#I didn't realize the freckles were gold when I saw this the first time but I love it

[divine0rdainment]

Adamsapple Week!!!

Day 1: Wings and Forbidden Fruit

A/N: I will say this is my first time doing something like this so please be kind. I'm not so much a book writer as much as a Script writer. I have not yet had the chance to edit, and plan to do so later, i just dont have time today. So please don't comment on the grammar or spelling for now, I will fix it when I'm free.

 Taking What Is Forbidden 

Eden was always cold to Adam. Beautiful, safe, and wonderful, but cold. At least it was when he first came to exist and had to wander the garden alone. Naming animals, plants, and exploring. Learning everything by himself. He never understood the cold feeling because the sun was warm, the breeze was soft and brought warmth to his skin. But the cold didn't come from the air or wind or night sky. It came from his chest. He knew something was missing from him the moment he was brought from clay and dirt. But he didn't know what it was. 

Not till about the 13th moon rise, when he heard a noise he hasn't before in the garden. Melodic, soft, and…almost mesmerizing. He followed it like a man possessed, searching for its source. And low and behold, there, Infront of him, sat large white wings, sitting Infront of one of the many lakes in the garden. The noise came from the extended white wings that seemed to glow in the moon’s delecat light. 

Adam watched the wings as they locationally flicked and shifted as the sound continued, the man had seen many birds, named every one he had seen, from elegent Dove to the fierce Hawk to the fleeting humming birds. But none of them had wings this beautiful, gigantic, and smooth. And never has he seen a being with 6 wings either! So he couldn't help himself but to reach out and touch, his finger grazing a single feather till the sound stopped and the wings pulled away. And there, sat before him was no bird. But a face like his own…well almost? It didn't have a nose like his, and the skin was white, pale dove white, like the wings. And the hair on the beings head was like color of soft sunshine. And on its cheeks, instead of freckles or a blush was two large circle patterns, much like the parakeet, but a softer pink instead of the bold red. And the eyes…the eyes were the soft color of the sky. 

Adam stood there enraptured by this being, having seen nothing like it, except when he looked in the river at his own reflection. The beauty was indescribable to a man who was still only 13 days old.  Adam saw panic in those beautiful eyes, and a part of him thought it just made this beast more pretty. And after a moment Adam spoke. “Um…hello…I…I need to name you right?” 

The being blinked then slowly it seemed to look less terrified and more amused, and then it laughed. Oh that noise was just as pretty as the earlier one! If only Adam had a name for it, but he was too distracted to come up with one.

"No, no I uh, I have a name…b-be not afraid Adam…” the being stood and Adam got an even better look at the new creature. It had a white…something? Covering its body, like wool on a sheep but more tame and covered in patterns of blue and gold. As it stood, Adam is also able to notice a golden ring over its head, with a star-like shape in the center. It stayed even with his head with every move he made, like it was attached to him, but it seemed to just be floating. 

“My name is Lucifer, I am an angel of the Lord! I am sorry to have disturbed your night, but I was coming to…check on something i had created.” They said, a soft dust of gold coming to his face. It made Adam even more warm. Wait…warm. He touched his chest and he realized, he didn't feel that cold feeling inside him when he stood with this angel of the Lord. This…Lucifer. 

Lucifer then turns from him, his eyes landing on the lake where Adam sees white birds with orange beaks that were flat. He likes to call these birds ‘Ducks’. He didn't know why, but the name felt right. And the small yellow ones beside it, which he learned were younger ducks that come from Eggs, where Ducklings. He thought that was a cute name. 

“You created the ducks my angel?” Adam inquired stepping forward to be beside Lucifer. The angel nodded and turned to Adam. “Yes, they are one of the only things the other angels approved of…” he said sheepishly. "Many of my other creations where…rather dangerous according to Michael-" 

“Whats a Michael?" Adam asked confused. He hadn't named anything Michael had he? But he was greeted with that laugh again, and it made Adam feel like there was a twist in his stomach, but in a good way?

“No, Michael is my brother. An Angel like me. There are many angels." He explained. Adam listened intently, smiling wide at the angel as he did. “A brother? That is when you share..the same parents?" He asked to make sure. Adam himself didn't have parents, or siblings, so it was still a rather foreign concept to him, but he remembered the words. He didn't know why, they were just there when he first came to exist. 

The angel nodded “Exactly! My you are so very smart Adam!" He said pleased and it made Adams face grow warm. He didn't understand why this angel made his body feel weird, but he didn't want it to stop. Slowly he reached out again and touched the angel, this time on his arm. " My angel…" he started. “What is this on your body?" 

Lucifer turned to look and smiled “it is Robes, or Clothes…you will have some one day, when you are ready.” They informed the other. And Adam nodded looking down at himself and imagined himself in clothes like Lucifers. It made him giggle because it looked silly. 

“Clothes huh…” he shifted and slowly his hand moved down Lucifers arm to his hand, which he gently took and brought closer to himself, examining. "...you are like me…the animals aren't like me at all but…you are…” he smiles softly "I like that your like me." And he leans down, nuzzling Lucifer's hand, making the angel blushing that soft golden color again. Adam’s amber eyes look up at Lucifer and he smiles softly once more as he speaks. “Will you stay here now that I've found you?" 

Lucifers smile fell and the angel looked down. "I…I don't think I can Adam, I'm sorry…" he slowly pulls hos hand away from Adam. “You weren't supposed to see me. I was a fool and…I broke the rules.” 

Adam tilts his head, his stomach feels tight in a bad way now. And he didn't like it. He reached out and touched the angels face, pulling the shorter being to look up at him. “...can you come back then? When no one is watching. I…I want to see you again. I want to feel your warmth…” he said with pleading eyes. “Please My angel Lucifer. You make the garden warmer!" 

Lucifer opens and closed his mouth, looking unsure what to say, but slowly, Lucifer nodded. “Ok, but I can't do it every day, only when I know no one will see. Does that seem…fair?” 

Adam didn't know what ‘fair’ means but he liked that Lucifer would return. So the human nodded. "Yes!" 

.

.

.

It has been 100 days since that first night, and Adam happy and warm every time he saw Lucifer, it made him excited to tell Lucifer about all the animals he named and all the flowers he found, how he learned how to swim all on his own and how he learned to get fruit off a tree with a new tool he created, a ‘rope’ as he called it. 

But Adam also learned things from Lucifer. Like the noise Lucifer made that night was called “Singing" and Adam could do it too with some practice. And practice Adam did. Every day. He wanted to sing like his angel. He learned notes and songs and melodies, anything Lucifer was willing to teach. He even learned more about the other angels. He now knew there was a Gabriel, who was funny, a Raphael who was very stricken, a Ariel and Uriel who were “Twins" and a Michael who was…boring. Adam didn't quite know what that meant but he memorized everything he was told anyway. 

As Lucifer said, he didn't come every night fall, but he came often enough for Adam to grow attacked. And every time the angel came back, the more he NEEDED to see him again. He didn't know what it was but Lucifer made him feel WHOLE. He never explained it to Lucifer, not wanting to make the other confused, Because Adam didn't understand it either. But that didn't matter, what mattered was, every second he spent with Lucifer was a blessing and a joy. And he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. 

But sadly, that joy wasn't to last. As one night, Lucifer came with great news. The two were sitting in a flower field, Adam makeing a flower crown with the help of Lucifers instructions, gently guiding his hands through the prossess, the flowers were blues and whites and yellow, all Adams favorite colors Becuse they reminded him of Lucifer. And soon, he finished and smiles, putting the flower crown on Lucifers Top hat. Smiling bright “there!" He said happily. 

Lucifer blinked than giggled. “Oh Adam it's lovely. Thank you for this gift. I will treasure it…” he said a soft golden glow on his cheeks, something Adam always worked hard to see. Adam sat back in the flowers, watching as Lucifer ran his soft fingers over the petals and giggled to himself. 

After a moment, Lucifer spoke. " Oh, I have news Adam! Wonderful wonderful news!” He exclaimed and reached for Adams cheeks to make sure the other was looking at him and had his full attention. It was funny to Adam that Lucifer would do this. Didn't he know he already always had Adam’s full attention at every moment they shared?

“We are almost done with your wife Adam!" He said, very pleased, "And she is beautiful! Tall, long hair, beautiful green eyes, she is perfect for you Adam! You will no longer be alone. And you won't only have me and the animals for company!" 

Adams' smile slowly falls. “Wife?" He sits up fully and looked at Lucifer. “What…what is that?” 

Lucifer blinked. “Well..you know how some birds mate for life? Well humans are supposed to do the same! She is your mate! She will be by your side and make you happy and comfortable, and one day, when you are truly bonded, you will have children! Like the ducks have ducklings and the wolves have cubs!" 

Adam blinked. He…he didn't like that. He didn't know why but he didn't WANT this Lilith. Who even was she? Couldn't someone Adam knows he his mate? Someone like…like Lucifer. 

Lucifer sees his hesitation and pouts. “Does that not excite you?" He asked “you will have more people to talk to. You can teach her about the animals and music…” 

“No…” Adam pulled away. "I was having fun with you. I don't need her. Can't you be my wife? I know you! I don't know her!” Adam shook his head defiantly and Lucifer blinked in shock as Adam stood and crossed his arms. Anger boiling inside him. “I like spending time with you! I don't need a Lilith! I don't need this new wife!" He sounded like a child. A child throwing a tantrum. Lucifer had seen many younger angels do the same. 

Lucifer sighs and slowly stands, taking Adams hand. “I can not be your wife. I am not human, and I am not a women. Remember how most animals have a Male and a female? She will be female! That is how you will create more humans. I promise you will love her once you see her! You just have to give her a chance! She is beautiful just like you. And she will be your Equal, I am not your equal. I am an angel. I am in heaven…we could never be together like you will be with her. 

Adam felt tears in his eyes but held them back. He knew it made Lucifer upset when he cried. “...fine. but I won't like it. I'll marry Lilith and make children. But you will still be my favorite!" 

Lucifer smiles “All I ask is you give her a chance. A real chance. Get to know her, see what there is to like about her. Then decide if you do not want her as a wife…”

Adam agreed. But he didn't mean a word of it. Lilith would NEVER be his mate. 

.

.

.

As Adam has suspected, he did NOT like Lilith. She was beautiful, yes, even he could admit that, but she was different from him. She was Bossy, she didn't like to listen when he told her things. She wanted to wander off on her own, which, honestly, was fine with Adam. He didn't want her around. She only ever came back at night with fruits and then would try to be friendly and talk to him. But Adam didn't give her the time of day. Night time was for him and Lucifer to bond! Not him and Lilith! If she didn't wanna be around him during the day, he didn't want her around at all! 

Another thing about Lilith is that she figured things out faster than him, when he was wondering, he saw Lilith using vines to catch fruit from the tree like he did! And it has only been a day! And she was already learning to sing from the birds! Unlike him who had to be shown by Lucifer. She learned to swim faster. She learned to befriend the lions and birds faster. She learned to get Milk from cows and how to ride on horses. Every time he found her she was off doing something that took him longer to do, or worse, things he hadn't even learned to do yet. She was BETTER than him. And he hated it.

So at night, he would leave her, not caring how she felt about it. It was her choice to avoid him when the sun was up! So he'd spend his nights looking for Lucifer or going to the pond to watch Lucifer's ducks. Chuckling as they swam or slept on the grass beside him. They went days and days like this. Lilith wandering in the day, Adam wandering at night. A routine that ment they never had to interact. But Lucifer didn't come for a few days, Mostlikly busy. Or he thought so till one day, he came back to Liliths area and heard giggling from her…and another giggle. When he goes closer he spots…Lucifer. HIS Lucifer, sitting by Lilith on the grass, holding her hands and talking to her. 

“It's ok Lilith. I'm sure if you just try and bond with him, he will come to like you. You are his wife." He explained. “I know Adam. He is kind and sweet and a bit silly, but I derneith it all, he's GOOD. Just like you." And he takes a flower, and placed it in Lilith's hair. 

Adam felt warm again, his chest was warm…no..no that wasn't the right word. His chest was BURNING. Anger filtered through his body and his mind clouded with thoughts of hurting Lilith with rocks and sticks. Of chasing her away from HIS angel. LUCIFER WAS HIS ANGEL! How dare she talk to him?! Touch him?! Get flowers from him?! Those were ADAMS to have! His moments! His nights! Not hers!

 But he didn't come out. He sat and let his Anger grow. Why…why did he like Lilith too? Did he like her better? Was it because she was prettier? Smarter?! 

He felt a sudden pain in his hands and looked down to see his nails had dug in to his palm so much he started to bleed…huh…he hasnt evwe bled before… He held his hand up to his eyes and frowned, then slowly, turned to leave. He needed time to think. 

.

.

.

Soon Lucifer did come to see him. A few days later tho, meaning he spent a whole night with that woman. Adam pretended not to know. Pretended he hadn't seen, and made excuses when Lucifer asked why he was avoiding Lilith. Saying “she was avoiding me so I thought she didn't like me, so I left her be." Or “if she wants to talk to me she could come find me herself." 

Not helpful statements but true ones in Adams opinion. If she wanted him, she'd come get him. She hadn't, so clearly she didn't need him around…he didn't need her either. 

Lucifer let it go. For a bit at least, and just talked with Adam on the hill as usual, talking about a new instrument he had invented called the violin. He summoned it and showed Adam how he played it with a bow made of hair on metal based strings. Playing for his human happily. His human. That's how Adam saw himself. And after Lilith he realized just how DEEP the ownership inside them was. He owned Lucifer, and Lucifer owned him. He'd do anything for Lucifer. He'd put himself through utter pain and suffering for Lucifer's smile. He'd watch the garden burn if it made Lucifer giggle. And some small part of him knew it wasn't healthy, but he wasn't sure he cared…all he wanted was his lucifer to be fully his. Not Liliths…he would have to find a way to keep her away from his angel. And as they talk that's all Adam could imagine. 

Adam had a few ideas.including getting her to go away by telling her a new flower was in specific areas, or by telling her about a new animal she should go see. She always listened, running off to find the animal in question, seeming pleased that, maybe, Adam was starting to warm up to her, and the bad start could be mended. She even asked him to come with her some nights to go see what he had described, but he refused. Or at least…at first. Other ideas came to his head and he smiles as one night, he tells her about a new fish he found by the river that was super shiny. And this time, he offered to show her himself. 

So he led her through the forest, taking her hand, until they head to the river bank, right before nightfall, and Adam and her kneel by the side, looking over the quick moving water that led in to a waterfall. Adam had been told by Lucifer once to be carful by the river, that he could get hurt…well a hirt Lilith shouldn't be able to be around his angel, so this was a good way to keep her away. 

He points to the middle of the river and smiles “see! Right there! The salmon I was telling you about," he said proudly, Lilith looked and frowned, not being in the best spot to see it as the sun sets and shines light right on the water, nearly blinding her. 

“Adam, it's too bright.." she said closing her eyes and rubbing them as they start to water. Then, she felt so thing bump in to her from behind, and gravity pushed her forth, sending her in to the water. Lilith screamed but it was cut off by the sound of water filling her mouth, sending her rolling through the river. Hitting rocks and fish on the way, the rocks were too slick to stand on, and the river was too fast for her to swim against or even try to get to the edges. She got to the top of the water and screamed, begging for help. 

But Adam just stood there, watching her flow away from him. And as she looked at him, she could swear she saw a smile. But she didn't see if for long as she suddenly went over the side of the waterfall, screaming as she is pulled by gravity and the force of the water twords rocks below…or she would be, if a pair of arms didn't wrap around her and hold her close. She looked up to see Lucifer there, eyes widened as other angels appear at hearing the screams on the garden, all of them in shock and horror at the near loss of the first woman. Michael and Sera fly to lucifer, seeing the bruises forming on the woman's arms and hands. The tears and panic in her eyes as she cling to Lucifer. 

“How did this happen!?" Sera said “they were to stay away from the river!" 

Lucifer shooshed the woman. "She is upset. Let's help heal her and calm her down and we can ask. She has been through enough…”

Adam felt the rage again at seeing Lilith in his arms. That's his place! Not hers! How dare he! Didn't he know he was Adams?! Lilith could have another angel but not his! Adam turned, storming off in to the woods, too angry to think straight. He wandered deeper and deeper, going to an area he hadn't seen before. His eyes wided. As he sees how dark it is…how long has he been walking? Where was he? He…he needs to head back…but what if Lucifer is mad at him…

Adam groaned and pinched a tree, his knuckles bleeding after, but he ignores it in favor of  sitting down by the tree in question, holding his hand to his chest. Tears start to form. He didn't understand why this was happening. He was happy with Lucifer. Lucifer was a good angel. He was funny and smart and kind. He treated Adam like he was special. Lilith had no reason to exist. None! Yet here she was! Taking his angel! Singing songs and being smart! Adam can be smart too! Adam was very smart! He just takes longer! That doesn't make him not smart!!!

He held his head. “...I wanna be smart too…” he mumbled in to the air, then, he heard the sound of something dropping to the dirt with a thud. 

He opens his eyes and sees a bruised red apple. A glowing red apple. Huh…” he reached out and took it, and then a voice in his head he had forgotten yelled " DO NOT EAT THE FRUIT OF LIFE OF THE FRUIT OF KNOWLEGE! FOR DOING SO WILL LEAD TO YOUR DOOM!” 

Doom…he didn't know what that meant but…he did know what knowledgement! Knowledge! It makes you smarter! He looked up at the tree he was sitting at and gasped. “The tree of knowledge!" He stood up holding the apple in his hand. It was bruised and old, clearly not meant to be eaten by him. He noticed there were no animals here. No sounds of bugs buzzing or birds chirping, just his breath and the wind. So even the animals knew to stay away…but…

He looked down at the apple. It was so shiny and beautiful compared to regular apples. Almost unreal. He saw his reflection in the apple even. That's how clean and pure it was. He thought for a second. “If I was smarter…if I tried harder…could I learn how to make Lilith go away and keep Lucifer…could knowledge be t

The key to my loving angel? Could it make it so Lucifer wasn't made about the river? Could…could he have Lucifer if he did this? 

He guled, and after a long long moment, he closed his eyes, opened his mouth, and he took a bite. 

(Tell me what ya think? I may do a part two later if I have the inspiration and energy, but yeah. I wrote something! UvU Its unedited and If I do a part two I may put it on Ao3, but for now I'll keep it here! Please tell me if you like it. And again, it's unedited so please don't correct the grammar rn, I only had so much time after work and sadly did not have much time to clean up.)

[mjlovescm]

Two green thumbs, Fezco O'Neil

a/n: another super old oneshot idea finally set free from brain !! Reader and Fezco’s love for gardening and making each other sandwiches 

From a young age, you knew you had a green thumb. Whether it was playing in dirt at the park or watching seeds grow for school projects. Plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables and, of course, dirt were all things you knew very well. So when your school started a gardeners club, you were first in line, but after disagreements ending in mud slinging and foul words, you left. By force. 

But that didn't stop you, and not too long after, a second gardening club was formed with you as its sole member. That was before a certain ginger haired boy saw you struggling with carrying around a few large bags of soil. 

"Fuck!" you cursed a bit loudly then you should have for a school hallway.

"You good?"

You turned around with an irritated expression, expecting a member of your previous club behind you. Instead, it was a boy from your math class. The cute, smart one who always raised his hand and wore a gold chain. 

"You need help?"

You nod, breathing heavier than you realized. 

"Grab that end, and I'll grab this one." 

The suggestion is shot down by the freckled boy, insisting on carrying it himself. 

"Yea, these bags heavy as shit." He told you as he lifted the bag over his shoulder. 

You laugh and a small smile breaks through his concentrated expression. 

"I know I've been moving them all by myself."

"I thought y'all had a whole club of people." he asked, curious as to why you were doing this alone. 

The mention of the original gardening club sent you down a spiral, which you unloaded on the boy. As he moved bag after bag of soil, you went on and on. Complaining about changing club hours, disorganized meetings and not considering the weather. It wasn't until he dropped the last bag that you realized you'd been rambling. 

