#but he’ll pick chelsea over that for sure

[reality-not-for-me]

Welcome to the MW2 world, Valkyrie

So, hear me out, it’s time for the supreme rule and worship of muscle mommies. I made a character for just that 😏 I would love to see her out and about in things and if you do use her, please tag me!! I wanna see!! Just, you know, don’t claim to own her. She’s MINE.

*I have literally never made an oc before, let alone write fics or anything, so take it easy on me pls lol*

Ok, here we go:

Call sign: Valkyrie

Real name: Chelsea Quinn

Member of the 141

Female but not necessarily “feminine”. Hot in her own way. Could pull men And women if she wanted to. Price uses this to the team’s advantage for Sure. I really wanna write something where Valkyrie goes in instead of Soap for that one campaign mission to meet El Sin Nombre and not only is every man in there questioning things but Valeria has a gay panic attack lmao

Really short medium brown hair that she looks really good in

Definitely steals Soap’s hair gel

Asked Soap to style her hair into a fauxhawk/mohawk once, the boys all secretly loved it on her

She cuts her own hair but has Soap help with the back of her head cause I think he does his own too. She of course helps him too

6’-6’1” in shoes and like, 230lbs of muscle

Sergeant level

27 years old

Built like a tank with visible musculature, slight hourglass figure with thicc thighs, proportionally large titties and an ass for days. Therefore people would consider her to be a Muscle Mommy™️

She also has tats, an elbow cuff on her left arm, a forearm wrap-around sleeve on her right, and a couple of ones only seen when she’s wearing more revealing clothing. Definitely the type to incorporate her scars into a tattoo

The type of person who can dish out the genuine compliments/flirts but can’t take them, gets all flustered when someone does

Can sing and will when given the chance. Especially if something is stuck in her head.

Ghost can play the guitar and every now and then she’ll sing softly along with him (he’ll play songs she knows on purpose after discovering this)

Quite a pretty facial structure and smile. Doesn’t see her beauty but learned how to flirtatiously manipulate targets via the boys. THAT’S an Interesting story

Has light colored freckles on face and shoulders, mole on left cheek

Caucasian, tanned

Witty

Sometimes dry humor, sometimes goofy

Loyal

Not one to go against authority or talk back unless it means one of “her boys” gets left behind

Loving of those who are close to her

Kind of a masochist lmaoo but more so in a way that’s like, she’s pushing herself too far physically and mentally cause that’s the perfectionist in her. Unless… 👀

When sparring she’ll take down all of the boys in combat except Price and sometimes Ghost simply because Price is absent during training and Ghost is just too fucking agile and large. Doesn’t mean she won’t still try. Once she took a punch to the abdomen in order to bum rush Ghost and managed to catch him off guard enough to tackle him. He was impressed and flustered but still called it cheating

Gets along almost too well with Soap, openly flirts with one another but more so in a bffs way. Unless… 👀

They definitely also flirt with Ghost because they think it’s funny when he gets flustered, but one day the man is gonna snap I’m tellin ya (and when he does…… 👀)

Managed to become the third musketeer of Ghost and Soap

Is allowed to call Soap Johnny

She has definitely picked up the Scottish and English slang and will say them in the respective accents. The boys think it’s hilarious

She makes the funniest faces sometimes when she’s reacting to a story someone is telling

Ghost loves her deep down just like with Johnny, and will die and kill for both of them

She has seen Ghost’s face because they trust each other so much and he knows she takes trust so so seriously. They bonded over ✨past trauma✨

They originally were just professional towards each other but once Ghost saw her scars on accident (while changing) he started warming up to her and would seek out conversation with her, which she happily accepted and returned.

Soap just started talking to her when she arrived and she also happily accepted and returned lol. She’s just very personable. She’s the type to be reserved until someone else makes the first move (which may or may not be true for… other situations as well 👀😉)

I believe she’s at least an inch taller than Soap, and will make sure he remembers it. She can and will pick up people who are smaller than her. Well, let’s be honest, she’ll still pick up people who are bigger than her. The boys all wanted a turn to be picked up by her lmao

Calls Ghost by his first name in intimate moments (not that kind you perv. Unless... 👀)

Is often the one everyone can talk to about personal shit because she listens and has feedback to offer with no judgment

Is the sole woman on the team so she is happy to answer any questions the men might have, sexual or not. Drunken “never have I ever” got a little crazy last time

When she needs to vent or cry, Ghost and/or Soap will hold her and listen. Same goes for the reverse. Or any member of the 141 tbh. She is Mommy™️

That being said, she will 100% cuddle platonically with Anyone who wants/needs it. She understands that everyone needs human intimacy (especially in their line of work holy shit). “Wanna cuddle?” “What? Why?” “Cause it’s nice. Don’t make it weird.”

She has scars along her shoulder blades and one on her abdomen through and through to mid/lower back. Changes the story of how she got them every time someone asks. Only her true friends know the real stories. If she’s in civvies or undercover she tells people it’s from getting moles removed lolol

Won’t open up to just anyone, but will also just spit out something shockingly personal casually amongst the 141

Took Spanish for eight years in school so she will giggle at things Rudy and Alejandro say and they’re shocked when they find out she Knows™️. This being said she will also call Soap names in Spanish with them in front of Soap to annoy him.

Also knows some sign language and taught it to the boys, for when they’re on mission and need to talk silently.

Will offer herself up to be a diversion or to do something crazy mission-wise. It drives the boys crazy cause they just want to protect her but she’ll give them a reason why she’d be the perfect candidate and they’d have to let her.

When she dresses up for undercover work she is a VISION. the boys have to rein it in and she gets confused and/or flustered when they all of a sudden avert their eyes or stutter around her.

König. Oh that poor man. He is down bad for her and she doesn’t really know it. She just thinks he’s having his usual social anxiety when talking to her so she makes sure she’s nice and patient with him. He first saw her when he was visiting one day. She and the boys were sparring and she pinned Soap right as she looked up at him, eyes all dark, and he combusted then and there. Although she isn’t picking up what he’s putting down, her boys of the 141 are and will protect her/compete for her attention while he’s around. If you accuse Ghost or Soap of being jealous they will deny it of course.

When she’s exhausted she gets the loopy kind of silly where you laugh at nothing and then feel like sobbing at the same time.

During her period she’ll silently suffer until a big cramp comes and then she’s death gripping something while lowly groan growling out and breathing slowly. The first time it happens all the boys are like “uhhhhh you good Val?” And she’s like “…yes.” In the most strained voice ever lol. She has an IUD in so she doesn’t have to worry about actually bleeding while out in the field. Now the 141 offer her meds when it happens.

I’m still adding things as I think of them, and of course will edit this as I add them. But yeah. There she is. I love her already and can’t wait to make stuff with her :)

[sirjacobthomaskiszka]

@tearsofbri and I’s thoughts of Jakey being an autumn/early winter boy.

The second the temperature drops to 60-65 and there’s a crisp autumn breeze he has every window in his home thrown open.

If you told him you were cold he’d tell you to just steal one of his sweaters cause he’s not closing the windows.

Movie marathons cuddled up on the couch. Too many blankets, all of the snacks, hot cocoa and apple cider (probably spiked), all of the horror movies from the 80s and 90s, Harry Potter, Twilight and/or all of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Stepping on every crunchy leaf he finds.

Trips to the local pumpkin patch and to go apple picking. He would pick out the biggest, roundest pumpkins for you two to carve together. Insisting he pulls the wagon. Buying a hot cocoa for himself (this boy has a sweet tooth especially for chocolate you can’t fight me on this) and he would get you an apple cider. Going on the hay ride together, holding you close as the sun goes down and the temp drops even more. Letting you pet every animal you can find. Taking cheesy pictures at all the cutouts.

This man loves a haunted house. Only because you would cling to him the entire time as he laughs at every jump scare. Also why he loves watching all the scary movies with you, so you can hide in his shirt and he can be your protector.

He’d want to make caramel apples with the haul you brought back from the orchard.

Bonfires. That boy will set fire to anything you let him. When he’s feeling a little more lowkey he’ll tend to it enough to make sure you stay warm otherwise he’s just hanging around strumming away in his acoustic.

And you can’t have a bonfire without s’mores. Jakey loves s’mores and he always makes the biggest mess. He has marshmallow all over his hands and would without a doubt end up with some in his hair that he would sheepishly ask you to help him get out.

I have a hunch that our Jakey Thomas has a love for fall scented candles but is too shy to own up to it. He’s quietly ask of you can go to bath and body works and smell all the candles. You’d get him any he seemed to linger on. Josh probably get him a special limited edition one that Jake pretends not to be excited about but lights immediately.

And the buffalo plaid. Blankets, pillows, it’s every where and you bet your ass he’s breaking out every flannel and worn out pair of chelsea boots he owns.

He would deck out the lawn with Halloween decor and go full out in pirate garb for trick or treating. For sure handing out full size candy bars to become the favorite house in the neighborhood.

He would insist on having Thanksgiving at his house so he can cook a massive meal for everyone. He would only let people bring alcohol, otherwise he will be cooking everything. No one is allowed to help except for you. You can be his sous chef, sitting on the counter watching him, making him drinks and taking breaks to dance to whatever record is playing. He’d also make veg options for Samuel, who would tease Jake and say it was just okay. He would make a minimum of three, possibly four pies - pumpkin, apple, pecan and cherry.

Jacob just radiates fall and autumn energy. Warm, soft and cozy.

[leaguepremsinfo]

full name  —  jonathan apoloniusz mazur age  —  twenty - eight. october seventh, 1995 gender/pronouns  —  cis male, he/him orientation  —  bisexual, closeted publicly  birthplace  —  hampstead, london residence  —  south kensington, london languages spoken  —  polish, english height  —  200.66 cm / 6’7” weight  —  82 kg  /  181 lbs hair color  —  brunette eye color  —  blue

Be more like your dad! His mother had always squawked at Jonny, her Polish accent more thick with pride when talking about Filip Mazur. He and Bethany came to London as eighteen year olds with big dreams, having met back in Poland. They got engaged, married and had kids quickly, raising them to speak both English and Polish, to respect where they came from; heritage was important.

His father had, at one point, been the absolute best of the best on the pitch. A legend. He was loved by the team he played for (an Arsenal man through and through), loved by the nation (when he made his first appearance for Queen and country, Old Wembley’s stands shook) and loved by the pundits. He had records young footballers could only dream of, but it didn’t make him untouchable. 

In 2017, he did retire, at an eye watering age of forty two – something utterly unheard of in that world. He left with a wealth of accolades for Arsenal under his belt, a whole load of records - including oldest goal scorer in the Premier League. 

Jon, the Mazurs’ first born, had worked through Chelsea Academy as a kid - he didn't get to have a Bar Mitzvah because of his incredibly busy schedule, though he put his all into his sisters’ so that he could be a big part of it - and stayed with the Blues all the way through to seniors, making his debut in 2012, after Chelsea won the Champions League the year before. He was a Chelsea lad to his very core, playing (eventually) alongside Roy. Fucking. Kent. A man he should objectively hate given that he’d once tried to absolutely KO his dad in a match, but hey - what wouldn’t anyone give to kick a ball around under that man’s captaincy. He helped shape Jon into the player he is today and he’ll be grateful for it for as long as he’s able to play and beyond.

Of course WHU wanted him; he was in high demand; not only was he the second-tallest player in the Prem which made him a beast to go up against but he was known as an incredibly flexible player who had the ability to move from defence positions to the midfield right up to being in front, playing the 9. He had a kick like his dad, though in truth they were not that similar. That Mazur, though outspoken and bold off the grass, was patient and calm on the pitch, sharing his whippet speed and skill with his son. This Mazur had a relatively short temper and wasn’t afraid to use his elbows.. Though, this is something Jon has worked on over time, instead becoming known for his level headedness and dedication to the sport. He doesn’t fight referees, he doesn’t pick fights with the little shits on lower table teams, he’s an artist on the pitch. 

In 2015, aged twenty, Jon made his debut for the Three Lions, the England team, legacy number 1207.

Now he’s as beloved by West Ham fans as his father was (is) by Arsenal’s. He was named their captain in July of 2017, the same year his father stepped away from the game. It’s a role he takes seriously, trying to pave the way for the younger Hammers, showing them how to act and how to better themselves just as Roy Kent had done for him those years ago. 

On Nov 15th 2018, Jon was given the captain’s band for England for a game against USA, something his own father had never quite managed. He had wanted to step out of Fil’s shadow and this was just another challenge to take up in order to prove himself even more… to who, he wasn’t entirely sure. 

He captained the England team through the 2016 Euros, the 2020 Euros and the 2022 World Cup, he’s got 221 goals for West Ham under his belt, 62 for England and in 2023 he led West Ham to victory, winning the Europa Conference League in Prague.

The man is a true testament to himself and his game. It was no shock to the people that really knew him to find out that he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, let alone when he won the thing (he, though, was sitting with his jaw agape before being roused from his seat). The biggest surprise of all was the moment his father walked out on stage to hand him the trophy - some people slammed the move from the older Mazur man, but it was perhaps the most touching moment of young Mazur’s life so far.

[mazur5s]

NOW PRESENTING: JONATHAN MAZUR5! captain of west ham united.

firm but fair. large and in charge. captains a team like a conductor leads a symphony. legacy player. trying to be different from his dad, whilst only wanting to be his shadow.

JONATHAN MAZUR. Oct 7th 1995. 28. West Ham’s strongman. 

Be more like your dad! His mother had always squawked at Jonny, her Polish accent more thick with pride when talking about Filip Mazur. He and Bethany came to London as eighteen year olds with big dreams, having met back in Poland. They got engaged, married and had kids quickly, raising them to speak both English and Polish, to respect where they came from; heritage was important.

His father had, at one point, been the absolute best of the best on the pitch. A legend. He was loved by the team he played for (an Arsenal man through and through), loved by the nation (when he made his first appearance for Queen and country, Old Wembley’s stands shook) and loved by the pundits. He had records young footballers could only dream of, but it didn’t make him untouchable.

In 2017, he did retire, at an eye watering age of forty two – something utterly unheard of in that world. He left with a wealth of accolades for Arsenal under his belt, a whole load of records - including oldest goal scorer in the Premier League. 

Jon, the Mazurs’ first born, had worked through Chelsea Academy as a kid - he didn't get to have a Bar Mitzvah because of his incredibly busy schedule, though he put his all into his sisters’ so that he could be a big part of it - and stayed with the Blues all the way through to seniors, making his debut in 2012, after Chelsea won the Champions League the year before. He was a Chelsea lad to his very core, playing (eventually) alongside Roy. Fucking. Kent. A man he should objectively hate given that he’d once tried to absolutely KO his dad in a match, but hey - what wouldn’t anyone give to kick a ball around under that man’s captaincy. He helped shape Jon into the player he is today and he’ll be grateful for it for as long as he’s able to play and beyond.

In 2015, Jon was snapped up by West Ham United, a move he found difficult to come to terms with, but one he thought would give him the freedom to pursue his individuality - his ability to truly be his own man and not just his father, but in blue. East London. He would fit in with the cockneys, he thought. 

Of course WHU wanted him; he was in high demand; not only was he the second-tallest player in the Prem which made him a beast to go up against but he was known as an incredibly flexible player who had the ability to move from defence positions to the midfield right up to being in front, playing the 9. He had a kick like his dad, though in truth they were not that similar. That Mazur, though outspoken and bold off the grass, was patient and calm on the pitch, sharing his whippet speed and skill with his son. This Mazur had a relatively short temper and wasn’t afraid to use his elbows.. Though, this was something Jon has worked on over time, instead becoming known for his level headedness and dedication to the sport. He doesn’t fight referees, he doesn’t pick fights with the little shits on lower table teams, he’s an artist on the pitch. 

In 2015, aged twenty, Jon made his debut for the Three Lions, the England team, legacy number 1207.

