#and i hope we don't rest until his shows are nothing but a blur of happy faces and rainbows and colours and pride

[spicyclover]

You used me

Summary : It's bittersweet to think about the damage that you did.

Next part of "You betrayed me"

Hope you’ll enjoy it. Let me know in the comment section.

Thank you! :)

Lots of love, xxx Spicy Clover

When the door closed that night, I collapsed on the floor of my kitchen, on the cold tiles. In the weeks that followed, I spent them in a blur. I kept myself busy to stop thinking, to stop thinking about you. I lived on automatism. I'm a fucking robot, because of you. I get up in the morning without motivation and go to bed with the ball in my stomach to meet you in my dreams.

I’ve been going over and over our conversation. I’m a bet. A fucking, humiliating bet. I have never been more shame than that evening. Everyone knew and no one told me. They knew that I loved you so bad, and I let you treat me like that. I'm so naïve. I just want myself back. I just wanted to be enough. Don't you think I loved you too much to be used and discarded? Don't you think I loved you too much to think I deserve nothing? But don't tell me you're sorry. You should feel sorry for yourself. An eternal love bullshit you know you'll never mean.

Once the door was closed. My friends left with you. Because you bring them more than I could ever and it hurts like hell. To see these "friends" I know since my early childhood mock me for my naivety. Until this day, it is hard to believe. I know we weren't perfect but I've never felt this way for no one, In a short time you became the reason I get up in the morning and the reason I like to dream. And I just can't imagine how you could be so okay now that I'm gone.

It's bittersweet to think about the damage that you did. You betrayed me.

For the first time since we broke up, I saw you in the street. You had your arm on a new girl. Showing her off like she's a new trophy. A happy and rested look on your face. I wish I dared to come running and punch that smile off your face, but I couldn’t move. You hang out in public with her, but never with me. I went home with tears in my eyes and no morale. It was the first time I managed to leave home after weeks of moping.

The more time passed, the more I felt my head getting out of the water. My body was less numb and I started breathing again, enjoying what I used to love. I adopted a little puppy at this time of my life, the kind we talked about in our long late-night discussion about our future together. You gave me your word. He's the world to me now. Milo, the dog.

The late afternoon often takes me to the beach. I let Milo run on the deserted beach and play with the waves. I take advantage of this moment of calm to observe the sunset. I breathe in and out deeply, letting my last thoughts of you go into the sea. I feel free. After three months of hell, I’m back to normal, like you never existed.

"Hi, bab..." That voice is yours. Why do you come back? Why do you haunt me like that? I turn around and there you are, in all your splendour. Your curls are more beautiful than ever, your face more beautiful than ever. I can't let you win. I walk away from the beach. Milo follows me. I feel your eyes following me soon it's your footsteps I hear. "Please, Y/n, I need to talk to you."

"I think you said enough. You should go back to your new girlfriend. I think she's getting lonely." I said without looking back. The waves fade and I feel your hand grab my arm.

[finexbright]

so much of what happened holds great significance not only to harry but to every single one of us. him acknowledging the flags, asking the fans to hold them up proudly, and thanking the audience for creating such a safe environment at his shows -- all these things weren't done in solidarity alone, they came from the heart of someone who's very much in the same community as us. he wants those flags there, he wants that pride there, he wants this safe space for both himself and for us, as has been the case for years now. the speech that he gave today came from a place of familiarity, he couldn't have said those words in the way that he did if he were just an ally. it was one of the very few times he acknowledged the flags using his words and i think that's monumental. rainbows are basically synonymous to harry's concerts now and it's because we felt safe and proud enough to do it and he wanted us to do it because he feels safe and proud too. i hope every single person who's been part of this fandom knows just how important whatever you do is. you are all important.

[thepetesimp]

Pete and the act of crying: Part 1

So, a wonderful discussion yesterday with @wretchedamaranth made me have Pete thoughts (as if I needed an excuse to have Pete thoughts in the first place) and I would like to express them. This time, it's about Pete and how he cries in the show. One incredibly dumb argument against Build's acting by haters was that he wasn't good at crying, that his crying wasn't *believable*. I truly pity these people, because it shows they never understood the intricacies of Pete's character and it's a shame, because Build did such a phenomenal job portraying them. I would like to talk about them. My main point is that Pete cries like a person who hasn't cried in literal years.

Pete's first instance of crying is seen in episode 13, during his breakdown with Vegas, who lashes out at him and holds a knife to his throat, as seen above. Do you see that face? Do you see the pure pain and agony Pete is feeling? And because a picture isn't doing it justice at ALL, he it is in gif form:

DO YOU SEE THIS? DO YOU SEE THE QUIVERING OF HIS LIPS, HIS EYES SQUINTING, HIS BREATH BARELY BEING THERE? DO YOU SEE HIM FIXING HIS JAW, TRYING TO GULP, TRYING TO KEEP IT TOGETHER?

He's looking at Vegas dead in the eye while he's doing it, too. Like he should have known, he should have known this would happen, but why Vegas, why did you give me hope, why did you do this to me? It's so raw and the scene has barely started, I'll be here all day, okay. And then the scene keeps going, and Pete's face is pain personified and then we get his monologue about not being a person, about being nothing, and his face smooths out. That doesn't mean he's back in control, because it's the calm before the storm, before he grabs the knife out of Vegas hand and places it in his throat again.

I'm here staring in awe, because he's still not shed a tear, but he sniffs at some point before grabbing the knife as he's talking, as if there's snot to pull back up, as if he's actually managed to express his grief fully. But he can't do that, his body won't allow that, it doesn't know how, it's been too long. It's fucking perfect. Also, I love how the camera shakes as Pete is giving his monologue, thus subconsciously giving the message that Pete's pretty shaken up right now, if everything else wasn't making it obvious. And then he grabs the knife and the pain multiplies and his face breaks again, way more than before, but the CAMERA IS BLURRED, IT'S NOT SHOWN CLEARLY, not until they show Vegas crying actual tears and apologizing, not until showing Pete's bloody palm.

This is the face we see, after Vegas apologizes:

Now Pete is getting there, the tears are almost spilled, but he's still repressed in his expression of grief and it's glorious because Pete has never experienced these emotions before. Pete has always been passive in his suicidal ideation, he has always let things happen to him that may result in death (a.k.a. his mission for the sake of Porsche) but now he's in such agony that he takes action. And then the scene continues and oh? Are those tears my eyes are seeing?

We got them everybody. After Vegas says, "Don't leave me, I'm begging you," Pete sheds his first tear, and they continue to be shown when Vegas tells him to start over again and Pete is downright offended by the suggestion, as if Vegas means it in a way Pete would want, as if that's even fucking possible for them at all. It's such a spectacular choice editing wise, because I'm pretty confident in my belief that this is from a different take than the other ones before it, due to how suddenly they appear on Pete's face. It fits the scene and the character so well.

Pete is downright sobbing at this point and I'm obsessed with the fact that no more tears are spilled. You can see that throughout the rest of the scene, as well as this moment in which he's breaking down in Vegas' arms after he says he'll remove the handcuff indirectly, while directly asking Pete to promise him he won't leave him.

HOW DO PEOPLE SEE THIS AND THINK BUILD DOESN'T CRY WELL? LOOK AT HIM!!! LOOK AT HOW DEVASTATED HE IS, LOOK AT HOW CONFLICTED HE FEELS ABOUT WHAT HE'S ABOUT TO DO, LOOK AT THE PAIN!!! He doesn't NEED to sob and cry ugly, snotty tears for it to work because that's not who Pete IS. He's not Vegas, he doesn't even allow himself to grieve what he's losing here properly. Have you ever had an instance in which you feel like crying, and you want to cry, but you're so numb that the tears just aren't coming? You're trying to push it out, you're trying super hard to get to the point when you'll be able to break down and seek relief from this crashing feeling in your chest, but your eyes are as dry as the Sahara desert? Well, I feel that this is happening to Pete here, except he doesn't even know it's happening to him. I'm fucking obsessed with this scene, it's my second favorite VP moment after the pill kiss, and one of the main reasons is the one that made me make this post. It's so tragic and beautifully relatable and I love it so, so much. I wanted to analyze all of Pete's crying scenes, but it'll make the post larger than a fucking book at this point, so I'll touch upon the other ones in a different one.

[nicohischierz]

i miss you, i’m sorry: luke hughes

It was the first day of summer for Luke. The devils had won the cup and he was elated. After the end of his college season, he hoped he could make a difference in the Devils and help them win.

Of course, he knew coming back to Michigan meant that he had to gather the rest of his belongings and move to Jersey. It also meant that he had to see you. Especially with how close you were to his team and his family.

As Luke looked out of his window he watched as the garden you spent your time in blurred by. Luke recalled the way he knew he could always find you out on the lawn with a book in hand as you got lost in a world of your own.

"Is she coming for the party tonight?" Ellen asked.

No one had to mention a name to know who their mother was talking about. Quinn gave his mother a curt nod in response as Luke let out a large sigh.

The younger Hughes boy leant his head against the window as he recalled simpler times.

Luke tracked your phone as he couldn't find you. Seeing as you usually answer his calls and texts Luke began worrying that something terrible had happened to you.

The two of you had plans for the afternoon and when you were ten minutes late, Luke assumed the worse. He gathered information from his friends on when they last saw you until Mark reminded him that he could use find my friends.

Luke let out a sigh of relief when he found you laying in the yard, your headphones on and a book in your hand. Of course, you would be outside. In your own words, a sunny day where there is a slight breeze is always good reading weather.

"Now what do we have here?" Luke teased as he took your headphones off.

You giggled before realising that the two of you were meant to go out. "Luke I'm so so sorry. I lost track of time and I guess my alarm didn't go off and I'm such a bad person," you rambled.

Your boyfriend shook his head as he chuckled. "Don't worry about it, baby. I was just worried something happened to you. Now about our date, what if I run over to the store and grab some of your favourite snacks and we have a picnic instead?"

And that is exactly what happened. Luke bought all of your favourite snacks and drinks and had you read your book to him as he admired your beauty.

When the Hughes family walked into their house, the two younger siblings were embraced in hugs and were given many forms of congratulations for their achievement.

Luke tried his hardest to keep his tears at bay as he was embraced by his Michigan teammates. The group had been there for every game of the final round cheering Luke on.

Yet, despite all the attention on him and Jack. Luke was still able to see you out of the corner of his eye. Your hair was shorter than when he left and your once radiant smile was diminished to a slight tug of your lips.

He wanted nothing more than to go up to you know and to tell you how he hated the way things ended. He hated the fact that he was taken from Tampa without so much as allowing himself to see you again.

Throughout the night, Luke tried to so much as say hello to you but he couldn't. Every time he thought he was getting close to you someone would swoop in and direct his attention somewhere.

So Luke did the only thing he could. He watched you.

He watched as Jack brought you in for a big hug. And how one of his previous teammates was always at your side, making you laugh.

But the one action that irked him the most was the way Quinn would find you wherever you were. The oldest Hughes brother would be by your side anytime you showed a sign of discomfort.

Quinn would always leave kisses on your head or rub your shoulders,

Luke hated it.

He hated the fact that you had replaced him. Especially as the replacement was his older brother. The man he looked up to.

After dinner, you had disappeared from Luke''s sight. He assumed you had gone back home but when he couldn't find his older brother either he went on a hunt.

"I don't think you understand Quinn. I am so proud of him but it hurts me that I can't be there for him in the way I want to be," you sobbed.

You were in Quinn's room as you couldn't hold onto your facade anymore. You had promised Ellen and Quinn that you would come tonight to support your best friend.

"He hurt me, Quinn," you whispered.

Luke's heart broke as he heard the tremble in your voice. At that moment he wanted you to know how much he missed you. He needed you to know how stupid he felt for breaking up with you.

How he would lay awake at night wishing you were by his side. How he wanted nothing more than for you to be in the stands with his family and how after they won the cup his first thoughts were about you.

Quinn knew his younger brother was outside his room. As the door was slightly open he saw Luke walk by and stop to hear what you were saying.

"Would you tell him?" Quinn asked.

You tilted your head in confusion as you looked up at the boy. "If Luke came in here right now, would you tell him how you feel because I know he regrets everything y/n/n?"

"When I stayed the night with him and Jack, I heard him crying. I heard him curse himself for breaking up with you. When they lost, he asked Mom if you were there because he hoped he could get one more chance to say goodbye. I know you're hurting y/n/n and I know you've built yourself up from what happened but don't throw away an opportunity where the two of you are happy. Especially if you are together," Quinn concluded.

The older boy gave you one last hug before he walked out of his room. Quinn looked over at his brother and gave him a small smile before walking away.

Luke waited until Quinn had walked downstairs before he knocked on the door. You called out that it was open so Luke slipped into the room and shut the door behind him.

"Hi," he breathed out.

You looked up at him and tears brimmed your eyes. Luke noticed immediately and made his way to you and wrapped his arms around you.

The comfort you found in his arms made you crumble as sobs left your mouth.

"It's okay, baby. I'm right here, I'm not leaving you again," Luke whispered.

"You left me," you muttered.

"You left me, Luke. You promised when it came to you leaving for Jersey that we would talk about it but you left. You said you needed a break and you walked out on us. You broke my heart," You told the boy.

Luke nodded and avoided eye contact. He too had tears welling in his eyes as he tried to think of a way to approach this conversation.

"I miss you," he whispered.

"I'm sorry I broke your heart y/n. I broke up with you because I thought I was protecting you. I thought that if we put an end to the relationship then maybe I wouldn't miss you so much when I'm in Jersey but I was wrong. God, I was so wrong because all I can think about is you,"

You didn't say anything, you just looked at Luke.

