#(ask away while I’m gone though! they shall all be answered)

[thebigshotman]

*…WH4T 1S TH1S [[Trade Offer:]]??? 1T BETT3R BE G00D.

(As he waits for the voice to respond, he is suddenly aware that there is perpetually the sound of hands typing at a keyboard under her voice. Perhaps there’s some sort of truth to her words…

*I’ll…shut up. Or, uh, try to…we’re still connected, after all. But please…try to calm down and genuinely let these people change your mind. I can guarantee you, no one wants you to sacrifice yourself like this.

*4ND 1F I’M [[if not completely satisfied,]]???

*I’ll…oh god I can’t believe I’m doing this…

*I’ll…allow you access to the NEO body. One last time. That’s how certain I am that this is the wrong choice. But if nothing shakes you…I will bend my strings and let you do as you want.

*But please, please please please…let their words actually sink in. You don’t want this, Spaul. Trust me.

*…F1NE.FINE-FIN3-[[there’s nothing wrong!]]. I ACCEPT TH3 [[deal]].

*It’s not a deal ya silly-Ugh, I guess I have to shut up now.

*Please, everyone out there…don’t screw this up.

(All that remains of her voice is the clicking of the keyboard. Still there, but forcing herself to be silent.)

(Questions to The String Puller are still available, but she won’t be as talkative during normal questions now. Ask away!)

[gallavichsreddie1128]

Dr. Y/L/N (Hannibal)

Description: Y/N is Hannibal’s doctor while he’s in prison and he’s obsessed with her.

Warning: Smut

Word Count: 1,421k

Request:

Hi,

I heard you are taking requests, could you please write (if you are comfortable) a Hannibal fanfic, where he is already imprisoned and starts obsessing over a doctor!reader,who comes to visit him after he got injured.This happens multiple times due to Chilton‘s ruthless care. After breaking out, he soon turns up to the reader‘s house. The reader also thought that he was rather charming and it ends with smut? (Again if you are comfortable)

Hannibal turned around as a beautiful woman came into the room to check on him. He had to go through this every week and at first he hated it but after the doctor got replaced by someone that was so beautiful he was actually okay with it. He would never admit this outloud but he sometimes would hurt himself just to see her. Luckily nobody caught onto that. “Dr. Lecter, have you kept yourself out of harm’s way?” She asked as she walked up to him. He chuckled, “Dr.Y/L/N I’m offended that you think so low of me.” He said to her as she wrote something down on her paper. “Well considering this is the 5th time I’ve seen you this week?” She asked and he nodded. “Can you blame me? I have a very pretty doctor.” His face turned red at his words. He loved to flirt with her any chance he got and though she did find him attractive she kept it professional. “Thank you Dr.Lecter.” She said and began asking him questions. 

Y/N had gone into work one day and had been informed that the FBI took Dr.Lecter for the day and that he would be back. She felt a little sad that she wouldn’t be able to see him that day but was glad he was okay. 

She watched the news in horror as she found out that he escaped and was on the loose. Sure he was attractive but she knew what he did and what he was capable of. How could the FBI be so stupid? That was probably his plan all along. But when she got a knock at her door she didn’t think much of it. She had neighbors that sometimes needed to borrow stuff no matter the time of day or not so when she opened the door to see Hannibal she gasped. “Hello Dr.Y/L/N.” She stared at him with wide eyes, “How did you find my home?” She asked the man.

He chuckled, “It took me hours to do so but you live close by.” She was confused on what he meant by that but was too stunned at the fact that he was at her door. “Dr. Lecter, why are you here?” She asked him. There had been tension between them ever since they met but right now it was stronger than ever. “Dr.Y/L/N or shall I say Y/N we both know that during our visits we may have acted professional but there was never professionalism between us.” He stated. “Dr. Lecter, you always flirted with me. I was the one to keep it professional.” She told him. “But you liked my flirty, did you not?” He asked, stepping closer to her.

This caused her to take a step back and accidentally let him into her home. He stared her down waiting for the answer that she didn’t have. She knew it was wrong but she did like it. “Y/N I know you are attracted to me. Don’t hide it.” He said and leaned down and kissed her. She didn’t kiss back. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to but it was wrong. “This is wrong Dr.Lecter.”She pointed out against his lips. “But it feels so right doesn’t it? And call me Hannibal.” He whispers and kisses her again. This time she doesn’t hesitate and kisses him back. Their lips were perfect together and felt amazing.

Her hands that were placed at her sides went up to pull off his jacket. He let her take it off him and picked her up causing her to squeak into the kiss. He slammed her against the wall as the kiss got more heated. Her hands were tugging his hair causing him to groan into her mouth. Once they needed oxygen they pulled away and he went to kiss her neck. She sighed as he kissed down her neck at some points leaving marks. As he sucked on her neck she moaned his name. It was a beautiful sound that he would die to hear over and over again. “Lift your arms.” He mumbled into her neck and she did so. He took off her shirt revealing her perfect breasts to him.

She watched as he leaned down to suck on one of her nipples causing her to gasp. His mouth felt so good on her nipple that she could imagine where it felt in other places. After he assaulted one he moved on to the other. He left marks all around her boobs as he came back up to kiss her needy lips. She began unbuttoning his dress shirt and pulled it off him. Her hands felt up and his chest as she traveled down to his pants. She tugged on his pants and he got the hint. He pulled away from her lips and asked her “Where is your bedroom?” She told him and he carried her into the room.

He dropped her on the bed and removed his pants. She pulled down her PJ Pants to reveal soaking wet panties. He chuckled at the sight and pulled down his boxers. His dick was huge; she was almost sure that it wouldn’t fit. But her panties got more soaked at the sight. He ran a hand up her soft leg until it came in contact with her panties. “My my you're very wet.” He said and pulled them down her legs until they were off. She sighed at the feeling of cool air hitting her pussy. He pulled her so that their crouches lined up. “Are you ready?” He asked, looking down at her as she was falling apart.

She nodded quickly and bucked her hips just to feel something. He chuckled and lined his dick up with her soaking wet hole. He sighed and slowly pushed in not knowing her experience. He watched as her face contorted different emotions. Some of pain and some of pleasure. She felt nice and warm and super tight. He loved the feeling of her. He loved it so much that he let out a groan of pure pleasure and admiration. Her hands looked for something to latch onto but she couldn’t until he was all the way inside of her. Her legs wrapped around his waist and her hands gripped her own thighs as she cried out as he started thrusting.

His hands covered hers as his hips snapped into her. He watched as she closed her eyes and her mouth opened into a perfect o shape. She looked so sexy that his hips snapped against hers even harder. His name fell from her lips in a whimper and her eyes opened to meet his. He watched as her lustful eyes stared back at him until they rolled back into her head and her body arched. Her pussy was squeezing him so tight, he was sure that if he tried to pull out it wouldn’t work. He let out deep grunts that were made at the same time her noises were. He was never super loud during sex but she was and oh he loved it.

Her hands squeezed her thighs so hard she definitely left bruises as her high was near. “Hannibal, I'm close.” She whimpers out as he groans out a “me too.” It would be magical if they came together. Her body started shaking and he knew that at any point she would come. “Cum for me baby.” He managed out as he was also close. Her back arched and he could feel her cum all over his dick triggering his orgasm. He only let out a grunt as he came but she screamed and whined as he rode out her orgasm until there was nothing left.

Both of them breathing hard and holding on to each other as they calmed down. She felt him soften inside of her and pull out causing her to whimper at the loss of contact. She managed to sit up and look up at him. He looked so good all sweaty and fucked out. Little did she know how she looked. “That was great.” She told him as she ran her hand up and down his arm. He smiled at her and nodded. “You are very attractive Dr.Y/L/N.” He tells her and that makes her smile. “I would like to get to know you better and not just as my doctor.” Her smile goes down a bit and she looks at him. “That’s great Hannibal but unfortunately I have to get you back to prison.” 

[storm-angel989]

Outside the Office Part Eight

Hi All! Mature content warning (it is Valentino, after all). Enjoy!

I awoke the next morning to the shrieking sound of an alarm clock. I groaned and snuggled tighter to Valentino. He rolled over and hit his phone until it finally fell silent. 

“Mmm. Good morning, Princessa.” He leaned over and pressed his lips to mine, a soft smile playing across his features. “I could wake up to this pretty face every morning.” He ran the back of his hand down my cheek. “How do you feel? Did the epsom salt bath help last night?” 

I shivered but nodded, tucking my head to the base of his neck as I recalled the events of the night before. A few hours after I had fallen asleep against Valentino, I woke up, every muscle in my body screaming in pain. He had kissed me, and upon learning of my discomfort, he closed his computer and ran the warmest, toastiest bath I had ever had the pleasure of soaking in. 

He had gone out of his way to set up the bathtub well before he carried me over and sinking into the bathtub felt the same way heaven should. Honestly, the more I thought about it,  to call it a bathtub would be an understatement. His bathtub could easily fit both Valentino and I, and at least two others, with room leftover. He sat across from me while I soaked, punching away on his laptop. “Just be quiet, Princessa.” He had told me. “I need to concentrate on this.”  To see him go from working, the serious expression on his face as he concentrated on his laptop to the soft expression when he looked up at me sent butterflies all through my body. 

“It did,” I replied sleepily. I loved waking up next to him, feeling him underneath me. Protecting me. I wrapped my arms around him the best I could. “I feel much better now.” 

He took my chin in his hand and tilted my face as he studied it. “You look better. The bruises are already starting to turn. You meant it when you said angels healed fast.” He gently let go of my chin. 

I snuggled back against him. With the sleepiness still in my brain, I let out a half laugh. “I mean, it makes sense though that when I was back home I still healed slower than the other angels I trained with.” I snuggled closer to him. “But I was held to the same timeline, even when it still hurt. It made me tough.” 

I heard him take a sharp inhale and looked up to see him as he clenched his jaw. He pulled me up to his chest and pressed his lips to my forehead. 

“That isn’t okay, and it will never happen to you again. Not while I’m around,” he said through gritted teeth. 

Warmness spread through me at his words. My head against his chest, tucked under a mound of blankets, I would have laid there all day if I could have. After a few minutes of cuddling, he sighed and slowly sat up, moving himself carefully so as to not aggravate my pain. 

“As much as I would love to stay here all day with you, I have to work today.” He said, echoing my thoughts. He kissed me again. “And you’re going with me.”

It wasn’t fear that rushed through me, but the idea of going back to that place made me uneasy. Sending my discomfort, he wrapped both his arms around me. 

“No harm will come to you, not this time nor ever again. I promise.” He kissed the top of my head. “After today the world will know that you belong to me, that you are the princess of hell, and no one will fuck with you ever again, lest they face the wrath of Lucifer himself.” He nuzzled into me. “Believe me when I tell you what you saw in the bathroom that day, isn’t a fraction of what the king of hell is capable of.” 

I didn’t answer. I wondered, not for the first time since my arrival, if being half demon came with any perks- like the strength and quick healing benefit from my angelic side. I made a mental note to text Lucifer and ask him. What’s the worst he could do, not respond? Tell me no? I buried my face into him as those feelings washed over me. 

Under me, Valentino let out a steady exhale and lifted both of us up. “Shall we get ready for the day?” He leaned in and gave me a smile, his lips hovering against mine. “I think we both need a wake up shower.” He swung himself off the bed and offered his hand. “Come, mi amor.” 

His hand in mine, I gingerly stood up. He waited for me to find my balance, testing a few steps slowly. Once I was sure of my footing, I followed him into the bathroom, his fingers intertwined with mine. 

“Sit on the counter. You haven’t moved very much over the past few days.  You’re going to be sore.” He lifted me up and set me on the counter.  “I’ll give you something to keep you comfortable throughout the day. It will last longer, and work better than ibuprofen.” He dug through and came up with a vial, and a wrapped syringe and needle. He reached for my arm. 

I jerked away from his touch. “Absolutely not. No. I’m fine with just the pills. That’s all I need. It’s all I’ve ever needed, and more than I’ve received on more than one occasion. I will survive.” 

He looked torn. “But Princessa. It won’t get you high, I promise. I wouldn’t do that to you. It will only make you more comfortable.”

“I said no.” 

He sighed in frustration but put everything back in the drawer, rummaging around again and pulling out a thermometer. “Fine. Here, put this under your tongue before Vox bitches at me again.” 

I opened my mouth and he placed it under my tongue. I closed my lips around it and waited. He walked away from me and opened the shower door. I heard the steady stream as the water began to fall and watched as steam floated towards the top of the room.  

He turned his attention back to me and crossed his arms. “Sit. Stay. I’ll go get more ibuprofen from your room. I gave you the last of it before bed last night. And remind me to write it on the board so housekeeping brings up more.” He stepped out, closing the door behind him. 

I continued to wait as patiently as I could for him to come back. I looked around the bathroom, trying to find something to keep my interest. Much like Valentino’s room, it was decorated sparsely. But instead of the reds and purples that made up his bedroom, his bathroom was primarily white and gray, with gold accents sprinkled throughout. The shower itself was huge, and between that and the bathtub, the majority of the space should have been taken up. Instead, Val had a double vanity directly across from the shower. The rest of the amenities, including a second sink, sat further in the back of the room, not too far from the tub. 

My first time in the shower I hadn’t been with it enough my first time in it to realize just how vast it was. Unlike my combined shower and bathtub at my fathers house back home, his shower was more like a solidly tiled room with several different shower heads scattered about. Shelves lined the walls both when you first walked in, and scattered throughout. Although we didn’t use it, there was a solid bench made of tile off to the side with several shower heads directly above it. I wondered what the purpose of that was. So someone could sit and shower maybe? 

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening and he walked back in, muttering angrily to himself. The door slammed and I jumped. 

He frowned and touched my cheek. “I’m sorry for startling you. Open up.” He took the thermometer out of my mouth and held it up to the light. “Normal. Good.” 

“Are you good?” I asked with concern.  

“I’m just running late, babe.” He kissed the top of my head and helped me down from the countertop. He pressed two pills into my hand and filled a cup of water for me. “Ibuprofen. As promised. Take it. Now.” 

“Thanks, Val.” I took the medication and tossed the cup in the garbage. From the corner of my eye I watched him take his pajamas off.

“Princessa. I don’t have time this morning,” he warned. He came over to me and tugged his shirt off over my head.  

“What? I’m just admiring what’s mine.” I laid my hands against his abdomen, feeling his hard muscles. God, could this man look anymore like something out of a magazine? I wondered what would happen if I slipped my hand just a little lower….

He rolled his eyes and took my hand in his. He tugged me forward and opened the shower door. “After you, Princessa.”

I stepped inside and settled myself under a stream of warm water. I allowed it to wash over me, feeling the instant relief it offered. I tried to lift my arms above my head, letting out an involuntary hiss as my muscles contracted. Ever watching, Valentino stepped behind me and squirted shampoo in his hand,  lathering my blonde hair. 

“Vel is going to do your makeup in her room this morning,” he said as his fingers pressed against my scalp.  “Unfortunately, I have to deal with a fire downstairs so she’ll text me when she’s done and I’ll come back up and get you.” 

“You’re leaving before me?” 

He sighed, “I don’t want to. I have to. I’m sorry Princessa.” He moved my body back under the water. “ Don’t talk. Close your eyes.”

I did as he told me, holding onto him for balance as he worked his fingers through my hair, ensuring all the shampoo was out. After a few minutes, he pulled me out from under the water, guiding me to a hotter stream of water. “Let that hit your muscles for as long as you can take it.” 

I watched him run soap over his entire body. He closed his eyes, letting the water run over him. I bit my lower lip, trying to keep myself under control.  “I understand Val. Work comes first back home too.” 

Annoyance flashed over his features. He stepped out from under the water and pulled me to him. “Princessa. I mean this in the kindest way, but heaven sounds awful.” 

“It  wasn’t so bad.” I said as I nabbed the bar of soap from him. “I just learned tough lessons, that's all.” 

He took the soap back from me and turned me, running it down my back. “That sounds like a fucking trauma response if I’ve ever heard one. And believe me, I’ve heard plenty.” He grabbed my waist and pulled me back under the stream of water, kissing my neck. “You will never go through that again.” 

I believed him. I leaned into him and I felt the same warmth I had felt the night before ignite in my belly. “Mmm…Val.” 

He nipped my neck ever so gently and I relaxed into him. 

“Don’t mmm Val me, Princessa. You’ll make me more late than I already am. I’m just trying to speed things along.” His tone changed to light and playful. “Though touching your body is an added bonus.” He ran his hands down my hips and titled my chin up so our eyes met, kissing me as the water cascaded around us. He broke away after a moment and turned the water off. 

“Val…” I leaned my head into him. 

“Oh no no no. I mean it, I’m late.” He opened the door and tugged my hand, pulling me out with him. 

He grabbed a towel and paused as he caught sight of my body. I felt the tinglement of embarrassment as his eyes seemed to study me,  his expression unreadable. He stepped forward after a moment and ran a hand down my sides, pausing at my waist. 

“Looks like all the bruises are starting to yellow up, not just the ones on your face. Lucifer was concerned about the ones on your belly…but they look okay.” He bent over and kissed down my body, starting at my neck and pausing, for the briefest of moments, as his fingers brushed my nipples. 

I let out an involuntary gasp as he continued to move lower, his lips hovering above my belly. He carefully kissed around the green and yellow splotches before pausing and standing up, back to full height. Even from under the towel, I could tell he was rock hard. 

“I thought you didn’t have time,” I panted, reaching my arms around his neck. 

“I don’t. But work be damned.” He lifted me up and set me on the counter, spreading my legs. He lowered his head and his lips pressed against my lower belly.

“Relax, Princessa. You’re going to enjoy this.” 

I felt his lips move lower, his tongue flicking my clit.  I moaned at the feeling, gripping him. “Valentino!” I hissed as I bucked my hips. Unconcerned, his tongue slid lower, slipping inside of me. I felt my body explode in a thousand nerve endings and I dug my nails into him as I came. 

“Valentino!”

“Mm…princessa, you taste so sweet.” He brought his head up and kept his hands around my waist, pulling me to him. 

I rested my head against his sternum, trying to catch my breath as I came down from the release. “Fuck, Valentino!” I whispered. Every single nerve in my body tingled. 

He chuckled, but rubbed my back. “Easy baby girl. I’ve got you.” He pressed his lips to mine and pulled back gently, reaching over to his phone on the counter. He hit the home button and cursed under his breath. He pressed his lips to mine again and lifted me back to the floor, taking a moment to steady me in his arms. I gripped him gently, head against his chest as I stared at the wall. I closed my eyes. 

“Babygirl.” He said softly. “We can’t sleep. Come on now, we need to get ready, or we’ll throw Vox’s schedule off too.” He gently pushed me up, holding me by my shoulders as he looked at me with concern. “Sweetheart. Are you alright?”

“More than alright.” I leaned in for another kiss. “I want more.” 

He sighed heavily and pressed his lips to mine before pulling back.  “Princessa. I would love nothing more. But we’ve got to get going.” He nodded towards the counter. “Use the sink on the right. I asked housekeeping to bring over a few of your things after you went to bed last night. They’re in the top drawer, organize it to your liking later. They’ll replace what they took in your room, so if you end up spending the night with me you don’t have to go running back and forth.”

I smiled at his thoughtfulness, and leaned over to kiss his cheek, “Thanks Val.” 

He shooed me away, but gave me a soft smile. “Go on. Get ready. And don’t dry your hair. we don't have time. Vel will take care of it.” 

I dug through the drawer,  pleased to find he really did bring over everything I needed. I set to work, going through my own morning routine. By his side, I watched him do the same. There was something oddly comforting watching him get ready, something that made him seem more…human-like wasn’t quite the word I was looking for. Softer maybe? I wasn’t sure. Looking in the mirror at my splotchy face, I picked up my pink comb and began to work on my hair. 

He stepped over to me. “Vel can handle the knots. Come on, I have to go. “ He took the comb from my hand and set it down.”And before I forget to remind you, you need to eat before I get back up here.” 

I nodded and watched as he dropped his towel. I bit my lip, and he shot me a knowing look before he covered himself in a black bathrobe. He tossed a matching robe over my shoulders and I let my own towel hit the ground. He leaned into my back and reached around the front of me as he tied the belt around my waist, making sure I was covered. 

“Come on, Princessa,” he said softly in my ear, “you can sit on the bed while I get dressed.” 

I followed him out of the bathroom and sat on the edge of the bed, watching as he disappeared into his closet, remerging moments later dressed in black pants, a matching belt with a gold heart shaped buckle, and a black button up shirt, tucked in neatly at the waist. He threw his signature red coat over his shoulders and adjusted his glasses. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Why do you wear glasses, Val?” I asked as he took my hand, leading me down the hall. 

“They cut the harshness of the light in the studio,” he answered. “Otherwise I end up with a headache. But I wore them so often they kind of became a thing, so now I wear them whenever I’m out. Honestly, it helps a ton, and  I don’t get nearly as many headaches as I used to.” 

He knocked quickly on Velvette’s door. “Vel? It’s me. Open up.” 

I heard the door unlock and Velvette stood, looking as perfect as ever. 

“Ah! Reader. You…your bruises turned yellow. And green. That’s going to change everything I had planned. Come in, come in, I have breakfast for you. Nothing fancy but you can eat while I do something with that hair.” 

Valentino kissed the top of my head. “I’ll see you later, my love.” He gave Velvette a look. “Take care of her.”

“Shoo. You’re disgustingly late. Goodbye!” She closed the door in his face and looked at me. “Follow, follow.” 

I trailed behind her as we crossed the room, taking in the designs as best I could at her quick pace. Unlike Valentino’s room, Velvette was rich with deep red with black and silver accents sprinkled throughout. I didn’t have nearly enough time to look around before she led me through a door and pointed at the salon chair in front of a mirror.

