#dear god i didn't count on having to tag all of them wait

[anglerflsh]

Season 2

[paracosmic-murdock]

Tell me what are my words worth ; Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

Chapter 1: "La détermination qui coule dans mes veines"

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: While the other ladies have grown with the mindset of marrying and having children, you, as the daughter of a man who wanted a son, grew up being both. You learnt how to embroider, play the pianoforte, fence and manage the estate. However, there were some things that not even the Duke of Burgundy could do, so after he passed and you thought there was nothing left for you, you decided to move to London for a while and go to the Royal Academy of Art.

Nothing was going to keep you from what you wanted, and you would do whatever it takes: you would lie to everyone, you would live to death, you would pretend to be a man. You had a plan and it would be a piece of cake for you. But again, when has something that she wants and should not do easy for a woman? Especially when a man like Benedict Bridgerton gets in the way in more ways than one.

Warnings/tags: idiots in love, eventual smut, love triangles (but not really), lgbtq+ themes, bisexual benedict bridgerton, feminist themes, historical inaccuracy (for the sake of the plot), inspired by mulan (1998), song: the lakes (taylor swift), other tags to be added

Chapter summary: Going to London was an easy decision though a difficult change, but nothing was going to stop you from getting what you wanted, and what you wanted was to go to Art School. For now, you only had to arrive and attend whatever event your godmother told you to. The only good thing that came from all of it, was that you reunited with a dear old friend of the family.

Word count: 2.9K

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❁ mila's paracosm (main masterlist)

You knew you would leave for London for a while. You had made the decision, you had sent the letter, you had packed the suitcases, but you were yet to announce your departure.

The possibility of being stopped by your cousin was higher than the mountains, and in order to avoid it, you would only let him know about your trip to London the day before you left. However, his plans did not leave you the chance to.

Running away was not easy because everything you have keeps you attached to that piece of land that belongs to you, that is your father's legacy and your responsibility to keep alive.

Not a change was easy for any human, and you wouldn't be the exception.

So you looked at yourself in the mirror, hesitation long gone after minutes of silence.

You didn't know how to do it, you just hoped for the best of fates as the scissors cut short your dampened hair. No hairdresser would give you the cut you wished for, the one you needed, so you had to do it yourself.

After a quick glance at the packed suitcases and the room that will remain vacant for a pair of months at least, you put on the black cloak and ran away.

The determination ran through your veins just like you were running through the hallways of the Château de Germolles, it has been doing so since the moment your father passed because there was nothing left for you at home if you did not have a man by your side saying the opposite. Certainly, your cousin replaced your father as the lord of the house, but he has never given you any sort of security in your own home. Two years have passed, and you would wait no more.

"Lady Y/N," le Seigneur Cartier, your father's right hand, interrupted your path. "Are you entirely sure about this?"

"Lord Carrington is expecting me, Seigneur Cartier," you answered. "And I have never been more sure about anything in my life."

He nodded, helping you get inside the carriage. "I will send you letters weekly."

"I will be expecting them," He closed the carriage door, and you peeked through its window. "I trust you to honor my father's wishes while I am gone."

Cartier nodded and made a gesture for the carriage to start, and you looked at the Château for the last time in God knows how long.

"One day until we arrive in Calais, one hour to Dover and seven hours to London," Antoinette, your maid, commented with a tired sigh. "Lady Y/N, are you sure about this journey?"

"I am sure, and I would appreciate it very much if all of you just stopped asking me that," you stated, annoyance slipping through your voice. "I am to be received by Lord Carrington, my godfather, and I will live in London for however long it takes."

"They are not in the Social Season, or so I have heard." You pursed your lips.

"I am not looking to marry as of now, my wish is to fall in love, Antoinette, because whoever is to be my husband must love me dearly before I display my everything to him. There shall be love, trust… He must be a man capable of ruling, not some mere lord. I will not hurry, and a specific time of the year will not stop me from finding a reliable husband. And I am not here to find a husband either way."

"I apologize, Lady Y/N."

The following hours were ruled by silence, there was little to no sentence said even during the hours of rest before continuing the lengthened voyage. No thing other than instructions were told during the two days and a half that it took to arrive in Lord Carrington's mansion.

It was bigger than you remembered, but again, the last time you were there was about ten years ago.

You were welcomed inside, not without looking around and admiring the art your godfather was a fanatic of.

"Oh, Lady Y/N! You have grown so much! You are a ravishing young lady, dear," Lady Carrington exclaimed, taking your hands in hers with a smile. Her loud nature was always remarkable, annoying to most but adored to you. "Hugh, darling! Lady Y/N just arrived!"

Lord Carrington appeared in the room with a smile that matched his wife's, an exuberant chuckle as he saw you. "Dear Heavens, you look just like your Mama!"

You laughed tiredly. "I am grateful to you, Lord and Lady Carrington, for welcoming me into your home. I had been setting my heart on spending some time here in London."

"So were we," he noted with a nod.

"Hmm, you must be dead tired, my dear. Let me show you your room for your stay." Lady Carrington motioned you to follow her.

"I am indeed, thank you," You smiled, to then announce your departure. " Excusez-moi."

You followed her through the infinite hallways and endless words, hearing her talk about the ball they were invited to just last week and the one they will host in five days.

"Did you bring ball gowns with you, my dear?" she asked you. "You must attend the ball as our guest of honor."

"I could not fit much in these suitcases, Lady Carrington," you replied. "However, I figured you could take me to the modiste soon. I will pay whatever the price is for some Paris here in London."

She smiled. "The modiste, Madame Delacroix, is French, my dear! I shall take you there tomorrow first thing in the morning."

"It is a plan, then, Lady Carrington."

"Perfect, dear," She nodded. "Rest, I will have someone wake you up for dinner. Tomorrow, in the afternoon, you will accompany me to Lady Danbury's for tea. She is a lovely woman, you will get along pretty well, I am certain!"

"I'd be honored."

"There is a lot of catching up to do, my Lady," she commented. "I had not seen you in a year."

"Not many remarkable events in my life, but I sure will have thought of one by the time we speak," you complied. "Uh, I was wondering when, and if, I could join Lord Carrington to the Royal Academy of Art."

"Well, that you must converse with him." She smiled and left your room.

You quickly changed your clothes to your nightgown, and fell asleep in less than a minute.

"Bonjour !"

You smiled politely at the woman who greeted you and Lady Carrington. " Bonjour, ça va ?"

"Very well, merci." she replied. "I am afraid we have not been introduced yet. Madame Delacroix, enchantée."

"Lady Y/N Voclain," you nodded slightly. "Êtes-vous française ? Lady Carrington m'a dit."

"Oh, speak in English, dear," Lady Carrington commanded. "Some of us don't speak French."

"Of course, I apologize," you chuckled slightly. "Lady Y/N Voclain, enchanted as well… Lady Carrington told me you were French, Madame, that is what I was asking."

Madame Delacroix just smiled. "Oui, indeed. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"My dearest Lady Y/N of Burgundy, always so modest… She is the daughter of the late Duke of Burgundy," Lady Carrington informed, and you nodded uncomfortably. You did not want people to know about your title during your stay in London, but perhaps it was inevitable. "Her dresses must reflect her greatness."

You approached the table where many colorful fabrics were displayed. "I will have one red that matches the rubies my Grandfather sent from their mines in the Americas, as well as some in different shades of green for the emeralds. Oh, for the ball I will have a white one with gold here and there… I would adore embroidered flowers but not too many, crystals, sequins, your finest silks," you explained everything you wanted in your dresses. "I trust you entirely, Madame. I want them unique, no one else will have the same dress, not even a similar one. I am willing to pay the price. Eight dresses for now, and the urgency is the dress for the ball. Do not disappoint me."

"Bien sûr," she replied with a nod. You raised your eyebrow at the odd pronunciation, but ignored her. "The length of your hair will be a challenge, Lady Y/N."

"Yes. Why did you cut it, dear?"

"Uh… I-" The bell saved you as its sound announced the arrival of a woman and her three daughters, calling for Madame Delacroix.

"I will be right back." she promised, and left you and Lady Carrington alone.

"Lord Carrington agreed to take you to the Academy tomorrow."

You smiled widely, making her curve her lips. "Oh, that is wonderful news, Lady Carrington! I am beyond grateful!"

"He wants your portrait painted, Lady Y/N, so it seems that you will spend many hours there."

"I am eager to!" you exclaimed.

She gave you a look you couldn't quite decipher, but if there was something you recognized in it, it was a threat. "Careful with the artists, Lady Y/N… We would not want you involved with any of them."

"Oh," You frowned. "I- I will not-"

"I know, dear… A lady like you has nothing to do with men like them, you deserve a man of title, with a surname that speaks for himself."

"Can't there be both?" you wondered out loud and she chuckled dryly.

"Those men spend their nights in clubs and brothels, and will certainly not stop doing so after marrying. Poor Lady Goldwyn, married to an artist who had a bastard child before having hers… Never at home, I got lucky with Hugh, but God forbid you stumble upon a similar fate."

You gave her an amused glance. "I know I can make a suitable pick."

"He must be rich, dear, how else will you afford living the life you always have had?" she commented. "A true gentleman, one that respects you and loves you dearly. If he has brothers or sisters it will be ideal, that way you will know he is a man of his family… Oh, Her Majesty, the Queen has a nephew, a prince, she brought to London last season, maybe he is still an eligible bachelor."

"A prince?" you questioned, surprised.

"The Prince of Prussia, my dear. I suppose that is a man worthy of a duke's daughter."

A laugh left your lips. "Do you truly believe that he would be interested in courting me, Lady Carrington?"

"Oh, he most certainly would!"

"Seeing is believing, then." You chuckled.

While you and Lady Carrington were talking, Madame Delacroix's clients struck up a conversation.

"I have never seen that lady before, who is her?" Lady Featherington questioned, seconded by her two daughters.

"Lady Y/N of Burgundy, daughter of the Duke of Burgundy," she replied. "She is French, a relative of the Carringtons."

"Oh, you two should befriend her! The Carrington ball is next week and we have not received our invitation yet."

"You are right, Mama," Prudence agreed. "I will go now."

Both sisters approached you and Lady Carrington, gaining a look full of disdain from the latter.

They introduced themselves, and their mother soon joined.

"We would be delighted to have you this afternoon for tea, Lady Y/N."

"I am afraid there is no empty spot in my schedule for now, but I will make sure to let you know once I am available." you replied after noticing Lady Carrington's discomfort.

"Well then." Lady Featherington nodded, and so did you. Then, she looked at Lady Carrington with a slight smile and disappeared.

"That woman is insufferable!" your godmother yelled.

Then you couldn't contain your laughter.

"Lady Carrington!"

"Oh, Lady Danbury!"

You both stood up as she entered the room, and you greeted her with a smile.

"This is Lady Y/N of Burgundy, she is my guest and Lord Carrington's," Lady Carrington introduced you. "She will stay until she finds a husband!"

You widened your eyes at her explicit purpose. "I- I am not- well, I am, but-"

She laughed. "Oh, dear. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. This woman has not stopped talking about receiving you."

"Enchanted to meet you, Lady Danbury," you finally said, chuckling slightly.

While it is true that you must marry and that your requirements are vast, on this particular visit to London, you are not looking to find a husband. You, however, were planning on doing a thing you clearly should not. An alibi was needed, and that way you could kill two birds with one stone.

"Take a seat, let's wait for the other guests," she commanded and you and Lady Carrington complied. Not many seconds later, three women joined you. "Well, this is Lady Mary and her daughters, Miss Kate Sharma and Miss Edwina Sharma… These are Lady Carrington, as you know, and her guest Lady Y/N of Burgundy."

You smiled. "Enchanted to meet you all."

"Us as well." Miss Kate Sharma answered for her mother and sister.

They took a seat, and soon another woman arrived.

"Lady Bridgerton!" Lady Danbury welcomed her.

"Lady Bridgerton?" You stood up at her mention and excitement painted your features.

Lady Bridgerton raised her eyebrow in confusion. "Yes…?"

"Oh, my bad!" you excused yourself before a happy grin. "Of course you don't remember me, the last time you saw me I was nine years old! Y/N, daughter of the Duke Sébastien of Burgundy."

"Oh, Heavens, look at yourself!" she exclaimed when she realized. "Dear, you have become a wondrous young lady!"

"Do you know each other?" Lady Danbury asked.

"Her late father, the Duke, was great friends with my husband," she replied with a tender smile. "I met her when she was a baby and saw her last about eleven years ago."

You laughed. "Oh, it has been so long, Lady Bridgerton! How are your children?"

"They are all great, Daphne married the Duke of Hastings just last season."

"How thrilling! Congratulations, Lady Bridgerton."

"Thank you, my dear."

"So you know the Bridgertons?" Lady Carrington questioned.

"Only Lady Bridgerton," You smiled. "I have not met her children yet, will you be attending the Carrington Ball next week?"

"Of course we will, especially knowing you will be there."

"I cannot wait, Lady Bridgerton."

"You are always invited to our home, dear. That invitation is still current."

"Many years ago, Lord Bridgerton said to me that I was invited to their home whenever I pleased, but I have yet to make honor of the offering." you explained to the rest of the ladies.

Lady Carrington smiled before interrupting. "So, Lady Y/N traveled from France to be here."

"Was it a long way?" Edwina wondered.

You nodded, taking the cup of tea that was offered. "Yes, it took almost three days to arrive here in London."

"And why did you decide to come?" Lady Danbury asked.

"To find a husband, of course." Lady Carrington announced, and you accidentally spilled your tea all over your dress.

"Dear!"

"Mon Dieu !, I- my apologies, it's-"

Miss Sharma and Miss Edwina were trying hard not to burst out laughing, but it was almost impossible when they noticed Lady Carrington giving you a handful of napkins and scolding you for being so clumsy. Then, as the other women in the room chuckled, they did too and so did you.

When everything was in order, you looked at everyone. "I apologize."

"Do not," Lady Danbury stopped you. "Are you not looking for a husband, then?"

"Uh, yes," you lied, an embarrassed look in your eyes.

"Miss Edwina came from India to find a husband here, dear, do not be ashamed!" Lady Carrington noted. "I was telling her about the Queen's nephew that came the previous season."

"He was a charming young man." Lady Bridgerton mentioned.

"And there are still one or three Bridgertons available to wed." Lady Danbury added, making Lady Bridgerton laugh slightly and the three Sharmas look at each other uncomfortably.

"There is also the new Lord Featherington, he has mines in the Americas, just like your Mama's family."

You nodded. "I shall ask Grandfather about the Featherington mines in my next letter, then… You would not believe the amount of men in Europe swindling the rich, saying they have the most prosperous mines in the Americas while that is the furthest thing from the truth," you mentioned. "My cousin, Lord Voclain, almost made a tremendous investment until I took a look at the jewelry the man gifted him for me. Glass painted green, as if he could cheat my eye."

"And Lord Featherington is engaged to his cousin Prudence." Lady Bridgerton reminded.

Cousins?, dear God.

"Well, he was courting Miss Cowper when that happened, so forgive me for being skeptical."

"It is disgusting nevertheless." you said.

"It is."

"I will be ready to list the eligible bachelors in London at the upcoming ball just for you, Lady Y/N."

You chuckled. "I am not in a hurry to wed, Lady Danbury. I wish to fall in love instead of marrying as if it is my duty."

"Is it not your duty to marry?"

"Technically, it is, yes," you replied to Miss Edwina as her older sister gave her a look. "But my father raised me to know my worth and not marry a man I do not love… He married my mother against his family's wishes, all because they loved each other dearly. That is what he wanted for me."

"He was an amazing man." Lady Bridgerton smiled.

"He was indeed." you agreed, an afflicted grin replacing your smile.

[loveroftoomanyfandoms]

A Little Angel (Or Devil?) Chapter 3

Pairing: Matt Murdock x F!Reader

Story Summary: Matt and Reader, happily married at the end of Angel of God, my Guardian Dear, start the next chapter in their life together -- parenthood.

Warnings/Tags: Smut, Unprotected Sex (I mean obviously, Matt and Reader are trying for a baby), Pregnancy and all that comes with it, no graphic depiction of childbirth

Word Count: ~1200

A/N: Please let me know if you'd like to be tagged!

Tag List: @nommingonfood

FlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutterFlutter…

Matt’s head tilted curiously as he stood in the kitchen cleaning up after breakfast. He had been hearing the same strange fluttering sound off and on all morning and he was starting to wonder if a butterfly or something had gotten into the house. 

Whatever it was, he wanted to try to get it out before the dining room furniture was delivered in about an hour. He and Y/N had already both taken the day off to deal with accepting and arranging their new furniture, so he didn't want to have to also be spending all day trying to locate then shoo out whatever was flitting around the house as well. “What is that sound?”

“What sound?” Y/N asked as she came up the stairs from the basement. “I don't hear anything.”

Matt listened closer, the sound growing louder as Y/N walked into the kitchen. “It's a fluttering noise. Kinda sounds like a butterfly or a hummingbird beating its wings -- oh.” 

Holy shit.

Suddenly it all made sense… the intoxicating change in Y/N's scent, her nausea and fatigue over the past few weeks, the butterfly --

Not butterfly. Heartbeat .

Matt slowly walked towards Y/N, focusing on the sound that he now realized was coming from her abdomen. 

He took her hand. “Sweetheart,” he said carefully, “I've been thinking about how you haven't been feeling well for the past few weeks, and um… have you considered the possibility that you might be pregnant?”

Y/N took a surprised step back. “What? No, no, there's no way, right? I mean, my cycle hasn't even really had the chance to get back to normal yet.”

Matt shook his head. “I don't want to get our hopes up in case I'm wrong, but you might want to take a pregnancy test just to make sure.”

Y/N took a deep breath. “Okay. Okay, I -- I actually bought a couple while I was at the pharmacy the other day so I'd have some for when we might need them, but I definitely didn't think it'd be this soon.”

Matt nodded. “Where are they?”

“They're upstairs in our bathroom cabinet.”

“Okay.” Matt bit his lip. “Do you, um, do you want some privacy while you go do that?”

Y/N took his hand. “What? No, of course not. Positive or negative, we find out together.”

They headed upstairs to their bathroom, where Matt spent the longest ten minutes of his life waiting to find out if he and Y/N would be growing their family. 

After the alarm on Matt's phone went off Y/N picked up the pregnancy test off of the bathroom sink, her free hand slipping into Matt's.

“Well?” Matt asked nervously. “What does it say?”

Y/N sucked in a breath, her heartbeat quickening. “It’s positive.”

Matt's heart leapt with joy. He had been pretty sure, but to have the news confirmed… “Yeah?”

Y/N let out a watery laugh. “Yeah, it's clearl y positive. I'm pregnant.”

“You're pregnant… You're pregnant!” Matt picked Y/N up and spun her around. “We're going to be parents!”

He gave her a kiss. “Oh my God, I love you so much, angel.”

Y/N kissed him back. “I love you too, Matty.”

Matt tilted his head curiously as she started to giggle. “What's so funny?”

Y/N gently patted Matt's chest. “Of course you'd knock me up immediately after I stopped taking my birth control.”

Matt smirked and wrapped his arms around Y/N's waist. “Well, we have been practicing quite a bit, and you did say that you could tell that the Murdock genes were strong.”

Y/N laughed again. “Yeah, yeah, I know your inner caveman is proud of your ability to procreate so easily. How'd you even figure it out?”

Matt smiled softly. “I can hear the baby's heartbeat.”

Y/N let out a soft gasp. “Really?”

Matt nodded. “Yeah, I'd been hearing it off and on all morning, but I finally realized what it was after I pinpointed where it was coming from.”

He knelt on the floor and lifted Y/N’s shirt up, then nuzzled his nose to her bare stomach before giving it a gentle kiss. “Hi, baby,” he said. “It's Daddy. Mommy and I just found out about you but we love you already and can't wait to meet you.”

Y/N carded her fingers through Matt's hair. “Not too soon, though. We want baby to be fully developed before we welcome them into the world.”

She pulled out her phone. “That reminds me, I should make an appointment with my doctor to get official confirmation from her and make sure everything's okay so far.”

Matt nodded and stood. “Let me know when it is and I'll go with you if you want.”

Y/N gave his hand a squeeze. “Of course, sweetheart.”

Matt waited as Y/N called her doctor's office. "Hi, yes, this is Y/N Murdock, and I need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller… I think I might be pregnant and need to have it confirmed. Yeah, I took a test at home this morning and it was positive. Mmhmm, mmhmm, yes, yeah, that's perfect. Okay, see you then. Thanks. Bye."

Y/N hung up. "Dr. Miller actually had an open appointment slot at 2 o’clock this afternoon."

Matt grinned. “That's great. Hopefully we'll have the dining room furniture all in place by then, but if not I can finish dealing with it while you go to your appointment.”

Y/N hummed. “Good thing we're still furniture shopping since we'll be needing to turn one of the spare bedrooms into a nursery sooner than we anticipated.”

“So when do you want to tell everyone? After your appointment, obviously, but I mean how long do we want to wait before we start spreading the news?” Matt wanted to immediately tell all of their loved ones that they were expecting, but he understood if Y/N would want to wait until she was further along.

