#i think about my neighborhood friend we were bffs

[queseraphita]

i didn't really think about it much as a kid but being that older big sister of the neighborhood kids really shaped me as a person when i can see past the veneer of early depression symptoms and nostalgia

[whentherewerebicycles]

I am really tired of being in a bad mood!! I wish I were having a fun week at work doing the job I love instead of wasting all this time! I hate being stuck in a negativity spiral but I’m just so socially overstimulated and annoyed I can’t quite manage to wrench myself out of it. going to gently cajole myself into saying five good things:

I bought several pairs of cute pants today that I hope will alleviate some of my clothes anxiety esp as we transition into fall. I kinda maybe need to start making myself go on dates again and removing the outfit anxiety will make that a little bit easier on me.

I got to have hot pot for dinner with liz and alex because now they live five minutes away from me and I can have dinner with them anytime I want 😭😭😭😭😭 we giggled a lot and also the food was so good

I didn’t want to walk the dogs when I got home because it was so dark and wet out but I felt bad for leaving them alone for so long today. we just took a short walk around the neighborhood but I felt better

I had a really nice time talking with my work bff today when we were both skipping one of the sessions. she’s just interesting and funny and fun to talk to! we have clicked since day one despite our age difference and I feel like we’re probably going to become actual friends and not just work friends. we were supposed to coordinate our hybrid schedules so only one of us would be in our shared office at a time but we agreed that we like sharing the space so much we want to keep coming in on the same days. anyway it’s just nice to have somebody you like hanging out with at work.

I had a couple intense downswings into Very Bad Feelings today that felt out of proportion to the situations at hand. this was not a good thing in itself haha but it did feel like the kind of volatility I associate with PMS. my tracking app thinks I should be starting my period tomorrow or the next day and I am just like. on my knees praying we are about to start things up again. I think the weather is going to be nice again but today it was an intensely gloomy rainy day that really felt like The First Day of Fall and idk I just like the symbolism of my period arriving as a way to mark the end of this weird intensely unhappy summer and (hopefully) the beginning of a different season of my life. who knows! please beam START BLEEDING energy in the direction of my uterus thanks!

[suitsusboth]

Hello, it’s your friendly neighborhood anon again! Thanks so much for replying to my message! I’m so glad you posted chapter 3 of “where the lovelight gleams” and hope you know from the comments how much all of us are enjoying this truly charming, winter wonderland story! Your depiction of Aubrey reminds me of a cross between Stars Hallow and Rhinebeck, NY (not sure if that’s the kind of upstate town you were thinking of?)

So many great gems and one-liners in ch3, but one of my favorites has to be, “This town was magic, she reasoned, it had to be”. Also the text thread between Kate and Michael was on point. We love a supportive BFF! Also the cliffhanger ending was the most exquisite romantic torment/ delayed gratification. I hope Kate gets her movie moment soon?! Oh and the next two parts of the series you mentioned sound intriguing! Particularly the Fran/Michael plot line, which partly reminds me of a storyline on Everwood, did you ever catch that show? Can’t wait for chapter 4, would love to know what Anthony is thinking re Kate!! Thank you for posting! 🥰

omg hiiii! nice to hear from you again. give yourself a pat on the back, because that chapter was only written because of you lmao (i would have gotten around to it but you definitely motivated me!) i didn’t have a word written when you first sent your ask. honestly i’m very surprised people are interested in it lmao 🫢

and wow yes rhinebeck and a couple other places around there were inspo for the town (plus stars hallow bc cmon it is the best small town on tv. Charlotte is definitely Taylor). i just really love the Catskills area of upstate and i hope i get to go sometime this year. i’m glad you liked the update ☺️

it was definitely much longer than i thought it would be lol. I’m having way too much fun incorporating all the characters. michael has a soft spot in my heart (as does frannie — never seen the show you mentioned though, but i’ll do some research!) 🤍 i always imagined him and Kate to be friends so glad i get to have them interact in this fic (tbh knowing me I’m going to make them friends in all my fics, it’s an idea my mind cannot relinquish)

as for this story it’s definitely going to be a happy one, and there will be lots of romantic moments coming up 😌 we’ll also touch on edmunds death and what happened to Anthony but that’s the only angsty part tbh!

coming up: real life awaits kate after her weekend away, but she just stop thinking about that little town and a certain farmer. so maybe she needs to visit again. and again. and maybe all a certain farmer wants for christmas is for her to stay. 🤍✨

[justalildumpling]

HAHA OFCCCC, i love sending u asks you're so nice, you're so fun to talk to oml

Gonna share something i find so funny bc you're my bff 🫢

So like this popular girl who is a narcissist, i met her on the first day and she had to be the first person omg i hate my life sm i regret talking to her but anyway-

She is always making everything like a "i am/have better person/thing" like everytime we talk she is always like that and I'm tired, I'm an extrovert but she knows how to drain all of my energy 😔

Like everyone asked me why am I so quiet today bc im always so loud 😭

So basically she listens to bp and before she went full on narcissistic, she was like rly respectful, not like hating me for listening to kpop, she didn't like it much but she was respectful about it so i was like all happy and stuff, but mind YOU she listens to bp

Anyway so she played blinding nights by the weekend and i was like i love this song and he is like my fav pop artist and she was like same, i like Bruno Mars too and i was like "i like chase atlantic and the neighborhood" and she was like "no one cares about your k-pop bands" BRO i literally was fighting the urge to slap her face but i was like "chase atlantic and the neighborhood aren't k-pop bands" and then she was like "oh" and rolled her eyes. Tbh it was peak comedy to me cuz she was annoyed by me today and she tried to insult me but she insulted herself and she thinks she has the best taste out of all and says Taylor Swift's music sucks, i was like girl-

I'm tired, i cant break my friendship with her but I'm struggling to continue it and there is so much more, she once was like when we were allowed to wear our own outfits for a special occasion she went "today, i was judging everyone's outfit in my mind, my eyes were bleeding bc how awful everyone looked, you can ask [her boring bff], i teared up" and i was like fighting the urge to say "you literally look like a clown but ok" everyone looked so good but it is just her fashion sense ig 😭

Yeah there is more but I'm tired of her

And lastly don't you think swim by chase atlantic gives like hyuck vibes? Am i the only one like every time i hear that songs i think abt him lolo

And how is your day !!!

holy shit. ok first of all, remaining to be friends with her is only going to hurt you even more in the long run so no matter how hard it is, it's probably best that you let go because you do not want to be friends with a narcissist (speaking from experience) and even if she isn't, she still seems v toxic and do you rlly want someone like that in your circle?

anyways, CHASE ATLANTIC OAFOWFBWF I LOVE THEM!!! but now that u mention it swim does kinda give off hyuck vibes!!🤩

but i've been pretty busy today, had to go to some class for like 6 hours but it wasn't too bad actually🤔

[the-letter-horror-lover]

Storyteller Volume 1 (Kuroshitsuji/Reader)

NicestPancake

Summary:

There's a world out there that exists far within the reaches of our own. A world with care and attention weaved into it's very fabric. Where cleverness and cold-heartedness prosper, and those who remain kind suffer heavy losses.

It's in such a world that a girl unknowingly pulls her best friend into. And uh, well. She realises that she's fucked up really badly really quickly.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter One - There's A Glimmer Of Hope In Your Eyes; But Worry In Your Pace

Chapter Text

"Oh, please, {Sibling/Name}- it's not like you'll die! It's just a little steep. Please? Just once?" A voice cutely begs, hands clasping softly as their breath left their mouth in soft puffs. The chill of winter had finally set in, the stinging of their hands and noses making this apparent. Still, on this chilly night, seven kids stood on top of a steep driveway, a scooter held by the eldest. (By fourteen days.)

"But- I could fall off and snap my neck." They argue back, face red both with a chill and some indignation, though it was hard to tell how much was from which.

"Bab, I promise it'll be just fine. I'll let {Rival/Name} go and watch from the street to even make sure no cars are coming for you! Just once." The eldest softly reassured, "And if you do get hurt, I'll buy you more candy-canes than you can count in thirty minutes."

There was a lull in conversation as they calculated, "So two-hundred and seven?"

A soft smile appeared on the eldest's face.

"We'll see."

"{Y/N}~!" I hear {BFF/N} call, and I give a soft smile, kicking off the brick wall of my birth home and walking over to where their car had pulled up, putting my phone down. It was another 'bestie' trip and we were going to be enjoying ourselves before school started. Namely, going to the mall and vibing, or maybe going to the park and then panera bread, then to target where we'll hang out until it's time to leave. Hanging with them was always one of my favourite activities, even if most of the time I didn't know what to say.

I gently lean against the driver-side window and lean in lightly, booping their nose as they unlock their doors. "How's your day?" I ask, heading around the front of the car and ducking as I climb in. "Nothing too bad, I hope?" They sigh and shake their head, lightly pressing on the gas and slowly taking off.

"No, nothing bad- just a day." I nod, smiling lightly as the familiar neighborhood turns into familiar forest, then familiar field, then familiar stores. I honestly couldn't imagine a life outside of this small area, but... I knew eventually I'd have to leave. "Mom goes into me for not having all of my school supplies yet, but I mean, we're all going to mostly be using laptops, we don't need six spirals anymore."

I snicker, "But think- more for the mac and cheese-" A sigh from them, and a roll of the eyes, "On your left." They pause longer at the stop sign as, like I predicted, the person coming from the left sped through their stop sign and could have crashed into us. Could have.

"Oh- thanks." I nod, and let them continue talking about this or that, as my attention is taken up by the cemetery we pass. "What about yours, though?"

