#but I’ll just say there are four members as potential love interests

[sluttyten]

So I’m working on the Monsterfucking kinktober piece that should’ve been posted several days ago now, and I kinda ink I might rather make it a series because I’m at 12,000 words right now and haven’t even written a lick of smut, just a tiny kiss, and I also skipped over a big chunk to write another part, and that big chunk is also not going to involve smut, so like this is a slow slow slow burn supernatural fic that I feel could be split up into probably three different parts at least

[manipulatorkaleidoscope]

Idk why I didn't ask before but count nightfell headcanons- anime really didn't even touch upon the potential of him and zac being brothers, his double life, it's crazy

If you may, hcs about the rest of dead gran as well as phi and hyde were done. Which is like, evel, count night, kyle and even the goofy announcer, damon. You may split the post or something but just asking if you have something to say about them since they seemed low on your tierlist in knowledge.

Okay!! I’ll do Count Nightfell on this post. Then tomorrow, I’ll write about Evel and Kyle. I won’t make a post about Damon because I don’t have anything to say except that I don’t really like him and he was just super annoying (lmao Another was better!!) (Damon was like a ✨2/10✨. The only rewarding parts about him being like, his silly little devil horns and the fact that he works for Hyde.) (There, I ranked him.)

Plus I actually do have a few Count nightfell head cannons. Although most of them revolve around his relationship with Zac lmao. I find it crazy that the show didn’t touch on that part of Count Nightfell’s life, especially considering that that could have been a perfect way to introduce or even mention Zac (who was the only member of the supreme four to NOT make it to season 2 OR 3). Maybe I’m just salty cause I need more Zac lmao.

okay maybe I should actually write the headcannons now

yeah let’s do that 👍

Count Nightfell headcannons!!

He is actually very overprotective over his younger brother. (Like cmon why wouldn’t he Count Nightfell may steal beys but he’s not a b*cht)

Count Nightfell (along with Zac) is British

After the season ended, Hyde granted him residency to stay in dread tower and since then, he just comes and goes as he pleases

Count Nightfell now probably keeps his collection of stolen beys inside drear tower.

He tries his hardest to make it to most if not all the concerts that Zac has.

Also If you hadn’t guessed at this point , he as a generally good relationship with Zac (A.K.A it’s just me tired of the common “siblings hate each other trope and adding yet ANOTHER healthy pair of siblings in the bey burst cinematic universe)

Alrighty! Time for my personal Count Nightfell rating!

He is a ✨7/10✨. I’m not undermining him over other similar characters (guys I am totally not talking about Zac) and I find him incredibly silly and interesting and a good comic relief character (I mean, do you remember the scene where he tried to impersonate Ranjiro to steal Aiger’s bey and got it so right down to the bone except for mistaking Ranjiro’s favorite food with his own favorite food? Yeah that was hecking halerious.) It’s just that he has the same issue as Harry, just to a greater extent. NOT. eNOUGH. SCREENTIME. He is a good character. A great character even, but he’s not going to work that well if you only give him like 5 minutes segments across 3 episodes to really shine! Heck, even Phelix might have more screen time than he does! PHELIX. THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT ThAT FORGET ABOUT PHELIX( it’s ok I still love u Phelix.) But knowing that makes Count Nightfell seem so unimportant and small 😞😞. I think he would have worked better as a charather ( and probably have captivated my interest better) if you just gave him time to shine 👍

[amor-immortalem]

Goodbyes are Forever

A/N: this has been rotating and marinating in my mind since I posted Max’s birthday card back in November. I just haven’t had the time to write it. I hope by writing smaller chapters and not worrying about word count that I’ll kick this lack of motivation to write

・・・〆・・・

Goodbyes are forever. That’s just the way life goes. Special people come into your life, stay for a bit, and then they have to leave. Max knows this. She knows she should never have let herself get so close to Azalea and her family. Not when she knows the reason she was sent down here. Nothing in life happens by chance.

It was no coincidence that Max would meet Solomon while she was supposedly living on the street- no coincidence that he would be able to sense the raw magical potential residing within her and take her under his wing as his newest apprentice. No, all of that had been meticulously planned.

The story Max has always told everyone from day one is that her parents had disowned her and kicked her out because she refused to join the cult they were a part of. It was just that- a story. A story bathed in deceit. Not only had her parents not disowned her, she was indeed a member of the Anti-Harmony Movement. Although Max can proudly say she doesn’t exactly share their feelings against Demon-Human relationships, she did share their feelings that the human realm should stay separate from the likes of the Devildom and the Celestial realm. Humans were never meant to mingle with the supernatural on the level Diavolo and Michael were pushing for...

And that was the Anti-Harmony Movement’s goal: to keep the human realm free of the divine and the depraved. And to accomplish that goal, Max allowed herself to be used and to use others in turn. Four years... for four years, the human played her role flawlessly. She’d played them, gotten close enough to know the inner workings of Diavolo’s plan for harmony, and now it was time to leave.

In a way Max does feel remorse- as small as it may be- for how she had tricked her ‘girlfriend’ into believing that she ever loved her. She knows Azalea would be crushed to find out that truth, but the human isn’t interested in keeping up a façade any more. She has people waiting on her in the human world- a partner, a family. Max can’t wait any longer. She has what she needs.

Still, the human can’t help but leave a note for the half-demon to find when morning breaks. The note is brief but concise. It’s only a line long, reading: I lied. About everything. I’m leaving. Max slips it under Azalea’s door, knowing at this ungodly hour not even the overly-studious half-demon would be a wake to receive it until Max was long gone. The black-haired human leaves immediately after that.

When morning does arrive all too soon, Azalea finds the note. She doesn’t read it right away, her mind too foggy with the pull of sleep to realize what exactly is in her hand at first. It isn’t until her twin brother asks about it that the half-demon even bothers to unfold the parchment. The air is quiet between them as Azalea just stares and stares at the words.

Once the words actually process, she’s crumpling the paper in her fist before taking off for what used to be Max’s room. The freckled half-demon kicks open the door ready to scream at the top of her lungs about how if this was a joke or a prank, it wasn’t funny, but the room is barren except for the furniture that it came with.

It’s then that the full gravity of the situation hits Azalea.

“Aurelius, call the entire family ‘n wake ‘em up. We got a big problem on our hands...”

・・・〆・・・

To be continued...

[alexskarsgardnet]

New Interview & Photo Shoot!  Alex photographed by Johan Sandberg and interviewed by Timothy Small for L’Uomo Vogue (October 2020)!

Alexander Skarsgård: the photo shoot and interview for L'Uomo

BY TIMOTHY SMALL, JOHAN SANDBERG 25 SEPTEMBER 2020

Alexander Skarsgård is a really, really nice man. A Swede through and through, Alexander, or Alex, is a very down-to-earth gentleman who could definitely act as more of a big shot, considering he is also one of the most interesting actors in Hollywood right now, a town that, in true Swedish style, he once defined as “kind of silly”. After getting his first big break as the lead in David Simon's excellent Iraq War mini-series for HBO, Generation Kill, Skarsgård exploded in our collective imaginations as Eric Northman in True Blood, while also acting for Lars von Trier in the wonderful Melancholia. 

Since then, he has been a very buff Tarzan in The Legend of Tarzan, a mute bartender in future Berlin in Mute, a very dark killer in Hold the Dark, and a hilarious Canadian Prime Minister in Long Shot, as well as giving an Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning turn in HBO's Big Little Lies. The self-defined “restless” 43-year-old is set to star in The Northman, Robert Eggers's highly anticipated third film, a “Viking revenge story” that Skarsgård himself was crucial in bringing to production – and, by all accounts, it seems like it could have all the right pieces to become a future cult classic. It certainly has that kind of hype.

L'Uomo Vogue:  The Northman is such an interesting project. I know it's important to you. It's also part of a growing resurgence of interest in the Viking era and Norse mythology and that sort of epic Scandinavian adventure. How did it all begin?

Alex:  It all started seven or eight years ago. As a Swede living in America, I realised there was a certain level of fascination with the Viking era and Viking culture – and this was before any of the Viking shows that have since happened. It made me realise that there basically had never been a real great epic Viking movie made, and I thought that that's what I wanted to do.

LV:  So how did the project kick off?

Alex:  I started having conversations with a studio back then, trying to crack the best story. All I knew at the time is that I wanted to make a big Viking movie. We had a couple of potential different starting points: we had a story about two brothers, and then one about the Viking travels down to Constantinople with the Viking siege of the city. We were looking for the right story, but I never really felt we were there. I knew the scope I wanted it to exist in. But what was the story?

LV:  And that's when you met Robert Eggers.

Alex:  Yes, like three or four years ago. We met about something else. I can't remember how, but we started talking about Vikings. And he was, like me, a huge fan of Viking culture and of that historical era, and I immediately felt he would be the perfect guy to direct this movie. And then we found an author and poet in Iceland, Sjón, who came onboard to write the screenplay – and they did a fantastic job, just cracking the story and the essence of it.

LV:  Sounds great.

Alex:  It's a real adventure movie, but it's much more. It taps into the culture, and the mysticism of the Vikings, it becomes more intimate and more personal. I didn't want it to be a generic “swords-and-sandals” movie. Robert is one of the best filmmakers out there. And the whole process is so much more gratifying than when you're quote-unquote “just an actor”. It's been truly extraordinary.

LV:  But then you had to halt production.

Alex:  Yeah. I was in Belfast, Northern Ireland, three months into prep on The Northman about seven days away from principal photography. Just gearing up, you know, getting ready to start a very long, very intense shoot -- a shoot that we were scheduled to wrap in July – and that's when the virus hit.

LV:  What did you do then?

Alex:  I normally live in New York, while my family lives in Stockholm. When the first wave came, I was on the fence: nobody really knew how long it would be, or what precisely was going on. So we shut down production for six weeks. The idea was to then see what would happen. I basically moved to Stockholm for four months.

LV:  How do you feel about this forced break from work?

Alex:  I had not been home for this long in... more than 20 years. It was strange. We were in a bubble; we were all healthy and safe. In a lot of ways, I had moments when I felt being surrounded by my loving family, feeling safe and loved, and taking a break from work, but then also feeling very guilty because I was, for the lack of a better term, being spared.

LV:  In the past, you've described yourself as being a nomad. Did you miss Sweden and the North?

Alex:  I realised how much I have been missing it. I go to Sweden regularly, but usually only for three or four days, maybe a week, tops. My father and two of my brothers are actors, so we're used to never being in the same city. We all travel all over the world. Maybe we'd get back together for Christmas. And I can really say that I had missed spring in Sweden.

LV:  Do you think we will change the way movies are produced?

Alex:  We're going to have to figure out how to shoot movies with dozens of crew members and hundreds of extras while still respecting social distancing rules. It's an unprecedented situation and everyone is scrambling to figure out the best approach. My brother was one of the first people who worked in our industry during the pandemic. He shot a movie in Iceland in the middle of the lockdown. The way they solved it is they split the crew into colour sections. So, hair and make-up had yellow armbands and the camera department had blue, and they had a “Corona appointee” on set who would call out, “Now blue go in!” and then “Blue, out! And yellow, in!” And then they would all do their job in turns. It was very military-like. Productions are already complicated, so we'll just have to add another layer.

LV:  How did you become an ambassador to the Clarks brand?

Alex:  To me, authenticity is very important. I don't want to endorse products I don't genuinely like. That's why I was excited when Clarks reached out. I've been wearing Desert Boots for 25 years. Also, I like to travel a lot. I like to explore new cities by foot. I want to be able to walk around comfortably in a classic, iconic shoe. I travel from movie set to movie set, and I often live out of a suitcase. And this teaches you to be frugal. Whatever fits in that suitcase, that's all I can bring.

LV:  Is that the Swede in you?

Alex:  Maybe. But we consume way too many things in this society. Also, you give things more meaning when you live with them, and when you go on adventures with them. Like, these are my boots. I've been places with them. And when they fall apart, I'll buy a new pair. If you have the right stuff to begin with, you don't need more.

LV:  Going back to The Northman, that really sounds like a dream project.

Alex:  It is. It will be a rollercoaster ride. I can't wait to get back to Northern Ireland and get back to the production. It's also a very physically demanding project, so I have been training for, well, since a few months before production stopped.

LV: In a way, getting into a role, getting on a movie set, acting through it, the whole process of making a movie is a bit like a little adventure. You have to prep, you have to travel, often with people you don't know, and you have to push boundaries.

Alex:  Absolutely! A huge part of the appeal of this profession is you get to travel, and you meet amazing, interesting people from all over. And the uncertainty, you know? What was it, 12 years ago, I was in New York, and I'd never heard of Generation Kill. And then two days later I was on a plane to the Kalahari Desert to be out there for seven months to shoot the series. And I'll never forget the feeling, sitting on that plane, thinking, “Two days ago I didn't even know about this project, and here I am on my way to Southern Africa to spend seven months in the desert with 200 strangers.” It's very exciting.

LV:  What a feeling that must be!

Alex:  And every single job is like that. Every movie is different. Your part, the tone, the energy, the people – it's always different. And for someone like myself, who has that kind of wanderlust, who's always looking on the horizon, it's very attractive to never know just what the next adventure might be.

October 14, 2020:  Updated with the full interview courtesy of our friends at the ASkarsLibrary (x).

Fashion credits:

Photographs by Johan Sandberg Styling by Martin Persson Grooming Karin Westerlund @ Lundlund Hair Amanda Lund @ Lundlund Stylist’s assistant Isabelle Larsson Digital Daniel Lindgren Production Madeleine Mårtensson and Olle Öman @ Lundlund

Read the full interview by Timothy Small and see the photo shoot by Johan Sandberg in the October issue of L'Uomo, on newsstands from September 22nd.

Sources/Thanks:  Interview:  Timothy Small for L’Uomo Vogue (x), Photos:  Johan Sandberg for L’Uomo Vogue (x), artlistparis.com (x) via artlistparisnewyork instagram (x),  luomovogue instagram (x) &  atomomanagement.com (x) via atomomanagement instagram (x), our caps from artlistparisnewyork’s September 23, 2020 insta story (x, x)

[anime-grimmy-art]

Told you guys I’d ramble in due time.

I absolutely adore Bravely Default 2. It came at a really bad time cos I can’t waste 70 hours on a jrpg, but well, it’s too late to be concerned about that now. And as is tradition with me obsessing over a new game / show / whatever, you’ll basically find a fullblown review disguised as ramblings right under the cut. Be aware that I’m gonna talk about EVERYTHING, so spoilers are a given. Some maybe even for the previous Bravely Default games.

Also, if you wanna talk about this game in any capacity, hit me up, I’m DESPERATE to talk more about it.

Just for reference on how long this is gonna be, I made a voice recording while driving to remember all the points I wanna make, and that recording is almost 2 hours long. I did cut it down but still, this is gonna be a lot.

I’ll start off with the things that actually bugged me about the game, since there are only 3 things that really bothered me. First of, I really don’t like that you can name Seth. He has too much personality to be a self insert and player integration is not that big of a part in the game that this decision can be justified. It wouldn’t bother me that much if it didn’t leave a bad mark on the ending. First of all, we were robbed of Gloria desperately shouting for Seth, which makes the impact work less, and it’s just so prevalent that the name can’t be said because you have all the normal sound design going. If they’d just let the credits still play I wouldn’t have batted an eye, but because every other sound comes in it’s so obvious they’re just silently shouting in this scene, which makes it look silly. Like I said, this decision is more a detriment than an addition, and it’s a shame it casts a shadow on an otherwise heartfelt ending.

Speaking about lost potential, the other thing that really bothers me is the lost potential in certain plot points and character conclusions. I mainly mean Adam and Edna here. Both of them have been built up to be these formidable foes but they just, die. If it was just Adam I’d be fine with it, since you expect Edna to backstab him and be the actual big bad of the story, but I cannot fathom why they dropped Edna this HARD. If not Edna herself, I don’t understand why we don’t get more of a reaction from the Fairies and especially Adelle. I mean, Edna was her sole reason she left for her journey in the first place, then Edna dies and that’s it? No part where she grieves for a second? No concern from the others about Adelle? Mind you, I haven’t finished all the Sidequests, so maybe there actually is one in which this is addressed, but I think even just a Party Chat after Bad End 1 would have been sufficient to show how Adelle suddenly feels about the loss of Edna. It would have made Bad End 2 / The Secret Ending even more impactful, because, yeah, of course, you kinda know Adelle isn’t going to turn her back on fairy kind, but one of the reasons she doesn’t leave is because if Enda didn’t get a happy ending, then she shouldn’t either. It would have been amazing foreshadowing if she showed this sentiment before this scene happened. Other than that, it’s a shame that we know so little about Edna, or rather, how she became “bad”. I get she’s supposed to be corrupted by the Night’s Nexus, but how did it even come to this? It can’t have been a gradual thing, after all, Adelle says Edna was always good natured and then just disappeared one day. Really would have loved seeing more of that plot point.

Ok, last gripe I have, some choices in the soundtrack and sound design. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the OST, and I will get to that, but damn, whatever Revo used for the lead instrument in Wiswald hurts my ears. It’s a really good track, but I always have to turn down my volume because these high pitched sounds physically hurt. And for sound design. Dude, the Night’s Nexus is the least threatening, nightmare fueled abomination that ever existed. I get that its growl is kinda supposed to be layered with Edna’s or sth, but it, it just sounds silly. If they went the route of just swinging between different voices or began distorting it from phase to phase, it would have been fine. But the choice they made really made an otherwise creepy design just absolutely silly.

Ok, enough jammering, on to the good stuff. Like I said, there’s going to be a lot, so I’ll try to be brief in each aspect.

Gameplay

I honestly like the new battle mechanics more than the old ones. This individual, turn based system feels way more dynamic and it’s easier to strategies in battles. Because nothing made me more angry than setting up for a heal and the enemy suddenly being faster than me and killing my healer. Now it’s easier to plan ahead a bit.

I also found myself experimenting more with the jobs. Not sure what it really is, but none of the party members leaning more towards certain types of jobs and the job leveling being way faster probably helped.

And I know some people get up in arms because the boss sometimes can be a real pain in the ass (looking at you pope dude), I still found it very interesting getting around counters or even using these counters as a benefit. As an example, I made Adelle my main physical fighter and gave her lots of counter abilities to help her profit from being countered by enemies themselves. Now, she can attack enemies, get countered, automatically evade that counter and earn a BP at the same time. Made a lot of boss fights way easier and fun to exploit.

Music

Ok, I will try my best to be really, really brief, because in my recording this part takes up almost 40 minutes. Anyways, Revo might have just become one of my absolute favorite composers ever. I don’t know what kind of magic he used, but I initially wasn’t that impressed with the OST, but every time I listened to it, I just fell in love harder and harder. Before getting into specifics, I wanna highlight the two things that made me love this OST overall. First of all, this soundtrack almost seems like a refinement of BD’s. While losing some of that fairytale vibe, it sounds even more fantasy now. And in contrast to the original, this almost sounds more balanced? Like, BD’s OST felt high energy throughout, BD2’s on the other hand manages to find a good balance between high and low energy pieces. Like, the character themes or battle themes are absolute hype, but the overworld themes are a lot calmer and easier to listen to while exploring. Second big point that makes this soundtrack amazing is that Revo is an absolute god at using emotional progression/storytelling and leitmotifs in his songs. And heck, do I love myself my leitmotifs. You’ve got some obvious ones, like the final battle theme in which all the character themes and other leitmotifs are integrated. Then you got some maybe more subtle once, just like how the overworld themes are just the main theme, just a lot calmer and using the lead instruments of the towns of the areas.

But my absolute favourites gotta be the character themes and the main theme. I love how fitting the themes for the characters are and in general, each of them is such a bop. At first I prefered Elvis’, because I sure am a sucker for jazzy vibes, but over time Adelle’s became my fav. It’s just something about the trumpets, and how the theme almost sounds a bit melancholic and bittersweet, that drew me in. And considering her story, mostly her bad end, that the bittersweet tone really fits.

Then there’s the main theme. Just like BD’s it shouts “triumphant anthem” and it definitely gives you a very familiar vibe, but I’d argue it has even better emotional progression. Heck, the first time I heard the music start up in the reveal trailer, I didn’t have to look at the screen to know this is gonna be a BD game. Also, the credit song version had me weeping at the true end. I’m someone who’s very easily affected by music (if me shouting about soundtracks on this blog wasn’t proof enough) and just hearing that ending song, getting the after credits scene, just for the second credits to start as a freaking duet. Dude, at that point I just started sobbing, I’m not gonna lie. Just this little part showed how much Revo knows how to put emotion in a song and also write it in such a way that he can elicit strong, emotional reactions from you too. 

Story

People have been complaining how the story is too boring and kinda disappointing in comparison to the last one, but I just think the games tried to accomplish different things here. Since the BD series is a celebration of old, classic jrpgs, “cliche” storytelling is a given. Though, BD did throw a lot of meta stuff in there too. BD2 in contrast just feels like a direct execution of that initial idea. It feels familiar, it feels comfy and it feels safe. Except for the little things with the endings and then overwriting the Nexus’ “save file”, BD2 doesn’t really get that meta, which is totally fine. It doesn’t try to reinvent or innovate anything, it just wants to be a fantasy story, that might be cliche, but still fun and enjoyable in its own right.

I’d also argue that the pacing is a lot better than the old game, because with BD I sometimes found myself skipping through scenes to get on with the story. Not that this game didn’t have me rushing through stuff as well, but I found it kept my intrigue way better than the original.

Characters

Next to the music, this is the part that I absolutely love the most. While, yes, they did lose a lot of potential with some characters, mostly with the villains, the main cast is just so much fun. I love these 4 dorks so, so much.

I honestly can’t stand how much people compare them to the original cast. Yes, ofc, I’ve been doing my fair share of comparisons too, but calling these four a more boring version of BD’s party physically hurts me. Because except for some initial impressions, the Heroes of Light are completely different from our beloved Warriors of Light.

While yes, Seth and Gloria give off strong Tiz and Agnes vibes at first, they both grow into such different characters that they’re not really comparable. I think this shows with Adelle and Elvis even more. I do understand how people could compare Adelle and Edea, since they’re both the feisty girl type, but I can’t understand how people can see Ringabel and Elvis as the same character type. While those two are the “suave” party members, they act so differently from another. And that’s honestly apparent the first time you meet them. 

Anyways, I love these 4 so much.

We technically don’t know a lot about Seth at all, but they manage to pull so much out of just the fact that he’s a sailor, that it makes him really endearing, really fast.

I was kinda disinterested with Gloria at first, because again, the initial impression was Agnés2.0, but she grew on me a lot. Gloria is way more hard headed and honestly sassy in comparison to Agnés and I absolutely adore it.

Elvis. Elvis, my man. I love this fantasy scottosh wizard so, so much. He’s such a ridiculous character but so endearing at the same time. You got all this dorkiness, with him setting himself on fire as a student, him doing god knows what for a good drink or just laughing danger and prejudice in the face. But then you got his super empathetic and caring side. Mind you, most of his wise moments come from quoting Lady Emma, but still, as much as he’s hopeless with certain social situations, he’s actually still really good at reading the room and playing things smart. He’s a smart and powerful idiot, which makes him a danger to everyone and himself, and I love him for it. (I also can’t believe they called him Lesley I MEAN COME ON)

And then there’s Adelle. I liked her from the start, but I didn’t think she would stick out to me. I think now she’s my favourite character. Not even talking about all the stuff that happens in chapter 3 and onward, because these story threads are awesome in their own right, but there’s just something about her personality that’s interesting and appealing to me. Like I said, I’m not surprised people compare her to Edea, I did too at first, but while Edea walks very close to the line of a Tsundere, I was really surprised that Adelle is, well, not a Tsundere at all. Yeah, of course she’s putting Elvis down a lot, but that stems more from her preventing his ego from going to his head than her being all embarrassed. No, Adelle is actually really well adjusted when it comes to communication. While it’s hilarious that she and Elvis met with her chucking her shoes at him, the two just got along well right from the start. Adelle in general has this really open and helpful personality, but also doesn’t shy away from putting her foot down, even if that sometimes comes out as an embarrassed sputter. She’s also the mother hen of the group. She looks out for the other three and gets concerned about them real fast. 

I dunno, Adelle just really grew on me over the course of this game, and then her kinda being paired with Elvis too, as partners and as partners, makes me like her even more. Because as much as I like their personalities individually, I like their character dynamic even more. I honestly love the relationships between all four of them a lot. You really feel them grow closer as friends and all the little character sidequests just always made me really happy.