“Sit! Sit. Here. Eat.” She handed me a granola bar and a bottle of Sweet Sixteen. “Get these down and then I’ll grab you a cup of coffee if you want it.” 

I unwrapped the bar and took a bite as she busied herself with my hair, effortlessly unknotting it. She blew it dry and styled it to her vision as I quickly finished breakfast. True to her word, she paused and got both of us a cup of coffee once my hair was finished. 

“Thank you, Vel.” I said, sipping from the red, heart shaped mug. 

“Of course. Coffee is important. Coffee is vibes.” She took a drink from her own mug and studied my face. “How are you? Is Val treating you okay? Love him, but he can be a real dick sometimes, but don’t tell him I said that.”  She paused. “Actually, you can tell him I said that. He’ll laugh.” 

I smiled at her concern. “ Vel, honest and truly he makes me feel safe in a way no one else ever has. I love him, Vel.”

She seemed satisfied with my answer. “I get it,” she responded as she set down her empty mug. “I feel that way about Vox. But sweetheart, don’t be afraid to put him in his place when needed. Sometimes it’s necessary.” 

I drained the rest of my cup and she spun me around to face her. 

“Enough of that. Let’s get your makeup done. It will need to be touched up before you go with Vox. You don’t need to do anything, I’ll meet you down in his studio right before you go on set. But for what you’re doing with Val this will be fine. Close your eyes.” 

I did as she told me and sat patiently waiting as she gently covered my face in a plethora of creams and powders.  Eventually I felt her turn the chair back towards the mirror. 

“Open. What do you think?” 

My reflection in the mirror was the opposite of the one I had seen this morning. Every bruise, even my black eyes, had vanished under the cover of her makeup. Almost as if nothing had happened. 

“And the outfit you’re wearing will hide everything else. At the rate you’re healing though, I think you’ll be back to normal within a week. Come now, let’s get dressed.” 

She helped me put my arms into the shirt and closed the ribbons down the back, yanking them tight so the back wouldn’t open. The front seamlessly hugged my body and hid everything I had behind a high neckline. The jeans she tugged on fit every curve and sat low on my hips. I stepped into a pair of low, comfortable black ankle boots, red bottoms showing off with every step. She fluffed my hair and around my neck, she hung a small necklace with a single charm V shaped charm dangling from it. Looking in the mirror, I couldn’t tell if I was modestly hiding behind my outfit, or if I was showing off everything by showing off nothing. I felt amazing. 

“Well? Give me your thoughts?” She asked, fluffing my hair again. “Looking good, don’t you think?” 

“It’s perfect.” I turned and hugged her. “Thank you.”

She laughed but hugged me back. “Nothing to it princess. Now go knock 'em dead. Make them wish they had never laid eyes on Reader Morningstar.” 

I heard a knock on the door. Velvette perked up. 

“And right on schedule. I guess a broken clock is right at least twice a day. Come on in, Val, doors unlocked.” 

The door swung open and Valentino walked in, fingers flying as he texted on his phone. He looked up and I gave him my best smile. His eyes went wide and his phone disappeared into his pocket. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and pulled me to him, pressing a kiss onto me.  He leaned back after a second and licked his lips. “Mm. Strawberry. Good choice Vel.” 

Velvette rolled her eyes and swung her hips to the side, but her expression gave away how pleased she was. “Whatever. It wasn’t for you.” 

“I think you’re lying, but it doesn't matter. Come on, mi amor. We don’t want to be late. Well, later than we are.” He wrapped his arm around me and we walked towards the door. Right before we walked out, he paused and glanced back at Velvette. “Thanks Vel. You outdid yourself.”

“Don’t I always?” She asked, but her tone was that of a satisfied cat. “Go on. Get out of here. See you tonight. And reader!” 

I turned back as Valentino hustled me down the hallway. “What’s up Vel?”

She grinned. “You look killer, darling. Make them respect you.” 

[reysdriver]

Meteor Shower | R.B.

Your family goes out to watch the Perseids meteor shower — dad!regulus x mom!reader fluff

warnings: none :)

words: 0.7k

Every year you could, you and Regulus tried to get the family to see the Perseids meteor shower. It was always fun. You laid out a picnic blanket in the backyard, brought some snacks, and just watched the night sky. The kids would always try to count the meteors, leaving you and Regulus to just relax and cuddle; a rarity with three kids. 

Right now, Regulus was in the backyard laying out the blanket and charming the area so the bugs wouldn’t bother you, while you were inside prepping the kids. 

Ascella had her hands lifted in the air so you could slide the nightgown over her body. Once it was on her and her arms were in the sleeves, you tickled her side, causing her to giggle wildly. You loved the sound of her laughter; you would listen to it all day if you could. 

But you stopped tickling your daughter when you saw Aurora and Perseus standing in the doorway, both dressed in their pyjamas too. They both wore matching grins that didn’t fade, even when they spoke. 

“We’re ready, Mum!” Perseus, your oldest, announced for the both of them. 

You put on an exaggerated face and tone for their entertainment as you spoke. “You are! And you all look so cute in those jammies of yours!” Propping little Ascella on your hip, you stood up and gestured towards the stairs. “Now, let’s go get some snacks ready for tonight and then we can show your dad just how adorable you all are!”

You walked your three kids down the stairs and to your kitchen, where the two oldest immediately started looking through cupboards and suggesting their favourite foods. 

“Can we have chocolate frogs?” Perseus asked.

You shook your head. “Not outside, they’ll all jump away, honey.”

“Mummy, what about jelly slugs?” Aurora asked, holding up the bag as if you wouldn’t recognize the sweets by name alone. 

“Put them on the table. Maybe bring two bags because I know we all like those.”

She did an excited little dance before grabbing a second bag and placing it on your kitchen table. Both kids kept going, taking turns asking about bringing their favourite foods outside. Still answering to their suggestions, you sat your toddler up on the counter so you could cut up fruit for everyone. 

Quickly after, the sound of the back door opening and everyone’s head turned to see your husband coming in.

Perseus and Aurora ran to Regulus like he had been gone for days even though he had just been outside for as long as it took the kids to get ready for bed. 

“Can we go outside and look at the sky now, Dad?” Perseus asked him excitedly. 

He picked up Ascella and gave her nose a boop. “Well, we all want to go out together, right? So, it depends if your mum is done cutting up all this fruit for you.” He took a step closer to you and kissed your hair. “Do you want any help, mon ange?”

You shook your head and fed him an apple slice, then gave one to the little girl in his arms as well. “I’m all done here. Shall we go?”

He nodded, then handed some food to each child to take outside to the picnic blanket he’d set up earlier. You all sat down and you encouraged the kids to lie down so they could see the sky better. 

Aurora and Perseus got into a competition to see who could count more meteors almost immediately after going outside, and you and Regulus smiled at each other the moment they started pointing at the sky and counting how they always did. 

“You know, your name comes from the same place as these meteors get their name from.” Regulus said to your son. 

Perseus looked as if he wanted to roll his eyes. “I know, Dad, you tell me every year.” He was right. You’ve told him seven years in a row, and you’d keep telling him for as long as this family tradition continues.  

“Just making sure you remembered.” Your husband chuckled, putting Ascella on the ground and cuddling with you. 

“And we’ll make sure you remember next year too.” You added, eliciting a groan from Perseus but a laugh from the rest of the family.

[multi-fandom-imagines8]

A Song of Ice & Shadow

Part 8

You can read previous chapters here.

Summary: The Inner Circle prepares for war. Y/n and Azriel grow closer, and a shocking revelation unfolds on the battlefield.

Word Count: 3K.

“I was wondering when you’d finally arrive” Rhys’s first words greeted Azriel and Y/n as they returned.

“What did we miss?” Y/n asked, half-jokingly.

“Azriel missed nothing. I kept him updated. You, on the other hand, missed a lot” Rhys taunted, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Y/n looked between the two males, her playful tone replaced by a serious one, before directing her question to Azriel “What happened? And why did you not tell me?”.

“You can argue later. Right now you need to get ready. We’re leaving for Graysen’s estate in an hour” Rhys informed her, his tone brisk.

“Graysen? As in Elain fia- ex fiancé?” Y/n’s eyes widened in surprise.

“The one and only” Rhys confirmed.

“The fuck happened while I was gone?” Y/n demanded, exasperation in her voice.

“As I said, a lot. Now get ready, we don’t have time to waste” Rhys ordered, and this time Y/n obeyed, though only because it involved one of her sisters.

—

“Where is everyone?” Y/n asked as she descended the stairs, her dress rustling with each step.

“Waiting at the camp. You’re the last to get dressed” Rhys remarked, barely hiding a smirk.

“Forgive me for just finding out about what’s going on, or at least part of it, like fifteen minutes ago. Besides, it took time to find something suitable for the occasion” she retorted.

“You could’ve just worn pants”.

“I prefer my dresses. Besides, this one is practical. I made sure to choose the right one” she twirled around, showing him the practicality of the dress. The top was supple leather that formed a snug bodice, molded to her curve, while the skirt was made of a rugged yet supple fabric that flowed around, reaching her ankles. Lace-up heeled combat boots completed the look.

“And the heels?” Rhys raised an eyebrow.

“They’re chunky and very comfortable. And if I were to kick someone, it’d hurt more”.

“And running?”.

“Bold of you to assume I’d be able to run even in normal boots. In that area, I’m hopeless”.

“Shall we?” he shook his head before winnowing them out to the Illyrian camp.

As soon as they arrived, Y/n went to stand where her sisters and Mor were, a step behind the males. Rhys proceeded to give instructions, and Cassian added a few of his own. Azriel just stared down at them, his eyes full of hatred and disgust for his own kind, which did not go unnoticed by Y/n.

“So these are the female-hating pricks?” Y/n asked no one in particular.

“Yes, unfortunately” Mor answered, her voice laced with disdain.

After some time, one of the lords, Devlon, whom the three Illyrian warriors usually dealt with, noticed Nesta and asked if she was a witch. He wanted her to stay away from the females and children for some reason.

“She’ll do no such thing” Y/n took a step forward, but Feyre held her hand, warning her not to do anything reckless.

“Another witch?” Devlon questioned, his tone mocking.

“The most wicked one. The one who’d haunt your dreams and-”.

“Y/n, please” Feyre pleaded, and Y/n stopped from finishing the sentence.

Devlon glared at her and was about to say something when Rhys found another topic to discuss, allowing Feyre to guide her sisters to the war tent. From the looks of it, he had told Feyre down the bond to take them away before Y/n or Nesta said something that would offend Devlon or make him lose his temper. As much as Rhys would’ve loved to see them getting on Devlon’s nerves, now was not the time.

When they got to the tent, Nesta asked what the difference between Fae and witches was, and Mor explained to her that witches draw power beyond their natural reserve and use spells to get more power than the Cauldron granted.

“I think I want to be a witch” Y/n expressed nonchalantly, causing all four females to cast worried glances in her direction, their brows furrowed.

“What? Fae are no better. They enslaved humans, and when they were done, they just left them to starve, die, and fend for themselves. At least, as a witch, I’d be able to provide food for everyone” Y/n shrugged.

“Those powers come with a cost” Mor informed her.

“Like what? Sacrificing people? I’m fine with that. There’s a whole army outside I wouldn’t mind sacrificing. Theoretically speaking, if I were, I mean if a witch were to sacrifice a High Lord, for example, would she gain even more power?”.

“I don’t know if you’re joking right now or not. It’s scary” Mor remarked “but I suppose it would make sense since they possess more power”.

“Good to know. We can sacrifice your hideous ex first” Y/n turned to face Feyre.

“We’re not sacrificing anyone” Feyre stated firmly.

Y/n shrugged “hmph, speak for yourself”.

“Nice outfit” Cassian snorted at Y/n as he and his brothers joined the females.

“Fuck you” she quipped.

“Later. We have a war to prepare for, and I have an army to command” he winked at her.

“Ew” she gave him a disgusted look and feigned gagging.

“Did we miss anything?” Rhys asked Feyre.

“Nothing, just Y/n wanting to become a witch and sacrifice every Fae” Mor informed him.

“That’s not true. I might spare a couple” Y/n retorted.

Azriel bit back a chuckle and Rhys said “I suppose I’m not on the list of the people you’ll spare?”.

“Hmm, haven’t decided yet, but so far, no” she teased.

—

After winnowing into the mortal lands, Feyre briefly explained what happened and the reason Elain was going to see her ex was to convince him to give sanctuary to the humans who couldn’t flee.

When they arrived, Rhys put a shield around them for protection and glamoured Elain to look human. One of the guards guided them to the guardhouse, the farthest they’d be allowed.

When Graysen and his father entered, Elain became nervous and stuttered, but Nesta intervened, informing them that the walls were gone. At the sight of her pointed ear, Graysen questioned how that happened, and Nesta explained. He asked why Elain was in the company of Fae, and she told him she’s safer with them. When Elain begged them to open their home to humans seeking refuge, he noticed she was glamoured. 

Then Jurian appeared, the man who was at the King’s side when the sisters were turned. The man who put an arrow full of Faebane through Azriel’s chest. Y/n tensed at the sight of him but remained firmly standing, ready to jump on him at any minute.

He told them that he’d always been working for the humans and that he kept up the lies to gain more information on the King. He informed them that Tamlin went back to Hybern and that they plan to attack the Summer Court the next day. Azriel tapped Y/n’s shoulder, signaling her of his departure before disappearing to warn Cassian and tell them to move the legion.

Graysen was nothing but horrible to Elain the whole time they were there, and as much as Y/n wanted to interfere, she knew Elain wanted to sort this out herself. Their conversation wasn’t going well. Not only did he order her to take off her engagement ring, confirming that he wasn’t going to marry her, but he proceeded to insult her. When tears began streaming down Elain’s face, that’s when Y/n acted. She strode towards Graysen and slapped him across the face.

“You never deserved my sister, and if you ever speak to her like that again, I will kill you. The only reason you’re left breathing is because Elain cares about you, but insult her again and I will rip out your tongue” Y/n threatened, her eyes blazing with fury.

“You’re her eldest sister. I heard about you, about your hatred for Faekind, and now look at you, you’re one of them. Even threatening to kill humans” Graysen mocked.

“I was turned against my will, and my hatred still runs deep. It won’t change. But make no mistake, when it comes to my sisters, whether it’s Fae, human or any other kind of monster, I won’t hesitate” she turned away from him “I believe this concludes our business here”.

—

Unable to withstand seeing Elain crying any longer, Y/n left their tent and took a walk through the camp. It ate at her that there was nothing she could do to mend her sister’s broken heart, nothing she could do to help. She hated feeling helpless. 

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Azriel joining her until he spoke “You shouldn’t wander out here alone, especially not when you’re absent-minded” his voice was gentle but firm.

“I don’t think they’d dare do anything, not with your High Lord being here” Y/n replied, trying to mask her distress.

“Still it’s better to be safe than sorry” he insisted, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

“Don’t worry, I can take care of myself… How are you feeling? Big day tomorrow” Y/n changed the subject, her voice tinged with concern.

“It’s not the first, and it won’t be the last battle I join” he responded, his tone neutral.

“Still, it must feel-”.

“Hard? It never gets easier, but I think about what and who I’m fighting for. It keeps me going” Azriel admitted, his eyes meeting hers.

“I never asked, but how are you feeling about being here? I know you don’t like your people. Today must have been difficult for you” Y/n observed, her brows furrowing in concern.

Azriel’s expression darkened “Dislike is an understatement. Honestly, it gets worse every time. To say I got used to it would be a lie”.

“It’s really a shame. You’d think as honorable warriors, they’d treat their females with respect at least… Are there others like you?”.

“Like me?” Azriel looked puzzled.

“Yes. Like you, your High Lord, and the General. You’re all Illyrians, yet you treat females like normal people… without discrimination. Are there other Illyrian warriors like that? Or are they all brutes?”.

“There are a few, but it’s very rare to see”.

“Back when we were at the Dawn Court, why didn’t you tell me about Elain and what they planned to do?”.

He seemed to contemplate before speaking again “You seemed happy. I didn’t want to ruin that, and it could wait. I knew if I told you, you’d have left immediately to be by Elain’s side. I knew what it meant to you to learn about how to make that powder, and I wanted you to do what you liked, what you enjoyed”.

“Why?” she genuinely did not understand why he was being considerate.

“War is coming and I thought you should be able to relax a bit before it got serious. We don’t know when things will get back to normal”.

“How very considerate of you” she said, half sarcastically, half seriously. 

“You should get some sleep” he advised.

“I should be the one saying this to you. You’re the one fighting tomorrow”.

“I don’t get much sleep before a battle” Azriel informed her, his jaw tightening.

“I won’t argue with you, but just this once” a serene smile graced her face and he couldn’t help but stare at her.

They walked in silence for a while before he finally inquired “How’s Elain?”.

“As can be expected. She’s heartbroken, and there’s nothing I can do to fix it” Y/n sighed, her shoulders slumping.

“It will get better. Give her time” Azriel reassured her, and all she did was nod. She hoped that his words were true, that Elain would get over Greysen soon and be happy.

“Where are your shadows? I don’t see them” she managed to change the subject again.

“They’re around, here and there. Don’t tell me you miss them?” his lips curled into a soft smile.

“I have grown accustomed to them. It might sound weird, but I don’t know, they give me a sense of peace and security” she declared.

“Oh? That’s exactly how I feel” he raised a brow, his face lighting up with amusement.

“Is that why you always stand in the corners where the shadows are?”.

“You’re quite observant” he gave her a proud smile, his eyes brimming with admiration.

“You’re not the only one who notices things others don’t”. 

As they walked through the camp, they almost forgot there was going to be a battle the next day. Being in each other’s presence often made them forget about the outside world, not that they often noticed.

It was getting late and Y/n was debating something, hesitant about. She opened her mouth to speak but then shut it again.

“Is something on your mind?” Azriel noticed her uneasiness.

“I- I got you something… when we were at the Dawn Court. This caught my eye and it reminded me of you. Something about it is just beautiful, and I didn’t want it to go to waste, so I got it for you” She opened her hand, revealing the black gemstone trinket. He reached out, his scarred fingers lightly touching hers as he took it. The smile on his face disappeared and was replaced by an unreadable expression.

“T- thank you. I don’t know what to say” his heart fluttered.

“You don’t have to say anything. The shop owner said it has protective properties, and while I don’t know if that’s true, just keep it on you tomorrow, will you?”.

“Are you worried about me?” he couldn’t hide his grin.

“Let’s just say I have a vast interest in keeping you alive”.

“And why is that?”.

“Well, for starters, to save me from your insufferable friends. You’re the only tolerable one. And to have someone to speak to occasionally while being locked up”.

He rolled his eyes at her last words “I’m not going to argue with you, but just this once” he repeated her earlier words to her.

“I should go now. Good night” she turned from him and started walking away before she halted and turned to face him again “and Shadowsinger? Good luck tomorrow”.

He kept watch on her until he made sure she arrived safely at her tent.

—

Y/n was pacing around in hers and her sisters’ tent when Feyre and Mor winnowed in. They informed them that they had won with little casualty before winnowing them to the battlefield. The place reeked of blood, and while the others waited for the tents to be rebuilt, Y/n went to offer assistance to the healers. 

When Rhys and Cassian returned, they were surprised to see her bandaging some of the warriors, her hands and clothes stained with their blood. When she exhausted all her energy, she came to sit by the fire, near Feyre. Nesta was bandaging Cassian’s wrist when he spoke “Did someone put a knife to your throat? Is that why you were patching up the wounded?” Cassian quipped, a smirk playing on his lips.

“I don’t have the energy for you” Y/n sighed, rubbing her temples.

“It’s just I thought you hated our kind and now you’re volunteering to help”.

“It’s not out of the kindness of my heart, if that’s what you think. We still need every soldier for the war. The faster they’re healed, the better, and I happen to have some experience in that area”.

“As a healer?” Cassian raised his brow.

“Where I worked, there was an infirmary nearby. They were often short of healers, and I happened to have spare time on some days, so I learned the basics”.

“So you have a heart after all” his smirk grew wider, and she glared at him.

The days after went well, the soldiers were healing and resting up. On the fifth day, Azriel came panting and informed them that Hybern was planning to attack the Winter Court. That day they discussed for hours about what to do and ended up with deciding on marching north while remaining hidden but making Hybern think that they stayed here.

—

On the battlefield, both sides were exhausted, and casualties mounted on both sides. As heavy rain poured, more Hybern soldiers appeared and began slaughtering many of their forces. Their lines were breaking apart, and Cassian was trying to reform them as he was surrounded by the enemy. Azriel rushed to his aid but he had difficulty reaching him with all the soldiers. Both warriors were fighting relentlessly. 

Y/n, Nesta, Feyre and Mor were watching from above. If this continued, they were going to lose, and many more warriors were going to die. Feyre decided to go find the Suriel to ask where Hybern’s true army was hiding. 

Mor had left for the front lines and landed right next to Cassian, just in time to stop a soldier from driving a sword through his back. Cassian kept charging without waiting for the others to get to him, and Mor and Azriel took a few blows. 

With each blow, Y/n’s anxiety and fear rose. It was building up to become something explosive. She paced around next to Nesta, one hand to her mouth as she nervously bit her nails. She hated watching helplessly from above as many soldiers were being slaughtered, as the people she grew used to were being attacked and barely managing to evade each blow. 

Cassian engaged one of Hybern’s commanders, who managed to deliver a near-fatal blow, had Azriel not arrived in time to hold his guts in for him. Mor was fighting that commander when another one snuck up on Azriel and was about to lunge his sword into Azriel’s chest from behind.

At the sight, Y/n exploded “NO!” her eyes turned white, and with the heavy rain, lightning crackled and thunder boomed as if the very heavens had opened up. A power she hadn’t known she possessed surged forth in a wave of raw emotion and primal instinct. 

