#11 chapters until they met wow

[ivnxrori]

When Sun and Moon meet - S2 FINALE

Zuko x Fem!WaterBender!Reader Enemies to Lovers

As one of the Princesses of the Northern Water tribe, you were blessed with a gift by the moon. However you were permitted to be allowed to use the gift at all costs. From many hidden waterbending usages, the aftermath of the avatar visiting the Northern Tribe had led to your beginning journey, hiding yourself as a water bender as a princess from the Northern water tribe

Warnings: Arguing, Fighting, Betrayal, mentions of death

Masterlist

҉ * ‧͙ ⋆ ⁺ ༓ ☾ Chapter 11 - Trust to Betrayal

“What are you doing here?” I hissed. “Aren't you part of the fire nation? Couldn't they make an exception even though you were banished?” I asked but no response. “Oh so you're just going to stay quiet huh? What happened to your snappy attitude when we last met?” I shouldn't be asking such questions, knowing I wouldn't get any response from him. “I genuinely thought you came to Ba Sing Se for a change until I saw the drill in the walls with the fire nation logo. I even gave the benefit of the doubt when you were looking at Appa’s missing poster.” I stopped for a moment of realization “That's why you’re here! Once Aang comes here you and your nation can easily catch him”. I sigh in irritation “You're so annoying you know that? I don't even understand why you want the avatar so bad to the point you almost got killed. If your father really does care he wouldn't have banished you. You're lucky that Aang was the one that wanted to save you from the snow storm, the rest of us wanted you dead!” I scoffed “But of course you don't care! You only want your ‘honor’” I mocked. “Then once you go back to the fire nation you will continue with the fire nation war schemes and stand right next to your father in his horrible plans” 

“That's not my plan” Zuko finally speaks up. “Oh wow, so now you finally spoke up” I rolled my eyes. “Then what is your plan Zuko? All you fire nation people are about war and taking over everyone's happiness” “You don't know what you're talking about,” Zuko said out loud. “You said that many times to me before, but I feel like I know enough” I glared at him but sighed heavily. “But really what's the point of me trying to say anything to you.” I sat against the wall leaning my head back trying to keep my anger in check. “I wasn't the one who caused the drill in the walls of Ba Sing Se, it was Azula,” Zuko said. “Azula?” I asked, “My sister,” he answered. Ah, so the girl in the middle of the fake Kyoshi warriors was Azula. I rolled my eyes “So what? It's your sister, same tribe, same blood, same everything” 

“That's not the case…” Zuko sighed as he continued “my sister and I always had different views of everything ever since we were younger. Which led to my banishment with a scar to remind me” He touched his scar. I furrowed my eyebrows in sadness and moved closer to Zuko. “Did your sister have the same mindset as your father by any chance?” I asked softly as he nodded. “Then did you possibly have the same mindset as your mother?” Stupid question indeed.

“My mother left years ago because of the fire nation” Zuko said which made me wince at my unnecessary comment. “Sorry…” I said awkwardly. “I'm sure you’ll find your mother” I put my hand on his shoulder in encouragement. “Thanks” He gratefully said. I took my hand off of his shoulder and thought about my own mother. “My mother died from the fire nation last year, however weirdly enough I can't remember the details even though it was so recent” I shrugged stiffly. “I actually had a dream about her when you…uh hit me to the point I passed out” This turned way more awkward than it should have. Zuko stiffened and croaked out a sorry but I shrugged it off. “She told me not to give up in my dream but I'm still not sure what that means to this day…maybe she knew my sister was going to sacrifice herself to the moon spirit and to tell me not to give up…she wanted me to keep my head up high.” I sway slightly, feeling quite sad that I lost two of my loved ones in such a short period of time. “I'm sorry” Zuko said in sympathy as I shook my head. “It's not your fault…that's actually why I came to Ba Sing Se, not only for me to start new but to get revenge at the guy who killed my sister.” I said, trying to sound more confident. “The person who killed your sister was sent to the spirit world by the Avatar” Zuko said which made my eyes widened. “Oh…well that works too” I said slightly embarrassed. There was a moment of silence till I spoke up again. “Are you still planning on hunting down the Avatar…” I asked, silently praying his answer will be no. “This scar cursed me to chase the avatar forever…but lately I realized I'm free to determine my own destiny, even if I'll never be free from my mark.” Zuko turned around to face away from me. “What if you could be free from your mark?” I said which made him immediately turn around with his eyes widened. “What…?”

“In the Spirit Oasis, the water there is more enhanced which could heal your scar” I explained “When I was younger I was in major pain and no one knew my cure, so my parents took me to the spirit oasis for my moon spirit to heal me. Which is why my hair is white” I pointed to my hair. “I'm sure your scar could possibly be healed in the Spirit Oasis, I could take you there.” I leaned closer to his scar, he closed his eyes as I moved my thumb across his scar. Then I heard a crash from the other side, showing Aang, Katara and the Old man who owned the tea house. “Katara! Aang!” I said running towards them in a hug. They both hugged me back “Thank you for coming to save me” “Of course we would save you Y/N no need to thank us” Katara said as Aang nodded. “Yeah! You're our friend!” Aang added. I smiled softly “Yeah…friends” I turned around to see Zuko irritated once again. The once soft moment was replaced quite fast. “Go help your other friends” The old man said while consoling Zuko. We nodded and ran out. I was following Aang and Katara but I took one last glance at Zuko in worry.

“We gotta find Sokka and Toph,” Katara said as we were running. I heard an electrifying sound and immediately turned around. Aang blocked it with his earth bending while I used my water bending to turn into ice. I looked to see who the attacker was and it was Azula, of course. Katara moved  her water bending to get a direct attack at Azula, a wave of smoke fills the atmosphere until she comes out again. Attempting to hit us with fire, the three of us used waterbending to shield ourselves. Azula landed on a tall rock which Aang was able to break down with his earth bending. Azula landed across from me, pointing her fingers like she was going to use lightning however she didn't know who to hit. Suddenly a blast of fire landed near Aang. From the corner of my eye, I saw Zuko who hesitated on who to hit. But it didn't take long for him to make his decision, shown by using his fire bending to aim at Aang. “Y/N Go up the waterfall and get Sokka and Toph,” Katara said, blocking Azula's attacks. I nodded instantly moving towards the waterfall, dodging Azula's attacks that were specifically made towards me. I lifted myself up with my bending, looking down at the scene feeling disappointed in myself. Looking at Zuko, I once again was a fool to trust him, again. It didn't take long till I was out of the cave.

  ҉   ☾

“Appa! Momo! ” I yelled after finding them both. I had no idea where I was once I managed to get out of the cave. Luckily, I found Appa and Momo together outside. I immediately got on Appa “Yip yip, we need to get to Toph and Sokka” I said which made Appa make a sound of agreement and he started flying. Once we got near the palace, I immediately saw Toph and Sokka with the King and his bear. “Sokka! Toph!” I yelled. “Y/N!” They both yelled back. I got down from the sky bison to get eye to eye level with the two. “Are you okay? Aang got a vision of Katara asking for help for you” Sokka said. “Yeah, it was hailing a lot around the palace” Toph included. “I'm fine but Katara and Aang aren't,” I said quickly. “They’re fighting Azula and Zuko right now” I was panicking, a lot. Last thing I want is one of them dead. “Do you know where they are?” Toph asked as I nodded. “Get on, everyone” I ushered the king and his bear to get on. 

  ҉   ☾

Once we made it to the destination I got off the bison “You guys stay here, it’ll be dangerous to all come together” I said. “Then why did we all come here?” Sokka whined. “It's because Katara needed to make sure you all were safe, and it's not for long. I just have to use my waterbending to get down and to somehow get Aang and Katara up. You guys need to be here for all of us to escape” I explained as they both nodded. I made my way over towards the waterfall and took a deep breath before jumping in. Once I made it down, I saw a horrific scene. It was Katara, crying while holding Aang’s body. I immediately used a splash of water to border Katara and Aang, making sure no one touched them. Coincidentally a wave of fire was shown, the old man came out of nowhere, landing in front of Katara and Aang. “You’ve got to get out of here! I’ll hold them all as long as I can” he says to both of them, making Katara nod and carrying Aang to get out of here. “Katara!” I yelled out making her look at me in somewhat relief but I could tell she was on the verge of crying again. I pull her closer towards me and make a water platform beneath our feet, helping us up. Before we reached the top I made sure to glare at Zuko, and he saw me, glaring at him. “Just as I thought you wanted a new start” I said, making sure he heard before disappearing.

  ҉   ☾

All of us were able to get above from Ba Sing Se, it wasn't as happy or uplifting as it was before. Instead it was depressing and anxiety wrenching. We stared at Katara, pulling the spirit oasis water out of the bottle to heal Aang. Internally praying he will come back to life again. Once the spirit of water disappeared in Aang, Katara couldn't help but hug him even tighter, crying. I looked down in disappointment at how everything turned out and so did everyone around me. Till a glow of a familiar arrow and breath indicated he was in fact alive. Everyone smiled happily while Katara laid him down and hugged him even tighter. Thank the spirits. “The earth kingdom… has fallen” Said the earth king with his head down, in disappointment and guilt. I felt bad for him. Thinking just as he saved his kingdom, it broke down once again.

A few hours go by, the cold breeze hitting my face making my skin feel like ice. It feels nostalgic, it feels like my home…northern tribe. I looked at Katara, still holding Aang in her arms. I decided to speak up “I'm sorry Katara…” I said shakily. “What do you have to be sorry about? You saved me.” She whispered, looking towards me in worry. I shook my head “I knew about Zuko being in Ba Sing Se the whole time” I admitted. I felt everyone suck in a breath which made me internally wince. “I met him here and talked to him but I didn't do anything because…I-” My voice cracked “I thought he must have changed…if I weren't so naive then…I would have caused any of you guys trouble”. I looked down, ashamed of my actions. Katara’s hand meets mine “It's fine Y/N…I'm just happy all of us have made it out”. I look up to everyone nodding. I dropped my shoulders and continued to look across from me, the night cloudy sky…

Season 2 END

<- Back - Next ->

a/n: WOAH lots of Zuko today and betrayal lmao. BUT S2 HAS OFFICIALLY ENDED. Not 100% sure when season 3 will start up, I already started it however I have ap exams soon for school, so I wont have much time :(. But I wont be gone for a while. Make sure yall take care of yourself and have a nice day! :)

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taglist: @luvkvni @katovano @karmaswitch @someonesmember @velvet-spider @sh3sa1dwhat @nerdisthenewcool @meiraloves2dmen @fqnfics101 @iluvme547 @leaderwon @yukihatesreoyo @heart4hees @4l3x1s @kkissaku @corpsebridenightamare @newjellis @fatkish@pbeckn26@jasminesacademia @kyo-kyo1

[tessenpai]

Kono Oto Tomare! Chapter 128.5 Scans and Rough TL

Disclaimer: Please DO NOT use this translation to make your own TL of the chapter!! The KOT TL group works very hard to give you the most accurate translation, that does as much justice to the original script as possible. This is a ROUGH translation. That means is faulty and there must be mistakes in certain places. This is just for impatient people like myself to get a grasp on what is going on in the chapter! You can REFERENCE my TL if you want to discuss the chapter but never USE it as it was your own.

Scans: (I recommend the use of an adblocker to avoid NSFW content) https://klz9.com/jxsh-kono-oto-tomare-raw-chapter-129.html

Page 1

Isaki [thoughts]: On my 27th winter

Isaki [thoughts]: My father passed away.

Side text: The story of how Chika and Isaki met...

Gen [memories]: If something were to happen to me...

Gen [memories]: Please take care of Chika.

Isaki [thoughts]: ---To me

Chika: Whatever. I don't care.

Page 2

Chika: I don't give a shit what you think of me. Not anymore.

Side text: When his grandfather died, his heart did as well---...

Isaki [thoughts]: He left only one request.

Chapter title: #ex [first light]

Page 3

Isaki [thoughts]: ....Whaaa---... No no, you can't be serious... This? You left this to me??

Gen [memories]: His eyes have been full of kindness lately.

Isaki [thoughts]: Where??

Isaki [thoughts]: Those are not the eyes of a child. Normally, it would've been impossible.

Isaki [thoughts]: Something like this... I've never even raised a child before, this is way out of my league---...

Isaki: !!

Isaki: Eh? Wai- Where are you goi--

Chika's father: Leave him!!

Isaki: Still...

Page 4

Gen [thoughts]: I leave it to you.

Isaki [thoughts]: Really, you ask too much...

Isaki [thoughts]: Wow.

Isaki: Excuse me, could borrow an umbrella?

Employee: Go ahead.

Isaki [thoughts]: He couldn't have gone too far yet but... Where should I even look for him?

Isaki [thoughts]: In a place that looks unsafe?

Page 5

Isaki [thoughts]: What should I do if he got in a fight again?

Isaki [thoughts]: There he is...

Isaki [thoughts]: For now, let's just call out to him. He will probably reject me but... Wait, if I get rejected, is there anything I can do after that? We've just met, so... The most practical thing for me to do would be to go back and call my brother.

Page 6

*No text*

Page 7

Isaki: ....Oh. Um...

Isaki: ...

Isaki: ...Do you know who I am? I'm your father's younger sister.

Isaki: Dad... Did Grandpa ever tell you about me?

Chika: ...

Isaki: About my brother... I think he's just a little bit preoccupied right now, so… maybe you should talk to him when he's a bit calmer and...

Chika: It's fine.

Chika: I really couldn't care less about that.

Page 8

Isaki: What? But...

Isaki [thoughts]: He was crying so hard just now...

Isaki [thoughts]: ...Ah.

Isaki [thoughts]: ...I see...

Isaki: You... Truly loved Grandpa.

Page 9

Isaki: I think the time Grandpa spent with you was really fun and joyful to him.

Isaki: I think you made him happy.

Isaki: For being with him until the end... Thank you.

Chika: !!

Page 10

Chika: u... ugh.

Isaki [thoughts]: ...Aaah.

Isaki [thoughts]: Can't do.

Isaki [thoughts]: I definitely

Isaki: Chika

Page 11

Isaki: Come live with me

Isaki [thoughts]: I can't leave this child alone.

Isaki [thoughts]: ---That was

Page 12

Isaki [thoughts]: The beginning for Chika and me.

Isaki: We haaave arrived! This is my humble abode--!

Isaki: The bathroom is over here--- And over there---

Isaki: Who would've thought you could do that...

Chika: What?

Isaki [thoughts]: He is surprisingly well-behaved.

Isaki: Here, this is my room---...

Sfx: Clack...

Page 13

Isaki: If you enter, I will beat you up ☆

Chika: ...

Isaki: Next up is the living room.

Isaki: And finally-- Your room!!

Sfx: Ta-daaaan

Chika: ...

Isaki: You got nothing to say about it...?

Chika: I'm fine just with a place to sleep in.

Isaki [thoughts]: I was just kidding... I planned on partitioning the living room to create a room for him but...

Isaki: ..............Whatever, I guess.

Page 14

Chika [Sfx]: Look around

Isaki: Hm? Are you looking for something?

Chika: ...I was just thinking that there aren't any kotos around here.

Isaki: Aah.

Isaki: I used to play it a little a long time ago. Now, not at all.

Isaki: My job is related to events so I sometimes get exposed to it from time to time.

Chika: Hmmmm.

Isaki: What, did you want to play the koto?

Chika: Nah, I can't play.

Isaki: Is that right? My fathe... Grandpa told me on the phone before

Isaki: "Chika played the koto!" He was so happy when he said that.

Page 15

Isaki [thoughts]: ----Ah.

Chika: ...Hmmm.

Isaki [thoughts]: His eyes light up as soon as Grandpa is mentioned

Isaki [thoughts]: That's probably his true self...

Sfx: Ruuumble

Isaki: ...Did you hear that?

Chika: ...Well, yeah.

Isaki: That's because I'm hungry. It's almost six, let's have dinner.

Isaki: What do you want to eat? We can go eat out or order delivery---

Chika: I don't need anything.

Page 16

Isaki: ...What?

Chika: Food, I mean... I'll be fine even with little food.

Isaki: What are you even saying??

Chika: It's enough if you just lend me a place to sleep.

Chika: I don't plan on coming for anything except to sleep.

Chika: Today I will also go somewhere else until night hits.

Chika: About my clothes... I would be thankful if you let me leave them here.

Isaki: I will make it.

Chika: ------Eh?

Isaki: Today, Isaki-sama, for your well-being, from the bottom of her heart, will cook for you. So eat. Until there isn't a single crumb left.

Page 17

Isaki: Right now, the only things I have in the fridge are water, alcohol, and snacks. I gotta do some shopping.

Chika: Eh? Wai-

Isaki: Ah, are you coming with me?

Chika: If there's anything you need, we can buy it.

Chika: ...Well, no ...There's really nothing.

Isaki: That so? Well, just stay at home then.

Chika: !

Chika: ...

Isaki: What, you coming then? Is there something you want?

Chika: ...There's nothing, really...

Page 18

Isaki [thoughts]: Yeaaaaaah, I don't get it.

Isaki [thoughts]: He is following me, but he is so far away.

Isaki [thoughts]: Well, you know? Of course, right? From a junior high school student's point of view, a woman around 30 years old is considered an old woman, right?. I'm sure it's embarrassing to walk around with one, right?

Isaki [thoughts]: I totally bought too much.

Isaki [thoughts]: Whatever--- It's just a 5-minute walk...

Sfx: Grap.

Page 19

Isaki [thoughts]: Oh?

Isaki [thoughts]: Ooooh...?

Isaki: Wai- At least let me carry one of those.

Chika: ...

Isaki: Hey!

Chika [Sfx]: Power walking

Isaki: Wha-!?

Isaki: Wait right there! Hey!!

Isaki: Don't ignore me!!

Isaki: Listen here!! I get that you don't want to walk with me but

Isaki: That kind of thing is still hurtful, you know!? I'm grateful you are carrying the bags, though!!

Page 20

Chika: Ah, no.

Chika: That's not... it.

Isaki: Come again?

Chika: ...Did you see how it ended up? Gramps house, I mean.

Chika: It'd better for you not to be seen around me.

Page 21

Isaki: Are you underestimating adults?

Isaki: Gramps house? Yeah, I took a good look at it with these two eyes. It was the worst among the worst.

Isaki: I think the people who did that are really shitty kids. And you're a fool for hanging out with them.

Page 22

Isaki: When I first heard about the incident, to be honest, I was super pissed with you.

Isaki: I thought it was too much trouble, I wanted nothing to do with it.

Isaki: But once I actually met you, you were only a child crying for the death of his grandpa.

Isaki: You have reflected and regretted. But you are still someone who hasn't learned how to look forward, at all.

Isaki: Don't you dare try to put yourself in front of me to try and protect me.

Page 23

Isaki: There's no way I will run from some brats who try to belittle my nephew.

Isaki: I will use my power as an adult to turn the tables on them-

Isaki: So you can rest at ease, and walk beside me. And every day, you can come home normally!!

Isaki: Do you understand!?

Page 24

Isaki: Come on, let's go.

Chika: Carrying it like this is embarrassing....

Isaki; Oh, is that so? Let go, then, and let me carry these heaaaavy bags all on my own.

Chika: Ugh...

Chika: ...

