#Birdie you have great taste queen get your man

[gucciwins]

Frosty the Snowman

Harry and Y/N love the holiday season but Harry takes the teasing a bit to far and well Y/N decides to give it right back. 

Word Count: 5126

A/N: hello! thank you so much to @goldenbluesuit for organizing this wonderful christmas fic challenge. thank you for allowing me to participate, kate. i’m so happy i got to be a part of it. merry christmas and happy holidays to you all. sending you all a big hug and lots of love. 

_____

Christmas has never been much of importance in your life.

That was until you began dating Harry.

 Harry and his family loved celebrating in particular because Harry was gone for so many months of the year. They loved giving gifts, and Harry loved spoiling his family. He was a true family man who loved to be doted on by his mother and teased relentlessly by his older sister. His smile never leaves his face when he's with them.  

Ever since Harry found out how you spent the holidays alone drinking wine and hot chocolate on and off and binging all the best holiday movies. He declared that was not acceptable and that furthermore and until the end of time you would be spending it with him and his family. 

The first year was something out of a storybook, a house full of kids and adults, Christmas music all day, and a big festive dinner. Gifts passed around, photos being taken to be added to the end of year scrapbooks. Lots of stories being told; honestly, it overwhelmed you. 

Anne found you outside wrapped up in Harry's coat that you swiped before slipping out unseen. She stood next to you, overlooking her garden with you. "My son loves you; he's brought you here not to overwhelm you but to let you know that you have a family here, and you always will." You let your tears run free, feeling comforted, and loved. "I've never seen him shine as bright as he does when he's with you and when he's speaking of you. We all want you here as much as he does." Anne then pulled you into a long hug, the motherly hug you never got growing up.  Reminded you not to stay out too long. 

Three Christmases later, you now take part in family traditions, helping Anne cook dinner and staying in sweats and playing family games all of Boxing Day. 

It's what makes your move to London with your boyfriend of four years easy. Knowing they want you there, knowing that the love Harry has for you won't fade, you've gone through many hurdles together, and it only strengthened your bond to one another. 

Four years together, and you're still learning new things about each other, like Harry having to have coffee first thing in the morning, bread was a must-have always in the house, and that he owned more mugs than he needed. He picked up that you adored your shoes, meaning you wouldn't throw them out until they were ripped and beat up enough for a new pair. Also learned that you rather eat lots of fruit during the day than making food in the kitchen because it meant more dishes that would be needed to wash. You loved doing the laundry, Harry knew it was to steal his shirts, but he didn't mind. He always knew where to find them. 

The one thing that really surprised him was your love for Christmas music; you knew every song, maybe couldn't remember the name, but you would be able to sing it. It never failed to make him smile; you even knew ‘Feliz Navidad’ and didn't butcher it as he did. 

Your love for Christmas music was signified because you never celebrated the holiday, and music was easy to access. It was what you immersed yourself in. 

This is why Harry is confused when he hears you begin to sing ‘Frosty the Snowman’ under your breath, then switching to a soft hum in the tune of the song as you start to place your freshly washed sweats in their drawers. 

Harry was not sure why you did that; you loved singing out loud. You had a decent voice, as you liked to say, but why switch. 

You're clueless to Harry watching you, deep in thought, trying his best to analyze you. 

Then Harry gasps; it all clicks, making sense. 

You raise your head to look at him, shutting the drawer with your hip. "What?"

"You don't know the lyrics." Harry accuses. 

"To what?" You step towards the bed, wanting to finish the rest of this to finally go down and each lunch. 

"Frosty the Snowman."

"I do." You defend.

Harry smirks, crossing his arms. "Prove it."

"No." 

"Why not?"

You frown before taking a deep breath and begin to hum the song correctly to Harry. 

"Okay, you know the tune, now the lyrics." He gestures for you to go on.

"Frosty the snowman..." Your voice dies down, you rake your brain for the correct lyrics, sending a smaller prayer you're right. "had a shiny nose?" 

"Oh, this is golden, love." He's laughing now. It's filling up the room. 

"Harry," You whine. 

"You call yourself the Christmas Queen." Harry is holding his stomach, his laughter getting to be too much. "Next, you're going to tell me you don't know the lyrics to 'All I Want For Christmas Is You.'"

"How dare you, that came out in our birth year." You're over making fun of you. 

"Okay fine, but really so many years, and you never learned. You said you love all Christmas music, and well, that's a classic, dove."  

You run a hand through your hair, your fingers getting caught on the tips for not brushing it out. "I never actually got to make a snowman, so I never listened to the lyrics."

"Are you secretly a Grinch as well?" Harry teases.

You throw a balled-up shirt of his and hit him square in the face; it quiets him down. "Conversation over." 

You walk out of the room, leaving him alone, to his chuckling. 

_____

In your home, something was always baking. 

It was either Harry trying to better his last bread or you baking a new vegan cake that Gemma sent you. 

It's something you both loved to do.

For you, though, it was your own form of meditation. No matter the time of day, if you felt your head spinning, you'd just head to the kitchen and begin to take out ingredients letting that be your only focus. The Great British Baking Show also brings a lot of comfort to you, Harry happily laying his head on your lap, your hand running through his hair as you just let the show play on and on. 

Now, you're in the kitchen for a whole other reason; you're baking gingerbread cookies, from snowflakes to snowman and even little reindeer. Harry has invited friends over for a fun holiday decorating party. It sounded like a good idea until he left you to do it all yourself as he ran errands that he pushed off for a week. 

Thankfully, there were no distractions during the time it took you to make one hundred cookies because there would be casualties during the decorating. Just as you were putting the last dozen on the cooling rack, does your phone ring causing it to cut off Paul McCartney's singing of 'Wonderful Christmastime.'

As you pick it up to answer, you check the caller id and see that it's Gemma calling. 

Gemma forgoes a greeting and goes straight to the reason for her call. 

"You don't know 'Frosty the Snowman!'" She exclaims more than asks. 

"I'm going to kill him." You groan into the phone. 

Gemma laughs, "No, no, please don't. Mum likes you too much to see you behind bars."

"Gem, he's been relentless." Thinking back to the past few days and how he'd randomly come up to you and just begin to sing the lyrics to you, not shutting up until you tickled him too much to continue. "Please don't let it come up later." 

"I've got you," Gemma assures you. 

"Thank you."

"As long," Gemma begins, but you groan jokingly into the phone. 

"Go on," You sigh, knowing this is how the eldest Styles sibling acts.  

"As long as you tell me what Harry bought mum for Christmas."

"Alright, fair." Very well, Harry would most likely spoil this himself the closer the holiday arrives. 

Just as you were about to spoil Harry's gift, he walks through the kitchen, saved by the devil himself. "I'll tell you later when you get here." You tell Gemma, smiling at Harry as you bid his sister goodbye.  

"Who was it, love?" Harry asks, kissing you lightly on your lips, being able to taste the gingerbread on your lips that makes him beeline to the cooled cookies. 

"Gems, a huge birdie told her I don't know the lyrics to a popular song." You lean against the counter, smiling as he has a cookie in hand already; he is also a big reason you made so many. 

"Hey," He says, offended, a cookie half shoved in his mouth. "I'm not huge." 

"Never said it was you, hun." You smirk. "Thanks for fessing up."

He pouts, not liking that you outsmarted him. 

"Might want to watch the cookies." You pinch his love handles, snatching what was left of the cookie from his hand and heading upstairs. 

Harry watches you walk away, upset that you stole his cookie; also, he knows you love his winter gains. 

_____

You and Harry are up fairly early, he likes to go on a run around the neighborhood, but you like going to the park. This morning you skipped your run because Harry was meeting up with a friend for breakfast. 

Sure, you got up at your usual time at 7am and began to prepare yourself breakfast. You usually drank coffee with Harry and seeing as he wasn't here, you decided to skip it, instead going straight to the fridge to get the fruits and orange juice to make a smoothie. Something simple, not wanting to clean much after. 

As you finally settled on the couch, getting ready to read Educated by Tara Westover, a book Gemma recommended to her then gifted to her. Tara's memoir is her story of how she comes from a Mormon background and recounts how she educated herself to go to college and learn about the world. It's a Friday, and what better way to spend it lost in a book. 

You had just flipped it open when your phone rang, alerting you to a message. As much as you didn't want to check because you were finally in a comfortable position, you knew it could easily be Harry checking in who gets worried about not getting a reply even five minutes after. He's a worrier at heart. 

As you retrieve it and settle yourself back down, not at all comfortable anymore, you see it's a message from Iz. She was the first friend you made on your own that Harry didn't introduce you to. Iz saw you at a coffee shop you began to frequent and complimented your tote bag that had wildflowers embroidered on it. You thanked her and shared you made it. Iz was shocked, just throwing compliment after compliment. You offered to make her one, but she said you had better teach her instead. Thus, a friendship began. 