"I get that, my grandma likes to do her own things too." 

His lifting left his skin with a light layer of sweat, to make up for his help, you offer him water and half of your packed lunch. 

"Mm, this is good." a content noise leaves him. "Where'd you get it?"

The compliment makes you smile in a giddy way that's hard to hide. 

"I made it myself" you gloat, "and grew it. The tomatoes and lettuce, I mean."

Together, you ate for a few minutes before getting to work on the soil. After grabbing himself a pair of gloves, the boy joined in. After an hour of hard work, it was time to go home. You both grabbed your bookbags and walked to the front of the school, where an older woman and a baby were waiting. Goodbyes were exchanged and he left.

As his grandmother drove away, you continued your wave and smile, only now remembering the redhead's name. Fezco. 

Years later and the tradition of having lunch with Fezco never died, and neither did the two of you's love for gardening. 

It was a nice spring day, warm and cool. You walked up to Fezco's door with a basket in hand, yet before you could knock, Ashtray swung the door open. 

"Checking my location again?"

It wasn't the first time Ash had been prepared for you coming over. His love for video games made him detest getting up in the middle of  one to open the door for you if Fez was busy. So he watched your location and knew when to take a bathroom break so he could get the door for you. 

"Nice dress." he ignores the question. 

"Thank you, I got it at the mall." you tell him, walking into their home.

It was a blue dress that greatly complimented your figure, it was scattered with flowers and paired with simple blue shoes. 

"Yea, when yall didn't take me."

"It was a date." 

He slips his headphones back on and returns to his gaming chair and game. 

You find your boyfriend in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal. His blue eyes meet your brown ones as he finishes drinking the leftover milk. He chokes for a moment seeing you, you both jump before rushing for a paper towel to clean the milk that spilled. 

"Damn, baby, you scared me."

"Sorry, I wanted to surprise you." a beat of silence. "Surprise. Well, actually, we have to drive to the surprise."

After a quick outfit change and second bowl of cereal, you two were in the car and on the way to his surprise. The ride is short but filled with conversation and Fezco's questions on where you were leading him and what you had in store. 

"Close your eyes."

Although you're dead serious, he looks at you as if you just told him a bad joke. But after adding a "please" and "baby" he folded.

"You better not make me trip," Fez warns as you guide him, being his eyes. "I'm not tryna fall in front of all these people."

"You're not gonna fall." you assure him, "But I will if your big feet keep kicking me."

"My fault." he apologizes as if his hands weren't currently blocking his view.

It took a minute but once you found your way there you placed Fezco in front of the two garden plots and instructed him to open his eyes. 

"Surprise!" you yell and watch his hands leave his face.

At first, he's confused, understandable. The same way anyone looking at two plots of soil would be. 

Many times, Fezco had told you of his ideal future. A family, a farm and his own land. Although your family was made up of the two of you and Ash. And the land was technically owned by the community garden, it was a small start. Since leaving school to take care of his grandmother and Ashtray, your boyfriend was limited to your garden only, and now he had his own. 

Kisses cover your face and "Thank you baby."'s fill your ears. Fezco's large arms hold you tight and close as he showers you in love and gratitude. 

Once he released you from his grasp, you gave Fezco a full tour of the entire community center. From its large garden and outdoor space, library, and list of hobbies and clubs. When you made your way back to the plots, he was ready to start planning his future plant layout. 

Two and a half months later... It was a hot summer day, overly sunny but saved by strong winds and few clouds. Fezco was returning home with dirty hands and fresh vegetables. After a good wash and cut, he pulled out his phone, taking a picture and sending it to you.

"You hungry? I'm making lunch." he speaks his words out loud as he types them.

He hits send and waits for a response before bringing all of his sandwich ingredients out. Not too long after you arrived at the O'Neil residence, he seated you at the dinner table and asked you to close your eyes. When they open, you're met with a fresh BLT and a smile waiting for your approval. 

"What's this?"

"Try it, tell me what it tastes like. I made it," a beat, "and grew it. The lettuce and tomato, I mean." 

"I know what you mean." 

You lift the hefty sandwich and take a large bite. A content noise leaving you as the rich flavor meets your tongue. Nodding as you chew, Fezco watches you enjoy the fruits or well vegetables of his labor, remembering the little girl who rambled on about dirt.

masterlist Messy, 🍋

[bubble-popping]

day 34! i just realized smth i posted to the Citrus discord never made its way here. so i'm here to fix that!

"Hubert? What's wrong?" Techno asked, staring anxiously at Dream's bare back. He looked too good in that skintight dress for there to be no laws around it. "I know you said you're not used to dancing, but-" "No, my Lord, it's not that." The blond shook his head, meticulously done curls dancing about. His hair shone like gold against the backdrop of a sleeping city in the distance, further illuminated by the lights of the ballroom they'd just escaped. Well, Dream had fled and Techno dutifully followed after. "It's just..." He began again only to trail off, voice barely audible over the noise of the party. Hesitantly, the freckled man turned. When they finally faced each other again, Techno could see unshed tears on his lashes. "I was reminded of us... of what we used to be."

Techno's brows furrowed. His expression contorted in confusion. That wasn't the next line. Techno had long grown accustomed to the improvisation Dream liked to do. However, this was more than a simple word or tone change. He looked too genuine, too vulnerable.

Dream realized a second later. Immediately, he turned back around, hugging himself. "I-I'm sorry, that was too forward of me. You must think me so silly..." He said, clearly trying to save it. These were their best takes thus far, after all.

"Not at all, Hubert. You're not the only one." Techno watched his shoulders tense. At the back of his mind, he wondered why the director hadn't called the scene off yet, but something much more pressing took center stage. "I remember us." He approached, closing some of the gap between them. Dream faced him once more. The tears had fallen by now, glistening on his flushed cheeks.

Techno grasped his upper arms. His skin felt cool against his own. He always did run warmer than Dream; a 'human heater' he would say when he used to cuddle up to him. "In fact, not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you since you left."

Dream's eyes widened, the most vibrant green Techno ever saw. "Te..." He sobered, stopping just short of completely breaking character--though, Techno wasn't sure how in-character he still was in the first place. "Tell me," he continued without missing a beat. "Tell me what you've thought of."

Oh, Dream. They'd have to increase the content rating if I did that.

"I thought of your smile and your laughter," he murmured instead, reaching to cup Dream's face and rubbing the tear track away. Perfectly on cue, the blond grinned and let out a soft giggle, leaning into it. "I thought of talking with you late at night, of how you'd wrinkle your nose when I made coffee in the morning."

He laughed again, his own hand atop Techno's as he nuzzled it. "Well, I thought of those ridiculous ties you wore and how you'd pretend to not know how to tie them just so I'd do it for you."

Techno fought down a chuckle. "Guilty as charged," he admitted. Only then did he notice how close they were, sharing breaths, sharing space that was only shrinking. His free hand slid to support Dream's lower back, feeling how he shuddered from the touch. "I missed you so much."

Dream looked as if the tears were about to start again. "I missed you too..." He moved from gripping the front of Techno's blazer, dragging his fingers up along his neck to tangle them in peony pink hair. Techno couldn't help how he melted at the familiar gesture, especially not when Dream pulled him closer. They hesitated for but a moment, lips hovering barely an inch away as they both searched for any hint of doubt in the other's gaze.

Once they found none, they cautiously met in a small, quick peck. Just an experiment, a test of the waters. Then, they surged into a deeper kiss, too warm and achingly familiar for Techno not to tear up. He knew these lips like no time had passed at all, like he'd never let Dream walk out that door.

For just a moment, he could pretend the last two years didn't happen.

Apparently, Techno wasn't alone in that. Fingers tugged at his hair. Dream pressed impossibly closer and sighed into his mouth, becoming nearly limp in his arms as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Curling in and around each other, trying to meld into one, willfully ignorant of anything and everything around them. Nothing else mattered. This moment was theirs, and they intended to make it last as long as they humanly could.

Humans needed oxygen, unfortunately, and Techno burned to remember the last time a kiss left him breathless. He couldn't even open his eyes when they finally broke apart, too busy mourning the loss of warmth and trying to clear his muddled mind. It seemed Dream was in the same boat, eyelids fluttering as Techno looked at him. His verdant gaze spoke of buried feelings now clawing to be released.

The tears had returned in the midst of it all. Once again, Techno lovingly wiped them away.

"Cut!!"

A sudden voice nearly startled them apart. They turned their heads to find the director with her arms up in celebration. "That was brilliant! Simply magnificent! The raw emotion and passion, I got goosebumps! I just knew you two were the perfect picks for these roles!"

While clearing his throat and averting his eyes, Dream stepped out of the embrace, visibly pretending he wasn't red as cherries. "Sorry, director. I forgot my line and the character got the best of me." He shrugged, grinning nervously.

Well, that was a lie. Dream never forgot his lines.

"Oh please, you owe me no apologies! This is the kind of stuff I live for. That was art! And, Techno, you just went with it?"

Techno blinked, realizing he'd been staring at Dream the entire time. "Ah, yeah. I've worked with Dream before. This is nothing new for him." At the edge of his vision, he swore he saw Dream touching his lips, seemingly deep in thought.

Perhaps, he was reminiscing. Techno could only hope.

"Either way, that take is absolutely going in. I'll have to talk with the writers to see how to adapt the story to accommodate it, but I'll make it work. In the mean time, everyone head back to your homes and trailers." She called to all the camera crew and stage hands, eliciting a wave of relieved sighs. "We'll meet back here bright and early tomorrow to..." Techno tuned out the rest of her words. The exhaustion after a long day of filming was starting to get to him. He glanced back to where he last saw his blond costar only to be met with emptiness, and scanning the area revealed nothing. Dream had already left.

[baker-coded]

Barbie and Ken {S.H.}

𝓟𝓪𝓲𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰: Steve Harrington x reader

𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽: 870

𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂: Steve sees you for the first time in a while at the bookstore while getting a present from Robin.

𝓐/𝓝: I wrote this in an hour. Be nice. Also I'm back to writing again so woo fucking hoo. This is set up to be a series btw. And Barbie isn't reader's name but I really hate typing {Y/N} personally. It feels unnatural to me. Anyway. Enjoy <3

Ah yes, Steve Harrington. He goes by many names. "Steve". "Steven". "The Hair". "King Steve". And, sometimes, simply "Harrington" by teammates and coaches... and rivals. Most notably Billy Hargrove.

But this story isn't about those two.

It's about you. And Steve.

You've gone by a few names yourself in your high school years and post-high school it's like no one bothered to learn your name.

"Queen Barbie" is what they called you. "Queen Barbie" was known as a sweet girl by most people and regarded as a bitch to others. But nothing played into your "Barbie" persona as much as your love for the color pink and the smile that constantly adorned your face.

Always smiling even while you worked. It was a job you loved in all fairness. A bookstore. Quiet. Not a lot of people passing through. And you loved it.

The bookstore was a nice change of pace from high school. It was small and family owned. Not by your family of course, you and your family had... issues to say the least. But that's a story for another time.

In school you wore hot pinks and baby pinks paired with white or gold. Working you went for more muted pinks. But pink is pink and nothing has made you less "Queen Barbie".

And nothing made Steve less "King Steve".

Especially when he came in to buy Robin a book for her birthday. If anything that made him better in your eyes. Steve was always kind to you but you never were into him like everyone expected you to be. He was sweet to you but you knew he was kind of an asshole to others.

He came up to the counter with a copy of Patience and Sarah. You saw the book before him and got excited about it.

"Oh this is a wonderful book. Good choice." You said happily as you took it. You turned the book on its back and put the price in the register as you spoke. "It's about a woman and her lover, who's another woman. One of the main characters is pretty masculine and she eventually 'transitions' to a man kinda. Then she goes by- You know what? I'm sorry. I'm rattling on. Uh... it's five nineteen."

Steve just smiled and nodded at you as he got out his wallet. "I didn't know you read that much Barbie."

Your head snapped up to see Steve, in all his glory. His hair was shorter than you remembered, maybe a bit flatter. He was definitely more muscular but you didn't really know what he's been doing to be so much stronger looking.

You hadn't realized how he had freckles in school. They looked good. And he had the prettiest eyes. And he also-

"Uh... receipt?" Your mouth stopped your thoughts. Auto pilot can really be a bitch sometimes.

Steve seemed to be in the same boat. He looked startled when you asked. "Oh, uh, yes please. It's a gift for a friend."

You smiled and handed him the receipt. "I think we have gift wrap in the back. I can wrap it for you!" You offered, totally not still thinking about his eyes and freckles.

Steve's eyes widened as he nodded. "Please. Their birthday is tomorrow."

"King Steve doing something last minute? I'm surprised!" You teased. "I'll go wrap it."

You took the book and went into the back room to wrap it. It wasn't official wrapping paper. It was just brown paper with book covers printed on it. You put a "To/from" sticker on it and came out with a sharpie.

Steve was standing awkwardly by the counter and his face lit up when he saw you with the now wrapped book. He went to grab it from you and you pulled the book back.

"I remember your handwriting." Was all you said to him. You set the book on the counter and took the lid from the sharpie. "Who's it for?"

"Robin Bobbin Buckley."

You blinked at him in confusion. "Is that their name or...?"

"It's more of an in joke."

"Cute."

You could have sworn Steve's cheeks turned pink slightly but you had no idea. You knew he didn't really blush so it was hard to decipher if it was blush or the summer heat was seeping into the store.

Steve rocked back and forth for a few moments as you wrote down what he told you. You had barely finished when he blurted out: "Barbie let's go on a date."

"What?"

Steve stumbled for a second before finally getting out a coherent phrase. "Date. Me. Please?"

You smiled and handed him the book. "How about in two days yeah? Your friends birthday is tomorrow."

Steve smiled and took the book from you. "I can do that. That works. Movies?"

"Just like school."

"Exactly Barbie." He chuckled. "I know how much you love drive-ins and milkshakes."

"It's fun!"

"I agree! That's why Saturday at 8 is going to be the perfect time."

"I can't wait Steve."

Steve left the store as casually as he could before absolutely freaking out in his car. He couldn't believe he got you. And he was gonna do his damnedest to keep you.

[foundtherightwords]

The Firebird - Chapter 14

Pairing: Prince Paul (Catherine the Great) x OFC, Fairytale AU

Summary: When Paul, a spoiled young prince, spots a strange bird in the forest near his palace, he impulsively chases after it, hoping to both escape from and prove himself to his disapproving mother. Thus he is plunged into an exhilarating adventure across a magical realm populated by enchanted princesses, dangerous monsters, and powerful wizards, an adventure that may change him more than he can ever imagine.

Chapter warning: violence, fire, gore

Chapter word count: 3.8k

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13

Chapter 14 - Deathless

After everything he'd heard of Zhara's brother, after witnessing every act of cruelty Illarion was capable of, Paul was expecting a villain, someone who exuded power and wickedness. What he saw instead was a boy, looking no older than sixteen, of the same tall, slender build as Zhara, with the same red hair, though it was a shade darker, almost auburn, and the same freckles. There was even something of Zhara's impishness in the turn of his mouth as well. Only the eyes were different. When Paul looked into those eyes, his heart sank, and all his doubt about the boy's true nature vanished. They were the same glittering green as the medallions, hard and cold. Zhara's eyes were always human even when she was transformed into a bird. This boy's eyes didn't even seem alive; the only hint of life in them was a glare of hate.

But Paul didn't spend too long contemplating those lifeless eyes. His attention was riveted on a large mesh cage at the window. Zhara was fluttering in it, while the setting sun cast its light on her plumage, turning her into a fireball, just like the first time Paul had seen her in the forest of Tsarskoye Selo.

Underneath the cage, laid out on the table, were an array of strange items and instruments—a gold chest, a hare, a duck, and an egg. The animals each had an angry red slash on its chest. It seemed Illarion had everything he needed for the Deathless ritual, except for the most important one—the needle containing his death. This the boy was twirling between his thin fingers while he leaned casually against the throne, watching Paul with a curious, almost fascinated expression. Under the disconcerting gaze of those flat green eyes, Paul became too aware that he was no knight in shining armor, with his torn and bloody shirt and mismatched weapons. He could only hope that appearances may be misleading.

"For a mere mortal from Rus', he did quite well, did he not, Zharissa?" Illarion said conversationally. "Much better than those bumbling bogatyrs of yours. I wonder what other surprise he may have in store."

To Paul's shock, Zhara spoke. "Paul," she said. "You shouldn't be here. Go! Save yourself!" He stared at the bird. It was Zhara's voice, desperate and full of tears, coming out of her beak. What trick was this?

"Oh, now she talks," Illarion said, sounding annoyed. "I gave you the power of speech so we could have a chat and make the waiting a little less tedious, and you refused to talk to me, but the moment he showed up, you started chattering away?"

"If you don't want to wait until I'm human again to perform the ritual," Zhara said, "why not undo the curse and just kill me now?"

"I would if I could!" Illarion shouted. "Do you think I want to wait? But they are very imprecise, curses. I never meant to curse you, you know. This avian form greatly diminishes your power. If you would only agree to wear that medallion—"

Why, he doesn't know how to undo the curse, Paul realized. He's nothing but a boy, in over his head. He wondered if Zhara had realized this as well and was stalling for time.

"You didn't have to control me," Zhara said to Illarion, spreading her wings in an imploring gesture. "I would've gladly let you rule—"

"What, so you could go behind my back and gather the support of the boyars?" Illarion hissed, baring his teeth in anger. "So you could play the victim and undermine my rule? I know you too well, sister."

They sounded like siblings bickering over a game rather than discussing matters of life and death. Paul took a tentative step forward, reaching for the skull in his knapsack, the only weapon that might stand a chance against Illarion's magic. "Let her go," he said. At least his voice was steady.

"Or what?" Illarion snickered. "Are you going to throw that skull at me?"

In reply, Paul raised the skull. Fire shot out of its eye socket. He meant to aim it at Illarion, but the flame hit a corner of the velvet curtain instead, setting it ablaze. Illarion shrugged, looking almost bored. "I never like those curtains anyway," he said. "You're going to have to do better than that."

"How's this for better?" Paul aimed the skull at Illarion's robe. There was a flash, and the robe caught fire. Illarion didn't even flinch. He beat out the fire with his bare hand, as casually as blowing out a candle. Refusing to be intimidated, Paul advanced upon the boy, the skull held in front of him like a musket. He shot another bolt of fire; Illarion dodged it, and the flame hit the corner of the throne in a shower of sparks.

"Enough of this," Illarion growled. He pinned the needle to the shoulder of his robe before slipping something out of his belt and throwing it at Paul.

Belatedly, Paul saw that it was a medallion.

He threw up his arms, but the medallion hit his chest, burned through his shirt like a cattle brand, and adhered itself to his skin.

The pain was unbearable. He'd thought being pinned under an iron-and-copper dragon was bad, but it was nothing compared to this, this red-hot agony, this hellfire that seared his very bone, that reached all the way to his heart, that spread through his blood. Was this how it had been for Afron when he foolishly cast in his lot with Illarion? Was this how it had been for poor Alyosha Popovich?

Paul collapsed, clutching at his chest. The last thing he heard was Zhara's panicked voice, calling out his name, as the white-and-gold room around him faded to black.

***

When the darkness cleared from his eyes, Paul found himself on a bed, a large bed, with the silk cover of a pillow under his cheek. There were blue velvet drapes with gold fringes around the bed. The room around him was blue and gold as well, and strangely familiar. It took him a moment to realize this was his bed. His room, the one at the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. An untrimmed candle still flickered on the bedside table, but the morning sun was pouring in through the curtains being swept back by a servant. The door opened, and his mother walked in.

"What, still abed at this hour?" she said, though she didn't sound quite as harsh as usual. "And on such a big day?"

Paul sat up, blinking stupidly. His hand flew up to his chest. The pain was gone. Had there been a pain there at all, or had he dreamed it?

"A big day?" he repeated.

"Your coronation, of course!" his mother said, laughing and clapping her hands together.

