#because i was told that it'd protect me. so i never left the house without wearing it

[hooved]

*realizing that more and more things i do/have done in the past are symptoms of ocd*

[babushkatty]

Tranquil SAGAU - Part 6

-> Part 1

-> Part 5

With Dvalin gone, you were left basically homeless. Not that it was much of an issue, not really. The forests had been very kind to you -- you could easily live the life of a hermit if you so wished, without having to worry about food, water, shelter or animal attacks.

But it would also be horribly lonely. No compassionate silence, no background noise and buzz of other people scurrying around and going about their day without minding you, no one to speak to if you ever felt the need to.

You liked being alone, but you were still human and humans were social animals.

Soooooo, you promptly asked Crepus about working in his Winery in exchange for accommodations, because 'one that asks, does not stray'... or something like that anyways. Your sister always made her life that much harder because she outright refused to ask for help even when hopelessly lost or overwhelmed, so there must be something to the saying at least.

"You don't have to work to earn your keep, (Name). I'd be more than happy to house you as my guest for however long you want!" is what Crepus 'Sunshine Personified' Ragnvindr responded with.

Crepus used Puppy Eyes, it was super effective!

You laid defeated, a puddle of cuteness overload once again wishing for sunglasses to protect yourself from the blinding smiles and imaginary wagging tails.

Crepus was horrible for your heart.

Still, you would go insane if left with nothing to do for days at a time, so you went to turn the Ragnvindr library upside down with Crepus' blessing, a bunch of notebooks, a bunch of pens and a delusion that you'd do any actual studying in there.

This was Teyvat, but this wasn't Genshin Impact -- a library wouldn't have interesting lore, it'd have dry history and even drier geography, accompanied by boring economics and even more boring politics (which was a damn shame too, politics were so interesting when written right).

You never quite had a head for those, prefering subjects with more practical applications that could be practiced instead of having to be beaten into your thick skull until you memorized it just long enough to write the exam.

Though for some ungodly reason you still remembered that onions were actually leaves. It was one of the very few things you remembered from school, actually.

Probably the trauma speaking.

Still, you did find some interesting books - a diary speaking of the Decarabian rule, for example.

Today, I don my very own Windblume.

I can only hope Lord Decarabian never learns of its' significance.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

The winds are particularly harsh today.

I am afraid, but I smile and play my lyre as if nothing were happening at all, like I always do.

Sometimes, I forget if what I do is to reasure the people or to delude myself that everything is as it should be...

Then again, does it matter when the result remains the same?

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

The people are growing restless.

Their yearning for freedom gave birth to a small wind spirit that seems fond of my playing. It is an adorable being, even if it has yet to communicate with us.

It remind me of a newborn puppy.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

The people are planning a rebellion.

I want to help, but how can I? I am no soldier, my strength lays with the pen and the lyre, not with the sword.

Ragnvindr told me there was no need for more warriors, that I was doing enough by keeping the morale up with my performances... I am hesistant to believe him.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

The little spirit has spoken for the first time today.

It said that it knew the song I was playing, despite it being a new piece I was in the midst of creating, and sang along to lyrics I had yet to write.

It was strange, but it made me happy nonetheless.

Perhaps I was strange too, for feeling that way.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

You had a suspicion on who the author of the diary was by that point. Maybe Crepus would be open to giving this diary to Venti, instead of it gathering dust on the shelf?

Idly, you wondered how it had survived so long, but figured Ragnvindr and his descendants took good care of it.

I met Ragnvindr today.

Something compelled me to share my worries with him, even though I knew he had enough weight on his shoulders and I ought not to add more.

"If you cannot trust in yourself, then trust in me and my trust in you instead" he told me.

It helped.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

Meetings regarding the rebellion are more and more frequent. Ragnvindr, alongside a man named Amos, have convinced the Gunnhildr clan to participate against all odds.

I can understand their hesitance. Should we fail to kill Lord Decarabian, their legacy would be no more.

I admire their bravery.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

The wind has long since realized change is imminent, even when Lord Decarabian himself has not - the little spirit said so.

King of Gales indeed, even the wind has rebelled against him.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

Ragnvindr speaks of a bad premonition.

In truth, my heart is uneasy as well, but how can I share those feelings with anyone but myself? It is not the time to bother others with my issues -- it is time to reassure everyone, to rouse their spirit and not to let fear take root even as they stand against a God. It is my duty as a bard and as a fellow rebel.

The Windblume feels particularly heavy as I write this.

I fear I will not live to see tomorrow's sunset, but I fear for my dearest friends and for Mondstadt even more.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

My little spirit friend is still without a name.

I know it does not bother them, they are the wind itself after all, but I would still like to give them a name others can remember them by.

A name that they can remember me by once I pass on, selfish as it is to bind an immortal to a memory.

But I am selfish, even if Ragnvindr may see me as a paragon of virtue. I am a human and to be human is to be flawed. I am not ashamed of it, even if I often feel guilty for it.

Perhaps it will be the very last thing I achieve in this life of mine.

It is hard to name them.

I've thought of many names up until now.

Caelus. Liberius. Aella. Calliope. Achill. Carmine. Hilarius. Hanne. Zephyrinus. Dieter. Sascha. Scilla. Paulus. Notus. Veronica. Agna. Vergil.

Those are just a few of the ones I discarded.

None fit.

I can only hope the right name reveals itself when it is time.

.　 . • ☆ . ° . • ° : . * ₊ ° . ☆

That was the last entry.

You closed the diary and carefully put it aside.

☆(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ* ✨ Author Note✨

It was not supposed to be mostly nameless bard POV via old diary.

It really wasn't.

Mans literally kidnapped the chapter entirely against my will while I was half asleep yesterday and attempting to write at nearly midnight and I was powerless to stop it, on god.

But hey, at least we got potential Venti bonding set up for the future?

I was planning for more fluff, but I also have no outline for this, so my chapters have a chance of getting kidnapped at any time.

✨BY THE WAY!!!!✨

The charm of spontaneous writing, I guess?

If you have something you want to happen - for example we're in the library right now, so maybe you want a book about a specific tidbit to appear - do let me know, maybe I'll write it in!

I had 2 tests and 1 retake yesterday and holy shit i got through all of them and tomorrow is last day of uni then it's ✨HOLIDAYS✨

✨Taglist✨

@game-savvy @chaoticfivesworld @mmeatt @avalordream @ymechi @andromeda-gay @naynayaa @undecidingfate @thedevioussmirk @tumb3ld0wn @balaur-bondoc @yi-chii @yarabutterfly @nervouseaglelover @vexingpraedyth @indelible-colouring-markers @whitefantasy21-blog @kapitankarate

[highwaytothedangerzone502]

Ghost Story - Chapter 46

Pairing: Rooster x Female OC

Word Count: 1529

Warnings: Mention of near-death, PTSD

Summary: No one will miss a ghost. It'd been a running joke for as long as anyone could remember, something Ghost herself started, and she always said it with a smile on her face or with mirth in her voice. The untouchable stealth pilot in every sense of the word, no one could've predicted the depth of her turmoil over recent events, nor the extremes she would go to in order to protect the man she loved, not even those closest to her. Now, all that was left of the young aviator for Maverick, Hangman, and Rooster were the memories of the past, which would slowly fade with time. She'd come into their lives and made an unforgettable impression, and then, like a ghost, she was gone... Then again, ghosts can't die a second time.

Notes: None

Chapter Songs: I've Done Love The Great War

****

Ghost

Two weeks passed, and Maverick and Penny somehow managed to convince Ghost to continue staying with them for that duration. Perhaps it didn't take as much convincing as she told herself it did. Ghost enjoyed the experience of having a family again, of having people who were essentially acting like the mother and father she no longer had. Of course, Maverick might actually be her dad, but she hadn't found the opportunity to bring it up with him. Was there such a thing in the first place?

Still, Ghost needed to get away from Rooster. After their welcome home dinner, he avoided talking or looking at her, but for an unfathomable reason, he would find a way to always be next to Ghost when they were in the same room, whether it be standing next to her in the kitchen or sitting next to at the dining table or on the couch. Ghost ached to ask him about it but feared she was imagining things due to her concussion. She hated being so unsure of herself.

Thankfully, while Maverick and Penny- and mainly the former- wouldn't allow her to go anywhere unaccompanied in fear of her having some complications with one of her many injuries, Hangman stepped up to help Ghost get out of the house. They would go for strolls around the block or down to the beach and back. It was the most Ghost could do without causing herself too much pain. However, the physical pain was more bearable than the emotional toll of the daring mission, the escape, her issues with Rooster, and her debacle over Maverick.

"Your face is going to fall into a permanent frown if you keep it like that any longer," Hangman said, nudging her gently with his elbow. They sat on a bench facing the ocean, enjoying the sun and people-watching. "Why the long face?"

"Not sure you want to go down that rabbit hole," Ghost mumbled, relaxing her facial muscles. 

"Take me down it, Alice."

A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. No matter what, she always had Hangman, and she loved him for it. Taking a deep breath, Ghost chose to tell him all about her troubles save for the one with Rooster. "I have nightmares every time I fall asleep. I either can't eject or can't reach the plane in time before it shoots Rooster down. Then there are the nightmares at the enemy base- I get shot, or Rooster does, or we get shot down in the plane and can't escape. A few times, I dreamed you or Mav got shot down before we could take care of that last plane. I'll see you, Rooster or Mav floating lifelessly in the waves… I'm screaming for y'all to wake up, and you never do…"

A knot rose in Ghost's throat, and she pushed it down. Hangman worried about her enough. If he saw her cry, he'd never leave her side again. He reached over and took her hand. "I wanted to ask… I was worried you would have some PTSD from this because, for all intents and purposes, you shouldn't be alive right now. How you survived…. Promise me you'll see someone if it gets too much? I know it helped me after-"

"I will," she promised, squeezing his hand assuringly. Only Ghost and Coyote were aware of the fact that Jake had severe PTSD from shooting down the enemy plane after he saw the lifeless, ripped-apart body of the pilot in the water.

"Do you want to talk more about it?"

"No. I don't like reliving them any more than I have to…"

"All right, then we'll move on. What else is on your mind?"

Ghost bit her lip nervously. "I, uh, I think mom might've lied to me about who my dad is."

Hangman's brows shot up, but he didn't act near as shocked as Ghost expected, prompting her to ask, "Why do I get the feeling this idea has crossed your mind?"

"I thought about it for a hot sec after Mav called you his daughter when you were shot down."

"But?"

"I asked him about it later, and he said it was a slip of the tongue." Ghost's heart sank at his words. She'd been so close to having a dad again, only to have it ripped out from underneath her. Hangman must've noticed because he added, "Hey, saying it's a 'slip of the tongue' isn't a denial. Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know if it's true."

"If it is true, if Maverick is my dad, why would he want to hide that unless he didn't want anyone finding out because he doesn't want a daughter?"

"Or maybe he's not sure you want him as a dad," Hangman countered gently. "He's aware of how close you were to Nathan. Maybe he thinks you'll think he's trying to replace him?"

Ghost fiddled with her dog tags. "I want to ask him, but I can't find the right time, and every time I think I have the confidence to do so, I second guess myself and that my logic of getting to the conclusion I did is flawed and that he won't believe me."

"First off, Mav would be lucky to have you as a daughter. Secondly, you overanalyze every situation for every possible outcome. If you've concluded that Maverick is your dad, then I believe you're right. If you want moral support when you confront him about it, I'll be right there with you. Where there's a ghost, there's a hangman."

"I appreciate it, but this will need to be something I do on my own. I'll give you a call if I need you to help me escape if it goes badly."

"I'll be your getaway car."

"Thanks, Swiftie. Speaking of cars, Maverick and Penny should be leaving soon for their trip. I want to say bye before they go."

Hangman stood, helping Ghost in the process. "I should get going too. I have a date tonight."

"What?!" Ghost whirled on him, immediately regretting her decision when her abdomen reminded her that her ribs were still very much broken. She ignored the pain as best she could when inquiring, "With who? What time? You better not have wasted time with me when you should've been getting ready for the date."

Hangman shoved his hands sheepishly into his pockets. "You're more important, and she's wholly aware of our friendship and what you went through, so if I told her I was with you, she'd understand."

Noticing he blatantly avoided the question about who it was, but taking into account the details he'd given her, Ghost figured it out quickly. As they started walking back to the Benjamin household, she queried, "So who asked who out: you or Phoenix?"

Hangman's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "How did you-"

"Don't worry. Ghosts learn secrets; they don't share them, so it's safe with me. Plus, I saw you two sharing glances and staying close to each other at our welcome home dinner."

"I appreciate it. But hey, if anything happens tonight and you need me-"

"I will call anyone but you. You've been amazing in helping me since we got home. Take some time for yourself, okay?"

Hangman reluctantly agreed. The two friends completed the short walk back to Penny's house and stopped outside the front door. From inside, Ghost could hear the faint chatter of Maverick, followed by Bradley's laughter. Hangman opened his arms without a word, and Ghost stepped into the embrace. Hangman kissed the top of her head. "You sure you're good?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

"So you're not hiding the fact you and Bradshaw are still being weird around each other?"

"How did you-"

Hangman smirked. "You're not the only one who can read correctly into things."

Ghost sighed a dropped her voice to avoid being overheard. "He's been weird ever since our rescue, and I don't know if I'm imagining things because of my concussion or if it was genuinely happening, but hearing you say it… even Mav has been quiet around me, but he at least talks to me without being forced."

