#I WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE THEM THEIR BIRTHDAY WISHES UNTIL I DIE

[boneyteeeeth]

UHMMMMM I CANT BELIEVE I ALMOST FORGOT BUTTTTTT

it was their birthday Jan 25!!!!!!! Happy birthday my little shrimps!!!!!!!!! :3333

(super disappointed that I wasn't able to do this on their actual birthday but better late then never >_<)

[shanastoryteller]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

please continue slytherin Harry or fem mxy!wwx

a continuation of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Xuanyu is missing.

“She was just here!” Jingyi protests. “How could she have – who was that guy she was with? Did he take her? We have to go after them! You said she hasn’t been feeling well lately, what if she can’t get away!”

Lan Wangji feels his pulse jump at the thought even as he forces himself to calm. There is no reason to panic.

“Calm down,” Jin Guangyao says and he’s offended until he realizes that he’s talking to Jingyi and his wide eyed son, who’s anxiously tugging on Jingyi’s sleeve in an almost comical reversal of their normal dynamic. “No one who’s able to hold their own against Lan Wangji would be able to taken silently from a dozen feet away, not even by Song Lan.”

“Why did she leave?” Jingyi demands. “Why would she go without telling us?”

Xichen sighs. “Perhaps she just wanted to catch up with Song Lan alone and she does not need anyone’s permission to go for a walk.”

This is true. Lan Wangji does not want to control Xuanyu’s actions, does not want her to feel trapped or constrained in the same way that his mother must have felt trapped or constrained.

But he wishes she would have told him.

“I’ll look for her,” Sizhui says, throwing his shoulders back. “If she’s just gone for a walk through town, it shouldn’t take long.”

“She may not want to be interrupted,” Xichen protests.

Sizhui shrugs. “She won’t mind if it’s me.”

This is true. Xuanyu adores Sizhui. Even if she’s looking for privacy, she won’t be irritated or upset at her step son for searching for her. “Go,” Lan Wangi says.

Xichen gives him a look while Jin Guangyao rolls his eyes, but both Sizhui and Jingyi are already bolting for the door in an attempt to outrun any orders Xichen might give to prevent it.

Twenty minutes later they tumble back through the door, even more frazzled than when they left. Lan Wangi is already rising to his feet when Sizhui blurts, “I can’t find her and a bunch of people saw her flying away with Song Lan.”

“Where?” he demands, striding forward. He can hear Xichen telling the disciples to wait for them to return, but he gets several outraged cries, even from the senior disciples.

Xuanyu, as strange as some people find her, is well liked in the clan.

Lan Wangji doesn’t linger, trusting that his brother and whichever disciples plead their way into accompanying him are more than capable of catching up.

~

Wei Wuxian may have underestimated the situation slightly.

“Can you get Xiao Xingchen out of here if I distract Xue Yang?” he asks Song Lan, scowling at the scene below them of Xue Yang laughing with Xiao Xingchen. He’s so glad that he had A-Qing wait for him by the river instead of agreeing to let her lead them back.

“How do you know that’s Xue Yang?” Song Lan asks incredulously. “The girl called him Chengmei!”

Damn. There’s no good answer he can give to that, so he ignores it and says, “Bring Xiao Xingchen to A-Qing and keep them safe. I’ll handle things here. Hopefully whatever he’s done to Xiao Xingchen will end once this guy’s dead.”

“How are you going to handle Xue Yang and hundreds of fierce corpses by yourself?” Song Lan asks, sounding a little too derisive for Wei Wuxian’s liking.

“I’m going to steal his corpses from him,” he answers. “The real question here is how is Xue Yang going to handle me and hundreds of fierce corpses, and the answer is he’s going to die today.”

[impactedfates]

Yay requests are now open! So can I request a reader who is yanqing's sibling who plays sympathetic immersia (video game equivalent in Luofu) Genshin that Guinafein introduces them to it, even JY knew the game's hype and reader is immersed with the game's scenery, music and archon quests Reader also would blush every time they see genshin fanart of Wanderer or Xiao. Yanqing and JY would notice how they would look down and grin widely in their phone screen. Also the early AR shenanigans like unlocking dragonspine, trying to ice bridge to Inazuma and getting yeeted by a hilichurl and ofc the infamous dendro slime attacking when exploring Liyue. Overall, reader plays it and YQ is curious and JY is interested

★ A/N: If that were me they would hear me screaming at night when I get my various different characters (esp Kaveh and Zhongli) I hope you like this anon :>

☆ Genre/Trope: Platonic + Fluff

★ Format: Mini Scenarios (Separate)

☆ Warnings: None (I think?)

★ Extra: Reader is older then Yanqing // Readers job is whatever you want their job as // Father JY :D

Jing Yuan's heard of the game before however it wasn't until he heard you yelling in delight over a 5* you had gotten that he found out you were one of the many people that also has a delight in playing the game.

He's amused to see how much you like certain characters and how you, in your words, "simp" for others. In fact, I honestly think you probably did the "My parents rate Genshin Characters" trend with him. He ranked most of the characters very highly honestly. (He especially liked Cyno along with some of the sleepy characters like Lisa, Layla and Sayu)

Honestly he's very amused by all your reactions throughout the game, the audible gasps you may do when something surprises you, the loud cursing when you're fighting an enemy and the cries when you lose your 50/50 (maybe if you ask nice enough he'll give you his credit card)

I'd think he wishes to try out the game himself, however with the fact he's busy with General duties he doesn't get much time to really play. However he does get all the characters he wants with just a swipe of his card, however he's stuck at level 45 as a) no time to really continue and b) he honestly seems like the type to not bother with the ascension mission and in fact wants it to build up till he knows he's AR 60. THEN he'll actually do it.

Overall, he doesn't mind that you play it and enjoys it himself when he can. However don't expect him to be so willing to give you his card so you can get the Genesis Crystals to get the characters you want.

(Also I see his team consisting of off-field dps like Xiangling and Furina so he can just sit back and relax as they do the fighting and he doesn't need to lift a finger much)

I feel like Yanqing was already a player. Like he joined when it was first released but he didn't really play much. He'd log in once or twice a week then not log in for months. It's not that he isn't interested, he is. It's just he has things he enjoys more.

When he finds out you play it then he might be more inclined to try harder at it, so the two of you can do some sibling bonding time and play. Depending on AR levels between the two of you, he's either asking you to help defeat bosses when he still cannot after the nth time or you both can cry as you die to the electro hypostasis.

I feel like his luck is like, amazing as well. Like he got Keqing on the beginner banner and managed to get a good 5* weapon for her on the standard. And he's always won his 50/50s

However his luck cannot be transferred to how his artifact luck is. It takes his weeks upon weeks to get ONE decent artifact for his new 5* Ayaka.

He still doesn't play much but his game time has increased a lot more and he can understand why you like it so much...however he cannot understand why you seem to like certain characters and beg him to get you merch of them for your birthday.

He definitely struggled in DragonSpine and thought pyro and cryo characters were immune to sheer cold.

Overall, he understands a lot where you're coming from when it comes to gameplay and lore but when it comes to you simping over certain characters then he can't help but feel confused, and if he particularly dislikes a character you simp for. Perhaps disgusted (jokingly and lovingly of course)

(I'm unsure what his team would be, but he'd be a mono sword team imo)

Honestly, with my personal experiences with Genshin. I thankfully did not struggle with DragonSpine (not as much as other people did)

.

.

.

However, I will say that I probably should've started building sooner. I only started once I hit about AR 56 and finished most of the Inazuma quest (don't ask me how I survived, idk either lmao)

[1waveshortofashipwreck]

Misc. Tag Game! ✨

thank you for the tags @ronald-speirs @panzershrike-pretz and @sharkboyandlavalieb !!!

Made by the amazing @ronald-speirs 💖

Favorite place in the world you’ve visited?

Hmmm I’m gonna have to go with when my mom, sister, and I all went to Las Vegas for my 21st birthday! It was so much fun and just an incredible experience 💕

Something you’re proud of yourself for?

Probably continuing my therapy journey! I’ve been in therapy continuously since I graduated in 2020 and I feel like I’ve made some good progress! I’m proud of myself for not giving up when things felt impassable

Favorite books?

Soooo i’m not too big on reading but something I will read over and over again is the fruits basket series!!!! That’s the only book series I’ve read in its entirety and I love every bit of it!!!

Something that makes your heart happy when thinking about it?

It’s not the dart scene at the start of replacements idk what you’re talking about

Favorite thing about your culture?

About being American? I guess just the fact that BoB is American 🤣

When did you join the HBO War fandom? What was the first show you watched?

Umm i think in April ‘23?? @dontirrigateme and I had just watched the x-men first class movies and wanted to watch more James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, so of course we watched BoB… the world has never been the same

Have you read any of Easy Company’s books? If so, which ones were your favorite?

I’m trying to read Ambrose’s book right now, but I have Winters’ Beyond Band of Brothers, Guarnere and Babe’s book, and a couple others on my shelf!! (if anyone finds Webster’s shark book i promise you my first born for a copy of that)

Favorite HBO War character and your favorite moment with them?

Oh goodness there’re so many!!! Ummm well right now I’m going thru a Liebgott phase oml the man makes me FOAM AT THE MOUTH so I’m gonna go with when he tends to Talbert on the Night of the Bayonet, like Liebgott is known for his temper and fighting but here (and with Tipper) you can see he’s an absolute SWEETHEART AAAA I WOULD DIE FOR JOSEPH DAVID LIEBGOTT

Do you make content for any fandoms, if so; what sort of content?

I’ve just recently started writing for BoB!! I also have some Pokemon x BoB collages that I’ve made 🥰

Favorite actor/actress and your favorite film of theirs?

Johnny Depp hands down, and absolutely pirates of the caribbean, it’s just all-around lovely and whimsical and amazing (fun fact till like middle school i had no idea what Johnny Depp actually looked like because my only references for him were Captain Jack Sparrow and Willy Wonka and they just did not look the same to me 🤣)

Favorite quote/s that you wish to share with others?

I think I’ve said this before, but it’s a quote from my blorbo Vincent Van Gogh, “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”

Random fact your mutuals/followers don’t know about you?

My dad’s retired Navy, so I grew up moving around until he retired when I was about 8!

If you’re a writer, do you need a beta reader (say yes so I can be your beta reader 🤭)?

ASDFDL I WOULDN'T MIND HAVING A BETA READER

Three things that make you smile? (I’m watching BoB rn so this is about to be BoB momes)

“CURRAHEEEEEEE!”

“We salute the rank not the man”

“I’m John Wayne! The costume department set me up with these nice navy whites, what do ya think!?”

Any nicknames you like?

Honestly I just feel warm and fuzzy when given any nickname, I’ve been called Em, Emmy, Ems, my favorite might be “Yellow,” I’ve had three separate best friends give me this nickname just cuz they associate me with the color yellow and sunshine vibes ✨

List some people you love to see around on tumblr!

ASDJ:LKF THERE ARE SO MANY @dontirrigateme @panzershrike-pretz @ithinkabouttzu @executethyself35 @ronsparky @love--persevering @ronald-speirs @sweetxvanixlla @whollyjoly @xxluckystrike @venus-haze @thicccqueyoongimin @joetoyesbrassknuckles101 @neptunes-blue @ewipandora @hanniewinnix @sharkboyandlavalieb @footprintsinthesxnd @mutantmanifesto @jump-wings @malarkgirlypop @mads-nixon @blueberry-ovaries @coco-bean-1218 @b00ks1ut AND SO SO MANY MORE I'M SORRY IF I DIDNT TAG YOU I PROMISE I LOVE YOU

What would you do during a zombie apocalypse?

Cry and die probably

Favorite movie?

Bohemian Rhapsody, the Mummy, and Pirates of the Carribean, and the Blair Witch Project!

Do you like horror movies? YES!! Especially found footage movies!!

No pressure tags!! @dontirrigateme , @ithinkabouttzu , @executethyself35 , @neptunes-blue , @thicccqueyoongimin , @love--persevering , @jump-wings , @blueberry-ovaries and anyone else who wants to do this!!! 💖

[unknownauthorrr]

3 songs that describe your relationship with wednesday.

This is the first ever story I’ve written and posted. I write on my own time and have never shared it with anyone. but tonight I couldn’t sleep and I’ve had this on my mind for awhile so I decided to try my hand at writing. If you have ways I can improve, let me know. :)

—————————————————————————————

*Yes to heaven: Lana del Ray*

“Give peace a chance. Let the fear you have fall away. I’ve got my eye on you. Say yes to heaven, say yes to me. If you go I’ll stay, you come back I’ll be right here.”

Wednesday would rather die than ever admit that she understands her parents infatuation with eachother. She used to think love was a sickening display of weakness. Something that chips away at your heart continuously and painfully slow until eventually there’s nothing left. And in some ways she was right. But then she met you. You are an anomaly that gives Wednesday a breath of fresh air. The thing that brightens up her gloomy days, and brings flavor to her bland life. She would do anything for you, you just have to make it known. She had to admit at first she was a little scared of what you made her feel. Sometimes the butterflies she felt when she heard your voice made her feel like she had maggots crawling up her throat and out of her ears. When you touched her it burned like acid eating away at her flesh. When you’d sneak away at night together she felt the most at home she had ever felt, and the most alienated simultaneously. The talks you had, the glances, gentle touches and silent moments basking in eachothers existence watered her skin into lovely patches of roses. She seeks your presence like a moth drawn to light. A parched man to water. She craves you in so many ways she would rather get covered in glitter than lose an ounce of your favor. She would follow you to the ends of the earth. Kill for you, die for you. Name it and it’s done. Wednesday loves you. she’s willing to give everything up if that means she can have you. ————————————————————————————————

*cars outside: James Arthur*

“oh darling all of the city lights never shined as bright as your eyes. I would trade them all for a minute more”

You weren’t superficial. But my hell would you trade every single birthday wish, every prayer, every tear, every whisper into the night for her to look at you this way for one more moment. She’s absolutely breath taking. And she’s all yours. How did you get so lucky? Wednesday Addams was misunderstood. But you felt like you understood what her eyes were conveying perfectly. They were twinkling in the afterglow of Jerichos very busy day. Wednesday had offered to walk with you when she saw you sneaking out for your not so rare nightly outings. You couldn’t sleep well and they helped clear your mind. She isn’t too keen on you leaving nevermore alone given recent events. But she was going to have to settle with accompanying you herself. It wasn’t like she minded spending time with you, alone without prying eyes. You had decided to sit down at a regular spot you visited along the edge of the forest that separated the school and city. You got a perfect view of the stars, but Wednesday wasn’t paying attention to that. She was looking right at you. And you were looking back, lost in the stare that credited you like you had just hung the moon for her viewing. —————————————————————————————————

*here with me: d4vd*

“as long as I’m with you I’ve got a smile on my face”

You missed all of your classes today. You woke up late with a fever and a nasty cough. Looking at the clock and deciding it was too late to get up anyways, you went back to sleep. Wednesday noticed your lack of presence immediately. She was honestly worried. It wasn’t like you to skip class without telling her. She did the most sensible thing she knew and left immediately after the bell to look for you. Of course the first place she looked was your dorm. Lucky for you both, you had a single dorm this year. So, she walked right in without knocking. Her eyes were drawn to your form wrapped in one of her hoodies and a blanket, eyes half open and flushed cheeks. She still thought you were the cutest thing to grace the earth. How could she think differently?

“Wednesday?”

drawn by the groggy sound of your voice she made her way across the room.

“y/n. You don’t look great.”

