#but there sadly was not enough time zo do it better :

[angelic-muse]

unforgettable

a/n: i couldn't not write anything for his special day, so enjoy, and happiest of birthdays to my silly mosshead man. this was written with both anime and opla zoro in mind so feel free to interpret it as either.

pairing: roronoa zoro x gn!reader

warnings: just fluff, not proofread

summary: it's your lover's birthday, and what better way to start the celebration than to stay awake and surprise him at midnight?

...that is, if you can stay awake.

must stay awake... must stay awake.

the sentence replayed itself in your groggy head like a mantra, a broken record stuck on repeat, a toy train running in slow circles around your brain as you fought the urge to tip over the line between wakefulness and sleep.

zoro deserved more than that.

"my birthday? never really done anything for it," he'd grunted the day before after you'd brought it up. the swordsman had frowned, scratched his head. "kinda forgot it was tomorrow, actually."

and it was then that you decided to make this birthday — and all his next ones, for that matter — unforgettable.

so after some pleading with nami that then lead to careful rearrangement of night watch schedules (despite the crew's grumbling), zoro would be set to finish his shift at midnight — exactly midnight.

and what would he find when he returned to his room? you, of course, waiting for the moment he stepped through the door to shower him in love and birthday wishes, followed by a day of celebrations just for him.

well, that was your plan.

but the actual staying awake hadn't been part of it.

since your shift for night watch was the last one, just before sunrise, you were lucky enough to be able to sleep soundly all night till then. which meant you were not at all used to being awake at this time and your body was slowly but surely losing the fight to fall unconscious.

you yawned, blinking heavy eyelids as you turned to squint at the sky, the gentle moonlight washing the deck of the going merry in its milky glow. it wasn't quite yet at its highest point — still not midnight.

surely a little lay down before zoro returned couldn't hurt, right?

don't fall asleep, you promised yourself one last time as you settled into his own hammock, breathing in the lingering scent of him with a sigh. don't fall asleep...

zoro muttered angrily as he stomped across the ship back to his room, not bothering to soften the loud thumping of his boots against the planks, swords clanking noisily at his hip.

"serves 'em right if they wake up," he groused, "putting me up there at this time all of a sudden for no fuckin' reason—"

he cut short as he shoved into his room, raising a brow at the sight that met him as he rid himself of swords and shirt. there you were, curled up in his spot, sleeping soundly like a contented cat.

"the hell you doing in my hammock?" he grumbled under his breath, but zoro slid in beside you anyways, throwing an arm over your shoulders and folding the other behind his head. he didn't mind that you were here — he never did. sleeping beside you was nothing out of the ordinary anymore. he liked it, enjoyed the easy comfort and security that came with you tucked against his side; hearts beating in time, every breath shared.

it was right when zoro was beginning to drift off that he felt you stir awake. cracking open one eye, he watched as you sat up, blinking tiredly. "zo... zoro?"

"what got you up?" he murmured as you yawned and stretched your arms overheard. "m'here, get back to sleep." get back to cuddling me.

"the smell of a pirate who hasn't showered in a week," you joked groggily, rubbing at your eyes. then you froze. shit.

shit!

"no, i fell asleep!" you groaned, burying your face in your hands. how could you? you promised yourself you wouldn't, for him, and now... "fuck, fuck fuck fuck fuck... i'm sorry." you peeked back up at him, lower lip stuck out.

zoro frowned. "huh? what the hell you apologising for?"

"i was meant to stay up," you said sadly. "to say happy birthday to you. at midnight. that's why i got nami to change your watch..."

rubbing a hand across his face, zoro sat up to look at you properly, blinking sleep away. you went to the trouble of getting his night watch changed and stayed up in his room just to say happy birthday to him? seriously?

he'd be surprised, but really, that was just the kind of stupid, endearing thing you'd do.

and so he laughed.

you blinked at him as his wide shoulders shook with mirth, head tossed back. an embarrassed warmth crept up your neck and you folded your arms, attempting to glare at him even as you fought to hold down a smile. "wh— it's not funny!"

"nah," he grinned at you as his laughter died down. "it's just cute. c'mere."

you yelped in half-protest as zoro grabbed your head to pull into his chest, laying back down with a sigh.

"you don't hafta... stay up until midnight or do shit like that just for me." he uttered after a moment of quiet, brushing his fingers through your hair. "you need your sleep, and i need mine. so just... just wait until morning next year, yeah?"

"i... okay," you sighed, trailing a finger across his chest, drawing mindless patterns over scarred, tawny skin, making him suppress a shiver. "i still have stuff planned for later, though."

"yeah? let's hear it."

"i'm not ruining the surprise, silly. but... i did get you some presents and convinced sanji to bake you a cake. among other things."

zoro snorted. "bet that shitty cook did it for you more than me."

"probably," you teased, tilting your head to look up at him. "don't get jealous that he might love me more than you, it's okay."

the swordsman scoffed, turning you both on your sides with a grunt. "maybe, but he'll never love you as much as i do."

you chuckled, tucking your head into the crook of his neck, inhaling his familiar scent; steel and sweat with an earthier undertone somewhere beneath. "i love you too, even though you still smell like you've never showered."

zoro barked out a laugh, tightening a thick arm around your waist to pull you further into him. "i'll take a shower for your birthday, how's that sound?"

you peered up at him and wrinkled your nose. he grinned.

"you're gross," you muttered with a smile even as you snuggled further into him. he kissed your forehead and you could feel his own smile against your skin.

"and you still love me."

"lucky you, huh?"

zoro exhaled softly, closing his eyes. "yeah, lucky me."

slowly, quiet draped itself over the two of you like the softest blanket, comforting and warm as the sounds of your breathing lulled each other to sleep after gentle whispers of goodnight and wishes of good dreams. and he rocked you in his arms, like how the gentle waves rocked you from below, mother nature's cradle for her sleeping children as they rested in an embrace so tightly woven with nothing but pure love not even the sharpest sword could ever hope to sever it.

and that morning, when zoro awoke to his dear lover smothering his face with kisses as they pulled him from his sleep with the promise of birthday gifts, he knew with clarity, such a deep, resounding clarity it made his heart ache—

that you, on this day and every other, were the greatest gift he could ever ask for.

nia's ask box is open!

[nitunio]

IDOLiSH7 Hunger Games Simulator

I used to play this thing all the time with other characters and fandoms. Now it's time for them to go through it!

Im using this website, you can press "Load Season" and paste the code XKs4qINi to load the main cast, then press "Edit Cast", scroll to the bottom, press "Submit" and you can proceed afterwards!! (the edit cast part is for it to refresh the whole thing, otherwise you will be playing my simulation ^__^"")

Now for the main attraction! I did one run of it and oh. . Experience under the cut! (VERY LONG POST)

Beginning!

Most people run away from the cornucopia, with the exception of them:

WHERE DO I BEGIN. Mitsuki's furious rage (contained in such a short body) made Tamaki give up. At least Sougo scored a mace for them (violently). Ryou loses also.

Minami fights Anesagi for a bag too, and Riku and Touma fight as well. Minami and Touma get their bags.

Weapons obtained: Nagi - sword, Torao - pair of sais, Okarin - handful of throwing knives (oh!), Momo - bow and arrows

Manager uses violence! Basket of bread obtained.

DAY 1

Not even the break of dawn, Momo already is set out for ZOOL. His archery skills are... admirable. Sorry Touma, your fight for the bag didn't save you

On this episode of Torao Needs A Therapist - WHAT. And on another note - Riku would probably be the worst person to go to with that request, I'm glad he went to him

Mitsuki also has a very... depressing thing going on, in spite of fighting so vigorously with Tamaki over a bag. And Yuki would never hurt his kouhai (with an, cough, exception).

Some of the other contestants sadly weren't lucky enough.

Nagi and Banri are killed gruesomely (an explosion and whatever torture Ryou did to Nagi). It's unclear if Gaku had an intention for murder, but we'll see later.. as for Ryou, he should find a better way to vent his anger after failing his fight for supplies.

In other news!

Sponsor items - Iori receives medical supplies, Okarin receives clean water

Takanashi Papa goes hunting.

Haruka picks flowers.

Minami and Yaotome Papa search for firewood. (separately)

Takanashi Papa goes hunting.

Anesagi discovers a river.

Deaths - Touma, Banri, Nagi

NIGHT 1

Starting the night off with something light - they're all decently equipped, and Momo is dealing with some stuff after killing Touma, but as always, not showing it. Mitsuki probably needed this mood lift too, since he didn't do too well before.

Tenn sees their fire but decides to stay hidden, trying to calculate his next move.

And continuing the trend of going to the worst people possible to be making this request to - we now know that what Gaku did was most likely an accident, and Banri just got caught up in it. Sorry, Gaku, you're gonna have to live with it.

In the distance, Takanashi Papa is trying to gather resources...

OLD MAN, DON'T CLIMB TREES, YOUR LIMBS MAY NOT BE SUITED FOR IT ANYMORE. Otoharu Takanashi joins Banri in heaven.

Other contestants find themselves alone...

Utsugi questions his sanity. Tsumugi questions her sanity too.

Anesagi cries herself to sleep.

Yaotome Papa attempts to start a fire, but is unsuccessful.

Ryou goes to sleep. (as one should after murdering a guy, you sick sick man)

But wait.. AN AMBUSH?!

Iori, Tamaki and Minami are no longer alive, because their attempt at ambushing was gravely unsuccessful. For all the planning Iori and Minami could do, there is no stopping Tamaki from acting rash..

And as a cherry on top, Torao finds new powers within himself after Riku's kind words this day and decides to-

Fatally injure Yamato! What an end to this night.

Maybe a nap would help...

Deaths - Takanashi Papa, Iori, Minami, Tamaki, Yamato

DAY 2

As the Sun's rays creep up on the grounds, people wake up and start their day with-

More bloodshed! Torao, I think you're getting WAY too into this, perhaps it might not be the best time to "give it your all"?

Other contestants seem to be doing better, possibly to balance out Torao's kill count.

As the remaining center of ZOOL, Haruka is doing his best to cover for the teammate in the "mercy" department. Thank you for sparing Sougo.

And Tenn is doing his usual thing.

In other, minor news:

Momo discovers a river.

Okarin diverts Tsumugi's attention and runs away. (Tsumugi CAN be scary, believe me)

Utsugi thinks about home.

Ryou fishes. Yuki constructs a shack. (treating it like a farming sim, I see)

Yaotome Papa travels to higher ground. (as he always does in his life)

Deaths - Ryuu, Mitsuki

Districts 2 and 9 are wiped out! Torao has the highest kill count (3) (I don't count Riku, Ryuu and Yuki in that because they were a team in killing the ambushers, and there's no way of telling who contributed the most)

NIGHT 2

Okarin and Sougo really love their campfire stories. And now that Tenn has calculated his moves from the past night, he can safely be in their company, now with his brother too.

Utsugi receives medical supplies from an unknown sponsor.

Momo thinks about home. Yuki looks at the night sky. (sighss)

Haruka passes out from exhaustion.

Yaotome Papa and Torao both see the campfire, but stay hidden for the night.

A peaceful night indeed.. Wait!

An unlikely (by threat or withholding resources) alliance of Anesagi and Ryou is going after Tsumugi and Gaku! The Manager-Idol duo survive through their sheer power (Tsumugi) and the urge to protect (Gaku).

Deaths - Anesagi, Ryou

DAY 3

Usual day, as usual it can be.

Haruka fishes.

Sougo tries to sleep through the entire day. (uncharacteristically so, perhaps from exerting himself too much)

Tsumugi runs away from Momo. (knowing his archery skills, it could have been a worse outcome. glad Momo's not out for blood)

Yuki attacks Gaku, but he manages to escape. (Gaku, what did you say to him?)

Yaotome Papa steals from Tenn while he isn't looking. (TRIGGER's property is his property too, right?)

But there's more!

Riku plays with some dangerous toys and finishes Torao's kill streak by exploding him, with Utsugi getting caught in the explosion too (That's the second manager who barely did anything and exploded. Stop exploding your local managers)

And maybe give your managers medicine next time too? Okarin received clean water earlier, but it clearly wasn't enough to stop the deathly infection.

Deaths - Torao, Utsugi, Okarin

District 8 and 11 got wiped out! 2 members of i7, 2 members of TRG, the entirety of Re:V and 1 member of ZOOL are alive. Tsumugi and Yaotome Papa are still alive too.

NIGHT 3

Surprisingly devoid of spilled blood, the night is spent peacefully

Haruka thinks about home.

Momo and Tenn run into each other and decide to truce for the night. (best interest in mind, and looking after a kouhai too! great!)

Yuki, Yaotome Papa, Riku, and Gaku sleep in shifts. (unexpected to see Gaku team up with his old man, but things happen! Riku and Yuki decide to continue their alliance from before)

Sougo receives medical supplies from an unknown sponsor. (so that no people can die from infection injuries ever again.)

Tsumugi questions her sanity. (i would too)

DAY 4

The cornucopia is replenished with food, supplies, weapons, and memoirs from the tributes' families.

Yuki and Gaku get into a fight over raw meat, but Yuki gives up and runs away. (he needs it for his makeshift soba, Yuki!)

Haruka decides not to go to The Feast. And as we see, it was one of the better decisions.

Yaotome Papa decides to end all sorts of rumors and blow up Riku. Unfortunately, Tenn's "twin sixth sense" couldn't make him get there in time to lead Riku away, but at least they're together now. Two kills on Yaotome Papa (and, like son like father, both he and Gaku are responsible for most explosion deaths. brilliant. please don't continue!) (also fun that Riku was playing with explosives earlier and now died. because of them)

The Feast also brings us a fight!

Sougo has had a mace since the beginning, and now he decided to use it well! And well, he used it. Momo's bow/arrows and Tsumugi's raw strength just couldn't compare.

Deaths - Riku, Tenn, Tsumugi, Momo

DAY 4 (CONT.)

Yuki camouflauges himself in the bushes. (already looks the part)

Yaotome Papa constructs a shack. (what else to do after setting off an explosive)

Sougo tends to Haruka's wounds. (very cute moment after a double-murder, but now these medicals supplies are getting some use!)

Gaku practices his archery. (did you not hear what they did to another archer moments ago?)

NIGHT 4

Yaotome Papa and Yuki tell stories about themselves to each other.

Gaku receives a hatchet from an unknown sponsor. (GREAT.)

Sougo tends to his wounds. (efficient and great! probably one of the better doing contestants)

Here's an example of a contestant who's not doing well.

He'll sleep it off, I'm sure.

DAY 5

Yaotome Papa starts the day off by making a wooden spear. Let's see how others are do-

BETRAYAL! After all the injuries have been healed, and Haruka's mind cleared off from screaming, he went straight for it! What a twist!!!!!! WHAT A MOVE!!!

And Sougo might not be the only one with the bad luck today.

Gaku gets betrayed by the ice and his own body, and drowns in the lake. Sadly the received hatchet will never be used.

Let's see how Yuki's doing.

Oh. Alright.

And now it all comes down to these three.

NIGHT 5

Haruka and Yaotome Papa talk about the tributes still alive. (not a lot of them, and you make 67% of the population now. this is just Yuki gossip)

Yuki accidently detonates a land mine while trying to arm it. WHAT.

Deaths - Yuki

DAY 6

Yaotome Papa accidently detonates a land mine while trying to arm it.

Hey. I think the land mines might be faulty. What the fuck!

And the winner is - Isumi Haruka, the lucky man who did not want to arm the landmines! His journey was tough, but in the end it all came down to not touching explosives.

Congratulations!

[redradrat]

This was a very quick painting ((like,, three days, oops)) for my sister's friend 😄 I don't have a good photo so I'll post a shot video, It makes it look prettier than irl 🤣🤣🤣

[garlicbreadsimp]

HEARTBREAK GIRL ONE-SHOT

It’s over. 

Another boyfriend called it quits and she still can’t realize who’s right in front of her. 

She called me again that night and said that she’ll never be over him being over her. 

I’m used to this, sadly. My best friend has always had good luck when it came to boyfriends who never stick past the first few dates. I mean I get it I guess. This has happened so often that it’s fair that she’s become quite the broken record. Except this time, this asshole truly broke her heart. 

I should be used to her crying to me about it, and I am. 

Sort of.

I know I should be the bigger person, better friend and be happy for her when boys come knocking at her door, but I can’t help but think a piece of my heart breaks when she’s with someone else. I never used to think that this jealousy meant anything until recently when she called me after bo(zo)yfriend number (I’ve lost count) tossed her to the side. I thought that maybe this is what friends are supposed to feel - upset that the guy broke her heart. I didn’t just want to break his face this time, I wanted to make sure she was never treated this way again. The only person I trusted with the fragile beat of her heart was me. 

————

I heard the sound of my phone vibrating with the ringtone I put for her and immediately swiped to answer.

“I’m so sick of being broken up with all the time Calum, I hate it!” she huffed. I heard her loud exhale - an exhale that would only indicate how angry she was at the world for throwing yet another lousy tool her way. I paused for a moment to think of an answer that wouldn’t accidentally spill my guts out all over the phone.

“Well, you’re too good for those guys anyway Char.” My nickname for her. I came up with it when we were kids and she swears she hates being called anything but that. 

“But you always say that! You’re obligated to say that anyways as my best friend.” 

“You know that’s not true! Trust me there will be better guys out there for you, maybe even closer than you think.” I stopped. Damn it, I should’ve just lied or something, I don’t know. 

Her breathing hitched and I knew she started crying. 

“H-how come you’re the only guy who truly cares Calum? I-I swear there’s no one like the f-friend who’s always there to cheer me up when I’m down about d-dumb things like boys. You’re the best friend I could ever h-have.” 

My heart felt that all too familiar sting.

“Yeah, best friends! Always gonna do that for you. Always. No matter what. I’m such a sucker for you.” I blurted out. 

I could feel the red, hot blush creep onto my cheeks. WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT SLOW IT DOWN THERE BUDDY. SAY SOMETHING THAT SOUNDS INCONSPICUOUS!

“ A-a-as a friend I mean, um.. yeah.” I stammered. Yeah, great save stupid. 

After a long pause, I finally heard her voice.

“Hey, thanks for being a friend. I’ll call you tomorrow at ten, Calum.” 

And I’m stuck in the friend zone, again and again. 

————-

I’m the only one who can take away your hurt and you’ve proven that more than needed. Are my signals not strong enough? Would it ruin our friendship? 

He treated you so bad and I’m so good to you, it’s not fair.

—————

That night, I drove to her house in Mum’s Toyota Corolla in-tow with the usual feel-better breakup cure: a vat of Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy, a yellow sunflower (to show her that bright times are ahead), and my (her) favourite sweater. 

I got to her door and knocked, my hands full with the goods. The sunflower beamed up at me, almost as if it was mocking me. 

‘Haha she gets to hold me. You’re a loser Calum.’ Whatever, I like roses anyway. 

The front door opened with a swing and out stepped Char barefoot on the front porch. 

“Hey there, heartbreak girl.”  

She rolled her big brown eyes at me and let me in the house. 

——————

In her room, I grabbed her acoustic guitar. I sat on her bed and began strumming a random melody lightly. G chord here, a B minor there and then an E minor chord, followed by a C to end it off. 

“That’s pretty good Cal.”  Char said with a smile. She always liked when I played guitar, although I’m more of a bass fan myself. 

“I dedicate this song to you then.” 

The one who never sees the truth. 

“Can I ask you something?” she said, dipping her spoon into the cold chocolatey goodness, as I continued to strum. 

“Always.” 

“Can you help me come up with a rebound idea?” she asked. 

I immediately stopped playing. I’m right here! When are you gonna realize???

“Don’t you think it’s better to leave things as they are?” I swallowed the lump building in my throat, and looked up from the instrument in my shaky hands.

“Why?” She faced me with a confused expression, eyebrows raised. 

Sometimes I’m so close to confession. 

Things were quiet for a minute, as I prepared myself for what I didn’t expect to say. 

“The song was called Heartbreak Girl.”

She gasped.

I just gotta get it through your head, that you belong with me instead.

———————

[littlx-songbxrd]

okok here it is, i don't have a working title yet lol and i wrote the first like three paragraphs a year ago and only now finished it

but uh here it is ig (it's long so below the cut)

oh and i named the characters before i read chog believe it or not so there is no correlation lol

Prologue - Cordelia

May brings with it the memory of battles fought and won and the ever looming presence of a war not quite lost but certainly nowhere near done. As I hand out threadbare blankets around the flickering fires of the temporary war camp, I have to force my mind not to stray to all the people who should be here but are not. Well, the one person, really. I don’t allow myself to dwell, for I know that if I let my heart open to loss, there will be no hope at closing the hole left behind. No one here will tolerate that.

Yet no one criticizes Halen when she fumbles and breaks her fragile composure, storming out of the planning tent, the memories glistening in her eyes threatening to spill over. No, when it’s her, they rush to comfort her, to appease her, and they tell her to take all the time she needs. After all, has the poor girl not been through enough? they whisper pityingly as though we all haven’t lost others to this fight. But, of course, it’s not my place to comment on the actions of the mighty Chosen One. Even if she is my friend.

I look down to find my hands are empty. Tir has taken the last blanket from me without my noticing, and he’s settling down against his pack with his bare feet at the fire. I scowl; he isn’t allowed to speak against Halen either, despite being her older brother.

Heaving a sign, I slump down next to my friend and pull a corner of the blanket over myself. Tir shifts slightly so I can lean against his shoulder. We don’t speak. There are no words big enough to dispel the cloud of grief that hangs over us.

I know Tir is thinking of Zo today, just like he knows I’m thinking of Cherry.

Both of us, I’m sure, are also thinking that Halen ought to be here. She ought to be spilling those tears she always threatens and apologizing meaninglessly for deaths that aren’t her fault. Since when did she choose to be distant and calm? Couldn’t she at least have the decency to break down with the rest of us?

I scowl at a gecko as it skitters through the dirt toward the treeline to the west. I should say something to Halen. I should scream at her, sob at her, cry out until she understands that we need her as a friend, not just a commander.

My mind made up, I stand quickly, earning a confused stare from Tir. “Where are you off to?” he asks, his voice thick.

I shake my head. “Somewhere that isn’t here.”

He chuckles and reaches up to squeeze my hand. It’s enough. He was never one for many words.

I smile sadly down at him and set off to the eastern shore, where the purple and gold tents of the Eneris royal tents have been set up. Their fire and sun emblem shines bright on the tent flaps behind guards dressed in layers upon layers of robes and wraps and blankets. I scoff. The army settled just twenty yards away is shivering under thin blankets and dying fires while the royals and their company dine on mutton and venison. Not that I’ve come to expect anything else from them. They recruited Halen and built this army from the ground up—of course they believe themselves worthy of a few more precious coins exchanged for better conditions.

Even today, the first anniversary of Monvira’s troops storming villages and uprooting lives, they haven’t so much as acknowledged the flood of pain that’s sweeping through their army. I wonder if they even know what May first means to their people.

I stop mid-stride, staring straight ahead at the Strategy tent, where I know Halen spends most of her time these days.

It hits me: May first. The sky is clouded and the birds are silent, but it’s May first and no one bothered telling me that I forgot my birthday. Which was April thirtieth. No one noticed.

Weariness pushes at the back of my eyes, and I blink heavily against the tears blurring my vision. Memories from last year flood my mind as I turn and hurry towards Halen’s private tent. It bares the same colors and seal as the others.

I collapse on her bedroll and let out a single sob.

Last year, on the night of my birthday, Cherry had wrapped a blanket around us both as we stumbled back to our village after a whole day spent together at Renton Lake. She’d kissed my hand and twirled me toward the hut I shared with Halen, giggling in the moonlight, her dark unbound hair spilling over her shoulder like a waterfall of night. The memory rips through me, forcing another sob out of my quaking body.

The next morning, she’d been gone.

I’m not sure how long I lay there, my tears collecting in a pool around my head, but eventually the shaking subsides and leaves behind a solemn heaviness. Only when I hear the tent flap ruffle do I stir. There’s a small gasp, then: “Delia?”

Halen’s nickname for me only makes the smallest dent in my sorrow. I push myself to a sitting position, sure that my face is red and splotchy and my hair wild and tangled. All in all, I don’t blame her for looking taken aback. “Delia, what is it?” she gushes, crouching before me and taking my face in her hands. “What’s wrong? What can I do?”

This is exactly what I wanted when I stormed in here. Now, I nearly laugh. It’s pathetic, really, all this time I’ve spent cleaning up after Halen, chasing her, thinking maybe she could do something that would fill the cavity growing inside me. I see it now, as her hazel eyes rake my face. “Nothing,” I tell her. Her thumbs are soft as they wipe away the tears that trickle down my cheeks. “Not anymore.” My voice is scratchy, and I push down against a wave of shame. I’m better than this. I’m better than breaking down in my friend’s plush tent. I’ve never been the emotional one—that was always Halen.

