#and my cat decided to sleep in my luggage

[mingigoo]

hi sie!! i'm happy to see that your requests are open and would like to request something myself c: 1. seonghwa 2. roommate au 3. prompts 11 and 17 4. with spice please 🙏 thanks so much! i rly appreciate you and your writing even if you can't get to this 💕

I hope you like this!!! really enjoyed writing this one :)

— sleep-talker || p.sh (m.)

“You know you sleep talk?” 

“Stop looking at me like that.

🌊pairing ⇢ (fem) reader x roommate! Seonghwa

🌊 summary ⇢ when you and your friends decide on a trip to the beach for spring break, you get stuck rooming with the man you "hate" the most. The line between love and hate is as thin as ice, and you were about to break it.

🌊 genre/au ⇢ roommates au, vacation au, one bed trope, forced proximity au, smut

🌊 warnings/tags ⇢ 18+ minors DNI, wet dreams, fingering, rough sex, unprotected sex, cream pie, PDA, "enemies" to lovers, one-bed trope, teasing, jealousy, intense tension like holy hell

🌊 word count ⇢ 10.2k words

🌊 taglist ⇢ @jjhmk @yesv01 @roe-sinning @meowmeowminnie @yeritheloml @yukine-smx @y00nzin0 @8tinytings @halesandy @shegotboreddsoo @kangyeosangelic @sanshineeeeee @kodzukein @hwaightme @likexaxdaydream @ssaboala @gtr-skyline-lover @wooyoungjpg @lonewolfjinji @asjkdk @charreddonuts (please let me know if I forgot you!)

masterlist

ateez masterlist

“Are you for real right now?”

Spring break. A time for rest, relaxation, and lots and lots of sex.

And now, your plans of being a whore for the vacation were ruined.

“Yes, y/n. I can't afford another room just for you to have to yourself,” Hongjoong, your older brother, mumbled as he stuffed the last bit of clothes into his luggage. “You’ll have to room with Seonghwa. San and Wooyoung already called each other.”

He zipped up his suitcase and stood up to leave, but he couldn't get off that easily. “Please, Joong. I’ll do anything. Cant I just room with you and Mingi?” he hastily made his way out of his room and into the living room, trying his hardest to get away from you. “I’ll sleep on the floor. No blanket, just the floor. Please.”

He turned to face you, a confused expression on his face. “Why are you so adamant about not staying with Hwa? What did he ever do to you?” he asked you, genuinely curious. The truth is, he did nothing to you personally. Maybe that was why you hated him, because god, if he gave you the time of day, you would pounce on him like a cat in heat.

You groaned, running a hand through your messy, unwashed hair. “Because he’s a dumb ass jerk that gets everything he wants.” 

Hongjoong laughed at you and turned away. “It's only a week, y/n. He’ll probably spend most of his time in our room, anyway. Just bring a book to read or something to distract yourself.”

As if reading is the thing you'll be focused on if you were in a room with him. Oh Nah, you'll be wishing he’d walk around shirtless and hoping he somehow takes a shower and walks out with nothing on—

“I hope you're packed and ready….” Joong trailed off as he looked at your messy exterior, and stifled a laugh. “And if you're thinking of getting laid, you might want to shower.”

You slapped him on the shoulder, having no drive to shower. You'll get one when you get there. It's not like you were that stinky.

“Shut up, dickhead.”

You stood on the sidewalk of your apartment building, Hongjoong’s little yellow Geo Tracker sitting there lookin’ all cute. However, the tiny thing only had five seats.

There were six of you.

“Welp looks like I can't go! What a shame, what a shame,” you sarcastically yelled out, tossing your hands in the air exasperatedly.  “Have fun without me!”

“Shut your mouth, will you?” Hongjoong groaned, tossing your luggage into the “trunk” or whatever it was. “It's only a ride to the airport. You can sit on someone’s lap for ten minutes.”

You crossed your arms over your chest. “Why am I the one that has to do that? Wooyoung is like the size of my arm. He can do it.”

Joong shut the trunk with force at your comment, totally disregarding you. “Hop in,” he said. “Enjoy shotgun while you have the chance.”

You got in reluctantly, even though you were very excited about the beach itself. Your excitement was short-lived as you approached the devil’s lair.

“Stay here, I’ll go help them,” Hongjoong mumbled, pushing his sunglasses up on his forehead as he put the car in park. 

You nodded, your arms crossed over your chest. You didn't mind the rest of the group— San and Wooyoung always knew how to make you laugh, and Mingi was absolutely eye candy. You wouldn't mind sitting on his lap on the way to the airport.

Just as you got comfortable with your head resting against the window, the door abruptly opened, causing you to nearly fall out of the vehicle. “For fuck’s sake, who the hell—” your words got caught in your throat as you met eyes with Park fucking Seonghwa. “Oh, it's you…”

He stood there, his thin torso draped in a sheer white top and his long, lean legs covered in a pair of black pants. You swallowed your drool like a schoolgirl, making sure he never knows how you think of him.

“What?” you raised your eyebrow, not moving an inch and not even reaching to unplug your seatbelt. “This seat’s taken, buddy.”

He snickered, his lips mockingly curled up in a sneer. “Oh, aren't you a sweetheart? Now move, I called shotgun.”

“Well, I did first.”

“No, you didn't.”

“Yes, I did.”

“No.”

“Yes—”

“Neither of you are getting shotgun,” your brother laughed from behind Seonghwa, San and Wooyoung giggling like the goofs they are next to him. You still didn't move, even as Joong approached and unbuckled your seatbelt for you. “Y/N, please help me out here.”

You debated on throwing a fit, but knowing that it would just cause more problems, you sighed and pushed yourself out of the front seat. Now standing on the curb of the sidewalk right in front of Seonghwa, you tilted your head up to look him in the eyes. His gaze was intense—it made you envision what it would be like in bed, looking down at him from above, and how his eyebrows would knit together in pleasure. God, you needed to get laid this vacation, or you were going to be suffering from delusions.

Without warning, Mingi pushed through both of you, interrupting your staring contest.

“We better go, I don't want to listen to their bickering any longer,” the tall boy huffed as he plopped himself in the front seat, a proud smile resting on his lips. 

San sat in the backseat on the right, Wooyoung next to him in the middle. That left either you or seonghwa to fight to the death for that last seat, but you knew how this was going to end.

And it wasn't going to end well.

—

“You comfortable, y/n?” your brother called from the driver’s seat, looking back at you through the rearview mirror.

You frowned so deeply you could've sworn your face was permanently stuck like that.

There you were, in the back of the car, in the most uncomfortable seat ever. Seonghwa groaned underneath you, his bony body not offering you any wiggle room. You didn't answer your brother, you were certain your expression was enough of a response.

You adjusted yourself on Seonghwa’s lap, looking out the window for any distraction. As you moved, you felt him move his hips, and you had to shut away your filthy thoughts about him as soon as they came. Between his movements and his groans, your stomach was knotting in something more than butterflies.

The car was filled with conversation, however, you and Seonghwa remained quiet and in your own little worlds. As the others bantered, you pushed yourself up further on his lap, grimacing as you heard him let out a grunt in your ear. 

And then when his hands gripped onto your bare thighs, you were the one to gasp.

“Stop moving,” he whispered in your ear with haste, almost like a sneer. You kept your vision forward as his breath danced in your ear. “It hurts.”

You swallowed hard. “Oh? Is your little dick that sensitive?” you whispered back, smirking. You moved again, this time on purpose, feeling his bulge through his pants. You kept your cool, ignoring his shaky breaths from behind you. “Are you that happy to see me, Hwa?”

“Shut your mouth or you won’t see the sunrise,” he hissed, but his voice was weak. 

The ten-minute ride felt like an eternity as he breathed underneath you, your mind constantly thinking about how hard he was getting underneath you and how sweet it would be to turn around and face him to see his reaction to you.

You looked to your right, seeing Wooyoung with a knowing smile on his face. “What?” you asked him, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugged, grinning. “Nothing, nothing,” he said, letting out a giggle. “Just that you both seem…cozy.” 

You slapped him on the shoulder, your movements causing Seonghwa to wiggle underneath you.

“Dammit, Y/N I told you to stop moving,” he seethed, his grip on your thigh tightening. Hongjoong looked back through the mirror, worry in his expression.

“Everything okay?” he asked, meeting your eyes before focusing on the road once again. “We’re almost there, only about a minute or two.”

“Ten-minute ride my ass,” you mumbled, and as you entered the Airport, you should've known that there were going to be speed bumps on the way in….

The shitty old car hopped over the bump, feeling like it hit a huge boulder. You bounced up, not held by any seatbelt, landing hard, right on Seonghwa’s family jewels.

“Fuck,” he cried, tossing his head back against the headrest. Your hands were now holding onto his legs for dear life.

“Joong, will you slow down for those things? Some of us are suffering back here,” you said, to which seonghwa started laughing.

“You're telling me.” he scoffed.

“Okay okay, I just have to park. I have no idea how this works….where the hell is the long-term parking—”

“Probably over there,” Mingi pointed in the opposite direction.

“No, no, I think it’s—”

“I can't take this anymore!” you cried out, leaning forward to assist Hongjoong since Mingi isn't helping. “There's a huge sign in front of us. How can you miss that? It spells it out, dammit.” you huffed, throwing yourself back into your “seat.” This time, he didn't let out a single groan, probably just as fed up with you as you were with him.

Finally, Hongjoong found the lot and parked the car, and as soon as it was stationary, you tossed yourself out of the vehicle like there was no tomorrow. You knew that you couldn't last a minute more on his lap, because if you did, you would be so tempted to turn around and make out with those painfully pretty lips of his. God, he made you so mad. Ever since you met him, there were only the same thoughts circulating round and round. 

Dirty thoughts.

Seonghwa crawled out of the car like a decrepit old spider, his long legs holding up his body with grace. You bit your lip, looking down at where you were sitting on him. Quickly, you looked away as he noticed your gaze, and ran away to go help the others with the luggage.

You weren't quick enough to miss the achingly attractive smirk on Seonghwa’s face.

Why did he have to be so….. libidinous? He was like a wild animal, able to take the lives away of his prey with just an expression.

No more seonghwa on the brain—it was beach time. You were certain you could find someone at a bar to sleep with later, and it wouldn't be Hwa.

Not now, not ever.

—

You got lucky with the plane ride.

Your seat buddy was Mingi, and Hongjoong knew how much you like your window seats.

Mingi nearly slept the whole flight, his head rested against your shoulder. He snored a little, but it didn't matter. The gentle giant had a place in your heart, so he could do no wrong. 

You often stole glances at Seonghwa across the aisle, his head bobbing up and down as he fought his tiredness. He was so much more likable when he was sleeping, but that was definitely due to the fact that he couldn't stare at you with those entrancing eyes or run that mouth of his.

You were the only one awake by the end of the flight. It was difficult for you to sleep in public places. It didn't feel right. So you would fight off sleep as hard as you could and distract yourself with anything around you.

After the fiasco of leaving the plane, you anxiously trailed behind Hongjoong through the busy airport, pushing past loads of people who had places to be. Thank goodness you were able to leave the airport without a fuss, even if seonghwa was nearly breathing down your neck as you exited.

Luckily, the ride to the hotel wasn't far—and there were more than enough seats for all of you. You distanced yourself from Seonghwa, ignoring his hellish gaze.

The hotel you were staying at stood tall, facing the gorgeous blue ocean for a perfect view. You shut your eyes as you took everything in, smelling the saltiness and the warmth of the air. You smiled to yourself, but your delightful moment didn't last long.

Seonghwa bumped into you purposely, digging his shoulder into yours before walking past you toward the hotel entrance. “Hey, what was that for?” you growled, a scowl on your face.

“You were in the way,” is all he said, not even bothering to turn to face you as he spoke. He continued walking, his beautiful silhouette showing through his sheer shirt. Oh, you wanted to tear it off of him so badly.

You let out a huff of air, but then followed your friends into the building, knowing the end was near if you had to share the room with your snack of choice.

Hongjoong went up to the front desk as you and the boys stood near the doorway, waiting for him to check us in. It didn't take him long, and soon enough, he was walking back over, key cards in his hand, and a bright smile on his face. “All checked in! This’ll be our home for the next week.”

San grabbed his key card first. “Are we all on the same floor? Like in a row? It would be no fun if I had to actually put on clothes to go on the elevator.”

“Yes, San, we’re all on the same floor.” Hongjoong held in his laugh, already clearly enjoying his time away from reality. You stood angrily with your arms across your chest next to seonghwa, who didn't look any happier than you. “And will you two brighten up? You’re killing the vibe.”

You rolled your eyes, glancing up at the boy next to you. His dark hair was slightly frizzy from the humidity, sticking to his forehead like it would if he were sweating. You gulped, thinking dirty thoughts once more before regaining your peace of mind. “I’m not doing anything. It’s all him.”

“No, it’s all you, not me.” he retaliated.

“You’re the one that got a hard-on from me just innocently sitting on your lap.”

“You were purposely shoving your ass on me like a freak—”

“You are ruining the vacation already—”

“Annnd we’re not doing this again,” Mingi sighed and then gripped onto your arm to pull you towards the elevator. 

“Let’s go, we got bars to get wrecked at.”

—

“Oh, hell no.”

You dropped your luggage as you entered your room for the week, staring at what was in it.

Or lack thereof.

One bed—a queen, maybe, sat in the middle of the room. A chair was tilted by the sliding glass doors that opened to the balcony, and a lamp stood in the corner. It was cute, of course, but you thought this couldn't get any worse.

Seonghwa walked past you into the room, setting his suitcase on the floor by the chair. “Don't worry,” he hummed, his voice low. “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“I–” you paused, taking in a breath before continuing. “You can sleep on the bed, I ain't that mean.”

“So you think I’m going to let my best friend’s sister sleep on the floor?” he laughed, but it wasn't out of humor. “That’s funny. I’d get my ass beat.” He sat down on the floor, stretching out his long legs before opening his suitcase. “Just forget about me like you usually do and take the bed.”

You had no snarky remarks to throw at him this time, your eyelids feeling heavier than ever. You sighed, sitting down on the bed with a thud. “Okay, fine. Wake me up when we are going to leave.”

“Yeah yeah,” he snarkily replied, too focused on his luggage in front of him. You shut your eyes slowly, holding on to your consciousness a little longer, before drifting off into a sleep that would cause an unexpected uproar a few hours later.

—

After your amazing nap, you and the boys found your way to a beach bar, sand filling the floor and loud music playing in the background. You took your rightful spot at the bar, sitting right next to Wooyoung, who was already chugging a fruity margarita. 

“You should try this, Y/N,” he let out a satisfied sigh after he finished his gulp. “Tastes like fucking unicorns and rainbows.”

You laughed. “Sounds divine, but I’ll pass and get my whiskey sour.”

He grimaced. “Ew, you should spruce it up a little bit sometimes.”

San sat down on the other side of him, a fancy glass in his hands as well. “Yeah, you’re kind of a bore.”

“San what the—”

“She is, isn't she?” Seonghwa hummed from behind you, and of course, sat his ass in the chair right next to you. You groaned, ignoring him once again, although it was quite hard to not drool as he gulped his beer, his throat bobbing as he drank it.

Fucking hell.

You looked around for any sign of your brother to save you, and once you saw him, you cringed, turning right back around to face the bar. “Dear god, can't he keep his dick in his pants for five minutes?” you shivered, trying to think of anything else other than your brother making out with a random person. 

Seonghwa looked back, a smirk on his face as you ordered your drink. “Hypocrite. Just last week I walked in on you with Mingi in the chem lab,” he snickered, his midnight eyes catching the neon lights behind the bar. “Your tongue was so far down his throat I swear I—”

“Says the guy who I caught watching porn freshman year in the computer lab—”

“Here’s your Whiskey sour,” the bartender awkwardly interrupted, but thank god he did. You quickly chugged it, finishing it within a minute of getting it. He gave you another right away, and you downed that one as quickly as it came. He was cute, a little on the scruffy side, but definitely a good one-night. You gave him a look, feeling accomplished as he smirked a little before serving someone else.

“Maybe you shouldn't drink so fast, y/n,” San murmured from Wooyoung’s side, his strong arms holding his weight against the table. “You get drunk really quick on an empty stomach. Remember what happened last time? You have a bad habit of trying to kiss everything you see.”

You furrowed your eyebrows, setting the empty glass down on the bar. As you did that, you felt the warmth of the alcohol fill your body. “What? Who did I kiss?”

Seonghwa laughed from the other side of you while you focused on San.

“Me.” San blinked. “Tongue and all. But not just me, you kissed the statue outside our campus. You know, that really rusty one?”

You gagged. “Ew, no. stop. No, I didn't.”

“Oh, yes you did,” Seongwha piped in, sipping on his third or fourth beer. “And then you threw up on my shoes when I brought you home.”

You let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, taking his beer right out of his hands. “Phew, thank god I didn't kiss you,” you shivered, bringing the bottle up to your lips. After you started chugging it a little bit, Hwa ripped the bottle away from you.

You felt your vision start to sway from the alcohol. You loved the feeling of being drunk—just hated the hangovers. Right now though, you wanted to get wasted and go home with a stranger. The hangover will be tomorrow’s problem.

But seonghwa had to just run his mouth once again.

“You know you talk in your sleep, right?” He laughed, a full, humorous laugh. He tossed the bottle to the back of his throat and then continued to laugh at you. “Something about how awful the airplane food was and how drinking milk reminds you of cum.” he grimaced at the last part, but a playful smile still rested on his face. “God you are explicit.”

Your cheeks flushed, looking anywhere but his direction. “I do not sleeptalk.”

You looked to Wooyoung and San for help, but they looked dumbfounded. “I wouldn't know, y/n, I never slept with you,” San smirked, smiling deviously at you. “Unless you’re down with that, I’m all for hearing you sleeptalk in my ear all night.”

“Yeah, me too,” Woo played along, knowing he was just doing it to tease you. Seonghwa, on the other hand, was trying desperately to embarrass you in front of the hot bartender.

“God, it’s so annoying, I wanted to rip my hair out earlier,” he smiled devilishly, his teeth even brighter than normal under all the neon lights. “I thought I couldn't hate you more, but you proved me wrong.”

You looked straight ahead, ignoring Seonghwa’s goofy smile. “Whatever,” you huffed, resting your face on your hand, your elbow holding up the weight. You watched the sexy bartender notice your stare. He smiled and walked over to you.

“Need another sour?” he asked, his cheeks pinched with dimples. You had your eyes set on going home with him, and you were going to follow through with it. Seonghwa can stay outside for the night—or watch, it didn't matter to you. 

“Actually,” you pondered, blinking slowly as the alcohol hit your system even harder. “I’ll take a vodka and Sprite. Grey Goose.” you hummed, watching him nod with a smirk on his face.

Seonghwa chuckled, but you were too focused on your mission to hear him blab about how much he hated you over and over again. Soon enough, that damn grey goose hit you harder than anything. Your eyes fluttered after your second glass, your vision fuzzy, and your heartbeat racing. 

You let out a heavy sigh, unable to remember your original mission.

“Hey,” you coughed, your cheeks burning up from the toxin. You looked around the bar, only meeting Seonghwa’s eyes…..oh…they’re so pretty. “Where did everyone else go?”

He was facing you, looking at you through those sparkling irises of his. He took in a breath, crossing his arms over his chest. “Well, your brother left with that girl he was making out with earlier….San and Woo left not too long ago to go to another bar, and Mingi….” he paused, watching your expression change when mingi was mentioned. “Mingi went with them.”

“Ah,” you nodded. “Why’d you stop at mingi like that?”

He furrowed his brows. “Why’d you look like that when I mentioned him?”

You sniffled, feeling a burning sensation in your throat from all the vodka. “What do you mean?” you were too messed up to defend yourself. You didn't even know your expression changed.

“You looked…different when I said his name.”

You couldn't help but laugh at his dreary tone. “Pfft. Hwa, do you think that just because I slept with him once that I have feelings for him?”

He frowned, his eyebrows knit with confusion. “You slept with him? Mingi?”

You shrugged. “Yeah. Just once, though.” Oh god, you officially couldn't think straight. Why were you even telling him this? “But that was it.”

He looked at you with an unknown expression, flattening his lips. “So you just sleep with anyone, huh?”

You scoffed. “Well, no, not usually.” you bit your lip, looking at him without knowing how you were looking at him. “I kind of always wanted you, but I didn’t understand why, so I ignore the feeling by sleeping with other guys.”

“That makes no sense, y/n,” he spat. “What are you saying?”

You rolled your eyes, drunkenly gripping his broad shoulders, shaking him slightly. “Awh, shut it, Hwa. Haven't you ever felt that before?” you paused, not realizing how close you were. His eyes were sharp, and his lips parted. “Wanting someone you can't have? Knowing that they wouldn't want anything to do with you?”

He swallowed hard, his gaze piercing into you sharply. “You’re drunk, y/n,” he paused, looking at you intently before shaking your hands away. “Let’s go back to the hotel.”

“Oooh, don't tempt me, baby,” you poked his chest, giggling as he stood up off the barstool. You were completely oblivious to the fact that you just admitted to wanting him, but it didn't seem like he took it seriously. 

“Get up,” he huffed, gripping under your arms and lifting you off your chair. You groaned, wrapping your arms around his waist. You held onto him tightly as he reached into his back pocket to grab money, tossing it onto the counter with a glare at the bartender. 

“Enjoy your night,” Seonghwa growled, holding onto you, and made his way towards the hotel with you clung to him.

“Seonghwa,” you whispered, a giggle under your breath.

He grunted, pulling you along with him. “What?”

You sniffed. “Can I kiss you?”

He sighed. “No.”

“Why?” you mumbled, shoving your face into his chest.

“Because it’s your drunk habit.”

“So would you kiss me if it wasn't?” you asked, completely obliterated. There was no way you were going to remember this in the morning. 

He didn't answer you.

“Come on, Hwa,” you moaned, stopping and gripping onto his collar in front of the hotel. You looked up into his eyes, feeling his intense gaze cut right through your intoxication. You needed him. Needed him bad. “Just once. God, just once.”

“I…” he swallowed, his hands twitching at his sides, crying out to touch you. He kept them away, even if he didn't want to. “Not now. Not while you’re drunk.”

You blinked slowly, watching his lips flatten into a frown. “Does that mean you want to?”

He sighed, running his hands through his hair aggressively. “Please just….let’s get back to the room and get you to bed.”

You groaned, but complied, following him into the hotel and into the elevator. The ride was silent, Seonghwa standing in the corner, farthest away from you, his breathing slowed. You stared at him, leaning up against the wall.

“I really hate you,” you mumbled, glaring at him. He was too sexy, his hair messy, his eyes dark, his long legs taller than a skyscraper. You only admitted your attraction to him when you were drunk, but you couldn't deny the pull you had to him.

He looked up at you, his starry eyes looking from your legs, up to your hips, over your breasts, and finally to your eyes. He took in a sharp breath, biting the corner of his lip.

“I hate you too,” he whispered, his vision low.

And in what world would the words I hate you cause someone’s heart to flutter?

The elevator dinged at your floor, and after a moment of longing stares, Seonghwa gripped your arm and dragged you out. He held onto your drunken body as he searched for his keycard, and once he found it, you tumbled into the room together. 

Your back was pressed against the wall, his arms caging you in on both sides. His forehead was on yours, and you were able to feel his hot breath against your lips.

“Oh,” you hummed, your hands subconsciously dancing at the hem of his t-shirt. You watched his throat bob anxiously as you looked into his eyes.

It took everything in him to move away. He coughed awkwardly and then nodded toward the bed. “Come on, you need to rest.”

“Mhm,” you murmured, unable to move in a straight line. You kicked off your sandals, and pulled off your shirt with ease, leaving you only in your bra and that skimpy skirt seonghwa was looking at all night.

He watched as you walked, holding his breath without meaning to. 

As you neared the bed, you reached back to unclip your bra, but you couldn't reach it. “Hwa?”

He was looking at the floor. “Hm?” 

“Can you…” you paused, giving up on trying to get it off. “Take this off of me? It’s really uncomfortable.”

He blinked, his eyes wide. You couldn't see the confusion in his expression, but you heard the shakiness of his tone. “W-what? Your….bra?”

“Yeah.”

He didn't say anything else. He slowly walked over to where you were, and as his fingertips traced the middle of your back, you shivered under his touch.

He unclasped the hook, but held on to both ends of the bra, afraid to let it drop. “It’s done,” he whispered, backing up slightly.

You dropped the bra onto the floor and then reached to take off your skirt. As you slid it down your hips, you heard seonghwa nearly trip over his feet trying to turn away.

“Do you…always sleep naked?” he asked you, looking anywhere but where you were. You were way too drunk to care about what he sees, but you were also too tired to try. You fell onto the bed, your arm covering your breasts and your underwear still on.

“Fuck, y/n,” Seonghwa huffed, finally looking over and doing everything to not look where he shouldn't. He gently reached for the blanket, tossing it over you in one swift motion.

You shut your eyes tight, feeling his presence loom over you. He brushed away the stray hairs on your face and made sure you were laying on your side. 

“.... I’m so screwed,” he muttered, giving you one last look before walking into the bathroom and turning on the cold water. 

A cold shower, especially knowing that there was a beautiful, nearly naked girl in the bed just outside the door. 

The cold water ran down his body, giving him a rush of pain. 

“Fuck,” he hissed, biting his lip as his attraction to you only worsened. 

—

After his attempt to cleanse his messy thoughts, Seonghwa stepped out of the bathroom, towel hanging low on his hips. He hesitated before looking over at you, and after he got a good look at your pretty face, he made his way to his luggage, rooting in there for a t-shirt to toss on.

“...seong…hwa,” you moaned. 

Moaned. 

“....y/n?” he whispered, maybe thinking you were awake and needed something. He didn't want to jump to conclusions, but that sounded too….sensual than just a normal tone.

“I…ugh,” you groaned, “don't stop, please. H…Hwa.”

Seonghwa raised his eyebrows, dropping the clothes he had in his hands, eyes wide.

“Seonghwa….”

Okay, that was the third time. You were most definitely dreaming about him….

“Oh…my…god.” Hwa gulped, cautiously standing up and backing away as far as he could from you.

Little did he know how detailed your dream was.

—

His hands snaked up your bare hips, your legs wrapped around his waist. His lips were on your ear, biting, teeth clashing against your skin. 

He thrusted into you, hard, his hips buckling as he moaned. You cried out his name, back arching, nails scratching. He fucked you hard, his forehead against yours, and his eyes rolled back into his head. 

“You like that?” he whispered, his tongue sliding into your mouth before you could answer. His sweat fell on your cheek, and you moaned out his name once more. You weren't sure how you got here, how this came about, or anything. All that mattered was that you were finally with him, the man you always thought you hated.

“…hwa,” you moaned, “fuck me harder.”

And as he slammed into you with even more force than before, his lips crashed onto yours, his black hair blocking your vision. You wanted more, and more and more—

“Y/n,” 

“Just shut up and keep going,” you cried out.

“Y/N!”

You shot awake, gasping for air as your back hit the headboard. You breathed heavily, realizing that you were dreaming about all of that and that the real seonghwa was standing in front of you, shirtless, with an expression you weren't quite sure you’d ever seen before.