Conclusion

You might not believe me, but I really held back there. This could probably have been 3 times its length. As much as I love this game, it’s of course not perfect. It struggles and flails in some parts a lot and it certainly has some aspects that might turn people off. But for me, it was just a very familiar and comfy game that didn’t necessarily deliver anything new, but that told its story in such a way that it still got me excited to keep going. The soundtrack is absolutely amazing and the conclusion of the story actually got me to cry. While not groundbreaking, this game is highly enjoyable and leaves you absolutely satisfied at the end.

Also, I would like to iterate that I am desperate to get more content about this game, so if you wanna chat about it, hit me up.

Anyways, anyone else felt like having a fever dream when everybody in chapter 2 started talking fantasy scottish? Cos I sure did.

[missymurphy1985]

The Extra (Part Five)

Warning - serious sexual tension....

Taglist @queenshelby @margoo0 @being-worthy @peakyscillian @peakyciills @janelongxox @elenavampire21 @noctvrnalmoth @ysmmsy @cloudofdisney @lauren-raines-x @namelesslosers @misscarolineshelby @screemqueen @cilleveryone @peaky-cillian @misselsbells06 @datewithgianni @heidimoreton

This scene was going to be tricky enough for you, but you couldn't help but feel sorry for Cillian. He'd been so hard in his hotel room earlier and you could see he was still struggling with it now. Fully done up in his Tommy costume, positioned behind you, even through the thick padding in his trousers you could feel the heat. He leaned down over your back, his lips at your ear.

"That orgasm you gave me earlier - repeat that and you'll be fine," a quick squeeze of your hip under your dress and you felt ready. Extremely turned on and desperate for him to do this for real, but ready.

Anto called action and the thrusting behind you began. His groin never leaving the back of your thighs. It wasn't anywhere near as difficult to make the necessary moans and groans this time. You couldn't resist glancing at him in the mirror behind the bar. His face so full of concentration, the occasional bite at his own lip. Ten thrusts, then climax, that was the direction, and you watched his face change. You gave your best 'climax' possible, gripping onto the edge of the bar for dear life. His voice behind you hitched, his hand on your back as his own 'climax' peaked. The thought of him doing that for real later that night made your core throb, but you didn't have time to focus on it. Within seconds of him 'pulling out', Kimber's boys were there. Tommy was held back by four of them, while a fifth grabbed you and sliced across your throat. Your eyes wide, staring into Tommy's as you fell to the floor.

"CUT!!! Holy shit that was intense! Whatever you guys did in rehearsals, it worked!" Anto cheered, helping you off the floor. The fake blood around your neck was cold and sticky, Cillian couldn't help but laugh.

"You look delightful," he smirked. You responded by flicking as much of it as possible at him, catching his square in the side of the head.

"You have no idea how much I've loved having you as part of the show y/n... I really owe you one," Anto have you an awkward hug, trying to avoid the blood. You promised to catch up with him later.

"It's certainly been fun, hasn't it?" You said to Cillian as you both walked out.

"Who said the fun ends here?"

"Come on Cillian, you're a Hollywood movie star, I'm a university lecturer with no expectations whatsoever. And I'm okay with that by the way, I came into this single, I'll leave it single, I'm good with that." He pulled your arm gently, leading you off into a quiet corner before you headed into makeup.

"Listen, I'm not the kind of guy who fucks and fucks off. Forget about the Hollywood bullshit - I've never signed up to that nonsense in my life. I know you don't have any expectations, but I kinda do.."

"You do?"

"Yeah. I want to get to know you better. I want to take you out, I want to visit you when I'm not working. I want to see where this goes? Don't you?" You were speechless. And stunned.

"Really? Me? You want to be with me?"

"I've only known you a week y/n, I'm not asking you to marry me, I just.. I'd like to see you again. After you leave tomorrow." His hands clasped yours, stroking your fingers with his thumbs.

"Oh my god you're serious aren't you?"

"Come to my room tonight, after the wrap party. I'll show you just how serious I am." He pulled you close, not caring that you were in the middle of a corridor full of cast members bustling around. One small, gentle kiss on your lips, a squeeze of your waist, goosebumps all over your back.

"I'll see you at the wrap party then.."

"Looking forward to it."

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

The party was already in full swing by the time you and Liane arrived. Even your students had been invited, which made things awkward for you - you certainly didn't feel comfortable being close to Cillian with your class so close. You'd text him before you arrived to warn him no funny business in front of your class. His reply made you nervous, yet excited all at once.

"I'll behave if you do."

You'd be chatting to your students when a hand would brush casually across your lower back.

He'd be talking to Paul when he'd glance over and catch you looking at him, your lower lip between your teeth.

You'd be on the dance floor with Liane, Sophie and Natasha when you'd gyrate your hips in his direction, making sure his eyes were on you.

You'd never felt so desired and wanted - every time he caught your eye your heart would dance. You felt like a giddy schoolgirl again.

You went outside for a cigarette and some fresh air, two hands suddenly grabbing your waist and dragging you round the corner, out of sight of everyone. You didn't scream, you saw him following you, you just giggled as he pinned you against the wall, his body pressed against yours. A quick glance around the corner to make sure no one was there and his lips were on yours. His hand on your cheek, up into your hair, his groin pressing hard against yours.

"The fuck are you doing to me..." He groaned, biting your lower lip.

"I don't know what you're talking about Cillian..."

"I thought you said you were going to behave?" He smirked, brushing his nose against yours. The building was on fire, that was the only explanation for how fucking hot you were right now.

"You can talk, undressing me with your eyes all night."

"Can we leave now..."

"Nope, still got dinner to get through, them my awards for the students to give out and Anto will definitely make an embarrassing speech. Only another few hours and I'm all yours for as long as you want me. Did I mention I'd cleared my diary for the weekend?"

"I've got you all weekend have I?"

"If you want me?"

"You have no fucking idea..." You have him a quick kiss, before straightening your dress out and heading back into the bar. You didn't even look back but you heard him wolf whistle as you walked away.

You were handed a table plan for the dinner in the restaurant of the hotel as you walked back in, Liane grinning at you.

"Top table Y/n, with the cast! And look who you're sat next to," she winked. You never told her what had happened in Cillian's hotel room, but you didn't exactly deny it when she asked you either. This was going to be interesting.

Sitting at the table between Cillian and Paul, you felt so odd. What had started as a university trip had ended with you being one of the stars of the show and potentially ending up in bed with Cillian Murphy. You had to keep pinching yourself.

"Hungry, y/n?" Cillian leaned over and whispered in your ear.

"Depends what's on the menu."

"Not sure if you can handle it."

"We'll see about that. Now behave, we've got the whole crew watching us." The thrill of it all excited you beyond belief but you kept your game face on.

Dinner was served, he was remarkably well behaved but he was distracted by Helen, who spent the meal talking to him about the potential for series two. You couldn't help the pang of jealousy that you wouldn't actually be in it though. You were dragged from your thoughts by a hand on your knee. Slowly inching up your thigh under the dress you were wearing. You clenched your legs together firmly, crossing them, and the hand went away, a quiet chuckle from next to you.

Dinner over, speeches given, awards given to your students, the night was drawing to a close. You'd had your fair share of wine, but the adrenaline was coursing through your veins so much you didn't even feel tipsy.

"Ready to head back y/n?" Liane asked, grabbing her car keys. Antibiotics had rendered her the designated driver. You shook your head and pulled her to one side. You made her swear to keep quiet, and told her you wouldn't be coming back with her.. and why.

"Oh my god you're fucking with me??" She shrieked and you punched her arm.

"Shh!! Don't say a word Liane please, we're taking it slow, see how it goes.."

"You absolute legend - go have fun I'll sort the kids out in the morning back on the coach. Call me tomorrow okay, I wanna know EVERYTHING!" She kissed your cheek and grinned at you, before heading off to drive back to the hotel.

Two hands snaked around your waist, lips against your neck. You went to pull away before noticing it was only the two of you and a few of the cast left in the room.

"You coming y/n?"

"I'd better be."

[triptuckers]

New In Town (part three) - Kaz Brekker

Request: nope Pairing: Kaz Brekker x reader Summary: after hearing an interesting conversation in the pub you work at, you're determined to find out more Warnings:  none Word count: 2.3K A/N: thinking about a video someone sent me on twitter of freddy saying the quote on bottling inej' laugh..... yea <3 enjoy reading! PREVIOUS PART | NEXT PART TAG LIST (all grishaverse fics): @ayushmitadutta @mrs-brekker15@dancingwith-sunflowers @thegirlwiththeimpala @parker-natasha@story-scribbler @romanoffstarkovs@daliareads@meiitanoia @itsnotquimey @sanktaesperanza @whymyparentscheckmyphone @aleksanderwh0r3 @ilovemarvelanne1 @marlenaisnthappy @brekker-zenik @just-deka @Graceknxwlson @the-very-tired-mess TAG LIST (Kaz Brekker): @mufnasa @janesofia7 @stairscortana @parker-natasha @illicitghosts @brick-by-brick553 add yourself to my tag lists here

When all of the customers have piled out of the pub, and you're cleaning the tables, you can't stop thinking over Jesper and Kaz' conversation.

If only you knew what gang they were part of, you could have easily snuck into their main building. You needed to find out exactly when this party was going to take place, if you wanted to steal the necklace.

You tried to think of any other way to find out the date and location of the party. You hadn't heard any other customers talking about it, so you guessed it was a party reserved only for the elite. And Ketterdam's finest didn't come to a somewhat dirty little pub like the one you work in.

You had to be smart about this. Maybe if Jesper or Kaz came back, you could try to follow them. Find out where they were meeting, what gang they are.

And if that didn't work, you'd just have to find some dirt on them and use it to your advantage. You'd done it countless of times before. Though this was an entirely new city, with new potential targets and clients, you are confident you can pull this off.

You have to, if you ever want to be able to rent a clean room, preferably one not directly above a pub.

But it looks like your luck has decided to abandon you. In the next three days, you don't see Jesper or Kaz in the pub. You even take on extra shifts, claiming you just want to earn more money. When in reality, you are on the lookout for either one of them.

They don't show up. And you have no way of telling if the party already took place or not.

On the fourth night, your gaze is fixed on the door again as you're working. Finally, your coworker steps closer to you.

'Did you like those two that much?' she says.

'Huh?' you say. You'd been so lost in your thoughts you hadn't heard her approach you.

'I'll take that as a yes.' she says. 'That tall one was cute. The other one gave me some creepy vibes.'

'What are you talking about?' you ask her.

'Those two that came by a couple of days ago. You kept hovering by their table, and you've been daydreaming ever since.' she says, smirking at you.

You laugh and shove her away. If only she knew the real reason why you had been hovering around their table. You decide to try if maybe she knows about the party. You doubt it, but there's no knowing unless you try.

'Hey, are there any good parties around here?' you say. 'I've yet to explore Ketterdam's night life.'

'Well, there are some.' she says. 'But most of the fancy ones take place at some merchants house. We'd never get in.'

'Sounds like one hell of a party, then.' you say.

'Oh, they're the best. On nights like those, you can see them all dressed up in their best clothes, jewellery all over the place. It's quite impressive.' she says.

'Hmm.' you hum. You hadn't seen a scene like that, so the party probably hadn't taken place yet.

'The merchants' wives have a new gown for every party.' she says.

'Really?' you say, genuinely surprised that they do. Surely you could spend your money on better things than a gown you'd only wear once.

'Uh-huh, they never wear the same thing twice. The other day, I was in one of those expensive stores to pick up an order for my aunt, and one of them was there. She kept raging on about how her dress wasn't going to be ready in time for a party.' she says.

This gets your full attention. Maybe this was about the party Jesper and Kaz were talking about.

'Was she really mad?' you say, pressing on.

'Furious.' says your coworker. 'She said that if her dress wasn't ready by Tuesday morning, because the party is that night, she'd never come to the store again.'

'Huh, what an attitude.' you say, trying to hide your gratitude for finally finding out the date of the party. All that was left was the location, and which wife exactly would be wearing the priceless necklace. But at least you got one piece of the puzzle.

'You really should have heard her. She kept yelling she couldn't possibly show up to Christensen manor without a new dress.' she says.

'Christensen manor?' you say, hoping you don't sound too curious. But apparently, your coworker loves gossiping way, as she nods eagerly.

'He's one of the richest merchants around. He's the one hosting the party. Rumour goes the ring he always wears is worth so much money, it could buy half of Ketterdam.' she says.

You snort. 'Half of Ketterdam? That seems a little too much.' you say.

'Oh, you'd be surprised.' she says. 'His family is always nearly sinking to the floor with the amount of jewellery they wear. They like to show everyone just how much money they have.'

'Aren't they afraid it gets stolen?' you say.

She shakes her head. 'They have too much security for that. Even the gangs back in the Barrel wouldn't dare to pull off such a daring stunt.' she says.

You smile to yourself. If only she knew at least five gang members were planning exactly that.

The two of you look up when a bell rings, signalling the end of your shift.

'That's my cue.' you say. 'You sure you're gonna be alright out here?'

'I'll manage. Go and get some rest.' she says.

'Alright, goodnight.' you say.

She waves at you as you walk toward the stairs to go to your room. To her, it seemed like you were just gossiping away. Little did your coworker know she'd given you exactly the information you needed. Maybe working at a pub turned out to be useful after all.

So the party would take place on Tuesday night, at Christensen manor. And his wife would most likely be the one to wear the necklace, if they parade around with their riches so much.

All you had to do was make sure you arrive before Jesper and Kaz do. You'd worked your way through more difficult plans, you could handle this.

When you wake up on Tuesday morning, you get dressed quickly and sneak out of the pub without being seen. You're grateful you bought loose pants with a lot of pockets.

You've hidden your gun in your pants, and your knives are strapped around your thighs. You didn't expect there to be an escalation, but you liked to be prepared.

You arrive at the manor, which looks abandoned. There are no lights on yet, but then again it's barely dawn. The reason why you came here so early is so you could inspect the building.

There are at least four different escape routes you can see. But you didn't know if you woud still have access to them when the manor is swarming with drunk party guests. And guard. And, of course, a few disguised gang members.

You pick out a spot in an alley across from the manor, and wait.

When you first stared doing jobs like this one, you didn't have patience at all. It caused you to be sloppy, to make mistakes and miss opportunities. But over the years, you learned that patience is a valuable ally.

You sit in the alley for hours, eating the food you'd brought with you. You're observing the manor, watching as servants come and go in order to prepare the party that would take place later that day.

When the sun starts to go down, the party guests arrive. Your coworker had been right; they're all dressed in expensive looking clothes in the brightest colours. Jewellery shines on their ears, around their necks, on their fingers and wrists.

You're lucky you're patient. Otherwise you would have simply snatched a less valuable necklace. But you had your eyes set on a prize, and you're determined.

When most of the party guests have entered the manor, you sneak closer and enter through the door the servants had used all day. Luckily, there's no one in the room you enter.

All you have to do is follow the music to the main area, and find the merchant's wife. Easy.

You make your way through the hallways, occasionally stopping to take cover when you hear someone approaching. Finally, you make it to the room where the music is the loudest.

People are laughing, drinking and dancing. You'd love to be part of that life some day. To just spend your days dancing with your friends, playing dress up. But that kind of life would have to wait.

You scan the room from where you are standing, and spot a couple dancing in the middle of the room.

They're dressed in colours so bright they seem to light up the room. The woman is nearly entirely covered in shining gemstones. And on her chest rests a heavy necklace, a large diamond dangling from it.

You look around the room, but don't spot Jesper or Kaz. They aren't here yet, or you just hadn't seen them. You had to be careful. They knew what you looked like. And as soon as they caught sight of you, you didn't doubt they would tell their companions.

Behind you, a servant approaches with a tray laden with glasses of wine. You smile and walk up to him.

'I'll take it from here, Christensen said you could take a break.' you say, holding your hands out to take over the tray.

It surprises you how easily he hands it over to you. Was working at a party really that bad you'd take the first change of getting a break you got?

You don't have time to question it. You have to move quickly if you want to be out before the gang members arrive.

You manoeuvre your way through the crowd, and most people don't even seem to notice you're not wearing a servant's uniform. Maybe they're too drunk to notice. Or maybe they just don't care.

After spotting Christensen and his wife again, you make your way toward them. The music stops just about the same time as you reach them.

Before the next song starts, you make yourself trip, spilling wine all over Christensen's wife.

She lets out a yelp of surprise when the red liquid stains her dress. She furiously turns at you and you're quick to put on a shocked face.

'I am so sorry, my lady.' you say. 'I tripped, oh Saints, I'm so sorry.'

'Watch where you're going!' she says. 'You ruined my dress.'

'I'm sorry, I'll help you clean it up.' you say.

'You better.' says the merchant, Christensen, as he roughly takes a hold of your arm and pushes you to follow his wife out of the room.

You keep your eyes down as you follow her through the halls. She opens door after door, muttering to herself about useless servants. She stops when you've entered a bedroom.

She opens another door to reveal a bathroom. When she sees her dress in the mirror, she glares at you.

'I haven't seen you here before.' she says.

'I'm new.' you say, keeping your eyes on the floor.

'New and clumsy.' she says. 'Wait here while I change.'

She takes off her jewellery and shoes before disappearing in the bathroom, closing the door. You don't know how much time you have, so you move quickly.

You grab a hold of the necklace and shove it into one of your coat pockets. You're debating wether or not you can go back the same way you got here, but then you hear footsteps approaching.

You whirl around, and spot a window. You could climb down and get as far away from the manor as possible.

With three big steps, you make it to the window and open it. You carefully climb through the window and being to work your way down to the street.

Just when your feet hit the ground, you hear the merchant's wife scream.

'Thief!' she screams. 'I've been robbed!'

You smile as you start jogging toward the street, to go back to the pub. When you round the corner of the manor, you see a few people making their way toward it.

Two guards and three people dressed as elaborately as the other guests. For a split second, you wonder why three guests would be accompanied by two guards, but then you remember Jesper and Kaz' hushed conversation.

A grin starts to spread across your face. You'd been fast enough. They'd go in only to discover there was no necklace to steal.

You walk across the street, keeping your head down. In the distance, you hear the woman still screaming. She had made it to the main party room.

'My necklace!' she yells. 'That damned servant took it! Find her!'

You see the small group of people outside the manor stop, and turn to each other. You can tell they're confused as they talk to one another. Probably wondering what the odds were someone else would steal the necklace they had their eyes on.

They're all looking at each other, except for Kaz. You can see even more clearly now he's the leader. Instead of looking at his companions, he's suspiciously looking around, his eyes scanning the dark streets around the manor.

You smile to yourself and disappear into the shadows. If you had it your way, he'd never find out you'd outsmarted him.

A/N: If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rules Here’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist. Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!! Thank you for reading! Much love, Marit

[issaxcharlie]

You’ll always be the answer

Pairing: Charlie Gillespie x Fem Reader

Requested: YES💚

Summary: For the first time Charlie and Y/N have to do an interview together and things get pretty interesting and chaotic as always with the couple.

*In the wired autocomplete section the part of the question that was covered will be in bold*

Pretty much based in the we say we’re friends world, (yes, again😤 I love their dynamic I’m sorry) you only need to know that Y/N is a musician by profession, wrote the JATP soundtrack, a childhood friend of Charlie and now his current girlfriend.

The couple is completely excited because today they have their first interviews after the confirmation of the second season of Julie and The Phantoms, and usually they are not on the same interview team so this is new. Charlie always does them with the band and the singer usually does them with director Kenny Ortega representing the people behind the scenes.

“Hello everyone, I’m Charlie Gillespie and I play Luke in Julie And The Phantoms.”

“And I’m Y/N Y/L and I play Daniela in Stardust.”

“Baby, you are here today as the songwriter of the album.”

“I know?” She thinks for a few seconds until she realizes what she said. “Oh. Well, this is embarrasing. Make my selfpromo accident worthwhile and watch Stardust after watching JATP!”

“Nice safe, beautiful. Pretty natural.” Her boyfriend teases as she smiles proudly.

“I like to believe I could be an actress.” Charlie begins to laugh at the seriousness with which she answered and looks at her, full of happiness. He loves that they can enjoy moments like this where their careers can go exactly on the same track.

They know that it will not always be this way so they should make the most of the experience.

“I’m excited to have you back, Y/N. And a pleasure to meet you Charlie. You both sure are full of amazing energy, I love it. Let’s start with the questions. Charlie, this is your first leading and in a fairly complete role, you acted, sang, danced and even wrote one of the songs, how was the experience?”

“Pure magic. They are all incredibly talented and so supportive of us, they worked so hard to unleash our full potential in an accelerated manner. They had a lot of patience with me in the dance part, they taught me to use my voice properly, they supported me in the change to electric guitar, it was simply a dream to work with every single person in the project.”

“Sounds amazing. Next question is for you, Y/N. Much has been said about the unreal chemistry between Julie and Luke. How was it for you as his girlfriend to have to witness it live? As I understand you were present throughout the recording."

"Oh man, it was awesome!" Charlie laughs at her pure response and the interviewer looks at her in disbelief.

"I'm Team Juke all the way. I know I may sound like a liar or something since I'm the girlfriend, but here's the thing.

I can't see my Char in Luke. Charlie is so good at bringing him to life that I can't believe that cool rockstar is my adorable goofball. It’s like Clark and Superman with the glasses thing. Beanie and electric guitar? Oh, hi Luke. You are so hot, wait... don’t tell Charlie I said that! Bandana and acoustic guitar? Hey baby, give me a kiss in the forehead and sing me to sleep.

What I was saying again? Oh, yeah. So... I see Juke and I’m soft, they are perfect for each other.”

“So you think Luke is hot, huh.” he pretends to be jealous and folds his arms.

“What can I say, I have a thing for rockstars, my legs melted during now or never."

He snorted a laugh. “Good to know.”

The interviewer cannot contain a laugh of her own.

"It's always a pleasure to have you here, Y/N. You are such a character and I always enjoy listening to you, and I love that even though the years go by and you are no longer so new in the industry you continue to have that fresh and iconic personality."

“Thank you so much Maria, If I can be myself here it is thanks to the beautiful atmosphere that your interviews always have.”

“My pleasure, ‘golden star’. Let’s continue. Y/N, We know you already knew Charlie, but who did you get along with better from the rest of the cast?”

“Oh my, definitely Owen. He was Charlie's roommate throughout the project so we hang out together a lot in our free time taking turns as third wheel. I'm pretty sure he's going to apply the same card to me this second season now that I'm gonna be the roommate.

But it’s okay, I totally deserve it. May the best third wheel win, Joyner!” Charlie grins and does a fistbump with his girlfriend who looks really hyped about going back to Canada with the band.

“I’m rooting for you, girl! Let’s go back to Charlie a little bit. The album that Y/N wrote is a resounding success and a very important piece for the series to be as brilliant as they are. I imagine that the four of you have a special affection for the album, but how do you feel that your girlfriend was the one who wrote a soundtrack of that level for such a special project in your career?”

Charlie looks so proud. He looks at her in a way that makes the young woman blush.

“I’m just so blessed that the things happened they way they did. She’s the love of my life, you know? I couldn't be more proud to sing her songs. She has always been insanely talented and nothing gives me more happiness that knowing she gets to do what she loves and is able to share it with the world.”

The singer's eyes water and she puts her head on the actor's shoulder, who kisses her hair sweetly.

“You two are so pure and so cute to watch, I have a new favorite celebrity couple.”

They continue the interview for a few more minutes and then they have to move on to the second section, in which they are handed some boards with the most searched questions on the internet regarding them.

“Okay guys, introduce yourselves again. I’m not going to be in the segment this time so you’ll have to help each other.”

Both agree without confessing that they have seen videos of this segment until 5 in the morning when they have nothing to do the next day and have sleepovers.

“Hi, we are Charlie Gillespie and Y/N Y/L and will be doing the wired-autocomplete interview today!”

“Okay handsome, let’s start with yours.” Charlie smiles and takes the sign in his hands, while his girlfriend removes the first tape and reveals the first question.

“Does Charlie Gillespie have a girlfriend?” Charlie smiles proudly and kisses his girls nose.

“I do, and she’s so adorable.” He touches gently her cheek and she closes her eyes at his touch.

He gives her a light kiss in the forehead and then uncovers the next question.

“What is Charlie Gillespie like in real life.”

“I’ll answer this one, Char’s a total goofball. He is cheerful, funny, always full of energy, talented, caring, and really, really hot. All done, next question!”

He laughs while blushing and reveals the next one. “Is Charlie Gillespie married?”

“Well I tried but someone ate the ring.”