Paul stared at her, too stunned to speak. His mother seemed almost giddy, quite unlike herself. "Are you—are you abdicating?" finally he asked.

"That was always the plan, wasn't it?" She briskly walked over to an array of frock coats and robes being laid out by the servants, pointing to several. "That one, that one... no, that one. Yes." Turning back to Paul, she said, "It was agreed that I would only rule until you reached your majority. Now that you have, it is time for me to step down."

Something was not right, but Paul couldn't quite put his finger on it. He felt dazed, half-asleep, as though he'd just come out of a nightmare and was not quite awake. Yet he vaguely remembered that it was true, the council had finally convinced his mother to pass the throne to him. He let himself be dragged out of bed, washed and dressed in full ceremonial regalia, and before he knew it, he was standing in the cathedral in front of a crowd, while priests chanted over him and the crown, the crown he'd seen on his mother's head hundreds of times and coveted each time he saw it, glittered on a velvet cushion before him.

Could it be? Could it be that he had finally achieved what he desired the most?

He looked at the crowd, at their adoring faces all turned toward him. Yes, this was what he wanted, to be seen and respected and appreciated. But he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something else he wanted, something missing. He noticed a young lady standing by his mother, doll-like with her porcelain face and tiny rosebud mouth, eyes cast down demurely. Paul didn't remember having seen her before.

"Panin," he said to his old governor, who was standing by his side, "who is that young woman?"

"Why, that is your betrothed, Your Excellency."

Startled, Paul wracked his brain. Again, he had some vague recollection of having chosen one of the princesses from all the miniatures given to him, but try as he might, he couldn't remember her name. Why couldn't he remember her name? It would be terribly embarrassing to ask Panin her name, wouldn't it?

The young lady lifted her eyes to look at him, and Paul suddenly found himself expecting her eyes to be a warm, golden color, honey held up to sunlight. How strange. Her eyes were blue, perfectly pretty, but for some reason, he kept thinking of those amber eyes. Where had he seen such eyes?

And then, to his shock, the young lady's face began to change. Her eyes turned golden just as he'd imagined; her powdered wigs became a long, red braid, and freckles splattered across her skin. If he looked closely, he could see seven freckles curve around the corner of her mouth... he remembered kissing them... he remembered running his hand over that hair, having those eyes look into his in the moonlight...

"Your Excellency," Panin said in his ears, but it wasn't Panin's voice, it was a strange voice, oily and cold, a voice he'd heard once before in a dark forest. "This is what you want, isn't it?" the voice continued. "You can have all that, and more. As long as you obey me."

Paul turned to his old governor in horror. Panin was looking at him with eyes the color of malachite.

"If you want her," Panin said, still in that spine-chilling voice, "well, I cannot give you the real thing, you understand, but I can give you something very similar." And he nodded at the young lady who looked like someone Paul both did and didn't know.

There was a weight on his chest. He couldn't breathe.

The young lady opened her mouth. She was standing not five feet from him, yet her voice seemed to be coming to him from far, far away. "Fight it, Paul!" she was screaming. He knew that voice. He knew her.

The crowd around him faded, leaving only her eyes and her voice. Holding on to them as an anchor, he clasped a hand to the base of his throat. His fingers closed around a hard disc, something like a pendant or a medallion that was stuck to his skin. It burned. He pulled it out, screaming as it took some of his skin and flesh along with it, and flung it as far away as he could.

The cathedral vanished. Paul found himself on the floor of the throne room, the marble cool under his cheek. The burning sensation on his chest had gone, but the pain lingered, weakening his limbs. Lifting his head with difficulty, he saw that Illarion stood over him, nostrils flared in fury, while the cage stood empty, with a gaping hole in its side—fragments of the medallion scattered nearby told Paul that he must have hit the cage with the medallion by accident and broken it open. Where was Zhara?

The thought of Zhara finally cleared the cloud in his head. She had saved him. She had pulled him out of that—that vision or hallucination or whatever it was that Illarion had used to tempt him, and brought him back to reality.

This, this was real. Not his mother's palace, not his coronation, not his nameless betrothed. This was real. Zhara was real. And he must save her.

And there she was, a spot of red circling close to the ceiling, out of Illarion's reach. Illarion was flinging his hand at her with his fingers outstretched, launching all sorts of things at her—lightning bolts, stones, even sharp icicles—anything he could conjure out of thin air, it seemed. Strike after magical strike hit the ceiling and the walls, and bits of marble rained down. Zhara flew on agile wings, narrowly avoiding the missiles and the debris that flew off the ceiling and the walls. But she could not hold out for long, not when the sun was getting lower and lower by the minute. Why wasn't she fighting back? Her power may be weaker, but she could still throw a few fireballs, surely? Or did she hesitate because she still thought of this crazed boy as her little brother? Well, if she refused to fight him, then Paul would.

As Illarion twisted and turned like he was battling a particularly pesky fly, Paul struggled to his feet and pulled out his broken sword, holding it ready. At one point, Illarion turned fully toward Paul, arms wide open as he tried to hit Zhara with a whirlwind. This was Paul's chance. He ran at the boy at full tilt and stabbed the sword through Illarion's chest.

Staggering back, Illarion stared at the sword's handle sticking out of his chest in astonishment.

Then he started to laugh.

"You fool!" he said, still laughing. He pulled the sword out and threw it to the floor. There wasn't even any blood on it. If it wasn't for the torn patch on his robe, nobody would know he'd been stabbed.

He truly was Deathless.

With a flick of his hand, Illarion threw an invisible force at Paul, sending him sprawling.

Paul's eyes caught a glint on Illarion's robe. It was the needle, reflecting the red rays of the sun.

The needle! Of course! To defeat Koschei, one had to destroy the needle. Paul picked himself up on trembling limbs and aimed the skull at it. If he could at least damage it somehow, that would distract Illarion long enough to give them a chance...

Illarion spun around. Another unseen hand slammed into Paul. This time the force knocked the air out of his lungs and hurled him across the room. The back of his head hit the wall. Stars burst in front of his eyes. Golden ropes sprung out of the floor like tree roots, binding his wrists and ankles. He strained against them, but they only tightened, threatening to slice off his hands and foot. The skull clattered away, rolling to the foot of the throne. Illarion's boot came down, smashing it into bits.

Paul was still staring at the smashed skull, his last hope, when Illarion came to stand in front of him.

"Stupid mortal!" he spat at Paul. "How dare you defy me! Now you shall pay!"

He pointed his hand at Paul and curled his fingers into a fist. Paul gasped. It felt as though there was a claw inside him, squeezing his heart, cutting off the flow of blood in his veins. Incredible, indescribable pain radiated from his heart to his ribs, his neck, his arms and shoulders, and the rest of his body, choking him, paralyzing him. He could feel his life force draining away, but he was helpless to stop it.

From the ceiling, Zhara came barreling down like a golden arrow. She dashed past Illarion, who made a grab for her but missed her by just a hair's breadth. The pressure around Paul's heart loosened, and he collapsed to the floor, coughing. Zhara shot back to the ceiling, and Illarion clasped a hand to his shoulder, the first hint of fear creeping to his face—the needle was gone.

"Please, Lariosha, stop this," Zhara said, the needle tightly grasped between her talons.

"Do not call me that!"

"The magic is killing you! If you go through with the ritual, you'll be dead! Baba Yaga told me—the same thing happened to Koschei—"

So Baba Yaga had told Zhara the truth after all. Was that why she wasn't fighting Illarion? Was she still trying to save him?

"See, that's where you're wrong, sister," Illarion said, though he indeed did not look well. The boy's face was pale, as pale as the marble walls around them, his hands shook, and he was breathing hard, spittle spraying from his lips. Only his green eyes burned feverishly. "Koschei was an old fool. He put his death into an ordinary needle. But I am cleverer than that. This needle will be indestructible once I temper it in your fire. Don't try anything stupid. Whatever you do to it will only make it stronger."

"I'm sorry," Zhara said. "I can't let you go through with this." Turning to Paul, she said, "Hold on to Baba Yaga's handkerchief. It will protect you."

"Protect me—from what?" Paul gasped. He still hadn't quite regained his breath after Illarion's attack.

"From me."

With that, she pointed the needle at herself and plunged it into her chest.

"No!" Paul and Illarion both screamed.

Blood spurted from Zhara's breast, dying her red feathers a darker shade. Blood dripped to the floor below her, and wherever the blood fell, fire sprang up and spread around the room as though the floor was made of the oldest, driest wood and not cold, hard marble. Flames surrounded Zhara, turning her whole body into a fireball, burning the needle white-hot. Flames swallowed up the table with its instruments of magic. Flames licked around Paul, but he strained his bound hand to find Baba Yaga's handkerchief in his knapsack, and the fire never touched him, though he felt its heat on his skin.

"You think you can stop me by killing yourself?!" Illarion hissed. "No, no, dear sister, you will live—at least long enough to serve me!"

He raised his hand. Zhara was pulled toward him on an invisible string, her wings flailing uselessly against his force.

"I have taken Koschei's powers," Illarion said, "and now I'm going to take yours!"

Just as he had done to Paul, Illarion curled his fingers into a fist. Paul knew now that the gesture meant Illarion was draining his victim's life force. And there was Zhara's life force—flames rolled along the string of air between them, flowing from sister into brother, until they were connected by a rope of fire. Paul could only watch, powerless, while Zhara's eyes rolled to the back of her head, and she made a strangled sound. Her plumage started losing its color and luster. The paler she got, the stronger Illarion seemed to be—his face was no longer deathly white, his hair became redder than the fire itself, and his eyes burned more brightly.

The fire was almost gone from around Zhara's body now, her feathers a dim, dark shade of purplish brown, like old blood. She was limp, only held up in midair by the force of Illarion's magic. The needle was lifted from her chest by that same force and flew into Illarion's hand. He caught it, laughing, paying no heed to the incandescent metal.

"Yes, yes!" he shouted. "Why didn't I think to do this sooner? This is so much better! Now I can temper the needle with my own fire! I shall be truly invinci—"

He didn't finish the sentence. The smug smile vanished from his face. The fire continued to blaze around his body as it blazed around the room, sucking out all the air, turning the whole place into an inferno. Despite the protection of Baba Yaga's handkerchief, Paul could still feel the heat blasting him in the face and scorching his lungs.

"No, this is enough—" Illarion was saying. "The tempering is done—I want it to stop—Zhara! How do I get the fire to stop? Help! Help me, please! "

Zhara, who was suspended lifeless in the air with her head lolling back and her wings drooping, gave no answer.

"It burns—oh gods, it burns!" Illarion moaned. He tried to throw the needle away, but it had melted into a puddle of liquid metal in his palm. Still the fire raged on. "You witch!" Illarion screamed at Zhara, his face twisted with rage. "You've tricked me! But you won't get away with it! If I die, you shall die too!"

He clenched his fist again, and some of the fire flowed back to Zhara, searing her feathers. She remained unconscious. Soon, the fire would consume both brother and sister...

Paul took his hand out of the knapsack and dropped the handkerchief to the floor. The moment it left his fingers, flames roared up around him. He angled his body toward it, letting the fire burn the ropes around his wrists and ankles to ashes, biting back a scream as it scorched his skin. As soon as he was free of the ropes, he got to his feet.

Illarion saw the handkerchief, and his eyes went wide. They both dove for it. Paul—perhaps by sheer luck—was a fraction of a second quicker. He scooped the handkerchief up, jumped at Zhara, and snatched her out of the air, wrapping her in the square of fabric.

"No!!!" Illarion, now nothing more than a pillar of fire with a vaguely human shape in its middle, charged at Paul. Paul leaped aside, and Illarion crashed through the window, plummeting down the sheer cliff, burning like a falling star.

A long while later, a blast from the sea below told Paul that the boy had met his end.

The flames rose all the way to the ceiling in one last furious eruption, and then, with a rushing sound of air being sucked inward, they vanished, leaving behind only a few scorched patches and an acrid smell.

Paul looked down, not quite believing what he was seeing. Zhara was lying there, in his arms—Zhara, as he'd seen her that first night in the woods of Lukomorye, freckles standing out on her skin, her hair covering her body like a cape, her eyes closed, the wound on her chest still bleeding. Outside the broken window, the sun was taking its plunge into the sea, turning the water into molten gold for a moment before winking out, and darkness descended on everything.

Chapter 15

Taglist: @ali-r3n

[pedropascalsmanicpixydreamgirl]

Americano [Pedro Pascal x fem!Reader] (pt. 1 of ?)

{I've been listening to lady gaga for the past 5 hours and this is the result <3}

I've been a screenwriter for about 3 years after me and my ex-husband, Rafael, divorced. Rafael was holding me back from my passions and I was happy as soon as I found a reason to leave him. He had been having an affair behind my back for 2 years and started a family with another woman.

At first, I blamed myself, then I realized I didn't need his sorry ass anymore. I signed the papers, left them on the counter, and packed all my things and left. I emptied my bank account and moved across the country to live with my sister in New York after the divorce finalized. I stayed until I was able to find an apartment of my own. I was able to land a few decent jobs and built up a hefty savings so I bought a one bedroom apartment in town.

As a screenwriter, I get a lot of invites to parties to interact with the people you've written characters for. I never considered going to one until my best friend, Anna, convinced me to go to this one with her. I decided to give it a shot.

It was a semi formal cocktail party. I went with a black, tea length, tulle dress with gold glitter on the skirt. I decided to pair this with gold, glittery, open-toed, 6 inch heels and a dainty gold bracelet. I'm not very tall but I certainly don't wanna be over looked by some of the people in attendance. Anna didn't let me in on exactly who was coming but I do know that there are some very influential stars who happened to be on that guest list. Now, I'm not looking for a relationship but a date with someone who is a household name for many, isn't an opportunity someone should just ignore.

'Anna is supposed to be here in 20 minutes. She better not be late'.', I thought to myself. Anna is almost always 5 minutes late to everything but she swore up and down that she wouldn't be late as a condition of you coming with her. I decided to curl my past-the-shoulder y/h/c hair while waiting for her to come. As I'm setting my hair with some hairspray and adding bobby pins with gold pearls to my hair, Anna rings my doorbell. I make a mad-dash to my door and swing it open to reveal Anna in a navy blue bodycon dress with silver strappy sandals and silver jewelry.

I answer the door and let Anna in as I grab my clutch with my phone, keys, wallet, and mints. I always kept a container with me when going to a bar because I hated the taste of alcohol in my mouth after a long night of partying. "Ready to go?", Anna asks. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be for this. If I get stuck in some awkward conversation, you better be there to save my ass. You know these type of things aren't my forte.", I admitted. "Oh I know. I just figured you may need to get out for a night and enjoy life before you can't anymore. You need some socialization.", Anna states. I knew she was right but deep down, I was aware I wasn't the prettiest girl in the bunch. I have issues with my thyroid that make me a bit heavier than I should be. I manage my weight but I am a mid-sized person. I think that's why Rafael had an affair but I can't let him tear me down anymore. I shook those thoughts from my head as I climbed inside Anna's black BMW 3 series. Anna is a drop dead gorgeous model that I met a year ago while at the gym. She is a solid 5'7 and 120 lbs. She's covered head to toe in freckles, has hip length honey blonde hair, and brown eyes to match.

We were driving for about 30 minutes until we got to a gated neighborhood just outside of town. I got out of the car by the front steps of this gorgeous modern mansion and waited for Anna to find a place to park. After she caught up to me on the front steps, we headed inside. I was glued to her hip until she approached a guy who I saw in commercials on TV all the time. I ended up sticking with her for about 5 minutes before getting bored and left to go find said cocktails at this party.

I found the bar and had a few shots of liquid confidence before running into this random guy. I fell over onto my ass. Its been a while since I've wore these heels and the combination of adding 6 inches between me and the floor and alcohol didn't help my balance. This man reaches his hand out to me and I immediately feel embarrassed as this extremely handsome guy pulls me up. "I'm so sorry sir, I didn't see you there." I apologize. He smiles at me and says, "Oh don't worry about it, sweetheart. If anything, I should be apologizing for tripping a woman such as yourself. Can I buy you a drink?". I blush and smile back, "That would be lovely, sir.". He still has a firm grip on my hand as he shakes it gently, "My name is Pedro. And yours?". "Y/n", I respond. I give the bartender my order and wait patiently while chatting it up with Pedro.

I start taking in his features, his chestnut hair, his lively chocolate eyes. He had such unique features and it really drew me in. As we are handed our drinks, I ask him ,"So Pedro, what do you do for work?". He takes a small sip of his drink and grins, "I'm glad you don't recognize me. I'm an actor.". "Oh really?", I say as I set my drink down on the bar as he takes another big swig. "I'm a screen writer. I don't think I recognize you from anything I've ever written. I suppose that's for the better, I probably would act weird if I was some ultimate fangirl." I explain and giggle. "So are you here with anyone?" He asks me. I turn red, "Yeah, she's over..." I say searching for Anna, which I don't see at all. "Well I guess she's wandered off.", I shrug.

"Well I'd love to keep you company," He winks and smiles, looking you up and down. I bite my lip, holding back an idiotically large smile. "I wouldn't mind," I say, gazing down toward my feet. He grabs my chin and tilts it back up toward him. "Hey now, I wasn't done looking into those beautiful eyes.", he says. I laugh a little at this and take another drink.

Part 2

[slippinmickeys]

The Annapolis Grant, part 2/?

He was, frankly, shocked when he saw the client. He was used to older women -- women who'd been divorced, widowed. Women who needed company. About half the clients he went out with didn't even want sex -- they just wanted someone to talk to, someone who'd pay attention to them and treat them with kindness and make them feel pretty, looked after, wanted. For men, escorts were about sex. For women, it was about companionship. He supposed beautiful women needed companionship too, but… He’d never had a client who looked like this. She was young. She was stunning. He wouldn't have been surprised to find her likeness carved in marble at the Smithsonian. She had flowing auburn locks and alabaster skin awash with the lightest freckles. And her eyes. Her eyes were a cobalt blue that could make you forget what you were going to say. This was going to make for an interesting job.

“Hi,” he said, his voice coming out more lively than he’d planned, “are you Dana?”

“No,” the woman said, then shook her head. “I mean yes,” she said. He smiled at her — he was used to women being nervous when employing him for the first time, and he found excessive friendliness generally put them at ease. He grabbed the back of the chair opposite her and asked if he could sit. When she nodded, he sat down and immediately shook out the cloth napkin on the table in front of him, draping it across his lap. Then he reached out a hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Dana.”

She tentatively reached out and took his proffered hand, her own hand small, but her grip firm.

“What’s your name?” she asked him, the lashes framing her eyes thick as a field of wheat.

He cleared his throat. This woman was making it difficult to think. “What do you want my name to be?” he said, not realizing that it sounded like a creepy pick-up line until the words were out of his mouth.

“This isn’t going to work-“ she started, pushing her chair back from the table. He held out a conciliatory hand, feeling terrible.

“I’m sorry,” he said, genuinely. “That wasn’t a come-on. Melvin explained to me your situation. I wondered if you’d given this guy your fiancé’s name? I know I’m playing a part here, I’m just trying to figure out what the part is.”

“Oh.” She said, looking unsure.

He leaned back in his chair and put both hands on the table.

“Let’s start again,” he said, “Dana, it’s nice to meet you, my name is Fox Mulder. You don’t have to tell me that it sounds like a stripper name.” He saw a corner of her mouth quirk up. “If you’d prefer, you can call me Mulder.”

She nodded slowly, her lips still slightly upturned. She reached out a hand once again.

"It's nice to meet you, Mulder."

XxXxXxXxXxX

"So, how does this work?" she asked.

"You tell me how it works," he said. He was wearing glasses, and she could just make out flecks of gold on his mossy irises through the lens. "I'm at your disposal. Whatever you need… I’m at your beck and call."

"Like Pretty Woman?" she asked.

He chuffed a laugh.

"If you like." He looked over the rim of his spectacles, assessing her for a moment. "Dana, you run the show, here. You're spending a lot of money, and I'll be and do whatever you need."