Now he’s as beloved by West Ham fans as his father was (is) by Arsenal’s. He was named their captain in July of 2017, the same year his father stepped away from the game. It’s a role he takes seriously, trying to pave the way for the younger Hammers, showing them how to act and how to better themselves just as Roy Kent had done for him those years ago. 

On Nov 15th 2018, Jon was given the captain’s band for England for a game against USA, something his own father had never quite managed. He had wanted to step out of Fil’s shadow and this was just another challenge to take up in order to prove himself even more… to who, he wasn’t entirely sure. 

He captained the England team through the 2016 Euros, the 2020 Euros and the 2022 World Cup, he’s got 221 goals for West Ham under his belt, 62 for England and in 2023 he led West Ham to victory, winning the Europa Conference League in Prague.

The man is a true testament to himself and his game. It was no shock to the people that really knew him to find out that he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, let alone when he won the thing (he, though, was sitting with his jaw agape before being roused from his seat). The biggest surprise of all was the moment his father walked out on stage to hand him the trophy - some people slammed the move from the older Mazur man, but it was perhaps the most touching moment of young Mazur’s life so far.

Sitting in his hotel room with the buzz of champagne in his body and the ringing of partying still in his ears was the moment, the first real moment, he started to doubt his place at West Ham. It was true that the team had helped him elevate his game, that he’d forged some strong bonds there, and he had a lot to thank the clarets for, but Champions League players they were not. He was running out of time. Could he really turn his back on such a team? Did he have it in him to turn his back on another team that’d raised him?

[welcometophu]

The Meaning of Home: Chapter 38

The Meaning of Home Chapter 38

Tags for all Welcome to PHU novels will be available at the PHU tag list on Pillowfort. This list is under construction as of Sept. 5, 2021.

[ Previous | First | THE END ]

Pawel is standing outside when the truck arrives. He waves to direct Shane to park it along the driveway, just past the house but enough off to the side that there will still be plenty of room to pass it on the way to the second house. There’s already a long line of cars in place, and Shane pulls up behind them, Anita pulling her own car in behind.

It’s not a large truck—he’s left all of his furniture back at the house for Anita to use, aside from his own desk and Conor’s bed. By the time Shane walks over, leaning on his cane with the key to the rental dangling from the fingertips of his free hand, Colt is outside as well. Colt moves in close to Pawel, wrapping his arms around him from behind. “Is this moving day or an invasion force?”

“You take in kids; I take in college students,” Pawel responds. “And sometimes their parents. These three are Shane, Jess, and Pels.” He points to them each in turn, and the kids wave, their soul mark ink darkly visible on the inside of their wrists. “Shane and Pels are part of Coven on campus, and Jess has been studying the mathematics of magic and ritual. Which reminds me, I should make sure she’s in touch with Val—” 

Pawel cuts off as Colt presses against his cheek, turning his face and tilting him down so Colt can claim his mouth in a kiss just long enough to steal his words.

“No working today,” Colt says. “We’ve got enough chaos going on with the move. Leo’s family is here, too, and I know I’ve seen more of your college adoptees around. Not to mention Chelsea taking over the kitchen like she lives here. I’m pretty sure I heard Nevaeh offering her the couch in her apartment over the garage.”

“Do we think that would help keep Nevaeh more in line when she’s not living in the main house, or do we think Chelsea will only encourage her to get into trouble?”

Colt snorts at Pawel’s question. “Pretty sure the answer to that is just yes, in general. Both. But that said, I’m also pretty sure your ex is trying to move in while it’s all chaos and we’re not paying attention.”

They haven’t explicitly discussed it, but Pawel has a feeling that they’ve all known that Chelsea’s become a part of this extended family already. “Sounds about right,” he says, just in case Colt needs to know he’s okay with it.

“That’s what I figured.” 

Pawel takes Colt’s response as acceptance, and they’ll talk it over in more detail later. Chelsea will need a room of her own, eventually. Maybe in the basement. Or in the new addition they’re planning in the space between the master suite and the garage. Or possibly… no, it’s all thoughts for later. They have a lot of plans for the future; Pawel’s pretty sure this house will be under construction for years.

Shane jingles the keys dangling from his fingers, reclaiming Pawel’s attention. As soon as Pawel looks at him, Shane tosses the keys. Pawel just barely manages to catch them before they hit the ground. 

“Where do you want us to take things in to?” Jess offers. “We want to get unloaded and head back to Unity. Cheyenne’s at a friend’s place, so I know Pels’s mom wants to pick her up, and well, we kind of have plans.” She looks from Shane to Pels and grins.

“You’re all welcome to stay for dinner,” Colt offers. “But if you just want to unload and get going, all the rooms inside have signs on them, as long as Pawel labeled his boxes.”

“Conor’s room is—” Complicated. Conor’s room is complicated, splitting his space between this house and sharing a room with Duke, and the other house, where he’ll share space with Emma. “Put his boxes upstairs in the room labeled for Duke. The library is at the front of the house, and my room is the big master suite near the center. The desk is going into the library—get Alaric and Chris to help move that.”

Pels has a phone out, texting, and a moment later Alaric and Chris come out to open the back of the truck. 

“Football players are definitely useful for hauling heavy objects,” Colt muses. “I suppose I can forgive you for the invasion force. Nash and Caity have already moved into the house in back, by the way. They bought the staging furniture, and brought over what they had in storage. Emory took the extra bedroom there; they said they wanted some space from their siblings, and they get on well with both Emma and Conor.”

“This is definitely becoming a community and an exercise in co-parenting,” Pawel says.

“You’re just figuring that out now?” Colt nudges him towards the truck. “Come on. Let’s get your things in where they belong.”

Pawel makes several trips, arms aching from the weight of the boxes he carries. Some go into the library, where he pauses to hold the door while Chris and Alaric work to move his desk through it. On his way back outside, he stops to wave at Chelsea and Nevaeh, who are plating food in the kitchen. There’s a bright burst of fruit-scented sparkles; Alanna and Jennie blink into existence, then disappear just as quickly when Nevaeh shouts at them. He hasn’t seen his own child at all, but Conor has to be around somewhere. There’s only so far he can go.

When they are down to a few boxes of books left in the truck, Pawel grabs the last box labeled “bedroom” and carries it in, setting it carefully on the extremely large bed. He opens it, and carefully lays out framed pictures across the bed. It looks as if Colt and Leo have already set up their own picture gallery on the tops of both bureaus. While he was packing, he had dug through old pictures, printed a few that had never seen the light before, and picked up new frames. He has his own timeline ready to intermingle with theirs, to combine their lives. 

He has pictures from high school: one of him and Leo, taken by a tourist while they were in the middle of their road trip, and a formal picture of him and Colt from senior prom. He has two pictures from when he was still a student at PHU. One is of a large group of friends from orientation, with him and Chelsea grinning at the center, and the other was taken later, when Chelsea was heavily pregnant with Conor. He’d put away all the images of that life, and now it’s time to bring them back. It’s time to merge the past with his present; he’s pretty sure none of them are going away again.

The rest of his pictures chronicle Conor’s growth, and their life together. There’s a picture of Conor and Alan. There are new, recent pictures of Conor and Emma, as well as one he managed to sneak of Conor and Chelsea when they weren’t looking.

“Pawel?” Leo’s voice precedes him. The door opens as Leo pokes his head in, “Cap and Daisy are here and…. You okay?”

“Hm?” Pawel looks up, the picture of Conor and Chelsea still in his hands. “Just trying to figure out exactly how to fit in.” He realizes as he says it that while that’s not exactly what he means—he wants to slot his pictures into the timeline where they belong—it’s also exactly what he means. This move is so much more than a new house. It’s a whole new life.

“Don’t worry, there’s plenty of room.” Leo walks over and surveys the pictures before selecting the two from high school. He holds them above the bureaus, against the wall. In the old room, under the sloped ceiling, that space didn’t exist, but now the gallery can extend. “That’s what this move is about—all of us making space for each other. We’ll weave this all together and let our histories intermingle the same way our futures will.” He sets the two pictures on the bureau to the left of the other images, in the place at the start where they belong. “Bring them over.”

Colt comes looking for them a few minutes later, and joins in sorting the pictures. By the time they are done, no pictures are displayed but they’ve decided on the correct order for the timeline. Leo’s made a note to pick up hooks at the hardware store—the latest addition to a long list of needs—so they can figure out the exact layout later.

It’s not a finished project, but they’ve gotten started. And that little bit makes Pawel feel more settled into this space.

“Pawel?” The call of his name comes from somewhere beyond the closed door to the room.

“Your father’s been looking for you,” Colt points out. “He said he sent Leo, and I came to see exactly how distracted you were.” He smirks. “I was expecting something other than picture sorting.”

“Not while everyone’s in the house; save that thought until after the move.” Pawel shoves lightly at Colt when he comes close; it does him no good and he finds himself wrapped up in a hug with both of them. He exhales, leaning into them. “I just needed a little time, that’s all. I’m good now.”

When they emerge into the hall, Dad is right there, hand raised to knock on the door. “Didn’t want to interrupt,” Dad says, “but everyone seems to think you’ve all gotten lost. Also, the girls are in the kitchen and claim no one’s allowed in until they’re done baking because of cookie theft? There’s been a lot of yelling.”

“Adding teleportation to Jennie’s sneaky arsenal of tricks to get sugar really has made it difficult to keep her away from it,” Leo says. 

“It doesn’t seem to harm her,” Pawel says. “She might even benefit from a higher sugar diet. We’ll just need to buy more.”

“Pretty sure we could go broke buying out a bakery every day,” Colt says dryly, “but yes, I see what you mean.”

“Hey.” Mac’s right there by Pawel’s elbow. “Conor’s climbing all over the Jeep in the garage, and I was wondering if that’s a good idea. Also, Matt and Jaiden have created a barricade at their door and Alanna keeps teleporting past it, and there’s a lot of yelling involved. Jennie’s out back informing the kids setting up camp that they aren’t her Papa’s kids, so they can’t have him. Oh, and where are the first aid supplies? Hannah burned herself trying to rescue a pan of cookies from the oven before Jennie got them. Jennie did not seem to care that they were still molten sugar levels of hot.”

“I—” Pawel halts, unsure what to address first. New data about Jennie and sugar gets filed away—he’s not studying her; he’s just trying to remember what’s going to be important as a parent.

“I’m not sure we’ve unpacked the first aid supplies yet, but if you can’t find the right box near one of the bathrooms, I’ve got a kit in my car,” Leo says. “Should be unlocked and the kit is in the trunk. I’ll take care of Jennie and my nieces and nephews. Colt, you handle Matt and Jaiden. Pawel, Conor and that Jeep are all yours. Like father, like son, apparently.” He grins then, tangling his fingers briefly with Pawel’s to squeeze them. “I’d been meaning to ask. Should we be looking into getting it towed away, or do you want to see if we can resurrect it? It reminds me of the one you had in high school.”

“That’ll depend on whether it’s even fixable. But I want it,” Pawel admits. “I’ve seen a Jeep in worse shape still on the road—we actually drove it with Shadows chasing us, in the other world. I wouldn’t mind having one again, although I’ll probably still drive the practical car to Unity and back.”

“Let me get the first aid kit to the kitchen, then I’ll meet you in the garage,” Mac says. “I’ve got an idea.”

She’s gone before Pawel can reply, so he supposes his agreement is assumed. He steals a kiss from Colt and Leo before they head off, then realizes his father is still standing there, watching him with a small smile. “What?” Pawel asks.

“Just glad we’ve both got someone good in our lives,” Dad says. “Heard you finally met Daisy.”

“You could’ve told me you were dating someone,” Pawel replies. At Dad’s eyebrow raise, he admits, “Okay, I guessed you were dating someone. I had no idea it was someone who knew Mom, though.”

“You okay with it?” Dad asks. “I’m planning on keeping her. Just have to convince her to move in one of these days.”

“I’m more than okay with it. You okay with all this?” Pawel gestures at the door to the living room, where they can hear all the noise and chaos from the rest of the house.

“I taught them to call me Dziadziu, didn’t I?” Dad counters. “I’m not a complete idiot. I knew how those boys felt about you, and I knew how you felt about them. None of you are good at hiding your emotions. You’re just oblivious when it comes to admitting to them.”

Pawel puts a hand over his heart. “Right, thanks for the direct wound, Dad. I love you, too.” But it’s true, and he knows he’s lucky to have had such a good parent in his life. “I do love you. Thank you for everything.” He goes easily when Dad reels him in for a back-slapping hug, holding on tight for a moment as if he were ten instead of almost thirty.

Which. Oh, well, shit. “Dad. Tomorrow’s my birthday.”

Dad lets him go, raising both eyebrows. “Is that a surprise?”

Pawel nods. He’d honestly forgotten. “I’ve been busy.” It sounds like a good, valid defense in his own mind. “It didn’t even occur to me that all this was happening for my twenty-ninth birthday. But I… I honestly can’t think of a better gift,” he admits. 

“As long as you’re happy.” Dad gives him a nudge towards the living room. “I hear someone calling your name. You should probably get out to the Jeep before Mac comes looking for you again.”

Right, because his son is getting into trouble, and God only knows what he’s trying to do to the Jeep. Conor’s never met something he couldn’t try to fix with magic. And it’s Pawel’s job as his father to— He stops and turns. “Dad. Thanks for everything. Thanks for being such a good dad, and being such a good grandfather. I know I wasn’t the easiest kid, but you were amazing.”

“We’re amazing together,” Dad says.

And yeah, that fills Pawel’s heart because that’s it. It’s all about having family to lean on when he needs them, and being able to let them lean back.

By the time Pawel makes it to the garage, Conor is sitting in the driver’s seat of the Jeep, while Mac leans on the door, and Alaric is under the hood. Conor holds his hands up as soon as he sees Pawel. “I didn’t try starting it.”

“Her,” Pawel corrects, running his hand across the front quarter panel. “And she doesn’t start, at least according to the note that was on her last time I was here. She’s a gift with the property. I suspect the last owner just didn’t want to deal with getting her towed, but I’m happy she’s here.”

“You used to have a Jeep, right?” Conor scrambles over the center space, falling into the passenger seat. Mac opens the door as he goes, motioning for Pawel to take his place.

Pawel hitches himself up, careful of the rust on the running board; he’s not sure it’ll hold much weight. He settles himself in, adjusting the seat and the mirrors with a practiced hand. “I had one pretty much like this one. Different color. I like this green, and if we try to restore this Jeep, we’ll probably need to get her repainted. It’s peeling all over the rear quarter panel. She’ll need a new canvas top, too, unless we just want her to be either open, or use the hard top.” He points to where the hard top leans against the far wall. “I’d like to restore her,” he says softly.

Conor rubs his hands together, sparks spilling from his palms. He grins. “I’ve got this, Dad.”

“No.” Pawel covers Conor’s hands, his word punctuated by the thud of the hood dropping down into place. “Some things magic can’t—and shouldn’t—fix. You might do more damage.”

The smile slips away from Conor’s expression. “I just wanted to help. I thought we could have….”

“A project?” Pawel asks, when Conor’s voice fades. “I’m not sure I’m going to be any good at fixing up a classic car.”

“You know someone who is,” Mac points out. She gestures at the door to the garage, like someone should be there; Pawel doesn’t see anything other than more cars—and one motorcycle—in the driveway. “Trish,” Mac continues. “She does all her own work on her truck and bike. She and Alaric built his bike this summer.”

“You did?” Conor bounces to his knees, hands on the dashboard as he leans to look at Alaric. “You built a motorcycle?”

“Junkyard parts,” Alaric says, with a small, gruff smile. “Trish helped me get it all put together, and taught me how to take care of it. She’d probably be up for fixing this Jeep up. She likes this kind of stuff. Said she learned how to take apart an engine practically before she could walk.”