“I would do it again, it was really good. Answering the question, he is not yet, but he is taking too long, maybe one of these days I will declare myself.”

He opens his eyes wide, he knows very well that his girlfriend is capable of doing it, and honestly he wants to be who does it, so he makes a mental note to prepare everything soon. Thank god he is working on the rings already.

“It’s Y/N still dating...”

“If the question says Ross Lynch I’m goin’ to lose it. No shade though, man.”

She laughs, after the James Larkin show, a lot of people showed anger as they felt that she was a much better match with the blonde, and Charlie couldn't help but feel a bit offended.

“...Charlie Gillespie! Yes, baby!” Both high five, Charlie looks almost relieved, is adorable.

“The answer is always yes folks, get use to it.”

“Who is Y/N’s best friend?”

“Well, this one is easy.” She turns to see Charlie and gives him a flirtatious little smile. He blushes and reaches out to kiss her, but she answers the question just before their lips touch.

“Ross Lynch.” She leans over and presses her lips against his for a few seconds as Charlie reacts to her response and then gapes in disbelief.

“You did nOT.” He laughs and and wrinkles his nose feigning annoyance.

“Yes I dID. But to be honest, has to be this man right here. Not a lot people know this but we’ve been best friends all our lives, so yeah. You baby, of course.” He blushes and kisses her hand, clearly happy with the answer.

“Is Y/N going to be in Julie And The Phantoms S2?”

“Will you?” He asks, genuinely curious. She never tells him what Kenny secretly confesses her about the project so as not to be unfair to the other members of the band.

“I will, but probably still back the scenes, guys. I'm really enjoying this part and learning from the best of the best so I am very happy not to be in front of the camera for now.”

“And you are doing an amazing work, love.” She grins and kisses his cheek.

“Thank you for watching us being ridiculously corny for 30 minutes, don't forget to watch Julie and the Phantoms Season 2 only on Netflix! I feel sorry for that poor people that will have to see how cheesy we are.”

“We were still recording Y/N, but never mind. The editing team has a lot of work ahead.”

“Well, damn. I’m sorry guys!” Charlie laughs for the thousandth time today. There is nothing better in life than sharing your days with your best friend. He can't wait to formalize that ‘forever’.

Thank you for reading✨

NEXT PART HERE

Taglist: @writerinlearning , @ghostofmgg, @strangerthanfanfiction713, @thebloodthirstyvampress, @kinda-really-lost, @kcd15, @magnet-girl, @aliandthephantoms, @stxrkspidey, @pinkrockstar19, @s0uz4s, @shycupcakealissa, @cookiebuba, @fangirlangioma, @sageellsworth05, @twist3dtinkerbell, @sunsetcurvenotsunsetswerve, @caitsymichelle13, @ifilwtmfc, @luckylouiebug, @bibliophilewednesday, @totomoshi, @siennanoelle01, @lunashadow6955, @bookfrog247, @morganayennefertyrell, @kiss-themoongoodbye, @rachelle3musicals, @imsydneywalker, @really-dont-forget-it

[sylvies-chen]

Brettsey + Making a snack for the other one as they work

"Guys, something's wrong with Casey."

Gallo eyed his fellow Truck members dangerously, his eyes worriedly moving from their group at the common room table over to the kitchen.

He hadn't meant to spy on his Captain, really. It started out as a peaceful lunch, where Gallo was just eating his food in peace and talking with Ritter, Mouch, and Stella. Only his eyes had accidentally wandered over to the kitchen island, where he saw Matt standing there making something that not even a prison would feed to inmates. It struck him as horrifyingly concerning, so he'd alerted his fellow firefighters right away-- with the utmost discretion.

"What are you talking about, he's just making a sandwich," Ritter told him, barely looking up from his plate.

"Dude, I swear! Something's wrong with him, very very wrong. Look at what he's putting on it," Gallo protested, pointing over to Casey. At this point, the interest of Stella and Mouch was peaked too, and the three of them followed Gallo's finger to observe their Captain.

When they noticed just the same strange, unappetizing combination of ingredients, their faces soured in confused disgust too.

The bread part of the sandwich was normal, using the same whole wheat slices the firehouse normally gets. But the inner sides of each slice were being heavily slathered with peanut butter, and the ingredients he had out to put on it were things not made for a sandwich. A bag of marshmallows sat on one side, Casey grabbing a handful and putting it on one side. On the other, he put those small little sliced sandwich pickles-- the sweet ones Gallo's mom would always buy for him at the corner store. They've seen fires and car wrecks and 2nd degree burns, but this was by far the scariest thing he'd seen in his life. He looked over to the others, the same shocked expressions on their faces, and knew they felt somewhat the same.

Gallo probably shouldn't have been proud of it, but he was damn glad he was right about something for once instead of being made out to be crazy.

"Oh God," Ritter exclaimed with a wince. "Do you think he's really going to eat that?"

"I'm somewhat of a foodie myself but even I have my limits," Mouch added. "And that, my friends, is one foul looking sandwich."

Stella leaned in, causing the others to lean in to and form a small but discreet huddle at the table. "Should we say something?" She asked.

"We've gotta," Mouch insisted. "Casey is too good of a firefighter to eat something like that and potentially give himself a heart attack. Or the runs."

"I don't know, he's our Captain," Ritter countered. "It could go south real fast."

Gallo looked between his friends, mulling it over for a moment before giving a decisive nod. "I'll do it."

Ritter's eyes went wide. "You're the bravest guy I know," he blurted out in comedic awe.

"More like stupid," Stella chipped in, leaning back in her chair and raising her hands in surrender. "Have fun on your suicide mission, Gallo. It was nice knowing ya."

"Love the support, thank you for that," he replied sarcastically. "Ritter, if I don't make it back... I want you to have all of my stuff."

"That's so sweet man. I mean you're stuff's all garbage anyway but that's so sweet of you," Ritter cooed, giving a jokingly emotional sniffle. Gallo gave him one last grin and a thumbs up, before his eyes went narrow and he prepared himself for what was to come.

He walked up to the kitchen island, trying his best to act casual and play it cool. "Heyyy there, Captain," he started awkwardly.

Casey looked up from his horrid concoction, eyeing him for a moment. Gallo got the distinct feeling his attempt at being casual was only raising more suspicion, but Casey's eyes went back down to the cutting board and didn't think much of it. "Hey, Gallo."

"So, uh, I-- I mean all of us-- we were just wondering if you could maybe, I don't know..."

Gallo searched for the words (or rather the courage to say the ones he'd already found) as Casey sighed and looked up to him. "If you have something to say then spit it out already, Gallo. Don't be shy."

Casey's firm Captain voice was enough pressure to send all of the words flooding out of Gallo in one panicked exhale. "You can't eat that sandwich, Captain. You jut can't. It's the most disgusting thing we've ever seen and it'll probably give you a heart attack and we really like having you around so just please put the butter knife down and don't eat that horrible, horrible thing."

Matt's eyes widened slightly at Gallo's sudden outburst. A moment of silence hung in the air when Casey looked at him, then down at the sandwich, then back up at him. "Listen to me, Gallo," Matt started, putting a hand on his shoulder and pulling him in. "You're right: this sandwich is awful. It's the worst thing I've ever had to make. But you are not going to mention anything about this sandwich again, and that's an order. Am I clear?"

Gallo's muscles froze up in shock (and in fear, admittedly, because Captain Casey can be scary when he wants to be). He gave a small nod and swallowed hard, his nerves kicking in and making him stutter. "Y-yes, copy that, Captain."

"Good," Matt replied, nodding in satisfaction.

Gallo should have left it at that, really. He was happy to get away with his life, the smart thing to do was go back to the table. But everyone at the table was eyeing him expectantly, and when he turned back to see them he knew he couldn't resist the temptation to ask follow-up questions. "Uh, sorry, I just have to know. I'll drop it after this, Captain, I promise. But... why are you going to eat a disgusting sandwich like that?"

Matt cut the sandwich in half, putting it on a plastic plate before looking up at Gallo with a slightly frustrated glance. "I'm not making it for myself," he explained simply with a shrug.

"Then who are you making it for--" Gallo began to ask but was then interrupted by someone hobbling into the common room, her peppy tone making her instantly recognizable before Gallo even turned around to see who it was.

A very starving and very pregnant Sylvie stood before them, making her way over to where they were standing as ambo returned from a call.

"Hey, Gallo," she greeted him kindly before turning to Matt.

Before anything else was said and before Gallo could even try to make sense of all of this, Casey grabbed the plate with the sandwich on it and handed it over to his wife. Gallo was about to run, preparing to shield himself from the colossal shit Casey was about to get himself in by handing his own damn wife a horrendous sandwich like that. Only she didn't retract in disgust or even sour her face. Instead, she lit up in excitement.

"You made me lunch?"

"Yep," Matt confirmed with a grin. She leaned over the island, her hand resting on the small baby bump that'd formed on her over the past four months, and kissed Matt soundly on the lips.

"My hero," she cooed into the kiss. "Ugh, this baby's been making me hungrier than usual, I'm starving. Thank you so much."

"Of course," he replied sweetly, giving Gallo a knowing glance as if to make sure their conversation from earlier stayed between them. Once Gallo returned the glance and nodded to assure Matt he got the message, Matt relaxed a little and moved around the island to stand by his wife's side, his arm wrapping around her shoulders and rubbing circles on her arm.

It all made sense now to Gallo. It doesn't take a genius to put the pieces together and figure out Sylvie Brett's weird pregnancy craving and it's disgusting combination of ingredients. And he understood Casey's insistence on Gallo keeping his mouth shut now. If Gallo were him, he wouldn't want his wife to hear someone bad-mouthing her pregnancy cravings either. The wrath that would be unleashed would be unbearable. He'd seen Sylvie's tough side before-- the side of her Stella lovingly called "Sylvie 'Two Ts' Brett" for some reason-- and knew better than to mess with it.

Sylvie gave her husband and Captain one last kiss before humming happily and biting into the sandwich. Not a single expression of disgust was made, instead happily groaning as her craving was satisfied. From the table, Gallo, Stella, Ritter, and Mouch all eyed her with utter shock. Pregnancy cravings must be strong as hell-- or maybe it was just Sylvie who was the stone-cold killer, being able to eat a sandwich like that. They didn't know.

All they knew was that Matt smiled with the smallest bit of amusement dancing in his eye as he lovingly watched his wife eat her disgusting sandwich, and Gallo thought a love like that was stronger than any craving could dream to be.

[softomi]

Playing pretend isn’t just for kids

Oikawa Tooru

He had asked you days earlier, perhaps the most last minute thing he could ever do; you still disagreed to it the day before. He had flown back to Japan just a week ago for what you had told him was the stupidest decision of his life. He was attending a reunion, not just any reunion, it was his high school reunion where you knew he would fall into the worst trap of his life. Her, long hair, beautiful body, behind the innocent face she gave every boy in her direction, she was a witch who practically put a spell on any guy; even the Oikawa Tooru.

Last chance, if you pretend to be my girlfriend, she’ll totally get jealous and want me back.

It was the worst plan he’s ever told you, worse than the time he thought pranking Iwaizumi would be fun. You locked your phone upon entering the restaurant, the only guys who looked your way was the volleyball team members; the rest let their eyes remain fixated on the witch.

“Where’s Oikawa? I thought you guys were coming together?”

You laughed, “Seriously? Did you guys really think I would agree to his stupid plan.”

“You’ve agreed to much worse.” Hanamaki turns his head when the door rings, nearly spitting out his drink upon seeing Oikawa dressed overly fashionable; he can only imagine Oikawa hiring a stylist just for this moment.

“We’re about to be blessed with peak comedy right now.” Matsukawa along with everyone at the table turns in their seats.

You rolled your eyes, downing the alcoholic drink in front of you, “You guys are terrible.” But what you were going to do was worse. Perhaps you were being selfish, seeing him again after all the years; maybe this would be the only chance to see if those high school feelings were actually real. But if anything, you realized the moment he stepped through the doors, you weren’t going to let him fall down the rabbit hole of her again.

As soon as you saw her get up, you stood to your feet, moving quicker to him. Oikawa’s eyes were locked onto hers, she was smiling invitingly to him. You did the worst possible thing, your footsteps quicken to reach him mere seconds before she could; his eyes questioningly on you as you pull him down from his tie, pressing your lips against him.

“Hey. I missed you, what took you so long?” Your eyes darted to her direction, “Sorry, haven’t seen my boyfriend in so long, almost forgot what he tasted like.”

You don’t miss the way the former members of the volleyball club are hollering but you miss the way a hard blush is plastered across Oikawa’s face.

Akaashi Keiji.

He wasn’t always so invested in relationships, heck, even when you dated him; he wasn’t as whipped as you saw him now. She basically had him on a tight leash, the tie she was pulling on his neck made the sight just perfect for that description. You could barely hear it, but he was apologizing, she was continuously spouting nonsense, and he was merely a puppy following orders. It truly put a distaste in your mouth. In the last two hours since you’ve reunited with him and everyone else, he seemed on edge, even tense in her presence.

“Hey.” You stop him just as he’s exiting the bathroom, “Everything good Keiji?”

Akaashi’s eyes are fixated on the buttons of his dress shirt, “Yeah, just freshening up.” He talks in a hurry, attempting to leave but you pull him by the wrist.

Your eyes are laced with concern, “If you need anything, you know you can talk to me right?”

“Keiji!” You let go of his wrist, watching the woman storm over, “Sorry, but he’s taken.”

You scoff, “Excuse me?”

Her lips lined with disgust, “You can’t just waltz back in his life expecting to win him back.”

“Honey.” Akaashi tries to stop his lover, “There’s nothing going on.”

“No.” You cross your arms, your hand pushes Akaashi to the side; you face the woman up front, “Actually there is something going on, actually.” Your voice draws out the last word, a finger tapping the bottom of your lip, “I just gave him the best head of his life in the bathroom. Actually.” You’re stepping forward, making her take one back, “He’s still hopelessly in love with me, maybe that’s why you feel the need to wrap a tight collar around his neck.”

Her hand slaps across your face. Akaashi puts himself as a barrier between you and the girl.

“Don’t hit her.” Akaashi’s voice is shaking, “I don’t love you.” The words he’s been dying to say to his girlfriend for months finally leave his mouth, “I love y/n.” Akaashi, too, received a slap across the face before she storms off claiming to be embarrassed in front of everyone.

You laugh freely, “Gosh, when did you start dating such a witch.” His back still faces you, suddenly you’re feeling bad, “Keiji, I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t take things too far there.”

“No.” He turns to you, staring down at the red mark on your cheek, “Are you alright?” His hand brushes against your cheek.

You grin, “I’m perfect, it was so fun to do that again; remember that’s how I would get all of Kuroo’s flings to ditch the house. Nice touch though, saying you love me.”

“Yeah.” But he lied, he was still hopelessly in love with you.

Kageyama Tobio

It was supposed to be the biggest publicity stunt of his career, he had no idea why this was deemed a ‘good’ idea. But his entire team of advisors insisted that this would move him up in his career; to get caught in a dating scandal. They had even brought him a list of potential clients for the job, or as they described it, potential love interests. He was too embarrassed to tell anyone, he was even too embarrassed to try and pick out someone just based on their looks that he told his committee to ‘just pick someone’. That’s how it started, that’s how you entered his life.

Kageyama Tobio caught on a date with a-list star Y/N.

“It looks good doesn’t it?” You show him your phone screen, you were with him in the locker room. It was game day for him and you had to show up to support your boyfriend. From the three months you had gotten to know him, you could tell he wasn’t much of talker; at least not at the moment.

He only nods when he sees your screen, “Yeah.”

“Oh here, I got you this.” When you throw the item, he automatically catches, “I heard that you loved milk cartons so I got you one as a good luck measure for your game.” Your smile catches him off guard, “Cute isn’t it? I found this place that sells cute milk boxes with different styles on them. Look.”

He turns the carton to place it upright, “It’s a volleyball.”

“Cute right?!” You sit upright to face him, “Hey, this whole publicity thing, don’t think too much about it okay. It’ll be over before you know it; they’re planning on releasing our break up article in a few months but in the meantime we can just be friends.”

The door opens and the voices of men enter, as you turn your head, a dusty blush paints his cheeks.

“Kageyama, you can’t have a girl in here.” The men begin to crowd you.

You smile innocently, “Surprise!” You’re pulling a small basket of bento boxes out from under your seat, “I know I can’t be in here, but this will be our little secret. I just wanted to thank you guys for being so nice to my boyfriend.”

The boys thank you as they take the gift from your hands. The hand on your back makes you turn, grinning at Kageyama as he starts to lead you out the door. When you two reach outside the doors, you’re bidding him farewell until he pinches the back of your shirt to bring you back.

“Here.” He drapes the jacket on your shoulders, “Cheer loudly for me okay?”

You slip your arms into the jacket, a small giggle on the tip of your tongue, “I’ll make sure I’m the only one you can hear.” You wink before skipping away.

Kita Shinsuke

He always told you that you were too quick to get ahead of yourself, but how could you not when you were actively competing with his cousin’s girlfriend. He knew you absolutely despised her especially since at the last family gathering, she announced she got a promotion at work right after you told everyone you just got hired at your dream job, earning her immense praise from Kita’s grandmother while you got a pat on the back. It irritated the hell out of you. You were so much more involved in his family than she was so why was it so hard to earn a little praise from his grandmother.

“Honey, I think you need to calm down a little bit.” Kita tries to take the champagne cup from your hand, “I don’t know why they’d serve champagne at a child’s birthday party.”

You laugh, wrapping a hand onto his arm, “I just can’t believe she would do that, announcing that they’re moving in together.” You whisper to him, “You know what, she’s definitely getting back at me.”

He’s quickly pulling away your fourth cup of champagne, “And just why would she do that, she has no reason.”

“Not true.” You wave at a family member who’s passing by, you’re leaning into Kita more, “Remember your mom’s birthday part, we wore the exact same outfit, and your mom made her change.”

“I think you’re thinking into things here honey.” You shoot a short glare at him, his mother was right, Kita was too nice to understand the situation.

You give him a slight squeeze on his arm when the rival couple approaches, “Quick, think, what tops moving in together?”

“Y/n seriously.” Kita puts on a smile when his cousin approaches.

She gives you a look from your head to your toes, “So how are you guys? You’ve been dating for a while now.”

“Six years.” You say proudly, “Just four more than you’re relationship right?”

She gives a haughty laugh, “Yes, well, at least we’re going to be living together now.”

“We’ll be moving in together soon anyways.” Your lips move faster than your brain, “After all, we’re engaged.”

Kita spits out his drink, his cousin reciprocates; coughing as he congratulates Kita on finally popping the question. Suddenly all the family members nearby crowd you two, giving congratulatory praise for the sudden engagement.

Kita drags you off to the side, “Excuse me, just when did I propose to you.”

Your stomping your foot, “She was just so irritating, I had to do something.”

“Something?” Kita tries to not fall for your pout, “That something is us planning a wedding.”

Your pout gets bigger, soft eyes as you lean your chest out with your hands behind you, “Well, I just love you so much.”

He becomes flustered, “Fine. We’ll fake our engagement.”

You smile, pressing a quick peck to his lips, “Don’t worry, I’ll pretend I didn’t know that you were planning on proposing next week under the tree by the rice field.”

“I can’t tell those twins anything.”

Miya Osamu

He thought it would be funny to play a prank on his brother. Atsumu had been bugging him so much lately that it was practically unbearable; especially when he started randomly dropping by the apartment. It wasn’t romantic trying to reach your high hearing someone else call your boyfriend’s name. So, Osamu thought it was time that Atsumu got taught a lesson on leaving his brother alone. Osamu practically begged you to go along, at first you thought it was a cruel prank, but the day Atsumu opened the bathroom door while you were in the shower; that was the day that you gave Osamu the okay.

“Samu!” Your voiced intruded the volleyball team’s practice. You were angrily storming into one of their free practice days, Osamu specifically picked this day as to not intrude on actual practice and to plan a special surprise Onigiri Miya delivery, “How could you?”

“Babe what’s wrong.” He greeted you with a concerned look. All heads turned to you, even Atsumu’s eyes were hooked onto the situation.

“Don’t ‘babe’ me. You know exactly what you did.” You’re sharp with your words, “Did you think I wouldn’t know, that you’re messing around with some whore behind my back.”

Gasps fill the air, Water spurts out of Atsumu’s mouth.

“Babe, what are you talking about.”

“Is that why Atsumu’s been over a lot lately? To keep my attention away from your cheating. Is he supposed to distract me when you come home late?” Your eyes are reddening, Osamu and you practiced how to fake cry beforehand, “You sicken me, both of you!” You point at Atsumu who’s heavily shaking his head at the assumption.

“Wait, baby.” Osamu grabs your wrist but you turn, planting a hand harshly onto his cheek and he lets go as you storm off.

“Samu.” Atsumu whispers.

Osamu shoots his brother a look, “Don’t even think about following us.”

“Babe!” Osamu is running after your figure.

When he catches you in the hallway, you’re turning around with a giggle. You run a hand over where you slapped him, pressing a kiss on the area while he wipes away your tear stains.

“How long do you think he’ll be away.” You whisper.

Osamu lifts you, throwing you over his shoulder, “Long enough.”

In the gym, the tension in the air sticks like glue. Atsumu is having a mental breakdown on the benches while three men stare from the court.

“I bet you guys it was a prank.” Sakusa states. The other two insist it wasn’t, the scene was just too real for it to be fake.

[year2000electronics]

good morning. so every member in team bleck has a member that sort of ‘parallels’ the five member ensemble of the heroes and tippi. bleck parallels mario as the leader, mimi and peach are the girly girls, o’chunks and bowser are the muscle, and that leaves the last two-

(long post incoming)

the fact that 8-3 and 8-4 have luigi and dimentio paired off with eachother pretty much implies that he’s intended to be luigis parallel, and that nastasia and tippi are also parallels. not to be overly thorough again but i’m gonna spell out a lot of the ways both these parallels work

luigi and dimentio:

- have matching colour schemes (luigis inverted green and blue becomes purple and yellow, and vice versa)

- have the obvious parallels thanks to moments like in 6-1, 8-3 and 8-4 where dimentio and luigi/mr l have extended dialogues alone

- on the topic of mr l and dimentio, both of their major design traits are their masks and how one can’t be recognized with it on, and one’s true intentions can’t be recognized thanks to their mask always smiling

- carson mentions that dimentio was turned away once by the count before seeing that he had potential, much like luigi wasn’t allowed to come on adventures in pm64 until mario saw him handle himself in ttyd (this ones a bit of a stretch admittedly)

and just overall the fact that luigi and dimentio are the only remaining pair means they’re obvious parallels

tippi and nastasia:

- have mirroring but similar form transformations (tippi from human to flying creature, nastasia was implied to change from a flying creature to a humanoid)

- both are from blecks past, but only one of them was his love

- both of them sacrifice themselves in the name of love for the count (nastasias may have been platonic or familial), but only nastasia lives to see the end of the ordeal

- both are the one ‘non playable’ character in the group- you cant REALLY play as tippi and nastasia doesn’t get a boss fight

- pretty much the ‘brains’ of the group, the one that speaks on behalf of bleck/mario a lot of the time

HOWEVER. what if i told you i could also make the argument that THIS is also an equally valid interpretation.

now obviously the game pretty much confirms that luigi and dimentio are parallels through their fights but i could also argue that luigi/nastasia and tippi/dimentio have some parallels of their own, and why i wanna highlight this i’ll talk about later

tippi and dimentio:

- unlike the other parallels, tippi and dimentio are actively made so that dimentio can’t be tattled. he is literally the only miniboss or major npc like this (aside from maybe nastasia as she has no true overworld encounter)

- at the beginning of the game, both of them are the characters with the most mysterious pasts, as in little to no information is given (tippis gets given later, again i’ll come back to this)- dimentio is the only bar story that doesn’t help out much in terms of his past or lack thereof

- both of them have teleported a character to the safety of flipside in the events of the story (tippi in ch 4 and dimentio in the ch 2 interlude, though teleporting is part of his niche in general)

- have elements that may or may not hide a “true” face (is dimentio’s mask his face or is he just like that?)