“wow thanks. You sure know how to make me blush Addams. I’m sick, I know I should’ve-“

Wednesday cut you off. “you should have told me. I would have stayed with you. Let me feel your forehead”

Frowning, she removed her hand and left without a single glance in your direction. Shaking your head you laughed it off and laid back down. Moments later wednesdays return was announced with the creeping of your door. Looking up, you were met with a tray of soup, chocolate, medicine, and a heating pad in case you got cold. Wednesday may not be able to pronounce her love through words very often but her actions loved you enough for the both of them. Wednesday wordlessly slipped into bed beside you and wrapped an arm around you. looking up at her, you apologized.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner ‘Day”

how could she ever be mad at you? You looked so soft and fragile underneath her.

“that’s alright. But next time I won’t be so understanding. I want to help you y/n. I want you to feel ok”

Wednesdays words whacked you in the heart. No matter how many times you said it, it never became any more true. She was your source of happiness. She was the reason you smile. She was the reason you were ok. Not some soup and medicine. Her mere presence was enough to brighten your day and quiet your mind, everything that she was calms everything that you are. And you would have it no other way.

[leighlew3]

with the holidays coming around soon im wishing you all the best for the next couple of months (and beyond of course) - the space to grieve and laugh, moments of hope that you can hold onto, love and safety for you and all you hold dear to you. also sidenote: so you were a Precious Moments household too huh?? lol i got some somewhere in storage and they were definitely a staple birthday gift throughout my childhood. but very precious indeed!

Thank you so much. 💜

Yeah, it’s been… incredibly hard. I put out the Christmas decorations early this year specifically so I could have time to have breakdowns, and cry my face off, but then still get to “enjoy” the holiday as much as possible, at least. I figured if I waited until after Thanksgiving… I would only have 25 days to feel awful, cry, breakdown, or whatever, and barely have any time left to try to feel the Christmas spirit, if you will. So I ripped that Band-Aid. And the day I pulled a few key items of hers out + got new stuff to combine with it, I cried. A lot. Had a full on break down.

Christmas will never be Christmas without Mom. Life will never be the same without Mom. She was everything to me… I sometimes don’t even know how I’m still breathing. But I am. Thanks to lil Toby cat. Thanks to therapy. And thanks to the wonderful people who have continue to reach out and checking on me both IRL and via online (in the fandom, etc). Grief is not easy, there is no fun part of it. Nobody really warns you how horrible it really is going to be when you lose somebody that means the world to you (and in this case isn’t just a wonderful mother, but also your best friend)…

But I’m making it through as best I can, and that’s all I can do. I can’t curl up and die, because I (and we) have survived too much up to this point for me to give up. So I just keep breathing and I keep putting one foot in front of the other and I keep valuing the ‘good’ days and trying to honor her, and be as ‘happy’ as I can, because that’s ultimately what she wanted the most for me. For me to achieve my dreams of which she was my biggest cheerleader and believer, and find true peace and happiness in my life after everything we went through.

Anyway. Yeah.

My mom wasn’t too obsessed with Precious Moments, but she did have the little Christmas manger + 2-3 other figurines. I dunno what happened to the others along the way. Not seen ‘em in years. But still have her nativity scene pieces at least, so. It just felt right to set them out since it was one of her favorite things.

[nooneherebutusghosts]

Happy Birthday to my dearest inspiration and co-parent partner in crime, Chicken. In the past 5 months, you've written and shared stories and ideas of our beautiful boys together and brought a smile to my face. Today, I've done the same for you <3 Hope you enjoy~ Ami belongs to @hurryupmerlin.

The harvest for the year had done exceptionally well and everyone inside the encampment was pulling their weight. Even a certain trooper with no prior knowledge to how harvests worked. Crouched low to the field, he pulled at each crop with relative ease from the tilled soil and put them aside in a nearby basket. Over and over again, only to stop to wipe the sweat from his brow before he continued. 

Ami - for a lack of a better word - was transfixed; he hadn’t moved an inch from his spot on the field and had been watching his lover avidly at work. So much so to the point he hadn't realised he had been doing so for a time until a canteen had been dangled in front of his face and blocking his view. 

He blinked rapidly and took the water canteen, eyes glancing up to an older looking twi'lek woman whom he recognised instantly as Oola. She smiled warmly while he sipped at the water. "Had an inkling you were in need of hydrating. Your mouth hasn’t closed since ol' scarface started working."

Ami choked on the water, coughing and spluttering up a storm all the while Oola chortled, taking the canteen back without worrying that he was about to die. "I wasn't-" He started, his face heating up at her words, only to be silenced by the disbelieving look she gave him. It made his cheeks burn hotter. He turned away and hurriedly went back to working his section of the field to the sound of laughter.

From how long he had been held at Viltriss Utdrag, he had heard tales of Oola's keen eye, that she noticed small details that others would overlook: a small limp that a slaver had that wasn't there before, for instance, that would give the slaves a small upperhand for as long as the limp remained. She was a tenacious woman, it was difficult not to admit, but it did make him wonder just how observant she was. He pocketed that ever growing curiosity away for another day and set back to work. 

Time flew by without incident. As the sun settled in the center of the sky, the work was half done. Ami was exhausted; sweat rolled down his temple before it was quickly wiped away with the back of his hand and he couldn't help but give a pleased smile. It was too early to say for sure, but the year's harvest looked bountiful and uncontaminated from pests - a relief for them all. Looking across the field, Ami's gaze landed on Mal and couldn't help the feeling of glee at seeing the medic just as pleased with the bounty. He couldn't help his smile widening, nor the flush of colour rushing to his cheeks again while he watched him lift a crate full of freshly plucked vegetables with ease. 

The gentle, teasing laughter of Oola crowed in his ear and Ami could only scoff at her, unconsciously wiping at his lips and chin; both were free of saliva. "Kinda beginning to think you're half-hawk with how much you see." He canted his head to the side with a smug look, trying his best to emulate Fi.

The twi'lek's shoulders shook gently as she quietly chuckled. "Little stars, I wish! Might've been able to see the bits of leftovers in between Baar's teeth before I kissed him last night." Oola gagged at the memory and -fake or not- Ami couldn't help but do the same, his body shuddering at the imagery. The two looked at each other and within seconds had fallen into hysterics.

"Finished here?" 

As the laughter slowly died down, both Oola and Ami smiled at their new companion - Mal - who looked at the two in bewilderment. There was a quirk of an eyebrow that Ami had come to know of an interest of the conversation that hadn't included him, one that had amused them greatly, that he dared not ask about. He had also taken note of the large basket full of the day's harvest in the medic's arms. Despite looking quite heavy for a singular person, Mal had no issue at all.

"Mhm. I don't think I'll be able to lift my arms for the rest of the day." Ami playfully shook his arms for effect. Oola mimicked his movement, a wide grin on her face that in turn received an eye roll. "Might need your help to carry-- wait, Mal. You don't-"

Without hesitation, the basket was lifted and rested atop the trooper's shoulder and in turn received an appreciative whistle from the Twi'lek. Ami, on the other hand, looked mortified. It was easy to forget at times the strength of which Mal had in him when it came to  heavier objects, such as a crate full of weapons or medical supplies - or in this case two baskets full of heavy fruits and vegetables - from one end of the encampment to the other. The man was, after all, still a trained trooper with incredible strength.

"L-let me take one." 

"I can manage. Go rest, Ami." 

"I insist!" 

"Ami." 

Both the clones left their third companion behind in hysterics once more; Ami pleading to help while Mal denied him as they made their way to where a majority of the baskets were gathered. The banter between the two continued as the baskets were settled on the ground and only ended as Mal, with another roll of his eyes, promptly kissed Ami. It startled him but quickly leaned into it as his fingers clung to the sweat dampened shirt that Mal wore. The kiss ended as quickly as it first started, with Mal pulling away just enough that his lips brushed teasingly against his lover's. "Told you." 

Ami whined, his voice barely a whisper. "I didn't want you to strain yourself..." 

"I've dragged heavier things than these." 

"Still..." 

The rough material of gloved hands cradled Ami's cheeks in a way to comfort the clone, thumbs rubbing small circles into his skin as he sighed, leaning somewhat into the touch. It helped. 

"I promise," Mal punctuated his sentence by pressing another kiss to Ami's lips, "I'll take you up on any future offer for help." Ami looked almost doubtful at his words. From how long he had known him, he hadn't once asked for help. Not even for small things. 

"You know I'll hold you to that promise, right?" 

Mal said nothing further and simply smiled."You should go to the 'fresher. You kinda stink." 

Ami squawked with indignation, prying himself from his lover's gentle hold. "You're no fragrant flower either! I've dealt with Nerf that smelt sweeter than you on a hot day!" 

Silence followed as Mal simply stared at him and for the briefest of moments, Ami had worried he had gone too far. That worry was quickly quashed as Mal snorted out a laugh, allowing him to relax and laugh with him.

He had avoided answering. He had noticed as the topic changed, but he would not bring it up. Not today at the very least. He was tired, his limbs were beginning to ache and he was set on having that shower after a long day of collecting harvest.

[thepaintedlady00]

Nightshade Chapter 17 Sneak Peek

🎂

Enjoy the peek y'all!

"Where is she?" I asked Prue as I slid into the seat across from her. 

"Work." Prue glances around. "She should be off soon, though."

"Arcade again this year?"

"Hell yes!" Her enthusiasm was infectious as Will followed the conversation without a clue as to what we were talking about, but still, he got excited anyway. "It's her favorite place."

"Do we need to book it?"

"Already done."

I grinned, giving her a quick high-five. "You're a saint!"

Jake sat down next to me. "What are we talking about?"

 "Quinn's birthday party. You wanna join the planning committee?"

He leaned forward with that mischievous grin of his. "Desperately."

"You can be in charge of the cake," I offered, relaxing back in the booth. It wasn't something I thought would be particularly challenging, especially considering how little Quinn cared about the cake, but the slight widening of Jake's eyes told me he considered it quite the task. "You don't have to."

"I can manage a dumb cake," he insisted with that deep-set scowl that was starting to grow on me.

"Quinn could care less about the cake," I continued. "She doesn't usually even eat it. It's more for everyone else."

Will's brows furrowed. "What does she eat then?"

"Candy apples!" Patrick proclaimed as he and Peter slid into the booth, shoving Jake into my side. "Nana makes 'em special for her every year."

Peter smiled fondly. "Nana makes sure everyone gets something special on their birthday."

"An angel, that woman," Patrick added lovingly. "Always makes me the best, booziest rum cake."

Will tapped Peter's shoulder, asking with a dumb grin. "What does she make you?"

Though it was a simple question, I could see Prue's eyes light up as she answered, "Jam. She takes Lena and Quinn berry picking and makes me my jam and a big plate of jam tarts."

Peter leaned back, closing his eyes slightly. "Can't wait for my batch of cookies this year."

"Same," I replied. "I won't have to try and smuggle them to you."

"What does she make you?" Jake asked, glancing at me as he took a drink of his beer.

Before I could answer, Patrick spoke, "The real question is, what doesn't she make on Lena's birthday?"

Jake turned to my brother with a chuckle. "Should've guessed Lena got the royal treatment."

"Lena's not special," Pat insisted. "She just gets a big party because that's when she got back."

"Got back from where?"

My brother's mouth shut. He scratched the back of his head, chuckling nervously as he talked over himself, trying to find something to say. Something that wasn't a lie, but that wasn't the truth either.

The truth. How was a person supposed to casually discuss how they narrowly escaped death at the hands of a rich and psychotic "ex" just a few days before turning sixteen? How could anything I said possibly explain the horrors every birthday previous to that had been filled with? The mixed emotions my birthday brought were a can of worms best left untouched, so I didn't meet Jake's curious eyes, instead letting my eyes lock onto Quinn as she emerged through the crowd. "There's the birthday girl!"

She welcomed the attention, not stopping until everyone had wished her a happy, almost birthday. "All this love and attention is good for my skin." She sat down next to Peter, smudging glitter onto his shirt. "What'd I miss?"

"Nothing," I said quickly. "Just discussing your birthday."

She clapped. "Let me guess! Prue already booked the arcade, and now you're trying to find people to dump cake and booze on?"

I rolled my eyes. "We all know I'm on booze duty."

"Til the day we die bitch." Quinn laughed. "So, who's the poor bastard on cake duty this year?" Narrowing her eyes, she pointed at Peter. "Kiwi?"

Peter rolled his eyes at her new nickname for him, a term almost everyone had adopted upon seeing the fuzz growing on his head. Secretly, Peter enjoyed it. The kiwi fuzz meant he could get his old hair back. "Nope."

Her finger turned toward Patrick, who nearly rolled out of the booth to avoid it. "Don't even try to curse me like that."

Quinn frowned, shifting her gaze to Jake, who gave her a shrug. She clicked her tongue. "Oh, you poor boy."

[nanamisflowerfield]

︵✿︵︵✿︵︵✿︵︵✿︵︵✿︵︵✿︵︵✿︵

One person did it… He did not only surprise his crush, but also his friends and the whole audience!

︶✿︶︶✿︶︶✿︶︶✿︶︶✿︶︶✿︶︶✿︶

I wish you a lovely birthday, @emilycollins00 , my dear twin or triplet bc of Banri!!💕 And I hope that you like this little present!💕

“Good luck, Tsuzu.” You smiled at your dear friend, patting his shoulder, while he stared at you, trying to ignore the warmth that spread on his cheeks, making them pinkish due to his crush touching his shoulder. “Thanks.” He nodded his head, hoping that you won’t realize how flustered he always becomes, whenever you were nearby. His friend and crush.

“You will do it great, I’m sure of it! After all, you play the leading role in the play! Also you will be playing it on my birthday. That is so amazing!” A play in which he has to play a prince, who fell in love with the princess and was jealous of a knight, who was his dear friend. But the princess got kidnapped by a dragon and now the lead had to defeat the dragon to save his beloved princess!

He wrote the script and gave his everything during their rehearsal. You were very sure, that Tsuzuru will do it wonderfully!

But never had any of you thought, that it would end up like this…

“Don’t go there, prince James!” Itaru stood behind Tsuzuru, holding his arm. “I have to. I love her too much, my friend. I have to defeat the dragon.” Itaru shook his head. “You can’t. You are the future king. You have to go back. We, the knights, will go and save princess Lydia.”

Tsuzuru shook Itaru off, staring at his friend. “No, you will be in danger. I won’t let any of you nor the citizens die. I will go and kill the dragon and save my beloved princess.” Tsuzuru turned around, staring ahead and prepared to go to battle.

“I love her so much… I will do everything I can to protect her. My love. The one who makes me always smile. My angel… The dear princess who is like the sun. She can always cheer everyone and make even the most depressed days better… I will protect you. And I shall never stop loving you, princess (y/n)!”

Itaru and Sakuya, who stood both behind Tsuzuru raised their eyebrows, gasping at the name that the brunette had just said, while the audience glanced around in confusion.

“Did he say (y/n)? I thought the princess’s name was Lydia?” Some whispered irritated, but still watched the play, as Tsuzuru’s cheeks brighten up by his mistake.

His green eyes wandered towards the audience, making eye contact with his crush that he just had mentioned. Gulping nervously, he walked off, pretending that he hasn’t made any mistake, while you continued to watch him, flustered and heart throbbing faster than ever.

After the play has ended, you went to the spring troupe, giving them all flowers that you had bought for them, as they thanked you and giving you some alone time with Tsuzuru. Itaru even had winked at the nervous script writer, wishing him luck, before they all left. “Hey…” He greeted you nervously, putting the fresh and beautiful bouquet away.