Y/N was silent for a moment. “I want to tell Aunt Ruth in person but I don't want her to be the last one to find out, so maybe we can get everyone together while she's in town for her birthday in a few weeks and tell them all then.”

Matt nodded. That was completely reasonable. “Okay, yeah, that sounds good.”

He placed a gentle hand on her stomach. “I still can't believe it. I'm so happy, angel.”

Y/N set her hand on top of Matt's and gave him a tender kiss. “I am too, Matty. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” Matt turned towards the doorway as he recognized the now-familiar sound of the furniture delivery truck pulling up. “The dining room furniture is here.”

Y/N hummed. “Too bad we’ll have to wait until after my doctor's appointment this afternoon to break it in.”

Matt huffed out a laugh as they headed back downstairs. “Oh, don't worry, angel. I'll make absolutely sure it was worth the wait.”

[birues]

Wip Whenever

Tagged by @impossible-rat-babies and @lilas tysm both 💜💜💜

Shadowbringers, only dialogue outline, Tuana and ratman are playing 6d chess mentally after the cave revelation. Some game dialogue before Kholusia happens right after Rak'tika because Tuana is smart and figured shit out early.

---

Tuana: You've said Hydaelyn sundered Zodiark, the star and all who dwelled upon it. You meant the people, didn't you? Their souls...

ES: Well well... You actually managed to get there all by yourself, hero. How very impressive. Before I answer your question, however, I would like to know how you've reached such a conclusion.

Tuana: Simple logic, oh you ancient mountain of wisdom? The density of an Ascian soul is not the same as a mortal one. We need a white auracite to put you down for good. How you managed not to get shattered, that's what i'd like to know.

ES: Very well, I'll give you this one. You did manage to impress me for once, after all. We escaped through the rift. Only three were fortunate enough to escape the sundering─me being one of them.

Tuana: ... The Paragons.

ES: A charming name your people give us, that's for sure.

Tuana: ...And the others?

ES: Why, their very beings were divided into fourteen, of course. Yet by our power, we unsundered Ascians may raise up one of their fragments to their original office. Ah, but I suppose this in itself bears explaining. So...the names by which you know us are not, in fact, our names.

Tuana: If not names then... Titles?

ES: Yes. Be it Elidibus or Lahabrea or Igeyorhm, all are titles of office. And when an office is vacated, it may be filled by another. Over the eons, I have overseen several changings of the guard among our sundered brethren. And in such instances, the vacant title ordinarily goes to another fragment of the selfsame soul.

Tuana: ...I shutter to think how such process works. And you're able to find these souls due to your talent, I assume?

ES: And thus my tireless work has been counted for naught. Combing through the millions to find a dozen is not an easy task, Hero. Even with the soul sight.

Tuana: Then why bother? Does it have to be those souls?

ES: Well, while it is by no means impossible to raise up wholly unrelated individuals, 'tis we whose fervent entreaties brought forth Lord Zodiark─whose souls He claimed in the beginning─who make the truest servants.

Tuana: The way you talk about Zodiark really is strange, you know that, don't you?

ES: I'm not here to put you at ease, my dear.

Tuana: Hah. Couldn't do it if you've tried- But let us not get distracted. So... Three unsundered, and eleven sundered Ascians.

ES: ...Eleven?

Tuana: I saw your little meeting room thanks to Nabriales. There were fourteen chambers, I'm sure of it. If three of you escaped the sundering...

ES: ....

Tuana: ....

ES: ... Ten. Ten sundered. Three unsundered. Though it would be two now since Lahabrea left the stage.

Tuana: But-

ES: ... Before we summoned Zodiark, there was... one among us who defied our decision. And left us. Defected. So her seat serves as a reminder. It will never be spoken and will never be remembered– save for her betrayal.

Tuana: Was she one of those 'naysayers' who summoned Hydaelyn?

ES: ...No. She was vehemently against any god that would be summoned.

Tuana: How refreshing to know there was one among you who hadn't lost it completely.

ES: Do you honestly think we did what we did because for what... kicks and laughs, hero? It's because we had to! We had a duty to save the star. And it's by Zodiark's grace that your miserable ilk dwells upon the star and its reflections. Meanwhile she kept insisting there was another way only to come empty handed every single time. If we had kept waiting for her to find a way, I assure you, there would be naught left to save.

Tuana: ...What did you sacrifice? To your God, I mean. You say you're telling the truth but I feel like you're omitting something. So I'm asking, what did you sacrifice?

ES: ....

Tuana: It's as I thought... Do you want to know what I think? Maybe you're right. Maybe she would've failed. Because it sounds to me like she was alone.

Tuana: And I too would rather be forgotten than to be remembered as a mass murderer.

ES: *slightly manic laughter*

ES: Of course you would think that.

[latent-sense-of-loyalty]

Ch. VI

Word Count: 4258 Masterlist ¤ AO3 ¤ Ko-Fi ~ AN: In case you haven't seen, I have also started a new Baldurs Gate 3 series with Enver Gortash and Dark Urge! If you are interested, check it out!

"Become as Gods"

If you want to be updated for new chapters, let me know and I'll add you to the tag list! Enjoy!

The storm had not let up in days. Typical for this time of year, the rain would soon be replaced with snow. It was like the world was mourning another bygone fall, life being stripped off the boughs of trees, rotting on the ground, waiting for the frost to finally claim the decay. 

Sirona did not mind, it drove business through her doors. Even with all the troubles, business was business. But some limits had to be reached, and she could tell just from the comfort of patrons alone, everyone was reaching their limit. A cloud had come over Hogsmeade, and this cloud had not broken to unleash its rain yet. Sirona knew that it was close to breaking, and she did not want to see innocents swallowed in the chaos. 

The envelope sat in her pocket, the tavern shaking slightly from another roaring clap of thunder. None of the patrons seemed to be phased, continuing to murmur about the recent attacks close by. As she inspected them all, polishing the tankard in her hand, her eyes fell again on the old crone, hunched and sitting alone on the second floor. She had been sitting there for a good while now, food left untouched. Sirona could just make out the woman's fingers fiddling with something. Sirona really didn't want to go up there, to confront the old woman on all days, but she had to think of the patrons first. Grabbing a bottle and a small glass, she nodded to the men sitting g at the bar, making her ways upstairs. 

The crone was the only soul in sight, everyone else wanting to sit close to the fire as the air chilled. The witches' clothes were decapitated, hanging on her frail body by threads. The hood covered her face, silver hair pooling beneath on the table, some of it now on the plate beside her, mixing with the now cold meat juices. Her gnarled fingers focused on the small vial on the table, pushing it forward as it rolled back to her, over, and over, and over. The witch didn't acknowledge Sirona's presence until the wrinkled envelope hit the table, stopping the witch as the vial hit her knuckle. 

"If you're going to order food, at least eat it. I hate wasting." Sirona placed the glass down, pouring a cup of dark Dragon Brandy. The witch slowly dragged her hand towards the envelope, pocketing it before taking a generous sip of brandy, the following hiss the first sound Sirona had heard from her. Thinking the bar was fine for now, she pulled up a chair, sitting down close to the decrepit crone. 

After another sip, Sirona noticed the slight bubbling in her hand, the crone quickly taking a swig of some flask in her robe, wincing. 

"How much…?" The witches' voice sounded nearly ancient, as if Sirona expected to see a puff of dust from her mouth after speaking. Slowly, she lifted her head to Sirona. Sirona was going to be blunt, she looked like hell. Old leathery skin, warts, eyes sunken in and cheeks, even with their jewels, hollowed from starvation. 

"Two." Sirona's voice was flat, taking her own sip of the brandy. "I can't keep doing this for you… people are wo during and-"

"My dear…. It is only hair." The woman sipped the glass after, beginning to once again push the vial back and forth. "Soon enough… all will be good." 

The Tavern keeps hand slammed down on the table, almost close enough to shatter the vial entirely. Before she could blink, a wand was poised at her throat, the tip almost feeling like a knife. The crone's face snarled at her, leaning in to whisper. "The vial…. Don't fucking touch it." The wand retracted, and the vial continued to roll again. 

Sirona felt a stab of pity go through her, it honestly broke her heart. But at the end of the day, she couldn't enable this, and put lives at risk. "Listen…. " Sirona sat forward, looking at the witch. "You can't be coming back here anymore… people are getting tipped off, you're putting way too many lives at risk. More than the ones that have already died." Sirona braced herself for the other to lash out, to get angry, but all she heard was a sigh. 

"You know I wish I could help you.." Sirona cautiously placed her hand over the old woman's, her skin ice cold. "But I need to look out for us… and for you. I don't want to see you…" she couldn't finish the sentence, taking another swig before filling the cup again, the other woman taking it with a shaking hand to drink down completely. "I'm sorry." The witch let out another sigh, straightening herself in her chair. Sirona couldn't help but flinch away from the other. 

"I… understand my friend." The weathered fingers patted Sirona's hand, relaxing into the chair once more as she stopped the vial. "Just…. May I eat before leaving?" 

"Of course. The bottle and meal are on the house," She grabbed the witch's shoulder, giving a light squeeze. "Speaking of which," She stood up, giving a stretch before taking one last sip from the bottle. "I've got a man upstairs." The old witch nodded, Sirona taking her leave after one last squeeze. A hole grew in the woman's stomach, a hand moving to hold onto her wand. She didn't want to have to do this again, it nearly killed her last time. But she knew, for the good of everyone, all loose ends needed to be cut. Yet, as she looked down at the vial before her, that hole grew into a pit of longing, one she just prayed would swallow her up soon. 

—

June 19, 1893

She couldn't get herself to sleep, most of the students couldn't sleep tonight. It was her last night here. In this common room, in this castle, and it broke her heart. Exams flew by, her N.E.W.T.s had just gotten her though enough for the Auror academy to truly let her in, yet as she sat on the couch, staring up into the lake, it felt empty and hollow. All she could think about was him, his reaction to it all, how they left each other that day. Lenore hated leaving things the way they were, even if they would never see each other again. After everything that had happened this year, this all felt wrong. 

Her thought process had been broken at the sounds of wings rustling behind her, the screech of an owl on its perch waiting for her. “Sorry buddy, everyone is out.” The seventh years had taken their last night to Hogsmeade, toasting to their tenure of school. Lenore, as much as she adored most of the relationships she had made, was never one for loud events. She hated feeling so cramped, the overabundance of noise. Yet, the owl remained, bobbing its head back and forth as it waited. With a grunt, Lenore approached, the handwriting on the owl making her step falter. She could feel her heart stop, stomach filling with those nervous butterflies as she gently grasped the letter. 

It was odd, but she always admired his handwriting. Breaking the wax seal with a shaking hand, she slowly opened the letter, the contents making her heart jump straight to her throat. 

Miss Arkanos, 

You know where to find me. 

-Sharp 

Lenore did not even consider dressing more appropriately, her long olive robe covering enough of her nightgown to still be tasteful. Hair lay around her shoulders, tousled and unkempt as she made her way out of the common room. She did not realise until halfway through her journey, she did not even bother wearing shoes. 

A few students still lingered in the hallways, ghosts passing by as they did a double take. It was more than unusual for someone to be walking around in their sleepwear, especially to the faculty building. But what were they going to do really, expel her now? The thought made Lenore laugh to herself. The stone felt cold on her feet, helping her ground herself to the entire situation on hand. She did not know what she was going to do, say, what kind of situation she was about to walk herself into. But Lenore was not about to let this end this way. Too much had happened, neither of them couldn't deny this. Lenore needed closure, and so did he. 

Standing in front of the Faculty room entrance, Lenore hesitated as her hand hovered over the door. She knew she would not be seen, the professors were celebrating with the seventh years. But a part of her did not want to make any of this worse, to test whatever thin ice she was on to see if it would shatter beneath. Lenore knew herself better than that though as she pushed through. She always took her risks, to a fault. 

The floorboards were a welcome change on her feet, her body beginning to warm itself from the nerves as she ascended the stairs. The first flight, she debated turning around, the second she tried to find every way to explain to him how he was wrong. As she approached the landing, she could see the light streaming from the tiny balcony, the faint sound of music playing. As she stopped to listen, a sudden realization came over her, one that filled her chest with a campfire warmth. 

Without hesitation she pushed through the door, entering the first room of his quarters. She could see that it remained the same as the past times she had come here. Coats and shirts strewn over chairs, a couple portraits covered. He always hated having all those eyes on him. She could smell the latest concoctions he had been working on, he never really stopped. But what she noticed immediately was the large marble fireplace ahead, the fire completely out. Usually he would make her put in the effort to extinguish the flames, just so he could chuckle at her slight irritation every time. Lenore, as much as it did slightly annoy her, always enjoyed bringing him some kind of small joy in that regard. It was rare to see him really let guards down, soften himself up a little. Anything like that, she would take and cling to for the whole day . 

Crouching past the hearth, she slowly made her way upstairs, the music becoming clearer in her mind. She could smell the tea permeating the staircase, her shoulders already tensing. He was so close, and every step made her anxiety heighten. It was not until the last few flights she paused her ascension, noticing something different on the walls. 

Lenore remembered for a time, during the spring break, she had spent quite a majority of time with Aesop, Wanting to help him not only with his potion crafting, but with his illustrations. He had only passed it off as a small hobby of his, which she immediately knew was a lie. From the spectacular detail he had in his mind, to remembering every single part of a room to the singular blades of grass, it astounded her. Lenore’s mind worked much too fast to pick up that much detail, except if it was a specific moment that was so important, it branded itself on her brain. 

So Lenore should not have been surprised that the new additions on the walls seemed to be pulled out of her memory of that night at the Yule Ball. The trees with crystalized branches, the individual flakes of snow. Lenore saw the stairs leading up towards the courtyard, how they looked frosted over, save for the few individual footprints left behind. As she made it up the last flight, she could see the balcony looking over the viaduct bridge, the memories almost flooding back to her. With the music, the images around her, it was as if she was somewhat back in the moment. The rustling heard in the other room was what brought her back to reality. 

Walking into the small workshop, of course the first thing her eyes fell on was Aesop, his back to her as he sat at the desk against the far wall, quill in hand as it furiously scratched the page. For as beautiful as his art was, he was not exactly the most gentle artist. Also judging by the amount of snapped quills in the bucket on the table with him, she could tell it was not one of his good days. She could feel the frustration emanating off his body as she approached, hugging her robe closer to her body. Lenore regretted not changing, feeling extremely exposed now. 

Hearing the rustle of her robes snapped Aesop out of his own thoughts, eyes softening only slightly. “Ah… Miss Arkanos..” It was like a punch to the gut, hearing him address her like that. After what had happened, he usually said her first name in private, they both did. Hearing him address her like before now, it made her stomach tighten. Yet, Lenore nodded her head in response. Without saying anything she waved her wand, the pot of tea immediately pouring for the two of them. For a moment they stood in silence, neither of them able to look at each other until they both held their tea. 

“I…. I am glad you came.” His voice was much quieter now, daring to look over at the girl. To his shock, Lenore’s eyes met his, both just taking the moment while on opposite sides of the table. 

“Listen… Professor I-” 

Aesop held his hand up slowly, his stare gentle yet firm. Immediately Lenore hushed herself, trying everything to not shake. She never knew what it was that made her body react to him in such a way, but just by his eyes alone she could not stop shaking. Waving his wand, he brought two chairs towards them, Lenore automatically sitting before him. For a moment, as he approached, he took in the sight of her, the aching in his heart growing. Aesop knew this would be the last he could ever see her like this, here, with him. All he wanted to do was freeze the moment in time, to revel in this before he would watch that infernal train take her away from him, to the one place he begged her not to go. Yet, here Aesop stood once more, doing everything to not grovel at her feet. 

Slowly he sank into the chair beside her, clearing his throat before addressing her. “I… I wanted to apologize for what happened before.” Lenore could hear the nervousness in his voice, wanting to just take any kind of fear he had away. “It was not right of me… but..” And there was the but. The one thing she did not want to hear, the sigh of irritation already breaking through as she stood, pacing back and forth in front of him. 

“Lenore you need to listen-” 

“No! No I don't Aesop. You of all people know this is exactly what I should be doing with my life! I can do something, make myself an Auror that actually helps people, not sit on their ass doing paperwork. I can fight, I can be something!” Lenore could not help but raise her voice. This argument was a tired one, Aesop pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. “You know how hypocritical you're being with this!” 

“Not one part of you understands what you want to do Lenore!” Now was his turn to stand, facing her as his expression turned to stone. “I have seen the worst of it, experienced the worst of it. It will change you Lenore, you will see things that one should never have to endure.” The chill crawled up his spine, memories flashing in his mind, ones that kept him awake at night. “I can't see you go down that path, I can't see you-” 

“Can't what? Can't bear to see me do the one thing you wish you could do? I never took you for the jealous type.” She spat out the words, anger now fueling her words. “I know what there is to see Aesop, lest you fucking forget!” He could not help but wince. She was partly right, she had seen things that most students would not be able to cope with, and it had changed her. But Lenore knew there was more, something he wasn't saying, and as his expression changed, suddenly her anger changed, morphing into regret. 

“Lenore…” his voice caught in his throat, only letting out a strange whimper, a sound that shook Lenore to her core. As she looked into his eyes, she could see the deep blue beginning to glass over with tears as he slowly, very slowly, approached her. 

“I have seen my best friend, my partner, killed right in front of me. I could not stop it, but the thought of knowing it was me who brought him there, who had hoped it would go well… I live with that guilt, every day.” He stepped closer. “I know you feel that way with Eleazar.” Closer. “But… the day I saw you get hit, fall to the ground writhing in pain, that scream.: He choked on the work, steadying himself on the desk. “Lenore, the thought of you going out there, risking your life over poachers and dark wizards, when you have already done so much… the thought kills me.”

Lenore was not aware that she had been backing up until her lower back hit the table, her breathing rapid and shallow. Yet, she could not tear her eyes away from the man before her. 

“I… I can't sit by and watch you throw yourself into something so dangerously, without trying.” He was only a couple feet away now, his scent making Lenore grow dizzy. “I… I care for you Lenore, more than I ever should. More than is safe..” Another step. “But I have to tell you, I can't bear to lose someone else I love.” 

Slowly, he reached up with his hand, moving some of the hair behind her ear, his thumb caressing her cheekbone as lightly as a breath. “I'm too afraid… that if I admit what is true… that I will lose you. So…” he leaned in a little, their faces merely inches apart. Lilium, for a moment, wanted so desperately to close the gap between them. His breath danced with hers, his hand now cupping her cheek as they just stood there, both waiting for the other to do something. 

Yet, Lenore knew this was not right, the position they both were in. A moment like this should not happen here. They should not be this way, this over emotional, this unclear. They both deserve each other in their best moments. Lenore took in a deep breath, sighing as her hand cupped his own cheek, Aesop sighing at the contact. It had been more years than he could recall, being touched so affectionately. He just wanted to stay like this. 

“Aesop… all I ask is that you wait for me… let me show you that I can do this.” Her voice was desperate, begging him to just see. Yet as he pulled away, she knew what answer he had come to. His eyes reflected the heartbreak of her own, no words needing to be said. It took every ounce of strength to not break, to hold the tears at bay. She watched him as he went to a drawer, pulling out an ornate mahogany box, coming back to place it in her hands. Tears dripped onto the lid, Lenore’s efforts unsuccessful. 

“I want you to have this… For when you feel you need it the most.” He opened the box, inside revealing a small tear-shaped vial. Delicately, Lenore picked it up, her eyes widening to see the liquid gold contained. Immediately she shook her head, her eyes wide with shock. 

“No… No, I am not taking this Aesop. We both agreed this could be what you need and-” 

“And I am deciding that your life is worth more than my own leg.” His voice had gotten harder now, Aesop trying to fight back his own emotions. He placed the vial in her hand, wrapping her fingers around it. “Please… “ Lenore was not sure exactly what he was pleading for. Her to stay? Her to not put her life in danger? For her to take it? Again she found their faces so close again, now breathing erratic as emotions began to boil over. 

Lenore could only shake her head, feeling her heart break. “I can’t… I can't.” She couldn't stand to see the pain anymore, to know she had caused any of this. She slipped away, racing down the stairs and out of the room. 

The last thing she had ever heard Aesop say was her name. 

—

She had not realized how close the bottle was to empty before picking it up, hearing the last remnants swishing about. Before she could take a swig of it though, she heard the footsteps coming up the stairs, multiples. ‘What great fucking timing.’ Her skin began to start shifting slowly, and Lenore knew there was no longer any more in her flask to try and stop it, so she just pulled the hood down more, seeing the six wizards now flanking the stairs. Two of them stood at her exit, another two standing at the stairs leading to the next floor. The entire tavern had gone quiet, Sirona downstairs, ready to draw her wand. The last two wizards slowly approached the woman, sitting down beside her as they finished her bottle. 

“You know why we’re here…” the man's voice was a low growl, one she could feel in her  chest as he spoke. “Let’s not cause any more bloodshed that is needed. You know you can't run forever. We will find you… he will find you.” The man leaned in close, his stinking breath on Lenore’s face. “I don't want to cut that face up more than needed. Blood doesn't suit a lady like you.” Lenore finally raised her head, a smile gracing the old woman’s face as it began to bubble more. 

