#i missed a couple festivals after that though oops

[puns-fr]

ive been here since 2014 and every year going through my apparel to get rid of duplicates or find something valuable becomes less and less appealing

[okieedokes]

glastonbury with callum | head canons

authors note: this is dedicated to my roommate saskia who was almost reduced to tears over dua’s hard launch of callum on Insta hehe hope your enjoy my lovely! this is obviously inspired by cal and dua being the cutest couple at glaston this year! started off as headcanons then basically became a mini fic oops…

summary: this is a day at a glastonbury festival with boyfriend callum

warnings: mention of alcohol and intoxication

- You spent months persuading your boyfriend Callum to join you at Glastonbury Festival this year, knowing he wasn’t fond of large public events outside of work

- However, when you framed the offer as helping ensure your safety during the weekend of partying, he agreed.

- You eagerly reserved a stay in a charming glamping tent, eagerly marking the days on your calendar in anticipation.

- Knowing Callum would be getting in late from set that day, he encouraged you to arrive early with your friends, assuring you he would join you as soon as possible.

- With your friends' assistance, you swiftly set up your belongings in the tent before eagerly diving into the festivities. Adorned in your thoughtfully chosen casual yet chic ensemble and your beloved wellies, you and your best friend hurried toward the stage to catch the first act.

- Time seemed to slip away as you danced in the crowd, savoring your favorite beverage and gradually feeling the effects.

- You were snapped out of your reverie by a text from Callum:

On my way now sweetheart, hope you're not too far gone x.

- The message made you chuckle, but it also served as a gentle reminder to pace yourself.

- As the sun started to set, concern crept in about finding Callum in the growing crowd. Just then, familiar voice put your worries to rest.

- You turn to find your boyfriend standing behind you, looking incredibly handsome in his all-black ensemble. Without hesitation, you leap into his embrace, squealing as he lifts you off the ground, his hands securely around your waist. After sharing a firm kiss, you murmur how much you've missed him as he gently sets you down. Sensing your slight stumble upon landing, he suggests it might be time for some food—a suggestion you eagerly agree with.

- You sit huddled together on a table as you eat, and catch eachother up on your days. He giggles as you account every celebrity you had seen and subsequently fan girled after. Callum notices that you have began to shiver, swiftly pulling you onto his lap wrapping you in his warmth.

“I don’t know what you were thinking wearing this?” He chuckles as his fingers brush the hem of your mini skirt. “It’s not very practical”.

“I was thinking that I looked quite fit in it.” You retort, your speech still slightly slurred.

“Exactly right.” He corrects, before removing his jacket and wrapping it around your frame.

- The crowd at the main stage only gets bigger as the the final acts of the night approach instead of pushing your way through the crowd you and Callum choose hang at the back where you have plenty of space to dance.

- He frequently lifts you onto his shoulders to get a better view of the artists, even though you insist it isn't necessary.

- At some points he twirls you around as if you are lovers in a old movie. At others he holds you from behind rocking you gently to the tune of the music.

- When you’re sure no one is watching you place a firm kiss to his lips, which he leans into, dipping you backwards causing you to break away in giggles.

- As the final act begins their final song, Callum notices you stifling a yawn and suggests that you two beat the crowd back to the tents. You, being too tired to argue, agree.

- Hand in hand, you stroll together, passionately debating your favorite acts of the night—there was never a shortage of conversation when you were together.

- When you finally reach the tent, utterly exhausted, you collapse onto the bed, burying your face in the pillows. Callum chuckles at your dramatics and gently assists you out of your outfit (including his jacket), then helps remove the remnants of your makeup.

- He pours your a glass of water and leaves it by your bedside.

- As you battle to stay awake, wanting to convey your deep love and appreciation for him, you rest your head against his chest. The steady beat of his heart soothes you into slumber, while he tenderly strokes your hair and presses soft kisses to your forehead.

[kueble]

Sweet on the Vine (Like Strawberry Wine)

Here is something that is only (slightly!) late for last year’s @witchersummercamp. Oops. My original artist backed out, and I managed to convince the amazing @mysticcoyoteart to work with me.  They created Jaskier’s look, which I fell in love with.  Please make sure to check out the art here.

Teen. Warnings: None. 2,000 words

Geralt/Jaskier

---

Retirement has turned out to be a little too relaxing, so Geralt hardly puts up a fight when Jaskier suggests they head into Beauclair for the Strawberry Festival.  Normally he’d do anything in his power to avoid a town full of drunken partygoers, but it turns out looking after a winery is a bit boring, especially since Barnabas-Basil does all the heavy lifting anyway.

Now, though?   Now he wonders what the fuck he was thinking.  The streets are packed with bodies, and the hot summer sun isn’t doing anyone any favors.   Geralt lets Jaskier lead him through the crowd, their fingers threaded together in an easy way that still makes his heart flutter, and leans in to inhale the sweet citrus scent of his lover’s perfume.  It calms something deep inside of him, and suddenly the crowd doesn’t seem so boisterous.

Jaskier - as always - is dressed to impress, not to blend in with the crowd.  Geralt remembers watching him flit about the tailor’s shop months ago, already looking for an outfit that would help him stand out.  He walked up to Geralt with a bolt of pink and strawberry printed fabric, his eyes bright and a pout already firmly in place, and Geralt knew they’d pay whatever the man asked for it.

Now he looks stunning, the petal pink fabric hanging off his curves in a dress that somehow manages to be both fitted and loose all at the same time. It’s hard not to get lost in the sharpness of Jaskier’s chest compared to the flowy fabric as it swishes around his heels.  Though they have nowhere pressing to be, so Geralt indulges himself and lets his eyes linger on his lover as he leads him through the growing crowds.

The city is one big colorful bustle, festival goers crammed into every nook and cranny.  They spend the morning darting between the vendor booths, Geralt tagging along after Jaskier like a lost puppy.  It’s hard to rein in the bard, and even more so when so many crafters have their best wares on display.  Jaskier flits between the stalls, his elegant fingers picking up one piece of jewelry after the other before bemoaning the fact that he can’t buy them all.

Geralt manages to distract him with a booth full of writing journals and doubles back to one of the jewelers.  The woman seems to expect his return and smiles before holding out the ring Jaskier had been fawning over.  Geralt manages to talk her down in price a bit, but his coin purse is still left much lighter.  But as he pictures the delicate silver band and its large opal resting on one of Jaskier’s fingers, he knows the purchase was worth it.

He sidles up next to Jaskier without missing a beat, and Jaskier appears to have been lost in the journals the entire time.  He holds up a couple of options - both eerily similar - so Geralt just points at the one on the right.  It seems to placate him, and Jaskier grants him a warm smile before turning to pay the vendor.

Once the noonday sun rises, the sound of Jaskier’s belly growling calls them both to lunch.  His cheeks are flushed pink - sheepish looks good on him - and Geralt just rolls his eyes before herding him towards the food tents.  They split a couple of chicken and venison meat pies, and even Geralt has to admit that the savory crust is the best he’s had in years.

—

“Oh, you have just got to try this, love,” Jaskier mumbles around a mouthful of berries.  The red juice trails down his chin, and there is a dab of clotted cream in the corner of his mouth, and Geralt can’t help leaning in to teasingly lick it away.  Jaskier jumps, squealing against Geralt, but he’s grinning when they pull apart,

“Tastes delightful,” Geralt says with a smirk.  Jaskier just snorts before dipping another strawberry into the cream and holding it up in front of him.  Geralt leans in and closes his mouth around the treat, eyes closing on their own as the sweetness bursts across his tongue.  He chews slowly, savoring the decadent taste of berry mixed with the sugary cream.

Never say Toussaint doesn’t know how to throw a festival.

“Want another?” Jaskier asks, but they don't have a lot of extra funds and Geralt would rather watch him enjoy the strawberries than eat them himself.

“Not really one for sweets,” he mumbles, and Jaskier shoots him a knowing look before popping the last berry in his mouth.

“Thank you, dear,” he says with his mouth full of fruit, and Geralt snorts before leading him towards the mead tent.  Certainly they have enough coin left to slay his thirst.

—

As soon as Geralt hears the band, he knows he’s about to be dragged into a dance.  Decades ago, he might have refused, probably would have stomped his foot and held his ground and missed out on seeing the joy on Jaskier’s face.  Thankfully, spending years with Jaskier has taught him how to give in and let go.   Retirement is good for them both, and Geralt plans to spend the rest of his days keeping a smile on his lover’s face.

“Dance with me?” Jaskier asks, almost shyly as he holds out a hand.  Geralt covers it with his own and leans in close to whisper into his ear.

“They’re not as good as you,” he says, and Jaskier laughs bright and openly as they move into the crowd of dancers.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, darling,” Jaskier tells him with a wink, and then they’re moving together with the grace built by years of practice.

Geralt feels every year of his age right now, but Jaskier’s youthful energy makes them fit right in with the villagers around them.  The song is bouncy and light, and they hold each other up as they spin to the beat. Jaskier feels perfect in his arms, like they were built for each other, and Geralt can’t help squeezing him tighter as they dance.

Leaning in, Jaskier presses a quick kiss to Geralt’s cheek, his lute-calloused fingers laced with Geralt’s and their warm palms touching as they spin with the rest of the crowd.  Geralt nearly trips over his own feet, and Jaskier just leans back, giggling at him but still smiling brighter than the hot afternoon sun.  He looks absolutely gorgeous like this, his eyes alight and his cheeks flushed with exertion.

“Where is that famed witcher grace and agility?” Jaskier asks with a smirk.  “Gone soft in your retirement?”

“Wasn’t aware this was a competition,” Geralt says slowly before grinning at him and adding, “you want to see some skills?  How’s this work for you?”

Without any further warning, Geralt lowers his hands to Jaskier’s waist and tosses him up in the air.  Jaskier lets out a squeal, his lithe arms flailing before Geralt catches him quickly.  His dress swirls around them, the printed fabric swishing as they move.  He supports Jaskier by holding his slim waist and encouraging Jaskier to tuck his legs against his hip.  He does so, throwing his head back and laughing as Geralt keeps dancing.

Someone near them whistles appreciatively, but Geralt keeps his focus on Jaskier.  The corners of his eyes are crinkled, his whole face lit up as he looks down at Geralt.  They move in slow circles as the band winds down, and Jaskier leans in to kiss him as the last few notes of the song trail off.  His mouth is soft against Geralt’s, his hands even softer as he threads his fingers through Geralt’s hair.  He lets his feet drop, the petal pink heels clicking on the cobblestones beneath them, and grabs a fist of Geralt’s shirt, pulling him even closer.  They stand there kissing long after the next song starts, the dances moving around them without missing a beat.

—

By the time the sun sets, Geralt is more than ready to head back home.   But of course Jaskier won’t leave before the fireworks go off.  One well-timed pout had been enough to get Geralt to start searching for the perfect viewing spot.  They end up on a stone bench in the middle of one of the public gardens.  The Duchess’ palace stands tall above them, but neither of them felt the need to push past the festival crowds to fight for a seat inside.  No, this little alcove they found is much better.

They had a late dinner in one of the town squares, splitting a platter of meats and cheese and more of the sweet sun-ripened strawberries it seems every dish at the festival features.   His belly is pleasantly full, and the taste of sugary strawberry wine lingers on his tongue.  Geralt sighs and leans into Jaskier, humming happily before wrapping an arm around his shoulders.  Jaskier sighs softly and nuzzles their cheeks together, his tanned skin still warm even as the night cools down around them.

Suddenly Geralt remembers his earlier purchase and slides a hand inside his pocket, his fingers easily finding the cool metal of the ring.  Jaskier is lost in his own head, his fingers tapping a lively beat against Geralt’s thigh, and Geralt realizes he’s most likely composing something.  He waits for the tapping to stop before clearing his throat and getting the bard’s attention.

“Yes, dear?” Jaskier asks, tilting his head as he turns to look at Geralt.  There’s something about the softness in his eyes that makes Geralt’s chest pull tight, and he ends up fumbling over his words.

“I, er, for you,” he mutters before shoving the ring at Jaskier.  He almost drops it, but Jaskier’s nimble fingers manage to hang on, and he lets out a gasp before holding the ring up in front of him.

“You went back for it!” he exclaims, eyes watering as he looks between the silver ring and Geralt’s face.

“You deserve pretty things,” Geralt mumbles, which just makes Jaskier move even closer to him.

He slides the ring onto his hand before holding it up to examine it properly.  The fiery opal looks elegant on his long finger, like it’s always belonged there.  Geralt tries to pretend he’s not pleased by the way Jaskier is preening over the jewelry, but he loves being able to provide little extravagances for him.  He didn’t lie when he said Jaskier deserves this and so much more.  Thankfully they have years ahead of them, and Geralt vows to keep spoiling him until his last day on this earth.

“The prettiest thing I ever got was you,” Jaskier tells him sweetly, and Geralt can feel his face flushing.  He tries to look away, but Jaskier cups his cheek in one hand and smiles dopily at him.  Geralt knows without a doubt that there’s a matching look on his own face, and he just doesn't care anymore.  Let the festival goers judge however they want.

His love ought to be celebrated, ought to be seen.

“Charmer,” Geralt manages to blurt out, and Jaskier just offers a shrug and another smile.

“Says the man who keeps charming me, over and over, each and every single day.  You’re a romantic, witcher mine, and there’s no use denying it,” Jaskier points out, much to Geralt’s dismay.  He takes a breath, like he’s about to argue more, but then a flash of light explodes above them, the boom echoing off the stone walls of the buildings surrounding them.  Jaskier gasps and turns his face towards the sky to watch the fireworks.

The Duchess puts on a stunning display, and they spend the next half hour watching the fireworks bloom in the night sky.  Well, Jaskier watches the fireworks.  Geralt watches Jaskier, as he is wont to do.  The bright colors flash around them, highlighting Jaskier’s cheekbones and the curve of his mouth, and Geralt thinks it’s one of the most gorgeous sights he’s ever seen.  His favorite views aren't fit for polite company, so he focuses on this moment instead of reminiscing.   Besides, he’ll have plenty of time to take his bard apart on their bedsheets once they return home for the night.  For now he is more than content to hold Jaskier in his arms while the fireworks flash and rain down around them.

[jannelle-o]

April Travel Paintings aka Borahaegas~~ ✨💜🧡 w/ my sister and her husband woohooo~!! 🥰💙💖 We went to the Day 3 concert and other activities related to BTS~ It felt like a BTS festival and I was a little overwhelmed by everything because I only knew a few general things about them at the time, and it was one of the best experiences I've had in 2022. Probably the best live concert experience I've had in my life currently too~ 🕺✨🎶 This took me way longer to finish than I expected (wasn't expecting months to finish this oops) , but then again this is pretty detailed haha I'm amazed I finished the paintings before 2022 ended for me XD I had so much fun working on these ~ 🥺💙 Also this isn't a watercolor sketchbook, I just wanna put all my travel related drawings in one sketchbook... so that could be why it took longer too? XD;

I hope you enjoy looking through all this~ uwu 💕

( I'll put some details of the trip and of the paintings/drawings in a read more so this isn't hopefully too long for everyone haha 😅)

The first three pages were done during the trip, while the rest were done throughout a couple of months? Some road trip landscapes and bt21 and attempts to paint while in a car heading back home haha I had an accident with over-flooding my pink posca and that was before the concert lol oops sorry Cooky ( also the gray, but that wasn't as bad as the pink ) thankfully none of it got on anyone, but I did have to clean up the bed weh ;o; It was super windy heading back on Saturday ( my sister and her husband had to head back to help out with wedding stuff for friends ) and it was too hard to paint in a shaking car. I thought we were gonna fly off the road and tumble into the desert haha.

For the 3 1/2 page , I wanted to paint one more road trip landscape and also the Seven Magic Mountains. I only painted one of seven in my last Vegas related trip paintings so I wanted to try painting all of them this time. I haven't actually gotten up close to them yet only seen them while on the road, maybe the next trip to Vegas? haha

The rest of the paintings are a summary of the trip heheh~

Café in the City was very tasty, finally had tteokbokki after craving it for a while, mmm jajangmyeon, and I inhaled that bungeoppang even though I was pretty full :d The drinks were also very good~

The Pop-Up exhibit had lots of photo taking opportunities, I really enjoyed seeing all the music video inspired built sets 🤩 The food and drinks we got after the pop-up were really nice. I decided to put a space background for the My Universe Brownie 🌌

Behind the Stage exhibit was super wonderful, all the behind the scene photos of their practicing to rehearsals to concerts was really cool. Also I accidentally touched one of the photos and I was scared we would get kicked out haha :'0 I also liked the stage playing music videos afterwards and liked the design of the vodka can we got while resting so I painted that too 😆

Bacchanal Buffet was tasty too, though I think I got full much faster than expected and didn't get to try as much food Then we went to the Bellagio Fountains to see if they'll play a BTS song... but they didn't when we went there lol 😂 Then the day of the concert we went to a mall for a pop-up shop and you could write notes to BTS and put them on a wall, it was very cute 💜

Concert time wooo~!! 🎶🧡✨💜 My sister is the one with the Cooky headband, I'm the one in the bucket hat haha. The energy of BTS and ARMY in the concert was super infectious, I had so much fun and that energy was still pulsing in me for a couple of days 🤩 I tried to fit a visual for every song they performed, some were a little easier than others haha If I missed any song, I'm sorry I didn't mean to ;o; I wished I practiced all the fanchants :'D I also wished I had added some other things that happened in the concert, but I wanted to keep it contained in one spread c':

Just ahh... what a super wonderful time overall. ✨🥰 Thanks a bunch to my sister and her husband for inviting me to come along, you're both the best and I love you lots and seeing my sister's happiness about all this was irresistible and made me happy too. Also ARMYs were super kind and nice and gave cute freebies and it was sweet haha ;w; Much love to BTS for bringing so much joy and brightness to my sister and to many others. I already thought positively about them for helping her when she needed it last year, and I'm now so endeared with them and deep dove into their discography and videos and things and they have brought a lot of positivity this year for me haha 🥺💜

[weirdthinkingdragon]

Welcome To The Family (6/???)

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / here

Yandere EraserMic household x reader

Fun fact- Tadao was a sudden decision I made up on the spot after chapter 3 and wasn’t expecting to really make him a character other than a mentioned person with a mold/fungus quirk. I did though, and already love him as an OC more than I should. Oops. 

It might be a long while before the next chapter. I think I may have drained myself a bit from focusing on this story so much. 

Warnings- swearing, slight coercion I think? Not really sure but better safe than sorry. 

I promise the darker stuff is coming soon. 

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

I wake up to someone calling me. Hitoshi? Why is he calling me at… 9 in the morning? Come on dude, I want to sleep more for dinner tonight. My fault for hanging out with Tadao a bit later last night than usual. He’s started walking with me to our apartment for the past few days. I wonder why we haven’t hung out until now. Meanwhile, Ryo and I seemed to drift apart. They refuse to even look at me now when I saw them last night. 

Ugh, might as well answer it. “Hey, Hitoshi. You need something?” I tiredly slur from just waking up. 

“Sorry for waking you…” Apologized the familiar voice of Eri. Wait, Eri? Why does she have Hitoshi’s phone? The wonder why she has his phone wakes me up a bit more. 

“Oh, hey, Eri. Is something wrong?” A slight panic enters me in the possibility something bad could have happened to one of the guys. “Wait, is everyone okay?” 

“We’re good. Just wanted to talk a bit with you before tonight.” Pipes up the familiar voice of Hitoshi in the background. 

Relief floods me. “That’s good. What about?” 

“Our dads!” Eri cheerfully informs. 

My eyes narrow in confusion. “What about them?” 

“What do you think of them?” Hitoshi asks. Huh? Why does this need to be talked about now? Maybe because more likely than not the two adults are asleep, and won’t hear the conversation? 

I’m too tired to be filtered right now, so whatever comes to mind is whatever is going to be said. “They’re… An interesting two, to say the least. Hizashi seems like someone I can rely on to cheer me up pretty easily if I’m ever down, and after that day Shouta was sick, I realize Shouta’s secretly a lot more caring than he lets on. Still wouldn’t want to pi- anger him.” Ugh, it’s too early. I nearly just swore with Eri there! Well, saying “piss him off” wouldn’t have been that bad, but she needs to keep that innocence at least for a while yet. 

Hitoshi laughs, probably catching on with what I almost said. “Seen it first-hand with his class. Can’t say I recommend it either.”

“What about looks?” Eri suddenly asks, catching me off-guard. What do their looks have to do with anything? They’re also a married couple, so whatever I think is invalid anyways. 

“Well, had this weird thought of wondering what Hizashi would look like with his hair fully down when we went to the festival, but that’s really not something that I need to tell him. It’s something I probably shouldn’t be wondering in the first place.”

“What’s the problem in wondering that? It’s just hair.” 

“Says the one who always looks like he stuck his head out a car window and hair decided to stay that way.” 

“Can’t argue with that.” 

I go back onto the topic. “Otherwise, I’m not really sure what to talk about with them. It’s their choices of what they wear. Though it IS pretty funny imagining Hizashi forcing Shouta to wear something he normally wouldn’t.”

“It’s happened more than once before.” 

I tiredly let out a laugh. “I believe it.”  

“Daddy made him wear a dress!” 

An almost inhuman sound comes out of me at the thought of Shouta deeply frowning with a strapless hot pink dress forced onto him, and the only reason he does it is Hizashi would probably keep pestering him otherwise. 

“Maybe sometime we could get him to do it again with you here. It’s quite a thing to see.” 

“Oh, really? How did he not kill you for laughing?”

“He almost did,” he replies jokingly. 

“If he tries to attack me when I’m there, you’re taking the blow.” I joke back. 

He goes silent for a moment. “He wouldn’t dare. If he did, he’d have an angry little girl scolding him.”

“Toooshiiii!”

“What? You know I’m right.” 

“Hmph.” 

“Anyway, want to tell them what you’ll wear?”

“No! It’s a surprise!”

“Right back at you two,” I inform the slightly bickering duo.

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

We both hung up after a bit more of talking about tonight. I could swear there was someone talking in the background for a second, but I brushed it off as the T.V. Eri was probably watching something earlier and forgot to lower the volume. 

After playing on my computer for a while since it’s close to my bed, I decided to just get up and get ready. There are not many fancy things I have, so it’s quite limited on what to wear. Hopefully, they don’t mind if it’s a bit more casual than fancy. There’s plenty of time to shop for something, but I’m honestly too lazy to go anywhere. Just something of my favorite color and slightly more fancy than my daily clothes should work. 

I have to dig much deeper into my closet to find said clothing from not wearing it too often. 

One of my favorite color is grabbed. Nope, that’s not it. 

I move a few more. Wait, there it is! I move a few more pieces of clothing and grab it, pulling it out. Hopefully, it still fits. Welp, time to try. I take off my pajamas. 

.

.

.

.

Like a glove. Perfect! 

Just to make sure there are no new forgotten holes or something, I look at myself in my body mirror. Huh, I actually look pretty good in this! I might have to wear it more often. Something feels like it’s missing though. Maybe a ring or something would help? 

I look over to the select few rings I have, including the forgotten one Ryo gave me. My heart slightly twinges at remembering they gave it as a best friends type of ring years ago. A ring with real blue topaz fitting my middle finger. 

Might as well wear it. I slip it on and decide to leave my room, though they won’t be here for a while yet. Maybe Tadao will be around. 

