#flashback fic

[carlos-in-glasses]

Where All This Love Comes From

I'm so excited to share what has been known as Flashback Fic! 107k words, with all 14 chapters here on Ao3, rated E.

Six months after Gabriel Reyes’ death, TK grows concerned about Carlos’ drinking and brings him to a meeting at the Y. Afterwards, over omelets at the diner, the husbands open up to each other. TK reflects on meeting Carlos after years of addiction and self-destruction, while Carlos has continued to seek closure by uncovering two unknowns: The identity of his father’s killer, and how his father truly felt about Carlos as his son.

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

Carlos puts his arms around him from behind and holds him still, kissing his neck. TK tries to twist in Carlos’ grip, but he won’t let him. He starts walking him towards the bedroom. “I’m desperate for you,” TK says, his blood hot, cheeks red, eyes pricking with tears. “I know.” “Make me forget everything.” “I will.” “I only want to think about you.” “You will.” Carlos stops for a breath. He smells TK – his clean hair, his evanesced cologne, his natural man scent, his salty tears that have imbued his skin, the sweat of stress. Sad, but still beautiful to Carlos. TK, delicious. “I never thought I’d have you. I never thought–” he can’t speak anymore.

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

Chapter 1: A Trail to Follow

In 2023, TK discovers something that triggers memories of heroin withdrawal seven years before – and Carlos makes amends with Gutiérrez after accusing him of his father’s murder.

Chapter 2: A Very Nice Sweater for the 'Y'

TK takes Carlos to the N.A. meeting – but when things don’t go as hoped, he instigates another method to get Carlos talking.  

Chapter 3: Snowballing

A messy situation in 2010 causes TK as a high school junior to lash out. In 2023, Carlos realizes it's time to tell TK about one more secret. 

Chapter 4: Original Sin

In 2013, Carlos accidentally destroys Gabriel’s oldest friendship. Nine years later, he attempts to make peace after he and TK get engaged.

Chapter 5: Between Two Bridges

In 2022, a grieving and struggling TK is compelled to talk to Owen about his 2020 overdose, which leads him to remember when his addiction nearly killed him years before. In 2023, TK asks Carlos about his history with alcohol. (Note: Chapter features TK using and gets fairly graphic)

Chapter 6: One Tequila, Two Tequila, Three Tequila, Floor

TK and Carlos compare notes on when they first came out – with Carlos spiraling in 2011 after an unexpected outburst, while TK in 2008 is embraced (and embarrassed) by his parents. In 2021, both handle the raw days of their breakup differently too.

Chapter 7: A Boy's Best Friend

In 2009, Gabriel attempts to connect with his increasingly distant and unhappy teenage son. In 2013, the fallout of Carlos leaving Iris has begun, and he knows his relationship with his parents will never be the same. In 2023, TK tries to talk to Gabriel about the bombshell revelation that Carlos doesn’t want kids.

Chapter 8: Your Heart, As If It Was My Very Own

In 2011, TK is left bewildered after he loses his virginity. Years later, with Carlos, TK's mind (among other things) is blown in a whole new way. In 2022, TK has an important conversation with a certain visitor when he wakes from his coma.

Chapter 9: Coffee with Gutiérrez

In September 2023, Carlos seeks an important but painful truth from Gutiérrez, and finds an unexpected ally within the 126. Two months later in Blue Moon Diner, TK gets ready to tell Carlos more about his past in New York.

Chapter 10: The Day Begins Like Any Other

In 2016, after TK experiences an assault and sees an old friend again under devastating circumstances, he makes a life-altering decision when his dealer suggests he try something new. In 2009, TK is attacked at school. (Note: Please heed the tags and the chapter note. Reader discretion advised. Look after your hearts).

Chapter 11: Lonely as a Sparrow in the Rain

When Carlos confesses to TK about where he went with Judd back in September – and why – TK has to tell Carlos something he won't want to hear. In 2014, a rift develops when Carlos shows off his new Camaro to his parents.

Chapter 12: Happy For You, Son

Before moving to Austin, TK falls out with his parents over his relationship with Alex. In December 2020, it's a different story as Carlos hosts Owen and Gwyn for TK's birthday meal. In 2012, Carlos has some unexpected news for his own parents, but Michelle tries to intervene. When TK and Carlos get engaged a decade later, Gabriel has something to say about it.

Chapter 13: The Risk of Love

In May 2023, Owen and TK save a spiraling Carlos from making the biggest mistake of his life when he thinks he’s found his father’s killer. In 2020, TK and Carlos become boyfriends beneath a sky full of aurora borealis.

Chapter 14: A Night Worth Celebrating

On a rainy night in 2020, TK and Carlos meet for the first time. In 2023, weeks after their big talk at Blue Moon, TK celebrates his thirtieth birthday with his husband, their family and their friends by his side – and Carlos is a little bit better at sharing his secrets.

Read on A03

[bearlytolerant]

Fandom: Dragon Age

Pairing: Solas x fCadash

Fic Rating: Explicit

Chapter Rating: T

AO3

An Inquisition retelling with flashbacks to a love that flourished between Solas and Cadash before they were caught in the crosshairs of war.

PROLOGUE

He had come here for his mark. Well, originally his orb but now. But now. Lying dormant, a faded green scar occasionally flickers in the palm of the dwarf’s—her hand. She isn’t supposed to be here. Not in Haven. Not awake. Most of all, not exposed to the conditions of this world.

Not yet.

But it must be her. Lyrium blue hair, still styled in a half-up, ornate braided crown circling her long silky strands splayed out across her shoulders. The snug ancient corset is clearly crafted of resin from the deep. It’s amethyst purple with golden intricate details, swirling like layered marble, coupled with coordinating beads that loop and hang down near her hips. It’s not the kind she’d worn in battle. Nor what he remembers her in before he locked her away to be hidden from those who sought to kill her. No, none of that. It’s her everyday wear, worn over a cream colored tunic, embroidered with runes of protection. He glances down at her legs. Most likely nug leather breeches, dyed a plum purple with golden stitching. Her feet are bare and he wonders what they’ve done with her boots.

The mark in her palm sizzles and he sighs.

This will prove to be a rift in his plans. If she wakes and sees him, his identity will be exposed. Or she will kill him on sight. He cannot blame her. Weighing his options, the wisest one tips the scales to flee. But if he flees, it will cost him the chance of getting his orb back and righting all his wrongs.

What is worse is that his heart grows tight as his eyes wash over her again, mind flooding with memories. Her laughter, her wit, her cunning and strength. The softness of her skin when he’d pressed his hands against her cheeks, and captured her lips with his. Lips that tasted of warmth in winter and uttered beautiful truths in his ears. And he remembers the way he loved her.

Still loves her.

And what if, after all these years, she somehow still loved him too?

Rationale leads him to believe her opinion of him will be dismal. Hope grasps her hand as he decides he will stay to find out.

Leaning close to her ear, he whispers, “I am sorry for what I have cost you. I hope you can forgive me Lady Cadash.”

Her eyes flutter, almost opening and he lifts his fingertips to her chin but doesn’t touch. Breath caught in his throat, he drops her hand as the door flies open behind him.

“She will wake soon,” he says, choking back all emotion.

“Good. However, I am here for a more urgent matter. A massive rift has opened along the path to the ruins and more demons are spilling out. We could use your help.”

“I will do my best Seeker.” He gives a curt nod before striding to the door and taking up his stave. He glances back once at Anya before exiting.

[stripedstarsblueflags]

When he kisses Mark after a podium, he can only taste the champagne. Then the sweetness goes right to his head.

And that isn’t a comparison that should deserve his attention, his distraction– especially now. Especially now that the door to the hallway that holds both their driver’s rooms has shut and the silence is deafening. No scream of other car engines filling the air between them with static. No rapidfire interviews coming at them through the garbled, echoey feedback of a microphone. No one from the radio. No one from the pit wall.

The race is over. Mark’s last race.

Over.

And it smothers him, the quiet. The painful sharpness it brings to the world, every detail standing out in icy fluorescent lighting, as he looks at the second-place finisher leaning back against his own door.

Mark isn’t looking at him. Obviously. He doesn’t smile at Seb like that, not anymore.

[ask-missparker]

A Wedding & It's Muse / Ouat Au series ⚔️

Pairing: Snow!Amelia x Prince!Nicholas

Extra characters/mentioned: May Parker, The Pirate Gang, King Alexander, Darcy Lewis etc

Notes: Right off the bat I'mma say this is angsty and fluffy.

Timeline: Flashbacks

Summary: Every visit has their story, this one meant a sweet like surprise at the end of some kind. In another words, Nik and Mia decided to see May at her cabin.

Season: 2

---

"You ready?"

"Hm? Yeah."

He looked over his shoulder, seeing his bride to be stepping out of their shared home in the cabins dressed in her brown jacket, cream color pants and boots. Her hair was deemed shorter and her makeup was blushed on like it was nothing.

It was a contrast to his darker browns and creamy reds he was wearing. His hair was slightly longer than usual, he liked it that way, and he was wearing his famous chains around his neck, along with his rings.

Today was a day, Nicholas didn't believe he would ever get.

Meeting the parents.

Yes, he has met his friends parents when he was a child, but this was completely different. It was the mother of the bride. May Parker. He has heard stories, seen photographs of her and even used the women's jewelry to find his way back home multiple times. But he never once met her.

He was nervous, he tried not to show yet, but his wife bride knew. She knew he was nervous, it's way she made him tea that morning to calm the nerves and kept a hand on the small of his back, rubbing circles to comfort him the whole way to her mother's house.

God! He shouldn't be nervous to meet her but here he was scared out his mind. What if Ms Parker hates him? What if he overhears her telling her daughter she made a mistake choosing him? What if-

"Honey."

Nicholas looked down at his bride who's kind yet soft smile meet his eyes. She gave him a reassuring smile that seemed to ease him a bit.

"What's on your mind?" She asked, as they walked along the path.

"Hm? Oh no, nothing..just thinking.." He replied, holding the horse's reins as he loops his fingers around it.

"I know your lying, you're nervous..tell me what's wrong."

He sighed, "..okay, I um, I'm scared about meeting your mother. What if she hates me? I mean, come on, my brother is pure evil, so she might think that-"

"She won't. She knows, you're not some mad titan or some horrible prince who stole my heart." She replied, reassuring him.

"There are posters with my face on it."

"So? My mother is kind, caring and deeply protective of her daughter. She would know from my letters that if you were wrong for me."

"She knows about me?! Luv, what did you say?"

"Only that you fought for me, helped give us a home...and how you're loyal to those you care about."

"You didn't tell her...about the part where I broke your heart right?"

"No! And you did for good reason. Hey, she will love you. Just be yourself, okay?"

"Okay, love."

----

And somehow Snow was right.

Because the moment, they walked the path and found the small house, he was met with the sight of timeless devoting care. May Parker was reading a book at the front of the house, looking once she heard their horse, Maximums, footsteps and her daughter's calls. She put her book away and stood up, to bring herself into Amelia's embrace as two hugged.

For Nicholas, he saw the ease in her face when she looked at him. May smiled kindly, fixing her bangs and took his hand gently into her own as she greeted him. Her smile was so soft, he swear he melted into her embrace. He also saw where Mia got her look's from. Both women were breathtaking as they led him inside the house, leaving Max outside to enjoy the fresh breeze and a couple of carrots.

Once inside, Mia beside him with a comfort hand on his shoulder talking to her mother. Nicholas got every other word that came out of her mouth as he listened to the two talk. He chuckled hearing their laughs, as he slowly involved himself into the conversation.

At some point Mia went out back to check on Maximum and collect extra water from the well, leaving him and May alone. Which lead Nicholas back to sitting awkwardly in front of his future mother-in-law.

May poured him another glass of water and said, "So, now that she's gone. I wanna know about my future son-in-law."

"Oh no, ma'am, th-there isn't mu-much for me to ev-even say, really..I um just some prince.." He replied, taking a big gulp of water.

"You don't seem like a prince to me, honey."

"Ma'am?"

"I mean, your eyes are of a prince and your background seems to be of one as well. But your soul isn't filled for the royal class."

"I uh..I am sorry to disappoint then..ma'am.."

"First, you can call me May. And secondly, it's not disappointing, it's inspiring. Your soul is meant for the sea. For adventurous minds."

That seemed to stop Nicholas, as he heard those words escape May's lips. Yes he is born royalty and after his folks died, he has been on the run from his brother finding adventures elsewhere away from the throne. And when he left those royal clothes, he found himself with pirates, who soon became his friends.

He soon learned he loved to sail, going to pubs, sword fight and live on his own. Hell, he adored search and rescue, getting a treasure as a reward. He loved to explore and embrace the more curious side of things as a pass time.

No one where said anything about that to him before. And here stood May seeing right through him, as a pirate prince.

A smile grew on his lips.

"Can you adopt me?" Nicholas said out of the blue, chuckling as he did.

May chuckled, "Well no. But we are gonna be family so, you're in luck, I got a space here for you."

"I gotta ask, how did you..know?"

"About the sea part?"

"Y-yeah.."

"My husband had a friend who loved the sea, despite being a farmer. He used to go to the harbor and just take it all in."

