you sternly replied leaving the home with new dominant energy. searching the forest for a way out but it only seemed to lengthen your walk amongst its people, the dazzling man groaned behind you. putting his hands to rest in his pockets so he could tail behind you.

“rejection isn’t much of my thing so could we maybe do something more appealing to one's excitement” you stiffened turning to face him when you realized the only way out of here was to jump with him out of it.

“fine if you can get us out of here” you instantly regret your words when you watched how brightly his eyes shone in anticipation, and instead of teleporting you both home. bright flashing lights blind your eyes as you've come to a realization that you're now at a party full of demigods and rich people.

“now we, my little mortal pet are here to convince the others of our-” he lifted his hands to make air quotes, “-marriage” you blushed at the thought, gagging as you realized what you did, today wasn’t very fond of your emotions and now you had no idea how to react to them.

you groaned “Please stop with the pet names”

“sure, for now, I will. but act like your my fiance” you nodded to his question, you both walked through the area full of people easily like fluid through the party. people came up to you and questioned your existence beside him many wishing you good luck which you mentally noted.

Taehyung offered you a drink, but in a state of anxiety, you denied his offerings as he shrugged his shoulders downing it himself. he moaned in pleasure closing his eyes to enjoy the taste. forgetting that a mere mortal was in his presence dark red hues stared at you with uncontrollable fury.

“I'm surprised my dear cousin, this is your fiance how lucky are you, I've been patiently awaiting your arrival” the sudden voice made you tilt to the call, there stood a man in his early twenties, his hair pure gray with pink luscious lips, he was covered in expensive attire and looked all most god-like, now measuring his features you were sure he was the son of one god leaning more to the goddesses in this situation.

“jimin,” Taehyung said with annoyance he clenched his jaw as jimin came to introduce himself “Jimin son of Aphrodite” he pressed his lips to the pals of your hand in a gentle manner, you didn’t stir in annoyance but clearly enjoyed his mere presence.

which of course was one of his many gifts being the son of the goddess of love

“Taehyung here forgot to mention-” he leaned in to whisper against your lobe, hiding his words from the other immortals that wandered the building “that your a human, I can smell it” he shifted back with a smug look, you hadn't been fazed by his words but continued to fall into his enchantments.

“You understand the meaning of this right, Taehyung” jimin sparked looking everywhere but the sinful red eyes of his cousins, he wasn’t blaming anything on you but his cousin's foolishness “The prophecy can kiss my ass” Taehyung growled.

“and can you please stop” he begged with displeasure.

“stop what” jimin replied acting clueless to his powers, “I know you're enchanting her so she doesn’t hear a thing we say” Jimin sighed, releasing you from the cage you didn’t even realize he locked you in.

“do i have to remind you to be careful with her or are you already too much of an idiot to accomplish anything but twisted in your life” the demigod grew angry with his cousin, he understood you, he could see right through your dictionary of love the memories that attached themselves to you were full of them.

and his cousin could take that all away in an instant everything you’ve ever dearly held close to you in life will be ripped to shreds without notice.

“Don’t worry, she’s not gonna get hurt” you frowned at the conversation the two were having, tapping your foot anxiously against the floor.

“I hope so cousin, I truly do” Taehyung perked up in his seat his ears catching on to a sound only he would be able to hear, a warning.

“We need to go” he got up from his seat, but too late the screams had already begun, your eyes widen in horror fear crippling your heart as it raced from the adrenaline now pulsing through your system, jimin ran off to protect himself and make sure others were fine.

Taehyung didn’t want to search for the source already knowing what it was “ grab my hand” he said in anticipation his face going pale at the source if there was one thing he would ever be afraid of it was those things destroying the party.

not daring to go back to his past.

..................................................................................................................

TAG LIST - 

@sugarrimajins @camilaxpolanco @bluemooncnblue @nabo39

@alex--awesome--22 @fivesecondsofsarang @sununicorn @damnedandbroken @aylinstrash @thealexalcala

tell me your thoughts I would love to hear and answer some questions, but feel free to do whatever.

.

#kim taehyung #kim taehyung imagines #kim taehyung x reader #kim taehyung x you #demon taehyung #taehyung imagine #bts taehyung #taehyung #taehyung fic #taehyung x chubby!reader #kim taehyung x chubby reader #taehyung x chubby reader #taehyung x oc #bts imagines #bts x chubby reader #bts reactions #taehyung reaction #taehyung scenarios

[juniperwindsong]

Necessary Monsters (4/16)

Summary:  "I have done my best since I've been back to make sure no one got to her, but it's a bit of full time gig, that. I warned her to stay out and let me handle it.” "You thought she would stay away if you just told her to? Have you ever met Juniper?"

   Post to the dragon infested wilds of northeastern Peru is not always possible, and what birds do manage it are never timely. Which is why Felix does not read Rita Skeeter's article on Juniper Windsong* until several months after his graduation. "From Cursebreaker to Quidditch Darling: A Witch of Many Hats" declares the headline, set above a photograph of an awkwardly smiling Juniper. She’s giving the camera a surprised sort of half-wave, as though only aware of its presence a second before the flash. 

   So far, Felix has done a successful job putting his crush on his school friend from his mind, aided by the million and one things he has to learn about his new and dangerous job. But something about the picture-Juniper's expression touches that part of him still nursing a soft spot for her. He severs the photograph from the article with his wand, tucking it carefully into a trouser pocket. And for the next three years, that's where it stays; his only aid in recalling her face with the precise detail he craves more and more frequently.

   The body on the hospital bed has the same features, slightly aged. But Felix cannot reconcile it with the Juniper he knows. There's no sign of life in her, beyond the incessant twitching of her fingers. Closer inspection reveals her myriad tiny cuts to be deeper than Felix initially realised. The wounds, while magically sealed, are puckered and raised. He knows each one will leave a small scar.

   And her face. Her face is entirely expressionless. It reminds Felix of the mannequins at the hospital's entrance. No one could confuse her condition with merely sleeping.

   How long he stands by the bed minutely inspecting each injured part of Juniper, Felix isn't sure. His brain is strangely detached, as if it's reached the limit of what it can process in one day and has recused itself from any further analysis. Felix can't really blame it. In the span of one morning, he’s fallen from exuberant high-spirits through various layers of unexpected terror before bottoming out in wretched guilt. Now, with no action left to keep up momentum, the rapid rush of conflicting emotion burns out, leaving numb exhaustion in its wake.

   Only when his knees start to feel shaky once more does Felix remember the thing he's leaning against is a chair, and he drops into it. It's a comfortable, winged armchair, most unlike the hard, wooden chairs Madam Pomfrey conjures for guest use in the Hogwart's Hospital Wing. He wonders briefly if all the rooms in St Mungo’s are equally accommodating or if it indicates this patient's need for more regular supervision.