It felt odd somehow to hear her first name from him.

"Call me... call me Scully. To your Mulder." She knew it was a distancing tactic psychologically, but it made her feel better about what she was doing and who she was doing it with.

"I can do that."

She looked at him a moment with her lips pursed and then all at once, she told him her story in a torrent of words -- her lab, the Annapolis Grant, McKay and his reputation, her spur of the moment white lie about having a fiance, and the domino effect it had had on her life lately. He listened attentively, nodding, his hands on the table in front of himself, his fingertips laced together. He sort of reminded her of a therapist, though she supposed what he did was a kind of therapy. In any event, she felt like she'd exhaled a too-long-held breath, and leaned back in her chair after she was done talking, relieved of a burden.

"Wow," he said.

"Yeah," hearty agreement. She took a breath and leaned forward again, assessing him. She may as well be upfront. "Do you think you can play the part? We'll be running in elite circles... I'll be frank with you -- this whole bonkers idea makes me nervous. Do you think you have the required etiquette to pull this off? I need the Annapolis Grant. Badly. But I'm staking my entire reputation -- personal and professional -- on this. And if there's even a chance..." She fumbled for a moment, a million thoughts running through her head. She had a nightmare picture of him sitting next to her at dinner with McKay, spouting nonsense and being handsy. "I've looked at your medical records and drug tests... I'm not interested in sex," Dana, stop talking! she thought and then plowed ahead. "But you seem clean and polite and... oh God, what am I even trying to say?" She felt flustered and flush (why the hell had she brought up sex?!), and his calm, intense gaze wasn't helping.

He unlaced his fingers.

"In the course of my... work," he said, his voice even and gentle, "I've attended State Dinners and Kennedy Center Honors. I've been at tables with Senators, Congressman. I can be who you need me to be. I can do what you need me to do." She felt tension drain out of her shoulders. "I guess the real question is... can you?" There it was. The real crux of the issue in this madcap scheme. Then, his voice a honeyed rumble, "I can be the person you need me to be with you. Do you think you can be it with me?"

"Yes," she said, the word out of her mouth before she could think it. She felt a steely resolve. "I think I can."

He reached across the table and took her hand, running his thumb over the skin of her wrist.

"Then you've got yourself a fiance. Let's say we go get you a grant."

XxXxXxXxXxX

They had discussed logistics but not minutiae, though they had a five hour flight ahead of them, and she supposed they could tackle it mid-air. She fluffed out her hair and checked her reflection in the passenger-side visor for the fifth time in 20 minutes.

"You need to relax, Dana," Missy said as she flipped the signal for the exit to Reagan National, "if you're going to be this nudgy the entire trip, you should call it off."

"It's just nerves," Scully said, irritation creeping into her voice, flipping the visor back up with a whack.

Missy gave her a side eye and then proceeded to merge toward Departures. "Maybe you should avail yourself of this guy's services right off the bat," she said cheekily.

"I'm not sleeping with him!" Scully didn't know why she was being so defensive.

"Why not, you’re paying for it,” Missy said, smiling, “Anyway, orgasms are good for 'nerves.'"

"Stop."

"I'm just saying, get your money's worth."

"Missy!"

Melissa pulled her car up to the curb, and threw it in park. She turned to Scully.

"It's going to be fine, Dana. One week. From everything you said, this guy has impeccable manners and is fairly intelligent. Just relax about it, okay? Enjoy yourself-"

"Missy-"

"Not like that. Just... try to have a good time? You're going to be on a megayacht for God's sake. Revel a little."

Scully let out a slow breath. "Okay," she said.

Melissa smiled at her reassuringly and popped the trunk.

"Is he meeting you here?" Missy asked.

Scully looked at the window at the various people milling about the sidewalk and skycap.

"Yes," she said absently, scanning the crowd for him.

"Is he cute?"

"Yes," she said, before she realized what her sister was asking. Missy laughed and got out of the car. Scully was just reaching for her own door handle, when the door opened on its own.

Standing there with a smile was Mulder, his hair a glinting chocolate in the hot Virginia sunshine. He was dressed in a tan linen suit, the white shirt underneath buttoned casually. He was wearing glasses and had a large, expensive-looking garment bag looped over his shoulder.

"Scully," he said, holding out his hand to help her from the car. When she stood, she saw her sister standing at the rear of the car watching them, her mouth slightly open, not quite gaping.

"Oh," Mulder said, noticing her by the trunk, "let me get that."

He moved quickly to the trunk and pulled out Scully's suitcase, which he extended the handle of, setting it on the ground. While he was doing this, Melissa connected eyes with Scully, mouthed oh my god! and fanned herself. Scully could feel her face go crimson.

Mulder closed the trunk with a thud.

"Hi," he said to Melissa, holding out his hand, "I'm Mulder."

Missy extended her hand slowly.

"I'm Melissa, Dana's sister," she said, shaking it once, "it's a real pleasure."

"Pleasure is all mine," Mulder said, then looked to Scully expectantly. "You ready to get checked in?" Scully nodded and reached for her suitcase. “I got it,” he said with a smile.

Scully gave him a tight smile back and then waved once to Melissa, turning on her heel toward the airport doors. She could feel Missy's eyes on her, and then felt Mulder's hand come to rest gently on the small of her back, leading her forward into the unknown.

[oz-the-sorcerer]

Create For Thra Day 6: "There are many paths laid before us, some good, most bad."

@createforthra

--

Here's a thing I have written months ago, which happens to be a perfect fit for today's topic!

Excuse my writing skills and enjoy!... Or cry.

🌟

Open Your Eyes

🌟

Kira tried to wipe away some of the blush from her freckled cheeks. She loved her reflection on the dressing mirror, but she thought her mom could do her make up a little bit less.

She heard her mom laugh.

"And here I was wondering how long would it take you to remove some of it."

"But it feels heavy, you know I like how I look."

"Yes honey, but this is a special occasion... Spare me this once?"

Kira rolled her eyes playfully as Brea braided her silver hair with beads. Kira's hair fell from her shoulders, she especially wanted side braids like her gorgeous mother, but had thin side braids instead of thick ones. She made them herself, then Brea offered help attaching the beads. Brea made two braids, connecting into one thick braid at the center.

"Looking good as ever." Came a silent voice. Kira turned to her aunt, whose body, spider body, was sitting on top of the counter. She couldn't help but blush, looking down.

"Don't move your head, sweetheart." Brea said, posing her head straight again.

"Sorry. I am just... Excited." She was terrifyingly aware of her heartbeat, tried to take a deep breath.

"I can sense your fear." Tavra walked with her thin legs and stopped between Kira and the mirror. "You have nothing to be afraid of."

"I can't help it." Kira explained. " I wish I could know what the future holds for me, like Mother Aughra. Maybe then I wouldn't be this vulnerable."

"You are not vulnerable." She felt her mother tug on her finished braid as a warning. She didn't like it when Kira dragged herself down this way. "Do you think I didn't feel afraid? I thought I was going to faint."

"Ah yes, glad that you only puked and didn't faint."

"Tavra!"

Kira started to laugh. Well, this story was new.

"You puked?! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I didn't want my daughter to know this ridiculous fact, thank you very much."

"She was so excited, so she ate whatever she could find from the kitchen and made herself sick." Tavra spoke mischievously.

"I had to keep myself busy!" Brea argued with her big sister. Kira loved their bickering. They were almost never serious with it, that's why Kira even started some of them on purpose.

While they were stating opinions on how to cope with these kinds of excitement, Kira looked at the mirror once more, and decided her fear was a good thing. She would always have her loved ones by her side, possibly talking nonsense like this and she realized, there was nothing to be afraid of. Her future, their future was filled with hope and laughter, she just knew it.

Another deep breath. And a big smile.

"Alright, all done here." Her mother said. For final touch, Tavra brought her golden coronet, which Brea placed on Kira's brow.

A knock on the door which made Kira's heart flip. Only Onica's wild red hair could be seen since she opened the door ajar while talking with someone outside the dressing room. Tavra's tiny body bounced with joy. When Onica came in, they also saw Tae outside, waving at them.

"We are all set. You can come out whenever you want." said the Far-Dreamer.

"Thra's Mighty Hooyim King, you look amazing, Kira!" Tae cheered.

Kira thanked her while she got up from her chair. Her white gown with gold and silver rands fell smoothly behind her. Embroidered with both Vapra and Spriton symbols, she was very proud of this dress she made herself.

One last glance at her reflection, one last deep breathe.

Brea reached to fix her bangs while Onica put out her hand for Tavra to climb on. Tavra wished her a good luck with: "Go get him!" while moving her legs exaggeratively, causing a big laughter in the room.

Then they got out, it was only her and her mother now. Brea's eyes were shining, her little fizzgig was now all grown up, taking another big step in her life.

"Mother, I will be okay."

"I know, baby."

"So, don't cry."

Brea abruptly wiped her tears on her long sleeve, trying not to smear her make up. Then she held Kira's hand and squuezed. Supposedly, they promised each other just this morning as a family that they weren't going to cry.

But all those hardships back in the trines, almost getting killed by a Garthim several times... Brea still couldn't believe it was all over. Skeksis no more.

Another knock on the door, and this time both of their eyes sparkled, as the legendary songteller stepped in to the dressing room with a blinding smile.

Kylan stopped in his tracks and stared at his daughter in awe. Kira laughed and went to hug him.

"Please don't start crying like mother did just now."

Kylan chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her and spinned once. Then he sent a playful smirk on Brea's way and said: "It seems you lost our bet, love."

Brea pretended to be angry with a pout, but when she glanced at her little family, she smiled until her cheeks hurt.

"I want a hug too!" she said as she took big steps towards her husband. Kylan opened one arm for her and immidiately in she was. Kira leaned on her father's shoulder, which always felt like home. After some minutes, Brea sniffled once more, and Kira reached and hugged her as well. This is nice, she thought. It had been a while since they could be like this because of the fussy preparations.

When they let go, Kylan placed both hands on her cheeks and kissed her forehead. Kira could see his eyes becoming misty with emotion as well. She smiled widely with the same eyes she has as her father.

Brea took his arm and started to lead him toward the door.

"Aww, I don't want to give her to Jen yet!"

Brea raised a laugh. "You are not giving her to anyone, honey. Let's give her a moment and take our places at the balcony."

Then she flashed Kira a proud look, and they were gone.

Kira felt aware of her heart again. She couldn't stop this fuzzy feeling inside her stomach and bounced around happily. Calm yourself before you sweat inside the dress, she thought to herself. She let go of the fists she made without noticing, and reached for the door.

Citadel's hallways were empty. As she passed each one, she heard the Gelf folk outside, crowded and excited, just like her. The noise grew louder and louder, then she made a left turn, reaching the last corridor before the Citadel's balcony.

She already could see her parents, on the left side. Brea was already looking at her direction and when she saw Kira coming, she gently elbowed Kylan's arm, causing him to look at her too. And the smile he gave her was everything. Before she teared up, she took a right glance, and saw Rian and Deet, also waiting for her to arrive.

With all the rustling her parents caused, Jen turned around where he was standing at the center and their eyes met.

The flutter inside her chest made her think that she was really about to let go of the lunch she had at noon.

Even if he tried to, Jen couldn't stop looking at her until she was at his side. He awkwardly reached his hand out for her. She took it eagerly.

They both stood straight before her Aunt Seladon, who was going to perform their marriage ceremony. She smiled down at them lovingly, which, Kira didn't experience often much before.

Kira glanced down at all the Gelfling who attended their wedding. Besides the whole citizens of Ha'rar, she could see many faces from every clan. Well, if there is any left, at this point.

Her Uncle Gurjin and Auntie Naia were cheering loudly, as well as her Uncle Amri. As her closest family friends, they had every right to scream.

She couldn't even begin to count everyone she knew when her eyes locked with a figure, at the very back of the crowd. Her eyes widened as the old creature's crane's shard shined with light.

"Mother Aughra..." she let out before she could manage. Jen smiled knowingly.

"I also thought she wouldn't be here today."

Kira, not being sure if Aughra could see it, bowed her head slowly at her direction. Jen followed right after her, thanking Mother Thra for everything she's done for the Gelfling.

When they finally started the ceremony, Aughra snickered loudly.

"These kids..." she said to herself. She ignored the looks of some Gelfling who heard her loud and sudden snicker, and glanced at the endless sky.

"You spoil these children, old friend." She talked to Thra, jokingly mentioning the great weather today. Her tired eyes scanned her every children, happy and bonded with the song of Thra.

They deserved this, she thought.

Their future is brighter than the stars above, she thought.

Then she closed her eyes, listening to her children's voices.

She didn't want to open them. She truly didn't. However, she had no other choice. She counted every star she visited while she was sleeping, just to kill time. But, they also came to an end.

When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was a Gelfling. Laying and unmoving, already returned to Thra. After every slow step she took, she saw another. And another.

She recognized one, two, three... Maybe all. Or maybe she didn't. She didn't know.

She wondered, why Thra showed her this vision now. Which didn't mean anything. She huffed, then coughed, trying to silence her pain.

She knew where she was. In which reality, in which possible future she was in. She had this reality as a vision trines ago, and there they were. Her children, poor children...

And she knew what she was supposed to do. Her feet took her to the right direction as if moving without her consent. But that was she. That was Thra. Already decided fate. Too late to return.

One tear dropped from her eye to the bloody soil as she stood beside the corpse of a certain songteller, his eyes are half open as he clutched into his magical firca, like a last hope.

She leaned down and grabbed it. With delicate care, she fully closed his eyes, careful of her crooked nail.

Without looking back, she made her way toward the already decided route again. She wished all of her children, for them to return to Thra safely, as that was all she could do.

Grunting while she walked, scolding Thra for showing her a vision this heartbreaking, for making her cry, off to the UrRu valley she went. With the firca around her neck.

[violetnotez]

Izuku x reader

⤷ Genre: Fluff, Mafia Boss AU!

⤷ Word Count: 3600+

⤷ Warnings: i think cursing? I think?

⤷ Synopsis: Working in a rundown bar kinda sucks, especially when the owner is you ex best friend, your crush, and now a mafia boss.

This is for the Izuku Month! Pls check out the awesome writers participating for this month!

You wiped down the grimy surface of the bar, your shoulders sagging from fatigue.

God you hated this job.

It seemed like such a long day, such a long time since you’ve been able to truly be completely calm. You felt how rigid your shoulders were, always seemingly expecting a fight or confrontation. 

Working and managing a bar under the control of the mafia wasn’t the most calming job in the world, you had to admit that, but you had to get money somewhere. You would be on the streets, scrounging for anything that resembled a meal if you didn’t have this job. 

As much as you hated it and all of its requirements, from the drunken brawls you had to pick apart to the back room deals in the dark, you at least were able to eat, to live in a somewhat decent apartment, to pay your bills. 

You constantly had to remind yourself of this, every time you had a man cat call you or a fight happened on the sickly white porcelain tiles. You would bawl you fists into balls, your lip quivering to finally let loose the pain and frustration being caged in your chest.

If you allowed yourself to be truthful to yourself, you'd admit just stuck, trapped, and powerless you felt in this moment. You felt like a little ant scrambling in a hug hive, under control of one leader who wouldn’t ever let you stop working. 

You wiped a brow of sweat off your forehead, your makeup long gone from the strenuous workday as you glanced a look at the corner of the room.

Each table was clean and pristine, (all thanks to you), the wooden surface glistening under the hazy yellow lights, the crystal vases holding a single rose bloom, the petals dark like blood. 

Some tables were occupied, men having late night conversation with a beer in hand, their tones surprisingly quiet and calm, as if  the alcohol had somehow changed their rambunctious demeanor from 2 hours ago. 

Everything around you was a typical late night on a Saturday, the clock reading 12:45 am as it ticked like a bomb ready to explode, the men oblivious to the ominous countdown as they chit chatted away on their tables. 

The only thing strange, the only thing that had thrown you off since he had arrived…..was the man in the corner, casually drinking at an empty table.

He was sitting in the VIP lounge, his shoulders hunched like yours as he surveyed the scene like a slinking cat, his scarred hands swirling an amber liquid. 

You had been watching him all night, after your boss had been thrown into an uncharacteristic frenzy when he first saw the man: it was him. Izuku Midoriya. The owner of this bar and the mentee of Toshinori Yagi, the late Mafia Boss.

Midoriya's rise to fame was infamous, it seemed-Yagi had plucked the poor boy off the streets, declaring him as his protege that very same day. All the mafia bosses in the city couldn’t understand why Toshinori had picked the boy at the time-he was barely 16, his short height and timid voice practically making all the others bosses double over in laughter.

He would never survive this hardened lifestyle, and the talk was they would slowly pick apart the Yagi legacy, taking over all of his territory once the boy became the new leader.

You were barely 16 yourself at the time, a poor girl who had watched her best friend get thrown into a world that wasn’t his. You had been friends with Midoriya since you were a child, playing with him in the streets after school and protecting him from all the bullies that would try to take advantage of his shy personality.

It was strange to see him now after all those years of silence, his change shocking you.

He was older, in age and in spirit. He looked so burdened with knowledge, his eyes coated underneath with a purple hue and his brow fixed in a tired expression.

 But he still had a youthful look, his eyes wide and doe-like and his freckles like stars in a clear night, his curly green hair as unruly as it was in his youth.

You couldn’t fathom why he was at this bar so late at night, or why he was even here in the first place. He was well known now-everyone knew who he was, whether they respected him or not. There was no need for him to be in a shady bar at 1 in the morning, drinking his alcohol as if he was bored by the whole scene in front of him.

But there he was, looking as placid as ever as his two bodyguards stood at the ready, surveying the spotless room for any intrusions or enemies that could hurt Izuku.

You looked down at the bar, the white rag turning brown with the dirt that had collected on the surface.  

You wiped a strip of sweat from your eyebrow again, the humid heat feeling suffocating as  your hand returned to the rag, swirling it in lazy circles on the shiny surface.

“Another whiskey please,” you heard a young voice ask, his voice sounding hesitant and slightly worried.

You looked up with exhausted eyes, only to feel all the air leave your lungs.

Izuku was looking at you with wide, apologetic eyes, his face expecting your response. He was wearing an expensive suit, the gold embellishments on the sleeves gleaming in the warm lighting.

You gulped as you willed your heart to slow at the sudden movement, moving a fallen piece of hair back behind your ear.

“Isn’t it a little late for that?” you asked dryly, your voice free of any emotion as you continued to clean the counter, your cheeks blossoming with red as you tried to contain your shock.

Even though you knew Midoriya for many years, it was embarrassing for you, seeing your once best friend becoming such a high and mighty figure in the underworld, so full of power and luxury, while you were stuck in a grimy job that gave you just enough to survive.

It also didn’t help that you used to have a crush on Izuku since grade school-you had thought you had gotten over those feelings, but apparently that wasn’t the case. Your heart still swelled at hearing his voice, it’s pace quickening like you were running a race just from the sweet sound.

He chuckled, a soft chime rumbling out of his chest. He sat himself at the counter, not minding the dampness as he rested his shoulders on the dark surface.

“Still always out to protect me,huh, y/n?” he asked, his voice sounding bitter sweet, “You were always looking out for me.”

You looked up, your eyes blown wide with shock. 

He still remembered you? It was strange to see  him after all these years, those pink cheeks bright against his brown freckles, as if he was cursed to always be blushing so adorably.

“More like I don’t feel like dealing with another drunk this late at night.”

He smiled yet again, his face lighting up at your sarcasm.

How the hell was he still so him, so innocent and sweet after all he must have seen, must haven been through?

Was he really still the same boy from your past?

You sighed, your heart feeling heavy with emotions. No, he wasn’t the same-he was a mafia boss. He was the boss above your own boss, the CEO of your whole damn life. You couldn't fall for his sweet antics, no matter how much they pulled on your heartstrings. 

You sighed, your hand slowly stopping the rag.