"Annalise-" Hangman grasped her shoulders gingerly- "you nearly died in his arms. It probably did some damage to his psyche. I know it would to me. I'm willing to bet his behavior toward you has to do with that rather than anything else."

"What should I do, then? Let him come to me or corner him?"

"That's up to you and how much more of the weirdness you can take." Hangman glanced at his watch. "You want me to stay a little lon-"

"Absolutely not." She pointed firmly at his truck and said, "Go get ready for your date."

"Yes, ma'am!" Hangman saluted her, then kissed her on the cheek and strode to his truck. Ghost watched him leave, wishing he had stayed, but she wouldn't do that to him. He had a life that existed outside of hers and some problems she had to deal with on her own. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the front door open to face the tension head-on.

****

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[casspurrjoybell-22]

Master - Chapter 38b

*Warning Adult Content*

- Lincoln -

"He's lying," Alexander states confidently, her face the harsh set of lines it'd been since she'd laid eyes on Diablos earlier.

The others nod quickly adding on a few comments of agreement here and there.

Before I can contest that statement, Malcolm does it for me.

"I don't think he is." 

Everyone looks to him now, including the breathing stick sat beside him but Malcolm keeps those calculated eyes on me as he taps his fingers against the gleaming wood of the table. 

"This all started because Lincoln took Kalem from one of his slave houses without any trouble.  He wanted to prove himself strong because if he didn't, it would've created an imbalance in their power structure, that I'm guessing doesn't do well with upsets."

When my eyes narrow just a little he explains...

"Why else would he be so desperate to stop us while our clan has barely started? We're causing an imbalance."

That... made sense. 

"He probably never imagined that Lincoln would grow so attached to Kalem, to the point that he'd fight back instead of just ignoring them as he's always done."

Malcolm continues and while I didn't appreciate Malcolm reading every detail from the most recent chapter of my everlasting life, I couldn't fault him for it as he hadn't spoken a word short of the truth. 

This was all for Kalem, at least, it'd started that way.

To protect him and ensure that I could build a future for him that would promise his safety for the rest of his life.

It'd slowly morphed into something else though.

I wasn't sure exactly when or even how it'd happened but my wish to protect Kalem had also become a wish to protect others both from and in my species.

That was something that Diablos would soon be made aware of.

"If Diablos had made this offer to Lincoln at the start instead of attacking him, I'm sure he would've taken it without a second thought," Malcolms says with a bit of smirk that told me he was very proud of knowing me so very well.

"Lincoln used to just want peace and to be left alone. Diablos knows that and by offering this deal now, he not only takes care of the threat of a new clan, but also appears stronger for 'taming' Lincoln."

I'd never tell him but Malcolm was the smartest people I knew.

"He's right," I say to confirm his theory. "If he'd offered this to me when it was just Kalem and I, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. Even if it made me look weak or 'tamed', all that mattered to me then was taking care of my love."

I smile just a little as Kalem squirms in his chair, his cheeks heating up with a beautiful pink touch that he tried to hide behind his hands.

Apparently claiming my loveable boy in front of others made him turn from shameless to shy.

I'd have fun with that in the future.

"And now?" Alexander asks carefully, her words pulling me back to a reality that didn't only include Kalem.

"And now, it's not nearly enough," I answer as I look to her. "Not only have my ideals changed, what I want from this has changed as well but most importantly, my purpose has changed."

Her eyes widen just a bit before they fill with pride as she nods.

"Malcolm is right in many things, including the fact that he can't offer an imbalance," I continue. "His 'structure' runs well and it runs deep, but it probably won't run if a new clan, steps into a fold. One big enough to offer protection to those who've been too scared to run in the past. He knows this and he knows that we will ultimately be his downfall if he doesn't stop us now." I state as I look around at my clan.

They weren't as strong as they needed to be but there was a fire to them that just needed to be tended, so it could burn bright and turn all that faced us to ash.

"Diablos came to instil doubt and fear that would push us into those deal but all he's done is strengthened my resolve to tear his head from his body." 

The words left the mouth of a truly dead thing for a moment, as the thought of death consumed me and reminded me of my connection to it.

What I was, was death itself and any who tried to fight me, would die at my hand.

If Diablos wanted a war, then that's exactly what I'd give him.

"So where do we go from here?" Malcolm asks, his smirk growing while his grey eyes flood with crimson, sensing the change in the atmosphere.

"We'll do the very opposite of what he suggested," I reply with a grin of my own. "That means we'll be growing our numbers and broadening our reach. This clan needs to grow and quickly so that we can face all who stand with him."

"And how do we do that?" One of Alexander's former chief-advisors asks from a table near the front. 

"I've got a plan," I don't say any more. 

Until I'd ensured that there weren't holes already appearing in the clan, I would be holding the most important information close to my chest.

Of course, I'd need to speak with Malcolm and Alexander before I followed this plan of action as I didn't doubt that Malcolm would have some suggestions that would only strengthen it. 

"Now, before I offer up the floor for questions, I would like to offer an apology to those of you who I took control of, without your permission."

Frowns of confusion shift their expressions as they look at me.

"It's what we agreed to when we chose to follow you," Alexander says slightly puzzled, and a few nods and words of agreement follow suit.

"And while it may be, I know agreeing to something and experiencing it is quite different," I reply while my fingers close themselves into fists. "It was the first time in a long time for me and I fear I may have been... hasher than I used to be."

It'd been far worse than that. 

I'd locked onto every vampire who was close enough to do my bidding without a second thought of their wellbeing as I put them where I thought best.

Before, I'd been able to ensure a certain calm came over those I controlled, so that the connection felt less invasive and more... natural.

Like they were a continuation of me and so they felt my power and strength within themselves.

There'd been none of that today.

In my haste to protect Kalem and the castle, I'd tossed them around like rag dolls and for all I knew, I'd forced one through a wall.

"It'll take some time for me to adjust," I admit as I look around. "So until I do, I apologise for any pain or fear I cause."

Nobody replies right away, they all stare at me as if they weren't allowed to make comment.

I knew in other clans, that was the way of things.

But if I and a handful of others were the only ones to speak their minds when the floor was open to them, this clan would fall apart before it truly began.

Thankfully, a vampire who I'd recognised as one of the ones to speak to Kalem last night stands up despite his friends' pleas not to, and shouts out.

"I got torn out of the shower."

Everyone looks across at the man who's voice sounded almost familiar but I didn't know where I'd heard him speak before.

"I couldn't even get my towel so I was just running around in the woods butt naked."

I should've felt guilty.

I shouldn't be forcing myself to laugh.

I should be apologising but with the way he was smiling so joyously as if he'd had a great time, I wasn't sure he wanted me to.

"Gazium," Kalem whispers quietly as he covers his mouth to silence a giggle. 

This so-called, Gazium, continues smiling as if he was happy about it while those around him shook their heads and laughed, his reactions easing the tension in the room as everyone started laughing. 

"It's not like we saw anything new," a girl says beside him which makes the surrounding laughter grow.

My lips twitch upwards slightly as I relax my fingers.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine Plyen," Gazium says as he does a rushed awkward dip of his upper body. "It was weirdly freeing."

As laughter roars up through the room I glance to Alexander who shrugs with a smile on her own face.

"Alright then," I say with a grin I couldn't put away. "Any questions?"

[yandere-daydreams]

Title: Closed Casket.

Commissioned by the very lovely @99shadowcat99.

Pairing: Yandere!Demon Brothers/Reader (Obey Me).

Word Count: 2.4k.

TW: Toxic Relationships, Dehumanization, Codependence, Threats of Violence, Mentions of Death, Implied Imprisonment.

It was a closed-casket funeral.

For such a small detail, it bothered you more than it had any right to. You hadn’t been the one to arrange it, the one to speak to the undertaker and evaluate the damage – that was a responsibility that fell to her fiancé rather than you, a distant cousin, only brought up in conversations about postponed friendships and quickly thinning family trees. You’d done what you could to help, what a last living relative should do to help - paying for flower arrangements, speaking to financial advisors, sorting through her belongs and trying to guess at what might’ve held some sentimental value to someone more present in her life, but you never saw the body. No one ever offered, and you hadn’t known how to ask. She was gone, now, dead and buried, and you'd never gotten to see her, even if everyone who had said that it was probably for the best.

And it probably was. They were probably right. You wouldn’t feel any better, if you had.

And yet, you found it difficult to believe you could feel any worse than you did now, either.

Belphegor was curled around your arm. He had been since you came back from the Human World, slotted against your side, draped over your shoulders, and currently, splayed out on top of you, his face buried in the flesh just above your shoulder blade, his body forcibly tangled with yours in a way that was too awkward to be comfortable for both of you, a sacrifice he seemed more than willing to make on your behalf. You’d tried to shrug him off earlier, when he first decided there was enough space on the smallest loveseat in the common room for his strange, daily ritual, and when that failed, you’d tried to talk him into letting go, into loosening his grip enough for you to slip away when he fell asleep, into relocating to somewhere else, somewhere softer, somewhere with a pillow that could easily replace you when he was too busy tossing and turning to care, but Belphegor had always been so frustratingly picky when it came to where, how, and when he chose to sleep.

He’d chosen you, and he’d chosen like this, and he’d chosen now. There was little you could do to change his mind, after he’d already made it up.

Still, you tried. He wasn’t asleep yet, caught somewhere between permanently half-conscious state and a sleep deep enough to warrant medical concern for most living creatures, supernaturally inclined or otherwise. “Belphie,” You called, gently, pushing the temptation to try more forceful methods into the back of your mind. “Think you pick another spot? Just for today?”

“Can’t.” It was a simple response, his voice heavy with sourceless exhaustion, just as short and just as blunt as it had been the last time you asked. You weren’t sure what you’d expected, honestly. “You were gone. I can’t.”

Your frown deepened. You’d left for a week – nine days, at most. And Belphegor couldn’t have been awake for more than half of that. “That’s not--”

“He was lonely, sweetheart.” It was Asmodeus, this time, as he perched himself on the loveseat’s arm. He wasn’t any better than Belphie, nimble fingertips soon tracing aimless patterns over the side of your neck, the dip of your shoulder, taking up the space he could occupy since the space he’d like to was already in-use. “He’ll get better, in a few days. Once it sinks in that you won't be leaving again.”

You were out of practice. A month ago, you would’ve known better than to respond, than to ask questions to someone who took as much delight in festering doubts as Asmodeus did. A month ago, you would’ve brushed him off and found your way to Purgatory Hall for the rest of the night. But, it wasn’t a month ago, and you were tired. You were still thinking about that casket, and you couldn’t seem to think of much else. “What do you mean?”

“Oh?” There was a pause, a laugh, light and melodic and fluttering. You’d always liked his laugh. You could bring yourself to enjoy it, though, not right now. “No one’s told you, yet?”

“Don’t tease ‘em.” You hadn’t noticed how full the common room had gotten, not until Mammon spoke and you reflexively turned to face the sofa opposite to yours. He was standing, leaning against the back, his hands clasped in a way that’d put his anxiety on display far more transparently than his voice ever could. Beelzebub, too, his arms crossed over his chest as his attention shifted idly between you, the console in Leviathan’s hands, and the book splayed out in Satan's lap, his scowl serving as evidence of his annoyance. It always bothered you, how easily he grew frustrated by situations he chose to put himself in. It bothered you a little more, today. “Might as well spit it out, if you’re going to bring it up,” Mammon went on, shifting his weight, letting his eyes fall to the floor, then rise to the ceiling, then drift back to you. “There’s no point putting it off.”

“Weren’t you supposed to tell them, Mammon?” Beelzebub chimed in, absent-mindedly. If it'd been Satan, if it'd been Lucifer, it would’ve been pointed, malicious, purposeful. Beelzebub just sounded like he was trying to remind his older brother of something he’d forgotten. “You said you should be the one to do it, since you met them first. Then, when Lucifer said you wouldn’t be able to do it, you said that if the human threw a tantrum, you could just--”

“I didn’t say shit.” Mammon cut him off, his tone hostile, but it was a half-hearted anger, more petty than vengeful. “I said I could, not that I would, and Lucifer shot me down. If he hadn’t, there’d already be a deadbolt on every fucking door in the house. We wouldn’t be sitting around, talkin’ about it.”

“Every door?” Beelzebub looked confused. Then, he looked concerned. “I thought we agreed to just seal the exits.”

“I still think we should just use their bedroom,” Leviathan chimed in, never looking up from his hand-held. Something tightened in the back of your throat. Experimentally, you tried to pull yourself out of Belphegor’s arms, but he only held you tighter, and Asmodeus’ nails dug into your shoulder, rooting you back into place without a single word. “It’d be cool, kinda like a permanent save-point. We wouldn’t have to worry about baby-proofing the entire house, either.”

“We could use a leash,” Asmodeus suggested, never breaking his stare. He didn’t look away. You wished he would. You wished they’d, if nothing else, have the courtesy to wait until you’d left the room to start talking about things you didn’t know and didn’t want to know. “So we can make sure they’re always close by! Or, we could have Lucifer enchant a collar – having to hold a tether might get in way when I have to--”

“He’d never do it.” It was the first time Satan had cut in, but it was clear he’d been listening. His book was still open, his expression still concentrated, but he was tapping his foot, the disruption soundless against the thick carpeting, and you couldn’t remember the last time he thought to pretend to turn a page. He was listening, but he didn’t want to be. He was a part of this, but you doubted he’d every say as much out loud. You doubted he’d ever let himself admit he’d stooped to that level. “And if he did, we’d never hear the end of it. In a week, there’d probably be a new kennel in the catacombs, right next to Ceberus’.” He stopped, for a moment, shaking his head. For your own sake, your chose to believe the envy lingering behind his voice was his attempt at a bad joke. “You would prefer a bedroom, wouldn’t you, (Y/n)?”

