#Listen I sat on the floor of my study hall and just blasted music while writing ppl be goofballs

[chaosoftheages]

Bro wtf do you mean I turned Wanted into a 3k word chapter for an AU-

[kushnovice]

|TRIGGER WARNING!!! Mentions of bullying, swearing, fighting, fainting, wounds, mild concussion,

Word count: 3.5k

Low-key a song fic but you don't need the song. I LOVE CHRISSY!! IT IS JUST FOR THE STORY! I can only think of Eddie, I'm sorry for my spam <3 |

I sat in the middle row of the classroom in my favorite outfit. People always made fun of how I looked and what I wore. Luckily, I wasn't the main target by many of the bullies here. Just the cheerleaders. Chrissy Cunningham was the worst. Every day, without fail, she goes out of her way to make my life a living hell. My headphones blasted beats into my ears as I used a pencil and a pen as drums while tapping my foot. After the track ended, the teacher walked in with papers. "Alright class, let's settle down." Mr. Burke spoke as he erased the words written on the chalkboard by one of the students. 'Battle of The Bands, tomorrow gymnasium" It was obvious who wrote it, I looked to the back of the classroom at Eddie who was also listening to music and pretending to shred his guitar. Eddie was the man target for most of the bullying here. I always felt bad for him too, he's not even a bad person.

Taking out my headphones and turning the music off, I started to pay attention to class. I wrote my notes and paid attention as the teacher talked, eying the clock anxiously. All I wanted for was this school day to be over, but I knew shit would go to hell as it always did. I tapped my foot anxiously as the teacher glanced at the clock then looked back at the class. "We are going to test tomorrow so be prepared, it will be worth 20% of your grade so I recommend studying what we learnt today." The class groaned as I was the only one to take notes. Luckily, then the bell had rung loudly, and I jumped up and rushed out of the classroom, hoping to get to the girls locker-room before the cheerleads did. As I walked through the halls, my head down and headphones blasting music in my ears, I couldn't help but think about the Battle of the Bands. Eddie's 'band' wasn't filled yet. He still needed a drummer and a vocalist. Anxiety clouded your mind as you thought about seeing if you could join him. No one else knew this but I have been taking drum lessons since I was kid and have continued it throughout my years.

I pushed the door open to the locker room, happy to see no one here yet. I placed my bag in a locker and locked it with a lock. Last time I had left it unlocked, the girls went through my stuff and cut up my clothes. (Ragitna Geroge vibes) I had my extra clothes and water bottle and went into an open stall and changed my clothes. When I was changing, I heard all the girls file in, talking shit as per usual. I took a deep breath before opening the stall and looking around at all the girls around me. I walked over to my locker and unlocked it, throwing my clothes in before locking it again and walking out in the gymnasium.

Gym class went by VERY slowly. After warmups they had us break up. The jocks played basketball while the girls cheered at them. It was annoying honestly. I've never understood the point of this stupid game where they just want an excuse to rub up against other guys, like just admit you're gay. I softly giggled to myself but breaking out of my thoughts to see the ball flying towards me with everyone's eyes on me. I didn't even try to catch it, instead letting it fly past me and into the storage closet. I walked in and looked around for the basketball that was rolling around. I bent over and picked it up, hearing the sounds of footsteps behind me and then feeling a kick on my back before I was face down on the hardwood floor. I let out a huge breath as I snapped my head back at them, seeing Chrissy and her little bitches behind her. "Awh, did you fall? Here let me help you." Chrissy offered a hand to me, and I looked at her skeptically before taking it. She pulled me up and pulled me close to her, her eyes just barely above mine making her look threating. "Can I have the notes from today's class?" She smiled at me, but her hand was now squeezing mine tightly. "Uh no, I don't have them." I stared blankly while lying. "That's a lie, I saw you writing in your notebook." Her smile fell as she pushed me back into the ball carriage. The whole thing tipped over as my back flew into the carriage and into it with balls all over me. "I wasn't taking notes." I tried not to let any tears fall, I can't let them see how they affect me. I looked over at the other girls who were snickering and blocking the doorway so no one could see what happened. As I picked myself up, I looked at Chrissy who had her back now faced to me, picking up something that caused the other girls to gasp and laugh. "You see, I need to pass this year Harrington. Your brother's not here to protect you anymore." Chrissy then whipped around, swinging the plastic bat as hard as she could at my side. I couldn't help but let a whimper out of my mouth as the bat impacted against my arm and ribs. I stumbled over slightly before steading myself again. "Now I'll ask again, can I have the notes?" She smiled again. Fake ass bitch. "Same answer cunt, I don't have them. Go sleep with him like you do all of your other teacher's and don't bring me into this." I snapped, getting angry at this entitled bitch. Chrissy lifted the bat again with anger in her eyes as she swung repeatedly until Jason walked in, "Babe, you need to stop before they know she didn't just fall." He grabbed the ball and passed it to the others as he wrapped his arm around Chrissy's waist. "I need to pass this quarter, Jay." Chrissy whined but Jason kissed her softly before speaking. "We can find someone else; she clearly is not going to budge." They all walked away, and I just sighed, getting up slowly and wincing. I walked out of the storage closet and pretended to be fine as I sat down and drank from my water.

The rest of the day went by fairly fast. I stumbled through the school as the last bell rang. I immediately started towards the music room and past the band kinds. A few of them waved at me while others just stared. Before Steve and Robin graduated, they had protected me and helped me make friends but now I was alone with barely anyone knowing who I really am. I made my way into the sound booth that the school committee paid for after the band got too loud for anyone to focus in school. I slid off my bag and placed it on the ground next to the door before walking over to the drums and making sure everything was turned on and sounded right. Going up to the speaker and popping in a Metallica tape and putting on the headphones as the music started, I slid into the seat. I pounded the sticks on the drum at the songs beat, putting everything into it. I chose Master of Puppets knowing it was one of the hardest and longest songs that I could do. Hearing a mix of the song and myself playing the drums, I started singing. I didn't even notice Eddie walking by and stopping, seeing me drum my heart out. He touched the soundboard, turning it up so he could hear what was going on. His eyes widened with shock as he instantly recognized the sound of the song. Watching intensely, he thought about joining in with his guitar and battling himself with if he should or not. Eddie shrugged and said fuck it as he opened the door, noticing that I didn't notice anything still, He started shredding the guitar making me now look up at him. I slid the headphones off and continued as we played in sync with each other. Banging my head as I continued to pound on the drums and Eddie head banging as he played his guitar. "Your life burns faster, obey your master, Master, Master of puppets, I'm pulling your strings!"

When the song was over, we were both huffing for breath. "That was fucking awesome, Harrington!" Eddie shouted and placed his hand up in the air. Laughing I slapped his hand, but he didn't let it go, he softly pulled me closer. "Please, join my band. We need you." He started to beg me. I laughed and smiled, "Of course I want to be in your band. We will rock that shit." Eddie laughed and pulled me into a hug, blushing I hugged back. "Oh, I'm so sorry." He pulled away awkwardly and stood there smiling. I walked over to my bag and grabbed a sharpie, grabbing his arm I wrote my number on his arm. "Cause I know you lose everything." I smiled at him, and you swear you could see a light blush form on his cheeks. Looking over out the window, I sighed deeply at the rain. "That's going to be a blast to walk home in." I sarcastically remarked as I looked in my bag for a hoodie but it's not there. "I can give you a ride home." Eddie smiled at me causing me to melt. "Are you sure? I don't want to make you go out of your way." I already felt back for even thinking of accepting his offer. He chuckled and nodded as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, walking with me to the exit. "I'm sure, it's not a problem for me at all." I smiled as we walked out the doors and into the hooded part of the school. "Are you ready to run?" Eddie asked with a goofy grin. "I'll beat you there." You ran off as fast as you could and laughing as you heard Eddie yell, "No fair!" and footsteps running up closer to you. I touched the van and turned around to see him right on my heels. He quickly unlocked the car and we both jumped in, soaking wet now. "I would have won if you didn't cheat." Eddie rolled his eyes playfully at me. "Or I'm just that good." He chuckled, "Sure, whatever you want to think."

I started shaking and saw Eddie peeling off his shirt and grabbing a blanket from the back of his van to dry himself off. After he felt dry, he looked at me and saw me shaking, offering the blanket. I peeled my shirt off, fine with it since I still had a bra on. Eddie was looking but not sexually. "What hurricane did you run into?" He joked looking at all of the bruises littering my body. "Chrissy Cunningham and Jason." I sighed and winced as I dried my body and hair before throwing the blanket into the back. Eddies face shifted as he examined the bruises, holding my arm up and running his fingers over the fat bruise on my ribs causing me to gasp in pain. "These aren't punches or slaps." He stated, obviously confused. "They were upset I wouldn't give them the notes for class, and they decided using me as a baseball would be fun." I sighed, sliding my shirt back on. Eddie was in shock. His hands gripped the wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white. "How long?" He asked out of nowhere. "Years." I laughed sadly as I answered. He sat there, thinking as he drove. "I won't let them hurt you again." He spoke seriously, not in his joking manner anymore. The mood was completely different. "It's alright, I'll be out of here soon enough." He didn't like that answer. "It is not alright; they think they rule the school and it's bullshit. You don't deserve that." "It doesn't mean it will change." I sighed, looking out the window and telling him when to turn. "It will change when I put Jason in his fucking place." He growled as he pulled up in my driveway. "Thank you, Ed's." I smiled at him, and his face went from anger to happy quickly as he smiled back. "No problem, Princess. I'll be here at 6:30 tomorrow to pick you up." He drove off before you could question anything. I ran off inside and immediately got into the shower.

I woke up later than normal since Eddie had told me he was picking me up for school. I slid on my clothes and did my hair and added a little makeup before hearing a beep from outside. glancing out the window I smiled brightly and grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder as I made my way outside. I lightly jogged over to the van and slid in, smiling at Eddie. "Thank you so much, I was able to sleep in for once." I laughed causing him to smile goofy at me. "I'll pick you up every day and drop you off." I immediately stared at him, "No, no, no. I could not ask you to do that." Eddie scoffed, "I love hanging out with you, princess." I blushed bright red and smiled down at my hands. "I do too..." Eddie continued to drive and he slowly slid his hand over onto her thigh, softly squeezing it. Looking up at Eddie, and I smiled. I placed my hand on his and giggled as I bopped my head to the sound of the metal music playing.

We eventually arrived at school and we both got out. "Ugh, I hate this fucking place." I groaned as we walked into the school, walking side by side with Eddie Munson causing all eyes to be on us. As they walked into class, Eddie moved to sit next to me in the middle. Eddie never sat anywhere else. In fact, he would kick anyone out who would sit in his seat. We talked until the teacher came in, unaware of the stares and chatter around us.

After the class and the bell had rung, I knew I had to go to gym. The only class that Eddie couldn't protect me in. He stopped outside the Girls Locker room with me, holding my hand and pulling me into a hug. "I'll see you in 10." Eddie winked before walking off to class. I was left there confused but knowing Eddie, he would find a way to sneak into my class. I did my thing, changing and locking my stuff up before heading to the gymnasium. Looking around I didn't see any teachers but I did see the group of popular kids all staring my down as I walked across the gym to sit down on the bleachers.

"You're the reason I failed!" Chrissy marched up to me causing me to roll my eyes. "Sorry he wouldn't let you suck him for an A like everyone else." She growled and raised her hand, slapping me in the face. Jason immediately pulled her back and yelled for the teachers. I wasn't about to put up with this shit anymore. "Wow imagine not having any control that you'll fuck everyone in the school and fight anyone that has an issue with you. Grow up." This was it for Chrissy and her cheerleaders. Suddenly, I was being jumped by a bunch of girls with the basketball players watching. I let them hit me, knowing it was worthless to they and fight. My vision started getting fuzzy and I saw white dots with tingling in my ears.

"Get the fuck off of my girlfriend!" Eddie yelled, throwing chicks off of your body, not giving a fuck about anyone else but you in the moment. He was pulled back by Jason, "Don't touch them you freak!" Eddie, having none of it, just reached back and punched him in the jaw, knocking him out. He shook off his hand before he saw the other boys jumping him. Eddie didn't just let them hit him like I did. He fought back, the while time. Looking at him, I realized this time I wasn't fighting for just myself, but also Eddie, Hellfire, all the outcasts, and losers. I raised my knee into the gut of the chick on top of me and then turned around, kicking the other in the face. I grabbed Chrissy by her hair and threw her to the ground with Jason before tackling one of the basketball players. Eddie loved watching me protect him. That was until they got off of Eddie and held me back, making Eddie watch as the girls take turns hitting me. I coughed up blood and spit it right in one of the basketball players face causing him to punch me in the jaw and my head to go limp. Eddie was now livid.

I can't remember what happened after that. It all went by so fast, or maybe I fainted. I can't tell. All I know is that I woke up in the nurses office with Eddie next to my side, holding my hand and all bandaged up. I tried to sit up but my head immediately started to pound causing me to grab it instinctively. "You're awake!" Eddie was much louder than intended causing me to flinch but then quickly apologized to me. He got up and shut the blinds and turned off the lights. "Are you feeling better?" He asked, sitting on the side of the bed and rubbing my head softly. I purred softly in his hand, "better now..." I mumbled. "Are you okay?" I asked, scanning him and seeing bruises all over him as well. "Don't worry about me. I'm not the one that got knocked out trying to protect me." Eddie smiled goofy but happy. Not that you were hurt, but that you cared enough to put yourself in danger for him. "What even happened?" I asked, pulling his arm closer and hugging it tightly to my chest. "Well he knocked you out and I saw red. I know that sounds crazy but I lost all control. Let's just say they are still asleep." Eddie smiled cockily. "I'm sorry..." I muttered, playing with his rings anxiously. "For what, Princess?" He cooed, already trying to take away my anxiety as he played with my hair and softly whispered. "I'm sorry you got hurt and in a fight because of me...I'm sorry I couldn't p-prote-ect you like you-u do me..." I broke out sobbing uncontrollably. "I-it's-s all my fault-t..." I started hiccuping causing Eddie to cradle me into his chest against his heart. "Y/n...none of this is your fault. Not even close. Those assholes use us and other people to squash so they feel better about themselves. Listen to me and listen closely...I did fight because of you, but I fought because I love you, every part of you. Even the parts you don't like. I have loved you since the moment I met you and the thought of anything hurting you, it kills me. I will never let anything happen to you and not because I feel pity but because I want to protect the most important person in the world to me. I know we are meant to be and I will never let you go..." Eddie hadn't let go of me the entire time, not stuttering it showing any sign of deception, just passion in every word. I slowly turned around and rose up onto my arms, pinning him down, and our nose touching. The tears were now drying on my face. Staring deeply into his eyes, words couldn't even explain how I felt about him, how I've felt about him forever. Tears must have fallen back down my face since he raised his hand and wiped one away. He left his hand there and I leaned down slowly, hoping he knew I was trying to kiss him since my head was pounding still. He sat forward, now wrapping his free arm around my waist snd holding me close while the other hand tangled in my hair softly and rubbed in my head as we softly but passionately kissing.

I pulled away, catching my breath and I rested my head on his chest as both his hands were now in my hair, rubbing my head softly. "So, I'm your girlfriend?" I asked him, raising my eyebrow. Eddie blushed, "If you would like to?" His voice soft and shy. "It would be an honor!"

[levi-lover]

New Light Part: 2

College Levi x Reader(Modern AU)

W/C: 5.2k 

T/W: None

A/N: Levi is a moody English major who spends his free time reading at the local cafe. I’m having a lot of fun writing this ! (pic from pinterest)

I’ve put all the parts in one list here:  New Light Masterlist

Levi’s POV

Levi and Erwin sat in silence on their drive home. The blinker would occasionally fill the car with a strong click. Levi counted the lit up rooms in the passing apartments. Five, Six, Seven… He wanted to keep his mind off of you, the way your hair framed your face, your hand caressing the mug, the way you pressed your lips together when you listened someone speak. 

“So, how long have you known (Y/N)?” Erwin asked as if he knew Levi was thinking about you.

“A couple of months,” he responded. 

“Do you like her?” Erwin prodded. 

“She’s nice,” Levi said. 

Erwin nodded, he knew better than to ask further. 

This was how their conversions normally went, Erwin would begin with a blunt statement and Levi would respond in a short manner. From an outsider’s perspective, it might have seemed like the two men weren’t friends but this dynamic worked for them. Erwin was straightforward with what he wanted and Levi didn’t like talking about personal subjects, even with one of his closest friends. 

When they arrived to their shared apartment, they said their goodnights and went into their rooms. Erwin had to be up early tomorrow for a debate meeting and Levi wanted to be alone. After they moved out of the dorms they decided to keep living together because it was the most cost effective option and plus Levi liked that Erwin was as neat as him, almost as neat. They lived in an old, walk-up apartment ten minutes away from Wall Rose University in a quiet neighborhood. They’ve been living there for three years now and had no plans to move out anytime soon. 

Levi opened the window slightly to let the cool air in, raindrops fell from the gutter and filled the dark bedroom with gentle taps.. He laid down on the bed and breathed in the smell of the city and old books in his room. He closed his eyes and let his body melt into the bedsheets, he used the same lavender fabric softener his mom loved. Mmm, I should give her a call tomorrow, he thought. He felt his thoughts bounce around in his head but he was too tired to unravel them. Levi focused on his breathing and eventually his thoughts subdued into lenient bystanders. 

There was silence around him when suddenly, you popped up in his thoughts. Levi let out a small sigh. Fuck, what are the odds of her knowing Hange. Hange of all people,the one person who doesn’t know how to shut up, Levi thought. Frustration began to fill his chest. He wanted you to meet his friends and he wanted to know more about you but he didn’t want it to happen like this. Levi wanted to do it right with you. He knew wasn’t the most charismatic or hospitable person and romance wasn’t his forte. Romance, Levi thought and chuckled. He remembered Erwin’s earlier question. Do I like her? 

He sat up and pinched the bridge of his nose with his index and forefinger. He didn’t have a ton of experience with romance. His only relationship with Petra ended in a disaster, she broke up with him after feeling neglected for months. That was never Levi’s intent, he loved her but he didn’t know how to express it. Whenever he saw her on campus she would always give him a smile and wave which Levi would reciprocate. He regretted the way everything ended but he was thankful she didn’t hold a vengeance against him. He was 18 and foolish but he was older now and slightly less foolish. 

Levi looked out the window and started to form a plan in his head. It was evident he had some sort of feelings for you, you were funny, pretty, easy to talk to and you cared about what he had to say. He smiled as he remembered how earnestly you looked at him while he explained the latest book he was reading, he started reading books he thought you might like. Shitballs, maybe I do like her. There was nothing he could do now, he didn’t want to do anything until he had a better understanding about what you were thinking. He nodded his head, proud of his plan. 

The hardwood floor creaked as Erwin walked over to the bathroom. Outside of the window, the sky was beginning to glow with a soft orange hue. Levi closed the curtain, pulled off his clothes and tucked himself into bed. He curled his body around a pillow and slowly began to drift off, eager to wake up to begin his plan. 

The crisp autumn hit your face as you opened the doors to the lecture hall. You felt light and airy after finishing your genetics midterm. It was one of the hardest tests you’ve taken but you felt okay about it. Hange had helped you study for the past week and their enthusiasm and studying techniques helped you out immensely. I owe them big time, you thought. Your phone buzzed in your pocket, it was Hange.

Hange: U FREAKING DID IT!!! IM SO PROUD XD

You: thank uuu, i feel good about it! 

Hange: YAY! We’re out in the park blocks! Join us!

You: ok !

You stared at the screen and re-read the conversation. Join us...they must mean Levi and Erwin. You scoffed the tip of your boot into the pavement, the familiar feeling of nerves began to dance in your stomach. Slowly, you made your way to the park blocks, the on-campus park where students would have picnics and study sessions. Students began to pour out of lecture halls and other buildings, eager to celebrate the end of midterms week. There was an undeniable feeling of excitement as they cheered and laughed. 

You stood at the edge of the park looking for the trio. Levi waved his hand from a picnic bench and smiled at you. Your heart momentarily stopped and you realized you’ve never seen him outside of the cafe. He was wearing a hunter green sweater and his black overcoat. The wind feebly moved through his hair but even from farway you could see the deep circles around his eyes. You made your way to the trio and gave out a half-hearted hello.

“(Y/N)! How do you feel?!” Hange shouted.

“Fucking relieved,” You said. Levi smiled. 

“I’m proud of you, (Y/N). Hange told us about all the hours you studied for the exam.” Erwin gave you a thumbs up. 

“Thanks, dude. How were your midterms?” You asked as you sat down next to Erwin. 

“They went well! I think I got an A on my Political Theory exam but we’ll find out soon enough.” 

“Erwin, you clown, you know you aced that test.” Hange rolled their eyes. “But thanks to the lovely Levi, I know I got an A on my essay.”

Levi frowned. “Tsk, I was surprised you even knew how to spell.”

Hange hit Levi’s shoulders and he swiped back. 

“Hey, stop it you two,” Erwin scolded. “I swear, they’re like children.” 

You laughed and nodded. The Levi you knew was always stoic and calm but Hange brought out a different side of him. He looked happier even when he was annoyed. You grabbed a dead leaf from the table and started to pull it apart, rubbing the dead plant bits between your fingers. 

“Are you good?” Levi’s voice broke your concentration. You looked up and met his gray-blue eyes.

“Yep, all good here.” You smiled at him and he returned one back. 

“That’s fantastic! So tonight. Ymir’s Bar at eight. Got it?” Hange ordered. 

Erwin and Levi nodded in response and looked at you. Your eyes darted between the three of them.

“Uh, I would love but I’m hanging out with a few people tonight.”

“Please, join us! Your friends are more than welcome to come, the more the merrier,” Hange begged.

“I beg to differ…” Levi mumbled.

“Shut up, grumps.” Hange elbowed Levi and returned their gaze back to you. “It’ll be fun, I’ll buy you a shot.”

You rolled your eyes, “fine, but I’m buying you a shot. I owe you, Hange.”

Hange squealed and clapped their hands. “Yay! My friend, Moblit will tag along too. You haven’t met him yet but he’s great and such a talented artist. You’ll love him.”

“Sweet, I’m excited, can you send me the address?” You responded. Hange nodded. 

“Who are you hanging out with?” Erwin asked.

“Oh, uh. My boyfriend and some of our friends,” You muttered. 

“I didn’t know you had a boyfriend. (Y/N) why didn’t you tell me?” Hange asked, heartbroken. 

Erwin glanced at Levi. He was looking at the grains in the table, his heart sank but he knew better than to let his friends know. 

“I don’t know. It didn’t seem like the most important thing to talk about during our study sessions.” You were unsure why but you felt defensive over Hange’s comment. 

Hange looked hurt at your response, you felt a pang of regret. You didn’t mean to keep your relationship a secret but your life didn’t revolve around your relationship so it felt pointless to bring him up. The air around the table was tense and cold. The sun was setting and the four of you were on the brink of being enveloped by the shadow of a large lecture hall. 

“Regardless, I’m eager to meet your boyfriend and friends,” Erwin said in a strained voice. 

“Yeah, I’m excited for all of you to meet. I think I’m going to go home and get ready.” 

“Of course, we’ll see you soon,” Erwin said in a quiet tone. 

You waved goodbye to all of them, the trio waved back and you made your way to the bus station. As you waited for the bus, you sent your boyfriend a message to meet your new friends at Ymir’s. He sent back a simple thumbs up emoji as a response. You pulled out a pair of headphones and blasted music to drown out your thoughts. Yet Levi’s face kept on appearing in your head, the way the sunlight caressed the hard lines of his face, his honest smile when he was with his friends, the way his eyes lost their glow when you announced you had a boyfriend. We never did anything. Hell, I didn’t even know his name until last week so why should I care what he thinks. We’re just coffee shop friends, that’s it. The bus pulled to the stop, you waited for everyone to exit before entering and made your way to the back window seat. The glass was cold on your forehead but it felt nice. You sighed, preparing yourself for a night out with your new friends and your boyfriend.

Levi’s POV

After you left, Hange and Erwin looked at Levi with concern in their eyes. Levi noticed their stares and glanced up at them.

“The fuck you looking at,” he growled.

“Levi, I’m sorry,” Hange whispered.

“About what?” He scoffed.

Erwin was about to speak but Levi abruptly got up and buttoned his coat. “I’m going home. I’ll see you both at Ymir’s.”

Erwin and Hange exchanged a look and nodded. When Levi made up his mind there was no stopping him. They watched him walk away, his head was slightly lower than usual. Levi walked over to the bike rack and unhooked his black low handle bicycle. In one smooth motion, he drapped his leg over the seat and began to peddle home. The wind hurt his face and burned his lungs but he pushed harder and harder on the pedals. Crouching down on the seat as he biked up the hills, hoping to ride away from the bench to run away from his disillusion that you could love him.

A few hours later, Erwin, Hange and Moblit entered the apartment. Hange called out to Levi.

“Hey, Mr. Grumps! We have something for yoooou!!” They called out.

Levi moaned and rolled out of bed, his bare feet hit the cold ground as he dragged himself to the living.

“What is it, Four Eyes? Hey, take off your disgusting shoes,” he scolded. “Oh, hey, Moblit.”

Moblit raised his head slightly as a hello. He wasn’t a man of many words. Hange held up a bottle of whiskey and grinned. “So we could pre-game. Take this as a thank you present for helping me write my essay.”

Levi rolled his eyes and smiled. He was touched by Hange’s generosity but he would never dare show it to them.

“I’ll grab us some mugs,” Erwin said and began to walk towards the kitchen.

“No, Erwin! Tonight’s a shot type of night,” Hange said deviously.

The three men looked at them and hesitantly nodded. They wanted to relax and unwind but a  night out led by Hange always ended up with someone’s head in the toilet. Still, they each filled a shot glass, cheered and downed the alcohol. They drank for a while, everyone’s faces were glowing. Hange was blasting music and dancing. Moblit watched them with admiration. Erwin and Levi were giggling over something stupid Erwin said.

Erwin looked at the clock, it was closing in on 8. “Shit, we should get going.”

“Hey, man watch your mouth. And maybe we should stay in. It’s cheaper,” Levi said.

“Levi, noooo. We can’t do that. We told (Y/N)  that we would meet her at Ymir’s!” The alcohol was already getting to Hange.

“Who’s (Y/N)?” Mobit asked.

“My friend from genetics! And Levi’s too,” Hange proclaimed.

Levi rolled his eyes. “Tsk, she’s not my friend. I hardly know her.”

“Mmm, if you say so.”

“Whatever, let’s go,” Levi said curtly.

The four of them grabbed their coats and headed to Ymir’s. It was only a ten minute walk from their place. Hange let everyone know that you had already arrived and saved a table on the back patio. As they walked, they talked about their finals and plans for the upcoming break.  When they arrived at Ymir’s, they pushed open the door and entered the humid room. The bar was full of people celebrating the weekend, a couple was making out in one of the booths and people were lined around the bar. They ordered their drinks and walked through the back doors.

Levi’s hands began to sweat and he felt a lump in his throat when he saw you. You looked beautiful under the glow of the patio lights, you were smiling and had a beer glass on your lips and you were laughing. Erwin stood in place and Hange stopped their chatter.

“Oh, so that’s what they’re doing now,” Hange spouted.

They were referring to Zeke who had their arm around you and to Porco and Pieck who were sitting across from you and your boyfriend.

You saw the group at the back entrance and waved. Your nerves from earlier were completely forgotten after your second beer. Zeke rubbed his thumb against your shoulder and you smiled out of habit. You made eye contact with Levi and gave him a toothy grin, his eyes darted away. Your friends looked at the party headed towards them and stopped talking but you didn’t notice.

“Hey, I was wondering if y’all forgot where the bar is,” you joked but no one laughed.

“Erwin. Levi. It’s been a while,” Zeke stated.

You looked at him confused. “What? You know them?”

Zeke chuckled, “yeah, I guess I do.”

“Zeke, it’s nice to see you again. Same to you Porco and Pieck,” Erwin stated.

Porco and Pieck looked at each other and smiled. “It’s nice to see you too, Erwin,” Pieck said in a sweet voice.

Levi glared at the way Zeke’s arm was draped across your shoulder. He gritted his teeth. Hange noticed how tense he was getting and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“What a small world! I’m glad everyone knows each other. Guys, sit down!” You motioned at the empty seats at the table, completely misreading the space.

Hange was the first to sit and the rest followed. The table was quiet for a few minutes, everyone sipped on their drinks.

“Levi, I like your scarf,” You pointed to the black scarf draped across his body.

“Thanks.”

“Yeah, it’s such a nice scarf,” Zeke repeated.

Levi gave Zeke a dirty look. Hange looked at him nervously and Moblit put a hand on their knee to calm them. You took another sip of your beer.

“Yeah, Zeke, it is a nice scarf. That’s why I complimented it. Anyways, how do you all know each other?” Confidence surged through your veins thanks to the alcohol.

“We were floormates freshman year,” Levi’s dry voice said.

“Wait-oh, I see,” You said.

Erwin began to make casual conversation with everyone while Levi stared at the bottom of his glass. Hange and Moblit joined Erwin and conversed with the other two at the table. Wait, is Zeke the one that called Erwin’s kickback lame? That’s the only possibility, right? Your head was dizzy from the alcohol but the puzzle pieces were starting to fall into place.

“Hey, (Y/N),” Porco called out.

“Huh?”

“You good? It looks like we lost you there for a second.”

“Yeah, Porco. I’m fine,” You said sarcastically.

“Zeke, you and (Y/N) make a good couple,” Erwin said.

Zeke chuckled and squeezed you closer to his toned body, “I know but thank you.”

You kept your head down unsure about what to do. It was evident that Zeke had an issue with Erwin and Levi but you didn’t fully understand why. From what you heard, Zeke was the one who was mean to the other two but Zeke was your boyfriend so you should be on his side, right? You took another swig of your beer.

“Levi, are you still with Petra?” Pieck asked.

Petra? Who the fuck is that, you thought, anger coursed through your veins.

“No,” Levi said.

“Oh, that’s too bad. She was such a lovely girl,” Pieck sighed.

“Who’s Petra?” You asked.

No one answered your question. You looked at Pieck but she kept her eyes down. What the fuck is up?

“She’s a girl I dated freshman year,” Levi explained.

“Oh.”

Hange broke the tension by shouting, “(Y/N), I promised you a shot! Who else wants one?”

Pieck, Moblit and Erwin raised their hands. Hange called over a server and asked for a round of shots for everyone. A few minutes later, they brought tequila shots for the table. Everyone grabbed their lime and raised their glass.

“To finishing finals!” Hange exclaimed.

The table repeated what Hange said and took their shot. You and Porco laughed at Pieck’s face and she stuck her tongue out at you. Zeke kissed your cheek and you leaned into his warm body. For a second, it felt like it did at the beginning of your relationship. You felt safe and hopeful but those feelings disappeared when you caught Levi looking at you and Zeke. Immediately, you pulled away and Zeke frowned. You weren’t one for PDA but after a few drinks you didn’t mind showing your man some love but under Levi’s eye it felt wrong.

“Let’s do another shot!” Hange shouted.

“Hange!! Let me buy you a shot!!” You shouted back.

“(Y/N), you’re the best!!” Hange exclaimed, their cheeks glowing under the lights.

Everyone took another shot and the mood around the table began to lighten as everyone got drunker. Porco made a few jokes that made Erwin laugh. Zeke talked to Hange about their senior thesis. Everything seemed to be falling into place except for Levi. He didn’t make an effort to hold a conversation with anyone. He stared at the empty shot glasses and occasionally smiled at whatever Erwin said.

The patio lights shadows made Levi look heavenly, the soft glow bounced off his pale skin and you tried not to stare but you couldn’t, he looked so pretty.

Zeke could sense that your thoughts were taking you elsewhere so he gave you a kiss on the check. You gave him a smile in return.

The bar was packed and everyone at the table was talking after a new round of drinks. It should be a perfect night, all of your friends seemed to be getting alone but something didn’t feel right. In that moment, you wished it could have been Levi holding your body. Stop, Levi is just a friend, that’s it. I love Zeke. You repeated in your head over and over.

As the night dragged on, you slowly began to lose touch with reality, everything became a happy, surreal blur. Throughout the night, Zeke kept his hands on your body. Before that would have kept you grounded but now it felt off, you weren’t sure if it was the alcohol but you didn’t want him to touch you. You kept on smiling and talking to everyone until the bartender called for final orders.

“This was nice but I think we should get going now,” Erwin declared.

“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Pieck said.

Everyone gathered their belongings and started to walk towards the front door. Zeke walked ahead with Porco and Pieck but you stayed behind with the others. Erwin, Hange and Moblit left you and Levi together alone. Hange’s arm was wrapped around Moblit’s shoulder. They leaned against their body and continued talking.  

“Hey, I had a good time tonight,” You said to Levi who barely acknowledged your existence.

“It was okay,” He stated.

The two of you followed the others.

“But what are the odds of us forming a friendship in this way, right?” You said.

“Tsk, a friendship? We hardly know each other, I wouldn't push it,” Levi responded.

“I guess you’re right,” You muttered.

Levi felt bad about his harsh tone but he didn’t know what to do. He still had the same warm feeling in his chest from before but watching Zeke touch you hurt him. All of you had exited the bar and you walked over to Zeke and he placed his jacket over your shoulders.

“Well, it was, uh, nice to catch up with all of you. Hange thank you for helping my girl study. Get home safe,” Zeke said. You smiled and everyone and waved.

“Zeke, the same to you too. Glad to know you’re doing well. (Y/N) congrats on finishing midterms. See you later,” Erwin said.

“I love yoouuu! I love all of you!” Hange shouted. Moblit still had his arm around Hange to stabilize them.

“Love you too, Hange!” You blew them a kiss.

They all turned and began to walk home. Porco and Pieck had already left in their Uber. You looked at Zeke and he gave you a smile and you smiled back out of habit.

Zeke made conversation on your way back to his place. You wrapped your arms around your body and counted the steps in between each street light. The air around you was dry and your breath fell to the ground in a transparent cloud. Eventually, you made it to Zeke’s apartment, it was highrise close to downtown. When you entered the apartment your attention immediately went to the large windows. They faced the city skyline and the lights poured into the living room and gently outlined the minimal furniture in the room. Zeke led you to the bedroom and began to kiss the back of your neck. His beard tickled your neck and left goosebumps on your skin. You rolled your shoulders and stepped away.

“Come on,” Zeke groaned.

“No, not tonight. I’m really tired,” You said.

You made your way to the bathroom and turned on the harsh lights. The lights bounced off the white tiles and highlighted the bags under your eyes. You stared at yourself for a while, the longer you stared, the faster your thoughts swirled in your head. Is Levi made at me? You splashed cold water on your face and tried to wash off the awkwardness from tonight but no matter how hard you scrubbed, you couldn’t get the image of Levi staring at the empty glasses out of your head.

When you walked back into the bedroom you saw Zeke passed on the bed. You smiled at him and placed a blanket over his body and brushed his hair away from his forehead. You curled up on the opposite side of the bed and wrapped a blanket around yourself. Zeke’s soft snores filled the room, normally that was enough to lull you to sleep but lately it was becoming more of a nuisance. Why am I feeling like this? I love Zeke and he loves me back, that should be enough. So why do I feel so unsure? Zeke wasn’t your first partner but he was your first proper love. Everything beforehand had felt like practice for this.

The two of you had met in the spring term of sophomore year. The sun was shining and you we’re sitting on a blanket with Rico bouncing off ideas for research projects. You kept an eye on the baseball team who were practicing near the two of you. Rico was in the middle of explaining her ideas when a baseball flew in your direction.

“Heads up!” shouted a deep voice.

Both of you covered your heads as the ball flew over your blanket. The footsteps of one of the players was nearing your spot.

“Hey, I’m sorry about that.”

You tried to look up but the sun was blinding your eyes. You were able to make out the outline of a tall, man with broad shoulders and wavy blonde hair. He flashed a charismatic smile and said,“the name’s Jaeger. Zeke Jaeger.”

You introduced yourself and Zeke knelt down so his head was at your level.

“Nice to meet you. I feel about almost hitting you. Not sure what happened, normally I have perfect aim.” He winked at you. “Let me make it up by taking you out for a drink, your friend is more than welcomed to come.”

You blushed and thanked him and began to decline your offer when Rico interrupted you.

“She, I mean, we would love that. Here’s her number and mine, too.”

“Thanks, I’ll shoot y’all a text.”

Zeke stood up, grabbed the ball and gave you a wave before running back to his team. From that point on, the two of you had been inseparable.

You drifted off thinking about those first memories, the sweetness of his touch, the excitement of loving Zeke, the hopefulness you had. If you kept on thinking about those moments then maybe they would manifest back into your life. You wanted back that stability in your love so much it hurt your chest.

The next day you rolled over to an empty bed. Your hand traced the cold sheets and you kept your hands in the sunlight, the warmth felt good compared to the draft in Zeke’s bedroom. He preferred a colder bedroom, he said it was better for the body. The front door opened and you pretended to be asleep. Zeke’s footsteps got closer to the bed and you felt him press a kiss to your cheek, he smelled of sweat and musk. Who goes on a run after a night out? You thought. The showerhead turned on and you heard Zeke sing.

You got up and rummaged through Zeke’s drawer and pulled out a navy cardigan. You wrapped the fabric over your body and padded your way to the kitchen. The kitchen was colder than the bedroom.

“Fuck, who lives like this?”

You poured yourself water and stared at the tiles on the walls. Re-playing Levi’s comment in your head. Tsk, a friendship? We hardly know each other, I wouldn't push it. You didn’t blame Levi for his harshness but his comment hurt. There was no denying that you two shared a kinship that was a bit deeper than friendship. Romance wasn’t the word for it either. The relationship you had formed with him felt safe, you felt understood and respected in a way you haven’t really before. Your concentration was broken when you heard Zeke enter the kitchen.

“Hey, babe. Good morning.” He pressed a kiss to your temple. “I bought you a smoothie.”

“Thanks, Zeke,” you responded.

He grabbed the smoothie from the fridge and smiled at you. You sat on the counter and began to sip on the drink. Zeke hummed to himself and began to pull out a pan from the cupboard.

“Whatcha thinking about?” you asked.

“Life.”

“Like, the gameboard?” You joked.

He rolled his eyes. “Honestly, I’m thinking about last night. I never thought I was going to see those guys ever again.”

“Mmm, why did something happen?” You said nonchalantly.

Zeke chuckled, “stupid freshman things. We were all young and dumb.”

