#he walked away and then came back and said 'i mean. no offense. but also like dashiell hammett didn't even do this much effort.'

[whoslaurapalmer]

I explained the plot wall sticky notes to my brother and he said '........wouldn't it be easier to just write something original?' and I was like '😐 that's not the POINT'

[milunalupin]

— it's late

sirius black x reader ★ 1k words

"Hey." His hair is a tangled mess, the locks going in opposite directions. His face is covered in dirt and scratches. He wears more cuts under his battered clothes. He has a worn expression on his face. Sirius looks tired.

You sat up with a jolt, having almost fallen asleep. At your door stood Sirius Black. The two of you weren't super close, but you had been a part of the Order for a while now. Also having been close with Remus for several years helped Sirius trust you a little quicker than normal. That said, most of your conversations were less than sober ones after everyone came back from their respective missions.

"Sirius? What are you doing here?"

He let out a small sigh, resting his head against the doorframe. He's never been the type to ask people for help.

"Needed some help patchin' up."

He lifted up his shirt, slightly revealing a long, deep cut on his side. It wasn't bleeding too much anymore, but was definitely still painful. He winced a little as he moved, his expression taut.

"No offense, but is Remus not available?" you shift in your bed, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.

Sirius huffed out a breath through his nose, his jaw clenching. He didn't particularly want to bug Remus late at night either, but he hadn't been expecting you to refuse.

"Nah, he's sleeping. Sorry, I'll just go ask—"

"Hey- I'm sorry. I can do it. Here, sit down." you made space on your bed as you crouched down to get your kit from underneath.

A hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Despite your emerging friendship, he's always had a soft spot for your kindness. He pushed himself away from your door, reluctantly sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"You good at this kind of thing?" He questioned, his voice still coarse. He adjusted himself a little in his seat, pulling his shirt up halfway. Sirius watched intently as you rummaged through your kit, his eyes fixed on the way your nimble fingers quickly found your potions and gauze.

"I do happen to be a healer at St. Mungo's," the corners of your mouth quirked up, and small glimmer of confidence in your eyes as you began to clean the wounds. "So I'd like to think so."

"Shit, careful." He flinches slightly when you get to the deep cut on his side., his gaze shifting from your hands to your face, his eyes meeting yours.

"You're fine." you rolled your eyes playfully. "You're the one who should be careful if anything."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He huffed out with a slight smirk, watching you closely.

Sirius has always been fond of you, of course he has. Despite his intimidating exterior, he appreciated your gentle kindness whenever you both ran across each other. But of course, he'd never admit it. He winced slightly again when you pressed down a little harder on the cut on his side. "God, you tryin' to kill me doll?"

"It means you could be a little less reckless as when you're going on missions. Who's going to drink with me if you're dead?" you joked, wrapping the gauze gently around his wound.

He lets out a bark of a laugh, shaking his head lightly. He loved the way you didn't tiptoe around him everyone else did. Although the accusations of him being a spy for the Death Eaters eventually died, it was a breath of fresh air to be with someone who never treated him differently.

"Oi, I'm not gonna die. I'm too damn stubborn for that." He says in a teasing manner, enjoying the banter between the two of you. He continues to watch you as you finish wrapping the bandage around his torso, his eyes never leaving your face.

"You're right about that." you teased, lightly patting your work as you stand up. "Are you good to walk back to your room on your own or am I gonna have to find you a cane?"

Sirius chuckled at your comment, shaking his head. He slowly stood up from your bed, testing out how well he could move with the wrapped cut on his side. It still hurt, but he could ignore it.

"No, I'm good doll. Not too old to walk yet."

He smirked, his eyes meeting yours. There was something different in his gaze now. He looked at you with a hint of fondness. You wrung your hands together nervously, hoping that it was too dark for him to notice the growing blush on your face.

"Alright well, careful with your side. Goodnight Sirius."

He paused for a moment, his eyes locking with yours. He wanted to stay with you, to spend more time with your warm presence. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Can I ask you something real quick?"

"Yeah, what is it?" you asked, now sitting in bed once again.

Sirius took a deep breath, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. He leaned against the wall, shoving his hands in his pockets to look as nonchalant as possible. This wasn't easy for him.

"I... I was wondering if you'd want to join me on patrol with me tomorrow. Arthur's helping Molly out with the kids."

Your eyebrows stitched together, tilting your head to the side as you tried to remember. "Patrol? I don't recall seeing one scheduled for tomorrow."

"You're so right, there's not. I uh- I just wanted an excuse to spend some time with you," he ran a hand through his dark curls, letting out a dry laugh. "I'm not as good at this as I used to be, alright?"

You had to bite down on your bottom lip to hold back your grin, but your efforts were unsuccessful. "I suppose I could find some room in my very busy schedule."

His eyebrows shot up, a delighted smile growing on his face. "Yeah?"

The old floorboards creaked as you made your way to him. You nodded and leaned up to press a kiss to his stubbly cheek. "Go to sleep, Sirius."

"You're mental if you think I'm sleeping now, sweet girl."

[mtfstuff]

The desired role

I never thought my life could change this drastically. Let me tell you that I once was a strong and fair cop but I lost all of that quickly without fully realizing what I did. It all started a few months ago on this fateful afternoon.

On that day I was on my patrol, driving around in my police cruiser looking for potential trouble as usual.

I had gotten a call from a young woman that it seems like a young man is selling himself for sex to other men in a more remote area of the town. I was driving around there to see if I could spit him and I could after a fee minutes of searching. I carefully parked the cruiser and tried to sneak up on them. They were in the back of an alley. I could see the young man wearing skin tight latex from neck to toes. He was getting fucked by an older man with a beer gut while another man demanded the young man to suck his dick. I came closer but one of the older man noticed me and started to run. I quickly started to run towards them, shouting at them to stand still. The second man pushed the young man towards me and started to run away too.

I catched the young man and could only watch as the two old men ran through a backdoor and closed it. I handcuffed the young man and then walked up to the backdoor, trying to pry it open but to no avail. The thick metal door didnt move a bit. I got back to the young man and looked at him thoroughly. His body from neck to toes was covered in latex, even his hands. The only places free of latex was his crotch area and a hole around his butt. His dick was locked away in a chastity cage. He seemed intimidated by me as he didnt even reach my shoulders.

"Are you even old enough to sell yourself in this 'business'?", I asked him starting to walk him towards the cruiser.

"Is this regarding my size? Yeah I know I look young with my 5' but I can assure you that I'm 26 years old.", he answered cowardly.

"Do you have any ID to back up that claim?"

"No. I lost everything around 4 months ago."

I pushed him into the backseat.

I got into the car on the drivers seat.

"Whats your name?", I asked opening the criminal justice information system.

"Jordan Blight.", he said. I could hear him starting to sob.

I entered his name into the computer and found multiple things about him. It started with him disappearing, followed by multiple offensive crimes.

I exhaled deeply. By the looks of it this guy would now go to prison even though I knew that from the way he looked he wouldnt survive a week there.

Jordan must've had a similar thought as he started crying.

"Please... I'll do anything. I just cant go to prison. Please!", he cried.

"Sorry man, but I cant help you.", I answered looking at him through the rearview mirror.

"Please...", he continued crying. "I'll do anything... do you need sexual relief? I'm supposedly good at it. Do you need someone to talk to? I'm a good listener."

I stayed silent. I felt somewhat pitty for him and his situation.

"Do you need someone to get drugs? I know some who have them.", he continued.

I looked at him concerned.

"Or do you want me as an insider? Or should I be your slave?"

I subconsciously moved an eyebrow and unfortunatly Jordan noticed it.

"What was it? The insider or the slave?", he asked with a grin.

I cleared my throat.

"How did you get in your situation? I mean I wouldnt choose to walk around in a latex suit covering everything but my head, dick and ass.", I asked.

"Changing the subject, I see.", he snickered. "I was drugged by some I considered friends. They stripped me, put me in this latex suit and cock cage. They also made sure that I dont get out by welding the zipper fully into the suit. They then brought me here, into a city I dont know to make me a sex slave. And they succeeded. I got addicted to sex and drugs over the last few months. It feels like I know more about the taste of dicks and cum than real food. It feels like I dont even remember how it feels to wear something else than latex."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I - I dont even know what to say.", I said.

"Say if it was the slave or the insider.", he laughed.

"Neither. Just a weird thought I sometimes have."

"Tell me about it."

I felt torn. He had the right appearance for my weird wish but he was just a stranger, even more a stranger I've just arrested. But I still had this feeling that I could tell him.

"Since I was in pre-school I was the tallest guy and even without working out I was pretty muscular.", I said. "And I dont know why as my family isnt tall at all. Since then I started to get this wish, to feel small. Even get somewhat humiliated."

It was a weird silence.

"I didnt see that coming.", Jordan said. "You, this hunk of a good looking man, wants to be humiliated. You want to be in my position?"

"Yeah, I do.", I said. "I just want to know how it feels."

"Well, I'd do anything to not go to prison but I dont know how much I could humiliate you."

He chuckled.

"I mean I'm 5' and you're like 6'3.", he added.

"6'5 to be precise.", I said. "I could have something that would change this situation. Only if you're down for it."

"I'd be doing it if it means that I wont go to prison, so yeah. Tell me, what is it you have."

I moved around in my seat, fearing his reaction to what I would tell him.

"I have a body swap item with me.", I told him.

He bursted out into laughs. It was almost contagious. Almost.

He slowly caught himself again.

"You cant be serious!", he looked at me. "Oh shit, you're serious."

"I dont know if it works but it could be your way out of prison if you do it with me for a short time. Its said to be reversible so we'd swap back after that session of ours.", I said.

He thought about it for a moment.

"Sure, why not. I always wondered how it felt to have a body as incredible as yours."

"Then its a deal.", I started the engine and drove us to an even more remote area of the city.

When we arrived I turned off the cruiser and got out. I opened the trunk of the cruiser and took a strange needle out of it. I closed it and opened Jordan's door. I pulled him out and pushed him into an abandoned alleyway.

I unlocked his handcuffs and he rubbed his wrists.

"So how does this work?", Jordan asked.

"We have to prick a finger each with this.", I held the needle in front of him. "Then the pricked tips have to touch and then we swap or transform into each other. That wasnt fully clear."

"Then lets do it.", he answered.

I took one of his fingers and pricked the tip. He let out a slight gasp. Then I pricked my finger and held it up. He pressed his finger against mine and I immediately felt a weird sensation, as if a force was pulling my whole body from my finger.

Jordan musst have felt it himself as he pulled his hand away. I looked at him and noticed that he started to grow, not just in height but also in terms of muscles. His latex suit got pulled thinner and thinner before it finally ripped in multiple places. The scraps of latex fell to the ground, revealing Jordans new muscular body that was still growing. I could immediately see that his muscles looked like mine. Jordan marveled at his new body, already smelling his armpits or feeling his abs. I looked down at his dick to see if it was growing too and it did. It was already straining against the cage before the cage sprung open and fell to the ground. Jordan's dick was the spitting image of mine and it was rock hard.

Jordan was almost the same height as me now and only his face looked different. A beard stubble was starting to grow on his cheeks as his bone structure started to morph into mine. His hair grew shorter and his eye color changed. It took only a few seconds and it was as if I was looking into a mirror. A naked mirror.

"This is incredible!", Jordan said feeling his biceps. "We could be twins right now! But shouldnt you look like me?"

"Yeah, I thought I would transform too but until now I only have this strange feeling.", right then the feeling changed and I started to shrink. While shrinking my uniform felt heavier and the gun holster looser every second and suddenly my pants, including my boxers, fell to the ground. My jacket and vest were huge on me, my hands didnt even stick out of the sleeve anymore and my dick was hidden behind the vest but I could feel how hard it was. It was almost painful.

I looked at Jordan and he had a huge grin on his face.

"Your manly face on my body wearing a uniform thats to big for you is just a funny sight to behold.", he said not letting go of his new muscles.

I started to feel my face change. The receding beard as well as the quickly growing hair tickled. With a faint plop I could hear my bones change and then the feeling vanished.

"Looks like I'm the officer now.", Jordan said.

He grabbed me by the throat and lifted me up. I could feel my socks and boots slip off my feet before I felt the cold ground beneath my butt. Jordan had dropped me.

"Man this strength is crazy!", he exclaimed.

I coughed a few times, trying to get my throat to feel normal again.

Jordan grabbed my arms and quickly pulled the rest of the uniform off of my body. I was now sitting on the cold floor completely naked.

Jordan dropped the vest, jacket and undershirt. I could hear him breathing heavily.

"I havent worn real clothes for months.", I could hear him say to himself.

He picked up my boxers from my pants and looked at them in his hands. He quickly smelled them and let out a quiet moan before carefully slipping his legs through them. He pulled them up to his hips and took his time to position his new big dick in a comfortable place.

It looked like Jordan quickly forgot about me because of the uniform.

He continued by pulling my socks out of my boots before pulling them over his feet and muscular calves. He wiggled his toes and giggled.

He grabbed the undershirt and pulled it over his broad chest. I marveled at how great it fit him. I now saw that I truly knew how to show off my body.

He removed the gun holster from the belt before stepping into the pants. He closed the belt and added the holster back.

He grabbed the jacket and quickly put it on before adding the vest onto his torso.

The last thing left were the boots. He seemed to almost celebrate this. He grabbed them and slowly unlaced them. He relished stepping into them, I could see it. He tied them again and took a few steps.

"This feels so good. Wearing real clothes, a uniform even. And then wearing shoes again. No more barefoot in latex.", he said.

Standing before me really was the spitting image of me, officer Stephen Benson. An officer with a bright future, thinking about how he could do anything as me now made my dick even harder.

"What are you going to do with me, officer?", I asked trying to get his attention.

He helped me up before pushing me face first against the wall.

"You can be more than lucky I got my uniform back. Impersonating an officer is a serious crime!", he said.

I felt him rubbing his crotch against my back.

"That was all just a big misunderstanding sir!", I answered.

I suddenly felt how he put the handcuffs around my wrists on my back.

"Misunderstanding or not, you're going to jail.", he said.

I got nervous, was he just roleplaying or taking over my life. I wanted to be submissive but I didnt want to go to jail. The thought of him taking over made me even harder. My dick was pressing so hard against the dirty brick wall.

"You're lucky as I'm in need of sexual relief.", he turned me around to face him. "And you may not go to jail if you go down and do a thing for me."

Jordan had a devilish grin on my old face. I went down and he immediately pushed my face into my old crotch. I could smell the fabric as well as the stench of my old sweat. But most of all I could feel the outline of the beast inside the pants that was once mine.

He continued pressing my face into his crotch.

"Worship me. Worship my muscles and uniform!", he said.

I couldnt answer because my face was pushed so hard against his crotch but I managed to move my hands behind my back to get his attention there.

He bent himself over me to unlock one side of the handcuffs again.

I immediately moved my hands to his firm butt and squeezed it. My hands slowly ran down his legs, feeling the muscles beneath the fabric every time he flexed his legs. I knew that it should be wrong, worshipping your real body but it just felt so good.

My hands went down further, now slightly massaging his calves before I ran my hands over my combat boots he now wore. Touching the leather felt surprisingly good so I kept working on his feet. That combined with inhaling the musk of my old crotch and uniform felt intoxicating.

"Take it out and suck it!", I heard Jordan order with my old deep voice.

It sent chills down my spine knowing that I sounded like that before but now I wasnt in control of it or any other part of that body.

I opened the belt and pants and pulled out his dick. It was more than massive from my point of view and it was already throbbing and leaking pre-cum.

I opened my mouth and Jordan saw that as his opportunity to push the full 8 inches down my throat. I thought that I would have to throw up but this body had like no gag reflex anymore. I continued sucking on my old dick while Jordan controlled my speed by having his hands behind my head.

It felt weird and at first I didnt knew what to do but it only took a few seconds before the muscle memory kicked in and I started sucking like a pro. I could feel the veins pulsate in sync with Jordan's heartbeat. I used my tongue to play with it and I heard Jordan moan every now and then.

He suddenly grabbed my head more tightly before I felt his dick erupting in my mouth. I immediately started to swallow and tasted cum for the first time. The salty but still somewhat sweet taste was weird at first but it felt more normal with every string Jordan shot into my mouth.

"Dont spill.", he said panting.

I swallowed everything before he pulled me to my feet again. He turned me around again and I could immediately feel him running his dick along my ass. He pushed it in without warning but it didnt hurt at all.

"Damn, my hole was loose.", Jordan said. "I have more to give to you."

He pounded me hard but it still turned me on more. Knowing that the roles would be reversed in reality. I should be the muscular officer and Jordan should be this twink but right now I was living my phantasy.

His thrusts changed pace and I could feel how he prepared to unleash another load into me. He pushed me tight against the wall, his hands on my hips as I felt him shooting his warm and slimy masculine seed up my ass.

He pulled out and I felt him wiping off his dick on my butt cheeks.

I was covered in sweat but it felt great to have been used like this and I bet Jordan loved being a muscular officer too.

I was awaiting that he would unlock the handcuffs again so that we could swap back but he suddenly grabbed me with full force by my neck and threw me to the ground.

"You let something drip out of your ass!", he said firmly pointing at his feet. "Go on and clean my awesome combat boots."

I got on my knees and licked the cum off of my old boot. It tasted just like before, only that it had now dirt mixed into it. I was almost done licking as I felt a few finger intrude my butt. Jordan pulled them out again and tasted it.

"Damn man, this body tastes good.", he said.

Suddenly we both looked intensely at each other knowing exactly what caused it. It felt like a damn broke in our minds. My mind got flooded with the memories of Jordan and he probably got access to my memories.

"This- this changes everything!", he said.

He pulled me up.

I cleared my throat to sound manlier.

"Are you ready to change back? There are spare clothes in the trunk of the cruiser you can wear after that.", I said.

"No man.", he said.

"What do you mean, no?"

He pushed me against the wall again.

"You wanted to be me. You wanted to be humiliated and I agreed to escape prison.", he flashed me a quick smile. "But I'm the man now. I have the muscles. I wear the uniform. We'll do this my way now."