Her message read: 

Radio 1 Breakfast Show. Listen in! 

It was definitely a strange message coming from Iz, but you did as told. 

Greg James was saying goodbye to his special guest, no idea who it was. "Before he signs off, he's going to play you one of his favorite Christmas songs," Greg says, then silences, allowing his guest a moment before speaking. 

"This week's Christmas song is in honor of my girlfriend who loves singing Frosty the Snowman... without knowing the lyrics. Happy Holidays."  

Your jaw drops. 

That your boyfriend's voice. You are the girlfriend. 

He went on record. 

Harry really went on live radio to tell thousands that you don't know the lyrics to a Christmas classic. 

You want to laugh because you never expected this from him and are annoyed that something personal now the whole world will know by the end of the day. 

You can't wait until he arrives home.

"Harry Edward Styles!" You yell as you hear Harry open the front door. 

He looks sheepish. "Yes, my darling angel."

"You told me you were having breakfast with Greg James, not that you were going to be on the Breakfast show."

"I took muffins, and they provided coffee, therefore, breakfast." Harry defends

"You exposed me to all of the UK to not knowing 'Frosty the Snowman.'"

"No one knows you're my girlfriend." Harry tries to brush it off.

"We've been dating four years; I'm not that much of a secret. Anne posts me on her story from time to time, and your friends follow my Instagram, fuck; you've introduced me to Greg." You're not angry, more annoyed than anything because he won't let this go.

"It's just to give everyone a good laugh; no one is going to hold it against you." 

"No, just my boyfriend and everyone who listens to the Breakfast Show." You cross your arms before storming up the stairs away from Harry. 

"Love? You're not actually mad, right?" Harry asks, pushing the bedroom door open. 

"You even got Iz on it!" Your turn around with a pout on your face. 

Harry laughs. "I honestly thought she wouldn't go through with it."

"Well, I see where her loyalty lies." 

Harry steps close and pulls you into his chest. You sigh, wrapping your arms around him. He knows how much you love his hugs.

"I promise this is the last I mention of it." 

You frown into his chest, not at all believing him. Harry pats your bum, and you take that as the queue to look up at him. He's smiling down at you, leaning in to give you a quick peck. "I promise." 

"Okay, then." You lean in and kiss him, firmer this time and much longer. Harry sneaks his tongue in, instantly getting a moan out of you. 

"I know how you can make it up to me." You gasp, pulling away, 

Harry raises an eyebrow at you. "Do tell." 

A smirk on both your faces as you guide him to the bed, very much hungry for something that wasn't breakfast. 

_____

Harry has the Christmas playlist running; it's a Sunday, meaning they spend it at home doing absolutely nothing. To be truthful, they rolled out of bed past ten and still have their pj's on. Not at all bothering to change, why waste more clothes if no one will see them like this in the comfort of their own home.

You cooked grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and now are playing a game of scrabble.

Harry puts down the word 'light,' then reaching his hand into the black pouch to pick five letters to have seven once again. You are looking back and forth between the board and your letters, thinking of the best place to place your word. 

"I've got a question," Harry says, looking at you, wanting all your attention as well. 

"What is it?" You're focused on your letters. Rearranging them, not putting down the 'q' in your hand. It's currently useless but will eventually give you a word to win the game. Not that you both ever keep points, oh no, that stopped after you beat harry 120 to 66, and he flipped the board, causing letters to fly everyone. You still claim that there are missing letters. 

"Frosty is a cute name."

"Reminds me of that Wendy's dessert. I'm still not sure what made it so good." You say, maybe you should get up and eat some. Harry did just pick up new flavors that he had been wanting to try something about them being richer in flavor. 

"You're getting off track." 

"Sorry, Frosty is cute for what?" You don't let him answer before you're speaking again. "A dog, did you get a dog?" You pause, looking up at him, "a cat, did Anne find a stray and wants to give them to us?" You wait, but Harry is about to crush all your excitement. 

"None of that." He shakes his head at you, and disappointment fills you immediately. 

"Well, can this conversation end then? I'm disappointed." 

"Darling," Harry chastises you for not letting him go on.

"Go on then, mate." You gesture him to continue. Shifting your attention away from the game in front of you.

Harry frowns, his eyebrows pinching together in the sweet way that makes you want to rub them out until he's relaxed. "Why'd you call me, mate?"

"Oh, I've called you this before." You brush off Harry's reactions; he's always dramatic. 

"I'm not your friend." He states.

You furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head and really look at Harry. "Well, of course, you are boyfriend," You emphasize, dragging out the word. "You're my best friend." 

"You can't say boyfriend anymore. I'm your fiancé now." Harry states proudly, but you feel a little dumbfounded, not knowing why he is saying that.

Your eyes widen when you look down at your left hand, and no ring rests on your left ring finger.

"Fuck, I missed your proposal, and the ring got lost." You pout, trying your best to stop the smirk from coming out.  

"Darling, I'm sorry." Harry quickly apologizes. "I'm still your boyfriend, but I will be proposing soon." He promises. "Shit, you were supposed to not even know. I really am bad at hiding things."

"Fuck, you really are." You laugh, "but boyfriend sounds cute. Can't I still say boyfriend when you do?" 

"Doesn't fiancé sound nicer?" Harry tries. 

You shrug. "Not as fun, husband is nice."

"You're rejecting my future proposal, then." Harry is teasing, and you can tell by the sparkle in his forest eyes. 

"Of course not, you dummy. You can be my fiancé and my boyfriend." You tell him like it was the most obvious answer.

"Seems like a lot of work."

"Rude." You stick your tongue at him. 

"Right, love, well try to remember I'm your husband once we're married, no more boyfriend."

"I will, hubby. You're going to be my hubby."

You both go silent.

You burst out laughing, "That's awful, I hate it."

Harry chuckles, nodding his head. "Yeah, I do as well."

"This is why I'm the brains in the relationship." 

"Right," Harry rolls his eyes at you, not at all agreeing.

"Uh, darling, I went to uni and got two degrees while you only finished school at sixteen before going off to steal millions of hearts around the world." 

"Including yours." He teases.

"I was always more a Zayn girl." You correct him.

Harry throws his arms up, "Can never let me win, can you?" 

"Nope"

"We're off-topic." Harry realizing how far they strayed from their starting point. 

"Where did we start?"

"Frosty." 

You sit back, resting against the couch; you take him in and smile at how cuddly he looks in the purple robe that he stopped letting you use. "Well, go on."

"Seeing as-" He pauses, hearing the familiar opening notes to the song he was thinking of. 'Frosty, the Snowman' is now his favorite song. "Perfectly timed, as you don't know the lyrics to Frosty the snowman."

"Gosh, you're never going to let this go," You grumble. 

"Nope. I figured we will have a little fun with this."

"More fun than the breakfast show." 

He gives you a pointed look.

You let out a long sigh, "Let's hear it." 

"You learn all the lyrics and sing it for me, and I'll let you get us a dog or cat." Harry's grinning at his idea, knowing you'll agree without a fight. 

"Can we go to the shelter?" You look like a kid on Christmas morning who had just received their presents from Santa, and in a way, you have.

"Yes, we can. Only if you can learn the entire song." Harry tells you again, wanting to emphasize the singing.

"Done deal." 

"Great, I'm giving you a week." 

You smile wide, nodding, looking, finally focusing back down at your words and the ones Harry has placed. You put down the word 'queen,' and this wins you the non-official game. Harry looks down at his poorly hidden score sheet and curses under his breath. 

"I win." 

Safe to say you lost more letters that day.

_____

It's been a week, and Harry is patiently waiting on their bed as you get ready in your shared closet. Your shared closet is large and mainly holds all of Harry's clothing. You definitely have a nice share of clothes filled with gifts from friends as well as Harry's friends and your treasured thrifted pieces. You smile at yourself in the full-length mirror. 

Harry really can't begin to imagine what you have in store for him. 

The speaker is set out and ready, and all that is needed is for you to make your entrance.

You shake out your hands in hopes of ridding yourself of the nerves. You look yourself over one last time before taking a deep breath and pushing the door open. 

"Close your eyes." You call out. 

Harry rolls his eyes but does as he is told.

You walk over to the speaker and press play, letting the music fill the room, making your way to stand in front of Harry, who slowly opens his eyes.

He gasps; he feels himself start to get hard. His eyes can't seem to take everything in fast enough. You smirk, loving the reaction you got out of him. It gives you the extra boost of confidence you were needing. 

You stand there, hand on your hip in a sexy snowman outfit to go with the performance you are about to give.

The dress, if you can consider it with how short it is, has three black buttons in the center. The material hugs your chest nicely, giving Harry a nice view of your breasts that are close to popping out. The dress hugs your waist and begins to flow out right past your butt. You wore your favorite black heels that Harry sometimes begs you not to take off. You had on a plaid scarf and a black hat that matched it perfectly. 

You were the human version of the snowman except for a more rated r version.