- tippi and dimentio’s “moments” together are a bit fewer and far between compared to the others, like her strange out of place “i know you. you’re that...” and the fact that she’s the only one who survives dimentio’s ch 7 nuke (when he tells her directly he’s her enemy) and the fact that despite luigi being onscreen and PLENTY mouthy in his actual fight with dimentio, TIPPI is the one who talks back to you in dimentio’s optional game over

- this ones a bit of a stretch as it’s heavily based on theories that i don’t even believe myself but if you believe dimentio is the magicians son then both tippi and dimentio have a pseudo connection to pixls

luigi and nastasia:

- both are seen as the ‘right hand’ or ‘number two’ for their respective ‘number ones’ (mario and bleck) and generally play off of more subdued versions of their designs (nastasias glasses vs blecks monocle, her white clothes vs his beige cape and hat, her light blue vs his dark blue, luigis proportions being a bit more average compared to mario and a more subdued green colour scheme)

- both have a deep affection for bleck/mario and this is largely in part due to their pasts with them, where seeing their ability and kindness made them believe bleck/mario was truly brilliant (nastasias lines and backstory imply that she was around to see bleck as blumiere which would imply she knew him just as long or longer as tippi did), they also have spent more time by bleck/marios side than the others, comparatively

- both almost never have things on their own, their escapades are mostly ‘side stories’ (but they still DO happen: i’ll give tippi and nastasia the fact that they do hover around mario/bleck more than luigi hovers around mario BUT nastasia isn’t always around bleck, does her own thing, and is even in a meeting when bleck isnt vs tippi only ever leaving marios side when she’s forcibly removed)

- much like luigi and dimentio have their moments, nastasia and luigi also share moments (mostly in the first part of the game, keep it in mind): the most pivotal part of the direction luigi goes in this game is when he gets caught by nastasia, and nastasia is the one who tells him not to mess with the wedding

- in addition, many times throughout the game nastasia details to count bleck each minions defeat, often just telling him the messages they relay or punishing them herself, but specifically when it comes to mr. l’s disappearance, she says she’s the one at fault

- you could also make another design argument that mr l’s mask could also be a parallel to nastasias glasses as a large part of her character also comes from her glasses as they do the fact that mr l can’t be recognized- theyre her weapon (the red rims are also a bit of a gut punch when it comes to that)

- both of them wind up ‘taking count blecks place’ (as the final boss, and as the one to get hit by dimentio’s fatal blow) (interestingly this also puts them both out of commission for the final boss)

- this ones a big stretch but nastasia is seen openly sobbing at the end and luigi is the one of the four heroes who’s the most prone to tears (according to tv tropes at least)

so with all that being said, Why. why did i make this post. i’m sure i could draw comparisons to fuckin uhhh luigi and idk BONECHILL if i had the time on my hands. well the reason why is because i wanted to think about... what if we all looked at spm like this.

in the beginning, nastasia and luigi are in fact eachothers parallels, nastasias logic vs luigis emotion nastasia being the villain to defeat luigis hero yadda yadda yadda. but as the story goes on more and more of the luigi/dimentio parallel begins to happen. and this is because starting with chapter 5, dimentio begins to show his hand- to the heroes, but also to the audience. more of his plan is succeeding, and as count bleck grows more reluctant, this story becomes less and less about how to defeat him and more about how to stop the chaos heart from doing its thing.

we all know how that story goes though, how dimentio usurps the count and takes luigi with his little pizza hands. but i’m thinking that luigis parallels, luigis villains are really supposed to represent the arc 1 villain and the arc 2 villain- both nastasia and dimentio are the ones who are trying to make the man in green choose the dark prognosticus as the true prophecy, it’s just that as the story goes on, dimentio is the one who seizes control of the story. even to the effect that he’ll shift the very structure of the team around so that HE will do battle with luigi. so that HE is the one who is the obvious representative of the ideal host for the chaos heart.

cos who ELSE would it be, right??? :o)

*and here comes the obligatory disclaimer that obviously i’m not trying to say that THIS is concrete 100% what the writers meant. i just think this is an interesting interpretation i’d like to explore

[five-rivers]

Maybe a Secret Saturday and DP crossover with the Fenton's being approached to join the Secret Scientists. The parents are quickly deemed too biased against ghosts to join until further notice. Their kids, on the other hand. The son's not quite a scientist, but he has potential. And their daughter would be perfect.

“Remind me why I’m doing this again?”

Doc gave Zak a look.  “Because the Secret Scientists need new members.  Potential members need to be screened by existing members.  And the Fentons have kids your age.”

Zak raised a skeptical eyebrow.  “I don’t exactly get along with ‘kids my age.’”  It was true.  Ulraj and Wadi were exceptions to the rule, and even interactions with them had been rough at first.  It had been four years since he met them, and they were still just about his only friends.  

Zak just didn’t do ‘normal’ very well.  Sure, he could integrate himself into a group for the sake of information gathering, but that usually didn’t last very long.  Thirty minutes, tops.  

“I know,” said Doc.  “But sometimes people will say things to and around kids that they wouldn’t otherwise, and we want to be thorough.  Make sure we’re inviting ethical people.  No more Abbies.”

“I guess that makes sense,” said Zak.  He sighed.  He knew Fisk wouldn’t be able to come.  Most of the time, they were able to get away with people assuming he was a guy in a suit, or just ignoring him in favor of much more obvious, more immediately dangerous cryptids, but that wouldn’t be something they could get away with when it came to prolonged contact.  

It never seemed fair to Fisk.  

(Cryptids always seemed to get the short end of the stick.  Even the ones who were as intelligent as any human.)

“You don’t have to be friends with them,” said Doc, putting a hand on Zak’s shoulder.  “Just like we don’t have to accept the Fentons into the Secret Scientists...  But give it a chance?”

“Okay,” said Zak, shrugging.  “A chance.”

.

Danny loved his parents.  They loved him.  He knew that they were brilliant scientists who had made incredible breakthroughs in a difficult and poorly regarded field.  They deserved recognition and funding.  They had no colleagues with whom to correspond or test ideas with.  They had no real friends.  They deserved that, too.  

All in all, Danny thought they deserved the position in the think tank that was about it interview them.  

But Danny felt sick at the idea of them spreading their biased and hateful theories about ghosts to yet another group.  He hated the very thought of even more people, more scientists, more people who were trying to do good in the world, calling him and the other ghosts evil just because of the way they existed.  

But he didn’t know how to stop it.  Not without revealing himself, and he was too much of a coward to do that.  

... Maybe he could convince their kid he was a jerk?

Ugh, no.  As inconsiderate as he could be unintentionally, he was incapable of being a jerk on purpose.  Unless the person deserved it.  

(Jazz had once theorized that it had to do with his ghostly Obsession of helping others.  Danny theorized that not all aspects of his personality had to do with him being a ghost.  Jazz had dropped the theory shortly thereafter.)

He was worried.  

Could pull a Harry Potter and drop a cake on someone’s head.  Would that work?

Unlikely.  

There was one option, but it was a bit of a longshot.  He could tell the interviewers that he had doubts about his parents’ work and conclusions.  But would they believe him?  He was just a teenager.  Easy to dismiss.  

What if he approached them as Phantom?

(What if they were just as gun-happy as his parents?)

This was hard.  

He sighed, and swung himself off his bed.  Regardless of what he actually did, he needed to make himself ‘presentable,’ otherwise he’d never hear the end of it.  

Although, concerning his appearance and his secrets...  He tugged lightly on the lock of gray hair he’d sprouted lately.  It had become a nervous habit.  One he really needed to stop, because drawing attention to white hair on his head was not something he wanted to do.  

Maybe be should start dying his hair?

“Danny?” called Maddie from downstairs.  “The Saturday’s are here!  Come on down!”

Danny clattered down the stairs, being loud on purpose (the better to be undetected when he wanted to be quiet).  

The Saturdays...  Huh.  Danny had not expected to ever see another family wearing jumpsuits.  Much less orange jumpsuits.  Jack looked overjoyed.  

The Saturdays’ jumpsuits looked just slightly more combat ready, however.  Danny’s stomach, which had already been sitting rather low in his chest, plummeted. 

He did not foresee this going well in any way, shape, or form.  

He forced himself to turn his attention towards the son.  Who was color coordinated with his parents, but not, thankfully, wearing a jumpsuit.  

(Interestingly, he did, however, appear to be armed.)

“Hi,” said Danny, waving slightly in greeting.  

“This is our son, Danny,” said Maddie.  “Our daughter, Jazz, is at a study group right now, but she should be home before too long.  Danny, this is Doctor Solomon Saturday, his wife, Drew, and their son, Zak.”

Zak smiled at Danny in a slightly strained, awkward way.  His teeth were just a little sharper than human average.  There were flecks of orange and gold in his eyes.  

This was a person who wasn’t quite human.  

Maybe this would be easier than Danny thought.  He tugged on his lock of white hair.  “Prematurely grey buddies, huh?” he said.  

“Oh,” said Zak, touching his own, much larger, tuft of white hair.  “Yeah.  I guess so.”

“Um,” said Danny, acutely aware of all the parental eyes on him.  “Video games?”

“Sure,” said Zak.  

“Great,” said Danny.  “Let’s go.”

.

Zak followed Danny upstairs.  

He was 99% certain the other boy wasn’t entirely human.  He wasn’t sure if it was simply intuition, or some remnant of his Kur powers, but he would put money on it.  If, well, he had anyone who’d bet with him.  

(Doyle, maybe, but Doyle wasn’t here.)

(Where had this intuition been with Argost?  That’s what he wanted to know.)

“So,” said Danny, rocking slightly.  “Do you play Doom?”

“Now and then,” said Zak.  “Kinda prefer older games.”

“How old?”

“Uh...  I kind of like the pokemon games on the 64?”

“Oh, yeah, I’ve got a couple of those,” said Danny.  “Um.”  He flopped down in a beanbag chair.  “Just... make yourself at home, I guess?”

“Thanks,” said Zak, managing to catch the controller Danny tossed at him and sitting in the desk chair.  

“So...” said Danny, not making a move to turn on the system.  “This is going to be weird to ask, but, um.  Do your parents know you’re not totally human?”

Zak stared.  He... hadn’t expected Danny to be able to tell that he had been Kur, much less come right out and ask him about it.

“Or...  you know what, forget I said anything.  It’s just a joke, haha, so, games-”

“Do yours know?”

Danny frowned.  “That you’re not human?” 

“No, that you aren’t human.”

Danny looked away.  “No,” he said, fiddling with the controller.  “They’re not... very good about that kind of stuff.  If your parents are, that’s good.  It’s just...”  He rubbed the cord of the controller between his fingers.  “Mom and Dad are great at the technical side of things, but they don’t like being wrong.  And they think ghosts are unfeeling and mindless, so...”

“Oh,” said Zak.  “Um.  Are you,” he stopped, realizing that asking someone if they were dead was probably not a great idea.  He slumped down in his seat.  “I’ll tell my parents.”

“Yeah, if you could not tell them about me and just, like, the other bit, that’d be great.”

“I can do that,” said Zak.  

.

Jazz carefully placed an envelope under the windshield wiper of the Saturdays’ car.  Knowing her brother, he was probably going to try something dramatic, but if these people were serious about being scientists, she was sure they would take evidence and data regarding the intelligence of ghosts much better.  

And Danny had thought he was just humoring her when he helped her interview those ghosts!  Thought she had no other motives other than curiosity!

Well.  Honestly, he was right.  Back then, she didn’t know there was a think tank considering inviting her parents to join.  

But, hey, it came in handy, didn’t it?

.

“It’s such a shame,” said Drew, writing her recommendation against the Fentons joining the Secret Scientists.  “They seemed like such nice people.”

“Yeah, but if both their kids are telling us they shouldn’t be let in,” said Zak, “and they don’t even know about the Secret Scientists, they think you’re just part of a think tank, how nice can they really be?”

Drew made a face, and reached over to give Zak a quick hug, which he just as quickly escaped.  

“The daughter, though,” said Doc.  “She has a good foundation, here, with her research.”

“Maybe once she graduates high school,” said Drew.  “We have scholarships, don’t we?  Or maybe an internship...  Cryptid psychology might interest her...”

“What about Danny?” asked Zak, yelping as Fisk snuck up behind him and poked him.  

“Hrrade hhr hrend?” said Fisk, slyly.

Zak narrowed his eyes.  “Maybe,” he said.  

“We’ll keep an eye on them,” promised Doc.  “All the Fentons.  Just in case.”

[megumisbimbo]

- Two -

megumi fushiguro x reader

genre: fluff, slight angst

summary: (y/n) was nothing special. A human being who had no idea that curses walked the same earth they walked. But then they locked eyes with Megumi Fushiguro. Can Fushiguro focus on the task ahead or will he be distracted by the king of curses and his new love interest?

series masterlist

©️ @megumisbimbo — all rights reserved. Please do not repost, modify or translate my work. Reblogs and likes appreciated!

Credit for the main storyline and characters goes to Gege Akutami.

the songs are indicated throughout the story at certain points!

songs used:

the purge - h1ghr music

four - sleeping at last

“Don’t move! You’re no longer human. Under jujutsu regulations, I will exorcise you as a curse, Itadori Yuuji!”

“Huh? Wait there’s no problem. Anyway, you and I look pretty beat up. We need to get to a hospital.”

You sit in fear, not knowing whether Itadori was himself or that demon man. Standing, you press a hand against Fushiguro’s cheek, a silent plea to spare your kohai’s life. Fushiguro looked unwavering, his eyes full of apology as he prepares to exorcise Itadori.

“What’s the situation?” A voice behind you says, breaking the tension between the three high school students.

“Gojo-sensei!” Fushiguro says, half in shock and half in relief.

“Sorry the higher ups got involved after they heard that a special grade curse went missing. I agreed to come as long as I had time to sight see first. So did you find it?”

Fushiguro seemed to have relaxed a bit at the sight of this extremely tall blindfolded man. Seeing him so relaxed in turn relaxed you a bit. For whatever reason you felt safe around Fushiguro. Itadori interrupted your thoughts when he told the man that he ate the finger. What’s so special about this finger? And better yet, why did Itadori eat it? That’s gross. The blindfolded man’s attention turned to you.

“Megumi who’s this?”

He leans towards you. Your breath caught in your throat as his face finds itself only a few inches away from yours. You can feel his breath on your lips. Even with a blindfold, you can tell he’s handsome.

“Itadori’s senpai.”

“Hm I see, well my name is Gojo Satoru, it’s nice to meet you..” He stares deep into your eyes, examining them.

“(l/n)(f/n)... nice to meet you as well.”

“I wish we could have met under different circumstances. Megumi seems to have taken a liking to you.”

Fushiguro turns away, trying to hide his face which has flushed into a deep red. You feel you heart skip a beat at his reaction.

——— the purge by jay park ———

“Can you switch with Sukuna?” Gojo asks Itadori.

“Sukuna?”

“The cursed object you ate.”

“Oh, probably.”

“Alright then, give me ten seconds with him. Then switch back.”

Your heartbeat quickens at the thought of seeing that demon man again. He was nothing like Itadori, despite looking exactly like him. You grip onto Fushiguro’s upper arm, suprised at the muscle you feel. His uniform really did not do his athletic form justice. He looks at you and notices your fear. Moving slightly in front of you, he shields you from what he knew was about to happen. You prop yourself up onto your knees and once again find yourself peeking over his shoulder. Gojo suddenly throws a white shopping bag towards Fushiguro.

“Megumi, hold these for me.”

“What are they?”

“Kikufuku mochi! It’s a Sendai City speciality. I recommend the edamame and cream flavor!”

Fushiguro’s head whips upward startling you. You follow his gaze as he yells to Gojo.

“BEHIND YOU!”

You’re shocked at how laid back Gojo was. He was about to be ambushed by the demon, but he quickly clasps his hands together and vanishes for a split second. The dust around Fushiguro and you settles, revealing the demon man staring straight into your eyes, Gojo sitting comfortably on his back. A barrage of swings and punches fly towards the white haired man, and he dodged every single one of them. The tattooed man once again swings an arm upward reducing an entire of section of your high school to rubble. He must have been hit, you think to yourself. Your heart sinks a bit, afraid of what happened to Gojo-sensei. You look at Fushiguro with worried eyes. He stares straight ahead, no trace of fear or worry. You whip your head back towards the rubble and find Gojo untouched.

“Seven, eight, nine... should be about time.”

The tattooed man’s face jolts, then falls. His tattoos fade and is soon replaced with the smooth, tan skin of your kohai.

“Was everything ok?” Itadori says leaving Gojo shocked at how well he could control the demon trapped in his body. Pressing two fingers against Itadori’s forehead, Gojo holds the boy’s body in his arms as he is rendered unconscious.

“What did you do?” Fushiguro asks.

“Knocked him out. If he wakes up and isn’t possessed, he may have potential as a vessel.” You sit on your knees, confused at all the terminology being thrown around.

“Question. What do I do with him and the one hiding behind you?” Gojo asks.

Fushiguro turns and looks deep into your fear filled eyes.

“They must both be executed under jujutsu regulation, but I don’t want them to die.”

You grip tightly onto his arm, thanking him for sparing your life.

“I guess we’ll be getting two new students at Jujutsu Tech!”

Jujutsu Tech? New student?

“You.” Gojo says, looking in your direction. You shrink under his powerful gaze.

“You have any family?”

You shake your head and he smiles. You furrow your eyebrows questioning his apparent joy. Didn’t know being an orphan was such a joyous feature.

“Wonderful! You’ll be joining Megumi and the vessel at Jujutsu Tech! I’ll send Megumi with you to get your belongings. You a first year?”

“No, second year.”

“Well we have some wonderful second years! I’m sure you’ll get along with them nicely.” Gojo says, a stupid smile plastered across his face. What have you gotten yourself into?

——— four by sleeping at last ———

Itadori and you walk through the halls of the Sugisawa hospital, your hand in his. You find the room where Iguchi laid, several bandages wrapped around his unconscious head. Sasaki sits on a chair by his side, eyes puffy from all the crying she did. Itadori knocks and she turns toward the door where you stood.

“Itadori, (y/n).”

“How is Iguchi?” Itadori asks.

“The doctors say he’s fine but he’s still unconscious...it’s all my fault.” She says, regret mixed into her voice and a trail of tears falling down her already puffy cheeks.

“Itadori...you probably won’t believe us but...there were these monsters and-“

Itadori cuts her off.

“I believe you. They aren’t monsters, they’re curses. The finger was some sort of special grade object.”

Her eyes fill with more tears. “Itadori...”

“It’s not your fault. I was the one who picked it up in the first place. Don’t worry senpai, there’s someone coming tomorrow who can help Iguchi.”

Itadori turns to your tear stained face and wipes your cheek with the back of his hand.

“Sorry senpai, we have to go.” He says to Sasaki, leading you out of the gloomy hospital room, his hand still tightly gripping yours. You wipe whatever tears he missed, as you contemplate all that has happened in the past 12 hours.

“I have to go meet up with Gojo-sensei, will you be ok on your own?”

“Yeah, I’m supposed to meet Fushiguro at my house to pick up my stuff.”

Itadori pulls you into a tight embrace, and you sob into his shoulder.

“I’m sorry senpai...we’ll get through this together. I’ll be there with you. Just like always.”

His words calm you down and you pull away from the hug giving him a reassuring smile. How was he able to stay so calm and level headed?

Once home, you start packing your belongings into bags. You live in a small one bedroom house that you paid for with the insurance money given to you after your parents died. You were an only child, so you ended up with all the money. You’ve been using it to sustain yourself and the house without needing to get a part time job. You were thankful of course, but it would be nicer to have your parents alive. They died in a freak accident when you were 10, and your only other family members outwardly declared that they wanted nothing to do with you. You never understood why.

A tapping at your door broke you from your contemplation. You opened the door to reveal a bandaged Fushiguro.

“You ready to go?” He asks, a slight blush creeping across his face.

“I just have one more bag to pack and then I’ll be ready. Please make yourself at home. It’s not much but...it works.”

“It’s nice. You live alone?” He asks, warily stepping through your door.

“Yeah I’m all alone here, but Itadori lives a few doors down so I tend to spend time with him.”

Fushiguro seemed uncomfortable at the last part of your sentence. He wanders aimlessly around your living room and spots pictures of you when you were younger. He picks the one of you and your parents on a vacation in Tokyo.

“Are these your parents?”

“Yeah.” Your face drops a little, suddenly saddened by the thought of your parents. You missed them.

Fushiguro, on the other hand, holds the picture close to his face and examine the face of your mother.

“Is something wrong?” You ask, a little creeped out by his actions.

“No no I just...thought i saw something familiar.”

“Oh.”

You turn back to the open suitcase and continue deciding what jeans to take. You remember Gojo-sensei saying there was a uniform for you, and how you didn’t need to bring too many regular clothes with you. You decide on the black pair and place it on the top of your pajamas for easy access. After zipping it up, you flip it upright and pull the handle out. Fushiguro takes the handle from your hand and wheels it outside.

“You don’t have to take that, I have another hand to wheel it with.”

“It’s alright, I want to.”

Your heartbeat quickens as the corner of the raven haired boy’s mouth curls slightly into a discreet smile. You liked his smile. You wanted to see it again.

You pick up your backpack, sling it over your shoulder and follow Fushiguro out. You lock the door and pull the key off of your keychain and mentally remind yourself to give it to Gojo. He had told you he would take care of the house problems for you, just to hand over the keys and whatever paperwork you had. Fushiguro makes a quick call and you two wait until a black car rolls up your driveway. You get into the back alongside Fushiguro and are swiftly taken to your new school.

You follow Fushiguro up into the mountains where the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School was located. It didn’t even look like Tokyo.

“Gojo-sensei told me that you were to be kept under the radar here, so the higher ups won’t know that you’re staying with us.”

“Does that make me a liability?” You ask, feeling a little guilty.

“Yes, but I told him that I would take care of you.”

You could swear your heart stops when he says that.

“Oh, well then where will I be sleeping?”

“In my room.”

You pause, shocked at his casual outlook on the situation.

“Your room?”

“Yeah, I had Gojo-sensei put an extra bed in so I could properly keep an eye on you. Although you’re pretty quiet so I don’t think it’ll be too much of a problem.”

Quiet? That’s what he’s worried about? Is this guy dense?

“Ok I guess.” You respond, your voice cracking slightly from your nervousness. You prayed he didn’t notice it, and to your delight, he hadn’t. I guess he doesn’t notice many things.

You follow him to his room, and set your things down on the ground.

“That bed is yours.” He says pointing to the empty one placed alarmingly close to his. His room was simple and very organized. You admire that, being a fairly organized person yourself.

“Once you’re settled down, we need to go get some treatment for our wounds.”

“Alright, I’ll only be a few minutes.”

You quickly unpacked as much as possible and then followed Fushiguro through the school to the nurse. After your treatment, you both went back to his room and promptly knocked out on your respective beds.

tags: @xreemie @kitkozume @noyakura

[aremiies]

DRUMMER BOY.

pairings: drummer!bakugou x fem!reader

warnings: a bit of swearing, fluff and bad writing, band!au

prompt(s): it’s a song prompt (v cheesy ik) the song is misery business by paramore.

part two.

not my gif !

—

“guys!” yelled a certain pink haired girl, as she chaotically ran into the stores back room to alert her friends of the newly aquired news she may or may not have learned two minutes prior. her friends, all on their lunch break, stopped what they were doing to look up to the girl who was practically jumping out of her skin.

“are you okay, mina? is there a reason you almost broke a rib trying to get through the door frame?” jirou raised a brow, looking up from her phone to entertain mina’s obvious excitement. mina squealed, trying to somewhat contain herself.

“can you get to the point already, dumbass?!” bakugou growled.

“yeah, mina,” kirishima added, “what’s got you so jumpy?”

mina sighed, somewhat dramatically, before she (finally) told her friends what she was so happy about, “so, guys, remember how we wanted to play a show at that lounge a couple blocks over?” her friends nodded before she continued, “they finally called back! the manager said it’s a yes!”

“no way.” jirou stood up.

“that’s great!” kaminari spoke up.

“yeah, no kidding! they approved of the songs?” kirishima inquired.

mina nodded, “yeah! i sent them them the lyrics to a couple of our songs, and they said that they didn’t mind which ones we played, but they’d really like if we played misery business. they’re even gonna pay us!”

“wait... isn’t that the song that you and jirou couldn’t get the vocals right to?” kaminari puzzled.

it went quiet for a second before bakugou groaned, “oh look, the pink freak didn’t think before she acted! what a surprise.”

“hey! don’t blame me i th-“

mina was cut off by bakugou’s thunderous yelling, “don’t blame you?! who else are we gonna blame?! you’re the one who sent in the request form!”