"But- but you cant just be a cop and do my job. I cant stay like this."

"You enjoyed being like this."

He gestured to my small, hard and slightly leaking dick.

"And I more than enjoyed being you.", he continued. "You have two options now, 'Jordan'. Keep complaining about swapping back and I'll send you to prison. Or get into the car and be me."

I stared at him in shock.

"It's Thursday, right?", he asked.

"Yes."

"Then lets make a deal. We stay like this till Sunday. If you then still want to swap back we'll do it. If you want us to stay like this we'll stay."

"Deal!"

He grabbed my balls tightly and I let out a loud, uncontrolled moan. He laughed.

"Good. I still have to be on my patrol for 2 more hours. So I'll leave you here. You wanted to be humiliated so you have to make a choice. Stay here until I come back to get you or look around searching for clothes. But if you do, time is running. I wont wait here for you when I'm finshed.", he said.

He laughed again and walked to the cruiser. He stepped into the driver seat, started the engine and left.

Only then I noticed that Jordan managed to place his old chastity cage on my dick.

I didnt fully understand how it got this far but I felt good. The humiliation was everything I always wanted but I still felt the urge to get my body back. I was excited to see what the last few days would bring.

[devieuls]

The way of love pt.I

Neteyam Sully x Tayrangi Fem Reader (Na'vi)

Warning of the Serie: MDNI. Dom Neteyam x Fem Reader; SMUT; ANGST; FLUFF; Dirty Talk; Fangs; Bites; Blood; Spit; Power Play; Jealousy and Possessiveness; Foreplay; violence; Swearing; Teasing; Unprotected Sex; Enemies (because of you, Neteyam treats you well). Aged characters: Neteyam 19 y.o / You 18 y.o SERIE

Synopsis: After a great loss happened in your family, you are forced to take a role that before did not belong to you, following a path that you will feel like your only in time. Just when you thought you were finally overcoming the loss, your clan shows up with those you blame for the great offense received. You are the daughter of the first Olo'eykte of all clans and are about to take your mother’s place to lead the Tayrangi clan, but first you must follow Neteyam (the eldest son of the man you detest with all your heart) To train him, despite your contempt for the Sullys and everything about them, you inevitably bond with the boy, unknowingly falling in love with him.

CHAPTER WARNING: Just free hate for Neteyam from you.

Lenght : 2.1k

Notes: This series will be one of my biggest BOP or FLOP, it’s a long time I wanted to write about Neteyam because... GOSH, BUT YOU HAVE SEEN HIM?! BTW. All characters will keep the age difference but will be aged eg: Neteyam 19 y.o; Lo'ak 18 y.o etc…

" y/n te Skxumew Ikeyni'ite" is your surname, means Y/n surname daughter of Ikeyni

NA'VI WORDS: PARULTSYIP: Children. KARYU: Teacher. VRRTEP: Demon. IRAYO: Thank you. OARE: Moon. 'ITE: Daughter

PART: 1 ; 2 ; 3 ; 4 ; 5 ; 6 ; 7 ; 8 ; 9 ; 10

· · ─────── · 𖥸 · ─────── · ·

The first time the Sullys visited the Tayrangi clan, you were suspicious. You weren’t a big fan of Toruk Makto, there were rumors about him, rumors that you didn’t like him and that you were looking down on the Omatikaya family. Unlike your mother, the Olo'eykte Ikeyni, one of the few women to be clan leaders and Tsahik at the same time, you did not believe that you should be on the side of a man from another world. It also bothered you that the Sullys left their eldest son to be trained by your father, who, ironically, loved to teach young people the art of hunting.

You rolled your eyes as the girls of your clan looked at the son of Toruk Makto as if he were a living legend, a god among Na'vi, to you he was simply a na'vi with demon blood. You still remembered how your clan had offered shelter to the fleeing or homeless na'vi because of the war brought above all by the father of that Omatikayan. You growled slightly as the boy walked over to you, then turned around and walked away from him, taking a seat next to your parents, checking out the Sullys.

"My daughter. The future Olo'eykte of the Tayrangi Clan and healer of the village. She will be the guide of your son Neteyam, showing him the arts of this clan and our way." Your mother’s words stabbed you in the back, and you looked at her like it might change her mind, which it didn’t. You looked at your father, Tsentey, who, though he looked back, made you think he agreed with your mother.

You took a deep breath and walked away, trying to stay calm. You hated the idea of being the leader of that half-demon, but you couldn’t help but disobeying would put you in a position where the clan would look down on you and in Eywa’s eyes you would be undeserving to be Olo'eykte.

When evening came, your parents returned to your house and looked at you slightly disappointed.

"Ma 'ite… I know it's not something that brings joy to your heart, but it is your duty as next Olo'eykte" said your father, placing a hand on your shoulder, smiling gently, while your mother looked hard at you.

"There is no time for whims. This is the will of Eywa. An Olo'eykte is already weaker than an Olo'eyktan man. If you do not help the future Olo'eyktan of Omatikaya, someone else will and you will be just a Na'vi with a lower title" Your mother said, approaching you. " Ma 'ite. You are strong. You can do it and when the day comes, you will lead this clan, show them who you are" continued and then lifted your face from your chin. "You're a warrior. Remember who you are y/n te Skxumew Ikeyni'ite. You'll be the second Olo'eykte of all Pandora and everyone will know your name. More than Toruk Makto. But you have to make sacrifices, put pride aside. You have a goal Ma Oare" Your mother put her forehead on yours and you both closed your eyes, then nodded.

"I will." You said with conviction to see your mother smile, she was right. This was just one of the trials to reach your place in the clan.

The night passed quickly and the next day you were ready to face that demon blood, you just had to train him and then after a few months send him back to his house, to the Omatikaya. Your mother encouraged you when she saw you awake as you walked past the tree house, then headed to where Neteyam was staying, finding him already outside.

"Follow me." You hissed, then walked through the village to get out and into the woods. " What weapon can you use?" You continued without turning around to see where Neteyam was.

"Knives and Bows." He replied by keeping the pace "However I am-"

You stopped him, you stopped yourself, and then you turned around and looked him in the eye.

"I know who you are. Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan" You said to then observe it. " Bows and knives? Your arms are weak" You said approaching him, touching his arm. " Your chest tight, but you have a good posture." The boy watched you turn around and talk about him. "Do you have an Ikran?" You look him in the eye when you talk to him.

"Yes, I have one." His voice was still, as if the words you used didn’t hurt him at all.

"Can you swim?"

"Pretty good" Neteyam looked at you enchanted, smiling slightly

"Tsk. You’re like a parultsyìp. I have to teach you everything." You said sighing and then continued walking until you got to the cliff that provided a wonderful view of the sea.

"The Tayrangi clan is famous for being skilled riders of Ikran, the best. We interpret the wind, understand the sea and respect the great predators and the Ikran. You have to learn to fight with more weapons, to swim, to understand the wind and the animals that surround us" You said and then sit on the cliff, breathing in the fresh air.

"I’m here for this… what’s your name?" Neteyam’s voice was sweet as he sat next to you.

"You’re not here to make friends or get to know me. Call me Karyu." Your detached and disinterested voice made Neteyam smile, who already found you interesting.

"Karyu? So you won’t tell me your name?" he said, slightly laughing.

"Not relevant for training. Now silence. Listen to the wind"

That day you taught Neteyam the basics of understanding the wind, explaining in detail how to use this to fly better, to understand when it will start to rain or other natural events. The boy, different from what you thought, listened to you interested, asking questions and coming to understand what you were explaining. You couldn’t deny it.

"For today we are finished, tomorrow we will start with the proper guidance of the Ikran, the Omatikaya use strange methods to approach the banshees" You said, Going from the cliff and stretching you.

"Did I do well?" he asked curiously, as he stood up.

"Discreetly, you are not completely Skxawng." You shrugged, indifferent. " These are things that our children learn after a week. Half a day is something"

"Something? Does that mean I can now know your name?"

"No. Why do you care so much?" your voice was sore.

"Just curiosity" Neteyam smiled and approached you

"Hmm… if you can get back to the village before the eclipse, I’ll tell you my name. Good luck" You said, and then you went into the forest, going home alone, about an hour before the eclipse, it was impossible for her to return in time, not knowing the way back. You prayed that a Palulukan would tear him to pieces, not to have him back but you could not wish this on a son of Eywa, after all even a Palulukan deserved a better meal.

Some of your companions gathered to wait for Neteyam after hearing about that little challenge, you smiled satisfied when the eclipse came and Neteyam was not back yet. " What if he’s dead?" " Maybe he found a Palulukan." "Or he got lost" Voices like this filled the air, you shrugged and turned to leave. At that moment you heard the girls cheering and shouting the name of Neteyam happy, seeing him unharmed.

You turned and looked him in the eye, after all he still lost the challenge, so the victory belonged to you. Neteyam came up with a flower.

"There’s already been an eclipse. You lost, so I don't-" You stopped when Neteyam put the flower behind your ear, smiling at seeing you with it in your hair.

"I would have won, but I saw this Sun Lily and it reminded me of your eyes, so I looked for the most beautiful, wasting time" He said smiling, shrugging. " I’ll discover your name one day, ma Karyu"

You observed him without saying anything, you did not expect such a thing. He had preferred to lose the challenge to pick a flower to give you and did not seem upset by this, indeed, he smiled carelessly. You did not understand at that moment why your heart accelerated the beat, or why you did not immediately remove the flower, or why now you looked at it without disgust or repugnance. You recovered from your thoughts when you heard some girls being jealous of you for that little gesture made by Prince Omatikaya. You clenched your jaw and looked at him.

"You still lost." you said with the little coolness you had left.

"I did, but does it matter?" He replied promptly, and then continued, "It was worth it, the flower suits you very well."

You bit the inside of your cheek and then you turned around and left "See you tomorrow." You said dryly before saying goodbye and going home.

"She’s beautiful, isn’t she?" Neteyam said to some of the clan’s boys.

"Bro, shs's the type of na'vi who eats you alive." one of the guys laughed.

"I know, and I like it." Neteyam concluded

You reported to your mother and she immediately noticed the flower in your hair.

"It’s very nice, where did you get it?" she asked, placing the flower in your hair.

"Just a stupid gift." You confessed before you took it off and left it in your mother’s hand, going to a more secluded place on one of the tree branches.

"skxawng. just a vrrtep skxawng." You said to yourself while leaning your body against the tree. " Ma Eywa, please, Great mother, make sure he learns quickly and walks away." You asked as you watched the starry sky. " Give me a sign to bear him, because he’s a vrrtep," you said before you heard a woodsprite landing on the same ear where Neteyam’s flower used to be and then seeing it not far under the tree where you were sitting. You felt mocked, Eywa today was having fun putting everything against you, otherwise you won’t explain these coincidences.

The coup de grâce came when the branch broke, dropping you into Neteyam’s arms. If you could confirm that, Eywa was trying to make you do all these things. You sighed annoyed, crossing your arms when Neteyam looked at you to see if you were okay.

"Are you hurt? Is everything okay?" he asked concerned, checking you and clutching you accidentally.

"You can let me go. I’m fine." You answered a little sour.

"A thank you is welcome, Princess Tayrangi," Neteyam laughed, and then left you standing on the ground, watching you.

"Irayo…" you whispered quietly, turning your head to the side

"I don’t understand, can you repeat?" he said smiling

"what a skxawng…" you whispered softly. " I said Irayo." This time you said fast

"I still don’t understand, I really think you’ll have to repeat it," Neteyam laughed a little.

"Are you- Irayo." You said it out loud so he’d get it in his head, and then he’d snort right after.

"You are even more beautiful when you get angry, you know?" he said spontaneously, leaning against the tree, admiring your beauty.

You swirled your eyes, restraining yourself from splitting his nasal septum or something, but for the umpteenth time Eywa sent a signal, a woodsprite on Neteyam’s shoulder. You looked up and laughed frustrated.

"Listen carefully, I don’t know why my path is intertwined with yours. I don’t want to put up with you any more than I have to. This means that if you see me falling from a tree, let me fall, if you find flowers that remind you of me, leave them where they are, if you see me for the village avoid me" You said pointing your finger at Neteyam’s chest. "The only thing keeping me from completely avoiding you is my title and my parents. You’d be meal for Palulukan if it were up to me."

Neteyam opened his mouth to speak but you stopped him. "Don’t answer, it’s already decided. Learn quickly, I want you out of this village and away from me or my people. I don’t know why my parents sympathize with your family, but I don’t agree with them. Now, if you understand that you have to stay as far away from me as possible, nod."

The boy nodded, smiling amused, watching you get nervous.

"Good. See you tomorrow Neteyam." You said saying goodbye a second time to go home.

At that moment, all you wanted was for Neteyam to disappear, him and his manners, and take away that beautiful smile and those golden eyes. Fuck, no. You don’t have to think about it. You hate him, you hate his family, you must hate him… Do you hate him?

[lunarw0rks]

cod dudes with a nurse y/n but make it lowkey realistic: bc lets be real, after a 12 hr shift you do NOT want to hang out with friends, party, or socialize. ur feet hurt from walking and standing all day, your ears are tired from hearing the IV pumps beep all day, and the smell of C.diff makes u want to vomit. nurse y/n just wants to sit down or lay on the couch and be non-verbal... Gaz, price, and rudy are the sweetest. they pick that up real quick after mistakenly asking "hows ur shift" and y/n trauma dumped them for 5 hrs straight. they don't immediately ask for hugs and kisses bc they know u overwhelmed. they just pour u a cup of wine and sit next to you until YOU talk to them first. you lowkey gossip with them on ur day off or randomly be like "omg look at that dude over there next to the parking spot its giving edema". and then theres soap and ghost. Soap is clingy, yall really think hes gonna survive 12hrs of not seeing you? this man was waiting by the door at 7:15 pm. on the dot. wants to hug and kiss you and tell you about his day. but ur just so. fucking. tired. you tried to be as responsive but it always ended up with a tired "mhm". He legit got upset a few times but he'd be a good sport about it tho. eventually he caught on a couple of weeks in and now he just comes and hugs you from behind, kisses ur face, and cuddles you silently (AFTER you throw away ur dirty scrubs and shower. that C.diff smell is yucky yucky). Tells you he appreciates your care and effort for the patients every day :). Ghost.... omgg he said something lowkey offensive to you right after u got home from the worst shift of ur week. and he didnt even know WHAT he said/did, hes kinda bad a picking up ur cues. nurse y/n just turned around slowly, gave him the NASTIEST side eye, and stared at him for a good 2.5 min. This man immediately retreated from ur couch to wherever he was b4 like a hermit going back to its shell lmao. 2 hrs later you find a small written note and ur fave gurl dinner on the dining table.

Alejandro..... this man is SO PROUD of his s/o being a nurse. hes showing you off every chance he gets!!! He takes Nursing week SERIOUSLY. give you massages, spas, gifts, ect. but he doesnt get how tired and overwhelmed you are. you have to physically tell him to stop asking or letting his family asking medical question. "No ale. I will NOT look at auntie's mole on her stomach. when im off the clock im OFF THE CLOCK :("

Valeria threatens to beat up the management for you lol. she hates how you get treated by them sometimes. you didnt get the recognition you deserve. Def bosses her cartel men around to buy you gifts and such. one time she organized a whole day to spoil and pamper you. she gave you her own version of Daisy Award 🥺💞 Konig observes and internally analyzes ur every move. he panics tho. like "OMG she home but she already has a bottle of wine its different from the one she had yesterday.. omg omg she didnt even say hello that means her shifts was extra shitty today.... why is she sipping on the wine for so long and the last sip is longer than all previous sips........" He eventually learned you just need silent company. you were laying on the bed feeling burned out when he came over with some soup, kissed ur hand, and wrapped you in a blanket burrito :).

ah, realistic nurse!y/n. this is a breath of fresh air for me.

they're all trying their best. and honestly, what better pair? they also have an overstimulating, kinda gross (blood and bodily fluids), exhausting career !!

it's a match made in heaven !! (aside from the whole... miscommunication and barely seeing each other thing. but what's a good ship without some gut-wrenching angst?)

[ourloveisforthelovely]

House of Black Part 7

Regulus Black AU

Request: Regulus and his wife are raising Sirius’ daughter after he ends up in Azkaban. Now after his escape Sirius comes to them to thank them and get to know his daughter.

Pairings: Regulus Black x Reader. Former Sirius x Reader

Link to Part 6

Rating- M 

______

Sirius waited a few moments before tentatively getting up and sneaking after Regulus. He peaked around the corner as Regulus lightly knocked on the closed door.

“Who is it?”

Abby’s tearfully strained voice came from the other side as Regulus turned to look at Sirius. Giving his older brother a look that said “fuck off” Regulus turned back to worry about his daughter.

“It's me.”

He replied in his calm composed voice. The door opened after a few moments and Abby stepped out quickly wrapping her arms around Regulus’ waist. Sirius, meanwhile, was waiting for Regulus to shove her away and mutter something about too many feelings…however, he didn’t. Regulus simply wrapped his arms around Abby and gently patted her back.

“There, there, darling. I know this wasn’t at all what you wanted.”

“Why would I want to be sentenced to 35 years of monthly inconvenience?”

Abby grumbled. Regulus had to choke back a giggle.

“You sound like your mother and I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t be looking forward to that either. Now, do we need to go to the store?”

Abby shook her head.

“Mum has been preparing for this for ages.”

Regulus was once again thankful for your superb planning skills. You were always prepared for everything. For this particular event, Regulus made a note to forever be thankful for your planning even more. While he had been down the “feminine hygiene” aisle plenty of times in the years that he had been married to you that didn’t mean that he enjoyed it nor would have the slightest idea what to get Abby.

“Of course, she has. Your mum likes chocolate at this particular time. Want me to go get something?”

Abby nodded, sobbing a little more.

“That would be nice.”

Regulus gently patted Abby’s back once more.

“Now, go lie down. I’ll let you know when I get home. I’ll also keep the clueless one away as long as I can.”

Abby sighed.

