#but instead he tries to make their wedding perfect so they don’t have to worry about anything other than their love for each other

[moonit3]

THE OTHER HUSBAND

➥ warnings/notices: yandere, obsession, death mentions,, gn! reader, violence, reader implied to be depressed, reader has a child, the husband is implied to be a yandere too but show up at the story only mentioned despite being named aspen, your real husband is a bad man, threats, mentioned murder, blood, reader has scars, mentioned fight.

➥ yandere! male beldam x gn! reader

➥ synopsis: feeling trapped in a wedding with a child, a mysterious force manages to make your worsen by befriending your son.

➥ a/n: this took more time than i expected (*ﾟ▽ﾟ*) but it’s finally here on halloween days! and it’s quite big this one, maybe more than 1k words? probably. also, this is a Halloween special (yay!), despite not celebrating it, i really enjoy the holidays, so happy Halloween my dear readers!

➥ the idea of marriage was never really appealing to you, it never imagined to get married with a man like your husband, specifically with someone who was the responsible for this arranged marriage. aspen was the one who stolen your freedom when he paged mother and father with a great amount of money, he is the one who stolen your virginity and the one who made sure to make you have his child.

➥ billy, a little boy who resemble your husband, but has the enthusiasm you once had, your son is what many couple envy. a smart cookie, athletic and generous boy like him should have a perfect life, right? not really. you feel awkward to be around him, not bearing to look at his eyes, yet you try to take care of him and father doesn’t seem to care much, only using the little one as a reason why to keep you inside the manor.

➥ the three of you don’t live a perfect life and pretending to be a happy family don’t help either. billy is no fool to realize that you are trying to get a divorce from his father to leave away from here, trying to raise him away from father, but the same doesn’t let you to go. billy began to think about if you leave dad, then you would be happier, right? so he asked the wishing well for his baba to find someone else to be happier, someone who could be a better dad than his biological one. not knowing that someone did hear.

➥ after a few days, in the middle of the night, bill yreach your bedroom (as you refuse to share one with your husband) and woke you up with his tiny hands, saying that he needs to show you something. firstly, you wanted to go back to sleep, but your little boy made you get up and walk towards one of the unused room, where he made you kneel and crawl through a tiny door. you believed that it would lead to another room, but you two ended in the living room, how? and why is the walls like this?

➥ it’s look more alive, more happier and why there is a smell coming from the kitchen? who would be nuts to cook at this later hours? shielding bill, you slowly approach the kitchen, ready to attack the person, but it’s your husband, at least a copy of him. instead of eyes, there are buttons replacing it and a gentle smile in comparison of the usual cold expression.

➥ you wanted to run, take billy to somewhere safe, however the child escaped your hands and went to hug the mysterious man. your little boy looks so happier with this version of your husband, not even flinching when the other husband raise his hand to pat the boy’s head and he notices you.

➥ oh dear, i missed you so much! where you and billy have been in the last few days? aspen, or someone who resembles him, tried to hug you, but you step away. who is this man and why he looks like aspen? this doesn’t make any sense and something inside you is telling to go stay away from this man, but you can’t. not when bill is all over him and trying to make you get closer to his other father, that how bill refer to the mysterious man.

“baba, why you don’t want be around the other father?” the innocence of this boy not knowing where is the danger makes you worry about when he grow older to be able to do his own decisions. “did you two fight?”

the other father is preparing dinner, something the real aspen wouldn’t never do as this as your task most of the times, “well, because i don’t know the other father. i know your father, the real one who is back at our home, not here.”

“b-but this father is nicer and even cook to us! since when aspen made us a meal? never!” ah, yes. billy is on the phrase where he calls his father by name and you can’t even be mad at your son for that. “and the other father knows about my allergies too!”

really? does your son thinks that you change your mind by saying that? he puts his puppy eyes to make you let him stay just a little longer for true dinner with the other father, but you aren’t letting happening.

“after this dinner, we will go home, our home. do you understand me?” the little boy nodded at yours words, knowing is better not to change your mind when you speak the final words, but thee is something off with the smile on his face…what is this boy hiding from you again?

minutes later, the other aspen step inside the dinner room, holding the tray of food that he prepared for the three of you. it’s taste good, you can’t deny about it, and seeing billy interacting with the other aspen makes you heart pounding a little faster. your son never bonded with his father, no matter how hard you tried to make them closer nor the numerous family gathering. but with the other father, billy looks happier and even trying to show the drawing he did earlier today.

billy’s smile didn’t stop growing til the end of the dinner, when after he brushed his teeth and put his dinosaur pajamas. the boy look adorable sleeping on a such comfortable bed with many plushies surrounding his sleeping form. your could just stay looking at him for hours and not worry about nothing. he is your life, the main reason you keep going and try to be happy despite been marrying to a monster like aspen, and speaking about him, the other one seems enthusiastic to talk with you.

“we are finally alone, my dear.” his cold arms hold you to the bed he offered to share with him tonight (and forever) since it would be bad to you sleep in the couch, no husband shouldn’t allow this to happen with his loved one!

“yeah, we have.” you replied, trying your best to pretend this is your real husband, the real aspen that is trying to change, not a carbon copy. “billy told me that you want us to stay here, right?”

his lips curves into a smile, unlike the one he had on the dinner, this one looks more uncomfortable and scary. “i knew it you are a smart girl/boy/person and we both know that we want the best for our son, isn’t that right? from what he told me, your husband haven’t been the best and always yelling at billy for no reason.” he didn’t stop at there. “and he also told me about you. always working, tired and sadness on your face when you try to talk with aspen, asking for a divorce and only receive slaps and scars at your body.”

what?

billy saw that? it can’t be right. you always made sure to put him to bed before talking with aspen alone about a potential divorce, but guess you never knew how good your son is at pretending. that’s mean that billy heard every discussion, every fight, every broken plate and glass during the night or the moments when you cry at your bed, afraid that aspen would come in. it’s makes sense why billy began to sleep at the guest bedroom with you, everything makes sense now.

“what do you want from us?”

“only you, my dear.”

it’s seem that time froze when he answered. everything got silent, your breath being the only sound of the bedroom as you process his words. his hands are on your body, bringing you closer and closer to his chest, not leaving any space to escape form his touch.

“and what if i don’t want to stay here? what if I grab billy and leave this place for good?” you questioned him. “then locking that door to prevent my son to come down here.”

“then i will kill him.” what? he can’t be serious. “it wouldn’t be the first time i take a person’s life to archive my goals and won’t be the last. and if threats don’t work on you, how about i see you to my bed? you won’t be able to leave if i do that.”

its getting colder. your body shiver with a wind that you don’t know where it came from and your can feel his breath behind your neck, making you question what he plans to do next. is he going to hurt you? that doesn’t really matter, you can handle it. but what if he tries to hurt billy? then you don’t know if you can handle to see your little boy hurt.

“don’t hurt billy, please.” you pleaded. “he is the only thing that keeps me alive. please don’t kill him, please! i will stay with you, just let him go, i beg you!”

“oh, dear. it’s cute that you believe that you can request those things from me. billy won’t leave, after all, it would quite lonely to have only you around.” he hold your chin to look up, to look at his buttons eyes. “you would do anything to please me to assure that nothing will happen to him, am i right?”

his nails are making your face bleed, tiny drops of blood ruining the shirt that billy gifted you from christmas, “i-i wont misbehave.” how aren’t you crying form the pain? “i will do anything.”

“i know you will, dear.” he smiled. “from now on, im your real and only husband.”

@moonit3 writings

[sc0tters]

Save a Horse | Ethan Edwards

summary: as the bombshell of Umich, you set your sights on Ethan and don’t give up, not without a fight.

song: Cowgirls - Morgan Wallen

request: yes/no

warnings: underaged drinking, allusions to sex but nothing explicit.

word count: 1.58k

authors note: this has me thinking that a part two should be in order. Don’t usually write with such a boss reader but literally loved it. This thing took me much longer than I want to admit but I wanted the first piece since we hit 500 followers to be perfect! If you want to check out the rest of the celly you can do so here!

You surely knew what you were doing right?

The way you looked tonight in your little costume as you danced with your friends, the way your laugh lit up the room as one of the seniors tried their luck with you. The way your nose did that little scrunching thing that it does whenever you get excited that makes Ethan absolutely weak in the knees.

It should have been torture, the way your eyes lingered over Ethan throughout the night when you’d bite your lip and tilt your hat in his direction.

But the boy remained where he always was as his doubts clouded his mind, you were a total bombshell and you knew it. As a result of that though it meant you had been through the experience of sleeping with some of the hottest guys on campus. Because when you look the way you do and have no desire for a relationship, you’ll have men falling at your feet as they fight to the death to be the one in your bed.

Ethan had started to like you in freshman year, you were a sophomore and at some party when the Canadian spilt his drink on your white shirt and has he begun to panic when your black bra became obvious under the wet fabric. He thought you were going to kill him but instead you flashed him a smile and let your southern charm do it’s thing “don’t worry about it darling.” You sent him a wink as you squeezed his shoulder.

All of his friends had watched the interaction in shock as you sent those boys a salute before you walked off. The sight was amusing as all of the freshman hockey players had their mouths open as their jaws were practically on the floor.

A year on and his feelings for you didn’t let up, during hockey season when you’d see him and congratulate him for the teams wins he swore he might as well have not spoken English because you left him speechless.

You watched hockey? You watched him play? You, the absolute babe watched Ethan?

Was all that could go through his mind.

“You better not screw him over peach,” Owen sighed as he connected to the FaceTime call with you.

Owen quickly became your college bestie when you two had three classes together in freshman year. Sure Owen loved you but he also knew that Ethan’s heart wouldn’t handle it if you did what you always did.

A scoff left your lips “I’m going to his hockey game, not his wedding.” You pointed out as you continued to line your lips.

The hockey player smiled as you said that “wedding, aeh? That’s a little bit early even for you to be thinking about that.” He teased causing you to roll your eyes “now do I look cute or what?” You asked as you flipped the camera off “so sweet peach!” When Owen learnt you were from Georgia that became your nickname, why was only an answer that he knew and refused to tell you.

Ethan almost died when he saw you after game in that 73 jersey, sure he gave it to you in the hopes that you’d wear it but he never actually thought you would be in that yellow jersey and look happy about it “you played well today darling!” You cooed as you pulled him into a hug.

You might have treated Ethan like he was one of your friends, which he still didn’t know how he got himself into that position. But you wanted more from him, all of your advances seemed to either fall on deaf ears or you were starting to think he wasn’t interested in you.

Sure the chase was fun but when you don’t come back with a sliver of success after months of trying, it begins to grow boring. Which was why you had been cold to Ethan this past week. For the first time in years you were feeling stupid about a boy, something about him made you feel ready to change your normal ways and swap them in for something more stable but here he was not interested.

So as you were close to the end of winning another beer pong game Ethan couldn’t help but watch as Nick stood by your side pretending to coach you through the game. When your ball went into another cup “let’s go!” The boy cheered as he placed his hands on your shoulders.

The Canadian grew jealous as he thought about you replacing him with Nick, maybe the senior was the man who you were now talking to.

Despite the fact that you were the only thing that went through his mind. He thought you were interested in him, nobody seemed to captivate your attention in the way that he did. Yet the thing that caused his hesitation was the fact that you never stayed with a person for long once you got their attention.

You pouted your lips as you locked eyes with Ethan. His Scooby Doo jumpsuit made him feel stupid as you looked like a sight for sore eyes with your denim corset and little matching mini skirt.

Somehow despite it all he was all you wanted “I’ll be back,” you mumbled to Nick as you won the game letting yourself take a celebratory shot of vodka.

The senior smirked as he saw what caught your eye “just behave,” he warned as you placed your hands on your hips “when don’t I?” You asked as you smiled.

Ethan watched as you sauntered over to his side “I like this outfit,” you confessed as you toyed with the zipper.

It made him stutter “r-really?” His eyes went wide as he caught the sight of your breasts that were only hidden by the blue material.

You smirked as you pulled him into the kitchen with you “wanna do a shot with you,” you explained as here was your final idea to see if Ethan liked you or not.

This was the moment that if he was able to resist your advance then you’d accept your fate and lose him forever.

Members of the hockey team looked in awe as Ethan’s eyes never left your back, the way he followed you like a little lamb was something they would have teased him about if you weren’t, well you.

Ethan pulled out two shot glasses “you’re gonna drink this one,” he explained as he motioned to his favourite tequila.

You smiled as you twirled your hair through your fingers “I think you’re the one in charge now,” you mumbled as you took the cowboy hat off of your head as you placed it on his own.

He wanted to die as you let out that angelic little giggle “want to see you suck this baby,” you watched as he placed the lime on his lips letting it rest in his mouth.

You nodded as you grabbed the salt shaker from the table “gotta start it off right,” you pointed out as you forced his hand into a fist as you let the salt land on his fist.

Ethan’s breathing turned unstable as his eyes never left yours, not when you licked his hand, not as you took the shot and let your lips wrap around the glass like you would if it was his cock.

When the devilish smile formed on your face was when he finally let his eyes move, you stood on your tippy toes letting bite into the lime.

The sour taste poured into your mouth when you pulled away from him “did I do something wrong?” Ethan asked as he watched you grab the lime from his lips “thought about tasting something sweeter,” you explained as your fingers ran over the rim of your that was still on his head.

If it was the other way around you would have been pulling upstairs so that you could ride him like he was the last man you were ever going to sleep with. But since it wasn’t you tried to remain calm “think you should have worked harder for it cowgirl.” His voice was husky as he placed his hands on either side of you.

Your thighs clenched at the thought of what his fingers could do to you “been making me work for too long with no reward.” You mumbled as your lips turned into a pout.

Ethan smiled as he placed your hat back on your head “now you can really get what you want,” he ran his finger over your plump lower lip.

A groan left your lips as you didn’t know what to do “you’re a cruel man Edwards,” you grumbled as you furrowed your eyebrows “you want your reward?” He wanted to hear you beg.

To see the vulnerability that you had never shown before with anyone else “please,” you whimpered as his thumb massaged the bare skin between your skirt and your top.

The feeling caused you to gasp, it seemed like that was the moment Ethan’s self restraint was thrown out of the window as he let his lips rough up against your own mixing the taste of beer and the different liquors that you had been drinking.

His shorts grew tight as the smell of your perfume mixed with the feeling of your lips made him want to come “let’s move this to the bedroom,” he groaned as he let his lips hover over yours.

“Who’s the needy one now?”

[nightgoodomens]

So what if

Jesus decides he’d rather drink in the pub with Crowley instead of judging anyone.

Zombies get too busy dancing in Michael Jackson’s thriller and so find their new purpose that makes them happy.

God doesn’t even know what’s going on, too busy having dumbass fights with Satan.

Aziraphale comes back to Earth because he gets fired, Crowley wants to know why, and Aziraphale pretends it’s because he tried to thwart the big plan, but actually, it’s because he spent all his time drawing Crowley instead of doing boring paperwork. They also found him with his mouth full of cake.

Crowley knows. He laughs inside.

Metatron tries to start Armageddon but literally nobody is interested because they were invited to Beelzebub&Gabriel wedding and the preparations make Angels and Demons busy.

Aziraphale and Crowley are too busy bidding on a cottage. They don’t tell each other. So they’re bidding on the same one. So when Aziraphale wins he has to sell all the buildings he owns in Soho because Crowley bid so high, and Aziraphale failed to give up, that the cottage was sold for 10 times what it was worth.

Crowley bursts out laughing when Aziraphale takes him to see the surprise. When he explains he was the other bidder, they finally promise each other to not hide things from each other again.

They go to Beelzebub&Gabriel wedding. Angels and Demons dance together. Nobody cares. Everyone is happy. Metatron sits in the corner.

Crowley is there for alcohol. Aziraphale is there for cake. They finally recreate their dance.

Aziraphale watches Crowley who’s tipsy enough to start dancing with Beelzebub. Demons can dance. Crowley is really hot.

They take a walk outside to cool down, for different reasons, and when they sit by the lake, stars shining above them, Aziraphale pops the question.

Crowley grins. He says of course. Not in a bloody church though.

Not in a church, they agree.

God and Satan and Jesus are invited to their wedding. They get absolutely shitfaced. It’s the funniest and most loveable wedding the world has ever seen.

Honeymoon in Alpha Centauri. Also Maldives. Also everywhere where they’ve met over the 6 thousand years. This time not needing to hide or worry or pretend.

They celebrate everything.

They renovate their cottage and Aziraphale discovers Crowley is very DIY and he doesn’t mind at all seeing him dirty and sweaty without a T-shirt. Sometimes he breaks things on purpose.

Crowley knows.

Bentley has her garage. She’s very happy.

The cottage is yellow. Of course.

Christmas Tree has a star on top of it.

Their garden wins all the village awards.

Their baking is talked about by everyone.

Aziraphale has a huge library at home and he doesn’t need to worry about anyone taking his books anymore.

Crowley has plants all over the house and he doesn’t need to scream at them anymore because they’re growing beautifully from the pure love and happiness at home.

He takes care of the garden and Bentley. He buys another car and works on it as his hobby.

They join car shows.

They know all little cafes and restaurants everywhere.

Aziraphale writes his own novel. It’s really good. Crowley just ensures it definitely is talked about everywhere.

They visit Soho whenever they feel like shopping.

They always build a snowman when it snows.

And they spend evenings either on a date, on holiday, or in front of the cracking fire, within comfortable blankets and pillows, drinking, snacking, reading, watching movies and their favourite tv shows.

Everything is perfect.

[daze4all]

Imagine: Wedding Crasher! Blade

Imagine: Wedding Crasher! Blade kidnaps Groom! Dan Heng’s bride as in “Your wife is my wife” because we were once married, I have the jade bracers and earrings as proof. Lol.  

Serious Take: Traditional red Chinese wedding  vs comedic white western classic wedding gone wrong scenario

Blade defeats the guard escorting the wedding procession defeats guard and steals bride away from wedding palanquin

Does so to confront Dan Heng in fight/talk

Originally bride worried about Dan Heng past and now it come to haunt them both in Blade who says must pay the price.

Red wedding veil curation move aisde think it intended bridegroom but instead jealous blade.

Dan Heng goes to save bride reader confront blade.

Somehow end happily?

10x funnier if bride is Trailblazer MC for 10x chaos

Blade Steals the bride in a bridal carry and Dan Heng spars to get her back or he scoop up Dan Heng instead and stelle chases after lol

Silver wolf & Kafka outside waiting with getaway car.