I wipe away my tears, feel myself stand and walk out of the tent, my mind still occupied with hazy revelations I’m too exhausted to fully pursue. There’s a feeling in my gut, the only one that matters right now, and it’s an overwhelming cry to get out.

The grass is silent under my feet as I walk, and I’m distantly aware of Halen calling after me. Her cries of “Wait!” and “What’s going on, Cordelia?” follow me, even after she stops.

I keep walking.

I don’t look back.

---

so uh yeah that's it 👉👈 i can give u the idea of the book if u want or you can just take this offering and run lol <33

Im gonna give you my unfiltered thoughts with no order or organization

REMEMBER ME WHEN YOURE RICH AND FAMOUS AND A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

OMG IM GONNA GET TO BRAG I SAW THE PROLOGUE TO AN AWARD WINNING BOOK IN THE FUTURE HOLY SHIT

I DONT HAVE ENOUGH WORDS TO EXPLAIN HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS AND IM BILINGUAL

RENDERED ME SPEECHLESS IN TWO LANGUAGES GO YOU

SHE DIDNT EVEN REMEMBER HER BIRTHDAY HOLY SHIT

LOOK I ADORE THE FEELINGA CORDELIA POTRAYED DURING THE ENTIRE PROLOGUE

LIKE HOW YOU WROTE IT IS JUST

I WANTED HER TO COME BREAKDOWN WITH THE REST OF US?????

NO IM SORRY IM HORRIBLE AT COMPLIMENTING EVERYTHING HERE IS BRILLIANT

1) i have a basis for how the crown is unfair (based on cordelias description) ALSO HOW CORDELIA DESCRIBED "i wasnt even sure if they knew what may 1 meant to their people" IDK BUT I LOVED HOW OT WAS WRITTEN. Its not explicit BUT LEAVES THE MESSAGE SAID

2) basis to whats going on? C H E C K

3) JUST HOW YOU WROTE CORDELIAS GRIEVE AND ESTABLISHED THE CHARACTER

Artie i've told you a million times but I adore your writting style, i always adored it BIT READING YOUR ORIGINAL WORK

I FEEL SO PROUD OF YOU?????

Your style is perfect

I WASNT LOST WHICH IS GOOD!

AND LEAVES ME WANTING FOR MORE

I DIDNT NOTICE BUT MY PHONE HAS LOW BATTERY SO IF I DONT REPLY AFTER THIS ITS THAT BUT TELL ME MORE PLS

[icarialex]

Who: Zoey Katz and Kassandra West

When: March 3rd

Where: Zoey’s apartment 

What: Kassandra shows up after taking a beating from Robin. 

Triggers: Mentions of Violence and blood.

Kassandra: 

It was nearly three in the morning as Kassandra made her way down the road. Everything in her body ached. Every muscle and bone screamed at her once she’d come to on the pavement. Flashes of what happened scattered through her mind but the more she thought about it, the more sick to her stomach she’d felt. She’d never felt that powerless in her damn life. Luckily for her, or maybe unluckily, no one had been out to witness the incident. Kassandra didn’t have to look at herself in a mirror to know how bad she looked. The bruising, the swelling, the blood. She didn’t know what’s worse… That she had believed the woman’s need for someone to walk her home or that she had eventually allowed herself to be beaten to a bloody pulp. 

Either way here she was, finally standing outside of Zoey’s front door. The brunette winced as she raised the hand that wasn’t holding her ribs, ignoring the pain that shot through her knuckles as they registered against the wood. When she didn’t hear any sound, Kassandra’s voice broke through the cool night air. “Zoey...” She whimpered out, knocking on the door again with more force, ignoring the pain. “Please wake up.” Kass sagged against the door frame, fear sinking in that Zoey was too deep in slumber to hear her. And then the door opened. Normally she’d go damn near cross-eyed at seeing Zoey in that little of clothing but the pain was too much. Blood trickled out of the corner of her mouth as she coughed weakly, looking up at her friend. “Hey you.”

Zoey: 

Since their date, Zoey and Kassandra had hung out a few times. Running into one another more was almost impossible to avoid with her working at the Inn, but she far from minded. The tension between them kept growing, but nothing had progressed which didn’t annoy the blonde. She wanted more than anything for Kass to be ready before they started down a path towards being more than what they were. That was more important than whatever frustrating feelings she was feeling more and more whenever they were together. 

Fortunately, she was a light sleeper which was why she was roused from her sleep by knocking. Not bothering to worry about the fact that she was essentially in a thong and tank top, she hurried to see who in the world could be trying to see her so late. A gasp escaped her when she saw how badly Kassandra was hurt, and she moved to help the woman into her house. “Gods, darling, what the hell happened,” she said as she moved her towards the couch. She gently placed her down as she moved around towards the kitchen to fill a bowl with water and grab a clean washcloth. While she had zero experience in nursing, she moved off of instinct. Then she got an ice pack from the freezer and slowly carried it all back to where the woman was. 

Slowly, she moved to kneel down in between Kass’ legs and wet the washcloth in the warm water. “Do I need to take you to the hospital,” she asked softly as she gently began wiping dried blood off of the woman’s face. She bit her bottom as she concentrated on making sure to not make anything hurt worse than necessary. “I’m happy to take care of you, but there is only so much I can do if things are serious.” Zoey’s skills were great when it came to any artistic area, but that was about it. Well, she was also an exceptional cuddler if she said so herself. “Thanks for coming here too,” she continued as she rinsed the cloth in the water before going back to cleaning wounds.

Kassandra: 

Another weak cough left her as Zoey immediately went to caregiver mode. “You should see the other guy.” She offered up, chuckling despite herself. As Kass sat down on the couch, she felt incredibly self conscious. “I… I don’t want to get your couch bloody. Just–Grab a towel and I can sit on the…. On the floor.” No matter what she said though, she knew Zoey wouldn’t let her do that so she resigned herself to leaning back against the couch, wincing as she did so. “We’re basically Gods. I’ll heal faster than your average human. I hope…” Kass gave a small smile, the movement causing her lip to split even more. Her face turned down into a grimace, letting out a shallow breath. “So no, I don’t think I need the hospital. But uh… Can I make a request?” She really didn’t think that now was the time for her to be talking about this but Zoey was practically wearing no clothing and it was slowly killing her.

“You’re kind of not wearing any clothes and uh…” Kassandra allowed green eyes to travel down Zoey’s form, realizing far too suddenly that she most definitely wasn’t wearing a bra. Oh. “It’s making it incredibly hard to not stay conscious. You can…” A small cough. “You can take that as a compliment because it is one. I just… Would like to not pass out again.” Kassandra gripped the couch, remembering with brutal vivid flashes of what had happened earlier in her night. “Think once is enough for me tonight.” Kassandra grabbed at the blonde’s wrist, stopping the motions she was doing of trying to clean her up. 

“Zo… Please. I’m not in a good mental state right now and you–” The brunette sighed, squeezing the hand that she’d now moved to hold. “You looking like this?” She swallowed thickly before continuing. “Makes me want you more than I already do.” Oh fuck, no, fix that. “And I kind of am not in peak physical condition here to do anything about it.” Sure that totally made up for the charged comment she’d just made. What kind of absolute idiot was she? The kind that let her shit get kicked in, that’s who. But at least making a joke was easier than telling Zoey how much she’d hate herself for finally showing up at her house and not doing what she’d said she would all those nights ago.

Zoey: 

“Who exactly is the other guy,” she asked through clenched teeth. It wasn’t often that Zoey let anger consume her, but seeing someone she very much cared about bloodied on her couch fueled that emotion easily. “I don’t care about my couch more than I care about you. It can get cleaned or replaced.” Her furniture was the least of her worries with what was before her. “We’re very watered down versions of our parents,” she corrected with a sigh. “Sure, it’ll be faster, but not as quick as you think. When the Minotaur attack happened, a lot of us here got hurt. Many were injured for weeks, and broken bones took just as long to heal.” That had been sheer chaos. She’d never ran so quickly in her life to find her parents at the carnival and move them to safety. It was during parents’ week, and she knew parents who had died. They were just mortals after all. Funerals felt like they were never ending the week after. 

The blonde stayed quiet as the request was made. The rambling explanations that came for it after was endearing, but it also made her body run incredibly hot. She tilted her head back and mumbled to under her breath about how the woman in front of her was going to be the death of her before moving to stand up. “Turning me on while I’m going to take care of you is not very nice, Kassandra,” she teased lightly to try and shake off the effects of what had been said. Stopping the air from becoming thick with tension was her number one priority because they seriously couldn’t do anything about it. “I’ll be right back.” 

Once in her room, she just grabbed an old Icaria High School hoodie and threw on a pair of shorts. The whole process took her maybe thirty seconds, but she took an extra minute or two to compose herself from hearing that Kass’ essentially wanted her. That was — well, the most forward either of them had been. It was nice to not be dancing around in the grey area anymore, but Gods, it wasn’t easier to deal with physically. Once she was sure she wouldn’t replay the words in her head anymore, she walked back out with an extra t-shirt and stood in front of Kassandra. “I need to get your shirt off,” she started with. Yeah, that definitely wasn’t helpful. “I have to see how bad you’re injured, and I want to get you out of bloody clothes. Do you want a shower or bath? I can help set one up for you.” Blue eyes met green, and Zoey’s frustration towards whoever had done this only grew. Because of them she had to have more restraint than she would normally, and that wasn’t helpful when she was craving more than ever. “And yes, you’re staying here tonight before you even try and argue with me.”

 Kassandra: 

Everything swam for a moment as Zoey said that one particular thing. Yeah, no, she definitely hadn't been trying to achieve that effect but here they are. The blonde left the room and that gave Kassandra enough time to fully assess the extent of what had led her here to this moment. How was she supposed to explain to Zoey that she'd allowed herself to be hurt halfway through, to feel all that pain as if it was her birthright for being some kind of fucked-up bad-egg of the family. Before she could allow herself to do any more self-loathing, the other woman was returning with a t-shirt in hand and--hold on--had she just said she needed her to take her shirt off? Fuck. She knew Zoey was in the right here but she wasn't necessarily ready to start stripping in front of her. Not that that would normally be a problem, Kassandra knew she was fit. Not that that was even a problem. The problem was it was Zoey and when she thought of getting undressed in front of the blonde, it involved reciprocation.

Sighing, Kassandra stood with a small whimper, staggering slightly before standing up as straight as she could manage. The thought of having to twist her arms to take off her shirt sounded absolutely horrendous so she just decided right then and there that she needed a better solution. "I'm sorry..." She mumbled before grabbing the front of her shirt, pulling in an effortless motion as it tore away from her body. Her bra-clad chest, toned stomach and arms were now on full display. And sadly, so were the deep purple and black bruises. Most likely a couple bruised ribs, maybe cracked at most. Definitely some cuts and scrapes. Not to mention bruised knuckles, a black eye, busted lip and probably a concussion. Overall, she felt like shit. "I'm not going to argue with you about staying the night. I knew that I'd be staying over the second that I decided to walk here."

Biting her lip out of nervous energy resulted in pain, making her wince once more. "I don't know who she was. She was just..." Kassandra closed her eyes, thinking back to what the other woman had done. "She said she needed someone to walk her home. And then she got mad at me and started throwing punches. But it felt more than that. Everything got so dark. Not just outside but in my head. And after a while of trying to defend myself..." The brunette trailed off, not sure if she should tell Zoey this next part. But once again her brain and mouth weren't communicating and it was all tumbling out before she could stop it. "I gave up. I let her do this to me. I couldn't stop it, its like all the darkness in my head and every... Every bad thought I've ever had was bombarding me at once. And it felt like I needed it all to just... Stop. All the pain and fear and hatred. For one glorious second... Right before I blacked out--it was gone. I felt... Peace." She couldn't look at her, knowing that this was probably the moment that Zoey turned around showed her the door. After all, what kind of fucked up person let this happen to themselves?

 Zoey: 

Blue eyes widened as the shirt was ripped from the woman’s body. Then, her eyes took a moment to gaze over all the skin that was suddenly before her. Without even realizing it, her hand reached out and with the most feather-like touch, the index finger of Zoey’s right hand lightly ran over the muscles on Kassandra’s stomach. When she felt the muscle shift beneath her touch, she snapped out of it and shifted her gaze’s intentions from appreciating towards inspecting. The bruises looked bad, but she didn’t think ribs were broken since Kassandra showed no difficulty breathing. Zoey was far from a professional, but she knew she had no chance of getting the woman to the hospital without using some serious pouting or guilting tactics. She’d use those if it appeared things got worse through the night. “Good. At least you know how things work with me already,” she teased. Zoey was far from dominant or commanding. She just liked to make sure those she cared for were taken care of, and since Kass was injured, she’d not be too keen on letting her out of her site unless necessary. 

The more Zoey heard about what happened that evening, the more she could feel her blood beginning to boil. The urge to shift and follow the scent that she was sure she could smell on Kassandra was stronger than she’d felt in a very long time. Her mind went through possible animals that could do the most harm or at least scare someone, but she closed her eyes and counted to ten. Violence wasn’t ever how she approached things. She did however want to go to the police. It wasn’t her place though, and she seriously doubted the injured woman would. All she could do was comfort and care. When she noticed that Kass’ gaze wasn’t on her, she gently cupped her cheeks and guided green eyes towards her blue. “Powers,” she said gently. “It sounds like it was the demigod’s ability. Even though a lot of us on the isle get along and use our abilities responsibly, there are bad people among us just like in the real world.” Zoey liked to think the best of everyone, but she’d learned young to be wary of demigods’ abilities unless she knew them well. Fortunately, she had a better instinct than most and did avoid anyone that screamed danger to her. “It wasn’t your fault. Someone just took your darkness and used it against you. We all have some.”

When she was done talking, she removed her hand just because restraint while keeping such an intimate position wasn’t something she had a lot of. “I think your ribs are bruised or fractured. Fortunately, all you can really do for that is rest. So, do you want me to take you to bed now and get you fixed up with some ice, or are you going to shower first?” She went through all the steps that would be needed for either action in her head, so she could get a head start on doing everything needed to make Kass more comfortable. Then, her mind suddenly stopped as she remembered a very adorable puppy. “Nugget. We need to get him. Do you want me to call Noreen and ask if she’d be willing to bring him over? I think she’s on schedule as the manager tonight if I’m remembering the schedule correctly.”

 Kassandra:

The second that Zoey's outstretched fingers touched her abdomen, Kassandra felt a gasp leave her throat. As they moved softly against her skin, she tensed. Not from pain but something that she really wasn't about to admit to the woman before her. The fingers remained on her skin for so long that all she could feel was the heat bubbling up in her stomach flushing her skin, knowing that if Zoey didn't remove her hand she'd feel the warmth. Luckily for her, or maybe unluckily, Zoey decided to touch her again, this time on her face so their eyes were locked in one of their now very famous staredowns. Fuck. "I let her do that to me. You know I've got strength. If I really wanted to get away.. To knock her out.. I could have. But I didn't. Powers or not, I wanted to let myself feel all that hurt and that pain." With a deep breath, she sighed, hands coming up to cover over Zoey's just in time for the blonde to pull them away from her face.

Hearing how concerned Zoey was for her made her chest ache that much more, and then of course she immediately thought of Nugget. How was this woman actually real? She didn't know if she believed in angels but if she did, Zoey definitely had to be one. At the mention of Noreen, Kassandra flinched visibly. "No! I mean, that's okay. I can just give you my.. My key. Just please don't be gone too long. Or you can call one of my neighbors. The lady across from me is pretty nice and she likes Nugget. Maybe she'd be fine with... With watching him." Kassandra winced as she gave the other woman options, her body throbbing with pain as some of the shock began to wear off. "Zoey... I'm sorry you have to see me like this. But thank you for taking care of me when you didn't have to." With little effort the brunette brought up one of the hands that she was holding, kissing the palm of her hand gently.

"I can.. I can try to shower while you're gone." Kassandra gave a halfhearted smile as she slowly dropped Zoey's hands to let her own fall by her sides. "I'll--I know where the bathroom is." With a staggering step, she turned around and began to hobble towards the shower, placing her key down on the couch as she walked past it towards the bathroom. As she turned, her back was now visible to Zoey, more bruises and cuts now on display. As well as a long and jagged scar that ran down her right shoulder-blade, barely visible through the long brunette curls that bobbed gently against her back. Kassandra didn't even bother shutting the door as she turned on the shower, back to the open doorway as she began the painstakingly long and painful process of unbuttoning her jeans.

 Zoey: 

“Then, instead of beating yourself up like you like to do,” she started teasingly to ensure Kass knew she didn’t judge her. She couldn’t do that. Everyone had their own troubles, their own trials. All she could do is try to understand, and then try to help make things better. “Look at the bright side. You wanted to face it and feel that pain,” she said softly. “While I’m not happy with your methods or coping mechanism, because I prefer to see you not get hurt, you at least confronted them. Now, you can decide how best you want to deal with them since they are fresh in your mind, and hopefully, heal not just physically, but emotionally too.” Zoey didn’t know who had caused Kassandra so much pain in her life, but Gods, did she want to have a few choice words with them if she could. The woman before her was good. Genuinely, and so sweetly good. She just didn’t show that to everyone. 

Zoey giggled lightly because she just couldn’t help it. “It’s cute how you think you need to give me a key when I’m currently running the Inn until Marci gets back.” Getting to nugget wouldn’t be a problem for her at all. It was getting over the fact that she didn’t want to leave Kass that would be, but it would be fine. The woman was an adult. A hard headed one, but an adult nonetheless. There wasn’t much more trouble she could get herself into. “I’ll go grab the baby,” she reassured gently. They’d both feel much better with him prancing around the house anyway. The kiss to her palm made her visibly soften and let out a soft sigh. “I’ll always take you as you are, Kass,” she promised with a shrug of her shoulders in an attempt to take the weight off of the statement. “You’re accepted with me. Just, don’t go giving me anymore heart attacks, okay? I hate seeing you hurt.” 

As she watched Kassandra barely be able to make it to the bathroom, Zoey sent up a silent prayer and followed the woman a few seconds later. When she leaned against the doorway, she saw how it was taking the injured woman much longer than necessary to unbutton a pair of jeans. Slowly, she walked forward and replaced the brunette’s hands with her own. “Just — don’t think about it,” she said in reference to how much tension was constantly growing between them. Then, she unbuttoned the jeans herself and then knelt down slowly to push them down the woman’s legs. She didn’t dare look up from her position as she told Kass, “hand on the counter to keep your balance,” before helping her step out of them. As soon as that was done, she stood up and took three steps back to the doorway. “I’m going to go get Nugget now, but I’ll be right back. You can use the towel hanging right next to the shower. I just did laundry today. And you should find an extra toothbrush in the medicine cabinet if you want to brush before we settle in.” Blue eyes barely managed to stay locked with green as she spoke, and when she felt them dipping, she turned on her heel and headed towards her purse.

 Kassandra: 

Purposefully not looking at the blonde, Kass let her gaze tear upwards to the ceiling as hands took work of what she'd been trying to do. She didn't even register how easily her body just followed Zoey's instructions without even thinking about it. Bees. Mayonnaise. People that chewed when they talked. Anything and everything that would make her not at all feel as turned on as she was. Slowly her libido evened out, nodding as Zoey instructed her about where everything was. Once she left the bathroom, Kass waited until the front door shut with a click, letting out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. Hands made slow work of her underwear, before she stepped into the shower. Warm water hit her skin and Kassandra let out a pained cry. Steadying herself against the wall for a moment, she stared down at her feet as the water sinking down into the drain turned crimson.

It hurt but she managed as she rinsed her body off to the best of her ability. Shampooing her hair was the most difficult part and by the end of it, Kass was holding back tears. Her mind replayed over and over the events of what happened, followed by Zoey's words. Did she know how to heal? And even beyond that, could she heal? Kassandra didn't know how that was even possible. This was who she had been since she was sixteen. Broken. If Zoey had even know half of the chaos that had filled inside of her own head.... Would she be able to say what she'd said earlier? Would she still care? Or would she finally realize that she wasn't worth it. Swallowing thickly, she just focused on the wall ahead, letting her mind cloud with memories of her mother. Of Aurora. Of this woman who had brought it all to the surface. Green eyes brimmed with tears and then her knees gave out, collapsing in on herself as she sat on the floor of the shower. Knees pressed together as she pulled them up to her chest, holding on for dear life as she shook, sobs taking over.

Eventually they died off and yet Kassandra still stayed in that position; holding onto her knees as she stared almost lifelessly in front of her. She didn't hear the front door open. Didn't hear her puppy bark excitedly before jumping up on the couch. Hell, she didn't even realize that the water had run cold. All she could do was stare at the floor, head swaying gently as she lost herself to the demons in her own head. What would her father say if he know how weak she really was? He wouldn't have a use for her anymore. And if he didn't then Zeus sure as hell wouldn't. Well. If Kratos had actually been keeping his part of the bargain. The deal with the devil she'd made. It was funny, or at least, she'd find it funny if she could process humor.. Her father had made a deal with the devil to reward himself. And now.. Now Kass was essentially following in his footsteps. What a fucking pair they made.

 Zoey” 

Walking to grab Nugget had been a rather uneventful adventure. She’d gotten to the Inn, checked in with everyone to make sure all was well since she was there, and then let herself in the room to grab the puppy. He was always so excited to see her, and she made sure to grab his things as well. Zoey knew that she had more than enough clothes that would work, but she made sure to grab some pants for Kass since their height difference was quite stark. Once everything was thrown into her oversized purse, she scooped the puppy into her arms and headed back to her house.

The walk gave her time to sort through her thoughts. Everything with Kass was turning out to be nothing like she expected. The woman definitely brought a liveliness to her life, and she couldn’t deny their chemistry if she tried. Still, she worried that past demons would lead to her getting hurt, but it wasn’t enough to make her step away. If she didn’t show that it was worth it, Zoey was afraid Kassandra would continue thinking she wasn’t. The artist wasn’t sticking around because she felt it was her job to correct that thinking. She just — wanted to. Sometimes it really was that simple.

When she got back in the house, she called for Kassandra after taking off her shoes but heard no response. That worried her, so she left Nugget to get comfortable and quickly moved towards the bathroom. The sight broke her heart, and she couldn’t help but curse herself for not moving faster to get back home. Zoey grabbed the towel off the rack, turned off the water, and then moved to kneel in the tub. “Kass, honey,” she said as she wrapped the towel around her shoulders. She leaned forward and kissed the other woman’s forehead. “Hey, I’m home. I’m here. Let’s get you out of this tub.”

 Kassandra: 

The only thing that broke her out of her stupor was a kiss being placed against her forehead, Kass delirious as she looked up to see Zoey's face swim into view. "I'm... When did I sit down?" She blinked in confusion, looking around at her surroundings. When had a towel gotten wrapped around her and when did Zoey get back? Everything felt out of place, off. And as she stood up, her vision blurred for a moment. Sucking in a deep breath, Kass moved the towel so it was wrapped around her body. Not like Zoey had definitely not gotten an eye-full as she stood but still, for the first time in her life she was feeling self-conscious about another woman seeing her naked. Okay, second time. No matter. "Did you grab some... Some sweats for me? I don't know if I can get back into those jeans comfortably."

Kassandra moved back out of the bathroom and saw Nugget. The puppy immediately heard his owner and jumped off the couch, sprinting at full speed for his owner. As he jumped up to her, the brunette hissed in pain but pet him anyway. She couldn't fault him for being excited. Even if she was pretty battered right now, it was nice being reminded that there was someone out there that loved her unconditionally no matter what. She continued to pet him, just standing there wrapped in the towel. After about three minutes of this, Nugget barked happily before leaving to go sit back down on the couch. At the bark, Kassandra blinked as if coming out of a stupor. "Wh... When did I get here?" Her brow furrowed in confusion as she looked around before shivering, her attention now focusing on the fact that she was still very much naked and this towel barely left anything to the imagination. Oh.

 Zoey: 

I don’t know, darling, but let’s get you out,” she said gently as she helped Kass maneuver herself as much as she could. Zoey could tell something still wasn’t quite right, but she didn’t want to do something that could make it worse. The artist mostly focused on being respectful with her gaze. Since Kassandra obviously wasn’t okay, it was much easier. Physical and emotional turmoil was just too much to try and make light of. “I did. I picked up some clothes for you. You can stay with me until you can move without wincing if you want.” While she wasn’t happy about Kass living in the Inn, she wasn’t going to offer for her to move in given the development of her emotions. That was just too much too quickly. 

When the brunette moved out of the bathroom towards the living room, Zoey just leaned against a nearby wall and watched. A smile formed on her face as she saw the duo interact. They were incredibly cute together. It was when she heard Kass’ voice change to something closer to normal that she moved. “I got home to see you sitting down in the tub. You looked like you’d been crying, and you were hardly answering me. I got you out like five minutes ago, and the little man is who you headed towards.” That was about all she could do in terms of filling in the blanks since she’d walked during the tail end of things. “Let’s get you dressed,” she suggested as Zoey put her hand on the small of the woman’s back and led Kass to her room. 