“What is it you want Izuku,” you quickly asked, your face stony and harsh. “Somebody like you doesn’t just come to a bar like this just for some whisky-at 12 in the morning might I add.”

He chuckled again, this time the sound more nervous as he scratched the back of his head. 

Izuku had to admit it, you were right-there was no reason why he should be here. No reason why he should be here at 12 in the morning, looking like a pompous rich brat with his two bodyguards as he peered at you from his lounge, watching you work.

When he had heard you were working at this bar, one that he owned on his part of the city, he felt like bricks had been dumped into his stomach. How did he not know you were here? 

After getting recruited by Toshinori, he had somehow lost all contact with you, his life becoming so hectic and terrifying that he has decided he didn’t want to see you. He was fearful of bringing you into this terrible life-you were his best friend and his crush after all, he didn’t want to see you get hurt because of him.

But you had somehow already gotten twisted into this lifestyle, this swirling mish mash of legal and illegal, family and foes, loyalty and lies. Now you were apart if it, being a manager of a mob bar. If you were apart of it, he felt like he could actually approach you now, because the fear of getting you hurt was far less. 

But he was scared for you still-you were around many shifty characters daily, dealing with your fair share of criminals. With his high status, he could help you now-he could keep you safe.

“I just want to know how you are,” he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he looked at you with concern, “it’s been so long I-I-didn't realize you were here.”

He grimaced slightly, weighing his words out slowly and carefully. “You don’t seem to like working here much.”

You grinned slightly, your eyebrows cocked up in an amusement and exhaustion. You set the rag down, your hands spread against the counter.

“You’re still very observant-did you catch that from talking to me or watching me for the last 2 hours?”

Izuku chuckled nervously, his cheecks on fire as he hands swirled the gold watch in his wrist like a worn out habit. Your eyes widened slightly at the expensive accessory-another reminder of how different this Izuku was from you. He had power, he had freedom, control, and everything in life- and you didnt. You were a bird caged inside, unable to spread your wings and free yourself of the troubles that followed you each and every day. 

Your smile lessened as the lump of misery in your stomach grew, his eyes catching the small gesture. He leaned against the counter, his green eyes searching your face. 

He felt so close, those tufts of green hair cascading against his forehead as his eyebrows scrunched in worry.

“Are you okay y/n? I’m worried for you,” he said quietly, as if he was revealing a secret to you.

Your cheeks blushed in red-how did he still seem so-him? He was so kind and caring like he was as a child, always making sure you were okay, taking care of you when you had scraps on your knees or tears on your face. His heart was made of gold, and you honestly couldn’t fathom why Izuku had turned to the life of a hardened, merciless mob boss.

You noticed his hands twisting again, wringing in worry as he waited for your response. Your eyes trailed down to those digits and the plethora of scars on his fingers, wrapping around his skin and trailing under his tailored suit, turning his smooth skin into a rippled, pink pattern.

Your heart broke at the sight, just imagining the terrible things he must have been through to attain those marks. 

Your fingers wrapped around his hand, your nurturing nature kicking in once seeing those pink tiger marks decorating his skin. Your finger trailed against the skin, following the pink river lines rising against his skin.

“You don’t look so good yourself Izuku,” you said, your digits touching and caressing the scars lightly as you examined each one.

Izuku gulped, his brain going into overdrive-you were touching him. 

No matter how much time had passed, he couldn’t forget how much he had fallen for you as a kid, and it was following him into his adult life. He missed your sweet smile, your laugh, your bright personality that could light up his whole day and week.

But now his sun was so bleak, your face cracked with fatigue as you stared at his scars with such intent it was as if your eyes were burning a hole into his skin. 

He sucked in air harshly, trying to figure out how to breathe again.

“How do you get these ‘Zuku?” You asked quietly, looking up at him, his wide, green eyes staring back at you.

He shimmied his hand away from yours, his cheeks a rosy red as he averted your gaze. It was sweet to see him so vulnerable, the hint of nervousness gracing his complexion, but you missed the feeling of his skin on yours.

“I-It’s not that important-“ he stuttered slightly, “I’m hear you see you, not talk about me-“

You gave him a thin smile, your lips curling inward from exhaustion as your head tilted onto your shoulder.

“So, what did you want to ask me?” you asked. You watched as he exhaled a small sigh, his body willing him to speak his next few words. You held your breath watching him look so nervous, like watching a dam slowly crumble and release the flood of water it had been holding back for so long.

“Are you happy-doing this?” he looked you square in the eye, those forest green eyes expansive and sucking you in whole. 

 “And you have to answer, no going around the question,”

He quickly pointed his finger  at you, his body manner stern yet his face betraying his thoughts. His face was still so soft, still so innocent looking and concerned as he leaned closer to you on the countertop.

You squinted your eyes at him-you honestly didn't want to sound mean, or well, bitchy, but-what was he playing at? Over the years you had learned that trust isn't something easily won over, even if you had known the person for years. You and Izuku had been friends since you could remember, that was true-but it had been so long, and you weren't quite ready to be rubbing shoulders so closely with the mob boss yet.

“I work at a bar where I get paid enough to survive and have to deal with drunk idiots who catcall me every 5 minutes,” you chided slightly, your voice dripping with sarcasm, “ So, no, not that much,”

“Do you want to change that?”

“Of course I want to but-“

“But what?”

You stared at him again, not knowing what to say. He was a puzzle to figure out- there were so many questions and clues surrounding Izuku’s nature and motives and personality. Once you found a piece to the ever growing puzzle it felt like 3 other pieces were missing, making the picture of who Izuku was full of gaps and holes. You couldn't understand him, why he was here, if he was truly the Midoriya you knew or if he was just a memory-but the way he looked at you with his doe eyes and his lips parted with concern made your heart pace and your hands squirm.

Maybe this was still the kind, nurturing boy you knew from your childhood-just maybe.

You sighed, willing your heart to stop beating so quickly and  to say your truth. “It-it’s scary. This is a mob bar after all, who knows what would happen if I left,”

“But what if you didn’t leave?” he interjected, his face still laced with concern but his voice quickening from anticipation,  What if you just-got promoted,”

You chin tilted up, your eyes scanning the boy with suspicion.

“What are you implying Izuku?” You asked him slowly, hesitantly, watching as he squirmed with uncomfort in his seat. A breath collected in his lungs, being held for barely a second as he slowly let it escape his body.

“Y/n, we’ve known each other forever- we were best friends and, well, you were the one who ever believed in me. I-I never forgot about you, and always wondered how you were. Once I found out you were working here, I had to come. To see how you were. I just wanted to know you were okay-and now I know your not.”

He leaned into the bar yet again, his hands folded, his green tresses bouncing against his skin.

“Please y/n, I want to make you my personal assistant. You’ll be safe, I’ll make sure of it-all you have to do is help me with my daily tasks and events and-“

“No, I won’t do it.” you interjected, your voice having a desperate quality, as if you were anxious for him to stop talking

Izuku gazed at you with confusion, blinking a few times with shock- you didn't want this job? He watched your face turn into a grimace, as if the mere idea was painful for you to imagine.

“You-what?” he asked quietly, unable to understand your words.

“Izuku, I cant just get a free card from you,” you revealed, your eyes looking down from guilt, “I’m not going to just be your desk girl so I can be a little bit better off.”

“But-but your not, I want you to be my assistant-You know me better than anybody else!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide as he tried to convince you, “ You’ll be the best person for the job because you’ll be able to make the best decision for me-“

“I’m not taking your pity Izuku. People pity me enough, I don’t need you to add to the list.”

Izuku gave you a good, hard look, his big green eyes searching your face. He could tell you were hurting inside- the way your shoulders sagged like you were carrying a heavy burden, your tired eyes signaling you hadn't had a good night’s sleep, the way your voice broke and your face cracked when you allowed yourself to be vulnerable. You felt scared. You felt trapped, and alone. Powerfless. He had never wanted to comfort anyone more in his entire life, to hug them and tell them that it would all be okay.

He took a breath, letting the air escape through his nose as he gazed with you with empathy.

“You want to know how I got my scars?”

He watched you blink from confusion, to then give him a numb nod in response. He smiled nervously, settling in his chair as he opened his mouth to speak.

“A lot of people didn’t believe in Toshinori when he said he had gotten a 15 year old kid from the streets to be his successor-many people laughed at him, laughed at me, even talked down to me. I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t strong enough. I’d never be able to take over his empire.

“But I trained. I fought. I learned everything I could so I would never feel inferior ever again. Toshinori gave me leverage in life, yes-but I took advantage of it. I have some blood on my hands, I can’t say I don’t- but I proved my worth. I proved I deserved everything life had to offer and more-all I needed was a boost.”

“And that’s what I’m trying to give you-“ he gave you a reassuring smile, his eyes soft and his cheeks rosy, “a chance at a better life. A chance to prove your worth.”

“What do ya say?” His smile turned into a bright grin, his scarred hand outstretched and welcoming as he waited for your answer.

You stared at him, your lips parted and your eyes wide with conflict-where you going to do this? To just throw away everything in your life right now in the hopes it would be a little better? You were putting all your trust in Midoriya-would it all end up okay?

You looked down at your hands, the fingers sticky with grime and spilled alcohol, making your spine crawl with disgust. 

Fuck it-never again did you want to be underestimated, to be barely surviving and another ant in the hill. No-you were going to make a name of yourself.

“Fine-,” you placed your hand in his, your heart pacing. His skin was surprising soft on the inside, the pads of his digits coarse against your own flesh. “But if my uniform is a tiny ass skirt I’m going to kill you.”

A bright laugh tumbled out of his chest, his curly tresses bouncing with the motions.

“I promise I won’t,” he smiled at you, his cheeks as red as ever.

He loved the feeling of your skin on his, and the way your eyes light up like lightbulbs on a dark night. A glimpse of your previous self seemed to surface, for barely a moment, but he drank up the rare moment and locked it in his memories. 

You sighed, your hand leaving his reluctantly as you looked up at the clock, the ticking entering your mind and banging against your head like a headache. 

“I gotta lock up the bar…” you grumbled, your hand reaching out for your rag, “thank god Ill be out of this place-“

Izuku smiled, his green eyes trailing up to the clock. His eyes widened as he noticed the placement of the hands, the irises glistening with stars as he recognized something in those numbers.

“It’s 1:11,” he stated, his pointer figure drawing your attention as he nodded his head at the clock, your eyes trailing to the device. “You know what that means?”

You cocked your tired head, a small smile gracing your lips: Izuku was always the bookworm, his brain soaking up information like a sponge and giving it out at the strangest times. It was quite endearing, and you surprisingly missed it.

You leaned against the counter, your face closer to his.

“What’s it mean?”

He grinned at your face, his cheeks bright and on fire- 

“New beginnings.”

Taggings:

@weebartistinc​ @orokayagi​ @leeeah-loooser​ @bakarinnie​

[tsuchann]

𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬.

────── ♡

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𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠; 𝖻𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖽𝖾𝗇𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗑 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲; 𝗒/𝗇 𝗇𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖻𝗋𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝖾𝗒𝖾𝗌

𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞; 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿

𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬; 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗆𝗎𝗍𝗎𝖺𝗅 𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬; 𝗉𝗋𝗈𝖿𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗍𝗒

────── ♡

brown eyes were just brown eyes until bill denbrough met y/n l/n.

bill's eyes were a painstakingly noticeable shade of dull green with slight flecks of gold that he had always been proud of. despite his predicament, he never did stutter his thanks when random passerby's went up to him. “you have pretty eyes,” they would say, and he loved it. maybe not just the attention for once but that he had something to define him other than his stutter that he hated so much.

but you had always been insecure of her chocolate brown, almost black eyes. because it was so easy to hate in a world where everyone was too busy comparing blue eyes to pretty summer skies and rolling beach waves and rare greens to fields of emeralds, brown eyes were lost (almost quite literally), trampled in the mud.

you wished people would romanticize brown eyes as much as the next color.

then you met bill denbrough.

────── ♡

it was considerably cold for a day in march, when derry went through daily mood swings and you would go to school with it hot outside and walk home chilly because the temperature had dropped at least a few degrees and you hadn't brought a jacket.

you ran into beverly first, the redhead from 4th period with those envious freckles. up until that moment, you didn't dare consider her as a friend, worried she would find it weird. you were merely acquaintances, but ms. wheeler loved projects and so you two had chosen to be partners more times than you could count on your fingers, so maybe you gave yourself too little credit.

“hey, y/n!” she called you over to where she sat against the brick wall of her apartment building, staring at the sky. she smiled so warmly you couldn't help but walk over with a hesitant smile of your own.

beverly was outgoing and kind and you didn't believe in rumors. “i was wondering,” she took a drag from her cigarette, “since we're basically friends, if you wanted to maybe come over?”

you stumbled over your words, never being asked to a sleepover before (she told you later what it was,) and agreed with a wider smile than before while hoping she didn't notice how clammy your hands were, because they were definitely clammy.

it was inescapable. you two had become closer friends over two weeks than you ever had with anybody in the span of 3 years since you've moved to the town.

────── ♡

“oh, come on, y/n!” said beverly, a little exasperated. “they'll love you!”

     pink dusted your cheeks as you struggled to form a sentence. beverly has managed to convince you to meet her other friends. you hadn't seen them too much but knew of them, of course you did.

you met bill last, and you suddenly realized why people said “best for last.” the first thing you noticed, however, was his eyes; a beautiful shade of green that you loved. you never quite found anything like it.

on another hand, you loved bill's stutter and thought it was adorable. “n-nice to m-m-meet you, y-y/n,” he said shyly, sticking his hand out for you to shake. you couldn't explain it, but it was like sparks flew. like ben franklin with a key and a kite.

     you loved his eyes, suddenly feeling much more insecure of your own.

     since then, you hung out with the loser's club more often than you'd care to admit but always seemed to stray too far for bill's liking. you were shy, but seemed so open with the others that bill wondered if he was the problem.

he was the problem- but in a different way than he imagined. the problem was you were entirely in love with bill denbrough with the cute stutter and pretty green eyes that were your new and improved favorite color.

────── ♡

green eyes were never just green eyes to y/n l/n, especially after she met bill denbrough.

she had always admired green eyes but after meeting bill denbrough, all she could see was him and his own unique kind of green. and you saw it everywhere.

in the trees outside your window, the green of your least favorite shirt that you began to like more for an unexplainable reason, and even in the green apple gum that you always adored.

her stomach fluttered at the glimpse of any green, instantly reminding her of the cause of her affections, and her palms clammed up with nervous sweating. she stuttered almost as badly as him if she ever had to talk to him. it was embarrassing, to say the least so she opted it would be better to avoid him.

bill didn't seem to like that.

at a sleepover to his house, you weren't sure how bev had managed to convince your parents; but whatever she said, it worked, you were more nervous than ever. quieter than when the losers had first met you, there was no doubt they were a little suspicious.

you remembered bill, in his mint pajama set that reminded you of green, and only reminded you of him.

seemingly fed up with your silence, in the middle of the latest movie in the star wars series, he, with a painted expression of determination and a smidge of annoyance, grabbed your elbow as you stood to get a drink. he half-dragged, half-led you to the kitchen and you wondered what you had done to piss him off, clutching the hem of your cardigan nervously.

instead, he almost seemed desperate. “w-what did i-i do to yuh-you, y/n?”

your face fell. oh. oh. bill thought you hated him, probably. or didn't like him, at least.

“what do you mean?” you tried to keep your voice steady, staring anywhere but his mesmerizing eyes.

“y-you know what i m-mean,” he said, almost disappointed, “are you m-m-mad at m-me? or d-do you just n-not l-like me?”

you felt bad. so bad. “no!” you said a little too loudly, “of course not!” you tried to be quieter, “no- it's just,” you hesitated, unable to say it.

bill looked hurt. “oh,” he mumbled, you really do hate me. he didn't say it out loud but you knew what he was thinking.

as he was turning to leave, your eyes widened in slight panic before you grabbed his wrist and brought him impossibly closer, your cheeks as red as beverly's hair and his own expression shocked. you still couldn't look at his eyes.

“y-y/n-“ he didn't get to finish, because your lips had smashed against his in a rough manner, shocking you more than him. and he began to kiss you back, almost shyly.

you pulled apart breathlessly.

“i'm sorry,” you whispered, almost ashamed, at the ground. “i- i was just flustered, and i-“

bill brought his hand to your chin and turned your face to look at his. “look at me,” he said almost sternly, not an ounce of stutter in him. “i-i love your eyes...” he mumbled.

it hit you like a train at full force. your eyes widened. no fucking way. no one had ever called your eyes pretty or stopped to stare at the chocolate almost black void of your pupils that you had always been insecure of. but, bill, sweet, shy bill with the stutter and leadership tendencies had looked into your almost black, void-ish eyes and found the stars hiding under the surface.

you knew almost immediately that you were in deep when he caught your lips with his own again softly, this time.

[queenofanime]

The Girl in White

(Haikyuu x reader)

Part 1

It is only at that moment, Kenma realizes he is holding a gold watch in his hand. At the back of the watch was a small phrase engraved:

To the angel with no wings

My love, my life,

Martha

It was clear that the watch was expensive but most of all it seemed like a valuable treasure. A treasure that wasn't his. He didn't take it on purpose, it just happened, probably when he bumped into the table out of panic. But Kenma had to admit it was a beautiful object. The watch must have had a great number of straps over the years, yet the machine itself was perfection in cogs, gold, and glass. Part of him wanted to return it, but the idea of going back to that hunted place and face whoever had that scary husky voice was a no-no. Without showing it to any of the other players, Kenma slid the watch into his pocket.

                                                          ****

Morning came and it was time for both teams to start packing. Unfortunately for Kenma, his conscience didn't seem to want him to rest. The watch was beginning to grow heavier with every passing minute and the guilt was beginning to take over the poor boy.    

"Oi Kenma! What's this?"

Kenma's yellow eyes widen in fear when he saw non-other than Kuroo holding the said treasure.

"Oh, that looks expensive!" Taketora yelled across the room causing more unwanted attention to the duo.

"It's nothing. Give it back!" spat Kenma. Annoyance lingering in his voice. However, Kuroo wasn't satisfied with the answer, and he knew exactly how to push his friend's buttons.

"Oh? Then please share with everyone who is Martha? 'Cause I'm daying to know... Is it a beautiful girl at school? A crush?"

As soon as those words left Kuroo's lips, Kenma went from annoyed to embarrassed. Not only because his so-called friend was hinting at the idea of romance, but because he didn't know how to get out of this mess. By now everyone was looking at him; 'what was he suppose to say?' On top of that, how was he going to explain the fact he didn't even know who Martha was, let alone know if she was an angel with no wings or not.

"Uhm... uh" No constructed words could form. Kenma's cat-like orbs roamed the room trying to find an exit. With no way out of the awkward situation, he finally gave up. Ashamed of what he was going to say next, he let his vision fall to the floor. "I-I kinda... s-tole it." Kuroo's eyes narrowed at the confession, but before he could say how extremely disappointed he was, Hinata intervened. "Does it belong to the owner of the house?"

Now that comment perked the interest of everyone, including the less interested.

"House? What house?" asked Kageyama, trying to hide his curiosity poorly.

At that moment, Hinata realized the horrible mistake he had committed. Nervously laughing, he tried to brush off the question of "The King". But Kageyama's blue eyes were piercing the poor ginger boy's soul. And it didn't help to have Daichi on father-mode either.

"Well... uh funny thing" studdered Hinata while fidgeting with his hands. "Yesterday we kind of took a shortcut and um got kind of lost and..." His brown eyes traced Kenma's figure, "and it was late and we just happen to find a-a house, so we k-kind of ent-entered it."

"You morons trespassed?" ask nonother than Tsukishima, who by now was quite attentive to the conversation.

With that, Kenma lost all hope that he could get away from the awkward situation and accepted his fate.

As expected, both boys got a punishment and were chastised by their respective captains. And of course, the only reasonable conclusion ended up being returning the stolen treasure.