Felix sinks deeper into the cushions gratefully. Perhaps it's the lack of sleep, or the fact that he's been denied furniture this comfortable for years, but drowsiness begins to trickle through his limbs enticingly. Keeping his eyes open is suddenly a herculean task...

-

   Felix only knows he's fallen asleep when the soft click of the hidden door unlocking wakes him. Disoriented, he struggles from the chair, fumbling for his wand. But the witch who enters, a short, curly-haired woman in lime-green robes, says "Dragon-Heart String," promptly before he's able to pull it from his pocket.

   "You're awake this time," the healer observes crisply, striding to the bedside table. "Good. I was beginning to worry you'd been cursed as well."

   Felix makes a production of stowing his wand back into his rumpled robes, surreptitiously wiping sleep from his eyes and giving the heat in his face time to cool. When he turns back to the bed, the healer is running her wand over Juniper's chest slowly, the wood just brushing the white sheet. The wand tip glows a deep, pulsing red and the healer nods once as if in confirmation.

   "What are you doing?" asks Felix.

   "Checking her vital signs," replies the healer. "Her heart rate is slowing."

   She says this so matter-of-factly it takes a minute for Felix to process it isn't a good thing. His own heart begins to beat double-time.

   "Surely you can fix that?"

   The healer shakes her head once, iron-gray curls bouncing. She reaches for a small bottle on the bedside table and uncorks it, upending the contents onto a bit of cloth.

   "Not unless we can discover what spell was used on her." The healer begins dabbing the cloth gently over the angry red cuts on Juniper's face. "Nothing we've tried has worked so far.  I have my trainee researching rare curses and sleep enchantments, but-" She clicks her tongue doubtfully.

   In spite of her brusque tone, Felix's notices the healer's motions are exceedingly gentle. She takes her time, massaging the cloth over each small wound on Juniper's face down to her exposed neck. Something in her tender ministrations betrays concern, and an echo of the morning's fear slithers back through Felix's veins.

   "But... she's going to be alright...isn't she?"

   The healer looks up at him abruptly, cloth stilling on Juniper's shoulder.

   "Has no one explained to you what's happened to this girl?

   "They - he said - she was attacked."

   The healer regards him steadily. "She has been tortured. See her hands? That's a sign of prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus Curse. Pain like that has permanent effects on the body and the mind. It can quite literally drive a person mad.  Even if we manage to wake her, I doubt very much whether she will be 'alright'."

   Felix's heart beat climbs into his throat. He swallows hard, trying to wrap his mind around this new and terrifying possibility.

   "There has to be something you can do," he protests weakly. The healer shakes her head again, curls bouncing.

   "Not against that sort of magic." She sets her cloth back on the beside table and contemplates Juniper's lifeless form, hands on hips. "There’s research being done into alleviating the effects of the Cruciatus Curse, but nothing practical has come of it so far." Her jaw tenses in the first real emotion Felix has seen from her. "There’s a reason that Curse is unforgivable."

   The healer bends over the bed to smooth down the sheet, tucking excess fabric in around the inert body. Satisfied with the result, she straightens and considers Felix carefully.

   "So. Do you think you can manage to stay awake through the evening now you've had your kip, or should I call in a trainee to relieve you?"

   There's no hiding the burning in his face this time, but Felix draws himself up in spite of it and tries to look as competent as possible.

   "It won't happen again, I assure you."

   She gives another curt nod and bustles around the bed.

    "There's a bell on the table. Give a ring if anything changes. My trainee will hear it."

-

    Foregoing the treacherously cosy armchair, Felix perches on the edge of the bed beside Juniper's trembling hand. Even without the healer's admonition, he would not have been able to return to sleep.

   Fears for Juniper's safety have always plagued Felix. He's endured more than one restless night worrying what might be happening to her thousands of miles away. But everything he's imagined feeling should the worst occur - grief and pain and regret - such easy emotions have no place here. What Felix feels he has no words for. There's only a wrenching in his gut and a scream building in his chest, threatening to erupt uncontrollably, like vomit. Dead or mad, somehow both carry the same crushing weight. The thought that who Juniper is will be gone forever is inconceivable. It pulls at the very threads of Felix's mind, stretching it in the most horrid way.

    Felix reaches for Juniper's hand, cradling it delicately in both of his own like an eggshell. He can feel the restless twitching of her fingers, every other part of her so unnaturally still. She's never been this still in life, he thinks. And the unconscious word choice brings horrified tears to his eyes he cannot blink away.

   Felix hasn't cried since he was a small child. It was never an acceptable expression in his family. Even now, a part of him twinges with fear as tears run sloppily down his cheeks and nose. Some instinct imprinted in him aches with the memory of the physical pain crying awards. But jinxes and hexes seem like nothing to Felix now. He would take them in a heartbeat over this.

   Tears seem to loosen Felix's tongue, and all the confessions and apologies churning inside him burst forth unbidden.

  “Juniper. Oh, gods, Juniper. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

   He lifts her hand to his lips, pressing them against her knuckles, and then her fingertips, uncurling her shaking fingers to place a kiss against her palm. It's riddled with tiny cuts, and older, shiny pink scars.

   Felix knows the story behind those now: souvenirs of her fight with the guardian of the Vault of Ice in her second year. Thirteen years old, and battling for her life against an enchanted knight, unmoved by her age or her lack of experience. By all accounts, it's a fight Juniper should never have survived. But she did. Somehow, she always does.

   Felix sniffs and wipes the heel of his free hand across his cheeks.

  “Juniper, please. Please, be okay," he murmurs against her fingers like a prayer. "You can fight this. Whatever it is. You're strong. The strongest person I know, and I-” He chokes as a sob tries to escape around his words. "I need you to be okay. I need-"

   Felix's words are interrupted by the door opening for a second time. And something in the way the lock clunks, a louder, more forceful sound than it's usual click, sets his nerves on edge. Dropping Juniper's hand, he whips around and draws his wand in one smooth motion, pointing it directly at the man whose back is now pressed against the closed door.

   The intruder is dressed in lime green robes, but they fit him uncomfortably, a size too small for his well-built frame, and Felix doesn’t have to recognise him to know he isn’t really a healer. Except for the fact that his face isn't cracked into a lop-sided grin, the man looks exactly as Felix remembers, even if it's been over a decade since they last met. The man's hand tightens over his own wand as he catches sight of Felix's, but he adjusts his face to something politely professional.

   "Sorry, must have the wrong room."  

   His hand is on the doorknob when Felix says, "Jacob Windsong."

   If Juniper's brother is startled at being recognised, he doesn’t show it.  He merely furrows his brow at Felix curiously.

   "Do I know you?"

   "Felix Rosier.”