He asked you a question. He was talking to you, now, directly, which was more than you could say for any of his brothers. It should’ve been an improvement. An opportunity, if nothing else, a chance to ask why Asmodeus was looking at you like that, why you could feel Belphegor’s careless smile pressing into your skin, but you hesitated, something catching in your chest. It felt too solid, too heavy, too rough and too jagged. It felt like it’d hurt to swallow down, later on, once the unease passed and you got over whatever scheme they’d planned out, while you were gone.

“I… What?” You weren’t sure what you wanted to say, but it came out as a question regardless, your reluctance blending messily with your confusion. “This isn’t funny. If you’re going to act like this every time I visit the Human World, I might have to stop coming back.”

Finally, Satan glanced up from his book. If you didn’t know better, you might’ve said he was smiling. “Right. Because you still think you're allowed to leave.”

The rest of the room fell silent. Or, maybe it didn’t, maybe it was louder than it'd ever been. You didn’t know. You couldn't hear anything, not over the sudden ringing in your ears. “I’ll have to, eventually. It’s not up to me.”

Beelzebub shifted in his seat, suddenly uncomfortable. “It’d be safer if you stayed in the Devildom. We can’t protect you in the Human World.”

Leviathan’s grip tightened around his console. In the background, you could hear the plastic shell start to crack. “We wouldn’t be able to see you. Not all the time. Not for more than a few weeks at a time.” He was quiet, for a moment. Then, he added, “It wouldn’t be the same. It wouldn’t… It wouldn’t feel like it does when you’re here.”

Mammon looked away, letting his head lull to the side. “You belong here, with us. You’re supposed to be here. We’re just doin’ you a favor. No one wants to watch you figure out how fucked you’d be on your own.”

And, finally, Belphegor groaned, exhaustion heavy in the gravely sound. He untangled himself from you, but the freedom was temporary, fleeting, his arms snaking around your waist, instead, his face soon gracelessly buried in your chest. His eyes flickered open, but barely, just enough to let him stare up at you through his eyelashes, a thoughtless grin pulling at the corners of his lips. He wasn’t divided, not like his brothers were. He didn’t try to pretend he was above holding you against your will. “You're not leaving again.” It wasn’t a question. It wasn’t even a threat. It was just a fact, to him. It was something that wouldn’t happen, that couldn’t happen, if only because his older brothers were willing to work so hard to make sure it didn’t. “We’re not gonna share you, anymore. We’re not gonna have to.”

You didn’t want to hear anything else. You didn’t want to be here, anymore, not if this was what it meant, not if it was going to feel like standing in front of that closed casket all over again, the urge to run and sob and scream silencing every reasonable thought you’d ever had. You didn’t bother trying to talk to Asmodeus and Belphegor, you didn’t bother trying to coo and edge and skirt around their anger, their unspoken threats, not anymore, not when your body was already standing on its own, shoving at Belphegor’s body and swatting at Asmodeus’ hand as he reached out, aiming to cup your cheek and tell you so gently to sit down and shut up. Beelzebub leaned forward, Mammon flinched, and you could’ve sworn you caught a row of long, pointed fangs flash across Satan’s sneer, but you didn’t care. You wanted to hit something. You wanted to yell. You’d wanted to ever since you came back to this damned house and its overly affectionate occupants.

“You don’t get to share me.” You couldn’t be shared. You weren’t theirs to share, even if they already seemed geared against the idea. You weren’t theirs to trap, either. You never would be. “I don’t need your protection, and you don’t need to see me, and the only place I’m supposed to be is the Human World. I don’t know what got into your fucked-up heads while I was gone, but you can’t just--”

“Sit down, (Y/n).”

You stopped mid-sentence.

Right. You’d almost forgotten Lucifer hadn't gotten a chance say his piece, yet.

He didn’t give you time to cooperate. There was already a fist curled around the back of your collar, dragging you back into your seat, the action so much more aggressive than Belphegor’s oppressive dead-weight or Amsodeus’ sweet, sickly temptation. You couldn’t see him, but you could feel Lucifer looming over you, standing tall, towering above his younger brothers as he took control of the room. You wondered if he’d been here the entire time, if he’d heard everything, rather than just your sudden outburst. You wondered if you should hope that he had.

“We missed you, while you were gone.” He didn’t sound mad. He didn’t sound mad, but none of them did, none of them sounded like they were plotting to keep you away from your home, your friends, the life you had outside of demons and angels and magic. None of them sounded dangerous, either, save for Lucifer. He’d always been easier to trust when he wasn’t pretending to be kind. “We’ve all been alive for centuries, and yet, you went and made a week feel like a small eternity. Do you know how difficult it is for a human to inflict that kind of suffering onto a demon?”

You didn’t answer. Across the room, Mammon laughed and Satan bristled. Belphegor melted back into your side, more than happy just to have his resting place scared into immobility.

“You’ll stay.” It was an order, this time. Not a suggestion, not a passing concern, but a command, something you would be expected to obey. He had the nerve to use that low, calm cadence, measured and pre-meditated. He didn’t want to let you convince yourself he was as prone to bluffing as his brothers were. “You’ll stay because we want you to. We’re willing to use force, but there’s no need for that. Is there, love?”

You nodded, your body tense and your eyes glassy, and Lucifer rewarded you with a breathy chuckle, a row of knuckles delicately pressed to your cheek. A miserable reward for such an unwilling sacrifice, but Lucifer didn’t seem to mind. It certainly didn’t stop him from leaning in, his lips brushing against the top of your head, his voice falling just low enough to make something sharp and cold shot down your spine, as he went on.

“It’s not like you have anything to go back to, anymore.”

[thekillingjoke-haha]

Back To Black

Summary: Young love is so innocent and juvile now seemingly worlds apart that once childish flame seems to be more

@craftygamerscrafts

Black Noir was never always a faceless part of the seven he had a childhood which contrast to popular belief was actually nice he had a house hold that raised him to properly manage his emotions so his powers stayed within his control,but the part of him that truly made him the way he is...Y/n L/n.

His best friend and crush since the days in the playground sandbox. James was at the time unaware why he felt such joy being in her presence though once they parted ways after high school he understood those feelings weren't so friendly as first appearance. Love was confusing to him he never had much affection growing up unless it was from her so he always assumed as they got older those lingering stares,the hugs that always squeezed so tight,and those soft lips pressed against his forehead or cheek we kind gestures of friendship. They were polar opposites he was what people described as the bad boy while she was a social butterfly. If only he didn't stay with his safe bet and realized before she left to college so far away without a single goodbye.

James sat two rows behind Y/n she was smiling brightly clapping respectfully each time someone walked across. The week before they celebrated him being accepted to be a junior seven member till he reached age his dream was coming true. "For our honor student valedictorian Y/n L/n!" James was not shy to admit,but he did make the loudest noise smiling broadly when her eyes locked onto him. "We have a special honor our to give to you Ms.L/n a letter directly from Harvard one of your chosen colleges. You've been accepted for a full ride." They were both in shock as the uproar of people yelling and cheering. Harvard was so far away from Vought headquarters. That's when both of their hearts seemed to creak his turning cold at the fact she'd be gone.

"You never told me you wanted to go to Harvard." James was changed out of his blue robe playing with the chain on his pants. "I never thought they'd accept me especially right after high school." She layed her head on his shoulder as they sat in the bed of her truck he would have been relaxed if this was any other night,but the stiffness in his muscles was the equivalent of a predator tense and ready to strike. "Where you going to ever tell me you applied or did you just plan to pack up and leave?" His words were like a backhand causing her to sit up looking at him appalled. "You would have been the first to tell if I got that letter." James scoffed his emotions were getting the better of him. "Yeah right so much for being my so called best friend." The hurt that filled her eyes was making him regret everything,but there was no time for that. "What so I'm not you best friend because I want to be something?! Because that's my only option! If you didn't notice I'm not a super I can't pretend that us running off to the superhero capital filled with the most crime is the safest bet for me." Y/n had tears pooling and James wanted to say he'd always protect her if she just came along with him. "If your so safe away from superheros,away from me, then do us both a favor end this here and leave."

Y/n sniffled wiping her eyes as she got out the bed of the truck she refused to speak anymore what said was said. James got out to and went walking down the street to his home. She got in the driver's seat and drove off into the night. That weekend James felt like shit and bought (favorite flowers) and some of her favorite sweets and came to her home. At the door her father stood tall and raised a brow confused. "Why are you here?" He didn't say it like he was upset which was surprising. "To see Y/n." It was F/n turn to be surprised. "She left on Friday. We packed everything and she told us you were busy,but she'd say bye when she drove by your place." The young adults heart shaddered his last words to her was telling to end their argument and leave. If we wasn't a coward and apologized sooner she might of stayed long enough for them to fix their friendship maybe so he could confess his harbored feelings. The time never came she went her way and ut was time for him to go his both of them broken hearted and yearning.

James or better known as Black Noir gazed at the party goers. He's always hated these parties everyone ignored his existence especially since he didn't speak up. Trying to grab a glass of champagne the tray was moved to quickly past him. Behind the mask he sighed about to walk to the bar towards were someone could at least acknowledge he wanted something to drink. A gental hand placed itself on his shoulder he turned around not yet looking at the owner of said and,but rather the glass of sparkling gold liquid he accepted it in his hand softly brushing the slim fingers with his gloved hands. "Looked like you needed a drink,Jamie." That nickname was so forgin to him no one called him James in years,but only one person called him Jamie. His cover face turned to look at her his breath froze on his throat choking him. No matter how much time past he still recognizes her.

Y/n looked at him a soft smile on her painted lips. Stunning was the first word that came to mind she looked older,but that seemed to only add to her beauty a f/c dress hugged her curves that use to be hidden under his sweaters and t-shirts. James looked down to see if she wore heels given that she was the same height as him seeing the five inch heel she didn't do much growing since their departure. Her hair was styled in a confortable yet elegant way. "Can't a old friend get a hello?" Her voice was angelic the most gracful noise that ever could be heard. James took her hand within his own guiding her through the crowd to get to the balcony. After escaping the room full of people he sighed in relief. "Y-y/n when? Why? How?" He didn't know which question to ask first. "I've been living in the city for a year. I got my dream job every year or so I go to different devious helping people. Volt thought it'd be perfect having me here show off that even though they cause more problems then solve having public opinion is still needed." She always knew what he wanted to say even if he didn't have to utter a word. His large hands cupped her cheeks his thumb rubbing over her cheekbone. "I'm sorry." Those two words held such depthed all the apologizes he never got to say to the one person he never stopped loving. "I know...I forgived you along time ago Jamie. I just wished I had the will to say goodbye with words."

James ungloved his hand to feel her wiping away the tears that slipped past her eyes. Leaning forward his forehead touching hers as he gently blew out the breath he was holding. Y/n puffed out a watery laugh as she kissed his masked face if they weren't in public he would have ripped of his mask to feel those lips that he missed so much. Being apart was like dying a hundred time for both of them,but she came back to him. She went back to black.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

A/n: This was a idea I had long ago and someone requesting some black noir was just the perfect time.

To the anonymous that wanted Natasha x reader is coming next just gotta find more inspiration.

[blueeyedheizer]

together - warren worthington III

REQUEST: "reader has a super strength/metal skeleton mutation because she was in the lab as Wolverine, then she and Warren get close at the school because they both have terrible pasts and they get together and help each other through and become known as some of the best X-men and they’re so good because they love each other so much..."

WARNINGS: mentions of violence

A/N: had to take some liberties with the request because I don't have enough X-Men knowledge to give it proper justice. I honestly don't really like how this came out and the horrible headache I currently have doesn't help, but I tried my best!

•••

When you first joined Charles Xaviers' school for mutants you were at your lowest point, the concept of happiness was something you never thought you'd ever be familiar with.

The day your parents found out about your mutation, they immediately kicked you out of the house. Well, your father did. When you left home, you mother was crying and pleading for your dad to be understanding, saying that it wasn't that bad and that it could've been a worst mutation. You could easily pass as a regular human being. But the man saw things differently. You were a monster, no longer worth of a roof to live under, no longer worth of love and protection. You hugged your mom goodbye and left without a word, knowing it was better not to start a fight.

You wandered in the streets for a little while, using your savings to buy yourself the minimum you needed to survive.

That was until you were caught and put in a cage to fight against Warren Worthington III. He was far stronger than you were and although you had no broken bones by the end of the fight, you were left with deep bruises all over your body.

You weren't made for fighting. Your mutation was nothing but strengthened bones, there was nothing special about it. You had never been trained to use it to your advantage, so you really weren't stronger than the average when it came to fighting. You just happened to have extremely strong bones. If anything, the burden was even more exhausting.

A few days following the events, when he was himself in search of a shelter, Warren found you almost dead on a poor excuse of a mattress, tears soaking your cheeks as you barely managed to breathe. Your limbs were barely responding, you felt like your body was weighing ten times its weight and your metal bones weren't helping. To say you were absolutely terrified when you saw him would be an understatement. He had showed no mercy during the fight, so when he tried to pick you up, you used the last of your strength to kick him as hard as you could, which earned you a string of curses from him. He was close to giving up on you, but your cries and whines of pain forced him to walk back to you when he was about to step out the door and disappear from your life forever.

