#sorry for my absence! this year's been quite busy for me ^^;

[wreckofawriter]

Only If You Catch Me

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pairing: fred weasley x fem!reader

summary: fred had always been frustrated by your endeavors with other men, especially other men that always looked quite a bit like him. after a disastrous mistake during quidditch practice you find yourself wondering how you had never seen fred Weasley in the light you saw him in now

word count: 4.4k

warnings: jealousy, language (maybe?), only proof read once so sorry for any mistakes!

a/n: this is my first big piece in ages, I hope you guys enjoy and im so sorry for my prolonged absence i fell off on writing for a while and im just now getting back to it

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Some things were just facts, plain and simple; the sky is blue, two and two is four and you had a type.

“Another ginger I see.” Alicia murmured as you sat down across from her, pints of butter beer clinking together. Your eyes were locked with a pretty freckled boy by the bar. 

You huffed even though she was quite right, this must have been the third redhead that you set sights on this year. “Well William got boring and,” You paused wrinkling your nose, “-pushy” 

The Three Broomsticks was packed, the sounds of chatter and warmth guarding you from the icy cold of the blizzard that had swept through Hogsmeade. You and Alicia had joined the dozens of students seeking cover in the popular pub and quickly snagged a small table near a large fireplace where you now looked out on the sea of flushed faces and smiles. 

“With your type it's a wonder your last name isn’t Weasley.” Your friend chuckled and you laughed. 

“If I could have gotten my hands on Charlie, it would be.” You replied, your silly crush on the older Weasley brother lasting from your first year to what you were sure would be your last. 

Alicia giggled, taking a large swig from her pint, licking the foam off her top lip. “Why not one of the twins then?”

“What twins?” A voice asked from behind you.

“She couldn’t be talking about us now could she, Georgie?” Fred jested.

“No no,” The other replied, “I mean what could Spinnet possibly want from us?”

Alicia rolled her eyes with great effort, “Trust me when I say I want nothing to do with you. As for my friend here, I don't know if I can say the same.” she said with a smug grin and you sent her a furious look.

Fred smirked, leaning over the back of your chair, his large palms ghosting your shoulders, “Is that true? Do you need something from us?” He leaned in even further, his nose brushing your hair, “from me?”

You began to look a bit red as he pulled away, “Please Weasley,” you managed to scoff “since when do I need things from you? In fact, I believe you still have my Charms notes.”

Fred had come to stand in front of you now, George joining his side, “It's just that your notes are so much better for writing Flitwick’s essay. ” He argued. 

“You don’t even take notes.” You said, exasperated. 

“Exactly” The twins replied in unison. 

Alicia snickered beside you.

Chairs appeared and Fred and George sat. The table seemed half the size it was before as Fred's elbow knocked against yours.

“Made yourselves at home have you?” You spoke, wincing.

Fred just grinned and leaned purposefully closer, thighs now brushing.

You slid towards Alicia who was turning a laugh into a cough and set your eyes back on the boy with freckles. 

“You headed to the Slytherin match next weekend?” Alicia asked absently.

“Of course.” George replied, “I’ve bet Lee a galleon that Malfoy catches a bludger with his nose.” he chuckled,  “He reckons it’ll be his gut.” 

You all smiled at the idea, no one hated Malfoy more than those on the Gryffindor quidditch team. 

“We also have business to do.” Fred said, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.

“You don't have any more of those nosebleed nougats do you?” You asked, eyes still across the room, “I’ve got to get out of Binns’ class tomorrow.” 

Alicia's eyebrows shot up, you hardly missed History of Magic, or as you liked to call it, nap hour. “Why's that?”. 

“No reason.” You mumbled, intently staring into your butterbeer. 

Fred’s eyes darted between the two of you. 

“Of course we’ve got some.” grinned George, oblivious, “2 sickles a pei-.”

“Or for free if you tell us what you're up to.” Fred interrupted, catching a strange look from his brother. 

“I'm not up to anything!” You gasped with a bit too much enthusiasm. 

Alicias eyes had narrowed to slits and Fred had never looked more unconvinced. 

Your face began to grow hot and you found yourself wishing you had more grace in the act of lying.

“Oh come off it,” George said, “If she wants to snog Murphy instead of hearing about the seventh generation of goblin rebellions, who are we to judge?” 

You were glowing pink now, sending a vicious look at George who had taken to sipping his drink innocently. 

Fred looked appalled, his face contorted like he had just caught a whiff of something horrible, “Murphy!” 

“Keep your voice down.” You hissed angrily, glazing across the room again to be sure he hadn’t heard, “I'm trying to keep it quiet.” 

Fred was fuming, “Who wouldn’t, swapping spit with a git like that.” 

You scoffed, pulling out a small coin purse, “Can I just have some nougat?”

“Nope.” Fred responded, voice suddenly ferocious, “We’re out.”

You were beginning to grow frustrated, “George just said you had some.”

Fred glared at you, “We’re out.” he repeated his nose high in the air.

You turned to George looking for help but he threw you an I’m-not-getting-into-this look and you were forced to round back on Fred. 

You glared at each other for a moment before Fred caved, "Fine we’ve got some,” He huffed, “Three Galleons.” 

Your mouth dropped, “George said 2 sickles!”

He crossed his arms, “They’re in high demand.”

You stood, chair flying back into the wall with a loud crack, “You’re a complete prick.” you said sharply snatching your bag and sweeping past Fred and over to meet Finn Murphy  who was now standing to leave the pub. 

“Well I think you handled that well.” Alicia said, grinning at Fred who looked as though he had been slapped. 

George, who looked all too happy with himself for instigating such an interesting conversation, helped himself to the remains of your butterbeer as you and Murphy bowed out into the flurry of white followed closely by Fred’s glare.

“Looks as though she's gonna snog every redhead at school before you.” Alicia snicked. 

“Yeah,” George snorted, “You might want to keep an eye on Ginny.”

Alicia giggled even harder, pressing a hand to her lips in an attempt to keep her drink in her mouth. 

Fred could hardly hear them, too busy envisioning your latest with large boils all over his face or perhaps vomiting indefinitely. 

Alicia managed to contain herself and shot Fred a sympathetic glance, “I've been trying you know, I keep bringing you up but she seems far more interested in Charlie.” 

“Charlie!” He guffawed, “But he's been gone for ages!”

“Well he seemed to have made quite the impression.” Alicia chuckled. 

“He was captain when she was appointed to the team.” George pointed out. 

“Yeah when she was TWELVE” Fred gasped. 

Alicia couldn’t help it, she had started laughing again, “Relax,” She spoke between breaths, “It’s just a silly school girl crush.” 

Fred looked unconvinced and began to tap his heel incessantly against the floor.

“Take it as a complement!” She continued, “Charlie looks quite a bit like you, I mean you are related after all.” 

Fred was not taking it as pleasantly as she suggested and began to rap his foot on the ground even faster, “We’ve got to do something.” 

“We?” George snorted, “This is all you mate. I’m not the one in love with her.” 

Freds ears grew pink, “I’m not in love with her!” he sputtered. 

“Whatever you say.” Alicia spoke rolling her eyes.

The truth was that if Fred wasn't in love with you, he was so close he may as well have been. At the very least he had been pining after you for years and he had never been particularly quiet about it. In fact he was the opposite of quiet about it. His flirtatious remarks and dazzling complements were quite consistent. Unfortunately so was his coursing jealousy as you paraded around with boy after boy who was not him.  Every year he swore would be the year. The year where you finally realized it was him you needed and all would be right in Fred's world. But time and time again he failed as you walked out the door with a different redhead. He was growing nervous, his seventh year was upon him and this may be his last chance before you were all carted off in different directions never to see each other again. The frustration of it all was turning him bitter.

That night Fred lay awake on his four-poster, staring at the ceiling venomously. What was it? He wondered, What was it that he didn't have that every other ginger you knew seemed to possess? Why was it never him pulling you into broom closets and meeting you after classes? What was he doing wrong? His thoughts spun until he drifted into an uneasy slumber. 

By the time he arrived at the quidditch pitch for practice the next morning, the rest of the team was already changing into their robes as Angilina scribbled vigorously on the chalkboard in front of them, already changed and ready. 

“Fred!” She shouted watching him try to sneak his way into the bustle of the team unnoticed, “What took so long? I was beginning to think I would have to send George back up to wake you.” 

He shrugged, “Sorry Cap, I didn’t get much sleep last night if you know what I mean.” he winked at her and she looked sorely unamused. 

You on the other hand perked up at the insinuation, finally looking at the twin who, in protest of his behavior the day before, you had been ignoring. 

“She gets what I mean,” He smirked nodding towards you, “Up late with Murphy boy last night?” He asked viciously. 

You flushed as the changing room filled with chuckles. 

“Murphy?” Angelina asked, turning to you, “Isn’t he a bit,” She paused, “dim?” 

You scowled at Fred silently before snatching your broom from the rack and marching so quickly out onto the pitch that you hadn’t even noticed you had hit Harry in the temple with its handle. 

As Potter groaned in pain and fixed his askew glasses Fred looked over to Alicia who was shaking her head slightly. As the rest of the team slowly followed you out onto the field she and George made their way towards him. 

“You’re an idiot.” Alicia groaned, “No wonder she won’t go out with you.”  

George chuckled.

Fred glared at the pair, “It’s not my fault she insists on only snogging boys who are 'a bit dim.'" he spoke, mocking Angelina.

“I know that this may be hard to wrap your head around,” Alicia spoke sharply, “But maybe she went out with Murphy because he was, ya know, nice to her.” She then shouldered past the twins leaving Fred gapping at his brother desperately. 

The day was crisp, the heavy licks of winter drawn in by a bitter wind. But the sky was clear and the sun was out, much to everyone’s appreciation. 

Fred mounted his broom still angry, feeling foolish for upsetting you yet again as you stood with your back to him defiantly. 

The whistle blew and the balls were released as the team kicked off, snow flying in all directions as you did so. 

Fred's head was not in practice as it should have been but instead on you, watching you speed towards the goal posts with the quaffle already under your arm. You scored easily on Ron with a feign left.

Fred was so absorbed in you that he had completely forgotten about the bludgers, one of which was hurtling at him with frightening speed. With little time to react he swung his bat wildly and pitched the bludger in the opposite direction, which with a sickening feeling he realized was right at you. 

He tried to shout but you must not have heard him over the howling of wind in your ears. Because when the bludger struck you heavily between the shoulder blades you were completely unprepared. Your vision danced as the air was knocked from your lungs. You were flung from your broom with a shriek and began to plummet.

Fred streamed after you, urging his broom towards the ground with a frightening speed. His Cleansweep shuttered under the immense pressure he suddenly held it in and never before had Fred wished so badly for Potters Firebolt. 

He managed to get beneath you mere feet from the ground. The force at which you hit him knocked you both into the snow with a heavy thud, and there was a sickening sound as his broom snapped in two. 

Neither of you moved for a moment, the snow settling around you and beginning to melt through your robes. 

“Are you alright?” Fred asked and was struck with panic when you did not respond. He sat up quickly pulling you with him, your legs tangled together in the snow. He called your name desperately, hands holding your face as you lay limp in his arms. 

Angelina landed beside the pair followed closely by George and Alicia both of whom were wearing nervous expressions. 

“Y/n!” Fred shouted again, tears stinging his eyes, fear gripping his throat like a vice. He was moments away from shaking you when your eyes slowly peeled open. 

“Fred?” You mumbled, confused. 

The boy let out a barking laugh of relief and then dove into a hug, almost knocking you back to the ground. 

Bewildered, you returned his embrace and realized quite suddenly how much larger than you Fred really was. You practically disappeared into his chest, his broad shoulders shielding you from the wind that whipped across the pitch. You felt frighteningly warm listening to his heart beat quickly beneath his robes. Your cheeks were hot as he pulled away from you and began to search for any look of pain or damage on your face. 

“Are you alright love?” He asked again and was washed with relief when you nodded. 

As you fully realized what was going on around you, you gasped, pulling the handle of Fred's broom out of the snow.

“Your broom!” You looked horrified, “Fred, your broom broke!” 

Fred on the other hand brushed it off helping you to your feet and beginning to pat the snow off your robes, “It’s alright, I’m sure it's fixable.” he shrugged, “Listen, I am so s-”

But before Fred could finish his apology George burst between the two of you, “I am so sorry!” He spoke hurriedly, “The bludger caught me off guard. I swear I wasn’t aiming for you.” 

You chuckled, giving George a pat on the shoulder, “I sure hope not, but 's not me you should be apologizing to anyway.” You said, “It's Fred’s broom that broke.”  

George did not issue his brother any regrets and instead sent him a wink, whipping his wand out of robes and shouting “Repairo!”

The broom snapped back together and Angelina, who was desperate to get back in the air, looked to you, “You alright then?” 

You nodded with a grin and turned back to Fred who was testing the strength of his brother's repair. 

“Thank you so much Fred,” You gushed, looking up at him through your lashes. 

The boy's heart skipped a beat, stomach lurching, “It was no problem really.” He breathed and miraculously found you in his arms for the second time as you lunged towards him.

“Thank you.” You murmured into his robes before disconnecting and swiftly boarding your broom again. 

Fred watched you leave struck for a moment. Alicia shot him a thumbs up and a grin before he was able to clumsily climb onto his own broom and follow you back up into the air. 

By dinner the story of your fall had been told and retold so many times that you were now said to have plummeted upwards of a hundred meters before Fred had heroically scooped you onto his own broom, saving what was sure to be your life. 

In the great hall you kept getting asked if you were okay as down the table Fred got clapped on the shoulder and congratulated for his great save. He seemed to be enjoying the new story a fair bit more than you were. 

Finn had come over to ask about you halfway through dinner but you found suddenly that he was no less than boring and he returned to the Hufflepuff table after a few short minutes with a look of disappointment on his face. 

Fred watched this with such delight he was sure he was glowing. George -who he had been applauding as the best wingman one could ask for all day- poked him hard in the side and pointed down the table to where you sat. Fred turned to catch your eyes already on him. He winked exuberantly and you turned away with a scoff, but your cheeks had taken a rather deep shade of red. 

He grinned so wide at George he thought his lips might split, “I mean this is some real progress!” He cheered, “Did you see that? She was staring at me!” 

Down the hall you turned to Alicia, cheeks still pink, “Have you ever noticed how tall Fred is?” You asked so suddenly she choked on her pumpkin juice. 

You stared at her curiously as she wiped her mouth with her sleeve smiling, “Oh yeah very tall.”

You hummed looking back down the table at the elder twin who was now laughing wildly at something Lee had said, “I guess I never really thought about it before.” 

Angilina shot Alicia a glance as you were distracted and the two of them broke out into giggles. 

“What?” You demanded though you were still smiling. 

“Oh nothing.” Angilina grinned and you huffed turning back to your dinner. 

You found yourself wishing Fred had chosen to sit a bit closer to you as you watched a group of girls across from him break out into giggles at something he said, “There's no way he's that funny.” You muttered knowing he in fact was. 

  Yet you couldn’t find yourself being all that jealous as he kept glancing up at you, as if checking to make sure you were still watching him and much to his delight you always were. His shoulders, you noticed from where you sat picking at plum pudding, were quite wide, his arms toned. It was no wonder that he had engulfed you completely out on the pitch. 

How had I never noticed this before? You found yourself wondering. How had he managed to escape your list of potential suitors when he was so obviously perfect for you?

The thought struck you rather abruptly and while you would have liked to have sat with it for a minute, Alicia was standing and you knew it was time to head back to the common room. 

As students began to flood from the hall you fiddled with the sleeves of your robes, thoughts full of brown eyes and freckles . 

As if summoned, Fred appeared at your side grinning widely, “Hello.”

“Hey Fred,” replied Alicia. 

“Have you guys heard the news?” He asked, throwing an arm around your shoulder. You tried hard not to blush and instead shook your head, staring at the floor. “Apparently, you owe me your life.” He was beaming down at you now and you found it hard to look away. 

“Oh yeah?” You smirked, “And I heard it was actually you who hit me with that bludger.” 

His smile disappeared only momentarily and you were happy to see it recover so quickly. 

“Ah well, I figured Angelina wouldn’t keep her mouth shut.” He shrugged, “Though I swear if I had a choice I would have knocked her off her broom instead.” 

And for the first time that evening jealousy took you strongly, “Oh yeah? I suppose she would have been a bit more fun to catch then?” 

Fred looked startled by your bristly reaction, “Nah,” He responded, “That would have been Georgie’s job.” 

You were satisfied with this answer and felt yourself leaning against him as you began up towards the tower.

George was delighted to see you still tucked beneath his brother's arm when you reached the common room. He called you over to where he sat and you placed yourself in a large squishy armchair as Fred perched himself beside you on an ottoman. 

You spent your evening rather uneventfully, finishing an essay for Snape as the Gryffindors slowly filtered off to bed in pairs. When George rose to take himself to the dormitory you expected Fred to follow but instead he stayed rooted by your feet where he now sat cross legged on the carpet looking over what looked like an extensive order form. 

Hours later you yawned, stretching when you finally finished your work. It was now well past midnight and only a few fifth years remained, cramming for a quiz in transfiguration the next day. You turned to look at Fred who had long since sprawled himself across the couch before the fire and found him snoring softly. 

A jolt of infatuation made your stomach flip. His messy hair glowed shockingly bright in the fire light, his pink lips slightly agape. You gathered your things slowly, sure not to wake him before you stood beside him.

You knew you should wake him, you were the reason he had not retreated to bed after all. But he looked so peaceful like this, so soft. Instead you found yourself slowly counting the freckles that sprawled across his cheeks, leaning close to brush a strand of his bright red hair out of his face. He woke immediately at your touch, large brown eyes locking with your own.

You felt your cheeks go hot, “You should go up to bed.” You mumbled beginning to pull away. 

He snatched your wrist with such haste it took you by surprise, “Do that again.” he spoke.

You furrowed your brow, “What?” 

“With my hair,” It was his turn to blush now, “Touch my hair again.” 

It felt as though the air was sucked from your lungs yet you found yourself obeying, fingers coming to comb through the soft waves that spread across his forehead. 

He hummed, leaning into your touch slowly, gaze still locked with yours. The two of you stayed there for a moment, you kneeling beside him fingers in his hair, his hand still loosely wrapped around your wrist. 

“I’m sorry.” He murmured and you looked at him confused. 

“For what?” 

“Hitting you with a bludger.” he responded remorsefully. 

You laughed softly, your head thrown back, “It's okay Fred.” you grinned. You were close now, so close Fred could feel the tickle of your breath on his cheek, “I forgive you. You made up for it after all.” 