Comedic : In a comedic white western classic wedding gone wrong scenario:

Perfect white wedding all character there, belabogs gepard and bronya, and crew, the loufu jing yuan and yanqing .

 Front pew as fam the star rail crew march best bridesmaid, himeko happy mother-in-law

dad welt blowing his nose as proud father said wasn’t going to cry but is at omg my kids getting married thank god.

-The priest! loucha asking couple to say vows and if anyone object speak now or hold your piece

-and up comes Wedding Crasher! Blade walking slowly and purposely up the aisle says I object with sword by his side  

- What why? Chaos as people get to feet ready to fight as he pointa his sword at the couple and say “there is price to pay” and something Dan Heng not being honest and technically already married due to some loufu law which Jing yuan reluctantly confirms.

-           However another weird rule on loufu is that its all okay if they technically are all married lol . Basically my wife is your wife.

- Dan Heng not okay with this, Blade pushing it for his revenge, and chaotic! Stelle like okay a  2 for one deal don’t worry Dan Heng I love you enough to marry Blade too.

- Basically, the Yandere! Ex! Blade not over and likes to hold their past relationship over Dan Heng/Feng vs Dan Heng who wants to move on

Dan Heng aghast and against this sudden revelation.

Blade Steals the bride in bridal carry and Dan Heng spars to get her back

Or Blade scoops Dang Heng up and yeets as Stelle chases after Blade murder in her eyes. no one upset the bridezilla on her wedding day lol

Silver wolf & Kafka outside waiting with getaway car.

10x funnier if bride is Trailblazer MC for 10x chaos

+Devolves into a bet for the bride fighting chaos.

Gambler! Sampo taking bets on who will win the bride

Photographer! March shocked cries out “Dan Heng, I never knew you had secret lover!” while taking pictures to document Dan heng big day gone worng.

Best Parents! Himeko & Welt run up to support Dan Heng “We’ll Support you in whatever choice you make” understanding parent think their kid is gay/polymerous/has secret lover where Dan Heng is like “I need battle support! Not mental support.”

Groom! Dan Heng denying “I don’t! I don’t remember this man”

Modern AU a weird amnesia situation maybe where Dan Heng once married to Blade but hit head coma accident lost but found Stelle they fell in love go married but blade shows up to object at wedding .

Jing yuan coughing on the sidelines be like “I tried to tell him….”

Other guys Objecting the marriage saying they like Stelle too in a weird reverse harem situation.

Jing yuan want to Join maybe cuz they all friends lol.

Gepard the gallant childhood friend who never got to confess his feelings until now the worst moment lol “Since everyone else is professing their feelings and if I don’t now I’ll never get to and will regret it. I-”

“NO Gepard don’t bad timing “ Serval his sister interrupting and saving him embrassement

Bailu and Clara in the background cutely confused ask “I thought this was one wedding rather than one with multiple people?”

“Normally that is the case…but at this rate my calculations say no one will be getting married” Mr. Sampo analyzing the situation as chaos unfolds.

[avalynlestrange]

Bigger than the Whole Sky

Fred Weasley x Muggleborn!Reader

Reader: Muggleborn, Orphan, She/Her Pronouns, Able to get pregnant

Warnings: This could be triggering, Death, mourning, depression, pregnancy, religion, implied smut (I don’t write smut yet), cravings, make yourself sad hours

Category: One-Shot, Songfic, Angst, Major Character Death

Summary: In which you deal with the loss of the love of your life and the gain of new ones.

Author’s Note: It took me awhile to write this one. I usually like to believe the fact that Fred was just playing an ill-timed prank. I wrote it in bits and pieces so it might seem clunky. The idea was sad and the execution miserable. It does seem fitting to post on Weasley Wednesday though. I'll make up for the sadness I swear!

Word Count: 3021

To The Library (fic masterlist) To The Kitchen (WIPs) To Midnights Anthology

To more Fred Weasley

No words appear before you in the aftermath.

As you held Fred’s lifeless body, you scream. Agony seeps out your pores. It burns traitorously on your skin. The tears pouring down your face is the kerosine that intensifies the fires of pain.

You know life isn’t fair but you feel cheated. For his family. For George. For yourself. He is meant to live a full life full of jokes and love like how he brings them to yours. How his eyes twinkles every time he would explain an elaborate scheme or every time, he would gaze upon you. How cold and glassy they are now. 

You couldn’t save him. You can’t save him.

Amongst the chaos of the battle you were separated. That should’ve been the sign that something was afoot. But the spells whizzed all around. You didn’t find him until the victory. But you still lost. 

Your body lays next to him. The whole hall quietly suffering. Most are looking at the rubble around them vacantly.  Salt streams out your eyes and into your ears. Cause it’s all over now. All out to sea.

The door opens and you hear Hermione cry out. Hermione runs towards you. You had no energy to even turn towards her. You fixate on the ceiling that once reflected the skies and comforted you. 

When Hermione realisesyou’re not one of the lost souls, she places a hand on your arm. You can hear Ron sobbing on the other side of his brother. 

“Oh sweetie…” She tries to pick you up but you resist. Instead you curl up against Fred’s familiar form without his warmth. Your head resting on his chest without his beat. Hands around his waist without him mirroring the action.

Hermione and Harry peel you away from your heart. It’s heavy and being dragged across wreckage. However, it was already broken to begin with. They sit you down on a bench.

“You need to rest and be checked.” Hermione insists, “This has already been exhausting.”

When she hears no reply, she walks over to Madam Pomfrey and they both tend to your wounds. You didn’t even notice how many you had. Madam Pomfrey dabs on one of your deep cuts. You grit your teeth as nothing beats the excruciating stab of losing the one you love dearly. 

You let both physical and emotional pain numb you, as you sit there staring blankly at that one piece of pebble amongst the larger rocks. It was flat and perfect to skip stones with. Fred would like that.

Fred would have liked that.

A few hours go by, Mrs Weasley offers for you to stay with them at the Burrow but you couldn’t bear to relive memories that would haunt you in every nook of that house.

⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾

The night before Bill and Fleur’s wedding you snuck into Fred’s bedroom. The windows were closed so he bewitched the ceiling to show you the twinkling stars. He would do anything to make you happy and distract you, even for a moment, about what was to come.

“I love you, you know that?” Fred whispered. His arms enveloped you in a warm embrace. Your ear pressed against his body. His heartbeat was hypnotising. It calmed your worried state.

“I love you too.” You squeezed him. He had been trying all night to relax you. You hadn’t slept properly for days. Nightmares visited you every evening preventing you from getting the slumber you desperately needed. All scenes felt realistic. They replayed the same scene of losing Fred in the war. Then Fred would wake you up as you tossed and cried in your sleep.

You didn’t tell him about what your dreams were about. When he pressed you say it was you.

You think to yourself now that maybe if you did, he would still be here.

⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye. He was bigger than the whole sky. Now there he lies in a box. Forever encased. There were so many words left unsaid. You are grateful for all the times you had spent together. Yet spiteful of the future you were robbed. You leave wildflowers atop his grave.

‘Please Apparate and tell us this is all one elaborate prank,’ you thought to yourself and it reminds you of the day you met Fred. It was on the first day of school when you heard commotion in the compartment next to yours. Two ginger haired boys coming into your chamber and telling you to act normal. That’s when your life took a welcomed turn. 

You were inseparable ever since. Always seen around playing pranks and joking about. You realised you fell for him when he asked Angelina to ball and he realised he loved you when you arrived with another guy. 

The two of you didn’t start dating until they left Hogwarts and you graduated. Even though you hadn’t been a couple for a long time, he was more than just a short time. You both knew it when he first asked you out that this relationship was forever. But it was severed short and now you’ve got a lot to pine about. You’ve got a lot to live without. You’re never going to meet what could have been. What should have been him.

You arrive at your shared apartment. You walk over to the side table and drop your keys. Taking in all the empty space; It all still feels surreal. There is no music. No crackling sounds of brewing experiments. No laughter. No Fred coming out a corner to jump scare you at any time like he occasionally did.

‘Gotta keep you on your toes babe,’ his voice echoes in your mind as you head over to the bedroom. 

You settle in bed and cover yourself with the duvet. The darkness is a barrier to the real world. 

Day turns to night turns to day turns to night. You are a robot. Programmed to cry and sleep. Food taste bland, so you barely ate. The colours look dull, so you rarely go outside. Before you know it, the evening comes and you cry yourself to sleep once again.

You jolt waking from a strange dream. Rubber ducks, arenas, and pudding. It was very weird, and you are compelled to tell Fred before you forget the details. But as you reach for him on his side of the bed you’re met with the pillows you strategically placed as a pathetic replacement.

Did some bird flap its wings over in Asia?

Your muggle parents used to always talk to you of a higher power. How they prayed every night for protection and everything they were grateful for. You weren’t sure you believed the same, especially when this higher power took them when you were young but now you think to yourself, ‘Did some force take them because you didn't pray?’

You move and drop to your knees by the side of your bed. 

Every single thing to come has turned into ashes. There is no reason to go on. You plead to whoever is listening that you’ll snap out of this by the morning, and this is just another nightmare.

No amount of weeping and pleading can undo the damage caused by second wizarding war. You know this. Even if you could, you know Fred wouldn’t approve you risking everything for him.  

Hermione and Ginny find you the next morning frozen in prayer. They rush to your side. You lean on Hermione’s kneeling frame as you beg them. Your voice was coarse and brittle. Each word broken apart by sobs and inhales.

“Please… e-erase… him… from… m-my… memories… I… I… can’t… go… o-on… with… my… life… without… him...”

Ginny goes and comes back with a cup of water. She brings it up to your lips and tilts it slightly. The liquid feels stuck at intervals, but you take in more gulps. Trying to drown the emotions that haven’t truly dulled down cause it's all over, it's not meant to be. So you say words you don’t believe.

“I don’t want to remember him. I don’t want to remember us. Please.” You reach for your wand and thrust it to Ginny. She places it on the windowsill behind you. They embrace your stiff figure. Patting your back like a mother comforting her hurting child.

“You know we won’t do that.” Hermione swallows. “You know you don’t mean that.”

Ginny picks you up. “Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾

“Do you think we’ll win?”

‘Do you think we’ll survive this?’ Is what you wanted to ask. Having already lost so many loved ones, it’s hard to imagine that you were going to survive. You barely paid attention in lessons. Too fixated on your other pursuits.

None of which you regretted. All of which involved Fred. Thank Merlin for DA and the order. 

You were looking out of the window of his Aunt Muriel’s house. The moon was full and high. You had sneaked into the room Fred had shared with George, who was downstairs packing up orders to send off for their business. He insisted it couldn’t wait until the morning, however you know the reason is that he can’t sleep at night and packs with the radio on.

Fred didn’t reply to your question, so you turned and looked him in the eyes. Lovingly, he stroked your hair. Despite all the happenings, he never failed to make you feel safe in his arms. 

“I think we should find a place near a lake. Then we can have picnic beside it every day.” He set the scene. “You can grow those flowers you love in the garden. Our kids would play about on open fields.”

You tried not to imagine it, but the picture was too sweet. It would be lucky to have a peaceful life like how Fred envisioned.

“I would love that very much.” You caressed his cheeks and he leaned into your hand. You both narrowed the gap between you on the bed. 

He grabbed the fabric at your back and held you like there was no tomorrow. His lips feverishly played with yours as your bodies beautifully intertwined. As you relished in each other’s touch, you hoped that this wasn’t your last.

Your silent wishes that night weren’t granted.

⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾

Another day in front of the toilet bowl. Vomiting and nauseous nearly every morning, you decide to make a doctor’s appointment for later today. You’re always so exhausted but that’s probably because you were crying yourself to sleep nightly. 

You wash your hands and walk to the kitchen for some water. Gargling a few times, you make yourself the only breakfast that didn’t remind you of Fred. Music isn’t played and books aren’t read to ensure you don’t get triggered by the ghost of him. His items are now packed away neat in a storage cupboard you never open. 

You don’t check on the everyone as often as you know you should. It feels selfish but you barely had any motivation to get out of bed except for needing to pee a lot.

Angelina managed to bring you out of the bedroom for a few hours to work on your resumes and post them out via her family owl. You received an invitation for an interview at St. Mungo’s. The interview is tomorrow, and your initial choice was to decline but Angelina gave you a long pep talk that you can’t back out now.

You take a taxi to your muggle doctor and the wait isn’t too long. Dr Garcia asks you what you’re there for and you tell her your symptoms. She asks you to pee in a cup. It confuses you but you comply. You want to be back in bed as soon as possible.

She then asks you to wait outside her office. When she calls you back, her demeanour is different.

“You have some news. I don’t know if it’s good news or bad news for you.” She starts.

You don’t brace yourself. Nothing could be worse than what you’ve already gone through - are going through.

“You’re pregnant.”

The words reverberate in your mind. Your heart starts to race, and the world starts spinning. You reach in your pocket and find a feather.

⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾

“I swear he’s got it in for us,” you muttered quietly to Fred, when Professor Snape leaves the classroom.

“Of course he does! I mean we pull pranks on him a lot,” George replied. He motioned for you to pass him the spare rag in your hands.

“It wasn’t even me! I didn’t even do anything!” You sneered at the group of Slytherins that moved tables due to a particular loud explosion and mess on their side of your shared table. Cassius Warrington and his posse had blamed you for the incident and of course their Head of House believed their side of the story. You and the twins were given afternoon detention for the week and the task to clean up the goo that is all over your part of the classroom.

“I think it’s Snape’s turn for a trick this evening. What say you, George?” Fred turned to you and asked you the same question.

You smirked at him. “It’s like you can read my mind Freddie!”

Later that day, Professor Snape had dismissed you after your punishment.

“So I’ve told the team to cover for us so if anyone asks we are at Quidditch practice.” Fred informed you both as you sneek through secret passageways into Snape’s classroom.

You gathered all the cauldrons in the room and placed a stink bomb in each one. George then casted a spell to reduce their size. One by one you levitate the objects and hang them on the classroom lights.

“They should set off once the lights turn on tomorrow. Now let’s go!” George lead the way out.

You, however, was mesmerised by feather in a jar on Snape’s desk. The feather shimmered with cloud-like patterns. The hue of the colours shift from gold to electric blue to silver. It was quite beautiful.

“That must have been hard to comeby.” You state to Fred and told him that it must have originated from a thunderbird and shipped all the way from North America.

Fred had noticed and walked towards it. He unscrews the jar lid with ease and takes it out to give to you. He then makes the jar disappear.

“Here.” He placed the feather in your hands. “If he annoys you again just hold this and remember that I will always have your back and will always be with you… and that you have Professor Snape’s expensive thunderbird feather!”

You stroke the soft bristles, and it calms you. Fred was always by your side and will live on through your child.

⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾

Months go by. You slowly develop a routine. A 9-5 job at St. Mungo’s. You and girls take turns to check up on each other and they bring you to the doctors. Weekly Friday family night dinners at the burrow.

Fred’s possessions and photos are back where they belong all over the apartment. 

You no longer ask the sky to wake up from this new reality. You know there is no use. No magic or higher being can undo the past. Instead of begging for a rewind, you now pray nightly that Fred is in a happy place watching over you and your unborn child. 

“I think he should be named after me. After all I’m the fun Uncle.” George passes you the bowl of roast potatoes. You’d been craving potatoes in all forms during your third trimester. Mrs Weasley had happily indulged them. Cooking potato pancakes for breakfast, potato salad for lunch and now roasted potatoes. 

You had accepted her invitation to stay since Mrs Weasley would not accept a no for an answer. When the Weasleys found out you were with Fred’s child they were ecstatic. Your due date was soon. You had a lot to pine about. You have a lot to live without. But your family and friends have shown you that you have so much to live for. They have been your roots keeping you steady. 

“We don’t even know if it’s a boy or a girl!” Angelina snickers.

“Then she can be Georgina or Georgia!”

Every one chimes in and state reasons why your child should be named after them. You roll your eyes at their comments and walk towards the refrigerator. Reaching for the juice, you smile as you see Ginny with baby Teddy in her arms.

“I want one!” She pouts.

“You’re too young Ginerva Weasley! You need to finish Hogwarts first young lady!” Mrs Weasley shouts all the way from the dining room. You hear Mrs Tonks agree.

You feel so blessed being surrounded by your family. All is well until a sudden pain courses through your body. The plastic jug in your hand drops and you feel liquid drip below.

“The baby is coming!” Ginny yells.

⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾

Years go by and you watch as your daughters splash in a paddling pool by your cottage. Their ginger hair moves with the wind and their freckles clear in the sun. They remind you of the man you loved and still love. 

“Look at them Freddie. They’re just like you.” You whisper to the wind, hoping they carry the message to him.

The twins are living up to their dad and uncle’s mischievous legacy. As they run towards you with water balloons. You giggle and join their fun.

It was evening and it was time for bed.

“Come on Frederica.  It’s time for bed!” You call your darling.

“But I’m not Frederica! I’m Georgina!” She sprints and jumps into bed. But an eyebrow raise and a smirk from you, and she buckles confessing, “Only kidding Mum! I am Frederica.”

Her sister passes you a book for you to read them for bedtime. When you notice their breathing slow, you bring the duvet up to their shoulders and kiss them on their foreheads.

“What was Dad like?” Georgina asks, her eyes still closed.

“Oh honey, he was bigger than the whole sky.”

[thisishowgalaxiescollide]

You're honestly so close to getting me into nico/jack it isn't even funny anymore 😂

Anyway, if you're willing, give me the final push there and/or your fave fic (if you're reading any). I know I am tempting fate here but... Yolo. 😌 I accept it.

Come, friend, to the dark side. no, seriously, though, they make me ridiculously happy. Like, we don't have to do anything as a fandom because they already do the gay and the loving for us.

I must confess I haven't been reading much lately because work and life have been complicated enough to keep me from doing much more than reblogging a few things here and there. BUT my past self used to read, so I have a few treats for you, <3

1386 fic rec list

Melt the ice, by theaa

Summary:

So, like—was he just not supposed to notice, or—?

So, so, so good!

Caveat Emptor, by Kerfluffle

Summary:

Two months of advance preparation—memorizing detailed building blueprints, stalking specialists on LinkedIn, reading The $12 Million Stuffed Shark—and Nico gets fucked over by his turtleneck. Or, Nico lands himself in hot water after a recon mission goes awry.

Delightful and sweet.