"I-I miss you, I'm sorry," Luke was about to leave the room but you grabbed his wrist.

You turned him to face you and cupped his face in your hands. Your thumb ran over his cheeks and wiped at the tears in his eyes as he looked down at you with adoration.

Luke wrapped his arms around your waist and brought you into his chest before leaning down, placing his lips on yours brining you into a gentle kiss.

[prettyniji]

Hello! i love your works omg ‹3 ... may I request for Luxiem with their s/o who has the love language of physical touch? Fluff of course. But, if you uncomfortable with it, I'm very sorry, you can just ignore it. Thank you so much ‹3

authors note: thank you for the request !! i'm not uncomfortable at all my love language is physical touch hehe, i hope i did your request justice and you enjoy (づ๑•ᴗ•๑)づ♡

all writing is mine and mine only !! no reposting ,,, this isnt proofread very well sorry for any mistakes or typos !

characters: vox akuma; mysta rias; ike eveland; luca kaneshiro; shu yamino

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗ luxiem with a cuddly s/o ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

ʚɞ vox akuma ʚɞ

his love language is also physical touch so he would drown in the affection you show him!! after he finishes up his streams he would want nothing more than to be cuddled up with you and chat away the night he has mentioned how much he loves surprise cheek kisses, so make sure you catch him by surprise and plant a kiss on his cheek whenever you want to see his blushy flustered face he looks like this: ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝) has his hands on you a lot no matter what he's doing, so if you want his hand to dance along your thigh mindlessly make sure you sit next to him while he works if you do the same and always have your hands on him while working, even if you don't realise what you are doing he can't help but let your touch consume his mind and he finds he can't focus on his own work because your hands are playing with his hair oh so nicely ଘ( ≧▽≦ )ଓ

more under the cut !

ʚɞ mysta rias ʚɞ

i think he is a closeted touchy person... he didn't realise how much he loves your affection until he hasn't gotten it while you're at work or out for the day

so as soon as you get home you find your perky boyfriend standing at the door waiting for you to thread your hands through his hair and give him your usual affection ( ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ഒ

as your hands find themselves brushing all over his body; his arms, shoulders, neck and hips, he sighs and leans into every touch you give him as he listens to you talk about your day.

whenever you are both out with your friends together, often he finds himself struggling to speak and focus on his words as your hand plays with his fingers or your arm locks with his, trying his hardest to focus but how can he when your touch makes his skin tingle (❀´ ˘ `❀)

ʚɞ ike eveland ʚɞ

our novelist is more than often lost in his books, so it's very easy for both of you guys to idly show affection to each other, you playing with his hair and reading along with him (as much as you can, i imagine he reads very fast..)

sometimes he reads his novels or his own works out loud to you, his arm around you drawing shapes into your shoulder

his hands would only leave your skin to go to the next page of his book, in which they immediately find rest on your thigh, continuing his invisible doodles on your leg ଘ(੭´꒳`)°* ੈ‧₊˚

however, when he is too tired to read he asks you to read to him, drowning in your love and affection like a cat nuzzling into your side, your voice and hands bringing more comfort to him than anything else in the world

it's fascinating how fast ike can fall asleep when your hands are on him, the slightest kiss on his cheek or forehead will have him feeling soft and cozy enough to nap with you

definitely tries to pretend your touch doesn't affect him as much as it does, but its very clear that as soon as you peck your boyfriend's lips he is putty in your hands /ᐠﹷ ‸ ﹷ ᐟ\ﾉ

ʚɞ luca kaneshiro ʚɞ

i think we all can agree that when our 'big and scary' mafia boss discovers you are just as touchy as him, he is delighted and starts to act like a puppy, following you everywhere and telling you good things he did so you will pat his head, cup his cheeks and kiss all over his cute face

honestly the line between luca and dog starts to blur with how much he wants you to play with his hair and scratch his head, to the point that if he had a tail, it would be wagging so hard he'd fly away..

but we can both agree that he wouldn't have to do anything to gain your affection because, who can resist giving him all the kisses in the world? if you can then you have the same power as god ;;;;;

i imagine if you yourself are streaming or in a call with someone, he would be sitting so close to you, practically on your lap, and grabbing your wrist to pat his head, holding his cheek close to yours

luca would love for you to be chatting away at him while kissing him in between your words, cupping his cheeks and looking in his eyes, all while telling him about an annoying coworker or annoying work

he would easily solve that annoying work or coworker in the blink of an eye with how you kiss him, just say the word !!

ʚɞ shu yamino ʚɞ

we all know this sorcerer is up at ungodly hours streaming or doing... sorcerer things...?

so, in protest, you must sit beside him while he streams and run your hands all over his body, while doing work of your own

he would go crazy, wondering how you can have your full attention on him but also have no attention on him at all ;;;;

may end his stream earlier than usual just so he can feel you stroke his cheeks and sit on his lap, making sure that you aren't paying attention to anything in the room other than him!! because he loves drowning in your affection and being the centre of your attention hehe (｡˃ ᵕ ˂ *) ｳﾝ

would die for you to sit on his lap even when he streams, letting you play with his hands in between valorant rounds or as he talks to his genmates

but also wouldn't let you because he knows he would get shy and embarrassed and struggle to get his words out on stream ........... ૮(˶˃ᆺ˂˶)

when he tries his hardest to silently get in bed next to you, thinking you're asleep, he strokes your face and gives you a soft kiss, telling you how much he loves you and your affection, even if he gets embarrassed easily

thank you for requesting, i hope you enjoyed and have a good day honey ₍₍ (̨̡⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)̧̢ ₎₎

[dontwantnoneunlessyougotmunson]

I got this idea in my head of reader and eddie in an established relationship and eddie is a little down about the everything the town is saying about him, and readers sibling (8-10yrs maybe) decided to dress up as eddie for Halloween because they looks up to him and it’s cheers eddie up.

I’m obviously terrible at wording things but yeah 😅

My Hero

First of all, stop putting yourself down because I completely understood where you were going with this and second, I stopped writing something else because I needed this to be in the world that much sooner. I'm crying fkasdbfka. Thank you so much for requesting and I hope you love it. Also, this is post events of the season finale, so our boy is alive. <3

Eddie was slumped against you on your bed as you flipped through a book. Your hand drifted to his hair and you twirled a piece around your finger. He sighed and curled up tighter, pulling his jacket over his face. The events before the "earthquake" had been hard enough on him and the aftermath was even worse. People had somehow convinced themself that a single teenager had the power of the devil to kill people and had caused the destruction of Hawkins.

Because of the gaping hole in the trailer, Wayne was staying with a coworker and Eddie was residing in your house. Your parents had always liked Eddie. He'd been nothing but polite to them and good to you and your little sister. And she absolutely worshipped him. When she'd gone for a haircut before the quake and they asked her how she wanted it, she squealed, "Like Eddie, like Eddie!" The stylist had frozen, unsure how to proceed, but under the power of your mother's death glare, she'd cut bangs that rested on your sister's forehead just like Eddie's.

She hadn't been able to show him until he'd returned from the Upside Down. It was something he hadn't wanted to share with you, but he knew ignorance wasn't guaranteed to keep you safe. You kept his wounds clean and helped check his bandages every day and in that time, your relationship had only grown stronger. When he'd shown up, bloody and worn, you had pulled him inside before anyone outside could see. Your parents were surprised to see him and fretted over his injuries which he'd passed off to them as because of the quake.

When your sister had finally gotten up the next morning, she almost burst everyone's eardrums when she saw him and realized she could eat her breakfast with her favorite person. She rambled on and on about her new hair and he smiled for the first time after all of the horror he'd endured.

Now, many of your days were spent like this. Curled up together. Staying inside where people couldn't find him. He'd go outside again one day. But it wouldn't be today.

~~~

Your little sister poked her head in your room a bit later and grinned cheekily at you, missing a couple teeth on the sides. "Pssst! Come here!"

You both rose off of the bed, Eddie wincing in pain and she pointed at him. "Not you!"

He frowned a bit. "But why not?"

"Because it's a secret!" she said with a foot stomp for emphasis.

He grinned at her and said, "But secrets don't make friends."

Her face fell, mouth partially open. "But I thought we were already friends."

He scooted to the edge of the bed and held his arms out. "Of course we are, Giggles. Don't worry, I'm just teasin' ya."

She rushed to him and wound her arms around his neck. He stood carefully and swung her around before setting her back on the floor and sending her off with a pat on the head. She whirled and raced to her room, grabbing your hand on the way. Before shutting her door she slapped a sign on the door that said 'No Eddies aloud'. She dove into her closet, a blur of chaos and yanked out a bag that crinkled as she dug into it.

"Look what Mama got me!" She pulled out a vest and jacket similar to Eddie's and thrust it at you. You looked at it confused until she pulled out a Hellfire club shirt. "Dustin gave this one to me, too!"

"What is all this for, Giggles?"

Her shoulders drooped and her bottom lip poked out. "Well. I get happy when me and my friends dress like each other. I figured maybe he would too. For Halloween, we can be twins!"

Her face brightened at the end and you stroked the wild hairs on her head back, gently running your fingers through it. "That would be really nice, I think. Since you guys are best friends and all," you added with a wink.

She gave you another big toothy grin before sticking her hand in your face and wiggling her finger at you. "But you have to pinkie promise not to tell him!!"

Her brow furrowed as best as a child could manage and you fought the urge to laugh, schooling your face into a serious expression. You linked your pinkie with hers.

"I absolutely promise to not tell Eddie about the coolest Halloween costume ever."

~~~

The night of Halloween came around and you got ready for trick-or-treating. You were having trouble with the wings you wanted to add to your costume and had turned around to ask Eddie to help you when you saw him sitting there with a mask in his hand. He flipped it back and forth and then turned to you, holding it up to his face. You sat beside him on the bed and rubbed his back gently, prompting him to lean on you.

"What is it, honey?"

He heaved a soul-deep sigh, dropping his hands to his lap, and murmured, "Doesn't matter what I wear, people will see me how they want to, regardless."

Your eyes welled with tears as you held him close, rocking him carefully. A knock startled you two apart and you heard a small voice being projected deeper.

"The Dungeon Master requests entrance to the castle!"

He puffed a small breath of air through his nose and looked to you. You pushed off of the bed and started to open up the door. You started to pull it open before you felt a strong tug from the other side.

"No, not yet!" Your sister cried. "Make him close his eyes!"

You turned back to the bed and gestured to Eddie, "You heard her."

He slapped his hands over his eyes and said, "Okay, eyes closed!"

"No peeking!" she called back.

"Not even a smidge, Giggles," he chuckled.

You opened the door and covered your mouth, tears already streaming down your cheeks. She trotted over to him giddily and tapped his knees with her hands.

"Okay, okay, open!"

He looked at her, eyes adjusting from the darkness and looked her over, registering her outfit. Complete with a blowup guitar slung across her body, she truly did look like a mini Eddie. His brow furrowed and he looked to you and back to her.

"What? I don't- I don't understand. Why are you dressed like me?"

She gave him her signature grin while she explained to him how "twinning" with her friends makes her happy and his face softened toward her. "Plus, you're my hero!"

He spluttered for a moment and she looked panicked.

"I'm your what?.."

She flipped back to her dazzling grin. "My hero! I know.." Her worried eyes darted up to his and she hugged him around the waist while she finished speaking. "I know people say mean things about you. But I know that you're not mean. You're always so so nice! And you get me ice cream! And you're nice to Y/N! Plus, Mommy and Daddy reallllly like you! And they don't like mean people. So that's how I know you're good. And good people are heroes," she pulled back and finished with a sharp nod, eyes laser-focused on him.

He crushed her to his chest, the guitar squeaking as he squished it. Her little voice came out muffled as he rocked her back and forth.

"Can't. Breathe."

"Oops. Sorry, kid."

He let go and she threw her head back, gasping dramatically before looking at him curiously.

"Are you not gonna wear your mask, Eddie?"

He smiled at her and ruffled her already mussed hair.

"Nah, I think I'd like to twin with you. You're my hero, too."

She beamed and took off running, calling behind her, "Come on, slowpokes! I'm gonna get all the best candy!!"

***

Note: Actually cried while writing this. Multiple times. How dare you. 😭

[george-weasleys-girl]

North Star Series

Chapter 29 ‐ Homecoming

Warnings: things get a little spicy, nothing graphic, Fred being Fred

Summary: Y/N and George are reunited after a long year apart.

Start here:

~•~

Eyes peeked out at her from the occasional dusty, darkened window only to disappear behind tightly closed curtains the moment she turned her gaze toward them. It was very unusual and very dangerous for someone to be walking here alone at night.

Unless she was one of them.

The return of Voldemort had sent most of Diagon Alley's proprietors into hiding. Only a few brave souls were left, and of those, only two had the nerve to blatantly thumb their noses in the Dark Lord's face.

The shop shone like a beacon of hope, drawing in droves of customers searching for a brief respite from the growing darkness. Y/N stood in the shadows for a while, watching as people bustled in and out of the busy joke shop. Most entered hunched over, their eyes darting in every direction. But when they came out, they stood taller, eyes sparkling and laughter falling from their lips.

~•~

She wasn't supposed to arrive for another two days, but her grandma gifted her a ticket for an earlier flight out.

However, rather than sending a letter alerting George of her early arrival, she decided to surprise him instead. Y/N waited until there were only a few remaining stragglers in the shop before making her way across the road, stopping just outside to watch George, his back to her, fiddling with a display. He, of course, had no idea she was there when she opened the door, little bells tinkling in her ears.

"Sorry friend, but we're closing up." George said, his back still turned. "We open tomorrow morning at ten."