   Jacob cocks his head in mild surprise. "Blimey. Didn’t recognise you."

  "It's been a long time." Felix's voice is calm, but he can feel anger bubbling up inside him. If there’s any one person who is really to blame for Juniper's condition, it’s the man in front of him.

   "For you, maybe," replies Jacob cryptically. He glances from Felix to the bed. "I see you've met my sister. How is she?"

   Jacob's conversational tone, as though they've met at the grocer's and are forced by social convention to make polite inquiries after one another, strains Felix's self-control.

   "How does she look?" he asks wildly, a flailing hand indicating the bed beside him. "She's been tortured and cursed! No one at the school could wake her, and the healers don't even know if she'll survive! Thanks to you!"

   Jacob flinches as if Felix has thrown something at him. "It's not my fault."

   "Are you mad?" Felix's temper rises with each word. "You're the reason she's here! She got herself mixed up in cursed vaults and bloody cults looking for you!"

   "I know. And I am sorry about all that. And I have done my best since I've been back to make sure no one got to her, but it's a bit of full time gig, that. I warned her to stay out and let me handle it.”

   Felix's mirthless laugh is dangerously close to a shriek. "You thought she would stay away if you just told her to? Have you ever met Juniper?"

   Jacob ignores this, considering Felix curiously instead.  

   "How do you know Juniper? What are you doing here?"

   Heat creeps up Felix's cheeks and his indignation flags. "I...was her prefect in school. Now, we're...friends."

   Jacob takes in Felix's words and the obvious embarrassment rising in his face, and gives a hearty guffaw.

   "Friends?" he repeats, his shoulders jerking with short harsh laughs.

   "Yes," Felix declares, chin raised defiantly. "She needed someone to look after her for the last six years while you've been missing." He gives the last word a sarcastic emphasis, and Jacob's smile becomes a grimace.

   "Oh, well, you've certainly done a bang-up job, haven't you?" he mocks, and Felix snaps.

   "Impedimenta!" he cries without stopping to think. The spell is unexpected, and Jacob has no time to block it. He throws himself sideways, hitting the floor in a roll and straightening up on the other side of the bed, wand raised defensively.

   "Bloody hell, you want to bring whole hospital in here?!"

   "Get out, then," demands Felix, breathing rapidly.

   Jacob eyes Felix’s outstretched wand, then the bed where Juniper remains motionless. With a sigh, he lowers his wand.    

   "Believe it or not,” he says testily, adjusting his too-right robes, “I didn't risk my life and freedom just to come here and have a chinwag with you." He takes a cautious step closer to the head of the bed. "I'm here to help."

   "How can you possibly help?"

   “I think I know what curse was used on her. I might be able to wake her up.”

   Hope flickers to life inside Felix, nudging his anger aside. "How could you know that? The professors don't even know."

   Jacob gives a derisive snort. "Let's just say, I know the way this organization works." He holds up a hand to stifle Felix's further questions. "But it’s too complicated to explain now. Just let me try something."

   Taking another step, Jacob lifts his wand again, pointing it toward Juniper.

   "Expelliarmus!"

   Jacob's wand leaps from his outstretched hand to the floor, where Felix summons it quickly and sticks it into his back pocket. He aims his own wand directly at Jacob's face, now screwed up in irritation.

   "Merlin's pants, I said I'm trying to help her!”

   "How do I know you’re really who you say you are? You could be someone from R disguised as Jacob Windsong come to finish his sister off. Or you could have been working with them all along."

   Jacob crosses his arms. "That'd be a pretty stupid disguise, don’t you think? I’m wanted by the Ministry and Dumbledore and several other parties, none of which are looking to buy me a drink. Hardly the best way to get around, got up as a wanted criminal."

   True, but Felix doesn't lower his wand. Jacob sighs and spreads his arms wide in supplication.

   "How can I prove I’m me, then? You don’t know the first thing about me, so it’s not like I can answer any questions." He gestures vaguely toward Felix. "I remember meeting you once last year. Or..." He pauses, and obvious unease crosses his features. "No. I suppose... it was quite a few years ago, wasn't it? Time is still a bit...” He waggles his fingers vaguely. "Anyway, I saved your arse from some Gryffindor you were picking on. That do?"**

   The only other person Felix has ever related this story to is Juniper. He supposes Jacob himself could have told an associate, but it seems unlikely.

   "So, you’re you," acknowledges Felix grudgingly, his wand arm beginning to ache. "That doesn’t mean you’re on her side."

   "I have always been on her side," argues Jacob. Felix lets out a  "Ha!" of disbelieving laughter, and Jacob's eyes flash. "Look, believe what you like about me, it’s probably not half true. But I have always loved Juniper and done everything I could to keep her safe."

   Felix laughs again, a harsh sound devoid of any humour. He feels as incensed as Jacob looks.

   "You don’t think it’s killed me to find out everything that’s happened to her while I’ve been trapped?" Jacob protests. "That she's been all on her own? Facing my enemies?"

   "Then why didn’t you stay with her when she found you?" counters Felix. “She’s devoted nearly half her life to finding you, at the expense of everything and everyone. And you wouldn't even give her the time of day!"

   "You don't know what you're talking about!" Jacob's voice has risen now, too. "You don't have the first idea what's really going on or what these people are capable of. This isn't over, and Pip won’t be safe until it is! I started this mess and I have to finish it. I owe it. To her!"

   A brief silence follows this declaration. Felix's wand arm drops a few degrees.

   "Pip?" he asks, his voice strained, unsure if it wants to laugh or cry or yell some more.

   Jacob blinks. "Juniper," he explains. "That's what I called her. When she was a kid." A very small smile breaks up the storm clouds in his face. "She always hated it."

    Jacob's smile is so similar to the genuine one Felix has seen in rare moments on Juniper's own face it causes his stomach to somersault. And the dreadful possibility of never seeing that smile aimed at him again smothers Felix's anger. For a minute, both men can only stare at the girl lying lifeless on the bed, entirely unmoved by their screams or spells. The reality of the danger she's in hovers ominously over them both.

   When Jacob speaks again, his voice is soft and urgent. "If you're really her friend, then you'll let me try the counter curse. If I'm wrong, it won't hurt her. I promise."

   Felix's wand wavers, then falls. He reaches into his back pocket for Jacob's wand and holds it out to him. Jacob receives it with a short nod of thanks. Gazing down at his sister, he runs a hand over her hair just once, pushing it back from her forehead.  Felix feels a quick pang of irrational jealousy. Without further sentiment, the elder Windsong aims his wand at Juniper's temple and mutters something under his breath.

   Nothing happens.

   Felix waits expectantly for Jacob to try again, but the man simply tucks his wand away and addresses Felix.