He smirked in spite of himself, “I suppose I did, saving your life and all.” 

You were giggling again and Fred was sure he was in some beautiful dream where all he could ever hear or see was your joy. 

“I wouldn’t push your luck if I were you.” You grinned, “I may just chuck the quaffle at your head when you're not looking.” 

“Only if you catch me when I fall.” Fred whispered, leaning closer still. 

You let him, your lips connecting slowly. You were pleased to find he was a fantastic kisser, his lips soft and plush, eager to please. His free hand cupped your cheek as he pulled you closer still until you were practically on top of him.

One of the alarm clocks the fifth years had been attempting to turn to roosters burst to life and you pulled away abruptly remembering bitterly that you and him were not the only ones in the room. Fred chased after your lips with his own desperate for even a moment more with your mouth.

“You should get to bed.” You repeated standing now, knees a bit shaky. 

Fred was disappointed by your departure but grinned wildly nonetheless as you gathered your books into your arms and turned back to him. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow Fred.” You yawned and began up the stairs to your dormitory determined not to let him see the childish glee that had spread across your face. 

“Wait!” He called after you, lurching from the couch and stopping at the bottom of the steps. 

You turned back to him taking in the wonderful sight of him staring lovingly up at you. He looked delightfully disheveled, his hair a mess and his lips swollen from your touch. You took two steps down now only one above where he stood on the hardwood floor.

You looked down at him expectantly as his eyes bore into your own. 

He lifted himself onto his toes and grabbed your shoulders forcinging you forward where you connected for a second time. 

This time his breath was hot and heavy on your lips, his earnest intensifying to a level that you could only describe as hunger. Your feet dangled momentarily in the air as he lifted you fervently into his embrace. You were suddenly engulfed in Fred again, he was all you could smell sweet and cinnamon, all you could hear were his pants in your ear, all you could feel was him, his arms around your middle, his thigh pressed between your legs and his lips and tongue working so well together that it was you who chased after him this time, whining in protest when he pulled back.

You stared at him, out of breath and stunned to silence. 

Fred looked as though he had just won something very expensive the way he was grinning with triumph, his eyes dark with lust. 

 “Sweet dreams love.” He murmured leaning down to give you one final kiss, his lips moving sickeningly slow against your own, wet and warm. He hovered inches form your lips for a moment, as if debating diving back in, before he backed away tucking his hands casually into his robes.

“You should go to bed, love.” He smirked, “We’ve got an early practice tomorrow and I do believe you made me a promise about knocking me off my broom.” 

You bit your lip to keep from breaking into girlish giggles. Your heart was still pounding as though you had just run a long race. 

“Only if you swear to catch me though.” He added with a wink.

“I’ll always catch you Freddie.” you assured him before turning and hurrying back up the stairs, grinning so wide your cheeks had begun to ache.

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taglist: @accio-rogers @roslea @k3nz-dood13 @theseuscmander @sleepingalaska @chloe-geoghegan1 @coldlilheart @the-natureofme @trickylittlewitch @layaa-layaaa @sarcasticallywitty @rosieweasley @dracosgoodgirl @inglourious-imagines @princess-jules47 @daedreamss @d22malfoys @evyiione

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What is a Husband's Role? - Liyue Girls x Male!Reader

A/N: Exams might be over for me, but now, of course, I got a notice that I have to submit myself to a military assessment, compulsory for all men in their 19th year of life. Wonderful. Anyway, enjoy! CW: None.

Question: Who is a husband to you? What is his role?

Beidou: Well, it's quite simple. Y/N is a tough guy, one that's not afraid of taking the world on his shoulders if need be. He handles things in my absence, keeping the Crux’s land-based businesses afloat. While I don't take him out to sea that much, I'd rather have him well and good just in case, he's more than adequate at running the fleet. Me? Heh, he always has my back. Whenever I drink, he stays sober and makes sure I'm taken care of and back home safely and he keeps my bunk warm at night. He's one hell of a man in the sheets too- Why are you blushing, eh? Not the kind of answer you expected? A gal has her needs, I'll have you know. 

Ganyu: My husband is the light of my life. Y/N treats me like a precious flower, tending to my needs and admiring me like the most beautiful thing in this world. When he holds me, he does so with utmost care and attention. His affection makes me feel safe and loved. Thanks to him, I learned to balance work and life again. But even when I'm on the clock, he visits me everyday for my midday nap. All of his support has been crucial for my self-esteem and my efficiency at work. Without him, I don't know where I would be today. Hm? T-too scientific…? I'm s-sorry, I've just been thinking about it a lot…

Hu Tao: Ah, yes! My partner in crime, my muse, and the man ensuring the continuation of the Hu bloodline! Aiya, whatever would my world be without him? It would be as bleak as the space between life and death, with me - a sad, wailing soul, eager to find the comforting warmth of another… I'm lucky enough to have it already. His role in this marriage is not just being my lover, but being my best friend too! He's always open to my shenanigans and eagerly listens to all of my poetic scribbles, praising me and giving constructive criticism in equal measure. Y/N is not deterred by my work, and never ever turns a cold shoulder towards me. He's there when I want to mess around, when I need help or when I just want to lay in his arms and twirl his hair. Mm, I can already picture our lovely heirs! I hope they'll have his eyes~. 

Keqing: I would like to confess something, if that is alright with you. Before I became a wife and a mother, I didn't truly understand what I was fighting for. I have been taught to work towards the preservation of an abstract idea of Liyue, a homogeneous mass of people and the land along with it. I fought for it, yes, but now I know that I didn't truly comprehend what Liyue is. When I first woke up alongside my husband and when I first held my daughter in my arms, I finally understood. I understood that I'm fighting for the people, not as some vague collective, but as individuals. I'm working and fighting for husbands such as Y/N, wives such as myself, and children like my own. I would give my life for my loved ones a hundred times over, and I can work twice as hard, knowing that I do so for the future of my family and every other family in Liyue. My husband opened my eyes, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

 

Lan Yan: Hey - that's no way to think about your beloved! Love is not inherently about being useful to each other, it's more about feelings and companionship. For example, I can't say that taking Y/N with me when picking rattan is making the process easier or faster; I could easily do it myself. But I invite him just to have him near. Hearing his voice comforts me, and to be honest, I've been by his side so long that I just feel… off without him. What if it stormed, or what if night caught me by surprise? He would be worried sick, I'm sure… Or what if I met a ghoul or a jiangshi while out? I m-mean, I have a Vision and everything, but is it wrong to feel safer around my big, strong husband?

Ningguang: I find it fairly obvious - he is to support me, to comfort me and to keep me company. If you would like a more personal take on the matter, I'd say that Y/N, for me, is a precious antique - surely the most valuable of all. His role is to be a feast for my eyes and my heart, nothing less, nothing more. I wouldn't want to drag him into my business, as that would be foolishly risking his life. His role is to satisfy my emotional and physical desires - after all, true fulfillment in these areas cannot be bought by Mora. 

Shenhe: Well, I learned that a husband's role is… Hm? You want me to answer in my own words? Oh, I see. Then… I used to think that a husband is meant to give his wife children. It is what I thought for most of my life, until I met Y/N. Y/N’s presence, his words and touch, cause a comforting warmth to spread through my chest. I learned that this is what love truly means. It's a sense of safety, but it is exciting all the same. I want him closer, but my usual dark visions do not appear in my mind. I do not feel the pressure of my soul straining against the red ropes. He calms me, he makes me feel safe. Now I understand the importance of having a soul to share one's life with. I understand now what the word ‘husband’ means. And I am… happy with Y/N by my side. 

Xinyan: I love Y/N because he honestly loves me for who I am. No matter if I rock and roll or feel in the mood for something softer, he'll jam out to it with me. And he's one hell of a guy, let me tell you! He's not afraid to go all in with me, no matter what. I thought about going on tour? He's there with me. I wanna save some Mora to upgrade my guitar? You guessed it, he pitches in as much as he can! I feel like stealing him and partying the night away? He never says no. That's the best man a gal can ask for!

Xianyun: Hmph. Are you implying One's choice of husband is poor? One will have you know that Y/N is of the finest sort - a body that would make the gods of old jealous and a mind that rivals One's own. It is the latter that’s of utmost importance - One doesn't see a husband as a mere nod-along, but as a man that is capable of challenging his wife's character and inciting her to grow. As such, don't be concerned by Y/N arguing my points at any point in time. It is what One desires, and loves about him the most. 

Xiangling: Ooh, where do I start! My hubby is the best sous chef in the world - he makes sure that the kitchen is stocked up, clean and well organised, letting me focus on my favourite part - cooking! Whenever I need to get ingredients, he takes my place in the restaurant. Sometimes we go out together to get some new ingredients and experiment a little. He's good at cutting up meat, hunting down that meat and defending me if any of my ingredients decides it wants to snack on me. And, when we camp for the night, his cuddles are just the best! Both my dad and Guoba approve of Y/N, so I suppose my taste in boys isn't that bad after all. 

Yelan: A woman my age, and in my line of work, can't be blamed for giving up and thinking she'll be alone until the end, right? That was the Yelan my husband met a few years back. And yet here I am today, a married woman. I knew I was missing out, but I just couldn't imagine how delightful it feels to have someone propping up my back - not for a mission, or a profession, but for life. My husband is my safety net. His arms are my hideout where I can rest from the stress of my daily work. I never want to lose him, which is why I have him stay low and always keep the eyes of my most trusted agent on him. Nobody is going to sneak up on my man - not while my heart still beats. 

Yun Jin: His use? Ah, I think I can answer that with a single word - adventure. I always dreamt of journeying across the outside world, and love is such a journey. Y/N is my companion on it, holding my hand whenever I feel scared or unsure, standing steadfast by my side. He lets me experience so many feelings and emotions I could only imagine before he took my heart… Hehe, stories of love I sing in opera don’t come close to experiencing a husband’s warmth yourself.  

Yanfei: Well, who else would listen to me ramble on about my passion other than my lovely Y/N? I swear, no matter how many versions or iterations of Liyue’s legal history I read out to him, he never gets sleepy! He even asks questions and actually remembers what each chapter was about, can you believe that?! Hehe, seriously now; he’s a great partner, both in life and in a discussion. Y/N makes some room in his schedule for visiting me at work every day of the week, and always brings some mean snacks with him. Oh - you have to try his crab cakes, they’ll blow your socks off! And who ever said that guys can’t cook, right? 

Thanks for reading!

[milswrites]

Somewhere only we know

~ Azriel X Fem!Reader

Summary: Azriel comes to visit you for the first time in a while.

Warnings: Angsty goodness

He could hear it now; your call beckoning him closer.

The dulcet tones of your laughter echoing amongst the evening birdsong as Azriel approached.

It was a path the shadowsinger had walked a hundred times before. The bowing oak trees and the familiar tune of the flowing beck all working to guide Azriel towards his final destination.

Towards you.

Yet even the forest wasn't safe from the golden hands of time. The gnarled roots and overgrown canopy a glaring sign that it had been far too long since Azriel had last come to see you.

Where he was once able to run freely alongside you, Azriel now found himself uncomfortably squeezing through the wild underbrush. Wings tightly curling into his back out of fear of catching them on the thicket of brambles which now lined the once clear path.

Perhaps a year was too long to wait.

Perhaps Azriel should have visited you sooner.

Your voice continued to grow louder with each step taken, the wind beginning to carry the recognizable scent of your sweet perfume.

Azriel inhaled deeply, allowing the delicate aroma of honeysuckle and jasmine to wash away his worries. A calming peace, that only ever makes itself known when in the presence of your company, began to warmly settle in his chest.

"Hello my love"

Azriel called softly into the air, the gentle twinkling of a wind chime greeting him in response as the evening sun broke through the canopy above to lay a welcoming kiss onto his cheek.

"I've missed you," the shadowsinger continued, moving towards the fallen trunk of a tree in order to take a seat, "I'm sorry I've been gone so long."

Another melodic chime answered, assuring Azriel that his absence needed no excuse.

"But I couldn't miss spending my birthday with you, I don't think you would have let me"

The wind laughed in reply, a soothing breeze coming to caress his smiling cheek as Azriel lifted a shaky hand to meet the ghost of your own.

Eyes beginning to water at your phantom touch, the male cleared his throat before reaching into the pocket of his leathers. "I've brought you a letter," Azriel started to explain, pulling out the carefully folded piece of paper, "of all the things you've missed since I was last here. I wrote it all down just so I didn't forget to tell you anything."

The orange sun glowed a little brighter, so as to provide Azriel with enough light to read his letter. The forest falling into a peaceful silence in order to ensure that you heard every word the shadowsinger had to say.

"Feyre is pregnant again, I think Rhys would kill me if I didn't tell you that first," Azriel grinned at the smile of excitement he could picture you wearing at the news, taking the time to burn the image into his mind before continuing, "Nyx is convinced it's a girl, and if it is her wants her to be named after you of course. He always talks about his favourite auntie."

Azriel allows himself to pause, needing a moment to calm his wavering breath before he could say any more, the harsh lines of a frown beginning to cross his face.

"Cas says hello. He'd come here if he could, you know that. But I don't think I'm quite ready to share this place with anyone else yet. He's fine, Nesta too. They're kept busy by little Sofia most of the time, ever since she learnt how to fly she's been wreaking havoc all over Velaris."

A robin flittered down from the trees, perching by where Azriel was sat, its small head tilted in silent understanding. Appreciating the company, a slight smile flickered across Azriel's lips as he turned his watery eyes back to the letter grasped between his trembling hands.

"Elain and Lucien are finally back from their trip around Prythian. They went to Spring - to that meadow I took you to for our anniversary. She . . . she brought me back some flowers, said they reminded her of you."

Azriel's tears finally began to fall as he carefully folded the letter once more, tucking it away into the safety of his leathers, placing it into the pocket right above his heart.

"And me . . ." Azriel started, voice cracking as he tried to recall what he had done since he was last here, his surroundings taking him back to a time when you had once been sat here with him, "Well I've not really done anything at all."

The male's hands move to clasp onto the two rings resting on a chain around his neck, thumb working to brush the cool metal in the hope of receiving some comfort, "Some days it feels like time has scarcely moved at all . . . On those days I like to close my eyes and picture you - us - here in the forest. Running through the trees like we used to do, hiding from our responsibilities for as long as we could."

Azriel deeply exhaled as he watched the robin fly away, tears still falling as he continued to speak, "And then I open my eyes . . . and remember you're gone" Azriel's words are interrupted by a harrowing sob falling from his lips, "I don't know how much longer I can do this. I'm getting old my love, sometimes I worry that one day I'll come back here and you won't recognize me anymore. That our love will fall victim to the hands of time just as the forest has."

The chimes twinkle once more, a gentle reminder that you are never truly gone, the ever-changing wind whispering promises that your love was one to last for eternity.

"I know" Azriel sadly smiles, letting go of the rings in order to brush away his tears, the thought of your heartbroken expression enough to dry his eyes, "I just miss you, that's all. Not a day goes by where I don't think of you."

The trees lightly rustle in response.

Azriel stayed to talk to you long into the night. The conversation never fading, nor growing dull, even when the moon had said its goodbyes and the sun had risen once more.

If time was all Azriel could offer you these days, then his time was what you would receive. For each hour spent in your special spot, was another hour of keeping your memory alive.

Another hour Azriel got to spend with you.

When the time came for Azriel to reluctantly leave the forest, his responsibilities too pressing to ignore for much longer, the shadowsinger whispered a promise into the wind that he would return once more. Swearing that you would not have to wait so long to see him again.

With each step he took, the scent of rosemary and sweet pea grew stronger, your calming aroma fading as Azriel walked further and further away.

And as Azriel turned to look at you once more, he could have sworn he heard you calling after him. Words unintelligible as your voice became lost amongst the birdsong.

But he could feel it, the assurance that he wasn't alone.

The piece of you that had been trapped here, now safely tucked within the confines of his heart.

So carry you home he would.

[danikamariewrites]

Falling

Cassian x reader

Note: sorry for my absence, I’ve been busy and unmotivated the last weeks. I don’t like to talk about politics but I want you all to know that I’m very unhappy with the election and it’s upset me. I really have nothing else to say because quite frankly im speechless. Know that my blog is a safe space and you can reach out to me any time if you want to vent because I will vent right there with you.

On a slightly better note, this has motivated me to keep being creative. Writing and being in a creative space has truly kept me going over the last few years and I refuse to stop. Mainly because if I stop I think I’ll just give up. And I’m not fucking giving up because this has been the best distraction. Sorry for the long note but I just wanted to get that out there and know you’re not alone in your frustration. ❤️

Warnings: some angst

Cassian was exhausted. He knew he was when he looked into your bright eyes as you excitedly waited for him to pick you up to fly home and couldn’t bring himself to lift you.

His mind wasn’t in the right place to enjoy the closeness of you in his arms. You always deserved him at a hundred percent, especially when your life was in his hands. Not while he was still actively thinking about Devlon getting in his face about their disagreement.

Even now, only minutes away from home, Cassian was still clenching his jaw, ruminating about the words Devlon spat at him.

Cassian was pissed that Devlon ruined his day. He had big plans for you that included a dinner reservation and him finally telling you how he feels about you. Only took him two years to gain the courage to decide he would tell you how in love with you he is. And now he’s too in his head to even fathom saying “I’m in love with you y/n.”

Azriel flying next to him with you in his arms wasn’t helping his mood either. Every time he heard you and Az talk or laugh his jealousy grew. It was his own fault though.

Flying over the Sidra the House of Wind finally comes into view. The monstrous house on the cliff had relief flowing through Cassian. Almost home, Cassian tells himself over and over.

Looking over at you and Azriel he sees a smile bloom on your face as you look down at the glittering water, you point out the fish jumping from the surface, making ripples that you can see from way up in the sky. The sight of your joy eases Cassian’s anger.

A gust of wind hits them hard enough to knock Az and Cass off balance. Without your added weight Cassian has no problem balancing himself out, controlling his wings on instinct.

Your scream has him pivoting against the gust, whipping his head in time to see Az lose balance as you tumble from his arms.

Azriel tries to dive but the wind fights against his wings. Cassian wastes no time to dive for you. Tucking his wings in as tight as he possibly can, he free falls with his hands reaching out for you.

You don’t stop screaming until Cassian grabs on to you, pulling you flush to his chest. You cling to Cassian, wrapping your arms tight around his neck.

“I got you,” he murmurs in your ear. “I got you, baby, it’s okay.”