"Well, if that's what you'd really prefer..." Y/N said, grinning from ear to ear.

George turned slowly to face her, eyes blinking in disbelief.

"Hi, honey," she grinned. "I'm home."

Y/N saw a blur of movement, and suddenly, she was lifted off her feet into a hug that took her breath away, followed by a kiss that turned her legs into jello and illicited a few whistles and applause from Fred and the remaining customers. She and George pulled apart, hands clasped, sheepish grins gracing their crimson faces.

Fred came down the stairs and engulfed Y/N in a hug. "Good to have you back, sis." Then turning to George, "Verity and me can take care of this rabble. Why don't you show Y/N around?"

George didn't have to be told twice. Grabbing her hand again, they bounced from one display to another. Y/N followed along in complete awe. Everywhere she turned, there was a new sight to behold. The shop was a magical wonderland that far exceeded anything she could've imagined. "This is so amazing!" Y/N marveled. "I'm so proud of you and Fred!"

George's eyes sparkled even brighter, and a wide grin spread across his face. "You haven't seen everything yet. I have a surprise for you," he said. "C'mon!"

Pulling her up the stairs and through a doorway that led to a long hallway, he gave her the whirlwind behind-the-scenes tour. "Here's the warehouse, and over there is where Fred and I work on new inventions," George explained before they stepped back out into the hall. "And this is our office," he said, leading her through an open door into a cramped room with two large desks facing each other piled high with paperwork. "It's a mess right now."

Y/N barely had time to register what he was saying before she found herself being whisked away to the next room. "This is your surprise," he winked and opened the door with a sweeping gesture. "Your lab, milady."

Y/N put a hand to heart. Shelves lined the walls, several cauldrons sitting in a neat row on one, with the rest empty, waiting to be filled with whatever she might need.

In the center of the room sat a large worktable and then a smaller one against the back wall, facing a huge window. "With everything going on, I didn't like the idea of you working alone somewhere else. And we had the room, so--what do you think?"

"Oh Georgie, this is perfect!" Y/N turned in a slow circle, taking everything in.

"You really like it?"

"I love it!" Y/N turned and planted a long, deep kiss on his lips that silenced all of his lingering doubts.

"Oh, and one more thing," he said a few moments later. He lifted a velvet cloth covering a muggle microscope. It wasn't just any microscope. It was a top of the line, bleeding edge, professional microscope. It was better than the one she used during her apprenticeship.

The floor suddenly shifted under her, and she had to sit down. Y/N knew how much these cost. She'd done her research and had already begun saving up for one. "This--how--I--when?" Words failed her as George knelt down next to her, grinning. "I did good, yeah?"

"Oh yeah--you did better than good, lovey, but--"

George placed a finger on her lips. "No buts. We can more than easily afford this. Okay?"

Y/N nodded, "Okay."

He chuckled at her dazed expression. "What do you say I show you around the apartment?"

Y/N blinked, "The apartment? I forgot about the apartment!"

George couldn't help but laugh. "C'mon, my silly girl," he said, pulling her up out of the chair.

~•~

The apartment was sparsely furnished. The living room held a sofa and a bean bag chair, and the kitchen only had a few chairs scattered around the long counter. "We haven't done much with the place yet." George said. Y/N smiled and squeezed his hand. She didn't mind. As long as they were together, she would've happily sat on the floor.

Their bedroom was a different story. The simple wooden bed sat under an open window. It was flanked on both sides by two small tables, while pillows of all shapes and sizes lay haphazardly along the top and a soft, downy comforter covered the rest of the unmade bed.

A chest of drawers stood in one corner, and a small dresser with a mirror sat across from the bed. But it was the long windowless wall that drew her attention. George had covered it with framed moving and non-moving photographs of the two of them, a few standing out more than the others. There was the first photo ever taken of them together while they celebrated Harry's survival in the first trial of the Triwizard Tournament, then there was the picture of her sickly self in her Yule Ball gown and next to it was the photo of the two of them smiling like a couple of lunatics on Valentines Day. Below that were the ones of them laughing with Ginny while dying Easter eggs at the Burrow, and the one Fred covertly took of them dancing in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. Tears welled up in her eyes, thinking of the love and care he poured into putting it together.

"This‐‐it's so beautiful."

"I was missing you so much," George replied, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "And I wanted to do something that would make you feel a little closer to me."

"Did it help?"

"Some. Not as much as this," he mummered, trailing kisses down her neck.

"I can see how this is much, much better," Y/N had turned her head to meet his lips, both sighing into the kiss, when a large crash reverberated up from the shop, causing them both to jump.

George and Y/N pulled back a little, giggling. "Of course there'd be a catastrophe right about now," he said.

"You'd better go find out what happened." Y/N replied. "We'll have plenty of time for this later."

"Indeed," George grinned, giving her a quick peck on the lips before sprinting out of the apartment.

Y/N watched him disappear out the door before venturing into the kitchen to scrounge up some dinner. She had no doubts that the boys would be starved when they got back. And the sooner she got everybody fed, the sooner she and George could pick up where they left off.

Rummaging through the cabinets, she found two cans of beans, a can of mushroom soup, and an unopened box of spaghetti. Y/N prided herself on being a creative cook, but she wasn't that good.

Next up was the fridge, which contained a bottle of ketchup, a few butterbeers, a couple bottles of Coke, and some leftover Chinese food that was well on its way to becoming a science experiment. Y/N sighed and shook her head.

After tossing away the fuzzy remains, she turned her attention to the freezer.

Jackpot.

Two frozen pizzas.

~•~

An hour later, they sat at the kitchen counter, devouring the pizzas. "Wait," George looked up from the pile of pizza slices perched precariously on his plate. "How did you get here?"

"On an airplane--," Y/N replied slowly.

"No, I mean here. To Diagon Alley."

"Oh, that. I got in touch with Angie and she met me at the airport."

Fred's head shot up at the mention of Angelina's name. But George was so focused on Y/N that he failed to notice Fred's sudden rapt attention.

"Left most of my stuff there." Y/N said. "I'm gonna apparate over tomorrow and get it."

George narrowed his eyes at her. "You still haven't told me how you got to Diagon Alley."

Y/N sighed and put down the slice of pizza she was attempting to eat. She'd hoped he would've been too happy to see her to wonder about that particular bit.

"I apparated down the way a little and walked up here," she answered with a nonchalant shrug, hoping that would quell her boyfriend's curiosity.

"Down the--how far a away?"

"Ollivander's," she answered, pointedly avoiding his eyes.

At this revelation, both of the twin's mouths fell open. "What?!" They asked in unison.

"All that way?! Y/N, baby, do you have any idea how dangerous that was? To walk that far alone. At night." George implored.

"Kinda--"

"Did Angie know what you were going to do?!" Fred asked.

"Kinda--" Y/N looked from one twin to the other. "I told her I was apparating outside the shop. Which wasn't a lie, by the way. I just left out the part about where exactly outside."

George groaned. "There are Death Eaters everywhere! You could've been kidnapped or killed or--"

"But I wasn't," Y/N interrupted. "I didn't see anyone but a few scared people peeking out their windows at me. And I had my wand out the entire time." She paused, chewing on her lip as two sets of eyes bored into hers. "I just wanted to see everything for myself."

George and Fred glanced at each other, then back to her. "You could've waited, and I would've walked out with you." George said.

"Both of us would've," added Fred.

"Well, yeah. But I know how busy you are these days, and it was less than a two minute walk."

George rubbed his forehead. "This isn't the same place you remember, Y/N. It's barely safe to walk alone around here during the day." The younger twin paused, then added," Just promise me that you won't do something like that again? Please?"

Y/N took one of his hands in both of hers, giving it a kiss. "I'm sorry, love. I guess I didn't think things through properly. I promise I won't do it again."

Her boyfriend searched her eyes for a few long moments, then nodded to himself. "Ok, good," he said, then dug into his mountain of pizza.

~•~

After dinner was finished and cleaned up, Y/N and George were eager to call it a night.

"I reckoned you two would've already taken care of...preliminaries," Fred joked.

George and Y/N both cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Ok, ok. I get it," Fred laughed, throwing his hands in the air in a conciliatory gesture. "Go, then. Shoo." He waved them toward the bedroom.

The happy couple chuckled and turned to go. "Goodnight, Freddie." George said.

~•~

"Goodnight, my little lovebirds," Fred replied, "And don't forget to cast an EXTRA STRONG silencing spell," he added with a wink, causing a matching blush to bloom across the lovers' faces.

Next Chapter:

@milivanili99 @slytherclaw1978 @quackitysdrugdealer @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @ladylizzieofdarbyshire @fancy-pantaloons @samberriejams @totalwitch2 @aslanvez @mrsgweasley @morally-grey-obsessed @dori-and-gray

[phyllisthefirst]

[Masterlist] [on ao3]

George Luz x OC

Summary: Phyllis Baker is with the 506th to do her job, nothing more, nothing less. But between men like her superior officers, who don't believe she should be there at all, and men like George Luz, who keeps distracting her with those damn puppy eyes of his, that might be easier said than done.

Warnings: Depictions of war, mentions of injury and death.

Tagging: @next-autopsy - I'm finally back with George and Phyllis' story! I really struggled with this chapter, but at the end of the day, we moved the plot along a teenie tiny little bit and that's all that matters.

As always, this fic is entirely about the fictionalized representations of the men of Easy Company that we see on the show. I mean no disrespect to the real men by writing this.

No tired sigh, no rolling eye, no irony - Part 5

Normandy is a blur, jumping into fire and landing in wet marshland and then walking, walking for miles and miles in the dark without seeing a single soul he knows. Sometimes he hears voices, but he hides in the hedgerows until they pass and it always turns out to be German patrols. Eventually, after hours and hours, George finally spots a sign pointing towards a town whose name he recognizes. He almost cries when the little town finally comes into view and he spots nothing but American uniforms. 

Most of his friends have already made it to the town; some have been here long enough to take out a whole cluster of German machine gun nests. Some aren’t accounted for yet, Lieutenant Meehan included. It’s still chaos, but George gets to sit down and rest for a little while at least. 

After that, there’s more walking and then the chaos and terror of taking Carentan, under fire from what feels like every direction. It’s the first time George has to apply what they’ve trained for in practice, and it’s nothing he feels at all prepared for. He doesn’t have time to linger on that observation before they’re already moving on, more walking through flooded fields and more being shot at and digging improvised foxholes into the hedgerows. 

And now he’s sitting in the dark once again, listening to the occasional bouts of gunfire, the whistle of German mortars. The waiting is nerve-wracking but at least he’s not alone. With his brothers around to keep watch, he once again allows himself a rare pleasure that he’s indulged in only when it felt too difficult to stay awake and keep trudging on: He thinks of Phyllis, and of that kiss on the airfield, and the things she said before it. 

It was unexpected, and something in her expression tells him it wasn’t just a surprise for him but for her as well. He could bet she hadn’t planned on kissing him. He isn’t even sure if she’d planned out the words she said to him - they, like the kiss, sounded like they were ripped from her by some deeper impulse. And that impulse is the most important thing, really, proof that she cares for him, enough to sneak onto the airfield to make sure he knows. 

That’s what he should be focusing on, but in moments like this, half-asleep in a foxhole, it’s still too tempting to linger on the memory of that kiss: Brief and harsh, an act of defiance in the face of their hooting audience. From what he’s come to know of Phyllis so far, he knows she’s a private person, mortified at the idea of drawing attention by a show of emotion. He can only imagine how much of an effort it must have cost her to come up and kiss him. 

It makes it all the more precious, despite how brief it was, and it makes hope soar within him whenever he allows himself to remember it. On nights like this, that hope translates easily into imagined scenes of their next meeting, whenever he makes it back to Aldbourne. Perhaps they’ll meet at the pub, perhaps run into each other on the street. Perhaps he’ll go look for her at battalion HQ or at her billet (he doesn’t know exactly where it is, but Aldbourne is small and she’s mentioned the old lady she lives with, he’ll figure it out). Perhaps she’ll seek him out again, use that HQ knowledge to anticipate his return and wait for him at their barracks. Perhaps, now that she’s managed one public display, she’ll find it easier to do, and he’ll be greeted with another kiss. Perhaps she’ll run and throw herself into his arms for a passionate embrace, like an actress in a movie. He entertains the thought for a moment, imagines how he’ll close his arms around her and lift her off her feet…

Alright, it probably won’t play out like that, but he allows himself the thought while the night slowly wanes away.   

It doesn’t matter how it will happen exactly - what matters is that he sees her again. 

***

Phyllis wasn’t prepared for Normandy. There was a vague notion that she might be following the 506th to the European mainland once the coastline was secured, but no concrete plans had been made for her - she’s too far down the line of essential personnel, somewhere after the troops themselves, the engineers, the medical officers and nurses, the chaplains and mortuary teams. She wasn't even sure if she'd be going here at all, let alone a few days after the invasion. But then Lieutenant Meehan’s plane crashed with a good chunk of battalion staff on it, and suddenly there aren’t enough people over there who know what to get where and when and how, everything they’ve meticulously planned out for weeks. 

And just like that, she’s on a troop carrier across the channel, along with nurses and mechanics and other noncombatants, and after barely managing not to throw up on the choppy trip, she’s disembarking on a beach that is stained red. For a moment, she suspects some strange geological quirk, then it hits her: The beach is red with blood, the blood of all the men that died here mere days ago. 