   "Listen, when she wakes up - "

   "What do you mean, 'when she wakes up'?" Felix interrupts. "It didn't work."

   Jacob shakes his head. "It will. Or it should. It isn't instant. But, I think the curse is lifted, she's just asleep now. Look." He tilts his head in the direction of Juniper's chest, which Felix realises with a jolt is now rising and falling gently. ”She'll wake up soon, and when she does she's going to have a bit of a time adjusting. That curse can give you some pretty rough nightmares."

   "I think nightmares will be the least of her problems. They -" Felix's voice catches. "They don’t even know if she’ll be sane."

   Jacob glances down again and for the first time his face isn’t the confident mask Felix has only ever seen on him.

   "I - I can't do anything about that," says Jacobs haltingly, watching his sister's slight breathing. His face tightens once more. "All I can do is make sure no one gets to her again."

   With that, Jacob moves briskly toward the door. A quick side step allows Felix to grab the older man's arm before he reaches it.

   "No," Felix objects firmly. "You need to be here when she wakes up. She'll want to see you."

   "No, I need to go find who did this to her," Jacob argues, trying to wrench his arm away and surprised when he’s unable to break Felix’s grip. Felix smirks. What three years of working with dragons has done for his muscle definition is not his least favourite post-Hogwarts accomplishment.

   "So, revenge is more important to you than your sister?"

   "Taking care of her is most important." Jacob makes another effort to jerk his arm away from Felix, but the dragonologist holds on fast.

   "She doesn't need you to take care of her. She needs you to be here with her. You're her family."

    Jacob throws his head back, growling in frustration.

   "Listen," he pleads. "Once she wakes, this place will be swarming with healers and aurors and people who are looking for me. We can hardly be a proper family if I'm locked in a cell, can we?"

   "So, you're just going to leave her. Again."

   "I have to."

   Felix shakes his head at the man in front of him, then releases his arm in disgust.

   Felix had always assumed Jacob Windsong was dead. Not that he would ever tell Juniper. His memory of Jacob, and the way Juniper described him, Felix couldn't imagine any other possible scenario. Why else would he leave the sister he so clearly cared for? A sister he doted on, wrote to constantly, treated like a best friend. At least, that was how Juniper had always described their relationship. But as he stares at the door now closed behind Jacob, Felix has to wonder just how reliable Juniper's memories of her brother really were.

-

   His thoughts are interrupted by a scream.

   Anyone who works in close proximity to dragons becomes quickly accustomed to screams. In three years, Felix has heard men, women, and children shriek in terror at the sight of a soaring Vipertooth. He can distinguish howls of agony caused by dragonfire meeting skin from the anguished wails at its destruction of homes and villages. He himself has screamed in pain as a dragon's talon rips cleanly through the skin of his throat.

   But this scream is different. It’s the sort that chills the blood. A bottomless sound of torment and hopelessness, like Felix has never heard. And instead of inspiring him to action, as screams have come to do, this excruciating noise makes him want to hide. He knows the sound is coming from the bed behind him, which means there's only one logical source.

   Two people in lime-green robes burst through the door, nearly knocking Felix over in their rush to reach the bed. Felix can only hope they’re trustworthy trainees because he's neglected to ask for the password. He cannot think at all as the healers draw their wands, speaking rapidly to each other, trying various spells and incantations. But nothing they cast alters the scream by a decibel.

   Felix closes his eyes, unable to face the bed. He cannot watch Juniper make that terrible noise; doesn't want to connect that sound with her. He stands entirely frozen as the scream drags on, fighting the urge to cover his ears or run from the room entirely, until a forceful hand grips his shoulder and shakes him.

   “What’s happened?”

   Felix recognises the voice distantly.

   "She... she started screaming," he answers, his own voice coming to him from far away.

   There's a snort of exasperation. "Yes, that’s obvious, but what did they do? How did they wake her?"

   When Felix doesn't answer, the hand shakes his shoulder again, the force rattling his teeth. It clears Felix's head just enough for him to focus on the disfigured man from before. He's staring intently at Felix with his normal eye, the strange blue one rolled back in his head. Beyond him, Felix catches sight of Professor Snape hunched over the bed next to the frantic healers.

   "Answer me! What-"

   The man breaks off abruptly, and a different sort of ringing fills Felix’s ears. It's a few seconds before he recognises the sound as silence. The screaming has stopped. Ignoring the man in front of him, Felix cranes his neck so he can see to the bed where Juniper has fallen back against the pillow. Panic reasserting itself, he tries to push forward, but the man has Felix’s shoulder in a vice.

   "You! Boy! You were supposed to be guarding her. What happened? She didn’t just wake up like this on her own."

   "Yes, she did," Felix snaps. "I mean, she just started screaming, I don't know if she was awake. Her brother said-"

   "Jacob Windsong was here?" Both the man's eyes are on Felix now, and even Snape has whipped around in alarm.

   "Yes. He came to see Juniper. He-" Felix draws a shaky breath, trying to collect his thoughts, still scattered by the unearthly scream. “He said he could help her. That he knew what curse was cast on her."

   The man shakes Felix again, this time in eagerness. "What did he say the curse was? How did he counter it?"

   Felix steps back, wrenching his shoulder away from the heavily scarred man.

   "He didn't say."

   "He didn’t say what the curse was or he didn't say how to counter it?"

    A dull throb has sprung to life in Felix's temple, and he rubs at his forehead in weary frustration.

   "Neither. He didn't....didn't say anything specific."

    The man's blue eye rolls madly in its socket. "You didn’t ask him? You let him cast a spell on Windsong and didn't bother to ask what it was?"    

   Felix can feel the embarrassment crawl across his face, but doesn't answer, just digs his heels against his eyes until he sees stars.

   The man utters a low sound of disgust and limps heavily to the bed, edging between the trainee healers to get a better look at Juniper. Snape takes the man's place in front of Felix, his expression hard and calculating.

   "Did Jacob Windsong say anything else?"

   Felix has no desire to recount his conversation with Juniper's brother, so he shakes his head.

   "Nothing important." Snape's eyes flash dangerously, and Felix hastens to add. "He said...he just said he was trying to keep Juniper safe. From R."

   "For all we know it wasn’t even the Windsong boy," calls the other man from the bedside. "Could have been any one of the outfit in disguise, and this idiot wouldn’t know the difference."

   Irritation pulses against Felix's skull.

   "As a matter of fact, I thought of that as well. But he knew things that only the real Jacob Windsong would know."

   "Did he now?" asks the man condescendingly.

   "Yes," Felix insists. "It was him. I’m sure of it."

   The man merely makes a rough sound in the back of his throat, a laugh or a hacking cough. He throws himself into the armchair now pressed against the wall to make more room around the bed. One of the trainee healers moves as well, busying himself over the bedside table, and Felix catches sight of Juniper. She's still, but breathing regularly.

