#have some bits to do today n i'll go see my grandma too probably

[soulmvtes]

had a little lie in after so long :)

[tonixe]

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: You and Eddie have a fantastic date.

ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: Fluff

ੈ✩‧₊˚𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬: 920

Today was a great day, especially when you went to school; surprising, you even got a free cupcake from one of the prep kids.

But classes were boring as always, but something else brightened your day your boyfriend of 6 months asked on a date; you were thrilled when he asked; you were practically jumping in the hallways.

You couldn't wait; your feet were tapping on the floor impatiently, glancing back at the clock, waiting for your class to end finally. When I tell you when the bell rings, you grab your backpack and books, rush to your locker, and rush straight towards that door.

First one there, you had to get home immediately to get ready, but you had to wait for your sibling because you were on babysitter patrol; since then, did you become Steve Harrington? Here is slow, especially Erica talking to her little friends.

"Erica Sinclair! can you please get in this car" you yelled at her.

"Your not the boss of me" she turned to you crossing her embarrassed, yelling at her in front of her friends.

"Yes, am I, little girl. Now get in the damn car." you were getting irritated at her actions, but thank God she got into the car, or you were about to erupt.

The car drive was as silent as ever, and as soon as you got into the shower to freshen up, you needed to relax; who doesn't like to have a good shower. Now you were at your vanity, doing your makeup, and you decided to do a natural look with a little fountain, some bronzer, blush, mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow.

After you were done the look, you opened your closest to introduce an option, an option of clothing to miss and match together. You wear a white shirt, a frog-themed sweater your grandma knit for you, and denim pants.

You added some gold bangles, a necklace, and green earrings. After you were done, you admired yourself in the mirror, and you looked like a celebrity in all your glory. You fluff up your hair and fix up your hair. Then, a noise came from your window, and outside was your lover boy. You felt like you were on cloud 9.

You quickly ran downstairs just to be caught by your little sister, Erica.

"Y\N, where are you going at this time" Erica crossed her arms.

"None of your business, Erica" you looked back and her while getting your coat from the closet.

"It probably with that boy, Eddie munson," Erica roared, catching your brother's attention.

"Wait, your dating Eddie; why did nobody tell me this!" Lucas exclaimed.

"I don't need you to be questioning me; now, if guys could please get out of business, I would be happier." you smiled.

"Well, it's hard to not be in your business when you have a diary" Erica rolled her eyes

"WAIT, YOU READ MY DIARY" you stop putting on your jacket, making it droop on the side.

"Well, not only me but Lucas read it also"

"Erica...."

"You too, Lucas!!" You stared at them in disbelief, " You know I'll deal with you when I get home," fixing up your jacket and opening the door to see him outside.

"Well, hello, gorgeous," he smiles at you,

"Well, you look charming as always, Eddie," as you hugged him, "Shall we, princess" Eddie gently grabbed your hand and kissed it.

"We shall," you giggles at the sudden action, flushed someone might say.

Then after you and Eddie got into his van and went to a diner called 'ROSIES,' the diner was lovely; you and Eddie sat in the corner of the diner, you know, the "romantic side," one will say. Although it was a bit awkward, you guys held a good conversation, but it was going well.

Soon the waitress scrolled away; here to take your guy's order; well, to you, she was a bit sketchy, but she was rubbing up on Eddie. You didn't want to admit it, but you were jealous, A, because her tone totally changed when it came to you ordering.

Well, I might as well sauce up the problem; you gladly ordered chicken nuggets and fries; I know, childish, but you were a picky eater. That was the only thing that looked appealing.

"How mature," the waitress made a snark remark that almost got you at your seat but let's keep it classy.

You just smiled at her; after that, there was awkward tension between you and Eddie until Eddie broke the silence.

"How do you like it?"

"Like what?"

"The date" he exclaimed

"I like it; thanks for taking me out!" You smiled at him.

"It's really no problem" he brushed it off like he didn't care, but deep down, you knew he cared.

Soon your conversation was cut off by the waitress with your food. The food was good as expected, and the conservation held up through the whole date.

After the date, you guys hung out at a park; it was fun, swinging on the swing set, going down the slide, and going on the monkey bars. Needless to say, the whole date was terrific, especially when you are with Eddie.

But soon, it ended; Eddie drove you back home, and you kissed him before you departed. Thankfully your parents weren't home yet, but you see Lucas and his friends on the couch staring at you, and before you can escape it, they start bombarding you with questions; how fun. :D

[jaytoons7]

❛ you’re my family too. ❜ - Ulle and someone else of your choosing!

Ulle frowned as she ate some food in the cafeteria. She had been previously working all day to avoid some negative thoughts creeping in her mind. But they unfortunately seem to have returned...

She almost didn't notice that Scottie was suddenly sitting across form them. "O-Oh. I didn't see ya there." She hid her distress behind a smile. "You on break?"

Scottie shrugged. "I'm pretty much done with dinner for today, So yeah. I'm just eating my dinner now."

The two sat in awkward silence before Ulle spoke up. "I-I have a question! If it's too personal, You don't have to answer it!" Scottie raised an eyebrow before finally nodding. "Alright. Shoot."

"D-Do you ever miss your family..?"

Scottie was silent for a good minute after that question was asked. Ulle suddenly worried that she crossed a boundary and was fully prepared for Scottie to yell at her. She wasn't expecting Scottie to answer like this:

"I... Don't know..." Their voice sounded uncharacteristically quiet, Almost sounding unsure of their own answer. "It's... Complicated. I never wanna go back but... I-I dunno... Whatever I answer probably won't make any sense... Why did you of all people wanna know..?"

"I..." Ulle felt reluctant to answer before sighing. "Today would've been my grandma's birthday... A-And since I never got to meet my dad and mom died when I was little, She was the one that raised me." Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. "I-I know I have the Toppats now, B-But it still hurts..."

Scottie quietly listened, Before at least attempting to think of an answer. "I can't really pretend to know how that feels..." Scottie admitted. "From what I know, Our childhoods were very different from each other... But if you want to know my advice or something, I'll tell ya' only if you wanna know. I ain't gonna force nothing down your throat."

"No! No! I wanna hear it!" Ulle quickly nodded. "Th-That's why I asked you in the first place! I wanted your opinion!"

Scottie gave a weak smile before looking at the table. "I guess what I've learned is that conflictin' feelings like this are... Normal I guess?" They played with their hair a bit. "Like, It's normal to love your new family while missin' your old one. In your case at least. That's probably really dumb advice..."

"N-No, It isn't!" Ulle quickly spoke. "I get what you're saying! I have been feeling super conflicted lately... I just didn't really know how to word it. At least I know now how I'm feeling."

"And it's not like ya' have to go through that alone." Scottie hummed. "You have your family here after all."

"Yeah, But Scottie..." She went over and hugged them. "You're my family too. I know we've had our differences before, But I really do care about you. Thank you"

Scottie's eyes widened before they hugged Ulle back. "N-No problem..."

Ulle let go of Scottie before giving a teasing smirk. "Buuut, You do still owe me for that strawberry cheesecake." Scottie's eyes widened and they nervously laughed. "Th-That's fair. I-I was really actin' like an idiot huh..?"

"Yep!" Ulle replied with a smile. "A stupid dumb idiot! But that's why I love you!" Scottie rolled their eyes before a smile smile appeared on their face.

"I love ya' too."

[peaceteaa11]

Love Luna

Read part one here and part two here

Pairing: Eddie Munson x OC Byers

Rating: Clean, close quarters, straddling (fully clothed and not too sexual) get your minds outta the gutter 😏

Warnings: Cursing. Blood? sorta. Straddling ;-;

Summary: Eddie is hurt because he took a lamp to the head, Luna helps clean him up. Eddie tells Luna things she doesn't want to hear or accept. Jonathan is a protective older brother. Boundaries are seemingly set. (I highly doubt Luna will follow said boundaries)

A/N: Sorry this one took so long. I started writing another story and fell in love with that one. But here is part three of Love Luna. It is kinda short but it's here. The story is really gonna start kicking off now. So yay. Hope you enjoy! Also go check out my other story "My Rockstar". By now you should know that I only proofread once and then post so, so it's not perfect but I promise it's not like unreadable. MASTERLIST COMING OUT LATER TODAY! (cause a bitch has no life and be writing too much fanfic)

***I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE RIGHTS TO THE STRANGER THINGS CHARACTERS IN THIS FIC. I ONLY OWN OCS I HAVE CREATED SUCH AS LUNA BYERS.***

─────── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──────

"Eddie?" I question as the knife in my hand points at the boy on my floor. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" I shout at him and he chuckles. Eddie brings the tips of his fingers to his bloody forehead.

"Currently?" He smirks up at me before pulling his fingers away from his face and showing me. "Well, currently I'm bleeding out on the floor of what I assume is your bedroom." He looks around and smiles. "Cute sheets." He laughs pointing to my pink floral sheets. I feel a warm blush come over my cheeks as I stand there speechless. "Are you gonna keep standing there pointing a dirty knife at me or are you gonna get me a bandaid because I'm about to bleed all over your floor." Eddie laughs again but a wince sneaks its way in as he stands up. It's then I realize that a piece of glass from the lightbulb in my lamp is stuck in the palm of his hand.

"Oh my god... I... Holy shit! YOU HAVE GLASS IN YOUR HAND!" I toss the knife on my bed and rush over to Eddie who is standing in front of my window. I grab his hand and he winces under my touch.

"Ah. Mmm' well you did throw a lamp at me." His eyes lazily glance over to the lamp on my floor. "I tried to catch it. Did a pretty good job. My head slowed it down." He actually did do a pretty good job. My lamp was still intact all except the lightbulb and there was a bit of forehead blood on the base.

"Well, thanks for catching it. Or trying to. It was my grandma's so I'm sure her ghost would haunt me or something if I broke it." We both laugh and look at each other in a comfortable silence that comes after our laughter. Only when a warm liquid drips onto my hand do I rush back into action. "Oh shit. Hold on." I rush out of my room as I hear Eddie mumble a soft wait. "I'll be right back."

I grab a few towels from the bathroom, some rubbing alcohol, and a few bandages from the cabinet in the kitchen before rushing back to my room. When I get back I see Eddie holding his hand and looking around my room. I clear my throat and he whips around to look at me. He smirks.

"You have shit taste in music." He laughs and sits down on my bed. I sit next to him and shake my head.

"David Bowie is not shit, you prick," I mumble as I grab one of the towels from my lap. Eddie is about to argue when I pat the towel on his forehead and he hisses. "Sorry." I hum.

"S'fine." He sighs. I continue to wipe and clean the small cut on his forehead. He stays silent with only the occasional hiss or winces. Once the bleeding stops I pour a bit of the alcohol onto another clear towel and smile at him.

"This is probably sting," I whisper softly as I raise the towel to his head. He nods and places his hand on my leg. As I dab the alcohol-soaked towel over his cut his fingers dig into my thigh and he groans.

"Fuck." He huffs and I stare up at him with his eyes squeezed closed. I dab the towel again and he hums softly as he opens his eyes and meets mine. "You're right. It stung." He smiles softly.

"I'm sorry... but this is kinda your fault. You broke into my house." I laugh at him as his nose scrunches up when I pull the towel away.

"I didn't think that Luna Byers would be the type to throw lamps."

"At creepy men climbing through my window? You're lucky that's all I did." I laugh and he leans away from me.

"Wow. Creepy huh?" He smirks at me and I giggle lightly as I unwrap a bandaid. I push his bangs away from the cut and gently apply the bandaid.

"Eddie. You broke into my house. You don't think that's creepy?"

"Mmm, I was thinking it was more along the lines of romantic." He leans down and smiles at me. It's at this moment I realize his hand is still resting casually on my thigh.

"Romantic... Why are you, Eddie Munson, trying to be romantic?" I hum sort of curious, hoping for an answer that has everything do to with me.

"Mmm. Practicing for when I get a girlfriend." He shrugs. Okay. Not exactly what I was hoping for.

"Okay..." I look at the small shard of glass sticking out of his palm. "I'm gonna have to pull that out now." Eddie closes his eyes when I look up at him and he hums.

"Mkay that's... that sucks but okay." He releases a breathy laugh and his hand already starts to tighten on my thigh. I gently pinch the thin glass between my fingers.

"Ready?"

"Mmm." He nods his head.

"Okay. Sorry in advance." Just as I tug the glass out of Eddie's rough palm I hear the front door hinges squeal like they always do.

"Hey! Luna! Are you home yet?"

"OW! MOTHERFU-" I toss the glass aside and slap my hand over Eddie's mouth. He glares at me and I glare right back. His hand pinches the exposed skin on my thigh and I pull away from him.

I hear the heavy panicked footsteps of my brother, Jonathan, rushing towards the back of the house, towards my room. I jump up from my bed and rush to my bedroom door. I try to slam it shut but Jonathan's hand stops it.

"Luna! Are you okay who-"

"Yea, yea, sorry. I stubbed my toe." I smile through my slightly cracked door.

"I thought I heard-"

"Jonathan. I stubbed my toe." My voice levels out and I stare up at him. "I'm okay really. I promise. Just tired... and now hurt..." I sigh softly.

"Are you sure... do you need-" He starts to gently try and push the door open and I push all my weight against the door.

"Jonathan! Stop! I'm naked!" I shout and slam the door fully.

"Oh shit! Sorry, Lou." I sigh a breath of relief as I hear Jonathan mumble to himself and walk away from the door towards his room across the house. I turn around and my eyes land on a smirking Eddie.

"So..." He tilts his head and leans forward onto his knees, obviously entertained. "Do I get the pleasure of seeing you-" I toss the towel in my hand at him and he chuckles softly. "Okay okay. Sorry." He smiles up at me as I walk back over to sit down.

"Gimme your hand," I say firmly as I outstretch my hand for him.

"Are you hitting on me?" He asks with a goofy grin.

"I-I need to clean it." I fumble for the towel again as he places his hand in mine. "Try to be quiet okay? My brother will have a heart attack if he sees-"

"The freak in your bedroom." He frowns as his brows knit together.

"A boy. If he sees a boy in my room." I scoff as I shove the towel into his hand and he hisses.

"Ow!" He whispers and I smile up at him. "You're so violent," He chuckles lightly. I shrug and grab a wrap to cover his hand. I wrap the gauze-like strip around his hand and tap it on.

"There. Now you look truly metal." I giggle, grabbing all the shit off my bed and tossing it in the trash or laundry bin. I pick up the glass shards I can find and toss them as well. I pick the lamp up and place it on my dresser. When I look back at Eddie I find his eyes on me already. "Staring problem much?" I laugh and he rolls his eyes.

"You're awfully rude, ya know that?" Eddie leans down onto his knees and smirks up at me. I turn to face him fully and I place my hands on my hips. I stare down at him and I watch as his eyes widen.