The two of you stayed hidden in that small abandoned basement for a few months until Kurt eventually found you. You were in a better shape, but you were far from being completely recovered, especially not mentally. But although Warren hated the idea of having to share a place to live with someone (and he was constantly being a pain in the ass about it), he always made the effort to go out and look for food for the both of you and always made sure you were safe. You owed him everything.

And just like that, you were both under Charles Xavier's protection. Surprisingly, you and Warren parted ways as soon as you joined the School. You quickly fit in with everyone and had a close group of friends meanwhile Warren insisted on staying alone. He had his own dorm and never ate breakfast with everyone else. A few people had tried to approach him, but he wouldn't let anyone get close. You were dying to see him and talk to him again, but you weren't sure if the feeling was mutual.

"Have you tried talking to him?" Jean asks, picking into her plate before bringing the fork to her mouth.

"What?"

"Warren. You're thinking about him. Have you tried talking to him?" she repeats and you shrug.

"I tried the first couple of days."

"Why don't you try again? I'm sure he'd be happy to see you again."

"I don't know. He wasn't really fond of sharing a place to live, so I doubt he misses me so much." you chuckle.

"But you miss him."

"Yeah. Kind of." you chuckled while nodding before looking over your shoulder, discreetly looking at Warren. "He's a good guy, you know." you admit. "He doesn't give off the best vibes when you don't know him, but he's got a big heart."

--

Jean's pep talk about how you should try and get in touch with him again made you realize how much you actually missed him. So that night, you decided to sneak out of your dorm and pay him a visit.

Taking a deep breath you raised your hand, letting it hover over the door for a moment. Deciding that it was too late to change your mind you eventually let your hand hit the wooden surface, giving it three knocks.

No answer.

You tried again, more firmly this time.

"Piss off."

Your heart skipped a beat when you heard his voice. It'd been so long. You tried to suppress a smile as you came to the conclusion that he really hadn't changed since the last time you spoke. He really wasn't interested in having company.

"It's me, Warren." you tried, leaning your ear against the door to hear better, but all you heard after that was silence.

Defeated, you were ready to retire back to your room until you were stopped by the sound of the door unlocking and cracking open slowly.

"What do you want?"

You took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.

"I miss you, Warren. We haven't spoken in what feels like an eternity and I just miss it. Our conversations, everything. I know you probably don't feel the same way but our late night talks meant a lot to me, and I just want to know how you're doing or at least—"

"Come in." he interrupted you.

That night, the two of you stayed up until 4 in the morning, just catching up and getting to know each other more than you already did. He didn't want to admit it, but Warren had missed you deeply as well.

You came back the day after, and sneaking into each other's dorm at night eventually became a routine for the two of you.

Your friends had noticed how close you had become, and you even often stayed with Warren instead of going out with them. One night, he told you all about his scars and how he got them, and you did the same with yours. You told him all about your family, how they kicked you out after finding out about your mutation, and the conversation ended with you crying on his shoulder and him promising to never let anyone or anything hurt you again.

The two of you became inseparable, always hanging out together, training together and always supporting each other during the hardest times. When you struggled to find a purpose to your mutation and started saying hurtful things about yourself, Warren was always there to remind you that it made you special, that you are one of the strongest people he knows and that you'd eventually learn to use your mutation, which you did.

Two years later, you've been sent on multiple missions together and everyone knows you as two of the school's most powerful mutants. Everyone admires you and the bond you have between one another. The newest mutants look up to you, and you're both more than happy to help when they need training.

The healing from the fear, hurt and rejection that you both went through takes time, but as long as you have each other, you know that everything will be okay.

→ feedbacks are more than welcome. Whether it's just a keyboard smash, an emoji or a single world, it's always appreciated and motivating. ♡

[likefacesaretohearts]

Knocked Up

Pablo and reader grow in their relationship and possibly their family.

Listen to this Kings of Leon song while you readdd

Warnings: fluff, mentions of sex, some slightly graphic language, mentions of unprotected sex, pregnancy

*******************************************************

The last few weeks you spent in Canada with Pablo and his two boys had been amazing. At first you were apprehensive about going on a trip with just him and his kids because you hadn't spent much time with them. Plus, you didn't want to be the stereotypical younger girlfriend that tags along and makes family trips awkward.

"The boys think you're cool. It'll be fun for all of us to spend time together. Trust me, babydoll," Pablo had told you while you were laying in bed the night before you left California.

Thankfully he was right. You got a chance to be with Pablo without all the distractions that were in LA and a chance to really get to know his kids. When you had first started dating Pablo, neither of you were sure if it was gonna be a lasting relationship or just a brief fling, so you agreed that you wouldn't meet his children until you got serious. Without expecting it, you fell quickly and deeply in love within 10 months of being together.

You were on an early morning hike with Pablo on a beautiful trail in the hills when you both decided to take a break and sit on the grass, looking out at a gorgeous wooded area. He had taken his shirt off and beads of sweat glistened off his back, chest and arms. You found his love of nature and being active so sexy— you laid your head on his damp shoulder and let out a contented sigh. "I'm so glad we came here," you said. "I feel like this is the life I wanna live."

"Me too," he said. "It's weird...I never thought someone could just fit in our family, but you do, y/n."

The sun was getting hotter as it got later in the morning, so the two of you decided to head back to the cabin you were staying in because the kids would be awake soon. You made a beeline for the shower because, well, you were in dire need of one after that hike. Peeling off your leggings and tank top and then feeling the cool water against your skin was an unmatched feeling. After a few minutes you heard a light knock on the bathroom door and Pablo asking "Ok if I come in?"

"Yeah, babe," you shouted so he could hear you. You figured that maybe he had to pee or wanted to brush his teeth or something. Instead, he opened the shower curtain and soon he was in the shower right behind you, planting a kiss on your bare shoulder. He grabbed the bottle of body wash that was nearby and said "Can I get under the water baby?" You switched spots with him so he could rinse himself off too.

"Rose hip oil? What the hell does that do?" He was reading the bottle of body wash in confusion.

"I don't know, but it smells good, right?" You replied.

He stepped closer to you so that his chest was touching yours and said "You smell good" with a very sly smile. "Ah so that's why you came in here," you said with a laugh. "You sneaky bastard." Pablo grabbed you and started kissing you as if he were in need of air and you were the only supply of it. His hand traveled down to your ass, then wandered between your legs. His dick was hard against your thigh and he whispered lustfully on your ear "You're so beautiful, honey. Let me show you how beautiful you are." Between heavy kisses you managed to say "Oh, baby I want to but I can't right now." You and Pablo both had very high sex drives and there was rarely a time when the two of you didn't feel like having sex...except for when you were ovulating. That was a time when the two of you were very careful and refrained from being together during that window of time because you weren't on birth control and you hadn't had a conversation about having children together yet. Hell, you were just now becoming comfortable with the two children that he had.

A look of understanding spread across his face, and he grabbed your face in his hands then kissed your forehead then your lips. "Alright sweetheart. How about I make you breakfast instead? What do you want, we got just about everything in the kitchen..."

"Surprise me," you said with a smile. He jumped out of the shower and grabbed a towel, leaving you to relax some more and exfoliate.

Fresh out of the shower and dressed in a pair of shorts and a comfy sweatshirt, you went into the kitchen to see what Pablo was cooking. "Blueberry or pecan?" He asked. Waffles. "Hmm...both!" The boys were at the other end of the house in the living room playing video games, but even though they weren't close by he lowered his voice when he said "So about earlier...would it be so bad?" Pablo did this sometimes, speaking as if you already knew what he was talking about without actually explaining first and you'd have to reel him in. "Babe, did you have the first part of this conversation without me?"

He put some freshly made waffles on a plate and started making more. "Remember in the shower earlier? When you said you couldn't..." he raised his eyebrows at the risk of the kids somehow hearing his say the word 'sex'. "Would it be so bad if we did... had a baby?"

You almost choked on the coffee you had been sipping. Of course you loved him and you wanted kids, you always had, but you had no idea he had even thought about having more. After taking a second to gather you thoughts, you said "You want another baby?"

"I mean, yeah. I never really put a time or intention on it because I haven't been in a serious relationship in a while, but it's something that's always been in the back of my mind. I don't wanna freak you out if it's too soon for you to think about...but I can see that for us. What if we had alittle girl that looks just like you?"

Hearing him talk like that made you emotional for some reason. It was the thing everyone who wants a family wants to hear their partner say. You got up and hugged him from behind as he continued to cook and kissed his shoulder.

"So you're open to it?" He asked sheepishly.

"Mhm," you said, smiling. He turned around and planted a sweet kiss on your lips.

"Boys, breakfast is ready. Come & get it!"

*************************************************

To put it simply, you felt like shit. You had notoriously bad periods and you could definitely feel it coming on. It was a about a week late but along with being generally awful, your periods were also unpredictable. The strange part was that you didn't have cramps, but we're extremely nauseous and overall weak. You and Pablo were still in Canada and it'd been about two weeks since you had agreed that a baby was in the cards for y'all. He joked that the two of you should start "trying" but you'd been feeling so terrible lately that you barely had the energy to do the day to day activities you guys usually did with the kids, like hiking, riding dirt bikes and watching movies, let alone have the kind of energetic sex you and Pablo usually have.

Pablo and the kids were about to head to the store to stock up on some more food and supplies for the cabin. He came into the room you shared where you'd been laying down and watching 13 Going on 30 on TV to distract you from how gross you felt. He crouched down next to the bed and rubbed your head.

"Is there anything you want me to grab for you at the store? I hate seein you like this, honey."

Somehow in that moment, it all clicked. You felt dumb for not realizing what the cause of your sickness probably was. Without even really thinking it through, you blurted out, "I think I need a pregnancy test...kind of...I think!"

"You think you could be pregnant?" He asked with innocent excitement growing in his voice.

"I mean, I wouldn't quite rule it out."

About an hour later the three of them had returned and after making the boys a quick snack to hold them over before dinner, he brought a plastic bag into your room and sat on the bed. "Alright, my lovely," he said, pulling out a ginger ale, some sour gummy worms for your nausea and...the pregnancy test. Two of them, as a matter of fact. "I have an idea, but let me know if you're not up for it: you take both the tests, leave them in the bathroom, then me and you go for a walk outside and when we come back we can look at it together."

"Let's do it," you said, pulling on some shoes and a hoodie to protect you from the brisk night air.

The sky was a gorgeous orange, yellow and faded purple, the perfect backdrop for a sunset. You and Pablo walked hand in hand through the nearby wooded area, taking about the possibility of you carrying your first child together and how thrilled his boys would be. As you walked and talked, time got away from you and nearly an hour had passed when you decided it would be best to head back. You sent Pablo to the bathroom to go get the tests and bring them to out to the front porch where you'd both decided to sit to look out at the stars.

"You ready?" He asked, reaching out for your hand. You grabbed it and rubbed his hand with your thumb. You turned over one test and he turned over the other at the same time.

Pregnant and pregnant.

Your eyes welled up with tears immediately and you covered your mouth with your hands. He reached over and grabbed you into a bear hug, kissing the top of your head and peppering your face with kisses.

"Baby, how do you feel?" You asked him, your voice muffled by the jacket he was wearing.

"Let's do it, sweetheart."

He grabbed you and lifted you up, carrying you into the house bridal style. The love in both of your eyes was enough to last a lifetime. You couldn't wait to grow your family with him and give the boys a little sibling

[megsironthrone]

Meg's Game of Tales: Tale 14

*Familiar Characters are NOT mine! The original story of "Fowler's Fowl" was written by The Brothers Grimm."

Warnings: Fowler's Fowl AU, violence, blood, death, angst?? No real happiness here folks. Also another unintentional non-reader insert.*

Character: Margaery Tyrell

Margaery sat in the parlor, listening to her father and grandmother talking. She couldn't deny that she was bored. When she had conversations with her grandmother, just the two of them, Margaery felt she had someone to talk to that matched her intelligence. Otherwise, the young woman simply remained quiet unless something needed to be said. She didn't know that her boredom would soon be relieved in the most interesting and…dangerous way.

When the knock echoed through the manor, Margaery made her way to the window. Standing outside was an older man carrying a large basket on his back, presumably with all the food and clothing generous people gave him. Margaery watched as one of the maids handed him a loaf of bread. As soon as the maid's fingers brushed against the old man's, a glazed look came over her. Margaery's brows furrowed as the maid climbed in the basket and the man turned away, heading back up the road.

"Father," Margaery started, but stopped when she realized her father wasn't listening to her and her grandmother had chosen that time to leave the room. Margaery sighed, but decided not to say anything. The maid had left of her own will it seemed. So, Margaery went back to her business.

Two days later, there was another knock at the door. Margaery didn't see who it was, but another maid was soon discovered missing. When Margaery questioned the other household servants, they told her an old man came to the door and the maid must have left with him. It was then that Margaery began to formulate a plan.

Margaery was a brilliant young woman, everyone in the manor knew it. And when she set her mind on something, she NEVER gave up until she succeeded. So when her curiosity and suspicion was piqued, Margaery knew she had to figure out what had happened to those maids. She quickly formed a plan because in her heart she just knew that the old man would be returning.

Sure enough, after the passing of another two days, there was another knock at the door. Margaery practically ran to the door, stopping the maid from answering it. Margaery took the food from the maid and opened the door herself. "Good morning," she greeted with a smile. The old man looked surprised, but smiled in return. "Good morning. Perhaps you have a bit of food to spare an old beggar?" Margaery handed in a basket of apples, his fingers brushing hers just a little bit.