“Can I see your bike?” Conor pushes his door open, spilling out of the Jeep and stumbling by the time his feet reach the floor. He bounces back up. “I’m okay. Alaric, I want to see your bike. Can you take me for a ride? Dad, is it okay if he takes me for a ride?”

Pawel can just imagine how that would go. Alaric would take Conor, then he’d have to take Emma, and soon it’d be like pony rides, but with a bike. Alaric’s expression is blandly polite, tight around the eyes. “Maybe not today, Conor,” Pawel says, and the lines around Alaric’s eyes ease. “I’ll talk to Alaric and see if we can arrange something for a day when there isn’t as much going on.”

Alaric nods with a grumble of assent.

They go out to look, and Pawel is impressed with the detail. From the description, he’d expected to be able to tell that it was put together out of junk parts, but everything gleams like new. It all seems to fit together, and when Alaric starts it, Pawel hears the rumble of an old Harley engine.

“Trish custom built the orange bike she rides,” Mac points out. “You should definitely talk to her. She’d love being able to work on it here, too, where there’s room to spread out, and have a roof over her head.”

Conor looks up at Pawel, his eyes wide. Pawel doesn’t know who Conor thinks he needs to convince; Pawel had already decided to keep the Jeep the moment they signed for this property. “Fine,” he says, as if he’s giving in. “And I’ll ask her if she minds if you shadow her.”

“She’ll probably make you learn how to take care of it,” Alaric warns. “She tested me while we were putting my bike together.”

“She needs a name.” Conor darts back into the garage, his voice echoing once he’s inside. “The Jeep, not Trish.”

“Agreed, but why don’t we wait until she’s road ready before we figure that out,” Pawel tells him. He’s got some vague thoughts now, but he has a feeling he won’t know her name for sure until he can see her personality sparkling out from under the rust. “Right now, we need to—”

“Conor!” Emma slides into the garage, stumbling as she skids on the cement, her braids flying. “Come help me get our room set up. Mom and Dad got my computer out of storage and we bought a webcam and we can go call Alan.”

Conor scrambles to catch up with her, and they both race off down the road to the other house. Pawel spots Nash and Caitlyn lingering in the open door of the garage.

“Alaric, Mac—these are Nash and Caitlyn. Emma’s parents. They’re—”

“Weather Witches, and taking the house at the back so Emma doesn’t have to leave her new family,” Nash says.

“Call me Caity.”

“Caity,” Pawel repeats. He ignores the look Mac gives him; she’s already heard the rest of the story and knows exactly what happened. At least as far as they understand it. “I bet you didn’t realize you’d be gaining an entire extended family along with your daughter.”

“It’s going to be something to get used to,” Nash admits. “Having a separate house will help.”

“Thanks for taking in Conor part-time, and giving a room to Emory,” Pawel adds. “Things could shift as we add more space in the main house.”

“It’s fine. He’s a good kid, and he’s promised not to magic up the place too much.” The way Nash says it, Pawel suspects that Conor’s said it several times. Which likely means he’s already done a few unintentional bits of magic in Emma’s room. “I think we’ll be fine.”

“It’s kind of nice,” Caity says softly. “We’re part of a community, and most importantly, Emma’s happy. It’ll give us some support while we work on getting ourselves reintegrated with the world. We need to find jobs again.”

“I think Emma will enjoy having you home while you look.”

Nash and Caity exchange a glance, their smiles soft and fond. “I think we’ll like that, too. I still can’t believe we—I’m just glad we’re here, now,” Caity says. 

Nash touches her shoulder. “We should probably go see what they’re up to, and if they’re able to get the webcam working.”

They walk out with Nash’s hand on her lower back, Caity leaning towards him. They’re going to be fine, Pawel thinks. They’ve got each other to anchor them in the chaos that is the Papa-Harrison household.

Papa-Harrison-Szczek household.

Wow, that’s a mouthful. No one is adding a second hyphen to the surname any time soon. Pawel’s fine with that, too. He knows it doesn’t make him any less a part of the chaos to not have it named after him.

But.

The details of it are closing in around him, pressing against his skin. He leans on the Jeep, fingers curling against the bubbles of the paint. 

“You okay?” Mac asks.

“I’m fine,” Pawel says, and it isn’t actually a lie. It’s just not the entire truth, either. He glances over to see her and Alaric waiting there, as if expecting him to say something else. “I think I’m just going to go grab some breathing room and unpack the library. You can come along, if you feel like organizing my books.”

Mac and Alaric exchange a look. “Nah,” Mac says. “I think we’re good. We’ll go find Chris and see what else needs some moving around here.”

“Thanks.” Pawel ducks inside, skirting around the noise of the kitchen. Matt and Jaiden are in the living room, arguing over who will carry boxes upstairs. When Pawel blinks, he thinks might see and smell Alanna and Jennie passing through, but they’re gone before he’s sure.

He makes his way to the front of the house and closes the door as he enters the library. Sound fades, muted by the thickness of the real wood door. No cheap hollow core doors in this house. When he’s in here, it can be him and his books and he has a chance to focus.

More importantly, right now, he has a little bit of alone time.

He hadn’t really thought this part through—that by becoming a part of the household there would always be someone who needed him. There are nine children in this house, and only three adults. They’re outnumbered. Chaos is going to become a way of life. Pawel is so used to it being him and Conor, and having the help of his friends and neighbors… this will take some adjustment.

It’s worth it, he thinks. He lifts a box of books onto the desk and looks at the empty built-in shelves. The desk isn’t in the right spot, but he can fix that once there’s more room to move around. Right now, he just needs to empty and break down boxes. Putting his books on these shelves—organizing them in a way that’s less haphazard than just throwing them wherever they land—this means it’s permanent. He’s moving in. And yes, it’s worth it.

He lets himself fall into an organizational fugue. Every book is a piece of his past—either something he wrote, or something he collected, or something he curated. This is the sum of a decade of research, pulling together the story of Talent as best he could. And he’s wrong, he knows. He has learned so much, and yet, so much of it is still incorrect. He has a long way to go, and maybe he’ll never know the truth of Talent. Maybe they’ll never figure it all out. But at least he’s working on building a resource for those who come after him. He’s creating a knowledgebase for the people who Emerge, and for Lineage Talents who never had that history within their families. 

He begins by placing books in chronological order, as they were in his old house. The notebooks look right, but he realizes that all of his personal notes should be in one place, so he digs through boxes until he finds them. Different journals—some hardcover, some softcover, some reflecting the different phases he’s had for favorite pens. He particularly likes the two written entirely in a peacock blue fountain pen that was lost somewhere on campus.

He puts stickies on the bookcases, labeling them loosely by type of Talent, then labeling shelves by memoir versus interview versus theories versus texts. He starts a pile of books that don’t fit into any category, then starts adding new types of Talents, new ways to break out what he knows. Like Travelers. Just a year ago he had no idea they existed as a group, but now he can’t deny it, not knowing what he does about Shadowwalkers and Teleporters and… Carolyn, whatever she is.

Pawel doesn’t see where Chelsea comes from. A shadow, he assumes, since the door never opens. He turns around and she’s there, sitting on the desk with her legs crossed and her elbows on her knees, chin perched on her hands as she watches him. He stares at her, and she smiles slowly, letting her hands fall to her legs. “Want help?” she offers. She doesn’t wait for an answer, sliding off the desk and smoothing her sundress down over her legs, then redoing her ponytail to neatly catch the wisps of hair around her face.

She looks at the shelves, nodding to herself. “If you put things on the shelves, I can either alphabetize or put them in date order—don’t give me that look, I’m fully capable of opening something up to check a date. You keep doing what you’re doing. We’ll get this finished.”

Every once in a while, when Pawel empties a box, Chelsea breaks from her organizing and flattens it to toss on to a growing pile. As soon as they’ve cleared enough space, they work together to tug the desk into the right position; the whole room suddenly seems larger. Pawel grins, and when he turns to her, she holds up a hand for a high five.

It’s comfortable working with her. It’s going to be okay going forward, he thinks. Somehow, despite having been gone for so long, Chelsea has fit herself into the cracks seamlessly. It works.

They’ve finished most of the boxes by the time the door opens. The current box is on the desk, with books piled all around it. Pawel hasn’t quite figured out a category for them yet, but it’ll come to him. Probably in the middle of the night, when he wakes up and needs to start working right away. As much as Leo and Colt keep saying they like the idea of Professor Szczek, that could change when he gets into middle-of-the-night idea mode.

Speaking of Leo and Colt… there they both are, just inside the door, looking somehow both concerned and fond at the same time.

Chelsea giggles. “I think this is my cue to leave.” She nudges her way between them so she can escape, pushing the door closed in her wake.

“Food’s been set up in the courtyard.” Leo holds out a hand, and Pawel takes it, letting Leo draw him close. Colt brackets him on the other side and he and Leo both wrap their arms around Pawel.

It’s been nice to be alone for a little while, but this… this is very good, too.

Leo kisses his forehead. “Still panicking?”

Pawel huffs a soft laugh. “Remember that cliff I was poised on the edge of? I’m pretty sure this is the part where I’ve already leapt off and now I’m in free fall.”

“We’ll catch you,” Colt promises. “We’re not going to let you fall.”

“Although I get the feeling that keeping you safe is going to be a full time occupation,” Leo says dryly. “At least we can keep an eye on you when you’re here.”

“And you need to talk to us,” Colt says. “Whatever’s going on. None of this trying to do everything on your own that we keep hearing about. This is a partnership. There are three of us and nine of them; we have to band together.”

“Speaking of the kids.” Leo lets his head fall forward, forehead to forehead with Pawel. Colt reaches over Pawel’s shoulder to run his fingers soothingly through Leo’s hair. “I’ve already had a talk with Nevaeh about what we expect for behavior since she’s essentially got her own apartment. I know she’ll be okay—but I also know what teens her age can get up to.”

“Wonder how you know that?” Pawel says. “It amazes me how few of the students I teach think about the fact that for me, it was only a decade ago that I was in their position. I remember it pretty damned clearly. I’m not senile yet.” He hesitates and adds, “She and I have talked some. She’s got a good head on her shoulders. I’m glad she’s talking to you.”

“She said she’s talking to Chelsea, too.”

“Good.” Chelsea and Pawel might have made their mistakes, but he’s glad to see her bonding with these kids. His kids. God, these are all becoming his kids.

“You’re panicking again,” Colt murmurs, his lips pressed to the curve where Pawel’s shoulder meets his neck. “Stop panicking. I could help with that.”

“Save that thought for later.” Leo carefully disentangles himself, then separates Colt and Pawel as well. “There’s an entire family and extended friend group waiting outside for us. Let’s go celebrate.”

Right. They’ve just started a whole new life here. “I have work to do tomorrow,” Pawel says, slipping one hand into Leo’s and the other into Colt’s. It’s a little awkward to walk three together in the hall, but they manage to make it safely through the house and living room, to the sliding glass doors that lead to the courtyard. He can see that someone’s started a fire, and Alaric and Chris stand by the grill along with Dad. Mac is off to one side with a collection of children, some of whom Pawel doesn’t recognize; they must be Leo’s family. Small knots of people are gathered around—along with one house cat that Pawel suspects is Clan.

Conor is with Emma and her parents, sparks dancing over his fingertips as Emma wiggles her fingers under a small storm cloud above his head.

Colt makes a soft noise. “I love the auras I see,” he murmurs, sliding between Leo and Pawel, his arms behind their backs. “It’s like they all join up, making one big happy aura. Pleased. Sated.”

“This place smells good,” Leo agrees. “It smells like home already.”

Pawel can’t see auras, nor can he smell whatever it is Clan smells. But he can throw his senses wide, trying to draw on whatever that was he experienced in the Dreamscape. He tries to bring out that Faerie sensibility, and instinctual magic bubbles up in a way he hasn’t felt before. He reaches out, touching on each person as his senses flow outward. There are no wards yet, but he can feel a natural building of energy around them all as if they are contributing to the sense of what this place is. Who this place is—as if it’s a being in its own right.

This place has welcomed them, and they are bonding with it in return.

Wards are going to be very easy to set, he thinks. This home wants to keep them safe.

“Come on. They’re waiting for us.” Colt slips between them, sliding the door open and motioning them forward. Pawel has no choice but to go, Leo crowding him from behind to make sure he steps through.

As soon as Colt steps to the side and Pawel is visible, Conor lets loose a bright column of sparks that light up the sky around him. There’s a puff of fruity-scented air, and Pawel just barely manages to get his arms up in time to catch the two small girls that materialize and grab onto him. He scrambles to hold them securely, Alanna nearly strangling him as Jennie simply climbs onto his shoulders and grips his hair.

“Surprise!” Nevaeh yells.

Surprise? Pawel blinks in confusion.

Nevaeh rolls a cart forward from the side, Hannah and Liz hurrying to light candles on what looks more like a porcupine than a cake. It’s too small for the number of candles stuck into it and now burning merrily. He’s a little afraid the flames will melt the frosting if they aren’t blown out quickly.

Colt and Leo tug him towards the cart. It’s not just the one cake. There are also trays of the cookies he saw being made earlier, and several trays of cupcakes. He can’t imagine how they kept Jennie from this much sugar for so long today. As it is, she’s leaning over his shoulder, dangerously close to unbalancing herself as she tries to reach for something.

She leans down and whispers loudly, “Hurry up and make a wish. I want a cupcake. I want lots of cupcakes.” She hesitates, then adds, “If you really don’t want your birthday cake, I can eat it for you.”

Oh. “Right. Tomorrow’s my birthday.” He literally just had this conversation earlier, and he’d already forgotten again. “You arranged a surprise party.”

“Well, the party was already happening,” Nevaeh says. “We just made surprise cupcakes. Everyone helped; even Matt and Jaiden decorated some. So. Surprise!” She pushes the cart closer. “Jennie’s right, though. Make a wish and blow your candles out.”

A wish. Pawel gets closer, bending to where the flames flicker in front of him. Colt’s hand is on one shoulder, and Leo’s on the other. They spread their fingers, and Pawel suspects they can reach each other where their hands span across the back of his neck. They’re all joined together here in this moment.

He can’t think of a single thing to wish for other than this. He wants to be able to have this from here on, going forward. Colt, Leo, their large family. He doesn’t need anything else. This family is already magic on its own.

Pawel closes his eyes on that thought, inhaling. That’s it exactly. He reaches up to touch their hands, tangling them all together.

As he exhales, he doesn’t need to open his eyes to see that the candles have all gone out. He’s already gotten his wish, and he can see the future that lies ahead. He’s found his way home.

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[fossadeileonixv]

Behind Enemy Lines: ATALANTA

Next up in our season preview series is Atalanta. To chime in we invited our man MadsVott in from the twitterverse. 

Mads ‘Honestly, picked Atalanta on a whim. My first team is Chelsea (I know, I’m a total dick, right?), but after the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, I couldn’t square my fandom with what was happening on the ground in that country. By continuing to support Chelsea, I felt complicit. I was forced to confront the devil’s bargain I made as a fan of the Blues, and it made me a little sick. I found I couldn’t continue to support a team whose owner was so entwined with the Putin regime. So, I pulled the plug on Chelsea, vowing I would stop supporting the team until they found new ownership. I know what you’re thinking: give this guy a standing slow clap and a medal. He is the most woke boy. I know. 

     I certainly deserve your derision for multiple reasons; regardless, all this has led me into the arms of La Dea.   I certainly knew I couldn’t support another Premier League team as I hate them all and they are all shit, and I had no interest in finding a team in any of the other leagues. I thought, let’s get weird. Let’s support a Serie A team. I admit my knowledge of Serie A began and ended with the stray AC Milan game I happened to watch with my good friend, (gillis15). But I knew the league generated cutting- edge tactics, and the English league in particular has been fond of bringing in Serie A gaffers. So then, which team? Blue is my favorite color. Check. Consistent near-top-of-the-table finishes? Check. A middle- class team, one that’s good, but not quite up there with the titans. Check. Did I mention I’m also an unabashed, bleeding heart shitlib? Well, it turns out that Atalanta’s fandom tends to skew pretty lefty. Check. So, put that all together and you get your newest Atalanta fan.’