When they got into her bedroom, Zoey told her to sit on the bed while she went to go get the clothes she’d gotten from the inn. She was back in the room quickly and unpacking what she’d brought. “I got underwear too because I figured having your own is a comfort every girl should have.” Once everything was laid out to give Kassandra choices, Zoey went to her closet and pulled out one of her hoodies. It was another from high school when she was in the art club. She hoped that it would bring the brunette comfort if she wanted to wear it. “Also, I’m not ignoring the bathroom. I’m just — not pushing it. If you want to tell me, I’ll always be here and willing to listen. That’s up to you. I just want to make you feel better as much as I can.”

 Kassandra: 

Kassandra's body moved on auto pilot as she listened to the other woman speaking to her, hands loosening their grip on the towel. It was as if her brain wasn't registering shame anymore after her breakdown in the shower, the brunette not caring as the towel fell to the floor exposing her naked and toned form. Numbly reaching for the underwear she put them on and then moved to put on the pair of sweatpants. Her knees were weak and they almost gave out, Kass sitting on the corner of the bed as she took in a shaky breath. Her hands went to hoodie next, letting out a small yelp as what sounded like faint pops happened as she put the article of clothing on her. Finally it was finished and she was dressed, hair still wet from her shower as she let her head lull to the side, green eyes finally finding blue. She scooted backwards onto the bed and laid down on it, a grimace on her face as her body got adjusted to the new position before she relaxed. Her hand reached over to where Zoey was standing at the edge of the bed, stretching until she made purchase with her fingers.

Tugging on the hand in her own, Kassandra pulled Zoey towards her, hoping she would lay down next to her as well. When they were both comfortable, Kassandra stared back up at the ceiling, losing herself in her own head for five or so minutes until she began to speak. "My dad cursed me." Her voice came out softer than Zoey had probably ever heard it and to add to that, it sounded so distant... Like she was a million miles away. "Before I was born. I don't really know when. All I know is that in exchange for him growing stronger, his firstborn would be given a curse. The curse of foresight." Her hands weren't doing their normal thing that they usually did when she was anxious, the expression on her face blank. Emotionless. "Its not what anyone would think it is... It's not a full-fledged vision. Its just... Flashes. Flashes of my future. Flashes of other people as long as I'm a part of their lives. I saw my mom kicking me out before it even happened. I saw something bad happening before I knew that my mother had been..." Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes for a moment as if collecting herself. A few more moments passed and it almost seemed as if she'd fallen asleep until she spoke again.

"I had flashes of you. Or... Well... I thought they were of you. And I got so scared. That I'd hurt you." Still she didn't look at Zoey as her eyes opened once more, focusing on the ceiling above her instead. "I'm poison, Zoey. Everyone I get near, I destroy. My mother. Aurora. My friends from high school. All of them knew me and knowing me was enough to send them all fleeing. Something inside of me is not good. I know that now." One of her hands moved to lay over her heart, fingers curling slightly against the fabric of the hoodie. "But then there's you. For the first time since I was sixteen... There was a spark. Someone that made me want to pretend that I'm not this messed up person that pushes other people away because she'd been hurt so many damned times. I couldn't stop myself from getting to know you. And it was so easy. Like breathing. But then I had flashes. Of me and a woman with blonde hair having... And I thought that... That I could change my fate. But it was never you in those flashes, I know that now."

Everything was coming out in slow and even tone, Kassandra still just staring at the ceiling. She'd never been this calm while talking about her feelings but this whole disassociating with a concussion seemed to have loosened her tongue and her worry. "That woman tonight reminded me how broken I really am. I've been pretending since I was eighteen that I'm not. That I'll be fine. That everything is just one big fucked up mess and it's just how its meant to be." She bit her lip, not even wincing this time as she was too lost in her own head before she turned on her side to face Zoey. Green eyes found blue but it was as if she was looking through the blonde. "I look at you and I want to be selfish. I want to be okay. I want to kiss you until we both can't breathe. I want a lot of things. Things I can't have." Her eyes seemed to focus on Zoey's for a moment, lids heavy with sleep. When her face had gotten closer to Zoey's, she had no idea. "Things I don't deserve." Kass whispered, head moving forward against the pillow until her lips were mere millimetres from Zoey's, her breath puffing against them. Eyelids slid closed fully this time as the almost faintest brushing of lips occurred. And then? Nothing. Kass didn't close the microscopic distance, didn't pull back. She just stayed there until finally it was clear what had happened; her hand clutching to the front of Zoey's sweatshirt, the brunette fast asleep.

 Zoey: 

Everything that had been said to Zoey was a lot to take in, and she was partially thankful that Kass had fallen asleep. There was no way she’d be able to articulate the response that Kass deserved right away. So, the illustrator stayed awake. She made sure to wake Kass up every forty minutes to ensure she didn’t fall into a coma due to her concussion, and then just thought out everything that had been laid before her. Their upbringing, their lives couldn’t be more different if they tried. Zoey’s father and step mother had done everything to protect her growing up. This left the artist wondering just what words she could offer to provide comfort. 

Fortunately, staying up late or even all night wasn’t something that bothered Zoey much. She’d spent many nights up until morning before a deadline to make sure everything was perfect. So, she was happy to keep nudging Kass awake and letting Nugget up on the bed to lay at their feet. After nudging Kass into semi consciousness at seven in the morning, the blonde called her dad and asked if he could open up the shop for her. The friendly man was happy to help even before hearing the reason why, and Zoey was thankful. She promised that she’d get in eventually, but he told her not to worry. Between the Inn, the comic shop, and her work as an illustrator, he was worried about her running herself a little ragged. With that taken care of, and Noreen being more than capable to handle things at the Inn, Zoey started on a light breakfast. She made them toast, two fruit bowls, and poured some OJ. When it was all set she placed Kass’s food on her side of the bed on the nightstand, and did the same with her own on her side. She’d already placed some aspirin beside the brunette too because she was positive she’d need it.

Zoey carefully crawled back into bed and placed a kiss on the brunette’s cheek. She’d been tempted since their brush of lips last night to finally kiss Kass, but she held back. They obviously had things to talk about, and she was happy that the other woman would be more conscious and alert to take in everything she had to say. When green eyes fluttered open, the artist smiled. “Good morning beautiful,” she said sweetly. “Take it easy getting up, okay? I’m pretty sure you’re going to feel like one big bruise.” The blonde did her best to help the woman maneuver into a comfortable position. It didn’t take long for Nugget to waddle his way between his owner’s legs and settle back down to sleep. Zoey smiled at the adorable dog. “Before I say anything, how much do you remember telling me last night? You didn’t embarrass yourself or ruin anything before you panic. I just need to know how much I need to fill you in on before I respond. You passed out on me before I could.”

 Kassandra: 

Drifting in and out of sleep all night was honestly a terrible experience. Kassandra wanted to be grumpy but it was all her own fault. Luckily though, this pattern of barely any sleep made it so she wouldn't dream which was a blessing. Soon the morning light and Zoey stirring her woke her up again. Her body felt like it had a concrete mold poured atop it, the woman groaning as she struggled to move her limbs. A kiss was placed against her cheek and finally did she allow herself to open her eyes. One of them looked definitely worse for the wear and it would have been slightly comical if not for the reason she'd actually gotten her shiner. "Good morning, babe." Wincing as she sat up, Kassandra leaned against the headboard just in time for Nugget to excitedly meet her. Reaching forward, the brunette began to pet him just as Zoey started talking once more. And suddenly, just like that, she was wide awake.

Everything about last night was a hazy blur. Except for the fight, that is. Trying to remember everything after that came slowly, like waves lapping at the shore as the tide rolled in. "I..." Placing a hand against her face, Kassandra closed her eyes as she tried to remember it. She'd gone to Zoey's.... Taken a shower... And then she'd talked on the bed with h--The color drained from her face, her hand falling into her lap as she looked at Zoey directly. "Oh. I told you about... Me." Swallowing thickly, she immediately brought her hands together as she started to pull and pinch at her fingers, anxiety very apparent on her features. "So now you know, I guess. Uh... Surprise? I've never actually... Told anyone about those. So if you could just keep it between us.." She trailed off, mind racing as more bits and pieces of last night began to flutter in and out of her memory. One particular memory swam into view and Kassandra felt her stomach drop like a rock. Was that just a fantasy or had that actually almost happened? Should she even ask? Fuck. "Did I... I tried to kiss you. Was that... Did that actually happen?"

 Zoey: 

Zoey patiently waited for everything to come to Kassandra. She took a bite of her toast and took a sip of her juice. When everything did come, she set the cup back down. Thankfully, she finished swallowing her sip because she was sure she would have accidentally spit it out by the last question. For some reason, she hadn’t expected it, and she didn’t let her mind settle on what had almost happened because she’d crave it even more. After clearing her throat she answered, “You brushed your lips against mine.” Blue eyes sought out green so the woman beside her could see how she wasn’t at all mad. “I didn’t lean the rest of the way in because I didn’t want to hurt you, and I want you a little more conscious when we have our first kiss.” The artist needed Kass to know she still was interested. Reaffirming that throughout the conversation was her biggest priority. 

“I’m not going to tell anyone about anything you told me. That’s — it’s not my story or information to tell. You never have to worry about me betraying your confidence.” Gossiping was never something that the blonde liked taking part in. The most she’d share with her siblings, Jack, and Dex was how much she liked Kass and what she liked about her. Everything else, that just wasn’t necessary for anyone else to know. “I’m not going to say sorry because I don’t pity you or think that anything about you is so sad that you need an apology. They, from my experience, apologies never really do much. People say them so often, they’ve lost their meaning and morphed into something less genuine.” That didn’t mean that Zoey didn’t apologize when she needed to, but she reserved them for when she truly hurt someone. “You said so much, and I spent the night wondering what was the best way to tell you how I feel about it all, but I still just don’t know where to start. So, if I make a jumbled mess of this, please just ask me to clarify something.”

Zoey moved on the bed so she turned her whole body towards Kass. She bit her bottom lip nervously for a second before letting out a sigh. “All I care about are two things. Firstly, will you ever hurt me intentionally? Secondly, will you always try to talk to me? If the answer to the first is no and the second yes, then nothing else matters in my eyes. I don’t see you as this living, breathing, walking bundle of destruction. Relationships come with hurt. My parents have the best marriage I’ve ever seen, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen them hurt one another. Either through stupid words, forgetfulness, or just moments of complacency it’s happened. So, I wouldn’t walk into anything with you expecting not to get hurt. That’s just — it’s an unrealistic expectation that will just lead to disappointment. You can’t have that expectation either. All that matters is your intent.” Intent meant everything to Zoey. It was the difference between forgiveness or not in her eyes. While she was incredibly caring, she wasn’t stupid. If anyone hurt her purposely, then she no longer kept them in her circle. Cutting them out completely wasn’t possible due to the size of the island, but the relationship she had with the person would never be the same.

“Lastly, when it comes to the idea of deserving me, you — I can’t have you looking at it that way,” she said softly to ensure she didn’t come off as angry at the phrasing or idea. She just believed it wasn’t healthy for either of them. “If I want to be here, you need to trust my judgement about what I think I can handle, and what I see in you. You keeping yourself away from me or stopping something from happening because you think it would be selfish due to an idea of you destroying me would mean that you don’t think I can make my own decisions. You’ve laid everything on the table for me, and I took none of it lightly. I sat with it in between waking you up throughout the night. The conclusion I came to is that I want to show you how special you are to me. I can’t predict the future and say it will end well, but I can say that even if I knew it wouldn’t, I’d still say the same because the journey would be worth it no matter the ending.” With that, Zoey let out a breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding. She thought over everything she’d said, and she was happy with it. All that she wanted to get across, she thought she had. That was what she cared about most.

 Kassandra: 

When. The word repeated itself on a loop in her brain for what felt like eons. It began to jumble in with everything else that Zoey started to say and when the illustrator began to speak up on how she felt, panic settled in her belly. But it wasn't panic, not really. It was nerves. Butterflies, more like. Something that she hadn't felt in so long. It washed over her like a tidal wave and honestly she was probably having the wrong reaction to everything that Zoey had just said to her. Was continuing to say to her. It all felt surreal and also right on the nose to how the blonde's nature was. From the moment she'd met her, Kass had known that Zoey wasn't the type of person to beat around the bush when it came to stuff that needed to be said. The only thing that hadn't been so blatantly obvious to her was the whole feelings avenue but that's because of her own emotional constipation. She waited and waited, the butterflies consuming her stomach, making every nerve-ending feel like it was on fire. For the first time in over a decade, she felt... Relieved? It was strange, not having any secrets. Well... Mostly. She didn't know if she was ready for that discussion. Hell, she didn't even know how she truly felt about that whole situation anymore. It's not like she was getting anywhere with it. Maybe she didn't have to continue down that path... Maybe it was finally time to let all of her demons lie.

Without even processing what she was doing, Kassandra once again had her body moving of it's own accord. Her body was stiff from what had happened the night before but she couldn't stop it even if she tried. There was a small smile on her face as she moved out from under the covers and towards Zoey who was still sitting there on the bed, no clue as to what was about to happen. The brunette now had moved so that either leg was straddling Zoey's lap, sitting down as gingerly as possible while also putting most of the weight on her knees. Her right hand cupped Zoey's jaw, thumb tenderly caressing her cheek. "No." She answered honestly, swiftly realizing that she hadn't specified what that was for. A laugh bubbled out of her throat as she quickly tried to clarify. "No, I won't hurt you with intent. And yes, I will always try to talk to you. Whatever I feel for you... I'm going to be honest, I'm not fully prepared for it. Honestly I'm kind of scared because I'm used to being hurt. But I... I trust you. I want to try." Another giggle came this time before she turned serious, green eyes finding blue. "May I kiss you?"

Normally she wouldn't have asked. You see, Kassandra West had always taken what she wanted. Women weren't playthings, sure, but she did have fun with the ones that consented to just sex and only ever just sex. This was different. This was wanting the strings. This was desire before the kiss. This was excitement and joy and fear all wrapped into one big ball of tension. This was what her heart had forgotten it could feel. And sure, it might not end well. Hell, it might not even truly start. She honestly didn't know what would happen. But she wanted to try. Not just for Zoey but... Selfishly? For herself. She wanted. Right then and there, Kassandra catalogued in her mind to do some research into seeing someone that could help her with these mental hurdles that had been thrust at her from other people and then by herself. Whatever damage she had, she couldn't just continue to slam it onto Zoey. Not all the time. But for now? For now she waited with baited breath. And with the knowledge that her puppy was intently watching this whole thing going down with a lazy happy look on his face.

 Zoey: 

When Kass began moving, Zoey had no idea what to expect. However, she could safely say that she didn’t expect to have the brunette straddling her lap. It wasn’t a development she would complain about though. Her hands moved on their own to slide from the woman’s hips to the small of her back under the hoodie she was wearing. “I’m not going to go anywhere,” she said easily in response to Kass’ not being ready. “Whatever you are ready for, just let me know, and we’ll go from there.” 

The question caught her by surprise, but a small smile formed on her lips. Slowly, she arched her body up to brush her lips against Kass’ in the manner the woman had last night. “After teasing me with this last night,” she replied with a smirk. “Yes,” she finished as she tugged on the woman on top of her to get even closer somehow. A part of Zoey was worried about hurting Kassandra’s lip, but if the brunette didn’t seem to mind, then she wouldn’t either.

 Kassandra: 

Hands slid under the hoodie she was wearing, causing her back to arch up into the touch. Not from pain, from something else entirely. A blush settled on her cheeks as she fully realized the complicated positioning she'd put them in. How it must look to have the taller of the two on top. Probably a good thing they weren't at the Inn where her mirror was... Nevermind. Not the right time to think about this. Nodding at what the other woman had to say, Kassandra leaned down, her hand sliding from the girl's jaw to the base of her skull as fingers slid through golden hair. Just as she was about to kiss her, she winced and pulled back once more. "Okay I just need to make one thing abundantly clear." She murmured before pulling back to lock their gazes again, almost feeling bad for the dark pools that were staring back at her.

"I want to be good for me, not just you." Kass's voice was firm, resolute. And then it all crumbled when she realized how awful she'd worded that. "Wait, no... That's not what--That came out wrong. I just mean..." She trailed off, her other hand moving up to grip at Zoey's shoulder as she tipped her head back and sighed. "You deserve the best things, Zo. I think anyone that comes into your orbit knows that. And for a long time.. I didn't think I deserved that same regard. But I do." Kass nodded, as if reaffirming that to herself before smiling shyly at Zoey. "Now that I got that out of the way... Are you sure you're okay with me kissing you? Because if you want me to go even slower, I can. I'm also straddling you. Which normally..." And thus began the rambling.

 Zoey: 

Zoey’s eyes were about to close when she heard Kass start talking again. Her eyebrow arched in silent question of what else the brunette wanted to talk about. It was somewhat torture. The artist was positive she’d never been more turned on in her life, and they hadn’t even done anything yet. Although, their build up had been going on for weeks. Her limited experience didn’t tell her if this was customary or not. However, when she heard Kass speak, she couldn’t help but giggle. “I like the way you said it,” she answered honestly. “I want you to do your healing for yourself. I want to be a bonus to what you do and who supports you. I don’t want to be your reason.” That was far too much pressure, and that could cripple a relationship if done too early. 

Relationship. Was that what she wanted? She’d been so focused on trying to see if Kass could feel the pull between them too that she hadn’t thought about it. However, the word didn’t give her worry or anxiety. Instead, she thought of more dates, sleepovers, and days with Nugget. All of it was pleasant and warm. They’d cross that bridge when they got to it though.

When Kass started rambling again, Zoey smiled as she brought one hand up, fisted the front of the hoodie the brunette was wearing, and gently pulled her down so their lips connected. The blonde tilted her head for a better angle and couldn’t help but sigh into the kiss. After a few seconds, she pulled back slightly and noticed that her breathing was heavier. That reaction from just a kiss? An amazing, butterfly inducing kiss, but still, the simplest of contacts? ‘Gods,’ she thought to herself. How she was going to resist the woman on top of her was a mystery. “Sorry, you were taking too long,” she said bashfully. “You rambling is seriously cute though.”

 Kassandra: 

Lips pressed to her own in a gentle manner and Kassandra felt herself melt. Fingers tightened against the base of Zoey's scalp, scratching gently. It wasn't anything more than a pressing of lips and she was already out of breath. Zoey pulled back sooner than she would have liked but maybe it was okay because she needed oxygen, her lungs feeling as if they were on fire. When she apologized for kissing her because Kass had taken too long, the woman in question smiled widely as her nose crinkled. "You're lucky I like you, Katz. I don't let just anyone call me cute." Licking her lips, she took stock of their position and came to the conclusion that this simply wouldn't do. Gently pressing a finger to Zoey's shoulder, Kass pushed her down onto the bed as her arms went on either side of the other woman's head. Nugget jumped off the bed, deciding that this was getting a little too cramped for him and began running circles around the couch. 

Kassandra brought her hand to trail her knuckles down Zoey's cheek, turning her wrist slightly to run her thumb along Zoey's lower lip. Cheeks were rosy and her curls were messy but she didn't care, not giving it a second thought as she leaned down. The second their lips touched, Kassandra felt butterflies fill her stomach once more. She couldn't tell if that was her who moaned but at this point she didn't care as her lips slid over Zoey's in what she hoped would one day become a practiced motion. Normally her hands would be trailing across skin, undoing buttons and tearing off bras. Not this time. Not with her. Her hands remained on either side of Zoey's head, being as respectful as she could. She hadn't even allowed herself to deepen the kiss, giving the blonde full control. After all, they had time.

 Zoey: 

When she heard what Kass said, she couldn’t help but smirk. Zoey leaned forward and placed a kiss on the woman’s cheek. “What about adorable,” she asked before moving to place another kiss on the woman’s jaw. “My favorite is nerd though,” she added lastly as she moved down to place a kiss on Kassandra’s neck. Barely managing to show some restraint, she pulled back slightly, but when she did she just kept going until her back hit the mattress. Blue eyes looked up at Kass and felt her body temperature rise gradually.

Between the feeling of the pressure of the other woman’s body and the kiss, Zoey knew she moaned and couldn’t care less. The kiss lasted longer than the last, and when she broke it, she went right back in for another one. She wouldn’t allow herself to deepen it though. Gods, she wanted to. But, she could feel the cut on Kass’ lip and worried about it splitting open again if she lost control. So, in between another series of kisses, she mumbled, “considering how badly I want to bite your bottom lip, I think we stop before I make you bleed.” Zoey’s hand had traveled further up the brunette’s back as they kissed, and she felt it resting between slender shoulders. She couldn’t help but be thankful that she hadn’t dug her nails down. That would have caused more pain than pleasure with the bruises she’d seen last night. In an attempt to keep her body from reacting, Zoey just kept talking. “In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve never felt this much before,” she said as she lightly tugged on Kass to let her weight fall a bit. It wasn’t like the other woman would squish her. “Sex wasn’t something I even thought a lot of. I found it as a necessary act sometimes in relationships, but I never wanted it. Then, well, I feel, no I know I want you. I just, when it happens, know I won’t know much of what I’m doing.”

 Kassandra: 

Restraint was definitely not her best friend but she could manage. She wasn't a complete and utter horn-dog. At least, not all the time. There was just something about finally kissing Zoey that had her wanting to not stop. Not until they both couldn't breathe. Not until they were both...... Okay, nevermind. Maybe it was a good thing that the blonde was telling her they should cool off. Kassandra couldn't stop the pout though, lower lip slightly jutting out as she sighed. The pout faded away as the woman underneath admitted something that she hadn't even thought to question. "You've never... Felt this much?" Her head cocked to the side adorably, choosing now to get off of Zoey. If she stayed on top of her, then Kassandra might keep kissing her and eventually this position would make her ribs ache more than they already did.

Moving backwards, Kass moved to lay down next to the blonde. Her body rolled so it was flush against Zoey's, entangling their legs as she reached down with a hand to interlace their fingers together. Bringing Zoey's hand up to her lips, she kissed the other woman's knuckles softly, her eyes fluttering shut as she did so. "Have you ever been... Have you ever had sex with another woman before? Also uh... Just so you know its not one sided. I want you. More than I ever thought I possibly could. But I won't ever put you into a position that you don't want to be. When and if you ever feel ready..." Her gaze was soft, green eyes finding blue before she placed a gentle kiss to Zoey's temple. "I haven't... It's just been sex to me. A way to get off. To let off steam. I don't want that with you. One day, if you you're okay with it, I want to..." Kassandra's gaze drifted down to Zoey's lips as she pulled away to look at her. "I don't want to rush, I want to spend the time to commit every inch of you to memory. If that's alright, I mean." The brunette whispered, suddenly feeling very self conscious.

 Zoey: 

When Kass moved to lay beside her, Zoey easily turned on her side to face the woman as well. The blonde still couldn’t believe how anyone could see the brunette as anything but a giant softy, but she wasn’t about to complain. “I’ve never felt this much physical attraction to someone before. It’s never been hard for me to be restrained in these things, but I seriously struggle around you and love teasing you. I seriously think I sometimes do it without realizing,” she said with a chuckle. It was just so natural to do. Half of the things she did around Kass she did without thought or much effort.

“I’ve never had sex with a woman before, no,” she said with a shrug. “The only person I have had sex with is Theo. I’ve kissed girls before, and I know I’m attracted to women. I just — I guess I’m more complicated in seeking relationships than most people.” Zoey never rushed getting into one, and she was very comfortable being in her own company. The artist loved those around her so much that she never felt lonely or rushed to find that sort of connection. As Kass continued to talk, Zoey closed her eyes and counted to ten slowly. They were laying on her bed talking about something that would not cure the burning she suddenly felt in her lower abdomen. “Trust me, wanting to or being ready to isn’t the problem,” she said with a smile once she opened her yes again. “It’s more that this between us is something, and I want to make sure we do it right. You’ve been hurt before, and I want you to feel safe and ready before you get into something again. I can wait. I’m not going anywhere.”

 Kassandra: 

The knowledge of Zoey never having sex with a woman before was only slightly terrifying. She'd had encounters with women before that she'd been their first time and yeah, she'd bragged about how good she'd make it for them. And sure, on some level she probably did. But that was hard and fast. There were no pleasantries. Barely any kindness. Just booze and getting fucked until you passed out from exhaustion. Kass had only ever done it slow with one person and the thought of going slow, of letting herself strip down? She wasn't quite sure if she was going to be able to handle it. Come to think of it... She couldn't remember the last time she actually fully removed all of her clothes while being with another person. Maybe that was okay, maybe it was better that way. To not remember her when she was laying next to someone who she was desperately trying so hard to trust.

Biting her lip, Kassandra nodded in response to everything Zoey told her. She wanted to respond, to give her some kind of reassurance that without a shadow of a doubt, she was with her. That she wasn't going anywhere. Could she give that to her? Could she give the one thing that terrified her? "Thank you... For caring. And I wish I could just tell you I'm ready right now. Because... Hell, I want you. I want you more than I've wanted anyone in a long time. But you're right..." Kass sucked in a deep breath, eyes closing for a moment before exhaling and opening them. "I have been hurt before." Green eyes looked down at their joined fingers, playing with Zoey's. "I can tell you about her.. If you want. T-Them. I can tell you about my ghosts."