She's led to one of the the tents that have been set up in the dunes, a little inland but still close enough to the beach to be within walking distance of the transport ships landing daily with supplies - weapons and tanks for on-site assembly and food and medical supplies she and the other orderlies and supply officers send in different directions. She's in charge of getting the 506th their designated supplies, which is more than anticipated since apparently, most of the supplies the men were supposed to carry with them have been lost during the jump. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly easy to get her hands on everything she needs, let alone more than expected. The medical supplies in particular are being fought over tooth and nail, with hundreds of injured men still being treated on and near the beaches while they wait to be shipped back to England. 

As expected, Phyllis is woefully unprepared for actually being on the front lines, beginning with the fact that she came here in her regular uniform and leather shoes - sensible ones, yes, but still not suitable for traipsing through mud and wet sand. She barely manages a few hours before she twists her ankle and goes down rather spectacularly. To her luck, it happens right in front of an infirmary tent that just had most of its patients evacuated, and the nurse sitting outside for a cigarette break takes pity and helps her over. 

She looks at Phyllis’ shoes and tuts disapprovingly. 

“Did no one tell you what things are like over here?”

Phyllis shakes her head, embarrassed. 

“It was a bit of a spontaneous decision, sending me here.” 

The nurse’s expression softens minutely.

“Wait here,” she orders and disappears into the aid station tent. Phyllis doesn't protest. The woman’s take-charge attitude reminds her of her friend Millicent, the hardware store owner turned nurse she met in Aldbourne. Not for the first time, Phyllis wonders where her friends are right now. Her group of friends among the nurses has been sent over here two days ago and are moving inland just behind the men as they secure ever more ground. She’s been hearing a little about how the landings have been coming along, more than the general public has been told in the radio broadcast, but even around headquarters, little more is known than that most of the men missed their designated drop zones and struggled to converge again. 

Her morose thoughts are interrupted by the return of the nurse, holding out a pair of boots - worn-in but in good condition, apart from the splatters of mud and other things she doesn’t want to think about. Actually, she doesn’t want to think about the history of the boots at all, she decides. 

“They’ll still be too big, but if you stuff some rags into the front, they should be better than what you have on now.” She hands her some of the rags in question, and Phyllis takes boots and rags gratefully. 

Sitting down on the crate the woman had rested on earlier, she starts taking off her heeled shoes, grateful that her ankle seems to have escaped her fall with nothing more than a faint twinge and won’t require medical attention. 

“So, how long have you been here?”, she asks, hoping that some conversation will distract her from the awkwardness of trying to change shoes while sitting in the open wearing a tight uniform skirt. Then again, looking at the soldiers either resting or working around the aid station, she doubts anyone will pay her any attention. 

“Two days.” The nurse takes a long drag of her cigarette while Phyllis waits for her to elaborate. She doesn’t. 

“I hear the casualties were fairly severe, here on Omaha.” 

The nurse laughs humorlessly. 

“Fairly severe… It was absolute carnage. We’ve only just finished moving out the most serious cases. The ones that lasted long enough, that is.” She breaks off to take another long draught. When Phyllis glances over, she can see the woman’s hands shaking, her eyes turned towards the horizon with an empty stare that she’s seen on too many men on this beach. Then she turns her head and meets Phyllis’ eyes, roaming over her curiously. “What are you doing here? You’re not a nurse.” 

“I’m assisting the 506th with logistics and clerical duties. I was supposed to stay behind in Aldbourne but…”, she can’t bring herself to casually mention how many people had to die for her to find herself here. The woman has probably seen and heard enough death these past two days. “Well, things changed, and now I’m here.” 

The woman nods. Taking one last drag of her cigarette, she drops the short bud and stamps it out on the sand. 

“Welcome to the war.” She holds out her hand, and Phyllis shakes it, trying to ignore the reddish tint of blood that won’t quite scrub off. If she wants to do her job well, she’s going to have to get a lot less squeamish, and quickly. “I’m Mary Wilson.” 

“Phyllis Baker.” 

“Well, Phyllis, it’s been nice meeting you. Keep us medical personnel in mind while you see to your logistics duties, will you?” 

“I will. Thank you for the boots.” 

Mary nods. 

“Nothing to thank me for. I have to get back to work. It’s been nice meeting you, Phyllis.” 

Phyllis starts on a polite reply, but Mary has already turned to walk back into the tent, and Phyllis figures it’s time for her to get back to work as well. 

She gets up and takes a few tentative steps in her new boots. Even stuffed, they're a little wide and they clash horribly with her skirt, but the ground feels a lot steadier under her.

*** 

It’s several more days until she spots her first familiar face: Colonel Sink arrives in a jeep riddled with bullet holes and stops right in front of one of the tents used to gather and sort supplies. By now, Phyllis has managed to scrounge quite the pile for the 506th, which she now proudly presents. 

The Colonel looks pleased indeed, asking some more questions about what kind of supplies she’s been able to procure and which have proven difficult, and once she’s answered all his questions to his satisfaction, Phyllis decides that this might be a good moment to address something that’s been weighing on her mind. 

“Sir?” 

He looks up from the clipboard he was inspecting, raising an inquiring eyebrow, and she takes a deep breath for courage. 

“I know it’s not my place to ask, but I’ve made some friends in Aldbourne, particularly among Easy Company. Is there any news about how they’re doing?”

The Colonel’s eyes narrow suspiciously, and Phyllis’ stomach sinks - she may have just made a big mistake. 

“Miss Baker, are you aware of the risk I took sending you here? You’re a good worker and a hell of a logistics specialist, and you did a solid job stepping into a role you weren’t trained for. But if word gets around that I took a young woman with no military or nursing background to the front lines of the European invasion, I’ll have some explaining to do. If it turns out that that woman conducted herself in any way improperly with the men, perhaps ended up finding herself in a bad situation…” He pauses for effect, and Phyllis blanches at the implication. “Well, I’ll be lucky if I ever get to lead a man in this campaign again, let alone a woman. So, if I hear so much as a rumor about your behavior here, you will be shipped home faster than you can say transatlantic passage. Is that clear?”

“Crystal clear, Sir. I won’t forget my position here, or your trust in me.” 

His expression softens again. 

“As for Easy, they suffered some casualties, like the rest of the Airborne, but most of the men have found their units. A few Easy squadrons destroyed a German artillery battery, and by now, they should be securing our hold on Carentan.” He pauses. “Now, I’ve made an exception and gave you intel above your clearance just this once. It will not happen again. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you.” 

He nods briskly. 

“Good. Back to work then. The mortuary team has made some headway identifying bodies, and someone needs to go over the lists and see to it that supplies are adjusted accordingly. Reports from further inland should be coming in over the next few days, so we’ll get a clearer picture. I’ll have all casualty lists sent straight through you.” 

Despite the gruff tone, Phyllis recognizes it as the gift it is: Colonel Sink is giving her a chance to follow up on the fate of the men fighting out there without having to tell her anything himself. She has to suppress the urge to launch forward and hug him - she’s sure that would not go over well. 

“I’ll get to it right away, Sir.”

For the next few days, she sees nothing but the inside of her tent and long lists of names, which she studies intently. For every list that doesn’t hold a name she recognizes, she sends a prayer heavenward, and every night she repeats it: Lord, let my friends be alive. Keep them safe, and return them to me. 

*** 

For all the ways George has imagined being reunited with Phyllis, nothing could have prepared him for the way it actually happens. 

He's already made it almost back to England, sitting on a beach in Normandy and trying to ignore the debris and suspiciously rust-coloured patches of sand all around. They've been pulled off the line two days ago, and apart from a little bit of walking, they’ve since spent the time sitting around waiting to be shuffled onto a carrier, except there never seems to be one ready to take them. So they sit, increasingly bored and irritated, and the only thing keeping George from going fully mad are his sappy fantasies of a grand reunion with Phyllis. Which is why he first thinks she's a figment of his overtired imagination when he suddenly spots her on the beach, following Colonel Sink down a row of Easy and Fox company soldiers. He's just wondering if he should be worried about how realistic his fantasies are becoming when Perconte elbows him in the side. 

“Hey, isn't that Phyllis? The hell’s she doing here?”

George shakes his head. It isn't Phyllis, it can't be, because Phyllis is all the way across the channel, safe and sound in England. 

“No, it definitely is.” Perconte, unaware of his friend’s turmoil, starts waving at her enthusiastically, followed by several others of their friends. But Phyllis looks straight ahead as she stalks past them, eyes fixed on Colonel Sink’s head.

George's stomach drops. He doesn't like this one bit. On this beach it may feel like Normandy is firmly in Allied hands, but George knows that, a mere day's walk from here they were still taking shelter from German artillery. They may have clawed their hands into this slim stretch of coastline, but the Germans are far from defeated. 

“What is she doing here?”, he mutters to himself. Briefly, he considers getting up and going after her to ask. But Colonel Sink is speaking to her and she's busy taking notes, and he knows better than to interrupt her when she’s working. He’ll have to wait for a better time, as much as it sets him on edge.

That better time almost doesn't arrive before they're loaded onto their ship, with Phyllis quickly disappearing again to take care of something or other. Eventually, he gets desperate. 

Despite their orders to stay near the tent they've been set up in and wait to ship out, he slips away to start searching for her, orders be damned. 

He finds her in the cluster of tents serving as battalion HQ, making her way from one tent to another with her ever-present clipboard in hand. 

Before she's spotted him, he's grabbed her hand and pulled her behind one of the tents, shielded from view by the dark canvas and a steep rise in the dunes. 

“What on earth…”, she only seems to register now who abducted her, and her face brightens immediately. “George!”

She moves toward him, and he wonders if this is the moment of their passionate reunion - but she catches herself and draws back again.  

“How are you here?”, he blurts out, not very intelligently. 

“I was sent over to help out after Lieutenant Meehan's plane went down. There were several men from battalion HQ on it and they needed everyone who knew at least some of their plans.” The mention of Lieutenant Meehan's fate, the fate he shared with so many other men, is enough to chase off all lingering hope for a romantic moment. 

“What the hell were they thinking, sending you here?” It comes out sharper than he intended, and her eyes flash in anger. 

“They were probably thinking that they need every person doing their job, wherever it needs doing. And that's what I'm doing, believe it or not.”

He deflates again, too tired to fight. 

“I’m sorry. It's just…” I thought you were safe, he wants to blurt out. I need you to be safe. But this isn’t just about what he needs. “I didn’t mean to imply that you shouldn't be here.”

Her face softens, slowly.

“Like I said, it wasn't exactly planned this way. Colonel Sink has already given me a lecture on how much he's risking taking me here and how I have to watch my conduct.”

There's something like pleading on her face, and he wonders frantically what she's trying to tell him. Is it her attempt to explain why she didn't acknowledge him this morning? Sure, it stung in the moment, but he doesn't even care right now, not when the most pressing issue is her safety, and how much danger she's in and how much he wishes she wasn't. 

“Just… be careful, alright? I’m not saying you can’t handle yourself, but we're still very close to enemy territory and you haven’t exactly been trained to fight.” 

“I know, and I will be careful. Battalion HQ is supposed to stay back a ways behind the line, anyway.” 

He wants to point out what he’s quickly come to learn in his time here: That “the line” is not as fixed a concept as she seems to think, that everything can still shift in a heartbeat. But he doesn't know how she'd take it, if she'd think he was patronizing her again. Before he can make up his mind if he should say something more, there are voices rising from a nearby tent, and she looks around nervously.

“I should go. Colonel Sink is expecting these papers.”

She’s already turning, getting ready to rush off, when she throws one more cautious glance around, turns back to him and grabs his hand. 

“I'm glad you're okay, George.”

She holds his eyes for a moment, her expression filled with such genuine warmth and relief that it's almost overwhelming. Then she strides off, but the impression of her skin on his, warm and soft, seems to linger as George watches her walk away.

It's only almost as good as her kiss on the airfield, but it's better than all his imagined scenes of reunion. And right now, it's enough. 

[babeczka415]

Best For You

A/N: this oneshot is inspired by the song "I'm Not Mad" by Hasley. Definitely a totally different view, sorry for fhe heartbreak

It was just another day for the gang at the Black lake, the sun was out and the spring temperatures were definetally showing up. We had decided to just have a fun day with all of them and I couldn’t have been happier. You see it’s been three years since this gang entered her life, a year since meeting Sam. Sam had come to visit Duskwood for one of the festivals and they had bumped into eachother at a game and instantly hit it off. He was smart, funny, and handsome with his brown hair and green eyes.  He had a good job that allowed him to work remotely so it was no surprise to anyone once they realized how serious things were getting that he moved to Duskwood.

Watching Sam with Hannah and Thomas little boy on the swing just melted my heart and I couldn’t wait to try and make a future with him, if he wanted. I’m so focused on the sight in front of me I don’t realize someone set and sat down next to me until I feel a hand on my arm.

“Hey, I want to check in with you. I heard from him,” Lilly’s voice is what makes me realize who’s she’s talking about.

“I’m not mad anymore, Lilly. He made the choice like he did with Hannah to push me away. I wish him the best, but….” I’m stopped mid sentence as I see someone walking up to Hannah and hugging her.  I instantly know who it is, by the black hair and his height. I turn my head, not wanting to face him. “I’m gonna go over to Sam and Andrew.’ i say wanting to see the little boy in the swing before I break down.

—---------

Flashback

Standing on my balcony waiting for him I felt the world was standing still. Seconds felt like hours as I waited for the hooded figure at the bottom of the fire escape. How I managed too see him I have no idea but I did. I couldn't wait to see his face and as she climbed up my breathing hitched. 

After the mine it wasn't safe in Duskwood but he asked to track my location so he could find me. Here we are, he's only a few floors below now, as I watch him climb.

As he reaches mine he jumps over the railing and I put my hands on his face. I feel that scruff and those sharp features, unsure if I'm ready to reveal who is under this hood. Before I had a chance to think he crashed his lips into mine and I lost focus.