"Well I'll be damn..well you should also know, I am a swordsman and I fighter.."

"I know. My daughter said from your letters that your crafty with that sword of yours."

"Ah well, I try. Speaking of your daughter, I promise that I will treat her right and that I will be a good son in law to you..even if I mess up.."

May just smiled. She could tell he had a lot of things on his mind and his past wasn't so bright, but he was willing to make an effort to do good in this world. Bring a spark of light back to the surface, despite him having to work twice as hard to earn it.

The two of them kept chatting, sharing stories about their lives and so much more. By the time Mia returned, May brought out her famous pies, which resulted in the prince of light to dig into the savory sweet treat. His bride laughed, but soon shut her mouth the moment he stuffed a piece of blueberry pie in her face. She hummed wiped the blueberry treat of her lips and took another pie.

To May Parker, they looked like a couple of children enjoying her homemade food. She chuckled shaking her head at the pair, not seeing a princess of fairness and the prince of light who fought to be together, but a girl and boy giggling in peace. She left them to go outside and check on her flowers, telling the couple she will be back later.

"I like your mom." Nicholas said, licking his lips before taking another bite of the pie.

She took a sip of water and replied, "Is that so?"

"Yeah. She's all too kind and harmless."

"So you're not scared of her anymore?"

"Nope. She had me speechless and.."

"And what?"

"And had me realized how beautiful you're gonna be when older."

"Oh shut up!"

She playfully pushes his shoulder as he laughed.

"I'm serious you're mom is stunning and I know your gonna be smoking hot as-!" He exclaimed grinning.

"Don't finish that sentence!" She laughed taking another bite of pie.

"Okay, okay, in all seriousness, meeting your mom made me remember how it felt to have one. And I am so lucky you're gonna be wife."

"Aww, baby, I promise you this. We will visit my mother more often if possible, or you can write her letter too, if you like."

"I'll love that. Remind me to thank her later for the warm welcome too."

"Noted."

Before the two of them can wash up and head upstairs to unpack, they heard a piercing scream and the sound of grunts followed behind it. Nicholas pushed past the doors and rushed outside, as Amelia followed gasping at the sight.

Five knights rushing around invading their private moments. Nicholas took a sword and went to fight them, Amelia grabbed her crossbow as she yelled for her mother to run off. May nodded and ran away as quick as she could.

The couple fought as the knights, to the best of their abilities. Amelia shoot one in the back and escaped the grasped of another, huffing as she did.

By the time Amelia looked up, she saw Nicholas already slaying the solider and his men. She winced the way he cracked the neck of one and killed the other two. He looked inside the wagon with the horses, to make sure none of them were hiding.

But there was none.

Another silent scream was heard.

The two rushed over to the where the flowers were, Amelia kneeling over to gentle get her mother to stand. He noticed his mother-in-law was huffing and whining, holding her chest.

Nicholas thought quickly, seeing May Parker was shot in the chest and bleeding out, he gently rested her in said wagon hearing the older women humming deeply. He knew she needed to be comfortable.

"Wh-how..who could've done this?" Amelia said, using whatever cloth in the carriage to apply pressure to her mother's wound.

"You know who, love, my brother. Might even be Shaw." He said, unsure which of the two, but seeing the dark horses he knew, "..yeah, my brother.."

"Why would Alexander..?"

"He hates us that's why.."

"H-how can we..how can we help her?"

Nicholas rested his hand on top of May's giving it a gentle squeezed as she smiled softly at him. He knew he needed to try something, even if he failed. He told them about a lake once used to heal others, it was a tale and there might no real spell but he had to hope for something. Amelia was hesitating to do so, not wanting to risk a trip and rather just find another solution but one look from her groom told her to have some kind of hope.

----

So then the three were off. Max wheeled the wagon, as Nicholas steered the way to the lake. Amelia was sitting inside the carriage, patting her mother's forehead with a cloth and applying pressure.

May mumbling words and getting the others to talk with jokes, and thoughts on her mind. She hated the silence.

"..tell me about your wedding..h-have you two started planning a date?" She asked softly.

"No, mama, we haven't. I don't even have a dress made yet." Amelia admitted with a soft chuckle.

"Me and your father got married in our second hand clothes..we just needed each other..you can use our rings for that.."

"N-no, mama, they are yours to keep."

"Have you picked out a cake?"

This time Nicholas spoke up, "I keep suggesting on soft angel cake but the missus wants classic vanilla."

"I like angel cake.." May said softly.

"Me too! And I might have to add your pie to our list of treats."

"That would be nice..I would like chicken at the wedding and white rice..oh! And flowers!"

"What kinds? I saw daisies in your front yard."

"Oh no, the daisies were from a friend..Darcy Lewis..I like..I like orchids."

"So did my mother. She liked sunflowers too."

-----

Mary chuckled softly, hissing and growing weak over time. Thankfully Max arrived just in time to the area where the lake was supposed to be. However when the two climbed off the wagon to go searching for water, they found the lake was deemed as empty.

Barely any water left.

Amelia hurried scooping up whatever water she could into a bottle, hoping it would work to save her mother. Or at least buy them more time with her.

Nicholas was gently patting his mother-in-law's forehead and softly smiled, "How are you feeling?"

"Tired..weak..my chest hurts.." She responded, clearing her throat smiling back.

"I bet you are. Look, May, I apologize for today..if-if I known my brother was going to look for me, I would've scouted the area before and.."

"Hey, you couldn't have imagined this to happen..it's not your fault, none of it is.."

"But..you're badly hurt.."

"It's okay..and I'm not afraid to end my life this way.."

"No, no your gonna be alright. Just breathe.."

"How much do you want to live at life with my daughter?" She asked suddenly changing the topic.

"W-what..?" He muttered.

"How much are you willing to do so be happy?"

"Whatever it takes, I'll try my best.."

"Start with the thing you like to do so most..what is your favorite thing?"

"..uh..um, when I child, I used to draw a lot..and sing..I haven't done a lot of it lately.."

"And return to those hobbies, my dear. Aside from your skills like fighting, your strength comes from your art..am I right?"

He nodded in response, smiling softly, "..y-yeah, it is. I hope to one day paint so much as possible.."

"..maybe you might show my grandchildren a thing or two about that..but it all starts with you.." May added smiling.

Amelia returned once again, holding the amount of water she was able to collect, requesting for her mother to drink it slowly. May nodded drinking the water from the lake, taking a deep breath as she did.

Amelia knew it wasn't much but she hoped for the best, waiting for the results. Her mother's color started to come back slowly and her labored breaths subsided for a bit. She chuckled softly at the results, yet she stilled worried. Nicholas smiled to himself, readying the wagon for their journey back.

She sat beside her mother, "..mama, how do you feel?"

"A little better..but not the best right now.." May respond.

"No shit, you got shot, ma."

"N-not funny."

"Sorry, I just hope your okay.."

"I will be..knowing you're gonna be happy.."

"I am happy.."

"Cause you will be marrying your prince."

"Is that how you felt when you married dad?"

"Oh yeah, I married my prince..well, he was more like a knight in shining amor.."

She chuckled at her mother's light joke. She knew her mother's stories and jokes were a way to keeping the memories light, even if they might feel sad.

Her mother was dying, she knew it..

"..mama I am sorry..so-so sorry.." Amelia said, as tears started to appear.

"Hey, no, shh. Don't be.." May said, placing a hand on her cheek, "Don't cry.."

"But..but your not getting better..and we let you get shoot and..and.."

"Shh, it's not your fault..it didn't know it would happen. And I'm not mad at you."

"But those..and the lake wasn't enough.."

"Hush my darling..promise me, you will save me a seat at the wedding."

"Y-yes mama..yeah.."

-----

It was getting late, very late, and the older women wasn't getting any mother.

The pair knew it like the back at their hand.

There was this painted feeling in Snow's chest at the thought of her mother going to the stars and this being her last time seeing it. It took all her strength not to let tears show, as she played with her mother's hair braiding it as she heard May talk.

She smiled hearing her mother speaking her thoughts out in the open, as if letting the nature know she was one with them.

Nicholas was quietly smiling, listening to his mother-in-law talk to them, as he chuckled holding the reins of the horses. He only met the women yet he felt like she was a memory coming back to life. One he won't forget.

She kissed her mother's forehead listening to the wind and watching the sun set below the trees. Despite it all, Amelia wasn't too scared of watching mother join the skies.

However, she couldn't shake the feeling of her mom not being at her wedding. When she became a princess, she vowed her mother would watch her get another chapter to her story and inspire her next move.

And that's what she wanted to do.

"Stop the wagon." She said, looking up to face the front of the carriage.

"What?" Nikolai exclaimed softly.

"I said stop the wagon, darling."

"Why? We're almost home to your mother's house."

"Let's get married."

"Excuse me?!"

That caught a gentle laugh from May.

"Let's get married. Today!" Snow repeated.

That's when Nikolai stopped the carriage and whipped his head around to say, "Are you insane?!"

"I fell for you, didn't I?"

"I-that's not the point! We can't get married, not now, I mean!"

Nikolai thought for a moment onto what she meant, looking around at the forest they were in and the fact that they were alone. No bad brothers, not knights on their tail, no weird friends or foes. Not even magic to stop them.

Yes, he wanted to have a grand ol' wedding with their friends around, dressed in their best clothes, guards around the castle around to protect them and a brand new home waiting for them to enter.

But then again, all he needed was a kind moment with her to seal the deal and make her his wife. Aside the fact that his mother-in-law was dying, it was somehow peaceful. Here, he stood with no worries about threats or fears in front of them.

"Let's do it." He said after a moment.

"Really?" She asked, wanting to confirm his words.

"Yes, yes, let's get married right here, right now."

The pair grinned, leading the carriage to a spot that was all too wonderful. They were surrounded by greenery, flowers such as tulips, daisies and orchid, there was a small lake that shinned behind them allowing the reflections of the sun set to play above.

There was no one to marry them, but it didn't matter.

A couple feet away was Max as his rein were connected to the wagon that held May gently applying pressure to her wound, as if the pain wasn't there at all. As she was deemed to be at peace with the sight in front of her.

In front of her stood, her daughter and son-in-law, holding hands standing in front of their makeshift arch, saying their vows to one another. The two of them were chuckling and grinning, shaking their heads as the words escaped their lips.

Most of the words were inaudible to her, catching every other word possible, as it seemed so beautiful and intimate to her eyes.

"I do."

"I do."

Nikolai smiled leaning in to press his lips softly against her very own as she hummed in respond resting her hands against his chest. They held one another close sealing the deal, pronouncing each other as husband and wife in their minds.

May watched seeing the two smile, to utterly in love, as the kiss seemed to be a mix of love, strength and wishful thinking all meshed into one. It reminded May of her wedding day years ago with her husband, knowing Ben Parker, Nikolai’s mother and all the angels above were watching this ceremony in glee.

She smiled as her eyes slowly closed, allowing that to the last sight her eyes gazed upon. She let out a exclaimed breath, as if telling the world she was now ready to join the others in the sky tonight..

..So still.

So bright.

When Amelia and Nikolai parted lips, resting in another's arms, their shoulders dropped looking over at the view of May.

She was resting peacefully..

Their muse.

----

—-💍💫—-

Ahh so that’s what I got for this season 2 flashback fic. I hope you like it.

Tell me what you think in the comments below!

Tags: @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @meiramel @gcthvile @rickb-chaos @gaminggirlsstuff @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @luna-d-marsh @thecavalrywife @cherrysft @yetanotherwells and etc

[crescentcitytorchwood]

“Suddenly, James and Pete erupted into cheers and Remus turned his attention back to the stage. His heart stopped. Front and centre of the stage, a cherry-red electric guitar slung across his lithe body was the single most attractive guy Remus had ever laid eyes on. His tight black jeans hugged deliciously sleek hips and a wide-neck white t-shirt hung loosely from chiselled shoulders. Long, dark waves hung around a smooth, porcelain face with high cheekbones and a jaw that looked like it could cut diamonds. But what really had Remus's heart caught in his throat, were the silver-grey eyes that momentarily locked with his before the man grinned at his audience and began playing. When the band started playing and Sirius opened his mouth to sing, Remus knew he was completely done for. He lost himself entirely in the set and found he didn't even care that James and Lily were smirking at him from their seats across the table.”

Trying something a bit different with this piece. It will be a mix of ‘present day’ and flashbacks documenting the changes in Remus and Sirius’s relationship over the course of their life. 

Please do check it out and be kind with your comments and Kudos. This is the first multi-chapter work I’ve done for what feels like ages and it’s taken me a long time to get it to a point where I’m happy enough to share. 

I really hope you enjoy. 

Chapters: 2/? Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Mature Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Sirius Black/Remus Lupin Characters: Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Lily Evans Potter, Harry Potter Additional Tags: Raising Harry Potter, Flashbacks, Marauders Era (Harry Potter), Second Chances Summary:

When their best friends suddenly die in an accident, exes Sirius Black and Remus Lupin are forced back together to raise their godson, Harry Potter. Can they find a way of working together or are some things too broken to fix?

