#yes i finally finished all the books and will talk about them FOREVER if anyone wants to

[literally-noone83]

Silver Tongue

18+

A/n: Idk what this is. This thing has been sitting in my drafts for so long, and I haven't posted in forever... so. I finally finished it. Here we go, enjoy.

He could listen to you for hours...

The God of Mischeif, the silvertongue of Gods, he's the God who loved to hear himself speak. Words dripped from his lips like honey, or boomed from his depths in power. He enjoyed talking, it was his tool beside his dagger he welded equally graceful and skillfully.

He'd use it to spark the fear in cowering swine, use it to make snide and conniving comments to wound up midgard's heroes, or to caress your ears just to see you go flush red. His words were his way to get what he wanted but... he found your words all the more captivating.

It wasn't like you were doing this on purpose. On the contrary, you found yourself trying not to spiel thoughtless things to the closest person. For the longest time, Loki saw you for your reverence, your shyness as you worked away in the Avengers Tower. He did know your voice tk be tender and sweet in the caveats of days that passed with your kind greetings, small talk with colleagues and phone messages at your desk, but the moment you got latched on to a topic... Loki found himself listening a little bit more closely.

He watched as your eye lit up, your soft lips breaking out into a grin, one that twitched hesitantly as ti contain the visible excitement he saw bubble up inside you. He'd interrupt anyone in the room that may have been talking over you just to inquire on this small matter with you — a book, a movie, a part of history, a niche topic, a notion — and naturally a blush threatened your cheeks. His eyes softened, nodding to letting you know he was listening and the ends of his lips lift to see that was all you needed -- a greenlight that someone cared. Your hesitant words grew to rants, knowledge flowing from you. Your articulation, the fine words you kept in your hidden reputiore, alongside these thoughts. Soon there were days it was just you and him, sitting somewhere hed catch up, comfortably laxed as he hummed at your shared conversations that transformed into your personal monologues hed sit audience to. All of which hed constantly instigate...

"The- then I read an article about ahh- uhm, L-loki?" You breath hitched and he smirked.

"Yes, darling?"

"You- uh, you sure you want me to..." You breath hitch at the way his breath fans your sensitive neck, "Oh yes, dear." His slender hands trail over you hips and god-perfect thighs under that hideous coat.

"Keep talking to me, you know how much I love your voice." His voice hums lowly, kissing that spot under your ear making your shudder slightly. "So sensitive..." He comments smugly.

He had you situated on your desk. Useless things in his eyes pushed to the side to make room for you. How you got into this situation, who knows. And most importantly, who cares? He stood between your legs, up and close tasting your skin and finally feeling how fucking maluable you are in the palm of his hands. Atlas, hearing you shudder and stutter in his ear, under his touch, it was like he was in Valhalla.

"mm darling~" He purrs. "I don't hear you talking..."

You face flushes. You couldn't think straight. "R-right."

"What this article about, hm? I'm listening..." His words end with another wet kiss to your collar bone. A badge of his sincerity.

"it... it was about mythological.... p-paintings." He hums against your skin, kisses trailing your delicate skin.

"Is that right?" He murmurs, before sucking experimentally on a spot only to smirk at the gasp and sigh he elicits from you almost instantly.

"A-about gods and hah..." Loki rubs circles over your hips. "About their heavenly battles," his hands run over your underside of your thighs, smoothing over the plushness before gripping it needily, "them as legends... their- their beauty." He pulls you close to the edge, and your eyes widen at the feeling of his bulge against your inner thigh.

"No need to read about gods when you already have one in the palm of your hands, darling." His snake-like gaze meets yours, his nose brushing yours. His emerald eyes glimmer at your flushed complexion. His fingers graze the band of your leggings. "May I?" He asks softly.

You nod your head.

In a rough yet swift motion, he easily pulls down your pants past your ass and down to your thighs. You watch as his gaze darkens at the sight and you blush, embarrassed. The way his eyes are glued to the wet patch over your clothed pussy makes you squirm. "Lokii..." You whine softly at his long silence. He ignores you. His slender fingers suddenly brush your damp panties, marvelling at the way your cunt involuntarily quivers. He could feel his cock twitch at the view.

His hand comes up hard against the underside of your thigh. The harsh slap echoes in the empty office space. He towers over you and your knees held together by the band of your leggings, hugging your thighs deliciously. One of his large hands pinning you in this position from the back of your knee while the other rubs the pink mark of your skin in forgiveness.

"You stopped speaking, my pretty dove~" He says. His palm travels to your drooling pussy, and he glances at it. The smug grin on his lips widens ever so slightly, satisfied by the growing dark spot on the thin fabric. He audibly groans at the feeling; the wetness pressed against his skin, the heat that radiates from you. All for him, he thinks.

"I want to hear it. Your melodic voice, darling." He continues. Your breath hitches as he drag his middle and forefinger down your slit so easily. "You may think no one's listening... the way you murmur and talk so sweetly, to even the most unworthy of such a sound..." His flattery words drip from his silvery tongue akin to honey and poison. "You have no idea the state you reduce me to when you whisper instructions in my ear when I'm on those god-awful missions... it's the only reason I keep attending." He preens, and he sinks a thumb in your clothed fold, a devilish smirk gracing his lips at your shocked and broken moan.

His eyes glimmered at the way you struggle to walk the line of thought and the abyss of pleasure. He leans down, his lips just tickling the shell of your ear. He breathes steadily compared to your laboured breaths, pausing for a moment to resist the urge to bite you before speaking, "So I want you to speak, my love. I want to hear you babble every frivolous thought as I ravish you. Fucking you to the sound of you trying to retain a single coherent notion. Choking on your words as I listen intently... giving you the attention you deserve, darling."

He pulls back slowly, his nose lightly caressing your cheek as he meets your cloudy eyes. Through hooded lids, his intense gaze flickers over your flushed expression. Your desperate eyes and parted lips, swollen from how much you bit them just to controll yourself — only makes him want to try harder to push you over the edge. You feel his thumb press up against the hood of your clit, and the way you whimper and pull at his clothes, tells him he's the first to ever touch you like this.

"Mm, would you like that?" He whispers. "Finally give you the attention you always deserved?"

He presses on your clit, "m- y-yes! Yes Loki, please." You blurt, you felt like you were going to cry.

"Oh darling..." He removes his hands off you to cup your face. A wanton whine bubbles up into your throat until the feeling of his lips against your forehead, dissolving your pent-up frustration for just a moment. "Patience." He says softly. "I'll give you want you so clearly desire..." His forehead touches yours. Burning hot skin against his contrastingly cool complexion.

However, looking up into his eyes, they were burning with want.

"Let's start with the article's first paragraph, shall we?"

He was going to eat you alive.

#This is actually so bad WHA #Help #first spicy thing ive posted #Couldnt even go all the way #thats he said- #sorry bad joke anyways #Loki #the avengers #loki #loki series #loki laufeyson #loki season 2 #loki of asgard #loki odinson #loki fic #loki fanfic #loki × reader #loki x reader #loki x female reader #loki x f!reader #loki x you #loki x y/n #ok enough exposure

[undreaming-fanfiction]

Fluttering of wings, splashing of waves

Oh look, I finished my entry for @thefreakandthehair's spring challenge! My topic was bird watching and Steddie, enjoy!

Also on Ao3

It doesn't take long for both of them to notice.

The thing is - both Eddie and Steve are fairly observant guys, Steve with his constant concern for everyone's well-being but his own and Eddie's survival being dependent on recognizing when quiet contempt and judging is about to transcend into physical violence or lynching, the good ol' American small town tradition that Hawkins always seemed on verge of.

So yes, observing other people isn't exactly new for them, but now that they were discharged from the hospital ("They made me eat vegetables, Wayne!" "They also kept you alive so that's a win in my book, boy!"), they soon notice that while their bodies were patched up and healed as well as possible, the same can't be said for their minds.

They have been spending a lot of time together, with Nancy and Robin now gone for college. Steve sometimes wonders why it is that all of his best friendships, bonds for life, come from the worst thing that has ever happened to him, but maybe he shouldn't complain so much - the universe decided to drag him through blood, pain, tears and lots of concussions, but then remembered maybe he should get something good too, so it tossed Dustin, Robin and Eddie at him, his little brother, his soulmate and...

And Eddie. Someone he used to scoff at, maybe feel some disdain for or even jealousy, but now...

Steve has always been predictable. He throws himself into danger, takes all the responsibility he can because that's what grounds him. It's easy to keep it together when everyone else is freaking out - you simply need to, there's no other choice. Now that Robin and Nancy are gone and the kids are way more preoccupied with high school and their own healing, Steve doesn't have anyone to keep it together for. Anyone but Eddie.

But that's not really all, is it? Because Eddie makes him laugh, makes him feel at ease and Steve kind of hates himself for it, for not being alert enough in his presence because he's supposed to keep Eddie safe, but he just makes him relax so much, he jokes around but doesn't cross his boundaries and Steve just doesn't know anymore-

So yes, they notice things about each other fairly quickly, but talking about it? That's a whole separate can of worms. "And I have a warehouse full of these worm cans, Steve, take your pick."

When they finally bring it up, it's April of 1987, close to the end of academic school year. Eddie has finally graduated and started working odd jobs, not paying well but at least legal, Steve still rewinding tapes in Family Video and going through potential career options, dragging Eddie into the endless pile of leaflets, articles and even some study programs. "We won't be stuck here forever," he tells Eddie and there is a glint in Eddie's eye, something that clutches at Steve's chest and whispers you will get him out of here. You will make him happy, in any way he allows.

Eddie hands Steve a leaflet about part-time sports coach position. "Come on, Harrington, you know you want to," snickers Eddie and leans back in his chair. "And about every woman in Hawkins wants you to as well, those shorts were sinful, I tell you. But seriously...you'd be great at it. You have a way with kids and you were pretty good in high school, no?"

Steve chuckles with him, but his smile doesn't reach his eyes. Not when he sees that one of the requirements is leading swimming lessons. "I...I don't think that's a good fit," he admits quietly, almost ashamed. "It's not like you're wrong, those shorts did look good on me," he admits and elicits another snicker from Eddie, "but...I don't think I could do all they want me to do."

Eddie frowns, not at Steve but in contemplation, and takes the leaflet back, his eyes impatiently scanning the text. "...oh," he breathes out and gives Steve an apologetic smile. "The pool thing?"

Steve nods and presses his lips together, hoping the words will stay in, but that's just Eddie's strange spell. Steve wants him to know, wants him to know everything, not just the pretty parts of himself. "The pool thing. It's fucking stupid, you know. I thought that I survived all of it, but...I guess some parts of me died too. Which sounds way too dramatic, but I haven't been able to just...live. It's like my life is a minefield now and I've been trying to avoid where they're buried..."

He glances at Eddie and swallows, his throat tight. "Sorry. That sounds so melodramatic, especially saying it to a guy who actually nearly died. I don't know where that came from, please just...just ignore I said anything. But yeah, I don't think I could do the coach thing."

Eddie is quiet for a moment and Steve thinks that maybe he messed things up. Maybe he showed too much of himself, like he always does, maybe he's finally managed to chase Eddie away but then those long, calloused fingers are on his shoulder, squeezing him, grounding him.

"I won't ignore that, Steve," says Eddie and Steve hates how sad he looks, wonders if it would be awkward to hug him, to offer comfort that he himself doesn't know.

"I won't ignore that because I get it," continues Eddie and Steve doesn't think, he covers Eddie's hand with his own. "Why do you think I mostly do night shifts or work in warehouses, restocking or whatever? Why I stay inside most of the time?"

Shame and insecurity now gone, Steve strokes his fingers along Eddie's knuckles. "I've noticed and...I have my theory. But I didn't want to bring it up. Didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

Tilting his head back, Eddie laughs and Steve's heart beats faster at the sound. "You could never. But maybe it's good to...to say it out loud. I think we're kind of dancing around it, trying to ignore the stuff that we're dealing with, but maybe it would help. Maybe admitting it will help us figure out how to handle it? Because to be completely honest with you, Steve - I hate it. I hate pretending that everything is over when it fucking isn't."

As if Steve could ever say no to those dark, trusting eyes. "Okay, let's try."

At first, the words don't come and when they do, they are aborted and unclear, but gradually, they start flowing and when they do, they don't stop. They spend the whole evening talking about it, finding the right expressions to explain what the Upside Down took from them.

Steve shudders and grows rigid whenever he hears running or splashing water. From the movie nights and unspoken sleepovers they have, Eddie knows Steve only takes showers now, short and almost scorching, and never runs a bath for himself, no matter how stiff and painful his muscles are. The floating sensation of water used to bring him comfort, but now it is replaced by the memory of being grabbed and dragged under the surface, air leaving his lungs, his head ringing with pressure...

Eddie's breathing quickens and panic sets in whenever he hears flapping of wings. He knows that demobats are no longer in Hawkins, he knows that they're gone along with their master, but he can't help it, he never feels safe outside, can't raise his head to the sky to persuade himself that it's okay.

Steve wants to throw up whenever something touches his neck. Eddie can relate.

Eddie feels the need to cover his wrists all the time. After being held down by demobats, he feels like he needs to protect them. Weirdly it's not his maimed chest, not his scarred sides, but the wrists. That explains the thick leather bracelets.

Steve can't stand the feeling of not being fully there, with marihuana and alcohol. "It's the truth serum," he tells Eddie and admits, finally admits how guilty he felt for giving Dustin's full name to the Russians, wonders how much damage he could do if he ever let himself go. The Russians are gone, but the guilt stays.

And Eddie feels uneasy under the open sky. Maybe it's because it was nearly the last thing he would see in his life. Maybe it has something to do with the bird thing. But it is so difficult to just walk on the street, be in the open. Be vulnerable.

"The funny thing is," says Steve and shifts closer to Eddie on the couch, Eddie with his beer and Steve with soda, "when things were still...you know, shit, I didn't feel this way. I was able to go wherever I wanted, do what I wanted, because the danger was actually there, you know? We did what we had to do and I felt like...like I didn't need to think about it, I just did things. But now...I guess I just don't trust it. Things being fine. Hell, I can't even trust myself," he laughs and it's bitter, pained. "The fuck is this? When did I go from actually fighting monsters to shaking like a stupid chihuahua from hearing someone washing their hands?"

Eddie takes a swig of his beer and closes his eyes, nodding. His hair is messier than usual from lying around and nervous tugging of his fingers, but Steve still thinks it looks great. Or maybe not just great, he wouldn't like it on just anyone, but...maybe it's just that it's Eddie. The thought doesn't scare him as much as it used to.