“Seonghwa, what—”

“S..stop it. Don't say my name,” he stuttered, looking anywhere but your body. He quickly tossed a t-shirt at you—his t-shirt. “Just put this on. The guys are down getting breakfast, so we gotta go.”

He quickly walked to his own luggage and grabbed a shirt for himself. You watched him as he tossed it on and slid on his shoes, and with one last awkward glance at you, he left the room in haste.

You were too scared to look down, hoping that you still had underwear on. You weren't too sure if that was a dream or not, but given the way he acted, it made you even more confused.

You felt the wetness between your thighs, clenching them with a sigh. You stood up, tossing on the bra that was laying on the floor as if it was thrown off of you.

After cleaning yourself up a bit, you made your way to the breakfast area on the first floor, immediately noticed by Hongjoong. “There you are! I was worried you weren't going to—” he stopped, noticing the shirt that was way too big on you. “That’s the shirt I got Hwa….”

Seonghwa cleared his throat, shoving a bagel into his mouth to distract himself.

You ignored him and sat down across from him and next to Mingi. You looked up, meeting eyes with the man you thought so filthily about, seeing a swipe of cream cheese on the bottom of his lip. You held back, knowing that it’ll just send you into another spiral if you pointed it out.

But when he stuck his tongue out to lick it off, you felt the tingle in your stomach once more, thinking back at the dream you had, and how his tongue caressed you in more ways than one.

He met eyes with you, his lips parting slightly. His gaze was much different than it ever has been. You've never seen him so….lost. His expression was conflicted, his eyes not leaving your lips.

Wooyoung smirked. “Did you guys fuck or something? What’s with the mood?”

“Wooyoung!” Hongjoong yelled.

“What? I’m just pointing out the obvious,” he shrugged.

“We didn't. Keep dreaming,” Seonghwa muttered lowly, taking another bite of his bagel.

Hongjoong huffed. “I don't want to imagine my sister and seonghwa in that way…that’s super weird.”

“Why?” seonghwa questioned, his tone serious. You looked at him, confused as to why he cared. It seemed like everyone else was just as confused as you. “Ahem, I mean…uh, is it that hard to imagine?” Seonghwa’s voice was shaky, his gaze hopping from Hongjoong to you.

It made your brother laugh. “Well, yeah. You guys hate each other, right?” he took a sip of his coffee before continuing. “It makes no sense for you to even see eye to eye, I couldn't imagine you two in any type of relationship. Maybe her and Mingi, out of everyone.”

Seonghwa dropped his bagel face down onto his plate. “Why Mingi? What’s so special about—”

“I’m right here guys….” Mingi tried to interrupt, but Seonghwa shot him a dangerous glare, causing the gentle giant to hold his tongue.

Hongjoong looked around at the boys awkwardly and picked up his fork to continue eating his eggs. “I’m just saying.”

This was too awkward. You kept stealing glances at Hwa as if he were a magnet. You assumed he felt similarly, because every time you looked, your eyes would meet, and then you would awkwardly stare for a moment too long before looking away.

And when he got up to get more food, you got up, too.

“We need to talk,” you whispered, coming right up next to him as he put a muffin on his plate. “Why are you acting weird?”

He sighed and continued to add food to his plate. “I’m not acting weird.”

As he moved to get a drink from the drink machine, you continued to follow him. “Did I do something wrong yesterday?” you gasped, holding a hand over your mouth as he still ignored you. “Did I kiss you? Dear god, I hope not—”

“No, you didn't,” he said quietly, walking back over to the table.

“Something must have happened, seonghwa—”

He stopped, nearly causing you to bump into his back. “Don't.” he paused, taking in a sharp breath, looking over his shoulder at you. “Don't say my name.”

You frowned in confusion, watching the muscles in his back move as he walked away. You couldn't remember your antics yesterday, but maybe you made him uncomfortable by sleeping nearly naked—he hated you, so you could only imagine how irritated he was.

“Listen, if it was because I was naked, I'm sorry—” 

Everyone at the table looked up as you spoke, including seonghwa. He looked shy, a blush on his cheeks, and he sat down quickly and stuffed the muffin in his mouth.

“Naked?” Mingi laughed, looking from you to seonghwa suggestively. “Sounds awfully smutty, Seonghwa.”

“We didn't—” he groaned, running a hand down his face. “Nothing happened with us.”

“Mhm, okay,” San smirked. “Whatever you say. Anyway, we have a whole day out planned, so you two better get back to your normal selves or we won't have any fun.”

You really needed to talk to seonghwa, but it seemed like you'll be busy the whole day with the boys—and he didn't seem to be very interested in talking to you, anyway.

You tilted your head in curiosity. 

“What are we doing?”

—

The day was eventful.

First, you went to the beach. Seemed innocent, until Seonghwa took off his shirt and got all soaking wet, sending you in a mess of thoughts and a mess below. He would look over at you, and wouldn't look away, paying intense attention to your body in a skimpy little bikini. 

When you went to talk to him, he body-slammed you into the ocean, and normally you would've fumed, but this time, you enjoyed his hands on your bare skin. 

After the beach, you walked along the boardwalk of shops and lots of food. You grabbed a popsicle, licking it without a thought, but when you felt an intense pressure on you, you looked over to see seonghwa looking at you with an expression you've never seen on him. His eyes were focused on your lips, his own lips curled up as he bit them. You continued to eat your popsicle, but couldn't stop looking at him.

When you tried to bring up last night, Hongjoong came over and took the rest of your pop, running away from you like a child.

At dinner, you sat at the far end of the table, as far away as possible from Seonghwa. It wasn't intended, but now there was no way you could talk, as everyone would hear your conversation.

You ate, feeling defeated. Maybe you should just forget about it.

It was still daylight after dinner. As the guys conversed about what to do next, San and Wooyoung decided to go their own way and walk the beach, which was just their code word for “shopping” for girls. Hongjoong agreed with them, shocking you since he was always hell-bent on not going off a schedule. You assumed he was just going to meet that girl he was with yesterday, but whatever, it just meant that you could be left alone with Seonghwa.

After those three left, it was only you, Seonghwa, and Mingi. Hwa stood with his hands in his pockets, awkwardly looking around as you stood outside the restaurant. Mingi was even more awkward, looking at you before speaking.

“Um, I’m just gonna go with Woo and San, so,” he breathed, looking to seonghwa now. “I’ll see you guys back at the hotel tonight.”

“Okay, Mingi,” you smiled. “See you later.”

You watched him leave and then looked at the boy standing next to you.

“So,” you tried to initiate conversation, but seonghwa started walking in the opposite direction from where everyone else went. You followed. “What should we do?”

“I’m going surfing,” he said blandly. “I don't know about you, though.”

“I’ll come with you,” you smiled, finally catching up to him. He let out an aggravated groan as you walked close to him. “Do you even know how to surf?”

He scoffed. “Yeah, of course, I do.” 

“I’m just saying,” you noted, shrugging as you followed him. “You’re too….dainty. I feel like if you fell off you’d break every bone in your body.”

Seonghwa didn't react in any way you were hoping he would. Instead, he kept walking silently, until you reached the part of the beach where the surf shack was. Wetsuits were laid out, ready to be picked up, and surfboards stood tall through the sand and against the building. You stared in awe as you approached, seeing that there was no one else here but you two.

Finally, alone at last. 

“Grab a suit if you’re gonna do this,” he pointed to them, raising an eyebrow when you stood there anxiously. “What? Don't you know how to surf?” he mocked.

You kicked at the sand, your hands behind your back. “Pff. yeah, of course, I….no. I don't.” you pleaded with your eyes sweetly, despite all of the dirty things you wanted to do to him. “Could you please teach me? Pretty please?”

He held his own suit close to his chest as he looked down at you. “Why should I?”

You stepped closer to him, causing him to step back cautiously. “Because I’m pretty?”

“Oh honey, who lied to you?” he joked.

“Please, Seonghwa?” you stressed his name, hoping to break him. You watched his eye twitch as you said it, reminding you of earlier when he told you not to say his name.

“Seonghwa seonghwa seonghwa seong—”

“Okay, fine! Jeez,” he huffed, tossing you a suit, only for it to hit you in the face. “Get dressed.”

You walked into the shack with him, going your separate ways at the locker rooms. Everything went smoothly until you tried to zipper the suit up, only being able to get it halfway. You pondered on asking seonghwa for help or completely turning into a contortionist, but after failing to do it yourself, you gave up and left the room to ask him.

Seonghwa stood amongst the surfboards, his lean body looking delicious in that surf suit. You nearly drooled looking at him.

“Hey,” you started, slowly approaching him as he picked out a board. “Can you help me zipper this?”

He turned to you, his expression conflicted as he saw you. You turned around, showing your exposed back, causing him to clear his throat. “O..okay.”

His delicate fingers brushed against the skin of your back, nearly causing you to shiver. You felt his breath hit the back of your neck as the zipper moved up and up until he zipped it completely.

“....There,” he said, swallowing. “You’re all good.”

He didn't move his hands until you pulled away from him, turning back around to face him. The silence was deafening, so you decided to break it.

“Seonghwa, about last night, what exactly happened—”

“Let’s just get started before the sun goes down,” he interrupted, looking anywhere but your eyes. “We’ll talk later.”

That was good enough for now. You watched him try to pick out a board, but he seemed extremely nervous. After a good bit of time, he grabbed a pink one, causing you to smile. Pink suited him so much, more than he’d probably like to admit.

“Let’s start with some basics,” he spoke smoothly, tossing the board down onto the sand. “Get on it. On your stomach.”

You lay down on the board, looking up at him for more directions. He taught you how to paddle with your arms, explaining that you'll have to dive under the waves sometimes if you were okay with doing that. You couldn't look weak now, especially not to him. So after the little training lesson, you were finally in the shallow water, sand already in every nook and cranny of you.

“Try to keep balance,” he said, his voice raspy. It wasn't the time to turn you on, but of course, he could do it just by his voice. “Keep your chest up.” his hand caressed your back, down your spine.

You looked up at him, his wet hair dripping down his face. You held back, as much as you could, from pouncing on him.

But when you fell off the board and got stuck underwater, you’ve never seen him so concerned before.

He grabbed you under your arms, pulling you back up and holding him to you while you coughed. You were perfectly fine—maybe a little too much water in the ears, but it was the least of your worries. What you cared about was the look on his face and the way he caged you to his body.

“y/n?” he rushed his hand over your face, pushing away your drenched hair so he could see you. “Are you okay?”

You coughed, blinking away the salt that infiltrated your eyes. Seonghwa noticed your distress and gently rubbed your face with the pad of his thumb. 

“Don't rub your eyes,” he pushed your hand away, still not letting you go from his embrace. “You'll make it worse.”

“It hurts,” you mumbled, causing his look of worry to worsen. True, the salt started burning your eyes, but you couldn't get enough of his caring touch—maybe because he’s never shown this side of himself to you.

He took in an anxious breath as he looked around. “Maybe we should get back to the hotel,” he spoke softly, the sound of water filling your senses as you looked at him. 

Everything about his appearance aggravated you—from the way his midnight hair draped his face, dripping with water down his cheeks, to the way his normally judgemental eyes seemed gentle and sweet. He looked kind, the type of man who would worship his lover like a queen, and all the time knowing him, you tried your hardest to only see him in a negative light.

Now, as he held you in the cold, sparkling ocean as the sun was setting, all you saw was your reflection in his eyes and all you felt was the undeniable pull to be with him. To touch him. To kiss him. To tell him that maybe, just maybe, you’ve always had a piece of him in your heart.

“Seonghwa, I…” you paused, ignoring the burn from the salt water. You watched his lips as they slowly parted, his eyes wide as he picked you apart. They looked at you differently, like they never looked at you before, and you wanted him to never stop looking at you. 

The distance between the two of you was nonexistent—you saw every drop of water on his skin, and you were certain he was able to gather the meaning behind your gaze. If he did, he didn't say anything—he only looked back at you with those entrancing irises of his, a look you’ve never seen from him. He waited patiently for you to finish your sentence, but you had nothing else to say.

As your lips neared his, you heard his breath get caught in his throat, and you felt his embrace tighten around you. You closed your eyes, taking in the feeling, hoping that he would be the one to lean in and meet your lips.

He didn't. 

Instead, his hands trailed down your back, the pink surfboard still floating next to you despite being forgotten. His breath was shaky as he touched you, but the moment ended too quickly as he shook himself out of his trance.

“I um, we should, you know,” he nodded towards the beach, even though you weren't too far out. “We should get back to the room.”

You slowly blinked at him, watching his expression stay the same despite the change of mind. He coughed, letting go of you, but then he grabbed your hand and the board before pulling you to shore.

The walk back was quiet. He didn't let go of your hand until you got back to the surf shack, and he reluctantly let go knowing you had to change.

You both were silent as you looked at each other, but the ache in your chest convinced you to break this tension.

Before you entered the changing room, you quickly turned back around to face seonghwa, who still stood with that….sex-charged expression on his face.

“….Stop looking at me like that,” you hummed, your chest heavy as he breathed in deeply. He looked at you with those bedroom eyes of his, half of his wetsuit already off. He looked deadly, which didn't help your desire.

He swallowed hard but tried his best to remain calm. “Like what?”

You took a step closer, reaching back to your zipper to pull it down just a little. You shrugged it down your bare shoulders, making sure he got to know that there was nothing else but you under that wetsuit once again.

And when you got as close as you could, you said the words you knew would be life or death for him. 

“Like you want to fuck me,” you shrugged, acting all cool even though you were falling apart by the second. You were lucky you were at the surf shack at such a late time of day, and that no one else was here except you. 

He choked on air, stepping away from you until his back hit the wall. You noticed how his chest rose and fell as he breathed in, and how delicious it would be to just lick him all over….

“I…” he gulped, but his eyes lingered on your shoulders and the curve of your breasts. “I don't know what you mean?”

You smiled through your haze, mind focused on getting to the bottom of his sudden change of attitude towards you. You reached out, gently guiding your hand down the plain of his chest, down his slim, but muscular waist. Oh, you couldn't get enough of him already.

You smirked. “Then tell me why you’ve been eye fucking me all day, or at least what happened last night, so I can understand.”

He blinked fast, looking from your lips, down your neck, to your bare shoulders. 

“You…” he took in a sharp breath as your hands trailed down his body. “You sleeptalk.”

“I know that already,” you whispered, looking into his captivating gaze. 

He leaned forward slightly, veins popping in his neck as he strained against his judgment. “I mean, you…kept moaning my name. I…I couldn't take it anymore….I can't take it anymore. Every time you speak I just want to fucking shut you up with my mouth for fucks sake.” he huffed, subconsciously gripping your hips as he grits his teeth. “You so annoying, so damn annoying, I can't—”

“Then take me,” you spoke against his lips. “Fuck me. Just like you did in my dreams.”

His forehead pressed against yours as you pushed him further against the wall.

“And how did I do that?” he growled, his fingertips tugging at your wetsuit. “Was I rough? Gentle?” he paused, lips pressed to your neck. “Did I make you say my name, or was that all you with that filthy little mouth of yours?”

You couldn't speak as his lips glided down your neck to your collarbone. He sucked on the skin there, roughly, causing you to suck in a sharp breath and run your hands through his dripping-wet hair.

You moaned, biting his earlobe. “I want you to tear me apart.”

He smirked against your skin, his eyes finally meeting yours. 

“Rough it is, then.”

Without warning, he bit his lip hard as he pulled your wetsuit right down to your ankles, the water from his hair dripping onto your bare shoulders. He nearly growled as you stood in front of him, naked as ever, his gaze darkening before gripping the back of your neck to pull you to him.

As he sucked on your neck, you pulled down his suit with aggression, not quick enough for the hunger in both of your souls. His hot breath tickled your skin, his hands clawed at your hips, and his lips begged to kiss yours as you shoved him against the wall once again, skin on skin. He breathed heavily, his eyes dancing from your breasts to your waist, to your lips.

You gripped onto his hair, staring into his eyes for a moment before you locked your lips with his, tasting the saltiness of the ocean and the sweet warmth of his saliva. Your tongues fought for their lives, dancing as you deepened the kiss. Foreheads slamming, hands invading space. It was all over for your sanity the minute his long fingers glided against your core, his middle finger finding your clit and rubbing gently. His kisses were rough as his fingers delicately touched you, fueling the fire within you even more than it already was.

“Seonghwa,” you moaned against his ear, causing him to move his hand faster with a grunt. “Push them in me.”

He hissed, his eyes rolling back into his head as he pulled his hands away for a moment, only to suck his fingers in front of you before shoving them into you, curling them up inside you. You arched your back against him, crying out as his lips found yours once again.

He kissed you deeply as he made love to you with his hands, his fingers long enough to reach deep inside of you—but it wasn't enough. You bit his lip sharply as he fingered you, causing him to hiss in pleasure. “I need your cock in me. Now.” you licked his jawline, watching him squirm in your embrace. 

His cheeks were flushed red as he looked at you, his eyes looking as if he were intoxicated. “I…fuck,” he sucked in a breath, kissing you as his fingers moved faster and faster. “Okay.” 

As he pulled his fingers out of you, he licked them once more, his eyes on yours seductively. 

“You taste so good.” he moaned, his mouth parted. He then lifted you up, walking you over to the table of waxed surfboards in the middle of the room. Shoving everything off with one hand, he threw you onto the wood, causing you to let out a little grunt.

“You’re so sexy,” he leaned over you, slamming your hands above your head before silencing your moans with a rough kiss. “So fucking sexy, you have no idea how long I wanted to shove my dick inside you.” His words were like gasoline to your fire, causing you to cry out in a whimper for him to do exactly what he said he would do. You kept your mouth shut as he tugged you to the edge of the table, lining up his hard-on to enter you.

After a look of longing, he spit onto his fingers and rubbed them onto his cock and your heat, his chest falling and rising with his heavy breathing. He then buried himself inside you, deeply, causing your breath to hitch. He was even bigger than your dreams, tearing apart your expectations of his skills. You tried your best to free your arms from his hold, but as he moved in and out of you, you had lost the desire to escape it. You really liked the feeling of his fingernails tearing into your skin.

“Ah,” he whimpered, his hips rocking quickly, his eyes shut tight. His thrusts were deep, not slowing down for a second.

Your legs curled around his shoulders, his one arm holding your hands and his other piercing into your ankle. He grunted as he pumped into you, tearing at your insides, feeling him fill you up. “Hwa,” you groaned, back arching in pleasure. “Harder. Fuck me harder.”

He grunted in response, speeding up faster as his hips slammed into yours. You felt him quiver inside you, precum dripping into you without a care. You loved the feeling, you didn't care about the risks in the moment. 

You climaxed without warning, your legs tightening around his head. He kept muttering your name over and over again against you, kissing the skin of your ankles as he continued to fuck the living shit out of you. You started to see stars as he nearly cracked your spine, and right before he nearly came, he flipped you over onto your stomach without ever leaving you.

Your face was shoved against the wood of the table, the sweet smell of sex enveloping your senses. You cried out his name as he gripped onto your hips, moving faster as his own orgasm came close. His lips met the small of your back, his fingers gripped your ass with haste. 

“I’m going to come,” he mumbled, his voice raspy. “Can I come in you?”

“Yes,” you breathed. “Come inside me.”

As if your words stirred something within him, he immediately moved in shorter movements, his grip on your ass tightening as his orgasm came. His breathing shallowed as he came into you, filling you up with his cum. You let out one last moan as you felt his warmth, and he kissed the back of your neck as he finished.

He pulled out of you slowly despite how rough he was—he could've been rougher, but you didn't want him to think of you as the insane slut everyone thought you were.

Even though you only ever slept with others because you couldn't have him.

And now…..what comes next?

He helped you sit back up to a normal position, and when he saw the dark, purple bruises on your neck and collarbone, he gasped. “Oh, I’m sorry,” his fingers gently brushed against your hot skin as if he didn't just totally destroy you. “I kind of….went crazy, didn't I?”

You smiled up at him in a daze, both your cheeks blushed in embarrassment and enjoyment. “I like crazy.”

He paused, standing proudly in front of you with that delicious body of his. You sighed in contentment, a lazy smile on your lips. “I dreamt of this. Literally.” you reached out to him, pulling his lips down to yours. He kissed them softly, opening his mouth wide as he made out with you. You didn't want to pull away, but as the thought of you both having sex in a public surf shack came to your mind, you pulled away quickly, startling him.

“Um, so,” you laughed awkwardly. “Should we head back now? We are kind of in a public place….”

Seonghwa looked around, smirking as he leaned forward on the table, kissing you once more. “It was kind of thrilling, not gonna lie.”

You leaned into his embrace, his hands caressing your back romantically. “So,” you whispered against his lips. “We should get back. And this time, you better sleep in the bed with me.”

“Oh, baby, I plan on doing more than just sleeping.”

—

After countless rounds of ‘sleeping’, you ended up waking up late in Seonghwa’s embrace, his lips pressed against the curve of your shoulder as he held you. He quite literally rocked you all night long, and you even discovered his love for reverse cowgirl—making him come within two minutes of the fifth round.

Now, as you lay in his arms while he slept, you finally felt content. He was all you ever wanted, even though your words said otherwise this whole time of knowing him.

“Hey,” you turned around in his embrace, pressing your lips against his forehead. “Seonghwa.”

“Hm?” he grumbled sleepily, his eyes blinking open to meet yours. 

You smiled, running a hand through his messy hair. “We should get up. The others are probably waiting for us in the lobby.”

“Ugh, why?” he groaned, holding onto you tighter. “ I don't want to leave this bed today. Or ever.”

You giggled, pecking his lips. “Come on, Hwa. I really would like to get a tan on the sand today.”

His eyes were wide open now, but he blinked slowly from his sleepiness. “We barely got any sleep,” he huffed, shoving his head into your shoulder. “And I can't kiss you in front of everyone, I can't wait the whole day to touch you.”

You grinned chaotically.

“Who says we have to hide it?”

—

“Dear lord,” Wooyoung huffed, sitting with his arms crossed at the beach. “Are they ever going to stop and come up for air?”

Your friends sat on towels on the sand, while you sat on Seonghwa’s lap as you made out with him. His hands gripped your face as he stuck his tongue in your mouth, both of you having no care for those around you. 

“I knew this was going to happen,” San mumbled with a smirk, elbowing Wooyoung playfully. “Just let them have their fun. It’s been a long time coming.”

“Pfft,” Woo scoffed, looking at how seonghwa touched you.

 “I always thought I would be the one tapping that.”

“Wooyoung shut the fuck up.”

[angelnthsnow]

All Too Well

pairing: joe burrow x fem!reader (+18)

summary: enemies since childhood, y/n and joe burrow meet again in LSU, joe to play for the university's team while studying consumer and family financial services and y/n to study mechanical engineering, while also being a cheerleader for the team. what happens when they encounter each other after a fateful night?

word count: 7.1k

warnings: cursing, implied smut, fratboy!joe, asshole!joe, reader skinpicks, angst, use of y/n, author not knowing how an american uni works.

author's note: first published fanfic! i hope you enjoy! keep in mind english isn't my first language, so i'm sorry in advance for any mistakes, also this wasn't proofread bc it's too long and i'm lazy lmaoo.

Sat in the airport, legs over your luggage, you started to question the decision you had made a month ago. It all started in June, when an old colleague from LSU reached out to you via email with a simple, yet — to you — terrifying invitation.

Your colleagues from university were planning a Fourth Of July party in Baton Rouge, the one place in earth you swore to never step foot on again. Well, it's not like the city itself had done anything to you, more like the college life did. Your college years were a part of your life you desperately wanted to forget, partly because going to LSU meant giving up on your dream of studying abroad, and partly, well, let's just say a certain blonde with a degree on consumer and family financial services was to blame.

With an acute voice echoing through the airport gates, you sighed, getting up to get on the plane.

As the aircraft was in the air, you get your playlist blasting on the headphones and not long after that, you drift off to sleep.

You wake up when there's 20 minutes left to land on the city, and as you get your phone to send a message to your friend, Emily, the device decides to make this trip a little harder than it should have ever been. On that bright screen, on a small box with "Years ago on this week.." written over it, was the picture.

It was night when you woke up, tangled on the white strawberry sheets of your own dorm bed. Opening your eyes quietly, you saw the one man that had put you on that position earlier. Sat with his back to you, there was Joe. He had only his sweatpants on, and you could see the reddish marks, the ones caused by you, were starting to fade on his skin. His hair was messy and he breathed slowly, seeming oddly calm giving what had just happened.

Joe and you had been, well.. enemies? since you could remember. It all started in school, you had a dream of becoming a world famous dancer, a cheerleader in college, and Joe just thought it was stupid, all of it. He was quite shy, but you knew he had a dream as well. Joe wanted to be a football star, but nobody knew that. He'd just let it slide once when you two were fighting on the school's playground. When you two got to the age in which people go to university, you thought you had finally seen the last of him. How foolish, truly. After two years of studying engineering at Louisiana State University and being in the cheerleading team, there he was, ready to make your life miserable for another few years.

That was, of course, until now. You'd never imagine you see him like this; half naked, messy hair and your cat on his lap as he caressed her head, whispering in a baby voice to her as she purred softly.

You smiled, because why wouldn't you? Shifting quietly on your bed, as if he was a scaredy animal you could scare away with any abrupt movements, you get your phone, taking a picture of him. It was dark, blurred, but you didn't mind, you could tell it was Joe, his big silhouette right in the center of the photograph. In your head, you knew you wouldn't need to keep this blurry memento, you were certain the amount of opportunities to take pictures of him now were infinite, or so you thought, drifting to sleep again.

The pilot's voice pulls you out of your little daydream, announcing the plane had arrived in Louisiana.

"I shouldn't have come." You chant in your head as you exit the plane, heading over to the landing area to wait for Emily.

You and Emily had met in LSU, and became inseparable since then. She was your roommate and, despite being highly introverted, you managed to develop your longest friendship ever with her.

When Anna, the colleague that invited you to the party, emailed you, Emily was the first person to text you, begging you to come and enjoy a night with the people you hadn't seen in so long. She also missed you a lot since both of you hadn't seen each other much after college, of course, you somehow managed to see each other every year and talk almost everyday, but it wasn't as close as you wished.

Emily lived in Louisiana with her husband, Dave, who had also gone to LSU with you, and of all the times you had seen each other, she had gone to your home, so you technically kind of owed this to her.

Waving in a frantic manner, there she was. Slightly different from last time, but still your best friend. You smile, walking towards her.

"I'm so glad you're here!" she says once she gets a hold of you, hugging you as if you could run away at any moment. You kind of wished you could, but she made everything better. She had that superpower.

"I'm glad I could come, Ems. I've missed you so much." You smile, looking at her as she helps you with your heavy bags.

The two of you start walking towards the exit to her car, catching up after a long time. Emily put you to date on what every single old colleague was up to now, and you laughed at the amount of gossip she was able to retain.

"Where's Dave?" You furrow your brows, just realizing someone was missing.

Emily opens the trunk and you help her put your bags on it. Panting after carrying so much weight, she replies "Home. He was working so he couldn't come, but he's super excited to see you." as you two get into the vehicle.