Page 25

Isaki [thoughts]: That night

Isaki [thoughts]: For the first time in several years I cooked

Isaki [thoughts]: A fucking disgusting A slightly different curry

Isaki [thoughts]: Chika did exactly as I told him.

Isaki [thoughts]: And didn't leave a single crumb.

Page 26

Isaki [thoughts]: He is more honest than I thought.

Isaki [thoughts]: And he is extremely clumsy.

Isaki [memory]: ----Eh? You don't want to go to high school and want to start working directly instead? Is there a work you are interested in?

Chika[memory]: There's nothing like that but, normally I would have to pay rent, and earn my living. I wanna pay for it.

Isaki[memory]: What, now?

Isaki[memory]: Your father will be paying for all your expenses, isn't that obvious?

Isaki[memory]: You don't want to depend on your father?

Chika[memory]: Ugh...

Isaki[memory]: Well, is not like I don't understand where you are coming from, but.

Page 27

Isaki [memory]: If there's anything you can use, use it.

Isaki[memory]: If you can rely on something or someone, do it.

Isaki[memory]: There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Isaki[memory]: For once, forget about things like money and whatnot. Just think about what you want for yourself.

Isaki[memory]: But if after that, you still want to work, then I will support you.

Chika [thoughts]: ...What I want for myself...

Chika [thoughts]: ..............

Chika [thoughts]: I have no clue--... I don't have a hobby or any kind of special talent. Nothing.

Page 28

Chika [thoughts]: ...Truly. I really have nothing.

Chika [thoughts]: Nothing...

Gen [memory]: Chika!

Isaki [thoughts]: I'm home---

Chika [Sfx]: Stare

Isaki: Eh? What is it? You are scaring me.

Isaki: What, did you break something?

Chika: I didn't break anything.

Isaki: What is it, then?

Page 29

Chika: .....

Chika: Ther-

Chika: There's something I... Want.

Isaki: ! What is it?

Chika: ----------

Chika: Pi- picture...

Chika: I want a picture.

Chika: ....Of Gramps.

Chika: I

Chika: Don't have even one... so.

Page 30

Chika: If it's not doable, that's fine.

Isaki: Eh- no-! It's totally doable!!! Pictures, huh! I will bring them over!

Isaki: These are albums.

Chika: Are these all Gramps'?

Isaki: Well, there are also other family members in them.

Isaki: You can grab whichever picture you like.

Chika: ...Thanks

Chika [thoughts]: Oooh...

Page 31

Chika [thoughts]: Around this age, I can already tell it's Gramps.

Chika[memory]: Koto club? What's that, a club where you play koto?

Gen [memory]: Yeah. I was the founder of the Tokise Koto Club!

Page 32

Chika: ---...This.

Isaki: Hm? Ahhh, that's a picture of when the Koto Club was first founded.

Chika: ...Does this club

Chika: Still exist?

Isaki: If I remember correctly, it's still there, but----

Gen [memory]: Do you want to give it a try?

Gen [memory]: Haha, you are pretty good.

Gen [memory]: You actually seem pretty talented.

Isaki [memory]: "Chika played the koto!" He was so happy when he said that.

Page 33

Isaki: -----...

Isaki: Did you find what you want to do?

Page 34

Chika: I wonder if it's too late for me to aim to go to high school.

Isaki: Well, that depends on how much effort you put on i---

Isaki: Wait a second!! You have to submit an application form for the entrance exam! When is the deadline!? It's already December!!

Isaki: Will we make it on time?

Chika: I will go ask Tetsuki!!

Isaki: Eh? Who is Tetsuki!?

Chika: It's ok! I will make it on time!! If I tell Tetsuki, it will be fine, for sure!!

Isaki: Ok, but who is Tetsuki!!??

Chika: Uh... I

Chika: Will go to Tokise and

Chika: I will join the Koto Club Gramps created!!!

Page 35

Isaki [thoughts]: Thank you, Dad. For leaving a light for Chika.

Isaki: That's great!!

Isaki: Well then, from now on, it's full-time studying!

Chika: Starting tomorrow I will ask Tetsuki to help me study, so I will pass for sure!

Isaki: What the hell is a Tetsuki!!!???

Side text: I hope this sound reaches the heavens----...

Isaki [thoughts]: Chika won't lose sight of that light, and this time I will be right beside him.

Isaki [thoughts]: Please, look after us.

---Kono Oto Tomare! will continue in the next issue---

[veemunson86]

Mrs munson

Chapter 5. Was so tired when I wrote this, I'm gonna start a little section of the mastlist with little in detail extras of the moments at random. Also send in some requests you'd like to see for this series!!

Masterlist

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Ever since the day he met your girl, Eddie was never the same again. It amazed you how great he was with her, and how much she adored him.

It was rough at first, having her break from her routine now that he lived with the two of you, but it was an adjustment you all worked on together.

It was hard explaining a cover story to prove he was really innocent, nobody could ever know what really happened. Everyone knew of what happened to Jason, and it was Steve's idea, to tell everyone Jason went out of control and he was the one responsible for chrissys death, wnd couldn't cope with what he did, and spiraled out, attacked Lucas before the events after. And surprisingly, everyone believed it. It meant alot to finally have his name cleared.

The hardest part was trying to find a way to explain to everyone who thought he was dead, that he was alive. So you did what you should have done from the beginning, you told the truth.  The only people who knew of his death were the hellfire guys, and the party's parents, you told the parents that was the safest thing for eddie until his name was cleared, and you told his friends the truth. You didn't sugar coat anything, and they took it very well, just haply to have their friend back. They had all become uncles to Amelia, and she grew to love them all.

You woke one morning to start your new routine.  You sat up, before being dragged back down my Eddie. He groaned tiredly" 5 more minutes.' He mumbled sleepily. " babe it's already 9." You giggled softly. Every morning was like this now, and you wouldn't have it any other way. You were about to agree until you heard babbling coming from your daughters nursery . "I'll get her." He said eagerly, jumping out of bed and running to the nursery, coming back with you're happy girl. She gave you a big toothy grin, now having 2 on the top row. "Goodmoring my sweet girl ' you kissed her cheek. She squealed and kicked her chubby little legs. " ready for today little flower girl?" Eddie asked in a cutesy baby voice. Ah yes, your wedding. Now, like everything in Hawkins, it would be a bit different, not a big wedding.  You planned a small get together in a beautiful outside area in the middle of town, and then a small after party at your home.

"You're gonna look so cute in your little dress aren't you sweetie?" He asked, kissing her cheeks. She cooed and looked up her dad with a wide smile. " what time do we have to be there again?" He asked, bouncing Amelia in his arms,  causing her to coo " 11. So we have like a hour and a half to get ready, then we will leave at 10:30 to head there." You said smiling. "And are you sure you don't want me to wear a tux? I will if you want me to." He said smiling. You smiled "I want you to wear what you want. I'm not wearing a big fancy dress, it's just a quick ceremony and then we have the party, so we should be comfy." You said kissing his cheek.

You both decided to dress your style, so he wore black jeans, black boots, a long-sleeved led zeppelin shirt, and his vest. You wore shorts, a Metallica t shirt, and a red leather jacket, and high heeled black boots.

Although you wore that same outfit every other week in school, it was the first he'd seen since he'd been back, so when you walked down his jaw dropped. You blushed as he stood at the end of the hall with wide eyes and a open mouth." You look... wow.." you giggled "thank you, you look very wow too" you smiled and kissed him softly, which he returned. "She ready?' You asked as you saw Amelia in her stroller. Eddie picked her out the cutest outfit which had a matching diaper cover. It was a pink flowery dress with matching pink bows, as he did her hair in little curly pigtails. "Oh she is adorable!" You got out your camera and snapped a few pictures.

*because I'm not about to type out the whole ceremony, skip to the end*

Steve was thrilled when you and Eddie asked him to be the one to marry you both. He finished and let you guys go in with vows " you may now kiss the bride.' He smiled and everyone cheered, you laughing as Eddie picked you up, your legs around his waist as he kissed you. "Ready to go party Mrs munson?" Mrs munson.. it had such a ring to it. "Let's do it Mr munson." You said before kissing him again. He set you down "alright everyone, party at the munson house !"

----------

If you'd like to see the wedding after party, I will Have a little section of the masterlist with extra moments and little thoughts soon!!

Tags:

[lovebaela]

Ice & Fire ༄ Pt. 11 (Bran Stark x Targaryen oc fanfic)

⋇ Chapter 11: The Wedding ⋇

Warnings: Smut (again I tried LOL)

Tsireya’s POV

A few days before the wedding, the houses of the North came to Winterfell to talk about the marriage. They were at first skeptical about me, until the Starks defended me. “She has been raised along side us before the war,” Sansa said, “we have full trust in her.” After getting that out of the way, I had to figure out which dress I wanted. Sansa and Arya, of course, helped me pick one.

We all met up in the godswood again, requested by Bran. He was really ticked off, he saw in the past all that Little Finger did. He told us and we were shocked. “So…he was the one who sent that assassin?” I asked. He nodded, “yes..” “I knew he couldn’t be completely trusted but wow, he started everything!” Sansa said, growing angry. We held a trial for Little Finger, of course he denied all the accusations, but Bran brought up everything he did from the past. He begged for his life, especially to Sansa, but that wasn’t going to work. Arya passed Bran a sword. He whispered to himself, “the man who passes the sentence swings the sword…” he sentenced Little Finger to death and sliced his head off. At least we don’t have to worry about him anymore.

The day before the wedding is Bran’s coronation. He had to proceed into the Great Hall on horseback like he did before. But instead of doing it as a Prince, he did it as a King. It felt like just yesterday when we had the harvest.

Before he trotted in, the Lords of each Northern house drew out their swords and rose them up. As he passed each Lord, they lowered their swords. Once he sat down at the high table, the maester placed the crown on his head. Everyone chanted, “King of the North!” Just like that, the day was already over. Everyone went to bed extra early for tomorrow.

My maids helped me get dressed in my wedding gown. Sansa and Arya were also in my room too. I decided to put my hair up instead of letting it flow.

“You look so beautiful,” Sansa said.

“Like a queen,” Arya smiled.

“Thank you guys,” I said. I gave them both a big hug, “well, I guess it’s time.” Sansa and Arya nodded and left the room so they could go to their spot outside in the godswood. I thanked the maids and dismissed them too.

When it was finally my queue to go, I took a deep breath and left my room. The sun was starting to go down, such a beautiful scenery. I walked in front of the trail that had lanterns on both sides leading all the way down to the tree. Everyone stopped talking and turned to see me. They all gasped in awe. Bran’s eyes widened as he saw me, making me grin a little. He looked so handsome, dressed in black, kingly attire. I started walking down the aisle, hearing people whispering compliments.

We are both 18 now, man and woman. If only everyone else could see us, how far we have come.

I started to imagine what the wedding also could’ve been like. I pictured Jon, Robb, Rickon, Lord Eddard, and the girls by Bran’s side. For my side, I pictured my mother and the rest of my family. What hit me hard the most was thinking about my father. He could have been the one to walk me down, giving me to Bran. I also thought of Hodor, Jojen, and Summer. I looked up and saw our dragons circling the ceremony, watching from above. I finally made it to Bran and the maester in front of the tree.

“We are gathered here today to witness the union of man and woman. Brandon of House Stark, King of the North, son of Eddard Stark and Lady Tsireya of House Targaryen, daughter of Daeron Targaryen.” the maester announced, “now, King Brandon Stark, do you take this woman?”

Bran looked deeply into my eyes, “yes, I take this woman.”

“And you, Lady Tsireya Targaryen, do you take this man?”

I never broke eye contact with Bran, “yes, I take this man..”

We both move closer to each other and hold each other’s hand. Then we face the tree and kneel before it, in prayer and meditation. We both stood back up. “Now you may take your bride under your protection,” the maester told Bran. He removed the cloak from his shoulders and placed it on mine. Then the Maester approached me with a crown, placing it on my head, “Tsireya Targaryen Stark, our Queen of the North!”

Sansa signaled a maid to grab a dragon glass blade. The maid gave it to the maester. The maester first gave it to Bran, he puts it against his bottom lip and slides it down, making it bleed.

He then cuts his hand before giving it to me to do the same. After I cut my lip and hand, he first rubs a mark on my forehead and then I do the same to him. This signifies the continuation of our bloodline. We both take each other’s bloody hand as the maester wrapped the wedding cloth around them.

Bran and I both pledge in Valyrian, “One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever.” We repeated the vows in common tongue for everyone else to understand.

The maester announced us as husband and wife, “you may kiss the bride.”

Our lips crashed together as the crowd cheered for us and clapped. Bran then lifts me up and carries me the rest of the way to the Great Hall, for the feast.

“To our new Queen of the North!” Bran shouts, lifting his goblet. The Lords begin to shout, “Queen of the North!” I giggled in embarrassment as I drunk out of my cup. We were presented with so much food! We wanted to try every dish, but we were full by the time we reached the third.

“How does it feel to be queen now?” Arya asked me.

“It feels nice,” I smiled.

“I have a wedding gift for you,” Bran said. He signaled the servants to bring it out. It was a Targaryen themed saddle! “I remembered when we talked about saddles for the dragons so…I had two get made for us! This one is yours!”

“Thank you, Bran!” I kissed him on the cheek.

The musicians played a certain song that sounded familiar. It was the song that played when Bran and I danced at the harvest. Bran smirked at me and offered his hand, “Kostagon eman bisa lilagon, ñuha dāria? (May I have this dance, my queen)”

“Kessa,” I accepted, placing my hand in his. We both went to the dance floor and did the same moves we did before as kids. This time, it felt so much more magical than before.

(Imagine them dancing like this)

Everyone watched as we danced in silence until we were finished. They applauded us and then everyone joined us on the dance floor. We did it the same way before, copying our dance moves and switching partners after we finish.

We were all having a blast! The feast started to get more hectic. The music was barely heard, the men were drunk and touching their women, and it was getting hotter. It was about time for bed.

“Now it is time for the bedding!” Bran announced, “but I will gladly carry my own wife to our bedchambers!” He picked me up as I giggled, blushing.

“Don’t be too loud now!” Arya shouted, making the hall laugh.

“Shut up!” We both yelled as we left.

For the bedding, we were given a special room. It sort of reminded me of Bran’s room, just filled with rose petals and nicely scented candles.

As soon as Bran shut the door closed with his foot, we immediately started to kiss each other, moving our mouths in sync. His lips were perfectly plump and so smooth, I could kiss them all night.

We were both waiting for this moment, just the two of us, alone with no interruptions. Bran gently placed me down, and we both started to remove our clothes. He finished a lot faster than me, leaving on his breeches. I insisted that I could do it on my own, so he went to his side of the bed and waited.

I placed the cloak and my white fur coat onto a chair. I started to remove my dress, Bran watched me in admiration as I gracefully removed it, revealing my corset, short braies, and high socks I had under my dress. Before I could hop into the bed, I seductively took down my bun and unbraided my hair, shaking my hair back and forth letting it fall on my back again.

I crawled to him from the foot of the bed. We were both blushing extremely hard. I took a moment to stare at his body. He was slim, but also had a slightly toned build. He was beautiful.

We both have been waiting for this moment, but it still felt a little silly and strange. We both laughed and giggled as I had my body over his.

Bran sat up and placed his hands on my hips as I straddled him. I wrapped both of my arms around his neck. We looked into each other’s eyes and then started to kiss again. The longer we kissed, the more hungrier we grew. This time, Bran opened his mouth more for my tongue to enter. He moaned as I explored his mouth with my tongue, whispering my name. He tried to find the strings of the back of my corset, but it was hard for him to see. He was too overflown with pleasure, keeping his eyes closed.

He managed to untie it and gently takes it off of me, tossing it across the room. He innocently couldn’t stop staring at my chest. I stop kissing him and giggle. I start to feel something strange under me. I glanced down at his breeches, noticing a bulge. I blushed really hard, chuckling, “oh, I guess you like what you see…” He turned completely red, “hey, stop picking on me!” He whined, with a slight grin on his face. I showered his whole face with kisses, making him giggle, “as my King commands.”

I took his two hands and placed them on my breasts for him to feel them. He looked from his hands to my eyes, his were filled with such curiosity and admiration. We started to kiss again, as he massaged my chest. Our tongues were dancing with each other as we kissed. I started to slowly grind on him, making him moan louder. We stopped kissing, out of breath, and I looked down at his breeches. “Do it,” Bran commanded desperately. “Yes, my king,” I tease, giving his nose a kiss.

I start to undo his breeches as he silently watched me. I threw them across the room like he did with my corset. I bit my lip as I looked upon him, blushing. His whole body is beautiful. “I guess you like what you see too?” He asked, laughing. “Yes, I do..” I proudly admit to him. “Alright, my turn!” Bran playfully yelled, switching our positions suddenly. “Oh!” I exclaim snickering, surprised that he did that. Bran started to carefully remove my white high socks and threw them at the side of the bed. He started to eye my braies asking, “may I?” I nod, letting him do the honors. He pulled down my braies and threw it at the side of the bed too. Bran scanned my face and body, “wow.” “What?” I asked. “You’re beautiful, Tsireya. Please don’t ever forget that. Inside and outside,” he said. I blushed replying, “thank you Bran, so are you…”

He kissed me slowly and passionately as I closed my eyes. I bit down on his bottom lip, making him groan in excitement. He positioned himself at a better angle on top of me and he looked at me, asking for permission, he didn’t even need to ask, I gave him a little nod as I panted. He tried to enter inside me, but it wasn’t going in. This was our first time after all. “S-Sorry…” he told me, embarrassed. I place my hand on his cheek giggling, “it’s okay!” After he kept thrusting a little more, I moaned loudly as I felt Bran unexpectedly entered in. Honestly, I didn’t care if people could hear us anymore. I started to whimper as he moved up and down on me slowly. “D-Does it hurt?” He asked me, worried. “No, no, it doesn’t hurt it just feels different,” I said, “but I like it…keep going.”

Without saying a word, he nodded and continued on. He kissed me again, traveling from my mouth to my neck, making me gasp. He started to gain more speed, thrusting harder and harder. I wrapped my legs around his waist, screaming his name in pleasure, “Bran!” I was a little embarrassed that I screamed but I was too in the moment to care.

As we released ourselves, both of us moaned extremely loudly. Bran then sighed and dropped right next to me, “well, we just did that.” We were both out of breath. “Yeah,” I chuckled, “Arya is going to tease us a whole lot tomorrow…” we both laughed. I turn to Bran, laying my head on his chest. “I can’t believe it,” Bran said, playing with my hair. “Us, King and Queen of the North, I never would have thought I would become king. Now, I must be like Robb. I have to be brave, we both do. We must protect our people from the Night King and the dead. No matter what happens, we go through it together.” “Yeah, together.” I agreed, “when will Jon and Daenerys be here?” “They’ll be on their way soon, when they do come, we must tell Jon. Tell him about who he truly is.”

We both just laid in the bed in silence, not sleepy. “So, what now?” I ask him. “Hmm,” Bran thought out loud, “you wanna do it again?” I giggled, “I’m up for it if you are…” I threw my leg over both of his. “I am all yours, my king.” I whispered, running my finger down his chest. I slightly winced as I felt him inside me again but quickly pushed the feeling aside. He gripped my hips hard as I began to ride him, “gods, I love you so much,” he moaned submissively.