[aflawedfashion]

Fandom: Scrubs Relationships: Jordan Sullivan/Perry Cox Rating: T Words: 777 Summary: The first time Jordan and Perry admit they love each other.

[technically-human]

Stay near me now...

So have you guys read My love for you is true, I swear it is, it just will kill you in the end ? Because it killed me. It killed me, I am now dead like the boys.

This was a commission for @regretsofaghost and I loved every second of working on it, ESPECIALLY reading this beautiful fic. And this scene!!!

[djotime-allthetime]

Freaky Red Carpet

synopsis: your final red carpet appearance with fred for gladiator ii. (your first public appearance as a couple?)

wc: 4k+

warnings: rpf! reader is specified to be inexperienced!

a/n: same general vibes as the last one but more introspective ig, but we go into more specifics here as well as some backstory.

italics are supposed to be comments under tiktok clips of the premiere. feedback is writer's fuel!

cross posted on AO3

<<previous part

The screams and chaos of the premiere crashed over you as you stepped out of the car, a security guard’s hand reached for yours to steady you. This was it, the final big event. Even though it wasn’t over just yet, the nostalgia was creeping in, soft but persistent.

“Hey, pretty girl.” Fred’s voice pulled you out of your thoughts. He stood only a few steps ahead of you, having just arrived himself. Your gaze softened, lingering on Fred, oblivious to the cameras snapping away. “You look…” His gaze dipped once—then again—tracing your figure. A soft, unguarded smile tugged at his lips, as if he didn’t realize he was doing it. As if he was completely enraptured by you. “You’re stunning, you know that?”

The ability to speak escaped you for only a moment, the words caught in your throat. “...Fred, you can’t-”

“No, I’m serious.” He shook his head, eyebrows raised. He walked forward and placed his hands on your shoulders, holding you in place to continue studying you, as if he was in awe. “Look at you.” His eyes finally found yours again. “You’re gorgeous, y/n.”

“Thank you.” The words felt stronger than your voice. You weren’t insecure—you knew you looked good tonight. But having someone say it like that—having Fred say it like that, like he couldn’t even keep the thought to himself—it nearly brought you to tears.

A deafening roar of cameras and voices dragged you back to reality. The glow of flashing lights blurred at the corners of your vision, and distant shouts of your name cut through the haze. You straightened your posture instinctively, smoothing invisible creases in your dress. But Fred could see it. He could see that small moment you tried to keep to yourself.

“Hey, come here.” He spoke softly, less of a request and more of a warning of the oncoming embrace. He pressed his hands between your shoulders blades once you settled into him, chin hooked against his shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

You shook your head vehemently, the silky smooth finish of his suit rubbing against your neck. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”

“I made you emotional.”

“You always make me emotional.” You chuckled, voice light to keep the tears at bay, unsure why they even came in the first place. “You look incredibly handsome tonight.” 

“Yeah?” He asked, his smile and excitement clear in his voice.

“Of course.” You pulled away and jerked your chin at his outfit. “We’re almost matching.”

With a quick second look at the color scheme of your outfit compared to his, Fred’s eyes lit up. “We are!”

“I think Grant and Leslie set us up.” You squinted your eyes conspiratorially. “I heard them talking about ‘all black looks’ yesterday.”

“Really?” He raised his brows at the information. “Come to think of it, Leslie refused to even entertain any of my suggestions today.” Fred laughed it off and reached down to hold you. His hands smoothly slid down your arms until they arrived at your hands, interlacing your fingers together. “Come on.” He tilted his head toward the carpet behind him. “Walk with me.”

“Down the carpet?” You gawked, frozen in place as he gently pulled you in the direction of the flashing lights.

“Yeah pretty, down the carpet.” Fred chuckled like you were joking. “It’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”

“You wanna take pictures with me? Like us- together?” You whispered to Fred, not fully paying attention to the cameras already catching every moment. As Fred’s hand tightened around yours, you realized.

You weren’t exactly hiding this—not entirely. Your blossoming relationship, that is. Keeping things personal and quiet felt right for both of you. But this—walking a red carpet together—had never been part of the plan.

“‘Course I wanna take pictures with you.” Fred answered, eyes soft but certain. “We worked super closely on this movie, y/n. I don’t think people will over analyze if we take pictures together on the carpet.” He shrugged. His words meant more than that, though. You knew he meant that you could do whatever you wanted. That you shouldn’t limit yourself in your relationship just because you wanted boundaries. Keeping it private didn’t mean keeping it a secret, like you were doing something wrong. 

“Besides, you’re my Lovie.” His voice softened, almost shy, like he wasn’t sure if you’d still claim the title in front of all these people.

Your neck grew warm at his words.

Lovie.

That was the name you and Fred called your deliberately unnamed character throughout filming. Caracalla called her ‘my love’ almost exclusively in the script. So it became your quick shorthand between each other. And soon after, the rest of the cast and crew called your character that as well. But it was different with Fred. After a while, it stopped being her name for him. It was you. You were his Lovie.

“Oh- Okay, yeah.” You nodded at Fred, accepting the idea of walking the carpet together, though still slightly apprehensive. 

“Yeah?” He asked again, just to make sure. And with another nod from you, Fred’s victorious smile lingered as his hand settled on the small of your back, sending sparks up your spine. “Gotta show off my girl,” he murmured, his hand pressing a little firmer into you. You weren’t sure if he wanted you to hear that or not, but you did. The way Fred could unravel you, seemingly without even trying, felt wildly unfair—like every tender gesture was second nature to him. 

He led you up the crimson steps, where the carpet shimmered beneath camera flashes and distant voices blurred into a roar. Your name and Fred’s were being called from every which way. Before you could stand still and face a specific group of photographers, Fred moved away from your side all of a sudden, his steps quick and fluid. 

“Fred?” you asked, instinctively glancing over your shoulder.

“One second.” His voice was low, nearly lost in the noise. When you turned, you saw Fred at your other side by your feet. He crouched smoothly to get closer to what he was after. The train of your dress. It wasn’t that long, but the small trek up the stairs had it all misshapen. With precise movements, he tugged at the fabric to position it into place. After he straightened it out sufficiently, he stood back up and stepped around his handiwork to come back at your side, arm looping around your waist to pull you back into him.

“You didn’t have to do all that.” You looked up at him through your lashes as your hands came up to rest against his chest. You adjusted his lapels in a subconscious attempt to return the favor, brushing away the imaginary lint on his chest and shoulders. Fred visibly blushed at your words, your hands on him, the way that you were looking at him, all of it. You displayed your emotions in a way that even he couldn’t dismiss. Not that he would want to. He loved it. Every moment. Being cared for so openly made his heart flutter and his ears turn red, it was exhilarating.

“I wanted to.” He reassured you, head nodding down softly, a subtle attempt at getting closer to you.

A piercing shout of your name followed by a burst of blinding light shattered the quiet moment.

The soft bubble you and Fred had built around yourselves burst, replaced by the harsh glare of cameras and the relentless hum of the crowd.

You dropped your hands from Fred’s chest, suddenly aware of how close you were.

But Fred’s hand stayed where it was, anchoring you in the thrashing waves of it all.

You turned this way and that, following the voices of photographers as they shouted out different poses they wanted to see.

“I could get used to this.” Fred spoke quietly, leaning down to whisper into your ear. 

You frowned in confusion and turned to look at him. “Which part exactly?” You asked. 

“Having the prettiest girl in the world on my arm.”

“Was this your plan tonight?” You couldn’t hide your grin no matter how hard you tried. “To kill me with compliments?”

“Not a bad way to die, no?” Fred furrowed his brows in faux seriousness, his mouth twitching in that way it did, a twinkle of mirth in his eyes.

You rolled your eyes with a giggle. “You’re a horrible man, Fred Hechinger.”

‘idk if they’re together or not and i want to be respectful but theyre literally the cutest people ever and if its true then theyre perfect for each other 🥺 truly wish them the best’

‘the mouth thing he does is actually the cutest thing ive ever seen’ ↳ ‘hottest. i think you mean hottest.’

‘look at the matching outfits!! i can’t! theyre too frickin cute!!!’ ↳ ‘its just all black lol y’all read into things too much 🙄’

‘we need a lip reader up in here 🗣️🗣️’

‘we love a man who knows the importance of the dress’

‘how does she just look better and better at each public appearance?!’

‘this is flirting one million percent’

‘either theyre together or theyre idiots, because this just might be true love’

‘we can’t assume that every interaction in hollywood means something more than it is, give them the privacy they deserve!’

‘what are they SAYINGGGG?!!?!’ ↳ ‘it definitely looks like he said ‘prettiest girl in the world’ there at the end, right?? call me crazy, but i can see his mouth moving so clearly it has to be it!’ ↳ ‘you’re definitely crazy, but also you’re definitely right’ ↳ ‘you’re right!!!! isn't that so relationship goals??’

Towards the end of the carpet, the rest of the cast were gathered to take a group photo. Paul saw the two of you approaching and his eyes lit up. 

“Took your sweet time, didn’t you?” He teased the two of you. “Been waiting all night!”

“Sorry,” you ducked your head as you confessed, smiling sheepishly. “Entirely my fault. I came late.”

“Ah, come here.” Paul laughed as he brushed it off and pulled you into a hug. “You look stunning.”

“And you’re handsome as ever.” You returned the compliment.

Paul pulled Fred into his side once you withdrew. You saw him whisper something into Fred’s ear, and Fred laughed and whispered something back, but you couldn’t quite make any of it out. 

When Fred pulled away, you shook your head at him with furrowed brows and pursed lips. A small way of asking ‘What was that about?’ Fred smiled and shook his head, ‘Don’t worry about it.’

“Alright, you two!” Paul clapped his hands, breaking the moment. “Picture time!”

“Do I look okay?” You turned to Fred, hand coming up to make sure your hair was in place. You were facing him now, your colleagues to one side of you and the expanse of the carpet on the other side. 

“You always look perfect.” He answered, eyes struggling to stay on yours. Always dipping down to your neck, your shoulders, your waist. He had to get a hold of himself, he thought. 

As you raised your arm to make sure your earrings were on properly, one of your bracelets snagged at the neckline of your dress. Nothing had happened yet, but if you moved in the wrong way, you’d have a horrible wardrobe malfunction on your hands. A soft ‘Oh!’ escaped you as you realized what was happening. Fred’s eyes darted from yours to your hand, where your eyes were fixated on something.

“What happened?” He mumbled as he quickly moved you with his hands on your elbows and simultaneously stood in front of you, making sure the scene was as difficult as possible for the cameras to capture.

“My bracelet’s stuck,” you explained, eyebrows furrowed and eyes zoned in on the tangle. 

His hands quickly covered yours, gently moving your fingers out of the way. “Here, let me.”

You rolled your eyes with a laugh. “You’re like my own personal assistant today.”

“Yeah?” He asked with a small smile, still working on your bracelet, glad that you seemed to be enjoying yourself even now.

He was a bit worried about you today, especially after he initially saw you at the entrance to the carpet. He knew the high of working on this project was coming down for you and he wanted to be there to support you through it all. 

“Mhm,” you nodded, “first the train of my dress, now this. What next? You’re gonna pull out a powder puff and take care of the shine on my forehead?”

“If this suit had big enough pockets, I’d pull out a plane and fly us out of here.”

“Where would we go?” You laughed.

“I don’t know, the Maldives? Russia? The moon?” Fred laughed with you as he pulled your hand back down, your bracelet and your dress back to their previous intact positions.

“Well, I already told you two that I want to go take pictures.” Paul’s voice broke the bubble that seemed to continuously form around the two of you. He stood next to you and placed a hand on your and Fred’s shoulders. “Hate to ruin the moment, lovebirds, but there’s only so much time before the movie starts inside.”

Paul pushed the two of you towards the spot prepared for the photos. Ahead of you was the rest of the cast, all lined up. Pedro Pascal, Connie Neilsen, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington all stood together chatting and laughing. Paul went and stood next to Pedro, and Joseph made room for Fred between him and Denzel. You slid up next to Paul, feeling like it was the best fit for you between the group of people without causing another shuffle. 

Paul scanned the lineup, eyes flicking between you and Fred when his eyes narrowed slightly. “This won’t do.”

Without another word, he began casually nudging people aside, muttering something to Pedro, giving Joseph a knowing look. Slowly but deliberately, he carved out a space beside Fred.

A space for you.

“There. Much better,” he smirked, stepping back to admire his handiwork. He placed a firm hand on your shoulder and pulled you into place.

Your cheeks burned as Fred grinned and tugged you closer into his side. Joseph smiled knowingly at you and draped an arm across your shoulders.

Paul darted back to his place and in turn the cameras flashing intensified.

‘paul fred and y/n seem like such good friends i could cry 😢’

‘we all know paul has tiktok and hes in the loop, this man knows exactly what hes doing to us fred x y/n shippers’

‘HIM FIXING HER DRESS LIKE THAT? TOMDAYA 2.0! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS 😩’

‘guys! a lip reader figured this one out! paul: ‘you’re smitten and you’re not being subtle about it’ and FRED SAID ‘who said i wanna be subtle?’ IS HE NOT THE CUTEST BOYFRIEND IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD?’ ↳‘paul ships it, he’s on our team’ ↳ ‘and he was telling her how good she looks at the other end of the carpet, did you see?’ ↳ ‘at one point he even says ‘you’re my love’ and i just about melted’ ↳ ‘no he said ‘lovie’! that’s what caracalla calls her in that one scene! NO SPOILERS GUYS!!!’