The air crackled with electricity as bolts of lightning lashed out uncontrollably, striking down Hybern soldiers with blinding force. As the storm raged on, draining her of energy, she collapsed, unconscious, the toll of her unbridled power too much to bear. 

Taglist: @st4r-girl-official @judig92 @5onedirection5 @nayaniasworld @blackgirlmagicforever @stained-glass-eyes0708 @slytherintaco @aehllita @nebarious  @t0uch-starved-h0e @bravo-delta-eccho  @sylvermoon @going-through-shit @latinxbipride @i-am-infinite @azrielrot @fuckingsimp4azriel @theravenphoenix26 @hanatsuki-hime @fantanbietsson

[chironshorseass]

Imagine an AU where Percy never remembered Annabeth. It would’ve been heartbreaking

girl hi this is what spiraled me into looking at my docs and finding this wip that I may never finish but it's got that concept only I never finished it but here it is:

It starts with rain. The water pelts down on the ground, droplets piercing his cheeks like pinpricks. 

He remembers nothing as the ground trembles and as the wolves come out of the foliage.

He remembers nothing when that she-wolf, that goddess Lupa, trains him. 

“You will need this,” she says, sword against his throat. “To survive.”

“What,” he asks, “get murdered?” 

He’s perfectly still, knowing full well what would happen if he even moves an inch. His skin is iron, sure, but he still prefers not to get cut; there is something about caution that calls to him, like the snare to a fox. He can pretend, for a second, that he is fully mortal. 

Meanwhile Lupa’s eyes give away nothing. Her grip on her sword doesn’t falter. “The Romans won’t take kindly to a son of Neptune. A son of Neptune with a Greek curse.”

“If it’s a Greek curse, then why am I—“

“You shall be trained like any Roman soldier,” she says evenly. Finally, her arm falls to her side. “You cannot be seen as a weakness. A weakness of a pack can be the key to demise.”

“You must be fun at parties.”

In a flick of the incoming lightning, her form is changed to that of a wolf. She curls her lip, something he knows is the equivalent of a sneer. “Do not play games with me, Perseus. I do not like it either, but you are a soldier of Rome, now. This is what the Goddess wishes of you.”

“You know,” he says, scooping Riptide from the ground. “For all this talk about destiny and about how some goddess ordered you to train me or whatever, you’ve never once mentioned who this ‘Goddess’ is.”

She levels his stare with her ice-cold eyes. Like the brutal wind. Her fangs glint in the dimming sunlight.

“Patience, demigod. All in due time for those who wait. Besides, you must follow your instincts to find those lost memories of yours. That is what you want, is it not?”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

Lupa regards him, the space between them filled with howling gusts. Then, she looks up at the sky. The clouds are darker than before, heavy with rain and anticipation.

After some time like this, she finally meets his eyes. 

“There is little that I can say.”

She leaves him there, as rain pours down like cries calling for the earth. Perhaps he’s going insane, but he hears a whisper.

“Percy.”

It’s the voice of a girl. Desperate and earnest. But it’s gone as soon as it came; the voice is replaced by the breaths of air that brush past his ears. 

.

A few days pass before Lupa sends him on his way. 

All roads lead to Rome. 

So he follows those instincts she’d mentioned, trekking across California. Really, it’s the call of the sea that keeps him going. 

He remembers nothing as he cleans his shirt in a fountain. And he remembers nothing as he fights countless monsters on his journey, many of which claim that they’d fought him before. It’s no matter. 

The goddess Juno, whom he carried across the Little Tiber, promises him that his memories will return. Someday. Ignoring the gawking campers and the praetor with a face made of stone, he holds onto that hope. An invisible rope is there; he grasps it with all his might, fingers laced together in a death grip while Reyna, the praetor, interrogates him. She tells him of grand adventures and near-death experiences. How, because of him, she was swept away from her sanctuary and into the hands of pirates.

“I’m sorry,” he says. “For whatever I did. I’m sorry.”

She raises her eyebrows, eyeing her metal dogs. “You seem to be telling the truth. Strange, though,” she muses. “Clearly, you remember nothing—didn’t know what I was talking about—and still, you apologize. Not very Roman of you.”

He can only shrug. “Just want to make amends.”

Her lips become a thin line, head tilted in a quizzical manner. “I’m curious to see, as a son of Neptune, what will become of you in the legion.”

She didn’t ask, but he’s sure no one knows about the Greek Curse. 

.

He finds friends soon enough. Hazel and Frank. Two kids fighting for their worth just as 

hard as Percy, and yet they do all that is possible to promote him to the Fifth Legion.

He also finds enemies. Octavian. Augur. Every time he addresses Percy, there’s a strange light in his eyes—similar to that of Lupa when she’s about to go for the kill. The hate is mutual, really.

So, his dreams are blank, and the day is bleak. He falls asleep to the sound of Frank’s snores and wakes to the sound of kids preparing for War Games.

.

He remembers nothing, but at least his skin remembers not to bleed when blades crash against him. 

To hell with mortality, he thinks, as he grabs a girl’s knife with his bare hands. 

Her eyes widen. “What the—”

She never finishes that sentence, because he kicks her away and blocks someone else’s blow. Second after second passes, and people hesitate, now. Hazel throws metallic weapons in the air with just her mind, and Frank shoots arrow after arrow with deadly accuracy.

And Percy? Well, the Romans don’t fear Neptune for nothing. 

.

“Some team you made, you and Hazel and Frank.”

He meets Reyna’s eyes, though he’s not sure what he sees there. “We’re a good team, yeah. But the victory was for the Fifth Legion. They deserve it.” 

“No arguing about that,” she says. “But there’s also no arguing that you three were the key players.”

“Why am I here?”

Aurum and Argentum growl in response; Reyna quiets them down with a pat to the head. She glances at Percy. “Right to the point, are we?”

He shrugs, leaning against his leather chair. 

It takes her some time to respond. She swishes the jellybeans at her table. Delicately, she plucks one into her mouth, the chewing slow, with control. Deliberate, he might say.

“It’s not because of the exploded water cannons, is it?” he finds himself asking. “Because that was for war strategy; you of all people should appreciate it.”

Her mouth curls into the hint of a smile. “No, Percy, you’re not here because of that.” Again, she eyes him, up and down, and not even the metal dogs make a sound. “When were you going to tell me,” she begins, “that you carry the Curse of Achilles?”

The dogs stare at him, baring their teeth, surely waiting eagerly for him to lie. Something tells him that one wrong move and he’d end up alone in the streets again, surrounded by monsters that would turn to dust and seconds later reform, over and over. He has to choose his words with precision.

“I didn’t…plan to tell you. Obviously, there’s a reason for that, though. Lupa told me I couldn’t say anything.”

Reyna raises her eyebrows, looks back and forth between her dogs and Percy. “Well. You seem to be telling the truth. Again. Any idea of when this happened? The curse, I mean?”

Pain. He tries to remember, and all he feels is pain pain pain. First, burning his lower back, and then traveling to his throat and to his brain. 

This happens in just a second, because his mind pops like a bubble, and he anchors himself to Reyna’s dark-brown eyes.

“No,” he whispers. “I don’t.”

She hums. “There are many mysteries about you, Percy Jackson.”

“You can say that.”

“I know you don’t remember anything.” Here, her face opens up to reveal a smidge of sympathy. He stupidly wonders how Reyna would be like as just a regular teenage girl instead of a child soldier in charge of an entire child army. “I can tell that you’re hurting. But the other Romans, they don’t care about that. They care that you’re a threat—Octavian, especially. And believe me, people have noticed how you can’t bleed. You fight like no other demigod, Percy.”

“So? What do you want me to do? Fucking take away the curse?”

She crosses her arms. “Playing dumb with me doesn’t work, you know. Mars issued a quest; Frank Zhang, as you well understand, was made a centurion to lead it, to free Thanatos. Rome is in more danger than you think.”

He can see the toll this is taking on her. The toll of leading alone. The hunch in her shoulders and her cracked lips and the bags under her eyes. But he can also see that she won’t take any pity from him. 

Then it dawns on him—the hidden request behind her reminder about all that’s at stake.

“You want me to go.”

“Of course I do. Not to feed on your ego, but you’re one of the best fighters I’ve ever seen. And I’ve watched the Amazons fight. There is also something else: you have to build the Roman’s trust. They already see you as an unreliable weapon—a son of Neptune with a Greek curse is not a good combination. So, you have to earn their trust. If you accomplish this…I have an offer for you.”

Praetor. In all honesty, he might as well go with it.

.

As Reyna promised, all eyes are on him the next day. Ignoring the hushed comments and the stares and the sneers, he goes straight to Frank and Hazel’s table. 

“So it’s true,” Hazel says, studying him. “You carry the Curse of Achilles.”

“How do you know it’s true?” Percy says, sitting next to her. “Those are only rumors.”

She shrugs. “Curses are a bit of my specialty. Also, I watched you fight. I saw how you didn’t bleed.”

“Everyone saw, apparently,” he mutters.

But she doesn’t deserve his jab; Hazel is anything but malicious. Her eyes are big and her face is open—in awe, maybe. To her right Frank fiddles with his medal claiming him as a centurion. Dakota and Gwen—the girl who came back to life just yesterday—merely eye him in wariness. Nico di Angelo, on the other hand, acts as if Percy doesn’t exist, puncturing the act once in a while with stolen glances. The ambassador of Pluto. He’s the strangest of the bunch, and not just because Percy swears that they’ve met before.

Percy decides to only focus on Hazel and Frank, for his sanity. “Yeah,” he tells Hazel. “My skin’s kinda made of metal. Kinda. I don’t know how to explain it, but…”

He takes Riptide, still in pen form. Everyone is watching his every move, he knows. Not just the people on his table. He rolls the ballpoint pen in his hand, feeling the slick coolness of such an innocent object. These Romans, they had never seen a weapon like his before.

Then, he uncaps it; in seconds the innocent pen is transformed into a sword.

Some gasp. The ones sitting with him flinch, except Nico. Percy points his sword down, toward his hand, and his eyes connect with the son of Pluto’s. They are dark as obsidian, glittering, like he knows of an inside joke only he and Percy share. Finally, Percy’s gaze lands on Octavian. Even from this distance he can see that the augur’s jaw is clenched, and so is his fist that grasps onto a teddy bear, knuckles as white as the pillars. He is one of the many standing, ready for whatever trick Percy is about to pull. Even the fauns are gawking.

“Here’s a trick.”

His eyes never leave Octavian, not once. Slowly, the fingers curled around Riptide’s hilt lower down to the sharpness of the glowing bronze. Some cry out; others murmur in wonder once his hand squeezes into the blade and no scarlet comes gushing out of his palm. His other hand is ready, laid out on the table with a serene calmness, even if his palm faces the end of Riptide, point blank. Even if everyone knows he intends to cut himself. 

Frank starts, “Percy, are you sure—”

Hazel shushes him. Percy winks at Octavian before the impact comes, rattling the table. He slams Riptide down, into his waiting hand, again and again and again and again. The pain is dull compared with the satisfaction of seeing everyone’s faces.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The sword bounces off his skin—again and again and again.

“See? Nothing can pierce my—”

“Enough!” comes a voice, laced with anger and authority. Reyna. “Enough! That is enough!”

She pushes past the crowd, her eyes wide. Percy stops his little show. She’s right; it is enough, because Octavian’s nose flares and his face reddens like a ripe tomato. Percy bites down his smug smile.

“Everyone,” Octavian calls, but his voice wobbles. He clears his throat. “Back to your tables.”

Reyna doesn’t reproach him for taking over her duty as a leader. She only holds Percy’s stare and disperses into the crowd, purple cape billowing behind her. In his table, Frank begins to clap, slow and appreciative. Percy turns to him and shares his smile. 

“That was,” Frank says, mouth wide open, “I mean—”

“Pretty awesome, huh?” Percy grins.

“Fucking priceless,” Hazel corrects, then pauses, her lips pursed. “Um, sorry.”

Percy nudges her. “Why’re you sorry? It’s true; Octavian’s face was priceless.”

“Oh, um.” She waves her hand around. “It’s nothing—just sometimes forget that I’m—”

“Hazel.” Nico gives her a look, stopping her mid sentence. 

What that is about, Percy has no clue. He has no clue about many things. 

“Catholic school,” Hazel says quickly. “I’m not used to swearing.” 

Her tone is too thick, however. Too nervous. Again, he has no clue about many things. 

“Anyway,” Dakota drawls, pointing a finger toward Percy, “the one that should apologize is Jackson, ‘cause he spilled my koolaid all over the table, see? All because he’s a masochist, or something.”

They all share a laugh, and maybe the Romans aren’t so bad.

[livelaughlovetojiii]

pls i need a part 2 of I Don’t Care, it was amazing OH EM GEE??!

you ask you shall receive my anon🙏🏽

“i do care” — neteyam sully ⋆｡˚ ❀

pt 2. of “i don’t care”

neteyam x fem!reader

warning: smut, p in v, choking kink, daddy kink, fingering, fingering at dinner table, mating. i think that’s it

the last few months have been eywa sent, you and your best friends brother sneaking around in a secret relationship. little small touches here and there but not too much to were anyone would notice until one night everyone in the sully family was supposed to be gone except neteyam agreed to stay and watch the hut, he only agreed so he could have alone time with you.

he had you perched up against his dads desk, his lips on your neck sucking harshly, his hand down your lion cloth with two fingers inside you making you scream his name. he quickens the pace of his fingers, your head thrown back against the wall, your cheats rising up and down fast “ma’teyam!” you cry “yes princess” he says against your neck “i’m gonna cum! please let me cum” you beg the tall boy in front of you, too caught up to notice your best friend and his dad standing in the door way “neteyam!” jake yells making him stop all movements, he closes his eyes “yes sir” he sighs. you can’t help but look at lo’ak, his face twisted with disgust not even anger or disappointment just disgust.

“get decent and get your ass out here. now.” jake demands closing the door, neteyam pulls his finger out of you licking them clean all the while staring at you, he bends down and kisses your head “i’m sorry you didn’t get to cum princess i’ll be back later” he feels so bad for leaving you like that “i love you” neteyam says running out to his dad.

he walks out slowly to his dad and brother, jake looking at him smiling but his brother looking at him with rage “you are disgusting!” lo’ak begins “i cannot believe you go around for months boning my best friend and none of you tell me.” lo’ak shoves neteyam back “if you really cared about me as a brother you wouldn’t be sleeping with her!” lo’ak has tears in his eyes. “i have to go” lo’ak looks down at his feet and runs back inside to see his best friend still sitting on his dads desk. he looks at you the same way he looked at neteyam tilting his head to the side giving you a stern look “lo-” you begin “no.” he cuts you off “you didn’t tell me?” his chest rising up and down so fast but so slow, you couldn’t answer you were silent which makes him scoff at you walking straight past you. making your stomach drop.

•°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆

it’s been almost 2 weeks and lo’ak is still mad at you. ignoring you when you go out to the ilu for rides and he just happens to be there, but especially whenever you go over to the sully hut and have dinner with him or hang out with them because now you are promised to neteyam and neteyam is promised to you. and everyone knows it. one night in particular though you had just got your hair done by tsireya and it was the same as hers because you thought her hair so was beautiful the way she wore it, when she finished lo’ak, neteyam, and jake had got back from hunting. you and tsireya walk outside to greet your boys, jake walking past you two to go see neytiri, you walk down to neteyam and see he’s holding his arm firmly as if he’s trying to hide something from you “move your hand” you point to neteyams hand, he shakes his head “it is fine” he looks down until you grab both of his arms moving the one covering the other, “ma’teyam” you say softly when you see a long gash on his arm. “it is fine y/n, i don’t care it does not hurt that bad” he whines just wanting you not to worry “okay well i do care” you say looking at the cut then back up to him “i care about you neteyam”.

lo’ak looks away from tsireya and over at you and his brother, the worry and love in your eyes when you look at his brother is something he can’t miss and when he looks at neteyam he sees love, all love and that’s when he drops the grudge smiling realizing his brother is happy, “get a room” lo’ak says bumping your shoulder and smiling at you making you smile back. after lo’ak and tsireya walk away you look at neteyam, your eyes lit up “he’s not mad at me?” you say with a wide smile on your face, making neteyam smile and walk up closer you taking your lips in his while your still holding onto his arms. “your hair looks beautiful by the way”.

•°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆

life was great, you and lo’ak went back to normal , you had the boy of your dreams everything was perfect. you just had a lot of stress being put on you by your mother and father about mating with neteyam. your parents had came with you to the Metkayina clan because jake insisted. “y/n! when are you going to mate with the sully boy!” your mother yells at you “whenever i want to!” you yell back, your dad trying a softer approach “honey we just need to know when you’re gonna mate with neteyam, that is all” you glare back at your dad shoving his hand off your back, “whenever. i. want. to.” you stand your ground. neteyam standing in the doorway of your family hut, he clears his throat “uh.. i am sorry to interrupt but um..” you’re still glaring at your father “you’re not interrupting a thing ma’teyam” you finally look away and walk out the door with your soon-to-be mate.

he puts an arm on your back and whispers in your ear “dinner at mine tonight, i have a surprise for you. my mate” the word rolling off his tongue.

•°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆

your family is now having a dinner party with the sullys. lo’ak has his head down eating food because he’s tired of how loud and obnoxious both yalls parents are being, kiri is talking with the adults and tuk passed out in her hammock hours ago, you and neteyam sitting hand in hand under the table listening to the loud conversation happening between your parents. your mom laughing overly loud “so are we gonna talk about your son and our daughter mating” your father asks jake and neytiri making you and neteyam look up.

your cheeks start to heat up and sigh trying to keep your head down low as possible, neteyams hand removes itself from yours and places it on you thigh, you don’t think anything of this because well it’s something he always does, but you feel it go farther up you look at him “what are you doing?” you whisper to the boy sitting next to you while your parents are literally talking, “giving you the relaxation you need”

he shoves his hand down your lion cloth and his long thick fingers start to circle your clit, your breath hitches you suck in your bottom lip. “y/n my mate are you okay” neteyam asks you knowing good and well he’s gonna make you cum at the dinner table. you look at him with a small smile and you nod looking around the table “just feeling sick i think i need to throw up” removing neteyams hand from you and leaving. “i’ll go check on her” he gives an awkward chuckle and follows you back to your room.

“baby if i made you uncomfortable tell me i’m sorry” he says finally finding you curled up in your hammock. he takes your hand “i have something to show you anyways” you look at him not wanting to get up “up. now” he says pulling your arm, you groan and get up.

•°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆

you both get off his ikran and he covers your eyes so you don’t see the beautiful sight in front of you. “are you ready?” he whispers and you nod. he takes his hands off your eyes revealing the beautiful tree of souls. it’s something you’ve always wanted to see but never got to “neteyam” you say jumping in his arms “it is beautiful” you smile wide now looking in his eyes. “i never brought any girl here because i felt they weren’t right for me, but you.. you are right for me” tears start to form in your eyes “neteyam..” he places a hand on your cheek “i want you to mate with me” he says and it looks like a weight has been pulled off his shoulders.

“yes! i love you” you cry making him smile “the last time i saw you cry you were saying how much you hated me” he chuckles. you put both of your hands on his cheeks “oh ma’teyam.., i could never hate you”you say as his cheek leans into your hand.

•°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆ •°. *࿐ ⋆

he is no longer your soon to be mate. he is your mate. but right now he’s balls deep in you with both of your queues connected. you’re straddling his lap but he’s still fucking you dumb. “yes! fuck” you scream this time you feel everything, you feel what he feels and he feels so good. he lets out small groans smacking your ass thrusting into you fast and hard making your walls tighten around him. he lets out a moan as his head leans back “fuck.. this pussy is so tight” he’s gripping your ass so hard it’s probably gonna leave marks, you grip around him again, he looks at you gripping your jaw making you look at him “this is my pussy” his strokes now being painfully slow “i want you cum on dick just like this, looking at me while my dick is moving in and out of you slowly” you whine because you want to go faster, you shake your head “faster” you beg “keep begging sweetheart maybe i’ll give you what you want” you growls “please ma’teyam! please fuck me faster”.

how could he say no if you asked so nicely? he works his hips up faster and faster than he was going before making your eyes roll back into your head “fuck daddy i’m gonna cum!” he stops all his movements, you realizing what you just say. your eyes shoot open to his full of lust “what did you just call me?” he says with a shit eating smirk of his face “nothing” you try and lose eye contact but he won’t let you he thrusts upward hitting your g-spot “what did you say” you sigh knowing you’re not getting out of this “i called you daddy” you look down.

he groans at the name “do it again princess, beg daddy to fuck your pussy some more” the hand that was on your cheeks now on your throat “daddy please fuck me, i wanna cum” he smiles at you and and picks up his pace again.

“that’s right baby cum on daddy’s cock” the knot in your stomach snaps leaving you a moaning mess on neteyam, “you wanna take daddy’s cum?” he pants, you nod frantically “please cum daddy i need it” and with that he lets out a long groan and lets his thick hot white cum paint your gummy walls. he cleaned you up and put your clothes back on you, he pulls you in close and kisses your forehead “i love you my mate”.

[hoziersmicrophone]

coffee | ross macdonald

A/N: this is my first fic!! & it was inspired by the song “coffee” by Chappell roan, I highly recommend listening to it:)

WARNINGS: angst, suggestions of smut, not a happy ending‼️

pls enjoy <3

Can't meet you for dinner at the Italian place

It's where I met your family, some words were exchanged

I'd suggest the jazz bar on MaryAnn Street but

You'd buy me a drink and we know where that leads, so

“I don’t think I’ll be able to make dinner tonight, something’s come up. I’m really sorry. Do you want to do something maybe during the day tomorrow before you leave for Toronto?”