On to the Q and A!

How do you like your teams transfer window so far? 

Mads: Pretty good I think! Securing both Jeremie Boga and Merih Demiral on permanent deals was good business. Boga offers some much-needed creativity and shiftiness in the attacking areas. Though it remains to be seen whether he can replicate the form he had with Sassuolo. Demiral, good but not great, offers the vaunted “steady presence” in the back line. I have no problem with him. Ederson, joins from Salernitana. I don’t know much about the 22-year old Brazilian, but he’s young and (presumably) hungry and plays in central midfield. I’m sure he’ll be great! Ademola Lookman, comes to Atalanta from RB Leipzig via a loan spell at Leicester City. On paper, Lookman looks great. In reality, he may have peaked already. In 200 total appearances, he has 35 goals and 18 assists. Not great. Though he did score 6 times last season. So, we’ll see. 

What do you expect in the last few weeks of the window? 

Mads: There’s some speculation that club talisman, Remo Freuler, could exit Bergamo to join the newly promoted Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Remo has played in over 200 matches for the club, so whatever move he makes, he’ll go down as a club legend.

What excites you for this season? 

Mads: How are the new boys going to do? Will Boga score in double digits? Will Duvan Zapata and Luis Murial recapture their form? Will Atalanta play in Europe next season? 

What worries you? 

Mads: My biggest worry is that this team peaked two seasons ago. I admit I only started following the team earlier this year, but I am aware of their recent success. Having watched most all of their matches last season, I’m left with the impression that, as great as he has been, Gasperini is out of ideas. The team ran out of steam in the second half of the season, and Gasperini seemed to not know what to do. I’m hoping I’m wrong, but I’m worried that this team is destined for permanent mid-table unless some changes are made. 

Your top 4 predictions for Serie A or where you think your team will finish.

Mads: A lot depends on how fit and in form Zapata is. If he’s on song, this team could definitely fight for a Champions League place, if not, 6th or 7th could be more realistic. Though if you’re making me choose, I think this team finishes fifth. Good enough to play in the Eastern Bloc on Thursday nights. Start booking those flights to Baku and Split, La Dea fans!

Best of luck this year Mads and thanks again!

Cheers!

Lisi

[football-and-fanfics]

After the surgery - Ben Chilwell

Who: Ben Chilwell Request: Hi!! Omg I just send you my request through tumblr and the. I just realised this link, sorry so much. I would like to request a homely fluffy day with Ben after his knee surgery!! The reader is basically his girlfriend since a short period of time. Just driving him to his home after being a bundle of nerves while he was at the surgery. When coming home, cooking his favourite meal while he’s just being stubborn wanting to help but you don’t want his help because of obvious reasons😅. Maybe during the evening some of his family, which the reader hadn’t meet properly yet, come over to see how he’s doing and they spend some time there with the reader too and at night, when they already left, he’s feeling kinda down, unsure if he’ll be able to play again at least at the required level. Of course the reader cheer him up. Requested by: @laurasstufff1 Warnings: mentions of surgery / injury.

You had never been so nervous as when Ben had his surgery for his knee injury. So you were utterly relieved when you got the call from the hospital that everything had gone well and you could come and pick him up. "What are you doing?" Ben limped into the kitchen on his crutches the next morning, where you were already cooking. "You told me your parents are visiting," you answered, "so I'm making us a nice lunch. I want to make a good impression on them. " You and Ben were together for around five months, but due to several circumstances you hadn't properly met his parents yet. "You don't have to do that." He wrapped his arms around you, which was slightly complicated by the crutches hanging from his elbows. "I know," you sighed, "but, just... let me do it, okay? It makes me somewhat less nervous." "And you also don't have to be nervous." Ben pressed a kiss to your lips. "At least let me help you make lunch." "No," you said resolutely, "you need to go sit down with your leg raised. You've been walking around for too long already." You chuckled softly as you ushered him back into the living room. "Call me over when you need help after all," Ben protested. "Sure," you laughed, "I won't." ----------- Meeting Ben's parents turned out far less scary than you had imagined, and you were sure you had made a good impression on them. During the afternoon, though, you found Ben growing more and more quiet. At first, you thought he was getting tired, but the feeling that something was wrong didn't let you go. "Something the matter, sweetie?" You asked once Ben's parents had left. Ben shrugged. "Something mum said." "Like what?" You frowned. "She asked if there was any lasting damage from the injury or the surgery," Ben mumbled, "and the truth is... I don't know." His voice broke and you could see it made him emotional. "Oh, sweetie." You sat down next to him and wrapped your arms around him. He pressed himself against you, looking to disappear into you. "I've always been so certain that things would be alright," Ben sniffled, "but what if it won't? What if I'm never able to play football again?" You placed your hands on his cheeks and raised his face to make him look at you. "Don't you think the Chelsea medics would've told you if that was your prognosis?" Ben blinked a few times. Clearly this line of thought hadn't crossed his mind. "You're right, I'm being stupid." He spoke after a full minute of silence. "And if you're concerned, just ask them about it," you suggested, "no shame in that, and I'm sure they'll be able to ease your mind." Ben smiled warmly at you. "I'm glad you're here to keep me sane." Tags: @glam-khal, @evie-pr, @gryffinwars, @auawdo, @meteora-fc, @de-geas, @stonesyyyy, @katerinahunny, @hbstre, @soccerfanfiction, @sternennebel2001 Chilly tags: @footballffbarbiex, @youkantebeserious, @sanchoj7 PL / England player tags: @superjackgrealish If you would like to be added to the tags list, too, you can fill out this form and I'll add you to it!

[blueathens]

I’ll See You On Our Date

Summary: The one where Ben flirts with you at a nightclub but you play hard to get.

Song: Beautiful by Bazzi Quote: “Goregous!”

𝖱𝖾𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖽

Masterlist//Dusk Till Dawn Masterlist//Agape Masterlist

He stood under the flickering strobe lights watching the women at the bar. His friends voices went right over his head as he eyes just stayed fixed onto her. He took a downed the rest of his beer before making his way towards the bar, in hopes that she is still there when he reaches it. His friends call out for him, but he doesn’t listen, in fact he doesn’t even think he heard them, their voices was white noise to him as his only thought was the women leaning on the bar.

He reached her and ordered another drink, saying that he’ll pay for whatever the ladies want.

“I can pay for myself thanks.” She told him, looking him up and down. She knew he was, and she could easily admit that she fancied him, but she didn’t want him to think she was easy, just another number to him when he boosts to his mates about the girl he fucked last night. She didn’t want that life. She didn’t need any of it. “I don’t need a Chelsea boy paying anything for me.”

“Wow.” He huffed out a breath of air dramatically with a smirk. “You sure are a lady who knows what she wants.” He leaned against the bar on one arm so he could see her. “I like my women like that.”

“Why you just sounded like every other footballer, just wanting a girl between your sheets.”

“I-what?”

“You’ve been watching me all night and you still haven’t asked for my name.”

“I’m Ben and what’s your name gorgeous?”

“None of your fucking business.”

“So gorgeous it is then.” He nodded to himself. He never had a girl just shoot him down like that.

“If your not from Liverpool then don’t bother trying to flirt with me.” She told him, thanking the barman as he passes her drink, she took a sip from it and Ben just watches her, him too thanking the barman when his new beer sits in front of him.

“Liverpool fan then?”

“Yep. You picked the wrong girl Chelsea.”

The music got louder, and more people went to dance in the dancefloor, griding up and down on their partners.

“Alright gorgeous, I bet I can make you change your mind.”

“Don’t ask me to dance with you.” She closed her eyes at the dreaded thought. “That’s not really my thing.”

“Nor is it mine.” Her eyes was still closed. “Her gorgeous, I can’t see those pretty eyes anymore.” And with that she fluttered them open once more and he grinned happily. “Go on a date with me.”

“So your drunk-drunk.” She nodded to herself. “Look you won’t even remember me in the morning, you’ll just think of how much of an idiot you are by drinking too much.”

“This is only my second beer.” He pointed to his full glass in front of him.

“Do you drink it slow or something?”

He shook his head with a small chuckle. “I think your being the idiot here thinking that I’ll forget a pretty girl like you.”

“Mr flirter is back.” She muttered. “Look, I don’t do one-night stands or anything like that. I’m a relationship type of girl. And I admit you’re a good-looking guy and everything but I’m seriously not what your looking for.” She turned around, pulling her dress down slightly, and walked out of the club, heels clicking against the floor.

Ben looked at the area she once stood before looking at the club door that she just existed from. He pushed past everyone in his way as he headed towards the door. The cold air was what hit him first as he looked around like an idiot for the women.

“Looking for something?” The lady asked as she leaned against the wall.

“Gorgeous!” He sighed happily. She rolled her eyes and smiled at him with a small shake of the head before she vented further, heels now clicking on the cracked pavements of London.

“You’re walking home at this hour?” Ben yelled out to the girl.

“Taxis exist you know?!” She called back over her shoulder. He wasn’t having none of that as he jogged up to her.

“Let me wait with you until your taxi comes, okay?” He asked with concern, and she nodded hesitantly, and they both just waited until the taxi arrived.

The moonlight glowed down on the two as they stole secret glances at one another, smiling slightly when they catch the other one looking at them from the corner of their eyes. Ben wished he had his jacket with him to put over the women’s shoulder as she shivered from the London breeze, but he obviously didn’t at a time he needed it. A beautiful lady was freezing because of him. Someone he really liked but who wouldn’t give him the time of day.

“I really do want to get to know you.” He spoke softly, eyes gazing at the side of her face. She hummed and Ben rose an eyebrow, trying to figure out what that hum meant. It was five minutes later when the taxi came and the two hadn’t spoken to one another since, just kept on stealing small glances at one another.

She climbed into the taxi, and he looked down sadly, kicking the ground, as she never said yes to the date he wanted to have with her, to get to know her, so he missed how she told the driver not to go just yet.

“Hey Ben.” Her voice of angelic bells called to him as she rolled the window down, in her hand was a slip of paper. A slip of folded paper that she was holding out to him. He took it, not unfolding it just yet just wanting to keep on looking at her in case this was the last time he would ever see her.

“My name’s Y/n.”

And with that the taxi drove off and Ben looked down at the paper in his hands.

Her number was written clearly at the top signed off by I’ll see you on our date.

[raindancer2004]

Rejected by a human?

Word Count: 6,561 Demetri x Swan reader Oneshot - Warnings: Angst, Fluff

Edward starts to step outside without his shirt on when Bella runs into his arms, asking to him to open his eyes and to go back inside. Bella says she can let him go now and Edward tells her that he loves her and that he can’t live in a world where she is not in it. They share a kiss as Demetri and Felix enter the hallway. Edward tells them “I won’t be needing your services after all gentlemen” “Still we should take this conversation to a more appropriate venue” Demetri replies. Edward nods and tells Bella to go and enjoy the festival. “The girl comes with us” says Felix. “Go to hell” Edward replies.

The doors burst open “Come on gentlemen, you don’t want to cause a scene” states Alice. “You wouldn’t” replies Felix. Demetri ignores the conversation between his friend and the female vampire as his eyes focus on the girl standing behind Alice. She has long brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. He feels a burning in the back of his throat but ignores it as takes her warm hand in his cold one as they all make their way to the throne room to meet with Aro, Caius and Marcus.

Once in the throne room Demetri keeps Y/N beside him, an arm wrapped around her holding her. Edward offers his hand to Aro. Aro tells the room that Bella is Edward’s La tua cantante and that Edward cannot read her mind. Aro then discovers that Bella is immune to his gift and Jane’s.

Edward and Felix then fight as Edward tries to stop Felix from killing Bella. Felix has Edward kneeling on the throne steps with his head in his hands ready to remove it, when Bella cries out “Kill me, kill me, not him, not him” Aro stops Felix and looks to Bella “You would give up your life for someone like us, a soulless monster” “You don’t know a thing about his soul” replies Bella. Before Aro can kill Bella Alice shows her vision of Bella becoming one of them, “Your gifts will make for an intriguing immortal Isabella. Go make your preparations” Aro says bringing his hands together.

Aro notices Demetri is holding a human in his arms. “What are we going to do with you my dear?” Aro says walking towards Demetri and Y/N; she hears a low growl escape Demetri as he pushes her behind him feeling the need to protect her.

Marcus recognises the mate bond and calls out “Brother” getting Aro’s attention, before getting up from his throne and offering his hand to Aro. Aro sees Marcus’ thoughts and sees that Y/N is Demetri’s mate. “Ahh it would seem another happy ending is to be had thanks to your visit” Aro says loudly. “What?” Y/N asks “It would seem that you are the mate of our dear Demetri.  You are True Bond Mates to be exact. This is rarer than Blood Singer Mate pairings like your sister and Edward” Marcus explains “The only other True Bond Mate pairing I have seen in my time was between my late wife and I” He continues. “What is a True Bond Mate pairing?” Y/N asks curious. “The True Bond Mate pairing is very sacred and should be treasured” Marcus answered smiling. “Wh-what happens now?” She asked “I’m sure Demetri would like the chance to get to know you and for you to get to know him in return” Aro replies. “So he’ll be coming back with us…?” “No my dear you will stay here with him” Aro continues “No. She can’t stay here” Bella cries out “Not with him!” “Now, now Bella, you know what you and Edward have been through the last six months, after all it is what led you here. Do you really want your sister and Demetri to go through that? It would be worse for them” Caius responds, Bella went to object when Edward shook his head at her.

“Thanks for the heads-up Alice” Y/N says sarcastically “What? Why are you blaming her?” Bella questioned. “Well Little Miss Crystal Ball over there” Y/N starts pointing to Alice, the Volturi guards chuckled “Would have seen this coming as soon as we decided to come here and save your precious Edward and yet she said nothing. Now I’m stuck here with someone I don’t know; someone who could kill me in an instant. I mean if she had told me this would happen, I could have at least a) packed some clothes and stuff or b) not come at all” Y/N finishes and Demetri feels sad hearing this, for he would never harm her for it would hurt him to do so. “I’m sorry Y/N, but I knew if I told you, you wouldn’t have come and that would cause problems for us in the future” Before anyone could respond to Alice, Edward said “We’ll be going now Aro” bowing his head “Thank you for your visit. Heidi will be here any moment” Marcus responds and with that Edward, Bella and Alice leave the throne room escorted by Demetri who took Y/N’s hand in his “Come cara mia, say goodbye to Bella” He says softly. Y/N watched as Edward, Alice and Bella left the castle “I can’t believe they’re leaving me here” She mumbled to herself, although Demetri heard and frowned slightly.

Demetri left Y/N at reception with Gianna. “I’ll come back and collect you shortly” Y/N nods and takes a seat and picks up a magazine to read. About 30 minutes later Demetri returns to reception and Y/N notices his eyes are a brighter shade of red than before. “Hello cara mia. Who do I have the pleasure of being mated to?” “My name is Y/N. You’re Demetri?” “Yes, yes I am. Come I’ll show you to my…our room that is unless you want me to stay away, then it will be your room until you decide otherwise” “Do I not get my own room?” She asked “Do you want your own room?” He enquired. “I-I don’t know what I want, I mean I only found out about vampires on the flight over” Demetri looked at her shocked “What do you know about vampires, about us?” “Only what Alice told me and to be honest that wasn’t a lot” He nodded “Can I ask you a question, although I don’t think I’m going to like the answer” “Go ahead cara mia. You can ask me anything” He replied “Y-your eyes, they’ve changed colour since I first met you a few hours ago. They’re brighter than before. Why is that?” “My eyes are brighter, redder than before because I have recently fed. My eyes get darker the thirstier I get” He replied “Oh ok. You drink human blood, right?” She looked a little worried “Yes Y/N I do, but you are safe with me. I promise you” She nodded although she wasn’t totally convinced.