‘FRED THE MAN THAT YOU ARE!!!’

‘i can’t tell if i want y/n or if i want to be her’

‘paul making sure y/n is next to fred during the group photo’ ↳ ‘did you see how joseph looked at them!! everyone ships these two!’ ↳ ‘goes to show how literally everyone is rooting for these two’ ↳ ‘so true! they’re the cutest couple ive ever seen i feel like a proud mom’

‘first he fixes the train of her dress, next he helps her when her bracelet gets stuck, then what? huh? i die? is that what these two want from me?’

‘never getting over the cast making sure theyre next to each other in the group pic, theyre so loved’ ↳ ‘you mean paul specifically lol’

After a few pictures were snapped, a coordinator in charge of the media coverage told you to reshuffle. They wanted a few photos of Fred with Joseph and Denzel, and some of just the two of them. Some of Connie and Pedro, and some with Paul as well. A mixture of photos that represented their work together on screen. And of course they wanted some of you and Fred, and some with Joseph. And the last group on the list was you, Fred, and Paul.

When Paul came to join you, he placed his arm across Fred's on your lower back, both of their hands now landing on either side of your waist. “Hey,” He smiled warmly at you. “You alright?” 

You hummed in confirmation. “Thank you for that, back there.” You tilted your head to the side, knowing Paul would understand that you meant how he made sure to put you next to Fred in the group photo.

“I have no clue what you're talking about.” He smirked, eyes fixed forwards on the cameras. But his hand squeezing lightly at your waist told you otherwise. He was so perceptive when it came to you, making you feel like you were an open book. It brought you back to a day on set. A long time ago. When the concept of you and Fred was something you were too afraid to talk about out loud in fear of ruining the magic of it. Your relationship was on the precipice, the very edge of friendship before the ocean of something more.

The day, you had confided in Paul about the very thing that led him to do what he did only moments ago.

~

“You guys are cute.” He had said, catching you admiring your lock screen. It was a picture of you and Fred on a picnic blanket. Paul had taken it the day before. Everyone on set thought it was a nice idea to have lunch outside. The weather was perfect, the grass was green, and there were butterflies everywhere. You and Fred took a blanket for yourselves, to no one’s surprise. 

It was the next day that you were sitting with Paul on the set of the Colosseum and he showed you the picture he took of you. You quickly changed your phone wallpaper after he sent you the photo at your request. It wasn’t anything fancy, his film was still getting developed, though he promised you loads of pictures from that once it was done. This picture was just taken on his phone camera, but it was just as beautiful to you. He was so talented with cameras, capturing each moment beautifully you could almost hear it.

“Thanks.” You replied, avoiding his eyes. It felt strange—this fragile stage of something new unfolding under so many watchful eyes. But you knew that would be a sacrifice that you’d have to make. Especially with how slow you were going with Fred.

“Does it make you uncomfortable?” Paul asked. You hummed in response, asking for elaboration. “Us watching?”

“What do you mean?” You asked, needing further explanation. He couldn’t read your mind, could he? Was he really asking about the same thing you were thinking of? Were you that easy to read? Maybe to Paul, you were.

“I know you guys are taking it slow,” Paul said softly, like it was a secret he wasn’t supposed to know. Your eyes lifted to meet his. “Fred told me.”

“He talks to you about me?” You asked, your smile evident in the tone of your voice.

“Always.” He replied, smiling just as wide as you unknowingly were. You and Fred were some of his closest friends on set. You all had the same sense of humor and attitude towards life, it was easy to find companionship with the two of you. And he wasn’t surprised that you two found love within each other. But he worried about it at times. “He always talks about you.”

“All good things, I hope.” You chuckled quietly, the smile ever growing on your face as you thought of what Fred might tell Paul in your absence. Maybe he mentioned your weird obsession with stuffed animals, or how you clung to his arm whenever the two of you went for a walk.

After a beat of silence, you remembered his question and your brows knitted in thought. “Why would it make me uncomfortable?”

Paul inhaled through his nose and looked out onto the bleachers ahead of you. “I don’t know… It’s just that- I don’t think I would be comfortable in your position, is all.”

“Why is that?” You knew how you felt about it all, but you always explained away your emotions. A bad habit, you knew. But you were genuinely curious and wanted to hear a somewhat objective opinion on this whole situation. 

“Just feels so-” He looked back at you now, studying you. Hoping, even, to see something telling in your expression at his confession. “Exposed, in a way. Raw. Like these feelings that really only one person should know about are on display to everyone around me.”

“Says the guy who had a first date on a live stream.” You retorted, the playful jab coming quick to mind.

Paul shook his head with a chuckle. “You know what I mean, dickhead.”

Your head cocked to the side as you thought of his words, truly taking them in. “I guess it does kind of make me feel strange.”

“Yeah?” Paul’s brows raised, appraising your face once more.

You nodded with a hum. “I’ve never- I mean, I’ve never really had a proper relationship. I don’t think I can even call this one a proper relationship. Not yet, anyways. And when I really think of it, it does feel a little unfair that what I always thought would be intimate and private is on display like this.”

“I’m sorry.” Paul spoke morosely.

“It’s not your fault.” You smiled softly, placing your hand on his. 

“Feels like it is sometimes.” He admitted. You shot him a questioning look. “‘Cause of the pictures.” He explained. “I just want to capture the moment. For you guys, not for anyone else. But whenever I point a camera your way, it’s like I’m pulling everyone’s attention to you with it. I feel guilty whenever you two are having a moment and everyone’s staring. You’re not doing anything wrong.”

“I think we’re asking for it a little.” You huffed out a laugh, squinting in the sun. The underlying bitterness in your voice didn’t go unnoticed by Paul. “It’s a bit dumb to try and start a relationship in an environment like this. Months on end on one set with the same group of people. It’s annoying to have everyone’s attention like that, but everyone else probably thinks we’re annoying too.”

“No, don’t say that.” Paul shook his head, his eyes sharp as he shot down your self-blame. “You don’t plan out relationships in advance, that’s not how things work. We’re not like normal people, we don’t get to clock out and go home when time’s up. We’ve moved to fuckin’ Malta, we film day and night. We eat, sleep, and breathe on this set. And if something like that does happen, where would you even hide it? You can’t! Not that well anyways… You guys are doing this well. Better than most.”

“You think?”

“Yeah, I do.” He nodded with certainty. “And I… I didn’t know this was your first relationship. I’m sorry. It’s not fair to you.” He apologized again and your heart squeezed. 

“Yeah.” Your lips pressed together in a combination of agreement and embarrassment. “But it’s okay. To answer your question, I mean. I don’t think- I don’t feel uncomfortable.”

“No?”

“No.” You shook your head. “He makes me feel safe—like I’m home. Like we’re in a bubble where nothing bad can happen.”

~

Tucked into Fred’s side, surrounded by the cameras and the noise of the final premiere, you felt that same comfort—like you were in your own bubble with him. There were still interviews, panels, and endless appearances ahead, but this moment felt like the end of something special. And you were grateful that Fred was here, anchoring you through it all.

next part>>

[pluvio-lj]

Not sure it anyone else noticed this

Vander gave his bracelet to Vi, she wore it as a necklace when she was a kid.

(Ignore the terrible quality of the first pic, I literally couldn't get it any better)

[prahacat]

when the horrors catch up and you take an evening off to batch-process

[marvelwitchergilmore]

Slow Dancing and Slow Mornings

Summary: Logan x Fe!Reader -> Logan and you have been kidnapped and you come to find out Logan has been in love with you for twelve years.

Disclaimer: Mentions of kidnapping, explosions, hints of torture, love confessions, Logan gives you a massage. Mostly fluff, little bit of angst, and slow dancing to familiar records. Not proof read.

“What?” 

You turned in your chair to try and look at Logan, who wasn’t looking in your direction at all. 

The prick stood opposite both of you and just smiled. “What? He didn’t tell you?”

“You…you love me?”

The prick nodded as he placed his hands behind his back. “Has done. For Twelve years.”

“Shut up.” Logan said to him. 

“Logan?”

Finally, he looked at you. His expression was twisted with pain. 

“You love me?”

Logan nodded. “Have done for twelve years. Thanks for noticing.”

There was no point trying to deny it now. He had loved you for twelve years, and now you were both about to die. 

“What didn’t you tell me?”

Logan shrugged. “There was never a good time.”

“A good time?”

“Seems our courageous hero-”

Despite your hands being tied behind your back, you waved the yapper off. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll get back to you. “You never told me because there was never a good time?!”

Logan was a little shocked. “We’re five minutes from dying and you’re mad at me right now?”

“Yeah, sorta! You’ve been in love with me for twelve years and you never told me!”

“It’s not like we had years of spare-”

You shook your head. “Don’t bullshit me, Logan. You had plenty of time to tell me.” 

You couldn’t help but laugh. “Hell, you had twelve damn years.”

Your captor sighed as he crossed his arms. “Perhaps you two can argue-”

“It’s not like I can do anything about it now!”

You looked at Logan, unsure of what to say. Fuck you? You could have done something twelve years ago? Hell, you could have done something last week? Go fuck yourself?

Logan watched as you decided what you were going to say to him. And then the cogs stopped turning in your head and your gaze focused on his soul for a moment, before it became lighter. 

“Yeah there is.”

Logan was confused, but just as he was about to ask what, you continued. 

“You can tell me if we survive this.”

“Sur-survive what?”

Then a loud crash came and everything turned white. 

Slowly, you came to. 

The blinding flash and loud crash had sent a shock wave throughout the entire room and somewhere in the rubble, you were lying down, your ears ringing and your head feeling heavier than ever. 

You tried your best to make out what everything was. The stone bricks beside you, the dirt beneath your body, the rebar poles sticking out here and there in front of you. 

Groaning, you stood before pressing a hand to your head. Bringing it back down, you found an imprint of blood in the centre of your palm. 

In the distance, you could see Storm and the others making their way over to Logan. You could have run to him. You were about to. 

Then the rubble moved. 

Your kidnapper flew through the air and towards the woods. 

So you followed. 

Logan groaned as he got up, Storm’s hand on his back. Immediately, he started looking for you. And he found you. Flying towards the forest. 

He called out your name but you were too far away to hear him. 

“Logan-Logan, we’ll go. You need medical attention.” Jean told him. But he shrugged her off. 

“I don’t need medical attention.”

With your head pounding, you landed in the general area you’d seen him land. It was a lot quieter now. The lights from the jet were barely visible through the thickness of the shade. 

And just as you turned your back, you were sent flying to the ground. 

“You still think you can beat me?!”

You groaned as you found the power to stand. “I’m still trying, aren’t I?”

“Just give up. You won’t be able to stop me.”

“Urgh!” You turned around on your heels and looked at him. “Can I at least stop you from talking?”

The prick just laughed. “Let's see if you can try and fight long enough to make this interesting.”

And you tried. You got a few of your own hits in, sending him flying through the branches and down ditches. But with your pounding head and the pain racking through your body with each hit you took, post being buried by rubble. 

Once more, you were thrown against a tree and fell into the dirt beneath it. By the time you opened your eyes again, you were met with his figure walking towards you. 

“It’s a pity really.” The pain you’d suffered from being tied in the chair a mere fifteen minutes ago twisted inside your body again, only getting stronger by the second. “You didn’t get to tell him you feel the same.”

You managed to catch your breath for a moment. “He knows…”

Your body was gasping for another breath, begging to push the pain away. “He knows.”

The man above you gave you a twisted smile before he twisted your inside a little more. “But he’ll never know how much, will he? How long you went, wishing he’d feel the same. Who knows, maybe I’ll do you a favour and tell him for you once I’m finished with you here.”

You let out a breathy laugh. “It’s okay.”

You watched as the man stood above you went from holding all the power, to holding nothing but confusion. 

“I’ll tell him myself.”

As Logan kept running, he was shouting out your name, Storm hot on his tail calling out his. But just as he caught your scent, your colour of power exploded and spread through the whole of the forest. It was strong enough to knock both himself and Storm back. 

And as he stabled Storm, he looked in what he guessed was your direction. 

“Logan, no-”

“Y/N!”

Logan kept running, his breath sharp against his lungs. You had to be okay. You had to be fighting back. You had to have won. 

But as he reached the centre point, he looked around. The smell of dirt and imminent rain clouds messed with his senses as he constantly whipped around in a circle. And then he saw it on the ground. 

The necklace you always wore. A locket lay open on the floor, face down. You never let him know what was on the inside.

Picking it up, he brushed the dirt from it and found what was inside. 

A picture of everyone lay on one side. 

And a picture of him on the other. 

He remembered that picture. He remembered you and him being told to stand together in front of the record player stand. At the time, you’d both shared the same neighbour and attended the same dinner party. And after a few glasses of alcohol and some good food, you’d all been dancing to a couple records. 