He stayed silent afterwards as he went on to fry some eggs. The eggs sizzled in the pan and he whistled quietly. You knew him well enough to know he wanted to say something else.

“I mean, I did dumb stuff when I was freshman so how bad can it actually be?” You prodded.

Zeke stared at you with a series expression. “Look (Y/N), I don’t really want to hash out what happened but-” he hesitated as he looked for the right words to say, “-be careful around Levi. There’s something off about that guy.”

“Oh,” you muttered.

You continued drinking the smoothie, the smell of the egg was making you nauseous and you started to feel the hanging over. You went back into the bedroom and laid down. Your phone buzzed and saw a text from Hange.

Hange: OMG i’m so hungover, i don’t remember getting home

You: Hange, WTF that’s not good lol but I know you were in good hands ;)

Hange: wut does that mean??

You: Moblit lol he was so nice and caring

Hange: … no comment but what are you doing

You: nothing really, why?

Hange: do you want to get brunch?

Hange: it’ll just be the two of us :)

You: yeah, i would love that, send me the address !

The smell of egg had entered the bedroom and you gagged. You hated the smell but Zeke insisted that it was the best way to get protein in the morning. You grabbed your belongings and walked to the kitchen again. Zeke was sitting at the counter eating the eggs and drinking his smoothie while reading the paper.

“Hey, I think I’m gonna head out!”

“Really? I thought we could spend the day together before I leave,” Zeke responded.

“You’re leaving?” You paused while putting on your shoes.

“I thought I told you. My internship is taking me on a trip for the next three days and then I’m heading home for the break,” Zeke said in between bites of food.

“Shit. You didn’t tell me. How about we hang out later today?”

“Yeah, I guess that sounds good to me. I’ll see you later,” he said.

“See ya.”

You went back to your apartment to freshen up and hurried to the diner Hange was it. You stepped through the doors and immediately saw Hange’s smiling face. They were waving you to their table. You greeted them with equal excitement and walked to them. For the past few weeks, some of your favorite moments have been hanging out with them. They always brightened your mood with their cheerful banter and love for life. You were excited to eat brunch with them and question them more about the history between the trio and your boyfriend.

[selfwriting-sugarquills]

Something more infinite (George Weasley x reader) ch. 4

Chapter 4. What? Can’t a guy compliment his nemesis on her dress? 

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 (final) |

word count: 2.1K 

Warnings: none. 

When your mother wrote to you sometime in November to ask how your sixth year had been going, you didn’t know what to say. It had been different so far, George had been more relaxed in his approach to you, in fact you rarely clashed anymore. Mostly he’d handed a couple of comments to you during classes but had seemed to be swallowed up by getting people to bet on the triwizard tournament. You hadn’t made any bets yet. You yourself had been busy with something else, or rather someone else. This guy named Lewis in your year had changed over the summer, suddenly he was like seven feet tall, and his hair had become this glorious, swoopy mess, his cheeks dimpled when he smiled at you, a gleam in his eyes (that you could swear was only there when he was looking at you) that made you weak. You’d fallen hard for him and you didn’t exactly know how to handle it. This was the first time a boy had made you feel this way, and you were torn between wanting the attention and love of Lewis and not wanting to interract with him out of fear that you’d say something stupid and confess your love for him. Your friends had quickly noticed your crush though (you were not subtle about it, after all) and after a bit of pressuring from them, a lot of pep talks and a couple house parties, you and Lewis were on good terms. You’d sit together at meals, go on walks by the lake and study together. You savoured every second you spent together, and when the yule ball was announced, you couldn’t wait for him to ask you to the ball. While you waited for him, you entertained yourself by watching George struggle slightly to find a date. It seemed that years of pranking had narrowed down the amount of girls willing to entrust “the most magical night of their lives so far” to Fred and George Weasley considerably. Fred had asked Angelina, though George couldn’t seem to find a date yet.

And it was driving him insane. How everyone managed to find partners so quickly was beyond George, as he’d been politely turned down for the second time, just on that day. Every girl’s answer was the same: “Sorry, George, it’s not that I don’t want to, I just feel like I want to spend the night with a guy who’s a bit more serious about the whole thing, y’know?” 

He knew they didn’t mean it as an insult, he understood how some girls probably had a certain vision for the yule ball. But he was still a good enough date, right? It’s not like he was actively planning on annoying his date with pranks or jokes….unless? 

“Hey L/n!” George broke out into a sprint to catch up with you as you excited the charms classroom, you turned and looked at him with a confused expression, 

“Yeah?” You asked, mostly looking like someone who just wants to turn around and go to lunch, 

“Have you perchance found a date for the yule ball?” He figured it was best to just ask you outright, and to his surprise (and maybe adding to his frustration) you burst into laughter, 

“You’re joking, right?” You say, still chuckling, 

“No?” 

“You don’t want to take me to the yule ball, Weasley,” you say, “We both know that. I actually plan on having a nice night, so even if I was available I’d have to say no, as much as I’m sure you’d be...something of a date,” you say, 

“Wait hold on,” he shakes his head in disbelief, “you’ve got a date?” 

“Yes, as shocking as that seems,” you say, your voice slick with sarcasm, “I have,” 

“Who?” 

“You know Lewis? Ravenclaw. Our year,” You say, “Gorgeous, and he actually likes me, hence why I said yes to him, and not you,” you chide, 

“Sounds like you’ve got yourself a crush,” George replies, feeling more annoyed than ever, if there was anything he hated it was when you had the upper hand, and the way you were talking about your date didn’t help, he couldn’t say he remembered a Lewis from your year, but based on your short description, 

“I don’t like him,” 

Fred and Lee share a look from across sofas in the common room, George is sat in an armchair, arms crossed, 

“Why?” Lee asks, “You hardly know the bloke?” 

Yeah, why did George dislike this Lewis? now that it was pointed out to him, George actually did struggle to pinpoint what exactly had bothered him so much that he’d spent the rest of the day sulking over your description of your date,

“I just do,” George resorted to replying, as it was easier than confessing his true, very confusing thoughts, “Probably just cause I associate him with Y/n,” he grumbled, sinking further into the armchair. Another glance was shared between Fred and Lee, 

“What?” 

“Nothing,” Fred replied quickly, George sat up. He knew Fred too well, “What, Fred?” 

“It’s just-” Began Lee, fidgeting with his wand, 

“Well,” Fred stumbled over his articulation as he adjusted himself in his seat, 

“Spit it out, will you?” 

“It’s just we’ve noticed, you’re different around her,” Lee says, George shot him a puzzled look, 

“What’s he on about?” He asked Fred, 

“Mate, you’ve sort of developed a habit for seeking her out, despite insisting that you hate her,” Fred explained, “With that sort of behavior we’re bound to assume- I mean we can’t help but think that-” he trailed off as George’s expression hardened, 

“You’ve maybe got a tiny thing for her?” Lee said, with an expression like he’d just stuck his finger into a loaded mouse-trap, 

“WHAT?” George exclaimed, “I absolutely do not have a thing for her!” He stood up, 

“Come on, George, we don’t mean that as an insult,” Lee said, 

“Well I take it as one,” George said, trodding towards the dorms with haste, “You’re out of your minds if you think I’d ever fall for someone like her!” He says, taking the stairs at three steps at a time, slamming the door behind him, and leaning against it while his heart pounded in his chest, his hands flying to his hair. Long fingers ran through long locks of ginger hair, as he swallowed hard, 

“Oh. Oh fuck me.” 

***

The yule ball really was magical, you had to admit. You and Lewis had had a blast thus far, dancing for the majority of the night, he’d introduced you to one of his friends named Michael and his date, a gorgeous girl from Beauxbatons, and you’d sat together and talked in the few moments you hadn’t been on the dance floor. At one point, the music had slowed and you’d gone to get a drink, Michael accompanying you, after you’d grabbed a glass of punch, you’d stood by the table with drinks and looked out over the crowd of students dancing, 

“You know, you’re really beautiful,” Michael said beside you, you turn to look at him in surprise, 

“Oh,” you said, not knowing what to say, 

“I don’t mean to sound creepy or anything,” Michael says, not a good start. you think to yourself, “It’s just that I noticed you a while back and I just think you’re really good looking and well, Lewis promised he’d introduce us since you were going to the ball together and-” He continued to babble as he stared at his feet, but you had stopped listening, your stomach sinking, 

“What?” You asked, Michael looked like a deer in headlights, 

“What?” He stammers, 

“What did you say about Lewis introducing you?” you asked in a hollow voice, 

“Well, you see, I told him that I fancied you, and he told me he’d introduce me to you, if I’d introduce him to my date, Vivienne, you see he-” You’d heard enough, almost instinctively, your head turned and found Lewis, as he’s leaned in, kissing Vivienne passionately. You felt as if the air had been punched out of you. Everything seemed distant, just as it had as you’d fallen from your broom the year before, you don’t hear Michael talking. You don’t hear the music. You don’t hear or sense anything. Your vision had blurred on all except Lewis and Vivienne as your intestines form knots inside you. You felt sick. You felt like crying. You felt far too hot and so you left. Tears were already streaming down your face as you wandered away from the great hall. A pair of footsteps could be heard on the stones behind you and without turning around you yelled out: 

“Leave me alone, Michael, I just want to be alone!” You yell, your voice breaking, 

***

George had had an alright time at the ball, after his little realisation he’d come to the conlusion that maybe he did have a little thing for you, but so what? It’s just a dumb crush, he couldn’t help that you’d grown up to become incredibly attractive. He’d sworn to himself to keep this crush to himself, it wasn’t to come between yours and his rivalry. After all he was sure you felt nothing similar for him at all, so why would he spend time on it? No. To pine after you would be a suicide mission, so instead he’d happily agreed to go to the ball with Katie Bell, after she’d confessed that she hadn’t found a date yet, in fact, she’d planned on going with some friends,  

“But if it matters so much to you, George, then sure, I’ll go with you,” she’d said. And going to the ball with Katie had been great, they were good friends and essentially the night culminated in their entire friend group hanging out and dancing together, the boys making a game out of trying to spike the punch as much as possible without being caught. George had, however, allowed his warmer feelings for you take over every now and then, and he had found himself looking around the great hall, scanning the faces of students in an attempt to find you, though he hadn’t found you until you were leaving, seemingly in a hurry, and curiosity got the better of him. 

***

“Who’s Michael?” George asks, stopping in his tracks, 

You spin around, wiping a tear off your face, 

“Oh, not you, please, not you,” you say, putting a hand out in front of you, you were hurt enough, you did not need George adding to that hurt. George opened his mouth as if about to say something but he didn’t speak, not at first, his face softened a little when he noticed how you were sniffling, 

“Are you alright?” he asked, not knowing where this gentle tone was coming from, 

“What do you think?” You snap, stifling a sob, you begin to walk away, but George follows, his feet moving almost automatically, and you’re just so fed up, you turn on your heel, 

“Oh for Godrick’s sake! ok, just come on then!” You sputter, trying to sound stoic and challenging as always but even you can hear how pathetic your words sound in between sobs, “just insult me! tease me! call me names like you always do! What do you care if I’m actually hurt and don’t have time for your bullshit right now?!” you bellow hoarsely,

There’s a prolonged silence between you as you turn away from him and let the sobs rake through your body, whilst trying to choke back your tears to the point of feeling as if your throat will split open. If only you could turn around and leave. But you’re unable to face him, unable to bear him seeing you so weak and small. He doesn’t say anything but you can feel his gaze on you. It burns into your back, 

“You look really pretty tonight.” He truly doesn’t know where that came from either, 

“Oh fuck off, Weasley,” you choke, 

“What? it’s true,” he says, “Maybe we’re not friends but I’ve got eyes, y’ know.” You turn around, confusion and rising anger stifling your crying. You can feel the thick streaks of mascara on your cheeks, it’s blocking parts of your vision in grey clouds but you stare directly into his unusually soft eyes, 

What the fuck was he on about? 

“You’re right, Weasley,” You say, stepping forward, “We most certainly are not friends.” You bump into him on purpose, and once again you’ve forgotten the muscles he’s gained from quidditch and as soon as you turn the corner your cold hand finds your now aching shoulder. Great, you think to yourself, a perfect ending to a perfect night. 

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[grim-faux]

19 - Null of Light

There was a soured and puffy body behind me the whole time.  I barely noticed when I spun around, the coagulated blood on my shoes stuck to the carpet.  I studied it for a few seconds, a long streak of black led to the gate the disciple had indicated.  Follow the Blood.  

The segregation gate was wide open leading into a corridor, my new course.  I decided the gate at the opposite end of the room was indeed locked, only to save me the ‘long’ walk to confirm this.  I didn’t immediately begin off on my new tour, but stood in a daze as my mind caught up to current events.  I had barely escaped an encounter with the big fucker and returned to the modern section of the Asylum, the area I was first acquainted with the nightmares that would micromanage my… I wouldn’t define it as ‘progress.’  Liberation?  I couldn’t come up with wording that wasn’t cliché or cheap.  I just wanted out, that’s it. Some of my rational was clearing, though my head throbbed and it was hard to think.  The lights, the lights were too intense for my eyes.  Maybe if I wasn’t staring into the cracked visor every second, but I barely realized the way I had it, angled beside my face and my posture was kinked.  I’d spent too long glued to the camera.  Damn, I didn’t give a fuck anymore.

The flies were getting on my nerves, roused as I worked.  They couldn’t decided who they preferred more, the corpse or me.  The dead researcher didn’t have much on him when he perished, but I didn’t think I was the first to poke through his pockets.  There was a penlight and a wallet, and that’s it.  It was morally wrong, I’m aware of that, but I opened his wallet and went through it.  Found a picture of the guy when he was alive with his family.  It was a classic picture, mom and dad and the kid, out in the front yard of a house that looked at home in some middle class neighborhood, probably a city or town I’d never hear about.  My mind wondered where his kid had gone, the picture didn’t look old, not the same as some treasured artifact parents wore to death within the month.  Just a memory.  Was his wife wondering where he went?  Did she care enough to contact authorities?  I was here, I guess not. I tucked the picture into my notepad, in a clean space with no writing.  I flipped through the crisp pages, they had gotten wet from the multiple times I was soaked.  The pocket was waterproof but not submersible, water managed to seep through the zipper.  Some of the pages stuck, but I could work on that later.  I replaced the small booklet in its pocket, then examined the penlight over.  It had two batteries.  Currently, my camera was running low on NV and I had a spare.  I’d probably need them, whatever amount of energy they had. The blood still squelched under my shoes as I moved over the plush carpet, to the open gate.  For some reason the sensation unnerved me.  Of course it would, I’d be disconcerting if it didn’t.  But it was as though I was reliving the Asylum all over, from the beginning.  I’d had enough, I didn’t want to be reminded.  I wanted to let go of this place and leave it far behind me.  Let go, move on, and heal.  I needed to heal.  There would be scarring though.  Deep, hidden, ugly scars. The door in the hall was glass and distorted, but locked.  I peered through, seeing nothing in particular but more hall and a functioning lamp at some distance.  I didn’t linger.  The hall cut to the right, blood stains on the wall and floor caught my eye, where a patient might have been shot.  Cracks and pop marks curved over the plaster, but no bodies.  I continued, following the direction a plate labeled Recreational Hall, indicated with an arrow.  That would probably be the best place to start looking for a theater.  I thought there was a new resonance in the air, but ignored it.  I was worked up enough, though I felt a creeping sense that I wasn’t alone.  Not here in this hall under these bright lights, I gave the stained walls a glance but saw no cameras.  I was alone and isolated. The next right dead ended at a door that refused to open.  I tried to force the handle, but someone had forgotten to unlock it for me, or it was locked intentionally.  I would have to force it, but I didn’t think I had the strength. There had been an open door a ways back, it lead into a dark room I wanted to overlook.  It was careless, I was getting careless, but I almost didn’t care anymore. I stood in the doorway, fumbling for the NV switch until the green visor flashed in my face.  Nothing in the immediate range stood out, just a room with windows and drapes.  Was I hearing… music?  A piano?  It didn’t sound like a radio, I could feel the melody through the walls as did my bones.  Just my head churning, I had difficulty focusing.  I entered the room, abruptly blasted by my old adversary of putrid air.  I was beginning to miss the smell of wet char. The camera buzzed as the image distorted, I paused to wait it out and listened as the music continued.  A pool table sat on the right, sticks still placed on the top with Q-balls scattered hither and yonder.  Large cushioned chairs lined the wall on the left, with another of Murkoff’s trademark dried out plants.  The far side of the wall was set up with an entertainment center, complete with DVDs stacked on the desk by the flat screen.  While stepping beside the pool table I was spooked by my reflection in the screen, until I realized the angle was wrong. When I spun about the image failed in the visor, I waited as my heart thumped, until the static cleared.  By then there was nothing, just the familiar impression in my memories, a shape vaguely….  If someone was following, I needed to keep on the move. I continued toward the pool table, trying not to focus on the reflective surface of the screen.  A body, and the source of reek within the room, appeared in the gloom on the floor, a blood streak led to the fallen Researcher, or was it doctor?  It might’ve been the person that bled in the hall, before he dragged himself in here to die.  He was shot, punch holes clear even through the cracked visor.  I carefully stepped over the body, listening as the gentle tune rose in volume.   On the other side of the pool table, a large split between the floor and lower wall was formed.  The destruction was organized, no evidence of the materials lay nearby but dust and splinters, the crevice was carved out in a rectangular shape, much like a door.  This detour made little sense, but I questioned nothing of the rationality of those left responsible after Murkoff’s demise.  I couldn’t complain, either. The hole led into a sizable storage closet, with a broken locker and some spare tables.  They looked small, maybe a little outdated, probably donated by some preschool from the 40s.  A door across on my right led out into a short hall with more lockers and a small stool with a radio on top of it.  I tried the nobs but it had no power.  Aside from that the hall was a dead end, leading to a segregation gate that was locked. I returned to the storage closet and found the ladder at the side, which led up to a higher level.  Not really a floor, just a loft with railing barring the sides.  Crates and some empty boxes were stacked along walls that appeared outdated, eroded and neglected.  Likewise, the wood was as outdated and an archaic quality took the design, this must have been an area where the old asylum and Murkoff section merged.  Or this side was shut away when Murkoff reopened the asylum. The railing shut the loft in, but across from my position the barrier didn’t fully block in the floor.  Beside the opening stretched a thin ledge I was certain my feet would fit on.  Though there was enough light on the wall lamps that lit up the hall, I still felt comfort with the camera out in case I saw something interesting or caught a glimpse of the shapes that plagued my mind.  It was easier to hold the camera beside my shoulder as I shuffled along the wall, without cramming it against my eye. This area was in disrepair, but not as far gone as the other side of the Asylum where the building was condemned.  The walls were chipped and the paint had worn away years ago, and some of the cables running wires across the walls needed to be updated.  But it was still standing, and had not been completely demolished by hells cleansing fire. That was bad.  And I felt bad for coming up with it. The segregation gate extended up to the ceiling, except for a thin gap in the side where the ledge extended, due to practicality in construction most likely.  I squeezed through, then leaned low judging the distance to a set of lockers across from me.  The lockers shook under my weight and I had to pause to let the ache settle.  I pondered if my backside was bleeding again, it felt like my coat had crystalized to the wound and that spot was nearly numb now, which worried me.  I crouched down and slipped to the wood floor.  The piano music was close now, somewhere in this hall with me?  I weaved around tall stacks of crates, coming to what I knew must be the source. I turned my head to a reinforced door nailed shut, my sudden commotion must’ve prompted the sharp key that was struck.  The sudden sound startled me as it rung in my ears painfully.  My camera was already leveled by my eyes, I didn’t have the presence of mind to adjust or check what I was filming, my mind too occupied by the shape beyond the windows thin screen.   The man rose from his seat and approached the door, I made a pitiful sound when he stopped and gazed through the mesh at me, then tilt his head.  I couldn’t be certain, but it looked like his eyelids had been trimmed away.  As a result they had a fishy, glass like quality.  This procedure seemed familiar to me, but I couldn’t recall where it was I had seen it.  I stared back as he tilt his head the other way, and once satisfied, walked away.  Just like that. I let out a small gasp as I continued to stare into the room, with the softly burning candle atop the piano.  Briefly, I wondered what he had been like before he was mutilated.  What if he had never been a patient? I backed away and turned, on the left a doorway stood waiting, with no visible door to shut.  At one point it had a door, but time changes these things.  I crept close to the frame on one side and peered into the room.  The lights were too bright, and a dull hum had filled the air with the pianist’s absence.  I missed it, I missed the somber tune. The floor had pieces of plaster scattered, that had chipped from the walls.  A short stack of wood steps led up to a platform built four feet above the floor, beneath, a few boxes and other rubbish had been shoved up under the tight storage space between the two floors.  More lockers were set along the crumbling wall on my left, the platform at my right was built along a corner, electrical panels built beside the platform for easy access, their outdated cables extended along the walls and to the lamps burning their hot light.  A few feet beside them, a doorway. No sign of life, no sound or disturbance that I could detect.  I crept to the stairs keeping my movement slow and quiet.  I would be in a bad way if I was surprised here, in the unforgiving yellow blaze.  I never thought I’d just despise the light, but its bright artificial glaze aggravated my head.  It warmed the air around my body, yet I had a chill in my skin.  I was uncertain if the under layer of my coat was still damp or if I was imagining it. Little comfort was to be had in the shadows, where it was I could never know what exactly skipped at the edges of the cracked visor.  I stalled in the doorway atop the upper floor.  I thought there was something, I felt it in my mind.  But as always, nothing.  There was nothing, and never would there be something.  I had to keep reminding myself that. I massaged my eyes then gave the shadows another scrutiny.  Nothing but a wall of black, the air heavy with a stale musk tinted by ancient wood.  I shivered and changed out the battery, before I shuffled through the broken doorframe.  Through the NV I could make out the stacks of empty shelves, pieces of boards and plywood leaning on walls.  A mop and a janitorial bucket had been abandoned in this little closet space, some towels or long sheets had been left to decay along the edges of the wall.  Some of the tattered cloth appeared to have been slept in, at some point or another. I maneuvered around the furniture, getting a little lost as I tried to find my way out of the space.  I climbed atop a shelf but it went nowhere, it was just a small space I could get onto and get nowhere. Finally, I stumbled upon an opening I had probably walked by five times, where a pallet had been set aside.  More of the large dirt tinged cloth was left to dangle on my right, over a wall of the room I was about to enter.  I balanced on the boards angled over the edge, and stopped in my tracks to view the room filled with chairs and the eyes of a dozen people gazing at me.   Corpses.  Victims of this place.  I calmed my nerves as I tensed and dropped down onto the floor below, my shoes thudded on the hollow wood.  I took a few steps forward scanning the eyes, and listened to the strange sound of blood on my shoes.  There was a puddle where I dropped down, there was always blood.  With my camera I zoomed and scanned the room for movement, it was nothing but a house of corpses.  The hair on my neck prickled.  What was I sent here for?  Something specific. Many of the chairs had been scooted aside forming a straight path towards the back of the room, and those red, large familiar words that red EXIT.  I would start there, if not it could be my escape out. I only paused to stare on a stiff cadaver slumped back in his wheelchair, when the lights above burned into focus, and I whirled away as the white cloth was agitated by an image.  I blinked a few times, then turned off the NV when the spots in my eyes cleared somewhat.  I moved to crouch low beside a chair, away from the man in the wheelchair.  The screen had a spray of blood across one corner, and a broken support beam had rotten and fallen, to slant across and catch squirming vapor. “…exit interview recorded December 27th, 1985 Los Alamos, New Mexico.” The movie.  This was what the disciple meant, I was to see this movie, and the key was… here somewhere? “Clearance Sierra Alpha.  Subject DR. Rudolf Wernicke.  14866.” I slipped up into a seat, and set my elbows on the back of the chair before me, in order to hold the camera steady.  Those images…. “The films are real.”  What was I seeing? “There was no alteration to the footage at all?” The guy had a clean voice, sounded formal, maybe with the CIA.  Possibly bureaucratic, I couldn’t decide what.  “No trickery.”   “None.” “In June of 1943 you recorded three instances of spontaneous bleeding.  A half dozen test subjects began to develop brain tumors.” “Yes.  The autopsies revealed that the tumors were pure lead.”  A heavy accent, easily German native.  This was… Dr. Wernicke’s voice? I rested my chin on my arm but kept the camera aimed and steady, though there was nothing to film.  At least, I don’t think— “It killed them?”  Oh… god.  “Can you explain why the results could not be reproduced in the United States?” “I have my theories.  My homeland, in those years.”  He paused here, as though trying to work through the memories that came with his explanation.  “It’s impossible to understand the things we felt.  What we believed.” Germany during World War II was probably one of the most accurate descriptions of hell on Earth.  Or, what we perceived as hell.  The Auschwitz camps that claimed the lives of so many people, children, their families.  I felt tears spilling down my cheek, and buried my face in my arm. “The overwhelming fear.  Ecstatic rage and….”  He trailed off.  “English words are insufficient.” Tremors clutched my body, and I lowered the camera to the chairs backside, unsure if it was still recording the screen.  I didn’t give a fuck, couldn’t tell what I was staring at.  The swirling pain, indescribable things nesting in my mind.  What was I seeing?  I wrapped my arms around my face and cried into them.  Heavy sobs, I need this, I just needed to do this right now. “More than hope.  A human mind in that environment is capable of extraordinary things.” Fuck you. “You’re saying the experiment needed….” “A proximity to death.  To overwhelming madness.  Only a test subject who had witnessed enough horror was capable of activating the engine.” The engine.  The morphogenic engine. “Do you believe your test subjects achieved something supernatural?” “No.” “Do you think they contacted something supernatural?”   “Nothing is supernatural.” At this point the speaker sounded dubious, if not interested in Wernicke’s answer.  “Then what was it?  You said project WALRIDER was a gateway.  A gateway to what?” Eventually my sobs did calm down and I sat up in the chair waiting for the interview to continue, but Dr. Wernicke never answered, or the audio cut off.  I took a deep breath through my nose and settled my frayed thoughts.  I think my coat smelled awful, it was brittle and gritty with dried mud from the Asylum’s grounds, but none of that mattered.  I’d been submerged in death and pain for too long.  I pulled my face from my arms and rubbed a hand over my short hair, I flinched at the unfamiliar gap in my fingers.  Where?  Where did I go now? Not just here, but after this?  I wasn’t going to be normal once I got out.  I brought my hand down and stared at what remained of my ring finger.  Aside from being unable to count down from five on one hand.  My vision fell beyond to the screen, and I shut my eyes.  I was going to get out of this.  No one, no damn dead doctor was going to keep me trapped in this nightmare. “The man sounds like Dr. Strangelove’s anemic brother.  It’s a twenty-five year old audio recording, and interview with this Dr. Wernicke.  Los Alamos means government work.  Wernicke talks about spontaneous bleeding, tumors in psychosomatic reactions in sufficiently disturbed people.  Seems to walk a line between science and Nazi mysticism. “Only a test subject who had witnessed enough horror was capable of activating the engine.”  The Morphogenic Engine. The Engine.  The movie they’re projecting.  It gets in my head like a song you can’t stop humming.  I blink and I see Rorschach tests that look like swarming insects and infected surgery wounds. The patients talk about using the Engine to conjure the Walrider.  It’s the buzzing I hear in my bones.” I fit the little booklet back into its pocket and adjusted the camera on my hand.  Whatever their plans, I would try not to get too involved with them.  I planned to get out of here long before they did anything else, short of blowing the place sky high. The bodies of Murkoff and their victims dot a few of the seats, their dead eyes saw through me to the screen.  Blood splattered the floor, from the wounded before dying.  I tilt my head as a few of the insects aroused by the light and noise began to settle on me, but my contest with them was impossible.  Their interest in my wounds was the least of my concerns. The path to the back of the room was straight forward, I didn’t have a burning desire to climb over chairs and make a ruckus, though it was apparent someone knew I was here.  Near the back where the rows of chairs ended, some tables were left with Researchers placed at or around each.  Throats torn out, torsos shredded, entrails spilling across their laps.  I began to wonder who had set the corpses up, and to what purpose?  To educate them?  This was an Asylum, so that seemed the most sensible reason. Acrid light slid from a wide doorway on my left, where I took would gain access to the projector room.  Or close enough.  He said behind the light, I watched their damn ‘movie.’ When I stepped into the light I paused and finished drying my face with the collar of my coat. There was no sound but for the tick of the projector still running its images, I tried not to think about them.  I stood in the doorway not particularly looking at anything, just picking up the air.  No one was in the room, not with me here, no.  A desk, lockers, and the dead tone of a phone off the hook.  On the floor at the other side of the room, a streak of blood slipped under a door.  I tossed the door behind me shut and moved to stand before the next portal, the only direction provided.  Blood trails.  Father Martin wanted me to follow blood trails.  It was only coming back to me how morbid this was, among the fact that this mark at my feet could have as easily been made by someone dying, as it could have been Martin’s doing. A hall lined with lockers and stacks of boxes greeted me.  The NV whirred as the image spazzed, I pulled the door shut after me as I gave it a moment to clear.  Each time the camera did this my heart rate accelerated.  Eventually, when I least expected it, the camera would die completely. Damn it Miles, stop thinking like that!  Pull yourself together.  Not gonna die here. As I was walking forward, one of the open lockers snapped shut.  The visor flashed and buzzed with static, I waited until it was clear before I took soft steps towards the door. “You have to find Wernicke.  Only way.” I could see the eyes of the person inside glitter in NV as he stared back at me.  I didn’t wait around.  Another source of light spilled from the end of the hall.  A door was nestled in the wall on my left as I neared the light, but I could view through the small mesh, the theater and the images still playing across the room on the screen.  No doubt the stairs on my right went up to the projector room, but an accessible room needed to be searched before I became lost or stuck someplace, which was usually the case in the dilapidated Asylum. The light filled a stage wing of the theater, four or five steps raised up to a short upper portion of the floor, directly to a door that must’ve opened into the back area of the stage where I entered through.  I couldn’t recall a door present in the tiny closet I had been lost in for a full five minutes.  Industrial shelves filled with broken boxes and files lined the wall on the right, numerous large planks of wood were left propped beside shelves.  Best as spare shelves rather barricading doors, it didn’t appear as though these materials had been bothered with.   I poked through the shelves and boxes, selecting a few folders that might hold details that would enlighten me further about this engine, or anything related to the Walrider folklore. From: d.brunton@murkoffcorp.us.com To: g.williard@murkoffcorp.us.com subject: re: FLESH EATING BACTERIA ?!?!?  Wash those hands regularly. : )  >>>on September 19, 2013, at 4:19 AM, GRANT >>><g.williard@murkoffcorp.us.com> wrote: Necrotizing fasciitis? >>>Really? I fucking quit. Trager’s loopy uncle?  I doubt G. Williard got far with that.  I took in the date on the file, September, the nineteenth.  This was an important document to record, it indicated that the Asylum was still running routinely until mid September.  This correlated with the state of decay I had viewed the bodies scattered everywhere.  A big however, my Mutemail admission was dated on the seventeenth.  Given, I didn’t receive the email until the Twenty-third.  Most emails had a schedule release, Mutemail encouraged the feature. What was relevant about these corresponding emails?  Give me a minute, it’s hard to keep these dates and files straight in my head.  I sat down on the platform and set the file on my lap.  Three emails, three emails, between five of Murkoff’s staff, and myself.  The relevant files had dates, that included the Whistle Blowers admission and Williard’s ‘resignation.’  Was it important a date had been attached to the Mutemail, though it had been scheduled to be sent?  It depended on whether or not my contact wanted me to know the date the message was composed.  It could have been a Red Herring, but Mutemail was anonymous, it didn’t matter if anyone knew the date or not, as long as it couldn’t be proven who wrote it. “…but seriously, fuck those guys.” There was no doubt in my mind, that my contact was dead.  I think I should have felt some remorse, a tinge of guilt.  But I couldn’t.  And I didn’t crave the satisfaction that might’ve come if I imagined his death to have been painful, but I wanted to pretend this was all his fault, even if it weren’t true.  I don’t know what happened here, I don’t know who started the chain reaction to this corporate fuck up, but I hoped to never find out.  I hoped to god I never found out. There were no other files that struck my fancy, and some had been damaged by water at one point making their contents unintelligible.  I returned to the dark hall, and paused to let my feed clear before I gazed up the stairs I passed previously.  The steps creaked as I began up, I could feel the forgotten wood shift under my weight, the sounds of the projector beat at my skull the higher I climbed.  I just wanted to get that key and get out of this place, even if it was back to the dormitories of the Asylum, my brain felt like it’d been punctured by a few hundred tiny needles. More boxes, crates forgotten and stacked on a makeshift shelf assembled on the loft.  Blood covered most of them, smelt decayed.  I tried the door on my right, only to be disappointed.  I should just accept that if it has the capacity to inconvenience me, it must.  I messed around with crates before me, wondering if I could climb over.  I crouched down and found several could be pushed out easily under the plank of wood.  I crawled under the space, and kept low as I took in the other side.  The image on the camera died for a few seconds before it flashed back, blinding me momentarily like a mean trick.  Don’t you turn against me too, camera.   The space was empty aside from a desk by the left wall, across the room another door.  I tried the handle but it felt stuck.  With a firm push from my shoulder the it gave, and I coughed as my ribs shifted.  The next attic held yet more heaps of crates lining the walls, and a few in my path.  I flinched when something shifted at the visors edge, expecting a variant or whatever else.  When I blinked it was gone, and I was dubious if there had been something there to begin with.  Still, my wrist and knees tingled, but I attributed it to paranoia.  The images from the screen persisted to swirl in my mind, no matter where memories delved, they were there twisting.  Burned into my retinas. I continued, a bit shaken but I’d walk it off.  I slipped over the scarce group of crates stacked in my path, in order to reach a light pouring from a window on the right side of the room.  A shelf of reels of varying sizes was set beside the door.  This was it. A wheelie coatrack with thin hangars clinging to it, gave no resistance as I pushed it aside, my eyes fixed on the bright shape of the window.  There was little I could make out through the mesh and glass, a broken corpse sat nearly decapitated, his head hung sideways by the remaining tendons.  Another stack of reels sat beside him on the desk, and the audible click of the projector within the room.  As I pushed the door open, the knob snapped out of my hand and I was face to face with one of the patient’s glaring me in the eye.  I leapt backwards hitting a crate with my thigh and tumbled to my side as the door slammed shut.  Fuck! Hard foot falls grew fainter and fainter as I crawled away from the door.  Was I safe?  He didn’t chase me.  What was that all about?  Where did my camera go?  It was still in my hand, the loop was too tight for it to slip loose. I curled up between some boxes and wrapped an arm along my side where my ribs pulsed, some were indeed broken but not enough that it would hinder my movement if I was careful.  Slamming into doors and falling onto hard floors just didn’t help. It sounded as though the patient had run off.  I would be petrified if I wasn’t so damn irritated with all of this.  It had been a nasty surprise.  He was gone, just needed to calm myself and untangle my body.  The camera seemed fine, when I’d fallen I’d tried to break my fall on my right arm.  My swollen hand tingled as sensation returned but otherwise, I couldn’t feel it below the wrist.  I avoid checking it through the NV as well, unsettled by what I might see.  It was probably bleeding again. I held no motivation to enter the room, key or not.  I’m not exactly sure what I planned to do, but I didn’t want to hang around the projector room.  I returned to the loft with the stacked crates fitted on the makeshift shelf, and could see between the gaps the illumination from the doorway that was prior locked.  I would continue to doubt the patient was gone, even if I did hear his footfalls leave.  I couldn’t afford to be reckless, it was becoming a bad habit.  I avoided the issues because it disturbed me, and I didn’t want to dwell too long on how much I was… changing.  I wasn’t the same man that crawled through the open window. I stopped beside the crates to ponder this.  Worst mistake of my career, but I was almost out, wasn’t I?  I was nearly done.  Please let it be so. There was no sound, nothing I could hear over the rattle of that damn projector.  I slipped under the shelf and crawled over to peer around the doorframe, finding nothing much, not even a room.  It was a small balcony with little space, aside from teasing me with a view of the projector room across the house.  Looking to the wall once more I noted that there was a small decorative wall protrusion I might/could trust my weight on.  I hopped the rail and set my feet on the edge, testing traction before scooting along, again with the camera shoved up into my face.  The side of the lens that was cracked distorted the image of my hand pressed to the wall, making it look like the scarred remains of some of the patients. I struggled not to shake at the thought with my back pressed into the crumbling plaster, as it was I had very little space to balance.  I pushed myself around the inner edge and came to another of the corners that had given me trouble outside, but without the rain and chill I was able to make it with no complication.  The rail ahead was bright with the blinding flicker of the movie.  I took a moment to secure the damn camera before I leapt off. I groaned when I hit, my shirt snapped free of the gash and I felt warm liquid spill across my skin. Damn it! I hauled myself into the room and looked around, making certain there was no more surprises. On my right the reel clinked, buzzing in my skull, a table beside it held stacks of films. The only other occupant was the lone corpse I had seen through the window, slumped and decomposing in its chair. The projector in front of it was cold and neglected. The key sat on the corner of the table beside the corpse. I snatched it up and fit it into my pocket.