It takes a moment for Eddie to speak, but when he does, he stares at the ceiling, his eyes large and glassy. "Yeah, I get that. I thought I graduated from being a coward, but-"

"Not a coward, man." Steve hates interrupting people, he was lectured on it way too many times, but this is the single time he feels like it's justified. "Don't call yourself a coward. Because you're not."

Eddie shoots him a small smile. "Well, let me rephrase it. I thought I'd stop freezing when I got scared, but look at me now. Wayne noticed it too, you know? He...he actually helped." He shifted even closer, now sitting so close to Steve their legs were touching. "He told me that he went through something similar when he came back from Vietnam. Just...small flashes. Random things reminding him of what he saw there. It fucked him up pretty badly, he said, uh..." Biting his lip, he took a deep breath. "He said that's why he never got married or had kids. That he didn't feel...healthy enough. Whole enough. But then of course I got dropped on his doorstep and he had to deal with the shit."

Steve is staring now, he's distantly aware that it's not very polite, but damn, that sounds like a miracle. Maybe Wayne is a much stronger man then they are, but he just has to ask. "How...how did he do it? I mean...it feels so unreal. That you can just...deal with it."

"He said it wasn't easy," Eddie mutters, fiddling with his rings. "But he...uh. Shit, this is embarrassing but also kinda amazing? He said I was his biggest motivation to get better, so he...he dealt with those things by kind of overwriting the memories with new ones with me? Like...he got really, really freaked out by bushes and dense woods, you know. Found it difficult to go anywhere where he couldn't see everything around him. But he...he started taking me out to the woods. Bit by bit, I mean, it wasn't immediate, but he started teaching me about nature. Showing me some edible things, animals if we got to see them. I didn't know it back then, but he was freaking out all the time. But eventually, he stopped associating the woods with...that. And started thinking about what he'd teach me next, what our next trip would be."

"Wow." Steve has always liked Wayne, but now? He thinks the man is incredible. "Your uncle is amazing," he whispers. "Just...just amazing. He came up with that and it worked? He did that for you? I...wow."

Eddie laughs, nodding and downing the rest of his beer. "Right? And he talks about it like it's no big deal. He just did it. I wish I had the guts too, you know, because I really want to do some of the stuff with him that we used to do. He's not pushing, but...I really want to spend time with him. Do the same thing he did for me." After a brief pause, he continues. "You know, we have this really silly thing that we used to do that I want to experience again. So fucking much. We call it bird watching, but it actually is more of a bird spotting. We'd just sit together on the porch, smoke and try to spot birds. Like, you'd point at a crow or a pigeon or whatever and the other would say "yep, sure is a bird". It sounds silly, but...I just hate that I can't do it anymore, you know."

Steve stares into the distance for a moment, lost in thought. And just as Eddie is about to nudge him, to ask what he's thinking about, he snaps out of it, looking at Eddie. "You can and you will," he proclaims resolutely.

"Um." He's laughing again, but this time it's a bit awkward, uncertain. "Not sure which part of "I panic when I'm under the open sky or when I hear wings" you didn't hear, Steve."

But his friend just shakes his head, gets that determined look that never ends well for their enemies. "I heard all of it. And I thought we'd all be fucked up forever, but your uncle could do it, man. And he did it alone. We're together in this and I don't know about you, but I'm sick of letting that disgusting place control my every move. So let me ask you - do you want to rewrite memories together?"

And see, this was is thing with Steve Harrington. Once he makes up his mind, he will follow through - and even though Eddie is still scared shitless, the idea of Steve facing his fears alone somehow feels even worse. Cracking open another beer, he takes a mighty gulp before nodding, offering his hand to seal the deal. "Name the time and place, big boy."

--

They aren't stupid about it, not more stupid than usual. Steve insists on making some rules and plans in case things go to shit. And while Eddie isn't exactly a fan of planning things, this actually does sound like a good idea. So they write it all down, figure out time and place, a calm Sunday when they don't have a shift, around 2 PM so there's enough light and warmth for them to attempt to relax - which is pretty fucking impossible because their destination is none other than Lover's Lake. No use wasting water sitting by a running tap or watch bird puppets, as Steve eloquently puts it.

Steve also insists on choosing just one of the fears to tackle for him and Eddie, making a very good point that it's supposed to be baby steps, not giant stomps, whatever that is supposed to mean. It's actually more like two for Eddie because birds and open sky go together like goat cheese and weird taste or something, but it would be really difficult to separate the two.

And finally, after some research, they come up with a back up plan - if either of them gets too much in their head, the other one needs to distract them. "Doesn't matter what it is, apparently," says Eddie while he is munching on another handful of dry cereal, "it just has to be unexpected. Basically to shock the panic out of your brain. Which sounds...very healthy. Yep. So when I'm freaking out about bird stuff, just...tell me you're getting married to Tammy Thompson or something."

Steve snickers and packs some drinks and snacks as well as a blanket, the forever babysitter. "For you, Munson? I'll describe our whole Muppet wedding and ask you to be my best man."

--

The walk is...fine. Well, that's a lie. The walk is fucking horrendous but the trees help, giving Eddie at least some semblance of a shelter. His heart is beating like crazy, sure, but he's trying to be normal, he really is, because Steve is keeping it together and distracting him as well as he can. After they spook a bunch of birds and their flapping of wings almost has Eddie hyperventilating, Steve grabs his hand, squeezing it and demanding Eddie tells him about his favorite Lord of the Rings character and why it is Aragorn - that elicits a half-snort, half-whimper from Eddie, but it's enough to keep him on track.

They find a suitable spot, not fully in the open, but covered by tall grass and in the shadow of a large tree. The lake is a few steps away and when they sit down on the blanket, they can't really see it, but the sound is there - calming for Eddie but Steve...yeah, he doesn't look so good. That's when Eddie grasps his shoulder and asks him to explain why basketball is so good and how does one even understand what's going on. "Eyes up here, Steve, tell me everything. How many people on each team. Are there different functions, roles or something like that? And why are the shorts so short?"

It goes like that for a while. Whenever one of them gets too stressed, too quiet, the other one shoots a question that makes them think, about something they really, really like. So far, so good.

Except then it happens. As if there was some twisted re-enactment of their Upside Down misfortunes, a bunch of birds loudly take off and circle above the two, flapping their wings and even though they seem to be leaving, Eddie suddenly can't breathe, he's back on the ground, being held by his throat and his wrists, choking on blood-

"Eddie, hey Eddie, stay with me." Steve's voice is panicked too, he's doing what he can but the questions aren't working, Eddie is paralyzed, rigid on the ground.

Licking his dry lips, he wheezes out, "I think it's good time to surprise me, Steve. Like now. Please."

"Okay, yeah, okay."

Eddie prays for a quick shock. Maybe learning about Harrington's porn preferences. About dirty secrets from high school. Maybe some of Robin's romantic misadventures. Something, anything to get him out of his head.

He gets his wish when Steve leans over him and presses his lips against Eddie's.

Eddie's heart skips a beat. Maybe two, three. But he isn't dead, so it has to keep beating, he thinks, but he can't really tell - not when all of the feeling in his body goes to his lips, to the gentle press that Eddie has been craving for months.

It takes him a moment to realize that it's suddenly quiet, the birds are gone and Steve is still above him, looking at Eddie with concern. "Did it work?" he asks and Eddie wants to punch him, murder him, kiss him senseless.

"Sure did," he croaks and tries to play it cool, failing miserably. Maybe if he turns it into a joke, Steve won't notice that he actually enjoyed this, that this isn't just a distraction tactic to him. "Gotta be careful there, Steve," he laughs weakly, "you might give a guy false hope that this is actually something you wanted."

He expects a disgusted scrunch of Steve's nose, a shock maybe, but instead he just leans down and tucks Eddie's hair behind his ear. "False hope?" he whispers and holds his gaze, braver than any and all of them. "For this concrete guy, it's pretty much an open invitation. Although I should have asked, sorry, it's been on my mind since forever and when I saw you like that, I just panicked. So, uh...sorry. If that's not what you want. I mean-"

"Steve," he sighs, exasperated. "I just had a taste of what that mouth can do and I'm pretty sure you're just wasting its potential." His hand sneaks into Steve's hair and pulls him closer, kissing the tip of his nose. "And I can promise you this isn't a trauma response or something. I've been going crazy about you for months now. Just ask Wayne. Or better, don't. He's been making fun of me for it. Mercilessly."

They dissolve into a fit of giggles and maybe a bit of hysteria, too, but the world is quiet now, the sounds of wings and waves distant and the warmth of their bodies is grounding, safe. "He can start a mocking club with Robin, then. She's been calling me her cute bisexual disaster, if you can believe that," says Steve.

"Oh, I absolutely can." The grin is almost painful, but he can't help it, wonders if he'll associate flapping of wings with Steve's lips now, instead of all the pain and horror. Maybe not immediately but there's no need for giant stomps. "Well, big boy...what do you say we give them something to mock us for?"

Steve leans down and smiles against his lips, his breath tickling Eddie's face. "I thought you'd never ask."

--

It's several days later that Eddie catches in uncle home, smoking in his chair and staring at the darkening trees. He quietly takes a stool outside and plops next to him, stealing a lighter to light his cigarette.

He tries to act casual, but the disbelieving smile and pride in Wayne's eyes makes him blush, his face being the biggest traitor of all.

He motions towards the trees where something moved, the sound of its wings muffled and distant. "Looks like a bird, right?" he says.

Wayne reaches over and ruffles his hair, takes another drag from his own cigarette. "Sure does."

#LexsSpringFanworksChallenge #steddie #steddie fanfic #steve harrington #eddie munson #wayne munson #stranger things #stranger things fanfiction #steddie fanfiction

[katsukiopedia]

Bakugou as the “Mean girl x Jock” trope.

: Y/n is the stereotypical mean girl, roughly proofread.

Bakugou’s overconfident and never nervous. He trusts himself to win and expects that from his teammates. Goes into every game confident he’s going to win. He aces all his exams and has never failed a term in his life. He could care less about what people thing about him and his lack of sportsmanship. (Granted his couch lectures him about this ALL the time and he never learns.)

He has no reason to be nervous, so he never is.

That was until you. The new cheerleader.

The boys had just finished practice as you were leaving yours. Running back to pick up a bottle you friend left behind.

“Excuse me?”

Bakugou turned his head at the sound of your voice.

“Can you move, so I can get the bottle.”

Said bottle now crowded by a bunch of sweaty jocks and their stuff.

He hesitated for a second too long. God you were pretty. Who even were you on second thought.

“Are you gonna move or not?” Tone now harsh as your patience ran thin The way you pulled you face made it seem as if you were disgusted and you were really contemplating pushing past the weirdo.

Bakugou opened his mouth as if to say something but decided against it and moved. You didn’t even spare a thank you as you took the bottle and left.

Honestly, he had no idea why he was offended. He would have and has done the same.

“What was that?” Kaminari asked as the rest of the guys poked fun at him.

“Since when are you interested in girls?” “I was starting to think you were gay.” “Forget that. Katsuki was fucking nervous.” “You like her bro?”

“Shut up.” He ignored them only interested in the cute girl that had offended him.

He saw you again the next day, doing some dance routine with the rest of the girls. Shamelessly staring as he wiped the sweat off his face. That was until his couch scolded him for getting distracted. “Katsuki focus!”

Best believe his teammates didn’t let it go. Teasing him in the changing rooms about his crush on the new cheerleader. Pressuring him to ask you out and bullying him for putting it off.

I feel like you’d definitely approach him first but for a completely different reason. Maybe you guys have a class together and you missed something, so you came to ask him for the notes. And yet again he gets distracted and loses his words.

“Hello?? Do you have the notes or what?” Your waving you hand in his face clearly irritated. “Do you always ignore people when they talk to you?”

“I uh- have the notes but they’re in my bag.”

“Great, where’s your bag.”

“I’ll show you.”

Now you’re waiting outside the boy’s locker room for him to give you the notes. He’s taking forever to come out, probably standing around thinking about the right way to ask you out.

This man has never chased anyone before. If anything, they were asking him out. When he finally comes out, he stands around looking dumb while you roughly copy them down.

“Thanks.” You say so softly almost as if you didn’t mean to say it. You hand him the book and you’re about to walk off, but he stops you.

“You busy Friday?”

“So what? You gave him a dirty look and he almost took his words back.

“You wanna go out?” He’s looking everywhere but you. Hands in his pocket only sparing you a glance when you take a little too long to answer.

You really had to think about it. He was such a weirdo but definitely an attractive weirdo, so you decided to go for it. Thinking the date would be terrible and a good story to tell you said yes.

But on the date this man is so unintentionally attractive. Even through his texts, every little thing has you smiling like an idiot. The date was too good to be a joke you’d tell your friends, and you actually want to go on a second

Skipping to the part where you’re an item.

You guys are so mean for absolutely no reason. You definitely tell Katsuki all the gossip about everyone. (Katsuki’s definitely the boyfriend who loves hearing about the drama so he’s having a great time hearing all of it.)

You two talk shit about everyone.

He’s not even worried about other men talking to you because he himself just barely slipped through the cracks and most of them you talk shit about.

This man is always in his feel around you. Like he’s angry on second and then you arrive all smiley to see him, and your energy just rubs off on him and he’s suddenly smiling.

The boyfriend that’s having a whole silent conversation with you in class because he already knows what the teacher is explain.

Squeezing himself in at your lunch table.

Has no problem making his friends third wheel.

Not really into heaving PDA but light PDA sure.

All out you guys are a power couple.

#katsuki x reader #bakugo katuski #bakugou fluff #mha bakugou #bnha bakugou #katsuki bakugo x reader #bakugou x reader #mha #katsuki bakugo imagine #bnha fluff #bnha imagines

[psychedeliccc]

seven | theo × reader |part 5

warnings : none I think /lmk!

word count : 715 words

a/n: I was hardcore swifting while writing this.

Masterlist

"Put your lips close to mine

As long as they don't touch

Out of focus, eye to eye

'Til the gravity's too much

I'd like you to be mine

But you might not like me enough. "

Another letter. Another poetic confession.

Your heart leapt in awe.

you didn't know who sent it to you but you knew for a fact that it isn't Theodore, it couldn't be. You're the most delusional person you knew, you couldn't let them get the best of you.

You're way too out of his league, you thought to yourself. You crossed the possibility of Theodore writing you those letters completely out of your mind.

But you'd still want to find out who took the time to craft those sweet poetic letters, who would go out of their way just to make you feel loved?

Perhaps it was just some sick prank by a senior? You wouldn't spit a word of it to anyone else. That's for sure.

Words spread like hayfire at hogwarts.

Especially among the ravenclaws.

They can be treacherous at times.

You'd been thinking of taking pansy and Luna's advice,

to ask Theodore out.