“guys, calm down,” kirishima laughed nervously, “i’m sure it’ll be fine. we could just change the chords of the song to compliment jirou’s vocal range.”

kaminari cut in, “or... no offense, maybe we could find somebody else with that vocal range to sing it for her. jirou already plays bass— oh! what about sero? we could ask him if he could-“

“no, dumbass, sero said he didn’t wanna be apart of the band anymore, remember?” bakugou grumbled.

before the group could think of anymore solutions, the bell on the front counter rang, followed by a voice calling out a to someone who could potentially help them checkout, “um... hello? is anyone back there?”

jirou sighed as she got up from the black leather couch that complimented the break room, “i’ll go help them. break is over anyways.” as jirou emerged from the back room, her eyes widened slightly as she spotted you holding a red, six stringed electric bass guitar. well, five strings actually, since it seemed that there was one missing.

“hi! sorry to keep you waiting, how can i help you today?” jirou smiled, walking behind the counter and taking in your features. you seemed like a shy type of girl... even if you weren’t, just by looking at you, she wouldn’t have suspected that you played electric guitar. your eyes looked so soft and your hands so delicate as they wrapped around the neck of the guitar. your clothes as well. as much as she didn’t want to stereotype, the clothes that adorned your body didn’t give in to the ‘edgy guitarist’ aesthetic that the guitar itself did. besides all that, she couldn’t help but to feel you looked oddly familiar.

“yeah actually, haha. i saw on the sign outside that you guys do string repairs? my ‘a’ string snapped a couple days ago..” you explained to the raven haired girl behind the counter.

jirou nodded, “yeah, of course! we’re actually having a sale right now, so if you’d like to get all you string replaced, it’d only cost $10.”

“oh? hell yeah, thanks. i’ve never taken myself to get my strings repaired, though... does it take long? should i leave and come back?” you trailed off.

she shook her head, “nah, all these should only take about ten minutes max.”

—

“so, what’s your name?” jirou made easy conversation as she began repairing your strings.

“i’m y/n, nice to meet you... jirou?” you read her name tag.

she let out a small chuckle and nodded, “you as well. so, you in a band or something?”

“oh! no, i’ve thought about starting one before, but i don’t really have anyone to do so with. i write songs and play them on haru.” you explained.

“haru?”

“yeah, that’s her name.”

jirou chuckled once more, “you named your bass?”

“uh— duh.” you playfully rolled your eyes before another figure stepped from the back room, catching your attention.

“oh.” muttered the blonde.

jirou turned to look behind her, “oh, hey bakugou. is there anything you needed?”

the boy ignored her and walked towards the counter, “you play bass?” he asked you. crimson eyes boring into your y/e/c ones.

“y-yes. not a lot... just here and there when i think it’ll compliment one of my songs.” you verified.

“you write songs?” bakugou questioned.

“only when i’m bored-“

“what kind of songs are th-“

“katsuki! stop questioning her, this isn’t a police interrogation!” jirou interjected.

“what! don’t we need another person to sing that song? i’m trying to look for options.” he shrugged.

you furrowed your brows, “you guys are a band?”

“yeah, there’s more of us. they’re in the break room though.” jirou shared. “it’s just... okay, we have this ‘gig’ soon, and one of our members entered us in under a song that we can’t seem to get right. and it’s just our luck that, that’s the song the managers would likes us to sing especially.”

you tilted your head leaning on the counter as she spoke. as you did so, bakugou studied your features— just as jirou had done minutes before. he found you interesting. just as jirou had thought, he also didn’t see you as the type to play the electric guitar out of all the different types available.

“you don’t look like the type to play.” he blurted out.

“katsuki-!” jirou sighed.

“what?! she doesn’t. she’s so... average looking.” he reckoned.

your face dropped immediately and you turned to look at him, “excuse me? what’s that supposed to mean?”

“it’s not a bad thing,” he began, “i’m just saying that you don’t look like the other people who come in her with these types of guitars.”

you subtly rolled your eyes before looking back to jirou, “so, what lounge are you supposed to be playing at?”

“the one a few blocks from here. it’s called ‘rolling red’ i believe.” she replied.

“oh! i’ve played there before!”

the two employees looked at you with furrowed brows, “you have?!”

the sudden realization crashed on top of jirou as soon as the words left her mouth, “that’s where i know you from! i’ve seen you play before! you played that cover of frances forever by mitski! i loved it, i thought about it for days after!”

you looked down at your feet as you felt your cheeks heat up, “th-thank you. i didn’t think it was that good..”

“well it was-! dude, you should totally sing for our band when we play our gig!” the usually laid back girl was brimming with happiness at the thought of finding their replacement singer on such short notice.

“i-i don’t know-“

before you could finish, you felt someone wrap their arms around your shoulders, “oh come on! you’d be great! your voice would sound great with the songs we have picked out!” you spot the pink toned arms around you and turn around.

“where did she come from?” you mumbled.

“so, what do you say? it’ll only be a one time thing.” jirou smiled hopefully.

you sighed and looked at the (now three) employees in front of you, “okay— w-wait. when is the gig anyways?”

“two weeks away.” the pink girl giggled.

“well... i guess it wouldn’t hurt.” you shrugged.

“really?! thank you!” mina engulfed you in a hug.

“yeah, don’t mention it.” you smiled.

jirou grinned and handed you your guitar, “meet us back here tomorrow. we can start our first official practice.”

you nodded, grabbing your wallet beginning to pay for the string repair before a hand fell over yours, “don’t bother. you agreeing to do this for us is payment enough... i- i guess.” bakugou hesitantly ensured.

you thanked the employees before exiting the store with a grin adorning your face. you barely knew these people, but you couldn’t help but to be the least bit excited.

—

“so, do you get it?” mina asked as she helped you understand the chords to the song.

you tilted your head in slight confusion, “uh... i think so? i’ve just never played so... aggressively? no offense.”

it was the next day and you were currently in one of the practice rooms in the back of the music store. you’d formally met everyone and it seemed that the rest of the band were cool with having you as their replacement singer. kirishima and kaminari thought you were pretty nice. bakugou said you were “pretty cool... i guess.”, but it was obvious that jirou and mina adored you the most. you weren’t too shy, you just weren’t rowdy. you weren’t too quiet, you just only spoke when spoken to out of fear of being too a annoying for the band.

“okay, let’s try again then?” jirou smiled and you nodded, placing your fingers on the strings and praying you didn’t mess up again. though it was your first time hearing the song and learning the chords, you were doing fairly well. you knew the chords and how to play them, it was just the aggressiveness in which you were supposed to play that you were screwing up on.

you sighed as you heard bakugou give the infamous drummer count off, and began to play. you weren’t using a pick, so you felt the tips of your thumb and index began to beat up as you strummed the strings quickly and found the tempo. you counted the amount of times you’d screw up by the end. the total being only seven. not bad for a four minute song.

“that wasn’t bad, y/n!” you heard kaminari compliment you.

“yeah, you did a lot better this time! it’s like you’ve already memorized everything and we’ve only been practicing for about three hours.” mina added.

you smiled at the two, “thanks, guys. really. i tried to relax more this time, so i only messed up... seven times. i think.”

“you counted?” jirou asked as she took a sip of her water.

“yeah, the last time we did it, i messed up nine times, but i found out what it was i was doing wrong and fixed it, now i only have seven more errors to correct.” you explained.

“well look at you go! at this rate, we’ll be practicing with the lyrics by this evening.” mina praised.

unlike the other four, bakugou didn’t say anything about how well you were doing. he couldn’t really bring himself to say anything to you. it wasn’t like he was embarrassed or anything; more like he was nervous to. the whole time you’d all been practicing he’d been watching your facial expressions change as you played he chords on your guitar. he could tell that you were feeling it, and that made him feel something.

—

“i’m in the business of misery, let’s take it from the top. she’s got a body like an hourglass, it’s ticking like a clock.” you mumbled the lyrics to the song as you shadow played the chords. you were liking the song so far. it wasn’t something you usually played and you liked that. you sat in the corner of the practice room as everyone took their break. either going to use the bathroom or just walking around the shop to stretch their legs. you decided on staying back and practicing the lyrics on your own before you did in front of everyone else. the thought of embarrassing yourself loomed in the back of your mind and you were absolutely terrified of it. you didn’t care if it was a rehearsal or not. embarrassing yourself was, simply, not an option.

“you sound nice.” and deeper voice spoke.

startled, you looked up from the notepad of lyrics in front of you and up to the door where, there stood bakugou; hands shoved in his pockets as he leaned against the doorframe.

“o-oh. thank you...” you muttered.

“i think i know where you keep messing up at on the chords.” he quipped.

“you do? but how? you play drums.”

he scoffed light heartedly, “just because i play drums doesn’t mean i’m oblivious to the workings and notes of other instruments.”

“oh...” you voiced, looking at the floor below you.

“here, let me see it.”

“see what?”

“your guitar, dumbass. i’m going to help you.”

you handed the boy your guitar and followed his figure with your eyes as he sat down next to you.

“after the third eight-count, your finger placement is off. i can hear it.” he stated as he began placing his finger on the strings.

“oh no... it was that obvious?” you whined burying your face in your hands. so much for embarrassment not being an option.

“stop whining, dumbass. it’s not that bad, but you can still tell that there’s something off.” he expressed, “now look, you have the right idea. but the wrong action. it’s not much, just move your finger up the neck a bit more.” bakugou strummed the note and looked back up at you, “like that. now you try.” he instructed handing you the guitar.

“okay...” copying the boys previous actions, you place your fingers on the strings. sliding your middle finger up the neck a bit, just as he’d instructed. you stunned the note and looked at him for approval.

“perf— good.” bakugou complimented hesitantly.

“mhm... thank you.” you have him a slight smile.

he nodded as he got up and headed towards the door, “if you want... i can start helping you with things like this privately. like... like we did just now. if you want, though. i don’t really care. just a suggestion.”

you nodded vigorously, “yes please. i like the way you teach.”

“o-oh... okay... well just give me your number and i can text you when we leave. or we can stay after.” bakugou suggested. the crimson eyed boy was slightly taken aback. he didn’t really expect you to say yes to him “tutoring” you. not like he was complaining though, he actually may or may not have enjoyed your company.

“can we stay after?” you asked.

he shrugged, “if that’s what you’d like.”

—

“bye guys! bakugou, remember to lock up.” kirishima waved as he and the rest of the group made their separate ways home. as for you and bakugou? you two had some after hours lessons to attend to.

the two of you made your ways back to the practice rooms.

upon entering, bakugou closed the door and turned to you, “do you want to start where we left off?”

you nodded, “yeah. after the third eight-count.”

bakugou sat down in the corner from earlier and patted the spot next to him, signaling for you to sit next to him. you complied and sat next to the blonde handing him your guitar.

“the part after the one we practiced earlier... the part where theres singing and then there’s just instrumental? can we work on that part?” you pleaded.

bakugou felt his cheeks heat up as he looked at you so find your eyes staring back into his. there was something about your eyes that made him feel warm. the feeling that your gaze gave him made him feel safe, “y- sure. okay it for me and we can start from there.”

—

it was about 8pm when the two of you decided that you’d practiced enough for the day. you helped him clean up around she shop before locking up and walking you home.

“you don’t have to, you know.” you expressed to him.

“it’s the right thing to do. i’m not just gonna let you walk home alone in the dark, dumbass.” he replied looking straight ahead.

it was quiet after that, until you walked past a convenience store, “i’m gonna go in to get something. i haven’t eaten since breakfast and i’m starving.” you let out a breathy laugh as you turned to walk in.

“eh?! dumbass, you need to eat properly. come on, i’ll but you some dinner. you don’t need to eat from a convenience store.” bakugou reprimanded. “follow me.” the two of you took a detour to a restaurant not too far away from where you guys were currently at.

“you don’t have to do this. i’m fine with getting something quick and cheap—“

“no,” he cut you off, “you need to eat properly. we won’t be long.”

—

onigiri in hand, the two of you continued your walk home in a comfortable silence as the two of you ate.

“thank you,” you said looking up at him.

bakugou glanced down at you before looking back up, “yeah, no problem.”

“we can stop here, my house is only around the corner. i’ll be fine on my own for now.”

bakugou nodded slightly, “yeah uh... sure. make sure to come to the shop tomorrow.”

you looked at the blonde in slight confusion, “huh? it’s closed tomorrow, is it not?”

“yeah,” he began, “but we still have to work through some of your screw ups. meet me there no later than noon.” he stated before walking away.

you silently agreed before turning away and walking the remainder of the way to your house alone.

—

“y/n, it’s been a bit more than a week since we’ve started these practices and you still don’t have that note down!” bakugou snapped. you two had been practcing with each other for a bit of a while now, and during that time you’ve gotten a bit more comfortable with each other.

“you idiot, i’m trying! you have to understand that i’m not used to singing notes on that octave.” you said rubbing your temples.

“okay, we’ll get used to it! you have two more days to get it right.” katsuki grumbled. “if you don’t, you’re going to embarrass yourself, dumbass.”

you narrowed your eyes at him, though, he was right. the note you were trying to hit wasn’t that hard. you could do it— you knew you could.

“you guys alright in here?”

you looked up to find mina at the door, peaking her head in from the outside.

“what the hell? i thought your alien ass went home.” bakugou stated.

“i could say the same about you guys. i went home and realized i forgot my charger, but you both should go home. it’s nearly ten pm. get some rest.” mina noted.

“ten pm?!” you exclaimed, quickly jumping up.

“holy shit!” bakugou chimed in grabbing his things.

the two of you exited the practice rooms and made your way to the front of the store. as you began to exit, the boy was quick to stop you, “h-hey—! don’t be so quick to leave. i still have to walk you home, y’know.”

you let go of the door and looked back at the male, “well come on then.”

the two of you waved goodbye to mina before taking the oath to your house. upon arriving, you felt bakugou’s hand ok your shoulder, “we won’t be able to practice tomorrow, we all have things to do, so make sure you work on that note, dumbass. we don’t need you screwing up.”

you nodded before walking to your door, “goodnight, bakugou.”

—

the day of the gig was finally here and though you told katsuki that’s you’d practice, you never did. that being said, you still hadn’t attempted to hit that high note. it was too late, though. you were now sitting backstage waiting for your guys’ turn.

“i’m nervous..” mina admitted as she paced back and forth.

“why?” jirou raised a brow in confusion, “we’ve practiced a lot these past few days. we’ve got this in the bag. if y/n worked out the thing with her high note, we shouldn’t be worried about anything. let’s just pretend this is another rehearsal.” the girl smiled.

the mentioning of your high high note mad your stomach churn. you hadn’t told them you didn’t practice in fear of coming off as irresponsible.

“yeah, we’ve been sounding really good! we got this, guys. besides, we’re up next so you’d probably want to try and calm down.” kaminari tried to somewhat comfort the pink skinned girl.

meanwhile, you were chewing your nails down to the cuticle. all of your practicing had led up to this moment and bakugou could tell you were nervous. he watched as your leg bounced up and down and you spit out the pieces of nail you’d bite off.

“hey, dumba— er... y/n,” bakugou prattled, walking over to and placing a hand on your shoulder, “calm down, yeah? you’re gonna do fine. i-... i believe in your dumbass... i-i guess.” he trailed off.

your soft eyes looked into his narrowed ones, your face softening at his comforting (?) words. you nodded, and as if on cue, the six of you were called onto stage.

—

this was it. this was what you’d practiced for. you looked out into the ‘crowd’; there were a lot of people for this just being a bar and lounge. maybe because it was a saturday? or, maybe you were just seeing blurry. whatever it was, you didn’t have time to worry about it as the sound of bakugou’s infamous drummer count off filled your ears.

you took a deep breath, one last chance to calm your nerves before you started to strum the notes on your guitar.

you counted off the final eighth of the instrumental and began to sing, “i’m in the business of misery, let’s take it from the top. she’s got a body like an hour glass it’s tickin like clock. it’s a matter of time before we all run out, when i thought he was mine, she grabbed him by the mouth,”

you have a jirou a look out the corner of your eye and was met with her approving, close-lipped smile. looking over to mina, you were meg with the same smile, only wider and toothier.

you took that as a sign and pulled yourself together, hands still sweaty from your nerves being a wreck, “i waited eight long months, she finally set him free. i told him i can’t lie, he was the only one for me. two weeks and we had caught on fire, she’s got it out for me, but i wear the biggest smile,”

so far, so good. you hadn’t had a voice crack (yet), and as the song went on you could feel your anxiety washing away. the song continued and it seemed the crowd was enjoying it quite a lot. you liked seeing the smiles on their faces, it made you happy. though, your smile quickly faded when you realized what part was coming. the part you took upon yourself to not practice for. your mind started to race; the note isn’t that hard to hit. you’ve hit notes like this before— that was a lie. but, hey, you’ve hit notes close to it before ! soon, there was no more time for you to think about it. it was now or never, and it wasn’t like you could just skip the part all together.

without a second thought, you scraped together the little courage you find in yourself and sang, “but god, does it feel so good. cause i’ve got ‘em where i want him now. and if you could, then you know you would, cause god, it just feels so... it just feels so good.”

your eyes widened as the final lyrics left your mouth. you did it— who are you kidding, of course you did. you knew you had it in you. and with that, the crowd cheered. you let go of the microphone stand that you didn’t even remember grabbing hold of, and smiled. in a matter of second you felt arms around you.

“you did amazing, y/n!” jirou congratulated.

“you sounded great!” mina added with a wide grin.

you smiled and hugged the two girls back, “thanks guys...”

—

the six of you eventaully made your ways back to backstage.

“did you guys see how everyone applauded?! they loved us out there!” kaminari grinned. the rest of you nodded, giving each other compliments on how well they played. you looked over to find bakugou looking at you. you smiled, walking over to sit next to him.

“you... you did good, dumbass,” he gave you a subtle smile, “if i’m being honest, i didn’t think you were gonna do it.”

you chuckled a bit before looking up at him, “would you believe me if i said i didn’t either?”

the blonde shook his head, “hell no. you let go of your bass and everything. you knew you were gonna hit it. there was too much confidence in your movements to say otherwise.”

“thank you.” you said after a few moments of silence between you two.

“yeah, whatever.”

“no, seriously,” you said putting a hand on his shoulder. he felt his cheeks heat up as he looked into your eyes. they had the same sincere look the always did, “you’re a great teacher. and i could tell you genuinely believed in me. that made it easier to preform.”

bakugou was silent for a second, “yeah. anytime..”

you engulfed the boy into a hug before you began towards the rest of the band.

“oh uh, y/n?”

you turned around, “hm?”

“you should consider joining the band... we could use you here. and you’re... cool to hand around. i-i guess, i uh... like having you around and you’re talented or whatever... so yeah.”

you smiled, “are you sure you just don’t want to keep me around a bit longer for your own sake?” you teased.

“wh-what?! hell no, dumbass. you’re delusional.” bakugou retorted.

“mhm, whatever. in any case, i’ll think about it, cutie.”

—

idk of i want to leave this open ended, or make a second part- lmk? :) anyways, hope you enjoyed !

[leahseclipse]

Dear friend

Series masterlist | Masterlist

A link to AO3, if you prefer reading on that platform

_________

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader

Category: Angst/ comfort

Warnings: cursing, guns, mentions of death, injuries detail, drowning, mild graphic details about victims, criminal minds stuff

Summary: Reader joins the BAU team, with possible feelings for one of the members, as old acquaintances reappear in her life.

Word count: 17.2 (literally the longest fic I’ve ever written-)

A/N: Hello! Here's 'Dear friend' ! This chapter is the prologue of "may the show begin", because you'll get to read the moments when y/n and Spencer met. (Small para mentioning it in chap 2).

This chapter can be read before, after, or even if you don't read the series! It won't spoil anything because in this chap, the case happening has nothing to do with what happens 10 years later in the 1rs chap, so that is why it isn't named may the show begin. This chapter is set in 2002 at the beginning, until she goes to the BAU, where it is set in 2005, when the first season occurs.

Back when you were in New York, you had met Ethan somewhere around 2002. He really was and seemed like a good friend.

His hair was tinted by a light blonde and black roots were showing, when you had asked for a reason, he had mentioned that he wasn't a natural blonde, he was just bored of having black hair and wanted to try something else, so he tried for blonde, mentioning again that he'd probably change it again if he ever feels like it.

His eyes were a basic dark brown and almond shaped, you always liked to look at them; it had been the first thing you noticed when you had met him, although he had insisted on the fact that they weren't so special, you did make him know about it.

Never one second you would have thought you would have kinda fallen in love with this guy. You liked him but, you weren't so sure. You preferred to get to know him before thinking of relationship stuff.

You guys had first met at a coffee shop near your job and a university, so a lot of students would come.

That day, you were going there because you had managed to finish some of your paperwork to allow yourself a small break for once; but what caught your curiosity when you had seen him by the counter was his coffee order.

'I've never seen this one. I have to admit that it's quite special.'

'I just don't like it basic, like yours. Black isn't my thing.' 

'Sugary isn't my thing, like yours.'

'Oh I— shit, gotta go, my class is gonna start. I'll see you later…what's your name?'

'y/n, you?'

'Ethan.'

'Well, see you soon Ethan.'

'See you soon y/n.'

From that moment, whenever you happened to have a free period of time, you'd go to the shop, hoping to see him. 

He would eventually be there from time to time, as you guys slowly became friends and grew closer.

Well, in this situation what you expected to turn out bad actually turned out to be less painful that you expected it to be.

It was on a Saturday, around three or four in the afternoon. Strangely, you immediately knew something bad was about to happen, it was raining when you stepped out of your apartment; you had a feeling, a bad one. 

You had expected him not to be here, he had mentioned that he hated going out whenever it rained, but he was here, at the table you usually sit at with him. 

You had gestured to him to wait for you to get your coffee with your hand and he dramatically sighted like a child who had just been told by his mother that he couldn't have his favorite box of candies.

This comparison was stupid when you thought of it, but that's how you interpreted his expression.

After getting your order, you began asking each other questions about work, recent trends, a bit of everything you two could think of. 

And at some point, he had mentioned his girlfriend in the conversation.

His girlfriend.

All of your dreams kind of shattered at this moment; you had already imagined yourself with him, in the park, in an apartment, with maybe a cat or a dog. It might have been ridiculous to think of that stuff when you weren't even together, but you really felt like you guys could have been a thing.

Which was actually pretty dumb when you think of it. But in your mind, when you had first met him, you rushed too fast.

Instead of being the selfish friend— you weren't at all—, getting angry at him because he didn't choose you, you acted like you would usually, the nice and supportive friend you always were, you congratulated him, telling how lucky his girlfriend was, that she seemed so nice when he talked about her, he had to keep her. As long as he was happy, it was all that mattered.

There was no reason to be angry, because he was happy and in love. It wouldn't have done anything good to your friendship to yell at him, it would have been stupid to do that.

From that day, you had simply put the little remaining feelings you had in a box and threw it away.

He didn't feel the same way, and would never because he fell in love with someone else.

You quickly adjusted to the idea, giving up. You wouldn't do any good to yourself by constantly thinking of him, knowing well you'll never have him.

'You only were friends, and it was okay.'

As long as you guys stayed friends, it totally was alright, you hadn't felt jealousy, anger, you just let go of your feelings like you would let go of a balloon. 

You had moved on for a while, and strangely, you had realised that if he suddenly would ask you out, you wouldn't feel the same way as before.

Two years after you met, you had managed to get a job at the FBI, in New York, being the youngest of the team. This wasn't your first choice at all as you had originally planned to work at Quantico, in the BAU team, but it was that or nothing.

You would only participate in cases, but not go on the field, it only was a desk job. You weren't made for this job—not while assuming that you are perfect—, with what you knew, you had all of the knowledge and capacity to do what your coworkers did.

It sure felt really weird at first, you felt like a toddler in the middle of a crowd full of adults. 

You had slowly adjusted, trying to prove yourself to be accepted by the others, in a way.

Some were nice, some complete asses, or would just be both. You only were close with one guy, Jayden. You wouldn't see him often but he was nice, he was about twenty years older than you but still, you had a great bond with him, and even visited his home, his wife was really nice with you. 

The first months there were complete hell, they didn't seem to have enough remarks to tell you, always talking behind your back, trying to prove that they were better than you when they'd absolutely do nothing but disrespecting you, trying to prove to others that you were nothing but a twenty-two years old that hadn't her spot here.

At the eyes of your coworkers, you were nothing but the incompetent, useless y/n.

Getting transferred out of here would be awesome. Anywhere else but here would be better.

You hadn't stopped thinking about that everyday; the team you worked in was complete hell.

*

Today marked the two years anniversary since your arrival, you were twenty-four.

Well, two years anniversary seemed weird, because to you, it would usually be said to describe something good to you, so in that case it simply would be 'two years since your unfortunate arrival'.

It somehow became better, but...not really. The remarks had stopped for a while, but your coworkers still hadn't changed after two years.