I pause for a moment, thinking, "Mh... spent more time on Mystic Messenger and Cinderella Phenomenon, though I did play a bit of Skyrim. So it was an okay day. I had to date my stepbrother on Cinderella Phenomenon, though, which I am... less than stoked about, I'll admit. Also, I ordered more of the Black Butler manga." I do a basic run-over of my day, which sounds... unimpressive.

I mean, really? Two Otome games and an RPG? Well, it could be worse. I suppose it could be Hunie Pop or, say, reading the Hamster Fic. Still- {BFF/N} talked with their family and like... did things. I always feel kinda lonesome in comparison. "Oh, that sounds fun!" They welcome, "Though I agree dating your step brother is... weird. You haven't explained Cinderella Phenomenon to me yet, though- wanna talk about it?"

I think for a moment, "Well, basically you play a girl who's a stone cold princess, and she gets yorted into poverty by a thing in that universe called a 'fairytale curse' where people have to live out fairytales in some fashion in order to return to normalcy. Anyways, her whole family aside from others cursed forget she was the crown princess, and she has to complete three good deeds in order for everyone to remember her." I explain simply, before digging into the plot a little deeper from the two routes I've played.

"Oh- that's... actually not the worst game I've heard you talk about." They encouraged me, and I let out an ugly snort.

"You're still just salty you have to kill the dragons in Skyrim." I point out, and they sigh,

"Just why can't you talk to them!?" I give them a choked laugh,

"Because they're trying to eat you!"

"They won't try and eat you if you pet them!"

I roll my eyes, "'Aight. Next time I play Skyrim I'll stroll up to Alduin, the world eater and first-born of Akatosh, and give him a lil' petsies for you. And I won't get eaten, of course."

"Of course." They respond with a grin, and we pull up to the mall unceremoniously.

It's not really that long of a hang-out in the mall, simply going to lush, a small clothes store, hot topic, and a family-run candy store, before we ate. It's all a blur, as it usually is, but it was happy. We sat down at our usual spot in the food court, when I went through my stuff again. "{BFF/N}, why don't you ever get anything?"

"I already have everything- besides, seeing you happy is it's own reward." They sipped at their sprite- kid's sized, as always- and I ate a fry. It was unfair they pay for me and all that. Granted, I liked it, but I felt guilty. "Besides, you spend a lot of time giving to others, shouldn't someone give to you?" No I didn't, not really. "But that's enough of that, wanna go get a friend or two at Target?" They wink, and a genuine smile crosses it's way over my face.

"Yes. I always want a friend." I agree, lightly hopping up to my feet. Target was the 7/11 to my JD. Granted, I wasn't about to sing a song about my traumas to a girl I just met, but I mean, it was close. Probably. I might sing a song to a girl I just met if the girl is cute enough. That's not the point though. "I mean, you're great, but Smiley back home and his burger friend need some more company." I point out, and they give a sigh, shaking their head, as we walk out of the mall together.

I put my bags at my feet, and look over at them, watching them put their seatbelt on once again, and I follow suit, happily pulling out my phone to play music. Of course, there’s not much to be done, and I consider my playlist for a moment before settling on my favourite youtube playlist, setting my phone on the dashboard and feeling the force of them pulling out once again.

It’s a relatively short drive, and not much is discussed as there’s a comfortable lull in the conversation. Even so, as I look out the window, I pause at the lightly wooded area we have to drive through to get to the other side of town. The world is so beautiful- just… all of it. I sigh and look down at my lap. ‘We’d better get to Target a little faster… I’m getting all feelsy.’

We finally pull up to it, and once again, it’s time to hang out in a place that not many would consider a place to chill at. We step through the Target sliding doors, and I grin wide, tossing my hands up. “Havoc time, babey.” They shake their head, and I know that they’re just ready to buy me a bouncing ball with a floating cake or other sort of random item within the glittery, watery confines of the rubber ball.

Still, it’s nice to lightly spin around as we head straight for that aisle, them keeping up with my fast pace, as is the usual. We make it there quickly, and I immediately shift through the small selection left, picking up one with another smiling face in it. I really do like the effect the black glitter gives this type of ball, though… I shift through them, and see one with a butterfly in it, pastel blue glitter accenting it wonderfully. I consider it, and then nod to myself, sagely. “Yes- this one will do.”

They look through as well, and smile, “Are you sure you don’t want this one?” They hold up one with a rose that has red glitter in it, and I stop, staring at it.

“... well now I’m not certain.” I say in a small voice, and they giggle, “On one hand, I really like this one… on the other…” I mumble honestly, staring between them. THey sigh and take both from me, “No-”

“We’ll just get both then. Geez, you know I’m good for it! I’ve got enough for six dollars.” I barely get out a small, whine-like noise, before being stared down by them. I relented, silently, and shoved my hands lightly in my pockets, looking around. I lead them- loosely- towards the seasonal aisle, faux-grumping my way there as they give me an unimpressed look.

This holds for about five seconds, though, as we see the plethora of skeletons available for sale. “{BFF/N}! Skeletons!” I call, and rush over to my favourite type of halloween decorations. I see them lightly take a peek at the price, and I pause. “... Skele- Skeleton?” I question in a small voice once more.

They shake their head, and lightly pull up the 15.99 price tag on the arm. “Skeletons.”

“Skeletons.” I nod, okay’ing my being okay with one or two more skeletons, and they race off to go get a cart. I pull off two skeletons and set them next to me, clapping my hands. There’s something so viscerally exciting about getting some faux skeletons. I hear them running back with a cart, and they quickly put the two I pulled off of the rack in the cart. I feel my heart pause as they then take the rest off of that rack, and I’m pretty sure I die.

“Oh- oh no-” I hold my heart, and they cackle.

“I’m not done. We need more. How many do you think they could get us?”

“I-” I shrug, uncertain, and I lightly fiddle with my thumbs, trying to think of what they might have in storage.

“I’ll go ask. This is very important.” After a conversation with a very confused manager and then a lot of concern about costs on my end, we retrieved a total of one hundred skeletons. I couldn’t help but wheeze as we combined forces to toss the skeletons in through the back windows. “Wait, {Y/N}, it’s probably very illegal to cover the back window with skeletons.”

I nod, and lightly nod a skeleton’s head, “So lets start putting them in the trunk.” We roll up the windows, and they pop the trunk, and we tossed more skeletons into the trunk with renewed vigor, and also a little panic as we realized we were on a bit of a time crunch.I pull the last skeleton out of the cart, and smiled at it. “And you. You shall be the King. Or Queen. Or Ruler. But I name you King, and ye shalt sit on the throne of mine lap.”

“Oh my god get in the car we have to go.” I hear them close the trunk, and I sigh, shaking my head and setting the King on my seat. We take a small moment to put up the carts, and then swiftly sit in the car, the King Skeleton on my lap.

“You bought 100 skeletons. What are we going to do with all of these.” I question to myself, and they sigh, pulling out of the parking lot. I consider our life decisions, and then look at them. “I’m assuming these are going in my house? What’s mom going to say when she approaches 100 skeletons in our living room?”

“Uhh- let’s not worry about that.” They giggle, and I shake my head, although I’m overall pleased. Now I won’t be alone. Wait- is that a weird way to see this? Probably. But I officially have 100 skeletons so it's not my problem.

As they turn into my neighborhood, I grin, since they’ve begun to go slow so I can give them instructions. I give them, warily, and we pull into my driveway. I don’t quite want to separate from them yet, though, and check the time. “We’ve still got thirty minutes, actually- wanna go on a small walk in the forest?”

They look at King, “I’m assuming he’s coming along?” I nod,

“His name is King.” They giggle, and we get out, me pulling my bags and King along for the walk, just because I don’t feel like leaving the important things in an area where they can be stolen easily. They’re swiftly stolen from me by {BFF/N}, not that I particularly mind.

We get walking through the neighborhood, and I can’t help but point out a small thing. “Sorry I accidentally made you spend upwards of two thousand dollars on skeletons for me.” I apologize, and they shrug,

“Bold of you to assume that those skeletons are only for you.” They attempt to reassure, and it does help a little. “I expect at LEAST ten of them to be mine. Skeletons are the only things we can always, a hundred percent agree on.” I think for a moment,

“It would be better if they were REAL skeletons-”

“{Y/N} no.” They cut-off, face-palming lightly. I can’t help the smile that comes across my face, however.

“{Y/N} yes.” I argue softly, pulling King up to nuzzle his forehead, and I pause where I’m standing, looking up at the swiftly reddening leaves. The wind blows softly as I view everything the world has to offer, and I hold King close to my chest. “Life is hard.” I point out, and I hear a lull in they steps as they wait for me. While I’m looking up, though, I see something shiny on the lowest branch, and I reach out for it.

The cold metal brushes my fingertips, “What’s that?” They ask, and I grunt as I jump, and lightly hit the end with my hand.

“A necklace? I think?” I answer, looking over to them. “I’m gonna make a running jump. One moment.” I back up a little, and start a small sprint, dropping King as I get my hand around the end, a sharp pricking in my hand causing me to drop it the moment it was recovered, by accident. “Ah-! It’s sharp!” I warn, picking up King and dusting him off as they recover it.

“... this kinda looks like Sebastian’s butler-pin-thing.” They point out, and I look over at it, peeking at it curiously. I let out a small hum and held out my hand for it again. I gently press my thumb safely in the middle so as to test its strength.

“Yeah but it looks genuine? This feels like a sturdy metal.” I point out, letting them hold it again. “Weird.” I reach out my hand for a bag, and they shake their head, and I curse myself for failing the subtle skill check. I shrug, “Maybe a cosplayer climbed a tree and lost it without realizing?” I suggest, jokingly.