Despite how the drone of the projector splint my thoughts, I needed to check what was up with my back.  Try and stop the blood flow if I could.  I sat by one of the balcony doors and pulled my shirt out enough to keep the fiber from getting caught on my index finger.  Even if I wasn’t beat to hell, I wouldn’t be able to twist around and see the damage.  I could only feel where the blood had clotted and dried in several layers on my skin, and the slick texture of the wound.  The blood flow had stifled somewhat now that I was still, but whenever I took a breath, fresh blood seeped forth. Not enough to kill me, not enough to slow me down.  But it did concern me. I removed my coat and set it aside.  I tried not to look on its stained surface, as I tore the fabric of my shirt at the shoulder.  It was mostly clean, I avoided the edges where the sewer water had seeped in and discolored the fabric.  Christ, I was insane.  I folded up the piece of cloth and studied it a moment, steeling myself for what I was about to do.  I’m insane, the doctors are going to take one look at me and say, “My god, this man is insane.”  Shit… this is not going to work. Tears stung my eyes as I forced the fabric into the gash.  Burns, it burns like a bitch!  Why am I doing this?!  What is wrong with me?!  I forced the material in as far as I could, and felt my throat clench as I gagged.  Don’t lose it now, keep it together.  I leaned against the door as the nausea passed, my head spinning.  What did I just do to myself?  I touched the gash with a shaky hand and found it was already soaked, but blood was no longer spilling freely. Shots of antibiotics.  No doubt I would need them if I was going to survive, but I had to get out first.  I made sure the cloth wouldn’t come undone when I started moving, and made a shabby effort of tucking my shirttail in.  I don’t know why, routine I guess.  My feet felt steadier than I expected, it must’ve been the adrenaline.  Where did I need to go? I pulled on my coat but couldn’t feel relief in the return of its weight, or the sense of security it brought, having the extra layer to protect me from the stagnant air.  I felt the weight in my pocket and recalled the key I had picked up.  Needed to get back to the gate where the disciple had set me off on this little side quest.  I decided most of this was redundant, but as much as I’d like, I couldn’t argue with a locked gate. The door that had been slammed in my face was jammed.  I didn’t need to go that way though, just needed to get to the floor and find my way back.  I climbed over the rail of the balcony and lowered myself down, without straining my patched side. A loud crunch came from the door, the light gleaming through the edge flashed as another powerful slam rocked it from the other side.  I dropped down, a bit jarred by the short landing but able to get moving to the front of the theater where I had entered.  I brought up the camera in time to swerve around the table of the dead, the beam that lit up the screen didn’t reach the floor where the EXIT door awaited.  I was aware I was fully exposed in the light and needed to move it.  I stashed the camera as the door cracked, it was holding longer than I expected.   I jumped trying to climb back into the space I’d come down through, but the plywood I snagged flipped free and slide down effectively barring any handholds I could take.  I was already trying to get up to pull it down, when the door gave a final cry and shattered. I ducked down and slipped under the light, towards a set of tables stuffed beside the barred door.  At first, I heard nothing, just the constant call of the projector as it ran till the end of days.  I tried to sift under it, listen for what it concealed, what was the danger searching for me?  The floor creaked, couldn’t decide if it was a board shifting under me, or of the ominous danger that now filled the room.  Soft foot falls slipped under the shadows as they carried weight, but that was all I could make out.  Don’t move, let the air settle. Not Chris.  Was it the twins?  I blinked the sweat from my eyes and chanced to peer up and zoom, searching through the haze of light that interfered with the NV.  Of what I could perceive, was the glint of eyes as a tall figure stalked at the back of the house and scanned out. “His liver and tongue.” The voice had been so strong I thought I had actually heard it reverberate in the theater, but it had all been in my head.  I curled down and pressed myself under the tables.  I could see one, where was the other? Worry about that later.  The steps grew louder, overtaking the sound of the projector and the diseased Rorschach’s twisting on the screen.  I wanted to bury myself deeper under the table, but I was not hidden by shadows, I was in full view in the light and vulnerable.  Exposed. Don’t look this way.  Please, don’t look this way.  Subconsciously I curled my arms against my stomach and felt my body quivering; it was incredible the floor beneath me didn’t rattle apart.  I lowered my head and held as still as I could, despite my unsteady breath.  It was painful enough clinging to my sides, but I swore I could feel it.  A vibration in my skin.  The concept unsettled me, I wanted to uncoil and escape myself, forget, but I was trapped.  I was trapped in my mind and skin.  No— The steps paused a few feet away, directly in front of the screen.  The floor boards shift as he turns, checking, searching.  Does he know I’m here?  He’s only here because Farther Martin sent me. I swallow and shift down just an inch, a sharp creek echoes in the room. But it is overtaken by the sound of steps as the figure turns.  Where is he going?  I can’t bear to look up, I just want to hide down in the wood and not be seen.  The pad-pad of steps grows softer as their owner takes them away.  Only then do I chance a glimpse up and risk raising my camera to view his direction.  His walking to the other end of the theater, opposite of me.  If he turns now….oh god. I shove myself out from where I was curled down, and dive forward, my steps echo like thunder over the tick of the film snapping.  The twin jerks around as I cut the corner, knocking a chair down with my knee as I blaze by.  I don’t glance back as I weave around the tables, my eyes fleck to either side fearful I might have missed the brother, that I’d reacted too soon.  I reach the back of the theater and that beautiful exit in five steps. Thoughts return as I near the bright hall, and beyond.  The other twin, what if he’s waiting outside?  What if they’ve anticipated this?  Not stupid, they were not stupid.  Have I just killed myself? I shoot from the theater and press myself to the wall, staring at the dark portal and the danger that lay within.  No sign of either one, I was alone.  Alone except for the dead Murkoff agent that lay beside the wall.  I brushed by the corpse and tried the door above a short set of steps.  It was locked but I was certain this was the door that had been locked when I was searching for the Recreational Hall. There was another door, up several steps, probably on level with the first floor.  I zipped by the theater, unaware if I could outrun the twins.  They always tried to corner me, did they believe I was too fast or did they dislike putting the effort into catching me?  I didn’t want to know, I didn’t want to figure it out.  They wouldn’t catch me, because I would always outsmart them. I sprint to the top of the steps and haul the gate shut on the theater behind me.  There remained no sign of either brother.  This did not mean I was no longer being hunted.  My escape would not be successful until I located the other twin, without getting killed.  The brother was nearby, and there was a whole dark hall ahead of me. A door on my left offered nothing but a small office, some books and files.  I crept inside for a moment only to regroup and steady my thudding heart.  Christ, I hated those guys.  I wiped some of the dampness from my eyes and realized, I had pretty much given up on my hands.  Fuck this place.  Really.  Fuck it. I returned to the hall and tried the handle of the glass door on my left.  It was locked but I already knew that.  Habits.  At my right was the segregation gate that I previously deduced to be locked, but was now opened into the room with the elevator where I began this small excursion.  It looked much of the same as it did when I first came through, aside from the missing twin standing on the opposite side, waiting for me.   I stepped back, but caught myself before I could back up into his brother.  I stepped into the room and shut the door behind me, never lowering my gaze from the bald individual.  With the distance it was tricky to tell, but it looked as though the gate I initially entered, was now shut, presumably locked.  I made slow progress to the other side, unable to put my faith in the door between us.   He watched me, occasionally slapping the flat side of his machete to his hand in anticipation.  He said nothing to me, made no note of how slowly he’d kill me or utter a comment about what his brother had failed to do.  I didn’t spur a conversation either, but didn’t feel relief in the silence.  He slapped that large knife against his palm, there was blood there and cuts where the edge had nicked him.  It never occurred to me as I moved that my camera was still armed, and in fact I was recording him. When I reached the gate and the stairs, I kept my focus on him as I fumbled with the key.  Nothing in his expression altered to reflect my progress, but he was a sociopath, he wasn’t obligated to look disappointed.  I wondered if he was unable to speak or express without his brother present, the concept struck a cord in me and I nearly dropped the key.  After a minute of struggling, the latch clicked.  I slipped behind the gate and slammed the door.  I doubt it would help, but I locked it and kept the key with me.  I worked hard for it, I could keep it as a souvenir.  Wear it on my neck, it’d be a great conversation starter. I passed the blood marked arrow up the winding steps and came to a dark upper floor.  The scorched and ruined upper floor came to mind, where I had nearly fallen.  I don’t know why I thought of that, but I imagined this floor was on the same level.  Movement drew my attention to the left, I jerked back and watched a someone shut a gate behind them, then step across the corridor to one of the distorted glass doors.  It looked like he was heading away from me, to where I couldn’t tell.  As I stood tense and waiting was I… hearing a choir?  No, no, I couldn’t, this was insane.  I took a deep breath and changed the battery out of my camera. Only one to go, and that’s done.  Power was getting low in the camera itself as well.  There were plenty of towers that still functioned around this place, I might be able to charge it a bit.  The thought of getting stuck in a room with my only light source ‘temporarily’ out of commission didn’t set well with me. Right beside me sat the open doors of the elevator, yellow brilliance spilling onto the clean carpet.  At first I was startled to see it in good order, then recalled the elevator I had trapped Trager in was on the furthest side of the Asylum, the outdated and forgotten section.  I entered and tried the buttons, but nothing would function without the key.  I didn’t keep the one from the last elevator, hadn’t thought about it at the time believing I was escaping and the elevator was busted with that sick fuck pinned in it.  That was IF they were universal, having the key only to learn they were not, would have made me sleep better at night.  I gave up on the elevator, and ventured into the dark floor with my camera at the ready. The steel door across the room gave a hollow clunk as the lock held.  When I turned, I whirled away startled by, of all things, a god damn plant.  Fuck.  I recovered and glowered on the dried foliage by the wall, my heart hammered painfully against my ribs.  I don’t think I deserved that.  Gently, I tipped it over with my foot and let the soil dump out with the dry roots.  Better keep moving, just try not to get startled by plants anymore.  Fuck, that was stupid. A few feet along the wall sat another door of stainless steel.  The handle turned easily in my grip, modern and practically brand new.  I shut it for the time, and crossed to the adjacent wall, and the segregation gate there.  It was locked, but it was good to know for sure.  Lamps beyond the gate shone down on the carpet, but I was appreciating my return to the soothing shadows.  This floor, where I was right now, felt kind of nice.  Even if there was no music, I didn’t feel the immediate danger creeping into my person.  Just like when I first entered, everything had looked normal from a glance.  From a glance….  I slipped through the steel door and shut it behind me, as my usual precaution.  I was in another kitchen, with all the modern updates Murkoff incorporated for their staff.  It was with a lot of space, between the countertops set up in the rooms center and against the walls with a few abandoned and empty bowls scattered around.  Rafters were fixed to hang above these kitchenware islands, adorned with hooks and a pot on nearly each one.  Most the free space along the walls was covered with cabinets or freezers, no doubt full of provisions.  A few other odd end sort of kitchen utilities were set up, such as the mobile shelves stacked with trays, and counter space with numerous sinks lined up for the kitchen staff. No bodies, no blood.  From all appearances it was a normal kitchen someplace ordinary, such as the moon. Or almost so.  I stood motionless and listened as metal clinked, and searched around for a set of pots that swayed gently on their hooks.  A draft.  It was a draft, air moving through the vents.  Change in pressure.  I was shaking, seemed like I was shaking constantly now and that frightened me, about as much as the big fuckers grin. I went to one of the cabinets and opened it, hunting for something to hold me until I reached the town.  After a few minutes of searching I had very little to show for my efforts, and gave up.  The survivors must have hit the kitchen for rations, many were left emaciated while Murkoff was in control of their lively hood.  It didn’t appear that their situation had improved, since then. I did find a package of individually wrapped honey cakes, there were only two left but that was enough.  Just some sugar and carbs to keep me going, and some water from the tap.  I did get off the thick layer of blood that had formed on my hands, which resulted in black, watery stains around my sleeves and dark speckles marking up my knuckles.  As long as I didn’t look like some serial killer. I felt better with the sugar in my system.  I had a want to curb some of the ache in my head by eating something, but it was too soon to tell if low blood-sugar was the culprit.  If anything, it felt like the noise was getting worse.  My thoughts crawled through my brain, I sometimes didn’t see the shapes, then there would be static but I wasn’t staring through the visor. One door to a pair was left ajar, I pressed it open entering into another cafeteria.  Long tables set in rows, chairs stacked or tossed into piles across the floor.  On the other side of the room was a human shape, silhouetted against the pale light of the windows.  I shut the door gently, and worked my way around the room, eyes locked on the person. A door on the right side of the room was locked.  I debated a moment, wondering where exactly I was meant to go.  Clearly I was still on this ‘mission’ Father Martin had set me on, I had achieved the key from behind the light… Where did the disciple say I was headed?  The house of God.  The house of God would be a church.  Well, I knew where I would end up, but how did I get there?   I walked to check the other side for a door, but moved closer than safe to the man, and paused to stare out the window.  He was just gazing through the fogged glass, into the dead of night, as the rain streaked and trickled down in long, fading lines.  His head was bowed and his hands clasped together, but I could make out the mutilation to his lips and face. We stood in silence for a moment, still as the night waiting for something.  A brilliant ark split the sky, filling the room with a white haze.  I’m certain he knew I was there but he refused to acknowledge me.  I don’t know if there was an unspoken settlement shared between us, or if the man felt the same as I did.  Whatever it was, it was there and there was nothing to say about it.  Without word or gesture I resumed my path, finding a door left ajar on the other side of the room.  I shut it after me, and met another door barricaded in the usual hasty fashion. A dead end and side table sat at the right, I turned left and moved forward to check around a corner on my right.  It was short hall with the lone door blocked with plywood, I paused as the image in the visor sputtered, then moved on.  I was nearly shocked by the lack of gore and mayhem, though the rancid musk of dried out skin clung to the air, it wasn’t the overpowering rot of fetid intestines.  I wanted to revel in the radical change, but it was an illusion.  A— I ducked my head out of the gleam of the visor and blinked my eyes, working out the harsh impression.  Spots dotted the edges of my vision.  Keep moving.  Just keep moving.  The hall was completely empty, save for me.  I pressed my fingers against the base of my neck and let the pain subside as I shuffled forward. The lamp at the halls end expressed enough light I could take off the nightvision, for a short time.  A door opened on my right, entering into the room that was most likely boarded up from the short hall I passed.  I checked around the corner, believing the humming I felt might be interfering with my hearing.  Sometimes I sensed the noise, but other times, like now in the near silence of the room, I thought the sound was somehow imagined by me.  I tried to pop my ears by adjusting my jaw, or yawning, but it didn’t help.  Like when I first came into the mountain region, that pressure build up.  But now, it was hornets in my head. When did I start thinking hornets? The room appeared to be another recreational room, or lounge.  There was a pool table across from the door, with a game set up and Q-balls scattered.  A few stools were scattered around, beside a thin counter for refreshments.  I stepped further into the room, through its center chairs had been lined up before a screen, beside one of the large decorative support columns.  Along the wall on my right, chairs had been placed before computer terminals left to display login screens of blue, a few remained black and inactive.  A station I could use to charge my camera, if I was so inclined.  It wasn’t the highest priority on my list, to be honest.  That might’ve been another mistake on my part. I turned to the monotone scratch of static playing on the large screen, that the chairs were set to face.  I was startled by the man knelt, speaking calmly to his deity.  It took a moment for my panic to fade, as I reassured myself he was fully absorbed in his prayer.  The camera was leveled beside my chest, but I adjusted its position to film properly. “The static again.  A patient knelt in prayer.  Maybe he bought Father Martin’s line of bullshit.  Maybe he hears what I hear but more clearly.  Maybe it’s his way out of this place.  The Priest called it the Gospel of Sand.” For a while I stood near him, watching the screen in somewhat of a trance.  I didn’t realize I had lowered the camera until my index finger brushed the crisp material of my jeans.  I glanced at them briefly, before I returned my focus to the screen, and the image that was there but… it couldn’t be.  No.  But, if  I squinted and turned my head sideways, working to understand what it was.  In the static, I WAS seeing something.  A form, a shape, a face.  Staring back at me.  And the patient saw it too. I blink and I see Rorschach tests that look like swarming insects and infected surgery wounds. The hair on my neck stood on end and that subtle stabbing in my temple resumed at force.  Staring at static would make you go blind.  But I couldn’t help it.  I backed away, bumping the side of a chair with my leg before I had ripped my gaze away.

What I had seen in the lounge was no coincidence, no delusion.  But what was I seeing?  What had I witnessed?  It was a hallucination from the stress, amplified by the pulse of static.  In the shadows, I was seeing shapes every time I blinked, why not in the dead channel.  It was getting worse, the vertigo.  If I tried to recall the shapes, the pain intensified like a hot poker twisting through the base of my skull.  Until my vision doubled and the floor tilted.

I made it to the doorframe before I collapsed.  My head was aching so bad I was nauseated, but I was done throwing up.  That buzzing, in the air and everywhere, I couldn’t escape it, not until there was distance.  Not until I had run away.  But I couldn’t even stand, when I raised my head a new wave of pain surged through my skull. I switched the camera off and just lay by the door listening to the sound in the walls, the prayers of the forgotten people as they begged for the salvation they had been promised.  This would pass, it always did.  If I gave my body the time to catch up, I would be good to go.  I took steady breaths and just rested for a short spell, I shut my eyes trying to understand what it was they were asking.  What was it we had in common? To escape the nightmare.

[ultsracha]

Neighbour! Kevin (tbz)

Request:  Uuuh your requests are open, maybe some neighbor au? Either chan from skz or Kevin/ Jacob from tbz  A/N: Thank you for requesting! I hope you enjoy <3  Genre: Fluff! Non-idol college au  Warnings: Some swearing and mentions of spiders read at your own risk!

You’d been living in your small apartment for a few weeks when you finally heard the neighbour to your right 

Their bedroom was through the wall next to your bedroom and lets just say the walls were,,, thin

It’s a good thing he had good music taste considering he blasted his music at ungodly hours 

I mean you didn’t mind, being a college student you were often up late enough and enjoyed the music while studying

You even heard him singing a few times a week which was always a joyful experience 

His voice was sweet and calming 

You’d met him twice before, in the lift while exiting the building

The first time he had introduced himself politely, telling you his name, Kevin and complimenting your shoes

He was cute, a bright smile and always dressed nicely 

You’d only spoken a few times but you knew he was a nice guy, always smiling and talking to the other neighbours on your floor 

One evening after a long exhausting day of classes followed by work you had just flopped onto the couch and taken off your shoes when a knock at the door interrupted your peace 

Grumpily you went to see who it was 

Fully expecting to see the lady across the hall asking if you’d seen her cat 

You were surprised to open the door to find your next door neighbour 

He was looking sweaty and stressed

His cheeks were bright red and hair messed up at the front 

“I’m really sorry and I know this is super weird but I need your help, there’s a massive spider and I can’t catch it” He spluttered, breathless 

“I won’t be much help but sure” you giggle, amused by his apparent struggle catching a spider 

“I’m not scared or anything, it’s just really fast” he explains, brushing his hair back from his face 

“Of course,” you smirk, walking into his apartment slowly, peering around for the spider 

“It’s in my room” He mumbles, waking through the small apartment into his room 

It was surprisingly clean and very nicely decorated 

He had posters of musicians on the walls, with a large TV in the centre of the room

A piano was tucked into the corner of the lounge 

His room was also nice, large speakers propped on his desk next to his laptop 

Makes sense considering you always heard his music 

“So, where is it?” You ask. Turning to face him you see him squatting facing the corner of his room

“It’s right THERE” He shrieks the last word as you see a surprisingly large spider dart underneath his desk 

He was right, it was fast as hell 

And so,,, the chaos ensued 

The spider was a absolute bitch 

Running around the entire apartment managing to escape both yours and Kevin's cups and piece of paper ready to snatch it and return to safety 

Finally, after an hour of chasing this spider around his apartment and bumping into nearly ever piece of his furniture you caught it

It stupidly decided to climb the wall and so you easily scooped it up and let it out of the window onto the ledge 

Exhausted, you both fell onto the couch and sat in silence 

After a while Kevin spoke up 

“So, what do you do? Are you in college or working?” He asks, still slightly out of breath 

“I’m in college, but work part time as well. And yourself?” You reply, turning to face him 

“College as well, I’m doing music!” He beams, lighting up completely 

“It makes sense, considering I hear your music and singing all day and night” You giggle, watching his cheeks go even more pink

“Sorry... I’ll keep it down from now on” He mumbles, playing with the rings on his fingers 

“No!” You almost yell, “Oh uh, no it’s okay I like to listen to music while I study anyway” You lower your voice

His smile is so bright as he just nods 

You guys talked for a while, it was a shock to realise you went to the same college and also enjoyed the same type of music 

It was nice to have finally got to know the cute neighbour 

You bid him goodbye and he thanks you so much for helping him with the spider problem 

When you get back into your apartment you’re so exhausted that the soft melodies playing through the wall help you drift into comfortable sleep 

The next morning you’re just finishing up getting ready for classes when you get a knock at your door 

It’s Kevin

Holding two cups of coffee and smiling at you brightly 

His cheeks slightly pink and you assume it’s from the cold But he’s just nervous to see you again

“Hi I figured you might want some coffee after how late I kept you up last night trying to find that spider” He beams, handing you your coffee 

“I just went with a simple latte I hope you like it, if not I have just plain black coffee here if you prefer that” He rambles, stepping aside to let you out of your apartment 

“Oh wow, uh thank you! A latte’s great thank you” You blush, caught off guard by his kindness and also how cute he looked with a little bobble hat and scarf around his neck 

“Okay! I was wondering if we could travel to school together. Yanno as we go to the same college...” He asks, almost looking like he’s second guessing himself 

“Of course! That would be so nice!” You assure him 

So, you lock up your door and walk to the bus stop with him 

He’s surprisingly chirpy for it being so early but it’s refreshing 

You guys share headphones on the bus and just jam out to good music 

It becomes a little routine when you guys have early classes to go together and take it in turns to buy the coffee 

Naturally after spending so much time together you guys grow close and you can’t help but start to developing feelings for him 

He’s so kind and caring, he brings round dinner if he knows you’ve been working late 

During the night he plays soft and soothing songs because he know you’ll be studying or sleeping 

Not to mention how he sings for you through the wall if you text him mentioning you had a rough day or work was hard 

This went on for a while and one day the most full circle thing happened 

You’d just got home from classes and were about to start running a bath when you see a huge spider walking through the hallway of your apartment 

While trying to catch the BEAST it escapes your cup and runs into your room 

So of course who do you call? 

Professional spider catcher Kevin Moon 

You sprint to his door and knock on it so frantically 

He swings open the door with just as much panic 

“What’s wrong?” he nearly yells, bringing you in for a hug 

“Nothing’s wrong there’s just a huge spider and it’s really fast I need your help” You blush, embarrassed to need his help and also because that was an unexpected hug 

“We got this.” He let’s you go and marches to your door and letting himself in confidently 

You just giggle because you know within the next 3 minutes he’s going to be screaming and sweating trying to catch this spider 

Big shock,,,, he was screaming and running around in 5 minutes this time 

You can’t hold back your laughter while watching him crouch run after this spider as it races to your kitchen area 

Eventually you both corner it and have it contained in a glass 

You’re examining the huge hairy beast as it tries to scramble out of the glass and catch Kevin staring at you 

“Yes?” You ask, quirking an eyebrow at him 

“Do you want to maybe, go on a date?” He asks awkwardly, pausing after every few words and avoiding eye contact 

You’re so caught off guard it takes you a few seconds to reply and he starts speaking again before you can answer 

“I mean, to celebrate catching yet another hell-spawn together” He mumbles 

“I would love to” You beam at him 

His face lights up and he jumps to his feet 

“Get dressed! Something nice but not too fancy! I’ll be back in 20 minutes” He kisses your cheek and just speeds out of your apartment like a whirlwind

Leaving you holding your cheek and smiling like a crazy person

[honeypiehotchner]

Thank You -- a Chuck/God one shot

Hi there! I know this blog has mainly been about Sherlock and Good Omens lately, but if you didn’t know, I am a huge fan of Supernatural.

I went through an old thumb drive just now and found this old piece of writing. I originally was just reading it to reminisce, but as I found myself reading and unconsciously editing, I realize that this still hits home pretty hard for me, and I want to share it with you guys.

I distinctly remember writing this piece two years ago (it’s dated February 25, 2017) and I remember how much it helped me to write it, so I hope that in posting it and reading it, it might help someone else, too.

Warnings: some sadness, mentions of past abuse/trauma, teenage angst, the lot.

This has no pairing. Kassie is sixteen and Sam and Dean are her legal guardians/“pain in the ass big brothers” (her words).

Chuck is back and is staying with the boys in the Bunker, so I’m assuming this was written circa tail end of season 12? Who knows. Enjoy! xx.

The sound of the shower running was what lured Kassie out of her bedroom. She made her way out into the hallway, looking both ways before heading to the kitchen. The Bunker’s halls feel different now, not in a good way. Everything feels different lately.

She sighed in relief upon seeing that the kitchen was empty, but her relief didn’t last as long as she had hoped.

           “So, not talking to God at all, huh?”

           Kas grimaced, turning around from her place at the sink. She had been setting her empty coffee cup down when Sam walked in. He had heard her bedroom door open, the exact thing she had hoped he wouldn’t – she thought he was the one showering.

           Sam was the only one she needed to avoid – aside from Chuck. Dean didn’t care less that she didn’t want to talk to God because hell, Dean didn’t want to at first either. And he wasn’t going to push her to if she didn’t want to. In Dean’s eyes – and in Kas’s – she didn’t owe God a damn thing.

She smiled sheepishly, hoping to avoid his question, but Sam wasn’t having any of it.

           “I still want an answer, y’know,” Sam smiled softly, but he wasn’t playing around.

           “Sam, I really don’t—”

           “I know, you didn’t have the brightest upbringing in the sense of faith,” Sam paused, leaning back against the counter. “But Dean didn’t either, and he talked to Chuck.”

           Again, Kassie sighed. This was why she had stayed in her room. She didn’t want to explain herself. God probably knew exactly why she didn’t want any part of him, and that was okay. She didn’t care. She couldn’t wait for him to leave, actually. For this to all be over, so she could have her Bunker back.

           “Where is Dean, anyway?” She asked, picking at her fingernails.

           “Went on a run,” Sam replied simply, not leaving room for any elaboration. “C’mon,” his voice was softer now. He wanted Kas to let him in, just this once. “Maybe talking to him would help.”

           Kassie shook her head, turning back around and grabbing a cup from the cupboard. She walked over to the fridge and poured herself some sweet tea – which she had to make herself because apparently the boys had never heard of it. When she turned back around, it was evident Sam still hadn’t dropped the subject.

           “I don’t know,” she answered truthfully, and then muttered, “something tells me he wouldn’t be bothered to listen.”

           Sam sighed, but he didn’t sound annoyed. It was a sad sigh, one where his face softened, and his shoulders slumped. He cleared his throat but didn’t say anything. Just continued to stare at Kassie with those pleading eyes.

           And truth be told, Kassie hated those eyes. She couldn’t look at him when he looked at her like that. So, she looked down, studying the ice in her sweet tea. It swirled around when she shook the glass slightly, and then settled down.

           Footsteps sounded through the hallway, stopping at the entrance to the kitchen. Sam looked up, straightening his shoulders.

           “Well,” Chuck laughed uncomfortably. “Family troubles?”

           Sam shrugged, glancing at Kassie who continued to stare at her tea. “Something like that.”

           Chuck stepped into the kitchen, staying near the doorway. “I’m sensing not everything is okay.”

           Kassie scoffed, drinking more of her sweet tea. She clenched her jaw as she stared at the floor, shaking her head. “I’m going to my room.”

           “Kassie—”

           “Don’t, Sam,” she growled, not looking behind her as she walked out of the kitchen, pushing past “God” on her way out.

           Sam sighed upon hearing her bedroom door slam shut. He slumped back against the counter, hanging his head. He hadn’t known a sixteen-year-old could have such broken faith, but somehow Kassie’s faith was completely shattered.

           Chuck slowly walked further into the kitchen, settling himself on the bench. “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?”

           Sam shook his head, clearing his throat. “No, I uh – I don’t mind. I’m sorry about her, she’s kind of—”

           Immediately, Chuck shook his head. “Don’t apologize. I’m aware of her situation with faith. I meant what happened just now.”

           “Oh,” Sam chuckled sheepishly. “I suggested that she talk to you, but she doesn’t…want to.”

           Chuck nodded, but still didn’t seem offended. “That understandable. She’s much like Dean.”

           “Yeah,” Sam nodded, blowing a sigh past his lips. “Yeah, she is.”

           “I can try talk to her myself,” Chuck shrugged, shifting around in his seat. “If you’d like.”

           “I dunno,” Sam said warily, his eyes following the sound of the door opening. He leaned over, seeing Dean come into view with bags on both arms.

           “Alright, I got hot pockets, beer, sweet tea for the child,” Dean called out as he walked in. He set the groceries down on the counter, turning back around with a strange expression. “Where’s the kid?”

           Sam cleared his throat, smiling tightly. “She’s in her room.”

           Dean’s head turned slightly to the side as his eyebrows furrowed. “Is she grounded or something…?”

           “No,” Chuck answered this time with a small laugh. “She just doesn’t want to speak to me.”

           “Ah,” Dean nodded, snapping his fingers, and just like that, he went back to attending to the groceries. He rummaged around in the bags, setting the teabags on the counter before crumpling the bag.

           Next, he grabbed the beer and set it in the fridge, staring weirdly at the pitcher of sweet tea before shutting the door. He would never be used to sweet tea. He turned around, coming face with both Sam and Chuck staring at him with raised eyebrows.

           “What?”

           “So, that’s it?” Sam raised his hands incredulously. “You just don’t care?”

           “Look,” Dean spoke as he continued putting away groceries. “No offense, but I didn’t want to speak to your holiness either. So I’m not worried about her.”

           “Dean—”

           “Sam, listen. Not everyone is gonna be all excited when big guns walks in, okay?” Dean gestured to Chuck. “Again, no offense.”

           Chuck shrugged, “None taken.”

           “See? No offense here, so we’re fine. Besides, she took a while to warm up to me when we first got her, so I wasn’t expecting her to be her normal self with God walking around.”

           Sam clenched his jaw, sighing. “Fine. If you’re not worried, then I’m not either.”

           “See, problem solved!” Dean grinned. “No harm done.”

           Sam still didn’t look convinced, but Dean had already moved on from the topic.

 +++

A couple hours passed, and Sam had decided to make Kassie’s favorite thing for dinner: breakfast. It was also chosen because God happened to really enjoy making pancakes.

           “Hey, dinner’s ready. Someone wanna go find Kassie?”

           Dean spoke up, “Yeah, I’ll go get her.”

He placed the last plate down on the table before heading off down the hall to her bedroom. It was quiet as he walked, which was surprising. She usually blasted music when she was upset, or anything in the realm of angry. She got that from Dean, except she didn’t use her headphones. Ever.

Dean furrowed his eyebrows once he reached her door. It appeared to be silent in her room.

“Kassie?” He called out, knocking on her door softly. “Dinner’s ready. Sam made pancakes and bacon, your favorite,” he chuckled softly, but still no response. He was worried to, if he was being honest. He just never showed it.

Slowly he turned the doorknob, pushing her door open just enough for him to peek inside. To his surprise, she sat at her desk with her headphones in. She was staring at pictures, her head propped up in her hand that wasn’t holding an old Polaroid.

Dean slowly walked in, leaving the door open. As he got closer, he could hear her music playing. He didn’t know what it was, but it was up loud enough that he could hear it, and it didn’t sound cheerful.

“Hey,” he said, resting a hand on her shoulder.

She didn’t even flinch as she turned to look at him. There were tearstains on her cheeks. Slowly, she reached up and pulled her headphones out, yanking the end out of her phone as well.

“Yeah?” She asked, and her voice cracked, even though it was only one syllable.

“Dinner’s ready,” Dean shrugged, but then his eyebrows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh,” she shook her head, chuckling lightly. “Just looking at pictures of my dad,” she shrugged, not wanting to make a big deal, but when she looked back at a picture of her dad holding her when she was young, the tears welled up in her eyes once again. “He passed away a little before my seventh birthday,” she said quietly. “I don’t really remember him.”

“He was a good man,” Dean said truthfully. “He really did love you.”

“Yeah,” Kassie smiled softly. “Mom used to say it was my fault he died,” she laughed darkly. “I don’t think it was, but she told me it so much I kinda started believing her.”

“Kassie, you know that’s not—”

She shrugged. “It’s whatever, really. What’s for dinner?”

And there was the subject change. Her and Dean’s famous act for getting out of any kind of too-deep-emotional-talk.

“Uh, pancakes,” Dean nodded, straightening up. “And bacon.”

Kassie narrowed her eyes, standing up from her desk chair. “How much bacon?”

He pursed his lips as he thought. “Hm, you might want to run. Before I eat it all.”

           Her eyes widened, but Dean was already running toward the door. She cursed and ran after him, catching up in the hallway. She tried grabbing his flannel a couple times, but he arched his back out of the way, laughing triumphantly.

           “I win!” Dean cheered with his hands tossed in the air as they reached the kitchen.

           “You got a head start,” Kassie whined, crossing her arms over her chest. She smirked and grabbed a piece of bacon off the plate Sam was carrying over to the table. She ate it with a smile.

           “Really, Sam?” Dean groaned. “You weren’t supposed to let her have that.”

           “Why? You cheated,” Sam smirked, walking back over to grab the syrup.

           Dean pouted as Kassie sauntered over to the table, her face falling upon seeing Chuck sitting there. She sighed as she sat down, chewing on her bacon silently.

           Sam gave Dean a look that Dean completely ignored, leaving Sam to throw Dean a helpless gaze. Dean ignored that, too, taking his place at the table beside Kassie.

           The air around dinner was awkward and tense, mainly because of Kassie refusing to speak to Chuck, or anyone really. Dean got her to say a few words, but it was only because he poked her ribs and basically tickled the words out of her.

           Dinner ended after a painfully long fifteen minutes. Kassie placed her plate in the sink, getting about halfway out of the kitchen when Sam called out to her.

           “Hey, Kassie?” Sam paused to clear his throat. “Can we talk?”

           She nodded. “I’ve gotta pee. I’ll meet you in the library in a couple minutes.” And on that note, she walked back to her room.

           Dean stared at Sam incredulously. “What the hell, man? Now you’re gonna force her to talk?”

           “Yes, because talking helps, contrary to popular belief,” Sam replied pointedly as he placed his plate in the sink. “And we’re all going to talk to her. Not just me, and not just Chuck. We need your help, too.”

           Dean sighed, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. “Fine, but you know already that I’m on her side. Don’t get mad when I don’t agree with what you’re saying.”

           “Fine.”

           True to her word, Kassie walked into the library a few minutes later, settling herself down in one of the chairs. She propped her feet up on the table, her hand resting comfortably around her glass of sweet tea.

           Dean walked in before anyone else, sitting next to Kassie. He smiled goofily, poking her ribs as he sat down. She squirmed, swatting his hand away.

           “You’re an asshole,” she pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.

           Dean turned his head to reply, but Sam and Chuck walked in at that moment. Dean’s expression turned into a tired and annoyed one, making Kassie stifle a giggle behind her hand.

           “Alright,” Sam paused to pull a chair out and sit down. God did the same. “What’s goin’ on?”

           Kassie raised an eyebrow, glancing at Dean for a brief moment before responding. “Nothing much. How ‘bout you guys?” She looked between both Chuck and Sam with expectant eyes. “Go on any vacations? See anything exotic?”

           Sam’s face softened, but his eyes showed annoyance. He knew what Kassie was getting at, and Dean did, too. Dean just didn’t seem as affected by it.

           But Sam ignored it, clearing his throat instead. “Earlier you said you though God wouldn’t be bothered to listen. Well,” he paused, gesturing to Chuck. “He’s here now, and willing to listen.”

           “Seriously?” Kassie retorted, chuckling out of hysterics. “That’s why you called me in here?”

           “You said you didn’t think he was listening—”

           “I know what I said, Sam,” Kassie snapped. “It was what I felt. And if you’re gonna use it against me, then I’m gonna leave.”

She went to stand from her chair, but stopped when Dean spoke up. “Hear him out, okay?”

Sam raised his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything as Dean’s pleading eyes stared at Kassie. Her eyes were narrowed with anger, but she sat back down.

Kassie crossed her arms over her chest, looking at Chuck with a clenched jaw. “Well?”

“I was listening,” Chuck said, leaning forward and resting his hands on the table. “I heard every word, even when you prayed to your guardian angel. I heard you.”

Kassie chuckled darkly, “But yet you never replied. What’s the point of listening if you aren’t even going to let me know you did?”

“Well, that’s the point of faith, I suppose,” Chuck shrugged. “I can’t always let you know I heard. You just have to believe I did.”

“Yeah, well, I had enough of filling my heart with false hope. Faith wasn’t exactly something that appealed to me, not even now.”

“Not even as I’m sitting in front of you,” Chuck nodded. “I understand.”

Immediately, she scoffed. “No you don’t,” she shook her head. “If you understood the hell I went through – you would’ve done something about it. But you didn’t. And you wonder why my faith is so shaken up.”

Sam stared sadly at Kassie, but Dean stared down at the table. The latter of the brother’s agreed with her more than she would ever know.

“I sent you signs,” Chuck said, sounding genuine. “I sent you a new dog. I sent you visits from your guardian angel. Little things like that were my way of letting you know I was there.”

In that moment Sam felt bad for Chuck. He sounded sincere and genuine, but all Kassie could see was red. Pure red fury and hatred.

“Well, thanks for those, and thanks for sweet tea,” she stood, grabbing her glass. “But no thanks for leaving me with my abusive mother. That was a hell that even a dog and guardian angel – whoever the hell that was – couldn’t fix.” She turned and walked away, grumbling angrily to herself as she went.

“Hey, Kas?” Sam called out.

She stopped and turned around, but still didn’t look happy. “What?”

“Don’t let yourself be blinded by your hatred.”

And for a moment, Kassie’s face softened. Her eyebrows relaxed as she nodded, Sam’s words sinking in, but she didn’t stay. She still continued down the hallway and into her room, but she wasn’t as angry as she was before. She was calming down.

“What was that?” Dean asked with a raised eyebrow. “One moment she’s seething and then you say a sentence and she calms down.”

“It was a quote from the Harry Potter books. Remus Lupin is her favorite character,” Sam smiled softly. “I figured if anyone could make her understand, it would be him.”

Dean nodded, but since he wasn’t totally familiar with the books, he was still a little confused. A small smile did creep through, though, but it was at the memory of a girl named Charlie.

 +++

 The next day, things were different. Kassie came out of her room for breakfast, and actually conversed with everyone around the table. Even Chuck. It was surprising to all of them, but no one mentioned it. They figured it would be best if it went unsaid. She had a habit of shying away at things after someone mentioned what she was doing.

           It was a little while after breakfast, when Sam and Dean were washing the dishes, when Kassie started speaking to Chuck, and this time without anger.

           “I’m really sorry…about yesterday,” Kassie sighed. “I’ve been thinking about what Sam said, and he was right. I—I shouldn’t let myself be blinded by hatred. I mean, you put me with Sam and Dean – I guess – so you’re not all that bad, right?” She sighed again, leaning back in her chair. She wrung her hands together nervously, trying to find the right words. “Just – If you were listening like you said you were, why didn’t you get me out of there sooner?”

           Chuck sighed heavily, shrugging. “I had to learn that sometimes constantly saving my children from bad situations wasn’t going to teach them anything.” He paused before clarifying, “I saw that I had to take a step back. So I heard you, but I had already established that I needed to step back in order for things to get better.”

           Kassie’s eyebrows furrowed. Her eyes were welling with tears that were refusing to fall.

           “But…” She paused for a second, swallowing thickly. “Things didn’t get any better. They just…got worse. There was just more chaos and heartbreak.”