 Zoey: 

Some people might be disappointed at the answer they got, but Zoey honestly wasn’t. She was happy that Kassandra was honest. It was healthier that way. Jumping head first into something that terrified you would only lead to problems, and that wasn’t what she wanted for them. “I don’t wish that,” she said sweetly as she pushed down the urge to flip Kass on her back and straddle her hips. Those ideas were getting distracting. “I want what’s best for you. I really do care about you which means being selfish with you isn’t something I can let myself do. I promise that if I ever get really upset or sad that I’ll talk to you because pushing what I want to the side all the time isn’t healthy either, but I’m really okay with waiting. Finding you is already such a bright spot that I didn’t expect to happen when it did. I can be patient for anything else.” Being around Kass without escalating things would be hard, but Zoey figured she could find some buffers. Brining Kass around her friends would happen eventually anyway, and that was a sure fire way to keep things cooler between them when they hung out.

“You don’t have to open all of your deepest wounds for me right now, darling,” she promised as she leaned forward ever so slightly and pecked the woman’s lips. It had been a solid ten minutes since they last kissed, and that was just bothering the artist apparently. “It’s not some exchange that you have to give me to validate you needing time or anything. I think you need to come to terms with them first before you can share them with me. Otherwise, it could just bring up a lot of nasty, mean memories that you aren’t ready to face again. I’m already going to have a hard time sleeping when worrying about you joining Fight Clubs late at night. If I add worries about you having nightmares, you’ll never leave this bed.”

 Kassandra: 

On some level, Kassandra didn't believe that she deserved this. Not the kindness or the patience or the caring. But here Zoey was, doing all of those things and making her want to kiss her until her lungs felt like they were on fire. So when Zoey pecked her on the lips, for one mind-numbing minute Kassandra almost let herself indulge. Almost being the operative word. "I'll talk about them when I'm ready, promise. Having one be dead and the other a million miles away from me--I guess it makes it easier to finally move on. I never think I really realized how much I was holding onto while I was in Portland." For a moment she got lost in yester-year but just as quickly snapped out of it. 

A grin did settle over her face at the idea of never leaving this bed with Zoey, the idea ramping up the temptation she already felt. "If you keep teasing me about staying in this bed, then I'll eventually have to do your bidding." Kass' grin turned into a smirk as she took the opportunity to roll onto Zoey, straddling her once more as she pinned the blonde's hands above her head in a fluid but gently motion. Leaning down, she moved her mouth next to the other woman's ear to whisper sweetly into it. "Is that what you'd want, Zoey?" Kassandra pressed a heated kiss to the blonde's neck, chuckling lowly. "No one's ever made me beg before." The brunette pulled back enough to lock their gazes, eyebrow arched as she looked directly to Zoey's lips. "Maybe that's about to change."

 Zoey: 

The blonde was about to respond to the more serious conversation at hand when she suddenly found herself back on her back with a weight once again against her. Her hands being pinned up above her head added another element of arousal she wasn’t ready for which caused her to subconsciously roll her hips upwards as a light moan left her lips. The words, the kiss, and sensations were enough to make even Zoey say screw it all to hell and give into everything stewing between them. Was it the opposite of what she’d said literally minutes ago? Yes, but she couldn’t find an ounce of care in her body right then. It was all being drowned out by need instead.

When green eyes met her own, she knew her gaze most likely reflected the arousal she felt coursing through her. “I do have the perfect headboard to keep you chained here, Kass,” she teased back without even thinking much about the words she was saying. Her voice was lower than she was used to hearing it, but her attention was completely on the all too satisfied woman above her. “Although, being the one to finally make you want to beg is enticing. Tell me, Kass, is knowing how much I want you driving you crazy? I bet me adding that waiting isn’t my problem didn’t help either, huh?” Acting innocent while being downright flirty was apparently Zoey’s game, and she wasn’t about to pivot away from it.

 Kassandra: 

The smirk would have dropped off her face at the mention of being chained to the headboard if she hadn't remembered that they wouldn't be able to contain her. "You're adorable if you think that's going to be able to stop me. I'm kinda strong, remember?" She wanted to keep teasing but then Zoey started doing just that, her voice low and husky to a point that Kass felt her whole body heat up. A growl tore through her throat at that comment, one of her legs moving to slip between Zoey's own. "You drive me crazy. And I think I do the exact same thing right back." Green eyes were surely dark with lust by this point and as she moved her body forward to bring their lips together, she tried to ignore the way her thigh moved of its own accord.

One hand held down Zoey's wrists after bringing them together while the other trailed down her body to bring a hand under her shirt to lightly graze against her stomach. Pulling back slowly, she kept their mouths close together, each word that she spoke causing lips to trace over the others in a tempting motion. "Say the word and I'll play nice, Zoey." She pressed a kiss underneath the blonde's jaw, sucking softly for a moment before looking back at her with yet another smirk. "Because if you're fine with it, I'm fine with acting like a horny teenager and making out with you for the better part of the afternoon. Or we can just relax and watch a documentary?" Kassandra offered, moving her thigh upward in a complete acknowledgement of what she was doing. "Tell me what you want and I'll do it. Your wish is my command." If Zoey could do the whole innocent move, Kassandra would definitely be a little demon.

 Zoey: 

“If you’re going to break my bed, I don’t want it to be with you getting out of restraints.” Zoey was partially surprised at how easily the flirtations came from her. It wasn’t like it was a banter she partook in regularly. Yet, it was surprisingly instinctual. When a leg slipped between her own, Zoey let out a gasp. Her back arched slightly as she moved her hands to grasp at Kass’ hips. She nearly gripped tightly but was still sound enough to remember the bruises that could still be there. “You know we do,” she said with a breathy chuckle. “We’ve been teasing each other for weeks.” The words were barely out before they were kissing again.

“A documentary,” she asked back with a smile. “First off, I’d start showing you anime, but we both know we wouldn’t watch it. We’d wind up just like this or something like it, but on the couch.” Her eyes closed as she thought about whether she’d be able to restrain herself. Considering how much her hips wanted to grind down on the thigh pressed against her, she didn’t think restraint would be her strong suit. “I want you right here. I took the day off. My dad is covering the shop. Let’s not waste it.”

 Kassandra:

Zoey was going to be the death of her, she was sure of it. Between her gasps and the way her body moved perfectly against her own, Kassandra was in utter fucking bliss. "I wasn't trying to, if I'm being honest I was kind of nervous when it came to doing anything too forward with you. You made me nervous but in a good way. Don't worry about that." Kassandra blushed, kissing her once more with vigor, all tongue and teeth nipping on lips as she pulled away before Zoey spoke again.

'I want you right here'. The words Zoey uttered made her mouth go dry and her stomach do flips. Just as she was about to lean down and kiss the blonde again, that all too familiar feeling washed over her. Her vision blurred before her expression went blank as three flashes repeated behind her eyes. A suitcase being loaded into a car. A small scar on a cheek. Waves crashing onto the shore. To anyone that was watching her, all they'd see is Kassandra go completely still while her eyes moved rapidly back and forth. Her breathing had halted as the images assaulted her vision until they disappeared, leaving her trying to get her bearings on top of her--well, she didn't know exactly what Zoey was to her. But that was an interesting choice of direction her brain had almost led her to. "I... Sorry, sorry about that."

 Zoey:

The kiss took Zoey’s breath away and made it difficult for her to actually focus on them wanting to go slow. She reciprocated with as much urgency as she received and was definitely breathing harder when Kass pulled back. She was about to lift her head up to trail kisses along the woman’s neck when she noticed the change in Kassandra’s demeanor. Everything seemed to freeze for the woman on top of her, and even when she lightly called her name, she got no response. Not quite knowing what to do, Zoey just patiently waited to see if there was any sign of her coming out of whatever was happening. 

When Kass spoke again, Zoey moved one of her hands to cup the woman’s cheek. “Hey, sweetheart,” she said with an easy smile. “Either, I’m affecting you way more than I realize, or that was an example of those visions of yours that you told me about. It was kind of like That’s So Raven,” she said teasingly. She wanted to joke to show that she really wasn’t upset about it happening when it did. It wasn’t like the woman could control when they happened. “You okay? Do you really need that documentary?”

 Kassandra: 

Nodding slowly, Kass sighed and chose this moment to lay down onto Zoey, nuzzling into her neck. "If I'm hurting you by laying on you, just let me know. I don't wanna smoosh you." Kassandra breathed out against her skin, knowing full well that their height difference of doing this was comical at best. "Would you hate me if I told you that I never watched that show. I was more of Phil of the Future kind of girl. Aly Milchalka can get it." Biting her lip, Kass brought her head up enough to look at Zoey before giving her a small peck on the mouth. "I'm okay," She said gently before nuzzling back into Zoey's neck. "But yeah that's what happens... I don't really know what it means. Maybe I'll figure it out later. Remind me to write it down later okay?"

Kassandra hummed into Zoey's neck contently, allowing her eyes to close once more as she felt the heavy weight of sleep hitting her once more. All thoughts of the food that Zoey had brought her faded from her mind as she snuggled into the woman beneath her. "I'm gonna take a little bit of a nap on you which means prime cuddling with Kassandra time. Push me off if I get too heavy. Okay babe?" The words were mumbled sleepily as she let out a small yawn, her breathing evening out in seconds as, true to her word, she drifted off to sleep.

 Zoey: 

The blonde giggled lightly as she started rubbing up and down the brunette’s back absentmindedly. “You’re not heavy, Kass,” she promised as she felt her eyes begin to droop. Not getting any sleep was going to catch up to her quickly with them staying in bed, but she wasn’t against some nap time. Especially when it was with such a gorgeous woman. 

“Mm, okay,” she mumbled back as sleep began to claim her too. 

[jade4813]

The Lies We Tell Ourselves, Chapter 10

Fandom: Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Title: The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Rating: PG (I’m assuming it’ll stay there?)

Pairing: Zoey/Max

Synopsis: Max would do anything for Zoey. Including posing as her fake boyfriend to give her father one last “big moment” to celebrate with her. Nothing could possibly go wrong. After all, it’s only his heart that stands to be broken. Right?

Chapter: 10/11

Author’s Notes: Takes place after Zoey’s Extraordinary Glitch.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Zoey was subdued as she led Max into her apartment. Her heart song had apparently convinced him to listen, but she wasn’t sure how to get him to give her a second chance. She didn’t know how to convince him of the truth.

But as lost and confused as she was, she knew that this was perhaps her one chance to make him understand. She refused to squander it. For the first time, she knew she wasn’t afraid anymore. If she could just get through to him, their love would be strong enough.

Taking his hand, she led him to the couch. “So.” She attempted to lob the first conversational volley, but nothing came immediately to mind.

As always, Max saved her. “So…that was quite the heart song you sang back there.”

“Yeah,” she agreed sheepishly. “But at least…it has to prove that I was telling the truth about my feelings for you. Doesn’t it?”

“It does,” he agreed, but there was just enough of a pause before he replied, and he dragged out the second word just long enough, that she knew it wasn’t going to be that easy.

“But?” she prompted.

He sighed. “But…I don’t want to hurt you, but I need to be honest with you, Zo. I’m not sure it matters if you were telling the truth.” Slumping, he linked his fingers behind his head and sighed. “The thing is, I’ve heard it before. Your heart song, telling me that you loved me. And just look what happened! You sang to me that you loved me, then you sang a song to Simon. You come over to my place and tell me you love me, and I know you were drunk but…how was I supposed to react to that? I wanted to believe it! And then you go and…” Dropping his hands, he looked over at her, and his eyes were sad. “I’m not sure if just knowing you love me is enough for me anymore.”

She bit her lip. “So you are mad at me,” she said softly.

“No!” he began to protest, before heaving a heavy sigh. “All right, yes. I guess I am. I’m just…I’m tired of being the fallback guy. I love you, Zoey. I’ve never had to question it. I’ve just known it. You will never come second to me, but I seem to always come second to you. How am I supposed to deal with that?”

She grabbed his hand, holding it in hers. “You aren’t second to me, Max! You aren’t! It isn’t like that! I admit I’ve been…confused. Scared. I was running away from my feelings. From you.”

He pulled his hand away. “And how do you think that makes me feel? To know that I’m so sure about you, the person I love – the person I am that sure about, well, isn’t really sure how they feel about me?”

“That isn’t fair, Max. This kind of stuff…it isn’t easy for me. But that doesn’t mean I’m not trying, and it doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”

His gaze dropped to the floor. “I know it isn’t fair. But it’s how I feel. And I can’t keep pretending it isn’t, even to myself, because I’m scared it will hurt you to hear.”

She dropped her head, watching her fingers twist anxiously in her lap. “So where do we go from here?” she asked, her voice soft and sad.

A long silence followed her question, during which she held her breath, praying he would say something that would make it all right. Instead, he replied sadly, “I don’t know. I just can’t be your backup plan, when things with Simon don’t work out.” When she started to protest, he shook his head. “I know you’re telling me now that’s not what this is, and trust me, I want to believe that. You have no idea how much I want to believe that. I just…can’t.”

Shifting in her seat, she wanted to reach for him, but he felt like he was a million miles away from her. “So this is it? I was so scared of losing you that I lost you anyway.”

Max stood, and she followed him to the door. “Not exactly. I mean, we’ll always be friends, right? I just need a little time to find my way back there.”

“But this thing…for my dad…are we still…”

He turned his head quickly, but not fast enough to entirely conceal his wince, and she realized that she was doing it again. Putting Max’s feelings second. Behind herself, behind Simon, behind her dad. That she didn’t doubt he understood why she was doing it in this instance didn’t change the fact she was doing it. And probably didn’t make it hurt any less.

But as he always did, he let her. His smile was reassuring when he turned back to face her. “Yeah, of course. You know I’d do anything for Mitch.” Hesitating a brief second, he leaned down and pressed a kiss against her cheek.” See you later, Zoey.”

She sighed as she closed the door behind him, leaning heavily against its solid surface. It took her a few minutes to clear her head, but then she knew what she had to do. Not for herself. Not to convince Max to love her. But for him. Because even if she had been driven by fear for too long and lost her chance at his love, he had to understand that he was wrong. He wasn’t a second choice. He deserved so, so much better than that.

It was going to require her to be just a little bit brave. But she could do it. For Max.

“Are you free for lunch today? I wanted to meet up with my dad, since we skipped out on charades.”

“Sure! What’d you have in mind?”

“Meet me at that park a couple blocks away at noon? I thought my dad would like the fresh air.”

“Sounds good. See you there!”

Trying to not pace, Zoey read the text for the fourth time in as many minutes, wanting to reassure herself that she hadn’t gotten it wrong. Max was on his way.

“This was a lovely idea, Zoey. Your father and I haven’t been on a picnic for years!” Maggie said cheerfully, laying out the blanket.

With some effort, Emily lowered herself onto the ground and started spreading out the food. “If this is all leading to you trying to convince us that your forfeited game of charades shouldn’t count as a loss, you’re wasting your time.”

“It didn’t even occur to me!” Zoey replied with wounded dignity. Actually, she probably would have made the effort, if she didn’t have so much on her mind.

“Uh huh,” her sister-in-law replied with a skeptical snort.

David took a seat beside her, being careful not to get grass stains on his suit. “What is this about, anyway? Not that I’m not glad to have lunch with everyone, of course, but you made it sound like an emergency.”

She took a deep breath. “I know. I’ll explain everything when Max gets here. I promise.” She was tempted to pull her phone out to read his texts one more time, but just then, she saw him approach. Although it sent the butterflies in her stomach into overdrive, she paused to admire the sight of him. Dressed all in black, his hair adorably tousled by the wind, she wondered how she ever could have been blind to how easily he took her breath away.

“Hey, guys! Sorry I’m a few minutes late. I had a meeting that ran over,” he greeted them apologetically as he placed his hand on Zoey’s waist and bent for a brief kiss. She put her hand on his shoulder, longing to hold him close to her forever, but she didn’t protest when he straightened and moved away to help finish setting things up.

Her family settled in to eat, and Zoey shot a quick look at her dad. He was just waiting patiently, staring at her, and she wondered if he somehow knew what she was about to do. Or perhaps that was just wishful thinking. She sucked in a long, shaky breath, trying to gather her courage. But then her gaze drifted to Max, and courage wasn’t so hard to find. As nervous as she was about disappointing her parents – particularly her father – she had no doubt she was doing the right thing.

“Before we get started, there’s something…I need to tell you. All of you,” she began, standing in front of her family stretched out on the lawn. I know you’ll probably have a million questions about what I’m about to say, but just…hear me out, okay?”

Max looked up at her in surprise. Then, glancing around the group, he seemed to suspect what she was about to do because he sat bolt upright. “Zoey, you don’t have to do this…” he began, jumping to his feet.

“Yes, I do,” she argued, holding up one hand to stop him in his tracks. Turning her attention back to her family, she continued, “The thing is, I haven’t been very fair to Max. For a while, now, really. And I realized last night that he deserves so much better than what I’ve put him through. So much better.” She paused, looking at her dad. “And all of you deserve the truth.”

“Zoey,” Max protested again, stepping around the picnic blanket to approach her, but she ignored him as Emily looked between them.

“This isn’t going to be another one of those moments where the two of you totally bail on us to go make out or something, is it?”

Her laugh was shaky, uncertain. Rueful. “No, pretty much the opposite, actually.”

Max tried to stop her one more time. Cupping her chin, he gently tilted her head back so he could meet her eyes and murmured, “You really don’t have to do this. Not for me.” She didn’t reply, simply grabbing his hand in hers and hold it tight as she turned back to her family.

“The truth is, a few weeks ago, Max really did hire an entire flash mob to tell me he loves me, and I did freak out. But…the rest of what we said was a lie. We aren’t together.” Her voice caught on the last word, but she forced herself to continue. “Romantically, I mean. We never have been.”

Her mom shot them both a confused look as she said in a tone of amused confusion, “Well, you’ve certainly been doing a lot of kissing for two people who aren’t dating!”

“I know,” she admitted, squeezing Max’s hand. “The thing is, when we got the news that…that dad was in the final stage of his illness, I wanted to give him one last big moment to celebrate. You know? So I…” Her voice caught, falling to barely above a whisper as she continued, “I asked Max to pretend to be my boyfriend. So dad wouldn’t worry about me when he…when he…” She couldn’t say it.

Her mom breathed her name in a shocked undertone. In response, stroking his thumb reassuringly along the curve of her hand, Max cut in, “She asked me if I knew anyone who would be willing to do it, and I volunteered.” He was trying to protect her, as he always did, and the realization made her heart ache.

Zoey was tempted to stop there. She knew their confusion would turn to condemnation as she continued, and she couldn’t stand to see that in their eyes. She especially couldn’t stand to see the pain her words would cause Max. But she owed him more honesty than she had yet offered, and so she bowed her head as she admitted, “But the thing is, I knew he would. I knew how he felt about me, and I knew pretending like this would hurt him. I didn’t mean to hurt him, but I did it anyway.”

“That’s…uh…that’s quite the story,” David finally spoke, breaking the silence that had fallen in the group. “I know your heart was in the right place, Zoey, even if I don’t agree with what you did. But Max? I don’t understand what you were thinking!”

“Don’t blame him,” she begged before Max could respond. “He did it for me. And I let him because…I think I wanted to pretend it was true. Even if I didn’t want to admit it. But Max…he’s been amazing through everything. Truly. He’s been willing to do whatever I asked him, just to make dad happy. Even though I’ve done nothing but hurt him over and over again.” She shot him a look out of the corner of her eye, bracing herself for what she was about to confess. “Even more than he knows.”

He hesitated, throwing her a confused look, and she charged ahead before she could lose her nerve. “Max had sung a song to me, to confess his feelings, so I decided to do the same. I sang a love song to him.” It was a small distortion of the truth, and she’d considered confessing all. But at the last minute, she decided it would be too much to try to explain her powers to her family, or the strange glitch she had experienced. As honest as she was trying to be, telling them that she had connected to her father in a way they couldn’t would only cause unnecessary pain. Even if they believed her, which was unlikely. “Then I…I kind of threw myself at Simon. I kissed him.”

She watched as Max recoiled at this confession, though he tried to hide it. She’d never told him that the kiss he had witnessed had not been their first. But the time for hiding the truth from him was over. He deserved honesty, even if it meant she lost him forever. He dropped her hand, and she curled hers into a fist, missing his warmth.

Her heart heavy in her chest, she concluded her confession. “I was confused, and I didn’t know what I wanted. So I did it again. I told Max I loved him, and then Simon and I…we kissed. Every time Max and I got close, I ran. Like I did after he sang to me. I’ve been an idiot, making one bad decision after another this whole time.”

Emily shifted uncomfortably on the ground. “Uh…this is fascinating, but I’m not sure we need to know all this,” she pointed out, trying to soften the harsh edge to her voice. In some ways, she wasn’t any better at dealing with other people’s emotions than Zoey. Maggie murmured something to her, and she cried defensively, “What? We were all thinking it!”

“You’re probably right, Emily, but after all this time, I owed you the truth.” Though she was addressing everyone, she spoke directly to Max. Although she’d managed to keep her feelings under control this whole time, but now that her confession was near the end, she found herself struggling not to cry.

Swallowing heavily, she glanced at her parents. “I’m sorry. Mom, Dad…David, Emily. I know I owe all of you an apology. I’m sorry I lied to you.” Then, turning to Max again, with her heart aching, she continued, “But mostly I’m sorry to you, Max. I know I’ve lost…everything. Your love. Your trust. And I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness.”

“Zoey,” he breathed, but she shook her head, needing to get through this once and for all.

“No. I was selfish in wanting to pretend we were together when I knew how you felt about me. And I let my fear blind me to how I felt about you for too long. I know I’ve missed my chance, and none of this changes anything. But I really am sorry. But even if I haven’t showed it, I wanted you to know that…you’re wonderful. And…and you aren’t my backup plan. You aren’t my second choice. You never were. You’re…you’re my forever guy.”

“I…” He was staring at her with wide eyes, and she watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed heavily. He turned from her to her family and scanned their faces like he didn’t know what to say. “I…”

He looked to Zoey again, and she was amazed to see a tiny smile lurk at the corners of his mouth. “Actually, will you guys excuse the two of us? I think this is definitely one of those moments where Zoey and I bail on you so we can go make out.”

He didn’t wait for a response, grabbing Zoey’s hand and pulling her away. But they didn’t get far; when they ran behind a tree, she tugged at his hand, pulling him to a stop. He turned, pressing his back against the rough bark and pulling her into his arms.

“What -?” she started to ask, but that was as far as she got before his mouth was on hers, demanding and hungry. She speared her fingers into his hair, holding his head in place as she returned his kiss. She wasn’t sure what this meant, but if this was to be the final embrace the two would ever share, she would make it last, and she would carry this memory to the end of her days.

When the kiss broke off, she rested her forehead against his. Since their charade had begun, the scent of Max’s aftershave had clung to her, so that she carried him with her everywhere. Keeping her eyes closed, Zoey breathed him in. If she had the power to stop time, she would choose this moment to freeze, to live in for an eternity.

“Max?” she whispered, afraid to even hope. But when she opened her eyes, she found that he was looking down at her with such love, it was a mystery that she had missed it for so long.

“Oh, Zoey,” he murmured, leaning back to caress her cheek. “You didn’t have to do that for me.”

“Yes,” she replied firmly. “I did.”

“And you say you’re not good at big gestures,” he teased her lightly, leaning in for another kiss.

She didn’t protest. After all their confusion and misunderstandings, after all the time they wasted, she could have kissed him forever. “I really do love you, you know,” she whispered her promise against his lips.

“Yeah,” he answered back, his voice just as soft, this time without a moment of hesitation or doubt. “I know. Thank you. For your honesty.” His hands stroked up and down her back, as though he couldn’t get enough of touching her as he brushed feather-light kisses across her cheeks, her temple, her jaw, her mouth. “Oh, and for the record? I never stopped loving you.” He nibbled softly on her lower lip. “Well, maybe a little when I found out how wrong you are about the whole Stay Puft, T-Rex thing. You’re really, really wrong about that, and it’s very important to me that you admit it.”

She feigned a gasp of dismay, but she was unable to completely hide her grin as she protested, “I am not wrong about that!”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Her heart warmed at the endearment. “You really, really are. But more importantly…does this mean you’ve technically proposed to me? Because I’m not necessarily opposed to the idea, but don’t you think you’re moving a little fast? Anyway, I was hoping for a little more romance. You’d take me out to dinner…buy me a ring…”

This time, her gasp was real, and she laughed softly as she gave his shoulder a playful slap. “What? I did not just propose to you!”

