#But yes I DID want to jump down there - I missed one parcel for a bulletin board sidequest and the trek there is pretty tedious

[turbo-tsundere]

This game just keeps on gaming huh

[finelinevogue]

pancakes for two

summary - seeing your niece for the first time

word count - ~1k

pairing - husband!harry x reader

You made pancakes for breakfast on a Saturday.

It was a routine at this point and would be rude not to have pancakes after your morning jog with Harry.

Harry tended to make himself banana pancakes, because he hated not having some fruit in there somehow, but you were all for the nutella and other loaded toppings.

You had both just finished your pancakes, dirty plates on the coffee table in front of you and cups of tea to hand as you watched ‘This Morning’ on ITV.

Even after having been on a run and eaten pancakes, your day was about to get so much better.

“Remind me that I need to pick up more loo roll the next time I go to the shops.” You said to Harry.

“Thought we bought loads?”

His free hand rested on your ankle from where your legs were stretched out on his lap.

“Yeah, but we gave a lot to Gem remember?”

“Oh shit, yes. We can go later if you want? I’ll take you?” He offered.

“The last thing I want to do is leave the house on the one day where you’re not busy preparing for baby number 4.” You laughed, taking a sip of your Yorkshire Gold tea.

“Baby number 4?” It was Harry’s turn to chuckle.

“Album? Baby? Same thing. They’re all your children.”

He tapped your ankle playfully.

Harry had been working so hard on planning for the next phase of his career and you were so happy to see him get excited and creative again.

Music is where he thrived and it was a joy to watch him work. However it did mean he was gone more than you wanted him to be, so quiet weekends like this were absolutely necessary.

Harry missed you just as much and he was constantly lucky that it was you waiting for him at home.

He’d been working so hard that he hadn’t even had a moment to see his sister since she gave birth.

It was only a week ago, but Gemma was still recovering and requested that the three of them just had some quiet time to let the new reality to settle in.

Now, Harry was restless to see his niece.

You scrolled through your phone when it suddenly made a Ring doorbell noise.

“Yes! I bet that’s my Waterstones parcel.” You said excitedly, sitting up and setting your tea on the coffee table.

“Another one?”

You hit Harry’s thigh playfully, “Shut up!” Although he did have a valid point.

You waited for the doorbell to ring, before jumping up and making your way to the front. You made a note to shout at Harry for - yet again - leaving his coat on the banister and not put back on coat rack.

You unlocked and opened the door, expecting the delivery guy but were met with Gemma, Michal and baby instead.

“Oh my God!” You shouted, cupping your hands over your mouth in shock.

“Surprise!” Gemma laughed, baby carrier on Michal’s arm and baby bags too.

You started tearing up then, emotional over how beautiful Gemma was after recently giving birth. She was glowing and looked incredible. They both looked so happy too.

“Y/N/N?” Harry called your nickname.

He rounded the corner only to stop short.

“Look who showed up.” You allowed the tears to drop down your face.

“Hey, bro.” Gemma smiled.

“Hi, H!” Michal smiled at Gemma’s smile.

Harry, ever the emotional man, broke down in little sobs then. He pouted when he cried and probably had the same thoughts as you initially did.

“Come in. Come on.” You ushered them in.

You gave Gemma a big hug first, squeezing her but not too tight, and kissed her cheeks.

Then you hugged Michal, careful to avoid all his extra baggage.

“How are you?” You asked Michal, as Gemma went over to speak and probably console Harry.

“Tired, but never been happier.” He genuinely smiled.

“Can I take anything from you?”

“No, I’m just going to dump them here if that’s okay?” He motioned to the space in the hall.

“Of course, go ahead.”

“You want a tea? Coffee?” You offered.

“Coffee, please. No sugar. Gem will probably just have water.”

You nodded and walked through the hallway and into the kitchen. Gemma and Harry were still hugging, softly talking to one another. You left them to it, not wanting to disrupt the siblings reunion.

You wiped your own tears with your sweater, before pottering around the kitchen.

“So let me see my niece then!” You demanded as Michal placed the carrier on the kitchen island.

He opened the visor and you had to choke back a sob as you saw how small your new niece was - your new best friend.

“Oh my God.” You whispered.

“I know. I keep having the same reaction, even now.” Michal chuckled.

Gemma and Harry walked in a few seconds later - Harry with red eyes and Gemma smiling like a madwoman.

You leaned forwards and brushed your finger over your nieces tiny bunched fist. Her skin was so soft and she didn’t budge at all with the tap from you.

“She’s beautiful, guys.” You whispered.

“She really is.” Gemma agreed.

“She’s a Styles if I ever saw one. No offence Michal.”

“None taken.” Michal genuinely didn’t seem offended.

You stepped back to let Harry have a gaze over his new niece, wrapped in her blankets and knitted bonnets. There were so many blankets you wondered whether she was cooking underneath them all!

It wasn’t your turn to know anything about kids or parenting though, yet, so you weren’t going to question anything.

Harry approached his niece and softly caressed over her small hand and over her quite chubby cheeks.

You cupped a hand over your mouth as you teared up from watching Harry interact with a baby.

“It’s too much!” You cried, laughing like an idiot.

Gemma and Michal watched you with soft expressions.

Harry moved towards you then, “Hey. What’s up?” He asked, pulling you in for a big hug. The best hugs.

“I think i’ve got a heavy case of baby fever right now.”

Harry pulled you away a bit to read your face, “You do?”

“Mhm.”

“Okay.” He smiled.

“Okay, what?” You stepped back.

“Let’s try. For a baby, I mean.”

“Really?” You eyes filled with tears. “You mean it?”

“A baby with you? It would make all those birthday and shooting star wishes come true.”

[maries-gallery]

as obvious as his love languages are, can i still request some Rio for the love language event? hes the biggest dog boy (and the goodest dog boy) of the cast and itd be great to see more of him being exactly that in a way he sometimes reminds me of my boyfriend a little bit- maybe thats why i find this human-shaped dog so endearing

sorry if this has already been requested or if i messed anything up because i may have Olympic jumped into your inbox after seeing you write for this lovey dovey guy i'm not even gonna pretend otherwise

-thanks for all the work you put into writing, have a good day!

ANOTHER RIO FAN! You're welcome! Feeding into Rio supremacy is my job <3 Rio is such a good boy indeed, we love him for it!

PLEASE HE ALSO REMINDS ME OF MY BOYFRIEND! I often like to say my boyfriend is a strange mix of Rio and Chevalier, a VERY interesting blend.

I already posted Physical touch and Acts of Service so I thought I'd write for Quality Time as for me it is one of Rio's big love languages as well!

genre: fluff, a tinge of comfort

warnings: none

wc: 1k

Physical touch

Acts of Service

send me an ask or DM if you wanna join the taglist <3

For Rio, time with you is never wasted. As no matter what the two of you are doing, his heart always beats loudly in his chest at the proximity you share. His blood rushing in his veins as his eyes inevitably wander over to your features, entranced by your smile. And he swears time stops when you laugh, the sound like an angel’s choir in his ears. 

Even before the two of you admitted your feelings for one another, even before Rio fell so helplessly in love with you, he had always enjoyed spending time with you. 

At first some of it came from the fact he felt he owed you, for saving his life, the two of you helping Mr. Akatsuki unpack novels from his recent trip out of Rhodolite, dusting shelves and arranging spines in neat rows of knowledge. He longed to make himself useful, to give Rhodolite a chance of being his new home, to give you a chance. 

Even when a part of him screamed to stay away. 

“Oh my god, Rio, are you okay?” You run over to him, your friend having just tripped over his own feet and fallen in a heap of fluttering pages. You extend your hand out to him and a frown fleets over his features, doubt plaguing his mind as he ponders over your offered help. 

Sometimes he struggled to grasp what about you made him so uncomfortable. What made his heart soften in earnest and cower in fear. Usually he attributed this to your kindness and willingness to help those in need. For no one could possibly be this kind. No one could possibly be this pure and good intentioned. 

And no smile could be this genuine. This warm and inviting… This contagious. 

You either had to be untainted by the world’s sharpened blade or vile and vicious. Like something he had known but couldn’t remember. The vast echo of a memory he didn’t want back. 

“Yes, sorry for the commotion… “ Shame crawls at the back of his neck, clawing at his head to force his gaze down to his shoes. He scratches the back of his neck, flushing to his ears. 

No smile graces his features.  

He doesn’t have the heart to tell you his eyes hadn’t been on the floor nor on the books. He doesn’t have the heart to tell you his eyes had been on you. Only ever you. For a reason he can’t quite understand. 

“I guess I just got a bit distracted.”

But gradually, Rio grew to genuinely enjoy your presence, to seek it in the light of day and miss it in the dead of night. Hands reaching for your warmth in the sheets of his bed, only to be met with the cold loneliness of his own heart. 

So he made it a point to be with you whenever he could, as a best friend, he tried to convince himself. After all, that is what best friends did right? They missed one another when apart and craved time together, every parcel of it. They craved each other’s hands and each other’s- 

Or maybe they didn’t. Maybe Rio’s heart beat with more than friendship. Maybe it thrumbed with something more passionate. Reckless. Wild. Something more devastating and vicious, something that could both build him up and let him crash far below sea level.

The two of you stroll in the streets of Rhodolite, on your way home from the marketplace. Both yours and his hands busy with carrying groceries. Fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread that makes one salivate and good cheese to spread on top. You have some wine at home too, one you figure would make for the perfect beverage with all you had bought today. 

But it isn’t wine Rio’s lips ache to taste. 

He stalls behind you, legs struggling to carry him as realisation falls into his hands like the burden of a thousand gods. His ribcage becomes a prison for his lungs. And his heart bleeds at his feet with a mix of euphoria and dread. 

“Rio?” You turn around, worried that your friend might have gotten lost. 

His eyes meet yours, and he forgets how to breathe. 

“I love you…” These words fall from his lips, nothing but a whisper carried by the wind. 

You don’t hear him. 

But now that the two of you are together as one? Rio is in heaven. 

No more denying his feelings or playing them down, no more doubts, no more fears of being parted from you or let down. No more fear of what his past could have held, of its shadow tarnishing the pure future he saw for the both of you. 

And his new favourite way to spend time with you might be by the Sea in Benitoite. In his home, and now yours as well. Of course he will always consider Rhodolite his home too, for it is the place that granted him more happiness he thought possible or even sane.

He loves the wander in your eyes, the enchantment that glints in them as he shows you the world he grew up in, made of ivory castles, seagulls and ocean waves. He loves the carefree steps you take on the beach, sand tickling your toes for the first time. And he loves the contented sigh that falls from your lips as you stand in the water, waves gently licking at your calves. 

“This is beautiful…” You whisper to yourself, eyes on the horizon, the ocean stretching beyond limits. Its surface glittering red, pink and golden under the setting Sun. A myriad of colours that no book could ever convey, that no words could ever bring to life. 

Rio’s ocean eyes observe you, a gentle smile on his features as his hand finds yours, fingers meshing together. “It is.” 

And he isn’t talking about the ocean, not about the watercolour sky, not about the stars that wink his way through Dusk’s thin cloak. He is talking about you. The most treasurable wander of this world and keeper of his heart. 

The view he never gets tired of, the one he loved, loves and will love all his life. 

 He doesn’t want this moment to end. Savouring each grain of salt that filters through the hourglass of time. 

For the two of you never have enough time together. 

taglist: @aquagirl1978 @randonauticrap @pockcock @altairring @vioisgoinginsane @outofthepapers @candied-boys

[thecrystalquill]

The Curious Misadventures of (Y/N) Addams

A/N: So!! I hope you read the intros because they’re very important!!!!!!!

I’ve been waiting to write this for, like, two years now, and I’m so excited! Get ready for something a little darker - y’know, creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky. You know how it is...

Masterlist     Series Masterlist     Series Intro     First Years’ Intro Letter

Chapter One ~ The Letter

“Good morning, (Y/N). How did you sleep?”

     (Y/N) took her usual place at their breakfast table just as Grandmama finished the cooking: scrambled lizard eggs and toast. “Like the dead,” she replied, rubbing her eye before starting to eat.

     “Just as always,” her father laughed, taking a rather large sip from his strong black coffee and then a few puffs of his cigar. “Pugsley, put that away my boy, not at the breakfast table.”

     The boy smirked a little, before putting the meat cleaver down on the table with a grin. “Now, Pugsley,” said Morticia, “you know better than that – toys are not allowed at the table.”  

     It was mid-July – the fifteenth to be exact – two days after (Y/N)’s eleventh birthday. It was a lovely damp, grey morning outside, which was odd for July, but far better than the blistering heat they had on the thirteenth. But that hadn’t mattered too much, (Y/N)’s party had been held indoors anyway. She wondered if they would be doing anything today, to make the most of the weather. “The mail’s here,” her little sister, Wednesday, announced in a rather dull voice as she entered, carrying a few parcels and letters. She placed them on a place-mat between their parents, then took her seat next to her sister (who was sat at the other end of the table) and found that her breakfast was already waiting for her.

     Gomez started to open a parcel, pulling out some strange contraption with shark teeth. “Thank you, Wednesday,” said Morticia, having finished her plate and flicking through some of the numerous letters that Gomez didn’t pick up. “Now, children, don’t forget that today is the Dark Arts and Crafts event that Aunt Trivia is hosting. I’d like you all to be ready by ten, we wouldn’t want to be late now, would we?”

     There were a few nods and ‘yes mother’s mumbled between chews. (Y/N) had her head stuck in a book that she’d found a few days ago in a local bookshop; and Pugsley had started to use his meat cleaver to cut his toast, getting the scrambled lizard eggs everywhere and earning a kick from Wednesday sitting opposite him. She was about to throw an insult his way when she was cut off by her father.

     “My word…” he had muttered, sounding rather astounded.

     Morticia looked at him with concern – his eyes were the size of saucers and his moustache looked as if it had stuck up in shock like a frightened cat’s tail, his eyebrows were about to jump from his face too, not to mention that his mouth was slowly falling to the wooden floor. “What is it, Gomez? Is something wrong?” She asked worriedly, placing a pale hand on his arm.

     The room had gone completely silent, all attention focused on him. The man soon recovered from his initial shock enough to find his voice. “Wrong? No no, nothing’s… nothing’s wrong, Tish.” He cleared his throat a little, looking to her. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite really.” Suddenly, his face broke out into a very large smile, as did Morticia as she recognised what was in his hands. “(Y/N),” he beamed, beckoning her over, “you have a letter.”

     Frowning in confusion, the girl stood up and made her way over. She didn’t get letters very often, but when she did her parents never acted like this; this was strange – even for them. Once she was in reach, the (y/h/c) girl took the letter, admiring the neat green handwriting, and read the address:

Miss (Y/N) Addams, Third Floor East Wing Bedroom, 0001 Cemetery Lane, Whitby, York

     Strange, whenever she got a letter it never specified her bedroom on the address, especially when it was clearly from no one she knew. Glancing up to her smiling parents and then over to her siblings, who were – judging by the looks on their faces – just as confused as she was, she turned the letter over to view the wax seal as Grandmama took a seat. Everyone watching in anticipation. She studied the strange crest that had been stamped into the red wax, it was a shield, it had four sections on it with a different animal on each, though she couldn’t quite make them out. Then, sucking in a breath, she unsealed it and took out the letter.

     “What does it say?” Pugsley asked curiously, “Read it out!”

     “Er… okay…” She responded, fiddling with the corner of the page, only thinking of what a strange letter this was. Then she read it out loud to her family:

“Dear Miss Addams,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Students shall be required to report to the Chamber of Reception upon arrival, the dates for which shall be duly advised.

Please ensure that the utmost attention be made to the list of requirements attached herewith.

We very much look forward to receiving you as part of the new generation of Hogwarts’ heritage.

Yours sincerely,

Professor McGonagall. (Deputy Headmistress)”

     There was a pause again as everyone processed the information, before Gomez broke it. “This is wonderful!” He bellowed, standing to his feet and opening up his arms rather dramatically. “Absolutely, positively wonde—”

     “—Sorry but… what does all that mean? What’s Hogwarts? What’s all this about?” (Y/N) demanded, possibly even more confused than before.

     Grandmama let out a cackle, her bushy hair moving about with her head. “It is what it says! Hogwarts, the finest school of magic there is!”

     “Don’t you see, my girl?” Gomez grinned, clasping his hands on her shoulders firmly. “You’re a witch! My daughter – a witch! Oh, I never thought this day would come, not ever. A real witch, just like Montgomery!”

     “Who?”

     “Montgomery?” Wednesday commented, clearly knowing more about the subject; she was very curious in their family history and heritage, always snooping through the family books in their library. She was good at that kind of thing – for an eight year old, that is. “Our great-great Grandfather?”

     Morticia shook her head and gracefully swept some hair out of her face with a shiny nail. “No no, darling, your great-great-great Grandfather.” She placed a hand over Pugsley’s shoulder proudly, presenting a kind smile. “He was a wizard – the last wizard in our family.”

     Pugsley gasped excitedly, “A real wizard?”

     “Well of course!” Their Father confirmed. “All squibs after him, though. Born without magic, the lot of us – that is, until now!” His eyes sparkled with delight as he looked towards their eldest, who still looked mildly confused. “(Y/N)! You, mi cucarachita, are the first witch in the family after generations!”

     Shock ran through her body as she finally understood, having absolutely no idea what to say. “Oh…” She let the information settle with her for a moment, before letting herself smile shyly, not able to bring herself to entirely believe what was happening. Still, with their family, stranger things have happened. “So… what now?”

     “Now?” Gomez repeated, “Now we go shopping for your supplies! There’s a list, is there not? We must go to a very special place for this, where is that Grandmama? I recall you mentioning it once or twice.”

     Grandmama clapped her hands. “Oh I know, it’s in London – have to get there through a pub – the back end of The Leaky Cauldron.”

     “What a lovely name…” Morticia commented wistfully, “you shall have to go there very soon. Get all of your things. We have plenty of Galleons and Sickles, and Knuts in the Vault.”

     “The Vault!” Mr Addams exclaimed, “I’ll go there immediately and gather plenty of money! Now (Y/N), go get ready, then we’ll take the car to London and get your things---”

     “But, Gomez,” Morticia interrupted, moving away from Pugsley and toward her husband, “what about the Dark Arts and Crafts event? We already told Aunt Trivia that we would go, and the children were so looking forward to it.”

     “No worries, Tish. You go with the children, and I’ll take (Y/N).” He responded excitedly. “We can make a day of it, some father/daughter bonding, it’s been a while hasn’t it (Y/N/N)? Then you can arrange a party to celebrate. Oh, we must celebrate! Invite everyone! Spread the news! As many guests as we can!”

     “That sounds great!” Pugsley exclaimed, his meat cleaver long forgotten as he made his way around, “We can get ready now.”

     Wednesday nodded, standing up neatly. “Yes,” she agreed in a monotonous voice, “if we get there early we can leave sooner. Then prepare a party.”

     “Well alright,” Mrs Addams smiled, feeling the excitement with everyone else, “go get ready, then when we get back you can help. Wednesday, how would you like to be in charge of invitations?”

     “Okay. Do we have to invite cousin Lumpy?”

     “Yes.”

     She sighed and made her way out with her brother, “Fine.”

     Gomez, who was practically jumping with joy, beamed at his wife. “Well then, Tish, you take them to the fair. And say ‘hello’ to Aunt Trivia for us. I'll get Lurch to get the car ready. (Y/N), go get yourself ready and then make your way to the car!”

