#anyway i have my final tomorrow and it's my last chance so wish me all the luck in the world

[carnival-core]

Hey not to make a political post but does it ever feel like we can just never win and the suffering will be forever and we're always going to have to fight with moments of peace being fleeting and not worth looking forward to

[grilledkatniss]

Local swiftie syndicate is officially on strike.

We were willing to go broke for the concert, we have nothing left for a movie ticket right now.

6k for a movie ticket is fucking absurd. 15k if you want the eras tour popcorn bucket with the seat.

[too-much-tma-stuff]

Finally Getting Help (prt. 10)

Mastterpost

A/N: Thank you all for the well wishes about my dog. Unfortunately he didn't make it and pass away Tuesday morning in the vet's office. I was able to get some writing done but I don't have the energy to edit. Let me know if you find any mistakes.

-----

Jason: hey, thanks for the gun and the tech, it's really cool.

Danny: new phone who dis 😝

Jason: I hope you haven't given too many people guns in the last couple days.

Danny: no I haven't, thanks for texting me Jason. Have you got a chance to try the gun?

Jason: not on anything moving, I've been doing some target practice to get a feel for it though. Looking forward to when I can test it on Vlad.

Danny: aww are you going to avenge my honor 🥺

Jason: if you want me too. I'll bring you his head if you want me too.

Danny: 🥰 you're so sweet. I wouldn't say no to seeing him suffer for what he's done but don't get yourself in any trouble okay? And if you do call me right away. I'll come rescue you 😘

Jason: hey I'm the one offering to protect you! 

Danny: we can protect each other. And fight each other, can you come spar again soon?

Jason: I wouldn't call that sparring, more like brawling.

Danny: eh potato potato, do you want to come fight me again?

Jason: if demon brat won't kill me for it, sure. Can I take you out for dinner afterwards? I have some questions

Danny: It's a date! Just tell me when

Jason: Day after tomorrow? I have some work to take care of first.

Danny: Sounds great! And it is a date right? You don't mind that I'm going to have kids?

Jason: the kids aren't a deal breaker I promise but let's not jump the gun okay? We're going to be family through B so we don't want this to blow up in our faces. Let's hang out, take it slow, see how it goes. You need to be careful about who you let into your life now anyway, you can't just let anyone around you and the babies.

Danny: don't tell me what to do 😠 but you're right. I'm bad about rushing into things. I'm still looking forward to it.

Danny: By the way Jazz uploaded the power point she made about Liminals and Ghosts to the bat’s server thing. You have access to that right? You should read that before we meet and I can fill in the gaps.

Jason: Sounds good, I’ll have a look at it and I’m looking forward to it too. I'll be there at 5 so we can spar before dinner. Don't forget to warn B and your guard dog.

Danny: Damian is a good kid. I'll let them know.

Danny stared at his new phone Tim had given him with apprehension. The chat with Jason had gone very well, and Danny was glad he reached out but there were other people he really needed to reach out to and he was… frankly scared. Sam and Tucker were his best friends and had always been there for him but they both had tempers. Would they be mad that he hadn’t told them he was pregnant? Would they be upset he had left Amity and wasn’t planning on coming back?

He needed to reach out though, the longer he waited the harder it would be to talk to them, and things wouldn’t stay calm as they were now. Vlad would be back to cause trouble again and even though the JLD had control of the portal but he was sure his rogues would find their way through eventually. Vlad had his own portal anyway, and Danny wouldn’t put it past him to open it just to annoy Danny. Maybe try and weaken him a little so Vlad could swoop in and pick him off.

Today was quiet, he needed to take this chance. He sighed and got up off the edge of his bed where he was sitting and ducked out of his room. He didn’t want to do this alone, so he wasn’t surprised when he found himself in the library where Jazz was studying. 

He sat down across from her and reached across, laying his hand, palm up on the table. Without looking up from her book she reached over and placed her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. He smiled at her and took a deep breath before putting on his earbuds and sending a message in the group chat.

Danny: When you guys are ready can we call?

Jazz phone went off too and she checked it, smiled at Danny, and then silenced the chat and went back to her book. She didn’t need to be part of this call but at least she knew what he was doing. 

Sam: Yes, let me just grab Tuck. He’s playing Doomed.

Danny took a deep breath and put down his phone while he waited for them to call and tried not to panic.

When the phone buzzed he jumped and reached for it, joining the call quickly. 

“Hey guys,” He said, awkwardly, waving with the hand that wasn’t holding the phone.

“Hey yourself! What the heck happened Danny?! Basically the whole town joined in in chasing Vlad when we found out what he did but why did we have to find out on tv?! Why didn’t you tell us?!” Sam said, but at least she just seemed stressed, not actually angry.

“I’m sorry guys,” Danny said, wincing a little when he heard Tucker sniffling a little. “I hadn’t told anyone yet. I hadn’t even fully accepted it yet honestly.

“I still wasn’t ready to talk about it, bur Cass is really good at reading people's body language and I guess she clocked that I was carrying them by how I kept unconsciously touching my stomach. When she asked me about it it sorta broke through my denial and I broke down which started the ball rolling on… all this,” He said with a vague gesture.”

“All this is right!The justice league really brought the hammer down on Amity. They’re dismantling the GIW and really pissed at the government and basically all the adults in the town for letting this happen. And they arrested your parents!” Sam said sounding almost excited.

“Sam! That was really insensitive! They’re still his parents, what if he didn’t know!?” Tucker broke in furiously. 

“No it’s alright I knew, Jazz told me. She’s here with me,” He said squeezing her hand though she wasn’t paying attention to the call.

“Okaaay so where is Here?” Tucker asked warily. 

“Ya are you safe? We haven’t seen you since all this went down! Are you really with Bruce Wayne?” Sam asked sounding wary.

“Yes I am. He’s got a foster license and since his kids were the one that found out what was going on it just made sense that I’d stay here.”

“And he’s Not another Fruitloop?” Sam asked warily. “You need to be careful with these rich people you know? They’re basically all crazy!”

“Sam you’re rich,” Danny pointed out, amused. 

“Ya, and? My point stands!”

“Fair enough,” Danny laughed. “But no, I did some snooping the first night I was here and it seems okay. And since he’s got close ties to the Justice League he was able to get the help we really needed, and he says he might be able to help me meet Martian Manhunter!”

“Don’t fanboy out too bad,” Tucker teased him.

“Oh ya? And what if I helped you meet Tim Drake? Would you not be just as bad,” Danny accused Tucker.

“Touche,” Tucker said. “Could you though?”

“I mean maybe? He’s my foster brother now and he seems cool. You two are my best friends, if I’m going to stay I’m sure you could come visit me and meet all of them.” 

“Are you really going to stay there though? I mean once the GIW and everything is cleared out you could stay with either of us. I know my parents aren’t your biggest fans but I know they’d let you stay,” Sam said sounding worried. 

“And I know my family doesn't have a ton of money but they adore you, we’d make it work,” Tucker added looking worried.

“No, guys I really appreciate the offer but… I don’t want to come back to Amity. The Justice League said they shut down the portal and I really need a fresh start I think. I think I’d rather stay here. Jazz too, she’s gonna study at Gotham U and intern at Arkham,” He said. She looked up at the mention of her name and gave him a small smile.

“I’m sorry, you guys are my best friends and I’ll miss you, but there are too many… memories in Amity you know?”

“Ya I get that,” Sam said, looking sad and distant.

“We can still call, and play Doomed together, and visit on breaks!” Tucker said, his chipper tone sounding a little forced. “We’re going to say friends!” He insisted and Danny smiled.

“Of course we will Tuck,” He promised. They might grow apart with the distance between them, but he hoped not, they really were his best friends.

“Ya, my parents will probably be thrilled about this development and want me to come over all the time. They love the Waynes,” Sam chuckled though her optimism also seemed a bit forced. Of course she was more of a pessimist, she probably thought they would drift apart, but knew Danny needed them right now. 

“Soo what’s been going on in Amity since I left?” Danny asked, letting them ramble about the drama, the rumours, and the bullshit that was the bullies and everyone in the school sudden;y pretending they cared about Danny soooo much.

After they finished telling him about it there were a few beats of silence and Danny was just about to suggest they hang up when Sam spoke up again. 

“So, what actually happened with Vlad? If you don’t want to talk about it that’s okay but…”

“No, it’s okay. It’s not what- what you’d think. It’s superhero bullshit really. When I wouldn’t be his son he decided to try and clone me, you met Dani with an I right? She was one of the clones. But he didn’t know I was trans, and my DNA got all fucked up in the portal so none of the clones were stable. I have no idea how many he tried to make that died. But when I found out it was because he had lied to Dani and told her he needed me to stabilize her clone brothers. It was a batch of ten.

“But he lied, he didn’t actually care about stabilizing them, he was going to let them all die. I was only able to save the two that were most stable and only by taking their cores into myself. So I’m not normal pregnant, I’m ghost pregnant. 

What is my life huh?” He finished, chuckling awkwardly. 

“Oh fuck,” Sam said her shoulders slumping a little even as her expression went through a range of emotions. “That’s better in a way but still a whole different type of fucked up! I hope they catch him soon.”

“I hope so too but I don’t think they will,” Danny said with a shrug. “Not before he tries something else. I’m not lucky enough to be able to just move past this,” He said with a bitter little laugh.

“Well, we can still hope. And even if he does cause trouble you have more allies now! You’ve been able to handle everything else he’s thrown at you basically on your own, with the Justice League behind you I know there’s nothing you can’t handle. I mean, Vlad is kind of pathetic anyway,” Tucker encouraged making Danny smile. 

“Ya, you’re right, I’m sure it’ll be fine. Thanks guys,” he said fondly. 

“Of course dude! We’re here for you!” Tucker said.

“It’s really good to hear from you too. Don’t be a stranger okay?” Sam said, a bit worried.

“Of course not, I’ll keep you posted I promise.” Danny assured before they said their goodbyes and he hung up. 

He put down his phone and leaned back with a sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. Next to him Jazz chuckled and there was a soft snap as she closed her book. 

“You did well little brother,” She told him, getting up from her seat she moved behind him and rested her hands on his shoulders.

“How do you know? You weren’t listening.”

“No, but you reached out to your friends and had an honest conversation which isn’t easy. You did well,” She reiterated, squeezing his shoulders.

“Well thanks Jazz. I hope that they’re right that we won’t lose touch, and I’ll be able to handle whatever Vlad does,” He grumbled. 

“I’m sure we will,” Jazz promised. “And either way there’s no point in worrying about it now. Has Jason texted you yet?” She asked, giving Danny the excuse he needed to change the subject and launch into his more petty worries about the upcoming date as she sat back down to listen.

Next

[ilovetoxicfictionalmen]

SO MUCH FOR A BREAKUP

Pairing - Jackson Rippner x fem!reader

Summary - You broke up with Jackson because you felt like you didn't know him, thinking he took it well was a mistake.

Warnings - 18+, noncon, smut.

Word Count - 1.3k

Break ups were shit. You’ve been through a couple, but this one was different. Because this time it was you breaking up with your boyfriend. It’s not that you fell out of love, or anything dramatic (you still loved him very much). You just felt like you didn’t know who Jackson really was. Nevertheless, Jackson was dreamy. He was obliging, supportive and protective of you. But you just didn’t know as much as you wanted to know about him, his story didn’t seem to add up at times, tampering with your trust with him. You wanted to believe him, more than anything, because you were in love with him, but he wasn’t honest with you. It became a dealbreaker, you gave him a couple of chances but he just seemed to go unphased by them. 

The break up however, went unusually good from a third party perspective. If anything, you were the one in shock. He just politely smiled, nodded and wished you all the best. Was he even upset by this? Did he even love you like he claimed? A lot came into your mind, but after your final apology, the last thing he said to you was eerie, “sure”. 

Anyways, your few days of misery must end. You’ll have a nice warm shower, have a blissful sleep and then tomorrow you’ll take your life off hold. Maybe even message Jackson during the week to see how he is doing, no, scratch that, it’s better if you don’t. 

You turn on the hot water and strip till you’re completely naked. Staring at yourself in the flogging mirror, you let out a loud sigh, you’ve been feeling so insecure with yourself recently. 

“God, I’ve missed this view,” Jackson grinned, appearing against the doorframe.

You shrieked as you spun around and covered your body from him with your arms. When you realised it was your ex, it lowered your horror only to a fraction of an extent. “Wh-what are you doing here!” You cried as you backed into the corner. Shivers ran down your spine as you pressed yourself against the cold counter.  

“Baby, I’ve seen you naked countless of times, why hide yourself now?” he chuckled as he slowly walked towards you. 

“H-how did you get in?” you stuttered, unable to keep eye contact. 

A shrug of the shoulders, “never asked me for the key back”.

“And why are you here?” You gulped, arms still covering your body. 

He stood right in front of you, grabbed onto your arms and forced them to your sides. “Because I had time to think” he sighed, caressing your tits. You felt your body submit to his touch, you missed him. Maybe he’s finally reconsidered how he’s acted, regardless, this isn’t the action you’d take. 

But then you cried out as your lower back was pushed against the counter, his hand tightened around your throat. You tried to break the hold, but it was no use. 

“Fuck baby, why did you have to break my heart?” Jackson pouted, watching you gasp for air. “I really liked playing house with you. It was such a stress reliever from work. But you just wanted to try to fuck that up for me, huh?” Jackson exhaled as he dragged you by the throat to the shower. “Maybe we can clean the brattiness off!” he exclaimed.

Forced into the shower, you gasped for air as you curled up against the cold tiles. Jackson quickly stripped down his suit and jumped into the shower with you. You’re pulled into Jackson as he grinned down at you. 

“Why did you have to hurt me like that?” he asked softly, kissing your neck. 

“I-I told you-” you sobbed, hands pressed against his chest, the water hiding your tears. 

“Yeah, kinda selfish, I don’t get how my work life interfered with us. Fuck, you didn’t think I was out fucking whores did you?” Jackson laughed. That thought did cross your mind more than once. He’s always on business trips, what else were you meant to think. 

You’re flipped around and chest pressed into the tiles. Stroking himself a couple of times, he allied his tip with your entrance. Usually he’d give a bit of foreplay to warm you up, but the water will just have to do as lube tonight. With one forceful push, Jackson groaned in relief, you didn’t react the same. 

“How could you possibly want to break up with my cock? You love my big, fat, fucking cock” he said smugly, thrusting in and out as you wailed. Jackson smirked as he felt you squeeze against him, “your pussy wraps around my dick perfectly, we both know this!” Jackson chortled.

It was terrifying, this wasn’t the Jackson you knew. The sweet, caring, charismatic man you fell in love with was gone. This was the sinister reality he wanted to protect you from. The vague words, rough touch and lack of respect. He didn’t care that he was hurting you, he didn’t care that he was physically assaulting you. 

The grip on your hips will leave a bruise. Shower sex could be difficult, it was hard to hold onto anything. So you really had to depend on your balance by how hard Jackson was pounding into you. With every pound, his balls smacked against your clit. You could only hold out for so much longer. Whimpering like crazy, you tried to hold in your tears as Jackson grunted and mumbled under his breath with your walls pulsing like crazy around him. 

Fear and dignity made you not want to come for him. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, you clenched around him, back arched, seeing stars, moaning loud as you came hard. Jackson lent forward and wrapped his arm around your upper body to pull you back. “Did I say you could come? You filthy slut” Jackson spat by your ear, still inside of you as you’re still feeling the after waves of your orgasm. “Next time, ask for my permission” he threatened as you’re forced down to your knees. 

He slapped your face with his cock, gesturing for you to open wide. Hesitantly, you did so. Jackson echoed a slow groan as he pushed his full length down your throat. It was hard not to gag on him, but that just made him moan in return. 

“Have you told anyone of our so-called break up?” Jackson questioned in a mocking tone, as if he didn’t already know the answer and as if you could reply. He held onto the back of your head as you gently shook your head around his cock. You just wanted to spend this time alone to grieve. “Aw, see? You didn’t even want us to break up. Just some typical female hormones right?” he condescended, pushing so deep that his balls pressed against your chin. 