That night is still a blur but I remember stealing his shirt in the morning and begging him to stay. We had spent the night cuddling in my bed watching whatever we could find on the tv.

After that night he pushed me away, he told me I deserved better. I deserve to live in the sunlight. My heart was broken, I was madly in love but he didn't feel the same.

—---------

As I’m walking toward the man that holds my heart now, I feel someone grab my arm. I try to focus on Sam so I didn’t hear anyone calling me. I stop, afraid to look at the hand on arm. 

“MC,” Jake’s voice is what brings me back.

“Hi,” i say with a small smile. As I turn to look at him, looking in his blue eyes I don’t feel the same thing I use too and I sigh as I have really moved on.

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry”, he lets go of my arm and lets out a sigh. I know thats not what he really wanted to say but he must of learned I have moved on.

“I’m not even mad anymore, Jake. Honestly I still wish uou the best.” I go to turn but he stops me by getting in front of me.

“I miss what we had,....” His looks into my hazel eyes and it doesn’t break my heart.

“ I ain't even mad anymore. I don't even want you back anymore. I don't remember what we had anymore. I hope you think about me sleeping in your t-shirt. I hope your little brother turns out to be nothing like you. I hope that you hurt more than I did and honestly I still wish you nothing but the best but I know that you're still self-obsessed. I hear the wicked get no rest but when you do I hope you'll dream of me.”

“Please let me explain,”  the pleaded in his voice and wanting to get back to what we had three years ago.

“I don't even hope you die these days, like I did when you first broke my heart. I hope you live 'til eighty-five these days regretting that you'd ever lie those days. I hope it's eating you alive these days.I hope you're in the bathroom just wishing I’m gonna change my mind and come back soon. I hope that when you're thirty-five years you wish that you tried to 'cause I know that I'd did.” I walk away from him.

I know he’s watching me but I can’t go back. Jake doesn’t hold my heart anymore and today that has been made perfectly clear. I know I want to see where things go with Sam and the past is behind me now. I definitely needed to get that off my chest with Jake but that doesn’t make it any easier.

As I walk up to Sam he instantly knows something is up and pulls me in for a hug. I hear him whisper "everything is going to be okay" into my ear and for the first time I feel that way.

I pull away and smile, "I know it will be. I have you now in my life." I still feel the desire to tell him who I was talking too and Jessy must notice as she takes over for the  little one. 

Walking towards the water along the small path, our hands are interlocked with each other. Everything with him feels right but he has the right to know I still do care about Jake.

'MC, who were you talking too before you came uo to me?" His voice laced with concerned, afraid he will lose me.

I let out a massive sigh and look into his eyes, the same green eyes I have fallen in love with slowly. "Jake, Hannah and Lilly's half brother. He's also a man I use to love." I look away at that statement.

Feeling his hand move to my chin to turn me back to him. "Do you still?" I know why he's asking, he wants to know if this is over.

"I don't love him anymore, but I do still care about him. He was a big part of me finding this gang, which also led me to finding you." I shyly smile at him.

"So he's going to be alart of our lives?" This though never crossed my mind until he asked.

Turn and looking out over the water, unsure how to answer. I hear Dan yelling for us from where everyone is. "Most likely will be," i gently say not wanting to make this weird.

He turns me around and kisses me and I smile, "he will learn I don't give up what I love." His smile is back to what I adore abd I see the glimmer of love in his green eyes. 

The smile is back on my face, " don't worry he don't stand a chance again," lacing my fingers with his as we walk back.

The rest of the day is relaxed and fun. I notice Jake watching us but smiling at how happy I am with Sam. I notice he's watching me like he does Hannah and Lilly which makes me even happier that he still cares about me. At first there was a bit of tension between him and Sam but eventually it broke somehow over something Dan said.

As I'm helping Hannah load up the car I look out and see all the guys talking and it brings a smile to my face.

"I'm glad you two still care about each other," Hannah states as she puts a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"I was worried him and Sam wouldn't get along because of the history. Those boys just seem to prove me wrong all the time." I laugh because it's the truth.

"Just know even though you and him didn't end how we all thought, your still part of the family." She pulls me into a hug and I embrace it back.

Because its the truth, this whole gang is one big family through all the craziness we have gone through.

[jwcnsz]

enhypen as cliché movie tropes (hyung line)

ʜʏᴜɴɢ ʟɪɴᴇ | ᴍᴀᴋɴᴀᴇ ʟɪɴᴇ

enhypen hyung line x gn!reader

warnings; angst (only in hoon's part), swearing

word count; 1k+

a/n; finally writing something!! it's not the best but i've always wanted to write something like this... it's pretty long too but still i hope u guys like it <33

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heeseung; bond over music

you first saw him at your go-to record shop, watching as he skimmed through the vinyl discs. he stopped and picked up your favorite album of all time: hounds of love by kate bush. you walked over to him and asked "you like that album too?" he turned to look at you with a small smile. "never heard it actually. i'm trying to listen to new music and this album just looks interesting..." he looked back at the album in his hands. "i recommend it. it's my personal favorite! i could also give you more recommendations if you like." you smiled at him. you kept looking at his eyes. they're so big and pretty, you're genuinely getting lost in his eyes. you're absolutely mesmerized. the sound of his voice brought you back to reality. "sorry what did you say?" you stuttered out. he giggled at you're actions. oh my god. the giggles. "i asked what your name is." he giggled out. oh. OH. "oh, i'm y/n! you?" you said enthusiastically. why the fuck were you being enthusiastic about your name? whatever, too late now. "y/n, huh? sounds pretty nice. i'm lee heeseung." lee heeseung. i like it. "okay lee heeseung... how about i help you look around for more music, hm?" you suggested. "well why not?" he said as he turned to look for more albums. you both knew this was gonna end well.

jay; love at first sight

it's crazy how you've only seen this man once in your entire fucking life and you're already head over heels for him. you're on a flight to seattle, somehow being seated next to the most beautiful man you've ever seen. yes. beautiful. you kept staring at him not realizing he was now looking at you. "can i help you?" he whispered. oh shit. "i'm sorry! i just... nothing. sorry about that." you apologized. the embarrassment was so strong, you literally wanted to walk to the emergency exit and fly out. "you're fine..." he said putting on his headphones and looking back at his laptop. you noticed he was watching your favorite show. he was already on one of the later episodes too... you tap his arm and ask "you like that show?" he looked at you and stayed silent until he realized what you asked. "oh! yeah i do. it's my favorite show and honestly always will be." he softly laughed. you smiled. he's hot, nice, has a pretty laugh, AND has good taste?? an absolute keeper in your eyes. "i love that show too... how about we watch it together one day?" you raised your eyebrows as the sentence left your mouth. real smooth, y/n. good fucking job. he froze for a few seconds before laughing. "sure... but first your name." "y/n. and who are you?" you asked with a smile. "jay." he responded to you. "hm, nice to meet you, jay." "and nice to meet you, y/n." you for sure got his number as soon as you got off that plane.

jake; boy next door

you watched as your new next door neighbors moved in. they had boxes and boxes of things and you were sick of all the noise they were making. i can't just go out there and tell them to shut up, can i? probably not. you kept looking around to see if you could see someone around your age. you finally saw a boy around your age step out of the house. he looked tall-ish and had two toned hair. if you were being honest he looked... hot. you're insane, you haven't even met the guy. you don't even know his name! as soon as you thought that you heard someone call out for someone else. "jake!" a voice yelled. the boy looked in the direction of the voice. "yeah?" he yelled back. the rest of their conversation blurred itself in your mind. jake... well at least i know his name now. you didn't notice the boy looking up at your window and making eye contact with you until he waved. oh my god. he WAVED. you wave back a bit embarrassed about getting caught staring. he smiles and sends a wink your way. your eyes widen and watch as he walks away. "jake, huh? i should get to know him..." you muttered out. and that you did.

sunghoon; first heartbreak

you and sunghoon have been dating for a couple of years. ever since sophomore year actually. he's your first boyfriend and you're his first ever partner so it all meant so much. life's been good, you're happy, sunghoon is happy. everything's perfect. until it all fell apart. you felt him be more distant and cold. like he didn't like you anymore. of course, every time you asked if he loved you, he would answer with a "of course, how could i not?" for months you believed him and just thought it was you. but it really wasn't and you'd had enough. you sat him down and got ready to ask the question you both dreaded. "so... i need honesty from you. please tell me the truth. i promise i won't be mad but i need answers, sunghoon." he nodded at this, feeling anxious for what's to come. you took a deep breath. "sunghoon, do you still love me?" silence filled the room. he didn't say a word and neither did you. "i... i'm sorry, y/n." he whispered out. you just shook your head. "i get it. we all fall in love and then out of love, right? it was only a matter of time." you whispered the last part. he stood up and faced you. "i feel horrible and i'm so, so sorry. but i think it's time we moved on, yeah?" he choked out. he may not be in love with you but he still feels like shit for doing this to you. you let a tear fall and nodded. "just, just one hug. please." you whimpered out. he hugs you. it's so cold. so... meaningless. you both move away from each other and you watch as he walks out the front door. after that you just couldn't love someone else. you couldn't love someone like you loved him. like you loved park sunghoon.

taglist <3; (if u wanna be tagged send a message/ask!)

reqs are OPEN!

[venerable-sun]

Mångata (Nuidis Vulko x Reader) Pt. 3

Nuidis Vulko (Aquaman) x reader

TW: mentions of death and funerals

1900~ words

Part Two | Part Four | Series Masterlist

Don't forget to check out the series masterlist for the pinterest board and spotify playlist! To enhance your reading experience, I recommend listening to this song.

It's the one I imagine as the "series theme" and I listen to it pretty much on repeat as I write. Enjoy!

Your parents’ funeral is three days later. 

The entire town shows up and packs themselves into the small chapel. So many people come, some are forced to stand in the back and along the walls for lack of places to sit. Even for a town as close-knit as Amnesty Bay, your parents were well-loved. 

You wear a knee-length black dress and sensible heels, heels that you regret as soon as you have to climb up the podium to give your speech. You stumble through it, your voice scratchy and thick with tears, and when you’re done, you collapse between Thomas and Arthur, who came into town the previous night. 

The rest of the service passes in a blur, and you only realize it's over when your uncle shakes your shoulder and leads you outside. A medium-sized urn is handed to you, and you hug it tightly to your chest as Arthur escorts you to the truck. Neither of you say anything as he drives you back to your house, and it isn’t until you reach your door that he breaks the silence. 

“Do you want me to come in?” 

You try to muster up a smile, but from the look on your cousin’s face, it comes off more as a grimace. “No thank you, I think I want to be alone right now.” 

Arthur studies you closely before nodding. “I understand. But I’ll be back tomorrow. I want to catch up before I leave again.” 

Before you can reply, he’s wrapping you in a bone-crushing hug that squeezes the air from your lungs. Since when did he get so big? You think to yourself as you watch him climb back into the truck and drive away. 

The silence is deafening as you set the urn on the table in the living room. You don’t know how long you stand there, staring into nothing before a knock at your window catches your attention. 

To your shock, Vulko stands on your back porch.

“Nuidis,” you greet, stepping aside to let him in. “I didn’t think you’d come back so soon.” 

“I hope this is a good time, my lady.” He says, kneeling and pressing a kiss to the back of your hand. Was it your imagination, or did he linger even longer this time?

You’re filled with emotion suddenly, and you turn away from him before he can see the tears in your eyes. 

“My lady, has someone done something to upset you? If so, I’ll find them, I’ll-”

You turn, grasping his hand to stop him. The anger immediately dissipates from his face as he looks at where your fingers wrap around his. 

You take in a deep breath, quickly wiping away the one tear that escaped. “It’s okay, Nuidis. My parents passed away recently, and we held their funeral today.” 

You break away and sit down at the piano, tapping at the keys softly without pressing down on them. “Funny that the very reason I left this place is the reason I’ve returned after all these years.” 

“What do you mean, my lady?” 

“When I turned 18, all I wanted to do was study music. My father wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer, but I just wanted to play the piano. Of course, my mother took his side.” You smile bittersweetly. “We fought, I left. I went down south, got accepted on scholarship to a prestigious music school, and did my best to forget Amnesty Bay. And I did, until my uncle called with the news.”

You draw in a shuddering sigh, finally pressing down on a key. The note fills the air for a long moment before you speak again. “My father taught me to play the piano. This one was his.”

Vulko sits beside you on the bench, his leg pressed to yours. Even in your grief, you’re flustered at his close proximity. 

“The ones we love never truly leave us.” He says quietly. “Could you play for me, my lady?”

You pour yourself into the music, filling the room with a slow, melancholic melody. You lose yourself in the music, remembering how your father used to sit you down right at this very piano and help you with your scales, your mother looking on with pride. You remember your horrible fight, the horrible things said on both sides. You remember icy phone calls on birthdays and holidays, invitations to visit that neither party upheld. The music you play carries your emotions away like the wind, and it isn’t until the last, hopeful note fills the air that you register the tears dripping down your face. 

Vulko seems to hesitate for a moment before cautiously wrapping an arm around you, drawing you into his shoulder. He doesn’t say anything as you cry silently, just softly humming under his breath a tune you’ve never heard before.

When you compose yourself, you pull away with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to unload all of that on you. I’m sure you only meant to get your staff then leave.” 

He’s shaking his head even before you finish your sentence. “Nonsense. How could I leave a lady in such distress?” He smiles gently at you, making your breath catch in your throat. “And you play so beautifully, I think surely I’ll have to return to hear more.” 