You only had two years left at hogwarts and you wanted to make it count.

What's there to lose?

You can't decide if it's a choice.

You'd just get swept away.

You'd only hear the sound of your own voice,

Telling you to stay.

He might break your heart but you can't break a heart that's already torn.

You've been in relationships before and it had been gore.

You've been cheated on and used before so you already knew what you could be getting into when you'd have asked Theodore out.

You didn't say Theodore was an atrocious heartless creature but you simply couldn't risk breaking your heart, again.

The path is reckless.

The slope is treacherous.

So when you did finally build up the courage to ask him to help you with potions, you were quite shocked with his response.

...

"Theo, look I feel bad I really do, you might not want to talk to me but I wanted to ask you a favor. "

"A little too dramatic perhaps? " Theo said as he turned a page of his book. Not even glancing at you.

You were in the library.

You were alone.

It was quite.

It was perfect.

"Well anyway, I was wondering if -"

"Shhh" Madam irma shushed you as she raised her glasses over her eyebrows as a threat.

"Go on. " Theo whispered, eyes sewn to his book.

" I need help in potions. " You spurted in a quite whisper.

You felt an intense amount of regret,

You'd be smart to walk away

but you're in quicksand.

Theo kept his book down with his index finger in between as a bookmark.

You were sure he'd laugh at you in response but-

"Sure, when? " Theo replied as his azure eyes gazed into yours.

Out of focus,

Eyes to eyes.

"Wait really? "

"Did you want me to say no? "

"no."

"ragazza divertente" Theo cursed under his breath. He barely smiled but he did when it was you.

He itched his neck as he looked up at you once more.

"Take a seat. " Theodore said as he took a piece of parchment from his pocket and placed it in his book.

Funny, it looked oddly familiar.

Never mind.

Can't be.

"What time works for you? " Theo asked as you took a seat opposite to his. He scooted foward as he glimpses at your flustered face.

"Uh - 5 pm is fine. "

"I'm busy then. "

"Half past 5? "

"How about 7.30? " He argued.

"We're supposed to be in bed by 8." You finished.

"do you want to learn from the potions master or is it not important enough? " Theo's cocky grin once again imprinted on his beautiful face. His eyes burned through yours.

All we are is skin and bone.

Trained to get along.

Forever going with the flow,

but it's like friction.

"Fine then " You rolled your eyes as you left him alone.

he waved you goodbye as you left.

he said yes.

But it wasn't a date.

Just innocent lessons.

Unless,

you made it one.

You grinned as you held out your vile of felix felicis , glaring at its content.

You were cruel, absolutely vain.

And I will get you, and get you alone

Your name has echoed through my mind

And I just think you should, think you should know

That nothing safe is worth the drive.

Taglist : @jetblackpayne

#theodore nott angst #theodore x reader #theodore nott fluff #theodore nott smut #theodore nott #theodore nott x reader #new #PART5YALL #i hope you like it #fr contemplated it for 2 days #ilyguyssm

[localhopedealerr]

Starry Night

Azriel x Reader Oneshot

Some fluffy late night talk with azzy✨⭐️

Warnings: noneee EXCEPT i literally didn’t edit this at all, i just had to get it posted. so beware and i’m so so sorry. 🫣

You hadn’t meant to spend so long up on the balcony, but the stars seemed to keep your thoughts in an endless conversation. The other members of the Inner Circle had dispersed after an evening full of wine and food, but you had hung behind waiting on your mate. One thought led to another, until you found yourself curled up on the outdoor sofa, staring up into a sky that seemed to go on forever.

You weren’t sure you’d ever get over the view. Tiny bursts of life filling a vast sea of black. The stars were so willing to allow the people who lived here to witness their beauty every night. A beauty you weren’t sure anyone here deserved, but were all damn grateful to see.

“I didn’t realize you were still down here. You should be sleeping. ”

Your head peaked behind the back of the couch, finding the eyes of the infamous Shadowsinger. He had gone off to speak with Rhys about his latest intel, needing to share it while it was fresh on his mind. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his pants, a fitted black long sleeve covered his impressive frame. As casual as he ever dressed himself, usually preferring his leathers and arsenal of weapons strapped to him.

He had been in a rare form tonight, having just returned from a mission that kept him away from home- away from you- longer than he wanted. The Spymaster spoke openly the whole night, laughing and joking with the whole table. Enjoying the much needed family time.

You liked seeing that side of him. Multiple times throughout the night you caught yourself simply marveling at him. He’d caught your eyes a few times, offering a smug smirk in response before returning to the conversation in front of him. Cheeky shit.

You didn’t mind it though. You were in love with that smirk. In love with the way he spoke. The way he laughed. Hell, you weren’t sure there was anything you didn’t love seeing him do.

“It’s not hard to lose sleep when there’s a view like this waiting for me every night.”

Azriel nodded, looking out over the balcony for a moment before he came to seat himself next to you. You moved your legs underneath yourself, allowing Azriel to press up against you as your head fell against his shoulder.

“Cassian was acting a fool tonight, im surprised Nesta didn’t cut him off sooner.”

You snorted at that. “You’re surprised? Im sure Nesta enjoys Cassian plenty when he’s too wasted. He gets a hundred times hornier.”

Your mate laughed, a delish sound falling out of his lips as his head fell back against the cushion. Cassian must have finished at least two bottles of Rhysands wine by himself, much to your high lords dismay. “Yes, i suppose that’s true. I guess we should count ourselves lucky he was sober enough to fly them back to the Townhouse tonight.”

You laughed once more, shaking you head as you thought about your friends. You loved them dearly, but couldn’t deny the sigh of relief you let out when they had decided to spend the night at the Townhouse instead of the House of Wind, sparing their friends the torture of having to listen to them well into the early hours.

“You haven’t told me how your mission went, or what exactly you were doing on it.”

Azriel kissed the side of your head, sighing as his hands tugged at your own, toying with the pads of your fingers. “ mm, let’s talk about it tomorrow. Let me enjoy the night sky with my mate.”

You wouldn’t argue with him, couldn’t argue with him- Not when those dark, angelic eyes met your own. How could you deny your mate of anything when he was so perfect?

You gave a look of contemplation, before finally sighing dramatically. “ Fine. You’re off the hook for now. Have you finished that book i lent you?”

Azriel hummed in response, head lazily leaning to one side. “ I did. I was surprised with the ending, in a good way. “

“ I know, it was out of nowhere. But that’s what i like about the author. “

He smiled when your eyes lit up, like they always did when you talked about books. “I’d like to read more from him. We should start the next one together.”

You shifted, burrowing yourself closer to his side. You blinked slow, body and soul finally feeling at peace now that your mate was back with you. “ Tomorrow, we can go to that bookstore down by the river and grab the next books.”

Azriel held you closer, leaning his head against the back of the couch. “ It’s a date.” His eyes closed.

You could barely keep your eyes open now. “ I love you. I missed you. I’m glad you’re home.”

“Is that your way of telling me you’re going to sleep?” Azriel mused, one eye lifting up to peak down at the girl in his arms.

You had already dozed off. Azriel kissed the top of your head one more time, before shifting your bodies. He now held you on top of him, your legs tangling with his.

“ Sweet dreams, baby.”

#acotar fandom #azriel fic #azriel fluff #acotar headcanon #acotar series #acotar x reader #azriel fanfic #a court of thorns and roses #acotar x you #azriel x you #azriel acotar #azriel shadowsinger #acotar #azriel spymaster #azriel x reader

[cafeinthemoon]

Ruins - Part XVII

Chapter 17/?

Wordcount 3,6k

Title Part XVII

Fandom Shuumatsu no Valkyrie / Record of Ragnarok

Pairing Hades x reader

Previous chapters

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 . 16

Symbols ⭕ . ➕ . 💛

Warnings: none

Tagging @holdyourwine @lilacshouko @shirayuki-ayumi (If you want to be tagged in any of my stories, just leave a comment on this chapter or send an ask or a message)

N. A.: So the new chapter is finally out, and with a GIF that I've waited so long to use! I'm so happy! I was insecure about how this chapter would be, since we have some news in it - an important conversation between reader and the former human Heracles and a beautiful surprise to her by the end of it - but everything ended up well. I was afraid of not being able to depict this conversation with the depth and the sensibility it deserves, but I realized that, sometimes, the less is more.

So I hope you enjoy this chapter, and my apologies for "abandoning" this ff for all these weeks XD

An entire week has passed since Hermes’ departure, and during it, you’ve been so busy that the most important matters concerning your future were almost solved. But that didn’t mean you were free from anxiety – and, considering the reasons for it now, you couldn’t expect anything less.

You were sitting in silence in one of the Gardens’ bench, staring at a letter opened on your lap. You’ve received a message from Hermes, delivered by the hands of an elf that morning, in which he told you about his encounter with your family and that he was now returning to Valhalla in their company; if they traveled as fast as yourself when you were sent there, they should arrive by the afternoon.

Yes, of course you were happy with the perspective of seeing your relatives again: as much as you loved staying in the sacred lands, you missed them more than you could tell; on the other hand, their presence meant that the things you were trying not to think about would no longer be avoided.

The fact was that you wouldn’t just leave humanity behind: you were also going to leave the entire world you knew to build a life that was inconceivable for anyone of your kind, in a different plane of existence, and then stay like this forever. Yes, all those ages would be shared with the man you loved, and you were willing to see your love growing stronger as they passed, but welcoming this bless would mean saying goodbye to others – saying goodbye to your family and human friends.

You looked down at the letter and sighed.

Will I be able to make this sacrifice? Will I be able to leave them when the time comes?

***

The thoughts of the morning got you distracted for hours, but if you thought you would get rid of them during your study session, you were entirely deceived.

You were quieter than usual, not asking the same lot of questions, except when you couldn’t avoid it; your answers were short as well, sometimes monosyllabic ones. If Hades found that strange, he chose to wait before pointing it out.

There was a moment when you only noticed how long you’ve been staring at the window when his voice brought you back.

– There’s something occupying your thoughts this morning – he observed – Do you want to talk about it?

When you turned back to him, you noticed he just closed the book in front of him, keeping a hand upon its cover. At first, you considered denying it, but since you knew the issue wouldn’t disappear, you just decided to share it at once. You turned to a pile of three or four books at your right and took one of them from the middle of it, opened it and grabbed Hermes’ message. You handed it to Hades, who passed his eyes over the text and immediately recognized his nephew’s calligraphy.

He read the letter in a minute and finished it with a content smile.

– So, they will be here in a few hours, my y/n – he folded the sheet and gave it back to you – Isn’t it a reason to cheer at?

You took the paper and put it back inside the book with a sigh.

– It would be if the circumstances were different.

Hades’ smile faded a bit with those words.

– I don’t understand. What’s going on?

You breathed deep and leaned your arms upon the table, your hands holding each other.

– In the beginning, I could just cheer at the idea of meeting my family here, that’s true. They will love all of this! – you smiled briefly – But now that the time is coming, I can’t stop thinking of what it will mean for them… and for me. You know, after this… I mean, after our marriage and honeymoon and the rest, I will have to leave them.

A few seconds of tense silence passed before you could continue. When you did, your voice was almost a whisper.

– In a few days, I will no longer be one of them. And, after some time, I will still be here, but they will...

You swallowed. You found yourself unable to finish the sentence.

Hades’ response was to organize all the books you had on the table, as if the day’s lesson was over. He then stood up and went to your side, offering his hand.

– Can you come with me for a moment?

You stood up and put your hand on his palm, in doubt.

– Where are we going?

– To meet someone with whom you can talk about this – was his reply – You see, I cannot help you this time, but he can.

***

When you arrived at the Gardens of Women, most of the girls were having their own lessons with their masters. Many of them glanced at you, and some even greeted you with their hands, while the gods nodded respectfully at Hades.

You took a path that led to one of the hills were apple trees were abundant. On the top of one of the first trees, you spotted a cheerful group of students surrounding a tall, young man with red hair and a large smile. Right now, he was lifting one of his students by his arm, and the other girls were laughing out loud. You remembered him from the party: that was the hero who protected Thebes from the divine wrath by drinking ambrosia and challenging the god of war – Heracles, received in Heaven as a son of Zeus himself.

It didn’t take long for you to understand why Hades brought you to him.

He was once a human like me. Since he’s the only one in this condition here now, he’s the most appropriate person to talk about these matters.

All the girls turned to you and fell silent when you approached, but their master walked down the hill with a smile on his face, meeting you in the middle of the way. Once you were on each other’s reach, he offered a strong hand to the King of the Underworld, and this latter answered the greeting with equal enthusiasm.

– Hades-sama! We didn’t have much time to talk since the party – Heracles put his free hand over the handshaking – How are you doing?

– Busy, as always – Hades laughed, having fun with the informal manners of the younger god; and, glancing at his students, – But I can see you’ve been in the same situation.

Heracles followed his gaze with a proud smile.

– You can say that! – he turned back and finally seemed to notice you – So, what brings you here? Specially in such an enchanting company!

You felt your cheeks getting warm as Hades caressed your hair.

– This is y/n s/n, from Midgard – he smiled with his eyes glued on you – She’s my future wife. You probably remember her from the party.

Heracles confirmed it. A slight change in his manners were sensed when he found out he had a future pair before him. He put his hands on his waist.

– Of course I remember her. There was a small misunderstanding in the beginning, but when she came back, she seemed to finally have fun – and, to you, – It makes me happy to see that everything was solved in the end, y/n-san.

Something in the hero’s tone awakened warm feelings of safeness and justice in your heart, so that the only possible reaction for it was opening your best smile and express the deepest gratitude for each of those words.

– Yes, things ended up in the best way for each of us! – you nodded in respect – Thank you for your gentleness, Heracles-sama.

Before Heracles replied, you heard Hades laughing by your side. You frowned.

– What happened, Hades-sama?

– Nothing – he put his hand on the top of your head – It’s just that you should know that his gentleness towards you has first appeared at the party’s night, and I just realized I haven’t told you this story – he glanced at the other man – The thing is that, after you gave me back the hairpin and left the ball room, Heracles almost got into a fight with Adamas, because my brother saw your reaction as extremely offensive, while he believed we couldn’t make any decision without knowing the reasons behind it. I’ve decided to leave this story behind, since everything ended up well, but now that we three are gathered here, I just couldn’t help it.

You looked at Heracles and saw his face taken over by a violent, red shade, something that brought a smile to your lips: seeing such embarrassed expression in a man like him, who was more of a soldier than anything, was unimaginable until you witnessed it. And you thought it was even cute.

– What I did wasn’t but my duty, Hades-sama. Justice must exist for all of us – he tried to justify himself, still blushing; and, looking into your eyes, – I know how it feels to have all fingers pointed at you, while no one to give you the benefit of the doubt.