You nails dug into the back of his thighs as he fucked your mouth. His breathing got heavy and cock twitched in your mouth. You knew he was going to explode at any moment. “I should be coming in your cunt, getting you all pregnant and shit so you can never think about leaving me again” Jackson grunted, his fingers yanking at your hair roots as he thrusted in your mouth. 

Your moans and cries only sent sweet sensations down his cock. Your nails drew blood and it was so hard to keep your mouth open for him. If his dick wasn’t so far down your throat, he’d be able to make out your pleads and sobs. It was only a wonder if your jaw or cunt would be aching more in the morning. With a harsh moan, his seed spurted out down your throat, he held your head still with his cock buried down your throat. Eyes squinted shut, you tried your hardest to breathe through your nose. 

Eventually, Jackson let go of your head and slowly pulled himself out of your mouth. Turning off the shower, he sighed and gently helped you to stand up. Still being a crying mess, you whimpered against his touch and refused to make eye contact. 

Jackson placed his fingers underneath your chin and directed you to look at him, “well, I suppose it’s time for you to get to know the real me”.

[beauregardlionett]

did i rant to my friends about dorian and orym just to be called a simp? yes i did. and i'll do it again.

these two characters? consume my waking thoughts. because just fucking think about this from a timeline/literary point of view for a second with me.

orym lost his husband and his father-in-law (who he always calls dad because he didn't have a dad growing up) in a violent attack on his leader a while ago and whatever magic was used to kill them kept them dead - no reviving magic worked to bring them back. in the space of a single attack, he lost two of the most important people in his life, and now he's a widow who still mourns and loves in equal measure even while far from home trying to save the world. he loves even though he's scared of losing again.

dorian is a runaway heir to a title he never really wanted, a musician for himself, a charlatan hiding behind an easy smile, who has really only ever wanted to see the world in his own time and make real friends for once in his life. and he did that! all on his own! he was with the group at the beginning of the campaign but then they ran into his older brother who was in trouble and needed to lay low and dorian went with him, falling back on old instincts that family by blood comes first. he ran from the group and from the foundations he was building with them. because dorian has only ever run from the things that scare him. but now he's back, re-traced his frightened footsteps toward the daunting promise of tomorrow - not yet with the group, we're getting his side of the story first. and he even said it himself, that he ran from the group and now he's not sure why he did it, why he left, when he stands here now and realizes everything he wanted was already in front of him.

they have sending stones, a once a day chance to say something to each other in 25 words or less. they've been using them, keeping each other updated on where they are, that they're still alive, and kindling this flame even without dorian at the table, without even seeing each other, and liam has been carrying this torch alone for 78 episodes but damn it the flame is still lit regardless!

and orym always updates on their progress and location first, and with whatever words he has left he drops in a sentiment to remind dorian that they still care - that orym still cares. and orym is practical through and through, he's a strategist so he always always always uses his words wisely because he's so fucking limited by this spell but the last message he sent? he repeated himself, he admitted a weakness, he faltered.

he told dorian where they were. he asked if dorian could come their way. he admitted to struggling while his voice broke. he asked again but in a different way if dorian could come their way. he ended the message with the most heartbreaking "fuck, i miss you," i have ever heard in my life.

orym, the man who messaged dorian 52 episodes ago and said "glad you're not here, wish you were anyway." because they're constantly in danger, and he wouldn't wish that on dorian, but he still aches to have him near. orym, the man who confessed 13 episodes ago during a trial with his friends that he's lonely, that he misses dorian and sometimes he thinks it's okay and sometimes he doesn't - because he was married and is still mourning and how dare he have feelings for someone else? how dare he move on even when his husband would WANT him to be happy again? he indicated dorian was missed by everyone in three of his previous messages before the trial, before finally shifting to 'I, orym, me - it's me who misses you'.

and dorian, the one who replied to a message orym sent him with "stay steadfast, sending you fairer winds" in the most longing tone i have EVER heard. dorian, who kissed orym's forehead when they parted ways but that is the closest they have come to acknowledging whatever is between them. dorian, who has been to orym's home between exu and c3 and met orym's mom and knows about orym's husband.

when orym died 58 episodes ago, he went limp and the sending stone slipped out of his hand because he was trying to message dorian before he died, before he ran out of words and breath. before he was revived, there was a moment he stood in the beyond and saw his husband and he told orym "you're not done," and orym said "i really wish i could stay," and then his husband said "i'll still be here," and orym said, heartbroken, "oh, i miss you so bad."

he told dorian, "i've really missed you," and "fuck, i miss you." i miss you is orym's way of saying i love you.

they're so close. they are so close. and orym fully died 19 episodes after dorian left, but he was revived and then never told dorian via sending that happened. part of me wants dorian to find out and the other part hopes he never has to feel like he failed orym by leaving. because nothing could have changed that from happening, not even dorian.

they are so close to reuniting, orym has needed dorian back for WEEKS and he's so close. i'm begging them to hold on so they can hold each other again.

and, again, from a literary point of view, you know the wildest part about all of this?

none of it is scripted.

[stevesbestgirl]

Phases of the Moon - Part 6

Steven Grant x f!Reader, eventual Marc Spector x f!Reader

5684 words

Warnings: chances of swears, FLUFF, lots of silly flirting, my shitty interpretation of French poetry, AND a lot of shitty jokes, so you’re in luck, allusions to a toxic past relationship but nothing specific, like 1.2 seconds of protective Steven

A/N: This will likely be something of a midseason finale, as I still need to finish fleshing out the arc of the second half because I start therapy next week and anticipate being kind of a mess Marc complicates things. I respectfully request that y’all not send asks about when the next update will be (although I’m eternally grateful for your enthusiasm ❤)

As always, keep in mind that I am not a system and am not an expert. All of my information about their relationship comes from the Moon Knight show and I use that as my reference point.

*Bold type is spoken by Marc when Steven is fronting.*

Masterlist

You walked back to the bus stop both a bit quieter than you’d been the rest of the day. Steven wished he’d cleaned up his flat a bit; he really hadn’t planned to invite you back. It certainly wasn’t the temptation he needed. But he wanted to give you your gifts- he wanted to give you anything you wanted. If he was being honest, he didn’t want you to go yet either. He hadn’t had enough of the way you held his arm, your fingers trailing down until they slipped in between his. 

When you boarded the bus, Steven sat down beside you and you slid just a bit closer. He wasn’t sure if you’d done it consciously or not, but the fact that you wanted to be closer to him made his pulse quicken. The quick burst of confidence urged him to wrap his arm around your shoulders.

As he did, he couldn’t help but ask, “Is that alright?” He just couldn’t seem to picture himself not being nervous around you.

You smiled, “It’s nice.” 

“Are you alright?” Your responses had been a bit short since leaving the restaurant.

You nodded, “Might be a little tired. I think the cake did me in.” You chuckled softly and then Steven noted the slight delay in your speech now. He supposed he had sort of dragged you all over the place today.

He couldn’t help but glance at your shoes, “Are your feet alright? We did a bit of walking today, didn’t we?”

You leaned into him, “I’m alright, Steven.”

“You could invite her to stay,” Marc suggested.

“I bloody well can not!” 

“Yes, you can. I bet she’d say yes.” 

“Tomorrow is your day to front- or have you forgotten?”

“If you invite her, you can have it.”

Steven glanced at you, tucked under his arm, looking content, before meeting Marc’s stare in the bus window, “Do not do this to me, Marc. I mean it.” He didn’t want Marc’s day to front and he certainly hadn’t thought Marc would call his bluff.

“Stop being so dramatic-”

“Alright, for the sake of honesty, my feet do hurt a little, but not more than your average day out and it was definitely worth it, so no feeling bad, alright?”

“Hm?” It took Steven a moment to catch up.

“Are you alright, Steven?”

You smiled weakly, “I think I might be a bit tired myself.”

“Guess we better get you home then. Which stop is it again?”

He glanced up at the display at the head of the bus, reading off the next stop before cursing softly, “The last one.” He hastily grabbed the rope to request a stop and you followed him to the front of the bus as it squeaked to a halt. You said a quick thank you to the bus driver, climbing down after Steven onto the curb.

“Well, we’ve only overshot by about a block, but I’m so-”

You leaned into him, “It’s alright, no big deal. I wanted more time with you anyway, right?” You stepped back, “So which way is it then?”

Steven’s apology fizzled, a faint smile taking its place on his lips, “That way.”

“Must be something interesting in that head of yours,” you prompted. Maybe a little more teasing was alright.

He chuckled, “You’ve no idea, love.”

“Maybe someday you can share with me.” He knew you were teasing him again; it was getting easier for him to tell. But he wanted to tell you.

Marc’s stony face appeared in the glass of a passing storefront, “Do not tell her.”

“Now who’s being dramatic?”

“Steven, I’m not joking. You will scare her away.” If Steven didn’t know better, he’d say Marc sounded a little afraid.

“Alright, alright, don’t have a fit- I wasn’t going to.” 

“Which number are you? We haven’t passed it, have we?”

“Actually, it was back there,” Steven gestured over his shoulder.

“Wait, really?”

“No, I’m only joking,” he laughed. “It’s this one here.” He gestured to a large, rather old-looking building, indistinguishable from the others surrounding it. Inside was a bit dingy, but it wasn’t far off from the apartment Dalton lived in. It was sort of industrial, with exposed supports and lots of tarnished brassy colors that looked like they could use some dusting and a bit of oil.

Steven appeared to be getting more and more nervous as you rode the lift, which was sketchy in its own rite. While it rattled and whirred, he glanced at you, “Sorry it’s not much to look at.”

“Steven, you don’t need to apologize for your apartment building.” You squeezed his hand.

“Well, I’m apologizing for my apartment too, I suppose, aren’t I? I’d have tidied up, but I wasn’t expecting to have you visit so soon-”

“It’s not too late for me to go home,” you suggested. “I don’t know if I want to see your place if it isn’t clean.”

He froze, a long second preceding a nervous smile, “You’re teasing me again.”

You grinned, “You’re catching on.” You stood on tiptoe and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, “Your apartment isn’t going to scare me away, so stop worrying.”

Steven cursed the way your lips on his cheek made him want to kiss you again; he was getting a bit greedy about that. And despite your insistence that he not worry, he almost dropped his keys before he could unlock the door, fumbling at getting the key in the lock. 

Throwing the door open, he gestured for you to go ahead of him, still nervous to see your reaction. You stepped inside, eyes wide with curiosity. It appeared to be all one room, although a sprawling one. You caught a glimpse of a bed on the far end of the room, obscured by some of the many bookshelves. The kitchen was to your right, the counters and kitchen table one of the clear spaces. The door to the bathroom stood ajar to your left. Directly ahead was a large fish tank, with two goldfish drifting around inside.

The floors were wood, the furniture appeared to be very worn or maybe second hand, but cozy. The defining feature was the books stacked up on about eighty-five percent of the room’s surfaces. The air was thick with the scent of old books and Steven, which was a dangerous cocktail for someone who’d had two glasses of wine with dinner. 

“As I said, it’s a bit of a mess,” Steven explained as he closed the door. “I’ve been working on getting organized and cleaning up a bit, but it’s-”

“It’s lovely, Steven.” You smiled at him and moved over to a stack of books on an end table, perusing the titles on the spines. “I wasn’t sure what to expect from the rest of the building, but this is quite nice. The wood floors, the big windows, the open floor plan- it’s all kind of elegant, I think. And I love all of the books, although I feel a bit bad for the ones not on shelves- I’d hate to knock them down.”

“That’s what’s been taking so long is getting cleaned up, actually,” he moved up behind you, plucking a book from a pile. “I’ve got to sort through them all and decide which ones to keep and which to donate, which takes me a while, to be honest because I’m quite attached to them. But as it is, I can’t really get the ones on the bottom of the piles, so it’s-”

“An ineffective system,” you finished for him, making him blush. “You know, I can be pretty organized. I wouldn’t mind helping you get cleaned up, if you ever need an extra hand.” 

He gave a weak chuckle, “Can’t have you cleaning up my mess for me, can I?”

“Why’s that?” You moved in close, gazing up at him, “I want to treat you the way you deserve too, remember? I really don’t mind.”

Steven was having a hard time thinking. You were in his apartment and you were so close to him; he hadn’t imagined he would end up in this situation today, or maybe ever. So when you batted your eyelashes at him, he crumpled, “Right- sure, that would be nice.” 

You smiled, glancing back at the stack of books, “So, are all of these books about Egypt?”

“Most of them,” he smiled sheepishly. “There’s some others sprinkled in; Greek and Norse mythology mostly.” You flitted off to examine some of the shelves and Steven took a steadying breath.

“I’m more of a fiction reader myself, but mythology was one of my favorites topics in school. So I guess it’s no wonder I liked your tour so much.”

“What are you interested in then?” He suddenly felt like you knew so much about him and he hadn’t asked you nearly enough about yourself.

“Nerd stuff, mostly. Fantasy, sci-fi, adventure- that kind of thing. Some romance too, but don’t tell anyone.” At that, you glanced over your shoulder to smile at him, like you were confiding a secret. 

“Your secret is safe with me.” And at the mention of romance, he remembered why he’d brought you back here in the first place. “Speaking of-” he headed for the kitchen, taking an arrangement of lovely, red flowers and a box of chocolates from the counter before he shuffled up to you, looking a bit sheepish, “This might’ve been more effective if I hadn’t been such a coward about it.”

“Steven, you didn’t have to get me anything. And honestly, I think it was pretty effective this way. I mean, I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Well, yes, but that wasn’t part of the plan, you know,” he admitted.

You cupped his chin, “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You’re doing wonderfully. This is, with no contest, the best date I’ve ever been on.” Steven flushed under your touch, but you weren’t finished, “In fact, I would really like to kiss you again, if that’s alright.”

He nodded, though the way his eyes lit up was all the confirmation you needed. You tugged his chin down to meet his lips with yours, the flower paper crinkling between you. You kept it light, breaking away after a few seconds to murmur, “Are you remembering to breathe?”

He chuckled, “Yes, so far. But I think you only need to worry if I start turning blue.”

Your lips quirked up in a slight smile, “What should I do then?" Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?” He grinned, battling the laugh before his forehead touched yours as he pulled his head down, like he was trying to hide it. Your smile grew, “Is that what does it for you? Cheesy jokes?”

Steven grinned guiltily, “Sorry if that’s a dealbreaker.” He set the gifts on the table, clasping his hands behind his back, “Have I ruined the mood then?”

“I think your laugh is very cute, actually.”

His gaze flicked to your lips, “That’s good news then because I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news, love.”

You picked up on his tone, playing along, “What is it?”

“I think I’ve forgotten how to breathe.”

You were already tipping your chin up, your lips seeking his while your arms snaked around his neck. Steven wrapped his arms around your waist, slowly and deliberately, the heat of your skin warming his palms. His hands wanted to stray, but he wasn’t about to grope you on your first date- or second date- whatever it was. 

But then his grip tightened just a little bit, making a soft moan slip out from between your lips. Steven’s eyes snapped open, his lips parting from yours in a hurry, “Are you alright? Have I hurt you?”

Heat flooded your already warm face, “No- definitely not.” You broke eye contact, “I liked it.” It had been a while since you’d been touched like that; longer still since it was by someone you wanted to touch you.

“Oh,” Steven breathed a sigh of relief. Then he registered your body language, “Oh. Oh, I get it.” Now it was his turn to blush; he hadn’t imagined he’d have that kind of an effect on you. “I’ll be sure to make a note of that.” 

You offered a shy half-smile. You knew you shouldn’t be embarrassed- certainly not with Steven, but you’d forgotten how vulnerable it could be to get this close to someone. You were at least sure that Steven didn’t realize the power he had over you, not yet anyway. 

“I suppose I should probably get home; don’t want to keep you too late,” you offered. You had monopolized quite a bit of Steven’s day now that you thought about it; this date was only supposed to be lunch. 