“I know you’re joking but that’s probably what actually happened.” I snort, shaking my head and crossing my arms over King.

With a long sigh, I look around again, feeling the wind pick up a little bit. “We should go back. We have to unload all of those skeletons, after all.” I remind them, and they sigh, too, the two of us silently turning around and beginning the walk back.

I felt a water drop on my face and paused once more, touching it and looking up again, the wind picking up further. “... a tornado?” I give {BFF/N} a troubled look, and we find a silent agreement to begin sprinting, the rain picking up with the wind every step, it getting harder and harder to see them, so I grab their hand, holding onto them and king very tightly. The last thing I hear is the tornado siren before I pull them into my chest and duck us, passing out as I do so.

“Eugh- mm…” I mumble, shifting on something soft and warm. It didn’t feel quiet like my bed, though, so I opened my eyes, and they met with bright white flowers with a deep blood red in the middle peaking out. I mindlessly pull at one, noting the way the edges almost seemed to glow a soft cyan, holding one between my index finger and middle finger.

As I sat up, the situation hitting me suddenly, I looked up and around, squinting. I was in a cave, but the ceiling above me looked like stars. “... uhnder… tale?” I questioned, before realizing I wasn’t wearing pants, and my heart stopped for a split second, looking down. Thankfully, I was clothed, but I was dressed in some sort of dark purple tunic, green star embellishments on the sleeves.

I lightly touch my head, a headache pinging through my skull. I laid back down, trying to recall all that had happened. I woke up, played some games… went out with {BFF/N}, and then we bought 100 skeletons… and then… I look at my hand, and see a tiny pinprick where I remember I accidentally pricked myself on that pin.

Then there was a tornado… wait, “{BFF/N}!?” I call out, quickly getting up and almost losing my balance as I look around more frantically. I briefly saw a bridge across from where I was sleeping, but I saw another flower patch with glowing green flowers, and I ran in that direction, seeing them lying there.

They were wearing the same style of tunic as me, though green with purple embellishments, and they still had my bags around their arms and King wrapped in their arms. “{BFF/N}...” I sigh, stepping onto the flowers. They wilted underneath my feet, and I froze, but shook my head and continued on. I noticed a weird scar on their hand and froze, lightly pulling it from King’s plastic shoulder blade.

Right on their hand, centered right where my pin prick was, is a giant, star-shaped scar. Less like a small dot like mine, and more like someone had pulled something through it, and covered it up. I briefly connected the dots, but instead shook them. “{BFF/N}, wake up!” Their eyes opened after a moment, and I gave a sigh of relief as they sat up, propping themselves on their hand.

“{Y/N}? Where are we?” I shake my head, looking around.

“I don’t know. I’ll investigate while you wake up properly.” I offer, leaving her alone and tilting my head as the flowers seemingly revive at my leaving the patch. Interesting- but it was time to investigate further. I took heavy steps towards the bridge, lightly touching it, as it was made out of some sort of deep, purple wood, that seemed to glitter. The wine red water underneath it seemed to be slightly thicker than the water I presumed it to be.

I looked back at the {BFF/N} who had just properly awakened, and then back at the water, before crossing the bridge fully, wincing at the cold black-and-white tiles this area seemed to be composed of. There was pentagram with some sort of inscriptions lining the- well- lines, and the familiar spiked circle I knew to be associated with Sebastian’s contract mark. “... maybe the guess wasn’t too far off, then?” I mumbled, looking around for anything else, and seeing an island in the distance, walking to the edge of my current one to get a better look.

It was different from the one I was currently standing on, with purple grass and a grey tree with blood red leaves and green vines hanging down. “I’m beginning to notice a theme.” I took a step back and turned around, seeing {BFF/N} warily crossing the bridge, their usual sweater on over their tunic. I make my way over to them, and gesture for them to drop the stuff. “Let’s look through what we still have.” I suggest, opening the bag from the clothes store and setting things out.

A sweater, two pairs of starry leggings, in each of our sizes, a skirt, and some socks were in it, and I took off my purse, immediately putting on the leggings and skirt. I’d turned away from {BFF/N} and tucked the tunic under the skirt, before putting on the socks and putting the sweater over it all. I looked over to them and saw them dressed in what all we’d had- having changed into their hufflepuff shirt and lightly tucking the tunic into one of the bags.

I looked at the faustian contract seal, and noticed that, in the middle, there was a small dagger. I contemplated it for a moment, and walked over, picking it up. “This wasn’t here before.” I comment lightly, looking it over. It looked cool, though, and I briefly held it above my palm, almost bringing it down into my hand, though it was pulled away by a very concerned {BFF/N}.

"Uh, what are you doing?" They asked, clearly trying to keep their tone steady and as un-concerned as possible despite the circumstances,

"Clearly, stabbing myself in the hand." I answer simply, "Because... I can? Just trust me?" I offer in explanation, and they sigh, shaking their head. "Listen, this is the only thing I can think of right now, so just let me try it?" I almost-beg, and they sigh, throwing their hands up into the air.

"Well, you're just gonna do it when I turn away anyways- just let me get our stuff?" I nod, waiting and watching them gather up our belongings and hold them all, including King. I stab myself in the hand as they walk over, and they look away- which is a shame, because as the blood hits the seal, the spots my blood hit begin to glow, spreading out across the circle.

I take a few steps back at first, but that quickly has no meaning as the ground underneath me turns to mush and then makes a funnel shape, the two of us making unpleasant noises as we realized that we were falling into what we could only assume was some sort of magical death portal, and I reach for their hand, only slightly surprised when their hand clasps into mine, and the bright magenta field goes black once more.

When I wake up for the second time in what can only be thirty minutes, I growl, sitting up again. "Ohkay- n o w the writer of my life is having a laugh at my expense." I complain softly, rubbing my head. It takes a moment for the visuals of my situation to register, and I look out the bedroom window of the mansion I am apparently in. And the 'changing' thing seemed to have had no use, because I was now in a Different Nightgown. I pause, and look back around.

I'm in some fancy bedroom, at night, in a nightgown that I don't own, and wow my sleep schedule is not going to take lightly to... this... "Where's {BFF/N}?" And where am I?

I lightly step onto the carpet of the room- thanking carpets- and see my purse on the nightstand, neatly tucked on top of my previous dream-clothing. I pick it up and search through it, finding my lighter quickly, and playfully lighting the candelabra nearby, picking it up. Finally, I'm living the Victorian Cosplayer's Dream. I hold it steadily, leaving the room quietly.

I step out into the hallway, and begin my small trek into the hallway, starting left, because, worst case scenario, I go in a circle, right? "{BFF/N}?" I softly call, the shadows casting dark and strange figures as my eyes begin to adjust. I keep track of where I am, lightly opening the first door I come across, seeing another bedroom, but no {BFF/N}, so what's even the point? This repeats for a while until I have to turn right, and see double doors.

Carefully, I reach out to them, and grab the doorknob- and feel a tight pressure on my neck, pinning me to the door in probably the Least Convenient Way, causing me to gasp for breath as I startle. I drop the fire- and try to catch it to no avail, and now my brain is in pure panic mode as several questions enter my mind; Who, Why, and Is Anyone Going To Stop The Fire?

"Now who do we have here?" A silky voice mumbles in my left ear- and of course in the near pitch-black I couldn't make out who they were. "I'm afraid we haven't any guests over... so where might you have come from?" It was obvious the voice was trying Really Hard to be seductive, and if I weren't terrified out of my mind, it might have worked. Probably? Seductive isn't really my type.

"Please let go of my neck, friend." I manage meekly, "As much as I enjoy- not being able to breathe," A small gasp, mostly to accentuate my point, partially because I did need air, "It's pretty important for talking." The person- man? man- seemed to agree with that because the pressure left, and I turned around, taking deep breaths of relief and rubbing my neck as I grab my bearings.

"I don't know where I am, for starters- so where am I?" I ask, sensibly.

"The Phantomhive Manor."

Oh.

Ohhhh.

Ohhhhhhhhhh- ohkay that doesn't explain how I got here but that explains pretty much everything else about the situation. "Wellll- I just woke up in the guest room a few doors away? I had no idea this is where I was or even how I got here," I explained as genuinely as I could- and it should have been pretty genuine because all of that was the truth. At least this meant none of them changed me. Probably.

My eyes finally seemed to adjust to the moonlight reaching the hallway because Sebastian's figure sharpened, and I could see him and his blazing magenta irises. He was attempting to figure out who and what I was, and it should be easy because it's not like I'm hiding anything. Yet... not hiding anything Yet. "I see... do you remember anything before that?" And it begins sooner than I'd have hoped.

"Not really? Something about family troubles, falling, and then waking up here?" Not... entirely lying. Man I'm Great at this. Of course, I had to come up with a story, quick. "Listen- all I really remember was that I was running away from some sh- stuff back home with my best friend, {BFF/N}, we fell at some point while running through a forest, and now I'm here and I don't know where they are."

I did my best to keep the panic out of me as I realised that they could be anywhere right now. Likely in some sort of nightgown, wandering the streets of Victorian England with nothing but a skeleton in their arms for self-defense. I take in a shaky breath, because, well, it was impossible to not worry about that, and raised my hand to my chest. My necklace was still there though, at least.

He scoured me for any lies- I was a pretty good liar, though, so I wasn't that worried about his scrutiny, and he went to open his mouth before a shrill, familiar "MISTER SEBASTIANN!" Rang down the halls, and I and the demon both looked towards the source.