     “Okay.” She responded quickly, running off to her room to make herself look presentable - after all, Addams’ may be quirky but they still have a reputation for class. (Y/N) was really quite excited to go shopping for her things, to find out what it was like in the Wizarding Community, what it was like for her Grandfather.

     “Lurch!” Called Gomez, the butler appearing at the doorway behind him almost immediately and letting out a low gurgling sound of acknowledgement. “Ah! Lurch, go prepare the car, would you? We are going to Diagonal Ally! Isn't it brilliant?”

     Another groan was his answer, leaving to prepare their car. It was a very old car, a classic Packard v-12 from 1933. Bought new by the family the day it was released. Kept in perfect condition. Lurch was very proud.

Tag List:

@boyaddams

@too-attached-to-fiction

@kpopgirlbtssvt

@lady-of-lies

@twsssmlmaa

@asadbisexual1

@sugakookiemonster

@theyaremorethanjustfictional

@curlszx88

@cocopuffs1450

@siriuslysirius1107

@miiikkeey

@purpleflamebluesparkles

@qisunny

@clxwnkid

@milfho

@lilqi

If I miss-tagged you let me know.

.

[sweetkingdomstarlight-blog]

even gods (of gymnastics) beg

Pairings - Sub Lance Tucker x Female Reader

Words - 1817

Warnings - sub male, sex toys, slight humiliation, anal sex (m receiving), its just filth

a/n - I watched The Bronze and had a very in depth chat with my darling @pepsicup​ and this was created so I dedicate my porn to her. Beta’d by @thicccsimp​ but all mistakes are still my own, named by @sinking-in-mercury​ its all her fault haha

“Hey Coach, looking good out there.” you say, letting your eyes roam up and down his body. He flushes slightly before putting his professional face back on and facing the girls. The two of you had been dating for just over a year now but you had no desire to let your students know, the less they knew about your private life the better it was for your coaching.

You were watching one of the girls training on the rings, swinging herself around and practicing holding her posture. You’re giving her some tips and words of encouragement when you hear someone shouting your name from the other side of the room. Peering behind you, you see a delivery driver with the discreet brown box you’ve waited all week for, you grin at Lance, winking and watching as he bites his full pink lips.

You had told him you had ordered a treat for him but never made it clear what it was, signing for the parcel and taking it to the office out of the view of prying eyes; you hid it in your backpack and shoot Lance a text to let him know where it was. Jumping when you hear his text tone go off right behind you, you turn and pull him into a hug, running your hands up and down his back. “Are you going to please tell me what you bought?” he asks in a whiny tone, running his nose up your neck before nibbling on your ear. Goosebumps erupt over your skin as he runs his tongue around the shell, you breathe out harshly as he picks you up, sitting you on the desk and grinding against you.

Throwing your head back and moaning softly, you grip his ass in warning, “Stop now baby, you have a class to teach.” he growls under his breath and nods his head. Counting to ten in Russian to calm himself down before you push him back, cupping his groin and squeezing firmly “Be a good boy for me and I’ll treat you tonight.” you whisper in his ear before leaving the room and smirking to yourself at how desperate he already is.

Four long hours you spend in the gym with the girls, it's coming up to trials and your team are favourites to medal so they have to be perfect. Everytime you shout at them to correct their form or try again you watch as he looks over, it's subtle but you know the effect you have on him. He likes to pretend he’s an alpha male but in the bedroom he wants to be taken care of and given instructions, something you love to do for him. You both have a zoom meeting with the big bosses after training so you let the girls go half an hour earlier and set the laptop up ready.

“Have you been a good boy for me?” you ask him, running your finger across his throat and down his chest.

“Yes, fuck yes, I did everything you asked.” he says desperately, trying to lean down to kiss you and whining when you pull back.

“Good, now show me.” you turn him around and bend him over the desk before taking a step back. He pushes his tracksuit pants down and you watch as the purple silicon plug he loved so much comes into view. You sharply slap him on the ass and tap on the plug, smiling at the noises he makes before the ringing of Zoom starts. “Don’t pull your trousers up baby, I need to see you during this meeting.” he looks back over his shoulder at you, biting his lip and nodding, before following you to the desk and sitting down to speak to the rest of the team.

His attitude is like night and day, switching into professional mode despite his current state under the desk. You both give updates and confirm that the girls are ready and excited to get on the plane, organising some last minute changes and ending the call. You make sure the meeting has ended before turning to him and cupping his balls in your hands “Get dressed and meet me at the car.” you say, pecking him on the cheek, grabbing your bag and keys and making your way to the car park.

You sit syncing up your playlist to the car when he arrives, a flush on his cheeks and an awkward hand covering his crotch “Whats up baby? Are you getting a little bit too excited?” he leans his head back against the seat and scrunches his eyes closed, missing the moment you open the app and turn the plug onto the lowest setting. “FUCK!” he shouts out, not expecting you tease him when he’s already so turned on.

“Remember you aren’t allowed to cum without permission or I'll edge you for a full week again and you didn’t like it much last time if my memory serves me correctly.” you tease him, watching as he grips the edge of his seat so hard his knuckles go white. He takes steady, slow breaths urging himself to calm down; this time reciting all the cities he’s competed in as he tries desperately to ignore the vibrating plug inside him.

You giggle and drive out of the car park, deliberately going the long way home, occasionally pulsing the vibrations higher when you’re at a stop sign. Pulling up to the house you turn the car off and hand him the door keys “Go and get ready for me Lance, I expect you in position when I get up there.” he nods and runs as fast as he can with the plug vibrating and the imposing hard on he has to hold down.

Giving him a few minutes to get ready you open the parcel and give the new toy a thorough cleaning before grabbing two bottles of water and some snacks for after you’re done. Slowly walking up the stairs and calling his name, you can hear him in your bedroom, his breathing telling you how desperate he is. You enter the room and make a satisfied hum in the back of your throat at the sight of him, ass in the air and facing the headboard “Are you ok baby?” you lean over him and ask, he nods and turns to face you.

“Use your words, I can’t do anything if you don’t use your words.” he smiles at you, before telling you he’s ok. “Do you remember the traffic light system?”

“Yes red for stop, amber for slow down and green for good.” you hum and kiss him deeply, pushing your tongue into his mouth before pulling back and keeping his plump lip between your teeth. He moaned and closed his eyes to keep himself from getting overexcited, only opening them when you take a step back to look at him.

“What's your safeword?” you ask, kissing down his spine and relishing in the noises he was making.

“Barcelona” he almost shouts as you drag your nails down the back of his thighs.

You lean over him and whisper in his ear, “Perfect, do you want to see your new gift?” He nods and you pull the new toy out of the box, showing him how it worked. “I’m going to fuck you hard baby, is that what you want?”. He nods and groans watching as you slip your section deep inside you and resting the bunny ears against your clit. “Open your mouth for me” you order, rubbing the dildo against his lips and slowly pushing in. Holding the back of his head as it goes deep in his mouth “You’re doing so well for me, need to get it nice and wet now”. You thrust in and out of his mouth, watching as his eyes water, he looks at you the entire time, desperate for praise, pulling out and kissing him softly you look in his eyes, “Colour?”

“Green, please I need to feel it,” the desperation in his voice makes you clench around the toy but you haven’t finished having fun with him just yet.

“Patience, I’ve never let you suffer for too long before, have I?” The whine he makes suggests otherwise but he won’t argue with you, he never argues with you. You slowly pull on the plug, moving it in and out of him, smiling as he moans desperately before you pull it all the way out and pour lube around his puckered hole. You switch on the vibrator and smile at the sensations running through you before you rub the tip around his hole  “Are you ready? Tell me your safeword again.”

“Barcelona , please just fuck me, I’m begging you.” You run your hand down his back as you start to push in slowly. Clicking the button on the side and turning on the vibrations, both of you moaned out as it pulsed. “Are you ready?” you asked him, he pushed back silently asking for more. You gripped his hips and pushed in and out of him slowly, letting him adjust, the movement inside of you was making you moan just as loudly as he was. Setting a pace that suited you both, it didn’t take long before you were both on the brink, “Lance baby, I’m so close tell me you’re ready”.

He didn’t answer, he couldn’t, he just moaned loudly and circled his hips. His whole body jerked as you pushed in deep, you know you’ve hit his g spot  judging by the noises that come pouring out of him. You hold still, letting the vibrations buzz, you both moan as you get closer to the edge. Leaning over him, you grip his hips, kissing down his spine “Cum for me Lance”. Wrapping his hand around his weeping cock, he moves it up and down, his body tensing as you increase the vibrations. He spills over the sheets beneath him, grunting loudly and hanging his head.

You pull out slowly, turning it off and throwing it to the side before laying next to him and pulling him into a hug. Running your hands over his sides gently, you kiss him softly and smile at his wrecked face “Are you okay baby?” he nods and nuzzles into your neck, throwing a leg over the top of you and slowly grinding against your hip. You smile and grip his chin between your thumb and forefinger, pulling him up and kissing him on the nose before getting up and running a bath for the two of you, pouring in the jasmine scented oil you both loved so much.

Laying with your back against his chest, you hum as his hands wander over skin “You didn’t cum earlier, did you?” shaking your head, his hand dips between your legs massaging your folds. It was going to be a long night.  

[muffindaddystyles]

Love Brings Patience.

A/N: Just an angsty "3am thoughts and listening to hozier while doing" it blurb. Enjoy!! ♡♡

It thunders outside loudly, but she didn’t flinch. The mass of blues and viridescent ivory painting the sky -- a call for rain, as when there’s blessed pour of shower after every winter sick – but it’s monsoon —- there’s none of the sympathy that these boofy clouds could slip into Y/N's pocket as she lays on her bed watching through the glass roof of the home ... they built together.

With so much, love, trust, faith and passion for eachother that anything in the world was unable to come between them – until it did.

Pinning against them and keeping them apart.

Everything will be okay, in the end. It’s not okay. It’s not the end.

It’s just beginning. Beginning to suffer alone and without him, his emotional and physical support, his cheery smile that’d race her heartbeat like chariots of Hades and his gentle need to saturate the distances between them wherever they’re, his loving gleamy eyes never skimming past her and he'd dot soft grateful kisses to her raspberry cheeks and kiss her temple as if she’s the goddess that resides in his home and it’d be a sin not to cherish her.

He loves too much. He did. He does. He loved her beyond everything that it killed him, he was sobbing that night – drenching the lilac carpeted floor with the water droplets dripping down and Y/N wasn’t sure if it was the roar of lightening against the creaky windows of their home or the feebleness of his voice that sobered her into dust.

“Been hurtin' ye'fo’ years .. by being away from you fo' months and coming back to just give y'memories and hopes for me early arrival —-.. what .. -- what kinda lover does that?” He hiccupped. His wet fringes didn’t let Y/N fetch him and dip her hand in his soul to touch it and tell him where he belongs, he always belonged to her – and your path is always destined to ones, who you belong to.

“-- ... makes ye' -m..m—makes you wait and takes the test of yer patience, like you’re not human –...” But, this isn’t what love brings? Wait and patience and sacrifice —- the yearn to have the love of your life in your embrace while you pace through the alleyway of airports.

Love brings patience.

“... darlin’ ye' deserve the same warmth of a body, same attention and love that everyone out there’s getting ..” His sniffles sharp and breathless as he pointed out the window to indicate the world and she doesn’t know how in just one night he became so silly, because her world is him — only him.

Her whisper came out broken, “And what about you?” Her caring question for him made him push the heels of his palms to his sockets and rub the stubborn fat tears away.

“It’s hurtin’ me to. Makes me not breath at nights, stayin' away from you -- ‘m never focusin’ –- ‘s just you, Always you in the pocket of me heart – the back of my mind —-- can’t escape it. My stupid stupid heart tries to see you in strangers faces ‘n —--... my arms pulls at cold sheets to get to your warmth but it never comes, whatever I do.” His chest tightened and it’s repeating the same shortness of breaths he used to get while crying to himself in those hotel rooms, the puffy lips gasping for oxygen and Y/N' was rushing towards him grabbing his jaw to inspect him but he’s slip shutting his eyes and gesturing her he’s okay.

Murmured sadly, “And lovie’ it hurts.” So, loving her hurts him? What kind of love is that? A piece of failure when it should be what they tell in fairy tales.

She failed him.

She was shuddering letting his hand slip from her sweaty palms when he stood up with a worn out sad face, head hung down with the burden of guilt and selfishness.

“I don’t wanna hurt you anymore.” She was on her knees. Lips wobbled glum. She tugged on the bottom of his trousers crying dolefully without any word.

“Not wanting to hurt me by hurtin’ me more?” She cried hugging his leg and not letting it go.

His bestowed assertion made her shudder as he stepped away and to side, “I don’t w'na hurt us anymore.” His heart cracked and promised to him that it'll never heal up how much he'd beg later.

He was crying into his wrist leaving their apartment. Closing his ears with his palms to shut down the loud reckless sobs that echoed till hallway.

That cruel summer night still haunts her every moment and it’s been two weeks, and she wishes that he'll come running towards where she’s shrinking into the bed and jump over her as he used to —-- covering the little distance from the kitchen towards the bed and always made them bounce with the glee of his soft giggles.

How merciless could he be?

Leaving her alone in their home, where every piece of furniture holds his memory; the pink vinyl that’d play their favourite French songs, the squared tiles of their kitchen walls that he wrote different recipes over, the glassed roof through which they'd moon gaze snuggled into eachother and he'd be more happy to stroke her skin and love on the softness of it rather than the twinkle of stars – because he does it when he misses her, not when she’s right in his arms kissing his cheeks to happy affection, his cat who’s homesick because her momma is there or not – it’s not a much difference.

Everything is just ghosts of his memories making the edges of her heart bleed and cracking them dry.

She misses him. She misses him terribly and no day goes by without his thought swimming and tickling her mind.

Telephone rings. It keeps on ringing and she ignores it closing her eyes and tries to surrender herself to darkness of sleep, but then it kept on cutting through the tranquillity of their home and she’s plucking the yellow receiver and speaking something – embarrassed when her voice doesn’t even reach herself.

There’s loud annoyed groaning, vigorous disturbance and a high pitched squeaks before Mitch's monotone voice startles Y/N, “Can you please take him home? He's proper waffled .. broke his —-.. Harry! Can you sit down? Christ. Look you’re looking like a clown in front of all these nurses —-- Y/N?” He sighs and Y/N turns the curly wire around her finger out of anxiousness.

Fidgety on the tips of her toes.

“Where are you? Nurses? Broke? Is Harry okay? Tell me Mitch what’s happening!!?” She’s yelling into the receiver snatching the notepad when Mitch mutters grumpily, “Harry’s in hospital.”

Her heart drops to floor at that and she stares at her feet letting it sink before blinking the tears away and asking him for locations.

The time she reaches it starts raining and she covers herself with the cardigan she sneaked from his wardrobe to feel his presence, his scent and his brush of touch to her skin.

When she’s stumbling inside the rushy lobby filled with people waiting for their turn and her blurry gaze moves in every direction to find Harry sitting on the steel benches, wearing loose tailored curdory trousers and a baby blue sweater she knitted him as a gift for his birthday.

His apple-ish cheeks rosy and his button of nose scrunching up as he sits clumsily on the bench, poking Mitch's bum every other second to laugh at some kid who has his hand struck in a pot.

His own wrist bandaged up and around his neck, his pupils glassy foam and his condition dishevelled and ruffled up. It tears her up and she breathes in a sniffle – wiping her nose and padding towards him.

When his eyes rakes up a huge dimply smile is adorning his weary features and he’s waving her with limpy fingers shyly.

He’s drunk, drunk.

He pouts cherry-ly. Brows flinching together and he position himself straighter with Mitch's help when he takes in the dampness of her cheeks, “Why’re y'cryin' lovie’?” Darn that pet name. He slurs and his words mumbish.

“You’re hurt...” She points at his wrist. He looks down as it isn’t obvious and Mitch rolls his eyes, “Not hurt.” He shakes his head and when looks back up he’s grinning.

“Was just takin' hugeee steps downstairs -- ye'know me clumsiness and it’s kinda Mitchy's fault too ... told him to grab me tightly —-... ‘cos ‘m sensitive lil petal —--...” Y/N's biting down a snort at his squeaky high pitched voice and Mitch’s cutting him with thin smile.

“Been biting my ears off about you. How was I supposed to keep my balance when he clings to me so hard as if I’m summat his lover....” Y/N's eyes widen when Mitch grabs Harry from armpits and slinks his one arm around Y/N's shoulder as if Harry’s some parcel and he didn’t like it.

“Take him, home.” He mumbles and she stutters, “Wait ... hey! How? Mitch come back you mummy head.” She calls for him but he just walks away and Y/N’s left with no option but to take Harry with her.

“Be careful.” She whispers walking down the slope at exit of hospital with Harry clinged to her, “You came here on car?” She nudges his cheek with her shoulder but he just snuggles his face into the nook of her jaw.

“Mitch took it?” She groans. Swiping the rain droplets away from her forehead and steps behind under the shelter, “No ... it’s parked right here.” He mumbles against her sweet spot making her shiver and she makes them do a lil jog to the car and Harry’s giggling squeaking nonsense in her ear.

“Harry if y’refuse to leave me .....” She warns him trying to squirm out of his embrace as he sits in the passenger seat holding her so she sighs and tries to stick to more gentle coaxing way.

Shaky fingers gliding up his cheek to cup it and stroke the blue bags under his eyes, screaming that he having restless night for week now, “Petal if you don’t leave me how ‘m supposed to drive?” He gazes her peculiarly –- caressing her knuckles, stares his own motion and gives her the most puppy eyes that melts her on the spot, “Then hold me hand?” Now, could she say no to him? Never. She hates herself for it.

“’kay you could hold my –-- lemme —--... just --.. good boy.” She takes her hand out of his grip and pats his thigh before rushing to driver’s side.

She knows that how much he needs reassurances when he’s drunk and how much his love language of touching her peaks to sky.

She fulfils her promise and let him hold her hand, enjoying the little happiness because she knows it’s temporary and in the morning she'd be met by empty bed and hollow arms.

“I missed home.” He smiles wetly. Eyes closed as he stays on hugging her walking inside and whines when she squats down to untie his laces.

When she make him sit on the sofa and tries to leave for the kitchen, he’s lurching forward to grab her wrist and plead into her arm with moisture in his eyes, “No.No.No lovie' don’t go. Don’t go, pleaseeeee.......” She pets his sweaty curls kissing his forehead and murmurs against his hair while he loops his elbows lazily around her waist.

“Not going anywhere bub. Bringing you water.”

“No water. Just you. I missed you. Missed you so much. Missed you too much.” He’s rambling knuckling at his eyes and her belly fills with butterflies that flap till her heart and makes her feel woozy.

Though, she overcomes the bitter sweet feeling and brings him water how much he whined.

He has his hand planted softly at her thigh and gasps loudly and dramatically finishing the last droplet, and puckers his lips making funny noises against the rim of glass and she takes it away from him giggling, “’kay it's enough.”

He shuts his eyes for a moment and when opens them back it’s sea of pinks and the tears are shining at his waterline and he croaks out hoarsely, “Y/N ....?” Sobered up. He's feeling awful and in constant need to take her in his arms.