And with that, the engine starts and soon you're on the highway, on the way to her house.

The week in Emily and David's house had passed very quickly, and you throughly regretted ever wishing you hadn't came. She had shown you every bit of the city, and things had changed a lot. Now, you were in their guest room, getting ready to the reason that had you coming all the way from New York to Louisiana.

It was fourth of July, and you had heard fireworks all day around the neighborhood, even stopping to watch them for a bit before going for a shower.

"They're pretty, aren't they?" Emily said through the kitchen window as she saw you looking up outside.

"Very much." You turned around, smiling at her.

"Anna told me they're having fireworks tonight, I think you'll like it."

You got a bit excited, you've always loved fireworks, they were like drawings in the biggest canvas you could ever get, the sky.

"Looking forward to it!" You said, going up the stairs to get ready.

Looking in the mirror, you sigh. You wore an USA flag bodysuit and jean shorts. This whole patriotism seemed stupid, but Emily dragged you into it, alleging you were allergic to fun. Nonetheless, you looked good.

"Y/N! Let's go, we're gonna be late!"

Breathing in deeply, you close your eyes and stare at yourself one last time. You knew Joe would probably attend the party, he loved parties, and still, you came. You couldn't give up now, you couldn't get this stupid thing get to you. He probably doesn't even remembers everything that happened that day.

You shake your head, moving those thoughts away as you go downstairs, seeing Emily and Dave ready sitting on the couch.

"You look amazing! I told you you'd rock this fit." she gets up, hugging you.

"You too, Ems." you laugh, fixing your hair after she lets you go. "Shall we?"

"After you, Miss United States!" David jokes, signaling for you to get out of the house first. You laugh, rolling your eyes.

The three of you get in the car, and the drive to the party is filled with singing and more of Emily informing you of your colleague's current lives.

When Dave finally pulls over to the party, you can already hear the loud music in the car. Looking out the window, you see the last thing you'd expect to see today: Joe's parents house.

When Robin and Jim were away, Joe would always throw parties in his house instead of in the frat house. It made sense, giving the fact his house was a bit bigger. Snapping back to reality, you froze, but still had hopes of not seeing him tonight, after all, the amount of people that would come to the party was huge.

Entering the house, you were struck by fairy lights hanging on the roof, from a wall to another, and USA flags all over the house. There was a big wood table in a corner with punch and other drinks, but other than that, the place looked pretty much the same. It was weird coming back after all these years, but it still had a familiar air to it.

After almost 50 minutes, Emily was already drunk and fooling around somewhere with her fiancé. You were finally alone, and by now you had roamed the entire house, gladly not meeting Joe not even once. You thought about leaving, but not before going to your favorite spot in the house, the only one you hadn't explored today yet.

Joe's house had a small attic, which you adored. When he threw parties in high school and you couldn't get away from your friend's pleas to come, this was the place you found yourself in. So, after 6 years, there were you again. On that narrow wooden space that had a somewhat medium window with a view to the back of the house, where the party was most wild. You were surprised to see they hadn't moved a thing, it felt like you had time-traveled to your school years.

In front of the window, there was an old blue armchair, the one you would sometimes sleep on waiting for Emily and the others to want to go home. The rest of the attic was filled with boxes, some with trophies and pictures of Joe, with his family, his team, and his coach.

You sat on the armchair, arms hugging your knees as you looked at the window, the music that once made your head hurt because of the volume was long gone, sounding now like white noise.

Entering the football team frat house, you could see neon lights and hear music blasting through the speakers. Soon enough, all the other cheerleaders and Emily were dancing and having fun, after all the team had won the game, there was no reason not to celebrate. Except for you, because a win for LSU immediately meant running into Joe Burrow, or seeing his face all over the university for a week or so.

Sitting on a couch in the living room, you had a privileged view to the enormous door that swung open, revealing a sweaty but smiley Joe. He walks in as he normally does, exhaling an air of cockiness around him. He has a bottle of beer in hand, and already looks drunk as he laughs to his teammates. After being showered in praises and congratulations, he's free to walk a bit further, which is when he sees you. His eyes immediately glance at your jersey, and you immediately regret having done what you did.

Earlier that day, before you left for the party, it started to snow, and you realized you hadn't brought a single coat to the game. The girls were about to leave and they didn't want any delays, so you looked around for anything that could cover your body and protect you from freezing.

The only thing you could find was an old LSU football team jersey with the name "BURROW" stitched on the back. You sighed, but tried to confort yourself by thinking nobody would see it, after all, the lights at the party were pretty low.

All of it cumulated to this moment. This disgusting look he gives you as he looks down, glaring at his jersey. "What the hell are you wearing?”

Of course he would recognize it, it was his, after all. You cursed yourself mentally in all the languages you know, and prayed that Emily would come to you out of the blue to take you home. She didn't.

"Please, don't start, Joseph." You say, trying to ignore him. "I was cold and this was the only thing I could find."

“Yeah, right. Just say you were trying to piss me off, like always.” he scowls.

"Not everything is about you, QB." You get up, furrowing your brows at the audacity, annoyance dripping in your voice.

“Everything is most definitely not about you either, cheerleader.” he scoffs, and his teammates laugh. “You're still not even good at that.”

"And you're still not even good at your little games, idiot." I scoff. "Let me remind you, I'm the one going to the national competition while you're still playing football in college."

This time, his friends mutter a low "oooh".

He's stunned for a moment, then he scowls and gets closer to your face. “Watch your mouth. This is my last season here anyway, then i’m going straight to the NFL and everyone's gonna know my name, who knows what you’ll be doing.”

You just still didn't know he actually meant it.

"The NFL?" You laugh, hands on your chest. "You know, Joey.." You say, calling him by the nickname his friends had given him, in an attempt to piss him off. "To be on the NFL, you gotta be one of the greats." You stare at him, getting closer. "Something you.. are not."

He scowls, and his friends are surprised, the nickname really got to him. Before you can get another word in, he grabs you and pulls you close, his voice is low and cold. “Who the fuck are you calling Joey? You don’t get on the nickname level with me, Y/N."

Your squirm under his touch, trying to get off of him. A bit of fear seems to be creeping up in your eyes, and you try your best to not let it show.

"Don't fucking touch me!" You slap him, getting some inches away and staring at him in awe.

He recoils a bit, then glares. His lips are trembling, and you’ve never seen him angry like this, even his breath is shaky. He doesn't look like the Joe you once fed turtles in kindergarten with. He clenches his fist and looks around, he’s got the attention of everyone at the party “Are you seriously gonna slap the quarterback?”

"Fuck you! You're a horrible person that thinks that because you're a star you can do whatever the fuck you want, well, breaking news, YOU CAN'T." You scoff, angrier than ever, while removing the jersey off of you, throwing it at him, eyes swelling with tears.

"You're a fucking parasite, a manwhore who thinks everything's about you. I hope you never get to the NFL." This time it comes out lower, like a personal threat. You desperately crave to hurt him in a way he won't be able to laugh at or make jokes. Turning around, you walk out of the house, everything seemed to suffocate you.

He's stunned, no ones ever talked to him like that, specially you, the one person he was so used to getting shit from. He just stares at your back, the BURROW that was once hidden by your messy hair now gone, in his shaky hands. A range of emotions go through him. He's mad, but then there’s a sadness, he feels unwanted, as if the only reason people talk to him is because he is the quarterback. He doesn’t want you to leave like this, but he doesn’t know what to say, so he just yells “Where are you even gonna go?!”

"Somewhere you're not!" You scream, not even bothering to turn around to face it, crossing the door and walking through the garden in front of the house.

At this point, the party had gone back to what it once was, a loud, fun mess.

He sighs, then chases after you. When he catches up, he grabs your arm and forces you to turn around to face him. “Where the hell do you think you're going? You're not safe, there's a bunch of drunkards out there today."

"Like you give a fuck." You shrug, shaking your arm to get away from his grip. You turn around and start walking, the cold getting to you again. The snow fell mercilessly and all you had was the thin sweater that covered your cheerleading clothes.

He sighs, then realizes you’ll freeze outside. He puts his arm around you and pulls you in. You're so incredibly small compared to him you can feel his heart beating fast and his muscles tense from anger. “I do care. Just… come back inside, you're gonna freeze out here."

"Leave me alone! I fucking hate you!" The tears start falling as you punch his chest in a frantic way. It didn't hurt him, of course, but you didn't know that.

He scowls when you do so, gritting his teeth, then just watches you cry. He sighs and pulls you in tight, his body heats yours up. He rocks you like a baby, and whispers “Let me explain. I didn't meant for things to be like this.”

"Like what? Like living hell?" You away from his embrace, but part of you wishes you hadn't. Joe was so big and warm you didn't even needed a coat. "You hate me. Why are you even doing this?" you yell, the loud blasting music from the party muffling your screams. "Go back to your stupid party with your friends and your girls. I'm going home."

He grabs your arms and makes you turn to him. “I don’t.. hate you. I just get mad and take it out on you. I know that’s not right, i’m trying to fix it. Let me take you home.”

"Oh please." You scoff, tears still falling. "No need. I'll walk." You say, shivering due to the cold.

He sighs again. “You're not going home alone, it's not safe. I don’t care if you hate my guts, i’m not letting you walk alone.”

Joe's words and actions pierce you like a bullet. Never, in a million years, you had imagined you'd hear him talk to you like this. Of course, it was still rude, but there was a sweetness to it. You say nothing, as you couldn't bring yourself to. As he puts the jersey you once threw in his face back on your shoulders, the shivering reduces a bit, and your lips stop trembling, their reddish color that was once white from the cold, reappearing. His big hands stroking your back felt so gentle, and helped you get rid of the cold as he gently and quietly led you to his car. He opens the door to the passenger seat and waits for you to get in. You do so, surprisingly, and he closes it, turning around to get into the driver's seat.

He climbs in the drivers seat and starts the engine. The warm air that comes out of the vents warming you up as he looks over at you. You watch him drive, he seems so focused, and when he speaks, it’s in a quiet voice “I'll walk you to your door, then you should probably take a hot shower to warm up, your gonna get sick like this.”

"There's no need. I'll survive." you say, pulling the jersey closer and breathing in the warmth.

“I'm not gonna risk you getting sick just because you decided to be stubborn now.” You can’t help but notice how gentle his voice is, a nice contrast to how cold he seemed towards you at the party.

"Fine." You whisper, and after a few moments in silence, he finally pulls up to the dorms. You open the door of the car and get out, the cold getting to you again. You sigh.

Joe does the same and the two of you walk in silence towards the entrance of the building. Once you reach the door, you turn around, "You've done enough, Burrow. I mean it. Go back to your party, you have a win to celebrate." You say, grabbing your keys and unlocking the door.

“I wanna see you safe in your house before i go, I feel responsible for you getting cold out here.” he doesn’t want you to think he doesn’t care about you, when it’s clear from the way he’s acting he only thinks of you and your safety right now.

You nod, his gentle words feeling like daggers in your heart, making you almost regret the way went a few rounds with him earlier.

Getting into your aparment, you take off your shoes, holding the door for him to do the same, and when he does, you lock it again, before making your way to the small kitchen.

"Can I get you anything? Water, tea..?" You ask, trying to be a good host. You and Emily never expected no one to come to the apartment, so there was never many food or drink options.

He follows you to the kitchen, shrugs and looks around. The apartment is not very big, but it’s homely. From the kitchen, you can see the entire living room, including the door, and then there's a small hallway that leads to the rooms and bathroom.

He looks at you when you offer him something and smiles, it breaks his scowl, it looks good on him. He looks at you for a moment, then says “Can i get a glass of water?”

You nod and get on your tip toes to open the cabinet, getting a glass and then filling it with water, handing it to Joe as you take a seat on one of the stools in front of the kitchen's island.

He takes the glass and drinks from it, still holding on to his scowl, but it slowly drops off as he begins to relax. He sits down beside you, close enough that his knees are touching yours “Your apartment is so different from mine.”

You sigh, making small talk with him was the last thing on your list for today, but still, you gave it a shot.

"How so..?" You say, not even bothering to look at him. Instead, the cup of water you had poured to yourself in front of you was the one getting all of the attention. The fact that the only person in the entire campus that hated you was the one to bring you home was already embarrassing enough, so you were still to wrap your mind around the fact he was still here.

He watches you and looks around the kitchen, not sure how to explain it to you. For a few moments he just looks at you, trying to gather his thoughts. “I don’t know how to explain it, it’s just different from anything i’m used to.”

"Calling me poor now, are we, Burrow?" You shrug, letting a small laugh fall from your lips.

He glares, then realizes you were joking and laughs a little bit. You can notice he still smiles when he looks at you, which is surprising considering how he always scowled at you. “I'd never call you poor, especially not after seeing your outfit tonight.” he looks you up and down.

"Mr. Joseph Burrow's a fashionista?" You chuckle, this wasn't something you'd ever expect from him. There wasn't any monograms or brand names on the sweater you wore, but if you were a someone into good clothing, you'd recognize it.

He laughs and shakes his head, he can’t help but notice your curves and he looks down, trying not to stare. “I wouldn’t consider myself a fashion guy, i just know something looks nice when i see it.. and your outfit looks very nice on you."

"Yeah, sure.." You nod, standing up and grabbing both of the glasses. You take them to the sink, putting your hair up in a bun and washing them. "I'm okay now, Burrow, really. I don't know why you did what you did tonight, but thank you." The thank you comes out like a whisper, but you pray he does notice. "Come back to your party, enjoy your teammates and your girls. There's still time."

He shifts in his seat and watches you as you wash the glass, his mind is conflicted. Part of him wants to follow his teammates back to the party, the other part wants to stay with you, see how long the small talk can go before it turns into a fight again. His eyes watch you as his breathing starts to pick up a bit. When you thank him, he realizes you don’t want to talk about the fight or why he did what he did at all.

He shakes his head and stands up. “I guess I better get going then."

"Yeah.. of course." You flash him a shy smile, and the awkward silence sets in again.

He notices your smile and smiles back, not knowing how to express himself right now, although he doesn’t know how to leave either. He just awkwardly stands there, staring at you, his eyes are locked on yours, he can’t help but notice how beautiful they are. The two of you lost in your own thoughts, the silence filled with tension. Then he speaks “Can i ask something before I go?”

"Yes."

“Why'd you wear that jersey? You knew it would piss me off, so why’d you wear it?”

You sigh, you had already explained that, but Joe seemed so drunk you thought maybe he had forgotten. "I told you, I was cold and I had forgotten my hoodie." you point to the couch, where the green hoodie rested on. "I knew it would piss you off, and trust me when I say I wasn't going for that today, but it happened. I'm sorry for it, you can have it back now." You say, taking the jersey off for the second time that night, except this time you don't throw it on his face. Instead, you just gently hand it to him, like a peace offering.

He takes it, looking down at it in his hands, then he looks back up at you. He sighs and is suddenly filled with mixed feelings, anger, sadness, his emotions feel overwhelming. He doesn’t want to yell and argue with you again, but he also doesn’t want to leave. He can’t stop looking at you and your eyes, he can’t help but love how pretty they are. "Can I please keep this? Please..?" he whispers.

"Why are you asking me that? It's yours, it has your name on it." You say matter-of-factly, fidgeting with your hands, something you do when you're nervous.

You can tell he’s trying really hard not to smile at you, his voice is soft when he says “Yeah… but it’s got your sweat on it… your smell… I want something to remind me of you… even though, you know… we always seem to get each other mad.”

You don't understand, after all, you see each other every single day. The best "something to remind me of you" he could ever ask for was standing right in front of him everyday.

You furrow your eyebrows. Years of fighting, screaming and pissing each other off leading to this moment was something you couldn't wrap your mind around. "Do I need to remind you we hate each other? Until this morning, you'd get me suspended from LSU if you could."

He laughs, and you’ve never seen him in such a vulnerable and soft state. "We both know I don’t wanna get you suspended from LSU, I mean, come on.. just look at you.” he stares at you, you see his eyes roaming your body like he always does, but there’s a different look about them. "You deserve this scholarship more than I do, you've always have."

"Yeah.." You scoff, not believing a word, looking at the jersey on his hands and then at his eyes. His big, blue eyes that you got lost in countless times before.

He smiles at you, realizing the snarkiness he just heard. He doesn’t mind the teasing, in fact, he kinda likes it. He stares at you for a minute, then he looks back down at the jersey “I like how it fits tight on you.” he says without realizing it.

"Tight? You're big as hell, it looks huge on me." You laugh, remembering how the jersey looked on you when you put it on earlier today.

He laughs silently to himself, a big smirk appears on his face. He looks at your body, then smiles. “You're just too small, but I do like how it fits on you."

You feel goosebumps throughout your entire body and your cheeks heat up. You curse yourself mentally for letting it all show so easily.

He's still staring at you, but doesn’t realize just how much he’s making you blush. He continues to speak in a low voice "I can see your belly button when you dance for us on the field.." He pauses, but decides to go on, and it's like you can hear the engines turning in his head. "I can see your bra strap when you go so high in the sky I feel my hands covered in cold sweat in fear that you'll fall and I won't be there to catch you. I can see your collarbones when you get so close to me when we're fighting that I wish I would just lean in and shut you the fuck up. I can see how you blush when I sweep you off your feet and leave you speechless, like i'm doing now." He steps closer. "I can see all of you. Matter of fact, Y/N, I think you're all I have ever wanted to see." He states, like it's a fact, like he has always known that. You feel your eyes starting to water and you feel stupid. "Every inch of you looks amazing in that jersey, it fits you like nothing else i’ve ever seen."

You sigh, it's almost like you can feel your skin being touched by him just by the way he’s looking at you. You feel like a forest fire, and his voice tone doesn't help. "Stop.."

His voice is so low when he talks, you want him to keep speaking. You want to hear his voice go on and on, to get you worked up, but also to lull you into the most peaceful sleep you've had in years. He keeps staring at you as he speaks “Just look at your shoulders, the fabric wraps all around them so perfectly, they’re such beautiful curves, just like the rest of you. Just look at you.. Jesus." He sighs.

You squirm under his gaze, but in a split second you're reminded of everything that happened before this moment. Before being here, in your small dorm, talking to the man you earlier thought to be the meanest person you knew. "I won't fall for it. I'm not the girls you get after winning games."

He chuckles and looks away, clearing this throat before going on "Those girls are just something to make me feel good, they don’t even mean anything to me. But you.. even when you make me angry, I want nothing but to feel you in my arms. You make me feel so good, even when you piss me off.”

"You don't mean that." You mutter, trying to stay calm. You pick the skin on your arms while staring at him.

His eyes shift back to yours when you speak, he sighs and you can tell for a minute he’s conflicted on what to say. "I know you don’t believe I mean all those words, but honestly, I mean every word. You are the only girl who's ever made me feel something, even if we’re arguing, that means we at least have some emotion we want to put towards each other. I'd rather have you making me mad than have someone making me feel nothing at all."

A single tear slides down your cheek. "You're drunk, that's what it is. You're drunk and this.." You point to yourself, and then to him, "..must be a prank."

“I know that’s all we’ve known for years, but maybe the reason you make me so mad is because I have feelings for you. You are the only girl I have ever wanted to talk to like this. You're the only girl that makes me feel this way. I never want to stop talking to you, I just want to tell you how beautiful you are, even when you make me mad, or when you push me so far it makes me want to push you towards the wall and kiss you."

You stare at him like everything you've ever known has finally made sense. A few more tears drip from your eyes and you sigh. "You promise?" it comes out in a whisper.

He smiles and you can tell it's not a fake drunk smile. This is the smile he flashes at someone when he's letting down his guard and being completely honest and vulnerable. "I promise. I don't want anyone else, I want you. I wanna be the guy who makes you happy like no one else could. I want you to be there when I get into the NFL and I want to be able to look for you on every game, waving at you when I see you're wearing my jersey because you finally want to, because it means something."

You look up, melting over his voice, your eyes meeting his like never before. His eye color seemed different now, a more vivid blue. His eyes seemed more relaxed, a nice contrast to the ones full of rage that always came with a furrowed brow. "I want you, too." You whisper.

He smiles, a real and sweet smile. This time when his eyes roam your body, you feel like he isn't looking at you in a nasty way like always, he's just looking at you because he thinks he's the luckiest boy in the world.

You smile, "Do I need to call you some names to have you kissing me now?" It makes him laugh, and your eyes lock on his. There isn't any words, just feelings, and you can see it in him when the realization sets in that you want him too.

You get on your tip toes as Joe pulls you towards him, your lips finally touching each other. Your belly feels as if you just rode a rollercoaster, as if the LSU football team had won, as if there was fireworks inside of you like there's in the sky on the fourth of July. But instead it was all him, the same boy that you once hated so much, doing all of this to you without even trying.

Immersed in your thoughts, you didn't notice when someone opened the door and came in, what gave it away was the smell, and you wondered if it would ever change.

"Joseph..?" you froze, again, but still managed to turn around on the armchair, feet now touching the ground.

His eyes meet yours for the first time in.. well, years, since that fateful night. He looked.. the same. Although his hair was shorter now and he looked bigger than ever, his face was the same. The same mesmerizing ocean blue eyes, pointy nose, and rosy cheeks, which you always found funny, because it looked like he had blush on. He wore a threadbare white shirt, shorts, and a tennis shoe, but they weren't the same as years ago, and you thought to yourself how an outfit of his now would cost probably more than your monthly earnings. He also wore a USA flag headband, which you had seen earlier laying on the wood table for everyone to get one. You thought it looked.. funny.

"Y/N." He nods. It felt like forever since your name had left his lips for the last time.

"Sorry, I-" You start, getting up from the chair as you wrote a full apology in your head for being in a private part of his home. "I thought nobody would need the room, I'll leave now."

"Nobody does." He takes a sip of his drink, his hands looking huge as he holds the red cup. "Dave told me you came with him and Emily, had to see it for myself."

He says, getting closer and finally leaning onto the window, arms resting just above it. Another sip, and you find yourself sitting again.

"How'd you know I was here?" You furrow your eyebrows, not understanding a thing. His eyes don't wander from the view. You're stiff, and you think you've probably never felt so nervous.

"You always are."

If you thought your eyebrows couldn't furrow any more, you were wrong. As soon as the words fell from his lips, you were in complete shock. Does that mean he knew that, all this time, you spent the parties in his attic, alone, dying to go home? That he knew you slept here, not once, not twice, but several times before?

"What?" Is all you manage to say, embarrassment taking over you.

"I mean, when I threw parties in high school you were always here. I know you don't like parties but you would always come because of Emily, and somehow your nights always ended here."

Your eyes widened, and you swore that if your mom could see you now, she would say something along the lines of You look like you've seen a ghost.

You kind of felt like you had.

"I'm surprised you like the place, it's kinda small." He finally shifts, taking his arms off the window and setting his now empty cup on the small wood piece that rested under the window. You blush, after all this time.

When you woke up in the morning, Joe was no longer there. You didn't panic, just thought of it as typical him. Getting up from the bed, you saw Emily on her chair, watching something on her computer.

"Morning, sleeping beauty." she says as she hears you yawn.

"Morning, Ems." You smile, sitting up straight. "D'you have a good night?"

"Obviously, duh. Dave's a gentleman." she states, bragging, and you laugh. "He also told me you and Joe left together last night.. what was that about?"

You sigh, flashes from the night before coming back to haunt you. "We.. uh.." you start, but words can't really explain what went down in this apartment yesterday. "We kissed, and had sex.. and, uh.. he might've said he likes me.." you whisper, like it was a crime.

"WHAT?!" Emily jumps from the chair, startled. "Y/N.. Oh my God.." she gets closer to you, getting on her knees in front of you. "How was that? And, most importantly, how's that gonna work now?" she states, as if something had changed overnight.

"What do you mean?" you furrow your eyebrows, confused.

"Well, you know he's been drafted to the NFL, don't you?" she says as if it was something everyone knew, incluiding you.

You felt your heart sink.

So it was a prank, after all. The worst one he could ever pull on you.

He left, and he wasn't coming back.

You knew he meant every word he had said last night, but he also had really left. Joe had confessed his love to you the night before just to leave in the morning, leaving you mercilessly stranded.

You don't say anything, because how could you find the words to? Emily immediately understands and hugs you, but the only embrace you could possibly want at the time was miles away now.

You were surprised at his ability to pretend like nothing had happened, like the last few years hadn't been torture to you, wondering where did it go wrong. Years of blaming yourself, of recalling the night over and over and-

"No need to be ashamed, Y/N." he chuckles, the sound of it filling the quiet room.

"I'm not ashamed." you lie. Letting him see through you was the last thing you needed today. "Just thought nobody knew."

"Well, if it helps, I'm the only one who does." he finally sits on the ground, back glued to the wall where the window was. A beat, and then he was back with the personal questionnaire. "How are you?"

"I should be the one asking that question. Huge team, getting all the girls, abnormal paycheck.. Superbowl." your words dripping with disgust as you stare out the window, hoping for something, anything, anyone, a divine intervention to get you out of there.

"I don't really get that many girls," he says as he stares at you. One of the things about him that bothered you so much was his courage. You could never, ever, not a million years, bring yourself to stare at him the way he'd do to you. It was intimidating, raw, and worst of all, familiar. He'd always do this when the two of you fought in high school, that's how he'd always win the arguments, not by words, by having the courage to look you in the face and leaving you feeling vulnerable and naked under his gaze. That's also the same way he stared at you that night, after saying all those nice words that made you melt under his touch.

"Mhm.." You nod, not knowing what to say.

"Aren't you going to answer me?" he questions, again.

"I'm fine, finishing my doctorate now."

You don't know why you told him that, but it felt right.

He lets out a breath, "Fuck, Y/N.. That's huge." he congratulates you, and although he couldn't see it due to the poor lighting, it makes you blush. You had never seen it as that big of a deal, it was just the thirst for knowledge you always had, but it was nice knowing someone Joe thought about it as something nice.

"Thank you"

"Thank you coming today," he finally says, awkwardly, as he gets up, grabbing his cup as he does so. "tell your folks I said hi."

"Will do."

He opens the door and gets lost in the crowd, leaving quietly and sneakily like he did that night, and you let out a breath you didn't even realize you were holding.

[serxinns]

Yandere class1a x aizawa kid reader pt.3 where they all have a summer vacation trip to the beach plz have a good day👍🏽🏖️

A/n: sorry for the long wait, but it's finally here. I hope you enjoy it!! Stay groovy!

Also the seashell diverder goes to @h-aewo

Aizawa noticed how you were getting bummed out in the summer with all the hero work, studying, and his brats of classmates obsessing you head to toe pulling you in different directions or wanting attention from you, whenever you came back home with him you looked so exhausted and gloomy so he decided to declare a beach day for just the two of you!