“Thanks, Dad.”

Regulus waited until the door was closed before turning and going back to where Sirius stood peaking around the corner.

“Don’t worry, you cowering wimp, I took care of it. Once again, it is I who always comes to your aid to get your stupid self out of trouble. You are welcome.”

Sirius gave Regulus a scowl as his younger brother turned and walked from the house without another word.

Half an hour later, you stepped into Grimmauld Place and closed the door behind you. Looking around the room, you made a mental note of how quiet the room was. You could only hope that Regulus had killed Sirius while you were away. The last thing that you wanted to do was clean up that mess and come up with an explanation for the Order.

“Hey it's you”

You looked up at Sirius as you walked into the kitchen.

“Hey, it's you too. I see Regulus didn’t kill you while I was away.”

You had to stop yourself from laughing at the look of offense on Sirius’ face.

“Look, I may be clueless but that doesn’t make him the genius of being a perfect father and knowing how to deal with all women’s issues!”

You stared at Sirius for a few moments trying to figure out what the hell the man was talking about but could come up with nothing.

“What are you talking about?”

Sirius blinked back at you. He wanted to congratulate himself for once again putting his foot in his mouth. Judging the expression on your face you were totally not in on the “know” about what had been happening at Grimmauld Place that morning.

“Did Regulus not tell you?”

“Tell me what? What are you on about?”

Sirius groaned before sitting down.

“Abby started her…you know that thing that women have and men don’t.”

Your face went blood white.

“Merlin, she started her period. Oh, the poor thing. Sirius, please tell me that you didn’t handle that situation.”

You were relieved when Sirius shook his head.

“Thank Merlin.”

You murmured and went to the refrigerator to get a drink. Sirius didn’t move from his place.

“How did you do it, Y/n?”

You turned back to your brother-in-law with a frown.

“Do what?”

“Get that stick out of Regulus’ ass and teach him to deal with emotion? He handled that like a champ.”

You chuckled before taking a sip of your drink.

“He certainly didn’t come that way. I had to undo all of that shit your mother did to him. The years of pureblood garbage and your father’s lack of basic understanding of how a woman works. Once I knocked all of that shit down, Regulus was like a perfect little lump of clay. There was also the fact that he was willing to change for me…and for Abby. He did not want her growing up in a house like the one the two of you were raised in.”

Sirius was silent for a moment before looking at your face. The years hadn’t changed you. You were still the same beautiful person that you had always been…the beautiful person with the acid tongue.

“I never thanked you.”

He said idly.

“Taking care of Abby when you didn’t have to. Also for taking care of Regulus…while he and I may not be best buddies anymore…he is still my brother and I always worried about who he would end up with. I knew that person would either bring out the best or the worst in him. You definitely brought out the best. I suppose I also want to apologize to you for how I did you. I never should have cheated. You didn’t deserve that.”

Putting your drink down, you moved to sit down in front of Sirius. For once, it felt like you were talking to your old friend again. It felt like being back in school and calling Sirius on whatever shit he had done wrong that day.

“Sirius, I forgave you for that a long time ago. While at the time, I absolutely hated you for it…Now I thank you. Sirius, if we ended up together neither of us would have been happy. I’m with who I needed to be with. Regulus is the person that I needed to be with. As far as Abby, I would never have let her go to an orphanage or some horrible place. She’s my niece and I would never turn her away.”

The front door opening and closing ended the conversation. Regulus walked into the room with a frown on his face that vanished when he saw you.

“I suppose you heard the news.”

You moved to wrap your arms around Regulus’ neck. Neither of you chose to notice Sirius watching with an annoyed expression on his face. It didn’t matter that he apologized a few moments before. Part of him would always be salty over you choosing Regulus over him. It didn’t matter that you had every logical reason to choose Regulus over him…it still would hurt a little seeing you so happy with someone else.

“I did. I also heard that you handled everything well.”

Regulus groaned.

“Ugh…that debatable. I hit her with the there, there darling and, as with you, it works wonders.”

You giggled and moved to kiss Regulus once more.

“I’ll go deal with Abby.”

Regulus waited until you were out of the room before going back to his abandoned newspaper. He had got a few articles in before Sirius started talking yet again

“You’ve changed.”

Regulus waited a moment before meeting his brother’s gaze.

“I did because I had to. I did because if I didn’t change I would have lost Y/n to someone else and I was not about to let that happen. She is too special of a woman to let go.”

Sirius chose to let that little dig go instead of fighting Regulus on it. He knew that Regulus would take any chance that he could to let remind Sirius of how he had done you.

“Yeah, she is. I just never expected you to go against the family for a woman. How did they react when you married her?”

Regulus put his newspaper down, finally giving up.

“Mother didn’t like it. She pitched a fit until I told her how things were going to be. She grew to actually be fond of Y/n. Father absolutely adored everything about her. I am sure when he came to visit it wasn’t to see me but to see Y/n. You know that father wanted a daughter and instead got me.”

Sirius couldn’t help the scowl that came over his face.

“There is nothing wrong with you. Father just had a big old stick up his ass.”

Regulus took a breath. The last thing that he really wanted to do was think about his childhood. Regulus hated living it once. Going back and thinking about it a second time was more than he could really handle. Moving to stand up, Regulus turned back to Sirius.

“Stick up his ass or not, he had not reason to treat us the way that he did. I think Y/n is calling me.”

______

@jessyballet @knreidy1 @georgeweasleydumbhoe @justfinishthis @fific7 @mimisparkle12 @teletubiswszpilkach @criminalyetminimal @iluvthe-marauders @woohoney @abaker74 @regulus-black-223048 @siriuslyceleste @goldendustwomann @littleshadow17 @livshifts @ell0ra-br3kk3r @stelleduarte @jsjcue @bxcndd @millies0bsimp @coffeeaddictednymph @readtomeregulus @saramaple @missgorldafirst @f4iryluvy @s-we-e-t-t-ea @taylor-will-be-the-death-of-me @buttercup-beeee @i-love-scott-mccall @panpride @bennyberry @gugggu6gvai @jag9000 @quinis @haroldpotterson @mentally-unstable-hoe @daddyslittlevillain @goldensunshineshit @marichromatic @melaninnbarbie @ravenhood2792 @play-morezeppelin @spideyxalmighty @lucasfilms77 @rubyroscoe1 @brokencasbutt67-writer @authoressskr @moldy-old-boot @hankypranky @summer-novak @li0nh34rt @tas898 @knight-of-gleefulness @untoldshortsofthefandoms @emiwrites3reads @shaylybaby2032 @deanwherescas @shitfaceddaniel-blog @padf00ts-l0ver @un-lovesherself

[miko-magica]

I just want your love.

♡ - Synopsis : In which teen Diluc falls inlove yet he isn't sure how to express his feelings, making it so that it comes off as if he dislikes you. // Takes place before Crepus' passing.

♡ - Contains : Tsundere Diluc(?) | Fluff |Angst |gn!reader | Knights of Favonius Diluc & you | Romance | Unsaid words |

♡ - Note : Inspired by my 3 am thoughts !! (no joke it's literally three am lord help me)| This was originally supposed to be fluffy and cute like my other fics but I still don't have Diluc and I'm almost ar 60 so :(

"Hey! How'd your mission go? I heard you had to do it with Diluc" Kaeya said while putting an arm around your shoulder " Yes.. he was a bit rude. Maybe he just doesn't like me, I've heard he wasn't fond of new people.. but we've known eachother even as children." You say with a chuckle trying not to sound offensive towards Kaeya.

"Huh, Rude you say? I mean he's occasionally harsh here and there but rude? Care to give an example?" He said removing his arm around your neck while tilting his head and crossing his arms "Well, for starters.. he started saying quite rude things to me earlier such as; You're gross, You're insufferable or even swearing at me sometimes. I feel like I already have small to no chances of even being friends with him ever again, he's changed ever since I came back from Liyue. "

Kaeya let out a chuckle "Oh, Diluc. He just isn't good with these things but... Trust me he still likes you." He continued as he pats your shoulder then walks away "I'm pretty sure the last time he talked about you was him saying he wanted to be with you everyday, I don't think he hates you one bit .. you're both so dense." He whispered— barely audible, you couldn't hear him properly yet you managed to make out the words " hates and dense "

—

"You're so bad at making a move aren't you, Diluc." Kaeya asks with a sarcastic tone, Diluc turns his head towards his brother "...What do you mean?" He asks with a confused face even though he seems to know what Kaeya meant "Hm really? Your 'insufferable' knight? No?"

His face flushes,almost as if his face replicated his hair but his eyes were also filled with panic " Ah.. so what— They ARE insufferable—! I mean they almost got hurt and they still went for the kill how stupid! I.." he didn't finish his sentence and sighed heavily

"Already having fights? I thought we agreed in 'no fighting' when you became a knight." Crepus' voice scared the two boys who quickly faced their father. "Oh if it was a fight then I would've told you father—" Diluc starts " —But he's inlove" Kaeya cuts Diluc off with an energetic tone

With a quite shocked face, Crepus chuckles to himself "..Then you really shouldn't be saying those things if you're inlove with them. You might push them away Diluc." He sighs " No— I don't like them! Father..." Diluc retorts with his face heating up ever more slightly

"Young master Diluc? Your friend is here! They're looking for you. It seems quite important." Adelinde interrupts their conversation while Diluc nodded and excused himself

"Ah.." if it wasn't the person he was all flustered over, the person who he sees in the midst of the crowd— despite the commotion; your voice is the only thing he hears. " I brought you some of my cooking, I wanted to apologize for troubling you earlier in our mission. I know it was a foolish move, thank you for saving me, Diluc." You say with a gentle smile which he seemed to despise— but in his eyes you were more than beautiful, his brows furrowed even more trying to conceal his redness and embarrassment.

"..is something wrong? If you don't want it maybe Kaeya and Master Crepus would enjoy it? Apologies I wasn't really sure if this is still your favorite food, I remember you saying it was your favorite food a long time ago—" he takes the meal from your hands and opens his mouth to talk but no words escaped his mouth, he could barely utter a word Infront of you when your eyes shone perfectly with the sunset. With no further warning he nodded slightly and shut the door in your face.

He leaned on the door, the food against his chest with his face redder than his hair and his heart beating out of his chest. Adelinde was about to tell him how rude it was to shut the door in your face but Crepus and Kaeya stopped her, the three watched the redhead unable to muster up a word enough to thank you for your gift but he also felt bad for making you feel as if you were a burden and that an apology was in order, he opens the door quickly again only to see that you've wandered off.

A week passed and Diluc never really approached you, he avoided all contact with you. Sometimes you'd get a good look at him and feel like he doesn't really hate you, that he somehow has at the very least affection or liking for you, but that was nothing but delusion in your eyes, he avoided every single interaction. He acted as if he hated you, your guts, you as a person and no matter how much Kaeya reassures you that you're liked by Diluc in some way, he still makes you feel as if he's disgusted by the thought of you.

Your last mission with him came, Kaeya and Diluc became your partner for your mission. It was clearing out a camp of abyss mages. They've gathered up in one place and it has become a very huge inconvenience to people. You came to the scene and with ease, they were dealt with. Or was it? There was barely anything audible to you, you felt as if the man you have always adored saw you as a disgusting person— hell, he probably sees you as those type of people who throw themselves at him for his money and fame.

Going back to the headquarters, Kaeya had a lot to say, he tried to make you two talk. He tried to make Diluc muster up any bit of compliment just to keep your eyes bright like before. In truth, he wasn't the only one that noticed your eyes had gone dark. Everyone did, especially Diluc, he thought you hated being with him after how he's treated you these past few weeks. It was a never ending cycle, he makes a mistake, you try to make up for it, he doesn't tell you how he feels, you get distant, he wins you over and you go back to being yourself once more and then it repeats.

A day has passed since your mission, your things were packed, you visited the winery to bid goodbye to the man who treated you as his own child and the man who supported you with every small dumb decision you have ever made— and the most important man you have ever met, the man that changed your life, your view of love and affection.

Unfortunately, Diluc stood quiet during your goodbyes, he was behind Crepus and Kaeya who gave you a hug and bid Goodbye. He stood in the shadows unsure of what to do next, he stood unknowingly shedding a tear.

"Diluc, can we talk? Just us." You say as he nods and steps out of the winery with you, he stares at you with his ever so dead eyes.

"I have longed to tell you how I felt, how I always felt the need to impress you and how I—.. I want to tell you that you are the only reason I came back to Mondstat, the only reason I became a knight. Diluc I adore you, If I may—; love, even. Diluc I love you, I have for a very long time. All I ever wanted was to tell you yet you manage to somehow make me aware of your dislike of affection. I understand, I really do. It won't stop me from how I feel for you, but Diluc Ragvindr.. there is no point of me being here if it wasn't with you, if It wasn't by your side making you feel happy— if it wasn't with you, there is nothing in this world- in the whole of Teyvat that matters. So in other words, this is goodbye. Diluc, I hope you live a happy life and love someone you truly think is worthy and may they treat you how you deserve to be treated and may they love you as much as I do."

You waited for a brief moment for a response, you hoped.. atleast a bit, atleast a little bit that he would say he felt the same way yet he stood quiet. You chuckled to yourself as you felt your eyes welling up. "Goodbye, Diluc." You walk away with your things and your tears running down your face while Diluc stood in regret, his mouth could not conjure up anything, his body was frozen, his tongue was tied. His words were trapped in his throat and there was no way to get them out. He watched you walk away— you were too far, too far away from his reach. He felt his eyes water, and soon his tears were unstoppable, they felt like fire in his eyes. He wanted to chase after you, he wanted to move his body yet he was frozen in place, he was gone— you, were gone. And it was solely because of him, him not being able to express his love, his emotions.

To this day, he wishes that you would walk into his tavern, that you would come back and say you missed him. That you still loved him, but who was he to ask for that when he had long received your wedding invitation. Who was he to long for the love of someone he hurt and who was he to wish for you to ruin your perfect life with your partner now. He can only wish for you to live a happy life, much like what you wished for him though he knows deep down that no one could ever compare to you.

[arisenreborn]

maybe it means nothing, but...

Word Count: 644 Characters: Reverie (Arisen), Rann (Pawn) AO3: (link)

smh at pawns walking all the time. Reverie is sick of it, too. important to mention though: no other pawns were neglected in the making of this fic, it's just the two of them traveling. ^^

“You aren’t truly going to walk the entire way, are you?” Reverie asked, lips pursed in a pout. She sat on her knees on the oxcarts bench, elbows tucked against the railing beneath her chin to face him as he walked alongside. 

“I am quite all right, you needn’t worry for me, master.” Came Rann’s answer, head tucked in a subtle bow. “This way, I shall be better prepared to dispatch any threats that may come our way. You,” he moved his eyes towards her, “ought to rest.”

Her cheeks puffed up a little more, brow furrowing. She was good at fighting a pout, but this time she was sorely losing.

“There are guards hired for that exact purpose, besides it’s not as if I’ll sleep through all the shouting.” The last part she said in a lower voice, rolling her eyes with a sideward glance at the cart driver. 

“And more importantly,” her gaze swept back over to him, “You should also get some rest. Being well-rested would serve me better than exhausting yourself unnecessarily, don’t you think?” 

Sometimes the only way to win him over was with a bit of logic.

“Please?” And a bit of pouting. She batted her eyelashes. 

Rann took a moment to look sufficiently flabbergasted, never knowing quite what to make of the twisted-up knots in his stomach when she looked at him like that. But at last he shook his head and relented.

“Very well… If you insist.” 

"I do." She said with a nod, turning back around in her seat and looking quite pleased with herself.

He slowed his stride to move up along the back of the cart, climbing on and taking a spot beside her - and feeling awkward every step of the way. It felt as though the guards watched him every step of the way, and he felt a pang of self-conscious guilt as he sat. 

A feeling that was, however, quickly swept away by surprise as Reverie scooted closer to him. 

“Ahh, I knew it.” Smiling wide with eyes shut, she looked all-too-much like the cat that had caught the canary, while she leaned to rest her head against his shoulder. “You’re the perfect height.” 

Exhaling slowly, he took note of the feeling not unlike ‘relief’ that flowed through him; such ease and simple joy. There were times he noticed, very rarely, when she would say something to deflect from her embarrassment - times when her face glowed a warm red, as it did now. 

It’d have been easy to play along with her remark, or perhaps even to tease her, and feign offense at ‘being used’. But instead he leaned towards her slightly, raising a hand to brush a stray strand of hair back from her face.

“If you wanted me closer, you needed only to say so.” He told her quietly, a warmth thrumming in his breast. 

Her eyes shot open briefly with a look of shock at being so openly caught, but she quickly squeezed them shut again and pressed the side of her head into his shoulder more. The red in her cheeks had spread to the tips of her ears. 

“I’ll… keep that in mind…” She mumbled, and he simply hummed in approval. 

It was not too much longer before the embarrassed tension in her shoulders began to melt, and her breathing slowed to a sleepy rhythm he was familiar with. For a long while he watched her; the curl of her eyelashes, the subtle part of her lips - the strand of hair that rebelled time and time again. 

Then, for a while he watched the skies and the land move around them. He took note of the guards, finding their watchfulness of their surroundings to be satisfactory. And then, at last, he tilted his head to rest atop hers, and let himself drift to gentle slumber.

The title comes from the song 'Recessional' by Vienna Teng and the lyrics go:

In the terminal she sleeps on my shoulder Hair falling forward, mouth all askew Fluorescent announcements beat their wings overhead: "Passengers missing, we're looking for you." And she dreams through the noise, her weight against me Face pressed into the corduroy grooves Maybe it means nothing, maybe it means nothing Maybe it means nothing, but I'm afraid to move

[vampyrial]

A World For Her Alone | Color all my days blue, but be sure to save one for white

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9

cw (chapter specific): pregnancy, infidelity, sanity slippage, suicide

pairing: claude x fem!reader

summary: Reader really thinks she can be happy in MY story this soon? *scoffs* No way, baby!

author's note: I fear you guys aren't gonna like me for this one...more notes at the bottom

You drifted through moments you’d lived so many times before. The moment you returned, you thought for the thousandth time “this time, I swear I’ll do it right.” It was like a bedtime prayer, worn down to meaninglessness. A little lullaby on your lips, like a child searching for comfort.