“Hey… So uhm….” You didn’t know how to start this very important conversation, so you were happy that your dearest friend has interrupted you, to start talking about it. “I-I’m really sorry about it. I didn’t want you to know it like that… I was so nervous, because you liked the script and I just wanted to do a great job, especially because it is your birthday and I wanted you to be happy.” His eyes gazed around the room nervously until they have finally met yours. “B-But you know… Everything that the prince said was the truth… I love you as much as he loves the princess… Maybe that’s why it was so easy to write the script, because of my feelings for you…”

You walked a step to him, grabbing his hands into yours. (e/c) orbs meeting green ones. “I love you too, Tsuzu… And don’t worry about anything. I had a great birthday and a wonderful present this morning and this play… It was lovely. Thank you.”

The brunette smiled at you so sweetly once again. “Happy birthday, my angel!”

[psijic-toast]

FFXIVwrite 22: Veracity

Ao3 if that’s mor eyour cup of tea

Narantsetseg Borlaaq was a practical woman, or so she liked to think. If there was an issue, she set out to resolve it, whether it be through her own skills and experience, or by enlisting the help of another. She tackled problems head on, working them over until they gave in. While others at the Arcanist's Guild played with theories, she put those same hypotheticals into practice.

So, when concerns and doubts of the future began to plague her mind, she tried to do something to ease it.

“Wren, might I have a word?”

The wind rolling over Silvertear Lake stole most of her words away, but Wren had managed to catch enough. With a glance to Hoary, who motioned he would continue keeping an eye on the kids, Wren made his way over, slumping down on the rock she occupied.

“What can I do for you Nara?”

“You’re likely to outlive all of us, correct?”

“I…” The look he gave her was hard to describe, but could be summed up as ‘Why in the Eorzean seven hells are you asking?’. “Yes, I suppose. Viera have a longer lifespan than those of other races. I prefer not to think about it, really”

“May I ask a favour of you?”

“Should I be scared? I honestly can not tell where this conversation is going”

“No, no, it’s nothing to worry about” Nara tried to reassure. Admittedly, it wasn’t the most desired start to a conversation. Perhaps she should have planned this, and not just have blundered into it. “Or, well, not in the way you may be worrying?”

“Don’t leave me in suspense here”

Nara took a breath, taking a moment to prepare the words this time. As she ran through them in her head, her eyes settled on her son, playing in the tall grass with Estelle, and a few other children of Toll. Haphazard flower jewellery adorned their wrists and hair as they chased one another, yelling and laughing.

“The Borlaaq tribe is composed solely of women” She started, eyes not leaving Erden as he sprinted to catch Estelle out. “Boys and men are not allowed within it. When a Son is born, we are to leave him within one year of his birth, whether that be in the arms of another, or… simply left to the Steppe”

“Nara…”

“It’s not common for women to leave the tribe to raise their sons, but nor is it unheard of. My own mother left for a time when her son was born. And I chose to leave to raise mine. But… one day I plan to return to the Steppe, to be with my sisters again”

She glanced over to Wren, who motioned for her to continue.

“I don’t plan to leave for some time, not until Erden is old enough to fend for himself. But even still, it would bring me peace to know someone is watching out for him”

“And you decided to lead this heartfelt request with ‘Hey, you know how we’ll all die before you?”

“Oh, shush you!” She knocked his arm, a light giggled mixing with his more hearty laughter. In the distance, Erden perked up, alerted to his mother’s laughing, giving Estelle time to escape. “It’ll give me peace that he’d have someone throughout everything. And I’m sure others would be glad if you kept an eye out for Estelle too, considering her predicament is similar to yours”

“A predicament I wouldn’t wish for someone who’s already lost so much. But you needn’t worry Nara. Even if you hadn't asked, I would have looked out for them - if for no other reason than to give you all less reason to haunt me when I’m old and lonely”

Nara’s smile was radiant, a weight lifted off her shoulders. The thought of leaving her son had weighed heavy on her mind for some time, increasing with each birthday passed. Despite the jokes, she didn’t doubt Wren’s veracity.

She didn’t get a chance to thank him, before said son barreled into her side. His grin could only be described as infectious, as he hooked a small loop of flowers around her horn.

“What are you laughing about Ma?”

“Oh, Wren just poked some fun at me pumpkin, that’s all”

Erden’s eyes seemed to light up, turning to Wren. 

“Are you doing anything right now uncle Wren?”

“Uh, no, I guess?”

“Do you want to play tag?”

“I mean I should probably go back - oh, no, we’re off. Bye Nara!”

Nara laughed heartily as she watched Erden drag Wren away, the latter waving as he submitted to his fate as ‘it’. Yes, She thought, they’ll be in good hands.

[cursedprincesarchive]

How Flora and Mirian Die

Evenings have been quieter since Lyssa left. Both Mirian and her wife pretend not to notice the way they still leave space at the table for their daughter, or how Mirian keeps cooking too much food for the two of them to eat alone. They still talk, still eat, and still sit in their garden to watch the sun slip below the horizon; but a strange emptiness weighs on both of them. They know why she left. Hell, after the initial panic of finding their child’s bed empty and her belongings gone, they even agreed it was for the best. Mirian and Flora had already been planning to move their family far away from Everglade before Lyssa turned eighteen. Alder had made it very clear he intended to go through with his threats and had only gotten bolder as Lyssa approached that dreaded age. She was a smart child, she must have picked up on her parents’ plans. Mirian only wishes that their last conversation hadn’t been an argument over Lyssa’s sudden desire to study pyromancy of all things. If Flora hadn’t allowed that stranger to stay on their property, Lyssa would’ve never found a desire to study that accursed art. If Mirian had just stayed calm when Lyssa brought it up, maybe she wouldn’t have felt the need to leave in the middle of the night without even a goodbye. If they had just-

“Do you want tea?” Flora’s voice startles Mirian out of her reflection; and she turns towards her wife, who is standing by the stove with a kettle clutched in her hands.

“Yes, I do. Thank you, love.”

Flora nods; and starts placing wood into the stove, when a knocking at their door causes both women to whip their heads towards the sound. Mirian walks to the door, grabbing her broadsword from its mount on the way. It never hurts to be careful these days. As she peers through the small peephole on the door, she lets out an annoyed groan; and marches back to the kitchen table, still holding her sword. 

“It’s Alder again.” Mirian sits down at the table and places the sword across her knees. That man had been coming to their house at least once a week since Lyssa’s eighteenth birthday. The first time he showed up, Mirian relished the look of frustration and confusion on his face when she got to tell him that Lyssa had been gone for months. As if the idiot had believed her and Flora’s daughter would have been waiting to turn herself over to him like a sacrificial lamb. Lyssa’s departure enraged him so severely that Mirian had had to escort him off their property with the help of her blade. For all his posturing, Alder was a coward. He knew he couldn’t beat Mirian in combat; a backwoods hunter with passable archery skills and subpar swordsmanship was no match for an experienced cleric. Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped him from harassing her and Flora for the past seven months. All they could do was wait until he got too tired to continue, or passed out drunk on their front porch. Killing him would just give the rest of the village an excuse to turn against her and Flora, and Mirian’s attempt to talk to Juniper about this had ended in nothing but frustration. 

“He’s a good man, and a pillar of this community. A father’s love for his daughter is very strong, you have to understand that Lyssa put him through a lot when she attacked Sage,” Juniper had said. Since she was the leader of Everglade, her word was law. It was clear whose side she would take if Alder ever acted on his threats. 

“LET ME IN! I CAN’T REACH YOUR BITCH DAUGHTER, BUT SOMEONE HAS TO PAY FOR WHAT SHE DID TO SAGE!” Alder continues to pound on their door as he spews threats. Mirian clenches her jaw and resists the urge to throw open the door and run the fool through with her blade. He’ll leave on his own eventually, as he always does. 

“Mirian?” Flora’s voice contains a tinge of fear as she looks out the kitchen window, “he’s not alone this time.” 

Mirian gets up from the table and joins her wife at the window. Laurel, Iris, and Basil are standing at their back door. All three of them are armed with an assortment of farming tools, but more concerning is that Basil has propped a cart against the back door, preventing it from opening. Mirian feels a growing sense of unease. Even Alder knows that these three would be next to useless in a fight against anyone with combat training so why would he-

Wait. They’re not here to fight, the weapons are probably just for their peace of mind. Those three are here for one thing, to stop Mirian and Flora from leaving. Alder has something planned. 

As if on cue, Alder stops pounding on the door. The brief silence that follows is filled with tension. Mirian leans towards Flora and whispers, her voice filled with urgency, “Go to my studio, and move the kiln away from the wall so you can leave that way. I’ll be right behind-“

CRASH

The entire house seems to shake as something hits the door. The door is solid wood, so it holds; but Mirian knows that it won’t last through too many more attacks. She also knows that there is no possible way Alder is doing this alone. He’s found someone to help him. Someone much stronger than him, if the repeated blows to the door are any indication. Mirian moves towards the door, ready to intercept whoever is on the other side. Flora is frozen in fear, still holding the kettle she had been planning to use to make tea. 

As the crashing continues, Mirian notices the door begin to splinter underneath the repeated attacks; and with one final strike, it collapses inwards. Standing on the other side is a towering figure, clad in black robes and wielding a massive flanged mace. A Pardoner. Shit. Alder must have found one that was willing to do mercenary work for the right price. Sure enough, standing behind the Pardoner is Alder, wearing a smug grin that makes Mirian’s skin crawl. The Pardoner advances silently towards her, raising their mace for an attack; and Mirian snaps her eyes away from Alder’s face and towards her opponent. 

Mirian blocks the Pardoner’s first strike with her broadsword, sending a spike of pain up her arms and into her shoulders that almost makes her drop the blade. This bastard is strong, directly blocking their attacks will only wear her down. So she focuses on dodging. Strong as they are, this Pardoner’s skills leave much to be desired. Every attack is predictable, their movements announcing where they will swing so obviously that they might as well be shouting out each attack seconds before it hits. If her and Flora’s lives weren’t in danger, Mirian would laugh at how inexperienced this person was. 

“No wonder Alder was able to hire them, they probably came at a discount.” Mirian thinks to herself with a smirk. Dodge. Parry. Backstep. Wait until one of their wild swings gets their mace stuck in the wall, then strike while they’re wrenching the weapon free. It’s been years since Mirian has had to fight a human opponent, but she falls back into the rhythm of mortal combat with practiced ease. Her heartbeat is rushing through her ears, and the memories of hundreds of fights flash through her head. In her prime, she would’ve been able to win this fight with her eyes closed. 

But Mirian isn’t in her prime; and even as she flawlessly twists out of the way of yet another wide swing, she can feel old injuries flaring up in pain. Her knees and hips haven’t been the same since the attack that left her half dead on Flora’s doorstep, and as she’s gotten older she’s even had to start using a cane on bad days. If this fight drags out too long, her body will betray her before her opponent can even land a blow. She has to find an opening for a decisive strike, and soon. Killing has never been Mirian’s preferred way to end a fight, but mercy is far from her mind at the moment. She strikes at her opponent’s leg, causing them to stumble to one knee and giving her the opportunity to move back and survey the situation. Pardoner robes aren’t the most protective garments, so her broadsword will penetrate them easily; but wherever she strikes will have to be an instant kill. Getting in close enough for a good hit puts her within range of the mace, and she’s found over the years that brutes like this tend to keep swinging for a few seconds even after you run them through. 

“The head then. Or right through the heart. I can’t afford to let them take me down, I still need to dispatch Alder after this.” Mirian readies her blade as the Pardoner starts to heave themself to their feet, when a sudden scream from behind her causes her to turn towards-

Flora.

In her efforts not to get her head caved in by a mace, Mirian had let Alder escape her notice; and he had taken full advantage of that. Flora drops the kettle to the ground with a loud clang as she clutches her shoulder, one of Alder’s arrows firmly lodged just below her collarbone. As Mirian watches her beloved wife’s face twist in pain, all thoughts of the Pardoner leave her mind. She turns to move towards Flora, her thoughts racing. 

“It’s not a fatal wound, if I can get to her I can heal her. Then I’ll kill Alder and keep the Pardoner busy long enough for her to escape out by the kiln. Even if I die, she’ll survive and-“ 

Before Mirian can even take a full step toward Flora, the unthinkable happens. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see Alder nock another arrow and send it flying. Mirian is helpless to watch, standing mere feet away, as the arrow buries itself in Flora’s throat. Flora’s eyes go wide and she stumbles backwards, collapsing against the kitchen counter. Mirian screams as she watches her wife’s blood splatter onto the floor of the house they had shared for the past twenty-eight years. Her racing thoughts screech to a halt, and the world around her seems to fade away. Mirian’s blood runs cold; but as she continues to move towards Flora, a familiar fire rises in her chest. It’s been decades since she’s used her magic for anything other than healing, but now she once again calls upon Flann to aid her in combat. A shockwave of magical energy erupts from her body, knocking Alder and the Pardoner onto the floor and shaking the walls of the house with divine power. Mirian barely notices the cracks forming in the walls as she runs over to her wife. The instant she reaches her, she casts the strongest healing spell she knows; but deep down she knows it won’t work. Flora’s green eyes are dull, and no healing spell can reach her now. Still, love overpowers logic; and Mirian tries again and again to heal her wife’s lifeless corpse. By the time she comes back to herself enough to realize what she’s doing, her hands are coated in Flora’s blood. She doesn’t even have the energy to sob, simply clutching her wife’s face and praying that this is all some horrible dream. 

The sound of movement behind her brings her attention back to her surroundings; and she turns around just in time to see Alder run out the front door, fleeing like the rotten coward he is. Mirian screams with rage and hauls herself to her feet, ignoring the agony that radiates from her hips and knees. There is only one thought on her mind now. 

Revenge. 

Her vision seems to narrow, focusing only on Alder’s retreating back. As Mirian moves towards the front door, intending to run Alder down and bury her broadsword into his skull; she is suddenly stopped in her tracks by the sensation of cold steel in her gut. In her rage, she hadn’t noticed the Pardoner rising to their feet; and now their mace is buried in her stomach. Mirian lets out a strangled cry as her opponent rips their mace out, winding up for a finishing strike. Anger numbs her to the pain of her wound, and she can feel her magic rising up inside of her again. Mirian knows this will be the last spell she ever casts. She can feel her body going numb, and she knows enough about injuries to realize that the gaping wound in her abdomen will take her to join Flora soon enough. So she pours all of her remaining energy into her next spell, casting magic she’s only used a few times before in her life. 

Divine energy falls from above her, blasting holes in the roof as it crashes down around Mirian. The Pardoner is caught in the middle of one pillar, and Mirian watches in spiteful satisfaction as they disintegrate with an agonized scream. She can even hear screaming from the back of the house, and she assumes that one of the villagers who had come to help Alder has gotten caught in the blast as well. As the light fades, Mirian finally notices the damage that the magic had done to her house. The walls are cracking, and sections of the roof are starting to cave in around the holes her spell had made. She can feel her body going cold, and standing up is no longer possible as her blood continues to coat the floor around her. As her consciousness fades in and out, her thoughts drift to Lyssa. Mirian hopes that she will be happy, wherever she ends up. That her and Flora’s daughter found peace in a place that would accept her in the way Everglade never did. She sends one final prayer to Flann, that her daughter will live a long and healthy life; and will find happiness that lasts for as long as she lives. 

As the house collapses around her, Mirian uses the last of her energy to turn her head towards Flora, her final thoughts being of the woman she loves. 