Aizawa didn't like the beach as much as you did he prefers indoors especially in the wintertime when he can be wrapped comfortably in his blanket drinking hot coco cuddling with his cats and you sleeping peacefully in his arms watching another childish Christmas special on TV, but you Loved the beach you loved exploring seeing what kind of treasure you'll find in the sand, resting in the sun, and devouring snow cones! So a father and child bonding vacation will get you in the mood again and he knew exactly how to suprise you

You waved to Nezu as he drove off. Today was a tiring and you were extremely exhausted, your classmates kept bothering pulling you around in different directions just to get your attention or to spend time with them, there was even almost a war in the cafeteria because a group in class 1b invited you to sit with them, training your favorite subject was cut short cause your class again got too brutal trying to show off their fighting skills to eachother and that turned brutal real quick

you just wanted to go in your room, turn off your phone preventing your classmates spam texting you and cuddle with your cats to forget the day all altogether You slowly opened the door to a beach bag on the couch "...wtf" You awkwardly approached the bag grabbing it and looking inside to see a bunch of beach items like sunscreen, a swimsuit and it was in your exact size? "Dad..?" You looked around to an empty, silent living room. You walked toward the kitchen cautiously as you saw another beach bag, and it was a large water gun. Seriously!? What's even going on? You were about to head back when you heard a loud BANG, which sounded like.. party poppers. You turned to see your father holding

"Suprise..! We're going on vacation." Your dad stood there grinning at your surprised and baffled expression. "When?" "Tomorrow, this weekend's my day off so why not they even have a beach~" he shrugged there was a place for a moment as your face slowly lit up causing Shouta to chuckle already knowing what was about to happen next "YAYAYAYAYAYAYA THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU" you squealed squeezing the poor man's lungs out with your death hug "your welcome sweetie" he choked out trying to fight for his life surviving the hug

"Did you pack your clothes?" "Yep! I packed EXTRA early," You replied while coming downstairs and rolling down the suitcase while your father checked everything else. "Do we have the giant medkit" Aizawa looked around checking every luggage "dadd we dont we don't need that big ass kit it's just a 2-day vacation" you groaned as your father shot a glare at you " "Language and of course we need it just because we're on vacation doesn't mean anything villians will still pop out a nowhere" you mentally rolled your eyes obviously not wanting to hear all that "can we go nowww we got everything ready our neighbors will watch the cats, the 23 security cameras are all on and activated lets gooo" you whined carrying both you and your dads luggage towards the car as your dad sighed "what am I ever gonna do with you"

Time skip

Time skip again

"We're here," your dad said softly, waking you up from your nap. You blinked a couple of times, trying to shake off the slumber. "Look at the view" he pointed you looked to where he was pointing and he wasn't lying the sunset of the beach was beautiful the mix of yellow pink and orange was plastered across the sky, you almost thought you were in a painting "it's getting late let's check into our hotel and get some rest we'll go to the beach tomorrow morning" you lazily nodded feeling sleepy again as Shouta started grabbing all the luggage and placing it into those suitcase holder with the wheels (if ykyk) and saw you passed out already in the car

he sighed annoyed but not wanting to wake you up so he picked you up and placed you on his shoulder while rolling the luggage holder toward your room ignoring the stares, whispering, and fangirls gossiping, falling head over heels for the muscular man carrying his child towards the hotel room once he made it into the hotel room, he gently place you down 1st tucking you in for the night without forgetting to give you an soft kiss on your forehead then changed into his comfortable clothing there was 2 beds but he decided he sleep on your bed as well not wanting you to fall off of course totally not because he knows youll feel safe in his arms (before yall say something this us strictly platonic) and he so to drifted off to sleep

....

Aizawa was slowly awoken by you staring and smiling down at him he got started and pushed you off of him "Ow" "never do that again he grumbled tiredly looking over to see the clock being 8 AM then looking at you "Can we go to the beach now" "5 more mins sweetie I'm fucking tired-" "I will kick you repeatedly until you fall off the bed then bite you on your leg like a chicken bone if you fall back to sleep" he groaned again glaring at you while you smiled mischievously at him

Time skip again

You couldn't contain your excitement viewing the beach while Aizawa was carrying the beach stuff; you were wearing your (fav color) swimsuit with some goggles and a snorkel while your father had a black Hawaiian shirt and yellow swimming trunks with sunglasses. "I found a spot!" You quickly ran over, claiming the spot. Your father followed you as he placed the beach stuff down; you were about to dash toward the water until an arm yanked you back.

"You need your sunscreen, brat," you pouted, ruining your chance. "I don't need it!" He glared, grabbed the sunscreen, squeezed the bottle to squirt some out, and slapped it onto your face, rubbing it. "Ack! Let go of me!" You try struggling off your grip "You wanna act like a little brat You gonna be treated as one" As he kept assaulting your face with the sunscreen you then managed to push him up and snatch the bottle rubbing the cream over your body while he stared sternly at you "see now wasn't that hard?" "Fuck you" "y/n?" A familiar voice called out to you

There was the class all in their bathing suits staring directly at you. "y/nnnnn!!!!" Hakagure and Mina ran over to you and tackled you with a hug just processing what kind of bad writing fiction was this to make this even possible (hey! >:() "y/n! I see you also here as well," Iida stated while waving his arms around. "Yeah, I'm on vacation for a whole weekend here How are you here?" "We plan to have a beach party here. We were about to invite you, but we heard from you all day and yesterday evening!" Denki whined, leaning on your shoulder and earning a bunch of glares at him. Before you could respond, Kirishima grabbed your arm and dragged you towards them. "C'mon, let's go have fun! We got a bunch of plans for this party it's gonna be fun!"

you signed looking back at your father which he shrugged shooing you off to have fun while you shrugged to yourself and ran along with them

Aizawa, on the other hand, was pissed there was no way that they could go to this specific beach hotel and plan a beach party there. Did they track him and you down? Did one of them spy on you or place some kind of recording device in his or your phone? Thoughts were running through his head he was gonna find the bottom of this and once he did oh his class was gonna be in big trouble

Meanwhile

"Let's play volleyball ball!" Mina shouted, tossing up the ball. Since there are 21 of us, we should be in teams of 3! Let's make this a tournament! The last team wins! Everyone was interested and decided to get into teams

The teams

2 Midoriya, iida, and Ochako

7 Mina, hakagure, and ojiro

8 Shinsou, todoroki, shoji

4 Bakugo, denki, Kirishima

1 Momo, jirou and tsuyu

9 Koda,Sato, and mineta

5 Sero, y/n and Aoyama

"Let the volleyball tournament begin!" Mina cheered, "For y/ns love..." They all thought determined to win this match to gain your affection, teams 2 and 9 were up 1st it was a close battle between the 2 teams with Ochako trying not to float the ball up and Sato trying to keep up with Iida's speed and Midoriya calculating a smooth hit murmuring to himself to try and find a way to win the game when the ball was heading towards him making him missed the ball causing it to hit the ground team 9 won while iida scolded Midoriya as he apology repeatedly

next was teams 4 and 8 and oh boy it was messy Bakugo demanded his idiot friends play better and pressured them while team 1 was knocking it out of the park until Kirishima managed to get a good swing tsuyu hit the ball with her tongue As it headed towards Denki but rather hit his head pretty hard to the point he went into his dumb mode "y-yey!!!!" The electric boy pulled out his thumbs as Bakugo was extremely pissed off grabbing the blonde by the back of his shirt and dragging him off the court in defeat

7 and 5 were up and it was actually pretty hard you tried to make Ojiro hit harder as you tried hitting it the opposite way but he managed to go to that spot Aoyama and Mina were battling it out well it was most Aoyama trying to get revenge on Mina while was just having fun oblivious to the shiny boy's intentions but you somehow won huh

Then teams started battling off winning team 9 loss to 8 with toodrokis super move 1 won your team by an intense battle and now it was all up to your team and 8 the final showdown

After a long, extreme battle between you and team 8, you...lost due to your slipping and fucking up team 8 won the match! Shoto then came up to you and pulled out his hand. "Good game.." he said, forming a small blush on his cheek. You chuckled and grabbed his hand as well. "You too, shoji and Tokoyami killed it out there!" "You too, I never knew you were good at volleyball, y/n san!" Dark Shadow chimed as Dark Shadow nodded in agreement "he's right you also did amazing as well y/n you should be in our team next time"

You smiled, oblivious to more glares the blackbird was earning. "Yeah, in return, teach me those moves!" Thats when you were suddenly dragged by Bakugo going to his squad "We're playing water gun fight you in?" He grumbled. You smiled mischievously as you grabbed your large meta water gun behind your back. "It's on..."

The others watched in jealousy as you and the bakusquad where spraying each other with waterguns untill bakugo slipped and fell into the ground you, kirishima, denki, Mina, and sero surrounded him and started spraying him at once then running away when he started to use his explosions the 5 of you started laughing hysterically when someone tapped your shoulder you looked over to see momo, tsuyu and jirou "me and jirou are heading to the snack shack wanna come?" Tsuyu offered "Oh I didn't bring my mone-" "I'll pay!" Momo said "oh no momo you don't have to-" "no no I insist really!" Momo said with smiled so genuine how could u even say no?

You signed, "Fine, but don't make me forget to pay you back!" Momo was gonna make you forget you didn't need to own her anything. Honestly, your presence was the payment! She just wants to spoil her little jewel! You then got your food and sat on the bench watching the sunset "Man the sunset is so pretty" You were mesmerized by the warm colors in the sky while the 3 girls were mesmerized by your face and how your eyes lit up seemed to relax when seeing the sunset tsuyu was just in awe while jirou was flustered Upon seeing your everything honestly

"Hey, you stole y/n away. We were planning to make sand castles!" Their precious moment was ruined when Koda started walling towards them behind them were Sato and Tokoyami "No we were just gonna get some food and rest" "let's not lie now you know you wanted to get some alone time with y/n" Tokoyami stated glaring at the girls " actually you're all wrong cause ma cheer is coming with me!" Aoyama started grabbing you and dragging you until he bumped into someone and that someone was Midoriya and his crew

"Where the heck do you think you're going with MY y/n?" Izuku stated as Aoyama hid you behind him as they both started arguing everyone else joined in and started a huge yelling match between each other "ok... time for me to go now" You started to walk off trying to find your father to tell him what's going on but you then bumped into someone again seriously how clumsy can you be and where are these people coming from? You looked up to coincidentally see your father just staring at his own students fighting and screaming at each other

"Uh Dad ur here so uh this happened" You tried telling him what had happened but he just kept staring and glaring at his students "Don't worry it's already taken care of" You paused for a moment confused by his statement "Take cared of-?" then a sudden announcement came on coming from outside the hotel

"The beach is now close! Please pack your things and leave or go back intothe hotel habe a lovely evening!"

You heard groaning from your classmates defeated that they couldn't spend time with you anymore they all waved goodbye at you and left in defeat grumbling under their breaths and glaring at each other and at Aizawa who was smirking menacingly at them mockingly waving at them he can finally spend time with you now with no distractions just his vacation with you and only you

"Hey kid, wanna go to this cool restaurant I found while driving?" Your father offered, "Can we order it? I wanna eat in the hotel and watch some movies your father chuckled agreeing that it was a good way to end the day!

[filmbyjy]

LIKE A CAT

PAIRING: yang jungwon x reader (no specified gender)

SUMMARY: visiting the boys was always great especially when you were able to see your sweet boyfriend. however, what you didn’t expect was for yang jungwon to fall asleep on your lap. maybe it was the jet lag that got him.

GENRE: fluff!!!! it’s also decently short so yeah :(

NOTE: this is just a drabble. i was playing with the prompt generator and it gave me ‘jungwon falls asleep in reader's lap and reader has a conversation with someone else while stroking jungwon's hair as if they were a sleeping cat’ and my brain went !!!!! perfect for jungwon and so yeah here is this

with the boys piling into their dorms with their luggages in their hands, you thought it was a great idea to come over and possibly spend quality time with them.

it had been too long since you’ve seen them. especially your dear boyfriend who was busy burying his face at the crook of your neck. the moment he had opened the door with tired and droopy eyes, his face instantly lit up and he threw himself onto you.

“i missed you.” he says.

yang jungwon wasn’t one to really voice out his affection, rather he would show it to you. however, he truly missed you so what better way then to mutter those words out directly.

“ooo look at him being all lovey dovey.” sunoo teases. jungwon groans softly, enough for you to hear.

“okay, enough with the teasing. i’m sure all of you are tired. i brought snacks and maybe we can watch a movie.”

“boring, let’s play games.” ni-ki smirks. the boys playfully shoved ni-ki.

“is that the only thing you care about? we just came back from a world tour and we still have our japanese promotions soon. are you not jet lagged?” jay says. ni-ki pouts.

“but..games.” he gives jay the best puppy eyes he could muster. jay groans.

“fine, just go play. i’m going to wash up first.” he waves ni-ki off before going over to take a shower.

“yay!!!” ni-ki jumps in happiness.

you feel small pecks on your shoulder. right, jungwon had been hugging you this whole time. you let go of the hug and faced him. he pouts before holding out his arms for you.

“i’m sure you’re hungry, babe.” you say. jungwon shakes his head.

“no. i want hug.” you hear the boys snort.

“go on, hug your dear boyfriend.”

“by the way, he keeps mentioning how much he misses you when I bunked in the same room as him.” sunghoon mentions.

“really?” you turned to jungwon. “you missed me a lot, huh?”

“yes, now can i please get a hug or at least a kiss. you haven’t kissed me today, angel.” jungwon huffs.

“oh god. save me from this.” heeseung hurls. you rolled your eyes at the boy. you grabbed jungwon’s hands and pulled him to the living room.

he settles down on the couch before wrapping his arms around your waist and laying on your chest. your hands fall onto his scalp, playing with his hair that was slightly frizzled since he did dye his hair. overall, it was still fluffy in your opinion.

jake decided to settle right next to you and so you fell into a deep convo with him as you played with jungwon’s hair. you could feel jungwon’s weight change and you heard light snores coming from him. to which, you bite down a growing smile because of how adorable jungwon was.

“hey, did jungwon just fell asleep?” jake asks.

“yeah.”

“oh? he just talked about having insomnia and not getting enough sleep while we were in america for tour?” jake mentions.

you looked down at the boy. he was sleeping soundly, only moving slightly to nuzzle his head further onto your chest. you finally let out a smile.

“guess he must’ve been extremely tired.”

“he sleeps like a cat.” jake adds.

“yeah…he does.”

your adorable cat.

[abigail-pent]

I love a long layover. It's the best way to start a trip when you're traveling east. I have done this now 3 times: Amsterdam, Oslo, and now Reykjavik. this isn't counting the airline-sponsored long layover in Lisbon I did on the way back home (flying west). I don't count that because I don't think it was as successful and also it was an airline sponsored program so it feels like cheating, a bit, to me.

a big part of the point of a long layover is to power through the inevitable jetlag by giving yourself a little bonus trip, as a treat. the point is to be a bit sleep deprived and EXTREMELY hype about it. the point is to get to that place where you're just riding the edge of having an out-of-body experience - exhausted enough to have a laughing fit in a museum, not so exhausted that you can't function.

Anyway if YOU want to do this too, here are my tips:

1) always pick a city that is well-connected to the airport. preferably by metro. you can do this with a bus connection but I think that's playing on hard mode and you'll have to leave yourself more time.

2) always pick a city that has at least one thing you're really excited about doing or seeing! but don't try to do too much - pick one thing to make the big focus of the day. if it's a small city you can reasonably try to see it all, or to see most of it. if it's not a small city, focus on one area to explore.

3) plan plan plan. I like to make a list in Google maps where I save all the points of interest. that way you don't waste time trying to decide what you want to do next - you can have a small menu of good options, and go with how you feel on the day.

4) redeye flights are your friend! then you get there in the morning and you have most of a day in your layover place. then you fly to your actual destination that evening. but crucially - you have that time *to tire yourself out* so your first evening in the new place is a good, restful sleep. then you can be fresh for your first full day in your actual destination.

4.5) take out your damn contacts before the redeye.

5) when you get to your long layover place: keep it moving! walk as much as possible! always be doing something! you're like a shark, keep moving or you'll die - or, more realistically, fall asleep. and that will fuck up your trip.

6) don't have more than one cup of coffee when you get to the layover spot. one will perk you up after the redeye. more than one will fuck up your good restful sleep you have the next night.

7) you will mostly remember how you felt. don't try to take in information, like with a walking tour or something. take in vibes, experiences, food. take in the wonder of flight and culture and language.

8) stay hydrated. stay sunscreened. I am so sunburned right now and I'm mad about it.

9) pack your carryon mindfully. I'm talking toothbrush and socks. keep that shit accessible. also you want to take a backpack, not a roller bag, and you want to make sure it's comfortable for you to carry.

10) if you can check your luggage through to the final destination, that's best. otherwise, make a plan for your main bag. lots of airports, train stations, and bus stations have luggage lockers. research them! use them! and account for the time needed to use them when you plan out your layover.

11) try to meet at least one cat. bonus points if you impress a hot British stranger at a coffee shop with your well-planned trip, and then vanish into the day and meet the cat right after.

12) don't let your travel companion forget her laptop at the Oslo airport.

[justapoet]

a key on the chain (take it with you and run)

“Annabeth Chase,” the man repeated, as if it meant something more than just a random name. “Isn’t that why you chose this house?” “Why, on Earth, would I pick a house based on whether or not this Annabeth Chase was my neighbour?” Percy asked. “To catch the cat!” the man explained, and Percy sincerely laughed. “What cat?” Percy asked, now wondering if he had drunk something that tasted bad or a bit out of the ordinary. He must have been sleeping, having those weird dreams some people claim have meanings but, in the end, were just a bunch of thoughts squeezed together in a juice jar. “The one with the key." OR, Percy wants a new beginning back where he came from. He moves to New Rome, a quaint neighbourhood in New York, where every single man seems to make a life out of chasing a yellow cat with a key around its neck. Whoever catches it, apparently, won't be denied the prize they all seek: Annabeth Chase's — the most beautiful woman around — hand in marriage. Percy doesn't get it, and much less wants to engage with such activities or with the mysterious woman. But it's a bit harder when she lives just next doors, and the yellow cat becomes a faithful companion of his.

Read it on Ao3

It was ironic, honestly, that he was standing at the door of his new house in New Rome, a quaint neighborhood in New York, New York, after he had decided to sell his house and get the hell out of the simple neighborhood he lived in Rome, Italy, for so many years. Ironic, to say the least, because Percy hadn’t even registered how the place was called before he had set foot back in the United States, his life all packed up in a bunch of luggage and Ms. O’Leary, his loyal companion, by his side.

And he should have registered it, probably, because it would be a responsible thing to do. But in the hurry he found himself in, and the crisis that was the catalyst for the sudden, brutal change of life and routine and choices, Percy didn’t think of much before buying the house and getting on a plane to sign the papers and get his keys.

Now, there he stood — in front of a small, dainty house, with brick walls and a wooden front double door and a large windowsill that gave it all a sweet, home-like air. It was the perfect definition of cozy, the front lawn mowed, and some flower bushes making it look even more graceful than he had first thought it’d be. The place seemed to come from a picture, those beautiful illustrations on books about fairies and magic and hope, and Percy wondered it that would be enough to settle his unsteady heart and calm his troubled mind.

Because the place was beautiful, and yet he couldn’t see or feel the hope of new beginnings that so many people had told him it would bring; he was standing in front of what now was his house, the boxes and furniture already inside for him to organize and distribute as he would like, and Percy could only feel tired. Not from his travels, not from having to put everything to a place — but he was tired, overall, and the weight of his choices and the paths he’d walked seemed to rest over his shoulder.

He was back in New York, and there was nothing really there for him. Not anymore, because he had decided to travel the world so many years before and, at some point, he had stopped keeping in touch with everyone he left behind. His mother, father, stepfather, stepmother, half-siblings and friends — he hadn’t talked to them in years. Long, long years that seemed to now taint his past and shadow his face and cloud his memories of what it was like to be with them, to be there.

And maybe being back should be inspiring. Perhaps being again in north American territory should give him the hopes and the energy to reach out and try to find them as soon as possible; but all he felt was dread. Dread, and dreadful fear that he had lost that part of his life — the one that made him who he was — forever, and because of his terrible choices and the terrible feelings that had settled in his chest so long before.

He was staring at his house, and Percy wondered how long it could take for him to feel at home.

Because it once was home to be in New York, and he had forgotten how it felt. It once was home to never belong anywhere, traveling around and meeting new people and meeting new cultures and faces and languages, until the moment there was nothing but emptiness and the everlasting feeling of missing someone, something, somewhere.

His family, and everything they meant. He feared their anger, despite knowing that was what he deserved, after all. After so long, after so much pain he was sure he had caused them through the years he never even gave a sign of life.

New beginnings should be scary, yes, and ultimately exciting.

Percy was simply terrified.

Ms. O’Leary, on the other hand, seemed thrilled about having new places to discover. Her tail hadn’t stopped moving from the moment they got out of the taxi — who charged him an absurd amount of money upon seeing the dog, but that was quite alright at that point — and Percy had opened the gate that matched the fence circling the property. She had barked and set off to run around, and Percy couldn’t help but chuckle.

At least one of them was excited enough for both.

Percy sighed, taking the key to his front door so he could finally come in and see the mess he’d have to face and make more of soon enough until he could properly relax and rethink every single step of his life. Ms. O’Leary had already made her way to the backyard, somehow, and he could hear her barking at something — probably nothing at all —, chuckling a bit more at his best friend’s happiness on stretching her legs.

He shook his head, rolling his eyes fondly at the mental image of Ms. O’Leary simply running in circles around the area he was yet to see. Then, he looked up again at the doors, and inhaled deeply.

And his dramatic entrance to an empty house as a metaphor for his empty life was rudely interrupted before he could even fit the key in the door.

“So, you’re the lucky one?” someone spoke behind him, and Percy snapped his head in the voice’s direction, turning his body around as well, key still in hand. A man stood behind his fence, a heavy terracotta coat hanging from his shoulders, a suit underneath it and a black Panama hat tucked to his head a bit too much. His face wasn’t sympathetic, and instead he stared at Percy as if he was a bug the man desperately wanted to step on.

Weird. To say the very least.

“Uh— Hello?” Percy greeted, unsure of what to make of the situation. “I beg your pardon; ‘the lucky one’?” he frowned, and the man seemed to snap out of whatever it was that crossed his mind.

“My apologies. Welcome to New Rome,” the man spoke again, now taking a few steps to walk past the open gate and offer his hand in greeting. When he was close enough, Percy, still incredibly confused, shook the man’s hand.

“Percy Jackson,” he offered. “Thank you.”

For the welcome. Not for whatever it was that had happened before.

“Luke Castellan,” the man replied in earnest, his handshake firm before Percy let go of it. “First time in New York?” he asked, and Percy couldn’t quite pin down what it was that seemed so off about the sympathy in his tone.

“In a couple of years, yes,” Percy limited himself to say. Then, his curiosity got the best of him. “What did you say about me being ‘the lucky one’, may I ask?”

Luke’s smile seemed to tighten. Percy decided that it was best to be careful.

“The house,” Luke said. Percy frowned.

“Why? Is it better than the others?” he asked, looking back at the house behind him. When he looked at Luke again, the guy had an eyebrow raised.

“It’s beside Annabeth Chase’s house,” he spoke again, his tone implying that the fact was somehow obvious. Percy was sincerely beginning to think the conversation couldn’t possibly get weirder.

Rookie mistake.

“Who?” Percy could only ask, tilting his head to the side.

Luke frowned, then. Now, he seemed genuinely confused. Percy wanted to say that he had no right to — what, on Earth, was that man talking about?

“Annabeth Chase,” Luke repeated, as if it meant something more than just a random name.  “Isn’t that why you chose this house?”

Percy’s face was probably odd to look at, now that he was sure it was completely contorted with his bewilderment. His mouth was slight open and twisted, and he couldn’t narrow his eyes more before completely closing them.

“I chose the house my realtor offered me,” Percy said. “Why, on Earth, would I pick a house based on whether or not this Annabeth Chase was my neighbor?”

“To catch the cat!” Luke explained, and Percy sincerely laughed.

“What cat?” Percy asked, now wondering if he had drunk something that tasted bad or a bit out of the ordinary. He must have been sleeping, having those weird dreams some people claim have meanings but, in the end, were just a bunch of thoughts squeezed together in a juice jar.

“The one with the key,” Luke spoke again, and Percy could really wake up right then. He moved his arms and hands in exasperation, completely lost, and shook his head, eyes wide as he tried to understand what the man could possibly be talking about.

“Do you seriously not know?” Luke asked, and he seemed truly surprised. Percy would need an analgesic for the building headache on his temples.

Percy shook his head in disbelief yet again.

“Man, I just got back from another continent. I do not have the most single idea of who the hell Annabeth Chase is, what a cat and a key mean or how the house I now own has to do with it.”

Luke stared at Percy, who just stared right back as he tried to get his point across. After the better part of a minute, the brunette man seemed to have accepted that the newcomer really didn’t know what the hell he was talking about, and his gaze turned apologetic.

“Okay, then. I’m sorry, man,” Luke spoke, putting his hands in the pockets of his coat. “It’s just an ongoing competition for Annabeth’s cat and their key.”

Percy frowned again.

“Competition?” he asked. Luke nodded.

“It’s a thing we have around here,” he began, and Percy tilted his head. “The house beside yours belongs to Annabeth Chase, the most beautiful woman in the neighborhood. Dare I say, and any other person, the most beautiful woman in New York,” he explained, and something in his tone, again, seemed to put Percy on edge. Luke looked at the house he was talking about, the glint in his eyes with something much more distorted than what someone might mistake for affection. “Every single young man in the neighborhood had offered her their hand in marriage, and desperately wanted to wed her,” he told him, and Percy visibly winced. Luke didn’t notice.

Marrying someone for looks? Asking for their hand in marriage because they look pretty?

The discontentment was clear over Percy’s face. He was definitely going insane.

“She refused one by one, and yet they came back to ask her again. Expensive gifts, poems, songs; they tried to convince her with everything, anything they could buy and hand her,” the man continued, and Percy felt a pang of sympathy for whoever the woman was. What a tragic thing, to be seen as one more object those men could be handed and pay for. “One day, though, Miss Chase grew tired of all men knocking on her door and proposing ridiculous things. So, she made a challenge — whoever caught her cat and the key on the cat’s neck, would not be denied her hand in marriage. Since then, there’s been a whole thing trying to catch the animal: cages, traps, the most unhinged plans seen. No one could ever catch it.”

A wave of satisfaction rolled in his ears, and Percy made his very best not to let it trespass to his expression. He sympathized with the woman, and somehow was intrigued by her presence and the plan she had made — it was odd how she knew that the cat wouldn’t be caught, and yet a high risk to take if she didn’t want any of those men by her side.

Something, Percy thought, that no one could possibly blame her for. One needs to be pathetically vain to try and win someone’s heart as a prize, and not ever think about treasuring it as it should happen. And agreeing to go after a cat instead of just, perhaps, asking this Annabeth out and trying their luck by being normal people? Percy didn’t think that he would like a single soul in the neighborhood.

“They stopped coming to her house,” Luke carried on, taking Percy back from his thoughts and judgements. “And, to this day, everyone tries to catch the yellow cat with a hanging key and earn her love,” he concluded, and looked at Percy again, who was trying his best not to roll his eyes in front of his new neighbor. Those men could be trying to earn anything, but not her love. “We were all curious, then, as for who had taken the house closest to hers.”

Percy blinked, shaking his head.