   "What did you do her? Why was she screaming? Will she be alright?"

   Felix directs his question at the healers, but it’s Snape who answers him.

   "They have given her a Draught of Peace, but we do not know any more than you, Mr Rosier. It is still unclear what curse she was under or why she was unresponsive. Are you sure Jacob Windsong didn't-"

   "Rosier? Did you say Rosier?"

    The scarred man stands slowly, both eyes fixed unblinkingly on Felix.

   "You wouldn't be related to the late Evan Rosier, now, would you?" he asks, gnarled hand clenching around his wand.

   "He was my cousin," answers Felix, confused by this strange change of subject. 

    What's left of the man's nose seems to quiver in unspeakable rage, as he draws himself up to full height.

   "Well now. That's one mystery solved. No wonder he couldn’t ask any pertinent questions.” He advances on Felix with a menacing limp. "He's probably in league with R, himself. Sent here by the lot of them to keep tabs on her, were you?"

   Felix retreats against the wall to keep the man's wand from poking him in the chest. He's so taken aback, it's several seconds before he feels fear, and another before he feels anger. There’s no time to formulate a scathing retort, however, before Snape steps between them. He holds his wand at his side casually, but Felix notices the Professor's knuckles are white.

   "Moody, I can assure you Mr Rosier is not in league with R."

   Felix can see the man's lips move in response, but his ears have stopped working.

   "Moody?" he repeats, his exhausted brain trying to call up the meaning associated with the name. "Mad-Eye Moody?"

   And Felix remembers. His father white as a sheet, his mother sobbing, ministry officials delivering the news impassively. Felix isn't sure how he feels. All he can think of is what his father would say if he knew he was the same room as the man who killed Evan.

   "Yeah, that’s right, boy." Moody's mouth twists into a grotesque sneer. "Know who I am, do you? Surprised you and your Death Eater family don’t have my picture up for target practice.“

   It isn't the first time Felix has heard an accusation like this, not by a long shot. But it's been so many years, it takes a moment for the old indignation and shame to uncoil within him, like an aged dragon.

   "I am not a Death Eater," he seethes, voice shaking.

   "We'll soon find out." Moody retorts, and makes a grab for Felix's left arm. Snape steps in front of the scarred hand, and for a moment the two men glare at each other, wands half-raised.

   "Please, not in here," says a timid voice from near the bed. One of the trainee healers wrings his hands nervously as he watches the scuffling men by the door. "I'm... I'm afraid I...I must insist you take this outside. This patient is still seriously injured. She needs...to rest.” The trainee grips the bedstead to support his weight, as if this short speech has drained him of all energy.

   Moody takes a step a back, glowering at Felix and Snape. He’s breathing hard, whereas Felix isn't sure he can breathe at all.

   “Get out,” demands the auror.

    "What? No!” protests Felix. “I haven't done anything wrong, you can't-" 

    His argument is cut short by Snape, who grabs Felix’s upper arm and pulls him from the room, releasing him only when the door is shut firmly behind them. Felix stumbles, rubbing at his bruised arm. 

   "Professor, I swear, I made sure it was Jacob Windsong. I didn't just let anyone waltz in here. And he woke her up, didn't he? He helped her! I-"

   "Mr Rosier," Snape interjects. “No one is doubting your devotion to Miss Windsong. But there is nothing more you can do for her now. You've been here nearly an entire day, and if I'm not mistaken, you have an important interview in the morning. I suggest you take some time to... " He eyes Felix’s wrinkled robes and uncharacteristically disheveled hair: “Prepare yourself.”

   Felix blinks. He turns automatically to the window for some indication of the time. The streaky glass reveals darkness, though Felix isn't sure it can be trusted to show the sky’s actual appearance since it's secretly a door. He hasn't thought to check the time once since he's been here, has entirely forgotten the world outside the hospital room. None of it seems of any importance in light of Juniper's peril. But this job at the Romanian Reserve is a rare opportunity. And if he misses his interview, there’s no knowing when the position will come available again.

  As if he can read Felix’s thoughts, Snape adds, "I doubt very much whether Miss Windsong would appreciate if you missed your interview on her account." And Felix cannot argue against that. 

  "I'll come back. After the interview." It's a statement, not a request. 

  Snape arches an eyebrow but makes no other response. Felix takes a reluctant step back.

  "And if something were to happen to her before then...would you...let me know?"

   The Potions Master's slow blink is his only indication of assent.

   Felix takes another step, then pauses, shuffling his feet. His fingers come up to trace the scar on his neck unconsciously.

    "Professor." Felix meets Snape's eyes imploringly. "I'm not any of the things he said. Moody. I'm not - I'm not a Death Eater."

    Snape's face is still entirely inscrutable, but he gives the smallest of nods as he answers, "I know, Felix."

-

*A/N: This is a reference to one of the last bits of the Quidditch Season 1 storyline (which I'm aware is technically supposed to take place in MC's second year, but which in my story is moved to her third.) The title of the article is my own invention. **A/N: Reference to my Felix Rosier backstory Four Things Felix Rosier Remembered.

Read Chapter 5 | View all stories on the Masterpost

#felix rosier #felix x mc #felix rosier x mc #felix rosier x jacob's sibling #felix rosier fanfiction #hphm #hphm mc #hphm fanfiction #hpma #hpma oc #harry potter #hogwarts mystery #hogwarts mystery mc #hogwarts mystery fanfic #magic awakened #Dragonology #dragonology 101 #dragons #necessary monsters #juniper windsong #felix rosier x juniper windsong #jacob's sibling #severus snape #mad-eye moody #st mungos #fanfiction #romantic fanfiction #romance

[littlemisswolfie]

Since this post is probably my most popular post to date and I have chores I need to be not doing, I wanted to write an actual oneshot so here we go:

“I think he’s more than qualified to become a State Alchemist,” says Roy Mustang about a fucking eleven year old child missing an arm and a leg, and that’s how this whole debacle begins.

The old woman--Pinako Rockbell, Roy knew of her son and daughter-in-law in Ishval, and dammit, her anger towards him and his lieutenant is completely justified--glares. “No. I won’t allow it. He needs a guardian’s consent, and I’m the closest thing he has to a guardian, and I won’t say yes. By the time he’s old enough to join on his own, I’ll make sure he sees he can gain nothing from selling his life to the military.”

Before he and his lieutenant leave, Roy slips a slip of paper to Edward. Call me at Eastern Command when you’re ready. I’ll help. 

*

A year later, he gets a call. It’s to his office, and he doesn’t even wait after picking it up to say, “Hughes, if you’re calling to rant about Gracia again, I’ll kill you.”

“Uh, I’m not Hughes.”