"Only to creepy men who break into my house." I huff and he chuckles falling back onto my bed. "Eddie!" I whisper yell and basically jump on top of him to cover his mouth. "Shut up! Please! STOP LAUGHING!" I shake him while straddling his waist. My hand covers his mouth as I look to my bedroom door.

"Lou. Who are you talking to?" Jonathan shouts from his bedroom just across the hall. I snap my attention back to Eddie who is now silent and just staring up at me.

"Uh. I'm on the phone! With... Steve!" I shout back and thank my mom a thousand times over for getting me my own landline in my room.

"Oh. Is he coming over?" Jonathan's voice waivers and I sigh to myself.

"Maybe. Probably not! We're just talking! Do you need something?!" I ask a little annoyed as I try to end this conversation.

"No. No. I was just wondering."

"Mkay!" I shout and wait for a moment to see if he'll say anything else. He doesn't I sigh in relief and let myself relax a bit. I look down at Eddie who is smirking under my hand. I glare at him and try to roll off of him but his hands quickly find their way to my hips to hold me in place. I lift my hand off his mouth to relieve the smirk.

"I think this position is rather comfortable." He chuckles quietly. I roll my eyes as butterflies swirl around in my stomach. I roll off of him and he lets me. I lay on my back next to him and he sighs. "I'm sorry."

"For?"

"Today at school. I- I just didn't think it was a good idea for you to be seen with me. Especially not in my jacket." His voice is soft, almost sad. I glance over at him to see he is staring at my ceiling. I look back to the ceiling as well and try to figure out what to say.

"Mmm. I thought you were gonna apologize for breaking my lamp." I hum trying to break his sad demeanor. He elbows me and rolls onto his side to look at me. I turn my head but stay laying on my back. He smiles sweetly at me and pushes a few stray hairs away from my face.

"I didn't break shit. I saved your lamp when you sacrificed it to save your own skin." He smirks at me and I feel my skin tingle. Maybe Steve was right. Munson has me like putty in his hands, but why?

"Bullshit," I mumble and he laughs as he climbs to hover over me. He straddles me and places his hands on either side of my head. I stare up at him, eyes wide, heart jumping out of my chest.

"You can't be seen with me. Everyone still likes you. Today. What happened today can't happen again. I know. You're like just being nice, it's what you do, but it can't happen again. People will turn on you. Okay? You have to understand that. I can't let you do that." He stares down at me. This is the most serious I have ever seen Eddie Munson. I search his eyes for even the slightest hint of sarcasm. This has to be a joke.

"You're saying I can't hang out with you?" I ask softly. He nods. "At all?" I tilt my head and he smiles.

"Honestly, how much would that really change your life? We haven't hung out before. We shouldn't start now." He smirks at me but then slips back into his serious act.

"You know. I'm a big girl and I make my own decisions. You do know that right?"

"Mmm, not this one, love." He stares down into my eyes. "Seriously. Don't... don't talk to me. Okay? Don't smile at me. Don't be nice to me. Don't. It'll only get you in trouble. It's not worth it." He sighs sadly and moves to get off of me. I quickly grab his hips just like he did to me. His eyes widen and he stares down at me. "Wha-"

"You mean you're not worth it?" I ask softly. He stays silent. "Eddie?"

"Look. Luna. You're well-liked. You've never had any issues. I don't want to start a new trend for you."

"You have no idea what I've had to deal with over the past two years." I laugh thinking back to all the shit with my brother and the upside down. "Maybe it's me who is the problem. Maybe I'm the one YOU shouldn't get involved with." My comment causes him to chuckle and lean down closer to my face.

"You? A bad influence?" He asks cheekily.

"Mhm. I've gotten into quite a few... altercations over the years."

"Mmmm. I don't believe you." He smirks and brushes his fingers across my cheek.

"You'll have to stick around to find out." I giggle but he quickly jumps off of me.

"Luna. No. I- I should go." He heads straight for my window. "Seriously, stay the fuck away from me, Luna. Don't make this harder on me, please. I..." He climbs out of my window while I scrabble to stop him. I nearly climb out of the window after him when he looks in at me and frowns. "I never should have offered you that ride." He sighs as he pushes his hands through his hair. "We're not friends Luna. And we can't be. Seriously."

"Stop saying that. Why are you being such an asshole?" I ask as I lean out of my window.

"You just don't get it."

"Well help me understand Eddie!"

"I just told you!" He shouts and I instantly look back into my house as Jonathan busts through my bedroom door.

"Who the hell are you talking to? Someone is definitely in here-" My brother's eyes land on Eddie. "What the fuck are you-"

"Get out of my room!" I shout.

"Are you sneaking out again?" Jonathan questions.

"Again?" I hear Eddie ask intrigued. I look back at Eddie with confusion.

"Eddie. I don't understand. Why are you-"

"Forget it! Luna. We aren't friends, okay? Just. Leave me alone." He says while looking at his feet.

"You're the one who broke into MY house! To talk to ME!" I shout.

"He what?!"

"Jonathan get out!" I jump up from the window and rush to my brother pushing him out of my room. "Get out! Get out!" I slam the door and lock it once I've pushed him into the hall. he bangs on the door shouting my name. I rush back to the window but by the time I get there I see Eddie disappearing into the forest line. "Eddie!" I shout but he doesn't look back at me.

"What the hell is going on." I hear my brother Will ask in the hall with Jonathan.

"Help me get this door open."

"Is Lou okay?"

"Just help me."

I get up and slam my window shut. I walk to the door and unlock it, opening it to both my brothers falling onto my feet. I look down at them and they both look up at me.

"Where is he?" Jonathan scrambles to his feet.

"Where's who?" Will questions.

"Yeah, where's who, Jonathan?" I ask feigning confusion.

"Don't do that."

"Do what?" I ask innocently.

"Munson."

"Who? I have to change, get out." Will instantly turns to leave but Jonathan hesitates a moment. He glares at me.

"We'll talk about that tomorrow then."

"Talk about what?" I ask as I slam the door.

What is happening with my life now? Why do I care if Eddie wants to hang out with me or not? God. This is a mess. He is the one who... I don't know. This is all so stupid. I should be able to hang out with and like whoever I want. Eddie doesn't get to decide that for me. No one does. I huff and fall onto my bed. I roll onto my side. My sheets smell like him now. Ugh. Why does he have to smell so good?

─────── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──────

well, that was dramatic. Hopefully, everyone calms down in the next part... *Intense smirking because I know I'm a dramatic bitch and therefore a dramatic writer and there's no way shit will calm down* Sigh. Peace and Love, Babes x

[sirensmojo]

"Oh! To remember!" - Hubby!Tommy Shelby x Reader

Warnings: Big fluff.

gifs from @thomasfckinshelby {here is the post}

Summary: You make Tommy a surprise by taking him to the countryside. It brings back memories of the two teenagers you used to be before the war happened.

Word Count: 2k

A/N: I just want him to be happy, seriously + POLLY BEING A GRANDMOTHER???? Our Queen.

PS: I know I talked to you about a carpets story, it IS coming don't worry!

*Masterlist*

It was early in the morning when the rays of the sun fondled your face, making you open your eyes. Tommy was already up, putting on his tie and you almost jumped from bed to take it from his hands.

As you were still a bit dizzy from how early it was and how fast you got up, you stumbled on the carpet, but his rough hands caught your waist as a giggle escaped your lips.

His brows were raised, "So early in the morning, you got some' to do today, eh?" You could hear mockery in his tone and you hit his chest with the palm of one of your hands as the other was pulling on his undone tie.

As he leant forwards towards you, you teased his lips with the tip of your nose and finally gave him your lips after hearing a groan from his throat.

He perfectly knew what was happening today, you drew a black star a week from now in his agenda.

"Y/N!" Tommy called, and his desk lady pleaded with her eyes to not let her deal with him.

it wasn't as if he was a bad guy, no, he just appeared to be as cold as ice and as distant as he could be.

You were about to ignore his call along with the staring secretary but you saw her lips moving without any sound getting out "Please."

Okay, this time you will not let her be any more terrified by your husband.

It was a little game for you, to never fully talk to him, just like he did. Even though he had reasons not to talk so much and you didn't. You used to leave him pieces of evidence here and there so he would understand what you were up to.

No need to say that whenever you would sneak into his office to put a black star on his agenda, it was to his secretary he would later ask questions, and as she was oh so scared, she wouldn't give satisfying answers which made him become even more cold and distant.

You weren't working anywhere but staying Home all day long waiting for him to get back wasn't on the schedule. What you loved to do most was to organise all types of dinners and parties.

Tommy was most of the time tired but he never missed one, as he knew it was important for you.

Only, whenever he thought the party should be over, he would come closer to you and gently press his lips on your forehead, his fingers diving into your mane.

And just like that, you understood it was time to lead the people out of the mansion, so you could take care of your Shelby.

You closed the door in front of you, rolling your eyes to yourself and joined his office. Your head peeked through the door and you cleared your throat, leading Timmy to lift his gaze to you.

He patted the page, "Why is there a black star on Thursday?"

"Come 'ere" you answered, your index indicating to Tommy to come near you.

He got up without hesitation and walked towards you, making you enter his office completely and close the door behind you.

The connexion between you had always been more than mental or physical, it was a mix of both with something else, something you could never fully get, but you just knew of its presence.

Maybe it was your beings that were combining together, you were him and he was you.

Or was he more you than yourself?

Your back was flat on the door when you felt his hands on your hips. A smile instantly grew on your lips as his blue icy iris were staring into your soul that was hidden behind your iris.

A grumpy "Hm" escaped his lips as your foreheads touched. He closed his eyes for a second, the smell of your perfume filling his nostrils. He was elsewhere, in a dimension where only you and he existed. Somewhere he was safe and relieved of any pressure.

"A surprise, Tommy." You muttered only inches away from his lips.

His eyes opened softly and he raised a hand to your face, cupping one of your cheeks. You were staring at him as his thumb moved to rub your lips softly.

Nothing needed to be said in those moments, what your eyes were saying was more than enough. You understood him, and he understood you, it has been like that for so long, but the love bonding you never extinguished, and you couldn't imagine that someday it would.

"You'll just have to bring yourself, I'll take care of the rest. Only you and me." You pointed towards him, then towards you before flattening your hand on his shoulders in a tender way.

"Don't come back too late, huh?" You raised a brow as you tied his tie around his neck.

"If the answer doesn’t please you I’ll accidentally get choked. That’s the plan," He put his hand on yours to avoid you from even thinking of doing it.

You glared at him.

"I know your tricks now." He finished and you wanted to show him your tongue so badly, but you tried to stay solemn, your head high.

"I will not even comment on such calumny, Mr Shelby.”

You were so grateful he was still speaking to you fluently. He wasn’t like that with anyone but your children and you, which you found to be a blessing.

You knew he wasn’t living a life where he could be with his family as often as he would like and that his past deeply scarred him, but he almost was the same with you, still trying to joke and laugh even if his tone wasn’t following the movement, he tried. And that was all that mattered.

You had the love of your life and four beautiful children by your side, nothing would ever take that away from you. And even if you weren’t in business, by not trying to interfere, you were easing him more than you even knew.

(...)

“Beth! bring down your brothers and sisters, grandma Polly is here” You screamed toward the stairs as a maid brought the tea to the living room.

Polly looked at you with the type of stare only she, could give, ”you’re up to something, I can tell.”

You crossed your legs with a pleased smile, “Taking my Tommy to the countryside!” You said trying to remain calm, but she knew you too well.

“Well, I wonder why you’re not all over the place already, it’s not like you’re the good calm girl.” She smiled at you, “I’m sure he will be happy. But don’t think he’ll show ya.” She patted your knee with a side-eye look, her trembling voice filled with sarcasm.

You grabbed her hand and squeezed it, “I know how Aberama loves having our children.” You teased and she giggled. “It’s me taking care of all of them.”

“I knew it! He, too, is a child!” You exclaimed, raising your hands in the air.

“What boy of this family isn’t?” Polly raised her eyebrows before your youngest boy ran into her, followed by the entire team. They were squeezing their grandma in their arms as if she would be gone in a blink of an eye.

You laughed so hard seeing how they were all around Polly that couldn’t even hug them all.

Your heart was full of love at this moment.

Your eldest daughter came sitting on the armchair of the sofa where you were sitting, dropping her head on your shoulder.

“It is said Aberama and grandma will bring us with them on the road, is it true?” Your fourteen years old girl knew how to make a deal, she exchanged a look with Polly and straightened her head, looking right at you.

“Are you sure it’s Polly’s idea, it sounds more like you’re taking her as a hostage, Beth?”

“It’s called bargain! You always talk about grandma Pol being a gypsy queen, I want to see her world!” Beth’s high pitched tone resonated in the room, even the cat woke up from its nap to see what was happening.

“No need to put yourself in such condition, of course, you can all go with them. It’s your family.” You took your little girl in your arms, holding her close as fondling her long hair.

(...)

It was already 5 and you began to pace up and down before the carriage. It was your horse exhaling noisily that made you look up to him and caress his forehead while murmuring things to him. Basically telling him your day.

You didn’t realize but Tom had arrived, and a smile automatically drew on his lips when he saw you talking to your horse. It was as if he rewind the time and you were back to 1911 in your father’s stable with your long muddy dress and hay all over your mane.

He got close quickly and you startled when feeling his rough black gloves grabbing your elbow. “Shit, Tommy.”

He cleared his throat while looking at the horizon. A smile grew at the corner of your lips seeing how handsome he was, his hat on his head with his large black coat, a cigarette in between his lips. This handsome husband, father and gangster was all yours.

“Come up there! We’re going,” you pointed at the sitting place.

(...)

It has been half an hour since you departed from the Arrow House and the silence between you two was peaceful. You knew Tommy will never admit it, but he somehow took a liking to your parties and dinners, because he wasn’t forced to do anything, to be anything.

He could just be the man smoking cigarettes at the back of the room or the one drinking silently while sitting from the beginning of the event to its end. He could be alone, while not quite being alone.

You noticed he needed to be alone to think about his business, and as soon as he started to go walk alone in the woods at night, you started to organise garden parties.

Thomas didn’t need to be fully alone, he just needed people not to disturb him. And with such huge parties that was what you offered him. He didn’t need to sleep all night long outside now.

He could just sit at a table in the garden and smoke while sipping on his whiskey.

You finally stop the horse in a huge field, right under an imposing tree. It was probably a hundred years old, his trunk as solid as a rock, or maybe even stronger...

Tommy got up in the carriage, looking both sides to see if he knew the place before he got down, feet on earth.

You turned to him, a smile on your face, “Do you remember?” Your voice was low. He looked down at you, a curious gleam animating his blue iris.

“There!” you told him, pointing at the tree.

You saw in his expression he indeed remembered this place, and it was enough to warm your heart. You got up and joined the back of the carriage, taking the plates you had cooked for the occasion.