There was no where else to go but back to assuming your dutiful role. This time, perhaps because your feet were barely touching the ground. Reality glitched frequently these days, if you could call them that. You tolerated Claude and Diana without even so much as a frown. And this time also, you protected her life like a tiny candle flame against the wind. Diana was well enough to start going to the academy with you, a rite of passage as much as a means of generalized education for children of noble houses.

At lunch, you sat alone in the gardens while they went to the dining hall together. If you tried hard enough, you could make out a voice in those memories. A blink of what you think could be black hair and a boys uniform, he’s floating through you as thin as air. He’s telling you something, in a voice cold, flinty and familiar. “Claude is with Diana again.” Something is being implied in these words almost bluntly and ill concealed.

Your answer is rote, automatic. “Yes, he knows I prefer to be alone but my sister is new and doesn’t know anyone so he keeps her company.”

“Is that so?” He smiled bitterly as if he hadn’t expected that answer. 

“Of course.”

“I wonder why you cover for him…” Those words passed you by without impact, they seemed more like your own thoughts than anything.

“Everyone always says Diana is better suited for Claude, that perhaps he’ll break the engagement to be with her.” Again, no impact. You already lived it, silly rumors couldn’t even amount to half the horror of the truth. “I hope you won’t take offense, milady, but perhaps you should fight harder. There are more rivals about you than just the young lady. I had heard you were a strong willed lady, will your position really be okay if you leave things be?”

He went away, or maybe you just blinked and the lunch period had passed, you couldn’t know. As if a machine, you thoughtlessly gathered your things as the piercing bell sounded and hurried you along. You caught a glimpse of Claude walking Diana out of the dining hall, her hand wrapped around his arm for support and his on the small of her back. Murmuring again to yourself, you looked away. But when Diana caught sight of you, she came over, looking bashful. “Your next class is this way too, right? Should we go together?” She asked. Of course, there was only one answer to that question. You’d risk being seen as bitter and jealous if you refused, there was already enough of that in the way Claude saw you. He was eyeing you, paused in his path.

You smiled. “Of course.” 

Claude said farewell to Diana, apparently satisfied enough by your answer not to fix you with a hard stare. The two of you walked along, all the time you could hear whispers, concrete ones instead of the thin, almost sing-song caches of remembered insult. 

“She pulled her aside to call her out…”

“She must be angry about Lord Claude eating with the poor lady.”

“She’ll act one way before her fiance and another to Lady Diana…if she’ll act that way to ladies who haven’t even done anything to her, think of what she’ll do if she thinks her own sister is a better match for Claude.”

People had gossiped about you forever, it was truly nothing new. Perhaps you had even deserved their contempt for behaving the way you did. Still, your skin burned as you heard the words shamelessly hurled at you even at your most mild action. Their slander was almost laughable in hindsight, you and Diana were sisters, if you had any desire to call her out, would you not do it at home where no one could interfere?

Diana walked along, fidgeting with the threads of her uniform and looking down. It was additional kindling for the gossip that spread like wildfire. “You’re not upset that I ate lunch with Claude, are you?” She finally said, looking up at you. “No, of course not,” You assured her, smiling again which seemed convince her. Her expression became bright again as she happily accepted your platitude. You walked on, in a haze.

Each night, you worked diligently on your wedding dress. It was something that could definitely have been left to a seamstress but it brought a bit of happiness. Your fingers moved deftly over the silk of your dress, the cool fabric bringing you back down to earth. The sensation of your aching hands, the way your gown was slowly woven into form by your careful hands, it made you dream of your wedding which would take place soon after your graduation. It made you believe that the happiness you acquired would hold up. Claude was not displeased with you this time, and had even started to relax in your presence. You even saw him more often this time, a few weeks ago he had taken you to a botanical garden. As a pair, you stood closely and walked quietly down rows of exotic flowers. Inside, you could hardly restrain a hope that nearly ripped a painful wound through tender flesh. He took your hand when the two of you needed to pass by another couple, it was warm and forgiving.

You had to put down your needle, your hands were trembling.

On your wedding day, it was overcast. You were nearly suffocating just looking up at the sky, when your maid opened the curtains in the morning, you curled into yourself to cut off the dull light.”Hm, looks like rain,” she hummed. Pushing back against the memories, you retreated under the waves of your mind and buried yourself there. It was a shame that the feeling of reality slipping was temporary. Things only felt more and more fixed the longer you lived. 

When you arrived to the temple, its solid stone and thousands of hanging candles that substituted the sun, you felt better. Here you were living between earth and heaven. All nerves and butterflies, you felt like a true bride, one fashioned in the love of her husband to be. You felt beautiful in the pure, stark white of your gown.

“...I swear in the name of my good house, to love and honor you for as long as you shall live. Never will you be disgraced by any action or inaction of mine,” Claude said his vows, not hesitating on a single word. That was the man you loved, lying before his family and comrades for the sake of the marquisate. It…almost made you smile to hear his devotion even if it was not to you.

Looking at you, after the ceremony and formalities were done, you heard Claude speak honeyed words in an awed voice that made you shudder. “So beautiful…” He murmured. Forgetting yourself, you gasped softly, feeling the rapture and confusion of his approval. And he was so near you, sitting at your side. You could reach out to him, to cup his cheek, to place a hand on his shoulder perhaps, to return something to him. 

Diana’s laugh sounded, a clear and lovely laugh that always did make everyone smile. The sound was sharp and near and you noticed that Claude’s eyes were staring through you. They seemed fixed on your face but his gaze, it was like yours had been before. As if you and everything else was passing through. You turned as though possessed to confirm that although he was looking in your directions, the praises went to your little sister who indeed looked beautiful. More like a bride than you did; blushing, chatting with a few young ladies and a lord you vaguely recognized. 

You were freefalling back to earth in an instant. The wind was knocked out of your chest and your surroundings seemed to sharpen, too bright, too loud, too colorful. Not even this day of all days was yours alone. Agony, you thought, Carrying the weight of every life I've led and still having hope enough to destroy, this must be agony.

Your marriage henceforth was nothing special, you applied a lighter hand in the politics of the marquisate. You tried at being cunning, underhanded rather than an iron lady as you had been before. Claude had expressed his gratitude whenever he was home. It was not a warm marriage, or a joyful home but he was pleased with you and the two of you were on better terms than you had been in other lives. The frigidity was bearable and as a partner, Claude was gentle. 

When would you learn not to lean into things that cannot last?

A day came perhaps two years into your marriage when Claude walked into the salon, holding the hand of Diana who looked sickly. He approached you like one does an animal they’re not sure won’t bite them. His eyes were hard and determined but his steps were slow and sure. 

“It isn’t Diana’s fault,” He forewarned.

“Is there something wrong?” It came out of your mouth almost beyond your control, even dreading whatever came next you were still desiring to make it better.

Claude hesitated before speaking. “Diana is pregnant.”

Something fell from your hands with a loud, clang. You didn’t so much as glance downward. Continuing as if a doll with a string being pulled, you answered with a question. “Who’s the father?” Stupid, how pathetic. Reality, all the time, was falling down on top of you.

“I am.”

It broken open. Whatever force kept you standing and speaking coherently had gone away and you were reduced to a child, whimpering and feeble. “Why?” was all that could be accurately comprehended.

“Because I love her,” Claude retorted shamelessly with his brow furrowed, giving you a stern look as if he was standing up to someone. But all that you were was a woman withering, struggling to grasp a single thread of sanity.

A child. Diana had a child. You couldn’t even hold yours before you died and slipped away forever. You would never even so much as know the name of your child and even so, Diana would have hers with Claude. That child would surely be loved by him, it was loved even now it seemed. Would she have that child you lost? A bright haired child crying out to let everyone hear their vigor and life. You screamed.

“I’m sorry big sister…” Diana mumbled, looking down. Claude tended to her, leading her to the couch and covering her ears with his big hands.

You were on the ground, gripping at your own skin so tightly your bled. Shivering in a display larger than any you’d ever made before. Another scream built in the back of your throat and you hadn’t even the power to restrain it. In between, you heard Claude say “Stay here, I’ll take her upstairs.”

You were shut up in your bedroom, made to rest until you were calm. But when his touch disappeared and the door locked behind him, you broke. Reality was intercut with the screams, the aches, the blood of realities past. It was all happening concurrently, Felix’s blood running in the mud, the cries of your child who could not and would not be soothed in your arms, the starvation of the prison. It didn’t end, it never ended. You were given a few years before it wanted you to remember again, to swallow you whole.

“No more” you begged “Please, no more...I can’t…I didn’t–!” 

There was a sleep tonic in the drawer of your nightstand, a strong one made and prescribed by the kind doctor. The recommended dose was just a tiny spoonful but it always put you into a sleep like death. You took them when your body was heavy from working so hard it nearly bowed your back but your mind was hung up on a thought that did not beckon sleep. Like the sound of the rain howling that night. 

You picked up the bottle and drank it all down.

additional author's note: you guys, I swear this will have a happy ending. And we've got one chapter to go before we get into something I think might make you guys feel a little better.

tags:@kage-tobiuo @kreishin @rosephantomhive@yeahdrarry @splaterparty0-0 @dear-dairiesss @qluvrv @hafsuhhh @eissaaaa @ayolk @doan-19 @fourcefulcupid @ariachaos @cerisearan@irisspade@yaesflorist@jcrml@xiaosprettygf@yevenly@amaris08atoshi012022 @obsessed-with-a-fictional-man @softbummiee

Next

[paingoes]

Crash Out

Vi and Lorry

hi!!! this takes place the same night as Itch. this part is also nsfw! i dont think it’s wildly explicit but the whole thing is sexually charged and it is depicted briefly. be advised.

(Content: nsfw, mutual intoxication, drunk sex, guns, slight cnc, murder mention)

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

“Those are my glasses,” Lorelai leaned over curiously, folding her hands behind her back. The girl in the pink sunglasses blinked; nobody saw. She took them off and held them idly in one hand.

“Oh, my bad. I found them on the floor,” she explained, ready to pass them back.

“It’s okay! They look better on you actually…” Lorelai said quickly. She looked really good in them.

“Yeah, on you they would cover up the…” The girl tapped the center of her own eyes, indicating the spot where the diamonds would be but not naming them. “Kind of gilding the lily, you know?”

“Thank you!” Lorelai blushed. “They’re a part of my face!”

“Wow. Can I feel?”

“Sure!”

The girl tapped at the gems. Lorelai didn’t have any nerve endings there, but it still felt strange. She giggled. She used to brag that they were natural diamond, until Paris had warned her not to tell anyone just how much those precious stones were worth.

“Wow,” the girl repeated, “What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?”

She had said nice, when Lorelai was pretty sure she meant rich.

“I’m on a mission.” Lorelai winked. It wasn’t untrue.

“That’s funny,” the girl replied, “So am I.”

=========

Vi danced in such an unaffected, aloof way. Part of this Lorelai found very cool — another part made her feel silly and overeager in a way she didn’t appreciate. Vi smiled at Lorelai’s own dancing; she couldn’t tell if the smile was mean. She knew she was stilted, somewhat, years of ballroom etiquette trained into her and then beat out of her in the pit. It was a funny combination. It was written into her form.

The music was loud enough that their voices were drowned out to everyone but each other. Vi hooked a hand around Lorelai’s waist; she squeaked, then rushed to cover her face, embarrassed by the whole thing. The touch was nice, though. She’d been craving it badly. Paris always pulled away like he was scared of it. Vi was uninhibited — maybe too much. It was so easy to let her lead.

There was nothing about the motions themselves that had any novelty. Lorelai was affectionate often, naturally, easily. She had been with all the girls she knew. But she knew that somehow, it was different this time. It wasn’t a game — or if it was, it was a different kind. This one wouldn’t be half as one-sided. Lorelai wouldn’t lose at it.

She had always wondered.

========

“Guess.” 

“Galatea?” Lorelai’s tone was conspiratorial. One does not yell Galatea in a crowded club.

“Is that the only one you know? Please. If I was with Galatea, I would not be stationed in fucking Myamar.” Vi rolled her eyes.

“Is it Napostle?”

“Colder.”

“DRW?”

“Warmer.”

“CTRL?”

Vi dipped her. “Bingo.”

“Woah.” Lorelai’s eyes lit up. “So you guys actually fight.”

Vi smirked and lifted her back upright. Lorelai spun out.

“…I can fight too, you know.” Lorelai said. There was something a bit uneasy in her smile; she hoped it was not visible. She wanted to drink more.

“Oh yeah?” Vi’s response was disbelieving, taking it as another method of foreplay. Lorelai took offense. 

“I can fight,” She promised. She would if she had to. She thought about it every day.

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

“I can’t find him.” Lorelai came back into the club defeated, a little panicked. She hooked her fingers through Vi’s own, where they hung waiting. “Will you walk me home?”

Lorelai’s voice was slurring. Vi was pretty slumped herself. Still, she nodded her assent and looped her arm over the other girl’s shoulder. They stepped out into the night. Lorelai didn’t taken notice of the blood on the sidewalk, but she scanned the streets just in case she might have missed him. She was less scared than she would’ve been sober. Vi was good for distracting her. They walked loose and untethered beneath the bright city lights.

“He’ll live. This is a safe area. I slept on the streets for two weeks once,” Vi reassured her.

“You did?” Lorelai’s admiration shown on her face, until something like shame covered it up, “I’ve…never been anywhere.”

“Then what are you doing all the way out here?” Vi asked again. Lorelai had dodged the question before. She did it again now.

“Just headed North. On a mission. Out to the border.” She twiddled her thumbs.

“Leaving Empire?” 

“Mm. I’ve always wanted to. I’ve always wanted to. I just didn’t have the nerve.”

“Aw, you’re like a little fugitive.” Vi pinched her cheek between her knuckles. 

The motel’s lights were all on. The hallway smelled vaguely of cherries and grass.

======

“Can I tell you something?” Lorelai asked while Vi was inside her.

Vi looked up sleepily, mouth still open. Lorelai’s hands moved to cup her face, holding her there. In the dead light, she was beautiful.

“I killed someone.” Lorelai’s eyes squinted when she smiled.

Vi nodded. Her tongue moved lazily around Lorelai’s nipple. She whined.

“Two people, actually…” Lorelai corrected herself, “It was so easy. I couldn’t believe how easy it was.”

As if reading her mind, Vi asked, “Could you do it again?”

“I think so. If I had to.”

Vi moved up. She put her mouth to Lorelai’s neck, alternating between kissing and biting. She cried out softly in pain, but didn’t pull away.

“What if I asked you to?” Vi smiled. 

Lorelai shook her head, “No. No.”

Vi’s voice dropped to a whisper. She moved her unoccupied hand moved to trap Lorelai’s wrist.

“If I ordered you to?” 

Lorelai arched her back, taking handfuls of Vi’s long black hair. That had done it. She buried her face into Vi’s shoulder, overwhelmed by the force of it. Vi withdrew her hand from between her legs. She wiped it inconspicuously along Lorelai’s thigh. They fell over onto the mattress. She was still trying to hide her face. Vi kissed her on her crown.

==========

Vi lit up a cigarette, on her knees by the edge of the bed. She glanced sidelong at Lorelai, letting the fumes out through the side of her mouth. The cherry red of the cigarette shone against the inside of her eyes.

“…Was that true?” Vi asked, “You really killed people?”

Lorelai reached into the side drawer and pulled out the handgun. She shook it a bit in her hand, just to show it off. The barrel stayed safely pointed at the ceiling.

“Took this from them. You can see right here where we filed off the serial number. Ours now.”

“Let me see,” Vi said, then added, “Is it loaded?”

“No such thing as an unloaded gun.” Lorelai smiled slyly. She passed the gun to Vi for examination. For a long while she stared at it, not saying anything. Then she looked back up. 

“You said you’re headed North?” She asked slowly. “Would you mind sending a message for me?”

Lorelai’s eyes widened. She didn’t speak. Vi stood up, crossing the threshold to the backpack she had left by the door. She pulled a large manila folder out from the side of it, throwing it on the mattress besides Lorelai. 

Lorelai pulled it open without even asking, carding through the contents. It was all in cipher. She couldn’t stop the smile that crossed her face then.

“It won’t mean anything to anyone but the receiver. If you don’t take it, there’s no harm done. But I’d like it if you did. They’d be grateful, too.” Vi slid back into bed, slinging an arm around Lorelai’s waist. She kept looking through the papers as if she might be able to decipher them. After she came up empty handed, she returned them to the folder and placed it right besides the gun on the bedside table.

“Yeah. I can do it.” Lorelai pulled the covers up over the two of them. She thought she was vibrating too much to ever fall asleep, but somehow, she managed.

[that-one-anxious-mango]

You + Me = US (3) : The Finale.

Summary: In the conclusion of Y+M = US, you awake and finally have a long overdue conversation with Austin, who makes a confession nn of his own.

Contents: Angst if you squint. Crying. Good Ole' hurt and comfort. Major Fluff. A happy ending as promised :) Allusions to childhood trauma.

A/N: Hello Beautiful Humans! I hope you are all well! This is infact the last installment of Y+M=US! Thank you so much for all the love, support, and interaction. It means the world to me that you all enjoy it! Now as some have voted a discussion board about this piece of the Days of Our Love Series is posted along with some guidelines. Thanks for reading!

Much love *hugs*

Arie

P.S Feel free to comment , reblog, or send me a letter :)

Taglist: @wacoshuffle, @purejasmine, @louisejoy86

---

It'd a total of eight hours since you'd been admitted to the hospital, and it had been eight hours of you sleeping the day away.

By now it was almost eight thirty in the evening and Austin was still in his same spot in the hospital church across from your bed, only now he too was sleeping.

In time everyone had came and laid eyes on you and left letting Austin know that if there were any changes or he needed anything, not to hesitate to call them.