My body instinctively starts looking around for the familiar- oh, not again. Does he LIKE sleeping on the floor in the hall or something? I walk up to his sleeping form. I gently nudge him to move with my foot. 

He groans, and curls his head deeper onto his arm, also bringing his legs up so he’s a ball. “Come on dude, I know your quirk is related to mold and all, but you’re not supposed to BECOME it.” 

“I am one with the floor… I shall be the floor…” He mumbles, probably sleep talking.  

I nudge him harder, making him open his eyes to look up at me. “Heyyy Y/N. What time is it?” He sluggishly asks. 

I check my phone. “Already half-past noon.” 

That got his attention. Both of his eyes snapped open as he shot to sit up. He grabs his rather cracked phone and looks at it. There are a few messages on the screen without him unlocking it. They’re impossible to read as he seems frantic after looking at them. “Already!? Man, I gotta get ready! I’ll be late for work!” 

I don’t even get the chance to ask him anything since he gets to his feet and sprints off past my door, probably to his. 

Glancing at Ryo’s door, the thought of checking on them arises. No, they’re deciding on acting out like this. Crawling to them could only continue this childish way again at some point. Ugh, what to do now though? It will be boring to just sit around for the next few hours. The park could be good for a few hours. 

The villains around though? Nah. Welp, more computer time.

Familiar brown hair in the corner of my eye catches my attention before returning to my door. It’s the woman that glared at me with Hizashi at the studio. What’s she doing around here? Never saw her around before, and she doesn’t exactly strike me as the type to like parties. Funny if she’s attracted to Hizashi like he told me. 

She keeps her glare on me as she… Knocks on Ryo’s door? Oh hell no. There’s no way Ryo is hanging out with someone like that. I’m proven wrong though as Ryo opens the door and pulls them in without looking at me. 

I- What? What’s going on lately?

Also, okay, what the ever-loving fuck Ryo!? 

Calm down, give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe the woman hasn’t told Ryo anything about my work, and maybe it can just be a sudden meeting they did at one point, and it’s an opposites attract type of friendship. After all, I haven’t really been around. They were bound to try to find someone else to hang out with I suppose. Should this be a concern to bring up with Hizashi and Shouta though? 

I stand there still staring at Ryo’s door and blink confusedly. They couldn’t have found anyone better to hang out with? Even a villain would have been better than her in my opinion. Sure, more trouble from me being around two- basically three- heroes could arise, but I’d be willing to keep that kind of secret for them. But this? This gives me a bad feeling.

What if she’s the reason Ryo is acting so odd? 

Next Sunday will be the day to get some answers from them. If they will talk to me, that is. 

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

Time seems to slip by while being on my computer. My phone notifies me of a text message. I look at it to see it’s from Hizashi. 

“Hitoshi’s coming in to get ya! We’re waiting!” My eyes widen noticing it’s already past six at night. 

I try to text him ASAP to not let Hitoshi come in. They won’t be happy with my living place. “That will be fine, call him off. I’ll be out shortly.” 

“Too late! Sorry!” 

I sigh. He doesn’t even know which one mine is! I put my computer away and quickly left. Looking left and right, there’s familiar purple hair far down on the right. Obviously, it’s Hitoshi. He is staring with great disgust at the peeling walls and ripped-up flooring.  Oh boy, it’s probably a disaster with what is about to happen in the vehicle now. 

The hallway is rather dimly lit now, making it slightly hard to see, but it’s easy to tell he’s wearing a suit matching his eye color. I’m feeling pretty underdressed now. 

“Hey, Hitoshi. You could have waited outside. Uh… You probably should have no offense.” 

He glares at a piece of wall that falls off onto the floor. “How do you live in this?” 

I shrug. “Eh, you get used to it,” I noticed his frustrated expression. He’s about to ask me why I don’t move or something since I clearly could with my pay. “And before you say anything, I rather like it here. It’s where a lot of my closest friends are.”   

His eyes narrow at me. “You could still visit instead of living here.” 

Someone jumps upstairs, making the place shake, and a piece of the ceiling on this level chips off and falls next to the wall piece on the floor. 

“That’s new,” I comment. It’s true, the ceiling has never fallen before. Makes me wonder when this whole building is going to collapse. Bit worried for my friends here now.

Hitoshi looks at me like I just told him the world is going to end tomorrow. 

I start walking to the exit, having Hitoshi follow behind me too closely for my taste. Makes sense if he’s doing it for my protection, but he obviously doesn’t know these people as I do. He almost could be felt against my back. “You mind standing back a bit? You’re rather close.”

He does, but just barely. 

It doesn't take long for us to get to the vehicle. Just like before, I get in the center and hug Eri. The slight light in the car makes it hard to see her dress, but I'm pretty sure it's a bright silverish blue. The light wasn't on long enough to notice the two up front. 

They do seem to notice Hitoshi in a slightly on edge type of way. For the moment the light was on. 

"What's wrong, little hypno-man?" 

"Their apartment is not fitting to live in."

"What?" Hizashi's tone almost drastically changes. I'm glad I can't see them right now. I focus on the scenery past Hitoshi to try ignoring the growing unease of him whistleblowing to them. 

"It's falling apart. A part of the wall fell to the floor. The inside is much worse than the outside." 

"Why are you still living there? You can easily move with the money we give you." Shouta pipes up. 

"Because I like living there. It's a walking distance from your place, and all my friends are there."

"You could visit them some other time if you moved. We'd pay a bus for you if needed." 

"Exactly! Or I could drive ya to our place! It wouldn't be a problem, and it would give me a little somethin' to do while the grump wakes up in the morning!" 

I don't feel comfortable at the thought of having to rely on them like that. They're already so busy themselves, it really wouldn't be fair to them despite what they say. 

“Uh… no. Thanks for the offer, but my place is good for now.”

The air is rather tense, telling me that they want to push more on the subject, but decide not to for now. 

I decided to bring up what happened earlier.  “Remember that bad woman from before?”

“You mean Chiyo?” Shouta spits her name with such hate, someone would think he’d murder her if he could. Hizashi must have told him about our meeting in his studio. Wait, Isn’t that a first name?

As if reading my mind, Hizashi answers for Shouta. “She doesn’t deserve the respect of last name. What about her?” 

“I discovered today she might be hanging out with one of my closest friends that doesn’t seem to be too happy with me lately. Isn’t it a bit of a concern she might tell them that I babysit for you guys?” 

“That’s confidential information. Like it was said to you before you started, you can’t tell anyone our identities. They can get into serious trouble if they do, and they signed a contract accepting they wouldn’t.” Shouta replies. 

“That’s good to know.” I say, sounding relieved. They could be told how Ryo thinks they’re bad parents for me babysitting so often, but that’s something that probably doesn’t need to be brought up. Especially if she can’t tell Ryo about it. 

Hizashi pulls up and parks in front of the restaurant we must be dining in. wait- fuck, I’ve heard of this place. It’s one of the most expensive restaurants around here! We exit and enter the restaurant. The first thing I noticed was how well-dressed the two men were. Shouta was wearing a navy blue suit, white undershirt, and a light brown tie. Oddly, he’s also wearing glasses. When did he need glasses? 

Hizashi was wearing a cream-colored suit with a dark grey undershirt and a tie matching his eye color. Looking at the four of them and the others around, I am… severely underdressed. Doesn’t feel much better with everyone that stares at me from their tables for a moment. 

Wait- Hizashi’s. Hair. Is. Fully. Down. I whip my head towards Hitoshi and glare in betrayal. 

He notices with a smirk, and puts his hands in front of himself in mock-defense. “Don’t look at me. He was there then, just didn’t speak.” 

My eyes narrow. “So it really WASN’T the T.V.” Seriously though!? That’s so embarrassing! He must have heard everything! 

Him and Hizashi chuckle at me, making me feel worse.

A woman comes up from the counter. “Please tell me the name of your reservation.” 

“The Aizawa’s.” Um… I’m not exactly a part of this family? Well, it does make sense though I guess just to do a last name. Hizashi smirks at Shouta while he glares in return. 

“Right this way please.” She starts to lead the five of us to a table farther in the back. The enormous chandeliers overhead from the really tall ceiling are slightly intimidating if I’m to be honest. Each crystal is taller than Hizashi from the top of his hair in his hero costume to his feet. 

The white and gold walls of the place give a surprisingly calming type of effect. It’s rather cool in here as well. Probably to help combat the ones who wear layers of clothes to be more fancy or something.  

“You couldn’t have chosen anything else?” Shouta hisses quietly enough for the woman not to hear, but I’m close enough that I can. I’m right between them from behind while Hitoshi and Eri are behind me. I can swear Hitoshi keeps trying to nudge me forward closer to them. 

“Aw, don’t worry ‘bout it babe! Besides, you and I both know you’re known much less than me! This way they won’t know us!” He leans even closer to Shouta. “And don’t deny it, you know you like the thought of me bein’ called an Aizawa~” 

I can see red start to cover the side of Shouta’s face even though he tries his best to hide and prevent it. Ha! Now he’s the one to be embarrassed! 

I let out a chuckle, making Hizashi turn and give me a toothy grin. 

We get to a table with booth seats. The color of them is surprisingly similar to Eri’s dress. 

I go to sit with Hitoshi and Eri, but like before, Hizashi grabs my wrist and has me sit between him and Shouta. Why do you keep doing this to me dude!? Shouta is on my right by the wall with Hizashi on my left by the opening. 

Eri is sitting by the wall with Hitoshi by the opening in front of us. I didn’t notice before, but her dress has some candy apple red jewels the shape of diamonds, adorning the dress even more than it already was. Must be new since it’s never been seen by me before.  

… I don’t like the closeness of the two men beside me again. Saying it is uncomfortable is an understatement. A difference than before is the heat of their thighs radiating through their pants onto mine. 

The woman hands us menus. “Someone will be here to take your orders shortly.” 

I try to brush them off while looking at the menu. 

“Hey Y/N, are ya datin’ anyone?” 

“Maybe.” They don’t need to know I’m not. 

“That’s a yes or no question.” Shouta states with slight annoyance. He must have forgotten I told him I’m not the day he was sick.  

“They better not be a villain. We’d hate to have to do something to you and them. Better be honest, you’re not looking the best right now.” Hitoshi accuses. 

What the heck Hitoshi!? You’re just going to turn on me like this!? Why I ought to come over there and smack the back of your head myself! 

My saving grace as the waiter comes- Tadao!? This is where he works!? He comes up to our table with a notepad in front of him. "Hello, I’m Ito, and I’ll be your waiter for tonight. What can I get you started with?” 

“Tadao, you work here?” 

His head snaps up from the notepad, and looks at me. “Oh hey, Y/N!” His face becomes a smirk. “What happened to calling me glowstick?” 

“Well, you’re not really glowing right now in this light, are you?”

“Ha, you got me there.” 

The three men look between us with some look I don’t really understand. 

“Ya know each other?” 

“You could say we’re close.” Tadao informs. They grow rather deep frowns at the news.

He clears his throat and brings his notepad up. “What drinks could I start you guys with?” We each tell him our drinks and he writes them down. “All right, drinks coming right up!” He leaves to go get them. 

“He’s one of the reasons I don’t move out of my apartment. Especially now. We’ve become really close recently.” 

“You should stay away from him. He seems like bad news.” Hitoshi informs. 

??? huh? “Why, do you know he has a villain record or something?” 

“He could be using you. Stay away from him or we might have to make sure he doesn’t do anything.” 

Okay, THAT pisses me off. “First of all, you guys can’t tell me who I can and can’t hang out with outside of babysitting hours. Second of all, I’d really appreciate it if you guys could be less judging of him, because he has never done anything even slightly villainous whenever we met.” My slightly edged tone makes them back off the topic. I wanted to add third of all being he walks with me at night to our apartment place, but that seems like a bad idea if their reaction is this so far. 

It grows awkwardly silent between us all for a moment. Maybe I should have kept the others to myself too, but damn it, they need to have more respect for my decisions they were never a part of, and have no need to be a part of. 

Tadao comes with our drinks. He places them down, and Hizashi immediately takes a big drink of his.

“Here you guys go, and one drink for one special person.” He jokingly winks at me. 

I roll my eyes in response. “Sometimes I truly wonder if I hate you.” I tease.

He rolls his eyes in return. “Admit it, you know you love me.”

Hizashi chokes on his drink. I don’t help him from still being a bit upset. He should be fine anyways after a bit. 

He does, and is able to manage keeping his quirk down as well. 

“Do I?” I question teasingly. 

The three men glare at him. Sheesh, what’s their problem? 

He seems rather uncomfortable by it and leaves in a rush immediately after taking our orders. After I almost had a heart attack from the beyond insane prices, of course. Even the cheapest thing is over half the money I’m given a day for babysitting. 

I’m getting pretty upset with these guys right now. Starting to wonder if they got hit with some odd quirk again or something. 

That calms me down a bit since it would kind of make sense that’s why they’re acting odd. How long will it last though? Better not be long. I don’t know if I can handle them like this without losing my mind. 

“Hey, Y/N. We have something for you,” Hitoshi pipes up, and nods towards Hizashi. 

“Right!” He reaches into one of his pockets and pulls out a… necklace? It has my favorite type of jewel in it, encased behind and around the edges with what looks like real gold. A different shine is on it, like something is covering the gold to prevent it from easily being destroyed by weather or wear. The shape is in a rather large teardrop. It looks custom-made as well. Never seen anything even close to what this looks like before. 

“It’s a gift!” Eri cheerfully chimes in.

“That she helped us pick for you.” Shouta informs. 

Please don’t tell me it’s authentic. It looks real though. I can’t even begin to imagine the price of what it must have cost to create it if it is real. “I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this! It feels too much like I’m just using you guys if I do!” 

The three of them frown. Even Eri seems a bit disappointed. 

Eri asking me my favorite jewel kind of makes sense now, but why would they want to give this to me? 

“C’mon, let’s put it on ya!” He hands it over to Hitoshi and stands up, pulling me to stand up with him. Hitoshi stands as well. 

“Did you guys not hear me? I- I can’t accept it!” 

Hizashi shakes his head. “Don’t be so worried, dear little lovesong! We want you to have it! Ya can’t just say no, we spent too much for it to go to waste now!” 

Hitoshi goes behind me with the necklace and is able to put it on while I’m still rather reluctant to accept such a gift.

Eri’s eyes almost seem to sparkle when the clasp gets shut on it. “You look amazing!”  

I freeze in my tracks to notice everyone is staring at us yet again. This time with slightly different reactions. A couple of them seem to be with envy, making me want to shrivel up and hide in a hole, and others seem to be appreciative I have something more expensive than my clothes now or something.  

At least Shouta seems to give me mercy by pulling me back down in the booth and glaring at them all in such a way that they all stop staring. I’m feeling a bit like a ragdoll at this point. 

Hitoshi joins him, making sure they truly stop. The glare combined of those two could probably curdle the blood of All Might himself. 

The restaurant seems to grow quiet between all of us. 

I decide to escape by using the bathroom. Hizashi didn’t have time to sit back down before it was necessary. “Stay here, it won’t take me long.” They still seem reluctant to let me go alone. 

Getting to the bathrooms, I didn’t have to go, just wanted to get out of the stares and whispers for a little bit. Despite the men’s glares, of course there was still going to be gossip of someone in here who looks so out of place. 

“Hey, Y/N, be careful around them, alright? They’re pretty strange.” Pipes up the familiar voice of Tadao behind me. 

I play dumb. He probably shouldn’t know I know they must have been hit with some kind of quirk. “How do you know? They could just be being cautious since their children are with.”

“I admit, I did watch you a bit at the festival. More so the men you were with when they came. Something about them isn’t... “ He seems to be struggling with figuring out how to explain it. “It’s wrong. I just can’t quite put my finger on what it is. Again, just be careful, alright?” 

I just nod and enter the bathroom. 

A bit after cooling off, I go back to the dinner table, them all still waiting and chatting about school. Well, Shouta being nearly silent as usual. Hizashi quickly stands up to let me sit between them again. Ugh, I really don’t want to. 

Yet I do, just to be kind. The least I can do is sit through this since they went through the effort of such a gift, even though to me it seems highly unnecessary. 

Tadao comes with our food not much later with a secret frown on his face. He’s smiling, but I’ve learned him well enough by now it’s worry he has instead of a cheerful personality. It slightly drops to reveal his true emotions when he notices the guys glaring at him yet again. He doesn’t say a word, just drops all of the food off and leaves. 

This feels like a really ruined dinner, even though this food is incredibly good. The atmosphere has definitely become shit. I seem to be the only one to notice. Hizashi looks over towards me and gives me another grin, not giving much comfort. What’s worse is every time I stop for a moment and rest my hand on my lap, Shouta seems to try to grab it. It led me to just keeping the utensil for my dinner in my hand. 

I’ll have to apologize to Tadao for their behavior tomorrow. Easier said than done since I still can’t exactly tell him who they are. Cursed contract. 

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

taglist-

@dabi-s-whore, @angelicblackwolf, @fuegy-fuegy   

Double fun fact- Did you know slapping someone’s back if they’re choking is actually worse than letting them try to get it out themselves, especially if it’s food? The food can actually get lodged deeper in their throat at the impact. Huh, First Aid is quite interesting.

[wcmi-22]

The Bizarre encounter at the Bazaar

By Allison Blossom

Alice had often loved to go the marketplace when she was to buy groceries for the week but, today was rather different. She had heard from her friend, Jasmine, that there was a rare Bazaar full of spices, exotic foods and many more exciting things they had to offer at the Bazaar. As always, Alice’s curiosity got the better of her and quickly asked for directions and decided to go that same fateful Saturday. On that same day, she had planned to meet with Belle at Tiana’s new bakery once she was done looking around at the exotic new surroundings. Yet, once Saturday did roll through, Alice suddenly had regret to her decision to follow her curiosity again because now she was,

“Lost!” She said to herself angerly as she tried to pass through the different narrow ways “I am completely and utterly lost!”

At first, the thought about going to the Bazaar was quite exciting but then suddenly, Alice realized what time it was and realized how long it would take her to find the market but, miss tea with Belle. And Alice would just feel awful if she missed tea with Belle, so halfway through her journey, Alice decided to turn back and try to find the bakery. Of course, it was a little difficult with the crowds coming through the streets around her. Seeing a way through the back streets, Alice decided that was where she needed to go and went for it. Though Alice knew she was no familiar with he back streets of Wonderland, yet she figured if she could figure out her way to and through Wonderland when she was a child, she could do this too. But she was so wrong! This was a lot different than when she was child!

For starters, this was nothing like Tulgey Wood, this was the streets of Wonderland which can often lead to twists and turns for such a quaint town. Plus, she had never gone the back way of any town before. Now the only, similarity she had with both of her experiences was that she was…

“Lost!” Alice repeated herself angerly. She sighed for a moment and then turned a corner to find herself on another back street. She looked around and at the paper to see if she could find at least the number or street name of Tiana’s Bakery. As she looked at the sheet of paper, suddenly, she bumps into something or rather someone in front of her. To her shock it was a man in a rather nice tailored black suit, wearing nice black shoes and a black-red cape. The strangest thing about this man was that he wore a white mask on the side of his face which matched his white tie and his white gloves.

“Well, well, well!” He says as he stares at her intensely with a sly grin across his face “ It appears there’s a little songbird in the alley that has lost her way!”

“Oh, excuse me, sir” Alice said in a whisper “ I was just going to...”

Suddenly, another figure comes from behind the masked man. Unlike his fellow compatriot, this man had crazy hair that almost resembles a used chimney sweep after being left in the rain. He worse just a dress shirt and tight black pants with black commando boots. Like his friend, he also took notice of Alice and starred intensively with a sly grin on his face.

“She looks rather lovely to be a songbird, Erik!” the man said.

“Please gentleman, I really must be going!” Alice said softly but assertively.

“Where are you going? How old are you? Do you live around here?” Erik questioned flirtatiously.

“Please leave me alone!” Alice said even more assertive.

“See Erik, your mask scares all the girls.” Said his compatriot.

“So, what, Jareth. I think she is cuter when she is scared too. Don’t you?”- Erik responded.

The other man looks at Alice and smiles with a devilish grin.

“You might be right,” Jareth said “ but, still she would most likely want to have a cup of tea with me instead!”

“Well, lets let her decide then!” -Erik stated,

As the men got closer to Alice, Alice tried to back away slowly. She could feel her heart pound out of her chest and felt she was trapped in a most horrible and awkward situation. Suddenly, Alice felt a hand behind her shoulder and before she could comprehend, she hears a familiar voice.

“There you are Cricket! Sorry I’m late!”

Alice soon looks up and sees that it is none other than the mad hatter known around Wonderland as Reginald Theophilus the Third.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you all morning.” Reginald states to her.

Though Alice was never fond of Reginald or even ever had a liking to him in the first place. So normally she would feel even more anxious with him in the room. Maybe it was her fear or maybe it was the fact that now he was someone she knew, and he was her friend now but, somehow Alice felt safer with him at this moment.

“Hey pal, get lost!” Jareth said angerly.

“ Yes, please refrain from the lady if you don’t mind!” Erik stated aggressively.

Suddenly, Reginald began to smile, close his eyes and laugh a little chortle in sustain.

“Actually, gentlemen!” He stated. “I do mind and frankly if you don’t mind stepping away from the lady and I, that would be great!”

Before the men could snarl or even make a rude comment, Reginald shot a glare at them that shook them to their very cores. Alice has only seen this stare being used on a aggressive grizzly bear when they once visited the Wonderland zoo but, even then it scared the bear and maybe even Alice.

The men shocked and angry left back into the building and closed the door behind them.

Alice then lets out a breath of relief from the danger she was in.

“Don’t be too hard on those fellows.” Reginald said “They really are nice guys. Just a bit lost and broken hearted. And maybe a little insane.”

Alice smiled and giggled a little at the statement.

“So, whereto, Cricket? I’ll be your escort for this evening!” Reginald asked.

Now, once again, normally Alice would never want to be in the same room with Reginald but, with the encounter she just had, she decides to take him on his offer.

“I’m just heading to Tiana’s bakery.” She explains.

“Well then shall we!” Reginald says gesturing for her to link into his arm with her arm. She graciously took the gesture, and they began to walk.

As they walked suddenly, Reginald hears a separate set of footsteps, and he glances behind him to see that it was his old “friends” coming back to them with a few friends of their own. He soon leans to Alice as they walk and says to her in a whisper,

“Don’t be alarmed but we are being followed!”

Alice then looks behind a little and sees the same men along with some different scoundrels as well walking a few feet away. She gasps and looks back to Reginald as they kept walking.

“Just keep acting normal and I’ll get us to safety. “He whispered.

Alice did as she was told and kept facing the front as they walked.

Soon the men began to walk faster as did Reginald and Alice.

“This way!” Reginald says turning Alice and himself at a corner and gliding faster to escape the roughens. As they went faster, fear crept in Alice’s heart, and she could wonder if they could possibly escape or even defend themselves from their impending doom. Suddenly, as they kept moving even faster Alice saw that they were heading straight for a dead end.

Reginald smiled, released his arm from Alice’s arm, held Alice’s waist tight and told her “Hold on!”

Alice held him close, and Reginald reached into his side pocket quickly, grabbed a handful of glittery dust, and tossed it in the air to hit both him and Alice. Suddenly, to Alice’s surprise, the couple began to shoot up and fly high through the air above the ally.