Even though you just met him, you knew that was true. After all, Heracles himself was one of you.

– I can only agree with you, Heracles – Hades still had that cheerful smile on his lips – But that fight between you would’ve lasted longer than the party itself, and that’s why I told you both to shut up and just brought my y/n back to the party.

That was your time to get embarrassed.

– You… did this, my Lord?

– I did – was his calm reply; he turned to the other god – So, I don’t want to take more of your time, so let me tell you the reason for our visit. Y/n is about to become my wife and the Queen of Hellheim. Because of this, she will have to pass through Psyche’s ritual, which will take place in the same day of our wedding – he caressed your face, remembering the conversation you had at the Library – However, she has some questions concerning the transformation and her future as a goddess that I’m not able to answer. Given you are the only god who has passed through this metamorphosis here at the moment, I thought of asking for your help in this sense, Heracles.

The face of the Greek hero brightened up with the request.

– Of course you can count on me for this, Hades-sama – he promptly replied; and, turning to you, – Y/n, you’re very welcome among my students. Let’s spend this day together, just for you to become familiarized with us, then we can talk with ease.

You soon agreed with the proposal, and it was established that Hades would take you back before the evening.

He said farewell to you with a kiss on your forehead.

– Don’t hesitate to come and tell me if you receive any news from Hermes-sama – you requested.

– Of course, little one. Though I don’t think he will send anything now – he gave you a second kiss – Take care.

You spent a moment observing as Hades walked away through the same path that led you there, only turning away when Heracles invited you to join the other girls.

***

That day in the company of Heracles and his disciples were one of the happiest you’ve lived while you were in Valhalla, though it was way different from what you got used to by Hades’ side: instead of contemplative silences, books and intimate conversations, you had physical challenges, games and cheerful, loud talking, just like you used to have with your sisters in Midgard. You had mixed feelings about that routine, however: there were some days when you would think it was too much, but in other days you would say it was all you needed; sometimes, spending time with people who were so different from yourself, doing distinct activities, was a healthy way to take a rest from being you. In the end, you were tired, but feeling like you were a new person.

And that was precisely the mood you needed to be in for the conversation you were going to have.

All the girls just went back to the lodge, while you stood behind with Heracles, given you should wait until Hades came back to take you. You sat by a bench under a tree and observed the daylight fading as the conversation followed. It wasn’t as long as you imagined it would be, but it was certainly a conversation which you would never forget.

– You say your biggest fear is not the transformation itself, neither it is leaving Midgard – Heracles was saying – That’s impressive, because I feared them more than I like to admit. In my case, the metamorphosis was so painful that I thought I was going to die. But it couldn’t compare to the pain of leaving the people and the land I loved behind to live among the very beings who were wiling to destroy them. It was a real test of patience for Zeus-sama and the others as well.

You smiled.

– Because I was raised in a port city, with people coming and going everyday and things never being the same, I was always enchanted by the idea of leaving my place behind in order to meet new ones, so leaving Midgard is not really a problem for me – you sighed – The problem… is something else.

– Really? And what is it?

You took seconds in silence before replying. Having talked about this with Hades didn’t make it easier to verbalize what you felt now.

– It is to face the fact that, as a goddess, if I left my new house in the next year to pay a visit to my family and all the humans I love, little would be the changes that I’d find. But, if I did this after one, two, three hundred years, I’d still be alive, but they…

You shrugged.

– I see – Heracles whispered.

– I’m not ready to say this kind of goodbye – you turned to him – Heracles-sama… How did you deal with this?

Just like expected, the god spent a moment in silence before letting you know his feelings towards it. This gave you a new perspective on his moral code that deepened the respect you’ve already had for him: the passage of time didn’t soothe his emotions, as if that very part of him was never touched by the powers of the ambrosia, remaining human instead. Should you expect the same to happen in your case?

– I may describe to you my own experience in this sense, y/n-san, but I’m not sure of how much it would help you – he started – Because, you see, this is not a question of only one answer. One’s case is not the same as their pair’s. To me, treasuring the time I’ve spent in the company of the people I loved instead of mourning the days I wouldn’t have them by my side was what gave me the strength I needed to keep going. Despite knowing I would have all the time in the world, I refused to let my mind live in the future and forget what was still in front of me. Of course, it’d hurt when they would finally leave, but I didn’t care if I’d have to carry this pain with me forever – he turned to you with a bright smile – It’d only mean that I didn’t lose what’s most valuable in myself: my love for them!

You nodded.

– That’s an incredible perspective, my Lord. And a beautiful one, too.

He laughed.

– Yes, I know. And, besides, it has been my support while I’ve worked through the ages, when I’ve met countless people who were in need of justice. I’d never succeed in this if it wasn’t for the feelings I hold for my friends of Thebes, with whom everything started.

The colors of the sky were now more vivid, as the daylight diminished, descending at the horizon, and the air got colder. You looked at the path through where you’ve reached the top of the hill and spotted the tall silhouette of Hades walking up toward you. You immediately stood up.

– Hades-sama is back! – and, turning to Heracles, who just stood up too, – I must join him in my way back to the lodge. I still have work to do today. I have to look presentable to receive my family in the next moments.

Heracles’ eyes brightened up with the news.

– Your family is arriving at the sacred lands? This is really amazing!

– Yes! – you cheerfully agreed – Hermes-sama traveled to Midgard to bring them to our wedding.

A few seconds of silence passed, and your smile faded a bit.

– I think this fear will never go away until it becomes reality – you commented – But talking about this with you was clarifying. Thank you for our conversation, Heracles-sama.

He put his large hands over your shoulders.

– And thank you for your time with us, y/n-san.

You were finishing your farewell when Hades reached you with a playful smile on his lips. He stopped by your side and passed his hand on your hair.

– It seems that you’ve really got along – he commented – I’m happy to see that.

– Indeed, y/n-san is an excellent company – Heracles replied with enthusiasm – My students appreciated the time they’ve spent together, and I share their feelings.

– Let me say that I feel the same about you all, Heracles-sama – you gave him a shy smile.

Hades explained that he wanted to go with you to the lodge, then take you to a walk at the Gardens. You agreed, and you both said farewell to Heracles, who would stay for a while at the outside.

– Thank you for everything, Heracles-sama – you inclined your head to him in respect.

– Thank you for staying with y/n, Heracles – Hades passed his arm over your shoulder.

Heracles replied that you didn’t need to thank him and that it was a pleasure to help, and you started your walk back to the lodge.

***

While walked down the hill, a conversation took place.

– You seem to be in a lighter mood now, little one – Hades was saying – Bringing you to stay with Heracles’ girls was indeed a good idea.

You laughed.

– I agree, though it left me tired like I haven’t been in a long time – you grabbed your own clothes and smelled them – Tired and sweaty.

He shrugged.

– Honestly, if you spent your entire day with this young man as your temporary master and didn’t end up with a least a drop of sweat on your skin, it would have been a mistake.

You ended up agreeing with him.

Little after that, you complained that your feet were hurting. Hades’s response was to stop and take you in his arms.

– Hey! – you let out a little scream – I’m not in conditions of being carried right now. Don’t you mind that I’m in need of a good bath?

– I would say that you just need a regular bath, little one – he joked – You would need a good one if you’ve spent fighting legendary creatures.

– You’re exaggerating! – you laughed.

– No, I’m not – he laughed too – And if you complain once more, I’ll give you a bath myself!

Your face heated up with the suggestion, and you hid your face on his chest. After a few minutes, you fell asleep, only waking up when Hades stopped at your room’s door.

– Are you going to take a walk at the Gardens? – he asked – Or do you prefer to stay here and take a rest?

You sighed.

– I’d like to stay indoors, but I know I won’t be able to rest if I do – and, lowering your tone, – I’m still anxious about their arrival.

– Well, if this is the case, a few minutes outside will do you good – he approached and kissed the top of your head – See you.

– See you.

***

It was a pleasing night you found on the outside, with a sky with no clouds and stars shinning vividly upon your heads, and you were glad you weren’t taken over by the physical tiredness.

– I thought of taking you to the lake, but maybe it’s too much for you tonight – Hades had your arm entwined with his while you walked.

– Yes, maybe it is – you replied, looking around – Still, it would be a waste to stay inside the room with such a beautiful night.

You stopped and sat on a bench after a few minutes.

– My only regret is not having brought a treat or at least something to drink – you were saying – I guess we’re going to be forced to walk to the lake anyway!

Hades laughed.

– Really? – he passed his arm around your waist, pulling closer to him – Don’t you want me to carry you there?

You smiled, leaning in to kiss his lips.

– If you carry on with this, I’ll ended up spoiled, my Lord.

After a moment at the bench, you started walking again, this time to the North of the Gardens, a place you knew to be in the same direction of the Gates of Valhalla, through which you and the other girls entered the blessed land. That place, with the golden gate surrounded by dozens of lamps with the shape of rare flowers, was as beautiful as the Secret Garden, though you rarely visit it, and was perfectly visible from the Gardens where you were now.

And that time, you had all the reasons to be happy to see it, for when you looked at the horizon, you saw Hermes crossing the entry followed by a group of people you knew well.

Your beloved family.

#record of ragnarok hades #shuumatsu no valkyrie hades #snv hades #hades snv #ror hades #hades ror #hades x reader #snv x reader #ror x reader #ror hades x reader #snv hades x reader

[retold-tales]

Fated Crossings

Tedros Pendragon x Princess Reader

Summary: the fairwell dance leads him to his true princess

The hall was echoing with whispers and laughs as the students waited for Ms dovey to say why she called them here before their fair well dance its been a few years since Agatha and Sophie left.

Tedros has not anyone since scared their gonna leave her just like she did and he's more focused on his soon to be kingdom and he didn't need someone to distract him.

"Students I have some exciting news, princess yn well be joining us tonight, so be nice she was home schooled because of her mom's horrible accident" she paused clearing her throat.

"She will be joining us for the dance so be respectful and show her the ladies and gentlemen you've become" and with that ms dovey left to do the finishing touches for the dance.

Tedros didn't really care that some princess was coming he just wanted to escape for the night and relax "I'll see you tonight bro" Tristan murmured walking away and all Tedros did was nod.

But he wasn't the only that wanted to escape the prince that was coming tonight had never been outside her castle walls her father saying it was to dangerous and she had to beg him so she could go.

Later that day

"Ms dovey I assure you'll take good care for her" king Edward asked as he eyed his daughter who was bouncing on her feet "I assure king edward princess yn will have the time of her life and be safe" she smiled.

And as soon as king edward got back into his chariot yn was ushered into the ballroom gaining everyone's attention "everyone princess yn" and as her name was announced tedros finally looked up from his book.

He throat felt dry as he watched her carefully walked down the stairs and she was immediately surrounded by people who asked questions and interrupted her whenever she wanted to speak but they were dispursed by Ms dovey and he watched as yn kinda backed into the shadows.

"The balcony is that way" tedros spoke up scaring the poor girl "oh thank you" she squeaked and went out the door breathing in the fresh air "must be hard to be stuck in one place" tedros murmured standing beside.

He felt a connection to her he feels like he can talk to her "yea it's hard even to just getting fresh air I have like 50 men following me armed to the teeth" she whispered staring up to the stary sky.

"How about we ditch this party and I take you on a horse ride" he smiled she wanted to protest because she knew if something happened her father will have her head but she needed to get out.

She nodded her head eagerly and followed him down to the stables where he led her to a beautiful pitch black stallion she lifted her hand to his face and he quickly rubbed his face on her hand "he likes you" tedros smiled down at yn.

He gently helped her onto his horse and settled behind her, she was tightly secured in his arms making her flustered how could she be falling for someone she just met.

He took her around the grounds showing her his favorite spots and only stopped when he came to the cliffs edge where they decided to sit and talk.

They started to speak about her home schooling and his father and kingdom and they soon came to realize they almost had identical personalities.

Yn cuddled up to him as a cold breeze blew over them, he wrapped his arms around her they felt as if they knew eachother since forever tedros thought back to Agatha yes he liked her but not like this.

It was like love at first sight

Tag.List

@alathan13

#fanfic #school for good and evil #school for good and evil x reader #school for good and evil x reader fluff #tedros pendragon #tedros pendragon x princess reader #tedros pendragon fluff #tedros pendragon x reader fluff #tedros pendragon imagine

[cryptidafter]

✨️ Top 9 First Watched Shows/Movies of 2023 ✨️

Tagged by @lugarn 💕! Tagging @thatswhatsushesaid @crithir @nebulathunderwave @takonxmz @whoisthatmovinginthedark @antique-forvalaka and anyone else who wants to talk about their 9 favorite shows/movies they first saw in 2023.

In no particular order:

#1. Word of Honor: I was finally pushed to watch this show after seeing screenshots and fantastic fan art pop up on my twitter for weeks and I was not disappointed. Is the plot a bit of a clusterfuck? Yes. Are the characters fantastic? Yes. Does it push the hell out of the censorship boundaries? YEAH. Did it inspire me to read Qi Ye and Tian Ya Ke which have both become some of my favorite books? YES.

#2. Kinnporsche: Part of my reintroduction to BL and my introduction to Thai BL in general. Mad respect for Mile for seeking out Apo to play the love interest; that's dedication lol. I still haven't rewatched the show, despite how fantastic it is, because I don't think I'll be able to recapture the absolute DELIGHT I felt seeing it for the first time but I'll revisit it soon.

#3. Kingdom: Y'all know how much I love good Korean horror and Kingdom DELIVERED. It's fast-paced, it's fun, it's dramatic. The twists aren't necessarily groundbreaking but the execution of them is solid. The emotional stakes are very much there; I was glued to my screen from start to finish. (Netflix please give me season 3, please I'm begging).

Rest under the cut!

#4. The Rise of Phoenixes: I won't scream about this show because I could go on forever. I didn't think I was one for long political dramas until I watched this and it rewired my brain. Ni Ni and Chen Kun are phenomenal and the behind the scenes footage really showcases how much hardwork they put in to embody Feng Zhiwei and Ning Yi. (Also THE CHEMISTRY). Every crew member also put in 110%, the attention to historical detail and the level of craftsmanship that went into this show blows my mind. THEY USED MINIATURES!!! I feel like you hardly see that anymore! Just check out my quick review for more plot stuff and also the BTS videos on Youtube! Not all of them are subtitled but still well-worth checking out.

#5. Skinamarink: So glad I managed to catch this at a local theater. Unsettling, fairly unique in its execution, and it stuck with me for days after. If you're not into a slow build or found footage style horror, you won't enjoy this but it's definitely one of my favorite movies of 2023.