Tilting his head to the side, he gave her a skeptical smile, but he was grinning when he replied, “Mmm…really? Are you sure about that? I’m your forever guy? That sounds like a proposal to me. Should we ask your family what they think? Because I think they’d agree with me.”

“Oh, my god. You are such a dork,” she groaned, rolling her eyes at him as she pulled him in for a searing kiss. Smiling against his mouth, she suggested, “I have a better idea. Do you think you could call off for the rest of the day? Because I can think of something better we could be doing.”

“Oh, yeah?” he asked, sounding adorably confused. “Like wha- oh. Ohhh!”

Zoey’s laughter was free and unbridled as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Like I said. You are such a dork.”

[ladylillianrose]

Take a Chance on Me, a Zoey Clarke/Max Richman fic

Zoey receives an evening visitor and an important conversation is finally had!

A/N: This is it gang! Thank you all for reading, commenting and enjoying this! As always the characters belong to the wonderful Austin Winsberg. I'm just borrowing them! You guys have been so wonderful and I love you all for it!<br />

The song used is "I'm A Believer" by The Monkees

Chapter 5

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

Chapter 2

Chapter 1

Zoey was relieved she had listened to Tobin and left work early.

She had taken a nice long soak in her tub with a glass of wine to help her relax. 

And now she was curled up on the couch with a pint of her favorite ice cream mindlessly watching whatever was on TV. Trying to focus on anything but the disaster of a kiss that had happened earlier.

She heard a knock on the door.  "Go away Mo. I don't want to talk about it tonight…"

"Umm it's not Mo…" She heard Max's voice through the door and froze.

What was Max doing here? Was she going to have to do this now?

"Zo please let me in, we need to talk," he pleaded.

She slowly shuffled to the door and let him in.

He stood there awkwardly with his hands in his pockets. "Hi," he said softly.

"Hi," she replied, heading back to the sofa, refusing to look at him.

He followed, taking a seat right next to her.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Zoey asked, attempting to keep her voice light.

"Zoey will you look at me….please?" Max begged.

It took all her strength to lift her head and look him in the eye.

Max smiled sadly at her, "We're quite the pair aren't we?"

Zoey nodded, unable to say anything around the lump in her throat.

"Zoey, what was that about earlier? One minute you're kissing me and the next you take off running. You wouldn't answer my calls. The only way I knew you even made it back to work was because Tobin told me."

Zoey looked shocked. Tobin had seen Max and told him where she was…

"Yeah imagine my surprise when he comes up to the 6th floor and tells me we need to talk."

She laughed, "Sure he wasn't there for the food?"

"No, well okay yeah he came for the food. Dude filled a bucket with cheese fondue, but not before we talked.”

Max ran his hand through his hair nervously. “He told me how things have been since I left, how down you’ve been. He said if I knew what was good for me then I would come over here right now and fix things."

Zoey gaped at him. "He said that? See, I told you he has feelings!" She poked Max in the arm insistently, awkwardness momentarily forgotten.

Max laughed, " You did…Zoey what happened earlier…"

"Was a mistake…" she mumbled.

"Oh…" Max said sadly.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have just kissed you like that. You didn't kiss me back and I was so embarrassed that I just took off...and now I've messed things up even more between us…." She rambled, trying to keep the tears out of her voice.

"Woah wait a minute! You took off because I didn't kiss you back?" Max interrupted.

Zoey cringed, "Well yeah, obviously you've moved on…"

Max grabbed her and kissed her, stopping her train of thought immediately. 

Max was kissing her, really kissing her! She grinned against his mouth as she wrapped her arms around him, losing herself in the taste and feel of him.

She gasped as he pulled away and began trailing kisses down her neck.

"Wait Max," she heard herself say. "What…" she let out another moan as he bit her earlobe. "I can't concentrate when you do that," she whined.

Max chuckled continuing his exquisite torture, “That’s the idea my love.”

"L-l-love?" Zoey managed to stutter out, as he moved to the other side of her neck repeating his ministrations.

Max pulled back and looked her in the eyes. "Of course love. Don’t you know how completely in love with you I am?"

Zoey’s eyes shone with tears as she shook her head. “Then why when I kissed you did you not kiss me back?"

Max laughed, "I didn't kiss you back because I was so surprised that my brain stopped functioning!"

"Wait, what?"

"It's not everyday that the woman you’re in love with does the one thing you’ve been dying to do forever."

Zoey blushed, he was so open with his feelings and affections. It was one of the things she loved about him.

"So you're saying my kiss melted your brain?" she grinned.

"Oh absolutely! By the time I realized what was happening you had taken off running."

She blushed, "Not my finest moment."

Max brushed a curl off her face, "It brought us here, and that's all that matters. Never doubt how much I love you Zoey.”

Zoey leaned her face against his hand.  "I love you too Max."

Max's eyes brightened and a huge grin broke across his face.

He stood up and Zoey heard the beginnings of a heart song.

I thought love was only true in fairy tales

Meant for someone else but not for me

Love was out to get me

That's the way it seemed

Disappointment haunted all of my dreams

Then I saw her face, now I'm a believer

Not a trace of doubt in my mind

I'm in love

I'm a believer, I couldn't leave her if I tried

Max had giddily pulled her off the couch and began dancing with her around the room.

Zoey laughed at how happy he was and how happy she felt.

Max finished his song and Zoey grinned and kissed him, "I'm a believer too." 

His eyes widened and he chuckled knowing he couldn't hide anything from her.

"Guess this means I owe Tobin." Max said, wrapping his arms around her..

Zoey laughed, "You and me both."

Next Day

Zoey had been in meetings all morning, somehow managing to evade Tobin's meaningful looks and attempts to talk to her.

She glanced at the clock, it was almost lunch time, Max should be here any minute.

Tobin finally had enough and stalked over to her desk. He placed himself in front of her computer, refusing to budge until he got answers.

"Well???" he asked impatiently

"Well what?" Zoey said, ignoring him as she searched through her purse for gum.

Tobin made a disgusted noise, "Did anyone show up at your place last night?"

Zoey looked at him puzzled, "I mean the pizza guy came by, but that's cause I ordered dinner."

"And nobody else came by?...."

"Nooo...you didn't try to send a singing telegram again did you?"

"What no! And that was totally Leif's idea that time, not mine."

"You sent a singing telegram to her house?" She heard a voice say behind her. 

Zoey turned beaming at Max.  "They had found a mistake I made on a project and felt the need to gloat through song and dance."

"You needed to know you were wrong, and there was no better way to show your wrongness than through song. " Tobin said defending himself.

Max shook his head and bent down to drop a small kiss on Zoey's lips.

Tobin leapt off the desk in excitement. "Yes! I knew it!! You owe me another $50 bro!" He shouted to Leif.

"How many things about me have you bet on?" Zoey said, shaking her head.

Tobin shrugged, "It gets boring around here sometimes."

Max rolled his eyes looking at Zoey, "You sure he deserves this?"

Zoey laughed and nudged his shoulder. "Go on give it to him."

Max held out a 6th floor security clearance card to Tobin.

Tobin's eyes widened.

"If you ever tell anyone you have this I will deny it 100%." Max handed him the card.

Tobin nodded, staring at them unable to say anything in response 

Zoey laughed, "Go on I know you're dying to go try it out!"

Tobin took off sprinting to the elevators, calling out his thanks as the doors closed.

"I give him 2 weeks until he eats himself sick," Max shook his head.

"Are you kidding? His stomach is like a black hole. You saw the size of that cereal bowl!"

Max winced. "It may have been a huge mistake giving him that card."

Zoey laughed, grabbing his hand. "Yeah but he really did help us."

"I guess you're right about that."

"You sir, will find I'm right about a good many things."

Max grinned pulling her into his embrace and kissing her properly.

Zoey sighed happily as they pulled apart and headed to the elevators. Her mom had been right, the right person was worth taking a chance on.

[lore-of-the-silvereyes-rwby]

Remnants Silver Legends

Chapter 8

The West Valley road/ Rananore fields/ Endemar

Rananore; vast fields, and tall grass. Fertile farmland, and the Great Valley road passing through. Truely a peaceful land where the work is honest, and people live in safety. Quiet fields with the wind breezing through.  But a small tremor disrupts this tranquil land. 

Not a natural one born from nature. But one forged by the heels of thousands. Thousands running for the safety of home. Each at a different pace. Some fast, and quick others slow, and tired. Most of them were wounded, and dying. One of the many knights within this legion falls down to their knees. Weak and tired with blood dripping down their arm. Another knight hurries to his aid.

“Are you all right,” the knight asked as he dropped to his knees to aid his comrade.

“I ...I  ...may have ...lost more blood than I  ...than I thought,” he claimed in a very faint voice, as his breath grew shorter.

“You’re going to be fine alright, we're almost home,” he said, trying to comfort him. 

“Hey, hey you two, over here,” he called out to a pair of youngbloods to help him.

The two hurried over to answer his needs. The knight has one go find anyone who knows medicine. He knew he was asking too much. Especially since he knew most of the knights, or dames who were trained to be field doctors were either dead, or missing. As that one  left, he had the other one help him lift the wounded knight back on his feet.

The knight takes the right side, and the remaining youngblood takes the left. The two keep in mind his damaged right arm. As they lift him up his  arm from its socket falls down to the ground. They all look in shock, and surprise.

“Something tells me ...I’m not ...getting that back ...am I?”

“No...no you are not.”

“We’re almost there,” cried the voice of someone on horseback! “Keep moving, They’re bound to send help if we’re close enough for them to see us!” The rider then noticed the trio. He got off his horse, and offered it to the wounded. “Take this, you need it more than I do,” the rider offered.

The three of them got the wounded knight on the horse. After they secured him on it, they then had the youngblood saddle up on the horse. He would ride  while it carried the wounded knight. Soon after they sent them off hoping that by the time they reached the gates they would be open. Hopefully aid will come to them, he thought. That’s more than he can say for the rest of them. 

He feels helpless as he knows he can’t save them all. His mind was clouded by grief. He hangs his head in defeat looking down as he continues to walk down the path. Then all of a sudden a loud horn was heard. He raises his head to see the gates of Sinda open. Carriages, carts, and caravans began to exit the city. Escorted by the Ostirio wall garrison. They ride faster than the wind to aid them.

“We’re saved,” the knight beside him asked as he exclaimed in joy,”...Right?”

“Yes, yes we are,” he answered

 With renewed hope, they began to move in haste. The former rider stands alone to the side avoiding the raging stampede of hopeful souls. He noticed the severed arm of the wounded knight who he gave his horse to. He picks it up and removes the metal bracer which was in good condition. He tossed the lifeless limb into the nearby fields, so that it won’t block the way of his troops as they rush for aid. 

He had begun to walk down the path to the city. He then started to reflect on the events that led him here, as well as the tenets he was tasked to uphold. As the legions Marshal he swore an oath to those responsibilities. In his mind he failed them all.

Mahtale tole/Silirin/ Endemar

“What do you think that horn was,” Ezer asked?

“It came from Sinda so it was probably a drill or something,” Ithiel answered.

“Something is off,” Lucius implored. “There were no drills scheduled today.”

“Probably a surprise performance inspection then,” Ithiel said.

Three friends argue, and discuss the reasons behind the sound they heard. They’re also not the only ones either. The people around them, and throughout the city wonder the same thing. In their own thoughts they hope it was nothing to be concerned with. Strange days are ahead, but are they for the better or for the worst. But for now friends will wine and dine.

“Which one of you ordered the ale and honey biscuits?”

“Here,” Lucius said, raising his hand.  The server gave him his order, and began to drink.

“Okay and the salted fish with cheese bread, and Poitin.”

"That be mine," claimed Ezer.

“Alright and I guess you’re the one who wanted the strawberry tart, and port wine, I take it.”

“A personal favorite to the end I’m afraid,” Ithiel acknowledged as he smiled in delight. “Gratias tibi,” he said to her.

After she finished serving their food, she proceeded to the next table. The three friends share a toast, and drink. Sometime had passed before the three began their conversation anew. 

“So anybody got something interesting going on,” queried Ezer?

“Nothing much going on in my life. Probably going to return to my studies,” Lucius answered

“Let me rephrase that,” asserted Ezer. “Anyone besides mixed-eyes here got something to say,” he bellowed.

That earned a scornful stare from Lucius. Ithiel couldn’t help but feel disappointed in Ezer. As a fellow Arhon he at least thought that all of them were like minded for the better. Guess he was wrong. But there's still hope for them yet. Best to change the subject before things escalate.

“To answer your question Ezer,” he said, hoping to avoid conflict. “I’ll be leaving the city soon if you're curious.”

That seemed to have nulled the tension between the two. Petty spite turned to surprise.  

“Seriously you’re leaving,” Ezer inquired?

“Where to,” Lucius asked?

They continue to ask, pressuring him for an answer.

“Calm down, calm down,” Ithiel urged, gesturing to them to keep it down. “Ok, I don’t know where I’ll be traveling yet, nor do I know anything about it. But I do know it's a place not many have ever been to.”

“That doesn’t narrow it down,” Lucius stated.

“Sadly that's true,” Ezer agreed.

“Wait, is that why you seem to be off today, because you're leaving,” Lucius asked?

“Mostly,” he lied.

“Well look on the bright side,” exclaimed Ezer. “You’ve been outside of the city more times than I have.” He then took another drink. “You want to know the first thing I’m gonna do when I leave,” he said as he began to boast.

“Let me guess, hunt down the Druwil,” Lucius divulged. 

“Who asked you,” Ezer challenged Lucius?

“The Druwil,” Ithiel inquired?

“It’s nothing, just some Grimm fable. Legends say that they're older than The Fall of Dor-nest, and that there is only one left,” Lucius told him.

“And I’m gonna hunt it down and kill it,” bragged Ezer.

“Sure you are,” Lucius sighed.

As they continued their conversation a new patron entered the tavern they were in. The foreign stranger approached the counter then began to converse with the owner. Lucius spotted and took note of this stranger's appearance. 

His eyes were light blue, so obviously human. He had short black hair and his face bare.  His skin was fair, but tan marks were prominent but not noticable. His attire was blue and grey with leather armor, and a dark cloak adorned on his shoulders. An explorer maybe?  But from where he thought. He then began to cross off potential points of origin.

Eregost; too pale. 

Irestia; too stern, and rough looking.

Nuel;  not the romantic type.

Rawmaite; too short to hail from any of those islands.

Anarsta; he may need a second opinion.

“Hey Ithiel you’re familiar with the northern people right?”

“I know of them. Why do you ask?”

Lucius pointed to the foreign figure at the counter.

“Any idea where he’s from?”

He took a look at him to see if he can answer Lucius’s question.

“I only know of the major cities, and trade centers, but if I had to make a guest he’s most likely from Nenlant or near it, he answered.”

“Any idea of his profession?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. 

“Entschuldigen Sie, entschuldigen Sie meine Herren, an unknown voice spoke to them.” They were cut off guard as the stranger they were talking about was all of a sudden standing right in front of them. “Is it okay if I bull up ein chair, he asked?” They both nodded in acknowledgement and gave him the go ahead. “Vielen Dank, meine Herren, he said.”

“If you don’t mind, may I ask what is your purpose here, Ithiel asked?”

“It is ein long schtory, put in schort I am here unter contract py zomeone vo visches ein Hautience vith zee City Lord, und zee ovner of zis blace tells me vu can help me vith zat, he surmised,” as he pointed at Ithiel.

He was stunned by what he said.

“Why me,” he Inquired?

Zee ovner told me zat vu vould tell me vy zo vo are vu?

“That depends who wants to meet him,” Ithiel asked?

“Unfortunately I can’t discloze zat Hinformazion,” he said. “Zo can vu help me or not?”

Ithiel pondered in thought. Trying to see the strangers intentions. He didn’t seem like a dishonest person. Maybe a little rough around the edges, but someone who wanted his intentions known.

“It must be important that this person sees him isn’t it,” he added as he took a drink of wine. 

The stranger’s integrity began to weaken. He grew annoyed at the silberäugig man. But he had to keep his composure. At least until his task was over. He asked again.

 “Can vu help me or not?”

After some thought Ithiel gave into his demands. What's the worst that can happen he thought. This was of course his city, and home, with people that stand up for each other.

“As his son I think I can help your friend meet my father,” he alleged. “Do you have a name?”

 The revelation that he was the son of the man he was looking for, still had the stranger in awe.

“It’s Isa, Isa of Nenarta,” he answered.

“I was close,” said Lucius as he took another sip.

“Nice to meet you Isa,” Ithiel greated as he stood to shake his hand. 

There was a noticeable height difference between the two. He stood a head taller than him. Isa felt a little intimidated.

“Nice to meet you too, um . . . sorry I didn’t catch your name.” he said as he shook his hand.

“Ithiel, Ithiel of the House of Ilsalos,” he said. “So shall we leave?”

“Sicher.” 

As they began to walk, Isa noticed the other two.

“Vait vat apout zem,” he asked?

Ezer may have had one too many drinks, and Lucius sat there in annoyance. This wasn’t the first time his cousin was in this state. But he couldn’t help but feel disappointed that they share blood. He turned his gaze to Ithiel.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll get him home as soon as I can,” sighed Lucius. “Take care of yourself though Ithiel.”

Ithiel acknowledged what he said and continued on his way with Isa. The two left the tavern and proceeded to where the client was. It was about a half an hours’ walk to their destination. He made sure to keep his guard up, for he is unsure if this was genuine cause or a trap. But who benefits from it. They arrived in an alley where a tall figure in red and grey waits. Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and his head rises to see the pair approaching him.

“Who’s this guy,” he asked?

“Zir may I brezent Iziel, zee zon of Zilirin’s city Lord,” Isa answered.

“It’s Ithiel,”he said, trying to correct Isa's accent.

“Your Lord Herod’s,” he asked flabbergasted?

“Yes I am, and I’m here in good faith that this is an important matter,” stated Ithiel. “As such may I ask both the reasons for your secrecy and who you are that warrants an audience with my father?”

Surprised by his good fortune he relented. He stopped leaning against the wall and approached them. He was just a couple feet opposite of Ithiel. Silver eyes, met silver eyes. But they have never met before, until now as he began to bow to Ithiel.

“My name is Wyn, son of Aneirin of Gadronma,” He revealed. “ It is urgent that I meet Lord Herod, if Silirin, and the rest of Numen are to avoid the same fate as my homeland.”

NOTES

Sorry for the long wait, life got in the way. Also I’m trying to make these longer. Hopefully the next one won’t take 5 months

[daniwritessometimes]

Between Friends, Chapter Four

    Zoe wanted nothing more than to go back to that dark corridor and take Susan’s face between her hands and…

    No, I definitely need to stop that. I shouldn’t have even implied—

    “Zo, are listening to me?” Naomi asked. She seemed quite irritated, so she’d said it more than once.

    “I’m sorry, Nome. I’m tired.” Zoe yawned to punctuate it.

    Naomi sighed. “I’m sure you’re mostly tired of hearing about everyone getting married. And you still have no suitors.”

    “Because I scare them all away.” Zoe propped her head on her hand and looked across to the other bed.

    She and her twin had decided once they left the nursery to share a room until they were both married. They had tried a few times to have separate rooms, especially when they got into a spat. But they always seemed to be drawn back together.

    “You don’t scare them away,” Naomi argued, “They just weren’t right for you.”

    Oh, how right you are. But not in the way you think. Zoe reached up and turned off the lamp that rested between their beds. “Blow out that candle and go to sleep, Nome.”

    Naomi did as Zoe requested. They were both quiet for a while. Zoe was nowhere near sleep. And Naomi always took forever to settle in, even when she was particularly tired.

    Naomi’s voice spoke through the darkness. “Reginald does have a brother who is looking to wed as well.”

    “I remember,” Zoe sighed. “And I also remember that I don’t like him. I won’t marry just because someone wants to marry and I am the closest female.”

    “So you will marry for love?”

    It was something they had spoken of so many times before. Naomi swore she would marry for love or not at all. Zoe was more practical. She agreed that love would be preferable, but barring that she would marry if she needed to wed for money. Or if a man were to need a wife for practical reasons. But not just because either of them was unmarried.

    “I honestly don’t know if I ever want to be married.” Zoe’s admission surprised even herself. She had never sat down and really thought about it. But after seeing Susan again after all these years and feeling the flood of emotions she always held back, she knew she would never be satisfied in a marriage to a man. Not that she could ever act on her feelings for Susan or any woman.

    “You cannot be serious!” Naomi gasped.

    “Why should I worry about marriage? You’re worrying enough for the both of us.” Zoe argued. “I’m worried too much about life after you leave me anyway. I’ll be just myself for the first time.”

    There was the sound of the bedsheets rustling and then Naomi pushed Zoe out of the way to make room. “I’m not leaving too far. And I know Reginald wouldn’t mind if you lived with us.”

    “Nome, there are things husbands and wives do that sisters cannot participate in.” Zoe said, wrapping her arms around her sister. “And from my understanding, they especially like to do those things a lot when they are first married. I would just be in the way.”

    “There are only so many hours in the night. Reginald is a lawyer. He will have to leave the house for that.” Naomi giggled. “How long do you suppose it will be before I have my first child?”

    Zoe rolled her eyes at the quick change of subject. “Within the year, I’d wager.”

    “It would put quite a damper on things, won’t it?”

    Naomi continued to rattle on about babies and motherhood and being a proper wife. Zoe was lulled to sleep by the sound of her sister’s voice. She was going to miss this the most.

****

    Zoe woke up with Naomi’s head on her shoulder. She was drooling profusely. Reginald would have a lot to learn.

    Zoe pushed her sister away and rolled out of bed. Once she was awake, she was ready for her day. Why sleep the day away when there was so much to do. So many books to read, so many stories to create herself. She rang the bell for her maid and went to the wardrobe to pick a dress for the day.

    The door opened and Naomi sat up sharply. “Why?”

    Zoe laughed. “Go back to sleep, Nome.” She walked across to her maid and led her back toward the wardrobe.

    Collette chuckled. “Your sister never wakes when you do.” Her voice was thick with a French accent. It was something that nearly drove Zoe to ruin every time she spoke.

    “My sister and I are very different with our sleep patterns.” Zoe pulled out a soft pink day dress. “She can never seem to get to sleep at night, so she has trouble waking in the morning. I have no trouble with either.”

    Collette helped Zoe to dress and put her hair up in a simple style, chattering the entire time in that adorable French accent. Perhaps she should have requested a hot bath. Or a cold one.

    “Thank you, Collette.” Zoe said softly.

    “You’re very welcome, Mademoiselle.” Collette dipped a little curtsy and left the room.

    Zoe heaved a sigh and turned to watch Naomi. She was now snoring softly. Zoe shook her head and got up to head down to breakfast.

    Her father was sitting there with his newspaper, but he wasn’t reading it. He just stared off, chewing on a piece of toast thoughtfully.

    “Good morning, Papa.” Zoe said as she filled her plate from the sideboard.

    “Good morning, darling.” Whatever Wulfric had been distracted by, he snapped out of it and came back to the present. “Your sister is still sleeping?”

    “Yes. Quite soundly.”

    Wulfric laughed softly. “She’s always snored. I remember when you were still babies in your bassinets, you slept so well and so quietly, but she was forever making all sorts of noises.”

    Zoe sat down beside her father. “It will be quieter here once she marries.”

    Wulfric smiled sadly. “It gets quieter every time one of you leaves.”

    “I don’t plan to leave any time soon.” Zoe sipped her tea.

    “Don’t stay if you want to go, darling.” He reached out and placed his hand on her wrist. “You never have to marry, I am not suggesting that. But I do want you to know you can travel the world. You can spend time with your siblings and their families. Or you can stay here and care for your dear Mama and Papa in our old age.”

    She laughed. “You aren’t anywhere near old, Papa.”

    “I am quite near sixty, my darling daughter. My father didn’t live much longer than that.” He looked up at the door. “Feeling better, love?”

    Zoe turned to see her mother standing in the doorway. Sarah nodded. She walked in and gently squeezed Zoe’s shoulder before dropping a kiss to the top of her head. She then leaned down and whispered something to Wulfric that Zoe couldn’t hear and kissed his cheek.

    “Not entirely my doing, love.” He commented.

    Zoe looked between her parents a moment. They loved each other so much. And they knew each other so very well that sometimes they didn’t even need to speak to be able to communicate. Zoe wanted that with someone, but at the same time it was frightening. How would she ever let herself be open in that way with anyone?

    Sarah sat down and made a face. “Perhaps I should have stayed with toast.” She pushed her plate away and picked up a piece of toast.

    “Are you all right, Mama?” Zoe asked, looking on her mother’s pale face.

    Sarah smiled. “Just the same trouble you and your other siblings always gave me at this point.”

    Zoe gave her a quizzical look.

    “Another baby.” Wulfric said proudly, practically vibrating in his seat. “Can you believe it?”

    “Oh, dear, Mama.” Zoe sighed. “This is a very trying time for another baby.”

    Sarah laughed. “Difficult to time these things, darling.” She reached over and squeezed Wulfric’s hand. “But don’t say anything to the others just yet. Naomi and Anthony are both preparing for their weddings and Alec and Jess will have another any day now. We’ll let this be ours for a while.”