“Now, straighten your legs and start walking!” Reginald instructed as he held Alice’s hands while being behind her. Alice did as she was instructed and saw that they were walking in midair! As they walked, with Alice walking in front of Reginald and Reginald behind Alice holding her hands and walking with her, Alice took notice of the things below her. She was amazed to see the farmer’s market along with the town square where it looked like there was festival taking place where the people were dancing together.

“See! Not so bad is it!” he joked.

As they kept walking, Alice became more and more relaxed with the movement. It was as if she hadn’t left the ground in the first place.

“You are a natural!” he commented.

Alice smiled at him and then kept looking out until finally Tiana’s Bakery was in view. There they walked until they go to the ledge of the bakery windows and top floor door. Reginald then placed her back down gently to the wooden floor as he stepped down on the wooden ledge. Only their hands were still linked together.

“I’ll be sure to lure them away but, wait a bit before going out again!” He instructed gently. Alice had no words and only had a big smile on her face. The only thing she could confirm she understood his instruction was to say “K!”

Reginald smiled as he released her hand and said to her “That’s my girl!” he said before hoping down quickly, shocking Alice to running to the ledge. She saw that down below he was just fine and had gotten down safely before going through the crowd once more before disappearing in the crowd.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Belle and three of the now human sisters of Ariel waited patiently for Alice. Each of them looked at the clock and their watches and wondered to themselves, where is Alice. Suddenly, Tiana came running through the shop and to Charlotte’s table and whispered in her ear something vitally important.

“WHAT?!” she exclaimed.

Soon the sisters and Belle ran up the stairs and found Alice alone near the windows.

“Oh, Alice are you alright?!” Belle asked as she grabbed her hands.

“Are you brain damaged?!” One sister wearing an orange dress asked.

“Or broken?!” Another sister wearing a magenta dress asked.

“CAN YOU STILL HEAR US!” the third sister wearing a red dress shouted.

“I AM FINE!” Alice shouted kindly “YOU DON’T NEED TO SHOUT!”

“Oops sorry.” The third sister said.

“Still, Alice” Belle says “we heard you floated down to the balcony! Is this true?!”

Alice’s eyes grew wide “So that really did happen!” she said in shock.

Eventually, the five women went to their seats, had some tea and talk about what happened to Alice.

“I can’t believe it, Alice!” Belle said.

“I know Reginald just swooped down and saved me!” Alice said excitedly.

“Yeah, but you were also careless too!” Attina stated

“What do you mean?” Alice asked as she sipped her tea.

“The mad hatter is a heart break, and you’re just falling for it! I mean what if he set it up to look like he saved you?!” she said, and all the women murmured in agreement with each other.

Alice took a deep breath then said, “I know, reg and he would never do something that deceitful to me!”

“Are you even listening to yourself, Alice?” Asked Aquata “You’re actually defending that crazy mercury headed weirdo!”

“Well... I..” but before Alice could say anything, Ariel’s third sister, Artista, spoke.

“Plus, not to mention how weird he looks! I mean why on earth would you defend someone who looks the way he does?!”

“Um... Well…” Alice started to say but then all the women except Belle started ragging on Reginald one by one.

“He’s like a walking crayon!” Aquata said

“Crayon? More like a fashion nightmare!” Arista said.

“Plus, you could do so much better than a milliner , Alice! I mean he might just be poor as a homeless man!” Attina said dignified.

Soon as they kept discriminating Reginald, Alice’s blood began to boil and suddenly, she shouts in a stern tone “THAT’S ENOUGH!”

Alice then saw that not only were the girls staring at her but, the whole bakery was as well. She then picked herself up and said with a gentle voice “Excuse me!” and leaves out the door of the bakery.

“What got into her?” Arista asked.

“Maybe hormones?” Aquata said.

“Who knows!” Attina said and they all giggled until they were interrupted by Belle’s throaty cough.

“Isn’t it obvious ladies.” She says as she sips her tea.

“Um, no? What?” Arista asks.

“She’s in love!” Belle says and puts all the snickering former mermaids in their place, silently I may add.

She then excuses herself with a smile and leaves

The End.

[bbdaydreams]

Courage My Love// Semi Eita

Pairing: Semi Eita x Reader

Summary: You like Semi and come up with a plan to confess to him, unfortunately it takes a turn. You meet again a couple years later by chance.

Chapter Eight: Teenage Dream

Series Masterlist•<previous•next>

A week into the tour and your body finally decided to allow you wake up before two in the afternoon. You stretched your body a little bit in your bunk before getting up and out to finish stretching. You checked the surrounding bunks and saw that only Haruka was still sound asleep while the others were empty. Making your way to the lounge you found your missing members and greeted them. They gave you back a robotic response while peeking out the window.

“The hell are y’all looking at?”

“The boys,” Yui answered. “I’m waiting to see if one of them eat shit.”

“Yui, what the-“

“Look, look, look!” Izumi whispered, stretching her arm behind her in an attempt to grab you to pull you towards them. You placed your knees on the bench to watch through the blinds with them.

Semi, Subaru, and Ranmaru were wearing plain t-shirts and gym shorts while Jiro wore a buttoned up blue flannel with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and black skinny jeans. The three elders from the group seemed to be running back and fourth from one end of the parking lot to the other while Jiro was skating a few feet away.

“How long have they been doing this?” You asked, turning away from the window.

“No clue- oh shit!” Izumi exclaimed, jumping up and running over to the main door to hop off the bus.

“That was a bad wipeout,” Yui added, following after the bassist. You followed after them, hesitating a little bit because you had just woken up and were in your sleepwear. Saying ‘fuck it,’ you threw on a pair of slip ons before following the others.

“Jiro!” Subaru and Ranmaru yelled before running over to their guitarist.

“Dude! You good?” Semi asked, crouching down to help Jiro sit up.

“Yeah, I’m good. Where’s my board?”

“I’ll go grab it,” Yui said as she headed towards the direction of there the skateboard rolled off to.

“What happened? I heard yelling,” Haruka asked. She was stepping off the bus still in her pajamas and rubbing her eyes, making it clear that she had just woken up. Her eyes landed on Jiro who was sitting on the pavement. He looked at her with panic in his eyes as she took in his disheveled look. “Why are you bleeding?”

“I- I’m okay, no need to worry-“

“You have a giant hole in your jeans that shows your red scraped knee, you have scratches on your face, and I can see the blood droplets on your flannel!” Haruka exclaimed, turning back around getting onto the bus.

“Is she pissed?” Jiro asked.

“Nah, just concerned. She probably went to grab our first aid kit,” Izumi answered. “You should probably take off your flannel though, that’s a pretty big stain on your elbow.”

Jiro unbuttoned his shirt to reveal a black t-shirt. Haruka came back with the kit and knelt next to the heterochromatic male. She took out a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and some gauze making him gulp, knowing what was to come. “Do you have to use that?” Jiro asked, gradually moving his arm away from her.

“Yes, now sit still,” Haruka responded.

“Here’s the board I ran as fast I could as soon as I saw-“

“Fuck!”

“-the brown bottle,” Yui laughed. “Guess nurse Haruka has it under control.” The rest of you laughed at Jiro’s reaction and left Haruka to tend to his wounds.

“What are you guys doing anyways?” Izumi asked the three older males.

“Oh, we were working out. Jiro does his own thing for exercise which is mostly either parkour or skating,” Subaru responded.

“Or as we call it, just Jiro things,” Ranmaru added on. “You guys are free to join us during our workouts though, makes things more fun.”

“Haruka and I might join you guys,” Yui responded.

“Pass from Izumi and I,” you spoke up.

“And why’s that? Nice pajamas by the way, very festive for summer with the snowflakes,” Semi teased.

“Leave me alone. Sweating is gross. And personally I get bored doing the same thing repetitively. I’ll go on a walk, maybe jog a little bit, but that’s about it.”

“Sweating is gross, huh?” Semi asked with a devious look in his eyes.

“Don’t you dare come near me,” you responded, taking a few steps back as Semi walked closer to you.

“What? I just wanted to give you a hug, especially while you wear your cute pajammies.”

“Stay the fuck away from me. Semi. Semi! No!” And now you were running away from the 180cm tall former setter, who you know could catch up to you at any time. You still chose to take your chances though.

“He’s never gonna let her go, is he?” Ranmaru asked Subaru.

Izumi and Yui heard him loud and clear which peaked Yui’s interest. “Ahhh so he still has feelings for our leader. How cute.”

“Keep this between us, but yeah,” Subaru spoke. “Does she have any feelings left for him?”

“Honestly, we’re not sure. She never talked about him after the whole thing went down. She’s been with other people but she’s never been over the moon for them. It doesn’t help that she’s also super independent. It makes us think sometimes that she’d rather be single. There’s nothing wrong with that either, but at the end of the day we think it’d be nice for her to find someone,” Izumi spoke, watching you run around the bus only to yell out you were going back to sleep right when Semi caught up and wrapped his arms around you. “You guys might not believe it but how she’s acting now with him is no different to how she’d act with other people. Maybe it’s because of all the touring we do but she’s so open with people that it’s hard to read her. We love her and she’s fun to be around with but when it comes to her, it’s hard to tell what she wants.”

“We see. Eita’s sort of been the same in relationships. He’s gone on dates too but he’s never been whipped for any of them. Like he’ll do his best to please them and shit like a good partner should, but if you look at him from a distance it feels almost forced. He wants to love but it’s like fake love, if that makes any sense,” Subaru spoke.

“What about your drummer girl? Also between us, Jiro still seems to like them a lot,” Ranmaru asked, deciding to bring light to the other potential couple.

“Wait, what do you mean still? From what we know, they were friends during their final year but that’s it,” Izumi explained , now confused.

“Jiro fell for her hard during that year like he would come home and talk to us about her and ask for advice if he couldn’t ask his older brother. The thing is he was labeled the dumb hooligan while Haruka was the typical quiet good girl so he didn’t want to taint her record. You know how people talk in high school. He was convinced she shouldn’t be with a fool like him, so he never spoke up,” Subaru followed up.

“Ah. Well I think they’ll be together by the end of the tour, maybe even week. I can feel it,” Yui said.

“And what about you guys? Are you single?”

“I have a boyfriend,” Izumi quickly answered. “He’s back in Japan.”

“I’m single. My reason being it’s hard finding people you wanna know more about, ya know?”

“Really now?” Subaru answered, looking at Ranmaru.

“Yui, are you sick? I think you’re lacking some vitamin me,” Ranmaru said, attempting to put his arm over Yui’s shoulders.

“No! Me!” Subaru argued.

Before either of them could touch her, Yui grabbed their forearms and tugged on them to bring them closer. When they jumped a little closer together she took their hands and placed them in each other’s before letting go. Yui looked over and Izumi who was smirking from trying to hold in a laugh. “Don’t worry about it, Dumb and Dumber. Since I apparently have you guys weak at the knees it appears you might be lacking vitamin D. You two should get to know each other and solve that problem,” Yui responded as she gave them a fake smile. “Let’s go Izu,” she laughed, turning from the boys to get back onto the bus.

Semi came back to the two white haired males and crossed his arms before speaking. “You guys are idiots.”

“Karaoke night!” Haruka cheered when your set finished that night.

“We just got done playing and you’re this excited for karaoke? At least act tired,” Izumi whined, leaning forward to place her hands on her knees after she set her guitar down.

“Haru,” Yui started before taking a deep breath, “what the fuck.”

“Mmmm, nice cold floor,” you said, letting your body collapse on the black tiles the backstage had to offer.

“Y/n, no!”

“Get up people walk there!”

“It’s dirty!”

Too tired to figure out who said what, you let out a groan and got up. “Fine I’m up, I’m up. I need a baby wipe though. I’m all sweaty and gross.” Making your way over to your green room you bumped into One Ok Rock. “Hey guys.”

“Hello, hello. You guys sounded amazing as always,” Taka complimented.

“Thanks! Oh! Do you guys have plans after your set?” Haruka asked.

“Sleep,” Ryota responded which made the others laugh.

“Ah haha, did you guys have something in mind?” Toru asked.

“We’re all off tomorrow so we were gonna have a karaoke night on our bus,” Yui explained.

“And there’ll be booze!” Izumi added.

“We’ll try to pop by then,” Tomo answered. You wished them luck before heading into your dressing room to clean up a little bit before meeting your fans.

Yui and Haruka were currently making dinner while while you were showering and Izumi was setting up the karaoke system.

“Oh fuck, we forgot to invite Won’t Regret,” Yui mentioned.

“I’ll text RoRo!” Haruka lit up.

“How could we forget to invite all of your guys boyfriends?” Izumi teased.

“Jiro is not my boyfriend!”

“I never said he was,” Izumi responded with a smirk.

“Does this make thing one and two mine?” Yui asked.

“Lol, yeah. Are you gonna tell them?”

“Yeah, I don’t need them annoying me. I have enough to put up with.”

Stepping out of the shower with a towel around your body you looked over at the girls and saw they were still doing what they did when you last saw them. “Hey, is dinner- oop gotta go!” You exclaimed, running to your bunks and closing the door because there was a knock at the front of the bus.

“It’s open!” Izumi yelled. Coming up the steps was Taka and Toru with smiles on their faces. “Hey! Welcome to our bus! Did the others decide to call it a night instead?”

“Yeah. They’re parents now so they age faster and need more sleep,” Toru laughed.

“No worries. C’mon in and take a seat. We just finished cooking if you’d like some food,” Haruka said, showing them a plate she had already prepared.

“Taka and Toru just got on the girl’s bus. Wonder what’s going on over there,” Ranmaru said aloud as he glanced out the window.

“Who what now?” Semi asked, looking up from his phone.

“Oh they’re doing some karaoke tonight. RuRu just texted me to invite us,” Jiro answered.

“RuRu? Do you mean Haruka? You guys have nicknames for each other already?” Subaru teased, laughing at Jiro’s reaction.

“Look at how red he is!” Semi roared.

Subaru looked over at Ranmaru, smirking knowing he was about to roast Semi. “Boy if you don’t shut up! Go look in a mirror before judging him!”

“Eh?!”

“Eita, every time Y/n is around you put all your attention on them. It’s like you’re a bee fixated on a flower. Just non stop buzz buzz buzz around them.”

“Okay, I get it.” Semi sighed. “Is it that obvious?”

“Yes. Please just ask them out already.”

“I can’t do that, bro. It’s too soon. We’re just friends for now.”

“We have 5 weeks left on this tour. You’re gonna have to ask them out before then. Who knows if we’ll see them again after this.”

Letting Ranmaru’s words sink in he realized the reality of it. After the tour was over your band would probably go on your own tour to promote your new album in Europe, Australia, Japan and maybe even the US again whereas his band would probably only do Japan. You’d be busy touring and focusing on yourself you wouldn’t have the chance to see each other again. “Fuck. You’re right.”

“I’m always right. Anyways I’m headed to bed. Have fun at karaoke.”

“I’m going to bed too. Night,” Subaru yawned.

“Guess it’s just us,” Jiro laughed before tilting his head to ask “let’s go?” to which Semi responded with a head nod. They told their bus driver they’d be on the other bus so he could drive off if they didn’t come back by midnight.

“Alright that’s the theme tonight?” Yui asked Izumi, covering her mouth since she was chewing. They were both currently sitting on the small kitchen counter while Taka and Toru were sitting around their dining table and Haruka was standing off to the side.

“Let’s have our guests have the honor! Hit the button to spin the wheel,” she explained as she jumped off to hand her phone to the two older men. “Ooo, looks like we’re doing ‘Women in Pop’!”

Hearing knocking from the front door, Yui yelled it was open. Semi and Jiro walked in and greeted everyone. “It smells so good,” Jiro stated, eyes lighting up once he spotted the meal that was cooked.

“Take a seat and I’ll give you a plate. Semi, would you like one too?” Haruka asked. Semi nodded his head and they both accepted the meal after thanking them for the hospitality. After they were seated Yui got them up to speed to what they were doing.

“We should probably go first to show them how it’s done,” Haruka stated.

“I kinda wanna finish my food,” Izumi mumbled which made Yui jump in and say ‘me too’. Luckily for Haruka, you had just come out of the bunk area in sweats. “Look at that, Y/n can sing with you.”

“What did I do in the first five seconds of me appearing for me to go first?” You asked confused.

“Show up. Here is your mic,” Yui responded, making you playfully roll your eyes at her.

“How do you decide what song to sing?” Taka asked.

“We just decide between ourselves. Any song is good as long as it fits the theme,” Haruka responded. You let Haruka pick and take the lead for the song as you backed her up and sang your parts while also trying to match her energy in small dance gestures. When you finished you handed your microphone to Toru who asked to go next and Haruka handed hers to Izumi. Fixing yourself a plate you took Toru’s spot and sat next to Taka while Haruka took Izumi’s spot.

“Yo,” Semi started to grab your attention, leaning forward to not speak into Taka’s face.

“Yo,” you responded.

He smirked before continuing, “nice pajamas.”

You let out a small chuckle before looking back at him. “Leave me and my comfy clothing alone, asshole. I am cozy.”

Laughing at the nickname you gave Semi, Taka decided to jump in. “Hey Eita, we should go next.”

“Eh, I don’t know. Honestly I’m not much of a karaoke guy.”

“Boo, Semi you’re no fun,” you pouted while eating your food.

“Yeah, Eita you should try it out,” Jiro added.

Semi threw his head back and grunted in disapproval before turning his head to look at you. As he leaned back you did as well and gave him a child like smile, showing as many teeth as you could with your lips curved upwards as a friendly way to encourage him. Letting out a small chuckle, he leaned forward and let his forearms rest on the table. “Alright, I’ll do it.”

“Yay!” You, Taka, and Jiro cheered. Izumi and Toru sang Party In the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus which had the group laughing when Toru tried to reach the high note and when he tried to mimic Izumi’s dancing. When they were done you all applauded for them.

“Do you have an idea for a song?” Semi asked Taka, taking a sip of his beer.

“Yeah, yeah. I wanna do Beyoncé! Is Single Ladies good?,” Taka responded with a giant grin.

“I’m good with that.” The two got up from their spots and you and Jiro slid into their spots so others could sit as well. They accepted the mics from Izumi and Toru, Taka stretching afterwards to ‘loosen his body up’.

When the music started, Taka started moving his shoulders from side to side while Semi lightly bobbed his head along to the beat. Taka took the lead and sang the first verse. As the song progressed Taka put his body more into the flow making you all get louder for him to cheer him on. Leaving the second verse to Semi he moved his torso more into the song but he couldn’t compare to Taka, and it made him start overthinking a little.

He’s so much cooler and better than he is. Taka knows how to rile up a crowd. His performances are better than Semi’s but then again he does have more experience so he has to factor that into their differences. He’s so chill and laid back but also open and hilarious, he’s got it all.

Towards the end of the song when they were singing the last of the “all the single ladies”, Taka got closer to where you were sitting and went to hold your hand as he sang, causing the group to hype him up even more than they already where.

When they finished, you and Yui went next, opting to do Katy Perry. As you took the lead, Semi couldn’t keep his eyes off you and agree with the lyrics you were singing. He enjoyed your facial expressions as you sang and the way you carried yourself, somehow different than how you were on stage. Unfortunately Semi also couldn’t stop the negative thoughts that obscured his brain.

Semi noticed the blush on your face when Taka had the slightly intimate gesture with you. What if he’s not good enough for you? He doesn’t want to hold you back from being the happiest person you could be. Semi knows he’s not the funniest, most charming person in the world. Compared to your ex, Tendou, he knows they’re almost nowhere near similar. Tendou was more easygoing and knew how to light up the mood whereas Semi is more uptight, always concerned about others and what they think. If anything Taka was more like Tendou, a potential better option for you than himself. But he knows you all had just met recently so who knows if Taka is just being friendly or trying to get at something. Maybe you were just going to stay a teenage dream.

A/n: look at that an update. Sorry for taking so long, I’ve been tired but here ya go!

Taglist: @pluviophilefangirl @yourstarvic @sunaswife @mynscorner @itoshibaby @discountkiyoko @ibetonlosingcats @lilith412426 @soggyacidjuice

[ohpedromypedro]

what would Christmas with max be like?

So uhh... I initially intended this to be a headcanon, but I went a little off track and turned it into a 2k word fic 🙃 Oops?

Max never really celebrated Christmas until he started dating you. Never had reason to, honestly. He has no family, that you know of at least, and he’s not much of a gift giver unless he actually likes somebody. Plus, do vampires even care to celebrate holidays? Max didn’t. Until he met you.

You changed it all for him. You’re all for the Christmas season. Decorating inside and out, the traditional picking out and cutting down a Christmas tree, baking lots of delicious goodies, sending Christmas cards (mainly to your own family and friends), wrapping of the presents on Christmas Eve, which of course the two of you wrap each other’s in separate rooms.

Max spoils you every Christmas and I mean spoils. With the amount of money his management style brings in, his Christmas bonuses are always generous on his wallet and he’s more than happy to spend it all on you. The one person in this world he truly loves and cares about.

The first Christmas you spent together as a couple, you were surprised to see Max had bought practically a whole mountain of gifts for you. He had asked you to spend Christmas at his place that year, which you were more than willing to do so because his loft apartment was a lot nicer than your tiny one bedroom apartment. What you weren’t expecting, though, amongst the many gifts Mr Max Phillips got you was a key to his apartment with a nice little festive note which read “All I want for Christmas is to always wake up with you. Please move in with me?”. You were stunned at first and your face said it all, that was a Christmas present you were not expecting. Of course you happily accepted and moved in the next day.

For your second Christmas together, on top of more thoughtful and expensive gifts from your boyfriend, Max decided to buy and name an entire new constellation after you. The whole thing was extremely romantic to you, something none of your past ex partners were even considerate enough to do for you, and it earned Max a nice romantic lay by the fire. Sometimes the best way for you to show your boyfriend your appreciation is by having your cunt suck the life from his cock and boy does he love that.

This year, your third Christmas together, both of you are more than excited to give each other your gifts. Max may think he’s more excited, but you strongly believe you have him topped. He has no idea what’s coming. Usually your gifts are just things you can buy with a simple swipe of a credit card, but not this gift you have for him. Money can’t buy what you’re giving Max this year.

Max is already awake when your eyes open first thing. He’s been lying here just holding you in his arms and admiring the peaceful look on your face while you sleep. He smiles at you when you look up at him from where your head’s resting on his chest, soft yawn leaving you as you smile right back.

“Good morning, handsome.” You murmur, leaning up to press a warm kiss to his lips. “Sleep any last night?” Your fingers gently touch his cheek and he lets out a content sigh as he leans into you.

“Morning, my sweet girl. A lil bit, yeah. But mostly I just watched over you while you enjoyed your own slumber.” He smiles, reaching out to tuck your hair behind your ear. “Ready for some coffee and opening presents by the fire?”

“You know it.” You giggle and press one more kiss to his lips before wiggling out of his hold. “I think I’ll take a nice hot shower first. Feel free to join, if you’d like.” You give him a smirk and quickly roll off the bed to walk into the bathroom. Obviously he’s going to join you. Max Phillips doesn’t turn down taking a shower with you ever, especially hot ones. He’s off the bed and closing the bathroom door behind you mere seconds after you cross the threshold, his increased speed abilities helping to get the two of you undressed from your matching Christmas pajamas and into a hot shower just how you like them. “Someone’s in a rush this morning.” You tease, slipping your arms around his neck as you gaze up into his soft brown orbs.

“I’m just excited.” He shrugs, his hands rubbing up along your hips as they pull you flush against him beneath the flow of hot water. “Why? Are you not excited for presents?” He gives you a teasing smirk, nuzzling his nose against yours. “Has my girl lost all her Christmas spirit already?”