50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, by Kerfluffle

Summary:

Unlike some supernatural disasters, theirs starts ordinary—with a harmless bar bet.

Fluffy, horny and funny. Great characterization.

kiss me on the mouth (set me free), by coastalhighway

Summary:

Headlights as bright as Jack’s should be illegal, probably. Nico locks the door behind him - three twists, one two three - and counts his steps to the car. He gets to twenty-seven and opens the door, and Jack smiles at him, sharp as a razor’s edge. He smells like smoke. “You good, baby?” he says, and Nico wonders if he tastes like smoke, too. Smoke and lies and broken mirrors, a nasally voice whispers in his ear, breath hot on his cheek. You broke the mirror, soothsayer, sweet-talker. Liar, liar. Nico sits down in the passenger seat. “Drive.” Jack doesn’t bother asking questions. He drives.

Gorgeous. Jack calling Nico "baby" has me !!!

deep into that darkness, by countthestars

Summary:

Quinn’s whole thing is talking to the dead, but Jack’s gift is dealing with the living.

Amazing. Quinn needs a nap and jack is a brat. I love him a lot.

Double Play, by dilangley

Summary:

This is minor league baseball, long days in little towns no one’s ever heard of playing games no one will remember once the lights go out.

This one blew my mind and broke my heart simultaneously even though I know nothing about baseball.

sense of expectation, by greenteam

Summary:

“No, no, hear me out on this…” Jack’s mind is running a million miles a minute as he tries to compile his thoughts into something even vaguely coherent. “I don’t have to go out and find someone new to be in family photos who I know I’m gonna turn around and dump the next week. And you get a free invite to the Hollywood wedding of the century.” Nico looks pensive as he lounges back on the sheets. “I think Ellen would give me an invite anyway.” Jack facewashes him for that. (or: 5 +1 plus ones)

Adorable.

won’t believe half the things i see inside my head, by rafting

Summary:

Jack can’t perfectly shift into anyone anyway; he has to concentrate and base his shifts on what he’s seen, what he knows of someone else’s face and body. So he’s never a perfect copy, often missing freckles or getting the hair or eye shades slightly off. He can’t shift his own dick into someone else’s if he’s never seen it, which is what most guys want to know. He thinks he’s got Nico’s face down pretty well. He’s spent enough time looking at it by now. or, the USNTDP is a program designed to help mutant hockey players control their powers, and Jack’s a shapeshifter who is starting to suspect Nico can read his mind.

Very interesting concept.

take the wheel, by greenteam

Summary:

Nico rakes a hand through his hair. “I just worry. That’s my job. You drive, I worry.” “I thought your job was to fix,” Jack says instead of doing something stupid like kissing Nico.

Just !!!

The tag is thriving, though, so I've probably only scratched the surface. I need to get go back and start reading again. One day soon.

[nebulablakemurphy]

Through Love And By Love (Pt. 8)

Summary: Twenty-Two years ago, Draco Malfoy used the imperius curse to slow Voldemort’s rise to power. No good deed goes unpunished. Warning: this series contains mature subject matter surrounding use of the imperius curse, discussions of trauma and mental illness; reader discretion advised.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Their book is well received, all things considered.

Rosanna is meant to return to the Holyhead Harpies shortly after the birth of their second daughter, Arlo. A perfect little girl, with her mother’s strawberry blonde hair and her father’s eyes. At her pregame assessment, the on call doctor determines that she is expecting... twins.

Draco is overjoyed. Rosanna is overwhelmed.

She isn’t snippy, they don’t fight; she just sort of skates along. Like there is no fire left in her.

That afternoon, Draco leaves, with a kiss to the top of her head. “I love you, darling. I’ll see you later.”

“Love you.” She pats the side of his face. “Have fun.”

Instead of heading to lunch with Pansy and Blaise, like he’d told her; Draco sets off to have lunch at the ministry.

He is welcomed into Archer McVay’s office with open arms. “How are you, Draco? Long time no see.”

Rosanna and Draco have made themselves scarce, upon returning to the manor. Neither of their parents have seen much of them or their grandchildren.

“I’m alright. Thank you for meeting with me.”

Archer can see the distress scrawled across his son-in-law’s features. “You look like something is troubling you. Please, take a seat.”

Draco sits in the chair opposite Rosanna’s father. "I feel quite awful, coming to you like this." He begins fidgeting with his shirt collar, feeling constricted in the material. "Our marriage is sacred, I hate to betray her trust. But I don't know what else to do."

"I'd like to help." Archer leans forward. "If it makes you feel any better Ron, Hermione and Harry beat you to it. They were in my office about a week ago, expressing their concerns."

"What did they say?" Draco shifts.

"They thought she 'looked ill, not at all like herself and like she hadn't slept in a fortnight.'" The older man explains.

Draco can deduce which member of the trio had made each comment. "She's been having night terrors, nearly every night. She doesn't want to sleep because of it. Rosanna is an amazing mother, the girls haven't noticed a difference. But I worry, she's quite literally running herself into the ground. I've tried all I can think of," Draco sighs. "But everything that used to help is only taking the edge off."

"Have you ever heard of post traumatic stress disorder?" Archer removes his glasses, running his fingers down the bridge of his nose.

“No.”

"She's not alone, it's very common. I won't name names, but more than one of her close friends suffer from it as well." But it's not his story to tell.

"What happens...if she has it?" Draco asks, nervously.

"The first step is to have an assessment by a professional. But generally speaking, she would go to therapy, maybe they'll prescribe a potion for her to take. Everything is done on a case by case basis, so any care she receives will be especially tailored for Rosanna." The older man explains, patiently.

"But if this is, the stress disorder, from the war. Why hasn’t it happened before?" It's been years since the war, years of happiness.

"Everyone is different. Something might have triggered it, or maybe things are resurfacing that her mind may have repressed. I would talk to her, son. Have you tried that?" Archer asks.

"I don't want to upset her." Draco runs a finger over his wedding ring. "With the pregnancy and the girls-"

"That's exactly why you should get her the help she needs. She'll be grateful to you in the long run, if not right away."

———————————————————————-

Narcissa and Lucius began building a mansion on the empty land of the Malfoy property, shortly after Leo was born. They left the manor to Draco and Rosanna before standing trial for their crimes, just in case.

Lucius had served just a year and Narcissa avoided detention all together. Using her husband's sentence to complete their new home.

Subsequently, Draco's childhood home received its own drastic make over. He marveled at the way they made it theirs. With colorful paint and curtains to properly see the sun. A small, intimate, table for family dinners, cooking supplies, music, and most importantly; with love. It is everything he dreamed it would be.

Draco enters the manor, soft humming greets his ears. He follows the tune, Rosanna and the girls are in the sitting room. His wife seated at the rear, Leo in the middle, Arlo at the front, wriggling with her doll in hand.

Ro runs the brush over Leo's platinum locks as the four and a half year old does the same for her little sister.

"Hello loves." Draco greets, quietly, not wanting to startle them.

"Daddy!" Leo waves, making no move to break away from the chain.

Arlo shrieks, toddling over to him. He catches the eleven month old in his arms.

Rosanna taps her oldest daughter's shoulder, signaling that she's finished her braid. Lovingly running her fingers over the plait, before Leo charges her father.

"Oof," Draco huffs, when she collides with him. Tangling her limbs around one of his legs and holding fast. Like an animal to a tree; giggling wildly all the while.

Rosanna smiles, pushing soft waves behind her ear. Dark circles, under tired brown eyes, she is still the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on. "How was lunch? Blaise and Pansy good?"

"Quite well." Draco grins, feeling guilty for lying. "How are you feeling, darling? Were these two behaving for you?" He turns his eyes to his daughters.

"Perfect angels," Rosanna yawns.

"You should take a rest, I'll fix dinner after a while." Draco steps toward her, Leo still affixed to his limb, Arlo in his arms.

Rosanna shakes her head, "I'm fine."

"Alright," he doesn't push. "Shall we put on a movie then? Have some popcorn?"

"Yes, Beauty and the Beast!" Leo demands.

"Again?" Rosanna laughs, that's the fourth time this week.

"It's my favorite, Mummy." Leo has an American drawl on about sixty percent of her vocabulary. But Rosanna has always been Mummy instead of Mommy.

"Clearly." Draco chuckles, indulgently.

"I'll go pop the corn." Ro pushes herself to her feet.

Arlo and Leo are engrossed in the film when Draco peeks over. Rosanna sound asleep, Leo moves to Draco's opposite side as her mother begins to snore.

"Why is Mummy so sleepy?" The little girl wonders, looking up at her father with wide, brown, eyes.

"Growing babies in your belly is hard work," Draco explains, tapping her nose.

"Did I make her tired?" Leo wonders, turning to mother. Arlo is still cuddled up against Rosanna, little head resting on her chest, contently.

"Just a bit." Draco admits.

————————————————————————

As they ready for bed, Draco notices how Ro hesitates to climb onto the mattress. She stalls as long as she can, fumbling around in her jewelry box.

"Love?" He calls her attention.

"Hmm?" She forces a grin, crawling beneath the covers, she's been caught.

"Can I talk to you about something?" Draco sets his book aside.

"Sure," she settles, back against the headboard, "what's up?" Brown eyes fall on him.

"How would you feel about talking to someone about, your night terrors?" He moves his hands to her hair, releasing it from the bun she's twisted it into.

"Oh," she snaps her mouth shut. "It's nothing."

"But it is..." He hesitates, "I'm worried, sweetheart."

"Ok," Rosanna is taken aback and maybe a bit defensive. Pulling away from his touch.

"I can make some calls, find someone. All you'd have to do is show up." Draco drops his arms to his lap.

"And bare my soul to a stranger," she adds, bitterly. "What if something is wrong with me?"

"Nothing's wrong with you." Draco says, becoming perturbed. "Even if there were, you won't face it alone."

"Would you go too?" Rosanna wonders.

'I will love you more than any obstacle that stands in our path. I will love you more than any battle we may face. I will love you more than you have ever been loved. I will pull you back to me, if ever the universe tears us apart.' Those are the words he'd whispered against her flushed skin on their marriage bed. That is the promise he intends to keep, all his life, "consider it done."

————————————————————————

Rosanna's first appointment is that Monday, following her dress fitting for Ron and Hermione's upcoming nuptials.

"Do you think you'll be pregnant again next spring?" Hermione asks as the seamstress takes Rosanna's measurements.

"That's a good question." They hadn't discussed it yet.

"Are you holding out for a boy?" Hermione says, playfully. Rosanna's children are a joy, she can have however many she likes, as far as Hermione's concerned.

They hadn't really been 'trying' for either gender. They agreed to a large family. Both being only children left them wanting siblings for their kids.

"I'd like a boy," Rosanna confesses, a little Draco. "But I'll be just as happy with all girls."

"Have you thought anymore about the open position at the Wizengamot?" Hermione wonders, when she heard about the job, Rosanna was the first person to come to mind. "They've been looking for a Legilimen for a while. I know you'd be brilliant-"

"Can I ask you something?" The words tumble from Rosanna's mouth.

"Anything." Hermione crosses her legs, setting her wedding agenda aside.

"Did you ever have...problems, after?"

Hermione meets her eyes in the mirror, twirling the modest, round, diamond ring, Ron proposed with, around her finger.

"Ron, Harry and I...we really went through it. Not to say you didn't! Well, I've read your book and- What I'm trying to say is I think that we all-" Hermione stumbles around for the proper verbiage.

"We're all a little fucked up?" Rosanna offers.

"For lack of a better term, yes. There's no shame in getting help if you need, but there is shame in knowing you need help and ignoring it." Hermione remembers having a similar conversation with her fiancé. "Ron struggles a bit more than I do. But we both see a counselor, it's loads better; talking it out with someone. Sorting through everything, you'll feel better."

"Draco said he'll go too, separately and together. I just don't understand why all of the sudden I can’t sleep without-" Rosanna breaks off, looking down at her feet; because she can barely stomach the sight of Hermione.

"What is it, Ro?" Hermione demands.

Rosanna shakes her head.

Hermione's mouth twists into a smirk, masking her disappointment. "We used to share everything, now you avoid me like the plague. It was nearly impossible to get you here. If you don't mind, I'd like to know what I've done.”

"You didn't do anything. I did." Rosanna replies, quietly.

"What are you on about, Rosanna?" Hermione is officially concerned. "You’re not making any sense."

"I can still hear you screaming. I can hear Ron, in the basement.” Rosanna breaks off to collect herself. "Losing his mind, trying to get to you. And I sit there, on the nice comfortable bed, in the nice comfortable house; being celebrated for conceiving a child that I never really had any part in creating. I don't know what to do. Because if I attack Bellatrix, and I hesitate, or if something doesn't go as planned; then she'll kill you and Ron. She'll call Voldemort and he'll kill Harry. So I sit there, and I do nothing." The blonde shakes her head in frustration.

"You did do something. You summoned Dobby and got us out of there. You pulled the only card you were sure they'd care more about than letting us go. You lied about knowing it was us. You pretended something was wrong with Leo to get us out. You did everything you could. I might not be standing here today if you didn't think fast and use your resources." Hermione comes to stand aside of Rosanna, the seamstress having long disappeared.

"I'm sorry," Rosanna covers the inside of Hermione's left forearm, where 'Mudblood' is scarred on her skin. She often does the same to Draco's mark, almost as if she were trying to absorb some of the pain from the marking itself.

"This is not your fault." Hermione puts her hand over Rosanna's. "Please don't think I blame you for a second. No one blames you. When you cast the healing charm...in that moment, it meant everything to me. I struggled with leaving you there, we all did for years. You were our friend and we just...left you." Hermione's voice breaks.

"You couldn't take me with you. You couldn't get to me, even if you wanted too. There wasn't enough time." Rosanna shakes her head. "There was no reason for you to feel guilty all this time."

"Spoken like a true hypocrite." Hermione cocks her head to the side.

Rosanna bumps Hermione's arm.

“I want us to be close again, Rosanna. Next time there’s something going on, you tell me straight away.” Hermione chides her. “I miss my best friend.”

“I miss you too.”

————————————————————————

Rosanna is not pregnant at Ron and Hermione's wedding. After the birth of their twin daughters, Vega and Polaris, they have their hands full. Draco and Rosanna are out manned, two to one. Both grateful they decided to attend counseling. Their relationship, as well as their mental health, has improved tremendously.

"I can't believe you guys are married," Rosanna laughs, full, happy, and thoroughly intoxicated by the alcohol she's consumed.

They lie horizontally, shoulder to shoulder. Ron and Hermione in the middle, Rosanna and Harry at either end, staring up at the spinning ceiling.

"Can't believe you married Malfoy." Ron remarks, no heat in his voice.

"I can't believe Harry hasn't married Ginny yet." Hermione tacks on, squeezing her husband's entwined fingers.

"I can't believe we all made it here." Harry confesses, he's a depressing drunk.

"Way to kill the mood." Rosanna rolls up onto her left elbow, addressing him over the newly wed couple.

"Are you taking the mickey, Malfoy?" Harry laughs.

"Scared, Potter?” Rosanna cocks a brow.

"Enough,” Draco protests, from the doorway. "That's my line." He reaches for his wife’s hand.

"Oh no, he’s found us." Ron groans.

"Don't take her,” Harry frowns.

"We're having a proper cuddle." Hermione pulls Rosanna against her side.

Draco squares his shoulders. "She's my wife, therefore she'll only be cuddling me from now on."

————————————————————————-

Draco and Rosanna attend eight more weddings in a matter of two years, which is more inspiring than not. Like the world is finally starting to heal itself.

Harry and Ginny have a son, James, he's perfect, a spitting image of his father.

After all the years of being cordial, Draco is still hesitant to hold the newest Potter.

"Potter doesn't want me holding his boy." He shakes his blonde head, as Rosanna attempts to hand James over.

"Go on Malfoy, you should be a pro by now." Ginny says in good spirits, despite being slightly sleep deprived.

"I am a bloody pro. But I've never held my former nemesis' offspring, it's a bit different." Draco teases, allowing Rosanna to ease the infant into his arms.

"Look how sweet he is." Rosanna coos, stroking the baby's dark hair.

Leo is fascinated by the little boy. Being the oldest she's always been rather maternal to her younger sisters.

Arlo peaks over the blankets as Rosanna lifts up the identical, platinum blonde, blue eyed twins, for a better view.

Vega points.

Polaris giggles as James wiggles a bit in the blankets and passes gas.

"I think your kid's having a poo on me." Draco scoffs, at the irony of it all.

"Well done, son." Harry chuckles, kissing Ginny's forehead.

Draco turns to Ro, "when are you going to give me another one of these?" He nods to the baby in his arms.

"I thought we were done." Rosanna nearly chokes on her own saliva.

"As many as you'll give me." He murmurs, the baby nuzzling him. Surrounded by his daughters, his wife and dare he say their friends; Draco is the happiest he's ever been.

————————————————————————-

Rosanna didn’t take the position at the Wizengamot when it was first mentioned to her, she needed to get her mind right. But when the job reopens, she all but pounces on it.

The team is thrilled to have her, she works interrogations and makes their job very easy.

Her position opens doors for Draco within the ministry. He trains under Harry Potter himself and becomes one of the most prestigious aurors the ministry has ever seen. Even still, he's never truly trusted or accepted by a handful of his colleagues.

Rosanna sneaks into his office on her lunch break, decorating the room in baby blue confetti. A bottle with a howler slipped inside sits on his pristine desk.

They'd waited until birth to learn the genders of their other children. But this is to be their last and Ro was dying to know. So at the appointment to confirm her pregnancy, she finds out.

"We're having a boy!" Draco nearly faints, once the card delivers the news.

He reaches out, stroking the blue confetti at the edge of his desk. A son...he is having a son. His heart leaps and then tightens, painfully. This is far different from daughters.

People look at them and see their mother, kindness and bravery and light. People will look at their son and see him, cowardice, cruelty and dark. What a terrible fate to condemn a child.

Then again, the bond Draco has with his mother is second only to that of his wife and children. To be the only son in a family of daughters, to be his mother's boy... Loved all his days with an affection meant just for him, their son; sung to sleep each night with a tenderness only Rosanna could give. To know the adoration and wisdom of his father without boundaries. To have a proper father... what a beautiful gift to bestow a child.

Part 9

[try-set-me-on-fire]

Tagged by @rewritetheending @devirnis and @forthewolves for tidbit tuesday!