°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。

When it was breakfast, we were already expecting Arya to say something. “How did you sleep?” Sansa asked Arya. “Well it could have been better,” she replied. She looked at us and then smirked, “I mean, practically the whole castle could hear those love birds. How is one supposed to sleep when all you hear is screaming?” We rolled our eyes at her, but we still turned red.

I won’t lie, after our bedding, we made love many days after. We just loved each other so much. Arya continued to playfully complain about our sounds of pleasure. “What can I say, I love to ride,” I said jokingly yet serious.

One night before we could remove our clothes, we heard a knock on the door. “Come in!” Bran said. A man entered the room, but he looked familiar. It was the man who helped us get beyond the wall! “Samwell Tarly,” Bran stated. “I thought you would have forgotten me,” Sam said, surprised Bran even remembered. “I remember everything now,” Bran replied.

Sam noticed me in the room, “o-oh, am I interrupting something?” “No,” I reassured him, “please come sit.”

He nodded, smiling, and closed the door behind him. “Thank you,” Bran said, “for getting us beyond the wall, you’re a good man.” “Gee, thank you, your grace, though I’m not really sure that I am,” he replied, “what happened to you, outside the wall?”

“I trained to become the three-eyed raven.” He told Sam.

“Oh! I…don’t know what that means…”

“It means I can see the past and sometimes glimpses of the future. I can see what happens now, well when I choose to.”

“What brings you to Winterfell?” I asked Sam.

“Is Jon here?” Sam asked. “I came to see him.”

“No, but he is on his way back with Daenerys Targaryen from Dragonstone.” Bran answered.

“Did you see that in a vision?” Sam asked.

Bran showed Sam a little letter that was sent by a raven.

Sam, feeling dumb, chuckled, “oh.”

“When he comes, we must tell him the truth,” Bran said.

“About what?”

“About himself…no one knows, no one but me and Tsireya.”

“He isn’t the son of Eddard Stark,” I told Sam, “he’s the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark.”

“They held a secret ceremony to get married, in Dorne.” Bran said.

“Oh gods,” Sam exclaimed, “then that would mean he’s…”

“The rightful king of the 7 kingdoms…” Bran said, finishing Sam’s sentence.

A week later…

I’ve been starting to feel strange lately. I’ve been getting more cramps than usual, and my stomach has been making me feel queasy and nauseous. What’s going on? I didn’t let Bran know about anything, I just went to my maid about it.

“What does it mean?” I asked her. She began to cup my breasts, examining them. “What’s wrong?” I asked her. She looked up at me and replied, “your breasts, they are more swollen than usual. Does it hurt when I do this?” “It does feel a bit sore..” I answered. “When was the last time you bled, my queen?” She asked. My eyes widened, I’m pretty sure I was supposed to start bleeding by now. She took my hand and placed it on my flat belly, “my queen, you are with child, the gods have blessed you!”

I continued to sit there, thinking to myself, me, pregnant? When the Long Night is coming? I can’t believe it…he’ll never let me fight if I told him now. “Shall we inform the King?” She asked me. “No, it’s fine, I can tell him when the time feels right.”

┈┈┈┈﹤୨♡୧﹥ ┈┈┈┈

(a/n) Hey guys, sorry I’ve been slacking in posts but I started writing some chapters so they should be out soon! I hope you are enjoying the story! :)

Taglist: @icarusignite @rinisfruity14

[tsukiyadori]

wow.

... Just wow.

I've written about Kemutai Hanashi before a bit in my Anime-Planet List: Queerplatonic Vibes

And something imo essentially queerplatonic (if you know that word) is the entire series' hook and tagline:

Different to lovers, friends or family. Still, by your side is the right place.

The whole title is already a glorious metaphor. And this theme has been in and out recurringly from the beginning of the series.

But up until chapter 11, it was just vague impressions, their thoughts, discomfort, feeling a gap that can't be filled by words.

And then comes chapter 12.

Takeda gets invited by Hinako for a chat, for a drink (and some ice cream) and they do exactly that: Have a conversation.

And it doesn't take long until the inevitable question arises, once the conversation mentions Arita, who was going to be mentioned given Takeda and him have moved in together and they are part of each other's lives:

Do you really live together?

Hm?

Arita-kun, I've met him the other day in the shop. He was keeping watch over Alice.

Aah, right, he mentioned something like that.

It's going great, is it?

Great? Rather than great or so... it's just normal. We're just doing normal.

... I was surprised, you know. When I first heard about your living together.

Were you?

Of course. Even if you are former classmates it's not like you were close.

Just what is truly behind that turn of events?

'What'... We're just enjoying ourselves. Thought it would be nice being alongside each other. That's all there is to it.

Haaaa (sigh)

Eh? Is that somehow not ok?

No. I already thought as much from Arita's account, but… So, there's really nothing else between you?

Else?

Basically, something like romance or so

Me and Arita?

… Right. I get it. That's enough. (holds hand on head)

You were one like that.

Eh…?

(some ice parfait getting served by the waitress momentarily stalls the conversation and Hinako gets busy taking pics with her phone until Takeda resumes the conversation.)

Is it that strange?

… no well, it's not like such a way of living is completely impossible, Just…

Just

Right

It's just hard to imagine that you would go as far when you aren't lovers, I think

(she looks him in the face)

… Say. I've just mentioned that Arita hasn't been at his parent's home. [It was previously about how it's far away]

Yes?

You know. Isn't that because it's difficult for him to return?

Eh?

This is just a guess, but… Don't you think there is a chance that he finds it difficult to talk about you and him?

Eh? No.

But he did tell them he's living with me.

I don't mean that.

I mean, what relationship he has with you.

Or so

something like that.

Wouldn't he be asked about it after all?

Things like that

For example, if I was his parent, if I heard that my son, who lives away alone, suddenly starts living with a man, I wouldn't exactly blame him, but I think I would genuinely want to ask questions. What happened, or what are your plans for the future, or so. What the other person is to you. For example.

Takeda, are you able to explain it, when people ask you?

Explain.

(he thinks back on a previous encounter he had in a supermarket.)

… you know. I thought this before, but is this something you need to explain to people? I don't particularly…

… For me, it's things being explained with words is comfortable… or more like, smooth, I think.

Just as an example

If one was to see you and me together eating desserts, probably a lot of people would think "Those two, they're a couple".

Huh?

As I said, you wouldn't know the truth if you were those people who don't know you well.

But, just like that with just looking a bit, they can match things to concepts they know and be with it, as long as it's nothing unnatural.

By doing so, they don't have to ask "why?"

With human relationships, as long as you are alive, I think it's more convenient to be able to explain something.

All the more, if it's a strange one.

People will want to investigate the things they don't understand.

Is it not ok… to not be able to explain? To just not understand?

Who knows… Maybe it's really fine with just that.

Just

There are people who are in distress when you come upon something they don't understand.

And opposite of them

there are people who feel pain when they aren't understood.

All the more, when it's someone you know well. For example, like family.

Things of unknown nature are scary.

Being thought of as something of unknown nature is scary.

More than anything

you yourself not knowing what you yourself are

is scary.

Are you like that as well, Hinako-san?

Something that's fine for you, Takeda,

doesn't have to be fine for anyone else.

(The phone rings)

[The conversation wraps up there, as Arita messaged Takeda asking him to run an errand. They walk away from the café together a bit and chit chat random small talk.]

Takeda

Hm?

I said all that, but you moved in together after thinking it though properly, did you.

Yeah

I see… then it's fine.

I'm sorry.

Even I think it's a bad habit of mine. Thinking about what I'd think myself and getting stuck on it.

I was being meddlesome.

No. I've always liked that bit about you since forever.

…

Ouch! Hey, you didn't have to hit me

Shut up! Go home already!

This series was already excellent with how it treads onto their relationship in delicate, subtle manners. But there was always something in there: It's not like they aren't thinking about it. But they are very much dodging it. Arita, of more instrospective nature, is further down the lane with his admitting to himself that it's not that he isn't hiding it or ashamed of it or anything, but there's just this gap in words that he doesn't know how to fill, because he is well aware that what he and Takeda hold is different from what people usually think about "friends". (Chapter 3)

Takeda meanwhile feels discomfort, but can't exactly put a finger on it. And he does not actually want to label it. And as he repeatedly asks. Is that not okay? Basically: Is that wrong? Is that not allowed?

This conversation is absolutely excellent. Because Hinako does not answer this question in a simple yes/no way. At first, it may seem dodgy, but she eventually does add her actual own conclusion to it, that it's completely fine if they had thought things through and came to the decision. But the focus for the conversation prio is more at pointing things out to Takeda - almost warning him - as she knows since childhood, and to her he is a bit of a simpleton who doesn't think too complicated about these matters (to the point she almost gets headaches). And it's just such a beautifully concise way of outlining why words - labels - are useful, and moreover how the lack of it may be dangerous.

So, first thing I thought about this chapter:

Wow. Just wow.

Second thing: Damn, I needed this a few years earlier. It would have saved me some 2-3 weeks of brooding over the subject. (Which probably is still relatively little time wasted comparatively) I was right there asking those same questions Takeda is asking here. After years long of not wanting - or not knowing the words - to label anything and being fine with that myself with not explaining things or explaining things in my own words that didn't match common understanding of the words (much like Takeda again) it gradually ceased working. Because, no. You actually are not allowed to not explain yourself before the vast majority of people, if you actually want to interact with them. I was (am) also right there being angry about not understanding and getting explanations for things 'normal', especially as I am always pressed to explain myself.

Also look at those visuals, so simple, but powerfully subtle with all the facial expressions, sentences chopped up with little pauses displayed by the bubbles where Hinako is trying to find the tactful words and especially those pointed uses of black there: Hinako's drink. That panel with the smoke and her talking about "scary". (One meaning of kemutai from the title is smokey.) That lingering discomfort to fear that is oozing over to Takeda. That smartphone that displays his connection with Arita is black right after for a moment. The entire sky in that last page. Takeda's having his back to it, but now he's walking right into it. This conversation with Hinako may as well be the starting line for him and by extention Arita that they realize, they can't run from talking about it forever.

It's a bit funny to read this now, because I happened over that word, queerplatonic, which is looking pretty much like that word they are struggling to find, and it makes me feel like wanting to just throw over so they have something. But I also only know about this word for 2 years at best as of now, which is not long at all. And it's fuzzy and vague as hell (which is kinda its point I guess) and it took me a good while to get my head around it, even just a bit. On top of it it's anything but spread, so its usefulness is very limited, so much that I haven't even once used it in the flesh and blood IRL, where I'm not able to immediately throw google results over so that the links do the explaining for me.

The quintessential theme of this series hits home a lot, but also, just like The Case Files of Jeweler Richard which comes along and has the protagonist say that even after years and learning multiple languages he is unable to encapsulate what he's feeling in any words - their gaze is moving a bit backwards, retrospective. They have already met, they have something (even if it's maybe still developing) and then struggle to put it into words.

And that makes it all an explanation, as this chapter calls it. But more than anything, I think, it's actually a justification.

And while it's utterly precious that there are works now talking about this in such a beautiful and concise way, capturing all the confusion about being lost, I just find myself like.

I have come to see the need of ways to talk about this. I'm there to collect words and examples as much as I can find. But not as the means to justify myself. Or explain myself after the fact. But before it. (I do get it easier to spin a narrative over something that actually is and can be actively show than it is to make a plot out of the difficultiy of searching something you can't properly grasp in the first place. And even the former is already such a tall task that it has very very little amounts of attempts at undertaking.)

More than anything you yourself not knowing what you yourself are is scary.

... is thankfully, something I was spared of more than not, quite similar to Takeda. But just as Hinako points out, because I was fine with that it means naught for anyone else. And if you want a connections and relationships out of all things, it goes beyond just yourself. If someone like me, in all the idiosyncratic ways that be, wants to connect to people, I think understanding and acceptance is paramount. I'm also aroace, among other things, but I'm not actually against having a relationship - it will however have to look very different from the common idea of one. If I ever wanted to begin something, I think I'd need to be able to explain myself and my expectations.

Not as a justification, but only an explanation, a feeble chance for getting to the starting line.

I think Hinako did that wonderfully. Without even having to outright answer Takeda's question of "Are you like that as well?"

Note: The series has no official nor fantranslation in English. It did get nominated for the Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Award 2022's web category and freshly licensed in France.

[oillydiya]

Things Between Us | Cillian Murphy x OC

Chapter 11 : Clear the air

Talk: Sorry for the delay in updating I've been swamped with adventures at Hogwarts. Note: This chapter might be a bit shorter, forgive my brevity. I promise to bring you more of our journey without delay.

Sansa had been busy exploring the gallery for her much-anticipated final art exhibition happening next week. After wrapping up her quick chat with the gallery representative, she made her way back to the apartment.

The elevator dinged open, and she stepped into the apartment space.

"I'm back," she called out to him. She spotted Cillian lounging by the sofa, absorbed in something on the screen.

"What's up?" she queried.

He swiveled towards her, his face breaking into a warm smile. "How'd it go? Do you like the gallery?"

"It was amazing. Roomy, can fit a crowd, super reachable. Thanks a ton. But what are you getting into?" she asked, driven by curiosity. Instead of replying, Cillian walked up, scooped her up, and sat her on the bar.

"What's the plan here?" Sansa chuckled, thrown off yet amused by his antics. Cillian responded with a playful tap on her nose, making her laugh at his teasing.

"Two weeks ago, I met a woman. She walked into a restaurant in total disarray, laden with things, looking utterly chaotic. And she just sat down next to my table,"  he reminisced, hands gently framing her face.

"I think she was pretty cute until some dude tried his luck. She wasn’t having any of it."

"Wow! She sounds interesting! I think she's pretty unique for being able to sleep in the middle of a restaurant without caring about who's watching. And I felt absolutely great when she stopped her friend from taking pictures of me, saying it was too intrusive. She's so adorable for that. It's something most people often forget - respecting others' privacy."

"I love when her started making that little kitten sound, begging her friend in the middle of the restaurant. It was so cute, I couldn’t take my eyes off her -- her friend was right when she said others should see how adorable she is. Especially when she was talking to the cheeseburger, she looked so cute and quirky."

Sansa burst into laughter, "I must have seemed so crazy then."

Cillian laughed, "Seriously! When she started singing, her voice enchanted everything around, making it impossible for me to stop thinking about her. I wanted to know who she was, what she did, where she lived --  and just like that, luck was on my side when you needed someone to give feedback on your art. It let me dive deeper into knowing her - she's really one of a kind, he paused, playfully pinching Sansa's cheek.

"All my buddies were dying for her contact info, but no way. I wanted it all to myself. Yeah, I'm kinda greedy like that!"

She laughed at his boldness.

"When she was like, 'How about we meet at her apartment?' I literally yelled out loud in the coffee shop. It was my ticket to getting to know her even better. The more we chatted and got to know each other, the more I just wanted to hang out with her!"

"That kiss? Totally not an accident. I meant to do it," he said, raising an eyebrow with a cheeky grin.

Sansa's eyes widened in surprise... "You're nuts! I was freaking out, worried you'd think I was flirting too hard," she said, playfully smacking his shoulder.

"Who could resist? You're drop-dead gorgeous," he replied, cool as a cucumber.

Before Cillian continued, pouring his heart out, "I really liked that kiss of her, awkward as it might have seemed, like she was about to choke at any moment." She doubled over laughing at his description because it sounded like the worst kiss ever.

"To be honest, I swore under my breath countless times whenever I saw her. Seriously, she's just stunning, perfect in every way."

"When she told me she never had sex before, it drove me wild. I had to remind myself to stop right there because she was too innocent for me. But when she looked at me with those eyes and asked if I could teach her, I lost all control. I just couldn't resist anymore," he explained, softly touching her face. "That turned out to be the best sex I've had in ten years. I'm crazy about her and feel so lucky to have found her and to be with her right now."

"Sansa! Meeting you at that restaurant might have been coincidence, but falling in love with you was completely intentional."

"I'm sorry for the last few days, for upsetting you. I've realized I really don't want to lose you. Please forgive me, Sansa," he said, feeling guilty, while lovingly holding her hand against his cheek.

"I promise, I won't make you sad, and this isn't just about having sex for a while. I want to be in a relationship with you. Let's be together, okay?"

In that moment, Sansa felt overflowing. She looked into the eyes of the man in front of her, Cillian! His words felt like magic, making her believe everything he said. She had forgotten all the sadness from the past few days, even forgetting that he was married!

"I stopped being mad at you since I saw your face last night," she replied before pulling him in for a kiss.

'I'm hopelessly falling in love with him!' Sansa thought to herself.

[yujinniw]

MIDNIGHT RAIN — KTR | 03-perfect image

2:11 am, it was cold and rainy surprisingly in the summer. I felt everything crushing down on me. If it was work, family, scandals? It was just too much, I and lots of others are not machines, we cannot do everything perfectly like they want us to. But the only thing I can do is smile and act as if nothing has ever happened, Even if I try there will be so many shits that I don't want other's to handle because of me.

So here I am, finding it amusing how such a big tourist attraction could feel so empty for once. But damn FOR ONCE MAN thank you rain! It was nice taking all that fresh air in, feeling the warm breeze hitting my skin was not too fun but hey it is the summer, unless you live in the UK or something.

I was just minding my own business until, I saw this dude coming closer to where I was. His hair was messy, kinda looked like he just got up from a nightmare, Yikes. But I couldn't see his face, he was wearing a mask. '....masks of course, the people with the hottest hair always wear a mask.' I thought to myself 'How am I supposed to know if you're really hot or not..'

'Should I go talk to him?' 'No chae miyeon, privacy.' I slapped myself to reality. But I think it was kinda too loud considering how he suddenly turned his head my direction. 'great. JUST GREAT.' All those thoughts were gone as soon as I heard a tired voice saying; "Are you okay?" I tilted my head up to looked at him 'SHIT. what am I supposed to reply with. Yea yea I'm fine, no you looked like you fell down from heaven itself. okay.... why was that even an option.'

"Yea, just thought there was a mosquito." WOW such a great answer congratulations. He just nodded before sitting down beside me 'FUCK HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO ACT MORE NORMAL NOW YOU'RE NEXT TO ME.' hold up. act I can act FOR FUCK SAKES.

"Why are you awake and up here so late." He asked me before I could... "Just needed some fresh air. what about you?" "Needed to clear my mind." same bitch, same. "If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?" He asked, which caught me off guard "Oh I do mind." WHAT THE HECK! NO NO THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!! "Oh... sorry then" he responded while scratching the nape of his neck. Miyeon Chae, This is the result of your action take responsibility

"Depends on what you're going to do with them," "Keep it to yourself? Sell it on the black market. I don't know." I retorted back. Should I tell him my real name? should I lie? Decision making should not be anywhere near me.. BUT back to reality, He chuckled at my words and responded with "Yes... I will sell it on the black market. Now give me your name." "Woww such a creep..." OMG WHAT IF HE IS A CREEP.

"No actually, do you mind if I get your name?" Right... my name... "Miyeon, Chae Miyeon" I said holding my hand out to his "As in the Actor? Or a normal person" Hah.. this bitch. " Don't know whatever you think I guess." He laugh while shaking my hand. "Kim Taerae."