There, sprinting through the halls in nothing but her own nightgown was also Mey-Rin in some sort of panic, herself. "Mister Sebastian, Finnian found a- who is she?" I give an awkward wave, realising that my neck was probably bruising from what he'd done, a little, and I rubbed it with a nervous laugh.

"An unimportant guest, what did you find?" He dismissed, coldly, and I didn't take it personally. Well... I tried not to. He did just call me unimportant. I crossed my arms lightly and pouted, looking out the window.

Mey-rin gave me a questioning look at that, but continued on, "Finnian found a girl curled up in the garden with a weird-lookin' skeleton, yes he did!" I perked up at that, turning around immediately, and taking a few steps towards her.

"Lead me there-!" I turned to Sebastian, before looking back at the maid, "That's my friend! Are they okay!?" I felt my heart pounding in my chest, and saw her nod, giving me a curious look at the 'they' and I dismissed it internally for the moment.

"They're fine- they are, though they haven't yet awoken, they appear to be sick... I was gonna ask to run them a warm bath, yes I was." I nod, lightly taking another step.

My heart was beating too fast, it was getting hard to breathe, and I knew I was about to have a panic attack any moment. "Let me see them. Please- I have to- please." I pleaded lightly, like it had ever been in question that I would get to see them.

Sebastian simply nodded, "Lead the girl to her friend, I'll be right with you. First I must see if the young master is willing to-"

I turned to him, "I think that could wait- Earl Phantomhive is a young man, right? He needs his rest." And I need to go over our story. "We'll stay out of the way tonight- I won't leave their side anyhow, please."

"Right this way, miss." Mey-rin's accent was absolutely adorable, and I return to her side, following her and hoping Sebastian wouldn't wake Ciel. The last thing I needed on my hands was a bratty, tired 13 year old, especially if I was going to appeal to his need for actual servants. "So where did you come from to avoid us all and change?" Mey-rin asked, once out of earshot of Sebastian.

"I... don't know. My friend and I were running through the forest and next thing I know, I'm waking up in the guest bedroom in unfamiliar clothing." I tell her, not entirely lying, "I barely know where I am, much less how I got here, miss...?" I'm going to call her Mey-rin on accident and without prompting if I don't get her name.

"Mey-rin- and that sounds horrifying, yes it does. Are you alright?" She questioned, looking me over. I run my hand through my hair and note that it's a lot longer than it had been- by a good few inches.

"{Y/N}..." I answer hesitantly, feeling my whole body start to ease with the conversation. At least it was a person I was technically familiar with. I knew everything about her, which meant I could work that angle to the best of my abilities. "... Mey-rin, I like your accent a lot..." Play innocent and scared- because I was. I'm innocent and very afraid. I've done nothing wrong aside from tell a few lies to protect my identity and this is a scary situation.

"Thank you! Yours is lovely as well." She leads us down a separate staircase, and I lightly wonder if {BFF/N} is truly alright. They better be or there'd be hell to pay. There, standing in front of a doorway with light spilling out of it, is a disgruntled and leaning Baldroy.

"There you are, did you get- who's she?" He asked, seeing me. I give him an awkward wave.

"This is Lady {Y/N} yes it is! And the person we found is precious to her. Sebastian found her wandering the halls."

"My best friend is in there, right?" I point to the doorway and make my way over shakily, for some reason worried they'd be bloodied or otherwise injured. They'd already been hurt once today, because of me I'm sure. I don't want anything else to happen to them.

"Yea, she's in here. Apparently she fell out of a tree, or something, had ta' patch her up." My heart sank lightly, and I rushed in. Sure enough, there they were on the bed, several more small scrapes dotting their face. I carefully took their fragile arm in my hand, before investigating the bandages. I wasn't sure why they were going through so much trouble, however, if I was correct, I had my guesses.

If I was correct and hadn't just hit my head on a tree because of the sudden storm, thing. I wrapped both of my hands around one of theirs, lightly bringing it to my lips and voicing a small, barely-audible prayer to whatever god or being would answer. "Please have them be okay- and please, please send help..." I mumbled lightly, before seeing Mey-rin and Baldroy enter the room after me, watching me look over them.

I missed the confused and concerned looks they sent each other, anyways, as I was busy inspecting them for further injury, in case they'd missed something. People always missed something. We stay like that for a few minutes in silence, me brushing hair out of their face and sweeping my eyes over anything I felt might have been injured, though staying in my lane.

"I brought water-! And mister Sebastian!" Finnian yelled, startling me and the other two, and I looked over at them. "Oh- you must be {Y/N}, then! Don't worry, your friend is just fine, though she was very injured when I found her. Baldroy helped pick her up and patch her right away!" He attempted to reassure, and I nodded, having gone silent. I watched as he placed a wet rag on the top of their head, and bit the skin around my thumb off nervously.

They would wake, they had to- "It's a few hours from sunrise, if you'd like to lie down and get some better sleep after your... travels..." Sebastian cut off my thoughts, and I looked towards him, "I'm sure this has been a very exhausting thirty minutes for you." I wasn't tired, though- I just wanted them to leave. Maybe if I pretended to sleep...?

I crawled fully into the bed with {BFF/N}, like a child, and I wondered lightly how out-of-character this might seem to Sebastian, who saw me somewhat snarkily respond to him before. I lightly grip their hand, "Yes. But I'm not leaving the room." Just leave, this was too many people. I don't like it. Sebastian, seeming to get the message, nodded, and ushered the other three out, though I noted Mey-rin's suspicious sneak gaze and Finnian's uncertainty over leaving us here.

I sigh, finally getting some time and space to myself to think... this is a lot all at once, and we only have one chance at this, obviously. We have to decide quickly if we want to stay here or take our chances somewhere else. Their stuff had, similarly but naturally, been placed to the side, and my brain would not stop making calculations as to what to do next.

At some point, I'd noticed {BFF/N} awakening, and I lightly got out of the bed, taking the rag off and helping them sit up. "You okay?" I asked softly, gently taking the rag and dunking it in the cool water to refresh it.

"... yeah... where are we?" They asked, looking around. The candle that had kept the room alight earlier had since dimmed a little, and I simply shrugged, sighing,

"You're not gonna believe me." I stated simply, lightly placing the rag back on their head and leading them back down. Something was messing with them, bad- and I could only hope that it would go away. However, part of being a fangirl is knowing that usually in the 'world traveller' stories, nobody ever went over what would happen if someone who wasn't supposed to be there also came along... and I had my guesses.

"... Try me."

"... Black Butler?" I tried, with a nervous giggle. They narrowed their eyes at me, and I could only hope they knew when to tell that I was genuine. Five years- six, almost seven, soon- tended to bring people close. "We're in Black Butler, like it's some sort of fanfiction."

"... Well, That's- nice. Where are we in Black Butler?" They seemed calm at the moment, but then again, they- "Wait what to you mean-" They sat up, accidentally hitting their head on mine, and we both gave small shouts of pain. There was a pause, and then they giggled, causing a small smile from me. "What do you mean, we're in Black Butler?"

I shrugged, lightly turning my neck, showing them the bruise on my neck from when Sebastian decided to attempt to choke me from behind, dumbly. "We're in Black Butler and Sebastian's already made an attempt on my life, once." I joked lightly, already feeling a little bit better now that they were here, though they obviously wanted to do something about that.

"Well- I mean, that sounds more like you, to be honest. I would be surprised if you didn't come to me with some sort of injury from one of them... I had a fever dream involving some sort of avatar rip-off with cheese whales, goldfish, coke, pepsi, and dragons... but I think we have more pressing matters right now." They sighed, and leaned back on the bed. "And let me guess, you've already got some outlandish plan?"

"We become maids like Mey-rin while we try and figure out if we want to be here, or not." I suggested simply shrugging, "To put it simply, we could say that it's repayment for helping us out, and then once we 'see how disastrous they are' we can offer to work for like... as long as we need to, should we figure out that this is where we want to be." I lightly finger the necklace around my throat, though admittedly it felt... different, and I simply thought it away as me overthinking it.

"... so we really are treating this like a fanfiction, huh?"

"Well... I mean, would you rather we wander around the streets of Victorian London in nothing but nightgowns?" I joke and they simply shake their head, feigning unamusement at the prospect. "We could pretend we're ghosts." They snort at that, "Two ghost palios wandering the streets of 19th century 80s London together."

They were very much done with me. "No thank you- actually? I think I'm still tired," They turned around, this time taking the blanket with them, "Please leave the room. I'm feeling just fine." They joked dryly, and I pouted,

"What's wrong with being a ghost with me?" I lightly climbed onto the blanket mound, jokingly pawing at where their face had disappeared into blanket,

"I never said there was anything wrong with being a ghost with you-" They 'argued' back lightly, and I could hear the smile in their voice,

"Well you implied it-"

"Are we interrupting something?" Interrupted a very young, very annoyed, and very bratty voice, and I could feel {BFF/N} freeze underneath me. I paused, turning to look, and in our hubris we'd not paid attention to the young child and amused demon staring at us. I noted that Ciel hadn't yet been fully dressed, and looked out the window. Oh, the sun was rising.

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks and I softly shook my head, climbing off {BFF/N}- who uncovered themselves and turned to look at the younger boy- and sitting politely on the edge of the bed, crossing my ankles and placing my hands in my lap. "I- no, Lord Phantomhive, right?" I counted my blessings that they walked in then, though, and not five seconds ago when we were lightly scheming on what we should say to them. "You weren't interrupting at all." A less wary me would tell him that he had interrupted.

But I didn't really feel like dying right now. Hit me up in about a week.