So you were a little surprised when he managed to look disappointed, glancing out the windows at the dark sky, “You aren’t keeping me- well, a bit- but in a good way, you know. You can keep me as long as you like.” 

You raised an eyebrow, “Yeah?”

He chuckled, looking surprisingly unflustered, “Not what I meant to say, but I do stand by that.” 

You moved just a bit closer, “As long as I like?” 

He smiled, eyes going soft. There was a long pause, he seemed to be gathering courage until he spoke, 

“Douze fois l'heure a frappé l'air. Et près de toi je suis encore assise; Et, loin de pressentir le moment du sommeil. Je croyais voir encore un rayon de soleil.”

His eyes never left yours while he recited the poem; when he finished, you realized you had forgotten to breathe.

You spoke softly, “What does that mean?”

He took one of your hands in his again, brushing his thumb over your skin, “It means that I’ve spent a great deal of time with you today and I know the day is ending, but it doesn’t quite feel that way.”

“What does it feel like then?” You hoped your voice didn’t sound hoarse; it made you unexpectedly emotional to have French poetry recited to you. There had to be people more deserving of something so special, but here you were with Steven and somehow he felt that way about you.

“It feels like we’re just starting. And even when today ends, I hope my time with you doesn’t end with it.”

“Steven-” But words didn’t seem to capture what you wanted to say and you didn’t have any French poetry handy, so you hugged him again, burying your face in the crook of his neck to hide the way your eyes were glossing over. 

And by now, Steven no longer felt strange holding someone in his arms. It was beginning to feel like you belonged there. 

Neither of you said anything for a long several seconds. When you finally broke the silence, your voice was thick, “Steven, I really quite adore you, I hope you realize that.” You chuckled into his shoulder, “Sorry I don’t have any poems memorized.”

He gripped your shoulders, leaning back so he could see your face, “Are you crying?” Worry etched itself into his expression, his lips pulling down into a frown.

You blinked, trying to keep the tears back, “No.”

“Have I said something wrong?” he asked, gaze locked on yours.

“No,” you shook your head, the motion making your eyes spill over. You hastily reached for your face, but Steven gently caught your wrist, eyes pleading with you to confide in him. “You’ve said everything right, actually."

"Then what's the matter?” He wanted to wipe your face dry himself, but  he was worried you’d push him away; it was unlike you to be withholding. 

You wrestled with your answer and Steven caught a glimpse of an expression he knew well. He’d seen it many times on his own face, even when he wasn’t the one feeling it; self-doubt. 

Steven cupped your face, brushing the stray tears away with his thumbs, “Love, you deserve the whole world. I’d wager some absolute twit did something stupid to make you believe otherwise?” 

Steven watched the faint flicker of pain cross your expression at whatever memory had been conjured up, “Whoever he was, he was a right prat for letting you go.” His expression darkened in a way you hadn’t seen before, “He best hope I never cross his path if he made you feel this way.” 

You would never have expected Steven to be the type to make threats, but as he said it, you believed him. Steven acted like a softy- and he was, mostly. But he was also full of passion, far beyond just enthusiasm for Egypt.

“Steven?”

“Yes, darling?” The shadow in his eyes dissipated and the soft Steven you knew was back, brushing his thumb over your cheek.

“Kiss me again?”

He leaned in slightly, pausing, “You’ll talk to me about this someday, yeah?”

You nodded, blinking at the tears still clinging to your lashes, “Yes.”

Then his lips were on yours; still a bit hesitant, but already improving. You knew you were maybe going a bit fast for him, your lips frantic on his, but you couldn’t get enough. There might never be enough of this sweet, wonderful man to satiate your need for him. 

You slid your hands up his chest until they skimmed over his collarbones, brushing up the sides of his neck. Dragging your nails over the back of his neck, you nipped his lower lip, surprised when Steven moaned, a sharp sound he quickly tried to tamp down, but it was too late.

You broke your lips from his, pressing your forehead to his, “Sorry.”

Steven was a bit short of breath, but he shook his head, “Don’t be.” 

You offered him a small smile, “Makes me feel a bit better, to be honest.”

“Happy to help any way that I can,” he half-joked.

“You have.”

He dropped his hands to hold yours, “Can I confess something?”

You smiled, hoping to lighten things up again, “Like a murder?”

“Less dramatic and more embarrassing, I’m afraid.” Steven was just glad to see your smile; he didn’t ever want to see you cry again.

“Spill the tea,” you chuckled.

He gave his head a half shake, “Why would I spill tea?”

You couldn’t help but laugh, “It’s just slang; it just means to tell me the gossip. The better the gossip, the hotter the tea.” 

“Bit silly, isn’t it? Why would anyone purposely spill hot tea?”

You bit your lip to stifle the smile at Steven’s indignation, “Sorry to upset your British sensitivities.”

“It’s dangerous, if you think about it-”

“Steven?” He paused his dissection of the expression, “You were confessing to murder, I believe.”

He gave an embarrassed smile, “Right.” Cheeks going rosy, he added, “Although if my girlfriend is going to intentionally spill tea-”

You blurted it out before you could think better of it, “Am I your girlfriend?” 

“Oh-” His expression fell, “-bugger. I was going to do something special to ask you, but I’ve kept thinking about it today and I suppose I got a bit excited. And that’s if you even wanted to be-”

“I do want to be,” you offered, trying to head off the insecurity he was working himself up to. “But, I will politely decline your request to be your girlfriend today.” You hoped he understood what you were trying to do.

“You will?” You’d never heard someone so excited to be turned down before. 

You couldn’t help but laugh at his tone, “I will. We’re just sort of seeing each other, isn’t that right?”

He nodded seriously, “Very casual.”

“No big deal.”

“Not even a deal, really. Sort of an agreement.”

“An understanding,” you offered with a stoic nod.

“Precisely.”

You stared at each other for a moment before you burst out into laughter. You were tearing up again, but this time your sides were starting to hurt from laughing so much. The sound of Steven’s laughter made your chest feel warm, that long forgotten feeling of butterflies suddenly returning. 

As your laughter faded, you couldn’t rid yourself of the smile on your face. Now that you thought about it, you couldn’t remember a day when you’d smiled this much. 

“So, what was that confession?” you finally asked, once you were both relatively composed.

Steven’s already pink cheeks darkened at the reminder, “Yes- that. I, ah- I don’t think I want you to leave.” He rushed to follow up, “I mean, it’s late. I’d feel awful if I didn’t make sure you got home safely and I’m sure your feet could use a bit of a break-”

“Are you inviting me to stay?” You definitely weren’t expecting that.

He flinched, almost like he’d hoped the words would fade before you heard them, “Only if you want to, of course. You would take my bed, obviously, I can take the sofa-”

“Steven, I’m not taking your bed,” you gave him an exasperated look.

“I can’t let you take the sofa.” The disdain in his tone was enough for you to bury that idea.

“Then stay with me. In your bed.”

“I can’t- that would be- I just-” he had so many protests, he couldn’t seem to land on which one to use first.

“Steven, I’m not suggesting we have sex, just to be clear.”

The red tinge was creeping down his neck now, “Well, that’s a relief at least, but still-”

Normally you would be offended if someone looked so relieved not to sleep with you, but you knew Steven’s heart was in the right place. You rubbed his arm reassuringly, conceding, “I can take a cab home.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to,” Steven explained, looking pained. “You’re entirely gorgeous and I-” 

"Steven, it’s alright. We’ve had a great day, or at least I have, and I really don’t want to push you into doing something you don’t want to, but I also don’t want to put you out.” You lifted your shoulders in an easy shrug, “I should’ve left already, actually, but it turns out I’m awful at saying goodbye to you.”

“Because she wants to stay,” Marc offered from his reflection in the window. “Don’t let her leave, Steven.”

“I can’t exactly force her to stay, can I?”

“You wouldn’t have to if you’d stop being-”

“Would you mind walking me out then?” You unknowingly interrupted Marc, grabbing Steven’s hand and giving it a soft tug toward the front door.

Steven didn’t move, the internal battle transparently raging behind his eyes. You felt a bit bad; you were being kind of difficult. But you knew you wouldn’t get any sleep knowing Steven was in the next room over when he could be with you.

You released his hand, pulling your phone out instead, “Actually, I’m going to call the cab now, I’ll be right back.” Steven watched you move off into the living room, feeling a bit frustrated. 

“Are you really just gonna let her go?”

“I can’t do it, Marc. I can’t share a bed with her.”

"Fine."

"Cab will be about ten minutes or so," you reported, coming back over. Seeing Steven still looking stressed, you put your hand on his shoulder, "Steven, it's really alright."

Guilt washed over his face, “I hope I haven’t hurt your feelings because I really do want to- I want to be close to you that way- quite badly, actually, but I’m a bit nervous-”

You stopped him before he could spiral too much, offering a reassuring smile, “My feelings are just fine. I understand.”

“You do?”

“I do. I don’t want to rush things between us; we can go at whatever pace you’re comfortable with.” He visibly relaxed at that, shoulders slackening as he lowered his hands from their holding place at his ribcage. “That said, I can admit that I’m very excited to get close like that.” 

You stepped closer, sliding your hands around his waist, “I’ll be looking forward to sleeping in and cuddling up in bed and holding each other and stealing little kisses and-”

“Is it too late to change my answer?” he gave a weak chuckle, hoping you wouldn’t be able to hear how dry his throat had gone. 

You stole a quick kiss, his lips chasing yours a bit as you moved back, “Next time.”

His hands found your hips, “Next time could be right now, couldn’t it?” 

You tilted your head, “I’m not sure that’s how it works.”

“We’ve been on two dates today, haven’t we? What’s one more?”

You laughed, “Alright, I respect that you’ve used my logic against me, but I already called the cab. I’ll see you again soon.” 

“How about tomorrow evening?” He knew he sounded clingy, but he couldn’t bring himself to mind. “I’m off at seven.” 

And you knew you should probably take some time to cool off; you were feeling a bit infatuated right now. But you nodded, “I’d like that.”

“I could make you dinner,” he offered. 

You raised an eyebrow, “I thought you said you didn’t like to cook.”

“I don't mind it, but I’m probably a bit rusty,” he admitted. 

“I could help you.”

He chuckled, “As much as I want to refuse, that’s probably for the best.”

"Meet you here at eight then?"

Beaming, he nodded, "It's a date."

You returned his smile, but before you could reply, there was a ping from your phone, "Looks like my ride is here."

"I'll walk you down then. Oh, and don't forget your things." He hastily grabbed the flowers and chocolates from the table, keeping them clutched in one hand while the other went to the small of your back. He seemed to just want to have a hand on you the whole way out of his apartment, holding your hand in the elevator too. The only time he broke contact was when he rushed ahead to get the front door, following you out to the curb where your taxi was waiting. 

He opened the car door and gently put your gifts on the backseat, asking the driver for a quick moment. He buried his hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels, “Suppose I’ll see you tomorrow then, yeah?”

You nodded, surprised by the sudden bit of awkwardness between the two of you; things had come so easily up until now, “Tomorrow.” You realized you were still wearing his jacket and you moved to take it off, “Here, I should give this back-”

“No- you might need it on the way home. You can keep it,” he quickly unburied his hands to still yours.

“Steven, you’ve worn this almost every time I’ve seen you. I don’t want to take your favorite jacket.”

He shrugged his shoulders, “Looks better on you anyway, don’t it? Besides, makes sense my favorite jacket and my favorite-” He seemed to catch himself, his face going pink even under the faint light of the streetlamps.

You didn’t tease him; you were feeling a bit flushed as well. Not wanting to keep the cabbie waiting, you leaned in, kissing Steven’s cheek, “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Right, tomorrow. Let me know once you’ve gotten home then?”

You smiled, “I will.” You climbed into the cab, “Good night, Steven.”

He offered a wry smile, “Good night, dearest.” He somewhat reluctantly closed the door, remaining on the curb until the car pulled away. He was sad to see you go, almost wishing he’d listened to Marc, but he couldn’t help a smile as you turned back, waving out the cab’s rear window.

Marc’s voice echoing in his head surprised him, “You are so screwed.”

Steven watched the cab round a corner, finally disappearing, his voice a bit dreamy, “Yeah, I suppose I am, aren’t I?”

True to your word, you sent Steven a text when you arrived safely at home. You did have to endure a bit of teasing from Dalton when you asked for a vase for your flowers, but they looked nice on your bedside table. And they made you think of Steven, though not so much as the jacket, which you were embarrassingly tempted to sleep in. You stubbornly put the jacket on a hanger, mounting it on the closet door instead of inside.

You couldn’t believe you’d almost slept over on the first date- thank god Dalton didn’t know that part. The bit of distance between the two of you didn’t make your head much clearer either; you still wished Steven had just agreed- then you’d probably be cuddled up with him right now. But then he wouldn’t be the Steven you liked so much- your Steven, as you were coming to think of him. 

Every reason you’d come here seemed to fade into the background in comparison to the way you’d felt today. None of those things seemed to matter. They were all just background, the build-up to the part of your life that could be starting right now. You knew you were lovestruck, that much was obvious. But aside from that, this felt like something. 

Your phone buzzed on the nightstand while you brushed your teeth and your heart leapt. You’d sent a simple, “Made it home safe. Thank you for today.”

Steven had replied, “Glad to hear it. I should be thanking you- sorry it had to end.”

You smiled, “You’d best not be beating yourself up. This was the right call. It was perfect.” You finished brushing your teeth and climbed into bed, phone still in your hand.

Steven hesitated before sending his next reply, “Still, think I’ll be up missing you tonight.”

“Don’t lose too much sleep- can’t have the museum’s newest tour guide showing up late, can we?” You sent a quick follow up, “Feel free to think about me tomorrow though.” You set your phone on the bedside table, gaze flicking up to Steven’s jacket. Was this really all the willpower you were capable of?

When Steven’s reply came through, you were just climbing back into bed, his jacket wrapped around you. “You say that like I’ve got a choice.” Well, at least it seemed like you were both equally as spineless when it came to the other.

“Do your best to get some sleep, for me.” You bit your lip, considering before snapping a quick picture of yourself. You wondered if he’d notice the collar of his jacket poking out from under the blanket.

“Oh my days, she’s wearin’ my jacket to bed.” Steven was dumbstruck, staring at the photo you’d sent to him.

“Nicely done,” Marc nodded approvingly. 

Steven gave a dreamy sigh, “Would you look at her? She’s so stunning.” He couldn’t help but add again, “And wearing my clothes.”

Marc wanted to point out that you could be here, right now, if Steven hadn’t chickened out. But that would also mean that Marc would've had to remain in the background. He wouldn’t admit it to Steven, but today had been difficult. It had been a while since Marc had to be so quiet in the back of Steven’s mind.

If Steven noticed Marc’s long silence, he didn’t draw attention to it. “Is it alright if I make this the background on our phone?”

Marc wouldn’t miss the photo of the fish tank that currently graced their phone screen, but he felt strange about using a phone with your face on it. You weren’t his, you were Steven’s. It felt like an invasion of privacy- like he was trespassing in your relationship.

“Marc? That alright with you?”

“It’s fine- sorry,” he offered hastily.

Satisfied, Steven confirmed his changes, grinning as he returned to his home screen to find your face there. Marc thought he was off the hook, but Steven looked for Marc’s face in the fish tank, “You alright then? Sorry it was such a long day, but I’ll make it up to you- and tomorrow night too-”

“I’m fine, Steven,” Marc reassured him. “I’m happy for you.”

Steven paused, “You could be happy for you too.” He rushed to say the rest, “I think if we told her the truth, she would-”

“No. No, no, no,” Marc shook his head. “That is not happening.”

Steven’s face fell, “It’s got to eventually, don’t it? We don’t want to repeat the same mistakes.” Steven didn’t have to specify which mistakes; he meant Layla. 

“Eventually nothing. We can cross whatever bridges when we come to them.” He didn’t want to ruin Steven’s good day, but he was not ready for this conversation.