“You're right… It doesn't suit me at all.” She leaned closer to the man. “But it does suit you.” 

The knife stabbed straight into the wizards hand, pinning him to the table as Lenore let out a burst of fire, blasting most of the wizards either down the stairs or off the balcony. Lenore quickly saw how the dark wizard beside her was effectively cooked before jumping from the balcony herself. As another wizard approached, she quickly propelled him through the tables, his body crashing out the window. ‘Sorry Sirona.’ She self apologized, taking one of the massive kegs of butterbeer and throwing it to the wizard that had been thrown off the balcony with her. Before any others could get their bearings, Lenore let out a blast to one of the dark wizards blocking the door sprinting out of the tavern into the downpour. Auror’s would be coming any minute, and she had to be far enough ahead to apparate. 

As she turned on her heel, sprinting through the slick cobblestone streets, she failed to notice how there had been more dark wizards waiting outside. It didn't take long to hear the chaos behind her as she ran, throwing spells at stalls and shelves to try and buy her extra time. Lenore heard one of the attackers yell out as soon Auror’s began to apparate in left and right, Lenore using whatever alley and dark corner was available to get the most she could off her tail. 

As she made it past the town circle, heading upwards into the hills, she decided to chance it and turn to see how many were following. The storm was heavy enough that, in the night, she could just make out two figures. Lenore could hear the whispers in her ear once more, begging her to just let go, to let them taste what real power could be. Lenore was so exhausted, hurt, and just needed to get out. Waving her wand, she threw one of the large stone bricks into an attackers head, just able to hear the sound of the bones crushing on impact. That was all she needed to feel the overflowing ancient magic once more. 

Lenore pointed her wand to the sky, the tip shining a brilliant blue. She could see the dark wizard just as the blue lightning bolt came from the heavens, smiting him where he stood, leaving nothing but charred remains. Yet in the brilliant light, She saw something that made, just for a moment, all time stop. 

Lenore knew she was delirious enough to hallucinate, the visage of Aesop behind the attacker. For a moment, pure fear gripped her as she saw his body fly back from the impact of the blast, colliding with a wooden cart. She stepped towards the mirage, desperately wishing it could really be him. Before she could even think about getting any closer, Lenore heard the Auror’s descending. It took every ounce of self restraint to apparate, leaving the vision of the man that held her heart behind. 

For just a moment, Lenore had wished he was real. She would have been able to tell him that he was right, and that she kept it for him.

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

TAGS:@4everflowercore @marine-captain-deku @ryehoneyandinkstains @doom-n-gloomgal @shygurl123456 @handon-h-art @misswildfire @nightless @dagiweh @anmactireaonai@liadamerondjarin@amatchinwater @mellocado @imaginaryismyescape@v1cv1c@disassociation-daydreams

[blackcat2907]

Confirm Kill: A Top Gun/NCIS Crossover

Chapter One: First Blood

Word Count: 1000 words

Trigger Warnings: death, blood, gore, description of dead bodies, murder, this will be one of my darker stories, so be warned. Each chapter will have its own trigger warning. If any of this triggers you, stop reading and/or ask to be taken off the tag List.

Rain beat down as Lieutenant Neil "Omaha" Vikander walked through Fightertown, occasionally looking at his phone to text his WSO, Callie "Halo" Basset. It has been a few weeks since the successful suicide mission, and so far, none of them had been restationed. Admiral Beau "Cyclone" Simpson said that they all deserved a few weeks break after said mission. Omaha couldn't complain. Even though he wasn't one of the pilots chosen for the mission, training and just waiting had been brutal. 

The pilot stopped at the cafe one block away from his house. The smell of fresh pastries and coffee hit him, making him groan. He pocketed his phone, looking up at the menu. Halo had made him promise to get her something. The cafe had multiple patrons sitting around, waiting in line, or just hanging out with friends. The baristas happily took and gave out orders. 

"Good morning!" a young brunette batista chirped. "What can I get for you?" Omaha looked at her and smiled. She had wide brown eyes, black hair, and olive skin. She wore a maroon shirt and black leggings beneath her black apron. Her name tag read 'Julia Henderson'. 

"Good morning," Omaha greeted, looking up at the menu. "I'll have two blueberry donuts, one Boston creme, and two coffees. One with pumpkin spice and one with cinnamon. All to go." 

"You bet!" She rang him up on the register. "That will be fifteen dollars and twenty-five cents."  His wallet in hand, Omaha paid for the order. "Thank you," she said, putting the money in the register. Soon after, Julia had given him his order. "Come back anytime." 

"I just might," Omaha smiled, winking at her. "Have a good day, Julia." He grabbed the bag with the donuts and the cup holders. 

Omaha unlocked the door to his apartment, dropping his keys in the bowl on the small table by the door. He set the pastries and coffee next to the bowl. Humming to himself, he took off his shoes and rain coat. His hair was still wet, but he didn't mind. 

Sending Halo a quick text that he'd meet her at the Hard Deck in half an hour, Omaha sipped his pumpkin spice coffee. Taking the order into the kitchen, he sat down at the kitchen island. He took out his Boston Creme and slowly ate it, savoring the flavor. 

Omaha reflected on the past month. Part of him was glad he wasn't chosen for the mission. He didn't want to die this young. Yet, the other part of him wished he had gone so he could prove to himself he could be capable of doing that kind of mission. 

A knock on his door shook Omaha from his thoughts. He looked at the clock. 'Shit! I'm going to be late!' "Just a minute!" He called, rushing to the door. 

—

"Open up!" Halo snapped, banging on Omaha's door. "NEIL VIKANDER! OPEN THIS DAMN DOOR!" she shouted, patience running thin. "Men," Halo scoffed, going to kick the door open to find it unlocked. "That's just plain laziness and unsafe." 

Omaha hadn't showed up to the Hard Deck and left her and the other waiting for a solid hour. Halo, finally having enough, told the others to go ahead without them. She said she would catch up after getting to Omaha. Phoenix offered to come with her, but wanting to somewhat save some of Omaha's dignity, Halo declined Phoenix's offer. 

"NEIL!" Halo shouted, sounding pissed off. "What the hell is taking you…so…" she trailed off, eyes wide with horror. 

Everything had been ransacked. The table by the door was broken, pictures on the wall had fallen and the glass shattered, and small flecks of blood splattered the white walls. She took a shaky breath and stepped forward, down the hall, and into the open space that separated into the kitchen and living room. "Oh dear God," Halo gasped, covering her mouth. 

Shattered glass pieces covered the floor. Every chair and stool had been broken. The couch was overturned, the lights were all broken, and more blood was found. The corner of the kitchen island was caked with drying blood. Halo followed the bloody trail into the bedroom where she found him. 

Halo screamed. Omaha laid dead next to his bed, glazed eyes wide with horror. His left temple was bleeding heavily, his body  broken and bruised. His arms were broken and his right leg was snapped clean in half. She could count three bullet holes in his chest. On the far wall was a message. 

'You're next' was written in blood.

Stumbling back, Halo screamed again. This time, her scream was full of anger and sorrow. Someone had targeted her best friend and killed him. Her legs gave out and she collapsed to her knees, tears of shock welled in her eyes. "No, no, no, no, no!" she wailed, banging her fists on the floor. "No, please!" 

Halo crawled forward and sobbed. The rational part of her brain told her to not touch Omaha's body, but the emotional part urged her to hold him. She pulled him close and cried for him to come back. She promised she would be the best WSO. She promised she would never leave him. She promised…He was gone. Omaha was gone, she was powerless. 

Her phone rang and Halo numbly answered it. "Hello?" she croaked, voice raw from screaming and sobbing. 

"Halo? What's wrong?" Maverick's voice echoed in her ear. Why did he sound so distant? The room swayed. 

"Mav…erick…" Halo gasped for air. Black spots danced around her vision and she slumped forward, everything going black. 

"Halo? Halo!" Maverick shouted. "Callie! Dammit!" Maverick ended the call. "Bradley, stay here. I'll be right back." He threw on his jacket and quickly rushed out the door of the Hard Deck. 

"Mav! What's going on?" Bradley shouted, but it was too late. Maverick had already hopped on his bike and sped away. 

"I'm coming, Halo. Just hold on. I'm coming, Callie," Maverick whispered.

Tag List:

@daughterofthereaper02

@d4r32bstup1d

@your-skeletons-extended-warrenty

@hiraganasakura

@peaceful-meme-goblin (I will also gift this fic to you on AO3)

Hello!

I hope you all enjoyed this first chapter. I'm having way too much fun planning and writing this. Please consider rebloging, commenting, and leaving a note.

Have a wonderful day!

[imrainfully]

(Beautiful -Heathers)

September 1st, 1989

Dear Diary: I believe I'm a good person

You know, I think there's good in everyone, but here we are first day of senior year

I look around at these kids I've known all my life and

I ask myself: What happened?

(Freak! Slut! Burnout! Bug-Eyes! Poser! Lard Ass!)

We were so tiny, happy and shiny, playing tag and getting chased

(Freak! Slut! Loser! Shortbus!)

Singing and clapping

Laughing and napping

Baking cookies, eating paste

(Bull-dyke! Stuck-up! Hunchback!)

Then we got bigger

That was the trigger

Like the Huns invading Rome

Sorry!

Welcome to my school

This ain't no high school

This is the Thunderdome

Hold your breath

And count the days

We're graduating soon

(White trash!)

College will be paradise

If I'm not dead by June!

But I know, I know, life can be beautiful

I pray, I pray for a better way

If we changed back then

We could change again

We can be beautiful

Ow!

Just not today

Hey, are you okay?

Get away, nerd

(Freak! Slut! Cripple! Homo! Homo! Homo!)

Things will get better

Soon as my letter

Comes from Harvard, Duke, or Brown

Awake from this coma

Take my diploma

Then I can blow this town

Dream of ivy-covered walls

And smoky French cafes

(Watch it!)

Fight the urge to strike a match and send this dump ablaze!

Ooops

Ram Sweeney, third year as linebacker

And eighth year of smacking lunch trays and being a huge dick!

What did you say to me skank?

Aaah, nothing!

But I know, I know, I know

Life can be beautiful

I pray, I pray

For a better way

We were kind before

We can be kind once more

We can be beautiful

Ah! Hey Martha

Hey

Martha Dumpstock

My best friend since diapers

Are we on for movie night?

Yeah, you're on Jiffy Pop detail

I rented The Princess Bride

Hohoho, again? Wait, don't you have it memorized right now?

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a happy ending

Martha Dumptruck! Wide load!

Kurt Kelly, quarterback, he is the smartest guy on the football team

Which is kind of like being the tallest dwarf

Hey! Pick that up right now!

I'm sorry, are you actually talking to me?

Yes, I am, I wanna know what gives you the right to pick on my friend?

You're a high school has-been waiting to happen, a future gas station attendant

You got a zit right there

Dear Diary

(Why~)

Why do they hate me?

Why don't I fight back?

Why do I act like such a creep?

(Why~)

Why won't he date me?

Why did I hit him?

Why do I cry myself to sleep?

(Why~!)

Students

Somebody hug me!

Somebody fix me!

Somebody save me!

Send me a sign, God!

Give me some hope here!

Something to live for!

Ah! Heather, Heather, and Heather!

And then there's the Heathers, they float above it all

I love Heather, Heather, and Heather

Heather McNamara, head cheerleader, her dad is loaded, he sells engagement rings

I hate Heather, Heather, and Heather!

Heather Duke, runs the yearbook, no discernible personality

But her mom did pay for implants

I want Heather, Heather, and Heather!

And Heather Chandler, the almighty

She is a mythic bitch

They are solid Teflon

Never bothered, never harassed

I would give anything to be like that

I'd like to be their boyfriend

That would be beautiful

If I sat at their table, guys would notice me

So beautiful

I'd like them to be nicer

That would be beautiful

I'd like to kidnap a Heather and photograph her naked in an abandoned warehouse

And leave her tied up for the rats!

Grow up, Heather, bulimia is so '87

Maybe you should see a doctor, Heather

Yeah, Heather, maybe I should

Ah, Heather and Heather and Heather

Perhaps you didn't hear the bell over all the vomiting

You're late for class

Heather wasn't feeling well, we're helping her

Not without a hall pass you're not. Week's detention

Actually, Miss Fleming, all four of us are out on a hall pass

Yearbook committee

I see you're all listed

Hurry up and get where you're going

This is an excellent forgery

Who are you?

Veronica Sawyer

I crave a boon

What boon?

Hm, let me sit at your table at lunch

Just once

No talking necessary

If people think you guys tolerate me, they'll leave me alone

Before you answer, I also do report cards, permission slips and absence notes

How about prescriptions?

Shut up, Heather

Sorry, Heather

For a greasy little nobody, you do have good bone structure

And a symmetrical face

If I took a meat cleaver down the center of your skull I'd have matching halves

That's very important

Of course, you could stand to lose a few pounds

And you know, you know, you know?

This could be beautiful

Mascara, maybe some lip gloss

And we're on our way

Get this girl some blush

And Heather, I need your brush

Let's make her beautiful

Let's make her beautiful

Let's make her beautiful

Make her beautiful

Okay?

Okay!

Out of my way geek!

I don't want trouble

You're gonna die at 3PM!

Don't you dare touch me! Get away, pervert!

What'd I ever do to them?

Who could survive this?

I can't escape this!

I think I'm dying!

Who's that with Heather?

Whoa. Heather, Heather, Heather

And someone!

Heather, Heather, Heather

And a babe!

Heather, Heather, Heather

Veronica?!

Veronica, Veronica, Veronica

And you know

You know, you know

Life can be beautiful

You hope, you dream, you pray

And you get your way!

Ask me how it feels

Looking like hell on wheels

My God, it's beautiful!

I might be beautiful

And when you're beautiful

It's a beautiful frickin' day!

Heather! Heather! Heather! Veronica!

Heather! Heather! Heather! Veronica! Veronica! Veronica! Veronica!

[sweetie-sardonyx]

hoi. I found your request for requests in the teruteru x reader tag on my dashboard, so if he isn't fair game for requests, I apologize. In any case, may I request a teruteru x reader where they go to his country home, reader learns that teruteru was putting up a facade, then they meet his mother? Can you also make really sweet and cute? please? 👉👈 I know I'm being a pathetic sap over the internet, but I'm allowed to be, right?

Hi! Thank you for requesting! And ofc! I love teruteru he’s my boy!! This request is my fav so far tbh so thank youuuuu!! Hope you enjoy love!

Fanfic type: Fluff + one-shot

Word count: 528

Set in: Non-canon AU

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The small car you and TeruTeru were squeezed in shook with the pothole-filled highway driving steadily, music quietly humming in the back, "I-I'm delighted to have you come to my home SugarCube I am but do you really wanna stay all that time?" TeruTeru asked tensely turning his head to you yet still focused on the road ahead, patiently waiting for your reply "Oh TeruTeru of course! you seem so tense, why is that love?" You asked concerned for your boyfriend, it seemed so out of character for him to be so anxious, your eyebrows furrowed as you frowned, "Do you-do you want me to not see your home-town or meet your mother?" you asked, god you hoped that wasn't it. A twinge of guilt lightly panged at TeruTeru's heart as he took a second glace to your disheartened face, "N-no! no of course not love bug that's not what going on at all, I'm just-I think you'll-I don't know if you'll-" He started to ramble his cheeks turning a darker shade of red with each fumbled word, mind racing with ways to calm not only your nerves but his own yet trying to keep his hands steady on the wheel, TeruTeru inhaled deeply he was going to be fully honest with you "Darling I-I haven't been the most honest with you", he hesitated for a while, "I didn't want you to come to my home town was because I was....embarrassed" "Oh love why?" You asked eyebrows furrowed in concern, "Because I'm not the man you think I am, I lied I'm not from the city like I said, I'm not the city-born hotshot I claimed to be I wanted to seem better than some random hick from the country, better than...than who I am, I know you'll probably not see me the same way you did before I said all this" TeruTeru's eyes lightly glistened with tears as he poured his heart out to you, his fears, his concerns, everything he's been holding on to deep in his subconscious up to this point started spilling out all in front of you he's never felt more vulnerable in his life,

"Love I would never ever ever leave you nor would I judge you for you truly are, I love you I don't care where you came from its not why I fell for you, I fell for the kind  master chief that wants to help improve the culinary world piece by piece, you are so much more than where you were born Sweetie" you smiled at him, "Now let's get going babe, I still need to meet your mom",

"Oh hi, Sweetheart you must be that person that Teru is always writing about!!" TeruTeru's mom gushed as she shook your hand her smile almost blinding she was clearly ecstatic about meeting you, "Ma!?" TeruTeru shouted face red with embarrassment, "I don't talk about them that often..." He mumbled turning his head trying to hide his blush, "Yes you do stop lying baby!" "Awww that's sweet!" "He's always been such a hopeless romantic I swear, now come in dear I have so many baby stories to tell you!" "MA-!"

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Hi hun!! I hope y’all enjoyed! I’m sorry if this wasn’t to your liking I sorta rushed and I’ve been busy but enough excuses! I hope you enjoyed and have a darling day!

- Maddi your darling goddess<3

[sebstanseabass]

Afterglow (A Bucky Barnes AU fan fiction) - Chapter 21

Afterglow chapters

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

NOTE: Again, the third person POV starts after this sign: ✪

Tag: @maladaptivexxdaydreaming

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Still covered in nothing but sheets, Bucky was sleeping in your arms by the time you woke up. Little snores were coming out from his mouth. You smiled at the fluttering sound and planted a small kiss on the top of his head. You laid there listless, legs still shaking from what happened last night, and mind still clouded by Bucky's past.

Peter's annoying coffee bean grinder started filling your ears. They echoed against the apartment walls. You internally groaned at the sound. You looked on your right to take a peek at the small gaps between the curtains and the window. It was still quite dark out, the sun almost waking up. The time on the clock read 6:00 in red blinking lights. You let out a sigh. Peter hated mornings, more than Garfield hates Mondays. The only logical explanation of him getting up early in the morning and making loud, annoying noises with that old grinder was that he didn't sleep through the night or he woke up too early with too many things in his mind. You wanted to choose the latter. If he didn't get to sleep last night, there was a tiny chance he could've heard you and Bucky — might've even walked right in the middle of a very heated, wild sex between his best friend and his stepbrother, seeing as you stupidly left the door unlocked (by this time, you were already out of bed, your naked body wrapped with a cheap bathrobe you've had with you since your college days).

You made a mental note to yourself to lock the door all the damn time, now that you and Bucky were being careful.

Last night might have not been the best thing you've ever done but it sure felt so good.

You stepped out of your room and approached the kitchen. Peter had his back on you and was just getting a filter paper from the top shelf.

"Good morning, Peter Parker." You said, earning a genuine shock from your best friend. Your voice came out groggier than you'd expected.

He turned around, a filter paper in his hand. "Jesus, y/n Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Sorry," you replied, "but it's six in the goddamn morning and you've probably woken up the whole building with your grinder."

He went back on his filter paper, placing it inside the coffee machine. That was probably the most expensive thing he'd ever gotten himself. "I ran out of coffee grounds. I had to make them."

You stayed quiet for a while, leaning against the counter and watching Peter pour the grounds into the filter. You watched as he smoothed the grounds with his finger. After a while, he placed both his hands on the edge of the counter, looking at the coffee drip. The whole time, you prayed to God Bucky didn't stir or make any noise in the bedroom. Thankfully, he didn't. He looked like he would be sleeping for a while, anyway.

Biting your lip, you walked to where Peter was standing and stood beside him. You waited for him to say something — anything about any noises he must've heard from last night but there weren't any. If he did, you'd be dead. You and Bucky would be dead.

Moments have passed. The coffee machine whirred on the table. The coffee pot was almost full. The dull kitchen smell was replaced by the inviting coffee aroma. Then, you found my voice

"I'm not sorry for taking the job, Peter." You started, your voice weak, barely a whisper. "I need it. But I am sorry for not appreciating you and your efforts to help me with my career. You have to know that. It's just... you know I feel about the corporate life — "

"I know, y/n." He cut you off. His gaze was now off the coffee maker but at the tiled wall in front. "I'm sorry for reacting that way. I was just tired from the trip." He faced you. A somber look crossed his face. Even if he was, just as he put it, "tired from the trip", you knew he was still hurt. And the more you looked at his baby-like face, the more you wanted to tell him about you and Bucky. You stifled yourself from doing so in your head.

Baby steps, y/n. Baby steps.

"I am proud of you." He stated. "I always have been. I hope you know that."

"Of course I do, Parker." A smile started to settle on your lips.

"It's one of the reasons why I want you to come work in the company. You've got a business degree, and you're a good photographer. And I'm proud of that. But," he paused, "I don't want to upset us both — especially you — by forcing something on you that you clearly don't want. If you're happy, then I'm happy. That's what matters, y/n."

That was a good opening, right? Usually, that was it: the perfect time to tell him that you were dating Bucky. If I'm happy, then he's happy. End of discussion. But things that don't go as planned also usually don't end up as well as you'd hope. After that, all you could utter was:

"Thank you. I am happy."