As soon as she sent the text message, she began to get anxious and rubbed her fingers against each other. She was aware that Ross would be fine with switching things up, as he usually is, but she regrets calling off their long-planned dinner. In less than 48 hours, he was heading out for the Canadian portion of the tour.

She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket and saw that he was calling. She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, before swiping to answer the call and bringing the phone to her ear.

“Ross, hi,”

“Is everything okay, love? What’s come up? Is something wrong?” his concerned voice echoed on the other end of the line, she knew he was alone in his hotel room.

She smiled softly at his sincerity, “Nothing’s wrong, and I’m okay, I promise. It’s just been a long day and I don’t really feel up for dinner. I’m tired,”

“Ah,” he sighed, “Okay, well, if you want, I can come over to your place for a bit? We can just relax, maybe watch a movie? I know you’ve been wanting to watch Challengers for a while- we could rent it yeah?”

He sounded calm and collected, but on the other end of the phone call, Ross had begun to wonder if she didn’t want to see him at all, and that this was just her way of attempting to let him down easy.

“That sounds great, actually. I’ll see you in an hour or so?”

He repressed a sigh of relief and smiled, “Sounds good, I’ll see you then.”

With a sigh, she ended the call and collapsed onto her couch. He was heading out with the guys shortly; they would be gone for six months, only doing two shows in Scotland during that time. She didn't want to upset him, but she also didn't want to drop everything she was doing to go on tour with her boyfriend.

They hadn't discussed the tour much, and she didn't want to be the first to bring it up. In fact, Ross hadn't even asked her if she wanted to go. She loved him, and even though she didn't want to end things, she wasn't able to see their future together as clearly as she once could.

I'll meet you for coffee 'cause if we have wine

You'll say that you want me, I know that's a lie

If I didn't love you, it would be fine

I'll meet you for coffee, only for coffee

An hour later Ross was at her apartment. He knocked twice on the door, and she opened it, wearing sweatpants, smiling at the man in front of her.

He offered a small hug, which she reciprocated as he walked through the door, “I brought wine,” he handed her a bottle of Merlot.

“Oh thank you,” she paused and put the bottle on the counter, “That was very thoughtful of you.”

“Shall I get the glasses?” he asked as he headed towards the kitchen, “I can make some popcorn too,”

“Sure Ross,” she smiled softly, “That would be amazing, thank you,” and she sat down on the couch and turned on the TV, finding the movie.

A few minutes later, Ross came back and set the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table while offering her a glass. She gave him a thank-you smile, and as the movie began, he put an arm around her and pulled her in close.

“I’m gonna miss this,” he whispered into the top of her head, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

She nodded, blinking away the stray tears that had formed in her eyes at his words. He evidently had no plans of asking her to join him on tour, he just expected her to sit around and wait for his return.

She exhaled shakily and took a sip of her wine, “Me too,”

They sat in silence and comfort as they watched the film, with a few quips being made at the sex scenes and the intensity of them. The movie ended and Ross stood up, “Do you want another glass to finish off the bottle?”

With a nod, she got to her feet and asked, "Why don't I get them this time?" and she proceeded to the kitchen with their glasses. As she reached for the bottle, removed the cork, and started to pour, she heard his footsteps behind her but chose not to acknowledge him.

Ross’s arms wrapped around her and he pulled her close, hugging her from behind.

“Ross,” she exhaled as she took a sip of her wine.

“Hm?” he murmured as he kissed the part of her shoulder that was exposed from her sweater.

“We need to talk about something,” she pulled out of his arms and turned around to face him, worry evidently etched on her features.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re going away for six months,” she sighed, “And you- you didn’t even ask me how I felt about it or if I wanted to come with you.”

“Love,” he frowned, “I know how you feel about it, but it's my job! Besides, I didn’t think you’d want to come with us, I know you have a life here and-”

“I still would have liked to have been asked,” she said, her voice almost a whisper as she avoided his gaze.

“Well, do you want to come on tour with me?”

“Now you’re just asking out of pity, Ross.”

“What else do you want from me?!” he exhaled sharply. The wine on his breath was potent.

She met his gaze, “Don’t snap at me like that. I was just voicing how I was feeling, there is no reason for you to be defensive.”

His jaw locked and he repressed the urge to roll his eyes, “I’m sorry, I just don’t know what else to say here,”

“You don’t have to say or ask me anything, I just wanted to feel heard.”

“Well, do you?”

“I don’t know. It feels a bit like you’re having this conversation out of obligation.” she looked away again as her eyes welled up with tears once more, “I’m not going to sit around and wait for you like some kind of dog, Ross. Not for half a year.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t feel wanted in this relationship anymore, and don’t really know if I want it for myself,”

“Well I want you!” Ross exclaimed. He ran his hand through his hair and grabbed her hand, “I love you.”

“I love you too, but-” she was cut off by his lips on hers.

“Let’s not talk anymore,” he whispered against her lips, taking her wine glass out of her hand and placing it on the counter, “At least not right now.”

Her eyes began to well up with tears once more, but she forced a smile on her face and gave him another, stronger kiss. She was determined to make the most out of their final night together if it was to be their last. With a drunken gait, they staggered through the house until they arrived at her bedroom. With their lips still attached, the door closed behind them.

Nowhere else is safe, every place leads back to your place

You said let's do the park 'cause I love the park

That may be true but god forbid it gets dark

Here come the excuses that fuel the illusions

But I'd rather feel something than nothing at all, so

Ross and the rest of The 1975 crew were in town for their shows in Scotland, and it had been three months since she'd seen or really spoken to him. Even though she hadn't heard from any of them all day and wasn't really expecting it, the fact that their show was in two hours and she hadn't heard anything still stung.

Just as the thought of not hearing anything entered her mind once more, her phone began to vibrate on the table in front of her. She saw that it was George calling, and answered.

“George?”

“Hey doll, how’s it going?”

She rolled her eyes at the nickname, “I’ve been better…how’s tour going? You guys are in town tonight, right? Glasgow?”

“Been keeping tabs on us?”

“Oh shut up, Daniel,”

He laughed, “Are you coming out tonight?”

“Couldn’t snag tickets.” That was only partially the truth. She did want to go, but didn’t want to see Ross. That, and the fight for tickets was a fucking bloodbath.

“If you come to the backdoors one of us will let you in sweetheart,”

“Really desperate to get me there tonight aren’t you George?”

“Would it be wrong of me to say that we miss you?”

“We?” She asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

“Yeah! Me, Matty, Hahn, Charli, Polly, hell even Jamie misses you!”

Her heart felt heavy at the lack of Ross’s name coming out of George’s mouth, but she brushed it off with a light laugh, “I’ll see you in a bit, but I want a backstage pass.”

“Sure thing doll,” and he hung up the phone.

An hour later, she found herself at the backdoors of the venue the boys were performing at. She had just texted George that she was here and had put her phone in her pocket when the doors swung open and she was pulled into and off the ground by the blonde balding man himself in a bone crushing hug.

“Jesus Christ, Daniel!” she exclaimed as she laughed, being put back down on the ground.

“I told you I missed you, sweetheart,”

“If you don’t lose that nickname soon, the next thing you lose will be your dick,” she warned but grinned, “I missed you too.”

“Let’s go say hi to everyone,” George grabbed her hand and dragged her into the dimly lit backstage, letting the doors slam shut behind them.

She had a blast reuniniting with almost the entire band, and was almost brought to the ground by Matty who would not release her from his hug.

“Shit, are you okay Healy?” She asked between laughing fits.

“He misses you and feels like shit,” Matty spoke in a hushed tone in her ear.

“I’m sure he does, and to be fair, he should feel shitty,” she responded, “I’m not here for him,” she spoke a bit louder as she pulled away from Matty’s hug.

“Who’s not here for who?” asked a voice, cutting around George and stepping into the light where she could see him and he could see her.

She straightened her back and turned around, “Hi,” she said, smiling at the tall man who looked shocked to see her.

“You aren’t here for me?” Ross’s eyes softened as he took in her features.

“Jesus, Ross. Whether or not you choose to believe it, my life does not revolve around you,” she brushed the hostile comment off with a small laugh and turned back to Matty, “You guys go on soon, can I just watch from the wings?”

“Yeah, of course,” he responded with a small glance at Ross, who’s expression remained indifferent.

“Alright lads, let’s get a move on with this show then,” George said, clapping Ross on the back, bringing him back to reality, “And let’s get our dear guest a bottle of wine to drink while she enjoys our performance,” he said to a stagehand, shooting her a wink.

She stood on stage left, which was the audiences’ stage right and watched the show from the wings. It also happened to be the side of the stage Ross played on for the majority of the show. The two kept making eye contact throughout the numbers, but he kept looking away the second her eyes met his. She had consumed over half of the bottle of wine, and was enjoying the buzz as her ears burned with the songs they were performing.

It wasn’t until the second verse of ‘Sex’ when she got distracted watching him play. The way his hair framed his face and he focused so intently on the bass line of the song. The way he almost vibrated with the way the stage shook and how he ignored the screams of the crowd, evidently in love with him. The way his fingers moved; god, she loved his fingers. She was slightly drunk at this moment, but didn’t care. She was happy for the first time in months and never wanted the feeling to go away.

As she was evidently distracted by his performance, she didn’t notice him catching her staring and the slight smirk that creeped its way onto his face.

The song came to an end and he placed his bass on the stand as the rest of the band exited the stage, leaving Polly alone to sing ‘Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America.’

Ross walked directly towards her and watched as her mouth formed a soft smile with a hint of a twinkle in her eye. “What?” he asked, a puzzled but playful expression on his face.

She grabbed him by the front of the red crewneck he was wearing and pulled him down to face her, and kissed him with just as much intensity as she had done the last time they had seen each other, three months ago. He responded into the kiss for a few seconds then pulled back, grabbing her hand,

“Where is this coming from?”

“Just shut up and kiss me, MacDonald”

He looked like he wanted to ask another question, but decided to ask it later as he kissed her again, pulling her backwards into the dark of the poorly lit backstage. She laughed against his lips as he walked into a mic stand, covering her mouth with her hand to hide a grin.

“Are you okay?” she asked, trying to stifle another laugh.

“Now who needs to shut up?” He retorted before kissing her again.

I'll meet you for coffee 'cause if we have wine

You'll say that you're sorry, I know that's a lie

If I didn't trust you, it would be fine

I'll meet you for coffee, only for coffee

Another three months had passed since the band’s Glasgow shows, and it had been another three months since she had seen Ross. Yes, they saw each other at the show and for the 48 hours the band was in Glasgow, but after that, they took off again, and she was left to her studio apartment and her thoughts.

She was sitting in her pajamas on her couch and was watching a live stream of the band’s last show. They all had high spirits, but she could tell that they were all a little defeated about it being the last one; both fatigue and sadness.

Her iPad screen went black as the stream ended and her heart swelled with pride for the band. They had all worked so hard the past six months and it most definitely paid off. A break was well deserved.

She was woken up by her phone vibrating beside her. According to her clock it was 3AM. Grabbing it, she rubbed her eyes as the screen illuminated the room.

RM: Hey, I get back to Glasgow tomorrow around 1. Do you wanna grab a coffee and chat?

She stared at the text as another came through.

RM: FUCK. I forgot about the time difference. I’m so sorry. Get back to me when you wake up x.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m awake. And I can do coffee, same spot as always?”

RM: Did I wake you?????

“No, you didn’t lol”

RM: Don’t lie to me, it’s 3AM. You’re never up that late.”

“Fine, you did wake me up, but again, don’t worry about it. I’ll see you tomorrow ”

RM: See you then x

She smiled and put her phone back down, before rolling back over and falling asleep, only waking up when her 11AM weekend alarm went off.

If I didn't trust you, it would be fine

I'll meet you for coffee, only for coffee

She walked into the coffee shop, the one they always used to go to, and saw that he was already sitting at a table with two cups in front of him.

Ross stood up when he saw her, and gave her a small hug before she sat down adjacent to him, “I got you a mocha,”

“You remember my order?”

“Of course I do, it’s disgustingly sweet,”

“I’m going to ignore that. How was the rest of the tour?”

They talked about the band, the shows that were better than others, and what they all got up to for the months on the road. Ross mentioned that Polly had started talking to one of the security guards at their show in Toronto and that the two now text almost everyday, and that Polly was planning to spend part of their hiatus in Canada.

“And how were your adventures on the road? Did you get up to anything interesting?” She teased, with a mild smile on her face.

“Not much, really,” he responded.

“Come on MacDonald, you have to give me more than that.”

“Fine,” he sighed, “I was pretty lonely if I’m being honest.”

She inhaled sharply, preparing for the conversation that was about to occur, “It was you who chose to be lonely, you did that to yourself, Ross,”

“I suppose I did,” he responded, absent-mindedly picking at his fingers, “I did miss you, you know,”

“Is that why I didn’t hear from you at all for the first three months and then hardly after the two days you were in town?” Her eyes reflected the sadness that was mirrored in his.

“I didn’t think you’d want me to reach out,”

“But I tried reaching out to you, and was met with radio silence! You can say you missed me all you want, Ross, but those are those words. You did not put in the effort to keep in touch with me and just that alone shows me more than you will ever be able to say,”

She stared at him with a fixed gaze. He stared back, each word she said had felt like a stab in his chest. He knew she was right, in a sense, but could not find the words to fix the animosity that had fallen in between them.

Their coffees had begun to get cold, and she was the first to avert her gaze from his as her phone vibrated on the table. Turning it over so the screen didn’t light up, she looked back up at him. Her eyes slightly softened,

Nowhere else is safe, every place leads back to your-

“Did you expect me to just be okay with you coming back into my life?”

“No, I-” he started,

“That I would just put my life on pause for you at any given moment? What happened three months ago in Glasgow was a lapse in judgement on my part, and yes, it was fun, but it was not what I had intended when George invited me to the show.”

“It’s not what I intended either, I don’t know what-”

She cut him off again, “Oh fuck off with that bullshit. You’re telling me you didn’t intend for my legs to open for you when you showed up at my door with two bottles of wine and flowers?” Her voice had lowered to a whisper, not wanting to alert any of the other customers to their conversation.

She paused, her eyes glistening with tears, “You are the only person who knows me inside and out, Ross, and I know you too. So you cannot tell me you showed up that night after the second show with my favourite wine to only watch whatever program was on that night. I’m not that stupid.”

“I have never ever thought that you were stupid” Ross’s eyes stared into hers, and he clenched his fists together, “And it pains me that you would think that I only see you as a way to get a quick fuck and then leave.”

“How else am I supposed to see myself in your eyes when you only reach out to me when it is convenient for you. I am not at your beck and call Ross, and I am certainly not something you can dispose of once you’ve used,”

“I need you to stop talking so negatively about yourself, please. You have to believe me when I say that none of this was ever my intention, and I never want to hurt you. I love you.” Ross’s eyes were now starting to well up with tears, but he blinked them away when he saw that hers were beginning to stain her cheeks.

“I love you too, Ross. But I think that’s why it's so hard for me. You are all consuming, and it’s ruining my life,” she grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently, “I think I need to let you go,”

“What do you mean? I’m back home for at least a few months now, we can make this work!” He was pleading, and his eyes showed nothing but desperation.

“I don’t know if I want to make it work, I don’t know if my heart can take it.”

“So what? We’re just going to go our separate ways now? Forever?” Ross felt his voice crack at the word as his eyes welled up once more.

“For now, yeah. I think we both just need a lot of space to think about this Ross, think about what we really want.”

She wiped away the tears that had fallen and took her hand out of his, standing up and grabbing her coat off the back of the chair. He followed suit, and the two walked out of the coffee shop so they were standing beside her car. She opened her mouth to say something else when she felt him wrap his arms around her, enveloping her in the tightest hug she had ever received.

She buried her head into his chest as the tears fell down her face once more, and felt him kiss the top of her head. The two embraced for what felt like eternity, when it was only a matter of minutes before he pulled away.

“I do love you, you know,” he said with a sad smile, “I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you needed.”

“I don’t want you to blame yourself, it’s the lifestyle you signed up for, it’s just not what I can cope with anymore. You really are one of the best men I have ever met,” she responded, “And I love you too, Ross.”

She turned away from him as more tears started to fall, and she got into her car. The engine turned on and she drove out of the parking lot without giving him a last glance. This would always be a losing battle they would face, so they both needed to be strong and let the other go, because in doing so, they could find themselves.

The carousel never stops turning, so sometimes one of the best things you can do is get off.

We've done this before

And I don't need it anymore

So let's not do coffee, let's not even try

It's better we leave it and give it some time

If I didn't love you, it would be fine

'Cause If we do coffee, it's never just coffee

It's never just coffee

A/N: that marks the end of my first fanfic!! please reblog and let me know what you think! <3<3 also shoutout to @mads198-9 for being my beta reader, ily loser💕💕💕💕

[hufflautia]

Mine

This is part 2 of my mini-series Betrayal.  Read Part 1: Cheater

Summary: Slytherin is willing to do anything to get Hufflepuff back...anything.  

After the breakup, life wasn’t the same for Slytherin. Hufflepuff had been his sunshine. Without her, a cloud of gray drifted over him wherever he went, her absence a reminder of what he had done. 

They hardly talked anymore after the breakup. When they crossed paths in the corridors, Hufflepuff didn’t glance in his direction, but he could tell she was just as heartbroken as he was. 

Regret and guilt consumed him. Barely focused on his Transfiguration notes, he pushed the assignment aside and leaned back on the headboard of his bed, reminiscing about all the good times they had. He thought about the warmth of her cheek that pressed against his chest while they cuddled, her gentle touch as she absentmindedly traced the scar on his chin, her cheeky laugh in his ear as they danced beneath the stars. 

Slytherin needed to get her back. He just didn’t know how. 

~

Hufflepuff wasn’t doing too good either. She wanted answers, trying to make sense of why Slytherin did what he did—and more importantly, why he had kept it from her in the first place. She came to the conclusion that even if she had all the answers in the world, it wouldn’t change what happened.  

She ended the relationship soon after the confrontation. There were pictures of them making silly faces that decorated her nightstand. His sweatshirts were draped over the edge of her trunk. Unable to look at anything that reminded her of him, she discarded the painful memories of their love. Her room felt empty afterwards, as if an important puzzle piece was missing. 

Falling in love with Slytherin was like entering a house and realizing she was finally home. He comforted her when she lost her parents a few years ago. With him gone, it felt like she was losing everyone all over again. 

Holed up in her dormitory, Hufflepuff felt worse than usual; today was supposed to be their one-year anniversary.  

Someone covered her eyes. “Guess who?” 

Even though she couldn’t see the person, she immediately knew who it was. 

Hufflepuff gently pried the hands away and turned to face Slytherin. Her heart swelling at the sight of him, she stood up and greeted him with a hug. “What are these for,” she asked, noting the yellow blossoms in his hand. 

“For our anniversary, sunshine. Did you think I’d forget it was my turn?”

They took turns planning their anniversary. Last month, Hufflepuff had snuck into the kitchens in the middle of the night to bake a cake for him. She got in trouble when the house-elves found her asleep on the counter the next morning. It was all worth it in the end when she finally presented the dessert to him after detention. A wide grin spread on his face as he tried not to laugh at the fact that she spent more time with Filch instead of him on their special day.  

She sheepishly looked away. “During breakfast, you didn’t say a word about our anniversary.” 

“That was all a ruse,” he explained, intertwining his fingers through hers. “I wanted you to think I didn’t remember so that you’d be surprised when I show you the elaborate date I’ve planned.” 

She leaned into his outstretched arms, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck. “I’m sorry for doubting you.” 

Slytherin stroked her hair. 

“It’s ok, I don’t blame you. My acting skills were really on-point this morning.” 

Hufflepuff suppressed a laugh. The smile tugging at Slytherin’s lips broke into a playful grin, and he offered his hand. “Shall we? I’d rather not spend our anniversary in the library.” 

“Anywhere with you is perfect,” she beamed. 

Slytherin clicked his tongue. 

“That’s sweet and all, but let’s seriously get out of here. I hate libraries.” 

Exhaling a laugh, she took his hand and allowed him to lead the way. He brought her to the place where they first met: a secluded area that overlooked the Black Lake. 

Hufflepuff, who was blindfolded, clutched his arm tightly as they walked. He untied the cloth. 

The picnic had taken half of the day to prepare, but it was all worth it when he saw Hufflepuff’s face. Her cautious grin had exploded into a radiant smile, and before Slytherin could say anything else, she jumped into his embrace.

“I love you so so so much,” Hufflepuff said, accenting each word with a kiss to his lips. “These were the best ten months of my life.”

Slytherin smiled warmly. 

“It’s not over yet, sunshine. There will be many more months to come.”

He leaned down to kiss her once more. 

Hufflepuff’s vision blurred, and she wiped her cheeks. If only she could forget everything that happened. If only she could forget him.  

~

Hufflepuff was walking across the courtyard when someone called out to her. She turned to see Gryffindor. He gestured for her to sit on the cobblestone steps beside him. 

Dropping her bag on the floor, Hufflepuff sat down with a small smile. It’d be nice to sit in some company other than her pet owl. Her mind all over the place, she only paid half attention to their small talk. It wasn’t until Gryffindor put his hand on her shoulder that she met his eyes. 

“How are you feeling about…” He trailed off.

“It’s just not the same,” she shook her head. “I’m trying to get by, but I feel like it’ll be forever before I’m okay again.”  

Gryffindor nodded, his brows furrowed. Hufflepuff watched him rummage for something in his bag. He pulled out a book with a blank cover. 

“Can I read an excerpt that I think you’d like?”

With her nod, he began. 

“Healing will grow you. Healing will iron out the creases of your ache. Healing will stop the heavy thrashing inside your heart. Healing will melt you back into softness. Healing will let the hurt bathe you. Healing will make you stronger.” 

