#he is so normal looking and round faced and ordinary until he isn’t and his face splits open or kaleidoscopes but then you look back again

[clocktower-sparrow]

I have been having thoughts about the distortion. As much as I love skinny long spiral man its never been how I imagined him, but I was never quite sure what about it didn’t fit. And then I was doing some research for my tma uni project and I remembered Louis Waine’s cats.

I think in my head these are more similar to how the distortion would look in its truest form- the fractal patterns and psychedelic colours splitting outwards away from the centre of its face. And also I like art history and I love Louis Waine and the reference works subtextually for the distortion which is fun! All those side by side comparisons showing his cat cartoons next to his fractal cats that say “look we can see this poor schitzophrenic artist’s decent into madness!“ are incorrect and piss me off to no end, he was drawing both styles consistently throughout his life and most of it can just be seen as his own artistic developement with roots in his training as a textile designer HOWEVER, he did definetly struggle a great deal with his mental health. Alright side bar over, read more about it here if your interested:

https://wellcomecollection.org/stories/louis-wain-s-cryptic-cats

Anyway, I think that the distortion looks like one of Louis Wain’s cats. Not all the time and maybe not in exactly the same way- most of the time it just looks like a regular person, but I think when it wants to it can shift its features like a kaleidoscope, maybe only when you’re not looking directly at it. Out of the corner of your eye you see it shift like sharp water, or its reflection splinters in a mirror. And then you look directly at it and it’s just Micheal or Helen again.

I need to draw this properly but in the meantime here’s a drawing of my real friend’s face splitting open :)

[afterdarkprincess]

Aftershocks Part 7

Happy Raw Night everyone!!

We’re getting teasy and flirty ;)

Samijey endgame

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Tags for @feelschicken @southerngirl41 and @whumpypunk

Cold water ran down Sami’s body, a welcome relief to his flushed skin. He was doing his best to not think about the singular bed in the other room and the beautiful Samoan waiting there.

The beautiful Samoan that had been betrayed and beat down by his entire family today.

What was wrong with him?

He pushed the temperature dial deeper to cold and let the shock of cold water break his thought patterns. He washes his hair and beard, rubbing away the sweat and anxiety of the day, relishing in the sensations of his minty soap against the cool water.

It’s a herculean effort to leave the shower, but eventually he shuts the water off and steps out to dry off.

He’d grabbed some sleep clothes before his shower, a life on the road and free shirts keeps him stocked in comfy attire. He dons some loose basketball shorts and one of his old “Honorary Uce” shirts. Jey will get a kick out of that.

Sami throws his toiletries back into his travel bag and takes a deep breath.

He’s going to go out there and get into his side of the bed like everything is totally normal. Very simple. He can’t mess this up.

Or so he thinks.

Sami exits the bathroom and rounds the corner to find Jey kneeling on the bed, facing away from him toward the headboard, his thick thighs barely covered by a tight pair of boxer briefs, seemingly adjusting the pillows.

Jey, seemingly satisfied with his pillow arrangement or just hearing Sami approach, twists around to reveal that the too short crop top he’s wearing is none other than the “Feeling Ucey” shirt.

How appropriate.

Jey is making a comment about their matching shirts, but Sami is lost in the sight of a good 4 or 5 inches of the other man’s back and stomach, the tattoos he’d gotten recently, and the healthy glow of his skin.

Realistically this isn’t an out of the ordinary outfit for Jey to be sleeping in. When he shared hotel rooms with the rest of the bloodline, the brothers were naturally comfortable with one another, often wearing just boxers or boxers and shirts.

But Jey looked like he’d been served up for Sami on a silver platter and it had thrown Sami’s plan to just lay down right out the window.

His mouth is suddenly dry, but he tries for a casual tone. “You look good, I mean- uh the new tattoos? On your back I mean, they look good. Nice.”

Nailed it.

Jey grins and it’s a thing of beauty. Cheesy and with a familiar twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

“Thanks man, wanna see?” He immediately starts yanking off the crop top, much to Sami’s delight and horror.

Sami feels his face flush again, does his best to avert his eyes.

“Oh- uh thanks but, I think I just wanna wind down, watch some TV, yeah?” Sami is trying desperately to look anywhere but at the delicious tan skin now on display. His reply was quick but Jey was faster.

Jey now sits on his side of the bed, bare from the waist up. His face seems to fall at Sami’s reply, but he settles back into his pillows all the same. “Yeah, Uce, thats fine. No biggie.”

Sami sits himself up against the headboard, adjusting some pillows to prop his back up.

He grabs the remote off the nightstand, turning the TV on to some late night game show and tries to relax.

Silence hangs heavy between them.

Sami doesn’t know what to say that isn’t going to come out an incoherent mess. He had been tired, he should be tired for the late hour that it is, but between the cold shower and the electric air, sleep is the last thing on his mind.

He watches Jey shift out of the corner of his eye, still shirtless and wiggling his hips to sink further into the bed.

It should be illegal how good he looks.

Jey almost puts him in mind of the dog he had as child; rolling around to get comfortable and not satisfied until its just so.

At one point, the Samoan twists his shoulders, attempting to turn on his side, when a groan escapes his lips.

It sounded pretty painful, finally pulling Sami’s eyes over to Jey to look at him fully again.

He’s laying on his side now, facing Sami. He’s resting on top of the sheets, head propped up on one hand, face wincing in tension.

“You okay over there?” Sami asks, concern overriding his dirty mind.

Jey nods his head, “Yeah, uh jus’ tight, you know? Sore.”

“Makes sense,” Sami nods, the match had been brutal. He was honestly surprised Jey didn’t have more complaints than some tight muscles.

Silence falls between them again and Sami’s gaze turns back to the TV.

“You know,” Jey says, his tone light. “A massage sounds pretty good right now..”

Just an observation. A statement of fact. But Sami is reeling.

“A massage?”

Jey sighs, grinning. “Yeet, it’d help.”

Sami could feel his face burning. “You… you want me to give you a massage?”

Surely this was a joke.

“Uh, yeah, Sami!” Jey is acting like this is normal, and it very much is not.

“Are you fucking with me?” Sami had to ask, his voice strained and sincere. He hoped he didn’t come off as offended but this felt like a dream.

Jey locked eyes with him, expression serious. “M’not fuckin’ with you. You don’ have to if you don’ wanna.”

“No!” He definitely says it too fast, arm shooting out to touch Jey’s shoulder before he can roll over and away from him. “I mean, no, I don’t mind. I-if you’re sure?”

Jey grins again, “Yeah man, lemme just get on my front here.” He flops onto his stomach with relative ease and stretches out.

Sami’s sure his jaw is on the floor.

Jey looks like a feast set out before him, and despite passing up on checking out the new tattoos earlier, they’re all he can look at now.

Sami’s a little bit at a loss for how to approach this, maybe go around and stand on the other side of the bed? Or kneel on the bed on the side he’s already on?

Maybe straddle and sit on Jey’s legs?

His face flushes even further. He’ll start with kneeling.

-—

WE’RE GETTING SPICY

[kaigarax]

Between You and Me

or The 5 times you catch Senku staring + the 1 time he catches you

Ishigami Senku x Reader

Quote: “Fall in love with someone because of their smile.”

1.

Senku doesn't mind living alone in the New World by himself. While studies have proven that humans are bound to go crazy without human interaction, Senku had no way to speed up the survival process; and truthfully, he doesn't think he’ll go crazy anytime soon. Afterall, if being trapped in his own mind hasn’t destroyed his mental health then being the only human around for a few years shouldn’t affect him much more.

When you’re revived, Senku finds the first interactions between the two of you to be awkward. The two of you are almost opposites in every way and stumble in and out of conversations with each other.

Eventually the two of you do fall into your own kind of normal. This isn’t a field trip you can just come back from, afterall. It’s the truth and reality of the situation. It’s the rest of your lives from here and onwards.

There are days when the two of you argue and debate over the way certain things should be done. There are days when the conversations between the two of you seem to stem on forever and ever. Times where there seems to be countless things for the two of you to talk about and countless things for the two of you to name.

The two of you spend so much time together that there are days where the two of you can go without speaking to one another and still work seamlessly. It comes to a point where a shared look is enough to know what the other person is thinking. Moments when you just know how the other person feels.

It’s strange to Senku.

Truthfully, he never thought there would be a time when he could have a conversation with someone else the way he does with you. The two of you have just been together for so long now that Senku begins to find it hard to imagine his time here alone.

There hasn’t ever been a time in Senku’s mind, when he was younger, that he believed there would be someone he could rely on as much. Someone he might even be able to…

Love is impractical and something Senku has closed himself off to. You’re a companion. A friend. Someone Senku can rely on. But it's the little moments that begin to make him believe the relationship between the two of you might become something more.

You were fiddling around with a cloth you had managed to make. You weren’t all too good at creating things with your hands but it was something you had grown to enjoy. Something that made you smile.

Senku had been wandering back into your small camp when he noticed you.

You picked a spot where the sun would shine down on you and provide you light but not shine in your eyes. There was a slight smile on your face and Senku suddenly found himself wondering when the last time he had seen you smile was. It was a gentle sort of smile that made Senku want to smile with you.

He thought you looked rather pretty with such an unguarded expression upon your face. He also thought you looked rather pretty with your normal expression as well. In retrospect, Senku supposed that just meant he thought you were pretty.

It had been a moment.

Okay, it had been a few moments before-

Alright. Senku wasn’t sure how long it had been before you finally looked up at Senku.

He hadn’t realised he had been staring until your (e/c) eyes met with his own. He was quick to turn away when you spotted him.

2.

When Taiju is revived, Senku suddenly finds himself feeling very lonely. It’s strange that Senku is lonelier with more people around but the explanation seems rather… understandable. You and Taiju, in the most respectful way possible, are ordinary. And because the two of you make up a majority than your ordinary makes up what is believed to be normal. And, to round up the argument, not being normal is lonely.

It's not something Senku could ever bring himself to say to the two of you, but it is what he feels. Even if every logical bone in his body is telling him no.

You’re talking with Taiju about something dumb. Or at least something Senku thinks is dumb. The two of you are debating if the Torontro Raptors would have beaten the Golden State Warriors if Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant hadn’t gotten hurt.

Senku had always known Taiju’s fascination with sports but he was taken off guard by your own interest. Though he supposes that your time in America would have familiarized you with that sort of thing.

It had never been something Senku had cared about all too much. It was just big sweaty people running around in shorts and throwing a ball around with strange predetermined rules. There was never anything too interesting about it for Senku. But the way you talk about it makes Senku begin to reconsider.

Your eyes light up and your expression brightens.

Senku figures it must have something to do with how much passion athletes have. How much time and effort they have committed to a single thing. Yes, that’s it. That’s what makes it so attractive to you.

You have always been someone drawn to passion.

The smile you wear, when talking about the NBA, is excited and anticipatory. Probably something akin to Senku’s own expressions when he gets to talking about new inventions he’s going to create.

It’s nice to see your usual and calm demeanor melt into something that seems to fit your features more. For once Senku thinks you look your age. Not that you have aged badly but rather your expressions often hold an air of wisdom around them. One that says you’ve seen more than your fair share of tragedies. Talking about pointless things brings a youthful innocence that Senku had been unfamiliar with.

At first, Senku had wanted to tell the two of you to get back to work but had stopped dead in his tracks when catching your expression.

He stands there for a good while before you finally spot him.

There is amusement in your eyes which makes Senku’s own have to turn away.

You look like you’re about to say something but Taiju cuts you off as he turns around to see what you were looking at. The taller male is quick to greet Senku and begin a new conversation.

The awkward conversation is avoided.

3.

Sneku closely watches himself around you now. He fears he may be stepping into dangerous territory. Something he isn’t yet ready to traverse. Something unfamiliar and almost scary.

But things will be alright, right?

If you noticed a change in Senku’s behaviour you don’t mention it. You’re still the same warm and kindhearted girl that Senku had met in this unfamiliar New World. You’re still you.

Yeah. Senku tells himself that things are definitely alright.

With the addition of Tsukasa Senku feels less lonely now. There is always someone to be around someone else now. There is always another person you can choose to talk to if the other two are engaged in conversation.

Not that Tsukasa is particularly a good person to talk with. The athlete seems to be as socially stunted as Senku and they often stumble into strange conversations with each other. Senku has no problem with weird and pointless conversations but he can tell Tsukasa is trying to make a relationship with the group beyond dumb observations and open ended opinions.

Senku supposes it's hard to try and fit in with people who already have history. Especially when you’re also trying to revive all of humanity.

Senku feels bad about not feeling bad. A part of him doesn't trust Tsukasa. But perhaps even deeper down. Deep, deep down buried beneath all the cold logic and science is a boy who is petty and jealous. Tsukasa seemed to instantly get along with you while it had taken him at least a week before you began opening up to him.

And so what if Senku was feeling a little petty (and jealous)? He may have been a human tasked with bringing humanity back but a human nonetheless.

When you talk to Tsukasa it's you that mostly leads the conversations. It annoys Senku because he had always been the one that had to lead conversations with you. Not that you would ever know that it annoyed him. Afterall, Senku was trying his best to keep his distance from you. There would be no room for needless emotions and unwanted errors in his calculations to save the world.

Of course, that doesn't mean he has to like everything you do as well.

Taiju had run off to gather food leaving the three of you to make clay pots and bowls. Senku had been making sure the kiln was working properly while you and Tsukasa made small talk.

The smile you wore while talking to Tsukasa was different from the one you had given him.

Your smile is softer around the edges and your eyes seem a little wider. You don’t seem starstruck but maybe a little distracted. It’s a curious look you’re wearing. A smile you flash when trying your best to keep an open mind about the next crazy stunt that Senku is wanting to pull.

When you turn to look at Senku to ask if the fire is hot enough Senku has to turn away and scold himself. He had gone off and done it again.

4.

When the time comes for Senku to separate himself from you, Taiju and Yuzuriha, Senku thinks he might cry. Of course he obviously won’t because it’s not like it’ll be forever but it definitely feels emotional. As if every moment with the three of you has been building up to something like this.

When you decline the offer to go with Senku, Senku thinks he might die on the spot. Not because you said no but because he had made the offer in the first place. It was illogical for you to go with him, when Tsukasa knew there would be no possible way for you to survive without him, Taiju and Yuzuriha. But nonetheless Senku still asked.

Senku admittedly had asked because he couldn’t imagine continuing on in the New World without you. Throughout all the time the two of you had spent together Senku didn’t really think of how it would be without you.

There was that brief period in time when Senku had been alone but you were quick to come into his life. Senku’s time alone had begun to feel like a memory from a dream. Something he may even allude himself into believing never happened.

Life without you will be strange. It’ll be weird. It’ll be, for lack of a better word, annoying.

It’ll suck without someone there who happens to know what you need without words.

Of course there will be other people but it’ll just be a pain to train and teach someone to be as efficient as you. Well, Senku knows there will not be another person who fits alongside him as you.

You’re wired in such a way that makes you attuned to other people’s emotions even more so than your own. You’re kind, sometimes to the point where Senku finds it naive. You had always done things for him simply because you thought it would make his life easier and Senku knows there will not be another person like that for a long time.

Maybe among billions of people there is someone else. But not right now.

And now, goodbyes.

Not forever, but still emotional.

And because Senku knows he won’t be seeing you for a while he allows himself to stare. It’s just a brief moment anyways.

You’re giving Yuzuriha and Taiju a determined smile. Something to tell the other two that everything will be okay even if you don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s a kind of comfort that Senku himself can’t give and he’s thankful.

You’ve always been so intune with how others feel.

When you turn to look at Senku he doesn't look away.

5.

Right before what is going to be the shortest war in history, you and Senku finally see each other again. After what felt like a lifetime away from Taiju, Yuzuriha and… you, are finally going to see each other again.

Senku is excited to see the lot of you again. The anxiety prickles and makes it harder for Senku to sit still. Even the Ishagami villagers can tell that something is up. They even question him about what seems to be bothering him but he can never bring himself to admit it. He can already hear the teasing tone of the Mentalist, Gen. The taunts and endless annoying little things.

Gen is actually a lot like you. He’s very in tune with people. He understands them in a way that those people themselves don’t even understand. He’s kinder than what he allows people to believe but he’s not exactly you.

In truth, Senku had been trying to find a substitute for you. His reliance on you makes him illogical and changes how he might go about a situation. Senku thinks that if he’s able to separate himself from his dependance on you things might start going his way more.

He managed to go this long without you. So what’s the rest of his life?

Okay, maybe that was being durmatic.

Senku hadn’t realised how much he missed you until you were standing there across from him. And now he was over compensating. He was trying his best to shove down everything he didn’t want. Right now wasn’t the time for that, afterall.

When you make eye contact with Senku there’s a certain smile that forms on your face. It’s that one where you tilt your head to the side and peer up at him curiously. It’s that one that Senku knows is reserved strictly for him.

Your attention is stolen by Gen, but Senku notes that the gentle and soft smile never leaves your face.

Senku watches the way you move and how your actions mirror Gen’s and he isn’t sure if he should be jealous or not. He isn’t sure if he should go up to you and say something or not. It’s been so long and he doesn't know what he should say. If he should say anything. Senku knows that you and Gen are close but it's weird to see the two of you interact.

When you finally turn back, wearing that same smile, Senku decides to not head up and say something to you.

1.

The long awaited reunion between the two of you does not take place the moment the two of you see each other. It’s not right before the war, because the two of you know for certain that you’re going to survive. And it’s not even when both groups have gathered and reconnected. It takes place after everything has settled and night has finally fallen over the morning of adventure.

You both know the soon will soon rise again but bask in the moment that is right now. Bask in a moment that is peaceful and calm. Even if you know it's but the calm before the storm you still take a moment to appreciate it.

The fire crackles between the two of you just as it had all those nights before. Just as it had so repeatedly. The two of you have fallen into a pattern with each other. Something so familiar and warm.

“What are you humming?” Ask Senku while staring into the fire, “it’s really familiar.”

“Just a song~” you reply.

“Do you know any other songs?”

“Of course.”

Senku turns to look at you, “then why don’t you ever hum anything else?”

You’re not staring into the fire like he was and your gaze is neither directed into the sky. This is the first time Senku’s caught you. Your face breaks into a flush as you flash Senku a nervous smile.

You don’t turn away like he does and a chuckle rises in his chest.

“So?” Senku asks expectantly.

You smile, “because it reminds me of you.”

Fall in love with someone because of their smile.

[oumaheroes]

Congrats on 100+ followers, you deserve it! I love your blog and writing! For the writing-promp, how about some outsider pov fruk?

Reflections

Word Count: 1690

Characters: England, France - FrUK, America, Canada

----

‘It’ll be fun!’

‘No, it won’t.’

‘Yes it will,’ America insists, leaning forward to get a better look at the screen. England’s face through the webcam is decidedly unimpressed.