           “That chaos and heartbreak came from your mother,” Chuck said softly. “Don’t confuse me with her.”

           “I-I’m not, I just—” She paused. “I don’t know.”

           “Well,” Sam jumped in, clearing his throat. He tossed down the dishtowel and walked over, sitting down in the seat next to Kassie. “The important thing is, things are better now.”

           “And you’ve got us,” Dean reminded her, coming to stand behind her. He rested his hand on her shoulder for comfort. “We’re your family.”

           Kassie looked at them both with tear filled eyes. “Thank you,” She nodded. “You’re my pain in the ass big brothers.”

           “And you’re our pain in the ass little sister,” Dean smirked, patting her shoulder.

           Kassie finally shook her head and stood, pushing the chair in under the table. She lurched forward and wrapped her arms around Dean’s neck, holding tightly. It shocked him at first, but eventually he hugged back, wrapping his arms around her torso.

           Sam stood then, pushing his chair under and wrapping his arms around both of them. “Family group hug,” He chuckled.

           Kassie laughed, pushing away from the hug and wiping under her eyes. “Thanks you guys,” She said again, which both of them shrugged off. She turned to Chuck with a sad smile. “And thank you. I’m sorry I hated you for a while there.”

           Chuck shrugged, “No worries. But hey, try not to hate yourself as much, please? I worked really hard on you and I hate seeing you beat yourself up.”

           Kassie’s eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, but she still nodded. “Yeah. I’ll work on it.”

           Chuck grinned, “Thank you.”

[savingpartoftheworld]

Saving Part of the World - Part Two - Chapter Seventeen

Summary: Set after G-Rev, the World Championships have come to Belfast, Northern Ireland in the hopes of spreading the interest and drawing in tourists. In between all the teen angst and the team drama, something powerful and hungry lurks on the horizon and with the help of the beybladers, it may just destroy part of the world.

Rated: T for cursing and mild violence

Ships: Hints of Mariah/Rei, Hilary/Tyson, Enrique/Julia

Previous Chapters: One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen

Chapter Summary: Amber runs an errand for a neighbour and then has to run for her life. Hilary and Tyson have a fight at breakfast. Mariam goes shopping and spots some pretty boys to stalk. 

Amber woke with a jerk and a groan, remnants of the night’s dream playing havoc with her stomach. She flopped onto her back, threw her arm over her eyes. Her skin was hot, the room stuffy despite the small vent in the window. She’d kicked off the covers before she’d fallen asleep but somehow during the night, they’d tangled with her feet. Toeing them off, she felt them slide off the bed as she looked across at the window where the sunlight was creeping along the floor, bathing the room in warm luminescence.

She rolled off the bed and got to her feet. It looked around ten in the morning but it was hard to tell in the summer. She grabbed her phone off the bedside table, checked the digital display—it was 07:15, ugh—and padded to the bathroom for a shower. Starting the water, she waited for it to heat as she considered her reflection in the mirror above the sink. There were dark circles under her eyes, not surprising given her sleeping troubles. If it wasn’t the unbearable heat, it was the fear of intruders or the terrible dreams. Life sucked.

She took a quick shower and stalked into the kitchen, pulling a comb through her damp hair. She should just chop it off, it would be easier managed, but she liked it long. Her mother always lamented cutting her own hair, so Amber felt it was half her duty to let hers grow long so her mother could plait it. Not that her mother could right now.

She gripped the counter and swallowed back the dizzying feeling of homesickness. She liked Belfast well enough, when she didn’t have to be here on her own and when the visit lasted a week. This mission of hers seemed to be endless.

Slipping into the kitchen, she put on the kettle and switched on the TV. Music blasted from the speakers before she lowered the volume. It always did that. She should probably leave a note for her father. God, he was going to be so pissed with her. Probably ground her and then her mother would do the disappointed face, but they had to know she’d do this. Nana Molly knew and that pretty much meant everything in her family. If Nana Molly was aware of it, things were grand. If Nana Molly laughed at a prank, you couldn’t be punished.

When the kettle boiled, she made her tea and dropped down onto the sofa to switch to the News, which was once again filled with Beyblade stories, mostly centring around Eoin.

She frowned, curling her legs up on the sofa. Who the hell was Eoin anyway? What was his role? He’d attacked her in the changing room without any provocation. She could have been a lost fan, a stalker, and while annoying, neither of those warranted such a violent outburst. What if she told the News or the WBBA? His reputation would be shattered, so why did he risk his championship hopes?

She sipped her tea and thought it out.

That kind of overreaction spoke of privacy being invaded, which meant Eoin had something to hide. Maybe something to do with the tree and her own mission. Not unlikely. Why would she be the only Irish person to know about this? Could Eoin’s bitbeast actually be something like Morrigan? But why was he beyblading with it? Could she beyblade with Morrigan? Was she supposed to? God, she hoped not.

Closing her fingers around her mug of tea, she decided to go to the tournament that night, if only to talk to Hilary and Ian about the tree. They needed to figure out what that meant and see if any of the bitbeasts were affected by it.

She froze as someone knocked on the door. Rising slowly, she crept over and peered out, sagging when she recognised Mrs Mulligan from across the hall.

“Hey Mrs Mulligan,” she called out, as she opened the door.

Mrs Mulligan blinked behind her glasses, then offered a warm smile of welcome as she frailly rested her weight on her walking stick. “Oh Amber, I didn’t know you were visiting. Is your da home?”

Panic flared, was ruthlessly squashed. “No, he’s at the office.”

The woman slumped and pouted, looked away. “Oh.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“It’s just the tap, it’s not working and I called the plumber and he says he’s coming”—she looked down the corridor as if expecting him to appear—“but I have this card and it has to be sent today. It’s my grandson’s 21st birthday tomorrow and I forgot to post it yesterday. I just thought if your father was there, he could wait for the plumber for me while I go post this. It’s just one of those men things, you see, they all seem to understand each other.”

“Well, I can’t help with the plumber but I can post your card for you.” After all, what was the point of trying to save the world for people if you weren’t willing to help them on the day to day things? Good karma and all that.

“Och, would you? That would be such a help, you know. It needs a stamp though. I’ll get you the money for it and sure, you can get yourself some sweeties with it too.”

Amber winced. Good manners dictated she refuse. “No, you’re grand. I’m running down to the city anyway, Mrs Mulligan. It’s not a big deal. Is there anything else I can get you, some milk, teabags, sugar, anything?”

“No, no. No.  You just take this”—she reached into her red purse and pulled out a tenner which was far too much considering a stamp cost less than a pound generally—“and get yourself something.”

Taking the money and the card, and making a note to smuggle it back to Mrs Mulligan, Amber stepped back into her apartment. She closed the door, eyed the TV and set about getting ready for her day.

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

“So have you heard from Kevin yet, Mariah?” Hilary asked, slathering butter onto her slice of toast and ignoring Rei’s admonishing look. She knew she used too much butter, that it looked like it’d been plastered onto the toast by the time she finished, but it made the toast taste better, especially since it was a little darker than she preferred.

“Mm, a little bit.” Mariah sipped her tea, gold-tipped nails glinting in the bright lights above them, despite the sun pressing against the wood-style Venetian blinds. “He’s not great at writing letters.”

“Does he have email? I could send him one for you. What about Instagram?” Kenny turned his laptop to show Mariah the website and Rei laughed, teasing Kenny about his recent upload: a picture of the remains of their breakfast, mostly empty dishes and discarded cutlery. Kenny was quick to defend himself, claiming the fans wanted to know these things. What Tyson ate was apparently big news.

As they joked and talked, Hilary relaxed into her seat and chewed on her toast. This was good. Being with her team settled her, chased away the frayed edges from the day before. She chuckled, as Mariah pointedly reminded Rei about his own lack of communication while travelling, and studied the dining room. Most of the blading teams had claimed the larger tables, leaving the smaller ones to the travelling business people who were clearly regretting their choice of hotel as they frowned and quickly ate their breakfasts, then escaped the cacophony of teenage conversation.

A waitress slipped through the crowded tables with practised ease to set a coffee pot in the middle of the All Starz’s table. Rick listened to his music, Steve and Eddy pored over a newspaper grabbed from a nearby table, while Michael motioned for Emily to pour him a cup as he leaned across his seat to talk to Enrique. The ex-Majestic had taken a smaller table for himself and Julia, though Hilary hadn’t seen them converse since they sat down. Julia seemed content to watch the muted TV mounted in the corner where a woman was predicting sunshine for the whole of the UK and Ireland, though every so often her phone would flash and she would respond with a flurry of screen tapping.

Taking a sip of her own tea, Hilary waved when she spotted Max and Tyson approaching the dining area with their plates overflowing with food. As she lowered her hand, she locked eyes with Ian for just a second before he quickly looked away. He sat on his own in the corner, furiously typing on his computer, not seeming to mind that his team was AWOL. Though maybe they were just off practising and they’d join him later. Still, she wondered what made him rise so early in the morning to spend his time on that computer. What was he writing? Did it have anything to do with Amber?

“See, Tyson!” Max dropped into the seat across from Hilary and grabbed for the colourful foil sachets sitting in a little white ceramic pot. “You can get brown sauce, ketchup, mustard!” He waved the yellow packet in front of his friend, frowning when Tyson snatched it and began to add it to his sausages. “But there’s no mayonnaise. I think there’s a conspiracy.”

Hilary chuckled, quickly reaching down into her bag by her feet when Max cast her a wounded look.

“That’s not nice, Hils, how am I supposed to eat my food without mayo?”

“Open your mouth and just shove it in.” So saying, Tyson shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth. “Chry mew fwings.”

Daichi pointed a fork in Tyson’s direction. “What the hell did that mean?”

“I don’t want to try new things.”

Mariah screwed up her nose. “Tyson, that’s just gross.”

“It’s wrong, Mariah,” Max retorted with a scowl. “What Tyson is doing is wrong and offends my tastebuds.”

As they bickered, Hilary fumbled around until her fingers closed around the cool plastic bottle. Grabbing it, she lifted it up and presented to Max. “Aren’t you lucky I’m such a good manager?”

Max’s blue-blue eyes lit up. “Mayonnaise? Hilary, you’re the best!”

“Why do you always get Max mayonnaise?”

Hilary turned to Tyson, her smile fading. “Because he likes it.”

Having squeezed almost half the bottle onto his food, Max nodded. “I do.”

“And you get Kai chocolate. But you never get me stuff.”

“Or me,” Daichi piped up.

Hilary ignored the youngest member of her team—she had spent a whole night nursing him back from the brink of alcohol-induced death—and focused on Tyson as he glowered down at his food. “I don’t get you anything because you don’t have any dietary needs. You will eat anything put in front of you.” Which was great, it meant she didn’t have to go out of her way to make him eat or track down certain foodstuffs or find specific restaurants in each city they visited. Tyson was a breath of fresh air when it came to her team at times. Rei was great too, he took care of himself—mostly because he was a food snob; she remembered the mango incident well—and Daichi was happy as long as no one came near him with a tomato.

“So what are you saying? I’m fat?”

She blinked, thrown by the question. “I never said you were fat.” She glanced around the table for support because she never said anything like that. “I never said that,” she repeated firmly.  

There was hardly an ounce of fat on him. Since hitting puberty—if that was even the right term since he sure wasn’t showing any maturity—he’d shot up into a skinny rake of a boy.

Rei pinched the bridge of his nose. “Tyson, stop.”

Tyson sulked into his food and an awkward silence descended upon their table. Hilary twisted her fingers beneath the table as heat crept up the back of her neck. She wasn’t sure if it was temper or embarrassment.

“You’re a little tubby.”

“Daichi!”

All wide-eyed innocence, Daichi threw his hands in the air. “What? I thought we were going to try that constructive critique thing to be better bladers?”

Mariah frowned in his direction. “That was more destructive than constructive, Daichi.”

“So, Hilary, did you have a nice time with Amber?”

Hilary choked and gaped at Max. With Amber? How did they even know? What did they know? “What?”

“You texted Tyson yesterday, remember, to say you two were going to the park.”

Right. Of course. In case she went missing or ended up dead. Hard to believe all that happened just yesterday. She still wasn’t sure she’d been convinced by Amber, but it was hard to ignore Morrigan. Or the nightmares she’d suffered where she’d been repeatedly chopped down like a tree by an army of tiny Tinkerbell lookalikes.

“Uh, it was fun. I got burnt,” she said, wryly pointing to her still pink nose. She made a mental note to buy some sunscreen, and aloe vera gel—Emily’s had been a lifesaver the night before but she couldn’t continue using it.

Taking Mariah’s empty plate, Rei set it on his and sent her a smile. “It’s nice you’re making friends, Hilary.”

Friends, right. Hilary wasn’t sure you could define her relationship with Amber as friendship. It was almost like her initial interaction with the Bladebreakers. She was the outsider trying to gather information on what was really going on, getting wrapped up in something that didn’t really concern her. Maybe someday she’d play a leading role in her own adventure, but that wasn’t going to be any time soon.

“Yeah,” Max agreed, “but we miss having you around, Hils.”

“So did Kai join you before or after?”

Rei sent Tyson an annoyed look. “Tyson, what is wrong with you this morning?”

Sitting up a little straighter, Hilary forced herself to meet Tyson’s angry eyes. “Neither. I met Kai on the way back to the arena with Amber and Ian. I didn’t see him all day before that.”

“Right,” Tyson said, jaw tight. “What a coincidence.”

“Why were you with Ian?” Daichi demanded, with a sneer that curled his upper lip and wrinkled his nose. What, was she only allowed room for one annoying short person in her life?

“Daichi,” Rei warned, “Hilary doesn’t owe any of us answers about who she hangs out with.” His words were pointed enough that Tyson flinched as they hit their mark.

Tyson shoved his chair back and stepped up. “I’m going to go train. That’s what we came here to do, after all.”

“Oi, Granger, you seen Hiwatari around?” Tala demanded, weaving his way through the tables to stand behind an empty chair, hands closing around the top as he leaned against it. “You might want to remind him what team he’s on.”

“Talk to Hilary, she seems to know more about his whereabouts than the rest of us.”

Tyson stalked off. Rei cursed under his breath and took after him. Sensing he might miss something, Daichi chased after them, and Kenny muttered something about needing the bathroom.

Hilary swallowed thickly, her throat clicking closed as humiliation burned through her. Tala pointed in her direction and she met his gaze squarely, refusing to be quelled.

“Tell Hiwatari we have practice, if he wants to stay on this team.”

Oh, this was so ridiculous. She wasn’t Kai’s social secretary. She wasn’t his manager. She was just trying to be a friend and this was the thanks she got for everything she did? She stood up, slapping her hands down onto the table. “Tell Kai yourself,” she snapped, heading to the lobby.

The cool air stung her cheeks as she scanned the area for any sign of Tyson and catching a glimpse of Rei outside the front door, she crossed to the elevators, jerking up the sleeve of her top to cover her shoulder.

“Hey, Hilary, are you okay?”

Hilary rubbed the back of her neck, her shoulders slumping as she turned to face Mariah and Max. “I’m fine, Mariah.”

“I’m sorry Hilary, I don’t know what got into Tyson.” Max raked a hand through his hair, looking torn between staying and chasing after his friend.

“Don’t you?” She hated how jaded she sounded but it was pretty clear what was going on with Tyson.

“I don’t,” Mariah offered with a sheepish shrug. “Care to tell me?”

Crossing her arms, Hilary stepped forward then rocked back as she tried to compose her thoughts. “Tyson sees Kai as his Senpai, he’s spent so long trying to gain Kai’s recognition, his respect.” She quirked a brow in Max’s direction, feeling quietly pleased with her theory. “Hasn’t he?”

Max frowned but slowly nodded. “Yeah, that’s true.”

“And now he has it, he feels like I’m riding on the coattails of the friendship he worked hard to create with Kai. I mean, really, would I have been able to befriend the Kai you first met? No. Tyson worked hard to befriend Kai and here I am stepping in and bribing Kai with chocolate and he keeps seeing Kai and me together and he thinks I’m stealing Kai’s attention away from him. Daichi would feel the exact same if I did that to Tyson because Tyson is his Kai.”

Max and Mariah exchanged a look and Max grimaced. “Well, uh, maybe? I guess that could sort of be right.”

“It is,” she said, releasing a deep breath, clasping her hands behind her. “And I understand. I do. But when it comes out of nowhere like that, it’s annoying and a bit embarrassing, but Tyson’s entitled to his feelings and hopefully, he’ll realise that I’m not trying to steal Kai, I’m just trying to be a good friend. I am really thankful that you guys let me tag along to these tournaments. If you didn’t, I might not have gained the courage to join the archery club and find my own passion.”

She mustered up a smile, feeling proud of how calm and understanding she sounded. She didn’t sound like her heart was a heavy bruised lump in her chest. Fighting, really fighting and not bickering, with Tyson always made her feel a little sick and sad inside.

“Right,” Max muttered, shaking his head gently. “Well, that still doesn’t mean Tyson gets to be a jerk. I’m gonna have a word with him.”

“No, Max, don’t. Let’s just give him a few minutes, okay? We’ll wait in the dining area until he cools off—” She broke off as Ming-Ming swept into the lobby, iPad in hand, looking cooly in control in a navy dress, cinched at the waist by a thick brown belt, brown strappy heels and her teal hair falling in soft waves down her back. She made Hilary feel underdressed in her wide neck white top and stonewashed denim shorts, her hair in a stubby ponytail.

Behind her, Tyson, Daichi and Rei followed.

“Look out, it’s Queen Ming-Ming,” Mariah muttered, sliding her hands into the pockets of her pink zip-up hoodie and Hilary suddenly felt a burst of camaraderie with the Chinese girl who obviously felt equally underdressed.

Ming-Ming stopped in the entrance to the dining hall and pitched her voice over the din. “Conference room 2, now. I have today’s itinerary and—I don’t care Valkov”—she held up a finger as Tala opened his mouth—“whatever you’re going to cry about, I don’t want to hear it.”

She rushed off as quickly as she entered, leaving a crowd of bewildered bladers shuffling after her.

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Across the city, Mariam was in a foul mood. Her morning had started with a sifting of dust and a spider trying to build a web from her chin to her ear. Even now, an hour later, she could feel it crawling through her hair, over the back of her neck, in her ear—little phantom legs scurrying across her skin. It was enough to turn her stomach and rev up her temper. No way, she vowed, would she remain one more night in that decrepit apartment building with its dodgy ceiling and halfheartedly boarded-up windows.

No, she was on a mission. She was going to find alternative accommodation. One that had solid walls, a firm floor, a roof that didn’t leak, and most importantly, a place that had a shower and an insect free bed—though any bed would be an upgrade.

We’ve managed to work out some of the runes. We’re going to the woods to translate them. Meet us there.

She sent a sharp mental prod in Ozuma’s direction and locked down her inner shields. She didn’t care about the wards. The tree was down and that’s what the wards protected—she doubted that even Ozuma could reinforce the wards or change their purpose. Whatever that tree did once, it didn’t anymore.

It was time to focus on more important things, like getting accommodation that was liveable and checking up on the Bladebreakers. As long as the sacred beasts were protected and used for good, Mariam could rest easy, her mission a success. Besides, she hadn’t seen Max in a while. It might be nice to touch base with him, rekindle an old friendship and see what he made of the vibes in the city.

Deciding he would be at the arena she ducked into the ground floor of a mall that she knew stretched the width of the block. Her scuffed ankle boots slapped against the gleaming tiled floor as women in smart blouses and pencil skirts showed off their wares, spritzing perfume and inviting customers to check out a new anti-wrinkle cream for the whole body.

Mariam snorted. She should bring some back for the Elders; they could bathe in it. Though admittedly, most of those new-fangled creams just took the ancient ways and glamorised them. Mud masks, salt scrubs, aromatherapy oils; yeah they weren’t new and they were less expensive back home. Maybe she should look into doing something like that, take the ingredients and treatments from the village, slap her face on it. Ming-Ming made a name for herself, there was nothing to say Mariam couldn’t do the same.

A kiosk caught her eye and she detoured towards it.

Lipsticks.

Lip stains.

Lip glosses.

She sighed, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn’t brought any essentials with her—Ozuma had supervised her packing like the megalomaniac he was. ‘Lipstick isn’t needed in Ireland, Mariam. Who are you going to impress? The Spirits?’ There was no point telling him that she wanted to look pretty for herself. She had a damn good set of lips and she wanted to show them off, big deal. She'd managed to smuggle in the eyeliner bought on her last excursion to a city, though it had worn down to a little nub and would need replacing soon.

“Are you looking for something?” The blonde girl behind the counter asked, giving Mariam a quick once over, eyes rounding at her outfit before she dropped her gaze to her phone with a barely suppressed smirk.

“Just browsing.” Tossing her hair over her shoulder, Mariam hovered over the display and wondered what colour would suit her best. A plum always looked good but you couldn’t beat a sassy red. Though would she really find a chance to wear a sassy red on this quest?

“That red will just wash you out. Try a nice pale pink instead.”

A nice pale pink? She wasn’t trying to be someone’s demure housewife. That was the exact opposite of who she was. “I prefer bolder colours.”

“Mmhmm, whatever. Oh Jacqueline,” the girl called out, waving a bejewelled hand. “I need to go on my break soon; I need to get a dress for tonight.”

“No problem, Mairead,” a statuesque redhead said as she approached. “Liz told me a new batch of dresses just came in upstairs. Might be perfect for tonight.”

They fell into conversation about where they would meet and who was going. After another debate, Mariam chose the plum and a more neutral dark rose gloss. She angled her body to face the counter and waited.

And waited.

And waited longer.

Tucking her tongue in her cheek, Mariam tapped her blunt fingernails against the countertop while the two girls continued their conversation, showing no indications of stopping. Another shopper approached the counter, sending Mariam a congenial smile as she scanned a row of bottled foundations.

After five minutes passed, Jacqueline bustled off her to her own counter and Mairead turned to the new customer, with a winsome smile that flashed perfect teeth and a gushing apology for making her wait. The other shopper sent Mariam a curious look, but she jumped at the chance to be served. Mariam closed her fingers tightly around the lipsticks in her hand and, tucking her blue hair behind her heavily decorated ear, stretched to grab a pamphlet while tucking the lipsticks away in the pocket within the lining of her tunic.

“Hey,” she called out with a smile, “is this pamphlet free?”

Irked with being distracted from her sale, Mairead glanced at the magazine and nodded with a tight smile. “Sure. Knock yourself out.”

Tapping the rolled up magazine against her palm, Mariam sauntered out of the shop, smiling brightly as she passed Jacqueline. The sun blinded her the second she stepped onto the pavement, so she paused, breathing in the scents of sunshine bouncing off the concrete and cookies from the nearby bakery. City Hall stood prominently at the top of the street, its faded mint green dome framed by the bright blue sky. Cars and bicycles zipped by, punctuated by short hiatuses when pedestrians would dart across the road in long loping gaits.

Appreciating the buzz of the city, Mariam turned to leave when her senses went on high alert. She stepped back into the shade of the building and scanned the street, zeroing in on the danger. Two boys, a redhead and a blond, one tall and the other of average height walked leisurely away from her. Nothing stood out about them, the redhead wore a blue shirt, sleeves rolled up exposing white arms that would either burn or freckle and a pair of white linen trousers, while the blond was tanned and showed it off with a black sleeveless t-shirt and grey board shorts. There was nothing unique about them, they wore no symbols, but they both exuded a quiet power, most especially the redhead and when they paused to cross the street, looking left and right, Mariam’s breath caught in her lungs.

“Well, hello,” she whispered. Max would have to wait. She’d found much more interesting prey.

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Having completed Mrs Mulligan’s errand, Amber swung her plastic bag and sucked on an ice-lolly—she bought herself—as she wandered along the busy pavement filled with shoppers, office workers, and tourists.

Exhaust fumes mixed with the scent of melted tar and the sweetly fragrant flowers spilling from the hanging baskets attached to the shop fronts. Overhead gulls screeched and a toddler in a pushchair squealed, outraged that their father had the audacity to smear suncream over their delicate skin.

Ducking around a family capturing memories, Amber slipped down an alleyway and released a sigh of pleasure as the tall buildings eclipsed the steadily climbing sun for a while. Already she could feel the heat rising off her shoulders, a sure sign that the suncream was wearing off. At least she had the good sense to wear shorts with her vest top, though her battered runners were like a swamp. When she got home, she was going to soak her feet in a basin of cold, cold water.

Music filtered from a nearby apartment window and the sunlight gleamed and bounced off the cars sitting in the small squared off space that acted as a parking lot for the workers and apartment dwellers—it also acted as a heat trap, she mused, as she felt the hot air clamp around dampening her neck beneath the heavy weight of her hair.

Screw the basin, she’d soak her whole body in a bath of cold water and ice, lots and lots of ice.

She wondered how Hilary and Ian were coping with the weather. Probably a damn sight better than her. They had seasons in their countries… well, she assumed they did. She actually knew diddly squat about Japan and Russia, bar what the TV told her. Still, she could check in on them, maybe bring them some suncream since she’d all but bought out an entire shop. You could never be too careful with the sun. Her mother was a nurse, she’d had skin cancer talks drummed into her head from an early age.  

Part of her considered going back to the park, to where the tree had fallen. Now that she wasn’t so freaked out and the Voice was calmer, though sullenly silent, she might be able to investigate the scene logically. But the idea of going there on her own didn’t appeal. Especially when she didn’t know what that tree did. Was it a gateway or something more? She just didn’t know.

A sound behind her made her ears prick, an itch buzzed between her shoulder blades. She slowed her gait and a smirk began to form.

Ian.

So he hadn’t given up following her. Good. Maybe she could con him into following her to the park, save her having to ask for the company. Two birds, one excellently aimed stone. She still didn’t know how he found her and Hilary in the park.

She turned to ask him, eager to see him sulk when she foiled his spy routine. Her smug grin fell away when she found herself confronted with an empty space. Okay… Bemused, she sucked her raspberry ice pop and rocked forward on the balls of her feet. Where was that little shit? She looked up at the balconies, the dark windows that reflected the sunlight, the slanted slate rooftops where heat rose in distorted waves, but nothing moved. She stepped forward and then she rolled her eyes. Of course. Dropping to a crouch, she peered under the parked cars but, besides the pockmarked cement, she saw nothing.

No feet. No Ian.

Maybe she imagined it, she mused, but her instincts screamed. Someone or something was there. Cold dread began to slither up her spine. The last time she’d felt like this, she’d been attacked by Eoin but as she scanned the alley she found no sign of a beyblade.

A growl, guttural and edged with fury, rumbled through the alley and her mouth turned to dust. She backed up another step, her shopping bag rustling with the movement as the plastic bottles inside knocked against her leg.

Not again.

Breath choppy, she frantically searched the alley. Where the fuck was it?

“Come on,” she muttered. “If you’re going to do this, do it already.”

At least then she’d know which direction to run, and she would run. She sure as hell had no intention of fighting it or calling for help, after all, what could a defenceless human do?

She swallowed hard, cold sweat sprang out along her back.

The dark shadow rose through the cement in the middle of the alley. Amber bit back a groan of dismay, her ice-lolly dropping to the ground, dissolving into a puddle of red syrup.

“Again? Oh, come on,” she whined. “I’m not even a threat to you.”

She shifted her bag to her other hand, her free hand lifting to her throat. Where was the beyblade? More importantly, where was Eoin? Hilary said bitbeasts used beyblades to function in this world, so how was this bitbeast here?

The hooded being finally hovered above the cement though she saw no sign of the beyblade. Not that she could really look, not when it began to come closer, thin silver hands slipping out of the wide sleeves of its black cloak, drawing its scythe back for a swing. Yeah, she was not going to stay for this.

Unlocking her legs, she stumbled back down the alley towards the opening. She just had to reach the street and then she would be surrounded by people. No way would Eoin attack her in front of others.

It zipped out of sight.

Shit.

Amber dropped her bag, spun around and squealed. It towered over her, so close the fabric of the cloak brushed her legs, cold and gossamer. No face could be seen beneath the hood, just empty darkness, like a Dementor.

It howled.

Amber turned and ran back to the cars, her feet pounding against the concrete. She could hear its growls, feel it gaining on her. There were no distortions of air, no heated breaths on her neck, no footsteps and yet her whole back was alive with an electric charge, little snapping bites against her nerves. He was behind her.

Make that in front of her.

She skidded to a halt, then she flailed as she turned and began running back to the street again. She leapt over her toppled bottles of suncream, her skin all but sliding off her bones to escape. Her heart was a desperate staccato in her ears and her breath a hard iron ball lodged in her lungs. She couldn’t inhale fast enough, her head was beginning to spin and the heat squeezed her in a tight sweaty glove.

She was going to die.

When it zipped in front of her again, sheer desperation and an inability to stop had her ploughing through it and then plunging out of the alleyway into blinding sunshine. For a moment white spots flashed in front of her vision, just as a voice shouted, a horn beeped and she was yanked to a halt by a tight grip wrapped around her chest.

[sunshinechii-scenarios]

Kiss the Pain away

✿ Nct’s Renjun x Female!Reader ✿ Angst, fluff, not rlly smut but theres making out lol ✿ 2.3k words ✿ Not requested ✿ Written by Chii ✿ Masterlist!

A/N: hey kids its me,,,,renjun trash,,,whats newwwwww. I’ve had this wip for a while and got super inspired to finish it after listening to stay the night by kid travis! his other song sunset is what i wrote sunset ride too! also the blogs first year anniversary is the 10th I’M CRYING uwu - chii

✿ Description: When the world decides to unleash its wrath on you, you can find your peace of mind with someone.

         You throw your school bag on the ground, letting it fall wherever it landed and slammed yourself onto your desk chair. Your phone landed on your bed when you haphazardly threw it, annoyed. Huffing, you turned on your laptop to blast music directly into your ears in attempts to drown everything out. Unfortunately, a post-it you stuck on it earlier this week was staring back at you.

“Read your chapters for next week,” you said out loud after you ripped it off the screen. You forgot you had school work. Your teacher assigned four chapters to be read by next week before the class meets and you were only given the weekend to complete it all. It wouldn’t have been an issue if this week was the worst week of your life so far.

         You had gotten into the worst argument with your best friend. Lucas Wong was known around school, not for anything good though. He was a heartbreaker and you hated how much he played your best friend like a fiddle. He had been texting her, getting her hopes up and leading her on since the beginning of the semester. You thought back to when she called you at two in the morning, when she was well aware you both had class tomorrow at eight am, to ask you how she should respond to the text that he replied to. The one she sent six hours before that. You were looking out for her as friends should but she didn't see it that way. She let a boy blur her perspective of you. Her pink glasses of love turned into an angry red and accused you of wanting him as well, even going as far as to questioning your relationship with Renjun. Your brows furrowed at the last text either of you sent, is Renjun your rebound because I like Lucas? You left her with no response to her cold words and haven't talked to her since.

         The final you took on Tuesday came back with an ugly 47 inside a red circle. You canceled the date Renjun set up for you two in efforts to lift the finals week stress off of both of your shoulders. You studied late into the night every night. Right after classes, you rushed to the tutoring hall and the countless hours you spent studying went to waste. All that time with the tutor, the after class sessions with a student-teacher was for nothing. You were going to fail the class unless you took up the 25 page assignment summarizing the class which would be due a day before the semester was over, which was in two weeks.

         Your mind scanned all the problems you had, everything felt like rocks on your shoulders. Bringing you down, mentally and physically. The only things that helped you when you felt stressed were Renjun, your best friend and the playlist Renjun specially made for you for when you got stressed. Renjun was on his way home from his late classes, he had later classes and his commute was a lot longer than yours also. Your only option was music, so, you went into your files and played it. Your face lifted from its sour expression to a soft one when you read the title for the millionth time since he sent the playlist to you, for when the stars fall, i’m here. It was all lowercase and the playlist cover was of the two of you. You plugged in the cord and pressed play while you hauled the giant textbook from the corner of your desk and started reading. It was going to be another night coped up in your room.

         After an hour or so, you pushed out from under the desk and stretched your legs that lost blood flow about 10 minutes ago, they felt like pins and needles. You paused your music and you could hear arguing. Your phone was still sitting on your bed. You could see it lighting up every now and then in your peripheral vision but right in front of you was the big, heavy textbook. Your eyes grew tired from the highlighted lines and colorful pen marks that etched the paper. You hear the bed creak in the other room and footsteps downstairs. Dad was sleeping on the couch again. You sigh and shut the book on the desk. You had no motivation to keep reading the chapters. The moon outside told you that maybe it was time to sleep, so you tried to.

         As usual, the same things pop up in your head. False accusations from someone you could trust, separation of family and failure. Another night you considered crying in the pillow until you tired yourself out but tonight wasn't going to be that night. You knew Renjun finished his last final at 7 PM today and he would usually be home by 9 PM due to transportation time. You turned to your side and picked up your phone. An unknowing smile appeared on your lips when you saw Renjun as your lock screen, he was happily smiling as he sat on a picnic blanket. Your fingers move across the screen to unlock your phone and tap the messaging app. Your eyes scanned your most recent texts. Seven hours ago, a text from your college saying that final scores are out. A day ago, your mom asking you if there was milk in the fridge. Five days ago, a text from your ‘friend.’ Your mood soured and you sighed. Thankfully, Renjun's number was conveniently pinned on top of your most recents. Your fingers played across your screen to text him.

Y/N: are you awake right now? Renjun: I just got home, are you okay? Y/N: can i come over? Renjun: Of course, my parents are out on their monthly date night! Y/N: be there in 10 Renjun: I'll meet you at the door...is something wrong? Y/N: I’ll talk about it later Renjun: Alright love :(

You figure it was be best to tell him in person. You rolled off your messy bed to plant your two feet on the floor. You walk over to your closet to put something on to wear. The first thing you grabbed was one of his hoodies he gave you when you two first started going out and a random pair of black pants. You stuffed your keys, wallet and phone into your hoodie before opening your room slightly. Your mom was asleep but your dad called out your name when he heard the door hinges creak.

“Y/N?” You go down the stairs softly and walk down to the couch.

“Where are you going sweetpea? It's kind of late.” His voice was low, as if he just woke up, he probably did. He was always a light sleeper.

“I was going to visit Renjun. He just came back from his last final.” You couldn't lie to your dad and he trusted you enough to tell him the truth always.

“Ah, tell him I said hello,” your father paused before continuing, “keep him around sweetie. He really cares for you.”

You nod and you bid your dad a good night but he's already fast asleep. You sighed and fixed the blanket he had over himself before going to slide on a pair of shoes.You walk out of the door and lock it behind you. You stepped foot out the house and into the night. The sky was dark but littered with stars, mocking you almost. As dark as the sky got, there was always something shining either it be the moon or the stars. You had nothing right now.

         The walk wasn’t too long, only 15 minutes. You walked closer and closer to the white house on the corner of his street. Your feet stopped at his blue mailbox with gold stickers reading out 127 on them. At your feet you see a silhouette in the orange light, your eyes follow it and there was Renjun was sitting on the steps in front of the door. The orange patio light shining from above him. You followed his shoes up his jean clad legs, all the way up to his face buried in his phone. You walk up to him and he looked up at you. He stood up and brought you into a warm hug that you wished could last forever. He mumbled a small, “I missed you so much.” You give him a lazy smile and kiss his cheek.

“Do you want to stay out here or go inside?” He asked while you were still hugging his chest.

Mumbling an “inside,” he let go of you and opened the front door. You two tossed off your shoes before going to his room, hand in hand. The sound of footsteps in sync up the wooden stairs was the only sound that could be heard before he opened his room door.

       �� "When did you rearrange your room?" You said as you stepped into his room. The white walls were lined with his sketches and drawings. A picture of you two was proudly placed on his desk right by his laptop that was playing music at a low volume.

"Just this week, I wanted to face the window at night. Helps me sleep I’ve realized,” he said as you walked around his bed and picked up the couple plushie you bought for you two. You held it in your arms as you sat on his bed. The springs creaking as his dark blue sheets wrinkled under your weight. You giggled before speaking, “to watch out for UFOs?"

"You know me so well but no, the moon and sun reminds me of us." You turned your head to smile at Renjun. He mirrored a similar expression before walking over to the side of the bed you were on.

He crouched down and looked at you, “tell me what's wrong.”

         You explained to him the events of the past week. His heart sank. He wasn't able to be there for you. He was dealing with academic related issues too but he was beating himself over not checking up on you every now and then. He felt guilty but he was there for you now, so, Renjun slowly moved you into his chest. Letting you rest on him. You took this chance to bury your face into his sweater and hug his frame. You felt the tears starting to form. As you kept talking, Renjun would stroke your head and back, trying to provide a sense of comfort and safety for you.

         When you finished spilling your worries out to him, you looked up at him with teary eyes. His thumbs found their way to your cheeks and wiped away the evidence of your sadness. Your eyes fluttered in between his eyes and his lips as he came close to place a soft kiss on your forehead.

“I’m sorry nothing worked out the way you wanted to it,” he mumbled. When he pulled back, you pulled him back in, on the lips. You didn’t know what took over you. All you knew was that you needed something to help you temporarily forget your troubles. He was taken aback at first but gave into you. He closed his eyes and let you do what you needed to do. He blindly pulled the sleeves of his sweater down to his hands. You felt the soft fabric against your cheeks as he wiped the hot tears streaming down your face again. As if Renjun’s entire being was pushing out all the negativity you had inside you, the worries you had washed away each second you two spent against each other.

         You let your arms circle around his neck, your hand weaving themselves in his hair and eventually playing with it while you kissed him. The kiss was soft at first but turned intense.Your nails slightly scratched at his scalp, he felt shivers up his spine. Your noses bumped each others while you deepened the kiss as far as you could with the sudden need of his lips unlike you ever felt before. When you pulled a little too hard on his hair, he groaned and it knocked you out of your trance. You quickly moved away from him. His eyes fluttered open, his lips a deeper hue of pink and his hair, messy. He blinked a few times before looking at you. Your hair was also a mess and your lips looked swollen.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you are you okay?" You worryingly asked, the last thing you wanted to do was hurt him accidentally.

His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer to him, "I'm fine." Your legs dug into his bed at either side of his body. You straightened yourself up as he held your back. You saw his dark eyes glitter in the moonlight as he look up at you. You felt him shift to sit up straight and hold onto your waist now. He let your fingers lace together at your sides before he placed a kiss on your knuckles. He looked up at you through his lashes before trailing his hand up your arm. You sat down in between his legs and he gently moved your hair from your shoulders. His lips brushed against your collarbone before giving it a featherlight kiss.