He didn’t even know you’d owned a copy of that photo. 

Folding the small picture back, he replaced the photo and snapped it shut. 

“I can’t find her.”

Storm’s expression saddened as she slowly approached him. “She’s gone, Logan.”

He looked around again. 

“Logan. She’s gone.”

Only when he turned back to face Storm did he feel the tears on his cheek. But he couldn’t face her. His eyes kept looking for you. “She’s-”

Logan’s voice broke with pain. “She’s not.”

Storm placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Logan, she’s gone. You and I both felt it-”

Storm watched as Logan’s head snapped in the opposite direction. 

“Logan, she’s gone.”

Then he pulled himself from her and started walking away. 

“Logan, where are you going?”

“I heard something.”

And he did hear something. 

A few moments later, Storm watched from behind Logan as you climbed up a ditch. 

Your face, hair and clothes were stained with blood, ash, dirt and moss. Grasping onto a nearby tree, you took in heavy breaths until you finally looked up.

“Medic!” Storm shouted. 

Logan took off running towards you. 

“Logan,” you breathed. 

“What the hell were you thinking?”

You pushed off from the tree and hobbled towards him. “Just shut up and hug me.”

A few more strides and Logan had you wrapped up in his arms, tightly. All he could do was breath you in, feeling your skin bruise under his fingertips as he clutched onto you like a lifeline. 

“You’re okay? Are you okay?” Pulling back from you, but keeping your body flushed against his as best as he could, Logan looked you over. 

You had a cut on your head and other small scratches. He couldn’t check your body over due to your clothes, but he did try and feel for any more wet patches of blood. 

Then you chuckled. 

“What?”

“Isn’t there something you need to tell me, Soldier?”

Logan’s gaze ran over your face for a second too long as his brain fought against itself, trying to convince him you were okay, real and most importantly, alive. 

Then he remembered. 

“I love you,” he breathed. “I have loved you for twelve years. I love you.”

Taking his face in your hands, you looked him over as you smiled. “I love you, too.”

It took Logan a minute before he finally gathered the courage to kiss you. He didn’t want to hurt you. His kiss peppered away across your cheek, down your neck and onto your shoulder as his arms wrapped around you more, holding you in a hug close to him. 

A medic was closing in and Logan turned around, you still in his arms. “Come on, we need to get you checked. What happened to-”

“He’s taken care of.”

You looked at Storm. “At the bottom of the ditch. I don’t think he’s gonna remember what happened for a while.”

Storm and Cyclops headed off in that direction whilst your own hands brought Logan’s attention back to you. 

“Stay with me?”

“I’m never leaving you again.”

Then he kissed you. 

“Come on.”

Two days later, you were fully showered and practically boiled clean of any evidence from what had happened when you had been kidnapped. Your clothes now consisted of long pyjama bottoms, an old t-shirt and a hoodie that you had stolen from Logan’s closet. 

The amount of energy your, quite literally, explosive fight had taken from you had been a lot. And it was clear the next couple of weeks would be filled with a lot of sleep and a lot of rest. 

Whenever you woke up, it was ninety percent guaranteed Logan would be asleep beside you. And when he wasn’t and you went in search of him, you found him in the kitchen, cooking. 

“Here, eat.”

He’d place a bowl or plate of whatever he had made in front of you at the counter before sitting beside you, pulling your chair until it was practically between his legs as he sat turned to you. 

A week later, you had woken up snuggling into the crook of Logan’s neck and you stayed there for a while. Until you remembered you needed to shower. 

“Do you think you can stand for that long?”

“Probably.”

Logan kissed the top of your cheekbone as he lay beside you. “I’ll draw you a bath.”

And he did. 

And the minute you stepped into it, you relaxed against the hot water. Between your fingertips, you let your power flow around your fingers. But you jumped when you felt a familiar presence sit behind you, placing his hands on your shoulders. 

“You need to save your energy.”

“All I’ve done for a week is sleep, Logan.”

“You nearly levelled a forest. It’s going to take a while.”

With his thumbs firm against your shoulders, Logan slowly massaged the tension away. A small moan left your lips as you moved your neck, giving him more access to your muscles. 

Logan chuckled. “Like that?”

“Love it.”

Logan smiled as he leaned down and kissed the top of your shoulder and behind your ear before continuing to massage away the ache.

Finally finishing in the tub, Logan held up a towel and tried his best to look away as you stood up and wrapped yourself in it. 

“You okay?”

“Yep,” Logan strained. “Just…concentrating.”

You laughed a little and blushed. “Thank you for running me a bath.”

Logan looked at you and smiled before you pulled him in and kissed him. “But next time, feel free to join me in it.”

With another quick kiss, you smirked as you walked away leaving Logan both a little in shock and a little embarrassed. He might have loved you for twelve years but sometimes he had to remind himself that you loved him back and you both now had the freedom to…do…that. 

A few hours later, after having dinner together, Logan went in search of you. You weren’t in his room, the library, outside or even the living area. 

But as he walked back past his room, he heard a familiar sound. 

Floating out from your room were the faint sounds of a record playing on the record player. Carefully pushing the door open wider, Logan smiled when he saw you. Fast asleep, curled up on your side, the record had lulled you to sleep. 

With a soft smile, Logan closed the door and reached to turn the volume down a little before approaching you. 

You felt your bed dip for a minute, but you had already recognised his footsteps and scent from the hallway. And you felt yourself smile and reach out for him. He chuckled. 

“I thought you were asleep.”

“I was,” you curled into his arms as he lay down with you. “But then I remembered my human heater.”

“Oh, is that my new name?”

“Yep,” you replied, already hearing the smile in his voice and in his heart. 

“At least I come in useful for something.”

You smiled. “I can think of a couple other things, too.”

Logan smiled and pulled you up to him a little more. “I’m sure you can.”

Not long after that, you fell asleep. 

And when you woke up, your back was flushed against Logan’s chest, your legs tangled in his and his arms wrapped safely around you. It was still dark outside, but there was a little winter sun peaking out, way beyond the trees. 

“Where are you going?” Logan’s tired voice asked you as you sat up, his hand by your waist. 

Looking back at his bed head and tired eyes, you smiled. Reaching over to your desk drawer, you pulled out your film camera and snapped a picture. Logan groaned, putting his head between your pillows as you chuckled and stood up, placing your camera on the desk once more. 

As you stood and rounded the bed towards the record player by your door, Logan reached over and picked up your camera taking a couple of candid shots of his own, of you, as you looked for a new record and placed it on. 

“What?” Logan asked with a tired smirk as he lowered the camera. 

You smiled tiredly. “Dance with me.”

Logan smiled and gave a fake groan as he pushed himself up from his back and onto his feet, leaving the camera beside your bed. 

Walking to you, Logan pulled you to him, wrapping one hand around the back of his neck whilst his hand folded around your other and, holding you by your waist, he leaned into you. Swaying with each other, you let the sounds of the record float over you, giving you both a sense of deja vu. 

Twelve years ago you’d made friends with each other and danced at a small dinner party to the very same song. Then you’d been dragged into taking a photo together to have a memory made in time. A few hours later, you had asked for a copy of the photograph of you and Logan. 

You hadn’t really known why. You’d only known Logan a couple of weeks. But something told you, you needed a copy of that photograph. And around two years later, you realised why as you folded it in half and placed it inside your locket. 

One Logan had fixed for you one Christmas when the clasp had broken. 

And, when you had wandered into Logan’s room, in search of his hoodie, you had found a small tin box. A tin box you had opened to find it containing a couple of different sentimental things, including a couple of different photos from over the years. 

But one you knew instantly. 

Because it was the same one you carried with you every single day. 

Looking up at Logan, you found him already looking at you and your heart soared.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Leaning down, Logan pressed a kiss to your lips as his fingertips pressed into your skin through your t-shirt and hoodie. And as he lifted you a little, and spun around, you let out a small giggle. 

“Ready for breakfast?”

You smiled and nodded. “Soon. I just want to stay like this for a while.”

Logan smiled and kissed you once more, continuing to dance with you in your room barefoot, letting the sun peek out from beyond the trees before you both finally made your way downstairs for the day. 

“Okay.”

[clairobscured]

would've been you (should've been me)

just a little something I wrote based off of this post and my own tags. based off of the flashback from 8x16.

They stop at the hospital on the way back to the firehouse. Parked outside behind the 118's ambulance, Bobby tells them he'll be a minute before he ducks inside.

They all knew he was going to talk to the mother from the house fire.

So they wait.

10 minutes later, their captain had emerged from the hospital doors. No one commented on the tear tracks that had cut through the soot on his face and hastily wiped from his cheeks. The call had been hard. And no one pointed and laughed at the 118 anymore if your emotions got away from you.

They ride back to the station in silence, and the cab of the engine is filled with a tension that has the hairs on the back of Tommy's neck standing on end.

When they finally pull in, Bobby is first out. Hen and Howie share a look as their captain tosses his gear into his locker, his helmet bouncing off the metal and falling to the concrete, forgotten as it's owner walks away.

Everyone else climbs out after a few seconds and sets their gear back into place, eyeing the crumpled turnouts on the ground. Tommy sighs.

"I'll get them." He calls out to the others, hopping down from the cab. "You guys go get washed up."

Everyone nods before they head off, and Tommy sets his own stuff to the side before going to pick up Bobby's things. He hangs the turnout coat on the hook, with the Captain's helmet laid to rest on top of it. He checks to make sure nothing was damaged on the tanks and mask before he stores those, too. He makes a mental note to check the oxygen levels, and then he shrugs out of his own turnouts and stores them away until they're needed again.

Once he's done, he contemplates heading towards the showers. Scrubbing the soot from his skin sounds like a really great idea right about now, but he feels restless. So he heads for the roof access instead, hopes the cool night air will clear his head.

When he gets to the access door, it's propped open, meaning someone is already out there, and he wonders if Robinson is sneaking a smoke or three as he pushes the door open and steps out.

He's met with the sight of their captain instead, hands planted on the ledge, eyes set on the street below. His body stiffens when he hears the door and suddenly his eyes are on Tommy and Tommy freezes.

"I, uh, sorry Cap. I didn't think anyone would be up here."

Bobby's eyes are full of grief and a rage that makes Tommy's stomach twist.

"What do you want, Kinard?"

The words are clipped as Bobby turns away from him, looking back down to the passing cars below them.

"I doesn't matter now. I don't want to bother you. I'll just go back and-"

Tommy cuts himself off when Bobby pushes away from the ledge and turns toward him fully.

"It's fine. I need to go do paperwork anyway."

Bobby crosses the roof, and Tommy steps aside, pulling the door open for the other man as he reaches it. Bobby stares at it for a second before he heads inside.

"Oh, uh, don't worry about your gear." Tommy calls after him. "I'll make sure your oxygen tanks are full when I head back in."

Bobby stops, his foot falling heavily onto the next stair.

"I didn't ask you to do that, Kinard. Just like I didn't ask you to stop me from reaching that crib."

Tommy's eyebrows knit in confusion.

"I know you wanted to rescue that baby, Cap. I did as well but you would have gone through the floor with him. You could have died, too."

Tommy sees Bobby's jaw tick, like he's angry that that exact scenario didn't play out.

"You're right, Tommy. But I gladly would have given my life so that a mother wouldn't have to be grieving the loss of her little boy tonight."

And with that, Bobby continues downstairs until Tommy hears the inner door to the stairwell open and close again.

Bobby's words play through his head as he stumbles away from the door, dropping down into one of the folding chairs they keep on the roof. He sinks into the uncomfortable plastic, arms coming up to wrap around himself like a hug.

There is a chill that has settled over his bones, and it isn't from the light breeze blowing across his exposed arms.

Tommy was able to save his captain, and that should feel good, and it had for a brief moment. But now it just feels like he's messed up.

Like Bobby wanted Tommy to let him fall.

Tommy wants to chalk it up to the emotions of the call. They lost a kid. Everyone involved is going to have to live with that for the rest of their lives. The 118 haven't experienced a lose like this since Bobby took over as captain.

Tommy sighs, runs a hand down his face. it comes away covered in soot, and he cringes, wiping it on his pants.

A few hours later, after he came down from the roof, had a shower, and checked both his and Bobby's oxygen tanks, he heads upstairs to grab a drink. As he reaches the top of the stairs, Bobby steps out of his office. Tommy stops where he is, watches Bobby as he crosses over to the coffee maker, and grabs one mug for coffee and then another. He fills them both up and sets one down across from him on the counter. Nodding towards it, Tommy takes the invitation and crosses the room, hoping onto the stool and pulling the cup towards him. They don't say anything to each other as they drink, and he's not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Every so often, Tommy will shoot Bobby a glance, and their eyes will meet before Tommy flicks his away quickly. Before long, both mugs are empty, and Tommy watches as Bobby fills his again before he starts back towards his office.

Tommy doesn't make a move to get up. He just stares down into his own empty mug until Bobby calls his name. Tommy turns to look at his captain, who has stopped just outside his office door.

"You did good tonight, Kinard." Bobby pauses, glances at the clock. "It's late. Make sure you get some sleep, Tommy."

Tommy blinks and hesitates before nodding.

"Yeah. You too, cap."