Not at all.

As for you, you had, in a way, managed to get some respect from the others. You had found the way to not let anyone treat you like that ever again, and prove yourself. 

You could see their face burning, they had failed making you be seen as the incompetent and useless y/n they expected you to become.

It wasn't until you had received an email in your mailbox one day. You first had thought it was another joke from one of your coworkers, as they already did it once, but as you read further, it really didn't seem like one.

It apparently wasn't a joke at all. 

Before arriving there, you had studied behavioral sciences, psychology, a bunch of degrees necessary so you could possibly be eligible for that unit, but you never would have expected the BAU to actually contact you, plus, SAY that they were interested and enthusiastic about your potential arrival to the unit.

You hadn't heard about these words for a while, for way too long. So, seeing them in that email was unbelievable, you first thought that you had misread and rubbed your eyes, but it still was the same. exact. words.

No one was around when you opened it, which happened to be quite sad, but nice. 

Nice, because you could react however you want, say what you want, do what you want without bringing any attention; but quite sad, because you couldn't see their faces turning red at the news.

They would have burned with rage knowing that someone that is barely there since two years, while they've been here longer than you, was offered a job in that kind of place.

But, you were more than happy, knowing that you would never see them again.

Except, something suddenly felt off.

Ethan and Jayden.

You had to tell them that they wouldn't see you anymore.

You were about to move out to Quantico, at the BAU unit, meaning that you probably would be more busy than ever, so, less time to hang out, or even not any at all.

After a few minutes of staring at the wall, you glanced at your computer, turning it off with a sigh.

Tomorrow might be the best and the worst day of your life.

*

The goodbyes were harder than you had thought, for Jay, you had gone to his house in the afternoon and for Ethan it was around midnight; you guys had settled on this hour because you wouldn't be available later in the week.

You never would have thought you would have to do that one day.

Ethan had just suddenly announced that he was about to move out to the other side of the country, in Oregon, family members needed him.

Which was quite surprising at first. Why would he move out so far? Why would he even move out in the first place, he never liked his family.

So after consideration, it turned out that seeing each other would even more be complicated than you both had planned.

The visits wouldn't be very frequent; your job would certainly be difficult, and criminals don't stop killing people just because you have to see your friends. So if you were lucky, it would be every two or three months.

Before you went home, you had talked with Ethan for an hour or so, before leaving so you could go to bed.

Even if all of that was harder than you thought it would be, a new chapter of your life was about to open itself, in a new place, with new people to meet, perhaps you would finally feel like home there. 

The only thing you hoped for before drifting off to sleep was to have a nice environment at work, you certainly didn't want to go through four hours of driving, a day moving out stuff, just to find the same kind of people that had you go through hell for two years.

*

The fresh air coming from the car window came to your face, as you closed your eyes for a short amount of time when the light turned red.

You had never liked that much to feel air on your face before that day. 

This air was the one of the place you'd probably live in for a long time, and the city where your new life was.

New york was behind you and you weren't about to come back any time soon.

The only thing you've been hoping once again for was to have nice coworkers, this time. 

After weeks of searching for an apartment, a week packing your stuff; while making hundreds of administrative calls; you really didn't feel like moving here just to have the same scenario happening again. 

Your schedule was a bit tight, as soon as you arrived, you only had half a day to unpack your stuff and settle into your apartment because the day after, you'd immediately begin work.

You'd normally be arriving in one hour. The lack of time was kind of your fault because you had forgotten to set an alarm; so instead of waking up at six, you woke up at nine.

The day you had expected to have would be a lot more different from what you had hoped for just a week ago.

And as if by chance; on the way, destiny has apparently decided to mess with you by letting you get stuck in the traffic.

Even greater.

Half of your day had been absolutely wasted; you even came to ask yourself if you would manage to get some free time to eat and rest. 

Thankfully you had managed to find an apartment close to work so you wouldn't have any trouble going tomorrow.

Until now, you wouldn't have imagined how difficult it was to move out on your own. You didn't have a lot of boxes, but because you didn't want to have a lot, you stuffed them as much as possible, resulting in having not a lot, but resulting in them being...quite heavy.

You had wished someone was there to make the process faster, because as you said to yourself in the car, the entirety of your afternoon was wasted, you didn't even think when you'd be done.

The moving company had already arrived before you, as you noticed your furniture laying in the apartment. They didn't place them, but they just were stacked a bit everywhere, you were relieved none of the furniture was messed up; it's rare to have respectful moving companies nowadays.

The last time you moved, your couch and two lamps had mysteriously vanished, after hundreds of calls, and now, five years later, your stuff is still missing, perhaps you should have printed out missing papers to find them.

It finally was the last time you'd have to open your trunk for the day; you had taken the last boxes, heading to the entry of the building before taking the narrow elevator. 

Your apartment being at the end of the corridor made your trips quite complicated, but you were glad to see the door of your apartment for once today.

It hasn't taken much time for you to drop the boxes on the floor, and collapse on the couch. You didn't even bother to eat before, and go to your bed; you were too tired for that. You'd probably eat something on the way to work tomorrow.

*

You had been abruptly woken up by the 7AM alarm you had set the day before; almost falling off the couch as you got up.

You hadn't drank any alcohol, but when you woke up, it kind of felt like it. 

A minute later, you finally decided to get up for not ending up oversleeping, and miss your first day by the occasion.

The first thing you had to do was to go to the bathroom, a shower was...necessary. From all of the effort you had done yesterday, and considering that you haven't taken one because you directly went to sleep; the 'skip' option wouldn't be the right choice to do.

Clothes were your biggest dilemma; especially when it came to your first day in a new place. You didn't want to wear something not really formal, because people wouldn't think you're professional, so you wouldn't be taken seriously, but at the same time, if you would dress too professionally, you would be afraid to be seen too serious, not approachable.

For once, you decided not to listen to yourself, and suddenly took a skirt and a shirt out of the closet, before closing it to put the clothes on.

Surprisingly, it didn't take long to get ready. By 7:20, you already were out of the building, heading to your car.

You opened the door, entering the car while closing it behind you, as you grabbed your seatbelt to put it on.

You had managed to wake your way to work without any trouble today, not any traffic at all. 

Everything was going well, for now. 

You had stopped the car in front of the building when you arrived, stepping out of it to walk in the direction on the trunk to take a box that contained the stuff you'd put at your desk.

After grabbing the box, you tossed back your bag onto your shoulder, and entered the building.

You had put the box on the floor when you reached security, opening it so they would see that the only stuff in there was paperwork, pencils, and random stuff you had taken just in case. 

Your bag only contained your phone, wallet and a few tissues, not much to be honest.

When they were done, you brought your bag to your shoulder again before taking the box, heading to the elevator.

You had hoped for it not to be taken; waiting wasn't really part of your plans right now. Even if you arrived twenty minutes earlier, you were still afraid of being late.

And as if by chance, when you had walked to the elevator, a man stepped out of it. 

He was way taller than you, had short hair, and a quite muscular jaw along with tall cheekbones. He gave you a quick glance, stepping out in a hurry.

You looked behind you as he disappeared in the corner of the corridor. You shrugged and made your way into the elevator, pressing the button of the 6th floor.

Nearly two minutes later, the elevator stopped at the 6th floor, as you stepped out of it. It didn't take long for you to spot your desk when you had entered, among the other ones, it was the only desk that was empty. 

No one was there when you arrived, perhaps they weren't there yet. You appreciated that, as you didn't really want to talk right now, you were too stressed to have any social interaction at this moment. 

You sat at your desk, putting the empty box next to it after you were done settling your stuff on it. You stayed for a few minutes, just glancing at your desk, around you like an idiot.

You were about to reach out for papers, when you noticed you hadn't taken them.

"Shit, I forgot it in the car." A sigh came out of your lips, as you got up, exhausted.

You ran as fast as you could, Hotchner wouldn't really want to wait any longer. You didn't know him at all but you could guess he was the kind of guy that didn't like it when people were late. 

Your items in hand, you locked the car as you walked to the entry once again to see that the elevator hadn't been taken. You stepped in, repeating the same action you had done ten minutes ago at your arrival.

The elevator stopped a few seconds later, the doors opening while a familiar face appeared.

"Agent Hotchner."

"Hotch is just fine y/n." He said, a slight smile drawing itself on his face. "Have you managed to get time to settle down?" He asked, making his way into the elevator to end up standing next to me.

"Uh...yeah, I arrived twenty minutes ago. Just had to make a quick trip to my car just a minute ago, I had just forgotten some papers in the car." You were incredibly nervous while talking to him, he definitely had an intimidating aura.

This time, in just a few minutes, the office was suddenly full of many more people.

Exactly what you didn't wish for. Now you'd possibly be the center of attention.

You had walked by the room where the desks were, trying to keep up with Hotchner. He was walking way faster than you'd usually would.

Some of the persons glances were on you as you stepped in; which made you feel even more stressed.

His desk wasn't as far as you had imagined it to be, in just a few steps you had already reached it. He opened the door, inviting you to enter first as he closed the door when he entered.

You sat on the chair in front of his desk, as he handed you papers to sign after a short briefing. After being done, you had put down the pen on the table before he took them back.

"Okay, we're done for good with paperwork this time," He exclaimed. "The team could take a few minutes in the conference room so you could introduce yourself properly, I haven't told them anything except your name. They really seemed excited."

"Yeah, that would be nice." You said, slightly smiling.

"Good, then." He said, as we both got up to exit the room. Hotch stopped for a bit, reaching out. "I'll see you in a minute." you shaked his hand, heading in the opposite direction.

You stepped in the conference room, observing the surroundings. It wasn't much different to you, only the appearance was compared to the one in New York.

You already were imagining yourself here early in the morning, or late at night to work. It was quiet, and you appreciated working in silence.

A few footsteps were soon being heard in the corridor, you had guessed that it would probably be the team, since he had mentioned a short meeting for everyone to present themselves at the desk.

"So, you're the new one, huh? Hotch kept us waiting, we all were wondering who it could be." 

"Well, seems like you'll know now. I'm y/n y/l/n. Coming right from New York." You reached out to him, before doing the same with everyone as they introduced themselves.

"Derek Morgan."

"I'm Jennifer Jareau, you can call me JJ."

"Elle Greenaway."

"I'm Penelope Garcia, the BAU's Technical Analyst," She paused before looking around, as Hotch walked into the room, standing next to me. "Where's Spencer?" 

"He's coming. He apparently was distracted by someone on the way," Morgan responded, looking around. "By the way y/n, Jason Gideon is also in the team, he's probably in his office. You'll meet him later."

"No problem." You said, turning your head towards the door when you heard someone. 

You glanced at him, and gave him a sympathetic smile before walking in his direction.

"Hi, you must be Spencer, right? I'm y/n y/l/n, it's nice to meet you. We briefly saw each other at the elevator." You said, reaching out to him, a confused look on your face when he didn't do anything for a bit.

"Oh, y-yeah, that's me. Spencer Reid. It's nice meeting you too." He stuttered, not moving his hand forward. He just looked away, as he was embarrassed.

"Everyone, I think you've all met her now, but let's welcome the new member of our team. She'll be working with us from now on. We all look forward to working with you, agent y/l/n." Hotch said, as you walked towards the group of people along with Spencer.

You had spent a few minutes chatting, and even though you didn't want to, Garcia insisted for you to talk about what you've been doing previously, mentioning that it probably won't be the last time because she'd occasionally kidnap you in her office for getting to know you better. 

You had eventually settled back to your desk, turning the computer to log in with the username and password you've previously been given.

It wasn't until you noticed someone behind you in the reflection of the computer screen.

"Is something wrong Spencer?" You said, turning your chair to face him.

"Oh, I...just wanted you to know that if you need anything, I'll be there. The whole interface, or the building, how it works, I thought you might have trouble to figure it out, so, if you need help, I'm right next to you." He said, motioning his desk.

"Thanks for proposing, I'll keep that in mind." You said, tilting your head to the side. "I also have something to ask."

"What is it?"

"In the conference room, we've learned a lot about me, so everyone knows that I got into the FBI at 22, so that kinda makes me a genius, but I hate to call myself like that," You paused, playfully looking at him. "But anyways, what about I get to learn stuff about you?"

"...about me?"

"Yeah. If I'm not wrong, you're the only Spencer Reid here, and the only one I'm talking to right now." I showed the surroundings with my hand, slightly chuckling.

"Oh uh….there isn't much to be honest, I'm not really the type of person that likes to detail their life. I just have an eidetic memory, can read up to 20,000 words per minute and that I have 3 PhDs. But everyone knows it."

"A total genius, wow. Do you also have random facts in your head that you throw randomly or what?"

"Actually yeah. Did you know that New York was originally called 'New Orange'? Before it was the Big Apple, it was New Orange. As History reports, when the Dutch captured New York from the English in 1673, they renamed it New Orange in honor of William 3rd of Orange. The following year, the English regained control and ditched the 'Orange'."

"I didn't even know that about my hometown. That's surprising. I'm kind of glad they haven't kept that name."

"Yeah, it would have been a bit ridiculous."

"I'm glad I left though, because if you ever plan to go later, don't go to the NYC office, it's hell."

"I won't go anywhere. I'm fine here, plus…"

"...plus?"

"Uh, plus I like working here too." Spencer said, stuttering towards the end of the sentence; he seemed quite nervous.

"Wish I could say that, but I can't yet, I just arrived two hours ago; but I think it'll be nice. We should hang out more often, to talk about books, tv shows, whatever." You shot him a sympathetic smile, before turning back to your computer.

You didn't know why, you had a strange feeling when you were talking with him, like the kind of feeling you have when...you're in love with someone.

But, you just met one hour ago, how can you just go to him and say 'oh suddenly I love you'. That'd be weird and humiliating, if he's like, confused, or rejects you, or say that he's not-

What were you thinking about? Wake up y/n. How can you possibly be in love with someone you just met? It's nonsense. 

"Yeah, we should. I'll be right there...if you need anything."

"Okay. Thanks."

You had learned something more today, the genius apparently had an effect on you.

Perhaps you'll finally have the courage to talk to him about that later, if everything goes well.

You quickly get rid of your thoughts to focus on your work, while trying not to stare at him every second and look like a creep; which turned out to be complicated. 

The only thing that wouldn't make you look like a creep would be to talk to him, that way you'll have a reason to look at him; if you manage to look at him normally.

You never thought you'd stress about the way you'd be looking at someone before him. 

At this point, you were...a bit stressed. You took your courage in your hands and turned your chair in his way, trying to find a reason to talk with him.

"Uh, Spencer?"

"Yeah?"

"Uh...I, I honestly don't know. I wanted to talk with you, but I realized I don't even have a reason to." 

"Y/n, don't stress out. You can talk to me whenever you want, even if you don't have a reason to. But I have to warn you, once I begin talking about a subject, I can't stop until I'm told to."

"That's fine to me. I do that sometimes, well, when I'm alone. Couldn't really do that at my old workplace."

"Well now you can." He gave me a slight smile, which you answered by doing the same.

You don't even remember for how many minutes or hours you had talked, he was the one to start the conversation, and you'd follow along by trying to understand whatever he was saying. 

And when you didn't understand, he'd begin to start his explanation, who would last even more.

It never bothered you. Talking with him took some of the stress you had just when you glanced at him.

A new friendship had created itself at this moment, a strong one.

The kind of friendship that lasts forever.

You had hoped deep inside you during the conversation that you wouldn't only stay friends, but more than that; if he had feelings for you

But at the same time, you couldn't really allow yourself to think about those things, just when you guys knew each other for a couple hours. The situation was quite complicated at the moment, you only had that with Ethan, but it didn't last long as soon as he mentioned his girlfriend after two months, but here, you only knew him for two or three hours, so you couldn't think of that.

Perhaps it'll happen later. You just had to be patient.

*

The rest of the morning went quite well; the tension weighting on your head loosened; allowing you to be more calm, and not a stuttering mess. 

Due to the lack of sleep, you had to do a lot of coffee runs, resulting in refilling the  for everyone.

Around 1PM, you all were interrupted by a sharp voice that immediately stopped everyone in their activities.

"BAU team, meet me in the conference room now." Hotch said, while everyone stood up from their seats, following him in the direction he walked to.

When you had stepped in the room with everyone, the needed information had already been prepared along with the pictures of the victims that were on the screen. 

Everyone took a seat, as Hotch stood next to the screen.

"Four women; Clara Johnson, Melanie Smith, Sarah Williams, and Nancy Morrison. They were all drowned and mutilated in their home in the last three weeks, in New York. The first two are one week apart, and the other two were killed in the same week, two days apart. Their chests also happened to be sliced open and...filled with flowers. They were all found in a bathtub, no exception." Hotch exclaimed.

"Wait, why are we called in now? It's almost been three weeks." Elle questioned.

"The bodies were only found today. The families haven't heard from them, so they went to their place, and found them there." Hotch answered.

"He suddenly went from one week to two days, something must have stressed him, and made him go off script." Morgan concluded.

"Um...we had also been sent videos of the victims. They're all being drowned in it." Garcia said, hitting the play button.

Although it only lasted two minutes and a few seconds, I felt like it lasted more. 

The first video was composed of two minutes and twenty-two seconds of pure agony, pain; she hadn't given up, she had fought till her last breath, until he had let her head under the water for too long and...she just stopped moving. 

He had watched them suffocating, fighting for their life, struggling, then dying.

All of the videos were the same, except the third. She had been stabbed before being drowned.

Four entire lives worth of memories, destroyed in two minutes.

It wasn't enough for him that he even had sliced their chests open to fill it with stupid flowers; as if he wanted to add a poetic touch to the atrocities he had just committed. 

You haven't imagined rainbow and unicorns for your first day, but you certainly didn't wish for that kind of case.

Happy first day y/n. 

"Um…It's maybe stupid, but wouldn't we possibly be looking for a sadistic guy…? It lasted three minutes in general, but I think if that were another person, they would have done it faster. He made it last as long as he could so he could properly enjoy. A way to accomplish his fantasies, if what he has done can be said as one for him, or for us." You said, hesitating.

"That can be one of the possibilities." Hotch responded.

"That could also be seen as a motive of revenge. Something may have upset him to the point he had contained so much anger inside of him that he had to do that. His anger could be related to these girls in particular, or women in general, or even a traumatic event that happened before the incident or in the past." Morgan explained.

"And he won't stop until he gets caught." Spencer said, looking at Hotch.

"We'll pursue the briefing on the jet, wheels up in 20." Hotch rushed out, going out of the room in a sudden, the rest of the team as well, as Morgan and Spencer stopped for a second.

"Great first day, huh?" Morgan teased, a huge grin on his face.

"Don't make me slap that pretty face of yours. You really don't want me to punch you, I guarantee." 

"Well damn, she's tough. You don't let others tread on you apparently."

"Yeah. I don't care if you're nice or whatever, I won't let you either. You won't fool me." You joked, a smirk on your face as you waved at the two men before exiting the room.

*

Twenty minutes later, everyone boarded on the jet; well, you did first.

All of your stuff, and you, were already ready, so you had stayed there for a while before everyone came.

You felt like a transfer kid coming in the middle of the year, you didn't really know where to sit in the jet; you barely knew everyone's name, so that didn't immediately mean that you already knew them to you.

You hadn't taken much time and decided to sit at the back, close to the window; probably to distract yourself.

It wasn't until a voice catched your attention. You raised your eyes to the source of your attention, to see the one and only Spencer Reid. You wouldn't have expected him to be the first to talk to you, he already seemed quite nervous when talking with you.

"Uh...can I sit there?" Spencer said, motioning the seat next to you.

"Sure, I wouldn't mind some company." 

"So, what brings you there? New York was a great place too." He said, as he sat in the seat.

"Not as great as you might think. It's only great when you're not actually working there. I was the youngest in the team, so they thought that they could treat me like crap, like a stupid twenty-two years old that didn't have her spot there at all. And two years later, here I am. Wanted a new start. And right now, I'm even more depressed to go there, and ready to punch one in the face if they dare to talk to me." You said, which earned a quick, but strict glance from Hotch. "Let's forget the 'punch' part." 

"I joined the BAU at 22 as well, the youngest of the team. Now I'm sharing the spot with you." Spencer chuckled, his smile infectious as you smiled as well. "But you're going to be fine here, the team is great. Well, if you forget the cases, especially this one, that isn't a great welcome, it's great."

"I hope pretty boy didn't say anything bad about me, I don't want you to think badly of me." Morgan interrupted.

"I haven't said anything Morgan!" Spencer defended himself, the team laughing at the argument between the two agents.

"Don't tease Spencer Morgan. Leave the guy alone." You said, glancing at him.

"Oh, pretty boy's got a girlfriend apparently."

"She's not my girlfriend!"

"He's not my boyfriend!"

You both looked at each other, staying silent for a couple seconds before you broke off the stare, mouthing 'I'll kill you' to Morgan.

Spencer just stood there, a small grin appearing on his face from the interaction. 

"Seems like we're kind of connected."

"Yeah, seems like. I guess." He quietly answered, brushing the hair from his face.

"Why are you so stressed when you're talking with me? Am I intimidating?"

"Oh, no, it's...uh, me in general, you can ask the others- but, actually let me remind you that you also seem stressed when talking to me."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"We're both profilers, we can't lie to each other about our emotions. I can read your face and immediately say that you're lying.

"Don't know, I'm mostly like that with people I don't know, I guess."

"I don't think that's what you meant to say, but I'll accept that answer." 

"Exactly."

The rest of the jet ride wasn't unpleasant; the case had been reviewed, you got to talk with everyone, forming a small bond with them.

You even had a small talk with Gideon, what you didn't expect. He seemed quite the reserved guy, not really talkative, but ultimately, it was alright. You really had a lot of 'dad vibes' in your conversation, but you had guessed that he wouldn't really like to be called that way, taking in consideration that you barely knew him to be able to let yourself have an affectionate behavior with him.

So, better not call him dad, unless he makes the first step, that way you'll know if you can or can't act differently. But for now, it'll stay purely professional.

You got to know how to act with everyone, just to not get over some boundaries. You preferred to be sure about that part, you weren't much used to actually having co-workers to talk with, so all of this was quite new and…embarrassing.

They even had told you to calm down a bit after letting you know how red your face was. You had hoped they wouldn't remember that and decide to create a personalized nickname for you.

Even if you know it'll only be as a joke, you'd only be more embarrassed, and even more red by the occasion.

The ride wasn't long, only fifty minutes long, you haven't really noticed it. They had put you at ease by talking with you, getting to know you; and exchanging some memories that had happened before your arrival.

One of the memories didn't really please Spencer; it was when he had missed his gun evaluation. Morgan took the opportunity to mock him by giving him a whistle, even though Elle had insisted not to mention it at all. 

But, Spencer had managed to shut him up when he had shot the unsub between his eyes without having to prepare itself. So, it turned out that the memory wasn't that bad to remember at the end.

As for you, not much again, unless the fact that you had a similar course to Reid's. You had also entered the FBI at 22, skipped a few classes, except your old workplace wasn't the best.

They probably had figured out that I'd be annoying to come back, and Morgan had said that he'd to protect you and that he certainly wouldn't hesitate to fight one of them if they'd dare saying something to you, but was quickly stopped by Hotchner as well. Nevertheless, he had shot you a wink behind Hotch's back, probably meaning that the offer was still up; but you were here for a case, so you had to set your problems aside for now.

It felt like you knew them forever. You had only talked for a few minutes, yet it was enough to get to know them and have interesting conversations.

After the conversation had begun to become longer, Gideon had to step in and interrupt everyone to focus on the case for real this time. 

*

The moment you never wanted to happen during the flight was happening, right in front of you.

The office that had you go through hell for two years, the office in which you hated to go, wishing to get transferred every single second you'd spent in it. You had swore to yourself that you'd manage to get the hell out of here one day; and you did it, finally.

It's a bit ridiculous to say that, but your prayers have been finally answered. Perhaps all of the hate, anger, frustration that had built itself inside you made this happen. If it is indeed the case, you own them at least a small something. Just a small.

After a few minutes, you had pushed yourself to go out of the black SUV, annoyingly staring at the glass doors when you had stepped out of the car after closing the door, before heading inside, holding the door for JJ who was behind you.

"Agent Jayden Cole, New York field office."

"SSA Hotchner, this is Dr. Spencer Reid, SSA Morgan, Agent Jareau, SSA Gideon, SSA Greenaway and SSA y/l/n." He said, as we all shook his hand as our names got mentioned.

"Is there a place we can settle down at?"

"Yeah, right down the corner. All of the pictures of the evidence is on the board, and there's a computer just in case you need it."