Harry is sitting his mouth wide open at a loss for words. You blow him a kiss before letting the song lyrics flow out of you.

Frosty the snowman

Was a jolly happy soul

With a corncob pipe and a button nose

And two eyes made out of coal

You sway your hips side to side, singing, enjoying the ravenous stare he was giving you. You throw the hat, letting it fall at his feet, but not even that breaks the gaze he has on you, not wanting to miss a single movement of yours. 

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they say

He was made of snow

But the children know

How he came to life one day

You take a few steps forward, but never enough to allow him to touch you, and he's craving it; you know he is. His hands are gripping his thighs, his knuckles turning whiter by the seconds. 

He still hasn't said a word. You have him mesmerized. 

You sing the lyrics proudly, knowing you practiced all week for this moment. The moment Harry will never forget all the teasing he had been doing, always forgetting you win these battles. 

There must have been some magic in that

Old silk hat they found

For when they placed it on his head

He began to dance around

"Baby," Harry breathes out, putting a hand out to touch you, but you take a step back before he can do so. 

You smirk, shaking your head no at him. You were having a lot more fun than you expected. 

You bend over, slipping off your heels, never breaking eye contact with Harry; he could very easily see up the dress that you had nothing underneath. His green eyes turned dark, and you swore your heart stopped, and you were sure he was about to attack. You were the prey, taunting him until he had enough, but surprisingly enough, he took a deep breath, and his composure was back well, just a bit of it.  

O Frosty the snowman

Was alive as he could be

And the children say he could laugh and play

Just the same as you and me

You stopped right in front of him. Harry's eyes trained on your red lips, hanging out to every word you were singing. You reached a hand back and began to unzip the dress. The grin on your face excited for the next reaction you were about to receive. 

Once you reached the bottom of your back, the dress fell to the floor. Harry let out a loud gasp. Your breasts on display, the small owl tattoo on your hip staring at him, he could see how wet you were, and all he wanted was his head between your thighs as you screamed his name. 

You were a dream. You missed Harry's touch. It was the reason you stepped close enough for him to finally pull you in. 

He led them down the streets of town

Right to the traffic cop

And he only paused a moment when

He heard them holler "Stop!"

Harry has no expression on his face as he sits you on his lap. He lets his head fall into your next, feeling how wet you are through his thin sweats. You move to stand up, but he grips your hips tightly, thrusting his hips against yours, searching for some kind of relief or a reaction from you because you still haven't stopped singing. 

"Baby, stop singing." His hand is cradling your cheek as his lust-filled eyes stare at you. 

You shake your head, not letting him distract you. The only piece of clothing left was the scarf, and Harry lets out a growl before ripping your scarf off your neck, throwing it off to the side.

Now you truly sit there naked in his lap, and you feel all the control you have over him. The song is coming to an end, meaning you've got to remove yourself from your favorite place to sit but knowing you'll be back there soon enough. 

Frosty the snowman

Had to hurry on his way

But he waved goodbye, saying

"Don't you cry I'll be back again someday"

You sing the final lyrics in his ear before walking away to turn off the speaker, an extra sway to your hips, knowing Harry is very well still watching your every move. You stand a delighted look on your face as you wait for his praise. 

"Those were the longest two minutes of my life," Harry says; he puts a hand over his heart, feeling like it might just burst out. "I'm never going to be able to listen to this song in public or around anyone that isn't you." 

You smirk, thrilled to hear that.

"What did I do to end up with someone as beautiful and perfect as you in my life." He confesses. 

"Probably stopped a war in a past life." You throw out jokingly. 

Harry puckers his lips and makes grabby hands at you. "Kissy, please?"

And who are you to say no? He spreads his legs, letting you step in between. You slip your fingers into his hair, pulling back with enough force to have him let out a moan. You lean down and connect your lips in a hot kiss, one that has Harry gripping you tightly wherever he can get his hands on. You moan as he slips his tongue into your mouth, and you happily give up the control to him. 

You pull back and rest a hand on his chest, preventing him from pulling you back for you. You wipe your thumb over his bottom lip that now has some of your red lipstick. "Seems like I won, sweets."

"I feel like the real winner here," Harry tells you cheekily, sneaking a kiss to both your boobs. You giggle, not at all surprised by his action. 

"Well," You fiddle with the collar of his shirt. "Why don't you show me how winners celebrate?" 

"With pleasure." Harry groans standing up quickly and pushing you back against the best. He strips as fast as he can, not without a small stumble; you're sure to keep your giggle quiet, knowing very well how easily he gets embarrassed. 

He is quick to get on top and kisses you hard. His kisses are always soft, but it seems the teasing seemed to flip a switch, one that you will happily remember to look to turn on again on a later date. Tonight, you are ready for an endless night of pleasure and love. 

Harry connects their lips, ready for an endless night of pleasure and love. 

_____

Christmas cards were a lovely tradition. Harry insisted they started because he wanted to show off his beautiful girlfriend to his friends and family. He also liked them handwritten because it added a nice personal touch. Who were you to argue about it?

This year you were the one excited to send them out. 

It read: Merry Christmas from our beautiful family to yours

You and Harry sat in front of the fireplace, four stockings hanging behind you. Harry made you sit in his lap, wanting to show off your matching two-piece buffalo plaid pajamas. You both had the biggest grins on your face, eyes shining bright. Next to you, laying on top of a box that was wrapped with blue sloth wrapping paper, was a one-year-old Australian shepherd that had spent the better of six months in the shelter because the small pup was quiet who didn't do well with people, but that changed instantly the minute he met you. You decided on the name Frosty for him. Not only did Harry get you the dog of your dreams but a small kitten as well. You brought home Snow, a six-month white Birman kitten who was the rut of his siblings, and how could you just not bring him home with you with his big blue eyes staring at you begging to add to your family because he had lots of love to give. At least that's what you told Harry what the look he was giving you meant. The two siblings laid next to each other, both surprisingly staring right at the camera, making it their best Christmas photo yet. 

A photo can honestly speak a thousand words because one glance at this photo tells you how much love there is in that home and their relationship. 

Christmas was all about spreading joy and love, and well, Harry accomplished just that for you.

_____

thank you so much for reading! i honestly hoped you loved it and would love to hear what you thought so send me a message if you like. 

i love you!

[marshmallowprotection]

Calluna

Pairing: Saeran Choi/Reader

Fairytale AU.

Description:

The Prince has been bound to the castle walls, and he’s never been able to leave from it. The only place that he has to escape to are the books that he reads and the garden that he’s allowed to venture into every evening. But, what happens when he encounters someone that has eyes that know a world unlike his own?

Inspired by a drawing by @sensetenou​

Chapter Index

Chapter One: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Two: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Three: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Four: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Five: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Six: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Seven: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Eight: Tumblr | AO3 Chapter Nine: Here! | AO3

Chapter Nine

“Look at you,” hand brushing against the glass. “Every bit of a prince’s date.”

A wolf in sheep’s clothing was more like it.

You stared at the reflection in front of you. Sure, you looked the part of someone who would be attending a party but you knew the truth: You were nothing but a thief who was going to abuse the only relationship that you had ever made. It didn’t matter if it was against your will, you had tried nothing to get yourself out of this mess.

You bowed your head and accepted that you were going to do what Red Hood told you to do. It was what you always did. A little songbird that knew who owed them.

Clenching your fists tightly at your sides, you swallowed down the self-loathing in your heart. You sincerely didn’t want to go through with it but you had to do this.

Red Hood would kill the prince if you hesitated.

At this point, as much as your heart detested the person that you were, you might have accepted your own death if it meant that Ray lived. You were scared, sure, anyone naturally would be fearful of the end if it was placed in front of them. But, Ray was important to not only you but the rest of the small kingdom.

You knew that the queen had been whisking people away, and you knew that something wasn’t right with her rule. If she was allowed to continue, then combined with the power Red Hood had in the sea and land underneath her nose, everyone would know the taste of absolution. It couldn’t keep going on like that.  One villain was enough.

Ray was a gentle soul.

He would help the people in every way that he could. You had faith in him, more than you had faith in anyone on this planet. His kind smile flickered in the back of your mind. He was truly selfless and fiercely loyal to his aspirations. The kingdom would be in good hands whether you were banished or killed.

It pained you to know that you wouldn’t see him ever again after tonight. That made the night all the more bittersweet. You wanted to imprint a lasting memory of him in your heart for the future when you wouldn’t have him closeby any longer. For his sake alone, you wanted to ensure that the night was something perfect.

If that was all you could gift a king, then you would give it to him.

Your heart would always belong to him.

Pulling the mask over your face, you gave one last look into the mirror. Sufficient enough. Nobody would ever know who you truly were, not even the guard who had a glimmer of your face underneath your hood once before. Funny, all you ever wanted was to be able to show your face to other people without worrying about what would happen if they knew your face enough to match it to the fleeting wanted poster that existed.