When you got back, his eyes directly went into yours, as if he had been searching for you. “Yes?” You raised a brow.

“It’s your family’s field.” His deep voice made you shiver, or maybe it was the cold spring breeze?

The old farm was still present not too far from where you were, but there were no animals left.

Your eyes lifted to him in an instant, his face was serene, his mind elsewhere, surely in the tone of memories of another time. Where all you used to worry about was the size of your stables once you’ll be married to Tom.

You served him a dish of his favourite food before handing it to him which he gladly took after sitting comfortably at the feet of the huge tree, his back against the tree.

“Don’t forget the bread.” You let out pointing to the bag next to him.

You finally sit down next to him and lift your gaze to the branch of the tree. The wind was present, but not in an annoying way, in a reassuring way. It was as if he was the one singing memories of before the War to both of you.

You raised your hand to the sky and it quickly got reached by Tommy’s that rubbed his thumb onto your skin.

You authorized yourself to dive into his eyes only to find your Tommy. The same one that was seated under the same three years and years ago. The Tommy that always used to make jokes, the one that asked your father for your hand, the one that always helped your mother with her horses.

It was something you would never get tired of, horses. It was the one thing always keeping you close to the man he once was, not that you missed that man, but you cherished the fact you had such memories of him. He was so different now…

“Happy Birthday, Tommy.” You muttered outright while dropping the back of your head against his chest, looking at his face from under.

He inhales deeply before exhaling loudly. And it was you, that sealed your lips together, bearing your love to him.

[kerie-prince]

We're Worlds Apart (8)

Draco Malfoy x American No-Maj!reader

series m.list | general m.list | previous chp

warnings: mentions of smoking, mentions of death

summary: Draco Malfoy is a pureblood wizard. Magic runs through his veins and has been since his birth. You're a Wiccan No-Maj; a non-magical being with ordinary blood through your veins, but practices what you call magick. And this very practice upsets your neighbor.

a/n: god, i had MAJOR writers block for this chapter. i almost got lost in the direction i wanted this series to go and i'm still figuring out a way on how to not let this drag out too long. i'm debating on adding this to wattpad but i don't know how to make aesthetically pleasing cover art so if anyone could teach a bitch how, lmk ✋🏼😩

(gif cred)

Blaise has been acting differently than usual. Not that you had too many complaints considering that you hardly knew him. Better words would be that from the short time you knew him, he started acting different. What was once two nights a week turned into him staying with you almost everyday.

It was kind of annoying, actually. He was here to see Draco, not some random person he just met.

One morning, he got up early and tried to make breakfast, but he had no idea how to work any of the muggle items so rather than your alarm on your bed stand you woke up to the smoke alarm.

You woke up feeling groggy but had a pleasant soreness on your inner thighs. Before you even brushed your hair or teeth, you rushed as much as you could to see what was going on in your house. When you stepped into your kitchen, your toaster was on fire and there was smoke everywhere. Blaise was just standing by it scratching his head. It woke you right up; you ran to your small laundry room and snatched the fire hydrant.

After you put the fire out, you turned to Blaise, “What the hell happened?”

“I guess now would be a bad time to ask you to make breakfast?” He didn't really show that he was sorry. Maybe on the inside he was, but would it kill him to show it? You rubbed the temple of your nose bridge to smooth out the growing headache. Now you have to buy a new toaster and make food for this man.

The bell rang through your house in the early morning. You set the fire hydrant on the counter and walked to the front door to see who it was that was outside. Probably, no, hopefully Theo coming to pick his best friend up to take him out to go anywhere else that wasn't your house.

Fate was decidedly not on your side today. The person that stood on your porch was none other than your mother. “Ma? What are you doing here?”

“Don’t be rude, baby,” she let herself in just like she used to walk into your room when you were younger living in her house. She looked around and had a scrunched up look. “Y/N, what is burning?”

Just when the situation couldn't get any worse, Blaise walked out to the living room also assuming Theo was here to see him. It donned on you now that Blaise was shirtless and his pajama silk bottoms were sitting dangerously low on his hips. You were glad that he was wearing underwear or else your mother would see more than she needed to.

Blaise stood shockingly still and wasn't sure what to do, so he just did the first thing that came to mind. “Hello, I'm Blaise. Nice to meet you,” he held his hand out for your mother to shake.

She stood with a look of horror on her face and kept her hands to her side. As if it was natural, she gave you a disapproving look before looking back at the man in your house. Blaise retracted his hand and looked at you, “I'll just be at Draco’s then.”

You nodded and stayed with your mother as he put on his shirt in your room and left. “Y/N… what are you doing?”

“I could ask you the same thing. Isn't it a long ride from Boston?” you sassed.

“Don't give me that. I wanted to come see you and… and I wanted to say that I’m sorry.” You could tell that it was really hard for her to say the last bit. “I shouldn't have acted the way I acted on Thanksgiving.”

“What happened, ma?” you asked with your arms crossed, “I know it's not because of Stephanie also practicing Wicca. And if it is, then I really don't understand.”

“I just… why are you still doing this? All of this? I get that you wanted to be closer to your grandmother so I let you do whatever you wanted–”

“You let me? You make it sound like this is some hobby!” you yelled.

“IT IS A HOBBY,” she animated with her arms, “Y/N, you are 26 years old. When are you going to move on?”

“This is ridiculous, I need you to leave,” you began to escort your mother out of your house. “No, I’m staying. This was my house–”

“No, it was Grandma’s house and now it’s mine. Goodbye, mother,” you closed the door in her face and turned against it to lean on your back. Your face was in your hands and you wanted to scream.

You checked the time on your oven and saw you still had 45 extra minutes to do whatever you wanted before you had to get ready to open the store. Since Blaise has been over everyday and you haven't opened up to him about your practice, you wanted to spend extra time to soothe all the negative and stressful energy that was building up inside you.

The closet hadn't been opened in a few days and once you were facing all your herbs, crystals, and oils, you immediately felt better.

“It's been a while, girls,” you spoke to yourself. You grabbed some oils, a sage and crystals to get ready. And you had lots of work to do.

—

“Alright, you are good to go,” Draco released a child with their parents. Work has since died down since the huge fiasco earlier in the month. There was still the question as to who and why it all happened, but he decidedly let it go for now.

Recently, he's been getting closer with you with small chats every now and then since the day in Manhattan. Draco deemed you as now ‘okay’ in his book. Your chats were simple but not bad.

One thing that for sure was odd was Blaise suddenly staying there every night. He never got an explanation, nor has he ever asked him. Blaise was acting kind of strange, but Draco liked to think it was due to being homesick.

Thirteen hours had passed and Draco’s day would finally come to an end. Ian and Ashley asked him if he'd like to join them on a drink, but he declined. Theo called him and let him know that Blaise was home, so he was going to drink with the two of them. He had yet to introduce his work friends with his best friends and was planning to before they went back to London.

As he pulled up home, he saw you sitting alone on your porch. You had a stoic look on your face and had a cigarette in between your fingers. Draco didn't think you smoked at all. He has never seen you do it once in the months living next to you.

He figured he’d just be a good neighbor and say hello. He walked over and knocked on the wooden porch to gain your attention. You were pulled out of whatever thought you were in the middle of and looked at him. “Oh, hi,” you greeted without your usual enthusiasm.

Draco went through his coat pockets for his own pack and pulled one out. He then realized that he didn't have one of those muggle lighters and tried to figure out how to light his smoke without magic like he usually did.

To you, it seemed that he just forgot a lighter so you pulled out yours and gestured for Draco to come closer. He leaned in and accepted it, “I didn't know you smoked.”

You chuckled to yourself, “Yeah, I uh, quit a year ago.”

Draco raised an eyebrow, “You don't look like you quit.” He took a couple puffs of his cigarette and looked out on the street. You took a particularly long puff and slowly let the smoke out of your lips, “Well, when you have a mom like mine, you start up old habits again.”

“You’ve never met my father,” Draco commented under his breath, “She seemed nice when I met her.”

“She's nice to everyone but her own daughter,” you rolled your eyes. You let your cigarette out and almost started another one, but something stopped you. You leaned back into your chair and closed your eyes.

“Have you two always fought?” Draco asked. You kept at your position but opened your eyes. You gave it some thought before eventually nodding ‘yes’. “What about your father?”

The question seemed to have affected you; your eyes started getting glossy and your bottom lip quivered. Draco noticed. Should I not have asked that?

“He passed away when I was 12,” you sounded like your breath was cut short. Your hands reached up to cover your eyes and wipe away any tears before they could fall down.

As much as Draco and Lucius never saw eye to eye, he couldn't really imagine losing his father. Sure, Lucius was harsh on his son and always compared him to Potter, but Draco still cared about him. And he knew that Lucius loved him in his own way. Maybe you weren't all that different.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Draco consoled. You stood up to go inside. The weather was cold and your cashmere sweater wasn't doing you any good. “Thank you.” Draco let his cigarette out and told you ‘Good night’ before leaving.

Stepping down, he looked back and called for you, “Y/N.” You hadn't closed the door yet, so you looked back with your door held by your hand, waiting for whatever Draco had to say. “If you ever need to talk… I'm right next door.”

It surprised you to say the least. But it unexpectedly made you warm on the inside. “Thank you, Dray.” He nodded and waved before going home.

Inside, Theo sat on one of the chairs in the kitchen eating leftovers from the night before and Blaise was going through the Daily Prophet. “How was work?” the latter friend asked.

“Alright. Good to see you here for once,” Draco greeted. Blaise laughed without taking his eyes off the paper, “Can't a man be with his girlfriend before he leaves?”

“Ha, is that what you two are?” Theo teased from across the room with his mouth stuffed, “Look at Blaise; he finally settled down. Hell has officially frozen over.”

Blaise listed one hand to flip off Theo. Draco, however, felt a churn in his stomach. It was weird to hear Blaise call you his girlfriend. No one has gotten Blaise to call them that, but somehow you did it.

He wasn't really sure Blaise even knew what it meant to have a girlfriend, or even how to be a boyfriend. He never asked what they did knowing that he'd get endless teasing.

Draco grumbled to himself and went to his room. He changed into comfortable clothes and right when he was about to join Theo in the kitchen, he looked at his window for a moment. He peeked through his window and saw you through yours.

You sat on your bed with your legs up to your chest and your arms wrapped them close. Your face had no expression on it, but considering the conversation less than an hour ago, one could assume that you were sad.

“You fancy her, don't you?” Blaise surprised Draco, making the blond jump. “Merlin, Blaise, don't do that.”

“Well?” Blaise stood against the open door with arms and legs crossed. Draco rolled his eyes and walked towards the door, but Blaise didn't budge from his position. “I don't fancy anybody, now move.”

“I don't care if you do. But I do care when you lie to me. And yourself,” Blaise’s tone was threatening.

“Shouldn't you fancy her? She's your girlfriend,” Draco matched his tone. “Besides, if she was, shouldn't you be pissed if I did?”

“I do fancy her, but I'm not the one living next to her. Eventually, I'm leaving,” Blaise reminded his best friend. “So do us the favor and figure out whatever it is you want, or I'll find a reason to stay.” With that, Blaise left to his shared room and slammed the door.

What in Salazar is his deal? Draco thought. He walked up to his fridge and rummaged through all the containers of leftover food. I really need to learn how to cook.

Theo was still eating when he started talking, “Blaise has been pissy all day. What you reckon is his deal?”

“‘M gonna guess there's trouble in paradise and she's sick of him,” Draco jokes. His eyes land on the Chinese food from a couple nights ago and warms it up with his wand.

“Hm, as if,” Theo commented. He cleaned his mess up when he finished and turned to Draco. “Night, mate. Fingers crossed he doesn't yell at me and I have to sleep on the couch.”

“Night,” Draco replied and sat down on one of the high chairs. He thought a lot about you telling him about your father. He sat and wondered if you told Blaise. Maybe you even opened up to him about your… craft? Draco didn't know what to call it yet.

But he figured that if you did, Draco would be the first person Blaise would tell. And seeing as even Theo, the biggest mouth between the three, hasn't said anything, then that meant that you probably hadn't told Blaise.

And for a quick second, passing just as quickly as it came, he wondered if you would tell him first.

—

It was currently December 18th. Your dad's birthday. Usually you'd ride with your mother to his stone in Boston, but seeing as your latest argument was bothering you, staring at photos of him was going to be enough today.

You hardly remembered much about him since you were young, but you remember the good moments and some of the bad. The bad being the last of his days. His cancer was strong as it was caught too late by doctors.

The store was closed today per usual. You never had it opened on his birthday. Blaise was also at Draco's house. You'd ask him to have the day to yourself and when he asked why, you didn't explain.

Your door bell rang and you groaned, hoping it wasn't your mother again.

"Hey," your brother greeted you. "Y/B/N, hey. Come in, you're probably freezing." Inside, he took his jacket off and hung it on your coat rack. He sat on the couch and your cat ran to sit on his lap. "Sometimes, I think she likes you more than me," you chuckled as your brother gave her head strokes and she purred loudly.

"How come you're by yourself? We missed you today," your brother asked. You sat beside him and closed the photo book. "I didn't feel like fighting with mom again today."

"Y/N/N, I know she's hard to handle, but she needed you today," he reached out for your hand and squeezed it. "I needed you, too."

"Well, she has a funny way of showing it," you stared into nothing. You rested your head on his shoulder and wrapped your throw blanket over your shoulders. "Sometimes, I almost forget what he's like. His laugh, how he made Ma smile. How he smelled," you started.

Your brother was 8 when your dad died, so his memory was limited. But he still remembers how much he loved him. You both sat in silence, hands locked and the only sound being your cats purring.

"Mom told me you have a boyfriend. That true?" he asked.

"I don't know. Maybe? He hasn't said anything, and he leaves after New Years, so maybe not," you half-explained. What was Blaise to you? Did he feel anything when you were together? Was it just physical? You didn't know, and you never asked.

"Well, if he breaks your heart, I don't care where he lives. I'm beating his ass," your brother commented. You hit his shoulder and he laughed. "How's Steph? I haven't been able to call her," you asked.

"Oh. Um, we're taking a break." Your brother sounded sad. You sat up and looked at your baby brother. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I think Mom just spooked her. But I'll get her back," he sounded only partly sure of himself. You nodded and rested back on his shoulder. He stayed for a few hours; watched a movie and had dinner before he left back for Boston to see your mom once more.

When he left, you sat in your room and lit up some incense to calm your nerves. Out your window, Draco's curtains were closed as usual. Something inside you wanted to talk to someone that wasn't your brother, Blaise, or even Miranda and Bianca.

It wasn't that Draco wasn't the best of friends, but you had an indescribable pull towards him, and you wondered if it was the same for him.

—

next chp

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[catzula]

How to cure a broken heart

Synopsis: love might come in in various shapes. With Kuroo it came with a snowball.