                                                  ****

To say, both teams were spooked out by the setting, was an understatement. Everyone was freaking out. Hinata and Kenma pleaded to not go back there alone, and with good reason. Yet no one listened because, no one was buying that the place was creepy, in fact, some even told them they were being scary-cats, but now...

Now all the boys were staring at the abandoned playground, at the rusty swings that moved with the wind, creating an infernal screech. And there it was again, that feeling of being watched, observed every action, every move. For some reason, whenever Hinata watched the abandoned structure, he remembered the feeling of childhood. The laughter of children. But that was here nor there.

"H-how about w-we turn b-back" suggested Asahi. Although his physical features made him look like a grown-ass delinquent, Asahi Azumane was a baby at heart. And probably, the most scared. "I-I mean, Kenma c-could keep the w-watch, r-right?"

A strict stare from Daichi made him shut up, though. Yet, Karasuno's ace wasn't wrong, the place was unsettling and everyone seemed to be tense, hell, even Kuroo and himself looked doubtful, but as a captain, he had to move forward. If Hinata made it out in one piece, so could he.

After some encouraging words from Nishinoya, the boys decided to walk through the forest. The setting was quite different than the other night. The sun was up and one could see the peaceful clearings. The smell of wildlife was quite pungent, and the big, tall trees might as well be magical creatures like Titans and Giant Trolls. A small stream could be seen in the distance. Kenma wonder why he didn't hear the water before, maybe he was too tired and concentrated on the cat.

Finally, after one and a half-hour later, all males made it to another small gate. There were dirt roads leading to it as well, which indicated that there were other routes one could take. The gate had the same architectural structure as the first one and lead to a well-maintained garden. Hinata and Kenma recognized it immediately. At the back, the white antique house stood proudly. House was a little underrated since it was rather a massive white mansion, that had colossal glass windows, and no Japanese influence at all.  At the center of the garden, a fountain made of stone and moss stood. A mighty oak was near too, making the place look astonishing. However, all magical trance disappeared when they heard someone approaching.

A girl.

Dressed in a white silky summer dress. It had a touch of vintage, however, it was quite transparent, highlighting all of her curves. She couldn't have been older than 17, maybe younger. Her skin was smooth and shiny, the rays of sunshine reflected in her hair, while the soft spring breeze created movement all around her. Her eyes sparkled. She was barefoot as well. Now that, was an angel with no wings.

"Who are you?" Her voice didn't match at all with her sweet looks. It was a stern commandant voice, full of confidence. At this, all the boys flinched.

Moving slowly through the group, Kenma cowardly stood in front of her.

"I um I'm wan-wanted to um..." What was he supposed to say? 'I'm the one who stole your watch' Of course not. Kenma wasn't used to talking with girls, let alone one that was stunningly gorgeous.

"I'm, I'm Kenma K-Kozume and I uh-Yes the watch thief." The girl bluntly interrupted, which caused some snorts from Tsukishima and Tanaka.

Kenma could feel the heat spreading through his face out of embarrassment. This was clearly an unwanted situation.

"You know, watch-thief Kenma, your manners aren't great either. You should see the other person's eyes when talking to them." She continued. Although her words were harsh, she wasn't using a mockery-childish tone, no, she was just pointing out the truth without sugarcoating it. For some reason, Kenma always seems to have difficulty seeing other people's eyes and faces. He didn't really know how to interact with others, however, before he could react, a soft hand spread to his chin and lifted his gaze. The girl wasn't laughing or being mean, she was serious, observing, taking in every feature.

"Well?" She repeated. She acted very maturely for her age, something that didn't go unnoticed by the others, especially the third-year students.

He didn't know why, but instead of feeling petrified, Kenma felt a wave of confidence forming.

"I'm Kenma Kozume and I wanted to return the gold watch." His hand stretched towards the girl and handed her the object. "I'm sorry for taking it, it was an accident."

The girl observed the watch for a long time, examining it, she then, lifted her gaze towards the boy, giving it back.

"The watch belongs to Germán. You took it from him, you give it back to him."

"Germán?" The obviously wasn't a Japanese name, no it was Spanish and quite difficult to pronounce.

"My father." She answered.

"And who are you?" Asked a voice from behind. It was Kuroo, who until now, was just observing the situation unfold.

"His daughter." She responded. Unfazed by the harshness in his tone

"That's not what I meant."

"I'm well aware of what you meant." The same monotone voice responded.

Ignoring Kuroo's irk forehead mark, her gaze fell on Kenma once again. "My father is inside. You will personally return the watch to him."

Not waiting for anyone to speak, she headed inside the garden and made her way to the old mansion. Everyone else just kind of followed.

                                                    ****

The inside of the house was just as cozy as Hinata remembered it. The Siamese cat sat on a sofa, looking at the new strangers coming in with lazy eyes.

"Um, may I ask what's the name of the cat?" The girl turned around to spot the boy who had asked the question. He was of average height, green-ish hair color, and his skin was full of freckles.

Not paying too much attention, she replied. "That's Violet. There's also a brown one named Kafka, and we have a Great Dane named Sargent."  At her comment, Hinata got extremely excited. "Whoa! You have so many pets! Can I see the dog!?" The girl was taken aback by the boy's energy but quickly composed herself. "If he passes through here you can. I'm going to get my father, so don't touch anything." Giving one last look to all the males, she headed to a carved wooden door, "Oh, and don't steal anything."

Her comment left a bittersweet taste in Kenma's mouth.

"Well, this place is something." Admitted Kageyama, who was observing a carved decorated music box with a porcelain ballerina on top. No one disagreed. The place seemed to be taken out of a fairy tale. Every ornament seemed to tell a story. The decoration of the living room defied all time and space as if it had frozen in the Victorian European movement. For a second, every player forgot they were still in Japan.

Soon, the door opened, revealing the mysterious girl and her father, Germán.  

He was a tall, thin man. His hair was brown but also grey, showing age. Even though he had wrinkles in his forehead and eyes, he clearly was a handsome man in his time. His eyes were icy-blue but there was a warmth to it. On top of that, he was well dressed.

Both teams bowed, showing respect. However, he waved his hand, "That's not necessary, young ones." His voice was sweeter than the other night. It wasn't as rough, rather calm and soft, almost a whisper.

Kenma approached and told him the situation. Asking forgiveness, for the watch. Hinata too apologized for trespassing.

"Well, I'm glad you returned it. By the way, all of you seem tired, would you like a late breakfast?"

The unexpected question from the man causes a lot of eyes to widen. Even her daughter seemed surprised.

"Oh, we couldn't accept your kindness after everything that has happened" Explained Daichi, which everyone nodded in agreement, yet, as soon as those words left his mouth, a couple of stomachs growled in hunger, including his. This caused the young girl to laugh. It was the first time they heard her laugh, and it was music to the ears. Although, everyone got flustered by the bad timing.

The man just smiled kindly.

"Cricket, would you be so kind to put out plates and heat water for our guests?" She only nodded and headed to the kitchen while he made all the boys pass to the dining room.

                                                      ****

The table was long enough for everyone, which was kind of impressive. At the end of the room, hanging from the wall was a beautiful vivid painting of a woman. She resembled the girl but in adult form.

The table was full of fruit, and bread, and eggs, and coffee, and chocolate milk. The volleyball players ate like there was no tomorrow.

At first, no one dared to say a word, but with time, Hinata and Nishinoya lighten the mood. And soon, Germán was talking to all the boys like they were his own sons. Kenma noticed a pair of orbs looking directly at him. The girl was clearly deep in thought, journeying through some creative stream only she could sense. He also took in her features. She was very well built and good-looking yet, there was something captivating about her. A special quality that could put anyone in a trance.

Unfortunately, breakfast was cut short when the older man started coughing. Immediately the girl stood up and helped her father head to his room. It was clear he was sick, however, no one mentioned it. Sugawara and Morisuke offered to help but were shut down by the death glare of the young girl. Helping her father she left the room. When she returned, the dishes were picked up. Apologizing in a neutral tone, the girl offered everyone to head to the door.

The awkward silence returned once more, yet she paid no mind to it. By now, everyone was at the iron gate, ready to part.

"Why did you entered our house yesterday?" She finally spoke. Everyone turned their heads to Kenma, then to Hinata, then to the girl, then back to Kenma.

"I don't know," responded Nekoma's setter. "Maybe because of the mystery."

The girl smiled energetically for the first time.

"So, you like mysteries?"  

Kenma only nodded.

"You have something to do tomorrow?" her question was out of the blue, unpredictable. Before Kenma could respond, she continued. "Tomorrow, here, at 9;00 am."

And with that, she turned around and left running.

"Wait!" cried Hinata who wasn't even part of the conversation.

The girl stopped in her tracks and turned around.

"You haven't told us your name!"

"Y/n!"

[hi-itsminaya]

The Singledad!James au no one asked for.

“Timeless” by curiosity-at-it’s-finnest 

(Yes I put two ‘nn’ and finest, leave me alone.) 

2h27 am 

James could hear crying from the other room, the sounds of his little 1-year-old daughter were the causes of many late nights and early mornings. As he dragged himself out of bed, knocking into every piece of furniture along the way he entered the nursery where his crying daughter await. Gently wrapping Harriet in her blanket and taking her in his arms, he moved quietly to the rocking chair trying to soothe her cries as to not wake up Moony and Padfoot.

“Shh there there little one, what got you all worked up,” James asked gently, slowly rocking her in the chair trying desperately not to fall asleep. 

 Once Harriet realized she was in her dad's arms, her crying ceased immediately and she began giggling. Wiggling around in her blanket excited to see her father had gotten up for her. 

“Da-ee!’

“Hello there my little troublemaker,” James said, “ it’s a bit early to start the day don’t you think?”

Harry, not having a clue what her father was talking about, simply giggled even more, reaching her tiny little hands out to grab James’ glasses. 

“Da-ee!”

“Alright Trouble.” 

9h44 am

James was in the kitchen cooking breakfast, Harriet in her high chair babbling happily when Remus walked into the room. Harriet started giggling madly upon seeing her uncle Moony, splashing her breakfast everywhere creating a complete mess.

“Un’le Moo’ey!”

“Oh! Fu- Goodness Harry!” Remus corrected quickly after seeing James ‘don’t you fucking dare’ dad glare, fetching a rag he quickly cleaned up the mess.

“Un’le Moo’ey up! Up!”

“Yes yes it’s good to see you two.” Remus picked up Harry, placing kisses all over her faces making her laugh.

When Remus saw the bags under Jame’s eyes, which were big enough to go to Tesco and back, he already knew he’s been up for a while. 

“Early morning?” 

“I don’t know what sleep schedules she’s on but it seems her mornings start at 2h30″ James yawned. 

“Oh Harry! Did you get your dad up early again?” Remus looked at Harriet, who was babbling and gurgling innocently at him. 

“Da-ee?”

“Great gods how can anyone stay mad at you for long cutie?” Remus said, then blew a raspberry on her cheek, causing Harriet to shriek in giggles.  

“Is Padfoot up yet?” James asked, picking up his daughter and cradling her in his chest. The sight probably could have made the coldest of heart melt a little. Harriet looked exactly like her father, down to the very last freckle, save for the eyes, while James had hazel eyes that reflected gold, his daughter had beautiful emerald eyes. 

Remus smiled fondly at the pair. “He was dead asleep when I woke up, I doubt you’ll have any success getting him up now unless you want a lamp chucked at you.” He couldn’t help smiling even more at the thought of his crazy boyfriend. 

“What if we send Harry to wake him up?” James lifted Harry up so they were eye to eye, she looked back at him curiously then waved her arms around excitedly.  “PaFoo!!”

“See! She wants her Uncle Padfoot! Don’t cha little nugget!”  

“PaFoo! PaFoo!” 

11h15 am

Sirus woke up to a small little bundle struggling crawl on to him. He chuckles softly, knowing exactly that his goddaughter was sent to wake him up. Picking her up, he set her down on his stomach while Harry happily cuddled into him.

“PaFoo!”  

“Prongslet!” Sirius said brightly, wrapping his large arms around the tiny child, he was never known to be a morning person, but trust little Harriet to be able to get him in a good mood. 

James poked his head in the doorway “Is it safe to come in?”

“Yes Prongs, you can come in” Sirius rolled his eyes at his brother's antics. I mean sure he was cranky sometime in the morning, but they didn’t have to fear bodily injuries out of him. You chuck a chair at someone once and you're labeled for life! 

James bounces into the room, hopping on the bed smiling widely when Harry giggled. She was always smiling and laughing which reassured James that he was doing something right, on the rare occasions that Harriet did cry, it was either something that frightened her, when she was sick or when she’s in a mood and feels like destroying everything around her. 

“So whats on the agenda today mate? Anything exciting?” Siris asked while picking up Harry and playing helicopter. 

“Nothing you’d be interested in, just need to go run a couple errands for this little one, she's growing out of her clothes so quickly. You’re welcome to join if you want, Regulus might be joining us along the way, if not tonight.”   

“I honestly doubt you’ll get Mr. Lazy over here to do anything today,” The brothers turned there head to see Remus walk in, flopping on the bed and cuddling next to Sirius “Everyone knows you don’t generally do social interactions on weekends... or ever” 

“I do so!” Sirius put Harriet back down on the bed and turned to face his boyfriend “I’m perfectly capable of going out on a weekend to pick out clothes for my goddaughter!” 

Remus just chuckled and gave him a quick peck on the lips cuddling into his side, “Sure babe whatever you say” 

Sirius, who wasn't having any of this, proclaimed “Just watch! I’ll find the cutest fucking outfit for Prongslet to wear an then both of you can shove our opinions up your arse!”

2h06 pm

“Can we go home yet!” 

“Sirius, don’t get me wrong, I love you to bits, but please shut up.” They had been listening to Sirius whine for over an hours and Remus was getting tired. They had gone exploring the downtown area they lived in for some pretty basic things, nothing too extravagant, and Sirius was just dying for something adventurous to happen. 

“Alright, let’s try to avoid murdering each other in front of Harry, you can go at each other all you want once we’re back at the flat.” James said, readjusting Harriet in his arms, she never really liked the stroller, she preferred to be in her dad's arms. 

Remus and Sirius rolled there eyes, Prongs had always been the mother hen of the group and it only increased once Harriet was born. He was always the one to make sure they ate enough, got home safely, weren't sleep deprived and just generally took care of them even if he always denied it.

“OH LOOK!” Remus exclaimed, frantically trashing his arm in the direction of a bookstore.  

“No Rem, you have enough books and novels at home that you haven't even read yet! you don’t need anymore!”  Sirius yelled trying to pull his boyfriend back into the direction of the flat. 

2h07 pm 

Sirius had lost his boyfriend to the trashy novel section within the first 10 seconds of walking into the bookstore. Letting out an exasperated sigh, he told James to just call him when he was ready to leave, then head of in the direction his Moony ran off to. 

James just laughed, the two of them were a perfect pair for each other. With Harriet still securely tucked in his chest, he started to walk down the shelves of books. He tried focusing on the titles of the books but his mind kept wandering back to Sirius and Remus’s relationship. So much trust and love and honestly, between the two it made his heart swell with just a little bit of jealousy. There was a time where he thought he had the same, with Harriet's mum, but that proved to be a complete disaster in the end. Just the thought of her made white-hot anger pierce through him, what she did was unforgivable an- Ompff!

“Shit I’m so sorry! I didn't’ even see you there!” He apologized 

“It’s okay, don’t worry about it”

James looked down and was met with a pair of brilliant emerald eyes. Possibly the most vibrant and spectacular eyes James had ever seen in his life, he knew these eyes, where has he seen those eyes?  

At that moment, Harry woke from her little slumber and started to whine, then the whining turned into crying and crying turned into wailing. 

“Ah shit, Harry, come on nugget please don’t cry” The moment Harry had started crying, he received dirty looks from other customers, which was understandable for being in a bookstore but still, they could lay off a bit. The beautiful stranger seems to have the same idea.

“Oi! Lay off, will you! You lot are acting like you've never heard a baby cry! Get back to your lives!” She said with such confidence, James couldn't help but admire her. Once he realized he’d been staring at her for a bit longer than necessary, he focused his attention back to his daughter who was looking at the father with her big green eyes, filled with confused and frightened tears.

“Hey there baby girl,” He cooed lightly, “its okay, you're okay, just a bit of a bump is all” 

But Harry’s attention was soon diverted to the strange lady with the bright red hair and the pretty eyes. Harriet had never seen a lady with flaming red hair and was very curious as to what it felt like. 

“Hi there little one, what’s your name?”

Without missing a beat Harry said “Twou-ble!”

The young woman looked surprised at first, then looked to James for an explanation.

“Actually it’s Harriet, ‘Trouble’ is just one of her many, many nicknames” James explained, trying to keep a very hyper Harriet from pulling the hair of the nice lady. “I’m James by the way, I would shake your hand but I,m afraid id drop her in the process.” 

“James? As in James Potter?” A series of emotion passed the woman's face, first surprise, confusion, excitement and a fourth one that was gone before it arrived. 

Now James wasn’t famous in any shape or form, He owned a small company on top of the one he co-worked with his father, but that’s hardly anything to become famous for. 

“Um yes? I’m sorry if this sounds rude but do we know each other?”

“James, it’s me! Lily! Lily Evans?!” The young girl seemed upset by the fact that he didn't recognize her.

“Holy buggering shit” His jaw dropped and harry nearly did too. 

Standing in front of him was his high school crush Lily Evans, only this wasn’t Lily Evans. The Lily from school always had her hair either in plates or a ponytail, this woman had her hair in loose curls, going down to her shoulders. The Lily Evans from school would rather die than wear a leather jacket, yet this woman was wearing one AND combat boots! James also noticed a slight hint of makeup, the Lily Evans from school never wore makeup, always advertising natural beautify over artificial. 

There’s no way in hell this woman was Lily Evans.

“Oh my gosh, I didn’t even recognize you! But you look practically the same! The baby, the baby is what put me off, I mean who would have thought James Potter, one of the schools most notorious bad boy become a dad! That’s just crazy!” Lily was rambling, when she saw the cute bloke holding a baby she caved and wanted an excuse to talk to him. Not for the fact that she wanted to chat up a bloke who was probably taken, but for the fact that the baby he was holding was the cutest damn thing Lily had ever seen. All curled up in her blanket, sleeping peacefully in her dad's arms. 

“Ug, hi? It’s um, It’s nice to see you again, you look great.” James was panicking, his high school crush was seeing him with a baby, most people he went to Hogwarts with would judge him when they found out he had a daughter, believing he was just as irresponsible as he was in school. Lily had never liked him in school, she could hardly tolerate being in the same room as him and whenever she did talk to him it was to yell at him. Granted he deserved every bit of it, he had been a complete prat in school, but he was older now, he grew out of it. Still, he was unsure of how Lily would react to seeing him with Harry, most parents gave disapproving glares, what would Lily say? 

“Oh ya! I travel a lot for the company I work for and it’s not very practical to travel in dresses and skirts so I changed it up a bit!” When she gave him a twirl, James’s heart skipped a few beats. 

“It suits you” Was all James was able to get out.

If Lily had noticed his slight discomfort she didn’t mention it, instead diverted her attention back to Harriet, who was still trying to make a reach for her hair. 

“And you said this cutie was Harriet, didn’t you? Oh, she's absolutely adorable! And she looks so much like you! Only the- “

“Eyes, ya, she doesn’t have my eyes” James had heard it a million times from strangers and he never knew how to reply to them.

“I’m assuming she gets them from her mother?”

It’s a normal assumption, an assumption people make all the time. But Harriet's eyes were nothing like those of her mother, her mother had cold, dead, eye filled with hate and bitterness. Harriet had big emerald eyes filled to the brim with excitement and curiosity. 

“No. Actually, I don’t know whose eyes she’s got but their certainly not her mother’s.” James said with more bitterness then he would have liked.

Harry, bless her little soul, saw that her dad was making angry faces and pulled her hands up to try and pat his cheek. The action may have been small but it was enough to light up James’ whole world. Feeling a little better, he looked up to Lily, who was watching the two with a fond smile. 