Without looking back at Azriel he flys hard for the House. Cassian should check on his brother, he feels guilty not doing so. But the love of his life just tumbled from his brother's arms and he couldn’t care less if Az was in the Sidra right now or behind him.

Landing on the balcony closest to the bedrooms Cassian readjusts you in his hold. He can feel you trembling as he rushes to get you in a comfortable place.

Cassian kicks your door hard, rushing over to your bed. Gently placing you down he pulls away to see you staring off, a blank look on your face and teeth digging into your bottom lip.

He backs away to get you a change of clothes until you grip his arms tighter, letting out a small whimper. “Don’t,” you plead. Cassian wraps you in his arms, rubbing soothing circles on your back.

The two of you sit like that for a long, long time. Once your trembling stops you slightly lean away from Cassian, shaking out your arms and rolling your neck.

His heart breaks at the sight of fear still lingering in your eyes. Cassian slowly brings his hands up to gently cup your face, resting his forehead against yours. “You’re ok, you’re safe. That’s all that matters.” You nod, molding yourself into Cassian’s body.

“Thank you for catching me.” You whisper. Cassian squeezes you tighter to his chest. “I’ll always catch you, y/n. Always.” The fierceness in his tone sends a chill down your spine.

You won’t let Cassian leave you, even long after the sun sets. The only time Cass left was to get you dinner and to change into his pajamas. Once you’re asleep Cassian can’t find it in himself to leave you.

Tomorrow, he decided. Cassian will tell you everything tomorrow.

[auggieblogs]

Ice baths | LN4

Lando Norris x fem! reader

Author's note: Hiii, lovelies. I hope everyone is doing good!!! I am writing after such a long time and my god it feels good. I've been really stressed and busy since the new year's because I have exams coming up and writing while you have so much on your plate is not exactly easy. Hence, my absence from Tumblr and also there was the writer's block😞🙏🏻. Anyways, I hope you all like this fic. Happy reading<3

―୨୧⋆ ˚masterlist

I couldn't believe I let Lando talk me into this. I mean, ice baths? Really? Warm showers had always been my thing – the cozy embrace of steam and gentle heat. But there I stood, in nothing but my bra and underwear, shivering like a leaf, staring at a tub filled with ice-cold water. Lando, stood beside me, grinning like a madman.

"Okay, hold my hand," I said, half-expecting him to talk me out of it. He chuckled, but his grip on my hand was firm and reassuring.

"We go in on three," Lando announced, grinning from ear to ear. As he counted down, we entered the tub together. I yelped as the frigid water made contact with my skin. "Holy mother of ice, it's like jumping into the North Pole!"

Lando, meanwhile, was managing better, though he did shiver a bit. "Shh, shh, relax, baby. It gets better," he said, trying to soothe me. But, as far as I was concerned, it wasn't getting any better.

"Nope, not doing this," I declared, practically leaping out of the tub, water droplets glistening on my skin. My only mission was the towel Oscar had brought for himself.

Oscar, bless his heart, seemed a little flustered. "Bu-but it's mine," he stammered, not quite sure how to handle this towel-stealing situation.

But I wasn't having any of that, either. I practically snatched the towel from Oscar's grasp, giving him an apologetic but determined look. "Oscar, I love you, but I need this more. It's too cold!"

Lando couldn't help but laugh. "Don't laugh!" I protested, wrapping the towel around myself as tightly as I could, hoping it would bring back some warmth.

Lando climbed out of the tub, approaching me with a cheeky grin. "Awh, my poor baby, I'm so sorry," he said in a teasing tone, enveloping me in a bear hug.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "You're having way too much fun, Norris" I mumbled, burying my face in his chest.

Lando's grin widened, and he leaned down to plant a kiss on my forehead. "Maybe a little bit."

I pushed away from his chest and looked up at him, pretending to be offended. "You are so bad, I hate you!" I exclaimed, giving him a playful shove to the chest.

Lando chuckled and held me a little tighter, his voice soft and full of warmth. "I love you too."

[megalony]

Proud Papa

This is a Tommy Kinard imagine, based on a lovely Anon request. I hope you will all like it, please let me know what you think.

Taglist: @justagirlthatlovedtoread @musicistheway @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @luula @missdreamofendless @bradleybeachbabe @woderfulkawaii @amberpanda99 @daggersquadphantom @marvel-and-chicago-fan @angryknightstatesmantrash @minjix @lyjen @kmc1989 @itsmytimetoodream @noonenuts @hiireadstuff @ashie-babie @classyunknownlover @jayyeahthatsme @sp1ritssz @dumb-fawkin-bitch @oliverstarksbae @gimatida @heart-35 @supernaturalstilinski @stefansalvatoresgf @kyky9103 @wutheringhearts2275 @gay4hotmilfs @itshamleth @chaoticnosleepinfluencer @gs29 @wh0reforsmutstuff @mel-vaz @natashamea18 @chrisevansdaughter @alexandra8484 @deena-beena-weena @targaryenluvs @shelbygeek @kpoplover-19 @marvelmenarebeautiful @gillybear17

@zoeybennett @mrspeacem1nusone @zephyrmonkey @estella-novella @shauna-carsley @dottirose @cfdhouse51 @darkfemme1

@rainechase45 @ml572 @jessie-lynn28 @lolalolsstuff

Tommy Kinard Masterlist

Summary: Tommy can't wait for the day of (Y/n)'s C-section so they can meet their twins. They know exactly what to expect; but there's room for a few surprises.

Enjoy.

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

"So, next week? Are you coming, I can give you a lift if you like."

A grin spread across Tommy's lips as he zipped up his bag and let it lay between his feet. His elbows moved to rest on his thighs and he tilted his head back, squinting up at Eddie against the beaming afternoon sun that was casting rays of gleaming white to shine around the court.

He could feel his smile twitching into a smirk when he thought about how busy he was going to be next week.

"Uh, no, sorry. I can't make it next week." It would be the first time in over two months that Tommy would have to skip the weekly basketball game that had been set up for almost a year now.

He was usually lucky that he didn't work Thursday afternoons, he either had them off or he worked the Thursday night shift and still turned up here for the basketball game beforehand.

But not next week.

"No?"

"You're missing a game?" Buck huffed as he ran his fingers through his sweaty locks, brushing them back while he huffed. He had been to about four of these weekly games so far and he knew Tommy had been to each one. He usually picked Eddie up on the way and brought him down here so they didn't have to take two cars.

"Yep, I'll be missing the next few games, actually. You'll have to make do without me."

"How come?"

The disappointment in Eddie's voice and the confusion on Buck's face was almost endearing. It felt good to have friends that actually wanted to hang out with him and who clearly were going to miss his absence next week. Tommy was a friendly guy and he was easy going, but that didn't mean he made a lot of friends.

He only had a small circle of close-knit friends that he relied on and trusted and who he hung out with regularly. It was refreshing to meet Eddie and Buck and reconnect with Chimney and Hen and feel like he had more people to be around and get to know again.

"My wife's gonna be having the twins next Wednesday." Tommy couldn't quite keep his excitement at bay.

Although his expression was contained, his smile was dampened down so it didn't take over his face. And he took a deep breath to stop from overexciting himself or babbling about everything that would happen next week. He refrained from blurting out every little detail that was planned down to the dot.

And he revelled in the tender smile that lit up Eddie's face, while Buck grinned, but his eyes narrowed somewhat in confusion.

"Ah, you, you mean her due date is next Wednesday?" Scratching the back of his neck, Buck tilted his head to one side and grinned across at his friend. He would have to be psychic to know the exact date when his wife would go into labour.

"No, we're having them on Wednesday. (Y/n)'s having a C-section. As of Monday, I'm off work, and as of next Wednesday, I'll officially be a dad."

Tommy had enjoyed watching everyone become confused when he told them he already knew his children's birthday ahead of time. He loved that he had it circled on the kitchen calendar in red pen that next week would be their birthday. If he wanted, he could add it in his work diary and save it to his phone as a reminder that every year, that would be a special date he would need off work.

They had it all planned out from (Y/n) being five months pregnant that she would be having a C-section. Suffering with extreme morning sickness and then having a minor placental abruption put (Y/n) more at risk, along with having twins. The doctor thought it would be better if they had a C-section so neither of the twins got distressed during labour and so the placenta didn't start moving again and cause any bleeding.

It was more likely that (Y/n) would go into early labour too, since she was having a multiple pregnancy. They would be at thirty-six weeks next week which was a safe mark to have the twins.

"Oh wow, congratulations."

"Do you know what you're having yet?"

"We're having boys."

Tommy wouldn't tell anyone yet that he and (Y/n) already had the names picked out. They would be walking into that hospital next week knowing the exact date they would be having their boys, roughly what time, and with their names already chosen and sewn into matching blankets (Y/n) had made.

It was as scheduled as anything else in their lives and they both preferred it this way. No walking on egg shells, no panicking that Tommy might be at work when (Y/n) went into labour. No worrying that something would go wrong or labour would end up with complications or something would happen to their boys.

It was all pre-planned out and next week, Tommy would be sat with one son in each arm, feeling the happiest he'd ever been in his life.

(Y/n) tilted her head to the right and looked across at Tommy, quirking a brow as she gazed at him curiously. The smile on his lips was one that made his cheeks puff out and the end of his nose scrunched up as he looked down at his phone.

She moved her hands to run them up and down her legs, feeling adrenaline spark through her stomach at the prospect that in less than an hour, she wasn't going to be able to feel the lower part of her body anymore.

"Something funny?" She murmured softly, smiling as Tommy tore his eyes away from his phone and looked across at her before he held the screen out for her to see.

"Just the guys wishing us luck." He swiped across to the next text, watching as (Y/n)'s eyes lit up and she nodded.

It was sweet. Buck had wished them good luck, and cheekily asked for a photo of the twins once the operation was all done and dusted. And Eddie hoped it would go well, and said Chris has asked when he can come down and visit them which was endearing.

Tommy had been a little surprised but nevertheless touched when Hen and Chimney both texted early this morning to say they were happy for him. And said they would come down to see them all soon.

With a smile, Tommy turned his phone on silent and tucked it safely into the bag they had brought down to the hospital with them. He didn't need it going off in the operating room or sitting uncomfortably in his back pocket. He wasn't going to need it.

He pushed up from the chair and ran his hands up and down his jeans, wiping the sweat from his palms before he sat down on the edge of the bed beside (Y/n)'s knee. He reached out and began to trail his hand across (Y/n) knee while she sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed. Her hands stopped drawing patterns and reached out for Tommy's wrist instead, holding onto him as tightly as she could.

"Are you ready?"

Her lips curved up into a tender smile and her eyes flitted down to her stomach.

It felt strange to know that in over an hour, she was going to look and feel totally different. Her stomach wouldn't be this rounded anymore. It would feel squishy and flatter and she might have better chance of seeing her knees and her feet which she hadn't caught sight of in the last few months.

In an hour, they would have a boy each to cuddle and feed and adore and love.

Everything had been leading up to today, but now it was here, everything felt strange, in a good way. (Y/n) was ready to be able to walk and feel like her back wasn't crippled and feel like she could stand up straight without her stomach trying to touch the floor. She would be able to push a pram rather than stare holes into her stomach and wish to see her babies.

They would be waking up during the night as of now. They would be swamped with baby grows and nappies and cries filling the house. And they were ready for this.

"I think I'm gonna be a stone lighter after this." She spoke wistfully while she moved her hands to cup her stomach. She was definitely going to feel like a whole new person after today.

A chuckle passed through Tommy's lips before he leaned forward, moving his hands to cup hers that were on her stomach. He leaned down and pressed his lips to the top of her bump, smiling against her skin when he felt (Y/n) lean down to kiss the back of his head.

"Well I'm gonna miss this," He murmured into her skin, causing shivers in his wake.

He had loved wrapping himself around (Y/n) and attaching his lips to her stomach and feeling the boys move and wriggle around and react to the sound of his voice. But they both knew having their boys in their arms was going to feel a whole lot different to this, in the best way possible.

A soft knock at the door caught their attention and Tommy sat up straight but kept his hands enveloped around (Y/n)'s.

They both watched as two nurses walk into the room, eager looks of excitement on their faces.

"Are we ready to go to theatre?" It wasn't the best way to word it, but (Y/n) nodded all the same.

The longer they waited up here in this room, the more nervous she was becoming. It was the thought of the epidural she was going to have that made her feel queasy. But she knew once she'd had the injection and everything was set up, she would feel a lot calmer.

And Tommy was going to be there right beside her.

(Y/n) could feel her nerves sparking and igniting when they finally got into the operating room. She had never had an operation before. The worst (Y/n) had done was broken a few bones in her life, but this was different. She was going to be awake for this which was something strange and unusual in itself.

She sat on the side of the bed, keeping her eyes on her knees as her nails punctured into the edge of the operating bed like she was going to extend claws like Wolverine and cut it apart.

But when her eyes lifted, she managed to arch a brow and some of her anxiety died down when she looked over at her husband.

He was wearing scrubs. Somehow, Tommy looked even taller and bulkier in the dusty pale blue scrubs that barely seemed to fit over his arms or his shoulders. But the tender smile dancing across his lips made him look soft and when (Y/n) reached a hand out towards him, he all but melted on the spot.

She felt his lips pressing against her temple as he moved to stand in front of her and interlocked their fingers together.

"Okay, let's get you on this epidural. Do you want to lie down?"

"Can I sit up?" (Y/n) looked over her shoulder at the doctor who they had seen two weeks ago in preparation for today. He smiled kindly and nodded.

She didn't want to lie on her side, something about that made (Y/n) feel a little too uncomfortable. It would make her feel better if she could stay sitting up like this and then when the epidural started to work, she would lie down ready. They knew it would take up to twenty minutes for her body to go fully numb and she didn't want to lie on her side or her back for that long and wait.

"Okay, this is going to feel uncomfortable, but since you can't see any of it, that should be a little easier. This is the anaesthetic first, to numb your back."

Lifting her gaze, (Y/n) locked her eyes on Tommy, but the calm smile on his face made her feel better already. She leaned forward until her forehead was pressing into his chest and her right hand stayed tangled with Tommy's while she reached her left hand out and curled her hand around his torso. She felt his right hand move to cup the back of her neck and he began to hum quietly while his eyes focused over (Y/n)'s shoulder to watch the doctor.

He watched curiously as the doctor slowly pushed a needle near (Y/n)'s spine to numb her back. He felt (Y/n) twitch and push into his chest even more and he was glad she couldn't see this. Tommy had lost count of the times he'd had to hold (Y/n) in a chair or catch her when she fainted while having her bloods taken.

"Epidural going in now (Y/n). This will feel a bit uncomfortable, but not painful."

Tommy smoothed his thumb up and down the back of (Y/n)'s neck while he watched the thin tube thread into her back, between the columns of her spine. It made his breathing quicken, but he had seen much worse while he was on shift with air support.

It was still strange to watch the fluid seep through the thin tube in her back and watch the way (Y/n) twisted and tensed, trying to stay as still as she could so she didn't move anything.

(Y/n) began to sway their entwined hands back and forth, giving herself something to focus on other than the sound of Tommy's gritty, melodic hum that quietly flooded her ears.

This was what she had been worried about. Feeling this uncomfortable and feeling the injections and then having to wait for everything to turn numb. The thought was almost as uneasy as the action itself and after just less than ten minutes, (Y/n) slowly lifted her head to look up at Tommy. She nodded silently and moved their entwined hands down to pat her legs that she couldn't feel anymore.

Well, she could sort of feel them, but it was like a switch had been flipped and they had been momentairely disconnected.

There was a small part of (Y/n) that worried this epidural somehow wouldn't work or suddenly wouldn't be properly effective. She dreamed that when the doctor began cutting through the fat and muscle in her abdomen, she would suddenly feel agonising pain and begin to scream. But feeling how numb and tingly her legs felt, (Y/n) was sure that wasn't going to happen today.

"If we can get you laid down now, we can get set up and have these two. Do we know what we're having yet, or is it a surprise?"

(Y/n) kept her hands latched around Tommy's and smiled gratefully when his hands moved to hold her upper arms. He helped the nurses turn her and move her legs so she was sitting up on the bed. Both (Y/n)'s hands moved to clutch Tommy's bicep which caused him to smile.

"Okay honey?" He whispered softly while he eased her to lay back down and let her curl both her hands around his right hand.

(Y/n) nodded but she pulled his hand down to pin it to her chest and she scrunched her eyes closed when the doctor started to get ready. She didn't want to see him prepare the scalpals or set up the sheet so she wouldn't see. Part of her wanted to see, she wanted to see the exact moment their boys were brought into the world. But the other part of (Y/n) knew it wouldn't be a sight she would easily forget or would really want to see when she felt a little woozy already.

She knew Tommy would look. He wasn't squeamish, he couldn't be in his line of work and he wanted to watch. If he couldn't be the first person to hold their boys, since that would technically be the doctor's job, then Tommy at least wanted to witness them being born.

Her fingers began to glide up and down Tommy's wrist and over his arm, sorting out the creases and wrinkles in his scrubs. She focused her eyes on him and watched the way he smiled and squeezed her hand every now and then to keep her calm.

"Alright, here we go."

The way (Y/n) clenched her fingers into his hand and closed her eyes made Tommy smile. It was almost as if she was anticipating the pain she knew deep down that she wasn't going to feel. (Y/n) might feel some level of discomfort because of the odd sensations, but she wasn't going to be in any sort of pain.

When she opened her eyes, (Y/n) tried to keep watch over Tommy. Noticing the way the lights caused flecks of white to cascade off his eyes like glittering sparkles. Or how he kept biting the corner of his lips and narrowing his eyes every few seconds. Each time he twitched or moved, (Y/n) wondered if the doctor was peeling away another layer of skin. Tommy's reactions and movements were reflecting the procedure.

But she couldn't feel anything. It was a relief to know the doctor was cutting through her skin and all (Y/n) could feel was tiny touches like she was being prodded whilst being deep in slumber.

No pain, no actual sensations or touches or movements at all. They could be slicing her apart and she wouldn't know about it.

"Let's get baby number one out. Nurse."

Tommy let (Y/n) keep his hand pinned down against her chest while he leaned behind the protective white sheet they'd pinned up across the middle of (Y/n)'s stomach so she couldn't see the procedure. It made shivers course down his spine to see the doctor reach into (Y/n)'s stomach like was a magician's act. The clamps keeping her skin pulled apart didn't bother Tommy almost as much as seeing the doctor reach in like that.

It looked invasive. It looked horrific rather than like the miracle he thought it would be.