“I have nothing to do with chasing cats and hanging keys, man, I can tell you that much,” he said. “I just got the house.”

“We all see it,” he said.

“And I would much rather the accusation stopped, Mr. Castellan, for I have no intention to add ‘trapping a cat’ to my routine,” Percy spoke, a little more serious. “I have nothing to do with this odd contest of yours, and I intend to keep it that way,” he explained.

Luke seemed a bit convinced. And a bit too smug for Percy’s liking.

“You’re a first, then,” the man said, and Percy arched an eyebrow. Luke sighed. “My apologies for the accusations, Mr. Jackson. The subject just tends to get on our nerves.”

“I figured,” Percy said. “If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Castellan; I’ve had a long day.”

The man nodded.

“Of course. Have a good afternoon,” he complied to Percy’s farewell, touching his hat and then turning around to leave the property. Percy watched him go for a few seconds, and then decided that it was too much to process standing at his doorstep.

He was intrigued, to say the least, about the whole scenario he had just been presented to. A woman with whom he couldn’t help but sympathize, being chased and wanted like some sort of prize for someone’s ego and pride. A cat that seemed to outsmart a whole neighborhood — though, after the whole story, Percy couldn’t believe it was that hard to do it —, and a bunch of grown adults who didn’t have anything better to do but to watch every person’s moves and doubt their smallest intentions.

Amazing. And he thought he’d find some peace by being back at his childhood town.

Read the rest on Ao3!

[manikasu-nyx]

post fair headaches | bloomic x reader

just got back from the fair with my s/o and my head is splitting so I thought why not write something while I’m tired?

content/characters: nightowl, quest, xyx, nakedtoaster, gender neutral reader, xyx is a little shit, toasty is tired, some product placement/advertising

nightowl:

just as fucked up as you honestly

both of your heads are pounding but for different reasons

the movement from the rides caught up with you

he’s not used to staying up that long in the daylight

you’re both glad when you collapse into bed when you get home

you both feel sweaty and sticky when you get home but neither of you have the energy to take a shower

so you just reheat your fair food and put on a movie until you pass out in each other’s arms

“Oh my god I am so tired,” you groan, kicking off your shoes in the doorway as nightowl does the same, the both of you then struggling to take your jackets off and not drop your food at the same time.

“You’re tired? I haven’t slept since this morning,” he says, walking past you and stretching, setting his bags of food and plushies down on the counter. Looking at it now, maybe you did go overboard on the games.

“Yes, that’s an uncommon occurrence for you,” you tease, kissing his forehead as you walk to his room, immediately rummaging through your luggage to find something to sleep in. “I smell like sweat and should shower but I’ll do that in the morning.”

“Amen to that, cutie,” he says, going over and pecking your forehead, before going over to his clothes and picking out something for himself to sleep in.

“Wanna reheat our food and play cheesy movies until we pass out?”

“Oh my god. You know me so well. I love you.”

“I love you too, dork.”

quest

his head hurts a little but he’s alright for the most part

spends the rest of the night taking care of you

gets you painkillers and runs you a bath

sits with you in the bathroom with incense flowing though the house

“it’s supposed to help with headaches, I think”

if the smell is too much he immediately puts it out

but for the sake of the fic that goes with this let’s say it’s light

“Okay, I think I have everything. I got something light for you to eat when you get out, and these are some warm towels when you’re ready to dry off,” Quest says, placing the towels down on the edge of the sink, before walking over and sitting down on the edge of the tub next to you, holding his hand out to you.

You place your hand in his own, giving a warm smile as he kisses your knuckles, rubbing them softly. “Quest, you’re too good for me,” you say, your hand sinking back under the bubbles, your head sinking down a bit more into it. The soft scent of peppermint flowed through the house, making you hum softly.

“Hey, Quest?”

“Yes, Angel?”

“You know what this peppermint smell makes me want?”

“…Hot chocolate?”

“You know me so well~” you say, leaning up and giving him a peck on the cheek, him adverting his eyes to the wall until you slipped back under the bubbles. What? He’s respectful.

“Sure thing, angel. I’ll go make us some hot chocolate. And maybe get The Nightmare Before Christmas ready too,” he says, adding a wink to the last part as he left the bathroom.

And that last sentence is when you knew you loved that man.

xyx

oh this man

this mother fucker

is somehow perfectly fine

probably IS the reason for your headache

gets you on shit that flips you upside down and sideways

gets you fucked up off inertia

you’re a mess when you get back home

and he’s still trying to get you to go out

it’s only when cat intervenes do his shenanigans stop

“C’mon, love, you’re okay! The night’s barely started, let’s go and do something else! I hear there’s concert near here starting soon, we can probably sneak in!” He says, walking around the room while you contemplate if the criminal charges of hitting him with a desk lamp are worth it.

“Xyx, I’ve already told you, I’m tired and my head is splitting. Go sneak in yourself, loser,” you reply, deciding to just pull a pillow over your head, trying to ignore the pulsating pain in your brain.

“It won’t be any fun without you there! Besides, I don’t want anyone feeling me up, I’m already taken by the best person on this planet~” he coos, flopping onto the bed and pulling you over, planting kisses wherever he can reach.

Just as you’re about to consider if the punishment for 3rd degree manslaughter is really that bad, Cat comes into the room, meowing softly and jumping up onto the bed, nuzzling their obnoxious owner’s arm.

“Oh, Cat! There you are. Maybe you can help me convince no-fun over here to go out?” He asks, scratching behind the feline’s ears as they meow again, purring softly.

“Oh wait, is your food bowl empty?” He asks quietly, picking Cat up and scurrying off to go check the state of their own little corner.

You have never been happier this man was a cat owner. Maybe pampering them will give you the quiet you need. For a little while, anyway.

When Xyx comes back, he finds you passed out on the bed, hugging the pillow you had been hiding with to your chest. He gives a soft smile, before pulling the blanket over you and going to fetch some water before you woke up.

He wasn’t a complete monster, after all.

nakedtoaster

they’re tired

just absolutely fucked up

he wanted to stay home and play the critically acclaimed mmorpg final fantasy vix that has a free trial and includes the entirety of a realm reborn and

but your puppy dog eyes broke his weak soul

they regret it immediately

the rides were kinda fun after he got done screaming at the first rollercoaster

but they’re so antisocial they don’t go to fairs often so that inertia hits them FAST

you go home and take care of him while he lays in bed regretting all of his life choices

“How you holding up?” You ask quietly, placing the cup of water and some painkillers down on the bedside table, rubbing his head gently as he groans into the pillow.

“Head… splitting. I want to sleep,” he says, the headache breaking his English. You nod sympathetically, moving his head onto your lap, which he complies with easily, looking over at the items on the bedside table.

“Did you at least have a little bit of fun while we were out there?” You ask, hoping this experience wasn’t completely horrible for them. They think for a minute, before turning to look up at you, taking your hand and holding it to their head, seemingly enjoying the pressure.

“Yes, I did. Once you get past the whole there-are-so-many-people-here and post-inertia headache stuff, anyway,” they said, reaching over to the painkillers and popping two in their mouth, swallowing the water after.

“Well, I’m glad. Next time we’ll pace ourselves, okay?” You suggest, holding your pinky out to him, a small smile on your face. He contemplates it, before reaching up and interlocking your pinkies together.

“You’re so good to me. Deal.”

“Only cause you deserve it~” you say, pecking his forehead as his cheeks become slightly dusted pink.

You sit with his head on your lap for a bit longer, him and his headache enjoying the calm, and making plans for less-taxing activities throughout the night.

[streaminn]

(I read the bit about Wenclair being apart so they could grow separately and healthily, and some creative liberties later, you get this!)

Wednesday knows this is her home.

But is it?

This is the building she agreed to live in with Enid, this is the land she agreed to grow flower beds and vegetables and fruit trees and memories on.

But can she call this her home?

Enid's lived here. Enid's brought over friends, family, the occasional stray so she can get it to the shelter the next morning because she's too empathetic to others plight, even the plight of animals. Enid picked out the furniture and pictures and color scheme. Enid decided what went where, decided the couch would be close to the window because she loves sitting in the sun while drinking her morning tea-

(an apple-citrus mix, 2 teaspoons of real sugar, cooled just enough that the warmth seeps through the ceramic of her mug and heats her hands. Wednesday got her that mug, a dog with a poorly photoshopped cat ear headband on it. Wednesday got it for her.)

-Enid decided to make a little room for her streams, in the far back of the house, far from the bedroom. 'So when you get back, you can sleep nice and cozy in case I'm streaming. I wouldn't want to wake you.' She'd said in a letter. Hand-written and lovingly stamped with a wax seal, shaped like a sun and moon.

Enid's asleep when Wednesday walks in. It's late; Enid's supposed to pick her up from the airport in 3 days but there was a cancelation on an earlier flight and Wednesday paid top dollar to get it. It was supposed to be a nice surprise for Enid: she didn't need to get up so early to get Wednesday, and she gets to sleep in.

But now that Wednesday's in Enid's house?

She feels like an intruder. An intruder in what was supposed to be their home.

She can't get mad at Enid. She can't. She couldn't be mad at Enid if Enid set all of Wednesday's possessions on fire. She'd kiss Enid's hand (big, strong, warm hand) and tell her wife that her luggage was rather heavy.

She can't be so cruel as to be mad at her wife for making decisions without her when she wasn't part of the picture.

There's a picture of them above the fireplace. The two of them smiling, their wedding.

She grabs the frame. Turns it over. There's writing on the back. Wednesday wrote it.

'To my most ineffable Enid, whom has me, mind, body, and soul. My heart beats for you, and my hand writes this for you. My lover. -Wednesday Addams.'

Is this even real anymore? She meant it- means it still.

But would Enid?

Enid grins so big in the picture. Wednesday wears a dark suit, a bright hydrangea pinned over her heart. It's pink and blue. Enid's in a revoltingly hot pink dress that reflected the lights of the wedding venue. There's a black satin petunia over her heart.

Does Enid feel the same anymore?

What if Enid fell out of love, fell in love with someone else? Someone better, more emotionally vulnerable and open and expressive?

What if Enid lied in her letters? Tried so hard to convince them both that they were in love, that she meant when she said she'd never leave Wednesday, through sickness and health. Through dark, thundering storm clouds and blinding bright sun?

What if Enid feels trapped, like she can't leave Wednesday? Wednesday has a reputation- what if Enid doesn't feel safe leaving?

There's a bang behind her, and some sad, scared part of Wednesday hopes it's the gun of another intruder of this home killing her. Hopefully they'd break over taking someone's life and leave Enid be.

When she feels powerful, warm arms ensnare her, she knows whatever gods there might be aren't taking mercy on her.

"Willa!"

There's arms around her and she's pressed against a strong, sturdy body.

There's a kiss to her cheek, and a hand on her belly and a hand turning her head for eye contact an-

"Wednesday- why are you back early? I mean, I am so happy- but why? You're flight wasn't for a few more da-"

Enid sees her tears, her holding of the framed photo that their both in, her scared, mourning face- mourning the home and marriage she shouldn't be privy to anymore because Enid's moved on without her, and she can't be blamed for that- Wednesday can't blame her. It was her choice to agree to leave, Enid said she needed to because Enid wouldn't have the strength to say no to her if she stayed.

What if that was a test? Enid trying to get her used to solitude again so it wouldn't hurt as bad when Wednesday received divorce papers?

"Willa, Willa hey- hey- got ya, I have you sweetheart." A kiss on her forehead.

"What's wrong, darlin'? Did i scare you? 'M sorry."

Enid's voice is rough with sleep. She's warmer than before. Maybe the blankets of her bed warmed her up.

Maybe she got naturally warmer and Wednesday wasn't there to bare witness to it.

"I'm so sorry." What else can she say?

"Are we getting divorced?"

"Do you still love me?"

"Did you find another?"

"Why?" It's Enid talking now. With her deep voice. Is deep the right word?

Her voice isn't thundering skies or roughed with gravel. It's soft. Smooth. A campfire: warm and bright and so dangerous and so healing all the same.

Enid's a living fire.

What if Wednesday's departure killed her flame?

"Why are you sorry, Wednesday?"

"I left you." She looks into the empty fire place. No logs. No ash. Nothing. Enid must've cleaned it so there wouldn't be soot in the air when Wednesday got home.

When Wednesday entered a building she didn't belong in.

"I left you and you lied about missing me in your letters and you found someone else- better, someone who was there for you when you needed- and- and- damn- I'm an intruder in your home and you're divorcing me and I should go-"

"No."

"En-"

"No."

Enid pulls her back into her lap when she tries to stand up. The frame is still in her hands.

"I love you, Wednesday Addams. I didn’t find another lover. I didn’t divorce you, I don't ever plan on divorcing you. I have not once lied in those letters, and I meant every pen-stroke of the declarations of love I put in them."

Enid's so big Wednesday can't wrap her arms around her. Not all the way.

Enid pushes her back ever so slightly, enough that those beautifully soft, warm hands can hold her face. Hold her face like she's something to be desired. Protected. Cherished.

Wanted.

With the carefulness of a painter adding the final touches to their magnum opus, Enid takes the frame out of her hands. Sits it on the ground.

"I am not leaving you. What brought this on?"

Wednesday wants to scream, childishly. She wants to scream and yell and throws thing because Enid isn't allowed to act like Wednesday didn't leave her alone and act like Wednesday is still deserving of Enid's forgiveness and warmth and love.

"I didn't pick any furniture."

Enid stares for a moment. If Wednesday wasn't tear stricken, she has no doubt Enid would tease her. Fondly, of course.

"Is that bad?..."

"No, I- no. But I didn't make memories here- you did. You have lived and grown in this house, the couch has worn-spots from you moving on it, the doorframe of the entrance has marks from you nailing up that stupid welcome sign- I wasn't here. I didn’t get to see these memories being made during a critical time of our lives, and I'm- I'm."

She feels her muscles tighten and constrict and she's a bowstring- ready to snap and fire and hurt someone.

"Easy," Enid whispers, "I'm here, I'm not leaving. And neither are you."

Enid kisses her again. On the lips this time. Her lips are rough and bitten; a bad habit she's had since Nevermore.

She takes the frame from the ground carefully.

"Give me a moment."

She watches as Enid pops the back of the frame open. Beautiful, hand-cut stone still just as strong and firm as the day it was made.

Enid takes a receipt out first. Sits it aside. Wednesday picks it up and reads it, if only to distract herself.

"Ajax's stone cutting!"

230.57

"Thanks Ajax! :) -Enid"

"Thank you, Ajax. Truly. -Wednesday."

"Here," Enid hands her paper. "I was gonna show when you got home -and yes, this is your home too- but I think now is more important. Though, you totally ruined my surprise! I went and got red wine and strawberry ice-cream in the freezer to celebrate you coming home!"

Enid's tone is full of fake hurt. It's calming to know she's barely changed.

Wednesday likes red wine. Reminds her of blood and Enid's scars. She used to love Belladonna berries. Black, deadly berries are perfect for her.

Now, strawberries and blueberries are her favorite.

She opens the paper.

"Wednesday, you mean more to me than anything. I know we bicker and we've had fights, but I think- I was right when I said you just needed someone to listen to you. You just needed someone to look past the knives and murder and threats and see the beautiful, incredibly caring person you are. You almost cried when Eugene almost died, you were so hurt when I left to room with Yoko, you let me hug you and hugged me after everything. Part of me hates that you don't show that care to anyone else (except Eugene, you both know you'd give up a grudge for him) but part of me, a selfish, needy part, loves that you only let me see it. Sometimes, when you're threatening someone and I see their fear, I smile because they didn't get to see you take care of me when I got sick, when that depressive episode hit me during 2nd year, when I hated myself and was figuring myself out. I'm not good with words like you are. I wish I was. But, honestly? It doesn't matter. What good are words when you're indescribable? I would follow you off cliffs and the beaten path and into dark, spooky and kooky caves. Full of bats, spiders, bugs, and whatever other creepy crawlies are in caves. I'm sure you know them by heart.

I love you Wednesday Addams, and I'm sorry words aren't good enough to show my love the way I want.

-Enid Addams.

(P.S. maybe not spiders. I love you a lot but ewwww! :() <-(isa duck!!!))"

"Enid..."

"This is my home." Enid presses a finger to Wednesday's heart, claws retracted.

"I would follow you into the sun, and I'd follow you into the forest, and on stage, and into little mom-and-pop shops that know how to fix your typewriter."

Enid takes her hand sweetly, presses an even sweeter kiss to her pulse point of her wrist. Her knuckles.

"I love you. I loved you in Nevermore, I loved you separated by miles, and I love you as you sit in my lap. I. Love. You."

Wednesday stares at the paper again. It's probably the first time in her life Enid's used proper punctuation. Mostly. She doubts duck emoticons written by hand count as proper.

"I love you as well. Always."

"Good, 'cuz you can't get rid of me."

"I would never want to."

Enid grins, challenged.

""Never"? What if i ate all your ice-cream?"

"I'd bury you alive in a ditch."

"Wow. Really feelin' the love here, honey."

Wednesday kisses her nose.

She's in their home. With her wife. In their living room. With her wife.

"Now, can we pretty please go to bed? I'm tried and half naked and you're not warm not all and I'd prefer to not freeze my ass off."

"Hmmm. That would be a shame. It is a lovely ass."

"Hey! My eyes are up here!" Enid huffs.

"Good to know," Wednesday circles Enid playfully, a moment of silliness, "unfortunately, I'm admiring your ass."

"Willa!"

It's only in the morning, well rested for the first time in years, does it hit Wednesday how lucky she is.

Enid's asleep beside her, face glowing in the sunlight that peeks from dark curtains, drooling on her pillow. Her hand is over Wednesday's body, wedding ring reflective like Enid's wedding dress.

Enid's body warmth has even Wednesday's chilly skin heated.

She kisses Enid's beautiful face. Her nose scrunchs up adorably.

This is her home. Enid is her home.

She agrees with Enid.

She'd follow Enid into stores and shop for bright pink clothing, and follow her into loud conventions for games she doesn't care about but Enid does so she does too, and follow her on stages for the world to see her love burn likes the stars, and she'd follow Enid to bed they share in the home they share on the land they share.

Wednesday wasn't there to watch Enid rub spots into the couch from her moving, she wasn't there to watch Enid fall to put a nail into the doorway for her stupid wrlcome sign 17 times in a row.

But Wednesday will be there to watch Enid stub her toe and dramatically complain for a day and half, she'll be there to help Enid grow watermelons and apples and citrus for snacks and tea and health, she'll be there to watch Enid cry over K-dramas and listen to how that makes no sense, those two are soulmates and-

Wednesday will be there for it all.

She will.

She kisses Enid's cheek to rouse her.

It's a new day.

(This got so much longer than I intended. Hope you enjoy!)

I'M GONNA CRY, LEMME PLAY UP SOME MUSIC AND WRITE ENID'S POV SOMETIMES AFTER THIS BC ANON THIS BEAUTIFUL AND I LOVE IT SO SO MUCH WTF

You're gonna make me write the streamer Enid au with this shit oml, it's beautiful and I love it so much

--

Endespair doesn't stream for two months, chat notes.

There's a ruckus in the discord and like children missing their parent, they screamed into the abyss for attention. They didn't receive it and so they sucked it up like adults and just wondered if the realization of not dating esteemed author Wednesday Addams is too much and she died.

Pssshaw! Funny joke deeznuts240!

....

Okay but hopefully not, their streamer isn't that weak willed right?

It isn't unusual for the werewolf to drop off the face of the earth at times but dammit they had a routine! She streams everyday, they offer money and support.

Sure she leaves for a day or three, maybe a week but not two months. Can you really blame the community for buzzing in apprehension and dread the moment the third week passed with no notice?

The world isn't that dangerous for outcasts nowadays right? some mutter. She better have a good reason! Some cry. If she comes back with an injury istg I'm dropping all my savings, one sobs.

Woah pump the breaks, another chimes.

Yknow Enid doesn't like that! And the others agree with those words. I'm sure she just fell into hibernation or smth

Do werewolves even go through hibernation? One wonders. It's legit early spring smth, way too early even so

Most shrug. Idfk but it's endespair, she's wack as hell

Chat tumbles into a whole discourse on whether or not werewolves hibernate or if it's an endespair thing. Meanwhile, Yoko who has been watching the whole thing shakes her head.

"this is your community, Enid?" she mutters, before huffing out a smile when a notif for another hundred gifted pops up. "atleast we know they can support you if you ever go broke."

Safe to say when Enid streams again a day later, chat is furious. Well, as furious as a pack of puppies can be atleast.

They're a clingy bunch, this chat and Enid has never been greatful she got a wholesome albeit teasing community. Sure she got shot with her own loaded nerf gun that she forgot existed but it's all fun and games.

There's cries of finally back with the milk!! Oml she's ALIVE!?? Ldespair left us all aloneeee :(

Spams of L litter chat and Enid's laugh makes it pause for a moment. Man, even if they don't outright say it they did miss their streamer. Horrible fashion sense and all.

She feels different, some realize. Her eye bags are gone and she looks like she's glowing. Not literally of course but through vibes alone.

A chime of someone donating ten thousand has Enid sputtering out her drink. It spoke, uncaring off the heaving mess it left the streamer behind.

"Endespair did you hear that lycoan curse is getting adapted!?"

It's no wonder chat grapples onto that announcement immediately because while they're Endespair fans first, they were Viper stans second. Clammor comes, throwing opinions and joy that it has Enid leaning back and reading.

Then a message pops into her screen and Enid's cup hides the smile that grows.

Willamarryme?

> I didn't expect them to miss you this much. It's reminding me of a pack of dogs

^ certainly loyal like them too if your bank statements say anything

Eneedyou <3

> would totes leave for another month if this is how welcoming they are

> also PASSIVE INCOME BABEYY

Willamarryme?

> you're incorrigible

> what would your pack think if they knew you were saying such things?

Eneedyou <3

> always said I'd throw everything away just to spend time with you :)

^ not my fault I keep my word😜

---

Joking aside, Enid makes it a community stream and plays games with chat

Enid's two month hiatus is just her and Wednesday going into a routine and them overall having fluffy slice of life, domestic vibes bc they are married and they deserve such peace :)

Also to the anon who writes this pls tag yourself or if you're willing, I'll name you writer anon bc YOU DESERVE IT FPR ALL THIS EFFORT IT'S SO GOOD HOLY SHIT

[fayegumi]

Umino Mitsuki moi-même

From Feburary Graph 2023

Umino Mitsuki

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

In a time like this, what would she do? Various questions with two possible answers, let’s have a look at this lovely musumeyaku!

Questions

You have until tomorrow to create a hair arrangement!! But you’re exhausted today. What do you do?

Stay up all night and do it.

Sleep for now, wake up early and do it.

Stay up all night and do it (laughs) ! Especially during rehearsals, I’ll do it once, then again to fix it up... That’s my routine, so if I don’t get a start on it early, I’ll start fretting over it. There’s also a lot of times where I’ll work through the night, only for the sun to start to rise, but if I have 3 hours I’ll still sleep (laughs). 

2. What will you wear tomorrow?

Decide the day before

Wake up early and decide based on how you feel

When I have a photo shoot or something I’ll decide early, but during mornings with nothing going on, I’ll start by deciding on my hair. I’m mostly in rehearsals, so my highest priority is deciding what hairstyle I’ll have during rehearsals that day. However, when I’m getting into my role, my hairstyle will have the same type of vibe everyday, so to match my hair and earrings, I also change what I’m wearing. Depending on what role I have, my clothing taste will inevitably be decided by that.

3. Morning routine?

Get going immediately

Relax for now

When I wake up I immediately brew coffee, does that count as getting going immediately? (laughs) But drinking it is my time to lay back, so I guess it’s more relaxing. My cat will also wake me up sometimes, so recently I wake up super early. Even if rehearsals are at 1 o’clock, I’ll wake up at 7 or 8. Because I hate rushing (laughs), I make plenty of time to get ready to leave. 

4. Breakfast?

Japanese food

Western food

I boil vegetables without seasoning in advance, then that day depending on my mood I’ll add it to miso or consomme, so would that be Japanese food or Western food? Ah, but, in order to avoid iron deficiency, lately I’ve been eating meat for breakfast. I eat roast beef made from grass fed beef (cows raised on only grass) garnished with baby leaves so maybe more so Western food. I eat rice but also don’t. I make onigiri and bring it to the theater to eat before rehearsals.

5. Leaving for rehearsals!

I bring just what I need !

Paranoid... so I over pack...

My day-to-day luggage is the minimum, but in case something happens I have a bunch of spare leotards and skirts in my theater locker. So I have ultra-large luggage on the first day of rehearsals (laughs).

6. Tomorrow you have the day off for the first time in a while!

Ya-y! I’m gonna stay up late!

I want to do some things from the morning so I’ll go to sleep early

I do both of these~! I like movies, so if there’s stuff I want to watch I’ll stay up until 1 or 2 A.M., but despite that I’ll still wake up early, so I guess B. Especially on days off I don’t really sleep and wake up early and get done all the housework I can do!

7. You’re going to spend the whole-day at home!

Don’t leave the house all day

Go outside for a bit for fresh air

I won’t leave (laughs). During stay at home I did a lot of de-cluttering and rearranging and my ventilation got better, so spending time at home is a lot more pleasant. There’s a chair and table on my veranda, so if I want fresh air I’ll relax there. During days where I’m at home all day I will watch movies and YouTube and do my meal prep. 

8. You’re going out today. What will you do?

Stick to a plan

Go as heart your heart desires

Before I leave my house, I make a precise plan. Even if I can’t find clothes I want to buy in my allotted time, it’s a waste of time to just continue wandering looking for it, I’ll just go buy something online and move onto my next plan (laughs). If there’s something I’ve decided I want beforehand, I’ll call ahead to see if they have it in-stock then head out. During times when I have nothing but 1 day off, some level of effort is important (laughs).

9. If you’re going out...

Hands down, go alone

Invite someone out

Alone (immediate response). I think it would be impossible to date me, maybe (laughs). If I do go out shopping with someone, it’s about Costco level (laughs). If we go out for tea or food, you don’t decide on a time to leave and stay for hours, but that’s hard to do right now...

10. You found a piece of clothing you like♡

Bought it!

Look at other stores and carefully decide

There’s of course times where I took my time to decide, but other than that, there’s a lot of times where I think, “I want this!” then buy it. There’s times where it got to the point I wouldn’t even look at the price and buy it (laughs).

11. If you start to get hungry?

Go into a restaurant alone

Go home

I bear the hunger, and eat once I get home. Because if I didn’t I’d mess up my schedule and I hate that (laughs). It’s different when I include lunch time in my schedule from the start, but if that’s not the case, I feel like it’s time wasted ordering and then waiting for the food.

12. Today is all you can eat! What do you take on?

Yakiniku

Sweets

I think if this was a while ago I would answer sweets, but lately I’ve been all about eating healthy foods. I’ve always loved meat, and it really hasn’t been the best situation to go out to eat in, so if I were able to do all you can eat, hands down yakiniku. If I say I’m gonna eat, then I can eat quite a bit. I also love rice, so after eating a bunch of meat, I’d want to top it off with some rice.