They arrived at Demetri’s room “Sorry about all the stairs; the higher the rank of the guard, the higher the room in the castle” “That’s ok, just don’t expect me to find way back here if I leave the room” She let out a slight chuckle. Y/N noticed there was a marble fireplace on the right-hand side of the room with bookcases on either side; there was a blood red coloured rug in front of the fireplace. There was a sofa facing the fireplace with a matching chair to the right. On the wall opposite the door was a set of French doors leading to a balcony; a desk was placed to the right of the doors with a world map on the wall above the desk. On the wall opposite the French doors were 2 doors; one leading into a walk-in closet and the other leading into a large bathroom. Y/N noticed the bathtub on the left-hand side was big enough for two; a large walk-in shower was situated opposite the door. On the right-hand side of the room was a toilet and a double vanity unit with two sinks. “Wow. This is nicer than most hotels” Demetri heard her comment and smiled to himself. She then noticed the king size bed on the wall opposite the fireplace. “I thought vampires do not sleep” “It’s not for sleeping or at least it wasn’t before your arrival. A bed can be used for many things cara” He says softly in her ear whilst running his fingers up and down her arms; Y/N blushes and steps forward away from him. “Did you want to stay here on your own?” “No, I…” Demetri smiled “I don’t want to throw you out of your own room. Is there a guest room I could stay in?” Demetri’s smile faded upset that his mate didn’t want to stay with him or even stay in his room. “I’m sure I can arrange something, stay here”

He left the room and bumped into Heidi “Are you ok Dem?” “No. I finally meet my mate and she wants nothing to do with me” He replies sounding sad, Heidi looks confused. “She doesn’t wish to stay in my room with me or without me; she has asked to have her own room” He finishes. “Oh Dem don’t take it personally. This is all new to her. I mean the Cullens and her sister did just leave her here” She says sympathetically. “There’s an empty room opposite yours; Chelsea and I can turn it into her room” “Thank you at least she’ll be near me, all the other guest rooms are on the other side of the castle” “I know that’s why I offered. She can stay in my room in the meantime if that’s ok with you?” “Yes that should be ok. Come on we’ll go tell her”

“Y/N this is Heidi. You can stay in her room until yours is ready if you’d like?” “Hello Heidi, thank you for the offer, but I do not wish to throw you out of your room either” “No need to worry about that I’ll be too busy turning the empty room opposite Demetri’s into your room” “If you’re sure, that would be lovely thank you” Y/N smiled at her. “Do you have any bags with you?” Heidi asks looking around the room “No. It was only supposed to be a quick trip to bring Edward home so I didn’t pack anything” “I’ll take you shopping tomorrow and we’ll get you some stuff. In the meantime you can borrow something of mine” Heidi says smiling holding out her hand to Y/N “Come on I’ll show you to my room. Bye Demetri” “Take this” He says to Heidi too low for Y/N to hear and hands her his bank card. “Thank you Heidi. See you soon Y/N” “Bye Demetri” Y/N replies leaving the room. Demetri sighs and sits on the sofa his head in his hands ‘She is my mate and she wants nothing to do with me’ Demetri thinks to himself sadly.

Sometime later he stands and makes his way to the throne room “What a pleasant surprise my boy” Aro greets him “I would have thought you would be with your lovely mate” “Master” Demetri replies holding out his hand for Aro to read his thoughts. “Come with me” Aro says leading Demetri to his private study. “Be patient with her. She has just found out about vampires, about us few hours ago and on top of that she has a new home to get used to. She has also found out she is mated to a vampire” “I know but I want to be with her, help her settle in, get to know her and she won’t even stay in my room whether I’m there or not. Maybe I should have let her go” He looks down at the floor “Do not say that or think it. If anything happened to either of you, the other would end up like poor Marcus” Aro says placing a hand on Demetri’s shoulder. “Take care of her, treasure her my dear boy. She will come to love you in time.” “Thank you master. I hope so”

The following morning Heidi takes Y/N shopping for new clothes and stuff for her room. First stop was Boux Avenue for underwear; followed by a boutique shop “They do lovely dresses in here” Heidi says pulling Y/N into the shop. They bought a black knee length sleeveless dress, a black dress with spaghetti straps and a cow neck, an emerald green dress that came to her mid-thigh, a black waist length jacket and a black pair of stilettos. The next shop they went into they picked out jeans, t-shirts, pyjamas – both long trouser sets and short sets and a pair of flat black shoes. They also picked up toiletries and make-up. “I can’t pay you back for this stuff, I don’t have much money with me” Y/N said to Heidi “Don’t worry about the cost. Demetri has given me his card and told me to get you anything you need/want” Heidi said smiling “I can’t pay him back either” “Like I said Y/N do not worry about the cost, he won’t accept any money from you anyways. He is your mate and he’ll look after you”

Heidi then took Y/N into a department store “Let’s pick out some stuff for your room” Y/N chose some blue and grey bed sets “Blue is my favourite colour” She told Heidi. Heidi bought a big silver-grey rug to go in front of the fireplace and some grey cushions with blue flowers on; these were to go on the new black sofa Heidi ordered for the room. Y/N picked a large cream blanket, black and grey bath sheets, hand towels and wash cloths; whilst Heidi selected a coffee table, two beside tables and two lamps. “Demetri might change his mind about paying for all this when his statement comes in” Y/N chuckled softly “I can assure you he won’t and anyways the stuff for your room comes out of the castle decorating account”

While Y/N and Heidi were shopping Chelsea tidied Y/N’s room removing the boxes and storing them in a cupboard down the hall. Demetri lit the fire in Heidi’s room to ensure the room was warm ready for when they returned as Y/N’s room wasn’t ready for her yet.

“Good afternoon Heidi, Y/N, cara mia. I trust you had a good time shopping” Demetri said taking the bags from Y/N “We did thank you Demetri” Y/N replied walking beside him.

Later that evening Demetri went to Heidi’s room to give Y/N her dinner “Gianna made chicken pasta with garlic bread and salad for you both. I hope it’s ok” “Thank you Demetri for bringing it to me. It looks delicious. Please thank her for me” He nodded and sat beside her on the sofa “Why did you come with Bella to save Edward?” He asked “Bella is my sister and asked me if I’d come with her, so I agreed…” She trails off “You wish you hadn’t come now?” He asked “Honestly, yes a little” He frowned “I don’t mean to upset you but this is going to take time to get used to; being the True Bond Mate of a vampire, especially as I always thought vampires were just characters in books and films” She answered him “I know cara mia. This is new for me too but we’ll work it out together” He smiled at her and she nodded unsure if she wanted to work it out with him.

The following morning Heidi came back to her room “Good morning Y/N, your room is ready whenever you are” “Thank you Heidi” They made their way to Y/N’s room that was opposite Demetri’s and Y/N noted it had a fireplace on the right-hand side of the room and a double bed on the wall opposite the fireplace, which Heidi had put a blue duvet set on. On the wall opposite the door were two doors; one leading into a small walk-in closet and other into a bathroom, which was smaller than Demetri’s. It had a normal size bathtub on the left-hand side and walk-in shower on the wall opposite the door, on the right hand side was a toilet and single vanity unit with a sink. The walls were cream and complimented the black and grey bath sheets, hand towels and wash cloths she had picked out. “Sorry there’s no balcony with your room” Heidi says to Y/N as she tries out the new sofa “I’m sure Demetri wouldn’t mind if you used his balcony if you wanted to sit outside anytime” “That’s ok, no worries, at least there’s plenty of light considering the lack of windows” Y/N replied “That’s true and we kept the walls a neutral colour for that reason also” “Thank you so much for doing this for me, I appreciate it. It just felt weird to stay with someone I didn’t know” Y/N explains, Heidi nods “I’m sure he understands”

Demetri comes to see Y/N that evening and brings her a few books from his room “Evening cara mia. I have bought you some of my books for you to borrow as there aren’t any in here” “Oh um…thank you. Y-you didn’t need to do that” She stuttered “I didn’t want you to get bored in here. I wasn’t sure what you liked so I bought a few different options” He replies as he places the books on the coffee table. “The room looks nice; I like the colour scheme” “Thank you. Blue is my favourite colour and it goes well with grey/silver” She replies and he nods “May I?” He asks pointing to the sofa; Y/N nods and Demetri sits on the other end of the sofa, leaving the middle cushion empty between them. They sat in silence for a while before Y/N broke it with a question “What do you do here?” “I am one of the four elite guards. I along with Felix train the lower and transitory guards” He answers and Y/N nods “Do you have a gift like Edward and Alice?” “Yes I do. I am a tracker. I pick up on the essence of someone’s mind and can follow it like a scent over any distance. To be able to do this I have to either have met that person physically or anyone who has met the person in the past” He explained “That’s interesting. Can you track me?” She asked “Yes I can although I cannot track your sister” “If I ever get lost all I have to do is call you and you can find me, like a GPS in reverse” She says chuckling, he chuckles too “Exactly. Although hopefully I won’t lose you” He replies. “Thank you for my new clothes. Heidi said you gave her your card to pay for them” “You’re very welcome. If you need/want anything else just let me know” He replies, she nods and gives him a small smile; feeling oddly safe with him although she wouldn’t tell him that anytime soon. “Am I allowed to leave the castle, to look around Volterra and stuff?” She asked “You can but I’d rather you didn’t go out alone, just in case something happens. Which reminds me please do not wander the halls of the castle alone as the lower guards do not have the best self-control around humans” He answered her “I understand and thank you for advising me about the lower guards. I’ll be careful” She replies. ‘Great so I need a chaperone when I go out now’ she thinks to herself.

The following morning Y/N got up and ready and made her way to Heidi’s room “Morning Heidi, any chance you’re free to come and look around Volterra with me?” “I’m free for a couple of hours” Heidi replies. Demetri was making his way to Y/N’s room after grabbing her breakfast from the kitchen when he heard this exchange and felt a little hurt that Y/N didn’t ask or want him to accompany her, as it would have given them a chance to get to know one another more. He had been given some days off by the kings so he could spend time with his new mate and had planned to spend the day with her but decided against it after hearing her conversation with Heidi, so he returned her breakfast to the kitchen and spent the day reading in his room.

A few hours later there was a knock on his door “Hey D, how you doing?” “Hi Fe, I’m fine” Felix entered the room and sat on the chair “You don’t seem fine. How come you’re not with your mate?” “Because she’d rather spend time with Heidi than me. In fact she’d rather spend time with anyone that isn’t me. She’d even probably prefer the twins over me” He closed his book and put it on the coffee table “I’m sure that’s not the case” Felix says “No it is, I went to see her last night and we talked for a bit but I got the impression she was relieved when I left her room so she could sleep” Demetri added “I’m sorry D” Felix said sympathetically “Don’t be. I should have guessed that after all this time, meeting my mate wouldn’t work out the way I thought or wanted it to” He eyes began to fill with tears that would never fall. “What are you going to do?” Felix asked “Not sure, I’m worried if I keep trying to get to know her when she wants nothing to do with me, I’ll push her away; but if I don’t do anything she may think I don’t care” Demetri replied “Yea that’s a tough one D. All you can do is try” Felix advised, feeling sorry for his friend.  

Heidi and Y/N return to the castle and Y/N decided to go for a nap, hoping she’d be left alone. Demetri knew they had returned but decided to stay in his room, figuring if Y/N wanted to see him, she’d come to him but she stayed in her room for the entire night.

Demetri knocked on her door the following morning “Come in” Came a sleepy response “Morning Y/N, I wondered if you’d like to go out for breakfast with me?” He asked sounding hopeful “No thank you Demetri, I’m not that hungry” She replied “Ok I understand” Demetri closed her bedroom door and sped to the training room “Fe I need to hit something or someone hard” He growled loudly “Come on then D” Felix replied and Demetri didn’t hesitate; he thumped his best friend hard and Felix stumbled back from the force “Thank you Fe” “No worries. Better me than a wall. I’m going to assume this is Y/N related” He replied rubbing his jaw “I’m going to ask Aro if I can resume my duties, no point having time off to get to know her if she doesn’t want to get to know me” He sounded defeated, Felix nodded feeling sorry for his friend.

Aro wouldn’t let Demetri resume his duties stating “You need to give her time but you also need to make sure she feels cared for. Don’t give up my boy” “I understand master” Demetri sighed and made his way back to his room, grabbing a book and sat on the balcony reading.

“I think I’ll visit Y/N and have a chat with her about mates” Marcus said looking to Aro and Caius.

Marcus paid Y/N a visit that evening “Good evening my dear, I was hoping we could talk?” “Evening Marcus, of course come in” She replied. Marcus sat on the sofa next to Y/N “How have you been?” He asked “I’ve been ok thank you. Heidi decorated my room for me and we went shopping for clothes and things for the room” She replied “Yes, I see you’re not staying with Demetri. May I ask why?” He questioned “I didn’t feel comfortable staying with someone I don’t know nor did I think it fair for him to leave his room for me. I asked if I could stay in a guest room or something and Heidi offered to do fix up this room. I suppose she chose this room as it’s opposite his” She answered him. “What do you know about mates Y/N?” There was silence for a few moments before she answered Marcus’ question “Only what you told me when I arrived here. Why?” “Well Y/N, there are some things you need to know. First if a vampire is away from their mate for too long, they start to miss them; the longer they are apart they start to become sad; this can lead to feeling depressed. Second if a vampire loses their mate then they become lonely and heartbroken, like me after I lost my mate centuries ago. Third there is only one mate per vampire; if we lose them or are rejected by them then we remain alone for forever” He spoke softly “Why are you telling me this?” She asked “I’m telling you this because your actions affect Demetri as well as yourself. He is one of our more reasonable guards; he’s not very talkative but he’s polite, formal even. He has also been described as elegant and charming by others that have met him” “You speak very highly of him Marcus” “That’s because I think highly of him; I have known him for many centuries and he is my own personal guard” Marcus smiled. Y/N nodded. “You know I only came here because my sister asked for my company and my whole life changed. I find out vampires really do exist and to top it off I’m mated to one” She explained “You should know a vampire’s mate is someone to be treasured, protected and above all else loved for eternity. Demetri would be an amazing mate to you if you let him. You should know that he had given up on the idea of finding his mate” Marcus said shifting slightly “What? Why?” She asked curious “He has been around for over 1000 years and had never met his mate; so he assumed that she must died before he had the chance to meet her or that maybe he just wasn’t meant to have one. Therefore, he stopped looking a few centuries ago and then you walk into the castle and into his life and…he feels so lucky to have finally found you; but the way you are acting towards him…is hurting him, even if he won’t admit it.” He said sadly “I’m not trying to hurt him; it’s just a lot to take in and to get used to” She defended “He just wants a chance to get to know you Y/N” “But I don’t know if I want this though, to be with a vampire, to become immortal. I always thought I’d grow up get married, have children and now I find out that none of that is going to happen. I mean I don’t even get to pick who I spend eternity with” Y/N said tears starting to fill her eyes “I understand that my dear but please remember what I said.”

Demetri heard this last part and felt his undead heart break, ‘She doesn’t want me, doesn’t want to spend eternity with me’. He knocked on her door once and left the tray of food outside her room and returned to his room grabbing a jacket and left the castle to go hunting.

Thirty minutes later he was standing on the roof of a building opposite a dive bar watching the humans below; happy couples coming and going. ‘I just wanted a chance. I would have done anything to make her happy…if she’d just given me a chance’ He thought. He drained and disposed of two humans that night before returning to the castle ensuring to be back by sunrise.

Meanwhile Marcus made his way to his room leaving Y/N to think about their conversation. Y/N left her room and crossed the hall to Demetri’s room “Demetri?” She called out as she opened his door; she got no response so she stepped into the room to see if he was on the balcony or in the bathroom. He wasn’t in his room so she decided to wait for him, figuring he wouldn’t be long. She grabbed his cloak from the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders as it was a little cold and sat on the sofa, picking up a book to read from his coffee table. She fell asleep curled up with the book waiting for him to return.