But what he truly needed was for you to wake up.

Coming in the room to check on you the nurse made her rounds taking your vitals and such.

Just as she was about to leave the room she looked over to Austin.

She knew that the poor man hadn't left this room much besides stepping in the hall to speak to people. And she figured that somebody has to nudge him to eat something and go for a little walk to get some air.

The nurse smiling walked over to Austin.

" Mr. Butler..." She gently shook him, " Mr. Butler." She tried again successful this time.

Opening his eyes he slowly sat up fully in the chair before becoming alert when he noticed that it was the nurse before him.

" Excuse me. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to nod off. Is everything alright. Is my wife, okay." He questioned eyes darting between her and you, who was still sleeping in your same position.

Still smiling she says, " Oh yes. Mr. Butler everything is quite good. Her vitals are already starting to improve and the baby is doing great." She informed the frazzled man. " No need to worry."

He nodded, "Oh." He sighed, " Good. That's amazing."

" Yes it is. I'm sorry I didn't mean to frighten you. But I know that you've been so dutiful sitting here beside your wife all this time...but and hopefully you won't believe I'm overstepping my boundary, I believe that now may be a good time to go downstairs to the cafeteria and maybe get yourself a bite to eat. " She suggested hoping he wouldn't take offense. " It'll be good to stretch your legs and shake it off. Keep your strength up. We can only help our loved ones get better if we're making sure we still feel good also." She finished.

Austin looked at her taking in what she had said while glancing to you. He wouldn't lie to himself and say that he hadn't gotten a bit stiff and his stomach feel like it was touching his back a bit. And still though, he felt like all those feeling fell to the wayside because of how strong his urge to be near you was.

What was he gonna do if he left and something happened while he wasn't here.

What if you woke up and he wasn't here so you thought he'd just left you.

What if.

It was the same two word combination Austin always encouraged you to try and rid from your vocabulary because of how anxious they made you.

And look at him now being a hypocrite.

Sighing he said, " While that sounds good. What if.." He cringes, " If something happens and I'm not here." He questioned.

Understanding his concern the nurse said, " I know. But I assure you that myself and two other nurses are about ten feet away at the nurses station and will be at her bedside in a second if anything transpires. " She affirmed motioning out through the glass.

Deciding that he did in-fact need to care for himself too he exhaled, " Okay..then. I guess I'll go and grab something. I can bring it up back here, right? " He asked.

She nodded, " Of course that's no problem, Mr. Butler."

Offering the nurse a small smile Austin then got up stretching with a quiet yawn. Walking over to you he ran his hand against the top of your head to lean down and kiss your forehead. " I'll be back baby." He whispered reaching down to grab your hand and rub it before exiting the room along with a nurse that was all smiles.

--

After about thirty minutes of going down to the cafeteria and having himself a little walk outside to get some air while having a quick phone convo with Ashley T.

Austin had returned with a nice apple chicken walnut salad and lemonade in tow.

When he walked in he glanced at you before going over to the chair to sit down and eat with a sigh.

But unbeknownst to him, you were awake.

You'd actually woken up around thirty minutes ago when you'd felt something touch your hand. When you opened your eyes for the first time and noticed you were alone, you had closed them again. Not sleep, but just resting.

He hadn't gotten two bites into the salad before he was slightly startled by your somewhat hoarse voice, " Well is it good? " You joked.

Immediately dropping what he was doing, in a flash he was kneeled down at your bedside.

" Hi baby. How you feeling? " Austin asked silently hitting the bottom overhead the page the nurse.

He couldn't hide the soft smile that graced his face as he thanked God that you were awake and okay.

" A little funny..but good. " You blinked looking around.

He watched as you tried to slowly sit up but he quickly stopped you, " Whoa, baby.. Hey..take it easy. It's okay just relax." He kneeled down next you running a hand against your head. 

Soon the nurse came in who quickly assessed you and let you know that everything was stable and the baby was healthy. 

At the mention of the baby you felt your face drain with color at the remembrance that Austin was in-fact in the room, and he knew now. Awkwardly you avoided looking at him until she left you again just before informing you two that the doctor had been whisked away to do a emergency induction but would be by to check on you and your status as soon as she could. 

Once it was just the two of you, you started to ask more in-depth questions about what happened.

" So I just all of a sudden passed out? " You broke the lingering silence looking toward your fiancée as you recalled the information just given to you by the nurse.

With a sincere look he responded, " Yes. You were out with Alana and Avery at Lunch. They say you got up to use the bathroom, complained about being dizzy and the next thing they know you passed out and hit the floor. Thank god you didn't hit your head or fall the right way on something else..because babe this could have been way worse than some exhaustion and minor bruising." Austin stated shuddering a little at the possible thought of you having been seriously injured.

" Oh my gosh." You whispered trying to piece the afternoon back together the best you could. But every time you got to the part about lunch things did get a bit fuzzy.

You remember being there, you remember little pieces of conversation, and you could remember seeing the family and the feeling you got...but after that it went..well blank.

" Oh my gosh is right. " He parroted grabbing your ringed hand in his to kiss it and draw your attention back to his serious demeanor, " Do you know how big of a scare you gave me today. Huh, baby? Do you know the thoughts that ran through my head when I got a call from your sister all the way in Texas telling me that the love of my life was unconscious and being rushed to the hospital." He vented having a sense of worry attached to his voice.

You felt terrible. 

" Grace knows..." You started.

" Yeah, she does. I've been on the phone with her on and off most of the day. She's trying to figure out some time next week she can move around the come and see you. Says she just wants to lay eyes on you herself." He informed. 

Nodding since you knew that sounded like your sister, your mind then wandered to your friends, " Right...Does everyone else know? Did someone call Bea, Phoebs, Lana, Lexie? " You listed your girls. 

Oh they know all alright  He thought gritting his teeth a little. Part of him wishes he could go into full detail about everything that had transpired today. But he ultimately knew this wasn't the time nor the place to bring such things up when you were still in a semi-delicate state like this. 

So instead he went, " Yeah they know. They've been here and gone. Stayed awhile too all of em'. Even Santiago and Sprite were here. I told them I'd give them a update on you...and the baby.. whenever you were awake."

At the mentioned of the baby, you could sense the anxious energy radiating off of Austin that you too shared. You knew he'd had to be dying to ask you so many questions, but for your sake was suppressing those feelings to give you some peace of mind.

His hand shot out to cup and caress your face while turning it so he could get a good look at you.

You carefully leaned into his touch as your eyes watered thinking about all the grief and stress you'd caused this man by the actions you'd made. You felt terrible that you'd kept this from him but at the time your mind had been convinced that it was something to hide.

" Mama.." He started, " Why didn't you tell me? " He questioned. His eyes were pouring into yours now in search of something beyond a simple answer.

" I would've been there for you. I wanted to be there for you." He confessed.

You felt like your heart was about to jump out of your chest. The look at his face was so pure and beamed of dedication.

You could tell that he was largely hurt that you had kept this from him by the gaze of his eyes. 

" I wanted to but I was scared.." You meekly answered letting tears begin to race down your face. This was it. Your breaking point.

You couldn't hold it in anymore.

“ A-and I-m so-so." You choked out not being able to completely get the words out that were being disrupted by the sobs that came from hoarse throat.

" Shhh. It's alright honey.  I know It's okay. I got you."

Cooing at you Austin gently got up from his kneeling position to come around to your bedside and gently shift you over so he could climb in beside you and wrap you in his arms while draping the blanket over you both. Placing a tender kiss to your forehead, Austin continued holding on in efforts to calm you. He was careful to wait to feel your body relax some and breathing slow before he decided to begin softly speaking,

 " Now, Y/N I need to be honest with me and know that whatever your choice I support you. But do you wanna have this baby?" Austin bit the bullet and asked holding his breath.

Truth be told he was in love with the idea of you carrying his child, but nonetheless he was in love with you more.

So, he'd support whatever decision you wanted to make, even if it might hurt.

Sitting quiet for a moment while thinking back to all the negative things that had swirled around in your head for the last three weeks.

All the doubts and stress. Worries about how a baby would affect yours and Austin's life, worries about how'd you be as a parent, and overall worries about the experience period. 

You almost felt like you shouldn’t be doing this.

But, when you thought back to the little family at the tea shop earlier and how happy they were, and the vision you had of being even happier with Austin and your baby that way.

All the doubts, stress, and worry while still being there felt small...they felt conquerable. 

And that realization is what mustered you have the measly courage to be able to say , " Y-yes I do. I really do actually."

At the moment Austin could feel his chest fill with air again and this invisible anchor pulling his heart to the floor release.  

That was it, you were having his baby...and he couldn't be happier. 

Even, still considering that the choice affected him just as much, you quickly followed up with a question of your own, " But do you wanna have this baby? I mean I know I want to...but at the end of the day this is about both of us." You posed.

You knew Austin was finally getting the recognition for his career he deserved and he was absolutely smacked with so many projects and things. So, you didn't want this to be something that held him back or messed up the plans you'd made together. You'd talked about kids possibly sure, but those musings definitely were imagined further down the line.   

Without the slightest hesitation he answered, " Baby...I never wanted something more than to have this baby with you. " He affirmed touching his forehead with yours. " It'd be the greatest honor and joy of my life besides when I become your husband. And that's something you can count on." He declared.

You didn't hide the grin that took over your face at his assertion. 

" You mean it? " You asked knowing you shouldn't have but you couldn't help it.

You knew he was rolling his eyes, " Again for the thousandth time, woman. You know I wouldn't lie to you. Of course I mean it! With everything I am.

" Well good. I only ask because I know that your finally starting to get good projects that your invested in and you have career plans and I-" You began to ramble but he stopped you mid way

" Hey look at me. Look me right in my eyes when I say, " He began positioning so that your faces were only inches away from each other and the eye contact was undeniable, " You are pregnant with our baby. OUR BABY, honey. There will never...and I mean never ever ever ever," He emphasized " Be anything more important than you two! " He moved to rub at your stomach. 

There wasn't much to see really to the blind eye. But to Austin now since he was finally close enough to see and more importantly feel you, he noticed the slight change around your tummy and it made his heart swell. 

" I know you're scared and I understand that it's a scary journey for anyone. But I need you to know there is no one in the world I'd rather want to do this with. To carry our baby and raise them to be just as sharp, kind, and beautiful as their mama. You aren't going to be anything like your mother, you hear me? Because I know that fear is hurdling through you. " Austin held your chin making sure you looked just at him, " You are going to be an amazing mother because you're a amazing human being, babe. And I'll be here everyday God willing to remind you of that." 

" So, all the things I've said I need you to get that through our your pretty little head. My babies are my priority and you're going to be a phenomenal mother to our child. You got that? " He questioned needing to make sure he was making himself completely clear.

Body swirling with joy and to your surprise excitement all you could do was truthfully nod. 

On cue you felt a soft pinch administered to your thigh, " Y/N...Don't let this new pregnancy brain get you in trouble. Act like you still know what's what. " Austin warned with you knowing that even though he couldn't administer a punishment right now due to your condition right now, he would tuck the reminder in his pocket to bring out later. 

Shallowing a breath while squirming a little under his touch you replied, " Yes I got it, daddy." 

Smiling he tapped your thigh, " Good. Now give me some sugar before I get up to go and get you and our baby something to eat." He directed.

Not hesitating at his request you leaned in to place a kiss on your mans lips that almost took your breath away when you felt it become needier and needier at the way you both gently grabbed at each other and moved closer wanting to make up for the time lost that you could've been wrapped up with each other.

Quickly Austin had to remember that you were on the mend and needed to take it easy, so he pulled away making you huff and whine at the ghostly feeling of your lips not being on his. He just smiled at you pecking your cheek once more then whispering, " I love you. Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N and soon to be baby butler." He added and you giggled, " Forever, always, and beyond." 

Grabbing his hand to interlock with your, " And we love you Austin Robert Butler..soon to be papa butler. Forever, always and beyond." 

-

It was around midnight now and you'd long eaten the food brought in for you. Now the two of you were back together laid up in the hospital bed. One of his hands resting on your stomach while the other was interlocked with yours as you played with his fingers.

Your head was comfortably on his chest, and his on top of your head. 

You were just about to allow yourself to go back to sleep when you felt his head leave yours and reposition so he was able to stare at your face.

Opening your eyes, you playfully frowned as you looked at Austin who all of a sudden was looking back at you with a rather large cheshire cat smile like he'd had the most wonderful thought.

" What? " You yawned. " What is it, my sweet baboo? " You tiredly continued.

He still just stared until his casually spoke, " Marry me." He said taking your face into his palm. 

You giggled sleepily, " What? "

" You heard me. Marry me? " He repeated leaning in to place a soft kiss to your lips.

When he pulled back you blushed, " I'm sorry Mr. Butler but I'm pretty sure we've been over this bit before dont'cha think? " You flashed you're ringed finger to him.

He laughed, " Of course I remember one of the best days of my life. But ztill, I want us to get married. " He said. 

Still looking at him funny you went," Aus, we are getting married what are y-"                                          

" No, honey. I mean as soon as you feel better and get back into the swing of things. I want us to get married, I don- no I can't wait any longer." He expressed rubbing your ringed hand in his.

Taken a back you blinked a little in disbelief, " B- I- Austin what about all the wedding plans we'd started with Beatrice, honey. I mean when I brought eloping up you didn't want to hear really. In fact I remember you insisting we waited." You reminded him of his apprehension to the idea when you brought it up.

Your man was nothing if not traditional in many aspects when it came to your relationship, so it was no surprise to you when he gently shot down the idea and wanted to go ahead with the  'normal pace of things'.

" Yeah that was before when I thought I could be more patient and withstand the months that go into the planning and all to give you the traditional wedding you deserve. But I can't...I need you to be my wife as soon as humanly possible, mama. " He declares. " We can still have the ceremony and everything else as planned." He assured kissing your cheek. " But the sooner your wagon is hitched to mine...the better." He sighed rubbing your shoulder.

Still puzzled your mind allowed itself to wander.

" Austin..is there something in particular that made you all of sudden want to do this...like did something happen?" You mused wondering what could have prompted this idea. 

Putting his mouth in a line Austin was tempted to tell you the truth that besides the fact he was in love with you and wanted spend the rest of his days beside you, he also wanted to marry you not only because he detested the fact that today he had jump through hoops to be granted all types of permission for things pertaining to you from other people and as your husband he would be direct next of kin in all situations, but he also couldn't lie and say that Alana words didn't ring around in his head.

He's the fiancée.

Thinking back to the whole situation he could feel himself begin to get upset and he knew that you would pick up on his slightest change in his attitude. So he instead mentally took a beat.

He figured that eventually this would be a conversation later after you were home and well.

" Just..I want you to be my wife and I don't ever want anyone to be able to say different going forward." He stated. " And that's that."

Your eyebrows scrunched in confusion as you were about to question his mutli layered statement but he stopped you by placing a kiss to your lips.

" Dont....just don't." He quietly whispered rubbing your shoulder.

Searching his face yourself you could tell by the way he tensed and the glossed over look in his eyes that silently told you that he wasn't ready to go where ever the two of you needed to go...you did just need to to leave it alone...for now.

So, instead of prying you smiled , " Alright, fine Mr. Man...when are we going to the courthouse, then." You teased going to hold his face in your hands.

Smiling back so hard you'd think his cheek bones would crack, he leaned in to place a hardy kiss to lips. When he pulled back he spoke in a accent that was all too familiar to you, " You mean when are we going Viva Las Vegas, baby." 

[everydayfrimmel]

May 31, 2024

The L Word (Love and/or Leaking Roofs and/or Late-Night Cable Television)

1000 words, roommate AU, part 2/?

In university, Frieren wasn't allowed to have a roommate.

Flamme said she was the kind of person who needed a solitary place to return to at the end of the day. She'd been more than happy to cover the increase in rent for Frieren to have a single, although, looking back, this is sort of ironic, because Flamme was also the person who most frequently chewed her out for isolating herself when she was a student. Nevertheless, she had been so strongly dissuaded from trying to live with anyone her own age that she'd never considered it until she was out on her own.

But then she had found a nice, well-paid, people-free post as the head engineer on a wind turbine farm in the absolute middle of nowhere. And then she had needed a place in the middle of nowhere to live. And then the man who's renting the other half of this house had been offering such a good price that she'd thought it was worth the risk of having to share her precious space with someone else.

"Absolutely not," Flamme had said when she pitched the idea, "you have no idea what that guy is like," but she'd changed her tune once she met him the day she helped Frieren move in. Now it practically seems to be her life's mission to make Frieren talk to her roommate.

There's nothing wrong with Himmel, but she doesn't intend to take that advice.

She gathers details, though. He's a teacher, though she doesn't know what grade he teaches. He came out here on some kind of fellowship from the government that pays the living expenses of teachers who are willing to move out into the sticks and teach in rural schools that pay badly. He likes yard work and going for runs, he falls asleep with the TV on, he only knows how to cook three different things, and every time she walks into a room, he looks at her like he's waiting for her to say something. The night after she moved in, he'd bought them both takeout as an attempt at getting to know her, but she can't say that it was the start of anything promising. He's a decent guy who says more than she wants to respond to. That is all.

But she cannot avoid him forever, living in the same house. The decision to watch television even though he's already asleep in the living room with informercials going in the background is one that takes deliberation, but she ultimately decides that it must be worthwhile.

When he wakes, Himmel watches her snake documentary with what seems like rapt fascination. This scores him points.

"Do you, uh, like snakes a lot?" he asks her.

"Not really, but it's the best thing on." She shrugs. "I have always wanted to have a lizard, though."

"A lizard...?"

"A really big one," she specifies.

"Oh. Uh. Cool."

"Have you ever seen an Asian water monitor?"

"Is that a job title...?"

"No, it's a kind of lizard."

"Oh. Uh. Well. No, I can't say I have, then."

"They're really long." She pulls out her phone so she can provide examples of this, at which Himmel nods appreciatively. (Good. At least she's living with somebody who knows and perceives the truth.) "And I wanna get one some day."

"You know, most people want a dog or a cat."