“Hmm?” She hums giving him a nervous smile and he straightens up taking both of her hands in his's, “I don’t want to be away from you anymore, darlin'. It’s worse than being temporarily away from ye'. Terrible. Terrible. I feel sick all the time as if there’s a dagger twisting into my heart ‘cos I know ‘m never fallin' in love with anyone except you ... but I don’t think you deserve me —.. I -- I —... I just think you —--- it’s killing me baby. Take me back please, baby take me back." He sniffs the tears and she’s crying with him; calling out his name and when he doesn’t listen she’s cradling his face delicately in her palms and making him look at her.

“Harry, my sweetheart. I love you. Isn’t that enough to assure you that I deserve you and only you – no one else.” He's blinking furiously and she bobs her head not flickering her loving gaze away from him.

“I love you too, will you take me back now? After what I did?” His insecurity and doubts about himself floating back.

“You left for best. Realised that we couldn’t live without eachother, didn’t you?” She pecks the corner of his lips and he leans in for a chaste kiss, their teeth clanking from smiling wide and happy and he giggles when she pushes herself off from him.

They crawl to their bed together and she flumps on his chest and he moans squeakily, “Ow.”

“Oh my, Har ....” She gasps. Shakes her head and flicks him on forehead when he grins bashfully.

“G'na take care of me?” His chin doubles over adorably as he tries to see her and brush her hair away.

“Gonna take care of you, petal” She patches a soft kiss to his chest and erupts into loud giggles when he teases her nonchalantly, “G'na help me wipe my arse.”

“Harry! Your other hand’s perfectly capable of wiping yourself clean!” He brings her closer with his uninjured hand and kisses her tenderly -- to show her all the love they missed on these few weeks.

“I love being home.” He murmurs into the kiss. Playing with her tresses round his nimble and traces kisses all over her face.

“Promise me you’re never doing silly again.” She pouts and he plucks at it – smooching a kiss to it later.

“Promise.” He tries to hook his bandaged pinky to her's and she laughs into his neck – shakes her head and kisses his cheek hugging him tightly.

[fandomscombine]

Baseless Jealousy

Oliver Wood Cousin!Reader x Jealous!Fred Weasley

WC:2307

BG: Fred and y/n’s relationship is currently 3 years long strong. After a summer apart, it seems to be a 3rd party had become closer to y/n. Is it something that Fred has to worry about or is it just baseless jealousy?

a/n: The pairing the won for this fic is Oliver Wood Cousin!Reader x Jealous! Fred Weasley, Thanks so much for voting!

>>>MASTERLIST<<<

>>JOIN MY WRITING CHALLENGE!<<

--

You and Fred started dating 3 years ago. Fred would like to believe that the relationship is strong, other people believes it so too. However ever since the start of 5th year, something started to get on his nerves, or should he say someone.

See, Fred had noticed you getting closer to his Quidditch captain, Oliver wood. He didn’t want to blame it on the summer you two spent apart but he could quite help himself. You had spent the entire apart, no letters whatsoever. At first, he tried to be understanding, it was after all a summer you and your family spent in Italy while attending your aunt’s wedding, you had told him that this was the first time in 8 years that the whole side of your mother’s family was present as they were all scattered into various parts of the world. He understood the importance of family so he had let it slide that you and he hadn’t communicated in the past 2 months- besides, it must be really exhausting to overwork the owls to post cross country.

Which was why he was so excited to finally see you in person at Platform 9 ¾ on the first of September, to his dismay, you had arrived with Oliver Wood. Back then he had pushed his jealousy aside and concluded as a coincidence that you had turned up together at the barrier. You and Oliver are just friends, he told himself, and that was completely fine.

Fred had sneaked a hug behind you and whispered into your ear. ‘Had a great summer?’

You had jumped at the touch but once you realised who is was from you relaxed. ‘Ohh Freddie!’ You turned and hit his chest. ‘Don’t scare me like that!’ Earning a laugh from him. ‘I did, I had such great times catching up with my cousins! You wouldn’t believe how much trouble we almost got into. But of course.’ Your fingers played with the back of his head. ‘I missed having my love around.’

~

‘Hey love I’m off to Quidditch practice now.’ Fred informed, kissing your cheek. ‘Will you be there?’ Ever since you and Fred got together 3 years ago, you would go cheer him on during Quidditch practices whenever you can.

This year however, more are at stake.

During the semi-finals, Quidditch matches are dotted with professional quidditch team mangers in hopes to scout for potential recruits to join their team upon graduation.

It is rumoured that the manager for Puddlemere United would be attending the next match, Hufflepuff vs Gryffindor. Puddlemere United being Oliver’s favourite and dream team, he had been pushing the team with more frequent trainings then ever, hoping to perform the best game they would ever play, to further increase his chances to chosen to be part of the team.

You looked up from the letter you were writing. ‘Yep, just gotta make a quick stop to the owlery. I’ll soon you soon okay?’

~

Arriving at the owlery, a large parcel instantly caught your eye. ‘Oh mum..’ Examining for any potential damage, which thankfully weren’t any.

The barn owl nearest it hooted. ‘Alright! Alright! I was looking if there were damages.’ The owl flapped its wings in annoyance. ‘Here,’ offering your owl some treats. ‘You’ll need to store up some energy on the way back.’ Another hoot sounded, this time from a grey owl, that you recognised belonged too your mother. ‘There’s some for you too.’ After the 2 owls finished their food, you attached your letter your owl’s leg. ‘This is for mother, a thank you note on behalf of Ollie. I’ll write another when we see his reaction to this-I can’t wait.’ You bid the 2 birds goodbye, watching until they disappear unto the horizon.

Now you turn to face your major problem. You had thought that your mother would have had it placed in a box, rather what you got was a large parcel that is clearly wrapped with parchment, with no subtlety in hiding what it truly is.

~

You had finally manged to sneak the parcel into the Gryffindor boys’ locker room, though it had taken a lot more effort than you thought.

You were just leaving when you had bumped into someone.

‘oopf! Sorr-‘

‘y/n love! What are you doing here?’  Fred wondered, looking over your shoulder, trying to figure out what you were up to. ‘You missed the whole practice.’

‘ohh it’s nothing really----Ayyeee! Not so fast!’ You grabbed Harry’s shoulder, preventing him in enter any further. In all honestly, you hadn’t hidden Oliver’s surprise well, there aren’t a lot of hiding places in the changing room. Determined to not ruin the surprise, you need, you must get Oliver to see it first. ‘Had any of you seen Oli-‘

Right then you heard his unmistakably Scottish accent. ‘I’m just saying George, with this new and improve game plan, we are for sure going win the House Cup!’

‘Oliver!’ You shouted, pushing your boyfriend and Harry aside to reach him. ‘Come quick, I’ve got something to show you!’ With all your strength you hauled him to move faster.

‘What is it now y/n? Can’t you see I’m……..’ Oliver had come to a stop. Based on his sudden lack of complaining, you knew he spotted it.

‘It’s a gift from mum and dad. We thought it would future help your chances to be in the professional league.’ You noted. ‘I wasn’t sure which one of these was your locker, so I decided to just hide it behind the benches.’

Oliver hurriedly torn away the wrappings. ‘Oh my…. y/n! A FIREBOLT!’ He turned towards his teammates with eyes watery. ‘A FIREBOLT, A 1993 EBONY WOOD WITH BIRCH TWIGS FIREBOLT!’ He declared with glee.

Too caught up in your cousin’s precious reaction to your gift, you however had failed to noticed Fred displeasure.

‘I think I’m gonna be sick. So much for a girlfriend.’ He grumbled to George. ‘Excuse me.’ Shoving his broom to Harry, Fred walked out of the locker room.

The next thing you knew, you were spinning through the air. Oliver had lifted you in celebration, ‘Thank you y/n thank you so much!’ He mumbled into your hair. ‘Pass on my gratitude to Aunty and Uncle.’  

‘Wait? Did you just say Aunty and Uncle?’ voiced a very confused Harry.

‘Yea.’ Confirmed Oliver. ‘Y/n is my cousin.’

George’s bafflement turned into a startle. ‘You’re joking right?’

‘No, why would be joking George?’ You frowned. ‘Didn’t you know?’

‘Nope’ He replied, popping the “p”. ‘Now it clears everything up. Freddie is going to be--.’

‘Speaking of, where is Freddie?’ You scanned around, wondering where he might have gone to. Which was when you spotted Harry holding up not one but two brooms. ‘Harry…’

‘y/n listen…..Freddie is uhh ’ George was trying to come up how to break it to you gently.

When Harry blurted out. ‘He left.’

‘He whot?’ demanded Oliver.

‘He left, said something about being sick of his girlfriend.’ Commented Harry frankly. ‘owhh!’

Even though it would have been too late to stop Harry from spitting out more wrongfully worded sentences- the damaged has been done- It still made George happy to put some sense into him. Praying that a smack on the head would have made Harry shut up, George took control of the situation, hoping it could still salvage the weakening remain of his twin’s and y/n relationship.

‘Listen y/n. Regarding my idiot brother, you got to know that he, like everyone else in the room, had thought that you and Oliver were flirting with each other.’

‘eww!’ You couldn’t control your reflex.

‘yeah, his emotions got to the best of him when he witnessed everything that got down here and stormed out because of jealousy.’

‘Oh gosh.’ You head towards the door, you could see a red figure walking towards the castle, kicking at fallen leaves every now and then. ‘I’ve got to get to him.’

You felt someone grab your arm ‘No let me handle this y/n.’ voiced Oliver. ‘I’m part of this… complication after all, besides I bet Fred’s fuming right now and as your older cousin, I am willing to take the heat and make him see reason until he has finally calmed down to talk to you with a clear head.’ He explained reassuringly.

‘But---

‘No buts.’ Oliver kissed your forehead. ‘Stay here and send for him back so all this misunderstanding could be sorted out. Now…’ he addressed Harry to get his new firebolt. ‘I’ve got a relationship to fix.’ Oliver hopped on the broom and sped away.

~

‘Fred! Fred!’ Screamed Oliver.

Fred choose to ignore him, picking up his pace.

Leaving Oliver with no choice but to cut him off.

‘WEASLEY!’ Oliver jumped off his broom.

‘Get Out of My Way Wood!’ Fred raised his hand to shove the other boy away but met with resistance. ‘I SAID GET OUT!’ Fred tried to free his fist from Oliver’s grasp, but the older boy was much stronger.

‘Not until you calm down and listen to what I have to say.’

‘Fine.’ Oliver let go of him, he raised his arms high in surrender. ‘y/n sent you, didn’t she?’

‘No. I came here on my own will. I told her to stay behind to protect her.’ Oliver confessed.

‘To protect her?’ scoffed Fred. ‘From what? From me?’

‘Yes, as a matter of fact.’

‘Oh of course, it’s HER who needs protecting and not me. Not me, after I see you both shamelessly act so close to one another, closer, might I tell you then her own boyfriend! If was as if I wasn’t there’

‘Fred,’

Fred brushed his hand away, ignoring Oliver’s interruption. ‘When did you two get so close anyway? You know at first, I tried to pass it off as friendship but as time when on, I could help but think-‘

‘Y/N IS MY COUSIN!’ blurted Oliver, unable to hear another person thinking that they were other than family. ‘THERE’S NOTHING GOING ON BETWEEN US!’

‘what?’  

‘Apparently for some reason most of you lot don’t know. George and Harry were just as surprised too. But yes, y/n is my cousin, on my father’s side. My father and her mother are brothers and sisters. I thought with all these years we’ve known each other that you’d know we’re related. Guess I was wrong.’

‘I….I didn’t know.. I’m sorry.’

‘Apology accepted but we both know there is someone more deserving of hearing that apology.’ Oliver nodded towards the locker room. ‘She’s there waiting.’

‘Thank you, Oliver.’ He held out his hand. ‘Friends?’

‘Friends’ Oliver shook his hand, the stared straight into his eyes. ‘BUT…’

‘but?’

‘But if you hurt her again Weasley, you have me to answer for, that is of course after she’s done her share.’ Without another word, Oliver flew off, testing out his new gift.

~

Fred ran full speed ahead, praying that he didn’t completely ruin a wondering 3-year relationship with the girl of his dreams. Before entering the room, he conjured up a bouquet of your favourite flowers, hoping that could help out his image.

Testing the waters, he called. ‘y/n? are you in here love?’

‘In here’ you sighed. He hated hearing you so sad. He hated it more that it was him causing you to feel that way.

Cautiously he made his way to you with arms outstretched. You accepted the flowers, to that he let himself relax a bit, bringing them up to you nose, you noted. ‘They smell nice, thank you.’

Fred was grateful that you hadn’t scolded him off on his baseless jealousy, still he knew he had to apologize and win his girl back. Kneeling in front where you sat, Fred took your hands and poured out his heart.

‘Y/n, I am sorry. I made a huge mistake, I… I got jealous of how you had gotten close to Oliver this year.’ He confessed.’ Ever since the start of this year, I thought that Oliver was stealing you away from me. I thought that perhaps you two had something going on behind my back.’

Chuckling to himself he continued. ‘I didn’t even realise that you were cousins until he told me just now. I feel so stupid. 3 years together, 5 years of knowing you. It was so obvious.’ Fred closed his eyes.

‘Still, with my worries, I should have asked, asked what you and Oliver were.’ He stressed. ‘I should have come and talked to you, to sort this out like what a, healthy, trusting and understanding relationship would. But instead I keep all my doubts and insecurities brew, I went deep into my own conclusions that were without evidence, I let my jealousy get the best of me.’

Fred brought your knuckles to his lips. ‘y/n love, I’m sorry. I love you and if you want a space, I understand. But there is no a day in this world where I would not rather be back in your loving arms. I hope that you could forgive me.’

‘Freddie, I forgive you.’ You cup his tear stained cheek. ‘It was just a stupid misunderstanding.’

Gesturing for him to sit beside you ‘I thought it was common knowledge that Oliver and I are cousins. Apparently not. Yes, we weren’t that close before.’ You admitted.  ‘But we really did get to know each other in the summer. 5 weeks either being sounded by adult relatives or small children, we hung out often, being the only 2 cousins similar in age.’

You return back into a more serious tone. ‘Of course, I did wish you had voiced it out, we could have avoided this conflict altogether. So, promise me this. Whatever problems may arise, before we delved into our own assumptions, we would always talk it out. Alright?’

‘I promise.’

~

Taglist [All/General]: @gruffle1​

Tagging also all those who voted for the~Oliver Wood Cousin!Reader x Jealous!Fred Weasley~ Thank you! @jenniweaslee​ @ najiler @ im-the-nerdiest-of-them-a11 @ gweaslvy and the lovely anons!

[comfortwriting]

Best Friends Brother Part 4 - G.W

Masterlist, Requesting Rules, Writing Prompt Masterlist

Part 4 of ‘Best Friends Brother’ - please read part 1, 2, 3

George Weasley x Fem Reader slow burn

Warnings: Swearing, Mention of food, eating, and blood.

Warnings: Swearing, mention of food, eating, and blood. 

Fred waited outside the owlery whilst Ron looked for you, hoping to find you with Gideon to calm his nerves, but also hoping to catch you with George to prove his suspicions so he could finally stop living on the edge all the time.

"Well?" Asked Fred, staring at his younger brother who walked out of the owlery.

Ron shook his head with an annoyed expression on his face "She's not there" he replied.

"Is her owl?"

Ron nodded, following his brother down the steps "yeah, yet she told me she was going to spend some time with him."

"Strange isn't it?" Fred muttered, "how she's always away and nowhere to be found at the same time as George."

Ron went quiet, he hated this - hated the thought of you being swept off your feet by someone better, someone everyone preferred over him, even if he was your best friend, he knew his older brother better than anyone.

"I wish you had that map, you know, you should nick it from him when he's sleeping."

"I would" replied Fred "but he clutches to it when he sleeps."

"Hogsmeade.." Ron said deep in thought "they could be in Hogsmeade!"

Running out of the town and back to Hogwarts, you ducked your head, praying that you wouldn't be recognised through the storms of other students and villagers. You needed to get to the owlery, to be with Gideon like you lied about, you couldn't get caught, not now.

George sprinted towards Zonko's, also making sure that he wouldn't get spotted, he quickly sneaked inside the joke shop through the backdoor, browsing the nose-biting teacups.

"Well, where is he then?" Ron's voice asked in the background.

George swallowed hard and pretended to be focused on the teacups, ignoring his brothers inching closer and closer towards him.

Fred patted his twin on the shoulder "What you doing here then?" he asked "You can't keep skipping Quidditch practice, I'm getting into bother."

George jumped out of his skin at Fred's touch, he turned around to look at him "Sorry for skipping, I've been Christmas shopping" he lied "Only time I can come here, it's why I've got the map." 

Fred and Ron exchanged looks before staring back at George, both of them still unsure, Ron more than Fred as deep down, he believed and hoped that his own twin wouldn't lie to him, especially to his face.

"All right then" Fred replied, staring back at the teapots.

"Have you uh, have you seen Y/N?" Ron asked, "Went to the owlery this morning, but she wasn't there."

George's mouth and throat went dry, he swallowed hard again, desperate for water. "I haven't, no, if I do I'll tell her you're looking for her."

Ron pursed his lips and nodded "I guess we'll leave you to your Christmas shopping then."

Ron and Fred left Zonko's, leaving George with a dreadful and heavy heap of guilt, sinking into his stomach. George sighed and walked to a quieter part of the shop, examining the map, his two brothers going for a drink without him.

George finally got the courage to leave Zonko's and go into Honey Dukes, making sure to pick out everything Ron and Fred loved most in hopes that this could buy their acceptance and trust as Christmas break hung over his head.  

Hurrying up the short, steep, steps - fighting to catch your breath, you stormed into the owlery, the many owls staring at you whilst Gideon turned his head, blinking at you sweetly. Your forehead produced droplets of sweat and you were desperate for a glass of water, your backpack weighing heavily on your shoulders, full of letters and parcels for your family and friends. 

You hunched over with your hands on your thighs, panting, Gideon started to shuffle impatiently. You lifted up your right hand and stretched out your index finger whilst the rest remained in a loose fist.

"One moment, Gideon." You breathed, your heart finally calming down.

Stretching and walking over to your owl, you lifted him into your arms and found a clear stop on the owlery floor to sit down, surrounded by small animal carcasses, feathers, and droppings.

You stroked Gideon's face and back gently with the back of your hand "Penny never allowed me to give her so much affection like this" you reminisced "I'm so happy you let me" you pecked the top of Gideon's head softly, standing up slowly and walking out, ready to see if Gideon could fly as well as Penny once did.

"Something doesn't add up" Ron huffed "Christmas shopping? since when were you left out of that?"

Fred stared at his shoes, walking towards the castle, his tummy still warm from the butterbeer. "I want to believe him, I don't think he'd lie to my face."

Ron shook his head "Well, we'll soon find out" he grumbled, "because mum insisted that she's coming to ours for Christmas, it's why I've been looking for her."

"But she usually comes over for Christmas, doesn't she?" Fred asked, knitting his eyebrows together.

Ron nodded "Yeah, but I didn't ask this time, so either mum is encouraging me to invite her, or someone else has asked."

Giggling, you watched Gideon soar around in the sky, feeling more than confident that he would be able to deliver your letters and packages without any issues, flying down and perching on your arm, you gave him a treat and stroked his head. 

"I've wondered where you've been." Ron called out behind you "Where were you this morning?"