(Y/n) felt Tommy suddenly tugging on her hand and she lifted her head, adrenaline sparking through her body when she heard a soft cry.

She could feel her heart trying to burst out of her chest and it took all her effort to stay still and prevent herself from trying to move and sit up. But she didn't have to wait long before the nurse was bringing their first boy round behind the curtain so she could see him.

"Here's your first boy." She spoke softly and carefully laid the newborn down onto (Y/n)'s chest who was shaking his arms and fists like he was fighting off invisible hands. His cheek nuzzled against (Y/n)'s chest and she kissed his temple, trying to stop herself from crying but she couldn't help herself.

"Hi baby," Her left hand moved to brush over the top of his head while she felt Tommy lean down to kiss her temple and run his free hand across their boy's cheek.

(Y/n) almost whined when the nurse gently lifted him off her chest again and took him out of sight. But she knew it was because she was going to clean him up and to let her hold her second boy.

"And here's your second little boy."

The smile on Tommy's face when (Y/n) looked up at him was unlike any she had seen before.

It wasn't often that (Y/n) saw Tommy cry. Only in the dead of night after a vivid nightmare or after a rough shift or the very odd, few days when he was feeling low. (Y/n) could probably count on both hands the times she had seen Tommy cry and the only time she saw happy tears was when they were dancing on their wedding day.

But now, with just a few tears in his eyes and one trickling down the side of his nose, he looked so endearing and beautiful.

When he leaned down to kiss the top of their boy's head, (Y/n) tilted her head up and caught his lips in a kiss. She nudged their noses together, grinning when he let go of her hand to brush his fingers along the side of her cheek. With his other hand still cradling the back of their boy's head.

(Y/n) leaned their foreheads together, barely hearing the nurse whisper that she would get their second boy cleaned up so they could hold them both in a moment.

But (Y/n) opened her eyes and looked up at Tommy when they both heard the doctor mutter "When was the last sonogram?" Panic fluttered to life in (Y/n)'s eyes and she moved her hand up to hold Tommy's hand again while she watched the confusion spread across his face like a wildfire.

"Last week… why?"

They'd had a scan last week to make sure the twins weren't moving or facing down. They had to make sure (Y/n) wasn't going to go into early labour before the planned date for this C-section and they needed to make sure the placenta hadn't moved down either. Everything had been fine at the scan. The boys hadn't moved, the placenta was in place. Blood flow and heartbeats had both been normal and healthy.

Was something wrong now?

What could have happened now? When both the boys were already out and they had seemed fine and healthy?

Was (Y/n) bleeding? Had she had some kind of internal trauma or haemorrhage that they hadn't noticed earlier?

"Tommy, w-what's wrong?" (Y/n) pulled on Tommy's hand and stared up at him while their second twin was taken from her chest. She tilted her head back and tried to look for both the boys but seeing the room from a flipped angle made her head spin and made her blood thump in her ears. "Are they okay?"

Surging panic propelled through (Y/n)'s system while she tried to find someone in the room who would tell her what was going on.

She felt Tommy grip her hand tightly while he nodded. He could see the nurses in the far corner of the room, they were cleaning up the boys and both of them were whimpering and wriggling around. Neither nurse seemed panicked or overly worried about the boys, so it couldn't be anything to do with them.

But that thought made Tommy's heart drop to the pit of his stomach like a stone. If it wasn't something to do with the twins, then it had to be about (Y/n). Was his wife okay?

"What's wrong?" Tommy leaned around the curtain and looked across at the doctor with such a stern look that it made the room drop ten degrees and had everyone shivering.

"No, no it's nothing to worry about."

Somehow, (Y/n) didn't believe the doctor's words. She pulled on Tommy's hand and tried to push herself up on her elbows until Tommy gently nudged her back down. She leaned to the left to try and look at the doctor, but her view of him was obscured and she realised his eyes were focused intently on her stomach with something akin to surprise written across his face.

"(Y/n), it seems we have a third wriggler hiding away in here." He smiled through his words which made (Y/n)'s heartbeat ignite and bring the monitor to live beside them.

"T-triplets?"

That couldn't be right. None of their other scans had showed any signs of a third baby. They were having twins. They had been preparing for the last six months to have twins since they went to their first appointment and found out.

It had been a shock that they were having twins on their first pregnancy. Two for the price of one. (Y/n) had even joked that Tommy had planned this somehow because they had been so eager to have a baby after they got married. But they hadn't thought about triplets.

(Y/n) desperately wanted to move her hands down and run them across her stomach but she felt Tommy tugging on her hand like he knew what she was thinking and was preventing her from doing so. She didn't think she looked big enough to be having triplets. She hadn't always looked like she was having twins. The first five months she just looked a little further ahead in her pregnancy. But even now, whenever she told people she was having twins, they were surprised.

How could there be three hiding away in here?

"Really?" Surprise flooded Tommy's voice and when (Y/n) looked up at him, she saw a mixture of emotions on his face. His eyes looked dazed, as if he was going to pass out, but the way his lips parted into an open-mouthed smile showed he was growing excited at this prospect.

"Another boy?" (Y/n)'s voice shook as she waited, watching Tommy's expression as he watched the doctor gently scoop up a third baby.

He wasn't mistaken. He wasn't trying to make some kind of joke out of this or torment them or just play around. They really did have a third baby hiding away in there.

They were going to have to make a few adjustments when they went home. They had prepped for taking two babies back home with them, not three. Two cribs. A double pram. They were going to need extra sets of bottles and a few more baby grows. About a hundred more nappies. The nursery was going to have to be changed around- again.

Tommy was going lightheaded at the thought and he tried to drag himself out of his mind and focus again while his eyes locked on his third little baby.

"Oh, you have a little lady, this time."

(Y/n) choked on a laugh when she watched a tiny bundle be laid on her chest. They had a girl. They had been preparing for the last six months to bring two boys home. Now they were going to have to prepare to bring a little girl home with them too.

"She's so small." (Y/n) carefully danced her fingertips over her daughter's cheek, feeling her smile spread until she could barely look down at her little girl.

She was miniscule. With her legs curled up to her tummy and her arms pinned into her chest, she barely looked the size of a teddy bear. No wonder (Y/n) hadn't looked like she was having triplets. She would barely look pregnant at all if she was just having their daughter and she came out that small. The boys had clearly been hiding her away from them. Keeping her as a surprise.

"I think the boys got the most preference and nutrients… she's going to need a little bit of extra help."

Tilting her head back, (Y/n) nudged her head against Tommy's hand when he let go of her hand so he could crouch down beside her. His hand brushed against her cheek as more tears started to fall down his face and (Y/n) was sure this was the happiest she had ever seen him. And her eyes lit up when Tommy reached his free hand across and started to drag his fingertip up and down their daughter's cheek.

She was going to be tiny when she was in Tommy's arms.

"Where were you hiding her, honey?"

***

Hen: Congratulations! How's (Y/n) and the boys, did everything go okay? xx

Chim: We're very happy for you. Are you all okay and settled?

Eddie: Hope everything went smoothly. Whenever you're up for visitors Chris would love to come down and say hi. x

Buck: Happy Birthday! (To the twins) Can I see a picture? Please?

(Y/n) rolled her lips together, obscuring her smile as she looked at the texts that had popped up over the last few hours. She could almost hear all their excited voices and feel the love radiating from their messages. It was heart-warming.

Buck's message played on (Y/n)'s mind as she looked across the room towards her husband.

He was starting to fall asleep.

His head was tilted down until his chin was just about resting on his chest and he was slouched in the chair with his knees pushed forward. But he had Grace in the crook of his left arm. The newborn was miniscule and swamped when she was laid in Tommy's arm. The way his bicep flexed and how his forearm tensed around her almost engulfed her from sight with how broad Tommy was compared to how tiny and compact their daughter was.

He had been holding the boys for quite a while earlier and had switched to Grace when James and Jake had both fallen asleep and were now in the cribs in the corner of the room.

When she looked back down at Tommy's phone that she had been holding for the last hour, taking photos and sending pictures to family, she smiled.

She set up a group message to Hen, Chimney, Buck and Eddie and attached one of the photos she'd taken an hour ago. A picture of Tommy with one of the boys in each arm and the widest smile she'd ever seen on his lips.

*Here's the proud papa with the boys. Say hi to James (left) and Jake (right). xx

She attached the message to the bottom of the picture and hit send before she slowly sat forward, being mindful of the new set of stitches across the very bottom of her stomach.

She held the phone out towards Tommy, waiting a dew seconds when his eyes began to flicker before they fell closed again and she took the opportunity to snap a quick picture. Loving the contrast in the photos which showed just how small Grace was compared to the boys. Along with the fact that she was wearing a smaller, blushing pink cap over her head and had a tube taped into her nose to help her get a bit more oxygen

*And say hello to Grace, our surprise. xx

When the message sent, (Y/n) was about to put the phone on the side table. She had been too hyped to sleep earlier but the epidural was starting to wear off now and she was beginning to feel drained. But before the phone was even out of her hands, it began to vibrate and ping with messages.

All of them simultaneous. All of them saying the same thing. Just one simple word.

*Triplets?!!

[xo-hugs-n-kisses-ox]

Rumination

Ruminate

(v.) To think about something deeply

After Edward left her, Bella Swan fell apart. Desperate to try and save his eldest daughter, Charlie brings his youngest daughter to Forks to see if she can bring her sister out of her depression.

Now, y/n must try to help her sister find her way back to the light while also trying to navigate her Junior year of high school in the odd town of Forks.

Chapter Seven: Confrontation

---

Now playing: Monsters by Hurricane Bells

Warnings: mentions of heart attacks resulting in death (Harry Clearwater), mentions of suicide (Bella jumping off the cliff at La Push), cursing, mentions of funerals, Edward is introduced (his dramatic ass is a warning in and of itself I’m afraid)

Everyone keeps trying to force Paul and I into the same space. It’s driving me mad.

I don’t want to talk to him until he apologizes, and he’s been stubbornly silent on that front. All I want is an apology for his actions, and all’s forgiven. Mostly.

It makes me snappish and irritable whenever anyone tries to force proximity between the two of us. It has a similar effect on Paul, who’s taken to staying out of the house.

Sam and Jacob keep giving Paul meaningful, pointed little looks that I don’t understand. Even Bella’s been roped into their bullshit, dragging me along with her to Emily’s when she knows Paul is there.

Victoria’s still being hunted by the pack, so it’s not like I could just stay home. As much as I’m starting to resent it, I’m safer at the Rez.

---

“Why haven’t you been hanging out with me recently?” Max demands, sitting down beside me in Physics. I sigh.

“Max, I’ve been busy—”

“With work? Chelsea said you quit.” I didn’t like how accusatory he sounded, and my already touchy nerves bristled.

“I have shit to do outside of school Max,” I tell him, my voice harsher than I intended, “Sorry if I haven’t been able to make room in my schedule for everything for the last week.”

“Don’t act like that,” he hissed, “You’ve been ditching me to go to the reservation with your other friends and—”

The bell rings, cutting him off. He gives me a long look before muttering, “We’ll talk about this later.”

I sigh forcefully, knowing that this day was just going to go to shit.

---

I was right.

The day did go to shit. I failed my math test, US History assigned a shit ton of homework due by the end of the week, and Max wouldn’t leave me alone about my six day absence in his life.

He managed to corner me before I could escape to my truck, pulling me aside by the side of the school.

I sighed, “Max, I really don’t have time for this today—”

“You don’t have time for me ever, anymore.” He challenged, interrupting me. I stared at him flatly and he scoffed, “Don’t give me that look, you know I’m right. You’ve been running off with those freaks from the reservation, the ones in the gang!”

I made a face before I could stop myself, “They aren’t in a gang, you moron,” I told him, “And they aren’t freaks, either.”

He scoffed, “Whatever, Y/n. You know, after you dropped that freak, Paul, or whoever, I thought we had something going, you know? But now you’re running back to him like a—”

He cut himself off, and I quickly demanded, “Like a what, Max?”

He just shook his head, “Run back to your freak show already, they’re waiting for you.”

He turned and left, and I stomped towards my truck. Bella and Jacob were already waiting for me, and Jared was sitting in the bed of the truck as he peered over at me.

“What was that about?” Bella asked, getting into the passenger’s seat as Jacob hopped into the back with Jared.

“Nothing.” I hissed, slamming the door shut and peeling out of the parking lot.

---

We all got to Emily’s and Bella was quick to shower and change.

I sat with Emily as she made stew, telling her about my day. Dinner was ready at seven thirty sharp, and everyone rallied around the table as Bella helped me plate all the food.

Quill, Embry, and Paul walked in just as I put rolls onto their plates. The three of them washed up quickly, and Paul sniffed.

“Trouble in paradise, Y/n?” He taunted, “Doesn’t smell like that horrendous cologne rubbed off on you today.”

Fed up with bullshit for the day, I slammed his plate in front of him and grabbed my own, marching back to the room Bella and I had taken over to eat by myself.

“You’re so full of shit, Paul,” Jacob hissed at him, but I slammed the door before I heard anything else.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to cry. In a house full of werewolves, they would all hear it, and I refused to give Paul the satisfaction.

After a minute, Bella came into the room and sat beside me on the floor. She ate her food without speaking, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with me as tears streamed silently down my face.

“Do you want to go back to Charlie’s?” She asked, and I took a deep breath.

“No,” I said, “It’s fine.”

She was quiet for a moment more, “You and I will skip school tomorrow, go on a hike. Get some fresh air.”

I nodded, finishing my food.

---

The next day, Bella and I went out for a hike early. We left at six in the morning, driving to the La Push trails.

We went together for a while, eating lunch at a scenic outlook. She went on towards the cliffs at the beach, but I stayed behind.

I sat hugging my knees as I thought.

Paul was an asshole. I wanted to hit him. Max was a dick. It was only partially justified.

Sam made me want to bash my head in. He needs to stop trying to shove Paul and I into making up. I’m about to tell Emily that if he keeps doing it, I’m staying at Charlie’s exclusively.

No, that would probably only make him force Paul to babysit my house.

I don’t know how long I sat there, but I eventually got back up and started to make my way back to Bella. A knot formed in my chest, and I hurried back. Before I knew it, I was running towards her, breaking the tree line and seeing her standing on the cliff before me, looking at the waves.

I was about to call out to her when she jumped, letting herself fall towards the waves. A scream ripped from my throat as I shoved my backpack and jacket off, running out of my shoes as I dove after her.

I watched her hit the water as I began to plummet, and I prayed that I could catch her and that she wasn’t trying to kill herself by drowning or blunt-force trauma from the surface of the water.

When I hit the water, the temperature made me gasp. I choked for a moment before diving to try and find my sister. I held my breath as long as I could before I had to resurface, diving back under as soon as air entered my lungs.

I kicked against the current and my hand snagged on something. I looked over and saw Bella, her eyes closed as she laid motionless in the water. I grabbed her under the arms and hauled her back to the surface, swimming as fast as I could towards the shore.

It was the adrenaline, I was sure, that let me get to the sand. If I wasn’t too worried about my sister dying, I probably would have drowned myself.

I dragged her onto the sandy beach, watching as Jacob came sprinting over. I was shaking, her hand clutched in mine, as I watched him get her to breathe again.

Fat tears rolled down my cheeks as I sobbed, cold and distressed. Jacob picked Bella up and hands pulled me towards a chest. With the adrenaline fading, and the cold getting to me, I was too tired to see who had picked me up and just let it happen.

---

I woke back up before Bella did. My eyes opened, and I saw her face in front of mine. Her eyes were closed, but she was breathing.

I exhaled, relief flooding my system.

“You’re awake,” Emily said, her beautiful face coming into my line of sight.

“Yeah,” I croaked, sitting up.

She looked like she had been crying.

“What happened?” I asked, knowing she wouldn’t have wasted tears on Bella and I when we had survived.

She looked at me for a moment before speaking quietly, “Harry Clearwater had a heart attack. They’re arranging his funeral now.”

I lurched forward to hug her tightly, “Emily, I’m so sorry, oh my god.”

She sniffed, “Everyone’s over there to comfort Sue and their kids. Your dad, too.”

The two of us sat there for a long while before we both laid down in the bed. Emily fell asleep quickly, exhausted from crying. I just stared at the ceiling.

---

Jacob took us back to Charlie’s house when he heard we were awake. We got there, however, and he froze.

“There’s a vampire in there—” he started, but Bella shoved past him. I followed, assuming that it was Edward.

I grabbed a cast iron pan from the stove and yelled, “Edward, you sickly dickhead! Come here so I can beat your ass!”

I stormed into the living room and swung on instinct when I saw the shape of someone who wasn’t my sister or Jacob. The small woman dodged it easily, looking at me grimly.

She opened her mouth, but spotted Bella and launched herself at her for a hug.

“Wait! Wait!” Bella yelled at Jacob and I, “It’s Alice! This is Alice!”

I watched her warily, the pan still clutched tight in my fists. My sister cried as she hugged the woman, Alice.

“Oh, Bella, how are you alive?” She asked, “I saw you jump, I saw your sister jump after you, but—”

She took a breath and continued, “I saw you go into the water and I waited and waited for you to come up, but you didn't. What happened? And how could you do that to Charlie? Did you stop to think what this would do to him? And my brother? Do you have any idea what Edward–” She cut herself off, looking to me.

“Why did she jump, Y/n?” She asked, and she said my name with such familiarity that it was unnerving.

“For fun, she said.” I informed her, “She wasn’t trying to kill herself.”

“Why did I not see you pull her out, then?” Alice pondered, “I saw you coming to Forks, I saw you hiking, I saw you jump after her, but I couldn’t see anything after you got within a yard of the beach.”

“Jacob and Paul pulled us out of the water from there. Jake got Bella breathing again, and they took us to the reservation.” I told her, watching as her face went slack with understanding.

She pinned Jacob with a stare, “I thought she drowned,” She said slowly, “Because I can’t see past you and your pack of mutts—”

“Watch it, Alice,” I warned, “Him and his pack of wolves are the reason Bella and I are still alive, and Jacob’s the reason Bella’s even a functioning person today.”

She sniffed, conceding, “I suppose.”

Bella and Alice caught up with each other in her room. Jacob and I sat with Charlie at the dining room table.

He told us stories of Harry Clearwater, seeming dazed that he was dead. He kept flipping between past and present tense when talking about him.

Charlie went off to bed a while after.

The phone rang, and Jacob picked it up. Carlisle was calling, asking for Charlie.

“Now’s not a good time,” Jacob said, “Charlie just got back from arranging a funeral—”

The line went dead.

Not a second later, Bella and Alice flew down the stairs and lunged for the phone, only to hear the dial tone.