“Why don’t we catch up a bit, I think I saw a tea place next door.”

3h32 pm

Sirius found James and Harry in a coffee shop, happily chatting with a certain lily flower that Sirius hadn’t seen in years. After bribing his boyfriend with coffee and a promise to come back within the next week, he sent James a text asking where to meet up, when he responded with ‘The coffee place next door’ he didn't’ think much of it. 

“Moo’ey! PaFoo!” A little voice cried out, Sirius immediate grinned, he would never get tired of hearing his little goddaughters voice.

“Hello there Prongslet! And Prongs of course, Oh! and a Lily Flower!” Sirius plopped in the chair next to James, cooing at Harry who was happily tucked in her blanket in James’ arms, reaching out to him. 

“Lily! It’s so good to see you again!” Remus said, hugging Lily tightly.

“Remus I saw you just last week!” Lily laughed but hugged him anyway.

Remus and Lily were had been friends throughout there school years and enjoyed keeping touch despite there busy schedule. They sometimes hung out at small cafes or bookstores, all that cliches junk you know they do.

‘Remus how come you never mentioned James had a daughter!” Lily had been kept small updates from time to time when they had the chance to meet up, but never once did he ever mentioned James had a kid! Although he did mention a Harriet once or twice, Lily just assumed it was probably James’ girlfriend. 

“What? Are you kidding?! I talk about Harry all the time! How can I not?! Just look at her” Remus pointed to Harriet, who was now giggling at the silly faces Sirius was making, waving her little arms around. 

Oh... Harriet was the daughter, not the girlfriend. 

“Oh” Was all Lily said, blushing slightly at the mistake, whenever Remus mentioned a Harriet, sparks of jealousy would light in the pit of her stomach. She tried to ignore them, tried to just push them to the side, but no matter what anytime Remus mentioned Harriet, they would come back. 

During the last couple years of schooling, Lily had developed a small crush on the Potter boy. He had matured greatly over the summer and not just physically. He stopped bullying younger students and his pranks became more playful then hurtful. The only thing was that he completely ignored her. He had walked up to her at the beginning of the school year and apologized for his constant harassment, after that he hardly even looked at her. Lily had tried to get his attention back, partnered with him in projects, attempted flirting with him, but nothing worked! 

Now, 4 years later, here his is! Infront of her! With a baby! 

Lily was broken out of her thought when Sirius barked out laughing.

“You though. Baby Harry. Was James’. Girlfriend” He wheezed out between breaths.

“I never said that!” Lily tried defending herself but she was pretty sure the red blush creeping up on her ear gave her away.

“Lil’s, I’m sorry but the look on your face kind of gives you away,” Remus said, chuckling slightly. 

“Oh shove of both of you!” The redhead said exasperated, she turned to James for comfort and/or support only to find him staring at the daughter, not paying attention to anything around him. 

‘Oh gosh’ Lily though looking at Harriet ‘How am I going to compete with that?!’

8h25 pm

James had just managed to put Harriet to bed, she never liked being far from her dad for long so bedtime was always a bit tricky but they always managed. James would rock her gently in the chair until she fell asleep, always taking a couple minutes to admire how beautiful his little baby was before slowly placing her in her crib and silently exciting the room. 

He walked over to the living room, the day's events playing over in his head like a broken record, when Harriet started to cry again.

**Insert exasperated sigh from James here** 

“Just leave her Prongs, she needs to get used to being apart from you anyway, might as well start now,” Sirius said from his spot on the couch. He loved his goddaughter to bits but she had to get used to being apart from James for more than 10 seconds! 

“Here, why don’t you sit down, I’ll go calm her down,” Regulus said from the kitchen. He was one of the very few people Harriet was comfortable being around since he was the one to deliver her into the world. It wasn’t exactly in the best circumstances and probably in the worse location possible, but everything was alright now, Harriet was where she belonged, away from that batshit crazy women. 

Regulus looked back to James only to see that he was already back in Harry’s nursery, gently rocking her in the chair making soothing sounds. 

Chuckling lightly, Regulus made his way to the couch where Remus and his brother were cuddling. 

“Do you think he’ll ever get out of that faze he’s in” Regulus questioned, turning to Remus and Sirius.

“Look at him Regulus, he’s hopeless. He’ll never stop loving Harriet, therefore will never grow out of the “atomic dad faze’” Sirus said, turning his head towards the nursery door. “But then again, when you consider what happened and how long Jame’s waited to finally meat lil Harry, can you really blame him?”

“No, you really can’t. Not after everything they’ve been through”, Remus whispered quietly, cuddling further into his boyfriend.

A comfortable silence fell upon the group, while Remus was slowly dozing off, Sirus hands playing in his hair, Regulus’ mind went back to that fateful day, when James’ finally got to hold his baby girl. It was back when Regulus was still a Death Eater, his parents had pressured him into joining ever since Sirius ran away. Regulus hated every minute of it,  the kidnappings, the drug trading, all of it, so he sabotaged it. He used every chance he got to stop rallyings, drug trades and killings. Everything in his power to make sure fewer people died, granted he nearly got caught a few times...okay many times but it was worth it. So when she came to the warehouse one day, obviously pregnant and incredibly sick, Regulus made sure to watch over her because there's no way in hell he would let an innocent unborn baby die because of her mistakes. He would do little things that would help her, like switching her drinks from vodka to water, mixed with some sleeping pills to make it seem like she was drunk. 

Those little things helped greatly, while he couldn’t flat out disclose the location of the warehouse, he left subtle hints for the police to find. In the end, it worked, while he did have to deliver a baby, which is still the scariest things he’s ever done because ‘holy shit, don’t drop it’, it was worth seeing the look on James’ face when he’ got to hold his daughter for the first time. 

9h31 pm

Lily had been passing up and down her flat for about an hour now, over analyzing the day's events in her head to the point it gave her a headache.

After one more lap around the small living room, she flopped down on the sofa- bed and sighed in frustration. During the small reunion, Lily had tried to chat with James a bit but he was hardly paying attention to her, always looking down at his daughter. Granted she was adorable and Lily had no right to be jealous of a baby’s but she couldn’t help feel a little rejected.

She chatted with Remus and Sirius for and a bit, trying to get James to participate as well. No use. He was entirely to captivated by the giggling ball of fluff in his arms and who could blame him? She was bloody adorable! She had seen first hand what Remus meant when he told her James was absolutely infatuated with Harry and that she had more luck shaving off Sirius’ hair then getting his attention when he’s in ‘Dad Mode’. 

With another frustrated huff, Lily tried to take her mind off the situation with a good book. Yes, a good book and some tea would solve everything.

Until her roommate came blaring through the door. 

Jumping from the sounds of the door slamming open, Lily lifted her head in time to see her flatmate attempting to enter through the door with about 10 grocery bags. 

“You know it wouldn’t kill you to make two trips, right?” Lily said, laughing from her spot on the sofa.

“You know it wouldn’t kill you to help me!” Marlene snapped back.

Rolling her eyes, Lily got up from her cozy nest and went to help Marlene lug the stuff into the room. After putting everything away (Marlene stuffing everything in the cabinets until Lily got annoyed and organize everything herself) Marlene turned to her friend but paused. Lily had a look.

“You alright? You got a look on your face that’s telling me something interesting happened today” 

“You’ll never guess who I ran into today,” Marlene turned to Lily, who flopped back on the sofa.

“Who?” Marlene asked, here curiously getting the best of her.

“Do you remember James Potter? From Hogwarts?”

“Lily darling���. are you forgetting James and I are cousins? Well, second cousins?” Marlene asked, she never really talked to Lily about James, even if she did spend around 50% of her time at his flat. 

“Oh…. right, well I ran into him today as well as Remus, Sirius and… Harriet.”

“You saw Harriet!! Oh my gosh isn’t she the cutest little bean!!” Marlene started gushing and ranting over the cuteness of the baby, pulling out pictures on her phone and telling the story of that one time James was stupid enough to allow her to babysit.

“And that’s how I lost Harriet for over an hour and then found her in the company of many, many grandmothers pinching her cheeks”

“Wait so you knew James had a kid!? And you didn't tell me?!” Lily was up again, passing the length of her living room.

“I didn't think you would care, you made it very clear throughout our Hogwarts years that you hated him” Marlene looked at Lily strangely, she had never cared for James at all, so what’s with the sudden change? “Look, Lily, if I’m being going to be honest with you, I was a bit scared of you two meeting again”

“Scared? Why the hell would you be scared of us meeting? Is it because of Harriet?” Lily looked confused and a bit offended, why on earth would she be scared of her and James meeting again?

Marlene got up and opened the covers to grab some whiskey, “Alright listen, Lily, if anything can set me off it’s people judging James for the mistakes he made as a teenager so just listen to me for a few seconds. After Hogwarts, James became really anxious and nervous all the time, Sirius, Remus and I tried pushing him to see a doctor about it but that would just make him even more nervous. We couldn’t understand how James went from acting all cocky and arrogant to being a nervous wreck.”

“Wait so-“ Lily tried to speak but was cut off by Marlene.

“I’m not finished. When James started seeing her, Harriet’s mother, everything went downhill. James would give her everything she asked for, money, attention, anything and it was awful. She would use James’ money for drugs, cigarettes, liquor, god it was awful the amount of shit she consumed. Used him for her own advantage and made James believe he was worthless, she did, bloody bitch”

“Who’s ‘her’” Lily questioned, quoting the word ‘her’ in bunny ears.

“We don’t speak her name, she’s dead and that’s all there is to it” Marlene had a murderess look on her face that sent a shiver down her’s spine, whoever this woman was, Lily knew better than to question further, that look in Marlen's eyes was something above terrifying. 

“A bunch of crap happened while those two were dating and honestly I don’t think James will ever fully recover from what she did. When he did try to get his shit together and break up with her, she burnt down the building, this bitch was crazy. Literally, she was one of those Death Eaters that enjoys killing other people for shits and giggles.”

Lily looked horrified, why the hell would James ever date someone like that!? The James she remembered would never have dated a Death Eater, he always stood up against those types of people, what happened to him? How the hell had she not heard of any of this, sure she traveled a bit here and there for work but she was still in London more times than not, how did this escape her. 

“Anyway to sum up the rest of it, cause this story makes me depressed and I don’t have enough whiskey for this, all residences of the building were sent to the hospital, including her and James. Sometime later the doctors told him that the bitch was pregnant, had been for 4 months. A week later she goes missing, escaped from the hospital thanks to a couple other Death Eaters.”

“What happened after!? The baby?! Harriet!? What!! I’m so confused, if she had been an active smoker and drinker how did Harry survive, what happened after she went missing!? She-“ Lily was cut off again by Marlene, who grabbed her shoulders to steady her.

“Easy there Lils, I’m not sure exactly what happened afterward, any time we tried to pry it out of James, he would get this really sickening look and would completely avoid the question. I know Regulus has something to do with it though, you remember Regulus Black? Sirius’ little brother? Anyway, I think he helped the police track her down or something like that, all I know is that he and James have been really close since the incident.”

Lily had to sit down again, she still didn’t the understand why Marlene was telling her all this but she was glad she did. She never would have imagined all the pain James went through in such a short amount of time.

“Wow... how come I never knew of this, both you and Remus are friends with him, how come neither of you shared this with me?”

“I can’t speak for Remus, but I’m sure it’s something similar to my reason. A lot of people judge James for being 22 and a dad, the people who knew him in school think that he grew up to be as arrogant and irresponsible as he was at Hogwarts, but he’s not. He could have easily left Harriet at an adoption home, or worse he could have never bothered to look for her and left her to die, but he didn’t. Jame spent 5 bleeding months looking for his daughter, even when everyone told him it was pointless. He took her in like a responsible father and nurtured her back to health even when the doctors told him she wouldn’t live. He works day and night just to provide for her, to make sure she never has to work for anything and yet people still think he’s a terrible person.” Marlene was looking into space now, her mind wondering back to James and Harriet, how could people possibly think James was a bad person just become he was a prat at 15, it didn’t make sense to her.

Lily looked at Marlene carefully for a few seconds “You didn’t t tell me because you though my I would judge him like I did in school...” 

“Can you really blame me?” She questioned simply, taking another sip of whiskey. “Well I don’t know about you but I feel depressed as shit so I’m going to drink the rest of this, eat some junk food and watch Disney movies, you want to join?”

Lily looked down at where her phone was laying, remembering the phone number she had asked Remus for “ I’ll be with you in a minute... I need to make a phone call.” 

10h05

James had accidentally fallen asleep on the rocking chair, his little Harriet still sleeping peacefully in his arms when his phone started ringing. Waking up with a jump, James’ made a grab for his phone before it woke up Harriet, who stirred slightly when he jumped. Looking down at the unknown caller number, he answered the phone, bringing it to his ear.

“Hello?” he yawned. 

“Hey, James? It’s Lily.”

“Evans? What are you- why are you calling me at 10 o’ clock?”

“Sorry, I didn’t think you would be asleep by now, I can call back another time if you want?”

“No! No, sorry that was rude, I just meant was there a specific reason you were calling me for, like an emergency or something.” 

“Actually, I was just calling to see if you were busy this weekend? Maybe we could meet up again, you know, just the two of us?” 

James looked down at the Phone weirdly, was she asking him out? He internally laughed, Lily Evans would never willingly ask him out. He was probably just sleep deprived and misheard what she said but he asked anyway just to make sure he wasn’t going crazy. 

“Are you asking me out on a date Evans?” He asked, mischief lacing his voice. 

“Ya, I am Potter,” she replied with just as much mischief and cockiness as him “So? Are you free or not this weekend?”

Grinning madly, James replied,

“There’s always time for a certain Lily flower in my schedule” 

The end!.... I think?

[mjlovescm]

1- Rude awakening

Completed, 30 chapters, “Grey” Fezco O’Neill x black fem reader

Author's note/ warnings: Panic attack, being heavily drunk/high and blacking out. Great way to start.

Betrayal is a feeling that over your lifetime you've grown to know far too well. It's never a singular emotion, but a mixture of many all hitting you at once. It completely freezes, even paralyzes you, the realization that everything you were told and thought you knew were nothing but lies. You feel so utterly stuck in place, as if your feet were glued to the floor that your body was an anchor. You weren't sure if it was the weed, god awful mixture in your red solo cup or the fact that you were watching your one-year relationship get thrown out the window, but right now you were fucked up.

You weren't completely sure how long you watched the awful sight of your boyfriend sloppily open mouth kiss a random freshman, but you knew it was far too long. You blinked a few times to make sure this wasn't some drunken hallucination. And… It wasn't. Quickly, you down the rest of your drink and carelessly wipe your mouth with your forearm. Placing the cup on the kitchen counter you use it to steady yourself, taking a deep breath you forced your lungs to accept the air as your mind started to run rampant.

You'd never been cheated on before, you had no idea how to act in this moment, but you knew one thing. You had to get your lick back. But it couldn't be with just anyone and looking around the room there honestly wasn't any good options. And it had to be someone who would really hurt him. Someone taller, richer, and cuter than him. Or one of his friends. You knew they'd all say yes to you in a heartbeat, but he'd get over that too quick.

You scanned the room for a second time, hoping your drunk brain just missed some fine ass nigga. But your eyes fall on a familiar freckled face, and it was almost like a light bulb went off in your mind.

bitch, don't be stupid whatever logic left in your mind yelled look the other way NOW

It was a stupid idea, a very stupid idea. Even in the non-sober state you were in now, you knew that. Plus you and Fezco had… history and a lot of it, so logically it made no sense to try to use him to make your now ex-boyfriend jealous. But right now you really didn't give a fuck about logic, you gave a fuck about payback.

"Wanna go upstairs?" You whisper into his ear, allowing your soft lips to hover over his skin and give him goosebumps.

You don't wait to hear his response because you already knew what it is, instead you make your way upstairs. Making sure your boyfriend and his lil freshman saw. You found literally the only empty room upstairs and sat on the bed patiently. And to no surprise, a minute later, Fezco walked through the door, locking it behind him.

What now? You realized you hadn't really thought this through.

"Hey kid wassup."

The first time he talks to you in forever, and that's what he says. After everything? Standing up, you pushed the thought away and walked towards him. His light blue eyes look you up and down as you step closer.

"I just wanted to talk." You whispered using your extra soft voice.

Your index finger trace his gold chain from the side of his neck to his chest before hooking under it and caressing his skin.

"Just talk, huh?" There's a sudden rasp to his voice.

You shrug and move the hand to the back of his neck before adding your other one.

"We can do more than just talk."

He doesn't say anything, but the blue in his eyes shrink and his pupils expand. You both knew to some extent this was a bad idea, but when his lips meet yours all you can think about is how you want, need more. He wants to be gentle, but you're far more needy than he is, driven by shots and revenge. Opposed to his drive of simply wanting you.

Soon you're both stumbling towards the bed, hands touching each other any and everywhere. God, you missed him and he missed you. You blink, and suddenly you were on the bed, then his body is on top of yours, and you realize you know what's going on. Everything hits you all at once, not just the alcohol or the weed, but what you were doing. Cheating on your boyfriend of a year with your ex.

Guilt hits you like a bullet train, then regret then sadness. God, what were you doing. Your brain was scrambling, a knot already in your throat causes your breath to shutter and tears to form at the corners of your eyes. None of which Fezco notices because he's too busy placing kisses at the base of your neck.

"Fe- Fez-" You try to speak, but your voice fails you.

Fezco pulls away from your neck when he hears what he thinks is you moaning his name. Once he fully sees you, he pulls back and immediately gets off of you. You were relived, but it's only for a split second, and just like that you're panicking all over again. Your own thoughts going against you to flood your mind with the painful truth. You were a cheater, a year of being together just gone for what one night of pleasure. What was wrong with you? How could you betray your own boyfriend like this?

"He- He- He's gonna be so mad at me." You mumble to yourself. "Oh my god, he's gonna be so mad."

"What." Fezco ask you softy unsure who he was.

"Mm-my boyfriend."

He doesn't say anything, he has no idea what he's supposed to say. You had boyfriend one who he knew was probably at his party and yet you were here with him. Kissing and touching each other just a second ago, and now you were completely distressed and in tears. He couldn't care less about the fact that you were with someone, he was too occupied trying to stop you from having a panic attack.

"Shit, it's all good. You know I'm not gon tell nobody." He tries to comfort you, but it doesn't help.

He tries to use his hands to soothe you instead, but you immediately push his hand away. You fully sit up and press your back to the headboard, getting as far away from him that you could. The mumbling continues now incoherent to Fezco expect for bits and pieces. All he could understand was that your boyfriend was gonna be mad, and there was going to be a fight between the two of you. And he was apparently right about you all along. It doesn't make sense to Fezco you seem less regretful of your actions and more fearful of his angry.

He can't just leave and knows you don't want his comfort, so he just watches you. He doesn't know where to put his eyes, so they just travel around your body. Fezco distracts himself with the little details on your skin. The thin hairs, the dark brown lines on your palm, the rig red mark that circled your wrist, and the… the big yellow reddish purple mark on your leg. He zeros in on the area, staring in disbelief, unsure if he was really seeing a bruise on you.

"I'm so-soorry sorry, I'm so sorry." You struggle to speak.

He forces his eyes to leave the concerning spot and tries to focus on you as a whole. You were still in distress and confused by what you were saying. He watches your eyes flutter as they roll to the back of your head before they shut. Fezco calls your name a few times before he comes closer to your body. You were completely slumped and responded randomly.

"Damn. The fuck imma do now." A deep sigh leaves him as he runs his hands over his hair. "I'm taking yo drunk ass home."

"Can't go home, told mom I s-stay at Maxy's house" You protest, shaking your head.

"Maddy?"

"Mhhm."

He sighs again because Maddy was not at this party, and it's not like your boyfriend could take you home. He knew if your mind were more clear or clear at all you would protest, but right now you weren't in the right state of mind. Fezco fixes your dress and grabs your purse before helping you stand and walk down the stairs.

"Where we going?" You ask, realizing you were now outside.

"Home."