"I've been with Gideon" you replied quickly, still focusing on stroking his soft feathers. 

"Not this morning you weren't" Ron argued, walking towards you and standing by your side. 

You sighed and turned to face him, feeling frustrated "I've been wrapping up presents, okay?" you huffed. 

Ron raised his eyebrows, trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle in his head "Were you out shopping with George by any chance?"

Shit. He's on to me. He saw me leave Hogsmeade. 

No. No. He can't know, not now, no way!

"Oh come off it!" you acted, crossing your arms, causing Gideon to leap up and perch on your shoulder "I did my shopping weeks ago - alone!"

Ron swallowed your lies down his throat, the actual truth slowly dissolving in his mind. He nodded his head and pursed his lips "Sorry"

You nodded, feeling slightly guilty about lying to him "It's okay, just... just trust me, yeah? you're my best mate."

Ron wrapped his arm around you, starting to feel more confident and secure with there being no chance in his head of you and George dating "You're my best mate too."

As the snow continued to fall and surround Hogwarts, you, Ron, Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Fred, and George got on board the Hogwarts Express and made your way back to London. You could feel the butterflies flapping their wings inside of you, soaring as Gideon did in the sky days before the end of term. 

You and George were so excited to be able to spend more time together, without hundreds of students watching or overhearing, but the risk of being together under his roof and surrounded by his family was too high - but you didn't care, because if anything, in your mind - you weren't going to get caught, you would be careful, as secretive as can be. 

Hurling your trunk and presents into the warm and cozy burrow, Mrs Weasley engulfed you into a comforting hug "It is so lovely to see you again, dear!" She smiled, cupping your face in her gentle hands "You and Hermione will be staying with Ginny in her room, it's very spacious!" 

One of your butterflies lost a wing, starting to fall deep down into your tummy, you didn't want to share a room if it meant that you would be spending most of your time with the little sister of your boyfriend, and your best friends nosy and opinionated crush. 

"But don't panic dear, you don't have to go to bed when they do, you can stay up as long as you like! Oh, Harry!" Mrs Weasley pulled herself away from you and hurried over to Harry. 

Looking behind over your shoulder, George rested against the kitchen counter, turning his head and nodding in the direction of the living room, you knew what this meant and the injured butterfly in the pit of your stomach slowly recovered. Smiling, you nodded back, confirming the meeting, and quickly picked up your trunk and bags, following Ginny and Hermione.

Without having a minute to breathe, you were called down for dinner, all of you huddled around the dinner table surrounded by mouthwatering dishes you had missed so dearly. Mr and Mrs Weasley used this time for a much-needed catch-up, mainly Mrs Weasley scolding Fred, George, and even Ron for misbehaving ("but not you Harry, dear!") whilst Mr Weasley bombarded Hermione with questions about her parents being dentists and expressing how fascinating inspecting peoples teeth seemed. 

George kept flashing you looks across the table, smiling, then smirking, eyeing you up, causing you to go red in the face and struggle to contain your giggles. Part of you wanted to entertain him, pull faces back, blow a sneaky kiss or wink, but Hermione had already noticed George making faces, and you enjoying it.

"What was that about?" Hermione asked, putting down her bags and sitting on her bed starting to unpack, Ginny copied, listening in. 

You placed the presents under your bed, opening your trunk you pulled out your pajamas. "I'm lost? What?" you replied, unpacking everything you needed out, placing your folded clothes inside the huge dresser. 

"The way George kept looking at you throughout dinner," Hermione said, the look of patience wearing thin splashed across her face. 

Ginny stopped unpacking and turned around, staring at you. 

"He wasn't looking at me." You replied, pulling off your knitted jumper. 

"Yes, he was!" Hermione insisted.

"It's nothing, Hermione, I spilled gravy down my top and I got embarrassed-"

"Can we not argue?" Ginny interrupted "I'm sure George was just smiling over nothing."

You nodded, Hermione pulled a face and got out her toothbrush "well, I'm exhausted, I'm getting ready for bed and I'll be calling it a night."

Ginny sat on her bed, yawning and stretching "Me too, I'm up early tomorrow, mum needs me to help her with choosing what's for Chrismas Dinner."

Hermione got changed and brushed her teeth in the bathroom whilst Ginny stood outside the door, waiting to go in, having the bedroom all to yourself, you quickly got changed into your pajamas and got into bed, shutting your eyes and practicing deep breathing, pretending to be asleep. 

Ginny and Hermione both entered the bedroom quietly and got into their beds, discussing what time they would be up in the morning and whispering goodnight, you waited until the two of them fell asleep when you could hear their snores you slowly got out of bed and left the bedroom, slowly walking down the many stairs, your heart pounding in your chest.

Walking into the living room, George smiled up at you, the dim light highlighting his golden hair and deep brown eyes, he patted the space next to him, your heart pounding even more. Sitting down next to him, you leaned into him, swinging your legs on the sofa and resting your head against his chest, his arms sneaking around you and pulling you into him. 

"I've been waiting for this for so long" George mumbled quietly, nuzzling into your hair. 

Your cheeks began to heat up, you had never been this close to him before, not ever, the closest was holding hands a kiss - and now the two of you were cuddling underneath a warm blanket, so close that you could hear and feel his heart beating, his scent surrounding you, and his touch making you feel safe and secure. 

"Me too," you said softly "I'm so glad we're away from the constant noise, large crowds, and watching eyes." 

George smiled, kissing your head softly "It's nice just being able to exist with you, like this, away from everyone and everything, even if it's this late in the evening." 

"We'll need to be careful" you reminded him "Hermione saw what happened at dinner and she brought it up in front of Ginny. Ron has been paranoid too, especially after what happened a few days ago."

George nodded, leaving soft kisses on your head, his hands stroking your waist "Fred's suspicious too, I had to give him the map, the way he was looking at me - it's hard lying to him, Y/N."

Pulling George's hand up to your mouth, you pressed your lips against his hand and kissed it softly, George smiled, pecking your head with another soft kiss. 

"It's hard" you sighed "but we won't have to hide this forever, the right time will come."

George freed one of his hands and reached for the family photo album on the table in front of him, placing it in front of you to hold. 

"Just spending the late evening with you for the next two weeks is enough for me." He sat up, pulling you closer. 

Holding onto the photo album you opened it, expecting to see pictures but you were met with nothing but empty spaces. 

"I've bought this for us," George said softly "I want us to fill this with pictures, we need to make up for the three months we've been together with no photographs to show for it."

You felt your heart enlarge and flush your body with warm blood, your veins pumping it throughout your body, getting high on the feeling of this happiness - this love.

"Oh, George..."

Hearing a door opening and footsteps up above, creaking down the stairs, your face and George's dropped.

"Hide!" He mouthed, snatching the photo album from you.

Tag list: @amourtentiaa @reeophidian @inglourious-imagines @alwaysnforeverfangirl @horrorxweasley @carisi-sonny

[endless-love-ushigina]

Third Times the Charm

Character: Nanami

Warnings: None, it’s pure fluff 

A/N: Shoutout to @isseisbbg for yet again, reading through this and helping me! I’ve finally written a fluffy piece, and it’s honestly made me very soft. I hope you enjoy this! I’m hoping to keep writing some JJK content, because I love that show! I hope you all have good lives! Feel free to send me message just to chat, I love making friends

You walked into your office on the Tokyo Jujutsu Tech campus and noticed something sitting on your desk wrapped neatly in a napkin. You kept your gaze locked on it as you took your coat off and hung it up on the designated hook in your office. Despite having already unlocked your office to get in, you checked the lock to ensure that it hadn’t been tampered with in the slightest before walking to the napkin on your desk and opened up the napkin revealing a chocolate donut. 

“How did this even get here,” you muttered and glanced around your office. You were concerned as to how anybody got into your office, and the fact that it was one of your favorite treats on your desk. You sighed as you threw the donut away. As much as you wanted to eat the treat, you knew it would be foolish with recent events. It’s absurd to think a curse left a donut on your desk, but you weren’t taking any chances. You grabbed your bag and water bottle before walking out of your office, so you could make it to a class you were teaching to the second years. 

After teaching a couple classes, you found yourself walking towards the tree that you normally eat lunch at. Nanami usually joins you for lunch, even though he isn’t a teacher at Jujutsu Tech. He always plans his lunch breaks around yours, which you have always found sweet. You couldn’t help the smile that washed over your face as you saw him sitting under the tree, but before you made it to him you felt someone grasp your wrist bringing you to a halt. 

“(Y/N), I’m glad I ran into you! I’ve had a very pressing matter that I’ve been wanting to talk to you about,” You heard Gojo’s voice. Turning, you smiled at your close friend. You knew whatever he wanted to talk about really wasn’t truly important. 

“Hurry up Gojo, you’re cutting into my Nanami time,” you said and glanced back at the man, who appeared quite annoyed at Gojo interrupting. 

“Yes, yes, it’s just important. I saw you throwing away a donut this morning, when you know I’m your human garbage can,” Gojo said quite loudly. 

“I had no idea where it came from, I didn’t want anyone to die eating it. Now leave, I’ll see you tomorrow.” You turned him around and pushed him away. 

“Human garbage can, for any food, but especially for sweets,” he yelled while walking off, and you just rolled your eyes at the man while walking over and sitting next to Nanami. 

“You threw a donut away this morning?” Nanami questioned while giving you half of his sandwich, and you gave him half of yours. 

“It was the weirdest thing, there was one just sitting on my desk this morning, and I couldn’t eat that. I have no idea where it came from. Gojo clearly has lower standards than I do,” you chuckled and ate Nanami’s half sandwich first. “I’m just worried about how someone got into my office. I know this campus is relatively safe, and that I’m a Grade 1 Sorcerer, but I still get nervous.”

You glanced at Nanami when he didn’t respond, and he seemed to be lost in thought. “You okay there, Kento?” You smiled using his first name to pull him out of his thoughts. 

He smiled gently at you before taking a bite of your sandwich, “I’m just fine.” He didn’t tell you that the donut was from him, and that he was beating himself up over the fact that he left a mysterious donut in your office.

The next morning when you walked into your office, you saw another neatly wrapped parcel sitting on your desk. You didn’t even bother taking off your jacket as you opened it up to see another chocolate donut, this time accompanied with a note. 

‘I hope you enjoy this donut on me, I know how much you enjoy your chocolate  desserts. I got it from the bakery up the road, no need to toss this one.’

There was no signature, and the note was typed out so you couldn’t even figure out the handwriting. Gojo must have left this here after you told him what happened yesterday. He loves to mess with you, and he knows you were a little paranoid about how someone got in here. You know he can easily weasel his way in and out of places. You rolled your eyes and hung up your coat. 

You had a meeting with a few other sorcerers this morning in regards to the recent rise in curses, and the school proceeding with the Kyoto exchange event. Grabbing your water bottle and the donut, you jogged to the meeting room. You knew you’d be the last one, everyone knew your worst quality was being later than Gojo. 

“(Y/N), it’s about time,” Yaga said, nodding at you. 

“I’m so sorry,” you stated quickly and went to stand next to Gojo. “Here’s the donut you got. You knew someone sneaking into my office freaked me out a bit, and here you are making jokes. Please never do that again, I don’t want your donut.”  

“Wait, I…” Gojo started but you already walked off, as Yaga started the meeting, and went and sat right next to Nanami at the table who watched the entire scene play out. You could sense that hei seemed pretty tense, but you didn’t say much of it trying to pay attention to Yaga. 

Nanami watched as Gojo ate the donut that he had gotten for you, and he couldn’t help but feel irritated. Not at you, but at himself and at Gojo. He knew he should have signed the note, or given you the donut in person at the meeting this morning, but he just couldn’t work up the courage to do such a simple task. He had even talked to Gojo about the incident yesterday, so he knew who was leaving you donuts, and yet Gojo still sat across from him eating the donut. Gojo wasn’t the person he wanted to be spending his money to buy treats for. 

You noticed Nanami really wasn’t paying attention to Yaga, so you made sure to nudge him and Nanami glanced at you. “It’s not like you to not pay attention.” 

He just nodded softly at you and focused his attention back to Yaga. You didn’t notice the smirk Gojo was wearing as he ate the donut, but Nanami couldn’t have missed it. 

You were hustling to get to your office. Your hair was still in the bun you wore to sleep, you had your glasses on today instead of your contacts, and you were wearing the first thing you grabbed. Today, your only goal was to get to your office 30 minutes early, and hope it was early enough to catch any more office break in attempts. As you were walking past a bakery on the way to the school you glanced in and saw Nanami and he was being handed a chocolate donut. Your eyes widened realizing it looked just like the donuts that have been on your desk the past couple days. You quickly walked off to the side to get out of the way, now very curious and wanting to follow Nanami.

You watched as he walked forward, and continued on the path to Jujutsu Tech, which was strange. There wasn’t a meeting today that he needed to attend, and he didn’t teach at the school. You quickly followed behind him, but also made sure you were going unnoticed. You watched him walk all the way to your office, and open the door with a key. You were confused for many reasons: Why was Nanami sneaking you donuts? Why didn’t he just give them to you in person? And finally, how did he get a key for your office? 

You weren’t going to let him run off without getting answers to your questions, so as soon as you saw him closing the door to your office and locking it, you jumped in front of him and he instantly tensed. 

“Kento!” you all but shouted. 

“(Y/N)? What are you doing here so early?” Nanami asked while he put his hand on the back of his neck rubbing it awkwardly. 

“I was trying to figure out who kept leaving me donuts, because I guess I was really overthinking it. How’d you get a key to my office, Kento? I also don’t want to sound rude, but why are you getting me donuts, anonymously?” 

“At our lunches, you were always complaining about not getting breakfast, but never being willing enough to wake up earlier to fix the issue. So, I wanted to fix that issue for you.”

You felt your heart swell at those words, and your face heat up. You looked down instantly, not wanting Nanami to see you. “I’m so sorry I threw one away, and gave one to Gojo.” you quickly said. “Although, in my defense, you left no notes that said it was from you!”

“I know, I know-- it’s okay. I wasn’t going to leave a signed note today either. I didn’t want to explain how I got the key to your office. I was hoping you’d realize they were safe to eat after seeing Gojo didn’t die from the one you gave him yesterday.” 

You smiled looking up at Nanami. “Why’d you get them for me though? This is an extra 25 minutes added to your mornings?” 

“You definitely don’t make this easy, (y/n),” he sighed and as you looked up with a confused expression about to say something, you felt Nanami’s lips land on yours and his hands cradle each side of your face in a breathtaking kiss. You quickly leaned into the kiss, closing your eyes, and enjoyed the moment until Nanami pulled away. “I hope that spells it out a little more clearly for you.”

You had a huge smile plastered on your face as you looked up at Nanami. “Well I guess third times the charm,” Nanami chuckled softly at your statement and let go of you, and you quickly fished your keys out of your pocket and placed them in the lock. “Now I’m ready to go eat a donut, you know, chocolate is my favorite. I’ll see you at lunch, Kento, but I’m afraid you’re still going to have to explain to me how you got a set of keys to my office.”

[sandwichrin]

A Little into You (Junkyu x Reader) (Ch. 19)

Chapter 19 - Some truth

Word count: 4.8k words

Genre: Fanfiction, PG13, Comedy, Romance.

A/N: Hi~ Chapter 19 is here, yay! Hope you all enjoy this one 🧡

The next day came along, and as usual, you arrived at work early since you were still hoping that maybe the staff that you should be tutoring might come and see you today.

And so, just like yesterday, you waited in your seat in the meeting room on that 4th floor that you’ve been assigned to.

As you were staring into space, a familiar figure entered the doorframe.

“Oh my god look at you…” the voice said, startling you.

You turned to look at the owner of the voice—you rolled your eyes the moment you saw who it was.

“Chani, what are you doing here,”

Chani leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms against his chest and smirked at you, “I just wanted to see how you’re doing today. You seemed really down yesterday so I expected you to be all mopey or I don’t know, maybe laying on the floor and crying but nope! You seem fine,”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “Ha ha,” you laughed sarcastically. “I’m not that dramatic. Besides, they’ll show up today! I just know it!” you said in a very motivated tone.

This earned a laugh from Chani. “Okay y/n. Just let me know if you need anything, okay?”

You smiled a little at him. “Sure.”

“Okay then,” he said as he clapped his hands once. “I better get going, my group leader is kind of strict so, I’ll see you at lunch?”

You nodded at him. “Bye, Chani.”

“Bye,” he said. He closed the door behind him and once again you were left alone in the quiet room.

                                                               *

That very same day, as usual, the Treasure boys were practicing for their choreography.

Their practice room was filled with the sound of shoes screeching and the members counting along their steps together.

After running the full choreography of their song three times, the leaders called out to their members to take a break.

“Ahhh I love the cold floor!” Yedam said as he laid down on the cold floor.

Jeongwoo crawled up towards him and laid down closely beside him, his eyes slowly closing.

“Good job, everyone! Everyone’s dance move was very accurate! If we keep it up like this, we’ll have a very sharp formation too, soon,” Hyunsuk praised his members as he held onto his water bottle in his hand.

Jihoon, who was beside him, wiped his own sweat off with a small towel he brought from home. “Yup! You all did very great today. Especially Kim Junkyu,” he said as he smiled.

Junkyu, who was sitting on the floor next to Doyoung, looked at his friend in confusion. “Me?”

“Yeah, you. You seemed really…energetic today,” Jihoon said to him.

“Thank you?” Junkyu responded, still confused.

“Hyung! Can we go get ice cream today?” Yoshi asked as he raised his hand.

Suddenly the whole room started making noise, supporting Yoshi’s idea. Some ice cream after a great practice sounded really good to them at the moment.

“Hush hushh,” Hyunsuk shushed the kids as he waved his hands in the air, signalling them to calm down. When the whole room quieted down, Hyunsuk turned to look at their other leader beside him. “What do you think?”

Jihoon smiled at the rest of them, his usual bright smile, “Hmm, I guess we deserve some ice cream…”

“YAYYYYYY” the maknae line started jumping around the room, high-fiving each other, all excited that their hyungs are going to treat them with some ice cream today.

“Okay, okay but calm down!” Jihoon said. “Is there anything else you all want today? My treat.” He added, making all of their members in the room more excited, including Hyunsuk.

“Burgers!! Hyung, can we have burgers for lunch today??” Junghwan’s voice shouted amongst his other hyungs who were talking in the room.

“Okay okay! Okay, listen up everyone!” Jihoon said again, ordering them to calm down. Even though his tone was firm, his face still showed his warm smile since he was happy to see his kids all excited.

“Okay,” he said once the room quieted down again. “So today, I’ll get us some ice cream and burgers,”

“YAYYYYYY” the boys cheered happily.

“BUT—” Jihoon said, implying to them that he still has more to say.

“Shh, shh! Let Jihoon finish talking y’all,” Hyunsuk said, shushing them this time.

“Thanks, hyung,”

Hyunsuk smiled at him.

“As I was saying, I’ll buy all those stuffs but—let’s play a game to decide who gets to help receive the food at the building’s front lobby downstairs,” he grinned.

“Aw man! I knew Jihoon-hyung wouldn’t be this generous without another scheme in his head,” Jaehyuk groaned.

                                                                   *

 YG Building (Front Lobby)

“How long until the deliveryman arrives?” Junkyu asked Yedam who was holding onto Jihoon’s phone in his hand.