“What did you do?” Bella demanded, and I whipped my head to look at her critically.

“Jacob didn’t do shit, Carlisle asked for Charlie and Jake told him that he had come back from arranging a funeral—”

“That wasn’t Carlisle,” Alice said quietly, staring into the distance, “Edward thinks Bella’s dead. He’s going to the Volturi to—”

“Hold on, the who?” I demanded, but was ignored by both my sister and her guest. I looked to Jacob, and he mouthed, “Vampire Police?”

“I have to go save him—!” Bella said, trying to walk past me.

“Wait a damn minute, Bella,” I said, stopping her, “Save who? That sickly piece of shit who left you when things got hard?”

“Edward’s going to get himself killed!” She shrieked, and I scoffed.

“He nearly killed you, and you’re rushing to his rescue because he’s jumping to conclusions instead of asking for confirmation?” I demanded, and Bella pursed her lips.

“You would do it for any of us,” she told me, “No matter how angry you were or what we did, you would still go save any of us if we were trying to kill ourselves. Just like you already did for me today.”

I was silent for a long moment.

“I’ll tell Charlie where you went,” I said finally, “But I won’t stop you. You’re eighteen now, anyway.”

She smiled, hugging me tightly before rushing off towards Alice’s car. Jacob chased after her, and I went upstairs to shower.

---

(Edited 1/4/25)

Am I team Edward? Am I team Jacob? The answer is, for cannon, neither. I was originally soooo team Edward when I watched/read the first movie/book, but during New Moon I loved the werewolves (still do obvi) and I did love Jacob so much until Meyer completely nerfed his and Quil’s characters by making them imprint on CHILDREN

Fanfiction’s free game though, I’ll eat it up no matter who it’s about.

Anyway, hope yall enjoyed!! Lmk what you guys think and if yall want to see anything specific/have a request for anything, let me know!! I’m open to writing for whoever and about almost anything ☺️

Bye bye for now (I’ll post again tmr)

[jasmines-library]

Anonymous said:

Live for your writing <3 I’ve read the batfam and I am quite literally obsessed

Could I ask for a piece about the batboys comforting batsis reader because she had/is having a panic attack? thank you so much!!! :D

Fight or Flight

Note: Hello lovely anon! I'm so glad you like my writing. You absolutely can, I hope you enjoy. Also I’m so sorry but I lost the original ask as my tumblr was acting up and I forgot to add tags the first time.

Warnings: Panic attacks, hurt/comfort kinda.

Word Count: 1k (short but sweet)

⛤ BATFAM MASTERLIST ⛤

You had been feeling off all week. Not only was it Gotham’s busiest time of the year, which meant that you were constantly on your feet, but you also had a bunch of unfinished assignments to catch up on that were wearing you out. You had stupidly agreed to help Cass finish her assignments on top of your own and the load was becoming overbearing. On top of that, you didn’t have the heart to tell her that you couldn’t do them, which completely added to your stress level as it now meant you had to find the time to finish all of the paperwork.

You were still feeling overwhelmed as you suited up for patrol. You were out with your four brothers and you knew that the night would be busy. Gotham always was this time of year. The five of you had already stopped a few petty crimes and were making your way through the city. The silence that fell over the five of you allowed your mind to wander and you quickly became worked up over your increasingly large to-do-list and you began to hyperventilate. You just wanted to leave, but you knew you couldn’t. Conflicted, your heart began to beat faster and faster and your breathing got shallow and shallower like someone was cutting off your supply and-

You felt like you couldn’t breathe. Your chest was rising and falling in quick, sharp breaths as you tried to take in air that refused to come. Ridden with panic your body was completely tense as you fell behind your brothers, stopping in your tracks to clutch as your constricting chest. Trying to blink away the flood of tears that just fell heavier, you leaned against the wall. This only made you panic more as you knew that you needed to keep going with the patrol.

Dick had noticed that you had fallen behind. His trained ears noticed the absence of your light and smaller paced steps that contrasted against his and his brothers. He slowed his pace as he glanced behind him to try and spot you. The vigilantes eyes widened when he saw you clutching your chest and leaning desperately against the wall and for a heart-wrenching moment he thought that you had been injured. Turning on his heel he sprinted back toward you alerting your brothers who all followed quickly after seeing the cause of Dick’s sudden change in demeanour.

When they reached you, after what felt like too long but was actually only a matter of seconds covered by long strides, Tim was quick to search you for injury only to come back looking confused with his eyebrows turned down when he found you seemingly unscathed.

“What’s the matter, kid?” He asked frantically “Are you hurt?”

You shook your head and tried to give him an answer but all that came out was a ragged sob as you continued to clutch at your chest. Your heart pounded in your chest as you shook, surrounded by your brothers, and suddenly Damian clocked what was happening.

“She’s having a panic attack.”

You nodded somewhat recognisably as your brother's high alert switched off somewhat. Jason took your hands gently, moving them away from your suit that you were clutching and held them gently in his. He then eased you to the floor and crouched in front of you.

“Hey, Y/N/N. Look at me. You’re okay.”

The sound of his gentle voice and the feeling of his leather gloves in your hand grounded you somewhat and you managed to get your eyes to stop looking around sporadically and to focus on him.

“Good. Now deep breaths.” He moved your hand so that it rested over his chest to allow you to feel his steady rhythm.

“In and out, Little Wing. Follow Hood.” Dick added. He was still hovering over you anxiously as Jason tried to calm you down.

As you followed your brother's breathing, you found yours gradually slowing until it somewhat was back to normal.

Damian made his way over and sat down beside you to offer you some comfort. You were feeling slightly dizzy, and noticing he signalled for Dick to grab you some water from his pack. Damian took your hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You’re okay, sis.”

You sniffled, wiping away the last of your onslaught of tears. “Sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Little Wing.” Tim told you. “It happens to the best of us.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah.” Dick added. “I’ve totally freaked out during a mission before. We all have. In fact, just last week Damian-”

“Tt. We don’t need to talk about that.” Damian chided, rolling his eyes.

There was a moment of tender silence as you regained your composure before Jason asked:

“You wanna talk about it?”

You shrugged at them, bringing your knees to your chest. “I don’t really know what happened… I guess I’ve just had a bad feeling about tonight and I’ve been so stressed about all of my assignments I still need to write up. I guess it just all caught up to me at the wrong time.”

“Oh kid. I’m sorry none of us have been around to help. We’ve been so caught up in our own stuff that we’ve failed to notice that you might need help too.” Dick told you.

“How about we get you home so you can relax? Hm?”

“But…what about patrol?” You asked, voice raising an octave as you began to panic a little again “We can’t just miss it!”

“Bruce will understand.” Tim reassured you.

“And we’ll help you finish your assignments.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.” You protested.

“We’re your brothers, kiddo. It’s what we’re here for.”

[nouvellevqgue]

✦ WHO'S FRED?, M. VERSTAPPEN

other than being his cat lady, his girlfriend got her master in halloween dress-up too.

A SEQUEL TO: MISS CRAZY CAT LADY. . .

₊˚⊹౨ৎ ⋆｡✦

OCTOBER 29, 2022

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₊˚⊹౨ৎ ⋆｡✦

OCTOBER 2023

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ˑ⭒ʚ ִtwitter ݁.٭

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[vintagedebutante]

Hush Hush

A JFK x Reader Fanfiction- 18+

Further Info: senator jfk, secretary reader, desk activities, rough sex, caught in the act (gasp)

Word Count: 1.1k+

A/N: can you tell temporary secretary was on my wrapped this year Sorry this took me so long! Fun fact, this fic is based on an account someone had of walking in on Jack having an encounter with a secretary while he was working as a senator. I can't find the exact passage right now but trust me ok. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!!!

You never seemed to mind working late nights. There was something oddly calming about the office after hours--perhaps, the absence of the constant din of ringing telephones, or the gradual silence that fell over the once-busy street below. Though you enjoyed the presence of your colleagues, you found yourself quite productive in this environment. Preparing documents that once felt daunting became a breeze under dim lamplight, plus, there was always the rare opportunity to hand-deliver said documents to the ever-elusive Senator John F. Kennedy.

Usually ducking in and out of meetings, bombarded by phone calls, or out on a business trip somewhere, the Senator was a rare fixture on your floor during normal work hours, much less at night. That you caught him at all was by a sheer stroke of luck. As you plodded down the hallway, freshly-marked papers in hand, you noticed the door to Kennedy’s private office slightly ajar, the room illuminated by the faint glow of his desk lamp. Your heart lept into your throat as you approached the door tentatively, trying to make as little noise as possible out of fear you’d disturb his important business. You gave the already-open door a gentle knock, just loud enough to alert the man of your presence.

“Come in,” Senator Kennedy said absentmindedly, his eyes fixed on important-looking papers scattered across his desk. The air was hazy and thick with lingering smoke from the butt of his cigar, which lay smoldering in a nearby ashtray. You slowly shut the door behind you, accidentally creating a noise loud enough to redirect Kennedy’s attention. A wave of fear nearly knocked you over.

“Oh, my apologies,” you stammered. To your surprise (and relief), Kennedy smirked and began to chuckle. “There are easier ways to get my attention, you know,” he joked. Your cheeks flushed beet red. You knew the effect he had on women. Many of your colleagues were absolutely smitten with the man--and who could blame them? Kennedy had such a disarming way about him, his gentle-looking blue eyes and chiseled masculine jawline were a mere fraction of what made the senator so sought after by the other secretaries. His wit and charming personality had endless swathes of women wrapped around his finger, yourself included.

You let out a coquettish giggle and hid your face with one hand. “I, just, um, finished editing today’s documents.” You were appalled at how dreadfully awkward you sounded, but who wouldn’t struggle to find the right words in front of someone so handsome? “So that’s your excuse, sweetheart? You secretaries are so creative.” Sweetheart. Hearing the nickname in his thick Boston accent turned your knees to rubber. Senator Kennedy stood up behind his desk and gestured for you to come closer, which you immediately obeyed. He placed a rough, hairy knuckle just below your chin and softly tilted your head upward to meet his gaze. The man looked ravenous as if he had been waiting for you to fall into his trap. You felt your heart erupt in a flurry of butterflies as he craned your head to one side, lowering his lips to your ear.

“Promise to be quiet for me?” Kennedy whispered, his textured hands now grasping at your breasts over your blouse. You nodded coyly, your body red-hot with desire.

“Bend over,” he commanded. You set your papers down and pushed them to the side, making room to place your hands down sturdily on Kennedy’s desk. Behind you, the senator slithered his rough hands under your smart plaid wool skirt, hiking it up to your waist before pulling your undergarments down just enough in one swift movement. You felt so exposed. You never dreamed of being the kind of girl who would satisfy a man somewhere so… public. Though, the door was closed, and it was a particularly quiet night, save for the sound of the senator fiddling with his belt.

You inhaled sharply as Kennedy traced his fingers upward along the curve of your backside, pausing to give you a firm squeeze. You felt yourself dripping in anticipation. His teasing was agonizing--you wanted more. Gently, he began to draw circles on your throbbing clit. You clasped a hand over your mouth.

“Struggling already? Don’t break our promise, now,” Kennedy remarked. Though you couldn’t see his face, you could feel his sly grin. Never one to waste time, he quickly removed his finger, replacing it with the tip of his cock at your entrance. Instinctively, you backed into him, trying to accommodate his girth as slowly as you could to not injure yourself.

Rough hands placed firmly on your hips, Senator Kennedy began to set the pace--quicker than you anticipated, but every bit as pleasurable. You swore his hands were leaving prints with the force in which he held you. Kennedy let out a barely audible, almost pained grunt as he buried himself deeper. Desperately, you gripped the desk in an attempt to keep yourself from falling forward. You listened to the senator softly curse and whisper incoherent pleasantries as he steadily quickened his tempo. You felt your stomach turn--the growing sensation of climax was rapidly approaching.

Suddenly, the wooden door swung open.

“Mr. Kennedy--” He paused in shock before finishing his sentence. You were certain no one else was around at this hour, but, sure enough, a suited man had unceremoniously interrupted your rendezvous. Gasping in shock, you hid your face in one hand. “God damn it, did you ever learn to knock?” Senator Kennedy quipped, obviously annoyed.

For a minute, the man stood there watching silently. Though, the Senator didn’t stop, or even slow down. It was almost like his words moments earlier were in vain--had Kennedy wanted the man to see you in complete submission? The thought crossed your mind once more as you looked up to find that the strange man had left, the door still slightly open.

The swelling feeling in the pit of your abdomen returned with force. Your arms shook, struggling to hold your weight as a white-hot wave of pleasure enveloped you. A gasp escaped your parted lips, followed by a hushed moan you could only describe as pathetic--something you were sure Kennedy must have enjoyed. He tightened his grip on your hips as his legs began to quiver.

“Fuck,’ Kennedy grunted, his cock throbbing furiously as he was overtaken by a powerful climax. The senator’s breathing was labored as he slowly removed himself, almost as if he was experiencing physical pain. You stayed frozen in your position for a brief moment of rest, desperate to catch your breath. God, you were sore. Turning around, you watched Kennedy fasten his belt, signature smirk still plastered on his face.

[tired-and-ticklish]

Broadcast Interference

Disclaimer: This is a tickle fic, so if that isn’t your thing, then just ignore this. 

Summary: Vox and Alastor’s rivalry is no secret to anyone. What is a secret is the more… interesting ways they deal with each other

TW: Tickling (Intense, seriously), Swearing, Restraints, Drinking, Vox and Alastor are both Bastard Men, Mentions of Cannibalism

Idea inspired by this post by @coolbananas143

Really, everyone should have expected this sooner or later. A rivalry like Vox and Alastor’s doesn’t just stick to insulting each other via radios and television screens. No, at some point, it gets physical, and it’s better for everyone to just stay out of their way. Thankfully, the residents of the Hazbin Hotel had unintentionally done just that.

It was no secret that the Television Overlord spied on basically everyone in Pentagram City, and the Hazbin Hotel was no exception. Sure, at first the monitoring could be chalked up to either “it’s just what Vox does” or “He’s watching the hotel to keep track of Angel for Val.”, but upon learning the Radio Demon had returned from a seven year absence to just throw himself into Charlotte Morningstar’s passion project, well, Vox couldn’t stop monitoring the hotel.

He had waited for the perfect opportunity, one where no one else besides Alastor would be at the hotel. Sure, Vox would have loved a captive audience to his triumph over that old-timey prick, but all in good time. He wanted all of Hell to see just who was in charge, and that would only happen when he found a way to record Alastor without the Radio Demon distorting the video. For now, however, this would do.

Alastor was going to be alone. The Princess had decided on another little ‘bonding excursion’, and as predicted, the Radio Demon had declined to go, most likely finding it beneath him. Ah, how that ego of his would be Alastor’s undoing. After making sure everyone else had left, Vox zapped himself through to the camera closest to the hotel, landing right in front of the doors.

‘You’re in for quite the surprise, you old-timey prick!’ The TV Thought as he entered the hotel.

—

Alastor knew something had been wrong ever since Charlie and the others left. He wasn’t alone in the hotel, much to his annoyance. The Radio Demon had been hoping for one day where he could be uninterrupted, but this was Hell and that was wishful thinking. In hindsight, he should have sent his shadows to see who dared infiltrate the hotel, but he was the Radio Demon, he could take care of any lowlife sinners who tried to deface or destroy the hotel.

What he hadn’t been expecting was Vox, looking like he had been waiting for Alastor. That pompous, sorry excuse for an Overlord had made himself at home, even pouring himself a drink from Husk’s bar. How he ate and drank wasn’t something Alastor wanted to question, what he wanted to know was why Vox had dared to step foot into the hotel.

“Just wanted to see what was keeping you so busy.” Vox responded casually, deliberately reaching over the bar instead of going around it, just making a mess. “There’s so much tacky fucking circus decor in here, is that what little princess Morningstar is running? A circus?”

“I can assure you, they were not my doing.” Alastor growled, his already thin patience for the TV wearing down further. “It’d be best for both of us if you left. With all your limbs still attached.”

“Try me, old man.” Vox dared.

“I would say I’ve been dying to eat you, but I’d rather not expunge my guts today!”

Insults soon turned to assaults, a bottle flying at the Radio Demon. Tendrils spawned from the ground, making a grab at the TV Overlord, but Vox had learned from their last fight. The two scuffled for some time, Alastor only feeling slightly bad for the damages to the hotel, considering that would make more for Niffty to clean.

‘Not to mention how cross Husker will be when he finds the bar raided and destroy-’ That one train of thought was Alastor’s undoing.

The wires from the hotel’s TV ripped out of the wall, ensnaring the Radio Demon. They wrapped around his arms, pulling them taut and upward, before wrapping around his waist and legs, so he couldn’t kick his way out. Try as he might, he couldn’t get free, growling as the TV came closer to his face.

“Look at you, trapped like the helpless animal you are.” Vox grinned, leaning in close, only for Alastor to try to smash his head into the TV Screen.

“I’ll show you helpless when I tear all your limbs off and devour them in front of you!” Alastor snarled, trying to pull himself free as Vox walked around him.

“You need to relax.” Vox hummed, dragging a claw down Alastor’s side slowly.

He had meant for it to hurt, but what he hadn’t expected with the Radio Demon stiffening, and biting his lip. Vox hummed at this discovery, repeating the action, which in turn caused Alastor to try to pull away. The TV couldn’t contain his excitement, he recognized all the signs thanks to working closely with Valentino and Velvette. He recognized them from having helped bring Angel Dust to tears a few times.

“You’re fucking ticklish?!” The amount of pure joy and malice in his voice didn’t escape Alastor. “This is too good!”

“It would be in your best interest if you forget all of this and release me this instance if you value your-” Whatever threat the Radio Demon was about to make was cut off by the feeling of Vox’s claws on his hips, scratching and digging into them.

“You’re not the one in control right now, are you~?” Vox teased. “No, you’re at my mercy, so watch your tongue.”

“Ihihihih’d tehehehell yohohohou to bihihihite meheheh, but yohohohou’d enjohohohoy that!” Alastor was pushing him, he knew that, but he wasn’t about to let the TV Overlord think for one second he wasn’t in control!

“Alright, keep pushing your luck.” Vox mused, moving his hands up Alastor’s sides. “I can do this aaallll day~”

Alastor tried once again to get away from the TV Overlord, his laughter going up an octave as Vox got closer to his ribs. He needed to get out of this situation before the bastard found his worst spots. The Radio Demon was sure his pride wouldn’t survive the taunts and teases that would be sure to follow.