Honorable mentions: tw cursing, it's 2.4k words, genre is fluff, hope you guys like it!!

Its a short lil fluffy Kuroo blurb since its snowing very heavy here and I kinda broke your hearts with that last angst lol

You never thought you were the type to partake in something so cliche, something as falling in love with your next-door neighbor. It was overused at this point, it wasn't even your favorite trope to read anymore, and you would've died laughing if someone told you you would meet the guy you fell in love with like this.

But overused as it is, it still came in as a surprise, and that was Kuroo Tetsurou for you, managing to make even the most monotonous thing surprising. 

It was the morning after a night of heavy snow, hearing the rustle of walking on fresh, unpressed snow beneath your feet making you bite back a smile. It had been a while since it snowed this much where you lived, so you didn't refuse when your mother offered you to take a walk. 

 I'm sure you'll feel better if you take a breath of fresh air, she told you, taking note of your foul mood.

She was right, it smells like winter, and the familiar smell didn't fail to make you take a breath of relief, as if you were suffocating the past few days. 

It had been a while since you even left your house, you realized, even before the quarantine started, you weren't the type to go out and socialize around the block. You usually met with your friends at a cafe around your school or an arcade or something, but it was rare for you to hang out in your neighborhood area, thus ended with you not knowing any of your neighbors. 

You had never intended to get to know them either, but it wasn't your choice to make anymore when you noticed a perfect sphere of snowball flying towards you, you dodged it the last second with reflexes you didn't even know you had (you didn't. it was pure luck). 

As you turned to where the snowball came from, your eyes locked on a smug, sneaky grin, obviously amused by the shocked expression on your face. It was a boy about your age, leaning proudly on a snowman that was almost as tall as him, his smile more noticeable even than his odd, inky black ruffle of hair or the piercing golden eyes that had something of a clever glint to them.

His grin felt infectious, and you could feel a smile tugging on the corners of your lips, and it was the smile that would never fail to make you smile back, except for that particular day.

It hadn't made you smile, nor had it disputed the mean frown on your lips as you quirked a brow at him, only making his grin spread wider on his lips. "Sorry," he muttered, not sounding the slightest bit apologetic, nor had he stopped smiling teasingly. "Didn't mean to throw it at you."

You took the apology with a soft nod, turning your back to him, and started walking, sighing when you felt a hand tap your arm gently.

"Hey, me again." He grinned, and you mustered a smile. "Hi." You answered back, pressing your lips together awkwardly. 

"I'm Kuroo Tetsurou," he informed you. "Your next door neighbor, I think."

"Y/N, L/N." You answered, "nice to meet you, Kuroo-san."

"Nice to meet you, too." He then tilted his head, eyes grazing on you for another while, and he looked like he wanted to talk even more even though the conversation was very obviously over. "That was pretty impressive, you know?" Another smile formed on his lips as he scratched the back of his neck and averted his eyes away from you, and you could feel butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

"Thanks. Your snowman is pretty impressive, too." It was. The guy was almost 2 meters, and it made no sense for the snowman to be as tall as him, too, but it still was pretty impressive.

Not expecting him to throw his head back and start laughing loudly at your comment, you couldn't help but watch him like you were witnessing some miracle. You couldn't look away as he bent forward, holding his stomach all the while his body shook. It was infectious, you realized, since you also found yourself chuckling not half a minute later.

He took a deep breath as his laughter died, still chuckling now and then, he turned to you. "It is impressive, isn't it? Had nothing better to do in quarantine, you know?" He shrugged, trying to look modest, but he beamed with pride. 

He weaved his hand through the raven locks of hair that fell on his face, making you wonder if they were as soft as they looked. You quickly discarded the idea.

"Well, I won't bother you any longer." He grinned, "but I'll see you around!"

You watched him as he turned his back to you, giving you just a second to admire how tall and broad he was before he flashed you one last smile and a wave.

~

You found yourself still smiling as you entered your house, tapping your feet on the wood to rustle off the snow off your shoes. 

"Wow, maybe I should take a walk, too." Your mother teased when she took note of your smile and relaxed posture. "Did you have fun?"

"I met our next-door neighbor today." You told her after nodding your head. "The poor boy, approaching you at your moodiest. I hope he's still in one piece." She teased, brows quirking when you laughed along instead of protesting.

"Have you met him already?"

"Yeah, we crossed paths once or twice, cute boy. I think he studied in Nekoma Highschool?" She shrugged when she couldn't remember clearly. "Still, it's nice to see he was able to make you smile."

He was nice, you had to admit. Maybe you would pay him a visit to apologize for your -slightly- rude behavior today? Nah, you'd rather wait till the next time you crossed paths, you decided. 

As you averted your eyes to the wall both the houses shared, you thought if you'd cross paths soon.

~

You did. The next day, if you wanted to be exact.

You were startled by the sounds coming from the bushes separating your garden from your neighbors, rasing from your chair, you gazed from the window to see what it was, only to see a head of messy black hair poking through the leaves.

It was impossible not to smile as you watched him lean towards something you couldn't quite see, reaching his hand to your garden and making kissing noises with a desperate expression on his face. "Mika," you heard him call out, "come here boy, that's not our garden."

It was a cat, you realized. (Either that, or he was a pervert.) Taking a breath of relief when you saw the furry tail of the animal, you thought it was time to show yourself (and tease him about it if you could)

"Kuroo-san?" You exited out to the garden, watching the boy as his eyes widened with shock, his body immediately pulling himself back, only to stay stuck between the branches of the bush. You stifled your laughter as he forcefully pulled his way out of it, cursing at the branches scratching him, his face flushing either because of the challenge he gave trying to free himself or of embarrassment.

"H-hi." He muttered as he finally regained his composure, tall enough to have a comfortable conversation with you over the bushes. (He could even lean in to kiss you over them without any problem, something you discovered sometime in the future)

"Are you okay?" You asked softly, still laughing as you watched him pull a small branch out of his hair.

"Yeah, I'm okay. More than okay, I was just- my cat ran into your garden, and I was trying to pull him back." He stammered as he noticed your chuckles. "Cat?" You repeated innocently.

"Yeah, my cat, he's right here- Mika?"

You couldn't hold your laughs back when you saw the baffled look on his handsome face when he noticed the cat wasn't there or anywhere to be seen.

"I swear he was right here!" He exclaimed, panicking. "I wasn't trying to peek in your garden, my cat- he- he-" He stopped his panicked explanation when he finally noticed how hard you were laughing. "You already knew, didn't you?"

"Yup, saw the whole thing." You answered between your occasional chuckles. "Wow, how mean!" He frowned, but you could tell he also found the situation amusing.

"You know, you didn't have to push through the bushes." You snickered. "you could just come in from the door like a normal person." A slight shade of red tinted his cheeks with your words, averting his eyes in embarrassment and scratching the back of his neck with a chuckle. "Yeah, that's probably a better idea." 

It had turned into a routine quickly after that. Kuroo would knock on your window, a grin plastered on his face and waving at you from the other side of the glass. 

At first, he always had some excuse, sometimes showing up with a plate of freshly baked cookies, telling you his grandma had cooked a little too much. "I'm sure you could smell them baking, and I didn't want you to miss out on the best cookies ever." He would beam. You didn't miss out on the smile that adorned his lips when you told him you could make coffee for the both of you and you could eat it together.

Talking with Kuroo was relaxing, at the very least. 

He was a good listener, and his presence enough was soothing. He could calm you when you felt stressed, oddly good at it, too, laughing when you told him that one day. "I have a friend like this." He had shrugged. "A childhood friend, we used to live pretty close, too. I got used to it after a while, I guess."

He would watch you with thoughtful eyes as you spoke as if you were saying the most important thing, even if you were telling him about your day.

Kuroo was also one of the funniest people you knew. He had so many stories from when he was the captain of his volleyball team in high school, the things he told you always making you have a stomach ache from laughing so hard. 

A friendship developing so quickly, it would usually end with you getting scared and pushing people who were getting so dear to you away from you, afraid of trusting them, even more than you did.

But not with him, you couldn't, wouldn't. Trusting Tetsurou didn't feel terrifying like it did with everyone else, instead, it felt good. It felt so safe, so cherishing to finally be able able to trust someone with everything you had, and you had never felt this protected and secure being so vulnerable with anyone. 

It was the next winter you showed up in his garden, picking up snow from the ground and working on it for a few minutes to make sure you had two perfect spheres you felt all warm inside despite the cold weather. 

Throwing the first snowball on his window, you grinned to yourself as you waited for the boy to come out, waiting for the chance to catch him off guard and hopefully manage to hit him square in the face. 

Your eyes narrowed when he didn't come out after a few minutes, grabbing more snow from the ground and throwing another snowball on the window. This one you had sent a bit harder, and he must've heard it if he was at home. 

When he didn't come out after that either, you frowned, standing up. Just then, you noticed a snowball flying towards you, dodging it the last second before turning that way with wide eyes. 

"No-" You managed to choke out before the grinning boy wrapped his arms around you, caging your body against his, and threw himself on the snow, pulling you with him to be buried in the snow together.

"Tetsu!" You whined, even though you were laughing so hard that you were gasping for air. "That wasn't fair!"

"And yours was?" He laughed, his body still over yours, making it hard to breathe for you. "Get off me, I can't breathe." You managed to choke out between your laughter, your eyes lingering on his smiling lips that were a few inches away from yours. 

"Because I'm so handsome?" He teased.

"No, because you're heavy." You answered, laughing even more when he faked a gasp. 

"So mean, always breaking your boyfriend's heart." He shook his head side to side, not moving an inch that would allow you to squirm out from under his body. 

"Come on," you whined, emphasizing the last word. "Lemme breathe!"

"Nope! You broke my heart, so painful that I can't breathe, either! It's only fair, chibi-chan." He grinned, making you roll your eyes. 

"Okay, okay." You sighed. "What do you want?" You already knew what he wanted since ever since he had crushed you beneath his, his eyes had never left your lips.

"Let me think. How can you cure a broken heart?"

He had his answer when you leaned forward, pressing your lips to his smiling, soft ones. 

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

The Perfect Bad Boy (Pt. 06 of 18)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove X Reader

Word count: 2.4K

Summary: Working as a lifeguard in the Hawkins Community Pool, you try to fit in after moving from New York. Things were going pretty well when you notice you've been under someone's stare. Billy Hargrove, Hawkins' bad boy, has been staring at you since day one. You never intended to have anything to do with him, judging by the reputation he has. But Billy won't leave you alone, determined to show you his feelings are different this time...

As if your heart flooding you with confusing feelings wasn't enough, there are weird, strange animals lurking in the woods... But those have to be just part of the wild live of the woods surrounding Hawkins... Right?

<- Previous part (05)

Next part (07) ->

{Stranger Things Masterlist}

×

Point of No Return

“(Y/N)! Go get the door!” Your aunt yells from the kitchen. “I'm busy here!”

“Ok!” You turn off the blow dryer, quickly fixing your hair before rushing downstairs. “What are you doing?”

“Grandma's cake.” She answers as you move to open the door. “Who's this?”

“Monica, probably.” You're still speaking when you unlock and pull it open. Your heart skips a beat when you see it isn't Monica. You raise an eyebrow to see him leaning against the door frame, a smile spreading through his lips.

“Honey?”

“It's just Billy, aunt,” you say, raising your voice a little. Pushing him backwards, you close the door behind your back. “What are you doing here, Hargrove?”

“It's our day off. You promised to go to my place to meet Maxine, remember?”

Oh, you completely forgot about that. “I made no such promise.” Crossing your arms, you jump a little when the door is opened again. Turning around, you see your aunt with bright eyes.

“(Y/N), won't you invite your friend in?” Her tone makes you blush.

“Goor morning, Miss Florence. Actually, I'm just here to pick her up.”

“I can't go today, Billy. Diane is baking something nice and–”

“No, no, no. She's going.” Diane cuts you off, grabbing your arm and pulling you inside. “Go change out of your pajamas, honey.”

“But–” She gives you a meaningful look.

“(Y/N), go change.”

Rolling your eyes, you sigh. “I'll be right back,” you tell Billy, ignoring how embarrassed you are, and the smirk on his lips.

You run upstairs, trying not to think too much about where you're going. You were kinda hoping he'd forget about that, but you'll try to keep in mind what Monica said. There's no reason to overthink. When the moment comes to make big decisions, you'll make them. You do enjoy being around Billy, and you do have fun together. The whole feeling you have when you're around him is unlike anything you ever felt before, and some part of you is starting to get addicted to it. On the pool, you have found yourself excited for the lunch break because you'll get to talk to him... It scares you, but as you change into a lilac blouse and jeans, you make up your mind for the day. You'll be with him today, so you'll make the best of it.

After taking one last look in the mirror, you take some money because you remember saying something about pizza. You take a deep breath before leaving the bedroom. But you move backwards abruptly when you see Billy standing outside. “What the hell!” You exclaim, pushing him and closing the door.

“Can't I see your bedroom?”

“No.” You wouldn't mind actually, but you decide to tease him since he came all the way up here without asking.

“Then you won't get to see mine.”

“That's fine by me.” Shrugging your shoulders, you bump into him as you move back downstairs. “I'm going, aunt. See you.”

“Have fun with your boyfriend, honey.”

You freeze by the door, feeling as if Diane just betrayed you. You feel Billy's eyes, burning, and you bet he has that stupid smirk on his face. “He's not my boyfriend,” you shout at her, grabbing Billy's arm and pulling him out.

You're impressed by the fact that he opens the passenger door for you, but since you're still blushing, you avoid his gaze. The short trip to his house is silent as you hope what your aunt said fades away... And you're also memorizing the way there.

Soon enough you're at his front door, and you watch as he unlocks it. “The place used to suck, but I've been trying to fix it, so... Don't mind it. It's not as cool as your house.”

“Uhm...” You mumble, stepping inside and looking around, taking in the place. It's not bad as he described it, it's cozy...

It's Billy's place. You feel weird to be here, as if you're giving a whole new step closer to him. “How many girls have you brought here?” You suddenly need to know if you can allow yourself to feel special.

“One.” He moves to stand before you, holding his index finger up, then slowly pointing it at you.

Taking a deep breath, you step back, smiling. “You brought me here to meet your sister. Where is she?”

“Max!” He yells suddenly, at the top of his lungs and you jump, heart racing.

“What the hell.” You breathe out, slapping his arm playfully. His bare arm. You haven't noticed the sleeveless tattered dark gray shirt that leaves his arms exposed. You have to force yourself to look away, meeting his blue eyes. “Why did you do that?”

“Did I scared you?” He smiles, towering over you.

“Yeah, you did.” You step back again, eager to put some distance between you and him. “Jerk. Go get your sister before I change my mind and go home.”