‘I don’t like house parties,’ he says, but America can hear slight resignation already there in his voice and so pushes again to seal the deal.

‘Please? Come on man, it’ll be great. Right after the G20 meeting in Texas too so there’s no work to worry about; just stay one more day for it. And hey, if you don’t like it you can leave.’

England raises an eyebrow, ‘You invited me to stay withyou.’

America shrugs, unbothered, ‘Then don’t! Or, do- whatever. It’s up to you.’

England sighs and looks conflicted. America seizes the opportunity and goes in for the kill, ‘Everyone else will be there too; you don’t wanna get FOMO.’

‘I don’t get FOMO,’ England snaps, looking affronted, and America instantly knows he’s won, ‘But fine, if it means that much to you, I’ll come.’

America tries to school his face into something that doesn’t look too triumphant, ‘Awesome! Kay, so it’ll be casual, no need to dress up or be all fancy or anything.’

‘Yes yes,’ England waves a hand dismissively and shifts in his chair, ‘I know how a house party works. I do go to some, you know.’

‘Cool cool cool, just making sure.’ America can’t really picture England at the sort of house party he is thinking of, people lounging about on furniture and playing silly drinking games. But it must happen, he supposes- he’s seen England drunk in pubs before and he’s boisterous so it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to imagine him in an even more casual setting.

Suddenly, America notes the darkness of England’s surroundings and checks the clock in the bottom corner of his screen, ‘Hey, it’s getting pretty late for you over there, isn’t it? I should let you go.’

England glances at his wrist, entirely ignoring the PC he’s using, ‘Yes, I suppose so. Okay, likely I’ll see you next month then.’

‘No backsies, you said yes,’ America reminds him.

England rolls his eyes, ‘I meant that I won’t see you until then, I already said I was coming; I’ll come.’

‘Good!’ America moves his mouse to end the call, ‘See you there, old man. Try to be fun.’

‘What is that supposed to-‘

‘Bye!’

----

Canada glances about the room and nods, ‘It’s not bad.’

America reels back, ‘Not bad? Dude-‘ he gestures to the living room they’re in the doorway of and then to the pool outside, both places spilling over with nations chatting and enjoying themselves under the beat of the music, ‘-it’s more than not bad!’

It really was, in his humble opinion, probably one of his best in recent years. Nearly everyone had turned up who said they were going to and there had been a steady flow of conversation and dancing all night. America had scoped the place out every now and again, making rounds through the house to make sure there were no stragglers sitting somewhere on their own but there wasn’t a need for it- things had run smoothly without him needing to intervene and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. This is why he liked house parties, more than any other type of ‘function’. House parties had a more relaxed vibe, where no one felt the need to impress or do themselves up too much (unless you were one of the older ones, that is; it seemed that no matter what you told them they’d still arrive a bit more formally dressed than everyone else, as if they had some sort of inbuilt compulsion).

Things going so well was probably helped, too, by the fact that America had only invited friends and family. One, because inviting the entire world and putting them in one place anywhere would always result in some form of argument, but also because this was his house and he didn’t want it to get trashed, (regardless of what England had groused when he first arrived and had seen the condition of the place).

Canada shrugs and takes a sip of his drink, ‘I’ve been to better.’

America frowns, disappointed, before jostling his arm playfully when he notices the small, guilty shift of Canada’s eye, ‘Stop messing with me.’

Canada grins behind his cup and nudges him back, ‘Well, no one’s dead yet. That’s always good.’

‘Amen to that,’ America raises his glass in a toast which Canada meets and downs the rest of his drink, ‘Want a refill?’

‘Sure.’

‘Come on then, I ain’t your servant.’

Canada gives him a flat look but wordlessly follows America out of the living room and through to the kitchen. Australia’s there with Mexico, digging about in the lower cupboards for something and Denmark is showing Japan a video on his phone that’s making Japan’s eyes go almost unnaturally wide.

‘Alfred mate, what happened to those Tim Tams you promised me?’ Australia stands up from his crouch on the floor and looks at America reproachfully, ‘I feel swindled.’

America opens his mouth to speak but Canada cuts in first, ‘I hid them.’

America turns to him in confusion, ‘Why?’

‘Zea asked me to, seeing as they couldn’t come. Something about what you did to them at Christmas?’

Australia throws up his hands and scoffs, ‘Jesus fuck, when will they get over that. Where are did you put them? Come on, don’t be a dick, I promised Mexico some.’

Mexico shrugs delicately, ‘I don’t really care, to be honest. I just heard they were bad and wanted to see how bad.’

Australia looks down at her scandalised, ‘Who told you that?!’

She readjusts to sit properly on the floor, ‘People.’

‘Yeah, sorry, I’ll get them.’ Canada’s job has been carried out to the minimum requirement and America knows that he’s happy that he can now take himself out of the silly argument New Zealand and Australia have slyly pulled him into. He goes out of the kitchen, leaving his empty cup behind, and America follows him curiously through the hallway in the direction of the study.

‘What did Australia do to Zea at Christmas?’ America has missed out on England’s most recent yearly family function; he’d wanted to go surfing with Hawaii instead.

‘Don’t ask,’ Canada says tiredly, the air of an older sibling who had seen far too much. America is offended Canada hasn’t told him already. He opens his mouth to say as much when Canada goes to open the slightly ajar study door before stopping abruptly in the doorway, causing America to almost crash into him.

‘Hey, what-‘ Canada hurriedly squeezes America’s arm and tugs him sharply away in a warning for quiet, catching his eye before glancing into the room meaningfully. America peers around him into the study, wondering what he’s seen.

At first, he’s not sure what he’s supposed to be looking at; it looks empty. The main study light is off, leaving the room lit only by one table lamp by the sofa that casts a warm, buttery glow about the place, softening the corners with shadows. He looks to Canada for help and Canada tilts his head in the direction of the French doors, eyebrows raised.

America follows his gaze and understands. The darkness outside has turned the glass to mirrors, reflecting the front of the old sofa that America could previously only see the back of. On it are England and France, curled up together with France’s head on England’s chest and England propped against the armrest, one knee brought up high for him to rest an elbow on. He has his other hand in France’s hair and is gently running his fingers through it, long languid strokes that feel entirely too intimate for America to process.

It’s a strange thing for him to see. He has accidentally caught England and France doing other things throughout his life but intimacy isn’t really something they display. They argue. They bicker. They fight and scream and laugh, sometimes, but they do not do this in front of other people, this gentleness. Neither of the two are what anyone could ever consider gentle, even France, for all his intentional touches and flirtations -the soft ghost of his hand on a shoulder or resting warm around a waist- are not this, not personal. France is very free with his physical affections but they are shallow things, meaningless and ordinary. There is something removed and detached about how he moves amongst crowds, gathering himself close about someone to brush against them as he stands that speaks of friendliness yes, but not closeness. Nothing special to note.

But here, curled on a sofa and unaware they are being watched, there are no guards up or cold pretences between them, just a natural, domestic openness that America finds oddly normal, for how little he has seen glimpses of it. England and France together are many things, have experienced every extreme and mundane state possible for two people to experience, and this side of them is just another shade, as hard as it is to find.

France tips his head back more and opens his eyes, crinkling their corners as he murmurs something low under the muted music that causes England’s lips to twitch into a rare, open smile. They could be anyone then, just two people on a sofa, young and mellow, and for a split-second America can’t see them as anything else. The warm mood hides their identity and blurs their age- familiar strangers tucked away on their own.

America jumps, startled, when Canada nudges him, an elbow into his side and he turns to find his brother gesturing with his head back into the hallway.

He agrees. America knows both England and France would be mortified to be caught like this, boneless and out of character around the person they often so openly despise, so it’s best to leave them as they are undisturbed.

Australia can wait, America will squeeze the truth out of Canada about Christmas and maybe take Zea’s side just for fun.

----

AN:

Sorry for the wait anon, but I hope you see this and I hope that you like! Thanks for the ask and for your kind words, this was a lovely prompt and I really liked thinking about how I could do this justice ;u;

<3

[the-bau-quinjet]

Round 2: Tik Tok

Bucky x reader

Part 2 to Round 1: Fruit Snacks

Summary: You enlist Peter to help you prank Steve, Sam, and Bucky.

Warnings: Language!

Word Count: 1795

a/n: Ahh, part 2! Gotta love tik tok. This entire part was inspired by the first Chris Evans tik tok I linked... I linked all the tik toks I referenced, but the descriptions in the fic have been edited a bit to better fit the scene!

Masterlist

"Peter!" You called to him from the other end of the hallway as he entered the elevator. "Hold the door!"

He smiled back at you, holding the doors open as you ran down the hallway.

"Perfect. I need your help." You whispered as the doors closed, never knowing if a super soldier could hear you or not. You had an evil glint in your eyes that clearly said you were scheming.

"Oh, okay. What do you need Ms. L/N?" His eyes were wide, never having seen you this devious before.

"Peter. How many times have I told you to just call me Y/N? You make me feel old, and I am not old." You huffed, stalling for time.

"Right, Y/N. Got it. What do you need my help with?" He asked as the elevator doors opened.

You peaked your head, looking both ways before exiting. You gestured for him to follow you, exiting the compound and walking toward the gate where May was picking him up after a date with Happy.

"I need you to play the video on this flash drive at Tony's next party." You said when you reached the end of the driveway, handing him the mentioned flash drive.

"Why?" He took the device, albeit with a bit of hesitation.

"Because, I'm pranking Steve, Sam, and Bucky. They tried to get me the other day and failed miserably. Honestly, just watching them on edge has been great, but it's time for payback." You smirked, knowing the prank wouldn't do any real harm.

"Oh, Mr. Stark told me about that!" His eyes were wide with recognition. "Good job with the fake crying, I would've loved to see it."

"Well, you can help me get them back if you play that on the projector screen at Tony's next party." You nodded toward the flash drive, wanting to confirm the plan.

"What is it?" Peter looked nervous, unsure if he should get involved.

"Don't worry, it's nothing bad. Just a few tik toks I found from fans. Three for each of them." You smirked, already picturing the blushes. This would really get Steve and Bucky more than Sam, but when you came across the first video you couldn't not do it.

"Alright. I'm in!" He smiled, happy to help you. "But, why can't you just play the video?" He questioned, obviously not well versed in the world of pranks.

"Because, if they see me doing anything out of the ordinary at the party, they'll know something's up. I have to act normal, so it's a surprise." You outline the plan, explaining the need for two people.

"Why me?" He asked again, genuinely curious.

"Because, they won't think I'd go to you for help. They think you'll do anything to get them to stop teasing you, so they won't see it coming."

Peter nodded, understanding your logic. "Wow. You've really thought of everything." He smiled as May pulled up.

"I know. It's going to be great." You smirked, turning and running back inside before anyone could see you.

-

The night of the party, it took everything in you not to wear the world's biggest smirk.

Sam, Bucky, and Steve have been on edge ever since your warning, waiting for you to strike. They were huddled by the bar, appearing deep in conversation.

"Hi boys." You greeted them from behind, causing them to jump at the intrusion.

Sam recovered first, smirking at you. "Y/N. We've got a theory."

You raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

"You warned us about your next prank, and then planned nothing." You bit your lip, trying to appear deep in thought.

"Interesting theory. What do you have to support it?" You tilted your head to the side, waiting for more of an explanation.

"It's been a week, and you haven't done anything." Steve started, less confident than Sam, but still sounding sure.

"I haven't?" You questioned, enjoying watching them squirm. "You sure?"

Bucky shook his head with a grin. "You're doing it again. Trying to make us paranoid."

Your gave them your sweetest smile, running your hand up and down Bucky's arm. "Whatever you say, dear." You said it with mock reassurance, then walked away grinning.

The three men shared a look, trying not to seem overly paranoid, but failing.

-

You felt eyes on you for the entire party. There was never a minute at least one of them wasn't watching your every move. You were fairly certain they were even keeping tabs on Wanda and Nat, just to make sure you hadn't enlisted their help.

You chatted with Nat, Wanda, and Pepper, danced for a bit, and ate some food, all while ignoring their stares.

Around 9:30, Peter managed to get the video queued up. All eyes were on the projector screen at the sudden noise.

A tik tok started playing, flashing different images of Steve as the music played.

"Hush hush hush, blush blush blush, you are now my big fat crush."

Steve's face grew redder as the video played, turning into a tomato by the end.

"Love me, and hug me, and touch me. And well, fuck me."

Another video immediately started playing, also featuring pictures of Steve.

The caption read "Let me present to you: Steve Rogers Walking" backed by some sexy music.

"When marimba rhythm starts to play, dance with me, make me sway."

Clips of Steve walking, whether it be in uniform from a news clip or in suits from press events, graced the screen.

He was hiding his head in his hands, too embarrassed to even think you could have done this. He had been watching you all night, you couldn't have set up the video.

Bucky and Sam laughed as a third video started to play.

The on screen text read as follows:

"People: how do you sleep at night? Me:"

A girl fell into her bed, swaddled in a blanket covered in pictures of Steve.

The screen flashed black for a few seconds, making everyone think the impromptu display was over. That is, until a new video began playing.

A heavy bass started thumping as a girl appeared on screen, counting down with her fingers along with the sound.

"3, 2, 1."

Sam appeared on screen, a plethora of his most used interview and press clips being played.

He was enjoying the praise, although slightly embarrassed at the video being played in front of all these people.

Another video began playing, showing Sam acting out different Avengers in a game of charades.

"Oh!" It was highly edited to draw attention to his amusing sound effects.

Finally, a clip from an interview Sam did with Steve and Scott came up.

"The problem isn't the kids, the problem is the parents."

You knew he wouldn't be embarrassed by the same things as Steve, so you chose a few random videos you found to call him out for not always thinking before speaking.

The screen flashed black again, transitioning to videos of Bucky.

A clip that had gone viral from Sam's account was edited with new music, resulting in the crowd hearing Bucky say:

"Suck my dick!" Followed by the song "if you gave me a chance, i would take it."

These videos were really just for you. You watched them so many times while looking for the three best ones.

Although, Bucky's wide eyes and rosy cheeks definitely didn't hurt.

The next video began with Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake.

"Take it to the chorus. Come here girl."

Pictures of Bucky flashed across the projector screen, showing off his physique. You don't know where fans find this pictures, but you loved them for it.

The last video of Bucky was a pov someone made about yours and Bucky's relationship. Although the two of you were flirty, nothing had been discussed.

Maybe that's why you chose this one.

You and Bucky were having a fake conversation that went as follows:

Y/N: "Bucky, I like your last name."

Bucky: "Oh thanks, that's sweet."

Then, in sync with the music in the background:

Y/N: "Can I steal it from you?"

Bucky: "Of course, doll."

Y/N: "What'd he sayyyyy?"

The crowd laughed at that one, knowing how the media and fans speculate about your relationship.

Finally, the screen went dark, no more videos lined up to play.

You made your way over to the guys as everyone resumed their normal party activities.

"What a show guys. Really well done. Don't forget to thank your fans." You slow clapped, enjoying their flustered faces.

"How long were you planning that?" Steve, blush just beginning to fade, questioned you.

"I've had the video made for 6 days. I started planning the second you left for the store." You grinned, enjoying the high of a good, harmless prank.

"We've been watching you all night. How did you manage to queue the video?" Sam questioned, eyes narrowed.

"I had help." You shrugged noncommittally. You wouldn't give up Peter's role in the prank unless he wanted you to.

"From? We had eyes on Nat and Wanda." Bucky questioned further, but you just shook your head.

"I can't reveal my sources." You laughed again at their matching looks of annoyance.

Suddenly, something clicked for Bucky.

"So, you chose all of the videos?" He sounded so curious, you couldn't help but fill him in.

"I did. It didn't take long. The internet is full of videos of the three of you. They were pretty fun to look through." You laughed at a few videos you opted to leave out of the montage.

"What's this about you liking my last name then?" Bucky had a new confidence about him with this question.

Having expected this question at some point, you had already thought of how you would answer.

"Well, the fans want what they want. Maybe we should give it to them." You stepped closer as Sam and Steve awkwardly shuffled away.

"You think so, doll?" Bucky relied, hands moving to your waist.

"I don't see why not." You closed the distance, pressing your lips to his in a moment you had been thinking about for months.

You moved together, pulling each other closer even when you were already chest to chest.

Eventually, the sound of a throat clearing caused you to break apart.

Tony was playfully glaring at the two of you.

"L/N, if you ever use my protégé to pull a stunt like that again, at least include some videos of me." He whined.

You laughed at his statement, having expected him to be annoyed at you interrupting his party.

"Can do Stark."

He walked off as you turned back to Bucky, whose mouth was hung open like a fish.

You gave him a questioning look as he sputtered.

"Parker helped you?!"

Permanent tag list:

@averyhotchner

[heliads]

Lucky Number 6

Based on this request: “5 times Luke almost admitted his feelings to the reader (Julie’s BFF) and one time he actually does?”

masterlist

#1: The one time Alex and Reggie interrupt him

Luke’s heading over to Julie’s studio. It’s been a long day, and a pretty boring one at that. With Julie at school all day, he and the boys can’t really play as a band until the afternoon when she comes home. They had been distracting themselves outside the house, but Luke left to return back to Julie’s house because Willie showed up and he’s not really in the mood to watch Alex flirt with the skateboarder any longer. Reggie stayed behind, claiming that he was going to be a chaperone, but even that doesn’t really tempt Luke to stay.

When he shows up at the house, he notices that Julie is already inside the studio, talking to a girl who’s got her back turned to him. When Julie glances up and sees him, she gestures for Luke to join the two of them. “Luke! Good to see you! This is my best friend Y/N!” The girl- Y/N- turns around to face him, and in that moment Luke swears that time stops. 

She’s beautiful. No, more than that. Gorgeous. Her eyes are warmer than a sparking fire, and they draw Luke in like the opening notes of a guitar riff that he’s been dying to play. Her smile is infectious, and he feels himself start to smile in return. He barely manages to stammer out a sentence. “I’m Luke. You’re-” He’s cut off as Reggie and Alex poof into existence, and the two boys instantly start talking over him in their rush to speak to Y/N. The words die on his tongue. You’re really pretty.

Luke feels a slight pang of annoyance that his friends would interrupt him at this moment, but as he watches Y/N talking excitedly with them, he realizes that it might have been for the best. What was Luke going to do, anyway? Ask Y/N out on a date when she’s the only one in the world who can see him? Y/N’s turned back to him, now, and the intensity of her gaze makes Luke feel like he’s caught in a strobe light. “Luke, weren’t you saying something?” Luke just shakes his head. “Nah, forgot. Nothing important.” Nothing important indeed. This isn’t going to go very well.

#2: The one time Julie interrupts him

The setting is a fairly large jazz club, home to throngs of people milling about and listening to the music of Julie and the Phantoms. Julie’s killing it on the vocals, of course, and Luke feels like he’s coasting on the clouds as he plays along on his guitar. The entire club is full of people, but yet Luke’s gaze keeps returning to one person and one person alone: Y/N. Before he knows it, the song is over, and he’s bowing in unison with the rest of his bandmates before poofing out of existence along with his guitar. 