“Is this alright?” His breath was hot against your skin. You nodded. He felt your hands back in his hair, you unknowingly gripped on it harder and harder but he didn’t mind. It was like encouragement. His lips fell into one area above your collarbone before latching on and leaving harsh kisses, each one feeling like a burn, something you could get addicted to. Your hands went under his sweater to lift it off and to leave him in a plain white t shirt.

         You were wrong about having nothing. The darkest skies in the night had something to hang onto for support. Something to make them feel like a whole. You had Renjun.

i love huang renjun that is all uwu - Chii

Please don’t claim this as your own and please don’t do anything with it without my permission. If you don’t want it happening to you, don’t do it to others.

[kitty35]

The ‘Shy’ Girl

Minho x Reader

Type - Fluff

Warnings - Cursing? IDK

Summary - “I listen, not to not speak, but to hear everyones’ stories” 

~~

I was what people called the Shy Girl. Personally I wouldn't label my self as that. Generally I'm very nice and open to people but also like to listen to what people have to say. "Today we will be reading some of shakesphere-" The teacher went on and on about the play I've already read. My attention was out the window and focused on the two squirls that fought over a nut. I know this contridicts my 'I like to listen to what people have to say' statement but that applies more to stories they lived through and how they thought or what they feel. "Okay, today you'll be working with a partner I assign. You will find similarities from the text to modern life and turn it in for credit." She read out the names. When she got to mine she called out Minho. He was a normal student, not to popular but not at the bottom of the social latter either. I found this funny since he was very handsome. The teacher let us partner up and began working once she finished the list. Minho walked over to my desk with his bag in his hand and sat down. "Hey." He smiled at me. "Hey, so where do you want to start?" I asked while looking through the pack of papers on the desk. "I'm not sure to be honest. I'm not huge on Shakespeare, I prefer more modern books instead of romance and death." "That's understandable, I'm sure no one here except me likes these pieces. I can take the lead and just help you follow along if you'd prefer that." He nodded and we began to work. "Okay, so the idea of Shakespeare's work being modern is no where a modern idea, if that makes sense. His work has always been studied and recreated. So I guess we could find a book like Twilight or something and list all the similarities between it and Romeo and Juliet?" "Yeah, that sounds good." For the rest of class we worked on the list. We had to look up what happened in Twilight since neither of us read it on our own, but it was still a fun project. "Hey, (y/n), do you want to go grab some coffee with me after school or something?" Minho asked as we packed everything up. "Yeah, that'd be fun." I smiled at him and gave him my number before leaving after the bell. "(Y/n)! Let's hang out today!" My best friend Felix exclaimed while bouncing over to me in the halls. "I need help studying on a test tomorrow." "Sorry bub, but I already made plans." "Plans? With out me?" He placed a hand over his heart to fain hurt. "Shut it, I'm going for coffee with Minho." "Ooo~ I think you'll really like him." I rolled my eyes and walked into the art room for our next class. Eventually the school day ended and I went to my car to drop Felix off at his house. We blasted music the whole way while screaming the lyrics. "I'll text you later." I called out to him while he got out of the car. He nodded and went into his house while waving at me. Once the door closed I started the drive back to my house. I parked the car and went inside to greet my mom. After grabbing a snack I went to my room to change my outfit. I went from my school uniform to a simple black and white stripped over size long sleeved shirt tucked into a pair of high wasted vintage shorts. I decided on simple white converse and pulled my hair into a cute ponytail with sunglasses that matched everything. 'Hey, it's (y/n)' I sent to Minho over text. 'what coffee shop do you want to meet at and when?' ' is GroundZero at 4 good? The one a few blocks away from the school building?' He responded a few minutes later. 'Yeah, that'll be perfect. I'll meet you there' Looking at the clock, I realized it was 30 minutes away from 4 so I decided to just go now and draw a little while there. "I'm going out with a friend, I'll be back later!" I called out while going towards the garage. "Are you going to be back for diner?" "I'm not sure." "Okay, just text your father when you're headed home." "Okay!" I then grabbed my bag with a sketchbook and some pen and pencils in it and headed out the door. The drive didn't take that long and I soon found myself at the cute coffee shop. The floors were wood as well as the counters. Matching tables littered the room with comfy chairs around them. Plants hung off the walls and sat on shelf's. The only lights were from fairy lights that were strung up on the ceiling. Despite the lack of fake lights, there was a wall of long windows that let the pale and diffused light from outside flow in. It wasn't over powering since it was rainy outside, but it was a nice soft light. A sign said 'seat yourself' so I decided to take a table next to the window. By now the rain had started to drizzle as I took out my sketchbook and began to draw people who sat close to me. I drew the ones who spoke, having found what they said interesting but never speaking back since they weren't talking to me. After I drew the people I wrote down what they were talking about and a story behind it. "Hey, how long have you been here?" Minho called out as I saw him slip into the seat in front of me. "Not long." I smiled although that was a lie. I wasn't fully sure how long I had been sitting here. It couldn't have been too long but I've watched people come and go and heard many different things from them. "I just wanted the beat the rain, you know?" "Yeah, I wish I thought like that." He laughed while I noticed how some of his hair was flattened against his head from the light rain. I just giggled at that as a person came over and took our orders. "So you draw?" He asked once she left, seeing the open book. "Yeah, it was just a pass time at first but I grew to love it since I can create, or even re-create, stories I hear or come up with." "That's really cool. I'd ask if I could look but I know how some people are about it." "I don't mind." I smiled while closing the book and handing it to him. He smiled back and began to look through the pages. "These are amazing, did you come up with all these ideas?" I could only assume he was talking about the stories on the side of the people. "They're actually stories I've heard people tell." "That's really cool." Eventually, he handed the book back to me and we began to talk about whatever came to our minds. "You know, I always thought you were a shy person who just listened to people cause you didn't know how to talk." He chuckled. "I get that a lot, but I listen, not to not speak, but to hear everyones’ stories. To me it's a lot more interesting hearing other people talk about things I've never experienced or even heard about then to hear myself talk about something no one probably cares about." "I wish more people were like you." "Why, so you could hear yourself talk more?" I joked around earning a laugh from him. "No, just because a lot of people don't care about anything if it doesn't regard them. I just think people could live better if they actually cared about other people." "I agree. You have no idea how many people I've talked to who just go on and on about the smallest thing that happens to everyone." I paused, "That came out weird." "I know what you mean." We just laughed again as our coffee was set down on the table. "Okay, let's change the topic. Who do you think the worst celebrity is to have diner with?" I asked with a smile on my face while reaching for my cup. "I'd have to say Miley Cyrus in her Wrecking Ball phase." "I'd say Post Malone." "Care to explain?" "I just don't think we'd get along, what about you?" "The same reason." The conversation continued and eventually the sun began to set. My phone started to ring and looking down, I noticed it was my dad. "I'm sorry, I have to take this. It's my dad." Minho nodded and I excused myself then clicked answer. "Hey dad." "Hey, where are you? It's past 8." "It is?" I asked, pulling the phone away from my face to look at the time. He was correct, it was 8:23, "I'm so sorry. I just lost track of time. I'll head home now." "It's okay your mom and I were just worried. Take your time and drive safely." "Okay. See you when I get home." I then hung up and went back to the table. Once there I noticed Minho already paid. "I paid for you, hope you don't mind." He smiled while standing up. "Not at all, but let me leave the tip then." He nodded while I placed a ten on the table. "I'll walk you to your car." We talked a little bit more as we went to the parking lot. The rain had let up a little but now. "This was fun, we should do it again some time." I smiled at him while he nodded. Before I got in my car I gave him a quick 'good-bye' hug then drove off. Minho stood there with a blush on his cheeks for a few seconds before smiling and walking to his car.

[hovercraft79]

We Danced Anyway

6th in the Hecate’s Summer Playlist series

Chapters: 2

Word Count: 14,578

Fandom: The Worst Witch (TV 2017)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Some violence, mentions of alcohol abuse, Hecate still thinks Pippa can do better

Summary:

Hecate and Pippa try to find their footing as a couple with the help of their friends and family. But nothing is ever easy and circumstances beyond their control keep trying to pull them apart.

Notes:

This is the 6th installment of my take on the Summer Trope Challenge. It will make much more sense if you’ve read the first ones. I’ve also been slowly adding the earlier ones to my new account on AO3. They can be found in all the TWW2017 stuff there or under Hovercraft79.

The title this week comes from a song by Deana Carter. There’s also a bit of the old Johnny Rivers song ‘Swayin’ to the Music’ in there.

Thank you for all of the encouraging comments that you’ve been sending. It’s great to get those little boosts when you’re stuck in the middle of a story.

Sparky is still hanging in there editing for me, for which I’m truly grateful. I promise I’ll study up on the proper use of semi-colons.

Chapter 1

The sunlight streaming through the windows finally pulled Hecate awake. Sort of. She rolled over, squinting in the too bright light, frowning. It had to be well past her usual waking hour. She stretched her arm out and found only empty sheets. No Pippa. The disappointment weighed heavier than she expected.

She dragged herself into a seated position, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Mornings were not Hecate Hardbroom’s best time of day. With a face-cracking yawn, she wrapped herself in a nubby blanket and staggered into her sitting room. With luck she would find Pippa and a cup of tea.

Shuffling through the door, she found not only Pippa, but Mildred and Julie as well. Mildred and Pippa were playing a game of chess, while Julie sat on the sofa, the day’s newspapers scattered around her. Everyone still wore their pajamas.

“Good morn – oh, Hecate…love, come sit down.” Julie hopped off the sofa and guided the groggy witch into her spot. “Do you want a cuppa? Or maybe a coffee?” She patted Hecate on the shoulder. “Sit tight, I’ll bring you some coffee.” She pulled a horrified face at Pippa.

“HB,” Mildred giggled, “your hair.” A purple ‘Hello Kitty’ plaster covered the cut on her forehead.

Hecate scowled and pulled the blanket tighter around her, well aware that her hair was a riot of frizz and tangles. She blamed Pippa, who’d insisted she leave her hair down last night instead of putting it in her usual braid for sleeping. Of course, the braid would have made it all but impossible for Pippa to card her fingers through it while she whispered soothing words of comfort to Hecate until she fell asleep.

“Don’t you listen to them, Hiccup,” Pippa said, stepping across the room and giving Hecate a kiss on the cheek. “You’re absolutely beautiful.”

Hecate snorted and started to say something, but a steaming mug of coffee appeared in her field of vision. She gave Julie a grateful look and sipped, reveling in the near-instant rush of caffeine in her veins. Julie swept the newspapers to the side and joined her on the sofa.

There was a soft knock at the door and Pippa, since she was already up, went to answer it.

Dimity stood on the other side, looking none the worse for wear after their harrowing broomstick flight back from Frankfurt. “Good morning, you lot!” She caught sight of Hecate. “Oh, my hat, Hecate. Is that what you look like in the mornings?” She smirked. “Or only the mornings after Pentangle stays over.”

That got an eye rolled in her direction. Hecate never stopped sipping her coffee, but Dimity suddenly felt her arms start to itch. Then her legs. She tried to pretend it wasn’t happening, but when the itching spread to more…sensitive…areas, she caved.

“All right! I take it back!” Dimity clawed at her arms and legs and desperately – desperately – tried to keep her hands away from the other itchy spots. “I’m sorry! Merlin’s beard, Pippa, make her stop!”

“Darling…” Pippa chided.

Dimity relaxed as the itch subsided – at least until Pippa kept speaking.

“It’ll be more fun if you wait until she’s in public to use the itching hex.”

“Pentangle! You look all innocent and pink, but you’re just as bad as Lady Darkness!”

“And don’t you forget it,” Pippa purred.

Dimity gestured rudely at both Hecate and Pippa, sending Mildred into another fit of giggles.

“Isn’t there something in that Witches’ Code you lot keep going on about that has to do with setting a good example?” Julie held a section of newspaper in front of Mildred’s face. “Don’t look at them, Millie-bear. I want to keep you innocent and sweet.”

“Are you here for something other than comic relief?” Hecate growled.

“What? Oh, yeah,” Dimity’s voice turned serious. “The Great Wizard will be here in about half an hour. He wants to speak with all of us.” She tilted her chin towards Pippa. “You as well, Pentangle.”

“What were you even thinking!” the Great Wizard roared. “Interfering with the Council’s investigation of the matter? Putting a child in danger? Engaging in an unauthorized rescue mission? Frankly, you are all behaving as if you’re in one of those ridiculous American action films.” He slammed his hand on the table, jerking Miss Bat awake. They were all seated around one of the student tables in the dining hall while the Great Wizard stalked the floor around them, a power-move no doubt meant to make them feel suitably chastised.

Mildred, Julie and Marigold had been summarily dismissed from the meeting – there was no need for children and non-magicals to be present, they’d been told. Steaming, they’d returned to the infirmary, Julie Hubble only cooperating after Hecate’s whispered promise to tell her everything that went on.

“Somebody had to do something – those wazzocks at the Council haven’t done a blasted thing!” Mr. Rowan-Webb slapped the table to make his own point.

“With all due respect, Your Greatness,” Ada cut her eyes to Algie, mentally willing him to silence. “I believe what Mr. Rowan-Webb is trying to say is that none of this was part of any organized plan.” She bobbed her head back and forth. “Well, except perhaps for retrieving Hecate and the others, but, I feel I must point out that I did try to contact you and the council and was put on hold.”

“That’s true,” Hecate added. “I certainly would not have taken Mildred Hubble on any sort of dangerous mission…” Strictly speaking, that was true. Hecate chose her next words carefully, “We were only there to visit Miss Mould. She had been Mildred’s favorite teacher and she did give up her magic for the girl, for all of us.” She left that reminder hanging in the air for a moment, before continuing. “It’s hardly our fault that someone decided to kidnap her while we were there.”

“Surely, Egbert, you can’t fault us for getting them back?” Pippa asked.

“Miss Pentangle, I don’t understand why you are even involved in all of this nonsense.” He watched Pippa’s arm move as her hand obviously slid over to rest on Hecate’s thigh. “Oh, good grief!” He rolled is eyes, looking up at the ceiling as he figured out why Pippa was involved. “But, I thought…” He looked at Hecate, frowning, then at Ada, then back at Hecate. “You and Ada aren’t…” He cleared his throat. “Never mind.”

“You aren’t the only one that called that one wrong,” Dimity muttered under her breath.

Hecate’s eyebrows had practically ceased being attached to her forehead. This conversation was not happening. She could feel the heat radiating up from her chest. She leaned over to Pippa and hissed, “Tell me there is something in modern magic that can put a stop to this ridiculous blushing.”

“I’m afraid not, darling,” Pippa whispered, “and even if there were, I wouldn’t tell you. You’re much too lovely when you blush.”

Dimity snorted. “You could shag it out of your system,” she muttered again, much too loudly.

Hecate’s eye bugged. She flicked the itching hex back at Dimity, who sucked in a breath and immediately began squirming in her chair, hands gripping the edge of the table. Hecate’s lips quirked up in a tiny smile.

“You will know my wrath, Hardbroom,” Dimity whispered through gritted teeth.

“Ladies…” Ada raised a disapproving eyebrow at the three of them, calling them out like a trio of naughty first-years. Hecate dropped the spell immediately. Dimity’s explosive sigh of relief caused Mr. Rowan-Webb’s beard to flutter against his chest. Ada turned her attention back to the Great Wizard. “Has the Council learned anything beyond what we’ve told them?” A tiny dig, yes, but Ada knew Egbert would feel it.

“No,” he said, pulling out a chair at the head of the table and sitting down. “We’ve searched Gullet Manor, there’s no sign of any of them – nor the potion or picture.” He narrowed his eyes at Hecate. “I know you were coerced into making the potion, Miss Hardbroom, though it does seem to be something of a trend with you…” He held up his hands to quiet the protests of everyone else at the table. “Enough! How long until the potion loses its potency? I assume they must use it within a certain time or it won’t be effective?”

“It won’t work at all,” Hecate said, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. “I didn’t brew it properly. I shifted a couple of things just enough…It should still look right, and taste right, I believe, but it won’t add anything to the Emancipation Spell.” A slow smile of satisfaction spread over her features. “It will give them a rather unpleasant case of gastric distress, I’m afraid.”

“Oh, that’s bloody brilliant, HB.” Dimity was impressed – but also rethinking her plan for vengeance.

“Yes, that is good news,” the Great Wizard huffed. “It also means that you are likely still a target, Miss Hardbroom.” He leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard in thought. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to request that everyone remain here at Cackle’s, under the protection of my personal guard.”

The table erupted in protest. Algie stood so fast that he overturned his chair. Even Miss Bat protested the confinement and she hardly left the castle.

“Are you placing us under house arrest?” Ada asked once things had quieted down a bit.

“I can’t stay here, Egbert, I have to be at Pentangles to prepare for the new term.” Pippa added.

“It violates the Code, Your Greatness. Holding witches – or wizards – against their will is a clear violation unless they are accused of a crime,” added Miss Bat.

“You aren’t under arrest, for Merlin’s sake, I’m trying to protect you!” The Great Wizard pushed away from the table and started pacing again. “I don’t have to tell you that revenge is likely, do I Miss Hardbroom? They abducted Miss Mould and Mildred Hubble. Even if they don’t want to force you to brew another batch of the potion, you are at risk, as is everyone you care about.”

“Might I suggest a compromise, Your Greatness?” Ada stood up to address them all. “I’m sorry, Hecate, but I fear he may be right and I would rather err on the side of caution. Would it be acceptable for us to sleep at Cackle’s – the Hubbles and Marigold as well – watched over by your guards? In the daytime, people would be free to attend their business, so long as no one went anywhere alone. Certainly, we would inform one of your guards when we leave and when we return. Would that work?”

Egbert studied the six angry faces staring up at him. A compromise they might follow certainly seemed preferable to orders they would not. “It would. Miss Pentangle? You may return to your school, but I expect a direct transfer between the schools – no broom unless under guard.” She nodded her agreement. “I suppose the Hubble woman will need to…go to work?”

“She’s off for a couple of days,” Hecate supplied, “but then, yes. We can transfer her directly to hospital when necessary.”

“Very well.” The Great Wizard clapped his hands together. “Now, it should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: leave this inquiry to professionals. You are no longer involved.”

“Yes, Your Greatness,” Ada said as he transferred away. Once he’d gone she slumped down in her chair. Algie escorted Gwen to their rooms, muttering to himself as they left. “I suppose that was no less than we could expect, given the circumstances.”

“I feel like I’m fourteen and me mum’s grounded me for something I didn’t do,” Dimity said. “If you don’t need me for anything, I think I’ll go have a kip before dinner.” She gave them all a tight smile before leaving.

A heavy silence settled over them. Hecate stared at her hands as they twisted in her lap, pointedly ignoring Pippa and Ada. After several long moments of silence, she spoke, still looking down. “This is my fault, Ada. I’m sorry. I should have just made the potion.”

“How can you say that?” Ada asked, louder than she intended. “You’ve kept Agatha and Miss Gullet safely contained. May I remind you that they tried to kill several students and destroy the school?”

“And now I’ve put everyone in danger! You heard what the Great Wizard said: I’m a target and so is everyone around me.” She closed her eyes, willing her voice to be steady before she spoke again. “I’ll submit my resignation immediately and be gone before the new term begins.”

“Hiccup!”

“You most certainly will not! I won’t accept it!” Ada glanced helplessly at Pippa, but the younger witch looked like she was having apoplexy.

“Ada…”

“NO! I won’t allow it,” Ada snapped. “This school needs you, Hecate. All those girls need you. I need you. As much as you may try to convince yourself that you are the awkward outsider here, that simply is not true. You are the glue that holds Cackle’s together. You’re the glue that holds me together, and I refuse to allow Agatha to take that away.”

Hecate’s eyes filled with tears and she leaned forward, elbows on the table, cradling her head in her hands. “Please, Ada…”

“No.” Ada slapped the table. “Look at me, Hecate.” She waited for her Deputy to raise her head. “I want you to swear to me, on the Code, that you will not do anything foolish – specifically, no running away, no disappearing, no resignations. You will remain right here in your position.”

“I can’t do that-”

“You can, and you will. There is almost a month until the new term begins. That’s more than enough time for his Arrogance to figure out what’s going on, but rest assured, I have no intention of leaving this whole thing to the Council. If we haven’t sorted this out by then and it appears there may be a legitimate danger, then and only then, we can discuss a temporary leave of absence.” She slid a hand across the table, palm up. “Promise me, Hecate.”

With a shuddering breath, Hecate grasped Ada’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “If it ever looks like the girls will be at risk…”

“We’ll keep them safe. As well as you. Now, on the Code.”

Hecate glanced at Pippa, who had a vise-like grip on her bicep and was nodding encouragingly. “I swear by the Code. I won’t leave – not without your permission.” She didn’t expect the promise to come with such a sense of relief.

“Thank the Goddess,” Pippa said, dropping her head to rest on Hecate’s shoulder. Ada Cackle: Hecate Whisperer, she thought, vowing to bring Ada the biggest box of chocolates she could find. “Thank you, Hiccup. You know that Ada’s right.”

Hecate neither agreed nor disagreed. “Are you going to Pentangle’s?” she asked, tangling the fingers of her free hand with Pippa’s.

“I’m afraid I have to, at least for a bit.”

“Good. I…I want you to stay there.” She almost couldn’t get the words out. Almost.

“Hiccup…”

“I mean it, Pippa. I don’t want you to come back here. Stay at Pentangle’s.” She pulled her hands free. “I’m going to my rooms.” She raised her hand and transferred.

Pippa and Ada shared a worried glance. “She never sees the good she does.” Pippa rested her chin in her hand, tracing Hecate’s name onto the tabletop with a pink fingernail.

“But she takes blame when she shouldn’t,” Ada added. She leaned across the table, blue eyes twinkling. “What time will you be back? Should I save a plate for you?”

“You should probably save a guest room for me, just in case.” She tried to smile. “How about I bring back some pizzas when I come back?” Ada clapped an enthusiastic agreement. “Will you keep an eye on her today? I know she promised, but…” Pippa didn’t want to say that she didn’t trust Hecate not to run, but it was hard to ignore the fear squirming in the pit of her stomach.

“Have faith, Miss Pentangle. She usually gets it right sooner or later.”

“It’s the later that has me worried.” She concentrated on her office at Pentangle’s and disappeared.

  Sprawled across her bed, Hecate cried until she couldn’t cry any more. Toxic. Belladonna, hemlock, foxglove, Hecate Hardbroom – dangerous for anyone else. Damn Pippa Pentangle for making her think that anything else was possible and damn Ada Cackle for making her swear on the Code that she wouldn’t leave. Three weeks, she thought, I have three weeks to convince Ada that I must leave.

She rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling as the light from the window began to fade. Her eyes burned, sticky and gritty. Enough, she thought. It was time to stop wallowing. A witch does not whine when things don’t go her way. She forced herself to sit up, uncomfortable in her dress. Hecate opened her cupboard, intending to change into a looser skirt. Instead, almost of their own volition, Hecate’s hands pulled out Julie Hubble’s t-shirt and joggers she’d borrowed. Her breath hitched as she magicked herself into them.

Hecate transferred herself into her sitting room where she came face to face with the remains of Pippa and Mildred’s chess game and Julie’s newspapers. She flicked her wrist and returned the room to its usual tidy state. “That’s better,” she said to herself. Except that it wasn’t. She’d grown…used to…life in the Hubble flat. At some point it quit feeling crowded and noisy and became intimately, boisterously, familiar. Her own rooms now felt stark and empty in comparison.

A soft knock came at the door, pulling Hecate out of her reverie. Hecate opened the door to reveal Ada and the Hubbles. “Ada?”

“Good evening, Hecate.” Ada ushered the Hubbles into Hecate’s rooms, past a gaping Hecate.

Julie took in Hecate’s red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. As Ada made her way to Hecate’s study, she slipped an arm through Hecate’s. “I’ll be okay, love. None of this is your fault.”

“Yes, Ms. Hubble, I believe this will be much better than the infirmary, or one of the guest rooms.” Ada waved her hands and Hecate’s desk and bookshelves disappeared to be replaced by a bed and night tables.

“What…what is she doing?” Hecate whispered.

“Apparently, Mum there, wants, and I quote, ‘all her girls together.’ Once you lot finished with the Big Wizard, she bundled us out of the infirmary sharpish and marched us down here.” Julie pressed Hecate’s arm against her side. “If you don’t mind me saying, you look like you could use the company.”

“I…but…” Hecate looked at Julie, then at Mildred who was smiling at them from the sofa, looking for all the world like she’d just arrived at a slumber party. She should be angry that Ada would presume to move the Hubbles into her quarters, but it was hard to ignore the fact that her traitorous heart was already welcoming them into her sanctuary. “Even if I did mind, you would still say it,” Hecate huffed. “I suppose that will be acceptable.” And maybe it will fill a portion of the void that Pippa’s absence would create tonight.

“That’s all taken care of,” Ada said, brushing her hands on her jumper. “During stressful times it’s always preferable to be surrounded by family.” Ada frowned. “Well, unless, of course, it’s your family that causes the stress.”

“I promised you I wouldn’t leave, Ada.”

“I know you did, dear, and I believe you.” Ada stared Hecate down over her glasses. “At least until you think of a way to get around your promise without technically breaking it.” Hecate opened her mouth to argue, then shut it. What was the point? Ada was probably right. “Now, we’ve had pizza delivered for dinner. Let’s make our way to the kitchens, shall we?”

Julie kept her arm threaded through Hecate’s so that the witch would have to join them. “She won’t leave, Miss Cackle.” Julie glared at Hecate. “She would never do that to Millie. Would you?”

Hecate followed along silently until… “What about Marigold?”

Ada paused at the doorway. “Miss Drill volunteered to host Miss Mould in her quarters.”

“Oh, did she?” Hecate desperately tried to sound nonchalant but was utter rubbish at it.

“I thought that might cheer you up,” Julie whispered. “We’re going to have to keep an eye on that development.”

“Indeed.”

 Pippa spread the pizza boxes out on the kitchen table and then summoned up plates, napkins and a few more chairs. The pizza smelled wonderful; Pippa’s mouth should have been watering in anticipation, but it wasn’t. She was afraid that if she tried to eat anything at all it would just come straight back up.

Miss Bat materialized beside her. “Well met, Miss Pentangle. Ada thought you might could use a little help?”

Pippa forced a smile. “It’s all sorted, Miss Bat. Thank you.”

“Yes, I can see that,” Gwen said, lowering herself onto one of the chairs. “I’ve been meaning to tell you…I’m so pleased that you and Hecate have been able to reconcile. Thirty years is a long time to be without the person you’re meant to be with.”

“It was,” Pippa said, wishing she were anywhere but there. She started to make her excuses before remembering that Miss Bat was the only person here who knew what Pippa was going through. “I suppose you’d know all about that,” she said as she lowered herself into the chair next to Gwen. “I didn’t think things would be so hard.”

Gwen chuckled softly. “No, I daresay I didn’t, either. It certainly didn’t turn out to be all rainbows and rosehips.” She placed a comforting hand on Pippa’s arm. “Some days I think that the waiting was the easiest part.”

“It’s…difficult,” Pippa admitted. “It’s as though we take two steps backwards for every step forward we manage. Now she’s pushing me away again.”

“She’s afraid, dear. For someone whose entire adult life has been wrapped up in this school, a great deal has happened to her over the past few months. She’s bound to stumble whilst she’s trying to find her feet.  I don’t think I’m betraying any confidences when I say that dealing with Hecate has always required a certain amount of…patience?”

“She’s worth it, though,” Pippa defended.

“Oh, I’ve always thought so, dear. She’s something quite special once you’ve managed to get beneath all the ways she protects herself.” Gwen opened a box of pizza and took out a slice of pepperoni. “I so love pizza – shame Miss Tapioca won’t prepare it for the school.” She took a bite, closing her eyes in pleasure. “I know…” she swallowed, “I know that you expected everything to be perfect once you came back together again. It’s what I expected, it’s what Algie expected. But no relationship is perfect, dear. If you think back honestly to the time before you were apart, I think you’ll find it wasn’t perfect then, either.”

“No, it wasn’t. I still had to be patient.”

“I’ll wager she had to be patient with you sometimes as well.” Pippa ducked her head, mumbling an agreement. “I’ll let you in on my secret for getting through the rough patches now. Every day I remind myself that the worst moments with Algie are better than the best moments without him.”

“I thought I told you to stay at Pentangle’s.”

Pippa whirled around to find Hecate standing in the kitchen doorway, arm linked with Julie Hubble. “I…you did…”

“Then what are you doing here? I told you to leave!” She freed herself from Julie’s grip.

Pippa managed a few steps towards Hecate before Hecate’s magic rooted her in place. “Hiccup! What are you doing?” She watched in helpless fury as Hecate raised her hands. “Don’t you dare! Hecate Hardbroom! Don’t you dare trans-”

“I’m sorry, Pip,” Hecate whispered to the empty place where Pippa had been just a moment earlier.

“Oh, Hecate,” Ada sighed. “What have you done?”

Hecate’s eyes darted from one shocked face to another before she winked out of sight.

 She knew she shouldn’t have been able to do it, and on any other day that would probably be true. But emotions could fuel magic, if they were strong enough – and right now Pippa Pentangle was one powerfully angry witch. She’d felt Hecate’s transference spell coming before it arrived and she’d redirected it, wrenching herself out of the course for Pentangle’s and into Hecate’s living room.

It wasn’t pretty, though. She’d landed hard, overturning the coffee table and stumbling into the fireplace. She was clutching at the mantel, trying to regain her equilibrium when she felt Hecate materialize behind her.

“Pippa?”

“Do. Not. Transfer. Me. Again.” Pippa ground out, still leaning against the fireplace. “You know how much I hate that.”

Hecate magicked the coffee table back into place. “Are you all right?”

“No, I’m not all right, Hecate! What on earth makes you think that this is all right?” She spun around to face Hecate, moving a bit quicker than was wise, perhaps. A wave of nausea washed over her, but she shook it off and kept on. “Do you remember that night after the Spelling Bee?” Hecate wrapped her arms around herself and nodded. “I told you I wanted us back and you said you wanted that as well. Was it a lie?”

“No…” Hecate whispered, eyes locked on the floor.

“Good! Because here we are – together. We’ve managed to pull off what so many people dream about and you’re throwing it away. Again!” She sucked in a lungful of air, willing herself to calm down, willing herself to be patient. “I told you then that I would never demand anything of you, Hecate, save one thing. What was it?”

“That if we…if we tried again I had to swear that I wouldn’t disappear again.” Hecate looked up, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I am not disappearing.”

“No. You’re pushing me away – no, literally magicking me away from you and absolving yourself of any guilt because technically you didn’t go anywhere. It’s the same thing, Hecate.”

“I know what I promised, Pippa, and I shouldn’t have made it because sooner or later I always, always bring pain to the people I care about! Look at Mildred Hubble! She’s already been hurt just because she was with me.”

“What a load of toadspawn!” Pippa plowed into Hecate’s personal space, chest-bumping her backwards until Hecate plopped onto the sofa, staring up at a whirlwind of fury in faded jeans and a pink peasant top.  “When are you going to get it through that thick skull of yours that it’s the abandonment that hurts us, Hiccup, not the rest. In a week’s time Mildred will have forgotten all about that bump on her head. How long do you think it would take her to get over someone she loves like a parent abandoning her without a word? A year? Ten years? Never?”

“Children lose parents all the time, Pippa. I did.”

“Yes. You did. And look what it did to you. Look what it did to us.” Her voice dropped to barely more than a whisper. “I can’t do this again, Hecate. I won’t survive it a second time.” She dropped her arms to her sides and shrugged. “If that means I have to follow you into whatever this darkness is, then so be it.”

“You can’t mean that, Pipsqueak.”

“I’ve never meant anything more in my life, Hiccup. Then, now and always, darling, not best two out of three. I’m like a moth drawn to a flame, I have to be with you.”

“But the moth dies, Pippa!” Hecate shouted.

“Well that was a bad example, Hecate!” She shouted back, before throwing her hands in the air and turning her back to the sofa. The room hung in silence for a moment before Pippa heard Hecate giggling softly behind her. She turned around and soon they were both giggling.

“I don’t like it when we fight, Pip,” Hecate said, wiping tears from her eyes. “It scares me.”

“I don’t like it either, but we can’t be afraid to argue.” Pippa climbed onto the sofa with Hecate, straddling her hips and pushing her further back into the cushions. “You have to accept that, whatever comes our way, we are in it together. Then, rather than wasting your time and energy trying to change something I won’t change, you can point that big brain of yours towards making sure we both survive it.” Pippa stared down at her, giving her time to process what she’d said. “The sooner you agree that I’m right, the sooner I can kiss you.”

Hecate tucked loose blonde strands behind Pippa’s ear. “Together. Then, now, and always. That’s what I want, Pip, that’s – “

She didn’t get to finish because Pippa was kissing her – hard and desperate while her hands tangled themselves in Hecate’s hair.

Hecate opened her mouth, deepening the kiss while her own hands roamed across Pippa’s denim covered hips and thighs. Pippa made low, throaty noises that pulled at something deep in Hecate’s belly, her own moans keeping time.

“Let’s see how Hecate is doing – OH!” Julie froze in the doorway, slapping a hand across Mildred’s eyes. Hecate was clearly doing just fine. “Yeah, okay, Millie-bear. Let’s go visit Miss Cackle in her office. We’ll let her know that Hecate and Pippa worked things out.” She took one last look at the women on the sofa as she dragged Mildred back into the hallway. Definitely working things out, she thought with a cheeky grin. She slammed the door closed just as she saw Hecate’s hand making its way underneath Pippa’s top.

  Pippa’s head popped up at the sound of the door slamming. “What was that?” The faint sound of footsteps and giggling faded in the hallway.

Hecate groaned at the loss of contact. “My roommates?” Pippa choked out a noise of surprise. “Ada moved the Hubbles in with me this afternoon.” She fluttered her fingers across Pippa’s bare stomach. “They’re meant to keep me from running, no doubt.”

“Good for Ada.” Pippa pushed herself sideways, flopping on to the sofa next to Hecate and lacing their fingers together. “So, roommates…” She huffed out an exasperated breath. “At least you got to…feel a little skin? before they showed up.”

“I’m sure I could ask them to go back to the infirmary, or one of the guest rooms, but…”

“You’ve gotten used to having them around.”

Hecate nodded. “Believe me when I say I’m just as surprised as anyone.” She gestured to herself. “Besides, I don’t know why you’d even be interested. I look an absolute disaster and I’m wearing jogging bottoms.”

“Even so, you make me feel like a randy teenager.” Pippa brought their linked hands up to her lips and kissed Hecate’s knuckles. “Besides, if I haven’t spontaneously combusted by now, it’s not likely to happen in the next few days.”

“Few days?”

“Or weeks, or months or years…However long it takes for both of us to be ready. I can wait as along as I need to, Hiccup, as long as I’m waiting with you.” Oops, that did it, Pippa thought, as Hecate’s eyes filled with tears and she clutched their still-linked hands to her chest.

Pippa leaned over and pressed a kiss to Hecate’s cheek. “Why don’t we go find the girls? I bet they went to Ada’s.” She stood up, pulling Hecate with her. She wrapped her free arm around Hecate’s waist and pulled her in for another long, slow kiss. And then another. And another.

“Find the girls,” Hecate panted when they finally came up for air. “That sounds like a good idea,” Hecate said, gripping Pippa’s hand firmly. “And Pippa? I don’t want to wait years.”

  They materialized just outside Miss Cackle’s office; by unspoken agreement they both refused to acknowledge the presence of the guards sent by the Great Wizard. Raised voices and raucous laughter bled into the hallway; they could hear it before they’d even fully appeared. Pippa knocked, but it was obvious that no one heard it.

“Do you think they’re having a party?” Pippa asked.

“If there is a party, I wasn’t invited so…probably?”

“Stop.” She bumped Hecate’s hip with their joined hands. She cocked her head to the side, recognizing a particularly male laugh. “I think that’s Peter’s voice.”

Hecate looked down at her clothes, suddenly self-conscious. Pippa sensed her concern at once. “Here, darling, let me.” She freed her hand and waved it over Hecate. When she finished, the joggers and t-shirt remained, but she now sported a matching black hoodie, tailored to flatter Hecate’s curves. “There, still comfy, but a tad bit less ‘lazy Saturday’ than before.” Pippa smiled. “Lovely as ever, though, darling.” She pushed the door open.

Peter and Mildred were sitting opposite each other, shoes off, staring intently across the gap between them. Ada stood in the center, black handkerchief held aloft. “On my mark…Ready…set…go!” She swung the handkerchief down. Immediately, Peter and Mildred ripped their socks off, swapping them from one foot to the other and racing to get them back on. Off to the sides, Julie, Marigold and Dimity cheered Mildred on while Peter good-naturedly cheered for himself. Suddenly, he leapt to his feet, jumping up and down, fist pumping in the air. The women burst into laughter and light booing.

“Pippa!” He shouted, pulling her into a loose hug. “Boo all you want, witches. My sister will cheer for me. Won’t you, sis?”

“Wonderful, we’ve just gotten started.” Ada waved them in. “We thought a little levity was in order after our recent difficulties. Join us, Hecate? Pippa?”

“P-P-Party games? I don’t play party games.” Hecate glared at Ada’s jumbled office, the brightly colored cards stacked on the coffee table, Mildred Hubble’s hopeful eyes staring up at her. Hecate narrowed her eyes at the girl, scowling her best Hardbroom scowl. Mildred giggled. “Very well,” she huffed. Apparently, she did play party games.

“Come on, Hiccup, let’s have a bit of fun.” Pippa pulled her into the room and settled her in a chair next to Julie.

Julie wasted no time in leaning over to whisper in Hecate’s ear. “You’re looking well snogged.” She laughed so loud she could barely hear the hideously offensive names Hecate was calling her.

“Great,” Peter said, clapping his hands. “My turn to draw.” He magicked two more slips of paper into the bowl they were using to draw names and mixed them in before dramatically pulling two new ones. “Okay, the next battle royale is between…” Dimity and Marigold started a drumroll on the coffee table… “Hecate and Dimity!”

Hecate looked frantically around for some sort of escape but didn’t find it. Julie laughed even harder.

“Don’t worry, HB, you can take her.” Mildred rolled a multi-colored die and picked a card. “Rock, Paper, Scissors challenge!” She shouted, holding up the card. “Best two out of three.”

“Easy victory! Easy victory!” Dimity stood up, shaking her arms loose. “So, Hardbroom, do we need to explain the rules?”

Hecate stood, ramrod straight, imperious as ever, like she was wearing her usual tight dress and heels instead of a jogging suit and slippers. “Certainly not, Miss Drill. Save your energy – you’ll need it to help you carry the burden of your defeat.”