#6. OldBoy: The local theater came in clutch again by showing the remastered version of Oldboy, which I hadn't seen yet and didn't know anything about despite it being one of my boyfriend's favorite films lol, and I LOVE THIS MOVIE. It features one of my all-time favorite villains to date and it left me totally gutted at the end. If you haven't seen it yet, GO IN BLIND. It's well worth it, trust me.

#7. Playboyy - the series isn't finished yet but I feel confident sticking it on this list because, so far, it's blown my expectations out of the water. I've spoken about how much I enjoy the nuanced take on sex work, sexuality, and relationships but I don't think I've raved enough about how visually appealing the show it to watch! I'm a sucker for surrealistic imagery and atmosphere and Playboyy really does hit the sweet spot between real and dreamlike.

#8. Spider-Man: Across The Spiderverse - THIS MOVIE. The animation was fantastic, the story, the characters. NOT TO MENTION THE SOUNDTRACK! This was a great film to watch in theaters. You can really tell how much love and attention went into every detail.

#9. Double Mints - Shoutout to the person on tumblr who made a screenshot compilation of this movie! It compelled me to seek it out. I wouldn't say it's a good film but I love a toxic, codependent relationship and this movie does that well. The concept is cool and I do love a character covered in blood, weeping which this movie also delivers in abundance. I rewatched it a few days ago for a gifset and I will no doubt watch it again soon lol

#cryptid's thoughts #tag game #top 9 of 2023 #tag meme

[writings-05]

I'll always protect you

I just wrote this on the spot, here's some Changin fluff for everyoneee <3

Description : Y/N is anxious but thank god she got her boyfriend.

TW: mention of feeling anxious, crying a bit

1617 words

The noise of the boys laughing, screaming and having fun could still be heard by you even if you had your earbuds in. You have to finish reading this long ass book before the end of the weekend for you finals exam next week and of course you waited until the last moment to do all the reading. You were currently in the practice room of a boy group called Stray Kids. Why you might ask? Well because you were currently dating your childhood friend and best friend Seo Changbin who was also a part of the group, they were getting recognised worldwide and were starting to prepare for their next comeback. You on the other hand are a uni student with god knows how many assignments that are due soon and you just wished you could fast forward time to summer vacation. You have known Changbin forever and you started dating about 2 years ago, he had always had a crush on you and your feelings simply grew as you both started growing up. It wasn’t easy to manage between his idol life and your student life but hey you weren’t going to complain, he was the perfect boyfriend anyone could ever ask for. Since you knew Changbin then ofc you knew also the rest of Straykids hence the reason why you had your laptop, tablet, books and papers all on the ground in one corner of the practice room and no one really paid attention to the mess, they all knew you were currently craming for your finals and really didn’t need a distraction. Usually, the main reason why you liked to work with them around was because they kept you up, you knew with all the ruckus going on around you, you weren’t going to fall asleep anytime soon while studying. Except today was one of those days, the days were you felt more anxious than usual and actually all the noises around you disturbed you and triggered something inside of you. Changbin was the one who asked you to join them today and you didn’t find it in your heart to refuse, but since this morning when all the noise outside was too much and all you wanted was to curl back into bed and not move you knew today was one of those days.

Changbin was so concentrated on his work that he didn’t even realise that the love of his life was not doing well. You simply got up and went outside to the rooftop of the building. You came out and felt the cold fresh air of spring hit your face and fill your lungs. You took a big breath in and let it out. You opened your eyes and looked out at the skyline of Seoul, such a big city, so much going on at the same time, you wonder how many people are also looking out at the sky as you were. “I knew I could find you here.” A strong but gentle arm made its way around your waist and you felt yourself being pressed against someone’s strong chest. The smell of a all to familiar musk made its way into your nose and you breathed that in in a long breath. “You okay love?” Changbin asked as he felt you melt into his embrace and sigh, he could feel something was wrong since this morning which is why he suggested that you came at the studio with him, soulmate things I guess. “Yeah.. well no but now yes.” You said as you turned around and hugged him. You kissed his cheek and looked into his eyes. They were sparkling with the lights of the city which looked like stars for you, ever since your relationship with Changbin got more intimate you really felt blessed to be able to hold such a gentle, nice and caring being. Being able to wake up next to him, to have him listen to your worries, laughing with him, late night talks, anything really that was done with him by your side was amazing.

Changbin kissed your forehead and hugged you even tighter if that was even possible “What’s bothering you princess?”. Gosh 2 years together and the pet names still trigger butterflies in your stomach, Changbin always knew you liked being called by pet names as they always added a more intimate meaning to your conversations. “Everything ?” you chuckled a bit feeling a bit dumb for saying that “Just idk I why I feel more anxious today, like all the noises around me stress me out and trigger something idk some sort of stress. I love spending time with you all but I guess it’s the uni work just catching up to me I guess.” You replied talking faster than you intended to, something Changbin realised that you do when you feel a bit embarrassed. “I just want to get all of this over with and spend the summer having fun with you and the others.” You add. Changbin just listened, watching you carefully and you fidget with the strings of his hoodie. Before Changbin you didn’t really feel like anyone ever listened to you like he does. Listening and actually giving constructive advice is something a lot of people just don’t do anymore these days. “Okay bun, I understand. Would you like to go back home ? I can stay here with the guys and as soon as we’re done I’ll coming rushing home to my sweetheart.” He said as he put a finger under your chin and lifted your head up. You looked up at him and nodded, the idea seemed doable, being home alone for a few hours might help you get your ideas straight and actually finish all the work you have. You tip toed a bit to reach his lips and gave him a quick kiss. Smiling afterwards you hugged him and thanked him for listening.

You arrived home, you opened your door and put down your heavy bag of uni stuff. When you said goodbye to the others they all had a sad face, telling you to stay for dinner but you just smiled and said you’ll eat with them another time. I mean you will see them again like tomorrow but they liked to be a bit extra. You slumped down into your couch and felt a few tears coming out, ah there it was you thought, you knew you needed to cry, you don’t know why but just needed to let out a bit. You dried your tears, made yourself a cup of tea and sat down determined to finish your work before your boyfriend comes back home.

It was close to one am when you finally put down your pen and shut down your laptop, you got up and cracked your back with a satisfied smile on your face. You still had one assignment left but you told yourself that you still did a good job and one am was late enough for you to get ready for bed. At the same time Changbin opened the door, you were just clearing out the living room as he entered “Oh you’re not sleeping yet great, here I brought some chicken!” He said happily as he showed you the plastic bag containing the goodies. “Wha- but how did you know I didn’t eat dinner?” you asked a bit surprised ? “Soulmate things babe” he said as he winked at you. You shake your head as you take the goodies from his hand, your oh so sweet boyfriend take this as an opportunity to slam you (gently) against his chest and hug you again. “I missed you” he said with a small voice while sniffing your hair which you were sure did not smell great “Missed you too” you answered as you carefully kept your balance and the plastic bag in your hand. “Go sit down let’s eat this together” you said as you looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back, pecked your forehead and went into the living room. You came back out of the kitchen with 2 plates and drinks for the both of you.

You were eating and talking about everything and anything, you told him how you finished most of your work and even tho there was still some left you were still proud of yourself for finishing some of it. He looked at you and was happy that you weren’t giving yourself a hard time, being proud of your accomplishments even if they’re small is already a win. You both cleaned up and washed up as you made your way to your bed. You laid down and Changbin turned off the lights and came next to you, hugging you again so your faces were a mere centimetre apart. “Thank you” you said like a whisper “For what?” he said with a smile as he kissed your nose. “For everything, being here for me, just thank you.” You said as you looked at him with tears in your eyes, you just felt very grateful for everything right now. Changbin simply looked at you as he flipped the both of you so you were on your back, he slowly approached his lips to yours and kissed you sweetly and tenderly. You both stopped to breath as he looked into your eyes and said “I’ll always be here Y/N, always here for you, and always going to protect you.” This time it was you who leaned forward to kiss him again conveying all your emotions into the kiss. The night was spent with the both of you kissing each other as you talked once again about everything and anything.

#fiction #fanfic #changbin fanfic #comforting #cuddling #comfort #straykids fanfic #straykids imagines #changbin fic #changbin x reader #changbin x y/n

[cloudcountry]

*Spoilers for anyone else reading also a slight language warning*

I FINALLY FUCKING DID ITTTTTTT!!!!!!!! I FINISHED BOOK 3!!!!!

Oh man, that was fun but annoying, especially Azul's boss battle he took forever! I really like Azul, Jade, and Floyd. I'm not quite sure who my favorite of the three is! I love them all so much! I couldn't stop giggling like an idiot when everyone was looking at the picture after the boss battle. The overblot voices are so cool, and Azul was no exception. I kinda feel bad for the poor guy. No one deserves to be bullied. (He's still a lovable little shit though lol)

I really like their suits when they are working in the lounge! I also really like their underwater forms! Not to mention just how cool Azul looks in overblot form!

But why was Micky Mouse in my mirror lmao (rhetorical question)?

Now, for the real question since I always ask something: you obviously really like Azul, so who is your second favorite?

OMg!!!! WHWQHAHWHWHWH!!!!!!!!! IM SO EXCITED OMG IM BUCKLING UP RN WHEHHWHEWHEHWH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

overblot azul took me so long to beat too but isn't he just GORGEOUS??? i wish we got to see his merform without the near death experience :((( i would really like a coral sea event but even though i know azul wouldn't be inclined to show that side of him regardless. but yes, the leech twins are beautiful in their merforms. i'm so curious about how their fins and skin feels, with the mucus. it might not be a good idea to touch though since moray eels can be toxic.

azul's been through some tough shit but he came out the other end stronger and smarter, for better or for worse. on one hand, he's a powerful & influential person, which is everything he wanted to be when he was younger. he proved his bullies wrong. he stomped on them with foot and said "HAHA BITCHES WHO'S LAUGHING NOW!!!!" but that's also really bad sometimes because all of that drove him to overblot. he spends all of his time working and working and working because thats all he is. if he doesn't have power he's nobody. of course this isn't true by a long shot. azul is the dork that likes collecting coins. he's the boy that's so close with his family and greatly treasures them. he's the boy that played piano in the band he had with his childhood friends. he's the boy that can sing really well and has an amazing eye for business opportunities. azul ashengrotto is a person without his power, but he feels that's all he has to lean on.

ANYWAYS.....MICKEY MOUSE. i may be stupid but i have no idea why he's showing up. i just kinda rolled with it.

I LOVE AZUL I WOULD GIVE HIM MY SOUL IF HE SANG ONE PRETTY NOTE FOR ME I WOULD THROW MYSELF AT HIS FEET IF HE NEEDED HIS SHOES SHINED I WOULD LAY MY JACKET IN A PUDDLE IF IT MEANT HE WOULDN'T HAVE TO CHANGE HIS COURSE OR GET HIS SHOES WET!!!!! second fav though would be jade, he's also a dork and i think he's really silly. the leech twins never really scared me that much? i think the most intimidating thing about them is their height tbh.

jade single handedly dragged me into researching edible plants (for the harveston event) and got me into watching mushroom documentaries, which eventually got me into the science of mycorrhiza (a symbiotic relationship between orchids, one of my favorite flowers, and mushrooms) so he's taught me like half a bio degree i think /J

also jade's one of those characters that is just gorgeous. there's no explanation for it, he's so just so ethereal. its unhinged. hes so weird. he also played the contrabass when in that band w azul and in the harveston event he talks about having a knack for woodwinds which i FREAKED OUT upon hearing because i play the FLUTE and i was SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

i am so sorry i talked your ear off HELP ME

#🐚! cole #asks <3 #twst spoilers #auburn's rambles <3

[queeniecook]

February 16

Lilith Vatore is on her nightly walk around Forgotten Hollow. There’s one place she usually avoids most nights but tonight she stops in front of the looming structure.

She stares at Straud Mansion, briefly wondering why The Count felt he needed a four story home to himself. Something seems different about the place. The lights. The decorative lights along the eaves. They’re a simple white but it’s not The Count’s style. It makes Lilith wonder if perhaps Vladislaus has female company. This thought for some reason takes her back in time in her memories.

“Caleb, where are you going? I wish to finish our stroll.” Lilith calls her brother, who is running down the path.

“Mother said our company is arriving tonight. It is polite to greet them when they reach the grounds.” He calls back to his sister before disappearing around a corner.

Lilith huffs in a unlady like manner and proceeds to finish her walk by herself. Caleb has always been more of a social person than she. Lilith doesn’t care to change this fact either.

Upon arriving home, Lilith finds her brother talking to a young female. There’s something Lilith instantly doesn’t like about the woman but she keeps her thoughts to herself. Instead, she plays the part she’s supposed to play. She welcomes Miss Helena DiMera to their home. It doesn’t escape her that Miss DiMera is single. Mr. and Mrs. Vatore have been seeking spouses for their children for some time.

Lilith is snapped out of her thoughts when she hears a neighborhood bat whizz by her ear. She swears the creatures are getting braver each night.

Back home she works on training Jackson. Not all of it is physical, she’s been explaining the rules he’s expected to follow if he wishes to remain existing.

She readies herself for bed, she feels tonight might be a night she finally needs sleep. Sometimes, Lilith just enjoys putting on something soft and laying in her bed. It reminds her of being human. She looks at the painting hanging above her bed. Caleb bought it for her in Milan years ago. That’s the only reason she keeps it, she tells herself. It reminds her of someone.

That thought takes her back into her past. To that fateful night.

Miss Dimera’s visit had been going well until that night. She had shown herself to be a well mannered lady. She had accompanied Caleb to a play in Willow Creek. She had even gone with Lilith and Mrs. Vatore to visit the boutiques in Newcrest. Everything was normal.

Until Lilith walked in and saw Helena DiMera sucking the blood out of her brother’s neck.

Lilith stopped in her tracks, frozen still. She opened her mouth to yell but nothing came out. She watched Caleb in the arms of Helena, he seemed in a trance almost. Lilith could hear and feel her own heartbeat pounding in her ears.

“Let him go!” Lilith finally screamed.

Helena froze and released Caleb, holding onto him somehow with one arm. “Hello, Lilith.” She greeted in a eerie tone. “I was not expecting anyone to return yet.”

Lilith didn’t respond, she just looked her brother who was standing only with Helena’s support. His eyes were closed, he looked clammy. His breathing was ragged. Lilith was starting to put everything together in her head. “You are a vampire.”

Helena looked at her surprised but smiled, Caleb’s blood around her lips. “Yes. I am quite surprised you realize this. I may have underestimated this family.”

“You are…turning him?” Lilith questions slowly. It had been a while since she had read her books on the supernatural. Books she had to purchase in private from the local book store clerk, Mr. Potter. Books that her parents would burn if they found them.