Now you had it.

“I expect you to be back here before midnight,” Red Hood’s voice drew you from your thoughts. He was waiting for you outside your room. “Not a moment later. Don’t disappoint me tonight, Sparrow. You remember our deal and I will make good on it if you dare try to escape.”

You clenched your teeth.

He already knew that you were cornered, but this man just wanted to watch you squirm. He gained a sick delight out of making people feel powerless. You knew that look in his golden eyes better than you knew the back of your hand. That was why you bit back every horrible thing that you wanted to say about him.

It was one thing to be underneath the heel of a monster, but to fight back when you knew that held all the cards? That was a fool’s errand. Zen had warned you to be careful with what you were doing and now you were reaping the price of not heeding his words. You wished that you had listened to him or that you would have tried harder to dodge Red Hood’s suspicion.

But, you knew that nothing you could have done would have changed a thing.

His eyes were everywhere and his power was unstoppable. It didn’t matter how far you ran or how much you hid, Red Hood would find out what you were from hiding from him and he would take it away from you for his gain. That was how he got his power and you would never forget that fact as long as you lived.

Red Hood smirked. Leaning over, he tucked a feather into your hair without even budging. “There we go, a reminder of your place, little birdie. Now, run along, enjoy your little evening with the prince for as long as you want. Just remember what you owe me.”

Never tearing your eyes away from him, you forced yourself to smile. You weren’t going to let him see you cry again. “Understood.”

—

It didn’t take long to find him in the crowd of people. He stood out like a sore thumb as he gazed upon everyone around him and got used to the feeling of existing amongst the people. Even in a mask, you’d seen his smile and known it to be him. You would know those lips anywhere and you would know him to be the one amazed by the smallest detail.

Pushing aside the plans ahead, you tapped twice on his shoulder and garnered his attention. He smiled at you, and your chest pulled hard. The pang of regret and loathing biting at you. “Would you care to join me for a dance?”

You took his hand and he whisked you away.

Spinning around and around the dance floor, you could feel your heart race as he invaded your senses from all sides. You had wondered what it would feel like to be so close to Ray while the rest of the world could see you, but as it turned out, you felt like it was no different than when you were alone with him in the garden.

It was like the rest of the world didn’t exist when you were with him.

You would enjoy the time that you had with him while you could. You didn’t want the memory of his warmth to be bathed in sadness. Ray was a great dancer, and he knew just what to do to make you let out a little gasp.

When you were alone and closely knit, he would be prone to trip over his own feet but when he had to be the dazzling prince? All that fear and shyness dissolved around you. He stood proudly and tall with no trace of that edge.

He was every bit a price as much as you were a thief.

As it was meant to be. You had only wished that your circumstances had been different. Would it be the same if Ray had been born of the commonwealth and able to ask you for your hand as anyone else would be able to do if they so wanted? What would Ray have been like if he wasn’t trapped behind the tall walls of his palace?

Would he still stutter and stammer whenever you managed to show him something that he had never seen before? Would he still look at you with those dazzling eyes? Would he still grasp your hand with the tenderness only given to someone you care greatly for? Would Ray still want to kiss you in the same feverous way?

Would you still want to kiss him with the same vigor?

Yes, you thought. It wouldn’t matter if he was rich or not, it didn’t matter if he was a prince or not, you could see yourself falling deeply entranced with his soul over and over again. Perhaps in your next life, it would be possible that you both could love each other without fearing the weight of the world on your shoulders.

You could only pray.

If only you were the praying type.

You never wanted this dance to end, but the band slowed their music down and you and he came to a rest in the middle of the ballroom. Your hand that gripped his shoulder just wouldn’t let go of him at all. "I'm happy you came," he said.

"Thank you for inviting me," you said, automatically. "I've never seen you look happier, my prince."

"And I've never seen you so dazzling," he returned. "I mean it. Everyone in the room hasn't taken their eyes off of you. You've managed to enchant the entire kingdom just by being yourself with me. If I didn't know any better, I would dare say that they think you're royalty while I'm merely a commoner vying for your attention."

There was a faint blush on his cheek that he couldn't hide away, not from you. There was a smile on your lips but it didn't seem to meet your eyes as it normally did. If anyone was looking at you, you had no idea, you had only cared for his eyes on you. He looked so happy, so very happy, and you truly did wish that you could feel his joy.

It was selfish of you to linger like this. Your time was on a deadline but you wanted to stay with Ray forever. He couldn’t tell that anything was amiss and you were happy about that. At least, he would never know the truth.

It didn’t stop your guilt.

Ray tucked a strand of stray hair behind your ear with a smile. "Thank you, [Y/N]. You've always believed in me and seen me for someone more than that. I want to be a great king so you'll be proud of me."

You looked away from him, your hand slowly removing itself from his grasp. "I am proud of you, Ray," you whispered. "I always will be. I hope that you'll never forget just how much you mean to me, and I hope that no matter what happens, you'll always think of me fondly."

He leaned over and gently brushed his lips to your own in a gentle peck. You didn't push him away when he took the kiss. You accepted that kiss as if your life depended on it. It did, in a way, your hope in him depended on how he would be able to remember you. You knew, with a bittersweet heart that you had found the person that you wanted to love forever, just as your parents had someone that they loved so much that they could never part from, not even in death.

It was funny, your parents had left you behind with the memory of a love story that the rest of the world would never know and now you were leaving Ray with a love story that never got to begin. Your future was bleak but you had faith in him and where his dreams would take him. He was going to get to do great things.

You would love to see him grow from afar, even if all that remained of you were tonight.

You hoped that one day he would be able to forgive you for leaving him.

"I can say the same," he murmured, his forehead pressed against your own. "I hope you'll always keep me deep inside your heart."

Silence overtook the two of you for a single moment, a solitary moment where the world didn't matter, just the feeling that the two of you felt for each other. The moment was broken when a hand brushed against his shoulder, a blond man came to grab his attention, of course. You knew him to be someone in his staff.

It was time.

Why couldn’t you have more time?

"I hate to interrupt, my prince, but your presence has been requested by King Han," he smiled, rather apologetically to Ray and you. "It's a pressing matter that needs to be discussed. I hope your friend won't mind if I cut in?"

"..."

"It's alright," you spoke up. It was time to say goodbye. You pressed your hand against his shoulder for a long second and squeezed. "Go on, my prince. You've got matters of state to attend to. I'll be here when you return, okay?"

Ray smiled at you. "I promise I won't be long."

"Take your time," you said.

Ray spared one last look at you and despite the pain in your heart, you smiled at him. It was your parting gift. You hoped that this memory would persist in his mind despite what he may come to think of you once the night was over. It would be what it would be and you were okay with that, you had no choice but to be okay with that. Still, once he was far gone from your sight, you turned your back and started your trek to return to the life of a criminal and not the welcomed guest of the prince.

No matter what you seemed to do, tears burned at the cusp of your vision. You would always be a thief in the night.

—

The trek to the room where the crown was being kept was not a long-shot from where you were. It was just out of sight and mind where the party guests wouldn’t think to bother. You skillfully made your way through the halls as you had the last time that you were here, ducking and hiding out of the line of sight of a few guards till you were certain you were in the clear.

The door was locked, but you expected as much, tucking a pin from your satchel, you fiddled with the heavy lock until it opened with a clatter.

It was too easy, but it had been nearly this easy the last time when you took the gems from this room. Red Hood had wanted the jewels from the crown the first time but now he wanted the crown itself.

Why?

A crown was easier to track down and more pointedly something that the queen would want back if it was taken. What was it about the crown that he wanted? Weren’t the gems not enough? It didn’t make much sense to you, but you couldn’t help but wonder what the heck his goal was. You were risking all of your livelihood for a crown.

Why?

Shutting the door, you entered the room, breathing in deeply. You were taking your time to inspect the room for longer than you had the last time. Along the wall was tapestry and paintings of former kings and queens, faces you didn’t know but you knew to be of a long line of people who were given their divine right by blood.

Pausing at the end of the line, you found a painting that had been harmed, or at the very least—

Tampered with?

“Huh?”

It was the queen, her blonde curls framing her face elegantly. Her hands resting upon Ray’s shoulders as she was depicted with a bright smile. For someone that you knew to be not all they seemed, this was made to paint her to be a saint. Yet, as your eyes followed the line that should have led to the king’s face, you narrowed your eyes.

Distorted, the painting was distorted, almost as if you weren’t meant to know what his face looked like.

Burned, perhaps? No , you stared harder.

Something wasn’t right about it. But, you weren’t sure what. The face should have been clear but it wasn’t. Granted, it could have been the darkness in the room and the fact that the painting stretched to the ceiling but it didn’t feel right. There was a knot in your stomach but you tore your eyes away from the painting to look on ahead, to where the crown was waiting on a stand.