He looked up from the pages. “And the first step of healing is to let go of the past.” 

The past. It jolted her whenever she thought back to that moment. 

“Hufflepuff!”

She smiled when she realized it was Gryffindor. 

“Hey Gryff!” He was out of breath and staring at her as if her pet owl died. “What’s wrong?” 

“I need to tell you something,” he murmured, grabbing her arm. He brought her to a quiet corridor and, with an anxious inhale, told her what happened in the library. His frown deepened when she laughed.  

“You must have mistaken him for someone else,” she said. “Slytherin would never do that.” 

Even when Gryffindor swore on his grandpa’s grave that he was telling the truth, Hufflepuff didn’t believe him. He let out a frustrated sigh and rubbed his temple. He straightened. 

“Come with me.” 

She followed after him easily. After all, there wouldn’t be any proof to show since Slytherin didn’t do anything. 

“Where are we going?” They had been walking through a dark corridor and she was getting antsy. 

Gryffindor stopped in front of a door with a strange engraved symbol. He pulled out his wand. 

“Alohamora!” 

The door clicked open and he beckoned Hufflepuff to go inside. She stepped in, and her eyes widened. 

“Gryffindor,” she exclaimed. “We’re not supposed to be in Slughorn’s office—”  

“This’ll be quick.” He started to scour through the clutter of items on the table. 

As Hufflepuff waited, something caught her eye in the corner and she approached it. 

It was a shallow basin made with stone. Precious stones and strange symbols decorated the sides. It was filled with a silver substance, wisps of smoke slithering into the air.

“You found it.” 

Hufflepuff jumped as Gryffindor moved to her side. She gulped and looked back in the pot. 

“Is that?– ...”  

“The Pensieve,” he answered softly. 

Her stomach twisted. She heard about it in class once, and her professor’s words echoed in her head. “The Pensieve is a magical object used to review memories.”

Hufflepuff closed her eyes and took deep breaths. There was no way Slytherin cheated. No, not her Slytherin. 

When she opened them, he had already drawn a glowing strand from his temple and was dropping the memory into the basin. She stared as the shimmering particles stirred. 

Gryffindor stood with her, the heaviness of the situation weighing on him. Having known both Slytherin and Hufflepuff for so long, he himself felt complete shock at what his friend had done. He couldn’t imagine how this would affect Hufflepuff. Even though he felt like a terrible friend for bringing her here, he would be an even worse one if he hid this. 

“We can leave if you want,” Gryffindor said. “We can forget this ever happened.”

She met his gaze, her eyebrows drawn together. 

“But you’re gonna spend the rest of your life wishing you knew the truth.”  

Hufflepuff knew he was right. She wished he was wrong. With a shaky inhale, she entered the Pensieve. 

Her chest was wrought with pain as she remembered what it was like to see Slytherin with Ravenclaw. The image of their locked lips squirmed its way in again, and she angrily expelled it from her mind. 

Slytherin was her whole world at a point. But she was starting to realize that she didn’t need him. He could run to Ravenclaw for the rest of his half-finished handjob for all she cared.

“You’re right,” she said. “I need to let go.”

Gryffindor squeezed her hand. “I’m always here for you if you need anything.” 

She smiled back and nodded. Slytherin wasn’t in her life anymore, but she still had a strong support system, and that was never gonna change. 

~

Gryffindor gathered his notes into a pile and stuffed them into his bag, silently scolding himself for not studying for his Potions exam earlier. He was gonna have to stay up tonight to prepare.

He started for the exit and froze. Shit. 

Slytherin stood by the door, his arms crossed. 

“Surprised to see me?” 

“Not really. I figured I’d run into you at some point.” 

“At some point,” Slytherin repeated. “You mean after you betrayed me?” 

He eyed the wand in his former friend’s hand. “What’re you talking about?” 

“Don’t tell me you forgot.”  

“Dude, I don’t know what—” 

“You fucking told her,” Slytherin exploded, his eyes blazing.   

“You’re the one who cheated,” Gryffindor scoffed. “You’re a bigger idiot than I took you for if you thought I was gonna stay quiet. She doesn’t deserve that.”   

His lips curled into a wry smile. “I know what you’re trying to do.” 

“What in the blazes are you going on about?” 

“I saw you two in the courtyard today,” he hissed. “You were holding hands. You think you’re so high and mighty, but you’re trying to steal her away from me–” 

“Hufflepuff isn’t an object,” Gryffindor glared. “She is her own person, she belongs to no one.” 

Slytherin lets out a dry laugh. “Merlin’s beard…how could I not see it before? You have feelings for her…in fact, you probably planned all of this from the beginning! How convenient that you were in the library at that exact time–”  

“Christ, Slytherin, give it a rest! You’re coming up with all these conspiracy theories to make up for the fact that Hufflepuff is never going to forgive you.” 

The words hung in the air, and Slytherin fell silent. The thought of living in a world in which Hufflepuff wasn’t with him was too much to bear. He tightened his hold around the wand and shook his head. 

“You’re wrong.” 

He turned and set off into the dark corridors. He was going to make things right. 

~ 

Hufflepuff dangled her legs over the ledge of the observatory. The stars winked at her as she gazed into the distance, thinking about what Gryffindor had said. 

Healing will stop the heavy thrashing inside your heart.

She knew she would be okay at some point, and a day would drift by in which thoughts of Slytherin would not plague her. But she was impatient. She just wanted to forget him. She wanted to stop hurting. 

“I thought you’d be here.” 

Hufflepuff gasped and spun around. Her face dropped. 

“Leave.” 

Slytherin stepped in front of her, his arms raised. 

“Wait, please, I need to talk to you–” 

“You don’t get to say anything to me,” she said coldly. 

“But I love you,” he cried, clasping their hands together. “And you love me.” 

Her eyes glistened as she stared at him ruefully. 

“And look where that love has brought us.” 

“Please,” he whispered. “Just give me another chance.” 

“I trusted you, and you hurt me.” 

“You can still trust me–” 

“Then tell me this,” Hufflepuff yanked her hands away. “When were you going to tell me what happened?” 

When he didn’t respond, she huffed wryly. “Or should I say if you were even gonna tell me.” 

Her shoulder shoved against his as she started for the door. 

“Remember how I was by your side after your parents died?” His words glued her to the floor. “Who will you go to if you leave me?” 

Slytherin turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. His head jerked to the side as a resounding slap rings across the room. 

“How dare you mention them,” she hissed, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “I would rather be alone than be with you.”  

“You can’t mean that,” his voice was low, wrought with heartbreak. “Please, Hufflepuff, I love you.” 

Hufflepuff gazed at him through a curtain of tears. Red tinged his skin, and she squashed the instinct to cup his cheek and run her thumb over his cheek.  

“I loved you.” 

Anguish gripped him as she turned away. A gut feeling clawed into his stomach, and it told him this would be the last time she would ever willingly talk to him. 

Slytherin couldn’t let her go. He wouldn’t. 

Without thinking, he raised his wand at her and let the words slip from his mouth. 

~ 

The whole walk back to his dormitory, Slytherin kept his head down. The day went by in a blur; he had no idea how he got through Potions, but his distraction didn’t go by unnoticed. By the end of the class, he lost his house 20 points for not paying attention. But he didn’t care. 

Had he made a mistake last night? 

A pair of worn shoes stood in front of his path. His thoughts flitted away when he saw who it was. 

“Get lost, Evras.” 

Gryffindor grabbed his shoulder and dragged him into a nearby classroom. “I know what you did,” he snarled, slamming the door shut. 

Slytherin shoved his hand away. “Get your hands off me unless you want to go swimming with the selkies tonight.” 

“I thought you were a piece of shit before, but I never thought you’d do something like this…” 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve done nothing wrong. Besides,” Slytherin smirked, “it’s not like you have any evidence.” 

Gryffindor glared at him steely. “I’ll find a way to prove it. I’m gonna bring her back to…to normal.” 

“Hufflepuff is fine,” he hummed, though his voice wavered. “Everything’s perfect, the way they should be.” 

As he sauntered to the door, Gryffindor called after him. “You think you can get away with this?” 

“I already have. I just need to take care of one more thing.”  

“Which is?”

Slytherin turned around and raised his wand at him. 

“You.”

~

Slytherin hovered over Hufflepuff’s sleeping figure, brushing a stray hair away from her face. The dark circles under her eyes were already disappearing. He smiled. She always slept best with him by her side. 

It was as if everything happened in slow motion that night. The obliviation spell hit Hufflepuff, and her body tilted forward. He rushed forward and caught her before she hit the floor. Shame weighed heavily on him afterward, and he tossed and turned in his bed until dawn peeked through the windows. 

But when she woke up yesterday from the spell and her eyes filled with love, all his pain faded away. It was almost as if the incident never happened. He definitely made the right choice. After all, they were together again.

Gryffindor was already taken care of. Besides having a small headache the next morning, his old best friend greeted him happily, but Slytherin knew now not to let him get too close to Huff again. He might have forgotten what happened too, but he still might have lingering feelings for his girlfriend. 

His thoughts were interrupted by a small mewl. Hufflepuff wiggled in his grasp, and she scrunched her nose at the sun melting across her skin. The light surrounded her like a halo, and Slytherin kissed the tip of her nose. 

“Good morning, sunshine.” 

She smiled drowsily and wrapped her arms around his torso. “What time is it,” she croaked into his shirt. 

“Way past your usual 9 a.m. alarm, but I thought I’d let you rest.” 

Hufflepuff yawned and stretched her arms. Her knuckle brushed against the naked wall, and she blinked a couple of times. “What happened to all the pictures of us?” 

Slytherin glanced up, and a shadow fell across his face. “I think your roommates were just messing around, but it’s okay. We can make new memories and take other pictures, right?” 

Her lips twisted. Her roommates wouldn’t touch her stuff without her permission… 

Without a second of thought, he crashed his lips into hers. The kiss was filled with desperation and his hands dragged into her hair, pulling her impossibly closer. She had to pull away to catch a breath. 

“You’re more cuddly than usual,” she smiled, her head still woozy. 

He stared at her with an empty longing. “I just missed you.” 

“But I saw you yesterday,” she laughed. 

Slytherin hummed and murmured, “Well, it felt like forever.” 

She beamed and rested her head on his chest. “I love you.” 

The words were like honey, and he smiled back. It had been so long since she uttered those words to him.

“I love you too.” 

Hufflepuff curled her arms around his shoulders and leaned in, her eyelashes fluttering shut as their noses brushed together. Slytherin smiled blissfully, her lips like rose petals against his. His arm snaked around her waist as he deepened the kiss. 

Mine.

Check out my masterlist! | Kind comments and reblogs are most appreciated :)

~

AUTHOR’S NOTE: 

AAAAAAAAAAA!!!????

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

dont hate me!!!! ive been gone for too long yall but i wasn't really thinking of staying :( but i went on tumblr last night just for the heck of it and i was like damn..i wanna post something bc god BLESS those who sent some asks in, i think of u fr fr it makes me feel all warm inside hehe <3 so yea i wanted to feed my children bc yall have not had a meal in YEARS

anyways ive been working on this for a longgggg time, and my edits were always very sporadic, but i finally decided to finish it but this bitch has been gathering dust in my docs. i even had a separate doc for my authors note and i just looked it over and its funny as fuck LMAO so I'm just gonna throw in all the memes i had in there, get ready for a fucking HOOT

ok anyways enjoy!! love love love

Sometimes I think of my one-shots as AUs of the slytherpuff series, because in future one-shots, if needed, i will use the same last names (lestrange and tian). In this case, i feel like all of this wouldn’t have happened in the first place because sly would’ve yeeted ravenclaw across the library lmadomafijnvsd

from cheater to mine:

these are the people who didnt want a part two lmao:

gryff at sly after obliviate:

gryffindor at sly to leave her alone ^

THIS WAS IN MY DRAFTS AT THE BEGINNING STAGES OF MY WRITING FOR THIS AHAH:

slytherin core:

you rn:

cut the cameras,.,, deadass

"Without thinking, he raised his wand at her and let the words slip from his mouth before he could stop himself, consumed with desperation."

u:

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+office+dont+meme&oq=the+office+dont+meme&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQABgKGIAEMgoIAhAAGAoYFhgeMgoIAxAAGAoYFhgeMgoIBBAAGAoYFhgeMg0IBRAAGIYDGIAEGIoF0gEIMjY1MWowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=OW1kn2CU-kTGIM&vssid=l

that is all i had written in my doc, future huffautia is back! i remember making those memes and i cackled so much. i hope u guys laughed too and enjoyed the story, pls pls pls let me know ur thoughts bc i would loveee to hear what u guys think heheheh. more dark sly fanfics??? lmk.

i am not sure when or if i will be back :( i have so much unfinished fics piled up, but not much motivation or time. this may be the last fic i post bc it was the one i was most close to finishing, but ur support does help a lot, so send in asks, comments, and dms!! love u, be well :) thank you for this journey. heart heart!!

~

tags:

@HOPEFUL-HUFFLEPUFF-PEEVES @ka-to-sa @oa-mm @hufflepooooff @cinnamon-roll-unicorn @princessstoopid @jasminedayz @magnoliamermaid @hufflepuff-brunette @theclassictragedy @minetticatinwonderland @xxmichx @pancakes-and-sugar @theif-charm @happy-puff @onefoureightfive @hellounicorn @applekenm @toni-wood @sirenofthe7seas @dracos-eternity @guildedmoongamer @doalokiandrun @hannanshi @intotheunknownuwu @izukuisfrickingadorable117 @neonuzumaki @alverniaphi @captainam-erika-trash @nikkijovanic @strawberrypanda99 @fuckthenewyorkpost @chewyladyfingers @dracoswhore007 @chocolett @hmilkwhoney @introvertedrae @pinqgchuu @dracosvftie @infared-eyeliner @rosethevoid @pastelkhaleesi @pisces-daydreams @stardustzainy @quakemebacktothe50s @history-geek101 @zenobiagrace @eunnieah @zigqy @cryingabtwandavision @widowsgranger @writtenfoxscreams @nugnugchick @hinanitiram @aestheticworld99 @skipingonthesidewalk @moonyisastonerboy @lucyrod18-blog @thewitcheswords @shipping-book-keeper @niicoraizumii @idocarealot @syrenak @ajdqueen @imscaredofhorses @markedsweetly @kaslec @bewiitchings @dont-hyuck  @lewispoolerpayton @1hufflepuff @swagangelhorsepickle @elegantcroissantplaidpony @uhhhem @thankfulfor  @summerbbygirl @maraudeersmap @udontneedtokno @inexperiencedpotathoe @sweetinvisiblewriter @peanut-in-the-goal @da-fox-rangerrr @angel-blogging

[shunin-gumis]

As Master Joe Wishes - Track 05

Seasonal Team Event - L4mps

Location: Tokyo Metropolis International Airport — Lobby

Chief: Thanks for seeing me off, Sakujiro-san.

Sakujiro: Of course. It is my duty as the young master’s butler. I wish you the best for your work in Liechtenstein. 

Chief: (A “butler”, huh… )

Sakujiro: Is something the matter? 

Chief: Oh, I was just thinking about the Night Team… I wonder if they’re doing alright? I don’t think there should be much trouble for them working as servants but… 

Sakujiro: … I’m certain they will be just fine. Daniel may have thrown out his back, but he’s still a very capable manager. And, not to mention, they’ve already overcome their first tour together.

Chief: …..

You’re right, I’m sure they’ll be fine! I should get going now.

Sakujiro: Indeed, please give it your all.

Chief: (Ryui-kun may look all rough and tough, but he’s actually a very responsible big brother. I’m sure he’ll manage to get along with their Master just fine!)

Location:  Manor

Joe: Ryui! Is Ryui present!?

Location: Manor - Large Parlor

Ryui: Oi, don’t call out to me so casually.

Joe: You must answer as soon as I call you! You are, after all, a valet of the Senba Family!

Ryui: A valet?

Joe: What it means is that you are my handmaid! 

Ryui: Your what? You little shit, don’t test my patien–

Joe: ! 

Joe: Toi~ Oh, Toi~! 

Toi: What is it, master?

Joe: *giggling*

Ryui: Dammit…

(The damn bear knows I can’t make a fuss in front of Toi–)

Joe: I shall permit you to carry me once more.

Toi: Okaay~♪

Ryui: …So? What d’ya want from me?

Joe: I need you to gather a hundred winning popsicle sticks of my beloved ice candy~*

Ryui: The fuck?

Joe: I will need precisely one hundred of them within the day, please and thank you! 

Ryui: There’s no fuckin’ way I could get all tha–

Toi: It’s a piece of cake for Ani-sama, right~

Ryui: Heh, yeah don’t make me laugh! I could do it in my sleep. 

Joe: ….. 

~~~

Ryui: Here, got ‘em for ya, exactly a hundred. 

Joe: … And how exactly did you manage to procure all this?

Ryui: Well, let’s just say I got a hold of some friendly fellas and got them to check for me… And I might’ve used my left eye too… 

Joe: ??

Ryui: Whatever, don’t worry about it.

Joe: I-I am not quite certain of how you accomplished it, but I see! You seem to be quite quick-witted! 

Ryui: Ah… And here, take this. 

Joe: And what might this be?

Ryui: I figured getting only the winning popsicle sticks might be boring so… I got you a candy-themed pin badge from the same place. It’s just somethin’ cheap though.

Joe: …..! 

Ryui: (I went ahead and got it like how I usually do for Toi… )

Toi: As expected of Ani-sama… Not only did you get what Joe-sama asked for, but you also got a little present on top of that too! 

Ryui: ! Didn’t see you there, Toi.

Toi: Isn’t this great, Joe-sama? I’m sure it’d look perfect on your ear! 

Joe: I… I do not require something like this! I only requested the winning popsicle sticks, that’s all! 

Toi: Oh, Joe-sama left… 

Ryui: (What a handful… )

~~~

Location: Manor

Joe: Now, onto my next request! 

Ryui: What? This still goin’ on?

Joe: I would like to sunbathe, but that cloud is blocking all the warm rays. Be a dear and get rid of it for me.

Ryui: Oi, aren’t you just pulling my leg at this point with all these impossible tasks?

Joe: My, I have no idea what you are talking about~♪

Toi: M-Maybe asking Ani-sama to control the weather is a bit much… 

Joe: Oh my, do you think so?

Toi: No, Ani-sama is the coolest brother in the whole world…! I’m sure he could control the weather if he wanted to! 

Ryui: … Don’t worry, Toi. I could blow away those clouds any day.

Joe: …..

Those clouds… they are truly gone! How in the world did you manage to do it while I was taking my afternoon nap…?

Ryui: They’re cirrocumulous clouds. 

Toi: ? What’s so special about them?

Ryui: Those kinda clouds disappear in minutes. So all I had to do was have the bear sleep for a bit and wake her up again after they were gone.

Toi: I see! As expected of Ani-sama~

Ryui: Well yeah. … Take a look over there too.

Joe: Oh!

Toi: Wow, a rainbow! It’s so pretty!!

Ryui: It tends to show up with the cirrocumulous clouds, but looks like it was a little later this time.

Toi: Clearing away the clouds, and even showing us a rainbow… You’re such a romantic, Ani-sama! At this rate I’ll be playing your “route” forever and ever! 

Joe: Hmph…! 

Ryui: (Seriously… Why the hell do I have to listen to anyone who’s not Toi?)

(Not to mention, the little shit only gives me the hardest tasks like it’s got something against me… The more I think about it, the more it pisses me off…!)

Joe: H-Hmph! I suppose I must commend you! You may take your leave now. But do keep in mind that I will have many more orders for you tomorrow as well~

Ryui: *sigh*

~~~

Location: Manor - Bedroom 

Toi: Good work today, Ani-sama. I was already amazed at how you got all those winning popsicle sticks, but you really surprised me with the clouds today! Not only are you super handsome, but you’re so smart too! 

Ryui: I thought about borrowing one of Yowa’s inventions, but that damn cook disappeared on me.

Toi: You’re right, I haven’t seen Netaro-san around much lately… I did spot a robot that looked just like him, walking right up against the wall of the manor without stopping… I wonder if that’s another one of his inventions? 

Ryui: He probably fucked off to god knows where and left that robot to work in his place. 

(I could use one of those myself, honestly)

~~~

Location: Manor - Large Parlor

Samejima: Joe-san, and the rest of you, thank you for gathering here in the middle of your work. Has everything been going well?

Yodaka: Though we did go through some minor issues at first due to our inexperience, I think overall, the mission has been going quite smoothly.

Nagi: Thank you for helping me with my mistakes before they got out of hand… 

Ryui: We’ve got other problems. For one, this bear is way too bossy.

Joe: Hmph!

Netarobot: Yes indeedy~ I’m Netaro indeed~

Nagi: This robot is really well-made… Do you think it’s true that it can shoot missiles from its fingers?

Toi: Netaro-san hasn’t been doing his job lately… Is that really okay…? 

Samejima: Ahh, you don’t have to worry about that. We can set him aside for now. There’s something else we must discuss.

Samejima: I’ll get straight to the point. This may seem sudden, but it’s been decided that Joe-san will be leaving for Germany 12 hours from now. 

Note:

Joe is asking for a 100 winning popsicle sticks/ice candy like Gari Gari-kun where the sticks are seared with either "winner" or "loser", and getting a winning stick leads to either another free ice cream or other small prizes.

[thesolarangel]

My shadows

Elrond x reader

(no gender mentioned, no pronouns) · Rating: G · 838 words · No warnings · NO descriptions of panic attacks or similar stuff! No use of Y/N. Sorry for abusing the “...” haha. This fanfic is set in winter! I just needed the ultra cozy vibes for this one. 

summary: Elrond notices that you’re struggling even though you’re trying so hard to hide it. He helps you get through a rough patch.