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

The town seemed to reach a silent agreement to never talk about what transpired that day. After Alder ran away from Mirian and Flora’s house, he went to the sacred grove and chopped down Flora’s tree; throwing its remains into his carrion pit and leaving the stump in the ground to rot. A few villagers protested this; it’s one thing to kill her, but to fully disregard the funeral rites seemed excessive. Juniper quickly silenced any protest with reassurances that Flora wasn’t truly part of the village; she had married an outsider, and brought an outsider child into their community. While no one continued to vocally dissent, a few villagers snuck to Flora and Mirian’s house one night; and buried the women next to each other in their back garden. The village moved on soon after; no one ever outright spoke of what happened that bloody evening. Sometimes whispered words would be exchanged over drinks, or a more sympathetic villager would drive a traveler away with cryptic warnings about how outsiders were handled. Everglade retained the facade of a peaceful village, and anyone who ever asked about the ruined house on the outskirts of town with two graves in the backyard was dismissed. Life continued as usual for Everglade, for a few more years at least.

[paulallensbodyspray]

A Letter to My Best Friend on Her 21st Birthday

Hey Hannah,

In five short days it would've been your 21st birthday, I always wondered what sort of trouble we would get into had I gotten the opportunity to party with you. I know by the end of the night we'd be crawling on some floor- probably laughing and cringing at some childhood memory of us doing something horribly stupid- though we probably would've embarrassed ourselves more that night than we ever did as kids.

I have to wonder, because our spectacular celebration will never come. You deserved a normal young adulthood, to go to college, to travel all over, to do what you wanted to do- for yourself and nobody else. I am so fucking sorry you never got that opportunity because you deserved it more than anyone else, more than me or any of our friends. I always ask myself that if it had to happen, why couldn't of it have happened to me- out of the two of us you should have lived, you had so much to give the world, things I cannot.

I also wonder other things, did you know you were going to die? Are you mad at me for the choices I've made since you died? Do you even exist anymore or are you truly all in that box? I can't ask anyone these questions, nor can I tell them the guilt I've been carrying around since you've passed- I wish I had been a better friend, or knew how to say the right thing always. I'm scared that my constant worrying made you resent me, or feel like you couldn't tell me the truth, I was trying so hard to save you and I don't think I did nearly enough listening.

I listen more now, I've become a lot more withdrawn, I don't think that my presence does much for a lot of people's lives and I also know that the less people I interact with, the less people I can accidentally hurt- but I also just don't want to 'replace' you. I've refused to get close with another girl since you've died, I don't need another best friend, I need you, and sometimes I think that if I scream your name loud enough you'll hear me, that if I stare at my phone long enough, you'll eventually call.

I say it all the time but I want to reiterate- I would do anything to hear your voice one last time, to listen to your laugh, to smell your perfume, to help you look through your purse to find a lighter, to see your freckles grow darker on your face in the summer. I'd go through it all again, the fights, the laughs, the crying, the anger, the love if it meant I could see you one last time. For some reason I have a feeling we'll meet again, but I wish it could be sooner rather than later.

So, wherever you are Hannah, enjoy your 21st, enjoy being at peace and free of pain. I hope you can feel the overwhelming amount of love that we all have for you, I hope that you hear us each time we say your name. I hope you know that you are my biggest inspiration to continue on. You changed me for the better when I met you, I wouldn't be who I am if we were never friends, you gave me confidence to be myself- I believe that's the greatest thing you could ever do for someone.

You changed my life, so no matter how many times I slip and fall, don't worry about me, I'll keep the party going on down here until we meet again.

Love your bestest friend,

Lexi Moore

[wonwoonlight]

Hi, Wonwoo | Jeon Wonwoo

➝ Wonwoo x fem!Reader

➝ word count: 7400~ words.

➝ slice of life // strangers to lovers // slow-paced romance

➝ inspired by: The Reason Why I Thought I'd Die - Mika Nakashima, and this was actually requested by anon ^^ also, The Only Exception by Paramore. Was listening to Chaeng's cover of it on youtube while i was working on this and i just realized it fits haha

➝ warning: some cursing, food, Wonwoo is v alone D:, that's about it i think? lmk if there's more.

A/N: hi, guys! been so long since i posted a long one? frankly, I've been working on this since somewhere during May and the plan was to finish it and post it on Wonwoo's birthday. but well, there was certain conditions that didnt allow me to write and...here we are ^^ honestly, I am not too sure about this fic because it's very... slice of life? i guess? there's nothing really exciting going on, i feel like. but anyway! i'm pretty happy w how this turns out and i hope you like it too.

The reason why I thought I'd die is because my shoelace got undone

And I'm not good at connecting things together, the same goes with human relationships

Wonwoo has gotten so many shits by engaging in human interactions that he completely believes there’s really no one out there that he can lean on, let alone trust.

From his fucked-up parents, schoolmates who always said shit about him because of them, to teachers who did nothing to stop them, Wonwoo basically has no one in his side. He did, once, a friend who ended up betraying his trust for a show.

Wonwoo doesn’t wish to think about him ever again.

After that, Wonwoo has decided once is enough. There’s no need to risk his trust once more only to be broken later on because it’s such a waste of his time and energy. It might seem like a big leap after meeting a bad friend once, but Wonwoo would rather not take a risk.

There are exactly 2 things in his life that Wonwoo’s grateful for: being a part of broken family is rough, but Wonwoo’s thankful at least he’s an only child so he can just leave once he’s old enough without having to worry about a sibling that he has to take on.

Next, he’s also grateful that he knows better than to follow the steps of his alcoholic father nor his mother who’s practically a con. Despite seeing them and their shitty tendencies for about half of his life, Wonwoo’s grateful his moral stays intact even though his faith in humanity doesn’t.

Today, the list gets an addition after years of staying still.

Wonwoo’s grateful that he finally has enough money to move from the basement he has resided for years since he ran away from home—a very humble place that he was able to rent out of the little money he had managed to save up from working part time here and there once he’s in high school.

That said, Wonwoo’s been living there for at least 6 years now; he couldn’t afford a better place during university even though he’s earned a lot more than before because he had to pay for university stuffs despite his scholarship. Even so, Wonwoo doesn’t look back once he finds a much better place with a fairly cheap rent even though it’s a little far off the city.

Anything’s better than this hellhole that always reminds him of his pathetic life, than this place that brings back memories of his parents because they’re the only reason he’s living in that basement to begin with.

Wonwoo lets out a scoff at the thought; living is such a big word. He does not live, Wonwoo just survives—not live. But it’s okay because he doesn’t see why he should get out of his way to live. He’s just going to continue surviving until his body gives up, no catch whatsoever. It’s a little empty, but he has decided it’s better than temporary happiness with future disappointment looming over him after some time.

Wonwoo looks up at the building in front of him with a full backpack and a medium carrier in tow, there aren’t much stuffs to move because he doesn’t have a lot to begin with. The only thing he has moved first prior to the final moving day is his blanket and two worn-out paddings because they would take a lot of space in his bag if he didn’t move them first.

He walks up the stairs, because the building doesn’t have an elevator and his place is just on the 5th floor. He’d just consider this a work out and be done with it. Wonwoo doesn’t have the luxury of complaining, after all.

“Hello,” a soft voice calls to him when he’s looking through his backpack for his key.

Wonwoo wordlessly stares and assumes you’re his new neighbor, not that it matters. He has no plan on making friends or even acquaintances with anyone here. Why should he? You just happen to stay in the same building, that’s it.

“Are you the new neighbor?” you ask again, still smiling despite Wonwoo’s silence. So, he nods out of courtesy as he continues to rummage through his bag for his key. “I live two doors next to yours, don’t hesitate to knock if you ever need help, okay?”

Another silence.

You leave after telling him your name, already knowing he won’t give yours. Once he comes in and settles on his mattress, Wonwoo wonders when was the last time someone has ever told him it’s nice to meet him.

It’s been two weeks since Wonwoo moves to this building and he has caught you five more times since that first encounter. You never miss to greet him a ‘hi’ accompanied with a smile even though Wonwoo never answers back.

Wonwoo isn’t sure what about your smile that always makes his days a little more bearable.

The sixth time Wonwoo sees you, it’s because your knocking on his door wakes him up from his nap on a weekend.

“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you.” Your smile is a little different this time, he notices, a little embarrassed and hesitant compared to your sweet, confident smile you usually use to greet him. “But… can you help me? My sink is leaking a little and I’m not sure how to fix it. I usually ask Mr. Kim down the hall but he’s out of town and, uh, yeah.”

Wonwoo still doesn’t say anything, but he’s not an asshole and the old basement he’s used to live in has taught him how to fix leaking sinks more than he would’ve liked. So, he just silently walks away to get some tools he thinks he’d need and then puts on his shoes before he wordlessly stands in front of you, giving you a silent sign that he’s going to help.

There’s no loss in helping someone who’s genuinely smiled at him more than anyone ever does.

You just kind of fidget as he goes to fix the leak on your sink, but Wonwoo realizes it’s not the same uncomfortable way people usually do in his presence. You’re just a little awkward and somewhat unsure; there’s no sign of you feeling uncomfortable.

When Wonwoo’s done, he tries the sink a few more time to make sure the leaking has stopped and then nods at you once he’s sure all is good.

“Thank you so much.” There goes your usual smile, Wonwoo notes to himself. “I… uhh…”

He looks at you in question, wondering if there are other problems that need fixing.

“I… just finished cooking earlier and I think I made too much so, uhh, would you like to eat some? Or maybe take some with you? As a thank you and apology for bothering you?”

Wonwoo blinks, the corner of lips lifting in the slightest at the way you’re flustered for no reason at all. He immediately coughs to cover it, though, probably the most sound you’ve ever heard from.

You seem to get that Wonwoo’s about to reject, so you quickly turn away to get another plate and move some of the fried rice from your pan to the plate and hand it to him.

“Just… put the plate in front of my door when you’re done, okay?” you tell him.

When he gets back to his apartment, Wonwoo puts down the plate on the small table where he usually eats at. He simply stares at the fried rice in front of him, your smile and your words of gratitude ringing through his mind. As if on cue, his stomach starts to rumble out of hunger.

He sighs before he finally gives in to his hunger. Wonwoo doesn’t want to owe anyone anything, but you did say this is your way of saying thank you because he’s helped fixing your sink. He’ll just take your kindness this one time and move on from it.

Why should he starve himself when there’s a perfectly cooked meal in front of him?

Once he’s done with his food, it is only then that Wonwoo tries to remember when was the last time he’s eaten a homecooked meal.

He can’t.

The next time he sees you, Wonwoo has just got back from his grocery shopping. You’re looking at the box in front of you, biting your lip as you ponder silently to yourself. Wonwoo assumes you’re thinking about how to carry the big box in front of you full of baking supplies. He knows those weight a lot from a part time job he did once upon a time.

You turn to him when you realize someone’s beside you. He thinks you’ll say something about the heavy weight in front of you, maybe hint at him to help you with it. But you just let out a ‘Hi’ with a smile before proceeding to pick it up yourself and walk with the heavy load with wobbling legs.

Wonwoo doesn’t even realize he’s caught up with you, doesn’t know what pushes him to tap your shoulder and holds out his arm to take the box from you.

You stare at him, confused, but Wonwoo simply takes it from you and hands you his much lighter grocery bag.

“Oh—oh, thank you,” you say, and Wonwoo can tell you feel bad for making him do this. “I ordered these online and I forgot to think about carrying them upstairs.”

The walk up has been a bit awkward for you, but Wonwoo guesses it’s because you, much like any other people, feel the need to fill silence. He doesn’t see the need to do so, he’s just going to consider this as an extra exercise and leave it there. Plus, you do live in the same floor, anyway.

And, if he’s being completely honest, he still feels the need to give you something back for making him eat a proper homecooked meal after so long.

“I can take it inside,” you smile again at him, the same sweet smile he’s already used to now. He wonders what makes you never stop smiling at him despite his consistency of never returning them. “Thank you…”

“Wonwoo,” he says, surprising not only you but also himself.

You give him another smile, something close to a grin, a bigger one than before. “Thank you, Wonwoo.”

Wonwoo has never heard someone say his name with so much gentleness until right now.

A few days later, he opens his door only to find a paper bag hung on his door knob from the outside. He opens it to find a plastic container with breads in it, a yellow post-it plastered on top.

Wonwoo doesn’t.

Hi, Wonwoo!

Thank you for helping me the other day.

I purposely baked a lot so I can give you some ^^

Take this as a token of gratefulness?

You can give me back the container when you’re finished :D

p.s. I hope you like chocolate?

He doesn’t like anything sweet in general.

Not until he eats the bread filled with chocolate later that afternoon during his lunch break and many more after that.

For whatever reason, you have made this a habit that Wonwoo isn’t sure what to make of.

At least once a week you’d knock on his door and give him food, telling him you made too much once again. And twice a week, you’d leave the product of your baking on his door with different post-its on top of the container.

It’s the most someone has taken care of him and he doesn’t know what to do.

But he does know those post-its always lift the corner of his lips even a little and reading them becomes a therapeutic action he does everyday. He keeps them all neatly in his little notebook, gluing them with a tape. He’d randomly open a page to see which one of your writing would greet him that day before he ready himself for bed.

All of your memo starts the same, with a ‘Hi, Wonwoo!’ and it’s kind of crazy that Wonwoo can imagine your smile and your voice everytime he reads them. He frowns as he wonders if you do this to other people, too.

Hi, Wonwoo!

This one’s not chocolate but sugar :D

though I still don’t know if you like chocolate?

anyway, I hope you enjoy these

bc theyre experimental ;;

He shakes himself at the thought.

What on earth did he let himself into?

The first time your smile doesn’t comfort Wonwoo is when he finds you drenched from head to toe as he goes out to put his trash bag in front of his door so he doesn’t forget to throw them away tomorrow.

It’s been raining hard since earlier and your condition only proves that further. He accidentally catches your eyes, but you just forcefully smile at him as you pass by.

He sees your step halting as the thunder roars loudly anad you visibly flinch. From where he’s at, he can see the way your palms are balling into fists.

Before he knows it, he’s standing in front of you, not knowing what to say nor what to do. He can safely assume why your body reacts that way earlier and, if anything, the lightning that bursts through the night once again only proves his theory right when you step closer to him out of reflex.

“Do you…” he hesitantly says, letting his body work first and think later. Maybe it’s the amount of time you’ve shown genuine interest in him, or the way you treat him kindly without hoping anything in return. Whatever it is, seeing you like this tugs something within him. “Should I accompany you until the rain stops?”

You sniff slightly, both from the cold and your fear of thunder. “Please?”

He quickly locks his door then follows you to your place. You tell him to sit down while you go wash up, your voice the smallest he has ever heard you speak. You’ve asked him to turn on the heater earlier, so he does exactly that before settling awkwardly on the sofa.

Why did he even offer to stay with you? What could he even do to comfort you?

Wonwoo groans from the inside, what does he even know about comfort? Didn’t he promise himself he’s not going to waste his time engaging in this... human relationships ever again?

Sure, you’ve been kind to him more than anyone ever has—even more than the guy Wonwoo used to call friend before, but that doesn’t mean it’s a green light to let you into his life.

Who knows if you’re kind to everyone and he’s just one of many? Who knows if he’s just a charity case to you? His heart aches a little at the thought, but he figures if you’re really treating him like a charity case, at least you’re not using him for anything.

He sighs at the realization and rubs his face with his palms. What the fuck is wrong with him, thinking about a girl he barely knows just because she’s been giving him food?

“I’m sorry to drag you into this,” your voice breaks his chain of thoughts, and Wonwoo automatically turns to where you’re at; your hair still wet from the shower and you’re wearing a long pajama pants with a sweater that’s probably a size too big for you. “I just… I don’t have a good relationship with thunder.”