"Sure. I want an Asian water monitor."

"That'd be, uh, that'd be something."

"I want to walk it through town on a leash so people would know to tremble in fear before me."

This is the kind of thing she says that makes Flamme lecture her about needing to stop pushing people away by being strange on purpose. She means no offense to Flamme, who is probably right about her pushing people away and all, but she doesn't think that's a reason to stop enjoying the baffled looks on people's faces when she opens her mouth and says something that makes her sound medically insane.

Poor Flamme was always going to lose that battle. Frieren's favorite response to her own inability to understand how people's brains work, after all, has always been to confuse them right back.

"Sounds like a plan," Himmel replies.

"Eh?"

"I said it sounds like a plan." He smiles, the haze of bewilderment starting to clear from his face. "At least, I mean, I think that'd be pretty funny, what with how tiny you are."

Oh, she thinks, almost in awe, he does get it.

"His name is going to be Megatron."

"Sick name."

"Right?"

"I don't mean to brag or anything, but I think our plot for world domination is pretty good."

"Sure thing." He's really smiling now, and she can't tell whether that's because he's so confused or just because he thinks this is as amusing as she does. She hopes, for reasons currently unascertainable, that it's the latter. "Any chance I could get in on that?"

"Eh?"

"The whole world-domination plot. You got an opening for a minor bureaucrat somewhere in there?" Himmel's laugh is easy, carefree. "I'd be a great minor bureaucrat."

"Why would I take over the world just to make a bureaucracy?" Frieren wrinkles her nose. "Not even a dark overlord could come up with the Vehicular Certification Agency."

Himmel's easy chuckle is quickly turning into something that sounds like an asthma attack. Concerned, and not entirely sure if anything in the world is truly that funny, Frieren stiffly pats his back.

"Sorry," he wheezes. "I just would never have guessed."

"Guessed what?"

"Nothin', nothin'."

"No, what?"

"I dunno, I guess I just thought you were shy."

"I'm not shy, I'm a misanthrope," she informs him. "...is what Flamme says."

"You call your mom by her first name?"

"She's not my mom."

"Eh?"

"She's my legal guardian. So yes, first names are appropriate."

"Oh."

"And she doesn't actually mean I'm a misanthrope, she just jokes about it."

"I, uh, I see."

"She's where I get my megalomania and comic timing."

He doubles over wheezing all over again at that. This guy really needs to get a handle on himself or he's going to end up blowing out a lung.

But, even when he can't stop laughing, she does not hate the sound of it.

[can-of-pringles]

When I'm Alone with You - Chapter 16

Rating: Gen

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3k

Summary: Silas finally introduces Copia to Hanna.

Also Read on AO3

Hanna looked around the vast ministry building as she walked beside Silas.

“I know you said before that this place was big, but that was an understatement. This place is huge.” Hanna’s voice echoed slightly.

She looked up at the tall ceilings, eyes widening as she admired the beautiful artwork of the stained glass windows.

Silas chuckled shortly. “Yeah, you’ll get used to it. Thanks for coming to visit, by the way.”

Hanna smiled as she looked at him. “Of course, you just moved in. Think of it like… a housewarming party. Plus, you’ll finally introduce me to your work best friend.”

“It’s starting to sound like that’s the only reason you wanted to visit.” He joked.

“I have to see who I’m competing with for the title of your best friend.” She joked back, playfully nudging him with her elbow.

“You know that’s not going to happen.” Silas lightly scoffed.

“Oh, I’m aware.” She thought.

“Where is he, anyway?” Hanna’s brows knitted in confusion.

“He had a bit of work left to finish and then we can go out for lunch together. It’ll be good for y’all to meet finally.” Silas explained.

“Y’all.” Hanna teased, slightly putting on a fake southern accent. “You know you haven’t lived in Texas since you were a teenager, right?”

“Well, it’s not something that just… goes away?” Silas shrugged. “Är detta bättre?” (is this better?)

“Mycket bättre.” She teased. (much better)

“Texas mat är bättre.” He added. (Texas food is better)

Hanna faked a dramatic gasp while Silas laughed to himself. She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“Anyway… while we are waiting, do you want a tour?” He asked.

“Your room, right? Because I’m not sure we have the time for all of this, no offense, but this place seems like a maze.” She winced.

“Yeah, it’s a maze at first. You learn the map in your head, eventually. I meant my room,” Silas replied.

“Okay, good.”

“It’s this way.” He gestured to one of the winding hallways. “And then you take a turn here.”

She followed him, and they caught up on stuff in both of their lives. Now that Silas wasn’t living as close to Hanna, it was different. It wasn’t a drastic change, but it still altered some of their usual daily routines. They were grateful to still have the option of texting and calling.

Hanna couldn’t help but notice someone else walking down the same hallway, going the opposite way. She appeared to be a nun of sorts, keeping her hands folded in front of her. The woman reached up to move the brown bangs out of her eyes.

“You okay?” Silas asked. He furrowed his brows when her steps faltered.

“What? Oh, um, yeah.” She fidgeted with her hands. “Um… who is that?” She whispered, glancing at the woman walking away.

Silas followed her gaze. “Oh, her? She’s one of the Sisters of Sin. They’re basically the nuns here.”

“Oh, okay…” She murmured.

“Here it is.” He smiled, opening his door.

She followed him in, looking around to see if anything had changed. “Oh, it’s like your old place.”

“That’s good… right?” Silas asked.

“Yeah, I was worried it would be completely different.”

“Hanna, I work as a janitor in an unholy church. Do you think I could afford to buy all new furniture and decorations?” He spoke in a deadpan tone.

She struggled to keep her expression neutral before losing it to a snicker, quietly chuckling. “No… but I thought you said the pay was fairly good.”

“Just because the pay is good does not mean I am by any means rich,”

“Yeah… I feel that.” She sighed.

“There’s no need to replace it all anyway. That wouldn’t be practical and I like the familiarity.” He added.

Hanna noticed a certain food and water bowl on the tile floor near the kitchen/dining area. “Speaking of familiar…” A smile crept onto her face. “Blizzard!”

The grey and white dog came trotting into the room at the sound of his name. He wagged his tail nonstop when he saw her.

“Blizzard! Oh, it’s so good to see you!” She crouched down and began to pet him, talking sweetly about how much she’d missed him.

Silas smiled at the sight. “I’d just taken him out for a walk before you came. He was sleeping on my bed afterward, well, until you woke him up.”

Hanna looked up at him, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry…”

“No, no, it’s fine. He’s been missing you.”

She looked back down at Blizzard, cooing at him. “Aw, did you miss me? Sweet boy.”

Once Blizzard had (surprisingly) enough pets, he hopped up on Silas’ couch and curled up in the corner, silently watching the two humans.

“It’s been odd not seeing him every day for sure.” She lightly frowned, taking a seat in one of the chairs.

Silas did the same, sitting down on the couch. He reached over to pet Blizzard before leaving him be. The dog was already falling asleep again.

He gave her a sympathetic look. “Yeah… but now you have way more time to focus on getting your own business started.”

“That’s true. Speaking of that, I’ve already started the process of finding an actual location!” She grinned.

“That’s great! I thought you were going to do it out of your apartment, though?” He asked.

“Well… I’m not completely saying no to that idea. I want to keep my options open.” Hanna shrugged.

“Hm, that makes sense. I really hope it’ll work out,”

“Yeah, me too.” She took a deep breath. “Anyway, how’s he been settling in?” She pointed to a sleeping Blizzard.

“Oh, he’s been doing pretty well. I was a little worried before the move, but he’s still eating normally. I think he really likes it here. The Ministry grounds are big, so he’s been having fun exploring when I take him out on walks.” Silas explained.

“That’s good to hear,” she said.

Silas looked up, hearing a knock at the door. “Oh, that’s probably Copia.”

Blizzard opened his eyes, raising his ears, but decided to stay on the couch. He let out a big sigh, already used to hearing lots of knocks recently.

“Finally, I’m starving!” Hanna exaggerated, faking a dramatic sigh and causing Silas to chuckle.

He opened the door and was met with the familiar Cardinal, smiling. Silas felt something warm bloom in his chest but decided to ignore it. “Hey, come in,”

“I just had to finish up some paperwork and send it to a higher-up… but I’m finished with work for now,” Copia explained, walking into his room.

Hanna stood up from her seat.

“Copia, this is Hanna. Hanna, this is Copia,” Silas introduced them.

“It’s nice to meet you, Hanna.” He held out his hand, and she shook it.

“Yeah, nice to meet you, too. Silas has told me a lot about you.” She smiled.

“Really?” Copia raised a brow.

Silas could feel his face heat up and he glanced away, sticking his hands in the pockets of his jeans and shrugging. “I wouldn’t say a lot…”

Hanna refrained from rolling her eyes. “You know what I mean…”

“Anyway.” He cleared his throat. “Is everyone ready for lunch?”

“Oh, yes. What were you thinking?” Copia asked.

“There’s this cafe place that opened nearby recently. I looked at the menu and thought it sounded good. Sandwiches, soups, things like that. If that’s alright with you guys?”

“I’ve been wanting to check out that place. Heard good things,” Hanna commented.

“Sounds good to me,” Copia agreed.

“Alright, great. So… how do we want to do this? Drive there separately? Or a car-pool situation…?” Silas asked.

“We could take one of the Ministry’s cars,” he suggested.

“Please don’t be like a church van situation…” Hanna thought, hoping her apprehension didn’t show on her face.

“Is that allowed?” Silas frowned slightly.

“Seeing as I’m in charge currently, mostly, I don’t see why not.” Copia shrugged.

“Oh, okay, cool. Let me get Blizzard in his house and then we can go.” He opened a box of dog treats that was on the counter and got a biscuit out.

“I thought Blizzard could free roam while you’re out?” Hanna pointed out.

“It’s a temporary situation until he gets more used to the new place. I don’t want anything happening to him or my room while I’m gone.” Silas explained, calling Blizzard over with the treat.

Copia smiled and waved at the dog while Silas led him to his crate. Blizzard listened and went inside, curling up on his pillow and blanket; chewing on the treat Silas gave him.

Silas went to wash his hands and dry them before grabbing his phone, keys, and wallet. “Alright, we can go now.”

---

“Do we want to take the new one?” Copia smiled and held up the keys. “It’s… um, a replacement for the one that Sister crashed…” He kicked loose gravel.

“Oh, hey, it’s an actual car… it’s nice.” Hanna raised her brows. “Wait, crashed?”

“What were you expecting? As for that, it’s a long story…” Silas’ lips pressed into a thin line.

She opened her mouth to speak before closing it, shaking her head. “Never mind. Doesn’t matter. I’ll sit in the back, you can sit up in the front with Copia.”

“You sure you’re alright sitting in the back by yourself?” He asked.

“Yeah, no worries.” She smiled.

Copia unlocked the car, and they got in. After the Cardinal made sure everyone had clipped in their seatbelts, he started the car and they began to head out. As expected, Silas sat up in the front next to Copia, giving him directions from his phone to the restaurant. Hanna kept her gaze focused on the window for the most part, chiming into conversations with them.

She smiled to herself when she noticed how carefree Silas was acting around Copia; occasionally chuckling at his jokes. She could sense it wasn’t just a polite act, it looked genuine; natural.

Once they arrived, Copia put the car in park and they stepped out, squinting from the bright sky. Silas held the door open for both of them and they walked inside, immediately being hit with the scent of coffee brewing and delicious food cooking. Silas pointed to a table near a corner and they each sat down.

“I was worried it might be full, but it looks like it’s just us and a couple of other people,” Silas said, quietly sighing in relief.

“It’s a nice break from the usual packed lunch room of the Ministry.” Copia smiled.

“At least you’re not covered in dog fur and stuff on your lunch breaks.” Hanna half-joked.

“Pretty sure Blizzard fills that fur quota for me.” He chuckled.

“Even I end up getting his fur on my clothes when I visit!” Copia pointed out. “I don’t really mind that much… he’s a very sweet dog.”

“Two words: lint-roller,” Hanna said. “Anyway, after we’re finished deciding what we want, I can go up and order it all for us, if you two would like.”

“Oh, really? Thanks.” Silas smiled.

“'Course, I know it can be difficult to go up and order,”

They pointed out what they wanted while Hanna wrote it down on the notes app on her phone. Easier than just remembering it all. Silas gave her a grateful look before she got out of her chair and left to order.

“It’s nice that Hanna offered to order for us,” Copia said.

“Yeah, it’s not that I can’t, it’s just… I don’t know.” He sighed.

“I get it. Though at least you’d probably fit in better. When you’re an Italian Cardinal here, you tend to… eh, stick out.”

“Maybe if you learned more Swedish.” Silas lightly teased.

“I know, I’m working on it.” He chuckled.

They both looked up as Hanna returned to their table.

“And now we wait,” she said, sitting back down.

“So, Hanna, Silas mentioned you work as a dog groomer…?” Copia asked, trying to start a conversation.

“Yes, I work at that one place you know, that’s downtown? Actually, I don’t know how you'd know, but anyway, I want to open my own place, eventually.” She explained.

“Oh, interesting. Did you always want to work in that business?”

“Well, I’ve always loved animals and dogs specifically, so I knew I wanted to work a job involving that, but I didn’t always know what kind of job,” she answered.

“When we were kids, she thought she wanted to be a vet, but then realized she couldn’t take the emotional toll,” Silas added.

“You wouldn’t be able to either.” She gave Silas a look.

“Oh, that would be tough… I already get anxious taking my rats to their check-ups.” He fidgeted with his hands.

“Oh, that’s right! Silas told me you had pet rats.” Her eyes lit up.

“Yes, I have three little sweethearts named Alessa, Bella, and Clara.” Copia beamed, talking about them as if they were his children.

Silas pulled out his phone and found a picture of them he had taken, showing it to her. Copia pointed out each one in the picture.

“They’re adorable. I honestly don’t have much experience with pet rats…” Hanna chuckled sheepishly.

“I get that they’re not for everyone. They take a lot of work, but it’s worth it.” Copia sighed.

“They love to give him a heart attack by jumping off high things. They think they’re little cats I guess.” Silas joked.

“It’s not funny, it’s scary!” Copia exclaimed before ultimately losing his serious expression. “Okay… I guess it’s a little funny…”

Hanna turned her head when she heard her name being called. “Oh, looks like our order is ready.” She left the table to get it.

“So… overall thoughts?” Silas asked in a hushed tone.

“I wish we could’ve done this sooner. Hanna is great. I can see why you two have been friends for so long.” Copia matched his tone and smiled.

Hanna came back with the tray of food and set it down in the middle of the table.

“Thanks for getting it, Hanna.” Copia gave her a polite nod.

“You’re lucky I came back and didn’t just decide to eat it all myself.” She kidded and sat down again.

Everyone took their plate and drink and began to eat, occasionally talking.

“So, you've known each other since you were kids, right?” Copia asked.

“Yep, practically grew up together like siblings, except for the long distances when we were apart, but that hasn’t been a problem in a long time,” Hanna explained.

“We met in a library and bonded over the Moomins. We used to joke that we were like Little My and Snufkin,” Silas added. “Uh… remind me to explain Moomins to you later.”

“Got it.” He smiled. “I understand the whole feeling like siblings bond. I had that with my brother figures growing up…” He glanced away for a second.

“Oh, nice,” she said. “What was it like growing up in a… ministry environment?”

“Um… well, it was interesting. I lived in the Ministry location in Italy for most of my life, then was placed here. Spent a lot of time reading in the library or exploring the building. There was always something to find.”

“Wow… I definitely can’t imagine living somewhere that big. I would’ve run around constantly.” Her eyes widened.

“Hanna, you did that anyway.” Silas pointed out.

“True. It used to drive my parents crazy.” She had a sheepish grin.

“Sometimes the Sisters would get onto my brothers and I about running around…” Copia fought the urge to chuckle. His smile slipped for a moment when he thought about them.

“Hey, you okay?” Silas asked, mild concern showing on his face.

Copia snapped out of it. “Yes, I’m just a bit tired, is all. Don’t worry.” He gave him a reassuring smile.

“I am too.” Hanna sighed. “There was this one dog at work, big fluffy guy, high energy. It was hard keeping him in the bath... but he looked very cute after he’d been cleaned and gotten his fur trimmed.” She had a small smile on her face.

“Wow… and here I thought that doing paperwork was hard.” Copia slightly joked.

“Oh, no, it is hard. Reading all of that stuff gets so confusing.” Her face scrunched up.

“You tend to get used to it.” He shrugged.

“Which is heavier? The stacks of papers you have to carry, or the dogs that Hanna wrangles into baths and up onto the grooming tables?” Silas asked rhetorically.

“To be fair, the papers can’t bite me.”

Hanna laughed, causing them to chuckle as well.

---

After their meal, they returned to the Ministry. Hanna said her goodbyes to them, hugging Silas and shaking Copia’s hand again. She didn’t forget to say goodbye to Blizzard as well, petting him briefly before leaving.

Copia had a little bit of time left before he had to start on his work again and decided to spend it sitting on Silas’ couch; talking with him while occasionally petting Blizzard, who lay curled up next to him.

“I thought that went well.” He had a small smile on his face. “Perhaps we could do it again soon.”

“Oh, of course. I’m so glad you and Hanna get along. Now I don’t have to worry about if my two best friends wouldn't like each other.” Silas sighed in relief.

“Was it a serious worry?” He tilted his head, lightly frowning.

“Not really. Hanna gets along with lots of people. It’s just one of those nerve things, you know.” He rested his face in the palm of his hand.

“Yeah, I understand. Again, thanks for inviting me to lunch with you two. Maybe at some point, I could even bring along some of the ghouls.” Copia thought aloud.

“Do they… need to eat?” He raised a brow.

“No, but they like the taste. Anyway, I’m sure they’d appreciate the gesture.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Silas nodded.

“I should probably get back to work… I enjoyed lunch.” Copia smiled.

Silas could’ve sworn he felt fluttery inside, or at the very least, his heartbeat quickened. “Yeah… I did too.” He smiled back.