You chuckle despite yourself, feeling immensely better. Vulko stays long into the night, telling you of Atlantis and listening intently as you share your experiences as a musician in university. You swap stories from your childhood over steaming cups of tea, laughing together as the moon rises higher and higher into the sky. 

The ocean reflects the moon’s rays like a silver road when you walk with Vulko down to the beach. As you bid him a reluctant goodbye and watch as he disappears into the surf, one thing is for certain: you are falling hard and fast for the Atlantean. 

~~~

Summer passes and the school year begins, and with it, your new job. 

It’s strange to teach in the same place you attended high school, but the other teachers welcome you and the kids are eager to learn. You help them learn about music through songs they already enjoy, and encourage them to work together through group projects. It isn’t long before students begin to say that your class is their favorite, and you return home each day tired but satisfied. 

You spend your weekends outside in your garden, working on building it up so that come spring, you’ll be able to plant all sorts of flowers and vegetables. You also spend a lot of time with your uncle, meeting once a week at the local restaurant for dinner. With how often Arthur is away, you get the feeling that he is very lonely, and you could certainly use the company, too. 

Not that you’re hurting for company, as Vulko comes to visit you as often as he can. 

The two of you have become close friends, often spending his visits discussing your favorite pieces of literature and philosophy. For someone from an isolated civilization, the man sure knows his Shakespeare. Every time, you introduce a new piano piece to him and in return he brings you things from Atlantis to examine. 

That is what you do now, as you sit on the beach with Vulko next to you. 

You turn the gold bangle over in your hand, admiring the way the blue jewel in the middle flashes in the sunlight. “Surely this isn’t just a simple piece of jewelry?”

Nuidis chuckles, fingers brushing over yours as he slides it onto your wrist. “Not quite. It is also a communication device.” He holds up his wrist, showing you a matching cuff in silver. “If you ever find yourself in trouble, simply press on the jewel and I will come for you.” 

“I- don’t know what to say. Nobody has ever given me something so thoughtful.” 

Vulko’s eyes twinkle and you find yourself unable to look away. “For you, my lady? Anything.”

You giggle, feeling your cheeks burn with the permanent blush you always seem to have when he is near. “You can just call me by my name, you know. I’m certainly not a lady.”

“I’m much inclined to disagree.” He tsks. “Someone as kind and beautiful as yourself is certainly a lady.”

The two of you have unconsciously moved closer. You struggle to keep your gaze from flicking to his lips, now mere inches away from your own. He reaches up and tentatively brushes some fallen hair away from your eyes, running his fingers through the strands. He keeps his hand there as you draw even closer together, your eyes closing in anticipation as you feel the first slightest brush of his lips against yours. 

A voice calling your name has you tearing apart from each other. 

“(Y/n)!” Arthur runs into view, kicking up sand behind him. “You didn’t answer the door but your car was there so I– Vulko!?”

You scramble to your feet, blushing furiously but also very confused. “You two know each other?” 

Nuidis stands slowly, clasping his arms behind his back as he regards your cousin carefully. “Yes, my lady. Arthur is the rightful king of Atlantis. Though I was also unaware that you were so well-acquainted with each other.”

Jealousy burns in his eyes as Arthur shoots him a glare. “Relax, old man. She’s my cousin. And I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, I’m no king.” 

Your eyes widen in realization. “Wait, so Arthur was the person you were looking for when I saved you from that storm?” 

Vulko nods. 

You round on your cousin, craning your neck to glare up at him. “And you! How could you not tell me about this? You’re the king of Atlantis!?”

“I’m not the king and I never will be.” Arthur growls. “Besides, would you have believed me? It’s not like you’re the only one keeping secrets.” His eyes flick over to Vulko, and you falter, taking a step back abashedly. 

“That’s what I thought,” he smirks. “Little old for you, isn’t he?” 

“I believe the lady is old enough to make her own decisions.” Nuidis says calmly, moving to stand comfortingly beside you. Arthur scoffs, beginning to walk down the beach. “Be careful, (Y/n),” he calls over his shoulder. “Atlanteans are bad news. I’d hate to see you get hurt.” 

You watch him go in silence, struggling to process everything that has happened in the past five minutes. Had you and Vulko really been about to kiss, only to be interrupted by your idiot cousin?

You shake your head to focus yourself, looking down when you feel Vulko take your hand lightly. He raises it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. “I must go now, my lady. But I will return to you soon.” 

Your eyes meet, gazes burning with everything you want to say to each other. “Promise?”

Vulko smiles. “I promise.” 

Little do either of you know that someone watched on between the waves, simmering with rage. Plotting. 

[dalmascan-requiem]

Moments: Fair

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It's worth taking a day off to enjoy a fair... and one another's company.

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Read on AO3 or keep reading after the jump

content warnings: none

Part of FFxivWrite 2023

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FFxivWrite's day 9 prompt is 'fair', and the boys deserve a date together :) Just something sweet and fluffy for the two.

This takes place a short time after the Bozja plotline--so they're excited to be in each other's lives again, but there's also some nervousness there. I think it's cute!

Laurent frowned at the bustling crowd. Even though the sun was setting and the sky darkening, there seemed to be no sign of the fairgoers getting tired and leaving.

The two Viera had waited until sunset to check out the fair in Kugane in hopes that the crowd would thin out a bit, but it looked as though the festivities would continue well into the night. At the realization, Laurent let out a slow breath--he would have to deal with a mass of people regardless.

He could feel his chest tighten at the thought of attempting to make his way through the crowds--being jostled by pushy people, stall owners trying to talk to him, just being so close to strangers--it sounded nothing short of a nightmare.

But it was just then that Laurent felt a hand slide in to hold his own, and a body lightly lean against his side.

"Are you all right?" Kris's voice was gentle, and a look of concern was on his face. "We can come by another time, you know? There's no need to push yourself."

Laurent looked over at the Warrior of Light. Perhaps there would be another time… but when would that even be? Months, years from now? Kris was constantly asked to 'do this' or 'fight that', pulled to and fro around the world. He didn't say it, but Laurent knew this was the first time in too long that he had time to do something other than fight.

They'd both been through far too much, and he wasn't going to let a bout of nervousness get in the way of their time together.

"I'm fine." Laurent offers Kris a faint smile. "We've waited all day to visit the fair, it'd be a shame to leave now."

Kris studies Laurent's face for a moment--wondering whether to belabor the point, no doubt--but eventually returns his smile and nods. "Alright. Let's visit the stalls over there, I think you'd enjoy the dango…"

Laurent let himself be led around the fair, and couldn't help but smile as Kris chattered nearly non-stop. Kris made a show of pointing out all manner of trinkets, games, and whatever else caught his eye, and the excitement was infectious, making it easy to ignore the crowds and discomfort.

The sun had long set by the time that Kris started dragging Laurent over to a free table. "Go on, sit down. I'll be right back! Don't move!" The blur-haired Viera quickly disappears among the crowds, leaving Laurent to himself.

It was only then that he realized just how busy the fair still was. Kris had managed to find a relatively quiet place to sit, but there was no way to fully escape the throngs of people, and they were just so loud. Laurent stares down at a spot on the table, drumming his fingers in an attempt to distract from the noise.

Thankfully, it doesn't take too long for Kris to return, balancing a number of plates on his arms. "I couldn't decide what you'd like most, so I picked some of everything. I hope you're hungry!"

"Oh…" Laurent stares at all the plates, dumbfounded. "Th-that's a lot of food, Kris…"

"Well, being the Warrior of Light has its advantages! Everyone wants to feed me." Kris winks at the other Viera. "Granted, I hadn't expected to be given quite this much, but how could I refuse?"

"You refuse by saying no."

"It was a rhetorical question, my love." Kris chuckles as he puts the rest of the food on the table and sits next to Laurent. "Besides, Kugane has such unique cuisine, it'd be a tragedy if I didn't make you try it all."

"Would it be, now…" Laurent couldn't deny that the food looked delicious, even if it was entirely too much for the couple.

"Also…" Kris moves a bit closer to Laurent, his tone dropping to barely above a whisper. "I got you something."

The Viera pulls out a small hairpin with red flowers on it and smiles. "It's made from safflowers from the Steppe." Kris glances up at Laurent, seeming nervous. "I-I… thought you might like it."

Laurent looks down at the hairpin. It was nothing short of beautiful, with the delicate red flowers carefully woven around the pin. He lifts his gaze to meet Kris's eyes. "It's beautiful, my love."

"You like it? I'm glad." Kris relaxes, lifting the hairpin slightly. "Would you like me to…?" He gestures towards Laurent's hair, and the other Viera nods, leaning in slightly.

Kris smiles as he placed the hairpin, and Laurent noticed that he was blushing slightly. When he's done, however, the befreckled Viera doesn't lean back and instead has a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It looks very nice… but I'm afraid it's outshone by your beauty."

The sudden compliment makes Laurent's cheeks flush. "Gods, you're so--"

Laurent doesn't finish his complaint before Kris closes the distance and kisses him. 

"I love you, Reyna," Kris whispers against his lips. Laurent doesn't reply, but as he leans in to return the kiss, it's clear that the feeling is mutual.

[midnight-and-his-melodiverse]

My Favorite short things I've written (to tide y'all over until I introduce my other WIPs)

This is a Melodiverse oneshot fic titled: "Fleeting Vulnerability", written 1/21/2022!

(feat. Midnight and Staticlight)

It's not often Midnight would catch Staticlight in his emotionally vulnerable moments (only when he's outside his head, of course.) but yet there he was. Sitting outside in the edge of the white void that was the appearance of his mind. He hung his head in sadness, trying his best to suppress the grief as Midnight approached him.

"What's up?" Midnight settled down with him, feeling the featureless ground underneath him. It wasn't like Staticlight to be like this, though Midnight played along. Staticlight sighed deeply, before turning his head to face the wall, which now had a view of Penwood City's skyline. 

"I'm gonna tell you something Midnight." He turns to him. "That time we were out in the middle of the lake, not gonna lie, I freaked out more than I should have." He pauses, as it turns to night on the horizon. "...you know what, I need a distraction from all this." Staticlight got up, briefly embracing Midnight in a genuine hug, then snapping his fingers, the scene blurred as he woke up with a start.

"What the fuck?" Midnight thought to himself as Staticlight responded. "You see this?" He laughed. "Looks like your brain tried to think that I, out of all people could be emotionally vulnerable!" Midnight smiled, putting his shoulder around Staticlight. "You're a bitch, Static. But over the years that we've been a part of eachother, I've grown to like that about you."

This is a Melodiverse oneshot fic titled: "A Secret Birthday Purchase", written 3/07/2022!

(feat. Midnight, Staticlight, and my brother's OC, Cixol!)

"I know you're trying to sweet talk the cashier Staticlight! You can't hide that from me!" Midnight said as he tried to stop him from compulsively grabbing random items. Staticlight, like a little kid, didn't obey his commands though and distracted Midnight, at which time he bolted towards a random aisle in the store.

As he was looking through the different assortments of items, he spotted a very tall man. "Hey there, do you know where I can buy a gift for Midnight?" The man leaned down. " What are you getting for him?" The man asked. "I don't know yet." Staticlight whispered, as he had the sneaking suspicion that Midnight was walking around the store looking for him while also buying more grocery items. "Oh I remember." Staticlight thought to himself. "A birthday gift! But what would he like though?"

"I think I know where the birthday aisle is!" The man said, leading Staticlight through the store to the aisle. "Also, nice to meet you, the name's Cixol!"

"What a neat name." Staticlight said. He looked through the shelves until he came across a toy set with a familiar layout. "Wait, is that the Midnight's Misfortunate Talk Show studio playset? Oh, he'll love this!" He said as Midnight passed by him. Out of hesitation he flung the toy behind his back, hoping he didn't see it. "What do you have there Staticlight?" He gave a sheepish grin. "Nothing! Just a little something I thought we needed for your bedroom!" Midnight shrugged. "Oh, cool! I'm going to head to the checkout lane so we can buy our stuff! Come over there when you're done getting items!" He walked away and Staticlight breathed a sigh of relief. "Phew. Glad he didn't see that!" A couple minutes passed and they had checked out their items and headed to Midnight's car. After a bit of driving, they arrived home and Staticlight hastily placed the toy set on Midnight's bed. "He's gonna love this." This is a Melodiverse AU fic titled: "A Bee and a Half-Demon", written 4/30/2022!

(feat. Midnight, Ambrosia)

Midnight had come home from his night at the talk show and he was close to falling asleep. Though he couldn't rest yet, not without seeing Ambrosia, his lovely bee-human hybrid girlfriend first.

Midnight walked through the house and, spotting the couch, sat down and cuddled next to her.

"Hey Ambrose! How are ya doin?" Midnight smiled warmly. But he noticed that Ambrosia leaned back as if out of fear. What's wrong? He thought to himself and went to touch his hair, then he felt small cold demon horns that had sprouted over the last week and that's when the realization hit him.

"I never knew you were a demon! Stay back!" Ambrosia's eyebrows went in a familiar angry pattern and she approached him, softly pushing him towards the front door, then shoved him out with a loud BANG that resounded in his ears.

Midnight lost hope for further romance the following day and kept thinking to himself: "Who would accept a person like me?", breaking down in tears.

This is a Melodiverse AU short titled: "Mr. Altera", written 5/28/2022!

(feat. Midnight, Staticlight)

"Mr. Altera." The sudden calling of Midnight's middle name made him shiver. Something must've gone horribly wrong. Not like he'd expect less, as Staticlight had created enough chaos as it was.

Midnight, in his most neat of attire walked towards his office. He nearly jumped when he saw Staticlight sitting in his chair. He was confused. "The hell are you doing in my office, Staticlight? Also you fucking startled me by calling my middle name."