Suddenly, Margaery felt light-headed, like everything around her was fuzzy. Everything except the old man. Only now, when she looked at him, she didn't see an old man. She saw a handsome young man. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes that drew Margaery in. His voice sounded muffled, like Margaery was underwater. "Would you like to come with me?" Without even realizing it, Margaery nodded. The person…probably a mage, smiled. "Good. Climb in my basket, why don't you?" Margaery's feet moved with a mind of their own as she climbed in the basket.

The fog didn't lift as Margaery rode in the basket. It didn't lift as the mage stopped and set the basket down. Margaery climbed out and realized she was in a castle. She turned to her captor and they smiled. "I have to return to town for real food and you have free reign of the castle. Explore. Get to know the place. While I'm gone, I'd like for you to take care of this egg. Here are the keys. You are welcome to explore any room except that one." He pointed to a door and Margaery nodded.

As soon as he was out of sight, Margaery's fog began to lift a little allowing her to think clearly. She hid the egg in a safe place, knowing that getting it dirty or dropping it was some kind of test she could not fail. As soon as she'd done that, she headed for the forbidden room.

Margaery nearly screamed as she opened the door. Blood. Blood everywhere. A huge vat of it sat in the middle of the room. Floating inside, she could make out the heads and bodies of her two maids. She could almost feel the magic radiating through the room and knew she had to get started quickly. After getting another dress to protect her clothing, she fished the maids out of the blood and, just like she thought, the leftover magic in the room caused her maids bodies to return to normal and life to enter them once more.

The two maids began thanking her profusely, explaining that they had dropped the egg in the blood and he'd killed them. "Never you mind. I'm going to find a way to get you out of here. I just need you to trust me and stay here a little while longer." They nodded and Margaery left the room again to clean herself up and wait for the mage to return.

When he did return, the mage asked for the egg. Margaery produced it from the pocket of her dress. He inspected it and smiled when he saw no imperfections on the shell. "Very good. You have passed the test. You are the first to do so and so I shall make you my bride. Margaery fought the urge to vomit at the thought of being married to this man. Still, as soon as he'd said it, Margaery could feel the fog lifting completely from her brain and she realized she had a way to get her maids out.

"Very well, but before we wed, I need you to return to my father's house with a basket full of gold and bring him back here. He must attend the wedding. You must not stop. I will be watching from my window in the tower. If you stop, I will not marry you." The mage considered for a moment before nodding. Margaery smiled as he left her to her own devices while he rested for the journey ahead.

While the mage slept, Margaery set her plan in motion. She had her maids climb into the basket, then covered them with gold. She made certain there was enough air coming through the holes in the basket that they could breathe. Then, she found a skull in the bloody room, decorated it with jewels, and placed it the tower. After the mage left, she would put it in the window so he would see it and think it was her. She also took time to sew some leaves and things on a dress she'd found. She didn't want to ask where it'd came from.

When the mage left a few hours later, she reminded him not to stop for anything. With difficulty, he hoisted the basket onto his bag and started out. Margaery let him get a little bit away before she placed the skull in the window, changed into the leaf covered dress, and snuck out after him. She followed behind, hidden by shadows.

Whenever the mage would stop, the maids would begin crying out from inside the basket for him to get moving again. Each time, he would force himself to move again. All the while, Margaery followed, her dress helping her blend into her surroundings so he would not see her.

By the time they all reached the manor, the mage was exhausted. He was too weak to move. He fell to his knees on the ground outside the manor. The two maids took the opportunity to burst from the basket. They ran into the manor, crying for Margaery's father and brothers. Margaery snuck in through the kitchens and explained everything.

The mage was still on the ground outside the manor when Margaery's father came barreling out of the house as quickly as he could. He wasted no time beheading the vile man. "His tower should be burned as well, Father! So that no other may attempt his foul tricks," Margaery said. Mace agreed and ordered Loras to follow him.

As Margaery stared down at the lifeless body of the mage. She smiled to herself. She had outwitted him. No one else would ever underestimate her. For she, Margaery Tyrell, had rid the world of cruel, foul man with just her wits. She was one of the most powerful women in the world and she had proven it. One day, she would rise above them all and rule the world.

(*- the only place I could have put the reader was in the place of the mage and I couldn't write you guys like that. Anyway, we've only got more Tales!)

[prosperity-and-the-cursed]

Daichi

I never used to smile. I used to feel like an outcast every day. I lived in an orphanage in Japan. I was practically the only white kid there. But that wasn't what made me feel so different.  When I was a kid, I didn't know why other people smiled. I thought everyone felt like me. Useless and worthless, underwhelming. Even problematic. Being nothing. Even when I left that place, I didn't feel happy. Even though I lived with good parents. I was bad at school, but they loved me anyway.  It became even worse when we went to America, though. To pursue my mom's dreams. What about my dreams? The outcast feeling was back, worse than ever. And with it, the pain of being alive. I knew very little English. But my aunt that lived here offered to teach me. The first time I ever felt true euphoria was on the way back to my house from hers.  It was a Saturday night. There was a car crash on my street. My mom and dad had given me a pocket knife to protect myself from people who were trying to hurt me. I used it for the very first time that night. "Help! Please, oh god, tell me you have a phone..." When I think about it now, I think that man was jus asking for help. With the car crash, maybe. But it's difficult to put two and two together when you're a kid. Even so, I don't what came over me to take his hand like that.  I kept under the bed, until the smell of it rotting became too bad. Then I moved it outside, in the shed where we never go. The adrenaline I got from thinking it'd be found was exhilarating. It left me smiling for days on end.  But I was still annoyed with school. I was annoyed with the American kids, who always tried to talk to me when I didn't understand them. It was hard to learn another language, especially English, and nobody understood that at my school.  Not until him.  "Um....um..."  Dallas Shrill proved to me that I wasn't the only one that felt pain.  I talked to him for days. I finally had somebody who understood me. He didn't jus understand Japanese, he understood everything. He understood what it was like to feel different, to feel wrong. And he wanted to be my friend.  He wanted to be my friend so much, that he did all my homework for me. He complimented me every day. I felt like a prince. Dallas Shrill made me feel like a prince.  When we were talking, sometimes Dallas would do this cute thing. He'd jus stare at me. He wouldn't say anything, and minutes would pass without him even realizing that I noticed. His eyes would get all big, sometimes they'd dart around a little, and his breathing would go funny. At first I thought it was strange, and I tried to get Dallas to come back, but now I jus let him stare. I like it when he stares.  I touched Dallas' hands sometimes for longer than I was supposed to. Dallas' hands were so perfect, they were hardworking, but soft and gentle hands that I wanted in the shed so I could touch it and hold it and cherish it forever. I wanted to own it because I thought that once he realized how worthless I was, he would take it away. He would take his whole wonderful being away from me.  One day, Dallas stayed home from school, and I worried about him. I went to his house afterschool to see if he was okay, and he had a big bandage around his eyes. Dallas couldn't see anymore. I missed him staring at me. This feeling I had was so strange. I jus wanted Dallas to know how I felt, but I didn't want to tell him.  Everything was so good. And I was so happy.  "大地.私はもうこんな生活はできない." Then, Dallas threatened me. Maybe in another life I would've been afraid when he broke down. When he told me, showed me what happened to his eyes. But I jus couldn't believe it. Dallas Shrill called me beautiful! The most beautiful being he's ever seen! Dallas, who is so, so much more beautiful than anyone in the whole universe. I jus knew that this was meant to be. I loved seeing what he was like when he was emotional. I wanted to make Dallas feel every kind of emotion, jus like he made me feel.   I think I love Dallas.

[hanniejji]

TODOROKI WITH A BADASS S/O

→ [ todoroki shouto x y/n ]

@abigator554 : "Could u do a totoroki x punk fem reader where she really just gives no fucks and calls out endeavor when he basically forces them to have dinner with him to judge if she is good enough for shoto and shoto just is like “wow. My gf is a badass” and just falls more in love"

— it's talk shit about enji time lmao im just kidding ily pops btw i kind of turned it into a hc because i thought it'd be easier like that lmao | m.list

words: 769

warnings: enji being a jerk, curse words, but floof neways

before you and todoroki got together, you were labeled as "bakugou #2"

without the consistent screaming ofc

you weren't one of those soft cute cinnamon babies that you'll fall in love with at first sight and would want to protect

u do the proteccting oof

you have a sass as big as todoroki's heart for you lmao

he fell for u the moment you spoke to him without a filter and put him in his place

"listen to me, elsa with a dash of zuko, i don't care if you're the son of the number two hero, if you want to be a hero then you better fix that attitude of yours"

punkiness aside, you're just a sweet girl with tough love and just want to care for everyone

the moment enji found out that his son's dating was from social media

apparently someone saw the two of you on a date outside and took pictures

immediately calls shouto

"SHOUTO"

"what"

"BRING THAT GIRLFRIEND OF YOUR TO DINNER"

"no"

but shouto didn't have a choice either when fuyumi also enthusiastically asked to meet you

he just wished his dad wasn't there thought

so with no more options left, the two of you went to his home

you'd expect y/n to be nervous about meeting his family, right? wrong.

shouto's the nervous one while you're chill, a lil giddy and excited but nothing extreme

you so the comforting

"shou, it'll be fine, you already told me fuyumi and natsuo are nice"

"I wish I can say the same for my father"

luckily, it was his brother who greeted the two of you

you both hit it off too well

natsuo loves you already

then fuyumi greeted you in the kitchen, where she's preparing dinner

she fell for you i would too

the two older siblings are so glad shouto found someone amazing such as yourself

bc of that, shouto's a little relaxed

but then enji came in

natsuo was became silent, fuyumi was still trying to alleviate the tension while the flame hero stare you up and down

have i mentioned you're wearing a denim short, tank top, with a lil oversized jacket?

he was not impressed

shouto tensed up again

the whole dinner you and fuyumi are conversing with natsuo chiming in

meanwhile shouto watches his dad stare at you statistically

he sometimes ask you family and quirk things that made everyone but you a little uncomfy

"you're not good enough for my son"

he says after the dinner and shouto's about to walk you home

he's also about to flip a table at his dad but you beat him to it

"oh, well, thank you for your unwanted opinion but I'll let shouto be the judge of that"

OOPS

all of the todoroki's are shookt

like 👀👀 shookt

"excuse me?"

"my apologies, but it seems that you misunderstood things. im not here to try to impress you or to satisfy you, you're not the boyfriend here, I just wanted to get close to shouto's family but not necessarily you, I guess"

if natsuo didn't love you before, he certainly does now

shouto, altho he's kind of worried, was awed by how confident and brave you were to say that to his dad

he might of teared up a lil :')

in his head, he's so proud of you and so glad that you weren't scared of his dad and was like

"holy shit. i love you and im so glad you're mine please always be mine"

and he has this cute surprised smile at you with heart fucking eyes

enji was too flabbergasted to speak so shouto took this chance to drag you out of the house while you sing your farewell and a promise to meet again to his siblings

all the way out of his house he can't wipe that smol. cute. precious. smile.

ur a lil worried bc he's being quiet ain't he always tho

a few blocks away and he abruptly stops to face you

crushes you in a hug and buries his face on your neck hnGHnHG

your the shookt one now

"shouto?"

"thank you"

he's not so sure about what he's thanking you for but maybe it's how you weren't letting his father's words into your head

you weren't scared of enji and that made him fall more and he doesn't have to worry about that anymore

maybe it's because you cared for him more than his father's approval

whatever that is, he's thankful and he's never letting you go

even if your punk side gets overbearing, don't worry, he gotchu ;)

[hopefuljoon]

BST: Chapter 2

A/N: Sorry this chapter is a bit shorter than most because it’s so important to me. Other than that, I plan on making it longer in the next chapter to make it up to you.

(Spacing is wack, this is what I have in mind for the back part of the house)

Credit goes to the respective owner of this image Miami MLS

Previous:

"You do realize...you don't have to do this, right babe?" Hoseok whispered out against your ear. You shivered and turned slowly around in his arms as he adjusted his hold on you again. The sight from afar made it looked so awfully domestic, it'd melt even the coldest heart.

"I know but it's the least I could do" you rasped out against his chest before turning around, getting back to work on putting the mixture onto the warming pan.

Even as you move about pouring the pancake mixture onto the warming pan, Hoseok's hands continue to linger on your hips. Ten minutes had passed and before long, you heard soft snoring sound coming from behind you, including the sudden extra weight on your back. He had fallen asleep while nuzzling into your body in the early hours. He must have been out late, doing errands for Yoongi, again. You sigh knowingly but quickly finished whipping up a batch of pancake, respectively placing equal amounts on 7 plates that you had set out earlier. You turned off the electric stove and cautiously turned in Hoseok's arm, in fear of waking up the sunshine. You place your arms around him to hold him upright, at that moment, you notice a pair of gleaming brown eyes mirroring yours.

It was Jungkook, in all his morning glory of ruffled hair and wrinkled sleepwear. He must have had a restful sleep but he deserves it, you mused. Mafia work often leads to a sudden rush of adrenaline, making the person excited and yet when it decreases to normal, they are left tired.

"Want some help with that?" he eyed Hoseok in your arms then returned his gaze to you, eyes sparkling with amusement. You smiled at him and whispered, please, loud enough for him to hear but not wake up Hoseok. Jungkook nodded and walked up to you, gently removing Hoseok from you. Thank you Kookie, you murmur and smile at him. He returned it and began to walk towards the marble staircase in order to ascend to Hoseok's room.