If I'm being honest, His hand was huge. Would probably have me flying from one slap with that hand. But then I looked back to what he said was his name, Kim Taerae. I looked up to meet his covered face. Gorgeous eyes babes. But the hair, face shaped and hand. did match the description of the ZB1 Kim Taerae.

Eyes widened when I come back to my senses that this gorgeous looking dude right here, who still has my hand in his. Could actually be Kim Taerae Zerobaseone.. I took my hand away " I should probably get going..." "It was nice meeting you." I said quickly before running to my car. yes I drove here...

"I'm done for."

sypnosis : One of the many famous actress was spotted at a park holding hands with their boyfriend, which was rumored to be Chae Miyeon, and Kim Taerae of Zerobaseone.

a/n: Really feeling like writing today woke up at 4 am and decided yk what I'm going to write the whole of chapter 3😖 ANYWAYSSS THEY MET or did they ykyk😶

donate to the poor | masterlist | ahah..

tag-list: @sparklingsjy, @xinxinyy,@wtfhyuck

[l3m0ncyan]

New to Life | Holiday Special

Steven Grant/Marc Spector x Teen! reader

Masterlist

Summary: After finding out that Hanukkah brings bad memories to Marc and Steven, Y/N decides to bring the holiday back to them; but this time give them a memory they wont forget.

Note: If I get anything wrong about jewish traditions, please let me know!

P.S this is gonna be based off my series, hence the name, but Ill add a kind of recap in case yall don't wanna read all 11 chapters lmao.

—————————————————

Y/N stood triumphantly on a chair, staring at her decorations, as she hung up the last of the colorful lights in her apartment. The door unexpectedly opened, catching her off guard and almost causing her to slip. The chair wobbled, and she attempted to grab the back of it, but was aided by a few hands.

“Woah! I got you!” Marc held her up before she could fall.

She slowly climbed from the chair, regaining her balance. Marc crossed his arms as she returned the chair to the dining table to inspect her work. Y/N stood to the side as if she were being scored by Gordon Ramsey.

“Wow, you really went all out” He breathed out.

Each wall in her apartment had a light hanging from it. Garland was also hung around the room, and there were a few Santa and deer statues on the tables. To top it all off, she had a fake Christmas tree in the corner with a few gifts she had purchased for herself.

"Yup, that's my mission during the holidays. Anyway, what brought you here?" She bundled the decorations' packaging and quickly moved it to the trash can.

Marc examines the details of a ceramic Santa but puts it back. "I was just wondering if you wanted some tea that Steven thought you'd like."

She shrugs and nods, “Sure, let me just get my jacket”

She grabbed her jacket from the couch and walked over to her door. She bowed and motioned for Marc to go first. He rolled his eyes but continued, followed by Y/N.

Being across-the-hall neighbors was convenient because she or he didn't have to take an elevator or walk more than three steps to each other's apartment. For context, Y/N moved in a few months ago.

—

She was only 18 years old when she moved from California to London to attend her dream college. On the first day, she met Steven, who helped her in unlocking her door, which was difficult to do. Working with him in the gift shop resulted in her being attacked by a jackal a week later, bringing her and Marc together.

The basic gist is that she later assisted Marc and Steven in stopping a man named Harrow from destroying the world. On the way, she ran into their ex-wife, Layla, who had to return to Egypt to continue her archeology business', with the help of a certain goddess.

Something that may have gone unnoticed was that Y/N also gained an unusual ability. It was discovered that she had a symbiotic relationship with a symbiote. They are now known as Mania.

Anyways back to the actual story.

—

Marc opened the door for Y/N and set his jacket on a nearby table. The apartment's bareness was the first thing Y/N noticed. It was completely dark, as it had always been, with no lights or signs of color.

She sat at the dining table after following Marc to the kitchen. Twirling her thumbs and looking around, she noticed Marc's body tensing up before returning to normal. He smiled warmly and walked over to the stove to get a kettle.

He returned to the table and poured Y/N's and his cup of tea. She smelled the mug and an aroma of vanilla and cranberry as he slid it over to her. She had never considered combining those two elements until now. It was a good mixture though.

"There you have it, let me know what you think. I believe it will put you in the holiday spirit," Steven said with a smile.

Taking a sip, her eyes widened a bit, and nodded in approval, “It’s sweet, you made it yourself?”

"I did buy a few herbs and combined them. There wasn't much work put in," he shrugged.

She nodded, “You still did a great job” she continued to sip tea.

Steven sat across from her, taking in the time they were spending together. With winter approaching, the heat from the mug guided them in restoring their fingertips' temperature.

She continued to look around the apartment, still wondering why it was so colorless. "Something on your mind?" Steven asked as he set his cup down.

"Isn't Hannukah in a couple of days?" she scratched her head.

Steven paused to think, "I believe it is, why?"

"It's because I've noticed you two haven't exactly decorated or even talked about it”

Steven paused and thought for a few seconds. He had a melancholy look when he did. It seemed like he was thinking about a thought or a memory. He cleared his throat and went back to being his almost happy self.

"I've always spent most seasons alone, so when Hanukkah would come around, I never bothered in celebrating it" he gave a side smile.

Y/N nodded, "What about this year? You're not alone this time; you have me and Marc"

"Yes that is true innit," He looked up, "But I don't want to change your winter traditions just for me. Plus Marc isn't quite fond of the holiday"

"Why?"

"Well..." he trails and turns to a nearby reflection.

“Just turn down the question, she doesn’t have to know”

Sighing, he shakes his head, "It is nothing to worry about. Anyways, how about we finish our tea and get some rest?”

Y/N smiles and nods, still she was left curious on why the two didnt celebrate. Yet, that was something for a later time.

After they finish their drinks, Steven took her cup and his to wash it. She offered to help but he said how it was just two dishes so it wasn’t a big deal. Once finished, Steven told Y/N to bundle herself for the night before she left since degrees would drop. She thanked him and then went off to her apartment.

——

Back at her apartment, she changed out of her casual clothes and sat on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She imagined various reasons on why Marc and Steven didn't want to celebrate Hanukkah. She was probably being pushy just thinking about it, but she didn't like people missing out on holidays.

Yes, they’ve only known each other for a few months, but that creates a bond. Doesn’t it? Especially when you die with them and come back to life.

She felt like the polar opposite of a Grinch or a Scrooge. She wanted them to take part in a celebration for the winter season. She just wanted them to be happy. Especially after everything that went down the last few months, they needed a nice change of pace. She sighed and hugged a pillow close to her side. She hoped she'd fall asleep soon before her thoughts consumed her.

“Why are you making a big deal of this”

Again, she hoped.

"Because it's depressing to think of them dealing with all that shit from Cairo and still not being able to do anything for the one time of year when people are happy," she continued, her eyes closed, feeling the cold bite her fingers.

“Then ignore them. Take pride that you can and they can not”

"That's what an asshole does, and we hate those kinds of people remember?"

“Right, then in invite them”

“They dont celebrate Christmas, they’re Jewish”

“How is that a problem?”

"Because they celebrate Hanukkah, dude you were literally right there when we were talking about it!" she became irritated.

“...What is the difference?”

“Good night!”

The symbiote stopped talking after she covered her head with the covers. Fortunately, the rest of the night was peaceful, and Y/N was able to sleep.

—

She asked Marc if he wanted to go shopping with her the next day. She described her plans for shopping for herself and her family back home. He agreed and followed her because he had no other plans. When he went out, he never looked for places to spend money; he just wanted to take a break.

Aside from that, he wanted to make make sure Y/N did not get into too much trouble. One time they went out, they were caught up in a hostage situation at a discount store. Of course, Mania and Y/N were there to stop it, but Marc and Steven had no idea it was them; they just thought it was some monster wreaking havoc in the city.

They still don't know about Y/N's and Mania's symbiotic relationship.

Y/N dragged Marc over to Westfield, a popular shopping mall in London, after hearing about it. Her gaze scanned the structure from bottom to top as she stood in front of it. It was more extravagant than the ones she had in California. The entrance wall was made of blue-tinted glass. However, it was linked to another building with large white bricks and a glass-covered portion sticking out. The words 'Westfield' were written in red slanted letters on the building's side.

She adjusted her tote bag, hoping it was just for show and that the stores weren't too expensive. As they enter, they notice that the building is two stories tall, with escalators leading to the top. Thankfully, she recognized many stores from home, such as Forever 21 and Hot Topic.

"Where to first?" Marc asked with his hands in his pockets.

She gestured to and walked over to a store that sold items for her younger family members. They looked around for nice but cheap gifts for her family, which was hard since it's been a while since she has seen them. Marc did his best to help her by showing her a range of items, but the majority of them were expensive. After battling through the crowds, Y/N purchased a few items and moved on to the next store.

The entire shopping experience had both of them wanting to pick fights or quit and leave. Marc was taken aback by the number of people trying to buy gifts for their families at this time of year though. Mostly because his own family never made a big deal about giving or receiving gifts around this season. So seeing all this movement was a bit new.

Because it was new to him, he occasionally let Steven take over. Oh, and Steven was having a great time as well. He never understood the hype of shopping or seeing things for sale; not just because of his lack of celebration but because he thought it was bizarre many would shove each other to get one item that was only a dollar less than its original price.

But here he was pushing people, apologizing when he did, in order to take a look at many things. A few would be for Y/N's family and some would catch his eye. When he did, he would reach in and take it back to Y/N to see if it was suitable. He would then ask her if there was anything they liked or found interesting and he would go on a search for something like it.

At the end of their shopping trip, each of them had at least two bags full of random items. As they made their way back to the bus stop, Y/N felt bad about having Marc lug all those bags but fortunately, they were able to go on the bus and rest.

——

They were still a few blocks away from the apartment building after exiting the bus. The chilly air however made them rush, so they would be home soon. Well honestly it was Y/N rushing him, she was new to the cold weather. Marc wasn't so much since he grew up in Chicago where it was cold normally compared to California.

"I don't think I've seen so many adults fighting dude. You saw those guys fighting for a controller?" Y/N almost breathed out the memory.

Marc gave a small laugh, "Those idiots didn't even get it at the end, some kid did"

"For real, also sorry about making you carry all that" She looked over at the large bags from various stores.

He shrugged, "Its alright, its better than seeing you trying to carry them all"

"Are you saying that for kind reasons or to make fun of reasons?"

"Both"

"Meanie, I bet Steven wouldn't laugh at my weakness. Right, Steven?" She waited for him to respond, but there was no response. She looked over at him, bewildered, but he wasn't there.

Turns out something caught his eye on a window display.

She walked back to him and noticed how his eyes were soft as he looked at the items. The only time he has looked at someone like that was when he talked to Layla. She followed his eyes and noticed a display with many Jewish decorations.

It had a blue cloth with gold lining on the table cover. A few dreidels and gold chocolate coins were strewn about. What drew their attention was the menorah that sat at the center of the table. It was made of gold and had nine candle holders. They contained candles with an ombre pattern of white to blue. Eight of them were identical, except for the one in the center, which had a Star of David on the stem. The main stem of the menorah that held the rest of the branches was inscribed with Jewish phrases. It was truly breathtaking.

"It's pretty..." she smiled.

Marc nodded, "...it is". His eyes were still glued on it, holding a sort of love for it.

"Whys is the center one different?" She looked over at him and he hesitated.

"It's a...shamash candle. It's to help light the other ones during Hanukkah" he pointed out.

She nodded, "You should buy it, Hannukah is close. Plus it'll add some color to your guys place"

Marc knew where this was going and he shook his head, beginning to walk away, "Next time"

Baffled, she looked at the menorah and back to Marc's walking figure, "Wait what?"

She ran up to him, gripping the bags to make sure they slip from her grasp, and looked for an answer in his eyes, "Why?"

"I don't have room or time for it, maybe next year" he continued looking straight ahead,

"You can make room, plus you don't even work for Khonshu anymore so you have enough time"

Marc ignored her and continued trying to make it home, giving many excuses like how he didn't have money but Y/N would then offer to buy it for him. It seemed like the conversation wasn't going anywhere so she walked in front of him and he skid to a stop.

"What is stopping you?" looking straight at his eyes and he seems annoyed.

"You can tell her, Marc. It'll be different this time"

"Why do you want me to?" his face wrinkled, trying to comprehend why this topic was still going.

"Because you're going to be all alone in your apartment and probably sad and lonely while everyone else is happy"

"Just tell her, Marc"

"I think I'll be fine," he moves around her to get through but she gets in front of him again.

"If it makes you feel better, I can celebrate with you! I can cook some stuff too and we can hang out at your place. Then you guys won't be alone-" Her smile turned as she was cut off.

"Why do you care so much?" He said rather harshly, "You're just a neighbor and a coworker for me and Steven"

Y/N inhaled deeply, feeling her body get a wave of a mental wound. It hurt, but it was true. She had no actual connection to the holiday or them, so why was she making such a big deal about it? It was his life, not hers, and he had the maturity to make that choice.

Marc's eyes widened when he saw her hurt expression. He didn't mean to say those words; it was a coping mechanism he used frequently. But now he was staring back at Y/N, who was looking at him with dejection in her eyes.

He immediately gave Steven control, forcing him to hide in the mind space. Steven looked down at her and smiled reassuringly, guiding her back on their way.

"He didn't mean it; as I said before, he is quite sensitive on the matter," he continued to hold the bags on the way back.

"...Am I being too pushy with you guys?" she looked down at her feet.

"No, it's rather very 'you' to be worried about small things like a holiday"

"It's not that small. Just tell me why?"  She almost begged Steven. "I've told him stuff about my life back at the Field of Reeds when I needed to, and he listened. The least I can do is listen to his too, he doesn't have to hold it all in"

Steven thinned his lips and looked at the passing mirrors on her side. Marc's reflection returned a guilty look to Y/N. He knew she wouldn't mind him talking about his childhood, but he didn't want to add that weight to her shoulders. He also didn't want her to change the way she acted around him.

“…that will have to be a different topic for a different day. How about instead we focus on how your family will react with these gifts” he gestured the bags to her, trying to get a smile out of her.

Seeing what he was doing, she obliged, “uh yeah”

“Atta girl, now I think that with just a few bows and whatnot, and you’ll have amazing looking presents” he continued babble about her family and decorations.

All Y/N could do was listen, she was still a bit sad that they both didn’t trust her in sharing their past. It made her wonder if she was trying to force this closeness too far.

—

Before Y/N could tell Steven good night, she made sure that Marc also heard it from her.

“Hey Marc, you might be angry with me or something but good night dude” she waved at Steven.

He smiled and gave a small nod before going into his apartment. Closing the door, Y/N looked at her apartment and at all the Christmas decorations. Currently, she was still sensitive to what Marc told her. She knew he didn't mean it but it still hurt.

She sat on her couch and looked up at the ceiling, recalling how the two looked as they brought up their Jewish holiday. It was the same way she looked whenever she remembered the day her grandfather died or when her mother yelled at her cruelly. It was like their perspective of Hanukkah was one similar. Where something horrible happened that day, that has been engraved in their minds.

She felt almost like a cartoon character as she felt the lightbulb in her head go off. If they hadn’t celebrated, that means the last image they have is of something terrible. So why not try to replace that image with one more positive?

She took out her phone and began researching the holiday and a few traditions. What the menorah symbolized. How to play dreidels. Ways to cook Jewish foods.   And the types of decorations that some families use. She looked up family vlogs of Jewish families to make Marc and Steven feel even more at ease.

Gathering all her information, she began planning the surprise for Steven and Marc.

-

The next day, Y/N spent it by buying ingredients and a few decorations that were in blue and white. Back at her apartment, she began practicing in cooking the meals and wouldn’t come out until she perfected them. At times Steven would call to check on her, seeing that she has been locked away in her flat. All she would say is that she was fine and that she was just getting a few things ready for the holidays.

However, the boys were concerned because she hadn't been seen all day. Marc, in particular, believed she was angry at them and refused to speak to them. Steven would reassure Marc that it wasn't the case, but Marc was already convinced.

"Mate, Y/N isn't mad at us. If she was, she would have cursed at us long before we ended the conversation," Steven joked, attempting to cheer Marc up.

"…Maybe," Marc would say before disappearing into his headspace, where he would continue to think of ways to apologize to her.

As the sun began to set, Y/N gave one last look before patting herself on the back. She had tried numerous times to improve the cooking and would continue to do so to see if they wouldn't kill Marc and Steven. She considered it a success because she was still breathing.

She was nervous about pulling this surprise because she didn't know how the boys would react. Will they be grateful? Or would they be furious with her?

They made it clear that they didn’t want to celebrate.

The only way to find out was to wait until tomorrow. The plan was to wait for them to leave their apartment, which they usually did in the evening to go for a walk. With them gone for at least an hour or two, she had enough time to set everything up.

“You sure it’s going to work? What if they decide to stay in?”

“Then… I’ll ask them to bring me some supplies or something, I don’t know” she shrugged and began to put the decoration away in a bag.

“This is gonna go to shit”

“Thanks for the optimism”she said sarcastically.

———

It was the next day, and Y/N had spent it preparing various Jewish foods. The whole apartment was filled with a mixed aroma of sweet and savory. She wrapped the trays in foil to keep them warm until the time came. She looked up decorating ideas and built inspiration as she waited for the time to come.

She waited for the man across the hall to open his door and leave, as he did every time. She peered through the peephole when she heard the door close and saw Marc walk towards the elevator. She waited a few moments to make sure he didn't return, which he didn't.

As he walked away, he appeared to be deep in thought; perhaps she had caused him to have flashbacks of those bad memories. Or, hopefully, he was thinking about enjoying the holiday and went to do some last-minute shopping. Not to worry, she had it covered.

"I think it's neither of those, especially the second one"

"Shush"

She began gathering the decorations and making her way to their apartment once she was certain. They got in by having Mania open the door from the inside by slipping under the space between the door and the floor. Y/N took in her surroundings and mentally mapped out everything.

“Okay, okay, this should be easy” she breathed out.

———

The sun had set after an hour, and Marc was on his way back to his apartment. Going out was routine, but he needed to this time. He wanted to get something Y/N as an apology. He didn’t know how, he couldn’t even apologize to Layla for what he did to her. Normally, giving flowers worked, but he knew Y/N wasn't into that sort of thing, and it would be strange to receive a bouquet from a man twice her age.

Instead, he got her a bag of things she liked as a peace offering with the help of Steven. It was filled with her favorite snacks and a few items from her favorite shows, such as a t-shirt and mug.

Marc walked to the elevator after opening the complex's entrance. As the elevator climbed the levels of the building, he breathed in and out to try to relax. He was nervous because he was afraid she would yell at him or refuse to open the door for him.

“Marc, she isn’t one to hold grudges, I think... I’m sure she is over it”

“You don’t know that. She hasn’t talked to us since we went to the mall. I shouldn’t have said that, maybe I should have told her or just taken the offer” Marc gripped the bag and stared at the floor.

He stepped out of the elevator and walked to Y/N’s door. He stood there for a second before knocking. Waiting for a sign, he knocked again but there was nothing. Swallowing heavily, he knew she was upset and didn't want to open the door. She was probably on her bed, her eyes puffy from crying herself to sleep, thinking about his comment.

He didn’t want to force her to open the door, so he turned to Steven and his place. As his hand moved to the doorknob, he heard shuffling inside and his senses went up. He remembers he locked the door, he could even ask Steven, he was there.