I’ve been frantically finishing a quilt all week so again I don’t really have actual new writing to share but I’ve been vaguely thinking about a Daniel lives au that I’m not sure I’ll actually write? The idea is he’d grow up and implode under the pressure of being the perfect son his parents did so much to save, unable to live up to their idea of him, and then feeling guilty for ‘wasting his life’ because Buck literally exists because of him so he owes it to his baby brother to not be a fuck up, right? Then Buck grows up the hero baby who can never quite accomplish anything better than saving Daniel, who then gets the double pressure of “Daniel didn’t become who we wanted him to be, now we will shape Evan into the perfect son”. And then Maddie gets sort of forgotten and looked over in all of this :( So yeah another sad idea from yours truly I’m sure you’re all shocked. Here’s the vague outline of events I have in my head (substance abuse cw):

-Daniel gets sick and Evan is born, and he loves his baby brother more than anything.

-Daniel is sixteen and gets very very drunk at a party and crashes dad’s nice new car on the way home. Screaming fight with his parents in the ER that Maddie tries to diffuse. Buck is only eight and was left home alone and comes into Daniels room late at night because he’s scared and worried and Daniel comforts him.

-Maddie is married and none of them were at the wedding, Daniel is 23 and left rehab before he was finished with the program, Buck is 15 and so fucking lonely, suffocating in their parents house. Daniel sees how miserable he is and tries to convince their parents to let Buck live with him, but he has no job or place to live and isn’t sober, and they turn him away.

-Two years later Maddie has got him more successfully through rehab (paying for it herself, their parents have cut him off entirely) and he goes back for Buck who has tested out of high school and left town as soon as he turned 18.

-By complete random chance, Daniel and Buck end up in the same town while Buck is working as a ranch hand. It’s a joyful reunion but then Buck accidentally comes out and Daniel reacts badly and it devolves into a big fight about their childhood.

-Daniel helps Maddie escape Doug and get to California. Weird bad feelings that he shoves down about her wanting to be near Buck instead of him (he has some job that makes him travel a lot, he understands it’s stability she wants but it still makes him feel like a fuck up who can’t be trusted to help.) Tense dinner with the three of them. Buck is still so young but he’s just gone through Abby and he’s just met Eddie and he has a job he loves and wow this kid is growing up. Daniel wishes he could have been a part of it.

-Maybe a series of phone calls after all of Buck’s near death experiences? Daniel doesn’t actually visit but they get closer despite the distance.

-He finally visits again a bit after the lightning strike. Buck is mostly recovered, and he’s with Eddie and is so so happy, and Maddie is doing really well and is getting married again soon, and Daniel has been sober for a long time and has a job he likes and maybe a girlfriend, and, like, they all survived. They all made it. They love each other. There’s regret, there’s a lot of wishing things happened differently, but they’re finally all here together and things are good.

Tagging @shitouttabuck @buckactuallys @butchdiaz @wildlife4life @bigfootsmom @lover-of-mine @daffi-990

[nine-of-words]

Something Borrowed (Part Nine)

M Gargoyle x M Reader

PREVIOUS || STORY TAG || NEXT

Wordcount: 4177

Content Warnings: Discussion of a Breakup

Obligatory angst chapter :’)

You haven't gotten out of bed all day.

You can hear the sounds of the workers you hired repairing the shop beneath you, so it’s not like it’s possible to continue to sleep through it. And yet, you just can’t seem to motivate yourself to get up and function today.

You know you'll have to get up and talk to them when the work day is over, and at least lock up behind them. But the last time you left the comfort of your blanket nest was to let them in first thing in the morning, and you don't feel inclined to leave it again until it's absolutely necessary.

You can’t even throw yourself into your work to get your mind off your love life being in shambles, not with your shop like this. The repairs will take at least a couple days, so you’ve had to refund a few wedding cakes you’ve had going out already. You’ll be able to eat the cost, sure, but it’s not exactly great for business.

While all of those things are troubling, none of that really is what’s bothering you.

It’s knowing that you’ve just cut off the most perfect man you don’t even think you could’ve dreamt up if you tried.

And the worst thing about it is… You’ve done it to yourself.

It's not like Carlyle hasn't been trying to contact you since you've been awake- starting with the usual morning texts he sends you while on his train commute.

> Good morning

> I know you said we shouldn’t see each other anymore, before you ordered everyone out of your shop last night

> But I care about you too much to not even follow up

> Emotions were high

> So I thought it might be for the best to try to open a line of communication, now that things are more calm and its easier to think more clearly

> And maybe we can talk it out

Then, more around lunchtime;

> I feel like I'm crossing a boundary pushing like this 

> But I’m worried about you

> I’m not asking you to change your mind

> I only want to be completely sure you’re okay

You manage to ignore those too, but it’s much more difficult. You start chewing on your lip, forming a raw spot on the soft interior.

The guilt is gut-wrenching. But you know if you answer even a single one of his texts, your willpower will crumble. It’s for both of your sakes that you don’t respond right now. Surely, he’ll eventually lose interest…

Carlyle is handsome. He’s smart. And he’s charming. You’re sure he’ll go off and find a nice man or woman that isn’t cursed to brutally ruin the relationship from the start, no problem. He doesn’t need to waste his time with someone as unfixable as you.

But the very thought of him with someone else, though imaginary, still makes you sick to your stomach, so you force it out of your mind.

A few episodes of your program later, you get one last string of messages.

> I’m going to call you when I get off work

> If you don’t want to answer, that’s okay

> That will be my last attempt, because I want to respect your feelings here

At 5pm sharp, the telltale noise of your device going off blares from next to you in bed. The lit-up caller ID clearly says ‘Carlyle’ in your darkened room.

You simply stare at it for a few moments. You want nothing more than to pick up the call, every muscle in your body screaming for you to move and answer him, to hear his voice and ask him to come over and just forget everything that happened yesterday. You could forget everything about the curse and how even being around him is a danger to his continued wellbeing and just be happy.

But instead, you shove your device under your pillow and smash it down, like you’re trying to smother the non-existent breath out of the inanimate machine. It doesn’t fully drown out the sound of your ringtone and the vibration, but you hold it there until it finally stops going off.

You want to scream, but you don’t even have the energy left anymore. You simply sink back down into your bed, covering your head with your duvet and quietly sobbing.

You eventually have to pull yourself together, to see the workers repairing the shop out for the evening and locking up behind them. You’re sure you look horrible, but you can’t be bothered to care much. You just silently hope behind your forced smile that they didn’t hear you crying your eyes out.

When your device goes off in a series of buzzes again when you come back upstairs, you can’t resist almost diving onto the bed to look at it. Luckily you didn’t think to just silence it in your sadness before. 

To your relief and disappointment, though, it’s not Carlyle this time.

> Hey. so. 

> Just FYI

> I do have the legal clearance to come break into your shop if I have cause for worry

> and you are causing me to worry

> Get ready for a welfare check :)

You’ve been ignoring their texts checking in on you all day, so you suppose you’ve brought this on yourself. You find yourself smiling a small, fragile smile for the first time all day.

< okay but please don’t break the door in

< enough things are broken around here

You barely have the motivation to drag yourself over, even when you hear the pounding on the door. You finally manage to, if only because you have no doubt Kirby was serious about breaking in. As expected, Kirby’s standing there on the landing of the back stairs, unwieldy with a huge takeout bag in one hand and an overstuffed bag from the corner store in the other.

You must look even worse than you thought, because their cheerful expression morphs into one of concern and undisguised pity almost immediately as you open the door.

“Oh. Honey.”

Kirby embraces you with genuine care, despite the awkwardness of them not putting the bags down first.

“I’m like- soooo sorry.” They squeeze you surprisingly hard around the middle, but it’s not unwelcome. “I was supposed to fix this and- and all I can do is sit around and watch it get worse!!”

You struggle to not start bawling again from the comfort.

“It’s not your fault,” You say weakly. “You’re doing your best.”

“Yeah, well, here~!” Kirby pulls back, motioning with the bags in their hands. “If I’m suddenly useless at cursebreaking, the least I can do is be present, hehe!! So!! I brought takeout and treats and we’re gonna have a chat!”

You peek into the bags they’re holding open- a copious amount of takeout from your favorite place, your favorite flavor of ice cream from the corner store, and various other supplies, including tissues; luckily for you, since you’ve already ran through your own supply of them. 

You get situated on the couch, and to your surprise, the words start flowing out of your mouth like a waterfall. You had thought you didn’t want to talk, that you didn’t even want to think about it anymore. But having a supportive presence here that wants to listen is apparently enough to break the dam of feelings you’re trying to keep bottled up.

It’s a weight off your shoulders to talk about how you’re feeling with someone besides the cruel voice in your own head. You haven’t even called Emer about it yet- you were worried about burdening her with your second earth-shattering heartbreak in not even as many years.

And to be honest, it’d be majorly embarrassing to explain this after asking for the kardemummabullar recipe only a couple months ago.

“I just feel like there's no point in even trying to fight it,” You sum up your tirade as you forlornly prod at the food in your to-go container. “If magic's made me unlovable, maybe I'm just unloveable.”

“Stooop.” Kirby, who has been otherwise attentively listening and only offering words of support as you spoke, finally refutes something. “Nope! No, no, nope- not even a little! You're PLENTY loveable!! Just because we're stumped right now- it doesn't mean there's not a solution!

“If you put it like that…” You sigh, but find yourself smiling. “I guess I'll just have to take your word for it.”

“Hahah, yeah you will! Soon this'll be all nicely solved and tied up with a pretty bow and we'll look back on how silly it was to be so down. You. Just. Wait.”

Kirby stays until late into the night, and after the first explosion of extended venting about the situation with Carlyle and your feelings about the curse, you don't find yourself mentioning it again. Instead you fall into a comfortable time chatting about nothing and watching the most brain dead programming you can find, over the takeout and snacks Kirby brought. It almost feels like a normal, pleasant evening in with a friend.

It’s a welcome distraction, and you’re thankful for them being here for you. You just wish that the darkness didn’t start to creep back in as soon as they’ve left and you've crawled back into your empty bed…

The next few days are much the same. 

Miserable.

Unable to work through your feelings by working with your hands, like you usually would; being cooped up in your room alone, trying to fill the hole in your heart with sweets and distract yourself with mindless entertainment (and failing) like this - it reminds you so much of right after Trevor left.

You’re an absolute mess. Drowning in that exact same nagging, raw sense of emptiness…

…Who are you kidding?

This is absolutely worse.

Maybe it’s the same kind of agony, sure, but this is so much more vicious.

You thought after how things with Trevor ended, you'd never experience anything like that sort of heartbreak again. You never thought you’d have the capability to miss someone this much.

You were so wrong.

You can barely keep yourself from looking at your screen. Everything you try to distract yourself with, from the recipes you’re scrolling through on your device, to the well-groomed lead in the movie you’re half-tuning out, reminds you of Carlyle. You would give just about anything to go back to how things were before your curse started getting in the way.

There is one particularly glaring difference that you can’t help but appreciate, though. This time, you had people in your life that cared enough to check on you- something that simply didn’t happen with Trevor. At some point, all of your friends had become friends that were his first, so it made sense that he kept them in the breakup. But this time, Kirby wouldn’t let you wallow alone, and Carlyle had really tried to get through to you…

It just makes it hurt more.

You fight the urge to sigh as you pipe another pitiful, wonky rosette onto the cake in front of you. You have several orders to catch up on now that the shop is open again; you don’t have time to be making careless mistakes, but your heart just isn’t in your work right now.

Grumbling, you scrape the top layer of icing off the side to start over.

It’s an otherwise normal Saturday in your shop- pops of business here and there, with enough lulls for you to get your icing and decorating in.

It feels good to be back in your shop. Now if only you could do your job properly…

Kirby is over in the corner, and while chatting earlier was the bright spot of your day so far, them being at that table working on your case just reminds you about who would usually be joining them about now…

You’re used to missing people- you did move overseas from your familial home fresh out of school. And yet… You don’t think you’ve missed anyone this bad before.

If you close your eyes and focus, you can almost remember what it feels like to have his firm, comforting arms around you, or his solid hands skimming lightly on your skin, or his hungry lips against yours…

“Uh… Hey. Are you… okay?”

You snap back to attention to the familiar voice, realizing that in your mental haze, you’ve just been absent-mindedly squeezing a slow, steady stream of icing onto the counter in front of you from the chokehold you have on the piping bag.

“Oh- Um, yeah. Sorry. Hello again, Rosario.” You plaster a smile on your face as best you can. “Can I get you something…?”

“...The same one as before.” She brandishes her credit card at the payment terminal like a viper ready to strike. Or maybe a deer ready to flee? It’s hard to tell. “Please.”

“Oh, don’t worry about paying.” You fetch one of the overly chocolate cupcakes from the case and slide it over on a napkin. “It’s on the house.”

“Huh.” She puts her card back in her wallet, a dubious expression on her face with a single thick eyebrow quirked up. “You sure? Isn’t it bad for business to be constantly giving your product away?”

“It’s fine! Really.” You laugh warmly, waving your hand. “I’ve got a certain amount budgeted for giving away freebies. And I think you’re swell. So- Enjoy.”

And even if you can’t see Carlyle, you can at least be nice to his friend.

“...Thanks.” A flash of a smile shines through her typically sour demeanor. But it looks… almost guilty, the way her eyebrows furrow for a split second.

To your surprise, she leaves the counter and instead of going on her way… approaches Kirby? Who immediately greets her and pulls out a chair at the table before motioning to the papers in front of them.

Now you are intrigued. You’ll have to swing by their table when you find time to take a break from the work you have piled up.

It takes a while to carve out the time with your current failing job performance, but you do finally find the time to take a break and go over to their table.

Though, as you get within earshot, it takes all you have in you to not drop the drinks in your hands on the floor.

“-fact of the matter is it can’t be a geas unless there’s a mandate, either physical or verbal. That’s-”

You’re gutted. You’d recognize that voice anywhere.

“Oh heeeeey~” Kirby grins up at you, leaning their chin on their palm as their other hand reaches over and (unsuccessfully) surreptitiously casts a silence bubble over Rosario’s device, if the reflective flash of cyan in their irises and the sudden silence of from the speaker is any indication. “You here to sit with us for a bit?”

You know Kirby well enough now you’d probably pick up on the slight stress in their voice. 

“Yeah,” You manage, your mouth suddenly dry. You choose to not even address what you just heard. What’s there even left to say about it? “It’s been a while so I thought you could use something to drink…”

Impressively, Rosario has a poker face of steel, judging by the absolute lack of break in her composure. She simply pulls out the chair next to her.

You try to be present in the conversation, but the vibe is fatally off now. You find yourself zoning out, eyes fixed on the too-white grout around the replaced tiles on the floor until you get back to work.

A few hours later, you’re cleaning up in anticipation of closing time, stewing in your own negative headspace. You do tune back in long enough to see Rosario wave goodbye, which you at least have the presence of mind to reciprocate.

Kirby checks in on you before they leave. You pretend that you’re not affected by hearing Carlyle’s voice earlier, and Kirby seems to decide to not push you to talk about it, but does their best to cheer you up before they leave for the night regardless.

The next day is more of the same, with Rosario now acting as a surrogate Carlyle as far as working on your case goes, or so it appears. Kirby is more diligent this time to conceal the sound from the speaker if they see you coming.

Soon, it’s been an entire week, then another day. You wish it was getting easier.

It’s any other Tuesday, but there’s the nagging reminder that it’s the weekly order from the ladies at Carlyle’s law office tonight. Last Tuesday the shop was closed, so it had slipped your mind. But now, here you are again, but instead of the usual happy anticipation of your usual weeknight visit, you’ve only got a knot in your stomach.

How is this even going to go? Is he still going to order? Will he show up?

What would you even say to him…?

You’d be lying to yourself if you deny that you’d be overjoyed to see him walk through the door of your shop again, no matter how awkward it’d be.

But the hours go by, with no order coming through under his name, or resembling the normal order he picks up. It’s well into evening, and you’re starting to accept that you didn’t need to worry about it in the first place.

And then, the jingle of the POS system. You glance, not expecting much- just to see his name pops up on the order screen. It’s perhaps the most beautiful arrangement of letters you’ve ever seen. You hurry to get the order together perfectly, despite the ample time you have to prepare it. 

You only torture yourself more from the time the order appears until the minutes are ticking down to the scheduled pick up time. 

It’s almost close on a Tuesday night, after all. There's nothing else to do but wait.

And wait you do, an exhilarating and sickening mix of apprehension and expectation building inside you.

Finally, the pick up time approaches.

The door bell jingles…

You turn to look.

And in walks… 

A delivery driver.

They’re pleasant enough as they say Carlyle’s name to confirm the order. You’re pleasant enough back, despite there being a massive faultline breaking your heart in two.

You wait for the delivery driver to leave with the box, then you flop down on the stool behind the counter, shoulders slumping and spirit absolutely broken.

Of course he’d do that. It’s the most logical course of action. Of course he’s not going to come in. You clearly told him to stay away.

Is… that it? It’s done? Just like that?

It’s over?

You had hoped, against your better judgment, that he would turn up and you could smooth things over.

You’re so tired of this.

You fold your arms and set your head down on them against the surface. You don’t want to cry again, but you can feel the sting of tears on the rim of your eyelids. 

It’s too much, it’s not enough. He should’ve showed, He’s right to have not. You wish more than anything you could see him again, you wish you had simply never met. 

If it’s for the best, why does it hurt so badly?

It’s just not fair.

As you’re sitting there, wallowing in sorrow, you feel something brush against your elbow, then along your forearm. You barely have the energy to care, but curious, lift your head just slightly to see what’s touching you- probably a loose napkin that got stuck to your arm or some other bit of detritus.

But there’s nothing there.

You’re left sitting there, equal parts confused and creeped out.

Whatever Rosario failed to exorcize is still here indeed, it seems.

Maybe even a particularly stubborn wayward spirit for company is better than being alone. The thought gives you a bit of comfort, and the chill in your spine slowly dissipates.

You’ve almost convinced yourself to stand and go lock the door for the night. There’s only a few minutes left before you’re closed anyway, and you might as well. It’s not like anyone will show up…

Just as you’re thinking that to yourself, you see a form appear in the window- but after a glimmering, red-hot ember of hope, you recognize the form as someone you absolutely did not expect, nor want, to see.

It’s Trevor. And before you can react or even fully process it, he’s casually walking through the door, then right up to the counter, with something in his hand- it only takes a moment to make out that it’s a heart-shaped box.