[serafiel-jacobs]

Cinders (Fanfic)

New chapter from my main series 🩷

“Pinocchio, Pinocchio wake up already” Gemini was scolding him, it was already 12 pm.

“Just a little more,” Pinocchio said in a drowsy voice while snuggling more into his covers.

“You have your lesson with Lady Antonia at 2 pm” Gemini got on top of his head, jumping up and down to make him get up, “You have to get ready already”

“Gemini let me sleep” Pinocchio was annoyed but gave in and decided to get ready.

“You have been oversleeping a lot lately” Gemini gave out a sigh, “You have to be responsible about this”

“I just really like sleeping” Pinocchio was getting ready while talking, “It’s um, I don’t know how to explain but it feels very good”

Pinocchio wasn’t able to sleep when he first came to be, but when he gave Sophia life again he fell asleep and when he woke up he felt so much better, by the time he had faced Simon he constantly felt exhausted even if he didn’t know that physically he was fine. Then he wasn’t able to sleep again, it was odd but he thought maybe he only fell asleep because of Sophia.

But then he gained the ability to sleep again out of nowhere, he doesn’t understand it but he doesn’t question it anymore.

“I like dreaming” Most of the time, he still has nightmares sometimes, awful that the first dream he ever had was a nightmare.

But his other dreams are always so nice and pleasant, it makes him feel good but also safe, he often dreams of his loved ones and that’s why he likes it so much. Sometimes he dreams strange things, like being in some strange place like a field or inside a building but despite being alone in those dreams he doesn’t feel scared, it feels weirdly nostalgic for some reason.

He has started to write a few of his dreams in his diary, it’s fun to describe them.

“Well, dreaming does look like it’s relaxing” Gemini doesn’t sleep, he just enters his rest mode and can “wake up” when he wants to, “But you can’t oversleep all the time”

“Gemini dreams are just… special”

“I understand Pinocchio but dreams are just dreams” Gemini knows that his best friend is just enjoying life, Pinocchio enjoys even the most simple things about it, “You have to eat something now”

“You are not my father Gemini,” Pinocchio said in a playful tone.

Both of them laughed and Pinocchio finished getting ready, he ate and waited for a bit, before making his way to see his mother.

——

Pinocchio had just finished his lessons, and he wanted to spend some time with his mother but she had matters to attend to managing the hotel.

The boy made his way towards the exit when he saw someone was having trouble at the Hotel Lobby, a girl who was carrying too much luggage by herself.

“Do you need help?” Pinocchio asked but he grabbed some of that luggage without waiting for an answer, as she was about to drop them.

“Oh you don’t have to” The girl smiled at him, “But thank you so much, since you already have”

“Are you here on vacation?” Pinocchio wanted to start a conversation, but she looked a bit stressed.

“Well, not really a vacation, my family is here to attend some private matters” The girl gave out a sigh because she knew that truly she would be the only one to not have fun and only work. “Oh but where are my manners? My name is-“

“Cinderella!”

Cinderella turned around, her sister Drizella was calling for her.

“Our room is ready, come here and take our bags to our room!” Drizella shouted at her.

Anastasia signals to her expectantly and Lady Tremaine, her stepmother gives her the cool dead look of dissatisfaction.

“It was nice to meet you” Cinderella’s voice showed her sadness and she took the luggage and left with her family.

Pinocchio watched her leave and couldn’t help to feel bad, but he didn’t know her family, maybe they were just stressed from their trip?

Before Pinocchio made his way back home, he looked for Spring, wanting to say a proper goodbye. The cat had become even more affectionate towards him, his mother says that he is Spring’s little hero.

When he finally found Spring, it was odd, her cheeks weren’t supposed to be this big…

“Spring!” Pinocchio grabbed the cat, “Spit it out! Spit it out!” he shouted at her as he shook her.

The cat had no choice but to comply, a tiny brown mouse emerged from her mouth and Pinocchio grabbed it, holding it gently in his hands.

“Bad kitty! Bad!”

Spring just turned around and waved her tail in frustration.

“Pinocchio let’s go outside and leave the poor thing there” Gemini knows that it’s best to set it free, but it’s odd to see a mouse, Lady Antonia takes great care of this place, no way are there any pests in here.

The tiny mouse shook his head over and over again, trying to speak to them.

“Uhhh are you someone’s pet?” Gemini asked.

The mouse nodded, even though he wasn’t technically a pet, he was a friend.

After a game of charades, the mouse explained who he was looking for, a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing clothes that resembled those of a maid.

“You mean Cinderella?” Pinocchio was glad he had heard her name before she left.

The mouse nodded again enthusiastically.

Pinocchio made his way to the front desk, Polendina was there and he asked him if he could tell him which room Cinderella was in.

“Unfortunately Pinocchio, room information is something private between the guests, but I could send someone to fetch her and tell her to come to the lobby,” Polendina said in his usual polite tone.

Polendina did so, and a few minutes later, Cinderella was back in the Hotel Lobby, and soon as he saw the mouse in Pinocchio’s hands she rushed toward him.

“Oh Jaq! Was so worried when I couldn’t find you” Cinderella took him and now Jaq was in her hands, “What happened to your clothes?”

Pinocchio and Polendina turned to look at Spring, who proceeded to simply hiss at them.

Cinderella laughed, “Oh don’t worry I don’t hold any ill will, a cat must do what cats do”

Spring perked up after that, rubbing herself in between Cinderella’s legs.

“Miss Cinderella, please forgive this inconvenience” Polendina was apologetic, specially since Hotel Krat does allow pets to stay, would have been a disaster if Pinocchio hadn’t noticed.

“It’s alright, no harm done in the end,” Cinderella said with a smile. It reminded her a little of Lucifer’s antics, that cat is a little mischievous as well.

“I could give you some small clothes” Pinocchio has a few clothes for Gemini in his Hotel room.

“You are very kind”

——-

Pinocchio handed her down a small red shirt, and since Jaq is a slim mouse it fit him perfectly.

The mouse began to talk to Cinderella. Pinocchio and Gemini could almost seem to understand him, but they couldn’t make it out correctly.

“Oh of course you look wonderful Jaq!” Cinderella was in a better mood now.

“You can talk with animals?!” Pinocchio was excited, he had never seen someone do so and the princesses in his books talk with them.

“Well more or less,” Cinderella began to explain, “Jaq and the other mice have their language, as for others, well I do not fully understand the words, but I do seem to understand what they mean”

“That’s so cool, just like a real princess”

“I could only dream of such honor”

“Dreams are so fun, I told you Gemini!” Pinocchio took his cage and set it on the table, Gemini jumped to Pinocchio’s shoulder to join in better in the conversation.

“They are fun Pinocchio but like I said, it’s bad to oversleep”

“Dear, dreams are more than just fun” Cinderella put Jaq next to her shoulder, mimicking how Gemini was standing in Pinocchio.

“Really?!” Pinocchio was so happy; no one ever talks to him about dreams.

Cinderella felt happy, she liked this boy so kind, so full of life. It reminded her of when she was a child, before her father passed away, she has changed some much since then, she doesn’t mind her new calm demeanor, but she wishes it didn’t come because she had to mature so fast.

Something about this boy seemed… a little different, she could hear him, rather she could hear the sound of springs coming from him.

“Is something wrong?” Pinocchio was worried, Cinderella had stayed quiet for too long.

“Please forgive me” She apologized, “Maybe I am daydreaming, I could have sworn I heard the sound of machines inside your body”

“Huh? How did you know?!” Pinocchio was stunned, that hadn’t happened since he fought against… the white lady, it made Pinocchio feel sad.

“So you really are a puppet?!” Cinderella was stunned, she had seen plenty of puppets ever since she arrived at Krat, and her sisters kept talking about them.

“Mother, why don’t we get one? To help with chores?” Anastasia had asked.

“We do not need them, we have Cinderella,” Her stepmother said bluntly.

A little help on the house chores would have been appreciated…

“Well yes but actually no” Pinocchio gave her the short version of the answer.

“You must have some musical talent Cinderella, impressive that you could hear them” Gemini chirped.

“I enjoy singing from time to time, but I am not an expert or that good” Cinderella was underestimating her talent.

Jaq began to speak again and even made motions to motivate Cinderella.

“Thank you Jaq, you are always so kind to me”

“Can you tell me more about dreams?” Pinocchio had little stars in his eyes.

“A dream is a wish your heart makes” Cinderella had become even more radiant, her shy demeanor completely gone. “Dreams can come true if you keep believing”

“What kind of wish?” If Pinocchio had a tail, he would be wagging it right now.

“If you tell a wish you won’t come true silly”

They wanted to keep the conversation going, but Polendina said that Cinderella’s family was calling for her, and unfortunately their conversation had to be cut short.

——

The next day, Pinocchio overslept again, this time his father was the one to wake him up.

“Son, wake up” It was time for a lesson, Geppetto takes time off work to teach his son about different things, “You need to learn more about history”

This time, Pinocchio got up with that much resistance, as he loves it when his father teaches him things, well he loves to learn im general but it’s special when his father does it.

Geppetto deep down knows that Pinocchio would be able to learn things more constantly if he was enrolled in school but he wants to be there for him as much as he can and he is happy homeschooling his son. He also knows that he feels this way because of his regrets when raising Carlo but he is self-aware enough to not let this affect the way he teaches his son about things.

When they were done, Geppetto suggested that they both go together to the beach and spend some time together bonding as father and son.

——-

Lady Tremaine isn’t fond of beaches, but her daughters annoyed her until she gave in, and she makes Cinderella do the hard work of giving them food and tending to their needs.

She had come to Krat only because her daughters were left an inheritance, she had a relative living in Krat who recently passed away, and her daughters were fond of them, but she wasn’t. Anastasia and Drilleza are under the impression that she is the one to hold the money until she dies, in reality, the money was given directly to them, but Lady Tremaine isn’t going to let them know that, as long as she gives them money here and there, they won’t suspect a thing.

“We must head back to the Hotel” Lady Tremaine doesn’t like the sun, she wants to leave already, in fact, they will leave first thing in the morning, she is just here for the money.

“Cinderella, fetch us a carriage”

Cinderella did as she was told, but the place was extremely filled with people, and the only carriage available did not have space for all of them.

“Cinderella has to stay behind,” Drizella said in a snarky tone.

“Yes Cinderella, is going to have to find another carriage” Anastasia joined her sister.

“Unfortunately Cinderella this must be the case,” Lady Tremaine said.

“But-“

“Silence!”

Cinderella kept quiet, she knew better than to defend herself. Her stepmother handed her a small amount of money.

“You better not waste this, I counted and I expect the exact change” Lady Tremaine stared at her with hatred in her eyes.

“I understand” Cinderella’s voice was low, barely finding her voice.

Her family left, it would take a while before she would be able to get a way home. Cinderella walked around, she just wanted to get her thoughts away from the situation.

“Jaq I don’t know what to do” Cinderella had sadness in her voice.

She is smart, she knows that her stepmother is taking advantage of her, that she is using her as a maid when the home belongs to her when the money her father left her should be rightfully hers, she is an adult but is unable to claim it, as her stepmother has hidden all the important documents she will need to reclaim it.

And even if she did so, she doesn’t have the heart to quick her out, her father loved that woman, and her stepmother didn’t act the same way she treats her now, that is, in front of her father, but when she father passed away, there was no reason to hide her true colors, yet she still feels like she would be betraying her father if she makes her leave the home.

Not to mention poor Drizella and Anastasia, they weren’t always like this, they used to be kind, genuinely kind, Cinderella was specially close to Anastasia, as children they would bond together. But her stepmother spoiled them until they become rotten girls like they are now, but Cinderella knows deep down that they are good people, she doesn’t have the heart to leave them without a home.

Cinderella kept walking, too consumed by her thoughts to pay proper attention to her surroundings. Ending up in a place where no one else was to be found.

“Take the girl, she looks like a maid, no one will miss her”

Cinderella had no time to react to what she just heard, she felt someone grab her and before she knew it, she was dragged away somewhere else.

——

Cinderella was unconscious, Jaq had to do something, he had hidden under her clothes and saw how they shoved her inside of those boats that were on shore.

Being small, he managed to fit under a hole in the door that held her captive, he ran and ran until he found the exit, once on the beach he panicked, he desperately tried to get the attention of others but no one paid attention, some even tried to step on him.

He started to feel like it was all hopeless until he saw a familiar face and rushed towards him and climbed on top of them.

“Huh, Jaq?” Pinocchio recognized him and held him in his hand. “Is Cinderella nearby?”

“Is she a friend of yours son?” Geppetto asked.

There was no time to answer, Jaq frantically began to make gestures and move his hands, it didn’t take them long to understand.

“Someone kidnapped her?!” Pinocchio shouted this was bad, really bad.

“We have to save her” Gemini knows that they need to act quickly.

Jaq pointed at one of the boats, it was a big one and it looked like it was abandoned by its state, no one ever went close to it.

Pinocchio drew in his weapon, he always carries one just in case. They decided it was best for Jaq to stay with Geppetto as they already knew how to find her.

“Son, be careful” Geppetto knows what his son is capable of, but as a father, he still worries about him.

Pinocchio nodded and made his way towards the boat.

[enhaloverss]

Chapter 1 - Do you hate me?

There we are, the day I’m being transferred is here. I can’t believe I’m actually leaving Beauxbâtons to go to Hogwarts. Everything sounds so weird to me, new school, new friends, new classes. I can’t lie I’m actually stressed about it all and not ready for this new chapter of my life to begin but I don’t really have a choice do I?

If only my brother didn’t go to Hogwarts and didn’t get fired for mysterious reasons.

Yes, I’m being transferred because of this idiot of a brother I have. Sam. He is two years older than me and he got expelled from Hogwarts a few months ago. My parents never knew why, the professors all claim that he was an ‘unstable’ child, and they’re not wrong tho, but my parents believe there’s something fishy about it all, so they’re sending me there to try and find more about it.

I told them it was a stupid idea and it was probably gonna get me fired too but for some reasons they believe I’m smarter than him and won’t get caught. What they don’t know is that I’m not planning to play the detectives at all. If I’m moving schools it’s to actually enjoy my time here and meet new people, what Sam did is honestly not problem, if he wants to fuck up his school years then the floor is his but I’m not gonna make the same mistakes.

The loud screeching of the train’s wheels is taking me out of my daydreaming. I’m on the platform ready to embark for my first year at Hogwarts, which is the third one there by the way. I would have rather entered the school in first year like everybody else but we can’t control everything I guess, even more when your parents are separated and one lives in France while the other lives in England.

When our parents divorced, Sam and I got separated too, he went in England with our father and I went in France with our mother, which explains why we didn’t go to the same schools.

A door opens right before me and hope on, trying to get my excessively heavy luggage in.

Once I do, I start trailing in the corridor, looking for an empty cabinet I could find peace in to enjoy my trip.

After what seems like an eternity, I stumble upon one, open the door and engulf myself inside. I drop my bag on the couch of one side and put my cat beside me. One great thing about Hogwarts that we couldn’t have in Beauxbâtons is our pets. I sit on the couch letting a sigh I’ve been holding for a century and close my eyes, this year is gonna be something, I can feel it.

I open my eyes to a voice entering my precious space and getting me out of my princess sleep.

I look up to see a girl, apparently struggling as much as I was to get her things in.

-Hum, do you need a hand?

She turns her head and looks at me in surprise before breaking into a wide smile.

-Oh, hum yeah thanks I’d like that, I didn’t see you here, sorry if bothered you.

-No it’s fine.

I got up to help her put her things in the cabinet (where it could fit because damn the girl had at least a hundred kilos of clothes), and she sits in front of me; extending her hand.

-I’m Violet, nice to meet you!

I shake her hand before introducing myself.

-Y/n, nice to meet you too.

-I’ve haven’t see you around, are you in first year, you seem older than that.

-No, I’m actually gonna start my third year, I’m being transferred from Beauxbâtons, I thought I was gonna be in first year but both schools decided and I had the knowledge needed to continue where I stopped.

-Oh that’s cool! I’m also in third year! Maybe we’ll be in the same house after your sorting.

Oh, the sorting, I almost forgot about that detail. I honestly think the idea behind is cool but honestly, putting a hat on my head in front of everyone for it tell my deepest secrets to the entire world (I may be a bit exaggerating but that’s what it felt like to me), is not really my thing.

I let out a sigh and let me head fall on the cushion behind me, while Violet grins before giggling quietly.

-Don’ t worry y/n, It’s gonna go well, it’s a bit stressful but I promise it only lasts like 2 seconds.

-Yeah? God I’m suddenly missing Beauxbâtons’ sorting method.

-By the way, why are being transferred?

-My parents made me, because of my brother, Sam.

-Wait, you’re Sam’s sister? Sam y/l/n? The Fourth year Ravenclaw that got expelled last year?

-It is me yeah, and yes that idiot is my brother.

-Oh I see, this is gonna be really interesting, Jungwon is sure not gonna like you.

-Excuse me, who?

-Jungwon. He’s in third year too this year, he’s a Gryffindor. Don’t ask me why but your brother and him despised each other, I heard that it was because of the Quidditch, your brother was on Ravenclaw’s team and he is on Gryffindor’s team. They spent the whole first two years bickering with each other about who was gonna win the cup, and when your brother got expelled Jungwon got all cocky saying they were gonna win now.

-I see, I have some stuff to dig in, but I’m gonna make sure this kid understands we are not the same person and he has no reason to hate me, and if he still does I guess I’ll have to apply to be in the Quidditch team, make him see how talented we are in the family.

Violet’s eyes opened wide before she bursted out laughing.

-I like that y/n, keep up that attitude and you’ll make my school year 10 times more exciting.

-I take that as a compliment.

The rest of the travel got by pretty fast, with Violet telling me all about the drama between my brother and this Jungwon guy, and it was honestly amusing. I just hope he doesn’t cause me trouble.

Arriving at Hogwarts was actually truly fucking amazing, Sam didn’t lie to me about that one for sure. We went to the castle by carriage in the forest and even if it was a bit cold, the ride was really appreciable. I’ve always liked the cold breeze on my face more than the sun.

When we arrived we were told our baggage would be taken to the hall and to the rooms, mine right after my sorting.

We entered the halls and a lot of students were already there, sitting on the tables, not caring at all about the sorting but only about the delicious buffet that was gonna take place after. The director, Dumbledore, an old man with a long white beard, asked for the silence and started giving his speech welcoming all of the new students. He look ahead of him and stared at me for a few second before diverting his eyes somewhere else in the crowd. Looks like someone already knows who I am.

Then, Professor McGonagall, apparently a brilliant woman by the say of my brother, explained how the sorting was gonna go. Once she was done, she took out a list and before I could understand that she said my name, all eyes turned on me, not the first year of course, and I knew it was time.

I breathed in and walked to the chair in front of the director, before turning around and sitting.

Then, I felt the sorting hat being put on my head, and seconds later it started to speak.

-Hum, I see, a y/l/n. But you are different from your brother on a lot of points. I see loyalty, for your friends and family, you’re not scared to protect the people you love. But you are on the contrary really accepting, you have a high moral and you’re not afraid to say when something is wrong or right. Hard work is also important for you and you strongly believe that you have nothing without working for it. I think I know where to put you…

I closed my eyes and breathed out, ready to hear the sorting hat decide my fate.

-Hufflepuff!!!

I guess it’s not that bad, I like Hufflepuff, from what I know from it.

I stood and started walking towards my table before hearing a voice I knew well know.

-Y/n!!

Standing right next to the Hufflepuff’s table was Violet, a smile on her face, waving her hand at me.

I smiled back and went to her, giving her a hug. We sat next to each other right before the buffet appeared. A long and never ending table of stuffed pies, rotisserie chickens, mashed potatoes, veggies, fruits, candies, cookies and so much more. Violet and I looked at each other before digging in and getting ourselves some well deserved food.

-You’re also in Hufflepuff I’m so happy, we’re gonna have all of our classes together!

-I know, I’m really happy to have at least one friend already, and actually, you were right, the sorting wasn’t that bad.

-See, told you.

-The only bad thing about it is the smell of the hat. I honestly don’t know if they washed that thing at last once in the past century.

We both laughed at that and we were enjoying the dinner, getting the know the other person I was gonna share the school year with, when I felt like someone was staring at me. I mean, a lot of people were staring at me at first but then went on with their lives, I wasn’t the main attraction, only the sister of some dude who got expelled, nothing to get excited about. But I could feel like someone was still staring at me, you know the kind of stare you can feel burning holes through your head. I turned around, trying to find the culprit when my eyes landed on the table of the Gryffindors, and on one particular boy. He was delicate looking, with sharp eyes but soft features.

Violet who was talking to me noticed I wasn’t paying attention anymore and turned around to see me having a staring contest with the boy, before I turned around to face her again.

-Don’t tell me anything, Jungwon isn’t it?

-Yep, seems like he’s already curious about the sister of his arch nemesis.

I playfully elbowed her and rolled my eyes at her comment. Seems like this year is gonna be full of drama.

[brightlight-dazzlingeyes]

the french exit | epilogue

kylian mbappé x original female character [+18]

synopsis: alice is a lonely rich girl whose biggest fear is to become a lonely rich woman. ever since they moved to paris, her fiancé doesn’t seem to be interested in her anymore. so alice decides to find comfort in the arms of another man. warnings: cheating; angst; smut; i have never been to france; minors dni.

previous chapter | masterlist

Epilogue

Life is easier when you're in love. When you feel understood and connected to another person. Alice goes home everyday to her favorite person in the world, and she doesn't have to ask: he’s always there, he’s always looking at her and understanding her. And loving her back. 

The guilt still creeps up on her, naturally. It comes sometimes in the shape of a nightmare, she jumps in bed in a cold sweat in the middle of the night and gets too scared to sleep again. Liar. Other times is during the day, under the sun, when, for a second, she thinks she forgot her engagement ring before leaving the house. And then she remembers. Liar.

A week before the date of the wedding, David announces through social media that he’s dating someone else – a French woman who works at his office – and Alice is reminded that she wasn’t alone in her wrongdoings. It was a group project. A sinful ballad played by four people. Liars.

But life is easier, still. Because she’s in love. Cat has a name now, it’s Renoir. The name was chosen after the kitten completely destroyed a homonyms book that described the famous painter's work and used to sit at the coffee table in the living room. Alice interpreted it as a sign and treats baby Renoir as the proper artist he is, ever since.

Alice is suspicious that Renoir likes Kylian more than he likes her, but she can’t blame the kitten for it, since she makes him watch a lot of PSG matches with her. It makes sense that he would nurture some sort of admiration for the talented player.

“I want you to meet my family.” Kylian asks one day, over breakfast. “I want to meet your family as well, I want us to be official.” He’s holding her hand. “I guess what I’m really asking is: do you want to be my girlfriend?”

She does, so she says yes. It’s different this time, being someone’s girlfriend, they have been living together for months, if you count the first time she brought a toothbrush and a luggage to the apartment, and you really should count since then. They are intimate with each other, they share dark secrets already, so early into the relationship and they know each other so well. The honeymoon phase is long gone. So it’s different. It 's easier.

“Here, I brought you something.”

They are getting ready for a dinner party they’re hosting. They invited their closest friends, it’s the first time they’re doing something like that. Kylian hands her a red box, it says Cartier on top. Alice gasps when she opens it – it’s a beautiful diamond necklace.

“Oh my God, Kyky, it 's gorgeous!”

“Do you love it?”

Secretly, he always wished to cover her in diamonds and jewelry. To give her a bigger ring than the other guy had. He bought the necklace when she was still with that other man, when he was still a secret. When nobody knew about them. Ever since she became his official girlfriend, he’s been waiting for the right time to give it to her.

“I love it!” Alice laughs and hugs him. “Thank you so much!”

She hasn't done her makeup or put on her dress yet, standing in the bedroom in only her bra and pantyhose. She asks him to put on the jewel for her, and he guides her to the floor length mirror, standing behind her.

“Do you think it looks good on me?” Alice asks, touching the necklace. Kylian still has his hand on her hair, holding it up. He enjoys the view, and while looking at her through the mirror, he gives her soft kisses on her neck and takes his lips up to her ear where he whispers.

“Everything looks good on you, baby.”

Alice feels him hardening in his pants, behind her.

“Kyky, we don’t have time!” She giggles. “Our friends will be here any minute now.”

“That’s why we need to take care of it now. You don’t me like this during dinner, do you?” Kylian bites her ear and goes back to the neck kisses. His hand guided her hips closer to his, rubbing himself on her, making her feel him.

“You’re evil.” He’s taking off her bra as she says that. “You know I can't resist you!”

“No, you can’t. Can you?” He laughs, she’s wearing nothing but the diamond necklace now. “My baby could never resist me.”

Kylian pushes her closer to the mirror, she has her hand and face resting on it as he starts fucking her from behind.

“Thank you.” She says as soon as he enters her. She needs him to know that she’s thankful, need him to know how happy it makes her having him inside of her, where he belongs.

“Look at yourself!” He pulls her hair and move her face so she can see, his other hand on her breast, pinching her nipple. “Look, baby. The necklace compliments your tits.” He fucks her harder, as if to prove a point, her breasts and the jewel moving according to his command. “So pretty.” Kylian’s voice is rough, they’re in a hurry and he didn’t forget. His hand finds her clit and he touches her with expertise. He knows her too well, it doesn't take long to give his girl an orgasm. “That’s right, baby, cum for me. Yes, I’m cumming too. Fuck.”

Dinner dates with friends are easier when you’re in love. They have a hand on each other at all times during the meal. ‘You two are disgusting!” – their friends point out multiple times in the evening. When Alice tells her mother about Kylian, and about the fact that they’re living together, Caroline laughs and says: “Well, if you decide to marry him at least we already have the dress!”

...

@mywhimsyjournal @lalunaenamoradasworld

[p96822]

Sam made it to Paris, France, and she looked around for the family who would care for her for one month.

She found the person holding a sign that said, exchange student of Amity Park. The person that was holding the sign was a large size man that was wearing a suit. He seemed to be the size of a gorilla.

"So you're the person that is going to take care of for the month?" Sam asked.

Before the gorilla-sized man could say anything, a woman with black hair and a red strip walked up to Sam. She wore a red turtleneck, a black vest jacket, black pants, and medium-heel shoes.

"Greeting Samatha, I'm Nathalie, and we are going to take you to the Agreste manner," Nathalie coldly introduces herself.

"Don't call me, Samatha. It's Sam. You got it!" Sam rudely said to Nathalie.

"I don't care. Let go, Samatha," Nathalie walked away to the limo while Sam just glared at her for calling her that.

As they drove in the limo, Sam noticed the large mansion. It was huge. They went to the mansion, and a man was wearing a white dress shirt under a striped grey with a red and white striped tie, red pants, and white shoes.

Sam felt a Vlad vibe from this guy went she looked at his eyes.

"You must be the student exchange student that I suppose to take care of for the month," Gabriel said.

"Yes, I'm Sam Mansion, and it's nice to meet you, Mr. Agreste," Sam is trying to sound more friendly than she is.

"I hope you enjoy my home and France, Ms. Mansion," Gabriel said

"Thank you, Mr. Agreste," Sam thanked as she followed Natalie to the room that she would be sleeping in for the month.