"And I trust Sam and Bucky."

You nodded, shying away at the mention of your lover.

Trust. It truly was a big and powerful word. The more you looked at Peter, the more the word "trust" started to blur all around him.

You shook your head, dissipating the thoughts swarming in your mind. "I'm starting today, by the way." You said.

"That's great, y/n." He replied. "And who knows, maybe you'll get bigger clients after this. I know Sam has a lot of connections when it comes to independent business owners. Bucky too! He probably knows a lot of models. Maybe he can help you with it, y'know? I mean, he's already helped."

"Maybe. Let's see." By this time, Peter was already pouring the coffee in his favorite mug. The words "Bucky" and "model" weren't sitting right with you. Was it a hint of jealousy on my end?

"Oh, how's it going with Wanda, by the way?" You asked, stirring the question in a different direction. Albeit liking that Peter was warming up to the idea of Bucky helping you, you didn't want to further the topic anymore as it was making you all shake up.

"She's coming in for a meeting today as well, actually. I really hope it goes well. This is the biggest account we've landed."

"That's good." You replied, nodding. Hoping that she wouldn't get Sharon Carter'd during the meeting. But then again, she was Wanda Maximoff — already known for her unremarkable talent. No one would ever think twice to question what she was capable of.

And who am I compared to her, anyway? You thought.

"So... you're starting today!" Peter exclaimed, stirring his coffee after putting in some milk.

"Yes. I have this pitch presentation for Sam and the team. But there's nothing to worry about. The last meeting went well and Sam and I have The Falcons' best interest." Then you told him about how you butted heads with his assistant, Sharon Carter.

"Oh, she's a Schmidt!" He commented, laughing. "Everyone's got a Schmidt."

You laughed alongside him, reminding yourself to beat Schmidt's ass when you see him.

"Man..." he trailed off. "How Bucky could convince you... it's still a mystery to me. You're kind of a hard shell to crack."

You chuckled nervously, gazing down at the floor. You didn't answer. You didn't know what else to say.

You and Peter chatted for a little while, burying the little hatchet you had. You talked more about the trip he'd had with his colleagues, the shocking truth about Steve's past ("Who knew he could write?"). Here, you made a mental note to yourself to perhaps check some articles he had written in the past. You also hoped some of them were online. By the time you and Peter stopped talking, he had already finished his cup of coffee and the sun was almost all the way up in the New York skies.

Before you even got out of the kitchen, you turned around and asked him one thing: "Hey, you still in love with that girl or did the whole retreat thing help you forget her?"

His back was turned to you once again as he was washing his mug. But his actions stopped once you asked the question. His head tilted. "Very much so."

You frowned, crossing your arms. "Very much in love with her still or..."

He turned around, his eyes meeting yours. "I'm still in love with her. Nothing's changed."

"See." You snorted. "The retreat thing was complete crap. Didn't do you shit. My advice for you? Tell her how you feel."

His eyes averted to the tiled floor, continuously nodding his head. "Perhaps."

With that, you left Peter with his lingering thoughts and wished him good luck. You must admit, the curiosity of who this girl he had been in love with for years was eating you. He was the kind of best friend who practically tells you everything that goes on in his life: all the good ones and the shitty ones. But you counted it fair, knowing that you too were keeping a dirty little secret from him. The only difference was your secret involved someone dear to him; whereas, his involved, perhaps, some girl you haven't even met yet. Maybe he met her in the office. Who knows?

You came back to your room, finding Bucky still asleep in your bed. You locked the door behind. The little snores coming out of his mouth were now gone. You woke him up quietly by kissing his temples and his forehead. After a few moments, his eyes fluttered open and a small curve by the corner of his lips started to show. The sun shone on half of his face, his ocean blue eyes absorbing all the light.

"Good morning, handsome." You whispered, smiling at him.

He chuckled and closed his eyes once more, letting his head dip into the pillow, as if shying away from a compliment. "G'morning." He lazily replied. "Is Peter still out there?"

"Yes, he's getting ready for work. You can go out after he leaves."

He rolled towards you, one arm dangling on your waist. "I don't want to go."

"You have to, silly." You giggled.

He shook his head on your tummy, tickling you. You laughed at the way he behaved. Different from the one you had witnessed last night. You stayed in bed for a little while, just in each other's arms, the silence closing in. It was a comfortable silence. One you could get used to. After what had transpired last night, silence was all you needed. Sometimes, it speaks louder than words could. We listened to each other's heartbeats, the sound of Peter's footsteps a few feet away from us, your shallow breathing, and the ongoing traffic just a few stories below

Then, Bucky broke the silence. "I never noticed how loud the traffic could be."

"It's either you've been living in a jungle or in a penthouse that almost reaches the sky."

"I'd like to live in a jungle." He continued. You prepared for his little ramblings, smiling to the wall in front. "So peaceful and quiet. I'd be swinging on vines to vines to vines like Tarzan. I'd like that."

You wanted to tell him a jungle isn't peaceful and quiet, with wild animals lurking around. But perhaps, compared to the human world, it was peaceful. Humans are behaving more like animals these days — or worse than them, even worse than the wild ones. But you liked that he was comfortable enough to tell you all the little weird things that were going on inside his head, all the good and bad, all the big and small. Things he had never uttered to others.

Perhaps it was good that the child in him was still there. At least he still sees the beauty in the world.

His phone vibrated somewhere on the floor, making your thoughts dissipate. He quickly picked it up as soon as he saw the caller ID.

"I have to go, doll." He sighed after talking to whoever was on the other line, picking up his boxers and his pants. You tilted your head to the side as he bent down, subconsciously biting your lower lip. "Tony's in the penthouse."

"Stark?" You frowned. "What's he doing in there?"

He pulled his shirt over his head. By this time, Peter had just finished showering. The water in the bathroom had just stopped dripping. "I'm about to find out."

"Peter's still out there. How are you gonna go out?"

His eyes moved to the closed window in front of him. "The same way I got in last night."

I raised your eyebrows, standing up. "In broad daylight? When people could see you? You're crazy."

"Well baby, I'm crazy for you and I see nothing wrong with that." He smirked, making his way towards you. "What's one more crazy thing to do?" He sped towards the window and quietly opened it, letting a cold breeze inside the room. His foot was just outside the window when you grabbed him and placed your mouth on his.

"Thanks for telling me about your past last night." You said, pulling away. It needed to be said. Now, you felt that you knew him better, knew the deep parts of himself he had been keeping, rather than the parts you already know about him. "I really appreciate it."

A soft smile landed on his lips. His hand caressing your jaw. "Thanks for listening, doll."

Then, he climbed down the fire escape, vanishing like Aladdin on his magic carpet.

--

The inviting smiles of the marketing team invited you into the conference room (the same one as last week) as soon as they saw you walk in. With your head held high, red lips, stilettos, and a bunch of papers and a laptop in hand, you shook all their hands with your free one, introducing yourself. Your eyes landed on Sharon who just gave you a nod. You turned around and fixed all the things you needed for your pitch on the table and felt a bit sad about you and Sharon's little exchange.

You were the only women in the room. The least you guys could do was to back each other up but clearly, it wasn't the way she usually goes. Or maybe she just really hated your guts.

While waiting for Sam to arrive, you practiced the speech you've had prepared a few days ago in your head as you skimmed the slides you prepared — all the color schemes, the tones, the framing, everything were on there.

Sharon approached you hesitantly. You looked up and gave her a questioning look, your fingers suspended in mid-air against the touchpad of your laptop.

"Barnes not coming with you today?"

"No." You briefly replied.

You went back to your presentation but Sharon didn't budge. She just stood there, looking down on you. "Can I help you with something or are you just gonna stand there?"

"You're not so bad, Ms. y/l/n." She said, startling you.

"What?"

"I saw your online portfolio." She answered. "You're good. I mean, you're no Maximoff but yeah, I guess you have potential. You just need a bit of push and the right audience."

You looked back up, giving her a small smile. Albeit the backhanded slap, it was the nicest thing she had ever said to you since day one. "Thank you."

"I'm looking forward to what you might bring to The Falcons."

"And I as well."

Sam arrived a bit later, having had some problems with the shipment of the next batch. You asked if this was going to be a problem in the production for the shoot but assured you and everyone else that it wouldn't be. Not anymore.

Bucky sent you a short text message right before you started the pitch, attached with a photo of him in a black hoodie with an unamused expression crossing his face. The hood perfectly framed his face in a weird way.

The day got dragged in seconds. Even though your pitch presentation about the production and post-production of the photos ended in a New York minute, with no further questions asked (surprisingly), the interview with the countless models and athletes took longer than you thought. Some even flirted with you (and not so subtle, you might as well add) to get the job. That alone just said a little too much of their work ethic and professionalism — which none of them had.

"She's taken, buddy." Sam glared at the model right across from you. "Move along now."

We watched the Australian model get up with a huff, mumbling something incoherent under his breath.

"I could've taken care of that, y'know." You sneered. "I don't need you looking out for me when Bucky's not around."

He scoffed, crossing his arms across his chest. His eyes on the papers lined up on the table. Beside you, Sharon was scribbling something on a piece of paper, double checking all the resumes, and couldn't care less about your conversation.

"Bitch please. I ain't looking out for you, kid. I'm looking out for Bucky."

"Sure, you are." You smiled, your eyes following the next model entering Sam's office. "Admit it, you care about me."

"Ha! You wish." His body language did say exactly that but his smiling eyes said otherwise.

The series of interviews went well after that, less people flirted. If not with you, with Sam and Sharon as well. Despite that, you've met people from different walks of life; people with stories to show and tell through photographs, stories worth telling, people who have been through success and failure, who have been marginalized by people who think of themselves as superior beings, people who are still finding purpose in life. And this is what you adored in this project and what you loved about photography. It was more than making money, more than a business, more than a face. It's all about the stories behind. And you couldn't wait to capture these stories in your lenses once you've chosen the twenty models and athletes.

After the long interview, you bid goodbye to Sam and Sharon, thanking them for the time and the work you've had today. To your surprise, you saw Sharon curve up a small smile as she shook your hand. Maybe you'd get along after all. Who knew?

You hailed a yellow cab in front of Sam's building and went straight to the bar, texting Bucky that you were on your way. You smiled, sitting closer by the window, looking up at the sunset hues in the sky. Now, whenever you looked at the sunset, all you could think of was Bucky.

As you looked above, some striking letters caught your eye: Stark Industries. The biggest, most famous business franchise there ever was not just in New York but in America. Tony Stark had hotels, restaurants, clubs -- you bet there wasn't something he hadn't owned yet.

Upon getting at the bar, Bucky was already sitting on the high stool by the counter. You were getting ready to hug him from behind but seeing Peter get out from the toilet stopped you. Instead, you went for a small smile and a wave. You would've killed to hug him and kiss him after a long day.

Nat wasn't around for her shift tonight, so it was just Nick and the other guys going around for orders. You wondered if Steve too was around or not but it looked like he wasn't. Well, that explains things. It wasn't that hard to put two and two together.

The bar's atmosphere was different without Nat around. Everyone was nice.

"Hey, it's Miss Big-Shot!" Even Nick was nice. "What can I get for ya?"

You ordered a non-alcoholic drink while telling Peter and Bucky how things went through today, secretly wishing it was just you and Bucky. You would've been sitting close together, thighs grazing each other, fingers brushing against each other under the counter, like a couple morphing into one entity.

You secretly kept glancing at Bucky, wondering what was in his mind, wondering if he too wished the same thing you had wished for, wondering if he would kiss me every chance he'd get to. You weren't a big fan of the whole PDA thing but when it came to Bucky, you'd let him do anything to you anytime, anywhere.

After you told them how your day went, you decided to ask a stupid question: "Oh hey, Bucky, how'd it go with Tony?"

Silence filled the counter. Bucky's eyes filled with horror while Peter shot you a questioning look. Then, he looked at Bucky. "You saw Mr. Stark today?" Then, back at you. "Wait, ho-how did you know about that?"

It was a good thing you were quick to think off the top of your head. "Bucky and I ran to each other in Manhattan and I asked how he was doing and then he told me about it! Right, Bucky?"

"That's it!" He replied, smiling awkwardly. "We did and yes, I told her."

"Aw, man. Mr. Stark never answers my phone calls or messages." Peter pouted. "What did you guys talk about?"

Bucky shrugged, taking a sip of his beer. "Business stuff. He says he wants me to be more... present. You know how he is."

But Peter didn't seem to mind about Bucky's reply. "How come he doesn't call me?"

"Oh my god, Parker, are you jealous?" You laughed, nudging his shoulder.

"Well, he never calls me!"

"Aw, is daddy too busy for his little boy?" You joked, pinching his cheeks which he slapped away.

"Ew, don't call him that!" Peter exclaimed, playfully glaring at you. "And he's not my dad! He's his dad!" He pointed at Bucky with his thumb."

"I'm adopted."

"Which technically means he's your dad." He replied. "Did he say anything about me?"

"No, not really." Bucky chuckled at Peter's whining, putting a hand on his shoulder, as if reassuring him. "Don't worry, kid. We'll go pay him a little visit and you can curse him out if you want. I'll be happy to back you up."

"Oohh, I can never do that to Mr. Stark."

"Why not?" You asked. "He's not your father. I say go curse him out."

"He's Tony Stark!" He exclaimed. "You'd be crazy to do that."

"You are such a baby, Parker." You groaned.

"I know." Peter smirked. "That's why women find me adorable."

"Gross." You cringed at him, throwing a cashew nut to his face. "Never ever say that again."

After about an hour of catching up, you three went to the apartment, the awkward silence during the elevator ride killing you each passing second.

You and Bucky stood behind Peter as he struggled to open the door, a little too close for Peter's liking (if he could see us now). Bucky slowly hooked his pinky with yours. You looked at him with a small smile on your face, then down at your pinkies hooked together.

They looked like a little knot on a string.

Bucky looked straight ahead, a sly smile playing on his lips as his hand moved from your hand to your ass. You slightly jumped at the contact, a small blush covering your cheeks. He removed it immediately when Peter managed to open the door after mumbling a few profanities under his breath. You quietly whimpered at the absence of Bucky's touch.

You went straight to your room after that, leaving Bucky and Peter in the living room. While changing, you noticed a gift-wrapped box sitting on your bed. It was a sleek black medium-sized box, adorned with a thick black ribbon, and thin silver ribbons. You frowned at it as you unbuttoned your blouse. You brushed your hand against the ribbon, looking for a note but there was none.

Once you put on some house clothes, you sat on the bed and carefully opened the box. You gasped as you carried the lid. Inside was the Nikon D850 — exactly what you've been wanting — and three different lenses, each with a different purpose.

"Bucky, you son of a bitch." You mumbled, adoring the equipment laid out on the bed.

On the bottom of the box, was a little white note that read:

For the most talented person I know.

Yours,

B.

You glanced at the door as you heard Bucky's laugh echoing against the apartment walls and immediately got out of your room. Peter was already walking to his room to change, leaving you and Bucky in the living room.

"You're welcome, doll." He whispered.

You wasted no time to push him towards the kitchen, and trapped him on the counter, your lips already smashing his. "You don't know how much I've wanted to do that since I saw you at the bar." You breathed out.

"Oh trust me," a quick peck on the lips, "I know."

"Bucky, the gift — "

"Is not too much."

"I was going to say I appreciate it." You smirked. "I think I know you well enough now not to say those kinds of things. But — "

He groaned, throwing his head back. "No buts, baby, please. Unless it's your butt." Then he, the cheeky guy he was, moved his hands on your ass, squeezing them.

"But..." You placed his hands back on your waist, giving him a look. "You don't have to do this all the time, okay?"

"I'm not making any promises."

"James, I mean it."

"Y/n." He smirked. "I mean it too."

"You're never gonna stop, aren't you?" You sighed, gazing into his eyes.

"You know me well enough to answer that question yourself. Now, what do you say when you've received something from me?"

"That's not fair. When you give it to me," you pushed your crotch against his, earning a slight groan from his end, "I normally don't say thank you. How come I should say it now?"

He sighed, shaking his head. "You're really something else. You know that, right?"

You rolled your eyes. "The amount of times you've told me that, Bucky, I swear — "

Then, he shut you up by kissing you softly on the lips. "Where's my thank you?"

You giggled, pressing against him harder. "How about I say thank you in a different way? How's that sound?"

"Right here? Doll, y'know I'm not one for a quickie. If I want to fuck you — "

The sound of Peter's door opening made you jump off Bucky faster than the speed of light. Peter entered the kitchen as you pretended to grab something from the fridge.

"So... this was nice." Bucky said, peeling himself away from the counter. "But I have to go. It's getting kind of dark now plus Howard's waiting for me downstairs."

You watched as Bucky and Peter exchanged their goodbyes by the door, and watched your lover walk away from you without a short hug.

As soon as you went back to your room, your phone rang. You immediately picked it up seeing Bucky's name on the screen.

"If I want to fuck you — and trust me, I always want to — I'd be doing it all day, all night. My place tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you, my little devil."

And with that, you laid on your bed, together with Bucky's gifts, with the thought of Bucky pleasuring you in all ways possible running through your head.

✪

Steve Rogers strode in the mirrored hallways of the Stark industries with Jarvis right beside him, dreading for this spontaneous meet to end. Keeping his head low, he asked Jarvis:

"What does Stark want from me now, Jarvis?"

Jarvis gave him a side-glance, not uttering a single word.

"Oh come on, now." Steve looked at the blonde beside him. "Don't be shy. Usually, you have the right words to say."

But Jarvis didn't budge. He knew Tony well enough not to talk to Steve. Besides, it wasn't any of his business. He was just Tony's little errand boy -- alright, perhaps errand boy was a bit degrading. His... assistant. Someone who does the dirty work for the boss.

"The silent treatment? Really?"

Jarvis internally groaned. Steve didn't use to talk that much back in the good old days. Almost reaching Tony's office, Jarvis showed him the way but Steve stopped him.

"Yeah, yeah. I know where it is." Steve huffed.

"Very well, then."

"Oh, now you talk." Steve said, stopping right outside Tony's tall metallic doors. Jarvis offered him utter silence. "Always a pleasure, Vis."

Tony Stark sat on his cushioned throne, trailing a little yellow cab with his fingers, as if playing with toy cars. Once he heard the door close behind him, he turned around and met Steve's cold blue eyes.

"Mr. Rogers." Tony acknowledged, eyeing Steve from his head to his feet. "Please, sit down."

"I won't be long."

"I'm afraid that's not for you to tell." Tony's voice was firm. Authoritative. Something Steve never missed. "We have much to discuss."

Steve sighed, defeated. He had no other choice but to sit across from the jerk.

"If you're here to tell me to shut up about that thing you don't want Bucky to know, don't worry, I will."

"So..." Tony trailed off, pulling himself closer to his table. "You know that I know."

"It was more of a guess." He replied, frowning. "But knowing you, I just knew it to be true."

"Alright," Tony exhaled, minding Steve's cockiness, "let's cut to the chase here. Your little bar? Captain Brews? I want to buy it."

"No."

Tony was taken aback by Steve's swift answer but he didn't show it. People always said yes to Tony. Always. "I'm afraid that word isn't a part of my vocabulary."

"See, that's where we differ 'cause in mine, it is." Steve answered, keeping his voice strong and steady. "I don't want anything to do with you. I did everything you told me to. Leave me and my bar alone."

"How much do you want for it?"

"What?"

"Ten million? Fifteen?"

Steve scoffed, biting his lower lip. "I told you, I won't tell Bucky what I know. I've burned all the papers, all the articles, all the drafts. There's no evidence left. Buying the bar just to have your strings on me won't do you any good, Stark. I won't allow it. You've already had my word before, right? What's one more?"

[choicesfanaf]

The Meeting of a Lifetime AU

Part 13: The Pre-Wedding Rituals

Pairing: Ethan x f!MC (Dr. Arundhati Kulkarni)

Characters: Elijah Greene, Bryce Lahela, Rafael Aveiro, Tobias Carrick, Naveen Banerji, Alan Ramsey, Sienna Trinh, Aurora Emery, Jackie Varma, Harper Emery, Kyra Santana, Mridula Patel (OC), Ruby Ramsey (OC), Uma Kulkarni (OC), Sahil Kulkarni (OC), Greg Barnett (OC), Edward Walter (OC), Apoorva Sharma (OC)

Word Count: 1458 words

Rating: General

Summary: Ethan and Aru hold a ceremony to conduct certain pre-wedding rituals according to Aru's traditions.

Category: Fluff

Tagging: @nooruleman, @izzyourresidentlawyer, @jooous, @schnitzelbutterfingers, @sophxwithers, @red-rookie

A/N:

@nooruleman: Noorie, I am extremely thankful for your help, support and motivation. It was only because of you that I decided to write this series. You are a literal sweetheart. Thanks a lot for your help!

I sincerely apologise if this turns out to be messy or not up to your expectations.

A day before their wedding, Aru and Ethan had a pre-wedding ceremony according to her traditions, known as Haldi. This ritual consisted of the bride and groom's family members and loved ones applying turmeric paste on them using mango leaves.