Also on AO3

Elrond has noticed that there was something off with you recently. You reacted irritably when being asked questions, you had dark circles under your eyes from lack of sleep and you didn’t seem like your usual self.

He goes to your chambers to check on you. He finds you laying on the chaise in the middle of the day, wrapped in a blanket and staring out of the window with a blank face.

“Hey, sweetheart”, he greets you in a warm tone.

You don’t answer and just wrap the blanket tighter around your body.

“Forgive me, I don’t mean to pry, but I’m honestly worried about you… Is there anything I can do for you?” Elrond sits down on the end of the chaise and strokes your thigh gently.

“No!” you snap at him. Shit. You immediately regret it. Societal pressure has been gnawing at you in addition to you struggling mentally. Elrond didn’t have anything to do with this. Tears are forming in your eyes and you squeeze them shut to try to force them away. “I’m so sorry.” you whisper with a trembling voice. 

“It’s okay. This wasn’t directed at me personally, even if I was the one to hear it…” 

He shifts closer and starts stroking your head.

“Your health matters, meleth nín. Body and mind. If you were to break a bone or fall ill with a terrible cold, you would give your body the rest it needs, wouldn’t you?” He smiles at you kindly. “You tell your friends they should look after themselves and take the time and rest they need to recharge… try to apply that to yourself… please.”

“It’s too h–hard… “ And this time, your voice breaks and you start to cry.

“Well, then I’ll help you.” 

Elrond holds you in his arms and lets you sob uncontrollably. “Let it all out, love, it’s okay.”

And all the feelings you’ve been avoiding for the past weeks come crashing down on you. You cry and cry and cry and Elrond holds you, strokes over your hair, caresses your back… 

After a while he begins to softly sing in Sindarin… He has a beautiful voice. Low and melodic he sings while he holds you… The song is unfamiliar to you, but it has a soothing power and you can feel it flow through your body as it slowly regulates your nervous system. The tears are gone and you truly feel better, more balanced, but there’s still this lingering sense of uncertainty and you’re not sure how to move on…

Then Elrond speaks anew: “Meleth nín, please know that this too, shall pass. You might feel like this intense hopelessness and these dark intrusive thoughts will never leave you. But I promise you, they will. You will be your usual funny, cheerful, creative self again.

I am so proud of you. You are such a kind, wonderful person and your friends love you so much.

You don’t need to carry all of this on your own. You can ask for help. I can help you take the weight off. I’m here for you, love.” He places a gentle kiss on your forehead. You look up to him and give him a small smile. His words mean a great deal to you. He’s always there for you no matter what. And you trust him.

“So… what do you say about a warm bath? While I make you some food?” he asks hopefully.

“A bath sounds amazing actually…” you answer hoarsely. All this crying has done a number on your voice.

“I’m glad. Then I’ll get it ready for you and you choose something comfortable to wear afterwards, alright?”

Elrond runs you a bath with your favorite essential oils and lights some candles in the bathroom so that you have it extra cozy.

You greatly enjoy soaking in the warm water and it smells so good. After a good half hour you’re starting to get a little sleepy so you get out of the bath, dry yourself off and put on some soft nightwear.

When you get back to your living room chamber, you see that Elrond is already waiting for you. He has set up a little picnic with a big blanket and some pillows in front of the burning fireplace. There’s fresh bread with cheese, some sweet and salty snacks that you like and some hot chocolate. 

The two of you enjoy your meal together and you talk a little here and there, Elrond doesn’t pressure you and there’s always more time to talk tomorrow. You share some of the things you’ve been struggling with and he listens to you closely and offers his thoughts if you like. 

Talking about this makes you feel lighter and you slowly get sleepy again. Before you can drift off on the floor in your living room, he takes you to bed and holds you in his arms while you fall asleep. That night, you don’t dream at all, you sleep through the night like a log.

____

tag list: @fenharel-enaste @queenmeriadoc @starlady66 @elronds-pointy-ears @bananaphanta @runawaymun @thetempleofthemasaigoddess @lady-of-imladris @mistergandalf

[diabolikwriter]

Nga yawne lu oer - Chapter 8

Recom! Miles x Na’vi/Avatar! Fem! Reader

Warnings: KISSING!! Cussing, Racism, Hurt, angst, break up, getting back together, sad Miles, sad (y/n), they both need a hug.

Word Count: 2044

Chapter 8: Catching Up

                                           Miles’ POV

They had gotten back to base and the atmosphere had been strained and depressing on their flight back, and it hadn’t gotten better through dinner. After dinner and watching you being depressed and sad with no end in sight, he had decided that he needed to talk to you. Perhaps it was the time he learned the end of your engagement, the death of your sister, the thoughts and despair that you had felt, and perhaps had locked safely away in your chest for the past 15 years. Miles had asked Lyle if he and Z-dog where willing to watch over Spider while he talked with you, because for some reason Spider had become quite attached to those two recoms, and of course Lyle said yes, and no doubt Z-dog were also onboard for what Lyle called a “Nephew and Aunt/Uncle night”.

“Sweetheart can I talk with you? In private?” Miles asked you. You were sitting with Spider and talking quietly. You looked a bit hesitant at his request. “I just want to talk. I just want some answers, and of course if you don’t want to then we don’t have to. But I remember that one time many years ago, when you and I had just gotten together, how you told me that talking with someone can help process loss, trauma and any other destressing emotion.” You nodded in acknowledgement at his words.

“Sure, we can talk, but what about Spider? You sure you just want him running around?”

“Don’t worry (y/n)! We’ll take him.” Lyle walked calmly into the room with Z-dog and just like Mils had expected she too looked pleased with this outcome. “C’mon little monkey! Let’s leave your folks to talk.”

Spider nodded, and though he had never been alone with those two before, he still looked a bit excited. “Bye Mom, love you.” He hugged you before turning to Miles. “Hurt her and you’ll regret it.” He threatened before happily skipping over to the two recoms.

“Shall we?” Asked Miles and held his hand out for you to take, but you ignored it and stood up on your own and walked towards Miles’ room.

------

You immediately went to yours and Spiders bed and sat down and Miles did the same, though he didn’t touch the bed, because apparently that was disrespectful, and you had been very close to clawing his eyes out the last and only time he had touched it.

“Sweetheart I’m sorry for all you had to lose. Hometree, me, your sister and what ever else that you lost those days.” He said gently and truthfully.

“Grace. I lost Grace too.”

“You lost Augustine?”

“Yeah you killed her, shot her when she, Jake and the others escaped from Hell’s Gate.” You sounded so sad, and Miles knew that Augustine had meant a lot to you.

“I recall shooting at the helicopter, but unfortunately, I can’t remember getting told of her death.”

“I told you the last time you and I ever talked to each other.” You mumbled, it seemed as if those memories weighed heavily on your shoulders.

“I take it, that it didn’t end well.”

“No, it didn’t.”

                                           *Flashback*

                                           (y/n) POV

You had just gotten the news that Grace had died from Max, it would have been too suspicious if both of you had gone and participated in the videocall, so Max was the one to deal with them. Besides you also had your son to worry about and right now you trusted nobody else but Max. You hadn’t spoken to Miles either, you felt betrayed. You had wasted so many hours trying to make him see Pandora, trying to make him understand that this wasn’t just savage people, but that they actually had something beautiful going on. And what had Miles done? Well he had ignored every single conversation and lesson and had decided to burn Hometree. He and Parker had destroyed everything and you had for days now, not been able to connect with you Avatar, because they knew that it was with the people, just like Graces and Jakes. Everything hurt. And though you loved Miles with everything, you couldn’t ignore what he had done. The man you thought you knew and who had promised you that he would do everything in his power to make sure that this conflict was settled peacefully, had betrayed you. You were sitting in you room, which haven’t been in use for a good year, and your son, Miles, had been put to sleep in his cradle, and was snoozing peacefully, not knowing the pain his mother was feeling and if it was up to you he would never. Without knocking someone stepped into your room and when looking up, your heart dropped to your stomach. There stood Miles, your fiancé, and he looked very annoyed.

“Pray tell why you’ve decided to stay in this dusty room, when there’s a perfectly comfortable bed in our room, which you’ve decorated to your hearts content.” Your fiancé inquired to which you coldly answered:

“This is my room, if you’ve forgotten and we’re perfectly comfortable here.”

“And is there a reason why you’ve decide to ‘spice up’ the living arrangements, I can certainly get all of our thing moved here, but the space is significantly smaller.”

“No thanks, I think Miles and I will do quite fine here…. Alone..”

“Darlin’, I do not like what you’re hinting at. Are you saying that you don’t want me here with the two of you.”

“Yes.”

“That’s ridiculous!” He raised his voice and baby Miles started squirming in the crib, and you quickly went and shushed him. “You can’t keep me from my son.” He spoke after your son had fallen asleep again.

“Maybe not, but I would prefer that my son stay away from murderers.”

“Really (y/n) is that what I am? Darlin’ they’re nothing but savages, meaningless, brainless people, who’s standing in the way. If they just left that damn tree, then it wouldn’t have come to this.”

“It wasn’t just a tree! Have you forgotten everything I told you?” You whispered angrily. “They have lived in that tree for generations! And unlike fucking humans, they actually care for the nature around them, and they don’t take more than needed! And besides you didn’t just kill some of them, you also fucking killed Grace!”

“Oh really? Is that how you see us humans? I think you’ve spend to much time with them, you certainly are starting to sound like those traitors, perhaps it was a good thing that I killed that bitch, she certainly has brainwashed you. But it won’t matter tomorrow we’ll fly out destroy that ‘Tree of souls’ and then when we’ve won, us three can settle down and live peacefully together.” Miles reached out and caressed you cheek. “I’ll make you forget everything about those savages, and I’ll make sure that horrendous body of yours is disposed of.”

Anger coursed through your veins and you harshly ripped his hand away from you. “You are a fucking monster! I can’t believe that I ever thought that I could make you see. Have you been stringing me along all this time. Was any of it ever true? You told me that you wanted to settle this conflict peacefully! Have you been planning this all along?” You broke down crying.

“Who cares? What’s done is done, and it is so much easier this way. After this you and I will be married and then we can live peacefully with our son.”

The rage took over, and you tore your engagement ring off your finger and threw it at him. “I refuse to marry a fucking monster! Take your damn ring, give it to someone who’s as fucked as you are! I can’t believe that I ever loved you! I trusted you! And you fucking broke that, you lied to me!” You screamed through the snot and the tears.

Miles stood flabbergasted, you knew he had never seen you act like this, and you could see the regret set in. But you were both startled by the sound of your son crying. You quickly went to him and picked him up, and cuddled him to you while gently rocking him in your arms. “It’s okay baby.. calm down.”

“Darlin’, I-“

“Fuck off! I don’t ever want to see you again.” And you turned your back to him, and just continued to comfort your crying son.

                                              *Flashback ends*

 You had kept your eyes on the floor while telling Quaritch the last conversation you had with his human self. But when you looked up, you saw something you didn’t expect: Tears. Quaritch was crying. You had never seen him cry, other than the day you gave birth and when you said yes to be his wife. And in spite of all the trauma and hurt you had felt you couldn’t bare to see the man, who had made you fall in love with him again, cry.

“Miles?” You leaned forward and gently laid a hand on his upper arm, tears were also running down your cheeks, and you figured that the both of you probably looked like a big mess. When Miles looked up he saw your tears and gently wiped your tears away, and you did the same.

“It feels like I remember that. I don’t know why or how. But I know that he regretted it till his dying day.” He carefully caressed your cheek, and took a deep breath before looking into your eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry sweetheart. Those words, were the words of a monster.” Miles seemed to remember something before shoving his hand down a pocket and pulling something up. He took your hand and unfolded it before carefully laying the object in your hand. When you looked down you saw that it was your engagement ring and tears made their way forward again. “He or rather I had kept it on the same chain as my tags. Probably hoping to give it back to you.” Miles once again wiped your tears away while you inspected the ring. “Technically we’re not the same person, but I have all of his memories up until a certain point, and I know that you meant everything to him. And even now you mean everything to me, you make me whole.” You didn’t let Miles continue, instead you surged forward and connected you lips for the first time in 15 years, and it felt so good. Your body igniting in a way it hadn’t in the past 15 years. Miles clutched you to him his hand going to your hair and gripping your queue and making you moan, your body rocking closer to his. You tore your mouth away from his to get some air and Miles continued to nibble on your jaw.

“Miles we need to stop.” You gasped.

“I know. I know Sweetheart.” He sounded just as out of breath as you and you giggled touching your forehead to his. You both slowly caught your breath, and Miles gently ran his hands up and down your back. You softly pecked his lips a couple of times before removing yourself from his lap.

“I love you, Miles. And I’m not quite ready to forgive you from all the damage, I’ve realised that no matter which form you take I’ll end up loving you. I’m willing to try again. I’m willing to let you into my heart, but please don’t break it. I can’t take another heartbreak.” You admitted and looked into his eyes. Once again he laid his hand on your cheek and this time you nuzzled into it.

“I promise Sweetheart.” He whispered almost in awe of getting a second chance.

“Come sleep with me?” You patted the spot beside you on the bed and Miles eagerly agreed.

You both laid down, with you tucked to his chest, your legs and tails entangling together, almost as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

You knew that the two of you needed to discuss the dilemma with Jake and the General. But for now you cuddled into your Miles and softly sighed out before closing your eyes and succumbing to the darkness of sleep.

Taglist:

​​ @ratchetprime211 @mechformers @iwishiwas-anita​ @iskamr  @yumuramma​​ @isabellekenway @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed​  @callmejod​  @mochiivqi​ @sofiebstar @ssc7514 @mikeyswifie​ @ducks118 @ladylovegood-69​

[mi-rae07]

Song Mingi : What I Deserve (Part 1/3)

Pairing : Song Mingi (Ateez) and named character (Oh Mina)

______________________

A/n : This story ends on a meh note as well (as I had intended it to), but I’m not sure another part would be something people would read. But if some of you do end up wanting it (please tell me if you do), I shall surely make another part for it. We will see how this goes, though.

_________________________

Mina : min-ah, where are you going?

Mina's sleepy mumble made mingi turn around, her hand holding onto the cuff of his suit. It was only 7am, she wasn't supposed to be awake right now.

Mingi : work, mina.

Mina : this…this early?

Mingi : I've always gone this early.

Since the past few months, mina knew. But every time she woke up, she wished her husband wasn't so distant with her, she wished he would stop being this unknown person he turned into 2 years after their marriage.

Mina : don't you want breakfast?

Mingi : no, I'm leaving.

Mina couldn't say anything further as mingi left, leaving mina alone in their room. She sighed, falling back onto her bed as she laid her hand against her eyes. She was slowly starting to get tired, there was only so much she could handle. And this had gone on for a while, with mingi going to work too early and returning back too late.

He had already missed at least 5 of their dates and had apologized every single time, promising not to repeat the same mistake. Except he had, again and again. And mina had still kept on forgiving him.

But could she, anymore?

____________________________

Mina looked up as she heard the door opening, quickly standing up as she heard mingi enter the house with a tired sigh.

Mina : why are you so late?

Mingi flinched as he looked up, not expecting his wife to be awake. It was 3:30am already.

Mingi : you're not asleep.

Mina : clearly not.

Mingi let out a breath, keeping his shoes away as he said

Mingi : I had work.

Mina : everyone has work, mingi, and yet no one comes home at 3:30 in the morning!

Mingi : I am the CEO, I have things to do that other employees might not. I'd thought you'd know all that by now.

Mina : for me you're only my husband, mingi, I need you with me some days. I need to see you, talk to you-

Mingi : well you're seeing and talking to me right now, aren't you?

Mina hummed in frustration, looking away as she slowly felt anger take hold of her. He was being so nonchalant, he didn't even care anymore.

Mina : mingi, I cannot keep doing this any longer. You need to fix your work timings.

Mingi : I need to fix my work timings for a matter as trivial as this?

Mina : trivial? Mingi, this is our marriage! Our love! I-

Mingi : do we really still love each other, though?

Mina flinched at that, her hands clenching itself at his words. Mingi chuckled as he said

Mingi : love requires understanding, and we do not seem to have that between us anymore, do we? So are we really still in love, hmm?

Mina : mingi.

Mingi : lot of couples live this way after marriage, and maybe this is what we're destined to, as well?

Mina : I do not believe in destiny. What I do believe in, is correcting your mistake-

Mingi : I haven't made a mistake here, mina. I still provide for you, I still take care of your external needs. The only thing I do not do, is spend time with you. And that I am unable to do because of my work, which you must understand as well since you work too!

Mina : I am not asking for your whole day, I am asking only for a few minutes of your time.

Mingi : then I am sorry I am not able to give you that, mina. But I cannot change any of this. Either you will have to deal with it, or…leave.

Before mina could say anything more mingi turned around and left, leaving a teary eyed mina behind.

_____________________________

Mina walked towards mingi's office in his tower, a bag of food in her hands. It had been a week since their fight and mingi was being as cruel and cold as ever. Earlier even if mingi had been cold to her, he would give kind answers to her questions. But now, all she heard from him were words that stabbed right through her heart.

Well then, if he wasn't going to fix it, she was. Mina didn't have much self-respect when it came to matters as such.

Mina opened the door and was about to say something when she paused at the sight in front of her, her grip on the plastic cover tightening. One of the female employees were leaning too close towards mingi on the table, who was looking up at her with eyes that made mina sick to the bone. The employee's blouse revealed too much and mingi didn't seem to move from his position either.

So this was why mingi was the way he was right now.

Mina : am I interrupting something?

The employee flinched at her voice and stepped aside, bowing at mina. Mingi just looked at mina blankly, not saying anything. He didn't even bother.

Mina scoffed, looking at the employee before saying

Mina : I'm not going to fight with you, you don't deserve that much from me. Get out, you're fired.

Mingi : you don't get to fire her, mina.

Mina : are you being for real, song mingi? This woman was trying to seduce you!

Employee : I wasn't doing anything like that, ma'am, I was only-

Mina : I never asked, miss. I never asked and I don't wish to know anything from you either. So get out before I do something I regret.

Mingi : miss yoon, you may leave us.

The employee nodded and left the room, leaving both mina and mingi alone. Mina threw the plastic cover on the couch before looking at mingi with hurt eyes.

Mina : you're cheating on me?

Mingi : that's the only accusation you have left to say, right? So then say it, go ahead.

Mina : mingi!

Mingi : WHAT?

Mina flinched at that, stepping back as mingi stood up from his seat and said

Mingi : what? What do you want from me now, mina?

Mina : do you not have anything to say about the sight I just saw? Huh?

Mingi : what the fuck am I supposed to say when I know all that you're going to think is that I'm lying.

Mina : are you? Are you lying to me?

Mingi : maybe I am. Maybe I've been lying to you the entire time and maybe I've been fucking another, better woman behind your back. What are you going to do about it, Oh Mina?

Mina sobbed, stepping away from mingi as tears streamed down her cheeks. Mingi's eyes turned soft as he realized what he had said, trying to step forward in order to try an explain. But mina only shook her head at him, stepping back before running out of his office room.

_____________________

Mina downed her 3rd bottle of beer despite it being only 7pm, asking the bartender for yet another. The bartender sighed and placed yet another bottle of beer in front of mina. She was about to have a sip when she felt someone step forward, pushing her against the back of table before leaning close towards her face. Mina looked up with hazy eyes, realizing it was a man unknown to her. He smelled like alcohol, but she supposed she did too.

Mina : what-

??? : such a beauty you are.

Mina opened her mouth and was about to say something when the man shut her off with a kiss, pressing his flushed body against hers. Mina felt her head muddle, her focus only on the man and the excess amount of alcohol in her body. She was drunk, and he was a distraction.

Mina pulled back, breathing heavily as she whispered against his lips

Mina : what's your name?

??? : do you really have to know?

Mina smirked against the man's lips before kissing him again, wrapping her arms around his neck before saying

Mina : take us out of here, right now.

??? : as you wish, my lady.

__________________________

Mina woke up, looking around her with a small groan. She was in a hotel, an expensive one and the space next to her on the bed was empty. Mina quickly sat up on the bed, feeling her heart race as she heard the shower sound from the bathroom a few meters away from the bed. She flinched as she realized she was naked, her clothes lying all over the floor. She had…had she…shit.

Mina quickly stepped out of the bed with wobbly legs, putting her clothes on with trembling hands as she felt tears stream down her cheeks. She had cheated on her husband, she had…she had slept with another man when she had a husband.

Mina quickly wrapped her scarf around her neck in order to hide her hickeys before rushing out of the hotel room, not bothering to even see that man any longer. She had no idea what she had done, all she knew was…she had fucked up, big time.

___________________________

Mingi let out a breath as he turned around to look at the dining table filled with food, all of that now probably cold. He had come home early from work today, setting up dinner and candles since it was mina's birthday today, or…was. Tomorrow they were supposed to leave for Hawaii, as vacation for a month. It was why mingi had worked so hard for the past few months, in order to make sure things were in order before leaving. And today was the beginning of it, the beginning of correcting his mistakes. He had worked hard for 3 hours, preparing all of mina's favorite foods and making sure to buy the right scented candles.

But she never came home, the candles had gone out and the food had grown cold. It was 4am and mina still had not returned. Mingi figured it was his fault, for giving mina that impression in the afternoon. But he hoped she would forgive him.

Mingi stood up as he heard the door to their house opening, feeling a small smile spread on his face as he realized mina had finally come home. But his smile fell as soon as he saw mina walking towards the living room with wobbly legs and unsure steps, her eyes red and her entire face flushed. As if…as if she had just slept with someone.