"I see. My butler Sebastian has made me aware that one of you was found having fallen out of a tree, and the other wandering about my estate as though you owned the place." I nodded, lightly rubbing the length of my thumb with my other thumb, awkwardly.

"Yes, my lord- I would like to apologize for that, I simply didn't know where I was. Somehow, I went from sprinting through the forest with my friend, {BFF/N} here, to waking up in one of the bedrooms. And I uh, wasn't in this nightgown when I was running. I don't know who's this is or how it got on me." {BFF/N} nodded, as ever good at keeping up with my stories.

"What were you running from?" Ciel asked plainly, and I paused, unsure how to answer for a split second. What were we running from? I look to {BFF/N}, and they look to me, and I open my mouth to answer, looking back, when they answered first.

"My parents. We're best friends, but my parents don't approve of our friendship, and since {Y/N} was a maid at our estate, and I was their 'daughter...' they were going to send her away, anyways... so we ran." She stated quietly, looking a bit 'downtrodden,' and I took a moment, before looking back to Ciel.

"You won't call her parents, right? I was planning on working for you anyways to pay off whatever I needed to for your servants helping us, I won't be in your way," I lightly begged, trying to play up the 'pathetic' card slightly, "Please just let us escape them- we-" I lightly channeled my inner panic as I tried to think of ways to get him to let us 'stay temporarily' while also seem like we were in a bit of a rush to get away from someone.

"Calm down- and go back a little. 'Daughter?' You seem to not be fond of the term in reference to yourself." I paused, and looked over at them. How to explain this to Ciel? Well- again, he had no reason to turn us away because of such a small, 'odd' thing. The issue was, which one of us was going to explain the concept of nonbinaries to the barely-teenaged victorian boy? Granted he also wasn't godly, so...

"... I don't feel like a girl, is all. But I don't feel like a boy either." Sebastian actually seemed to understand easily enough- his kind, of course, didn't necessarily have genders either- so it was easy enough to get him to grasp it. Ciel looked a bit put off, though. As expected.

"Well, alright, then." His gaze turned to me, and I paused, "You said you're willing to work for a while to pay back the favour of not throwing you and your... liege, out into the night," He said, as though he'd been made aware of us and made that decision himself... but I didn't bring it up, "But I have a proposition that could appeal to you all the same. How about both of you work as servants here until her parents stop looking in this area, you two could build up savings and start a new life, risk free. How does that sound?"

That was... an awfully generous way of offering that. Frankly, I didn't trust it. It would be the perfect solution to our fictionalized troubles... what I was really worried about was the price that came with that. I bit the inside of my cheek, though, and looked back to my best friend. They simply smiled at me.

"Lord Phantomhive, my lord? That sounds perfect." They answered, and I sighed, seeing them grin. This was probably really bad, since we had no idea what the deal was for, truly, but all I could really do is give them a disappointed look for not giving me the chance to scope out the offer a little more, mentally.

"I'll get Mey-rin to show you to your quarters and clothing, then."

Chapter 2: Chapter Two - The Urge In Me Is Pinning Me Down; I'm Antagonized

Summary:

Reader-chan does some sigma mindset grindset affinity grinding

that's all.

also music occurs, I guess.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

A girl sat on the front steps of the school, waiting for one of her parents to pick her up. She had two, shouldn't one of them be coming soon? The teacher watched from a small distance away as the girl saw something and popped up with a smile. The teacher moved, expecting to see a car pulling into the front, but instead, the little girl hopped into the road of the pick-up lane, crossing it.

They frowned, picking up the closed umbrella from the side pillar and following. "Careful, now- don't forget to look both ways!"

The little girl wasn't paying much attention, though, picking something up from the small grass outcropping that separated the pick-up lanes from the staff parking. "------, look!" The little girl held up a small butterfly, it's wings opening and closing in what seemed like a calm manner.

The older person let out a small, amused laugh. "Oh, may your curiosity and love never leave you." They mumbled to themselves. It was just then that droplets of rain began to fall from the sky, and they pulled out the umbrella, opening it. The little girl frowned, and placed the butterfly back under a particularly large leaf.

"I hope Mr. Butter survives the rain..." She pondered aloud, but took the teacher's hand all the same.

"I'm sure 'Mr. Butter' will be just fine."

I give a small sigh, watching Mey-rin struggle to find an outfit that would fit {BFF/N}. They were incredibly thin, and it tended to show. Their lanky limbs that might as well have been skin stretched over bone alone, and their spindly fingers... they looked like a skeleton pretending to be amoung the living. I remember clear as day when we were fitting them for their orchestra dress and not even a size 0 would work. "Oh dear... we're going to have to get you a tailor, yes we are..." She commented softly under her breath, and I nodded to myself.

Working out the constrictions of the premade corset that I was given, trying to figure out the best way to suck in and breathe through it, I thought aloud so that our red-headed companion knew where I was at, "It would be a good opportunity overall- since we're going to need some personal clothing as well." Fitting me had been something of a breeze- it always had been, since oversized clothes tended to be just as appealing on me and tight-fitting clothes didn't really bother me. Perks of not caring about comfort, I suppose. "We can get that in our own time, though."

{BFF/N} waved their arms around in the oversized- read; average-sized- dress with vague amusement, before remembering something. "Oh! It's not a maid's outfit but maybe I could borrow something from the gardener? He seemed about my size." Of course, I saw the look Mey-rin gave them at that, and I sighed, knowing the thoughts of a Victorian-minded maid.

"Well, either way, I was thinking about needing some hair clippers of some kind. Now that we're far away from your parents..." I suggested, glancing up at their hair- a bit long for my liking- and then wiggling my eyebrows at them. They roll theirs in response, and I let out a small huff of laughter. 'Pog through the pain,' as some wise man once said. I sit on the bed for a brief moment, and though I don't say anything, some dizziness is rolling through. My limbs don't feel like my own, and I have to take a small breather.

"...right {Y/N}?" I realize I failed at my task of staying in the moment when I see a spindly hand move past my vision, causing me to look up,

"What was that? Sorry, I spaced out." {BFF/N} rolled their eyes, mouth turning upwards in a grin, but their eyes displayed worry.

"Mey-rin asked you if you could go to Finnian and get some of his clothes while she takes a moment to try and quickly fast-tailor a maids' uniform to match my size better." They reiterated, looking back at the defeated, but accepting, redhead "Are you alright, though?"

I laugh lightly as I stand up, using my hands on my legs to support my upper body as I do. "Yeah- I'm good. And I can do that. A good way to get to know the layout of the manor." And a good way to get our stuff from the rooms and stash it away in the room I was given right next to them. Each of the maid's quarters had two beds, but since there were three of us... it was argued that the least experienced maid- sorry, {BFF/N}, but it was our story- should stay with the most experienced maid of this particular manor. I technically didn't know Mey-rin was a disaster maid yet, so... I couldn't really argue that they should be in the same room as me.

I have a small gathering that it might also be because Mey-rin wanted to share a room with someone, as well, so I didn't really fight it. I'd been friends with them for longer anywho, so I win the battle of best-friendship. I pat them on the shoulder, giving them a small, unconcerned smile, "Don't worry- it's just a manor. I've been here before." I comment, winking at them and waving as I left the room, the heeled boots I was given still throwing off my walking a little.

I carefully tugged at the soft yet warm and movable fabric of the uniform, fairly impressed by the quality, and the boots weren't terrible to walk in, but it still felt odd. The only thing missing was the corset, but I encouraged Mey-rin that we could do that ourselves here in a moment after we made sure we found clothes that fit. Otherwise, I felt something like a cosplayer, or a Ren Faire employee, walking around an abandoned manor. I couldn't help but occasionally twirl the skirt, playing with it as I walked- and holding it as I went up a small step.

The manor was beautiful, as well. even in the back where the servant's quarters lie. Though in the hallway of the servants the walls are white and the flooring a dark wood of some variety, there were still signs of high quality. Though it wasn't reflecting, the floor wasn't overly mussed, and the walls were eggshell as they likely were when they were placed by Sebastian. I touched it to check, and my hand came off of it clean. I made a mental note to myself to remember to assist in the upkeep of the area. I turned around at the entry door to the hallway, and remembered the layout. Only three of the standard servants' quarters were used before {BFF/N} and I took residency, while the butler and head maid's rooms lied a few paces away from the staircase leading to the foyer.

I turned and considered going to the kitchen, in hopes of catching Baldroy and asking for Finnian's whereabouts, but instead decide to only head up the staircase into the foyer, hiking up the skirt of the uniform slightly to make it safer. Sebastian would know better, and while a part of me considered just waiting a while and taking them from Finnian's room, my common sense knew better. The climb wasn't exactly friendly, but it wasn't horrible either, and I knew that I could get used to it in time.

I entered the main foyer, and gandered slightly at the impressive size and architecture. This building was impressive- and a tad frightening- but all around aweing. I pulled some of my hair back, taking in a deep breath, closing my eyes, letting it out again. I just needed to get ahold of myself. 'This is all just a show, {Y/N}, and right now, we're playing parts.' I remind myself, trying to get into the mindset of the character I so readily set up.

'I don't have much of a personality anyways. Should be easy enough to pretend to have one.' I glance around the large space further, and take a small step forward, lightly twirling and watching the fabric of the skirt fold as I did so. I knew why it was so versatile and light, but it didn't stop me from feeling amazed. I never thought such an outfit would be comfortable, so I was still quite enamoured with it. Plus, I'd always wanted to wear an ankle-length dress like this, but between the school and the lack of access to funds... I never had the opportunity before. And now this was my life until we found a way out! That was exciting, in it's own, terrifying way.