You’re struck with terror for a moment, but too dumbstruck to react.

“Hey.” He nods, like this is a normal thing to do.

He carelessly sets the item down on the counter, revealing that it’s indeed a heart-shaped item- a pink, frilly,  cutely decorated box of chocolates.

You stare down at the item on your counter.

GET WELL SOON; it reads.

This can’t be happening. 

This has to be a joke.

“What the fuck.” Is all you can manage to scoff out quietly, completely done with any cordial pretense.

“Pfft. Wow. That’s how you say hello to someone bringing you chocolates these days?” Trevor says, clearly offended, but brushes it off as humorous with that annoying little huff of a laugh he’s always done. You used to think it was cute. “Dating must not be going well for you then.”

You steeple your hands over your mouth, struggling with all you have to contain yourself. You let out a long, drawn out sigh, centering yourself, and then finally speak in a restrained, measured tone.

“You have 30 seconds to explain yourself before I throw you out into the street.”

“Look- They’re from Dev! But she forgot she had a workshop to teach today so like, she asked me to bring them here- Well. Begged, more like it. And you know. The whole puppy dog eyes thing she does. Like, how can I argue with that? She said your shop exploded or something.” He says, exasperated, before adding in a grumble; “It doesn’t look very exploded to me…”

You simply give him the most dead-eyed look you can muster.

“Just read the note if you don’t believe me.” Trevor points at the “You always make things so difficult.”

You bite your tongue and read the note instead of giving in to the urge to strangle him.

Hey,

They didn’t have a box with “sorry your shop exploded” on it??? This one was the closest. Get well soon, shop!

XOXO Devin & Trevor

You’re much less disgusted by the gesture knowing the chocolates are from her, but a bit of the sick feeling in your stomach remains, being face to face with their deliverer. And of course, you can’t help but notice that both of their names are in Devin’s handwriting.

There’s a pang of guilt in there somewhere, too. Or maybe pity? After all, it wasn’t too long ago that you were in a position similar to Devin’s- planning a wedding basically by yourself, and not even able to get a scrap of help with minor errands without begging.

“There was an accident with a light falling. I had to close up shop for a tick.” You begrudgingly explain, but don’t even know why you’re bothering- it’s not like he ever listened to anything you had to say, anyway, even when you were supposedly the most important person to him. “It’s sweet of her to have thought of me.”

“Yeah, she’s always doing this sort of thing. She’s so kind and selfless- She’s perfect.”

Your molars grit a bit at the statement, but you choose to ignore the slight in favor of continuing to appreciate your friend.

“Tell her I said ‘thank you’- or wait. Actually, nevermind. I’ll just send her a message myself.” You sigh, remembering that your chances of him actually passing the message along is slim to none. “Now, if you don’t mind, it’s past close...”

“Cool. See ya.” Trevor nods, seemingly just as relieved as you are that the interaction is over, if the way he scurries out of the shop like some sort of vermin is any indication.

That’s it. You angrily scrub at the counter with the sanitizer. Champagne. Bubble bath. NOW.

After a much more vigorous end to your closing procedures than the stalling you were doing before, you finally walk over to your shop’s front door. You’ve been putting off turning off the light the entire time you’ve been closing down for the night. Somewhere in the back of your mind survived the hope that perhaps Carlyle would show up today, regardless of current circumstances…

You know it’s stupid to wish he’d show up. You’re the one that told him you shouldn’t see each other, after all. This is just how it has to be.

And yet…

You let out a long, withering sigh, and switch the neon sign off, extinguishing its pink glow.

>> ✨ MASTERLIST >> ☕ KO-FI

[lemonlover1110]

The Insincerity of The Stars

[Chapter 8] The Present Past

← Previous Chapter - Story Masterlist - Next Chapter →

Pairing: Suguru Getou x f!Reader

Chapter Warnings: Angst, Mentions of Miscarriage

A week after your double date, Suguru finally gets his new office. His own space, which means that you’re now free from ever talking to him, or breathing the same air as him which you couldn’t be happier about. Now you don’t have to deal with him at all.

After he leaves your office, you don’t talk to him for almost two months. He attempts to speak to you but you never pay attention to him. As much as you’d like to never see him again, it’s impossible because you do work in the same building.

“Shoko, what are you doing here?” You ask the woman who’s avoided talking to you. You text each other to see how you’re doing, but that’s that. For the past two months she’s rejected any invitation from you, which does worry you. 

But now she’s at your door with no prior notice. You’re worried until you think about the possibility that she’s here because the short reconciliation with Utahime is over. Now she’s at your door, escaping the reality of her relationship.

“I’m sorry… I just realized how bad of a friend I’ve been.” Shoko begins and you move out of the way so she can walk into the apartment. She walks in and goes to the couch to take a seat. You’ve been constantly ignored by the woman, at least it felt like it and now her words confirm it.

“What happened with Utahime?” You cut to the chase. She’s here for a reason, and that must be it. She sighs, rolling her eyes but you can’t see it since your back is turned to her as you close the door. You walk to the couch and take a seat next to her.

“Utahime and I are fine, thank you for your concern though.” She responds. You don’t ask any other questions, instead you wait to hear what she has to say. You doubt she’s here without reason. But she takes too long to speak, so you open your mouth.

“What are you really here for?” You question, and she pinches the bridge of her nose.

“Is it hard to believe that I’m here for the sole purpose of apologizing? What have I done to make you doubt me?” She replies.

“Well, I don’t know, Shoko. The fact that you’ve been ignoring me for two months for no reason whatsoever. You made up with Utahime and completely forgot about me.” You tell her. She can’t even look you in the eye, and she looks away so you can’t see her face. She tries to act as if she’s looking around as she hides a smile.

“Are you jealous of my girlfriend?” She asks, and if you didn’t know any better you’d say she has a smile on her face.

“No. I just miss my friend. You completely forgot about me.” You answer. She looks back at you and sighs.

“I’m sorry, that's why I’m here.” She begins. The back of her hand caresses your cheek and it almost feels like a romantic gesture. But you don’t see it as that. It’d be weird, right? She has a girlfriend. “So… I’m happy that you finally have your office back.”

“I was over the moon. Finally get to do whatever I want in my office.” You say, and she wants to smirk, but she holds back. It makes her glad that you really couldn’t care less about Suguru, or at least it seems like it.

“By the way, are you going to Satoru’s wedding?” She questions, and you shrug. “You know it's fine if you show up with no date… I’m sure quite a few people will show up alone.”

“It’s not that… I’m actually getting to know a guy. It’s just I don’t want to be in the same place as Suguru. I’m too tired of having to be in the same place as Suguru.” You share, and she raises her eyebrows.

“You’re talking to someone?” She asks and you nod in response. “Who?”

“This lawyer that my friend set me up with.” You tell her. “He’s so handsome, and intelligent. He’s almost perfect.”

“Almost?” She responds.

“Well, no one is perfect so I can’t say that he is.” You say, and she doesn’t know what to say. She doesn’t want to talk more about him or about any man. 

“What have you been up to? Other than your new boy toy.” She changes the topic. You raise your eyebrows at the “boy toy” part, but you ultimately ignore it. 

You talk to her for the rest of the night, and it feels nice to talk to her after going so long without seeing each other. She listens to everything you have to say, and you listen to whatever she has in her mind as well.

-

There’s a knock on your office door, and you look up, finding Suguru. He doesn’t wait for you to say anything, mainly because he knows you’ll just ignore him. He knows that you know he’s there, so he opens the door. You roll your eyes and click your tongue as his cologne fills up the air. It isn’t something you missed.

“This better be about work, Mr. Getou.” You look at him, and he takes a seat across from you, spreading his legs and making himself comfortable. 

“Are you going to Satoru’s wedding?” He asks. You glare at the man, and he fights back a smirk. He loves getting you upset for no reason. Once upon a time he would’ve hated seeing you like this, and he would’ve hated himself if he knew that the reason for you being upset is him. But now every time you’re even slightly annoyed with him, he just wants to fuck you. He loves seeing you upset with him because you’re so hot to him.

“Does it concern you?” You respond. And the man stays silent and doesn’t move for almost a whole minute. You stare at him for almost a minute, waiting for his answer. He ends up nodding.

“I didn’t want to just say it… But, I ended things with my fiancée and I need a date.” He confesses. This definitely catches your attention but you try not to show it. 

“What makes you think I’d step up and go as your date?” You question, which makes him shrug. You take a deep breath, trying to maintain your composure and not raise your voice. Suguru just manages to get the worst out of you.

“I’m single, you’re single, we used to be in a relationship… If you ask me, it makes sense.” He tells you.

“Good thing I didn’t ask you then.” You say. You would leave, but you’re in your office. “Also, I’m talking to this guy that I very much like, so if I were to go, I wouldn’t be alone.”

“Oh?” Suguru raises his eyebrow, as if he hadn’t seen you on that double date. But from the moment he walked in, he doubted you’d make it long with that guy. He didn’t seem like your type. “Who?”

“Do you need to know?” You reply. “Get out of my office, Suguru.”

“Seems like you’re saying that you’re seeing someone to make me jealous.” He begins, and it’s baffling. You give him a weird look, and he chuckles. “I’m joking. I know you’re capable of getting all the men and women you want.”

“Get out.” You repeat, seeing that he has no intention of getting up from the chair and leaving. He finally gives in and stands up from the chair. He begins to walk to the door, and you make sure to say, “Ask your mom to be your date!”

-

“Fuck-” You have to take your eyes off the computer. You close them and reopen them. Your phone rings and you see the message from Hiromi, a smile coming to your face. The man is beyond sweet with you. You’re beyond glad that Sakiya set you up.

Your eyes go to the time that your phone displays, and your eyes widen. You were so focused on work that you completely lost track of time. You turn off your computer, stand up, grab your stuff and walk out of the office. You walk to the elevator, and you feel as if you’re the last person on the floor. You patiently wait for the elevator, 

“Woah… Didn’t expect you to be here.” You hear, which startles you. Your hand goes over your heart as you look at Suguru. You glare at him. You don’t say anything as the elevator doors open and you get into the cart. It’s empty, so it’s just you two when you step in.

You click the first floor before taking a couple steps so you’re as far away from him as possible. But he takes a couple steps to invade your space. 

“Why are you so…” He speaks up, attempting to find the right way to describe you and your behavior.

“What? I’m normal. You wouldn’t want a complete stranger invading your space would you?” You respond.

“Well we weren’t strangers when we were in the bathroom, were we?” He chuckles, and you hold back from slapping him. You furrow your eyebrows and attempt to look away. You look up, seeing that you’re on the sixth floor and that soon enough you’ll walk away from this.

Or so you think before the elevator comes to a stop. And you swear the universe is against you. It’s completely dark for a moment until the emergency lights turn on. You click on the phone button. “Can we get some help here, we’re stuck.”

“You’re not claustrophobic, are you?” He asks, and you click your tongue, rolling your eyes.

“We were together for nearly six years, and you don’t know this?” You answer.

“Didn’t you just say we’re strangers?” He can’t help but laugh.

“I’m not claustrophobic, I just can’t bear the thought of being stuck with you for much longer in a confined space.” You reply.

“Scared of what you might do?” He continues invading your space. “You know, I’m single again so you can do whatever you want.”

“You think this is going to change anything?” You ask, finally giving him the attention he wants. You look at him straight in the eyes. “I left you for a reason. What happened at your engagement party was a mistake. Since there’s nothing holding you back, leave the town.”

“How did you manage to move on? To leave?” He begins, and you sigh. You hope that the elevator will work again so you can avoid this. But it doesn’t. You click the phone button again.

“We’re stuck!” You say. You look back at Suguru.

“How?” His eyebrow is raised. You bite the inside of your cheek before speaking about a topic that you’ve always wanted to talk to him about.

“You know, Suguru, I’ve always known you were a mommy’s boy. I didn’t care. I didn’t care when you would leave for dinner because she cooked your favorite even though I had spent hours in the kitchen cooking something you love as well. Or date nights when she suddenly told you about a new movie that she wants to see, so you would cancel your date with me to go with her.” You begin, so much pent up frustration coming out. It becomes audible with every word that leaves your lips,

“I would take her insults. Her constant belittleting. You would never defend me, and you discouraged me from defending myself because you didn’t want me to antagonize your dear mommy! I still remember when I finally spoke up and you argued with me because I disrespected that stupid bitch that kept calling me worthless!”

“Excuse me?” He cuts in. The emergency light isn’t too bright, but you can see he’s offended. His eyebrows furrowed as he looks down at you. He bites his bottom lip. “If all of it is true, then why didn’t you leave sooner?”

“Everyone has a breaking point.” You tell him. “And I finally reached that point five years later, and surprisingly enough it wasn’t when you broke off our engagement because she didn’t agree with it.”

“Then what was it?” He sounds so oblivious, as if he had just forgotten everything. It makes your blood boil. “What was your breaking point? What did she do that made you leave me?”

“No, no. It’s not just her. It’s you. Because I could’ve taken it if you had been by my side supporting me.” You say, and he clicks his tongue.

“What was it?” He repeats. He’s getting impatient. He wants to hear it before the elevator is fixed. He doubts you’ll have this conversation any time in the future.

“Don’t you remember that night we went to her house for dinner? Three months after I last saw her because we had been a bit busy.” You hope to refresh his memory, but you doubt the man recalls the events. “She said my miscarriage was a gift from heaven because I wasn’t fit to be a good mother. That I wasn’t good enough to carry your child… Okay, fine. It’s what she said. But I remember how upset I was… I went home and cried to you about it. Do you remember what you said?”

He stays quiet, because he remembers it. All too well. But you still say it, your voice showing how frustrated you are, but it isn’t just frustration. “You said that maybe she was right, and we weren’t meant to have a child together because I’m just not fit to be a mother. I had told you an endless amount of times that my lifelong dream was to be a mother. You will never know and begin to understand how I felt when my boyfriend, the person I thought was the love of my life, agreed with his mother that maybe my miscarriage was a gift.”

“I-” Suguru remembers, but this isn’t how…

“And maybe I could handle it for five years, but everyone has a breaking point.” Your voice breaks and you want to cry, but you won’t allow yourself to, especially in front of him. You’ve cried about it for too long. 

“I’m sorry…” He cowardly says. You have to turn so you’re not facing him. You wipe a tear that managed to escape before crossing your arms.

“Too late to be sorry.” You tell him. “I’m glad though. It made me leave. I would’ve been stuck there to this day, putting up with bullshit from a man who doesn’t care enough about me, and a bitch who hates me.”

“So you’re glad you left me?” He questions. You turn to face him again.

“Don’t you dare try to turn this all on me, Suguru! And yes! Yes I’m beyond glad that I left you.” You respond, looking at him straight in the eye. And by a miracle, the elevator works again and you’re going down. 

Suguru bites his bottom lip, for the first time in his life, speechless. Because many times that he’s stayed quiet, he had something to say. But not this time. Not a single word goes through his mind as he fights back tears. 

“And you know what else I’m glad about?” You begin, and the man has nothing to say. Not a single word. But you still speak. “That I didn’t announce the news I had that night. That she spoke before I did.”

“What news?” He finally asks. You’re on the third floor. You’ll walk away as soon as those elevator doors open. He needs an answer fast. But his brain quickly comes up with an idea of what it was. “You were pregnant again?”

“I was.” You confirm.

His heart shrinks just at the thought of you having another miscarriage and not having him by his side. Although he admits he wasn’t the greatest support because he was also grieving. And it’s selfish but he couldn’t help but put himself first for a bit.

“I’m sorry that you had another miscarriage.”

“Are you sure? Why would the first one be a gift but not the second?” You question as you reach the first floor. The doors begin to open. “By the way, Suguru.”

“What?” He asks.

“Second time wasn’t a miscarriage.”

🏷 @hayatxlife @dearsunaa @dmnbby @mykyoon @luvs-wrld @tojidilfs @b3ast1706 @crispmarshmallow @matchabluebeiry-for-nanami @nobody289x

[elisysd]

33. You're scared of love, well, aren't we all?

Masterlist - Previously - Next

Chapter soundtrack: Vertigo - Griff

It had been a while since she had taken a flight home alone. She had tried calling Ethan, she had tried texting, had even resorted to calling Ludwig but nothing had worked when it came to reach Ethan. So she dragged her suitcases to the airport on her own and flew back home.

She arrived at her mom’s house, earlier than what Lyanna expected and when she welcomed her, completely exhausted, she didn’t hesitate to take her daughter in her arms. Julia didn’t need to explain anything and she was grateful for it. Her mom always knew when something was wrong but never had been one to rush her to talk. She made her late lunch and tried to divert her attention by talking about the wedding.

“I thought you would choose the red dress. You’ll look beautiful in gold, but red is your color.” said her mom, serving her a glass of orange juice.

“I gave it a second thought and I’ll go with the red… I don’t know why I chose gold in the first place.” she mumbled, feeling her eyes water.

“I also called the vinery in Tuscany to know if we could go there to visit and have a better idea of everything. Are you still coming with me?”

“Sure. It will do me some good, being away from the tracks.”

“Julia, I didn’t want to ask but… you look pale, darling. You know that you can tell me everything.”

“I know… It’s nothing, don’t worry. Just a bigger wave in a sea that is usually calm.”

Lyanna frowned and bit her lip, knowing full well that her daughter wasn’t telling her even half of the truth but didn’t insist. Instead, she opened her inspiration board on her laptop to show Julia her ideas for activities they could do. From hiking to karting and even wine tasting, Julia understood quickly that their parents wanted to have fun and that it would be the main mood of the wedding. After browsing websites after websites and scribbled down phone numbers and addresses, it was close to the late afternoon. The weather was warm and it was the perfect time for a run. Julia went back to her room to put her gym clothes on and decided to take Bailey to run with her. She kissed her mother’s cheek, promising her that she would be back for dinner, right on time as her dad would be back soon.