    “Not even Naomi can know?” Zoe asked. “She still lives here, too.”

    Wulfric shrugged. “Your mother is the kind one, not wanting to step on any toes. I wanted to tell everyone.”

    “You got to tell Zoe,” Sarah admonished. “Let that be enough for now.”

    “Fine.” Wulfric grumbled.

    Anthony walked in, hair disheveled. “Good morning.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and swiped the newspaper from in front of Wulfric.

    “I wasn’t done with that.” Their father argued feebly.

    “Looked like you were to me.” Anthony settled in with a piece of toast, raising the paper in front of his face. “Not hungry this morning, Mama?” After a moment, he dropped the paper. “Not another one?”

    Wulfric let out a loud guffaw and slapped the table. “Now we have to tell everyone. Anthony can’t keep a secret to save his life.”

    Anthony picked up the newspaper again. “I’m glad I don’t have to write the letter to Alec myself.”

    Sarah heaved a sigh. “I’m not happy with you, Wulfric.”

    “You never are.” Wulfric slid his chair back from the table and quickly grabbed Sarah around the waist, pulling her onto his lap.

    Zoe watched as her mother feigned annoyance for a moment before she laughed and pressed her eyes into Wulfric’s neck.

    “You’re an evil man.” Sarah murmured.

    “You love me for it.” Wulfric held her close and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “And I love you with all my heart.”

    Zoe heaved a sigh. She would never know this kind of love. At least not as out loudly as her parents.

****

    Anthony held in his laugh about his lack of keeping secrets. If only his family knew the secret he kept…

    Another sibling. And just as he was starting his own family. Not that he really was starting a family, but gaining one that was already established. And what little time he’d spent with the Claymore children, he already liked them. They were all smart and funny. And adorable, especially little Teddy.

    Anthony watched his parents giggling. He adored seeing them so happy together after all these years. “It’s amazing any of us have found spouses we are happy with considering the expectation the pair of you have put out for us.”

    Sarah gave Wulfric a very loud kiss on the cheek and stood. “Some of us are lucky enough to find someone we like well enough in the beginning. And the few of us who are able to marry for love find that it only multiplies by the day.” She combed her fingers through Wulfric’s hair. “I need to go lie down for a while.”

    “I will come up to read to you for a while later.”

    “Thank you, love.” She kissed the top of his head and left the room.

    Anthony heard Naomi sigh from the doorway. “I hope Reginald and I are like this when we’re old.”

    Wulfric scoffed. “Old? Naomi Grace, we are not old.”

    Naomi shrugged. “Much older than I.” She sauntered over to the sideboard and started filling a plate.

    Anthony shook his head. His father wasn’t so very young. In fact, he was the oldest person inside their family still living. Osborne men historically didn’t tend to live much past their fiftieth birthdays. And it terrified him, even at twenty-three.

    A footman walked in with a note and handed it to Anthony. “For you, my lord.”

    “Thank you.” Anthony took the envelope and immediately recognized Susan’s writing.

    Please come over as soon as possible. There are so very many books and I have no clue what to do with them. Teddy and Livvie keep stacking them all and knocking them over. Bartholomew has absconded with at least a dozen. And I miss you. Bring your sisters. Surely I can find something to occupy them.

    Anthony folded the paper and slipped it back into the envelope. “Zo? Nome? Fancy a day helping Susan get her books organized?”

    Zoe clapped her hands happily. “I would love it!”

    Naomi shook her head. “Reginald is taking me to look at some horses. He promised me a new carriage and everything. He chose the carriage already, but I demanded the chance to approve horses. So I simply cannot give it up.”

    His sister continued to chatter on about the horses. Naomi always spoke more than was entirely necessary. Zoe look dejected. After all these years with her twin, they were now starting to live separate lives. Anthony silently promised that he would do all he could to include Zoe in his world once Naomi was married.

    Naomi finally stopped with, “I hope you have fun with the books, though. Reginald and I will stop by afterward to tell you all about it.”

    Zoe smiled, but it didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Thank you, Nome.”

    “Oh, it will be no trouble.” Naomi was off again.

****

    Susan stood in the middle of a room just off the drawing room. She was surrounded with several stacks of books. Livvie and Teddy were in a corner with another stack of books. Anthony watched them a few moments as the children stood a pair of books on their ends and then laid another on top.

    “Hello, Lord Anthony!” Teddy said when he noticed the new presence. “We’re making houses!”

    “Houses, eh?” Anthony glanced to Susan, who had an exasperated look on her face, and then back to the children. “Would you like to show Lady Zoe your nursery?” He pointed with his thumb toward Zoe. “She was just saying how much she wanted to see that rocking horse of yours.”

    Teddy’s eyes lit up and he ran across the room, taking Zoe by the hand and trying to drag her out of the room. “It’s blue!”

    Livvie walked over much slowly. “It’s brown,” she corrected, “with blue eyes.” She took Zoe’s other hand and they all walked out of the room together.

    Zoe glanced over her shoulder. “I will be back to help soon.”

    “Thank you!” Susan called after her. Then she looked to Anthony. “And thank you.”

    “Where is the nanny?”

    “She is no longer working with us.” Susan sighed. “I misread a signal. I made an advance and offended her.”

    “Damn.” Anthony chewed his lip. “Do you think she will say anything to anyone?”

    She shrugged. “I have no idea. And right now, I don’t care. We’re engaged. It was in the paper this morning, so it’s official and everything. If she says something, I can deny it with proof.” She bent over another stack of books. “Your father’s men are bringing the shelves today, right?”

    “They should be.” He looked around. “Is this enough room?”

    She shook her head. “I will have to pare them all down to have enough space. But I don’t want to sell from here. I’m considering not opening the shop at all.”

    “But what will you do with yourself if you aren’t selling books?”

    “Run this house. Take care of the children. Join a committee or two.” She plopped down on the floor and pulled a book off the top of the pile. “This was my father’s favorite.”

    Anthony sat down beside her. “My mother is having another baby. Can you believe it?” He reached up and pushed a piece of hair behind Susan’s ear. “It got me thinking.”

    She looked up, horror in her eyes. “About children? Are you expecting to have some with me? You’re the second son. Are you required—”

    He shrugged. “I suppose it’s silly. How would we even achieve it?”

    “You’re the only one that would need to actually achieve anything. I’d just have to lie there.” She grinned at him, her eyes softening. “If it’s something you want, we will try. Once we’re married, of course.”

    “We don’t need to. It was just…” He sighed and leaned back on his hands. “I never saw myself as a father. But in six months, I will have three children. And I will have done nothing to get them but marry you.”

    She mirrored his position. “That’s all men have to do anyway.”

    He shook his head. “My father has always been as much a part of our upbringing as our mother. We had a nanny, but she was never our sole caregiver. We never were paraded in front of our parents and their friends for all of five minutes to show their accomplishments. Or sent away to school. I knew plenty of my friends from school who barely knew their parents because they were just seen for a few minutes at a time every day. We spent hours with Mama and Papa. They would read to us and play with us and talk with us. We had picnics and took carriage rides around the park.” He looked at her. “I want to be that kind of father.”

    “Then you will be.”

    “They aren’t really my children. They won’t see it. Society won’t see it. And I will try to, but I don’t know if I will either.”

    “If you spend the time with them that you wish, you’ll be more their father than any other man of your station with their natural children.” She patted his hand. “Now, come along and help me. I’m feeling very overwhelmed.” She stood and held out a hand to him.

    Anthony took the hand Susan offered and allowed her to help him to his feet. He stood just a few inches from her for a moment. They had been this close before, he knew. He remembered the little flecks of brown in her green eyes and the freckles that dotted her cheeks. A crooked smile played on her lips.

    He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose.

    She laughed and slapped playfully at his shoulder. “Come along, you.” She picked up the book she’d said was her father’s favorite. “Where in the world did I put the Ds?”

    A short time later, Zoe came into the room. “How can I help?”

    Anthony watched as Susan became unsure of herself for a moment. Then she pointed to the books they had yet to sort and explained what they were doing. If Anthony didn’t know any better, he would have sworn Zoe was being extra interested in every word Susan said. But perhaps it was just that she was happy to be doing something instead of moping alone at home without Naomi.

    The shelves arrived and Susan led the men into the adjoining music room to set them up.

    Zoe paused in her sorting a moment and watched through the open door. Anthony followed her gaze and saw Susan standing there with one hand on her hip and the other on her forehead.

    “How many were broken?”

    “Five of them, ma’am.” One of the men said. “We do apologize. We did our best to get them here in the best shape.”

    She heaved a sigh and threw her hands in the air. “Just put them all in here and I’ll find someone to repair the broken ones. Thank you.�� She came back in and wrapped her arms around Anthony’s waist, pressing her eyes into his shoulder.

    “There was an altercation on the road and some of the shelves fell off the wagon. One completely fell apart. And a few others can possibly be repaired.”

    Anthony gave her a small squeeze. “I know of a competent carpenter.”

    Susan looked up. “My father made these, Anthony.”

    He placed his hands on her cheeks. “I know. And they are beautifully constructed. Most of them are still intact. It will be fine. We will get someone that can repair the damaged ones and make a new one to replace the one that is completely gone.” He kissed her forehead. “It will be fine, Suzie.”

    She nodded and pressed her eyes to his shoulder once more. “I miss him today more than I have in a long time.”

    Zoe said softly, “Will you tell me about your father?”

    Susan stepped out of Anthony’s embrace and went back to the books. “Not many people liked him. But it wasn’t for his lack of trying. He was different in many obvious ways. But he always worked hard to be liked. He always did his best to get any book a person was looking for, even if it hadn’t had a new printing. He knew all the right people to contact. He was clever and he was kind.” She stopped, looking down at the book in her hands. “My mother fell in love with him when she was your age and she ran off to marry him. Her father had refused to let her marry a merchant, much less a black one. But she wouldn’t listen. My grandfather disinherited her and cut her off from the family. My mother always told me that my grandmother and aunt wanted to meet me, but my grandfather wouldn’t allow it.”

    “Did they know when your grandfather died? Your parents, I mean?” Zoe asked.

    “I think they did. I remember just before my mother died, there was a letter that had her sobbing. She went to her room. I asked Papa what was wrong and he said it was bad news. Mama told me later my grandparents both had passed on. I suppose she was crying more for her mother than her father.”

    One of the workers came in. “We have the damaged shelves, ma’am. You said you wanted to look at them.”

    “Yes.” Susan followed the man into the other room.

    “I didn’t know her father was black.” Zoe said softly.

    “He passed. She does a better job of it with her skin being even lighter. And the red hair. But I remember people weren’t always nice. Even people who had known Maxwell Wright for decades and knew him to be a decent man treated him with contempt.”

    “Why treat someone that way just because they have different colored skin?”

    Anthony shrugged. “I know slavery is an American problem, but it used to be ours as well. We are not immune to cruelty. None of us are, no matter how modern we think ourselves and those around us. We just all do our best to be good people. Apologize when we make mistakes or at the very least try not to make them again.”

    “Anthony, will you come look at this?” Susan called from the other room.

    Anthony put down the book he was holding and made his way into the other room. The wood was severely cracked on several of the cases, but they could very possibly be salvaged, Anthony was sure.

    “I will send a note to the man I know to come have a look. This isn’t the end of the world. We can make the repairs.” Anthony squeezed Susan’s hand. “Thank you for your hard work here. We greatly appreciate it.”

    Bartholomew came into the room and held out a book. “What is this word?”

    Susan took the book and looked it over. She pronounced it, Bartholomew repeated it, and then he left the room once more.

    Anthony grinned. The boy was already starting to trust Susan with small things. Good. He’ll be able to fully trust her with larger things later on.

[crossbows-and-moonshine]

Lunacy Fringe (Chapter 4)

Got so much shit to do, almost forgot to upload this one today loool

-------------------

Two days passed with Daryl gone, and Zoey was all over the place. Rick felt bad for the poor girl. When he’d check on her she was either distant or crying. He tried his best to soothe her but it was evident it wasn't enough, he wasn't Daryl. He’d been using the list Daryl had given him, but it didn't seem to help much.

~~~

Rick glanced at the list in his hands, it was crumpled to hell and he didn't need to ask to know that Daryl must have used it multiple times a day.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine Daryl,” Rick sighed, trying to comfort him a little as he watched Daryl gnawing on his thumb as he paced back and forth in the living room. Zoey was asleep upstairs, Daryl didn’t want to wake her just yet, he was dreading telling her.

“Ya just...make sure she eats alright? Sometimes she don’t feel like it but ya gotta get her to...And...if she starts havin’ a panic attack, do the breathin’ exercises on the list so she don’t fuckin’ pass out,” he grumbled, a deep scowl on his face as he was practically wearing a hole in the carpet where he paced.

“I got it Daryl, trust me. I’ve dealt with people dealing with trauma before,” Rick soothed, but it didn’t seem to ease Daryl's worry any. Rick started to feel bad for asking Daryl to leave as he watched how concerned he was, but he needed Daryl, he couldn't have him holed up in his house forever. He hadn’t expected him to care this much about leaving the poor girl. Daryl just grunted a little and wiped a hand over his face, his whole body felt like it was thrumming with anxiety and he fucking hated it.

“She uh...She likes to read so just...make sure she’s got books handy, keeps her distracted. And don’t let anyone in the fuckin’ house when I ain’t there or she’ll freak out, get upset... Don’t wanna have to kick fuckin’ asses as soon as I get back,” he huffed with a scowl, shaking his head a little. Rick tried to suppress the smile at how he seemed an awful lot like an overprotective boyfriend.

“I won’t Daryl, I swear...You really care about her huh?” he asked cautiously, wanting to talk to him about it but knowing how defensive Daryl could get with a touchy subject. Daryl stilled, tensing slightly before grunting and looked at Rick.

“Don’t know what ya talkin’ about,” he scoffed as he made his way to the door, not really surprising Rick with his avoidance in talking about it. He opened the door but paused, not turning to look at RIck.

“Just keep her fuckin’ safe,” he grumbled before leaving and slamming the door behind him.

~~~

Zoey would lay on the couch barely moving, she refused to eat when Carol brought her food. Carol told her stories and tried to just distract her but she was restless and scared. On the third day she decided to shower, she hadn't had one since she got there and Carol had convinced her she would feel better. After Carol left, Zoey trudged up the stairs. It felt like her body weighed a tonne, all the fear and anxiety weighing her down. She wondered where Daryl was, if he was okay, when he would return. She got undressed and looked at herself in the mirror for the first time in a very long time. Her heart shattered as she looked at the broken woman before her. But what made her sick was the flaming red word etched into her stomach. In a burst in anger, she cried out as she punched the mirror, watching as the pieces cracked and some fell away. Her hand was bloody but she didn't care, the pain was a welcome distraction from the pain inside of her heart. She turned the shower on and stood there motionless as the water hit her body. It did nothing to ease her mind as the dirt and grime left her body and swirled down the drain. She wasn't sure how long she had been in there, she had ended up sat down hugging her knees, pitiful sobs escaping her lips. She was terrified Frank would come back, she couldn't escape her memories of all that had happened to her. Every time she closed her eyes she could feel their hands on her and it made her sick.

When Daryl and Aaron pulled into Alexandria, he practically jumped out of the car before it had stopped. Aaron had noticed how tense Daryl had been the whole time, it was obvious he was worried about Zoey, and Aaron didn't blame him. He’d met her once, she was squashed into the corner of the couch like a scared abused animal as she trembled. Daryl next to her talking low and soothing to calm her, a side Aaron had never seen to the hunter. Everyone in the community was talking about the new girl and how attached Daryl seemed to be with her. It was only fueled more by those who had witnessed first hand how angry he got at unwanted visitors that had upset her.

Daryl didn't stop to see anyone else, and Aaron didn't protest when he just left and didn't help bring in the supplies, he knew he'd probably get punched if he did with how tightly wound he was.

Daryl walked into the house and stood still. The silence was eerie. It wasn't like he was expecting her to be chatting away or anything, but there was something in the air that felt off, that tingling again like he had when he met her.

“Zo?” he called out gruffly, walking in and looking around. But there was no sign of her and she didn't respond. He felt his heart rate pick up as he took the stairs two at a time.

“Zoey? Ya here?” he called out again as he glanced into the bedrooms to see her nowhere. He stopped at the bathroom and heard the shower running, knocking on the door loudly.

“Ya in there girl?” he asked with a frown, again nothing but the sound of the shower could be heard. His heart dropped, what if she was hurt? What if she had slipped or what if she had hurt herself? He panicked and slammed his hand on the door.

“Zoey! Fuckin’ answer me ‘fore I knock the damn door down!” he didn't mean to sound so angry but he couldn’t help it, he was worried. He listened carefully and then he heard it. Ever so softly, the small sobs. He felt relief that she wasn't fucking dead but his heart ached at the sound.

“I’m comin’ in girl!” he stated as he tested the handle, pleased to find it unlocked. He stopped in the doorway, feeling like he’d been winded at the sight of her. Her small tiny frame huddled naked in the bath, hugging her knees as she sobbed softly. Her whole body was trembling from the ice-cold water that was raining down on her. In the bright white light of the bathroom, he could clearly see each and every scar that littered the parts of her body that was visible to him. Burns, cuts, lashes. It filled him with rage, but the rage turned to sadness when another pitiful sob escaped her lips.

“Fuck,” he muttered as he walked over to the bath, grabbing a towel on the way as he turned off the shower. He wrapped the large towel around her like a blanket and it was only then she seemed to notice he was there, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. It made his heart clench that she would be so happy to see him. He never felt like he was worth shit, it confused him why she seemed to need him so much. He looked at her almost pained at the state of her, reaching out and sliding her soaked hair from her face.

“Shit girl, the fuck happened?” he asked quietly, noticing her bloody hand and taking it in his own, examining it. He hadn't noticed the broken mirror when he came in because he was so distracted by the broken girl in the bathtub. She avoided his eyes, her cheeks flushing with shame that she had done that, and he frowned even more. He dropped her hand and took her face, making him look at her.

“I’m here ‘right? Yer safe...Fuck...I shouldn't have left, I’m fuckin’ sorry girl,” the guilt was starting to eat him up. He knew she wasn't ready to be alone, yet he did it anyway. And now she was hurt and sad and it made his heart bleed for some reason. She furrowed her brow as she looked at him with her large bright eyes, shaking her head a little.

“It's not your fault,” she whispered meekly, her eyes so sincere Daryl felt all funny on the inside and it confused him.

“Is my fault, should never have left ya,” he lamented, beating himself up as he looked away from her. Her small hand reached out and took his, making him look at her in surprise. She blinked at him a little as she just held his hand.

“Missed you,” it was two simple words but her earnest look made Daryl feel like he was falling off the edge of a cliff. He looked down, unable to keep her gaze as he swallowed thickly, braving a glance at her through his hair.

“Missed ya too girl,” he replied softly with a sigh. She smiled a little, something that warmed Daryl's chest as he saw it. She smiled. For him. It was weird and he wasn't sure how to feel about it.

“Alright, let's get ya outta here. Catch yer death in here,” he huffed roughly as he helped her up. He was very aware of how naked she was, the towel not covering her properly, and he averted his eyes as he helped her out of the tub.

“Ya be alright to get dressed?” he asked as he looked at her through his hair again, chewing his thumb anxiously. She nodded and looked down, letting him leave as she got herself dressed. When she came back to her room Daryl was sat on the bed, still worrying his thumb as his leg bobbed up and down. He looked at her as she came in and she went and sat on the bed next to him. They were silent for a moment, Daryl wanted to reach out and touch her, soothe her. He’d missed her badly when he was away. Every single thought was about her, what she was doing, if she was okay. Was she having a nightmare? Was she having a panic attack? Would anyone be there to help her? He didn't know why he couldn't stop thinking about her.

Try as he might, he stayed still. Self-doubt creeping in and second-guessing himself.

“I don’t want you to leave again,” she said sadly as she just stared at the floor in front of her. Her words sent a pain through his heart, along with a large dose of guilt because he knew it was inevitable that he would have to. Even if he wanted to just lock them both away in the house, it wasn’t an option. He didn’t know what to say to her, he didn’t want to lie but he knew the truth would hurt her. He couldn’t remember the last time he worried about the weight of his words with someone.

She glanced up at him with her sad blue eyes and he had to look away. He couldn't take the weight of her gaze, it was killing him. She sighed softly as she leant her head on his shoulder. He tensed slightly before relaxing again, licking his lower lip. Usually he was the one reaching out to her, to comfort her, but twice today she seemed to have just come to him without prompting. Holding his hand in the shower and now leaning on him. Warmth spread through his chest, something he wasn’t used to or even sure why it was happening. All he knew was, he liked her reaching out to him like this.

“Zoey-” he started as he glanced down at her.

“No, I know. You have to. I just...Don’t want you to,” she whispered as she closed her eyes. He couldn't help but think that was the most words he’d probably heard leave her mouth in one go and his lips quirked up in a little smile. It soon fell though when he remembered what state he had found her in when he got back. He sighed and moved away, turning to face her a little. She looked at him confused and if he wasn’t mistaken, a little disappointed that he had moved away.

“What happened? To ya hand?” he asked with a furrowed brow, making her glance to her hand that now had small cuts on her knuckles. Her face flushed and she bit her lower lip as she refused to look at him.

“Zo, please. Fuckin’ talk to me,” he pleaded, not tearing his eyes away from her. He didn’t want her to think he was mad at her so he took her sore hand in between his large ones, stroking it ever so softly. She ventured a glance up at him and he could see she was working up the courage to tell him so he stayed silent.

“I got mad,” she admitted softly, her brow furrowing a little as she looked at their hands together. She liked the warmth, the comfort his touch brought her.

“Mad at what?” he asked curiously, his voice low and soothing. He still didn't take his eyes off her. He was finding it harder and harder not to look at her in the days she’d arrived here. She exhaled softly and licked her lower lip, a movement that seemed to draw Daryl's eyes involuntarily.

“Myself...My scars...Frank…” she spat the name like it was venom on her tongue and Daryl felt her tense up a little. He nodded when he put the pieces together in his mind, that she had seen her reflection and it had upset her. He honestly couldn't blame her for being upset. The man had marked her in such a way it would be impossible to ever completely forget. In a way, it was like an act of humiliation as a punishment for trying to leave him. To make sure that no matter where she was, he would always be there with her. She could never escape him.

He wasn’t really sure what to say, he knew nothing he said could make her feel better and as much as he wished he could, it wasn't like he could remove every last mark the evil man had left on her beautiful body. He knew himself just what it felt like to live with scars. To have that constant reminder following him like a dark shadow in the night. To feel the shame and anger that they brought with them. He nibbled his thumb a little before sighing, standing up before he changed his mind. He took off his vest and threw it on the bed, then started unbuttoning his shirt. Her cheeks flushed furiously, not sure what was going on, but trusting him enough to know it wasn't anything she needed to be scared of. Once he was shirtless, he took a deep breath to prepare himself. He’d never voluntarily shown anyone his scars, but part of him hoped that if she could see she wasn't the only one, that he had them too, then maybe she might feel the tiniest bit better about herself. He was willing to do this. For her.

After bracing himself, he turned around so she could see his back. He was met with complete silence and his heart dropped a little. He wondered if he’d gone too far, or if she thought he was as repulsive as he felt with those damn marks on him. He suddenly tensed as he felt feather-light fingers stroking his skin, glancing over his shoulder in shock to see her stood behind him. He turned his head again, not able to look at her when he felt so vulnerable, but he let her process this the way she needed too.

Her fingers were soft and gentle as she traced the harsh bumps on his skin. She knew what those marks were, what caused them, she had some of those herself. She felt her heart ache a little and she pushed back tears that someone could do this to the man who had saved her, the man who fought so fiercely to keep her safe.

“Who?” she asked harshly, surprising Daryl by how angry she sounded. He’d never heard that tone come from the timid girl before. It made him feel all kinds of funny that she sounded somewhat protective of him.

“My old man,” he replied softly, feeling shame sweep up through his entire body, making the tips of his ears go pink. He heard her take a deep breath and then he felt her arms envelop him, wrapped around his middle with her face pressed against his back. He released a breath, his heart aching dully in his chest as he brought a hand over hers. A strange feeling of acceptance and relief flowing through him. She wasn't running a mile, she wasn't repulsed. She accepted him, she was fucking hugging him and it made him almost tear up.

They stayed like that for a moment. What had started as his attempt to help and soothe her ended up being the other way around. When she eventually pulled away from him, he felt the cold emptiness swallow him whole and he couldn't fathom why this girl was making him feel all kinds of things he’d never felt. Things he’d never wanted to feel. He turned to look at her and saw her sat on the bed looking at him as she handed him his shirt back. He put it on and started buttoning it. Before he could speak, she lifted her shirt over her head, making him inhale sharply in surprise. She was wearing a black bra and she gently placed her shirt on the bed, he noticed her hands trembling slightly.