Luke notices that Y/N’s heading backstage, and so he poofs a few feet in front of her. She jumps, startled, then flashes him a grin. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.” Luke winces. “Sorry! Keep forgetting that randomly appearing out of nowhere isn’t normal.” Y/N laughs, and the sound makes Luke want to make a thousand more jokes just to hear it again. “No worries. By the way, you were amazing out there! You guys sound terrific.” Luke can’t help but smile at her words. “Us guys?” She nods. “You.” 

Maybe it’s the pounding of the music overhead, or the adrenaline of performing, but Luke takes a step closer to Y/N. He watches as she tilts her head up at him, not backing away and maybe even intrigued. His heart feels like it’s pounding a million times per minute. “You know, Y/N, I-” There’s the sound of running footsteps behind him, and Julie jogs up next to the two of them. “There you are! I was looking for you guys everywhere!”

Luke realizes how this looks, the two of them inches away from each other, and he backs away quickly before Julie can realize what he was going to say to Y/N. What he’s been trying to say, but never got the chance. He scratches the back of his head awkwardly. “Well, we’re, uh, over here. Good work out there!” Y/N nods at this, congratulating Julie on the performance. Julie starts to lead her best friend away, but Y/N glances back one last time as if to apologize for not finishing the conversation. Luke can only stand there. How can he tell Y/N how he feels if he keeps getting interrupted?

#3: The one time when she’s into music too

Luke’s bored. School’s technically still in session, but he doesn’t have anything to do and so he shows up to Los Feliz High School anyway. Julie’s in the middle of a test, so he can’t bother her. Instead, Luke just wanders down the halls, idly making lockers open and close when he’s sure nobody can see it. As he rounds a corner, he hears something. It’s faint, coming from further down the hall. Curious, he follows it, and ends up finding himself in front of a closed door to a music room. It’s empty, except for one person seated at a piano. Y/N.

He can’t help himself, and Luke walks through the door to come to a stop in the room. Y/N’s bent over the piano, focusing on the piece at hand. It’s simple, certainly far less advanced than anything Julie’s been working on, but it’s beautiful and makes Luke stand still, watching with a slight smile on his face. A few seconds later, Y/N looks up, her hands falling silent at the keys.

Luke walks over, smiling. “I didn’t know you could play. You sound amazing.” Y/N grins, nervously straightening the sheet music in front of her. “I can’t, or at least not very well. Julie’s teaching me so I can accompany her if she needs anything. She says she wants me to learn because if I play her pieces, she can listen and find mistakes more easily. I’m not sure how much that really works, but I’ve been meaning to learn for a while so I figured I might as well go with it.”

Luke nods, heading over to the piano bench. Y/N scoots a few inches over, and Luke takes a seat next to her. He considers the sheet music propped up on the piano. “To be honest, I’m not that good at piano either. I was always more of a guitar kind of guy, but I’ll learn if you’re there with me.” Y/N beams up at him. “Sounds like a plan. There’s this one line, right here, that I’m having some trouble with.”

Luke nods, scanning the notes. He positions his hands on the keys, skimming just a few millimeters away from Y/N’s fingers. “I think it goes like this.” He plays a few chords, and she nods, brow furrowed in concentration as she tries it herself. Their hands move in tandem, his guiding hers to the proper places on the keys in a quiet dance to the music she’s playing. Luke realizes that Y/N understands the piece now, but he can’t quite convince himself to move his hands away. His arm is neatly wrapped around her shoulders, just a hair away from touching her.

The room is silent, and Luke realizes that she has finished playing the piece. He looks up at her, at the way her chin is tilted up just a few inches away from his own. He wants to say something, anything, but his mouth feels dry and he finds he can’t do anything but stay silent. Y/N blushes slightly, looking away. Just then, her phone rings, and Luke notices the caller ID displays her mother’s name. He unwraps his arms from around her. “I think you had better answer that. It looks important.” She nods, reaching for her phone. Is it just his imagination, or does she look just as reluctant as he does to end this moment?

#4: The one time he realizes he won’t be enough

Luke’s feeling determined. He has to say something to Y/N, to tell her he loves her. He’s been dancing around it for a while now, but he thinks at last he has the confidence to speak up. How is it that he can play with the band in front of massive crowds, but yet talking to a pretty girl makes his heart pound like a drum in his chest?

Y/N’s back at Julie’s house again, and they’re getting ready for another garage show. They hadn’t planned on doing any more performances at Julie’s house, considering that the Phantoms were so well-known that they could afford to play at larger venues, but Ray had asked and so the band would deliver. Y/N’s helping them set up, and Luke’s about to tell her how he feels. For real this time, no interruptions.

He rounds the corner of his house and sees her, the confidence in her stature and the smile in her eyes. It takes him a second longer to realize that she’s talking to somebody. Nick, that boy from school who’d had a crush on Julie. Guess he’d moved on. Luke hangs back, realizing that Y/N can’t see him from this angle. As he watches, Y/N laughs, hitting Nick playfully with the palm of her hand. They look so happy together, and get along so well.

There’s some difference here in the way she acts with Nick than with him, and it hits Luke like a ton of bricks. Nick’s right there, and he can be a regular, ordinary person with her. She can hit him playfully, can tap him on the shoulder, can take his hand and never let it go. Luke feels his ghostliness keenly in this moment, in a way he’s never felt it before. Will it always be like this, with him an undying outsider? Will he have to watch as she grows up and moves on from him, even when he can’t move on from her?

Y/N is starting to turn around now, and Luke quickly moves away before she can see him. So much for that conversation happening- he can’t see a future where she would ever want to be with him. Why would she, when no one else can even look at him?

#5- The one time there’s a miscommunication

There’s a crowded afterparty at Flynn’s house. Flynn had been proud of Julie and the band, and, not wanting Carrie to take advantage of the crowd’s high spirits, had hosted the party herself. Luke is here, although he’s not quite sure why. Nobody can see him anyway. In fact, the only reason he showed up at all is because Y/N had asked him to. He’d do anything for that girl, he knows that now. He doesn’t even know where she is, and he’s still here. Luke’s head is starting to pound from all of the noise, and he heads out to a quiet room out back to let his thoughts settle.

There’s a quiet noise behind him, and he turns to see Y/N standing next to the door. She smiles at him. “Not quite enjoying yourself?” Luke shrugs. “It’s kind of hard to appreciate the party when you’re not really there to everyone else.” Y/N smiles. “You’re here to me, Julie, and your bandmates. You can still hear the music. Isn’t that enough to make it different than most nights?” Luke smiles slightly in spite of himself. “You’re right. I apologize.” He looks at Y/N with an obviously feigned pout that makes her giggle.

Y/N considers the red plastic cup in her hands, then looks at Luke through eyes that have suddenly turned serious. “Luke, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while now about something.” Luke nods slowly. “Shoot.” Y/N sighs, letting her words spill out in a flood as if letting them churn inside her head for a second longer would’ve drowned her. “I love you, Luke. I think I have for a while now.”

All Luke can do is stand there. Is this really happening? He wants to look around for the distraction, for the inevitable interruption that always seems to happen whenever he tries to confess his feelings to her. This can’t be real. Why would she ever feel the same way about him? Luke comes back to reality when he realizes that Y/N isn’t looking at him with the same expression. In fact, she seems far sadder than normal. Her voice is barely above a whisper. “Do you not have anything to say?”

Luke’s eyes widen. “What? No, that’s not- not what I meant.” The door to the room opens, and Alex and Reggie bound inside, laughing. Y/N flinches when she hears them come in. “I guess I know how you feel. I think I’m going to go.” Luke reaches out his arm to her, panicked. “Wait! I-” She’s not listening anymore, already turning to leave. 

#6: The one time he actually does

Reggie and Alex glance at her, then turn their attention back to him. Reggie throws an arm around his shoulders, and Alex does the same. “Hey, guess what! Flynn thinks we should perform again. Come on, we’ve got everything set up.” Luke shakes his head, trying in vain to see where Y/N went. “I can’t, I’ve got to talk to Y/N. I think I really messed up.”

Reggie rolls his eyes, grinning. “You can talk to her later. Come on! We have to go. Are you really going to give up a chance to play with the band?” Luke looks at his friend apologetically. “Yeah, I think I am. Sorry, but I have to go.” With that, he shrugs off his friend’s arms, diving out of the room.

It takes him a while to find Y/N. He poofs in and out of different rooms, searching for the girl he loves. After a minute or two, he finds her. She’s standing alone in the garden out back, staring at the flowers with an expression that looks all shades of blue. She glances up when she sees Luke poof into existence next to her.

“Look, you don’t have to say anything. I shouldn’t have told you that, we should have stayed friends. You don’t have to come cheer me up, Luke.” Luke shakes his head. “I don’t want us to be friends.” Y/N looks taken aback. “What?” Luke just grins. “I love you, Y/N. I don’t want to be friends because I love you. I’ve been trying to confess for ages now but people keep interrupting me.” Y/N stares. “What? Then why didn’t you say anything when I told you?”

Luke grimaces. “Honestly, I’m not quite sure why. I think I was just so surprised that I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t realize how it would look until you left.” Y/N laughs, slight incredulity starting to tint her smile. “You’re serious? You really do love me?” Luke flashes her a grin. “Really do. Have since the moment I met you. I’m just glad that you love me back, or I would have been trying to confess many, many more times.” Is this really working out? Luke’s not sure what kind of cosmic luck he must have, but Y/N actually likes him back. Well, maybe the sixth time’s the charm for telling someone you love them.

[rayshippouuchiha]

Nezu finding a younger Izuku and helping him hone his analysis skill (and build some confidence and ultimately creating a terrifying child who can analyze anyone in seconds and take them down just as fast with a smile) and then enlisting him to actually teach classes on the subject

just imagine Aizawa having to interact with this terrifying nightmare child who can read him better than a book

~Ah hell here we go again~ Read More Below!

Nezu doesn’t often leave UA’s grounds these days and even more rarely does he venture out unaccompanied in some way.  He has made it a habit of sorts to stay on the campus as much as possible ever since he solidified his hold on the school almost a decade ago.

It’s a move that is he admits, even if only to himself, fueled by equal parts pragmatism and paranoia.

After all UA has most of everything he needs within it already including a set of private apartments scaled just perfectly to his size and tastes despite what impression the large, human suited desk in his public office tends to give any visitors to his domain.  Why should he worry about venturing out into the city when anything the campus might not be able to provide for him can easily be procured by his minions dear employees or through delivery via secured drone?

And the fewer trips he makes off campus means the fewer opportunities there are for those who are still displeased with something someone such as himself holding such a position of power over such a prestigious hero school to take action.  He, of course, has all faith in his ability to protect himself from whatever ham-fisted assassin might come his way but Nezu is, above almost all else, pragmatic.

The fewer bodies left in his wake the smoother his daily life tends to run.

It had, after all, been such a pain to get the records from his time at the tender mercies of his human captors completely sealed and the quietly buried.

The humans involved in the case had finally agreed though and in the years since they did so like to tout how the illustrious UA Principle had been “rescued” from the laboratories.

Few remained who remembered what the heroes who’d raided that hellish place had actually found when they’d arrived.

Those unlucky few who did remember had long since been silenced by hook or by crook.  That had been one of the first things Nezu had done when he’d finally managed to accumulated enough power that his subtle threats and sharp toothed promises had finally come to hold real meaning on more than one level.

When he’d finally managed to bite and claw himself into a position of power that showed him as the threat he always had been for those who might dare cross him.

That had been the very first secret he’d ensured would be kept as it was one that posed the biggest threat to his reputations in a number of circles.

Nezu’s intellect wasn’t his only weapon after all, only his most dangerous. Though his teeth and claws could work in a pinch if the situation called for it.  And when they’d tried to take his eye it had certainly called for it.

A self professed level of resentment and sadism could be excused by most of humanity for someone of Nezu’s circumstances.

But a body count?  Well. That’s when humans tended to get ... tetchy. 

So while Nezu does, of course, have a residence of his own off campus for paperwork purposes and as a secondary fall back location, UA’s campus has been his unofficial residence for some number of years now.  And it will be his official one as well as soon as he manages to finally get the dorm system he’s been aching to implement passed through.

They will have to pry that school, his school, and what he’s attempting to build there from his cold, dead paws and whatever other insurance policies he manages to put into action between now and his inevitable death. Which will, of course, be some time in the far far future if he has anything to say or do about it.  And he will.

All of that aside there are times when leaving the campus is unavoidable, this being one of them.  An unfortunate scheduling conflict and a private meeting that absolutely had to be conducted in person had left him where he is now, strolling down the sidewalks of Musutafu and quietly lamenting how very oversized so many things were.

It truly was a pity that more accommodations had not been made for those whose quirks and circumstances of birth left them on the smaller side instead of on the larger scale.  But progress could be rather unfortunately slow and so it was just one more issue Nezu hoped to begin subtly influencing in the coming years.

He’s just turning a corner, intent on visiting a nearby cafe with an excellent tea selection before he returns to UA (one must have their indulgences and a good brew and a finely crafted cigarette have long been amongst Nezu’s chosen pleasures), when he hears it.

“Get back here and get what you deserve, Deku,” a voice, rough and young but edged with a viciousness that makes the backs of Nezu’s teeth itch, practically howls.

Nezu, attention instantly captured, pauses just long enough to avoid being mowed down by the child who comes tearing around the corner.

For a split second their eyes meet, a blazing green gaze Nezu can’t help but admire just a bit locking with his own, as the boy sees him and swerves to avoid running into Nezu in his obviously frantic escape.

Nezu hops backwards a half step just as the boy loses his footing and crashing painfully to the side walk beside him.

“A-Are you o-okay?” the boy half stutters, half pants as he looks up at him, eyes wide and seemingly uncaring of the blood Nezu can already smell on his scraped palms and likely ripped kneecaps.

“Are you?” Nezu asks back evenly, eyes tracking over the boy and instantly compiling details and facts as he takes in the tattered school uniform, the pale face, the singed backpack and the bruises he can see just peeking out from beneath unseasonal long sleeves.

Everything about the boy screams battered to Nezu’s sense.

And then he looks down at his feet and sees his shoes.

His distinctive red shoes at that, vibrant in color and thick soled, subtly different in make and construction than most ordinary shoes seen these days, much like the footwear Nezu himself wears even now.

Which means that this boy either has a quirk that affects his feet or ...

“Thought you were going to get away didn’t you, you Quirkless fuck?” A small group of boys rounds the corner then, ignoring Nezu entirely and focusing on the boy who abruptly goes even paler somehow.  “Just cause sensei couldn’t prove you cheated doesn’t mean we’re gonna let you get away with it.”

Ah, Nezu thinks even as he presses the urge to snarl down and away, option two then.

The green boy, because Nezu will not be calling him Deku even in his own mind, scrambled up onto his feet then.  But, surprisingly enough, he doesn’t turn to run.

Instead he edges forward just a bit, sliding a shoulder and a foot forward until he’s standing almost protectively in front of Nezu himself.

“K-Kacchan,” the green one stutters, “I-I didn’t cheat I s-swear!  I wouldn’t d-do that.”

“Tsk,” the blond leader, Kacchan, tisks then, a snarl thick and heavy on his young face.  At his sides his hands flex in a move Nezu knows must be related to his quirk.  “Bullshit.  No way you’d get top of the class in anything without cheating, you worm.”

Nezu has known this child for roughly 6 seconds and he finds that he does not care for him at all.  But then he’s never been overly fond of most of humanity either so perhaps that’s to be expected.

“H-Heroes don’t cheat,” Green insists, the naïve if well meant words sounding like a declaration.  “If I’m g-going to be a hero then I c-can’t either.”

That explanation only seems to enrage Kacchan even further if the way his hands begin to pop and crackle is anything to go by.

This, Nezu knows as the scent of burnt caramel begins to fill the air around them, is going to escalate quickly.

“Public quirk usage is ~illegal~,” Nezu singsongs as he steps around the green boy and plants himself firmly in front of him instead, abruptly drawing the blond boy and his followers attention toward him.  One paw slips into his vest pocket to remove the specially designed cell phone he’s never without.  “I would hate to be forced to report this to the proper authorities.”

Never mind that, technically, he is the proper authorities.

The blond glares at him for a long moment before he huffs.

“This isn’t over Deku,” he snarls.  “I’ll see you in class tomorrow.”

It’s an obvious threat but the boy turns on his heel, shoves his way through his friends, and stalks off back around the corner in the direction he came.

So Nezu lets it go.  For now.

“Now that that has been handled for the moment, young man,” Nezu turns towards the green boy beside him with all of the showmanship that’s come to define his patented introduction, “let me introduce myself! Am I a dog, a rat, or a bear? Either way I am Nezu th-”

“Y-You’re the Intel Hero Nezu,” the green boy says brightly, cutting Nezu’s introduction off even as he rubs raw and bloody palms against his black slacks and starts to dig through his backpack, “You solved the H-Hanamura kidnapping and the Inugami murders! You’re one of my favorite heroes!”

Nezu can’t help the way he stalls out just a bit at that because ... well he’s never been anyone’s favorite anything.  Their nightmare yes but not their favorite.  Especially not a child.  Children around this age normally tend to have more simplistic reactions to him.  And most of them don’t know about the string of rather gruesome ritualistic homicides he’d solved or the high profile kidnapping cases he consults on in his down time.

“C-Can you please sign my notebook?” the boy says then, head bowed low and a notebook and pen held out in Nezu’s direction.

Nezu admits to being slightly intrigued when he sees the way the cover is labeled Hero Analysis For The Future Vol 8.

That intrigue only grows when he opens it and his attention is immediately captured by the rather impressively done sketch of Pro Hero Starstreak that he finds there.

Unable to help himself Nezu reads over the page quickly and then keeps going.

Well now, Nezu can’t help but think just a bit gleefully as he sees the absolutely unbelieve level of analysis this young, quirkless boy has compiled, isn’t this interesting.

[paperpocalypse]

on the way to nothing.

50 Wordless Ways to Say “I Love You”: 37. Making sure to be quiet while they’re taking a nap.

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x Reader

Word Count: 1,198 words

Warning: Mild swearing

Every evening, the sunset reminds Five that the world has ended.

It’s a strange thing to watch in the aftermath of an apocalypse; even after three years, he still hasn’t gotten used to the sight. Maybe he’s just surprised that the Earth’s still turning – round and round and round, a carousel with only two riders. Behind the veil of dust and smoke, the sun glows red as it sinks, staining the sky in a haunting rust of grayish-yellows and blood orange.

Dragging his supply wagon behind him, Five squints forward into the garish horizon and frowns. “It’ll be dark soon,” he says, pulling his scarf over his mouth and nose as a gust of wind picks up dust.