For the ceremony, Aru invited all of her friends from Edenbrook, as well as Mridula, Sahil and her good friend, Apoorva. She wanted everyone she knew to celebrate her happiness along with her. Ethan brought Alan, Naveen, Jenner and two of his closest friends from college along with him.

The day started with Naveen and Sahil explaining everything about the ritual to their guests so that they knew how and what to do as well as arranging some delicious Indian and Continental food and snacks for their guests.

The ceremony started as soon as Aru and Ethan arrived, both coordinating in yellow outfits, dancing to some famous Bollywood songs, which were being played by a DJ.

Naveen was the first person to smother the turmeric paste on the couple, who was applying it almost everywhere. He was doing it so excitedly as he was very happy to see Ethan finally getting married to Aru and respecting her culture as well as letting her plan her wedding the way she wanted to.

After Naveen was done teasing and blessing the couple with a long and peaceful life, Alan came forward to apply the paste and told the couple to always take care of and understand each other, which they promised they would.

"Ethan, big man, before I apply the paste, I just want to remind you how lucky you are to have a chance to marry the love of your life. So, please don't do anything that will make you lose your chance, okay? And didi, don't forget, I'm saying the same thing to you. I'm equally protective of both of you."

"Don't worry, young man, I'll take good care of your sister. And I know very well that she is strong enough to see that if anything happens to her, she will take good care of it all by herself."

"Sahil, don't worry about your big man, I know to not do anything that invokes his bad side and to stay away from it."

"That's comforting to hear, so I wish you all the happiness in the world, you guys. Always stay happy and healthy and take care of the little angels."

"Thanks a lot, Sahil. Your approval means a lot to both of us."

"You know, I started trusting Ethan from the moment I met him. The way he spoke about you and looked at you, I knew he was the one for you. I'm really glad fate gave you two another chance and you guys took it."

"I know, I thank God for it every day."

"And every day when I look at her, I forget how difficult my life was before her."

"Oh, Ethan", Aru said, on the verge of tearing up.

"Okay, you lovebirds! Dry up your tears! Enough with the sappiness and bring on the happiness. You are getting married tomorrow! You guys must be really excited!"

"We are! It seems like I've been waiting for this day to come ever since Aru returned into my life."

"Who knew Ethan would be such a softie, hey!", exclaimed Bryce as he and her friends joined Sahil to tease the couple.

"You know what, Aru has turned him into one!", teased Elijah.

"That's true, Elijah, you should have seen him before her. He was extremely grumpy back then", pitched in Harper.

"Harper, you'll have to tell us some stories of Ethan before Aru waltzed into his life", mentioned Tobias, "cause I knew how grumpy and annoyed he used to be at all times."

"Yeah, definitely. You'll love to hear them."

"Did you know, he was so grumpy that we, along with Tobias, had nicknamed him Major Grumpy Pants back then."

"Aru, meet my friends, Greg and Edward."

"Thanks for the nickname, Greg, now that's what he is going to be saved as in my phone."

"Even we have some good stories about Ethan's grumpiness that we would like to share someday."

"Sure, you all are welcome to."

"Well, Aru, it seems like you have cast a spell on our Ethan."

"So has Ethan on Aru. Just look at them!"

"I hope that this spell never wears out and may you live happily now that you have gotten another chance."

"Hey, Ethan, why didn't you invite us for your bachelor party?"

"I did, but you said that you both were extremely busy that week and would love to catch up later."

"Greg, did you say that? Cause I don't remember saying so."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Relax, Ethan, they are joking around", Aru said, as Greg and Edward started cracking up.

"Never change, Major, never change."

"Okay, guys, now let's get done and get going so we don't block others from meeting the couple. We'll have plenty of time to talk to them later", chimed in Sienna.

"But before you leave, let me give you something", Aru said, as she applied the paste on her friends.

"Why did you do that? It's your Haldi, not ours", said Bryce.

"Meathead, the bride and groom apply the paste to their unmarried friends so that they can find a partner soon", explained Jackie.

"Enjoy this new chapter in your life, you guys. May you be blessed with happiness and joy all the time."

"Aww, you guys, you are going to make me cry, you all are too sweet", Aru said.

After the group was done, Mridula and Apoorva came in to meet and greet the couple.

She pretended to be happy for the couple, but she couldn't stop thinking about how she missed her chance to be with Aru and how much she regretted letting her go.

"Is everything going well, Mri?", asked Aru.

"Yeah, everything is going good, there are no major mishaps or issues as of now."

"That's great, Mri. We are very glad that you are our wedding planner. All of this was a part of our imagination and we could turn it into reality all thanks to you", Ethan replied.

"Oh, you don't need to thank me, I am glad to have met Aru after this long. It's been a pleasure doing all this. I've always dreamed of planning Aru's wedding and I'm extremely glad I got a chance to do so."

"You don't know how happy I am to hear this. You are seriously the best wedding planner out there."

"Aww, Aru. Well, can I?"

"Yeah, go on, it's literally our Haldi. You have a right to apply the paste on us today."

"She's right, Mri. Go on. You don't need to ask us today."

"Alright, then, may you all be blessed with good life and be together forever", Mri said while lathering them up with the paste.

"You too, Mri", Aru said as she applied the paste on her face.

"Hi, Apu! I'm delighted that you could come for my Haldi. It's been ages since I met you."

"I know. We need to catch up as soon as possible. I want to know everything that has happened since the last time we met."

"Yeah, we will need an entire day for that."

"Well, that's what makes it interesting. So, congratulations on your engagement, Aru! I would have never thought that you would get married to the guy who you so deeply admired."

"Just like Ethan, who never thought that he would get married to one of his interns", joked Greg.

After everyone was done wishing and blessing the radiant couple, they went on to take a ceremonial bath, while the others had fun applying the paste on each other and enjoyed the party.

When Aru and Ethan came back, Naveen and Alan told them, "So, children, you will not be allowed to meet each other until tomorrow, okay? Will you be able to do that?"

"Definitely", they said together.

"Also, the bride and the groom meeting before their wedding is considered to be inauspicious, so we will not be doing it."

"Since when did you two become superstitious?"

"Ever since we realised that we couldn't take any more chances."

"That makes a lot of sense."

"So, you both can go and take your beauty rest while all of us will help clean up."

"Thanks a lot for everything you have done for us and the girls. We can't ever thank you enough."

"Dear, you don't need to thank me. I'm just returning the favour from every time you both have helped me", replied Naveen.

"And I'm just doing my job as a good father, Aru, you don't need to thank me at all."

[whyyoudothistomecavill]

Don't - Chapter 1

Hello everyone! This is my first time writing fanfiction. Chapter one is an introduction to the kind of relationship the characters have and, in future chapters I will fill in the gaps left in this part.

But first, let's see how this one goes.

Feedback is greatly appreciated.

I took the name from a song written by Jewel. Go and listen to it. Trust me, after the first verse, THAT person will pop in your head. Never fails.

Before we jump in, there's a few people I need to thank:

@littlefreya for helping me with the editing since I don't have a beta yet, for encouraging me knowing what a big deal this is for me, and for all the things you already know. I'll always be in your debt.

@mary-ann84 for making me feel welcome since day one and putting up with me and my annoying questions at any time of day. Girl, you deserve an award for patience.

@radaofrivia for taking the time to read my ramblings and giving me the reassurance I needed. For showing up out of nowhere when I was almost defeated by my lack of tumblr comprehension and explained everything to me with the patience of a kindergarten teacher. Greek god Henry sent you my way, I have no doubt.

There aren't words enough to express how big of an inspiration all of you are to me. To be able to call you my friends, fills my heart with extreme joy and gratitude. So again THANK YOU.

I took the liberty to tag some people, to some I asked for their permission, to others I didn't, so if this bothers you in any way, just message me and I'll fix it, there's absolutely no obligation and I won't be offended.

With that being said, let's get to the point.

Title: Don't

Pairing: Henry x female reader.

Word count: 1682

Warnings: Angst, fluff, and if you squint your eyes you might find a bit of smut.

Summary: Henry and reader are a couple living together for 1 year. Reader have struggled with self esteem issues and insecurities her whole life and when she met Henry, she thought she had left all that in the past, but certain events made her realize that her soul is far from being healed.

Disclaimer: This is an original work of fiction written by me. Please don't post it anywhere else without my permission. Reblogs here are welcomed of course. Thank you.

"Are you ok, darling?"

"Yes, honey"

"Are you sure? You don't seem ok"

"I'm ok, Hen," you smiled, "I'm just tired. I wanna get home, have a shower and then go to bed"

He didn't seem convinced but he didn't ask again. The rest of the ride home was silent, you looked out the window and prayed for the strength to act like everything was normal, while he concentrated on the road and hummed along to the radio.

But you knew better. You knew that this man, the most gorgeous man on earth, the man you called your boyfriend, the man every woman (and a lot of men too), thirsted for, was also the smartest, the most affectionate and that he paid attention to every single thing, especially you. He could notice the smallest change in your demeanor, he could tell when something was wrong and this time was no difference. He was just giving you time to process whatever it was upsetting you before you could talk to him, but in no way was he buying the "just tired" bs. And you knew it.

You entered the house and discarded your shoes and purse. Henry was taking Kal out of the car and into the house when you said "I'm gonna take a shower," and quickly rushed upstairs without waiting for an answer, you needed to be alone so desperately.

You got into the bathroom and took your clothes off without even glancing in the mirror, you didn't want to see anybody, much less yourself.

The hot water was bliss to your sore muscles, too bad it didn't make a difference to the pain in your heart. You rested your forehead into the tiled wall and felt the water gently massaging your back and legs. You were so immersed in your thoughts that you didn't hear the bathroom door being open. Henry was already behind you, his strong hands caressing your back as light as a feather and his mouth on your ear, "may I join you?"

You turned around and looked at him, at those eyes bluer than the sky itself, at those curls that did things to you just by looking at them, and that smile, the most perfect and genuine smile you had ever seen, it was literally impossible not to smile back at him, it was contagious.

He didn't wait for an answer, he lowered himself to put his arms around your waist as you put yours around his neck and kissed you deeply and tenderly. You knew he did that so you wouldn't have to be on your tiptoes to kiss him, he was so damn considerate and perfect it infuriated you sometimes.

So you closed your eyes and kissed him like there was no tomorrow, he sensed the heat in your kiss and grabbing your behind, lifted you up still kissing you, putting your back against the wall. You instinctively wrapped your legs around him and he broke the kiss to look at you, his hair was tousled all over from the water and your hands. His lips were swollen from the kissing and his eyes were dark with lust but also full of love. Oh,so much love.

"What do you want?" He said, "Tell me. What do you need? I'm here, I'm yours".

Something inside of you broke, it was too much. "I want you, Henry. I need you. Now. Inside of me. Please".

He didn't wait for you to ask again, maneuvering you as if you weighed nothing, he made you descend on his length without breaking eye contact, until you were completely full of him. He started to move, slowly and leisurely making you moan and clung to him for dear life.

He didn't know about the battle that was going on inside you. You wanted him to crawl within you and fill the emptiness eating your soul, you wanted to hold him and never let go, you wanted to stop time. Or maybe go back in time, or just disappear. But for the time being you were just grateful for the water running over both of you, not letting Henry notice that your tears were running as well.

Even if you were shattered inside, your body would always succumb to him, there was no point in resisting, and as he kept moving in and out of you, whispering sweet nonsenses in your ear, the orgasm hit you like a thunder lightning crying out his name, his release following moments later triggered by your loud moans.

He held you still between him and the wall while you both recovered your breath, filling your neck with open mouthed kisses.

He lowered you and you held him tightly, putting your head on his chest, listening to his heart beat. It always soothed you. You both stayed that way under the shower in silence, until you started to feel the boiling inside you rising again. "I'm gonna get the towels" you said, "I got it" said he and with a swift move of his long arms, he reached for the towels and started drying you, hair first, then your body, slowly, caressing every inch of it and leaving light kisses everywhere his hands would pass.

He was kneeling in front of you, drying your legs and slowly going up, your eyes were fixated on him and his movements, not saying a word. He looked up, saw you staring, and reaching up, caressed your face so softly it made you lean your head in his hand, closing your eyes. It was like time stopped and you were there alone just savoring that moment, keeping it in your memory forever and you couldn't help the single tear rolling down your cheek into his hand...

When you opened your eyes, you saw the look of concern on his face, "What is it baby? What's wrong?"

You needed to make a choice, so you chose the truth. At least the one truth that wouldn't hurt him: "I love you so much".

"And that makes you cry?"

You chuckled a little, "No, I sometimes get overwhelmed by all these feelings, I'm sorry for being so sensitive" you said, wiping your eyes and smiling through tears.

He stood up and crashed your lips with his, taking you by surprise and lifting you up, carrying you like a bride to your bed.

He got in too, cuddling you from behind and you intended to get up to find one of his t-shirts, your go-to pajamas since day one with him, but he stopped you with his arm around your waist and pulled you against him, your back on his chest, your naked bodies molding perfectly together under the sheets.

You clutched his hand in yours, closed your eyes and tried to ease your racing heart.

His voice took you back to reality:

"Look at me, love"

You turned around in his arms just enough to look him in the eyes, and it surprised you to see, his were a little watery too.

"I love you" he whispered. "I love you like I never thought it was possible to love someone. You have brought to my life the hope that my tired heart believed was lost. I want to spend every minute of every day with you and when my work keeps us apart, I can't wait to share with you every detail of my day. You know sometimes..." he paused, smiling and looking away, "sometimes I have to tell myself *get it together Cavill! You're a grown man acting like a teenager*, but that's what you do to me" he said looking at you again and caressing your lips with his thumb, "You're my fuel, my reason, you're my last thought when I go to sleep and my first one when I wake up, and I'm so grateful to have you that sometimes I'm scared to think that I don't express it enough for you to actually get a glimpse of how happy you make me. That's why I might seem a little clingy around you... I love you and I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything, that I'm always here for you, it doesn't matter if I'm working or doing anything else, you are my priority, ok?"

You were a crying mess by now and watching his red eyes trying so hard not to cry, wasn't helping.

"Ok?" he said again, clearly demanding an answer from you.

But your words wouldn't come out. How? How could you tell him? How on earth was he supposed to imagine that he had chosen the worst possible moment to tell you this?

So again you settled for the truth, the only indisputable truth you could give him, and nodding you took his face in your hands and kissed him, pulling him on top of you.

He engulfed you in his arms and broke the kiss to breathe, you covered his face with light kisses tasting the salt of his tears which only added more sorrow to your battered soul.

"Make love to me," you said against his lips. He looked at you through hooded eyes and went for the spot on your neck he knew drove you crazy.

This was the truth. The fact that when you were together you couldn't tell where each of you ended and the other began. The absolute certainty of loving him with every fiber of your being, knowing you could never love anyone else this much, not even in a thousand lives. You never hid it. It was impossible to...

A few hours later, you were watching him peacefully asleep, his features even more beautiful in the dim morning light. You carefully kissed him and placed your head on his chest, he held you tighter against him and said something that sounded like "I love you". "I love you too" you said, granting him again the truth you couldn't deny.

The unspoken truth however, the one he was about to learn, was that in fact, the one you didn't love... was yourself.

Tag list:

@mary-ann84 @littlefreya @radaofrivia @demivampirew @dancingwendigo @seb-owns-these-tatas​ @viking-raider​ @cruelfvkingsummer​ @cherry-acid​ @achaoticaugust​ @promptandpros​ @ladyreapermc​ @honeychicanawrites​ @yespolkadotkitty​ @chamomilebottom​ @deathonyourtongue​

[loveroftoomanyfandoms]

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear Chapter 18: Reader

Pairing: Matt Murdock x F!Reader

Rating: Explicit (18+, MINORS DNI)

Story Summary: While speaking at a local school for visually impaired youth, Matt runs into his childhood best friend, with whom he lost touch almost 20 years prior.

Warning/Tags: No warnings for this chapter.

Word Count: ~ 2500

A/N: Enjoy this next installment in Matt & Reader's journey to forever!

Y/N smiled to herself as she headed up to Matt's apartment to celebrate their 27th Friendiversary together. 

She had happily agreed when Matt had suggested spending a quiet evening together at his apartment, preferring to be able to cuddle together on Matt's couch and reminisce about their childhoods to going out somewhere that wasn't Antonelli's.

She stepped off of the elevator and paused as she spotted a manila envelope taped to the door, her name written on the front in Matt's careful script. What in the world?

She took it off the door and opened it, then pulled out a note printed in Braille.

My dearest angel,

Meet me on the roof.

Love,

Matt

A broad smile spread across Y/N's face. She let herself in and set her bag down, then made her way up the stairs leading to the roof.

She gasped as she opened the door and stepped outside. 

The perimeter of the roof had been decorated in twinkle lights, which cast a soft glow in the fading twilight. A small jukebox sat on a table in one corner of the rooftop and was currently playing "You're My Best Friend" by Queen, which Y/N and Matt had (ironically) chosen as their 'friendship anthem' back when they were kids. Aw, Matt recreated Antonelli's.

Matt stood next to a table set for two, a wide grin on his face. "Hi, angel."

Y/N huffed out a light laugh as she walked over to him. "Hi, Matty."

"Happy Friendiversary." 

God, I love him. "Happy Friendiversary to you too."

Matt gestured to the table. "I figured since we can't go to Antonelli's for our Friendiversary this year, I'd try to bring Antonelli's to us instead."

Y/N reached out and took his hand, giving it an affectionate squeeze. "It's absolutely perfect, sweetheart. You did great."

Matt smiled and gave her a kiss. "Dinner's keeping warm in the oven. Let me go get it."

Y/N sat as Matt ran downstairs to get what Y/N presumed would be pizza.

Sure enough, a minute later he returned with a pizza -- topped exactly how they would get it when they would go to Antonelli's -- and two bottles of beer.

Y/N smiled to herself as he set them down. Wow, he really went all out. This even looks like Antonelli's pizza.

Matt grinned as he set their beer down. "Figured by now we'd have graduated from drinking soda with our pizza to drinking beer and wine."

Y/N huffed out a laugh. "You would probably be right, sweetheart."

Matt sat, then took a slice of pizza and raised it up. "To us. Happy Friendiversary, angel."

Y/N raised her own slice. "Happy Friendiversary, Matty. Here's to many, many more together."

She took a bite, the familiar butter-and-herby taste of the crust filling her with nostalgia. She could immediately picture herself sitting across from Matt in "their" booth at Antonelli's, giggling as they clinked their deliciously cheesy slices of pizza together in toast to another year of best friendship.

Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked over at Matt, who was sporting a huge grin on his face. "Wait a minute, why does this taste exactly like how I remember Antonelli's pizza?"

Matt shrugged, a proud grin on his face. "Maybe because it is Antonelli's pizza, made by Mr. Antonelli himself."

"What? How ?"

"Well, I told you that Antonelli's closed after Mr. Antonelli's landlord sold the building, but what I didn't tell you was that Mr. Antonelli had already paid his lease for the following year, and when the building sold his landlord refused to return it. I helped Mr. Antonelli out by writing his landlord a letter threatening to file a lawsuit for breach of contract if he didn't refund Mr. Antonelli's advance payment, including the 5 months that was still on the current year's lease."

Y/N huffed out a light laugh. "God, I love it when you go all 'badass lawyer' on people. It's so sexy."

Matt chuckled. "Luckily that was all it took in order to get Mr. Antonelli's money back and I refused to let him pay me for my services, but he said if I ever needed anything to let him know, so I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago and told him that we had reconnected then asked if he'd be willing to help me continue our Friendiversary tradition by making a pizza for us if I procured the ingredients he needed, to which he agreed."

Y/N shook her head fondly. As tough and intimidating as he was as Daredevil Matt was actually the sweetest, kindest, most giving person she had ever known. "I love you so damn much, you know that?"

Matt's face lit up with a smile. "I love you too, angel."

Y/N took a sip of beer as the song on the jukebox started over again. "You know… we sure did pick a pretty interesting song as our friendship anthem. I Googled the lyrics to this not too long ago and it turns out that the bassist for Queen wrote it about his wife, so when it says, 'you're my sunshine and I want you to know that my feelings are true, I really love you' they weren't exactly meaning it platonically like we always thought."

Matt grinned. "Well isn't that ironic, because neither was I."

Y/N laughed. "Me either."

She took another bite of pizza. "So how is Mr. Antonelli doing?"

"Oh he's good, said he's enjoying his retirement. He also said to tell you hello and that he was glad to hear that we finally got together."

Y/N huffed out a laugh. "Did anyone besides us not know that we had feelings for each other?"

Matt shrugged with a grin. "I guess not."

Y/N shook her head. "You think we'd still be celebrating our Friendiversary every year if we hadn't been separated? I mean, obviously it wouldn't be at Antonelli's, but like, in general."

Matt nodded. "Yeah, I'd like to think that no matter how busy our lives got with work and kids, we'd still make time to celebrate the day we met."

He smiled. "Who knows, it might've eventually become our wedding anniversary as well."

Y/N's heart fluttered. "Yeah, more than likely."