“Hyung, it’s only been 2 minutes since you last asked this. And just like 2 minutes before, the deliveryman is still a block away,” Yedam reminded his hyung.

Asahi, who had lost in the game earlier as well, kept quiet beside the two boys.

Junkyu lets out a whine. “I don’t get why we are the ones who lost in that game. That game’s stupid,”

Yedam chuckled at him, “Hyung, the three of us were unlucky because we drew out Jihoon-hyung’s name for the arm-wrestle match. It would have been easier if we got Haruto or Asahi-hyung,”

“Hey, I’m right here,” Asahi said, breaking the silence he had been holding onto since they lost the game earlier.

Yedam wrapped an arm around his hyung, “Exactly! You’re here because we all lost against Jihoon-hyung,”

This earned a small chuckle from Asahi, his dimple showing.

Suddenly, Jihoon’s phone vibrated, a call coming in.

“Hyung, hyung! Someone’s calling!” Yedam panicked as he held out the phone towards Asahi and Junkyu.

Both Junkyu and Asahi exchanged looks with each other.

“You answer it, Asahi!” Junkyu said as he pushed the phone into Asahi’s hands.

“Are you kidding me? I’m Japanese!” Asahi said as he pushed the phone back into Junkyu’s hands.

“Eyy don’t give me that reason! I’ve heard you talk to Jaehyuk-hyung on the phone that time when he kept calling you every day when you were in Japan. Your Korean was fine,”

“Okay but still, you answer the phone,” Asahi pointed at the vibrating phone in Junkyu’s hands.

“Noooo I’m an introvert! You should know I don’t like answering strangers’ phonecalls,” Junkyu reasoned.

“I’m an introvert too! I’m only 3% extrovert!” Asahi argued back.

At this point, Yedam was too worried that they might miss out on an important call, so while his hyungs were busy arguing about who was the most introverted amongst them both, Yedam hurriedly snatched the phone from Junkyu’s hands and answered it.

 Phonecall Conversation:

Yedam: Hello?

Caller: Hello? Mr Park Jihoon? Sorry for bothering you, but we are from S&S Closets.

Yedam: Uhh, I uh--

Caller: I’m just calling to confirm with you if you have received your parcel yesterday.

Yedam: Oh, that. Parcel??

Caller: Yes, our delivery staff said that a person named Park Jeongwoo helped sign the package off for you yesterday.

Yedam: Ah, Jeongwoo! Ah yes, yes, that’s our friend. In that case, yes, the package was delivered safely to my side.

Caller: Alright then. Don’t forget to rate our product and service at our website! Thank you and have a nice day!

-Call ends-

 Yedam stared at the phone confusedly after the call ended.

Junkyu and Asahi on the other hand, were no longer arguing since Yedam had chosen to answer the call for them.

“Who was it?” Junkyu asked.

Yedam shrugged, “I’m not really sure either, some company called S&S Closets? I guess Jihoon-hyung ordered something from them?”

“Oh? Jihoon-hyung ordered a closet?? That’s random,” Junkyu said, his face showing a thinking expression with his lips slightly pouting.

“Yeah, I guess that is kind of random,” Yedam said.

“That’s not it. S&S Closets is a Japanese clothing line company. My mum usually buys my sister some outfits from that site too,” Asahi explained.

“Ahh, I see.”

“Oh? Then what could Jihoon-hyung have bought from there??” Yedam questioned.

“I don’t know. I just know that it sells woman’s clothings,”

The three of them fell silent.

“Hey…do you guys think…Jihoon-hyung…” Yedam said slowly,

“What? What is it?” Junkyu prodded him, curious to know what Yedam might be guessing now.

“Do you guys think Jihoon-hyung has bought his Halloween costume for this year?? He bought Elsa last year, didn’t he??”

Asahi shook his head in disbelief, since he knows that the specific clothing line his mum used to buy doesn’t sell costumes.

“I don’t think so. That company doesn’t make costumes,”

Junkyu gasped out loud. “Then, what did he buy from there??”

“I guess we’ll just have to ask him later. For now, let’s get our foods first,” Yedam said as he showed the indicator on Jihoon’s phone. “The deliveryman is close by now.”

                                                                 *

 Lunchtime arrived and so you decided to just leave your meeting room, with a disappointed look on your face considering again today, none of the staff had visited your session. At this point you had already given up on the hopes that these people might even come see you after today.

Grabbing your bag, you exited the meeting room, making sure you closed the door behind you.

You walked up towards the elevators, wanting to head towards the cafeteria and probably just meeting Chani at your usual lunch spot.

As the elevator reached your floor, you entered it and pressed the button leading to the cafeteria floor.

It wasn’t long until you heard the elevator’s ding!

You were about to step out of the elevator when you heard a voice saying “Hold the elevator! Our hands are full!”

Feeling panicked because you were the only person in the specific elevator, you hurriedly backed yourself into the elevator and pressed the “open doors” button.

Three guys entered the space beside you, all gasping from the running they did just to simply catch up with the elevator.

“Oh? You guys!” You said, as you noticed that the three boys were none other than your own friends.

Yedam raised his head from his panting and turned to see who it was that had greeted them.

“Y/n!” Yedam exclaimed happily.

This made Asahi and Junkyu immediately turning to look at you as well.

You smiled at them and pointed at the paper bags in their hands, “Delivery?”

“Yup, Jihoon-hyung is treating us today,” Yedam answered.

“Nice.” You said as you nod.

“Aren’t you gonna close the doors?” Yedam asked, noticing that your finger never left the “open doors” button.

“Oh! Oh gosh, I was heading out just now,” you said as you pulled away your finger from the button.

The door started closing and by the time you realised the elevator was already moving, you panicked on your own, “Wait, oh my god I was supposed to exit the elevators BEFORE the door closes ahh!”

Yedam, Junkyu and Asahi smiled apologetically as they watched you make your careless mistake right in front of them.

You were too embarrassed to face them now, knowing that you had acted like a fool in front of them so you just kept quiet while you stared down at your feet as the elevator brings the four of you to the 3rd floor.

When you all reached the 3rd floor, you pressed on the “open doors” button for them as you watched them all exit the elevator.

You noticed that Asahi was struggling with his heavy-looking paper bag, so you asked him, “Hey, Asahi. Do you need help with that? You look like you’re having a hard time with that,”

Asahi, who was already right outside the elevator doors, turned to look at you. And then he stared down at the paper bag in his hands. He glanced over towards Junkyu and Yedam who were a few steps in front of him, both waiting for him.

“Uh, sure. I could use some help,” Asahi said.

With that, you stepped out of the elevator, letting the doors close behind you.

“Here, let me help you carry that,”

Asahi moved away from you, making you stare at him in confusion.

“Asahi?? You said you needed help, I’m here to help,” you said to him.

Asahi ignored you and started jogging towards his two friends in front. The moment he reached them, the both of them too, gave him a confused look.

“Oh my god, why did you run off??” you said as you reached their spot as well, slightly huffing since you chased after him in your work heels.

“Hyung, is everything okay?” Yedam asked him, slightly worried.

“Yeah, I’m good.” Asahi turned to you, as if he hadn’t made you chase after him earlier, and said “Oh right, y/n, you wanted to help, right? Could you help Junkyu-hyung? His bag was the heaviest.”

“Ah? Yeah sure, I mean, you could’ve just said so instead of making me chase after you, you know—”

You hadn’t finish your sentence when you noticed that Asahi wasn’t listening to you at all. Instead, he was already dragging Yedam with him to head towards their practice room, leaving you and Junkyu behind them.

Junkyu and you exchanged glances with each other.

“I…I wasn’t done talking,” you said.

“That’s Asahi. No surprises there. I can never figure out what’s in his mind, honestly,” Junkyu responded.

“Yeah I guess…”

You held out your hands to Junkyu, to which he raised his eyebrows at since he wasn’t sure what you were doing.

“Let me help.” You said, your hands still waiting for him to give you one of the paper bags he was holding.

“Oh. H-here,” he said as he pushed one bag into your hands.

The both of you walked side by side, at a relaxed pace since you both figured out that it was impossible to catch up after Asahi and Yedam by now.

“I honestly thought Asahi wasn’t the type to be into jogging or running. But hey, he was quite fast just now don’t you think?” You said, still weirded out as to why Asahi had dragged Yedam with him that quickly.

“Trust me, I’ve never seen him walk that fast either,” Junkyu snickered.

This made you giggle slightly. “I guess he’s just excited to eat lunch. It’s nice of Jihoon to treat you all good foods like this,” you praised.

Junkyu nodded at this. “Yup, he’s full of surprises like that. He’s a really great leader, both him and Hyunsuk,”

“That’s sweet of you to say that,”

Junkyu blushed slightly from your compliment. He glanced over at you whom was looking straight ahead, just simply walking casually beside him.

From your side profile, he noticed your eyelashes were quite long. Your cheeks had a tint of blush to them, probably from your makeup, and he noticed the smooth texture of your hair falling against your shoulder.

“…pretty…” he mumbled softly.

You turned to look at him, “Hm? You said something?”

“Ah?!” Junkyu froze in his spot. “I- I uh, I was wondering uh, if you were going to have lunch too,”

“I will, don’t worry,” you smiled.

Junkyu blushed again, this time he could really feel his cheeks heat up.

He started walking faster, wanting to reach the practice room quicker.

You noticed his steps quickening so you tried to hurry after him, your heels clacking against the floor.

“Okay Junkyu, I know you’re in a rush but could you maybe slow down a bit? I can’t walk that fast in heels,”

This made him slow down. He looked at the black pumps you were wearing and felt bad for making you chase after him.

This time, the two of you were walking side by side again.

“This better?” he asked.

“Yup, way better. Thanks,” you smiled again at him.

Junkyu felt his grip on the paper bag in his hand tightened. He hoped to reach their practice room fast, because he wasn’t sure if he could handle seeing you smile at him like that all over again.

                                                                   *

 Treasure’s Practice Room

Asahi opened the doors of the practice room, his hands shaking from carrying the paper bag in his hands.

Jihoon walked up towards him and noticed that Yedam was the only one who entered after him.

“Asahi? Yedam? Where’s Junkyu?”

Asahi lets out a big sigh and hands over the paper bag from his hands towards his leader.

Jihoon, a little confused, accepted the paper bag, and was surprised by the sudden cold contact that touched his skin. “Ah! You’ve been carrying all these ice creams on your own??” Jihoon’s voice raised a pitch due to the sudden cold contact he had.

Asahi pushed his hair back with his hand, “It’s okay, I did what I had to do,” he said as he passed by Jihoon, making his way towards the centre of the room where the other members are.

Jihoon watched as his friend walks over to the other side before he turns to face Yedam who was also catching his breath after getting dragged by Asahi to hurry back towards their practice room.

“Hold on hyung, let me catch my breath,” Yedam said in between pants. After feeling better, he pulled out Jihoon’s phone and hands it over to him.

“Here’s your phone by the way,”

“Thanks,”

“Oh, by the way, you had a call so I answered,”

“Hm? Who was it?”

“Someone wanted to confirm about your package from S&S Closets something?” Yedam shrugged as he said this.

“Ahh, that. Okay thanks,” Jihoon answered simply.

“Yup. Okay I’m just gonna head in and put this bag in the middle there,” Yedam said as he leaves Jihoon as well.

Jihoon nodded at him and proceeds to wait at the door of their practice room since he wondered where his best friend was, and as soon as his head peeked out of the practice room, he saw from a distance, was Junkyu and you walking towards where he was.

He noticed the both of you making small talk with each other. He smiled as he waited for the both of you to reach a close enough distance with him before he opens his mouth to say, “Ahh, there they are. I’ve been wondering where Junkyu was. Turns out he was occupied with you, y/n,”

You smiled at him and nodded, “Hey there, Jihoon. I bumped into your boys as I was leaving for lunch. Don’t worry, you can have your boy back,”

Junkyu pursed his lips and fell quiet. It seemed like as if he couldn’t talk naturally now that Jihoon was here in front of him. Now this is weird, he thought. He was totally fine when it was just you and him talking before.

“Aw, why give him back to me? You could stay and have lunch with us too, right Junkyu?” Jihoon said, shooting his friend a teasing glance.

Junkyu blinked a couple times as he thought of what to answer.

Not noticing that Junkyu was really thinking of what to say to you, you immediately answered Jihoon, “Nah, it’s okay. I better get going. Chani’s probably waiting for me at the balcony. Man, he’s gonna give me an earful if I keep him waiting for too long,” you laughed as you said this.

Junkyu rolled his eyes when he heard you mentioning Chani’s name. And then suddenly, he felt annoyed.

“Aww that’s too bad. I guess we’ll see you next time then?” Jihoon said to you.

You nodded at him. You turned to Junkyu and handed the paper bag in your hands to him, to which he hastily grabs from you.

You were taken aback by his behaviour but you just thought maybe he didn’t mean to react that way so you decided to brush it off.

“Well, I’ll be going now. Bye Jihoon, bye Junkyu,” you said.

“Bye y/n~” Jihoon said in a sing-song tune, giving you his eye-smile.

Junkyu said goodbye to you but he avoided looking at you as you went off, making you feel slightly puzzled because you were sure the both of you were talking fine earlier but then Junkyu had suddenly switched to his cold behaviour.

You shrugged to yourself as you made your way back towards the elevator at the end of the floor, hoping that Chani wouldn’t nag at you for making him wait.

                                                                *

 Junkyu didn’t even wait for you to completely leave both his and Jihoon’s sight. He immediately enters the practice room, carrying the paper bags in his hands but then Jihoon stopped him.

“Here, let me help you carry that,” Jihoon said as he grabbed one of the bags from Junkyu, making himself carry two paper bags in his hands now.

“Thanks,” Junkyu mumbled.

“Hmm. You seem moody. That’s weird, I thought you said you felt good being around y/n,”

“It’s nothing,” Junkyu said, not looking at his best friend. “And hey, what’s with you ordering stuff from that women’s clothing line?” he asked, suddenly reminded of the call Yedam answered earlier.

Jihoon’s eyes widened slightly. “How did you know it was a women’s clothing line?”

“Asahi said it’s the one that his mother usually buys from for his sister,”

Jihoon lets out a small laugh, “It’s nothing, really. I was just interested in the limited-edition box, that’s all.”

“For a box??”

“Yup. Wait a minute—” Jihoon said, his expression changing to panic when he realised that he’d been hugging the paper bag containing the ice cream close to himself all this while. “Oh my god I forgot Asahi handed me the bag with the ice cream!”

Junkyu noticed the paper bag in Jihoon’s hands. “Yah! Park Jihoon, you better get that laid out on the cold floor now!”

The both of them scrambled towards their members in the middle of the practice room.

                                                                 *

 Lunchtime ended and luckily for you, Chani was in a good mood so even when you ended up meeting him later than usual after helping out your Treasure friends carry their food to their practice room, Chani didn’t nag at you for your tardiness at all.

Right now, you and Chani were heading towards the elevators, wanting to go back to your own respective floors and to continue your sessions with your assigned groups. Well, to be precise, only Chani had a group to return to. You? Yeah well, you just had to head back to your empty meeting room that was also strangely the only one located on the 4th floor of the building.

“You know what bothers me the most?” You said, as the both of you walked leisurely towards the elevators.

“What?”

“I honestly, have come to accept the fact that maybe no one signed up to be in my group. I mean, still, it hurts—but what bothers me most is that why is my meeting room the only one on that deserted floor?? Everyone else’s sessions were held on the 5th and 6th floor!”

Chani kept quiet for a while, processing what you said. There was some truth in your words. He was puzzled as well as to how and why did you end up not having any staff to tutor. Not to mention, your meeting room was the only one that was the smallest and to be honest it was never ever used before.

“But the tutor sessions only lasts for a week, and it’s only Tuesday so…I guess I’ll get by,” you chuckled to yourself. “Besides, I can complete my modules on my own…”

Chani gave you a quick light slap on your arm after hearing your pitiful rant.

“Ow! Hey, chill it with the abusive behaviour, Chani,” you reacted exaggeratively.

Chani rolled his eyes at you and flashed you a smile.

“Don’t say things like that. You’re making me worry and feel sad for you. Worrying is one thing, but I didn’t sign up for any sadness when I decided to be friends with you,” he joked.

The both of you entered the elevators in front of you since coincidentally the doors opened the moment you both arrived at the waiting space.

Chani pressed on both the 4th and 5th floor’s buttons for the both of you.

You folded your arms against your chest and sighed, a small sigh.

Chani turned to you and smiled at you.

“What?” You asked, noticing that he was smiling for no reason.

“Nothing. I just…I have a feeling your troubles will be over soon.”

“Yeah, right. Thanks for the optimism Chani, but honestly, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry, okay?”

“Sure,” he answered simply.

The door opened up on the 4th floor and you stepped out of the elevator.

“See you tomorrow, y/n!” Chani said cheerfully to you.

You turned around to wave at him before the door closes.

And as soon as the door closes, Chani’s finger instantly tapped on the 6th floor’s button. The door opened up on the 5th floor, which was where his assigned meeting room was, but Chani ignored it and lets the elevator doors close down. After all, he was planning to get off on the 6th floor this time.

                                                                   *

YGE Building (Bomin’s Office)

Bomin had just returned from his lunch with his favourite person, Soomin from the PEWA Group when he found Chani standing in his office, a dissatisfied look on his face.

“What are you doing here??” He asked, startled to see the young man being there without any appointments being made.

Chani scoffed at his question. “Don’t give me that. I wasn’t the one coming in late after lunch all ‘cause I was busy being smittened by my high school sweetheart,” he said sarcastically.

Bomin felt his ears burn up. Just how did Chani knew about his relationship with Soomin? Ah, y/n must have told him. After all, both you and Chani are close.

Bomin feigned an uninterested look. He walks up towards his desk and proceeds to sit in his swivel chair behind the desk.

“What do you want, Chani?”

“Why doesn’t y/n have any staff to tutor?”

Bomin lets out a chuckle. “Seriously? Did she send you to march up here and get mad at me??”

Chani walked up closer to Bomin, leaning towards the desk that was separating the both of them.

“Y/n knows nothing so leave her out of all of this, you bastard,” he said in bitter tone.

Bomin leaned into his chair, intertwining his fingers together. “Hmm, interesting. It seems like you’re standing up for your friend, unlike last time,”

Chani glared at Bomin, furious that he has the nerve to bring up what happened last year.

“I’m being serious here,” Chani said, his fist clenching.

“Sure. I know you’re being serious. I’m serious too. No one signed up to be in y/n’s group. You can check the namelist I pasted on the notice board outside our main meeting room downstairs.”

“You’re full of crap!” Chani yelled. “What, you expect me to believe that stupid sheet of paper?? I was up here earlier than you were. Did it not cross your mind that I might have snooped in on the work laptop on your desk?” he scoffed.

Bomin sat up straight after hearing this. “You…what?!”

“That’s right. Y/n had 4 people signing up for her session. And yet, you edited their names into other groups just so it would seem like no one signed up to be in her group. What nerve you have.”

“She wasn’t even qualified enough to tutor any staff! I’m just doing it for the sake of our staff!” Bomin said, his voice raising now.

“Don’t give me that! What do you know about qualification?? I listened to her explaining about the modules couple times before this! And guess what? She was good! Freaking good! And she was looking forward to doing these tutor sessions but you had to take it away from her, didn’t you?! All ‘cause I was close to her, right?!”