“She's probably listening to music.” Billy walks away, disappearing in the hall. You're left alone so you walk around, noticing the bench press he has in the middle of the living room. Walking around it, a piece of paper above the TV gets your attention. Taking it, you sigh to read Max's handwriting. “She's not in her room.” Billy says as he comes back, gesturing at the hall.

“Be back in fifteen minutes, shithead.” You read the words out loud to him, showing the paper.

Billy takes it from your hand, rolling his eyes. “I'm gonna kill her.”

“Sorry that you have to stay alone here with me. It must be a true nightmare, Billy Hargrove.” Raising an eyebrow, you smile at his expression. “What about that?” You walk around the bench press, standing behind it and trying to pull the barbell up. The thing doesn't even move, so you try again, using more strength, but nothing happens. “Whoa, this thing is heavy.”

“I work out almost every night, so I just leave it here.”

“That you work out is pretty obvious.” You gesture at his arms and chest.

“Yeah. I'm glad you noticed.” He comes to stand behind you. “Let me just–” He picks the weight up, both his arms around you, keeping you caged between his body and the bar.

“What are you doing?” You ask in a low voice as he starts moving the damn thing, up and down, up and down. “Ok, I'm just a tiny little bit impressed to see you lifting this thing up, but put it down, please.” He knows the effect he has on girls, and he also knows you're not immune to it.

He doesn't say anything, pulling the bar up once again, forcing it a little against your shoulders, pushing you backwards until your back hits his chest. His solid, strong chest. “You're such a jerk, Billy.” Why is your voice so weak? You look at his left arm, how tensed his muscles are. “These things are heavy. Put it down before you drop it and hurt me.” You need to get away from him. Being this close is dangerous, because you feel something coming from the back of your mind, an idea that had never crossed your thoughts before.

“I'd never let anything hurt you.”

You turn your head to the side, just enough to look at him. He's already looking, those blue eyes threatening to drown you. Your eyes fall on his lips, of how close they are. You could easily tiptoe now and find out how his lips would feel on yours. It feels like he knows exactly what you're felling because when he moves the bar to give you more space, you turn around, almost as if you're being pulled towards him, like a magnet.

But you know you shouldn't kiss Billy. It would be a point of no return. That's it, a big decision... But right now, the last thing you want to do is think. You just want to feel, and let these feelings flow out.

When you're face to face with him, you feel the bar on your back, pushing you against his chest, making it impossible to run away. As if you would even if you had the chance. “You know I hate you, right? For doing this.” You whisper, as your arms involuntary move to lay on his chest.

“I'm not–”

“Hey, shitface. I'm back.” A girl's voice drags you out of your numbness, and Billy puts the bar down on the bench.

“That's disgusting.” Someone else says and you step away from Billy, catching your breath and clearing your throat. Max isn't alone. She brought a small army with her, five people, and everyone looks the same age.

“Perfect timing as always, Max,” Billy complains. “(Y/N), this is Maxine, my dipshit sister. And the rest of her gang.”

“The gang that saved your ass, you mean.” One of them says, his voice a little muffled, which makes you giggle a little. “Dustin, nice to meet you.” He steps forward and shakes your hand. “So. Are you Billy's girlfriend?”

“No, I–”

“Ok. These are Lucas, my boyfriend.” Max starts, and you feel Billy sighing when she names the boy. “Will, Mike, Eleven, and Dustin you already met.”

“So these are your saviors,” you say, turning to look at Billy.

“Every single one of them.” He answers.

“If you two aren't dating, why did you bring her here, Billy? Wasn't there a rule about not bringing your flings to the house?” Max mutters, walking past you and to the TV. The others move to seat on the couch and some on the floor.

“(Y/N) is not a fling.” He says, rolling his eyes. You try hard not to smile at what you just heard.

You're a little uncomfortable since Max's friends keep staring as if you're a ghost. Their eyes fly from Billy and back at you, and they even gossip, whispering on each other's ears. “Max, you look like a very smart kid.”

“I am.” She says with a smirk. “Unlike my brother.”

“So, if I make you a question, would you be able to answer real quick?” You smile at her curious face, as you slowly step backwards, closer to the hall and further away from Billy.

“Yes.”

“Billy's room?” You burst out, speaking a fast as you can.

“First door to the right.” She yells, just as fast as you spoke, and you're off, like a lightning bolt because you see Billy moving.

You run through the hall and literally throw yourself on the door, opening it and almost stumbling in. You're laughing when he grabs your wrist, giving up when he notices you're already in. “You got me there, I'll admit.”

It's your time to smirk at him, teasingly, stepping further into his bedroom. “What did you say before? That I wouldn't get to see your room?” As you speak, you start pacing around. His room is more organized then you expected. His bed has a dark red blanket over it, and it looks very comfortable. There are movie posters on the walls and a sound system on his dresser. You move to stand before the mirror he has on the nightstand beside his bed, looking through the colognes he has. “Which one you use?”

“All of them.”

“No, there's one you use more often.” You have the scent vivid in your memory, so you quickly go through the small bottles, bringing them close to my nose. “This one.” You look up, meeting his eyes through the mirror.

“It's my favorite.” He says, moving a little closer.

“Mine too.” Thanks to the proximity, you can smell it, irradiating from his body. It's fresh and strong, very masculine. “I mean... I like it.”

Billy takes the bottle from your hands, opening it. “Here.” He pour some on his index and middle finger, bringing them to your neck, on the soft spot below your left ear, pulling the hair away, and does the same on the other side. You feel the cold liquid spreading through your skin, and the scent surrounds you completely. “Now you smell like me.”

What should you say? Or do? You're frozen, inebriated by the closeness, by the low sound of his breathing. “I...”

“Hey, lovebirds. We're watching a movie.” Max says, and her voice brings you back to Earth. She has such perfect timing to save your ass. “You can either come and watch or stay here and make out. You pick.” And she leaves.

“Movie...” You tell him, catching your breath.

“Did I make you nervous?”

“I just want to watch the movie, Billy.” Grabbing his hand, you pull him towards the living room. “We're watching the movie,” you tell the kids.

“You and you. Move.” Billy gestures at Dustin and Will, who immediately stand up from the cough, giving you and Billy enough space to sit down.

The movie is already starting, and you roll your eyes to feel Billy's arm around your shoulders. You're aware the kids are staring, but you guess they're not used to see Billy like this with a girl. But you try to really focus on the movie, as you slowly relax.

You feel as you move closer to Billy, your legs touching. The movie isn't very good, and you laugh when Billy sigh's out of frustration. The kids seem to like it though.

“Not a very good one, right?” You whisper to him.

“You picked the wrong option, princess.” He snaps back, and you immediately remember what the other option was.

“What makes you think I want to make out with you?” You turn your head to look at him, using all the sassiness you have to cover up the truth. That you want to kiss him so bad, a fact that you just realized today. You've been wanting to kiss him for a while now, but you know how dangerous it would be.

“You think I don't notice when you blush? Or when you start breathing fast? Or when–”

“Shhh.” Someone mutters, and your eyes move back to the TV, abruptly. You feel Billy's chest moving when he laughs.

“I need to know something...” He whispers, and you feel as his arms slide down, encircling your waist and pulling you closer. You can feel his breath on your hair, and whatever is on the TV right now is just a distant blur. “I need to know if you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you.”

×

@chloe-skywalker @dpaccione @tilesandtokens @dreamin-of-dacre

[hot-wiings]

The One Where After Your Grandfathers Death, Breakdowns Happen And Christmas Tradition Dies.

Edited: 12-3-2020

Hitoshi Shinsou walked into your dorm room. He hadn't knocked but opted to use the key you had given him. Normally he would have been forbidden from going into the girl's dorms, or at the very least scolded, but being Christmas eve, most of the teachers had left home for the holidays, as well as the students. Those who hadn't left would be leaving today.

“Ready to go?”

You zipped up your bag that held Christmas gifts and a Christmas dress that you recently acquired from the mall. You were going home for Christmas so you didn't need to pack any clothes. You looked over at Hitoshi who stood in your doorway in a sweater, holding a bigger bag. You weren't ready to go, not today. You didn't want to go, not this year. Not when he wouldn't be there with you. You tried your best to smile at Hitoshi, to smile and not give away what you were feeling. A smile that hid your pain.

“I was thinkin’ what if we went to your house for Christmas instead?”

“Kitty, we always go to your house for Christmas, it's a tradition at this point.”

“I know, but doesn't your mom get lonely on her own?”

Hitoshi walked over to your bed and picked up your bag for you. He hoisted it onto his arm with his bag and pressed a chaste kiss to your temple to sway your concerning worries about his mother.

“My mom will drop by for Christmas dinner anyway, so really, it's pointless to go to my home. Besides, we already told your mom we were coming.”

You let out a little sigh as you latched your hand onto Hitoshi's hand. You leaned against him as he led you out of the dorm rooms and out of the dorm building. You buried your face into part of his coat as the cold winter air hit your body. With your body leaned into him, he couldn't see your frown. He couldn't see the look of monumental disappointment and unhappiness, but how could he see what you were trying your best to hide. How could see your negative feelings when you tried your best to make yourself look positive. How could he know when you did your best to hide your cries at night. How could he know when you did your best to cover it all up.

Once you approached Hitoshi's car he headed to the back to put your bags in and you headed to the front. You plugged Hitoshi's keys in and turned the heat on, making sure to turn Hitoshi's seat warmer on, then you turned the radio to a Christmas station. Something happy, something for the holidays, something you no longer found comfort or joy in but something you had to listen to keep up your facade of happiness.

“All set?”

"Yup."

Hitoshi buckled himself up and looked over at you briefly to see you nod at him with a smile before adjusting his mirrors. He didn't see, he didn't notice that you looked out the window and watched the passing roads with a numb expression on your face. He couldn't feel how much you were hurting with the passing of every street you could remember going with him. Every grocery run, video store trip, walk to the candy store. He didn't see, he didn't notice how you were hurting. His quirk was mind manipulation, not reading.

Hitoshi nearly drove past your house. It was dark and bleak, no lights were up, not even the sidewalk was shoveled. He was so used to seeing your house lit up over the holidays. Solar-powered candy canes, glass color-coded bulbs on the roof, the railings, the fence, the door, the trees, and god did you have so many wreaths. Hitoshi parked the car in the driveway with a frown and you helped him fetched your bags from the back to help him escape the cold faster.

“I almost didn't recognize your house. It looks sad without lights.”

“I don't know why no one put them up...”

You bit your lip as you kept your focus on your hands. Once you and Hitoshi grabbed your bags you slammed the door shut and walked up the front lawn with your hand in his. You leaned against each other to help create warmth until you reached the door and briefly broke away so you could pull out your house keys and unlock the doorknob. You pushed the door open and walked in but not before stomping to get the snow off of your boots. The house was bare and empty, like the lawn, the lights were dimmed and no decorations were put up. You and Hitoshi kicked your wet boots off, leaving your bags by the door. With your hand in Hitoshi's, you went in to search for the kitchen.  

“Mom?”

“Oh, hey sweetie. You're here early.”

“Well, Toshi’ wanted to get here early, he likes coming here for Christmas, likes to eat our cookies.”

"Oh I..."

Your eyes glazed over the counter and observed the cans and dishes your mother was prepping for Christmas eve dinner. It was mostly store-bought and canned goods. Your heart panged as you watched her throw away the storebought containers and platters, trying to pass off this dinner as her own. Usually, she and your grandma made everything homemade. From bread to pie, to the stuffing and meat, it was homemade. You had an inkling feeling in the back of your head that she wasn't going to put the effort in.

As you saw the alcohol bottles on the counter your chest hurt. Your mother was constantly drunk when you were a child. He was the only reason she stayed sober, constantly encouraging her to stay sober, sober for family, sober for her kids. With him gone you supposed, she fell off the wagon. He was the only reason she stayed sober, making her bearable. He was the only reason your siblings came around for the holidays. You wouldn't be surprised if they didn't show up this year.

"I'd hate to disappoint Hitoshi, but I didn't make any cookies."

“No cookies, great. Why didn't anybody put the Christmas lights up?”

“All the lights are in the basement in your grandfather's workroom. I didn't want to go in and look for them. Quite frankly, I'm too busy to put the lights up anyway.”

With one simple sentence, a small explanation, your heart broke. You knew this year was going to be different. No one put lights up, no one made cookies, your mother, slightly dunk, was serving a store-bought meal and your siblings probably weren't going to show up. Your grandpa held the family together. He kept everyone coming home for the holidays, he went all out with decorations and dinner, but he was gone now. You couldn't do it anymore. It was like all your emotions came crashing down in one swinging motion.

“You didn't put Christmas lights up because you couldn't handle going into his workroom? That's fucking bullshit! You're a grown adult, you have to do things you don't like!"

"Grandpa's gone and you need to accept that, hows that for doing things you don't like? I'm sorry to disappoint you, [Y/N], but grandpa is gone. Your sisters texted and said they weren't coming, I figured you'd bail too, so I didn't bother with a homecooked dinner and lights."

You ran your hands through your hair roughly as the tears made way down your cheeks in hot salty streaks. Hitoshi, from behind you brought his hand up and grabbed your shoulder, thumbs rubbing comforting circles. He had been to the funeral with you, he had been there while you grieved. He went through it all with you. Slowly, your nightmares and crying seemed to lessen, he thought you were handling it better, processing and healing, he hadn't realized you were hiding your pain.

"Grandpa would be so fucking disappointed in you. He would have hated this, he would hate this so much!"

"He would be so disappointed in the fact that you can't grow up. How are you going to be a hero if you can't face his death? I'm going to work, like an adult, with a practical adult job. I'll see you later, if you decide to a stick around."

Your mother grabbed her bag and stormed out of the house without another word. You knew it was the alcohol talking, but it hurt so much. Hitoshi came in front of you and pulled your body against his. He was worried about you. He didn't know you had been hiding your feelings, hiding your pain for so long. If he had known he would've tried to help you through it.

"Your mom's hurting too. She's just reacting to grief differently."

You couldn't stay and listen to Hitoshi, instead, you took off upstairs but Hitoshi ran after you. Even when you slammed the door, he didn't let it deter his determination to get to you. He walked into the room and pulled you against his chest. He didn't care that you were sobbing, he didn't care that you were soaking his sweater. He didn't care. You were hurting. You were hurting and he wasn't there for you. You were hurting and he didn't notice. You were drowning in a sea of pain and he couldn't see. He should've seen. He should've seen through the facade, saw through the fake smiles and laughs.

"[Y/N], it's okay to cry."

"No, it's not, it's not! He's gone Toshi'! He's gone. If I grieve I'll get better, if I get better and I'm happy, it'll be like he's really gone."

"Grieving doesn't mean he's gone. Getting to a place where your happy doesn't mean he's gone. He will always be in your heart, he'll always be watching you."