"She will be an interesting target for my Akuma to get Ladybug's and Cat Noir's Miraculous," Gabriel said in a low tone.

Natalie took Sam to the room that Sam will be staying in for the month. The room was big and spacious with a pool table, an air hockey table, a bathroom to the side, and a television. However, it wasn't as big as her place that held a bowling alley and a movie theatre.

Natalie left Sam to get her things in the room as she was getting her things out of her luggage.

A blond boy saw Sam and decided to help her get the things out of the luggage.

"So you must be the girl from the student exchange program," the blond said.

"Yeah, and aren't you Adrien Agreste?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, and you have to be the exchange student from Amity Park," Adrien answered.

"Yeah, my name is Sam, and it's nice to meet you, Adrien," Sam introduce herself.

"So how was the flight from Amity Park to Paris," Adrien asked the goth.

"It was alright, I guess," Sam said. "But I rather sit with people that not rich and snobbish. So, no offense," Sam made sure not to offend Adrien.

"None taken," Adrien brushed off the comment. "So why won't you want to sit with them?" Adrien asked her.

"Well, I bet that my parent wants me in those seats because they want me to make friends of their choosing and not my choice," Sam explained.

"Your parent want to control who you make friends with or tell you what to wear? It reminds me of my father," Adrien said softly.

"What was that?" Sam asked.

"Nothing," Adrien said sadly.

Sam noticed the sad expression on Adrien's face and wanted to ask him what was wrong, but Adrien left the room after finishing getting Sam's things out of her suitcase.

After talking about her family being controlling, Sam wonders what's up with him. She didn't want to drop the subject, but it was getting late, so Sam decided to head to bed. Maybe she can ask him in the morning.

"Adrien was really nice. I guess this won't be the worst, and I don't have to deal with my parents for a month," Sam said as she went to sleep.

The next day Sam and Adrien went to school in the limo. Sam wanted to ask why Adrien left after talking about her family problems, and she was about to ask before Adrien spoke up.

"So Sam, I heard that you have a superhero just like we have in Paris. So what is Danny Phantom like as a hero? Have you met him before?" Adrien asked her.

"Well, he kind of like a version of Cat Noir when it comes to joking around or taunting his opponents. He is not really popular with some adults like the Fentons and the mayor. However, Danny does care about Amity Park and will do anything to protect it as Ladybug and Cat Noir do for Paris. And he is a constant sight in Casper High," Sam explained.

"It's cool that you have a ghostly superhero watching over your town and fighting other ghosts," Adrien stated.

"Yeah, it is," Sam said with a small smile on her face.

The limo stopped as they made it to the school.

Natalie opened the limo door, and the two left on their way to class.

Sam was then shoved to the ground as a blonde girl hugged Adrien.

"Hey, Adrien-kin," the blonde greeted.

"Watch where you're going, blondie," Sam snapped.

"Who are you to tell me to watch where I'm going," the blonde snapped back.

"Me, Sam Mansion," she said.

"I don't care who you are, but you stay away from my Adrien-kins," she glared at Sam.

"Come on, Chole, be nice. This is the exchange student from Amity Park," Adrien explained to Chole.

"Adrien-kins do I have to," she asked.

Adrien nodded, and Chole sighed because she didn't want to be nice to a stranger, but she didn't want to upset Adrien.

"Hello there, exchange student," she said. "I'm Chole Bourgeois, the mayor's daughter, and the superhero Queen Bee."

"Oh, yeah, you're the one that used your powers to make train driver unable to drive the train and trying to stop it from making you look like a hero," Sam mentioned which made Chole growl.

"It was my first day as a hero, and I became better after time," Chole rebutted as she turned around and left the two with her best friend Sabrina, not far behind.

"Well, she was pleasant," Sam snarked.

"Chole is trying to do better after she became Queen Bee," Adrien said, trying to defend his childhood friend.

"Why are you defending her," Sam asked.

"Well, she is one of my only friends when I was unable to go to school because of my father," Adrien explained.

"Oh," Sam decided to drop for what she was going to say next because of Adrien's sad face.

The two left to go to class so Sam could meet the rest of Adrien's classmates and friends.

Sam meets with Adrien's friends, and they are really nice to Sam. Sam thought they would be just as or even worse as her classmates at home. All besides Chole, who didn't care for her at all.

"So, can you tell us more about Danny Phantom from your hometown?" Alya asked Sam.

"Well, Phantom truly cares about the town and protects it from a ghost," Sam said. "He's like Ladybug and Cat Noir when it comes to being serious and cracking jokes,"

"I would love to see him and Cat Noir having a pun off," Alya thought about how Cat Noir makes a lot of puns.

'I wonder if I ever meet Phantom, we could have a pun off." Adrien thought about it.

"I think Phantom is kind of cute," Rose said.

Sam slightly glare at the pink dress girl. She didn't like other girls liking Danny after the Paulina incident. Also, his dating Valarie wasn't that good either.

As the students now went to their seats to get roll call from their teacher, Sam sat next to Alya, whispering to Sam to tell her more about Danny Phantom to put it on the Lady blog.

"I'll tell you after class is over," Sam told her.

Alya smiled and nodded to Sam. Then, they listened to the lesson that Miss Bustier was teaching the students.

After class was over, Sam and Alya went to get something to eat. Sam told Alya that she doesn't eat meat. Alya thought it was weird what Sam calls herself an Ultra-recyclo-vegetarian, but each their own.

As they were going to the restaurant, Sam noticed something that got her attention.

Multiple people around the park were placing fliers all around the trees. Sam looked at the flier, and she frowned at what she was reading.

"Can't you believe this, Alya? They will cut down all these trees and make a building that would make the air better than trees here," Sam told Alya.

"That's awful!" Alya said.

"We have to do something, or they are going to cut down those poor trees," Sam told Alya.

"How are we going to do that, Sam?" Alya asked her.

"You just have to wait and see Alya," Sam said as they headed to a restaurant to get something to eat before heading back to class.

After getting their food, the two returned to the school to eat their lunch. As they were eating their lunch, Sam explained her plan to Alya.

"So you're going to ask all our classmates to rally against them cutting down the trees," Alya repeated what Sam said to her.

"Yeah, but since I don't know you guys that well, I don't know if it is going to work or not," Sam said.

"Don't worry, Sam, my classmates, and I would help you out save the trees," Alya told Sam, making the goth give a small smile. "The only one I think wouldn't help would be Chole and Lila,"

"Who's Lila?" Sam asked her.

"Lila is another student in our class that doesn't show up that much. She is also a lier from what Marinette had told me," Alya said.

Sam thought Lila was the France version of Paulina. She hoped that she doesn't meet her during her stay here.

After they finished their lunch, Alya decided to gather the rest of her classmates to tell them Sam's plan of saving the trees.

She got all the students to talk beside Chole, Sabrina, and Adrien, busy with his fencing class.

"You think that this is going to work, Sam?" Mylene asked.

"It will work, but it would take some time," Sam told her.

"I'll help you out, Sam," Rose said.

The rest of the students told Sam that they would help her save the tree and not allow a building to replace the park.

"Whoa, I was surprised that they would help me besides that time when our parents got kidnapped by those pirates," Sam said.

After school was over, Sam went with Adrien to go back home. Sam told him the plan to save the tree.

"I'll try to join you guys if I can. I have to make sure that my father is okay with it," Adrien told her.

Well, we won't see Sam and Adrien for a while because I'm going to put my focus on Danny and Marinette's new friendship/crush on each other.

Marinette is still in love with Adrien, but what Adrien said of being in love with another girl is holding her back.

Plus, we might finally have to meet two heroes of our title in person.

Also, despite its problems, I think that season 4 had one of the biggest L that Ladybug has ever taken. Let's hope that she can fix it in season 5.

I'll see you guys next time!

[nervouscloudtheorist]

April 7th 2024

Dear Diary,

It has been a strange couple of days.

Yesterday I moved to the town of Marjoram. While I was on the train to Marjoram I met a cat named Rover. He was very invested in my personal life. I got so worried I forgot all my luggage!

Once I got to Marjoram, I was greeted by 4 townsfolk. I was super excited about the warm welcome until they told me that I was the new mayor. I tried telling them that I was not there to be the mayor but a yellow dog name Isabelle would not listen to me and I guess, somehow, I was now the new mayor.

Apparently this town didn't plan for their mayor to have a house or anything so immediately after getting off the train and talking a bit to Isabelle, I was told to talk to a fellow named Tom Nook to plan where to build my house. Isabelle didn't give me any real directions on where to go so it took me a minute to figure out all the cool things were across the railroad tracks.

Eventually I found my way to Tom Nook's business but it was a lot of work.

After I showed Tom Nook where to put my house, I was told to talk to Isabelle again. She must have had a detailed plan because to show my new role as Mayor, Isabelle had me plant a Tree in the town center.

I hope that it grows to be big and strong.

There wasn't much to do after that so I went around and introduced myself to the citizens. I got kind of tired after that so I went back to to where I told Tom Nook I wanted my house to be and slept in my new tent ( Yeah they set up a tent where my house should be, can you believe that?)

I must have been super tired because I woke up at 1:35 pm today.

As soon as I got out of my tent, I was told by Isabelle that I needed to go to the town hall so that she could better explain my mayoral duties. But before I did that, I decided to check my mailbox and to my surprise I got a letter from a hamster named Clay.

Clay is so funny! He might be the only person in this town so far that I think I might get along with. And get this we both love food! <3

Anyways, I went to town hall and Isabelle said that to be a better mayor I needed something called a town development permit. She wanted to explain more, but said she will only talk to me about mayor work while I am at my desk. She is so committed to making sure I don't burn myself out :). Anyways she showed me my new desk and chair and then explained what it takes to get a development permit.

I guess I need to own my own house and have a 100% approval rating from the citizens of the town. So far only Clay likes me so I guess its at a 19%.

I thought I already had a house though so I talked to Tom Nook and he said that I needed to have a down payment of 10,000 bells before he would even build my house.

I was feeling pretty sad over it, because I don't even know if I get paid for being mayor so I went to the museum that they have down the street. I talked to the curator Blathers about the exhibits and he told me that they had nothing on display and that I would personally need to obtain items for the museum. What kind of town is this am I right??

I went back to Isabelle feeling kind of dejected over the lack of exhibits and over my down payment and asked what I should do.

She suggested collecting rocks and seashells to sell to the local recycle place. Then once I got some money, she said I should go to the store and buy myself a net and fishing rod so that I could not only catch things for the museum but also sell anything extra. I had my doubts about how much money I could get that way but I followed her instructions and got 11,000 bells! The recycle shop is run by a pink alpaca name Reese and her husband who was just there sleeping. I'm not sure how her husband is but Reese is so sweet. I wonder if he will get upset over the junk she was buying from me but that is a worry for a different me.

Anyways, after selling my stuff, I immediately ran to Tom Nook and paid off my down payment. Tom Nook was so happy, he told me that my house would be done tomorrow but I'm not sure how that's going to happen because he hasn't even bothered to put in the foundation.

I took Isabelle's advice and went to the Nookling Junction which is the only general store in the town! I think its run by two different people because when I was walking around yesterday I met Timmy and today when I bought my fishing rod and shovel, I was helped by Tommy. They both look like Tom Nook so maybe they're his twin children? I'm not sure. I will need to keep an eye on this and see if the shop is really run by two people or if they are the same person.

When I returned to Town hall, Isabelle didn't have anything more for me to do so I explored the town. Apparently someone named Keaton is going to move in. I wonder if they will make him Mayor too or if that is only reserved for me.

Also I noticed that there was an RV park on the far left side of the town. I talked to the only person there, his name is Harvey. He said that people usually stop there when they travel and that they like to barter but only with something called MEOW coupons and that any bells I had would not be accepted which was honestly kind of a bummer because I just learned how to get bells.

I went back into town and found a strange lamp with a genie named Wisp in it. He said that he would grant me a wish once a day. I don't think that its real but I asked him to move in a robot frog because I think it would be neat. He said my wish was granted but I guess we will see.

To pass some time, I decided to catch some fish and bugs and give them to Blathers. He was super happy about the fish but I guess bugs bother him a lot. I also was able to finally buy a shovel which is awesome because this town is littered with fossils. Unfortunately it took me a while to realize I needed to take those to Blathers too as he is the only one who can tell me what kind of fossils they are. So I wasted some time there.

I did manage to get 2,000 extra bells by selling any fish, bugs and fossils that Blathers wouldn't take to the recycle shop which is still a little unsettling to me. Reese seems way too happy to be buying those items.

I decided I needed a new set of clothes so I went to the sable sister's tailor shop and boy are they expensive. I will never recover from this if everything is this expensive.

I still felt like as Mayor I should really be doing more work so I went to town hall and changed our town theme ( which apparently plays every time we enter building which is really weird ) and our town flag. Afterwards, Isabelle told me my rating went up to 26%.

I feel like this is going to take a while so I am going to spend the rest of the day fishing and bug hunting so I'll talk to you later!

- Finn

[fandomficsnstuff]

The Dragon's Daughter - 9

(Warnings: Fluff, fluff, bit of sadness and then more fluff.)

Dothraki will be in bold

High Valyrian will be in cursive

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rhaella was patient and still as Missandei began to braid her hair. “Will it be a long trip?”

“It is not a trip, princess, but yes, the journey will be long.”

“I like the sea.”

“So does your mother” Missandei said with a fondness, the girl looking over her shoulder at the woman, giving her a poor attempt at a happy smile, Missandei holding back her worry as she continued to braid the girl’s hair, it wasn’t her place to question the princess, she would bring her concerns to her queen who would then decide what to do. Five years ago, Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen came to Astapor with a silver child on her hip, a one year old girl carrying her name of Targaryen. And now, here she was, five years later and braiding the hair of the six year old girl who was slowly growing up to be both beautiful and kind, a cunning mind and a sense for adventure driving her already, it was easy to forget she was still just a child, six years only and already so well adjusted to the ways of the world she knew, yet she still seemed sad, distant even, ever since her brothers had been locked up and the pyramid had been attacked. “Will my brothers be able to fly freely? Won’t it be a long journey for them?” the princess asked with worry as she turned to look up at Missandei, Missandei smiling at the small girl, gently turning her head to look ahead once more so she could continue with the braids. “Your brothers are strong, your highness, their wings will be able to carry them” Missandei assured, finishing the last braid, putting a clasp on it and stepping back “all done” she announced and the young girl got off of her chair, walking over to her cat, petting it softly “can I take Dyanna with me?... She would love all the fish” Rhaella stated with a fond smile, Missandei sighing and forcing a smile at the girl “I’m not sure, princess. Ask your mother…” she stated softly, the young girl nodding, turning to look at her luggage which had yet to be brought to the ship “why do I need so many dresses?” Rhaella asked with a frown, Missandei chuckling lightly as she walked over “many things will happen in Westeros, many things will happen on the journey there, you will need a change of clothes” she stated softly, a hand on the young princess’ shoulder and she nodded, looking back at her cat as she pet it.

“Do you think Mother would allow me to ride Raemor on the way there? And can I bring Dyanna?” the young girl asked with soft spoken words and Missandei chuckled “you will have to ask your mother about that as well, I believe she’s in the throne room” Missandei stated and the young girl nodded, petting her cat one last time before turning to face Missandei “go on, I’ll have the Unsullied bring your luggage to the ship you will join your mother on” she assured and Rhaella nodded, calmly walking towards her door and as though it was an obedient dog, the cat lifted it’s head from the bed it had been sleeping on, jumping down and following after the young princess as she went to find her mother. “Muña, can I bring Dyanna?” the girl asked as she entered the throne room, finding her sitting there with Tyrion, her smile fading and she was about to apologize when Daenerys waved her over. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

“She’ll love all the fish…”

“Yes, she will… but it will be a long journey, my night’s sky” Daenerys warned, the girl looking down, her smile gone and just as Daenerys was about to speak again, the cat appeared, walking over in a casual way, it’s tail high as it began to rub against the princess’ legs and purr, Daenerys unable to hide her smile “it seems there is no separate you two… she will be your responsibility, if something happens to her on the journey…”

“I’ll - we - will be careful, I promise” the girl stated with a faint smile and Daenerys sighed and nodded, the girl briefly hugging her mother, doing a very quick curtsey at Tyrion before picking up Dyanna and walking off again, Daenerys smiling at the sight. “She’s a very sweet child, Your Grace… it can hardly be heard that the common tongue is not her native one” Tyrion complimented, Daenerys smirking slightly at him. “She spoke High Valyrien from the day she spoke her first word… It seems some Targaryens are born with it, and it’s not something they simply learn or pick up on along the way…” Daenerys admitted, Tyrion nodding with a soft smile “what is she now, six?... It will be a very, very long voyage… almost an entire year, she may turn seven while on the voyage, or the day we arrive, or the day after…” Tyrion spoke softly and carefully, Daenerys nodding as she looked down “you’re suggesting I leave her here, in Meereen?”

“There’s finally peace…”

“She’s my daughter, just as the dragons are her brothers… she stays with her mother… I trust Daario with my life, but not with hers… you haven’t seen her… you have heard her, but not seen her… I would give my life for that little girl, my life, my dragons, my titles and lands and kingdoms, and not just because she is my daughter, but because she is the feature of us all” Daenerys admitted, Tyrion frowning softly as he nodded and looked down. “I have heard rumors… that she’s starting to develop wings and scales are growing all over her body, that she’s slowly turning into one of your real dragons and that her eyes are just the beginning…” Tyrion admitted nervously, Daenerys laughing quietly “if that were true I wouldn’t have to worry about her eagerness to ride her brother, even though Raemor is the most gentle with her” she stated with amusement, Tyrion chuckling lightly, looking down with a soft smile.

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

Daenerys watched her daughter with pride, the young girl reading aloud to her sleeping cat and a Dothraki Screamer who had taken a liking to the young girl and had taken it upon himself to protect her, the only worry she had were the scales that had begun to spread once more, Maester Ricardo showing his worry far more than he would like. “How is she? Her scales?” Tyrion asked, he had never actually seen them, but he had seen the girl of only six sleep with three large, terrifying and man-eating dragons, like they were harmless kittens, he had heard the girl cry, her voice mixing with a sound he now knew to be a pained and wounded dragon, he had heard the story of the Sons of the Harpy trying to strike her down, hitting her scales and leaving her unharmed, he had heard of the girls’ attraction to fire and her resistance to it, always looking at it whenever she could, the flames reflecting in her golden eyes as she looked almost drawn to it, like kin she hadn’t seen in years and years and had longed for. So it wasn’t all that far fetched that this small girl, barely seven, had scales on her back, real dragon scales. “They’re spreading… Maester Ricardo tells me not to worry but…” Daenerys admitted, Tyrion nodding softly “one good thing I’ve learnt from my sister, is that you never stop worrying about your children. They could be the greatest warriors in the world, undefeated, and yet you worry when they go into battle, they could be the bravest, most cunning person, and yet you fear for their plans… as her mother, you will always worry… you’re just better at hiding it than Maester Ricardo” Tyrion joked at the last bit, Daenerys giving him a soft smile, looking down at him “you’re still terrible at consoling” she noted, Tyrion nodding with a smirk “good thing that it’s not my job then” he stated jokingly, Daenerys nearly laughing until she looked at her daughter again, seeing the girl frown as she continued to scratch at her back, trying to reach the middle and failing, while also trying to ignore it and keep reading. Daenerys walked down the steps and towards her daughter, kneeling down by Rhaella and smiling at her when she looked at her mother, Daenerys saying something briefly to Ezzo who nodded and left to give the mother and daughter a second of peace. “Is it your scales?”

“They’re scratchy…”

“They’re ‘itchy’, and so you ‘scratch’. Let me see them” Daenerys muttered softly, watching Rhaella as she closed her book and put it away, turning so her back was facing her mother, Daenerys carefully moving some of the layers of clothes aside, just enough to bare her back, Daenerys frowning and swallowing thickly at the sight of the scales that had spread. “Have they spread again?” Rhaella asked softly, Daenerys forcing a smile as she put the clothes in place again “yes, but you don’t have to worry-”

“Maester Ricardo says they’re almost along my spine, and not just a small bit of it…” Rhaella spoke, a tad more fire in her voice and Daenerys nodded and sighed. “They are…”

“I’m sorry…”

“What for, my night’s sky?-”

“I’m a monster, just like everyone says” the girl whispered, looking down with tears in her eyes, Daenerys’ eyes wide as she stared at her daughter in shock. She gently cupped her daughter’s face, moving in front of her and making her daughter look at her, a determined look on the queen’s face, almost as though she was about to scold the child. “You are not a monster, do you hear me? You are the princess Rhaella Targaryen, the White Dragon of the Great Grass Sea and the Khalasaar, the princess of Meereen and the seven kingdoms of Westeros, heir to the Iron Throne and sister to the first living dragons in the last hundreds of years. You are no monster… I know monsters, my little dragon… and you are not one… you’re good, pure, you’re my daughter… I am not the mother of monsters, I am the Mother of Dragons… that includes you. I don’t care if you don’t have wings or scaly necks or teeth, you’re my child as much as them, are they monsters?” the queen asked sternly yet with love, the young girl shaking her head, Daenerys nodding at this “then how could you ever be? Your scales and eyes are beautiful, they are a part of you, a part of your strength, a reminder to the entire world that you are a dragon. You are the blood of a dragon and will take what is yours, with fire and blood… you could be covered in dragon scales and still be the most pure and kind-hearted being in the entire world… Do you understand me?” Daenerys asked softly, the young princess nodding as tears began to run down her cheeks, Daenerys hugging her daughter tightly as she silently cried into her arms.

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

Daenerys watched with worry but also amusement as her daughter walked along the edge of the wall that caged in the steps leading to and from the Dragonstone keep, Dyanna walking in front of her, tail high, almost as though it was trying to show the young princess how to keep her balance while walking, Ezzo watching with a close eye, prepared to catch the girl if needed. The moment however was short lived as she saw a ship on the horizon, nearing the island and for this single reason, Daenerys regretted ever inviting Jon Snow, which had led to this interruption. “Rhaella” the girl’s head turned at her name, looking at her mother, jumping down when Daenerys stretched her hand out, the cat following as Rhaella took her mother’s hand, the two of them walking inside with the cat following closely behind along with Ezzo. “My night’s sky, Jon Snow is arriving… stay with me when he comes?” she asked softly, Rhaella frowning “I thought Maester Ricardo was meant to check on my scales?”

“He is, but afterwards. I want you there, you’re my daughter and heir, and your brothers can’t fit at my side without tearing the whole keep apart” Daenerys joked, the young girl smiling softly as she nodded, walking inside with her mother, hand in hand as they walked towards the throne to get ready for the arrival, Daenerys sitting down with Rhaella standing at her side, Dyanna wandering off somewhere, out of sight as Ezzo stood closely behind Rhaella.

As the doors opened, Rhaella straightened her back, Daenerys smiling at her. Seven years old and already so mature… Time was flying by faster than her dragons, the thought bringing a pang of sadness to her heart but she looked straight ahead instead. She had hoped to give her daughter the childhood she never had, the playing, the running around and laughing, but it appeared both she and her daughter had doomed childhoods where they needed to be older than they actually were, and still, the Dragon Queen would fight everyone to give her daughter those small moments, the small moments where her child was balancing atop a short wall, trying to keep up with her cat.

“You are in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn, of the house Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains. Beside her stands Rhaella the Kind, of the house Targaryen, White Dragon of the Great Grass Sea and the Khalasaar, daughter of the great Khal Drogo, the Khal over all Khals. The Gifted Child, heir to her Grace the Queen Daenerys Targaryen, the Dragon’s Daughter, princess of Meereen, Astapor, Yunkai and the Seven Kingdoms, sister to the dragons Drogon, Raemor, Viserion and Rhaegal, princess of the greatest Khalasaar the world has ever seen” Missandei ended the lengthy list of titles, a silence filling the room and Jon looked at Davos, who seemed to wake up and nod slightly before looking ahead again.

“This is Jon Snow… he’s King in the North” there was an even longer silence and Rhaella looked at her mother before looking ahead again “thank you for traveling so far, my lord. I hope the seas weren’t too rough” Daenerys spoke, Jon nodding briefly and putting on a forced smile “the winds were kind, Your Grace, your highness” he stated softly, bowing his head to the young girl at the last title. “Apologies, I have a Flea Bottom accent, I know, but Jon Snow is ‘King’ in the North, Your Grace. He’s not a lord-”

“Forgive me…” Daenerys trailed off, Rhaella looking over at Tyrion who turned to face them both “Your Grace, this is Ser Davos Seaworth” Tyrion informed, Daenerys turning back to face the two men, as did her daughter, the two almost in sync. “Forgive me, Ser Davos. I never did receive a formal education, but I could have sworn I read the last King in the North was Torrhen Stark, who bent the knee to my ancestor, Aegon Targaryen. In the exchange of his life, and the lives of the Northmen, Torrhen Stark swore fealty to house Targaryen in perpetuity. Or do I have my facts wrong?” Daenerys asked swiftly, Rhaella frowning at the large words used, glancing at Missandei for a brief second before looking ahead again. Another brief silence ensued before Ser Davos spoke again “I wasn’t there, Your Grace” he noted, Daenerys forcing a soft smile “no, of course not. But still, an oath is an oath, and perpetuity means-... what does it mean, Lord Tyrion?”

“Forever” Tyrion replied smoothly, Daenerys giving a brief nod and smile before looking back at her guests “forever,” she repeated with that same stiff smile “so I assume, my lord, that you’re here to bend the knee to me and my daughter” Daenerys stated calmly, Rhaella glancing at her before holding her head up high, just as her mother did. There was a long silence and finally Jon Snow spoke up again “I am not” he stated confidently, Daenerys straining to keep her smile on her lips “oh. Well, that is unfortunate… You’ve traveled all this way to break faith with house Targaryen?” Daenerys asked calmly, Jon seeming almost amused with her words. “Break faith? Your father burnt my grandfather alive, he burnt my uncle alive… he would have burnt the Seven Kingdoms-”

“My father… was an evil man. On behalf of house Targaryen, I ask your forgiveness for the crimes he committed against your family. And I ask you not to judge a daughter by the sins of her father, or her grandfather…” Daenerys trailed off softly, Rhaella looking over at the queen, her mother giving her a soft look before the both of them looked ahead once more.