The voice is painfully young, and somehow Roy knows this is Edward Elric. “Have you made up your mind, then?”

“Yeah. But Granny won’t consent to it, and neither will my teacher, so I need your help.”

“Yes, anything,” says Roy, like an idiot, because he saw how powerful Edward was a year ago and who knows how much more powerful he’s grown since then? He wants that power on his side when he’s Fuhrer. 

“You need to adopt me and my brother.”

Well, shit.

*

Roy runs into a problem he hadn’t expected: a bias against single men and women adopting children. 

“Just get married, then,” Edward hisses into the phone when Roy brings the issue to the table. He has to be quiet when they’re on the phone so Pinako doesn’t hear. “I’m sure you can harass some poor woman into marrying you. You’re in the military, so you have a stable job, and you’re charismatic.”

“Why, Edward, was that a compliment?”

“It was an observation, you jerk, and you’re wasting time. I could’ve already been a State Alchemist by now if you’d stop dragging your damn feet. Don’t call me again until you have those adoption papers in your hands.” Then he hangs up, like the rude little brat he is. That boy needs discipline. 

Fuck, he’s already sounding like a father, isn’t he?

He’s contemplating which one of Madame Christmas’s girls might be willing to become a housewife when Lieutenant Hawkeye enters his office with a stack of more paperwork for him to not do. And, well, there are already rumors that they’re sleeping together, that they’ve been a Thing since he studied under her father and she followed him into war, and she’s been in the military long enough to know how to keep a secret...

“Lieutenant Hawkeye,” he says, then stops.

She cocks her head. “Yes, sir?”

“How do you feel about marriage?” That’s a safe, hypothetical question, right?

Of course, Hawkeye sees right through him. “Is that a proposal, sir?”

*

She agrees when he explains everything to her. He has the sinking feeling she would say yes to almost anything he suggested.

They head down to the courthouse the next day with the rest of Roy’s team in tow as witnesses. They don’t know it’s a ruse--it’s not that Roy doesn’t trust them, but it’s easier to keep a secret when fewer people know. Roy wears his formal military uniform, and Hawkeye (Riza, now, he thinks, not Hawkeye, she’s not a Hawkeye anymore) wears a simple white dress. They didn’t have time to buy rings, so Roy transmutes the metal of one of his watches that he doesn’t wear. His specialty is flame alchemy, but he’s passable in the basics of most other types, and the wedding bands aren’t intricate or elegant or anything like that, just two simple silver rings that were made to fit their fingers.

They sign the paper and Riza Hawkeye is now Riza Mustang.

*

Pinako glares at him the whole time Edward and Alphonse gather their things. He and Haw-Riza came to Resembool to pick the boys up in person, though he sort of regrets it now, because now he’s taking two literal children away from their hometown, the woman who helped raised them, the girl who grew up like a sister to them, and he has to see the effects his actions have.

“You’re a right bastard,” says Pinako, “taking two boys from everything they know and letting them join the military. I hope you rot in hell.”

Roy wants to tell her he’s already on his way there.

*

When they get back to Eastern Command, Edward and Alphonse and Roy and Riza all sign the adoption papers. 

It’s official. Roy has a wife and two sons, and he has no idea what to do with any of them, but he’s going to try.

#sorry this sucks #fullmetal alchemist #fullmetal alchemist brotherhood #fma #fmab #au #mustang family au #my writing #my post #mine

[readbeneaththelines]

Repentance Pt. 7

Please read all warnings!

Characters: Jimin x Reader

Warnings: suspense (is that even a warning?) 

Word Count:  2394

Jimin was a skilled hitman in one of Gwangju’s notorious Mafia families. When tragedy struck him personally, he began to regret his lifestyle. He was haunted in his dreams by the lives he took and the families he destroyed. Setting a plan into action that would change everything, he went into hiding. Can a mysterious young woman who showed up at his hideaway doorstep convince him to change his mind?

WARNING: THIS FIC HAS MENTIONS OF SUICIDE. IF THIS IS A TRIGGER, PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. ALSO IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS, AS IT IS NSFW. DON’T THINK WE WON’T KNOW IF YOU DID, WE HAVE OUR WAYS

mmmmmm!! sweaty hot Jimin! cr. to gif owner

“It’s a deal. But you have to put in the effort too. You can’t fight me at every turn. Promise me.”

“I promise” Jimin walked away from the closet and sat back down on the bed. Lifting the covers, he crawled back in and immediately wrapped you in his arms. 

“This is the first thing that proves you have changed. Letting someone get close to you.” You peered up at him through damp lashes. 

“That’s not fair, I wasn't ready for that.” He laughed lightly into your hair before pressing his lips to your head.

“Hey. I got pull out all the stops. I have something riding on this deal.” you smiled at him as he gave you a quizzical look.

“What’s that?” 

“You.” you kissed his jaw, then closed your eyes, sleep overcoming you in mere minutes. 

Morning came to quickly, and you were awakened by the aroma of food cooking. Getting out of bed, you walked to the kitchen, watching him cook as he hummed a tune. You leaned against the door frame, smiling to yourself when he turned around and saw you.

“Morning sleepyhead. Breakfast is ready. Go have a seat.” You took a seat on the couch, thanking him for the food when he handed it to you. “I was thinking that since we have another week here, we need to get some more food. How, I don’t know yet. I can hunt for some meat, and there is a creek near here that I can get some water from. As for the other stuff we may need, we’ll either have to do without or figure out a way to get them.” 

You were suddenly consumed with worry. You hoped that he wasn’t planning on going into town. You were being searched for, and who knew if he was on a list now or not with being gone for so long already. Plus you didn’t have a phone and his was shut off. The generator was getting low on fuel too. That would mean that you were going to have to rely on good old fashioned wood for fire and and heating water for baths. The water supply would get low too if there wasn’t any rain coming soon. 

“You can hunt for meat, I can search around here for wild berries and nuts. We need to bring some wood in to dry.” you were rambling off thoughts as he just sat back and watched you take over. A bemused smile crossed his lips and you paused when you caught it.

“What’s so funny?” You cocked your head, smiling back at him as you looked at the little wrinkles that came up around his eyes as he smiled. 

“Just laughing at you. Taking over like every other woman. It’s amusing, that’s all.” He sat up leaning forward and crossing his arms on the table. “We need to get gas for the generator. If we have a fire in here, someone will be sure to see the smoke. The less to attract attention to us, the better. I can go at night, when I’m less likely to be noticed.”

“Jimin, you can’t go into town! They are probably still looking for me. On top of that, they may be looking for you too. We will just have to mae do with what we have here.” You looked around the small cabin. There wasn’t much space, so it might be possible to stay warm without a fire for a week.