Wonwoo simply nods—because what else is he supposed to say? Is he supposed to ask why?

“I’ll just… dry my hair first,” you say again, opening the door next to the bathroom to get into your room.

Your place is more or less identical as his; the kitchen near the front door, and then next to it is the door to the bathroom, then there’s another door that leads to the bedroom. Other than your room, Wonwoo can see everything from where he’s sitting at in the supposedly living room.

He hears the faint sound of hairdryer, wondering once again what is he doing here. If he thinks about it, it is really pretentious of him to ask if you want his company. He has never even really spoken to you before this, only nods of acknowledgements and a few ‘thank you’ on the rare days that you catch him putting the paper bag with your plastic container in it on your doorknob.

But there’s just something about your defeated smile earlier that pulls the string of his heart; something that he hasn’t felt in so long. Wonwoo doesn’t think he has the right to pity others when his own life isn’t grand to say the least. He barely even has his life together—only getting by. Yet when he sees your state earlier, he can’t help but feel like he wants to do something to help.

He snickers inwardly at the thought; he doesn’t even have any plan to better his life and he wants to help you?What a joke.

“Hi Wonwoo,” your usual greeting calls him, once again pulling him out of his thought. “Thank you for offering to stay with me.”

“Um, yeah,” he exclaims dumbly. What the fuck is he supposed to say in this situation? He doesn’t think there’s ever a time in his life where he’s comforting other people, let alone having other people comfort him. Jeon Wonwoo has little to no reference whatsoever.

You seem to get it, though. Because you don’t look annoyed, at least not to his eyes. For reasons that Wonwoo doesn’t understand, you don’t seem to be bothered by his inability to engage in a conversation; which is a first because everyone always gets annoyed and that’s how he has managed to keep them out of his life.

But not you, apparently.

“I’m… I’ve always been scared of thunder,” you say again, breaking the silence. “I’m not even sure how I come into it, but they just scare me so much that I’d always need someone with me during rainstorms.”

“Uh,” he starts hesitantly after he clears his throat. “What… do you usually do about it?”

You seem like you’re hesitant to tell him, so Wonwoo stays silent and hope you get that he doesn’t mind if you don’t want to tell him. “I try to distract myself. But as long as there’s someone beside me, it’s enough comfort even if the fear is still there. So, thank you, really. You being here is already comforting me.”

His throat tightens at your words, Wonwoo’s been called a lot of names before, has been told a lot of things to the point where he’s immune to insults from years of receiving them unprovoked. But no one has ever told him he’s their comfort and he has never expected to be called as such, too.

Even right now, Wonwoo’s doing nothing but sit beside you in silence. It doesn’t make sense that you’re thanking him for comforting you.

“I know you probably think you haven’t done anything,” you say as if you can read his mind. “But trust me when I say your presence brings comfort to me more than you’d imagine.”

Wonwoo doesn’t trust you, but he pretends to nod in understanding because there’s a gentle smile in your face as you look at him in the eyes.

The rain is still falling hard outside and he can still feel the chilly air despite the heater, and yet, Wonwoo feels warm inside.

No one ever smiles at him as warmly as you do.

When Wonwoo comes to, it’s morning and the rain hasn’t stopped—they’re just drizzle, though, making the atmosphere a little cold but pleasingly so. He cracks his neck a little, his back also hurting from sleeping while sitting down. Did he fall asleep on the sofa?

“Good morning?” a voice calls to him from the side. “I’m sorry for making you stay the night. But thank you for staying with me.”

Wonwoo turns to the voice and finds you looking at him with a hesitant smile and… is that a hint of red your cheeks? He rubs the sleep away from his eyes, he must’ve just imagined it.

He stands up, figuring it’s okay now and he can go back to his place. Thank God it’s weekend.

“Would…” you stop him from walking to the door. “Would it be okay if you stay and have breakfast with me? I’ve made some already.”

Wonwoo glances at the plates on the table, a stack of pancakes visible from where he’s at. Wonwoo is a pretty simple man, he does what he likes and not do what he doesn’t like. Right now, he doesn’t like the way you’re fidgeting, as if afraid he’ll say no.

So Wonwoo nods and sits down next to you on the small dining table. He’s surprised to find himself answering your questions about his job and whatnots, small talks that he usually avoids but now doesn’t have the heart to because you don’t seem like you’re asking just for the sake of it.

He’s also surprised to find himself enjoying this time he shares with you. He’s found out that you work in a bakery, hence why you often bake and give him some because he ‘looks like someone who’ll appreciate it’. He’s also found that you’re bad at eating spicy food despite liking them with all your heart, that you play with your thumbs when you’re nervous, and that your lips jut forward when you’re too deep in thought.

It all happens so naturally to the point where he doesn’t even realize it’s a routine for you to knock on his door and bring food to have dinner in his place and for him to go look for you when the rain starts falling a little too hard.

He doesn’t realize that his gaze often stays a few seconds too long when looking at you, that his skin tingles everytime you’re close to him, that he has started to mirror your smile everytime you give him one.

“Why do you not smile?” you’ve asked one day after eating with him a few more times, assuming you’re now close enough not to offend him.

Wonwoo shrugs, stirring the instant noodle in front of him. “Just not used to it, I guess.”

By now, you’ve probably sensed he is all by himself, that he doesn’t have anyone with him and there’s a reason why he was skeptical about letting you in at the beginning. Thankfully, you never ask about it and never bring it up. Wonwoo’d like to think it’s your way of accepting that part of him.

You frown at his answer, unsure how to reply to that. “Well, get used to it.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to see you smile?”

Your words make his heart skips a beat, a feeling that he’s very unfamiliar with, but Wonwoo brushes it away and chooses not to dwell on it. He forces his lips to go up even though his eyes are blank, and you laugh at his forced smile. “Not like that!”

“That’s the best I can do.” He shrugs again nonchalantly before he digs in to his bowl. You’ve stayed silent at that, and when Wonwoo looks up at you again, you’re staring at him with something close to determination. “What?”

“I’ll make it my mission to make you smile,” you say very seriously, crossing your arms in front of your chest as if to make a point that you’re not playing around. “Maybe even laugh.”

Wonwoo lets out an incredulous scoff at that, not believing you’d take it so seriously. It’s not one that makes you feel bad, though, just enough to let you know he’s amused.

“Oh?” you exclaim with an excited grin. “See? That’s close to a smile already. I will succeed, I’m telling you.”

And you do, barely two weeks later, because how can he not smile when you profusely apologize to the point where you’re close to tears for falling into him on the stairs?

You’ve been too deep in your thoughts that you miss a step and, when you realize what’s happening, it’s way too late to catch your balance. Thankfully, Wonwoo’s on the right place in the right time, having just come in from work when he catches you blankly going down the stairs.

He’s just watched, wondering if he can catch your attention without doing anything. But when he notices your foot misses its hold, he’s quick to catch you in his embrace so he’d take the fall (though that’s exaggerating because he’s able to catch his balance with you in his arms). It has taken you a few seconds to realize what’s happened, hastily pulling away from him with panic as you make sure he’s fine.

You apologize over and over again, almost crying that Wonwoo has to calm you down and tell you all is fine. And he really is fine, because it’s not like he falls down, he just braces your weight and he manages not to fall backwards doing so.

What’s not fine, though, is the way he’s started to crave being in your proximity. It takes you almost falling down the stairs that he has no choice but pull you into his arms to realize he doesn’t simply enjoy your friendship. It only takes him that few seconds of closeness to keep him up at night, wondering how it feels to have you close to him everyday and night.

After that, you’ve started to use it as an excuse to eat with him practically everyday except for the days where he works late or you’re too tired from work. You’ve told him it’s your way of easing your guilt and you honestly say it gets lonely to eat by yourself now that you know Wonwoo’s just a few doors away, ready to accompany you.

He doesn’t say it, but he feels the loneliness too now if he’s eating by himself. And that’s not something that Wonwoo knows how to handle because he’s always been alone but never lonely. He’s always thought he’s content with himself, that he’s sick of other people and does not want to risk them wasting his time ever again. But now that he has you with him, he realizes that he never feels lonely because these people never really matter to him, hence the lack of affection or even emotion.

But you do. You matter too much and Wonwoo doesn’t know what he’d do if you suddenly walk out of his life like the handful figures in his life always do.

For the first time in his life, Wonwoo finds himself hoping someone would stay in his life.

“Wonwoo?” you call hesitantly as the guy stares off into space. “Wonwoo, are you okay?”

He’s been ignoring you for quite some time now and, even though you know Wonwoo tends to be quiet, you can tell this isn’t his usual silence. He’s agitated, his body is somewhat tense and his eyes are a little unfocused.

Since the moment you knock on his door to ask if you should order pizza because you’re not in the mood to cook, Wonwoo’s been a little off. You immediately ask if he’d like to be alone, because you know despite the way you’ve managed to close the gap between you and him, Wonwoo’s not there yet when it comes to talking about his feelings.

But Wonwoo has shaken his head and then proceeds to tell you that he, in fact, doesn’t want to be alone. That’s probably the most he has ever bared his feelings to you.

So, you stay.

Even though you might not understand completely and he might not even tell you what’s going on, you stay there just like the way he did before on that fateful night when the rain refused to stop and the thunder kept on striking.

You look at him worriedly, something that he misses because he’s too deep in his thought.

“Should we go outside?” you propose out of nowhere. “Get some snacks then walk around Han River or just the park nearby?”

Wonwoo looks at you with something that is close to confusion, which is something that he’s already used to by now because you often make him do things he never thought he would. The only reason he follows them through is because it’s you.

“It’s a beautiful night,” you shrug, your eyes go to the window as if to make a point and he follows your sight. “And we’ve never gone out, have we? Let’s go outside.”

Thirty minutes later, you’re sitting on a park nearby, sipping canned beers because Han River is actually too far away and you’re just sprouting it to convince Wonwoo to go outside. He hasn’t told you what’s happened, but you happily accept his silence as you whine about work in hope it will distract him even a little.

Wonwoo looks at you from the side, finally smiling a little because he can see what you’re trying to do now. No one has ever cared enough to do this to him before, and it’s not like he has ever let anyone get close enough to do this for him. His heart warms at the way you’re animatedly talking about some of your regulars at the bakery.

“I saw my father today,” he blurts out at last, and he can feel your surprised stare from the side even though he’s looking forward, gaze lost in the empty park. “He… came to my work place, though I don’t know how he found out where I work. Made a scene and asked for money.”

The tight smile in his face is one that you’ve never seen before, one that tells he’s in disbelief and he’s not the least bit amused. “The security actually had to call the police because he refused to leave.”

You reach for his shoulder, your thumb caressing the skin there through his hoodie in hope it will calm him down a little. “How are you feeling?”

Wonwoo looks down on his hands, all sorts of thoughts going through his mind. He’s always thought he’s indifferent regarding his parents, which is why he immediately left the house once he’s of legal age and saved enough money. He’s always thought he doesn’t have any sentiment towards them for him to hate them, he just wants to leave and be done with it.

But today has proved him wrong. He’s not sure if it’s the years he has spent not seeing his parents, or if it’s nothing but a shock reaction, but the sight of his father has brought him into distraught. What if he appears again? What if his dad shows up here and you realize you don’t want to be associated with someone like Wonwoo who has a lot of baggage behind him?

“I… don’t know,” Wonwoo answers truthfully, a sigh passes through his lips.

Jeon Wonwoo has never been good with emotions, mainly because he’s used to the void inside his heart and he’s unfamiliar with the concept of feeling…practically anything. The few stuffs that he’s familiar with are maybe annoyance, because his co-worker is nowhere near competent, thus Wonwoo ends up taking his share of works because their tasks are eventually linked to one another; or maybe frustration, because sometimes he just wants to go home quick and eat dinner with you but the meeting drags on.

And maybe… the tingling inside his chest everytime you smile up at him, or the way his inside churns everytime your finger brushes his.

“Mmm, let me rephrase that, then,” you say, your feet swinging slightly. “How did you feel when he showed up?”

“Mostly annoyed,” he says after a while, looking back down at you. “And then a little disoriented, because even though I’ve always known he’s a shitty person, I’d never thought he’d go out of his way to find me just to ask for money.”

You simply hum at his answer, still swinging your legs back and forth as you contemplate. Wonwoo takes this time to look at you carefully, he’s close enough to count the number of eyelashes if he wants, close enough to finally notice there’s a tiny mole near your lips.

Close enough to wonder what it would be like if your lips are against his.

“Are you not mad?” you cut off his thought with a question instead, and Wonwoo can feel his neck getting warm from embarrassment as if you’ve caught what he’s thinking. He takes a glance of your lips one more time before looking away, a second too long that he hopes you don’t notice.

Wonwoo’s silent for a while before he answers. This is the moment, he realizes. Wonwoo never talks about his family to you because he knows most people say stuffs like families are important, that blood relations are the strongest of them all, and that no matter what, family is family.

He thinks it’s utter bullshit to let people walk all over you just because you’re blood related; but he’s seen the way you fondly talk about your family though it isn’t often. He notices the gleam in your eyes and your happy grin when you say your brother is stupid because he randomly sends you meme with no context whatsoever, notices the way you replay videos of your niece who’s learning how to talk over and over again.

In short, you love your family with all your heart while his is not even functional in the tiniest bit. There would be differences in the way you and him see family, and Wonwoo’s afraid it would affect the relat—whatever’s going on between the two of you. He doesn’t want to ruin it; doesn’t want to lose you over something like this—or anything, for that matter.

A difference in principles isn’t as easily settled as difference in opinions. Wonwoo has never talked about his family not only because he doesn’t care about them enough to talk about them.; he has never talked about them because he doesn’t want to risk losing you.

“Not really… no,” he finally manages to let out. He’d have to face this hurdle sooner or later, might as well do it now while you’ve brought up the topic. “I… don’t care enough about my parents to be angry. For me, what happened was just some sort of a nuisance. But I guess it’s been long since I actually saw him and I was just kind of… distraught.”

Wonwoo braces himself for the family advices, readies himself for disappointment because there’s just no way someone as family-oriented as you are would get what he’s saying.

But you look up to him instead, pondering about something silently before you scoot closer and gently lays your head in his shoulder. Wonwoo tenses a little at the gesture, but doesn’t take long to relax once you put one of your hands on his arm and stroke the material of his hoodie in hope he’d let go of the tension.

He wonders if you’re trying to calm him down before dropping the bomb.

“I don’t love my family because they’re my family, you know?” you say carefully, and you can feel Wonwoo trying to take a look at your face in surprise. “I love my family because they’re good people, because they take care of me and I can tell they love me even though they annoy me sometimes.”

Wonwoo shifts a little in his seat, making you lean a little closer with the top of your head brushing the side of his neck.

He likes this. He likes this a lot.

“So, even though I…have never experienced it myself, I kind of get where you’re coming,” you continue. “I wouldn’t want to be with my family too if they didn’t treat me well. I get that you’re not giving them a free pass to walk over you just because they’re your family—your own parents at that, and I think… I think you’re so strong to be able to do that.”

This time, Wonwoo actually pulls away to see you with his own eyes; to see if you’re just saying it to comfort him even though he knows you’re not that kind of person. You let him be, staring back into his eyes as he searches your face.

When you’re certain Wonwoo’s not going to answer immediately, you dare yourself to reach up your hand and cup his cheek. He flinches a little, not used to the feeling of something so delicate against his skin. He wills himself to stay still, holds back the desire to close his eyes and lean in to your touch.

“You’ve… worked really hard, you know that, right?” you start again, this time without concealing your gaze elsewhere as you will yourself to keep on meeting his eyes. “I can only imagine how hard it must be for you; how lonely, too.”