“I don’t want to build a relationship on a lie, Marc. And I think she’d love you too.”

“Love me too? You don’t even know if she loves you yet- it’s been one day, Steven.”

“Well I know that,” Steven huffed. “But don’t you feel it?”

Marc unhappily played along, “Feel what?”

“That bit of…rightness in your chest,” Steven fumbled for the right words. “Like she fits perfectly, right here.” He clasped his hand into a fist over his heart, holding it in place with the other. 

“Steven, she’s your girlfriend. I don’t feel anything.”

“Well, she’s not my girlfriend yet- I’m going to ask her proper.”

“Well if you never text her back, she might say no.”

“Bloody hell, you’re right- I’ve forgotten to reply- I hope she hasn’t already fallen asleep, although she does need the rest-”

Marc stopped listening, grateful to have Steven distracted, at least for now. But he kind of missed the way things were before- just him and Steven. Everything was changing again and just once, he’d halfway hoped they could stay the same for a while. But you were here now and it was clear there was no going back.

Phone still in your hand, the faint buzz of Steven’s reply wasn’t enough to wake you. You would see his “Good night, love. Sleep well and see you tomorrow,” in the morning. 

[wordyneonlights]

'And then I go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like I love you'

Welcome back to the inner workings of my mind!! This has been STUCK in my head since yesterday and I've finally gotten it all out. UGH.

Anyways, hope you enjoy this... whatever this is.

1.3k words by the way

You've made a mistake.

No... mistake is too small a word. Mistake is using salt instead of sugar; using the wrong 'there' in an essay; texting the wrong number; telling your mother anything about your love life

This was not a mistake, it was more accurate to say that you had royally fucked up.

Like the ginormous idiot you are, you'd gone and fallen in love.

And even that wasn't accurate enough, falling created the expectancy that you were going to be caught. You had crashed and burned into love if you wanted to get specific with it.

It hit you last week, when you were washing the dishes with him, hips bumping, silence you could sleep in surrounding the both of you.

You thought to yourself: 'I really wouldn't mind doing this everyday forever,'

Then you dropped your plate in the sink at the shock of your realisation.  Eliciting a laugh from him as he poked you with his elbow.

'You all right there?'  He had asked

And you laughed and nodded

'I've got an essay due tomorrow is all,'

'We can always pull an all nighter, run to the corner-store, put something scary on and speed run it,'

'My knight in shining armour,'

'And my favourite dragon,'

You'd rolled your eyes and he laughed making you laugh too and it had just been such a comfortable moment. So warm and safe, and you'd gone and ruined it all by falling in love.

The thing was, you wouldn't have minded as much if it hadn't taken you this long to even be friends with him.

He wasn't necessarily the most open person. A lot of people thought he was hostile, mean... you didn't think that.

OK fine that was a lie you had thought that, but you'd also bothered with getting to know him and he turned out to be the most sarcastically funny, kind, sweet, annoyingly handsome, person you'd ever known. But it had taken you two years to get to that point. And he hadn't dated anybody in the time you knew him.

You'd asked him once, if he was interested in romantic relationships, and he'd looked at you funny.

'Yeah,' he'd said, ' I'm just not looking right now,

'Aw, why not?'

'Tryna graduate first' he'd said poking your nose and shifting your face away from him

'Darn it, I thought I'd have a shot,'

Your heart had been hammering at that point, you had a crush on him by then but it wasn't exactly love, not yet.

He had given you a look but had been interuppted before he could say anything. You both didn't talk about it again.

You wished wholeheartedly that you had never met him (lies) or that you had at least, never fallen for him (more lies).

You were scheduled for one of your routine hangouts, at the local bar. Usually some of your other friends would have joined you but they had all bailed.

Maybe the universe was giving you some sort of sign? Maybe this was your chance to confess. You were quieter than usual as he drove you to the bar, staring out of the window.

"You alright?" he asked

"Uh huh," you responded

"We could always watch a movie or something, we don't have to go out,"

You nodded not really registering, his cologne smelt nicer than usual today, but then he always smelled nice.

"Are you sick or something?"

' Lovesick maybe,' you thought in your head.

"I mean don't get me wrong I appreciate the silence, but it is weird when you’re not annoying me about something,"

You rolled you eyes before smiling coyly, "Just admit you like hearing me talk," you said and he scoffed

"Never mind actually I preferred the quiet,"

You took this as a challenge obviously, and began chattering to him about the latest drama surrounding your favourite comic.

"So the fight's getting tense right, but he's got this super powerful being on his side but then his legs get sliced off and he has to jump into the god he's fighting and he almost gets devoured but then it gets eaten by his wall but then the wall eats his mom and-"

You rambled on before your voice fizzled out. You wanted to stop talking before you said something you'd regret. Besides, you were at the bar already.

You walked inside and sat on one of the outside tables. You sat in silence for about ten minutes, absently sipping your drink so you wouldn't talk.

Maybe if you confessed while drunk you could play it off as not that serious, at least it would be out there.

"Ok, what's the problem," he asked finally, and you raised your eyebrows

"What?"

"Are you sick? Did one of your 'faves' die again?"

"What, I-"

"Did that couple you were rooting for break up? Did you fail another paper?"

"Hey-"

"Are you-" his face blanched and your stomach dropped. Had he somehow figured it out? Your mouth went dry and you tried your best to look normal.

"Are you pregnant?"

...

...

Your mind went completely blank as you registered his face before you burst out into laughter.

"Pregnant?" you wheezed doubling over, "You think I'm pregnant!!"

Your laughter was so obnoxious you were getting weird looks but you didn't care. The absurdity of it all had you rolling.

"This is what i get for caring," he'd said blushing slightly after you had calmed down save for a few giggles every few minutes

"I can't believe you thought I was pregnant,"

"You weren't giving me much to work with," he muttered, "I was getting worried,"

"Rest assured i am not pregnant,"

Just hopelessly in love with you is all.

"Then what's wrong?" he asked, tone more serious

You hesitated, he was annoyingly perceptive. Maybe there was a possibility he already knew you were in love with him and was waiting for you to confess. Were you willing to take that chance?

"Just got some unexpected news is all," you said picking your words carefully

"Good news or bad news?"

"I'm not sure yet,"

"Well... as long as you’re not pregnant,"

"Why do you care so much?"

"I can barely deal with you and your period hormones," he teased rubbing his arm when you smacked him, "Pregnancy hormones would be a whole different beast,"

"Whatever, you’re stuck with me anyway,"

"Stuck with you huh?"

Your heart was drumming in your chest and you took another sip of your drink.

"You know... " I started, "There is actually something I wanted to say,"

"I think we've already established that,"

You felt queasy, and cleared your throat. You could feel yourself sweating as you built up your courage.

You have to say it, if not now then when? You can't be the sort of person who lives in regret, you can't be the kind of person who's scared of big conversations.

You steeled yourself, bringing your head up and looking him firmly in the eye.

"I love you,"

There, it was out, you'd said it, it was in the air, out in the open, the frequency of your voice had been registered as vibrations in his ear, he had heard you. You could tell because of the slight raise of his eyebrows.

"Yeah, I love you too, is that what you were so worked up about?"

You should have been happy, relieved almost but you weren't, your stomach twisted itself and you let out a shaky breath.

"No I mean I love you love you. I think you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met, you make me laugh, you make me feel seen and I want to be with you as more than just friends. I love you in the way that they talk about in poetry and I can't keep hiding it from you anymore,"

You stopped talking eyes still on his.

You couldn't read his expression, his face had gone pale and his eyes were wide.

"I'm sorry," he started and your heart clenched, "I don't feel the same way,"

Oof, glad I am done with this. Just wanted to put it out there I suppose. Not sure I had a person in mind for this when I wrote it so I'll probably just tag a bunch of fandoms or whatever. Hope you enjoyed!!

Title is from the song: 'Something Stupid' by Frank and Nancy Sinatra

[benkyoutobentou]

31 Days of Productivity Reading もう一回！: Day 6

Before: Before I spin I want to say that I have a single volume of BASARA left in my collection so there is still a chance that I can land on it again and while that was a bonkers cliffhanger that I ended on last volume, please let’s get some variety in here.

I WISH I WAS MAKING THIS UP

I’m switching sites. I swear it. Today I read more BASARA, but tomorrow I find a new spinner wheel website. I don’t trust this one.

After: I had such a successful day! My biggest accomplishment was finally going to the Japanese language meet up in my area after saying I was gonna go all summer. I'm horribly shy but the people there were super nice and I had a great time (even if I did get a late start because I sat there not talking to anyone. Thank you Ken San for talking to me and inviting me to join your conversation group even after I fumbled our one on one conversation so badly). In my conversation with Ken San, he asked what manga I like and I mentioned that I'm currently reading BASARA and he said that he had a girlfriend way back when who told him to read it!

Anyways, I also did finish this volume of BASARA and whoever compiled these volumes should be put in jail because wow every single one ends in such a massive cliffhanger. And I can't even continue yet since I don't own any more volumes! I was so scared that my favorite character was going to die this volume, but it didn't happen! I don't have faith that they'll live to the end of the series, but they lived to the end of the volume and that's enough for me. These tankoubon bind ups also have essays from various people who have worked on or been influenced by BASARA over the years and I really enjoyed the essay in this volume. It talked about how girls not only enjoy but want and need stories that have more in depth themes like war, but just because something is darker doesn't mean that it can't also have romance in it. I'm so glad I decided to do this challenge now so that I can move a bunch of manga volumes of my tbr so that I can buy the rest of BASARA sooner haha.

Today I read 290 pages of manga and finished my fifth volume of the month (AND had a conversation in Japanese!)! I'm really feeling good about this challenge, but it also helps that I've been absolutely loving my reads, even if I have only read across two different series. All the other series on my tbr for the month are shorter (in volume length and in amount of volumes that I own), so I won't feel as stuck. I'm a chronic series jumper, so having the same things chosen for me over and over was frustrating when I see it, but once I actually got to reading, I have a spectacular time. I hope the rest of the books that I've chosen, both manga and novels, continue to be winners for me!

[gentaro-kinniecom]

It all started with a cup of coffee

Characters: Fareeha Amari (Pharah)/fem!reader

C/w: modern au!, you work as a barista with lena (tracer), fluff-ish, suggestive, romantic scenes, Fareeha flirts w you <3, first person pov! [Not proofread]

A/n: I love women. Muah; Im still working on those love and deepspace fics..im just so busy with college stuff pls :,( anyways enjoy 😋

The coffee shop was unusually busier today, I groaned as the sight of the huge line outside grew with each minute that passed. Why did my shift had to be during lunch hour? I passed by the line of impatient customers, some angry at me (since they thought I was a cutting customer), and opened the door, my co-worker sighed in relief as she glanced my way. It seemed we’re understaffed today..

“What took you so long?” She asked, handing me my apron adorned with cute buttons, one of them being a pride flag, which people stared at it rather than me most times. Lena was regularly energetic, but today’s demand was so exhausting to the point where her usual smile faded in the back while preparing orders.

“Traffic. Go and take a break, you’ve more than enough have earned it.” She tried to complain about it, saying how I needed help taking and doing orders, but I insisted, giving her a slight push towards the break room while flashing me a smile.

Hours passed after taking customer’s orders alongside Lena that I didn’t notice it was already 5:30pm, we usually close at 7 but since tomorrow was a free day due to a small holiday event in town, the shop owner was nice enough to change the hour until 6pm for today. I began sweeping the floor and cleaning some tables when the small bell of the shop rang suddenly

“Would you mind taking their order? I have to take out the trash and finish up in the back” Lena asked as I looked up nodding and smiling her way before standing behind the register, not noticing who was in front of me.

“I’ll take a small cappuccino and the last vanilla cupcake” The voice sounded so familiar..I finally looked up to see my crush and classmate, Fareeha Amari. Her hair was messy in an attractive way and adorned with golden accessories. She smiled while meeting my gaze, knowing I had recognized her

“Fareeha? From Calculus class? It’s been a while” I said, writing her name on the cup and starting the coffee steamer.

“I’m glad you remembered, although almost no one in college now days don’t even take the time to know their professor’s names.”-there was a pause, she fetched her phone after it rang twice, apologizing before continuing-“I’ve been meaning to talk with you for a while now” Fareeha thanked me before taking small sips in between our current conversation. While I finished up on cleaning, Fareeha sat down, scrolling through some videos or social media in general.

When it came the time to close, she wished me a goodnight and left, then I noticed. She had left behind a note, her phone number was neatly written in her lovely handwriting. I quickly dialed the number, keeping the small paper in my pocket. Lena’s girlfriend, Emily, came to pick her up, they offered me a ride home but I decided to walk, thanking them while heading towards the subway.

In the morning, I decided to finally reach out to her after a long night of debating it. It’s all fun and games until Fareeha finds out the name her contact on my phone is. Nothing fancy, just ‘Pharah’, with a heart emoji on the side. Sitting down on the countertop, I reached for my phone, sighing while typing..

“Good morning! It’s Y/n, how are you?” As I awaited a reply from her, I began to prepare breakfast while trying not to think much about the text. To my surprise, my phone pinged, ‘1 message from Pharah♡’. I unlocked my phone, my heart accelerating within the second.

“Hey~! I’m doing good, better now that you texted me..by any chance are you going to tonight’s festival?” Oh? The question caught me off guard for a moment as I finished eating. Yes, I was planning to go alone however, if she’s inviting me, I wouldn’t mind.

“I have nothing better to do honestly, I’d love to go, why? You’re inviting~?” I asked, placing my phone on the counter of the vanity while going to take a shower. As I finished, my phone began to ring; Fareeha was calling me. I sighed upon seeing it was just a normal call and not facetime

“Hey, I thought you weren’t going to pick up. And to answer your question, yes, I’m inviting you out.” I grabbed my clothes, leaving the bathroom as I replied.

“Oh~? So like a date then?” There was a small paused before Fareeha chuckled,

“You’re cute, if you want it to be a date, I wouldn’t be opposed to it” Setting down my phone on my bed now, I started to dress myself before replying to her

“Sure~! Does 5pm sound good for you?”

“It’s perfect, I’ll pick you up too, just send me your address, see you” With that, she hung up. I then texted her my location; going on about my day until the time came for her to pick me up. A sudden knock on my door made me realize it was already 4:50pm, she even arrived 10 minutes early..I got up, reaching for the door and opening it

“Hi beautiful, you ready to go?” Fareeha asked, leaning against the doorframe with one arm as I smiled, taking in how good she looked

“I’ll go grab my purse, be right back!” While gathering my stuff, the realization dawned upon me, she was flirting with me, like we’ve been doing even before yesterday. I guess I was too distracted or oblivious to notice

“Thanks for waiting~” Our hands intertwined, walking out of the apartment complex, and toward her blue McLaren, the sides had a streak of gold, it looked beautiful. Fareeha opened the door for me, though the ride wasn’t that long, in 10 to 15 minutes we had already arrived to the event. It was late enough to go back for my jacket, I would’ve never thought it would be cold tonight. Fareeha seemed to notice as she quickly handed over her own

“If you were cold, you should’ve asked for my jacket, sweetheart” I nearly melted at her words, holding her hand while grabbing her jacket as we walked. I couldn’t help but stare at her now glossy lips as she applied some lipstick while letting go of my hand, only to quickly grab it as she smiled, eyes wandering from my eyes to my lips.

“I didn’t want to bother you” My voice was but a mere whisper, still, it made Fareeha laugh softly. We soon entered one of the restaurants around the block.

“Never, in fact, I’d love for you to ask for my things. My jacket suits you well” I nod, ordering a beverage along with something to eat together as Fareeha continued to stare at me, almost lovingly. After eating with her, we walked around town. She wouldn’t let me pay for anything, even with us getting matching key chains for our phones.