It went smoothly when he gave it a turn. He slowly opened the door, taken aback. He was tense and ready to fight anyone who charged at him, but no one did.

Instead, he noticed blue and white streamers dangling from the ceiling. He moved slowly through the apartment, ending up behind Gus' fish tank. He noticed Steven's desk, where he used to read, had been cleaned up, and there was a blue table cover. It had a white table runner with the Star of David symbol on both sides.

Paper dreidels hung from the ceiling, and white lights illuminated the area. There were a few dreidels and a lot of golden chocolate coins on the desk.

The menorah Marc saw in the window display, however, was in the center. The one with the nine candles and the engraving at the bottom.

The whole set was in front of the window that overlooked the street. Where pedestrians walked by and admired the display from afar.

He gazed in awe before turning around to face Y/N. She wore a navy blue long-sleeve turtleneck with black jeans. She was carrying what appeared to be latkes. She smiled nervously and gripped the tray, not wanting to drop them and create an embarrassing memory.

“Surprise!”

Marc just stood there, still staring at her which caused her to almost shrink. He was maybe getting ready to yell at her.

"Yeah, I didn't know how you would react and I knew if I told you, you might have gotten angry or something. But I didn't want to keep you from the holiday stuff, you know?" She waited for a reaction.

"If your angry with me, I get it, just say the word and I'll take everything down and we don't have to talk about this ever again," she gulped. "Even if you don't ever want to talk to me again, I'll understand. You don't have to explain. Just say the word, and I'll-"

“He’s not angry”

Y/N paused and heard the bag he was holding fall to the floor. Her eyes trailed from the floor to Marc's face. Her eyes widened at his expression.

He had tears streaming down his face.

-

Layla was the last person who actually cared about Marc. She always seemed to bring the sun to him before and after they married. She would do small acts of affection for him, such as buying him something that reminded her of him or holding his hand when he was anxious. When they were together, he felt so loved and important every day. Nonetheless, he pushed her away at the end.

He pushed her away, believing that his existence would bring her harm and chaos. He argued that it was for the best and it was all for her happiness. After disappearing, he thought that no one else would ever show him the same affection. He even accepted it and contemplated his future in loneliness. That is until Y/N appeared.

The young adult was struggling to make sense of her life in London, but she still made time for him and Steven. Even after they saved the world from Harrow, she stayed by their side.

During lunch breaks, she would bring out two Tupperware containers filled with food. When looked closer, it turned out that she would make what the two liked. Steven was, of course, vegan, and he loved tomatoes, so she would prepare a vegan dish for him. Marc was vague but liked savory things like mushrooms or buffalo sauce, so she would end up making something he liked.

He'd always tell her she didn't have to, that sharing with Steven was fine with him. With that statement, he expected her to simply nod and continue serving Steven his customized food, saving her energy. But, no offense to Steven, she would say it wasn't fair to have him eat something he didn't like. She'd then have him eat his food while she ate hers.

She probably didn't think much of her words, and she probably thought it was normal to say. Nonetheless, it made Marc feel important.

-

Now she had taken time away from her day to incorporate his holiday into his life, even after his comment from a couple of days ago.

She most likely did her research and double-checked everything. She included a variety of foods, including sufganiyot, which he could tell was made by hand. Even some of the decorations he saw were made by hand. Aside from that, he realized she is very attentive to his eyes. Y/N got him the menorah that she somehow knew he loved. The reason why he was memorized by the menorah is that it was the same one he used as a child when his younger brother would help him in lighting it.

His brother always gave him the type of sibling love that made Marc miss. Because of his brother's death, he assumed that he would never receive that same affection again.

But here he was, in front of someone who made him realize he was enough. That he didn't have to be perfect and that he was fine the way he was. Even with all his flaws and fears.

More tears continued to pour and he tightened his hands into fists., sniffles coming from him. This made Y/N panic, thinking that she might have set off some horrible memory for him.

She hurried to place the tray on the small table Steven had, quickly apologizing.

"Don't worry, I'll put everything back!" She looked around for a place to begin.

Marc smiled and shook his head, giving one last sniff before pulling her into a hug. She stood frozen, perplexed by what just happened. His hug was tight like he was pouring all his gratitude and love from the past months.

"Don't," He pulls away and looks her in the eyes "Kid, you're the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'm sorry for what I said earlier. You aren't just some neighbor or coworker, you're my best friend and I want you to know that"

This time Y/N was tearing up which was followed by a few tears falling, "Man, you really got me crying,". She wiped her tears and sniffled, "I'm glad we're officially best friends, dude"

Marc softly laughs, ruffling her hair. She lets it happen, and that's when her eyes fall to the bag that fell, "What's that?"

"Oh, uh, I thought you were angry with what I said the other day" He picks the bag up.

"So you were going to ask for forgiveness by bribing me with stuff?" she raised her eyebrow.

"No...sort of. I got you-" he was stopped by Y/N raising her hands up to stop him from talking.

"Don't tell me! You can use the wrapping paper I have over there" She indicates a roll of white and blue paper with dreidel designs. "That's all I have left from wrapping your guys' presents."

“Presents?” Y/N motions to the stack next to Steven's desk. Marc follows her finger and discovers roughly 16 presents wrapped in the same paper as before. He approaches them and notices a few with his and Steven's names on them.

"Yeah, I saw that some families are trying to make gifts a tradition, so I figured why not make this," she said, motioning to the decorations. "A new tradition, if that's okay with you."

Marc smiles and nods, “Yeah that sounds great, I’d like that”

They spent the rest of the night spinning dreidels. Of course, Marc had to teach Y/N how to play first, explaining what each symbol meant. If the dreidel landed on the nun, she would get no gelt or chocolate coins. She'd get all of the gelt if it landed on the gimel. Hay means she gets half, whereas shin means she only gets one gelt.

For some reason, once she got the hang of it, she was getting more gelt than Marc. Each time she landed on a good symbol, she would hold a grin on her face. He asked her if she was using gum or something to make the dreidel land on hay or gimel, but she denied it.

"Hahahah! We are winning!"

That's when Steven entered the picture, and they were now almost tied. Marc was just baffled at how they were good at a simple game, it made him question his luck.

"No! Don't let him win!"

Finally, they decided to call it even and split the candy equally.

"We should just quit because if we continue, I know imma get all the gelt. I don't want to hurt your manly ego," she said as she shrugged her shoulders.

"Of course, I would have won the pot and you would have knocked everything off the table," Steven said as he sat cross-legged on the floor.

Marc and Steven tried the dishes made by Y/N after they finished playing. Her leg shook with excitement as she waited for them both to try the latkes and sufganiyot. Steven loved it, saying how she nailed it at getting the flavor. Marc, on the other hand, would mess with her and pretend to vomit.

“You’re an ass, you know that?” She leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed.

"Sorry, sorry, it's good…for the most part," he said quietly, prompting Y/N to kick him on the shin.

With all that done, they both moved to the menorah, ready to light the first candle. Y/N let Marc take the wheel since he knew the prayers more. He still hesitated but when he glanced at Y/N, he knew everything was alright. He started it off and soon Y/N joined in too, surprisingly pronouncing the words correctly.

Once done, with the shamash candle lit, Marc lit the first candle to the right. Marc placed the shamash candle in the center after it was lit and continued to recite the hanerot halalu.

When they finished, the two stared at the menorah as the small fire melted the wax. After about 30 minutes, they turned off the candles. Y/N remembered the gifts by he table and quickly grabbed two of them to give to Marc.

He blinked and carefully took the gift-wrapped box, as if it was so fragile it would break if he breathed on it.

Y/N bounced her feet and waited for him to open his present. He took off the lid of the box and paused to look at the inside. What he pulled out was a brown jacket with metal buttons down the middle.

"I remembered how your favorite jacket back at Mogart's got ripped up and how you were so devastated," she teased, "So I saw it back at the mall and I thought you'd like it"

"What the hell..." he said as he started putting it on to see how well it fit, and it was just like his old one, "It's just like my old one, but better! Look! It's even got more pockets! Thank you, I love it" he said as he hugged Y/N.

Steven then switched in and he looked at her, “I might sound like a child, but me next” he clasped his hands together.

She smiled and handed him his, and he didn't wait long before he began ripping it open. He was right, he was acting like a kid. What he pulled out was a deep brown leather messenger bag.

“Again, your bag was kinda destroyed by that jackal back when and you needed a new one. Plus you make it work” she gestured to the present.

"I love it!" he said, extending the bag away from his face with an open grin. "Oh, this leather will definitely keep water at bay. Thank you very much, Y/N."

She smiled proudly as Steven also went in to give her a hug.

Marc and Steven then wrapped one of her gifts and presented it to her. She pulled out a t-shirt from her current favorite show. She squealed and put it on right away to see if it fit.

“This is fucking cool!” She stretched the hem out to see the front image clearly.

“I’m glad you did, I helped Marc look around at that Hot Topic, you should have seen him. He was confused out of his mind” Steven laughed and so did Y/N.

“No I wasn’t, everything was just dark and gloomy”

--

For the whole week, Y/N would come to their apartment when the sun began to set. They would go and play a few rounds with the dreidel, eat a few latkes, and maybe have a conversation about the upcoming year. They would then follow the same routine of praying and lighting the candles. After Y/N would ask about what songs Marc would play and they would listen to a few while singing.

Later into the night, they would open the next present of the day. A leather watch for Marc and a gold bracelet for Steven were among the gifts they received.

On the last day, just when Marc was going to light the candle, he paused to think. That's when he turned to Y/N and handed her the shamash candle.

“Wait, you want me to light the candle? You sure? What if I burn the place down?”

He shook his head, “I doubt it, I believe in you”

Those words gave Y/N motivation and a sense of gratification.

Y/N took a deep breath and began slowly lighting all of the candles on the menorah, placing the shamash back in its place. She took a step back and gazed at the dancing flames that illuminated the small area of the flat.

They sat down to eat at the dining table after saying their prayers. Y/N ate her latke while talking. The conversation was about how she was excited about the new schedule for her next quarter of college, saying how there would be classes she actually liked.

Marc remained silent and listened as she continued to speak. He hadn't shared a holiday moment with anyone in years, let alone celebrated it.

When he thought of Hanukkah, the first thing that came to mind wasn't his mother yelling at him. The sense of loss and regret.

This time, it would be where Y/N rambled about her interest as she ate Jewish foods on Steven's wooden dining table. Where the feeling of comfort and love came.

They were just two people, with different lives, different backgrounds, and in different places in time.

Yet here they were sitting at some old apartment sharing a memory.

———————

Tbh, I had to make up some problem in order to lead to the lowkey angst at the middle. It probably doesn’t make sense, so I’m sorry.

Also let me know if I got anything wrong about Hanukkah. PLZZ

Anyways I hope yall are enjoying your winter break :)

Happy Holidays!!

PS: if you're coming from my series, the next chapter will be taking place after this holiday special. Meaning, see yall in January....? Idk, depends if I just want to write already.

Taglist: @itsjusspele @dustyinkpages @scoliobean @moonywritings

[smollangrycat]

Drown, Prt 10

(Avatar: WOW Oc)

Prt:1 Prt:2 Prt:3 Prt:4 Prt:5 Prt:6(I) Prt:6(II) Prt:7 Pt8(I) Pt8(II) Pt8(III) Prt:9 Prt:10 Prt:11

Quick Note - Hi Luvs! I’m so sorry about the long wait - Exams are currently kicking my ass, I hope your enjoy this Chapter!! Sadly I have to say there’s a note at the end, sorry!! 😅💕

Avatar: WOW spoilers. 

I would also like to give a massive thanks to all the love you guys have shown my fics, it truly makes my day!!

Summary

(During Avatar: WOW) Alue’k is terrified of water, so what happened when some Metkayina boys think it would be funny to drag her into the sea and leave her.

Warnings

Just fluff

Crying?

If you think anything else needs to be added leave a comment. 

———————————————

Silence.

Total silence … and quiet rage.

The eldest sully had faced many things in his life time, loosing his legs, loosing his brother, being shipped to a completely different planet, nearly dying to protect his new way of life, the stress of parenthood. However nothing could have prepared him for what he was told.

“They tried to drown me.”

Jake couldn’t believe what he’d just heard, someone almost took his child from him. His eye twitched slightly as he processed this new information and to say he was angry would be to drastically downplay the situation.

Hell, to say he felt rage would be a fucking understatement.

What Jake felt, he didn’t even think there was a name for. Some one had tried to take his child from him, tried to kill his baby girl. His sweet, funny and happy baby girl who only ever wanted to make others laugh. 

Jake hadn’t  notices that his inner thoughts had made him miss Alue’k quiet request. 

Neteyam caught on that his dad had managed to miss his sisters question so he gently pushed it forward by placing a hand on his fathers shoulder. When Hake met his eldest eyes he was directed to look once again at Alue’k.

Neteyam - Dad?

Jake once again made eye contact with his daughter fully listing to whatever she had to say. An alarmed look covered his face as he waited for his daughter to say something. 

He held  her tight in his arms, eyes wide and alert. Alue’k quietly chuckled to herself, he looked like what humans called an “Owl”. She had read about them in books Norm had given to her, the man could never say no to “puppy dog eyes” as he called it.

The young girl cuddled closer into his arms trying her best to match her breathing to his. Alue’k had always struggles white the idea of being small, always arguing against it. However, now? She couldn’t deny how small she really was, wrapped in her fathers arms. This is the safest she thinks she’s ever felt.

Alue’k - Can we go home?

Her voice was quiet and hoarse, like sand paper. 

It mad Jake wince. Nodding his head he cupped Alue’ks face, cradling it softly. A gentle smile covered his face as his eyes softened, how could he let this happen? 

He was meant to be the protecter… . How had he become so wrapped up in adapting to his new life that he missed his daughter struggling. Hell, we’re all of his children struggling and he was just blind to it?

Jake - Sure thing baby girl, we’ll go home yeah? We’ll go home, your mamas waiting up for you.

Alue’k sniffles nodding her head in agreement. She held on tight to Jake as he stood up and started to make his way to their marui pod, carrying Alue’k close to his chest. 

That was until an all too familiar feeling of teeth sinking into his calf’s made him stop. Jake stared down at the viper wolf who had never rlly shook the habit of nipping at his calf’s. He looked at his daughter who was reaching down towards the viper wolf, sighing gently he leaned down slightly making it easier for the young girl to pick up her friend.

Tonôwa cooed happily as he laid comfortably on Alue’k, the girl in questions smiles as she scratched under his chin making him purr. Her attention was captured by another however as someone started to frantically call her name.

They voice was quickly identified as Neytiri.

Aleu’k flailed a bit trying to get out of Jakes arms. Jake steadied himself before taking the hint and letting the girl down, he helped her regain her balance but before she could even properly settle on her feet she took of sprinting towards her mom. 

Alue’k - Mama!

Alue’k - Mama!

Her voice grew desperate as she pushed herself to run faster.

Tonôwa still in her arms (not enjoying the very rocky journey).

Neytiri ran faster than she ever thought was possible, she legs burned by the time she reached her precious daughter. When they finally crashed into each other, the force of it brought them both to there knees. Neytiri wrapped her arms around Alue’k, eyes watering out of relief that her daughter was safe.

After a few moments of just being held by Neytiri, Jake joined followed closely by Neteyam and Lo’ak. The all huddled around the girl and pulled each other in. This is the family she almost gave up, at this moment she didn’t believe she could ever forgive herself for that.

Their peace was soon interrupted by screaming, Alue’k braced herself as two bodies came crashing into the Sully family huddle.

Tuk and Kiri.

Kiri cupped her face, resting her forehead on hers while saying a quiet prayer of thanks to Eawa. Tuk just sobbed, wrapping her arms around her sisters waist and begging her never to leave again.

Alue’k had a lot of mixed emotion at the moment: She felt sad, angry, guilty just to name a few. However, right now, there’s no other place she would be then wrapped in her family’s arms.

——————————

Hey Luvs! I’m so sorry but I’m going to have to take a break, just until my exam are over. I hope you all understand!! However, I’m gunna miss all of you for the next few weeks, just remember to look after yourselves and be as happy as you can!!! 💕💕💕🥹

——————————

Tag List

@mxyz-nex

@inutheangeleeangle

@abbersreads

@mashiromochi

@carolinemacher

@octavias-next-meat-bite

@sophiexoxo-lollol 

@ksata

@just-another-queer-writer

@quietshyashlyn19

@kitkat27

[come-away-with-me87]

All I Need Chapter 11

Chapter 10 here

******

Warnings: This chapter has a three-month time jump.  It's been over nine months since Sir Nighteye has passed.

******

The next few months went by without incident, and the spring months were slowly approaching.  You and Shouta went back to the way things were before the kiss, and you were grateful for that.  You often hung out with him, Hizashi, Toshinori and Nemuri in the staff common area, or sometimes you went out to a bar and got a drink, or sometimes you all even went on walks together in the nearby park.  Speaking of that park, with regards to losing Mirai, you felt like you were finally starting to feel your "new normal."  You still missed him every day, but you felt like you were slowly, but surely, starting to move on with your life.

That is, until one day at the school, something happened that you weren't expecting to feel a certain way about.  Many of the high schools were gathering at the U.A. for a training event, which included Ketsubutsu Academy High School.  You were asked to attend the event, in the case any of your students needed emotional guidance.  You walked down to where the event was being held, and stood on the sidelines between Hizashi, Toshinori, and Nemuri; they always liked to be in on the action.  There were all types of students at this event, and all different types of pro-heroes as their teachers; it was so cool to see, especially as someone without a Quirk.

You continued to excitedly scan the field and the bleachers, looking for all different types of heroes and students.  During your scanning, you finally noticed Shouta up in a bare section of the bleachers, except he wasn't alone.  He looked like he was in an intense conversation with a woman with green hair and an orange bandana.  What was this feeling...you were feeling?  You've never seen Shouta talk to another woman so intently...and you felt jealous.  What the actual hell?  Why did you feel jealous?  Things got back to normal between the two of you months ago, you were just friends.  So why were you feeling jealous, of all the emotions you could be feeling?

You tried to play it cool, and casually asked, "hey Nemuri, who's that woman talking with Shouta?"  Nemuri looked up at them, "oh that's Emi Fukukado.  Her hero name is Ms. Joke.  She's hilarious, she's always trying to get Shouta to go out with her.  She's even proposed marriage a few times," she said while laughing.  "Ha ha, oh wow, that is funny," you said half-heartedly.  You tried to look away from them, but found your eyes continuing to wander up to them.  Ms. Joke was smiling and laughing to her heart's content, whereas Shouta couldn't look less amused.  Little did you know, Hizashi was watching you this entire time. He whispered in your ear, "you have nothing to worry about, Y/N.  Eraser thinks she's the most annoying person he's ever met."

"Then why do they look like they're having a deep conversation?" you muttered annoyingly, then slapped your hand over your own mouth.  You can't believe you just said that.  Hizashi just laughed out loud at your question, "trust me, you have nothing to worry about there."  You tried your best to snap out of your jealous fog; it wasn't a good look.  "It's none of my business anyway, Shouta can talk to whomever he wants.  We're just friends," you said defiantly.  Hizashi just continued to look at you with a knowing smile on his face.