“Not everything is about you, Chani,” Bomin muttered angrily.

“You’re right, it’s not. Because everything is about YOU. Too bad for you, I’m not taking your crap anymore. You can just do whatever you want. I won’t let you hurt y/n in any way.”

“Hah! You can’t say that. You literally work under me.”

“I won’t stand still. Since you’re allowed to do what you want, from here on, I’ll do what I want.” Chani responded.

“What nonsense are you saying now, Chani?” Bomin said, calmer now, although he was gritting his teeth when he said this.

“You don’t need to know the details, sir. I’m going back to my session now. I need to have a talk with my group leader too, anyways. See ya,” Chani smirked as he said this.

Bomin watched as the younger staff exited his office. Feeling angered by what just happened, Bomin slammed his fist hard onto the table. He hated that boy’s guts like crazy.

 To be continued…

[avengerscompound]

Small Gods: Lost Objects - 1

Lost Objects:  A Thor Fanfic

Lost Objects Masterlist | More Small Gods

Buy me a ☕  Character Pairing:  Thor x F!Reader

Rating:  E

Word Count:  1831

Warnings: Angst, PTSD, Grief (smut on series)

Synopsis: Thor has lost a lot in a very short period of time and he’s worried about losing himself too.  He goes to the one person who understands loss.

A/N: Reader is a minor god. 

Chapter 1

Thor was lost.

He had been for a while now, though it was hard to measure.  Partially because he had lived such a long, long time and most of it had gone by without much disrupting his enjoyment or general world view and then all at once it was just one thing after another and he couldn’t quite seem to catch his breath.

Perhaps it had begun to lose himself back when his father had first banished him to Midgard.  He had certainly felt lost for a while there, but usually, he looked back at that as the start of finding who he truly was.  Becoming worthy of Mjolnir and meeting Jane had been so significant, even when he had been forced to destroy the Bifrost and watched his brother fall to what he had thought was his death, Thor has still felt himself.

After that, it was one thing after another.  A barrage of pain and loss and he couldn’t keep up with it.  His mother, his brother, his relationship, his father, Mjolnir, his friends, his planet, his brother again, half of the universe, more of his friends.  Somewhere in all that loss and grief and guilt, he’d lost his direction and that core feeling of who he was, and he didn’t know what to do so he could stop feeling all this pain.

Then, in one single moment of clarity, he thought of you.

Midgard was not a world of gods.  Gods would visit, of course, Thor himself favored the small blue planet, but the line between science and magic was large, and rarely were gods born on the planet.

Yet sometimes the magic would seep through.  Maidardians liked to pray even when they didn’t know they were.  They would wish for certain things or give worship to them.  If enough did, then a god would be born.  They were minor deities and rarely held much power.  Yet they served their function and grew with the population's devotion.

None were prayed to quite as often as you.

You were not an easy person to track down.  Thor knew that he had to find you in the last place he looked or else it would be not at all.

So he started at the finish.  Going to the last conceivable place on the planet you might find a minor deity and announcing loudly that he would give up looking after trying the small cabin on the side of the hill.  Just as he put his hand on the door handle it swung open and he was greeted by you.

Along with the cable knit sweater that was three sizes too big, spotted with holes, and frayed at the hems, you wore a pair of jeans that were obviously someone’s favorite but based on the fit, that someone was not you.  You had a pair of mismatched socks on your feet, a single fingerless glove on your left hand, and a ring on every finger on your right, most of them the engagement variety.

You looked up at him and smiled.  “Thor,” you said warmly.  “Are you lost?”

He smiled, trying to put on the brave face he wore for everyone.  He was strong after all.  The strongest Avengers.  If he showed weakness, then he’d be someone who wasn’t Thor, the god of thunder.

“Yes,” he said.  “No.  That is… maybe.”

You stepped aside and he ducked his head under the door frame and entered your cottage.  It was impossibly large inside what had seemed like a tiny building.  It was cluttered in the sense that a hoarder who hadn’t left the house for fifty years except to bring more things in, is cluttered.  There were stacks of parcels that were addressed to other people, baskets full of socks that lacked a pair, toys, and pacifiers that looked sad and weathered, bowls sat on top of every flat surface full of jewelry in many shapes, sizes, and styles.

Thor wound his way through until he found a couch.  It had seen better days and he had to move a one-eyed teddy bear to take a seat.

“Can I get you a drink?  I have tea or coffee?  Not much else I’m afraid,” you offered.

“Coffee,” Thor said.  He wasn’t sure he really wanted it, but he was grateful for the opportunity to get his thoughts in order.

The sound of you puttering around in the kitchen was the only sound at all.  Thor thought of all the things he had lost and exactly why he had come here.  When you returned he still wasn’t quite sure what he was going to say.  You handed Thor a mug.  It was black with the silhouette of a penguin on it with the words ‘LINUX, open mind, open-source’ written on it.  You had a teacup, it was floral and had gold around the rim.

“The coffee is Kopi Luak,” you said as he took the mug from you.  “It was confiscated in New Zealand customs and ended up here.”

“Kopi Luak?”  Thor asked.

You shook your head and sat down beside him.  “The beans are passed through the stomach of an animal called a Civit before being harvested and roasted.  I can’t say I approve of the process, but I am limited to what passes through here,” you explained.  “Now, what is it you’ve lost?”

“My brother…”  Thor said, the word coming out quickly like it was determined to jump its place in his mental queue.

“Oh, Thor,” you said, putting your hand on his.  “I deal with lost things.  People?  They are above my jurisdiction.  The prayers for lost people are more for your realm than this one.”

Thor sagged and put his cup down.  He ran his hands through his hair the pain and frustration he felt almost overwhelming him.  “There’s been so much.  Too much.  My whole family.  My friends.  Asgard is gone.  I don’t know where to go or what to do.  I feel lost and I don’t know how to find my way back out.”

You took his hand.  His large palms dwarfed yours.  “Thor, I am a minor god,” you said.  “What you have been through is awful and if I could help I would, but I deal in socks and loose change.  Your identity is yours.  You still have it.  It’s here -“ you touched his forehead and moved your hand to his chest just above his heart.  “- and here.”

Tears pricked Thor’s eyes and he wiped them away in frustration. “I don’t want to feel this way anymore.”

“That I can understand too well,” you said.  You wrapped your arms around him and very gradually he let himself sag into your arms.  “You are very young,” you said quietly.  “It is a large burden to carry.  Can I give you some advice?  I can’t promise it will be good.”

“Please,” he said, his voice cracking with the desperation he felt.

“Grieve, Thor,” you said.  “It isn’t weak to love people.  It isn’t weak to feel pain at their loss.  Let yourself have your sorrow.  Feel it.  Let it out.  I am a god on a planet of mortals.  I have lost more than has ever come to me.  They were your parents and your brother.  Your friends.  Your home.  You loved them all and now they are gone.  That is terrible.  It’s terrible, Thor.  They didn’t deserve that and neither did you.  Grieve.  Feel sad.  Cry.  Wail.  Scream.  If you don’t experience your grief, you lose more of yourself than you can possibly know.”

“I am the strong one,” Thor said.  “I can’t show such weakness.”

“There is nothing weak about experiencing your emotions,” you said gently, your fingers tangling into his hair and massaging his scalp.  “Besides, who do you need to be strong for now.  It is just me here, everyone else is gone.”

He wrapped a large arm around your lap and he started to cry.  It started small and silent, his tears just running down his cheek as he pressed his face into your lap.  Soon he was crying in big wracking sobs.  He cried for his mother and his father.  He cried for Loki.  For Jane.  He cried for Heimdal and Fandral and Volstagg.  For Asgard, the home where he grew up and had so many happy memories.  He cried for the people he couldn’t save and for the ones he did that he let down when he didn’t have the strength to lead them.  He cried for dwarves on Nidavellir and for Mjolnir the weapon they had forged him and was like a friend in of itself.  He cried for Natasha and Tony.  And for the fact that one day he would lose all the rest too.

You held him, never once telling him to quiet.  You just let him cry in your arms, your fingers moving over his scalp and caressing his hair.

As the tears slowed and then stopped he felt a strange sense of relief.  He didn’t feel better, but lighter perhaps.  He sat up and wiped his eyes.  “Thank you.”

“You have nothing to thank me for,” you assured him.  “Come; there is something I have which might interest you.”

You got up and he followed after you.  You led him past more parcels and piles of letters.  They started to appear yellowed with age and as he wound through the room the artifacts got older too.  Barrels of spice and coins from countries that no longer existed.  Looms of silks that had been damaged by saltwater.  You stopped at a table.  It was remarkably bare except for a piece of velvet draped over a small pile in the middle.  You lifted the plush fabric and revealed a pile of broken metal and what was clearly the handle of Mjolnir.  He knew it better than he knew himself. The length that was too short due to Loki’s meddling.  The intricate scrollwork on the cap that held the leather strap he used to keep hold of it.  The dark wood with the silver swirling up its length.  It was his hammer, broken but his.

“Each time you prayed that it could be returned more of it came to me.  There is still some missing but if you want you can stay.  Pray for it at night and I think together we can repair it,” you explained.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”  Thor asked as he ran his hand over Mjolnir’s handle.

“It would be an honor,” you said, putting your hand on his shoulder.  “It’s been a long time since I’ve had company and it’s never been from someone of your status.”

He turned and looked at you, a frown forming on his face as you smiled up at him.  “I am not a king.”

“I’m not sure that’s true,” you said.  “But if you believe it is, then you are one step closer to finding what you’ve lost and I guess I can help after all.”

// NEXT

[eclecticstarlightconnoisseur]

Paying It Forward

Good Evening all,

Ok, I know I haven’t posted the next chapter of Edinburgh to Boston. I am sorry about that. But it has been a pretty bad, horrible, no good end of the year for me. Hubby got sick again and I had to rush him to hospital. He needed heavy duty antibiotics.  He is now ok, but still very debilitated after his illness. Me? I have been taking care of him, going to work, and my characters have decided not to play nice with me. Hubs said I painted myself into a corner. Not exactly, I just haven’t figured out how to get them to do what I want them to do. And I am tired. Which is partially how this fic came about.  

I decided that I would start to read MOBY for two reasons. One, it has been some time since I read it and I am hoping that Bees will be out this year and I wanted to refresh my memory of what happened previously. Two, I was hoping it would help my writer’s block. It did but in an unexpected way. After getting to a certain point in the story, I went to sleep and dreamt the story you are about to read. It played in my head over and over, like it had to some out. So I wrote it and here it is.

Now that I said MOBY:  SPOILER ALERT!  SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read MOBY and don’t want to find out what’s going to happen, PLEASE DON’T READ THIS. The story actually draws on ABOSAA, ECHO, MOBY, and a tiny bit from the TV program.

As always I am indebted to @scubalass for her most excellent work as my beta. Also she contributed to the story which made it so much better. I’ll tell you at the end. I am also grateful to @gotham-ruaidh who told me it was different and good. And that I should go with it. The other important thing you need to know is it is written like one of Claire’s voice-over monologues. I know that people hate the monologues, but that’s how it was and I kept to it.

So I give you Paying It Forward. I hope you like it. 

The detritus of the woodland floor muffled the sounds of the Army advancing. Moldy leaves crackled and fragrant pine needles from fir trees helped to disguise their steps. But, it is not in the make-up of the military to travel quietly especially in the 18th century. Horses neighed and harness jingled. Goats bleated. Shot pouches and cartridge-boxes buckled to belts rattled and clinked  Wagons creaked under their heavy loads. Carriages groaned pulling the weighty cannon along. And, of course, there was Rollo, half-wolf, half-dog. The mongrel barked madly harassing man and beast alike as he weaved among them. The voice of my nephew, Ian Murray, called to the animal, “ Thig an seo cù .” Yipping with glee at the sound of his master’s voice, he raced to Ian’s side.  The sounds of infantry on the move certainly broke the peace of the coppice.

Our journey became hampered by the dense forest we traveled through. It was thick with trees, bushes, and bramble impeding the progress of the Continental Army as they marched toward Monmouth. Once there we were to muster with General George Washington and the other battalions.

Commanding this regiment is the newly ordained General James Fraser, my husband to whom I serve as company surgeon. I do admit it was quite a shock to first see him dressed in the full military regalia of a Continental Officer.  I began to tremble becoming a quivering mess when I first took him in wearing an officer’s dark blue and buff.

“Why does it always have to be you? Haven’t you, haven’t we given enough? Isn't it time for you to put down your sword and pistol?” I shuddered as I recalled the failed attempt by Charles Stewart to regain the Scottish crown which resulted in our twenty-year separation. The skirmish at Alamance that resulted in Murtagh’s death and the hanging of our son-in-law Roger which almost cost his life. The battle of Saratoga where I amputated one of Jamie’s fingers. Now, we were being pulled into another conflict. Was it too much to want to return to our simple life on the Ridge I wondered? But Jamie, my Jamie, is a highlander born and bred. A decent man, with strong principles and morals. He is a man of honor and that is not a small thing to be. I watched him as he sat at the head of the column, sitting straight and tall in his saddle like the true highland warrior he is. The breadth of his powerful back and shoulders would leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was born to lead, to command, to this moment in history. And command he would, braving the responsibility of leading his battalion to fight against the oppression of the British king.

Jamie knew the meaning of suffering, cruelty, and loss at the hands of the English. The loss of his home, his country, his own personal freedom came at their hands. And the loss of his family. He had quite the history with the Redcoats. Arrested for obstruction, escaping, then being recaptured. He ran afoul of a sadistic dragoon captain who had him flogged most cruelly one hundred lashes upon one hundred lashes. He escaped again and lived as an outlaw on the run instead of facing the gallows for a murder he did not commit.

Then there was Culloden. Where he, or should I say we lost everything. I was pregnant with our second child; our first child, a daughter, was stillborn. On the eve of battle, Jamie forced me to return to my own time for the safety of myself and our child. Jamie believed it would be his destiny to die in battle. Instead, he lived. Again he went into hiding for seven years living in a cave in Lallybroch. The Redcoats continued to harass his family, stealing what they wanted from the estate. They arrested Ian, Jamie’s brother-in-law as the Redcoats believed he knew of Jamie’s whereabouts. And there was the Highland Clearances which destroyed homes, Scottish culture, language, and their way of life.

Jamie was not driven to this war because of a need for revenge because of his losses, but rather he felt he was honor-bound as a father to take up his sword to protect those he loved. Even if those he loved lived centuries after him.

“Ye said that this was meant tae be Brianna’s home, her country, aye? Then I must do what I can for our daughter and her bairns. ‘Tis my duty as sire and grandsire to see that they will live free, Sassenach.”

And he would do what he must for Brianna, Jem, wee Mandy, and Roger. No matter the cost to himself.  

My mind completely focused on Jamie and our immediate future prevented me from noticing a tall man thin as a rail standing in the middle of the road blocking our progress. Immediately, Jamie’s second in command rode up next to his commander.

The man did not budge an inch. He was rather rough looking. Wearing a knitted cap on his head, his long greasy hair protruded out. A grizzled beard covered his face. His clothes were quite worn having been patched many times. He wore no shoes. In all, he looked quite primitive.

Suddenly, he moved with a decided determination; a man on a mission.  The man strode up to Jamie assuming correctly that he was the man in charge.

A strong downward breeze announced his presence. Most likely the man had not bathed in months if not years. The odor was enough to make your eyes water.

The old man came forward eyeing Jamie like an entomologist studying a new species of bug. Relaxing he gave a tug on his cap and briefly bobbed his head.

“Ye in charge here?” the old coot demanded.

‘Aye, I am. General James Fraser at yer service sir. Might I enquire to whom I am speaking?”

“Mortimer Hepplewhite the owner of this here land yer trespassing on. And I want tae know when ye will be gone.”

“Mr. Hepplewhite, we shall be off yer land as soon as may be. We need to travel off the main road for now as there have been sightings of English troops nearby.”

“Well, all yer clanging and stomping about is disturbing the peace of me home.”

Jamie turned around to look at the property. It had not been cleared for planting nor were there any animals grazing. All that stood in the distance was a ramshackle cabin with a lopsided chimney discharging an inordinate amount of smoke.

“I dinna see any crops, or animals grazing, or people that we might be disturbing, sir.”

“Not disturbing he says! Why I’ll have ye know me Arabella is in a right fit. She doesn’t care much for strangers.”

The recluse, a long-limb man, raised a heretofore unnoticed ball of fur and thrust it under Jamie’s nose. He focused on it intently causing his eyes to almost cross. It hissed, spit, and yowled with great ferocity.

It seemed that Arabella was a cantankerous cat. And was as ill-kempt as its master with matted fur and bald in spots. One fang hung outside its mouth and on closer inspection seemed to be missing an eye.

Mortimer drew the beast close to his chest whispering sweet words of comfort while tenderly stroking its scraggly fur. The cat settled in his arms and even began to purr.

Jamie called to his Lieutenant and leaned over to whisper in his ear. He nodded and rode off to follow his orders.

I sat on my horse watching this spectacle play out. Without warning, I felt the sudden loss of my cat and worried about his well-being. Adso was part house cat and part feral cat. However, he was my cat. He loved to jump onto my lap to snuggle and drift off to sleep. Or lie on the windowsill basking in a sunbeam tail swishing like a metronome. He did wreak havoc in my surgery at times but he was mine, a gift from Jamie. Adso was just as much a part of the family as any of us. So why couldn’t Arabella be this lonely man’s family?  Family is whoever you say they are.  

The Lieutenant promptly returned carrying a bundle which he handed to Jamie.

Jamie slid down from his horse and approached the gentleman.

“On behalf of the Continental Army, I would like tae offer ye recompense for disturbing yer peace. Please accept this small token from myself and General Washington. And for the lovely Miss Arabella, I make a gift of this fish just caught this morning.”

Jamie removed his hat and bowed to the man.

Mortimer truly wasn’t sure of what to make of this but graciously accepted the parcel. He removed his cap revealing a head of matted hair and returned the bow.  He replaced his cap, straightened his shoulders, held his head high as he strolled back to his home, a rich man. A man made richer not for what he received but for the respect given him.

Later that night as I lay in Jamie’s embrace I asked him what prompted his actions on the road.

“Do ye ken the conversation we had in the gardens in Philadelphia? The one about what happened between ye and his lordship?”

Did I remember, he wanted to know? How could I forget?

“Of course I remember, you said that you would mention it from time to time.  Am I to take it that this will be one of those times?”

“Aye, ‘tis. But not what yer thinking about,” he said with a sidelong look. “I’m speaking of how John’s friendship healed us during times of great need. Mine at Ardsmuir, Hellwater, and Jamaica. Yer’s when ye thought I died.” The topic of my hasty marriage to John (for strictly political reasons) was still a sore point to him. He understood it, but didn’t and wouldn’t like it.  

Jamie let out a sigh trying to collect himself before continuing, “Mortimer was naught but a poor lonely old man, Sassenach. And I did not do much for him. I gave him a wee bit of flour, lard, dried meat, apples, and some parritch.” Jamie stopped to think for a moment, “Oh, a razor, a lump of soap, and a fish for his mangy cat.”

“Are you saying that you did this because of the kindnesses John showed us?”

“Exactly so, mo ghràdh . I felt..it just felt like the right thing tae do.”

I raised my face to look at him, “There’s a term for that and it's called paying it forward .”

He looked quizzically at me trying to understand what I meant.