"You seem to be having fun." A suave voice cut through the empty air, and I froze, looking towards where it came from. There he was, the secondary star of the show.

Sebastian Michaelis.

I have the sense to look a little ashamed, and lightly rub my arm, looking away from where he'd come out of a door next to the stairs, "I've just never been in a skirt so comfortable, is all." I admit, "Lord Phantomhive truly is as impressive as the rumours." He smirked- of course he did- and the two of us began the movement to meeting halfway, our shoes being the only sound for a brief moment, our bodies reflected on the overly-polished floor as we met, "Sebastian, if I am right?"

"Ah, you caught my name, Miss {Y/N}." His eyes flicked over me briefly, and I couldn't help my expression as it went into a reasonable frown,

"It's hard to miss when everyone's screaming it." I retort with good humour and a gentle smile, and then a sigh, my hand moving to the collar of the sleeve of my dress, feeling the fabric. "Where would the gardener be about now?" I inquire gently, "Finnian, I think I caught." His gaze looked past me briefly, before he looked away, checking the time on his pocket watch.

"He would still be doing a general sweep of the garden right about now, I would estimate. What do you need him for?" Sebastian was amiable, but I was slightly uncomfortable, and I felt a small chill of instinctual terror climb my spine as I stared at his crimson irises. I needed to either befriend Sebastian or align myself with a reaper as soon as possible, if I wanted to get out of this mess before I wove an even larger web of half-truths.

He cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow, and I grew immediately flustered, feeling my face grow warm. I sheepishly looked away, rubbing my cheek to will the red away. "Sorry- I- I've never seen such lovely red eyes in person before." I compliment earnestly- not at all lying about that. He gave a small chuckle, and I shook my head.

"Thank you for the compliment, though you were looking so intensely I can't help but feel you had other thoughts running through your head." He had me there, but he had no idea the nature of my fear. How real a threat I knew he was was no small matter in my mind. This man could contort your limbs by looking at you, if that was what Ciel willed.

"I'm fairly interested in genetics- so my mind had wandered a little," I half lied once more, dreading the realization that I should get quite used to it. I was mildly interested in genetics, and my mind had wandered... but lying always left a sore taste in my mouth, "If it's not offensive to ask, is your hair dyed, perchance?"

"Oh? What makes you figure?"

"Well, what with your pallor skin and red irises... one would naturally lean towards albinism. Not that that's bad! In fact it's quite fascinating, I just- well, wanted to know if my guess was correct." He simply smiled, and I let out a small breath of relief, passing that off as relief that he didn't seem offended, and not as relief that I managed to successfully pretend I had something totally different on my mind.

"You're quite intelligent for being a maid." He commented, and I began to walk towards the garden. I was going to exit out of the conversation; but he followed; so I didn't bother.

"Technically I was a lady in waiting, but their parents despised any small claim I had to any form of nobility, so I was just a standard personal maid to them, and essentially everyone else." I mentioned as an addendum, hoping that would cover for me. Suddenly glad I made a talent out of reading noble court drama manhua in my past-time. "I would prefer that not be dug into though. I don't really consider myself nobility, either."

He nodded, and hummed, "So then you are familiar with many things, then?"

"Yes. Though, the things I decided to learn and enjoy are... a bit out of the ordinary. I hope you won't find any comments I may make in the future to be too odd." I might as well preface, "My sense of humour can be disturbing or bizarre on occasion. Please try not to mind it." I pause in the mudroom- a small room to the side of the typical entrance to the gardens where people who were outside can enter- and I turn from the glass revealing the fresh morning sky to give him a small smile. "Actually, try not to mind any odd facts I present, or talents I have,

I clear my throat, lightly flustered, "I've had quite a few looks into other professions as well, back when I was trying to escape servitude. I'm no longer interested in 'escaping' this lifestyle, but some knowledge lingers and I like to bring it up, when relevant." This should cover for any modern-knowledge slip-ups. I'm not sure what people know in the Victorian Era, precisely, and I don't want to say something about something I shouldn't know just yet. "... Another reason my la-" a breath in, "my friend's parents hated me was my quick uptake. I was a bit too intelligent, a bit too wise, and a bit too dexterous for their liking, sometimes."

At that, I couldn't help the growing smirk, and he must have found it humorous as well because one of his light chuckles permeated the air. "Duly noted. Anything else I should know, before I plan your schedules?"

"Oh, lots of things," I start, before my voice falters, "But I'm sure it's nothing we couldn't talk about before we've served our respective roles." I point to the door leading out to the garden, and he nods. "Though I will say that Mey-rin will probably have a good chunk of her day eaten by quickly tailoring a skirt for {BFF/N}, and I need to know what duties of hers I will take over in the meantime."

"I will prepare that for you once I've woken"- he'd gone back to sleep after the fuss, since he needed his rest- "and served the young lord." He reassured, and bowed to me, checking the time. I gently bowed, and headed out the door leading to the garden, taking in the sight and the pattern of the bushes. It truly was a large garden, even if you ignored the fact that there were two gardens. And a greenhouse. I sucked in my cheeks at the realization that he had three whole nature-centric locations in his home and Ciel chose to do his work inside.

Especially on the fine morning that it was. The sun rising in the sky as what remained of the late-summer night air passed by me. The feeling of going down innumerable steps in a lengthy skirt to talk to the gardener of a fancy manor did not pass by so easily, however, and I found myself in front of a kneeling Finnian in no time.

"Hello, Finnian." He lightly startled, his wide, dark teal eyes turning to me. I notice that he seemed to be startled out of some kind of reverie, but it doesn't last, surprise turning into a friendly smile as he stands up, arms out from his side excitedly.

"Hello miss! Mister Sebastian gave you my name, no doubt! How may I help?" I shook my head, holding out my hands in a 'calm down' motion.

"I'm {Y/N}, and as I'm sure you know, I'm to be a new maid here. However, my friend {BFF/N} needs clothes since theirs doesn't fit them quite yet, and we were wondering if we couldn't borrow some of your clothes for the time being?" I prompted lightly, putting my hands behind my back and rolling on my heels in anticipation.

"Sure they can! I'm not sure if my clothes will help, but if they do, go for it!" he exclaimed, and I made a mental note to avoid him as much as possible, simply because he was too loud. He was sweet, but {BFF/N} preferred him anyways- so I'd let them interact so that he didn't feel entirely disliked by the two newbies. I just didn't like hanging around the volume of person he was.

I lightly bowed, "Thank you Finnian, I'll go do so right away." I saw his mouth open to say something else, but I had already turned and taken a few steps away. I felt a small pang of guilt, but right as I was reaching the staircase I heard a loud,

"You can call me Finny!" ring through the air, and as I placed a foot on the first stair, I turned, gave him a smile, and a wave. I make no promise I cannot keep, however.

I wander back up onto the second floor, making a straight shot for the guest rooms {BFF/N} and I took over in the wee hours of the night. Nothing was changed, so for {BFF/N}'s I gathered their things and King and tidied the bed. For the room I appeared in, I also gathered my things, but not wanting to be caught up there for too long, I hurried back down. I dropped off our things in my room in the servant's quarters, and headed to Finnian and Baldroy's room.

There I searched through their drawers liberally until I found a shirt and pants from Finnian, as well as a belt, and headed back to Mey-rin's room. When I opened the door, I noticed an amiable quiet between the two of them, Mey-rin working on the uniform, and {BFF/N} organizing our new clothes.

"Hey {BFF/N}, got you clothes to wear." I held up the outfit, and they clapped excitedly, reaching for them. I gave the clothes over readily and looked to Mey-rin as I gathered up my clothing. "I'll be in my room, putting away this spare uniform and tidying up my appearance." I excused, ready to get to work, honestly. She nodded, focusing, and I smiled shyly to {BFF/N}, who was looking at the clothes. They met my eyes with surprise and nodded, growing a bit red, and I left the room as swiftly as I entered.

In my own room, there was a note on my nightstand I hadn't noticed before, labelling the times and locations that Mey-rin was scheduled to clean or be for the next few hours of the day, and I gave a light smile. Her schedule was tight, but the plan was certainly to loosen it by the time that we were all settled in. I could have a crisis in the evening, when all was settled. Today, I clean.

It was around lunchtime when Sebastian and I finally had time to chat. With Mey-Rin having completed the fitting, and {BFF/N} and her getting to work with me, the three of us finally had a working unit of maids going. {BFF/N} had decidedly been stationed to sweep and do general cleaning for the hallways and staircases, I was to upkeep personal rooms and guest bedrooms, and Mey-Rin was to clean the lounges and set the tables, with a plan to rotate tasks every day. We'd gotten into a rhythm quite quickly, and Mey-Rin seemed to enjoy the bonus of not having distracting tasks.

I was flattening out the green sheets of the bed of the second guest bedroom- the one {BFF/N} was taken to- when Sebastian made his way beside me. I had a distinct feeling of being watched, so I turned to my side, and startled slightly. "Ah, Mister Sebastian- I presume that you've found ample time to discuss our schedules?" I lightly tease, flicking my eyes to the bedside clock meaningfully. He was really handsome, now that I could slow down a bit and evaluate him more.

I wouldn't fawn over him as much as I'm sure twelve-year-old me would like for me to, but that's because I have taste now. Also, I'm not sure if it's just me, but thinking back on it, he's at least aspec. There's no way he only has sex to get information out of women and yet still is 100% allosexual. I put that on pause as I remember that we're doing business right now.