They finished their pizza, then Matt stood and held a hand out to her. "Dance with me, angel?"

Y/N stood and took his hand. "Happily, my love."

Matt led Y/N to the middle of the rooftop, then pulled his phone out and tapped at the screen. "I heard this song a while back and it reminded me of you."

He repocketed his phone and pulled Y/N close as the song on the jukebox changed.

"I found a love for me…" the song began as they began to sway, Y/N laying her head on Matt's shoulder while Matt pulled their joined hands to his chest. "Darling just dive right in, follow my lead

Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet

Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time…"

Y/N smiled as Matt gave her hand a loving squeeze.

"But darling, just kiss me slow

Your heart is all I own

And in your eyes you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favorite song

When you said you looked a mess

I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it,

Darling, you look perfect tonight."

Y/N's heart fluttered as Matt whispered the last line aloud. 

She picked her head up off of his shoulder. "Matt..."

Matt smiled and gave her a soft kiss. "Well, you do."

"Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know," the song continued. "She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

I found a love to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own

We are still kids but we're so in love

Fighting against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes…

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favorite song

When I saw you in that dress

Looking so beautiful

I don't deserve this

Darling, you look perfect tonight

Y/N blinked away oncoming tears. She knew it was just a song and that it didn't really mean anything, but she hated the fact that Matt could've ever thought that he didn't deserve the whole world.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favorite song

I have faith in what I see

Now I know I have met an angel in person

And she looks perfect

I don't deserve this

You look perfect tonight."

Y/N let out a watery laugh as the song ended. "Are you sure you didn't write this?"

Matt chuckled then pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Remember how you said that a couple of days before we met you had asked God to send you a friend?"

Y/N nodded. "Mmhmm."

"Well, when I first arrived at the orphanage I was terrified -- I had just lost the only family I'd had and was being sent to live in an unfamiliar place with a bunch of strangers, so right before I walked into St. Agnes for the first time I asked God to help me be brave." Matt smiled. "From the moment we met I knew that you were the answer to my prayer." 

Y/N's heart fluttered. While Matt had understandably seemed a bit wary when he had followed Sister Bernadette into the backyard at St. Agnes, Y/N had never known just how scared he had actually been.

"You were so genuinely kind and so genuinely caring that I honestly thought that you must have been my guardian angel, sent from Heaven to help me be brave," Matt continued, "but little did I know at that moment that you would be so much more . You were my guardian angel, Y/N, but you're also my best friend and the woman I've always wanted to spend my life with."

He took a deep breath, a nervous look crossing his face. "Exactly 27 years ago you took my hand and offered to be my friend, and today I want to take your hand and ask you…"

He took Y/N's left hand in his and got down on one knee. "...If you'll be my wife."

Y/N gasped, her free hand flying up to her mouth in shock. Oh my God.

Matt reached into his pocket with his free hand and pulled out a beautiful, sparkling engagement ring. "Y/N, my angel, will you marry me?"

Y/N nodded tearfully. "Yes."

A bright smile spread across Matt's face. "Yes?"

Y/N huffed out a watery laugh. "Yes, Matty. Yes, yes, yes ."

Matt slid the ring onto her finger and stood. "I love you so much."

Y/N gave him a kiss. "I love you too."

Matt caressed the ring on her finger. "Aunt Ruth made me promise that we'd FaceTime her tonight after I asked you to marry me."

A smile spread across Y/N's face. "You told her you were proposing?"

Matt nodded with a soft smile of his own. "Actually, I asked her for her blessing before we left Florida in September."

Y/N huffed out a laugh. "I KNEW there was something you weren't telling me about your conversation with her right before we left."

Matt's smile spread into a grin. "She said not to wait too long and asked me to keep her in the loop, so I called her a couple of days ago and told her I was asking you tonight."

"What about Sister Maggie? Does she know?"

Matt nodded. "I called her this morning."

Y/N wrapped her arms around Matt's waist. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you as my husband."

"And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you as my wife." Matt pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Come on, let's go tell Aunt Ruth the good news."

They cleaned up and headed back downstairs, then settled on the sofa together.

Y/N waited until Matt put his glasses on then sent Aunt Ruth a Facetime request, smiling when she appeared on the screen.

A wide smile spread on Aunt Ruth's face. "Well?"

 Y/N grinned and held up her left hand.

Aunt Ruth gasped. "Oh my goodness, congratulations! I'm so happy for you both." 

"Thank you," Y/N replied. "We'll have to celebrate when you come to New York next week. Maybe do a small engagement dinner, the three of us and Karen and Foggy?"

She turned to Matt. "What do you think, sweetheart?"

Matt nodded with a smile. "Yeah, that sounds good."

"Wonderful."Aunt Ruth smiled. "I'm not going to keep you because I know you're in the middle of your friendship anniversary date, but I just couldn't wait to congratulate you both and see the ring. I'll see y'all next week, love you both. And Matt, welcome to the family -- officially, that is."

A soft smile spread across Matt's face. "Thank you, Aunt Ruth."

"Bye, Aunt Ruth, we love you too." Y/N ended the call then looked over at Matt, who was focused on her with a soft smile on his face. "Whatcha thinking about?"

"Few things, actually," Matt admitted as he took his glasses off and set them on his coffee table. "First, I'm thinking about how much I love you. Second, I'm wondering how upset everyone would be if we went to Vegas and got married tonight. And third…"

He leaned in to murmur into her ear. "I'm thinking about getting to make love to my beautiful fianceé while she's wearing nothing but her engagement ring."

Y/N grinned. "Well isn't that a coincidence, because I was thinking similarly along those lines."

Matt smirked slightly. "Oh yeah?"

"Mmhmm. I was thinking about how much I love you and can't wait to marry you." Y/N reached up and caressed Matt's face. "I'm also thinking that while I would love to just run off to Vegas and marry you right this second, what I actually want is to marry you in a church with our friends and family present, no matter how small of a ceremony it is."

Matt nodded, a tender smile on his face. "I can agree to that."

Y/N leaned in and gave him a kiss. "And I'm definitely thinking about getting to make love to my kind, sweet, caring, and very handsome fiancé while I'm wearing nothing but his ring on my finger and his marks on my skin."

Matt grinned. "In that case, how about we move our Friendiversary celebration to the bedroom?"

"Sounds like a perfect way to end the evening." Y/N stood and took his hand. "Lead the way, fiancé."

She let out a shriek of laughter as Matt scooped her up into a bridal carry and carried her to his bedroom, already looking forward to forever.

[turinn]

Naive

Ray Blackwell x M!Reader

Summary: An invitation at a party reveals that Luka had no idea you’re gay, and brings up a concern you hadn’t had before. Tags: Crack, fluff, secret relationship, mention of homophobia, alcohol consumption A/N: This is based on a dream I had where Luka and I had this exact conversation and when I woke up and remembered it I nearly threw up laughing. I did actual research for the girls outfit and hair bc im a fashion history nerd. the pocket watch i just thought was cute. Fenrir calls the reader fruity but its okay bc hes gay too god bless Word Count: 1.5k

The party was the usual affair expected of the Godspeed's, an air of elegance- present but not too overbearing- hanging over the large hall. Music drifted gently to your ears as you took everything in, a small smile settling on your face.

You couldn't help but feel a little underdressed. The officers had, of course, kept their uniforms on, but everyone else present was dressed to the nines. You'd thought the suit you wore was lovely when you and Seth had seen it last week, dark blue with a white trim, paired with a pale cyan tie and pocket square. The gold watch that settled comfortably in your pocket had been a gift from Blanc, supposedly made by Oliver to look similar to his own, to commemorate your decision to stay in Cradle. Compared to everyone else, it felt rather simple now, but you pushed the thought aside. Nobody was judging what you were wearing, they were here to enjoy themselves same as you.

"Would you like a drink?" Ray asked, voice soft enough not to startle you too much. This wasn't too effective, as you'd gotten lost in your thoughts, and sort of forgotten there were people around you, but it was kind of him to try. "Oh, yes, please." You smiled at him and a moment later he'd walked off, talking to Sirius about something, leaving you alone with Luka. Fenrir had disappeared to greet his family when you'd first arrived, and Seth was who knows where, but you didn't mind it being just the two of you. Luka rarely came to these, in fact this was the first he'd been to since you'd arrived in Cradle, despite it being your fifth, and you decided someone should stick with him so he didn't feel quite as nervous.

As you turned to say something to him, you noticed a lady making her way over to the both of you, looking rather flustered. Her fists were clenched at her sides, and she seemed to be muttering something to herself, but it was clear she had intent to speak to one of you. Perhaps she wanted to talk to Luka? He was cute, it wouldn't surprise you. What did surprise you, however, was when she walked up to you instead.

"Um, excuse me if this is far too forward, but... would you be interested in dancing with me?" She sounded so nervous, and you almost wanted to say yes. Any other man would have been lucky to get such an invitation- she looked stunning. She wore her hair in curls, gathered at the back of her neck, with a hairpiece of pale blue flowers was pinned at the front, a necklace donning the same type of flower hanging just above the neckline of her gown. The gown in question matched the colour of the flowers well, though the width of the crinoline supported skirt would have made you concerned about the logistics of dancing with her- if you'd had any intention of saying yes. Her cheeks were tinted pink as she chewed her bottom lip and waited for your answer, avoiding your gaze. A hand on your chest and a sincerely apologetic look on your face, you began to respond. "Oh dear. I'm terribly sorry, but you seem to have gotten the wrong end of the stick. You're a very attractive young lady but I'm afraid... how should I put this," You glanced at Luka for help, but he seemed to have no idea what you were trying to tell her, "I'm afraid I don't tend to set my eye on the ladies, so to speak." "You're... gay?" A sympathetic nod. "That's the ticket. Sorry, love." "Oh, it's not a problem! I'm really sorry to have bothered you!" She suddenly looked much less nervous, though a little embarrassed, and scurried off. You sighed. "I feel a little bad. I really hope she finds someone to dance with." Luka looked at you quizzically. "Why did you lie to her?" A confused laugh escaped you. "I'm sorry?" "You told her you were into guys. Why lie?" As he said this, Seth and Fenrir came up behind him, and hearing his question their eyebrows shot up. So did yours. Was he kidding? "Luka, sweetie, you have got to tell me what part of my personality made you think I was heterosexual, so I can set about changing it immediately." Seth choked on his drink, and though you flashed him a grin, you weren't entirely kidding. Going from Victorian London to a world where being gay was perfectly acceptable had been quite the change, but you'd been certain all of your friends had known. It's not like you were quiet about it, and sure, Luka was naive but... come on, now. "Wait are you... you were being honest?" "Yes?" "Luka," Fenrir began, stepping next to you and resting an elbow on your shoulder, "How have you seriously not noticed that he's gay yet?" "Well- there was no reason for me to assume!" "You watched me drunk make out with at least 2 different Black Army soldiers in my first month here!" Luka looked flustered, and utterly dumbfounded. The expression was one he wore often, usually when people insinuated that someone was in love- but somehow about five times more confused. He was unfortunate enough that Ray and Sirius returned at this moment, just in time to hear both your last remark, and his next one.

"I thought that was just something you did when you were drunk?" In another moment you were on your knees, legs shaking so much from laughter that you couldn't hold yourself up any longer. Fenrir was right there beside you, practically convulsing. Everyone else was laughing too- except poor Luka. You felt a little bad, truly you did, but this had to be the funniest thing you had ever heard. "He's completely straight, but watch out! Get a couple drinks in him and he turns fruity!" Fenrir managed to get out between cackles, and Ray was glad to have put your drinks down when Luka had last spoken, because he too nearly fell to the ground at this.

"Luka- Luka I'm sorry." You pulled yourself to your feet, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "We aren't laughing at you." Another fit of giggles overcame you. "Okay we kind of are, but it's not malicious or anything. That was just... hands down the funniest thing you've ever said." It took most of you 5 or so minutes to fully calm down from what he'd said, and anything that jogged your memories of it would bring you back to a state of uncontrollable laughter for the rest of the night. Luka came round to it being pretty funny after you talked him through the dozens of times you'd mentioned your sexuality to him since you'd met- every one of which had gone over his head.

Hours after the party had worn down and you'd all made your way home, you lay in bed, your head pressed against a familiar chest, and sighed. "What's up?" "I just... D'you think anyone else just hasn't realised?" Ray cocked his head, confused. "I'm gonna need a little more info than that, kitten." "I suppose I just... Back in London, it's not even legal to be gay, and I don't know if it ever will be. When I first came out to Fen, he told me that it was fine here, accepted and even celebrated. So, I guess I just thought that people wouldn't make the automatic assumption that I'm straight, y'know? I mean I talk about it a lot among you guys but- when I’m out and about... where do people think my final destination is? When I pick up a silly cat themed gift for you does the shopkeep think I’m buying it for my wife? It shouldn't be a big deal, I guess, but I'd never been able to be myself until I came here, and now it's like I can be me but... people will still only see who I am if I tell them. It's just weird is all. I dunno. Maybe I'm drunk." "You're not drunk. It's an understandable concern. I guess I've never thought about it, because whether or not people would accept that part of me has never been an issue, but the fact that you've had to hide it for so long and now that you're able to be open people still aren't seeing it must be hard. If you want we could... come out, so to speak?" Your eyebrows raised, and you moved back, propping yourself up on your arm so you could look your partner in the eyes.

It had been decided at the very start of your relationship, which had officially begun a few months after you'd made the choice to stay in Cradle, that the two of you would keep it under wraps for a while. Being from the Land of Reason was more than enough reason for people to take an unwanted interest in you, and you didn't need the extra attention being the King of Spades' partner would garner. Plus, anyone with a grudge against Ray would see you as a target the second you announced it. It had been a sensible suggestion on his part, one you hadn't hesitated to agree to, and as far as you knew only Sirius and Fenrir knew about your relationship. Fenrir because he had walked in on you sitting in Ray's lap while he worked late one night, and Sirius because- well, can anything get past that guy? And now, Ray was offering to tell the entirety of Cradle you were his, just so that you didn't feel like you were hiding your identity anymore? You could feel your eyes starting to burn, and you cursed the late hour and the alcohol in your system for making you cry so easily, but... "I don't think we need to be that drastic. You were right when you said it would keep me safe for us to not be in the public eye, at least for now. I'm sure Seth can come up with some better way for me to tell the whole world I'm gay." "I don't doubt that at all." Ray grinned, placing a gentle kiss on first your forehead, then your nose, and finally on your lips. "Tomorrow, though. You need your beauty sleep." "Ah, yeah, can't risk getting ugly. My boyfriend might not want me anymore." You quipped. "Exactly." He smirked at you, turning out the light and pulling you into his arms.

[khoicesbyk]

Beloved.

A/N: I'm officially obsessed with Wolf Bride and what does one do when she's obsessed with a certain book? She writes an AU about it! 😁 So, Talley Ho! *in my Sherlock Holmes voice*

Rated: Mature. | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual from me. 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: Roman (LI) and Naia Evans (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 4,040 words. (more or less. I stop counting after editing and re-editing. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

Song And Story Inspiration: Bittersweet-After 7

Tag List: @shewillreadyou @rideordiechronicles @pixie88 @txemrn @lucy-268 @shannonsaid @shannonwrote @bebepac @imturaxamara @blackkingliamstan @queenjilian @secretaryunpaid @ridgy--didge @theworldofprompts @choicesficwriterscreations

This series is rated Mature. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

This series may contain spoilers. If you wish not to see spoilers, please do not read any further.

Prompt Time! Today I’ll be using @theworldofprompts prompt “What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?” it'll be in bold in black. Also I know that I can’t be the only one who’s excited that they picked the greatest Disney movie one-liner as a prompt.

(Also this series is a slight deviation of the original story. In the original story, the werewolf hunter is a woman. But in this series the hunter is a man.)

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

A/N 2: I had a time writing this chapter. Writers block and all out forgetfulness is a bitch! But I did it! *pats self on the back*

TW: paranormal activity. Communication with the dead. Reader Discretion Is STRONGLY ADVISED.

Chapter 22.) Reflection.

It′s crazy how you flaunt your passion.

When you let meaning of them worth take over you.

You stare into my soul like that.

Makes me wonder when you ain't get by the side of me.

It′s pain and pleasure.

To love someone so.

So much you, you hate them.

Push me over the edge then.

To go catch you, your love is.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It′s bittersweet.

It had been 3 days since Naia was rushed to the hospital because of Wolfbane being in her system. Her parents, especially her mother, were both distraught and furious that their daughter had gotten herself caught up in the tireless war between The Pack and The Knights Of Ossory. Those three days felt like years to them. Both took turns sitting vigil over their daughter.

The only saving grace was that her condition hadn't changed. It hadn't gotten better but Laurie and Shane were thankful it hadn't worsened. They just wanted her to open her eyes. Laurie needed her daughter to wake up. She had to hear her voice again. And every moment that she didn't the more she went crazy. Laurie would just sit at Naia’s bedside holding onto her hand and pray Naia would squeeze her hand. The agony of waiting was going to kill her.

“Anything?” her husband asked as he entered the room with coffee in hand.

Laurie just shook her head no.

“It'll happen, baby. It has to. She'll wake up and we'll be able to breathe again.”

She never said a word to him. She just held onto Naia’s hand as Shane set the cup of coffee he brought her down. Laurie's eyes were red and puffy and her face was a mess. She blamed The Pack and The Knights Of Ossory but mostly she blamed herself. She swore to protect her daughter from all of this. To prevent her from going through the hell she went through over 30 years ago. And feels like she failed. A pain no mother wants to go through.

Laurie rubbed Naia’s knuckle silently, willing their daughter to wake up.

“Have you eaten baby?”

Laurie shook her head no.

“You should go eat something baby.”

“I don't want food. I want our daughter. I want her to wake up now.”

Shane sat beside her and placed his hand over hers.

“I know, baby. I want that too. I need it. You need it. But it's not good for you not to eat something.”

“I can't leave her! What if she wakes up and I'm not here?! I have to be here!”

Her frantic tone worried Shane.

“Baby listen to me! You need to go eat something. I'll be right here. I will watch over her. If anything happens I swear to you that I will tell you immediately.”

“But Shane—”

“No buts! Go eat something. Now! I won't let anything happen to her. I swear that on my life.”

Laurie looked at him before getting up and going to the door. When she looked back towards Naia, Shane smiled softly at her.

“It's okay baby, I'll keep her safe.”

Laurie nodded sadly before walking out the door.

Shane turned his attention back to their daughter, his worry, resentment, rage, sorrow, protectiveness, and anxiety all on high. His little girl. His flesh and blood. She hadn't moved or spoken since he last saw her. He was thankful for the hospital staff. They were able to get her allergic reaction to Wolfbane under control but she was still unconscious. None of the meds she was on seemed to be working.

It′s so easy to listen.

When your tongue is an innocent prisoner of war oh yeah.

And it might bе wrong but we never еnd that.

Damage is done, always pain and pleasure.

To love someone so.

So much you hate them.

Push me over the edge then.

To go catch you, your love is.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It's bittersweet.

It didn't take Laurie long to come back from the cafeteria. When Shane looked up she walked in with food for them both.

“I'm not the only one who needed to eat.”

Shane smiled softly as she handed him a sandwich.

“Still nothing?”

“Still no change. But I'm not giving up.”

Laurie smiled at her husband's resolve. They sat together and ate their food in silence. Their eyes went from Naia to the IV drip machine she was hooked up to.

“Don't worry baby. Our girl will wake up.”

“I know she will. She has to. And when she does…we have to tell her the truth.”

Shane looked at his wife confused.

“Are you sure? Are you sure you’re ready to do that?”

“Look at her Shane! She wouldn't be here, hell we wouldn't even be here if she knew the truth. It's time. So when she wakes up and is lucid enough to hear it we'll tell her everything.”

Shane took his wife's hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Okay. If you’re ready and you're sure. Then I am too.”

Laurie offered him a small smile.

Yeah I know you know me.

That′s why you the only one can push my buttons.

Sometimes it's like you speak another language.

Got me like adios buenas noches baby.

Oh it′s pain and pleasure.

To love someone so.

So much you hate them.

Push me over the edge then.

To go catch you, your love is.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It's always bittersweet.

While her body was still, Naia was subconsciously awake.

“Naia…”

Naia slowly opened her eyes, and looked around frantically and confusedly. She couldn't see anything or anyone.

“What? Where am I?”

That's when she heard a woman's voice.

“I've been waiting to meet you.”

When Naia turned around she saw a figure she didn't recognize.

“Who’s there? Who are you? What is this place?”

The figure in front of her soon materialized into an elderly black woman. One that she recognized.

“Oh…my…God! You’re…you're…Delia?”

She smiled at Naia.

“Hello, my dear. It's wonderful to finally meet you.”

Naia’s jaw dropped.

“But how?!”

“I thought you…you died a long time ago!”

“I did. 3 years ago.”

“Wait! Am I dead?”

Delia laughed softly.

“No dear, you’re not dead. You are in the world between worlds.”

Naia blinked in realization.

“I was here with Roman. Where is he?! Is he hurt?! Did Trent shoot him?!”

Delia placed a calming hand on Naia’s shoulder.