You didn’t have time to play guessing games with spirits or magic in a castle that you knew to be cursed. If Ray was cursed, who was to say that the castle didn’t have other magic within it? You didn’t want to find yourself at the end of an angry spirit or witch. That was the last thing that you needed to deal with.

“There it is,” you murmured. “That’s it.”

The crown, the symbol of status and power of the king, and the very thing that was going to save Ray from being harmed. Putting aside every feeling in your gut, you walked forward and wavered as your hands came to rest over the crown. You hesitated, knowing that this was the crime that would force you to run for the rest of your days.

You knew not where you would go or what you would do once you were free, but you knew that this was the point in your life where you had no choice. It wasn’t as if you had ever had a choice in the first place. Red Hood had owned you for as long as you could remember and he would own you until you returned this to him.

Heavy was the hand that held the crown, you thought.

Willing yourself to do it, you reached out once more and took a hold of the crown. It weighed nothing in your hands but it weighed everything inside your heart. Glimmering in silver and gold, this was the price of your soul. This was the price of your freedom. This was the price of your happiness. This was the price of Ray’s life.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, once more, eyes darting in the direction of the painting of Ray. You meant it, even if he would never know how deeply sorry you were for everything.

This small object… this crown…

It held all the power in your world.

Turning from the platform, you started to head for the door to leave, but you were stopped by the sudden slam in front of you as moonlight poured into the room and fire illuminated your features by a group of strangers, strangers you knew to be dressed like the guard for the castle.

Your eyes widened at the sight, almost in shock that someone had appeared when you had seen no sign of guards in nearly a half-hour.

Your body didn’t seem to react, stunned to silence as you and the guards just stared at each other trying to figure out the purpose. By the time you remembered that you needed to run, that you needed to duck out the window as fast as possible, one of the guards shouted, “A thief! Come to steal the crown! Seize them!”

The crown dropped to the floor in a clatter but it was too late.

You were captured just as quickly as you had been found.

[queertazsecretsanta]

Bird Feed

A gift for @call-me-page, created by @aphaceland!

Happy Candlenights!

Title: Bird Feed

“Lup, that better not be the fresh bread you’re feeding them.”

“They deserve the best, Taako.”

Ever since the two of them opened up the Bready or Not Bakery, people had been flocking to the twins to get their fill of the kickass pastries they made. Unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones flocking. At first it was a group of pigeons that swarmed a warm bun that someone dropped on the sidewalk outside. Then word traveled to the sparrows and seagulls after some poor soul dropped their cupcake frosting-side down, sending sprinkles scattering across the curb. The most recent freeloaders had been a bunch or ravens or crows or whatever cawing up a storm right in front of the shop. At this point Taako had had enough and Lup wasn’t helping at all.

“That’s probably not even good for them.” Taako said, crossing his arms and leaning on the door frame.

“As long as it’s not all they’re eating it’s fine. Just a little snacky snack for some good birdy boys,” she said in a sing-song voice. Great, his sister was baby talking to a bunch of dirty street birds.

“Alright, suit yourself. Just know that ya boy, that’s me, hi, is gonna take your tips if you don’t get your butt inside and help me make the rest of the muffins before the store opens.”

At that, Lup gets up, dusts herself off, and runs back inside, glancing back only once to see the gathering of various birds enjoying the crumbs she left behind. Only after the birds finished their small snack did a raven, much larger than the other ones present, land right in the middle of the frenzy. The other birds flew off, leaving the raven looking for what was left. The large raven flew over to the side of the shop, right beside the display case that Taako was setting up for the day. The raven perched itself on the windowsill and pecked at the glass.

Taako only spared a single cursory glance the raven’s way before he went back to setting up. It was enough that he had to get out of bed early to make the pastries, but he had to arrange the display just right so that it was all appealing as fuck. The taste was already amazing, natch, but you need to make sure the people actually bothered to buy it first. He was positioning a cheesecake slice so that strawberry was just perfect under the lighting when the raven pecked at the glass again.

“What?” he asked, nearly dropping the cake in the process.

The raven pointed its beak insistently at the display. Taako couldn’t tell what exactly it was pointing at, but that hardly mattered anyway.

“Sorry, my man. You missed the feeding frenzy like a minute ago,” he shrugged, not sorry in the slightest. The raven only shook its head and ruffled its feathers, pointing again at the counter. Taako looked over at where the beak was pointing and saw the bowl of elderflower macarons.

“Nope. This is a Taako o-ri-gi-nal. Paying customers only.”

He was talking to a bird. A smart bird, but a bird nonetheless. He made a shooing motion with his hand and it seemed to have finally gotten the message. It flew off to leave Taako in relative peace before the morning rush started.

The raven, however, was not deterred. He waited patiently, with puffed up feathers, outside of the door, not quite feeling the cold breeze of the brisk autumn day. He had closed his eyes and nearly drifted off when he heard the telltale ‘ding!’ of the bell over the door being rung. Someone was going inside. Seizing the opportunity, the raven hopped up and walked in before the door slammed shut. Too short to be within line of sight, he walked over to the back room, making sure his talons didn’t clack too loudly against the tile.

Inside, he saw the elf from before. He looked engrossed in his baking. He was kneading dough for some confection when a kitchen timer went off. The raven clambered underneath a table and tried to hide in the shadows. Taako didn’t seem to notice him, though, and went over to the oven to pull out a tray of cinnamon rolls. The smell of fresh cinnamon wafted through the room, spurring the raven into action.

The raven flew out from under the table directly at Taako. He flared out his wings and yelled, mimicking the elf’s voice. “TAAKO O-RI-GI-NAL!”

Taako jumped with a yelp and fumbled the tray. A few cinnamon rolls fell before he could right it, though the screaming fucking bird in his kitchen was currently taking priority. The raven swooped down and grabbed a roll before it hit the ground and attempted to fly away. However, this gave Taako an opportunity to attack. He put the tray down and grabbed the bird’s leg. It flapped uselessly in his hand, clutching its stolen prize for dear life.

“What the fuck!” he yelled.

A few seconds later, Lup burst in with her wand at the ready. The confused and somewhat frightened expressions of the customers were visible for the few seconds the door was open. Lup looked around the room, seemingly searching for another person. Her worried expression turned deadpan when she saw her brother holding a bird that was awkwardly trying to free its leg.

“Goddamn it Taako, it sounded like you were being murdered in here.”

“Worse!” He pointed the raven at her. “This is what happens when you feed the birds, Lup.”

The raven had certainly found itself in a sticky situation. He could already feel the effects of the polymorph spell wearing off. He threw his head back, trying to eat the cinnamon roll before he turned back. Unfortunately he couldn’t even have that. Taako grabbed the part of the roll that was still hanging out of his beak and threw it out.

“Just toss it out the back door. And wash your hands, you don’t know where it’s been.” Lup said.

“Oh yeah, says the one who was feeding them the good bread in the first place. What happened to your good birdy boys, huh?” he teased, but walked to the backdoor anyway.

At that point, the raven was relieved. He may not have gotten the whole thing, but just tasting it would suffice. More importantly, he needed to get somewhere private or else the spell would end right in the middle of-

It sucked that it was an instantaneous transformation. Suddenly, instead of Taako holding a mischievous raven with half a cinnamon roll in his mouth, he was holding a grown man with half a cinnamon roll in his mouth. By the leg. The sudden shift in weight caused them both to fall over.

Taako was taken entirely by surprise. And, nope! He did not like that shit one bit. He pushed the man roughly off of him. “What the fuck is your- oh shit you’re actually kinda hot.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry! Are you hurt? I didn’t- I didn’t think it was going to go like that,” the man said.

“What did you expect to happen?” Lup said, now thoroughly confused.

Taako took the time to study the man as he and Lup argued. Well, it was more Lup arguing and him apologizing. He had shoulder-length dreads and a tastefully short beard. He was fully gothed out, with a black suit, skull patterned tie, and raven skull earrings. Taako also noticed the barest hint of fangs as he spoke. Fuckin’ nice.

“So, what’s your story? Any reason you, uh, busted into my shop, bird boy?” Taako said, almost certainly interrupting his and Lup’s conversation.

The man regarded Taako for a moment and Taako hoped he was checking him out. He fixed his tousled hair and rolled over onto his side so he could have a good look. Lup rolled her eyes.

“Um, my name is Kravitz and I’m not usually a bird. It’s just… the food here is so good and I don’t have any money-”

“You don’t have any money?” the twins asked in disbelief, gesturing at his immaculate suit.

“What, your sugar daddy’s holding out on you?” Taako asked with a giggle in his voice.

Kravitz frowned. “I don’t- I’m not- I don’t have one of those, so no. My job doesn’t really have a salary?”

Mild disbelief turned into full-fledged suspicion. What the hell was this guy talking about? “What do you even work as?” Lup asked.