“Gasp! Never.” You playfully pout up at him, your fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. “I just haven’t seen you this excited for Christmas morning before.” You smile, leaning up to give him a quick kiss.

“Yeah. Well, I got you the best gift this year and I can’t wait to give it to you.” He gives your ass a playful squeeze and you only narrow your eyes suspiciously at him.

“I swear, Max Phillips, if you’re talking about your dick--” You start and he only shakes his head with an amused chuckle.

“Better.”

“What’s better than your dick?” You scoff and Max only laughs harder.

“Oh, baby. I love you, you know that?” He smiles, leaning in to kiss you again. “How about we finish up in here and then I show you what’s a better Christmas gift than my dick?”

“Hmmm… Okay. Sounds like a plan to me.” You smile. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

~

“Okay, best gifts for last.” Max smiles, grabbing your final gift and setting it on the floor in front of you. “How about we open them at the same time?”

You grab his gift and place it on his lap with a smile, nodding your head as you pick your gift up from the floor and hold it on your own lap. “Sounds good to me, baby. Yours has a little card you need to read first.” You point at the little envelope taped to the box and Max smiles, tracing his fingertips over the red lipstick print sealing it with a kiss.

“I can see that…” He chuckles, opening the envelope and pulling the card out so he can read it in his head to himself.

My Dearest Max,

My heart is yours, I’m here to stay

And now I’m ready to give it to you in the forever way.

Max’s brows furrow in confusion for a moment, his eyes flicking from the card to you where you’re very slowly peeling away the wrapping paper of your gift, your eyes still set on his face. You smile at him before flicking your gaze to the present on his lap then back up at him, giving your lip a small bite. He catches the drift and sets the card aside to start unwrapping the decent sized box that holds his gift, his own gaze switching between his present and you opening yours. He doesn’t want to miss the look on your face when you see what your gift is, it’s a look he’s been looking forward to for some months now.

After unwrapping your present and setting all the paper aside, you slowly lift the lid from the box, tilting your head when you see what looks to be a special made book inside. From the looks of how oddly thick and formed it is, it definitely seems to be a pop up book. You glance warily at Max now, noticing that he’s stopped unwrapping his. “Hey, mister! You stopped unwrapping.” You pout.

“Yours is more important.” He smiles and you huff out a semi offended breath as you take the pop up book out of the box. “I promise you, you’re gonna love it.”

“I still say your gift is much better than a book.” You remark, a small, knowing smirk on your face. You examine the cover of the book, seeing that it’s definitely specially made because the two cute little animated characters on the front more than resemble you and Max. They are you and Max. You look at the title of the pop up and smile. “My Life With You”. You can’t deny it, this is quite an adorable and thoughtful gift, but you still think yours tops it.

You open the cover of the book and the first image that pops up makes your smile widen. It’s a cute little replica of you and Max outside the bookstore where you two first met. You remember that day like it was just yesterday and the memory makes your heart flutter. At the bottom of the page there are words and you slowly read them to yourself.

This little bookstore I will cherish forever because it’s where we had our first encounter.

You turn the page and the second pop up picture appears, eliciting a giggle from you at the image of you and Max under a tree sharing your first kiss during a summer night walk in the park.

Our first kiss I will always remember. You seemed so eager to kiss a vampire for the first time.

A lighthearted laugh escapes you when you read the words and you share a quick glance with Max with a knowing smile before bringing your attention back to the book and turning the page again. You feel the pang in your chest at the image of your first fight with Max, but you still continue to read on.

Our first fight I for sure thought I’d lost you for good. I let my own ignorance get the best of me that day and that’s something I’ll never allow to happen again.

You look up at Max again, unable to stop yourself from leaning forward and giving him a reassuring kiss. He only chuckles, savoring your kiss before pulling back and motioning to the book. “There’s more, babe.”

“I know. I just couldn’t help myself.” You smile, turning the page and revealing the fourth pop up. You gasp and burn up with a shy embarrassment as your eyes take in image of you and Max in a very scandalous position in the bedroom. This is definitely no children’s pop up book company. “Jesus, Max.” You giggle, reading the words at the bottom.

The first time I took you to bed is one my cock and I will remember for the rest of time. How warm, wet, and tight you were as I sank into you… Your whimpery little moans as each thick inch of me stretched you.

God, he’s already having an affect on you and he hasn’t even touched you. The littlest things like these will always have some sort of affect on you coming from him. You bite your lip as you turn the page, your eyes met with the fifth image. It’s you both during your first Christmas together and you can tell by the key you’re holding in the image.

I loved our first Christmas together, asking you to move in with me was the best move I could have made. But there’s one more first, I’ve still yet to do and that’s to make a beautiful woman’s like you dream come true...

You tilt your head at that and when you turn the final page, revealing the largest pop up of the book with Max on his knee holding up a ring, a real ring set in place in the book with large words reading “Will you marry me, my sweet darling girl?”, your eyes widen. You look back up at him now and he’s got a shit eating grin on his face.

“Oh, Max…” You whisper, tears already well past slipping down your cheeks. “Of course I’ll marry you.” You take the ring out and set the book aside, quickly slipping it onto your left ring finger before crawling over onto Max’s lap and kissing him deeply, your arms slipping around his neck as he holds you against him.

“I love you.” He murmurs into the kiss, hands holding you by the waist.

“I love you too… Now open yours, mister.” You tut, picking his present up where he set it aside and resting it on your lap. “You read the card, now open your present.”

“Alright, alright. My impatient fiancée.” He chuckles, finishing ripping off the wrapping paper and tossing it aside before opening the box and pulling out its contents. His eyebrows raise when he pulls out polaroids you took, but he quickly smirks as he gives them a quick look through. “Such a sexy little thing…” He sighs, biting his lip as he sets the polaroids aside and pulls out another wrapped gift. It’s a picture frame and inside contains Max’s true Christmas present. He shoots you a curious glance which you only smile innocently at and he grabs the wrapped frame from inside the box and tears that paper off too.

You anxiously chew your lip as you watch Max open his gift and when he really sees what the framed picture is signifying, his head is shooting back up to look at you. You were slick enough to get an x-ray image of your heart from your doctor for this gift and written in metallic sharpie are the words “A reminder of what once beat for you, now that I’m asking you to take its life essence away.” It’s your creative way of telling Max you’re ready for him to turn you.

“Are you asking me to turn you?” He already knows the answer, but he’s just so stunned that he still needs to ask for clarification.

“Yes, Max Phillips. I’m asking you to turn me. I’m ready to spend forever with you.”

“Oh, honey… I love you so fucking much.”

He carefully sets the picture frame back in the box before cupping your face and kissing you deeply again. Max wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his immortal life with you, hence asking you to marry him, but he was not expecting you to be ready for him to turn you already. He’s more than ecstatic that you’re ready to take this large step with him. He breaks the kiss after a few long moments to let you breathe and you smile up at him widely.

“Merry Christmas, Max.”

“Merry Christmas, beautiful.”

Everything tag list:

@halefirewarrior @takemepedropascal @wildcard566 @readsalot73 @talesfromtheguild  @oberynispunk @whiskeyxinxaxteacup @pedrosdoll @ah-callie @manuphantom @dornish-queen @ihaveashield @shayna-winchester @lonelystarship

Max Phillips tag list:

(None, for now)

[thinkingisadangerouspastime]

grief

Written for Day 6 of @aangweek! Read here on AO3.

~*~

6. grief - and when i can’t be with you dream me near / keep me in your heart and i’ll appear

Aang took a deep breath as he stepped onto the balcony of Iroh’s tea shop in Ba Sing Se. The air was… well, not cool - it was never cool during Earth Kingdom summers, even if it didn’t get quite as hot as in the Fire Nation - but it wasn’t overly warm, either. The humidity wasn’t too extreme in the evening, though if anything Aang appreciated the slight gravity to the air. It was… grounding.

Fitting for the Earth Kingdom, but perhaps an odd sensation for an airbender to seek.

Still. Aang found a certain comfort in the air’s heavier presence. It was there. Surrounding him, clothing him. He was there, existing and living and breathing in the moment. In the present. In the now.

Only… He wasn’t.

No, Aang was in the past, as he was wont to be. Particularly on that day of all days. If he closed his eyes, the Southern Air Temple sat before him, alive and carefree and in its prime as it had been… a hundred and one years ago. If he listened, he could hear the laughter of students learning their first airbending technique from the monks. Echoes of the past. If he took a deep breath, he could smell freshly-made fruit pies, sweet and tangy like those he’d whip up with Gyatso.

Sometimes… Aang could pretend nothing had changed at all.

Of course, the truth was that everything had.

Aang sighed, opening his eyes to stare down at his wooden necklace. Engraved in the center was the symbol of his people and their element. Today was a day of celebration, he knew, but the heart didn’t often lend itself to such clarity.

It was the first anniversary of the end of the Hundred Year War. The first anniversary of the Fire Nation’s defeat. The first anniversary of a new, peaceful era. A cycle of cruelty had ended, and a future of harmony had begun.

Well, perhaps it wasn’t quite so simple.

A ghost of a smile graced Aang’s lips. How the past lingered on.

His friends were inside the Jasmine Dragon, laughing and teasing each other just as they’d done a year ago. They were relaxing after a long day of political tasks and dull meetings and formal celebrations, a decision for which Aang could not blame them.

Soon, they would join him on the balcony. Aang knew this. His friends never let him be alone for long.

But for now, Aang basked in the stillness. And he breathed.

“Greetings, Avatar Aang.”

Aang blinked upon hearing his name. Or rather, hearing his formal title. Of all his friends to join him first, he’d suspected it would be Katara. Maybe Zuko. But not… Well, who was Aang to question the workings of the universe? It was far more powerful than he.

“Grand Lotus Iroh,” he said, bowing to the older man. “Is there something you need?”

Iroh chuckled. “I suppose I don’t ‘need’ anything, but I will remind you that it is not necessary to address me so formally. Just ‘Iroh’ is fine.”

Aang gave him a small smile. “On one condition - you have to drop the formalities for me, too.”

Iroh’s chuckling became full-on laughter, booming from the man’s stomach. “Oh, you sound like my nephew. He can’t stand it when I address him as the Fire Lord.” He smiled at Aang. “I accept your condition, Aang.”

Aang found himself laughing, too. “Thank you, Iroh.” He’d always been fond of Zuko’s uncle. For one, Iroh had given him memorable - powerful - advice on their journey into the crystal catacombs together. And two, it was clear as day just how much Iroh loved Zuko, and how he tried to be the doting father Zuko had never had. In that respect…

Well, he reminded Aang of Gyatso. A little bit. Caring for a person with every bone in his body, guiding a child through responsibilities thrust upon them that they were unprepared to bear, and loving a little boy who wasn’t their own son. Who didn’t need to be.

“Are you alright, Aang?” Iroh asked, pulling him out of his thoughts. “I noticed you withdraw from your friends in my shop with a rather…” He paused. “Pensive expression, I suppose. I simply wanted to check on you.”

Oops. Had he already given himself away?

Aang shrugged, returning his focus to the cityscape of Ba Sing Se before him once more. Lanterns lit the streets as laughter and music filled the air. “I have a couple things on my mind. Nothing too serious.” A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “I’d say it’s been a long, busy day, but I don’t want to imply you weren’t there for as much of it as I was.”

Iroh chuckled. “Perhaps I was there for most of it. But my responsibilities are certainly not comparable to those of the Avatar.” He, too, turned to look out over the city. “However… This day presents conflicting feelings to you, does it not?”

Aang stiffened as Iroh’s comment sunk in, wondering how on Earth the man could have known what was on his mind. But he soon relaxed, realizing it wasn’t exactly difficult to put two and two together. And moreover, Iroh was simply… well, he was an observant person. Zuko was his nephew, after all. During Zuko’s banishment, Aang had a feeling Iroh had needed two sets of eyes in the back of his head to keep track of him.

“That’s one way to put it,” Aang admitted, a soft smile inching onto his lips. “But I didn’t want my overthinking to ruin the festivities, so I came out here.” Even from the balcony, he could hear Katara and Sokka squabbling about the significance of a particular Pai Sho tile, soon interrupted by Mai dryly informing them that they were both wrong.

“I am sure your friends would not -”

“I know, I know,” Aang interrupted with a laugh. He looked down once more at the wooden beads hanging around his neck. “I think I just needed… a minute of quiet. With myself.” Himself, and the past that ever influenced the present.

Aang glanced at Iroh, hastily adding, “It’s okay that you came out here, though! I don’t - I don’t mind the company.”

Iroh gave him a warm smile. “Since I am here, would you like to share your thoughts with me? About your conflict, that is.” He stroked his beard. “Please don’t feel pressured, of course. But if you speak, know I will listen.”

Aang allowed a pause to pass between them. Gathering his thoughts. A moment of silence, filled only by his friends’ muted voices from indoors and the cityscape chattering around them. Then he sighed.

“It’s not a big deal, really.” Aang gently clasped his wooden pendant, fingers tracing the curves engraved in the center. “A year ago, I defeated Fire Lord Ozai. And I am happy about that. Happy that the war is over. That we won.” He exhaled slowly. “But if I think too much about it…”

His hand tightened on the beads, and Aang found himself looking anywhere but at Iroh. “I chose to spare Ozai’s life. I don’t regret that decision, because affirming and upholding the beliefs of my people is - is -” Aang blinked back tears, and he took a sharp breath before he continued. “One of the reasons it was so important was because I’m the last of my people. I’m the only one left who can uphold our beliefs.”

Aang bit the inside of his cheek to avoid breaking into sobs, but against his will a few tears slid down his cheeks. “When I think about it like that, when I remember how part of my choice was because - was because they’re gone -” Aang couldn’t finish, his teeth sinking into his tongue to stop a choked sob from escaping.

 The absence of his people was a never-ending ache, a pain rooted deep in his bones. And some days were more agonizing than others. Even days that should have been happy ones.

Iroh nodded. “I see,” he said after a pause, once Aang had wiped his eyes and eased his unsteady breathing. “I hope you understand, Aang, that your grief here is not irrational. While grief is seldom controllable, and often leaves us confused…” He shook his head. “It is not irrational. Your feelings here are what you need them to be.”

Iroh gave Aang a sorrowful look. “I regret that I have so little advice for you, Aang. The decisions of my ancestors, my brother, and my own may have caused irreparable damage to the balance of this world. Worse, in doing so, they stole everything from you. And for that…” Iroh shook his head. “No words can express my apologies.”

Aang exhaled slowly. “Not everything,” he finally said, once he was certain his voice wouldn’t waver. “Guru Pathik told me that my people’s love for me has not left this world. That it was reborn in the form of new love.” He gave Iroh a warm, if watery, smile. “You… remind me of Monk Gyatso. The way you take care of Zuko, even though you aren’t his father. Because it doesn’t matter. You -”

Aang’s voice caught in his throat. Iroh didn’t comment, and Aang collected himself before he continued.

“You still love him,” he said, maybe a little wistfully. Spirits, there were times Aang missed Gyatso so much he couldn’t breathe. “You still love him, and you would do anything for him.”

Iroh gave Aang a soft, sincere smile. “That is the highest praise I have ever been awarded. Thank you.”

Aang looked down at his beads once more. This time, he noticed Iroh’s gaze following them, too. “And… the Fire Nation can’t take my grief from me. I will always remember my people, and I will always work to keep their memory alive.” What was the future other than a world built on the past?

Iroh nodded. “Grief is nothing if not love,” he mused. “Grief is all the love we have for someone, for something, that no longer has a place to go.”

Aang nodded, eyes watering for what had to be the umpteenth time since their conversation started. Grief was love. All the love Aang had for his people that he kept in his heart, love so jam-packed it made his chest ache with pressure about to burst.

But love was reborn. Every day. Reborn in his friends.

In his family.

Aang turned, wrapping his arms around Iroh in a tight hug, an embrace the older man gently returned. “Thank you,” Aang whispered. “For taking care of Zuko. For listening to me. For…” He exhaled. “Just for being here.”

Iroh shook his head. “No, Aang. I am the one who must thank you.”

Aang wasn’t sure when he started crying. He wasn’t sure when his friends joined him on the balcony, either. But when they all wrapped their arms around him in a massive, ridiculous, everything-he-could-have-ever-wanted group hug…

They were Aang’s present. His friends grounded him, keeping him in the now. And yet, if he opened his eyes?

Aang suspected he would fly.

~*~

idk how much i like this ficlet either lmaooo. regardless, aang deserves a million hugs and his friends will always be there to provide them!! i hope to see you tomorrow for the final day of aang week 2021 - love. (here's a hint: an overabundance of fluff. also, everyone's a little bit in love with aang! which is practically canon.) thank you for reading!

[hopetofantasy]

Culture, parallels & meta - S2 E10

Zaterdag 09:56

Perfect parallel: 

Zoë laughing off Senne’s supposed ‘flirt attempt by telling her his childhood sob story’ at their first date, Zoë actually hearing his and Viktor’s childhood sob story from Gill in this episode.

Viktor’s manipulative “He would have these crazy temper tantrums” about Senne in E6, Gill stating the true “Viktor used to throw these crazy temper tantrums” in this one.

Oopsie: Before the “Viktor and I woke up naked together in a bed”, Gill’s hair is in front of her face. After that, her hair is tucked behind her ears.

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Gill mentioned that Viktor was 14 when the accident happened, making Senne 11/12 years old at that time. 

°

Maandag 11:45

C is for culture: 

“That’s a rental book, you realize that right?” - In a lot of secondary schools, course books can be rented instead of bought. The content doesn’t change that often anyways, so it’s cheaper to offer them for a certain fee to the students. Though, at the end of the school year, they have to be returned in the exact condition. Paper workbooks or prints, however, have to be bought. 

“Come on, warm waffles!” - There are actually two types of Belgian waffles: the Brussels and the Liege. The girls bought warm Liege waffles, which are thicker, chewier and with uneven edges. The Brussels one is more a rectangular shape, with a lighter and crispier texture.

Funny coincidence: Luca’s “Free at last” sounds like the quote in Martin Luther King’s speech ‘I have a dream’.

Nod to the OG: The song ‘Paradise’ by Coldplay.

Perfect parallel: Amber’s tired “Why are you always so loud?” directed towards Luca in S2, Noor’s hungover “Do you have to be so loud?” to Amber in S3.

Lost in translation: Amber saying "We gaan een terrasje doen" (literally: ‘we’re going to do a terrace’), it’s an expression indicating that you’re going to drink something on the outside (summer) terrace of a bar. 

Oopsie: The girls pass along a college campus, after they step off the tram, and cross the street for the ‘Groenplaats’. But then it cuts back to the girls passing the college campus again, right before crossing. 

Hello from the outside: The girls pass along a parade of mustached men, with Jana mimicking the facial hair with her napkin. This parade was actually part of the ‘2019 World Beard & Moustache Championships’, which was held in Antwerp on Sunday the 19th of May. 

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: The girls picking up the papers Luca tossed in the air. Them all walking along the crossing in Beatles’ formation (like the Abbey Road album). Luca is eating two waffles at once.

°

Maandag 12:58

C is for culture:

“Robbe. Robbedoes!” - Luca calls Robbe the nickname ‘Robbedoes’, a reference to the Belgian comic ‘Robbedoes & Kwabbernoot’ (English version: ’Spirou & Fantasio’). Its two main characters are spontaneous journalists who run into fantastic adventures, aided by the pet squirrel ‘Spip’ and their inventor friend ‘the Count of Champignac’.

“Are you going to Rock Werchter next week?” - Rock Werchter is a large, annual pop/rock music festival in Werchter (near Leuven). The four-day event is organized every first weekend of summer vacation. The number of attendees can rise up to 149,500 people for the whole festival, with a noteworthy influx of international festival goers in recent years (British, French, Dutch, Australian, South African, ...). It has three spin-offs: ‘TW Classic’, ‘Werchter Boutique’ and the French ‘Main Square Festival’ in Arras.

Perfect parallel:

Jana buying her summer outfits at C&A in S2, her shopping at the same clothing chain - with Noor helping her - in S3.

Yasmina again hinting at a (former) crush on a boy, just like the earlier conversation with Zoë in S2 and doing the same in a conversation during wtFOCKDOWN.

Lost in translation: Luca's "Eentje is geentje" (= literally: ‘One is none’), stating that it’s better to drink/eat/do at least one or more than having missed one (thing). 

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Robbe's eyes dart upwards for a millisecond, after Jana asks "For Blonde Ambition?", confirming that he indeed voted for them.

°

Dinsdag 08:42

C is for culture: What’s with the last week of school? Well, after the December/April/June exams, the school can fill the days before the break with what they want. Most schools give their students a couple of free days, others might organize fun excursions or festivities. On the last Friday, however, they’ll hand out report cards and discuss them with students/parents.

Perfect parallel:

Zoë quickly darting away to avoid Senne in E7, Senne doing the same to her in this one.

Her making up lame excuses not to contact Senne in previous episodes, Senne’s “My phone was turned off. I didn’t want to be distracted while I was studying. Sounds familiar?” here.

In the first episodes, Zoë keeps saying that she won’t fall for what Senne says - his flirt attempts or lying stories, in this episode she states “I’m not falling for your bullshit” - his statement about wanting to leave. 

Zoë saying “Isn’t it time to get over it?” to Senne in S1, her “You should stop feeling so sorry about yourself" in S2.

Zoënne letting go of each other’s hands after a painful conversation in S2, Sobbe doing something similar after their make-up kiss in S3.

An upset Senne left behind in a high school hallway in S2, a sad Robbe ignored in a college hallway in S3.

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Senne’s slight nod at Zoë’s “Away from me?”. 

°

Woensdag 11:44

Perfect parallel:

Zoë acting cold, because she doesn’t trust Senne, in the earlier episodes. Senne looking for reasons to be cold, because he’s scared of people being too close to him in this one. 

Senne’s “I don’t believe that” at Zoë’s statement that her parents don’t love her in E4, Zoë saying “I don’t believe that” at him denying his love for her in this one.

Zoë always running towards Senne - to chase him, to apologize, to talk - in previous episodes, him running towards her - to make-up - in this one.

The song ‘Nightcall’ by London Grammar played during their first kiss in E3, the same one plays during their reunion in this scene.

Their kiss can be compared with their first kiss, only quicker and more frantic: her rubbing his cheek, pausing to smile in relief, wrapping her arms around his neck, putting the palm of her hand under his ear, Senne messing up her hair, her squishing his head between her hands.

The movements of the sex scene in S2 are similar to the ones from S1 and S3. Foreheads leaning on each other before a kiss, a cut to pushing themselves through a open door, a hand caressing along the side, a neck kiss, kissing down a stomach, fingers gripping a back, a hand through the hair, a cut to both of them having naked chests with one on top. 

Nod to the OG: 

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Zoë never ends the call with Jana. (Awkward!)

°

Donderdag 09:32

Perfect parallel:

The entire cuddle scene in S2 can be mirrored with the Sobbe hotel clips in S3: the way they’re positioned (big spoon-little spoon, face towards each other), movements (caressing cheeks, going through each other’s hair), the kisses (forehead kisses, cheek kisses, full-on making-out) and the looks they give each other (Zoë looking up at Senne).

Senne saying “He can’t get away with this” in this clip, repeating it in the next.

Zoë inviting Senne to come live with her in S2, her offering a room to Robbe in S3.