“Zoey, ya don't have-” she shushed him dismissively and shook her head, making him stay rooted to his spot on the floor. He was trying his hardest not to look at her body, as much as his instincts really fucking wanted him to. She stood up and turned around like he had, showing him only a fraction of the pain she had been through. He’d already seen most after seeing her in the shower, but to see her like this, voluntarily baring herself to him despite how fragile she was, it was a different feeling altogether.

He felt the anger sweep through him as he took in the various scars on her back, noticing they weaved around her sides too. There wasn’t much of her perfect pale skin that was untouched and it lit a rage in Daryl unlike anything he had felt before. His silence unnerved her and she turned around, looking up at him with her big blue eyes looking unsure with herself. He swallowed thickly as his eyes travelled along her body, seeing even more scars until his eyes reached the one that made him feel murderous. Frank. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, freaking out now wouldn't make her feel any fucking better about herself, he had to shove the rage deep down. He reached a shaky hand up as if to touch her, much like she had done to him. But he faltered, unsure of himself or how she would react to something like this. Her small hand darted out and took his, reassuring him it was okay as she placed it on her stomach where she was branded for life by a man that Daryl deemed unworthy of even looking at her.

He clenched his jaw, closing his eyes, and as she watched him, she could feel the anger coming off him in waves. But she knew it wasn't directed at her, he was feeling just how she had when she saw herself in the mirror. He splayed his hand on the brand, covering it up and wishing when he would eventually remove it, that it would be gone. Despite the situation and his anger, her skin under his sent a flush of tingles down his spine, his breathing picking up slightly. His thumb slowly stroked the jagged skin as he looked at her through his hair. She gave him a weak smile, but he couldn't bring himself to return it. Not when he could feel the rage bubbling up like a boiling pot about to boil over. He was grateful though. Not only had she accepted him with no hesitation after seeing him like no one else had before, but she also trusted him so much that she was baring herself to him like this. Showing him the pain she had suffered, the darkest parts of her existence.

“I guess we’re both damaged,” she sighed sadly as she looked down at his hand, which still lay against her stomach. It didn't make her feel uneasy or scared, it was comforting to her. It made a warmth spread through her chest that she hadn't felt in a good number of years.

“Nah. Ain’t damaged... Survivors,” he corrected firmly. He levelled his gaze at her, even though she wasn't looking at him. For most of his life he felt damaged, his past and the physical reminders weighing heavy on him. But as time went on, he endured more heartbreak and loss he thought the world could throw at him. And now standing here with Zoey, those words left his mouth without him even realising that he didn't see himself as damaged anymore. Especially not when she herself was covered in more marks than he was. He didn't see her as damaged in the slightest. He saw someone who endured so much pain and torment, yet was still standing. That didn't give up, had not opted out. She was strong, and now she was here, with him, and safe. She finally met his eyes and gave him a shy smile with a nod.

“Survivors,” she agreed, her smile widening a little, she liked the sound of that. He couldn't help but give her a smile back this time, seeing her face light up when she smiled, knowing he was the one to make her feel better. He reluctantly moved his hand away and stepped back just slightly and she moved to sit on the bed, pulling her top back over her head.

He wiped a hand over his face, trying to clear his head from the emotionally charged moments since he’d returned. The image of her huddled in the shower sobbing, covered in scars and a bloody hand was seared into his mind now. He would do whatever it took to make sure that didn't fucking happen again. He felt slightly drained. He couldn't remember the last time he felt such a whirlwind of emotions, especially not caused by one person alone. Half of him was trying to shove all the feelings down. What good would they do? She only wanted him around because she felt safe around him. He had a hard time believing she actually liked him, no one ever liked him. They just liked anything he could offer them. Which in his opinion was little to nothing anyway. But on the other hand, she trusted him so fiercely, got mad at the person who had hurt him, he couldn't help but almost give in to whatever the fuck he was feeling. The urge to be around her, to touch her whenever he could, to soothe her. It was overwhelming and confusing. Intoxicating almost, but he wasn't sure if he would have it any other way.

“Alright, let's go get some food. Fuckin’ starved after all this emotional shit,” he huffed, shooting her a small smile when he heard her snort slightly. Yeah, he would happily accept all these confusing feelings just to see her smile. Fuckin’ worth it every damn time.

Taglist; @risingphoenix761 @daryldixonandfrogs @arlaina28 @divadinag @keeperofwonderlandus @jodiereedus22 @easnuppa @fand0m-fiend @txladyj-blog @walkingdead-dixon

[chrysalispen]

kiss prompt fill: “because i’ve missed you”

taking a break from the other thing i was working on to write this thing. i realize this is a trope i’ve done a few times now, but in my defense it’s mostly because this man’s real and true alignment is Chaotic Dumbass and we all know the second the WoL fucked off to the First Reflection he’d be 1000000% back on his bullshit, said bullshit including ‘forgoing basic self care such as eating, sleep, and/or hydration for the chance to get his hands on that sweet sweet Allagan technology’ 

that said i legit don’t know if i’ll toss this one on AO3 or not, because it was mostly a writing exercise in working out how this character would react to everything that had happened once the dust had settled, and i’m not really confident enough to post it anywhere outside my tumblr. maybe. we’ll see ;

anyway, spoilers for end of Shadowbringers MSQ under the cut, don’t read unless you’ve finished the game.

========================================

"Your timing couldn't be better," Cid said as their footfalls pounded up the staircase. "Godsdamned fool gave himself a cold while he was afield, probably sitting out in the elements and tinkering with something. He and I were arguing about... well..."

"His abrupt departure from the Ironworks, I assume," she supplied with a sigh.

"Yes, actually-- and he looked about to drop dead on the spot. Jessie helped me strongarm him upstairs and into bed. He protested, of course. Loudly. I'm fair certain all of the Toll heard him swearing at us."

"You've not called a chirurgeon?"

"He wouldn't let us. You know how stubborn he is." He shrugged, expression tight with annoyance. "I thought maybe he'd cry uncle if we just gave him his wish and let him suffer a bit, but he hasn't attempted to get out of bed even to come rifle through his schematics-"

"That is very unlike him."

"I know. Mistress Tataru let it slip you'd returned, so..."

"You want me to get him back in fighting shape so you can shake Rowena's money out of him," the Warrior of Light said dryly.

"Something like that."

"Guest room?"

"Guest room."

A familiar figure was curled up into a tight ball beneath the thin quilt when they walked through the door. All that was readily visible was a stray tuft of pale blonde hair, disheveled and half-scattered over a down pillow.

"For the last time, go away," a hoarse and slightly nasal voice growled. "Must I repeat myself? This is humiliating enough as it is without your hovering."

Cid crossed his arms, casting his eyes heavenward as if to say you see what I've been dealing with in your absence?  "Nero, I'm not going to have you expire in my godsdamned workshop. You are going to see a chirurgeon whether you like it or not.”

“Like hells I will.” This punctuated by a series of hacking coughs.

“I've brought-"

"I don't bloody care who you brought, Garlond. Bugger off, both of you," the sick man grumped. "I'll be fine with a day's rest."

Aurelia sat down on the edge of the bed. Without looking she reached over Nero's shoulder and pressed her left hand against his brow, right over his third eye, as if checking his temperature. The gesture was a very rude one, but she wanted him to focus on her presence in a way he physically could not ignore (and she figured the two of them were well past concern over etiquette anyway).

As she'd expected, that svelte frame tensed and she felt a calloused hand grip her wrist in surprise. His palm was paper-dry and hot as a furnace.

"Cid," she said calmly without looking over her shoulder, "if you happen to have any pine resin on hand, could I please have two or three cakes? Also, I'll need water and some stones. Flat smooth-sided ones."

"Pine balsam? What are you going to do, hero, mop the floor?" the other engineer muttered between coughs, voice half-muffled beneath his blanket. Cid and Aurelia both ignored him.

"Jess handles procurement, but I'm sure we'll have something that common in storage. The stones will take a bit longer, I think. I'll go have a look myself and leave you two be for now." 

Bless you, Cid. The meaningful look her best friend gave the two of them, his gaze drifting over to the man in the bed, had not been lost on her. Nor was the tiny smirk playing about his lips, crinkling at the corners of his eyes as though he and Aurelia shared some secret jest.

The door had barely shut behind him when Nero mumbled: "Hadn't expected you back for moons yet."

"I hadn't expected me back either." Aurelia sighed, lifting her hand from his forehead to gently run her fingers through his mussed, sweat-dampened curls. "There's some unfinished business, but the immediate threat is gone."

"Threat?"

"The Ascians, you remember them-"

"Black robes, red masks? 'Course I do." Another cough. "What caper were they up to this time?"

"One that very nearly killed every single one of us, myself included, without our knowledge."

When he didn't answer, she decided to just tell him as much of the whole truth as she thought he could stomach. There was no easy way to say any of it without sounding mad, anyroad. 

"Suffice to say some very old academic assumptions about aetherology were incorrect, Varis is an even bigger bastard than I took him for, you lot - the Ironworks, that is - pieced together how to construct a temporal stasis reactor before you all died, Biggs and Wedge's grandchildren used those notes to enter the Crystal Tower and use it as a channeling focus to move its one inhabitant across time and interdimensional space and he's the one who was calling us all this time - you remember G’raha Tia, of course you do - I found out the others are fine and their souls are just trapped somewhere else, I met Solus zos Galvus, who is- was- actually an Ascian and somehow that wasn't even close to the most outrageous thing that happened-"

"Aurelia-"

She held up a hand.

"Then I found out that the Garlean Empire was brought into being specifically to end the world as we know it and make all of us blood sacrifices to Zodiark so the Ascians could resurrect their friends from the dead. ...Also I was very nearly turned into a hideous world-ending monster, but I'm fine now," she finished tiredly, passing a hand over her eyes. "I think that just about covers everything of import. The other Scions say hello, by the by."

"Aurelia."

"What?"

He released her hand, threw one arm around her waist, and rolled over with a pained grunt.

"...What are you doing?"

"Welcoming you back, what's it look like?" His head tilted slowly side to side against her bosom. She heard the wet sound of his inhale, or his attempt at one before he convulsed in another coughing fit. “Hells, I feel like death.”

"Don't expect my sympathy. It's your own fault. I told you you'd catch a cold up there if you weren't careful."

Nero shrugged. "If I die, at least now I can die as happy as any man in this hard old world could expect."

She felt his other hand slip beneath her shirt and her camise, riding up just below the curvature of her breasts. 

Catching him by the wrist, she glared down at him. "Before you even ask, we are not trysting in Cid Garlond's guest bedroom. I don't think you could manage it even if I were game."

"All work and no play as usual." Mock pouting, he rolled over onto his back, but did not remove his hand from its place beneath her shirt. 

Hot fingertips traced light patterns over the surface of her stomach, and she understood that his banter was just banter-- what he wanted was the contact. She relaxed against the down pillows on the headboard and continued to run her fingers through his hair. "Scaeva, you know damned well you'd choke on your own phlegm the moment I sat on your face."

Nero let out a surprised, spluttering cackle that quickly ended in another coughing fit. "Please don't make me laugh," he gasped, rather plaintively. "Feels like a godsdamned gigas is sitting on my chest every time."

"I'm sure it does. You've likely let your cold turn into pneumonia, because you're possibly the most idiotic smart man in all Hydaelyn."

"Ah, how the wheel of time does turn. That Academy-trained bedside manner of yours rears its head once more."

"You should be glad of my training right now. Cid was absolutely correct in trying to force you to see a chirurgeon." She leaned over and kissed him right above his third eye. "I'm going to impose disgusting potions and bed rest upon you, and you can't escape me."

He let out a groan, one arm flung dramatically over his eyes. A stray platinum blond curl escaped to flop sadly over his wrist. "My hero."

"I'm serious. If you try to leave this bed before I say you can, I will find you."

"All right, all right! I will put up with Garlond for a day or two lest I incur the eikon-slayer's wrath. Satisfied?"

"Yes. Now sit up. You can lean on me while I fix your pillows."

"Lean on y-" Nero glared up at her, obviously insulted. "I'm not an invalid."

The flat, unimpressed stare she leveled in his direction would have made Emet-Selch proud. 

After a moment's attempt at defiance and an exasperated muttering beneath his breath which she chose to ignore, Nero finally propped himself up into a half-sitting position with his back against her chest, the expression on his face something approaching mutinous. 

Aurelia patted a cheek made even rougher with stubble than usual-- likely he hadn't shaved in a day or two. He was wearing an old work tunic, half-undone with most of the buttons fastened through the wrong holes, as if it had been done in a hurry. Her palm flattened briefly over the soft mat of wiry hair on his partially exposed chest.

"So..." she said after another beat of silence, "that's that, is it?"

"What's what?"

"You're just... not going to comment on all that information I dropped on you? Not your death? Not Cid's time machine? Not even 'oh yes by the way the Emperor was an Ascian'?"

"Would it make you feel better if I pretend to be shocked by that last revelation? We both grew up in Garlemald's loving clutches," he scoffed, glancing up at her with fever-bloodshot blue eyes. "We have a continent-spanning war machine, darling. It don't exactly scream 'peaceful land of flowers and kittens', does it?"

She poked him in the chest, gently, but with enough emphasis to make him wince. "You were a cog in that machine until fairly recently, Tribunus."

"As were you."

"Yes." Aurelia's amused smile faded. "I suppose neither of us are innocent."

"I suppose not." He shivered, coughing again, and that was her cue to draw the blanket back over them both. She tucked her head against his, both her arms now draped loosely about his shoulders. One of his hands closed over her forearm and gave it a small squeeze.

She leaned forward, but Nero saw immediately what she was about and tilted her chin to the side with two fingertips before their lips could meet. "None of that, love, not unless you plan to join me in this misery. Save it for later."

Aurelia knew he was right--he was in fact being downright sensible, for once--but she felt a stab of disappointment anyway. When she'd entered the Ocular from the Norvrandt side she'd been half-drowning in homesickness and grief, and she'd been looking forward to sleeping in her own bed and bathing in her own house and just... letting all of the stress wash away, really. But she'd been looking forward to-

A hand closed about her wrist and lifted and Aurelia felt the press of his lips, a kiss that was warm and careful and very soft, against her open palm. Then he carefully placed it against his rough cheek and laced his fingers through hers, mouth curved in a faint and rather bleary-eyed smile.

"Missed you," he murmured--then promptly sneezed.

She laughed, despite herself.

"I missed you too," she said lightly. "Now go back to sleep. I've got work to do."

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

[k-llama-llama]

Carry You

Monsta X AU: 8th member

Zoey x Monsta X

Zoey gets a little bit drunk and shares some of her concerns.

A/N:Tell me what you think of this post!!!!

If you like this, consider helping me out by buying me a coffee HERE!

Requests are OPEN : Submit them! I need them!

MASTERLIST

Zoey slammed her glass down on the table. “And then...You won’t believe this...but she lost her memory!”

The boys had been listening to Zoey’s drunken rendition of some drama for the past fifteen minutes. This was a usual occurrence whenever they went drinking. Zoey would try to keep up with them, but she was a lightweight if there ever was one. So while the rest of Monsta X were all tipsy, she was flat out drunk.

Shownu nodded to Kihyun and he sneakily exchanged the glass in Zoey’s hand for a glass of water. She took a sip, not seeming to realize the difference, and leaned her head on Shownu’s shoulder.

Another thing about drunk Zoey: she would crash very quickly and very suddenly.

“I’ve got her.” Wonho offered, coming around the table and resting a hand on her back. “Zo, c’mon, get on my back. We’re going to go home.”

She shook her head. “Imma walk.”

“No, let me carry you.” He said. “We don’t want you to fall.”

She rolled off of Shownu’s shoulder and he was barely able to get a hand under her forehead before she slammed her head into the table. He winced, but kept his hand in place, in case she tried it again.

“But I feel bad!” She whined. “You guys always carry me.”

“Cuz you’re our baby.” Kihyun told her. “We like to carry you.”

She seemed to ignore what he said. “You carry me down the stairs, you carry me - hiccup - in the group. You carry me all over the place.”

Shownu motioned for Wonho to help him pull her to her feet. “What are you talking about, Zo? We’re going to get you home and in bed, okay?”

She groaned as she was hefted onto Wonho’s back. Her face was buried in his neck, and he gripped onto her legs to keep her from falling.

Changkyun picked up her purse and tossed it over his shoulder.

“Nice purse.” Minhyuk snorted.

Changkyun rolled his eyes. “If you want to be the one to tell her that we left her purse behind, with the keychain that a Monbebe gave her, then be my guests.”

Minhyuk held up his hands. “I was just complimenting your bag.”

“You know,” Jooheon said as they left the bar. “We should really start swapping out her drinks earlier.”

“She lets us get drunk and puts up with us.” Hyungwon said. “We can carry her around every once in a while.”

Zoey, who apparently wasn’t asleep, mumbled something.

“What was that?” Wonho asked.

She turned her face away from his neck. “I’m sorry you have to carry me.” She said sadly.

Wonho boosted her up so she wouldn’t fall. “It’s cool, Zo. I don’t mind.”

“Maybe-” She hiccuped. “Maybe you would win if you didn’t have to carry me.”

The boys around her went silent. “I think we’re talking about a different kind of carry.” Jooheon whispered.

“What do you mean, Zo? We just won a bunch of music shows.”

“If I was gone, you would have won sooner.” She said sadly, resting her forehead against the back of Wonho’s next. “It’s cold.”

“Put her down.” Shownu said. “Let’s put a jacket on her.”

Wonho set her down on a bench, and Hyungwon took off his coat and helped her into it. It was long enough that it went down past her knees, and she was almost instantly asleep once she was bundled up.

“Are we not going to talk about what she just said?” Changkyun asked incredulously.

“She’s wasted.” Kihyun cautioned. “It might mean nothing.”

“And if it means something?” Jooheon demanded.

“Then we talk about it when she’s sober.” Shownu decided. “C’mon let’s get home. We’re all going to have wicked hangovers in the morning.”

They arrived back at the apartment and Shownu and Wonho worked together to lift Zoey into her bed. They removed her shoes, propped up her head with some pillows and then fell into their own respective beds and passed out.

Shownu woke up to Zoey poking his shoulder. 

“What?” He groaned, the light bothering him.

Zoey had changed into sweatpants and a tank top, but her hair was a mess and she looked the way Shownu felt. 

“I brought you some medicine for your head.” She told him, handing him  class of water.

He grumbled his thanks and sat up, taking the pill that she offered as well. “Did you take something?”

“Yeah. Clearly it hasn’t kicked in yet.”

He groaned and lay back down. “C’mere.”

She nodded, climbing into bed next to him and tucking herself under the blankets. “Thanks for asking. I did not want to climb back up.”

She rested her head on his arm and closed her eyes, sighing deeply. “I don’t remember anything from last night.”

The memory of their conversation from the night before popped into Shownu’s head.

“Hey Zo?”

“Yeah?”

“You said some things last night.”

She groaned, burying her face in his chest. “Nothing too embarrassing, right?”

He shook his head. “No, not embarrassing. I was just wondering...do you really think that we carry you all the time?”

She laughed, and then winced. “That hurt my head. And, I don’t know. You carry me up and down most sets of stairs.”

“To keep you from breaking your face.”

“And you carried me home last night. Or was that Hoseok?”

“Mostly Hoseok.” He told her. “No, but you said something about how we ‘carry you in the group’. And that we would have more awards if you weren’t here.”

She froze. “I don’t know. I was drunk, it was nothing.”

“It has to be something.” He insisted. “That didn’t just come from nowhere.”

Zoey shrugged. “I guess...I guess it’s fair to say that it’s something I’ve thought about before.”

Shownu felt himself becoming more awake as the conversation progressed. “You’ve actually thought that we would be better off without you?”

“I mean...it would be different if I wasn’t here. And maybe a little bit different is what it would’ve taken to win.” She noticed the alarmed look on his face. “I’m not saying I don’t want to be here, Oppa. I worked hard to be in this group and I love it, and i love you guys. It’s just a thought that I’ve had, and drunk me decided to share it.”

“Good.” He said. “Because this group would suck if you weren’t here. Seriously, you’re my favourite.”

“I am?” She beamed. 

“Yes. But don’t tell the others.”

“Mmmm...kay.” She tucked herself closer to him. “Can we sleep now? My head hurts?”

Shownu felt like there was more discussion to be had, but his head hurt too and honestly he just wanted to go to sleep. 

“Fine. But we’ll talk about this later.”

“Over food?”

“When have we ever had a conversation without there being food?”

“Good point.”Her eyes closed and she took a deep breath. “I love you, Oppa. Thank you for being the best leader ever.”

“I love you too.” He promised. “I can’t imagine doing this without you.”

[zerolympiustrife]

ZOS’ short stories 12

Title: Family Shenanigans (FFVII x RWBY)

(Note: This is a sequel to my 10th short story: Beat them at their own game, death by blondes, and siblings.)

Ruby: Dad! Uncle Qrow! Great news!

Tai: What is it, Ruby?

Qrow: What is it, squirt?

Yang: We found our long-lost brother!

Tai (raising an eyebrow): Huh? I don’t remember having a third child.

Qrow (whispering to Tai): Either that or I don’t remember Raven having a second child. Or Summer.

Ruby: Brother! Come on in.

*A tied-up Cloud walks into the house with the biggest glare on his face*

Cloud: ...Hello. You two must be their fathers.

Tai: Uh...hello. It’s true that I’m their father, but *points at Qrow* he’s their uncle.

Qrow (sadly): I can’t be a father figure? Oh...

Cloud: I would shake both of your hands, but it appears I’ve been rudely tied up by both of your daughters.

Tai: I was about to ask, what happened?

Cloud: It’s a long - and ridiculous - story.

Yang: More like...a red-iculous story! *Holds up Ruby’s red cape*

*Tai chuckles while Cloud rolls his eyes*

Ruby: Aaaaanyways...Why don’t you tell them what happened, brother?

Cloud: Stop calling me. So here’s what happened: I was minding my own business until little miss puns-a-lot approached me and started to unleash her punful wrath upon me. So, rather than get annoyed and walk away angry, I decided to attempt to “beat her at her own game” by making puns of my own.

Tai: Oh, really now? *Looks over to Yang*

Yang: Hell yeah, he did! He made my nose bleed!

Cloud: And you made my ears bleed.

Qrow (confused): Puns make you bleed? How’s that even possible?

Cloud: Hell if I know. Anyways, during our little pun-off, we saw Blake trying to fight off against her ex-boyfriend. We both managed to defeat him with ease, as well as making a bunch of terrible one-liners. After that whole fiasco, our silly little battle ended on a tie, she declared that we’d be friends, I kept telling her “no”, then she decided that I’d be better fit as her and Ruby’s “best big brother they never had”.

Tai (baffled): Yang, is this true?

Yang: It’s true...but hey! Look on the bright side, dad! He’ll be the son you never had! Plus, he’s really strong.

Tai (thinking): Hm...well...

Cloud: Hang on, I can’t live here. Nor can I live at Beacon! I’m from another world!

Ruby/Yang: Yeah, so?

Ruby: You’ve told us story about how you lived in other worlds outside of yours! Such as World B, the Planet of Smash...

Yang: Yeah! If you have the time to live and stay in other worlds, then you have the time to live in our areas!

Qrow: You lived in other worlds?

Cloud: Yeah.

Tai: Hm...alright. Think you feel comfortable living around here for about a week?

Ruby: A week?! NO! A month! A month with our brother!

Tai: Half a month.

*Yang and Ruby look to each other*

Yang/Ruby: Deal!

Qrow: Though let’s see if my new “nephew” will agree.

Cloud: Absolutely- MMPH!

*Ruby and Yang muffles his mouth*

Yang: You hear that, dad? He said absolutely!

Ruby: That means yes!

Tai (chuckling): Alright. I’ll accept this. Under one condition, “son”.

Cloud (still muffled): Mmph?

Tai (leaning in closer and glares at him): If I see you getting touchy with my two daughters...there will be...LOTS of consequences. Do I make myself clear?

Cloud (unfazed): Mmhmmhmmph.

Tai: What?

*Ruby and Yang unmuffle him*

Cloud: Whatever.

Qrow: Ah, perfect! Welcome to the family, then!

Tai: Oh, and another thing...let’s not mention this to...her.

Raven: Not mention what to me?

*Raven suddenly appears from a portal and stands behind the Tai and Qrow*

*Yang’s eyes turn red*

Yang: YOU!

*Yang charges at her, but Raven simply pushes her away. Tai and Qrow attempt to do the same, but nothing to it*

Qrow/Tai/Yang (on the ground): Agh! Rrgh!

Ruby: Hey! How dare you- gah!

Raven (grabbing Ruby): Away with you, daughter of Summer. I have no quarrel with you, but I will not hesitate to knock you away like I did with my own daughter.

Ruby: Y-YOU! What kind of mother would- GAH!

*Raven tosses her aside and walks over to Cloud*

Yang: Cloud! Stay away from her!

Raven: Hush, child. *looks over to Cloud* ...So you’re my son?