“All will be revealed shortly. I promise.”

Naia took a shaky breath then nodded.

“Now come sit with me. We have much to discuss.”

Naia followed Delia to a bench that appeared out of nowhere. When they sat down Delia cocked her head to the side at Naia curiously. Making her feel super awkward.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No. I’m just curious about you. You’re as beautiful as I imagined you’d be.”

Naia couldn’t keep the blush from creeping up on her face.

“A ghost just called me beautiful. I must be hallucinating.”

Delia chuckled.

“You said we had much to discuss. What are we discussing?”

“You, my dear. Your connection to the town, the people, and especially Roman.”

“I mean I’ve been in town for a few months. I don’t know anyone outside of my uncle Trent and the Pack.”

Delia nods.

“And what are your impressions of them so far?”

Naia chewed the inside of her cheek.

“Can I be honest with you?”

“Of course dear. That’s why we are here.”

“I understand why my mom doesn’t want me around Roman. Because to be honest, he’s terrifying. But at the same time…I can’t stay away from him. I can’t get enough of him. He makes me feel safe. And loved. And wanted. And I…”

“Yes?”

“I care about him. A lot. But I don't know if I'm ready to give up my life for him. I don't know if I'm ready to be his mate.”

Deli nodded.

“It is a lot to ask of a young woman. I would know.”

“How did you decide Delia? Or was it decided for you?”

Delia chuckles softly.

“It wasn’t my intent to be Xander’s mate when I first came to Hunt’s Peak.”

Naia blinked in confusion.

“You’re not from Hunt’s Peak?”

“No. Originally from the Pittsburgh area.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“I grew up in foster care so it wasn’t like many had missed me when I left.”

“So what brought you to Hunt’s Peak?”

“I was hired as a 5th teacher. I loved my job. Teaching children became my passion.”

“And how did you meet Xander?”

“I’ve always been a Wolfkin and I knew it was my destiny to become the mate to a member of The Pack but I never thought I would be Xander’s mate. But to answer your question, I was walking along the creek when I saw him and his father Ferdinand. We were smitten at first sight.”

“Oh…did his father accept you?”

“Yes, he did. And after some convincing so did his mother Cecilia.”

“When did Xander become Alpha?”

“Shortly after we met. Maybe 6 months or so.”

“Is that when you became his mate?”

“Yes. He courted me until he became Alpha.”

“Courted how?”

Delia smiled as if lost in a memory.

“He would come by the school. Regale my students in wild tales of werewolves as knights and kings and sorceresses and sorcerers. That sort of thing. But the biggest thing he did for me, was he planted a single night flower and let it blossom into a field full of them.”

“Sounds like he was a romantic at heart.”

“He used to be but when he became Alpha, responsibility and obligation replaced flowers and romance.”

“Was it hard?”

“No. Not at first. I always understood my role as The Alpha’s mate. And I cherished it. Becoming a sort of Den Mother gave me a purpose.”

“What changed?”

Delia looked at Naia with a new curiosity.

“He met your mother.”

Naia swallowed.

“Mommy told me how she met him.”

“I remember that. I remember when he told her no at first. I was furious at him. So I not so subtly encouraged him to reconsider not protecting her and your uncle.”

“Why did you do that?”

“Your mother was a child at the time. And your uncle couldn’t protect her as he should have. Only Xander and The Pack could do that.”

“She also told me about the day he offered her The Pack’s protection.”

“I remember when Xander told me about Bobby Giles threatening her. He was furious and I was disgusted. But we both knew that he couldn't just charge into town and rid it of him. Well, he could but it wasn't in his nature at the time. So he sent a few wolves in their human forms to investigate.”

“She told me that too. And the time that Bobby pulled a gun out on Xander.”

Delia snickered.

“The fool. He believed that his gun would scare Xander. But he learned the hard way that day.”

Naia shifted in her seat.

“Mommy showed me the necklace that Xander gave her.”

“I know about that. He gave it to her on her 18th birthday.”

“She also said that she was bonded to him.”

“She's right. She was bonded to him until he died.”

“Are you angry about that?”

Delia went quiet

“To be honest, I was very angry with her. Jaded and bitter even. But I realized after she left that my anger was misplaced.”

“Misplaced how?”

“After she left I found out that Xander was telling her that she was to be his new mate. And at that time your mother was a young impressionable girl.”

“He was manipulating her?”

“Yes, he played with her heart and preyed on it.”

“My God. Why did you stay with him for so long?”

“I was bound by Pack Law to stay with my mate until his death.”

Naia shuddered.

“Will that happen to me?”

“If you choose to be Roman’s mate you are bound by Pack Law to be at his side until his death.”

“Well, that explains what my mom said about you and Xander being married on paper.”

Delia nodded.

“If I was the mate of any other Pack member I could leave. But I was Xander’s mate. As was your mother. As yet…”

“She ran away.”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me about Xander?”

“What would you like to know?”

“What did he look like?”

Delia waves a hand and a picture of Xander materialized in front of them.

“Whoa…”

“That is Xander in all his glory.”

“He and Roman look just alike.”

Delia smiled softly.

“Yes. He has his father's looks and stubbornness but he also has my heart.”

“Will I meet Xander?”

“No my dear. You won't.”

“Crisis averted.”

“So, will you be Roman’s mate or will you go back to your life as a human woman?”

Just as Naia was about to speak another panel appeared in front of her and Delia.

“What's this?”

“Roman. He's trying to connect to you through your bond. We are about to look at life through his eyes. These panels that appear are what life is like.”

“Why can’t he connect with me?”

Instead of responding, Delia put a finger to her lips then pointed to the panel. When Naia looked at the panel she was transported into Roman’s mind.

She and Delia were looking at a memory of them.

She had convinced Layla to let her turn Buck’s into a mini-movie theater for the pups and their parents. To give them something fun to do. When Roman heard about it he was both curious and thrilled. The girls decided on watching Lion King. With Gino and popcorn in hand, Naia snuggled next to Roman.

“So this movie is about…cats?”

“The circle of life. And lions.”

“…lions are cats are they not?”

Naia shook her head at the memory before turning to Delia.

“I remember this.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. It was the day I learned that your son doesn’t like my impressions.”

Delia chuckled. They turned back to the memory and as they did, they came upon Naia’s impression of one of her favorite scenes in the movie.

“Hyenas. I hate hyenas. So what’s your plan for getting past those guys?”

“Live bait.”

“Good idea!…hey!”

“Come on Timon, you guys have to create a diversion.”

“What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?”

Roman groaned.

“Are you going to be like this the rest of the movie?”

“What? Gino likes my impression. You don’t like my impression?”

“…no.”

“Everyone’s a damn critic.”

Roman rolled his eyes. But he would soon find out which scene is her favorite scene in the whole movie.

“Hey! Who’s the pig?”

“Are you talking to me?”

“Uh oh! Did he call him a pig?”

“Are you talking to me?”

“Shouldn’t have done that!”

“Are you talking to me?!”

“Now they’re in for it!”

“They call me: Mr. Pig!”

And just as she got Pumbaa’s yell Roman clamped a hand to her mouth.

“Beloved…how am I to enjoy this movie you’ve chosen with your incessant talking?”

Naia just giggled as the panel changed to a more recent memory. One that Naia didn’t recognize.

“My…room?”

“Yes, my dear. This was just a few days ago.”

“But I don’t remember this.”

“Because you aren’t there.”

“What?! What do you mean?”

Delia pointed to the panel as it showed Roman walking into her room. He looked distraught as he looked around. Naia could feel his anguish in her chest. When his eyes fell on Gino sitting on the bed, she felt tears on her cheek as he held Gino close to his chest.

“I don’t understand.”

“The one he considers to be his mate is missing.”

“His mate? You mean me?”

“Yes, my dear.”

“But why is he looking for me?”

“Because your bond with him is disrupted. He’s trying to reconnect with you.”

“But why?”

Delia turned back to the panel as it showed Roman in wolf form curled up on her bed with Gino under his jaw. She felt his agony and his pain as well as his longing as he whimpered. He was missing her. He was needing her. Her presence. Her smile. Her laugh. It broke her heart. She stood up shouting to the panel.

“Roman! Roman! I'm here! I'm right here!”

Delia put a hand on her shoulder.

“He can't hear you. This is only a vision of what has already been.”

Naia turned to Delia with pleading in her eyes.

“You said that he couldn’t connect to me, why can’t he connect to me?”

With a wave of a hand another panel appeared. This one showed Naia lying in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV with her mother at her side.

“I–I–I…it can’t be! You said I wasn’t dead!”

“You aren’t Naia. You’ve been injected with Wolfbane. It’s a toxin that can be deadly but thankfully you were taken to the hospital in time to save you.”

“Injected?! How?!”

“You don’t remember?”

Naia stood there confused until it hit her.

“The tranquilizer dart! The one that Trent was using! Am I right?”

Delia nodded.

“If I’m on an IV then why haven’t I woken up?”

“Because the spirits aren’t ready for you to wake up yet.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Delia looked at Naia.

“Answer this. Why do you think you’re here?”

Naia didn't know how to answer that question.

“I don't know.”

As soon as those words left her mouth another panel appeared. This one was of Trent after he left the hospital. He was in his boss’s office going off about Wolfbane.

“What is wrong with you Moses?!”

“The tranquilizer! You said it was harmless!”

“It is harmless! It effects those beasts and their ability to shift!”

“What about humans?”

“It doesn’t effect humans!”

Trent eyed him with an intense yet calm fury.

“What is Wolfbane?”

Bernard blinked in confusion.

“Where did you hear that name?”

“Answer the question!”

“It’s the name of the tranquilizer. It doesn’t effect humans.”

“Yes it does.”

“No it does not!”

Trent pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Naia was hit by one of the tranquilizer darts.”

“The young woman you brought here the other day?”

“Yes. She collapsed after being hit and is now in the hospital fighting for her life. According to her mother Wolfbane is a poison that you and Xander created.”

Bernard looked at Trent genuinely confused.

“Her mother?”

“I didn't stutter.”

“What was her last name again?”

“Evans.”

“I knew someone with that last name but it was a he not a she.”

“Probably her dad. Her mother’s maiden name is Roberts.”

Bernard’s face lit up.

“Roberts? As in Laurie Roberts? Zane Roberts sister?”

“Yes.”

“I knew that girl looked familiar!”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know her mother. Which means Xander was right. She did run off with Evans. I can’t believe she finally came back home.”

“Is what her mother said true? That you created this with Xander?”

“Yes it is but he took it too far. It wasn’t designed to be lethal. I tried to stop him but you can see what good it did.”

“So Xander truly was a monster?”

“Ohhh yes my boy. A monster indeed.”

As she watched with Delia, Naia wasn’t entirely convinced that Bernard was totally innocent.

“I don’t like him. I don’t trust him.”

“That’s Bernard Sayre for you.”

“Has he always been this way?”

“Oh yes. Even when I was amongst the living he and especially his motives were always questionable.”

“Why does the town let him do what he does?”

“Only the town can answer that.”

“I guess…”

The panel showed Trent in his cabin sitting on his couch with a bottle in his hand. Naia could feel his guilt and shame as well as his anger. His anger at his boss and anger at himself. He didn’t mean to hurt her. She just came out of nowhere. By the time he pulled the trigger it was too late. He didn't see her at first but when she dropped to the ground his heart dropped when she did. He wanted to be there at the hospital with her. To tell her how sorry he was. How much she means to him. How he wishes he could take it all back.

But at that moment he couldn't. All he could do was wallow in his festering grief and simmering anger. The same as Roman. This war had taken away a lot for both of them but this was the final straw. Trent wasn't about to lose to Roman again. And Roman had finally had enough of Trent being a thorn in his side. Both had subconsciously decided that this was an all-out war.

All of it broke Naia.

“They aren't serious are they?”

“Yes. Both are hurt and angry. Both at themselves and each other.”

“But I don't want this! I don't want them fighting!”

“Then you've found your reason for being here.”

“What do you mean?”

“You asked me why you were brought here. My dear, you were brought here to heal what is broken.”

“You mean Roman and Trent?”

“And your family. Your mother, especially.”

“Mommy?”

“Yes. She is hurting. And angry. And confused. And you are the key to healing her wounds. And theirs.”

Naia nodded.

“How do I do that?”

“You can start by answering your mother’s prayer.”

Delia turned back to the panel that showed Laurie. When Naia looked up, her mother was holding the necklace that Xander gave her. She looking out of the window to the moon in the sky.

“Spirits of the earth,

I don't know if you can hear me or that I even have the right to ask this. But I come to you with a simple prayer. I ask you to heal my daughter. She doesn't deserve to be here. She doesn't deserve this. She's innocent. If you're angry with me for abandoning The Pack and my duties as Xander’s mate I understand. But I beg you! Don't make my daughter suffer because of me. I beg you, please bring her back to me. Let her eyes open again. Let her speak again. I just want my little girl back. I need her back. Please! Heal her.”

Delia turned to Naia with a question.

“Now that you know your purpose, are you ready my dear?”

“Yes. I am ready to heal all that is broken.”

Delia waved her hand and the panels disappeared. They were replaced by a doorway.

“Then go. Your mother is waiting for you.”

“Thank you, Delia.”

Delia smiled at her.

“You're welcome, my dear. Tell my son that I miss him and that I love him and that I'm sorry.”

Naia smiled at her.

“I will.”

Naia stepped through the doorway and was transported back to her hospital room, just as her mother finished praying. She had moved her head slightly which both startled and excited Laurie.

“Naia? Naia baby are you awake?”

Naia’s eyes fluttered open and when she spoke her voice was weak.

“Mommy…”

Laurie had tears in her eyes.

“I'm here baby. I'm right here.”

Laurie was overcome with joy and relief.

“You came back to me!”

“I missed you, mommy.”

“I missed you too, baby girl.”

“We…have…much…to…talk…about.”

Laurie nodded resolutely.

“Yes, we do. It's time for you to know the true reason why I left.”

[reallybadfeeling]

My Obikin Playlist Masterpost Part 2

Not that anybody was really waiting for this, but here is the second part of the playlist with an explanation for each song. If you are interested in reading my rant on the first 20 songs, you can check the post I made last week HERE.

Without further ado, I'll leave you to my rant for songs 21 to 40.

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❧ One in a Million - Midnight to Monaco

Tears fall like acid rain and it burns me through the skin It's taken everything from me, I've lost my innocence The bats brings the night today, watch them turn the sky to black Like a gun that fires that sound again Frightens me until the bitter end I can't keep holding on And I hide away I need it to keep me from breaking down And I'm under Baby I can't carry on, dead and I've been buried on Baby, I was one in a million Even if our love was strong, take me down and let it fall Baby, I was one in a million And I was holding, burning, waking, turning Tasting blood and losing time I want to get a hold of myself Baby, I was one in a million [...] And I need it to keep me from thinking I won't find my wings no more

This entire song is about how someone's life gets absolutely destroyed by drug abuse. Or at least, that's how I always interpreted this. But drug abuse always makes me think about any kind of obsessions doing exactly the same thing. So I love this song for Anakin in particular. That "I was one in a million" giving me this "Chosen One" vibe. Like he got lost on the way to what he was supposed to be, and now that he's fallen he has no clue how to get back to what he was supposed to be, that one in a million.

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❧ Losing My Religion - R.E.M.

The lengths that I will go to The distance in your eyes Oh no, I've said too much I set it up That's me in the corner That's me in the spotlight Losing my religion Trying to keep up with you And I don't know if I can do it Oh no, I've said too much I haven't said enough [...] Every whisper, of every waking hour I'm choosing my confessions Trying to keep an eye on you Like a hurt, lost and blinded fool, fool [...] Consider this the hint of the century Consider this the slip That brought me to my knees, failed

Another classic song that is in basically any ships' playlist. And it fits so much with unrequited love (or pining in general). How can I not think of Obi-Wan trying desperately to be a good Jedi while he's well aware of his feelings for Anakin?

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❧ Hurt Me - Lapsley

Can't look at you the same way, anticipatin' heartbreak And I know, and I know, and I know I'm puttin' on a brave face to meet you in the same place And I know, and I know, and I know Gotta let my mind find another space 'Cause I heard these scars never go away And now I'm runnin' out of ways to numb the pain So if you're gonna hurt Why don't you hurt me a little bit more? Just dig a little deeper Push a little harder than before [...] Like breathing underwater, what's the law and order? I don't know, I don't know, I don't know You're sitting in a corner, hiding til it's over And it shows, and it shows, and it shows Buildin' up my walls just to tear them down Tell me that it's love, force me to drown Buildin' up my walls just to tear them down Tell me that it's love And I thought you said you still loved me [...] And I'm counting down the seconds that we have I can see the end in sight, at last So if you're gonna hurt me Why don't you hurt me a little bit more?

This entire song makes me think of one of those situations where both of them are pining and convinced that the other is about to tell them something that would end up breaking their heart. Basically first half is Obi-Wan knowing from the start that they won't work, maybe because he thinks Anakin is in love with Padmé and that's what Anakin wants to talk about; second half is Anakin, sure that Obi-Wan would deny having feelings for him because of how much he loves being a Jedi so he tries to be a better Jedi for the sake of Obi-Wan. Because I love the trope of both of them being too oblivious to realize they are in love.

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❧ The Shelter of My Love - Astropol

When you have nothing to lose No one dear and no one to care for Non one sees you but I do I'll take you in I won't let you go Oh the middle of the night Black as tar and eager to hold you Just as pretty as my love Just as hungry Just as eternal [...] When you have no bridge to burn No place to go, no place to return to No one loves you like I do I love you [...] When you have nothing to lose And nightfall comes, eager to hold you No one loves you like I do I love you I love you, I love you Oh shelter of my faith All the peril, all the weight Mighty glorious The shelter of my faith Oh shelter of my trust All the longing, all the lust God will help you if you lost the shelter of my trust

I'm perfectly aware that this is a song about faith. It's basically like a call to pray because even when you are lost the one person that will always be there for you is God. BUT, this actually works pretty well for the Jedi Order too. And if we think of how Anakin joined the Jedi, how he felt like the only thing he would lose is his mother, it kinda makes sense with these lyrics. And even Obi-Wan: he was given to the Jedi when he was so young that that's the only life he knows. At the same time, it can be about Anakin and Obi-Wan finding that solace in each other too, because sure, the entire Order is there to support them. But it's almost like it's their last option to them, because when in need the first person they go to is the other.

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❧ The Night We Met - Lord Huron

I am not the only traveler Who has not repaid his debt I've been searching for a trail to follow again Take me back to the night we met And then I can tell myself What the hell I'm supposed to do And then I can tell myself Not to ride along with you I had all and then most of you Some and now none of you Take me back to the night we met I don't know what I'm supposed to do Haunted by the ghost of you Oh, take me back to the night we met When the night was full of terrors And your eyes were filled with tears When you had not touched me yet Oh, take me back to the night we met

You should know me by now. If a song that is basically perfect for Obi-Wan post RotS, I'm gonna find it. And this one is just PERFECT! Like, Obi-Wan absolutely feels like he owes something to the universe because he is the one who failed Anakin, who allowed him to fall. So I imagine him wanting a do-over, a chance to stay away from Anakin so that Anakin can be better and his own heart can't be broken in such a terrible way. Basically, this is also perfect for a time traveler Obi-Wan trying to fix things from day 1.

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❧ Danger - JKAY feat Shola Ama

I'm a million reasons in And I'm going out on a limb But I can't, no I can't deny Cause I, I fell in love with danger And I think I found a stranger in you The boy that I knew, left me torn into two And I don't know what to do

Nothing fancy about this one, just Obi-Wan realizing there is a wild side to the cute, totally unable to flirt young teenager he took care of for so long. Basically something to write smut on. You all know you need these kind of songs too. (And I picked the acoustic version because it gives me more soft love-making vibes, but the original one is perfect for a more passionate kind of mood).

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❧ Amandoti - Giovanni Lindo Ferretti

Loving you makes me weary, guts my insides (It’s) Something that feels like laughing in tears Loving you makes me weary, it makes me sorrowful What can you do (about it), that’s life That’s life, my (life) [...] Loving you comforts my sleepless nights It’s something that replaces old dead flames Loving you comforts me, it gives me joy What can you do (about it), that’s life But (that) life is my life Love me once more, do it softly One year, one month, one hour (Do it) Hopelessly Love me once more, do it softly Just for an hour But let it be forever

I was forced to put the live version from the original composer in the playlist, but a couple of weeks ago I posted a link to Maneskin's cover of this song (which, isn't on Spotify). You can check it out HERE, with a full translation of the lyrics (yes, Italian songs will always be a thing for this playlist, get over it). Like I said in the tags of that post, this is just another one of those songs that give me post RotS Obi-Wan feels. Just him all alone and heartbroken wishing he could feel Anakin's love just once more. Simply perfection.