Bobby nods once, and then he's gone. Blocked from Tommy's view as the door clicks shut behind him.

Things feel back to the way they were before the call. The coldness that had come from his captain seems to have gone, replaced by the same man he's gotten to know these past few months.

And the cold stays away on their next call. And the many calls that come after that. They continue to work flawlessly together as a team under Bobby Nash's leadership. He praises them for their work and offers corrections and advice when needed. He cooks dinner, often asking for assistance from one of the others. When Tommy is called on, it's friendly between them. They go over the day, Bobby asks about the car Tommy's been trying to fix up. It's nice.

A few months later, after Tommy transfers to Harbor, Bobby catches him by his truck at the end of his last shift with them.

"We're gonna miss having you around, Kinard."

"I'm gonna miss you guys, too. But if you ever need a helicopter for anything, give me a call. I'll be there."

It makes Bobby smile and before Tommy knows it, he's grabbing Tommy's shoulder and pulling him in for a hug. They hold onto each other for a couple of seconds before Bobby is stepping away, his hand still resting on the younger man's shoulder.

"You're gonna do great things, Tommy Kinard. It's been an honor working with you."

Tommy nods, throat tight. Bobby gives his shoulder one last squeeze before he's pulling his hand away and heading back toward the doors. Tommy watches him go until he is completely out of sight.

And still Tommy stands there, staring at his old house. He stares for a few minutes before he's pulling his phone out, going to the group chat him, Howie and Hen set up.

"Watch out for Cap for me, yeah?"

Howie sends back about 10 thumbs up emojis.

"Always." Is Hen reply. And it comforts Tommy to know his team will always have each other's backs.

He just hopes he'll still be able to have theirs all the way from Harbor.

He's going to try like hell to make sure he does.

[ask-missparker]

You are loved / Once Upon A Time AU ✨

Romantic relationship: Snow x Charming

Relationship: Amelia x Nikolai

Friendships: Joshua & Belladonna, Nikolai & Marlene, Amelia & Cole

Mentioned character: Liane, Ethan, Marlene, Jeremy, Alexander etc

Setting: Enchanted Forest (pre dark curse) & post dark curse modern day

———

There were a couple of things in the world she wanted in.

Adventure, love and a family of her own in the future. She thought with the life she lived and the upcoming threats after her wedding day, it wouldn’t happen.

Nicholas wasn’t sleeping as well as he could in the very beginning. He was worried about him, his wife and their friends lives surrounding them.

After a while he relaxed due to his wife’s reassuring smile and comforting attitude towards him. He thanked her for it and pressed a kiss onto her lips whenever possible.

“We’ll be okay right?” He’ll ask.

She’ll hum, “Yeah, we will. He’s just jealous..”

“My brother probably just wanted to fear us all with his cruel behavior.”

“You know him better than anyone at times.”

He smirked, “How about we skip the dinner at home and head out over town?”

She blushed, “Say when.”

Which led to them spending their money around town for a horse ride, dinner and walk around the bay. The moon was shaped like crescent that night. It was a comforting night that set the mood for the rest of the weeks to come.

And come they did.

Two weeks later, she woke up early for breakfast but couldn’t stomach it all down like usual. Her husband joked how he must’ve been craving something else then as she rolled her eyes.

“What?” He said taking a few grapes off her plate, “I’m kidding. Are you feeling well?”

She hummed slowly taking another bite of her sandwich, “I feel okay, just not as hungry as I thought..I was dizzy yesterday but i was fine after a nap.”

“Oh my gods.”

“Oh my gods, what?”

“My mother always said love on a night of the moon was shining meant a special thing.”

She raised an eyebrow intrigued, “Go on.”

He didn’t even want to jump to conclusions but he continued, “My mother always like to say the moon is special, as well as the stars…like I was born on a stary evening in mid July, I proposed to you under the moonlight too..what if our child was made..?”

“…underneath a stary night filled the shining moon? You think we’re expecting?” She asked curiously biting her lip.

“What if we are.”

“Are we ready that?”

“With you by my side we are.”

She saw the twinkle in his eyes and held up a finger, “No, no wait!”

He grinned brightly tossing another grape into his mouth, “I’mma teach our son to ride horses, sword fight, learn poetry to win over the ladies and—sail a ship! Best pirate prince in all the land!”

“When he’s what? 2?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, honey. I’ll wait til he’s 4 to start.”

“Oh my, what if it girl?”

His grin grew and narrows his eyes, “She won’t be dating. Ever! But I will allow as many tea parties as possible, teach her to ride a horse too and learn to dance with her old man. Oh no, she’ll be gorgeous and try to steal too many hearts. But if she gets her heart broken, those guys better run!”

That sounds his wife to burst out laughing at the thought of his utter fear of when that would happened. All that matters is they will be loved and taken care of no matter what.

——

————

“They Supemaned me!” He exclaimed

“They what?” She questioned.

“They threw me into a box-”

“Technically it was a tree. Then it was turned into a wardrobe.”

“Box, tree, closet whatever same thing!”

“Your parents were trying to save you, save everyone for that matter. Half of the parents here had to make a decision to help their kid survive, luckily that got to have their parents here with them.”

Joshua sighed, “Mom could’ve gone with me.”

“She went into early labor.” She added.

“Couldn’t she have crossed her legs and try not to sneeze?”

Bella snorted at that one.

“You’re funny when you’re not thinking straight.” Bella commented with a half smile, “Anything else you wanna get off your chest before we get some serious coffee from the cafe?”

“I just want to know what was going on in their heads? I just met, well their cursed faces, and they seems like nice people..but what if we aren’t? What if we wake up and don’t recognize who their son is? I don’t even know them!” He exclaimed.

“Hm. Spend a day with me. Maybe you’ll change your mind.”

“I have been alone for so long, I tried searching for my parents since I was 8, Bell..you got lucky and got a pretty nice deal with a mom like Liane. But..”

“You fear they won’t feel the same way about you, because you weren’t around when they were first here. I get it, not having your parents together. But hang out with them, even if they don’t know who you are. See what happens. Now can we get coffee?”

He sighed and nodded. He felt a bit lost here, being in a position of helpless rage but not blinded by the slightest hint of hope. His mom is a nurse here who just woke up from a coma a while back having only been on a date with his father. And his father, he lives with the man but doesn’t even remember that’s his son right in front of him, yet he was kind enough to let him into his home.

He could tell them but he doesn’t know if they would believe a 16 year old stories about who his parents are. There is a part of him feels like this is all some twisted joke, that his parents aren’t Snow White & Prince Charming! And that Belladonna’s parents aren’t an Anti-Hero and a Heroic Spirit of the Enchanted Kingdom.

But his hopes are there and—

“Joshua!”

He was snapped out of his thoughts realizing they are inside the cafe and about to order. She was taking a bite out of her old fashion donut. Belladonna gave him a look to order something as the clerk waited for his response, he just gave her a quick order of coffee and a glazed doughnut. The woman nodded and told them to give her a moment, as she quickly returned with their coffees and the donuts.

Belladonna thanked the woman as Josh nodded with a smile muttering a soft thanks. The two sat in the coffee shop window chatting about schoolwork, what movie they can go see on Friday. Bella wanted a horror that she can mock for the plot and Josh wanted a comedic adaptation experience instead. The settled on a Scary Movie for a decent price, appointing plot about mocking Scream and having an entertainment viewing hour.

He was talking about the recent rewatching of a Supernatural episode she recommended to him earlier when Belladonna’s gaze turned to the outside of the storefront to The Tattoo Shop instead. Watching how her mother walked out of there holding her wrist and carrying a bag of paperwork instead, looking rather odd—well odder than usual. She wondered what exactly did Alexander have her do this time, as she grabbed her friends’s wrist dragging him to the shop despite his sudden protest of wanting a decent evening.

The two entered the store finding Marlene up front instead at the flower shop or cafe where she usually works.

She asked what were they doing here and not in school, as Bella bluntly said, “Half a day.”

Joshua sneaked past her and found Nik in his office who was biting a bear-claw donut, not looking his usual self. He was about to ask him how did he get in here but decided against it and instead wondered what happened.

“What happened to you?” The teen asked.

“Just got work to do. I was finishing up a small batch of tattoos.” He replied.

“Miss St. James tattoo.”

“I—That’s private client information I cannot expose to you.”

“What did she want?”

“She wanted a tattoo and to hand me some paperwork. End of discussion, Joshua.”

“But-“

“End of conversation.”

Bella suddenly walked in motioned to a stask of papers on the desk signed by City Hall about taxes and property rights.

“Did it have to do with legal matter?” She asked.

“I’m sorry but that is none of either one of your business to know.” Nik replied.

“It has your brother written all over it. What did my mother say?”

“Belladonna, sweetheart, if you want answers go ask her. And Josh, you and I will have a conversation about this at home.”

“We just want to know what’s going on. It’s just a question.”

As the two kept talking about the situation, the young brunette began to look over the paperwork. It seemed to highlight the fact that Nik isn’t ringing in as many customers for tattoos or piercing as he hoped. The taxes were being raised Alexander himself and if he didn’t have any money by the end of the month. He will need to pay up or shut down his business.

He pretended to scroll through his phone, taking a picture of the document, then walked out without saying anything. Bella followed behind him, trying to keep up with his pace noticing how he was going down to Town Hall. She looked impressed by his determination but concerned about his actions.

~~~~

Belladonna was honestly interested in how this was going to play out, following himself inside sneaking them into the ground floor past the doors and knocking into the office. The man in the office called for the person to come in assuming that his assistant was probably on break and didn’t bother to tell him.

He looked up to see both teens as his eyes heated in annoyance and disbelief at the sight.

But he held his composure and said, “Hello Belladonna, and Mr. Nolan I presume. If it’s a legal matter, you know who to ask for.”

Belladonna raised an eyebrow pacing up to his desk and nods, “On the contrary, this includes you. We all know you’re not the most liked man in town, but you do have a presence to uphold, and I take it you rather keep it that way.”

“You’re really telling me something I don’t know. Belladonna, dear, what is it that you want to know. My budget cuts on the school? My relations with your mother? Or that fact that I have an appointment with my brother to get to?”

“Ah, so you do know what I mean. I want to know what exactly are you making my mother do for you. You’re just a boss to her, yet she is working overtime. What is it that you have over her?”

“She is only lawyer in town until further notice. I need her close by to make sure this town runs smoothly, before you were born, me and her were friends. Not just business partners.”

“I find that hard to believe. She has been doing your duty work and I won’t let you make her go mad with stress.”

“I can see why she loves you so much. Now why are you here or does your little friend want to answer that?”

“You’re having the Tattoo Parlor removed soon if the owner doesn’t pay up. Sorry to hear that not everyone of your loyal subjects aren’t willing to get a tattoo or piercing. I suggest you contact your brother or you will be making less profit on taxes payments!”

“Belladonna watch your mouth or I’ll—“

“You’ll what?! Call my mother? Or my father who you have made bluntly clear that you hate.”

“You have been pushing your agenda here.”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

Joshua spoke up, “Bella, please stay outside. Cool off, I’ll meet you in the hallway.”

He placed a hand over her shoulder with a small nod, he decided to let her speak her mind first before getting a moment alone but he wasn’t going to let her get in trouble with her parents. Her glares on Alexander lessened as she looked over at her friend with a small nod walking away into the hallway, she knew the man was fuming at her words secretly but wasn’t quite ready to admit it.

He waited for her to close the doors behind her then began to watch Alexander who was standing over his desk at that point ready to pick up the phone and call security to make both of them exist the facility. But it clear he wasn’t going anywhere yet with that potential threat, as the tall man just seemed to watch the brunette he haven’t properly met yet until now.

He took a breath to regain his confidence and blinked before saying, “Mr. Nolan. I see you can’t stand for arguments. I apologize our first meeting was started in just an odd way.”

He nodded, looking around the office then sat down on the chair in front of the desk and replied, “It’s alright. I came here to speak to you about something, Bella clearly got the ball rolling on that topic.”

“Yes the parlor and the tattoo artist who runs it. What of it?”

“You’re raising the price too high and his taxes shouldn’t be higher than others. No one’s taxes should be as high nor lower than most. I mean you’re family, shouldn’t brothers stick out for one another?”

“And why do you care? My brothers business is nothing of your concern, your a child, unless he meant something to you.”

“Because I’m living with him. He took me as his roommate and I understand that what I’m saying isn’t fair because I have payed taxes myself but if my sibling were in charge of a business..I would cut them some slack.”

Alexander has heard from Liane’s talkative self that she knows about his brother current situation and the town’s problems, always trying to reason with him about the serious matters of the place they live in. He would have laughed because his lawyer knew more than she can chew and the fact that his brother was babysitting some reckless teenager was beyond him.

“Let me ask you something, Mr. Nolan. Why do you care? What do you know about family or taking care of a business? How much money goes into it?” He asked waiting for his response, wonder how he will react.

“Not much, sir. I don’t have any family members that I know of. But I have helped out with volunteer projects but big business is about community development and resources.” He responded.

“There’s my point. You know nothing about of experience within the industry or family pains to worry about. You’re nothing but an individual who got lucky enough that my brother took you in. Son, I advise you to stay out of it or I’ll have a grand day having you be put on the streets of my town.”

“Or what? I have been a street kid since I was born, sir. How can we get the place to stay in business?”

“If you can afford enough money to pay off that loan from the bank then you’ll be fine. But then again, even with the mortgage payment and money saved, you won’t get as many people coming in to convert into clients. And beside, you’re just a child. You got nothing to prove.”

Joshua just said a simple ‘Okay. I understand. It won’t happen. Thank you’ as he thanked Alexander for taking a moment to speak to him. But the moment he walked out and met Bella in the hallway something came over him that he couldn’t explain but he didn’t want to give up. It was like Belladonna could see the expression on his face changed as clearly as day, remembering the tales of his parent and her mother talking to one another in the book.

She smirked having a non verbal conversation with him. The words that came across seemed almost daring, clever and passive to believe.

The two talking points were made of a plan to rally the public against the current situation and bring awareness to the issue. This town was a tightly packed community, they would work together if needed. Nikolai watched as they entered the building once again explaining to him the idea. He was furious and concerned about the fact that they went to speak with his brother who was not one to reason with. He just stayed there with his arms crossed listening.

Until he spoke up, “Let me get this straight you want to raise awareness to the business by having sales and special services for people? That won’t exactly help that much.”

“Why not?” Joshua asked.

“Because not everyone wants to get a needle against their skin that might be something permanent..”

“Is there any marketing tactic that could be applied to this idea?”

Nikolai watched both kids with narrow eyes thinking for a moment about an opportunity he might have missed and how it might help now.

He looked around at the room where Marlene was tattooing a client and the wall that depicted both stores, then back at the teenagers.

He hummed, “Market the place. Combing both businesses together can rain in more sales opportunities and create a new community that will benefit everyone.”

“I’m not following.” Bella asked this time.

“Marlene runs the cafe next door and I run this place. We have thought about combining both sides of coin for years but never had the chance to do.”

“Well you do now. Make it a group effort for the town, where you both get the profits at the end of the day. I can convince my father to help and break down a wall.”

“Oh jeez. If you’re gonna do it, you do it my way. Both you will give out flyers, post it on media, and rally up the tropes—Mar?”

“Yeah?” She yelled from the room, pausing a tattoo she was doing on Rick’s arm.

“Get your hammer we’re gonna make some extra space later!” He shouted over his shoulder.

“Oh hell yes!”

“One wall.”

“Damn it!”

A part of Nikolai thought he was going to regret this decision, but as he looked over to see both teens on one of the computer using a Google Doc to create flyers to print out, he smiled thinking the possibility this could bring.

He does wonder, what made them want to help out in the first place?

Belladonna and Joshua set off to work making flyers and printing them out. Bella gets Geo, Gina and Riley in line having them help spread the word on the newly made announcement. She sends them to the school to tell teachers and parents, as well Bruce’s diner knowing plenty of people will be there. Easily enough, she was able to convince her father to join in and knock down a few walls to create some space.

Ethan was willing to give it a try and help out, having Rick swing around a hammer meanwhile he starts bringing in the pillars for the new walls.

Joshua stays behind rolling up his sleeves putting on a hard hat and design the new place. Nikolai was bringing in more wood yelling for Marlene to break careful when he looked over his shoulder to see the boy working with a sharpie marker instead of a normal pencil.

He asked ‘why a sharpie?’ as Josh just said that he liked it better than way, it brings more impactful lines and versatile surfaces. Nikolai simply nodded, he was the same way when it came to his art using a sharpie instead, another thing in common aside from the coffee style he both loved.

Cole was sitting outside Bruce’ diner watching that both stores were shut down for remodeling as he smirked having gotten a flyer from Riley earlier. He decided it was time to pay a visit to his nephew and then possibly his niece afterwards.

Joshua was tasked to get an extra first aid kit from the hospital to add to the supply closet as the adults kept working on other things. He was about to argue against it knew it would be another chance to explore the town and its people.