Staticlight laughed. "Y'know, just wanted to see how you'd react." Midnight sighed, facepalming and mumbling under his breath. "Could I really expect less, fuckin' hell..."Midnight slammed the door, leaving Staticlight to his own devices. What could he do anyway? "Short Things I've Written that aren't for my WIPs" Taglist:

[banquetwriter]

would it be possible to ask for a jj x reader, where reader is neuro-divergent and has issues meeting new people. when jj introduces her to the team she has issues keeping her stims under control. so she gets really embarrassed and maybe starts having a panic attack, so jj helps settle her. after "coming back to reality" reader is embarrassed but the team is like it's ok. while jj is still holding her she looks at jj and says something along the lines of "thank you for being my comfort human".

sorry, this got long-winded. it's cool if you don't want to do this. just a thought 👍

-👑

୨୧ Comfort ୨୧

pairing: JJ ♡︎GN!Reader

warnings: ୭̥⋆*｡, panic attacks, not edited

summary: ʚ when you get overwhelmed meeting the team JJ is there to help ɞ

words: 811

AN: ANON I’M SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG, i swear i set it up to upload automatically but it didn’t work 😭, you never specified what kind of neuro divergence so i just left that open and used my tics and stims lol

AN 2: this was a lovley request thank you sm babe and your my first emoji anon :3!

⤾·˚ ༘ ◡̈ ⤾·˚ ༘ ◡̈

Your nervous tics often annoyed people. And quite frankly so do you. The occasion vocal stims the hand flapping. It made people stare, the judge looks. It got even worse when you are anxious. And unfortunately, you have been anxious a lot lately. You have finally completed your life goal of becoming an FBI agent. After hyper-focusing on it for 27 years, you finally made it. Unfortunately, you have to do the things you almost hate most in the world. Meeting new people. An awful experience.

What if they didn’t like you? What if you make a complete idiot of yourself? What if you make a big mistake? Something you should know, but forget? You took a deep breath. Stepping off of the elevator. Flapping your hand on your way over. You walked quickly into the bull pin. Stopping short realizing you had no idea where you were going and your bag hit your leg awkwardly.

Until you saw a familiar face. JJ, she has been a haven in this all. It was never raking when you first met her but after a while, you began to like her. She was gonna be your little helper until you got a more solid footing at the BAU. “Hey y/n!” she says in a cheery voice. Her cherry perfume fills your nose.

A comfort filling you. “H-hi JJ.” you stutter slightly smiling at her. She gives a smile back bumping your arm. She leads you to what is essentially your doom. The room was full of strangers. Not only full of strangers but those strangers happen to be some of the smartest people ever.

You took a deep breath as she opened the door. The room seemed so big. Everyone turned to look at you. You felt all their eyes glaring at you. “This is SSA y/n y/l/n…” but the rest of JJ said got lost to the blur that was your mind.

Finding it increasingly difficult to keep your happy smile and normal stance. You couldn’t just go and flap your hand so you had to stick to rolling your wrists.

Eventually, JJ stopped talking, you don’t what she said or what she was implying you do. So to try and figure out the situation you smile at her nodding and look back to the team. One of the guys was already standing up with his arm stretched out.

So you were going to meet and shake their hands. “Aaron Hotchner, nice to meet you,” he says. I hope he can’t tell my hand is shaking so much. After I eventually shake everyone’s hand, I feel as though I could vomit.

“Hey JJ we're, did you say the bathroom was?” I ask my voice coming out a tad squeaky. “Oh here lemme show you.” she offers. We rush out of the room, and alone with JJ, I feel a bit safer. “Hey what’s going on?” she asks stopping outside of a random office.

“Nothing is wrong, I just get nervous about meeting new people because of my-“ you started trying to keep your voice calm but it was hard. “y/n, I know, I read your file,” she said nodding, her hand grazing your back.

You took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I was trying so hard not to panic but I can't help it.” you stutter out. Embarrassment is raising on your cheeks. This shouldn’t be happening, I mean come on! You were a full-grown adult and you should not have to worry about this anymore.

“It’s ok y/n, we’re just gonna take a quick break-in here then get back to our work,” she says, opening the office's door. “In here?” you ask in a squeaky voice still. Trying to rub the tears from your eyes. “Yes in here, it’s my office,” she says turning the lamp on.

The office was small and bit impersonal. You never once saw her in here before. “This doesn’t feel like you,” you mumbled pointing to the room. You sat down in a chair, the glow of the lamp already calming you down.

“Yeah I know I’m never really in here,” she mumbles pulling out a humidifier, she presses a few buttons and it starts to spray something. After a moment you know it’s lavender.

You take a deep breath, trying to calm yourself down as JJ crouches in front of you. Her left hand rubbing your right arm. Grounding you. “It’s gonna be ok y/n,” she says in a sweet voice. And this time you start to believe it. The world doesn’t feel like it’s going a million miles an hour and more.

“JJ?” you ask quietly, looking at her. “Yeah? She says her face slightly fallen. “Thank you for being my comfort human,” you mumble, feeling finally at peace.

She smiles, a warm feeling spreading throughout her.

[sirthisisa-wendys]

Objections: Geto Suguru x Fem!Reader

synopsis: you go to a wedding as the maid of honor for your best friend, so you have to keep things proper. But there's always room to have a little fun, right? (a piece for the Gangland Collab hosted by @semisgroupie)

wc: 2.5k

tw: NSFW

masterlist

Flustered.

That's one way to describe how you're feeling while everyone is running around and making demands. You're barely dressed when the bride - and your best friend - comes into your shared hotel room with a red face.

"Y/n, my shoes won't buckle!"

You stoop to help Mizuki silently, hoping she would calm down after your assistance. But then she begins to complain bout how awful the wedding rehearsal had gone the night before, where only two out of the four groomsmen had shown up. The best man had even sat the rehearsal dinner out, claiming to have a wicked hangover—a likely story.

"There," you state, standing up and pulling your blush-colored dress straps over your shoulders.

"Thanks, y/n. Don't know what I'd do without you."

And you carry Mizuki's flowers as she rushes across the courtyard to the church, her hands full of tulle skirt. And you adjust her veil when it slips off her hair a little. All the things her mother would have been there to do, you're there for instead. Because that's just who you are.

The groom and the groomsmen have already descended the aisle, and you hand Mizuki her flowers as her father approaches her in the church's lobby. His tattoos are covered by the long-sleeved suit and buttoned-up shirt, but you know Mr. Magahara would show his tattoos if he could.

"You're the best maid of honor," he mentions, and you smile, giving him a wink.

"Wouldn't give this up for the world."

As you walk down the aisle alone, you smile at all of the family members present on Mizuki's side, knowing each and every one of them by name and function. You take your place across from the groomsmen standing behind the groom and eye the best man - a tall, black-haired fellow - with curiosity. His black eyes flick to you for a moment, linger on your appearance in the blush silk, and then turn away just as quickly as if you no longer existed. But Mizuki is coming down the aisle, and you turn toward her, placing your best "I Want to Be Here" smile on your face.

The wedding vows and ceremony passes in a blur, and before you know it - she and her white-haired groom are wedded. As they leave, you walk back up the aisle beside the best man, secretly wondering why he couldn't just suck it up the night before, but you keep your thoughts to yourself as you wait for the golf carts purchased to take you all to the reception.

"Y/n, you and Geto will get in the next one," Mizuki claims and zips off, facing the crowd while her dress flies around her and Gojo. You turn to the man as he sits in the driver's seat of the white golf cart, and he pats the seat next to him. His cuffs roll up just a bit to reveal a red and black tattoo outline when he does so. You look back up at his face, and Geto raises a brow - noticing you noticing his tattoo.

"I don't bite..." he offers, shrugging. Other people are going past you and the stationary cart as you assess the Yakuza member, but after what feels like forever, you decide to get into the cart, and he starts it up before taking off at a crawl. "Often." Before you can respond, he floors the pedal down on the golf cart, and you scream, holding onto the side rails for dear life.

It would be just your luck. You're stuck in a golf cart with a bona fide crazy man who is in the Yakuza.

When he finally pulls up a the barn, you step off the cart, dizzy, but you feel no more inclined to throw up than you did before. However, Geto gets out of the vehicle and loops your arm through his, guiding you towards the repurposed barn like a gentleman.

"Wasn't so bad, was it? Maybe four-and-a-half stars out of five?"

"Out of ten," you mutter, earning you a hearty laugh.

_____________________________________________________________

You're six toasts in and a little unsteady on your feet when Geto turns to you, watching you eat the cupcake offered to you moments before. He places his hand on his chin, examining you in the dim lighting of the venue like he did at the church.

"What?" you wonder, mouth full of icing and cake.

"Just watching you eat that cupcake. Maybe I should've gotten one, yeah?"

"Yeah," you muse, sucking some icing off of your index finger. "They're fucking amazing."

"I bet..." You think you hear him groan in his throat, but you can't be sure, so your attention goes back to the people on the dance floor, and you thumb over to the crowd.

"You don't like dancing?"

"Eh," Geto shrugs, watching the groom sway to the slow song with his bride. "No one's ever asked me to dance with them before." You stand from your chair and offer Geto your hand, praying he wouldn't embarrass you by not taking it.

"Well, Mr. Geto, may I have this dance?"

The man looks at your hand, then back up at your face, as if you were joking. But you continue to stand there, palm up, until he finally takes it, leading you to the dance floor. He pulls you into a traditional slow dance hold - one hand against your waist, the other holding your hand out - and you look up at him, laughing.

"You can dance!"

"Never said I couldn't," he chuckles, smiling down at you. "Just said I hadn't." After a few moments of this, the song changes to something fast and exciting - definitely a song that makes you want to shake your ass a little. At first, the mafia member is caught off-guard by the song, but he dances along with you, mouthing the words to the song.

"You acted like you've never been to a party before," you mention, and he shakes his head, his banging flopping back and forth.

"Always rolled up in the back and watched the festivities."

Your entire perception begins to shift, and for some reason, your cheeks heat up under his gaze. It's the alcohol, you consider. It has to be.

But as you move closer to him and Geto takes your hips in his hands, you know you won't be able to escape this evening unscathed. The DJ changes the song to a sultry and seductive song, and you follow the beat, rolling your body under the firm grip of the hands on your body. Your fingers creep up Geto's suit and rest on his chest, eyes following and resting on his face. He leans down and exhales in your ear, and you tilt your head back, hair tickling the back of your neck.

"Fuck..." he breathes, and you stifle a moan when his hands creep up to the top of the back of your dress. "Y/n, I don't know if I can keep dancing with you like this... Makes me think about--"

"Don't," you whisper, feeling the need grow in your stomach. "Don't say it. We just met, and I can't... I shouldn't..."

"I'm renting a hotel room tonight and heading back into town in the morning," he adds, ignoring your plea. "Maybe we could..." Geto leaves the ending open, and you close your eyes, hissing as he grips your ass.

"You're making a scene."

The sound of Mizuki behind you is enough to startle the both of you into sobriety. You look back, and Gojo and Mizuki raise their brows at the two of you simultaneously.

"If you're going to fuck each other, don't do it here. Go on," Gojo smirks, jerking his chin at you. "Get out of here."

Neither of you needs any more permission to take off and go back to the hotel.

"Get your things and meet me on floor ten."

You fumble with the keycard as you stumble into the hotel room you shared with Mizuki. Nothing but the thoughts of being under Geto fill your mind as you throw your things into a bag and rush up to the tenth floor.

Geto is standing in front of the elevators and scrolling on his phone, his black jacket slung over his shoulder and tattoos on full display from his forearms to his elbows. Shit.

He notices you immediately and holds his hand out for your bag, then walks you to a room at the end of the hall. The plush carpet beneath you makes you a little unsteady on your feet, but you keep your composure and step into the room behind him. He sets your bag on the couch in the room, sighing and placing his jacket over it before walking over to where you are, still standing at the now-closed door in anticipation. He tilts your chin up and smiles, leaning in for a kiss without speaking.

And you give him exactly what he wants, pressing your back against the door as Geto runs his hands over your body slowly, deliberately. "You've been driving me crazy all night long," he muses, pulling away from you and tapping your nose with his index finger. "But now I've got you right where I want you."

"Wait," you murmur, head hazy, already drunk on his essence. "I don't even know your first name."

"Suguru," he whispers against your lips. "But I go by Su."

And before you know it, you're moaning that name over and over again, his head between your legs and hands on your thighs. You can see all of his tattoos from his back to his hips, and for a moment, you're lost in the intricate patterns and swirls and animals. Your hands are tangled in his hair, and he moans when you tug slightly on it, pushing him into your cunt a little more.

"Please, Su..." you beg, and he answers your request by sucking on your clit and flicking his eyes up to watch your face change. "Oh my god." Your rock your hips against his face, and he hums loudly, bordering on a growl while his tongue flicks back and forth. "Ah!" Your orgasm arrives faster than you thought it would, catching you off-guard and making your back arch.

Suguru grabs your hips and repositions you so he's still eating you out as you cum. And when you're done, he pulls away slowly, licking his lips and peeling his pants off.

"That's a good girl," he mutters, pushing your legs up and grasping his hard length. "You ready for me?"

"Yes, please," you whine, and Suguru slides his cock up and down your pussy before slapping it with his cock head a few times.

"Wet as fuck," he groans, then slides into you, barely getting his cock past your entrance before easing up. "And tight as shit. Damn, Satoru owes me ten bucks."

You're about to ask what the hell that means, but he slides back into you, and the thought evaporates. "Oh, Su!" The man slides back out, then in, gaining a few inches each time. His hips meet yours with a slap of skin, a rhythm he maintains as your own personal initiation begins.