Cloud: I am NOT your son, and I am NOT Ruby and Yang’s older brother!

Raven: I heard that you assisted my daughter and a faunus kill the infamous Adam Taurus. AND that he impaled you through the chest, but you shook it off as if it was just a light slap on the wrist.

Cloud: Yeah, so?

Raven (smiles): ...I like that.

Cloud (sarcastically): Me being impaled? Oh, you’re so very welcome.

Raven (sneeringly): Not that, you idiot. That fact that you shook off an injury such as that, and kept on going.

Cloud: Not the first time I’ve been impaled through the chest. I’ve been slashed, stabbed, shot, burned, shocked, and frozen, all at least once in my entire life, definitely more than twice in my life, and surprisingly, they weren’t enough to kill me.

Raven (smirking): Oh...really now? You must be very strong. Perhaps you may be of use to me...

Tai (getting up): Raven, no!

Qrow (getting up as well): Do not do this!

Cloud: You know, I didn’t kill that man alone. I had Yang and Blake to assist, therefore I can’t take all the credit.

Raven: ...Come with me.

Cloud: Forget it!

Raven: I don’t think you’re in a position to be speaking to your new mother like that.

Cloud: You’re not my mo- HHRGH!

*Raven knees Cloud in the groin, then drags him by his turtleneck into a portal*

Cloud: Not...again...

Ruby: Aunt Raven, no!

Raven (glares at Ruby): Do not call me that. *leaves*

10 minutes later...

Qrow (drinking beer): That Raven...what could she be plotting?

*Ruby’s drinking milk angrily*

Raven (reappears with Cloud): I’m back.

Tai: What were you two doing?

Raven: Yang Xiao Long, this man is not going to be your brother.

*Cloud is currently crossing his arms and glaring at Raven*

Yang (angrily): And why’s that?

Raven (smiling): Because he’s going to be your new father-in-law.

*Qrow and Ruby spit out their drinks, Tai and Yang’s eyes widen*

Tai/Yang: WHAT?!?

Raven (smirking): ...Just kidding. Heh.

Qrow: Jeez...don’t scare us like that.

Raven: I can do whatever the hell I want, brother. *leaves*

Yang: HEY! Rrgh! Hey, you! *grabs Cloud* What’d she do to you?!

Cloud: She wanted me to join her tribe. And I respectfully declined.

Tai: And?

Cloud: She didn’t take kindly to my response. She took her sword and attempted to impale me like Adam did, but I quickly turned to the right and she accidentally ended up setting me free from the ribbons you tied me up with. I acted quickly, grabbed my sword, and we did battle afterwards.

Ruby: And...?

Cloud: Our...battle ended off on a tie, but she said she was willing to take me back here for giving her “quite the experience”. And so, here I am.

Qrow: That’s a relief...

Yang (still angry): If I ever see her again, I swear...!

Cloud: Hey, we’re cool now. She took me back here. I can’t say we’re on good terms right now, but I’d say we’re on neutral terms enough for her to let me go.

Ruby: Thank goodness for that. Now come, brother! Activities await us! Let’s go, Yang!

Yang (calming down): Yeah...let’s go, Ruby! Let’s play dress-up with him!

*Both girls grab his arms and drag him into the house*

Cloud (to Tai and Qrow): Um, little help?

Qrow: No can do, nephew.

Tai: I think I’ll go out for a walk. You and Yang are in charge of the house, son.

Qrow: Have fun, now!

*Both leave, Yang and Ruby close the door behind Cloud, giggling*

Cloud (internally): What did I do to deserve this...?

[lhpxawol-amalgam]

Popular AWOl Ships in a Nutshell

Long post ahead.

WonderMod

Suwon:

Won x Soomi

Queen of all ships

Intellectual meets philosopher

Funniest couple you will ever meet

Agdjkfdgdaf there’s just so much chemistry

Stans have like written full-length thought-out analyses on this shit

When they dance together it’s the best cause Won can dance like no one’s business and Soomi is just trying her best but they still look awesome together

Gyuju:

Gyuri x Jinju

Both have two siblings

Both play guitar

Both are the two tallest in their group

Both do modern dance

At this point no one knows if the only reason this ship is so popular is cause they just have so much in common

But they do kinda balance each other out

Gyuri’s the drill sergeant and Jinju’s the cheerleader

Hyeju:

Hyerin x Jinju

Leader/maknae stuff, ya know

They’re actually pretty cute together

“Oh my god, they were roommates”

These shippers will never get over the one time Hyerin made Jinju ramen when she was super stressed and helped her to take a break from working

WonderMod stans be like “I ship Hyeju” and LOONA stans be like “but with who tho”

Hareum:

Hanbyeol x Areum

Hanbyeol can cook and Areum loves to eat so

Also lots of dad energy for some reason 

This one’s only as big as it is from that one fanfic “I’m Trapped in a Hareum Anime”

Shenanigan

Sangeun:

Sangwoo x Jaegeun

It’s a duo group

Of course it’s a ship

Generates lots of enemies-to-lovers fanfiction for some reason

Sangwoo’s the flirty one and Jaegeun’s the dapper one so you get all the cute shipping dynamics

AK6

2Woo:

K.O. (Kiwoo) x Woori

“Oh my God, they were roommates”

Scary but weak meets buff but softie 

Honestly could become real

I mean K.O.’s bi so

The fans feel vaguely justified

Uwu

Lites Out:

K.O. x Lite

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: 2Woo vs. Lites Out

K.O’s stage persona is almost aggressive enough for Lite’s actual personality

Jk she’s soft for like one person and it’s him

Need to host a variety show stat

DeLite:

Lite x Luxe

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: Lites Out vs DeLite

Fashion king and queen

They got that yin/yang thing going

Watch them like actually get away with murder tho

Labyrinth:

Miro x Luxe 

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: DeLite vs Labyrinth

The thinking man’s ship

They’re always the ones to sit back and lovingly shake their heads while everyone else does something fun but stupid

No one really sees this ship going anywhere sexual but it’s got all the good memes so

Forget-Me-Not

Hanhwan:

Hanbin x Joohwan

That name tho

Poetry

Absolute softies for each other

If this were a fanfic it’d be a slow burn cause they’re so goddamn oblivious

Hanbin’s a sex-demon on the outside and a cinnamon roll on the inside

Let’s just say people suspect the opposite of Joohwan

Kim Woo:

Kim Gyeong x Siwoo

More leader/maknae

Try and make this one sexy and watch yourself get kicked out of the fandom by angry stans

This is why Forget-Me-Not doesn’t have ship wars

PINEAPPLE

Shinmin:

Shinyoung x Minchul

We don’t know how anyone let this happen

They’re cousins

Like not even distant cousins

I know the internet sucks

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: Shincest or Mincest

Lots of pining jokes cause gEDDIT they’re in pINEAPPLE

But yeah this one gets all the shame it deserves

a.LOVE

Jangyoung:

Gayoung x Tokki (Jangmi)

Their MV characters have a sorta abusive dynamic so

This one gets a lot of eyebrows raised

But IRL they’re both just trying to out-care for each other

So the fics are either hardcore angst or total fluff 

I would say “oh my God, they were roommates” but they’re all roommates so like

Sungyoung:

Gayoung x Sungmi

The Unpopular Ship™

Oh look it’s another enemies-to-lovers Sungyoung fic

Half the time they’re both j chilling and the other half they’re the literal definition of sexual tension

MiMi:

Tokki (Jangmi) x Sungmi

Technically leader/maknae but like

It feels different

It’s just really cute man what can I say

They’ve got that tsundere/genki girl dynamic going

*insert meme man* Show ALL the affection!

GSG

Yangbin:

Yang x Sebin

All the chemistry, all the feels, and sadly also all the annoying straight girls fetishizing Asian men

But like seriously when they dance together it’s absolutely golden

Yang’s all flowing and expressive and Sebin’s all sharp and aggressive

Kinda matches their personalities too

It’s just sad that so many stans have to be all sasaeng-y about it

AB Yang:

AB Young x Yang

Who wants to bet it’s just for the name huh

But no it’s low-key cute 

You wouldn’t think they’d have too much chemistry at first

They’re like the “don’t match on paper but perfect irl” kinda couple

More platonic vibes than the Yangbin shipping content

Kyunghorang:

Horang x Kyungho

Literally just Sangeun all over again

Everyone wants to protecc our precious maknae Kyungho from bad boy Horang

But they’re actually both really good for each other and Horang just gets him ya know

You know what it is? It’s Good Omens. That’s the dynamic here.

DGRM

Moyeon:

Moya x Doyeon

Also called Doya by people who are stupid

Should really start their own pranking channel

Who’s ready for h/c fanfiction~~~

No but seriously Moya has helped Doyeon through panic attacks a lot

She’s tall so she can fit all the comfort in her

And Doyeon’s short bc

Um

Ok it’s just cute how much taller Moya is compared to Doyeon lol

Duanjung:

Jung-ah x Duanphen

Softies trying to be baddies

Like Yangbin in their dancing styles

So much poking fun at each other it’s not even funny but like it is tho

All the cuddles, all the selcas with cutesy filters

And then BAM new set of teasers comes out and they look sexy as FUCK

Yufang:

JD Fang x Yuyan

No one would’ve shipped it until the behind-the-scenes vid for Midnight Girl came out

And now they’re just weirdos together

They’re like the Sith: One master, one apprentice

Yuyan is the dark mysterious inner core JD wishes she had

And JD is the stability and reasonableness Yuyan has been searching for her whole life

JD Aika:

JD Fang x Aika

It’s 99% because they kissed in a music video

But like COME ON THEY KISSED IN A MUSIC VIDEO

AND NOT HALFHEARTEDLY EITHER

Honestly gorgeous fan art for this couple

Not as much obvious chemistry as some ships but fans are always like “omg thEIR HANDS tOuChEd”

Yiyan:

Yifei x Yuyan

There’s something about whenever they have lines or screen time together that just works

Both trying to soften each other up but in different ways

And usually succeeding

They’re just really good close friends ya know

The kind you could see accidentally developing a crush on each other

RFei:

Yifei x RJ

“Oh my God, they were roommates”

Ultimate good girl/bad girl ship

But secretly they’re both just nervous wrecks

We know Yifei helped comfort RJ a lot after she came out and heard back from her parents so

Get ready for more h/c fic~~~

Ho-J:

RJ x Hoa

The actual baddies

*stifles laugh* hoe-j

Remember the “sugakookie with a cup of tae” jokes? Yeah it’s that bad

They’re both just too sexy for the fans to handle so naturally what better ship could you get it’s just basic math

Also need to host a variety show stat

Triple D:

Duanphen x DaO x Doyeon

It’s a joke ship that some people started taking seriously

Don’t ask, no one has an explanation

SET! (Korean soloists)

JZo:

Jihoon x Zo

Because Jizo is an objectively bad name (ok sure it looks fine but try saying it out loud)

Also occasionally known as Jezus

Lots of uncle energy (?)

Zo would totally be Jihoon’s real life manic pixie dream girl if she wasn’t, ya know, a strong and badass woman with her own agency who also happens to have quirky hair

Mayoon:

May x Hayoon

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: Do you pronounce it like “May” or like “Hayoon”

Tbh this ship died pretty quickly

Since we’re all pretty sure now that May’s aroace

And like they’re young, we don’t get in the way of their friendship

That iconic answer-your-tweets vid where someone asked “how do you pronounce Mayoon” and Hayoon was just like “you don’t”

But for real they have the BEST FRIENDSHIP HANDS DOWN

PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER

Mesmere

Jaereum:

Jaegeun x Areum

The thing with Mesmere is that there are canonical “couples” in the MVs

Which were decided based on which members were like “yesss I’m so down for this concept” and which ones were like “this could be fun to try I guess”

Jaegeun and Areum fall into the former category

The shippers tend to be very kinky

So much smut but like most of it’s inspired by Mesmere’s original concept so it shouldn’t be surprising 

Is there real chemistry? Who knows? Does it matter? Not to the fans it doesn’t

Robin:

Miro x Hanbin

The “this could be fun to try I guess” gang

Everyone stans bc omg that ship name is adorable

If Jaereum is the “sweet on the outside, sexy on the inside” pair, Robin is the “sexy on the outside, sweet on the inside” pair

This one always throws AK6 and Forget-Me-Not fans for a loop because no one expects them to be THAT SEXY

BUT THEY ARE

Fireflower

Seiko: 

Seori x Teiko

Another tsundere/genki girl ship

Except the genki girl is surprisingly intimidating in that “she’s not scary she’s just hot” way

New fans never expect Seori to be the head-over-heels type

But she is~

Someone make this into an actual book please it would be so cute

Harumi:

Haruna x Mega (Megumi)

1 ball of energy + 1 ball of energy = perfection

No but literally they have so much enthusiasm

They could be a perpetual motion machine where they both just survive off the other’s energy

Opposites attract more like no I love Harumi

Firepower

Junto:

Hiroto x Junya

Obligatory main-vocalist ship

Surprisingly pure ship until you realize you just haven’t looked hard enough

Like seriously it’s all fluff or all smut with this one

Irl they’re fairly cute together but mostly because they’re good friends

Good friends who happen to be very sexy

Yoshico:

Yoshi x Nico

The one fans actually care about 

Partners in crime except they would suck at any actual crime

All the memes. And when I say all the memes, I mean all. The. Memes.

Wouldn’t surprise anyone to know that Yoshi and Nico made all the memes themselves

They don’t like it when fans box them into a specific romantic relationship but they’re also like “yeah we ship Yoshico too” to be funny and cute about it

Flower+Power

Coco:

Teiko x Nico

The Cute Ones™

Sometimes it seems too perfect and you have to wonder if it’s just an idol personality thing they’re putting on because they’re supposed to

Until you remember this is AWOl we’re talking about

Probably just friends but still

More food puns

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: Coco vs Ho-J

Ryouna:

Ryouga x Yuuna

So #sophisticated

Shipping Ryouna is a wild ride cause like

First of all they’re both hot as hell, especially together

And there’s just something about most Ryouga/Yuuna biases, they tend to be very hardcore stans (let’s just say neither of them are the Jungkook of their group in terms of popularity so if you stan them you STAN them)

And they are well aware of this fact

And love to tease fans with like “pretend” kisses on stage or during variety shows 

There’s just so much Ryouna content like who cares whether or not it’s real

We all know they’re gonna fall in love eventually

Other

WorldWideWoo:

K.O. (Kiwoo) x Sangwoo x Siwoo

AWOL’s version of the Dinosaur Triplets

Sangwoo came up with the name himself so you know it’s legit

All flirtatious bad boys on the outside, all surprisingly courteous once you get to know them

On their own they’re genuinely cool people, but for some reason whenever they get together they all become the kind of person to (un?)ironically use the word “swag”

So of course someone’s gotta ship it

Kim Hyerin:

Hyerin x Kim Gyeong

The pure one

Kinda overdone so

You either love this ship or you hate it

And either way it’s because they’re both such caring people that it becomes an unstoppable-force-meets-immovable-object problem

But everyone tends to agree that it’s at least kinda cute 

It’s also funny ‘cause in Korea women don’t take their husband’s names

Hyesang:

Hyerin x Sangwoo

Because Sangrin is an objectively bad name

The sexy one

They did ONE performance on e.LIVE together and now no one can get over how hot they are

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: Kim Hyerin vs Hyesang

No seriously the number of Kim Hyesang love triangle fanfictions is kinda insane at this point

The shippers love to pull the “they’ve known each other longer, of course they’re emotionally closer” card and then make absolutely no content that reflects that

Naozo:

Ah yes, the ultimate ship war: is this referring to Naoko x Taizō or Naoko x Zo

Of course it’s Naoko x Zo they’re so much cuter together

Naoko and Taizō kinda go together as the two Japanese soloists but like

Naoko and Zo~~~

The chemistry~~~~~

NaoZo > Naozō

Why

Because it’s gay you fools

Cococo

Naoko x Teiko x Nico

Ok this is just ridiculous

[thesimparrot]

Get to know me tag

I was tagged by the amazings @racingllama @sixamart and @notdaniella! 💕 thank you so much guys for thinking about me, you always make my day better :’) besides I’ve been trying to find a way back to this blog, it annoys me not to post anything... so here it is! and it also was a good excuse to show my new haircut huhu

RULES: Post a pic of your simself with your traits and answer the questions!

I’d now like to tag @intricately-silly @purplebex @pollinationqueen @omiscanking @bleumimosa @mellowsimss @cakeiko @weirdsimfreak @pixel-whimsy @adrianaplays @lilacsimblr @amykii @xastraea @blurri-sim-kid @stephanine-sims @amessofsims @johnnyzest @gloomyplumbob @puddingplace and as always whoever wants to do it!

1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME? Zoé

2. WHAT IS YOUR NICKNAME? Zo’

3. BIRTHDAY? July 28th

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK SERIES? Harry Potter

5. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ALIENS OR GHOSTS? I don’t think so, but in the dark I’ll believe in anything

6. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR? Katherine Rundell atm

7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RADIO STATION? a french one called Rire & Chansons (literally Laugh and Songs)

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR OF ANYTHING? mmmmm bergamot?

9. WHAT WORD WOULD YOU USE OFTEN TO DESCRIBE SOMETHING GREAT OR WONDERFUL? AMAZING

10. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE SONG? Move Along by The All-American Rejects

11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORD? I’ve noticed I say “cool” a lot

12. WHAT WAS THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO? No Light, No Light by Florence + The Machine

13. WHAT TV SHOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR EVERYBODY TO WATCH? F.R.I.E.N.D.S.!!!!!

14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE TO WATCH WHEN YOU’RE FEELING DOWN? Ocean’s Eleven

15. DO YOU PLAY VIDEO GAMES? hell yeah

16. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? people I love leaving me

17. WHAT IS YOUR BEST QUALITY, IN YOUR OPINION? loyalty, I think

18. WHAT IS YOUR WORST QUALITY, IN YOUR OPINION? ooof, too many of them

19. DO YOU LIKE CATS OR DOGS BETTER? DOGS (i'm afraid of cats so….)

20. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? summer I think

21. ARE YOU IN A RELATIONSHIP? nope

22. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU MISS FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD? insouciance

23. WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND? childhood ones

24. WHAT IS YOUR EYE COLOR? dark brown

25. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR? dark brown

26. WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOVE? family and friends

27. WHO IS SOMEONE YOU TRUST? family and friends

28. WHO IS SOMEONE YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN? my older sister

29. ARE YOU CURRENTLY EXCITED ABOUT/FOR SOMETHING? I went to a book fair this afternoon!

30. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST OBSESSION? right now, going back playing the sims huhu

31. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW AS A CHILD? The Totally Spies

32. WHO OF THE OPPOSITE GENDER CAN YOU TELL ANYTHING TO, IF ANYONE?

33. ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS? I don’t think so?

34. DO YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL PHOBIAS? I’m afraid of cats but try to learn not to be anymore

35. DO YOU PREFER TO BE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA OR BEHIND IT? behind

36. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY? reading and playing

37. WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

38. WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Princess Diaries

39. WHAT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY, IF ANY? clarinet

40. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL? 🐸

41. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 FAVORITE TUMBLR BLOGS THAT YOU FOLLOW? 5 spots are not enough!!

42. WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU WISH YOU HAD? becoming a human torch

43. WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU FEEL MOST AT PEACE? when I take my shower

44. WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? puppies

45. WHAT SPORTS DO YOU PLAY, IF ANY? I recently started rock climbing

46. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK? tea

47. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WROTE A HAND-WRITTEN LETTER OR NOTE TO SOMEBODY? a looooong time ago

48. ARE YOU AFRAID OF HEIGHTS? yes I think?

49. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE? people who breathe loudly (but like, very loudly)

50. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A CONCERT? a few in fact, I think the last one was Queen of the Stone Age

51. ARE YOU VEGAN/VEGETARIAN? nope

52. WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? when I was 6 I wanted to be a taekwondo teacher (for like a week)

53. WHAT FICTIONAL WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN?

54. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WORRY ABOUT? everything

55. ARE YOU SCARED OF THE DARK? yes

56. DO YOU LIKE TO SING? yeup but sadly I don’t sing very well

57. HAVE YOU EVER SKIPPED SCHOOL? if pretending to be sick count then yes

58. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE PLANET? my bed

59. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE? not near Paris anymore

60. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? sadly no but I have a panda bear called Casey

61. ARE YOU MORE OF AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL? definitely an early bird. If I woke up after 9 am on a day off I feel like my day has already been wasted

62. DO YOU LIKE SUNRISES OR SUNSETS BETTER? sunrise

63. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO DRIVE? I do have my licence but if I can avoid using it….

64. DO YOU PREFER EARBUDS OR HEADPHONES? earbuds

65. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES? nope

66. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC? pop-rock

67. WHO IS YOUR HERO? Shadowcat

68. DO YOU READ COMIC BOOKS? YEEEEES

69. WHAT MAKES YOU THE MOST ANGRY? a lot of things, in top of the list right now are impolite people

70. DO YOU PREFER TO READ ON AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE OR WITH A REAL BOOK? real books!

71. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? my cinema class in high school

72. DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? one sister, 10 years older than me

73. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT? a book (well, two actually)

74. HOW TALL ARE YOU? 154cm (I’m smoll)

75. CAN YOU COOK? still debating

76. WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT YOU LOVE? playing, going to the movie, eating chocolate

77. WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT YOU HATE? not knowing what comes next, being sick, being upset over dumb things

78. DO YOU HAVE MORE FEMALE FRIENDS OR MORE MALE FRIENDS? female

79. WHAT IS YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION? straight

80. WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY LIVE? near Paris, France

81. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TEXTED? if tumblr i.m. count as texted then it’s Ale from @sixamart

82. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? this morning

83. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE YOUTUBER? he’s not really a youtuber but I thought immediately about a french streamer called Mister MV

84. DO YOU LIKE TO TAKE SELFIES? nope

85. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE APP? pinterest

86. WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARENT(S) LIKE? I’m really close to my mum she’s one of my best friend, my dad is a more reserved person but we got along pretty well too

87. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOREIGN ACCENT? british

88. WHAT IS A PLACE THAT YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO, BUT YOU WANT TO VISIT? Sweden

89. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NUMBER? don’t have one

90. CAN YOU JUGGLE? nope

91. ARE YOU RELIGIOUS? nope

92. DO YOU FIND OUTER SPACE OF THE DEEP OCEAN TO BE MORE INTERESTING? outer space

93. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE A DAREDEVIL? hell no, I’m a big coward

94. ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING? some kind of makeup (or my face will turn into a moon fish)

95. CAN YOU CURL YOUR TONGUE? yes

96. CAN YOU WIGGLE YOUR EARS? nope

97. HOW OFTEN DO YOU ADMIT THAT YOU WERE WRONG ABOUT SOMETHING? when I will be, I’ll let you know (I’m a very funny person)

98. DO YOU PREFER THE FOREST OR THE BEACH? forest

99. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT ANYONE HAS EVER GIVEN YOU?  “when I’m upset about something, I pause for a minute and take the time to ask myself if it’s worse the trouble. Most of the time it’s not, so I move on.”

100. ARE YOU A GOOD LIAR? nope

101. WHAT IS YOUR HOGWARTS HOUSE? Hufflepuff and proud

102. DO YOU TALK TO YOURSELF? waaay too much

103. ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? it really depends on the situation

104. DO YOU KEEP A JOURNAL/DIARY? I used to but it was too depressive so I stopped

105. DO YOU BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES? yes

106. IF YOU FOUND A WALLET FULL OF MONEY ON THE GROUND, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? leave it where it is probably (I’m a coward, remember?)

107. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE ARE CAPABLE OF CHANGE? kind of

108. ARE YOU TICKLISH? ooooh yes

109. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A PLANE? yes

110. DO YOU HAVE ANY PIERCINGS? nope

111. WHAT FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU WISH WAS REAL? I really don’t know

112. DO YOU HAVE ANY TATTOOS? nope

113. WHAT IS THE BEST DECISION THAT YOU’VE MADE IN YOUR LIFE SO FAR? searching for work right after my three years of “university” (despite my mom’s wish to go on on the studies)

114. DO YOU BELIEVE IN KARMA? hell yeah but I doubt karma believe in me

115. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES OR CONTACTS? glasses

116. DO YOU WANT CHILDREN? don’t know yet

117. WHO IS THE SMARTEST PERSON YOU KNOW? a childhood friend

118. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MEMORY? oh yeah I remember

119. HAVE YOU EVER PULLED AN ALL-NIGHTER? I’ve tried but never succeed

120. WHAT COLOR ARE MOST OF YOU CLOTHES? blue or yellow

121. DO YOU LIKE ADVENTURES? not really

122. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON TV? nope

123. HOW OLD ARE YOU? 23

124. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? “I'm not great at the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” (Chandler Bing, F.R.I.E.N.D.S.)

125. DO YOU PREFER SWEET OR SAVORY FOODS? sweeeeeeeet

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!