Bailey was excited to spend time with Julia and started to wiggle her tail while turning around the young woman as she was tying her shoes. Finally, she was ready to go. Running down the streets, Bailey right beside her, she let her bad thoughts and bad feelings wash away. Ethan and his controlling behavior. Ethan and that no matter how much she wanted to try she didn’t know how to talk to him. She naively thought that after their first kiss and after the night they had spent together, when she felt a real connection with him like never before, everything would get better. That they would be happy and it would be easy. For the first time in her life, she was understanding what her mom and dad were meaning by ‘a relationship doesn't only require love, it needs work’. But was she in a relationship with Ethan? They never really took the time to talk about it. She assumed so. After all, they were kissing even when there were no cameras, they were intimate, they were not pretending anymore. But she still didn’t know if he felt more for her than desire or if he was ready to be in a relationship. She wanted it to work out but she knew that she couldn’t be the only one putting work in it. It would be too much energy and she was not ready to throw her everything if she was not one hundred percent sure he would do so, as well. There were too many unknown parameters, too many variables. And she didn’t want for her heart to be broken, she wouldn’t risk it. Maybe, just maybe after all, Ethan was right when he had told her that making it real would only make everything complicated. It was a mess. A beautiful one, sure, but a mess still. And it had only been a week since their first kiss.

Her burning legs brought her near Ethan’s flat and she wondered for a moment if she shouldn’t try to ring. Maybe he was already back. He hadn’t replied to her text asking him to tell her when he would be back even if she knew he had read it. She looked up to his window before shaking her head and going back from where she was.

When she finally made it home, sweating and out of breath with a Bailey that was still as excited as when they left, her dad’s Ferrari was in a driveway. When she opened the door, she could hear her family’s laughs in the kitchen and her dad showing Louis pictures he had taken from the plane. He quickly noticed his daughter but instead of his usual smile and soft look he always had when it came to her, it was a frown and a surprised face he had on him.

“Julia? I thought you would be back tomorrow. Ethan is still in London.”

She didn’t react straight away. She didn’t know how, she wasn’t aware of this change of plans.

“I wanted to take an early flight. I missed home.” she simply said and left the room before even more questions were raised.

Still, it didn’t prevent her from hearing her dad asking her mom if something had happened with Ethan and Julia tried her best to not let out a scream that would inevitably turn into a cry. When she came back, fresh out of the shower, the table outside was dressed and a salad was ready while her dad was grilling meats on the barbecue. As she was taking place next to Louis,  she noticed how quickly he was typing on his phone with a smile on his face.

“Who are you texting?”

“Ethan.” he shrugged as if it was obvious.

“Oh.. so he is alive.” she commented, more to herself than to Louis.

“Well, if he can answer me, it means that he is breathing. So, yeah he is alive. Why wouldn’t he be?”

“Nevermind.” she said, serving herself some salad and did the same for her brother as her dad was coming back with the grilled sausages and her mom with an apple pie.

“He is asking if you are okay. Should I tell him that you look sad or should I lie?”

“Tell him to ask me that himself.”

Louis didn’t sense the annoyance in her words and obeyed as her mom looked at her weirdly before shooting a glance to her husband.

“He says that he will talk to you when you have made up your mind.”

“Made up my mind about what? Not coming with him to the next races? He can go fuck himself, gosh. He knows why I’m not coming!”

“Julia, language.” her mom reprimanded her. “And Louis, don’t text Ethan. We are eating and Julia and him have obviously issues to solve, as adults, that you don’t and shouldn’t be involved with.”

There was a little silence during which Julia angrily cut her meat, mumbling profanities about Ethan.

“He said that if you are up for it, the fucking part can be organised quickly.”

Julia let her fork fall on the floor as her dad was coughing loudly after his wine went down the wrong way and her mom had a shocked face as she watched Louis who was totally unbothered by the chaos he created.

“What does he mean?”

“Nothing, Louis. Don’t worry about it.” Julia added quickly, avoiding her parents' gaze on her and trying to not think about how she was feeling herself shamingly blushing.

“So, the next upgrades for the Ferrari are still on for Buenos Aires?” she asked her dad, as if Louis’ comment never existed and her dad, happy to find a way out of the situation, ended up explaining in detail what her work would bring and their hopes to move forward next.

She woke up the next day with an unexpected text from Kyle telling her that Ethan had been insufferable lately and that they both needed to sort things out. They needed to talk and their plane would land in the late morning, meaning Ethan would be home around noon. Kyle was right, of course. But she wasn’t sure it had to be her that should make the first step. It had always been her lately and a part of her was hoping he would show her that he was as much in this as her. But she also knew how stubborn they both were and if she was waiting for him, it most probably would never happen.

Her dad was in the living room, on a call with some important people in Maranello that was updating him on the results the datas showed with the simulator work from both Martin and Elijah. They tested the new upgrades and it was promising. It made Julia smile and the knot in her stomach a little less tight. When her dad dropped off the call, he seemed relaxed.

“Good news from what I gathered.”

“Reassuring ones, yeah. All thanks to you.”

“Wait before saying that, you know that sometimes the data on the sim and the data on the tracks are different. Wouldn’t be the first time.”

“I trust you. I know how hard you worked on them and with the precision the team brought on your ideas, I’m sure we have nothing to worry about.”

“Would it be enough to secure you the P2 in the constructor's standings before the summer break?” she asked, worried and unable to shake out of her mind the threats Carlos had made on his dad.

“One thing at the time, okay?” He was trying to reassure her but she could see that he was worrying as much as her.

“If you need anything just let me know…”

“If you have time today, maybe we could go over the data the factory will send me?”

“I was about to leave to go to see Ethan but when I’ll be back, sure, we can do that.”

She saw the back of her dad stiffen as soon as she mentioned him.

“I don’t want to overstep, Ju… But I just want to make sure he treats you right and that he makes you happy.”

“It’s just a rough patch, dad.”

“Is it, really? Because it looks like you had more rough patches than good ones. Tell me, is it worth it?”

She looked down at her feet, trying to come out with a good answer but she couldn’t seem to find one. Her dad was right and she didn’t want to lie to him. Not anymore.

“I thought it would be but… I’m not sure. We don’t know how to communicate and it seems that every time I try to reach for him he pulls away. One day he is the nicest guy and he makes me happy and then the next, if I do something that displeases him, he shuts me off. He says he doesn’t want me to be perfect but I still feel like I have to be. I don’t know what to do. Am I the problem? Is it me?”

“No, Ju. Any guy would be lucky to be with you. You’re smart, driven, you care about your friends and your family, you are ambitious and hard-working. You are not afraid to speak up your mind, you have the compassion of your mom and when you love, you love fiercely just like her. So, no, you are not a problem and there is nothing wrong with you.”

“You made me sound perfect…”

“You are not. You are stubborn, you never want to admit when you are wrong and you have the tendency to flee when you are scared of your feelings. You definitely got that from your mom. But it doesn’t make you less lovable. Ethan is lucky and he should start to realize it soon. And if he doesn’t, then someone else will.”

She nodded as she felt tears prickling behind her eyelids. Her dad took her in his arms, kissing her temple before letting her go.

She didn’t know if it was a good idea. Standing there, in front of his door, she was hesitating. What if he wasn’t there? What if he didn’t want to talk to her? She briefly contemplated the idea of going back home before reproving herself. Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door that opened a few seconds later to reveal Ethan. He was dressed casually, in a white t-shirt and gray sweatpants. He looked at her up and down before leaning against the door frame, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Is that the text I sent to Louis that made you run to me this fast? I thought you would need a few more days. “

“I’m not here for that. And about that text, don’t put Louis in the middle of our arguments. That’s not fair.”

“That made you come to me, I’d say it is fair.” he insisted.

“I’m not here to argue…” she sighed.

“What are you here for, then?”

“To talk.”

He straightened up to let her in before grabbing her waist by behind to pull her against his chest as his lips found their rightful place on her neck.

“Ethan… I said I wanted to talk.”

“Too bad, because I’m not in the mood for that.” he whispered against her ear.

She knew it was a bad idea, that it would only make things worse but sue her for being weak when it came to Ethan Verstappen.

Lying naked in his white bed sheets, she couldn’t help the nagging feeling of shame from crippling in the back of her mind. Even more when she saw Ethan getting out of the bed without giving her a glance making her feel used.

“Ethan…”

“I have somewhere to go, Julia. I don’t have time.” he shrugged.

It was enough for her to let the angry feelings she had kept bottled inside to explode.

“So you have time to fuck me, but not to talk? Are you kidding me?”

“I didn’t see you put much resistance to it.”

She threw the sheet around her shoulders, following him in the living room as he picked up his keys.

“What am I to you? A booty call? Someone you can use and discard when it’s convenient to you?”

“You are making the choice to leave me. You are the one abandoning me.”

“For four weeks! For my family! It’s not as if I was going away on a solo trip in the Caribbean!”

“Still. You make your decisions alone. Without talking to me. And now you want to talk? Spoiler Julia, I’m not available to talk when it’s convenient to you. So be nice, put your clothes back on so I can go meet my friends.”

Julia looked at him in disbelief. She wasn’t recognizing him. Where was the charming, funny and caring Ethan she grew to love? Instead, it was as if he had gone back to the insufferable and arrogant man that she couldn’t stand. She batted her eyes to prevent the tears from forming. She put her clothes back on, took her bag and with one last disappointed look, left him.

He knew he was acting like a dick and even more than that but for a reason he couldn’t explain, he couldn’t help it. It was as if every word that was coming out of his mouth had one goal, hurting her the way he was hurting. He knew he shouldn’t, he had no right to get mad at her for wanting to spend time with her family but he would have loved for her to come to him first, so they could talk about it and not be thrown under the bus like he had been. Sometimes, he felt like despite his efforts, he still had no place in her life. And it was coming at the worst time. The press was not the kindest with him lately, doubting his abilities, saying he would never be as good as his dad, that he had no place in the sport. If it had always been more or less bearable in the past because of the fans and the support he was receiving, now even them were saying that Julia had made him weaker. That he was more interested in what was outside the sport, that his passion wasn’t there. And that was hurting him more than he liked to admit. He could handle the nasty comments about his performance, but not that people and even names well respected in the field were doubting his commitment, that was the last straw.

And when Julia told him that she wouldn’t be there, next to him for the next races, he thought that he had just lost another one of his landmarks. If even Julia was letting him down, what did he have, still? Kyle had Romy now, Ludwig was Ludwig, he had never been one to care if he had people around him or not. Who would want to stay with him?

So when Leroy, an old friend from school, asked him if he wanted to meet up with their old acquaintances to reminisce about the past, he thought it would be a good opportunity to forget about how his life was not that great at the moment, and about how he didn’t help making it better.  When he entered the bar, he was quickly welcomed by them, asking him how he was and when he would finally be a World Champion. He felt nice, at ease with them. They joked about where they were in their lives, the girls they had dated, joked about it and Ethan definitely felt like he belonged with them. The drinks were flowing and the atmosphere was relaxed until Leroy pronounced Julia’s name and it shifted.

“So the rumors were true, I guess. You are dating Little Miss Perfect.”

“Julia? Yes. It was unexpected but it’s true.”

“I’m just wondering how you managed to do it? Like, I’ve been with her and gosh she was so stuck up by then.”Leroy joked, making his friends laugh as well.

“You’ve dated her?” asked Ethan. He didn’t remember and Julia had never mentioned anything about ex boyfriends.

“It was more out of a bet than anything. She had never been really interesting or worthy to be dated. I mean, she was cute but who seriously wants to be with someone like her? Do you remember when we used to laugh about her Ferrari stupid dreams? Or the way she was always the first one raising her hands when teachers were asking questions? She was such a teacher's pet.”

Ethan clenched his fist, he didn’t like the look on Leroy’s face when he was talking about Julia.

“Well, she made it. She works in F1 now. So, after all, she was right to hold onto her dreams.”

“Maybe but, tell me… we are between men, now. How is she? Is she still stuck up or did you manage to turn her into a whore? She had always had a nice body. How does it feel?”

“Don’t talk about her like that, it’s disrespectful.”

“Oh no, I see, she turned you into her little whore, that’s why you don’t answer? Is she wearing pants in your relationship?”

“Fuck off, Leroy. I’m serious.”

“Come on Ethan, don’t take it that way. We all know it here, she is a bitch. Remember how she lied to her parents and they managed to fire me from school. She made my life like hell. She is a bitch, always has been, you can’t defend her. And you know what we do to bitches like her? We train them to make them obedient and docile.” he added with a snarky smile.

He didn’t expect Ethan to react this fast, standing up, making his chair fall on the floor and in a swift move he was grabbing Leroy by the collar, approaching his face with a threatening glare.

“Listen to me, little fucker. You are going to keep Julia’s name out of you mouth or I swear I’m going to make you learn every single definition of the word respect in every single language that exists, and I'm not scared to use force if I have to. If I hear you saying another thing about Julia, I’m going to make sure you will never be able to make a sound. Are we clear?”

“Ethan…bro…come on, I was joking.”

“These are not jokes and it’s because little boys like you with a fragile ego that women are scared to be around men. So I won’t repeat myself. Fuck off.”

He could see Leroy getting paler by seconds and when finally he nodded quickly, eyes filled with fear in front of Ethan cold anger, the blond released his grip. He gave his so-called friends one last disgusted look before heading out, thinking that he definitely needed to clean his friends list. As he was about to step outside, he heard Leroy mumbling.

“Told you that bitch was holding him with a leash, he is not fun anymore.”

Ethan turned around faster than expected and Leroy didn’t have the time to register what was happening to him that his face was violently thrown against the table,earning the gasps of the people around them. He heard him whining of pain as he breathed in his ear.

“Don’t play with me Leroy or I swear I’m going to destroy you. And I’ll take my sweet time so you won’t forget your lesson.”

“Fucking asshole, my nose. That hurts.”

“Be happy it’s your nose and not your legs.”

And just like that he headed out with a proud smile on his face.

Author's note: I love to write fuckboy Ethan, it is so fun. Maye not for you to read, but to write I can assure you that I absolutely love it! What do you think will happen next? Let me know your theories, I love to read them.

Don't hesitate to leave a comment or an ask, as well as reblogging and leaving a like. Besides the fact that I absolutely love to read you, it helps a lot for the story to find its audience. I also have a taglist for this story, so if you want to be added so you never miss a chapter, let me know.

Taglist:

@herondalism @aundercover @musingsbyshreya @karmabyfernando @reengard @mycenterfold @smoooothoperator

[villain-life]

[killing him] mlm

“Are you sure it’s a great idea?”

“I’m not sure, i’m convinced it is! The villain is so rich and you hate him anyway, so why can’t you just kill him?”

The hero and his fiancé were having a huge argument. The villain was invited to their pre-wedding party, which was going to be that night, and the girl proposed to kill the bad guy and take all his properties. The hero really hated his enemy, but at the same time wasn’t really happy about the plan his girlfriend created. The hardest part of the plan was that nobody knew his identity, only the hero did.

The villain was actually a close relative of his girlfriend, rich, smart and very…interesting. That’s all he said to his partner, nothing else. The hero knew that if she found out the villain was her favorite cousin, her friend in the family and her partner in crime she might doubt about her decision. Or maybe not, all she cared about was money anyways.

They were rich too and the girl was just being selfish: killing the villain and taking all his money was so stupid.

Many people in town needed the money more than them. But she acted like she couldn’t hear what the hero was saying.

“Look, the plan is easy: he’ll get drunk, you’ll take him outside while i’ll distract the rest of the people and you’ll kill him. Seems easy.”

The hero still looked unsure.

“Wouldn’t your life be easier if he wasn’t around? No stress, just me and you” the girl stopped talking and looked at him smiling.

“Yes but…he’s your relative, you’ll hate me if i’ll kill him.”

“I won’t! I hate the villain too, even if he is my relative. He hurt many people, including my friends. I’d be happy if he wasn’t around. Would you like to make your fiancé happy before our wedding?”

The hero sighed, she was right.

“Fine, i’ll kill him.”

“Thanks!” Said the girl kissing him softly, but the hero stopped the contact soon.

“Sorry, i have to make a detailed plan. I don’t have time for kisses. I’ll kill him but i’ll give the biggest amount of money to people in need. I’m still an hero after all”

“Ugh, fine”

Hours later the couple and the staff were all busy making sure everything was perfect for the dinner. An elegant tablecloth, porcelain plates and candles were details that could make a difference. Everything needed to be in the right place.

Soon the guests arrived, taking huge gifts for the couple and thanking the hero for his work. The hero was having a great time, but felt a lot anxious about his plan. When the villain arrived, he couldn’t even look at him. He started talking to a random old lady hoping his girlfriend wouldn’t call him to greet him. But she did.

He apologized to the woman and slowly turned around. His girlfriend and the villain were talking near the table, laughing and smiling.

“This is going to be a rough night”

“Babe, this is my cousin! You two never met, so i’m so happy you can finally talk. We grew up together and…”

The hero stopped listening to the girl soon and noticed the villain was trying not to laugh. The enemy looked better than usual: he didn’t wear elegant clothes instead he preferred wearing comfortable clothes that still suited his dark style. His scars where all covered, even the giant one he had on his left cheek. He probably used makeup.

The hero didn’t realize he was staring at the villain, until he noticed the smirk on his enemy’s face. He immediately blushed and tried to look around, the plant near the table suddenly looked so interesting.

“That’s a pleasure to meet you, but i really have to go now. People are looking for me. See you later.” said the hero, before going to other side of the room.

“Oh, why does he act like this! I’m sorry if he sounded rude, he’s really stressed today.”

“Nah, he’s cute.” Said the villain, smiling. “And don’t worry, i’ll make sure he won’t be rude to others.”

“What do you have in mind?” Asked the girl really concerned, his cousin always had strange ideas.

“Oh, nothing much, i’ll just talk to him. Don’t worry.”

• please, send me requests! I need a few ideas for new snippets. thanks for reading 💗

[electricbluebutterflies]

leto fixing jessica's hair/clothes just before they rush out the door

Three different people sent me this prompt so here we are. Modern AU / equivalent to late-era, PG-ish, also on ao3.

They’re going to be late. Worse, it’s her fault.

Jessica knows how these evenings go, how the slightest social misstep will ripple out and cause legitimate problems. The fact that she is not an involved parent by the standards of her son’s school has already been an issue this year, and apparently a certain species of divorcee doesn’t have the sense to ring-check before they try anything, and-

“You’re overthinking this,” her husband says, perched on the edge of their bed and watching out of… she’s not sure what emotion is dominant right now. Worry, probably, always worry, always-

“Either help me or go away.”

She’s trying to do better lately – it feels like she’s always trying to do better – but there are things she’s not good at. This month-into-the-school-year open house, for example, which always feels like a circle of hell for her, nothing but judgmental glances and maybe if she’s really lucky some oh-you-do-exist comment or two and-

“You’re on your fourth dress. I’m not sure-“

“This needs to be perfect. I need to be perfect.”