He’s not really sure what prompts the stinging feeling in his eyes, not sure why his throat tightens and he tries his best to blink back the tears.

“I hate to imagine the amount of time you’ve spent by yourself, Woo.” His heart clenches a little at the nickname, one that slips out from time to time. There were times when he wanted to ask why do you call him Wonwoo sometimes and Woo at others, but he quickly set the question aside just in case it’d make you stop calling him that.

“And I know you’re used to it—that you’re… fine being alone. But I also know it was a rough way to get there. And even though I’m not aware how it came to that, I’m sure you must’ve been so strong to be able to get here by yourself. It’s not an easy feat, Woo. Not everyone can go through whatever you did all alone.”

Wonwoo takes a deep breath, somehow able to blink back the tears even though the knot in his throat is still there. He might not have a lot of experiences with people, but he knows what to expect when this type of topic is brought up. But, of course, you’re you and Wonwoo should’ve known you’d once again prove that you’re never what he expects you to be.

He has expected you telling him to try and talk his father; that he’s still family, after all. He has expected you to tell him to try to open up, that his tendency to keep to himself isn’t good for himself and he needs to go out more.

But this? It has never crossed his mind that anyone would say he’s strong­. Maybe pitiful, assumptions of his life being tragic and miserable when people somehow find out he’s alone with no family or friends.

“Thank you,” you whisper through the silence enveloping the both of you, Wonwoo much too overwhelmed to reply.

“For what?” he whispers back, now letting himself bask in the feeling of your palm against his cheek.

“For hanging in there and making it here,” you smile softly, your thumb caresses the apple of his cheek. For a moment there, Wonwoo is convinced all the stars in the night sky are reflected in your eyes. There’s absolutely no way that someone—you are looking at him like he’s the only thing that matters in the whole world, as if he’s someone to be treasured with everything that you’ve got. His mind must be playing tricks on him, what does he know about the way someone looks at another? “For coming into my life.”

In his whole life, Wonwoo firmly believes he was just one of those outcasted people meant to live his life alone. He has never expected anyone to come by and make his life better, has never tried to find that someone either. He has accepted that he’s going to live his life that way because what else could he do, anyway?

But of course, you happen. You step into his life and slowly turn the gears the other way, not to change his way of living—survivingto fit yours but to teach him how to live even a little. A change just enough to let him know that there is happiness he can find in little things like your smile, or your breads, or the dinner you share together even when you barely share words because you both are too tired.

That his life does not have to be so dim, after all, and he doesn’t need to achieve something big to be happy.

Wonwoo never aims for happiness; sometimes he laughs at the occasion TV shows he happens to catch on boring days, sometimes he’d smile at the stray cats he sees on the side of the street as he pats them softly on the head, sometimes he’d be amused at the words from the book he’s currently reading. That’s about his relationship with happiness before. He hasn’t expected to be happy and he’s never sought it himself.

Obviously, that, too, changes once you’ve made your way in. Wonwoo often finds himself smiling at the thought of you, often opens his notebook full of your post-its to cheer him up during particularly bad nights, often waits for you to knock on his door and ask him to eat dinner together.

Most importantly, Wonwoo often stares at your selfie in his phone that you have taken as a joke through his locked lock screen. He figures you must’ve thought he’d delete it immediately once he’s found the picture. But he also figures you’d have no way of knowing he still keeps that picture in his phone and finds himself smiling when he opens his gallery justto take a look at your smile during random times.

“Can I kiss you?” he asks instead, his voice so deep and so small—barely even a whisper.

The words startle not only you but Wonwoo himself. For a second there, he wonders where did the courage come from. But, then again, it has been a very emotional night for him. He’s overwhelmed with all sorts of feelings and this is probably the most Wonwoo ever has to deal with them.

Thus, he’s probably not right in the head.

But you give him a small nod and, before he knows it, he’s already leaning forward to meet your lips. Wonwoo has never felt so warm inside, has never thought it was possible to feel content to this extend—or at all. But that’s what he’s feeling right now and, as if he’s not dysfunctional enough already, he can feel the circuits of his brain going out when your fingers move from his cheek to the side of his neck, and finally settling on his shoulders after trailing fire down his skin in the most pleasant way imaginable.

The kiss feels both so quick and so long; his arms have somehow wounded themselves around your waist and when you pull apart, you immediately dive into his neck to hide your embarrassment just so you can avoid his inspecting eyes. Unexpectedly, the sound of his laughter rings through the empty park and you softly hit his chest even though you can feel that Wonwoo’s neck also getting warm from embarrassment.

“Don’t laugh!” you mumble in his hold, your voice muffled by the material of his hoodie.

“Didn’t you say it was your mission to make me laugh?” he jokingly reminds you, and then winces a little when you pinch him by the waist to shut him up.

He wants to say that it’s him that should thank you; that it’s him who should be thanking you for coming into his life despite his initial skepticism, for always smiling at him even though he didn’t even return them back at first, for taking care of him with the gentlest heart.

For being you in his life.

But as much as he’s learned that it’s okay to express himself to you, it’s still not something he can voice just yet. So Wonwoo tightens his hold on you a little, and somehow you understand that it’s his way of telling you to look up—which you immediately do.

Wonwoo drops another gentle kiss on your lips once your eyes meet his, hoping you’d get everything he’s trying to say and that he’ll try his best to start voicing his feelings towards you. He’d like to think the way you smile into the kiss is your way of saying that you understand.

That you’ll wait until he gets there.

There’s a shy smile on your face when he opens his eyes again, your lips and his still brushing in the faintest.

Wonwoo is grateful he has you in his life.

The reason why I thought I'd die is because I hadn't met you yet.

And if people like you can exist in this world, then maybe I like it a little after all.

And if people like you are living in this world, then maybe it’s alright to hope a little too.

[fanimesenseiwrites]

Things the MC would bring back to their demon bois from the mortal realm:

Lucifer:

MC goes to second hand stores and vintage shops always on the look out for vinyl records that they think Lucifer would like.

Most of the time they try and bring back stuff he'd actually like, such as Tchaikovsky or Vivaldi

Once, they brought back Stravinsky's Firebird Suite and Lucifer wouldn't stop kissing them (once they were in the privacy of his room of course)

Sometimes the MC will bring back more modern music just because it makes them think of him

"I dunno, I just listen to Hozier and think of you"

Lucifer doesn't like all the modern music they bring back but he appreciates the sentiment just the same

Then there's the gag gifts...

Any kind of music that has a reference to the devil or Satan or hell is fair game

These gifts usually elicit an eye roll from the eldest brother but he keeps them all the same

This is why Lucifer owns a copy of "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"

So when MC brings back a copy of Giuseppe Tartini's Violin Sonata in G minor, they're a little surprised at Lucifer's delighted reaction

"You know, I was the one who visited Tartini in his dreams."

MC's mind = blown.

"Also, this copy is cursed. I know you know how much I enjoy cursed vinyls."

"I- wait... What?!"

MC is very upset that they had a cursed vinyl in their possession this whole time

Mammon:

This boy loves stuff, and he loves MC, so he's gonna love any gift really

But MC knows he loves treasure and jewels and as much as they'd love to just bring him back nice watches and jewelery...

MONEY IS A THING, AND MC IS NOT MADE OF IT.

So MC settles for semi-precious stones instead

They always find fun and beautiful stones at museums and those metaphysical stores and they always pick out one that reminds them of Mammon

They're really nervous when they give him his first gift

"Hey, I got this for you and I know it's not fancy or expensive but I saw it and thought of you and I just wanted you to have it."

Mammon will love them until they die. He is really just so touched that MC thought of him. He'll try and play it cool though

He totally fails. MC won't tell him that though

MC brings him Lapis Lazuli and tells him it reminded them of his eyes and Mammon is now a puddle of lovesick goo on the floor

Mammon puts more shelves in his room dedicated to all the gifts MC gives him

One time MC brings him back some fool's gold in a teeny little jar on a chain, so that he can wear it

"Fool's gold? Why cuz I'm a fool?" Mammon asks with a roll of his eyes.

"What? No, cuz I'm a fool for you."

Mammon only love MC until they die? WRONG.

He's gonna love them forever now

He was gonna do that anyways

Leviathan:

C'mon, this boy is easy. Anime/manga stuff and TSL. Need I say more?

At first he'll be suspicious of MC wanting to give him gifts, but once they've convinced him that they're doing it out of the kindness of their heart he's really touched

The first thing the MC brings him is a pen with a little Ruri-Chan on the end of it

"I know it's not much, but I just happened to see it and I knew you'd like it"

Like it??????

HE LOVES IT! HE'S OVER THE GODDAMM MOON.

He's never seen anything like this in the Devildom and he doesn't think about the small stuff usually because he's too busy trying to get the big collectors edition items. So he actually really loves this.

MC continues to bring him cute small stuff like buttons and keychains and Levi loves them all.

His favorite item(s) that MC brought him is a pair of Lord of Shadows and Henry BFF enamel pins

He definitely tackle hugged MC when he got them

He gives the Lord of Shadows pin back to MC so they can each have one and show off their BFF status with them

Satan:

MC loves going to second-hand bookstores to shop for Satan.

Satan also appreciates new books, but there's something special about how his face lights up when he finds something old or rare. Anything with a little bit of history to it.

Of course, finding rare books for not a lot of money is a rare event in itself

So a safe bet is to bring Satan non-fiction, the boy loves to learn

But he really loves it when MC puts thought into finding fiction books that he would like

"I just really feel like you'd like Dean Koontz so I brought you one of my favorites by him."

Satan loves those gifts the most because he can talk to MC about the books afterwards

Satan's absolute favourite gift is a leather bound copy of Arabian Nights though

"I was thinking we could read this one together"

"Like you read it to me and pretend to be Scheherazade?" Satan suggests.

MC is flustered at the connotation of the suggestion but agrees anyways

The time they spend together reading that story will forever be one of Satan's favorite memories

Asmodeus:

He's a little harder to shop for than the MC had originally imagined

They tried bringing him make-up and skin care, which Asmo always graciously accepted, but he never seemed super excited about the gifts

But what else is to be expected from the guy who already uses only the best products?

MC suddenly gets an idea when they send Asmo a selfie of them at the park

- OMG! You're so cute! And the background is pretty too!-

MC starts dressing up and going to nice and beautiful places just with the intention of taking pictures

Botanical Gardens, museums, downtown skylines, anything that would make for a good picture

MC goes full on aesthetic art hoe just for Asmo

Only the best pictures get sent to Asmo

Asmo is LIVING for the looks their MC is serving up

- You are absolutely STUNNING! I'm in awe at these AMAZING pictures-

MC makes a scrapbook of the best pictures to give to Asmo the next time they see him

Asmo loves it and keeps it on display in his room always

Also, Asmo definitely makes MC their personal photographer after seeing the wonderful shots they took

Beelzebub:

Obviously, the boy loves food. He's always down to try new snacks from the mortal realm.

But MC wonders if there's something better that they could bring him

One day MC is at GNC for supplements for themself when they notice the workout supplements and get an idea

They grab some fun flavored protein powder and some BCAAs and a really nice shaker bottle just for Beel

Beel is actually really excited to get these gifts!

The Devildom doesn't have fun flavors of protein powder and the shaker bottle is such a great idea!

MC always brings new flavors of protein back for Beel, doing their best to find the weirdest flavors for him to try

Beel's favorite is definitely Birthday Cake.

MC starts bringing him new stuff to try too, protein bars, recovery supplements, collagen, and superfoods shakes

Beel tries everything and tells MC what their favorites are

"I love the BCAAs, I just wish the Devildom had them..." *sad Beel noises*

MC may or may not talk to Diavolo about researching BCAAs and getting them produced and sold in the Devildom

The supplements MC brings actually help Beel with his workouts and to control his hunger (a little)

Beel actually gets hotter??? Who knew that was possible???

MC definitely takes advantage of Beel's new 8-pack 😏😏😏

Belphegor:

What do you get the boy who only wants to sleep?

MC has gotten him stuffed animals and blankets and even a couple of nice pillows, but nothing seems to excite him

... but maybe that's just his personality??

It's not until MC accidentally leaves a sweater in the Devildom, that they figure it out

- You left your sweater down here- Belphie texts MC.

- Oh no, I'll just get when I come to visit y'all again-

- That's fine. I like having something that smells like you-

And the light bulb went off in MC's head.

Every time MC goes to visit they leave a shirt or sweater behind for Belphie, so that he can have something that smells like them.

Belphie loves how MC smells, its like a sweet dream all the time. It helps him sleep better when they're gone.

Belphie starts to complain when MC is gone longer than the item they left smells like them

(Which is every time)

So MC will start leaving Belphie more than one item, packing them in airtight bags so he can use them one after another until they return

Belphie can and will fight anyone who tries to take MC's clothing

"Mammon, you have two seconds to put that sweater back or I will kill you."

And Lucifer probably won't stop him

Diavolo:

He's honestly the easiest to please.

He's so fascinated with any thing that humans do that he'll enjoy any gift from the human world.

MC's first gift to him is a rubber duck.

"The duck is wearing a crown so it made me think of you and I just thought it was cute."

"I love it! What's its purpose?"

"Uh... to float around in the bathtub with you and look cute?"

"Isn't that what you're for?"

Diavolo loves the rubber duck so much it gets his own silk pillow to rest on when it's not taking a bath with Diavolo.

MC brings him cute pens, and keychains sometimes bottles of wine if the bottle is cute.

"The bottle is shaped like a cat! Isn't that delightful?!"

MC's proudest moment was when they found a full and intact tea set at the thrift store

Diavolo immediately fell in love with it.

He insists on only using that set when having tea with MC

But his favorite gift will always be the rubber duck.

Barbatos:

He'll insist that he doesn't need any gifts but that won't stop the MC.

MC is with him in the kitchen in the Demon Lord's Palace when they get an idea.

KITCHEN TOYS.

Barbatos works so hard, he deserves some things to make his life easier and liven up the bland kitchen

MC's first gift is a vegetable spiralizer.

"You use it to turn zucchini and squash and the like into noodles so that you can do fun stuff with vegetables!"

Barbatos accepts it graciously, but he'll probably never use it.

MC brings him spices from the mortal realm and Barbatos actually really loves those.

When MC brings him a food processor, he offers to cook for them right then and there

Despite all the weird gadgets MC ends up bringing him, and there are plenty out there, Barbatos's favorite is a ladle that looks like a stegosaurus.

It's far more whimsical than anything he would've ever picked out, and he'll never use it, but only because he's afraid of ruining it, not because he doesn't love it.

At some point, Barbatos does ask MC to stop bringing him kitchen gadgets

"Why? Do you not like them?" MC asks with a pout.

"I appreciate all of them, but I have everything I need when you're in the kitchen with me."

If MC wasn't already in love with him they are now

Smooth bastard just doesn't want anymore shit in his kitchen

[messers-moony]

Hope 2 | R.L

Paring: Remus Lupin X Wife!Potter!Reader

Summary: Life is unfair in numerous ways but it seems like it’s out to get the Potters in every way shape and form.

The huge eight-foot man who introduced himself as Hagrid was bringing Harry around London. It was amusing to see Hagrid turn his cousin - Dudley - butt into a pigtail after trying to eat his birthday cake. It was the first birthday Y/n, and Remus hadn’t shown up. Harry didn’t blame them. Of course, to be fair, they didn’t know where Harry was. 

“Um, excuse me, Hagrid?” 

“Yes, ‘Arry?”

“Where- Where are we going?” Harry questioned hesitantly, and Hagrids lips curled into a smile, “‘Er gon’ meet with som’ of yer folks.” Hagrid answered. 