Demetri was shocked when he returned to his room before sunrise to find Y/N there; curled up on his sofa asleep with his cloak wrapped around her. He smiled at the sight in front of him but approached her with caution not wanting to scare her and shook her arm gently “Hi Y/N” He said softly “Mmm” Came the sleepy response, he smiled again and left her where she was and lit the fire to warm the room for her.

A few hours later Y/N woke up to find herself still Demetri’s room; wearing his cloak, and him sitting the in the chair reading “Good morning Y/N” “Good morning Demetri. Sorry for falling asleep in your room” “No need to apologise cara, you’re welcome anytime. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you came by, I was out hunting” He replied “That’s ok, I just wanted to talk to you” She said fiddling with his cloak “What did you want to talk about?” He asked “I-it doesn’t matter now” She replied getting up and making her way to the door. “Did you want to spend some time together today?” He asked “Er, no I-I can’t. I’ve got plans” She said walking out the door. “It was worth a try I guess” He mumbled to himself, unknown to him Y/N had heard him and despite feeling a little guilty she returned to her room.

A few days later Demetri left for a mission with Felix and the twins “Have you said goodbye to Y/N?” Felix asked “No. It’s not like she’d care anyway” Demetri responded sounding indifferent, Alec went to say something but Jane put her hand on his shoulder and shook her head “Don’t” She mouthed to her twin. “Are you boys ready?” She asked and they nodded in response and made their way to the castle doors.

Y/N found Heidi, Corin and Chelsea in the kitchen “Have any of you seen Demetri? He’s not in his room” She asked the female vampires “He went on a mission for the masters. Did he not tell you?” Heidi responded “No, no he didn’t. It must have been a last-minute thing” Y/N replied, feeling a little hurt that he left without saying goodbye. Y/N left to make her way back to her room ‘I really have hurt him, just as Marcus said’ she thought to herself.

“I know Y/N hasn’t shown any interest in getting to know him but he at least could have said bye to her. She is his mate after all” Heidi said “I don’t blame him for not telling her. It’s not like she’s given him a reason to think of her or her feelings is it?” Chelsea responded defending his actions “But Chels” “No Heidi. Do you know how many times he has asked her out? Asked to spend time with her? And every time she turns him down. I think he’s accepted that she doesn’t want him. I’m sorry but he deserves better, better than her” Chelsea replied sounding a little angry “I agree with Chelsea. He has waited so long to find his mate, only then to be rejected by her. I feel sorry for him; he doesn’t deserve to be treated that way and especially not by a human” Corin said also sounding a little angry too “What have you got against human mates?” Heidi asked “Nothing, usually, but this situation has annoyed me. Does she think she’s too good for him or something? I’ll tell you this if I were her, I’d think myself lucky my mate was Demetri and not Alec or Felix” Corin added. “I agree with Corin, if I had a choice of Dem or Alec or Felix, I know who I’d choose. True Bond Mates is a rare and sacred pairing and she’s just thrown it away” Chelsea said.

Y/N had heard this conversation as she had stopped when she heard Heidi say her name, curiosity getting the better of her, although she wished she hadn’t now, after hearing Chelsea say that Demetri deserved better than her. That night she cried herself to sleep thinking of how badly she’d treated Demetri these past weeks, how much he must hate her now and that she’ll be alone in the castle forever.

Demetri, Felix and the twins had been gone four days now and Y/N was bored so she decided to take a look around the castle, wondering the many corridors. Without realising it she had walked to the other side of the castle and that is when she felt it; a rush of air and suddenly she was pinned against a cold, hard wall, in a poorly lit corridor. “Lucky me, I’ve found a snack” The male vampire whispered in her ear, his cold hand against her throat “I-I’m not a s-snack. I-I’m Demetri’s mate” She stuttered “Yes, I’ve heard of you. Although you are not his mate…not any longer” He licked her cheek “I heard you rejected him” He licked her neck, his hold tightening “I’m doing him a favour really by getting rid of you, he’ll get over you much quicker if you’re not around” Tears slipped down her cheek as she felt his teeth graze over her neck “SShh, don’t cry human. This won’t hurt for long” She closed her eyes and waited for him to bite her.

Just then she felt another rush of air pass her then she heard what sounded like china breaking and growling “Dem go to her” Felix said, Demetri rushed to her side and removed the vampire’s severed hand from her neck and scooped her into his arms, sitting on the nearby bench. “You’re ok cara mia. I’ve got you” He said low; one arm around her waist, the other cradling her head to his chest whilst stroking her hair. She was crying, her breathing was uneven “Deep breaths Y/N. In and out. Copy me” He breathed in and out, although he didn’t need to, trying to calm her down. Her breathing started to slow trying to match his. “Mine” He growled low in her ear, stroking her hair and she felt a warm spark go through her. Meanwhile as Felix continued dismembering the lower guard; Demetri held Y/N closer to him; breathing in her scent ‘Cherries and Honey’ “You’re safe now. I promise” He purred in her ear, feeling her relax slightly in his hold.

“Take her back to her room D. I will inform the masters” Felix said as he passed them. “Thank you Fe” He responded.

Demetri stood and carried Y/N in his arms bridal style straight to his room; laying her on his bed, after kicking off his shoes and removing his cloak he climbed on beside her and took her into his arms. She was crying into his chest “I-I’m sorry” She whimpered and moved out of his arms sitting up. Demetri sat up beside her and took her warm hand in his cold one and looked into her eyes. “I love you Y/N. Your happiness is very important to me. Please…give me a chance to show you how much you mean to me. Give me a chance to make you happy” He was pleading with her now; he couldn’t lose her, not now he had finally found her. “You-you still want me, even after I-I pushed you away?” She asked surprised “Yes, I still want you, I always have. You are my mate…mine forever if you’d have me?” He asked hopeful, she nodded “Yes. I’ll give you a chance, give us a chance” She gave him a small smile; he kissed her forehead and wrapped his arms around her. “I-I missed you while you were gone” She said quietly; he felt his heart warm at this “I missed you too and I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye” He replied “I understand why you didn’t. I just hope you can forgive me and hopefully I’ll deserve you one day” She sniffled “What are you talking about?” He asked sounding confused “It’s nothing” She whispered “Y/N…tell me, please…why do you think you don’t deserve me?” He pulled back slightly so he could see her “Chelsea said that you-you deserve better…better than me; because of how I’ve treated you these past weeks, you know pushing you away whenever you ask to spend time with me” He took her face in his hands, thumbs wiping away the falling tears “Do not worry about what others think mi amore. You are my mate and although you had pushed me away, I still took care of you” He replied softly. “Can I ask you a question?” He nodded “How come you didn’t tell me you were going on a mission?” She asked, tears still falling “Honestly?” He asked and she nodded “I didn’t think you’d care that I was leaving the castle” He answered “I’m sorry I made you feel that way” She told him sounding upset “When I found out you had left the castle and you hadn’t said bye it hurt” She continued “I’m sorry too Y/N, I should have said goodbye regardless of what was going on between us” He laid back down taking her with him in his arms. “We’ll figure this mate thing out together I promise, since it’s new to both of us” “You said that once before Demi” She pointed out “I meant it then and I mean it now” He replied kissing her hair and holding her close. “Demi, you said that you’re a tracker, right?” “Yes, that’s correct” He smiled that she had remembered that about him. “I was wondering if you will show me how your gift works one day?” She asked curious “Of course, I will. We can play hide and seek if you’d like? Although I must confess, I usually win” He replies smiling.

They stayed cuddled in each other’s arms for the rest of the day getting to know one another. “Stay with me tonight Y/N. Let me hold you while you sleep” He said low in her ear “I’d like that Demi, especially after everything that has happened today” She replied feeling safe in his arms “I promised I would keep you safe and I always will.” He vowed “I need you to know that I feel safe with you; I have done since I arrived, I just didn’t want to admit it before” He smiled and tightened his hold slightly “I’m glad to hear it mi amore” He stroked her hair and felt her relax as she fell asleep ‘I may just get my forever with her after all’ Demetri thought to himself as Y/N slept in his arms.

[gubler-me-up]

I just finished “Two for One”. First things first, I absolutely love it. Second, I can’t help imagine a certain scenario.

Imagine after sex, all three of them decide to order pizza and watch a movie. At some point, while (y/n) is in the bathroom. The doorbell rings, great the pizza is here. Spencer (in a pair of boxer and t-shirt) goes to the door to answer it. Expecting the pizza man, he was shock to see that is wasn’t the pizza guy but rather Penelope and Derek. Spencer makes sure that the door is opened as small as possible, he doesn’t want them to see Chelsea (who still happens to be in her underwear). Apparently, there is a case and Spencer hadn’t been answering their calls so they wanted to pick him up. Spencer tells them that he’ll be ready in 10 minutes in the mean time they can wait downstairs in the car. Penelope insists that before she goes, she wants to say hi to (y/n). Due to Spencer’s spaghetti arm, Penelope manage to barge in. To Penelope’s surprise the girl on the couch wasn’t (y/n) but some random girl in her underwear.

Just as (y/n) was washing her hand she heard “CHEATER!!!” being shouted from the living room. Rushing to the living room, she was greeted to the sight of Penelope chasing Spencer while screaming: you scumbag how dare you cheat on the most sweetest person in the world. Spencer trying to reassure Penelope that is wasn’t what it looked like. Derek chasing Penelope trying to calm her down and to be her voice of reason. Chelsea was draped in the blanket that usually is left on the couch. Judging by her facial expression, she also found this scenario funny cause she looked like she was trying to hold on her laugh. Could you blame her, the scene looked like something out of looney tunes.

Before Penelope could cut Spencer’s dick, (y/n) had let out a small cough to make her presence known. The chase had stop and everyone had their eyes turned to her. After a few seconds, Penelope and Derek connected the dots. It was not Spencer + random girl = cheating. They realized that it was Spencer + y/n + random girl = threesome. “We’ll wait downstairs”

Also knowing Penelope, the rest of the Bau would probably know about it soon.

This was better than the actual fic itself like i seriously need you to write this out as the aftermath. I would be honoured and immensely excited to read this fully-fledged out!

Like can you imagine when Spencer goes into the office? Everyone would be staring at him trying to hide their astonishment at the story Penelope told them. Innocent lil baby Spencer having a threesome? They would have never even bet a penny on that.

The kicker would be how proud Derek would look. He looks as if he's about to shed a thug tear over the fact the Spencer he knew from 2005 couldn't even talk to one girl and now years later he had two in his apartment. It's just too much for him to even comprehend, but he's such a proud big brother.

[ravenadottir]

a rocco route

so much love for rocco on my dash got me thinking... what a rocco route would look like if he stayed in the villa on day 8.

everything up to that point could stay the same. his mistakes, the things he and mc say to each other, all of it. perhaps a tweet that would make him think twice though, like:

"______ made a huge mistake. he should've kept in his pants because the girl he dismissed is amazing. he doesn't know what he's missing out."

or something a little more impactful.

rocco anc mc have a dreaded conversation that somehow was provided by bobby, because he would probably tell marisol that no matter how much she likes him, mc deserves an apology.

they occupy a daybed and have a dreaded conversation where rocco might be incredibly lost for words. he makes a comparison to a similar situation he went through before to going to the villa, and there's probably a fun anecdote where he made a huge discovery about himself.

mc can just forgive him, or she can give him a hard time. if he's supposed to stay and be an li, then he'll realize that just because he had feelings for marisol it didn't mean the ones he had for mc were gone.

he's now feeling guilty about the betrayal and tries to find a way of fixing things, but it might be too late. he could be out here making food, mocktails, offering a massage, acting all distracted to pay attention to anyone else that isn't mc.

at the recoupling, mc has the power to pick him. when she does, he shoots an apologetic look at marisol, and that would make her have resentment towards mc.

they have the opportunity to go to the hideaway, and if that happens, rocco might lose his mind over her, because i believe he associates intimacy with love. he's very confused at this point, but the choice of bedding him is yours.

the next day, operation nope happens, which leads me to believe he would be hearing about it sooner than the others. because bobby will ask marisol and she might comment about it with rocco.

he's now worried, that mc would get revenge, and stay put, quietly watching and hoping she won't. if she does, he's disheartened, but doesn't say anything besides "i made a mistake, you made this solely to hurt me, even after what happened between us last night."

he might go to marisol's arms if mc participates actively in the operation. if she doesn't then he's fucked, because now he's sure those feelings are growing stronger every day.

in the meantime, he might've talked it out with gary and apologized for going behind his back, even though he doesn't know it's possible gary had a couple of kisses with mc while they were coupled up.

when chelsea arrives, that's what concerns me, because i really think he would be charmed and that's just another moment that would make mc doubt his loyalty. enough to say something to him.

"no, i made that mistake once. you should know how i feel before thinking i would trade you for someone new."

"rocco... you traded me for someone who was here... i don't know if i can trust you."

"i understand. but i want you to know, i have been rethinking my decisions and the more i do, the more i know for sure you're the girl i want to share this journey with."

things get heated with the tension of operation, and after the disaster recoupling, i would make gary or bobby choose mc, leaving rocco distressed and upset. he could say something to gary like "i thought we had put the past behind us." or if bobby, "that was the snakiest thing you could've done mate, and that's coming from me!"

it depends on who has a higher 'heart score' with mc, and this is the order i would put them in:

jakub = hope

noah = priya

ibrahim = lottie

gary/bobby = chelsea

gary/bobby = mc

rocco = marisol

he's forced to choose marisol, which increases the angst because now he's gonna share the bed with the girl he liked just a few days ago, and who's eager to be with him again.

before anything else happens, casa amor days come, and i would make rocco have the almost fight with the boy that stole mc, and that boy is the one bringing blake back.

mc would have a discussion with them on the roof terrace, and say "i thought you were my friend, and i expected this from rocco, but a betrayal like this coming from you? i don't know if i can forgive you."

at the bean bags the other boys, noah, ibrahim and rocco, are talking and you have the same dialogue. he asks mc for a moment alone and says the same thing the others say on the paid scene. "i missed you, that's all."

during this playthrough i would love to insert some moments where rocco and marisol share the coping of the pool, or the kitchen space while talking, to get that angst high.

the stick or switch brought blake, but the next recoupling is for mc to save someone, and the ones endangered depend on whether mc brings someone or not. if she did:

chelsea stays coupled up with bobby/gary (her partner that stayed loyal)

lottie saves noah

bobby/gary (who stole mc) saves hope

and everyone else goes home, which would be unfair to rocco.

if he left here, i would make him give a really hurt speech. "i thought i could have a second chance, but i understand why you wouldn't be able to trust me again." he sniffs while putting his things in the bag. "i caused this, and i'm really sorry for hurting you. if anything, i brought this on myself."

but if mc stayed loyal, then these islanders are single:

mc // chelsea's partner (bobby/gary) // rocco // lottie

lottie saves noah

mc saves either jakub/elijah or the boy that stole her

chelsea's partner saves hope

rocco saves chelsea (and cmm would make sense, but i digress)

this would be a turning point to make chelsea tell you about her crush, but she doesn't, and tries to shake it off, not saying anything, like she does in the game.

elisa and jo come in, and i think it would be delightful to see how into jo's stories rocco is. same as mc's partner at this point.

once the next recoupling comes, i think it would be feral (but also amazing) to make marisol talk to mc about rocco, because she thinks she has a chance with him. when asked about graham, she responds "graham is nice and all, but i really think i have a shot with rocco."

to which mc would reply "i want him. it's his decision who he wants to be with. we've been through a lot, but i reckon if he likes you, i don't see why i should stay in the way. but marisol, asking me this, after everything that happened, is really selfish. you have someone that likes you, and i should have a chance to be happy."

rocco picks mc, saying "i'm so relieved because i thought you and bobby/gary were getting along... i didn't wanna lose the chance to be with you. already did that once and i'm not gonna repeat my mistakes."

returning!hannah and lurik come, lurik is all over mc, hannah is all over rocco, saying how much she wished she had a shot back then, and that they always shared so much about their vision of what love is.

another angsty moment except rocco is not giving her the time of day, but that's not clear enough for mc to see. he knows if he fucks up, mc is gonna run towards anyone that would take her, which is a lot of people.

after couple trouble, he says 'i love you', and completes with

"i knew it a while ago, i just didn't say anything because i didn't want to scare you, or to put that pressure on you. i know how intense it can be when someone says 'i love you' too soon, and well..." he laughs. "i wanted to do it right."

i would like to see rocco being eager to participate on the 'baby challenge', because i really believe he loves children and would be comparing notes with noah. plus, i know rocco stans would have their uteruses skipping several beats with the edit of him holding the doll in that... thing that carries the doll on their chest lol

i think from here on it's pretty standard. the last date might contain a very sweet speech, but for a rocco stan it would mean the world, because after the mistakes he made, i think this redemption would be great.

everyone in there made mistakes, and the fact that i don't like him doesn't influence on the fact that he was an interesting character. he just had a really short term in there, but if he had stayed, i think his route would be the most flavorful, given marisol would be trying to be with him, and she's charming as fuck!

anyway, hope you rocco stans like this. a post i saw today got me thinking about it and i needed to put it somewhere.