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Zoë is still wearing her white and black hair tie on her right wrist, like she consistently does throughout the season.

°

Vrijdag 15:43

Perfect parallel: 

The theme of their FreeFest team was ‘80s flashback’ in S1, Luca wears an 80s-inspired-outfit in S2.

The season opening with a (washing machine) door to Zoë’s POV, ending with an aerial shot away from her in S2. The third season opening with a door that Robbe opens up to a party, ending with an aerial shot - through the roof - away from him. 

Zoënne kissing at a party while their friends cheer in the background, before the camera pans away at the end of S2, Sobbe experiencing the same in S3. 

Oop, there it is, the homophobia / heteronormativity: Robbe pushing Milan away from him, saying “Get off me, faggot”. Moyo can see what’s happening and laughs at his embarrassment.

Hello from the outside:

Somewhere during the exam period (I can’t find whén anymore), Luca and Amber made tiny exam motivational quotes, which were spread out all over Antwerp. Fans of them found them and made pics.

At the party were a ton of Belgian influencers, who made multiple insta stories of being there at the same time that the clip dropped.

Where’s Wally? Hey, look, Keisha dancing with Jens and Moyo, Britt in the crowd with Gill, Max' making some dance moves towards Luca and Lisa is vibing with Milan. 

Blink-and-y’ll-miss-it: Jana mouthing ‘hoi’ (= hey) to Luka. The tiny nod Jens gives Robbe, so that they go upstairs. The millisecond of hurt on Luka’s face when he noticed Jana greeting Jens and her lingering look on him afterwards. 

[idy-ll-ique]

Holi Hai! 

Pairing: Loki x Desi!F!Reader

Warnings: None

Genre: Pure Fluff

Requested: By @marvel-madness

Hi there! Could you do a Loki x Desi American!reader where she takes everyone to a holi festival? And it’s super adorable and kinda crack!fic at the same time?

Summary: Y/N, an American born Desi, takes her friends, the Avengers, to India to show them what a real party looks like.

Author's Note: Hi!!! A huge thanks to @marvel-madness for requesting this fic and sending the prompt! It was amazing to write! For the Indian friends, I used the names of my own friends (and I oop). I hope y'all desis reading this enjoy it! Sorry if it's crappy I tried my best—

---

Loki stared at his girlfriend of 8 months in confusion. He was confused as to why she was staring at the calendar so longingly. "Um, love, is anything—" She groaned loudly, startling him. "I wanna go! I wanna go home so bad! Haaye mein mar jawa…" That phrase was spoken in Punjabi, even though Loki knew his girlfriend was of Marathi origins. 

He didn't understand it, but her sadness was clear. "What happened? Where do you want to go?" he asked soothingly, wrapping his arms around her. "Back to India! The festival of Holi is in a week and my family is inviting me. I want to go, but…" she sighed, turning around in his arms. Y/N was a second generation desi American, her parents having moved to New York. 

Y/N was born here, but she had a lot of family back in India. She loved Bollywood, the Indian festivals, the culture, the food, everything. Every year, she went to India during the festival of Holi, it being her favorite one. This year, though, things seemed difficult. Now she was a part of the Avengers and had a lot of work. If only she could get a 2 week break. 

"But what? You have to go! It's your favorite festival, you've told me that a hundred times," Loki scoffed as she buried her face in his chest. "I know! But the Avengers, my work…" she whined. "Don't worry about that, we'll be fine," Loki laughed. Suddenly, she had a brilliant idea. They should go to India with her! "Why don't you come with me?"

"Me? Uh… okay, I don't have plans, visiting India sounds nice…" Loki stammered, taken aback. "Not only you, all of you! Thor, Tony, Steve, Nat, Bruce, Clint, Wanda, Vision, Sam, Bucky… I'll take you to a brilliant Holi festival! You'll have a lot of fun," Y/N said excitedly, jumping up and down. Loki smiled softly at her excitement. 

"Why don't we call a meeting and ask them?"

Fifteen minutes later, all the aforementioned people were assembled in the sitting room, smiling at the couple. "So, did Loki propose? Are you getting married? Is Y/N pregnant?" Loki and Y/N rolled their eyes at Tony's questions while the others laughed. "This one is pretty mild. I have a question to ask you all." Steve beckoned for Y/N to go on, everyone listening attentively. 

"As you all know, the festival of Holi is a week away, and I've been to India for the festival every single year of my life. This year, too, there isn't a problem with me going there but I wanna ask… any of you interested in tagging along?" For a few seconds, all was silent. Y/N grew nervous, should she not have asked? She got startled badly when everyone cheered loudly.

"We're going to India! We're going to India! Finally!"

A wide smile bloomed on Y/N's face; she glanced at Loki to see him already looking at her with a smile of his own. "Okay, my dudes, start packing! We leave tomorrow! Can we borrow your private jets, Tones?" He agreed instantly, hugging Y/N. "We better get to packing," Steve laughed, running out of the room with Nat, Wanda, Sam and Bucky. 

---

"Ugh… so… hot…"

"It was your idea to come to India, Y/N."

"Yeah, we feel fine."

Y/N glared at her teammates, which caused them to look at her smugly. Their jet had just landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, in Mumbai. One of Y/N's relatives lived in a huge apartment complex in Mumbai, and she had invited their other relatives, too. Every year, that complex saw the best Holi party ever, complete with water, colours, bhaang, songs and dance. 

Y/N had been there a couple times. The Avengers and herself had decided to stay at a nearby hotel. Being 12 people, they had booked 6 double rooms in one of the hotels at the airport, called Grand Hyatt. The entire trip was sponsored by Tony Stark. Since Tony and Bruce spoke Hindi a little bit and Y/N… well, she was Indian, they decided to get 3 cabs. 

In one cab sat Loki, Y/N, Thor and Vision, in the second sat Tony, Steve, Wanda and Nat while in the third cab sat Bruce, Clint, Sam and Bucky. Their cab arrived at the hotel, they checked in and went to their rooms. 

---

"Loki, Lokes, wakey-wakey!"

Loki blinked his eyes open at the persistent awakening, turning over on the hotel bed. Y/N grabbed his shoulder, shaking him. "What? It's… 7 in the morning!" he whined shamelessly, pushing her hands away. "It'll take us 15 minutes to reach the apartment complex but the celebrations start early there," Y/N insisted. He sighed, right, today was the day of Holi.

"Fine, I'm getting up," he muttered as he sat up. Y/N stood in front of him, wearing a white kurti and white pants underneath. She looked so beautiful, he couldn't resist pulling her on his lap. "Loki," Y/N chuckled bashfully as he kissed her cheek. She turned her head to face him and placed a proper kiss to his lips. "That dress is beautiful, like you," he whispered to her.

She giggled, giving him a hug. "Okay, go get ready, I need to wake the others up," she smiled, pushing away from him. He nodded and stood up, stretching. He picked up his suitcase which was kept in the corner of the room while Y/N left to wake the others up. He picked out a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. 

Y/N had explained to the others how wearing white during the festival was the best option. Everyone had brought along a white tee to wear. He first cleaned up and wore his clothes, finally sitting down to apply some oil to the exposed parts of his body. Y/N said it helped the colours come out faster. After preparing, he grabbed the room keys and left, locking the door. 

---

"Y/N! How are you? I thought you wouldn't visit this year," Krsna, one of Y/N's friends, grinned as she moved to hug her. The Avengers quietly stood behind, taking in all the beautiful sights. The buildings were decorated, there was a drinks table nearby, the colours were neatly kept on another table and nearly 30 other people there. Many children, a few adults and even fewer oldies. 

Since Y/N visited the apartment complex nearly every single year, you could say she practically grew up with the kids there, meaning Krsna and a few others. They had formed a strong bond.

Most of the kids were staring at these foreigners in shock and awe. "Hell no! I wouldn't miss my favorite festival for anything. Meet my friends." Krsna gathered a few of her friends too, namely Shruti, Drishti, Harsh and Ritvik. "This is Loki," Y/N introduced first. Loki moved forward to wrap his arms around his girl from behind, smiling at her Indian friends. 

"Oooh," Harsh smirked, which earned him a slap on the arm from Krsna. "Kadhi pasun?" Drishti asked cheekily, crossing her arms. "Since 8 months," Y/N replied, shaking her head. She quickly introduced the others too. They were a bit surprised, because holy hell, the Avengers but they got over their shock immediately. "This place looks nice," Wanda commented. 

"Thank you! We usually start preparing a week before Holi," Ritvik grinned. Harsh, Drishti and Ritvik decided to give the Avengers a tour of the apartment complex and they readily agreed to go along with them. Loki, Y/N, Tony, Natasha, Krsna and Shruti decided to stay back. "Tujhya mom dad la mahiti aahe?" Shruti questioned, motioning towards Loki. 

"Ho! Tyana kahi farak nahi padla," Y/N laughed, sending a smile in Loki's direction. "New York ka kya? Isne hi kiya tha na? News mein dekha meine…" Krsna asked worriedly. "Don't worry about that! Abhi thik ho gaya hai ye…" Y/N winked. Loki was trying his hardest to decipher what they were saying, but all in vain. As Tony stood to the side, listening to the three ladies talking in their native tongue, he noticed a few people walking up to him. 

They were small kids, around 8-9 years old. "Happy Holi!" one boy grinned, raising his colour filled hands up to wipe them on Tony's cheeks. Tony grinned broadly, taking some colour to return the favor. "Happy Holi, kid!" he said happily. Natasha joined him, applying some red colour to the kids' cheeks. The kids led them somewhere and the two of them went readily. 

Y/N looked around the place, trying to find her friends. She smiled proudly when she saw everyone enjoying themselves. A few of them were talking to the adults, most of them were playing with the kids and Wanda was following Drishti, who was teaching her a dance step to the songs that were playing. The scene warmed her heart. As she enjoyed the scene, a water balloon collided hard with her back.

She turned, shocked, only for Loki to cover her face in pink colour. He ruffled her hair, screaming 'Happy Holi'. "Grr, get back, a-hole!" she screamed, quickly wiping her face before she took off running after him. Krsna handed her a water balloon and with expert precision, Y/N threw it at Loki. It hit his back. He turned around and smirked at her. 

She grabbed a handful of colour and went to each of her friends, applying colour to their faces and wishing them a happy holi. She chatted with some of the aunties of the society, and also wished her relatives. Soon, the volume of the songs increased and party, holi songs started playing. The first song was Balam Pichkari. Y/N cheered loudly, dancing along with some of the others. 

"Balam pichkari, jo tune mujhe maari, toh seedhi saadhi chori sharabi ho gayi!" Y/N sang along, enjoying very much. Loki stood to the side and took out his phone, discreetly taking a few photos as she enjoyed. By the end of 2 hours, all the Avengers were soaked in water, every single colour visible on their clothes, their faces and their hair. They were a bit drunk, having had nearly 4 glasses of bhaang each. Still, they had huge grins on their faces. 

"Stay for lunch! We also organize lunch! After lunch and ice cream, we also have a game of housie but I'd understand if you—" Y/N scoffed, cutting off Ritvik's trail of words. "We're staying for as long as we can! We'll be back in about an hour, after cleaning up." She checked the time, it was 12 noon. "Sure, sure. We'll be waiting. Bye!" Harsh, Krsna, Shruti, Drishti and Ritvik waved as the Avengers walked out of the complex. 

"Did you enjoy?" Y/N asked the Avengers immediately. "Of course we did! This was the most fun I've had in years. I wanna celebrate Holi every year now," Wanda squealed. Everyone agreed with her. "See? Indian festivals, always the best," Y/N winked. They booked cabs, went to their hotels and cleaned up, taking a bath and wearing fresh clothes. 

They went back to the apartment complex just in time for lunch. Everyone there had also cleaned up. As Y/N watched her friends mingle with her Indian friends, she made up her mind— to bring the Avengers to every single Holi party from that year onwards. 

---

A/N: Yeeeee!!!! I'm sad because I couldn't play Holi this year [one of my relatives passed away, RIP :')] but writing this released dopamine in my brain.

For those of you who don't know-

Balam Pichkari is very famous Bollywood song related to Holi

Bhaang is kind of an alcoholic drink prepared from milk (?)

I've mostly used Hindi and Marathi since those two are the Indian languages I speak (I can also speak Gujarati and understand Telugu, which is my father tongue) but yeah :/

I hope you like this!!

[strongerwiththepack]

Private Waters: Part 1

I hear it's Virgil Tracy Week 👀 Virgil's birthday seems to have inspired a wee fic from me today. Been dealing with a bit of writers block so this was a nice change. This is just part one but I'm hoping (really hoping) that I'll finish it by the end of the week. Hope you enjoy x

Summary: Virgil's birthday celebrations are interrupted by an unidentified boat sailing into their waters.

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] 

[Read on FanFiction.net]

---

"Happy Birthday!"

Virgil was ambushed by his family jumping out from behind various pieces of furniture as he entered the lounge. He knew they'd been planning this but he put on a face of surprise anyway. No point being a spoil sport.

Alan bounded up to give him a hug with an ear splitting grin on his face. The kids' energy was contagious as he accepted the tackle-like hug and chucked.

"Thanks guys."

There was a round of hugs to follow and Virgil felt a deep appreciation that he had this time to spend with his family. Even John was down. He gave his space-bound brother an extra tight hug. It had been a while.

Birthdays were a tricky affair in their family. They always planned a celebration but rescues commonly got in the way. He was lucky things had been quiet today.

He looked around finally noticing an absence and gave Scott a questioning look.

"Kayo?"

"Got called away by Pen this morning. She'll be back later though." Scott assured.

Virgil felt a hint of disappointment that she wasn't here but that's the job. He'd make sure to see her later.

His Grandma came up and kissed his cheek. "Happy Birthday Virgil."

She slid out a thin parcel from behind her back and whispered by his ear. "For my favourite grandson."

Although her version of whispering wasn't exactly quiet.

Gordon exclaimed loudly. "Hey! We heard that!" While Scott laughed and John rolled his eyes.

They knew their grandma loved them all equally but it wasn't exactly a secret she had a soft spot for Virgil.

Gordon plonked a party hat on his head as they sat down. Not exactly gently, he might add, as he felt the sting of the string pinging up under his chin. He glared at his brother but Gordon merely put on an innocent look, commenting "oops".

They actually got a full morning of present opening and silly party games that Alan had planned. Majority of them may be grown men but they weren't above indulging in some childhood traditions.

Virgil noticed John quietly excuse himself during a game of charades, and mentally sighed as he figured their festivities were about to come to an end. He could see Scott kept glancing the way John had gone too and knew his eldest brother was thinking the same thing. A rescue.

"Are we launching John?" Scott asked immediately when their brother returned.

John rolled his eyes at the assumption and explained. "No, it's not a rescue. EOS was just informing me that there's a boat that's crossed into our waters."

It wasn't much of a concern. The island is pretty much in the middle of nowhere but some boats occasionally stray into their waters. Usually, it's party boats that don't bother to research the areas they're sailing into.

Scott nodded, making to turn back to their game. Standard protocol was to radio the boat and inform them that they were in private waters and needed to turn around. John usually deals with it.

"Except there is a problem." John continued. "The boat doesn't seem to have a radio. It could be broken but EOS couldn't get through."

"Is there a chance of it being a threat?" Scott asked slightly tense now.

"Not likely. EOS identified it as a rental luxury yacht that's registered under an Australian family. Probably just lost but they are on a colliding path with the island so we'll need to turn them around."

Gordon sighed dramatically and stood up.

"I got it." He said and headed towards the door that led to the docks. "Don't have too much fun without me."

Virgil felt a pang of unease. "Uh wait up! I'll come too."

"It's fine Virgil, enjoy the festivities." Gordon tried to brush him off.

"I need some air anyway. A quick boat trip sounds fun."

"Awesome!" Gordon exclaimed. He loved it when any of them agreed to go out on the water with him.

Scott gave him a look as they left that clearly said be careful. He wanted to roll his eyes but he'd just had the same thought when Gordon was going to go so he couldn't say much.

They went out in their normal clothes since the whole point of keeping people away was to ensure the secrecy of international rescue. Bit of a give away to rock up in full uniform.

They took one of the speed boats and Gordon expertly manoeuvred then towards the boat in question.

It was a beautiful day. The light from the sun danced across the water as the boat skipped over the waves. He took a deep breath of fresh sea air as the wind breezed around them.

He should really come out here more often. Maybe he could convince Gordon to take him out scuba diving later this week. It had been a while since he'd done that.

It didn't take long before Virgil caught a visual of the offending boat in the distance. He looked back at the island, he could see the outline from here but there wasn't any detail. Good.

Gordon brought them to a controlled stop as the came up beside the vessel. Their boat was quite a bit smaller than the decently sized yacht but they could still see onto the deck. There were two men decked out in classic touristy clothes.

Gordon cut their engine and took the lead calling out.

"Hey there, how're you doing today?"

Up close it was hard to miss the beer bottles scattered around the deck. Virgil groaned internally. Did people not realise how dangerous sailing out in open water was? Adding alcohol into the mix was just asking for trouble.

He wasn't opposed to a couple of beers in the sun but by the way the men grinning and the fact they were practically wobbling to keep their feet under them on the mildly choppy waters he was pretty sure it was more than just a couple.

"Heyyy!" One of the men drawled in what Virgil placed as an English accent. "Just enjoying some fun in the sun."

Gordon, clearly as annoyed at the state these men were in as himself smiled loosely.

"Well I'm afraid you've strayed into private waters. You're going to need to turn around. Do you need any help with your route?"

"Duuude, I didn't know you could own water. That's awesome." The guy turned to his friend. "We should buy some water."

The other guy laughed. "You're wasted man."

These guys clearly weren't taking them very seriously. Gordon tried again.

"Listen guys, I'm glad you're having a good trip but it's illegal for you to be sailing here. Can I see your operating permit?"

Gordon's words seemed to finally snap them out of their stupor.

"Wow there man, we don't want any trouble. I'll get Davie, he's el captaino on this little boat of ours."

The guy chuckled at his words before heading below deck.

Virgil was relieved that neither of these men were in charge here. He only hoped the other guy wasn't as drunk as these two.

A new man appeared on the deck and Virgil took keen notice that he seemed stable on his feet.

"Gentleman, what can I help you with?" He greeted sincerely enough.

"Afternoon Sir, are you the permit holder of this boat?" Gordon inquired politely.

At the mans affirmative he continued. "Are you aware you're sailing in private waters right now?"

"My apologies, I wasn't aware. We'll change course right away."

The man said it like a dismissal but Gordon didn't take the hint. Most likely on purpose, there was definitely a lot of red flags here.

"Do you need any help plotting a route? I can show you the common tourist lanes if you'd like."

"Nah we're good thanks, the rental company plotted a route for us - must've just headed off course slightly. Good'day gentleman."

Virgil jumped in this time before they could make their exit.

"One more thing. We noticed you don't seem to have a radio. You really shouldn't be travelling in open waters without one."

The man gave a forced smile. "Oh yeah, it's busted. We'll be sure to get it fixes at the next port."

"Want me to take a look at it for you? I'm an engineer." He offered.

"No. I said we're fine."

Gordon narrowed his eyes beside him. "Look I'm not trying to be rude but could I see your permit? Just at a glance you're breaking a lot of regulations here."

A flash of rage passed over the mans face at Gordon's accusation and Virgil reckoned his brother was probably on the right track. He sighed. So much for a quick trip.

Before anything further could be said though there was a loud splash from the back of the boat.

"Roy!"

They both startled at the noise. Turning to see only one of the drunk men from before standing on the deck and a foamy patch of water next to the edge of the boat. It didn't take a genius to work out what had happened.

Gordon kicked off his shoes, diving into the water in seconds. Virgil leaned over the edge of their boat, ready to help once Gordon surfaced.

He had no doubt his brother would get the man. It's what they did after all.

"Oi!" He heard the captain shout.

He just barely spared him a glance, too focused on the water. But then he had to do a double take as he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun.

He slowly stood up with his arms raised above him. This was not good.

The other man on the deck placed a wide plank between their boats.

"Cross over." He was instructed.

His eyes had been fixed to the man with the gun unwilling to look away but he hesitated then. Sparing a glance towards the water he desperately looked for his brother.

Gordon had surfaced and was staring back at him with a grim look. He bobbed next to the other man from the boat and Virgil caught a glimpse of something reflective in the guys hand. A knife.

He could now see the way Gordon was gripping his upper arm with a grimace. There must've been a struggle. He clenched his fists at their helplessness here.

The unexpected bang of the gun going off made him flinch as splinters of wood hit off his legs. The man had just shot into the deck at his feet.

"Across. Now." He screamed and Virgil didn't need to be told again.

He wobbled his way across on the unstable plank. Once he was within reach the man, who had clearly shed his clueless drunk persona, roughly yanked him the rest of the way. He lost his footing on the deck and fell forward.

The guy behind him took that opportunity to push him onto his stomach, pressing a knee into the centre of his back and pulling his hands behind him. He felt zip ties being tightly fastened over his wrists as he twisted his head to the side, noticing the guy with the gun throwing a rope ladder over the side of the boat.

"And you." He shouted over the side of the boat. To Gordon presumably. "No funny business or your brother here's gonna get a hole in em."

He pointed the gun towards Virgil to emphasise his point. The fact that this man knew they were brothers was not a good sign. He was starting to think something bigger than they'd thought was going on here.

Virgil gritted his teeth as the man holding him down shoved his head into the deck before getting off him and moving to the ladder.

He slowly moved to a sitting position, grimacing as the ties cut into his wrists. He was up just in time to see Gordon heave himself over the edge of the deck with a grim look on his face.

His brother had barely gotten his feet under him before he was roughly tackled to the ground in the same way Virgil had been.

"Hey!" Virgil grunted out of reflex at seeing his brother crash onto the deck but he was promptly ignored.

Gordon turned his head to him as his wrists were tied the same as Virgil's and gave him a grimace that said I'm okay but this is not a good situation.

Virgil gave a barely noticeable nod back to confirm he was okay too. Gordon lay dripping water onto the deck and Virgil noticed the cut on his arm he'd suspected earlier.

The red mixed in with the water and seeped onto the deck below him. Virgil hoped it wasn't deep, the water probably made it look like it was bleeding more than it was.

Once the ties were secure, Gordon was yanked up by his shirt collar and pushed down again next to Virgil, leaning against the side of the boat.

The three men regrouped across the deck and began whispering loudly to each other.

"Scott is going to kill us." Gordon mumbled as he shifted into a more comfortable position.

Virgil couldn't help but chuckle at his brothers attempt to lighten the mood.

"I think that's the least of our worries right now. You okay?" He asked, eyeing the cut on his arm.

"Yeah s'just a scratch."

That did not appease his worry in any way. Gordon wasn't one to admit to being in pain. But he let it slide for now.

They needed to work out why these men were here and what they were after. He internally sighed at the trouble they'd managed to get themselves in.

What a way to spend his birthday.

[Next]

[unfortunatelyilikebnha]

(//Britney Spears Voice// Oops I Did it Again)

I was thinking about Sero having siblings which made me think about class 1a and like,, how few of them have canon siblings? & then I was like “well hmm, who has siblings in canon and who do I feel like SHOULD have siblings?” which has NOW spiraled to “whole family dynamic” so. Here’s this (note that I’m not gonna subtract people from families who already canonically exist like however much I’d like to launch End**v*r into the sun this is less “I rewrote things how I’d like them to be” and more “how many of these kids do I think should have siblings and if their parents aren’t developed what do I think they’re like”).