“OOOH!” That got the crowd going.

Hecate unzipped her hoodie and slowly removed it. “Pipsqueak, dear, would you mind?” She held out the jacket and Pippa took it readily, watching as Hecate made a great show of stretching before the match. Great Merlin’s ghost, Pippa thought, she is just so extra. The fact that Hecate looked super-hot in the faded gray Pink Floyd t-shirt was just a bonus.

“OY! Is that my t-shirt? I’ve looked all over the flat for that!” Julie scolded. “I say if Dimity wins I get my t-shirt back. Now.”

“Well, I guess I’ll be enjoying my new shirt then.” Hecate smirked. “Shall we?”

Dimity stepped up, not as confident as she was a moment ago. “You really know how to play, Hecate?”

“It’s a simple children’s game, Miss Drill. Contrary to widely held belief, I was a child once.” She held her hands ready, Dimity did the same.  “One, two, three!” Hecate threw down paper while Dimity played rock. “Statistically speaking, one should always lead with paper, Miss Drill.”

“Woo-hoo, Hiccup! High pent!” Pippa slapped Hecate’s palm.

“All right, I’ll give you that one, HB.” Dimity counted off this time. She played rock again, gambling that Hecate wouldn’t repeat paper. She lost.

“So predictable. I believe that’s the match, Dimity,” she said, grinning broadly as she slapped her open hand over Dimity’s fist. She ran her hand down her sides. “I think I like my new t-shirt,” she said, giving Julie her cheekiest smile.

“All right, Hecate, congratulations,” Dimity said, offering a hand. “You draw the next names.”

The next game turned out to be a ridiculous all-group challenge called Chubby Bunny that involved seeing who could fit the most marshmallows in their mouth at once while still being able to say, ‘chubby bunny.’ Hecate had bowed out early, citing her obvious disadvantage playing such a game against Dimity, who managed a rude gesture even with her hands full of marshmallows. Shockingly, it was Pippa who just managed to edge out Marigold for the victory. Somehow, she managed a stunning thirty-four marshmallows before they all came flying out in a sticky, semi-liquid splat. They played for another hour or so, until even Hecate’s sides ached from laughter. Finally, Julie decided it was time for Mildred to go to bed. In a few minutes, the room had cleared and only Peter remained.

“Pippa,” he began, scratching the back of his neck. He gestured for them to sit down.

“I know you must be here for a reason, Peter,” Pippa filled in. “Are you here at the Great Wizard’s behest?”

“Worse. Mother’s.” His eyes flickered to Hecate. “She’s…heard about some of the things that have been going on. She has some concerns. She wants to talk to you. I’m to tell you that she expects you for luncheon tomorrow at one. She means for you to come alone.”

“That’s as may be, Peter, but let her know that Hecate and I will be there. One o’clock.” She lifted her chin, daring him to argue. He didn’t.

“I’ll let her know.” He summoned his cloak and hat. “Just so you know, Pip, I don’t share her concerns. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gave Pippa a quick hug and then turned around and did the same thing to a stunned Hecate.

 Chapter 2

They’d been at the Pentangle estate for exactly three minutes and forty-seven seconds before Hecate realized that she would rather be back in a Wizard’s Keep. Or frozen in a block of ice. It wasn’t that Pippa’s mother had been rude, exactly, though she’d made it very clear that Hecate was not a welcome addition to her daughter’s life. She’d have already transferred back to Cackle’s but Pippa, who must have been hiding psychic abilities all these years, had clamped down on her wrist so hard that Hecate’s pinky had started to tingle. Finally, she had to pull her hand and free, squeezing Pippa’s hand as they sat down at a wrought-iron patio table overlooking the gardens.

“Peter said you wished to speak with me?”

Pippa’s mother didn’t bother to hide the irritated glance she directed at Hecate. “Yes. You being the operative word. Lovely as it is to see Hecate, perhaps she could wait for us in the house?”

“She’s not waiting in the house, Mother. Whatever you need to say can be said to the both of us. In fact, you need to start getting used to the us.”

“Have you forgotten what happened the last time? I certainly haven’t. It took you years to recover from what she did to you. Years! If you expect me to welcome her back into my good books like she didn’t ruin your life, well, I’d have to say you’re back in your witch’s brew again.  I won’t have it.”

Pippa heard Hecate’s sharp intake of breath. Glancing down she could see Hecate rubbing her thumbs against her fingers, the only parts of her that moved. Otherwise, Hecate sat, ramrod straight and rigid, her face carefully blank. Pippa reached out to place a comforting hand on her arm but didn’t leave it. “It’s all right, Hiccup.”

Pippa thought about the night before, sitting in Hecate’s bed, the dark witch curled against her side. They’d talked. Really talked. Certainly, they still had raw spots and insecurities, but Pippa felt more settled in their new relationship – and more connected to their old one.

Hecate had repeated her promise not to run again – if only because she finally believed that Pippa would follow her anywhere. Everywhere. Pippa made promises, too – to be understanding and patient when she could, to stand firm when she must, and, above all else, to be constant – a reliable rock that Hecate could cling to in any storm.

They’d also talked about this luncheon. Pippa was many things, but a fool wasn’t one of them. She knew her mother would not be pleased that Hecate was back in her life, but she hadn’t expected this level of hostility. She stretched her hand across the space between their chairs and clasped Hecate’s hand in her own. Hecate’s father may have robbed them of the last thirty years, but she’d be damned if she’d let her own mother steal the next thirty.

“The thing is, Mother, it isn’t up to you. Hecate and I are – ”

“If your father were alive…”

“If Daddy was here he’d welcome her with open arms! He’d be delighted that I’m finally happy. I do not understand why you can’t be the same way.”

“Dark covens? Dark magic? Don’t think I haven’t heard about your ridiculous escapades at Cackle’s Academy. She nearly got you killed! The last time you got involved with her you nearly drank yourself to death, Pippa. And I was helpless to do anything but watch you slip further away and wait for the mirror call telling me you wouldn’t come home. I can’t do it again, Pippa.  I refuse.”

“It’s not like that this time, Mum. You need to trust me. Trust us. It was never Hecate’s intention to hurt me last time. It wasn’t even her fault.” Pippa turned her attention to the silent, still witch at her side. “It wasn’t your fault, Hiccup. Your father did that to us, not you.” She untangled their fingers and reached up to cup Hecate’s cheek. She could almost feel the air moving when her mother gasped.

“What is that?” she said, leaning across the table and snatching Pippa’s hand away from Hecate’s face. She held Pippa’s hand up until the light glittered on the rose-gold band encircling the ring finger of her left hand. “What is the meaning of this ring?”

Pippa didn’t know what to say. She pulled her hand free. They hadn’t talked about what it meant. Pippa knew what she desperately wanted it to mean, but…

“It’s a promise,” Hecate said, her voice scarcely more than a whisper, “from me to Pippa and, I suppose to myself as well.” She slid her hand back into Pippa’s. “Believe me, Mrs. Pentangle, no one knows more than I do how badly I hurt Pippa. I regret it more than you will ever know. I don’t blame you for thinking Pippa could do better than me. I agree.” Pippa opened her mouth to speak, but Hecate shook her head. “Somehow, though, despite all the pain and all the years between us, we’ve found ourselves together again – and she loves me. Hexed if I know why, but she does, and I love her. And…while I may not understand why she’s chosen me again, I assure you that I intend to do everything within my powers to make sure she doesn’t regret that choice.”

“Never. I will never regret choosing you, Hiccup. I never regretted a moment with you.” Pippa glared at her mother. “Please understand, Mother, I’m not trying to be difficult or going through a phase or having a fling. I’ve loved Hecate since I was fifteen years old. We could be celebrating our thirtieth anniversary by now, if her father hadn’t interfered, instead of navigating our way to our first.” She turned to Hecate, holding her gaze as she spoke. “I’m not going anywhere, and neither is she.  Someday, I hope to convince her to marry me.” Tears shimmered in Hecate’s eyes. Pippa felt Hecate’s hand jerk within hers.

She turned to face her mother. “I guess you need to decide where you want to go from here, Mother. Are you going to banish me from the family estate? Cut off my inheritance or maybe prune me from the family tree entirely? Those are certainly all within your power to do.”

“And suppose I do just that?” Her mother asked, but there was no venom to it, only bewilderment.

“I would be devastated. No doubt I’d spend weeks crying myself to sleep on Hecate’s shoulder. I’d throw myself into my work at Pentangle’s and then I’d move on. I’m sure I’d never stop hoping that you’d come around, be happy that I’m happy, but I’d continue to live my life – with Hecate.” She took a sip of lemonade, grimacing at the sourness of it. “I rather hope that you’ll decide to be happy for us instead. Even if it takes a bit of getting used to.” She stood up, pulling Hecate with her. “I think we’ll leave you to think about things.” Hands still clasped together, Pippa and Hecate made their way back to the house.” They only made it halfway before Pippa’s mother called to them.

“Don’t forget that our annual Summer Garden Party is Saturday. I expect to see you there,” she swallowed and looked up at the sky, “both of you. If you have anyone you wish to invite, give the list to Miss Bibb.”

Pippa’s smile rivaled the sun. “I’ll do that, Mother. I think I’ll add about ten.” She kept Hecate’s hand clenched in her own until they disappeared into the house. Once out from under her mother’s watchful eyes, Pippa pulled Hecate into a deep kiss.

“That went better than I expected,” Hecate gasped once they’d parted. “Much better, actually.”

“I didn’t get pruned. That’s something. And we have a party to attend, that should irritate his Greatness. I’ll invite everyone from Cackle’s – including Marigold and the Hubbles. We’ll have an entire coven of reinforcements.”

“He will fuss at that,” she gave a half smile, before turning serious. “Would you really have left all this,” she gestured at the estate, “behind?”

“To be with you? In a heartbeat, darling.”

  “But what do you do at a garden party?” Mildred asked, for the fourth time. “I mean, we don’t actually tend the garden, do we HB?”

“Not at all, Mildred.” Hecate slid her bishop three spaces and removed one of Mildred’s pawns. “It simply means you have the party in the garden.” She looked up as Julie came to sit on the sofa behind them. Hecate leaned back in her chair, taking a sip of her tea. “The last time I attended one of the Pentangle’s garden parties, I wasn’t much older than you are now, Mildred. As I recall, there was a great deal of food and drink – particularly sweets. There were some games – a large-size version of chess, boules, and skittles, I think. Peter and his friends may have gotten up a game of wizard ball. I’m sure they won’t be as fun as the games we played last night in Miss Cackle’s office.” She thought a moment. “There was a dance floor set up on one end of the grounds.”

“Is that when Miss Pentangle taught you to dance?” Mildred took a pawn of her own.

“One of the times. It took a few lessons for me to get it right.” She winked at Mildred. “I wasn’t exactly a natural.” The cutting remarks made by the other girls hadn’t helped her dancing skills – neither did the way her heart pounded whenever Pippa held her hand.

“It doesn’t sound all that fun,” Mildred said, nose wrinkling. “Will there be any kids there?”

“Perhaps. This party attracts something of a who’s who of the witching world. I’m sure the Hallows are likely to attend,” Mildred frowned. “Not exactly who you were hoping for, I take it? The Nightshades would surely be invited. Why don’t you go mirror Enid before it gets too late, see if they plan to attend?”

“Can I?” Mildred asked her mother.

“It’s Hecate’s flat, love. She said you could.” She watched as Mildred bounced to the vanity in Hecate’s bedroom. “She’s right, you know. This party doesn’t sound fun at all. What was Pippa thinking, putting my name down? I don’t belong at a party for witches.” She leaned forward, planting her elbows on her knees. “What if I embarrass her? She struggles enough to fit in to the witching world. Surely this is a job for her magic mum?”

Hecate slowly set her tea cup down. She’d never heard Julie Hubble sound unsure of herself. “I daresay that your ability to navigate this sort of social situation far exceeds my own.” Hecate smoothed her hands down her skirt. “You get on well enough with Dimity. She’ll be there.”

“I think Dimity may be more focused on Marigold.”

“Why would she – oh! I’d quite forgotten about that. Do you think?”

“Let’s just say that you aren’t the only one who’s been looking well-snogged lately.” Julie flopped backwards onto the sofa. “Making me feel like the odd one out, that’s for sure. Or like a bloody spinster.”

“Hardly. If I bring nothing else to this friendship, Julie Hubble, at least I’m an example that it’s never to late to find someone.”

“That’s not the only thing you bring, Hecate. Pippa, Millie, and Ada are three of the finest people I know. If you were even half as horrible as you think you are, they wouldn’t love you – but they do. Even I think you’ll do in a pinch, you bloody nutter.”

They both looked up as the sitting room mirror chimed, a ragged looking Pippa tapping on her side of the glass.

“What on earth, Pippa,” Hecate moved to the mirror. “Are you all right?” She didn’t recognize the room behind Pippa, only that it wasn’t her office or her personal quarters.

“Hiccup! Thank goodness you picked up!” Pippa glanced at something off to her left before pasting an over-bright smile on her face while at the same time positioning herself to be able to run or transfer if needs be. A great deal of noise could be heard in the background. “Not to be rude, but, ah…quick question? Are you familiar with a…” she looked left again and Hecate could hear a garbled shout, “a Chupacabra? Latin American, apparently? Looks sort of li-YIKES!” Pippa dashed out of the frame. More shouting and…barking? could be heard.

“PIPPA! A what? NO!” Hecate’s hands flew to the mirror. She could feel Julie’s hands coming to rest on her shoulders.”

“Whew! Sorry, darling,” Pippa stepped back into the frame, cheeks flushed and looking even more disheveled. “So that’s a no, then? Well…what an…opportunity for learning the staff at Pentangle’s is having today!” She fired off a tiny ball of light and Hecate could hear the barking changing direction. “So, another quick question then…If I wanted to increase the effectiveness of a Sleeping Potion without…overdosing a mythical creature?”

“Bat drool,” Hecate supplied at once. “It enhances effectiveness without increasing the potency of the ingredients – no more than a teaspoon, though.”

“Oh, I knew you’d know!” She held up a finger. “Be right back!”

Hecate straightened up and turned to look at Julie, who appeared just as bewildered as she felt.

“So… it’s not just here, then?” Julie asked. “It’s stark raving mad everywhere in the witching world?”

Hecate’s face scrunched up in consternation as she tried to formulate a response. She really couldn’t come up with one. “I suppose that’s fair,” she said, shaking her head.

“I’m back!” Pippa said, sliding back into view. “We’ll have our new friend sorted out in no time, I’m sure.” Pippa glanced at someone out of sight of the mirror. “Just give me a few moments with Hecate and I’ll be right with you.” She waited until the door closed before she slumped forward, cradling her head in her hands. “I swear, Hiccup, even as children we weren’t this foolish!” Her nose wrinkled in distaste. “It’s going to take ages to get rid of the smell.”

“What on earth happened, Pipsqueak?”

“You know we’re having our planning week at Pentangle’s this week, right?” Hecate nodded. “Well, two of my younger teachers decided they wanted to whip up some ‘legendary’ Mexican food for lunch…”

“And instead they summoned a Mexican legend?” Hecate finished for her. “I can see how that might happen.”

“Seriously? Two teachers accidently summon some…mythical monster and your response is ‘I can see how that might happen?’ Like that’s normal?”

Even Pippa had the good grace to look embarrassed. “It’s not exactly…abnormal in the magical world, though it is usually the students rather than the teachers.” She chuckled softly. “I confess I don’t look forward to explaining to the head cook why she needs a new flock of chickens. Or a new stove.”

Hecate nodded in agreement. “Strange things can happen when you’re dealing with magic. That’s why we emphasize control. It lessens the chances of these sort of…mishaps.”

“Speaking of strange things…Piety messaged me before…” she waved her hands around, “all of this. She has some information for us, but she thought she needed to tell me in person. It was all very cryptic. She’ll be here a bit later so don’t get too far from your mirror, just in case.”

Hecate nodded, trying to tamp down on the unease that flared in her stomach at the very idea of Pippa talking to one of their old school friends. No matter how firmly she told herself that Piety had asked for a fresh start, it was hard for Hecate to let go of all the times Piety and her friends had insisted that Hecate was unworthy of Pippa’s friendship, much less anything else.

Pippa saw the tension settle across Hecate’s face and wondered if Hecate would ever truly feel secure. “I’m afraid there’s more, darling.” She laughed again, mostly to herself. “You know, if you’d asked me this morning I’d have said ‘of course, summoning a mythical creature from Mexico will be the strangest part of my day!’ But I was wrong! It seems that Mother wants us to be at the manor early, to help her get ready for the party.”

Hecate blinked in surprise. “You – you mean she wants you there early and you’ve insisted on bringing me as well?”

“Not at all. Mother was very clear that she wants us both there. She said I’m to be there at three and that I’m to, and I quote, ‘bring that Hardbroom girl with me.’ End quote.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe I made my point yesterday? We’ll see, I suppose.” Pippa leaned in and placed her hand on the mirror. “I’m so happy we’ll be together at the party.”

Hecate placed her own hand against Pippa’s. “Everyone is excited to be attending. It was very kind of you to invite us all. I think people needed the distraction.”

“Me, too, Hiccup. What I mean is that I’m delighted that you’ll be with me at the party.”

“I don’t understand, of course, I’ll be with you. We all will. That’s the point of all of us attending, is it not?”

“Hiccup…” Pippa looked helplessly at Julie as someone out of frame entered the room.

“I’ll explain what you mean,” Julie said. “Don’t worry.”

Relief washed over Pippa’s face. “Thank you! I’d…explain myself, but…Hiccup, I’m not sure when I’ll make it back tonight. I may need to stay here to get everything sorted out. Who knows how long it will take to work out how to send our friend back.”

Hecate swallowed her disappointment. “It’s not like you can stay here all the time. Just stay at Pentangle’s tonight. I’d hate for you to travel back by broom so late – or transfer if you’re too tired.”

“I’ll miss you.” Pippa kissed her fingertips and placed them back against the mirror.

Hecate did the same. “I’ll miss you, too, Pipsqueak.” She severed the connection, staring at her reflection for a moment before looking up to meet Julie’s eyes in the mirror. “Okay. What is it I’m not understanding?”

“C’mon, love. Let’s have a seat on the sofa.” She held out a hand, surprised that Hecate took it and allowed herself to be led to her own sofa. “Do you remember that first night, at the slumber party, when I told you I would be your interpreter in social situations?” She settled herself into the sofa.

“And I need one now?”

Julie nodded. “I think it’s fair to say that you and Pippa are a couple now, right?”

Hecate rolled her eyes as she felt that all-too-familiar heat creeping up her chest. “I suppose…that is to say…” She blew out a frustrated gust of air. “Yes. Yes, that’s fair to say. I don’t see what that has to do with anything.” She refused to look at the smug smile spreading across Julie’s face.

“Well, sometimes…when two witches really love each other…”

“NO!” Hecate held up a hand. “It may have been a very long time, but you do not need to give me ‘the talk.’” She thought for a moment. “Okay, a very, very long time, but I have not forgotten the mechanics of – “

“Oy! Don’t finish that sentence!” She rubbed at her temples. “Okay, that was my fault, I’ll admit to that.” She opened her eyes to find a confused Hecate looking back at her. “Though, if you do ever need to talk to someone about…that…whether mechanics or feelings or whatever, I hope you know that you can come to me. We’re practically family, after all.”

“If you ask the people from the witches’ retreat, we’re married,” Hecate smirked. “But, thank you. It means a lot that you consider us to be like family.” She wiped a finger under her eye.

Julie squeezed Hecate’s knee. “What Pippa was trying to say is that she intends for this party to be a date – a real date.” Hecate clearly didn’t know what that meant. “I think she means for you to…hold hands at this party – in public. She wants to dance with you, probably even kiss you, in front of other people. She wants to introduce you to people as hers – her girlfriend, fiancée, whatever.”

“Are you sure?”

“She wants everyone to know that she’s with you, Hecate. Are you ready for that?”

“I have no idea.”

  Hecate woke the next morning with a warm body pressed against her back and a soft arm wrapped around her middle. Warm breaths puffed against her shoulder. “I certainly hope that’s you, Pip.” She pulled the arm tighter around her.

“I should hope so, Hiccup. I’d be quite displeased, otherwise.”

“No worries there… When did you get here? I thought you were staying at Pentangle’s.”

Pippa snuggled closer. “I was, but then I decided I’d rather be here. School starts soon enough, I don’t want to lose any of the time we have before then. I transferred in around three. You sort of woke up.”

“Good call,” Hecate mumbled, falling back to sleep.

 “It’s…much larger than I remember,” Hecate said, eyes fixed on the number of people in the Pentangle’s garden. Unconsciously, she reached for Pippa’s hand.

“It’s larger than I remember.” Pippa frowned. “And I was here last year.” She turned to look at Hecate, resplendent in a pair of white wide-legged trousers and a black and white floral top. She’d pulled her hair into a low, lose chignon with a sprig of white flowers tucked in the back. “You look absolutely magnificent, Hiccup. You and those trousers have me bewitched completely.” She pulled Hecate’s hand to her lips.

Hecate’s eyes ran appreciatively over Pippa’s flowing pink sundress. “As are you, Pipsqueak.” She tilted her head. “I think that dress is exactly the same color as your glasses.”

Pippa rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I think I could parade past you in nothing but my readers and you wouldn’t look at anything but my glasses.”

“Well, I wouldn’t look at only your glasses,” Hecate said, grinning.

Pippa couldn’t help but giggle like a First-Year. “Are you okay with this?” Pippa held up their linked hands. “Julie explained what I was trying to say?” She turned to face Hecate, hands curling into her hips, pulling their bodies together. “What were the words to that song? I want the world to see you be with me? That’s what I want, Hiccup. I want everyone to know that you belong with me and that I belong with you. But only if you want that, too.”

“I’ve wanted that since I was fifteen years old, Pip.” She leaned down and pressed her lips against Pippa’s. “You know that expressing myself doesn’t come easily to me. If I’m being honest, I have no idea how I’ll manage with…public displays of affection. But, I’m more than willing to try, Pip, for you, for us.” Her lips quirked into a sly grin. “I don’t imagine you plan to ravish me on the hors d’oeurvre table, although if you were wearing your glasses…”

“Well, I wasn’t before I saw you in those trousers, but now…I can’t make any promises.” She stepped off the porch and onto the grass, pulling Hecate along. “Shall we? And Hecate? If it gets too much – the public display, the crowds, me. All you have to do is say so.” She spotted the arrival of the Cackle’s crowd. “C’mon. The rest of our friends are here.” Pippa pulled Hecate across the lawn, weaving through the guests with barely an acknowledgement until they reached Ada and the Hubbles. Peter Pentangle was already there, chatting amiably with Julie Hubble.

“Miss Hardbroom!” Mildred Hubble ran to greet them. “You look so glamorous!”

“Thank you, Mildred.” Hecate dropped Pippa’s hand and took up Mildred’s instead, holding the out to her sides and spinning her around until her yellow-flowered skirt twirled around her. “You look lovely as well. So grown up!” She gave the girl one last twirl before greeting Julie and Ada.

Pippa suggested a trip to the drinks table. As they walked, Julie slipped an arm into Hecate’s and leaned her head in close. “And how did the trousers work out?”

“I believe I shall seek your advice on fashion more often, Ms. Hubble.”

Julie barked out a laugh. “Without fussing for two days about it, I hope.” She waggled her eyebrows at Hecate. “Considering I’ve already caught her twice checking out those ‘infernal trousers’ as you called them, I’d say they worked just fine.”

“Peter Pentangle seems to appreciate your outfit,” Hecate said, cocking her head to the side.

Julie cast an appraising glance over her shoulder. “Do you think? I hadn’t noticed.”

 “And it was the Great Wizard himself that came to see you at the Herbarium?” Hecate frowned into her drink. “I can’t imagine he’d go himself, and not send someone more knowledgeable. One of his potioners would have been much more useful.” She smirked. “Such as they are.”

“Sometimes Hecate has to step in and brew potions that are especially complicated,” Pippa said, pride filling her voice.

“I’m not surprised,” Piety said. “I have your books, you know. The way you discuss ingredients is both detailed and insightful. I’d have you as a botanist at the Kew anytime.”

“What did you suggest he use to replace the Helichrysum?”

“I didn’t. I told him I would have to look into it. After what you and Pippa told me, I just…I just didn’t feel right about throwing out suggestions.” Piety shook her head. “I just don’t understand any of this.”

“They must want to replicate the potion, don’t you think, Hiccup?” Hecate nodded.

“That’s what I thought, too. But why would the Great Wizard need to brew that potion? He put them in the photo, didn’t he? Couldn’t he just take them back out again if he wanted?”

“It would seem so,” Hecate said. “At least you didn’t point them in any direction. I appreciate that, Piety.”

“Don’t be too appreciative. I found out this afternoon that one of my assistants was more than helpful.” She summoned a folded-up piece of paper and handed it to Hecate. “This is what was suggested to him.”

Hecate looked over the list before handing it to Pippa. “No use crying over spilt beetle’s blood, Piety. It can’t be helped.” She glanced at Pippa. “Perhaps we should visit with the Great Wizard tonight.”

Pippa grunted her agreement, grinning mischievously at Hecate. “He won’t know what hit him, darling.” They slipped into a comfortable silence, sipping their drinks and people-watching.

After a bit, Piety cleared her throat and peeped at Pippa over the top of her champagne flute. “If you don’t mine me asking, how long have you two been together?”

Hecate stiffened, but Pippa just laughed and hooked a hand through her elbow. “I have loved Hiccup since our school days. But, you know, we lost touch for a while.” She rubbed a soothing circle on Hecate’s arm with her thumb. “Luckily, we were able to reconnect a bit over a year ago and I haven’t let go since!”

“I’m happy for you – both of you.” Piety raised her flute in salute.

As she thought about it, Hecate realized that everything Pippa said to describe the last thirty years was not only true but said in such a way that it didn’t cast any blame or stir up feelings of guilt. “We’re both so…thankful that we’ve gotten this second chance.”

“We should make the day of the Spelling Bee one of our anniversaries, Hiccup. Except, instead of giving each other gifts, we should give one to Mildred.” Hecate couldn’t help but chuckle in agreement.

“Who’s Mildred?”

Hecate searched the grounds until she spotted her. “Mildred Hubble, one of my students at Cackle’s.” She pointed to the drinks table. “See the girl in the yellow dress? She’s always been a bit of a meddler and when she discovered that Pippa and I had been friends as girls,” she shot Pippa a look, but Pippa ignored it, blinking innocently, “she decided to arrange a reunion of sorts.”

“And aren’t we lucky that she did, Hiccup?” she said, wrapping her hand tighter around Hecate’s arm before letting go. “I’m feeling a bit peckish, I think. Would you like a bit of something?” Hecate nodded, and Pippa transferred across the yard.

Hecate and Piety stood together in companionable silence, watching the other party goers. Hecate noticed that an oversized game of skittles had been set up near the dance floor. Each pin had been painted to look like a wizard. She glanced over to find Mildred still standing near the drinks table. Perhaps she’d see if the girl wanted to play.

“Piety! Well met, sister!”

Hecate turned to find herself face to face with Agnes Monkshood. She could feel her hair bristling like an angry familiar.

“As I live and breathe! Hecate Hardbroom!” Agnes didn’t bother to greet her. It was just as well – Hecate didn’t think she could bend now to save her life. “Still riding along on Pippa’s cloak tail, I see.”

“Agnes,” Piety raised a hand to her forehead and tipped, just barely, forward. She subtly positioned herself closer to Hecate. “I haven’t seen you in a while. Hecate and I were just having a lovely catch-up, weren’t we Hecate?”

“Lovely,” Hecate ground out, angry with herself that the appearance of a childhood nemesis could render her just as speechless and awkward as she’d been in school. She looked away, catching a glimpse of Mildred out of the corner of her eye and watching as a smartly-dressed blonde approached her. Ethel Hallow, of course. Apparently neither of them would be able to enjoy a bully-free evening.

“It’s been too long, Piety.” Agnes cast a dismissive glance at Hecate. “Though, for some, perhaps not long enough.”

“For Merlin’s sake, Agnes! We aren’t schoolgirls anymore! What’s the point of being horrid to Hecate now? What was ever the point? You made both their lives miserable – and why? What did it matter to you who Pippa cared about? Were you jealous that Pippa cared more for her than she did for you?”

“Of…of course not…” Agnes stammered, trying to find her footing now that she didn’t have Piety’s support. It only took her a moment. “Unlike some people, I had Pippa’s best interests at heart. I didn’t want to see her dragged down because she spent all her time working on some charity case.” She looked at Hecate like she was something her familiar had just chucked-up on the carpet. “Really, Hecate Hardbroom, what are you even doing here?”

“She’s here with me, of course,” Pippa said as she materialized next to Hecate, a large plate of sweets and savories in her hand. “I tried to get a bit of everything, darling. I think you’ll really like this one, though.” She picked up a piece of prosciutto-wrapped melon and held it up to Hecate’s lips. Nodding her encouragement, Pippa waited for Hecate to take a bite then popped the rest of it into her own mouth. “We’ll definitely need to have more of that.” She turned back to Agnes and her friends. “I didn’t know mother had invited you; I don’t remember you attending last year.”

“Oh, no, she mirrored me this morning, it was so sweet! She wanted to surprise you with some of your school friends. Let us all reflect on our happy memories.”

The oiliness in her voice made Pippa want to wash her hands. “I’m sure she did,” Pippa said, trying to work out if her mother had been trying to be helpful or if this was an attempt to make Hecate so uncomfortable she would leave. “I’m much more interested in the future these days, I must say. Looking forward is so much more exciting than looking backwards, don’t you agree, Hiccup?”

“Wholeheartedly,” Hecate said, feeling much more confident with Pippa by her side. She picked up a stuffed olive from the plate and took a bite, debating whether she had the audacity to feed the other half to Pippa. She didn’t.  “Pip?” She nodded her head in the direction of Mildred and Ethel. From the downward set of Mildred’s shoulders, it was clear something was happening. “Maybe I should…”

“You definitely should,” Pippa agreed. “I’ll catch up in a few.” She waited for Hecate to transfer away before rounding on Agnes. “Did you really come to my family home to be insulting? I’m not sure what prompted my mother to invite you, but I promise it is a mistake that won’t be made again.” Pippa vanished the plate of food and stepped in to Agnes’ space. “I don’t know what sort of fairy tales you tell yourself about our school days, but you weren’t my friend then and you aren’t my friend now…and you are not welcome in my home.” She stared daggers at Agnes until the woman finally took the hint and transferred somewhere else. Pippa sagged in relief once she’d gone. “I was a bat’s breath away from hexing her if she didn’t leave. Or knocking her hat over cloak across the garden.” She looked at Piety. “Thank you for standing by Hecate.”

“It’s what I should have done back in the day.” She took a sip of her champagne. “I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to know both of you now.” She twisted around so she could see Hecate and the girls. “Why don’t you go on and catch up. I’ll talk to you both in a bit.”

“Thank you, Piety,” Pippa said, already disappearing. 

 “What are you doing here?”

Mildred spun around too quickly, sloshing some of the pink punch she’d just added to her cup onto both her and Ethel Hallow’s dresses. “Ethel! I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

“My dress! Ugh, you really are the worst witch, Mildred.” Ethel waved her fingers over her dress and the punch disappeared. She didn’t offer to clean up Mildred’s. “Of course, the Hallows are here. We’ve been on the guest list for ages. What are you doing here? You can’t just gatecrash a party at the Pentangle’s.”

“I didn’t gatecrash the party,” Mildred scowled. “I was invited.”

“How would you get invited? You’re nobody. You aren’t even a proper witch, even if you do come from some witching family nobody’s ever heard of.” She looked around. “I should call for Mrs. Pentangle and let her know the riffraff managed to sneak in.”

“Ethel Hallow.” Hecate materialized behind the girl. Ethel whipped around, hand flying to her forehead in the traditional greeting.

“Miss Hardbroom,” Ethel said, once she’d finished, “Mildred Hubble snuck into Miss Pentangle’s party without an invitation.”

Hecate frowned at Mildred and, for a moment, Mildred worried that somehow, she wasn’t really supposed to be here and that she was about to get in trouble. Then she saw the tiniest bit of a smile and a wink from Miss Hardbroom. “Hmm…I was under the impression that Mildred Hubble received the same invitation that I did. One that came directly from Miss Pentangle herself.” She arched one eyebrow at Ethel. “Are you insinuating that I have also…infiltrated this party through nefarious means?”

“What? No? I think?” Ethel looked back and forth between Hecate and Mildred, trying to work out how she’d lost control of the situation.

“I think Miss Hardbroom wants to know if you’re accusing her of gatecrashing as well.” Mildred had to concentrate on not laughing.

“Of course not! I’d never say that. Everybody knows she and Miss Pentangle are friends!”

“Rather more than that, I’d say,” Pippa said as she swept in and wrapped an arm around Hecate’s waist. “I’m so glad to see you tonight, Ethel. I was afraid your family wouldn’t come. You know, given your mother’s recent difficulties.” Ethel blanched, but said nothing. “Goodness, Mildred, what happened to your dress?”

“Oh, I just had a bit of a start, sloshed a little.”

“Let me take care of that for you,” Pippa said, waving her hand in front of Mildred’s dress. “That dress is just too lovely. I may have to get one for myself.” Pippa looked around until she spotted Ursula Hallow in deep conversation with the Great Wizard. “Why don’t you run along, Ethel, and give your mother my greetings.”

“Yes, Miss Pentangle. Good evening, Miss Hardbroom, Mildred.” Ethel cast a scathing look Mildred’s way before turning and scuttling away.

Pippa sighed. “I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have Ursula Hallow for a mother.”

“I can,” Hecate said. “She’s not so different from my father.”

“And yet you never walked the road that Ethel seems so determined to travel,” Pippa said as she ran a hand up and down Hecate’s arm.

“Is that why you give her so many chances, HB? Not because her mum was on the Council, but because she’s got a bad mum, like you got a bad dad?”

Hecate stared at the heavens, shaking her head. “Probably. You know Mildred Hubble, it wouldn’t hurt you to apply some of this insightfulness to your potions work.”

“Hiccup! Don’t nag her about schoolwork at a party!” Pippa winked at Mildred before adding in a stage whisper, “she’s right though, Mildred. If you can work that out, you should be able to work out potions.” She pointed towards the dance floor that had been set up. “Speaking of mums, who was it that was so worried she wouldn’t have anyone to talk to? Julie Hubble. And who is it I see dancing with my big brother?”

“Julie Hubble?” Hecate and Mildred said in unison.

“Well,” Hecate said, eyes widened in surprise, “that is something to talk about over tea tomorrow.”

“Quite right.” Pippa threaded one arm through Hecate’s and reached for Mildred’s hand with the other. “I think I rather fancy a spin on the dance floor myself. What do you say, darling?”

“That would be lovely.”

They dropped Mildred off with Ada, arriving at the dance floor just as a quick song faded out and a slow one faded in to take its place. “Shall you lead, Hiccup? You’re taller.”

“You’re probably better,” she said, but placed her right hand on Pippa’s hip and used her left to hold Pippa’s right. “At least it’s a slow dance; we don’t have to do much but sway.”

“I can definitely do that,” Pippa murmured, wrapping her arms around Hecate’s neck and laying her head against her shoulder. “This is nice.” She sang along with the song, waiting for Hecate to relax against her.

“Slow dancin’, swayin’ to the music

Slow dancin’, just me and my girl

Slow dancing, swayin’ to the music

No one else in the whole wide world…”

Hecate slipped her hands around Pippa’s waist, nodding in agreement, but steadfastly refusing to look at the crowd. She glanced across the floor, unsurprised to see Julie looking over at her, smiling. She gave Hecate a quick thumbs-up, which Hecate returned in kind.

She faltered just a bit when she felt Pippa’s lips over the collar of her shirt, nibbling their way up her throat, then across her jawline, before nipping at a particularly sensitive spot below her ear. She wrapped her arms tighter around Pippa’s waist – mainly to ensure that her hands stayed where they belonged.

Hot breath brushed across her cheek as Pippa whispered a very…descriptive…suggestion for how they might spend the rest of their evening and goosebumps prickled along her skin as Pippa’s fingers rifled through the wisps of loose hair on her neck. “I love you, Pipsqueak,” she whispered into her hair. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, Hiccup. I have for years and years.”

The next thing Hecate knew, Pippa’s hands were cradling her face and she’d pulled her down into a deep, passionate kiss. It was like every cliché she’d ever seen or read: time stood still, her heart skipped a beat, everyone else faded away until it was only them. She was pretty sure she even heard fireworks. When the need for oxygen finally separated them, they stood, foreheads touching, breathing one another’s air.

“Great Merlin, Pip, the things you do to me.”

“Oh, this doesn’t even begin the things I want to do to you.” She giggled. “When did the song change?”

Hecate opened her eyes to find they were surrounded by people dancing to the much faster song that was now playing. “I don’t know.” She looked down and kissed Pippa again. “I think you got your wish, Pipsqueak. If there was anyone here who hadn’t figured out we’re together, they’ve figured it out now.” It surprised her that she wasn’t embarrassed by that – quite the contrary. Having it all out in the open made her feel more secure. Pippa certainly wasn’t embarrassed.

“Just another of many wishes that have come true lately – just like those trousers.” She stumbled into Hecate as a young wizard apologized for bumping into her. “What are they doing?” She watched a group of dancers as they half-squatted while gyrating their pelvises in time to the music.

“I believe that one’s called ‘stirring the cauldron.’” Pippa stared up at her. “I read about it in Felicity Foxglove’s blog. Ada suggested it might be an effective way for the faculty to keep up with student trends. It’s actually not bad reading.

“Who are you and what have you done with my Hiccup?”

“Why do I have to keep having to remind everyone that I’m not from the 1800s?” Hecate hissed as another young witch elbowed her in the side. “I think it’s time to cede the dance floor to the younglings.” Pippa nodded her agreement and allowed Hecate to transfer them out of…whatever move the kids were doing now.

 “Look,” Hecate said as she handed Pippa a glass of sangria, “that’s Dimity and Marigold talking to the Great Wizard now. This seems as good a time as any to ask about those plants Piety told us about.”

Pippa tucked her arm into Hecate’s and followed her across the grass before she heard her mother calling to her. She looked around and spotted her mother talking to a trio of older witches, waving her over. “You go on, Hiccup, let me see what mother wants. I’ll be there quick as a toad’s tail.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave Hecate a quick kiss before wending her way to her mother.