While I was thinking about my associate's possible asexuality, he'd been evaluating my work. "You're not bad at this." He mumbled, running his gloved hands over the top of an armoire and giving a rare appreciative smile my direction, "Though you could be a tad more attentive, so far you're not failing to please." I simply shrug at that comment, his suave nature not affecting me as much as it probably would a younger me- or a less aware, more desperate woman- but still quite attractive. "Follow me, Miss {Y/N}."

I follow him out of the room and close the door behind us, allowing him to lead me though some hallways and down a side staircase back onto the first floor, where he showed me a shortcut that I could have figured out on my own, but was overall glad he showed me. Through the library- which almost had me distracted- there was a lounge that had an exit door into the foyer and therefore into the servant's quarters.

He led me past the rooms to the workspace, which had the same eggshell colour but now the bottom half was a strange green. He then led me into one of the aside rooms near the staircase; the office of the head butler. There was a desk in the center of the room and bookshelves with files on either end. His office. I take a small look at the bookshelves, noticing but not minding his amused staring as my fingers lightly trace the spines of some of them.

He takes a seat behind his desk, "So, enjoy nosing about, I see." I pause at that, growing a tad red, before turning around and sitting in the comfortable seat across from him.

"... Only when there's a disproportionate amount of information about people mere meters away..." I respond in a half-mumble, half-teasing accusation. He raises an eyebrow, and I wonder for a moment if I'm being too familiar with him.

Well.

It would be hard not to be, after nearly seven years of his unending presence in my life. It's not my fault that I know him virtually inside and out by now. How far he's willing to go for Ciel's soul, his interests, and his hobbies. They're all right here in my brain. He couldn't even erase my memory of him if he tried, I'm sure. He gives a sigh, and simply shakes his head.

"So then, I'm assuming you've been thinking through the schedules of you, Mey-rin, and {BFF/N}?" I nod, lightly playing with the skirt of my dress. I feel his stare into me but not through me- a typical kind of stare for me.

"Yes- though I'll admit I'm a better writer, I have it thought through plenty." I take in a small breath, "The current situation Mey, {BFF/N} and I have discussed but not finalized is separating the manor's tasks between the three of us and cycling them every day." He pulled out a pen and paper, writing it down. "Today, I was working the rooms, {BFF/N} was sweeping the halls, and Mey-Rin was cleaning the more important rooms and making sure everything was in order. However, when we're done with those tasks, I have more I suggest you assign now that you have the extra hands."

He nodded, prompting me to continue, "You should have {BFF/N} sweep the garden and otherwise assist with it. Mey-rin could potentially help the cook with meals, and I-" I pause at that, realizing that my suggestion for myself had no external reasoning. Sebastian looks up from the paper he was writing on, my mouth still open, and I stutter a bit, "Oh- I got that- a bit messed up- I meant that I could assist with meals and Mey-Rin could be more readily at the young master's side."

I laugh slightly at myself, running my hand though my hair, "Apologies, there. For a moment my brain forgot the young master wasn't {BFF/N}, ahah..." I look to the side, having the common decency to look a tad ashamed at the mix-up of my tongue.

"Alright. I have confidence that that set-up may work, however..." He hummed, tapping the fountain pen on the paper gently- too hard and it would ruin it- "But I think that your 'slip-up' may work better. You seem like a schedule-minded person, so I'll let you in on an open secret of the Phantomhive household." He set the fountain pen down, folding his hands over each other in a plotting manner.

"You see, every member of the Phantomhive staff aside from you and {BFF/N} are hired mercenaries of a sort." He divulged, and my eyebrows raised and eyes widened- not because I was surprised at the information, but because I was surprised at how readily he offered it. "If Mey-Rin were to stand at the young master's side while she wasn't doing miscellaneous chores, she wouldn't be able to properly go about her usual pathing."

"Oh, I see." My heart sank lightly, hands folding in my lap, and I looked at them. I did feel a little bit bad for the redhead, as I'm sure she would have been delighted to hear that she would get to stand with Sebastian during her free time, but I stayed quiet. I barely caught his eyes flicking to the clock on the wall, and I looked back up. "Well, I suppose it can't be helped."

"Indeed. Now- I would like to go over you and your companion's relevant strengths and weaknesses." At this, he opened a drawer and pulled out two files, setting them on the desk. He set the written paper to the side and looked at me. "Who would you like to go over first?"

A hard decision, truly. {BFF/N} would be harder to speak on entirely, so I started with them. "{BFF/N}." He pulled the file he hadn't put the notes in out and opened it, revealing that it appeared to be an application of sorts with just {BFF/N}'s first name at the top.

"Ready when you are, {Y/N}." I nod, lightly taking in a small breath, and pressing my thumb into my palm.

"Their full name is {BFF/N} {BFF/M/N} {BFF/L/N} and they were born April 23rd. Their star sign is Taurus-" I pause for a second, wondering why I thought to mention that, "And their sex is female, though they don't personally feel like they are a woman, so they would prefer to be referred to as they/them, and they weigh approximately 36 kilograms. They are, however, perfectly healthy, and have had extensive doctor's visits where they said as such, however, if you wish to confirm for yourself, I'm sure they'd be perfectly happy to have it proven."

'If only to get the other servants to shut up about their health,' I add mentally, "As for their knowledge and skills, I'm sure they've picked up some things from watching me. Sweeping, organizing, general menial task work should be fine, but tasks like laundry and more thorough jobs should still be left to me until they're properly trained. Also, as per the previous information, they cannot fight."

I sigh at this, lowering my head, "Even if they could hold their own- which I have tested without them knowing on numerous occasions- they still wouldn't harm another person. The most they might down is uselessly slap at someone, if my life was on the line, but..." Well. They had no combat experience whatsoever.

Even in modern day, the closest they've ever had to a physical fight would be racing me across the school lawn or one of our 'boop-war's, of which they won the race and I resigned in the 'boop-war's eventually because I wanted to do other things. "They're fast, though. Should you need a letter sent or a message delivered they could definitely outpace most people, I think." I suggested aloud, and he nodded at that.

It had escaped me, but he was writing fast- and had just about filled out the form, though not entirely. I'm sure he had added more based on his own observations, and he looked up. "That all?" I nod. He smiles, closing the file and scooting it aside, "For your personal integrity, I won't tell them than you said that about them." His smile was devious at that, and I pouted slightly.

"Well I would hope so. Next up is me, then?" I sigh, and he nods, opening the other file and- I can't help but notice that not only are there other notes there already, but he writes a few more down. I can't read them properly from where I sit, but I can see some of the capital letters just fine. He writes in English, and I can't help the amusement that lifts my mood.

The whole dichotomy of languages is at the tip of his tongue and he chooses the common tongue, huh? A small smile crosses my face at that. I suppose it's more useful to use to relay information to others, rather than hope that they know the language he writes in. Maybe, even, he puts some sort of spell on it after words that changes the language he wrote it in or otherwise disguises the information. An interesting concept, and likely within his capabilities.

"So then, {Y/N}, what about you?" He questioned, poking me out of my thoughts and pulling me back into the here and now of it all.

"Oh- me? Right." I take in a deep breath this time. "I'm {Y/N}, {M/N}, {L/N}, I am also eighteen, and I was born February 21st-"

"Ah, a Pisces, then?" He teased, and I blinked, 'tsk'ing,

"It's not nice to tease people when they're pouring their heart and soul out," I jokingly scolded, before continuing, "I weigh between 77 and 90 kilograms, and have a few issues with blood sugar that can usually be deterred with a healthy diet. I'm quite good at most everything, though notable talents I have would probably lie in the arts, as I enjoy crafts, drawing, and playing the contrabass. I've also got a fairly large knowledge of science, mathematics, and literature, though history and other languages tend to elude me." I sigh,

"As for my knowledge of combat, I'd say I'm best short-range. While I can shoot a bow and arrow fairly accurately, I'm useless with modern weaponry and am my most confident with a knife in my hand. Whether or not I'm willing to harm or-" I take in a breath, "K- kill, is entirely dependent on who the combatant is and my purpose for fighting them... though I prefer to flee, when allowed. I'm more of a stealth person than a fighter, though." I admit, shrugging. I would like to remain in this household with as little blood on my hands as possible, but if it did come down to it...

Well, given that Sebastian would remove all of the evidence...

Maybe...

I slap my own face cheeks, decidedly not letting my mind even go there, although it was beginning to offer me pictures of various intensely bloody scenes with barely-recognizable human corpses. I hate it when my mind does this, but I looked at Sebastian, who was tilting his had and watching me, eyes full of a certain type of contemplation. 'Is she capable of taking a human life?' and 'What would it take to get her to do so?' entered my mind, and I gave him a weak smile.

"I presume you're thinking about what you should make for tonight's dinner, and not something unsavoury?" I comment, and I see his eyes shift back down to the paper as he writes.

"Dinner has already been decided- but of course not.'' 'Liar.' I try not to glare at him, but I did feel incredibly exhausted.

"Speaking of which, after dinner tonight, would you be willing to display your abilities with the contrabass that you mentioned? I would like to hear your skill level." My page was filled out a lot more, and I felt bad about it, but at the same time, it also meant that he knew less and was less concerned about {BFF/N}. I would prefer I get the positive attention, as that meant equal measure of negative attention, which was ideal.

'Or am I just being selfish?' The corpses hadn't left my mind just yet, but I was able to push those and that thought aside, "Of course, I would be happy to. Though it might not be great, it's been a small while."

"That's alright. The best way to improve is to practice and keep with it." He spoke motivationally, and I let out a small, comfortable laugh at that.

"Now you sound like my mother." I stand up and dust off my skirt. "Is that all?" I question, looking for dismissal.