Midoriya: We already know he does not have siblings and tbh even if we didn’t know I’d still think he doesn’t. He absolutely has Only Child Who’s Kinda Lonely And Wanted A Sibling But Never Got One vibes. Also we know he has a single mom and a dad who’s not really in the picture (sidenote I love Inko Midoriya even though she failed Izuku in the past by not believing in him she loves her son so much and is trying her hardest to make up for it and do what’s best for him). I feel like her husband is like,,, not straight up the worst person ever like he’s not abusive but he’s not particularly interested in his family anymore?? Like he pays his child support but doesn’t make any effort to talk to his wife and son? He’d get divorced but he doesn’t want to go through the hassle of that legal process, especially since he’s living on a whole separate continent & would either have to go back to Japan for the legal proceedings or do it from there which would be challenging & he’s “far too busy” to do that

Bakugou: He doesn’t have siblings in canon but he does kinda give off Middle Child In A House With Lots Of Children vibes...that inferiority/superiority complex tho...oh either that or Oldest Child In A House With Lots Of Children vibes...but yeah consider middle child Bkg. Like...maybe 5-6 Bakugou children and he’s either smack dab in the middle or 3rd oldest depending if he has 4 or 5 siblings. Also it’s pretty obvious that Mitsuki’s not a good mom & Masaru is not rlly willing to stand up to her but unfortunately I can’t change that cause I said I wouldn’t mess with existing family members :/ maybe I shouldn’t give him more siblings after all, for their sake...

Todoroki: We know the todofam dynamic already. Tbh idk what kinda vibes he’d give me if I didn’t already know he had siblings, but since I know that he has siblings in canon it makes sense that he’s a youngest child (also sidenote I LOVE the Todorokisibs & I want them to have the time to bond and become like,,, real, close siblings. Also #givereiadivorce2k20). I hope someone yeets Endumpster out of existence one of these days...fingers crossed

Iida: It’s canon that he has a brother and it’s so sweet how much he admires and loves him Iida ily. Again it makes sense that he’s a youngest child; his need to be “worthy of” his brother’s legacy is rlly apparent, & feels like a total youngest sibling trait. Tbh if I didn’t know he had a brother I could also see him as an only child but I’m glad he has Tensei. I feel like his parents are hardworking but make sure to make time for their children as much as they can & make sure they know they’re loved. Iida kinda also considers some of the heroes/sidekicks who work at the Idaten agency family since they’ve been around so much during his childhood & he knows them pretty well. Also since Tensei is friends with Aizawa and Yamada they were definitely Tenya’s babysitters at least a couple times & around the house a lot so he considers them kinda like uncles or something

Uraraka: I know she doesn’t have siblings in canon but it feels like she should. She gives off big sister vibes. Like she’s canonically becoming a hero for her parents, and I think that would be even better if she also had siblings (all younger than her. At least 2 siblings, maybe 3). I want to see Uraraka with siblings @ Horikoshi why did you deprive us of this? Also we know her parents work hard and love her which I love I’m so glad SOMEONE in class 1a canonically has 2 good supportive parents

Tsuyu: We already know she has two siblings and yes she also has Big Sister Vibes. Don’t have much to explain abt this one, she’s just mature and dependable in like the Older Sister Specific Way (not that all older sisters are mature and dependable, just that there’s a kind of mature and dependable that directly comes from being an older sister specifically). I feel like her parents love her and her siblings & taught them to be truthful & stuff but are kinda quiet and reserved with their affection, and they’re often busy with their jobs so Tsuyu had to take on some extra responsibility caring for her siblings

Yaoyorozu: She’s an only child and yeah, it makes sense. Her parents only have one child to focus on, and as such it’s pretty obvious she feels the full pressure of their expectations, giving her pretty obvious Only Child Vibes. Although I guess you could also look at it as youngest child vibes cause I could just as easily see her having a bunch of talented successful older siblings/one Really Talented Older Sibling so she feels the pressure in following in their footsteps (think either Daphne from scooby doo mystery incorporated or Tahani Al-Jamil from the good place except she doesn’t necessarily hate/resent her siblings but is just kinda insecure about her “worth” compared to them. This is where the second guessing she suddenly displays in canon could come in - correct me if I’m wrong but she didn’t rlly show signs of second-guessing herself until the sports festival? So she’s fine in class where nobody rlly knows her but once she’s at the sports festival which is nationally televised she starts to doubt herself because her parents and sister(s) are watching & she’s like “oh no what if my sister(s) would be better than me at this” so that’s why she suddenly loses confidence). I kinda implied before but I feel like her parents are pretty strict & have high expectations for her & while they’re not needlessly cruel, they won’t tolerate less than the best

Jirou: Pretty sure she has no siblings in canon BUT she TOTALLY gives off youngest sibling vibes. I’m thinking she’d have like a cool older brother who likes to embarrass her. Her parents are pretty chill (I think that part’s kinda canon?). She has lots of older cousins who she’s pretty close with and one bad*ss lesbian aunt who’s pretty much her role model (Jirou when she was younger: I wanna be just like my aunt!!! Jirou now: ah. That’s why. I also like girls.)

Kirishima: Again I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have siblings in canon and as for whether I think he gives off sibling vibes??? I’m not entirely sure. I was gonna say I don’t think so cause like. He gives off vibes that he’d be good with siblings but doesn’t actually have them, kinda like Midoriya (but like,,,I also kinda want to give him siblings so I’m not sure). Also you know that fandom headcanon that he has 2 moms? Yeah I love that that’s canon you can’t convince me otherwise. He has 2 moms and they both love him so much & wanna support him however they can (also I kinda put a little thought into them for a fic I started writing and decided that they’re the embodiment of the tattoo parlor/flower shop au. Flower mom keeps some arrangements that are...not necessarily professional in her shop because her wife arranged them for her. Tattoo mom gives flower mom tattoos for free & they have matching tattoos that flower mom designed)

Koda: he gives me Could Have Siblings vibes as in he kinda feels like another middle child but I feel like he’s actually an only child (like he probably is in canon? I think). His parents are quiet like him but they definitely love him and he knows it. He’s really close to his grandparents (who also live with his family) as well. He also, quits predictably, has a lot of animal friends who are kind of like family to him cause they’ve been through a lot together (the Koda family household sometimes looks a little bit like a zoo because 3 people in it have talking-to-animal-related quirks)

Sato: another idk about canon but he has a little sister. I cannot tell you why I think this but he definitely has a little sister. Sato you have been diagnosed with Big Brother Energy. Also he totally has a single dad who owns a bakery which is how Sato knows how to bake so well! They’re not poor but they’re not rich and he hopes to send some of his paycheck to support his family & help his dad expand the bakery. It wasn’t the primary reason he became a hero (that was because a hero once saved his little sister from a burning building & he decided that he wanted to be able to save people like that hero had saved his sister), but he does like the benefit of the paycheck

Tokoyami: tbh my first instinct was no siblings but I think it would be really funny if he had like. 3 really preppy siblings (one older than him two younger) & he was the only goth one in his family. Or like. His dad is also goth but his mom & other siblings r super preppy. He loves them all but is very much introverted and he and his dad are closer than the rest bc they kinda bond over being less energetic. His siblings & mom don’t REALLY understand Tokoyami’s goth-ness but they love and support him anyways. His younger siblings lowkey like Dark Shadow maybe even more than him tho. Dark Shadow was pretty sad when he heard they’d be moving to the dorms because he would miss them

Kaminari: tbh I first thought he had only child vibes (he kinda does) but then I decided that he has siblings but their age gaps are pretty significant. His older sister has just gotten out of university and is working and his younger sister is like...7 maybe. His siblings both love him but the age gaps between them make it hard for them to connect sometimes. Anyways I feel like his parents are pretty neglectful & caught up in their work. They don’t really pay attention to him or his other siblings, so his older sister had to learn things like cooking and cleaning and do a lot of taking care of Kaminari and he had to help take care of his younger sister, especially after his older sister went to uni. His parents just assumed he’d come to work at their electric company but he didn’t want to do that so while he definitely wants to save people a big part of his desire to become a hero is to make real connections and prove to his parents that he’s worthy of love and attention. He took the UA exam without telling them and when they found out they would have told him no except that they figured the exposure of their son going to the top hero school in Japan would give them more business. When he moved to the dorms he missed his sisters but was glad he didn’t have to be the main caretaker of his little sister anymore (his parents hired a nanny, which they hadn’t wanted to do before because of how much money it would cost, but because they had in fact gotten more business due to Denki going to UA they had a little more money now). (The nanny and Denki’s sister became fast friends, a fact of which he was glad because it meant he wasn’t leaving her alone in an empty house. He called and visited his sister as often as possible)

Hagakure: honestly I’m pretty sure she’s an only child in canon and she DOES give off only child vibes I think...unlike Midoriya tho I don’t think she’d be particularly bothered by it? I mean I feel like she’s kinda lonely but that’s less about lack of siblings & more bc of lack of people seeing her. But her parents rlly care about her & support her however they can, & they also understand her bc they’re invisible too so they know how it feels to have to work hard to be noticed when you can’t exactly be seen

Aoyama: either both his siblings are way older than him or he’s an only child. He does not give me “is super close with his siblings” vibes. He’s definitely seen as the baby in the family and not in a “he gets away with everything & is the parents’ favorite” way in the “they think he’s kinda a failure” way. His siblings look down on him, his mom pities him because he was the only one to inherit her quirk, which hurts to use, & his dad kinda doesn’t rlly care about him one way or the other. The family gives me pretty rich vibes. Like not as rich as the Yaoyorozus/Iidas/Todorokis but still pretty rich. He went to UA mostly because he wants to get stronger both so that his mom can stop pitying/worrying about him and so that the rest of his family won’t look down on him anymore

Ojirou: l also think he has a few siblings (like...no more than 2 tho). I think younger siblings, he’s also a character with big brother energy (tho I could also see middle child Ojirou). His mom runs a dojo which is part of the reason why he’s so good at martial arts. His dad is an artist. They’re pretty close and love and respect each other. His parents were surprised but supportive when he announced he wanted to go to UA

Ashido: an only child. Her parents love her a lot & make sure she feels supported. She sometimes wishes she had siblings but not super often because she has tons of good friends (this along with Kirishima being an only child who wants siblings sometimes only makes their brotp more epic)!! Also she still keeps in close touch with her civilian friends from middle school but kinda feel disconnected from them sometimes because they’re living such different lives than her. Like they’ll talk about the latest movie and ask her if she’s seen it and she just says no and kinda laugh it off because she can’t just say “no, I wanted to but villains tried to kill my class the day we were planning to go”. She also has a hard time telling her parents that because she knows they’d be super worried about her and she really wants to be a hero!

Sero: has siblings (is somewhere in the middle) and also a huge extended family!!! Before the dorms he lived with his mom and siblings but his extended family lived really close to them and visited all the time so he’s really close to both sets of grandparents and his many aunts and uncles and little cousins (though he’s a middle child in his immediate family he’s one of the oldest cousins). Though he misses his family he sees them as often as he can, and is kinda glad for how chaotic and loud the dorms can be sometimes because it reminds him of his home

Shoji: has a little brother, a mom, and a step-dad. It took a while for him to get used to his step-dad, but it becomes clear that he really loves his family so now Shoji loves him too and is fairly close to him. Shoji’s little brother is adopted because there were complications with his mom’s pregnancy when she was having Mezo and while he turned out fine, they found out that it would be risky for his mom to attempt to get pregnant again. His little brother also has a mutation quirk (though it’s not Dupli Arms it’s Bear) and Shoji loves him more than anything else in the world. He wants to become a hero to help combat the stigma around certain mutation quirks (Gang Orca once canonically kinda addressed that that exists when he talked about how children are always afraid of him bc of how he looks) so that the world will be better for people like him and his brother. His mom and stepdad wholeheartedly support him

M*neta: Only doing this bc my brain will not shut up & is making me analyze all of 1a even the ones I don’t consider 1a. I hope he doesn’t have siblings so less people have to be exposed to his...m*neta-ness but tbh I could see him having siblings. His parents are busy and either don’t notice or don’t care what a terrible person their son is

Better purple boy who deserves a place in 1a way more than the grape Shinsou: has no siblings but gives off IMMENSE big brother vibes. Definitely grew up in the foster system (his biological mother, who was a single mother and also had a mind control quirk, became a villain because she couldn’t get hired anywhere, had no way to support her son, and was tired of being villainized by society so she was like “ok you want a villain? Bet.” When Shinsou was like 7, his mom was killed while trying to flee a crime scene. Since Shinsou had no other parent, he was then put into the foster system. Nobody adopted him because everyone thought he was going to become a villain like his mom had, and even the people who didn’t know his mom thought his quirk was “villainous”). Aizawa and Yamada are now eventually planning to adopt him. He kinda has similar vibes to Midoriya in regards to the “Only Child Who’s Kinda Lonely And Wanted A Sibling” but unlike Midoriya he would NEVER admit he wanted a sibling. “I like being alone” he insists. He is a lying liar. However as soon as he meets Eri they instantly connect & he kinda becomes like a big brother to her even tho he will deny it until Eri herself calls him her brother. When this happens he will cry even tho he will say he didn’t

[eves-library]

Day One - Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: The box of Christmas decorations traveled to a new family every year.

Word Count: 3048

Warnings: Family loss, pregnancy, fluff.

A/N: Okay... So I said this was going to be short in length but it just got out of control (oops). I honestly didn’t know what I was gonna write with this first prompt but I gotta say I love this concept, hence the length. Days two and three will be posted in a few hours just so I get on time. Day four will be posted on Wednesday 4 at around 9 p.m. along with (hopefully) one of those Sweat Pea fics I promised over a week ago. (Sorry for that, again) 

Also, if anyone knows how to put the keep reading thing and would be so kind as to tell me how, I will highly appreciate it!! Now, enjoy it!

You've been waiting for this day for months, ever since you dragged Bucky with you to the community center near your childhood home. You had explained to him that you spent a lot of time there with your parents before they died. You also told him about a certain tradition the community center has. Every year members pay for raffle tickets to take home, on December 1st, several boxes with Christmas decorations. These decorations consisted of Christmas lights, some had ribbons, others had mistletoe and other types of decorations, but the one thing every box had were cardboard spheres with pictures on it from members of the community center with their families and loved ones. The tradition started many years back when the community center couldn't afford decorations for Christmas. They had decided to ask for the members to bring pictures of their families and they would make the cardboard spheres as frames. Over the years the tradition stayed and soon the community center had more spheres than they needed, so instead of rejecting the pictures and spheres they started making packages to raffle and give to the winners. 

When you were a kid, you and your parents had honored the tradition and made your own cardboard sphere. Christmas after Christmas you guys would buy raffle tickets and although not every year you got to take a box home with you, you remembered your last Christmas together decorating the Christmas tree with pictures of lots of different happy families along with other decorations. You were fond of this memory and you yearned to make a new one with Bucky. 

You ran down the stairs to receive the package that came from the very well known address for you. You thank the delivery boy and made your way upstairs once again. Bucky had gone out to the tower to a short meeting he had with Steve, and promise to be back on time to help you start decorating. You knew it wouldn't take much as his meeting was at around 10 in the morning and it was just 11:30. You started unpacking the decorations you had just received by mail and the others you and Bucky had bought a week ago. You were completely excited about the decoration task as you also have a small surprise for Bucky. Just as you finished taking everything out and laying it down the door opened and two super soldiers came through the door. "Y/N, Babe, I'm home! And I brought company!" 

You could clearly saw Bucky and Steve from your spot in the living room, "You don't have to shout Buck, I can see you both from right here." You said fake annoyment on your voice and a teasing smile on your face. You moved closer to Bucky as he made his way towards you. Once at arms reach he pulled you close and pressed his lips to yours. Even though the kiss was short and sweet, you felt your whole body melting and a content sigh escaped you. 

You then move to greet Steve with a kiss on his cheek and a complicity look. "Hey Y/N, I hope I'm not intruding, I just had nothing to do and Buck said instead of doing nothing I could come help decorate." You moved to face your decorations again and smile, "Of course you are not bothering at all Steve! The more the merrier! Now," you turned to look back at the boys, "let's get to work!" 

Steve and Bucky started hanging garlands on the windows and door frames, even on the frame of the countertop between the kitchen and the dining room had now a garland and white Christmas lights. You started working on making some centerpieces for the counter and table you had seen on Pinterest. You guys worked for a few hours, a break here and there. Between stories from when Steve and Bucky were younger and jokes filling the space as much as the festive mood, the little apartment you shared with Bucky felt cozier and a warm and fuzzy feeling crept up your chest. 

It was nearing 4 o’clock and you guys decided to go grab some food and return to finish. Thanks to the three of you working in tandem, the only thing left was to put the tree up and you were almost vibrating with excitement. You excused yourself to the bathroom before leaving to grab takeout. Once you were out of earshot Bucky turned to Steve and in a hushed whisper said, “Okay, give me the gift. I can go hide it in the room while you guys head out and I’ll stay with the excuse I forgot my phone.” Steve chuckled and took a box from the pocket inside his coat and gave it to Bucky. “I still don’t get what why didn’t you kept it, it’s not like Y/N would check your pockets, she’s not even expecting something for today, is she?” Steve asked Bucky a little amused by the nervousness clear on his demeanor. 

“Of course she’s not, but she could of feel it when I hugged her, I didn’t want to risk it,” Bucky said as Steve had said the dumbest thing, which for him he had. You walked out of the bathroom and grabbed your coat and wallet. “Okay, let’s go get some good burgers and pie, please!” Both guys chuckled Bucky helped you get your coat on, then you guys were heading out of the apartment when Bucky suddenly excused himself. “Wait! I forgot my phone, you guys head out I’ll see you downstairs.” You and Steve nodded and head out. You needed to speak with Steve urgently and you will take your chance. Walking a little faster than needed you dragged Steve one floor of stairs before you started to speak, not without checking if Bucky wasn’t following yet. Steve was giggling and shaking his head, he was sure of one thing, you and Bucky are mad for one another. “Okay, so I have the camera ready, it is hidden on the top shelf next to the counter in the kitchen. When we are done setting the tree up I will excuse my self to our room and I need you t go grab the camera with the excuse you want a beer or something, stay on the counter, you’ll know when to take the picture, I’m counting on you, Steve.” Your tone was stern but there was a big smile across your face. He didn’t know what was it you were going to give Bucky but he could see you were excited and just how important this was, not only to you but for his best friend too. “I won’t let you down Y/N, I cross my heart.” He said and made the motion of crossing his heart. 

While you were plotting with Steve a floor down, Bucky was looking for the perfect place to hide the gift he had gotten you. It needed to be somewhere you wouldn’t accidentally found it while you guys finished decorating but somewhere he could reach easily for when the time came to give it to you. Bucky was nervous as hell, he didn’t know if you will like his gift. He had been searching for it for at least two weeks, knowing he needed to have it ready by December 1st, wether you guys won the raffle at the community center or not, it was a deal you and him had made, December 1st was going to be decoration day. He knew his gift would be either the cherry on top of winning the raffle or the perfect way to distract you from losing. Once Bucky decided to hide your gift inside the drawer he kept the videogames Sam keep on buying him he let out a breath and head to the door a smile on his face. He couldn’t wait to finish decorating and give you his gift. 

You guys ate in record time, especially because you had ordered an extra portion of fries and when dessert time came, you asked two spoons of ice cream on top of your extra-large portion of pie. Once you reached your floor you were dragging your feet, Bucky almost carrying up the last couple of steps. Steve and Bucky were laughing at you and your antics, “Oh god, why did you let me eat so much Bucky!” that made Bucky laugh harder. “In Bucky’s defense Y/N, you did threaten him when he tried to eat part of that big slice of pie, I think your exact words were ‘You are gonna spend the rest of the day in Tony’s lab if you dare take a bite, cause I’ll cut your hand with this spoon if you do!’” You just groaned and stuck your tongue out on Steve’s direction, which just caused the two supersoldiers to laugh harder. Once inside the apartment, Bucky spoke, “Okay, so we just got the tree left, you already untangled the lights, so this should be fairly quick.” You agreed and just like that the excitement flooded your body once again.  

It took you and the guys around forty minutes to finish setting the tree, you were just missing the star at the top of the tree. You were sitting on Steve’s shoulders while Bucky was holding the tree from the base so it wouldn’t fall. “ You gotta get a little closer, Steve,” you directed, “Now to your left, no my left!” “Y/N is the same left!” Steve exclaimed as he moved right, “Either way you got the idea didn’t you?” you said as you leaned closer to the tree holding the top branch and finally inserting the garment at the top. “Done! Now get me down, I wanna see it!” You said as Bucky stood straight up and helped you off Steve’s shoulders. Steve took a seat on the couch and Bucky hugged you from behind, his arms circling your waist and his head on your shoulder, “Do you like it, doll?” Suddenly your eyes starting watering a little and your throat seemed to have a knot so you just nodded, after a few seconds you composed yourself and speak, “I love it, thank you, Buck, for letting me do this, it means a lot.” you turned your face towards his and you find him already looking at you. “It means a lot that you want to share this with me Y/N. I love you.” you both smiled at each other and you closed the minimal distance between your faces and kissed him. It was a strange angle to kiss but it was perfect. After a few seconds, you broke apart and you snuggled further into Bucky’s embrace, Steve had disappeared into the kitchen you assumed, maybe stealing one of the cookies you had bought on your way home to eat later in the afternoon. “Steve Grant Rogers, if you so much as eat one cookie you won’t be getting the cinnamon rolls you like so much tomorrow!” Steve’s head popped from behind the counter eyes big as one of a deer caught in headlights. You chuckled and gave him permission to eat one of the cookies. Bucky had left and when you turned around you found him with his hands hidden behind his back and a cheeky grin. You look at him suspiciously and a smile threatens to brake in your face. “What is it, Buck?” You asked stepping closer. “Y/N, I know how much this tradition means to you. The moment you told how the last Christmas with your parents was spent this way I knew I wanted this Christmas to as closer to that was.” Bucky took one step closer to you and from brought his hands in front of him, a rectangular box wrapped in brown paper and a golden ribbon. “It took me a while to have this ready, but after asking for some help I had I found it, they say you can keep it if you can, as a Christmas gift.” Your brows furrowed as you took the gift in your hands. You took a seat on the couch and started unwrapping it. when you took the wrapping paper you found a box, you opened it, your eyes grew to double their normal size, and you had gasped. Once the initial shock from the surprise wore off your eyes started watering, this time there was no chasing the tears away or hiding them. Two tears, one from each eye run down your cheeks and you brought your hand to your mouth. Bucky was kneeling in front of you and you looked up, a sob scaping you at the same time a big smile broke on your face. You threw yourself to him and he caught you easily. You spent a few minutes like that until you composed yourself and seat back, this time on the floor Bucky by your side. You leaned into him and held the object up still with watery eyes. 

When you had gotten the box that morning you had taken out all the cardboard made spheres and carefully examined each one of them. You knew it was a long shot to find the one your parents and you had made all those years ago, but you still hoped to find it. Sadly, you hadn’t and even though you felt a weight in your heart you stayed happy because nothing was going to ruin your Decoration Day with Bucky. What you didn’t know was that the moment Bucky heard the story of this tradition he knew he had to find that sphere for you. He had gone to the community center the next day after you guys bought the raffle tickets and spoke to the person in charge and explaining his plans to them. They had easily accepted to help Bucky as they remembered your parents fondly. He spent several days looking through all the boxes at the community center until he found it, now those late nights at the compound going through reports with Steve made a lot more sense. 