Beside him, you nod. Your own wagon clanks and rattles behind you, less filled with food and water than it had been this morning. “I still don’t see the town.”

He looks down at the faded roadmap in his hands. “We have about thirteen miles to go. Our best bet is to keep walking until we reach it, while it’s getting cooler.” As he speaks, the sun dips lower and lower. No matter. Both your eyes and his will adjust. “It’ll be easier than walking in one-hundred-degree weather tomorrow.”

“… Yeah, that’s a good idea,” you agree.

Your tone, however, makes Five stop and look over at you. You stop in return but don’t meet his gaze, staring instead at the dry emptiness ahead.

“Something wrong?” he prompts.

As if snapped out of a trance, you shake your head quickly. “No. I’m fine, I just –” you jerk your wagon forward again – “I’m just a little tired, that’s all. Let’s go.”

Eyes narrowing, Five quickly catches up and grabs your shoulder. You don’t shake him off. “Hey. If you need a break, we can take one right now and still get there before sunrise.”

You shake your head again. “No,” you insist, “I can keep going until –”

“No, you can’t. Cut the crap,” he retorts. You have a habit of sugarcoating your complaints – something he learned the hard way a few days after meeting you – and he isn’t having any of that today. “Look, take a nap or something and I’ll wake you up when it’s time to go. Deal?”

You grow quiet. Then, finally meeting his eyes, you sigh and nod. “Deal. Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me.”

“Then I take it back,” you reply dryly. Five rolls his eyes.

Your shoulder slips out from under his hand as you retrieve a tattered blanket and spare jacket from your wagon, then begin clearing out a space on the ground to lay down on. There’s nothing very meticulous about your work; over time, Five has learned that you can fall asleep quickly and nearly anywhere – convenient for the post-apocalyptic life. It’s like your body takes any chance it can to escape this hell.

Soon enough, you’re satisfied with the arrangement and lie down, hands tucked behind your head. There’s a chunk of space left on one side and Five is surprised when you say his name, reaching down to pat the vacant spot.

“You can sit,” you say, voice soft. The sun is now gone, leaving the darkening sky a chalky, brownish gray that deepens the shadows on your face. (Soon he won’t be able to read your eyes.)

Five obliges silently and sits at the edge next to your legs. Only then does the fatigue from a day’s worth of walking hit him, his sore feet suddenly relieved of work. Neither of you had really taken a break since this afternoon, too focused on finding another place with food and water. It makes him wonder how tired you actually are.

“[Y/n] –” he starts, but closes his mouth when he glances down and sees that your eyes are closed. When he listens, he hears the slowness of your breaths. Yeah, you’ve passed out already. That’s good.

Crossing his legs, Five takes a small sip of water from his canteen while he watches you sleep. Something about this moment, sitting so close to you for no discernable reason other than the fact that you had requested it, fills him with a strange sense of peace. A sense of normalcy.

It’s ridiculous, but it’s also not. You’re the most normal person he’s ever met – no powers, no special talents. Just an ordinary person who didn’t die along with literally everything else on the planet.

He had found that oddly comforting.

He wonders what it would have been like if your aunt hadn’t happened to have powers. You definitely wouldn’t have survived, and he would have landed in the apocalypse completely and utterly alone – nobody to tell him what had happened, nobody to scavenge and travel with. Nobody to talk to. Despite never being very social, Five knows that the solitude would have messed with his head. Running into you was the one good thing that came out of this hellhole.

Out of the blue, he notices how cool the air has gotten. As quietly as he can, Five stands up and goes over to his wagon, taking out his own blanket. He unfurls it carefully, then slinks back over to where you’re dozing. You’re a bit of a light sleeper, so he takes extra care not to be too hasty as he lays the blanket over you, pulling it up to your shoulders.

Suddenly, you shift. Five freezes as you curl up, burrowing under his blanket as you turn onto your side. Only when your breaths even out does he relax.

What the hell am I doing, he asks himself as he sits back. You could take care of yourself. He didn’t have to do that.

One of your hands peeks out past the edge of the blanket. After a moment of hesitation, Five reaches over and grasps your fingers gently, nudging them back under the cover. Your hand is very warm. He pushes that thought away much more quickly.

He’s not sure what he’ll do once he figures out how to get back. Logically, the best thing to do is to leave you here. Bringing you back to a time before you’re born, or even worse, when you have been born already, could complicate the timeline even more, so it’d be best to go alone.

But then you’d be alone.

Five continues to stare at you, trying to make out the minute details of your face in the darkness. He’s gotten attached to you. And sure, that’s fine for now – maybe even good – but farther down the line, it’s going to bite him in the ass. He’d never forgive himself for leaving you to die.

You probably would. You’re that much of an optimist.

“… Five? Should we go now?”

Your voice, hoarse and sleepy, causes him to shake his head and clear it enough to respond. “Ten more minutes. Go back to sleep,” he murmurs, patting your shoulder once.

“Oh, thank goodness.”

Within seconds of saying that, you drowse off again. Five shuts his eyes and releases an inaudible sigh, then opens them again to look up at the black, starless sky. Goddammit.

He hopes you’ll understand when he goes.

[neonacity]

Chapter 10: Clytemnestra

Summary:

“Only the dead have seen the end of war.”

An NCT mafia AU with OT23. Summary: Working for the mafia comes with many layers. There’s excitement, violence, loss, and betrayals. Yet there’s also friendship, family, loyalty, and code. The last thing it needs? Love and all the complexities it brings.

TW: violence, death, mentions of sex, drugs, and other illegal activities. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these, feel free to skip. Author’s note: This is purely a work of fiction. In no way am I supporting all the illegal activities and behaviors that might be mentioned in the story nor am I implying that any member of NCT acts whichever way I may write them here.

Chapter 9: In Memoriam

MASTERLIST

Fic Trailer

Chapter Music: I See Red by Everybody Loves an Outlaw

----

"What did he say?"

My eyes scanned over the words written over the piece of paper for the last time. There isn't much there, but I feel like there's something crucial I was missing. I looked up at Taeyong and shook my head. 

"Nothing much. But he wanted me to meet up with him."

"Did he give you an address?"

"No. Which makes it all the more strange. Unless he is planning to send another letter?" I handed him the piece of paper which he quickly unfolded to read. A slight frown settled between his brows as he went over it. 

There were only two lines there, none of which really makes sense. 

I will be waiting. 

22:00. Black Daisies. 

"Do you have any idea what Black Daisies mean?" 

I shook my head, mirroring the same look of confusion on his face. I've been racking my brains about it for the past few minutes but couldn't think of anything that might be related to it. 

"I honestly have no idea. He wrote a time beside it… so I am assuming whatever Black Daisies is, it's a code for a place? I don't have any idea which location he is referring to though." 

Taeyong simply looked at me silently before finally folding the paper away. We were back in my room after he temporarily managed to save me from the barrage of questions I was sure the others wanted to ask when they found out the letter was addressed for me. 

Every day I feel like the line I'm toeing gets more and more dangerous. Like a high strung tight rope that's ready to give up under my footing.

"You're not going to him." 

I looked up to meet his eyes. 

"I wasn't planning to..." 

Taeyong's gaze didn't waver.

"Promise me."

"Why?"

"Because I know you'll change your mind in a heartbeat once he involves anyone you care about. So I need you to promise, even if he uses me or any of our friends."

My lips pursed and I evaded his gaze. I heard a soft shuffling of feet and felt my mattress dip as he sat beside me. Taeyong didn't need to touch me to affect me with his presence. After that brief moment of vulnerability that we shared earlier, something has shifted. I thought I will be able to put my walls up again just as easily as I took them down, but it seems like I was wrong. 

When he spoke again, his voice was lower. Softer. 

"Promise me." 

"Is that an order from my leader?"

"No, it is a request from a friend." 

I turned to look at him and cocked my brow to diffuse the tension in the air. 

"You're ordering your noona around?" 

His lips quirked ever so slightly into a smile. 

"You're only one year older…"

"Hey. Emergency meeting."

"And seven months. One year and seven months. Don't forget that," I said, looking away.

A sharp knock on my door got our attention at that moment and we both looked up to see Doyoung standing on the threshold. He looked grim as he moved his gaze from Taeyong to me. 

-----

Jaehyun sat at the very back of the room that had filled up with all the members after Doyoung sent his urgent message. Everyone was scattered in the expansive space which seemed a little bit smaller now that WayV has joined, some sitting on the leather stools while others made do with the floor. Jungwoo and Taeil were deep in conversation beside him while Johnny and Yuta stood next to the door, flanking the entrance with their overwhelming presence. Being the main fighters of 127, it comes natural for the pair to be on the watch regardless if it's just an internal family meeting that's happening.

...Except this is not just an ordinary meeting. Jaehyun hasn't heard the full story from Doyoung yet after he came back from his business, but he has a pretty good idea of what the issue might be. Despite being just one of the crime families under the current Don's network, NCT does follow the traditional mafia ranking within its system. Doyoung works as the Consigliere to Taeyong's Capocrimine, taking over the responsibility of being the advisor and overall gatekeeper of NCT to the outside world. His connections give him access to normal society, which means if he calls for a meeting, it is probably an issue involving the "above ground." 

Taeyong walked in with an unreadable expression that made everyone fall silent in a heartbeat. He joined Doyoung in front of the room and looked over the crowd before finally speaking. 

"Has anyone here given any orders to their crew about stepping up any of our activities?"

The members exchanged confused looks between each other. Mark answered in lieu of Dream, Jeno looking just as confused beside him. 

"Not us. Why? What's up?"

Taeyong looked at Doyoung who grimly picked a folder on the table. The latter started reading the contents of it out loud into the room. 

"Heist in Dongjak district. The biggest bank there was ransacked last week. Cops also busted an illegal racing event last night. The other day, there was an ambush on one of the strip clubs at Guro. News came around that a new drug was being sold there after a rise of reported overdose deaths from it three days ago. Businesses that should be under our protection in Seocho are being ransacked despite them settling their tariff fees with us," Doyoung looked up from the paper he was reading and swept his gaze over the room. 

"That's just four of the 18 other cases that I got for the last week."

Everyone exchanged shocked looks with each other. Jeno decided to speak up, the expression on his eyes intense. 

"Hyung, it's not us. We haven't done any heists since you came back from Tokyo."

Doyoung gave a tight nod and looked over to Johnny and Yuta.

"The drugs in Guro?" 

"Not from us. The last ones we distributed are those we got from Japan and they're just psychedelic shots. They're clean." 

"WayV…?"

"We didn't bring any with us when we landed. Our jet can only fit the crates of armory we had to transport for you guys," Kun said with a frown. 

Taeyong ran a hand over his face and took a deep breath. 

"Taeyong, what's happening?"

It was Doyoung who answered for him. 

"There was a rise of undocumented cases that were being fed to the cops in the past weeks. According to the reports, they were done by us." 

"What? That doesn't make any sense," Yuta said from his position by the door.

"It does make a lot of sense, actually. Obviously, we're hands off from all of these so they can only be done by the smaller gangs that we don't manage. And it all started after that announcement was made."

"But those rats wouldn't have any confidence to go against us. They're too small and disorganized to do this. And to even claim that they're NCT? That's just impossible."

"It is possible, if there is someone bigger asking them to act up," Taeyong answered grimly. Jaehyun watched as the man's gaze quickly flickered over to the pale female face sitting on the couch between Chenle and Renjun. That's when it clicked. 

Of course, Jihoon wouldn't be too lax to actually lie low after the bombing of Anarchy. That was just the start.

"Are you sure this isn't Wonho's doing?" Ten asked with concern. "We just got word from our network in Beijing that he was peddling women from kidnappings."

Jaehyun's attention snapped to the boy then at Doyoung and Taeyong at the mention of the name. A heavy feeling quickly started to gather on the pit of his stomach as he waited for their answer.

"That's an entirely different case altogether. But you’re right. The feds caught wind that he was trafficking kidnapped tourists and now they're after his ass." 

"Did he claim his case to be connected to us, too?"

"No. But because of all these other things happening, the police are definitely pinning everything on us."

"Shit," Lucas whispered loud enough for the good half of the room to hear. Jaehyun mirrored the same internally, his hands clasped together tightly in front of him. 

Shit indeed. 

This was all supposed to be a no brainer. He only needed to help the asshole get out of the country and then he can brush him off like dirt from his hands after. Why didn't he do it before things hit the fan? Now everything has become so much more complicated.

"How bad is it?" Taeil asked from Jaehyun's left. 

"Bad enough for us to be in the 8pm news. According to our moles, the Chief of Police is going to announce the manhunt for us tonight."

The room has gone so silent and still that the air felt suffocating. If there is one thing NCT is known for in the underworld, it is the group's efficiency and cleanliness when it comes to its operations. Every job done is spotless, every loophole covered. Until now. 

"Can't we pay off—" 

"We can't. We already tried reaching out to all our associates within the force but they can't do anything about it," Taeyong answered before Taeil could even finish the question. "The cases have reached the public and now there's an outcry from the community. Even the police are pressured to do something."

A round of murmurs swept over the room. Finally, one female voice broke through it to ask the question nobody wanted to say out loud. 

"What are we going to do?"

Taeyong's jaw tightened and he unclasped his arms crossed over his chest. 

"We need to track all those gangs doing these activities and put them in their place. It's going to be difficult to hunt each of them down with their size so we will need to use most of our resources here. Reach out to all the connections you could think of. We don't need more crimes being blamed on us."

Everyone's eyes were on Taeyong as the group waited for what he's going to say next. He stopped for a bit before finally speaking again. 

"And we kill Jihoon. This isn't going to stop until he's gone." 

Glances were exchanged within the room as his words sank in. Jaehyun didn't want to break the silence but he knew that he didn't have any other choice but to ask the next question. 

"And Wonho? What are we going to do with him?"

It was Doyoung who answered this time. 

"We'll kill him, too. We've given him way too many chances already. Once we get rid of him, we take the credit and let the cops know about it. Take them off our backs for a bit. We'll take care of him this week." 

It was fortunate that Jaehyun has mastered the art of keeping an unreadable facade. In his head, the words of the woman he loves echoed once again as the consequences of the situation mocked him. 

"No betrayal… or death of a brother shall be held against any of you." 

-----

Johnny threw his half finished cigarette on the gravelled road with a quick flick of his wrist. He scanned the length of the building from across the wall he is leaning on, gaze shadowed by the cap pulled low against his face. Of course, Jihoon would have the audacity and gall to choose a luxury apartment unit as his mistress' "hiding place" in Seoul. The motherfucker is one proud asshole, acting as if he owns any territory he steps on like the crazy psycho he is. 

He's not here for him though, no. Johnny isn't the type to act out on his own, but things are slowly starting to get messy within the family. People may always credit Taeyong for being the first one to step in the line of fire when it comes to protecting the group, but Johnny is a close second when it comes to his sense of loyalty. Ever since that day he was picked up and saved from that hell of underground brawls at 17 by Taeyong himself, he made it his personal promise to do anything to protect his home. 

That's exactly what he is doing now as he buried his hands in the pockets of his jeans, waiting for his prey. If his informant was correct, she should go out of the building doors any minute now. 

30 seconds. 40. 56. 

His eyes caught a familiar form slipping out of the main entrance of the complex. The woman was wearing more casual clothes now than when they last met at Anarchy, but Johnny knew it was her despite her hoodie shielding the good half of her face. His sharp eyes followed her, allowing her to put some distance between them before he finally pushed himself from the wall to trace her steps.

She had crossed three streets when he really started catching up with her. He waited until the traffic light turned red on the street she was about to cross before slinging his arm around her casually. 

The woman stiffened instantly in his arms and looked up at him in shock. Johnny smiled casually down at her and pressed the cold nose of the gun hidden under his jacket closer to her ribcage.

"If you don't make a racket, there won't be a need for a murder scene by this road."

She pursed her lips as anger flashed in her eyes. She gave a tight nod before directing her gaze back into the street ahead.

"Good girl. Go straight then turn left. There's an abandoned building on the third alley." 

The two of them immediately started walking, sides pressed closely together. She didn't speak, but Johnny could feel her anger just bubbling underneath.

He unceremoniously pushed her inside the abandoned shop when they finally reached it. She turned to him with a glare and he didn't hesitate to raise his gun to her face, cocking it slowly. 

The move made her brows raise. Instead of looking threatened, she crossed her arms over her chest. 

"What do you want?"

"Your boyfriend's head on a stick. When are you two going to leave us alone? Your lot is causing a lot of trouble for us already."

"Are you here to kill me then?" 

"Oh no. You're here as payment. It'll be interesting to see how he reacts after we mess up one of his own." 

The woman stared at him for a long moment. Johnny’s gun didn’t waiver during the stare down, his hand steady as their gazes clashed. Then, all of a sudden, she did something he wasn’t expecting at all. 

She laughed.

She laughed so hard her voice rang and bounced on the dusty corners of the room. Johnny reigned in the confusion that overtook him with a frown. Is she acting to throw him off track?

The girl straightened up and looked at him with pure amusement in her eyes. The smirk playing on her lips told him that there is more to this act than what he is seeing. 

“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry. You stalked me thinking you’ll budge Jihoon by threatening me? That’s so, so, so amusing.” 

Johnny tightened his jaw but didn’t say a word. He watched as she started moving towards where he is standing, her eyes never leaving his. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as she stalked him, and for the first time, he actually took a good long look at her eyes. What Johnny saw there hit him like a firetruck. 

Jihoon’s madness, exactly reflected in her own gaze.

She stopped an inch away from his gun. If she moved a little, the cold metal of it would have kissed her forehead. 

“You could kill me now or torture me to death and my brother wouldn’t bat an eye… In fact, he might even thank you,” she whispered softly, almost fondly. Johnny felt the hair at the back of his neck rise. His emotions must have briefly flashed on his face because her smile widened in amusement. 

“Here’s one thing you don’t understand about Jihoon. He absolutely doesn’t care about anyone else other than himself. All these things he is doing? They are all for his sick fun. He is mad. Inhuman. If you want to have any chance of winning this, you have no other choice but to play the game with him.” 

“You’re his sister.”

“Half sister. That doesn’t change anything. I’m just a piece on his chessboard. I would honestly let you kill me now if you want to, but I can’t. Not until I finish what I have to do.”

Johnny didn’t know what got to him but he found himself slowly lowering his gun. The two of them stared at each other, silent, for what felt like forever. Finally, she moved to walk past him. 

“If that’s all, then I’ll go ahead. I suggest you find a better informant next time. Jihoon doesn’t stay in my building at all. Even I don’t know where he is,” she said casually as she moved towards the door. 

“I have no other choice. But believe me when I say that I want him dead just as much as you do.” 

“If he doesn’t care about you, why are you sticking with him?” he asked just as she wrapped her hand on the door handle. She stilled, her shoulders stiff. Johnny is not an ace when it comes to psychological games but when she turned to look at him again, he knew for sure that her eyes were honest despite being devoid of emotions. 