“You didn’t have to..don’t tell me you have a thing for spoiling people?” I inquired half jokingly, returning home with her. Fareeha’s hand gripped the steering wheel while the other rested on my thigh

“Only to people I really like..have you gotten the hint yet, or do I have to be more..direct with my feelings?” She teasingly spoke, parking nearby my apartment as I took off my seatbelt, looking over as she tried leaving the car. I grabbed her hand, leaning towards her

“What is it that you truly desire then? Go on, I’m all ears” A cocky smile appeared on her face, making me falter my grip when suddenly, Fareeha took hold of my hands, pushing me slowly against my seat.

“You hate it when I tease you yet..you’re out here playing games with me, honey”

“Okay and~? What’re you gonna do about it? Her lips crashed onto mine like a dream. It was as if tonight everything came to light. My hands caressed her face softly, leaning more into the kiss while Fareeha grabbed my hair, gently tugging it after parting away

“What~? Don’t tell me you’re speechless now?” I chuckled, my hand in hers; soon we left her car, upon arriving to my apartment, I kissed her goodnight. I couldn’t help but think of Fareeha throughout the entire night.

Months passed by, and I can proudly sat that my relationship with her has grown. To the point of moving in together a few months after she asked me to be her girlfriend. I was currently making breakfast, looking out the window to see the sky during the early afternoon. Hands suddenly wrapped around my waist as I smiled

“Good afternoon my love, sleep well?” Fareeha nodded gently, kissing my cheek while grabbing some orange juice from the fridge.

“Mhm, I never thought my dreams of having a life with you would become real, not that I’m complaining” She smiled, taking two glasses of orange-printed cups and pouring juice. At good timing too since I was done with breakfast. We sat together in the dinning table; Fareeha read the newspaper as I scrolled through some social media

“Hey, didn’t you say you wanted to visit the botanical garden last week?” She said, breaking the comfortable silence while taking our dishes back to the kitchen

“Yes, but, don’t you have to call and reserve beforehand? It’s not like we can show up without anything” Fareeha chuckled, after washing our plates, she went towards our shared bedroom and took out an envelope. Inside were two tickets for the garden

“You didn’t think I already planned ahead, right~?” I smiled, wrapping my arms around her as a small ‘thank you’. I couldn’t help but admire her eyes, the way her hair fell down onto her face…

“You’re staring..do I have something?” She looked concerned but I just laughed, kissing her softly, almost catching her off guard. Her hands quickly traveled towards my waist

“I just like staring at you, my beautiful girlfriend”

[claudemblems]

Operation "Kiss the Girl" | Chapter 3: The Final Date

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Summary: It's the last day you have to win the heart of Azul Ashengrotto and get him to kiss you, otherwise you will be fated to remain a mermaid forever. Will he return your feelings and save you with the power of true love's kiss? You will only know once you can gather the courage to confess your love to him...

Genre: Fem!Reader. Lots of pining. Fluff.

Notes: This is a long one at 4,500+ words! I wanted it to be a satisfying ending, and I truly hope it fulfills your expectations 💜 I hope you enjoy it. Thank you so much for reading this little project of mine.

Today would be the day where your life would change, for the worse or for the better.

This would be the day where you would confess your feelings to Azul, and if all went well, he would return them and gladly break your curse of mermaidism with a kiss. But nothing is ever as easy as it seems, and, though you had begun to believe that maybe he felt the same way about you, you couldn’t shake off the doubts that clung to the back of your mind. 

What if I’m imagining things? What if this is just wishful thinking? What if all my efforts to win his heart have been for nothing…?

You shook your head, dispelling the negative thoughts. No. I didn’t come all this way to give up now. Whatever happened, you would accept his answer with grace. Azul didn’t owe you anything. He didn’t owe you a “yes” or a cure for your predicament that he wasn’t responsible for causing. In fact, after all he’d done for you, you were the one that owed him. After the day’s end, you decided, you would start planning out a way to show him just how much you truly appreciated him.

A buzz in your pocket pulled you out of your wandering thoughts, and you pulled out your phone to find a text from Azul.

“I’ll be there in two minutes. I got a little lost along the way.”

You couldn’t stifle the small laugh that escaped you. Azul had never been good with directions, at least on land. Really, he was more of a fish out of water than you were.

After the events of yesterday, Azul had called later that evening to check if you were feeling better. He didn’t trust Ace and Deuce to take care of you, especially when he believed they’d actually ditched you while they went to class. I’m going to have to tell him the truth about that, for those two dummies’ sakes, at least. But once you’d assured him that you were feeling much better, he’d offered you a proposition.

“If you’re feeling up to it, would you like to accompany me to a local festival tomorrow? It might help get your mind off of things…but please, don’t feel obligated to accept my invitation! I know you’ve been dealing with a lot lately, so I don’t want to add more onto your plate. I just—” “It’s okay, Azul,” you laughed, smiling to yourself. Azul couldn’t help his rambling when he got nervous, but you found it to be a cute habit of his. “I’d love to go…is it just going to be the two of us?” “Yes…is that okay?” “Of course. I need a break from these two over here anyways.” “I don’t blame you.”

And so Azul had unknowingly scheduled your last “date” for you. When you’d told Ace and Deuce the news, they’d made Jade and Floyd aware of the new plans, and they reached a consensus that they would “observe” your date to make sure everything went smoothly. 

Ah yes, totally not spying.

And, of course, Rook had just “happened to be on a stroll nearby” when he overheard the conversation and insisted on helping you as well.

This was how he and Vil had ended up doing your makeup for the first date. He’d just conveniently walked by at a good time. His whereabouts totally weren’t related to him researching people, especially the octo trio, every chance he got.

Either way, you were thankful for the help, and so you took him up on his offer.

That morning, Vil, Rook, and Epel did your makeup and hair and picked out a cute yet stylish flowy dress for you to be comfortable in. And to tie the look together, Vil had gifted you a pair of heels that he’d been given from one of his many brand partnerships. They happened to fit you just perfectly, and once the three were satisfied with your look, they sent you off on your way, telling you to come back home before midnight. You’d rolled your eyes at their antics, but you were glad to have their support. 

“[Name], I’m here!”

“Oh!” You snapped out of your thoughts as Azul came running into view wearing a sheepish smile. “Sorry I’m a little late. I got the directions mixed up, and Jade and Floyd were talking to me nonstop. I don’t even know what about, but they seemed really excited for some reason.”

I can guess why…

“It’s okay! I wasn’t doing anything anyways.”

“Well, that’s good to hear then.” Azul extended his arm for you to take, ever the gentleman as always. “Shall we go look around the festival?”

You nodded as you slipped your arm around his, your heart fluttering in your chest at the brush of his skin against yours.

“What would you like to do first? Shopping?” he asked with a knowing smile. 

“Hmm…what gave it away that I like shopping?”

“Maybe the assortment of plushies scattered around your dorm.”

“I…Those are Grim’s!”

“Ah, of course they are. My apologies.”

“That smirk on your face says that you’re not sorry at all, Ashengrotto.”

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

As if things couldn’t possibly get more ironic, the festival that Azul had invited you to was ocean-themed, particularly focused around mermaids. The glittering shells and bubbles that lined the streets and stalls made it obvious for anyone who might have been unsure. 

“It’s quite a nice theme for a festival, don’t you think?” Azul asked, an unmistakable sparkle in his eyes. Oh, right. He’s a merperson. He must be happy to see all these references to his home.

“Speaking of oceans…” you began, “what do you think of mermaids?”

“Mermaids?” Azul considered your question as you two aimlessly wandered along the carpeted streets made to look like the deep seafloor. “They’re crafty creatures, that’s for sure, but they’re nowhere near as dangerous as sirens.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” Wait, how did Professor Crewel manage to get sirens’ songs to power your necklace? …Maybe you didn’t want to know.

“But, if I’m being honest…” A smile played at the edges of Azul’s lips, but if he was brimming with excitement, he didn’t show it. It seemed that even out in public, he still tried to maintain his cool and collected businessman persona. “They’re fascinating. I may be used to seeing them all the time, but there’s a mysterious allure to them. It’s like I can’t learn enough about them to satiate my curiosity. Perhaps one of these days I’ll have the opportunity to do business with one.”

He likes mermaids? Well, if your confession didn’t go well, at least you had that going for you.

“I quite like them, too,” you answered before your eyes landed on something shiny in the distance. Without warning, you picked up your pace, nearly running to the booth that displayed the eye-catching object. 

“Wow,” you breathed, eyes growing wide. On the table was a pair of pearl earrings, diamonds attached to the ends of the chains. “These are gorgeous.”

“Aren’t they?” the vendor added, flashing you what had to be a well-rehearsed smile. There was no doubt they’d managed to secure several successful sales with it. 

“Oh, these are rather pretty,” Azul said once he’d caught up with you. He gently took them in his hands (much to the obvious annoyance of the vendor), inspecting the jewels. “These are 100% authentic diamonds and pearls. What a surprise. You’d think the first pieces of jewelry you’d find at a festival would be overpriced knockoffs not worth half the price they’d be going for.”

“I can assure you, sir,” the vendor replied, “that my jewelry is completely genuine and worth the cost. But if you’re still not persuaded to buy them, I could find it in my heart to offer you a small discount.”

“A discount? Whatever for?”

“For your girlfriend, of course,” the vendor answered, nodding their head towards you. “She can’t take her eyes off of them.”

WHAT???!!!

Heat rushed to your cheeks as you tried to stutter out a reply. “We—he’s—well—”

“That would be great. How much of a discount could you give us? Would you throw in a freebie as well?”

“I’ll tell you what. If you buy one of these little rings, I’ll give you a free hair accessory of your choosing.”

“It’s a deal, then.”

WHAT????????!!!!!!!!!!!

“Um, A-Azul, are you sure about this—”

“Shh,” he replied, pressing a finger to his lips and sending you a wink. “They don’t need to know.”

I think he needs to know he’s making my heart race right now!

Before you could muster up the courage to speak, Azul had already picked out a beautiful ring and hair accessory that perfectly matched the pearl earrings. When the vendor had boxed up the items for him, Azul took out a stack of madol and handed it to them without even so much as considering the expense.

Azul…was buying you things…without even despairing over the cost of it all.

Yeah, you had to be going insane.

“Thank you so much for your generosity! I’m sure my darling [Name] will wear these pieces for a long time.”

Darling.

You felt as though you might just faint.

“[Name], are you all right? You look a little pale. Shall we find somewhere to sit down for a while? I can get you something to eat, too, if necessary.”

“I’m fine, Azul,” you reassured, gently patting his arm. But my heart is not. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Actually,” the jewelry vendor cut in, “there’s a karaoke lounge a little ways down the street. It’s also part of the festival, so everything inside coincides with the ocean theme, including the songs, of course.”

Was the world of Twisted Wonderland just laughing in your face at your predicament now? 

“That sounds like a good idea. Come on, let’s go rest up for a little bit. I’ll lead the way.”

“Aren’t you bad with directions, though?” you asked, flashing Azul a cheeky smile. 

“Well, you certainly don’t feel bad enough to stop teasing me, so I think we can take our time getting there.”

Despite the pout on his lips, you could see how he visibly began to relax, any stress he felt cascading off of him.

He was worried, more so than he let on. Worried about you. 

It was a nice feeling having his full attention. You could get used to it.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

“Come on, Azul! You didn’t bring me to a karaoke place just so you could sit there and not sing something yourself, did you?”

“I brought you here so you could get some rest! I wasn’t planning on having a concert!”

You laughed at the sight of Azul’s cheeks flushing red. How cute. 

“Sing one song with me, please~?”

“Trust me, you do not want to hear me sing.”

“But didn’t you perform with Malleus at that masquerade thing? You sounded really good!”

“Oh, I’d forgotten I did that,” Azul mumbled, tapping a finger on his chin in contemplation. “I only did it because he insisted—hey, don’t try to change the subject!” He crossed his arms over his chest and huffed. “You’d have to pay me a hefty sum to sing karaoke of all things.”

“Well, what if I made a deal with you?”

Azul raised a brow. “A deal?”

You took a seat next to him in the private room you’d reserved, leaving almost no space between your bodies. Azul took a nervous gulp, but didn’t dare make his nerves any more noticeable than they needed to be.

“How about this: if you sing a duet with me, I’ll perform a show at Mostro Lounge. The students will definitely want to stop by if they hear a girl is going to be singing, right?”

“W-Well…” Azul adjusted his glasses. “You do have a point, but…”

“But…?”

A few moments of silence followed.

Oh no, did you manage to upset him?

But before you had a chance to apologize, Azul spoke again.

“I’d…rather you just sing for me, and nobody else…”

Your eyes grew wide, your breath catching in your throat. Your pulse thrummed with hope and a growing anticipation. Was this bold admission a glimpse into Azul’s deeper feelings, ones that he’d kept in total secrecy? This had to be a sign, a nudge telling you to keep trying to win his heart. Something in the air was shifting between you two, you could feel it.

But what exactly was it?

You smiled at him. “Well, then, how should I repay you for singing with me?”

Suddenly, you became aware of your close proximity to him. Your skin grew hot, heartbeat becoming erratic, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to pull away. If anything, you were leaning in closer…

And you were certain Azul was, too.

But the dreamlike trance you two had fallen into was shattered as Azul came to his senses. 

“You don’t have to repay me,” he answered, redirecting his gaze from you to the glass of juice sitting on the table. “...I’ll sing with you.”

Were you just imagining the tension in the atmosphere earlier? Had you read it all wrong?

Either way, you weren’t going to pass up an opportunity to sing with your crush.

“Okay. How does ‘Part of Your World’ sound?”

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

You both had decided that just singing ‘Part of Your World’ just wasn’t enough, and so you two continued on performing more songs from the same soundtrack, including ‘Under the Sea,’ ‘Fathoms Below,’ and ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls.’” Thankfully, it seemed that Azul was enjoying himself, sending you smiles and even meeting you eye-to-eye as he sang some of the lines. You were just glad to see that he wasn’t angry with you with what happened earlier. As long as he was having a good time, you couldn’t ask for anything else.

But he’d sung enough for one day, he’d decided, and so you chose one more song to sing on your own before you two left to explore more of the festival.

The song you chose to end the karaoke session on was ‘Part of Your World (Reprise)’.

“What would I give to live where you are?” you sang, turning yourself away from the screen to meet Azul’s eyes, wishing that the lyrics would resonate in his heart like a love letter written just for him. 

“What would I pay to stay here beside you?”

Azul’s cheeks flushed, and you had to keep yourself from grinning even wider.

“What would I do to see you smiling at me?

Where would we walk, where would we run

If we could stay all day in the sun?

Just you and me, and I could be

Part of your world…”

After the last note fell off your lips, Azul responded with applause. Despite the obvious flustered state you’d rendered him into, he was gazing at you with such a soft and happy expression. It seemed that your words might have just reached him after all.

“That was beautiful,” he replied. “Your voice is beautiful. You should sing more often.”

“I could,” you answered, “but it would only be for you.”

“Oh. Oh.”

You giggled, throwing him a wink before gathering your drinks. “We should take these back to the front and let the staff know we’re done in here, right?” Before Azul could answer your question, you were already out of the door, your quick footsteps matching the quick rhythm of your heart.

You’d never flirted with him so blatantly before. It was terrifying, but it was also a feeling that left you light-headed, one that added a little spring into your step.

You’d like to try it again if you ever got the chance.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

After a few more hours spent partaking in the festivities, the day was finally drawing to a close. You and Azul had retreated to a nearby beach, strolling along the sandy shores in a peaceful silence. The sky had slowly begun to turn from a bright blue into a rosy pink, signaling the beginning of the sunset.

This was it. This was the moment you’d been building up to these past three days, a fairytale ending that would break your curse, and Azul was your prince that would save you from your terrible fate.

At least, you hoped so. If all this amounted to nothing, you would end up a mermaid destined to spend the rest of her life in an unfamiliar sea, never to return home.

Despite your desire to become a human once more, this wasn’t all some elaborate plan to trick Azul into helping you. You realized after all this time together that you truly loved him. You adored every part of him, and even if he turned you down, you would forever be grateful that you had the chance to meet him. 

Well, here goes nothing…

“Azul, thank you for taking me to the festival today. I had a lot of fun.”