The click of a camera brought you back to your living room. and you looked up to find Steve holding the camera in his hands and smiling at you both. Bucky spoke as he knew words may still be hard for you at the moment. “Where did you even got the camera, punk?�� He said with a laugh at the end of his sentence, and it was as if a light had gone off in your head. You bolted to your share bedroom and Bucky looked confused as you ran off. not five minutes later you came back with a gift bag in your hands. “I got you a little something too, Bucky.” You said taking your spot next to him once again, a shy smile on your face. Bucky took the bag from your hands, “I thought gifts were meant to be given on Christmas, baby.” He said as he took out the three objects out of the bag and you shrugged. “I thought this one couldn’t wait until then.” You said and watched him carefully, now a little nervous at his reaction. Bucky looked at the three objects a little confused, the biggest one was a sphere similar to the one he had gifted you but this one was made of wood and at the top, the words “Our Little Family” were painted with golden paint. The next was a piece of paper, black and white and he couldn’t really make out what it was about until he finally looked carefully at the third object, it was a white stick, a pregnancy test he realized. His eyes went from the test to the ultrasound, he now realized and finally to you. You were biting your lip and holding your breath waiting to hear him speak. “Y/N, are you pregnant?” he asked and you slowly nodded, “I’m going to be a father?” His lips turned into a giant smile and now his eyes were the ones watering. “We are going to have a baby, Buck.” You said softly and he was the one throwing himself at you know, hugging you tightly to his body as he cries tears of happiness. 

In the background, you hear the soft clicks of the camera but you could care less. Last week you had noticed you hadn’t had your period in a couple of months, you then had a suspicion but before panicking, you went to the pharmacy to buy a test. You wanted to tell Bucky right away but thought better of it. The next day you went to the doctor just make a final test and she made you an ultrasound. You had already sent the sphere to be made in wood to gift it to Bucky as a mean to tell him he was now your family and will be for as long as he has you. When you got the message from the guy at the store that your sphere was done and ready to be picked you came up with the idea of telling him today. 

Once Bucky composed himself and separated from you, did Steve came closer with tears brimming on his eyes. He congratulated you both, “The extra food and threats have more sense now,” he said jokingly and you punched his arm and he started chuckling. 

You had lost your parents years ago, right before you became a legal adult and life had treated you roughly, but you wouldn’t change a thing. It was what had led you to this moment with the love of your life and your future family. 

One year later…

Bucky had an arm wrapped around your waist as you guys walk to the community center with your baby on asleep on your arms. Today was the day the community center opened the cardboard spheres workshop and the sale for raffle tickets started. On his other hand, Bucky had a folder with some pictures you guys had taken just a week ago, for this specific reason. Your little family is going to follow the tradition and make your own cardboard sphere to be donated to the community center.

[bangtanscenariosblog]

Masterlist (March 11th 2019)

Request me all the scenarios you want! :) ♥

Scenarios:

Fireworks - Rap Monster fluff.

I will color your sky - J-hope angst.

Let me love you - J-hope angst-fluffy-philosophical

Lose control - Jimin smut.

Love you to death - Jungkook fluff

Rewind - SUGA angst and philosophical.

Speak it up - Rap Monster angst and fluff

Stuck in his hurricane - Jimin hot and fluff.

This is what I wanted to tell you - V fluff.

You’re a work of art - Rap Monster angst and fluff.

You only love once - Jungkook fluff

Sequel scenarios:

Jin fluffy one: Follow me.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5

Jin historical-cultural-angst-fluff: Only one - Only one (sequel)

J-Hope and Jimin angst and fluff: Foolish Feelings. Part 1 - Part 2 coming soon

Requested scenarios:

A smile like his father’s - J-Hope angst- fluff

Braid your hair - V fluff

Can you smile - V angst and philosophical with Jimin as a second character.

Can you smile (alternative version) - V angst-philosophical-fluff (still with Jimin.)

Childish fights - Jungkook fluff

Did you know I meant it? - J-hope angt-fluff

Don’t change - Jimin angst-fluff-philosophical

Fake lies - Jin angst-super fluff-a bit philosophical

First - V fluffy smut

How much did you miss me? - SUGA fluff

I’ll be standing by your side - SUGA angst

I’ll protect you - Jimin angst

Imperfect life - Jin angst- super fluff

Insane driver - Jimin fluffi

Insecurities - SUGA angst- fluff

Jealousy consumes you - Jungkook angst-philosophical-fluff

Just once - SUGA fluff

Kid’s like love - V fluff

Light; take me away - V fluff- angst- philosophical

Morning kiss - V fluff

Mute - V smut

Not that lovable - SUGA angst - fluff - philosophical

Our passionate weakness - V fluff - angt -philosophical

Photographs - V angst-fluff

Rainy day - V fluff

Recall - Jin angst and fluffy in the end

Rude - Jimin angst- smut

Someday seems impossible - Jungkook fluff

Warm hugs - Jimin angst-fluff

Warm whispers - SUGA fluff-angst-philosophical-smut

You’re beautiful - V philosophical-angst-fluff

Song Requested scenarios:

How you got the girl - V angst (based on How you get the girl by Taylor Swift).

Slave to our hormones - V fluff (based on War Of Hormones by BTS).

So close yet so far - Jungkook angst- fluff (based on the For You mv by BTS).

Special scenarios:

I mean the opposite (Jimin’s 21st birthday)

Not ready yet (Jungkook’s 19th birthday)

New love (Rap Monster’s 22nd birthday)

Pray for humanity

Spiritualism (Halloween scenario)

Christmas Day (For Christmas)

Imatexts and quotes

Basically for the imatexts I have made, since they are pictures posts, you gotta “search on the blog”. Just search “imatexts” or “imatext” and if you scroll down, you’ll find all of them!

Their type of…

Kisses

Hugs

Reactions

Dating a gender fluid (without gifs)

Hurt during sex (NSFW)

You don’t want to marry them

You being feminine

You being ill

You’re a drummer and can do V’s voice

You’re more attractive than before

You’re drunk and cry at a party

Someone’s flirting with you

You being scared after seeing a scary movie

You don’t want him to meet your parents

You being dominant (NSFW)

Your hair being fluffy

Starting a dance battle between the members for you to judge

You sleeping with a plushie

You being embarrassed after two members had some skinship

You sneaking into their dorm

You both being horny (NSFW)

You being insecure about your weight

You doing too much sports

You cooking with their moms

A stranger kissing you

You accidentally facing their intimate part

You trying some clothes on in the fitting rooms

You singing for the first time

BTS asking you out to prom

Staying late at school (written)

You dodging their kisses

You having an origami collection

Other requests

Rap Monster’s type of girl

Which BTS member would date a black girl

Which BTS member would date a non-asian girl

Which BTS member would date a 00 or 01 liner

Which BTS member would date a 98 liner

Which BTS member would date a 97 liner

How would Jungkook date a short and loud girl

Here, you can find every single daily preference I have made from now on. I upload a preference everyday and I also take requests for them. If you wanna request me one, please tell me the member you’d like and the plot.

Here they are, enjoy reading!~♥

#1 Falling asleep in front of a movie

#2 Napping after work

#3 Playfully making your bed

#4 Ice cream date

#5 Woke up by a kiss

#6 Jealous Jin

#7 Babysitting help

#8 Midnight snacks

#9 Hot hugs

#10 Brain Dots

#11 After school surprise

# Cheering you up

#12 Periods cramps

#13 Stare game

#14 Hot chocolate kiss

#15 Jealous of your male best friend

#16 Scared of storms

#17 Scared of spiders

#18 Kiss cam

#19 Playing video games

#20 Horror movie

#21 Unexpected kiss

#22 Ordering pizze

#23 Study support

#24 Lunch date

#25 Introducing you to his friends

#26 Nail polish kisses

#27 Cinema date

#28 Chocolate bar

#29 Studying kisses

#30 Bowling date

#31 Vacation ride

#32 Cuddling day off

#33 Push ups

#34 Forbidden diet

#35 Changed homescreen

#36 Nap on his knees

#37 Waiting room

#38 Taking the underground

#39 Home after a tiring day

#40 Accidental skype confession

#41 Bless you

#42 After-shower routine

#43 Water bottle

#44 New hair cut

#45 Waking up on a Sunday morning

#46 Just dance

#47 Surprise visit after your shower

#48 Late night Skype

#49 Receiving your scholar books

#50 Changing contact name

#51 Going back home at night

#52 Music festival date

#53 Kisses; stress reliever

#54 Spending your birthday (and Jungkook’s birthday together) (Requested)

#55 Protecting you from the rain

#56 He randomly knows your name at school

#57 Exchanging glances in class

#58 Parrot

#59 Note into your locker

#60 No longer your seatmate

#61 Taking the bus after a long day

#62 Missing him to sleep

#63 Snapbacks

#64 Struggling to stay awake

#65 Basketball game with your boyfriend

#66 Falling asleep on a rainy night with your boyfriend

#67 Feeling low because of your look

#68 Staying up late to study

#69 Being cold so he warms you up

#70 Too lazy to get up to go to work so he gently wakes you up

#71 Missed the bus

#72 Having a good time with your boyfriend while watching a basketball match

#73 Shy bathing time

#74 Playfihting because of your wet hands

#75 Learning to us chopsticks

#76 Ill

#77 Restaurant date

#78 Running motivation

#79 Carry you to bed

#80 Finishing your homework earlier

#81 Can’t find your glasses

#82 Schoolmate staring at you

#83 Attempt to make you smile

#84 Sporty date

#85 “Perfect date”

#86 Studying pause

#87 Bike riding

#88 Legs tickling

#89 Airport meeting (Requested)

#90 “I don’t need make up” (Requested)

#91 Come over on a Saturday night (Requested)

#92 Bubble gums

#93 Lazy day in bed (Requested)

#94 Dancing with Namjoon

#95 Your best friend helping you to go through your heart break

#96 Surprise picking up (Requested)

#97 Late phone call and silly conversations

#98 Cheerful text

#99 Pregnant announce (Requested)

#100 Wedding propose (Requested)

#101 Cheating rumors (Requested)

#102 Taking a pic of you but you feel insecure

#103 Tying up his ties

#104 Jealous and protective when you leave the house

#105 Cold

#106 Mental breakdown

#107 Twisted ankle

#108 Cute when…

#109 Men in the street

#110 Drunk in love

#111 Jealous crush

#112  Emperor

#113 First date

#114 Craving for kisses

#115 Cheesy halloween

#116 Comforting boyfriend

#117 Drunk with stranger

#118 Break up

#119 We could (based on Do I wanna know by Arctic Monkeys).

#120 Master (NSFW).

#121 Shattered

#122 Just a lifetime

#123 Ditch class

#124 Confidence

#125 Meet again

#126 Pretty hot though

#127 Even more tomorrow

#128 What would you do?

#129 You like me, don’t you?

#130 Possessivity

#131 Your most prescious dream

#132 Be your last

#133 Not born to fight

#134 Feel the same

#135 Close enough

#136 Unexpected kiss

#137 Stress relieving session

#138 Run

#139 “You’re the one that’s annoying!”

#140 “I will think about it.”

#141 Cheater

#142 “I am not sick!”

#143 Uninspired

#144 Bakeries

#145 Christmas ice skating

#146 Sky is the limit

#147 Protective brother

#148 Torture

#149 Psychotic boyfriend

#150 Supportive father

#151 Routine

#152 Garlands

#153 Holidays

#154 Art teacher

#155 Revelation

#156 Awkward firt kiss

#157 Shamefuly attracted

#158 Hard to concentrate

#159 Serious when it comes to you

#160 Have a nice day

#161 Still can’t get enough

#162 Steamy atmosphere

#163 Plushie gift

#164 How much do you love me?

#165 Sexy teasing

#166 You so love hate him

#167 I don’t care what you think about your beauty

#168 Not as a friend anymore

#169 seems like I forgot this one, oops! Sorry x

#170 Couple silliness

#171 Surprise meeting

#172 Art project

#173 Play fighting

#174 Scared of love

#175 The little surprise

#176 Meeting family

#177 Love is a cycle…

#178 Garden of Eden

#179 Massage session

#180 Cart race

#181 Touch our dreams

#182 What’s your wish?

[capo-cedes]

Let The Festivities Begin.

INVOLVED: Mercedes D'onofrio, Nicholas D’onofrio, Al Mazomanie, Donna Mazomanie, Rebecca Mazomanie, Paul D’onofrio, Bernice D’onofrio, & Freddie D’angelo. TIME FRAME: Saturday, February 22nd, 2020. LOCATION: NY Venue; New York City, New York. NOTES: Mercedes and Nicholas host an Engagement Party. 

As the limousine pulled up to the venue Mercedes grabbed her bag and she stepped out of the vehicle, standing up on her heels. She grabbed Freddie’s hand moving forward towards the entrance as she adjusted the fur coat, placing the hood of the coat over her head blocking the snowfall from messing up her pin curls. The venue was booming for such short notice, but she didn’t expect it not to be either, Al’s youngest daughter was getting married and to none other than Nicholas D’onofrio it was the place to be in NYC and not to mention an event you didn’t want to miss. She licked her red painted lips, pulling down her squint dress as she looked back for her husband waiting to enter with him. Weeks of eating and sleeping caused the dress to cling to her in places she hadn’t meant to emphasize before however, her husband loved it so she guessed everyone else, Rebecca especially, would have to just accept it and love it too.

Nicholas gazed thoughtfully at the majesty of the venue his wife had so dutifully picked out. Oops, his fiancée. He must remember that. No one knew they were already husband and wife. And tonight, was supposed to be their engagement party. Left to his own devices, less would have always been more. Only he hadn't married a less type of woman. So, he resigned himself to this night and all the others she had cooked up for them in the future. His cold green eyes warmed as they slid from the building to land on Red. He stepped from the car, rising up to tower over the woman even in heels. "You know," He said one last look at the entrance, awash in red roses, with petals leading up the walk. "We could always skip this charade and just tell everyone; we're married and that I have already knocked you up. It would save time." He said wrapping his arms around his wife from behind. "And money." He grinned, not actually caring one wit how much the woman spent.

Mercedes looked over her shoulder at her husband as he wrapped her up in his strong arms. She listened to his words and provided him with a kind smirk before she said “Al would kill me” to him gently. Her father liked the traditional standpoint to everything, how ironic. “We have to do it right, you know that” she told him with a smirk as she pulled away from him grabbing his hand and lacing their fingers. “Come on” she said pecking his lips, smudge proof red lipstick a godsend as she tugged him towards the entrance happily. “And please put on a happy face daddy, you’ve pretended with more for less” she said with a raised domineering brow. “Especially if you want pussy tonight” she added with a purr as she moved into the building happily. She dropped her hood finally and allowed Freddie to take her coat and purse as if on cue, revealing the gown fully and her well put together hair. She looked to her husband, well fiancé tonight, and smirked. Music was blaring and people were chattering. She guessed it was their time to shine.

Nicholas rubbed over Red's midsection where his child grew. Odd as the thought was, he'd kill the man who didn't follow traditions with his potential daughter. He grunted, "I know." And he did. Respect was everything, besides fear that is. And even now he had a healthy dose of both for the crime boss. Al slipped from his mind as Red kissed him, playfully. He shook his head. "The things I do for love" he recited as he allowed Red to pull him up the walkway. He bit his lip but couldn't hide his smile. "You deny me over a smile?" He asked coolly as they entered the warmth of the building. His head swiveled from side to side as he removed his jacket. He knew everyone that would be at this party, nevertheless, he surveyed the room memorizing every detail. You never knew when a quick getaway would be needed. Smoothing down the front of his hand-sewn, tailored tux, he checked the gun tucked in the small of his back. He was about to issue instructions to Freddie, when his eyes fell on Red. One step back, he marveled at every inch of the woman, literally in red tonight. Stepping up to her smoothly, he interlocked their fingers once more. His green eyes held her honey brown ones, burned with unbridled desire.  He brought the back of her hand to his lips, kissing it softly. "Twenty-nine minutes." He told her as he led her forward.  "Cause in thirty, that dress is coming off." His voice was deadly serious, as he smiled entering the hall.    

“It’s hard to deny you over anything these days” Mercedes said as she moved to straighten his tie a bit in his tux. “You look handsome” she said pecking his lips again at his words she chuckled at him shaking her head as the double doors opened and revealed them to a multitude of people. “Shit” she mumbled under her breath, his happened to be a jab at Rebecca but it grew into so much more as she stepped forward with his fingers laced tightly as she looked around the large crowd booming with excitement for their arrival. Body to body, she moved through the crowd greeting a few people she thought she knew, some she actually desired to see there before Al wrapped her up his arms hugging her tightly to his chest, a cigar and glass of Scotch in one hand.

“You look stunning!” Al said to Mercedes “Nicky my boy” he greeted letting Mercedes go to hug the man something he would not have ever been caught dead doing. “I am so happy, you two have no idea what a happy man you make me” he told them both as he placed the cigar between his lips and wrapped his arms around them moving through the crowd. “Everybody who’s anybody is here” he said before he looked to Mercedes pecking her cheek. “Your mother has been talking about how happy she is to finally watch someone walk down the aisle all night!”

Mercedes allowed Al to wrap her up in his arms, eyes wide as she patted his back gently. As he pulled away, she fixed her dress and looked to Nicky with a bit of shock laced in her smile as he greeted her, husband who would soon be her husband, again? She walked with the man smirking as she looked around for her dear sister. She looked over to Nicholas as she chuckled to herself lightly, Al was drunk, drunk and hyped up on a family celebration. She was amused. “You two can’t possibly be more excited than Nicky and I” she retorted with a smirk at her father.

The doors to the hall swung open, revealing an event, unparalleled by any New York or the Mazomanie family had held in over a decade. He should have known the guest list would swell, this was after all, the event of the year. Nicholas itched between his shoulder blades; security was in place. He was sure of that. But it still wrangled him that he no longer had a trusted second in command to hold the soldier’s reins. He glanced back at Freddie, who for tonight had the command of all guards. Well, if something were to happen, he’d get Red and the baby out. Nicholas could live or die assured in that knowledge. The music was just barely audible over the murmur of the crowd. Richly dressed people laughed as waiters snaked through there number offering glasses of pale wine and finger foods to guests. Still, though, who the hell were all these people? Nicholas thought. More or less, tugged forward by his wife. He nodded graciously at person after person. He didn’t really see them though. Instead with each step he marked the Mazomanie family. Vittorio, Steven, Willie, Monica, he counted off. They were easy to find.  Where the crowd seemed to swirl like a whirlpool, in the center you’d find a capo. Everyone and their seconds in command were present. Everyone but, Rebecca. The woman’s name alone churned his stomach. His mood lifted further as he identified New Jersey's Governor Phil Murphy, and New York's police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea in attendance. At least, for the moment, he could content himself that, no one in the five boroughs of New York, or the suburbs of New Jersey would be fool hearted enough to try anything tonight.

The smell of Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve wafted towards Nicholas' nose. Only one man in New York smoked $750 cigars, Don Al Mazomanie. Nicholas let Red's hand slip from his own as the man greeted his daughter. Smiling as if the compliment on her beauty had anything to do with him. He added his own, “she's positively glowing,” he said, smirking evilly at Red. Nicholas’ heart thumped nervously in his chest, as the Don turned his affections on him. He clapped the man on his back, sharing the shocked expression painted on his wife’s face. Stiffly, he greeted his father-in-law, holding to formalities. “Don.” Out of the impromptu embrace, Al moved them through the crowd. Everyone instinctively opened out around them. Only refilling the gap after they’d passed. Nicholas pulled at his cuff links smiling, then idly touched the back of his neck. In a sea of people, he had the very unpleasant feeling that someone was watching them, coldly.  

"Happy, happy couple…" Rebecca tsked. The stem of the wine glass cracked in her grasp. She watched the show tucked away in a corner of the room. She’d make an appearance, but only when she wanted to be seen. She shook the glass from her hand, and turned her palm up, blood draining across her porcelain white skin. Why was it the wrong person always had to bleed. She snatched a napkin from the table and dabbed the blood away as she once again found her father, lovingly escorting the happy couple to their place of honor. The stupid bitch had stayed. She wondered why? Or rather how Nicholas had managed to deceive her sister. No way would Tiny's pride have allowed her to stay with the man. So, there had to be deception involved. She could fix that. And Mercedes had given her the perfect venue to do so. She smirked. Already preparing her toast.

Mercedes tucked her lips away at Nicholas words, looking to her father as she tucked a curl back in place as he guided them towards her mother essentially. “Dad who are half of these people?” she asked him nervously. She knew her father would never put any of them in harms way but there were too many bodies to be able to wash your eyes over everyone and there was a mighty big price on her head rather her husband and father knew that or not. Might she also add, she couldn’t find her dear sister anywhere, but she knew Al wouldn’t let her out of not coming. “Where is Rebecca?” she asked him gently “I haven’t seen my sister in days” she played along.

Al looked to Mercedes and he pulled the cigar from his mouth, he tossed back his drink and sat it on a tray as he moved for their massive table in the center of the room. “Family!” he exclaimed happily as he looked around them before he said “my daughter is getting married” he told her hugging her close “this is a sight for anyone to see and quite evidently a gossip piece for others. Tiny, New York loves you, you know that” he reminded. He looked at Nicholas and said “isn’t that right Nicky? '' easily before he approached his wife finally having treaded through the crowd. “Your sister is, somewhere around here. Sure, to have a drink in her hand” he told her. “Never mind her” he waved off knowingly as he spun Mercedes around for his wife “look at her, pure perfection” he told her.

Donna looked at Mercedes as she approached, the woman was ‘glowing’, and she batted her lashes. Chuckling as Al spun the woman around, and she took her in “you look beautiful” she said looking to her husband and then Mercedes. She stood up and hugged the girl tightly to her pecking her cheek sweetly “you do look ravishing dear” she said grabbing her hands and looking her over. The friction caused by her husband in her household was never okay with her, but Al ran the show and she sat and looked pretty. That was her job as his wife. She looked over at Nicholas and said “hi” sweetly hugging the boy as well “you look handsome Nicky” she said using his pet name. “You two complement each other so well” she said through red painted lips.

Nicholas didn't doubt the Don's pronouncement of the family. But there were a few, big Whig heavy hitters in the room, that he was sure where there out of respect and for business. He licked his full lips, however, and said nothing. Al spun his fairy-tale for his daughter and Nicholas nodded along. She deserved this crowd. His wife was a queen. "Absolutely!" He agreed without hesitation. His ears perked up when Rebecca's name was tossed out. He wanted to find the woman, they needed to have a conversation. Underboss or not. Nicholas, stepped into Donna's grasp, hugging the woman appropriately before stepping away. "Thank you. And might I add you look lovely tonight Mrs. M."  

Mercedes spun with her father slowly on her high heels and she hugged her mother lovingly, she happened to be the only person Red could say without a doubt tried to pour love into her. She happened to be the glue that kept them all together and Mercedes appreciated that. “Thank you” she said at her words she smiled looking over at Nicholas, she guessed they did complement each other very well. She looked around again however as her mother and Nicholas spoke, she was lurking somewhere in the middle of all of this she knew Rebecca too well to know that she was close by somewhere. Licking her lips, she looked at the photos of her and Nicholas that adorned the space. Massive professional portraits taken of them, one in particular she loved was of her hugging him from behind, his cheek was painted with prints from her red covered lips. She smiled at that before she looked back at the small group and said “daddy” cutely “Nicky and I have to go greet some other guest” she sung out.