That made him stop. Before he knew it, he was speaking again to ask the one question that he’s been trying to answer ever since they met at Anarchy.

“Why did you save me? Back in the club. I was standing directly above your bomb.” 

For a while, she didn’t answer. Johnny thought he saw a flicker of emotion pass through her eyes, but it was gone before he could process it. 

“I wonder why too.”

The door closed behind her, leaving him alone in the shadowed room. 

----

Chapter 11

Tag list: @hen-marks99, @negincho, @nctisthecity

[thetaoofzoe]

Fic: Sy vs The Kitten 1/1

Title: Sy vs the Kitten (tm) - Round One

Pairing: There is an established coupledom between Sy and The Wife (that’s You! 💕💕) and it is mentioned, but the main showdown is between the Beard and the Claws. Captain Syverson x You

Rating: Fluff fluff fluffity fluff. You want it, I got it for you. 💖💖

Summary: A kitten, a frosty morning, and a gruff green beret with a heart of gold.

Word count: 1975

@angreav​ and @angelicwolf98​  as promised :)

also @thelastsock​ and @wolvesandhoundshowltogether​  I JUST saw your exchange regarding a feral reader/Sy. This isn’t it, but it’s close ;)

Want to read more? Click for my Masterlist

In Mid-November, it was expected to be cold in the mountains of northern Montana, but, when he awoke to a murky Friday morning, it wasn't just cold, it was down right freezing. With his eyes closed, he lay in warmth and security of his bed thinking how easy it would be to merely turn over and go back to sleep.

But, there was work to be done and with a sigh he sat up, pushed aside the heavy quilts and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Scrubbing both hands through his closely cropped hair and feeling his sleep warmed skin prickling in the chill, Sy stayed there a moment longer and mentally ticked over his to-do list.

Behind him, hidden under the mound of quilts, his wife groaned, clenched into a tight ball and he received an ear full of muffled complaining telling him to either get back into bed and put that furnace he called a body to good use or get up, but damn him for letting out the heat!

Chuckling, he nearly lay down again, desperate to do the former, but as he had to start his day, he reluctantly chose the latter. He got up, spread the rest of the bed clothes about his wife's already buried form and then fondly whacked her bum with an open hand, earning an incomprehensible string of words that may or may not have been  a promise of bodily harm.

Specifically /his/ body coming to harm.

Amused by her idle threat, he left her to sleep and quietly went into the adjoining bathroom.

Sy showered and dressed and followed by his rescue dog, Aika,  who met him on the stairway landing, he descended to the lower level where the scent of coffee greeted him.  The previous night, his ever thoughtful wife had programmed the coffee maker to ensure that hot coffee was waiting for him when he got up and even as he poured a cup for himself, he longed to go upstairs, get into bed and pull her back into his arms.

He grumbled to himself,  as the want of his sweet-smelling wife rose like a aching knot in his throat.  He was halfway between putting the cup back onto the counter when the big shaggy Alsatian bumped expectantly against his legs, distracting him.

'Right, right, Aika. I remember,' he laughed and he gave her, her morning snack.

No use wasting more time, he thought.

A stiff dark brown canvas jacket hung from a hook by the back door. Shrugging into it and pulling on a matching hand knitted beanie (one of many homecoming presents from his wife)  he opened the door and stepped out into the cold, crisp morning.

Cradling the steaming cup of coffee, Sy stood on the wide back porch surveying the stretch of land and the forest beyond. He  loved spending his downtime at the family ranch as it was so far and away from his normal chaotic hell. The air was clean and fresh and the only gunshot he heard was the occasional crack of a distant hunting rifle as someone took down their dinner. He found clarity and serenity at the ranch and the quality time he spent with his wife there was sufficient to keep him sated and strong enough to face going back into service.

His thoughts drifted to the woman in his bed again and a contented smile curved his lips. He was definitely going to finish up his chores quickly and spend the rest of the day worshipping her luscious body. That would certainly warm her up.

Sy really had only one job that morning before breakfast and it was  to ensure that the corn silos were all buttoned up and that the paperwork on their contents was properly filled out. That meant getting into the truck and driving the half mile of dirt road to the edge of the ranch where the trio of silver silos stood.

He put his now empty coffee mug on the the narrow table sat between two rocking chairs by the back door and whistling softly to the dog, he trotted down the stairs and walked towards his truck.

Aika, who had been curled on a soft handmade dog bed at his feet, busily smelling whatever Alsatians could smell between porch deck boards, snorted and pushed up and to her feet. She yawned, squeaked and shook her lanky body, but remained standing on the top step looking down at him.

Sy looked back at her and she regarded him placidly. He knew that Aika loved being in the mountains and was becoming very accustomed to the luxurious life he had been able to provide for her. But sometimes she just wanted to laze around and be spoiled.

'Aika,' he said gently, patting his thigh. 'C'mon, girl. We'll get this over with, ok? Then breakfast.'

The word 'breakfast' perked her up and her long tail shot into the air behind her. She wagged it furiously but instead of following Sy down the stairs, she turned and went to sniff around the back door. She pawed it a little and barked to be let in, for breakfast was only served inside.

'Aika!' he laughed. 'Come on now, girl. C'mon.'

She whipped into a circle and looked longingly at the door before sighing and bouncing down the stairs.

Sy fished his truck keys out of his jacket pocket and walked up the gravel path to where he'd parked the truck. Aika followed and then alerted by something,  stopped suddenly, and frantically sniffed the air. She hunched to snuffle at the front grill of the truck before dropping flat to wedge herself beneath the chassis.

'Aika!' Sy snapped going  to see what had captivated the dog so much. 

He crouched, reaching for her collar to try to drag her out from beneath the truck. 'What's goin' on with you.'

Aika didn't give up.

She continued to bark and bark until he relented and popped the hood. He used a small Maglite to quickly scan the top of engine for the thing that had whipped his dog into a frenzy. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary and about to slam shut the hood again, a small noise caused him to pause.

Aika heard it too and barked once, inquisitively. Sy glanced down at the dog who tilted her head up to meet his gaze.

Sy stepped up on the chrome front bumper, ducked under the raised hood and leaned in for a closer look. He wove the torch's beam in and around the engine parts and he huffed out a noise of surprise when the stark white circle of light fell upon a small grey furry lump.

Said furry lump promptly lifted big watery eyes, squinted in the bright light and meowed.

This barely audible sound sent Aika into another frenzy of barking and she attempted to clamber up onto the bumper and into the engine.

'Stop it! Sit!' Sy chided her glancing back at the house and hoping the noise hadn't disturbed his sleeping wife. With a huff Aika obediently plopped her rump onto the gravel and waited.

'Damn,' he muttered, thinking that if Aika hasn't alerted him to their stowaway, he would have had a mess on his hands later.

Sy reached into the engine and tried to curve his big hand about the tiny kitten body but his heroics were immediately rewarded with the violent wrath of teeth and claws. With a startled yelp of pain, he snatched his hand back and involuntarily jerked up and banged the back of his head against the underside of the hood.

He bit down hard on another swear and rubbed the back of his throbbing head. Sy glanced down at Aika who whined with apparent sympathy. But, it was probably more amusement than sympathy.

'Yeah, thanks,' he grumbled in response. 'Aw right.'

Clearing his throat, Sy trained the light on the kitten again who now glared up at him with as much kitteny menace as it could muster.

He tried again to fish the fuzzball from its hiding place but unable to get a good grip, he drew back again.

Need two hands, he thought.

He slid the tail end of the Maglight into his mouth and using one hand, he corralled the kitten into his other and managed to squish it gently into a hissing ball between his lightly cupped hands. Sy held the kitten against his side, stored the torch in his back pocket and then rearranged the kitten to get a better hold on it.  Nose up in the air, Aika tore circles around him, wanting to get closer to the dew wet and shivering kitten.

'Now, where's yer mama?' Sy asked the sad, big-eyed face.

The kitten meowed pitifully, made an attempt to escape but decided instead to nestle into the heat of the man's comforting hands. And, with a sigh, he tucked the ball of fur and claws into the breast pocket of his over-shirt to help keep the kitten warm with his body.

'Anybody else?' Sy asked Aika and nodded to the truck.

The dog stared up at him, much too interested in the pocket hitch hiker to answer.  Sy stepped back up onto the bumper and not only finished his investigation of the engine from the top, but also from the bottom.

Nothing. All clear of sheltering fur balls.

'Right,' he said to both animals now in his protection. 'Let's go.'

He helped Aika jump up into the tall cab and slamming the door, he walked around the truck to the driver's side and climbed in. Rescuing kittens aside, there were still chores to be done.

**

There was a woman in the kitchen when he returned with the kitten and Aika in tow.

She looked up from from her coffee and circular needles and when he finished hanging up his jacket and stuffing the beanie into the jacket's pocket, she put aside her unfinished work.

'I promised you a beating,' she teased with a bright sunny smile.

Sy looked at her a moment, hand protectively cupped about the lump in his plaid shirt's breast pocket.

'What?'

He'd forgotten about her sleepy threats.

'For this morning.'

He thought a moment and then laughed a dirty little confident laugh.

'Oh,' he replied and supressed a grin.

He approached her and leaned in to kiss her forehead. When she lifted her face, he kissed her lips.  'Whenever you want to throw down,' he said, grabbing her chin between his fingers to keep her head up. 'I'm ready.'

She smiled with interest before she was distracted.

'What's that?' she asked, tapping the back of his hand still cupped against his shirt.

Sy drew back, gently extracted the sleepy kitten and presented it to her.

'It was hiding in the engine of my truck,' he explained and smiled a little when she reached both hands out to accept the kitten with a soft coo.

Sy poured another cup of coffee and leaned against the counter to watch his wife walk around the kitchen to find appropriate materials to clean and swaddle the kitten. She opened a can of tuna and they both watched the animal eat its fill.  

Once the kitten had fallen asleep in its new warm cocoon, she handed the bundle to Sy. Kissing his bearded cheek, she smiled.

'Once you save a life...' she said and left him alone in the kitchen with his new fluffy responsibility.

Aika sat before him and watched the exchange intently. Sy leaned down and presented the bundle to the dog who sniffed it excitedly and then immediately began licking the tiny head.

'Aw right, aw right. Take it easy.'

Sy straightened and continued to drink his coffee as he studied the little pointy face.

'I'm responsible for you now. I'll take care of ya, don't worry.'

-end :)

[deannaroxannewrites]

Tropetember Day 2: Coffee Shop / Tattoo Parlor / Flower Shop / Other Retail AU

Coffee and other ways to heal the soul.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x GN!Reader

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Rating: General Audiences

TW: Valhalla arc (mentioned), coffee, NCIS cameo

AN: Day 2 of @tropetember. I was really struggling with the coffee shop AU but once I got going, really got way too into it and could probably pad this out into a short series. Is that something people would be interested in?

Also, not really sure if I managed to capture Spencer but remember this is an AU and that's my excuse!

Enjoy!

Find this story on Ao3 here.

Word Count: 2.4k

One of the biggest advantages of owning one of the few coffee shops in Quantico that wasn't part of a massive chain, was the constant stream of senior FBI and Navy personnel desperate for high quality, well made coffee. It had become such a lucrative venture in fact that you could afford to hire enough staff to rarely even have to be behind the counter at all.

The surge in popularity has even allowed you to convert one of the spare upstairs rooms into a meeting room. In hindsight, you should have converted more because once your regulars found out about it, there had been outright war between the Navy and FBI to try and get meetings booked in. A couple of your regulars had even managed to get both institutions to hardwire connections so they could host even more briefings and meetings in the friendly, comfortable space.

Today's winners were a Unit from the FBI, who had booked it out for a whole day. Aaron Hotchner, the BAU chief, came in most mornings and was a real sweetheart. You'd been trying to get him to drink something other than his normal americano since his return from Afghanistan a few months ago, but had not been successful so far. You were excited to meet the rest of the legendary team. He always spoke fondly of them when he bought extra coffees to boost morale.

With that in mind, you quickly throw together the pastries and beverages he'd preordered for the start of their session and head in to do a quick check that everything was ready.

Like any meeting room, there was a large table in the center but you'd made sure to surround it with comfy and artfully mismatched chairs. The floor was a deep walnut colour and matched the numerous floating shelves which were covered in plants and books. The place was homey and extended the cosy chic look you had been trying to achieve throughout the shop.

After a little bit of organising, including making sure the FBI cables were accessible and tidying any of the Navy’s equipment, you head downstairs to the main space.

Charlotte and Jessica were behind the tills this morning, making quick work of the line and exuding friendly helpfulness out of every pore. They were both grad students and you were already dreading them graduating. Their natural effervescence would be impossible to replace.

To pass the time until your booking arrives, you catch up with NCIS Agent McGee who is on the coffee run, trying not to hold him up too long in case he ends up getting in more trouble with his big bad boss. Apparently Agent DiNozzo had knocked over Gibbs coffee but McGee had then slipped in it and done some minor damage to some of the equipment. He told you he much preferred coffee run to door knocking duty round a 6 block radius like DiNozzo.

As you wrap it up, a group of people enter the shop, led by a woman in colourful clothes and a sunshine demeanour. It's not until you see Agent Hotchner's suited and booted presence bringing up the rear that you realise this is the infamous BAU.

Donning your friendliest persona, you politely excuse yourself from McGee and head to greet them, calling Aaron's name across the way.

The profilers seem surprised by your use of their bosses name but quickly shake it off as introductions are made. You receive hand shakes off most of them with the exception of Penelope, who gives you a hug because of course she does, and Dr Spencer Reid who gives you a shy wave and looks like he'd rather be anywhere else.

It didn't take a profiler to see the physical distance between the genius and the rest of the group. He was always a step away from the nearest person and automatically avoided any physical contact from them.

How strange.

Brushing it off you lead them upstairs and get them settled, letting them know that they're welcome to come and go in the shop as need and that all their drinks would be added to the discounted tab and left them too it, all the while trying not to puzzle over the handsome loner and his cute sweater vest.

-----

If there was one thing Spencer Reid hated more than anything, it was team building.

Normally, back before everything happened, he would just grit his teeth and bear it. That's been a lot harder after finding out that Emily was alive.

Processing the joy at her being alive and the rage at being led to believe she was dead in the first place, particularly by the people he trusted the most, was not easy. He was trying to forgive them. He was trying to let it go, to accept the damage but move forward.

It was still a work in progress.

That's why, when Hotch announced a team building/meeting day, he had momentarily considered resigning. Though there was no longer outright hostility between himself and Jennifer, things weren’t exactly comfortable between himself and half of the team. The only bright side to this whole endeavour was the location. No coffee shop lasted long in Quantico unless the coffee was actually good. It was a small mercy.

He followed the rest of the team into the coffee shop, eyeing the surroundings and taking note of the other visitors. As the rest of the team joked about, he stayed back, simply waving at the nice owner of the shop when Hotch introduced them.

They appeared to be about his age which was very impressive considering the success of the café. And there were a couple of sci-fi references hidden in the décor that he would have loved to ask about, but he doubted they’d appreciate him going off about Star Trek this early in the morning. Instead he just gave a tight-lipped smile and followed the team upstairs.

Spencer tried his best to concentrate throughout the morning but to say he was relieved when they were left to their own devices for lunch would be an understatement.

-----

After a productive morning in the office, you wander back out to the main part of the shop to check on things. The lunch rush can be unforgiving but the girls seem to have it in hand. Nothing out of the ordinary for a Tuesday lunchtime.

What you didn’t expect to see was Spencer Reid hidden away at one of the back tables with a ginormous book in front of him, a small scowl on his face and the rest of his team nowhere in sight.

You agonise silently with yourself for a few moments before you decide to head over. You figure if he doesn’t want company he’ll let you know but you feel drawn to him. It was strange. Maybe it was just your instinctive need to collect strays.

You smile gently at him when you reach his table, indicating the seat opposite him in question. He gives a quick nod but doesn’t fully look at you.

“Everything ok?” you ask.

He takes a moment and seems to be considering his options. He looks at you with a little tilt of his head, likely questioning your motives.

Finally, he seems to decide you have no sinister intention and quietly replies “I just wish things could go back to how they were”.

You had heard about the events involving the BAU in the last year or so. It had been a hot topic of gossip in the shop numerous times. Aaron also occasionally talked about his guilt at what he put his team through when he stopped by, needing a friend to talk to. It’s the first time, however, that you think in depth about how faking a close friend's death likely affected the team members who were unaware.

This isn’t to say you didn’t care or didn’t think that it must have been terrible for them. You did, but had agreed with the justification that it was for Agent Prentiss’ safety, that finding out she was alive would make up for it. It’s apparent in the sadness of Dr Reid’s expression that that isn’t the case.

“Can I touch you?”

His eyes shoot up in surprise and he hesitantly nods. You gently grasp his hands, wrapping your fingers around his.

“I can’t even imagine,” you begin slowly, “how difficult this must be. But if you ever need to talk to someone, you’re always welcome here”

He gives a short, sharp nod and squeezes your fingers which you take to mean thank you.

“Also, this is totally not my place but, a therapist, one outside the Bureau? Might not be such a bad idea?” You give a sardonic grin and admit ” It worked for me”

After you give his hands another quick squeeze, you leave him to ponder your statement and head back to your office. Paperwork doesn’t do it self after all.

You hope Spencer manages to find some support though and decide that if he wants it, you’d be more than willing to help him.

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

It was a few weeks before Spencer Reid showed up in the coffee shop again.

It was early evening and you only had a few people in. You’d opted to close up tonight to ensure Jessica, who had been on the afternoon shift, had time to work on her assignment for class. She’d been complaining about it for the last few days.

The sound of the front door opening distracts you from your thoughts and you glance up to see who has entered. When you realise who it is you can’t help but smile.

“Fancy seeing you here Dr Reid” you say in greeting. He gives you a small smile in return.

“Well, it’s good coffee and, erm, the company’s good?”

You understand the question implicit in that comment and glance around at the few remaining patrons. They all have a beverage and it’s a quiet night so you can afford to take a step out behind the counter between orders.

“Sure, let me make us both a drink and then I’m all yours.”

You take his order (how much sugar?!?!) and get you both sorted out and settled into a small booth. You look at him, taking in the nervous expression on his face and let him settle in and start the conversation.

“I, erm, I took your advice”.

“That’s good. Are you finding it’s helping? Having someone outside of work to talk things through with?”

He nods his head.

“One of the things she pointed out was that so much of my life is wrapped up in work, that when things go wrong I don't have an external support system. Not that I didn't know that already but, someone else pointing it out made me realise how much if an impact it has.”

You bob your head thoughtfully, acknowledging his comment but not forcing him to say more.

“She suggested I try to find people outside of work to talk to. I was... I was wondering if you could be one?”