Her hair was a mess, and mina's hair was never a mess. Her scarf was tied loosely around her neck, and her breathing labored. As soon as mina saw mingi, she ran towards him, falling into his arms with a hoarse cough. Mingi's eyes watered as he smelled the cologne of another man on his wife, knowing this could never be mina's. mina hated strong smells, and it was the reason mingi had stopped wearing colognes with strong scents and switched to something soft instead, one that would be comfortable for mina as well.

So this new smell all over her, it couldn't be hers and neither could it be his. And for the first time, smelling mina suffocated him, it filled his lungs with despair instead of comfort and coldness instead of warmth.

Mingi : mina.

Mina didn't say anything to that, just holding onto mingi as she leaned her head against his chest further. But as she did that, her scarf lowered down, revealing the marks on her neck to mingi. Mingi pressed his lips together, now knowing why mina had been so late to come home.

Mingi did not say anything further and held onto mina's shoulders, bringing her closer to him as he hugged her with trembling hands.

Mina : mingi?

Mingi : it's okay, go to sleep now.

____________________________________

Mina woke up the next day, looking around as she realized she was in her own bed at their house. She sat up and looked around, realizing mingi was nowhere to be seen and that she was wearing the same clothes as yesterday. She quickly stood up and changed her dress into something that would cover all her hickeys, wondering whether she had gotten herself into bed without being seen by mingi last night or whether he had put her here himself.

Had he realized? Or did he not even see it? Mina supposed there was only one way to know.

And so she walked to the kitchen with slow nervous steps, ignoring her headache and clenching her hands together as she heard noises from the kitchen. Mingi hadn't gone to work today, probably because it was a Sunday. Except he usually worked on Sundays as well.

Mina stepped into the kitchen, barely breathing as the sight of mingi trying to make pancakes without burning them came to her view. And looking at her husband who had his lips turned up into a confused pout, his eyes focused only on the pancakes, she felt her stomach turn. Whether it was from the hangover or not, she didn't know and she didn't care. She felt disgusted by her actions, absolutely disgusted.

Mingi : minnie, good morning.

Mina flinched at her husband's cheerful voice and the usage of that nickname, realizing that he might not have seen her last night after all. Good, she didn't have the courage or the energy to face any of that right now.

Mina gave mingi a fake smile before walking up to him, asking in a low voice

Mina : when…when did you come home last night?

Mingi : I actually didn't. I spent the night at the office since there were some last minute works to finish, so I only arrived an hour ago.

Except mingi was lying. Especially after seeing mina enter the kitchen while looking like she was having a hangover, mingi decided to play his part of being an unknown husband. Everything in him wanted to ask her why she had done it. But this was going to be better, this was going to tell mingi whether his wife was actually a cheater or last night had been just a mistake. And he wanted to see whether she was a liar, and how long it would take her to tell him the truth.

Mingi had trusted his wife to not do all these things, but that felt like a long time ago to him now.

Mina let out a breath of relief, meanwhile, knowing now that mingi hadn't known. He could never know unless mina tells him now. But even after knowing that fact, mina still felt like she didn't deserve any of this. Because of what she had done to their relationship last night. And now that mingi didn't know and was being all nice to her, it only made her feel even worse.

Mingi : come on, sit down. I made pancakes for you today. And, I'm on leave for today as well. Let's go to the amusement park, hmm?

Mina bit her lips, nodding as she sat on a chair in the dining room. Mingi smiled, placing the dish before saying

Mingi : I'll start correcting my mistakes from now, mina-ya.

________________________________

Mina mumbled a thank you as she took the ice-cream from her husband, holding it with both hands as mingi sat next to her on the bench with his ice-cream as well. It had been 5 hours since the both of them had arrived at the amusement park that mingi had rented for them and he had still not been exhausted. Meanwhile for mina, every ride that mingi had taken her to, it only made her hate herself more and more. She couldn't be happy with him, not when she knew what she had done. And she couldn't help but feel as if mingi deserved someone way, way better than her.

Mina flinched as she felt mingi rest his head on her shoulder, eating his ice-cream as if nothing had happened.

Mingi : do you love me, minnie?

Mina : w-well you are my husband.

Mingi : yes?

Mina : I did agree to marrying you.

Mingi : mhmm?

Mina pressed her lips together, looking away as she felt her heart break apart in guilt. She loved mingi with her entire life, but what right did she have to say that to him anymore after what she had done?

Mina : m-mingi-ya.

Mingi felt himself stiffen, wondering whether mina was going to say it to him.

Mingi : yeah?

Mina : I…I wanna go to that ride there.

Mingi felt disappointment fill his heart, putting on a smile as he said

Mingi : of course, whatever ride that you desire, wife.

__________________________

3 weeks later :

Mina washed the last dish, deciding today was the day. She was going to tell mingi the truth when he came back home. She couldn't bear it anymore, not when mingi was being the most wonderful husband ever, changing his work timings and spending tons of time with her during the weekends as well. He would take her on movies, beach dates, parks, resorts, he was amazing to her. He was correcting all his mistakes.

And though mina knew she could never correct her mistake, she supposed admitting to it was the bare minimum she could do. After all, he was her mingi, wasn't he? Maybe…maybe he wouldn't leave her like that after all.

Mina flinched as she heard the door opening, quickly keeping the dishes away as she walked towards the living room. She hated every second of this, she felt like her heart was going to burst inside her. But she kept the façade on even after seeing mingi remove his shoes with a small smile on his face.

That smile, that smile she loved. Was she going to wipe it off of him now, when she tells him what she had done?

Mina : mingi-ya.

Mingi turned around, his smile widening at the sight of his wife

Mingi : sweetheart, hi! How was work-

Mina : I need to tell you something.

Mingi nodded at her serious tone, keeping his bag aside as he walked closer to mina and looked at her with expectant eyes. She didn't want to play with him anymore, it would be better to just cut to the chase, she thought. And so mina fiddled with her fingers, looking away as she said

Mina : I…I cheated on you.

Mina stood like that for a few seconds, waiting for mingi to do something to her. Scream, hit, leave, but all she heard was silence. Mina looked up at mingi in half surprise half confusion, mingi's blank eyes looking right back at her. He wasn't even surprised.

Mina : mingi?

Mingi : mm.

Mina blinked, taking time to understand what was really happening. But as soon as she did, she stepped back, her eyes immediately watering as it grew large in pure shock and horror.

Mina : no. no no, you knew.

Mingi : I knew it the night it happened, yes.

Mina gasped, her heart falling apart at his words. This was the worst that could happen. Of the thousand answers mina had expected from mingi, this wasn't it. Mingi scoffed at her as he said

Mingi : how could I not know, mina? How could I not when you came back home the night of your birthday, covered in some other man's scent, hickeys all around your neck, looking like an absolute mess?

Mina : my…my birthday?

She hadn't even remembered it.

Mingi : yes, your birthday! I had made your favorite dishes, put up candles, hell, I had even booked a trip to Hawaii for both of us, mina.

Mina crumpled her hair on her hands, feeling all her doings hit back on her with such force, she felt herself lose balance.

Mina : that's why you…you worked for a month like that-

Mingi : yes, in order to take time out for you. And what you saw that day in my office room? That was her trying to explain to me what gift would be best to buy you for your birthday. She was trying to show me that on my laptop.

Mina sobbed, covering her mouth as she felt the world spinning around her. What had she done.

Mingi : everything I had ever done, was for you, mina. But after all that, you slept with another man, coming back home as if nothing had happened. And then…and then you came and hugged me, as if you were absolutely perfect and right. As if you weren't covered in some other man's…his…

Mingi cut himself off with a shaky breath, trying to regain his posture as he said, cold as ever

Mingi : so I pretended. I pretended to see how long it would take for you to break, for you to tell me.

Mina : and if I never…never would have?

Mingi : then I just would've pretended forever. Pretended to love you, when never truly loving you. And lived a life with you that we both knew was fake and made of sand. I would've pretended to be your husband, oh mina.

Mina looked away, small sobs falling from her mouth as she felt her entire body shake. This was all her fault, if only she had ever listened, ever talked to him, none of this would've happened. Mingi was always only a good husband to her, but she had cheated on him.

Mina fell on her knees with another cry, holding onto mingi's legs as she sobbed desperately

Mina : I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, mingi…mingi please forgive me, I'm so sorry.

Mingi shut his eyes tightly as he looked away from mina, feeling tears stream down his own eyes. Mina wailed while hugging her husband's feet, trying to beg for his forgiveness.

Mina : please, I wasn't thinking, mingi. I was dr-drunk, I was drunk and I thought you were seeing someone else so I…so I-

Mina cut herself off with another sob, not being able to formulate thoughts or see straight with the condition she was in right now.

Mingi : you slept with another man, mina. Do you understand that? Sober or not, sad or not, YOU CHEATED ON ME!

Mina flinched at that, feeling more tears escape her eyes as hiccups now accompanied her sobs.

Mingi : you broke all the vows we made on our wedding, you broke every single promise you had ever given me, you threw our entire past and ruined our future, FOR THAT ONE FUCKING STRANGER, MINA!

Mina cried harder at his words, feeling guilt swallow her up as a whole. She felt dying would've been easier than this.

Mina : I'm so sorry, I swear I'll never do it again-

Mingi : how can I trust you? How can I trust you when you've broken it into pieces, mina.

Mina lowered her head, sobbing as mingi stepped aside, shaking off mina's grip on him as he said

Mingi : I'm done.

Mina looked up at mingi as fear filled her teary eyes, her heart racing at the words she had never wanted to hear

Mina : wait no, no no, mingi no-

Mingi : you cheated on me, you know what happens to people who cheat, mina.

Mina shook her head desperately, trying to hold onto mingi. But he only stepped away, breathing shakily as he looked at mina who was now crying on the floor pathetically

Mingi : no. no, mina, I cannot love you anymore. And I cannot be your husband anymore either.

Mingi took off his wedding ring, throwing it on the ground beside mina as he said

Mingi : you and I, we're done.

Mingi turned and left, ignoring mina's screams and wails, her desperate pleas stabbing right through his heart. But he couldn't bother to turn back to her any more, because after all, it was what she deserved.

____________________

A month later :

Mingi walked into the prosecutor's office, hoping to find mina there. After that night mingi never saw her again, not even when he woke up in the morning. It was like she had never happened, except for her things. She hadn't taken anything of hers when she left, nothing. All her things were still at their place, and although mingi had waited a month for her to come and retrieve her things on her own, she never did.

So he assumed he would have to ask her to take them himself.

But as he entered her office room, he saw it empty, void of any belongings. Her name plate wasn't anywhere to be seen either. Mingi turned around as he felt someone walk up to him, realizing it was mina's assistant.

Mingi : miss bae.

Assistant : oh, mingi-shi! What brings you here?

Mingi : uh, where's…Oh Mina?

Assistant : your wife? She resigned almost a month ago, sir. I thought…I thought you'd have known?

Mingi's eyes widened, shocked at her words. Mina, had given up her position of being a prosecutor that she had worked hard for her entire life? Her job was mina's most precious thing apart from mingi, and for her to have given up that…

Mingi : are you…sure?

Assistant : I am, sir. She's resigned, effective 3 weeks ago.

Mingi let out a breath, mumbling a thank you before rushing out of the office. He had to see mina.

__________________________

Mingi clicked the button to the top floor of the apartment, wishing the lift could go faster to mina's old penthouse. The penthouse had been where mina used to live before her and mingi got married, it was where she would be right now. And mingi needed to see her.

He rushed out of the lift and ran towards the entrance of the penthouse, pausing right on his tracks as he noticed people moving boxes filled with things into the…empty penthouse. A couple was standing right outside, giving directions to the movers.

Mingi : excuse me?

The couple turned towards him, confused.

??? : yes?

Mingi : do you know what happened to the last lady who was living here?

??? : she sold the penthouse to us, why?

Mingi let out a shaky breath, stepping back as he felt his heart race. Mina had resigned and given up her house, then where the hell was she right now?

??? : sir?

Mingi looked up, realizing that the couple was staring at him in confusion. Mingi shook his head, putting up a small smile as he said

Mingi : i-it's nothing, thank you.

The couple nodded as mingi walked out, taking out his phone and calling mina's number. Except all it said was that this number didn't exist anymore. Did she throw away her phone too?

Mingi : no, where are you mina.

______________________

2 years later :

Mina coughed, wiping her forehead as she continued planting the seeds for the next harvest. It had been 2 years since she abandoned her posh city life to move to a small village in Jeju, cultivating the small land her father had left her with a long time ago and harvesting that for the money she required to buy her necessities.

She didn't have to buy a house, at least. Her parents were once farmers before they died and mina left to Seoul to become a prosecutor. And hence they already had a small cottage next to the farming plot, where mina had grown as a child. And although it was much humbler than the penthouses and mansions mina had lived in before, it was still enough for her.

This was the life she had to lead after what she had done to her innocent husband, and the more far away she was from him, the better. In that way he could find a better woman and live with her for the rest of his life, happily. And although that thought hurt mina, she knew it was what she deserved.

Mina sighed and kept her tools aside, finally having done with the planting for today. She smiled and slowly started walking towards her cottage, deciding to have a good dinner before going to sleep, something like sleep, at least. She had already told the other ahjummas that she was going to have dinner alone. After all, they were her parent's friends and after they had died, these people had become like parents to mina. They were the only family mina had anymore, and their happiness were hers now. But for them mina was the rich prosecutor from Seoul, the daughter of their bestfriends whom they had all grown with, together. If anything, they wanted to make sure she never had to work so hard. But even though they made a fuss out of someone like her having to make food for herself, mina told them it was needed some days.

Today was her birthday, the day she had made the biggest mistake of her life and ruined her happiness forever. Today was the day she was going to have soju and drink herself to sleep, just like she had done last year.

Mina entered through the back door, closing it behind her before walking towards the kitchen. She was about to turn the stove on when her doorbell rang, making mina groan as she rushed towards it.

Mina : aish, I told these ahjummas-

Mina cut herself off as she opened the door, not bothering to look at the person as she said

Mina : ahjumma~, I told you I'd eat by myself today-

Mina paused as her eyes finally landed on the person in front of her, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the person she had longed to see for so long, yet knowing she didn't deserve to. His black hair with new streaks of blue in them, his eyes shining under the stars, he was perfect as ever. Except, how was he here?

Mina : mingi.

Mingi : I've finally found you.

______________________________

[xxrainshadowsxx]

New Elite Chapter 9

We'll deal with the fallout from last time, and maybe we'll even get a touch of spice in here.

NOTE: This chapter does mention church. This is purely because at the time, church was a social event for the upper class. Characters' personal thoughts on what religion they personally believe, or if they're religious at all, will never be mentioned.

“Okay, darlin’, let’s get you into a bath,” Mrs. Ryan says as she leads you down a hall. She ushers you into a washroom, and a few minutes later, a young, freckled-faced girl joins you. She fills the tub and helps you out of your dress.

“Maggie, could you get a cloth and ice from the icebox?” Mrs. Ryan asks the girl, who nods and scurries out of the room. Once she’s gone, the woman lets out an enormous sigh before focusing her attention on you. “I was really hoping it wouldn’t come to this,” she says, almost to herself.

“I’m sor–” you start but for the second time that day, you find yourself cut off before you could finish your apology.

“Honey, you have absolutely nothing to be sorry for,” Mrs. Ryan insists. “I’m the one that told him to bring you here if things went sour with Dot, so don’t worry about being a nuisance; I was well-prepared to host you for a while. I just wish it didn’t have to come to this.”

Maggie comes back in the room then, carrying a handful of ice in a small towel. She gives it to Mrs. Ryan, who passes the bundle off to you. “Put that against your cheek. I know it hurts, but that’ll make it better, trust me,” she adds, noticing your wince when you pressed the ice against your bruise. You want to ignore her, but acknowledge that she’s probably right. Reluctantly, you hold the towel up to your cheek again, and after a few minutes, the sting does begin to die down. You hum in contentment and sink further into the water.

She lets you be at peace for a minute before speaking again. “Look, I love that boy like he’s my son,” she begins with no preamble or hesitation. “But I need to know the truth, regardless of how I feel about him. Is this going to make you resent him? He’s prepared to keep every promise he made to you. But do you regret it now that the cost has been paid?”

It was a heavy question, one that you didn’t feel fully prepared to answer just yet. But Mrs. Ryan’s gaze, which is firm and gentle at the same time, tells you that she doesn’t plan on letting the matter drop until she gets an answer. “I knew this was a possibility from the beginning, loathe though I was to accept it,” you say slowly, choosing your words carefully. “But I had a choice then to turn him away, and I did not. I shall stay by his side, regardless of what happens to us.”

Mrs. Ryan’s look changes to one of exasperation. “I know what your upbringing was like, but you don’t have to be so prim and proper here. You just went through a great ordeal. It’s fine to not be fine.”

“I know,” you sigh. “And believe me, I haven’t been fine. Right after… well… it happened, I think I traumatized Mr. Onceler. I was in hysterics, and I don’t think he was expecting it. And I’m sure I’ll become weepy again at some point, but right now, with everything that occurred, I just feel numb. It’s all too much, my mind needs to process it before it will allow me to feel again.”

Mrs. Ryan pierces you with that almost unsettling gaze for a minute longer before she sighs again. “Well, I suppose that’s fair for now,” she murmurs. “Take as much time in here as you like. Maggie will help you with whatever you need.” With that, she takes her leave, and you take the opportunity to just not think, which is a blessed, most welcome distraction.

It’s only when your skin begins to prune and the water grows tepid do you finally have Maggie scrub you down and help you out. She’s nice, but hasn’t quite mastered the way your hair works; she has an especially hard time finding all the pins and removing them. She makes your heart pang as you’re reminded of the other loss you suffered today. Nellie might be forever beyond your reach now, unless you were somehow able to write to her.

The thought of Nellie almost sends you into near hysterics again. While you’d dreaded a possible separation from your mother, you’d forgotten to take into account that Nellie would also be lost to you. That hurt almost more than your mother’s abandonment. Nellie was your dearest friend, and the thought that you might never see her again was abhorrent, not to be considered.

Thinking about Nellie made your chest hurt, so you put her out of your mind for now. You’d see her again. You simply had to.

With that resolution, you pull on a simple robe that Mrs. Ryan has left for you. It’s a bit too long, but still wearable. You towel-dry your hair as best as possible before letting it hang on your shoulders. You absentmindedly comb through it with your fingers as you step out of the washroom, trusting Maggie to lead you to whatever room you’re supposed to be staying in.

But as soon as you take a step into the hall, you hear a sharp intake of breath, causing your head to snap up. Mr. Onceler’s standing there, and you’re immediately self-conscious of how little you’re wearing. Yes, the robe covered you well enough, but there was still quite a bit of leg on display, and he’s never seen you with your hair undone before.

You should have been mortified. Even though you were engaged, a lady should never be caught in this state with a man unless he was her bona fide husband. But the day had taken such a toll on you that you couldn’t find the capacity to care at the moment. Who was going to know? And even if it somehow did come to light, this was miniscule compared to the scandal that was already over you.

So instead of dashing to another room, you take a step closer to him. You noticed that he’d taken off his jacket and his hat, leaving his hair tousled. For the first time, you could see what had caught Alice’s fancy. While he’d always been good-looking, this was the first time you could say that he was truly handsome. And even beyond handsome in this casual state… he was gorgeous.

For several moments, you just stand there, staring at each other. Finally, you blink, tearing your eyes away from his face so you’d be less distracted. “Um… I wanted to thank you for earlier,” you murmur demurely. “You stood by me and brought me somewhere safe, and for that I shall be forever grateful.”

He looks at you, completely bewildered. “You don’t need to thank me for taking care of you,” he huffs, and you note that he almost sounds offended. “You’re my fiancée. It’s my job to keep you safe, and I’m utterly disgusted with myself that I failed you so badly in that regard.”

Now it’s your turn to be confused. “How could you possibly have failed me? No one else would have done so much for me.”

He sighs and steps up so that he’s right in front of you. He hesitates, then brings his hand up to your face, tracing your cheek as though it were as delicate as lace. His touch causes your stomach to lurch in a way that you’ve never experienced before. “I allowed you to get hurt,” he whispers, his voice full of regret. “This should never have happened, and it’s my fault that it did.”

“No!” you exclaim. “There was no way you could have seen it coming, and no way you could have prevented it. Listen to me.” You take the hand that isn’t on your face in both of yours without a second thought. “I would not have you blame yourself,” you insist. “It distresses me, I must confess.”

That pulls what seems to be a reluctant smile from him. “Of course, I would not wish to do anything that might distress you,” he murmurs. The hand on your face now rests so that it’s cupping your cheek. He whispers your name, your first name. It’s the first time he hasn’t called you ‘miss.’ 

And is it just you, or is his face slowly moving towards you? You’re about to ask him but… no it’s definitely moving closer. What on earth is he possibly doing…?

Oh. Your eyes flutter shut as you realize he plans to kiss you. And even more shockingly, you find yourself not only allowing it, but very much looking forward to it.

Just as you feel his breath ghosting over your face, it suddenly stops, and he pulls his hand from your skin abruptly. You open your eyes, frustrated and bewildered, just as he says, “No. I can’t do it.�� You can’t tell if he meant for you to hear him, but you did, and now all you feel is humiliation. You wrap your arms around yourself, wishing that you could simply evaporate on the spot.

“I’ll have Matilda show you to your room,” he announces, a bit too loud for the otherwise silent hall. He marches away and out of sight, leaving you quite befuddled as to what his actions and words meant.

He was adamant on marrying you, yet he did not want to kiss you? The rules of engagement, at least as far as you had been taught, stated that such displays of affection were to be saved until the actual marriage occurred, but he hadn’t learned such rigid rules as you did. What was more, you were alone, so no one would know, and you’d already broken all of the supposed rules. What was one more?