~~~~~~~

———————

The castle was shinning bright despite the cloudy day. She knew it was early to tell but Amara couldn’t help but start decorating the nursery. Only a few weeks along and she already collecting tiny items to put on the shelves, such as toy knights, blocks with letters craved in them, stuff bears.

The crib stayed in the middle with a nicely made pillows inside, neutral colored blankets, and a couple of blankets. She placed a hand over her small bump and chuckled as she played with the fabrics slayed across her.

“Are you gonna name your child after me?”

She turned around and sighed giving the man in question a look. She giggled turning to see him sitting on the floor played with a stuffed rabbit gifted from Melissa a few weeks ago.

“And why do you want that?” She asked putting her hands on her hips.

“Because I’m your best friend and hopefully The Godfather of that kid. It’s only fair.” He repiled with a giggle placing a hand on her belly, “Oh damn girl your gonna get fat.”

She mocked gasped, “I hate you.”

“You love me.” He added grinning, “I’m kidding you look beautiful.”

“Thank you. Morning sickness is a bore. But I like it all.”

“You know I can use magic to take away the-“

“No! No magic, I want an all natural thing. I told you already, I can suck it up.”

“Atta girl. Sooo what am I getting? Niece or Nephew? Please let it be a girl I want tea parties and to show her to punch a some guy in the face.”

“You want a niece?”

“Duh. Play dress up all day. But if I get a nephew, I can go on adventures with him and we can play dress up too. Either way I’mma spoil them.”

“That’s what worries me. You be the one to show my son to get in trouble and give me a headache.”

“That’s my job as an uncle to give the parents a headache and I become their favorite.”

The two chuckled.

Amara asked, “What brings you here today?”

“I live here.” Cole added.

“I know that. Why are you in the nursery and not out at a tavern?”

“Ah well..”

With a flick of his wrist a cute little mobile designed with little bees, little sunflowers and a little suns to match. He grinned twirling the tiny bee around before magically sticking it on the crib. He asked if she liked it as all the princess could do was nod and smile not expecting a gift from today.

“I-is there a price?” She asked.

“No price.” He replied.

“Any other gifts?”

“One.”

“Hmm?”

“Remember the blanket you want to make for them?”

“Yeah?”

“When I find out my little bee’s gender, I will add whatever needed to the blanket as well as their name.”

“You don’t need their name for that. I can do that.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because you’ll change it to you’re name!”

Cole placed a hand over his chest in a dramatic manner and scoffed, “I’ll never do that! I mean I could..but I won’t! What names are you thinking?”

Amara reaches into the crib and played with the fabric of the blanket she in the process of making as she hummed, “We want J names for our first child—“

“First child? You’re gonna be popping out more babies for me to babysitting afterward?!”

“One day relax! Not now my gods. But yes Nik recommend ‘J’ names because of Jeremy’s name—”

“What about me? I’m important, aren’t I?”

“I’m getting to it, wait!”

“Alright, alright I’ll relax. What else are you doing?”

“I was thinking ‘C’ name for a middle name. Like Conner, Christopher, Colton and even Caspian for a small flare.”

“Pick Colton. It’s similar to Cole, I made my vote.”

She giggles and nods, “We’re thinking on it. Don’t worry. For ‘J’ names we want Jone, Joshua, Jace and uh, Jaxon.”

“I like Jona and Joshua. My little Joshy Colton.” He added with a grin.

“And for girl maybe Daria, Abigail, Leia and Layla.”

“Hm I like Leia, sounds like a princess. Ooh Nicole for a girl, has my name in there too.”

“You’re funny.”

“I know. But I’ll stick with Colton or Christoper.”

~~~~~

Joshua arrived at the hospital carrying his backpack on one shoulder, signing for a visitors pass for the moment. He pulled out the flyers for the grand opening of the joint stores as he requested for a first aid kit for the nurses. One of them nodded rushing to find one, allowing him to hang up the printed papers on the walls.

The hallway he was in rather quiet for being a hospital. Yes, there were machines going off every once in a while and sounds of shoes clapping the floor but it wasn’t anything loud or terrifying.

He was hanging up one the bulletin board, when a doctors slammed a door so hard as two nurses followed behind them. The sound startled him where he stupidly pinned a staple from the very stapler he was using to his pin finger.

He didn’t even feel a single thing as the adrenaline was warning his system, but soon enough as he wore off he hissed. He stopped everything he was doing rushing to find a nurse to help him, a couple were busy but he heard one call him over saying they can help.

He didn’t waste a moment as he sat down on a bed feeling like a baby for hissing and wincing at a mere stapler in his skin. But the nurse didn’t seem to mind asking him questions as she prepared her tools. Josh didn’t even look up at the nurse due to the pain he was slowly in and he huffed, he took a breath and closed his eyes as his gaze fell on the nurse.

She smiled back at him. He blinked for a moment holding out his hand meeting blue-green eyes, tan skin and warm smile. He would’ve melt by the light touch and soft gaze she did smoothing over his worries.

He didn’t expect to see her today. Last he heard she was at the cafe shopping work—not as a nurse?! Here in front of him stood Amelia Spencer—Snow White—his mother. His mother was taking care of his wound and she didn’t even know it. He was worried about seeing her again due to his fears that she might not like him or worse, not care for him.

He was dropped in and out of foster homes when he was younger, he had mothers who were nice caring for their every need and some who were there for the money. He experienced both. The fathers too. He didn’t want to get his hopes up that she will be gentle and darling now but once she wakes up, she won’t treat him the same way.

But when he meet her eyes, it melts away somehow. He felt conflict, he wanted his parents together and to see the curse broken but he feared the vision in front of his eyes.

Did his mother expect him to be a knight? A prince? A good boy with morals and values? Did she expect him to be hardworking? Have skills like her and his father?

Will she love him even if he just a teenager with decent grades, a little shy, dressed like a character on a CW series and a act for running his mouth at times? He wasn’t great a plenty things he’s a good kid. Humble, kind, helpful, compassionate and imaginative a lot. He’s always been a bit of a creative dreamer. But he was forgetful a times.

“Josh? Joshua, honey, how are we feeling?” She asked, before pulling out the rest of the stapler she wanted to make sure he was okay.

He seemed to zone out, looking down for a moment he half smiled and repiled, “Mhm hmm..I’m..I’m alright.”

“What is it? I’m trying not to make it be too painful, bubba.”

“Just um..I have my mind on a lot of stuff..”

“School? Friends?”

“..a bit more than that.”

She kept his mind distract simply talking as she removed the other end of the stapler, adding pressure to the wound with gauze, he moaned and grunted at the sudden feeling. She hushed his winced with a couple of smoothing hums.

“You’re a trooper.” She said with a smile, “I had an old man scream out in pain and whimper yesterday when I removed a splinter.”

That made Joshua chuckled brightly as his face light up a soft smile and replied, “Wow.”

“There’s a pretty smile. You’re gonna be fine, honey.”

“Sorry..”

“For what?”

“You were probably heading on a break or something..”

“No it’s fine, I’m here to help. That’s what matters. Now mind telling me what’s on my patient’s mind?”

“I was just thinking about..no one has ever treated me this kindly before. I won’t ever know if my own parents would’ve been this..”

“Hey look at me.”

He hesitated for a moment before meeting her eyes again for the 3rd time.

She gently lay a finger underneath his chin as she softly grin and said, “Look at where you are now. No one is perfect but all that matters that you are okay, safe and sound..I only met you twice and I can tell you are a good kid. Whoever you’re parents are, they gave you up to give you the best chance possible..”

His eyes watered slightly with big eyes as he sucked in a breath, “Sometimes I think I’m not worth all of this..I have spend years searching for my parents..nothing came up.”

“Maybe you weren’t looking in the right place, sweetie..”

He chuckled dryly remembering the tales of Snow White being the kind women, seeing the good in others and caring yet strong. Hardworking at best, her words try to be honest with whoever can came across. It was like for a moment Amelia slipped into that side of herself, talking to her child who needed a pick-me-up or something.

“You sound like a mom..I know you lost you’re memories in the accident but were you at some point a figure to someone?” He asked with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

She smiled taking a breath thinking for a moment as she replied, “I had a sister when I was younger..I remember that. But I always wanted to be mom..I would remember if I was one..why?”

“It’s silly..but you just feel like you were one.”

“Well if you ever need anything, you can always knock on my door. I’m always at the diner.”

“R-really?”

“Yeah. But if you do something dumb that will get us trouble, that’s why you live with Nik and not me.”

He nodded laughing thinking she’s not half bad. They were talking the whole time, he forgot about the pain and didn’t even notice the fact that she wrapped his small wound after applying pressure. She left for a moment and brought paperwork asking for his full name. Just as a Joshua was about to say his full name a voice stood out from the room.

“Joshua C. Nolan.” Said the voice.

The light brunette looked up at the voice with ginger brown curls, a thick yet welcoming accent and piercing blue eyes. He held a smile to his tone walking in to greet the boy in which he shook his head. Josh was a little surprise that this man knows his name, but he wondered how much.

Amelia watched the two of them asking, “D-do you know each other?”

The ginger turned around and grinned, “Why, in a way yes darling. Cole, nice to meet ya.”

“Ah yes. Cole. I heard about you. You run the cozy little pond shop downtown. Are you here to pick him up?”

“Mhm hmm. His guardian was wondering where he was and I came to make sure if he was alright. He originally came here for flyers and a first aid kit but ended up hurt. You alright, love?”

Josh realized the last part was directed to him as he nodded with a smile. Something about him was calming with a sense of mischief to him, like he shouldn’t exactly trust him but he does. Amelia nodded at Cole and boy deciding to believe what was going on, having Cole sign the forms real quick. As he did, she gave the boy her phone number on a piece of paper before releasing them both to the streets of the town.

As they entered the streets of the town, the two were silent. Cole watched him as they walked to his shop, noticing how much he looked like his parents. He couldn’t help but smirk. He led them inside closing the door behind them, grabbing two glasses of water as he moved to the back of his shop behind closed doors.

‘Ok I’ll play. How do you know my name?”

“Ah yes your name, Joshua Christoper Colton…Nolan.”

“Christoper Colton? Are you drunk?”

“A little Vodka this morning but I’m good as day.”

“Wait how do you know my middle name? I don’t even know it…”

“Ohh right you don’t! It’s funny really. Your mom wanted Christopher but I REALLY wanted Colton. So I combined them in my head to save both side of the coin the trouble. At the end of the day I’m wrong, she’s right. But we both know we’re be arguing about that til the dawn of time.”

“I’m sorry what?” Josh asked trying to make sense of all that is going on.

Cole slumped, “You may got your father’s looks and smart impulse but you got your mother slow ass brain.”

“Hey!”

“Don’t worry, it’s cute, she knows I kid about that.”

“How do you know my mother?”

“Ohh! I forgot to introduce myself. Two lives smashing together in one head. I’m Cole Morgan. Also known as..”

“Rumpelstiltskin…”

“Ahh so you heard of me. Good, your brain is picking up speed, love. Me and your parents are good friend. I’m also your uncle.”

“M-my what?”

“You’re uncle dearie. Well one of your uncles. You got a few aunties and uncles that you’ll find out about later.”

“If you’re my uncle and you know my parents…tell me something I do know.”

Cole grinned this time and chuckled, “You’re a bit of artist, well versed in pop culture it’s how you and Bella were able to solve a few cases around town with Ethan, you love coffee but prefer hot chocolate with the tiny marshmallows..oh and my favorite, carry around a keychain with a tiny monkey on it.”

The man also explained how he knew what is going on in the town, if they needed anything he is one to call but don’t ever push him too far or he will bite. Joshua blinked thinking that he was stalker but then remember that his town is weirder than expected and his parents are from another land.

He sighs, “..I like bears too.”

“Mhm yeah I noticed the patches on your backpack of a little old bear. It’s cute. I like to think I had a thing to do with it too.” He added with a shrug with smiling softly.

“What do you want from me?”

“I’ve been watching you and Belladonna for a while now. She seems fine by all accounts for now, but you’re the one who is acting weird lately. I understand the reason why, don’t need to explain it, but your doubting yourself here. You’re meant to be here right now.”

“You’re the 3rd person to say that to me today.”

“I know. Give it time and you’ll see what I mean. Now go on, I have business to attend to.”

“But I—“

“I said my piece. I have spoken, goodbye, nephew.”

The boy took a sip of the water looking over his shoulder oddly then left.