His nerves seem to have failed him slightly as he can’t look you in the eye, but you give him a big grin. Of course you want to spend time with this lovely man.

“I’d love to” you say, which gets him to look up and give you a smile in response.

You spend nearly an hour, with occasional breaks to serve customers, chatting to him before it becomes necessary to close up. He starts gathering his things but you’ve been enjoying his company so much you can’t bear to let him go. Instead, you check if he’s in a rush and, after confirming he has nothing else planned, invite him to hang around and grab something to eat from the diner down the street.

By the end of the night, you’re glad the diner is 24hr. You completely lose track of time, fascinated by the sheer amount of information he can provide and the passion with which he infodumps. It’s extremely endearing.

“I had a lovely time tonight” you tell him as you walk towards your apartment. You don’t live too far from the coffee shop and he had very gallantly offered to walk you home. “I’d love to do it again some time?”

He smiles and nods in agreement before asking for your phone number.

“I don't really like technology that much so I don’t have a smartphone and I don’t really check it that much and prefer speaking to texting…”

“Spence” you say, a little laugh in your voice as you interrupt. “Whatever works best for you. I’m not going to suddenly vanish on you, promise.”

You seem to have hit his worries a little too closely as he sways a little awkwardly, gaze wandering down to his feet.

“Can I hug you?” you check. His answer is to wrap his arms around you and you gently sway the both of you side to side.

He lets go and turns to head back out into the night as you call out “If you’re ever missing me, I know a place you can get great coffee. I can get you a good discount.” A laugh stutters from his lips and he wishes you a good night.

Leaning against your door you sigh happily to yourself. It’s always a good feeling making a new friend.

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

It had been over a year since the last time the BAU had booked (and managed to attend the booking). In that time, you’d converted another room upstairs into a meeting room, as well as setting up a shared work/study space in a room out the back.

You grin as you see them all enter, fascinated by the way this family of agents interact with each other. There’s even a tall, handsome genius who stands within the group, laughing and joking along with the rest.

Spencer greets you with a gentle kiss to your lips and it causes uproar from his colleagues. You don’t react much, you just turn to them and shrug.

“Do you know how many germs are passed in a handshake? It’s much safer to kiss.”

Your genius just laughs and wraps an arm around you, guiding the whole group upstairs, his friends playfully demanding details the whole way.

[soukokuwu]

I just binge-read all your writing, you're a gift to this fandom! Thank you for doing what you do. How about a scenario for Dazai when the ADA's trying to track down a criminal and he realizes too late that the criminal's targeting his s/o, who as far as he knows has no fighting ability whatsoever, and sent a group of thugs after her. He rushes off to her thinking it's too late, but when he arrives he sees that she killed them all with just a knife? (She's actually a super trained fighter.) ILY!

It's the anon with the request about Dazai finding that his s/o killed the group of thugs sent to kill her. I'm sorry - I should have clarified this earlier, but she's not just a really trained fighter, she's also used to killing so she's super calm about it. Once again, thank you!

➥ genre: fluff

➥ pairing: dazai x reader

➥ warning: very slight gore

➥ word count: 1.5k

➥ a/n: this took a while i’m so sorry i hope you’re still here 😿 & thank you so much for your kind words!! hope you like this anony ily~

Takes two to tango

Rarely is Dazai Osamu ever surprised. It almost never happens. And yet, you are once again the anomaly.

The sight in front of him is that of a bloody massacre. Blood splattered against the brick walls of the alley, barely a spot spared from the red liquid is the grey concrete road below your feet. What people would consider a horrific sight, Dazai considers absolutely beautiful.

A sight to behold — that you are.

There, atop the pile of unsightly bodies, all still and lifeless, you stand like an absolute beauty — or so it seems to Dazai. Your hair in a ponytail still flowing in the breeze, a sheen of sweat glistening your face and the look of utter effortlessness painted on your features.

“You’re a fucking monster!”

Ah, the last remaining survivor of the enemy organisation.

Dazai could very well step out of the shadows and reveal himself, save you the trouble of having to dispose of the man, but he is curious. He wants to see just what his lover is capable of doing to this one. He only made it in time to see the others already dead — he wants to admire the process behind your work.

It’s much like a child discovering a new toy — no, finding out their existing plaything has features they didn’t know existed. Dazai is amazed, interested, entranced by you as you move to the man’s side in an instant, the blade of your dagger swiftly slashing across the pale flesh of his neck with expert precision, right before he drops to the ground, contributing to the red pool of blood staining the floor.

Can you see him in the shadows? No, you don’t need to see him. You already know he’s there, don’t you? Someone with that much skill, that much knife work — he doubts that your senses would equal that of an ordinary civilian’s. But still he waits, testing you, wanting to know just how good you are.

Just how did this slip past him? How has he never realised it before?

And as you turn back, your eyes meet his. He doesn’t see the normal warmth behind them anymore — not this time. This time, he sees only vacancy; a void of emotions, something he’s used to seeing, not in other people but only in the mirror.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

They say that eyes are the windows to your soul.

Dazai doesn’t believe it. Not one bit. Especially now that he’s seen you assassinate someone with his very own eyes. But it takes him back to that day. That first day he met you. Not because they look exactly the same, but because they look the exact opposite.

It was what captured his attention in the first place; the way they smiled, how they twinkled in the orange of the sunset as they locked with his. And yet, mixed in with the vibrancy is something that Dazai couldn’t quite place — a darkness or a void.

Maybe that’s why he’s attracted to you, why he felt on edge around you. It’s not like how he would usually feel around others, most of his time being spent around members of the agency where their records are squeaky clean and out in the open. It’s easy to find out about everyone. Everyone but you.

The two of you tread around the subject like you were dancing a tango. Whether it was good or bad was debatable. Dazai would lead, asking vague questions first, in hopes to just ease you into the harder ones. But you always answer in a way that doesn’t give anything away. Still in harmony, but never completely in-sync. These conversations were always a vibrant and playful dance between the two of you; he was always on his toes.

A certain part of him knows that he got together with you because of that mystery. It intrigued him that much; how elusive you are. He didn’t notice though, how over time his focus has shifted. From wanting to find out your identity to wanting to actually get to know you. From doing things out of obligation to doing it because he actually wants to. He didn’t realise it, until he was in too deep.

And he thought maybe, maybe, he didn’t need to know. Besides, how bad could it be? Dazai has a tainted past himself, yours couldn’t be worse than his was, could it?

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Worry often casts a big shadow over a small matter.

That shadow consumed Dazai earlier — the moment he realised that their target was you all along. Every inch of their makeshift headquarters was filled with photos and information of Dazai himself, as well as you. But the red circle is marked on your face.

Dazai was the end goal, and you’d be the bait.

Of course, no one knew what you were capable of at that point. Not Dazai and least of all the enemy.

He was alone, and he wasn’t the best fighter, but he’d be damned if he let anyone touch you. So without so much as a call to his partner who had been investigating elsewhere, he rushed out to hail a cab. Dazai vowed to save you, no matter how many of them he’d have to kill.

3.47pm

Your shift would end soon. As cunning as the enemy was, they wouldn’t be able to attack you in a packed café. They weren’t that stupid to put more tails on themselves. Dazai had thirteen minutes to reach you.

3.55pm

“Could you please step on the gas?”

Dazai’s exasperation was clear as day.

“I don’t control the traffic, boy.”

So was the cab driver’s.

4.02pm

The cab finally rounded the corner and the café came into view — Dazai couldn’t even wait for the driver to stop. Money was thrown into the front of the cab and he bolted out the door, past the café and dipped into the alley you always took for a faster path home.

And there he found you.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

They say the greatest beauty comes from the greatest clarity.

In this moment, in the current present, Dazai is inching just a little closer to that beauty. There is meaning to that emptiness in your eyes — and he knows it all too well. How can one afford emotions when it is one’s duty to kill?

All his worry dissolves the moment he saw you wielding that knife with the finesse of a well-seasoned assassin. And now he has only one concern, the same one he’s had since he first met you: who are you?

“Aren’t you going to ask me?”

Your voice echoes in the empty alley, your fingers rubbing the blood stains off your knife with one of the poor victim’s jackets before settling it back in its holster, hidden under your dress, attached to your thigh. And as you walk towards him, Dazai sees that hint of spark in your eye — the radiance.

“What does it matter? You aren’t going to tell me the whole truth.”

But Dazai’s voice doesn’t carry a hint of malice. Just a pinch of surprise and a dash of admiration. It isn’t easy for anyone to hide anything from him. And if it wasn’t for the enemy, he would probably never have figured out you were an assassin.

“I will tell you one thing, though,” you relent as you reach him, snaking an arm around his shoulder and pressing your forehead to his.

Dazai gives a low chuckle, his hands wrapping themselves around your waist. You are definitely a dangerous one, that he knows. “And what is that, my belladonna?”

You open your eyes wider this time, and Dazai is yet again, surprised. “I don’t mix business with pleasure.”

He can’t spot any hint of that darkness he’s used to seeing when he looks into your eyes everyday. No, this time your eyes exude earnesty — is this you being completely honest?

“And I’m supposed to just trust you, now?”

Dazai still isn’t exhibiting any hostility — because he doesn’t feel the need to. He doesn’t feel like you’re disguising anything behind those words. And if there’s anybody he trusts, it’s himself.

“You want to, don’t you?”

Your voice carries an absolute confidence, and Dazai is fairly impressed. How insightful you are. No matter how much he wants to deny it, he can’t. Even if he does, you’d see through this at least.

“Ah, my beautiful belladonna—” he gives you a quick peck on the lips — “is there anything that escapes you?”

But of course there is, and you both know it. As much as you are a mystery, Dazai is an enigma. Your occupation is a conundrum, and so is everything that makes Dazai who he is. And even so, you both let it slide, because as time drones on, there is one thing that glues you together.

It is not love, no. You’re not there yet. It’s an unspeakable feeling that attaches you to him, and him to you. Something that neither of you can put into words, yet have so much faith in in spite of that. And as questionable as the both of you find this relationship, you find that you can’t quite let go.

[forabeatofadrum]

I’d cry a river just for you (22/24)

AO3 

--

ORDINARY - The Last Five Years

2013

Mercedes: wow

Mercedes: holy shit

Mercedes: for real?

Me: yes

Me: I’m done

Mercedes: That’s strong.

Mercedes: alright, I’ll let you know how it goes

--

On Saturday evening, Mercedes sends Kurt a text, telling him that a lot happened. So she’s coming round to talk about it.

On Sunday, Mercedes is sitting on Kurt’s bed and Kurt hates the sight of it. There were never any rules, but usually that’s Blaine’s spot. He doesn’t have time to complain, because Mercedes’s talking non-stop as if she’s gotten the latest juicy gossip.

But it isn’t gossip. Gossiping is fun. This isn’t fun.

“And I also majorly called him out on his blatant favourism,” Mercedes continues, “Like, I asked him why the hell he’s acting so differently to you and that absolute asshole tried to paint me as the better friend. So I reminded him of all the times you supported him and stood at his side and what not. Honestly, I should’ve snapped a photo of his face! He looked so embarrassed. I had him backed in a corner!”

“Nice,” Kurt says.

Okay, this isn’t fun, and none of this should’ve happened, but Kurt and Mercedes feel some sort of schadenfreude from all of this.

“But from what I’ve gotten, he got really angry at you when you said that you turned off your phone. He went on and on how I was there for him, whereas you did that. I corrected him and I reminded him that I was ready to ditch him the moment I sent my mean messages. You wanted to give him space. Again, oh man, Kurt… his face!”

Kurt nods to himself. He knows Blaine and he also understands that this is a deeper issue, but Mercedes is right. Kurt gave Blaine the chance over and over again. The last two years of friendship were basically on borrowed time. It never got better after the hemp canvas thing.

“But yeah, that’s that,” Mercedes finishes lamely, “What now?”

Kurt shrugs.

“We can’t do anything.”

“He knows you hear all of this. I told him so upfront. I think he wants to talk to me some more.”

“Okay.”

“Okay?” Mercedes frowns.

“I am ditching him, Mercedes,” Kurt says with more confidence in his voice than the confidence in his body, but he needs to keep this up. He needs to continue telling himself this is good. “Not you. If you two hang out, that’s fine by me.”

Mercedes looks doubtful and Kurt also wonders if Mercedes will do so, but it’s also true. The idea of Mercedes and Blaine being friends does sting, but Kurt’s not the boss of them.

“I just wish I could… I don’t know. Have the last word?”

“Last word how?”

“Now he just blocked me. That’s it. Done. I have no chance to say anything anymore. And I don’t know if I want that, but remember what happened two years ago? I told him I needed closure.”

Mercedes nods.

“You could write a letter?” she suggests, “I can hand it to him.”

Kurt shakes his head. He wants Blaine to listen, but he has no idea how. Kurt doesn’t feel like barging in unexpectedly, and a part of him is still too angry to do so.

Then, he has an epiphany.

--

It’s an ordinary day. The birds are chirping. The sun is shining. Cars are racing down the street. It’s such a shame that it is such an ordinary, normal day, because to Kurt, this day will change everything.

Kurt’s holding his phone at the speakers of his laptop. He’s playing Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Rescue You from The Last Five Years. He saw the show earlier in the spring when it was running Off-Broadway.

I could never rescue you All you ever wanted But I could never rescue you No matter how I tried All I could do was love you hard And let you go

Kurt listens to the lyrics and he hopes that Blaine will understand when he gets this voice message. It’s already fifteen minutes long. Kurt’s told Mercedes of his plan: Kurt needs to have the final word, especially since Blaine is being unfair. First he acts like a dick, then when people confront him, he decides to ghost them, and then all the weird thing with Mercedes happens.

Finn doesn’t trust it. He wonders if Mercedes and Blaine have their own plan behind Kurt’s back, but Kurt would never believe that. Mercedes is genuinely as baffled and angry as Kurt.

But yeah, a lot of unfairness happened. Kurt gave Blaine the time and space to reach out, but he didn’t and then he once again made Kurt feel like the bad guy by blocking him and not Mercedes. Kurt isn’t going to let that happen.

He started this voice message with anger. Kurt might have thrown some low blows in it, but he’s angry. He told Blaine to get the fuck over himself. He showed how unreasonable Blaine is being by being mad at Kurt for ‘not caring enough’ when Kurt said he needed to turn off his phone to help Carole, whereas Mercedes absolutely destroyed Blaine through messages and she is apparently the kinder one. At one point, Kurt spits out that he’s fucking done with this one-sided friendship, where Kurt and Mercedes are the ones trying to meet up and text and hang out, only for Blaine to bitch and whine when they do.

But now that Kurt’s listening to the song that he’s incorporating into his message, he feels sad. Jamie sings about how he has to let Cathy go for his own well-being.

Kurt hopes he isn’t like Jamie, though, since the musical portrays him as the asshole, but the song stands on its own.

The song ends and Kurt’s silent for a while before he has the time to compose himself. He was angry before, but now he’s actually said what he wanted to say, which leads to one last thing to do. He lets out a shaky breath.

“So. This is it, then?” Kurt says and he laughs bitterly. He can feel the tears stream down his face. Blaine won’t be able to see it, but Kurt’s voice alone exudes sadness. “This is goodbye. I didn’t expect it- I didn’t want it, but you’ve made your choice, so now I am making mine. I don’t even know if you’ve listened this far, or if you ever listen to this in the first place, but if you’re hearing this then know that I loved you. Love you.”

He wonders if Blaine will interpret this as platonic love, which is fair. That’s also true. Kurt’s already learned that he has two kinds of love in his heart for Blaine.

“And I will miss you terribly, but I also need to choose for myself here. Not only that, but I’m selfish. Our friendship in the last two years was on borrowed time and it was filled with anger and frustration. I couldn’t even think of you without getting mad and I don’t want that. By ending this, I hope I can now look back on the good parts without the additional anger. There was a lot of good, Blaine, there was. The last two years don’t sullen those good memories. Fuck, remember Spelling Bee?”

Kurt laughs a genuine laugh. The character of Chip made Blaine’s mom leave!

Speaking of…

“Say hi to your mom from me, since I probably won’t see her either. And say hi to Cooper and your dad. I don’t- I admit I never got to really know them, but give them my regards.”

Kurt lets out another sigh and he sniffs. He’s rehearsed what he wanted to say, but now that the end is nearing, he’s throwing all those plans out of the window.

“Well. I hope you have a great life. I am saying that without any hint of sarcasm. I genuinely hope you’re well. I hope you wish me the same. Goodbye.”

And then Kurt saves the recording and he sends it to Mercedes. That’s it. Blaine’s now in the past.

[etheraella]

𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴, 𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕖𝕣𝕒

(James Potter x Reader x Remus Lupin)

Summary: Midnight tours, sitting on rooftops, blithe relationships and smiles full of ecstasy, (everything was perfect). Sleepless nights, pitiful eyes, bitter lies and forced promises, (until it all changed). Nothing hurts more than picking a side, especially if it’s between two people you cherish the most. So tell me, is it James or Remus?

Warnings: mentions of forced marriage, sorrow

P.S: We came across a song that describes this story perfectly right as we were about to post, and we thought it would give that final touch to the story. The lyrics will only make it’s entrance after a while. here it is

* - used for flashbacks

!! bold italics - used for lyrics !!

Made up twists:

- The public knows about the marauders being animagus’s 

- The crystal ball used for Divination was found early and only the higher ups, like Dumbledore, had access to it.

- Wizards actually relied on the crystal ball considering how accurate it was

You slammed the fork on the table, annoyed as what you hoped would be a quiet meal got interrupted, causing everyone to freeze still at the abrupt noise.

“Is it really that hard for me to enjoy a meal? One meal. That’s all I’m asking for.” You eyed every single presence on the table, keeping your gaze as intimidating as possible, yet some still mumbled under their breaths and puckered their lips so their smiles would look less obvious.

“Why? Getting shy? Oh, c’mon Y/N, you and James make quite the couple and you know that. Quite probably, the whole school does.” Your eyes shifted towards Sirius, who looked at you from the side of his eye, smugly smiling with a bit of his teeth exposed.

“Open your mouth again, Padfoot, and I’ll shove my fork down your throat.” You threatened, grabbing the fork you previously slammed on the table and pointing it at him. You glared at James, who had never once done anything about the teasing from the entire school. In fact, he just feeds the people with what they want.

While your meal was disturbed, he seemed to be enjoying his. He sat slouched on his chair, with an arm resting on the one beside him, the corner of his lip was perked up as he looked at you. “Don’t look at me, it’s not my fault we got exposed.” He raised his eyebrows, assuming to be portraying the innocent one, with his hands raised up lazily while his arm was still glued onto the chair beside him.

Frustrated, you combed your hair back with your left hand, looking to your right, where Remus happened to be sitting. He gave you a small smile. You returned it.