He opens the passenger side door and put your purse in before helping you into the car. He buckles your seat belt and closes the door. Before Fezco makes it to the driver side, you lean over with a groan and open the door. He thanks you and starts the car.

"You welcome." You mumble, pressing your head to the window.

The vibrations of the moving car seem to somewhat settle the confusion you were feeling and lulls you to sleep. Fezco watches you carefully read to pull over if you needed to throw up or roll the window down as you needed air. But you were gone they moment he started driving. He shakes his head thinking about the hangover you were about to have, that and the bruise on your leg. His eyes roam your body, and he spots another on your arm. Fezco curses himself internally, pissed at the fact he somehow missed it.

"Imma fucking kill him."

Next chapter ;)

All chapters :)

[bubble-popping]

day 37 :] feeling very sick rn lol so more old stuff. continuation from yesterday

The mercenary found himself at the door engraved with the number on the key. Before inserting the metal, they tried to see if they could hear anything inside the room but there was complete silence. This felt different, different from any other time they were going into an exchange. Usually, they had insight beforehand. They knew something. Not this time, and that... well, it intimidated them a little. This could very easily be a trap, a way to corner them and get rid of some competition or enact revenge. However, they never met this stranger prior to the tavern so they doubted that, but the possibility was never zero.

Despite their concerns, Punz unlocked the door and opened it. The sight they found surprised them. For a second, they thought this was somehow the wrong room until they saw the green cloak and clay mask resting on a chair out of the corner of their eye. A man sat on the large window sill, the lantern on the bedside table illuminating dirty blond hair and juniper irises. Irises that surrounded slit pupils. Under those, accompanying the myriad of freckles, were white reptilian scales leading along his jaw to the back of his neck and shoulders.

"You came. Good. Lock the door behind you, won't you?" He pushed off the sill and walked over. Punz did as asked since there was an easy escape via the window and the man didn't look armed under his sleeveless black turtleneck and loose trousers.

"Yeah, I'm here. So, what's the job?" The man stopped a few feet from Punz and crossed his arms over his chest. His gaze didn't waver as they made silent eye contact for a good few moments.

"Punz, right?" The one mentioned immediately narrowed their eyes at the usage of their real name. "Better known as White Lightning for your speed and precision. An estimated 143 body count including women and children. Wanted for thousands of gold, alienated by the greater mercenary community due to envy. Often found in this village when not actively working a job. Is everything correct so far?"

Now Punz was a lot more skeptical. They clenched their hands into fists at their sides. "Who the hell are you?"

The man stretched his hand out. "I'm Dream." Punz glared at the gesture. They had half a mind to slap it away at the sheer audacity. But then they remembered the man's wording, how he was "willing to pay whatever it takes," and shook his hand.

"How do you know all of that?" They questioned once their hands separated.

"Because I have a very particular job for you, and it would help to have background knowledge so I know I can trust you." His expression remained stoic, and he didn't move aside from his mouth. He didn't even blink. No matter what, they couldn't analyze him.

"Knowing a vague description of my history doesn't mean you know me," Punz hissed through their teeth.

"I don't need to. I just need to know you can do what I need and do it well."

"What's the job?" They asked again, noticeably more impatient.

"I need someone who will defend me."

Punz rose a brow. "You want a bodyguard? And you thought a mercenary was the smartest option for that?"

"Not just any mercenary, but a mercenary with a reputation for never refusing a job with the right price."

"Do you have that right price?"

Dream shrugged and walked around the other blond. "Perhaps I do, that's for you to decide," he said as he passed and looked back at Punz over his shoulder. Then, he sat at the edge of the bed facing Punz with his legs a little more spread than they should've been.

Their brows furrowed at first until realization hit them. This wasn't the first time they'd been offered sex in return for a job, but... it was the first time they were actually considering it.

Dream was attractive. In fact, Punz felt a little irked by how he fit their type to the smallest details. A sun-kissed skin tone, bright eyes, fluffy hair, and all those freckles. Built like a fighter, but with a slim waist and runner's legs. Best of all, a hybrid, like them. Although, where Dream had the eyes and scales of a reptile, Punz had the ears and tail of a wolf.

"What'll it be? Do we have a deal or not?" He spoke again, further spreading his legs, further enticing them.

Finally, after another few seconds of contemplating, Punz nodded. "Yeah. We have a deal."

[thefrillypirate]

I posted 12,615 times in 2021

41 posts created (0%)

12574 posts reblogged (100%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 306.7 posts.

I added 66 tags in 2021

#words words words - 15 posts

#folk witchcraft - 9 posts

#mutual aid - 8 posts

#yeah - 8 posts

#personal - 6 posts

#cottagecore - 5 posts

#honeycore - 5 posts

#abigail hobbs - 4 posts

#help - 3 posts

#libra - 3 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#me younger dtep sister and youngest sister also all the pets in my house are female and i was raised by my father if thst explains anything

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

Made myself a set of grounding and stabilizing prayer/meditation beads! The beads alternate between Laboradite and Amazonite with a fire charm to remind myself to see and honor my own light first.

7 notes • Posted 2021-01-10 19:22:02 GMT

#4

What is both heartbreaking and immensely annoying about wanting to explore the divine feminine of spirituality, is the fact that at the end of the day, TERFS and Gender Critical people have hijacked so much of the research and celebration of it. The divine feminine can absolutely celebrate womanhood, but women are more than their sexaul organs and abilities to birth more people. The divine feminine should be a way to connect with all genders, the balancing of of roles and relationships. The celebrations of bodies as they were made, and as they were changed to become who you truly are. Fat bodies and tall bodies and short bodies and bodies in recovery and bodies with breasts and penises and and scars and vulvas and beards and hair and melanin and freckles.

Supposedly the Venus of Willendorf was carved in the image of the carver, who had no mirrors so she looked at herself, referencing every sag and mound and lump of flesh. She carved it not as a woman bit as a person wishing to get to know herself. The divine feminine is about knowing who you are, truly are. The changes we make to become perfection whether it's cutting our hair or growing it out, hormones to make the shell match the soul because my goodness we are all carving our own version of ourselves.

At the end of the day maybe our explorations of the divine, whether feminine, masculine, or androgynin did not create people in their image but the goal being for us to create it in ours.

8 notes • Posted 2021-04-15 20:20:23 GMT

#3

Let's talk about Gender Euphoria.

I had a lot bigger plans with donations and links to resources for pride month planned, but life happens and I ended up dealing with those things instead.

But I still wanted to share this micro essay. Because like many folx over quarantine, I've been learning about myself, my relationship with sexuality and gender and who I perceive myself to be.

There are 3 separate events that introduced me to the concept of gender euphoria, and why it is worth gold to so many trans, nonbinary, and queer folx.

The first instance was going on a date and dressing in a more androgynous manner because it felt more comfortable, and being referred to as "hansome".

The second time was the first time anyone referred to me with they/them pronouns, even before I started using them myself.

And God, the third time, and the moment I had to step back and reassess everything in my life, was when a friend leaned against my shoulder and told me how much they loved my name, because my name gave no preconceived notion of who I am, so they just had to get to know me as a person over anything else.

I started the realize how much I didn't wanted to just be a woman, that my experience was more complex and exciting than just a girl.

How the burning excitement in my chest felt being called handsome or when different pronouns were used, how I felt safer and more myself in sports bras or braless and how badly I have wanted breast reduction surgery since I was 13. How I loved femininity but I also loved my fluidity into androgyny and the sheer joy the first time I cut my hair short, the first time I shaved a small fade, the first time I saw myself in a TV show where I was called "an experience" and not making up the way I felt.

Gender Euphoria looks different on everyone, but the feeling, the knowledge of knowing yourself so well that you can finally live like know you are exactly who you want to be whether it requires binders or surgery or a haircut or a skirt or just someone saying your name. It's unbridled joy. It's suicide prevention. It's love.

I read all the gender and sexuality theory I could find. I tried labels and pronouns and found people who helped me find what brings me that absolutely Euphoria. I hope you do too. I hope you find a flag to hang up in your room and that strangers say your name and that you find every pronoun or nounself you need to wake up in the morning and go this is me, this is me, this is me. I hope the world tastes like honey in your mouth for simply existing.

And for those who would like to know, Hello, my name is Jessie, I use she/they pronouns and I am bisexual and genderfaer. I love you, I love you if you have everything figured out and I love you if you are reading this in the closet and I love you if you use every label or you never will use a label.

25 notes • Posted 2021-06-14 15:02:01 GMT

#2

Hey y'all

Do you love cottagecore? Jewelry? Bees and flowers?!?!

I have an etsy now! Where I make all that and more! This helps me fund my queer runway show this August and expand my options jobwise having my own business!

I totally understand if you can't buy right now! But I you'd give a friend a reblog, or share this with folks that would like something, it would be much appreciated!

27 notes • Posted 2021-05-18 23:24:43 GMT

#1

Montero (Call Me By Your Name) saying "I wanna fuck the ones I envy (I envy)" is just Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter pining to Bedelia send tweet

28 notes • Posted 2021-06-09 21:55:25 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[bulgariansumo]

Galactimato Big Brother Week 3

<<Week 1 | < Week 2 | Week 4>

Week 3 begins with yet another vacancy, this time evicted by America through Emil. Things didn't go too smoothly, however, as his plans may have been seen by another houseguest! How long will he be able to keep his secrets? Is he running out of time?

Now that everyone has had a few weeks to get to know each other, they were asked one simple question: Who would they evict out of anyone in the house? Most were too nice to give an answer, but some did respond.

--

"Higgy." Tsuki tapped her cheek. "I don't like the way he works Nicky and Toni to death with those dance rehearsals."

"The older Konno is too," Lorenzo tried to find the word, "...rowdy for my liking."

"Higgy!" Maxy answered without hesitation. "Someone needs to knock him off his high horse! At least Mai is fun about it."

Higgy tilted his nose up. "Maxy is a nuisance."

"It's nice to have friends here." "Angelo started. I-I even made a new one! Somehow. But it's hard to s-s--to spend time together... It's selfish, but everyone I'd vote off is close to them in some way. Or America's Player. Th-They could be really bad for my friends' chances. I th-thh--I might I know who it is..."

--

Those cryptic words may spell trouble for Emil, but the next segment spells HoH. It's time for the Head of Household Competition!

--

"I don't have many rules." Jun stated upon winning. "Just, like, keep the vibes chill, okay?"

--

Were the vibes chill? Before we head to the Nomination Ceremony, let's see what some of the houseguests have to say!

--

"It's nice! Higgy's practice is a little rough, but that's normal. The star rangers are nice. Emil and Roxie have poofy hair and hearts. We are friends~" Nicky pointed at the camera. "And you're here too."

"The viewers or...?" asked Kenji.

Nicky smiled.

"I think he's dehydrated."

"I swear Higgy has his band brainwashed." Tsuki shook her head. "Toni especially. Poor thing's practically on a leash!"

"Everyone thinks Higgy-senpai is mean. He is," Toni admitted, "but he protects me from Maxy! And listens to me! Sometimes."

"I don't like that kid trying to cling to Toni. Jun too." Mai sneered. "He's weird. I heard him begging for that freckle chart when Toni was tossing it out because 'I didn't get a chance to vote for you!'" She mimicked Angelo's pitiful face. "Gimme a break! I swear he woulda dug in the trash if Emil wasn't there."

"I've been hanging out a lot with Emil and Maxy lately and hadn't realized how much I ignored Angie." Leon glanced away. "But Emil's been getting him to tag along! He's so welcoming like that~! Also, I swore I saw a leg in the garbage can last night. Might be my imagination."

"I'm worried about Mai." mused Jun. "She says wild stuff and doesn't, like, have guidance. I've been trying to help out. Angelo hovers around, but I guess he's too shy to interrupt. I worry about him too. Y'know how it is, yeah?" They asked Kenji.

"Please don't acknowledge me."

"Lorie asked me about voting off Mia." Emil began. "I forgot her family was struggling financially, so that's what I told him. Feel kinda bad though." He paused. "But what I do remember is that Jun knows how to check fingerprints. I've been keeping an eye on Ange so he doesn't get his hands on the chart again." He winked. "I think he's worried about Leon, Roxie, and Toni, but I can't see America voting them out. I tried telling him that. Subtly. 'Siiiides, we took the trash out yesterday afternoon."

"It's been nice being with the others, even th--even though I know what Emil's doing. I-I don't have anything against him, and it's kinda s-silly but," Angelo pulled a crumpled, stained paper from his coat, "I trust myself over America. S-s--I'm sorry."

--

It appears Emil has underestimated how far Angelo will go to protect his friends. But can he protect them from the veto ceremony? Let's find out!

--

"Thanks for a really chill week, you guys." Jun started. "I'd rather not nominate anyone, but two of you did kinda harsh the vibe. Higgy, Maxy, step into the nomination zone."

They did so, glaring at each other all the way.

"This wouldn't have happened if you didn't mess with my rehearsals." Higgy muttered.

"Well you shouldn'ta had 'em near my bird-calling spot!"

"What kind of birds make fart sounds??"

"Hey! Don't blame your butt problems on the birds!"

Higgy seethed. "I have ways to make you live in regret."

"Hey, hey." Jun interrupted. "Let's let the eviction votes settle this, assuming neither of you get vetoed."

"Fine." conceded Higgy. "But if he somehow survives, mark my words, I will evict Maxy Konno with my own hands."

"Not if I get rid of you first." Maxy flashed his fangs.

"Oooooh, spicy!" Benji's gold tooth twinkled as he smiled. "Will the flames of rivalry be put out by eviction, or will they burn a little longer? Stick around for the veto competition to find out!"

"I didn't even do anything to get Higgy nominated!" Emil recounted from the interview room at some unspecified point in the future. "I was too busy dealing with Angelo and forgot!" He laughed.

For the PoV Competition, it's time to get schooled ...Again?

--

"Is it a good idea to reuse a challenge in the same week?" asked Kenji.

"Reuse sounds so cheap, call it a 'redux!" Benji corrected. "Plus, I'd rather not build anymore sets until we have more hands on deck."

"I understand."

--

Jun, Maxy, and Higgy, along with Roxie, Nicky, and Tsuki, play Getting Schooled again for the Power of Veto. Maxy wins! Onto the Veto Ceremony!

--

"Should I use this now or wait until we explain ourselves or whatever?" Maxy waved his PoV around.

"Why waste our time? Just use it." Higgy ordered.

"Thought I was the host, but okay!" Benji raised his eyebrows. "Why don'tcha use your veto?"

"I veto myself! ...Again~" Maxy gave a dirt-eating grin to Higgy and Toni as he returned to the group.

Jun seemed at a loss. "Uhh. Shoot. I dunno who else to pick."

"Excuse me?" Angelo raised a hand.

"A volunteer~" announced Benji.

"No no no! I-I just wanted t-t-to know if you could check this for prints?"Angelo lifted the freckles chart.

"Did you get that from the dumpster??" Emil blurted out.

"I'd be interested in it." Jun answered Angelo's question. "But I don't, like, have everyone's prints on hand for comparison. And now's kind of a bad time."

"S-Sorry..." Angelo looked down.

"It's cool!" They reassured. "Tell you what, give me a name and I'll check that person's fingerprints after the eviction, 'k?"

"Right now?"

"Ch'yeah~"

"In front of everyone?"

"I'd let you whisper, but... you seem to have a situation going on." Jun gestured to his trashy clothes.

"Th-That's okay." Angelo declined.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Well. You helped me with one thing at least." Jun told him.

"What's that?"

"Picking a replacement. Angelo, step into the zone."

"Wh-what?" His eyes widened in shock.

"No one knows who put up the chart but you and the culprit." Jun smirked. "Could be the same person. You have the perfect moment to name them and you won't?" They went on. "Sounds suspicious to me. Sounds like something America's Player would do to throw us off."

"What?? No, I'm not them!" he insisted.

"That's something America's Player would say!" accused Maxy.

"I-I'm not! I'm really not!"

"Leave him alone!" Toni defended.

"Didn't you throw it out?" Mai recalled. "He could've been tryin' to frame you."

"Angelo wouldn't do that," Toni turned to his friend, "would you...?"

"No." Angelo was on the verge of tears, wounded by the accusation. "Of course not!"

"We don't know if he did it." Jun reminded, looking a little mortified, just as Emil did. "But just to be on the safe side, he's the replacement."

--

Angelo set out to reveal the truth but one hesitation landed him in hot water with his fellow contestants. Where will the votes fall, and who will America choose as its next target?

While Higgy was no Mr. Popularity, Angelo proved to be too big of a threat to Emil for America to allow him a continued existence at the household. How did the houseguests handle this decision?

--

"The younger Summers has schemed once." reminisced Lorenzo."He could be doing so again."

"I'll make sure Toni's safe." Mai nodded, folding her arms.

Maxy threw his hands up"I don't care if the other kid's America's Player, Higgy's goin' down!"

"Do I really have to explain my vote?" Leon smiled nervously. "Angie's my little brother!"

"So Emil," Benji began, "what do you have to say to uhh, that?"

"What can I say?" Emil shook his head. "He had to go, but... that was brutal. He could've ratted me out at any moment, but he didn't. I feel like I need to say something to him."

"You'll get your chance."

--

Angelo became yet another falling star from the Celestion-5's sky, following Aiden and Mia. How many more will follow him? At least four more, but only time will tell. As for now, it seems like Emil isn't the only one who has something to say to him.

--

"Hey." Jun leaned in the doorway as Angelo, clean and freshly dressed, packed his bags.

"Hello."

They sighed. "Shoulda picked my words more carefully. I got so wrapped up in my theory, I started a witch hunt. I didn't mean to, but I did, and for that I'm so sorry."

Angelo stopped packing "Thank you Jun. Th-That means a lot to me." He held up the chart. "Do you still want this?"

"Sure, it's the least I can do." Jun's smile melted into a frown as they took it in their hands. "It's soaked."

"S-Sorry, I know it's gross." He apologized. "It got stained in the garbage and my hands were s-sweaty, so that didn't help."

They gave a pitied smile. "It's not your fault. But I can't take prints from this. Not by normal means."

"Oh..."

"You know what? It's better that way." Angelo almost said something, but stopped. "Yeah, you're probably right."

Benji stood in front of the house with Angelo. "Well. That was kind of a rough ceremony, huh? How're ya feelin'?"

"A little sad I have to leave." admitted Angelo. "But if th-th--if I helped the others s-survive, I'm happy. I just hope no one's too mad at me."

"Welp, these three aren't!" Benji extended an arm to the side. "You can come out now!"

Leon exited first and gave his brother a hug. "I'll miss you, buddy."

"I'll miss you a lot too..."

He gave another hug. "That one's for Roxie!"

"She's not here...?" Angelo seemed a little hurt.

"She would be if she could! But someone else wanted to show up even more."

Toni barreled around the corner and into Angelo for a hug, stunning him.

"T-Toni? But you--"

"I didn't vote against you because I thought you lied!" Toni blurted, holding Angelo's hands. "I did so Higgy wouldn't be mad at me. I really like you! I'm sorry!!"

"It's okay. I...I like you too!" Angelo happily teared up. "I hope I can see you again someday."

"Toni, it's time for rehearsal!" Higgy's voice called.

Toni looked at his shoes. "Sorry, but I have to go now."

He turned to walk away, turned back, and gave Angelo one last hug before running off.

Emil was the last to exit. "Hey, Ange."

"Emil...?"

"Yeah, he wanted to say goodbye!" Leon explained to his brother's shock.

"Plus I had something to tell you!" added Emil. "A secret!"

"Oh?"

Emil stooped down to whisper to him.

Angelo smiled and giggled. "I have something for you too."

He whispered something in Emil's ear. The latter stood back up and nodded.

"Of course. I'll try! And one last thing!" Emil gave Angelo a hearty hug. "Stay strong out there, okay? We're rooting for ya!" He winked.

"And don't try to sneak back into the house!" Leon warned. "We'll miss you, but don't do any crimes!"

Angelo laughed. "I'll do my best!"