“I’m glad,” he answered, turning to smile at you. “That’s all I could have asked for.”

And yet here I am, asking for more.

“But…I have something I have to tell you.”

Azul stopped in his tracks, attention fully on you. His brows were furrowed, giving his worry away. “Of course. Is something wrong?”

“Well, yes and no, to be honest,” you laughed, but Azul’s eyes were filled with a growing concern. “”I just…I…I don’t know how to say it…” You breathed out a shaky sigh as you covered your face with your hands. “No. No, I can’t get cold feet now!”

“Hey,” Azul soothed, placing his hands gently on your shoulders. “It’s all right. You have nothing to be afraid of. I’m here to listen to you. You’re safe with me.”

Though the anxiety in the pit of your stomach seemed to keep growing, his calm voice at least pulled you out of your shell. You removed your hands that shielded your red cheeks and lifted your eyes to his, desperate to find the courage to speak your feelings out into the world.

If you couldn’t do it like the way you practiced—romantic and perfect in every way—it didn’t matter. He just needed to know. 

“Azul, I’m in love with you, and I need you to know before I find myself doomed to never have an opportunity to say it again.”

Azul’s eyes shot open, mouth agape in shock. His pale complexion had taken on a brilliant shade of red as his mouth tried to form the right words to respond, but he couldn't manage to speak.

“I got into an accident in alchemy class in which Ace and Deuce accidentally gave me a curse of mermaidism. I only have three days to get my true love to kiss me, otherwise I’ll stay a mermaid forever. Professor Crewel gave me this magical necklace which allows me to stay a human for a short period of time, but it won’t last forever. By the time today’s sunset appears over the horizon, I will turn into a mermaid forever. I will have to leave everything behind to live in the sea, never to be a human again.”

The words seemed to spill from your tongue, and though this was quite a clumsy way of confessing everything, you were overcome with nervousness, and your time was running out. You just hoped his quick-witted mind would pick up on every detail, and that his heart would be inclined to help you, even if he didn’t even love you back.

“That’s why I had dinner with you in the Mostro Lounge, and why I pretended to be sick, and why I joined you at this festival, now deciding to divulge my feelings to you. But despite all of that, my feelings for you were never a lie or some sort of trick. I truly love you, so so much. And I’m so thankful for you. Thank you for being there for me, for being by my side, and for taking care of me. Even if you don’t love me back, Azul…thank you for everything.”

The sun had just started to peek over the sea, and taking Azul’s silence as rejection, you readied yourself for the new and uncertain future ahead of you.

That’s what you were preparing yourself for until a sniffle reached your eyes.

You raised your head to meet Azul’s gaze, and for a moment, time stopped.

Tears brimmed at the edges of his eyes as he gave you the most beautiful smile you’d ever seen him wear. The sight alone made your heart swell, and you swore you never felt so loved in your entire life. Without a word even being spoken, his expression alone had conveyed all that and more to you.

“You’re so silly,” was Azul’s first response, his hands brushing away the stray strands of hair that had fallen in front of your face. 

Silly…is that a good thing?

Azul laughed, no doubt catching the confusion on your face. “You should have told me earlier. I would have kissed you a long time ago.”

“W-What?” you breathed, your heart beat picking up its pace.

“Have you not realized?” Azul blushed, voice growing softer. “I’ve loved you for a long time now.”

Oh. Oh. 

“Really?” Your voice was barely more than a whisper, tentative yet hopeful.

“Yes,” Azul replied. “Although, if you’d asked me then, I probably would have turned into a stuttering mess before I could finally manage to squeak out a ‘yes’.”

A light laugh managed to escape you at the thought. “That would have been cute, though.”

“You’re making me embarrassed just thinking about it.”

Still, Azul’s smile never faltered. If anything, it only grew as he pulled you into him, wrapping his arms securely around you. “Thank you for returning my feelings, [Name]. It is the greatest honor that could ever be bestowed upon me.”

“You don’t have to be so formal,” you laughed, closing your eyes and hugging him tighter. “But the honor is all mine…”

He hummed, his fingers dancing along your back, leaving goosebumps along your skin.

“So…” you began, “is that a ‘yes’ to accepting my feelings?”

Azul pulled back slightly to playfully tap your forehead. “I think so, considering I just bared my whole heart to you.”

“Just checking.”

Azul playfully rolled his eyes at your teasing as you breathed out a long sigh of relief, your body finally relaxing after a long day of mulling over how this moment would play out. It turns out you had nothing to be concerned about, after all. In fact, your confession went much better than you ever expected.

“I was really worried how I was going to win over your heart,” you admitted. “I thought I had to pull out all the stops to make you fall for me.”

Azul shook his head at your words. “You already had my heart. There was no need to win it over.”

Your cheeks burned once more, but this time you chose not to hide your face from view. Instead, you looked directly into Azul’s bright eyes glistening with something that could only be described as pure euphoria.

I can’t remember a time where I’ve ever felt so happy.

And it seems the same can be said for him, too.

“Wait, you said you had until sunset, right?” Azul asked, suddenly remembering your words from earlier.

“Oh…yes, that’s right.” You had gotten so caught up in your excitement that you’d nearly forgotten the urgency of your current situation. 

And as if on cue, the mermaid scales had begun to reappear on your skin. Azul’s eyes followed yours down to your arms, and he extended his hand, asking for permission to touch you. You nodded in approval, and lifting your arm, he took in the sight of the brilliant shades of teal covering your skin.

“You know, if you ever did decide to become a mermaid, you’d make quite the beautiful one.”

“...You’re no fair, Azul” you sighed, this time unable to keep yourself from hiding your blushing face from view. You heard Azul chuckle quietly to himself, but you decided to let him off the hook for trying to get you all flustered…for now.

“Well, shall I, as your true love, set you free from this dreadful curse?”

You giggled at his theatrics, deciding to join in on the fun. “Please, my darling prince, rescue me with true love’s kiss.”

And before you knew it, his hand was on your cheek and his face was inches from yours, giving you an opportunity to change your mind or object. But when you smiled back at him, he returned the gesture, and slowly, painstakingly so, he leaned in until his lips finally descended upon yours in a moment of pure bliss.

As soon as his lips touched yours, you felt the scales disappear into your skin like ripples along the water’s surface, gone as if they’d never been there in the first place.

His mouth moved carefully against yours like gentle ocean waves, pulling you in deeper and deeper before pushing you back out to shore. But you dove in again and again, wanting to get lost in the tide, as long as it meant you could remain with him. Indeed, you’d let yourself get pulled into the depths of the sea just so you would never have to part from him again. That was why you needed to bask in his touch until the very last moment, to keep this memory etched in your mind forever.

When the need for a breath finally arose, Azul’s lips left yours, slightly swollen and faintly pink from the stains of your lipstick.

“Wow,” were the first words to fall from his mouth after your kiss, and it was such a sincere and sweet reaction that it made you burst into giggles.

He just gets cuter and cuter as the days go by.

“Even though I would have never wanted you to find yourself in this predicament in the first place,” Azul began, taking one of your hands in his, “I’m glad it brought us together in the end. If you left Twisted Wonderland before I found the courage to confess, I would have spent the rest of my life regretting it.”

“Well then…maybe we should thank Ace and Deuce later?”

“No, those two are idiots. I’m just glad they didn’t accidentally turn you into a frog.”

Your laughter echoed with the sounds of the ocean waves, creating a happy and serene atmosphere that left you feeling more at peace than you’d been in a long time. And now with your curse cured, you could look forward to all the memories you could continue to make on land, but this time, with Azul by your side.

Wordlessly, you entwined your hands with his, and the two of you turned to stare out at the sea, hearts full of new and beautiful feelings.

Three days had passed, and now a lifetime of them spent loving Azul remained.

[neon-junkie]

awh fuck, everybody else is posting their sappy seasonal finale posts, so i figured i'd follow the herd and make one too. under the cut cause its long, im gushin' my heart out here!!

the bad batch has been my favourite show in... fuck, a very long time. i'll watch a piece of media and go "i enjoyed that!", maybe reblog a few tumblr posts on it, write the odd fic here and there, but the bad batch? i dont know what the hell it woke inside of me, but i am damn thankful for it.

since leaving the red dead fandom, i didn't write very often. i did the odd piece for star wars, but there wasn't anything that truly grasped me. i remember finally watching the clone wars during the covid lockdown, and thinking "awh i love the clones so much! i love how unique they all are, with their tattoos and haircuts. i just wish they would make an emo clone, for a laugh, you know?"

and then i started tcw season 7, and oh my god-

yeah, crosshair is my absolute favourite, although tech almost stole that place during season 2. (but i could never betray my husband like that!!) i love all the batch, even stinky sergeant hunter, and i am so thankful that they've entered my life. im glad i got into the clone wars when i did, cause as i finished the entire show, the bad batch season 1 dropped the very next day haha. i didnt think they'd impact my life as much as they did, but hey-ho, im thankful for it.

i mean, they got me back into writing. i had a nasty experience (which i wont go into detail about) during my time in the red dead fandom, and it totally put me off writing and fandom spaces. im so glad the bad batch has given me a new safe space to enjoy, with motivation and inspiration to write again, even if the things that i write are filthy and disgusting.

not to mention that i've met so many new people, formed friendships, even met them in real life!! star wars celebrations was in london last year, and being bri'ish, i had to go. i wasn't expecting some of my dear fandom friends to cross the ocean to attend, but god damn, i am so thankful that i took a chance and met them, resulting in a wonderful weekend. i'll admit, i hate how shy i was during the whole weekend, but i mean, meeting so many people for the first time all at once was very nerve-racking!!

to think, none of that would have happened if i didnt get into this silly show. so, yeah, thank you to the bad batch. thank you for all my fandom friends. i will continue my obsession even after tomorrow, although i will cry myself to sleep every night if anything happens to crosshair... (am i going to regret writing that line?!)

anyway. heres my sappy post. you know, i have to go to work after the finale airs. im going to be an absolute mess regardless of how the show finishes, i just hope the customers dont mind their bartender crying over star wars as she pours their drinks.

i'll stop rambling now. cheers for reading, and feel free to cry with me whenever you feel like it. neon out x

[batfam-rewrites]

Batfam During Quarantine: 27 Minutes (Remastered)

Batfam During Quarantine: 27 Minutes

Hey, quick heads up, this is a slightly reworked version of the third post I made for this series. My continuity on this series got really messed up for a bit and I have so many drafts that I still have yet to publish so I'm going through all of my old stuff to fix the chronology of the stories and also put a bit more pressure on me to finish this series. Please keep in mind that my writing skills kinda improve throughout the series, but this one has been the most reworked so far, and there is a good chance this will be reworked again in the future.

Dick: Good morning adopted dad!

Bruce: *grunts*

Tim: Bruce is so stressed out. Yesterday I watched him stare at a page load for 1 second and he screamed his head off. He almost destroyed the computer.

Jason: I literally saw him counting grey hairs the other day. Whatever it is it must be Tim’s fault.

Tim: Don’t you blame this on me....

Dick: *speaks over Tim* Okay so anyway, here’s the challenge, *speaks a bit lower* first person to make Bruce smile gets to drive the Batmobile on their next patrol.

Cassandra: Awesome, how do we decide who.......

Jason: *walks over to Bruce*

Cassandra: Never mind.

Jason: Hey Bruuuuuce.

Bruce: *glares at Jason while slurping coffee*

Jason: Want some breakfast? *turns on stove* How about some eggs!

Bruce: What do you want?

Jason: Nothing! Just to see my *pauses a bit* old man smile.

Bruce: I will shank you.

Jason: Loving this new color on you? You should be pissed off all the time.

Bruce: Go away.

Jason: Okay......d.....d...da...

Alfred: Don’t burst a blood vessel Jason.

Jason: No, I can do this. Da......d.a....dad *sighs and puts his hand on the stove* AHHH, FUCKER!

Bruce: Jason, are you okay!

Jason: GET AWAY FROM ME, I CAN DO THIS BY MYSELF BRUCE! *quickly runs to the bathroom to run cold water over his hand*

Duke: Well that was entertaining!

Cassandra: *lays head on Bruce’s shoulder and hugs him*

Bruce: *hugs Cassandra back but no smile*

Damian: Father, I brought you a gift. *pulls out a picture of the entire batfamily together*

Bruce: *Bruce smiles* Thanks Damian, that’s really thoughtful of you.

Damian: *turns towards everyone and points* YES SUCK IT LOSERS!

Daily Briefing

Dick: Okay, so we have reached a low point of criminal activity for Gotham City which is a good thing.

Cassandra: A bit funny how it took a pandemic to make Gotham a bit peaceful.

Dick: Exactly my point. Now, with that said, we will still be doing patrols starting at 11. Tim, this is your week on sanitation duty. Throughout the day we will train a bit harder than normal. There will be scheduled times and you will each have partners. Try to train no less than two and a half hours a day. Training should include sparing, cardio, strength, and tumbling. Try to spar with someone new every week.

Dick: Also Jason, you remember when you said you wish you could fall like me.

Jason: I was being sarcastic.

Dick: I will finally be teaching you how to do pommel horse 1 hour a week like you asked.

Jason: I will kill you.

Duke: Being honest, I’d like to try high bar and floor. I feel it will be very beneficial for me in the long run.

Dick: Awesome! You got it. Now everyone has until tomorrow to pick their partner, I know my partner will be Jason. 

Jason: Fuck you.

Dick: Also, last thing before I make the training schedules and routines, I need to address something. There are quite a lot of people in Gotham City still refusing to wear mask. During the day lets try to hand out mask with our own designs on them to everyone who we come across during the day. I already ordered them and they should be here by Saturday, so that is something we will be doing starting next week. 

*alarm sounds off in the batcave*

Alfred: It would seem there is a fire at Wayne Tower on the thirty-second floor.

Dick: Alright, Duke, Jason, and I will go to check it out. Everyone else do what you would normally do.

Tim and Bruce

Tim: Hey Bruce, I brought you some coffee!

Bruce: How many cups have you had?

Tim: Three large cups.

Bruce: After......

Tim: *mumbles* The five cups I had with breakfast.

Bruce: There we go.

Tim: Okay so what are we doing?

Bruce: Someone found a weakness in Wayne Tech's firewall and is trying to hack into my server. If they do so they will have knowledge of the companies upcoming projects, along with the identities of our persona’s.

Tim: How long do we have?

Bruce: 27 minutes. Try to locate the hacker.

Nightwing, Red Hood, and The Signal

Time- 19:37

Nightwing, Red Hood, The Signal: *all pull up on their motorcycles at Wayne Tower*

Fire Marshal: *approaches the three vigilantes* Hey Nightbird....*looks at Red Hood and The Signal* and gang, look, this wasn't a big fire, it was contained very quickly so there's nothing really to worry about.

The Signal: So we’re good to go, awesome!

Fire Marshal: There's not much you can really do, so yeah.

Nightwing: Thank you fire marshal but if you don't mind, we'd like to stick around for the investigation.

Fire Marshal: No, that's not necessary! We have it all covered!

Red Hood: I take it that you haven't been in Gotham for long. It wasn't an offer, it was a statement.

Fire Marshal: *sighs* Very well.

Nightwing, Red Hood, The Signal: *walk into the building and make there way up to the stairs up to the thirty-second floor*

Tim: Nightwing, are you still at Wayne Tower?

Nightwing: Yeah, what’s up?

Tim: We’re dealing with a hacker trying to get into the server at Wayne Inc. We think the hacker is inside the building....

Nightwing: Say no more! We’re on it!

Tim: Find him fast, we have t-16 minutes and 55 seconds to find him!

Fire Fighter: *runs by to a fire truck* Lets go, lets go!

The Signal: What's going on?

Fire Fighter: There’s been another fire across town. Lets move out!

Nightwing: Shit *mumbles under his breath* Okay, Signal, investigate the fire upstairs. Red Hood, search the building, there is a hacker somewhere and we need to find him before he hacks us! I'll go to the next fire!

The Signal: Got it.