“I fancy your brother.” Helena admits, moving Caleb to place him into a chair. She bites her wrist, looking Lilith dead in the eye while she does it. She wouldn’t mind having a little taste of Lilith as well. Maybe later.

Lilith gasps softly but remains silent. She doubts she can stop Helena but even if she’s able to, Caleb would be gone forever. She selfishly doesn’t want that to happen. Her brother is the only one in the entire world that accepts Lilith for who she is. He doesn’t judge her for reading books she shouldn’t. He doesn’t tell her she can’t wear pants or ride horses. He doesn’t tell her she’s crazy for wanting to fall in love before getting married.

All that brought her to the Straud Mansion. Count Vladislaus Straud IV has lived in Forgotten Hollow longer than The Vatore family. She remembers passing by his massive home the first day they arrived in the town when she was only five. Most people avoid him in town, even though a statue of his ancestor is smack in the middle of their town park. Lilith had always found it odd how the statue looks exactly like him. Then she began studying him from afar. Seeing he only comes out at night. How pale his skin is. How he never seemed to change.

She showed up on his doorstep, tears streaking her cheeks but she held herself together. To her shock, he actually let her in.

“I am sure you have heard we have had a visitor.” Lilith starts softly. She didn’t want to just come out and say what she wants. What she needs.

“I am well aware of your visitor and who she is.” Vladislaus tells her, to her surprise. “I think I know why you are here.”

Lilith stares at him for a long moment, deep down it all clicked. “She turned my brother.”

In a odd move, odd to Lilith anyway, the Count places his hands on his hips and shakes his head slightly. “I have made few mistakes in my existence and Miss Hellena DiMera is one of them.”

Lilith blinks, not sure what to say.

“You want to become a vampire to be with your brother.” Vladislaus supplies for the young woman beside him.

“Correct. He has always been there for me. I do not want him to be alone nor do I wish to lose him forever.” She admits with a sigh. She briefly thinks of her parents, she doesn’t know how to handle them after this.

The Count debates within himself. He has sworn off turning anyone since Helena DiMera. Somehow, she had turned out more evil than even him. He hadn’t seen it coming. He looks at Lilith Vatore, who he can tell has good intentions. He knows she’s been watching him, that’s how she’s figured out what he is. “Very well.”

Valdislaus first explains certain things to Lilith before he offers his hand to her to stand up. She quickly takes it and he pulls her to him. Neither of them were prepared for the slight spark that shot through their bodies when they came close to each other.

The bite hurt until it didn’t. Lilith will never tell anyone that she started to enjoy it. Vladislaus let her go, intending to guide her to the couch.

Her knees buckled and he held her steady. Sweat was starting to drip down her brow as she felt the bite on her neck burn. “I will train you.” Vladislaus tells the young soon to be vampire in her arms.

Hopefully, he could get Caleb out of Miss DiMera’s clutches as well and train him. He would rather have them under his tutelage than anyone else’s. He didn’t need two newborns running around, causing havoc.

#the grant legacy #ts4 legacy #lilith vatore #caleb vatore #vladislaus straud #miss hell #yes I got Miss Hell's name from two villian soap opera families xD #An odd thing happened when Lilith and Vlad were together #they were instantly attracted to each other #I had no hand it in it #ts 4 story #sims4 story #sims4 storytelling #generation 2 #ts4 vampires #forgotten hollow #ts 4 #sims 4 #jackson kumar #I had a word vomit today #the story wouldn't stop

[melis-writes]

Hi! I just wanted to say that I finally watched that deleted scene of Michael and Kay prank calling Tom from a hotel and I adored it! I was smiling the whole time and thought that the two were very cute together. Imo that one short scene contained more love/chemistry than the whole Sicily sequence and I wish it was kept in the film. I’ve come to realize how ridiculous the Kay slander really is and how uncomfortable a lot of takes about the film in general have made me. I even saw someone claim that she’s just as bad as the mobsters for getting the abortion 😬. Luckily I found a great article online written in Kay’s defense that I think does a great job summarizing her perspective!

Link: https://nicolesanacore.medium.com/in-defense-of-kay-corleone-87265a2cfb60

Also on the topic of Michael and Kay, I wanted to add that the song Made in the USA by Demi Lovato reminds me of their relationship ^^. Anyway sorry for the long ask and hope you have a good day! 😅

Hiii, sweet anon!! 🥰 Omg yes, that's my favourite since from the first film even if it's technically deleted off of some versions! I love it soooo much! 💖 It's Michael and Kay FOREVER to me. 😭 And I ABSOLUTELY agree with you over the Sicily sequence. In that hotel scene alone we see so much fluff, love, intimacy, the snuggling, Michael smiling at Kay while she's talking to Tom on the phone 😩🥺...!! So many things!

That was one of the first articles I ever read when my hyperfixation for TGF started!! 👀 NOTHING BUT FACTS!

I've been a Kay stan from the moment I watched The Godfather and have always loved her and her character. ❤ She's honestly a very misunderstood and hated character which is so weird to me because the opinions I hear online/on TGF video clips are always misogynistic, hating Kay for standing up for herself/leaving Michael as if Michael's actually a good person...lmao. 💀

I also really wish people would stop comparing Kay and Apollonia all the time; they're literally two different people who played two completely different roles in Michael's lives and impacted him greatly. Sadly with a lot of Kay slander/hate like a good 80% of the time, Kay is hated while Apollonia's praised for being submissive...wishing to give Michael babies, etc, a lot of cringe, disgusting, misogynistic traits some people have been assigning Apollonia like...do you hear yourselves? Yikes. 😬 I also think we can appreciate and analyze both characters without tearing them down (mostly Kay in this case). Kay is also so much more of a developed character in the book too, which I wish we saw in the film because she's almost a completely different person!

Kay is, if anything, one of the most good natured characters in the entire film. From start to finish, she loved Michael and only wanted the best for him and his family, but when he continued to lie to her, put her and her children's life in danger and was all nonchalant about it, you know miss Kay had the right to ask if Michael was a sociopath or what... Michael was SELFISH. 😭 He didn't give a shit about anyone except for himself in TGF1 & Part II.

Kay had all the right to leave Michael's ass imo. I love Michael for so many reasons and he's the blorbo of my blorbos, but I know he's not a good person (nor will I pretend he is lol), the atrocities definitiely make him interesting but he wasn't a great father and not a good husband either. 😩💔 As for the abortion Kay had, tbh I think a vast majority of some people's opinions on it is coming from their own personal opinion of whether they generally support abortion or not. It's always "she killed a baby", it's never considering the context, what happened to her, or anything else, really... Kay is not worse than a mobster for having an abortion. 💀 People just hate strong, independent women like her especially against Michael when Kay wasn't afraid to talk her shit and point out what Michael was doing and who he was becoming.

My bad for the equally long response... 🤣❤ But I love mini discussions like this!! Thank you for your ask! 🥰💖 I'll definitely give that song a listen too!

THEM, THEM, THEM! ❤❤❤

#the godfather #kay adams

[pokimoko]

OH DUDE YESSS I love behind the scenes looks at fics Ohh my god 👁👁 What are some of your favorite details/parallels/moments from in memory of that you would love to talk about? (And if they end up tying into other stories feel free to infodump ab that as well I am all ears)

Oh, I'm so glad you asked. *thumps book binder bursting with notes onto table* Get ready, this is gonna get long. Oh, and don't let this folder fool you, this is far from organised. For anyone else following me who hasn't read the story and would like to, warning, there are spoilers ahead:

Okay first of all, there's the 'sunny morning hello' / 'cloudy afternoon goodbye' parallel that you pointed out in your comment. Originally, I put more of a focus on the fact the sun was going down in the last part, because in 'The Ode to Remembrance' there's the line "at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them", so I wanted to make a subtle reference to that. And also originally it actually started raining after Randall was gone, and Marc took the time to admire it rather than shy away from it; there was a little rainbow and everything.

But! But then my brain was like "why don't we have the story start with Marc meeting his brother, so that the story acts as a chart of Randall from beginning to end, and to give the reader some time with Randall before the cave so they're sad when we inevitably lose him" and welp, couldn't refuse that idea could I? I've always loved first and last lines being a reflection of each other, it scratches an itch in my brain. In the last scene, the sun's still on the process of going down, but I decided to have the clouds part and to have the sun shine of him to represent him making peace with his past, and to show he was allowing himself to move on from that rainy day. I am not immune to pathetic fallacy. (I'll admit, I listened to 'Más Allá Del Sol' a few times while writing the final scene. Thanks to episode 5, I now have a kneejerk reaction to get upset when I listen to it. And also, y'know, the sun motif.)

I personally am very in love with the height chart part. I was trying to think of an image for the header and that came to me with no warning or lead-up (I was in the middle of hugging my mum at the time and gosh, the fact I had to continue acting normal after getting hit with that idea was definitely something. And yes, I do think about my fics while doing normal things. The only problem is that it leads to conversations like this: "oh crap, I'm so sorry, I didn't hear a word of that, I kinda zoned out, I was thinking about Mayan gods" "...Why were you thinking about Mayan gods?" "Uh" *sweats nervously*).

But anyway! The height chart. They mark the passing of time, but they also act as a preservation of what has come before. And of course they're associated with childhood and growing up. Eventually you reach the point where you stop measuring, because you've grown as much as you ever will, and then it remains simply to act as a reminder. Marc's chart is like an old journal entry; you don't remember writing it, or even the context for it, but you know it's your words, written by someone you used to be. But Randall's chart is like an unfinished sentence, (or one that in its shortness tells you everything...'for sale: baby shoes, never worn'). His chart will never be finished, but the indents remain, a reminder of where his story came to a stop.

This is where the Peter Pan inspiration came in. I didn't take inspiration from the story itself, but rather its own inspiration. When J.M. Barrie was 6, his 13 year old brother David died, a day before his 14th birthday. His mother was distraught, having always favoured David, but she took comfort in the idea that he would remain a young boy forever, never growing any older. This concept stuck with Barrie, and he eventually went on to write a story about a boy who would never grow up. In a way, it was his way to cope with what had happened.

For Marc, Randall's youth is a haunting reminder. Marc will grow older, but his brother will always be the same. The distance between them grows with each passing year. As a teenager, there would have come a day that Marc realised his brother had been dead longer than he'd ever been alive. Then that Steven had been around longer. That he'd known Layla longer than he ever knew his brother. Times goes on, and Randall's life in comparison to his own grows smaller and smaller, until it is only a tiny portion, barely a blip. But the marks remain. The distance that time brings only makes it harder for Marc to reach out for who left them in the first place.

The name of the fic was another idea that hit me in the head like a dodgeball to the face (and trust me, I know what that feels like). The working title for a long time was 'to weigh the heart of an albatross', to allude to ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’. In the poem, the titular Mariner shoots down an albatross for really no reason and then, either as a coincidence or as a result of him killing the bird (it's a matter of interpretation), everything goes to shit. The rest of the crew blame him and he is forced to hang the dead albatross around his neck as punishment (and then the crew all die and the Mariner is cursed by Life-in-Death, and is forced to keep living on and suffer as the only survivor, surrounded by the crew's dead bodies, and, well, y'see the connections, yeah?), and I wanted to be like "but see, Marc is the Mariner AND the albatross. He is the guilty man and the one enforcing the guilty. He is burdened, and the burden itself." (The fact Marc was a Marine certainly helped with the idea.)

I also originally wanted the epigraph to be a line from the poem (one contender: 'And they all dead did lie: / And a thousand thousand slimy things / Lived on; and so did I.' Because, survivor’s guilt and all that, and the complete self-hatred in comparing yourself to a ‘slimy thing’. Which as you know in the story, Marc hates..) but none of them fit the way I wanted. I did manage to sneak a sly reference to the albatross with KHONSHU BEING A BIG FUCKING WHITE BIRD HANGING AROUND UNWANTED LIKE A WEIGHT AROUND HIS NECK ENFORCING THE GUILT EVEN FURTHER AND STIFLING JAKE’S FREEDOM. And like, the actual bird Marc sees at the end, flying high.

But then 'in memory of you' came to me, thanks to me thinking about obituaries and such, and since the story is about memory and loss, I thought it was more fitting. I then shortened it to 'in memory of', to make it more open, to have it allude to all the things Marc lost that day. His brother, his innocence, his family. He's living his life in memory of what came before. Around the time of the getting that new title, I also rediscovered the Hill House quote (from an episode aptly named 'Steven Sees a Ghost') and knew it was a perfect fit.

The scene where Marc and Layla are talking about the meaning of their names was in there simply because I found out Layla means "night" and I was like "they really went and called her 'night', huh, in a show called 'Moon Knight...well, I can't let them get away with that, everyone must know." But it is sweet when you think about it, that the Avatar of the Moon god fell in love in with someone named after the night sky. Afterall, the moon shines brightest at night...

Wait. Shit. Oh shit. If that concept shows up in a future fic of mine along with some 'She Walks in Beauty' references you know fucking why.

Anyway. This next detail is actually one I picked up when rewatching the Field of Reeds scene (so many times; I do not particularly enjoying novelising scenes but I knew it was important to explore that scene within the fic itself, as it's an important step towards Marc's self-forgiveness). The way that Taweret says that there is "no danger" there and Marc immediately asks about Steven. Because of course, "when danger is near" and all that. Marc doesn't associate Steven with danger, but rather his safety from it. And when you find safety in something, you keep it close, even when there is no danger near. Because safety is comfort, and comfort is peace. The Field could only offer absence from all things bad, rather than the presence of that which is good, and so of course Marc left. He was never going to find true peace there. He would rather deal with the good and the bad than nothing at all.

Another detail: the movie night choices, because I can't ever just pick a random movie or song and be fine with that, no, no, I have to pick one with meaning. Silly writer brain. Anyway, the movies! If you seen 'The Bridge to Terabithia', I think you'll know why I chose that one; the synopsis literally has '(the imaginary world) helps Jess to escape and cope with a tragedy.' And like...the tragedy itself. 🙃 It's been years since I first watched and I'm still not okay. And 'The Lion King'...well, *gestures at the scene where Simba finds his dad's dead body* *gestures at Scar blaming Simba* *gestures at the years Simba spends trying to escape his past*. Guilt is a very huge part of that movie. Not that Steven would've picked up on that. Just like in 'Absent Place', he does a lot of things subconsciously; using muscle memory he can't remember forming, crying over things he can't remember hurting him, seeing the ghost of a boy he doesn't recognise. There's a blindfold around his eyes, but he keeps swinging the bat anyway, trying to hit the piñata, not knowing where it is or even why he's doing it at all.