“Let me guess, since you’re a cannibal, this is your favorite spot~?” Vox hummed, digging into Alastor’s ribs and grinning as the deer let out a squeal.

“Iihihihi’ve beehhehehen tihihihickled behehehetter bhihihihiihy thehehehe wihihihihnd!” Alastor was hoping if he got Vox angry enough, he’d drop his guard and that would give him the chance to escape.

“Ohoh, now you’re asking for it you prick!” Vox growled, his eyes scanning over the Radio Demon. There had to be a spot that would have him begging for mercy, and, as Vox noticed Alastor’s ears flicking, he got a wicked idea. “I’m getting bored of this spot anyway.”

His hands were removed from Alastor’s ribs, much to the deer’s relief. That respite was short-lived, however, as he noticed Vox looking at his ears. Before he could even threaten the TV, his ears were being scratched and rubbed, tickling the Radio Demon to no end. He couldn’t hold back anymore, pride be damned!

“FUHUHUHUCK NOHOHOHOHOH!” Alastor squealed. “CEHEHEHEHEASE AHAHAHAHT OHOHOHOHONCE!”

“Oh, that spot got you screaming quickly!” Vox sounded positively ecstatic about this discovery. “Wonder how long it’ll take before you’re a crying mess.”

“NEHEHEHEHEVER!”

“Never?” Vox chuckled, beginning to emit small, harmless shocks from his claws. “Your funeral~”

The shocks were sending a new wave of ticklish Hell upon Alastor’s nerves. A loud screech of radio static came from his throat, Vox recoiling slightly from the noise, but not enough to stop tickling him. The TV wasn’t letting him go anytime soon, and Alastor knew the only thing he could do was pray he either got bored, or pray that the others would return soon.

“I wonder what other spots get you screaming like this?” Vox hummed, despite not expecting the deer to answer. “Not talking? Guess I’ll have to find out on my own~”

Alastor was going to make him pay for this! He’d wipe that shit-eating grin off Vox’s face if it was the last thing he ever did! Another screech of radio interference escaped the Radio Demon, feeling like he was going mad. Vox, meanwhile, was having the time of his afterlife, but he needed more. He needed a spot that would finally be too much for Alastor.

“GEHEHEHEHEHT OHHOOHOHOHOFF MEHEHEHEHE BEHEHEHEHFOHOHOHOHRE IHIHIHIHIHIH BIHIHIHIHITE YOHOHOHOHU!”

A small ‘ding’ sound played from Vox’s speakers, the TV getting an idea. With a smirk, and after a few more electric shocks, he ceased his attack on the sensitive ears. Alastor caught his breath, not yet noticing the wires restraining him brought him up higher off the ground, his abdomen now level with Vox’s face.

“Thanks for giving me a hint~” Vox teased, and before the Radio Demon could respond, the TV had ripped open both the deer’s coat and undershirt, buttons flying off in random directions.

“You’re going to pay for that-” The threat was cut off by Vox slowly stoking a finger up and down Alastor’s stomach, making him freeze.

“All this talk of eating and shit has made me a bit… hungry~” Vox said, before grabbing Alastor’s sides with both hands.

“Vox, I-I’m warning you. If you even think about doing what I think you’re planning, It will be the last thing you ever live to do-” Alastor began, only to be stopped as Vox’s claws dig into his sides.

“You talk too much.” Vox replied, leaning in close.

It happened too fast for the Radio Demon to react, suddenly Vox’s face was in his stomach, before he felt ‘vibrations,’ making him squeal. The ‘vibrations’ were Vox using his TV static to make it feel like he was blowing raspberries right into the deer’s sensitive belly. Cackles of static and laughter came from Alastor, unable to let out a coherent sentence.

“YOHOHOU- STHAHAHA- NOHOHOHOH- IHIHIHIHI’M GOHIHIHING- CEHEHEHASE!”

Vox didn’t stop, in fact, he got worse, squeezing and prodding Alastor’s sides as he continued to torture him. He vaguely wondered if the Radio Demon would pass out from all this, and that would be something to see. Until then, however, Vox was going to keep tormenting him until he had his fill.

Alastor’s nerves felt like they were on fire, desperately trashing as best he could to try and escape. He hated this, he hated all of it so much! Being trapped, feeling helpless, especially at the hands of a bastard television!

“Say, Al.” Vox began, ceasing his raspberry assault in favor of raking his claws over Alastor’s stomach, once again emitting small shocks from them. “Imagine the headlines if all of Hell found out you, the big bad Radio Demon, are stupidly fucking ticklish~”

“YOHOHOHOOHHU WOOHOHOHULDN’T- DOOHOHOHON’T YOHOHOHOHU DAHAH-”

“I can see it now. ‘Breaking news! The Radio Demon and Local Hazbin is ticklish! A few well placed pokes and he’s begging for mercy!’ Wouldn’t that be ‘entertaining?’” Vox grinned. “If only I could get my cameras, and well, you would fucking show up on camera.”

As much as Vox would love to continue breaking Alastor, he was a busy man, and Valentino and Velvette were probably going to be looking for him soon. After one more ‘raspberry’ to Alastor’s belly button, he stopped. The wires holding the Radio Demon up soon unceremoniously dropped him, the deer catching his breath.

“Well, this was informative, and entertaining.” Vox hummed, beginning to head out of the hotel. “We should do this again some-”

Vox’s words were cut off as he was suddenly grabbed by shadowy tendrils, slamming him against the wall. Despite how out of it and tired Alastor felt, there was no way he was letting that TV escape after what he did. Slowly, he composed himself, carefully pushing himself off the floor.

“You seem to forget, old pal.” Alastor began, his eyes turning to radio dials. “Turnabout is fair play, and we still have quite some time before Charlie and the others return.”

“Put me down you asshole!” Vox growled, trying to pull himself free.

“Oh no, you see.” Alastor continued, coming over to the trapped Overlord. “When I get my revenge, I get it tenfold. Best you start praying now~”

Alastor was going to savor every single minute of tormenting Vox. He was going to make sure that pompous television knew never to mess with him again.

[lily-fics-11]

The Girl Next Door: Chapter 9 (Hazel Callahan, Bottoms)

Yes, TGND is back from the dead!!!! (If you’re ok the tag list and need me to update your username lmk!)

You hadn't been close with your neighbor Hazel for years. But you find her beat up in the locker room after fight club and all of that changes

Chapter 9

The aftermath of bombing Jeff’s car causes chaos to ensue

Word count: 3k

CW: Profanities, canon level violence

*Not beta read

There had been an expectation of tension the day after vandalizing Jeff’s house and blowing up his car.

However, and quite fortunately, it was business as usual, though everyone in the fight club was anxiously waiting to suffer the consequences for aiding and abetting Isabelle's revenge. The absence of recognition of the previous night's events didn’t stop everyone spiraling in the fight club meeting after school.

“Some of us have a different definition of egging,” PJ rolls her eyes. “But if we keep our mouths shut and stay calm we will be fine.”

“They are going to shut us down, aren’t they,” a disparaged Silvie points out.

“We don’t know that…” you try to reassure her.

“Principal Myers will believe anything that Jeff and Tim say. I don’t really see how we recover from this.” Brittany sighs.

Silvie groans, “man, fuck!”

“It’s been real guys” Hazel sounds so defeated, it’s heartbreaking to hear.

“Okay, let's not jump to conclusions. With the… goodbyes.” This comes out as an urgent request.

“I'm going to miss you guys so much,” Hazel says, looking around at each and every one of us, though without acknowledging PJ.

Silvie starts to hype Hazel up for her use of the bomb last night but PJ interrupts. “Wait! Stop!”

PJ tries to plead without showing any weakness. “We don’t- wait no. We don’t know that for sure.”

“PJ, don't be sad because it's over,” Annie tries to reason with her. “Be happy that it happened.” She looks towards the rest of us for reassurance and we all smile and nod in agreement.

“Alright, can everyone calm the fuck down? Please?” PJ demands, having only added ‘please’ to save face. “The club is not over. Josie, right?”

PJ looks expectantly at Josie who just looks down to the ground in defeat.

Isabel decides to put a positive twist on things like she always does. “No matter what, this club has brought me so much. I feel so much… powerful and- mmm- protected.” She had been looking right at Josie, as if she were the only other person in the room.

Josie gulps and says “me too.”

PJ starts to make a snarky comment but Hazel stands up and interrupts, which is extremely attractive. Maybe even more than she had been before, which you didn't even think was possible.

“Oh my god, PJ.” She calls out with clear intention of confrontation. “Ok, I’m sorry that you didn't get what you wanted out of this group, but I think the rest of us did.”

“Good for fucking you, Hazel. ” PJ taunts her. “I’m glad you finally wrote one email, accomplished a lot.”

“I actually did! I practically ran this club for you and Josie,” Hazel shoots back with a fire that you’ve never seen in her before, and damn is that fire hot.

PJ looks like she is about to pounce, so Josie pleads for her to calm down in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

“You really think that you're the reason that we have this club?” PJ sneers, ignoring Josie.

“Is it? No. But I could tell everyone that if you want,” Hazel threatens, implying that there is some sort of secret she is keeping for the group.

Josie attempts to relieve some of tension but is once again ignored.

“You're really ungrateful. You're so lucky that we even let you be a part of this,” the curly haired brunette snears.

“PJ, you're a liar.” Hazel's statement is assured, not an accusation.

PJ hesitates for a moment trying to find the right comeback. “Yeah… well… you have no friends and a skank for a mom, so.” PJ fires at Hazel, shrugging her shoulders.

Everyone is in utter shock.

Hazel runs out in tears and though you want to comfort her, a rage so strong it could only be created by your love for her takes over.

You bound down the bleachers straight for PJ.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?”

PJ crosses her arms, trying to look tough, but you can see the fear in her eyes. It’s a good opportunity to capitalize on that and get up in her face. That only increases her anxiety.

“I was just being honest,” she scoffs, trying to act like you aren’t scaring her. Her lie is easily seen through by everyone in the room.

But now you are mere inches away from her face, and you ignore the fact that she looks a little turned on.

“Honest? You want to talk about honesty? I’ll be fucking honest with you PJ. First of all, I think you are jealous. Jealous of Hazel. Because she is a good person, people genuinely like her. Jealous of Josie because even though you are a duo she’s more likable than you. Jealous of me! Because I’m gay, but not ugly or untalented, and have been with more girls then you will ever be with in your life. And I’m sure you’re also fucking mad that you can’t have me. I’ve seen the way you undress with me with your eyes. You are a raging bitch, and to be quite frank, a fucking cuntskillet.”

PJ is at a loss for words and your lips curl into a devious smile watching her try to collect herself. She’s never been so caught off guard in her entire life. When PJ looks like she’s about to say something you shove her to the ground. She looks up at you in terror but also a sick satisfaction from receiving so much attention, so you kick her in the stomach to get rid of that shit eating smirk.

PJ curls up in pain. You lean down to grab her face and look her in the eyes. “Don’t you ever talk to Hazel like that again. Or anyone for that matter. I’m capable of far worse than this.”

With that you storm out of the gym, leaving an eerie silence hanging over it.

You start to look around for Hazel with no luck until you hear her voice around a corner. As you approach you hear that she is talking to… Tim?

“So you are one of the founding members of the club?” Tim questions with an unsettling friendly tone.

“Yeah. I didn’t want to start it for the same reasons as Josie and PJ. Wasn’t my idea, I just helped bring it to life.” You can hear in Hazel's voice that she has been crying. It feels like a twisted knife to the gut.

“Now that I think about it, I am very curious why they wanted to start a club like this.”

“To get with the popular girls,” Hazel shares after a moment of hesitation.

This catches Tim’s attention, his eyebrows raising. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Josie and PJ wanted to fuck cheerleaders,” Hazel sighs, as if embarrassed by them.

“Fuck ch… fuck cheerleaders? That’s so distasteful,” Tim scoffs, though a cruel smirk is on his face.

Hazel's big eyes are like a sad little puppy. “It is, I just wanted to empower the girls at this school.”

Tim crosses his arms with confidence. “I’m sure you did, Hazel. How about I help you with that? What if you fight PJ at the pep rally tomorrow, show the school how powerful females can be.”

That lights Hazels face up a little. “That sounds like a great idea.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

When you hear footsteps you act casual, pretending to scroll on your phone, so that your eavesdropping isn’t obvious.

“Hey,” Hazel calls over when she sees you, relieved by your presence but still distraught. She approaches you with her head hung low and she throws her arms around you and grips you tight. You hold her right back, running your hand through her hair soothingly.

“I’m so sorry Haze. I promise that PJ won’t ever bother you again.” That is an oath you’ll never break.

“I hope not,” she sniffles a little and you squeeze her even tighter.

“I’m sure of it.”

Hazel pulls away looking confused and you smirk.

“Did you say something to her?”

“And then some.”

“Oh.” Hazel is nervous but intrigued.

“I’ll tell you later.”

Hazel doesn’t want to deal with her mom seeing her all upset, she doesn’t want to explain anything so you take her back to your house.

She takes a nap next to you in your bed and she just looks so cute when she sleeps.

During her nap you text Isabel and Brittany to discuss PJ’s behavior today.

But Isabelle is… at Josie’s?

And Britany… HAS PJ OVER?

Isabelle and Josie, weird but fine.

But Britany hanging out with PJ, after how she treated Hazel? You are seriously questioning her moral compass, but you will deal with that the next time you see her in person.

When Hazel wakes up you hold her in your arms while watching funny movies.

Around 6:00 PM Tim texts you to get Hazel’s number to coordinate for the pep rally. You can’t wait for Hazel to put PJ in her place in front of the whole school.

Hazel leaves when it’s time to go to bed. Her scent lingers on your and it makes you miss her presence even more.

At the pep rally the next day you sit with Hazel towards the top of the bleachers away from everyone else from the club.

After the cheerleaders do their thing Tim and Jeff take the floor.

“There’s been some exciting things happening at Rockbridge recently. How many of you know about that little… girl fight club?” He sounds so condescending that it gives you a bad feeling.There was something mischievous about his disposition yesterday, but this is more sinister.

There is some mild applause before he continues. “Well we have a surprise for you!” He starts to search the crowd in the bleachers. “We are going to bring…” he spots her and says “Hazel down.”

People start to clap and he continues. “One of the founding members, to show us everything the club has taught her!”

What happens next is straight out of your own personal hell. Watching Hazel get beat up and you are powerless to do anything about it.

After Hazel receives the final blow you sprint down the bleachers, with the rest of the girls in the fight club, over to her.

When you get to here you drop to your knees and hover over her. She’s hardly conscious.

“Hey, Haze, can you hear me?” It’s a plea for her to be able to hear you.

“Yeah, hi, thanks for checking on me,” Hazel says in pain, yet sounds so casual.”

That earns her an exasperated scoff. “I thought you might be dead!”

Thankfully you had driven to school today. Stella helps you get Hazel into the car. Before you leave you tell Hazel that you are going to send her mom a text.

“I can text her,” she insists.

It takes a strong urge from you to get her to listen. “You might have a concussion, you should probably stay off your phone.”

“Can I pick the music?” Hazel looks at you with those big angel eyes and you melt a little.

“Of course you can Haze, just let me know what you want and I’ll put it on for you.”

After putting on the music she requests, at a very low volume as not to make her head hurt even more than it already does, you text Mrs. Callahan.

“Hazel got beat up, she’s in really bad shape. We are coming home now, I’ll need some help getting her inside. I’ll explain in person.”

You drive extra carefully afraid that the smallest movement could cause more harm. You keep her talking, you aren’t supposed to let someone fall asleep if they might have a concussion.

Mrs. Callahan is anxiously waiting outside and she nearly starts crying when she sees Hazel’s condition. Together you bring her into the house and lay her down on the couch.

You get her ice and then go to the bathroom for first aid supplies. You deliver the ice to Mrs. Callahan so she can hold it to Hazel’s head and get started on cleaning her up.

After all her wounds are cleaned and patched up Mrs. Callahan tells Hazel she wants to take her to the emergency room.

She groans.

“You could have a concussion! Or internal bleeding!”

“Fine,” she huffs and then looks at you. “Can you come with us?”

Intertwining your fingers you squeeze her hand. “Of course I can.”

You spend the next 3 hours waiting for Hazel to get in at the ER. The two of you share headphones and she leans on your shoulder with your arm around her.

You don’t talk much, she’s pretty dazed. You periodically check that she is still conscious. And breathing. You are a little paranoid.

When she finally gets called you wait while her and her mom go see the doctor. Mrs. Callahan gets the full explanation of what happened, and you explain the context of the fight with PJ but don’t go into detail.

Hazel’s gone for what seems like forever. You fidget in your seat. You count the tiles on the ceiling. You even look at a few magazines.

When Hazel is back she announces that all she has is a concussion and a broken nose.

You go back to her house and Mrs. Callahan gets started on dinner. You help Hazel get into some more comfortable, and not bloody clothes. The deep concern for her wellbeing is strong enough to deter your mind from going in an inappropriate direction.

Hazel lays down with her head in your lap.

You run your hands through her hair and you feel her relax into her touch.

“I’m happy you are here.” She sounds so sleepy.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” You place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“It’s like when were kids. I used to be so clumsy. I was always falling and getting hurt. Like that time I fell out of the tree house. And the time that I broke my arm trying to skate board. And the time that…”

“Shhhh Hazel, I remember,” you finally find it inside yourself to laugh a little.

“Sophomore year I tried to do parkour. That did not end well.”

It’s impossible not to tease her about that one. “I remember seeing you on crutches.”

“I wish you could have been the one carrying my books around for me,” Hazel says softly, laced with vulnerability.

“Me too Haze. PJ would literally trip you when she was helping you.” It makes you roll your eyes at the mention of that punk ass bitch.

“Yeah. PJ. Kind of got me into this whole mess didn’t she.” The betrayal in her voice shows just how kind and forgiving she is, anyone else would have so much more animosity in this situation.

“That’s PJ for ya. She won’t get away with this.”

“It’s fine. I just want all this to be over with. If she apologizes, things can go back to normal. If she doesn’t I’ll just avoid her.” Hazel says it all so casually.

“What do you mean back to friends? You’d forgive her after this?” Fury starts to fill you up from head to toe. PJ doesn’t deserve that from Hazel.

“I don’t see why not…” Hazel pouts a little.

“That would imply she’s going to love to see another day,” you scoff. Not at Hazel, but at PJ being such a cunt.

“Can we talk about something else?” Hazel asks somewhat feebly.

“I will be ending Tim.” It’s not a threat, it’s a promise.