"Keep those hips still for me, kitten." You obey, moaning in time with his thrusts and watching his cock pump in and out of you with a milky, white ring of your cum forming at the base. "Look at that... You're creamin' all over my cock." All you can do is moan in response, feeling your body flush under his gaze. Lithe fingers dance around your collarbone before sliding back down to your breasts, toying with your nipples carefully.

"Can we..." You gasp as he leans down and swipes his tongue across your breast, the sound of your moans and groans cutting through the static in your head.

"What'd you say?"

"Can we--" Another gasp is pulled from you when Suguru tugs your right nipple with his teeth, delivering a shock of pain and pleasure.

"You keep stopping mid-sentence, kitten. Spit it out." All this time, he hasn't stopped thrusting into you, and you frown a little, trying to recall what you wanted to say.

"Su, can we please -- ah!" Suguru drives a hand toward your clit and rolls it between his fingers.

"Baby," he chastises, smirking playfully. "Didn't they teach you to finish your sentences in grade school?" You huff in response, and Suguru laughs, pulling his hand away and leaning over you. "No, really. What is it, y/n?"

"Can you fuck me from behind, please?" Suguru's brows raise, and you swallow hard, feeling him pull out slowly.

"Be my guest," he encourages you, and you flip over, scooting to the edge of the bed eagerly. Suguru slaps each ass cheek once before entering you again. "Go ahead," he murmurs, and you bounce back onto his cock, taking control. You look back at the Yakuza member and bite your bottom lip, feeling your climax build.

"Feels so fucking good, Su," you whisper, and his mouth parts at the way you look. "So damn sexy..."

He slides out of you almost instantly, pushing you onto the bed and mounting you from above. "Trying to make me cum, huh? I know your little tricks. I've got something for that." He doesn't sound displeased at all, just a little surprised, but his reaction no longer matters as he pounds into your little cunt as hard and fast as he can, pushing your hips into the bed over and over again. A hand crawls up to your neck, and Suguru latches his lips onto your earlobe, traveling lower while he fucks you so hard that the headboard begins to shake.

"The h-headboard," you cry out, but Suguru pays you no mind, keeping you in place while he thrusts into your abused cunt until you tip over the edge, choking out a sound between a wail and grunt.

"Good girl," he whispers in your ear as your hand scramble to find purchase among the silken sheets and pointless pillows. "Cum for me... just like that." A ragged inhale triggers his climax, but you're still riding your high as he rocks into your cunt, filling you with his cum. You both lay on the bed, recovering with deep inhales and exhales, and a soft moan or two.

"Shit," you breathe.

"That was fucking amazing." Suguru stays inside of you but pulls you onto your side so he's spooning your body carefully.

"You're in the Yakuza," you whisper. "Does this mean I can never tell anyone about what we did?" Suguru laughs loudly, shaking your body as he holds you.

"Everyone watched you and I leave, I don't think there's any confusion about what we're doing. And even if they didn't Gojo will tell them for sure." You groan, but Suguru pulls you in closer. "Don't worry, y/n. I won't let them embarrass you. I'll make sure to let them see you with me on dates, too."

[whitestaghere]

Not your fault - Levi x reader

Just felt like it had been a while and came up with this. Hope ya'll enjoy reading!❤️

Warnings: none really. Mentions of death. Angst and a dash of fluff at the end.

Saying I was scared was an understatement. No, I was shook to the very brink of my existence. I hadn't expected it to be so nerve wracking as it was, now that I had finally joined the scout regiment.

I had expected this of course.

Who wouldn't? Specially when they were proned to fighting naked humans as tall as trees running at you like they were on their morning caffeine rush.

What was even worse was when the stoic captain of the special operations squad decides to pick you to be part of his squad. "I appreciate your skills," he said.

Well I guess there wasn't really much to fuss about that apart from the new mission we were setting up for and our very special rivalry.

Today, everything had gone smooth until that female titan had decided to come waltzing in.

She had managed to wipe out all of Levi squad and I felt my blood boil. My mind was in a blur, filled with thoughts of nothing but blood lust. Just from her.

Eren's screams played at the back of my mind and even as I caught sight of him shooting towards where I was, I couldn't find it in me to stop him.

As cruel as it sounded- I wanted her to feel the pain as I did.

I glanced down at Petra's body. The eyes that always greeted me with brightness were now looking at me blankly. Tasting the saltiness from the tears that streamed down my face unbeknownst to me- my cool demeanor finally broke. Snapping out of my trance I pushed myself off the branch I stood upon.

Shooting my hooks into the skin of the female titans shoulder, I zipped through the air screaming in anguish. I swung my blades over my head, aiming for the hand that covered her nape. If I could just cut through her wrist-

Just as planned, my blades sunk into the flesh of her wrist. Deep, but not deep enough.

If only I hadn't been distracted and just pushed away right then..

Her large hand came in contact with my body, swatting me off like as if I were some insect. Which in her case, I probably looked it. With a pained yelp, I was being thrown through the air.

"Y/N!" Eren.

My eyes shot open just when a bolt of lightning struck through the air. Ah.

I realised what was happening.

I tried to aim my grappling hooks at one of the trees before I probably fell to my death or by the slightest chances, fell straight into a titans mouth. But everything was in a blur and with the way the titan hit me, I couldn't quite direct my focus onto one thing. And before you know it, I had already inched closer to the ground, crashing straight into a tree. I doubled forward and my body slid down against the rough surface.

Cursing inwardly, I glanced down at my body; my lower half, sprawled out on the ground as I slumped against the tree.

I wanted to move, to assist Eren - but my body refused to respond. I couldn't budge and for a moment, I hoped I had died through impact because the thoughts that ran through my head were killing me.

My body felt limp almost like as if I was paralysed. I fought to keep my eyes open. The ground beneath me shook and my ears were filled with the sound of Eren's titan screaming. And with that, black filled my vision.

>>present<<

My body shot up at once and I winced at the sudden pain that shot through my body.

"You're awake."

That voice.

I snapped my head to my right and I was greeted by those steel eyes that belonged to none other than the captain. I had this urge to shrink and disappear out of existence under his icy gaze and-

Wait.

I was alive? Or no wait. Good Gods, please don't tell me he died too!

Without thinking, my hand shot out to grab his arm that was crossed over his chest. This took him by surprise and his eyes shifted between me and my hand with a hint of annoyance laced in his features. His body had tensed under my hold and I immediately pulled away with a gasp.

"I-I'm sorry sir. I just-"

"I found you not too far from the rest of the squad," he cut me off. My head lowered at the mention of the others. "I didn't think you were alive considering the amount of blood you lost. But that's when you coughed, splattering all your substances at me and well- you know the rest."

I didn't know what to say. Even if I did, I didn't have it in me to speak or make a snarky remark like I usually did. The thought of my fallen comrades made me sick to the stomach. But I couldn't cry either.

No. Just not with him here.

You remember how I said we had a special rivalry going on between us? Yeah.

Ever since Levi had asked me to join his squad- we'd always been at eachother's throats. Which I didn't quite expect considering how he picked me.

He'd say something sarcastic, I'd snap back at him and vice versa. It eventually came to the point that commander Erwin had to walk in one time, suggesting Levi that it would be best if I were switched to Mike's squad. But Levi had simply walked out of the room.

Just like that, Erwin asked me to make the choice and I said no. Why you ask?

I wanted Levi to accept me.

I couldn't even remember what started this rivalry to begin with and it was eating at me constantly. I had never seen him snap at people as easily as he did with me. Well he did occasionally, but this was on a daily basis and it made no sense at all.

Hanji said it was just his nature and that I'd understand him later. I realised that was she said was just ridiculous because this man, he didn't even dare to show me a little bit of respect. So I decided I'd leave him be and put up a mask whenever he'd target me but that's when things got worse. He always found reasons to argue with me and I caught up with it too.

Breaking down in front of him wasn't an option now.

Levi's chair scraped against the floor signalling that he was probably leaving.

"Thank you," I said quickly, making him stop in his tracks. I'd never said that to him before. But since he saved me, it was only right that I did.

His head turned around halfway and he eyed me narrowly. "For saving me," I finished. He clicked his tongue in response and left the room, shutting the door a little louder than I expected.

Cue the breakdown.

I flopped myself back on the bed. Grabbing the pillow that supported my head, I hugged it tightly as I screamed into it.

The tears didn't stop.

I couldn't save my comrades. Why did the captain even decide to pick me in the first place if I couldn't save my own comrades?

It was getting harder to breathe with my face stuffed in the pillow and the choked up tears didn't make it any easier. I felt so pathetic. But no matter how much I tried, it wouldn't stop. The guilt and hatred just kept coming back to me.

It felt like I had been crying for hours already as my body spasmed, signalling the next fresh batch of tears approaching.

The sound of the door opening and closing again made my body freeze.

I peeped up from my pillow and regretted it instantly seeing the captain standing at the foot of my bed, holding two cups in his hands. His eyes locked with mine again.

Maybe it was me just seeing things but his eyes widened and very slowly, he made his way upto the side of my bed.

"I brought you some tea," he said stoically. "Drink it before it gets cold."

I subtly wiped my eyes against the pillow and sat myself up on the bed like as if I hadn't been crying my eyes out just a few moments ago.

Avoiding eye contact, I thanked him silently and took the cup from his hand. Even though I wasn't looking at him, I could feel his gaze lingering on my face. Feeling too self conscious, I brought the cup up to my mouth only to wince as I burned my tongue. A weird sound came from me and I slapped my hand over my mouth.

"Tch. Be careful idiot. I didn't ask you to drink it that fast," Levi scolded. I face palmed inwardly, brushing it off with a sheepish grin. He cocked a brow and shifted his gaze outside the window.

Silence.

I didn't mind the silence, but with him sitting right there, it felt like my nerves were dancing. If that was even possible.

Eyeing him subtly, I noticed how his gaze seemed distant, longing. And that's when I realised. I was being selfish.

I wasn't the only one who had lost my comrades.

"C-captain-"

"Levi."

I tilted my head in confusion and nodded right after catching what he had meant. "Levi. I-I'm sorry."

"What for?"

"For everything."

"Be specific." I gulped. So he wanted a full on confession. Here it goes.

"Well for being.. for being a brat." He raised his brows and turned to look at me. I shifted my gaze to the floor at once, finding it easier to speak calmly that way.

"That wasn't a joke, I promise. I was being selfish. I didn't know how much pressure I might have been putting on you by always being snarky and uncooperative. And now too.. I was considering my own feelings without thinking about how you felt. I just- didn't understand why you hate me so much."

"I don't hate you," he said abruptly. I looked at him slowly but reluctantly.

"I-" he ran a hand through his hair, releasing a frustrated sigh. "I don't hate you. I was just worried."

"Worried?" I asked.

"Worried you'd end up like this. Or by the least, end up dead."

Ouch.

"You doubted my skills.. yet you picked me to be a part of your squad. I don't get it," I mumbled.

"Idiot. It's not like that," he barked. "I recall saying I respected your skills. I really do. It's just that you can be reckless at times."

I gasped in disbelief.

"Reckless?"

"Yes. Reckless."

"How could you-" he raised a brow and eyed my position on the bed. I followed his gaze and it dawned on me. Half of my body was wrapped in bandages and my arm was in a cast.

Yeah. Reckless.

"I had no doubt in your skills, keep that in mind brat. I picked you for my squad because I knew you'd be a good addition to it and-" He paused, looking like as if he were in thought before continuing.

"It was easier to keep an eye on you this way."

I shut my eyes tightly, guilt flooding through my veins little by little.

"But I failed." My eyes shot open hearing this.

"I failed you and I failed my squad."

"Levi-"

"No y/n. There's no denying it," he said. I noticed how his voice was beginning to shake and that just made my heart ache. I had never seen him this way. "I told you that I added you to keep an eye on you and look at you now. Even worse, I failed to protect the rest of my squad."

"Levi," I said softly. "You know, if I ever end up dying out there- I'd never blame you. I'd never say you failed to protect me. But what I would want you to do, is to give our sacrifices meaning. We devoted our lives. We chose to go down this path knowing the circumstances. Knowing that someday there could be a chance we wouldn't come back home. So just know, this is not your fault and they don't blame you either. Even if it is, we must make their sacrifices worth something."

Levi stared intently at me but this time, I didn't feel like shrinking away. I wanted the man in front of me to have reason to fight, to know he wasn't to blame. And that all of this- we were facing all of this together.

He didn't say a word. I didn't expect him to either and I didn't mind it.

His gaze was everywhere and for a second when his eyes met mine, I couldn't help my urge and slowly yet hesitantly- reached out for him.

"May I?" I asked.

He tilted his head, confused by what I was asking permission for. I opened my arms slightly for him and after a short while, he shockingly leaned in slowly (not before shifting awkwardly in his seat though). Wrapping one arm around his shoulders and one hand on his nape, I pulled him into my embrace gently.

I felt his fingers trace over my clothes slightly like as if he were contemplating what to do. After a few seconds, his body completely relaxed in my arms and I felt his hands slowly snake around my waist.

"It's okay Levi," I whispered and rubbed his back in attempt to comfort him. He tucked his head into the crook of my neck. That made a soft smile crawl up my face.

This man was a fighter but he was also human. A human with feelings no matter how stoic he could be. Hanji was right.

>>Third person's pov<<

It was at that moment, that a new friendship began to blossom between the two. A spark of hope and a reason to fight in their dark world.

Okay phew.

That came out a lot more angsty than I thought it would be haha. But I hope you all enjoyed reading it and have a wonderful day/night!❤️