“Well met, Your Greatness,” Hecate said as she joined them. “It’s a lovely party, isn’t it?”

“You seem to be enjoying yourself, HB,” Dimity said, waggling her eyebrows.

Hecate glanced meaningfully at Dimity and Marigold’s joined hands before answering. “I am indeed.” She sipped her sangria. “Any word on the incident of last week? I understand that your potioners are attempting to replicate the brew with slightly different ingredients.”

The Great Wizard pulled his eyes away from Dimity and Marigold’s hands. “My what? Oh, them. They can’t seem to brew their way out of a tea bag, Miss Hardbroom. I may need to impose upon your expertise. Do you think another Asteraceae would work?”

Hecate frowned. Since when did the Great Wizard know the Latin name of a plant family? “I think it would have to be another Helichrysum, the closer the better. But even then, Your Greatness, without knowing what component is being used…” Hecate noticed him staring at Marigold, eyes traveling between her face and the hand linked with Dimity’s.

“That makes sense,” he said, still staring. “Yes, we will definitely be requiring your services. It’s imperative we get that potion made.”

Hecate looked around for Pippa or Ada, but neither were near. Her power started to itch, just beneath her skin – a sure sign that it was recognizing a threat that she wasn’t. “I’m afraid I don’t understand, Your Greatness. Why do we need to make the potion? Surely we aren’t trying to release Agatha or Miss Gullet from the picture?”

He pulled his eyes away again. Even Marigold and Dimity were getting uncomfortable. They’d quit holding hands. “Miss Drill, would you and Mari please excuse us for a moment?”

“What did you call her?” Hecate asked, but it didn’t matter. She knew. And the Great Wizard knew that she knew. She started backing away. “Get away from here, Marigold, before you get hurt. Go find Pippa, find – ”

Hecate just managed to dodge the charge of lightning that came her way. “What have you done with the Great Wizard?” Another bolt was deflected. Dimity wasted no time conjuring up a protection spell between them and the rest of the guests.

The commotion attracted attention immediately. Pippa raced through the grass, one hand holding her skirt up so she could run at top speed. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Ada wink out of existence, reappearing a heartbeat later on the other side of the lawn. She summoned her own protection spell, flinging it ahead of her so it could reinforce the one Dimity already had in place – hers facing the other way. She didn’t want some well-meaning witch or wizard hurling potshots at Hecate because, even she had to admit, it looked like Hecate had lost her mind and attacked the Great Wizard.

 “You should have done what we asked!” the imposter shouted, tossing balls of white fire as fast as he could. “That’s all you needed to do!”

A red haze clouded Hecate’s vision. Anger thrummed in her magic; the white magic she conjured in her hands took on a crimson hue. “You should have left us alone!” A lucky shot nearly clipped her shoulder. She just managed to dodge it, flinging herself across the grass, rolling to a stop on her hands and knees. Behind her, she heard Pippa’s heartrending scream. She pushed herself to her feet, shoving her hands in front of her. “Inimicus Istus, Stoppus Resistus!” Hecate shoved the spell forward, stumbling as she went. It bought them a moment, at most. Behind her, balls of light crashed into Dimity’s shield, spider-webbing across it like lightning. Her eyes met Dimity’s, the younger witch straining, but determined.

“Finish him, Hecate!” A burst of power knocked Dimity into her shield, shorting it out as she fell to the ground.

“Nooo!” Hecate slammed everything she had into the Great Wizard, knocking him backward as a dozen binding spells bounced on and around her. She swayed, nearing the point of magical exhaustion. With the last of her energy she stretched her hands out, whispering, "Reversus Revolvus, Returnus Resolvus, Ilio-Alio, Redux Reducio…Reversus Revolvus, Returnus Resolvus, Ilio-Alio, Redux Reducio…” Then hands were on her, everywhere, some trying to pin her down, others shielding her. The last thing she saw before everything went black was Pippa’s tear-streaked face bending over her.

Confusion reigned over everything. Marigold screamed for someone, anyone to come and see about Dimity. Pippa, fear and fury fueling her, forced everyone away from Hecate, while her brother tended to the Great Wizard. Julie Hubble struggled to hold Mildred back while the girl kicked and screamed for Miss Hardbroom. Ada tried to calm the crowd, begging them to stop casting unless they wanted to unleash the Foster’s Effect and cause everyone’s magic to misfire.  Mr. Rowan-Webb fought his way through, dropping to his knees next to Dimity.

Pippa’s mother pushed her way through the crowd and tried to drag Pippa away from Hecate. “What did I tell you? That woman would be nothing but trouble.”

“Shut up, Mother, you don’t know what’s happening,” Pippa gasped, shoving one of the Great Wizard’s guards away. Hecate moaned, coming around.

“She attacked the Great Wizard!” shouted Mrs. Pentangle.

“It’s not the Great Wizard!” Peter stood up, shooting a beam of light into the sky. “Listen to me! It’s not the Great Wizard! It’s an imposter!” Guards rushed up, shoving him out of the way.

Mildred finally broke free from her mother, throwing herself over Hecate. “Leave her alone!” she sobbed, “leave her alone!”

Outnumbered, Pippa fell to the ground, clutching a still-sobbing Mildred to her chest, frantically, searching for her mother. Twisting around she spotted Julie walking towards the imposter with jerky, unsteady steps. “I know him,” she whispered, dropping to her knees. Ada transferred to her side in an instant. “I know him…”

Ada leaned in, placing a hand on Julie’s shoulder. “Who is it, dear?”

Julie looked up at her, shaking her head in confusion. “That’s Dave,” she whispered, “Mildred’s father.”

Just as Ada was about to respond, the Great Wizard’s guards transported all of them away.         

[avengeultrons]

Title: Down for the Count (Reader x Peter Parker) 

Summary: The reader is a huge Ham Fan which sparks something in Peter to learn and impress them.

Word Count: 1814

A/N: OMG I’M BACK! I took the ACT today and things seem to be returning to normal for now; I hope you still like me a little bit :) 

--

You were beginning to learn things about your newfound friend, Peter Parker, that made your heart flutter. One; he was undeniably adorable when he ran into the Avengers Facility commons, a wide smile on his face as his eyes scanned the room in search of you. Two; his eyes weren’t just brown but the color of amber and dark chocolate and molten gold all at once, a sea of honey in the sunlight. The third thing you were beginning to learn was that Peter Parker was incredibly persistent.

It started when you were working out in the gym all by yourself, blasting the Hamilton album on shuffle at the highest volume you could. The sounds of Guns and Ships must have made their way out into the hall, for along came Peter. He peeked his head in at first, a smile making its way to his face as he caught your gaze in the mirror, watching as you simultaneously sang, did chin ups, and wiggled your eyebrows at him.

Peter stepped inside and dropped his gym bag onto the bench by the door with a chuckle. “What’s this?” he asked, an eyebrow raised. You gawked at him, your mouth falling open as you finished your reps and jumped to the ground, clapping your hands together.

“You don’t know Hamilton?” you asked with wide eyes. His blank expression seemed to show it all. “Hamilton: An American Musical? I can’t believe you don’t know Hamilton! Have you been living under a rock for three years?” you chided, wiping the sweat off of your face with one swift swipe of a towel, trying to prevent the droplets from falling into your eyes.

Peter shrugged, his whole face going hot from embarrassment. You could even see the heat rising, turning his cheeks red. “I’ve heard of it, but-,” you cut him off by raising your finger, a smile on your face.

“Wait, sorry. It’s just that the best part is coming up,” you said with a malicious grin. Peter sat back and watched as you sang the Lafayette’s entire (entirely difficult) rap without breaking a sweat. Well, without sweating anymore than you were. You didn’t miss a beat, it was like you were in the musical yourself. He sat there, completely stunned and unable to form any words until the song ended and you hit pause on your phone. “Okay, sorry. You were saying?”

“I was saying that I’ve heard of it but I’ve never listened. What did you just say? Taking this horse in the rain and... what?” Peter stifled his laughter as your cheeks turned pink, sitting next to him as he tied his trainers. He had no idea that you were such a musical theater nerd.

“No, wait. It’s ‘I’m taking this horse by the reins, making redcoats redder with bloodstains’. You try,” you were encouraging him to try reciting the line, but the faster Peter went, the more he stumbled over the lyrics.

He became increasingly frustrated and kept starting the rap over, taking deep breaths in between each take.“Hey, it’s okay. Not everyone is destined to be a Lafayette. Besides, not being able to rap isn’t the end of the world,” you smiled over at him, the two of you so close that your hands were brushing against each other as you sat side by side. “I suggest you look up the musical, it’s only my second favorite thing on the planet as of late.”

“Your second favorite?” Peter finished lacing up his sneakers and looked over at you, his chin resting in his hand. He made a mental note to revisit Hamilton: An American Musical and the song Guns and Ships at a later date.

You shrugged nonchalantly as you got to your feet, grabbing your water bottle from its spot on the floor. “Right after you! Or, you might be second after Hamilton, haven’t decided yet,” this flirtatious jab made Peter’s face turn pink as he smiled, rolling his eyes as if to say that he didn’t take you that seriously. He did. As he watched you wave and walk out of the gym, still a spring in your step despite the strenuous workout you just had, his stomach twisted into thousands of knots. He had to impress you.

Peter was sitting in the kitchen, one earphone in his ear as he listened to your favorite broadway musical album all the way through for the second time. He was scanning through a page of lyrics that he’d found on the internet when a tap on his shoulder made him jump, abruptly stopping the song as his face burned from embarrassment. “Woah, sorry. What’re you listening to?” May precariously tossed a grocery bag onto the counter and peered over his shoulder to scan the lyrics.

“Nothing. Just Hamilton. Y/N said I should check it out,” he shrugged as if it was completely nonchalant and not a big deal, but his aunt’s obnoxiously large smile told him that she knew that it was definitely a big deal. “She was singing this rap the other day and I couldn’t rap. It wasn’t like she laughed at me, but… You won’t go crazy if I say this right?” Peter paused, waiting for May to nod and listen intently. “I know it’s silly but I really want to impress her.”

Suddenly, Peter’s aunt morphed into the popular Snapchat filter of pink hearts dancing around the head. “Oh, I don’t think it’s silly at all,” she gushed, clasping her hands under her chin. “Tell you what; you help me lug the rest of these groceries in and I’ll help you learn these lyrics.”

“You promise to not be weird?” he asked, jumping up from his barstool. May rolled her eyes, tossing an arm over his shoulders.

“I’m cool, I promise!” she said. Peter rolled his eyes at her, unable to believe her. She vowed to keep cool for Peter, but she was growing increasingly excited for him and the fact that after all this time, he was finally talking with her about the important people in his life. “Let’s start with this first song.”

Natasha held the elevator doors for you as you jumped in, breathless from sprinting the three blocks from school to make it. Your heavy, overflowing backpack practically falling off of your shoulders to your feet. Papers and textbooks overflowed and spilled out onto the floor, much to your dismay. You had so much homework and test prep to navigate through that you could already feel the stress breakouts forming. “Hey, Y/N,” she said with a smile. “You okay there?”

“Oh, totally!” you said sarcastically, the two of you scooping up all of your homework to toss back into its rightful container. “I have three tests tomorrow and an exam on Saturday. Other than that, I’m great.”

Natasha gave you a reassuring pat on the back as she led the way off of the elevator. “I have faith in you,” she said.

You dragged your backpack into the living room and dumped all of your homework onto the coffee table before hitting shuffle on the Hamilton album. You were humming along, grabbing a snack to munch on while you were working through all of the work. Helpless, one of your favorite songs, came on as you flipped open your English notebook with a smile and sang along. “Hey, what’s up?”a quiet voice from behind you made you whip around,eyes wide. It was only after you saw that it was a sheepish Peter that a smile blossomed on your face.

“Hi,” you said breathlessly between singing along to the song. “I’m just studying,” Peter sat next to you and grabbed homework out of his backpack.

The two of you were sitting silently side by side working on separate subjects when Peter leaned over and tapped you on the shoulder, “Y/N, guess what I learned?” he beamed. You quickly finished scribbling vocabulary words before looking over at him, a wide grin on his face. He took a deep breath just as Alexander’s rap came up in the song, flawlessly executing the first lines. It was only then that you realized that Peter had learned a whole rap from Hamilton to show you.

You felt like you were in a Hamilton esque High School Musical moment as you sang along as Eliza, taking a break from your homework to enjoy the moment. The two of you used pencils as microphones, singing along to the words as loud as you could.

“My life is going’ fine ‘cause Eliza’s in it,” Peter sang along, not a care in a world. You had truly never seen him so carefree and elated.

“I look into your eyes and the sound the limit,” it was Eliza and Alexander, you and Peter. It was the most cliche yet stress free moment of your day, yet it was so much fun. “I’m helpless! Down for the count and I’m drowning’ in them.”

The song faded and the two of you broke out into fits of laughter, your face turning pink. You were out of breath from the belting your favorite tune. Peter nervously looked down at his homework and picked up his pencil with a sigh, chewing on his bottom lip nervously.

“Can I kiss you?” Peter blurted, his eyes widening as he did so. It was word vomit, something he’d wanted to say but had never had the guts to say before. Now he understood why. “I’m sorry, that was...sorry.”

You laughed nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. Your breath caught in your throat, hands shaking. Peter’s jitter filled chuckle escaping his lips as the anxiety bubbled up inside you. You had to do something. “No, it’s okay.” before you could do or say anything else, Peter had closed the small gap between the two of you as he pressed an incandescent kiss to your lips, a hand caressing your cheek. Your mind drew a blank as you sighed into the kiss.

The kiss left both of you breathless as you broke apart, eyes wide and cheeks dusted pink. You bit your lip and smiled at him, twirling your pencil in between your fingers. “Did you learn Hamilton lyrics to impress me or something?”

Peter’s face was still burning red, so much so that he could feel the heat rise in his face once more when he heard a soda can tab being popped open.

Both of you whipped around, scanning the room with nervous glances. “I guess I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that,” it was Steve, feeling all too embarrassed that he walked in on something such as two teens’ first kiss. His own face was red from the thought. He looked between the two of you and smiled sheepishly, swallowing the lump in his throat, “I was never here.”

[shazyloren]

The Room: Chapter 42 - Dancing the Waltz

Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/12710496/chapters/31117728

---------

Jon hated bow-ties, they were always awkward to do and somehow they always ended up wonky around his neck. Thankfully, Sansa was doing it for him as she was ready to go down to the Great Hall for the Yule Ball. Sansa had put her hair into a braid similar to what Daenerys would usually do and it looked nice. She was wearing a grey dress that complimented her fiery red hair and a beautiful silver chair which hung behind her. He did not understand witch fashion but ever sicne Robb told him that all women liked compliments he'd given her one anyway.

"How can you not do a simple tie up?" She sighed as she finished it and nodded her head. Jon didn't wear dress robes very often, only at the odd Stark family occasion had there been a need for it and every time he'd gone open collar. That decision had always earned him glares but he'd been beyond caring. So why do I care now? He thought to himself. he knew the answer to this question, but he still asked himself it.

When both himself and Daenerys realised they could not do the champions dance with each other he'd been more brooding than ever when it came to other students in the school. He didn't want to dance with anyone else (and did not know how to dance beside tapping his foot to music)  and so every girl that had asked him he'd politely turned down. It was going through the school like dragon fire that Jon was deciding to go stag and majority wondered if Daenerys was the reason. They all knew they both liked each other.

'Daenerys is going with Gendry, why didn't he just ask her himself?' 'Champions are not allowed to do the champions dance together' 'Then why is he turning down all of the girls who ask him?' 'Maybe he's not going?' 'He has to go, he's a champion!'

Jon was actually fed up with the gossip he'd heard every time he'd walk by or the strange glances he'd receive knowing those people had just been talking about him five minutes before. But the truth was that if he couldn't go with Daenerys he wasn't going to go with some other girl he didn't know very well.  The likelihood of him being able to spend time at the ball with Daenerys that was would be low, the other girls in school were attention-seekers. He'd have to focus his time on them and not the one person he wanted too, but he wasn't about to do that.

And so he'd asked Arya, his little sister, to be his date to the ball. Jon got on the most with Arya and he'd hoped that she would enjoy a night of punch, nibbles, music and dancing. She, however, had laughed in his face claiming he must not know her very well if he thought she'd agree to dressing up and dancing when she had studies to do. He'd rolled his eyes at the choice language Arya had spoken, a few curse words slipping out of the mouth as she declined him. She'd bee spending too much time with that William Potter, his mouth was like troll in heat by all accounts.

So Jon had turned to Sansa, not by choice, but by force. Later that same day he'd been accosted by the red head and she'd nearly hexed him into next week. She'd demanded to know why he'd asked Arya but not her. Jon had never really gotten along with Sansa, it was only recent years where they'd both seen eye to eye so Jon naturally didn't think about it. she'd said that she'd go with him and that she'd also teach him basic dancing skills since he had foolishly showed himself up in Madam Quaithe's lessons the past few week. 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3. That's all he had to remember. No doubt I'll forget, he thought feeling panicked all of a sudden.

"You ready" Sansa asked with an eager smile on her face. They were in the boy dorm room where Robb and Theon had also finished getting ready. They came back into the room looking smart in their dress robes and Sansa jumped with happiness. "You all look amazing! But, as the oldest female in our family I need to give you advice"

"You're thirteen Sansa" Robb moaned, knowing what was coming.

"And you'd do well to listen to me, so stop complaining!" She snapped. All three of them shut up sharpish. "Good, now you're all taking very nice ladies this evening. And Jon, I know you're taking me but let's be honest as soon as the champions dance is over you'll be dancing with Daenerys so listen up. Do not, under any circumstances try and take advantage of these girls! I heard some boys in the library talking about spiking their dates drinks, I told Professor Marwin and they have been banned thankfully"

"Sansa, we would never-" Jon was abruptly interrupted.

"I'm not finished!" Jon had never seen Sansa look so serious, and currently, he was inclined to pay attention to every word she was saying. Even Theon looked shocked and that was saying something. "If I hear that ANY of you have done something to make a girl uncomfortable and do something she doesn't want to, I will invoke the wrath of my mother and bring hell onto you. A Blast-ended Skrewt will look like a puppy in comparison. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sansa" The three of them chimed. Jon was afraid to move. Jon continued speaking. "You know we never would, right?"

"I know, but I had to say it. If you're going to drink the punch I want it to be responsibly and not at the expense of another girls dignity" She was being reasonable, and Jon knows she means more for Theon than himself and Robb. But he listens to her spiel anyway. He would never hurt Daenerys in such a way, and any man or young boy who would hurt girls were disgusting. "Okay, we ready?"

They all nodded and left the dorm and entered the common room. There was a commotion of fourth year and up students in various dresses and dress robes. Arya was laughing as she sat by the fireplace while all the other students in her year were looking grumpy for not being allowed to go. Jon offered his arm and Sansa took. As they left the room through the portrait of the fat lady, there was more commotion outside as boys lined up waiting for their dates. Jon glided past them all with Sansa as Theon took off to the Slytherin dungeon to pick up Margaery and Robb went to Ravenclaw tower to get Talisa.

Jon was nervous, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't, he kept on wondering what dress Daenerys was wearing (even if he's been avoiding her after his slightly erotic thoughts on her) and hoped she'd be wearing something regal. She was the Queen of the ball for Hogwarts anyway, and he couldn't wait to see it. Sansa, sensing Jon's thoughts were all jumbled up, chastised him. "Stop brooding, for once in your life"

"Yes mother" Jon snorted. Sansa did not find it funny. She went on about how it was the one night in the entire school year where girls would be letting loose and dancing the night away and they did not need him brooding in the corner bringing a sour mood on the proceedings. Jon wondered if she was going to complain about anything else, but she just smiled as they came down the final steps. Daario was stood outside the Great Hall with a fellow Hogwarts student while Doreah was with a Beauxbaton boy. Daenerys was not there yet meaning Greyworm was neither. Irri was, and she was going with David Melleby the Slytherin student. They joined the champions and everyone began snickering when they showed up.

"Couldn't get a date, Snow?" Daario chortled, Doreah smirked too. Jon found them pathetic so he ignored them and waited for the tournament organiser to show up. Sansa had gone red in the cheeks with embarrassment. Jon held her hand and whispered in her ear that they were idiots so she just needed to ignore them. She wasn't listening, she was looking behind Jon, eyes wide and mouth open. Doreah was the same but she looked more miffed than anything.

Jon turned around and scanned the people. He felt his heart stop in it's place.

She looked stunning, a modest dress that hugged her figure and was floor length in an unexpected colour. It was blue. She had a little makeup on, as she had been using all school year so far, her lips were shiny and her eyes had something glittery on them. Her hair was up in a more complicated braid that he'd ever seen it and he found himself wondering how on earth it was achieved. Merlin on a broom, she looks gorgeous.

He found himself wondering how this was the same woman he'd known all school year. Where the nervous and tense girl had been, whose mother had died and family had fallen apart, was now a blossoming woman who looked confident and glowing. Jon was sure if this had been the cartoons in the old wizardology magazine he used to collect as a kid his heart would've beat out of his chest and his eyes would've fallen out of their sockets. She looked like a dream, having more of an affect on him than the Veela girls from Beauxbaton's Academy.

She walked down the last few steps with Gendry and joined the group of champions. Missandei followed with Greyworm and Jon thought she'd scrubbed up well too. Her hair looked amazing. Daenerys and Gendry came and stood next to Jon and Sansa and Jon found his heart speeding up double time. She spoke then, and Jon thought he'd faint then and there. "Hi"

"Hi" He mumbled, his tongue getting caught in his mouth. He looked in her eyes and saw his own reflection in her shining iris'. "You look amazing... I mean you always do I wasn't implying that you don't when you're normal but you look great now too" Sansa nudged him to try and tell him to shut up but it wasn't happening, his mouth was still blabbing. "That dress looks good, I didn't know you liked Navy"

"There's many thing you don't know about me, Jon Snow" She teased, a small smile on her mouth and a twinkle in her eye. Jon realised, in that moment, just how fucked he was. He was so head over heels for this woman and there was nothing that could prevent it now. He was ninety nine percent sure she could tell him she was a serial killer and he still would love her with every fibre of his being and more. There it was, the L word. It wasn't intended but it slipped out. There was no doubt in his mind however, he was one hundred percent sure. And knowing it made him breathe easier. He had accepted it. He just had to wait on the other end realising, if she did feel that way of course.

Before he could ask want she meant by the subtle 'there's many things you don't know about me' they were interrupted by the Tournament organiser, Mance Raydar. He went on and on about making sure they stayed in formation and about respecting the integrity of the Yule Ball before leading them into the Great Hall. It looked majestic as they entered, the work Jon and Daenerys had done in getting all the food, entertainment and decorations sorted was incredible. The snow was falling but high up, it was disappearing before landing on any students.

There was silver and black hangings around the room, simple and elegant as the trees were changed to match the same colour scheme. The stage was all silver too, and a swing orchestra was playing a soft melody while people waited. They lined either side of the hall and clapped when the champions walked in. Remember what Sansa taught you, don't look foolish, Jon!

There was a huge gap in the floor where they waited for ten minutes until everyone else poured in. Robb turned up with Talisa who was dressed in aqua blue, Margaery was wearing Green to support the Sytherin colours. Zazzie beats was wearing a suit instead of a dress and Jon thought it was cool. Everywhere there was a sea of colours and happy faces. It was all a little overwhelming. Then, they had to dance.

Jon held his hand out to Sansa who accepted with a curtsy. They then took the waltz position they'd been learning from Professor Quaithe and began to spin around the floor in sync with the rest of the couples. The music was a soft melody, string instruments only playing. Violins and Cellos sounded out in the open space. 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, he remembered again. He kept reciting the mantra in his head to help him remember the rythmn.

"There, you can do it" Sansa smiled as some teachers joined in half way through the song piece. Jon knew he could, he was just scared he'd have two left feet. He watched as Professor Lannister decided to enter the floor with his wife, Shae Lannister who was taller than him and Jon found it great to watch them spin around the floor. There was a close call of him stepping on Sansa's foot but it was averted in the end through Jon's quick reactions.

"I can do this, I'm trying to" Jon laughed. His mind was swirling with Daenerys in that dress. He wanted to kiss her so badly, and every time he saw her on the opposite side of the dance floor elegantly swinging with Gendry, he felt it more than ever. He wanted everyone in this room to know she was his, even though he'd never say that out loud. Careful Jon, don't scare her off before you've even spoken to her this evening properly. Keep the L word to chest and hold back on it. Go at her pace.

The song soon ended with a big flourish and there was a huge round of applause as the champions bowed and parted. The champions dance was short, but it was over. Jon couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. All the hoopla over a champions dance and it was five minutes of spinning around in sync. At least it meant he could dance with Daenerys and chat with her all night. Well, he'd have to be civil with Robb and Theon too otherwise they'd get grumpy without the attention.

He bowed to Sansa and watched as she made a B-line for the food. Classic Stark's, loving their food more than anything else. He had asked Daenerys to put pancakes on the nibbles table but she'd refused and told him he'd got a problem with addiction. He'd felt insulted, or at least pretended to be and they had laughed afterwards. He wasn't that bad was he? Probably.

"Hello handsome" He heard her say from behind him. When he turned to look at her, everyone now mingling and dancing, he felt his heart stop. After the dance she'd also had a flush across her skin as if she'd held her breath the entire time she'd spun with Gendry. Jon couldn't help but swallow some air as he took in her appearance. She looked so good. "You look great"

"Thanks, Sansa tied the bow" Jon laughed, easing himself into this tense encounter. There was a small moment of silence, not prolonged but still noticeable before Jon offered his hand out. "Care to dance?"

"Always"

The night was truly underway.

[ji-woonhaksslut]

Kids Just Gotta Have Fun

[Fandom: My Hero Academia.] [Rated: M - Mostly for Harsh Language and Alcohol Antics] [College AU] [Pairings: Izuku Midoriya/Shoto Todoroki + Katsuki Bakugou/Eijirou Kirishima + Other Minor Pairings and Dates]

Can Also Be Read Here On AO3! ♥

Chapter 1: One Of the Cool Kids

     Izuku realized almost instantly that this was a mistake. This crowded, woozy, place was a bad choice. The music that was too loud- the voices that were too stoned, too crude to be heard was a poor decision blasting like techno over speakers he wove away from in a hypnotized step.

    The furniture was a blockade he could barely avoid then; his arms felt bruised from the bumping. His legs almost felt more numb than his stomach sucking out the poison of his drink swirling around where his hand clasped solidly in the heave of his sudden breath.

    That drink was his second mistake after showing up here in this distorted group of peers all taking on new, seemingly, wilder masks of themselves.

    But he could still taste that bitterness on his tongue. Something that wasn't among the berry and the tangy soda water as he abandoned the last cup by the mantle and sat as far as he could from the noise boosting the chaos induced from the bit of alcohol Izuku couldn't wash away from his already hazed thoughts.

    Maybe some part of him came to make friends. The party was like an invitation to meet and greet with whoever he wanted; it was supposed to be that chance for Izuku to finally make that move from quiet "nerd" to a kid who actually made an impact.

    That perfectly timed blow to the social world that would make checking his accounts worth the while when he tried not to doze off in English class.

    The only faces he could see were those he'd never seen a day in his life. But why would he? They were from another college, some local gig he'd only heard of in side chatter and brochures he passed by through the main halls of his own campus suddenly brimming with the likes of their class.

    What he did know about them was that they weren't like his own friends. They weren't Ochako Uraraka dancing almost surrounded by her best friends with that gleaming grin taken over with ethereal happiness when she moved.

     No, they had Camie, a streak of whimsy whose mouth ran like a motor when dunked in the punch Izuku tossed away. A blonde with a defined interest in companionship who should have been someone Izuku would have liked.

      Unfortunately, he was frozen. His legs wouldn't work now when they flopped out on the nearest sofa and gave in. Honestly, he felt as though he'd been betrayed by everything. His own emotions were fried between longing to just dance and let go- to celebrate the unknown and kick back another drink like Yo Shindo who hid insults under compliments in a snide grin only his classmates could enjoy.

    They were just college students. He had no reason to fear them like snakes, spiders, like creatures of complete darkness that watched as Izuku tried to shut his mind and mouth before feeling vomit edge down the shaft of his throat harshly in an acidic bile Camie alluded to with a quizzical expression.

     Her drink was gestured toward him in place of her hand, eyes narrowed kindly as Izuku listened to her question ring out. "Are you okay?"

     Actually no, he wanted to explain, clutching back the desire to purge the dizziness and the useless anxiety. But he had a feeling all that would come up was lunch and the bottle of water he'd guzzled just before opening the door to this thriving location.

    And, if it mattered at all, Izuku just wanted to get out before everything came out. The twirl of emotions, of his insides, of the urge to bail out of there like the Flash if his system were half paralyzed and half awe-struck by the watchful eyes of mysterious peers all content to be sipping liquor straight out of a glass bowl Izuku dodged just as heels slammed the wood floor and dashed from his seat.

    Camie stepped aside gracefully, her smile appearing as soon as the green-haired student booked it from under her gaze with his fingers spread across his lips ready to burst when he didn't even know where to run for.

    "Bathroom to the right, I think!" Her voice called, but he was probably out of reach of even her booming voice lilting back to the rest if her crew when Izuku was buried out of sight and out of mind in the corner of the dancefloor next to those he knew well enough to feel a little more at ease.

    "Whoa- not on me, please!" Hanta Sera cried as he flinched away from his friend when Izuku's hand dropped from his jawline suddenly. While the urge to let it out faded he still felt like shit.

    Like it was lurking under his gut, paining him with the misery of deep breaths just as his lingering classmates observed when he slumped to the wall, and held it back once more just to say something back.

    "I'm good," He lied, one hand brushing away the touch that Hanta offered as the other braced himself to the wall. "I think I need some sleep or at least a bathroom very soon-"

    "Next door on your right," Denki Kaminari spoke up, clinging back from the fear of being the target of bile. Still, his face brought comfort. A sharp grin, jagged hair that formed black and blond spikes his hands could course through crudely if he tried.

     "I think I'll be okay for now," Came the weak response Izuku consoled him with, attempting to force back that glazed look of clamminess in his face and skin. It all felt kind of gross and yet exhilarating at one time; it was thrilling yet disgusting- that somehow surging feeling in his veins causing Izuku to crank out a single smile back to his friends. "Unless you want to hang around and see."

   Denki dramatically pushed his body to the wall in a laugh. "Don't do it, I swear to god-"

    "I won't!"

    Izuku pondered, maybe it wasn't that bad. Maybe those random kids just weren't his cup of tea- they just weren't capable of understanding what it was like hoping someone would just find the time and will to talk to him instead of him doing all the talking.

    His heart was racing, yet his brain wasn't working on hyper drive anymore. Maybe the upperclassmen were right when they said he needed to cut loose and find what it meant to let go- to have the time of his life before he was graduating with piss poor grades and it didn't quite work out for him like he'd hoped.

     Like a fall-back plan that only a drop-out could come up with, he thought, or someone like Minoru Mineta who only dreamed he would ever study like the rest of them and make it big. He'd think something like a wild party would make paying thousands of dollars worthwhile.

    But, the thing was, Izuku hated that plan. The one that said his memories would last forever when they didn't even last the minute, the hour- the second he was damn near wasted after even just a few more sips of coaxing.

    Hanta could do it. He could take the taste like a champion unlike Izuku would have ever seen! Frankly, he was proud of the guy. The dark hair being pushed back over his forehead as he chugged it, setting the cup aside in a bow as Denki and someone else applauded- a blur in Izuku's fragmented state that couldn't even focus on a face anymore.

    There was a crew in the corner playing a couple of games creeping on the border of inappropriate. Tangled lips, bumped noses played around a bottle with their cellphones snapping pics of good hookups Izuku was too shy to join.

    He'd never been kissed- never been touched like the dancers around Kyoka Jirou making her feel like the last girl alive in the midst of heated drops and beats blasting under her sneakers Izuku had to watch or see it all.

    He couldn't dance either. And he could never dance like them with hips in such a circular motion- arms clinging to one another til his breath was lost among the gaping guys who had to move along or be caught dead.

    There was confusion- his tipsy stare losing its impressions as he stumbled more so thank walked among his classmates. They were just faces now. They were just another person in the mass of body heat and breathy, slurred, sound.

    But he could still hear the sounds.

    Chanting, a roaring battle of tones and arguing shouts that butted against each other like horns in every screeching challenge they gave.

   He just didn't know how it started. How it came to this sequence of threats and harsh words.

    Something Izuku could still see? That Inasa Yoarashi was at least a couple inches taller than Shoto Todoroki and staring down at him like the barrel of a gun trained on his scarred face. His menacing words minced like tiny knives- wrenching a painful insult into the face of Izuku's classmate mercilessly.

     Inasa didn't need to think about it. He hated the kid, and he hated him for making him have to hate him- making him waste his time standing like there a statue when Inasa was prepared for the first shot to be taken.

    Shoto had his fist drawn; his teeth were gnashed together tight as Izuku recalled hurdling between the gathering crowd of lifted voices for one reason- something he forgot as he bee-lined through the hallway and felt his heels dig into the wood just to watch how white hands were shoved into Shoto's chest and tried to knock him back.

    "Go on," Inasa snapped. "Hit me like the hero you are."

    Shoto was ready to try, but his form stayed frozen even in the heat of the situation consuming him.

    Not that Yo would have let him fall. He just shoved him back in, tossing away the reasoning to stop it all before it really began- but he was just another drunken teenager screaming "Fight!" at the top of his lungs into the circle of punches soon to be thrown as they all watched.

    He could hear Momo Yaoyorozu crying out to stop them- her panic evident. Minoru wanted to see how it played out- his excitement building like bricks the way Izuku's heavy chest and stomach felt when he let his own voice ring out, but it seemed to mean almost nothing.

    "Stop it," Izuku felt his lips exclaim, or so he thought. Maybe it was just a mumble. Perhaps no one even heard him say a thing as his arms began forcing open a hole in the crowd before him, watching it all go down like a ship in the debris when Shoto Todorki's head turned acutely from the way Inasa swung.

   "Stop it-"

    "Hey, Izuku!" Someone cried, gasping aloud as their shout was drowned upon dozens of other exclamations and groans sounding through the herd.

    "How dumb are you?" Someone asked loudly when it all halted abruptly when the floor was all that Izuku felt under his palms and his cheek thudding hard with his heartbeat that made everyone sound so far away.

    He'd honest to god been punched so many times before that he would have thought he would have learned to expect it. But they just never stopped throbbing. Never started making him reconsider the things he did before diving face-first into a brawl that wound up getting him smacked down brutally into the floor at his friends' feet as they divided to help him up.

    "You would rather just let your friend take the hit than fight back," Inasa snickered as his back turned from Shoto, ignoring how the UA students fussed over Izuku like herded cattle. Izuku heard him say it, grinding his teeth as his eye felt like it bled from its socket when his expression twitched.

   Even though it was just the alcohol, for the most part. It was just the thrill of the situation that drove him to become some idiotic hero whose face was growing twice the size of a balloon- he just wanted to feel like he hadn't done something so intensely dumb at that second when the party was over.

    Mostly because Toshinori Yagi and Shota Aizawa, a couple of pretty pissed off teachers looming over the scene said so.

    "Scrape him off the floor," Mr. Aizawa demanded with a sigh. His bloodshot eyes stared jaggedly over to Camie and Yo who began gathering their things as they prepared to depart. "And everyone get out."

    Too bad Izuku didn't remember much more than that.

    Waking up after that was just a little worse. It was a pinch of humiliation mixed with a hefty amount of swelling pressing into the pillow he turned toward in a miserable groan. It felt like it throbbed to the touch, his fingers sliding away as they threaded into emerald green of his hair.

    The sound of the alarm next to his head was a nuisance, the burden of his classes weighing his body deeper into the mattress as though he were being sucked into its grasp. But he could hardly find the energy to move, the will to search for the droning sound blaring close to his ear as Izuku felt everything shriek with pain at once.

   His head, his stomach, his face that despised his every movement even when drawing the pillow across his jaw like an ice pack that only soothed its scorching agony for just a moment when dragging his legs over the edge of the bed creaking on his cautious steps.

    One step closer to a sight he'd never get out of his brain- one that paralyzed his entire body just grazing its dreadful scene in the reflection. Even when dim, it was obvious.

     The blackened flesh that plastered his jaw, the bruised complexion of his cheek widened like the rounded shape of a fist he could still feel planting into the side of his face. Like he could still act out his dramatic failure by flopping onto the floor- that's how fresh it felt- how it looked when he dared lean in closer to inspect its damage.

    Severe enough that he cringed, rubbing his nape awkwardly as excuses ran rampant through his mind. But who would believe them?

    With his phone running off the hook with notifications he was positive not a single soul would think he ran into a bathroom door or suffered some unfortunate baseball accident. Not when everyone who knew him had seen his hundreds of superhero posters and collections of manga- not really one for sports after all.

    If he learned anything from that one, incredibly strange incident, it was that he acted stupid, drank himself stupid, and, now of all things, wound up looking stupid with the trophy of Inasa Yoarashi swelling out to be traced by his finger like a tumour stretching out of his face.

    But that's just what he got for playing it off cool.

    Chasing the pills with coffee made it a little better. Katsuki Bakugou only felt his best when not slumped over his homework hungover; his ideal morning right now fading back like a dream when he thought about grasping the sheets of his bed, forgetting the exams like his end of the nightmare was over.

    The pills dulled the headache at least, and the coffee made him feel like he'd slept more than the three hours after being cast out of the main building like trash for winding up tipsy and out of his mind like the rest of them.

    Losers.

    And he wasn't one of them; not a wimp that couldn't force out thoughtless ideals on paper for his essay due in a day as it formed on his notebook aimlessly. It meant nothing. His mind sloshing out garbage with ease as he leaned against his wrist, pressing into his temple as the pressure still canned his process painfully.

   He swore it felt too warm outside anyway- hard to focus even when shucking the Varsity jacket absorbing more sunlight than needed in the autumn breeze sucking all his concentration like sap.

    Maybe it was all a blatant trap. Distractions engulfing the green in masses, all staring down at their phones like they had been apart of the reel of last night's gamble. The events posted on every site available to their mindless devices displaying every angle of the students no one got to see.

    Not when they were losing their damn minds over a few tastes of alcohol slipped in like a phantom drug to their drinks. Just a bunch of idiots lost to the devices of mind games and slurred behaviour that made Katsuki's teeth grind.

    Because he was among those idiots.

    Hell, he couldn't handle the liquor either. It made him want to gag- the taste so bitter it made him choke- its dizziness still lingering as it preyed on his weakness. It played him like the fool he was and made him into the kind of spineless creature he refused to become.