You and James were the impeccable duo, or at least as Hogwarts thought. Well, it is quite out of the ordinary for a woman to have a male animal as an animagus, specifically, a stag; which was James’s animagus too. It was funny how James, a coarse, vile-tempered boy had a stag, an animal that indicates looking out for others and leadership roles as an animagus. It was all so strange, almost as if you were meant to be… was what they convinced themselves with. Either that, or one of you loved the other so dearly, not only their patronus followed the other person’s, but their animaguses too. However, you didn’t take any of it into account. You thought it was all inconsequential.

Besides, it wasn’t James that had caught your eye, it was Remus. Not that James was irrelevant or anything, you still loved him, but not in that way. And you didn’t want your friendship to rupture. You had more of a connection with Remus though, and you felt as if he did too. But neither of you had the courage to tell each other. Although, there were times when “friendly” wasn’t the word to describe your relationship.

*

“Move!”

You dreaded these kinds of days; the days Hogwarts made their Steak and Kidney Pie. Not because they didn’t taste good, but because you’ve never reached the dining hall fast enough to pick a table where they actually served it. It was just ridiculous to you how they only serve the pies at certain tables. It almost felt as if the staff wanted to watch the students hurdle up like sheep getting chased by a sheepdog and the dining hall playing as their sheep pen.

You stretched your arms out in between the two people in front of you, making a big enough hole for you to push through.

“I’ll even swim if I have to.” You thought to yourself. It was no use, even as you went further forward through the line, the people beside you would push you more towards the wall. And once you reach the wall, it’s game over.

“Budge it.” Losing your balance as you felt a sudden push from one of the ‘sheep’, you got smacked against the wall, or so you thought was a wall.

“Well, good morning to you too.” Looking up at the low-pitched voice, you realised what you were previously slammed against wasn’t a wall, but rather someone’s rock hard torso, or more precisely, Remus’s rock hard torso. Rattled, you try backing away, trying to create space between the two of you, however the hallway was too cramped for that.

Remus slightly tilted his head to one side, making his double chin visible as he looked down at you, grinning. “Cramped places could be useful at times, don’t you think?”

“Don’t try it, Remus.” You said as you buried your face deeper into his shirt, hoping he wouldn’t notice how red you had become. But what you didn’t know was that he could feel your heartbeat fastening, being the reason for his chuckle.

*

“She sure is having quite the dream, isn’t she?” The sound of a pair of hands clapped together was enough to make you snap out of it. In a swift move, you sat straight on your chair. James, who was sitting in front of you was laughing hysterically. 

“You could have picked a different time to daydream about the future you and James hold, you know.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Later that night, you stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep. You were always the last to fall asleep out of your dormmates, probably due to the continuous night tours around Hogwarts with the rest of the marauders. There was no way you would have a normal sleep schedule now.

Suddenly, you heard what seemed to be a knocking coming from the window. Looking towards the sound, you spotted a familiar owl pecking the moonlit glass window. You smiled to yourself, fully aware of what was happening. Hopping off the bed, flinching once your feet came in contact with the cold floor, you slowly opened the door, hoping not to wake your dormmates up. There stood James, a grin plastered across his face. “Hogsmeade tour?”

You smiled from ear to ear, all too familiarly.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

 You and James found yourselves sitting on the roof of a random shop located somewhere in the middle of Hogsmeade after a walk around what felt like the whole of the village, until you started to feel pain in your legs. You yawned, finally feeling a hint of tiredness in your eyes as you rested your head on his shoulder.

“Tired already?” Unable to open your mouth, you just hum in response. “Another round, perhaps?” Lifting your right hand up, you slightly nudged his head to the opposing side with your index and middle finger, causing him to let out a short giggle followed by a kiss on your forehead.

“G’night, Y/N.” He rested his head on yours as he drifted to sleep along with you.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

You woke up to James screaming. “Get up! We’re late!” Still half-asleep, you let out a lazy groan as he continued screaming in your ear. “If you don’t get up now, I’m pushing you off this roof.”

“Shut up.” You mumbled a quick response in hope of James to stop talking.

“Get. Up.” Letting out a loud sigh, you lazily shook the sleep off your body and stood up. “How late are we, exactly?” You asked, your voice still a little croaky.

“They’re probably having lunch by this time.” Your eyes widen, almost as if they were about to pop out. “Damnit, James! You couldn’t have woken up a little earlier?” Cussing under your breath, you jumped off the roof and started running towards the school, James laughing to himself, following behind you after grabbing his jacket.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

 You two just stood there, your hands behind your backs.

“I swear, it’s not what it looks like.” Looking at the two of you, anyone would have easily misunderstood. How your hair was all messed up, along with James’s, your clothes wrinkled and only returning to the school the next morning. As the students walked by, they stole glances and exchanged giggles. Even at a time like this, where you and James were accused of scandalous behavior, James seemed to be doing nothing about it. It has always been you who had to solve misunderstandings.

You nudged James with your elbow, signaling for him to do something with your eyes. To no surprise, he just frowned and shrugged. Professor McGonagall, on the other hand seemed unamused, with her arms crossed.

Clearing her throat, she finally spoke. “Be that as it may, professor Dumbledore is expecting you. Both, Of you.” And with that, she walked away, leaving you and James exchanging looks with each other.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

“Ah, yes. Please, sit.” Dumbledore was standing behind his desk, admiring a crystal ball which was placed neatly on it. While on your way to Dumbledore to take a seat, he unanticipatedly posed a question.

“So, what are your thoughts on marriage?” Finally looking up from the crystal ball, he looked up at the two of you, with a small smile.

“Pardon?”

“You two are romantically involved, are you not?” You were taken aback by the professor’s sudden straightforwardness.

“No.”

“Yes.”

You shot your head at James, who did the same. Whilst you and James were busy arguing under your breaths, Dumbledore approached the two of you. “Well, it would be nice if that was the case, seeing that you two have a probability of ending the war.”

You shifted your attention to Dumbledore, curiosity filling your head as you wondered what he meant by ‘ending the war’. “End the war?”

“Precisely,” While Dumbledore was walking back to his desk, you and James followed behind him. “You see, being an old man has its own perks as well. Whilst being locked inside this room with nowhere to go, my mind has been pondering.”

Fascinated by the topic Dumbledore had bestowed upon you, you sat down, your gaze still fixed on the headmaster. “It is unquestionably impossible for a female to possess a male animagus, yet somehow you accomplished it.” He turned his back around to look at you. “If it’s not a deep connection that mirrored each of your animagus’s, which surely it must not be, it must be the power you hold. With the both of you combined, surely Voldemort won’t have a chance against you, or your children.”

“Children?!” You almost screamed. Once realising how loud you had been, you sniffed and fixed your position back on your chair. 

“I am aware of how sudden this all seems, however at times like this, I’m afraid not everyone has a choice. But of course, we will not take any risks. Therefore, to determine the success percentage of my proposal, we will be using, this.” He held the crystal ball he was previously admiring in his hands, as delicately as possible. “Divination?” James interfered, his tone smooth.

“Correct, James. We will be announcing the marriage publicly with the purpose of having everyone believe it being true. At which point, this crystal ball will analyse and interpret a wizard’s surroundings by logical thinking and sensibility of mind and body in comparison to Arithmancy, which focuses on calculating probabilities, magnitude, strength and effectiveness of magical forces in general, including properties of numbers and their application, which will be used to foresee a glimpse of the future. If perhaps, there is no sight of the victory of Voldemort, be it in love or not, this marriage is compulsory for the safety of the wizarding world.”

With no words to say, you were forced to carry all the pressure that was caused by what you thought was a miracle; having a powerful animagus. You were forced to pick a side.

“What if it still shows Voldermort’s victory?”

Dumbledore sighed before slumping down on his chair. “Then, I’m afraid my proposal was hopeless. And the marriage would be called off, publicly. I would have to yet again, sit here and… ponder.”

You sat there, thinking about both the possibilities. Although there were positive sides to both situations, the only thing that circled your head was the negative effects; what would happen to you and Remus?

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Your mind was still lingering in the headmasters office that you almost bumped into a wall. Fortunately, James was there to stop you.

“Does it really bother you that much?” He looked at you, his hand grasped onto your arm from when he stopped you from hitting your head onto the wall.

“This is about marriage, James! No, it’s about reproducing!” You looked at him, wide-eyed, seeing as he seemed all too unfazed by all this.

“Well, it’s not as bad when you really think about it. You could be ending up with Snape for all you know!” He laughed hysterically at his own line, whilst you blankly stared at him, unbelievably. “How could he be joking around at a time like this?” You thought.

You’ve been avoiding Remus since yesterday; when the news was announced. You were too afraid he would be disappointed in you; that you didn’t have the courage to do anything about it. You didn’t want to hurt Remus, but neither did you want to hurt the rest of the wizarding community. You decided that your decision would be made once you see what the crystal ball portrays.

“Run along, you too! We don’t have all day!” Your thoughts were interrupted by professor McGonagall who pushed you and James into the headmasters office. She didn’t know that your marriage was a part of a strategy. Dumbledore suggested she shouldn’t know so that she could be the one controlling the crystal ball, in order for the crystal ball to be analysing the professors surroundings; someone who wasn’t aware that it was all a part of a scheme.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

“Well? What do you see?” James pushed, forcing a quick answer.

“If you want to know so bad, why don’t you just look?” You glared at James from the small hole you made in between your fingers which were covering your face. You were too anxious of looking into the ball; you were scared of the outcome. James must’ve felt the same way, since he was also covering his eyes.

There was silence for a while. Nobody said a word. Dumbledore and professor McGonagall exchanged looks before putting the crystal ball away and facing the two of you. Before speaking, Dumbledore cleared his throat, which caused the two of you to turn your backs and face him.

“It seems as though the marriage will come to a great outcome. My proposition was well-built indeed.” He smiled, seemingly pleased with his way of thinking. Meanwhile you, on the other hand, were thinking about how on earth you were supposed to face Remus now.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

The moon had already made it’s entrance as you were still seated on some rocks near the Whomping Willow, with the waning gibbus moon and the forbidden forest in your range of view. You had completely lost your sense of time due to the messy state your mind was in. It was so quiet, even the sound of your stomach rumbling caused you to jump.

“Hungry?” You looked to your right, Remus was looking back at you with a softened gaze. You forced a smile before switching your gaze back to the forest, Remus making his way to seat himself beside you.

“Have you ever imagined life on the other side, Remus? You know, behind the forest and it’s deadly creatures.” You pointed the word deadly out in a sarcastic manner as you thought life inside the forest wasn’t as dangerous as people thought it was.

“Sunshine and rainbows?” He smiled, only the higher points of his face visible as the moon shone on them. “I’m serious.” You frowned, his smile growing bigger.

“What do you say we find out?” he raised an eyebrow.

“What about the deadly creatures?”

“Hey, I’m here for you.” He nudged you back with his shoulder a little too aggressively, causing you to almost fall on your side if he didn’t catch you. “Steady on! The moon already acting up?” You teased, but he seemed to be offended.

“Y/N, my shift was yesterday.” The realisation hit you; you were too caught up with the whole scheme that you didn’t even make time to think about the one person you cherished most. “Oh, I’m sorry,”

“No, no. It’s okay. I mean, I don’t blame you. With your marriage and all.” He sighed. You closed your eyes as you realised what you had done, or more specifically, what you hadn’t done. You wanted to be the one to tell him, he deserved to hear it from your own voice. “Remus, I-“

He took a deep breath in as he stood up and straightened his uniform, giving you a small, reassuring smile.

“ Somewhere far behind The scenes Two thousand and seventeen The start of a story Rumors about you and me Talking 'bout our chemistry But no need to hurry ”

“Congrats, Y/N. I’m glad it’s with James and not someone else.” He tried letting out a laugh, which only came out as a small, forced huff. Hesitating, he walked away, as if he had more to say but he couldn’t bring himself to. You only watched as his silhouette faded. The fact that you weren’t able to stop him built the guilt inside you. It was either this or the lives of many wizards being thrown away. 

It was at times like this that you wished you had gotten a different animal and not a stag as your animagus; even if it meant you had to be rotten inside.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

You winced at the bright light that shone through the window. Not aware how you ended up in your dorm, you looked around you. No one was there. “Has class started already?” You thought.

You studied yourself in the mirror as you fixed your tie. You’ve always had dark circles, but this time it was the most noticeable. But things like this didn’t bother you; it couldn’t. Not with all the bigger burdens you had to carry. You shook your head, giving yourself the idea of the weight being brushed off your body.

As soon as you opened the door to leave, a conversation was already being held in front of you. “Yeah, he got caught shifting the night before the last. He’s been hiding in the Shrieking Shack this entire time! Can you believe it?”

“What?! I mean, I’ve always thought Remus was weird, but I really didn’t think that far! So what’s going to happen to him now? I don’t want to be in the same building with that freak!”

“Trust me, nobody does. They’re having a meeting with some of the student’s parents, regarding his stay at Hogwarts. I wish he gets—"

As much as you wanted to fight back to the two good-for-nothing gossipers, you couldn’t waste the very little amount of time you had left. You would have been an idiot if you didn’t try to speak for him now. After everything else you hurt him with, it was only right for you to take action as a loyal friend, no, as someone who loves him.

Your mind was too occupied with thinking about what would happen to Remus if he got kicked out that you didn’t feel the pain in your stomach and legs as you ran with all your might. The wind harshly hitting your face as you ran, and your tie loosening. You couldn’t let him get expelled; not for something he didn’t ask for, not for something he couldn’t control.

“ 'Cause I will light up Your heaven tonight Light up your whole world Just for you ”

Your running came into an abrupt halt when James reached out for your arm. Worry filling his expression. “Y/N, what’s wrong?”

You looked at him, breathing heavily as you snatched your arm away. “Remus needs me.” Seeing as you were about to rush away again, James placed his hand back on your arm, pulling you to face him.

“Tell me what’s happening. Why does Remus need you? What’s going on?” You studied him before combing your hair back with your left hand. “Someone caught him. Shifting. Yesterday. He’s going to get expelled if I don’t do something about it. He’s not a freak! He doesn’t hurt anyone!” Your shaky voice raising with every word you said, tears filling your eyes as you thought about what would happen if you don’t get there in time, huffing in between your sentences.

James stood there, examining your face, not able to find the right words to say. You sighed, “Let me go. I need to do something.” Trying to push his hand off your arm with your left hand, he only tightened his grip.

“Do you even know where he is? Do you even know where to go? Y/N, are you just gonna go running around the whole castle? With an empty stomach? Do you have any idea how you look right now?! You look like you just got up from your grave, Y/N! You would collapse before even seeing him!”

He paused, before taking a deep breath, followed by you. “Look, he’s going to be okay. Who do you think he is? A weak, fragile little boy? All we can do right now is be there for him when he gets out. Listen to me, It’s gonna be okay, alright?” His tone softening as he lifted your chin up with his folded index finger and looked into your eyes with raised eyebrows. You forced a tight smile and looked away.

“ Wherever you go I will follow Whenever you're low Just let me hold you Let me hold you Don't be afraid I will show you I'll make it okay Just let me hold you Let me hold you ” 

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

 It’s been almost a week since you last saw Remus, and your wedding was in a few hours. You never got to see him that morning. He left without even saying goodbye. Everything was happening too fast for you to take anything in. All you knew was that you were attending a wedding that was held in the entrance of Hogwarts as a bride, and James being the partner in-crime.

A quick knock from the other side of the door was enough for you to snap out of your thoughts. “Come in.” The door slid open, James leaning against the door frame in his suit, holding a bouquet of lily flowers in his hands. You gave him a small smile; you knew this was as hard for him to handle as it was for you. You shared the same burden, the only way for you to cope was through each other.

He walked towards you, his gaze fixed onto you the entire time. Finally reaching for the chair in front of you and seating himself down, he handed you the bouquet. “You’re gorgeous.” He commented, as he studied you in a white gown, your hair tied up in a bun and features enhanced with the way you looked at him.

“The same to you, I almost drooled.” You teased, followed by him cocking an eyebrow. But his eyes soon softened as he remembered the reason why he came to you in the first place. “Y/N, I have something to tell you,” You simply looked at him, listening attentively.

He dithered, still unsure whether he should tell you or keep it to himself like he did all this while. “We were never going to stop the war.”

You furrowed your eyebrows, confused. “What do you mean? I thought this marriage was supposed to—”

“I know, that’s what I wanted everyone to believe.” He paused, realising how much of a problem he was going to cause if he came clean, but he couldn’t keep it any longer; he had to tell someone. He took a deep breath and looked into your innocent eyes before speaking. His tone was filled with desperation.

“Y/N, I’m so sorry. I really am, but I lied to you. I lied to everyone. I messed with the crystal ball to make it look like we could end the war and I—”

“What? Hold on, James, what are you saying? Why would you mess with the crystal ball? What is wrong with you?!” The more you thought of it, the more it aggravated you; it didn’t make any sense, not even a single drop of anything he said made sense to you.

“Y/N, listen to me, I—”

“Were you in your right mind?! Do you have any idea what that silly prank of yours caused? Is that why you were so relaxed about all of this? Because it was one of your stupid jokes all along? And why on earth are you telling me this now?! James, what were you—”

“It wasn’t a prank!”

That was the first time you had ever seen him as exasperated as he was now. You’ve never seen this side of him. You only knew the bully, James, the prankster, James. The spoilt child, James. Seeing all this was new to you.

“It was never a joke. Do you really think I would be that narrow-minded? I wouldn’t go this far if I didn’t mean it. I wouldn’t have went this far, if I didn’t love you.” As he kept talking, his tone softened, as well as his expression.

Your face untensed as you looked at him. “I love you, Y/N. I always have and I still do. I know I shouldn’t have done it, but I knew if I didn’t, you would’ve left. I see the way you look at Remus, I can’t do it anymore.” You avoided eye-contact as soon as he mentioned his name. He was the reason you couldn’t say goodbye.

“Look, I’m sorry. But please,” his breathing became uneasy as he mumbled the next words. “Please don’t leave.”

“ I'm not gonna leave I'm here to stay 'Cause I ain't nobody If I ain't got you ”

You couldn’t scream at him for what he did. You couldn’t tell him off, because you knew how it felt to have someone to cherish. You knew how it felt to love and lose someone. You felt for him, and you hated it. He caused the chaos you didn’t ask for, yet you couldn’t bring yourself to get mad at him.

“We should go.” Your tone softened as you stood up, the bouquet falling off your lap and onto the floor as you did.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls,"

This was meant to be a day filled with joy and happiness. Everyone else seemed to be having the time of their lives except you, and a concerned James, who was standing before you. You examined him, your eyes landing on your joined hands with a ring wrapped on each of our right ring fingers. Who would have thought the moment you’ve always imagined as a child would end up being something you were forced into doing?

“James Potter, do you t…..”

You weren’t paying attention. The rest of his words became blurry for you. It felt as if your ears automatically filtered out the noise and all you could hear was your own thoughts.