“What that means is when someone does something kind or helpful for you, you return that kindness to a different person instead of repaying the person who originally helped you. Did you know that the man who started this idea is alive now?”  

“Och, aye? Who is he Sassenach?”

“Benjamin Franklin. I think you would like him. He was a founding Father, freemason, inventor, scientist, and a printer.”

His eyebrows lifted at the mention of Franklin being a printer and a freemason. “I should like to meet this man one day. “

Jamie grew quiet as he attempted to digest this information. “Paying it forward,” he rolled the words around in his mouth tasting them. “Aye, that’s it. Just so, I was paying it forward.”

“Jamie, I think what you did was far greater than repaying a kindness. I think you gave him something more than he ever expected. You gave him respect and a way to restore his dignity.”

He leaned over and kissed me, “Aye, Sassenach, respect is something every man or woman deserves.” Jamie stopped to think for a moment, “No man wants to go about stinking if he can help it.” I knew he was thinking of his time hiding in the cave and as a prisoner at Ardsmuir. “There were days I thought I would never get the stink off my body, dirt from under my nails, or be rid of the lice. ‘Twas a small thing but it may make a big difference to him. Maybe it will help to restore his self-regard.”

The following day we resumed our journey. Once again a man stood in the road again blocking our path. There was something vaguely familiar about him. It was Mortimer, now clean-shaven, clothes washed having removed several layers of filth, and much less fragrant. He carried a pack strapped to his back probably containing all his worldly possessions. Strangely he carried a beautiful and well-maintained musket in his hand.

He approached Jamie, removed his cap, and bowed deeply.

“Yer Excellency, I have decided tae travel with ye fer a while. If ye dinna mind.”

“Yer presence is welcome, Mr. Hepplewhite. Find yerself a place among the men. This evening please come by tae see my wife. She is the physician of our troop. She will see tae yer physicking needs should ye have any.”

“I thank ye, sir.” Mortimer replaced his cap, lowered his head, and took a position among the rank-and-file.

Jamie smiled, a pleased look playing across his face. His arm raised and he waved us forward.

As the men resumed their march, a wee black puff ball of fur stuck its head out of Mortimer’s bag evidently Arabella had a wash-up too.

                                                  ********************

Thig an seo cù - Come here dog.

If anyone wants to know, Jamie’s white stallion’s name was Samson. And he sneezed violently when he sniffed Mortimer.

A little bit of history here. Benjamin Franklin lent Benjamin Webb a sum of money to start a business. He told Webb that when his business was successful and he had paid all his debts, he should likewise help someone else like Franklin helped him. In return, that gentleman would have to assist someone else like Webb helped him. Franklin hoped this would continue until some knave would stop its progress. The idea of paying it forward was born.

We can all thank @scubalass for telling me about Ben Franklin and Paying It Forward.  She is truly an amazing person and a fount of information and wisdom. I think that this added so much to the story and found it quite interesting.

Thank you for reading. I hope you liked it.

It is also on AO3 where I am LadyJane518:   https://archiveofourown.org/works/28907349

[imjustheretoseetheprivateblogs]

Rayllum Valentines Week Day One: Valentine’s Day (February 14th)

Solemnly, Rayla waited. Waited for the sun to rise. Soon, the day would begin and the most infamous day of the year would begin.

The holiday which little Moonshadow elves still told stories about to scare each other during the darkest of nights during new moons.

The day on which humans celebrated their own dismemberment, presenting the bloody evidence to one another in a macabre show of their passions.

The day as infamous to the elves as the death of Avizandum.

The Day of Valentine.

But today, Rayla was ready. More than ready.

The doors and windows to her and Callum’s adjoining rooms had been barricaded. She’d stockpiled enough provisions to last three people a week and a half, her bed made for an excellent rampart when turned on its side, and she’d set enough improvised traps in the room to make any would be assailant stop long enough for her to disarm them.

Moonshadow elves could do a lot with empty bottles and a few choice dead plants.

But homemade smoke bombs aside, she would have to find Callum and Ezran soon. Callum was just next door, so getting him to safety would be easy, but Ezran was all the way down the hall. Not only would getting to him be dangerous, but getting both the prince and herself back to her fortified room would be too.

But she couldn’t think about that right now. She would never allow Callum or Ezran to be disemboweled by some raving lunatic. They meant too much to her to leave them to some backwards custom humans hadn’t yet out grown.

Suddenly, there was a knock on her door. Rayla steadied her breathing and tightened her grip on her weapon. This was it.

“Rayla? Are you up?”

Callum!

Rayla jumped over her bed and over her trip wires, making a dash for the door. Removing the chair she’d jammed under the doorknob, Rayla opened the door enough to see outside.

“Callum?”

Callum stood in front of her door, a sheepish smile on his face and his hands behind her back.

“Hi Rayla,” he said, wiggling his fingers before returning the hand to behind his back.

“Are you alone?” Rayla asked.

Callum frowned.

“Yes…?” he said, confusion on his face.

“Well, get in here!”

Grabbing him by the collar, Rayla dragged him through the door, slamming it shut behind him. She was briefly aware of something hitting the floor behind him, but paid in no mind. Their survival was her top priority.

“Rayla, is everything al—what happened to your room!?”

Ignoring his question, Rayla unceremoniously picked Callum up bridal style and bounded across the room until they were safe behind her bed.

“There,” Rayla said, dropping him, “we should be safe.”

“Safe from what?”

“Shush.”

Rayla placed a finger over his lips.

“I need your help. You’re safe, but Ezran’s still in his room.”

“He’s not in his room.”

Rayla felt her stomach drop.

“He’s what?”

“He’s outside the castle. You know for Valentine’s Day.”

This was not good. Ezran was outside the castle. Away from Rayla or any of the guards, he could be torn apart by a frenzied mob.

“Stay here,” she said, rising, “I’ll go get him.”

“Rayla, wait.”

Callum made a grab for her arm.

“Don’t try to stop me Callum,” Rayla said.

Callum frowned.

“Stop you? From what?”

Not as agile as she was, Callum opted to take the route around her rampart to talk to her face to face. Which unfortunately meant he would be headed straight for one of her tripwires.

“Callum…!”

All too late, Callum became aware of the line at his feet and the sound of dozens of glass bottles falling from where Rayla had secured them on the ceiling with a web of fishing lines. The air filled with black pepper and dust, sending Callum and Rayla fleeing from the room coughing and rubbing their eyes.

“What the hell was that?” Callum spluttered, “Are we preparing for war?”

“Not,” Rayla said, thumping her chest with a fist, “Valentine’s Day.”

Callum looked like he was about to explain something, only to suddenly slap his hand to his forehead and then sprint down the hall.

Great, Rayla thought, now I have to princes who forgot about self-preservation.

The consternation was short lived, however, as Callum returned, carefully carrying a box in his hands.

“Callum, what’s that?”

Callum blushed and held out the box to her.

“I…I’ve got something for you.”

“Oh, Callum, you didn’t…”

“It’s fine. I wanted to.”

Wanted to? Callum wanted to vivisect his fellow humans?

“I had Barius and Ezran’s help. I… I had to call in some favors but…”

Callum’s eyes shifted around the room, as if there would be words to say written on the walls before finally looking at her again.

“Here,” he said, handing her the parcel, “I was going to give it to you first thing this morning, but I was so nervous, I guess…”

Rayla didn’t hear the rest. She could only stare down at the plain off-white package now in her hands.

The love of her life, a deranged maniac who gave her a box of severed body parts on this most grim of holidays.

“Aren’t you going to open it?”

Rayla looked up, where she found Callum watching her with expectant eyes. Expectant puppy dog eyes no-one could say no to.

Rayla sighed.

Might as well get the mental scarring over with.

Gingerly, she lifted the lid, bracing herself for the stink she knew accompanied pieces of the dead.

Except there were no dead body parts in the box.

Instead, nestled inside the box was a moonberry tart (she could tell from the smell; the non-threatening, non-stinky, delicious smell) and artfully written on top of it, in pieces of dough, was the message ‘For Me, My Elf, and I’.

“Callum,” Rayla said, looking up at him, “I don’t understand.”

Callum’s previously proud expression changed to one of confusion.

“I thought you said you liked the moonberry tart recipe Barius had.”

“No, I do, it’s just…”

Her confusion probably mirrored his own by now.

“Why?”

Callum shrugged.

“It’s Valentine’s Day. This is my Valentine to you.”

“This?”

Rayla looked down at the tart.

“And it’s not made of body parts?”

“Body parts?” Callum asked.

“Because on Valentine’s Day, humans rip hearts and organs out of other humans chest to give to other people they want to sleep with, right?”

For what must have been five minutes, Callum stared at her. Then, as if she’d just told a joke, laughter burst out of him. Rayla scowled.

“Did I miss something?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Callum said, wiping his eyes, “but I think we might need to have a talk about Valentine’s Day.”

[maybedefinitely404]

Day 20: Moxiety

@tsshipmonth2020

(Yes this is out of order, but I figured I’d rather give you guys out of order content than no content at all. Hope that’s okay.)

Day 20 - You can send one item to your soulmate every year. 

Content warning: Christmas, food mentions, homophobic family members mentions, serious fluffiness.

Word count: 2.7k 

Songs mentioned in this fic: “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. 

Patton’s eyes scanned over the letter, barely reading the words he’d read many times before. After the first time he’d gotten one, years ago, he’d re-read it so many times he’d committed it to memory.

Patton Hart,

You are receiving this notice to inform you that the annual soulmate item exchange is arriving. On December 24th, BEFORE MIDNIGHT, please bring your package to your nearest postal service or drop box, marked clearly with the provided adhesive label on the TOP. Item must be contained in the shipping box provided. Other boxes will not be accepted. If the drop off time is missed, your package will not be received. 

There was no signature, no return address, no number to call. At first, he’d been slightly suspicious, since everyone he asked had no further information than what was on the small letter, but after the first year, when a beautiful black and gold notebook and a matching pen had shown up on his doorstep on Christmas morning, he’d decided to heck with his worries. Despite his initial curiosity, he’d sent a gift anyways (if it was legitimate, he wasn’t about to leave his partner without a present!), a grey beanie that he’d stitched a small heart and message into. 

He giddily placed the letter back into the envelope and stuck it into the gap between the hallway mirror and the wall so he wouldn’t forget. Although, he doubted he would. He’d already bought a present, months ago, when his eyes fell upon a black and purple striped sweater in the window of the mall. The black thin stripes occasionally jumped, looking like the lines on a heart monitor, and it hooked him instantly. It was simplistic yet eye catching and unique, like the gifts Patton always received from his soulmate, so he immediately bought it and wrapped it as soon as he got home. He didn’t know his soulmate’s size, but you really can’t go wrong with an extra large (baggy sleeves are ideal, after all).

His time passed quickly, filled with movie nights with his roommate (who insisted on watching Nightmare before Christmas at least once a week) and trying new Christmas cookie recipes. It was his favorite holiday, with the songs and the decorations and the ever present smell of cinnamon in every store, so the moment they had passed Halloween, every moment was filled with his Christmas playlists and cheesy holiday sweaters. His family was coming to his place for their celebration this year, so the place was decked out with tinsel and little snowy villages, candles and fairy lights on every wall, and of course, their tree in the corner of the living room. It was going to be… amazing. 

He’d offered to take his roommate’s soulmate item along with him to the post office, seeing as he was uneasy in high crowd situations, and soulmate exchange days were always insanely busy. It had been the right move, too, because as soon as the office came into view, he could already see the crowd of people milling outside, trying to get into the small door. What could you expect, though, only giving people a twenty four hour window to all show up to the same spot? By the time he got inside and got both packages passed to the handler on the other side (an arduous process, since they had to check each gift thoroughly to ensure there were no cards or any other way to identify the sender), it was dark outside. All he wanted to do was curl up with some hot chocolate and watch the Grinch, as the two of them had planned. 

That’s what they did, falling asleep on the couch in the process. They were awoken in the morning by a knock at the door, Patton gently extracting himself from Virgil’s arms and turning off the TV, cringing that the cover screen of the movie had been on all night. The other mumbled in annoyance at his heat source disappearing and sat up, rubbing his eyes.

“It’s too early.”

“Merry Christmas, Virge!” Patton shrieked, ignoring his roommate’s mock irritated snarl as he gave him a tight hug. “Let’s go get our gifts!”

Begrudgingly, Virgil followed him to the door that he flung open, revealing two small parcels on the step. The labels from the senders had been replaced with simple name tags, another way to ensure that their soulmates would not be traceable. The other houses on the block all had similar ones outside their doors, and the carrier was nowhere to be seen, as usual. He picked them both up, handing Virgil his, and running back into the kitchen to get scissors, pretty much vibrating with glee. 

“I’m making coffee first. You want some?” 

Patton hummed, looking between the gift before him and Virgil’s tired eyes. “This can wait. Let’s have coffee.”

Virgil was barely able to conceal with excitement at being chosen over a Christmas present by someone who was essentially an overgrown child, pulling out two mugs. He passed his package to Patton, who placed it beside his on the table, and shuffled around his roommate to start on breakfast.

“It’s Christmas. You’re going to eat breakfast for once,” Patton interrupted the moment Virgil started complaining, grinning widely when he finally agreed. 

“Do you ever wonder who your soulmate’s gonna be? What they’ll be like?” Virgil asked as he poured the coffee grounds, dangerously precise as always. The elder hummed.

“They’re your soulmate. So I guess, a perfect match to you. It’s not like they won’t like you or anything. That’s against the whole point!” An egg sizzled as it hit the pan, quickly followed by another.

“I guess,” He mumbled, clicking the on button on the machine. The smell of coffee quickly filled the small kitchen, “So when is your family getting here?”

“Around noon,” Patton chirped, flipping the first egg while simultaneously popping bread in the toaster with his other hand, “I like to cook, but my moms don’t trust me to make the main dish alone. My sisters are super excited to be old enough to help make food this year-- it’s so cute. But yeah, they should be here by noon.”

Virgil cracked a pained smile, watching the dripping coffee into the pot. “Okay. I’ll be out of your hair by then.”  

Patton’s hand froze in mid air, whipping around to his roommate. “Excuse me?”

“I said I’ll be gone by then,” Virgil repeated, looking down to play with the hem of his sweater, “Do you want me to leave earlier? I can if you want.” His voice very nearly cracked as he spoke, tone getting quieter with each word. Patton’s heart shattered.

“Why do you think I want you to leave?” He whispered, blindly shutting the stove off behind him so the eggs wouldn’t burn. The toast popping startled them both, but neither could find it in them to laugh as they usually would have. Virgil shrugged.

“I mean, your family’s coming over. I’m not family. And I know you were super excited for them to come over, and I don’t want to… ruin the vibe,” He shook his fingers in weak jazz hands, shooting a watery grin at Patton. “I was just planning to go to the mall or something. I think it’s open-” 

His words were silenced as Patton threw his arms around Virgil’s shoulders, pulling him into a tight hug. It was no secret that Virgil didn’t get along well with his own family. That was the understatement of the year, really. Patton didn’t know the details, refused to pry, all he knew is that it had something to do with Virgil coming out to a pretty conservative family, an action that ended with him being split off from everyone. He had lost his little brother to his parents cutting contact, among other things, and Patton realized with a start that this was Virgil’s first Christmas without his family. 

In the single year they’d been roommates, the two had grown closer than any childhood friend Patton had kept throughout the years. Heck, he’d maybe consider them closer than he was with his moms, and that was saying a lot. For them to even fall asleep on the couch after a movie night, as they’d done last night, was a regular occurrence for them. They admitted secrets to each other they hadn’t fully admitted to themselves, about their own aromantic natures, about what that meant for soulmates, about what kind of pie was the best. Not all their conversations were deep.

“You are family, Virge,” Patton whispered, resting his chin on the other’s shoulder. “And unless you have a legitimate reason not to, you’re staying here. My family will love you, I swear,” He added quickly, knowing the other’s tendency to grow anxious around new people. 

“Are you sure? I don’t want to ruin-”

“I will physically fight you,” He hissed before the other could finish, pulling out of the hug with a soft kiss to his temple. “Stay. For me?”

“Fine,” Virgil rolled his eyes, turning away in fake annoyance to pour their coffee, “For you.” He had a reputation to uphold after all, and him nearly crying was not great for it.  

Just as they finished breakfast, Patton eyeing his present next to him with, again, startling resemblance to an excited child, there was a knock at the door. The roommates shared a confused glance, silently communicating that ‘no, I’m not expecting anyone’ before Patton got up to open it. He’d barely unlocked the latch when it burst open of its own accord, a loud shriek of “PATTY!” echoing through the small entryway.

“You guys are early!” Patton laughed as two small girls attempted to squeeze him to death around his torso, the pair having the same blond curls as Patton. 

“These two just couldn’t wait to see you,” A woman Virgil assumed to be one of Patton’s mother’s smiled, angling above the girls to give Patton a gentle hug which he eagerly returned. 

He quickly led them all inside, introducing a nearly shaking Virgil to his family. His other mom was carrying a box laden with uncooked food, and began to set it out in the small kitchen to begin preparing it. The girls, after a bit of hesitation, flocked to Virgil.

“Why’s your hair purple?” One asked, pulling herself onto Virgil’s lap. Her southern accent was just as strong as her moms’, reminding him of the accent Patton had slowly lost since moving in with him. It wasn’t gone all the way, just dimmed, but from the kitchen, he could hear his roommate talking to his moms animatedly, the accent back in all its glory. 

“I drank too much grape soda,” Virgil lamented, “When I was little, I couldn’t get enough of it. And then it turned my hair purple.” 

“No, it didn’t!” The girl leaning on his knee giggled.

“Are you saying I’m a liar?” He gasped, placing a hand over his heart, “How dare you!”

They both erupted into shrieking laughs, causing Patton to poke his head out of the kitchen. Virgil couldn’t help grinning widely at him as the second girl pulled herself onto his lap as well, causing Patton’s face to light up like the sun. 

“Did you know Christmas is my favorite holiday?” 

“Is it really? Why’s that?” Virgil asked, leaning back in his chair.

“It’s mine, too!”

“Nu uh, it’s only mine!”

“We can have the same favorite!”

“Nu uh!”

----------------------------------------------

Patton collapsed back onto the couch, groaning loudly. The tree was the only light in the darkened living room, the air still warm and smelling like the dinner they’d enjoyed hours ago. It was quiet again, his family gone back home. He’d missed them immensely, but he’d forgotten how loud they could be. His feet shifted on the floor, rustling the wrapping paper left over by his hurricane twin sisters; a mess he’d clean up tomorrow. Footsteps approached from down the hall, signalling his roommates arrival, and the speaker on the mantle started to quietly play “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, Frank Sinatra’s soft voice drifting through the air.

“I’m so full,” He groaned again, resting his head on the back of the couch.

“Mood,” Virgil said, dropping next to him. He didn’t need to open his eyes to know that Virgil was just as tired as him. Tired, in the best way possible. 

“You’re really good with kids,” Patton noted with a smile. 

“Tell anyone and they’ll never find your body,” He deadpanned and Patton snorted, before he continued, “They’re the same age as my brother.”

“Oh,” He whispered, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, surprisingly. I miss him. A lot. But this was the best Christmas I’ve probably ever had. No homophobic family members, no shouting matches, just… family. It was nice.”

“Hard to be homophobic when you have two moms,” Patton joked, relieved that Virgil snickered. 