[atths--twice]

Chapter Three

Sailing 101: A Study in Dynamics

It's time for a second date. And what could be better than an afternoon spent out on the water?

Monday afternoon 

Mulder stood waiting for Scully beside the sailboat he had reserved. He kept running through his checklist of what he needed to do once on the boat and also what he had brought with him to ensure everything was perfect. 

They had spoken after she came home from church and lunch on Sunday, her calling him nearly the instant she had arrived. He had smiled, listening to her discuss who she had seen and what she’d had to eat. 

“I make it a point to eat really well on Sunday, especially since my parents are paying for it,” she had said and he had laughed. “I mean they always say to get whatever I want, so I do. I used to hold back though, not wanting to seem rude, but now… well… I don’t.” 

“Makes sense,” he had said, picturing her ordering plate after plate, her napkin tucked into her dress to keep it clean. 

“I’m glad you agree,” she had said and he smiled again. 

“How do you feel about sailing?” he had blurted out as she had begun to speak but had then fallen silent. 

“In general or…?” she had asked and he had chuckled. 

“How do you feel about going sailing tomorrow?” 

“You… you own a sailboat?” she had asked incredulously. 

“No. I don’t personally. My parents have a boat, though it’s not what I had in mind as it’s far too large for an afternoon excursion.” 

“I…” 

“The yacht club has sailing classes of which I’ve taken my fair share over the years. I can borrow a smaller sailboat from there and we could sail around for a bit. Then maybe lunch at the clubhouse?” he had asked with a shrug, mentally reviewing his sailing lessons in his head. 

“The yacht club?” she had asked in a small voice. “And the country club too? Who are you, Fox Mulder?” 

He had frozen in place, suddenly worried she would think him snobby or pretentious. 

“We could do something else. It doesn’t have to be… I just thought that… Your dad being in the Navy, I thought maybe you might have a love the water too, but we don’t-”

“No. I do love it,” she had assured him softly. “I just… You usually picture someone different when you hear they belong to yacht clubs or country clubs. Someone…” 

“Older and snobby?” he had suggested and she had laughed nervously. “Well, I would tend to agree with you about that, though, that’s not how I would describe everyone.”

“I’m sorry if that sounded rude or if you took offense. That wasn’t my intention,” she had said, almost in a whisper. 

“Not one bit,” he had said quickly, shaking his head. 

“You know how to sail? You won’t sink us?” she had asked and he had heard the smile in her voice. 

“I do. And I won’t. Yachtsman’s honor,” he had said and she had laughed before agreeing to sail with him. 

She had insisted she would get a ride to the yacht club, not wanting to put him out, and now he was pacing, feeling nervous as he waited for her to arrive. 

A car pulled up and he halted in his pacing. Music was playing loudly as the door opened and Scully stepped out, looking around and shaking her head. 

“You’ll get a ride back or do you want me to pick you up later?” a man called above the music. 

“I’ll get a ride. See you next week, Charlie. Thanks for dropping me off.” 

“No problem, Dane. Have fun.” 

She grabbed her backpack and closed the door, waving at him as he drove away. 

“Hey,” Mulder called out and she jumped slightly. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” 

“Didn’t scare me. I just didn’t see you there.” She smiled and walked over to him, slipping her backpack on as she did. 

“Hi,” he said, smiling at her as she stopped in front of him. 

“Hi,” she replied, her smile growing, her hands holding onto the straps of her backpack. “I missed you.” 

“Since last night when we spoke?” he teased and she shook her head. 

“Since you drove away on Saturday night,” she whispered and he hummed as he leaned forward, a hand reaching to hold her hip. 

He kissed her softly, her hands moving from her backpack to his chest and then wrapping around his neck. He pulled her closer and she moaned into his mouth. 

Breaking apart, they drew in deep breaths, their foreheads pressed together. 

“I think,” she whispered. “I think we should head to the boat. I don’t want to get in trouble at the yacht club. Find myself thrown out before I’ve even stepped a foot inside.” 

He chuckled and leaned back, looking into her eyes. She smiled and he nodded, stepping back as he reached for her hand to lead her toward the sailboat. She squeezed his hand and he grinned as he opened the door to the boat ramp. 

“It’s the perfect day for sailing,” she said and he nodded as they walked toward the boat. “I hope I’m dressed warm enough though, I know that it can get cooler on the water.” 

“I have extra clothes and blankets, if you do. No need to worry.” 

“Just thought of everything, have you?” she teased, squeezing his hand again as they stopped in front of the boat. “Oh, it’s nicer than I expected. I like it.” 

“They’re good little boats. Definitely better for the plans today than something bigger.” 

“Oh, that’s right,” she said, taking off her backpack and passing it to him as he held her hand to help her into the boat. “Is your parents' boat docked here?” 

“Mmhmm, it’s just there,” he said, pointing as he handed her backpack to her. She looked and her eyes widened. 

“That’s their boat? It’s…” She stared at it as she sat down and he untied the boat, carefully stepping in beside her. 

“No, that’s the Youngs boat,” he said, smiling at her as he pushed away from the dock and began to prepare the sail. “Ours is much bigger.” 

“Bigger than that?” she asked, pointing as they began to pass the boat. 

“No. I’m just kidding,” he said with a chuckle. “Gotcha.” 

“So funny,” she said, setting her bag down and shaking her head. 

“I know,” he agreed. “The life jackets are underneath your seat. Could you pass me one and then put yours on as well? Safety first, you know.” 

“Of course,” she said, taking out the life jackets and handing him one. He slipped it on and then turned his attention to getting them out into the open water. 

He watched her, the wind blowing her hair gently as she smiled and closed her eyes. It felt like his dream and he could not help but smile in return. A larger boat honked at them and they both turned to wave as it passed by, children running along the side and calling out hello. 

“Hello!” Scully called back and the children laughed and screamed excitedly. “Aww. Aren’t they so cute?” 

You are, he wanted to say, but he only smiled as he adjusted the sail to catch more wind. 

“Mmm,” she said, leaning back and tilting her face to the sun. “This was a perfect idea. Thank you for thinking of it.” 

“Sailing always impresses the ladies,” he said, watching to see her reaction. 

“This is where the debauchery happens, isn’t it?” she asked, turning her head to look at him. He laughed and shook his head as she shook her own, a smile tugging at her lips. “I knew it had to be somewhere.” 

“Imagine attempting anything like that as an awkward teenager. We’d both have ended up in the water. That would put a damper on things for sure,” he said with a laugh, guiding them past some larger wakes. 

“So you haven’t won the ladies over with your sailing abilities?” she asked and he shook his head as he looked at her. 

“Only woman I’ve been sailing with is my sister. And she usually takes over as she is, in fact, the better sailor.” 

“I’m liking her more and more,” Scully said, opening her backpack and taking out a floppy, wide brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses. He smiled as she put them on and then leaned back, her face once more tilted toward the sun. 

They sailed around the harbor, not talking much as they absorbed the view and the weather. She had taken her hat off and braided her hair into two long braids, the wind causing it to tangle and cover her eyes too often. The hat was then replaced and he could not help but find her even more adorable. 

“Do you want a blanket or anything? It’s in that large bag there,” he offered and she shook her head. 

“Not just yet. But I’m sure I will soon.” 

Five more minutes and she was reaching for the bag, taking out one of his sweatshirts and a blanket. She put them on and smiled at him. 

“Much better,” she said and he nodded. 

“There is a spot about ten minutes from here. It’s a little cove with a dock. Do you want to stop there for a bit?” 

“If you want to, I’m game.” 

“Radical,” he said and she laughed, shaking her head and pulling the blanket further around her. 

“That sounds weird coming from you.” 

“Is bitchin’ better?” 

“No. Definitely not,” she laughed and he nodded in agreement. 

“Far out?” 

“No,” she said, laughing again and he smiled. 

“To the cove we go,” he said and she nodded. 

When they arrived, she was ready to help pull them in. She grabbed the buoys and tied them to the side as the dock came into view. Without even asking, she then took hold of the ropes and stood carefully to her feet, ready to jump out and tie the boat to the cleats. 

He was more than impressed as he watched her, doing his portion to secure the boat was properly docked. She smiled at him as he handed her her backpack and then the backpack he had brought, taking her life jacket and placing it into the boat. Taking off his own, he stepped out of the boat and stared at her. 

“We had a boat, a small one, but my dad sold it when we had to relocate. Aside from knowing about ships of all sizes, I also have basic boat knowledge,” she said, shrugging as she slipped on her backpack. 

“I figured you would. But still, that was pretty smooth-”

“Sailing?” she interrupted, her eyes shining. “Imagine that.” She slid her arm through his and he laughed as he picked up his own backpack. 

“You got me,” he said quietly and she nodded happily. 

“I certainly did,” she said as they began to walk up the small dock, her hand finding his and squeezing. 

“There isn’t really much to do here,” he said, walking into the grassy area that held two picnic tables and a community barbecue. “I just thought you might like to walk around a bit before we start heading back.” 

“You’ve been here before, obviously. What do you usually do?” 

“Well,” he said, stopping for a second and looking around. “We had a badminton set that we put up and played over there.” He pointed to the area away from the tables. “My sister and I would play and then my parents would join us after we’d eaten. Or if we were with other families, we would play with their children and the adults would drink and talk, getting louder as the drinks became stronger.” 

“Sounds familiar,” Scully said with a laugh. 

“We’d play horseshoes too sometimes, but that was when the pits for it were here. They took them out a couple years back. I think too many drunk college kids got hurt acting like idiots.” 

“Well, that’ll do it,” Scully said, laughing again. “Having seen the idiotic things our fellow classmates do, I can understand the need to remove them.” 

“Yeah,” he said, squeezing her hand before letting it go. “I brought some snacks. Just drinks and chips. Do you want to look around the area and have something to eat?” He smiled at her and she smiled back. 

“Look around, yes,” she said, adjusting her backpack. “Eat… no. You mentioned lunch at the yacht club. I’ll wait for that.” 

“Okay then,” he said, adjusting his own backpack. “Let’s explore the wooded area here.” 

“I’ll try not to touch any unknown plants this time,” she said with a smile. 

“If you do, don’t worry. I have the Super Salve,” he said and she chuckled softly as she reached to take his hand again. 

“Always prepared,” she said and he nodded. 

“Gotta be, with you around,” he said, squeezing her fingers and pulling her closer. 

“I’d be mad at that comment,” she said, sniffing with her head turned away from him. “Buuut… I know how well that salve works, so you’re forgiven.” 

“Thank you,” he said with a chuckle and she nodded curtly before looking at him with a smile. He laughed again, guiding her to the small copse of trees. 

When they walked back to the boat twenty minutes later, she held two large pine cones in her hands and in her backpack there were numerous rocks to which she had taken a liking. 

“What will you do with them?” he asked as they pushed away from the dock and he glanced at her, adjusting the sail. 

“Hmm, I’m not sure exactly. Well, about the pine cones anyway. I think I’ll paint the rocks and then put them on my desk. I like doing that. Gives the room a bit of color and…” She shrugged and smiled at him as she situated the pine cones. “I don’t know, I just like it.” 

“What do you paint on them?” he asked and she shrugged again. 

“Different things,” she said, twisting a braid and looking out at the water. “I’ve made ones of beach scenes, campfires, city lights… just different things.” 

“So they’re detailed, not just colored rocks,” he said and she looked at him with a smile and furrowed brow. 

“No! Not just colored! Like they’re Easter eggs or something?” she asked with a laugh and he shrugged, his hands raised with the palms up. 

“I don’t know! I didn’t see any on your desk the other night.” 

“Because I don’t have any there,” she laughed, giving her backpack a nudge with her foot. “Hence the reason I collected so many.” 

“Hence,” he repeated, laughing as he steered the boat back towards the yacht club. 

“Yeah, hence,” she said again, tugging at her life jacket and then leaning back, crossing one leg over the other. He stared at her foot, watching it move up and down and he smiled. 

“Well, I’ll enjoy seeing them when you’re done.” 

“Would you like to paint them with me?” she asked and he lifted his head to look at her. “Not today, of course. But maybe this weekend?” 

“I’d like that,” he said, grinning at her. “Although I’m not much of a painter.” 

“Psh,” she said, waving her hand in a dismissive way. “It’s rocks… Fox.” She grinned and he laughed at the rhyme. “You can’t really mess up a rock.” 

“I suppose that’s true,” he agreed with a nod. 

“We could go to that park close to Toni's,” she suggested. “The park for artistic inspiration and then Toni’s for dinner? Or late lunch depending on the time?” 

“I’d like that,” he said, grinning as he nodded again. 

“Good,” she said, twisting her braid again as she looked down, almost shyly. “It’s a date.” 

“Totally,” he said and she shook her head as she raised it to look up at him with a smile. 

“Radical,” she said, echoing his word from earlier and he laughed loudly, the wind picking up and carrying his laughter across the water. 

The ride back seemed to take less time, the wind pushing them on. They were quiet, comfortable in the silence, as they watched other boats and Scully ran her fingers through the water, smiling as she watched it drip down as she raised her hand. He smiled as he stared at her in her big hat and sunglasses. 

So cute, he thought. Really wished I would have spoken to her sooner. 

“Does it ever make you stop and think?” she asked. 

“What?” he asked, feeling for a second that she was reading his mind. 

“Just how big the world is, how amazing. That this water is here, that it stays here, hundreds, if not thousands, of feet deep, and it’s just here. And that there are places in the world that we will never see, yet they are there, simply existing.” She stared at the water dripping from her fingers. “I’m touching something that someone might be wishing they could touch. In a place where someone might yearn to be. And yet I might wish to be where they are, exploring what their homeland may offer.” She looked at him, smiling slowly. “It’s wild isn’t it?” 

“Whoa… getting all profound on me,” he said and she exhaled a laugh. “But yes, I understand what you mean.” 

“This is big,” she said, waving her other hand to emphasize the area around them. “But it’s also small. It’s just… I don’t know. It just struck me and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.” 

“Puts things into perspective,” he agreed with a nod. “I was just thinking, I wished I’d spoken to you sooner. Maybe this wouldn’t have been the first time we’ve gone sailing. Maybe it would have been a weekly occurrence, something we did every Monday.” 

She tilted her head, staring at him through her sunglasses, and shook her head slightly. 

“I wasn’t in a place then to spend my Monday’s sailing with anyone. I was… I was going through some things last year- my own personal things and I…” She shook her head again and leaned forward, holding her hand out to him. He took it and she squeezed gently. “I think… I think I would have broken your heart. And my own in the process.” She smiled sadly and he squeezed her hand a little tighter. “Because like I told you already, I really like you, Fox Mulder.” 

“Well,” he said, smiling softly. “Then we met exactly when we were supposed to.” She nodded, squeezing his hand again. “Because I really like you too, Dana Scully.” 

“Good,” she whispered and he nodded as they squeezed at the same time, smiling as she let go and leaned back, picking up the blanket beside her and wrapping it around her legs. 

When the docks began to come into sight, she took off his sweatshirt, packing it and the blankets back inside of his backpack. Into her own, went her floppy hat. 

Jumping out again as they reached the dock, she securely tied the rope to the cleat, smiling at him proudly. 

He took her life jacket and placed them both back in their correct space, then he furled the sail and continued securing the boat. He set their backpacks on the dock before stepping out and standing beside her. She smiled as they picked their things up and walked to his car to drop it off. 

“Are you sure I’m dressed okay for lunch here?” she asked, loosening her braids and letting her hair flow freely. “I do have a different shirt, but I don’t-”

“You look fine,” he said, taking in her attire of a black sweater and jeans. 

“You’re sure?” she asked again, quickly braiding her hair into one long braid that lay over her left shoulder. She twisted the end, biting her lip as she looked at the building nervously. 

“Hey,” he said softly, covering her hand and bringing it down to hold her fingers loosely in his own. “If it was a fancy place and there was a strict code, especially at this time of day, I would’ve told you. I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable anywhere.” 

She stared at him, her sunglasses now off, allowing him to look into her beautiful blue eyes. She squeezed his hand, placing her other on his cheek as she rose up to kiss him softly. He put his hand on her hip to hold steady and kissed her back just as gently. 

“You,” she breathed as they broke apart. “You are something else. You know that, right?” 

“Hmm,” he hummed, squeezing her hip and stepping back. “I might.” 

She laughed quietly and he tugged at her hand, pulling her toward the building. She held his upper arm with her other hand and he smiled as they walked. 

“I promise that you don’t need to feel nervous,” he assured her as they neared the doors. “My parents are going to love you.” 

“Oh my God! Your parents are here?! Right now?!”! she asked, stopping in her steps and staring at him, her eyes wide. He smiled and shook his head, stepping close and squeezing her hand. 

“Gotcha,” he whispered. 

[pinkxlicious]

Oliver Wood pt. 2

Oliver Wood

Tbh I just bullshitted the end, im not that crazy about this oneshot....

Word count: 1,348

'''

You returned back to your common room, your roommate, Luna Lovegood, gave you a confused look, refering to your muddy clothes and messy hair. You mumbled something incoherent before grumbling to yourself all the way to the bathroom.

You avoided the mirror before turning on the shower to a steamy setting. You walked out and grabbed some clothes, unknowingly you grabbed your boyfriend's shirt. You quickly stripped and jumped into the steaming shower. Your muscles relaxed as you contemplated your life and your relationship with your boyfriend.

You loved Oli very dearly, and it hurt like hell after hearing Angelina tell you what he said about you. He was drunk so he probably didn't mean it, but it still didn't sit right with you.

'Drunk thoughts are sober thoughts'

That singular quote repeated over and over in your head until you realized you've been standing in the shower for almost ten minutes, doing absolutely nothing. You quickly finish up and leave the bathroom. You notice your roommates have left the room and you had the room to yourself.