Kravitz took note of the fact that she still hadn’t lowered her wand, so he had to choose his words carefully. He couldn’t exactly tell these people he was a reaper for the Raven Queen. If word got out that the literal Grim Reaper uses the powers that his Queen gifted him to get food from a local bakery, his reputation would take a massive hit. Especially since he technically doesn’t need to eat in the first place. Gods, he wanted this moment to be over.

“I work… as a… mortician.” Kravitz cringed at his own answer.

Taako rested his chin in his hand and cocked his head to the side. “Pretty sure they get paid.”

“They get paid more than us, I know that much.”

Kravitz stood. “Look, I’m sorry for the trouble and the mess. I really don’t have any money. I can find something to give you, though.”

He reached into his pockets and felt the jingling of trinkets he had collected on the job, as well as the occasional reward from the Raven Queen. He would hate to give those up, so he only pulled out a pair of earrings and a necklace he found on a previous job. They weren’t his style anyway. The earrings were both gold with sparkling rubies dangling from a chain. The necklace was probably part of that set. It was also gold, but it had several chains of dazzling rubies adorning the front. He preferred to wear cool colors, and this looks good enough to cover the losses.

“Um, is this good?”

Both twins practically ran into him to get a good look. Lup snatched up the earrings while Taako inspected the necklace. Their eyes widened as they appraised the jewelry and gave each other a look. Strings of anxiety knotted up in Kravitz’ chest. He hoped it was enough. He clutched the silver pocket watch his Queen gave him after his last job. There’s no way he’d give this one up.

“Yeah, that just about covers it, my man.” Taako said, putting the necklace on. It didn’t fit with the whole ‘flour-covered apron’ look he had going on, but Taako made it work. Taako always made it work.

Kravitz sighed in relief. “Well, if that’s it, I should probably get going.”

“Hold on a second, there’s still an issue we gotta deal with. Lup, could you uh, check out the customers out front, see how they’re doing?”

Lup looked at him, then Kravitz, then back at him. She sighed and put her wand back in her pocket. “Only because you helped me with Barry.”

Kravitz felt even more nervous with only one twin in the room. Taako eyed him up and down and Kravitz felt the need to stand up straighter under his scrutiny.

“So I take it you’re gonna be back tomorrow, yeah? You thinkin’ of going as a bird again or what?”

Kravitz cleared his throat. “No. I’d like to avoid… all of this from happening again. Thanks for taking my offer, and sorry again for… everything.”

Well damn. This guy was way too sweet. Taako was beginning to feel bad for taking advantage of the guy. What he gave them was way more than enough to cover the three cinnamon rolls he dropped. Lup would probably feed them to the birds anyway. Taako sighed dramatically, prompting Kravitz to cock his head to one side as if he’s trying to figure out if he said something wrong. Damn, he was cute. Taako strode over to the tray of cinnamon rolls and tossed Kravitz one.

“Here, since you like those so much. Look, I’ll be real with you. Since you have like no understanding of money whatsoever, I’ll be nice and let you know that this,” he gestures to the necklace, “is way more expensive than a few cinnamon rolls. Now, I’m deffo keeping it, but I figured since you’re such a hungee boy I’d make you something even better.”

Kravitz’ eyes widened and a barely subdued smile crept onto his face. “Like a chocolate cake?”

At that, Taako sported his own lopsided grin. “Yeah, fuck it. I was gonna go for dinner, too. Make a night of it y’know.”

“Taako, I-” he paused to consider his next words. “Thank you. You really don’t have to do this you know.”

“I know, there is no end to my generosity, is there?” Taako turned and searched the top shelf, pulling out a pen and clicking it a few times before walking over to Kravitz. “You got a phone, homie?”

He didn’t wait for an answer before he started scrawling his number on Kravitz’ palm. “No, but I’ll send a raven.”

Taako paused in his writing and looked up to give him another look of utter confusion and disbelief. He was met with a shit-eating grin. Taako rolled his eyes and continued writing. “You ass.”

Kravitz laughed at his own joke like a dork, and also maybe a little bit at how the pen tickled his hand. “I’ll be sure to bring you something pretty.”

Taako definitely wasn’t opposed to that. His wardrobe needed some upgrades, but he was literally doing this because Kravitz got him something too pretty. Well, that and because he’s hot.

“Just bring your cute face and you’re all set, then. Anyway, text me later, I’ll give you the details, cool?”

“Yeah,” Kravitz said, looking at the number written messily on his hand. “Cool.”

“Alright, it’s a date. Now get out of my kitchen.” Taako said, pushing him out the back door.

Even as he was being shoved out, Kravitz felt a smile, wide and genuine, on his face. That went better than he could’ve ever expected. The back alley he found himself in was a perfectly private place to portal himself back into the Astral Plane. He went to his quarters before his Queen could tease him about the dopey smile that had no plan on leaving his face any time soon. He sat at his desk and added Taako’s contact to his phone. He held the phone to his chest as he swiveled from side to side in his office chair. Then he stopped and slammed his hands on the desk.

“Wait, did he say date?”

[sillylittlewritings0]

My Favorite Hero

Peter Parker x Reader 

Warnings: Slight mugging violence I guess? Nothing else 

Prompt: Y/N gets saved from a mugging by Peter, and Y/N becomes infatuated with Spider-Man while not knowing who he really is. 

You cursed to yourself under your breath, as you hugged your coat tighter to your body. It was really stupid of you to be walking home this late at night, and especially alone. It’s not like you had any other choice, since both your parents worked, and you missed the bus from school. Still nothing about the circumstances of the situation made it any less creepy or dangerous. Walking around in Queens at night as a young girl? Yea, you heard all the horror stories. Speeding up to get home faster, you were only two blocks away from making it home, when you felt something sharp poke against your back. 

“I’ll make it easy for you. Hand over the bag, and you won’t have to make a trip to the hospital” said a deep male voice from behind you. 

You complied right away, as fear overcame your body. Still feeling upset at the fact that you lost your wallet and expensive headphones to a creep mugger, but better than literally being stabbed in the back. As the mugger checked the valuables inside your bag, he made a dash to the dark alley next to you. You slowly began walking away, feeling violated and vulnerable, but suddenly stopped when you heard noises coming from the alley the mugger disappeared in. It sounded like a struggle, a fight going on, and a curious sound? You couldn’t place it, but you did know that it sounded sticky. You stood still, waiting to see if the noises revealed themselves, when you felt a tap on your shoulder from behind you. You spun around, ready to attack off another mugger. 

“Woah! woah! woah! woah! It’s okay, I’m- I’m a good guy!” said a figure dressed in red and blue spandex.

You lowered your fists, and relaxed. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. You’re Spider-Man, and I almost just punched you” you said. 

He chuckled, “It’s okay, you were scared. Nice to know you’re a tough girl who can protect herself.” 

You scoffed slightly, “Yea, well not that great at it. I lost all my things to that creep.”

After you replied, the masked superhero held out your bag the mugger stole from you. 

“You did the right thing, and made sure to keep yourself safe and unharmed. Which is the real super heroic trait. In- In my opinion anyway, uh, I mean, you were really brave” he said. 

You happily accepted your book bag back from him, and in response hugged him out of pure joy and appreciation. 

“Oh! Um, wow-”

“Thank you! Thank you so much, I thought I lost everything I had” you said as you started tearing up. 

“Oh of course! I mean, just doing my job, miss!” you couldn’t see it, but the superhero was blushing under his mask. 

You quickly realized you were still hugging him, and let go of him in embarrassment. 

“My bad, I um just really appreciate it. You’re a life saver, literally” you told him as you fiddled nervously with you bag straps. 

He patted your back before you let go, “Anytime Y/N! Whenever you find yourself in trouble, you can count on me to be there” he said. 

And with that, he webbed himself out of the street and into the darkness of Queens. You made your way home safely, and recalled the past experience. Spider-Man sounded... young? Like someone your age? You could hardly believe that anyone your age could be so caring and selfless to be someone as heroic as Spider-Man. You smiled and sighed to yourself as you remembered the masked man’s kind words to you. You always had a thing for heroic guys, with a small crush on Thor and Captain America, but this one felt different. Instead of some silly impossible crush, it felt very possible. As if you could very well fall for the guy. But you pushed that thought out of your head as you got ready for bed. Laying there falling asleep, you almost forgotten that Spider-Man knew your name. How and why did he know that?

*At school the next day*

You walked the halls of Midtown High to make your way to your English class. It had been at least three weeks since your brush with the mugging and being saved by Spider-Man. In that time, you became quite a bit of a fan of the hero. With a few Spider-Man stickers on your binders and notebooks, and even sporting a Spider-Man shirt on some days. Some of it admiration, and some of it due to the crush. You made it inside your class and took your usual seat next to a fellow student, Peter Parker. Peter was undoubtedly the nicest and sweetest guy you have ever met. He always helped you with any homework or classwork you had trouble with. He also had great taste in movies, with your shared love for Star Wars. You two talked often, but mostly remained friendly acquaintances. Even if you did find him cute, you never quite had the guts to take the chance to push it forward. Sitting in class listening to the teacher’s lesson, you felt Peter’s eyes fall on your binder, riddled with Spider-Man stickers. You could see Peter laugh quietly to himself from the corner of your eye. He took out a piece of paper and scribbled on it before passing it to you. 