If she felt like she had a fairer choice, she’d aim for invisibility instead – she knows what colors make her blend into the walls, and she’s tried them already, and they don’t look right, not for this, not for-

“You’ll look fine whatever you decide. Whenever that happens.”

She twirls around to glare at her husband, trying to put all her emotions into things she won’t say because they’ll escalate too easily. “’Fine’ is not what I’m aiming for,” she hisses.

“Jess-“

“Don’t. Not right now. It’s either I look perfect or you get inappropriate comments every time you deal with these people when I’m not within reach for months and-“

“You have nothing to worry about. None of them are my type.”

There are days she’s amazed she is, she wants to say. This feels like one of them, indecisive veering too close to anxious, running late and fine the good thing about an open-house event is one doesn’t have to be on time but on the other hand she’s not into crossing a parking lot in heels and-

“Help?”

Onto dress number five, dark ocean blue with a zipper she hates doing on her own, and what’s the point of having a partner if she can’t ask for the occasional favor, and-

“I can feel your mind vibrating.”

“Not possible. My hair isn’t up yet.”

“It’s just an hour or two… you haven’t threatened not to go yet…”

“What, and ruin our son’s chances of making whatever social connections won’t stick past the first round of high-school-sweetheart weddings?”

“Like you care.”

She tilts her head and rolls her eyes, reminding herself that they never aim to wound, this is not who they are, this has never been who they are, this is not-

“You do,” she murmurs. “And that means I have to shut up and-“

“Overthinking.”

“Well aware and not helpful.”

“Not sure how else to-“

“I’m not asking you to calm me down.” Her hands slip up to where his is still anchored at the base of her neck, and she knows this is not the hard part, not anymore, not-

“I know. You’ll get through like you always do and then we’ll get home and you’ll pounce and-“

“Don’t give me ideas, love.”

She takes a step away from him and twists her hair up into a spiral bun, elegant and out of the way and oh that description could apply too much to her entire life, and-

“We’ll get through,” he repeats. “As long as you don’t threaten anyone…”

“That happened once, and I had my reasons…”

“I’m pretty sure it was more than once.”

“What you don’t know won’t hurt you.”

The look he gives her doesn’t feel like agreement, but-

“Maybe there are advantages to how possessive you are.”

“You mean just slightly less of a bitch if you can hear me.”

“Something like that?”

She leans in and takes a heartbeat of a kiss, a promise of endings and motivations. “I can redo my lipstick in the car. This all look okay?”

“Yes. More than okay.”

“At least I know one person’s on my side…”

“Always.”

(They are, by technicalities, just slightly late but not enough that it matters.)

(Jessica does not threaten anyone, but she’s definitely not leaving the kid at that zoo for high school next year. That opens up a whole new world of private-school options, some of which are far enough out of current orbits that none of the other parents will have any idea about that one time a few years back that she tried to fight a peewee soccer ref.)

(Hopefully.)

[starlessskies94]

Midnight Confessions (Alistair x Evie)

Notes: So for the longest time, I've loved the idea of my Mage Inquisitor being with Alistair either as a warden or as king because I feel they'd be perfect for each other. I think they have a lot in common and I've always wanted to write something for them. I have a ridiculous amount of unfinished fics about these two and this one was something quick and simple that I wrote in two days and so I'm going for it and posting it! I hope you like it and I hope that I got Alistair's character right and it's as sweet and soft as I intended for it to be. Enjoy!

Day had turned to night quicker than she’d realised. And now here she stood; dressed in the silk nightgown specially handmade for her by the finest tailors in Thedas. Sent as a gift. A wedding gift to be more precise. She stood before the marital bed beside her new husband. Both stand awkward, quiet and equally as nervous. 

They knew what was expected of them tonight. They’d known when they’d agreed to the marriage in the first place. They’d known when they first met. They’d known when they’d sat getting to know the other over glasses of wine and bottles of Ferelden beer. And they’d known when they’d stood at the alter and been pronounced man and wife. The Inquisitor marrying the King of Ferelden had been the talk of Thedas for months and now it had become a reality, as said man and wife stood beside each other on their wedding night; they were terrified. 

Evie fidgeted, picking at her fingernails and pinched at the silk that covered her body; embarrassingly leaving very little to the imagination. Which in turn made her extremely self-conscious. Alistair tried and failed multiple times to swallow the lump that was sitting in his throat and the churning of his stomach as the nerves gripped him with their suffocating clutch. The room was thickly silent save for the clearing of throats and the shuffling of feet as each waited for the other to make a move closer towards their marital bed. Neither did. 

She had refrained from telling anyone her most closely kept secret. That she; Evelyn Trevelyan, a powerful mage, Herald of Andraste, slayer of Corypheus and fearless leader of the Inquisition; was a virgin. She was already embarrassed about the fact that she had made it to the age of twenty-eight and had still yet to invite anyone into her bed. She hadn’t wanted anyone to know. It hadn’t seemed that big of a deal. But now as she stood before her husband; it suddenly became all too real that still no one knew the truth. She had to say something. 

Taking a deep and shaken breath she turned towards Alistair and sighed. 

“Alistair…” she whispered into the silence and all at once the spell was broken and all sounds seemed to come to life. The wind softly breezed through the drawn curtains of the balcony beyond. The crackling of the flames in the lit fireplace. And Alistair’s laboured breathing. It seemed to echo now as he turned to glance at her with that terrified look on his face. 

“Yes?” He asked nervously. She took a second and turned away from his gaze. She didn’t think she could look him in the eye as she made her confession. 

“I’m aware of what is expected of us tonight. I’m not a fool and I know you aren’t either. But you see I…uh…I don’t think I’m ready for this…” She paused and took the risk of peeking towards her new husband. And instead of finding annoyance or anger, she saw only worry and concern. “The truth is I’ve never done anything like this before; with anyone.” 

Evie didn’t know what she was expecting to happen after she told him the truth but Alistair letting out a breathless laugh of relief and flopping down on the bed with his hands covering his face was certainly not it. “Oh thank the maker!” He laughed. His whole face losing every inch of tension and worry as his features became softened and light. “I’m so glad you said that Evie.” She was confused. Moving to take a seat on the bed beside him. He sat up and smiled sweetly; taking her hand in his. “You are?” She asked. He laughed again; running his other hand through his hair. “I was so scared to tell you; well more embarrassed I would say. I mean get to thirty-one and have zero experience. Not that I haven’t had offers mind you. I have but they were… not like you.” He was babbling he knew he was and yet he still couldn’t stop himself from talking. 

“I was worried what you’d think and that it would put you off or make me seem like I wasn’t worthy of being your husband.” Stop talking he thought to himself, you’ll scare the poor woman away . “What I’m trying to say Evie is…I haven’t done this before either.” She smiled and the same relieved look she’d seen upon her husband's face was now worn upon hers. “Really?” She asked in surprise. Scooting closer towards him as she moved to sit with her legs crossed. Her hand never left his as she squeezed it gently. 

“See the thing is, I was sent to the Chantry when I was ten; so I’ve always been raised not to treat this kind of thing lightly. I’ve always been waiting for the right person. And then I got recruited into the Grey Wardens and we were fighting against the blight so there wasn’t much time for romance.” He explained. “Not to mention the whole time I had to put up with Cousland making kissy faces and heart eyes at Morrigan; I spent most of my time trying not to vomit.” He laughed and Evie giggled at the cheeky smirk he gave her. 

“You know that’s so strange you say that. Because I pretty much had the same experience.” She said. Alistair gave a tilt of his head and it made him all the more endearing than he already was to her. Along with that lopsided grin; it made her heart flutter. “I was sent to the Circle of Magi when I was eight. And didn’t leave until the mage rebellion happened. I spent most of those years on the run, when they did track me down, it was only because of my noble upbringing that the Grand Enchanter chose to send me to the Conclave. And well… you know everything that happened after that.” She sighed and turned away but Alistair took ahold of her other hand and gently pulled her towards him as he gave her an understanding smile. 

“During that year of trying to defeat Corypheus and fighting against his demons and agents, I was so focused on everything I guess…” 

“There wasn’t much time for romance?” He offered sweetly as he leaned forward, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. She blushed and he definitely noticed. “I suppose we should be thanking Leliana; it seems she knew we’d be perfect together. Having as much in common as we do.” She smiled. Alistair nodded and hummed in agreement. Their eyes met again and all the tension that was once in the room melted away—leaving only calm and comfort in its wake: gentle smiles and soft touches. Neither hesitated as Evie untangled her legs and threw herself at Alistair; his arms wrapped around her waist and held her close as their lips met in a kiss. It wasn’t anything like the chaste kiss they’d shared at their wedding, full of nerves, uncertainty, and hesitation. This was heated and passionate and warm. They broke apart to come up for air panting a little; they both beamed at the other with blushing smiles. Evie’s eyes fluttered closed as Alistair leaned forward to kiss her forehead and then her nose. 

He took hold of her hands again; bringing them to his lips; kissing her knuckles and the back of her palms. To say she was swooning was an understatement. “Evie I want to do things right.” He declared softly. “I don’t want to rush things between us; I mean I suppose we have skipped a step considering we’re already married..” 

Evie giggled at that. He did have a point. 

“But I still want to court you properly. I want to take you to dinner and buy you flowers and chocolates. And go out riding together in the woods; Oh! We could take a picnic and make a whole afternoon out of it!” He gasped excitedly. “I could take you dancing; you know if you don’t mind me stepping on your toes again. I am getting better…kind of. Actually, never mind, I’ll work the dancing.” He promised. 

He continued listing all the things he wanted to do with her. From visiting the Denerim market and the tavern to try more ales together and treat her to a proper Ferelden stew , to reading in the royal gardens. He wanted to sneak her love notes during their council meetings and bask in the sunlight as they catnapped out on the balcony of their bedroom. Evie was so caught up in all the romance of it; she wondered what she’d been so afraid of. She interrupted him with a kiss; sitting back and cupping his face in her hands, that lopsided grin gracing his handsome features once again as he gazed at her. 

“That sounds wonderful.” She smiled. “And I can’t think of a better way to start all that than by kissing my new husband goodnight and falling asleep cuddled up in his arms tonight.” 

“Whatever my queen desires.” He purred, pulling her close for another kiss pressed against her forehead. And as Evie laid herself beside him; both shuffling under the covers and snuggling closer together, she could hear his heartbeat as she rested on his chest. He wrapped an arm around her middle, his chin resting on the top of her head. It felt as natural as breathing the way they fit together. Like she’d always been meant to be here. It didn’t take long for the King and Queen to drift off to sleep and as Evie let herself be carried off into the fade of dreams and magic. She knew that falling in love with Alistair would be the easiest thing she would ever do. 

[mimilind]

4. Control

Summary: What could have been, if Galadriel chose differently on the raft with Halbrand.

Part 4 of Perfect Balance of Darkness and Light.

🤍🖤 🤍🖤 🤍🖤 🤍🖤  

Pairing: Galadriel x Halbrand

Rating: M

Chapter Word Count: 2400

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Next Part > ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

🤍🖤 🤍🖤 🤍🖤 🤍🖤    

Galadriel just accepted his offer. Halbrand intends to take things slowly in the relationship and not scare her, but she decides to show him just how experienced she is.

M-rated for spiciness. ;) Other tags/warnings: implied past Sauron/Melkor

4. Control

She had said yes! He could hardly believe it was true. She was so pure, so obsessed with fighting evil – yet she had agreed to rule with him. To balance his darkness with her light.

He imagined what they could achieve together as king and queen and was filled with a thrill of excitement. With an elvish captain as wife, no realm would be closed – and even if someone tried to oppose him, Galadriel’s and his joint power would be impossible to resist. Especially when they had finished making the rings.

As he took her hand, meeting the gaze in those impossibly blue eyes, another kind of excitement began to build up within. Her long, blonde curls spilled down her back and her cheeks glowed pink, enhancing her natural beauty. She wore a jade green dress with gold seams and it clung to her shapely curves.

He knew how elves wed – that physical intimacy was all it took to create a bond – and now he began to look forward to that part of their relationship as well. 

Drawing her close, he murmured. “You are so beautiful. I need you.”

“And I you.” Her voice was breathless as she turned her face up invitingly.

He restrained a sudden burst of desire pouring into his body, making him want to throw her to the ground and take her with furious abandon right there on the path. Not for the first time he reflected over how much the body he occupied was controlled by animal instincts and urges, and how hard it was to curb those needs.

Instead of yielding, he kissed her gently, careful not to scare her.

Her lips were deliciously soft as she responded and she turned out to be a surprisingly good kisser. Currents of lust spread through him as his human senses were overwhelmed by her intoxicating scent and taste. 

Far too soon she broke the kiss; someone was talking nearby and she probably feared exposure. Elves were amusingly proper about such things.

“Worried over your reputation?” he teased.

“No.”

“Good. Don’t be.” Sitting on a bench by the river, he placed her on his lap. “I want everyone to know you are mine.” Then he claimed her lips again, and much as he tried he couldn’t quite hold back his need this time.

Blood rushed downwards and his pants quickly became too tight for comfort. He hoped Galadriel wouldn’t notice. Perhaps she didn’t know what the hardness was?

This must all be so new and strange to her, but damn, it was not easy to take it slowly! He wished he could rip her clothes in shreds and expose her body; those perfect breasts he had seen glimpses of through her wet dress on the raft and the more mysterious part between her long legs. He wanted to see whether elf maids really were as smooth and unblemished as they said.

Though it probably was too soon, he trailed his fingers upwards until he reached a breast. As he had imagined, it fit his hand perfectly when he cupped it. He brushed over the nipple with his thumb.

At his intimate touch, Galadriel drew in her breath in a light gasp, and he regretted his haste. Was he an adolescent boy or an ancient Maia? This lack of control was beneath him.

~

Galadriel sat astride Halbrand’s legs, his fingers exploring her curves over the silk of her dress as he kissed her with unrestrained fervor. She was taken over by emotions she had not expected to feel again.

Passion. Desire. Need.

When she thought he was a mortal man she had regarded him as a friend, but knowing who he really was somehow changed her view of him completely. He was a Maia, older than time itself, immensely powerful – and she wanted him. 

She had believed that part of her had died with her husband, that she could never feel like this for anyone again. Yet here she was, heart beating fast, her body on fire, wishing Halbrand would rip her clothes off and take her without delay. 

It was as if the centuries of celibacy had created an immense reservoir of dammed up lust that could be unlocked by another key like Adar’s – piercing deep.

He stroked her nipple and she gasped expectantly. That made him stop, swiftly pulling back – as if he was afraid to hurt her.

It struck her he couldn’t know she was a widow, she had never mentioned it. He must think she was untouched.

The thought amused her. If only he knew… 

Well, time to show Halbrand a new side of herself. Grinning impishly, she jumped down from his lap and took his hand, pulling him with her. “Come, I want to show you my lodgings.”

A bit smugly she noticed his cheeks were unusually flushed and that he sounded rather out of breath as he replied: “If you wish.”

When they neared the buildings, she dropped his hand; in time she would tell others about their relationship but it was best to wait until there was no turning back. She knew Elrond would try to talk her out of it, and the king probably would as well. 

But this was her decision to make. She had agreed to be Halbrand’s queen – Sauron’s queen – and she would not back out. Together they could heal Middle-earth, he had said so and she believed him. Darkness and light in perfect harmony. 

She closed the door behind them a bit hurriedly when they arrived, losing no time to wrap her arms around him and resume the broken kiss. 

He was still holding back but she had no patience for that; she wanted his unrestrained passion. An untamed force. Somehow she must lure the tiger out of his den.

It was probably best to be blunt, her usual approach. 

“Halbrand. There is no need to be careful with me; I am not as innocent as you think.”

“No?” He raised an eyebrow. 

“I was married before the war. He never returned.”

His eyes became a bit wary. “I am sorry.”

She couldn’t tell whether he apologized for his part in that war or if it was more of a general condoleance, but it didn’t matter. The past was in the past. This was now – a new beginning.

“It was a long time ago.” Then she repeated: “There is no need to be careful. Your ardor does not frighten me.”

His grip on her waist tightened. “Are you certain?” His eyes didn’t look wary anymore; if anything, she would say they had a dangerous gleam.

She felt an excited thrill. “I am.”

No more had the words left her mouth before Halbrand had pushed her back against the wall, his lips suddenly voracious as he kissed her in a completely different way. The hesitation and restraint was gone and his strong arms and tall frame trapped her, making it impossible to do anything but yield.

The Valar help her, she both loved and hated it. 

“Was he good?” he rasped in her ear, biting her earlobe lightly. 

“Are you jealous?” She let her fingers range across his wide shoulders. His muscles rippled under them.

“Yes.” He pressed his hardness against her. “I want you to be mine. Only mine.”

She was a bit surprised that he would admit it so freely, but she supposed that was how he was. He had never lied to her, never openly deceived her.

“He was. Good, I mean,” she murmured, challenging him.

Halbrand made a deep sound in his throat, something between a growl and a groan. “Damn it, elf!” He had been trying to unfasten the tiny buttons on the back of her dress, now he simply ripped it open in a spray of pearls and slid it down her waist. Bending down to reach, he explored her exposed breast with greedy lips.

“And you,” she managed, her voice nearly drowning in the roar of her rapid pulse. “Were you married?”

“Not formally.” He was attacking her other breast now. “Let us say… my master and I were very close.” His eyes briefly flicked to hers. “At first,” he added.

“So then we both lost our–”

His head whipped back up and he silenced her with a new kiss, an almost angry one. Yet when he finally released her from it she was breathless and more aroused than she had ever been. 

“No more talk of the past.” He added: “No more talk, period. Let us get to it.” His gaze was hard, daring her to show defiance. 

“Fine.” Ignoring her racing heart she softly put her hands on top of his. “But as much as I enjoy this, a bed would be more comfortable.”

That broke the intense moment. He smirked amusedly, eyes crinkling. “An excellent suggestion.” He bowed and offered his arm.

Gathering her ruined dress over her bosom, Galadriel took it, a bit bewildered. It was sometimes hard to keep up with Halbrand’s swift mood changes.

In the bedroom, he sat on the edge of her bed and calmly unlaced his boots as if he was doing his normal bedtime routine. The only odd detail about the scene was the prominent bulge in his pants.

He patted the blanket beside him. “Sit.”

She obeyed, following his example and removing her shoes. “I am not a dog.” 

He smirked again. “I hope so.” Gently pushing her back, he lay next to her, turning his head to meet her eyes. He stroked her cheek, looking serious now. “If you tell me to stop, I will.”