You circle around the counter to set down each member's plates. The table had been set earlier by the housemaids while you were cooking. You did one last round to serve your brother, at the head of the table, his plate before bending down to hug him. He blushes and stutters out a "hey!...not in front of them..." in your arm as the room roars with the sound of giggles from his fellow consigliere. Their eyes filled with adoration and love for their leader. Eventually, you deemed the hug was long enough to show your love, gratitude for the countless times he protected and stay with you throughout the night full of recurring bad dreams, and a little bit of teasing. After all, Yoongi had to keep up an image of the fearless, powerful, and ruthless mafia leader but within the safe confinement of your arms and the house, he could show you and his inner members the sides of which he must lock away deep within himself. Otherwise, if he ever let those softer and weaker sides of him show in public, his family (mainly you as all your family members had been either killed or assassinated), consigliere and everything he had and obtained will be jeopardized. He won't risk it, not even for the biscuit because you are the last remaining treasure that he has.

10 Years Prior

Growing up, you were spoiled rotten with girly princess dresses, diamond tiaras, and lived in a mansion by the oceanside. Your family, which consisted of your mother and father, adored and loved you. You were the center of jealousy for every girl in school and in town. For that reason, your parents often never let you out of the house or play with other children of your age. They deemed that the housemaids and butler were to be your playmates and that the house would be your playground.

Even so, you don't often get the chance to wander around your own house. You were either hustled to the study room or the grand library built within the house to study. Your parents had hired private tutors in order for you to excel in school without them having to worry. Turns out, you don't disappoint. You often had a knack for having the ability to memorize a large sum of information in a short time frame too. You also outperformed quick maths calculations faster than any other students in your year.

You had just finished your study earlier than scheduled so your tutor left you in the care of the housemaids who you've come to love. It's nearly lunchtime so they were going to go prepare and serve the food soon. You finally have the free time to yourself to run around and explore your own home.

30 minutes into the exploration, you stumble down into the basement of the house which was guarded by a large metal door. There were strange button pads with numbers on the right side of the door. It looked super soft and squishy so you decided to jam on random numbers, it wouldn't hurt, right? After 3-4 random jamming of numbers for 13 digits, the sound of the alarm began to blare. You quickly covered your ears, closed your eyes and hunched into a ball in fear. Praying to whatever god that was listening that it would stop and you wouldn't get caught and not get in trouble. Suddenly, you felt as if you were floating and the alarm sound ceased. You opened your eyes to see your mother standing by the security padlock before grabbing onto you to drag you to your feet. She was furious, the fire blazing in her eyes told you so. "I told you...to NEVER come down here. You could be in danger! Why won't you just LISTEN to me?" She spat.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to...I finished my studies early so I decided to explore the house and got lost.." you answered casting your eyes to the ground while digging your hands into your dress pocket and fidget nervously. Your mother must have picked up on your fear and began to soften her voice. "It's fine...I will forgive you this time. Don't make the same mistake again...". At that time, your mother had felt pity for her own daughter getting lost in her own home. The mansion so large a size but the loneliness remains. After all, you had no siblings of your own. It was something that you often think about at school seeing other children act with their sisters or brothers.

You woke up one Saturday morning at 4:30 AM by a soft knock with your mother entering your room but your father smiled and lingered by the door. "Good morning little one, how was your sleep? Mommy and Daddy will have to go out to do business today. Will you be good and stay inside the house today, sweets?" she asked while walking over to your bed and lightly kissed your temple. "Yes, I'll see you soon when you return, mom", you replied, smiling while looking up at your beloved mother. "Then it's time we get going my dear,'' she replied before turning and walking back to her husband's side, tears slowly brimming her eyes.

What your younger and naive self didn't know then was that it was going to be the last time you saw your parents smiling happily, being alive, and well. You never wondered even for a second, how the mansion you live in, the expenses, clothing, and jewelry were obtained through their laundered and bloodied money. Looking back, you had just figured they were Old Money. What you didn't know then and innocently assumed would come back and take its toll on your family.

Previous | Next

[newmxmories]

Are you with me?

A/N: Wow! I did not expect doing a part 2 but thank you to all of you lovely people! Words will never be enough to express how much thankful I am. BUT without further ado, Part 2 of Holding On and Letting Go

·· Shall We ? ··

You got to the diner after hours of going house to house getting candy. It was just you and Richard because Aaliyah crashed right after Richard put her in her car seat. After ordering, Rich put down his phone,

"So, you're scared?"

You nodded.

"Y/N.. I get where you're coming from. But understand where he's coming from too. He's never been in an actual relationship before. Or even whatever you two have. What he sees is that he went out with friends."

You put your head down on the table,

"I know! But I can't help it!"

He laid back,

"Lemme ask you. If there was no fuss between the two all over social media. Would you still be as scared as you are now?"

You got back up and huffed.

"I don't know..."

"I think it was all the publicity that got out and the social media that got into your head. Now you're afraid whatever you saw would be true because you have an idea of what it'd been like. No need for you to make anything up in your wild imagination."

As you were eating. Joel texted you,

"Are you coming home tonight?"

You replied,

"No. I'm staying at Richards."

You put down your phone, Rich asked you

"What did he say?"

You shrugged your shoulders,

"Nothing. He asked if I was coming home tonight and I said no."

Rich nodded. Soon enough Chris called Richard.

"Hello?"

"Tell Y/N to go home"

"Why? She already said she isn't."

You gave him a questioning look.

"You call her then"

"I'm on the phone with you!"

After a few minutes of going back and forth he hung up the phone.

"What was that about?" You asked.

"Go home tonight"

You shook your head,

"I promised Aaliyah."

"Who is sound asleep right now."

"You don't know that"

Few minutes Richard showed you a picture Yash sent of Aaliyah sound asleep in her Wonder Woman costume.

"Told you! Go home, I'll bring her over tomorrow."

"Promise?"

"Promise. Let's finish our food and go"

· Back at the house ·

You open the door as if you never left. Zab and Erick playing video games while Chris was watching them. When you entered the living room,

"Why did I need to come back?"

Zab paused the game,

"Because he's upstairs"

Your eyebrows met,

"Who?"

Chris looked at you,

"Don't be like that. You know who."

"Why? He's supposed to clubbing with his friends no?"

Erick turned,

"Came back an hour ago. Had a bunch of things to ask us"

"Like?"

Erick cleared his throat,

"Is Y/N okay? Why did she rush out? Did I do something? Is she mad at me? What should I do?!"

You chuckled at his little imitation of Joel. Chris came around to put his arm around you.

"Tell us. Why are you scared?"

You fought back your tears,

"I already talked about it with Richard."

Zab chimmed in,

"Were we there though?"

You rolled your eyes. Chris kissed your temple,

"You have to be willing to go through obstacles in order to love, hermana. You can be scared but you can't let that block you from falling in love. It's a natural instinct to feel that way. But if there's love in the bond then it's something you can get over."

You looked at him with teary eyes,

"And when did you get all lovey dovey?!"

He pulled you into a tight hug,

"I see the way he is with you. You both are very shy but together you bring something out of him. He's loose and he's chill. When you're backstage he looks back time to time to make sure you're there. When we have to go through fans, you should see how protective he gets. But he knows the can't show how protective he is. He always texts Clara and Ali to make sure you're safe. When we're in the clear, you're the first person he asks for. Remember the time Clara, Ali and you decided to prank us? Saying they lost you in the crowd?"

You nodded your head and chuckled to yourself remembering that moment. You really just went to Starbucks to get a drink.

"Joel's eyes were on the verge of crying. He started to ask how?! why?! He losted it"

"I remember that. He didn't let me out of sight after that."

"He's scared Y/N. He's just as scared as you. Give him a chance to express how he feels too. Because most likely you both are sharing the same feelings right now" Zabdiel said.

You nodded your head.

"He's in his room." Erick said softly

"Goodnight boys, I love you guys, you know that?"

"Te amo mucho hermana. Go talk to him. He came in looking like he did at the airport."

You go upstairs to your room. You wanted to wash of whatever makeup you had left before you talk to him. Once you were clean, new pajamas on and done putting on your moisturizer, you opened your washroom door to reveal him sitting on your bed.

He jolted up and tried to say something,

"I.. Uh.. Tried-"

"Joel."

"Right. I tried to call you but you weren't answering"

"I was in the shower."

"Sorry."

"What do you want?"

Sounding a little too blunt you already started to feel guilty. Joel took a breath,

"I thought about what happened when you left. Did I do something? Please talk to me. I texted you when I was at the club and all I got was 'okay'. And I know you, when you give me one word answers it's the complete opposite of okay."

Again with the tears. You pressed your tongue on the top of your mouth and stared at the ceiling. Joel took a step towards you,

"Please talk to me Y/N. Please. I just want to know-"

"I'M SCARED, OKAY?! I WAS- NO. I AM SCARED. BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO LET YOU FULLY IN. I AM SCARED THAT YOU WILL LEAVE ME FOR HER. AND I KNOW, OKAY? I KNOW WE'RE NOT TOGETHER SO I CAN'T GET MAD OR JEALOUS. BUT I AM SCARED TO LOVE YOU BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE BECAUSE YOU ARE MY FIRST AND I AM TERRIFIED OF IT. You were out tonight with your friends but you were out with a friend that I wish I can think of just as a friend but I can't. I don't hate her because God she's so beautiful. But I do hate that whatever happened between you guys can't leave my head. That whatever happened on social media and the publicity will all become true and I don't know.."

Joel hugged you. And you stopped. You just stopped. He kissed your temple and you just fell into his arms.

"I'm with you. Okay? We are just friends. Because you are the first person I think of. You are also the last person I want to see when I sleep. No matter if we have different rooms, I still check sometimes if you're asleep. Especially when you stay up late when we have an early morning plan. Even if I text you if you're up though I'm literally 10 feet away. I know sometimes you don't want to answer because you're trying to play it as if you're asleep. But I can hear you especially if you're really into the movie or show you're watching. But I know that nighttime is your only alone time you have so I give you the space. I know we want to take things slow. But God I love you Y/N Y/L/N but if you have me, I'd love to be your-"

"My boyfriend?"

He chuckles,

"Yes you're boyfriend. It's my first time though so you have to give me pardon sometimes."

You were both now cuddled in your bed.

"I will. As long as you give me pardon too because it's my first time too."

He snuggled deeper into your body as you let him engulf your body frame so softly. He kissed your temple, your cheek and your beautiful lips.

"Well I guess here's to firsts."

You looked at him,

"We've kissed before Joel"

"Never as a couple"

You smiled as you leaned in for another one. Once you separated, he asked

"Can we have movie night now?"

You quickly got up and grabbed a bag of goodies.

"Now we can!"

[coconutshvings]

ATZ Reaction: You live in a bad part of town/neighborhood {Hyung Line}

∵ Group || Ateez

∵ Genre || Highschool AU

∵ Warnings || Mentions of drugs, swearing, some are shorter than others , typos

This story is not to be offensive to anyone, I didn't grow up in the best neighborhood myself while living in Chicago, this is strictly a story to show that a person who truly loves you wouldn't care where you came from even if it wasn't the best enviroment, also, never let the enviroment you grew up in mold you into a person unless that's what you personally want ~ WR:Le ♡

Hongjoong:

The Grey sky out side hid any signs of light in it as rain poured down heavily causing small but loud thuds to hit all over his vehicle, sketchy figures would pass by ever now and again while others stood infront of the decaying apartment buildings that he parked across from.

This area wasn't one he had been in often, at all actually. However, he made this trip to come and see you well- give you your geography study book for you upcoming quiz that you needed to study. All be it he'd see you and maybe make a small conversation because if it wasn't clear since Junior year, he liked you, a lot.

He'd seen your information including your number written on the book and gave you a call to which you told him to just drop off to you at the address he was sitting at now, waiting. The delicate knock on his window caught him and he looked to see you in your rain resistance hoodie squinting in the droplets. He quickly grabbed your book from his passenger seat rolling down the window and handing it to you with a gentle smile that spoke of his adoration for you.

"I was beginning to think you'd written the wrong address down." He lightly joked speaking loudly over the rain making you smile "Why, because this isn't the neighborhood you pictured me living in?" Hongjoong's eyes were screaming and you could sew his panicking figure,

"I was joking! I know you aren't some uppity entitled person." His body visibly "Good because I'd never be that way towards anyone." You nodded understanding not noticing the rain quieted down and so did your voices.

"I'll see you tomorrow in fifth period?" , He smiled at your question "Of course. Let me know if you need a studying partner."

"Will do."

Seonghwa:

Never in a million years did he think you'd be ashamed to be walked somewhere, you enjoyed his company but he'd never asked to walk you home before even though you quickly said no it was easy to change that answer when you seen the hurt and question on his face. So here you were, quietly walking home hand in hand, Seonghwa was walking on sunshine after you'd changed your answer he didn't notice your longing face before you could Cross the street you abruptly halted pulling at his hand causing him to sling backwards,

"This walk is long I don't want you to endure it." You spoke suspiciously but he hadn't caught it "More time with you." He simply replied before attempting to walk again but once again being stopped by you,

"Then you'll have to walk back alone." ,

"I'll call for a ride once I get in front of your house." The pulse in your neck began to jump as he clearly didn't understand why you kept making excuses, you had to flat out tell him now,

"I don't want you to walk me home," you searched his eyes for any sign of anger but they were just boring into your own, "because it's not safe for.. Y'know, you." This made him scoff in a comedic tone,

"You think because you live somewhere that you personally consider to be dangerous that it's personally not safe for me? Y/n I have friends that live in your neighborhood, I have friends everywhere." You were taken aback "You do?"

"You think all my friend live in golden gated communities with foutains in every yard? No. They come from all walk of life, I'm not scared of a neighborhood, I'm scared of you being too ashamed of where you come from to not let me see it because you shouldn't be, ever."