You the heard rapid knocking on you door, it sounded urgent so you quickly whipped open the door. You were met face to face with Oliver. He looked absolutely hammered from his hangover. He pushed his way inside and closed the door, he grabbed you by the waist and kissed you hard. He still tasted faintly of alcohol and he smelt a bit like smoke. You couldn't help but melt into him. But not for long, the remembrance of what Angelina had told you and the fact that he left you all alone in the dark. Where you had no where to go and where you were vulnerable. Death eaters where everywhere. Last week there was a break in, though it was quickly resolved you feared for your life everyday. Most students were pulled out of school by their parents because of the incident. You shivered at the thought of being kidnapped and tortured by a death eater.

You pushed Oliver away and wiped your slick lips,

"You have a LOT of explaining to do. You LEFT me in a field all alone! Have you forgotten what happened last week? Lavender Brown almost DIED, Hogwarts is no longer safe, and you have the NERVE to pull something like this???" you grew angrier with every word as you pointed to his chest. Oliver sighed and looked up at the ceiling, and then back down at you. He pressed his forehead to yours and spoke softly,

"Sweetheart I was drunk as hell, I really didn't mean to do that. I didn't mean to leave you out there like that. If I could go back and take it back I would, I know how scared you are. I will never do that again,"

"Thats not enough Oli, you got insanely drunk and humiliated me in front of all your Gryffindor friends. And no offense, all you fucking Gryffindors and NEVER keep your damn mouths shut. I've had at least ten people come up to me asking about YOU and what YOU said about me!" You backed away from his touch and crossed your arms. "If you had an issue with me in the first place you should've just came to me. You shouldn't have gotten piss drunk and go about telling everyone OUR business."

Oliver looked slightly confused,

"I'm not sure what you're talking about? Humiliated you? What do you mean, what did I say??"

"Of course you don't remember, you were so drunk you were shouting in the common room about how much you wish I was gone. About how much I annoyed you, and that sometimes you wished I was never your girlfriend. Apparently you also said things much much worse than that. But I am not sure if I wanna know what you said." You said coldly, hurt laced your words. Although you kept your tone consistent, Oliver could hear a small break in your words and his heart broke.

"I can explain. I- I actually can't, I just need you to know that whatever I said was mindless babbling. I would never intentionally hurt you and I hope you know that everything I said was shit. I am a shitty person for even getting that drunk in the first place. I'm sorry for humiliating you, leaving you out in the dark. I- I wouldn't know what to do with myself if you got because of me.." Oliver poured his heart out, he loved his girl, she was the most beautiful being to walk on Earth. The moment he had her to himself he decided to devote his entire life to loving every part of her. He couldn't believe how close and how careless he could be to losing his other half, his love, his light, his will to live.

"You shouldn't have been so careless," You said quietly. Your heart swelled slightly with sadness but also appreciation, you read him so well. His face expressed regret, remorse, and love. You knew he loved you, but this one thing contradicted your feelings. "I wish you didn't say those things."

Oliver nearly cried, he fell to his knees and hugged your legs. You looked at him shocked, as he looked up to you pleading for forgiveness.

 "I would never in a million years mean those words. Darling, I'm so devoted to you, you could hurt me over and over again and I would never speak those words and mean it. Because at the end of the day you are who I want, who I look for. I know I am being extremely cheesy... but its truly how I feel. I'm so in love with you and I just want your forgiveness, you're all I want," Oliver gushed out, his confident exterior always seemed to melt when he was around you. Nobody would've guessed that the cocky, confident quidditch captain had such a soft heart.

You took a deep breath and pulled him up from the floor and sighed.

"Baby, you didn't have to do all that. I forgive you, I really do,"

"Oh thank Merlin," Oliver breathed out, "darling, I'm so obsessed with you. I cannot-I will not ever forgive myself for almost losing you like that. I swear on my life this will never happen again."

He stared into your eyes with so much love and want. He kissed you cautiously, you kissed him deeper. You pulled his face in, you rubbed your thumb soothingly against his cheek. He held your waist tightly, never wanting to let you go. He held you tightly against him, appreciating how you forgave him.

"How can I repay you? For being so kind as always, you're too good to me," Oliver whispered shaking his head. "you treat me so well, and look what I'm doing to you."

You stared into his eyes,

"Just kiss me,"

"Gladly,"

You pull him in by his belt looks and capture his lips into a long passionate kiss. You wrap your arms around his neck as he touches your waist, gliding his hands around. Feeling every part of you, hoping you know that he loves every inch of your body.

"I'm never letting you go, I'm never leaving you again, you're never leaving my side," Oliver murmured, more to himself, he still felt horrible.

"You are forgiven, I forgive you," You whisper into his ear as you kiss his jawline gently.

"What else can I do? Let me make it up to you please. I cannot forgive myself unless I give you all I can," Oliver begged, tilting your head so you made eye contact with him. You fell silent, considering what to ask of him.

"Maybe take me out on a date, a nice one," You said, you didn't want to ask too much of him, although you knew he would give you the world if he could. 

"That's all?" Oliver asked, quirking an eyebrow. "If I were you, I would've asked myself to beg for forgiveness... oh but I guess I already did that..."

"No, you've already apologized, and I will take your word for it. I love you and I'm willing to give you another chance."

"You're so perfect,"

[tinyboxxtink]

Summer of '87 [Chapter 2]

So i think i'm just gonna start over with the tag list. So if you would like to be added, please let me know!!

Also i know some of the dates may be screwed up, but suspenson of disbelief okay? Creative liberty and all that. Also, I decided the "Unknown Freak" is now known as Quentin.

Part 3

Okay i think that's it, enjoy!

oh also, If you enjoyed this chapter, please think about sending me a coffee. My um, current situation is here.

Also if you missed part 1 here it is

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

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

“....But i don’t understand. If you have to get home, you’ll still go through---” Your friend Carissa was trying to figure out your plan.

You had told them you had an emergency at home and had to drive straight there, therefore unable to drop them off.

“Look guys come on, just take the money,” You handed her the wad of cash. 

“OOOOH!!!!! Let’s go buy shots!!” your friend Amy squealed.

“NO,” you said sternly, now hesitant about this plan.

“You guys are gonna go upstairs, sleep it off, then go to the train station in the morning,” 

“Buzzkill,” your friend Stacy whined.

“Alright now go,” You instructed them to get out of your Taxi in front of their hotel. 

Once you were sure they were inside, you asked the driver to drop you off where the band had said to meet them. 

Your friends would be fine, right?

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

You arrived at the bus to find only Eddie standing outside, smoking a cigarette. His eyes lit up when he saw you get out of the car with your luggage in tow.

“Hey!” he said excitedly as he jogged towards you. “I was beginning to think you changed your mind,” 

“Nah,” you nodded calmly, secretly freaking out. “Just had to get the girls to bed,”

“Ah. Right,” he nodded himself as he stomped out his cigarette to take your bags.

“No roadies,” he chuckled.

“Oh you don’t have to do that--” 

“Sure I do,” he insisted. “You saved my life earlier.”

“I think that’s a bit of an over exaggeration,”

“So you’re saying your friends wouldn’t have killed me trying to get a piece of this?” he wiggled his body suggestively with a small smirk. 

“You have a point,” you giggled, feeling your cheeks turn red. 

“Hey if you two are done flirting, we need to go!” Gareth’s voice suddenly came out of nowhere. 

You and Eddie turned to see him hanging out the bus window. Eddie shot him a glare and threw him the bird while you turned even more red.

“Well I guess we better go,” He looked at you sheepishly while turning a bit pink himself. 

“Yup,” you nodded awkwardly as you followed him onto the bus. He tossed your bags on the overhead racks as you walked into the bus.

It was amazing. Long leather benches on each side, a seemingly endless hallway. A full bar in between with mirrors on the ceiling. 

“Let’s go back here, away from the peanut gallery,” Eddie suggested, noticing the already suggestive looks from his band mates.

You followed him towards the back where there were two booths on one side and a couch against the wall of the other. You chose the couch to sit on, where Eddie joined you. 

“So,” he immediately began to play with a string on his jeans. 

“So…” you matched his nervous energy looking around the bus awkwardly. You were afraid if you looked right into his eyes at the moment you might melt into the couch.

“So how is it we don’t know each other?” Eddie asked flat out.

“Well, first of all i’m pretty sure I’m a few years older than you,” you giggled slightly.

“What? No way.”  he said rather offensively.

“I’m 24, and you are…?” you looked at him expectantly.

“I’m 22, you’re not that much older--” he said in a pouty tone.

“Second of all, I didn’t really grow up in Hawkins.” you cut him off.

“WHAT?” Eddie began to panic. Was this a setup? Had he been bamboozled by a pair of pretty eyes and a great ass?  And, would that be so bad?

“So why did you go along--?”

“I mean technically i did,” you saw that look in his eyes. “I just uh…i grew up in….Brooke Heights.”

“Oh I see,” he rolled his eyes. 

Brooke Heights was a part of Hawkins, technically speaking. However, it was more of the “right side of the tracks' ', gated community type. They had their own shopping, their own schools, even a “mayor” type that was much more “Elite” than Hawkin’s sleazy mayor. Eddie knew the type of people that lived there. The Harrington’s lived there, and god knows how much of a dick Steve Harrington used to be. 

“So you went to Carmel,” He said more as a statement than a question. 

“Yes,” you nodded while playing with your hands in your lap. You could tell he was getting more and more annoyed by the revelation of your origin. 

“Well color me shocked a princess like you agreed to slum it with a silly metal band,” he ran his fingers through his hair before taking another cigarette from his pocket.

“Hey, that’s not true.” You assured him. “Christ Almighty Eddie you just went on a national tour with girls throwing their panties at you every night. I’d hardly call that a ‘silly metal band’,”

“How do you even know that?” He raised an eyebrow. “Did you toss me some panties last night, Princess?” he smirked.

Jesus, there was the cocky bravado you had expected. And you had to admit, you didn’t hate it. 

“NO,” You said rather emphatically. “My friends did though. It was disgusting,” 

“Ohhh was it now?” he laughed while lighting his cigarette and taking a puff. “Too vulgar for your taste, princess?” 

“Will you knock it off?” you folded your arms. “Just because I came from a better place than you doesn’t mean--”

“See?” he gestured with his cigarette. “You DO think you’re better than me!”

“That’s not what I--” you sputtered angrily. “That’s not what I meant!”

“A lover’s quarrel already?” Gareth came strolling in with a hearty chuckle. 

“Shut up Gar,” Eddie huffed. 

“Y’know that’s a lot of venom for someone who saved you from a herd of succubi,” 

“She’s not from Hawkins, She’s from Brooke Heights,” 

“It’s the same thing!!!” you argued.

“Ooooooh,” Gar said in a cartoonish voice. “So? We can’t help where we’re born or who to, Edds.” 

“Like you can’t control you were born in a trailer park,” A band mate chimed in as he walked into the “Room”.

“Jesus Jeff,” Gareth exhaled roughly. 

“Yeah, whose side are you on?!” Eddie stood up defensively. 

“There aren’t any sides!” Jeff sniped back. “There’s just facts--”

“I’m not going back to the Heights, I'm going to find my half brother, okay?!” 

The three men stopped arguing to look at you in shock and confusion. 

“What does that even mean?”

“My parents don’t know I’m going to Hawkins. I don’t want them to know I’m anywhere near them.” you explained.

“....You’ve never met your half brother?” Eddie said with a rather condescending tone. “That’s nice--”

“I wasn’t allowed to, okay?” you snipped. 

“Aren’t you an ‘adult’?” he smirked. 

“I left when I was 18 smart ass,” you folded your arms. “And I never looked back.” 

“So you’re just randomly deciding to--”

“Look, I don't have to explain myself to ANY of you. But if you must know, THIS is why I'm going back now.”

You pulled a page from the CC program your friend had bought. It had old pictures of the band, explaining how they all met and formed the group. In one black and white photo, with 7 guys. Four of them were CC, the other three looked to be freshmen. The caption read: “HELLFIRE CLUB ‘86.” Then it listed the names of the club members, including your brother’s. 

“...Who exactly is your brother?” Eddie asked shakily as he glanced at the other guys who were equally puzzled.

“Dustin Henderson,” you replied flatly. 

To your shock, Eddie had a much more visceral reaction than you expected. He started pacing and muttering to himself.

“Nah,” he chuckled nervously. “Nah, Henderson would’ve told me if he had a sister--”

“He doesn’t know,” 

“Whatd’ya mean ‘he doesn’t know’?” Eddie stopped suddenly and narrowed his eyes at you. 

“I mean--” you sighed uncomfortably, looking at the floor. “It’s complicated,”

“So uncomplicate it,” 

“Look, why do you even care?” you suddenly gained some cajones. “He’s just some kid you went to school with,”

“He’s my little brother!!!!”

“...What?” your face went pale. Oh god, did that mean you and Eddie were related somehow? Oh god…

“I mean, not literally.” He noticed the horrified look on your face, and he couldn’t hide a smile. It was gone as fast it appeared however as he remembered what your topic of argument was. 

“I mean I took him under my wing. And we--” he looked over at the other members awkwardly. “We went through some shit,”

“Some shit?” 

“They got caught in the earthquake,” the last band member Quentin seem to come out of nowhere.

“Earthquake?” you looked between the three of them.

“Okay look Hawkins isn’t the place you left it,” Eddie explained, hoping no one else would jump in. None of them knew what really went down in Hawkins, and he’d never be able to explain it. It was hard enough for him to believe it, and he lived it. 

“There was a major earthquake due to some crazy lab based there, and that’s all you need to know.” Eddie said sternly.

“Yeah Eddie almost died,” Jeff added while you looked at Eddie. He seemed quite disturbed and got that familiar feeling of his chest rising and falling rapidly.

“Which is why we got signed,” Jeff went on. “A record label saw an article about him in the paper and gave us an audition,”

“So really, it helped us out.” Quentin added.

“I’m sorry so you’re basing your success on a major tragedy?” you said in a disgusted tone.

“Lemons into lemonade?”  Quentin shrugged.

“ANYWAY--” Eddie changed the subject, quickly becoming more fearful the more they discussed the “Earthquake”.

“So tell me why Henderson doesn’t know about you, EXACTLY.”

Well, this just got a hell of a lot more intimidating. 

“My--our dad was married to my mom and they had me. When I was around six years old, they started having…problems.” you picked at your sleeves as you explained.

“So one night my dad went to a bar on the ‘other side of the tracks’ so to speak,” 

Cue the groans and eye rolling from the band. 

“And had a one night stand with a woman, resulting in Dustin.” you spoke again. “And one day Dustin’s mom came around for money, threatening to expose him. I only recently found out about this, my mom doesn’t even know!”

“Nah, Henderson said his dad died in a fire…”

“Well you really think his mom was going to tell him he was a result of a one night stand with some rich politician?” 

“There it is,” Eddie shook his head with a bitter laugh. “The daughter of a pig,” 

“You think I don't know that?!” You exclaimed angrily. “Why else do you think I left as soon as I could?” 

“So daddy’s been funding your big city adventures?” 

“Maybe….”

“Oh, maybe. MAYBE because you threatened to expose him this time? Exploit my little brother for your own personal gain?”

“Why else do you think I’m going to tell him?!” You stomped your foot. “I’m going to get out from under my ‘daddy’s money’ and do the right thing! AND he’s not even your--”

“He’s more of my brother than he is yours!!!” Eddie suddenly screamed, his blood boiling.

“Hey man, take a breath.” Gareth put a hand on his shoulder.

“Dustin has been through hell and back, Y/N. He doesn’t need you coming in and blowing up his whole world to appease your weird ass concept of ‘the right thing’.” 

Eddie got in your face, speaking in a low guttural voice. And with that, he stomped back to the bunks, leaving all of you shell shocked.

“I thought you were supposed to help his stress, not amplify it.” Jeff huffed.

“God dammit…” you sighed, getting up to follow him. 

“No,” Gareth suddenly stood in front of you. “I think you’ve done enough.” 

“Look, Dustin means a lot to all of us, not just Munson.” Quentin explained. “You can’t blame us for being protective. Especially him.”

“I’m not doing it to hurt him,” you said sadly. “I just-- I haven’t had a real-- ‘family’. Not like this,” You held up the page again.

“You guys look like brothers, so I do get your defensiveness. I do. I just--- I want a relationship with him, and I think he’s old enough now to handle the truth. That’s all.” 

“Well,” Quentin looked between Jeff and Gareth. “I mean, she does have a point--” 

“Who’s side are you on now?!” Gareth glared at him.

“Dustin’s!” Quentin talkover him. “Eddie’s right, he’s been through a lot. And-- i mean, look where we are. He lost us-- he lost Eddie. A big sister might be what he needs right now, yeah?”

“We’re literally going back right now, Q!” 

“For how long?” Quentin looked at both of them. “You know Carter wants us to cut an album ASAP before our ‘hype’ fades. We’re gonna be back in LA like that!” he snaps at ‘that’.

“And how long before ‘princess’ here goes back to Chicago?” Gareth gestured angrily at you.

“Guys it’s really none of our business--” Jeff spoke up.

“Dude, REALLY?” Gareth hit him.

“Will you all just SHUT UP?!” You raised your voice over all of them, making them stop arguing. 

“Jeff’s right, this is none of your business. NONE. I don’t care if you ‘approve’, Dustin is MY brother. For ACTUAL fact. He’s not just your little buddy. He’s--”

“YOU,” Eddie’s voice came from the back, making you jump back ten feet. “With me, now.” 

“Dude, I hardly think hate sex is gonna help right now--” Gareth teased.

“Don’t make me kick your ass, Gar.” Eddie growled as you reluctantly followed him. 

“...Um, what are we--”

“There’s more you need to know about Dustin if you’re really going to do this.” Eddie didn’t wait for you to finish.

“That’s ominous,” you half laughed, stopping abruptly when you saw how serious his face was. 

“It’s…kind of a long story, that none of the other guys know about.” he rubbed the back of his neck. 

“And you just wanna lay it out there to a stranger?”

“Well you’re gonna know eventually,” he shrugged. “It’s part of who he is now. A part of all of us,” 

“Us?” you raised a curious eyebrow. 

“Just-- let me explain, okay?”

“Okay..." you got comfortable in one of the bunks. 

What could Eddie possibly have to tell you?