[luvdsc]

ellipsism.

gold is a bluer color than blue.

pairing :: na jaemin x reader genre :: angst / soulmate + high school au word count :: 1,734 words warnings :: gang, blood, violence, death song :: you were good to me (jeremy zucker & chelsea cutler)

You order a chocolate milkshake.

You never had one before, but they were his favorite.

The boy with blue hair drank them so often that they were all you could taste when your lips pressed against his. He would place one hand on your cheek with the other gently grasping you by the curve of your waist, pulling you closer until he kissed you dizzy. The slightest hints of chocolate stained his breath as he whispered sweet nothings that meant everything to you. He mumbled i love you’s between each breath, sang you lullabies before every exchange of good night’s, and called you endearments sweeter than the sugary concoction he found so much delight in.

The drink is placed in front of you. Fingers curling around the base of the glass, you take a small sip, reveling in the nostalgic taste. You smile.

Chocolate milkshakes might be your favorite, too.

The boy with blue hair was a heartbreakingly beautiful enigma wrapped in a well worn leather jacket and a false bravado that fell apart easily beneath your fingertips once you had found yourself occupying every crevice of his heart. He was blue skies turning into cotton candy pink, whispered wishes slipped between birthday candles, vibrantly yellow dandelions peeking out between cracked pavement, the last wisps of dusk settling into twilight, and the nostalgic song that nestled itself within your years of adolescence and yet, you couldn’t remember the title of for the life of you. He was quiet laughter hidden between the dusty bookshelves of a library, kept promises that were sealed with looped pinkies, stolen kisses as the sunset spilled across the sky, and chilled chocolate milkshakes on a warm day.

Falling in love with the boy with blue hair and a heart wrenching smile was never on your list of things to do in high school, and you didn’t think falling in love with you was on his list either, but love had a funny way of working itself out. A chance encounter on your walk home, an innocent offer of tissues towards your usually absent classmate with a bloody nose, and one glance at this vibrant boy who seemed to hold entire galaxies in his eyes were all it took for you to go head over heels for Na Jaemin.

But you’d also have to thank your soulmate—whoever they were—because if Jaemin hadn’t noticed the odd words stating “Save me a milkshake?” tattooed across your wrist in ebony ink, he wouldn’t have offered to buy you a milkshake in return for the tissues. While sitting in the diner on the corner of Camellia Boulevard and Arcadia Street for the very first time, you found out he was much luckier than you as he showed off a neatly written “I promise” on his wrist.

In a world where soulmate signs came in all different shapes and forms, you were fortunate that yours was straightforward and easy-to-hide. It was supposed to be a simple transition of black into gold as your indicator. It was certainly better than Donghyuck’s sign whose hair color changed every few days courtesy of his soulmate. When you told the boy with blue hair about the day your friend was sporting rainbow streaks, the genuine grin gracing his face as he laughed loudly made him look like an angel, and well, angels never hurt anyone, right?

The boy with blue hair never told you why he was sporting a bruised lip and carmine stains at your very first shared interaction, but you were no stranger to all the swirling rumors at school about the wrong crowd he ran with and the affiliations he had with the darker side of the city. However, you never pried, accepting that he would tell you when the time came and he was ready.

And today, he was finally ready. He was ready to leave that part of his past behind, ready to move on, ready to take charge of his life with you by his side. He was going to tell you today.

Friday afternoons were always reserved for you, but unfortunately, he had to meet with someone from his past one final time. He secretly texted you in class, asking you to meet up a little later than usual at your and his favorite diner where the two of you like to argue over the superior milkshake flavor (you adamantly insist that vanilla is better).  When he received your affirmative reply a few minutes later along with a slew of pretty heart emojis, he beamed brightly before sending back a generous amount of cute emojis in response.

He was excited to show you the A he got on his English paper: the one that you helped him outline and that he stayed up all night perfecting. This was the first time he had put so much time and effort into an assignment, and his teacher was more than thrilled when she received the carefully stapled papers with his name proudly stamped across the cover page. His grades were slowly, but steadily improving, and it was all because of you. He even discovered that he really liked his computer science class and began to research potential classes at nearby community colleges.

Clutching his prized paper in hand, Jaemin stood at the intended meeting spot, enjoying the light drizzle of the rain overhead. The sun barely peeked out from behind the darkening clouds, causing the water droplets to glimmer and gleam as they fell. The gentle pattering of tiny raindrops against his face felt refreshing, almost like a new beginning, a quiet reminder of the rainbow that came afterwards.

Jaemin heard the awful squelching noise before he felt it.

It was an uncomfortable pressure at first until it increased in pain and spread across his abdomen, a cold feeling worming its way up and wrapping around his figure. He had found himself dropping onto the damp concrete, curling in on himself as the papers fluttered loosely from his hand, stained in dark shades of cerise that made its way across the ground.

The blurry figure standing above him stood still for a minute before darting off. No loose ends, he could hear his former boss’s voice echoing in his head. It was what he was told the first time he stepped foot on their territory. How naive of him to believe that they would let him go so easily.

Dragging himself towards the wall behind several empty dumpsters, he propped himself up, pressing down on the wound as best he could but the rivulets of carmine spilled much too quickly and easily, slipping between his fingers. It’s futile, and he knew it, the increasingly harsher waves of pain washing over him with every ticking second. He absentmindedly stared at the A and smiley face adorning his paper in red ink, now barely distinguishable from the other glaring hues of vermilion. The rain poured down, turning the paper translucent as it began to tear around the edges.

Mind going numb from everything but the thought of you—you who was still waiting patiently for someone who would never come—he painstakingly pulled out his phone from his jacket, the device almost falling from his grasp. He clumsily fumbled with it for a few moments before he managed to hit the right buttons. You answered on the first ring, and he smiled, small tendrils of warmth blooming from his heart at the sound of your voice. You were the rose among his garden of thorns, the green light on the other side of the shore, and the beacon of light in the midst of a storm.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he said, taking a deep breath. He hoped that you didn’t notice the way his voice wavered nor the way his breath quickened with every passing second. He hoped that you knew he tried so hard to not fall in love with you, so that you wouldn’t get hurt because of him. He hoped that you could forgive him for falling in love with you anyways. He hoped that you could forgive him for being selfish for the one last time.

“Hey, where are you? Are you alright?” Your worried tone was evident, and he squeezed his eyes shut.  He felt tired, his eyelids drooping slowly, yet he still forced himself to stay awake. He’s sorry for lying to you. “Yeah, I’m fine, just running a little late. Are you already there?”

“Yeah, I just ordered a vanilla milkshake for myself. You know, the best flavor,” you teased him, and he relaxed against the bricks, phone held loosely in his hand.

“Oh, really? I think you’re wrong.”

You scoffed, and he could easily picture the way the corners of your lips tug up into a smile that you desperately try to hide. “ You know what? I’m gonna get you a vanilla one right now instead of chocolate. This is what happens when you’re late.”

“You sure you’re not just buying a second one for yourself?” he laughed softly, and you gasped indignantly. “What do you take me for? A milkshake thief? Maybe I should just drink it myself.”

“No!” He weakly protested, breath growing shallower and weaker. He shakily held up his phone, desperately pressing it against his ear. If he closed his eyes, it was almost as if you were right here, talking to him. He could pretend that he was sitting next to you on vinyl covered seats as you share a plate of fries over vanilla and chocolate milkshakes and his fingers shyly brush against yours as he picks up a fry. He could vividly see how your eyes sparkle as you tell him about your day, and he’ll stare at you, enamored and starry eyed, as some retro love song plays from the jukebox in the corner. 

“Can you promise me something?” he said quietly. The pauses between each heart palpitation grew wider and further apart, and he could faintly hear you answer yes over his slowing heartbeats. He inhaled sharply, his breath stuttering, as he forced the words through his teeth, clenching tightly onto the phone like a lifeline.

“Save me a milkshake?”

On the other side of town, in a tiny booth tucked in a corner of a 1950s themed restaurant, four little words started to shimmer in gold.

“I promise.”

The boy with blue hair smiled.

As the sky wept, a splash of gold twinkled innocently against the darkening asphalt.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CVIII (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: Tomorrow I’m posting a hidden moment about what happens once the kids are at school and two former marauders are left alone. Stay tuned! -Danny

Words: 4,225 

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘Better Off’ -by Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler

Chapter Six: Hidden Nightmares.

"Prefect, eh?" growled Moody, his normal eye on Ron and his magical eye swivelling around to gaze into the side of his head. Harry had the very uncomfortable feeling it was looking at him and moved away toward Sirius and Lupin.

"Well, congratulations," said Moody, still glaring at Ron with his normal eye, "authority figures always attract trouble, but I suppose Dumbledore thinks you can withstand most major jinxes or he wouldn't have appointed you..."

Mel took her friend away from Moody in case he decided to continue trying to scare him to death.

"I was never a prefect myself," said Tonks as she walked past them. "My Head of House said I lacked certain necessary qualities."

"Like what?" said Ginny.

"Like the ability to behave myself."

"Same reason why Mel didn't get a badge," Emily walked past her daughter. "I hope this works as a lesson..."

"Sure does, now I know I'm doing something right," Mel smirked.

"What about you, Sirius?" Ginny asked.

"No one would have made me a prefect! I spent too much time in detention with James. Lupin was the good boy, he got the badge."

"I think Dumbledore might have hoped that I would be able to exercise some control over my best friends," said Lupin. "I need scarcely say that I failed dismally."

"What about my dad?"

"Matthew was a brilliant student but Dumbledore knew that giving him the badge would've been like given us green light to go around doing whatever we pleased," Sirius grinned.

"Again, same the reason why Dumbledore didn't give you a badge," Lupin smiled.

"You really think I would let my friends do mischief without any consequences?" Mel feigned indignation.

"Yes," The three adults replied.

"Well, I think I'll sort out that boggart before I turn in... Arthur, I don't want this lot up too late, all right? 'Night, dears."

Mel walked into Harry just as he was getting up and she stumbled backwards.

"Sorry," He said quickly.

"It's fine..."

"You all right?" Moody asked them.

"Yeah, fine."

"Lovely dinner," Mel smiled tensely.

"Come here, I've got something that might interest you," He told them.

From an inner pocket of his robes Moody pulled a very tattered old Wizarding photograph.

"Original Order of the Phoenix," growled Moody. "Found it last night when I was looking for my spare Invisibility Cloak, seeing as Podmore hasn't had the manners to return my best one... Thought people might like to see it."

Harry took the photograph and Mel leaned closer to take a look.

"There's me," said Moody. "And there's Dumbledore beside me, Dedalus Diggle on the other side... That's Marlene McKinnon, she was killed two weeks after this was taken, they got her whole family. That's Frank and Alice Longbottom — Poor devils, better dead than what happened to them... and that's Emmeline Vance, you've met her, and that there's Lupin, obviously... Benjy Fenwick, he copped it too, we only ever found bits of him... shift aside there–

That's Edgar Bones... brother of Amelia Bones, they got him and his family too, he was a great wizard... Sturgis Podmore, blimey, he looks young... Caradoc Dearborn vanished six months after this, we never found his body... Hagrid, of course, looks exactly the same as ever... Elphias Doge, you've met him, I'd forgotten he used to wear that stupid hat... Gideon Prewett, it took five Death Eaters to kill him and his brother Fabian, they fought like heroes... budge along, budge along... That's Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth, only time I ever met him, strange bloke..."

It was the first time she'd ever seen of her grandfather. He looked a lot like Dumbledore, but he lacked the warm gaze and the fancy robes. He had the same hair colour as her though, and there was a similarity between his nose and her dad's.

"That's Dorcas Meadowes, Voldemort killed her personally... Sirius, when he still had short hair... and... there you go, thought that would interest you! Eh?"

Five people were staring up at them: Petter Pettigrew, Lily and James Potter, and her own parents.

"That's great," She tried to sound enthusiastic. "Look at that..."

"Yeah," Harry's voice sounded heavy. "Er... listen, I've just remembered, I haven't packed my..."

"What's that you've got there, Mad-Eye?" Sirius asked loudly from the table.

Harry left so quickly she almost thought he'd disapparated, she understood though, that picture was full of ghosts, and for some reason, she felt kind of responsible for them– maybe Harry felt that way too, after all, it was him Voldemort was after...

The adults surrounded the table and stared at the picture, there were tons of quiet exclamations and nostalgic chuckles as they examined it, but what made her leave the room was the way she knew her mother and Sirius had finally found their friends' faces staring up at them, she could see something dark and heavy falling on their features.

Mel didn't feel like sticking around to hear stories about when they were all young and alive, when Peter was still Peter and not the traitor that had gotten his friends killed. It was stupid to remember something they couldn't have back.

She was in the main hall when she heard someone crying.

"No! No... riddikulus! Riddikulus! RIDDIKULUS !"

Mel ran up the stairs and found Harry looking at Mrs Weasley... She was sobbing above a second Harry, only that this one was dead.

'Boggart', Mel thought.

"Harry, we need to get help–"

"Mrs Weasley, just get out of here!" Harry's eyes fixed on the vision of his own body. "Let someone else —"

"What's going on?" Lupin rushed in followed by Sirius and Emily. Moody was right behind them."Riddikulus!"

Mrs Weasley wept harder.

"Molly– Molly, don't... Molly, it was just a boggart," Lupin patted her head gently. "Just a stupid boggart..."

"I see them d-d-dead all the time! All the t-t-time! I d-d-dream about it..."

She had been dreaming the same thing that summer– hell, her boggart had been the same thing years before that! Seeing it again that night caught her off guard. A thousand different images of Harry trapped in the cemetery came to her, the pain she'd felt that night, the memory of Cedric's body laying on the grass...

She tried to get out of the room as fast as possible.

"D-d-don't tell Arthur– I d-d-don't want him to know... Being silly... Harry, I'm so sorry, what must you think of me? Not even able to get rid of a boggart..."

"Don't be stupid," said Harry, sounding impressively calm.

"I'm just s-s-so worried– Half the f-f-family's in the Order, it'll b-b-be a miracle if we all come through this... and P-P-Percy's not talking to us... What if something d-d-dreadful happens and we had never m-m-made up? And what's going to happen if Arthur and I get killed, who's g-g-going to look after Ron and Ginny?"

"Molly, that's enough," said Lupin. "This isn't like last time. The Order is better prepared, we've got a head start, we know what Voldemort's up to — Oh, Molly, come on, it's about time you got used to hearing it — look, I can't promise no one's going to get hurt, nobody can promise that, but we're much better off than we were last time, you weren't in the Order then, you don't understand, last time we were outnumbered twenty to one by the Death Eaters and they were picking us off one by one..."