Speaking of Steven, I wanted to make his interactions with the ghost distinctly different, to highlight the impact that Marc's guilt has on how he perceives things. With Marc, Randall is very much the epitome of a ghost, lurking in corners and doing nothing but watching. Marc has come to the conclusion that the ghost shows up to remind him of his pain, rather than realising the ghost shows up because he's in pain. But with Steven, Randall acts more natural, almost like a very quiet but kind child. Steven doesn't try to push him away, and he doesn't see him as a source of guilt, but rather comfort and companionship, so Randall acts accordingly.

(I kinda explored the idea of ghosts being shaped by our perception of them once before in a Lucifer fic I wrote a few years back which has, uh, well, a lot of thematic similarities to 'in memory of'. Like, a lot. Grief, guilt, ghosts, hiding in a fantasy, the past lingering. So, yeah, I don't get new ideas, I just pull out my old ones and put new clothes on them.)

But eventually, with the help of Layla and Steven, Marc slowly but surely starts to see past the wall of guilt his mother forced him to build up, and to remember his brother for who he truly was. That's why, by the last scene, when Marc sees him, Randall is swinging his legs and staring up at the sky, acting more like the child he is. Because Marc no longer sees him as something to dread, like you would a ghost, or as a condemnation. He sees his little brother, he sees him crying, and he goes over to give him one last word of comfort: I'm okay. I'm going to be okay. You can go now. Thank you for keeping your promise too.

Jeez, wow, okay, I told you this would be long but I wasn't expecting it to be this long. If you've made it this far, great job. Why don't we tie this whole ramble up with the most behind-the-scene detail of all: the notes I wrote when the idea first came to me, on the 23rd of July. Back when I thought it was really was just going to be 10 scenes.

My notes are usually more...coherent, but it was late at night and I just needed to get the thoughts down. Still, it's fun to see what stayed and what evolved through the writing process, and obviously everything that got added in, because there was a lot that was added in. I salute you Past Me, for ever thinking this would be a short enough story to have roman numerals denoting each part.

Alright, that's definitely enough rambling. I hope you've enjoyed me dumping all my brain's contents onto you. It was fun verbalising some of my thought processes to you and having the chance to explain some of stuff that wasn’t really made explicit in the writing itself. Thank you for the ask! :D

#ask #moon knight #meta #this counts as meta right? #long post #long fucking post #i told you you'd regret asking #when you get me going i fucking go i am an unstoppable object #especially about my writing #i am a child jumping up and down and pointing at my painting and going #did you see did you see #and you are the teacher patting me on the head going #yes dear it's lovely why don't you tell me why the curtains are blue #i love explaining symbolism and writing choices. so much so i had three english classes in my senior years of high school. shocking i know #and i was the only person in my entire year to take those classes too #that's right i had the awful nervewracking privilege of sitting alone in a classroom with no one else but the teacher #if they asked a question i had to answer #but at least the questions were about books and movies #those extra english classes are why i know so many bloody capital R Romantic poems anyway #i literally went back to my old school notes to gather some ancient mariner symbolism for the story #and uh if you ever see me writing about Jake and his kinship to Frankenstein's monster and how he's been treated....you know who to blame #the absent place had many underlying influences from things i learnt: the yellow wallpaper. plato's cave allegory. edgar allan poe's stuff #smoke and mirrors alternatively was inspired by media with magic mirrors: 'football' adventure time. sorceror's apprentice. infinity train #i like to hoard stories in my mind until i can steal them for parts #they are the foundations upon which i build #ANYWAY #thank you again for the ask i am sending you even more hearts #( ○w○)_💜💜💜💜

[bytheangell]

Which ship do you think is the most underrated in modern time Shadow World and why is it Gwynburn?? 💙

You know, I think you’re right and you should say it. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about them at the start, and then when I decided that yes, good, I like this, I was afraid I’d grow attached to them just to have one die in the battle or for them to be parted at the end and unable to return/reunite, but I was so pleasantly surprised that things seem to have worked out for both of them so far, all things considered! <3 

They just work so well together. For Diana to find someone who she trusts enough to be honest and open with, and for that person to accept her entirely for who she is, my heart is so happy for her. And for Gwyn to find in her someone who doesn’t fear him or judge him solely based on stories about him, someone willing to form her own thoughts and have her own experiences with him, I love that so much, too. I LOVE THEM A LOT. 

I wish there was more of them the way I wish there was more of everything in this series, but as far as relatively ‘side-character’s go, I’m actually really glad we got as much of them as we did! 

#gwynburn #diana wrayburn #Gwyn ap Nudd #tda #tsc #yes i finally finished all the books and will talk about them FOREVER if anyone wants to #high-warlock-of-brooklyn #ask rune

[honeypiehotchner]

i don’t even know my last name (Hotch x Fem!Reader) -- one shot

Long time no see! Alright besties, you know the drill, time for a songfic. This one is based on Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name” and it’s very likely that it might have a part 2 ;)

Warnings: fluff, touch of angst, alluding to smut, reckless/drunk Hotch, lots of mentions of alcohol

“I really need to finish packing, you guys.”

“Packing can wait!” your friend Trinity cries, pulling you away from your closet. “We’re going out one more time before you leave us forever.”

“I’m not leaving forever—”

“Indefinitely is forever,” your other friend, Rob, says from the doorway.

The three of you have been an inseparable trio since moving here, and while they’re happy you got your dream job, they’re also extremely sad. The trio is breaking apart, like you all knew would happen eventually, but now it’s really happening.

And, to make it hurt even worse, it all happened so fast. Two weeks ago you got a call from the Unit Chief of the Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico. You talked for a few minutes over the phone, and he offered you the job right then. Apparently, the BAU has had an opening for a few months, and he had been searching for the right candidate since. He didn’t feel confident in anyone until you, and long story short, you said, “When can I start?”

Because of paperwork, background checks, and your current job — as well as packing your things and finding a place in Virginia to live — you couldn’t start right away. But two weeks is still quick, and your head is still reeling from it all.

Yet your friends want to go out.

It doesn’t take much convincing for you to put on stilettos and follow Trinity and Rob out the door. You don’t know when you’ll get to see them again, let alone go out like this, so you bite. And the three of you head into downtown Las Vegas.

+++

A case in Vegas has its many perks. For one, Dr. Reid gets to see his mother. And for two, Hotch gets to watch the rest of his team get absolutely shitfaced.

Rossi smokes cigars in the lounge, Morgan flirts his way into buying a woman a drink, JJ is off at the slots with a martini, and Prentiss is gone within half an hour, most likely back to a hotel room with a woman.

Hotch knows better than to get drunk on a work trip. They are off for now, having solved the case earlier today, but it’s still a work trip, and they still have to travel home tomorrow. Knowing this, though, doesn’t stop him from throwing back a couple shots of vodka, nursing a second glass of whiskey once they’re down.

He’s feeling the beginnings of a buzz when a woman slides up next to him at the bar with two friends. They’re barely buzzed, but they’re about to be drunk with the amount of shots they ordered. He chuckles quietly to himself, sipping his whiskey.

The next thing he knows, he’s agreeing to a round of shots with the group, and the woman putting her hand on his arm.

+++

You wake to a pounding headache, a vibrating mattress, and— in your bra and panties.

In only your bra and panties.

“Oh, fuck me,” you mutter, sitting up in bed. Thankfully, you’re alone, but you didn’t book rooms. Because you live fifteen minutes away from the strip. So you’re in someone’s room, you just don’t know who. Based on the looks of the room, the someone is rich.

The mattress keeps buzzing, and you eventually realize it’s your phone. Grabbing it, you see it’s Rob calling you, and that he and Trinity have tried calling like twelve times each.

“Hello?”

“Finally!” Rob says, in pure relief. “Where the hell are you?”

“Where the hell are you?” you fire back. “Did we book rooms or something?” Please say yes. Please say you’re two doors down.

“Uh…no,” Trinity says. “We’re at the apartment. Are you in a fucking hotel room?”

“Who’s with you?” Rob juts in.

“No one,” you reply quickly. “I’m alone. Surprisingly.”

“Hmmm—”

“Can you guys just come pick me up? I’m starving and I need to finish packing today.”

“Alright, alright, send us your location, we got you.”

“Thanks.” After hanging up, you send your location, your eyes widening when you see what it says. You’re in what might be the most expensive hotel in all of Las Vegas.

Who the fuck did you come here with?

+++

Hotch is the first one on the jet, and arguably the one with the worst hangover. Prentiss is a strong second.

“Looks like everyone had fun nights,” Rossi comments leisurely. “Anyone want to share?”

“Rossi, please,” Prentiss whispers. “Be quiet.”

Everyone shares a look and smiles, except Hotch.

Hotch is too busy staring at something in the palm of his hand. A cheap, gold ring.

Not the one from his marriage to Haley, because that one is in his desk drawer at home. This one is brand new. And he didn’t have it before last night.

Combine that with the fact that he woke up in only his boxers, clothes thrown all around his hotel room, and a sleeping woman next to him — it can only mean one thing.

He got married last night. In fucking Vegas.

+++

Fuck. Fucking fuck.

In the middle of finding your clothes (which were actually piled on the chair, though you’re sure that isn’t where Drunk You put them), you find a polaroid picture of who must be whose room this is.

And who, apparently, is your husband.

The picture is blurry at best, and so overexposed that if it weren’t for your clothes, you wouldn’t be even remotely certain that it’s you in the photo. The man next to you has dark hair and is much taller than you, but that’s about all you can definitively say — and that’s probably half of Vegas’ male population.

Oh, and the picture was definitely taken at one of those “white churches” on the strip where drunk idiots elope with random strangers.

Now, the ring on your finger makes a lot more sense, though that doesn’t make you want it any more than you did prior to this realization. It’s a cheap diamond ring anyway, probably not even real, probably made of glass. It’s pretty, you’ll give your husband that, but it definitely looks like it came out of a machine for two quarters.

Scoffing to yourself, you take the ring off and slip it into your pocket.

The last thing you need is for Trinity and Rob to ask you why you’re wearing a ring.

+++

The next day, you’re moving into your new apartment in Virginia. It’s a bittersweet moment, starting a new life, and leaving your friends behind.

Slowly and steadily, you’re unpacking boxes, putting up pictures, anything to make it homier in the midst of the cardboard.

You find the polaroid that you stashed, a smile crossing your lips. His identity might be a mystery, but part of you loves him just a little. Obviously, you aren’t in love with him — or, who knows, maybe when you were drunk you were in love with him. You did marry him, for god’s sake. You have the ring to prove it.

The ring that is hidden in your wallet.

Polaroid still in hand, you walk into the living area to grab your purse. Unzipping your wallet, you dig around for the ring. In the midst of silver and copper, you find the cheap, Vegas wedding ring.

Smiling softly, you slide it over your ring finger on your left hand.

The action jogs a quiet, hazy memory.

A very, very drunk, “Do you love me?” coming from your lips.

And a very sincere, “I do.”

Whether or not it’s a real memory, you don’t know, or care. You just wish you could reply to him now, whoever he is, and tell him that even sober, you love him still.

+++

Aaron Hotchner has had a long few days.

Since returning from the case in Vegas, the team took a day off, but Hotch didn’t. Too much paperwork to fill out, too many new cases to go over, and too many thoughts about her.

His wife.

He swore that after Haley, he would never get married again. He knows better now.

Or at least, he thought he did. Clearly, he didn’t, since he got married while drunk in Las Vegas, to a woman he barely knows. And, to make matters worse, there are no ways of contacting her.

So now she’s lost. And damn him, he misses her.

“Early bird again,” Rossi comments, not bothering to knock on Hotch’s office door.

Hotch doesn’t even look up.

“Or late bird,” Rossi says, sitting down on Hotch’s couch. “Let me guess, no sleep last night?”

“I tried,” Hotch says, pointing to the couch, but still not raising his eyes. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Missing your wife?”

“Haley and I just spoke yesterday—”

“I’m not talking about Haley.”

Hotch finally lifts his eyes.

Rossi barely smiles. “How do you think a very intoxicated Aaron made it back to his hotel room?”

Hotch puts his pen down, leaning back in his chair. “Do you remember her name?”

“She didn’t say,” Rossi answers. “She was also very drunk.”

“I don’t remember either,” Hotch admits.

“You called her ‘honey’ all night, so I thought that was her name.”

Hotch gives his friend a glare.

“There’s nothing wrong with a little fun in Vegas.”

“Getting married isn’t fun.”

“It seemed like it was.”

“And now she’s gone,” Hotch replies, maybe a little too harsh. “I’m here, and she’s— She’s wherever she lives.”

“Alright,” Rossi knows when Aaron is done listening. “You ready to meet the new agent?”

Hotch glances at his watch. “If she arrives in the next fifteen minutes.”

“Time will tell,” Rossi stands. “Want a coffee?”

“Sure,” Hotch nods, and Rossi leaves without another word.

+++

You’re late. You are so late and you’re going to lose this job before your first day even starts.

Swiping your ID, you enter the building, heading for the elevator. You’re ready to start sweating by the time you reach the BAU’s floor. You accidentally slept through your first set of alarms, so you didn’t technically wake up late, but you woke up later than you wanted to.

Pushing through the glass doors, you follow the instructions you were given via email and head up the small staircase to your new boss’s office.

Halfway through knocking, you say, “I’m so sorry sir, I’m late—”

There, standing up at the desk, buttoning his jacket, is him.

Your husband.

“Y/N,” Aaron says, your name falling from his lips like muscle memory. It’s you.

“Aaron,” you reply. “That’s— I’ve been wracking my brain for two days trying to think of your name and it’s Aaron.”

“You never told me your name,” he says. “I think if you had…”

“You would’ve known it was me immediately,” you finish. “How did I not recognize your voice? We talked on the phone and everything. How did you not recognize my voice?”

“You were already fairly intoxicated when you met me at the bar.”

“That’s…” you pause, chuckling, rubbing your forehead. “I’m so sorry. It was a farewell, last hurrah kind of night before I moved out here. I really did not expect— What?”

Aaron is staring hard at your left hand. “Is that…?”

“What?”

“The ring,” Aaron says, then shows you his left hand. “You’re wearing yours too.”

“Oh,” you begin twisting it around your finger, embarrassed. “I wanted to keep it on, but I know that’s silly. Our first order of business is probably divorce papers.”

That’s the last thing Aaron has on his mind. “Do you want to?” he asks. “I was— I mean, if you don’t want to stay married, then absolutely, we can get the paperwork, but…”

“If I don’t want to get the divorce?” You try not to sound too hopeful, but you can’t help it. “Because I really don’t want to.”

Aaron smiles, relieved. “Then I think our first order of business is breakfast. Have you eaten?”