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❧ Lemon Eyes - Meg Myers

Hush now baby, there's no need to cry Let me wipe away those lemon eyes All your worries, such a waste of time You can't even see how much you're mine You're so bitter, bitter, bitter, yellow Settle, settle, got to settle down, okay Listen, listen, you listen, yellow It's a killer, a killer, a killer jealousy Lemon eyes, you're mine Yellow eyes, all mine I bet you wanna walk away, run away, look away, turn away Honey you can't hide Lemon eyes, all mine

Do I even have to explain this? It's basically perfect for all of Anakin's issues with jealousy, but with what yellow eyes mean in this fandom it could absolutely be about Sith!Anakin. It's just such a fitting song for these two, with Obi-Wan trying to reason with a very unreasonable Anakin... (And I might have anonymously suggested to someone to listen to it as a good song for their fic. *coff coff* @tennessoui *coff coff*)

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❧ 10 Years - Daði Freyr

We've been together for a decade now Still everyday I'm lovin' you more If I could do it all again I'd probably do it all the same as before I don't wanna know what would've happened If I never had had your love I didn't became myself before I met you I don't wanna know what would've happened If I never had felt you love Everything about you, I like We started out so fast Now we can take it slower Love takes some time Takes a little time, so take a litte time As it ages like wine [...] And just when I thought that my heart was full I found place that I never explored You're so fascinating And I can't remember the last time I was bored [...] How does it keep getting better? Everyday our love finds a new way to grow The time we spend together Simply feels good We got a good thing going

How could I not put this song in this playlist? Like, it can literally be about how in the many years together, their love for each other grew and grew, and changed to get better with time. But it can also be just Anakin and Obi-Wan in an established relationship, since this is technically a song about a ten years anniversary. I just LOVE IT. It's super sweet and we all need fluff sometimes.

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❧ Different Kind Of Love - Kid Runner

It was always you there Dancing towards me Grabbing both my hands like Here we go, here we go again Maybe it was destiny We were so familiar But you caught me staring And I don't know, I don't know, I guess [...] And when you're near me I can't help but be under your spell Can I make you believe you're the only one I need? [...] It must've been something A switch in my brain It kept me in motion It drove me insane It must've been something Something you said You're pulling me under Holding me close Inside my head Oh, it's a different kind of love And when I see your face I know, I know You got me going Oh, and this could be enough I'm dreaming wide awake I know, I know

Classic friends to lovers AU song that works wonders with Anakin's kind of love, all obsessive and stuff. Definitely can picture teen Anakin pining over Obi-Wan to the tune of this, all awkward boners at absolutely inappropriate times and Obi-Wan never truly pointing it out, because he doesn't want to make Anakin even more uncomfortable.

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❧ Ruthless - GIRLI

Home? What's that? I got a doll's house with a few cracks Grew too tall, now I'm poking out the attic My feet are in the basement 'cause I never wanna hack it Life, what's that? Life, what's that? [...] Take my soul, Take me down Take me back to the beginning of this when I was still innocent Me, sorry who? I'm a kid in a grown-up suit Looking in the mirror tryna figure out who's Banging on the glass 'cause they're tryna break through Is it me? Is it you? Think it's me, wish I knew Take me, use me, screw me over Play me like I like losing Trip me, trick me, drug me Say you love me but you like cheating You're the only one to blame You made me this way Guess that's why I'm so damn Ruthless You made me, you made me You made me ruthless You made me, you made me You made me ruthless Only way to do it When you break me and I lose it Oh, you made me You made me so damn fucking ruthless [...] Yeah it's tragic All the bad bits Made me so damn ruthless No, it's not me I don't wanna be Ruthless

Being a woman, I know perfectly that this song is about how sometimes women have to grow up to be mean because of all of the abuse they go throw in their life. But I kind of see Anakin as this person that would absolutely blame everyone else for his fall to the Dark Side and this works so well! Like, the doll house is a metaphor for how the Jedi Order was supposed to be his home, but in the end he felt like he was used, like the Jedi told him they loved him just to trick him into doing whatever they wanted, basically cheating him of a simpler life with his mom. And even the looking in the mirror thing could be when he's already in the Vader suit and he doesn't know if Vader is what he was supposed to be all along or somewhere inside him there's this young innocent child trying to get out. What can I say, most of the times I have Obi-Wan feelings. But every once in a while I find something twisted enough to give me Anakin/Vader feelings too.

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❧ All or Nothing - Wild Youth

I remember when we were younger We used to stay up late We used to watch the sun go down, the sun go down Yeah at night I, I think about ya How I spent so long living without ya You're all I need, the air I breathe So hold tight, I'm coming 'Cause it's all or nothing I'm a million miles away and I feel so low I've been driving all night just to get back home to you To you See the sunrise, it's a classi break Driving down roads that I used to take with you With you Every streetlight, new horizon Start to wonder if you realise Oh, we were vain, was more than friends So hold tight, I'm coming 'Cause it's all or nothing

Okay, this is kind of perfect for a very specific kind of AU. Like, the "they used to be childhood friends, then got separated by life, but they were always meant for each other, so after meeting once by chance after years separated, they can't go back to their life, they have to stay with the other" kind of specific AU. The song might work with how the Clone Wars kept them separate too, but... yeah. It's kinda specific. Sorry not sorry.

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❧ Someone Like You - Noah Kahan feat. Joy Oladokun

Guess I'm a mess now Lost with my head down I haven't heard from you in weeks You must have left town I can't go back now And all that I have now Are those feelings I felt Knowing that no one else can bring them back out And I've been trying to find a silver lining But I can't But I can't Now that I can't hold you I wish that I had tried to Do more not to lose you Now that I can't find you Because the second you left, yeah the voice in my head screamed "What did I do?" Now you're gone and all I want is someone like you

Once again, ignoring that this is a song about a couple breaking up after one of the two cheated because this is also perfect for Anakin confessing his love for Obi-Wan as soon as he's a Knight. He was sure that would make Obi-Wan accept his love and try to get in a relationship, instead Obi-Wan panicked and asked to get sent as far away from Anakin as he could. So of course Anakin is filled with regret about his confession.

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❧ Big Boy - Charlotte Cardin

Maybe if I spell it out Big boy will take me on proper You nailed my heart to your wall You never dusted off after [...] Maybe if I'm a broken wing Big boy in my nest You nailed my heart to your wall And disposed of the rest of me With your push and shove Like what's love ain't love But it's love to me My boy is not a man yet My boy is not a man yet But boy do I love it when you kiss my neck Oh boy last night was perfect You're changing my mind Like what's mine ain't mine Be mine to be Maybe if we try again Big boy we could have it my way You nailed my heart to your wall But it was damaged anyways

Another song to write smut to, but smut with feels. Mainly Obi-Wan's, that maybe feels like Anakin played with him just so that they could sleep together, but never actually tried to put a pin on what their relationship is supposed to be after. And Obi-Wan realizes that part of the reason is that Anakin is still so young and maybe he's the one that made a mistake. Like, he's not even sure that what he feels is real, but he still keeps following what Anakin wants because what is the alternative after all?

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❧ Home with You - Marie Dahlstrom

Happy to be home with you Happy to wake up with you Even after all that you've benne through Happy that you feel the same Hope that I can ease the pain Happy to come by 'Cause you just give me life And I love spending time with you It's easy when I want you like that I don't regret it even if you might think That I've got Plenty other reasons in my head Plenty other questions still unsaid Nobody knows where you'll go but I'm here [...] I don't understand it all Still I will accept your flaws Just the way that you're accepting mine No, I'm not really one to judge We can laugh it off because It's just one life for you and I and I know [...] Feels so good when it's You by my side I could just stay all night I could just stay all night I love the things you do Nobody knows where we'll go but I'm here Baby, whenever you need me Baby come over, baby come over Whenever you need I will always be by your side

This song can honestly fit multiple things. It can absolutely be Obi-Wan accepting that Anakin reaches out for him only in certain situations and him always being open to it, no matter how their relationship isn't really the traditional kind of relationship (like, a friends with benefits kind of deal). But it can also be Obi-Wan and Anakin getting together when Anakin is already Vader, so Obi-Wan is slowly falling to the Dark Side too. You can also just use this as another song to write soft love making too since it's so slow and soft. Or just do whatever you want with it.

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❧ Hands Tied - Beatrich

You got me home sick for your arms The arms that keep me close But you just slip though my fingers Like I'm tryna catch a ghost I'd travel to the moon and back For you and all that you could say is That you didn't ask for that You'd never ask I'd travel to the moon and back For you and all that you could say is That you didn't ask for that You'd never And you stand there Looking at me with my hands tied And how foolish Foolish of me to let this one slide I'm terrified The roots are way too deep And there is no way out You just stand there Looking at me with my hands tied

Huge vibes of Anakin being mad in love with Obi-Wan, and Obi-Wan pushing him away because he sees Anakin as a brother, not as a lover. And there's all kind of pining from Anakin because of the unrequited love and he tries to do crazy stuff for Obi-Wan hoping he will fall in love with him but it fails... Yeah, that's the angst that hurts in the best way! (But, you know, can totally be reversed to Obi-Wan in love with Anakin in a canon scenario with Anakin married to Padmé.)

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❧ Same Bed - Lola Young

I'm too quick to judge, too fast to fuck If we're lonely and I'm No good in love, 'cause the last time I ended up a little dead inside Sorry I lied, I do not want you, no Sorry my pride's a little too high To let you know I cried when you said you had to go, baby [...] (whispered) Fuck then, don't do this to me now Don't say my name when you're talking to me Don't say we're on the same page Don't look away when you walk into me I like the pain, I like the pain I'm making it hard for you to move on And be lonely 'cause I'm So good with words that the last time I broke his heart [...] I got a bit drunk yesterday evening and I Told you some things I didn't mean, oh did I? Hate it, I hate it when I get complacent I love it when you pull that face and we make mistakes Utterly wasted And wake up in the same bed In the same t-shirt I told you I loved you in The same regrets Like wearing the t-shirt I told you I love you in [...] I only like you when you're naked At least, that's what I proved to myself Can't make a fool of myself, baby God, it's so frustrating, making such a fool of myself Gotta make do with myself, baby I only like you when you're naked At least, that's what I proved to myself You make a fool of myself, baby Let's overcomplicate it, maybe just lose ourselves

Back with the complicated relationship and the angst. Can see this in a canon compliant AU with both Anakin and Obi-Wan not really wanting to admit they are in love with each other, but somehow they always end up sleeping together, and telling the other how much they love them just to regret all of it the day after. Basically making things complicated for no reason other than Obi-Wan not wanting to break the rules/his belief that he's meant for infinite sadness, but also because Anakin can't give up on this twisted love despite how much it hurts him and being petty in trying to make Obi-Wan suffer just as much.

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❧ Ghost - Harper

Not putting lyrics here because this entire song gives me Obi-Wan on Tatooine post-RotS vibes. Like, he's literally on the planet Anakin came from, there to protect Anakin's kids. OF COURSE he sees Anakin's "ghost". Like, he sees so much of Anakin in Luke when he grows up. And it feels kind of fitting as a punishment for Obi-Wan to be slowly going crazy because he keeps being haunted by this image of Anakin around him. Literally this line: "why you gotta make me weak to make me stronger". That's Obi-Wan trying to get over this love for Anakin and realizing that he has to mourn and suffer before he becomes stronger and able to get free from this ghost's hold. (But, you know, Anakin's ghost might even be actually Anakin, in a scenario where Anakin is actually trapped inside of Vader and trying to get free by reaching out to Obi-Wan for help.)

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❧ Qualcosa di Grande - Cesare Cremonini

What happened, you changed You are not the same Or are you still the one That grew up with me What happened, you ran away And with you so did my life I searched for it, I searched for it But I found it only in you There's something important between us That you can never change Not even if you want to But there's something important between us That you can never forget Not even if you want to What happened, you fell You fell too low and now you try to climb back up But it's a struggle you don't want [...] What happened, your light Your light is obscured By someone that I know And that took you away from me What happened, your star Your star eclipsed And now (I dare you to) shine from the darkness without me

Yet another song that gives me RotS feels. It's obviously a break up song, a song about regrets and struggling to move on. So of course in it I see Anakin falling to the Dark Side and Obi-Wan trying to remind him of what is between the two of them so that Anakin comes back to him. (If you want to read the complete translation, you can check it out here.)

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❧ Dark Side - Phoebe Ryan

At your worst, you're the best Baby I don't want another version, no Hard to love, hard to trust But don't change Don't be a better person for me 'Cuz I'm in love with your dark side I'm in love with your dark side So don't turn on the light [...] Even if it hurts, I want you heart Even at your worst, I love you hard If you wanna keep me, go too far

Another song that is more of a both!Sith AU but also something Vaderwan would work honestly. I like the twisted nature of this kind of love so much in fics. Can absolutely works with any version of Anakin or/and Obi-Wan being the bad guy in the story.

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All done! All 20 new songs I added to the original playlist explained away. Like last time, I hope you find any of this entertaining or useful. If any of this inspires your creativity, don't be shy and tag me on your stuff. I'll gladly read it/watch it/enjoy it.

[abluescarfonwaston]

   Fair warning, this is a lot lol

Miles finished putting on mascara and walked over to his closet.

   The only person that ever stayed over was Franzy, and he wasn't too worried about her looking through his wardrobe. The silver-haired man moved to the back of his closet and found a skirt. The light red was the same shade as the suit he wore in court. Miles zipped up the back of the skirt and adjusted it at the waist. He moved over and put on a white blouse and threw his jacket over it. Next came the hair extensions, which were, of course, the same as his hair so that it seemed more natural.

   Surprisingly, the prosecutor was almost an expert at walking in heels, but he dressed up a lot, so it became easier after a while. The media was on his back all the time; Newspapers, journalists, even Ms. Hart. "Am I that much of an anomaly?" He thought when she had approached him.

   Miles didn't like all the attention of being "The Demon Prosecutor." He cringed at the thought of it and swore he'd find a way to have it revoked.

 

  The man walked out of his room, down the hall. He walked into the foyer and rubbed Pess behind the ears. The dog wagged her tail and barked. Edgeworth walked out the door, locking it behind him.

   "The car might attract too much attention." He said to himself. Miles walked. He walked for a while, turning down roads and sidewalks. Finally he made it to the park.

   Maya was on the prowl. She was scouting some very pretty ladies to go out for a burger with.

   "That Franziska lady didn't respond!" She wailed when Nick asked what she was doing.

   "Welcome to my world, Maya." He sighed.

   Maya laughed and said "Yeah, but at least Edgeworth makes up excuses." The young spirit medium grabbed Phoenix by the wrist and pulled him over to a food truck. "Nick I'm hungry. Can you get me a burger and I pay you back later?" She said, smiling coyly.

   "I'm 90% sure that you don't even make money." Phoenix grumbled.

   "Rude." Maya said, sticking out her tongue.

   Maya turned around, fully prepared to chain herself to the food truck to get the lawyer's attention. It wasn't her fault that she was hungry. She sat down on a bench, pouting.

   The spiked lawyer rolled his eyes and turned to order a two burgers. As Phoenix had his back to the park, Maya was still a woman on a mission. She scanned the park, up and down, when a familiar almost pink caught her eye. Maya stood up, squinting at the figure a couple yards away.

  "Nick! Nick I'm going. I saw someone pretty, don't wait for me!" She called over her shoulder before breaking into a sprint to the lady. "Hi! I'm Maya, I- hold on let me catch my breath." The figure in front of her stopped abruptly. The woman turned, her bangs falling into her eyes. The lady, despite wearing heels made chasing her quite difficult.

   "Almost lost her!" Miles thought as he ran. He stopped for a moment, hobbling out of the shoes and ran even faster. People were staring. The mascera was starting to run and his lipstick got smudged when Miles wiped his face. He rounded a corner and hid behind a wall. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the bricks.

   "You know, that's not a very good hiding place. Are we playing tag? Don't worry, I won't tell Nick." The girl said, suddenly appearing in front of him. "Oh boy. I have some wipes if you need them."

   "That won't be necessary, thank you though. I- um, I don't know who this Nick person is, or why you approached me, what's happening?"

   "How do you change your voice like that, Mr. Edgewo-" Maya was cut off by Miles, putting his hand over her mouth.

   He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Come with me, I'll buy you lunch and we can discuss this." Edgeworth's voice had returned to it's normal rich baritone.

   "Well, I can't turn down a free meal." Maya said, after removing the hand from her face.

   Miles walked off down the road, only stopping to put the heels back on and make sure Maya was following.  She was. Miles walked into a small diner. The waiter showed them to a booth in the back. "If you would wait right here, Ms. Fey, I'll be right back." Miles walked to the restroom. "Dear God, how did this happen?" He grumbled. After having fixed his makeup, The prosecutor came back out and sat down.

   "Order anything you'd like, Ms. Fey." Edgeworth said. "Now, I know you'd probably like an explanation."

   The waiter interrupted, setting two menus on the table. "Ah thank you." He walked off, smiling.

   "Now, back to the matter at hand." Miles said, turning to the girl across the table. "I want to say immediately that this," he looked down at the skirt "isn't a hobby or something of the likes."

   "Well, I'll say this, your makeup is wonderful and the skirt fits you very well. I won't judge. But why did you dress up?" She said, tilting her head.

   "The- I'll be straightforward with you, everyone is constantly chasing after me. Everyone wants to know if I forged evidence, if rumors about me are true, it's tiring. So, I dress like a woman to throw them off my trail. Only you and Ms. Von Karma know about this. Skirts are quite comfortable though."

   "Oh my god, I know right? I've been trying get Nick to wear one for forever. You know how he is, though. He's so bullheaded."

   Miles opened his mouth to speak, but was once again interrupted by the waiter. "Are you ready to order?"

   "I'll have the burger, extra ketchup, with a side of wings and some tea." Maya said eagerly.

   "I'll just have a water." Edgeworth said. "Ms. Fey, if you wouldn't mention this to Wright, I'd greatly appreciate it."

   "Nick? Oh I'd never. You can count on my lips being sealed." Maya laughed.

   The prosecutor in disguise sighed in relief. "So, what were you and Wright doing in the park?"

   "Well, Ms. Von Karma turned me down to go eat, so I was looking for another girl to ask out. Nick was just along for the ride." Maya giggled before adding "I was going to see if you were free, you look very pretty, but it was mostly the color that caught my eye. It looked familiar, so I went to catch up with you and.... Well here we are!"

   "Well that's certainly and interesting tale. I'll have to scold Franziska for not spending the day with you." He chuckled.

   Once Maya had finished eating, she stood up. "Thank you for the food, I should probably get back. Nick must be worried sick, I left in such a hurry. I guess I'll see you in court some time."

   "At least let me accompany you back to the park." He insisted.

   "Alright, come on!" Maya said, already walking out the door.

   Edgeworth caught up with the spirit medium and walked with her until they were almost a block away from the park.

   "MAYA! MAYA WHERE ARE YOU?" Phoenix's voice rang out.  Miles flinched at the voice, but Maya's head whipped around.

   "I'm over here, Nick. I'm fine." Maya called back. Phoenix ran over and hugged the girl tightly. He was almost sobbing into her shoulder.

   "Nick, what's wrong?" She asked, concerned.

   "I thought I'd lost you again. Don't run off like that, you had me scared. It- It reminded me of that case. I don't like thinking about that." He said, his voice barely a whisper. Maya rubbed his back in smal circles, attempting to calm Nick down.

   "I'm fine Phoenix, I'm okay." She said. Phoenix straightened up at the use of his name. He was so used to her nicknames, it caught him off guard.

   The lawyer wiped his eyes and pinched his nose. "Where did you even go?" He asked, bewildered.

   "I told you, I saw a lady that I thought was pretty and went to catch up with her." Maya said, pointing at Miles, who'd been silent the whole time.

   "Ah, I'm sorry you had to put up with her, she's a-" His voice trailed off as he looked at Edgeworth. "You... Hmm. You look familiar, but I can't-"

   "What's the matter, Nick?" Maya asked.

   "Where have I seen... No. I know who you look like now, gah I'm sorry, you looked like an old friend." Phoenix chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "It's almost scary how much she looks like him. That's, wow, that's like the exact same color, and your bangs-"

   Phoenix froze when he made eye contact with the steel gaze. "Miles?"

   "Surprising, isn't it?" Edgeworth said, gripping the crook of his elbow. He averted his gaze, looking over at a woman walking her dog.

   "Maya, can you pinch me?" Phoenix asked, his eyes glazing over.

   "Okay, it didn't have to be that hard. Can- Can you explain what's happening?" Nick asked, very obviously still confused.

   "Calm down, Nick. Don't be so narrow-minded. It's to throw off reporters." Maya said, exasperated.

   Phoenix's face was beggining to turn red. "Mi- Miles I'm sorry, I didn't mean to- I'm going to stop talking."

   "It's fine, Wright." Edgeworth finally released the grip on his arm and looked at the blushing attorney. "I can imagine this is quite shocking. Anyways, I'll be off." He turned to go, but Phoenix grabbed his hand.

   "Wait! Um, well, I- You look nice, Miles. You can pull it off." Phoenix let go of the other man's hand and turned, grabbed Maya and left. He hadn't moved that quickly away from anyone in a while, and he was a mess.

Miles: Everyone is constantly chasing after me. Reporters. Franziska. Wright. You literally ten minutes ago.

Maya: *Chewing her burger* Huh wonder what that’s like.

Love it Aramanna!!!!!!!!