“Quite the fan of Spidey now? ;)” 

“Oh, yea haha. I had a little run in with him after almost being stabbed in a mugging. If I’m being honest, I felt a little smitten with him.” 

“I’m so glad you’re okay, that’s so awful and I’m sorry you had to go through that. But oh really? Spandex must be the new hot thing with the ladies!”

“It’s okay, I had my favorite hero to save me :) I mean, the spandex were pretty hot haha, but it’s really his kind and heroic nature that created this lil crush. It takes a lot to do the right thing and stand up to all the bad things in this city. Anyone who can do the right thing is a real hero.”

You looked over to Peter, who had a slight blush on his cheeks after reading your last reply, and he was about to reply when the teacher caught you. 

“Y/N! Peter! Since you two found your notes more compelling than the lesson, you can review what you missed in detention.” 

“S-sorry Mrs. Joseph...” you and Peter both replied and sank into your chairs from all the eyes that turned to stare at you. 

*After detention*

You know you shouldn’t say it, but you were really glad to have gotten detention with Peter. Since Coach Wilson could not be bothered (or paid enough) to care, you and Peter spent most of detention joking around, laughing together, and talking to each other. There was even more to the sweet guy who sat next to you in English. He told you about his favorite sandwich shop in Queens, and how he liked his sandwiches made. How annoying it was to have his Aunt May constantly hit on, and he even told you about his Uncle Ben dying. You told him how you are almost always alone with your parents working, what kind of books you read, and even some of your old superhero crushes. Those three hours in detention flew by as you and Peter got to know each other more. After detention, Peter was even sweet enough to walk you home, after your mugging. You two arrived at your door, and Peter stood with his hand in his pockets. 

“As much as it sucks to get detention, it was really great to talk to you more” Peter said. 

“I feel the same way Peter. You’re so much fun to be around, I haven’t laughed like that in a long time” you said shyly. 

He smiled at you, and you thanked him for walking you home and insisting that he put your number in his phone so he could text when he got home. Peter’s heart swelled at the gesture. You both bid each other goodnight and went your separate ways. After 20 min, a text popped up from an unsaved number. 

“Hey :) Just wanted to tell you I made it home now.”

“Thanks for letting me know <3 the streets can be so scary and I speak from experience.”

“No problem, and they shouldn’t be too scary, everyone can count on their Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and especially you can <3.”

“I think I have heard that somewhere before :) Thank you Peter, good night :*”

“Goodnight Y/N <3″ 

You clicked your phone off, and rolled over to go to bed, your heart smiling. You woke up to a soft tapping coming from your window that woke you from a deep sleep. Groaning, you rose up from bed, and walked to your window. Opening it, you saw nothing at first, till a quick flash of red and blue appeared in your face, upside down. You jumped afar, and almost screamed, till you realized who it was. 

“Spidey! My god, you scared me half to death!” you laughed. 

“I’m really sorry! I just wanted to see you again, it’s been awhile” Spidey replied. 

“You wanted to see me again? Just a random citizen you saved?” you asked questionably. 

“A little birdie told me that someone may have a bit of a crush on me” he winked with his mask eye toward you. 

You blushed, and felt upset. “You know Peter Parker?! More than that, he told you?? I told him that in confidence!” you yelled as you hid your face away in your hands.

Spidey quickly replied, “Hey, hey! Calm down, it’s okay! He... he didn’t tell me, trust me. In fact, in a way, you told me yourself” he said shyly. 

You looked up at him, confused. “What? There’s... there is NO way I could have told you, unless you have been following me?” you said. 

“WHAT NO NO NOOONO! I promise I’m not a creeper- I just- I- well..” he struggled to get out his words. 

He finally sighed, and turned himself upright to crawl into your room. He faced you, and took off his mask. 

“PETER?!” you screamed quietly. 

“I know, it’s a lot to take in, and I hope you aren’t freaking out too bad! It- it’s just that, I really like you, Y/N, and I have for awhile now. Since you have been sitting next to me in English. And today when we talked, I got to know you a lot, and started liking you even more. Then you told me about your crush on Spider-Man, and well um, now here we are” Peter stammered out to you. 

You stood there, taking it all in. Was this the reason why you felt so different when you were crushing on Spider-Man, the reason why you felt like you had a chance? Had you somehow subconsciously knew it was Peter? You did always thing he was so sweet and cute. 

“Peter... this is incredible. Dangerous and stressful none the less, but it’s so you! You’re the sweet boy who is always ready to help any one in need, with the biggest and caring heart. It only makes sense that you’re the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” you said. 

He smiled, and started to walk closer to you. You embraced each other, and he caressed your face. Peter started deep into your eyes, before closing his eyes and leaning in to kiss you. You closed your eyes and responded to the kiss. Twisting your fingers in his hair, you deepened the kiss and ran your tongue over his bottom lip. After five minutes of making out, you two broke the kiss for some air. 

“Wow, I have been waiting awhile to do that. I really like you Y/N” Peter said. 

“I really like you too, Parker” you smirked to him. 

He pulled you in for another kiss, smiling the whole time.   

[butterflyiiisms]

Desserts Served

(Ludo learns how much his new family cares for him after an unfortunate run-in with his father leaves the small bird in shambles. An rp with my best friend that takes place in my “Greater Forces” au, where Moon and River have taken in Ludo, and Moon, River and Toffee are in a poly relationship. No Studo, don’t dare tag as such.)

The sun was out, birds were chirping and it was the ideal day for the princess and prince to play outside--supervised of course by Toffee since both had wandered into a colossal wasp's nest. Moon wouldn't allow them outside without supervision until they could prove they couldn't wander into a giant cave of bees.

For Star that was just fine. Time with the monster additions of her family. One who she was currently climbing like the most annoying monkey ever, attached around his shoulder and neck. "Toffee, wanna see a cool trick?"

Toffee's arms rose to lift the book to his eyes to offset when her form would get in the way, barely batting an eye. "It doesn't involve throwing my book into another dimension, does it?"

"Nawwww, you got really mad when I did that. It involves...this!" Star bounced off the septarian's shoulders in an impressive flip, landing with a bounce in Toffee's lap. Toffee Trampoline!"

He grunted at the weight, finally putting his book down. His expression was less than impressed.

"It's a great way to damage more than just a good book," he drawled, "But thankfully, you avoided the biggest chapter."

 She hung upside down in his lap, hearts on her face seeming to be happier than usual. "At least you put the book down and paid attention to me! I'm so much more interesting than anything you'd find in a dumb book."

Toffee's smile was small but genuine. "Yes, there certainly are no words to truly describe you. Although a few come to mind in an attempt."

Well color her intrigued. She clapped. "Well don't keep me in suspense! What are they? Mom says they have to be 'child friendly.'" She could almost still taste the soap in her mouth.

He clicked his tongue in irritation; he could still taste the suds too. "Do you have any other tricks to show off?" he countered.

"I can hang upside down by a tree branch with my teeth," she beamed. "But I'd need something to cushion me if I fall. ...HEY LUDO!"

She cried out as she spotted the little monster, but as he zoomed past them, a screeching wail followed. Both princess and septerian watched him run off.

Toffee glanced at her and sighed.

"Go get him," he replied.

"You need to stop screaming when I just say your NAME, Bird Brain!" Star chased after him. "C'mon, look how big your head is! It's make a perfect cushiony landing!"

 His scream faded into a choking sob as he continued to run.

"GO AWAY!" he forced out. "HE'LL FIND ME!"

 Star skidded to a stop and although she was still smiling, it was tense and definitely alarmed. "Ehe......what?"

Ludo took a dive into a random shrub. The leaves quivered under the force of his own shaking.

"I s-saw him!" Frightened yellow orbs darted nervously around in the darkness, "L-Lord Brudo! My... My father!" the hushed whisper was nearly ear-piercing as the trembling increased, the sound like a thunderstorm. "He was... a-at the market! He never goes there! I d-d-didn't know... !"

And just like that, a hardness that had never been seen came to Star's eyes, a type of coldness she had adopted from her step-father when he was pissed.

Oh....someone gonna DIE today.

She bent down next to the bush. "You can't just stay out here. Come on, I'll take you back to Mom okay?" She reached into the bush.

Ludo's nervous whine echoed before his claws raked down her wrist, clinging to it.

She grunted at the pain, but the fact that Ludo was so desperate for safety that he'd cling to her.... Man, poor ugly little birdy.

"Kay, we're gonna get ya back to Mom." She held the bird against her and narrowed her eyes furiously around them, her wand out and glowing if needed to attack. Bumping into someone, she yelped and her wand blasted.