Looking at the sincerity and determination in his eyes with evident sparkles as well you'd lost for sure, "I'm sorry for trying to deny this walk and sort of categorizing you." Seonghwa deeply sighed, "It's alright, you don't ever have to be ashamed of your upbringing, family, anything with me. I like you regardless." That was such a relief to hear.

Yunho:

He simply followed the directions you'd given him to your house, you stayed on the phone with him as he walked just in case he got into any trouble, "I don't need you to babysit me over the phone." He tried to sound convincing, "Yeah you do. I'm not hanging up and you better not either."

You sternly said. Yunho knew all about this sketchy side of town, the high crime rates, drug hideouts or half way houses, police sirens were heard at least 3 times a day but he didn't care he was coming to his love either way no matter the stakes it'd only prove his feelings more with the lengths he was willing to go,

"I can follow directions well." He heard you chuckle "Good now follow my directions and don't hang up this phone." Yunho loved your take charge attitude especially when it was for his good, "You definitely run this relationship, huh?" ,

"Only when you're too tired or unconscious to." He could feel your grinning smile though he couldn't see it , "I promise I'll make it there safely baby I'm almost there, I think," Yunho spoke teasing you knowing you'd start to stress a bit "Yunho do I-" ,

"That was a joke I'm not lost." He could hear you grumble annoyed, "I'm on this street name-" Yunho's sentence was caught off with an oomf you listened closely to hear if he was okay. Yunho stood up dusting himself off after he hit a hard yet soft object, human object.

He was busy searching for his phone to look at the angry trio of men looking his way ready to skin him alive.

"You have no knowledge about watching where the fuck you're going kid or are you just empty headed all together?" A gruff voice spoke startling Yunho, he finally looked up seeing the three males with menace like features, they all looked as if they could break his entire skull with a single punch without much muscle.

"I apologize, really. I'll be out of your way." He tried to smooth over the situation a rough laugh was heard "You'll be out of everyone's way if I get my hands on you." Another man spoke though Yunho's shakey eyes never left the man in front of him he could see the remaining two men swiftly move there hands to their inside jacket pockets, he'd seen movies like this either they'd pull out a deadly weapon or a lollipop.

"Uhm, it'll never happen again sir- sirs." He corrected stumbling over his own words. "If it does nothing will happen to him anyway." An all too familiar voice added, never had Yunho whirled around so quickly "Y/N?!" A Tone of fear, relief, and excitement was heard his his voice,

"You know this clown?" Yunho's eyes were screaming for you both to make a break for it, "Yes Uncle Roy, this is my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?!"

"Uncle?!"

They both chimed in union but you ignored both grabbing Yunho's hand and pulling him away from your uncle and his goons.

"I don't need protecting," You mocked him "You walked past the block you were supposed to turn on Mr. 'I can follow directions well'" you scolded playfully

"My phone." Was all Yunho could say.

Yeosang:

He loved being on this side of town, the graffiti run down buildings, people on every corner looks ranging from lovely people to those parents would warn to stay away from but Yeosang didn't care.

He was a long way from home but that didn't matter, the pot holes that filled the streets in this part of town the corner stores that lit up almost every street was different from the clean cut grass and untarnished pavements that usually surrounded him, it was all so suffocating and too clean cut for him.

He wanted to explore every enviroment and have friends in all it may be a strange task but he wasn't one for the normal anyway, the unknown excited him even if it was dangerous.

He walked the side walk with weeds growing out of some of the cracks happily looking at the busy streets and in the store windows in business or out, cracked or squeaky clean. "Yeosang?" A voice carried through the air, "Yeosang over here!" His eyes scanned and scanned until he saw you attempting to Cross the busy street,

you looked to him like a pretty yet unprotected rare artifact that he wanted to keep for himself, Heaven knew he carried this deep care and emotion for you that most would describe as a crush.

He waited til you safely crossed in front of him to speak "Didn't think I'd see you over this way." , "I live over here you however are a long way away from home aren't you?" Yeosang Shrugged "I like the scenery."

You looked past him then back to him "What scenery? There aren't any museums or statues around , this part of town isn't the best." You admitted,

"Which is what makes it great, it's not some land of perfection where you can't breath longer than 7 seconds," you raised your brow at him asking him to explain further making him sigh,

"Okay I know it sounds ungrateful, I truly blessed to have grew up in the enviroment that I did but it's also blocking me from the rest of the world, leaving me unprepared and curious, I have opportunities in my neighborhood but still so many restrictions."

You hummed "And what opportunities do you think you'll have out here?" He thought for a moment "You guys have the best hip hop dance classes here, they only teach contemporary and well, everything but hip hop based anything or remotely related to the genre where I live."

You laughed at his almost tantrum like attitude, "So you're looking for a place to take dance classes at out here?" You asked with him sending a nod in response. "You could help me look for one if you're not busy?" He questioned "I could . I was only going to buy some junk food but that can wait, I know this town front and back, "

You could see the cheerful hope in his eyes that begged you to help him find a dance studio where he could be free so you couldn't deny his request, well, you didn't want to. "let's go find you a dance stuido." You finished seeing Yeosang cheer silently

"I'll buy you food after?" He offered "You definitely got me now." You grinned linking your arm with his as you both began to walk together to find him a nice spot to showcase his love for hip hop and dance while exploring the city and maybe the depths of your friendship as well.

[punkscowardschampions]

Fearghal & Kaitlin

Fearghal: [So the setup is sending her a postcard pretending to be a mate visiting in England for whatever reason (could be fam you get the vibe, nothing suspect given the time this is) but giving enough info that she 1. Knows it is him 2. has the number of at least a phonebox nearby if not a phone in his care home 3. a time when he plans to first call the phonebox nearest their home in Ireland, assumedly this is some sneaky twin shit they've pulled similar enough before that she can catch on without any of the rest of the fam also doing so; only question is how long do we want it to be since he left?] Kaitlin: [3 months ish later then and they've turned 15 but only just for our ref how do we think the situation is with his dad etc like would he just be acting like he's dead cos is to him?] Fearghal: [basically my vibe was they wanted to weaponize Tabby killing herself for their gain, like make it something political even though literally not about that bar the fact her family and his family and co didn't want them together and she was a dramatic teenage girl in love (no offense but like) and so when he wouldn't go along with that there was a massive fight, actual, between him and his dad and then Fearghal left 'cos there's never any option but to do as your told with this fam and he can't lose face with all the other people etc etc and the story the dad is telling the fam etc is that Fearghal deserted them which not untrue but yeah, good enough for all the olders to disown him too so it'd be like we don't talk about him and if someone else bring him up you denounce him] Kaitlin: [let's say there's a crying baby in the background cos like in my OG post she can use her youngest sister needing fresh air as an excuse so casually left her outside the phonebox but might be able to hear her if she's going for it] Kaitlin: How ya Fearghal: K? Fuck's sake, you've not had a bastard, have ya? 's'not been that long, like Kaitlin: Catch yourself on! mind how ya ma was fit to drop, you eejit? well we're all lurred she had another girl who I'm hauling about as my cover, so I am Fearghal: [Laughs] Still easy to windup then [slight pause to take in that it's a girl and is here, like not the biggest shock but also literally no way of knowing at this time so] And go on, don't leave me in suspense, what name they burden the poor fucker with Kaitlin: [makes an unimpressed noise like fuck off] full of that good craic you are, bet the brits are buzzing to hear it. You ready? Niamh Roisin, it's a cracker, like [sighs] Fearghal: [laughs some more] Yeah, catch me on that most wanted list, obviously [makes a wincing noise like no] Christ, actually lost it fully then, has she? Made it longer than some but dunno if mentals get to heaven, haveta ask Father Quigley, like Kaitlin: [laughs herself] yeah yeah [makes like a idk noise] can you lose what you've never had? A good catholic'll find a way, to be sure, and she is that, our ma [makes a scornful noise at the mention of the priest as is standard for her] Fearghal: [makes a mm noise to agree] Suppose so, don't reckon much was said 'bout being good to 'em once you had 'em, so be alright [sighs] What have you been up to, then...How's it been Kaitlin: if it was she'd recite between the lines to keep us anyone's problem but hers, poor critter [sarcastic laugh because mum's getting no real sympathy] it could've been 3 days from when you went off for what's changed and not- [a long pause because everything's shit and we know it is] Fearghal: What's God if not top babysitter, eh? Cheaper than telly and who's giving money to the BBC [scoffs but cuts it short 'cos yep] And I'm fine too, you rude cow Kaitlin: and stand him next to our earthly da and he comes out lookin' class [chefs kiss noise] Hey now! [makes a fake noise of shock like she's appalled at the mention of the bbc] watch your profanity around me, dicko! [really long exaggerated sigh as a pisstake] a'course you are, land well anywhere, but hit me with your bars, it's no bother to hear how right I am Fearghal: If you can get him stand still long enough, like and you ain't a lad so no chance, babe [does pisstake wistful sigh] Forgot you needed protecting from the evils of this world, my apologies [coughs awkwardly then, stalling for time, fiddling with the phone in ways she can probably hear] Taking a bow as we speak, can't fit in here with me but the adoring fans are aplenty over this way, well more than there so fuck it, life's grand so it is Kaitlin: Wise up, boy, he only sways slightly of an evening on these ones lately so he does [but her voice is MAD because fuck being a girl in this fam] Did you now? Thank fuck my new lad has his uses then, like [takes a deep breath to try and calm down but exaggerates it for the pisstake because have to, god forbid they are serious rn] I went and saw your former biggest fan under that rock they've carved with protestant shite, no word on if life's grander for her now it's ended or if she's regretting she didn't send her prayers up saying she wanted another bite of the cherry, one that wasn't yours- [stops like I've probably gone a bit far here and shouldn't mention his dead ex anymore] Fearghal: Good for him [through gritted teeth like let's never talk about him thank you] Like you need a replacement protector, got how many ready and willing at home, just DYING to beat the shit out of some 15 year old kid for your honour and just for the craic of it [does it back, like and then is silent until the pips are going but he's still there 'cos they stop when he puts more money in] You'll be under some rock with Catholic shite if they catch you in their graveyard [says it much more quietly than he's said the rest] Kaitlin: [makes a noise of disgust that doesn't need to be exaggerated for the pisstake cos genuinely horrified at this fam thanks] what honour? Shame you brought down on us with what they caught you at [but her voice is softer too because didn't mean to go off and also doesn't mean any of that we know] supposed to scare me, is it? [said like I wouldn't be here to give them a chance to do it just like you weren't] Fearghal: Why you need to ask one of the others, ain't it; can't be the best looking of the bunch and the best behaved, got to leave something for 'em to do and impressing n pleasing him 's'never been high on my to-do so have at it, lads [does meh noise like this is all so casual] Called the fear of God for a reason, aye Kaitlin: [does the meh noise back and it's her turn to awkwardly fiddle with the phone/cough while she works up to saying what she does next, more quietly than she has anything else] how's it truly then? Away and everything. Free and clear Fearghal: It's, like- just shit because you realize that everything that happens in that fucking town, all the stuff that rules our lives and is all they give a shit about, no other cunt does, you know, Kait? Sure, its on the news when another bomb goes off or don't and that; but the English don't even have to think about it, their day to day ain't affected at all, no fucker but our lot cares and what's the point, honestly? Everything we were forced to at least think was important, if not fecking stupid, ain't and now I don't- [Stops to do some actual breathing to calm down] Not to mention I'm thick as shite, thanks for that and all- 'cos frees a bloody joke [laughs bitterly] I get by, now, got a place to stay so, don't haveta worry but don't be hopping the next ferry yourself, girl Kaitlin: [when you're just silent for ages because as much as you think it's bullshit you're basically in a cult rn with no chance of getting out so what can you say like] not that thick, warning me off coming to keep an eye on all these english girls with theirs on ya but no bother 'cause mind I get sea sick and class as boking on brits sounds I'd get fairly covered myself before I made any casualties of 'em Fearghal: Know enough about girls and enough about you to know the two don't need mixing, that's just school of life, that [moving away a bit and telling someone who's impatiently waiting to fuck off] Stay put [when you say it firmly like serious voice] That wain and the rest needs someone VAGUELY sane about to stand any chance, fuck me, Aislinn's already been corrupted and she's barely in double digits [kicks the box] Kaitlin: [laughs because yeah don't let her around any girls you like babe] you should know enough about me to know what giving me your orders'll do fer ya and what it'll make me do [but there's no actual real threat in it we all know she's staying for the bubs] Sane as you by that count, ain't I? [can't help genuinely sighing] Mammy's girl is Aislinn been like it since she was old enough to play house [grimaces at the thought cos never that bitch] got the rest under MY apron strings, grand they are and it goes for the stories I tell 'em every night after prayers, rest easy yourself knowing that, yeah? Fearghal: Alright, alright [hear the 🙄😏] But if you wanna be the next to bring shame on 'em, you can do better than a cheeky abortion, surely? [shakes his head] Yeah. [Pause] Yeah [Coughs again] I'm doing my bit, swear, it's gonna take a while 'til I can send you anything and I've got to work out how when I do- it ain't for them, just you lot but like I said, not cheap Kaitlin: [an outraged noise like who do you think you're talking to, of course I can do better than that etc] Yeah. [Pauses herself because again what to say, there's so much it's too much] I've got faith in the right shite, Gally [nickname ftw because feels] it'll work out. We'll work it out, like we did this Fearghal: 'Course we will, K. No other choice, is there [definitely not a question] Kaitlin: not a real question, is it? [she knows its not] Fearghal: you want me to ask you one? Kaitlin: do English girls fall for that? Fearghal: Enough of 'em, yeah Kaitlin: [makes a ugh noise] how you've got a bed, is it? Fearghal: Theirs top where mine is Kaitlin: I deeply feel that Fearghal: [makes the kinda sad 'ha' sound like 'I know'] Not all bad though, some class drugs about and you don't get kneecapped for taking a casual interest Kaitlin: [does a little hooray down the phone] Fearghal: Send you some but your phones probably tapped so I definitely won't Kaitlin: thanks or no thanks, depending who'll be listening Fearghal: Cover those bases and the baby's ears Kaitlin: nothing to be heard over her crying Fearghal: don't lie, you miss me that much [laughs] Kaitlin: fuck off [but laughs too] Fearghal: Will do Fearghal: so many English girls Kaitlin: [exaggerated being sick noise] nowhere close to a ferry and sick as a dog, don't start me any further Fearghal: You think I escaped to pray every day and fight the good fight, like Kaitlin: if you still pray you ain't escaped fuck all Fearghal: Not living on my knees for no cunt, sis Fearghal: am being haunted, for my sins, though Kaitlin: Be on track to commit more, you'll have enough ghosts for all manner of shite to get done Fearghal: No rest for the wicked on the one hand, but on the other, idle hands and idle minds [breathes out like so conflicted and confused] Kaitlin: [a change in tone because serious] She's gone, so are you. Leave it here. Leave it in this fucking town Fearghal: Not a choice Kaitlin: Can be Fearghal: Nah, s'not, boths already happened Kaitlin: Happened to you, gives you a say in how you deal with it Fearghal: Yeah Kaitlin: You've lived in one haunted house as things stand, ain't you? Miss home that much, is it? Fearghal: How could I not? Live for these lectures, like Kaitlin: [an unamused noise because you're basically calling her a nagging girl which ain't a mood] Fearghal: [the pips again] Oh shit, should robably let you go, yeah? Kaitlin: Yeah probably [but she obvs doesn't wanna that'd be clear] Fearghal: Tell the kids I miss 'em, won't ya Kaitlin: I'll even include her out there Fearghal: Try and send a picture some time, alright Kaitlin: 'Course Fearghal: You too, kid Kaitlin: [laughs but in a more genuine way] You're my twin brother, calling me kid is calling yourself a wain, you eejit Fearghal: That's alright by me, like Kaitlin: I'll not baby you, got enough noses and arses to wipe here while you're hand holding these brits Fearghal: No handholding, on me life, just good old-fashioned- [will cut him off before he can be gross] Kaitlin: [we can say she cuts him off with a very unamused noise as per like no thank you] Fearghal: G'wan then, piss off before that kid freezes to death Kaitlin: [doesn't wanna be the first one to hang up obvs] Watch yourself then Fearghal: You too Fearghal: When can we do this again then Kaitlin: When can you? It's no bother for me to slip out with this ginger whinger, needs fresh air so she does Fearghal: [laughs then is pondering like umm] Try next Sunday, after church, if I don't answer then I'll send another postcard or whatever, yeah Kaitlin: Tryin' to get a free sermon told to ya, respect that hustle if not the message Fearghal: Obviously, how am I getting to heaven from England? Kaitlin: [laughs] no angels in England is there not? You'll have been thinking on your feet for fresh pick up lines all these months, no wonder you ain't had time for me, like Fearghal: Something like that... [Trails off 'cos don't wanna tell her what's really been going on but also does 'cos not its like that and its been a lot to just deal with on his own] Kaitlin: But it's something else like what? [cos sees through you boyyy] Fearghal: It's alright now, like Fearghal: but it ain't as if the old man sent me on me way with anywhere to go, is it Kaitlin: He didn't put a bullet in your head as a send off, that's what gets me to sleep of a night, but- [trails off because she was gonna say she knows it hasn't been easy but she doesn't know how hard it's been and she's not trying to guess like let's compare struggles] Kaitlin: Yeah [another pause] Fearghal: Should've put one in his [so under his breath it's like did you mean that to be heard or] Kaitlin: You'd have to take ma out an' all, I don't reckon the broken heart myth is anything other than another story, and probably a few of us would make the cut for cute little orphans but you and me'd have to catch ourselves on quick and wise up Fearghal: Make Tara look after you all as well as Diarmaid's kids, see how committed to the family she really is [sniffs 'cos we been knew] Kaitlin: [makes an identical sound cos twinning] I'll take her out if she was bothered to try and get near 'em Fearghal: Least Owie is old enough to help out, young enough to give a clout, yeah? [genuine concern] Kaitlin: [scoffs because we know he's a bit of a knob but it's still affectionate because] Fearghal: He'll be alright [but doesn't sound as reassuring as that's meant to be 'cos like unlikely at this point] Kaitlin: He's got me, my will's stronger than god's so father Q likes to say [laughs] under his breath, a'course Fearghal: [laughs back but its less 'cos sad] He doesn't always chat shite Kaitlin: Reckon he's a soft spot for me Fearghal: [makes noise like 'hopefully not too soft' but is joking, doesn't need to be that kind of priest] Kaitlin: I don't wish you were here Fearghal: How could he not, with the charm [but just jk like] Is it better, in some ways Kaitlin: It's...[trails off cos we all know even if there's less hassle it's not better as far as she's concerned and the loneliness is a real mood] I'm buzzing you got out [genuine but her voice is sad] Fearghal: Your turn next, I mean it Kaitlin: After we get a few birthday's under Niamh's belt [pauses because it's sinking in how stuck she is for now] and the rest, give 'em a fighting chance Fearghal: Yeah Fearghal: I'll make it easier, any which way I can Kaitlin: Me too, for you, I mean Fearghal: I'm grand, honest but cheers [more pips] I am outta shrapnel though so- Kaitlin: Don't be putting honest on a lie [frustrated sigh because nobody wants this to end but she wouldn't have money] speak Sunday and like I said, watch yourself Fearghal: Love ya, K ['cos no time to take the piss for it or protest] Kaitlin: [let's say she gets cut off before she can say it back for the pain]