"Thank you."

You threw a smile at Jayden, as he patted your shoulder on your way to the room. You had at least one good reason to enjoy your venue here.

"Is everything okay?" Spencer quietly spoke, hesitating. He didn't seem sure if you were either upset because of the office, the case; or even both.

"Um...yeah. Ish." You admitted, when he had raised one of his eyebrows. "I just, hate this place with all of my soul but...I'm not gonna keep worrying about it, we can't let ourselves do that, we have a case right now. And I doubt he'll stop killing just because we have to talk."

"I understand you, kind of had the same thing at high school. I was a nine years old prodigy in a Las Vegas high school, so as you guessed, people had fun bullying me. Never really knew why. I'm not really interested in that anymore."

"At least we have something in common. That's great to know, I think. Because the thing we have in common isn't really awesome. It's not really fun now."

"It's a bit fun. Look at us, we're working at a big place."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm still gonna try to convert my anger into fun so I don't punch one of them."

"Let's try to avoid the punch part, that wouldn't be very awesome for your first day. You'll get to do it later, maybe."

"Maybe." You laughed off, glancing at the door when you had heard footsteps. 

"Hey geniuses, stop chattering and share your knowledge." Morgan interrupted.

"Oh uh— While looking at the board, I couldn't seem to understand the part where he slices their chests open and just puts flowers. Why would anyone take the time to do that?" Spencer said.

"A total psychopath. He probably wanted to sign his work, to somehow feel proud after what he'd done, maybe. His victims were like canvases." Elle argued.

"There's not much to feel proud about." Morgan admitted.

"Plus, he even took the time to carefully place them, he did not just slice her chest and throw them in. Look at the placement. It's...weird." Spencer said.

"Yeah, he really didn't place them just like that." Morgan noticed.

"It looks like it follows the veins, basically what's inside. He made sure to pay attention to the details. Maybe he has some medical knowledge. Can be a student, or just searched stuff on the net." Spencer acknowledged. 

"Great, basically the whole campus." Morgan sighted.

"Yeah. Um...were the houses close or somehow close to colleges, or schools?" You asked.

"Yeah. Their houses were all close to college campuses. All were at their parents's houses on vacation or just visiting." Hotch answered.

"So we already know all of this was premeditated, if he knew when to strike just when the parents weren't home, he must have observed them for a while or..." Morgan said, as you cut him off.

"He personally knew them. Well enough so he could have access to home without forcing entry, and if he didn't, he sneaked into the house, just when he knew they were alone. Like Morgan said, something could possibly have really upset him, causing a large amount of rage to build up. Then, he just snapped." You said, finishing off the sentence.

"The place they were all studying at was the NYC university, right?" Spencer asked.

"Yeah, all of them." Hotch paused, briefly looking outside. "We'll see more of it on the ride, let's go."

As soon as the order was given, everyone exited the room after Hotchner.

Even though Jayden's presence in the middle of the office restrained you from punching all of the others than quickly stared at you, they all were lucky that it was your first day, and that your boss was standing nearby, otherwise you would have already thrown a fight since the moment you had stepped in the office. 

If you had been told that one week after moving to Quantico you'd have to come back from where you came, you would have gone a little bit crazy.

What did he have to choose this city to kill people? Not that you actually wanted him to kill people in the first place, because to be honest, even if you think about that to happen to a person you hate, that isn't really nice, because the people aren't just left at the crime scene, there's a whole investigation to do after that to find who did it, and even killing someone in the first place isn't something to do; but still, you would have preferred another place than here, if it wasn't a bit for Jayden.

Although none of this was enchanting, you had to put the enormous pile of problems, hate, anger, whatever describes hate; to the side and focus on your work.

Already four women have been killed, and if he plans to do it with the whole campus, he definitely wasn't done. 

He must have created a massive panic in the school and in the families leaving nearby, a panic so intense that could lead to everyone being afraid to step a foot outside, and for the parents, afraid for their children every single second to the point of having to call them each minute to know if they're still alive or not, afraid to have the police call them to announce the death of their child.

JJ was probably doing everything for the press not to do a bigger mess after what they have done before our arrival. They were misinformed, and totally incompetent, not knowing how to inform people correctly without spreading fear everywhere.

As much as everyone wished to, we wouldn't find him in a minute, if he had already managed to kill four people without getting caught, only for the bodies to be found today, he wouldn't be easy to catch.

If he had even made voicemails of victims, to their families before killing them, probably the reason why no one noticed their disappearance earlier.

He exactly knew when no one would be in the house so that he could come without having any witnesses around, he either knew them, and managed to get invited at that time, or he knew them but didn't get to ask for an invitation, so he could have entered without permission, while also knowing when no one was there, or he simply didn't have any connection with them and basically stalked them.

You didn't know why, but you weren't convinced about the 'strangers' possibility. The campus is busy, it's impossible to follow a specific person. He knew them, and not slightly. He knew them enough for being able to gain enough trust to be allowed into the house with their full trust, they felt comfortable and safe enough to be around him. 

Although, they had unfortunately felt too safe, which cost them their lives. It wasn't their fault, they had no reason to fear him, they didn't know about this side of him. They couldn't plan anything. Especially not that. They had built enough trust not to feel fear, he made them feel safe, just to kill them in a few minutes. 

The same thoughts would come back again and again in different types of speeches, you just couldn't understand anything, no one could at the moment.

Nothing much had been told during the car ride, except details of the case, and a few calls from various members of the team.

You were sure that you both had a lot to tell to each other, but it could wait till after the case. 

Before going out of the car, you took off your jacket and tossed it in the back of the car before untying your hair just after Spencer had mentioned a case when they had gotten to a university for a case where a girl was setting fires.

Gideon had told the team that he didn't want badges, in order not to satisfy the unsub's need for attention by letting him know he had gotten the FBI here. 

'Try to look less official.' he had said back then.

Spencer had told you that everyone had black jackets along with black glasses. They certainly would have drawn all of the attention if they hadn't taken them off when entering.

Reid was the only one that didn't have any of these clothes on. He could have even pretended that he was the student and people would have probably believed him, only if he didn't have a gun.

Gun that he almost lost because he had failed his qualification a few days after the incident. He still was embarrassed even though he got to take his revenge at the end, but you had eventually let go of the idea of mentioning it.

So, this time everyone knew that official outfits weren't necessary unless they wanted the whole case investigation to fail and possibly lead to the unsub or one of the accomplices's escape.

You had gotten out of the car along with everyone else, and entered the building, heading out to the director's office.

You'd already gone there a few times, your father used to give classes here, so you had visited him a few times to bring him things he had forgotten home, or even when you had no reason at all, and Ethan used to study there before you guys met.

"I wish we could have met under different circumstances Mary, but here we are." You had admitted, slightly stepping to the side as she shook the hand of the others. 

"I wish too." 

"Has anyone complained about a guy harassing girls from the same class? Because, if I'm right, they all were in the same class."

"Yeah, they've been in the same class since the beginning of their studies. But, not really. We get these kinds of complaints at least once a month, but it always turns out to be jokes, or just bets, it never got that bad to the point that it resulted in the people filing the complaint dying. The worst complaint only ended in a few punches." 

"Not even one of the teachers had said something?"

"No. Not anything. I really don't understand what was the cause of this, why did anyone want to kill them."

"We'll find out. We will. Do you mind if we look into the list of the class, the complaints and stuff?"

"No, I don't, go ahead. Tell me if you need anything else." She said, as you left with Elle, Morgan and Hotch, leaving Spencer and Gideon to talk with her.

"Um, I guess we count on y/n for the rest, that university is giant, I don't even know where to go." Morgan admitted.

"Don't worry about that, I got this." You said, as you patted Morgan's shoulder before walking in the alley leading towards the building.

After a few flights of stairs, you had arrived in front of the room, and knocked on the door of the class, several heads turning to face the source of the noise.

"Can you come for a second Finn?" You asked at the familiar teacher, gesturing outside of the room. He seemed pretty confused about the situation at first, but didn't take much time to do what he was told. 

"I suppose you're not here to chat about geopolitics. Is it about what happened recently?" He said, looking at the people behind you.

"Yeah, it is. These are the people I work with; Agent Greenaway, Agent Hotchner and Agent Morgan." You said, as he shook their hands. "I'm sorry to interrupt your class, but we have to talk to them." 

"I don't mind at all, what happened is more important than my class now." He said, stepping back into the classroom after we entered.

"Can I get your attention please? I'm y/n y/l/n from the Behavioral analysis unit of the FBI. I'm sure you are all aware of the recent incidents that had happened in the past few weeks to four of your classmates. We do know that some of you were close with some of them, so we'd need to know if you had noticed any suspicious activities, behaviors that happened shortly before their disappearance. I know they had all left voicemails, and had made you think they were okay, but someone you may know, or someone you knew they were friends with killed them, so that is why we need as much information as possible. We'll call all of you to talk about all of this. Thank you." You had said, students quietly chattering between us in worry.

*

Among all of the students, not much had apparently something to say.

'I wasn't personal with them.'

'They were the popular girls, so they wouldn't talk much to us.'

'I never paid attention to them, we weren't friends." 

These sentences came out more often than you'd thought it would before stepping inside that class first.

Three students were left, so you had all decided to take them at the same time.

"Thank you for giving us some of your time. I know that in college you can't usually allow yourself to skip class at all, but this is a different situation that requests your help. Can you describe the days that had led to the incident? Like, we said, suspicious behavior, people around them that seemed weird, or even students that you used to see, that were often absent, or just didn't come?" You asked to the group.

"I don't really know. They used to have a lot of guys asking them around often. Two were particularly sticked to her." The blonde said.

"Do you...happen to know their names?"

"No. They weren't from our class. Do you remember from which?" She asked, turning to the boy next to her.

"Yeah, they're from Matt's class, I think their names were uh...Ethan and Anthony."

"Wait, did one of them have blonde hair , black roots and was a bit taller than you, and the other black hair?"

"Yeah, one had blonde hair but no, the other had kind of like…a mullet, red hair and a bit shorter than him."

"y/l/n. Did you know them?" Morgan asked, suddenly frowning as you didn't answer.

"I think I need to go outside." You said, going up from your chair to head outside of the room, when a hand stopped you in your pacing when you had gotten out a few minutes after.

"Y/l/n, talk to me. What's wrong?" Morgan said, looking right into my eyes.

"I knew them. Well, I knew Ethan more, for three years, when I was working here. I swear h-he didn't seem like that kind of guy, I didn't know that he would possibly be involved in murders three years earlier."

"Not any of this is your fault, you're not responsible. You didn't know, and you couldn't have done anything to stop him, because you didn't know, okay? Now, what about the other kid?"

'Uh… I used to see him at the cafe, but we never talked much, just a simple hello, or how are studies, work going, we never saw each other anywhere except the cafe, we both were going there to just grab a coffee, so when I'd go there, some days I would see him, some days not as I was busy most of the time, so I rarely had time to even get a break outside of the office. You could kind of say we were 'friends'."

"Okay. That's a good thing you know them, well, except for the killing part, but that'll probably be helpful later." He said, as your phone rang, interrupting the conversation.

The ID caller was Reid, so you immediately answered, putting the call on speaker as Hotch and Elle got out of the room.

"You guys are on speaker, everyone's here."

"Ethan Taylor and Anthony Smith. These were two names that came up often on several lists like complaints, absences, or disciplinary actions. Ethan was expelled exactly two before the first killing, but Anthony only got a suspension of one week, and has been going to the school, not going, then going, for apparently no reason, and he stopped doing that because it's been one week since he was last seen." Spencer explained "We also know Anthony recently used to go to some of the parent's houses to help them with stuff. He was older than their daughters, and according to a teacher, he was often seen with one of them, Nancy."

"Then I guess that's where we need to go next."

*

You guys had started the car shortly after Spencer and Gideon, since they were closer to the entrance. A police car had also apparently gotten there as well.

This time, we could allow ourselves to be official, as the vests were necessary for our safety. 

As you got out of the car, you quickly tied up your hair as running with long hair is nothing but annoying.

The house didn't have anything strange, some noise was coming out of it, signs of presence like the light and the open curtains.

You had stepped in the alley along with everyone in the direction of the door, until you had heard the sound of what seemed like someone had gone out of the window, and had just landed on the floor.

You changed directions towards the source of the noise, which Morgan noticed, following you, probably because he didn't want to let you go alone.

It wasn't until you both had noticed him before he had seen you, shortly noticing you as well, meeting your eyes.

The realisation of what was happening didn't take him any much time, as he started running. 

"Shit— no, don't!" You had yelled, as you started running. 

"Y/N!" Morgan ran behind you.

He kept looking behind him while he was running, what he shouldn't have done, because it only kept reducing his speed, allowing you to meet him at this level, before launching yourself at him, which resulted in both of you harshly falling onto the ground. 

"What the hell y/n?!" 

"I should be the one asking you." You said, as the handcuffs put themselves around their wrists while reading him his Miranda rights. "Get up." 

You led him to Jayden standing next to the car after he had opened the door of the vehicle in order for him to go inside.

Before you had gotten to the car after agreeing with Hotch that you would meet everyone back at the station, you leaned towards Anthony's side.

"That's what you were up to? Studies? What was next, trying to bring more of your friends into your shit? I hope you liked it as much as it lasted, because trust me, I'll end up knowing what happened, and get the satisfaction to announce that you just reached the end of the race along with Ethan."

"You can't do this y/n."

"I can. Trust me. Now shut up until we get to the station, you'll do all of us a favor." You lectured, heading over to the passenger's side in the front. 

"You okay?" Jayden asked. 

"Yeah, I'm okay." You admitted, even though a part you knew you weren't okay. You just didn't want to break in front of everyone, that would be embarrassing.

You had just learned that two friends you had known for three and one year were possibly charged with four murders.

You had trusted possible murderers, and could have even gotten killed. If they were capable of killing them, they could have killed you as well, that certainly was a possibility if we did discover that it was them.

*

Even if all of this was completely against your true will, as you knew him best and apparently had a better shot at getting him to confess what he had possibly done, you had nonetheless gone into the room.

Ten minutes of silence have gone by, and it apparently seemed like you would have to be the one to start the conversation, since he didn't seem he was about to say anything.

"So, are you gonna tell me what you were doing in the house?" You asked, staring at him from the corner of the room. "Don't tell me it's for Nancy because she's dead, and if it was to see her parents, you would have left the house by the front door." 

As he didn't give you an answer, you began getting annoyed at it and sat on the chair.

"Excuse me but, have I accidentally made you drop a part of your brain that's refraining you to think correctly and form a sentence when I tackled you on the floor? You literally ran when I yelled your name. Someone that didn't have anything to hide wouldn't have run away like you did."

"What do you want to know?"

"Oh, you tell me." You got up, walking around the room.

"I don't have anything to tell."

"Then who has?"

"Ethan"

"The one we both know?"

"Yeah."

"What do you exactly have to do with that in the first place?"

"That's him who knew them first. I didn't. I didn't kill any of them."

"You didn't know them. Then can you tell what these girls thought about you? That you were a loser? That you can't do anything except being a jackass and a weirdo? They all chose you over the quarterbacks, other boys, like him. You never were cool or good enough for them to want to bring you into their room. You were nothing but the invisible, annoying, little prick, that is only weak—"

"Shut up! Now I understand why he killed them. If they were as annoying as you are, then he had a good reason."

You scoffed, walking to where he was.

"Well, well, looks like we have a winner. Let me tell you something." You said, putting your elbows on the table. 

"Your 'friend', Ethan, if we can say that, because he clearly used you. Um, he was popular, the girls came to him, they'd only come to you to ask if you could introduce them to him. He took you under his wing, and you followed him. He must have made a stupid promise, probably that he'd get you a spot at the secret party of the heather of the class, and you, like the stupid idiot you are, you believed him, and he must have convinced you to do 'cool stuff' with him, and if you didn't do it, he'd call you a loser, threatened to humiliate you. Well watch where that led you to, possible prison for working with a killer. You had fun?"

"He never mentioned that part when he talked to me."

"That's because he wanted to gain your trust first. You don't go to someone saying 'hey bud, do you want to hang out with girls and drown them to death next? It's a cool thing to do'. And the most interesting part is that he's apparently smarter because you're here, while he's still out there. So, if you have something to tell, I wouldn't mind if you could tell it to us."

"I can't do that."

"Come on, what do you have to lose at this point? All of your 'girlfriends' are dead, and if you get to walk out of there, everyone's gonna know you're suspicious because the whole campus saw you get taken by the cops." 

"Look, I don't fucking know where he went! It's been weeks, and his phone isn't responding, it's not even ringing in the first place. What else do you want me to tell?"

"I probably just want you to admit that you did participate, witnessed, or knew what he did." You said, as he just looked away. 

"Are you going to hell me or do I have to stay here for the rest of the damn fucking day? Did you kill one or not?"

"No! I only watched him do it for the three first."

"What about the last girls you had seen him with?" 

"S-Sarah and Nancy."

"Then if you're talking about the girls I'm thinking about, he killed them. Did you know he planned to, any of that?"

"No."

"You sure? You sure you want to lie about this? I don't think so."

"Just knew he planned on going out with them to do some project."

"Just for a project? Oh come on! Don't fucking mess with me! You knew all about this, you're just scared of what might happen if you snitch on him. That's too late now. You should have thought about it before entering into this whole mess Anthony."

"How long has this been going for? Three weeks? One month? More than one month? For how long has he been messing up with your stupid and tiny brain to somehow convince you to join him into what he was doing, hm?" 

Still no answer.

"By any chance, did he even mention to you about killing me too? Does he have a list of all of his friends or what?" You slammed your hands on the table, causing him to startle at the sound that echoed in the room for a few seconds.

"I don't know!"

"Stop saying that for god's sake! I fucking know that you're not telling me all that you know about!" You said, as you threw the chair on the floor. If you hadn't restrained yourself, the table separating the two of you would already be gone.

The interrogation had gotten pointless to you, he had decided to act like a five years old kid, when he clearly wasn't that at all because he had managed to get the courage and guts to watch him kill girls. 

Until we'd find Ethan, Anthony would stay in custody awaiting for the final trial. We had enough proof to press charges against him since he had previously confessed everything, and fingerprints have been found on journals and shelves in the four houses. You knew he wasn't lying, after a few minutes, he clearly didn't seem like the right state of mind; Ethan might have taken advantage of that to manipulate him, and he succeeded.

He had taken him as an accomplice so that he could possibly run away and all of the murders would be charged on Anthony, and not him. He didn't know that he'd end up cracking under the pressure and basically snitch on him. If he wanted his plan to succeed, he should have chosen someone else for it.

You had even known from the few times that you had talked with him that he wasn't strong minded at all. He'd even be afraid to punch someone, so you couldn't understand what in the hell Ethan had made him believe, or even had promised so that he'd have the will to assist him in this madness.

The only thing everyone could hope for was to find Ethan and this all for good. 

It had lasted too long; he had his time to run freely, act as he wanted to, but it was time to end the game. 

No matter what would get in the way, no matter what you had to do, Ethan had to be stopped.

At this point, there was no 'now or never'.

This was the end of the line, for both of them.

And they had to accept it, whether they liked it or not.

You always have to think twice before doing something.

Because once it's done, there's no going back.

Only consequences.

*

A week has gone by, and unfortunately another victim has been found; so based on the other timelines, we could have assumed he could be striking again this week.

It was a chem student named Erin Peterson, 23 years old. The only difference between the past four victims was the flowers filling her chest. 

They were red.

Red as the color of blood, unless it wasn't blood on it, they naturally were red.

Without taking the meaning of flowers in consideration, this could certainly express a form of pure anger. 

The flowers were put inside the same way than the previous victims, but less organised and more scattered around. He didn't take any time to organise it as he usually would. He was stressed, disorganized, disoriented, our venue got him lost, and something made him go off script.

Whatever it was that had caused this sudden rush, the odds would soon go in our favor.

You had found yourself driving to her parent's residence a few days after the incident. They weren't initially available the day the murder occurred as they both were out of town when it had happened so they had gone back to town late at light and after a phone call with them a meeting has been planned the following day, and you had proposed yourself to go there, Reid insisting for you to call if anything would happen.

You had agreed, even if you know that nothing bad could happen. 

As they had cameras, we would have watched them, but he had thought about it before us and hacked the cameras so it would only display nothing but blackness.

Noticing you had arrived after a short moment of distraction, you stopped the car before taking off your seatbelt, shortly stepping out of the vehicle.

The house was fairly big, big enough for five people to live there, yet they were only three, and now only two due to their recent loss.

You had lost both your father and sister when you only were ten, so you had quite your experience with losses. You only had your mother left but after their deaths, you weren't in good terms with her, constant arguments, disagreements, all of this was endless. She'd yell and get mad at you for the smallest mistake. 

You haven't talked to her since you were sixteen after moving in with your father's sister. She had kind of become your step mother in a way. She gave you a lot of support during your studies, and you have to admit that it's mainly because of all of her support and help that you managed to get a post at the FBI.

As you made your way to the front door, something had instantly felt off. 

The door wasn't locked.

They weren't nearby.

The house was deadly quiet.

A few steps later, you had understood why it was so quiet. 

The parents had been killed, which was oddly unusual. He never killed the parents, only their daughters.

Both of them were laying in a pool composed of their own bloods, multiple shots fired in the chest.

At this moment, even if Spencer would or wouldn't have told you to call, there was no choice to make, you had to call for reinforcements. If he was in the house, or nearby, observing you where he could see you and you couldn't, going further into the house would have been too risky.

You reached out for your phone, dialing the office's number before being stopped by the sound of footsteps and a cold feeling against your neck as soon as you dialed the first three numbers.

After that, you only had the time to perform two steps,—

"Hi y/n." 

One breath.

One glance.

— before plunging into darkness, your last memory being frozen by fear and pain.

*

Never the office had been busier than when the team arrived, two weeks ago. 

Another victim had been killed, he was rapidly escalating, stressed, he was struggling.

The arrival of the team surely had ruined everything he had planned; plus, one of the people that was currently chasing after him was one of his friends that knew him well and could possibly guess what was part of his motives, how to approach him.

You could be the only one that could approach him without any major risk, you had known him for two years while they barely knew anything about him, as they had just 'met him'.

But the worry had been filling Spencer's mind for a few minutes. You hadn't given any news since you had gotten there. He had been waiting for you to send a message confirming that you had arrived, but you never sent it.

To Spencer, you had either forgotten or you still were talking and would answer later; but the possibility of you being in danger definitely couldn't be erased from the list.

He took his phone from his pocket, dialing the number you had given him previously, before taking the phone to his ear.

He still had hope for you to answer at the 3rd ring, and when he had heard your voice, he had thought for a second that you had actually answered, but it only was your voicemail. 

Even after a few calls, he kept hearing the same message of the voicemail again and again.

That is when he had begun worrying. 

"Morgan?" Spencer entered the room, as Morgan turned his head when he had him talking.

"Yeah, what's wrong?"

"Did you get any messages from y/n? She was supposed to send me one, but she hasn't sent one and didn't even read it. I called, no response. Only her voicemail." 

"No, haven't got anything." 

"Do you think something might have happened? I know that I'm probably getting paranoid over nothing, and as we're talking she's on her way, but she should have answered the phone."

"No Reid, you're not getting paranoid. We could have assumed from the moment she didn't answer her phone that something may have happened." Morgan reassured him, as he took his phone to dial Hotch's number. "Yeah Hotch? I think we have a problem."

"What kind of problem?"

"Something may have happened to y/l/n. She went to the house and didn't give any sign since. We tried to call her, but we got nothing."

"We immediately go there. An agent is missing, we can't pursue the case until we find her again. She's our main priority now."

"Okay." Morgan hung up, as Reid had already begun leaving the room before Morgan even had the time to tell him to go. They had briefly called Elle and JJ as they were in another room, and even if they probably didn't understand any of their words with the noise of the office; they had seen them hurrying outside in the direction of the vehicles and immediately followed them.

On the way, two cars and ambulances were behind them, Spencer had thought a bunch of stuff in his head, somehow to reassure himself during the ride,—

'We would need reinforcements with us if he would decide at last minute to take her an hostage, or if anything else threatening her safety would happen if he decides to attempt a dangerous move, we have to do everything in order for her to come out of the house alive; and for the ambulances, if anything went wrong and she would get hurt, she would need to be given proper care for her safety, and survival if it happened to be life threatening.'

—he had just met you a few weeks ago, and he couldn't just lose you now. He had to spend more time with you, talk more with you, that couldn't stop there.