"He would be ashamed. This is his favorite holiday. Every year we'd put up lights and we'd have a Christmas party. We'd have homemade food and cookies. It wasn't about presents for him, it was about family and my fucking siblings aren't even coming."

Hitoshi pulled you tighter against his chest as a sob escapes your lips. It hurt him to see you in such pain, it hurt him to not be able to relieve you of your pain. He felt like he should've noticed everything you were experiencing and going through earlier. He should've gotten you help. He should've been there to help you through this.

"We can still do some of those things if you want, we can bake and cook, I'll go to the store, find what we need."

"He's gone Toshi' it's not the same. My siblings aren't here, he's not here. Tradition is ruined, Christmas is ruined. I- I don’t want to do anything, I just wanna lie down... Will you lie down with me?”

Hitoshi kissed the top of your head and led you over to your bed. He pulled the covers back and tucked you in the bed before climbing in himself. He let you lay your head against him as you closed your eyes and tried to keep the tears in. The sudden outburst of emotions was taking a toll on you, but you needed to grieve. You needed to grieve rather than just shutting it all down as you had originally. You needed to let yourself cry it out, you needed to let yourself finally process he was gone. That's what you did. You let the tears out as Hitoshi ran his hands through your hair. He let you cry, weep, and sob. He let you be emotional until you didn't have the energy to. He held you with no judgment, but comfort and love. A word you had yet to say to each other.

"Don't leave me Toshi'."

“I’ll be here when you wake up, I'll always be here.”

You had only been asleep for a couple of hours when you felt your body being shook awake. The feel of the hands on you were familiar, familiar, and comforting. All you could bring yourself to do was keep your eyes closed as you nuzzled into the pillow you had your head resting on.

"Wake up. [Y/N], wake up. It's important."

"What is it?"

You rolled over to the edge of the bed and peeked your eyes open to peer up at Hitoshi. You blinked your eyes a couple of times until they were able to fully handle the bright lights. Your eyes felt heavy, heavy, and sore from crying. You were glad to finally get some of it out in the open. Hitoshi was right, grieving felt good, crying it out felt good. You felt light, but that part of you that deeply missed your grandfather felt guilty for trying to process it and move on.

"Put your shoes on, I wanna take you somewhere."

With a light huff, you complied with your boyfriend's wishes. You pulled yourself up out of the bed and grabbed your socks which you must have kicked off in the middle of your sleep. Hitoshi quickly grabbed your hand and tugged you to the front door where your boots were. You let go of his hand and slipped your feet inside of the shoes. Deciding you were taking too long with tying up the laces, Hitoshi started tying your other shoe. You gave out a little laugh, a genuine one. 

"You're so impatient. Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

You huff again, but none the less you button up your coat and let Hitoshi wrap his scarf around your neck tightly before he grabbed your hand and pulled you towards his car. You noticed that the sidewalk had been shoveled, and it looked like someone put the solar-powered candy canes up. It was dark out, making them glow prominently and making you wonder how long you had been asleep. You supposed Hitoshi put them up because you mentioned how it bothered you during your outburst. A small smile fronted your face, the lack of other lights meant he must have gotten tired and quit, but he still tried. It made you feel partially guilty for hiding your feelings for so long. He just wanted to help you. Hitoshi only ever wanted what was best for you.

"Can I put some Christmas music on?"

"Go for it."

You fiddled with the channel knob until you found the right station, the Christmas station your grandpa always listened to. The car ride was slow and long, filled with awkward silence. You wanted to go back, go back, and not let yourself break down and cry in front of him. You hadn't let Hitoshi see you cry in your relationship. As heroes, not crying equaled strength. Crying and showing weakness meant you were weak. While no one taught you this, it seemed to be a rule every pro and hero in training followed. You hated the idea of being so sad and weak in front of Hitoshi, it made you feel like a bad hero. It made you feel so weak, but Hitoshi never made you feel bad for it.

"I put a lot of thought into what you said earlier. I know nothing but time is gonna make you feel better, nothing I say can help your pain. I can't heal your pain, not completely, but I'm gonna try to lessen it."

Hitoshi pulled the car into a parking lot and you looked out of the window to see where you were. It was dark out and the parking lot was practically empty but the mall was still lit up and open. You furrowed your brows and turned to look at Hitoshi, confusion was written on your face. 

"Why are we here?"

"I'll show you, c'mon."

You got out of the car with Hitoshi and entered the mall through the target entrance. A decent amount of the store was sold out and there seemed to be no people. Everyone had finished their last-minute Christmas shopping and were sitting at home with their families. You grabbed onto Hitoshi's hand unsure of what you were doing here with him.

"What are we doing?"

"Last year, your grandpa told me that when you were younger he would take you and your siblings out to donate a gift, take a picture with Santa, and go get a treat. He said you always did that until you and your siblings stopped going." 

Hitoshi pulled you further in the store, leading you by your hand, he took you down by the dolls and toys so you could pick one out. Your eyes glazed over with tears, remembering the tradition you had been doing ever since you were born. You had been doing that up until a couple of years ago when his health started to decline, your mother wouldn't let you go under the pretense you were too old, out of fear that it would make his health decline worse by going out in such bad weather. She told you it was too strenuous on him, and while you understood her worries for her father, it just made you hate her for taking away the time you barely got with him. 

"You said moving on meant your grandpa would be gone, but that's not true. He wants you to be happy, but happy doesn't mean forgetting him. That's what we're doing here. we're gonna remember him [Y/N], we're gonna do everything he used to do with you."

You grabbed onto a Ken doll and grabbed some extra Ken clothes. Your grandpa would buy extra clothes because he was always peeved when he played dolls with you. Your Ken dolls clothes would go missing. Ken wasn't like Barbie who came with a dozen outfits, Ken only ever came with a pair of shorts and if you were lucky a shirt. 

"If you're getting Ken, I'm getting Barbie." 

Hitoshi leads you to the cash register and places all the items on the counter. The cashier scanned the items and placed them in a bag for you. Before you even had a chance to pull out your phone to use google scan and pay, Hitoshi was handing cash over to the cashier. With the now paid for bags in his hand, Hitoshi leads you to out of the store and towards the giant donation, dropbox painted like a huge present.

"You want to drop it in?"

Your face flooded red, embarrassment rode your skin like a disease as you nodded your head left and right for a no.

"I can't."

"[Y/N], this is good for you. Think of it as letting go of the pain, and remembering the good memories. I-"

"Toshi' I want to, but I really can't. I want to grieve properly. I want to grieve and get better and be happy. You're right, it doesn't mean he's gone, he's just not here... I can't reach it. I never have, I don't think I ever will."

"Shit, here."

Hitoshi grabbed your hips from behind and lifted you up. You could supposed the extra lessons he was receiving from Mr. Aizawa were paying off. With an extra foot off the ground, you tossed the plastic bag inside the container with a smile on your face. He wasn't gone forever, he was still in your heart.

"Thanks, Toshi'. I- I shouldn't have hidden how I was feeling. You're right, he would want me to be happy. He's was the reason I decided to be a hero, my mom discouraged it, but he... He said I could do it. Death doesn't change anything. I want to be the kind of hero that shows people it's okay to be weak, that it's okay to cry and still be strong."

"He'd be so proud of you [Y/N]. He's probably waiting up in heaven, watching you grow into the hero he knows you can be."

"Thanks, Toshi'. I'd like to say he'd be proud of you too. You were my only boyfriend he ever liked."

A smile crossed Hitoshi and filled him with pride as he took your hand again.

"Let's go get a picture with Santa."

"Can we find matching sweaters first?"

"Definitely. They've gotta have cats on it, and we'll get rootbeer floats afterwards."

Holding Hitoshi's hand you knew it was going to be okay. Your grandpa was up there watching you, and his death was just going to push you to be a better hero. A more inspiring one. Someone a kid could look up to and say, 'I can be emotional because [Y/N] does and she's strong'. Someone who could show people it wasn't a weakness. As Hitoshi pulled you along with him, you knew it would be okay. He'd never leave you, he was going to be there encouraging and pushing you along as your grandfather did.

"Hey, Hitoshi?"

"Yeah?"

It was going to be okay. It would be okay. You'd be okay. Hitoshi was with you. He never made you feel bad once in all your tears or outbursts. He held you tightly at the funeral and he hadn't left your side since. Even if he didn't see you hiding your emotions, he wasn't leaving or shaming you, he was trying to help you. You stopped your walking for a moment to smile up at him.

"Thanks for dealing with my emotional ass. I- I love you Toshi'."

Hitoshi let go of your hands and cupped your cheeks. A smile was grinning on his lips. It was the first time you said those words to each other. It wasn't the most romantic setting, but he wouldn't rather have it any other way. His thumbs skimmed the skin under your eyes. Smooth clear eyes compared to his.

"I love you too. You might be an emotional mess, but your my emotional mess."

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 14

Goodbye, NYC

SUMMARY: The group leaves for Cordonia

Word Count: ~3.8k

Warnings: Mention of character death

A/N: i am soooo sorry that i haven’t updated as regularly, i’ve been pretty drained this past week but hopefully it won’t happen again. & also i just wanted to give my thanks to each and every one of you for all the comments, likes, & reblogs. it means more than you all could know <3

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I've also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch")*

Catch up here!

Tags: @captain-kingliamsqueen​ @marshmallowsaremyfavorite​ @gkittylove99​ @lovablegranny​ @loudbluebirdlover​ @mom2000aggie​ @kingliam2019​ @queenrileyrose​ @shanzay44​ @cordonianroyalty​ @hopefulmoonobject​ @hopelessromanticmonie​ @cinnamonspongecake​ @queenjilian​ @kuladekiwi​ @twinkle-320​ @iaminlovewithtrr​ @charlotteg234​ @amandablink​ @texaskitten30​ @tinkie1973 @louiseingram1208 @queencatherynerhys​ @pens-girl-87​ @missevabean​​ @ladyangel70​ @sanchita012​ @cordonianprincess​ 

I hope I got everyone tagged! If I missed anyone, or anyone wants to be added/removed, let me know!

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

- Eleanor - 

Today was our last day of school since we were all leaving for Cordonia tomorrow. When Rowan dropped us off, she told us that it was okay to feel sad about leaving. That made me think I was going to tear up when I would have to say goodbye to all my friends, but surprisingly, it wasn't that difficult, considering that I knew I would never see these people again in my life.

When Rowan picked us back up, I decided to ask Gabe how his day had gone. Ever since that dinner with Mama and Liam, he had been distant. And honestly, that upset me.

All of the adults had were occupied lately, helping Mama get to her appointments and trying to make her feel better. Grandma and Rowan had been helping us pack, and Rowan was always busy trying to make sure that Grandma didn't change her mind about us going with Liam. So since everyone else had something to do, I only had Gabe to spend the day with, and now that Gabe was distancing himself from me, I was technically alone.

Rowan opens up the door to our penthouse, telling us to go inside. She said that she would be back in a couple of hours and had to go home and pack (since Grandma decided that the only way she was going to let us go was if Rowan came with us). I closed the door and turned to tell Gabe about my day, but he had disappeared.

I walked into the living room, finding it empty. I heard voices from the dining room, but I didn't feel like talking to Liam's friends at the moment, so I go towards our bedrooms, leaving my backpack next to the couch.

Once I reach Gabe's door, I knock. I hear him cough from the other side, so I try to open the door, but the handle doesn't turn.

"Gaaaaabbbeee!" I call to him. "Please don't lock yourself in your room again!"

"Go away!" he shouts at me. "Leave me alone! And stop being annoying!"

I shake the door handle a few more times, to which Gabe responds, "Stop it! Don't break my door!"

"I won't break it if you open it!" I call back.

"No!"

I feel tears burning at the backs of my eyes. If Gabe wasn't going to talk to me, who was? Everyone else in the house was busy. And all I wanted was to talk about my day at school.

I look around me at the empty hallway and suddenly feel so alone. I feel empty, but at the same time, I feel like there are so many emotions inside of me that I was going to burst.

So... if Gabe wasn't going to talk to me, and I had said goodbye to all of my friends in school today... did that mean that I really had no companions to speak with anymore?

I feel so far away from everyone else. I couldn't go into the dining room with everyone because I didn't belong there (and they probably didn't want a crying baby to ruin the mood), and I couldn't go to Gabe either because he didn't want me near him.

I had never really felt lonely before. Friendly people always surrounded me, and there was still a shoulder for me to cry on. Now there was no one and nothing.

If I felt like this at home in New York... then would I feel worse in Cordonia? Where I didn't know what the houses or apartments looked like, how the other kids acted, how their subways worked?

Suddenly I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay. I wanted the loneliness to go instead of me. Why did Gabe want me to be alone? Weren't we supposed to be in this together?

I ball my fists and start pounding on Gabe's door, and eventually start crying, too. The tears blur my vision, and I couldn't even see the outline of the door, but as long as my hand hurt a little when it made contact with whatever was in front of me, I took that as a good sign.

I was about to start kicking the door, but a pair of large, soft hands grab my arms and pin them to my sides. The person turns me towards them, and I come face-to-face with Liam. His eyebrows are slightly furrowed, and the corners of his mouth tilt downwards in concern.

I stop crying for a moment, allowing the remaining tears in my eyes to fall so that I could fully see Liam.

Daddy used to make the same expression that was on Liam's face, and for half a second, I actually see my father instead of Liam. Even though Liam's hair was blond and his eyes are blue, while Daddy's hair was dark brown, and his green eyes were always on the other side of a pair of glasses — their expressions are frighteningly similar. I have to stop myself from referring to Liam as my father.

And that took a lot of energy. I take a shaky breath to stop the words from escaping, and when I see Daddy again after Liam's eyes twitch, I bury my face in Liam's neck and continue crying.

"Oh, Ella, it's alright." He wraps his arms around me, which is so comforting that I start crying even harder. I missed having someone envelop me such safe hugs. Liam rubs a hand along my back. "It's alright. You're alright, I'm here."

I hear the click of a lock and know that Gabriel has opened his door. I can't see him, but I feel Liam's neck crane upward to look at Gabe.

"Sorry, Ella," my brother says. "I didn't realize you were outside."

"You're lying," I mumble into Liam's neck.

Liam sighs but keeps me in his arms until my crying subsides. I hear Gabe retreat into his room again. Liam pats my back, and I remove myself from his embrace to follow my brother into his room, wiping my tears on my sleeve, my bout of angry sadness over.

Gabe is on his bed, playing with his Nintendo Switch. I can't tell what game he's playing, but I hear the animated characters' grunts and catchphrases. Looking around his room, I see that the shelves along the walls of the room are half empty. There were open suitcases in front of his closet, which still had a few clothes that needed to be packed. (Thankfully, Grandma had already helped me pack all of my things, so I didn't have to worry about my own clothes).