The event went on, and you came to the emotional aid of many of your students, which made you practically forget about Shouta and Ms. Joke.  Many of the students were beating themselves up for many reasons.  The biggest reason you seemed to run into was that they thought their Quirk wasn't strong enough.  You assured each and every one of them they were, indeed, strong, that they would continue to grow and get stronger, and become fine heroes one day.  They seemed to feel better after talking to you.  What you didn't notice, while speaking with the students, was the pair of black eyes staring at you with awe from the bleachers.

The training event eventually ended, and the other schools started to depart.  Ms. Joke came down from the bleachers and met up with her students.  She was within earshot of you, getting one last "c'mon Eraser, go out with me!" out of her system, to which he gave a defiant no.  You then felt a hand on your shoulder; it was Hizashi, "I told you, he's not interested in her in the slightest."  You looked up at him, "pfft, it's none of my business who he dates or doesn't date."  Hizashi just rolled his eyes and laughed at you, knowing very well how you actually felt.

Once all of the other schools departed, you, the other staff, and the students walked back to Heights Alliance as a big group.  The students and staff split up into their respective dorm areas, and you all said goodnight to each other.  As you, Shouta, Hizashi, Nemuri, and Toshinori walked up the stairs to go to your dorms, there was someone very unexpected there, waiting right by your door: Bubble Girl from Nighteye Agency, and she had an envelope in her hand.  What in the world was she doing here?

******

To be continued!

[greenerteacups]

Fic Masterpost

Oh, boy. Okay. Here we go.

I have written literally hundreds of thousands of words of fic, and this is where you can find it! Consider this a kind of annotated bibliography.

Harry Potter

Lionheart

Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger | 300,000 words and counting

How Draco Malfoy met a girl on a train, ruined his life, started a war, and ended one.

Notes: Oh, honey. This is my baby. The longest fic I've ever written, the currently running one, and the one I'm most fond of. A Gryffindor!Draco AU that retraces all 7 books. Slowburn Dramione (SLOW, slow burn, a simmer, currently more like a suntanning) with Golden Quartet vibes. I pre-write all the books and then release them in weekly updates, kinda like a serial publication, so you always know when your next hit is coming!

Volume I, "Green and Golden," composed of Years 1-3, finished early in 2023. It's currently releasing Volume II, "Son and Heir," which just finished the first act of Year 4.

/

The Climb

Harry Potter, Severus Snape & Harry Potter | 22,000 words

"...in the event that I, Lily Evans Potter, and my husband, James Potter, become deceased," read Albus, "I do hereby name Severus Snape as sole legal custodian of my son, Harry James Potter, until such a time as he comes of age." He folded his glasses on the table. "Fuck," said Severus, with feeling.

Notes: An unexpected brainworm that I had while compiling a Severus playlist for Lionheart, which rapidly spiraled out of control. It's a "Severus raises Harry" fic, which I never had a taste for until I started writing this — I realized there was so much more juice in the narrative idea than I'd realized. I like how I use voice and style here; I think I made a real leap in technique between SWHTWW and this one.

//

Other

the scenes which hold the waking world

Six of Crows, Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa, Matthias Helvar/Nina Zenik, Jesper Fahey/Wylan van Eck | 70,000 words

Thirty million dollars for a secret. That's the payout for Kaz Brekker, the most dangerous, ruthless, and talented extractor in the dream industry — if he can manage it. But to have a chance, he needs the best. That means finding a team willing to attempt the impossible: a knife-wielding cat burglar, a college dropout with perfect aim, a sullen ex-Navy SEAL, a drop-dead gorgeous former Soviet spy, and the estranged son of their rich employer. If they can avoid killing each other, they'll go down in history. If they can't, none of them may wake up again.

Notes: This was my first novel-length fic, and I'll always have a soft spot for it. It's an Inception AU with the vibes of Leverage meets Ocean's 11, with a side of psychological trouble and codependency. Read if you like spy movies, heist stories, or dangerous criminals whose Achilles heel is being unable to stop talking shit to each other.

/

someday we'll linger in the sun

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Namor of Talokan/Shuri | 40,000 words

As the legends have it, after she earned the blessings of Bast, the Princess Shuri took a god for a lover. The legends say less about what happened in between.

Notes: Another drabble that spiraled wildly out of control. (You may notice a theme.) I watched Black Panther over Christmas break and thought, "Wow, that's an incredible storyline that didn't actually happen, wish someone would write it." Technically unfinished, but I think the existing chapters serve as a complete story. Unfortunately, no plans to come back to this one; I might mark it as finished at some point, because it feels settled to me.

/

it's a western, henry

Dimension20: Fantasy High, Riz Gukgak/Fabian Aramais Seacaster | 10,000 words

Nobody fantasizes about kissing goblins in the moonlight, or taking them out on ice cream dates after class. Especially not beautiful half-elves on the bloodrush team, who could have anybody they wanted (and probably do). It's the beginning of a bad joke. A goblin and a half-elf walk into a tower... And the goblin ends up slain on the floor while the half-elf walks out with the princess.

Notes: My first fic, which started as a writing exercise. A character study in fantasy race relations and a love story between a nerd and a jock in which the jock is the anxious one. Working title for a while was "it's not easy being green," before I found the fancy Siken line. I still think there's some good humor in here, and I like rereading it from time to time.

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 11: Olive Harvest Tournament

Patch couldn’t tell what kept them up that night. Was it the pressure to win? Their constant need for productivity? Tamarind’s snoring? Suffice it to say, on the morning of the Olive Harvest Festival, Patch spared no time sleeping in.

As the sun rose, larger crowds joined to visit the bustling village in its festivities. The streets were more decorative than they were before. Olive-shaped balloons were tied to each lamp post. The doors of cottages were adorned with wreathes made from olive leaves and branches. 

Patch and Sage walked among the crowd, searching for the booth to enter the tournament.

   “Do you think all these people are entering the tournament too?” Patch wondered.

“I’m not sure,” Sage answered, “Tournaments only allow for twenty-four participants, so we better hurry.”

Oh man I hope I’m not to late! The Harvest Tournament was offering $15,000 P to the winner, and Patch owed 10,000 P to the village in property damage. Sage had already loaned them the first 2,000 P, but they have to pay her back at some point.

Finally, the two trainers found a tent with a Pokeball logo. A woman sat at the desk, collecting names on a clipboard. 

“Are you both here for the tournament?” The woman asked adjusting her glasses. 

“Yes,” Sage spoke for the both of them. 

The Tournament Volunteer eyed Patch, “Are you the one who broke our orchard trees? 

The hair on the back of their neck stood up, they almost felt violated, “You… know who I am?”

“I was told you might be entering,” she playfully smiled, “Let’s get you signed in. Name?” 

“Patch Callune,” Patch replied.

“Where ya from?” 

“Nacrene City, Unova!”

“Ah nice,” the volunteer said, jotting every word, “How many Pokemon will you be using? We have a 500 P fee per Pokemon.”

Aw man, there’s always a catch, Patch rolled their eyes. I can’t afford to pay for my whole team when I’m already low on cash. I have to use Tamarind… but using one Pokemon is too risky! The clock in their head was ticking forward, it was almost as if there was a bomb strapped to their chest. Who else, who else? Kombucha? Too stubborn! Flumpfy? I don’t know how well electric types do against bug types! Maybe a poison type will give me a bigger advantage?

“Mx. who are you battling with?” The woman tapped her finger on the wooden table. 

“Tamarind and Arturo!” Patch exclaimed as an imaginary timer went off, “My Fuecoco and Shroodle,” they clarified. 

They went ahead and handed the lady half of what Sage gave them in cash. In return, she handed Patch a large sticker labeled 15. They peeled the sticker off the wrapper and stuck it on their aquamarine shirt for all to see. 

“Go to the corral at the right end of the street, and wait with the other trainers,” the volunteer shooed them away. 

Patch followed her instructions and located the large. It wasn’t hard to miss, given little more than a dozen trainers were waiting inside. Some already had their Pokemon out to warm up, as Sage predicted most of them were bug types such as Venonats and Heracrosses. One trainer even had a Scyther sharpening its blade-like arms to presumably slice the competition. 

I have a fire type, Patch reminded themselves, I’ll be fine.

The corral was wide enough to fix eight small battlefields for the Pokemon to fight on. Patch wondered if it was normally used for holding majestic horse Pokemon. At the end of the corral, a stage had been set up with speakers and a banner in the correlating olive green shade. It read 37th Annual Cortondo Olive Harvest Tournament, Sponsored by Pasterie Soapberry and The Cortondo Gym. 

This village has a Gym?! Back in Unova, Gyms were expensive to manage. Only the largest cities were able to receive proper funding to keep their Gyms afloat. Perhaps Cortondo’s olive trade paid off more than met the eye. Now Patch had more of a reason to win, otherwise, the village would go bankrupt. 

It wasn’t long until Sage caught up with them, she was labeled as 4. 

“Wow, great turnout,” Sage commented on the other trainers, “I’m glad I caught that Flechling yesterday when I did, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Aren’t you nervous?” Patch gulped, “Some of these guys look tough!”

“A little bit,” Sage admitted, “But don’t let them intimidate you, some Pokemon aren’t as tough as they look.” 

I sure hope so…

After a while, a women in a flowy dress walked onto the stage and adjusted the microphone stand to meet her height. As she tapped the microphone three times it echoed of the speakers and everyone’s attention was placed on her. 

“Buenos Dias, and welcome everyone to our 37th annual tournament!” the lady announced.

She received a polite round of applause and cheering from the twenty-four participants awaiting for the tournament to kick off.

“First, and foremost I want to thank our Gym leader, Katy Soapberry, for sponsoring this event!” the announcer read off her clipboard. 

The aforementioned Katy entered the stage. She had a chubby yet curvy build with ivory, pale skin. She fashioned a chocolate-colored chef’s outfit, with a minty green ponytail sticking out of her hat.

“Thank you,” she said sweetly as the microphone elevated her southern charm, “Wish all of you luck in this year's tournament, and may this year’s winner triumph!”

“Without any further delay,” The announcer flipped to a new page, “We shall begin the primary rounds, each round will consist of three emlimnary rotations where you will only move on to the next round after victory in battle. An assigned referee will supervise you under League standards, so don’t try anything risky!”

Thats smart, Patch thought. They saw a person dressed in the same volunteer uniform standing at each court. 

She began to list the first groups, “May Trainers one through eight make their way to their respective courts!”

“That’s me, I better go!” Sage chimed in.

“Good luck,” Patch wished.  

Patch stood on the sidelines with the rest of the trainers, while Sage stood at the court on the farthest right. They could barely see if the battle had even commenced or if their friend was winning. 

Sage is way better than me, maybe just as good as Nemona… Patch could just picture Sage as Paldea’s next Champion rank trainer. That would make them a friend to two champions. 

The battle court in front of them had a white Sqwawkabilly gliding away from the blades of the ferocious Scyther. 

“Use X-Scissor!” their trainer commanded. 

The large mantis swung their blades with precision which the Sqwawkabilly was unable to dodge. It reminded Patch of their defeat yesterday, and the loss soon to come. Even with a fire type I don’t stand a chance…

The onlooking referee held a flag toward the Scyther declaring him the winner. Please don’t make me fight that.

“Hiya!” Sage startled their highly strung friend, “Good news, I passed!” 

Sage’s Fletchling, Scorch, perched on her shoulder. Their feathery, gray down remained unscathed. 

“Oh good,” Patch congratulated, “I knew you would!”

Once the last pair concluded their battle it was time for the next rotation of trainers, “May trainers nine through sixteen make their way to their assigned courts?!”

This was it, their moment was finally upon them and they could not feel more unprepared.

“Go on that’s you!” Sage encouraged them, “Don’t worry you’ll be fine!” 

Patch strode out to the courts with referees calling out to their respective trainers.

“Trainer twelve, Report to court A!”

“Where are you fourteen?!” 

“Number nine! Can I get number nine?! Vominose, number nine!”

A referee with a shaven stubble called to them, “Fifteen, over here!”

Patch marched up to their court before they were declared to be disqualified. To their surprise they recognized their opponent, it was the cranky biscuit vendor! He scowled at the anxious trainer, it was clear that Patch wasn’t forgiven.

“Get to it, Wheatley!” The old man threw his Pokeball. 

Out of the Pokeball, a large Fidough appeared and Patch was instantly smitten. Aw man why did have to be something so cute! Snap out of it Patch! It’s a fairy type… I still have a type advantage!

Patch retrieved Arturo’s Pokeball from their bag, making sure it had the right markings. “Go, Arturo!” They launched it into the air.

Arturo popped out, “Shree, shrew!” he squeaked.

“Battle begin!” the referee waved his flags.

Patch was quick to call the first attack, “Arturo, use Acid Spray!” 

The cranky old man followed suit, “Counter with Fairy Wind!”

“Bowww!” The Fidough summoned a sugary gust of wind.

As Arturo spat his attack at the dog, the acid was blown back toward him and burned into the ground at the dog. The odor of it filled the air with putrid, overwhelming fumes. 

Patch covered their nose, “Try again, with bite!”

“Shrooo!” The shrew launched himself in the air with open jaws. 

This time he landed a hit on the Fidough’s pillowy, soft body. Granted, he was small enough to shake off. But now a purple bite mark was present on their opponent's neck, and Patch almost felt guilty. I hope I won't get in trouble for that!

“Focus, Wheatley!” the old man complained, “Use, Mud Slap!”

Oh Arceus! “Dodge it, quick!” They ordered. 

 With each splash mud, Arturo effortlessly scampered away from being hit. Nice speed!

They decided to use Arturo’s energy to their advantage, “Now, Fury Swipes!” 

A pair of white glowing detracted from the Shroodle’s nubby little paws. He swiped at his opponent heavily landing more than one hit.

“Use Covet!” the old man hollered. 

However, Fidough didn’t follow his order and only panted with a huff.

The referee spoke, “Fidough is exhausted to battle!” he held a flag toward Patch, “Shroodle is the winner! Victory goes to Trainer Fifteen!” 

Patch stood awestruck, they won! They won an official battle! “Arturo!” they wiped a tear from their eye, “You did it!”

“Shroo Shroo!” Arturo squeaked back, hopping into his trainer’s arms. 

As the old man sprayed his Fidough with a potion they heard him murmur, “Keep it on a leash!”

That must be his answer to everything, Patch jokingly thought.

…

After the third rotation concluded their battles, sixteen trainers remained. But Patch knew it was only the beginning, their next opponent would be their real battle. 

The next round was split into four groups of four trainers battling at a time. This time Sage and Patch were called up together, thankfully fighting separate people. To their surprise, their opponent was the same Scyther trainer from before, the one they feared the most. 

The Scyther had an exoskeleton the color of wild grass. Its ivory blades were dented at the tip from its past battles. Meanwhile, it’s cream-colored wings were clean from any wounds. Despite it being a bug type it had a vicious, reptilian head that struck fear into Patch’s delicate heart.

Their trainer was not much better, he was a slender man with long brunette hair and a scar treading across his face. His posture was gangly and slouched. To Patch, this would be a horrific battle. To their opponent, it was another Wednesday.   

  Without any hesitation Patch called out Tamarind, hoping the light of his embers would guide them through the dark path ahead of them.

As soon as the referee lashed their flags, Patch attempted to declare “Use Emb-

“Dieter, Air slash!” The opponent interrupted.

In a flash the mantis beated it’s wings into the air and created glowing discs from swiping their scythes. 

Oh man that’s not good! “Tamarind, use Disarming voice!”

“Fueyye!” Tamarind chanted a honeyed pitch and unleashed an array of soundwaves. 

Alas, a disarming voice couldn’t penetrate through the air slashes, and the Fuecoco was hit. He slid down the court with his nails scratching against the surface.

“Tamarind,” Patch knelt to their Pokemon, “Are you okay?” 

Tamarind didn’t turn to face his trainer, instead, he marched back into his fighting position, “Fuey!” he growled. 

Patch readjusted themselves, putting full faith in their starter, “Okay..” they pushed their hat out of their eyes, “Use em-”

The gangly man cut them off once again “Use slash!”

The Scyther flew towards Tamarind and raised his blade. Then it dawned on Patch, He’s interrupting me on purpose! He knows that Scyther is weak to fire! 

“Tamarind, bite its arm!” Patch retorted.

Thankfully the Fuecoco was quick enough to grab the blade with his jaws as it came toward him. The mantis tried to shake him off but Tamarind latched onto them like a lock. 

Realizing they took both the Pokemon and trainer off guard Patch took the upper hand, “Use ember!” They finally proclaimed. 

Hanging by the edge, Tamarind unhooked his jaw to sputter a surprise flame. Now the Scyther’s blade-like membrane had a charred rip. Patch couldn’t tell if this was against the League's rules, but the referee didn’t comment or even seem surprised. Less than their opponent was.

They went on while they were still ahead, “Tamarind use-

“Wait until, number eight gives a command!” The referee finally stepped in, “Will you continue?”

The trainer’s posture was more crooked than before, “I-I…” He whimpered, “I will not…” He recalled his Scyther instantly.

“Victory goes to fifteen!” The referee raised a flag in their honor.

Patch couldn’t process the outcome. Of course, bug types were vulnerable to fire but their opponent was quick to withdraw as soon as a flame was lit. Did it only take one super-effective attack to win a fight? If they kept going would the Scyther become a pile of ash? What mattered was that they met the league’s standards. But Patch would keep Tamarind faraway from any water Pokemon. 

…

With each new round, the number of trainers shrank, until Patch had to face one more challenger and fate saved the worst for last.

“We’ve gotten quite the interesting match-up folks,” the announcer declared, “Our last remaining challengers came a long way both figuratively and literally!”

Patch tried to focus on why they were fighting in the tournament in the first place. Just one more battle, and I get my prize money. It would all go fast but not in their favor.

“Number fifteen’s from Nacrene City, Unova, and a Uva academy Student,” the Announcer hyped them up, “They are in a a severe amount of debt, so please give it up for Patch Callune!” 

They muffled out the loud applause with the comforting texture of their hat. They walked toward a larger battle-court made just for them. Former participates and festival stood around them, expecting Patch to win.  

“Next up, a trainer also hailing from Unova in Icarius City and a Student of Naranja, please give it up for… Sage Winchell!” The Announcer riled the crowd up. 

Sage entered the court, holding his cane with both hands. She was clearly bothered by the crowd gawking at her and yet when she looked at Patch she smiled in solace. As if she found comfort in the battle. 

I’ve been lucky to make it this far, let’s hope my luck doesn’t run out! 

The referee stood at the sidelines, “Challengers choose your Pokemon!” 

Patch threw Tamarind’s Pokeball onto the court, and the fire croc came out yawning. Please don’t be to exhausted to fight, I need you!

Sage followed with their Pokeball, and her shinx appeared, placing her opponent in a frenzy. Damn, I should have chosen Arturo! Why didn’t I teach Tamarind any ground-type moves?! Patch stared fearfully at the shinx’s bristling fur. I’ve made Zia surrender before maybe I could do it again?

 “Zia use Thundershock!” Sage raised her cane.

Oh fuck we’re starting now! “Tamarind use… Round Voice!”

Tamarind turned his head toward Patch confused.

“UH DISARMING VOICE! I MEANT-” 

Before they could finish their command a thin bolt of static struck the the Fuecoco’s hyde.

Luckily, enough he followed through, “FUEY!” he sang agonizingly with sharp soundwaves. 