Harry wanted to jump with joy, “Moony and Y/n?”

Hagrid nodded, and Harry smiled brightly. It took a couple of minutes and walking of a couple more blocks. But eventually, they were coming up on an old-looking building made of black stone bricks. In front of the door was a familiar sandy-haired male with green eyes. He was accompanied by his wife with h/c hair and gleaming e/c eyes. 

“Y/n! Remus!” 

Y/n turned to see her little nephew running up to hug her tightly, “Hey Harry.” 

Remus ruffled his hair while Harry hugged his aunt, “Hey there, mini Prongs.”

“I missed you.”

“Awe, I missed you too, Harry.” Y/n replied, pulling apart from Harry, “I’m sorry we didn’t show up right away. But we’re here now. I hope that’s okay. We wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world, okay?”

He nodded, “I know. I can always count on you.” 

“Good.” Remus stated, “Now c’mon mini prongs. Gotta get your school supplies.”

Walking into the Leaky Cauldron with Hagrid, they were greeted by multiple people. Many people were flabbergasted by meeting the famous Harry Potter and were welcoming to see Y/n Potter. In the back of the Leaky Cauldron, Hagrid tapped his wand against the brick wall, causing it to open into Diagon Alley. Harry’s mouth was agape at this new form of Magic. 

It was astonishing. The narrow alleyway was packed with people. Clusters of them walking in groups. Some were carrying animals, or brown-wrapped items Harry could suppose were books. Y/n smiled and intertwined her hand with Remus’. She could remember the first time she stepped into Diagon Alley. James was acting like such a prat. 

“Woah!” James gasped, “Look at all the cool stuff!” 

Fleamont chuckled, “Yeah. Isn’t it cool, sweetheart?”

Y/n nodded, completely entranced in the stonework in the alleyway. It was littered with different shops, and the roads were an uneven stone. Euphemia and Fleamont shared a look of pure glee. Their children were magical born, and they were finally experiencing it first hand. Of course, they had their incidents where Y/n would make lights flicker or James blowing plates. 

As they began walking, James began to run off, bumping into people left and right, “James! Get back here!” Fleamont scolded, but he was out of sight. 

Euphemia sighed, “He’s gonna be a handful.”

“Definitely.” Fleamont agreed, running a hand through his dark brunet hair, “Perhaps he’ll be even worse than me.”

His wife glared at him. Despite James disappearing, they took Y/n into Flourish and Blotts to get their books. They needed books such as The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1), A History of Magic, Magical Theory, A Beginners’ Guide to Transfiguration, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Magical Drafts and Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and finally, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. 

They didn’t find James until they reached Quality Quidditch Supplies. He was already eyeing the new broom on display. His mouth seemed to be salivating at it. Y/n rolled her eyes at James, drooling over a piece of wood. Euphemia chuckled and motioned Fleamont to reel him back in. It seemed that Euphemia would never get a break, and her heart would be in a constant attack of worry. They had a mischief Quidditch player on their hands. 

“C’mon Harry,” Y/n beckoned, “Lots of stuff to get.”

His smile faltered just a tad, “But I don’t- I don’t have any money.”

Harry’s embarrassment made the tips of his ears red, “That ain’t true. ‘Course ye got money.” Hagrid replied bluntly, making Y/n nudge him harshly, “Hagrid!”

“What?” Hagrid queried, confused, “‘S not like ‘m lyin’.” 

“Yes, but you don’t just say that.” Y/n scolded, laughing lightly. 

“Oops?”

Harry looked up at his flustered aunt, “Come on, Harry. We’re going to Gringotts.”  

They began walking to the bank of wizardry. The goblin at the front allowed them to the vault, where Harry was able to pocket a couple of handfuls of galleons, sickles, and knuts. Hagrid made a separate trip for Dumbledore as the other three waited patiently. When they exited Gringotts, Harry began to buy all his supplies. 

Their first stop was getting him a wand at Ollivander’s. Harry pushed the door open, and it sounded a bell off, but no one appeared the be in the shop. Remus and Y/n stood behind him as he let out a hesitant, “Hello.”

It took a minute, but then an older male appeared with hair as white as snow and wispy as whiskers. Ollivander smiled brightly at the familiar people in his shop and at the little boy who resembled the older female greatly. 

“Ah, Y/n Potter.” Ollivander said, “James broken his wand again?”

Y/n released a shaky breath, “No, not this time.” 

“We’re here actually for Harry here.” Remus motioned to Harry, “He’s getting his first wand. He starts at Hogwarts this year.”

Ollivander's lips quirked, “He yours?”

“No, sir.” Y/n shook her head, “He’s James and Lily’s son.”

“Where are they? I’d love to see them, you know.”

Remus shifted awkwardly, “You haven’t heard?”

Ollivander shook his head, “My parents are dead.” Harry informed, “Someone killed them.”

Everything clicked into place in Ollivanders mind. How stupid could old age make him? He had just sounded terribly insensitive, “‘M so sorry. Pardon me and my old age. I didn’t mean-“

“It’s perfectly fine, Ollivander.” Y/n smiled reassuringly.

The older man smiled and began giving Harry wands. The first one was horrid. It made wands on the shelf fall onto the ground, making a vast clatter noise. The boy smiled sheepishly and placed it back in the box. The next wand caused a shatter of a vase which Harry cringed at. It took a couple of minutes until Ollivander came out with the following wand. It was 11 inches long, made of holly, and possessed a phoenix feather core. 

Harry waved the wand, and nothing disastrous happened. Remus and Y/n smiled with joy. Ollivander charged him seven galleons for it, and Harry placed down the golden coins with glee. Ollivander could remember the way James had done the same while Y/n beside him. Their identical toothy grins as Fleamont paid the man.

“My wands cooler than yours!”

“No way!” 

James nodded in triumph, “You’re just lame.”

“And you’re boring!”

“No way!” James gasped, “I am far from boring!”

Y/n crossed her arms, “And I’m not lame.”

Euphemia chuckled, redirecting her children to look at the counter while the two parents stood behind them, “Ignore them. They like to try and be better than the other.”

Ollivander grinned, “Ah, siblings. What amazing pairs they make.”

Fleamont scoffed, “Yeah, try having two at the same time. Felt like the crucio curse.” 

“What do you say?” Euphemia beckoned, and both twins turned to Ollivander, smiling gleefully, “Thank you!” 

“They’ll be a handful.” Ollivander informed Euphemia and Fleamont, “But they’ll change the world, and they’ll do it together.” 

The older man smiled at Remus and Y/n as Harry went outside to see Hagrid carrying a giant golden cage with a beautiful snowy owl inside, “That boy is something else.”

Remus chuckled, “We know. Little mischief-maker, just like James.”

“Perhaps he is,” Ollivander replied, “But he’ll change the world.”

The rest of the day went by blissfully. After getting all his school supplies, they retreated into the Leaky Cauldron to eat dinner. The tavern was practically empty as they sat at a long narrow table. Hagrid at the head, Harry to his left, Remus across, and Y/n beside Remus on the other side. They were eating in silence before Harry spoke up. 

“What happened to my parents?” Harry questioned, and before anyone could answer, he continued, “Truthfully. No lies.”

Hagrid and Remus turned to the female at the table who swallowed thickly, “Something horrid, Harry.”

“How horrid?”

“Harry-“ Remus began. 

“A death I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, even my worse enemy.” Y/n answered, staring at the soup in front of her, “The way they died doesn’t matter.”

Harry crossed his arms, “I believe it does.”

“In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t.” Y/n replied, taking deep breaths in and out, trying to stay calm, “It doesn’t matter how they died. They’re dead, and they aren’t coming back.”

Tears collected in her eyes when she muttered, “No matter how badly I want them to.”

Hastily Y/n wiped her face and placed her napkin on the table. She sniffled before standing and pushing her chair in. Y/n leaned down to kiss Harry on the forehead before retreating to the room they got upstairs. Harry sighed and stared at his bowl of soup that remained steaming hot. Remus rubbed his face with his palms. 

“Harry,” Remus called, and Harry’s green eyes met similar ones, “Your parents died at the hands of a very evil Wizard. He went as dark as one could go.”

Harry looked intrigued, and Remus continued despite his throat beginning to constrict, “His name was Voldemort, but most people call him ‘You-Know-Who.”

Hagrid flinched at the actual name being said, “James risked everything to try and save you and your mother. When he died, Lily tried to save you. In the end, it all worked out because you were saved. You didn’t die like you were supposed to.”

“Why did aunt Y/n leave the table?”

“Talking about this is still hard for her.” Remus replied, and Harry could see the tears in his eyes too, “It’s hard for me too, but- but you need to know.”

“What were they to you?” 

“James and Lily were everything to me, Harry. Everything and so much more. Your mother saw the good in people when they didn’t see it themselves. Your father? Well-“ He chuckled, “He was a trip and a prat. But he cared for those around him. Treated me like family and took care of me like a brother.”

Harry fiddled with the sleeve of his sweater, “James was a mischief-maker that one.” Hagrid said, “Always up to no good.”

“Him and that Sirius boy.” Hagrid chuckled, “Dynamic duo those two.”

Remus let out a tearful chuckle, “Yeah, that was Padfoot and Prongs.”

“Always up to no good.” Remus whispered. 

The following day Remus had waken up to what he swore was the most perfect sight. Y/n was still sleeping beside him. Her head was nestled under his chin, drinking in his body heat. Her hair was laid against the fluffy white pillow. Their legs were intertwined together. Gently Remus kissed her forehead before seeing the clock read about nine o’clock. 

Remus took five more minutes to admire her before waking her up. He began to kiss all over her face, and Y/n scrunched her nose, waking up as his lips kept attaching to a new place on her face. He smiled as she opened her eyes to meet his green ones. 

“Mornin’ love.” 

His Welsh accent was to die for, “Morning, Rem.”

“You ready to take Harry to Platform Nine and Three Quarters?”

Y/n shook her head, “No. Not really.”

“Hey,” Remus said softly, stroking her hair, “You’ll be okay. We’ll be okay.”

“There are so many memories there, Rem.” Y/n replied, “Like- Like meeting Sirius for the first time.”

“Or seeing you come back after fourth year with an entirely new style.” Remus chuckled, “Or- Or seeing James almost fall out of the train. 

Remus caressed her cheek with his thumb, “We’ll make it through, love. Harry needs us today.”

“Yeah.” She replied breathily, “He does.”

They both ventured out of bed into the cool air of London. Remus, Y/n, and Hagrid walked Harry to Kings Cross. When they arrived, Hagrid had departed from them to do something for Dumbledore. Harry was bluntly confused when his ticket read Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Last he checked, that wasn’t a platform. 

As they reached the main floor of the train station, Remus and Y/n recognized the Weasleys almost instantly. Molly had embraced them tightly as they all went through the platform. Harry gave his trunks to the man at the end of the train and turned to the only family he had left. His eyes glistened with tears, and he tried to hold them back but failed. 

“Harry,” Y/n knelt to his level, “You’re gonna be okay. I promise. James and I made lots of friends at Hogwarts.”

He smiled at the mention of his father, “Do you think… Do you think he’d be proud of me?”

“They’d be beyond proud, Harry.” Remus replied, smiling, “You’re everything they wanted you to be.”

Harry turned back to Y/n and hugged her tightly, “Please make sure you write to us.” 

“‘Course, Auntie.” Harry replied as they pulled apart, “Love you guys.” 

Y/n stood beside Remus, “We love you too, sweetheart.” 

Harry smiled and wiped his cheeks before hopping on the train. He found a compartment alone and watched out the window as the train began moving. Y/n and Remus watched as the train hauled by. Kids who started waving their last goodbyes to their parents. 

“Mum, dad!” James exclaimed from inside the compartment, “We love you!”

Euphemia and Fleamont chuckled tearfully, “We love you guys too!” 

Truthfully James never wanted to leave his parents. They were his entire world. When Kings Cross was no longer in sight, he plopped down in the seat beside Y/n, who put her head on his shoulder. His left arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her tightly to his side. 

“We got this, sis.” James assured, “We always have each other.”

It didn’t take long for Harry to get in trouble. As a matter of fact, it made Y/n laugh that within the first month, he had already managed a detention. She had settled for a letter rather than a Howler. Remus had made sure to tell him his fair of scolding words (“Say hi to Minnie for me!”). Harry smiled when the letter arrived in the morning. 

Harry definitely made sure to say hi to “Minnie,” which made McGonagall smile like an idiot despite her usual strict nature. She could see and hear James saying the name when she gave them detention or Sirius’ pouty face begging her to have some form of mercy on them, for they had just turned the Slytherin robes red. Ever the dramatics that Black. 

When he arrived back at the Platform, he nuzzled into Y/n and Remus’ arms before departing to the Dursleys. But all was good because in just a month he’d see them again for his birthday, which he did. They took him to Diagon Alley to get his second-year stuff along with some ice cream to celebrate his twelfth birthday. 

He spent a week of his summer with them in their little house in London. It was far better than Privet Drive, and he felt a lot safer. But after the week was up, he was forced to return to the Dursleys. Within a week of being back, he’d managed to screw everything up. A thing named Dobby had quite literally dumped puddling all over one of the Dursley’s guests, and that got him trapped in his room. 

Thankfully, Ronald Weasley, who had become his close friend, had saved him. Harry went to the Burrow for the first time and met everyone else. Molly had notified Remus and Y/n of his entrance. Sadly, they couldn’t make it to the Platform for reasons. Molly wouldn’t tell Harry, but he was okay with it. 

Until Ron and he smashed into the brick wall, making them late for the train. It was then Ron had a brilliant thought of taking the flying car to Hogwarts. It did work until they got stuck in the Whomping Willow and then got caught by Severus Snape. A letter was sent home to Y/n and Molly. Both of which made two very different Howlers to their children. 

Molly’s howler was scolding them, and it made Ron’s ears turn pink. Y/n and Remus’ howler was a different story. The moment it opened, laughter rang through the Great Hall. Familiar laughter of Remus and Y/n. It made McGonagall furious and happy at the same time. 

“Merlin Harry!” Remus’ voice rang out, “You’re brilliant, aren’t you!” 

“Remus, we’re supposed to be scolding him!” Y/n retorted jokingly, “I’m scolding myself for never thinking of it!” Remus replied. 

Y/n chuckled, “Obviously, you shouldn't have done that, Harry; however, as long as you’re not harmed, we aren’t mad. Just be more careful next time.”

Remus was still dying of laughter, “Remus is still dying of laughter. We love you, Harry. Stay safe.”

Ron looked appalled with the coolness of the howler, “Bloody hell, you have a cool family.”

“They’re pretty cool.” Harry shrugged, smiling. 

Y/n and Remus would be lying if the whole petrifying thing didn’t scare them. They were worried for Harry’s safety but weren’t surprised when Harry ended up saving them all like last year. When they were on the Platform, Remus began getting on the train with him after kissing Y/n goodbye. 

He was grunting and groaning at every movement. The bags beneath his eyes looked more prominent than usual. Remus moved sluggishly, which was very unlike him. But Harry didn’t question it until he began to get on the train at Harry’s side. 

“Uncle Moony?”

“Yes, Harry?” Remus replied after sitting in a compartment, his cloak covering most of his body. 

“Why’re you on the train?”

He chuckled, “I’m your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.”

Harry smiled, and Remus fell into a dreamless sleep after a rough full moon the night prior. Hermione and Ron joined them not too long after as Harry began telling them about Sirius Black. The year went by as eventful as usual. Harry found out the accurate way his parents died along with Remus and Y/n. Peter Pettigrew being the culprit and then leaving before someone could catch him. 