"Don't worry about Percy," said Sirius. "He'll come round. It's a matter of time before Voldemort moves into the open; once he does, the whole Ministry's going to be begging us to forgive them. And I'm not sure I'll be accepting their apology..."

"And as for who's going to look after Ron and Ginny if you and Arthur died," Lupin looked up to Emily and smiled a bit, "what do you think we'd do, let them starve?"

"Certainly not!" Emily kneeled beside her, hugging her by the shoulders. "Not after all you've done for us! After seeing how much you care about Harry! You're one of the best friends I've had in a long time, I would never abandon your children..."

Harry turned and locked eyes with Mel. He had a distraught expression on his face as he watched her cover her mouth, struggling to breathe.

One time when she was six, Mel had to be taken to the nurse because some kids cornered her in the playground and she lost it; a teacher carried her out. When her mother arrived they told her Mel had suffered a panic attack.

A panic attack wasn't exactly a good omen nor the best way to spend her last night before going back to school, but she had no control over it.

"Deep breaths, Mel..." Harry muttered, quickly making his way towards her. "It's okay–"

The boy tried to touch her and that stirred her into action. Mel slapped his hand out of the way and ran out before someone could stop her. She ran up all the way to Buckbeak's layer and she locked herself there until her crying stopped.

"WILL YOU LOT GET DOWN HERE NOW, PLEASE!" Mrs Weasley yelled.

Mel let out a pained groan, her head was pounding after last night and all she wanted was to get to the train so she could take a nap. Mrs Black's portrait was howling, but no one tried to close the curtains since the house was loud with voices coming from every floor, all gathering their stuff before leaving.

"I'm dying," The girl leaned on her mother's shoulder. The woman ran her fingers through her hair tenderly.

"You had a rough night. Been years since you had one of those..."

"It was the stupid boggart," She muttered. "I'm okay now. I'll see Erick, so that's kind of cool..."

"You and Harry haven't talked, then?"

"Mum..."

"I'm not trying to force you–"

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Sirius, Dumbledore said no!"

A dog ran into the hall, looking rather lively.

"Oh honestly... well, on your own head be it!"

Mrs Weasley, Emily, Mel, Harry and Sirius all left the house together.

"Where's Tonks?" Harry asked.

"She's waiting for us just up here," said Mrs Weasley.

"Wotcher, guys," Tonks -disguised as an old woman- winked at them. "Better hurry up, hadn't we?"

"I know, I know... but Mad-Eye wanted to wait for Sturgis... If only Arthur could have got us cars from the Ministry again... but Fudge wouldn't let him borrow so much as an empty ink bottle these days... How Muggles can stand travelling without magic..."

Sirius was having the time of his life though, running around chasing pigeons and barking loudly. Mel and Harry laughed at his antics, Emily rolled her eyes and mumbled something about him being a child.

As they walked through the streets watching Sirius chase cats and go crazy with the poor birds, she felt Harry glancing at her from time to time. Mel knew he only wanted to help, and perhaps he was a little hurt about the way she'd reacted last night. However, she was far from even acknowledging that she'd cried in front of so many people.

"I felt it, you know?" Harry said when no one was paying attention. "Your panic attack..."

"I figured," Mel said numbly. "It's the lifeline... doesn't matter, I have it under control."

"I could've helped," He insisted. "When we were little–"

"We're not little anymore," She replied sternly. "You handle your stuff, I handle mine. That's what we agreed on."

Harry's jaw clenched, he didn't speak after that.

It felt like a type of rebirth when she crossed the platform and found herself in front of the scarlet train.

"I hope the others make it in time," said Mrs Weasley.

"Nice dog, guys!" called Lee Jordan.

"Thanks, Lee," said Harry.

Sirius made a show of himself, acting as the perfect puppy.

"Mel, come here for a moment," Emily drew her away from the group, looking anxious.

"What is it?"

"I didn't say anything until now because I didn't want to make you uncomfortable during your stay but... oh, well..."

She noticed how her mother glanced at Sirius, who was rolling around at Harry's feet.

"Mum... Are you and Sirius... a thing?"

Her mother hesitated.

"I know you've noticed how... I mean, we've... we're not exactly together."

"Oh," She frowned. "Why not?"

"What?"

"If you want to be a couple, then be one."

"I... you... you're not upset?"

Mel gave her a small smile. "You deserve to be happy. I want you to be happy. If being with Sirius gives you that, I have nothing against it. He's a good man– bit stubborn, but he treats you well, right?"

"He was always a good friend..."

"I hope all goes well, then."

The woman stared as if she'd mistaken Mel for someone else.

"You have more of Matthew than you could ever have of me, you know?" Emily beamed. "I'm thankful for that."

"Sirius would be an idiot if he rejects you, to be honest."

Her mother laughed.

"Don't get your hopes up about this, though..."

"I trust you," Mel brushed it off, hugging her one last time before going back to the group.

Five minutes later Lupin was wishing her a safe journey. Mel held onto him tightly, his scent filling her lungs.

"I'm going to miss you lots," She mumbled against his chest.

"You'll see me soon," Lupin rubbed her back. "Now, just because you weren't made a prefect doesn't mean you're allowed to misbehave. Make us proud."

Sirius ran up to her and crashed against her legs, she kneeled and hugged him as well.

"I'll miss you too, Snuffles... look after my mother while I'm gone, okay?"

He barked, snuggling his face closer to hers.

"Well, look after yourselves," Lupin told the rest of the teenagers. "You too, Harry. Be careful."

"Yeah, keep your head down and your eyes peeled," said Moody. "And don't forget, all of you — careful what you put in writing. If in doubt, don't put it in a letter at all."

"It's been great meeting all of you," said Tonks. "We'll see you soon, I expect."

"Quick, quick," said Mrs Weasley as the whistle blew a second time. "Write... Be good... If you've forgotten anything we'll send it on... Onto the train, now, hurry..."

For one brief moment, the great black dog reared onto its hind legs and placed its front paws on Harry's shoulders, but Mrs Weasley shoved Harry away toward the train door hissing, "For heaven's sake act more like a dog, Sirius!"

"See you!" Harry yelled from the door.

The black dog chased the train barking madly until they turned, then he vanished.

"He shouldn't have come with us," Hermione murmured.

"Oh lighten up, he hasn't seen daylight for months, poor bloke," Ron shook his head.

"Well, can't stand around chatting all day, we've got business to discuss with Lee. Are you coming with us, Lady?" Fred asked.

"Maybe later," She shrugged.

"All right, see you later!"

"Shall we go and find a compartment, then?" Harry asked.

"Er..."

"We're — well — Ron and I are supposed to go into the prefect carriage," Hermione said awkwardly.

Suddenly Mel felt really bad about not going with Fred and George.

"Oh," Harry tensed next to her. "Right. Fine."

"I don't think we'll have to stay there all journey," said the girl. "Our letters said we just get instructions from the Head Boy and Girl and then patrol the corridors from time to time."

"Fine– Well, we... might see you later, then."

"Yeah, definitely. It's a pain having to go down there, I'd rather — but we have to — I mean, I'm not enjoying it, I'm not Percy."

"I know you're not," said Harry.

"I'll tell Erick you say hi, Mel," Hermione offered, thinking that would ease her mind.

"Brilliant," She said without much excitement.

"Come on," Ginny spoke, Mel felt immense relief as she turned to look at the girl, "if we get a move on we'll be able to save them places."

"Right," said Harry, and he looked as pleased as her.

After a while of silent walking, they ran into Neville, which was even better, more people to talk to.

"Hi, guys– Hi, Ginny... Everywhere's full... I can't find a seat..."

"What are you talking about?" said Ginny. "There's room in this one, there's only Loony Lovegood in here —"

"I don't want to disturb anyone..."

"Don't be silly," Ginny chuckled. "She's all right."

They all followed her inside.

"Hi, Luna! Is it okay if we take these seats?"

The girl beside the window looked up. She had straggly, waist-length, dirty-blond hair, very pale eyebrows, and protuberant eyes that gave her a permanently surprised look. Harry knew at once why Neville had chosen to pass this compartment by. The girl gave off an aura of distinct dottiness. Perhaps it was the fact that she had stuck her wand behind her left ear for safekeeping, or that she had chosen to wear a necklace of butterbeer caps, or that she was reading a magazine upside down. Her eyes ranged over Neville and came to rest on Harry. She nodded.

"Thanks," said Ginny.

In the middle of all the movement of putting away trunks and pets, Mel and Harry somehow found themselves seated together. The girl thought it'd look suspicious if she were to move now, it would confirm that she was actively avoiding him.

"Had a good summer, Luna?" Ginny asked.

"Yes. Yes, it was quite enjoyable, you know. You're Harry Potter."

"I know I am," said Harry, frowning slightly.

Her eyes then moved to the next person, which happened to be her.

"You're a Dumbledore."

"Yeah, people keep saying that," Mel said.

Luna moved to Neville. "And I don't know who you are."

"I'm nobody," He said.

"No you're not," said Ginny. "Neville Longbottom — Luna Lovegood. Luna's in my year, but in Ravenclaw."

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure," sang Luna.

"Guess what I got for my birthday?" Neville asked them.

"Another Remembrall?" Harry teased.

"No– I could do with one, though, I lost the old one ages ago... No, look at this... Mimbulus mimbletonia."

"Sick!" Mel beamed. "Er- in a good way..."

"It's really, really rare," said Neville excitedly. "I don't know if there's one in the greenhouse at Hogwarts, even. I can't wait to show it to Professor Sprout. My great-uncle Algie got it for me in Assyria. I'm going to see if I can breed from it."

"If you do manage, I'd love to have one," Mel eyed the plant with interest.

Harry did a strange noise next to her and she stared back, daring him to speak.

"Does it — er — do anything?" He asked, glancing nervously at her.

"Loads of stuff! It's got an amazing defensive mechanism — hold Trevor for me..."

Neville put the toad on Harry's hands. Luna was staring again.

Neville held the Mimbulus mimbletonia up to his eyes, his tongue between his teeth, chose his spot and gave the plant a sharp prod with the tip of his quill.

Liquid squirted from every boil on the plant, thick, stinking, dark-green jets of it; they hit the ceiling, the windows, and spattered Luna Lovegood's magazine. Ginny, who had flung her arms up in front of her face just in time, merely looked as though she was wearing a slimy green hat, but Harry, whose hands had been busy preventing the escape of Trevor, received a face full. It smelled like rancid manure.

Neville, whose face and torso were also drenched, shook his head to get the worst out of his eyes.

"S-sorry," he gasped. "I haven't tried that before... Didn't realize it would be quite so... Don't worry, though, Stinksap's not poisonous," he added nervously, as Harry spat a mouthful onto the floor.

Mel cackled, cleaning her face without an ounce of grumpiness.

"That was amazing!"

The door of their compartment slid open abruptly.

"Oh... hello, Harry. Um... bad time?" Cho stared at the lot with an anxious expression.

"Oh... hi," Harry quickly tried to clean his face.

"It's a terrible time," Mel said brightly, "We stink."

"Um... well... just thought I'd say hello... 'bye then."

Cho Chang was blushing when she closed the door. She heard Harry groan and fall back on his seat.

"Never mind," said Ginny. "Look, we can get rid of all this easily. Scourgify!"

"Sorry," said Neville timidly.

"Don't be, that was really interesting to watch," Mel smiled.

Neville blushed at her comment.

"I'm starving," Ron walked in, Mel quickly made room between her and Harry, which he took without even noticing.

"Well, there are two fifth-year prefects from each House," said Hermione. "Boy and girl from each."

"And guess who's a Slytherin prefect?" said Ron.

"Malfoy," replied Harry.

" 'Course," Ron made a face.

"And that complete cow Pansy Parkinson," said Hermione to Mel. "How she got to be a prefect when she's thicker than a concussed troll..."

"Cheating of course," Mel shrugged.

"Who's Hufflepuff?" Harry asked.

"Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott," said Ron.

"And Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil for Ravenclaw," said Hermione. "Oh! Erick seemed fine, Mel– couldn't talk to him because of Malfoy, of course..."

"We're supposed to patrol the corridors every so often," Ron explained, "and we can give out punishments if people are misbehaving. I can't wait to get Crabbe and Goyle for something..."

"You're not supposed to abuse your position, Ron!"

"Yeah, right, because Malfoy won't abuse it at all."

"So you're going to descend to his level?"

"No, I'm just going to make sure I get his mates before he gets mine."

"For heaven's sake, Ron —"

"He's not being unfair, is he?" Mel defended him. "If anyone deserves detention, that's them..."

"I'll make Goyle do lines, it'll kill him, he hates writing," Ron then pretended to be the Slytherin. "I... must... not... look... like... a... baboon's... backside..."

Everyone laughed, but nobody laughed harder than Luna Lovegood. She let out a scream of mirth that caused Hedwig to wake up and flap her wings indignantly and Crookshanks to leap up into the luggage rack, hissing. She laughed so hard that her magazine slipped out of her grasp, slid down her legs, and onto the floor.

"That was funny!"

Her prominent eyes swam with tears as she gasped for breath, staring at Ron. Utterly nonplussed, he looked around at the others, who were now laughing at the expression on Ron's face and at the ludicrously prolonged laughter of Luna Lovegood, who was rocking backward and forward, clutching her sides.

"Are you taking the mickey?"

"Baboon's... backside!"

"Hey, Lovegood," Mel grinned. "We're going to be great friends..."

"Can I have a look at this?" Harry asked Luna. He was staring at the magazine she'd dropped. "Mel, have a look at this, will you?"

He was showing her an article over Ron's shoulder.

SIRIUS - Black As He's Painted?

Notorious Mass Murderer OR Innocent Singing Sensation?

For fourteen years Sirius Black has been believed guilty of the mass murder of twelve innocent Muggles and one wizard. Black's audacious escape from Azkaban two years ago has led to the widest manhunt ever conducted by the Ministry of Magic. None of us has ever questioned that he deserves to be recaptured and handed back to the dementors.

BUT DOES HE?

"What is this?" Mel asked, her voice slightly shaking with contained laughter.

"Hang on," Harry said distractedly. "This one's about Fudge.."

Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, denied that he had any plans to take over the running of the Wizarding Bank, Gringotts, when he was elected Minister of Magic five years ago. Fudge has always insisted that he wants nothing more than to "cooperate peacefully" with the guardians of our gold.

BUT DOES HE?

Sources close to the Minister have recently disclosed that Fudge's dearest ambition is to seize control of the goblin gold supplies and that he will not hesitate to use force if need be.

"It wouldn't be the first time, either," said a Ministry insider. "Cornelius 'Goblin-Crusher' Fudge, that's what his friends call him..."

"Anything good in there?" asked Ron.

"Of course not," said Hermione. "The Quibbler's rubbish, everyone knows that."

"Excuse me," said Luna. "My father's the editor."

Mel had to bit her lip to not make a sound.

"I — oh. Well... it's got some interesting... I mean, it's quite..."

"I'll have it back, thank you," Luna took back the magazine and buried her face behind it.

The door to the compartment opened again.

"What?" Harry snapped at Malfoy.

"Manners, Potter, or I'll have to give you a detention... You see, I, unlike you, have been made a prefect, which means that I, unlike you, have the power to hand out punishments."

"Yeah, but you, unlike me, are a git, so get out and leave us alone."

The group laughed. Mel felt something crawling up her chest, ready to pounce.

"Tell me, how does it feel being second-best to Weasley, Potter?"

"Shut up, Malfoy," said Hermione.

"I seem to have touched a nerve... Well, just watch yourself, Potter, because I'll be dogging your footsteps in case you step out of line."

"Get out!" said Hermione sharply.

Mel's heart skipped a beat.

Dogging.

Next Chapter —>

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