Donna smirked at Nicholas kindly “thank you dear” she said patting his shoulder before she moved to seat herself once more. She looked to Mercedes knowingly and smirked at her before she looked at her husband “come, sit” she said grabbing his hand, he was a cup away from being under the table though she knew for him it was a huge celebration.

Al looked at Mercedes and he nodded “of course” he told her pecking her cheek again. “Go on you two” he said waving them off letting his wife guide him to his seat and he parked his butt in it resting his cigar aside and grabbing another drink.

Nicholas smiled, stepping easily up behind the matriarch, he held her chair as she resumed her seat. Surrounded by Mercedes' family, he wondered for the first time, where his mother and brothers were. He looked around the room trying to pick them out in the crowd with no luck. Moving to take Mercedes hand. "She's right. If you see my mother, would you please point her in our direction." He said, respectfully to Al and Donna.

Mercedes smirked as her husband and she held his hand as they moved from her father. “He’s half past drunk” she said to him as she looked back at Al “not to mention I don’t know a good portion of these people and I don’t like that” she told Nicholas as she looked around them again. “I sent out invites, I didn’t expect him to make this into this big thing Nicky I am sorry” she said having stopped them in the middle of the floor and she looked at his face expectantly. He hated this shit she knew that already and she didn’t know how long his good boy act would last. “We won’t stay long” she told him.

Nicholas waded out into the sea of people, most of his concentration on finding his mother among the crowd. He heard Red but wasn't really paying her complete attention. "Al will do as he likes." He concluded, knowing full well, how the man operated. Once they stopped, Nicholas looked down at his wife, his face a mixture of wonder and astonishment. He brought his hand up to her face and kissed her softly. Something he realized he'd never done in such an open place, in front of these people. "It's fine, Red." He said gently. "We'll stay as long as you like. Or until I can't stand the sight of that dress on you any longer." He grinned, hand moving dangerously low on her waist. "Let’s see if we can find my mother."

Paul needed an in. Four years older than Nicholas, he'd been a soldier longer then his brother had been a part of the family. Yet, he stood lower. A fact that bothered him more than his other two brothers. He'd have sold Nicholas into slavery like Joseph from the bible. Shit, even if he succeeded the story would have ended up the same. With Nicholas exactly where he was now. Even though he had to admit with Nicholas, basically taking over their father's place, their power had grown. And now this marriage was pure genius. He would have married the older sister personally, but Nicholas had to have a reason for picking Mercedes over Underboss Rebecca. He found Rebecca easily near the back of the room. Maybe the woman just didn't like his brother. He knew she was a ball buster. But so was Tiny. He thought, rubbing his chin. He found Nicholas in the crowd easily, Red always stood out, and tonight she was the only woman in a full-length red gown. He moved towards the pair, quickly. It was time to make his move.  "Nicky baby. This is quite some party. Tiny. I can't believe you got this man to settle down." It was known among the family that no one was to ever speak of Sara. As far as Nicholas was concerned, Mercedes was his first and only wife.

As Nicholas kissed her among the waves of human bodies, she kissed him back sweetly closing her eyes for a time before she looked up at him. Nodding her head, she agreed with what he said, again he was playing along, and she could respect that. At the mention of his mother she nodded her head at him and said “right” as she grabbed his hand again. Mercedes looked at Nicholas brother and she smiled as he greeted them both. “Nice to see you Paul” she replied easily to him and she chuckled at his remark resting her hand on Nicholas chest cutely “well you know what they say about true love” she replied nestled to her husband’s side. “We were just wondering where all of you were” she said easily as she pushed a curl back gently.

Nicholas turned as his brother, made his appearance. His arm went around Red's waist, holding her tight against him, for no other reason than he liked the feel of her tucked there. "I was beginning to think you all weren't here. Where's mom?" He asked in a tone more business than a party.

"I most certainly do not." Paul said, shaking his head in fear. "And I hope I never have to. I'll leave that kind of thing for people like you and Nicky here." Paul threw his head over his shoulder. "This way. I'll take you to her." He said, placing himself in front of Nicholas and Mercedes he made his way through the crowd, "Andrea's here with her new boyfriend. I have a good feeling about this one, Nicky. She really wants you to meet him." He said, idly as he led the way. "Mama!" He called, stepping aside, "I brought your baby boy and his fiancée."

Bernice turned away from her conversation with her daughter, piercing emerald eyes, taking in her youngest son and his new ... Fiancée. She wasn't sure about this union. She'd known Tiny since she was a girl in pigtails, but she heard stories about the woman she'd become and wasn't yet convinced she knew how to be a wife to Nicholas. Mercedes was a Capo and despite all this love shit. Two bosses together weren’t a good idea. If things went sour, it would be her baby's life on the line, not Mercedes. "I see you've learned the meaning of fashionably late." She moved and hugged her son. "I'll have to decide if I like this new Nicholas." She said releasing him to hug Mercedes. "My dear, you are a vision." She hesitated and touched the woman's face. Staring into her eyes intently, she licked her lips knowingly. "Baby, give mother a moment alone with your fiancée." She said, pulling Mercedes away from the group of men. The older woman crooked a finger at her own personal guard, instructing them to stay vigilant.

Nicholas laughed, drawing his mother from the floor into his hug. "You always said I was too serious. I'm trying to loosen up." He said, releasing the shorter woman. He looked to his mother curiously, but nodded, kissing the back of Red's hand as she was led away. He turned, all business back to Paul. "Have you seen the Underboss. I need to have a word with her." He whispered, intently to Paul, as they moved over to his sister.

Paul nodded, quick as a flash, "You want me to take you to her? She has been hiding out in the back most of the night."

Nicholas kissed Andrea on the cheek, as his cold green eyes looked over her new boyfriend. "Yeah," He said to Paul with a quick nod. He ignored Andrea's friend’s outstretched hand. "I'll be right back." He told the man, in a tone that said motherfucker you better be here when I return.

Mercedes snorted at Paul “aw, Paul” she cooed “a little love never hurt anyone” she joked as she patted her husband’s chest gently. At the mention of his mother, Red followed Nicholas hand and hand as she looked around them again, she still hadn’t spotted her damn sister, cursing her small stature and hers as well at this point. As they approached the woman Red looked to her with a bright smile on her face, she always wanted a large family, a tight knit one at that. And despite herself she wanted to be connected to everyone, essentially for their child’s sake if nothing more. As mother and son hugged, Red let his hand go, she’d never ever picture her coming before his mother and she wouldn’t try. Just as Nicholas respectfully couldn’t come before Al, right? As the woman approached her, looked to her with a bright smile “it is always a delight to stand before just unchanging beauty” she breathed “the years have been impeccable to you” she complimented. As the woman whisked her away from Nicholas, she looked back at him and then looked to his mother.

Bernice turned, finger covering her painted lips, staring Mercedes straight in the eyes. She sighed and lowered her finger. "May I speak frankly?" She asked the young woman, hand tapping against her thigh.

As promised Paul led Nicholas directly to Rebecca. He clapped the man proudly on the back. "Stay here. And make sure no one, not even Mercedes disturbs us." He said, before walking away from his brother. "Underboss...” He greeted once close to the woman. His word lacked even a slither of respect and he knew it.

Rebecca saw them come. A pack of wolves moving together across the floor. And here she thought she'd have to send for Nicholas. She heard the scorn in his tone and laughed. "Nicky, Nicky, Nicky..." She purred, sitting back in her seat. "I never thought you had it in you." She said clapping her hands together. There was no use for mincing words with the man, he was ever blunt as an anvil. "Did you come hoping to persuade me to keep our secrets?"

Mercedes licked her painted lip, though nothing was going to budge it from moving. She wondered where his mother was going with this but nonetheless, she nodded her head. “Of course,” she replied “I respect nothing more than the truth from people” she said to the older woman. Now, thanks to love she had shed a lot of her evil ways, he softened places of her that had been hardened over the years but at the end of the day. Everyone had to know Red, would be Red, she demanded respect, cherish honesty, and wise beyond her measures. She clasped her hands in front of her as she walked with the woman essentially parting the red sea as she did.

Bernice's perfect eyebrow rose, "Thank you." She said, liking the girl’s response. Her husband was a whole lot of unspeakable shit. But the one thing he always was with her was honest. Even when she hadn't wanted him to be. She took Mercedes by the arm and moved as if no one else was in the room. "Nicholas is my baby. Of all my son's he's the one, I thought wouldn't end up in this life. How wrong I was..." She shrugged, moving on. "Now that he is, I worry about him. I know I can't make his decisions for him. He is stubborn and headstrong. He got that from both me and his father." She laughed, fondly remembering her husband. With a sigh, she stopped to look at the woman seriously, "He needs gentleness and understanding when he's alone at home. He needs a wife... Are you that? Can a woman on your level walk the path of a leader and mob wife?"

Nicholas' fingers itched, he walked around the table and sat on the edge. "No..." He said simply, staring hard down at the woman. Noting the stained napkin on the table, "I came to ask why? Why? Did you feel the need to tell Mercedes anything?"

Rebecca felt the cold edge in Nicholas' voice, but she sat back straight refusing to be cowed. "My sweet sister... She deserved to know the truth. That her fiancé was a double dipping bastard that doesn't really love her. I know you Nicholas. I've tasted you. I know how you long and thirst for power. And soon she'll know it too. Make your offer and if I like it. I might not ruin this night too."

The smug bitch thought she knew him. He leaned close to her and whispered into her ear, "You can stop calling Michael. People don't tend to answer calls from the cemetery." She stiffened and Nicholas smiled. He pulled Rebecca up out of her seat, not rough, just a brother and sister talking. "I told Red the truth. I told her that you were pathetic, and that you used your position to slither into my bed. I told her I never wanted you." He found his wife and mother chatting together. "All these people are here for her. She's carrying my child and your own father loves her more. Why the fuck would I need you for anything?"

Nodding her head, she tried to follow the direction the woman was going in, never mind the fact that she much rather be sitting down considering the 6-inch heels she had on, but she made do. As she went on to explain her thoughts on Nicholas, Red nodded her head at the woman her hands still clasped in front of her as she followed along with her. As she described the man to a T, she nodded her head again at her looking over to her with a smirk. However, when she started to explain her son’s needs and that he ultimately needed a wife Mercedes chuckled at Bernice. What the hell did the woman think she was going to be to him? A doormat? A toy? A fucking trophy? Had she not known all this time that this was her damn show, hell this was her World and her son was just lucky enough to live among other people that graveled at her feet. No, no. Nicholas had been placed on a high pedestal, she would forsake Al for him. Tame yourself, Mercedes said in her head. Nicholas was her husband and she’d do anything for him, they were now equals in life. “I was raised to believe women can do it all Mrs. D’onofrio” she said with a pleasant smile on her face though she wanted nothing more than to slap the bitch before her. “Anyone who is unsure of that, and shares my gender, wouldn’t know the first thing to being a woman at all” she retorted. “I assure you mother D’onofrio, Nicholas is well taken care of. Unlike his last devotee, rest knowing I know my status and place… we happen to just complement each other in that way. The World is at our feet, we are just getting started” she breathed as she looked up, seeing her husband and Rebecca she narrowed her eyes somewhat before she looked back down at his mother. “You aren’t sure of me mother D’onofrio?” she asked the woman as she began to move once more, this time she had her arm resting gently around the woman’s waist, such a subtle gesture yet alarming for her men waiting and watching.

Bernice chuckled, "Women can't do it all my dear. That's foolishness and nonsense." She said eyes hard on the woman. "Sara wasn't a woman, dear. Oh, she was pretty and buxom the way my son prefers, but the day he married her I started plotting her death." She throughout casually, absolutely serious. "She was going to be a beautiful doormat at best.  Allowing my son to spawn as many bastards as he could as long as he came home. My husband was a monster, but he was my monster. I asked if you can be a boss and still allow my son the room to be his own man. There is a difference. Very few women in this room can say with authority that their husbands don't cheat. Mine did. But what I can say is he only did so once." She said with a deadly grace. "I see that you love him. I simply worry that your strength will drown his passion. We women can't do it all, but we must know how to use what we have to lead our husband's subtly. Most of the time when done properly, they think it's all their idea."

A vast emptiness opened up in Rebecca’s soul. She blinked back hot tears unable to get out of Nicholas’s grip. "Let me go Nicholas or I swear..."

"You swear what?" Nicholas hissed, finding Al and Donna in the room. "Do you believe for a second that anyone in this room will shed a tear for your ass? Huh?"  He said grabbing her hand in his, he squeezed. "That little stunt of yours was a true blessing. Al, Mercedes, everyone knows how vindictive and hateful you really are. Try to come for Mercedes' happiness again and trust me, Underboss or not, I won't hesitate, to reunite you with Michael myself" he said feeling the blood from her hand spilling into his. He grabbed her napkin and wiped away her blood before, moving away from her without a backwards look.

As the woman went on to speak her mind, she allowed her too, lord knows by now her tongue would be in her hand otherwise if she didn’t want her to. She looked at Freddie and she gave him a wink, he need not be concerned, her arm was removed from the woman and she tucked some hair behind her ear. Freddie stood down and instead he circled Nicholas and Rebecca as Mercedes had told him to, keeping a safe distance, Freddie knew despite her new outlook Red would never trust the two especially when together. Mercedes looked to Nicholas' mother and they found themselves somewhere near a drink station. She couldn’t drink however she did grab some water. Taking a sip Mercedes told her the best way she knew how “I can only hope your son can be my husband and still allow me to live my passion” she said cutely back to her. This wasn’t a man’s world she didn’t know what fucking decade the woman was in but in the world, she lived in women can conquer or be conquered. She bowed to Nicholas willingly, but now, he could be dead and on plenty occasions the laser was aimed right for his head. “Now that is something we can agree on how else could I have managed to make a man who likes to keep such a low profile buy into all of this” she said looking around before she gazed upon her, a crown could be placed at her head. Nicholas would do anything for her, his mother had no idea. She allowed him to think everything moved through him in that house, bullshit. “Nicholas is in great hands, drink, be merry” she said as she watched Freddie double back around. “Celebrate, your son, your baby boy” she mused “is marrying the only woman who loves him more than his mother” she said pecking the woman’s cheek as she moved to walk away from her patting her shoulder kindly as she did. The hag was a fucking clown, shit, her kid would have to deal with him and her alone, she would be damned if he or she followed behind a dumb bitch who didn’t think their mother could conquer the world by day and cook their father a warm meal by night. She was Mercedes-fucking-Francis, if she kept it up, she’d learn herself why her son nicknamed her Red. She cracked her neck agitatedly as she toed through the crowd “where the hell is Sam” she breathed to herself.

Another more powerful fool. That's who her son had chosen. Bernice let out a tired breath. "Next time tell your man to watch the dot on his own head. Before preparing to kill someone else. And for heaven's sake, get some subtle clues. I want to actually see my grandchild born. Seems like I've been waiting forever for Nicholas to grant me one." She said coolly, still trying to decide if she liked the woman it was too late, as it had been with Sara. The girl too had missed the point of their conversation. She almost felt a pang of regret. At least she could have simply killed Sara. "Father Johnson sends his best, dear." She added at the woman's back.

Rebecca's lip twitched as Nicholas moved away from her. She swallowed thickly, trying to unhear all the things he'd said to her. He thought he'd won. She'd show him, she'd show them all. "Shame to hear about Michael" she said, softly as Nicholas tried to leave. "You know he never said a word about you in bed. No matter how convincing I was. Did he tell you that before you killed him?" Rebecca's voice broke into a sob. "You killed your best friend for nothing. I owned Sara." She wiped the blood from her hand again, and pushed past Nicholas, almost running to the restroom.

Nicholas froze in his tracks. He bit down on the inside of his lip, until the sharp metallic taste of blood filled his mouth. He'd killed Michael for nothing. He felt sick. After Rebecca had run off, he spat the glob of blood from his mouth. Then walked up to Paul, almost in a daze. "I want you to come to the house first thing in the morning. I have a job for you." He said, lowering his head.

His mother caught her off guard and so she had to backtrack, walking up on the woman. Red had never been small; in height yes, weight wise no and because of who she was she also never had to use her weight as a bullying method but in this moment Mercedes used all of it to back Bernice up against a space in which they both could speak to each other on a more personal level. “What?” she asked her, a brow raised “what are you talking about Bernice?” she said, addressing her on a level that tossed out all kindness, the buttering up of the woman, and the care of what role she played in her life right now. “What red dot?” she said one eye squinting, whoever or whatever she was talking about had to be handled, there was nothing standing in the way of her protecting her husband. “Look Bernice” she said with a chuckle “stop talking in riddles you are starting to piss me off” she told her as her eyes glowed before her. “How do you know all of this?” she asked her, talking with her hands confused. No matter the fact that she was in her usual disguise there was still fire behind her eyes. “Don’t worry about a child, we have that covered” she told her, “we are just trying to play our roles in all of this. My father would not like that fact before we walk down the aisle. So, keep that between you and I” she said pointing between them. “I am less worried about him or her right now, let's switch back to Nicky and tell me whatever it is that you know” she said as she instinctively pushed Freddie away from her side, she could feel him breathing down her neck by now. She knew why he was there; he could smell her anguish from across a football field, it was his job. “Fly” she commanded him all bark and bite in her voice, she was agitated. “As a matter-of-fact you go get my hus-fiance and bring him to me please,” she said to Freddie before she looked back at his mother.

Bernice didn't move from her spot; she folded her arms in front of her and waited. She watched the girl, quizzical. Eyes shifting as she thought about her question for a moment. "The one aimed at the back of his head." Bernice said, pointing to Freddie. "I find it rather unnerving to be marked as a target by one of my children's intendeds. Especially in the middle of an engagement party." She said, putting air quotes around the words. "I mean I've heard of quick to anger. But seriously dear, what would have been your recourse for that action?" She said nonchalantly. "Maybe to have Nicholas kill half the room?" She pondered the thought while studying the woman. Try as she might she couldn’t decide if that was a good or bad thing. "You misunderstood. The question had nothing to do with Nicholas and everything to do with you. And you, my dear, are exactly the person I knew you to be. Congratulations on both counts." She said, eyes going to her stomach. "Make sure you take plenty of vitamins and get lots of rest."

Nicholas squeezed his brother's shoulder once more, "Let's..." He trailed off as Freddie approached that wild look of worry, he always got where his wife was concerned. Quickly Nicholas scanned the room for Mercedes finding her corned with what looked like his mother. Confused. Nicholas didn't wait for Freddie, he cut his own path through the crowd. He approached the women, slipped in behind Red wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Are you okay?" He whispered in her ear, panic clear in his voice.

Mercedes turned her nose up at the woman as she continued to speak, her implication was preposterous, her love for Freddie was that of a sister and brother however if the man ever thought to move in a direction she didn’t ask him to she would deliver his body to his family herself. “Absurdity” she replied to her, her entire demeanor had changed now Bernice wasn’t talking to Mercedes anymore, she was talking to Red. Freddie was on high alert because of her it had nothing to do with Nicholas, she had screwed up and hadn’t stepped foot outside of their home since but here she was in the heart of the city with hundreds of moving bodies. “You are thinking too much you should leave that for someone with a large capacity to do so” she equipped. “No one here finds you a target… especially considering there’s nothing about you Bernice that would make me skittish” she roared silently, an evil grin dancing across her face slowly. Her smile fell however “you are challenging something you can’t overthrow… do you find that smart Bernice?” she asked her next. “That’s just the thing about people like you, even my father perhaps is blind to; the love we share. This isn’t a freak show put on display Bernice '' she said shaking her head at the woman as she moved her hand to her face gently, she caressed it. “This is passion, unyielding desire to be ever close that our hearts fuse as one” she spoke poetically as her grip tightened on the woman’s face. “It’s not puppy love or even the act of a gullible woman standing beside a nothing less man hoping one day he’d love her more than his stash of thin blonde toys” she said her chest rising and falling, her mouth fixed into a snarl. “This is inseparable” she said pronouncing every syllable in the word. “No one, and nothing. Is. And will ever. Come between me and my husband” she said, letting slip as she finally decided to remove the nails digging into the woman’s flesh as she dropped her hand. Nicholas walked up behind her wrapping his arm around her midsection and she didn’t answer his question, instead she pulled her eyes from his mother and said. “You are right as always my King” she coed sweetly to him. “We should have just told the world that we are already married and pregnant” she said as she pulled his arm from around her and she smiled up at him pecking his face. “The only thing is you said it would save time and money, and now I believe it would have only saved me a headache” she said looking back to his mother as she patted his chest before walking away. That was her cue to go she said to herself as she left them where they stood, she swapped a glance with Freddie and she finally dropped her shoulders and swallowed for the first time.

Everything the woman said was wind, literally blowing the breeze. No real queen needed to remind peasants who she was. Only crazed, careless ones did. She made no effort to move, or resist. That was pointless. Better to let people believe they understand you even if they don't. Bernice touched her face once the girl let go and raised an eyebrow.

The conversation was blurred and confusing to Nicholas. "We should have what?" He said as he absently rubbed Mercedes stomach. Leaning into her kiss, her frowned once he saw the welts that were rising quickly on his mother's cheeks. As Red walked away Nicholas grabbed his mother by her face. "What happened?" He questioned, cold as a winter's day.

Bernice swatted Nicholas' hand away from her face. "Nothing. Nothing." She said, lowering her eyes from her son's. "Well, when I hugged the girl, I realized that she was pregnant." She shrugged. "Father Johnson let slip weeks ago you to had gotten married. So, one and one equaled two."

Nicholas moved his hand and stood up to his full height. "The marks mother what the hell happened to your face. What else did you say to her? It had to be more than that!" He snapped, demanding a straight answer.  

Bernice looked up at her son then. Matching eyes mirroring each other in intensity. She twisted her mouth, then finally sighed. "I asked if she'd let you be your own man." She said simply. "From that I got a lot of things from her that I don't understand." She said looking the way Tiny had fled. "I'd wish your sister had her strength... But then again, you know how I feel about..." She coughed tempering her words knowing Nicholas' love for the woman.

"Red's the perfect wife. Too perfect sometime." Nicholas said, shaking his head. "You had no cause to meddle. I know how to conduct my own affairs. I don't need a handler or a keeper. You have Andrea and Paul to keep in line. Not me. Or my wife. Nicholas wiped is hand over his face. "I honestly thought you two would get along."

"I'm a mother." Bernice snapped. "Name one who doesn't meddle from time to time. It's our right. I really never intended to upset her so. God knows I didn't expect a full-blown display of unholy power." She chuckled. Her face softened, there was an anguish in her son, that wasn't from this interaction. Something else was troubling him. "I never said, I didn't like her." Reaching out for his hand, she squeezed it gently. "I know my approval or wishes don't really matter to you. But for what it's worth, she is strong, domineering, beautiful, a leader and she loves you. I respect that and for now that's enough. You better go." She squeezed Nicholas' hand again, then moved away from him, gliding off as if the world was unchanged.

Nicholas massaged his forehead. Too much bullshit was happening all at once. Red, his mother, Rebecca... And Michael. He rubbed his eyes, "Paul."  He called, feeling his eyes on him. "I'm about to leave. Don't forget I need you at the house first thing in the morning." He reminded the man. Wading through the crowd. He found Mercedes. "It's time to go." He said grabbing her hand and making his way towards the door.