It kept the Shinx in place, but also irritated Sage. “Thunder Shock, again!” She raised her voice against the volume. 

Zia shook off another bolt as soon as Tamarind ended his song. The Fuecoco didn’t seem all too phased by the electric attacks. 

“Try Round!” Patch told their Pokemon.

“Use bite!” Sage followed up. 

“Maur!” Zia lunged with sharpened teeth and went right for the Fuecoco’s throat.

Crap, Patch worried remembering their battle yesterday, I should have seen this coming!

As the little Shinx sank her teeth into the Fuecoco’s scales, he began to cry out in agony, “Fuey- fuey co,” his voice became shriveled, “FUEY,” he choked out a large ember.

Zia was caught in the smoldering flame, taking damage but her voltage spared her pelt from sustaining any scars. The Shinx fell backward releasing the fire croc from her grasp. Patch was compelled to give Tamarind a potion after that nasty blow, but they realized Sage would do the same. Now was a better time than ever to make the first move.

“Tamarind use Disarming Voice!” Patch shouted.

“Fuey-eyye aye ay!” The fire croc warbled, his voice still scratchy from the bite to his throat.

Maybe he needed that potion after all?! Tamarind’s soundwaves were misshapen but raw with power. It was enough to keep Zia from coming any closer. 

After that, the two Pokemon were out of breath, equally as exhausted. Only the referee had the authority to claim the victor. Patch prayed for Tamarind to keep standing, heavily regretting the gamble they made to keep fighting.

Finally, at that moment, Zia collapsed to the ground. Immediately the referee raised a flag in Patch’s honorary victory.

“And it looks like our runner up is Patch of Nacrene City!” The announcer declared.

The sound of cheering faded out as the supposed “winner” retreated deep within the confines of their mind. I won… a whole tournament. All by myself… well almost… my team did most of the work.

They felt nudge by their side, “Way to go, Buddy,” Sage congratulated them with Zia in her arms, “You did a great job!”

Zia was panting heavily and Patch felt a little remorseful, “Is she okay?” 

“She’s not hurt, she just needs a potion,” Sage explained.

Potion! I almost forgot! Patch tended to Tamarind immediately, who was barely keeping his balance. They spritzed him down with a potion for a job well done.

“Fueyyy,” He slowly smiled. 

Proud of you big guy!

“Just you wait folks, the excitement isn’t done yet!” The announcer exclaimed over the speaker.

Not over, but I just won the tournament and all the prize money! What more could be left?

“Our tournament will conclude with one final round! Tomorrow, our remaining challenger will face our very own Gym leader for the cash prize!”  

“I’m going to what?!” Patch demandly asked the woman with applauding canceling out their voice .

Of course there was a catch.

[mistresslrigtar]

Things are coming to a head, with only three chapters to go (next updates will be 11/12, 11/26, and 12/10). If you haven't already, start the journey HERE This story is Rated E for adult themes and content.

Below some PG excerpts to whet the appetite 😉

Chapter One - Resistance

Mipha clutched Zelda’s arm, squeezing it tightly as she gazed up at Revali with shining amber eyes. “Isn’t he dreamy?”

“Yes.” Zelda feigned agreement, but she couldn’t care less about Revali. Her attention was solely fixated on the bassist. How had she never noticed this man walking around campus before today? His eyes seemed to glow like two burning coals of blue, and she yearned for his gaze to be on her instead of the sticky stage floor. The crowds' energy and the drunk students dancing around her didn’t matter; she was completely transfixed. “Who’s that again?”

“Whos’ what….” Mipha began but then followed Zelda’s gaze and understood her fascination. “Oh....oh! That’s Link.”

Link. Zelda would have to eat her words earlier about alternative music being garbage. Hyrule Warriors had just recruited a new fan.

Chapter Two - Euphoria

Zelda had never been around such free spirits before. The atmosphere buzzed with their camaraderie, and she was surprised at how comfortable she’d become despite having just met the group. She took a sip of her ale and settled back into her chair. Link peeled a cocktail napkin off the pile he was writing on and slid it across the table toward her, fingers slightly spread so Zelda could see there was writing hidden beneath. She risked looking over where he sat across from her. His shoulder-length, pink-streaked, dark blond hair was tucked behind his perfectly pointed ears, which she now realized were pierced with hoops that matched his turquoise eyes. Eyes that were shining brightly at her while their friends drank, talked, kissed, and laughed uproariously around them. 

Daruk slapped him on the back, knocking over his tall pint of ale in the process, and shouted something in Link’s ear, completely oblivious to the huge spill he’d just made. Link’s beautiful eyes widened as the force of the blow jarred him, and with a resigned shrug that sent the Farosh tattoo rippling down his arm, he gave Zelda an apologetic grin before turning his attention back to his friend.

His fingers disappeared from the napkin to help mop up the mess. Zelda reached out to snatch it off the table before the amber liquid oozing over the tabletop smudged the inked note.

Wanna go see the movie tomorrow?

Chapter Three - Bliss

“Favorite color.” Link’s voice filled her head.

“Huh?” 

His laugh was warm and soothing. “Sorry. What’s your favorite color?”

“Oh.” Zelda’s cheeks flamed with the simple question. What would he think when she told him her favorite color? Maybe she should lie. But that could lead to the beginning of little white lies that led to big black lies, and… she was getting ahead of herself. “Turquoise.”

“Heh. Is that before or after you met me?”

Chapter Four - I Belong to You - NSFW

Zelda handed him the bottle and the corkscrew as she thought of a way to save the conversation and face. “I can’t like Kass and alternative rock?”

“Do you?” Link raised an eyebrow as he twisted the corkscrew, and she admired how his biceps flexed with that simple movement. Pushing the plunger down, he pulled the cork out with a loud pop. 

“Not until yesterday.” Zelda looked at him through her eyelashes, biting her lip and smiling. What was she doing? She didn’t know how to flirt.

Link glanced up at her, blue eyes glowing, and rewarded her effort with his dimpled smile. “Heh. I’m rubbing off on you already, Zel.” He dropped the corkscrew on her desk and perused the cluttered shelves. “I can write you a song worthy of Kass. Just give me a few days. Glasses?”

Write her a song? Zelda thought she might faint. Her heart flip-flopped in her chest at the thought, even as she marveled at his boast. “Wow! You’re confident.” 

Zelda pushed aside a couple of chip bags on her fridge and retrieved two glasses hidden behind them. She should really think about tidying up her room.

“No, just inspired by a muse.”

Chapter Five - Butterflies and Hurricanes

“This is the third movement. Gan titled it Redemption.” After a few more measures, Link began playing with his right hand, simple at first, building to a more complex melody. “Here’s where the string section would come in, with a counter melody. Gan can play a little violin, but we have some friends who will play for us once we complete composing the orchestration.” 

He repeated the opening, gradually increasing the volume as the tempo picked up. Zelda couldn’t take her eyes off his hands, mesmerized by their seemingly weightless touch as his fingers glided over the keys. The melody grew, and the theme changed. Then he took an audible breath and, to Zelda’s delight, began to sing:

“Let’s start over again

Why can’t we start it over again?

Just let us start it over again

And we’ll be good

This time we’ll get it, hmmm get it right

It’s our last chance

To forgive ourselves.”

(song lyrics from Muse Exogenesis Symphony Pt:3)

Chapter Six - Undisclosed Desires - NSFW

“Zelda, are you listening to me?” 

Zelda’s eyes snapped open, and her cheeks flushed as if her mother had just walked in on her fantasizing rather than just calling to her over the phone. “Yes, Mom. Graduation is on the 25th. I can’t wait to see you and Dad. I need to get ready for class, okay? Love you.”

“Love you, too, honeybun.” ‘Love you, honeybun!’

Laying the phone across her belly, Zelda allowed her eyes to drift close, hoping she could return to her daydream or, even better, to sle–Brrrrringggggg! Brrrrringggggg!

“Argh!!!!” Zelda jerked the phone back to her ear. “Yes, Mom?”

“Uh. I hope I’m not your mom, ‘cuz that would be awkward and super weird.”

Oh. Link. A smile crept onto Zelda’s face, and she rolled over on her side, tucking the phone between her ear and the pillow.

Chapter Seven - Break it to Me

Zelda’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. Was it her imagination, or had Selmie’s hand slipped further up Link’s leg? What was Zelda seeing? Is that what she had looked like when Link played his symphony for her? She shook her head. Link wouldn’t do this to her. Would he?

If you ask me, I think she still likes him. Mipha’s words from just a week ago regarding Selmie ran unbidden through Zelda’s mind, and her brain started working overtime. What did Selmie have that Zelda didn’t? Trendy, funky hair. Muscular, athletic build. She was probably an animal in bed, and maybe Link preferred that. Sleeping with Zelda must have been like licking vanilla ice cream after developing a taste for rocky road. Since she and Selmie were petite with green eyes and pale skin, maybe he’d imagined Selmie every time he’d been with Zelda.

Oh, goddesses. Bile rose up the back of her throat when Selmie rested her head on Link’s shoulder, and he didn’t even flinch.

“Tsk. That isn’t a good look.” Zelda turned to see Revali standing behind her. The jerk had followed her just to gloat?

Chapter Eight - Map of the Problematique

“What’s he like?” 

“Sweet, kind, funny, even though his jokes are terrible. Thoughtful - he really cares about his friends.” Even creepy Ganondorf. Zelda would love to know what not-high-as-a-kite Ganondorf was like since Link hadn’t given up on his best friend yet. Maybe it was more that Link didn’t back down from a challenge, which meant there was still hope for her, no matter how the odds were stacked. “And, Mom, so talented. If you heard Link play the piano and sing…”

“It sounds like you’re already in love with this Link.” Zelda could hear the smile coloring her mother’s voice as her father chimed in from the background, ‘Who’s Link?’ 

“Someone Zelda’s met at school, hon.” ‘Are we going to meet this young man when we see her in a couple of weeks?’

Zelda rested her forehead in her hand and couldn't help but laugh. Her parents. “Maybe? I don’t know. I think I messed things up; we had a fight, and he’s gone for a week, and… I just don’t know.”

Chapter Nine - Madness - NSFW

“Yeah, about that.” Releasing her, Link slid off the seat, ruffling his hair as he stood. “I shoulda understood where you were coming from, seeing me with Selmie. It wasn’t cool how I acted. Sunday was the worst day I’ve had in a really long time. I couldn’t stop thinking about you… the hurt look on your face. It made me realize… I was thrilled when you texted me.”

Oh sweet, Hylia, what was he trying to say? What should she say? Zelda hadn’t stopped thinking about Link since she first saw him but couldn’t tell him. It was too soon for that type of confession. “Sunday wasn’t so great for me either. If I hadn’t had my research to focus on…”

“Yeah, I was glad for the distraction of traveling and setting up for our first gig.” Link turned and looked at her through the curtain of his hair. “I blew you off last week when you asked, but… I did a lot of soul-searching this week, and… there’s more between us than a good time, right?”

I'd really love to see this story top my stats on AO3. If you're over the age of 18 and haven't already, give this college au a try and leave me a Kudos and a comment if you have the time. TYSM! 😊

Interested in the songs included in this story? Below is the playlist, including the upcoming songs for Chapters 10, 11, and 12.

[friedbaekhyunandeggso]

Reason ~ ch. 9

Pairing: Female OC x Levi Ackerman

Tropes: Instructor x Cadet, Strangers to Lovers, Male MC falls first

Warnings: angst/slow-burn, strong language, upcoming smut(18+ readers only for those chapters pls 🙈), physical assault/violence, mentions of scars

Brief Summary: This story takes place a few years after the Fall of Shiganshina. Devon Alba is in her final year of the 101st Training Corps (844-847), due to her success as a cadet she gets the chance to meet Captain Levi. She doesn’t think too much of him until he catches her in the midst of doing something that she isn’t entirely supposed to be doing. But surprisingly, this leads to something unexpected...

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11

Devon ran to the training field—running late as per usual. She ran to stand near the far end of the lined up cadets.

“Hey-“ someone grabbed her elbow and spun her around.

She was met with Keith’s eager gaze, “What’d she say?”

She blinked, “Huh?”

“Imada. Yesterday. We let you walk her home by yourself so you could ask her about Monty.”

Her eyes widened. She’d completely forgotten. 

“Fuck.” she muttered.

Keith’s hazel eyes scanned her face, “What?”

“I forgot.”

“What do you mean you forgot? Monty wasn’t able to get an ounce of sleep last night cause he was that fuckin’ anxious-and you just-forgot?”

She almost laughed but bit it back, “Listen, it’s not like I forgot on purpose.”

A glimmer of humor entered his gaze when he caught her laugh.

“Wow. Just wow,” he shook his head, “Not you laughing at him when he literally looks like a raccoon.”

“Maybe you should ask your Mom to make him a remedy.”

“Funny you say that because that’s her next project.”

She then asked, “Where are they?”

“He’s at the front with Imada. I came to the back of the group to catch you first cuz I knew your ass was gonna be late.”

He leaned in to whisper in her ear, “You know Imada asked him why he looked so tired. I almost lost it.”

She covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing too loud. Keith watched her with a smirk.

“Cadets!” Chief Shadis’s voice suddenly boomed. “Today's training is…”

She momentarily zoned out when her eyes scanned around Chief Shadis for a short, black-haired male.

He was nowhere in sight.

She exhaled—attempting to brush off the fleeting sinking feeling that’d originated somewhere within her.

Don’t be ridiculous.

She shook her head, drawing her focus back to Chief Shadis’s sternly spoken instructions.

Devon walked out the classroom with a sheet of paper in her hand. Monty was already waiting out the door.

She grasped his arm excitedly, “Monty-I got a hundred!”

For someone like Monty, hundreds were nothing new. He excelled in the educational side of being a cadet whilst Devon wasn’t exactly the most stellar student-in that department.

Monty slipped the paper out of her hands, “Look at that. Told you my lessons would pay off.”

Suddenly someone shouldered past Devon from behind-a sneer leaving their lips.

Devon glanced over to see it was Carter. He’d been in her class as well—and from the looks of it, he didn’t receive a hundred.

“What the hell-“ Monty started but Devon placed her hand on his chest.

“Forget it. If he wants to be a bitter baby then that’s his problem.” she rolled her eyes.

Ever since she’d beat him at their hand to hand combat session he seemed to go out of his way to be an inconvenience to her. Dirty looks in the hallway. Finding garbage on her seat. Clothes going missing in the laundry room.

It was all so stupidly petty and beneath her.

But she’d be lying if she said it didn’t tick her off. As much as having an outburst would quell her urge to confront him, she wanted to make him pay another way. A way that would give her more satisfaction.

She just wanted to see him suffer on Rank Day.

Monty sighed, “You're more patient than me.”

“I’m…playing the long game.”

“Yeah, how so?”

“I would tell you but I kinda want you to see it when it happens.”

“Well now I have to know.”

“Nahh. I promise it’ll be worth the wait.”

Monty looked at her-calcutively, “Fine. But you better let me know when it happens.”

“I will.” she promised.

“Umm-“

“Listen-“ they both started.

They both laughed.

Devon spoke first, “I know you're gonna ask if I talked to Imada-and Keith probably told you this-but I actually forgot. I know that sounds stupid but I actually did. I promise I’ll talk-“

“No, don’t worry. That’s completely fine. More than fine.” he said.

His voice dropped an octave lower as they walked back to the barracks.

“Look, I know you and Keith both think I should tell her but I honestly don’t want to yet. Let’s be real, if she did like me she would’ve told you by now. We’ve been friends for almost three years so-“

“But-“ Devon argued.

Suddenly Monty spoke fast, “I don’t want to lose her, okay?”

Devon’s eyes widened as she saw him hesitate. She could see his franticness peek through his calm facade when he ran a hand through his curly brown hair.

She stood in front of him fully astonished. Looking at him now she realized just how deep his feelings ran. He was clearly struggling with this more than he was letting on. She suddenly felt bad for laughing about his ‘dark circles’ with Keith the other day.

“She hasn't told me what corps she wants to get into yet so I don’t know how much longer I have with her. If we both choose differently then I most likely won’t get to see her again. I don’t want our limited days to get wasted by her getting awkward with me because she found out I like her.”

Devon stared at him-unable to form words. She could see the desperation in his amber eyes before he looked down in embarrassment.

“If I can’t be her man then I want to-at least-be her best friend as long as I can.”

Devon swallowed, “So you're never gonna tell her?”

Monty looked up again, shrugging, “If an opportunity arises maybe but…”

Most likely not.

She didn’t need to hear him say the rest of the sentence out loud.

To be honest, he did have a fair point. They all had been friends for about three years now. Imada wasn’t shy about pointing out cute guys to her but that’s all she ever did-point them out. She never hit on anyone. But she did expect that if Imada did have a crush on Monty, she would’ve told her by now.

But everyone has their secrets don’t they? The tiny voice in the back of her head nagged.

She sighed before pulling Monty into a hug. He didn’t return it just yet.

“Does Keith know?” her voice muffled as she spoke into his shirt.

“Wha-“ he paused, “No.”

She already knew Keith would freak out if he realized Monty never planned on telling Imada. But at the end of the day, it was Monty’s decision to make.

Monty sounded exasperated, “He’s not gon-“

“I know,” she said, still speaking into his chest, “We’ll just have to shut him up somehow.”

Monty chuckled before returning the hug. Squeezing her hard enough to make her squeal.

She tapped his arm hastily, “I’m out, I’m out, I’m out.” She jokingly said the words cadets were supposed to say once they were down in physical combat.

He laughed before releasing her.

[bighndrxx]

smile: eren jaeger

chapter 6: 'can I kiss you?"

summary: eren catches himself in a fight.

lowercase intended

previous chapter -> chapter 5

kodi woke up from her nap to the sounds of multiple people yelling, game controllers clicking and her mini fridge opening and closing repeatedly. this only meant one thing, and she knew exactly what it was. kodi sighed frustratedly as she kicked her legs in the air. she got out of her bed, not bothering to check how she looked, and immediately rushed to her door to quiet the noise. she opened the door to find the usual since they’ve been on break, connie, jean, eren, kayden and another she didn’t quite recognize.

“oh hey kodi” connie said, not being to understand her angry expression. jean nudged him harshly. they all looked at her for a few seconds until kayden spoke. “kodi, remember armin from summer camp?” he said, almost nervously. he gestured his hand to the blond boy that sat on her couch.

armin? armin..armin ARMIN. her expression faded into an excited one. armin was the boy she met at summer camp when she was 11. the summer camp was the first time kodi was ever seperated from both nalani and kayden, making almost the entirety of it miserable. she was alone, she did all the activities alone as well. she didn’t care for being alone until the others began to notice and make fun of her for it. armin was the only one that stood up for her causing the most unexpected friendship to bloom. they only knew each other for 6 weeks, but knew everything about each other. armin was a friend kodi thought she’d never see again.

“armin!” her voice was higher than usual, for both connie and eren this was the first time they’d seen her excited about anything. armin got up, not having time to adjust himself before kodi hugged him. he hugged her back immediately making kayden side eye them, then look back to connie. “wow, you look so different” she said as they stopped hugging. he did look different, to the point where she couldn’t recognize him. armin chuckled, surprising kodi at how much his voice changed. “i need to get ready hold on” kodi said, still smiling. she turned back to her bedroom door to go get ready for the rest of the day.