I look at Gabe, wondering if he would talk to me now. Understanding that he wasn't going to glance up from his game, I'm about to ask him if I can use his PlayStation before he puts it away, but Liam speaks up.

"I know it must be difficult for both of you—" he stares at Gabe, trying to get his attention, "—having to leave your home and everything you know to start living in a foreign country. It's not going to be the same there as it is for you here." His shoulders are tense, and he pulls his hand behind his back. Liam seems uncomfortable, and it's not a good look for him. "You will also spend a lot of time under public attention, and that may be difficult to adjust to. I want you both to know that if there's anything you need, I'll always be there to help you through it."

"Yeah, you said that already," Gabe mumbles, still playing his game.

Liam's face falls. He opens his mouth a little but then closes it again. Liam turns to look at me, and I smile at him.

He hesitates for another moment before saying, "How was school today, Eleanor?"

"It was nice!" I tell him, suddenly giddy with excitement, remembering all the events of the day. "My teacher told the gym teacher that today was my last day, and so the gym teacher brought out these scooters that we had to sit on, and we played football on the scooters! And then look!" I hold out my finger to him, and he cups my hand in his to bring it closer to his face. "My team was about to win, and I had the ball, but then this girl from the other team, Veronica, who doesn't like me, made her scooter go over my finger and then my nail broke a little bit and started bleeding a little and then I had to go to the nurse, and the nurse gave me a lollipop! I would give it to you, but I ate it already. Sorry."

He looks back at my face, gently running his thumb over my bandaged finger. One corner of Liam's mouth lifts, and he says, "That's alright. It seems like you had an exciting day. Did Veronica get in trouble?"

"Nuh-uh," I exclaim, shaking my head. "She rolled away. And then when I came back from the nurse, everyone was waiting because we had to go back to our class and when we got there the teacher gave us pizza and tiny cupcakes! But then I had to say goodbye to everyone, and it was sad."

He kneels down on one knee so that our faces are at the same level. "Well, I know it must be upsetting to say goodbye to your friends, but I'm sure you'll make new ones in Cordonia."

I shrug, not really believing him.

"Oh, don't be like that. I know many children in court that would love to be your friend!"

"Like who?" I ask him.

"Well..." he looks away, deep in thought. "How about Bartie?"

"Bartie never wants to do anything!" I tell him.

"And all he does," Gabe speaks up, finally putting his game down, "is walk around saying, 'I mustn't, Your Highness. No, thank you, Your Highness.' He's so boring. And why does he call me that? My name is Gabriel."

I notice that Gabe put his Switch on the bed, so I run for it and start trying to play the game.

Liam stands and comes to sit on the edge of the bed. "Since we are going to announce to the public that you are my son, you will be anointed as my heir and will be the Crown Prince. Whenever someone speaks to you, they will refer to you as 'Your Highness.'"

"Why?" Gabe asks. He leans into my side, trying to see what I'm doing in the game. I make my character, a really buff dude with a red headband, jump around other characters who are chasing him.

"That's how it works," Liam states. "They refer to their king and queen as 'Your Majesty,' whose Latin root word is 'greatness.' They call the prince or princesses 'Your Highness,' because of their high status. Bartie is accustomed to a life of formality, so it's natural for him."

"So...," Gabe turns to Liam, "they call you 'Your Majesty' because you're the king, right?"

"Nuh-uh!" I exclaim. Liam chuckles, and when I turn to look at him and laugh along, the Nintendo Switch vibrates, and a man's voice from the game screams 'GAME OVER!'

Gabe takes the device from my hands and starts another game. Liam points at Gabe's suitcases. "Do you need any help packing the rest of your things?"

"Nah, I'm good. Grandma said she'd give me a hand with everything that's left," Gabe responds. As an afterthought, he adds, "Thank you, though."

Liam gives a small nod. "Well, then... I wanted to let you both know that I am leaving for Cordonia today."

Gabriel looks up. "I thought we were all leaving together?"

"Yes, but since the press doesn't know that you're my son, we have to be discreet and enter the country at different times to make sure news or rumors don't get out before we're ready to give an announcement."

"So when are we going to see you?" I ask.

"A few days after you settle in with the Beaumonts, I'll come to see how you are all doing, and I'll bring you back to the capital for the social season."

"That's the thing you were asking Mama about?" I question.

He gives a small smile. "Yes, your mother has gone through the social season before."

Bastien interrupts our little conversation by knocking on the door. "Your Majesty," he says. "The jet should be ready now. Shall we depart?"

"Yes, thank you for alerting me, Bastien." Liam stands and turns back to us. "I'll see you two very soon."

"Okay!" I exclaim, getting off of the bed to give Liam a hug.

He puts a hand on my head, and when I back away, he tells me, "If there are any mean Veronicas in Cordonia, promise you'll tell me if they bother you?"

I laugh a little and then promise.

When we part, I see Gabe and Liam stare at each other awkwardly, but neither of them makes a move. After a few moments, Gabriel lifts his hand in farewell. Liam smiles and nods, and then leaves.

For a few more minutes, I watch Gabe play, waiting for him to give me a turn. Before he gets a chance to start the game again and give it to me, we hear his phone vibrating from the inside of his backpack. When he crosses the room to take it out, before answering it, he tells me, "It's Uncle Boris!"

Uncle Boris was Daddy's college friend, and also our Godfather. We hadn't seen him in a while. He was traveling around Europe for business and to spend time with his wife and kids. We were actually supposed to visit him a couple weeks ago, but because of the bombing, we couldn't.

Gabe answers the phone and puts it on speakerphone. We both huddle in front of it and a nostalgic joy vibrates in my heart when I hear Uncle Boris' thick Russian accent call out, "Hello, zayats!"

We giggle at the nickname that hasn't worn off since Gabe lost his front teeth (when they came back in, Uncle Boris had commented that he looked like a little rabbit), and then in union we say, "Hi, Uncle Boris!"

"Rowan tells me today was last day of school for you two?" he asks us in his broken English.

"Yeah," Gabe answers. "We're leaving for Cordonia."

"Cordonia, eh?" (He pronounces it 'CARdonia'). "That is not an hour's flight from where I am!"

"Really?" I ask. "Are you going to visit us? Can you please visit us?"  

"If your Mama allows, then yes, I visit. But what you children go to Cordonia for?"

"Because apparently Liam is Gabe's dad that Mama never told us about," I ramble, "and since Daddy's not here anymore and Mama doesn't have a lot of her memory, we have to go with him and his friends."

"Liam?" Uncle Boris questions. "Liam, who?"

"Uh." Gabe frowns. "I don't know his last name. But he says he's a king."

"Which is fake!" I blurt out. "I bet he's lying about it."

"Ah!" Uncle Boris exclaims. "King Liam! Yes, yes, your mother tell me and Potter about him." (Uncle Boris has always called Daddy 'Potter' because Daddy's glasses used to remind Uncle Boris of Harry Potter). "What he wants?"

"He's bringing us to Cordonia with him," Gabe states.

"Pfft. Nonsense king. Bringing small child to foreign country to keep stupid monarchy alive. You know why countries have no more monarchy? Take Russia as example—."

He continues rambling, and I genuinely think he doesn't remember he's talking to us. Gabe looks up at me and whispers, "I think he's drunk!" He coughs loudly into his elbow, and the vibration I hear from the back of his throat tells me the cough was genuine. But Uncle Boris doesn't seem to notice and keeps talking.

I cover my mouth and giggle. There's another knock on the door, and we turn to see Rowan, followed by Maxwell.

"What's up, baby blossoms?" Maxwell calls to us.

In a loud whisper, Gabe responds, "Talking to Uncle Boris!"

"It's okay," Rowan says, grabbing the phone and taking it off of speakerphone. "I've got this. There's food for you guys if you want something to eat?"

"C'mon, blossoms!" Maxwell exclaims, leading us towards the dining room. "Are you guys excited to get to Cordonia tomorrow?"

We shrug and nod, trying our best to seem somewhat enthusiastic.

"Aw, don't worry. I'm sure you'll love it when you finally get there. Your mom came to adore it after just spending a short time there." He pauses for a moment, then lowers his voice before continuing, and I don't think Gabe and I are meant to hear what he said when he goes, "That's why it was so much of a surprise when she left."

Gabe and I share a worried glance. In the short time that we had known Maxwell, he was always cheerful. But his last sentence was carried out with a heavy voice. "At least it's good that she's finally going back?" Gabe states, accidentally making it sound like a question.

Maxwell looks down at him, patting Gabe's head. "It sure is, baby blossom. It sure is."

- Drake -

The day after Liam left, the Beaumonts, Drake, Rowan, Riley, and her kids were all in the airport waiting for the pilot to get ready. Liam had told Drake before leaving that he thought it would be best if he went back home with the Beaumonts so he could help Riley and the kids settle in. Drake wanted to tell him that he already decided that, but he believed that it would be best not to agitate Liam, who was already stressed.

When it was time to finally get on the jet, Drake tells Maxwell to grab Riley's crutches before she can reach them. Drake then offers to carry Riley in his arms to help her board the plane.

She blushes and argues that she can do it herself, but then accepts after Drake persists. Her kids follow closely behind, not taking their eyes off of their mother.

Inside, he puts her down and takes the seat right next to her, while the kids take the seats in front of them. While everyone else settles in, Drake notices Riley moving around.

"You good, Brooks?" he asks her.

"Yeah," she says. "My leg's making me a bit uncomfortable, though."

"The doctor said that you had to keep it elevated. Here." Drake gently grabs her injured leg and sets it down on his knee. "That better?"

"Yeah, thanks." She smiles at him.

For the rest of the plane ride, Riley goes in and out of naps, resting her head on Drake's shoulder. The children talk with Rowan and Maxwell, who seem to be getting friendly with one another. Bartie stares out of the window for the most part but does his best to include himself in conversations with Gabriel and Eleanor. Savannah and Bertrand murmur amongst themselves, and occasionally Bertrand stands to make sure that Riley's doing alright.

Drake sits silently, glancing at Riley while she slept, doing his best not to remind himself of the first time he and Maxwell had brought her to Cordonia.

He promised himself that he would do everything that he could to make sure there would be no repeat of the social season or the Engagement Tour.

I'll be damned if I let the court ruin Riley and her kids, he thinks to himself.

Drake watches Maxwell teach Gabriel and Eleanor a game he just created. When he glances out the window, Drake takes a moment to stare at the expanse of water that had separated him from Riley for so long. He checks the time, trying to estimate when they would be able to view Cordonia out the window, hoping to wake Riley to let her see the shore. He hated that she still didn't remember any of them; there were still so many questions they needed to ask her.

He stares down at her sleeping face, and for a moment, his heart aches for everything that she's gone through. There's a sense of guilt that vibrates within him, for everything that he did and didn't do. And there's also... reluctance. He's almost scared to bring her back, to bring happiness back. They had all spent so much time in a deep hole of 'if only' that leaving the hole felt unnatural. Eventually though, that all fades away as Drake drifts into sleep, Riley's peaceful features having allured him.

- Bastien -

Due to unpredictable weather the night before, King Liam's jet was unable to take flight for Cordonia when he had wished it to. The delay lasted for hours, and King Liam's aircraft was finally in the air only an hour before the Beaumont's plane was predicted to take off. Liam told Bastien it would be best not to tell the Beaumont's about his delay, seeing that they still had to give off the illusion that everyone was arriving from a different place, but Bastien saw the reluctance in his king's eyes; the man wanted to go with them, but couldn’t.

As King Liam's jet lands in the capital, Bastien sends a radio message to the rest of the King's Guard to keep away paparazzi and to make sure there was no threat in any surrounding areas. Near the entrance of the airport, there's a limo waiting for the king. Bastien opens the door for Liam, then goes to sit in the front.

He sends out another message to the guards still in the palace, alerting them that the king was returning, and reminding them to report anything pressing. Bastien receives messages stating that there was nothing eventful going on, except small preparations for the social season. Bastien breathes out, glad that his king would not have more to bother him.

When they reach the palace, Bastien jumps out of the car and follows King Liam, who is already through the entrance.

There's noise on the other end of his earpiece, and Bastien is about to ignore it and shut it off before a female guard's voice states, "Alert His Majesty that he has someone waiting to speak to him."

Bastien doesn't say anything back into the radio, since King Liam was walking right beside him. Before Bastien can tell his king the news, the woman's voice sounds again.

"Bas, can you hear me? Prince Leo wants His Majesty to know that he's waiting to talk to him. He says it's important."

[wolferals]

🇪🇸di mi nombre🇪🇸

finally fallin' chapter 5

arón piper x reader

(The spanish is all google translate, i wont take responsibility for mistakes)

chapter 5

After your „date" with Arón, he had been so sweet to walk you back to your small apartment at around 9:15. On the way there, he had reassured you that you were going to be fine filming the video with him.

You were still pretty nervous and to be honest a little anxious already.

To explain your concern about the smallest thing, it'd be good to clear some things.

When you were 14, your grandma had died right after Christmas. That had really gotten to you, you had been very close with her, and you hadnt gotten the chance to say goodbye go her.

Thats how it all started, your sadness, the loneliness.

You had spent days and nights sitting on your bed, listening to sad music and just staring at the ceiling.

The years after that it had gotten a little better, you didnt cry at the thought of her anymore but now every little thing triggered your mind into thinking you were going to get hurt or embarrassed.

You were overthinking everything.

And to briefly explain why you got so nervous when a guy looked at you or complimented you, you had never been in a super serious relationship. And you were almost 20 now.

Some people would say its weird but you had realized that maybe your time hasnt come yet, and that was okay for you.

So as to right now, you were sitting in the subway on the way to the address Arón had sent you.

College had been alright today, Itzan and you had had lunch together again and had spent some more time finding ideas for the photo shoot with Arón.

You were still nervous but tried to calm yourself down by thinking back to what Arón had told you. He was going to be there and he had done nothing but be comforting and sweet to you.

On the right station you got out and walked to location.

It was a big market place somewhere in Madrid and you immediately spotted Arón in the crowd. He was wearing a black shirt and a jeans jacket over it. He looked good.

You walked up to him and he noticed you right away and walked towards you.

„Hola chica, you feeling good?" He pulled you into a tight hug.

That had been your second hug. The first had been the night before when he had taken you home and then left.

His hugs were tight but so comforting to you.

„Hey, I'm good how are you?"

He put his arm around your shoulder and you guys walked back to the others.

„Guys that's y/n, my girlfriend."

Your head shot up to him.

He grinned and added:"In the video."

You started laughing as well.

Then yon got introduced to the other guys and you went through the scene again before you relatively quick went to filming. The first scene had been easy for you. Just walking around, holding Arón's warm hand, pretending to be interested in everything around you.

Since he was a lot taller than you, you used the opportunity to put your head on his shoulder while walking.

He pressed your hand tightly until the guy yelled a loud „cut."