Just when they had arrived, Hotch and Gideon had pulled up and were getting out of the vehicles, their attention shortly focused on the sound of the cars in which the four agents were.

They had shortly gotten out of the vehicle, walking towards where the two men stood.

Hotch quietly unlocked the door after giving a quick nod to his colleagues, as everyone stepped inside.

At this moment, it probably was weird to think that; but everyone could feel the heavy atmosphere in the air. It wasn't until they had noticed the two lifeless bodies in the living room. It probably was why they hadn't answered back when they had been called before someone had come to the house. 

No one would have expected that he would have killed the parents; he always killed their daughters. 

Taking in consideration the state their bodies were in, they had been killed less than a few hours, approximately since two or three hours according to Spencer.

Everyone was on their guard, not a single noise was being heard in the house; he was either gone for long or still in the house, somewhere.

If he had gone away, he had either taken you, or killed you here, and if he was still here, he was either taking you in hostage, or had killed you as well.

Everyone had hoped for the second option not to have happened, they all had hoped from the moment they got in the vehicles that you were alive.

As the house contained multiple rooms, several people dispersed in the several spaces, letting others know to the others that the space was empty once they had checked.

The team had made his way upstairs, while being careful to make as less noise as possible if he did happen to be in the house.

The corridor was strangely neat and quiet. All of the doors were closed, no traces of blood on the floor, and no light. As if no one was here; but they had to make sure of it and make their way further into the hall. 

Hotch and Spencer had split up from the others in the way of the bathroom that was located in another corridor. The house was fairly large. 

It hasn't taken much time for the two of them to guess what might have happened if he had killed you there. Their footsteps hurried as they made their way to the door of the bathroom, quickly looking at each other before opening the door in one movement.

Their brains had taken a few seconds to realize what was in front of their eyes. You, lying in the bathtub filled with water, almost pale as snow. You had been left in your underwear.

Hotch was the first one to rush over to your side, immediately taking his fingers to your neck and wrist, only to find a weak pulse.

"Pulse is there, but barely. We need a medic over here, now!" Hotch yelled in his communication system before him and Reid pulled your cold and unconscious body out of the bathtub, setting you on the ground.

They both had felt mixed feelings; they were scared for your life; but a little bit relieved because you could still be saved, it wasn't over.

Two loud voices were suddenly being heard from the end of the main corridor, a silence following. It wasn't until Elle's voice had echoed in both the communication system and the house.

"We got him. He was in another room with no weapon, and he didn't struggle, he kept repeating that someone was dead. Is-Is y/n okay?"

"I...we're not sure."

It wasn't until their attention had been pulled away from Elle's voice when two medics stepped in the room, the two agents stepping away to give them space to work.

They could do nothing but stare in fear as the two medics attempted to get you to breathe again by performing CPR.

Before everyone knew it, you had suddenly begun coughing up water, your eyes opening and closing irregularly; as if you didn't really manage to stay awake. The exhaustion and shock your body had gone through could have been the reason.

The people that weren't present in the room joined a minute after they had made sure that Ethan was in the car, only to see you lying on the floor, as your skin had taken its colors back.

They all were glad that he hadn't made it to the step where he would cut open the chest of his victims, reaching the point of no return. Even if they had only known you for a few weeks, you still mattered to them. 

A flow of relief when through everyone's minds as they saw that you were alive. You had still been hurt and they had almost lost you, they couldn't deny it but still, you were alive.

Everyone had seen how worried Reid was. He was so worried, to the point that JJ and even Garcia must have asked themselves if romantic feelings were to be involved. JJ would have asked him since he's closest to her, but even if he considers her as a great friend, he doesn't tell everything about his life, he's not really that kind of person.

*

The bright lightening of the room had been the first thing that you had seen, hurting your eyes when you had tried to open them.

The room's lightning had been difficult to adjust to the first seconds, but you had slowly adjusted to it after blinking a few times.

The soft beeping noise of the machine slowly awakened your senses as you took note of your surroundings and how you felt.

As you glanced at the window by your right, you had noticed that it was somewhere in the day, it apparently wasn't late. You had turned your head to the clock in front of you, letting know that it was somewhere around 9:40am.

You had begun wondering for how long you were out, you couldn't exactly remember.

A few hours?

A day?

What had happened since the last time you were awake were a blur. You didn't worry much about it, the fact that you didn't remember wasn't bad, it would come later.

You didn't recognize the room you were in, nor the surroundings you could see at the window. Your first guess what to think that you were either in another place in New York you didn't know of, or you had been taken back to Quantico. As you couldn't know, that fact would need to be answered by someone else.

When you had taken a few breaths, you had taken note of how sore your throat and chest were hurting, while asking yourself what could have caused it.

That's when it came back—

'It was nice to meet you.' 

That sentence was the last you had heard before panic had spread itself through your body. 

Your head was underwater and your vision only consisted of blurry forms.

And him, standing over the bathtub.

His hands were around your neck, holding you underwater as you fought to free yourself from the grip he maintained on you.

The little strength you had slowly decreased when your head had stayed under too long, causing you to lose consciousness as your eyes closed.

—, everything. 

What you had just begun remembering had kind of answered your questions about what you had been feeling. Well, almost. You weren't sure about the chest part, it could just be part of the symptoms you had due to what had been done to you.

You also remember seeing your father.

He hasn't changed since the last time you had seen him, fourteen years ago.

He kept telling you-

'You can't go now, I'll see you when it'll really be time, but it's not now, you still have your whole life in front of you. So go, go find everyone again.' 

You had begun tearing up at the thought, quickly wiping away your tears, you never liked it when people would see you crying. 

It wasn't until you had heard footsteps coming from the door, your attention now turned to the entrance.

"Hey, we've all been worried. How are you feeling?" Hotch said, stepping into the room.

"Like I just had the best first weeks at my new work. Uh...how long have I been out?"

"Basically one day, and a few hours, that's Reid who told me. We also...we almost lost you there."

"D-does what I think of happened? I think I saw my father. My...deceased father."

"We..found you in the bathroom. You weren't breathing anymore, the medics had to do CPR to get you to breathe again."

"Then I guess that's why my I saw him and why my chest hurted."

"You'll get better soon. We're all glad you're okay."

"I'm kind of glad too. By the way...where are we?"

"Back at Quantico. You were stable enough to be transferred; and we figured that you wanted to go home too."

"Yeah. I wanted to go home." You said, as a thought crossed your mind. "What about Ethan…?"

"He's in prison, awaiting for his trial along with Anthony. Considering what he and Anthony had done, they both won't be freed soon, let's say, probably never."

"I...I know it's a bit weird but, I don't know how to feel about this. I know they killed people, and even me, but they still were my friends, so thinking that I was friends with people that would kill later, it's just...I wouldn't have believed it. They both didn't look like guys that would kill people, not at all."

"I know this is hard. But you have to let it go. They won't come near you anymore, or even hurt others, it's over."

"Everything will get better, you'll take as much time off work as you'll need to, don't worry about that. We'll be here for you."

"I know you all will."

"Um...by the way, are you feeling well enough? The others probably want to see you too."

"Yeah, I'm good. They can come." You admitted, readjusting yourself in a sitting position.

"I'll be right back." Hotch said, leaving the room only to come back a minute after with the rest of the team. Even Penelope came, she also was the first one that came to you.

"Look who's awake. Everything okay pretty girl?" Morgan had spoken up, a grin on his face.

"Yeah, everything is okay." You responded.

The rest of the morning had gone well, the team had left as they had to get back to work, only to leave you and Penelope in the room. It really was nice to have her around, she chased all of the worries away for a moment. 

If everything went well, you would be out by the middle of the afternoon, which brought more joy that you had thought it would. You just couldn't wait to go home, hospitals have never been your thing.

Everything was quite overwhelming, thinking about the fact that you could have died if he would have gone further had terrified you, you were glad that they had come in time before he had the time to finalize his work in order to accomplish his "canvas".

But none of that had happened, you were still alive.

You could possibly...tell what you needed to, to Spencer. If you ever find the courage.

*

It all hit you right in the face when you were home.

You didn't feel that way when you were at the hospital, for one reason, people.

You were surrounded by your friends, which made it better, allowing you to step away from your problems; but when you ended up alone in your apartment, you felt the way you would have felt if they wouldn't have been there.

They had a case this week, which made seeing each other impossible. You'd only talk with them on the phone, a short moment of happiness, then when they'd hang up, you'd be back to your thoughts, facing them on your own.

It all was difficult to explain it, even to yourself. This was a whole new level of confusion you'd never have to deal with before. You didn't even understand what was going on with you.

The fact that you had died and could have remained that way if he would have gone further or even if they didn't manage to revive you would send shivers down your spine. 

'How does one deal with that?'

'Am I supposed to feel grateful that I had survived or feel bad because I'm alive while the seven victims he had attacked are not?' 

None of these questions were probably useful or doing any good to your mental health; but you had always been like that.

What if, And if, so if, but if, it I hadn't…

It just worked like that in your mind. You had always been thinking that way, wondering what could have happened if you would have done that, and not this, or if that thing happened and not this.

You had also come to your love life matter; if you wouldn't have survived, would it have been sad that you couldn't have confessed or fine the way it was because he could have rejected you, not feeling the same way?

Now that you were alive, you still had no idea. Should you take your courage in your hands and tell him, or stay in the shadows, only to keep your feelings in the box, while thinking of the possibility of you seeing him with another girl than you?

You couldn't be sure of the answer. You would see how he'd look at JJ, what if they had been together before you came, what if they're actually planning on going on dates? 

You had known it was foolish to say that, assume that two people were together when you didn't know anything, if it was real or if you were just imagining stuff.

You had never asked them about whether they only were friends or more, it was none of your business, and if they would have said that they weren't only friends, you'd have to apply your best fake smile, which would have been immediately noticed since Spencer was a profiler, and that would have probably ruined your friendship, whether you would have told them that, or confessed only to him.

You guys had immediately begun on good terms, nothing was forced, you could talk for hours without getting bored, work together without any trouble as you could easily understand the other, there was absolutely no problem, it was a normal friendship like any other.

The kind of friendship you didn't want to ruin because of how much you appreciated it.

And what could possibly ruin it in a snap would be his rejection. You didn't know if you would be able to talk to him like you would usually do after that.

Your new life in a new place didn't turn out to be the way you thought it would be like, especially when the problem you were facing happened to be at your workplace, that problem happened to be Spencer Reid, the guy you'd see every single day at work.

When mentioning 'problem' it's mostly about the love part, not him. The problem would be you. You couldn't stop worrying, asking yourself billions of questions, when you could just stop everything by giving him a call or talk to him when you'll get back to work.

But, you weren't wondering if the thing restraining you was the fact that you had known him for barely a month. How can you get to fully know someone and say that you're in love with them? It didn't make any sense to you. 

You didn't even know if he was interested in you or in having any relationship in the first place. 

When you'd try to find another path to get by, you'd be taken back to the same point; him not having shared feelings, not a single one. Purely platonic.

But you couldn't give up so easily at the same time. 

One side of your mind was telling you to go tell him, while another told you it wasn't worth it. 

You were imagining a hundred situations that could happen while it was just so simple.

He could say yes, or no.

Two choices.

You sat on the couch of your apartment, letting out a long sigh, before ending up falling asleep. 

You have tried to convince yourself that next week will be better, and that you will finally decide to use it to talk with him. 

*

Your return to work had apparently been greatly awaited; Penelope had been the first one to let you notice it as she jumped in your arms as soon as you had stepped out of the elevator.

And a few weeks later, as much as they had liked to throw a party upon your return to the field, a case had popped up and everyone had to get back to work.

Oddly enough, Spencer couldn't do anything but take his eyes off you, he'd step in the rooms before you did, place a protective hand behind you when he'd hear a noise to make sure you still were there and so that you wouldn't get hurt.

You didn't tell much about it, he had perhaps remembered what had happened the last time and had wanted to make sure it wouldn't happen again.

Even Morgan wouldn't have done this with you, and you guys were friends, so when Spencer had acted this way, you had tried not to think that it was because he loved you but because he wanted you to be safe, nothing much.

Admitting that it only was 'nothing much' pained you more that you would have thought it would. You wanted it to be more than nothing much, but you still haven't told him anything about your feelings, despite having promised it to yourself before getting back to work.

The rest of the investigation had gone well, just a few minutes later, the suspect had found himself to be in the attic, his gun pointed to the victim in an attempt to kill her, but had been reasoned and his arrest concluded to be successful.

Since the location of the case happened to be near Quantico, the ride back to the office had been done in less than an hour.

Taking in consideration the amount of paperwork waiting for everyone after the long week that we all had, everyone prefered to get to work so that you guys wouldn't have to do it later.

You had gone by the break room to get your second refill of the night, settling at your desk shortly after.

Everyone had gone a bit everywhere, either to the archives, to Hotch's desk to give reports, at Garcia's office, or at the printer, so the office where all your desks were wouldn't be very crowded.

Due to your temporary absence after the previous case, you haven't been able to complete the paperwork that normally would have needed to be done after the case had been declared closed.

At the moment when you had been told that it could wait so you could take time for yourself and recover without having to go through the stress the case may have brought you, you felt relieved, but when you had to fill it out now, a bit of regret filled itself inside you.

You had wished you would have filled out a bit of it earlier so that you would have had less to take care of. If only you did.

But, unfortunately you couldn't get rid of it, so all you had to do was take your pain patiently, and deal with it. 

You didn't mind it much after that, Morgan had stepped by quickly to finish off some work, as you guys had various conversations about stuff that crossed whatever was in the other's mind.

Even though at this moment, you would have preferred to go home, you still prefered to work for now. As you wouldn't have much to do the rest of the night at home except laying on the couch to watch tv or read the same books for the umpteenth time, work didn't sound bad if it meant that it could avoid yourself from getting bored.

If you would have told this to your old friends in high school, they would have thought that you were crazy for preferring to work instead of going to parties, because, yes, they were in a way, the heathers of the class, that would prefer to go out at night instead of studying or sleeping. 

You had done this once, and earned nothing but a week without your phone after your mother had found out what you had done; so instead of doing it again, you had took the habit to take your free time to work instead of wasting it to go to stupid parties, and thanks to that resolution, here you are, years later, working at the FBI.

Turned out that avoiding to be like the others wouldn't have done anything good to you except making you fail your studies.

The hours went by without you had even had the time to realise it. Everyone had gone out of the bureau, they had probably gone home or went somewhere else.

The amount of paperwork had decreased importantly, making you feel more relaxed. 

As you had just turned off your computer, checking that you hadn't forgotten any of your stuff before getting up; a tall figure had just stood by your desk, the sound of footsteps shortly stopping. 

You hadn't seen who was standing close to your desk before you had turned your head. 

But what you certainly wouldn't have expected would be that the person in front of you would be none but Spencer Reid.

"...what's going on? Are you going home?" You asked.

"Um, yeah I am but…" He said, taking a deep breath as he looked away before looking at me again, taking a few steps further. "I wanted to ask you...d-do want to hang out someday? Like a...a date?" He said, stuttering towards the end.

'What?'

'Have I heard well?'

'Spencer Reid….just asked me out?'

'Have I just worried for two months just for him to take one minute to wash everything away?'

You haven't even noticed that you had begun tearing up until you had felt a tear on your face and noticed Spencer's worry on his face.

"Are you—" He began saying, before being cut off as you got up and wrapped your arms around his neck.

"You took a lot of time to ask...I thought you'd never do it." You mumbled, loud enough for Spencer to hear. 

You haven't believed him for a split second, this seemed so unreal. 

"Well, I just did." He mentioned, as he brought his arms around your waist, bringing you into a hug that you had found quite comforting. The feeling of being in his arms was comfortable, you really did feel safe, if you hadn't broken your embrace, you would have stayed there for another hour.

Before you even got to, Spencer brought his fingers to your face, wiping the tears from your eyes, which you immediately responded to with a smile.

"I...I really love you y/n." 

"...you do ?" 

"Of course I do. I loved you since the first day you've stepped in here. I was too afraid to ask you out."

"You have no idea how afraid I was too. I thought you didn't like me back."

"You are the only girl I liked, and you still are right now." 

"I guess we had something in common then."

"I guess, yeah." He said, as you suddenly pulled him towards you in a soft kiss, which he quickly returned, placing his hands on your face while you had placed yours at the back of his head.

"I love you too Spencer Reid." 

Six words.

That's all it took for your relationship with him to start.

Six words, for a lifetime worth of memories to start.

The following weeks have been nothing but pure moments of happiness. He had "moved" into your apartment, he'd spend more time at your apartment than his, letting you wonder if he didn't actually sell it or something, although he had insisted he didn't. He just liked to stay with you. 

The moment that the both of you preferred the most would be when you would lay down together. He'd wrap his arms around you, pulling you as close as possible, you always appreciated his warmth. You had always liked the feeling you would get when you'd be in his arms from the first time he had hugged you.

Next thing you both knew, it didn't take much time for the news to spread around the bureau. You had thought no one had noticed the both of you, but Garcia had already started planning your wedding since she had seen the both of you kissing on the cameras. 

That really sounded like Garcia at one hundred percent. She would have totally done that if she would have seen you smiling at him for just one second before the relationship would have even started.

But, what mattered to you at this moment was that you would have a man to spend the next years with, and maybe a lifetime if things happen to go further between the two of you.

If someone would have told you three years earlier that this would happen, you wouldn't have believed anyone. You really were head over heels with him, and it wasn't about to stop soon.

You haven't been able to talk often together, but the small moments you had with him have been more than enough for getting to appreciate each other's presence.

And now that the both of you have acknowledged each other's feelings, these small moments will turn into bigger ones.

You really did trust him, even if you both had many other things to discover about the other, you didn't fully know the other at one hundred percent. 

But you were sure that you'd have plenty of time to do that. 

Plenty.

[gallivantingheart]

the proposal pt.1

who?: jeonghan x (f)reader

word count: 1495

genre/s: fluff and a bit of fun

warnings: none!

synopsis: jeonghan has never been confused on how you feel about marriage - now it’s just a matter of how to do it.

a/n: just a fun diddy bc i love this sleepy man - no, not based off that movie with sandra bullock

note: bold italics = korean

You confuse him endlessly. More so than the likes of his cryptic self or round-about Jihoon. How you say action is your favourite genre but he catches you watching the same romance movie at least once every few weeks, singing and crying at the same parts. How your wardrobe is full of dark hoodies and you wear the same ripped jeans, but your nails are always sparkly and your draws have pastel blouses. You'll say you don't need romantic gestures, but almost always squeal when he drops flowers by your office. Or the fact you say you're bad at them but always pull the best tear-jerkers on him. Like the time you brought him dinner to the practice room - vase of flowers and all - at midnight while keeping him company, even though he knew you had a client presentation the next day. The comeback prep was gruelling, so yeah, he got a bit misty-eyed.

At least one thing he's not confused with is your opinion of marriage. Despite this comfort, even though you've been together for almost four years, you've never once brought up marriage, even casually. You cried though, when Mingyu and Chaewon got engaged at their anniversary party last year. Babbled wetly into his shoulder about how sweet love was, meant to be and the like - for the record, you were completely sober. Sobbed even longer as one of Chaewon's bridesmaids that Jeonghan had to collect you from the altar after they left the venue. And he's seen you look at apartments to share, linger on pinterest on a Saturday afternoon.

He wants it just as bad as you, but no idea how to broach it. You’ve talked about how you want a rescue cat when you move in together as well as the style of decor. Even said in passing at a park how you hope that your kids have his smile because it’s, “the most beautiful thing I get to see every day.” Jeonghan doesn’t want to overwhelm you with a grand public proposal, but he doesn’t know how to wow you like you do for him all the time. Jeonghan’s gotta be honest - he wants the whole shebang. Smiles, tears, blubbering; the lot.

He also realises that he wants it recorded for your mum when he calls her for her blessing. You moved a whole hemisphere away a year before the two of you met, to pursue a job in the entertainment industry. Something interesting and left of field found you in Korea working in concepts and marketing. So phone and video calls are a regular for the two of you. He’s also tried really hard over the years to improve his English, to bridge the gap with your family. Jeonghan thinks your mother is amazing, kind and funny - the kind of level head he expected to bring such a wonderful person like you into the world.

He’s English is nowhere near good enough for what he wants to say, so he asks for a familiar face to help out. Joshua is on the video call too, made in Shua’s clean dorm. Your mother looks a little surprised to not see you there. You both have the same texture of hair, but not much else.

“Jeonghan! How are you!” She waves.

He smiles at her enthusiasm. “Good thank you. How are you?”

“I’m really good, sweetheart. Bit of a weird time to call - everything okay? Where’s y/n?”

He sees her search the screen for her daughter, even so much as leaning side to side to try and see outside the frame. Some of her speech is still lost on him, so he looks to Joshua in question. He leans over to his ear.

“She’s wondering if everything is okay for you to be calling at this time.”

Jeonghan raises his brows and nods in understanding. Her expression changes as well, the lines around her eyes softening with the fading concern.

“It is okay. Y/N is at work. I...I have a question to ask you. Just us. It’s very important.” He twists his ring anxiously in his lap.

“Of course, what is it?”

Joshua can see the tension rising in Jeonghan’s shoulders, how quiet and hesitant he gets at the elder woman’s agreement. The way he looks at the woman, staring persistently. The American born member leans over with a smile.

“Hi y/n’s mum. It’s a bit of a speech, so I’ll be helping Jeonghan translate, okay?” He looks to his friend, nodding gently. “Jeonghan? Tell her.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a person like y/n... She’s kind and exciting and interesting and she makes me really happy. I hope I do the same for her. I can’t imagine my life now if she weren’t in it. I don’t want to lose all that. I would like your blessing in asking her to marry me.” Jeonghan says as clear as he can, without too much of his nerves or feelings getting in the way - usually an easy feat for him.

Joshua translates along the way and he picks up words here and there - happy and your name, of course. But he’s not watching his fellow member speak for once, instead analysing his potential mother-in-law’s reaction. He starts to jiggle his knee off the bed as he sees your mother’s expression roll from from a quirked brow to a warm smile, then watching her eyes go glassy and her chin wobble through said smile. Her hands go over her mouth once Joshua finishes and out of shot, his hand lies flat over Jeonghan’s on his sheets in a sign of comfort.

“I...I...yes. I would love to have you as part of the family officially. Of course you have my blessing.” Your mother pulls her hands away to murmur.

She fumbles to the side for tissues and Jeonghan looks to Joshua in shock. He heard a yes, but… Joshua is meanwhile beaming in return, laughing at his member’s expense.

“She would love to have you as part of the family. You have her blessing.”

Jeonghan grins, his chest so full and tense he feels like he might burst. Instead, he laughs, grasping shua’s shoulders to shake them

“Thank you! Thank you so much!”

She shakes her head. “Of course I would say yes. You don’t know how much she talks about you when you aren’t there - how much she raved about you when the two of you first met. It was like the stories she used to make up as a little girl, come to life. I wish I was there to see her face when you ask.”

Jisoo translates and he laughs even more, elated being an understatement.

It took a little searching and contemplating on what kind of ring to get you. Nothing too big, because you used your hands for everything. Not gold, because you didn’t like the way it looked against your skin. He settles on loopholing the gold for white gold, something silver but reflective and a singular round diamond - only two carats or else you’d throw a fit at the mystery price. He gets a thin chain as well of the same material, knowing you were more likely to wear it round your neck than on your finger for fear of losing it. Seungkwan of all people was the one to help with the final decision, insisting on its chic simplicity and pretty glow.

Jeonghan decides on a little party to pop the question. Or as little as you can get with thirteen members and their partners as well as your friends and their plus ones. Under a guise of missing your friends and a celebration of your success with a client, he even whines that he’ll organise the food and drink. Everyone invited is in on it, of course, which heightens the stakes.

The box sits hot in his pocket or bag all week. All the members know about the little surprise coming up dance between trading their resident trickster or offering a helping hand. Seungkwan has pulled up as quite the miracle worker, his entertainment ties conjuring up a caterer on such short notice and Mingyu slipping the business card of the decorator of his engagement party - it’s a little worn from being worried in Seungcheol’s initial finding but that just adds to the charm. Like a group heirloom to be passed around.

Despite the client win, you’re still snowed under with new paperwork and contracts, so you’re none the wiser to the nerves brewing in your boyfriend which proves to be the perfect mix come the weekend.

He lets you sleep in even later than the two of you usually do, and encourages you to take up that nail salon voucher you’ve been humming and harring about - you deserve a treat, he whines. And when you shut the door gently, Jeonghan breathes a sigh of relief and an inhale of stress - now the fun really begins.