Your eyes wandered the venue. Although this wasn’t the memorable moment you’ve always dreamed of, you knew for sure this moment was ought to hold a place in your head.

“Y/N?”

“ Baby, don't let me down ”

You shot your eyes at James, who called your name, then at the crowd. They seemed to be waiting for an answer; it was your turn to make your promise. You paused, your eyes still searching the crowd, until it stopped. And your body froze. “Remus?” you mumbled under your breath. James, following your gaze as he halted to look at him too.

He was leaning against the far behind wall, his arms crossed as he smiled at you. You didn’t expect this would be the first time you would see him after he left; at your wedding, without him being the one who joined hands with you.

“Y/N,” James whispered, causing you to look at him, then back at Remus. Your gaze shifted back and forth between James and Remus as wild thoughts were running your head.

“ Don't let me down Without you, I'm frozen Without you, I'm frozen Baby don't let me down ”

Something was screaming inside your head, and the more you listened, the more you were intrigued to catch it. Your gaze deepened into James’s eyes as you finally gave in. “Just this once,” You thought to yourself. “let me do what I want.”

You held his head in your hands, delicately, caressing his cheeks as you felt sorry for him, then placed a gentle kiss on his forehead as a tear left your eye. Pulling away, you noticed his confused eyes looking back at you. “I’m sorry.” Pulling the ring off your finger and placing it in his right hand before closing it again, you spoke. “We’ll be waiting for you.” Giving him one last smile, you turned to see Remus, his smile faded as he looked at back at you.

“ Wherever you go I will follow “

Lifting your gown up, your feet took off, your gaze still fixed on Remus as a smile plastered itself across your face.

This was the freest you felt in a long time. You deserved this, you deserved a happy ending. It felt as if the weight flew off your shoulders with the wind the more the momentum picked up as you ran. You felt your bun come loose, but you couldn’t care less. You decided to look at what was in front of you, and in front of you only. And in front of you, stood Remus. Your contagious smile now grew on Remus’s face as you grabbed his arm and pulled him with you.

“ Even if time will Fly away We will be hotter Than a flame 'Cause I ain't nobody If I ain't got you No, if I ain't got you ”

“To the forest?” His voice grew bumpy with each step he took, his eyes were fixed on you the entire time. You briefly glanced behind at him as your smile grew wider. “To the forest.”

Without hesitating, he twisted his arm away from your grip and grasped a hold of your hand, slowly intertwining your fingers as he picked up his pace, now leading the both of you towards the forbidden forest.

He shortly looked back at you, his eyes filled with ecstasy as he did.

“ Just let me hold you Let me hold you Don't be afraid I will show you ”

“I’m free,”

“I’m finally free.”

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Author’s Note: We are very proud to finally be able to share this project that we have been working on. Celeste has been tirelessly working on the plot, studying more about the project and writing this story, which took her 5 working days to finally accomplish. Meanwhile Luna has put in much effort into editing and polishing everything. It would mean the absolute world to us if our hard work would get noticed. Sending love and happiness to every single individual who interacts with this ♡

[sunkisseddaffodils]

A Familar Place: Pt 2

Pairing: tenth doctor x reader

Summary: The Doctor ends up accidentally taking you to your old school. Which seems to be under some unknown threat.

Note: requests are open

Read pt 1 here <3

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The Doctor’s screwdriver was leading the two of you up and down countless stairs and through endless corridors. It couldn’t seem to get a strong signal of where the artron energy was coming from. The Doctor hesitated and angrily hit his screwdriver.

‘Stupid thing!’

Suddenly, it emitted a loud beep and pointed him up one more flight of stairs and to the right side corridor where there was a row of classrooms. As you were wandering down the hall, you looked at the display boards and realised that this was the English department. You stopped to glance at the displays, everything instantly becoming surreal. The Doctor tapped your shoulder, telling you that:

‘The signal is coming from that classroom on the end’

The school bell rang and with it came a hoard of students lining up outside their classrooms, waiting for lessons to begin. While you and the Doctor were passing them to get to the classroom, you observed they seemed really familiar. When you arrived at the classroom, the Doctor knocked on the door and you read the room number. Number ten… Abruptly, you span round to look at the pupils again. You were about to go into your old English class. Anxiously, you whispered to the Doctor:

‘I can’t go in there.. That’s my old English class!’

Swiftly, he whispered back:

‘It’ll be fine as long you don’t reveal who you are’

At that second, your old English teacher opened the door asking who you were. With a cheeky smirk, the Doctor explained, showing him the psychic paper:

‘Hiya, I’m John Smith and this Y/N L/N, my colleague’

You stepped in to help out:

‘Yeah, we’re the school inspectors for today. We’re here to do a routine observation. Is that okay?’

Happily, your old teacher welcomed you in and suggested that you sit in the back. Grabbing a notepad and pen from your bag, ready to pretend you were observing the lesson. The Doctor asked what you were doing, laughing.

‘I’m trying to blend in, Doctor.’, you murmured, feeling anxious.

The lesson began, and it seemed that nothing was amiss. What would aliens want to do with an ordinary, boring old school in the middle of nowhere? You weren’t sure if you wanted to know the answer. Watching your teacher’s presentation gave you feelings of nostalgia. His lessons were always your favourite. You scanned the room looking for where you and your friends normally sat. And there you were. Listening intently to the lesson and every once in a while you would turn to your friend, making a stupid joke. Twenty minutes later and your teacher set the class a task to do. You looked over to the Doctor who was deep in thought. Gently, you nudged his arm:

‘We’ve got to get up and ask the student’s questions, ’

Absent-mindedly, he asked.

‘Why?’

‘Doctor, we’re pretending to inspectors, so that’s what we have to do. Just go and ask them random questions about the lesson’

The Doctor snapped back to reality.

‘Yeah.. Yep. That makes sense. Sorry something in this classroom is really bothering me.’

Another half an hour flew by and the lesson was ending. The Doctor asked your teacher a few questions similar to the ones he asked the students and then you left the classroom. When you were heading back to the TARDIS, the Doctor made a disturbing statement:

‘The energy isn’t coming from that classroom. It’s coming specifically from your teacher’.

Later on that day, after school had ended, you returned to classroom ten. The pair of you were peeking around the door, spying on what your teacher was up to. Simply, he was packing up his stuff, ready to head home. Everything seemed normal until there was a blinding, bright light. Squinting and covering your eyes, you saw a man made of steel standing, out of nowhere, next to his desk. The Doctor pulled you back, out of sight of the door. In an alarming tone and with an eerie look on his face, he exclaimed:

‘That’s a Cyberman!’

Read pt 3 here.

[officialsimppage]

-Why you, Why now-

this is based off of 4x24 amplification. i just changed it up a bit ya know :0. Warnings: anthrax infection, sappy love talk, crying, mentions of being nakey nakey. 

“Spence baby, have you seen my mug?” I say frantically looking around our apartment. I look in our room, in the bathroom, and in the living room. 

“Darling, it’s in your hand.” Spence says looking at me confused. I laugh at myself  and I walk outside the apartment locking it, and leaving with Spence. We are both a little freaked out since it is our first day back in 2 weeks. It’s been stressful.

 We just got back from our honeymoon in a small town in Italy. It was the absolute best being married. It brought us closer and bonded us for life. We loved Italy, don’t get me wrong, but we just missed home. We couldn’t stand being far away for too long. Our jobs as well.

 It can be horrifying, but it's the small rewards that get us up in the morning. Seeing parents and families get closure, reuniting people and children with their parents. It warms our heart and makes up for the evil side of it. 

We walk down the stairs towards Spencers car and he opens the car door for me and says, 

“Are you ready to go back?” closing the door and walking over to the drivers side of the car, stepping in. 

“Yeah, yeah I think so.” I say looking up at him. 

“Mk. Let's go then.” He says leaning in to give me a kiss, I then smile and look out the window as we drive to work.  

We walk into the building hand in hand, people congratulating us as we walk. We step into the elevator and I press the button with the number 6. We sit in silence for most of the elevator ride. When it dings Spencer looks at me with eyes that say, ‘You ready?’ I nod and walk out. 

Right when we enter the BAU, our eyes are swamped with soldiers and military officials. A million things run through my mind. Worries fill me from head to toe thinking about the million things that could have happened. We then see Penelope running up to us. 

“Ahh! Look! It’s the lovely married couple!” she says engulfing us in a signature Garcia hug. “How was Italy? Was it fun and eventful?” she says wiggling her eyebrows. I push aside her questions and ask, 

“Penelope, what is going on,” I say with worried eyes, making eye contact with her. 

“Oh, it's horrible. There’s been um,” she says pausing looking around the room. “An anthrax attack.” she whispers. Right as she says it, I figure out what we're dealing with. I worked with terrorists and chemical attacks. It's not fun. 

“Shit, well this is welcoming.” Spencer says looking around the room, seeing all the new military people crammed in the bullpen. 

“Yeah, sorry guys,” Penelope says, handing us our files. “But Hotch wants you at the round table now.” she says with a sad smile. I just respond with a shaky nod, gripping Spencer's hand tighter as we walk up the stairs to the round table. 

Right as we walk in, everyone faces us and runs. They engulf us in hugs and kisses. With questions asking us about the trip, congratulating us, and telling us how proud they are. Then, the happiness is put aside when a doctor named Linda Kamura walks in with medication, telling us they may be helpful if we are exposed. 

I take the pills down my throat with a swig of water afterwards. We look over the files, trying to put together a beginning profile for what we think is happening. I then finally focus when Hotch tells us to do and where to go. 

“Spencer and Y/N, go to the hospital and interview one of the victims. Rest of you, help put together a profile.” He says with a stern voice, and Spencer and I head with Dr. Kamura out the door and into one of the SUV’s to be driven to the hospital. 

I stay unfocused and out of it for the beginning of the car ride. I have a deep feeling in my gut that I should just jump out of this car and run home, knowing this isn’t going to end up good. I have always trusted my gut with everything I’ve done with my life. I want to just go home but I can’t. I need to stay and do my job. I need to help save other people. My thoughts are interrupted when I hear Spence say,

“Hey you ok? You look uneasy?” putting his hand on my thigh. 

“Yeah yeah, I just have a feeling that things aren’t going to end well today.” I say looking up at him, knowing my eyes have a glaze of tears over them. 

“Yeah, me too honey.” He whispers, pulling my head into his shoulder. I lay my head there, and just inhale his comforting scent. Trying to escape into a different reality. 

I lay my head on Spencer's shoulder for the whole car ride. We pull up to the hospital after a 30 minute long drive. I get out and stretch, already exhausted, even though I haven’t done anything. We walk in and get our badges out to show the doctors and police, to let us in and interview. 

I walk in and see the girl, Abby. She looks absolutely dreadful. All these machines hooked up to her, her face drained of color, and a red nose from all mucus. I let Spencer handle the interview, me, just listening and taking mental notes. She talks about how she and her friend were just on a normal bike ride around the park. They were just being teenagers. Until they got home and in the evening, they started feeling symptoms. And eventually, coughing up blood. It sounds utterly horrible and painful. She then starts slurring her words, Spencer is visibly confused until the Doctor states, 

“Slurring speech, one of the last symptoms before death.” with a pained face. Spencer just looks utterly shocked. Saddened as well. Mostly on how it worked so fast, but as well as who would want to do this to innocent citizens? He then says goodbye, and gets well soon, as he walks out of the room. 

“It's absolutely horrible Utterly and horrifically evil.” I say as we start walking out of the hospital. 

“I know, who would want to do this?” he says looking at me. 

“That’s what we have to find out.” I tell him as we dreadfully get back in the SUV, heading back to the BAU.

When we walk back into the bullpen after our visit to the hospital, it's busier than ever. People everywhere trying to prevent and predict the next attack. When we walk back up into the round table room, they are watching a video of a senate meeting with a man yelling at them about emergency preparedness. 

“What's this?” I ask, then everyone turns to face us. 

“It’s a clip of a doctor. He might be a suspect.” Derek says to us. He then resumes his focus to what is on the screen. We watch the man violently attack the senate. I can see why he could be a suspect. He is obsessed with making sure people are prepared for something like this. He is definitely in the right mindset to do this.

“Are we going to investigate him?” I ask crossing my arms, just wanting this day to be over. 

“I think so. You Reid and Morgan go to his house, check it out and contact us if you find anything out of the ordinary.” Hotch says calling some people. We then walk out, and make our way out of the building. As we walk up to the cars, we get a text from Hotch telling us where the address is. It ends up being only 15 minutes from the FBI headquarters. 

When we pull up to the large house, we knock on the door to see if anyone is home. When nobody answers, we start to look around. Knowing we can since we have a warrant. We walk around taking in the house. It’s a very nice house, actually. Filled with rose bushes and sheds. We were all walking together until I saw a shed and walked off towards it, leaving Spencer and Morgan to continue to search on their own.

Once I walked in, I knew it was a lab. It was full of micrscopes and peteri dishes. I then bump into a desk and I hear glass shatter. I turn behind me and see a glass bottle with a biohazard sign on it, spilled. The contents, a fine white powder. The first thing that comes to my mind is none other than anthrax. I then hear Derek and Spencer yelling my name. 

“Shit shit shit! No not today,” I say as I run over to the sliding glass door to close it. Right before I lock the door Derek and Spencer walk through the door to the shed. 

“Do not come in here.” I shout sternly. They immediately get worried looks on their faces. 

“Why Y/N? What’s wrong? Did something happe-” Then, Spencer stops talking once he looks on the floor and sees the white powder on the floor. 

“Shit Y/N,” Derek says massaging his forehead with his hands. 

“Y/N baby, no NO! You let me in there right now or I swear to god,” He yells banging on the door, tearing up right away. 

“I’m sorry baby I can’t do that.” I say tearing up myself. I put my hand on the glass, and he puts his hand on mine. He then whispers to me, 

“I’m not leaving you alone.” tears streaming down his face. 

“Hey it’s ok, it’s ok, I’m going to be fine ok? I’m just gonna look around and see if I can find out if he truly did this because I see two totally different desk setups. I’m also gonna look for the antidote ok?” I say trying to calm him down. 

“O- Ok,” He says, stuttering a bit from crying. “I love you.” He adds, looking up at my eyes. 

“I love you too,” I respond. “Now Derek call Hotch and tell him I’m going to investigate from the inside.” I say already starting to look around. 

“Shit, ok. God Y/N and whatever you do,” He says pointing at me. “Do not die on us.” Getting teary himself. 

“I promise.” I say holding up a pinky. They then walk out to call Hotch and to  get a hazmat team out here. While they do that, I begin to inspect everything and think of how to solve this. Ok ok, so there are two desks here, I think. One of them is extremely messy and the other is very neat and tidy. Has to be two different people. I start to wonder, as a professor, they’re could be many ways there are two different people working together. Either it’s an assistant, or a coworker, or maybe he even opens up his lab to students. I then start to drift away from that and think about the antidote. 

Antidote. For something so deadly, they can’t make the antidote obvious. It has to be like an unsuspicious household item. Right as I’m about to start looking around, I see Dr. K walking in with a hazmat suit. She asks me, 

“How are you holding up? Do you need anything? How are you feeling?” walking up to me and inspecting my face and body language. 

“I feel fine actually. My throat is just a little dry.” I knew that was a lie as soon as I said it. I have been wheezing and having chest pain. I just can’t break through this hard tough exterior. I need Spencer to see me strong. I tell her my theory of how the antidote isn’t going to have ANTIDOTE on it in big red letters, it's going to be in something non suspicious. We then begin to walk around, tearing apart different things looking for where the antidote could be. Spencer then walks up to the glass door yelling my name. 

“Spencer what is it?” I ask, running towards the door. 

“Oh my god Y- Y/n, you look horrible.” He says putting a hand on his mouth. 

“Well thanks for the confidence boost,” I say snickering a bit. Trying to make light of the situation.

“Gosh even when you’re infected with a deadly poison, you’re still you.” He says putting his hand on the glass, tears streaming down his face. 

“Spencer I’m going to be okay. But I’m telling you this to hopefully calm you down. I love you to the moon and back Spencer. You are the light of my life, the love of my life. I cannot imagine my life without you. Or me or you leaving each other early. We’re going to stay together for the rest of our lives. We’re going to have baby geniuses! We're going to be ok, I’m going to be ok.” I say crying a bit myself. 

“God, that did not help,” he says, wiping away tears. Me chuckling a bit through the tears. “Just, why you and why now.” He says making eye contact with me. 

“I don't know. But all I know is that I’m going to be ok and that I’m going to get out of this. I love you Spencer.” I say kissing my hand, and then touching my hand to the glass. 

“I love you too.” He says repeating the action I did. We are then interrupted by Dr. K asking, 

“Could this be the antidote? It’s an inhaler. It could work, and it's not too suspicious,” holding up a bag with a yellow inhaler in it. 

“Yes, yes! Good job that, that could be it!” I say laughing then coughing roughly. Hunching over, letting it all out. 

“Ok ok, agent let’s get you out of here and into the hospital.” she says partially carrying me over to where they have people ready with hoses inside of a sealed off area. They start spraying me with the water and then I see Spencer and Derek walk in. 

“How are you holding up pretty girl?” Derek asks me. 

“I’m doing good, but you can um go.” I say shrugging a bit. 

“No, I am seeing you off to the hospital. I helped put you into this mess.” He says looking at me crossing his arms. 

“No uh seriously. Leave. They’re about to strip me naked to wash me down and, I think that’s something only Spencer can see.” I say. His eyes then widen and he nods and walks out. I then begin to unbutton my shirt and take off my skirt. Spencer just is sobbing silently, watching me being so vulnerable being hosed down whispering, “It should have been me, It should have been me,” like a chant. They then put a hospital gown on me and put me on a stretcher. Right before they take me into the ambulance Spencer yells, 

“I love you!” looking at me laying on the stretcher, half dead. I start to yell that I love him back but then, I start coughing up blood. Well shit that isn't good. The Dr. then tells the ambulance driver to hurry up. And then she asks, 

“How are you feeling?” putting a stethoscope to my chest.

“I uh feel flime. Feel fum yoj now?” Shit Im slurring. Well this is fun. Her face is then drained of color, yelling at the driver to go even faster. After that moment, I feel my eyes shut.

The first thing that comes to me is my hearing. I hear the steady beat of the monitor, and the shuffling from the hospital. I then open my eyes to see blinding lights. I then turn my head to see Spencer reading. 

“Why aren’t you reading to me?” I ask, smiling at him. 

“Oh my god thank the lord you're awake.” He says standing up and giving me a hug. I chuckle a bit, weakly hugging him. “I- I thought I was going to lose you..” He says looking down at my left hand, looking at the ring he put on it. 

“You couldn’t get rif of me that fast,” I say pulling his head up to look at me. 

“I love you.” I say grabbing his left hand, fidgeting with his wedding ring. 

“I love you too Y/N.” he says, leaning in and kissing my cheek.