You walked back to the camera to see the scene from this perspective. Arón was still holding you hand until you both realized and he let go, grinning at you.

„That was great guys, we already got it." His friend „Moonkey" spoke and highfived you both.

The next scene had been the one, getting some food and sitting down at a bench. You had to feed each other a little to seem „cute" until you spilled the ketchup from your fries on his shirt, making you laugh out loud. For real though, it hadnt been planned but Arón later on had said that it was perfect for the video.

It was getting darker over the course of filming those cute/funny scenes with the guys and at around 7 you decided to take a break and get an actual snack.

The guys got burger and stuff but since you and Arón had eaten for the scene before, you just grabbed drinks and slowly walked to the next location.

The cameras were wrapped up in bags that the guys could easily carry as backpacks.

The club you originally intended to film a scene it was closed that day and the next one would've been to far to walk so you had to change your entire plan.

„Why dont we film the rooftop scene now and include some dancing and jumping around? Turn on some music and you guys dance."

Arón agreed immediately but you again got self conscious, having to dance in front of a couple boys.

Arón reassured you again and took your hand as you were making your way up to the top of the building.

While the guys were setting up the cameras and all, you and Arón were standing together, talking.

He again told you stuff like:"Close your eyes and just pretend no one is there. You're gonna do great I'm sure."

You smiled at him and then examined the view over the city and its lights.

„Alright Arón, y/n just sit down over there, cuddle and maybe watch the stars i dont know." <Moonkey> laughed and you both did as he said.

Aròn put his arm around you, pulling you closer to his chest.

You intentionally closed your eyes and listened to his heartbeat and breathed in his cologne. You were fully enjoying this until something or something basically ripped you out of your thoughts and your comfortableness.

„Cut thanks."

Arón seemed to be a little startled as well because it took him a bit until he removed his arm from you.

„Now, dancing. Arón show her what you got." one of them laughed. „Cabrón, i cant dance." Arón cursed and looked at you.

He then turned on some reggaeton you didnt know but it was perfect for dancing so you took a deep breath and let all your thoughts go.

You grabbed Arón's hand and just started dancing around like you didnt care who was watching.

It seemed to help him because he got more comfortable as well and you ended up jumping and running around the roof terrace, not giving a shit at all.

<Moonkey> was dancing along behind the camera and the mood was set.

You all had so much fun that second and you wished it wouldnt end.

To be completely honest, you owned it. You felt everyones gaze on you, Arón was almost looking at you freaking out in awe, as he was dancing with you.

If you werent so in your own state, you'd think there was a certain tension between the both of you.

„Cut. As sorry as I am to stop whatever is happening here, we need to finish this so I can cut it."

„Off to Arón's." The blonde guy spoke and again packed the camera in the bag.

You caught your breath first and then looked at Arón.

You started to laugh loudly, not being able to believe how careless you were just dancing.

Arón smiled at you for a while before you all left to go downstairs to enter his apartment.

Finally sitting on the black couch in his living room, he first handed everyone a drink and then sat down next to you.

His place was a lot bigger than yours. No wonder though, he was an actor and probably had more money than you, not that that mattered you just noticed.

„Everything ready?" He then asked and again put his arm around you.

„Ready." you all answered almost simultaneously.

The scene was relatively short. You started by clicking your glasses together, then pretended to laugh about something and then it was time to end the scene with a kiss.

You slowly turned your head to meet his and smiled at him.

His eyes were sparkling towards you, before he smiled once again and your lips finally met for the first time.

It was a short but hard kiss.

You heard Moonkey go „whooo" behind the camera, but you were too focused on Arón's kiss.

It felt better than you had expected and by now you were almost sure you had deeper feelings for him.

Was that crazy since you didnt even know him that long?

„Cut." someone broke off your kiss and you kept on looking into each others eyes for a little.

„Guys" Moonkey laughed, official breaking the tension going on.

Afterwards, the guys packed their stuff, took some time finishing their drinks and then took off relatively quick.

„Alright I'll cut it together and send it to you next week or something." His friend told Arón and they talked a bit before you heard the door close.

You were still sitting in your exact position on the couch, with the half full glass of red wine in your left hand.

„See, it went fantastic." Arón fell down on the couch next to you.

„Yeah..."

-„Thank you. I had a lot of fun." you finished your sentence.

Arón smiled at you.

„Me too."

And then it all went super fast.

The alcohol kicked in and you guys went off to talking about rather intimate topics and he scooted closer to you.

„Ill call you next time I need a fake girlfriend." He slurred and laughed afterwards.

Since you were a bit tipsy you joked:"You can leave out <fake> too, thats fine with me."

Arón started laughing again and before you knew, his lips were on yours again.

This time it was more forceful and rougher.

You liked it a lot.

He grabbed the drink from your hand skillfully and placed it on the table without breaking the kiss.

And then he was on top of you, with both his hands holding your head.

You knew you had to stop him before it got too much but your drunk mind wanted it more than anything that moment.

Next thing to happen was him taking off his shirt, revealing his toned chest and abs.

„Joder, Arón." you cursed and looked down on him.

Arón chuckled at your comment.

„Di mi nombre, bebe."

[ketsuyuki-hibana-typed]

Nope, you're not bothering me! (~￣³￣)~ Relax. I kinda miss him too. Since today is Pocky Day, let's do this! (Well, not exactly, it's yesterday since I live on Southeast Asia, but on some part in this world, today is still 11/11 right?)

Sabito x Reader (Pocky Day; ModernAU)

Sabito knew your habit. It happened anywhere and in random time as long as it's still at home.

You will trap him on the walls, like doing Kabedon. You tip-toed to reach his height and forcely grabbed cupped his face. You started kissing him from forehead, nose, cheeks and lastly, lips. Even if you wear lipstick, you like to smoochie smooch his entire face, smiling smugly after making lipstick marks here and there, really proud of your creation. If he 'responded' to your kissing ritual, you became really angry and yelling, "LET ME LOVE YOU!"

After that, you will leave him while licking your lower lips and said, "Thank you for the dessert."

It's not like he hate this bold act, he loves it. But sometimes he felt like he had to do some 'asserting dominace' towards you, to show you who is the best kisser in this house.

"She sounds like a loving grandma to me." said Giyuu. Sabito pinched his cheek, Makomo slowly pulled Giyuu from Sabito, saving him.

"Sabito, how about Pocky Game?"

"Pocky Game?"

"Yes. You put the stick here, like this." The girl took and bite one Pocky on the tip. "And (y/n) will bite the other tip. Both of you had to compete while eating it towards each other."

"Oh, wait. I know where this will end." Sabito rubbed his chin and smirked

"Yep! It's like in shoujo manga."

Yes, this probably works.

So, after met with his childhood friends, he bought 3 boxes of Pocky at the convenience store.

'Matcha? Strawberry? Cookies and Cream? Which one is her favourite?' He stood and stared in front of the shelves. 'Nah, I'll just buy them all.'

His evil grin made the cashier startled. He really prepared for this.

When he got home, he took a quick shower. After that, he sat on the sofa, putting 3 various Pocky boxes on the table. He waited for you, who wasn't home yet.

He opened one of the box, the Cookies and Cream, a little bit curious on how it tastes like. He never ate this before, because it looked like it didn't fill up his tummy. He often saw you biting this stick snack while working though

'Oh, it wasn't bad.' He eventually likes it. So he started to snack it while watching TV.

'(y/n), where are you?' He chatted you on his phone. It's really strange because you never came home late.

'Still work, you miss me? (＾3＾♪'

'Huh, kinda.'

'Don't worry, I'll go home around 9 p.m. (っ˘з(˘⌣˘ )'

'Yeah, just make it quick. Love you.'

'Love you too (*＾3＾)/～♡'

He continued to watch the show and snacking, unconsciously putting it one by one to his mouth.

"I'm home!!" You opened the door and slammed it slowly. You put your shoes on the rack.

"Welcome home." Sabito greeted you from the sofa, averting his eyes awhile from the TV.

"Ah, Pocky? I want it too!!" You looked at the table, empty box were tossed around.

Ah, he ate it all up.

"I thought you don't like it?"

"Well... I'm watching TV and it all gone, just like that." You puffed your cheek and pouted. He smirked. "But I have two sticks left. Matcha and Strawberry."

"Where? Give me-"

"Here." He bite the edge. "Come on, take it."

"Oho?" You raised one eyebrow. "You challenged me on Pocky Game?"

"Take it, or are you too embarrassed to accept it?"

"Not a chance!"

You sat and positioned yourself in front of him, starting to bite on the edge. You slowly biting and eating towards him, he did the same too. Eyes to eyes, nobody conceded defeat.

You really focused on winning, you're confident on your skill. Hah, kissing him all over his face is my specialty!! This is easy!

But then, you focused on his eyes.

It's beautiful purplish pupils. The eyes who looked after you, and the eyes who gently seeing you.

Now, it looked solemn, piercing thorough your heart.

You suddenly blushed for thinking this things that actually unnecessary right now.

When Sabito was close to your lips, you unintentionally popped your mouth open. The stick rolled out from your mouth, dropping onto the floor.

"(y/n)?"

"Uhh...." You covered your face with your palm. "Once more!" Shit, you enthralled to his charm.

"Huh? What's wrong with you?" He ate his part and pulled the last stick from the box, putting it on his mouth.

You swore you'll not attract to his dazzling anymore. Focus! Focus!

The game started again.

But instead of focusing, you felt really dumb right now because you even didn't move an inch. Once again, you were pulled into his eyes. He noticed you became weird, sighing. He also can't take your blushing and reddening on your face.

"This is useless, I can't take it anymore." He pulled your stick from your mouth and ate your part quickly. Your droll dropped a little bit.

After that, he hold your back head, pushing it towards him and bringing you to kiss. He licked your droll on the corner of your lips.

He light-bit and nip your lower lips, asked for permission to enter your mouth. You unconsciously opened your mouth. His tongue started swirled around and reached each of your teeth, tasting Matcha and Strawberry flavor inside.

You pushed him slowly when you finally out of breathe.

"I will go straight kissing you from now on. You still allowed to kiss me, but I will 'reply' to your kiss and that's final." You nodded thoughtlessly. He licked his lips and pushed you onto the sofa, holding your shoulder still.

"Wa- wait! I'm probably reek of sweat!"

He didn't listen. He pulled out his shirt and started unbuttoning your front. He moved forward, whispering on your reddened ears.

"Your sweat makes me more turned on than this silly Pocky Game."

[thefaultinourdefault-blog]

What Does Dyke Mean?

So today, as I was eating my honeybun at breakfast (which really isn't that great, but I refuse to have anything else for breakfast for fear of disturbing my food-routine), my grandma asked me a question that took me completely off-guard.

"What does 'dyke' mean?"

I could feel my stomach flip as my heartbeat increased drastically. Now, see, my grandma is a complicated person. I love her, but she's complicated. She's one of those people who aren't too fond of the LGBT community, but firmly believes that there shouldn't be any violence or legal discrimination towards LGBT people either. Now I've tried coming out to my grandma before, and it didn't go well at all. She said some pretty hurtful things. But since then, she's slowly been warming up to the topic (she even iced a cookie in rainbow colors for pride month), however, for complicated reasons that I'll probably describe in a future blog post, I'm going to have to come out to her again - officially this time. And while my grandma has asked other startling questions before; "Do you like girls?" "Why aren't you interested in dating boys?" "You aren't, really gay, are you?", This one caught me off guard the most.

See, okay, my grandma is kind of homophobic, but she's also really innocent and naive. She grew up in a small town that was home to less than 100 people, and up until her mid-adult life, she didn't even know that black people existed, let alone queer people. That being said, she also never knew about the amount of intolerance that was directed towards minority groups. Racial and homophobic slurs don't exist in her vocabulary, unless you count the time she called a lesbian couple on Say Yes to the Dress a "couple of queers." I guess she does know that one.

I wasn't sure what answer I was supposed to give her, so I simply shrugged my shoulders and took another bite of my dull-tasting honeybun.

"Your Uncle called someone that word while he was on the phone with me the other day. I know it's a female term, but I don't know what it means."

I nodded my head. It wouldn't be unexpected from the uncle that she was referring to. You know those scary ultra-conservative rednecks that some people imagine when you say the word "American"? Well my uncle was the cookie-cutter scary redneck. Gun collection? Check. Confederate flag? Check. Works at a shooting range? Check. Thinks women are only good for house wives and shouldn't have an opinion of their own? Check. Uses the n-word freely? Check. Calls the black lives matter and LGBT pride movements a "terrorist agenda"? Check. Has a "I love Donald Trump" sign in his front yard? Check.

My grandma didn't infuse these things in him, he learned them from his father. His father was an abusive asshole with multiple domestic violence charges as notches in his bedpost. It's funny how those things can be generational.

Now that the reason for her asking the question was out in the open, I felt more comfortable giving an answer.

"Dyke is a homophobic slur, usually directed towards lesbians or other gay women." I explained, and then I gave her a little bit of history about the word and the violence that's been directed towards the LGBT community throughout history, and about how some people still hold those out-dated views.

Was that too much information? Did I give too much away? Did I show that I know so much about the LGBT community that I must be a member of it myself? I panicked internally once I had finished explaining. But to my surprise, she didn't take this as another opportunity to question my sexuality.

Instead, her eyes watered slightly and she shook her head. "I'm so naive," She admitted, and then added on with something like "I didn't know that there was still so much hatred in the world. I thought that in 10 years or so there would be no 'white' or 'black'. I thought we would all just tolerate each other as human beings. Gay people are human beings."

My heart warmed at her words, but of course, she didn't finish there.

"It's okay to be upset when someone you know, or your child comes out as gay. You can try to guide them, you can wish that they weren't on that path, but it never gives you an excuse to be a mean person."

My smile faltered. I knew that by "guide them" she meant that a part of her still thinks that gay people can be changed through some grace of God. But then I remembered, a year ago she wouldn't listen to Elton John music in the car with me. A year ago she said that there was "no reason to stand up for the LGBT community”. And now, here she was, acknowledging that what my uncle said was wrong.

It was a pure sentiment, perhaps a little misguided, but I'm proud of the progress that she's made. I'm definitely nowhere near being ready to really come out to her, but somehow, the conversation that I had with her today gave me faith that coming out will be a question of "when will I?" Rather than "will I ever?" And that's good enough for me right now.

Now I'm sitting here, waiting for lunchtime, and wondering why my grandma thought to come to me with that question of all people, and why wasn't she phased by the fact that I seemed to know so much about LGBT related issues? Is it possible that somewhere in her mind she knows? And is it possible that somewhere in her heart she's capable of accepting me for who I really am? But I guess those are questions that I can wonder about on another day.

For now, here's an exit ticket for anybody who read this pointless ramble of mine:

Who were you most nervous to come out to? And if you're still in the closet, who are you most nervous to tell?

Signing off,

~R