[marshmallowatheart]

To All The Boys I've Loved Before (Part 22)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21)

Dear Veronica,

I don't mind dancing when I'm dancing with you. We should do it again sometime.

Good luck on the game today, not that you need it.

Go get 'em, bobcat.

- L

She grins, a big dopey grin; it felt silly how happy a little piece of paper could make her. But it does, it makes her really happy.

She's so distracted by the note that she's taken completely by surprise when someone bumps into her in the middle of the quad and knocks off her books from her hand. She shoots the guy a look of annoyance but he's already blended into the crowd.

Sighing, she bends down to pick it up and then another pair of hands are helping her. She looks up and sees him; Duncan Kane.

She swallows hard, she hates that her nerves are acting up around him again.

"Hey," he offers her a smile, handing her back her textbooks. "Can we talk?"

She stands back up, straightens her posture, meets his blue eyes and nods. "Walk me to my locker?" She asks and he immediately agrees.

There's so much between them but he's foregone any commentary on it in favour of talking about his senior year and it's confusing to her that he's bypassed it all and just decided to be casual about everything now that they've already made a mess of things.

She doesn't know what to say, so she nods and agrees and gives her two cents comments because if he's being casual then she can be casual.

"Everything feels so messed up and confusing lately," he says finally once they're at her locker and she takes in a breath. "All I really know is that I miss my friend and I'd like to have her back in my life, if she'll have me?"

He's leaning against the locker beside her and she's busy with transferring the books in her hand to her locker. And she never expected their reconciliation to be like this but she gives him a smiles and nods, "Of course, Duncan."

"Good," he sighs out in relief. "I'm still worried about you and Logan," he says and she has this incessant niggling feeling in her stomach since he started taking that's gotten stronger the moment he's mentioned Logan's name. "You know he still comes over?"

She freezes momentarily, her heart stops at the implied thoughts and she has to force herself to move, to breathe.

She swallows, desperate for air, and slowly continues to fiddle with the contents of her locker. Her shook heart now beating rapidly against her chest and she tries to calm down.

Everything with Logan felt so natural, so good, almost perfect that a part of herself pretended it was more than just friendship and a fake relationship.

She should have said something to Logan, she should have told him to stop being so nice to her, to stop touching her, to stop giving her notes, to stop caring about her and Heather and everything in her life; to stop making it so easy for her to fall in love with him.

How could she think that Logan had only spent time with her? Lilly's the one he wants. Of course, they were still in contact. Lilly's half the point of their fake relationship.

"He was there on Saturday and I'm pretty sure they still talk on the phone with each other," Duncan continues, the disdain clear in his voice.

Saturday. She doesn't know how to explain the gut wrenching feeling that's wearing her down. She remembers Lilly's mockery and Lilly's invitation to be friends - because Lilly and Logan were still friends, of course they were. She still hasn't mentioned it to Logan because there was no way she wanted to be on a double date with Lilly. There was no way she thought that he'd wanted to be on that date. Was there?

"Yeah, they're still friends," she answers, tight smile and clenched jaw.

"You're okay with that?" Duncan's clearly surprised and disapproving. She knows he wants what's best for her but she knows what she got herself into and Logan's helped her so she's going to help him - even if it breaks her heart.

"I trust Logan," she says and it tastes strange on her tongue now that she's given this unsettling information about him and Lilly but she needs Duncan to believe she's in a happy and fulfilling relationship even if Logan's actions prove otherwise.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt by Logan," he says gently.

She nods her head, understanding the concern but she doesn't feel appreciation for it. She feels upset, she feels betrayed and she feels heartbroken but she doesn't feel like she has any right to be because Logan hasn't promised her anything and she's known that from the start, so why did she let herself be in this position only to get hurt again when all along this was what she was trying to protect herself from?

Duncan's still waiting for her answer and she wants to say Logan won't hurt her and she knows that's true - Logan's given her everything she's signed up for and more - but in a few weeks or maybe even days she's going to look like a fool for ever saying it.

"I won't be," she assures him.

Duncan nods, his eyes lingering just over her shoulder and then she feels strong arms wrap around her sides, holding her tightly against him.

"Hey, Sugarpuss," he whispers just loud enough for Duncan to hear and drops a kiss onto her temple. He looks at the boy in front of them, smirks and says, "Hey man, how's it going?"

Duncan gives him a nod, "Alright, man. Well, I gotta go, don't wanna be late for bio. Catch you later, Ronica." He waves her off and takes his leave.

"So you and Duncan are talking again?" Logan asks, casual tone but looks at her intently, he's loosened his hold on her enough for her to turn and look at him but his hands are still holding onto her waist.

"Yeah," she bobs her head. "We are." She feels tense, agitated and moves away from his hold on her.

He blinks, surprised. He's been holding her a lot recently, touching her every chance he gets and she's never actively moved away from him before. She's even been initiating some of those touches, hugs and cheek kisses.

So he doesn't understand why she's distancing herself from him all of a sudden. His eyes drift back to where Duncan once once and he thinks that maybe he does.

He swallows the anxiousness he feels at her actions and bobs his head like she had seconds ago. "Cool, cool."

He doesn't know why he expected Duncan to never reappear in Veronica's life. Maybe a part of him wished Duncan would sulk in a corner and never show his face again.

"So," she lets out and he's trying to look her in the eye but she keeps avoiding his gaze. "Uhm, I totally forgot about this but you know how Lilly and I are working the band competition project together?"

He nods his head, taking her hand because the bell is about to ring and he's made walking her to class on his list of boyfriendly duties. He feels her tense but he doesn't let go and he finds some relief in the fact that she doesn't either.

"So I forgot about it but last Saturday she invited us out on a double date. With her and her boyfriend."

"Lilly wants to double date?" He frowns. He remembers last Saturday, he'd gone to her house and he'd told her explicitly that they were done romantically. He'd be there for her as her friend but that's it.

There's no denying that he'd loved Lilly but he's always known that she didn't love him the same way. And he didn't believe that he deserved to be loved unconditionally either.

But then Veronica happened. Her letter was filled with childhood memories and unreserved emotions that were just for him so raw and unattached to any expectations. She called him out on things he's never paid attention to and she saw past his facade even then - she saw the real him. (She did back then when they were twelve and she still does now).

Lilly wanted him as who he showed the world and Logan's realized that that wasn't a person he wanted to be.

He knows that Lilly's upset that Veronica's gotten so close to him in such a short time and he'd felt so frustrated because she'd gotten a boyfriend first.

The thing was that before Veronica, he wanted Lilly back even though she had someone else and had only told him after. Then he saw her at the car wash where she looked so damned cheerful and happy - the complete opposite of him. And then all he felt was resignation. He knew in that moment that Lilly and him were over for good.

"Yeah," Veronica says, her voice quite and tensed. "I mean it'd be a chance for you to get her back, right? See what she's been missing."

He feels his body grow still at her words. "Dinner with my ex and her new boyfriend, how does that sound like a good idea?"

It's scary to him that the idea of Veronica actively pushing him to Lilly is worse than the idea of having dinner with Lilly and whoever she'd left him for.

"If you can spend the night pretending you don't care about that then it'll probably drive her crazy."

He wants to tell her that it will definitely drive her crazy but he doesn't care anymore. Only he doesn't know how to say that to her now that he knows Duncan's back in her life the way she wanted without freaking her out and inevitably losing her completely so he takes a breath and lets out, "Okay."

Her body is stiff and she hates that she feels so wrecked over Logan's simple okay but she tries to push it down and repeats, "Okay."