“Our two houses were allies for centuries, and those were the best centuries the Seven Kingdoms has ever known. Centuries of peace and prosperity with a Targaryen sitting on the Iron Throne and a Stark, serving as Warden of the North. Aside from my daughter, I am the last Targaryen, Jon Snow. Honor the pledge your ancestor made to mine… bend the knee and I will name you Warden of the North. Together, we will save this country from those who will destroy it” Daenerys ended, giving Jon a pleading yet subtle and soft smile and Rhaella began to fidget with her hands, clearly starting to grow bored, feet aching from having to stand for so long. “You’re right. You’re not guilty of your father’s crimes, neither is your daughter. And I’m not beholden to my ancestor’s vows” Jon stated calmly, Daenerys’ smile slowly fading once more “then why are you here?” she asked, Rhaella glancing at Jon and Ser Davos, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Because I need your help, and you need mine-”

“My mother has dragons, and as far as I can see, you don’t” Rhaella pointed out softly, all eyes turning to her and she glanced at her mother before looking back at Jon and Ser Davos. “My brothers, Raemor, Drogon, Rhaegal, Viserion, they’ll all protect my mother and I at all costs. Mother is the Khaleesi of the greatest Khalasaar and Dothraki Horde the world has ever seen, Missandei told me so… Gray Worm has the Unsullied, and I have my scales and the spirit of my father…” the young girl mentioned casually, tilting her head at the two strangers as she took a few steps closer to them. “There is many things you don’t know of yet, princess, many things you need to be older to understand-”

“I’m seven, I’m old enough. I’m old enough to know that Raemor and my brothers could carry us away from any danger, should we need it, they can burn down as many enemies as mother and I tell them to” the girl stated with a light shrug, Ser Davos frowning at her “there are some things not even dragons can escape from, many dangers are coming, young princess, and-”

“That is enough. Rhaella, go find your brothers-”

“Can I fly them?”

“Only Raemor, and hold on tightly! I won’t have you fall off at any point, your saddle is not ready yet” the queen ordered and the girl nodded with a smile, curtseying at the two men before walking quickly out of the throne room, two Dothraki Screamers following her after glaring at Jon and Davos, one of them a very young man who couldn’t be older than 20 or younger than 17. The young princess eagerly approached her brothers, the Dothraki screamers having stayed back, they were fearless warriors, but no man wanted to be burnt alive as a dragon screeched at them, waiting for them to be cooked enough to eat them, regardless if they were still alive or not. The young girl wrapped her arms around, as much as she could, the dragon’s neck as she arrived, nuzzling into Raemor, rivaling Drogon for the title of the most aggressive dragon, but to her, to the little princess, it was the kindest and most gentle of the horrifying children of the Mother of Dragons, fire made flesh, with wings even. Wings a certain Targaryen girl longed to have as well. “Muña says I can fly you” the girl announced as she crawled up on the dragon’s back, barely able to climb up the creature’s side and onto it’s back, but she made it, as determined as the child was. Once she was sure she had a tight grip, her knuckles turning white, she grinned, a rare sight these days, Raemor already moving towards the edge of the cliff, diving off and waiting before he spread his wings, the wind carrying them both up in a brief second and Raemor soared above, making sure to keep as still as possible to ensure the princess’ safety, the silvery-white of his wings catching the sun, the light reflected off of the wings were almost blinding.

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

Jon was unable to not smile as he watched the Targaryen girl stand with her mother and Missandei, trying to get the girl to stand still so they could finish making sure she was warm enough for the ride, struggling as every few seconds the girl would try and approach her dragon all the same. He watched as the young girl continued to eagerly attempt to approach her dragon, talking indistinctly with Daenerys and Missandei, making Jon smile at the joy present on the two women’s faces. “She loves her daughter” Tyrion spoke as he walked over to Jon, standing beside him, watching everything from a distance. “I can see that… she lights up around the girl” Jon spoke softly, Tyrion smirking ever so slightly. “The Mad King never truly cared for his children… I believe in her, I know she’s a kind-hearted person, she has already proven herself to be a merciful and caring queen, a good queen… she’s a good mother. She carried that child at her breast through the entire Red Waste… carried her through Qarth. She taught the girl to read, speak and now she is teaching her to ride a real, living dragon that the girl has a unique bond with…” Tyrion noted with a small smile, Jon frowning softly “she seems like a good person already, the princess. She’s kind hearted…”

“Despite how much she has changed, yes, she is. She walked with Ser Barristan through the streets of Meereen, saving Gray Worm’s life when she was only five years old. She survived three days alone in a city with a raging civil war where her head was the target, and she was found three days later with a kitten in her arms… she is mounting up to be as extraordinary as her mother” Tyrion added with pride, Jon looking down at him with a small frown “she saved a soldier’s life?” he asked in confusion, Tyrion nodding without looking away. “Gray Worm was ambushed, his men dead, a dagger in his side and he was struggling against multiple men who were holding him still so the others could kill him. The princess Rhaella saw this, found a broken spear shaft and hit the one holding Gray Worm until that man let him go, giving Gray Worm a fighting chance, and he survived, as did she” Tyrion revealed, Jon’s eyes wide in shock, Tyrion looking up at him “when her mother was taken by the Dothraki, before they joined her, the princess was inconsolable. She was taken to where three of her brothers were, she slept, ate and lived there until the day before her mother arrived, it was the only place she felt safe. And now, on Dragonstone, she is about to ride a dragon, and it’s not even for the first time, at only seven years old” Tyrion stated with a smirk, looking back at the princess as the queen helped her daughter up on the white back of Raemor, the dragon holding so still that he looked like a statue, only moving an inch when Rhaella was sitting properly on his back.

Jon and Tyrion watched as Daenerys hugged her daughter and kissed the silver hair, lingering there before sighing and crawling back down, stepping back with Missandei, both watching with worry as the young girl grinned and briefly laughed as Raemor gently shook his head, holding on tightly as Raemor dived off the cliff and spread his wings, a scream was heard, followed by a loud laugh, the Dragon Queen nearly fainting in relief, Missandei catching her just in time, even though it wasn’t the first time Rhaella had been riding Raemor. Everyone watched with wide eyes as the child rode a real dragon, a seven year old girl clutching it’s spikes, screaming and cheering with joy as she did what should have been terrifying enough to give such a young and healthy girl a heart attack. Yet there she was, atop a massive, fire breathing, winged, aggressive creature of absolute death and destruction, and she was cheering.

[sl-newsie]

Spelled (Carlos de Vil x Sanderson Daughter) Ch. 21: Gone For Good?

I hardly sleep all night. Just tossing and turning, wondering where I’m going to be this time tomorrow. I hate waiting. After 3 hours of in-and-out sleep I finally decide to throw in the towel and start packing what little possession I have. In a steamer trunk I pack my cauldron, alchemy tools, potion ingredients, some clothes, and a few memorabilia. As if I’d want to remember anything. When the sun begins to rise I’ve already removed all traces of any magic from my dorm and have transported my luggage off to the woods. Just in case. I do, however, keep a vial of firecracker draught and a few other items for precaution. I also tell Binx and Twilight to wait in the woods, despite both cats putting up a hissy fit in rebuttal.

At first I tried to sneak out to get to the VK dorms, but the hallway was bustling with girls scrambling to and fro trying to do their hair, makeup, and touch up their dresses. Now I’m waiting in the shadows of the trees outside Carlos and Jay’s dorm, watching in fury and disgust as the goody-goodies start making their way to the cars waiting to take them to the church for coronation. I see Mal go off to join Ben at the royal carriage, while Evie, Jay, and Carlos make their way over to where I’m hiding.

“Magica?”

“Here!” I hiss. Carlos gets closer and I see he’s holding Dude, who’s dressed in a mini bow tie! “You even dressed Dude up in a tie! Aww!” My heart melts as I kneel down to pet the precious mutt.  

“Is that a spellbook?” Evie asks when she sees mom’s book in my lap.

I nod. “It was my mom’s. Well, technically my Aunt Winnie’s, but mom gave it to me as a birthday gift before my father took me from the Isle. Don’t worry, I only practice the lighter dark magic. No more black flame candles or turning people into cats.”

Jay frowns. “Black flame candles?”

“Long story.”

“So are you ready to go?” Evie asks with a bright smile.

I smile sadly and shake my head. “I wish I could be there with you guys, but I’m not sure how to tag along without getting banished to the Isle for good.”

Carlos scratches Dude’s ears and thinks for a minute. “I might have an idea…”

After quickly transporting to the woods and digging out my invisible cloak, I slip it on and step out in the open in front of the VKs.

Jay keeps feeling around with a lost look on his face. “Trixie? Sanderson? Are you there?”

“Magica…?”

“Boo!” I poke Evie’s shoulder.

“Ah! Magica, is that a-?”

I flip the head up and nearly send Jay tripping backwards over a root. “Yup! An invisibility cloak! Enchanted it myself!”

“Just wait ‘til Mal sees! Or won’t see,” Jay smirks.

“You could’ve told me she was coming with us!” Evie pokes Carlos’ shoulder. “Then I would’ve made her a proper coronation gown! Not this typical dress!”

Using the cloak, I follow the VKs to the cars and try to situate a way for me to sneak in to sit with them without looking suspicious. I also notice Remus is the driver.

“Hey, guys. All ready to go? Um… why the big gap?” He points at the empty spot (me) next to Carlos and Jay.

“Uh… Jay might be getting a cold so we’re giving him some space,” Evie says with a sweet smile as Carlos sets Dude on his lap.

Remus smirks. “Sure.” He starts the limo up and begins driving out of the school grounds. “So what’d you guys think of Magica’s disappearing act? I heard it was pretty sick. Gotta say, though. I’m gonna miss her.”

Huh?

We all exchange confused looks (or try to, considering no one can lock eyes with me).

“You… liked her? Don’t you think she’s evil? She is a witch after all.”

“Just because she’s a witch doesn’t mean she’s wicked. I should know. My mom’s a witch.”

We all gasp. “What?!”

Remus chuckles. “Yeah, dad made a deal with a woman he found crying in the Enchanted Forest. She said that people would mock and laugh at her just for being a witch and he felt sorry for her. Dad said that if she could guess his name then he’d give her fame and fortune, but if she couldn’t then she'd have to marry him. Unfortunately mom has a terrible memory and couldn’t remember, but after a few months they fell in love and mom was happy to marry him. So you see, not all witches are evil. They’re just misunderstood.”

“Aw,” I smile. But then I remember I’m supposed to not be here and now I fear I’ve given myself away. Um.. maybe not?

“Hiya Sanderson!” Remus calls from the front. “Want a pink lollipop?”

All the VKs start talking over each other to find excuses but I give in and let down my hood.

“Hey, Remus. You won’t tell anyone, will you?”

He shakes his head. “Nah. I know you wouldn’t really do anything bad, and from what I’ve heard it wasn’t your fault. People here can be… difficult. I understand.”

“You do?”

“You forget, I’m not exactly the son of a good guy. But FG didn’t have second thoughts when she hired me as a school chauffeur. It’s like dad always says: a name doesn’t define you, only your deeds can.’”

“Um, how can anyone not remember your dad’s name? It’s, like, the most backwards name ever created!” Jay laughs.

Remus just snickers and doesn’t look up from the road. “Ok. What’s his name?”

Jay goes to answer, but shuts his mouth and scratches his head. “Huh. Jeez, why can’t I remember? It’s on the tip of my tongue!”

Our driver’s trying not to laugh. “Once you’ve heard it once, you can’t remember! That’s how dad gets his kicks. Oh, we’re here.”

Remus pulls the limo up to the church and on que I slip my hood back on. Outside there are many other students heading inside, while reporters and tv crews set up to broadcast the coronation. Broadcast the coronation?!

“Uh, guys? This is being televised! If you’re going to make a scene then I suggest go loud and proud, because every kingdom around the world is going to see it!”

“You’ve got this, Magica Sanderson. Good luck!” Remus calls..

After we slide out, Carlos and Evie take my hands and Jay hugs me from behind.

“Don’t worry. We’re with you, trixie.”

Their friendly gestures make me feel warm inside and for a moment I feel like a normal girl, but then I remember-

“Thank you so much. But it’s kinda going to look suspicious with you guys hugging air.”

“Oh. Right.”

The three VKs make their way up the church stairs while I trial closely behind, almost bumping into at least 6 other students. Using my new empathy bond, I can tell Carlos is just as anxious as I am. The church itself is decorated beautifully, with blue and gold banners displaying Ben’s upcoming celebration. They look almost familiar- no. He didn’t… Ben used my decor ideas! I guess he really does respect me as a royal advisor. But he’s not the only one who’s doubted me, and seeing all the others around me brings me back to reality. Jane, Lonnie, Tiffany, Fiona, Audrey. They will not get off as easily.

Our seats, or at least the VKs’ seats, are located at the top of the venue above the wand. Since I myself don’t have a seat, I’m forced to keep to the shadows in the corner. Dude keeps licking my cloak and edging me to come sit with him and the others but Carlos beckons him away.

“Sorry, Dude. I know, I know, I don’t want to leave her either.” Carlos gives me one last smile before going to sit next to Jay and Evie.

Down below, the final guests are arriving and clearing the isle to make way for Ben. Gorgeous gowns and suits in all designs and colors… With my simple purple corset dress I feel underdressed. They’re all chatting and buzzing about like scatterbrained chickens. Mal, wearing a gorgeous purple gown courtesy of Evie, takes her place at the bottom of the pedestal steps while Ben’s parents are standing at the top next to Fairy Godmother. That’s why Mal wanted to spell Ben, for a prime position to seal the wand. I keep looking around for a good exit in case things turn south but only find nearby windows. I could summon a broom and fly out, but that would mean leaving the others behind. So I guess this means do or die. Get the wand and release the villains, or fail and get locked up.

The music starts and the grand doors open, revealing Ben in a new blue suit. He looks nervous but also confident, and I really wish I could have wished him good luck today. But he wouldn’t accept a friendly magic gesture, not anymore. Besides Ben doesn’t look like he needs a confidence spell anyway. 

When Ben walks up the steps and reaches Fairy Godmother, she removes her wand from its glass case and places the royal crown on his head. I’m supposed to be there too, to take my vows as Royal Advisor. But life’s proven that despite my efforts the only one I should advise is myself. She initiates the ceremony and Ben begins to take his vows. Meanwhile I keep looking at Mal and wondering when she’s going to make her move. Is she having second thoughts-?

“Then it is my honor, and my joy, to bless our new king-”

Out of nowhere, someone yanks the Headmistress’ wand out of her hand. But Mal hasn’t moved a muscle. Instead it’s-

“Jane?” I whisper. It is Jane! What in the name of Auradon is she doing? She’s never taken a magic class, let alone handled a wand. She could get hurt!

Fairy Godmother starts trying to reason with her. “Child! What are you doing?”

“If you won’t make me beautiful, then I’ll just do it myself!” Jane yells with fearful eyes.

I can tell she doesn’t know what she’s doing, and I’m proven further when a jet of magic blasts through the window towards- Oh God. The Isle!

“Bibbidi… bobbidi… boo!” 

Jane’s attempts only keep sending out white sparks and are brought to an end when Mal wrestleed the wand out of Jane’s hands. I can tell this might be her moment, and I think Ben does too.

“Mal… hand over the wand,” Ben approaches the purple-haired VK calmly.

Mal just shakes her head and points the wand up at him. “Stand back, Ben.” He ignores this and keeps going forward. “I said stand back!”

From my post, I see Evie and Jay get up and hurry past me down the stairs towards Mal. Carlos comes over and starts looking around.

“Magica? Where are you?”

I lift my hood up. “Here.”

He puts a hand on my cheek. “This is it. At least, I think it is. Do you want to come with us?”

Um. Do I? Should I give up all hope of ever being a good witch? I mean, father will be very disappointed… And I’ll never be able to see Ben again. But then again… These VKs have helped show me that the world isn’t all black and white. Maybe I could make a life for myself on the villain side. And if it means having a life with Carlos, it will all be worth it.

I’ve made my decision.

I remove my cloak, tuck it under my arm, and take Carlos’ hand. “I’d love to. Hope you guys don’t mind a Sanderson witch tagging along.”

Carlos smiles and kisses my cheek, and I can feel his spirits lifting. “Come on. Let’s go find the others.”

We race down the stairs and find Mal and Ben at a standstill, with Evie and Ben standing behind Mal. I also see Mal’s now wearing Ben’s ring. When Ben sees Carlos and me join them, his sad face becomes even more distraught.

“Magica? Sparks? What are you doing?”

I stand my ground. “Living my own life, Brother Ben. Not the life everyone expects me to.”

“I told you so!” Audrey huffs from the sidelines. “She’s with them! She’s a wicked witch-”

I snap my fingers and the pink princess’ mouth is sealed shut. “Just shut up, you drama queen bitch!”

“Mal, do you really want to do this?” Ben pleads. “I understand you’re doing this to please your parents, but is it what you want? Is being evil what makes you happy? And Magica-” He looks at me, and in his eyes I’m reminded of the charming boy I met so many years ago. “I know you, Sparks. This isn’t what you want-”

“How would you know what I want, Ben?" I sneer. "All you’ve done is use me for my magic, just like everyone else. Making me your ‘advisor’ just to drain all my ideas and push me away because you’re ‘busy with royal duties.’ Not once, in the entire time I’ve been at Auradon Prep, have you ever wanted to hang out like the old days. You say people change? Well, you’re right Brother Ben. You’ve definitely changed.” I smirk. “And so have I.”

“She’s right, Ben!” Mal glares at the new king, her face showing a complex conflict of emotions. “We’re not like the goody-goodies here, no matter what. Even though I- I… I think I want to be good.”

“You are good!” Ben reaches for her again. 

“How do you know that?!” She screams.

Ben frowns, but then looks up with a hopeful glint in his eyes. “Because I’m following my heart.”

Oh. Here we go. Mal has a change of heart. Well sorry, dearie. But I’m not. 

I redon my invisible cloak and the crowd gasps.

“Black magic!” Rosaline shrieks. 

While Ben and the VKs have their little friendship moment, I take my leave and start making my way down the aisle towards the door. I have not come this far just to give in and let them break me down again-

“I haven’t forgotten about you, Sparks.” Ben says behind me.

I don’t turn back. Ignore him. Ignore him!

“I know you’re there, Magica. Please?”

Ignore him, it’s a trap! He’s just going to lock you up! But I don’t know that. After all, he did help me settle in here. I just wanted to make friends! Everyone hates you now. That’s true.

I flip my hood off and turn to face my old friend.

“I really want to choose good, Ben,” I whisper, a tear running down my cheek showing just how much emotion is boiling inside me. “I- I can be good, I swear-”

“You are, Sparks. You’ve always been a good witch. You’re not a villain, and I know that Magica Sanderson would never want to hurt anyone.”

“Please, Magica?” Carlos joins us, with Dude trailing at his feet. “We want to be good too. Me, Jay, all of us. We’ve made good lives here and wouldn’t want it any different. I want you to be a part of this too, because I love you.”

By now I’ve shed my cloak and the force of fighting back tears of sadness and anger is causing sparks to shoot off my hands. Even when I think my mind is made up I just break down again.

“But- but look at me! I’m a mess, I- I’m dangerous.”

“No you’re not,” Carlos says softly. “You’re passionate. You wouldn’t be this upset if you didn’t want to do the right thing. Please, Magica. Stay the nice, caring, good witch you really are.”

At first my instinct wants me to think he’s tricking me, manipulating me. However when I feel my empathy bond tug at my chest, I know deep down that Carlos really wants me to stay good. I am good.

My pink sparks diminish and I reach out to take Carlos’ hand. “I want to stay good too, Freckles.”

Dude shows his happiness by hopping up and down, licking my wrist. We both smile at the loving mutt and start walking back to the other VKs, with Ben following behind.

“You’re in love with Carlos? Since when have you started keeping secrets from me, Sparks?” Ben teases.

I flick a spark at him and smirk. “Since you didn’t spill any goods about you and Mal, King Lovey-Dovey.”

“It wasn’t me, it was the love spell! Or at least until our date, that is. The Enchanted Lake washed it off when I went swimming.”

I frown. “You got Mal to go swimming?”

He chuckles. “Well, actually I went swimming while she just watched.”

“Wow. I actually feel sorry for Mal. Oh, before I forget-” I turn back to face the door and flick my hands up, sending out some sparks.

“What was that for?” Ben asks.

“Resealing the barrier that Jane opened. I just hope I’m not too late and someone gets out. Also I myself had a love spell incident too.”

Carlos tense up next to me and I see he’s trying so hard not to smile.

Ben scrunches his face. “You too? But how- oh!” The light clicks. “The cookie! Gosh Sparks, if I hadn’t-!”

“Shush! The past is passed. Just go to Mal before you both fall over love-struck!” I give him a playful nudge towards his smiling girlfriend, who’s now given FG her wand back.

“So, just to be clear,” Carlos says when we’ve reached the other VKs. “We don’t have to be worried about how mad our parents are going to be?”

Oh. Right. Evil plot, steal the wand.

“Your parents can’t reach you here. I promise,” Ben assures as he takes hold of Mal’s hand.

“And if they could, I would protect you,” I state confidently.

“Really?” Evie smiles and tugs us all in for a group hug.

I nod. “Of course. I will always protect my friends, or any soul what need help. All ye need do is ask.”

I look up to see Headmistress FG and Ben’s parents smiling down at me with proud looks. The other students at Auradon prep might not trust me anymore, but I’ve got my best friend back. Having Ben and the VKs around is all I could ever want.

“Look!” Tiffany points to a window.

Dude starts to growl and I turn my head to see the cause of his new behavior. Just then a black figure covered in green smoke crashes through and lands near us. A loud, awful cackled rings throughout the church and when the smoke clears we find it to be the voice of-

I gasp.

Maleficent! The dragon queen herself! Pointed horns, wearing a flowy black dress and wielding a glowing scepter. That scepter’s got black magic dripping all over it!

“I’m baaaack!” She announces cheerfully, though no one is clapping.

Mal rolls her eyes. “Go away, mother.”

But Maleficent just laughs and starts waltzing around, giving the onlookers a vicious smile. Few try to challenge her gaze while most just cower in fear, Chad and Audrey being the most noticeable. 

“Magica, quick!” Carlos takes my cloak and drapes it over me and.

“Carlos? What the-?” I try taking it off but he stops me and ushers me and Dude behind a nearby column.

“I won’t let her hurt you! Just keep low.”

I don’t want to, but I know Carlos will keep trying to protect me if I come out. And I can’t risk his life. When Maleficent gets tired of playing nice with Mal she stomps her scepter into the ground, sending a blast of magic that forces the VKs to the ground. Something in me snaps when I feel the fear rushing from Carlos and I know I have to help.

“No!” I run out from behind the column and stand in front of my friends.

Maleficent seems puzzled by my non-Auradon appearance, taking in my strange dress and pink hair. But after a moment her eyes light up and she gets a wide grin on her face.

“Ah! The little Sanderson witch! I’ve heard rumors about you! How your dear father rescued you from your proper home, that you were taken away to be taught to be a good little witch! I also know that your dim-wit mother won’t stop talking about you!”

My face falters. Mom? She… “She talks about me?”

The dragon queen tilts her head back and laughs. “Silly little girl! Of course she does! She’s the one that agreed to let your father take you away. Your hot-tempered aunt wasn’t too pleased.” She scoffs. “Of course she wasn’t. When is she ever in a good mood? But then again I can’t blame her. You’re a very powerful asset to them.”

I’m curious but don’t let my guard down. “Why?”

Maleficent cackles. “Poor, ignorant child. A new witch can strengthen their coven, and be used to trick the sickly good people of Auradon! Take Mal, for instance.” She goes to approach Mal, but Mal seems reluctant and holds the wand up higher. Her mom gives her a warning look but proceeds. “My daughter, almost as cunning as I was at her age. She still needs a little more practice, but look how well she’s done! Mal was able to take the all-powerful Fairy Godmother’s wand right out from under her nose! Speaking of which-” She looks at Mal again with a fiery enthusiasm and holds out her hand. “Wand me. Chop chop!”

“Mom, please! I don’t want to do this-” 

“Of course you do. Now-”

Fairy Godmother begins to wave her wand. “Bibbidi, bobbidi-!”

“Boo!” Maleficent mocks and bangs her scepter on the ground again.

Another magic blast shoots out across the crowd just as Ben goes to tackle the dark queen. Everyone freezes except me and the VKs.

“Psych!” Maleficent snickers and starts saundering up the steps to poke fun at the royal family and swipes Fairy Godmother’s wand.

Carlos takes my hand and pulls me next to him. “I thought I told you to stay low.”

I shake my head and give a small smile. “And let you have all the fun?”

“Now now, where shall we start? I know! Let’s start by getting rid of this!” She flicks the wand at Mal and Ben’s ring slips off and flies over to slide onto the wand. “Perfect fit!” After getting a closer look at the ring, Maleficent looks back and forth between Mal and frozen Ben. “Falling in love is weak, and ridiculous.” She emphasizes by tipping his crown sideways and pushing his face around.

“Don’t you dare touch him!” I rage.

 “Shut it, sweetie. You’re lucky you’ve got magic to spare otherwise you’d be in the same boat. Love is pathetic, Mal. It’s not what you want!”

“You don’t know what I want!” Mal’s trying to hold back tears. “Mom, have you ever asked what I want? I’m not you!”

“Obviously,” Maleficent brags. “I’ve had years and years of practice of being evil. You’ll get there!”

“No, I won’t!” Mal fights back. “Because love is not weak!”

I walk up to stand beside her. “Love is forgiving, and comforting!”

Maleficent cackles. “Oh, that’s precious coming from Sarah’s daughter! Your mother doesn’t even know the definition of love! She just uses men to her advantage, as all sirens should! And from what I see, you’ve done pretty good yourself by bagging this one!” She points cheekily at Carlos.

“No!” Carlos shouts before I can overthink her words. “Magica never spelled me to love her!”

“And now I command wand to my hand!” Mal yells and the wand flies across the room to Mal’s awaiting hand, her face showing disbelief and excitement. “It worked!”

“Frankly, this is tedious and very immature. Now give me that wand!” Mal’s mother shrieks at her. Dude runs out from his hiding spot and jumps up into the dark queen’s arms. “Oh! Gog breath! Get it off!” She throws him to the ground and gets into a  ready stance. “You will pay.” Maleficent's eyes start to glow green as she rises into the air. “You will all pay!”

Maleficent disappears behind a curtain of smoke, and out comes a giant purple dragon with glowing eyes. She looks at the closest victim, Jay, and begins to swipe her talons at him.

“Jay, run! Jay! Everyone get behind me!” I scream over the dragon’s deafening roar.

Jay weaves in and out of the columns and barely escapes Maleficent’s fire blast. Once we’ve all gathered into a tight group my eyes start to glow and I hold my arms out. 

“Praesidium! Praesidio nobis! Protegat nos cara Domine!” I chant as pink flames erupt from my hands and spread around us to form a barrier.

“What’s that?” Carlos shouts.

“Protection spell, but I can’t hold it too long.”

“Mirror mirror, shine a bright light!” Evie holds her hand mirror up to blind Maleficent as she dives for another attack.

“Here! Use this!” I quickly hand Mal a vial from my dress pocket.

“What is it?”

“Firecracker draught! It won’t do too much damage, just enough to cause a distraction-”

Just then the dragon snaps her tail at us, sending me flying into a wall while the others duck for cover. I feel my head start to spin, and I try to get back up but start feeling dizzy.

“Magica! Are you ok?” Carlos shouts as he runs over and takes my hand. “Are you hurt?”

I shake my head. “No… Just bruised. But I’m no good to you anymore. You guys have to fight on without me.”

“Here.” Carlos helps prop me against the wall and gives me a quick kiss. “Stay here. Just stay awake and I’ll be back once we’ve won.”

I smirk. “I’ll be waiting, Freckles. Now go be a hero.”

He smiles and goes off to help the others, leaving me to hear bits and pieces of the fight and slowly drift off to sleep…