“I have kerosene in the storage shed out back for the lanterns and lights. The generator has another day, two tops, of gas left. After that, we won’t have much to keep things warm.” 

“We have each other.” Your smile tugged at his heart. He hoped you weren’t getting your hopes up, but he didn’t want to bring you down.

“Yeah, we do. But, after the generator goes out, how are we going to cook any food? “ You came and joined him at the small table. He was right, without the generator, your diets would be drastically dwindled. Mulling the choices over, you had come to the conclusion that a diet of berries and nuts was, literally, for the birds. Jimin watched as your expressions changed, almost as fast as traffic changed lanes on a speeding highway. First he recognized curiosity, the contemplation, then finally disgust. 

“Y/N, I really need to go into town. I promise that I will be safe. You have to remember, hiding is part of my job, or at least was.” the way his eyes closed to the memories had you aching physically. You want to wrap your arms around him and tell him that is was going to be okay. That what he did, he did because of survival. You longed to tell him that, even with his past, he was a good person at his core. 

“I still think we can make do without you risking getting seen. You owe me a week, Jimin.I am not going to let you run the chance of getting out of our deal. We will be fine after the generator goes out. We are in the woods, there is cover here. We can fish, gather nut and berries. We can cook over a small fire.” You were on a tangent, and no signs of stopping. Jimin placed his hand over yours on the table. You sighed deeply, your head lifting to meet his eyes looking at you.

“If it really bothers you that much, then I won’t go. We will figure everything out.” He let out a long breath, his shoulders slumping. How is it that a stranger could change his plans in such a short time? How is it that you, with those soft lips and doe like eyes that were currently staring back at him, make his resolve waiver? Didn’t he deserve the same fate he dealt his victims? 

He knew what his wife would of told him. 

Jimin, you deserve the best life has to offer. You deserve to be happy.

“We had better get things going. We have less than two days to gather, prep, and cook as much as we can for when the power goes out.” He stood up, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. You followed suit, rising to your feet. You watched as he placed his gun in his back pocket, grabbed the hunting knife from the counter and headed for the door. Grabbing the handle, he turned to you.

“Don’t leave this cabin, under any circumstance. Do you understand? Lock the door behind me. If I am not back by dark, there is a hidden hideout. The opening is under the couch. Take a lantern and get in there.” He pointed to the couch, and you had to stoop down to see where he was directing you.

“What if you don’t come back? How long am I supposed to stay in there until I know for sure your not coming back?” The look of desperation etched in your features made him want to pull you close in his arms. 

“I will be back, what I told you is just for ‘in case’ im late. I’m just going hunting for some meat to make into jerky while we still have the stove. Lock the door, Y/N. Don’t answer for anyone.” He waited for you to join him at the door. He ran his knuckles over your cheek, trying anything to calm you down. 

“How will you get back in?” You leaned into his touch, savoring the sensation in case it would be the last. 

“Don’t worry about that, okay. Just do things around her to get prepared. Chop of vegetables, was clothes in the sink, just something to take your mind off of worrying.” With that, he turned the handle and was out the door. You quickly locked both deadbolt locks then turned to look around. You had plenty to do and, hopefully he was right, it would occupy your mind long enough until he returned.

You brewed some coffee in the french press, savoring the warmth it gave you. The nights were beginning to cool down, beckoning to the arrival of Autumn. You gazed out the window wondering which direction Jimin had headed. You remember there being a small creek to the left of the cabin you had passed coming there that first night. You mind recalled the past few days. In such a short time, you had become fond of Jimin. After a few hours of initial hours of despising him, he finally dropped his tough act and allowed you a glimpse of who he really was. 

You took your coffee and went into the small bedroom. Checking out the small wound on your side, you removed the dressing then took a quick shower. You hurried as fast as you could, not wanting to waste too much water. Redressing the healing wound, you rummaged through Jimin’s closet, in search of something to wear. You found a white T-shirt and a pair of lounge pants in a duffle bag. Slipping the clothes on, you had to chuckle to yourself. You had to pull the drawstring tight to keep his pants from falling off your hips. The shirt fit loosely, making you look even smaller than you already were. Tying a knot at the hem, you set about straightening up the bedroom first. 

After you picked up dirty clothes and made the bed, you took the clothes to the kitchen and set them on the floor by the sink. You cleaned the dishes from breakfast, drying them and putting them back the cabinets. You then filled the sink up with hot water, setting the dirty clothes in. You used the castile soap to wash them best you could. Once all of the articles were washed and rinsed, you headed for the back door to hang them to dry. Peering out through the small window, you made sure no one was around. You stepped out into the sun, the warmth enveloping you in its light. You laid out the clothes on the railing of the small porch. You gave yourself a few moments to enjoy the feel of being outside. The air was heating up, the aroma of nature filled your nostrils. Scanning your surroundings, you ventured out a few feet into the woods, eyes focused on the ground for anything that could be edible. Untying your shirt, you gathered some berries in the makeshift pouch. Heading back inside, you laid them out on the counter, popping one in your mouth. It was sweet and a bit tart. You savored the juices that swirled around your tongue. 

The day was past halfway over, and still no sign of Jimin returning. You willed yourself not to start worrying, yet. You sat on the small couch, pulling your feet under you. You wondered how Jimin could stand being here alone. The silence set your nerves on end, your fear making you jump with any sound from outside. With each minute that passed, your fear heightened. 

After another hour passed, you noticed the sun was starting to descend. The couch you were sitting on was over the hidden safeplace. Getting up slowly, you strained to listen to the sounds coming through the thin windows. There was no evidence of Jimin, so you rose from the couch. Leaning down, you put your hands on the front of the couch, pushing it backwards. You took your time, moving an inch at a time. Clearing the distance, you rolled back the worn rug. You had to look hard, but you finally spotted what you were looking for. Hidden among the hard dirt and wooden planks, there was a dip. Sweeping away the dirt, you noticed a dark metal latch. Looking back over your shoulder, you saw the sunlight had faded into dusk. Rushing to the small table, you picked up one of the lanterns, flicking the power button on to test if it worked. Satisfied when it immediately turned on, you carried back. Lifting the makeshift door, you lowered the lantern down, seeing that there was enough space for, at the most, three people. Setting your light on the dirt floor, you reached back through the opening, you pulled the rug back over, letting it hang over the raised door. Lowering it all the way down, you settled down, pushing your back against the cold dirt wall. You placed the lantern between your legs, dimming the already pale light. Time went by at a snail’s pace, the seconds ticking away one by one. You were startled by the sound of the front door rattling, the two deadbolts holding it closed tightly. There was quiet, then the sound of the back door being jostled. 

Shit!