“i didn’t know you two knew eachother” eren said. armin shrugged, truthfully he thought he’d never see kodi again. they were two kids who knew everything but nothing about each other. "small world" they continued conversation like normal until kodi came out again, this time looking more presentable.

“oh i meant to ask, how's logan?” armin asked, distinctly remembering how kodi looked up to her sister. he remembered how she’d always say she wanted to be like her throughout the summer. kodi’s expression faded into an unreadable one. kayden froze for a second after hearing his sisters name. he took her death the hardest, he never coped properly. he was never able to say her name after the accident. he acted like she never existed on the outside, it was easier for him. kayden snapped himself together quickly hearing kodi's voice again. “she passed a few years ago” kodi answered, making armins smile fade as well.

“oh.. i-i didn’t know. ”

"it's fine it's fine" kodi said rapidly trying to change the subject quickly. armin scratched the back of his neck awkwardly , seeing as kodi changed so much-- but that was to be expected. it had been 8 years since they'd last saw each other, you wouldn't expect an eleven year old to look the same as her nineteen year old self. "um.." armin said not knowing where to go with the conversation. "you got your nose pierced" he said as he looked at her face, seeing how much she still resembled her mother. "oh, where are your parents?" he asked, thinking he could make the conversation less awkward.

"divorced" the twins said in sync. armins smile faded once again, finding it hard to have a conversation with his long lost friend.

"I think that's enough questions" eren coughed seeing as the conversation wasn't going very well. "why are yall here" kodi asked, seeing as there was no reason for all of them to be packed in her area. "we wanted to see you" eren said jokingly earning another side eye from kayden to connie. "this jean last day before he goes back to campus so I just wanted to invite everybody over" kayden said, which translated to kodi as throwing another event and using her living space as the designated area. she didn't like the idea, but she knew since jean was a athlete he had to go to campus 2 weeks before everyone else. kodi sighed, not bothering to attempt to stop it. "no smoking inside" was all she said before she went to go open the backdoor to welcome nalani.

"oh" she said as she walked into the basement, she wasn't expecting to see anyone but kodi. "oh" armin replied to her. they saw each other at the small kickback kayden threw, exchanged numbers and never spoke to each other again. "hey.." she said as she stood awkwardly, not knowing how to talk to or avoid armin without making it awkward. "hey" he replied once again, not knowing how to exit the conversation as well. "okay that's enough" kodi interrupted, wanting this interaction to end quickly. armin watched the two walk into kodi's bedroom "staring is rude" eren said to armin, who almost turned bright red at the words.

"what was that" kodi said as she watched nalani sit in the chair. the two had originally planned this day for kodi to do nalani's hair, so when nalani walked in and saw the boy from the last party, she didn't know what to say. nalani shrugged as she took off her bonnet, revealing her short fro. "your hair got longer girl" kodi said, admiring her friends hair. "you see me" nalani said as she pulled a strand of hair, showing off her shrinkage. kodi didn't waste anytime, getting to nalani's hair instantly.

"play with your hair a bit.. yup" kodi said as she recorded her friend. kodi squealed at her hair, admiring how perfect it was. "lace where" nalani said as she recorded herself earning a laugh from kodi as she cleaned up her area. by the time they finished kayden's kick back had started, the sounds of multiple people told kodi all she needed to know. "you wanna go out there?" kodi asked nalani, who was still recording videos of herself. nalani shrugged, not knowing wether she could face armin again. " 'nough bout me though, you never told me what happened with eren" nalani shifted the conversation, kodi caught on but didn't mention it. "he left ole girl" she said as she wrapped up the cord to her flat iron. "we been texting for two days and what not. what's up with armin though" kodi said, using the same method her friend used on her.

"bitch you not slick"

"you not either hoe"

they both laughed in sync. nalani sighed, "I was scared" she admitted. "he's scared-er" kodi started "based off what I remember he's cool though..it was a while ago but he acts the same I think" kodi said, she loved the idea of nalani and armin together. she knew armin was a good person-- regardless of the friends he was surrounded by, and she wouldn't want nothing less for her best friend.

nalani shrugged again, she knew they were both shy but she wouldn't dare text him unless he texted her first..or if she was drunk. "lets see what's goin on" she said as she got out her seat, walking towards the door. kodi followed after her, walking into a room full of faces she'd never seen in her life-- again. her and nalani separated as nalani went to go find kayden to bother him. kodi walked over to the table, pouring herself a cup of apple juice. after the night of her birthday she decided to stay sober for the rest of the break, for her benefit.

"I prefer orange" a masculine voice she didn't recognize said behind her. kodi turned around to see a tall dark skin and a blond boy. the two of them stood over her, waiting to access the table. "what's your name?" the dark skin said, inching closer to kodi who stepped back immediately. "why?" she responded, her voice firm.

"I wanna talk to you" he said, kodi looked back and forth between the two. the blond chuckled slightly as he stood with his hands in his pockets. kodi didn't say anything, the dark skin stepped closer, making kodi step back once more. the blond reached out of his pocket, grabbing his friends arm. "keon let's go" he said as he noticed kodi backing up. "why? I can't talk to her?" he said to his friend, he then turned back to kodi "I can't talk to you?" he said. kodi didn't respond, instead she looked around the room trying to find nalani. she did, the two made eye contact and kodi's face was enough to tell nalani all she needed to know.

what kodi didn't notice was that eren watched her the entire time, he watched her pour her apple juice, he wanted to go talk to her but quickly stopped when he saw riener and keon approaching her. he watched her as he waited for them to leave, but they didn't. he grew frustrated watching keon inch closer to her, watching kodi step back until she was cornered. and so before he knew it he was approaching them. eren tapped keon's shoulder. keon turned around but was met with a fist.

the atmosphere of the party changed quickly, the two began to fight, messing up any and everything in their way. keon managed to grab a hold of erens collar, smashing his head into the table. eren, who was now bleeding took his left fist to keons face again, this time alternating his fists faster, giving keon no time to react. reiner watched for a bit until he noticed his friend losing-- miserably. he jumped in, attempting to slow eren down, which made kayden intervene as well. kodi watched the brawl with a blank face, confused as to why it even started. by now almost everyone had left and jean and armin were trying their best to break up the fight. nalani looked at kodi who was equally as confused as her.

the fight finally came to an end, all that was seen was an angry keon walking out the backdoor, yelling all types of curses and threats to eren who sat on the floor, staring back at keon until he left. kodi walked to the center of the basement, looking at all the damage the four caused to her area. she sighed heavily looking at eren who had blood rushing from his forehead from being slammed against the table. she then looked at kayden who stood like someone's guilty child. "i'll buy you a new table? I couldn't let them jump him" he offered, knowing how much his sister enjoyed the comfort of their basement.

kodi didn't respond, she sighed heavily as she walked to their closet grabbing bandaids, napkins and alcohol. "eren" she called, gesturing him to sit on the couch. kodi pulled up a stool, sitting in front of him. "clean this shit up" she turned to jean and kayden, they did as she said. connie sat on the bean bag chair, hoping kodi wouldn't notice he was still here. "you too connie"

"lani can you order food, use kayden card" kodi said, earning a groaned from kayden.

armin chuckled, watching everyone listen to kodi as if she owned the house. "stop laughing before she gets you too" nalani said looking at armin, who was shocked she spoke to him again. he looked at her, admiring her beauty once more. "why didn't you text me?" she asked him, trying her best to conceal the fact that she was terribly nervous. armin shrugged, he didn't bother to answer the question, asking another instead "um.. you wanna go ice skating next weekend?" he asked her.

"like a date?" she responded, trying her best not to show how excited she was. armin nodded, "yeah" she agreed, armin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "I'll text you" he said before going to ask kayden for the bathroom. nalani smiled to herself as she tried to find a food place for everyone.

eren hissed as kodi wiped the blood off his face. "it burns" he said wincing at the sting. "it's alcohol eren" kodi said as she focused on the cut. she leaned in closer, placing her hand on his thigh for balance. eren stared at her face as she was dangerously close to him. his eyes trailed from her eyes to her lips. "can I kiss you"

"no"

"worth a try" he said, his eyes began to trail once again, this time finding her chest. "stop looking at my tits eren" she said, still wiping the blood from his face. "they're in my face"

kodi didn't bother responding, she focused on placing the bandaid on his face. when she was done she grabbed his face, turning it side to side to see if there was anything she missed. "still pretty" she said jokingly, making eren smile in response. she kissed his cheek before she stood up. eren felt his face growing hot at this interaction, something he wasn't used to.

"you're blushing" kodi said in erens ear. she walked away before he could respond.

"fuck" he mumbled under his breath.

a/n:

I love nalani

[skzhocomments]

I can read your smile - Choi Minho SHINee Fanfic - Chapter 10 - Before your date

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Wattpad | AO3

Chapter 9 | Chapter 11

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Chapter 10 - Before your date

word count: 2.2k words

~2 months later~

~Crystal's POV~

I was in the kitchen lazily making something to eat, when I heard the front door open.

It's been two months since I've last seen Minho, and we haven't spoken too much while he was away, either. Just a quick text here and there where he asked me if the house is okay or if anything interesting happened.

He came through the door with a big luggage and a smile on his face, and despite the blatant rejection two months ago when he broke my heart, I really missed him. The distance helped clear my head, and I was almost sure I was romantically over him, and ready to be just his friend and roommate. Just like before Taemin's birthday.

It was going to be okay.

"Hey!" He spoke happily, seeing me. "It's good to be home."

"Welcome back!" I smiled and went over to him, and we hugged. "How was the trip?"

"It was so fun!" He replied. "The ocean was so beautiful, and the people very friendly. My family and I had a great time!"

"I'm so happy to hear!" I smiled genuinely. It was good that the awkward atmosphere between us didn't seem to stick. I didn't want to remember that suffocating feeling.

"Oh, and I brought you something!" He rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a small, brown paper bag. "Open it!"

Inside the bag was a beautiful handmade bracelet with my name on it, made of small dark blue crystals.

"Oh my, this is so beautiful! Thank you so much!" I exclaimed, putting it on my left wrist.

"I'm glad you like it." He smiled, watching fondly as I was admiring the bracelet.

"So, besides cruising the ocean and swimming the days off, what else did you do?" I asked him as I went to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water, handing it to him once he took off his shoes.

"I... met someone, I think." He said, slight hesitation in his tone.

"Really? Wow!" I exclaimed, surprised. "Nice, that's amazing!"

I tried to feel happy for him. I moved on, and he met someone, and that was good – no, that was great!

Still, I kept thinking... why not me?

It was dumb to ponder on what could've been.

It wasn't.

It isn't.

And it won't be.

So I just have to be happy for Minho and his new girlfriend, and root for them.

"Yea... my cousin introduced us. She seems like a really nice girl. I still have to get to know her better, though."

"I hope it works out for you. Truly." I smiled.

"Thank you, Crystal. How have you been?"

"You know, just the usual. Work, home, work, home... and my summer withered away." I joked.

"Sounds like fun." He laughed.

"Yea. I was making something to eat. Want some?" I offered him, and he nodded so we headed to the kitchen together while I cooked some rice and butter chicken.

Minho told me about all the fun activities he did during the holiday, how he didn't apply enough SPF and got sunburnt the first week, then had to rest inside for a few days until his skin healed, he told me how polite the locals were, and told me more about the girl he started to date.

I found out that 'date' is a big word, since they've actually only met that one time the cousin introduced them, but apparently, they've been texting for the past month.

"So, why not meet up with her these days, before Uni starts?" I asked. "We still have almost two weeks."

"She doesn't live in our city, unfortunately." He replied dejected. "But she will come and visit next weekend."

"Oop. Should I talk to Lydia and Jude and go away for a few days?" I asked him, and he got confused.

"Why would you?"

"Uhm... I mean, so you can be alone when you... bring her over?"

Minho looked at me puzzled for a few seconds, and then it clicked.

"Oh. OHHHH." He exclaimed, and I started to laugh. "No, Crystal. This is your home too. I'll just get a hotel room if..." He started, but stopped in the middle of the sentence and gestured randomly with his hands.

I drank a big gulp of water.

"I was thinking of taking her out, but I haven't decided where to." Minho spoke immediately after, placing his elbow on the table and his head in his palm.

"Why don't you come to my restaurant? It might not be as fancy as other places, but the food is good, and I work next Friday, so I'll take good care of you!"

"Will you now?" Minho raised a brow teasingly.

"Of course! I'll even give you a dessert on the house!"

"Hmm. Sounds good." He smiled, and I regretted inviting him immediately. I wasn't sure if it was going to hurt seeing him with someone else, or if I was truly over him, but next Friday would surely tell.

~

~next Friday~

"Why are you stressing out so much?" I chuckled seeing Minho come out in the hallway a few times and rummaging through his shoes, taking out the same pair over and over.

"I don't know what to wear, it feels like none of my clothes fit these shoes I bought." Minho chuckled and showed me the pair he was talking about. They were elegant, shiny, leather black shoes, and must've cost a fortune. "I should've bought a new suit or something." He contemplated.

"Come on, you have a lot of clothes." I laughed at him. He was being so childish and pouty, it was kinda cute.

"Why don't we go shopping?" He asked, looking at me with his big doe eyes, and I folded.

Minho drove us to a shopping centre close to our home that I've never been to before. The entrance to it was quite spectacular: it was a large glass ball, and the whole mall was made of glass.

We entered and started walking around, when Minho spotted a café.

"Hey, why don't we drink a coffee first?" He suggested, and started heading towards the small café without waiting for me to reply.

I noticed he tended to do that, when he really wanted me to do something and thought I might oppose the idea, especially when it came to him buying me things. Just like he did when I first moved in and he ordered food.

I chuckled to myself and followed him, and he helped me sit down at one of the tables.

"What would you like?" He asked, his eyes glimmering in the white light coming from the large windows.

"Hmm... maybe a strawberry milkshake?" I tilted my head reading the menu.

"Coming right up!" He spoke, which made me laugh. In just a few hours from now, I would be the one to tell him that, when I'll serve him and his date.

Speaking of – why does it feel like we are on a date?

That's a dumb thought to have, Crystal.

Friends are allowed to hang out and drink milkshakes from cute glasses and go shopping.

There's nothing more to it.

I shook the thought away as quickly as it came and watched as Minho brought back my milkshake and a coffee for himself. Sipping on it, the flavours of the milkshake were amazingly rich, and it was delicious.

"It's so good!" I exclaimed.

"Is it?" Minho chuckled.

"Better than your sad coffee." I mocked him after seeing him taste it and grimace from the strong flavour.

"Yea? I doubt it."

"It is!" I protested and crossed my arms in front of my chest and pouted.

He laughed and leaned over the table grabbing my milkshake.

"Oh yea? Let's see!" He said, and sipped so much of it, it must've only been half left once he was done.

"Minho!!! How dare you!!!" I exclaimed shocked and did the same thing to him. I grabbed his coffee and chugged it down like a champ, and he gasped.

"No way!" He laughed.

"Bleah, it tastes like shit!" I grimaced as well. "You manipulated me into drinking your bad coffee!"

"And you fell right in my trap!" He laughed in an evil way, and I threw him a look.

He returned my milkshake and I pouted again, but still grabbed the glass and drank the rest of it, trying to get rid of the bitter coffee taste in my mouth.

Minho gave up on the coffee as well, and finally agreed with me that it was way too bitter, and when I was done with my milkshake, we stood up and went shopping.

Finding clothes for Minho was easy enough. He was built like a model, and no matter what he tried on, it looked amazing. We spent more time deciding on which colour he should get, and even though we went through lots of different suits, red, dark green, grey, dark grey, blue, teal and so many more other colours I don't even know the name of, he decided on a simple black suit and black turtleneck.

"Do you think I made the right choice?" He asked me as we exited the men's shop.

You could wear a burlap sack, and it would've still been the right choice, Minho. I wanted to say, but instead I assured him like a normal person. "Yes, the suit looks good."

"I'm glad you like it." He smiled.

Why? It's not like I have to be the one to like it. But yes, your date will like it very much, unless she's blind.

Of course, I didn't say that one either.

"We have one more thing to do now that we're done with me."

"Which is?" I raised a brow.

"I saw something in a store when I bought the shoes, and hopefully it's still there."

He walked quickly and I followed him to a woman's store. He seemed to know exactly where he wanted to go, and went directly to one of the aisles.

"This dress. What do you think?" He showed it to me.

It was a beautiful, short off-the shoulder white sundress with red buttons closing the dress off from the décolletage, following the whole length of the dress. What I noticed immediately about it was that the red buttons were actually small strawberries.

It was such a cute dress! I loved it!

Too bad it was 200$, and I could've never afforded it with my current salary, unless I saved for it for probably 3 months.

"It's so pretty!" I smiled. "Are you buying it for your date?"

"What?" Minho looked at me puzzled, then chuckled. "No, silly."

I was the one to look at him puzzled this time.

"Then?"

"It's for you."

"For me?" I asked, baffled.

"Yes, silly. It's for you." He grabbed it off the shelf and started walking towards the dressing rooms. "I would've gotten it right away, but I wanted you to try it on first to see if it's the right size."

"But... wait!" I ran after him. "What do you mean? Why?"

"Because you helped me pick up an outfit."

But that makes no sense. He said he saw it when he bought his shoes.

"Bullshit." I grabbed his arm and forced him to look at me. He sighed.

"I just liked it, and I think it would look great on you, so I wanted to buy it for you. Happy?"

"No. I can't just... accept a 200$ dress randomly like this, Minho." I frowned.

"Then consider it a late birthday present. I haven't gotten you anything for your birthday, anyway."

"And you didn't have to. I've never mentioned it was my birthday."

"Yes, you did. When you brought me that chocolate muffin." He frowned this time.

How did he...

"I'm sorry for not celebrating with you when you brought me that muffin, Crystal. I really regret it."

"But- how did you know?"

"Taemin's birthday. You mentioned your birthday was on 15th of June, and my game was on the 18th. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to do the math."

I stayed silent, not knowing what else I could tell him.

"Will you try on this dress and let me get it for you, to make me feel better for missing your birthday this year?" He pleaded with me, and I just nodded and grabbed the dress from his hand, going into the dressing room.

It was beautiful, and it fit me like a glove, and the fabric was so soft.

"How is it?" Minho asked after a while, while I was still examining myself in the mirror.

"So pretty." I spoke, and I pulled away the curtain, showing him how the dress fits.

"It's perfect." He smiled. "I knew you would like it, since it has those cute strawberry buttons."

"How did you know I like strawberries?"

"You mentioned it during truth or dare..." He chuckled briefly, and I was once again baffled, but I didn't let it show this time.

He paid attention to me during the game.

He tried to remember when my birthday was.

He even went shopping to find a gift – something he knew I would love – a sundress with cute strawberries.

But he's going on a date with someone else.

Why?

I'm confused.

Whatever.

It's fine.

Everything is fine.

I'm just confused, and it will pass.

It's normal to buy gifts for friends, especially on their birthday.

"So, shall we buy it, then?" He smiled brightly, and I nodded.

The first gift I've ever received was a bracelet with my name on it, and the second, this beautiful sundress with strawberry buttons. And I loved them both, and perhaps also the person who gave them to me, but I really didn't want to admit it.

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Chapter 9 | Chapter 11