You shake your head. “I’m starving.”

Aaron opens his mouth to reply, but is interrupted by Rossi entering the office with two cups of coffee and a stunned look on his face.

“Well. The runaway bride came back.”

“Did you meet me when I was drunk?” you ask. “You look vaguely familiar.”

“David Rossi, and yes,” he introduces himself, then hands you one of the cups. “I walked you and Aaron back to his room. You were both, well, let’s just say you were far past drunk.”

“Smashed,” you offer. “I was gone. Completely smashed. Thank you for the coffee, much needed.”

“You’re welcome,” Rossi nods. “And here’s yours,” he hands it off to Aaron. “So, when’s the divorce party?”

You look between Aaron and Rossi, and Aaron smiles. “Not anytime soon,” he says.

“We’re gonna…” you pause, shrugging. “See where it goes, I guess.”

Rossi raises his eyebrows. “Well, I’ll let you get to it.” He turns and leaves without another word, shaking his head to himself.

Aaron walks around his desk, shutting the door and pulling the blinds.

“The team can be nosy,” he explains. “But they mean well.”

“My friends are the same way,” you laugh. “They wouldn’t stop questioning me that morning when I woke up in your hotel room.”

“Ah,” he nods. “I’m sorry. I should’ve left a note or something.”

“It’s okay,” you smile. “But, I think I know exactly where we should start.”

Aaron furrows his eyebrows. “Where?”

“What all did Drunk Me tell you?”

“A lot,” Aaron smiles, stretching his hand out toward his couch. “Let’s sit down.”

#aaron hotchner #criminal minds #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x fem!reader #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotchner songfic #songfic #aaron hotchner fanfiction #aaron hotchner fluff #aaron hotchner fanfic #hotch x reader #hotch x you #hotch x fem!reader

[messers-moony]

So Perfect | J.P

Paring: Young!James Potter X Fem!Lupin!Reader

Summary: James falls in love with a bookstore called, Lupin’s Library, and can’t believe what they’re going through. 

The bookstore was quiet most days. It was a tiny little two-story shop in London. The idea was it had a book for everyone. On the second story was a living quarter for the two siblings that worked at the shop. It was a small two-bedroom apartment, but it did what it was needed to do. 

Remus and Y/n Lupin were the owners of the shop. It was their eighteenth birthday gift from their parents. Growing up, their parents didn’t have much, so for them, it means a lot. The name of the shop was something simple - Lupin’s Library - but inside held memories that they would cherish forever. 

When they started the business, it was slow. Most days, no one would enter, and Y/n worked a separate job to help Remus pay the bills. But after a year it seemed that people preferred the shop over any other place in London. They enjoy the warmness of Remus’ smile and the radiant happiness from Y/n. 

Remus worked behind the counter at the register, and when there wasn’t a customer, he was reading on the stool he sat on. Y/n did inventory and stocked books. She didn’t like to sit still, preferring to be on her feet moving around. Sometimes early in the morning, she’d grab donuts to leave on the front counter for early customers. 

There was nothing like Lupin’s Library, and that’s why people loved it. 

The bell-ringing announced a new customer into the shop. It was a tiny ding, nothing majorly loud. Y/n was stocking books while Remus was sleeping upstairs in his room. Over the past winter, he had caught a nasty cold leaving Y/n to take over the bookstore until he got better while also trying to take care of him. 

“One moment, and I’ll be with you!” Y/n called as she slipped the last book into place. 

She skipped to make it behind the counter where she met a man about her age - twenty-five. He was taller than her, maybe just around six feet. His hair was messy and curled slightly at the ends. His eyes were a beautiful hazel, and he radiated a certain playfulness Y/n could get used to. 

“Mornin’ sir!” James was taken away by her light and fluffy accent, “What can I do for you today?”

He smiled, “Looking for something to read for my son.”

“How old is he?”

“He’s about to turn five.” James smiled proudly. 

“That’s adorable!” Y/n gushed, “Any way we have magic treehouse books, maybe he’d like those?” 

“Maybe, he’s been begging for new books.” James ran a hand through his hair, “It’s the only way I can get him to calm down.”

Y/n smiled, “You know, on Saturdays, I read to kids. If you want him to join us, he’s more than welcome. Saturdays, I read to kids five to nine. Sundays, I read to kids from ten to fifteen.”

“Wow,” James replied, “I’d love to take him in if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all!” She smiled, “Everyone’s welcome.”

James gave a grin in response as he searched the Library for these Magic Treehouse books. It took him five minutes before even finding the kids section, but when he did, James grabbed the set of them. He placed each book on top of another and brought them to the counter of the pretty girl. 

He watched at how gently and smoothly she moved the books to scan them. James was so focused he didn’t even notice her handing him the books and the receipt, “But I didn’t-“

“It’s on the house.” Y/n replied, “I’ll see you Saturday.”

James’ face flushed; he hadn’t felt this way since Lily, “I’ll- um- see you Saturday….”

He walked out of the shop with a happy smile placed on his face. James hadn’t felt flustered and nervous around a girl since Lily in seventh grade. He had been head over heels for her since then. They began dating in sophomore year and had Harry right out of high school. It was poor planning on their part, but Harry was everything James had dreamed of. It wasn’t until Harry’s second birthday when Lily said she couldn’t take it anymore. 

Not only had it broken James’ heart, but it broke Harry’s too. Harry had no idea where his momma had gone. What broke James’ heart the most was Lily saying she wanted absolutely nothing to do with either of them. Lily had placed the engagement ring on the wooden table, collected her things, and left, just like that. 

Then it was just them against the world. James and his little mini-me, as Sirius would say. Sirius was the one who recommended the bookshop. He wouldn’t shut up about how cute the boy behind the register was (“Oh James, his hair looks so fluffy!”). It was like hearing a broken record. James didn’t see the boy with fluffy hair, but he did see the girl with the radiant smile. 

That night James sat beside Harry in his twin bed. Harry was thrilled to see the new books on his shelf, and as James began reading, Harry became more hooked with each page. When James shut the book, Harry was devastated. He wanted to know more and finish the book! Alas, he had to go to sleep, and if he did, James promised him that they’d finish the book tomorrow. 

When James brought up going to Lupin’s Library on Saturdays, Harry was ecstatic! He couldn’t wait to meet the new kids and begin a new book. By the time Saturday rolled around, they had finished two of the Magic Treehouse books. James entered the shop with Harry in front of him, hands on the little boy's shoulders. Now at the counter, he saw the boy with fluffy hair. 

“Good afternoon, sir.” He greeted in the same soft accent, “Here for the kids reading circle?”

Harry nodded, and the boy chuckled, “Great. It’s just in that back corner.”

James thanked him before bringing Harry to the back corner, where kids were already sat on a rug. Blankets were spread among some of them, and the girl was sitting on a chair in the corner while the kids made a semi-circle around her. James beckoned Harry to sit, and James smiled at the girl in the chair. 

As the reading began, James decided to venture through the bookstore. The bookshelves were surprisingly clean and rid of any dust. The books were taken care of, not a crease or bent page unless he went into the used section. Some people preferred new books; some preferred used. There truly was a book for everyone in here. 

He made his way back to the front desk with some books he had gained from the shelves. A multitude of paperbacks and gently placed them on the counter. Remus put a bookmark in his book and began to scan each book just as smoothly as the girl. His hands didn’t seem as soft. They looked calloused and scarred. Sirius’ type, all the way. 

“You wouldn’t happen to see a boy with straight black hair in here sometimes?” Remus quirked an eyebrow, “Wears ripped jeans and a leather jacket?”

Remus smiled, “Yes, we get him in here quite frequently.”

“Do you mind if I got your number for him?” James questioned, “He’s talked the world of you and your bookstore.”

“It’s not just my bookstore.” Remus correctly playfully, “My sister works it with me, who I see you’ve been well acquainted with.”

James’ face flushed pink, “I didn’t- I don’t-“

“It’s fine.” Remus replied, handing him the books and the receipt, “She’s a big girl. I trust her to make her own decisions.”

“I didn’t pay for these.”

“You can thank my sister.” Remus winked as he sat on the stool and began reading. 

James grunted at not paying again. He rummaged through his wallet and placed forty pounds in the tip jar. Remus chuckled and shook his head at the gesture, appreciative nonetheless of the man's kindness. Another thirty minutes went by, and Harry was running back into his dad's arms. 

“That was awesome!” Harry exclaimed softly, “She was so nice! She gave us lollipops!”

“Did she?” James asked, and Harry nodded. 

Y/n smiled softly as she joined Remus behind the counter, grabbing some books to stamp while all the kids filed out to find their parents, “Looks like we’ll be back next Saturday.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Y/n replied, “I’ll look forward to it.”

Harry smiled, “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

James and Harry walked out of Lupin’s Library together with smiles on their faces. Harry wouldn’t stop jumping with joy the entire day. He couldn’t get over how lovely the lady was and how she gave him a lollipop. Truthfully, it was the little things when it came to kids. Remus chuckled as they left the library together. 

“He quite likes you, I’d say.”

“Little kids like anyone who give them candy.”

“I don’t mean the boy.” Remus replied, “I mean the adult who seems quite fond of you.”

Y/n hmphed, “And what about the man who wears the leather jacket and the straight black hair?”

Remus blushed, “‘Oh, Y/n, he’s so perfect.’” Y/n mocked.

“You’re annoying.” Remus nudged her with his elbow. 

“Love you too.” 

It wasn’t until Wednesday when he came back in again. Y/n had been absent from the shop due to having to help her friend bartend. Despite working at the bookshop full time, she still had a part-time job bartending. If she spent the whole day at the bar, then she spent the entire night at the bookstore. Working two jobs was no easy feat, but she did it. 

James walked in and wandered aimlessly after not seeing or hearing her. Remus smiled amusedly as he walked in and continued to read his book. James felt the spines of the books but never plucked one from the shelf. Remus got tired of his lost puppy look and finally called to him. 

“She’s not here, you know.”

“Oh,” James muttered, “Where- Where is she?”

Remus placed his book down after bending the corner of the page, “Helping a friend.”

“I’m sorry for wasting your time,” James replied nervously as he went to walk out the door. 

“Wait!” Remus called, and James turned, “I can- um- I can give you her schedule if you want.”

“Schedule?” James questioned, “She doesn’t work here full time?”

Remus shook his head, “No, she works part-time at a bar around the block. It helps-“ He scratched the back of his neck, “It helps pay the bills.”

“You guys don’t make enough to stay in business?” 

“No, we don’t.” Remus murmured, “I can't really do much else other than work here, so Y/n took up another job. Which she hates, and it drains her.” 

James was appalled. These people were so nice and kind. How weren’t they making enough to stay in business? Remus looked utterly embarrassed by the whole thing, confessing to a customer that they were struggling. James, himself, was a Nephrologists at a hospital not too far away. His family was small, and he made a lot of money. 

Without another word, James left the shop leaving Remus in a confused state. He walked to an ATM that was only a couple of blocks away before pulling out a decent amount of cash. James walked back into the bookstore and placed an envelope on the counter. Remus stared at it confused as he got on his own two feet to open it. As he peeled back the seal, he saw what was inside. 

“I’m sorry, I can’t-“

“Please.” James begged, “Harry would be devastated if his favorite place went out of business.”

Remus had tears in his eyes as he placed the money beneath the counter, “Thank you. You have no idea what this means. Our parents bought this shop with almost nothing, and we’ve been trying, but it’s so hard.”

“Well,” James began, “I don’t know if I could live with myself if this place was gone, especially after knowing you’re guys’ kindness.”

Remus smiled and grabbed a piece of paper with a calendar on it. At the bottom, he wrote his and Y/n’s names along with their phone numbers. His handwriting was tidy and curvy. Remus handed the piece of paper to him, and James took it gratefully. 

“It’s Y/n’s schedule along with her part-time bartending job. Our numbers are at the bottom.” Remus motioned to the calendar and at the numbers on the bottom. 

“Thank you, Remus.” James smiled as he pulled out a business card from his wallet, “Obviously, you don’t need me to be your doctor, but my number is on the card if either of you needs anything.”

Remus took the two cards gently, “Thank you, James. We really won’t forget this.”

“I’m glad.” James smiled, “Because I won’t forget you two.”

He left the bookstore with a skip in his step. It felt good to do that. James hadn’t felt this happy since Harry was born, but now he felt like himself again. He felt like that energized boy from middle school who was always destined to be great. 

James didn’t know what it was like to be poor. He grew up with his parents being doctors. They made decent money, and James always got what he wanted. They lived with the higher class. It made his heart ache that Remus and Y/n, who were so sweet we’re struggling. He couldn’t take it. He had to do something. It felt good to do that something. 

Around the block was a bar called Whiskey Woes. It was old and rugged-looking. The black stone bricks seemed to be cracking in every spot. It made James grimace. Walking inside was even worse. The pungent smell of older men with no taste for cologne made him scrunch his nose. But behind the counter, he saw an exhausted girl who was giving it her all to get tips. 

James made his way to sit on a barstool, and sluggishly Y/n made her way to him, “Good afternoon, sir! What can I getcha today?”

“A glass of water?” James replied, lifting his head, and Y/n let out a visible sigh of relief, “‘Course.”

A minute of running around the bar later, a glass of water was placed in front of him, “How’s work, Y/n?”

“How’d you find out my name?”

“Well, your name tag says it.” James pointed, “And I went by the bookstore today.”

Y/n hummed, “Remus tell you where I work, huh?”

“Yeah.” James replied, stirring his water with his straw, “And I want you to quit.”

“Excuse me?”

“I want you to quit working at this shithole.” James repeated, “And take this.”

Another envelope was passed to her across the bar. Y/n eyed him as she broke the glued seal on the white paper. Inside she saw cash, and it didn’t look like just a tiny amount either. Y/n’s face showed visible shock, and James smiled sheepishly. 

“Consider it a tip.”

“This is more than a tip.” Y/n chuckled, “This is like three of my yearly salaries.”

James’ smile faltered just a tiny bit, “You don’t belong here. You belong at the bookstore with Remus. You don’t seem happy here, and Remus sees it too. Says you come home exhausted and drained.”

“Is there anything I can do to repay you?” 

“Maybe go on a date with me?” 

Y/n blushed, “A date?”

“Yeah, a date.” James muttered. 

“I think you deserve a lot more than a date.” Y/n replied, and James smirked, “Only if you’ll let me.”

She laughed, and it made his stomach flutter. It was a sound he wanted to hear forever. It made his heart flip and the corners of his lips quirk. The way she tilted her head back and how her hair flowed as she did so—the crinkle of her nose and the creases of her eyes as she shut them tightly. 

She was so perfect. 

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