Embarrassed beyond belief, you can do nothing but just stand there until Mrs. Ryan reappears, looking amused. “Here,” she laughs, leading you through a door to what is clearly an unused but furnished bedroom. “I don’t know how you did this to him, but keep it up. I’ve never seen him so off his game,” she cackles until she catches sight of your face. “Oh. Not a happy interaction on your end then?” she asks.

You narrow your eyes. “How much did he tell you?” you ask suspiciously. You didn’t think he was the type to open his mouth, but Mrs. Ryan clearly knew something.

“Oh, he tells me most everything,” she shrugs, but turns serious when you start fuming. “Don’t hold it against him, or at least be understanding. He’s not trying to cause any problems. I’m just the only adult left in his life he feels he can trust. He’s not much older than you, remember. You’re both just kids to me.”

“How did you become so close to him?” You don’t realize how much curiosity has been burning you about that particular mystery until the question leaves your lips. Mrs. Ryan doesn’t seem surprised or off put but you asking it; she instead leans back and looks pensive for a moment.

“I met him within a week of him first coming to New York,” she explains. “You know he got very rich, very quickly. My husband helped him out, he put a large stock in the business, and he brought him to the first big event with the rich and snotty. The poor boy was completely lost. Well, I remembered how that was, and how vicious these people can be to anyone who dares to enter their little club. I took pity on him and decided to help him as best I could, and he’s trusted me ever since. As a kid, he didn’t have anyone he could really lean on, and he never had a positive adult figure in his life. I don’t know what he’s told you about his family…?” She trails off, clearly waiting for an answer, so you supply one.

“He hasn’t said much,” you recall. “He’s just told me that they all had to work from a young age, only his mother won’t, and that his father died young.”

“Hmmm.” She looks thoughtful for a moment about something before pressing on. “Anyway, from what he’s told me about his mother–which isn’t much, mind you–she’s an absolute witch of a woman and he’s better off without her. You think Dot can be difficult? She has nothing on his mother.”

You start to wonder whether or not you should be hearing this. He hadn’t exactly been thrilled that you knew where he had come from, and here was Mrs. Ryan telling you even more of his secrets. He wasn’t going to like this.

And yet, their relationship suddenly made sense after Mrs. Ryan’s story. She was the only mother he had ever known. Only one question remained. 

“So, why are you so fond of him?” you ask. “You said earlier you thought of him as a son. Why did your affection for him grow so much?”

“Oh, he’s just a gem once you get to know him,” she says fondly. “It’s not hard to grow an attachment to him with time. He can be a pain, I know, but I think you’re starting to learn that he’s deadly charming when he’s not being influenced by his environment.” She pats your hand. “He’s a good kid. And for what it’s worth, he’ll be good to you.” She stands up then. “I’ll have Maggie bring you your dinner in here. I expect it’ll be an early night for you.”

She wasn’t wrong about that. Almost as soon as you finish the meal that’s brought to you, you’re desperate for sleep. Maggie brings you a nightgown, but you dismiss her after that. This was the first disruption in your nighttime routine in years, and you didn’t want an intruder at the moment, no matter how benign her motives might be. This was both the beginning of your new normal, and a period of intense grief, and you just had to be alone.

For as you sit in front of a vanity brushing your hair out, you’re struck again with just how much you miss Nellie.

You’d spent every evening for the past several years with her. She was often the voice of reason when you were frazzled. She’d not only stood by your side during your courtship, but she’d helped you out at great personal risk if your mother had discovered her involvement. You knew that if it weren’t for her, you would not be engaged today. You miss her so much that you physically ache, and your eyes burn with unshed tears; you have no more to cry after the day you’ve had.

There’s a knock at the door then, and you’re tempted to ignore it by pretending you’re already asleep, but since it’s probably Mrs. Ryan, you figure you should, at the very minimum, hear her out since you’re staying on her hospitality. You clear your throat briefly before calling out, “Come in.”

To your surprise, when the door opens, it’s not Mrs. Ryan who stands there. Instead, Mr. Onceler appears in the doorway, looking sheepish. “Hi,” he begins hesitantly. “Um, I just wanted to let you know that I’m about to head home, but I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

“Oh,” you murmur. You don’t know why, but for some reason you were under the impression he would be staying here with you. Looking back on it, that assumption was absurd. He had his own house; what reason would he have to stay? “Will you be visiting frequently?” you ask, praying you sound more indifferent than you felt.

“Probably,” he decides. “I have a business to run, of course, but we also have a wedding to plan.” He looks apologetic for a moment. “I don’t know if your preference would be to have a longer engagement period, but I don’t want to intrude on Matilda’s time for longer than necessary.”

“No, I agree. That’s fine,” you assure quickly. He looks momentarily relieved, but that expression is soon replaced with one of worry.

“How are you doing? I know that was hard for you. And forgive me for saying so, but your eyes are red. Have you been crying again?” he asks so gently that a region in your abdomen gives that funny little lurch again.

You shrug, both as an answer to his question, and an attempt to shoo away the reactions your body had to seeing him. “I haven’t been crying, but I don’t really know how I am right now,” you confess. “I’m sure the grief will come in waves, but I don’t know how to feel when those waves aren’t cresting.” Your lip trembles as you will yourself not to cry, and this causes more words to keep tumbling out of your mouth. “And I just… I miss Nellie. I never even got to say goodbye to her.”

This realization finally causes a traitorous tear to fall from your eye, and you wipe it away furiously. The last thing you wanted was for him to feel obligated to comfort you again. It obviously made him uncomfortable and beside the point, you were still a bit cross and confused about what had happened between you two earlier in the hall.

He frowns at your statement however. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am for all you had to give up for me,” he says after a long pause. “I fear sometimes I’ve become so used to my own family dynamic that I forget others can actually get along and love can develop there.” He has a deep scowl on his face now as he recalls what is likely a painful memory. You knew how touchy of a subject this was, but you still felt the urge to pry.

“Mrs. Ryan told me your mother can be… difficult,” you say slowly, carefully gauging his reaction. He looks mildly surprised, but not angry, so you push on. “Is there truly no one in your family you get along with? Not even an aunt or uncle, or cousins perhaps?”

He just shakes his head. “I have an aunt and uncle on my mother’s side, and I don’t like either of them, and they didn’t have any children. And my father was an only child so there’s no family on that side at all.” Once again, he can’t meet your eyes when he discusses his father. There has to be more to the story there, but you feel you’ve probably pushed your luck far enough for one night.

“I’m sorry for bringing up unpleasant memories,” you murmur. No matter your slight ire, you didn’t want the evening to end on a sour note.

He’s brushing away your apology before you’re finished with it. “It’s fine. I’ve learned you’ve got an inquisitive mind, so it’s only natural you would be curious about my odd family situation. I’d do the same, were our positions switched.” His mouth twists a bit, a gesture you’ve come to understand means he’s thinking carefully about something. “I suspect that by asking questions of me, you’re trying to distract yourself from your own negative feelings?” he hesitantly guesses after a moment.

You blink at his deduction, then realize that subconsciously, that’s exactly what you had been doing. “Perhaps a bit,” you admit. “I don’t like thinking of Nellie and what might be happening to her. I’m praying with everything in me that she isn’t being punished for helping me. She could claim she knew nothing, but I fear my mother might be willing to lash out at anyone.”

He gets the same look on his face he did the last time you mentioned Nellie, like he ‘s trying to decide something. But whatever his plans, he does not share them with you. “Sleep,” he instead insists. “Things will not seem so bleak in the morning.”

You can't deny that sleep doesn't sound divine. “Get home safe,” you whisper to him just before he leaves. He turns back to you and inclines his head, a small smile adorning his face, and then he leaves, and you suddenly feel quite alone and vulnerable.

Everything will be better in the morning, you remind yourself of his advice before you turn out the lights and lay down, sleep claiming you before your head even hits the pillow.

****

You feel as though you could've slept for another several hours when you're woken in the morning by Maggie pulling the curtains back, letting the morning sunrise bleed into the room. There's a slight pounding in your head, no doubt due to the dehydration you suffered yesterday, but thankfully, there's a glass of water on the nightstand next to the bed. You grab it and gulp it down, not caring about manners for once, and it helps your head immensely. You feel ten times better already.

As you stretch and really commit to staying awake, Mrs. Ryan comes into the room, already dressed, and she holds a simple day dress in her arms. “This might be a little big on you,” she says with a furrowed brow. “I've had you in my daughter's old things, and she inherited her father's height, but it's still in style at least. Maggie, would you be able to get some things hemmed while we're out this morning?”

As Maggie agrees, you look up curiously. “Out? Where could we possibly be going?” you question. 

“It's Sunday, dear. Church,” Mrs. Ryan answers simply, making you blanch. Of course Sunday meant church, but with everything that happened yesterday, you hadn't even thought about it. While not a huge event, church was still something social, which was the primary reason most of the peerage attended. As such, the church you'd gone to your whole life was the same as everyone else's, including Mrs. Ryan and the Hunte's. It was also a feeding ground for gossip.

Mrs. Ryan must notice your terror, because she sits next to you. “I highly doubt Dot will be there,” she consoles quietly. “But it would do good for you to go. You did nothing wrong and shouldn't act like it. So you'll go in on his arm and keep your head held high, you hear?”

This statement just confuses you further. Despite being a social event, and despite people talking if you missed, you'd never seen him at church before. “He's… coming too?” you ask, just to ensure you heard her properly.

“Yes. He should be here soon, so Maggie's going to hurry and get you dressed.” At those words, Maggie springs into action, and you find yourself in the familiar busy routine of getting ready for a day as a high-born lady of New York.

It was strange though, that even though your morning, in all technicalities, began like any other, it was still starkly different. It wasn't Nellie gathering your hair into a quick but pretty updo. It wasn't your own mother chastising you for being late, not this time and likely never again.

All of it only added to the crushing psychological torment that you were now disowned. If not for your fiancé's protection, you would be forced to fend for yourself. And as history so often showed, women in that position almost never survived once they were reduced to that. You were positively blessed in that regard.

Still, even knowing you were so much more fortunate than others did not make the situation any easier for you. You already wanted to curl up in shame from the stares and whispers you knew were going to be coming your way, and you hadn't even made it out the front door yet.

Time itself seemed to be against you, hastening to the hour of judgment. In the blink of an eye, you were ready to go, and Mr. Onceler had arrived to escort you to the firing squad.

The chapel wasn't far, so the three of you opted to walk. Mr. Onceler kept your arm firmly tucked in his elbow, and good thing too; you felt as if you'd lose your balance without the extra stability. The walk was in silence for the most part, as your concentration was on trying to calm your frantically beating heart.

It wasn't until you were only a couple of blocks away and were starting to see others of society that Mrs. Ryan spoke up. “Don't worry much, dove,” she soothed. “Remember, Dot probably won't be in.” You can only nod in response, words lost to you as you reach the foot of the stairs leading to the church. Mrs. Ryan marches up, but before you can gather the courage to follow, Mr. Onceler turns to face you.

“We did nothing wrong,” he reiterates in a low voice. “Don't let them get to you. They don't matter. Chin up. I would hate to lose that fire of yours so quick into our engagement.” He takes one of your hands and squeezes it gently before he turns, and you're once again facing down the building.

His words hadn't transformed you, but they'd done enough. You give him a resolute nod, and arm-in-arm, head inside together. Ready or not, you had New York to face, but at least you could face knowing he would never leave your side. With him, you could survive this.

[nerdygaymormon]

Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the 10 Virgins

Something about this parable and how we teach it has always felt off to me. We tell this story as one of scarcity. We teach the story as though the bridegroom doesn’t have enough grace for all of us. 

That doesn’t fit with a Jesus who turned 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes into enough to feed 5000 people and even had leftovers. The gospel is one of abundance, there’s enough blessings for all.

My church often teaches that this is a story about the Last Days. We need to carefully work hard to squirrel away enough oil over our lifetime and guard it because we can’t share with others and they can’t share with us. Nobody can share their testimonies with us, we have to gather our own. If that’s the case, then why do we gather together to worship, why is the Sacrament a communal activity, why do we have a monthly testimony meeting at church?

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For a refresher, here’s the parable as relayed in the King James Version:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

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I like the way that Nadia Bolz-Weber updates this parable to our modern day:

It feels like Jesus is saying the Kingdom of God is like a bad dream where I’m supposed to go pick someone important up from the airport like . . . Dolly Parton, but I forget to fill my gas tank and then I’m idling outside baggage claim for so long I doze off and then when Dolly Parton finally texts she’s almost there, my car starts beeping that it’s nearly out of gas but then I realize the dude in front of me has a gas can strapped in the back of his monster truck and I ask if he can help me out but he just points to the overpriced gas station outside the airport and in a panic I use the fumes in my tank to get there but then when I’m filling up my Subaru I see Dolly Parton drive off in the passenger side of the dude’s F150 and she doesn’t even return my wave -  like she doesn’t even know me. 

So stay alert. The kingdom of God is like that.

Nadia follows this with questions, what are we supposed to learn from this story:

That we should not rely on others? That we should not give to those who ask of us? I mean, that would be weird wouldn’t it, if Jesus just suddenly took back everything he said about generosity and self-giving and instead gave us a parable about how we should be stingy and self-reliant?

—————————

Nadia provides an alternative interpretation to the story. The bridesmaids are foolish, not because they didn’t bring extra oil or because they fell asleep, but because they listened to the other bridesmaids. Some of the ‘wise’ bridesmaids said you can only greet the groom if you’ve already met your needs. Those foolish ones are made to feel ashamed. 

The foolish bridesmaids didn’t trust that the light of those around them could be enough to guide them. Light from a lamp doesn’t only shine for the person holding it. Others can see the light and can see the path being illuminated. Yes, if everyone had their own light then they could see better, but it doesn’t mean only those with the light can see and everyone else is blinded by darkness. 

If you had light and another didn’t, wouldn’t you offer to have them walk with you and let your light guide the way? And wouldn’t we want someone to do that for us if our light ran out?

The person who cried out that the bridegroom is coming, how did they know this? The bridegroom must have a lamp which could be seen from afar. The foolish ones didn’t trust that the light of Christ was enough. They didn’t believe the groom would offer to hold out his light where they could see it. 

In an effort to fix their situation, they missed the wedding banquet. Is the bridegroom calling them foolish because they listened to the other bridesmaids and doubted him and his goodness?

The bridegroom said “I know you not,” because they hadn’t come to him with their situation but rather wanted to be independent of him. Are we too busy trying to be self reliant that we don’t have time for Christ?

————————————————————

The part of the parable that really cuts is when they are knocking on the door and the person inside says “I know you not.” Do we really think someone who is seeking Christ will be turned away? 

These aren’t people who can’t be bothered, they aren’t off engaged in other questionable activities. These are folks who show up and have a lamp FULL of oil, they’re where they are supposed to be because they are seeking the groom.

Someone shows up to church and is willing, is seeking, is following, and Christ is going to turn them away?

The focus is on what they are lacking. We all are lacking, is that what we should focus on, that we aren’t good enough for Christ, He won’t want to see us?

Maybe the parable is saying instead of trying to solve everything on their own, if the foolish bridesmaids approached the groom, he could’ve solved this, that he can meet our shortcomings.

They didn’t have faith that the bridegroom would let them in if they didn’t provide their own oil. They didn’t believe he would welcome them to the feast. Instead they believed the groom had no mercy or grace to offer them.

The way I’ve always heard this parable taught, we believe the assumptions presented by the bridesmaids without questioning if this is really what the groom requires.

—————————

We are all sinners, we all fall short of perfection, none of us can save ourselves no matter how much “oil” we’ve gathered. In the parable, they all are awaiting the bridegroom with lamps full of oil and are looking for him. As they wait, all of the bridesmaids fell asleep. 

When the call came, they all responded to the call that the bridegroom is approaching by trimming their lamps, but they’ve waited so long for the groom that their lamps go out. 

I wonder if having our lamp go out is akin to when people face hard things in life and their faith falters, or to having some doubts. Everyone deals with hard things.

Those with extra oil refill their own lamps and tell the others that they won’t share and to go away and solve their own problems. In the LDS Church, we might use the phrase to go be “self reliant.”

When the ‘foolish’ bridesmaids show up to the banquet, the door is closed. The parable doesn’t indicate who closed it. It does not say that the bridegroom closed the door, locking everyone else out. It never is taught that the groom is keeping them away. In fact, the bridegroom wanted them to be part of the procession and to attend the banquet, they were invited guests.

Rather than a parable of hope in the ability of the Lord to save, I usually hear it presented as a fear-based warning that you better not be a ‘foolish’ one who wasn’t prepared and didn’t do enough. 

I think we are all foolish in the exact same way as the foolish ones in this parable. They fell for the belief that they were lesser and not wanted, and then they leave. The “wise ones” made the others feel this way. My experience is it’s other believers, other church goers, who act as gatekeepers and make us feel ashamed that we fall short.

It’s not included in this parable, but I think the promise that the first shall be last and the last shall be first should be a warning to the “wise ones.” How would they want to be treated if they were “last,” and they should start treating everyone that way because one day you may be last. 

————————————————————

Why are Christians commanded to worship together? Why is community so important? Nobody can do this all on their own. We need to borrow oil. We need the light given by another’s lamp. If we only provide for ourselves, what is the point of building a community?

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My queer application is that I think most Christians would view queer believers as “foolish” and we need to go away and get ourselves fixed and in line with how they think we should be, only then are we welcome to come back. They think queer people won’t be invited to the great banquet of the Lord.

Do we listen to those who say Christ’s blessings aren’t enough and queer people will be excluded? Do we believe there’s no mansions awaiting us in heaven? Do we believe God made us queer and then rejects us for being queer? 

It is no wonder most queer people leave the church. It’s a place full of rejecting messages to queer people. The gospel is often not presented as good news but instead as a way to clobber queer people.

[laxyaklovesloz]

DannyMay 2024 #06 Immortal AU

Warning: This one is sad. Also, TW: Suicide.

Jazz was the last of his friends and family to go. Figures that she would have the longest life. She was always so healthy. Tucker had died relatively young due to his poor eating habits. Sam wasn’t too far ahead of Jazz. She was always the fittest out of his friends. Jacob died in a plane crash, living his life to the fullest. Danny’s parents both died of old age close together.

At least Danny had Chelsea. The two of them had stopped aging at around 25. They realized maybe ten years later that something was different with them, more than just them being halfas. They weren’t getting as many wrinkles. They had more energy than their peers. Not only had their ghost half stopped aging, but their human half had as well.

Danny had a breakdown when he realized what that meant. He would live to see his family and friends die, one by one. And he would never join them in death.

Chelsea’s worldview was shattered. All her life, she clung to the idea that she would see her family again after death, that there was something more. Now that wouldn’t happen for her.

Their friends and family tried to comfort them, but the sadness would always remain. Danny and Chelsea put up a good front while their families lived. They pushed the sadness away for the time. They each had kids, and their kids had kids, and they had their own kids.

But finally, one day, Chelsea had enough.

“Danny, I can’t keep living like this,” she confessed to him in private. “Everyone’s gone, our grandkids are grown. Humans aren’t meant to live this long.”

“What are you saying?” Danny asked, a lump in his throat. He thought he knew where she was going with this.

Chelsea couldn’t look at him. “I’m saying… I want to move on. I’m… I’m going to try killing myself. I don’t know if it’ll work, but I have to try.”

Danny clutched at her hands. He hated what she was saying. “You-you can’t! The Ghost Zone needs you. I need you!”

Tears formed in Chelsea’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Danny. I’m not needed here, no matter what you say. I still believe there’s life after death and not just ghostly life. I want… I want to see my parents again.”

“I know how you feel,” Danny started, but Chelsea roared at him.

“No, you don’t! Or else you’d be saying the same thing.” She calmed herself down, though the tears still splashed on Danny’s hands. “You’ll still have all of the other ghosts. You don’t need me. I’m ready to move on.”

With this repeated statement, the tears stopped. She looked him right in the eyes. Danny stared back at her, trying to comprehend. He could see there was no fighting her. She had made her decision.

It was Danny’s turn to look down. “Alright,” he said sadly. “I respect your decision. When will you do it?”

“After I say goodbye to everyone,” Chelsea answered. She lifted his chin and smiled. “It will be okay. We’ll meet again someday… if you ever decide to join me.”

Danny felt tears in his own eyes. He kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll hold you to that.”

≈∞≈

They made a ceremony out of Chelsea’s death in the Ghost Zone. Many ghosts were curious to see what would happen if a halfa’s human half died, but most were there to support her. She didn’t want to make a big fuss, but she couldn’t say no when people asked to witness. Word spread. She couldn’t help that.

Danny stood with Chelsea in the center of attention. He held her hands again, trying to comfort himself as much as her.

“Ready?” he asked quietly.

Chelsea nodded with a smile. “I’ll see you on the other side, assuming this works.”

Danny half hoped it didn’t work but said, “I’m sure it will.”

“Desiree,” Chelsea said aloud, “I wish to die peacefully and without pain.”

“So you wish it, so it shall be,” Desiree answered solemnly.

Chelsea smiled one last time at Danny, then her eyes closed and she collapsed. Danny’s core screamed for him to help her. This was almost worse than anyone else he had seen die. He knelt and took her in his arms, weeping freely. He didn’t care that all of his ghost friends saw him cry. Many of them were also crying.

Then something changed. Chelsea’s ghost form was floating up, out of her dead body. Her eyes were closed at first, but then she opened them. She stared around at everyone, and then at Danny, who still held her body. She looked down at her own body and tears formed in her eyes.

“It didn’t work,” she sobbed. “I’m not home.”

Danny dropped her dead body and hugged her ghost one. “You are home. We’ll always be here for you.”

Chelsea cried into his shoulder, but Danny’s heart soared. He wouldn’t be alone after all.