Afterward, Sirius had been staying in the guest bedroom at Y/n and Remus’. He didn’t want to go back to Grimmauld Place. That was the last place he wanted to go. So despite not wanting to be a burden, he took the position that Y/n offered him. Ever so kind, just like James. When he walked through those doors, Y/n had hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek. 

“It’s good to have you back, older brother.”

Sirius could’ve cried on the spot, “It’s nice to see you again, little sis.”

The next couple of years were a trip. Fourth-year Harry had managed to get his name pulled out of the Goblet of Fire, leading to a new adventure of challenges. After finishing his fourth year, Cedric Diggory had died, marking the return of Voldemort, which had traumatized Harry in more than one way. That summer, he decided to stay with Y/n, Remus, and Sirius. They were all fantastic help throughout the entire thing. Through his nightmares, Y/n would make him hot chocolate and sit on the couch with him as he talked. 

Fifth-year was dreadful. Delores Umbridge had come into the office as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and the Order of the Phoenix reformed. Her detentions were terrible and horrid, especially for the first years. They were just kids, for Merlin’s sake. It made Y/n fume when she saw the back of Harry’s hand. The night they ventured to the Department of Mysteries was almost the worst night Harry could have dreamed of. 

Sirius had almost died if Y/n wasn’t as quick as she was. Bellatrix was stunned to see her spell deflected but kept firing nonetheless. When they got home, it was silent. Remus had made tea for himself and Sirius while making hot chocolate for the other two. Harry had laid his head on Y/n’s shoulder and fallen asleep. 

Truth be told, sixth year wasn’t any better. Dumbledore had died, and Harry was left to find the rest of the Horcruxes. It was then Sirius learned the actual death of his brother, making him mourn him all over again. Seventh year Harry, Ron, and Hermione ventured out to find the rest of them. 

When Harry returned to Hogwarts through the passageway to the Room of Requirement with Snape as headmaster, the war had officially started. In the end, everything had fallen into place. When Harry used the resurrection stone, he saw them. He saw James, Lily, Remus, and Sirius. Harry almost wanted to laugh at seeing them all together. They looked so happy. 

“Where- Where’s Y/n?”

Remus gave a solemn smile, “She made it. She’s still out there. Waiting for you.”

“Does that mean…”

“Turns out my sister is a tougher cookie than I thought.” James stated, and Harry turned to him, “She misses you.”

James chuckled, “As I do her.”

Harry turned back to Remus, “Does she know?”

“She was there when it happened.” Remus replied, “I had to give her one last ‘I love you’ and kiss goodbye, right?”

A noise rumbled from a distance, “It’s time, sweetie.” Lily stated. 

Harry released a shaky breath before dropping the stone on the ground. He had to do this for Y/n, for Ron, for Hermione, for everyone. He was ready. When he stepped in front of Voldemort to die, all he could think about was his Aunt's eyes. The way they glittered with tears when she let him go for the first time. The way they creased when she smiled at his first Christmas. The way they gleamed with mischief when she gave the Weasley twins new prank material. 

His last words would be ones he’d never regret, “Thank you, aunt Y/n, for everything.”

Because through everything, she was the only constant. She was the only one to hold him through anything. Through every nightmare, every battle, every tear, every smile. She was there with her radiant smile and caring nature. 

When Harry defeated Voldemort, the world stopped. It was done. It was over. But the pain wasn’t gone. The trauma wasn’t bypassed. This was more than a war. Harry walked into the Great Hall to see crying parents, kids, and siblings mourning their dead loved ones. His eyes zoomed on Y/n sitting crisscross beside her husband, holding his hand tightly. 

Wordlessly Harry sat beside her and leaned his head against her shoulder. Y/n tilted her head onto his. No tears fell from her eyes despite everything she had gone through, two wars, friends dead, parents dead, brother dead, and now husband dead. 

“His last words were- they were,” She choked, and Harry rubbed her shoulder, “I love you more than Moony loves the moon.”

Harry smiled, “Dad said you were a tough cookie.”

Y/n chuckled, and Harry relished in the sound, “He said that if anyone could get through this, it’s you.”

“Damn it, James.” She said to no one, still holding Remus’ hand. 

“We’ll get through this.” Harry said, “And we’ll do it together.”

“Together.”

[tarosin]

The great adventures of y/n tubbo jack niki and george

requested:yes/no

pairing: platonic y/n,tubbo,jack,niki and george

summary: minecraft cave in real life

content warning: cursing

an: the word love is used a couple times but this is all platonic <3 i still don’t know how to add read more on mobile i am sorry about that, part 3 to great adventures series

it was around 4 am when the heat became a problem, unable to sleep you grabbed your phone and decided to facetime ranboo just as he was ending stream

“hey boo...you look like you’ve seen a ghost what the fuck were you doing”

“fnaf vr”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad you’re being dramatic”

“okay we shall see how you like it when I make you play it when I’m in the UK”

“okay bet I’ll add it to our list of videos and stream ideas anyway I can't sleep it’s too hot and I’m so confused as to why Tommy keeps asking me if I like and I quote being high”

“tubbo was telling me about that he keeps teasing him about planes you never know maybe you’re all going on an international adventure... or being pushed out a plane”

“doubt it there’s no way Tommy would pull something as crazy as jumping out a plane it would be pretty cool, I was thinking about doing it for my birthday”

“with a parachute? I hope”

“eh with or without, either way, is fine for me”

an hour passed you and ranboo sat talking about what was happening tomorrow and how you wished he was going to be there with you, after all, you knew how it felt to be watching people you care about making plans and doing things without you.

“didn’t you say you were going to a cave tomorrow? Minecraft in real life, nice”

“I’m begging please touch grass”

“I’ve already done that it made me want to become an engineer now get some rest y/n you’ll be getting up in a few hours, I’ll call you tomorrow goodnight”

“see you tomorrow I love you”

*y/n has ended the call*

•••

when you woke up at 9 you couldn’t shake off the awful feeling you had, today just didn’t feel like a good day you needed some time to yourself to recharge however you knew you’d be okay later on

Niki: good morning y/n!! would you like us to pick you up now or do you need a bit longer

y/n: don’t worry about it I’ll make my own way!! :]

Niki: okay see you soon!!

George: we will pick you up in an hour and a bit

Tommy: wait what are you guys doing

tubbo: following jack and Niki around

y/n: what he said

Tommy: have fun then guys without me

y/n: don’t you have work to do big guy

Tommy: don’t you have to get ready

y/n: leave me alone

•••

soon enough you saw jacks car pull up outside so you grabbed your bag from the other day as it still had everything you needed except this time you decided to bring along a mini first aid kit as you knew your clumsiness and a cave wouldn’t mix well. now you were fully awake you couldn’t wait to go explore the caves, you sat next to Niki who decided to play with your hair and spent half of the journey on a call with an unhappy Tommy who was in college waiting to go to lesson the other half of the journey was spent singing along to the radio

•••

jack started recording and turned around to see you Niki and tubbo leaning over looking down at the floor

“oh hi jack” you waved at the camera “so what’s the plan of action”

“we’re going up there”

you loved heights so hearing that you were going to go on a cable car made you pretty excited once you all got into the car you and George tried opening all the windows whilst tubbo complained

“stop trying to open things”

“it’s a window”

“scared you’re going to get pushed over the edge hmm? scared you’ll have to free fall? it’s not that high you'd probably survive the fall, it’s not like I'm trying to open the door on a plane”

“y/n I mean this in the nicest way possible I’m never going on a plane with you”

tubbo laughed and joined the conversation “we shall see about that”

you tilted your head to the side and blinked a few times trying to process what he just said

“heh?”

“tubbo if we fell we would die right”

“you know jack I've done a lot in my life”

you took the phone from jack and began filming him and George

“why is it slowing down”

“we’re going to die”

“I didn’t bring enough food”

you sat laughing at your friends' reaction before explaining that it’s slowing down for a reason

“they’re slowing it down so you can jump out, what I didn’t tell you is there’s actually a parachute underneath where you’re sat, good luck gamers”

“We could probably climb out the window”

“NO, where do we go”

you just sat shaking your head laughing whilst your friends sat screaming about it stopping

“y/n we’re going to die”

“oh no.. let me just text ranboo to start planning our funerals”

eventually, the cable car began moving just very slow you then ended the recording after jack made jokes about it moving as fast as a George video comes out, you all then spent the rest of the time enjoying everyone’s company.

•••

tubbo noticed a park and ran to the ropes giving you time to update your community a stream will be happening later on

y/n has tweeted: I am outside, stream with ranboo when we get home :]

you laughed as you posted that as all the comments started rolling in questioning if ranboo had come to the UK. you walked back to your group and wrapped your arms around jack and Niki making them both jump out of shock

“Sorry about that ahah now if you don’t mind I want to play in the park”

they laughed as you ran to the rope trying to swing without falling that’s when you gave up and started climbing the net close to Niki.

“that’s not a swing George”

jack ran towards them “I’m getting on the swing with George”

Niki laughed as she recorded what was happening in front of her, she looked to her left expecting to see you stood next to her however she heard you laugh and run towards your friends

“I’m getting on the swing with tubbo”

a few moments later George pointed out a castle and tubbo mentioned the ‘wet rocks’ you just stood with your arm around Niki's shoulders enjoying the view of the castle that was until a dog caught your attention and you walked off to go ask if you could pet it

“Niki where’s y/n they were with you last”

“with the dog”

“tubbo when they come back just follow the path towards the castle, me and Niki are going to record”

“got it, boss man”

•••

after a few minutes, you walked back to tubbo and George realising jack and Niki weren’t there you tilted your head shrugged then sat next to tubbo on the swings as George began recording

“jack and Niki have left us but we’re having fun on the swings..”

“maybe we’ll lick some rocks”

“YEAH”

•••

“if we’re quiet we can sneak up on them”

the three of you ran down the path towards the start of the castle steps looking at the cameras that allowed you to see the top of the castle

“there they are”

“they’re vlogging”

“We can just see them through the castle cameras they have no idea we can see them”

you stood leaning against George until you all noticed they were about to make their way back down the steps so all ran off to hide

“there they go”

the three of you ran back down the path ignoring the stares from strangers and comments about how your hair was obnoxiously bright, the three of you scared the pair who were looking for you all

“I’ve never been less displeased to see George”

the five of you continued walking around after joking about the green water and questioning George on how he could tell what colour it was

“I’m a genius”

a few fans can over and took photos with you all and George began questioning them

“George you’re really self-promoting right now”

“George I am disappointed in you”

•••

“dude it’s boiling”

“ice cream?”

the five of you stood inline

“I’m dying to tubbo”

“I’m not going to ask questions, I love how you just accepted defeat”

“you’re next y/n” tubbo let go of George and began walking towards you

“FUCK OFF NO” you ran behind George and used him as a shield

“y/n George isn’t going to protect you”

“I will y/n don't worry tubbo fuck off” the three of you stood laughing not realising jack was walking towards you all with the ice cream

“thank you”

“you’re welcome how’s the ice cream”

“great thank you”

you laughed at jack who somehow managed to get ice cream on his nose

•••

you and tubbo noticed a wishing well and walked over to it

“wanna make a wish”

“yeah but we have no money”

you both looked at each other then at jack them looked back at each other and nodded

“what are you two doing”

“We wanna make a wish”

“come on give me your money”

everyone stood laughing at you and tubbo determined to make a wish whilst jack argued he had no money however tubbo noticed a £20 note and grabbed it

“y/n quick make a wish”

the pair of you held the note and then dropped it into the well

“yay!!”

“We made a wish”

the pair of you walked off whilst jack stood telling you both how he can’t believe you and the pair of you had stolen over £100 from him today making you both laugh

“tell me the wish”

“We can’t or it won’t come true”

•••

“right cave time”

“we’re going to die”

“well thanks for that George”

you stood next to tubbo trying to ignore your friends as they made comments about there being mobs like creepers in the cave

“you two really need to go outside more”

everything was going well for you until the worker said to everyone

“I think we do have some kids here who are doing a vlog”

you could feel your cheeks heating up from embarrassment although you loved your job you still weren’t used to people pointing it out

•••

“This cave has a door”

“naturally formed door”

“y/n tubbo were in the caves, where are the diamonds”

you pointed in a random direction then continued walking whilst tubbo kneeled examining the rock claiming there were diamonds, as you all kept walking you had to put up with tubbo jack and George making Minecraft jokes whilst Niki followed behind them staying rather quiet, everyone’s as focusing on the cave not saying much till George spoke up

“it’s turned into a horror movie”

“why’s the cave so low why can’t they just dig up”

“y/n did you really just ask that”

“yes I did my neck hurts from ducking under the rock”

“so sorry to hear that”

“thank you for your concern George”

“I’m not concerned”

“oh-“

the tour continued and you were genuinely having a good time, you found all the different rocks and information given to you by the worker fascinating and slowly stopped listening to what your friends were saying behind you

“so this little tunnel up here is where they would send the kids”

“off you go tubbo and y/n”

“please no”

you all continued for a while till you were told you were going in the dark despite the fact you were excited you were also very afraid of the dark so stood closer to tubbo who instantly noticed and pulled you into a side hug

“we’re going dark”

“oh wow that is the only source of light”

a minute or so later they turned on some softly coloured led lights so you could all look at the geode

“holy shit that’s beautiful”

“I thought a geode was a small animal”

“that’s a pokemon dude”

you were all given time to go for a wander however rather than walking with the others you decided to stay with the geode and started a group call with ranboo and Tommy

“hi guys can’t stay long break is almost over”

“that’s okay Tommy but look at this giant fucking rock”

you flipped the camera so they could see and went around showing them parts of the cave

“holy shit”

“looks great y/n”

“cool right I have to go the worker wants us to get ready to leave see you all soon”

“wait y/n one last question, how are you with heights”

“oooh I’m great I love them we went in a cable car earlier”

“awesome see you all later”

*Tommy left the call*

“I’ll call you when I get home boo I’ll see you soon!!”

“bye y/n stay safe”

*ranboo has left the call*

*y/n has left the call*

as you all left the cave you and tubbo noticed two rocks and went to pick them up

“hey look our wish came true”

“yeah we wished for a weird looking rock when we left the cave”

“you paid £20 for a rock”

“yes”

a few minutes later you and tubbo just started walking away only to be later followed by everyone else

“where are you going”

•••

you all got the cable car back at this point you were exhausted you used all your energy running around the cave determined to show Tommy and ranboo everything

“What did you all think of the cave”

“loved it”

“you lost your rock tubbo?”

tubbo pulled out the rock and smiled at jack

“no, I didn’t”

“but you chucked it”

“told you we wished for a magic rock”

jack finished the recording and you all just sat talking about your day and any future plans

•••

the journey back home was extremely quiet you and tubbo sat next to each other, you fell asleep with your head resting on his shoulder, Niki sat in the front with jack quietly singing along to the radio and George and tubbo quietly spoke to each other trying not to wake you up.

when you finally got home you woke up on your couch confused as to how you got there it was only when you checked your phone you got the answer

Niki: you looked exhausted we didn’t want to wake you, hope you don’t mind. your keys are on the table next to your bag!! see you soon it was lovely meeting you <3

you decided to reply thanking your friends for today.

•••

*incoming call: ranboo*

you accepted the call

“hey y/n tell me all about your day whilst you get ready to stream I'm already set up”

“oh they’re gonna be so annoyed I've joined in with making jokes about you being in the UK anyway so my day was pretty good but I did end up asleep on my couch and had no idea how I got there”

“heh?”

“let me explain”