You suddenly recalled that you didn’t lock the back door again after you placed the clothes outside. You immediately turned the lantern off, the darkness engulfing you in a shroud. Heavy footfalls echoed overhead, a shiver running down your spine as you covered you mouth to muffle your breathing. The footsteps halted but you couldn’t tell where the person was in the space above. A few moments later, they began again, first getting more distant then coming nearer. You held your breath, time standing still as you heard the footsteps come directly above you. Your lungs burned and ached, begging for your body to give them relief. You exhaled slowly, inhaling sharply through your nose in an effort to make less noise. There was a sound of something raking across the floor above. A rattle of the door made you bite hard into you bottom lip, a metallic taste in your mouth telling you that you had drawn blood. Tears formed, blurring your vision. Your body shook, your racing heart beating audibly in your ears. You kept your eyes fixated overhead, no visible sign of light along the perimeter of the opening. You heard a light thud, suspecting it to be the rug being throw back. A sweeping sound drifted into the small space you occupied, goosebumps making the hairs on your arms and at the back of your head stand on end. Without a warning, the door was flung open, a dark figure crouched over and looking in. You screamed out, unable to contain the terror that filled you.

“No!”

@min-shookga-yoongi @beautifulseoulliar @agustd-suga-yoongii @astronomyturtle @aspaceformyself @dreamyoongi@holy-yoongi@trashkazuya @maxinaptak @micky1518@rosiemilas @karri570

@seoulsunshineandstories @kwonnansi @xjamlessparkx@berryjam17

@kingsuckjin

#jimin x reader #jimin fic #jimin angst #jimin smut #au!jimin

[elizabethsway]

Dear Self,

I'm kind of annoyed at you.

I had a really good day today. I have been quarantine for a little bit and have not seen my family in a while. I live mostly alone and was glad to spend time with my family at a park.

The day went well and when I got back to my place, of the 13 parking spots 8 where full. I was previously annoyed because we have a three-story house with a shed/house off to the side. Level two and three go in through the back and unit one through the front.

In the front there are 6 parking spots. There are three on the side and three near the back. Two guys from level two park in the back and I used to park next to them until a snow plow get my car is he was trying to pack snow around a tree that was near it. Then a tree branch fell off and broke my back window. It seems this place is cursed and my car keeps needing repairs that cost money. I particularly don't want my premium to go up for my insurance so I didn't report the bump or the glass I just bit the bullet and paid out of pocket.

I let the landlord know each time and he did nothing about it which irked me. I mean he could have at least said sorry about it.

So then I tried to find a new parking spot. and I went to the side so I didn't have to walk all the way around the house in the middle of the night at dark hours, through mud.

But then he put up a sign that said no parking allowed on the side of the building. Which is cool that's fine except unit one is allowed to park there despite the signs but nobody else is. They literally Park right next to their door while everybody else has to walk around the building. And the six parking spots that most people parking are right across from their door they can park anywhere on any of the sides and have easy access. But they get the special treatment.

Are you seeing how bitter I'm getting. So the three spots that are on the side of the building were concerned into two large parking spots and an extra little space where they get to park their bikes and summer chairs.

The place I used to park near the tree that dropped it's branch into my car, was three sports but the guys decided that they are going to turn the three spots into two spots so they can park their cars comfortably.

The shed house otherwise known as unit 4, use two use the two spots closest to their door. Then was my two roommate on the third level that parked next to them and one guy from the second floor with us.

I was getting a little annoyed that the people that live on the bottom level they can have access to any spot easily get the spots that are probably better for the unit that lives on the other side of the building so that they don't have to walk as far in the dark.

Then today when I got home the spots were filled up because someone had guests over. it was about that was open was on the side of the building where unit 1 normally parks. I text my landlord and said I was going to be parking there because my spot in the other spots were taken.

And he told me to park basically in front of unit ones window. which essentially wood block in all the other cars that are in the front of the building in those six spots unless they really maneuvered out but could potentially hit my car or to park next to all the construction equipment which is not tied down at all and has a habit of falling over.

With all the damage that has already done to my car I was not having that.

So I decided to be a baby and told him I was going to have them tow the car. But eventually just drove all over the lawn and decided to park on the lawn.

My car is still there on the grass. And part of me is like f*** it. But other part of me is treating myself because that's not who I want to be. for months I've been just rolling my eyes at all of this and not dealing with it it's been festering inside of me. It's not even a f****** big deal. But here I am being whiny little b****.

Clearly by all the graphic language I'm upset. And I know that literally all I have to do is talk with him about it come up with a resolution instead of passive-aggressively texting him.

And as someone with a relationship with Jesus, I shouldn't be dwelling in worry and anger. It's okay to experience emotion of worry and anger but you're not supposed to do well in it. You supposed to hand that over to God talk it out with Him and let Him lift away from you. He has great tools in the Bible on how to deal with stuff like this.

But I've really been slacking, I pulled away from my relationship with Him a bit. I've been entertaining myself with work and movies and books and pleasure. I'm letting in a lot of negative stuff and I haven't been talking with Him. I really miss Him and the peace that I got with Him.

Like none of the horrible s*** that happens or even dumb stuff like the parking situation, really matters when you bring it to Him. He just calms the soul. He reminds me that I am blessed and forgiven. That I should be treating people better and that I need to hold my tongue there's a lot of the times when you're angry you say things that you regret.

I'm just really annoyed I want about the situation. It's something that I'm going to have to talk about with God. I need him to take away the annoyance and anger and help me find a solution even if it's not an easy one's.

Perhaps having my car bash to several times and having this parking lot situation and all the other annoying little things about this place are assigned to move quite literally I'm just something new.

But honestly I was hoping to save up money and move out of Illinois. It's literally like a dead state. I never found one that's as detestable as it is to me but then again I do prefer Western States. And I kind of want to move out to mountain States like Colorado or maybe desert States like Arizona poor New Mexico. I've been contemplating Arizona and Colorado specifically.

And I giant fan of snow and Illinois loves to get snow. but I hear that Colorado snow isn't as bad as Illinois it's more like Nevada where they get mild snow and that's normally up toward the mountain areas but I don't know I have to do some research on that. Arizona is hot and my family is really love hot but at least it doesn't snow crazily and I have some family there.

I wanted to save up money and moved one of these places and see if my job would allow me to continue on remotely from a different state. Clearly I can do it remotely if I've been able to do it during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

I was hoping that my sister and my mom would move out there with me so that we can have to endure Midwest to East States.

plus the place I'm currently living at is only like 8 minutes away from my work so when I do have to drive it's super quick and I'm not a person that likes to wake up early just to go to work.

But literally maybe it is a sign that I need to move I just need to have some conversations with God. I want his input.

#prayer #god #jesus #coronavirus #parking #landlord #neighbors #love #work #neighborsfighting #annoyed #worry #angry #feeling #isolation #good day #talk #diary #journal #self #reflection