    And the chance that any of those cameras saw that mocked him. It destroyed him as his fingers stretched tighter around his pencil with efforts to think back to the passage he scanned with a hefty sigh.

    Did he even give a fuck about poetry? Did any of these lines mean anything but nonsense to him?

     The answer was no, but it wasn't like he focused on them enough to find any meaning. He wanted to think about watching Shoto Todoroki getting served with something well-deserved. At least, that's what Katsuki thought of it.

    Watching Inasa hover him, bark at him like a mad dog with his hands shoving him, pushing him down a few notches while Katsuki joined the crowd and just begged them to fight it out. It was the right thing to do. Stupid as all hell, but it felt right.

    Shoto could take the hit, and he got to see him battered like yesterday's hero with pleasure. Win-win, and it made Katsuki smirk just recalling it. One of the only things he could remember really since he was so out of it after that chugging contest with his friends that it all blacked out.

    Roses are red, violets are blue, if I hated anyone it'd be fucking you.

    Now that was poetry, he teased in his mind, humming in victory as it made his eyes roll. He'd do any kind of procrastinating to avoid this shit right now.

     He'd even talk to the one guy he almost couldn't stand the most. A lie, true, but it was one of those pride things weaved into his skull as his hand slammed down on his textbook when he raised his voice across the green as a body passed. Their vivid hair stood out among the bland colour scheme of the outdoors.

    "What the fuck are you doing, dumbass?"

    Eijiro Kirishima paused roughly, face packed with a defensive bewilderment as his body seemed to stiffen at the call. He was dressed somehow well for the morning after the night of their ruined lives.

    Matching jacket with the varsity patch, rugged jeans gashed at the knees sluggishly moving closer with the toss of his bag along the seat opposite of Katsuki Bakugou whose vision narrowed on the lack of gel in his friend's hair.

    Rival, he corrected daftly.

    "You never wear your hair like that," He commented, snubbing him altogether as Eijiro tried to smile and wave his way through the confrontation. "It's fucking weird."

    "When it's down?" The red-head asked curiously, smoothing his fingers at the back of his head where the loose ponytail looped around his fingers that seemed to shake  even as he let them fall away from the holder. "I-I didn't have the energy to style it, bro."

    "Since when do you do anything?" He asked, referring to their athletics, hinting subtly at the last few attempts of training together where Katsuki wound up besting him at a few repetitions of exercises before Eijiro was passing up weights and push-ups for breathers.

    Sly as he was, Katsuki knew it no longer hurt Eijiro to be poked fun at- not by Katsuki who never meant a damn thing he said by default. At least, not when he knew it was the only guy who trusted him enough to say they were friends.

   Friends who bickered, playfully insulted one another- made sure they really felt the burn when they pushed each other to the brink of insanity and athletics.

    But being Katsuki's friend was like playing with fire. It looked cool- a stunning mark on the reputation that scarred and left him feeling a little singed as soon as he saw the blond's mouth open in another rebuttal.

    He always had something witty to say, and Eijiro just wasn't quick enough on the draw yet to top him.

    "Says the guy in the hoodie and sweatpants,"

    "Did you mean, my usual attire?" Katsuki quipped, head tilting as his coffee was chugged back before being cast aside into the nearest trash can.

   "You dressed up for the party yesterday-"

   "That's a damn lie,"

    Ripped jeans and a black tank top definitely cut the edge of dressing up, yes, but it was enough to say that the red-head wasn't foolish for noticing the gap in difference.

    "I want poetry to fucking die- spill the answers before I ruin your day." Katsuki finally cut to the point of calling his Rival over just as he drummed his fingertips on his textbook impatiently.

    Not that Eijiro had any time to actually read their homework very thoroughly himself seeing as his night left him drained- his emotions tipping scales as he felt sweat beading on the back of his skin when Katsuki huffed out a breath that pushed wisps of thin blond over his nose.

   Sharp teeth hesitated to speak, lips drawn over a few syllables as he thought carefully before speaking on his swift, poor, decision. "You just wanted to talk about our homework?"

   "I don't really want to talk to you any other time, so yeah?" His voice tilted to a question for a moment before watching his friend form a sarcastic smirk. "Your lazy ass did your homework, right?"

   "You always steal my answers!"

    A wave of comforting whimsy washed over the dorky athlete, his deep exhale lurking under a thrum of anxiety that slowly slipped back into the confines of his joyful expression when Katsuki gestured needily for the binder Eijiro pulled from his bag. And it was ripped out of his grasp before he could argue- watching as the pages were flipped knowingly to the right section- by memory.

    A display of the frequency that Katsuki Bakugou didn't do his homework like he said when he began scanning the chicken-scratch writing for keywords he could sprinkle into his own essay without remorse.

    "I'll actually do this shit when I'm not hungover,"

    The red-head's hand concealed a yawn as he nodded. "Yeah, Mr. Toshinori says the punch we drank was spiked- don't know who did it though."

    "Why would we?" Katsuki scoffed.

    "'Dunno? Cameras?" He leaned his chin onto the picnic table as he tried scrolling through his phone absently to ease the tension from the rest of his gut at long last. "What do you remember?"

    His fingers stopped on the keys of his typing, reluctant to have asked as his lips moved without reason- his eyes snapping shut as he heard the table creak and his friend mutter something foul.

   "A fucking pathetic fight, I guess? Me chugging a shit drink that tasted like puke? What else you wanna know?"

    Eijiro shrugged, snickering as he rebuked "Your snapchat?"

    Katsuki's eyes rolled, but he slid his cellphone to the willing poetry donator after unlocking the device's screen for him.

   "Send me anything weird, and you're dead."

    "What defines as weird?"

    Eijiro watched as he added the name read off the user screen, the notification appearing on Katsuki's phone as he sent it through and let his trembling hand hold it momentarily.

    Katsuki flipped his book closed, the binder he borrowed being forced back into Eijiro's grasp as he recollected his cellphone with a grunt.

    They both started to stand, the table almost being shifted aside as the red-head's graceless attempts to jolt out of its reach were almost rushed. He was instantaneous to react, his face crudely forming a grin as he tried to end the conversation with a fist bump- or a handshake-

   Katsuki could hardly tell as awkwardly formed as it was.

    And, either way, he didn't care. It was an invitation to grab him by the knuckle and squeeze so hard it made the guy gasp, his heels driven off their stance as Katsuki drove his shoulder into Eijiro brutally until he was knocked off his feet and to the grass with a groan of slight pain when his stomach argued with the strike nastily.

    It was a game they played. A weird strength test that made them somehow feel a little more manly the less it hurt to be tossed into nearby lockers and walls.

    A guy thing, Eijiro liked to explain, but no one could make sense of his pleasure in being almost bullied by Katsuki who watched him struggle to stand for a second as his breath coughed out raggedly and his fingers raked the earth for support.

   It was just like that. Katsuki was an aggressive guy, and he had an oddly aggressive way of greeting and saying goodbye to his friends who stood to wave him off.

    "See ya later," Eijiro called out, watching as Katsuki did nothing to answer him back even after hearing him. But that was best.

   Eijiro clung to his phone, sweat on his palm making it hard to hold it tight as it felt like it would slide out of his touch at any second.

    He could see the message ghosting his notifications as a warning he didn't want to answer yet- his heart shadowed in anxiety again as he felt his teeth bite hard to his lip.

[Best Bro - (Sent 04:02 am) - I don't think you should even ask him about it yet. It's Katsuki, and Katsuki is, well, Katsuki.]

     His fingers began typing back swiftly, breath held as he slumped back against the picnic table, glancing to see Katsuki off by the main building as he squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, then replied.

[You - (Sent 11:18 am) - He doesn't even remember anything!! D: ]

[chanyoel-archive]

Princess (m)

•  words: 5.1k •  genre: college au, smut •  pairing: chanyeol x reader (ft sehun) •  a/n: ok this is my first ever fic so please bare with me, i’m more of a editor than a writer tbh lmao. it might become a series so if you like it please like and comment~

You dreaded at the thought of your project deadline being moved a week earlier. You only had two more weeks to get the project finished and thinking about it just made you anxious.

It was a Thursday morning and you weren’t in the best of moods, the stress was now taking over you, meaning that you had hardly got any sleep last night which made you wake up later than usual forcing you to skip breakfast and rush to your first lecture of the day. On the way, you grabbed a coffee and somehow made it to class. The project room was on the other side of the campus, but the coffee played a huge part in keeping you active. You take a seat at the left side of the room which was by the door.

Since you were majoring in drama you had to take lots of notes and listen to every lecture, which is of course the worst part about studying drama. Another downside to this course was the cocky brat who always came into the class later than everyone else causing you to be distracted. There was always one seat left – next to you.

Twenty minutes into the lecture and he comes strolling into the classroom, dropping his heavy bag onto the table beside you. The chair scraped across the floor as he pulled it out from the table and slumped down while taking his time taking his notebooks out. You were becoming irritated, but chose to ignore it and brushed it off by rolling your eyes.

“Mr Oh, you’re twenty minutes late again, care to explain?” the lecturer asked him softly. She had a big soft spot for him which was really infuriating since he got away with murder. She was quite young, so you wouldn’t be shocked if she had a crush on him.

A charming grin appeared on his face. “It won’t happen again, I just slept in, I’m sorry.”

She sighed. “Okay. Please be in time tomorrow?”

“Yes.” He nodded and smiled firmly.

He used the same lame excuse every time and somehow it worked. Normally you would ignore it and just focus on your work but the stress was worse than ever and this was just the cherry on top. He skipped class and was always leaving early but the teachers never caught on. Sehun was really talented and everything seemed easy and effortless for him which annoyed you and cutting class didn’t affect his grade at all. You ignored his whole existence by having both earphones in and music blasting loudly. About an hour into the lecture you felt someone tap on your shoulder and leaning in closer to you. Pausing, you take out one of your earphones.

“Hey, so there’s this party and I was wondering if you wanted to come?” he winked at you and slung his bag over his shoulder hovering over you while waiting for an answer.

“Um, yeah can I bring someone?” You asked smiling.

“Of course, the more the merrier! See you tomorrow night.” He caressed your shoulder and left the class.

As usual Sehun left the class and you made a soppy story up to cover his ass. Why bother?

After the lecture had finished you headed back to your dorm and again grabbed a coffee to keep you awake for the rest of the day. As you entered the residence halls and found yourself on the fourth floor where your dorm was, you saw him with his guitar and scrunched up papers around him.

Park Chanyeol is majoring in music at Korea National University of Arts.  Even though he was popular amongst the girls, he doesn’t show much affection since music is his number one priority in life.

You couldn’t stop looking at him. He looked absolutely ethereal with his bright auburn hair and his dorky smile. You were intrigued but nonetheless smitten by his music. He was tall and lanky but somewhat muscular. Your eyes trailed down his body to his delicious thighs. Your mind started to drift on its own accord and soon enough you could feel a tingling sensation between your legs. But before you could get too carried away you shook yourself back into reality. As you walked down the hall to your dorm you could feel eyes on you piercing through your clothing.

Yours and Chanyeol’s room were directly across from each other but you’ve never spoke to him once. He was stood outside your dorms strumming at his guitar trying to find that perfect melody. You glanced at him as you forced your key into the door, he had his guitar pick stuck between his lips and you couldn’t take your eyes off him. His eyes landed on you and you quickly returned to unlocking your door as if nothing happened, you rushed to get inside but your door was sticking. While using all your strength to get inside, you felt a warm body pressed against your back as the door flew open. You turn to face him and he cocks his head to the side. Your lips were now mere centimetres away from his. You were so close, Chanyeol swore he could almost taste the flavour of the peach chapstick on your lips. You moved away from him quicker than the flash and slammed the door shut straight in his face.

You paced around the room trying to take in what just happened. You decided to forget about it and begin the project that was due in two weeks. A couple of coffees down the line and you decided to go to sleep - you’ve done about four to five hours of studying and tomorrow was just another day at university.

The next morning, you were sat in the project room and once again there was no sign of Sehun. You decided to wear a loose tank top and jeans but you realised it was a big mistake when you felt your cheeks flush at the skin on skin contact.

“You still on for tonight?” He grinned placing his bag down gently on the desk while he sat down as usual and brought out his notebook. You peeked over slyly, in awe of how organised and neat his notes were in a tattered book. He seemed different today. He was only five minutes late instead of fifteen and seemed less cocky that usual.

You shook your head and gave a small smile. “Yes.” Your hand went to rub behind your neck awkwardly. After the awkward silence, you put your earphones in and began to continue from where you left off last night. But your mind trailed off to the Chanyeol incident and you couldn’t help but grin and blush.

As you were packing your things away, Sehun stood behind his chair, unmoving, his stuff already in his backpack, that was slung lazily over his shoulders as always. When you were done, you glanced up at him and coughed to get his attention.

“So, I’ll see you tonight then?” You shyly smiled.

“Indeed, you will.” He smirked as he finally moved out the way.

You left the class without another word, he was too cocky for you and you couldn’t handle a longer conversation with him. You decided to take a break from studying and head somewhere to chill out.

You were seated in the corner of a small café on the campus, your fingers drumming on the table nervously as you saw Chanyeol sat in the opposite corner with his guitar and a tray of food.

After a few minutes, you got up to leave the café - it’s time to get back to studying. Throwing away your coffee cup in the bin and gave a short glance to Chanyeol before leaving.

Hours flew by and you realised that you now had to get ready for this party Sehun kept gossiping about. You swore to yourself you were only going to see what the fuss was about.

You jumped into the shower and sang your heart out without a care in the world. You then wrapped a towel around you and kept your music to a minimal tone so that only you could hear it. You tie your wet hair up out of your face and hum to the music. Just as soon as you were about to change you heard the door knock. You cocked your head to the side, unsure of who would be knocking on your door at this time of night. As you opened the door you saw Chanyeol stood there and you gasped.

“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you but my shower isn’t working can I use yours?” His deep-toned voice spoke with an embarrassed look on his face.

You glanced at your towel and held onto it for dear life. “Yeah sure.”

You left the door open as he voluntarily walked into your room and stood in front of you without a word.

“So the bathroom is right behind you, there’s a spare towel on the rack if you want to use that but you can also use your own.” You spoke without taking a breath.

He chuckled. “Okay, thanks.”

Without another word, he went into the shower and you ran around like a crazy woman shoving on the party clothes you had prepared hours before. You took the hair tie out of your hair and let your wet hair dangle below your shoulders. Ten minutes later, Chanyeol came out the bathroom with a towel covering his bottom half, and you couldn’t take your eyes off his abs, you were left flustered.

“If you wanted to take a look, you only need to ask, Princess” He smirks.

You simply turned around to face the wall, keeping your expression blank as possible.

He steps closer to you when he receives no response. “Why? Just looking at it doesn’t interest you?” He asks. “I’d let you touch them, if you’d like” He whispers into your ear and you cringe internally upon hearing that sentence but also feel a tingling sensation between your legs,  again.

His light breath tickles the shell of your ear and makes a shiver run throughout your body but no you will not let Park Chanyeol win. Chanyeol finds himself resisting the urge to bite on his bottom lip at the sight of your slightly parted lips.

You move your head until your lips were hovering a few inches away from the shell of his ear. “If I were you I’d head back to your dorm before you regret it.” You smile as you shove him away from you.

Chanyeol stumbles backwards and he grabs the edge of your desk to steady himself. He inches closer again and you press a finger to his forehead to stop him from coming any closer.

“Ah you’re so fun to mess with, Princess” He smiles as he pinches your cheek.

“Chanyeol, get out,” You shout. He laughs with his arms held up in surrender as he backs away from you.

Before you know it he was gone. You could feel your whole body flustered and you could feel a slight wetness coming from your sex but you chose to ignore it and continue to get ready for the party. After applying your make up and straightening your hair, you got all your things together as you left your room.

You stood amongst a small group of people all with red solo cups in hand. Your best friend Liv had a bit too much to drink but she had been at the party longer than you. After a few minutes you excused yourself from the group to go refill your cup. You were staring at the counter full of cheap liquor where there was so many to choose from. Just as you were about to grab the vodka and pour some into your cup when a voice from behind startled you.

“They actually keep the good stuff under the sink.” You turned around to see who the voice belonged too.

There he was standing in front of you wearing a button up shirt and skinny jeans. In awe, you couldn’t manage to get words to come out of your mouth and when he noticed you weren’t going to respond he knelt down and plucked a bottle from under the kitchen sink.

He walked over to you and poured some of the contents into your cup. You looked at him a tad bit confused and you could feel your cheeks start to heat up. Why were you acting like this? He was a huge dick towards you earlier. Why are you still getting affected? You stood there in silence, not saying a word until he finally spoke.

“Look, I’m sorry about earlier.  I was just caught up in the moment.” He said smiling at you.

Gosh his smile was amazingly dreamy. You stood still saying nothing. He chuckled and mumbled. “You’re cute.” Before turning around to grab the bottle of coke and pouring some into yours and his cups.

You were so embarrassed about earlier events but also really turned on by his presence. You were making a total fool of yourself. You needed to get out of that kitchen as soon as possible before you embarrassed yourself even more.  

“Thanks” you managed to mumble out.

You bolted out of the kitchen before anything else could happen. Hoping that you would never bump into him again and forget all encounters with him.

Instead of looking for Liv you decided to go into the garden to get some fresh air. You really didn’t want to be at this party and there was no way you were leaving Liv here on her own with all these men. So, you decided to take a seat in the backyard and scroll through your phone.

“Y/N!!!!” you heard a familiar voice shout.

You glance up to see Sehun with a beer bottle in the air looking absolutely drunk. You chuckled to yourself and waved at him.

“You made it!!” He shouted once again.

“Yes. It’s kind of hectic inside.” You replied pointing to the house.

“Loosen yourself up Y/N. You deserve it.” He smirked. “I’ll see you later.” He left.

After half an hour, you decided to go back into the party. You figured Liv would be wondering where you are, but knowing her she’d probably be too drunk to remember you’re here. You walked back inside and found Liv stood in the corner making out with some guy. You rolled your eyes and sat down on the chair.

You saw Sehun once again approaching you but this time with Chanyeol, oh great.

“Hey, Y/N this is Chanyeol.” He pointed over at Chanyeol.

Chanyeol winked at you which left you flustered and extended his hand out to you.

“Nice to properly meet you, princess.” He grinned as you shook his hand.

“Likewise.” You responded.

Sehun looked at us both with a confused look sprawled across his face.

“Have you guys met before?” He questioned.

Chanyeol answered before you could get a word in. “Actually, the other day I had to-“

Before Chanyeol could finish his sentence, you spoke over him. “We met each other in the kitchen.” You smiled.

You started to feel your cheeks beginning to blush again. You couldn’t understand why he had this effect on you. Luckily Sehun didn’t notice that you were blushing.

Tonight, you were downing one drink after the other, and you knew tomorrow morning you’d regret it. You were stood at the living room entrance watching Liv have the night of her life on the dance floor.

“Let’s dance.” You felt a hand grab your wrist as he pulled you into the crowd.

You then noticed that the voice belonged to Chanyeol and you felt butterflies fluttering within your stomach. A few dances and drinks later and you were now feeling a little different from your usual self. Your ass began to grind on Chanyeol’s crotch and you enjoyed every second of it. As you did, you felt his member hardening between your legs so you began to grind on it more, forming a smile across your lips. Your bodies were becoming closer than before, you could feel his breath against the nape of your neck which sent shivers down your body. You wanted him right there and then but you didn’t give in that easy, you wanted him to have taste of his own medicine.

You turned around and you were yet again inches away from his face and you couldn’t help but stare at his heavenly plump lips. You wanted to kiss him so badly but you stopped yourself since you didn’t want to be the centre of gossip.

You hesitantly pulled away from him taking one last look, damn you thought.

Someone had told you that Liv went home because she had too much to drink so you decided to go home too. You noticed that Chanyeol was a bit drunk too so you both went home together since you both lived across from each other. Succeeding the walk back to the residence halls you both made it outside your dorms.

You and Chanyeol had spent most of the night together and you felt like you knew him more than what you thought. You both stood there in silence not saying a word and you felt your heart beating faster than usual.

“Good-“

You don’t give him the time to finish his sentence, choosing to smash your lips against his. He grunts as you push him against the nearest wall, his head hitting the wall with a soft thud. Chanyeol responds almost instantly, his hands gripping your waist tightly as he feels you tug at his soft locks. He brings up one hand to cup your check, to slow down the pace and you whine disapprovingly not liking how intimate this was getting already.

He pulls away from you as you drag him into your dorm room.

“Slow down Princess�� He whispers before he begins to leave a trail of open mouth kisses down your neck. You whimper involuntarily when you feel his hand slip under your t-shirt to knead one of your breasts.

Your hand moves around to the front of his pants where you begin to undo the button of his jeans, trying to speed up the process. He tries to ignore you but when you start to palm him through his jeans, he bites down harshly on your neck before his tongue quickly glides over the spot to soothe the pain. You flinch from the pain and tug his head away from your neck by grabbing a fistful of his hair.

He tugs your chin towards him, smirking again before crashing his lips against yours. This time he doesn’t take his time, his lips move greedily against yours sucking and nibbling at your bottom lip. You swipe once, twice against his bottom lip before he grants your entrance. Your tongues swirl around battling each other for dominance, and the only thing you can hear is your greedy moans as his hand slips between the two of you to rub at your core through your jeans. You roll your hips forward needily, craving more friction.

You moan once more into the kiss and Chanyeol decides he can’t wait any longer. He grabs your thigh, fingernails digging into your skin as he hoists you up. Your thighs wrap around him automatically and he begins moving forward, all the time never leaving your lips.

He sets you down on your bed and his arms leave you momentarily only to pull his shirt over his head and you do the same to your shirt. You move backwards by your elbows until you feel the pillows behind you and Chanyeol follows, hovering above you.

“Fuck,” He pants, leaving sloppy kisses starting from your neck and down the valley of your breasts, stopping only to unclasp your bra which he tosses off the bed. You shut your eyes, biting down on your bottom lips to muffle your desperate moans. He continues, leaving open mouth kisses on your breast, sucking at your skin, leaving marks that will surely be dark purple tomorrow.

“Chanyeol,” You moan, grabbing his free hand to guide it down towards your core. “More,” You breathe out. You feel him against your skin as he unbuttons your jeans, his knee putting pressure against your sex. He moves down leaving kisses that stop at your navel and he tugs your jeans, along with your panties off. You lay there excited for what’s to come next but you feel Chanyeol’s hands leave you altogether so you whine in protest.

“Chanyeol,” you groan. “I don’t have time for games.”

“I’m just taking the time to admire your body,” He smirks, his fingers teasing at your folds.

Without warning he plunges two fingers into you and you almost scream out in delight. He brings his thumb around to rub slowly around your clit and you feel the room start to spin. He glances up to see you loll your head backwards, lips slowly parting as you feel a knot build at the bottom of your stomach and he feels his jeans tighten.

“Fuck, Chanyeol.”

The room is filled with only the sound of squelching as Chanyeol continues to thrust his fingers into you. He soon replaces his thumb with his tongue and you moan his name repeatedly, struggling to contain yourself. You can tell he’s already smirking as he uses his tongue to swirl around your clit. Your hips buck up and you’re practically grinding down on his tongue so he places a palm across your stomach to stop you from squirming.

“Behave, Princess,” You hear him hum and you try to relax but you can’t stop the shivers of pleasure that run down your spine.

The knot building at the pit of your stomach tightens and your vision goes hazy as you feel yourself reaching your climax. He thrusts his fingers into you with more urgency as your moans grow more and more frequent, knowing that you were reaching your high soon.

“Chanyeol, I’m—“

“Mmm, come for me, Princess,” He hums against your folds.

A few more swirls around your clit is all it takes for him to send you tumbling over the edge. You let out a long moan, as your thighs begin shaking as you reach your release. Chanyeol thrusts his fingers slowly into you, letting you ride out your high. You feel his hot breath against your core as he removes his fingers, he licks every drop of your juice from his fingers and you find yourself shivering with delight.

After drawing in a few deep breaths, you look up to see Chanyeol licking his lips, his chin glistening with your fluids. Seeing him that way stirs something inside of you. You place your hand behind his neck, pulling him down towards you to kiss him slowly.

You bite lightly at his bottom lip as you pull away, pushing him onto his back before leaving a few more kisses down his jaw, licking up the remnants of what was dripping off his chin. You move towards his neck, leaving a long stripe as you continue to inch downwards and you hear him inhale sharply as shivers at the cold trail you have left behind. You take your time, slowly shimmying your way down until your lips hover just above his dick. He watches with fully blown out pupils as you use your teeth to drag down the zip of his jeans.

“Fuck, Y/N that’s so hot,” He moans.

You pull off his jeans and boxers in one swift movement and you watch his member flip up onto his abdomen. Chanyeol hurriedly kicks off his jeans and boxers that were pooling by his ankles and you lick your lips as you eye his member, spreading the bead of precum leaking from his tip.

You leave kitten licks across his tip and he grunts in annoyance. You continue teasing him, using your teeth to lightly scathe down the side of his member carefully.

“Stop teasing, Princess,” He whines and you laugh lightly.

You lick a long stripe up the side of his member before hollowing out your cheeks to take in as much of him as you can and you hear Chanyeol let out a light whimper. You bob your head up & down, using your tongue to swirl around his dick. The breathy moans that leave his lips has you rubbing your thighs together and you work quickly, slacking your jaw as you sink down all the way until your nose touches the hilt. You take in a deep breath, swallowing once around him and you feel the burning sensation back in your throat.

“Ohh, just like that baby,” He cooed.

He bucks his hips upward, aching to feel relief and despite how it burns your throat even more, you let him do as he pleases. A slew of cuss words leaves his lips, his breathing becomes ragged and he bucks his hips up once again but then you feel him suddenly retreat from you altogether.

You look up at him confused as to why he would do that when he was so close, afraid that you might’ve done something wrong. You see him with a shiny packet in hand, eyebrows furrowed, hurriedly trying to tear it open. Frustrated, he uses his teeth to tear the packet open and he pushes your hand that rested limply around his shaft away.

“But you haven’t—“

“Next time, princess,” He says. “I just need to feel you around me now,” He growls as he rolls the condom down his member. No, no there won’t be a next time. There can’t be.

He motions for you to come forward and you comply, placing your knees at either side of him as you guide his member towards your entrance. You sink down slowly, crying out as you feel his length stretch out your walls. Chanyeol watches you with dark eyes and his jaw slacks at the feeling of his member sliding slowly against your walls. When you sit down fully, you let a long moan escape you while you adjust to his size.

Chanyeol places his hands on your hips, silently urging you to move and you rest your palms against his chest as you roll your hips forward cautiously a few times to test the waters.

“Fuck, Princess,” He curses.

Moving your hands further up, you grip at his shoulders as you sit back on your knees. You rise up, almost feeling him slip out of you before you slam back down on him.

“Oh my god,” You cry, bouncing up and down as only lewd sounds of skin slapping against skin fills up the room. You feel Chanyeol’s fingers dig into the side of your waist leaving behind tiny crescents, guttural groans leaving his throat as he bites down on his bottom lip. Soon, your movements grow sloppy and you let Chanyeol do most of the work, him bucking up into you as he lifts you up and down with him. Your eyes shut as wave after wave of pleasure runs throughout your body and you find it hard to hold on.

“God, Y/N why haven’t we ever done this before?” He groans as he flips you onto your back. He thrusts mercilessly into you, hooking one of your knees onto his shoulder so he can reach deeper into you. You open your mouth to shoot him a witty answer but only a sharp scream leaves your throat as the feeling of him hitting just the right spot is almost too much for you.

“Shit, Chanyeol right there!” You scream and he picks up the pace, drilling into you. Your hands grip onto the sheets as you feel your climax steadily approaching, high pitched breathy moans leaving your throat. Chanyeol’s steady pace starts to falter and you know he’s close too. He lets his hand slip between your bodies so he can rub little circles around your clit and you lift your head to muffle your scream against the crook of his neck, your arms gripping tightly at his back.

Two, three more thrusts and for the second time of the night you’re sent over the edge, your fingernails raking down his back as you feel a wave of pleasure wash over your body. A few moments later, with a final push you feel Chanyeol’s member stutter inside of you and his face contorts in pleasure as he finally reaches his climax. He helps you ride out both of your highs with a few more shallow thrusts before you’re squirming from over-sensitivity.

Exhaling deeply, Chanyeol flops down next to you.

“Damn Y/N that was so—“

“Good,” You smile, completing his sentence for him. The two of you lie there in silence, allowing time for the both of you to catch your breaths.

You felt Chanyeol wrap his arm around you pulling you closer to his naked body. You could feel his breath against the back of your neck as you closed your eyes and held his hand that was wrapped around you. You loved this moment and you didn’t want tomorrow morning to come any quicker.

The feeling of a migraine in the morning after drinking is the worst ever, you got out of bed and made your way to the kitchen to find a pain killer. Only to find Chanyeol sprawled across your bed just as naked as you are. You choked on your water and tried to think of many different scenarios of what happened last night, but no matter how many you thought of none of them explains why you were both naked. You glanced over at him while he lay there fast asleep, all you wanted to do was play with his hair and cuddle him. Why are you behaving like this?

A few moments later and Chanyeol was opening his eyes to find you sat on the table glaring at him.

“What the…” He mumbled grabbing the duvet to cover his bottom half.

“I can’t believe you.” You groaned.

“Me? What about you?” He argued as you threw his clothes at him.

“Listen. None of us wanted to do this so let’s just forget what happened and go back to the way things were.” You insisted.

“Why? Didn’t you enjoy last night?” he smirked as you rolled your eyes and crossed your arms.

“Don’t make me chuck you out Chanyeol.” You replied.

“I’m leaving anyway, Princess.” He grabbed your arm and kissed you on the forehead as he left without saying another word.

You watched him as he left with a confused expression across your face, what the hell was that all about?

[a-little-bit-colorful]

This is for @devils-deeds-23 coraline au!! I had a blast writing this! 

- 

"So... can I go see john today?" 

"Not today, no." 

Luke stopped untangling his head phones, a task he chose to keep his mind off of the pretty blue eyed boy he befriended few days ago. "Aw come on! Why not?" He threw his hands and the tangled mess down on the table, shuffling some of the papers that seemed almost torn apart from being in a cabinet for so long.  

"It's raining, there's mud. And I don't want you to slip and hurt yourself." Luke's father, Evan, said with a look of disinterest. He was a strong man and could easily take you down in a heartbeat. But he was also a softie. He took an injury a few months ago because of his profession, he was a hockey player. Key word: was, past tense. Evan had their family move all the way to North Carolina. Both of Luke's fathers were pretty well off, so he didn't really have to worry about your normal 'my family is poor' stuff. Luke really did enjoy his life... except for the fact he can't keep a good friend for more then a month. He misses their old house, the neighbors were nice, it wasn't a 'bad' part of town. His fathers didn't enjoy it as much as their son did. THEY of corse wanted to be secluded and anonymous. 

 The 14 year old sighed, giving up on untangling the wires, putting the jack into his iPod. "I'll be careful! Come on... please?" Luke begged his father. With a sigh, Luke accepted defeat. Deciding that convincing Evan was a lost cause, he came up with another idea. Of course Evan was so engrossed into doing his taxes that he didn't even notice his son slip away, a small doll in his arms. 

Walking through the hall ways, Luke found his second fathers study after awhile of roaming around aimlessly. Dathi is an author, though his husband would call him the 'dork of all dorks'. The tall Irish man sat at his desk typing away on an old computer, bags under his eyes. He seemed hard at work, but Luke could care less as he knocked on the office door. His attempt to get his fathers attention was proving fruitless when he was given a half assed reply to everything Luke said. 

 "So... can I go to the orchard?" Luke finally mused. 

"What'd the big man say?" 

"He told me to ask you!" The fourteen year old replied with a hopeful smile. "Okay, that's a lie and we both know it. Evan would never let the fate of our son rest in my arms!" He chuckled. Dathi then proceeded to go back to his work. 

Luke, still bored as ever tapped his finger to a beat on the cardboard box beside him. That beat grew to a drum solo, Luke was jamming out in no time. No one, and I mean no one, can stop that little devil when he has music on the mind. Slaps and knocks on the boxes to tiny taps and silent beat boxing under his breath. Luke almost forgot where he was, bobbing his head to the artificial beat.

It was all cut short though when Dathi groaned. "Can't you just go n unpack your stuff? I gotta finish this chapter today, or boss'll have my head! I swear I'll help ye set up your computer later. Just go n explore the house!" Dathi rambled with a tired expression. Huffing in defeat once again, Luke goes to explore the hundred year old house as his father suggested. 

Of course it didn't help that his head phones would catch on every single door knob. Or that everything in the house was so dull you couldn't even tell if the old thing had color in the first place. It was all so... old. He tried to turn his music up to drown out the sight of how boring everything was. But it only made it worse. Luke's mind drifting from the old house back in Canada, then to Jon. 

He ran the memory of meeting him through his mind. Remembering every detail. He walked out of the house to explore the property while his parents got everything situated. Luke shoved his headphones on, blasting techno through his skull. It sounded almost like a shrill screech, he was surprised he even heard it through the music. It was a cat, it was sitting on the gate that lined the pink palace. The poor thing looked almost homeless, thin body, matted fur. Even a torn ear, from what he could tell, this cat meant business.

The cat seemed to smile when Luke went up to greet him. Luke was shocked to see how friendly this cat was. The cats eyes followed his hand as he proceeded to scratch the cat behind his ear; doing his best to not mess with the small white woolen hat that hung upon the cats head. 'Weird, but cool.' Luke thought to himself. The mysterious black cat jumped down from his perch, walking into the orchard. He looked back to see if Luke was following. Luke caught on quickly and ran up to the cat, walking alongside him. Dead apples littered the floor, leaves on the verge of falling off the trees. The orchard felt as it should be a horror movie setting.

 Luke hesitantly stopped walking all of a sudden when the cat slowed to a halt. He looked up at Luke with a look of expectancy. Luke not catching onto the cats plan looked around them. To their right was a tree stump, a pretty large stump at that. Almost platform like. On top of the stump was a person. Luke's eyes followed the lean legs up to see a hockey mask. The kid looked to be around Luke's age, he wore a ragged blue hoodie. Skinny jeans hugging the boys legs perfectly. In his hands were a baseball bat, a skateboard in the other. The stance the masked boy was in looked almost majestic. Stoic even. But, little Luke was so startled by the hooded figure, he tackled him to the ground. 

The two wrestled for a bit before Luke was finally able to snatch off the hockey mask. Underneath it was blue eyes and a smile so bright Luke thought he might have gone blind. Getting out of his trance, Luke pushed the boy away. Sticking his hand out for a hand shake, "That was a bit unnecessary, I'm Luke." He seemed almost excited to meet this blue eyed creature, but you couldn't tell, with his cool kid facade n all. 

"I'm Jon! Short for Jonathan, but call me what ever you like!" Luke resisted the urge to say 'guess I'll call you mine' and gave up on the handshake. 

"I see you've already met Marcel?" 

"Who?" 

"The cat! He has a name! And feelings," Jon stated, "he's wild but, still a really cool cat. He'll come to my window at night and bring me dead things! Like this one time-" Luke didn't bother to listen in to Jonathan's story, only focusing on how excited he seemed. Or how his voice sounded so... delirious? Yeah, let's go with that. 

The two kids talked for a bit, even going so far as to wrestle for a second time. After a bit they both mutually agreed they'd become friends. You could hear a bell ring and a mans voice following suit. 

 It's been five days since that whole ordeal happened. But each would meet by the same tree stump everyday. They'd talk and play like they've know each other for years rather then days. At least until that darn bell rings and a voice calls him home. Luke learned later that the voice belonged to Jons grandpa. He always seemed to call him home at the most inconvenient of times. Luke really liked Jon, platonically of course, why would he like Jon romantically? That'd be ridiculous! 

Luke was brought back to earth by a drop of water landing on his nose. Shaking off almost all thoughts about Jonathan, he gripped the doll in his hand tighter. Luke turned up his music a bit more before moving on to the next room of the apartment. 

 The living room was nicely decorated so far. A few paintings here and there, snow globes and four trophies lined the top of the fire place. Three of them to Evan, and the other to Dathi. Luke placed the mini doll on the table. 

It was weird, the doll was an almost complete copy of himself, besides the devil horns and tail. A complete copy. The thing looked professionally made, the stitchings were neat and even. The fabric was well kept, very clean. Luke wouldn't dare say it out loud, but he appreciated the craftsmen ship. He found it on his door step one day. Jonathan left the thing wrapped in newspaper for him. It had a note attached to the package. Luke read the note, smiling at the nickname Jon gave him a few days prior. 

 Hey Toonz! found this lil guy at my house. He reminds me of you! - Jon 

Confused at first, he started to pick at the stitching. It didn't work of course, but he still tried for some reason. The doll seemed to grow on him the more he carried it around the house. Luke even took it to dinner, got the doll its own chair. Sometimes Luke would stay up and just talk with the doll. Who knew how much of a bad thing that was. 

Back in the present, Luke picked up one of the pictures above the fire place, it was a picture of Evan. Right before his injury. He smiled, this photo was the only proof he has that his father did indeed smile. His father was in his team uniform, hockey stick in hand, smile on his face. He put the picture back on the mantle. He tried looking around the room for something else interesting, coming up with nothing. He went to go grab the doll he left on the table, Luke's hand came up empty. 

 Confused as ever, he searched around the table, to see if it fell off when he didn't notice. That's when he saw it. In the corner of his eye. It was the doll. The head facing him, half of its body stuck behind a shelf. Luke moved the shelf to the side. Gathering up the doll he saw an indent in the wall. He realized it was a door. Studying the supposed key hole, he thought about getting up to find the key that opens this tiny hidden door. 

He was to lazy to actually go all the way to the kitchen to find a simple key. So he called for his dad instead. "Hey dad! Think you could get the key to this door?" 

"What door?"

Luke didn't know how to explain his predicament, so he went with a simple answer, "Just come over here!" 

Evan walked through the living room archway, his eyes wandering from his son to the impression of a hatch on the wall. "You're not going to give up till I do this for you... Fine. Just don't bother me after this." 

Luke's father sighed in exasperation. After a minute or two Evan came back with a black old time-y key in hand. Luke watched in awe as his father cut the wallpaper and stuck the key in the keyhole. Turning the mysterious key.

It opened with a click. 

 - 

 And that was part one my friends!!! This was really fun to write so, if you want to see more of this let me know!! Have a good day!