“I know.”

“I would never hurt you.”

“I know,” she said again. But did she really believe it? Perhaps he thought he could always control himself but Galadriel suspected that if driven too far, he would not succeed. Could he be violent, even to her?

In truth, she was not sure.

He gave her a light, sweet kiss. “I think I am in love with you, Galadriel.”

She didn’t know what to reply to that. It was too soon. To sudden.

Her silence didn’t seem to bother him. His smirk returned and he rolled on top of her, pinning her to the bed almost playfully. “Well. Time to get to it, yes?”

Looking up at his boyish smile and twinkling eyes, a mane of hair framing his handsome, scruffy features, Galadriel suddenly couldn’t hold back a bubble of laughter. “Yes, let us.”

His grin widened and he pulled his tunic and shirt off in one smooth motion, finally allowing her to set eyes on his ripped torso. Then he did the same with her dress, easing it down all the way this time.

“Your pants,” she urged.

He took them off, exposing his nakedness almost proudly. “Not too bad, eh?”

“So conceited,” she said with mock disapproval. “But I can see why.” She trailed a hand across his chest, a novel experience for her to feel a man’s body hair, and let her lips follow. The heady scent and taste of him filled her senses. “Not too bad, indeed,” she murmured against his heated skin.

Then she fell silent, for Halbrand began to do something with his lips and tongue as well, and that made her mind temporarily shut off. “Ahh…” she breathed, feeling her body go limp. 

It was obvious he had taken her words about her first husband as a challenge to excel, for with talented tongue and fingers he kindled sensations she would have not thought possible. Soon her entire being was on fire, limbs trembling with feverish yearning and her core aching with a need so strong it threatened to make her burst unless she was allowed an outlet.

“Halbrand,” she cried, unable to keep her voice down, and then added a strong mental command. Move away. 

He seemed a bit confused but obeyed without ado, and she nudged him to flip on his back. Quickly scrambling on top, she positioned herself. She met his eyes that had become so dark, so full of admiration and longing, and slowly lowered herself onto him, feeling their bond form. 

He was perfect.

“Finally,” he grunted, closing his eyes as she began to move over him.

“Finally,” she agreed, increasing the pace. 

She reflected that once more the roles were reversed. Once more she was in control, balancing his desire for dominance with her own, equally strong. 

In truth, she was not sure she could control her power either if driven too far, for she too could be violent. Though he was physically stronger, she now knew she had the stronger willpower, and by his baffled, fascinated look he had not expected that.

“My queen,” he mumbled.

“My king…” Pleasure was building fast within her and she chased her release, focus turning inward and mind going blank.

She was not prepared when Halbrand suddenly grasped her thighs and locked her in position.

“Let me go!” She tried to move, desperate to get more friction, but he was too strong. Physically, at least.

“It is my turn.” His eyes glittered and his face was flushed, making him look impossibly attractive. Wrapping his arms around her, he rolled them over.

With him in control, the pace became faster, harder, more errant, and it was not easy to keep up. Again Galadriel found herself yielding to him, but now it was almost liberating. With his movements he managed to hit all her sweet spots at the same time and she could only lie there and take it; take the gift he was giving to her – and to himself at the same time.

She had reached a plateau, but in the new position her lust grew fast, soon exceeding everything she had previously felt. His deep thrusts unlocked her inner dam, piece by piece, until she let go completely, capitulating to her instincts and to him. 

Borne on wave after wave of unchained passion, her core erupted in spasms of pure bliss. 

Freezing on top of her, Halbrand's breath quickened as her release brought on his, a sheen of sweat breaking out on his forehead. 

His eyes grew large and puzzled. “I had no idea it could feel like this,” he mumbled, almost to himself. “No wonder humans do it so much.”

Galadriel laughed, a wild, purely happy laughter, rare as it was. Wiping her eyes, she kissed him sweetly. Oh, Halbrand. I think I love you too.

He smirked. “Creepy. You have to teach me that mind talk.” And then he was laughing as well, hugging her close. “We are going to have so much fun, Galadriel.”

“We will,” she agreed sleepily.

Not long afterwards they dozed off in each other’s arms, husband and wife. All they needed now was a couple of rings…

🤍🖤 🤍🖤 🤍🖤 🤍🖤      

A/N:

So, IRL it’s probably best to run fast from a boyfriend who is violent, jealous, emotionally unstable and sometimes has poor self-control (plus is a Dark Lord who plans to conquer the world), unless one has strong mind control or other powers. But luckily Galadriel has, and lucky us, this is fiction not real life. :D

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[the-matte-blvck]

the heart of the matter.

type: oneshot

pairing: eijiro kirishima x y/n x katsuki bakugo

genre: fluff, romance, angst

word count: ~3000 words

summary: two best friends are standing at the altar. one eager to marry and spend their life with you, the other can't help but stand brokenhearted.

a/n: i take requests for just $1 for published oneshots, and $2 for personal oneshots. message me for details, conditions may apply.

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Some consider marriage a symbol of subjecting the lesser or weaker partner and putting them in white to make them look pure and signify their virginity. The ceremony is known to have sexist imagery, with details like emphasizing the importance of a woman’s appearance or the bride not giving her consent, or being allowed to lead the first kiss as married partners. Some people believe it’s an excuse for one partner to isolate the other socially. 

“Focus on us, me, and the kids. Keep your attention on the house, babysitting, the market, errands, and cooking. No, you can not hang out with friends or family unless I say it’s okay.”

Marriage, to some, is seen as a sexist lock that represents inequality in a relationship. To others, it seems like the perfect next step. Those who get married save face with family and sometimes their partner. “Get on one knee and pop the question to get out of an argument” type of people. But unfortunately, these people don’t have long-lasting relationships filled with love and pure bliss. 

Kirishima sees the wedding planner signal to the wedding officiator, “five minutes.” He takes a deep breath and can’t help but wait. His stomach fills with euphoric glee as he turns to look at Bakugo, who is standing beside him. The blonde expressed an outward emotion that was opposite the redhead. He seemed irritated and unhappy. 

“What’s wrong? You don’t look too good,” Kirishima questioned with a look of worry on his face. 

“Nothing, I’m fine.” Bakugo snapped. “Let’s get this damn thing over with.”

The angry young man received an eyebrow raise from the other and dropped jaws from the nearby groomsmen. It then became awkward, the other groomsmen shuffling in place, trying not to show Bakugo they were bothered by this statement. But Kirishima indeed was.

“You better change your attitude. You wouldn’t want Y/N to see you like this.” He whispered in a stern tone. “You mean the world to them, and for you not to be happy on their day-”

“Okay, shut up, I get it,” Bakugo cut the other off mid-berating. “I’m just… overthinking….”

“About?”

Bakugo didn’t answer. Instead, he twiddled with his fingers in his hands nervously. He seemed to be growing more and more upset in thought. Kirishima thought it was best to ignore it for now. He wouldn’t want his stubborn friend to ruin your day. Of all people put onto this world, you deserve to have the perfect wedding of your dreams. 

Two minutes.

It was almost time to see your wedding party walk you inside the venue. Kirishima bet you looked so stunning. You always had been. From the moment he laid eyes on you, he knew you were the one for him. He stood tall and proud, waiting for the love of his life to enter his vision and melt all of the stress away.

Bakugo seemed to grow pale. It appeared his nervousness and overthinking were making him sick. Kirishima tried to put a hand on his shoulder to comfort the weary and tired blonde. After all, even though he acted like a prick, they were still best friends, and he cared about him. However, the moment the redhead laid his fingertips on Bakugo, the pissed-off young man jerked away and told the other to leave him alone in vulgar terms. 

“What is your problem?” Kirishima questions persistently. “You should be happy today of all days. So why do you need to ruin everything?”

“You, of all people, shouldn’t talk to me like that? You’re supposed to be my friend. You have no idea what I’m going through right now?”

“Oh…I have some clue….” The redhead whispered.

Bakugo glared at the other, anger and rage surging through his veins.

One minute.

The young men could see some of the wedding party lined up at the entrance, trying to get the ring bearer and flower children in order and settle them down. Then, finally, the guests sitting in the chairs start to notice the ceremony is about to begin. But unfortunately, no one is paying attention to the two disputing right in front of them. 

“I know you do, and that’s what is aggravating about all of it,” Bakugou mumbled, trying to hold in an outburst. 

“You have always been like this; you can’t explain yourself without getting worked up. You’re too closed off, and you let things bottle up. You don’t ever talk things out, Bakugo. Instead, you scream and shout.”

“I’m talking now, aren’t I? And only because I care about Y/N so much not to cause a scene. If it were for anyone else-”

“Stop acting as if you care so much about what they think…you are incapable of any emotions but fury and can only bring violence and destruction wherever you go. You’re making excuses for being a broken man.” Kirishima snapped, his cheerful attitude drastically transforming into anger, matching Bakugo.

The music starts as everyone turns to watch the wedding party enter the venue. They were giggling and awe-ing at the little flower children. They dropped fistfuls of red roses onto the ground, unevenly covering the walkway below them. The little ones receive help to walk and not get distracted by their adult partner. 

Kirishima tried to smile, ignoring his friend for bringing down his mood. It is bizarre. His attitude towards the redhead and the idea of this wedding has also changed recently. It was just upsetting, and it brought your mood down as well. Kirishima understands how much you care about Bakugo; you constantly worry about all your friends and family. You try so hard to please everyone and make everyone happy. 

And you don’t deserve to have your day ruined. 

“We can talk later about what your issue is. But, right now, we must knock off the bickering and save face for Y/N.”

“Don’t talk to me about ‘saving face,” Bakugo bit his cheek to keep down his emotions. “You have been nothing but disrespectful-” 

“All you do is care about your image,” Kirishima’s voice grew higher pitched as his irritation enhanced. “You weren’t there when they needed you most.”

The wedding song changed, and chairs squeaked on the wood floor as everyone stood as you entered the room. Your close parental figure latched arms with you as you slowly walked down the aisle. A large smile plastered on your lips, eyes shining bright with the longing desire to be with your fiance. Tears welled up in your eyes, your emotions fighting your beaming smile to force you to cry. You were always more potent than both boys anticipating your arrival.  

A voice broke the silence between the two.

“You are lucky you are even standing up here right now?”

“What about all this makes me so lucky?”

“Because,” Bakugo pauses, unclenching his fists as his anger melts away, seeing his fiance saunter towards them. “I should’ve killed you when you tried to get in the middle of my relationship. Consistently, even after they continued to choose me.”

Kirishima’s heart stopped, and his stomach sank. 

Bakugo smiled brightly, took your hand, and pulled you closer, leading you in front of the wedding officiator.

You use your other hand to wave excitedly at the now suddenly dejected redhead, who returns a small smile in acknowledgment.

His eyes welled up in tears as the harsh reality hit him harder than ever. Kirishima was finally forced to conclude that the love of his life was marrying someone else. And the worst part of all was it was his best friend who had been able to win your heart. 

Kirishima wasn’t even paying attention to the ceremony. Instead, his eyes were fixated on you and your glowing aura. You radiated happiness as the day you were anticipating most was here. You looked amazing, and he knew you were a catch. Your looks, personality, and attitude are what he was looking for in a partner. 

And apparently, so was Bakugo.

He remembers the first day he met you; you entered class 1A back in UA as the newest student. You were so shy back then. You only hung around your cousin Denki Kaminari. Everyone realized how similar you two were when you became more comfortable around the class. Anyone would’ve guessed you two were twins. 

Kaminari was seated in the rest of the crowd, as well as everyone from 1-A years ago. You had made it your mission to keep in touch with everyone. You enjoyed everyone’s company and tried to make friends with everyone you met.

Because you hung around with Kaminari, you in turn became close with Kirishima and Bakugo. The four of you hung around every chance before, during, and after school. You all spent nights after curfew out and about. You guys would spend those nights walking about ground beta, promenading around the simulated city. 

During those times Kaminari and Bakugo were bickering, both you and Kirishima talked. Sometimes this could last for hours, rambling about what seems like nothing now. You were always concerned about grades and exams, what everyone thought of you, your abilities, and whether you were showing any progress. 

Kirishima always listened, encouraged, and complimented you. He admired you, and he idolized you so much that he began to fall in love with you. He was always too nervous about explaining his complicated feelings to you. He knew you were focused on improving yourself. He respected you enough not to let himself distract you. 

You dreamed of becoming a great offensive hero, even if you could settle for being someone else’s sidekick. You believed others were better suited to being pro heroes. You put all your effort, smarts, and strength into your training, but you missed the most important thing. You lacked enough passion. 

Bakugo didn’t.

You spent all school year admiring Bakugo, making him seem better than you, better than the rest of the class. Midoriya had become a staple of every conversation during lunches, reminding the angry blonde that he shouldn’t get all worked up by his progress. Unfortunately, Bakugo’s thick ego never listened, and his rivalry with the green-headed young man took over his attention. He became obsessed with being the best. 

Kirishima was there for you on nights you felt bored because Bakugo was too depressed to leave the dorms. He was there for you when you expressed your thoughts on the future, and your hopes and dreams lit up on your face as you told them. You’re excitement illuminated the night and warmed the cold air. You hated talking about yourself as you didn’t want to feel conceded, but the redhead encouraged it. It made him happy to see your glow. 

During the Provisional Hero License Exam, you passed with flying colors, just as Kirishima thought you deserved. But instead of celebrating with everyone else, you spent the rest of the day trying to comfort Bakugo, who failed. He treated you like garbage, and Kirishima tried to pull your attention away from the issue. You didn’t deserve that kind of behavior towards you. 

That night, Kirishima felt ready to tell you the truth about his feelings. So he told you to meet at Ground Beta as per usual.

But it seems that one request had changed everything. 

You were unable to sit still that night. You went early to the meet-up location. You found both Bakugo and Midoriya there, fighting each other. Not playful sparring, you could see murderous intent in each of their eyes. You being a peacemaker, one to please everyone and wanting to spread nothing but happiness, jumped in the middle of both of them. 

A shield of electricity conjured itself onto your forearms, and you shouted at Bakugo to stop as you jumped in front of him to protect Midoryia, who was on the ground. He was going too fast to control himself, so he hit you as hard as possible. The chemical reaction between the two of your powers created a different type of explosion that Bakugo has never encountered. 

You underwent an out-of-body experience, and time felt like it slowed down. Your vision flashed bright white, and your ears rang so loud your eardrums were bleeding. You were breathless, believing you were going to die. You last saw Bakugo’s worried face as he watched you black out mid-air. The blast launched the two of you backward. When he got himself up, he ran over to you and inspected your unconscious body. 

After you were rushed to the hospital and were also suspended when you returned, after all, you were caught fighting, and you grew less and less confident in your ability. Even the words of Kirishima couldn’t distract you, and Kaminari was too focused on the differences between your powers. Your arms were badly scarred you refused to show anyone. Everyone had known what happened to you because Midoryia felt it necessary to tell the class how dangerous Bakugo was.

The blonde changed after that moment. Bakugo grew quieter and less egotistical. His power and rage almost killed someone trying to stop him from using it stupidly against another. He felt like a villain and couldn’t sleep well at all. He avoided the friend group for a while, especially Kaminari, as he was afraid that he would arrange an attack as he was so protective over you. And he couldn’t bring himself to defend himself; he believed he deserved it. 

For the remainder of the school year, things remained similarly, with Bakugo avoiding the trio as they worked on building you back up again. Kirishima felt it wasn’t right to dump his feelings on you, as you needed to focus on your self-esteem and training. You spent years studying your quirk; it was different than just electrification. Your body produces plasma after exerting so much energy into your electricity abilities. Enough energy creates a shockwave explosion.

Combined with Bakugo’s explosion quirk, it amplified the effect beyond your body’s ability to withstand. As a result, the chemical reaction caused the severe injury you sustained. 

There was a time Kirishima had no choice but to be away from you, attending his work-study while you did yours. He promised you the next time he was free, he would take you out for a memorable evening. He thought maybe it wasn’t awkward enough of a statement to freak you out but was strong enough to hint at its intention. He felt you were at a stable point in your recovery to move on to a serious relationship.

But here he was, standing behind Bakugo again as you and he stood together at the altar. With your old scars on display for everyone to admire like it was a symbol of your love and strength for Bakugo. 

So what happened?

As Kirishima’s luck would have it again, you and Bakugo attended the same agency for your work study. You confronted him, promising him he wasn’t at fault for the incident. It was your fault, you said. You should’ve known how your quirk works. You wanted him to get out of his depressive state. You forgave him a while ago. And he needed to know that.

The rest is history; you became close as you bonded over this shared traumatic event. You shared your findings with him, and Bakugo recommends you two pair up and utilize your quirks together. Both of you playfully argued that the other was your sidekick, but you were each strong in your right. The more you trained with Bakugo, the less time you spent with Kirishima. 

And let’s not even talk about the rumors the redhead heard while you were doing your work studies with the blonde.

After being lost in thought for an eternity, Kirishima noticed you looking past your fiance and trying to catch his gaze. He faked a smile not to upset you; he would hate to be why your day was ruined. He hoped you wouldn’t see his eyes water and lips quivering, trying to hold back his tears.

The redhead had imagined this moment countless times before this point, however, he had hoped that it would be him to which you directed your “I do.”

Kirishima believed a marriage is a deep and loving friendship, where the love is so strong that each would sacrifice anything for the other.

He realizes that maybe it was never supposed to be him.

You sacrificed your life to save Bakugo from the repercussions he would’ve ultimately faced if he accidentally killed Midoryia that night. 

Bakugo sacrificed his whole career in an attempt to prove he was sorry. But instead, he was distancing and isolating himself from his training, learning, and social relationships. When he stopped putting effort into himself, he risked being removed from UA. 

It was a great love story that Kirishima lost all confidence and belief thought he could give you; Bakugo was always above everyone in everything.

Kirishima confessed to you a while back, that you thought he was being cute but it was already way too late even to consider his feelings. While you laughed nervously, he felt immense pain in his chest. Bakugou must’ve found out from you or anyone else you might’ve told. It’s even more embarrassing knowing you thought it was strange enough to say to others. 

Kirishima focused too much on the friendship element of his belief in love. 

He watched and joined in the cheering very weakly as both you and Bakugo exited the venue as newlyweds. 

One thing was for sure, though. The heart of the matter is that you deserve happiness anyway it presents itself to you. 

Even if it couldn’t be him.