"BACK OFF YOU WRINKLY WORM EATING BAG!"

And the poor Lizard father was flat against the ground with pink leeches sucking on him.

Toffee sighed. "And I thought we were getting along so well."

 "Toffee, oh geez!" She dispelled the little leeches, which wormed off in search of their next victim and she pulled up the lizard. "I'm sorry, you're not the worm eating wrinkly bag I was trying to attack!"

She gestured down to the shaking Avarius child in her arm. "The....bad man is around." She didn't know if Brudo's name would set Ludo off.

Toffee looked at the trembling monster before he glanced back at Star. He offered a curt nod.

"It's a lovely day for one to stroll into a fist, isn't it?"

 "Yeah!" she cheered. "And, you know, a mace and a ball and chain, and hot lava cake!" She propped the chick up in her arm. "But first, I gotta get Tweety Bird back to Mom!"

Star bolted back to the palace, keeping on that calm happy look on her face to keep Ludo settled, while rage boiled deep within. Even if she didn't like Ludo she'd still roast this bird for ever hurting one of his own children. Despicable. No low life that stooped low enough to harm his own flesh and blood deserved to live.

"Mom!" She tapped on the door, face strained. "Pea Brain needs cuddles."

 The door swung open and her eyes fell on the small monster, mouth dropping open at his state. "Ludo?" she murmured.

Ludo couldn't stop the quiver in his beak as he reached out to her. "Please?" he begged.

No sooner did he say that than Star blinked to find her arms empty and Moon's full with the Avarius.

Star put a hand on her Mother’s shoulder and grit her teeth inwardly. The smile she gave her mom was nothing short of terrifying. "Toffee and I have something to do soooo we'll be right back!"

Moon sputtered as she managed the squirming, muffled little bird and managed to call out, "Star Glitter Butterfly!" in that authoritative tone.

Star stopped and clenched her fists as she looked back.

The queen pat Ludo's head. Her eyes were cold as she matched her daughter's ferocity.

"Make sure no one sees you."

 Star beamed viciously and nodded, feeling a deep well of respect for her mother. She ran up to join Toffee.

"Man, I have been dying for some monster butt kicking, but I didn't think it would be against an abusive deadbeat!" She shrugged. "Who's complaining though?"

Toffee offered a humorless smile. "A different kind of monster entirely."

She punched into her open palm. "Hey! So what do we do first? I'm thinking porcupines to his face?"

 "Too quick," Toffee hummed. His golden orbs idly trailed the clouds forming in the blue, blissful sky, at peace, "You want to damage the limbs first. If you were to go straight to the face, it affects his senses. The pain would be decreased significantly." A small chuckle left him. "We can't have that."

 "Ehe...." Star gave a nervous laugh. "You...are unsettlingly knowledgeable at knowing how to torture someone. How often have you--never mind."

 Toffee remained silent, that small smile lining his lips as he waltzed through the darkening forest.

Star spun her wand with an icy sneer, walking next to her stepfather. She scowled as she sighed a fat tub of nothing in the distance. "He's still in the market. ...Think we can just lure him away with a chicken leg on a string?"

 "No, Star. I'm afraid not." Toffee dusted off his suit and never faltered in his steps. He was a septerian with a plan. "The most we will leave him is as is a chicken leg on a string."

 Back at the palace, Moon was with Ludo, running comforting fingers through her little bird's feathers. "Do you want to talk about it?"

 Ludo looked at her and rubbed an eye. He hated how weak he felt, but when he saw the bane and creation of his existence...

"I can't!"

 "We don't have to." She held him close. "But it might help. Did he see you? Did...he hurt you?" She tilted his head up to look at him.

 "No, no! I... I hid behind a goat-pig cluster and ran away..." he whined and covered his face, voice breaking, "l-like a little hatchling!"

 "Ludo." She held his face gently and tipped to look up at her again. "Ludo it isn't your fault, and you aren't weak, my little chick. That was a natural reaction."

 Ludo's face tensed with another round of tears. "But I'm not natural! I'm not normal! I'm abnormal!" he squawked out.

She gave a pensive frown and gently tapped his beak. "And what makes you think that, Ludo?"

A frustrated noise between a sob and a growl answered her before his arms flung out.

"Look at me!"

He squirmed out of her hold, an impressive feat, and stood at her kneecaps.

"I'm only a foot tall!"

His frantic tone only grew as he took a breath and started to hop. He leapt up and down, his silken sleeves flapping as he failed to fly.

"I c-can't fly! Oh, oh, and here's the real joke in this.. circus of a monster!"

Little feet stomped and tears lined the floor where he stood.

"I CAN'T STOP WETTING THE BED!"

It was true, Moon had learned that rather quickly when servants alerted her to wet bedsheets It seemed Ludo’s trauma went even deeper than she predicted, and it just made the enraged maternal side to her hope for whatever death Toffee had planned against the man would be very slow.

 "My Ludo...." She smiled sadly and knelt next to him.

"You know what else is a foot tall that everyone loves? Puppies. Just as precious as you."

"Ostriches can't fly," Moon pointed out. "They're birds. And Star likes ostriches, just as she likes you."

She stroked a hand softly very the little thing's cheek. "Everything you think about yourself is what you think, just what you think and nobody else. But it's still not your fault you're conditioned to think that way."

Her forehead bumped his softly. "I love you, chick sized, inability to fly, bed wetting and all. I don't see any of them as flaws."

Ludo stared at the soft face before him. Moon normally had this composed, regal look to her, the hardened, confident visage of a monarch who only focused on the best for her people. But when she looked at him... he felt like he was the only thing that mattered.

Tears streamed down his face and he didn't bother to hide them.

His chest grew tight and he clutched it, something rising up and constricting his throat as he shuddered out a breath.

She bit down on her lip. Perhaps she wasn't careful with her words. Ludo understandably was a curious sort. He didn't know how to handle love.

She didn't know what else to say that wouldn't freak him out. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, reaching down to pick him up. He did love to be held, much like a chick.

His form was tense and he seemed unable to gather his breath. He gasped, the world blurry around him. Watery eyes couldn't see, his pounding heart couldn't hear.

But he knew the grip of the queen's warm embrace and it was enough to make him speak. It exploded from him, a burst of emotion that bubbled in his chest. Uncertainty, fear, anxiety, doubt.

Love.

"I LOVE YOU, MAMA!"

He fell against her with a howl, fingers clutching her dress for dear life.

Did he just....? He finally did it. She had heard near slip ups before, ones that made her heart soar for a moment before he corrected himself. She'd never try to take a title she didn't deserve, or one he wasn't ready for.

Her arms enveloped him fully, fingers grazing through his feathers softly, knocking over the plastic little doll crown Star had given him until she could have one customly made.

"I love you too, My Ludo. I know you've been through more than anyone should...especially for a little one as young as you, but I hope...this has been home for you." She smiled as a tear dripped down.

The monster was unable to respond, but his tight grip on her arm was more than enough to tell her how deeply he had attached himself to her, to this castle, to this... family.

 Moon pressed kisses to the little bird's face and glanced over when she heard a rustling coming from the bushes. "I think the rest of our family is back." Probably with Brudo's head. Well....the castle could use more decoration.

Toffee emerged from the shrubbery, holding a branch so the princess could accompany him. He idly wiped off the last of the blood from his knuckles, tucking the formerly clean handkerchief, now red, into his pocket.

"Don't mind us."

Ah just a typical day for the Butterflies. Star gave a pleasant smile and tucked her wand into her pocket. "We stopped to get some fries and ketchup."

 Ludo sniffled, his head still against Moon's chest, but watching them in surprise. "You... did?"

"She wanted a calzone. I refused," Toffee responded idly. He seemed to realize something and he stepped forward. "Oh, yes, and before I forget, we found this and thought that you may want to keep it." The septerian shrugged. "Or toss it. I don't care."

Lord Brudo's hefty crown was placed on Ludo's head.

"Perfect fit," he hummed.

Ludo's wide eyes stared up at the crown, reaching up to touch it. He stared at the two, then back up at the crown.

He giggled.

Then laughed.

Then cackled.

Tears filled his eyes once again, and he gripped the crown on his head tightly, rolling in the queen's grip.

"This is the best day of my life!" he shrieked.

 Star crooned as she held her hands to her chest. "Aw, it's even got streaks of blood on it. For the memories," she chirped. "And now you don't have to worry about that assbird ever again!"

She blinked at Moon's glare. "What? Some situations call for a swear!"

Moon rolled her eyes. “I’ll let this one slide.”

Ludo suddenly squawked as he was yanked up into a heftier pair of arms, blinking up at River and pushing against his beard so it didn’t smother him and squawking again as their little group was crushed up against River’s side.

“Well, seems the crown finally came in, did it? Looks wonderful on you, boy! Might need some polishing though, it’s got some stains...”