Red Hood: Understood. 

Nightwing: *bolts out into the stairway towards the ground level* Red Robin, I'm on my way to another fire, Red Hood is in charge of looking for the hacker and Signal is investigating the fire.

Tim: No time! I'll send The Signal to search for the hacker, too! Investigate the fire later!

Nightwing: Got it!

Tim: Signal, Red Hood! Start looking for the hacker!

Red Hood: Already doing so!

The Signal: But Nightwing said...

Tim: Shut up and do it!

The Signal: Got it!

Alfred and Julia

Alfred: What are we watching

Julia: Well, I thought that with both of us being former spies, I thought we could watch an American film franchise called Mission Impossible.

Alfred: And tear it apart by it’s inaccuracies!

Julia: Yes!

Alfred: Sounds wonderful!

Tim and Bruce

Time- 13:17

Harper: I came as fast as I could.

Bruce: Good, set up your computer.

Harper: Why isn’t Alfred helping?

Bruce: Shut up and get to work.

Harper: Okay then!

Signal

Time- 12:14

The Signal: Fuck! *runs through and between all of the Wayne Enterprise employees* Sorry, excuse me! Coming through! *keeps searching for someone hunched over their computer* Out of the way! Coming through! I'm so sorry! *makes his way back to the stairs and climbs up to the fortieth floor, opens the door and finds the floor empty, but still hears the sound of a guy typing away* Signal to Red Hood, potential suspect on the fortieth floor!

Red Hood: Copy that, standing by!

The Signal: *turns the corner and gets into a stance*

Hacker 1: *looks over* Ah!

Hacker 2: *jumps up behind The Signal and kicks him in the back*

The Signal: Uck! Red Hood, hackers on the fortieth floor!

Red Hood and The Signal

Time- 12:14

Red Hood: *walks on to the twentieth floor and lifts his pistols in the air and fires two rounds* Everybody, go down to the next floor now!

Everyone: *rushes off to the stairs*

Red Hood: *observing everyone that leaves the floor*

The Signal: Signal to Red Hood, potential suspect on the fortieth floor!

Red Hood: Copy that, standing by! *continues to observe the crowd and notices a face* Hey you!

Noah: *looks around and points to himself*

Red Hood: *points* Yeah, you!

Noah: *walks over nervously* Please don't hurt me, I don't want any trouble!

Red Hood: Relax, I'm not going to hurt anyone here. We're just looking for a guy. What's your name?

Noah: My name is Noah.

Red Hood: Sup Noah....

The Signal: Red Hood, hackers on the fortieth floor!

Red Hood: Gotta go! *pushes through the crowd and runs up the stairs, then enters the door for the fortieth floor*

Hackers 1 and 2: *holding The Signal by his arms and legs*

Red Hood: *raises his pistols and fires a few shots at the hackers, but misses and takes a few heavy breaths* That was a warning shot! Next time I won't miss, drop my partner!

Hackers 1 and 2: *drop The Signal and charge at Red Hood*

Red Hood: *dives out of the way and turns around and shoots the hackers with rubber rounds* You guys probably should have spent less time coding and more time in physical education in high school! *taps his helmet* Red Hood to Bat-cave, we got the hackers!

Tim: Good, now look for a R.A.T.!

The Signal: Ew! Gross!

Tim: Not an actual rat, a Remote Access Tool!

Red Hood: What's it look like?

Tim: You're looking for a window on the computer or maybe a USB connected plugged into it!

Red Hood: *checks one of the computer screens*

The Signal: *checks the other computer screen*

Red Hood: Nothing out of the ordinary!

The Signal: Same here!

Tim: Keep looking, it has to be somewhere!

Red Hood: *keeps looking* Tell Batman he's going to need to buy some new shit for this floor! *starts picking up computers and smashes them to the floor*

The Signal: Red Hood! What are you doing?

Red Hood: Narrowing down our options!

Nightwing

Time- 9:23

Nightwing: *pulls up with the fire trucks at the apartment complex in flames, hooks up a small oxygen tank to his waist and connects the hose to his mask, then sees a resident waving from the terrace on the third floor, he then rushes over and climbs up each terrace and fires a grappling hook from his escrima stick onto the top of the building* Step over the railing, I got you! *he gestures for the resident to step over*

Resident: *steps over the railing and into Nightwing's arms*

Nightwing: *holds on to his escrima stick which slowly lowers them down he then lets go of the resident*

Resident: *runs to a safe place with the other residents*

Nightwing: *turns the valve and runs inside the building, checking for any other residents stuck inside*

Firefighters: *start spraying the apartment*

Kid: Help!!!

Nightwing: *runs up the stairs to where the yelling is coming from and finds a parent lying on the floor unconscious*

Kid: *crying* Help, my.... my...

Nightwing: *kneels down and places a hand on the kids shoulder* Hey, you're dad's going to be okay, but right now we have to get out of here. Okay?

Kid: *nods their head*

Nightwing: *lifts up the kids dad over his shoulder and carries the kid as he begins to rush down the stairs only to see the stairs going to the first floor are engulfed in flames, then drops the kid and the dad gently against a wall as he grabbed the fire extinguisher and clears a path for them to go down, then lifts the kid and dad back up and runs down the stairs and out of the door*

Paramedic: *runs over with a stretcher*

Nightwing: *helps lay the dad on the stretcher then runs back in, shooting a grappling hook at the roof and reels himself up the stairway, climbing three floors before the ceiling gives way and Nightwing falls*

Batgirl: *reaches out for Nightwing's arm* Ah!

Nightwing and Batgirl

Time- 5:54

Nightwing: Aren't you a sight for foggy eyes! *reaches up with his other arm up to the railing and crawls over the railing* Are you okay?

Batgirl: *starts to lift a few of the residents* Ow! Come on! We have to get these people to the paramedics!

Nightwing: Go to the fire escape!

Batgirl: Not safe, the metal is starting to bend!

Nightwing: *pushes against the railing he just climbed over* This one is holding! Go check the top floor, if no one is there head down!

Batgirl: *goes up to check the top floor*

Nightwing: *attaches a grappling line to the railing and carries the two other residents reels them all down then races out of the building to meet the paramedics*

Batgirl: *finds one more resident and taps their shoulder* Are you okay?

Resident: *starts to wake* Uhhhh.

Batgirl: Can I help you?

Resident: *goes limp*

Batgirl: *carries the unconscious resident out of the room and reels them both down the building, then racing out of the building to meet with the paramedics*

Bruce, Tim, and Harper

Time- 4:37

Harper: Ha! Gotcha sucker!

Bruce: Did you stop them?

Harper: No, but I got their IP Address! Computer is being accessed on the twentieth floor!

Red Hood and The Signal

Time- 4:07

Tim: THE HACKER IS ON THE TWENTIETH FLOOR!!!

Jason: Son of a bitch!

The Signal: On our way there!

Red Hood and The Signal: *running down the stairs*

The Signal: About what happened.... (being manhandled like a jump rope)

Red Hood: We have bigger problems right now!

The Signal: Right, right!

Jason: *slows down for a second, then races down fast* Shit, I KNOW WHO THAT MAN WAS!

The Signal: *tries to catch up* Red Hood! 

Red Hood: *bursts through the door for the twentieth floor and unleashes a primal roar*

Noah: *still sitting down* You're smarter than I remember Red Hood! Don't bother grabbing your guns. I'll be gone before you even fire.

Red Hood: *taps the side of his helmet to send video of the situation to The Signal* The hackers on the fortieth floor, they were...

Noah: Yes, just a distraction! Really impressed by your physicality by the way, but I sure bet you are exhausted right now.

Red Hood: I can still take you out!

Noah: No you can't. Hans!

Hans: *grabs Red Hood*

The Signal: *turns invisible and sneaks past Hans and Red Hood, then approaches Noah and bashes the laptop with his escrima sticks*

Noah: Nooooo!!!

The Signal: *kicks Noah and whacks him a few times with his escrima sticks*

Red Hood: *knocks his head against Hans' head*

Hans: *lets go of Red Hood and stumbles back*

Red Hood: *turns then kicks Hans' chest, then reaches forward and tases Hans*

The Signal: *becomes visible and ties up Noah*

Red Hood: *ties up Hans* Have I ever mentioned how impressive your meta-human abilities are?

The Signal: You can mention it more, I can use the ego boost!

Red Hood: We captured The Calculator and his goons, how is it on your end Red Robin?

Tim: All clear over hear! Nice work guys!

Alfred, Julia, Stephanie, Cassandra, and Selina

Alfred: Why would he choose the safe house. If this were reality Ethan would have already been arrested.

Stephanie: Alfred, we love you to death, but your ruining an amazing movie.

Julia: The movie ruined itself by it’s inaccuracies. Plus this is our bonding time, you guys weren’t even invited!

Selina: Yeah, but you guys took the only copy and once we saw you watching it, we just really wanted to watch it, too.

Harper: Oh, cool! Mind if I join?

Alfred: *sighs* The more the merrier.

Nightwing and Batgirl

Nightwing: Gotcha Jay, thanks for the info! Alright, our guy lives in apartment 22 on 1807 Zics Street. Let’s head there now and see if we can find him.

Batgirl: Want to get something to eat after?

Nightwing: If we race there we can eat sooner!

Batgirl: Lets go!

Nightwing and Batgirl: *jump on their motorcycles and drive to the apartment where they found the arsonist, then tied him to a lamppost and Batgirl informed the GCPD the location of the arsonist*

Nightwing: So, how has your dad been doing?

Batgirl: Not too bad. He’s been a bit under pressure but he’s doing fine. How is it being a dad at the mansion?

Nightwing: Ohhh god. I had the thought once and decided to leave that duty to Alfred. 

Batgirl: *Barbara laughs*

Nightwing: I help him a bit. It’s been so difficult acting like a grown up. I had to seriously step in when Alfred called Jason “Master Todd”

Batgirl: Please explain further?

Nightwing: Well, because Jason is, well, Jason, he lost his shit because he’s “not a snooty ass rich motherfucker, Alfred!”

Batgirl: Damn, I could so see that.

Nightwing: Yeah, and it doesn’t help that Bruce totally lost the ability to interact with other people. The other day Damian was acting up and Bruce picked him up and shouted “WHERE’S THE OFF BUTTON!”

Batgirl: *laughs harder*

Nightwing: *laughs* I wish you could have been there, it was funnier in person.

Batgirl: *leans her head on Dick’s shoulder* 

Nightwing: I love you Babs.

Batgirl: I love you too, Dick.

Dick

Dick: *got into the batcave and began creating workouts for everyone, then went to the bathroom and took a shower in the batcave, got out, and went upstairs and entered the media room*

Dick: Aw, isn’t this sweet!

Julia: Get the fuck out Dick!

Dick: Damn, okay.

Dick: *walks into the kitchen to see everyone in there*

Tim: Someone took long getting back to the mansion.

Stephanie: What happened.

Dick: I met up with Babs.

Everyone: WHAT!!!!

Damian: No fair. If I knew I could have been with Jon this entire time I would have!

Selina: You’re not able to Damian, and you knew you weren’t suppose to interact with anyone outside of the mansion.

Dick: Chill. Everything is fine. We’re more likely to get sick on patrol then by hanging out with each other.

Selina: In which if we do get sick on patrol and run into each other we then get them sick!

Dick: It's fine! What’s up with Alfred and Julia?

Selina: No....

Jason: They got tired of everyone ruining their family bonding time so they kicked us out.

Dick: That makes sense.

Helena: *rings the doorbell*

Dick: I got it. *walks over to the door and opens it* Helloooo...............

Helena: Hey Dick, you look great!

Dick: *slams the door shut and covers the door*

Jason: *walks up to the door and shoves Dick to the side and opens the door* Hey, Helena! It's so awesome to see you! What are you doing here?

Helena: I’m here to stay and help. Where should I put my bags?

Jason: You could put them in any of the open guest bedrooms up on the third floor! You remember where that is, right?

Helena: Yep!

Dick: Coolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcool coolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcool. *starts to sit down*

[iu-jjang]

[FANCAFE] 230122 From.IU - Happy Seollal [Lunar New Year’s Day]

Strictly NO screencapping or sharing allowed on other platforms

Hello uaenas 👋🏻

Are you all have a happy seollal?

I got up early in the morning (by my standards) and returned home for the ancestral rites, ate lots of new year food and fruits, gave my new year bows and received bows too.. keke

Then I returned to my place with lots of food that my mum packed for me, organised my fridge and now I’m finally sitting down to catch my breath! (Actually there wasn’t much to do 🤫)

Many of you will probably be asking in the comments, so I’ll just tell you first that the most delicious dishes were braised short ribs and grilled fish!

Also, the TMI for today (someone will ask for sure, right?) is that my nephew made meatballs for the first time today (my dad used to be in charge of them all) and kept asking me to try them when we sat down to eat, so I tried my best to give all kinds of reactions and eventually I promised him that I would set up shop selling meatballs for him😀

We agreed that the name of the shop will be ‘Meatballs Made by Round Jeongyu Restaurant’~

I didn’t feel like getting up early, was in a daze on my way for the ancestral rites and now that I’m not a kid anymore, it feels awkward to be giving new year bows to my parents and grandma, but it was pretty fun for the whole family to meet and chat and the shiny new year food tasted good even though it always tastes the same and the four crumpled 50,000won notes that my grandma gave me in an envelope are really precious to me.

We tend to meet early, have our meal and go back home. Some uaenas may only be reaching their parents or grandparents’ place now and will be staying for the night, so have a safe journey and eat a lot of delicious food! (Although it’s a bit of trouble..🤫) Receive lots of new year pocket money too! (And give just a little..🙄) Exchange lots of well wishes too!! (Don’t listen to or be the one nagging..🤧) If there are any uaenas not going anywhere and just spending the new year quietly, I hope you have a good rest, eat well, have a good time and spend the short and full new year to the best 🔥

By the way, you know the day after tomorrow will be freezing right..? It’s going to be really cold.. If you didn’t know, you should now!! They say it’s going to be really cold, so take out your thermal wear and winter clothes again..

Coat..? No, that won’t do.. Start wearing that the week after the next..

There’s not much left to winter now! Let’s not give it any chance at all!!! For the rest of winter, dress warmly and don’t fall sick!

Lastly, I gave my word in the the video to uaenas in January.

Now that we’re starting our 6th generation of uaenas, we need a new nickname starting with 6 [yook] but my agency and I are both having a hard time thinking of one.. We have selected two names for now!

To give a bit of spoiler, it’s a close match between the name of a plant and an imaginary animal.

But come to think of it, it’s not just 6, even 7[chil].. myeon jo [turkey]..? 8[pal].. bo chae (stir-fried seafood and vegetables]..??

I don’t want to call our uaenas yookhoe (raw beef dish) or turkey or stir-fried seafood and vegetables..🥲

So anyway I’m trying to think of ideas in advance these days~ keke If you all have any ideas, do share them with us 😌

I’m going to take a nap now then.

As I had to leave early, I pretty much didn’t sleep last night, so I’m really sleepy now.

While I’m sleeping, everyone don’t take a break, eat lots of delicious food and enjoy the new year which only comes around once a year!!

Love love 🫶

Bye! 😪😴

Strictly NO screencapping or sharing allowed on other platforms

Translated by IUteamstarcandy with love

[nightghoul381]

To My Dearest Love~ Yves Kloss x Reader

Over halfway through the challenge, thank you @aquagirl1978 and @violettduchess for hosting!

Prompt: 8. Postcards Pairing: Yves Kloss x Reader Genre: Angst Warning: Implied Death of Reader

Pictured: A dazzling arrangement of roses

May 14th

My dearest love,

I saw the first bloom this morning as I was looking out to the gardens. The sunlight was just peeking over the horizon, you would have told me how much the golden hue of the sky reminded you of my hair. I wish you could have been there with me. It means nothing, I know it means nothing and yet I still feel compelled to write this postcard. I know you’ll never read it. I don’t even know why I’m doing this. But for whatever reason it makes it seem less lonely.