“Probably would be, yeah.”

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,

With every Christmas card I write,

May your days be merry and bright,

And may all your Christmas’ be white.

They sat in comfortable silence for a bit, relishing in the silence of the house. The tree sparkled, lighting up the blank walls in rainbow hues, their conglomerate mix of thrift store ornaments shifting and reflecting the light. People shouted outside, joyful noises, and kids laughed, their neighbors wrapping up their own holiday celebration.

Patton opened his eyes as he felt something placed on his lap, looking down in confusion before grinning.

“Oh my gosh, I forgot!”

Virgil smiled sheepishly, shifting his own box between his hands. “I put them into my room when your family showed up.”

“Smart move. The twins would have torn them open.” Patton dropped off the couch onto the floor, sitting cross legged and shaking with anticipation. With a laugh, Virgil joined him when he gestured to the floor in front of him. He reached up and took his keys from the mantle, slicing open the duct tape on his box before handing it to Patton to do the same.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, 

Like the ones I used to know, 

Where the treetops glisten and children listen, 

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

They opened their boxes in unison, Patton gasping when he saw the item in his. He pulled out the large, black fuzzy blanket, blue paw prints the size of Patton’s palm decorating the surface. A high pitched squeal burst from his lips as he squished the blanket to his chest, shoving his face in the soft fabric. 

“Virgil, look! Isn’t it-”

His words caught in his throat at the expression on Virgil’s face; one of absolute shock. He was clutching his gift in white knuckles, and Patton’s mouth went dry when he caught the distinct black heart-beat-esque lines on the purple sweater. 

“Oh,” Patton whispered, both of them frozen, looking at the gift they’d bought in the other’s arms. “Oh!”

“You’re my soulmate!” They both stated at the same time, breaking off into giggles.

“I guess so,” Virgil gasped, smiling as Patton pretty much leapt into his arms, trying to maneuver his hands around the other’s shoulders while still clutching the black blanket. 

“Oh my gosh, I’m so relieved! You’re aro and I’m aro and it’s not going to be awkward with someone else, and I don’t have to explain and oh my gosh this is so fantastic!” 

They both dissolved into another laughing fit, Virgil finally able to wind his arms around the other and pulling him closer. The end of the song slowly dwindled down as they both untangled themselves, unable to stop grinning. There was a moment of silence in the room as Virgil picked up a shrieking Patton and dropped him onto the couch, their sides sore from laughter, and essentially settled on top of him.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” filled the room with soft violin swings as the two fell into a blissful sleep, wrapped in their respective gifts, more at peace than they’d been in… who knows how long.

[remedialpotions]

Dawn

As a thank-you to the lovely folks on the HPRomione discord who made my job organizing the inaugural Secret Santa gift exchange so easy and delightful, I wrote this toothache-inducing fluff. Special thanks to @al-in-the-air for schooling me on how to *properly* make a cup of tea; I will never speak the words ‘fire kettle’ in your presence again. 😘

ffn  ao3

Ron yawns and stretches his arms up over his head, revealing a sliver of pale skin below the hem of his shirt. Hermione likes him like this, bedraggled, warm from sleep, peaceful. In these pre-dawn hours, having been coaxed from the warmth and comfort of his bed, he is the most natural, authentic version of himself.

“Remind me again,” he says, sitting down next to her on the carpet. “Why couldn't we have done this last night?”

“Oh, we could have done,” replies Hermione briskly as she taped a piece of wrapping paper into place around a box, “if you and your brothers hadn’t got so invested in your game of charades-“

“Erm, have you forgotten that George cheated at one point and we had to redo it? We may be business partners, but I couldn’t just stand by and let that happen-”

“-then we could have left at a reasonable hour.”

“Ahh, well,” Ron chuckles. “Worth it to see Percy trying to mime ‘The Wizard and His Hopping Pot’.” He stretches his long legs out before him and surveys the scene beneath the lowest branches of the tree. “Looks like you’ve got most of this done already, have you been down here a while?”

“Oh,” says Hermione as she picks up a gift tag and a quill. “Yes, I woke up a bit earlier than we planned.” At the tilt of his head - he’s clearly about to ask why, since they didn’t Floo home until well past one in the morning - she quickly adds, “but everything we left out for Father Christmas is still over there. You’ve got your work cut out for you.”

“Right!” With remarkable energy for such an early hour, Ron jumps to his feet and retrieves the tray they left near the hearth the evening previous, which bears a plate of biscuits, a few carrots, and a small glass of whiskey. “This is the best part of being a dad.”

Halfway through addressing the gift tag - to Rose, with love from Father Christmas - Hermione looks up and quirks a skeptical eyebrow at him. “Eating stale biscuits at seven in the morning is the best part of being a dad?”

“Maybe not the best, but definitely a perk.” Ron sits himself back down on the carpet beside Hermione, tray in front of him. “It’s a bit too early for the whiskey now, though, innit?”

“You can probably just leave it,” agrees Hermione. “I don’t know that Rose will really notice it’s different.”

“Yeah, I suppose she’s not even two yet,” says Ron as he snaps one of the biscuits in half and pops it in his mouth. “But I’d like to at least try to keep up the illusion.”

Hermione affixes the gift tag to the box and sets it under the tree. “Do you know how I figured it out? That there wasn’t a Father Christmas at all?”

“I assume you did the maths and realized there’s no way some bloke in a sleigh can make it round the world in one night,” says Ron with a grin.

“Close, but no.” Hermione helps herself to a biscuit - then quickly realizes it’s the last thing she wants to eat, and sets it back down. “Actually, I realized that Father Christmas and my mum had the exact same handwriting on all my gifts.”

“And were you gutted to find this out?”

“Not particularly. I was a bit relieved, actually, it always seemed rather unsafe to let a strange man break in through the fireplace and eat our food.”

Ron lets out a deep, delighted belly laugh and leans over to press a kiss to her cheek. “Only you would worry about that.”

“So how did you figure it out?”

“Oh, the twins spilled the beans before I had the chance,” says Ron flippantly. “Not that it mattered much anyway, he usually only brought like, new socks and things like that.” His features turn pensive. “I hope Rose doesn’t cotton on to it for a long time.”

Hermione nods. She’s suddenly acutely aware of every tiny detail: the hush over their sitting room, the ever-present twinkling of the fairy lights adorning the tree, the knowledge that their daughter is sleeping soundly upstairs. She is not often one for sentimentality, but things right now feel perfect, just as they are.

“I hope so too. But,” she adds, more businesslike as she unfurls the roll of wrapping paper, “it’ll be quite a long time before we have to worry about that.”

“Is this the last one?” asks Ron, picking up a box containing a toy dragon that breathes warm, kid-friendly fire upon command. “I can do it.”

“Oh, I’ve got it under control.”

“You’ve done nearly all of them though.” Carefully, he prises the wrapping paper out of her hands. “You could have woken me when you got up, you know. I don’t actually mind.”

“I know you don’t, but it’s fine. I supposed at least one of us should get some sleep.” As Ron used his wand to sever the paper (he was missing out, Hermione thought, on the glorious sliding sensation that comes only when using scissors to cut wrapping paper), she hauled herself to her feet. “Do you want some tea?”

“So we’re not going back to bed after this, then?”

“There isn’t really time, Rose is going to wake up soon.”

Ron’s gaze shifts toward the sitting room window, where the first vestiges of grey winter light are just streaming through the curtains. “She does rise with the sun these days,” he agrees. “Yeah, tea sounds great, cheers.”

Hermione pats him on the shoulder as she walks to the kitchen, where she sets the tea kettle to boil. As the water heats up, she opens the cupboard below the sink and peers into its dark and disorganized depths. There, among bottles of cleaning solution and spare sponges, is a small parcel wrapped in shiny gold paper. She retrieves it from behind the drain pipe, and as she does, her stomach flutters with nervous excitement. It’s been doing that a lot the past few weeks, and now that the moment is upon her, she finds her hands trembling as she drops tea bags into mugs and pours the hot water.

It feels different than it did the last time. This time around, she knows how this is going to go, and she can’t wait.

In her eagerness, she scoops probably too much sugar into one of the mugs (which, considering Ron’s standards, is really saying something), and carries both back to the sitting room with the parcel tucked under her arm. Ron’s just taping the corners of a box closed when she reaches him.

“What’ve you got?” asks Ron, extending an arm up to take his tea from her.

“Oh, erm.” Hermione deposits herself onto the carpet beside him. “This is for you, actually.”

She places the box onto his lap. With his mug of tea halfway to his lips, Ron frowns at it, then looks up at Hermione.

“We said we weren’t getting each other gifts this year.”

“I know, but can’t you just say thank you and open it?”

“No, I feel bad now, I’d have got you something if I knew - I even had ideas-“

“If it makes you feel better, it’s really for both of us. And Rose, actually,” she adds. “So just open it.”

Ron’s brows knit together in confusion. “How could it possibly-“

“Will you just open it already?” Hermione blurts out. “For God’s sake, you are impossible sometimes.”

“All right, all right,” Ron relents with a laugh,”I’m doing it.”

Breaking through the tape, he pulls the gold paper away from the box. It’s just plain white, a garment box, which Ron turns over in his hands to pull off the lid. Hermione’s heart thumps wildly in her chest as his hands push away the tissue paper and pick up an impossibly tiny jumper: retina-searing orange, with black interlocking Cs on the chest.

Quiet falls again; seconds drag on like hours.

“This is for a baby,” says Ron softly, and Hermione sees that his hands are shaking too.

“Right.”

“And… this won’t fit Rose.”

“Right.”

Their eyes meet. Ron’s eyes widen almost imperceptibly in a silent question; Hermione’s grateful he can’t find the words, because she can’t either. All she can do is nod… but it’s enough.

His arms engulf her, pressing her face against the soft fabric of his shirt and flooding her senses with the scent of his skin and his hair, everything about him that makes her feel safe and loved and whole.

“I can’t believe it,” he breathes, lips brushing the side of her neck as the words tumble out.

Hermione pulls back just enough to look at him. His blue eyes are shining. “Why can’t you believe it? It’s not like we haven’t been trying.”

“I know, I just-“ He leans in and kisses her, soft and sweet. “I still can’t believe this is my life. I can’t believe I get to have this life with you.”

Without the words to properly express just how much she agrees, she simply kisses him again. Even with eyes squeezed tightly against the tears now threatening to fall, she can sense the new light filling the room. Rose will wake soon, to tear through wrapping paper and eat biscuits for breakfast and spend the day in her pyjamas, but Hermione hopes to cling to this moment for just a few seconds longer.

“So, all right.” Ron’s smiling at her, so broadly that his cheeks must ache. “When did you find out? How did you - I mean-“

“I’ve known a couple of weeks,” Hermione confesses, sheepish. “That’s why I was up so early today. I’ve had horrible morning sickness.”

Ron shakes his head in amazement. “You’re barking.”

“You’re not angry, are you? That I didn’t just tell you?”

“What - no - why I would be - it’s perfect, it’s all perfect.” Ron lips find hers again, working their way over to her ear. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

Hermione settles contentedly into his embrace, but hardly has a chance to appreciate it when a small yet insistent yell sounds from the second floor.

“Dada!”

“Oh, that’s me,” says Ron cheerfully, releasing Hermione and clambering to his feet. “Shall I go get her? Are we ready?”

“Yes, we’re ready.”

[pandemilkbread]

devil 007 (prologue)

devil 007 (Bakugo Katsuki x Reader)

summary:

(demon!au)

Turns out Bakugo Katsuki never wanted to eat your soul, rather he just needed someone to play video games with.

ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ's ɴᴏᴛᴇ: ʜᴇʀᴇ's ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ. ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ :>

                                                    ☆     ☆     ☆

𝑖. 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑢𝑒

“That was a fucking accident.”

“An explosion that big is not an accident!”

You might be wondering how the hell were you hanging on the tallest building in the underworld holding on to a pipeline for your dear life. While your notorious partner-in-crime Bakugo just watched as you dangled ninety feet in the air. 

“I swear if I die I will shitting haunt you for all eternity! You’d be fed up with all my shit the moment my soul reaches your territory. Just imagine, me annoying you fore—“

“Jump.” He grumbled. 

No. Jump? Hell no. You’d rather die than jump into his arms. Bakugo was more likely to miss, and you’d fall (probably five storeys) before he dare tried to save you. 

You wanted to scream. How all this happened in the first place, you hardly remember. No, you did remember. 

It was all because of that stupid book. 

☆     ☆     ☆     ☆     ☆

It was a mishap, really. The wrong book got delivered to the wrong place at the wrong time, and exactly the wrong thing happened as a consequence. 

You were a college student who had just finished the semester, and frankly... a miserable one you were. Failing a quiz was one thing, but you had to mess up your finals so badly a retake wouldn’t suffice. You had to take up the subject all over again. 

Sighing, you lay flat on your back. The ceiling had this magical property to suck up all the negativity in your life. 

(it didn’t. but you’d like to think so.)

You had all the time in the world to repeat the subject. The problem? Cash. Having a scholarship at a prestigious university wasn’t easy. One measly failure could mean bye-bye free tuition fees and hello student loans that could last centuries + a liver.

Doomed you were, honey. You groaned. At least the treasury board approved the student allowances; which meant? The poor student (you) finally bought the heavy shitass syllabus for your major. The subject you failed. 

It could take weeks for the parcel to arrive. What did you expect? You only ordered it days ago. The sooner it gets here, you’d be studying your ass off until 5 A.M. for weeks. Hooray. 

A sudden ring of the doorbell awoke you from your senses. Huh, it did arrive earlier than you expected. You scooted towards the door and twisted it open. There lay a box wrapped in tape, a sticker with the words ‘fragile: handle with care’ shone in bright yellow. 

You picked it up and shook the item. It was lighter than you expected. How the heck did a 700 page book become as light as a diary? Did they send you the wrong thing? Crap. You scoured the whole box to find neither details about who the recipient nor who the sender was. 

Oh, well. Did that mean you could keep whatever was inside? You grinned. Opening up the box, you find out it was a vivid red book entitled:

Ultimatum Wishes: The Ultimate Spellbook for Summoning Demons! All your wishes will come true! Follow the instructions inside. 

Yeah, right. Like you could summon a demon to send you a trillion yen.

(apparently, doubt didn’t stop you from trying.)

☆     ☆     ☆     ☆     ☆

First of all, what the actual fuck. 

Your curiosity got the best of you. The instructions were pretty easy; sugar, salt, dirt, water, a jar of mayonnaise, a drop of blood— basically, the usual ingredients for summoning demons. Like that’s shitting normal? You had to mix them all together and spread them into the circle you drew on earlier. 

Second, did you really summon a demon?

You were obviously not in your dorm room. It was bigger, darker, and colder to what you were accustomed to. After saying a stupid chant, you make a wish and boom! demon comes to you. So the instructions said. 

It was a joke, really. You never thought the book was actually real! Once you said your wish, a bright light flashed and... you were here. A basement like room devoid of light, making your fingers the only things you could see at the moment. 

You were sprawled on your back, staring at your hands. If only your eyes could adjust to the light then you would be on your merry way to finding the exit. Except, that you didn’t really need to adjust. The lights opened with a flash and you were met with red eyes:

“Took you long enough, brat!”

Lastly, who the hell was this?

The moment you and this miniature bomb exchanged looks, and he realized that you weren’t the person he was hoping for, the man grabbed the collar of your shirt lifting you high up to the ceiling. 

“How the fuck did you get here stupid human? Pretty gutsy of you to just waltz in like you own the place, hm?” He growled, slightly shaking you with every syllable he uttered. 

You barely registered it, you-know before you were lifted up, but this person in front of you was terrifying. He radiated waves of “answer properly or i’ll rip you into shreds” and you didn’t want to die.

(not at least before smacking this crappy brute.)

“Put me down you—you crappy dog! Treat me nicely and I’ll tell you everything,” You choked. 

He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. “You’re really haggling with me now, maggot? The last time I checked I could easily squeeze the fucking life out of you—”

“T-The book! Shitty book! Followed it and I’m here!”

And with that you were dropped onto the floor. You yelped upon impact, rubbing the area of your neck with your fingers. That hurt.  Your eyes hovered to your assailant and saw his frustration building up. Hoo, a little bit more and he’d be on fire. 

“...How’d you get it?” 

“Sent to my doorstep. D-Didn’t think it was real I thought—”

“You opened it knowing it wasn’t yours?”

“Oh, no you aren’t! Don’t blame me for your shitty mistake in the first place!”

“Watch your tongue, human.”

You sighed. Everyone knew you were someone who wouldn’t back down from a fight, but your senses told you otherwise. There was a fine line between pissing him off and stabbing you in the heart, you knew you were likely closer to the latter part of the scale. 

“Fine. Whoever that package was sent to, it came to me instead. Why am I here?”

He contemplated for a while, searching for the right words to spout out. Oh God no. Were you brought here as a sacrifice? You shook your head. Anything but that! Sweat dribbled down your forehead. Why wasn’t he saying anything?

“...to kill...”

Yeaph. And with that, you blacked out. 

(imagine, fainting from your own demolition. oh, you hope you didn’t actually break a bone or two.)

☆     ☆     ☆     ☆     ☆

You awoke to a strange tapping noise, more like a smack, and groans of infuriation. The vivid colors of black, pink, and yellow caught your attention, making you stare in awe. Was that Mario Kart...?

The clicking sound came from the blonde who sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes drawn to big television screen in front of him. While you were on a black couch around three hands away from the man. Seemingly, he could sense your tiny movements as you sat up, compelling him to chuck a controller at you. 

“You gonna play or what?”

Huh? You took the object, feeling the texture in your hands. It’s been a while since you held a controller; even longer since you played a game at all. The game home screen flashed, the cursor hovering over the “new game” button. He clicked it forcing the game to switch into the character screen. 

The man picked Bowser. Ah, not surprising. You grinned as you chose Princess Peach.

The game began immediately after and you thought, wow. You sucked at this game! Your cart hit track walls, bounced on boulders, special items that you sent managed to hit you instead. Rigged, this must be rigged! Just because the last time you played the game was ten years ago, doesn’t automatically mean you were shit at it.

Your companion thought differently.

“You’re crappy at this game.” He sneered.

You rolled your eyes. “It’s just the first game! A warm-up, you’ll see.”

And yes, he did see. See you fail round after round, time after time, the twenty games you played seemed to only prove your awful skills at a simple multiplayer game. You groaned. How was it possible to lose this much? Even the computer controlled characters beat you senseless. 

Gently placing the controller on the sofa, you wrapped your arms around your knees. Was this a test? A test to see whether if you were worth killing? Oh boy, you would have been slaughtered at the first playthrough. 

“Are you going kill me now?” You murmured. 

If this was how you were going to go, at least you had fun. Well, you did lose more times than you could count. But hey, it was enjoyable. 

“Ha. You think I’d let you go that easily?” He stood up, turned and grabbed the controller. “You made a pact with me, and now you’re gonna run away?”

His other hand reached for your chin and pulled it up, your eyes meeting his. 

“What’d you wish for, princess?”

alright. so that’s the prologue! thank you for reading. i’ll have the chapter one ready soon. so pretty much, what happened was: you received a package. bored as you were followed the instructions and summoned a demon. except, you were actually summoned somewhere else to bakugo no less. 

the introductions come on to the next chapter!! please leave a like if you like it aaaaa it would mean alot ;;;;