“That one’s fair. Anyone else on your hit list?”

“As of now just PJ and Tim, but I’ll keep you updated.”

Mrs. Callahan comes back with dinner up and you all eat together,listening to music, because there are no screens for Hazel until her concussion is gone.

You notice Mrs. Callahan checks the time every few minutes.

“Is everything ok?” You ask gently, already having been worried about her because of Hazel’s injured state.

“I have a huge presentation at work tomorrow. I need to put a few finishing touches on it and it’s getting late. I also don’t know what to do with Hazel tomorrow. I have to go to work but I don’t want to leave her alone.” The internal conflict is evident in her voice.

“I can stay with her.” That should have been obvious but the statement is still gentle.

“You can’t miss school,” Mrs. Callahan insists.

“Nothing is going to get done this close to the football game anyways,” the reminder is paired with a chuckle.

“That’s true.”

“Why don’t we take Hazel upstairs. She can go to bed, you can get your work done and I’ll come back in the morning.”

Mrs. Callahan squeezed your hand and whispers “thank you honey.”

The two of you take Hazel upstairs and get her into bed. Mrs. Callahan says goodnight and goes to her office.

Before you can say anything Hazel asks “can you please stay?”

“Yes. I’ll text my mom. I already told her what happened. I don't think she will care.”

Your mom tells you to take good care of Hazel and sends well wishes.

“You should probably get out of those clothes,” Hazel suggests.

Your mind goes in the wrong direction at first, it’s hard not to, but then you remember that Hazel’s blood is on your shirt and pants.

“Put on whatever you want.” She tells you and closes her eyes.

By the time you find clothes and change Hazel is already fast asleep. You crawl into bed next to her and give her a kiss on the cheek before dozing off yourself.

You had gone to bed earlier than usual last night, yesterday's events had worn you out, which is a shame, you like watching Hazel sleep. She’s just so damn cute.

What’s not a shame? Hazel cuddled up to you.

Her head rests in the crook of your neck, one arm draped across your chest to hold onto your shoulder, and one leg wrapped over yours.

———————————————————-

Tag list: @avocifera @academiareid @fictionalgap @dynsdiary @sndixz @athenalive @lamoobsessions @eloud12 @whoopsiedaisy460 @kittenchae @rubycruzin4abruzin @lanabrock

(feel free to comment to be added to taglist)

[princecharmingwinks]

Sterek Fic Rec - June-December 2023.

Can you believe we are almost at the end of 2023? These last six months have been quite busy for me so sadly haven't been able to read as much fic as I would have liked. But I am still here and will continue to create rec lists whenever I get the chance to read more fics. I am also rounding the word counts so please click on the links for the exact word count. :)

it doesn't have to be a snowman by triggeringthehealing (froggydarren) (1/1 | 4K | General)

The Beacon Beans coffee shop is what Stiles would refer to as a lifesaver. They supply his dose of sugar whenever he needs it, they don't ask questions, and their hot chocolate is delicious. And now they're running a snowman building competition where the grand prize would get him an entire year's worth of drinks. Really, all he needs is a partner to team up with. Only everyone else from the pack already seems to have paired up.

Bravery is a Loaded Gun by DefNotForWork (1/1 | 17K | Explicit)

“No, I’m not asexual, Stiles,” Derek said shortly. The teen’s heart sank in his chest, his palms going clammy and his neck prickling with the familiar feeling of rejection. “So then it’s,” Stiles swallowed, throat clogging, unable to give voice to the facts he would much rather ignore. The silence grew between them, growing tense the longer it was left. For the first time in years, Stiles couldn’t speak. The weight of inadequacy held down his typical stream of useless banter. What does one say in this sort of situation? ‘I’m sorry you don’t find me attractive?’ In which the boys speak in half sentences and have two totally different conversations. What they can agree on, eventually, is that they love each other. And that Derek should jerk off more.

Undertow by entanglednow (1/1 | 4K | Mature)

"I don't want you to die because my swirls weren't swirly enough."

Fire and Water by GreyHaven (1/1 | 2K | General)

Derek is full of unspoken words and unexpressed emotions that sear him from the inside out until finally, finally, he allows them to escape into dark ash stains that smear across the harsh white of his notebook. Or, the one in which Derek is compelled to write a story. Turns out, he's writing about Stiles. What will happen when Stiles reads it? Angst and healing and two people finding safety in each other.

eli's parents are so gross (read: in love) by ash_mcj (1/1 | 1K | Teen)

"I would’ve been here earlier, but nobody thought it would be smart to call the one person who’s intimately dealt with the Nogitsune before, so,” Stiles said bitterly as he threw his hands up. "Now I have a list of asses I gotta kick over this very avoidable fiasco. Scott’s first, since he’s the Alpha—I’m pretty sure that’s how that works. His responsibility, or whatever.” The familiar sound of Derek’s car pulling into the driveway caught Eli's attention, and he grinned. “Is Dad on your list?” “Hell yeah, Dad is on my list! Right under Scott.” “Well, he just got home, so—” Stiles didn’t wait to hear the rest of the sentence before stomping off in the direction of the living room—and Eli quickly scrambled to follow him, ready to eavesdrop on what was likely going to be a rather impressive and amusing lecture. [or: eli is glad that stiles is home, since derek has nearly died several times in his absence, but he really wishes they were a little less glad to see each other] -- prompt | a reunion kiss

Ashes, Ashes by ShanaStoryteller (1/1 | 2K | Teen)

The Sheriff gets a call at work - someone's tried to burn down his home with his son inside. "I thought of you coming here, and finding me dead, of another burnt out husk of a body, something else fire has stolen from you, of you having nothing left to grasp but ashes," John can't even call that a whimper, it's clearly a whine as Derek's hands tighten against Stile's hips, as if his boy will shudder to dust at the mere mention of the possibility unless Derek's hands can hold him into one piece, "and that thought was worse than dying."

Love Runs Wild by DevilDoll (1/1 | 9K | Explicit)

"You've got a hickey on the back of your neck!" A Neckz 'n Throats story.

So When Do I Get To Pledge My Loyalty To The Mob? by RedRidingStiles (1/1 | 10K | Mature)

“Are you my sugar daddy?” Stiles blurts out, slapping a hand over his mouth when his brain catches up to his mouth. The man lets out a soft laugh, making his way around the couch till he’s standing just feet away from Stiles. Stiles can smell his cologne from here, it smells heavenly, Stiles kinda wants to bury his face into the guy's chest so he can figure out exactly what it is. “If that’s what you’d like to call it.” The man smiles. Stiles doesn’t think he should be allowed to smile like that. All soft and gorgeous and way too pretty to be legal. He’s still not convinced any of this is real. Stiles loses his wallet, someone returns it along with $5,000. Shit keeps coming, Stiles life doesn't make any sense anymore, he's just going with it. Edited in October 2022

Stiles is My Safe Place by Star_crossed02 (5/5 | 10K | Mature)

Stiles gets bitten by Kali, and after a brief adjustment period, proceeds to co-lead the Hale Pack to defeat the Alpha Pack once and for all. OR What happens when a sassy spark-werefox starts courting an alpha sourwolf?

It feels like a perfect night (for breakfast at midnight) by princecharmingwinks (1/1 | 1K | General)

Stiles is floating on cloud nine. He is absolutely living his best life. It's a Saturday night, he's out with his friends and he's dancing like it's his birthday. Because it is! (Or it will be in 20 minutes, once midnight ticks around). And what better way to celebrate the respectful age of 22 than a night out?

princecharmingwinks special mention (My plane flying companion - I read a new chapter every time I took a new flight)

First Son, Last Chance by orphan_account (12/12 | 60K | Mature)

When First Son Stiles Stilinski, beloved public figure and the bane of his private security team, goes missing without a trace, ex-security officer Derek Hale finds himself tangled up in the world of Argent Security, a world he was forced out of when rumours abounded that he was sleeping with his charges. There's no leads, no time and no way Derek is going to rest until Stiles has been brought home safely. (Inspired by this post.)

That is all folks for 2023! Sorry again for a late addition. See you in the new year. Remember to leave kudos and comments for our wonderful writers.

[a-romantics-guide-to-life]

⋆ ₊☽˚𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼˚☾₊ ⋆ 

𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 : you and coryo had gone through hell and back, you've been together and far apart yet you could never find the courage to say how you truly feel for him. so, you wrote them into letter form, but you never sent them. and so what happens when one mr. snow finds each and every letter only to realize that it's too late?

𝓽𝓻𝓲����𝓰𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 : written in letter form from the readers perspective, talks of jealousy and sad feelings, r is definitely from the capitol, self blame, kinda sorta depression, angst, deceit

𝓪/𝓷 : i've fallen in love with this series (it's been a lot of fun to write) and I KNOW MANY PEOPLE DON'T WANT THE ANGST BUT IM SORRY I JUST HAVE TO DO IT SOOOO here ya go, enjoy! admittedly though this isn't tooo tooo angsty (i think) um but yea

𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 | 𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽

⋆ ₊ ☽ ·˚𓍲⋆ 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓽𝔀𝓸: 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹𝓮𝓻 ⋆𓍲˚· ☾ ₊ ⋆ 

Dearest Coryo,

Darling, it’s been a month and life has been hectic. 

It’s been a whirlwind of moving into the University dorms and getting accustomed to the new campus when we’ve been at the Academy since, well forever really. The classes are the same though, not too hard.

I just know it in my bones that you would’ve excelled here.

Which makes me wonder really where you are. Tigris hasn’t said anything, or well I haven’t really had a reason to visit her since you’re not there. Even Sejanus just up and left. Many of the students are actually quite happy about that, especially Festus.

It’s been quite lonely here actually. 

I sit all by myself at lunch now. I remember how we used to sit next to each other, well really across from each other, and talk about anything and everything really. Your Grandma’am’s roses, how much your arms were sore from cleaning the entire apartment, the newest fashion trends amongst the ladies of the capitol.

To be quite honest with you Coryo, it’s been hard.

I miss my best friend.

I miss your deep blue eyes and how your eyes brightened whenever we were talking. I miss how your nose crinkled whenever you smiled, genuinely smiled. I miss your lightning quick remarks flooded with sarcasm and wit. 

Most of all, I miss how you made me feel.

You know at home that my mother and father disregard me completely. You know how doting they are to my baby brother. You especially know how much it hurts to watch from the sidelines how perfect their family was when I too am a branch from that tree.

I guess they cut mine off, huh?

I really really miss you Coryo. You were the only one who saw the real me, and loved the real me even when no one was around.

Now that you’re gone, all the love and light of my life has been sucked out of the very marrow of my being. 

Who will love me during these cold cold summer months if not you and only you Coryo?

I really do miss you.

Love,

Your Best Friend

Dearest Coryo,

How are you? It’s been quite a while since I wrote my last letter. 

Well, there’s actually a very good reason for my absence and that’s because of not only the very busy life of a University student but also I find myself being courted by this boy named Billius. 

He’s actually older than both of us, he just recently started his second year at the University. He somehow reminds me of you while in some aspects he’s completely the opposite of you. He’s tall and handsome and he’s just so gentle and sweet, when he wants to be of course. He’s also so funny and witty just like you!

He’s just so loveable Coryo. When you get back I’ll introduce you two!

Billy, my nickname for him, doesn’t aspire to be president though so at least that’s one less competitor! He actually aspires to be Dean of the Academy, he says he wants to be an educator, isn’t that just so sweet?

And he’s just so romantic. He takes me out to dinner every Friday and brings me roses when he picks me up. 

He reminds me of you.

The way that you would be waiting outside of my classes as we walked to the lunch hall. We’d wait patiently for our turn, complaining about the new homework we got from Sinistra or bouncing off ideas for a new presentation we had to work on.

What really mattered was that we were there for each other through it all, thick and thin.

But now? You’re nowhere to be found.

But Billy? He’s been here. He’s even helped me help your family move out of your old penthouse.

Did you know they got evicted Coryo? I tried to help them pay off at least one more month so that they could properly pack up and move but they didn’t accept it. Although, I did manage to get them a week's stay at my family’s hotel free of charge so that they could get their bearings straight. Tigris hasn’t accepted my offer to help find a new apartment though.

You know, hearing Tigris talk about you makes me just so sad, Coryo. Even Tigris doesn’t want to tell me where you truly are.

Can you imagine that, your best friend, gone. And everyone but you knows where he is.

It hurts Coryo.

Please come home soon,

Your Best Friend

P.S. I'll be waiting here for you Coryo, forever and always. I’ll be here for when you’re ready to talk

Dear Coryo,

Hey, it hasn’t been long, huh.

Of course much has happened since I last wrote to you.

Billy proposed to me. To be honest, I was at a loss for words because in truth, I’ll never be able to get over you. 

It was a little surprising to say the least. We had been out for our weekly Friday dates. He showed up at my doorstep with the same blood rose flowers he always brings me and that bright boyish smile on his face. He took me back to where we first went out together and dropped the question. He even had a ring and everything!

It was like everything I’ve ever dreamed of except, it wasn’t you with the bright blue eyes and big wide smile. It wasn’t you who had brought me roses as pure as the driven snow. And it wasn’t you who had gotten on one knee to profuse your utter devotion.

So of course, I politely declined Billius. After all, I was still in University same as him and we’d only known each other a little over a month.

I feel like I’ve known you an eternity Coryo.

Yet I could never read your mind.

Tigris has told me that you called her. She said your hair has been all shaved off! 

You could have told me you became a peacekeeper Coryo. You know I’d never think less of you just because you’ve found work in the Districts. That doesn’t make you one of those rebels that killed your father. 

I thought you trusted me Coryo, just how I trust you.

I thought you knew you could talk to me about anything and everything. Nothing you could say could make me hate you because I love you, the good and the bad. 

But I guess I never showed you that, did I?

Tomorrow, I swear, I’ll send all these letters now that I finally know that you’re in 8. Hopefully, you’ll finally tell me what's going on because all these rumors are getting louder and louder Coryo. 

Awaiting your response,

Your Best Friend

Coryo,

You’re in 12, aren’t you?

Guess how surprised I was when I went to peacekeeper dispatch only to find out that you paid to get sent to 12. You used every last penny to your name to go to 12??

It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dots Coriolanus. Lucy Gray, you really like her, don’t you?

Even when she didn’t trust you and your only motive was to win the Plinth Prize, it’s always been her, hasn’t it?

Even in that zoo, when you nearly kissed her, when I saw you two, it’s always been her.

I mean, I’m happy that you’ve found someone who made you run up right to the ledge for her, I just wish that it would have been me.

I hope that she does make you smile and happy, cause that’s all that really ever mattered to me, your happiness. Neither one of our childhoods were what we deserved and I’m just glad that one of us got the happiness that we deserve. 

Love Always,

Your Best Friend

P.S. If we ever get the chance, I hope you introduce me to her

AHHH hope you enjoyed! and buckle in because this is going to be an angsty ride ahead ya'll

[glendybluebird]

✨Alora Luna✨

🩵Old vs New💙 Design

🩵I finally got to draw the old beloved design🥹

🩵I made a lot of changes with Alora Luna's design. I simplified her to make her characteristics a bit more realistic. The old design kind of focused more into aesthetics and she was just overall confusing cause there's too many things going on with her from her clothes, traits, skills, and even with her backstory. I love the new design better because it's more focused on the narrative and I did my best to make her a bit more realistic. I'll make a post of her new official design soon (I already made the drawing but it needed some tweaks).

💙 Basically her new description is that she's intelligent, meticulous, and very perceptive or observant. She's big on academics but she secretly has a passion for creative writing. Her dad owns a restaurant in the city (the year is 1950s), where she gladly helps him along with her 3 brothers.

💙✨Her new design is flexible. She can both be a part of the Encanto universe, but she can also stand on her own with her own story.✨

💙 The changes on her appearance by the way is that I pushed the contrast between her and Camilo.

Yet even without Camilo, she can still stand on her own cause I loved her new design the way it is and it's staying that way. The wardrobe will maybe have a few variations.

Yep that's it🐦🐦🐦

Sorry I've been gone for quite some time. I got extremely busy with my personal life and all ever since I moved away for college🥹✨ Thank you for those who continued to support me despite my absence🥰Maybe one day I can try to make up for it.

[sugarplumkneecaps]

Sips of Solace & Soft Spines

Shadow & Sonic Slow Burn

C/W: none A/N: thank you so much for the love for this fic <3 It truly means a lot! I want to let you know that I won't be updating here, in this format, after this chapter. It has caused a great deal of stress that I wasn't expecting. So sorry! I will keep posting updates on my AO3 every Friday though <3 You can view the work here.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 (HERE)

Chapter 5: Teacups & Crusades

☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ☆。。☆。✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

The polished look of the espresso machine steam spout brought Shadow a great deal of pride. He had worked the rag on it until it shone like glass, a distorted reflection of himself staring back at him as Amy and Rouge chattered behind him. It had been a couple weeks since Shadow’s housewarming party and work at the Mean Bean cafe had been going quite well. It brought him a sense of belonging where he was able to focus on each task at hand with minimal deviation from the routine he had established.

Each morning, Rouge would accompany him on his way to work, talking about various subjects from her questionable interest in Knuckles to planned get togethers she had not bothered Shadow with to new vinyl being released. He had learned that vinyl had made a comeback after losing its popularity some years ago, which for once seemed to be rather lucky for him. Over the weeks, he had gone through the selection chosen for him at his apartment, fine tuning his own taste in music which he found was not much different from Maria’s. Melodies filled his apartment during a majority of his waking hours instead of the silence he once thought he would have preferred.

His days off were spent either going to the cooking class with Sonic, followed by their long training sessions (no longer cut short by surprise parties but rather ending naturally when the moon peeked its head above the trees) or reading. Tails had shown him the town library where Shadow was able to collect a small hoard of books each week that he would spend his evenings reading. Most of his selection came from the historical section, finding that he enjoyed catching up on events that happened during his absence in stasis. The routine was somewhat mundane compared to what he had grown so used to before, but it was not unwelcome.

Rolling his shoulder back, Shadow let out a soft groan as Rouge placed a slip of paper next to him with an order scribbled onto it. “Rough session with Sonic, huh?” She had propped herself up with her hand placed along the counter, the other on her popped hip.

“He’s an adequate training partner,” the muscles in his arm screamed as the stretch deepened, causing him to wince slightly. Picking up the order, he went to work placing the grounds in the machine before it let out a small hiss and spat the coffee into a small cup. He plated the drink on the pick up counter, hitting the small service bell to alert the customer of their completed order.