Forever Yours,

Yves Kloss

Pictured: The night sky over crashing waves

July 10th

My dearest love,

I accompanied Nokto on a business venture in Benitoite and I needed to tell you about it. The coast is so lovely. Not nearly as lovely as you, of course, but I can imagine the sparkle in your eye that you would have, taking in the sandy shore and ultramarine waters. It makes my heart ache to know that we will never get a chance to experience this together. I must admit, I was hoping that by now the pain would have eased a bit. Yet, it seems to continue to reawaken, ebbing and flowing like the tides. You would have wanted to feel the water, to walk along the beach. That is precisely why I couldn’t. I did try, but my breath would catch each time and I just… I just couldn’t. Anyways, enough dire talk. I do miss you and I know you would have loved to visit Benitoite.

Forever Yours,

Yves Kloss

Pictured: Windswept Plains

August 21st

My dearest love,

I visited the Jadean capital and had tea with Prince Keith. It was pleasant, the air was warm and the scent of flowers filled the air. It smelled like you. That night, I had a dream that everything had gone back to how it was. It felt so real. I could feel the warmth of your body as we held each other. Waking up was such a difficult thing to accept. I longed to spend even another minute in that dream with you. That’s all I have left. Memories and dreams. I return to Rhodolite castle tomorrow. I almost dread returning to those familiar halls knowing I’ll never again see you running down them to greet me. My, I really have let my dour mood influence this card. I love you, I will love you until the end of time.

Forever Yours,

Yves Kloss

Pictured: White roses amongst green leaves

September 17th

My dearest love,

The summer has come to an end. Yesterday my brothers forced a surprise party on me. I had no intention of celebrating my birthday. Without you, I can’t seem to find anything to celebrate anymore. If only birthday wishes could come true. I’d wish for you to be back in my arms. I’d wish to see the smile on your face that greeted me each morning. This will be the last postcard I send. My brothers are concerned with me continuing to write to you as though you’re still here, so it’s time I move forward. I know this, yet it is still so painful to say goodbye. My heart will always belong to you. I will never know a more wonderful person; none could possibly compete. Know that my love for you will remain eternal. You have me, all of me, forever. You are always on my mind. We shall meet again someday, I promise.

Until I find you again,

Yves Kloss

Akatsuki swallowed thickly as he crouched over the tombstone, placing the stack of postcards in a small divot he had dug along the side.

“It’s good to know that you were so loved.” He murmured, scooping the displaced dirt over your lover’s words. “I don’t think that boy realized that I would read the postcards he had sent to the bookstore, but he clearly thought the world of you. I’m glad you were able to experience such a deep love during your time on this Earth.”

Rising to his feet, he gave one final statement, “Rest well, dear one.”

[bylerbigbang]

Through A Dark Glass, Wanting

Fic by @freetobeyouandme | Art by @katimanki

Mature | 90k words

When a dark corruption spreads from the Deep Woods north of the kingdom of Roane, it falls to Will and his friends to investigate the cause. But as they close in on what seems to be the inevitable final confrontation with the Mad Wizard they have been fighting for years, Will finds his magic failing him as the darkness that scarred him during his first encounter with that very man finally overtakes him. Will stands no chance at stopping the demons that have been haunting him – after all how can he fight for a happy ending when he doesn’t believe he deserves one? - Or, Will learns to accept that his friends love him a whole lot more than he thinks they should.

Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Canon Typical Horror, Blood and Gore, Body Horror, Suicidal Ideation, Aged-Up Characters

Read on Ao3 | View Art (1) (2)

Read a sample below:

Will waves awkwardly and steps into the yard.

“Can’t sleep?” Mike asks.

The last thing Will wants to do is dwell on the nightmare that had brought him here, so he simply nods towards the gloomy woods just visible on the horizon. He doesn’t doubt they are what brought Mike out here the in the middle of the night as well. Just because they all should try and get a good nights sleep before heading out tomorrow didn’t mean that the anticipation of the danger to come couldn’t rob them of sleep anyway. There was a reason his friends had drunken so heavily tonight.

Mike twirls his sword, loosening his wrist, and sighs. “I hate that we’re still running after him. It feels like a bad dream. Like we’re stuck in his laboratory again, and this time we can’t save you. We can’t even save ourselves, can't-”

“You did, though. I’m safe, and he’s dead.”

Mike's smile is tight. “Doesn’t feel like it, considering how much damage he did before we took him down. How bad was your episode earlier?”

Will looks away. He briefly considers lying. But Mike had been there for most of the ones before. Mike was the only one of his friends who knew how bad they could get. Still, he doesn't want Mike to worry more than he does already.

“I managed to not hit my head this time.”

“But it was still bad enough that you fell?”

Mike's jaw clenches, and Will wishes he had any encouragement to offer. But how is he supposed convince Mike of a bright side that doesn’t exist? He had fallen again. The episodes kept getting worse, and Will had no idea how to make them stop. So what hope did Mike have of helping him?

Mike hands him the sword, then bends to retrieve a dagger from his boot. As he gets up, he is grinning. “Hit me.”

Will looks from his blade to Mike’s. “That's not an even match.”

“Cut me with that thing and I'll reconsider what I call an even match.” Mike hefts his dagger in a challenge.

Will tightens his grip on the hilt. There is a reason why he is a mage and not a knight. It wasn't that he'd never had any weapon’s training – the Conclave's school had seen to remedy any deficiencies he had had in that department. But casting fireball in the face of noble-born children who went pale when they realized why his magical aptitude had landed him among them was much easier than killing himself in the training yard to prove something to them. He'd left that one to Mike and Lucas.

So, he wasn’t as good a sword fighter as their paladin. But it wasn’t like he knew nothing, either.

And Will's not above playing dirty.

Read more on Ao3 >

[deepperplexity]

Prompt: 16. A Folly Holiday

Pairing: Student!Snape x Student!Reader (in a dress)

POV: Third, Snape

Setting: A Yule Ball, Hogwarts

A/N: I am exhausted. Tomorrow kicks off the first Christmas celebration and I have managed to write today's fic, tomorrow's fic AND half of Sunday's fic. My brain is fried, my fingers hurt and I want to take a nap even though it's almost 8pm 😂 Either way I hope you'll enjoy this fic as we are changing it up a little bit again with a young Snape this time around 🥰👏

Tags/TW’s: Confessions, Longing, Self-doubt, 

Abbr.: Y/N - Your Name

Word Count: 1.9k+

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // AO3 // LINK TREE

He was going to do it. If only he could find something to bloody wear! He dragged his hands through his hair, racking through his brain as he glared at his all-black and dark purple wardrobe. There was nothing in there appropriate for the Yule Ball — for getting you to finally notice him as something more.

It was his last chance perhaps, and he wished with all his heart he could just have plucked up the courage to ask you to the dance weeks ago but he never dared, not even when you studied with him or walked to class together while you talked his ear off about the whole ordeal.

There was only one set of attire left for him to wear, hidden away in his trunk. He’d never imagined he’d ever wear it when Lucius had gifted it to him. Then he had imagined himself dressed in it for the first ever date with you, that he never dared ask for.

After all, what would you think if the misfit with an abnormally large nose and usually greasy hair asked someone like you out on a date? Yet he had dreamt of it many times, wondering what it would feel like to be with you. It made his stomach clench with nervous knots. But I’m going to do it. Tomorrow I am going to go to that infernal ball even if I do not have a bloody date and I am going to ask you to dance with me. I really am going to do it. And then they’ll all laugh at me… Won’t they?

≪⁕≫

His hands were shaking while adjusting the black bow tie around his neck. He could hear the chatter from the Great Hall but had yet to gather enough courage to go in, he’d be forced to soon or the doors would close and it would all start without him. He needed to sneak in undetected and hide away in the back until the dancing had started.

He smoothed his hands over the emerald green fabric of his tuxedo one more time and tugged on the lapels a bit even if they laid perfectly. Here goes, he thought and began to sneak towards the Great Hall.

Somehow he managed to get in undetected as everyone was busy looking at the spectacular decorations and the array of girls dressed up in beautiful dresses. Severus only had eyes for one girl though, dressed in a billowing purple dress with no other adornments — it took no focus away from your beautiful face but rather enhanced everything about you. He almost lost the capability of breathing when he spotted you in the middle of the crowd on Carmichael Vance’s arm, one of the popular boys with a charismatic smile and perfectly proportionate features only elevated further by his tanned skin and short, tightly curly hair.

You were smiling widely while he spoke with you and Severus could only watch, hidden at the edge of the room. That it hurt so badly within him to see you laugh and chat happily with the handsome boy he could do nothing about. Of course he’d ask you… The handsome Gryffindor boy going with the pretties, kindest… I had no chance at you anyway.

Headmaster Dumbledore stepped up on stage and spewed out some happy speech about friendship and ‘good fun’ while Severus focused only on the back of your head. His eyes never left you despite the growing sense of what a fool he was for dressing up, for coming to the ball, for daring to even think of asking you for a dance. He was most likely some charity case for you, because you’re too kind…

The music kicked off and the four leading couples, two students from each house mixed together, lead the first dance. You and Mr Vance were of course one of those couples and there was no denying the two of you danced splendidly together. Both of you from wealthier families, undoubtedly having been taught proper dance from a young age and so you appeared to easily fall into a steady pace with each other.

You were too beautiful while smiling widely, as you seemed to always do whenever he spotted you around the school. Less so when you’re with me…

He watched, from afar, while the dance floor filled with students of all ages — dancing, smiling, laughing people that he shared nothing with. So, as the music grew louder and the time ran forward he slowly removed himself, edging towards the doors while still watching you laugh and smile so brightly it nearly hurt his heart. You never smiled like that when you were with him. And he still did not understand why you sought him out for study hours, or late dinners.

“This was a stupid idea,” he whispered to himself as Mr Vance twirled you around. He turned his back on the Great Hall and the Christmas-like decorations all in silver and white while his shoulders slumped and he glanced down at the expensive clothes he’d adorned in some foolish hope he’d finally be brave enough to step up. That perhaps, with his hair washed and tied up in a ponytail with string — just a few errant strands framing his face — and the costly clothes he’d be something more worthy of your attention. That for one night he could have been someone else, anyone but the pour half-blood that had absolutely no business even looking in your direction.

The music faded as he stepped out on the courtyard, dragging out his winter cloak from the little bag with an undetectable extension charm to it tied to one of the belt loops of his pants. The wind was gentle but cold, the sparkling snow crunching beneath his shoes as he walked towards the bridge where he knew he’d be alone.

At least the other gits were too occupied with the ball to torment me. And, I got to see you dance… He sighed and stopped at the middle of the bridge, watching out from one of the many arches. He felt more alone in the world than ever before.

“Severus!” He jolted, the sound of your voice coming from far away. I’m delusional too. Fantastic.

But, the sound of thudding steps in a run reached him a second later. “Severus!” you called again and he turned to see a flurry of purple fabric moving towards him before his eyes got snagged by yours. “Y/n?” he asked, his breath fogging over and your smile shifted. The wide, sparkling smile that was beyond beaming turned small and your features turned more lax. “What are you doing out here?” “Nothing,” he said as you stopped right before him. Your cheeks were rosy, and your bared shoulders and arms were covered with goosebumps.

“Why did you leave?” you asked while reaching up to hug yourself. “Why would I not?” “I was waiting for you,” you said and he arched his brow at you, not knowing what to think of that. “Why didn’t you ask me to dance?” you continued and his cheeks heated. “Why would I? I wouldn’t want to ruin your night.” “Ruin my night?” “You looked happy, when you are with me you never smile like that so why would I—” “Are you a complete idiot or playing the fool?” you interrupted and he jolted at your harsh words spoken in a light voice.

You stepped closer, shivering and trembling in the cold and he could not stand it. “You’re freezing,” he muttered and removed his cloak only to drape it over your shoulders. “So warm,” you hummed and pulled it tighter, he could have sworn he heard you inhale a little bit deeper before sighing. He could not help but adore the view of you in his cloak. “But honestly, are you so dense?” you continued while looking up at him. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “I even wore your colours,” you murmured, as if you were nervous and he couldn’t understand why your voice shifted in such a manner. “What do you mean, my colours?” “Well, look at me…”

He had done so all evening already so there really was no need but he did as you asked and looked you over while you held open the coat. “You’re very pretty,” he said. “But you always are.” “Ugh, Severus!” you said and stomped your foot while rolling your eyes. “What?” “You really are such a thick-head sometimes!”

He blanched at the comment, not the kind he usually got thrown at him. “With you, I don’t have to smile like that, there’s no need for me to pretend and be someone I’m not,” you said and his back straightened at the severity in your voice. “I don’t have to constantly laugh and smile, you know my cheeks hurt every evening from that!” “Y/n, what are you on about?” “Ugh, Severus! I like you! I don’t know how much clearer I can make it? I feel like a bloodhound! Always hunting you down, always forcing my company on you, always trying to talk to you and get you to just notice me! It’s like, the one guy I have always fancied doesn’t even acknowledge my existence. And there I was—” you yelled while pointing towards the castle “—seeing you at the edge all the time, watching me constantly and you never even bothered to talk to me.”

He didn’t know what to say. You weren’t wrong. He always struggled to talk with you, always found it hard to look at you as his heart would go rampant and he wouldn’t be able to focus on whatever the two of you were talking about. “Severus, don’t you like me? At all?” you asked quietly and he had to look at you when you sounded so hurt. “I like you…” he whispered, barely able to get the words out. “I-, I got all dressed up like an idiot too, thinking if I could just look like someone else, someone worth your time for just an evening you’d-, I don’t know, something.” “Sev…” you whispered while smiling softly up at him. “I don’t want any of this,” you continued while reaching up to tug the string from his hair, allowing it to fall freely in its usual black curtains.

“There’s no need to dress up, just because of some folly holiday. I just want you, the everyday you. Not this yule ball version of you.” “You think Christmas a folly holiday?” he asked while his hands clenched, in an effort to stave off the shaking from how close you were. “I love Christmas, but I think it’s folly to change who you are for something momentary. Like kids being good the last week before Christmas in hopes of receiving more gifts when one should be kind all year round. And you’re a wonderful grump dressed in black and purple all year round,” you giggled out as a small smile tugged on his lips. Something warm slipped inside of him.

“Sev, please, won’t you give me a chance?” you asked and his heart did a somersault. “You mean-, as a-, a—” “As a couple, Sev. I like you, I really, really do. And I’m tired of having to pretend that I’m fine when I’m not with you…” The honesty in your voice made his hands reach out instinctively, taking you into a tight embrace despite the fear blaring in him that there was no way beautiful you could be willing to be with someone like him. “I’d like that, Y/n.” “Severus,” you said against his chest and reached around to hold him just as tightly.

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // AO3 // LINK TREE

A/N: This was short and sweet, a little on the simpler side of things but still, so cute 🤭🥰❤ I hope you're having a fantastic Friday (or whatever day when you read this) and that you remember to treat yourself with kindness ❤

Taglist: @lizlil @snapefiction @darkthought15 @monstreviolet @flowerdementia @marvelschriss @once-upon-an-imagine @ravennight41 @caseydoodles98 @slytherinprincess03 @theconsultingdetectiveswife @grimmyhild @monster-energies @myobscureimaginarium @snowblossomreads @eternal-silvertongued-prince @cherryglossie @setsuna-meiou31 @helena211 @a-queen-and-her-throne @justsaturn0 @turvi @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky  @sunnylikesfrogs @mamawolfsmith16 @dianilaws @morphineisouthoney @meteoritewolf69 @bionic-otp @elizabeth-baelish @romanceandsarcasm @severuslovebot @leah1243 @glowstar826 @rickmandowneyjr @yellowbadgermole @snapesangel @a-queen-and-her-throne @impulse-anchor @commodoreseverus  @writewithmarites @alisongurl13 @yan-senna @writewithmarites @reinekefoxart @nixislight @snowblossomreads @leah1243 @reiketsunomizunomegami @lokisbjchn

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[Dec:2022]