~~~~~

He felt like a hurricane rushed though him, so many things are happening and it felt like he can’t catch his breath. First the bubbling feelings of his past come to surface, then he hurts himself by accident and how he has a showcase of skills he didn’t know he had with pushing his father into combing two separate careers into one. He might throw up from the headache he’s having.

He took a breath, adding pressure to his hand and exhales knowing he had to keep going soon it will be all over. He stepped inside the building that was being redesigned with walls being torn down and others being put up. He was surprised to see what resulted in his plan. But what surprised him was the very fact that it wasn’t just Ethan, Marlene and Nik helping to put the place in order but Rochelle, Rick and Melissa lending a helping hand.

Some kids were helping out with drawing designs for the wall, carrying paint cans, holding up wood for the adults. He knew it wasn’t gonna be finished all in one day but so far this was an amazing start. He noticed Bella lending a few tips and tricks, watching over the kids as he decided to join her. She noticed his hand was wrapped up as he shrugged telling her that he will talk to her about it later. She nodded with a very light smile raising an eyebrow guessing what might’ve happened to him.

——

————————

Days turned into nights as the town each took time out of their day to lend a helping hand. Things were going smoothly, days after day things got prettier for the store. Civilians of the town came to pitch ideas, raise the banners and lift some newfound furniture.

Marlene and Nik’s place couldn’t look more better, getting the update it desired for years. It was late in the afternoon, as Joshua was organizing chairs outside the Cafe-Tattoo Parlor or as the owners liked to call it M&N’s Star Lounge, with Riley and the twins. Amelia, Jeremy, Liane, Luna and the others were indoors having drinks with the rest of the customers meanwhile others were getting tattoos done. The younger members were called inside by their parents as Joshua gave a soft smile. That was when Nikolai entered with extra flowers to place on the tables.

He noticed the look on his face and walked over, “What’s the matter?”

“I uh, just have been wondering lately was all of this worth it..” He admitted, knowing he meant something else.

“It is, Josh. You kickstarted something amazing here, hell, you deserve a whole week of free coffees and donuts on the horse for what you did.”

“And a free piercing?”

“Don’t get that excited. Whatever it is that is going on, you can tell me.”

“Um..”

He thought about it for a spilt second but it would sound insanely weird out here in public, beside a part of him believed he wouldn’t exactly come to his senses yet. But he could try, later on when things settled down.

He bit his lip and half smiled, “I’ll tell you at home.”

Nik wanted to say something, seeing something in Joshua as he hesitated, as if he saw himself for a moment. But before he could added that piece of information, Rick called for them to come inside as he turned on the lights to the storefront, as the two rushed inside watching the sign bright up the streets officially announcing to the night sky they were more than open for business.

Little did they all know, there was one customer who wasn’t invited nor dared to step inside as he walked past the street sign. He scoffed taking a glance noticing the kids with their respected adults inside the cafe all smiling. He made him sick, no one was supposed to be that happy over some stupid plain old cup of coffee and some saggy stack of art on the wall that could be printed on their body.

His eyes darted to each one of the adults and youngsters inside the store, from Jeremy to the freaking twins. His eyes landed on his brother and forgettable wife, who he sadly doesn’t remember a blasted thing about. None of them did.

Someone cleared their throat, standing beside him. He dropped his gaze over to the ginger man dressed in nothing but a black coat and a beanie for the cold weather.

He clutched his teeth at the man’s smirk as he asked, “What you looking at?”

“I’m looking at you.” He replied with the smirk plastered on his face like a big ol’ ‘you’re gonna lose’ tattoo on his forehead.

“Hilarious. What do you want?”

“More like, what is that you want mister mayor. You townsfolk look calm, collected and enjoying themselves, isn’t that what supposed to happen?”

“Not when I’m the one who isn’t. Who put this whole shit together? Those middling teens? That rounding adults?”

“I would say that it were the adults idea, yes. My husband did have a hand in building the sign, crafty man isn’t he?”

The older brute just glared, “Who did this?”

“I think you already know.” He added shaking his head as his teeth shined in the streetlights.

“Belladonna and his friend..first her mother, then her father..what’s next?”

“That’s up to you, but I wouldn’t go too far in your plan. Because from where I’m standing, everyone is in high spirts. All as it should be. Now if you resume to glare under the pole you’re standing under, I’m going to grab myself a donut. Goodbye, your highest”

That one word caused Alexander to add pressure to his teeth, realizing this man was awake from his damn curse, and if was, then there was a chance others were too. It made him wonder if Cassie, or any one of the adults have gotten their grip on reality yet…

Cole stepped away smirking as he hummed a tune he heard on the radio, “The winner takes it all. The loser has to fall..”

“Who’s the boy?” Alexander barked back.

“Hm?”

“Don’t play coy with me, Morgan. Who’s Bella’s friend? Mr. Nolan..”

“I thought you would’ve guessed by now, but I guessed not.”

“What are you..”

“I guess someone has been drinking the hard liquor lately.”

Alexander was quiet for a moment recounting his week, Joshua’s face to his whole act. The eyes, his nose, the hair, and his form of deciding to go against his ways of thinking to form something else. The shy looks he gave along with the very fact that he came alone with a parental figure. He closed his eyes shaking his head, his brother’s kid.

Snow and Charming’s son.

He was surprised he didn’t get that fact sooner. All of these guys children were here and standing from Cinderella to Ace Of Heart’s offspring, it should’ve been obvious to him.

He knew with all the families coming together, friends becoming partners in crime and the rules changing beneath his feet. Soon they will be woken up from their slumber and railing against him as he was petty imagine of his former self.

No magic, only the glares, threats and ties to the town to back him up. He would be doom, unless he made a few little distractions and reached underneath those people’s sense of hope, choking them into darkness.

He already had a few subjects in mind to break two birds with one stone. He already had Ethan and his loved ones in mind. If one falls, the others start crumbling into pieces just as easily as they were built to begin with.

Starting with his nephew…

———

That’s all folks! Tell me what do you think about?

Tags: @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @meiramel @gcthvile @rickb-chaos @gaminggirlsstuff @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @sherloquestea @luna-d-marsh @rooster-84 @thecavalrywife @cherrysft etc

[deerspherestudios]

Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that I love your games! Mushroom Oasis especially has an especially place in my heart. Mychael is such an interesting character and one of my favorite types of yanderes—not violent towards his object of affection but still manipulative and willing to cross lines even if he feels guilty about it. Thank you so much for the work you have done; it’s obvious this game is a labor of love and I am looking forward to see how the story progresses.

In the meantime, I have to ask, do you think there might be a future option where the player can cook for Mychael? Totally okay if that is a little too specific. Cooking is just a love of mine and I love to cook for people I love and I feel that is something that Mychael would appreciate.

Also—and forgive me if you have answered this already—but I was curious to see where Mychael’s affection lands on the scale you created by the end of day 3. Or would there be more than one answer since it seems actions taken on this day might start to split between the platonic and romantic routes.

Thank you again for your time and for creating this wonderful game. Your art is so lovely and you have a real knack for fun character design.

HELLO!! Thank you so much for the kind words!! For me personally I've never been a fan of "if I can't have you no one can <3" type yanderes so knowing that it's a shared sentiment means a lot!!

I actually have something of an idea where MC does something nice for Mychael for a change in Day 4!

It was closer to buying a gift and the players can choose what they'd get for him but adding a cooking/baking option (or a more diverse set of gifts rather than just shopping for it) seems like a good idea! As usual the script is still cooking so we'll see!

As for the charts, they're answered here and explained here!

Also,,, idk if you'll ever read the addition below but I'm holding back on gushing rn because uh, this is for you personally but it's basically an appreciation post for being one of my fave authors <3!!!:

AAAA A A 11 !! ??

I'm gonna try and articulate myself in the best way I can but I have been a FAN of your writing since??? Gosh, 2015??? I was following your blog back when the pfp was a torchic (and a treecko i think??) and the header was Swiggity swiff Gotta Yiff ?? Idk if you're comfortable with people knowing of your writing but let me know if I should edit anything here!!!

I LOVED your writing so much it was silly and witty but you can do drama and heart and spicy just as well it was a major inspiration!!! I genuinely though it was a little goof when I saw you were following my blog the other day and THEN YOU SEND ME AN ASK??? IM, , , THROUGH THE ROOF, I would mention my fav fics of yours by name but I'd be outing myself but the scope is huge <3

I've been thinking of how to respond to this all DAY and decided to just be honest but but just know I love what you do <3 Admittedly idk if you still write these days but either way I hope you're doing well!!!! <3

[wantonlywindswept]

time capsule alpha 17

okay so like we don't actually know what happened to Alpha-17 in the end, right?

it just says that 17 was critically injured by grievous and put on a medical transport to get treatment, and then not-dead ventress commandeered the ship and took off

so with critical injuries it's entirely possible that 17 was stuck into stasis or cryo until he could get help

and entirely probable that ventress got where she wanted and then fucked off, and the ship ended up stranded somewhere and forgotten

which means it is definitely possible that at some point after the fall of the empire, someone finds and patches up and revives 17, who has against all odds survived and is PISSED when he hears what the galaxy's been up to

and maybe kix has also been found much sooner and woken up and is living with a much more chill/brotherly boba on tatooine (go read Keeps Getting Harder to Find, it is glorious, don't be put off by the unfinished tag it ends at a good point)

and one day the doors of the throne room (are there doors? whatever) slam open and everyone on tatooine knows that daimyo fett fears neither sarlaac nor death but the sound he makes when a massive furious clone stomps into the room is maybe slightly possibly fear-adjacent

and kix doesn't even try to put up a front he just squeaks and ducks behind the throne

and alpha 17 surveys everyone in the room with a patented look of disgust and Judgement and bares his teeth in what might be considered a smile if you were concussed and goes

'my dear least favorite little older brother, what the FUCK is going on'

[umseb]

jenson button and sebastian vettel chat in the paddock on qualifying day, monaco - may 28, 2016 📷 james gasperotti / motorsport images