Rouge hadn’t moved, raising an eyebrow at his indifferent response. “Uh huh. I know you won’t listen to me when I say this, but try to not over do it. You’re not the only one using him as a punching bag.” The scene of their training grounds came into view within Shadow’s mind, the number of smashed trees growing each week. He knew not all of them were because of him, but he did recall Sonic’s comment about Knuckles using the same space to train, as well. He hadn’t quite considered that Sonic was making an effort to train with Knuckles on days he wasn’t training with Shadow. He acknowledged Rouge’s request with a curt nod, going back to business.

The bell above the door chimed as a familiar blue figure entered the cafe. Shadow turned his attention to Sonic, stepping forward to take Amy’s usual place at the register as she was on break.

“Hey Shadow! I didn’t realize you worked here with Amy!” he flashed a toothy grin at Shadow, waving to the bat behind him. “Hiya Rouge!”

“Hi Sonic,” she called, joining Shadow’s side before giving him a soft nudge. “I’m headed to take my break. You got this, handsome?”

Shadow gave another nod as she headed toward the door. He placed one hand on the counter, glancing at the touchscreen in front of him, greeting Sonic with a deadpan tone, “what can I get you.” An awkward chuckle escaped the hedgehog stood before him before he mirrored Shadow’s stance.

“Get me whatever you like, Shadow!”

Shifting his eyes up, he gave Sonic a slow once over. “No.”

“What? Why not?!”

“You don’t need caffeine.”

“What are you, my mother?”

The dark hedgehog let out a tired sigh. This was one of the rare moments that he silently begged for a rush of customers to swarm the place, giving him enough of an excuse to hurry along this pained interaction. However, this was Green Hills and the town’s idea of rush hour was tame enough that Shadow could handle it alone without issue. In a rare moment, the universe had found in its heart to be forgiving of his plight as Amy returned from break before Shadow had to continue to explain himself. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Sonic, “oh hey Sonic! What a surprise to see you here!”

Sonic’s determination was unwavering however, his foot tapping at an increasingly rapid speed. The pink hedgehog took notice, her demeanor shifting to one of understanding and then annoyance. Her lips thinned into a straight line as she stated, “decaf.”

“WHAT?” throwing his hands up in an exasperated manner, Sonic nearly fell over from shock at the joint refusal of both Shadow and Amy. Without another word, Shadow returned to his post and began making up a cup for Sonic. “Wha- I don’t get to have a say at all in this? What happened to the customer’s always right or whatever?”

“Not in this case!” Amy beamed, high fiving Shadow before punching in the order on the touchscreen. Sonic crossed his arms in a pout, taking a seat by one of the windows as he waited for his drink. Gliding across the seating area over to him, Shadow placed the cup of decaf coffee in front of him along with a small selection of creams and sugar.

“Black, decaf coffee. Similar to what I like.” Shadow bent down close to Sonic’s face. “But I brought cream just in case.”

Sonic’s peach muzzle shifted to that of a light pink before he turned his attention away, rubbing his nose in silence. The door opened once more, relieving Sonic of the unexpected intrusion of his space as Shadow lifted himself to return behind the counter. Rouge reemerged from outside, walking in tandem with a small rabbit. Amy immediately recognized her little friend, Cream, and ran to greet her.

“Cream! Oh my goodness, how have you been?” Amy squealed with delight as she pulled the rabbit into a hug. Cream giggled as she returned the embrace eagerly. Shadow peered over the counter at the display, still moving about to place used dishes in the sink. He had only interacted with Cream a handful of times, but it was enough for him to develop a bit of a soft spot for her. Many of her antics reminded him of Maria and he had a hard time turning down anything she had asked of him. She was adored by Amy and her entire friend group, so they found themselves to be in a similar predicament whenever she inquired anything of them.

“I ran into her outside, she mentioned having something for all of us,” Rouge commented as she returned behind the counter alongside Shadow.

“I do!” Cream beamed. She pulled at the small bag slung over her shoulder, taking note of each person present within the cafe. Once her count was finished, she pulled out four pastel colored envelopes, each decorated with stickers and glittery handwriting. She cleared her throat before stepping back to present Amy with the first one, “I am cordially inviting you all to my tea party!”

Amy accepted the envelope gingerly, buzzing with excitement. Cream made her way to each person, approaching Shadow last. An earnest expression working her features, her eyes furrowed in her own attempt to match his own usual glare. She held the envelope out to him, “Mister Shadow, I cordially invite you to my tea party!” Shadow let out a small chortle as he accepted the outstretched invitation.

“I’ll be there.”

Her expression immediately shifted to one of joy, moving forward swiftly to hug him. With that, she skipped toward the front door, only turning back to wave and exclaim, “I expect to see you all Saturday!”

With Cream out of ear shot, all eyes were on Shadow as he put the envelope into the pocket of his apron with a great amount of care. Rouge was the first to break the silence, a teasing grin stretched along her face, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you accept a party invitation so fast in my life. What gives?”

Shadow shrugged as he filled the sink behind the counter with soapy water, submerging the dishes completely. Unsatisfied with the lack of an answer, Amy pressed as well. “Yeah Shadow, I’m even a bit surprised.”

“And any of you would tell her no?” his tone flat as he got to work, moving the freshly washed dishes to the drying rack above the sink. His question was met with silence, only confirming his suspicion and saving him the need to justify himself. Sonic finally braved a small sip from the cup in front of him, trying to hide his reaction of disgust before adding a mix of creams that Shadow had brought him.

“It makes sense,” he pondered aloud, sipping at the coffee once more, satisfied with his additions to the cup. “Shadow may be cold, but he isn’t heartless.”

The compliment caught Shadow off guard, his ear twitching involuntarily before he tried to resume his task. Amy mumbled in agreement, apologizing to him for the insinuation on her part. Rouge watched Shadow in silence, her cheeky grin only growing as she took note of his subtle reaction.

Shadow slammed his hand down on his beeping alarm clock, shutting off the annoying alert to roust him. The day of the tea party quickly arrived and Shadow admittedly felt ill prepared. While he was among one of many that did not have to heart to decline such an earnest invitation from Cream, he still felt out of place. Swinging his legs over the side of his bed, he rummaged through his dresser to pull together a modest outfit, checking his phone as he did.

As if on cue, a text from Rouge lit up his phone.

> Rouge: Seems I won’t be able to make it today :’( give Cream my best!

That sly bat. He locked his phone and left it on the bed, irritated that his social anchor wouldn’t be present. The thought of her plotting this from the start crossed his mind; it wouldn’t be unlike her. If there was one thing he had learned from her over the years (and especially over the past few weeks) was that sudden unavailability seemed to be more socially accepted as opposed to having conflicting plans. She knew how to game the system and it just so happened that this particular instance had left him out to dry.

Trying to shake the frustration that had begun to set it, he pulled a dark sweater over his head, smoothing out its wrinkles and his own quills before heading to the kitchen. Working at the cafe had made him appreciate the different ways one could utilize coffee beans. Had his preferred method of consumption changed? No, he still enjoyed the efficiency of eating the beans straight from the bag. But he had learned to appreciate the aroma and act of sitting down with a cup of brewed coffee in order to savor the bitter notes. Making the coffee this way also seemed to make it last a bit longer, which gave him little reason to complain.

Having finished getting ready and preparing himself to face the music, he exited his apartment and headed downstairs. The invitation in hand read that the party was at a national park some ways away, which was no issue for him. A crude map featuring a simple picture of Green Hills with a line leading to a pink circle containing a large body of water was drawn on the page. It wasn’t much to go off of, but he recognized the curve of the river. He engaged his air shoes, shoving the colored paper into his quills for safe keeping as he made his way to the park.

Even with the somewhat unreliable map provided on the invitation, it would have been hard to miss where the party was to take place. Balloons and colored streamers hung from the tree branches leading to a picnic area which was equally as done up for the occasion. A long blanket lay atop one of the tables, an assortment of small sandwiches and various snack items filling the center with lines of teacups and cutlery placed at each seat. There were little name cards accompanying each set, the names scribbled down unreadable from afar. At the head of the table sat little Cream, dawning a glittery dress and a small tiara. Shadow felt a bit underdressed by comparison.

By Cream’s side was Blaze, who was instructing her on something Shadow couldn’t quite make out. However, she had Cream completely captivated as the cat would hold each bit of cutlery up, speak for a short while, and then move onto the next. Amy soon emerged from the wood line, some kind of kettle in hand as Tails trotted along behind her with a portable generator. Placing it on the table, she caught a glimpse of Shadow and called to him. “Shadow! There you are! It’s so nice to see you!”

No point in waiting by the sidelines, he supposed.

Approaching with a bit of reluctance, he watched as Tails set up the generator, plugging the cord from the base of the kettle into it. Shadow hadn’t given much thought to the intricacies of hosting a tea party out in the woods, but this crew always seemed to find some way to pull off even the most outlandish ideas. Cream took notice of everyone gathering, Shadow catching her attention immediately. “Hiya Mister Shadow!” she hopped from her seat, running over to give him a practiced curtsy. Shadow chuckled a bit before indulging the rabbit, giving her a slight bow.

“Where’s Rouge?” Amy asked, giving the dark hedgehog a quizzical look. Standing straight up again, he fished his phone out to show her the text from their coworker. Her face scrunched up, doing very little to hide the aggravation caused by Rouge’s no-show. “Of course she found a way out of this.” Shadow shrugged, returning his phone back to where it was before as he scanned the area looking for something, or someone. Rouge’s stunt only irritated him since he was usually able to cling to her at these social events. Now he had to find someone else to attach himself to. He had worked with Amy for a little while now, so using her as a temporary social anchor wasn’t a bad idea. However, they had never seemed to get around to small talk and he only overheard bits and pieces of conversation between her and Rouge. Most of their banter involved Amy pining over Sonic or her continually coming up with new events to host at her home. Shadow started to wonder if she actually enjoyed hosting all the time or if she was only doing it in an effort to get close to her love interest. Given who she got her dating advice from, it was most likely the latter.

That left Shadow with one other option, one that left him questioning his sanity for even considering it. Seeking someone like Sonic out was an insane notion, as he was obnoxious to a degree that was almost impressive. He always had something smart to say in response to any serious bit of conversation. One had to enter into every interaction with the blue blur with the patience of a saint... or be willing to punch him a few times to relieve some of the building tension caused by him. Shadow was personally quite fond of the latter, but in this instance he had found himself inadvertently searching for his rival for reasons completely devoid of violence. Amy was a good, safe anchor, but Sonic was predictable. As if to only prove Shadow’s subconscious line of reasoning, the blue hedgehog appeared in a flash, causing the blanket laid atop the table to flap about wildly.

“Sorry I’m late, Cream!” he huffed, an apologetic grin on his face. Knuckles followed closely behind, carrying what Shadow could only guess were more party supplies. For someone who claimed to be the fastest thing alive, Sonic seemed to have a regular habit of being tardy.

The small rabbit made no issue calling him out on it either, “you better have a good excuse!”

Looking rather alarmed and scrambling to respond, all Sonic could manage was to motion toward Knuckles as he approached the table, setting down the armful of stuff. “What about Knuckles?! He’s late, too!”

“I was here earlier this morning to help the rabbit set up. Do not pin your guilt on me, hedgehog,” Knuckles retorted, causing Sonic to drop his head in comical defeat.

No longer interested in Sonic’s attempt at an excuse, Cream dug through the pile placed on the table, pulling a wooden toy sword out and above her head. “Ah ha! Blaze! He brought it!” The cat moved to her side gracefully, studying the sword for a moment before giving Cream an approving nod.

“I believe this will do nicely,” she began, placing her hand on the rabbit’s shoulder and turning her away from the table. “Now, to do a proper knighting, do as I do.”

Shadow watched as Blaze continued her instruction, crossing his arms over his chest and doing his best to ignore Sonic’s approach. The blue hedgehog cleared his throat before nudging Shadow’s arm with his elbow. “You really showed! I’m almost surprised.” The dark hedgehog let out a small scoff, keeping his eyes fixed on Cream and Blaze.

“I’m not heartless,” he said plainly, quoting what Sonic had said earlier in the week.

“Ah- you’re right. Yeah.”

An awkward pause fell between them as Blaze finished her instruction, Cream’s wooden sword tapping either of her shoulders as the cat kneeled before her. “I now pronounce you Sir... Percival!” The rabbit giggled a bit as Blaze stood tall once more, giving Cream a bow as thanks. “Everyone gather around! I need to give you your titles!”

The group huddled around the small rabbit with varying looks of curiosity and glee, each taking a turn kneeling before Cream just as Blaze had as they were given their titles.

“Knuckles, I pronounce you Sir Gawain!”

“Tails, you are my trusty Blacksmith!”

“Shadow, I pronounce you Sir Lancelot!”

“Amy, I pronounce you- uh...” Cream looked around, eyes growing wide as they landed on the large body of water near the picnic area. “Lady of the Lake!”

Each member found their way to the table, the nametags at each seat coming into view as they approached. Cream had written each of their given titles on the slips of paper in the same glittery font used on the invitations. As Shadow found his seat, he took note of the nametags placed on either side of him. One, that read “Lady of Bats (Rouge)” and the other...

“What about me, Cream?” Sonic inquired, getting ready to kneel before her as the others had. The small rabbit hemmed and hawed for a short time before shrugging and giving him a wide smile, “you’re just ‘Sonic’, Sonic.”

The group stifled a joint laugh as Cream skipped over to her place at the table, leaving Sonic with his mouth hanging open and his stance frozen in a mid kneeling position. Shadow let out a rather hearty chuckle, having foreseen his rival’s lack of title based on the plain “Sonic” nametag placed next to him. The blue blur found his way to his seat and pouted for a time as the festivities kicked off. Without thinking, Shadow returned Sonic’s earlier gesture by nudging his arm and offering, “maybe you don’t need a fancy title.”

Too dejected to truly appreciate the effort from Shadow, Sonic shoved a lackluster hand towards the tag placed in front of his dark companion. “She even thought of one for you- no offense. But you don’t even like going to these types of things...”

“What makes you say that?”

Sonic thumped his head onto the table, rubbing his face about until he could turn to look up at Shadow, “oh c’mon now.” A gloved hand appeared between the two hedgehogs, fingers raising one by one as the blue hedgehog recalled each instance. “You had no interest in sticking out our D&D one shot, that I wrote specifically for you by the way. You practically ran away from me at Amy’s. Even at your own housewarming party you snuck off to brood!” Each memory tossed at him caused Shadow to wince and bare his teeth bit by bit. As much as he hated to admit it, Sonic was more perceptive than he gave him credit for. The only activity Shadow willingly participated in at this point was the combination cooking class, sparring match agreement with Sonic.

“The only thing you seem to actually like doing is beating me up every week!”

Yep, Shadow was a fool if he thought that Sonic was going to leave that bit out. Deciding it wasn’t worth it to engage with Sonic’s completely justified recounts, he took a moment to regain his cool, inhaled deeply and reached toward the center of the table to grab some of the snacks placed there. Placing a sandwich on his own plate as well as one on Sonic’s, he then placed a tea bag in either of their cups. Much of this went without any sort of acknowledgement from his brighter counterpart as the counting hand flopped onto the table with an audible thud.

“Tea?” he finally asked, hoping to get Sonic to sit up properly. Blaze was shooting daggers their way as she glared at the display and Shadow was in no mood to deal with her wrath. The gesture worked as the blue hedgehog fixed his posture to at least that of a slouch, finally taking note of the food on his plate and the tea bag in his cup, which he lifted to his face to sniff at.

“What did you put in there?” he said, the amount of disdain in his voice unfitting for his usual demeanor. Shadow placed a gentle hand atop the teacup to bring it back down to the table before pouring hot water into it. The water quickly swirled to a light shade of brown, the earthy aroma from it rising along with the steam that dissipated into the forest air. Whatever bickering Sonic had left in him was silenced as he bit into the small sandwich, no longer having the energy to continue to outwardly pout at his title-less tag.

Amy had been watching the two intently, ignoring the snacks and treats on her own plate as the two rivals interacted. She was used to Sonic’s theatrics, but Shadow’s seemingly gentle acts inspired numerous unspoken questions.

The party came to a close as Tails remarked on the time. Cream’s mother, Vanilla, was strict about the small rabbit’s bedtime, and the festivities had continued dangerously close to it. Amy shooed everyone off, insisting that they escort Cream home. “Leave the decorations to me!” she called. Shadow stayed behind to help pack up the remaining supplies, pausing as he held the “Sir Lancelot (Shadow)” tag in his hand.

“Cream really put a lot of thought into this,” Amy commented softly as she reached his side and started to get to work gathering items up into the tote that had been hidden underneath the table. He nodded, placing the nametag within his quills for safekeeping. Without a verbal response from Shadow, the pink hedgehog continued, “it’s nice to see you and Sonic getting along!”

The notion evoked a loud humph from him, his pace quickening to establish some space between him and her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She stopped dead in her tracks, placing a hand on her hip and scowling over at him. “You can pull that kind of crap with Sonic, but you can’t keep dodging everything everyone says to you.” The sudden abrasiveness from Amy caught Shadow off guard completely, throwing him off his rhythm of cleaning up. Dishes clanked together in a clumsy fashion as his grip on them wavered.

Seeing his slight fumble, Amy sighed as she relaxed her pose and brought her voice back to a neutral tone, “He looks up to you a lot, Shadow. And he’ll never say it, but I know he’s been enjoying the time he’s been getting with you, as much as you can’t stand it.” The last bit was an obvious jab, one that cut through his thick skin.

“It’s not that...” he hesitated, his voice coming out much quieter than he intended. “It’s not that I can’t stand him.”

Amy’s ears perked up, her attention fully on him now. “What is it then?”

Words failed him as he searched for the right ones to describe exactly what it was. Sonic drove him absolutely mad, that was for sure. Each cooking class they took together, the blue blur had an air of confidence about him that translated to gentle instruction as he went through the motions with Shadow. The silent, thoughtful gestures confused him to an annoying degree, so much so that he had to put it out of his mind completely to stay focused on the actual cooking. Then, each time they would race to the training grounds, Sonic kept up with each and every blow that was exchanged, stopping every now and again to offer Shadow water and then again to call it a night. He was annoying, stubborn, but more than anything...

“He’s reliable,” Shadow slipped out, his gaze elsewhere as his racing thoughts finally tossed together an acceptable conclusion.

A conclusion that even Amy was happy with. She smiled sweetly, grabbing the last bits of tableware from Shadow’s grasp. “That’s such a typical response, coming from you.” She sighed dreamily, “but I’d have to agree with you. My Sonic always makes an effort to be dependable!”