"Yes, you may go back to cleaning the second guest bedroom and whatever other room you are cleaning." He excuses peacefully. I bow, and then head out, taking long strides away from his office.

"I really want to see those other files," I mumble to myself, biting the inside of my cheek, "But it's far too soon... shame..." I smile to myself at the thought of reading whatever Sebastian held in that office, and went up the stairs to the servant's quarters. It would be a little fun to see what the world had in store for us. I also felt a little giddy- after all.

I'd just held a comfortable, level conversation with THE Sebastian Michaelis. This is the dream of so many fangirls. The endless nights where I scrolled through fanfiction after fanfiction, Neko!Reader after Demon!Reader, and yet here I was. In the Phantomhive Manor. Talking to them.

I only hoped that I didn't slip up at all as I made my way up the second flight of stairs.

Dinnertime came sooner than I expected, the five of us servants standing in line and watching Ciel eat was awkward, though. {BFF/N} and I exchanged looks often, but I never broke except to smile at a comment Sebastian or Ciel made. I was busy thinking, anyhow. I double and triple-checked the notes to the songs I was going to play by memory should Sebastian not require me to play sheet music, and generally thought over the game plan for the next few days.

He set down his fork and knife, and wiped his mouth with a napkin, and I internally prepared for something I've actually wanted to do for a while now. Unfortunately, at the end of the school year, I had to give up the bass I kept at home for concerts due to it being the end of the year. I've been itching to play for a while now, but they're very expensive.

Ciel stood up, and Sebastian put his jacket back on, and he turned to me, surprising me slightly. "I believe you were going to play the contrabass for us?"

I pause, hearing {BFF/N}'s 'huh?' and I remembered that I'd been so wrapped up in the excitement of playing again that I forgot to actually tell them. Baldroy, May-Rin, and Finnian also looked to me, but I mostly ignored their gazes. "Ah- yes, my lord. I didn't realize you would be in attendance, but it would be a pleasure to play for you."

He nodded, "You're my maid now, are you not? I would like to know of and witness any talent that my servants may possess. Besides, it's hardly proper for a man and a woman to be alone in a room, late at night, wouldn't you agree?"

I wanted to comment that I doubted he understood the implications, but I knew that he knew them and I didn't want to get in trouble so early, so I simply smiled. "Of course, my lord. Will the other servants also be attending, then?"

"If they so wish." He nodded to the others, and I give a small sigh of- relief? maybe- and fiddle with the braid my hair had found itself in.

"Alright. I shall head to the music room and tune the instrument." I offer this dismissal, but stay in place,

"Please do." And then I stand up straighter and leave the dining hall, heading to the music room. I am decent at the bass but I am hopeless at tuning, which is why I had the foresight to put my phone in one of my pockets. As I enter the music room, I find the bass already upright and the bow tightened, so I give a small smile.

Pulling out my phone and setting it to the tuning app, I feel confident in the little bit of precious battery I am using for such an important reason. Getting the strings in order, I quickly put my phone away, just in time for Ciel and his butler to walk in confidently, {BFF/N} and Finnian arriving right behind them.

Ciel sits rather close, but in a chair, meanwhile Sebastian stands and {BFF/N} sits on the floor- criss-cross with the skirt of their dress covering them all the same. Mey-Rin and Baldroy do enter, but Baldroy leans casually on a chair while Mey-rin leans on the wall. Tanaka enters just behind them, and sits near {BFF/N} on the floor, though he's on a pillow.

I didn't actually expect Baldroy and Mey-Rin, if I'm being honest, and I feel guilty. My left hand, resting on the neck of my instrument, gently plucks the thinnest string- G- with my index finger. "Ready when you are." Ciel commands, and I nod.

"Any requests, or should I just play what comes to mind?" I question, and he sighs,

"Just play what comes to mind, for now. If it's any good I'll see about procuring sheet music for later." I nod, bowing once more.

"Then, my lord, a song entitled 'Toreador March.'" Because of course, the only songs I know by heart on the instrument were fandom songs, lullabies, and the first full song I ever played on the instrument.

The 'Toreador March' heard in the FNAF series was mostly played on the G string, though that's also technically not true at all, that's just how I learned to play it. It sounds all the same so I'm not too concerned about it, but it's always amused me that even though I'm playing on a different clef using my clef's notes, it sounds perfectly alright all the same.

Music theory, am I right? That being said, this song is also the song I tended to play out of boredom or to warm up in the tuning/dressing rooms while prepping to perform on stage. It started out shaky, my grip on the bow rigid and out-of-practice, but it got smoother the second time around, as the song repeats twice. I hold the final note, and take my bow off of the string, bowing.

I survey the crowd. {BFF/N} looks exasperated, with a little bit of pride, Finnian looks full-on impressed, Baldroy has a look of confusion and acceptance, while Mey-Rin's look is.. complicated. I can't read Tanaka's, but Sebastian looks bemused, and Ciel contemplative. "Not bad, know any other songs?" The young master commanded, and I nod.

"Next; Dragonhunter." I couldn't remember all of this one, but I remembered 2/3rds of it and what couldn't be remembered could be improvised.

Of course, this was more obviously a bass part. It wasn't complete without it's accompaniment, and it certainly didn't have the same impact when I played the 'Coda' part of it, but it was still of a good quality, I felt. This time around, I channeled the emotions I had mere hours before my American 6th grade concert. The first one to truly mean something.

The panic I felt at home as I realized I forgot my sheet music and copying it down on lined paper before the concert, just to realize that I would have a stand partner who would have it. Making it awkwardly to my teacher, and greeting students I didn't yet know, but would be my only friends for the next three years, and the only constants for the next seven.

A different me, who barely knew what 'anime' was. Who hadn't yet discovered fanfiction- who still had {R/N} as a best friend. A me who, despite some circumstances, still had a spark of ambition in her eyes. Who still wanted, and felt natural to get what she wanted.

A me who was unafraid.

And before I know it, I'm no longer alone, the music and my hand had stopped, and my eyes were fighting back tears. Maybe that was a poor decision. I lightly use my sleeve to wipe away a stray tear, and I take a deep breath. One more for the road. "-And last but not least," I end up cutting Ciel off, and pause, "Sorry, my lord; 'Everything's Alright.'"

I didn't know this one on the bass. I only knew the lyrics, and the song. So, I played it by ear best I knew how. This song was pure sentiment, love, and longing, wrapped up in a small bundle of emotions. I cried openly- but silently- as I played this one, not wanting to hide it due to the importance of the piece, no matter how awkward I felt.

If I could cry over 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' in front of a crowd of easily 300 people, then I could cry over 'Everything's Alright' for a group of six. Besides, you get used to playing through tears, eventually.

When I finally let my bow drop, I looked around to the other servants, and, with a small bow, set my bow on the stand that rested to the side of me. "That's all I have, my lord." I spoke simply, wiping at the tears, swiftly removing them. {BFF/N} had stood up at some point, probably because I was crying.

"Do you know any other instruments?" He questioned,

"No, my lord." I answer succinctly.

"... So you chose to learn the contrabass alone."

"Yes, my lord."

"It's rare that anyone chooses to learn the contrabass, let alone all by itself. It's usually a secondary or tertiary instrument- and even more so, usually played by a man. What made you choose it?" I pause at this, and I smiled softly, remembering why a younger me chose it.

"My lord, if you will forgive me..." I laugh at myself, looking to the floor, flustered. "It seemed lonely."

"What did?" He seemed genuinely confused, eyebrows furrowed, and I look away again, embarrassed.

"I began learning at eleven- and I uh- I chose the instrument because it seemed lonely, my lord. As you said- very few choose to play it, and even fewer of those only know how to play contrabass alone. I thought the instrument felt lonely, so I decided I would play it, and only it." I answered, "... it just came naturally to me."

"You thought an instrument, something that is not alive, was lonely." He lightly ridiculed, and I couldn't help the small frown that came to my face.

"Respectfully, my lord, this bass is made out of wood, which was once a tree, which was alive."

"Trees don't get lonely. They're barely alive, much less sentient." He teased, and oh, did I want to slam this brat so hard into the ground. But I had no scientific backing at this time of humanity's scientific knowledge. "And even if it was, it's dead now." He smirked, and I just shook my head,

"If I may-"

"You may,"

"When I speak of the loneliness, I mean the loneliness the tree must have felt upon it's death- and also the empty space it's arboreal peers likely felt and despised. This tree was likely decades to centuries old. It probably knew things it only wished it could tell us, but it's life was cut short to assist in the making of music." I take a breath, "I play not only in reverence of the life the instrument once lived, but also in mourning of what it left behind."

"A romantic sentiment, albeit a childish one." He mocked, and I simply sighed. I knew it was childish to care so much about a tree, of all things. But it was the romantic heart in me, I suppose.

"Perhaps. But isn't a world where the dead are listening a much more appealing world than one where they're gone forever?" I question, already knowing his opinion as he stood up, getting ready to leave.

"Depends on the nature of the dead that surround you, Miss {Y/N}." I can't disagree with that one, and I watch him take his leave. "Come, Sebastian. I'm quite tired after those songs." The two of them leave, and I gently set down the bass, picking up the bow and loosening the hair. I get tackle-hugged from behind and almost lose my balance, but maintain it.

"Are you okay?" {BFF/N} asked with a frown, and I nod.

"Yes, I'm just fine." I give them a smile, and even though I am fine, they seem not to believe me and frown. Finnian walks up next.

"That was so amazing! Where did you learn to play those songs?" He asked, and I gave him a more friendly smile,

"Ah, when I was a kid, my parents asked me if I wanted to learn an instrument." {BFF/N} backed off a little, and I saw Baldroy and Mey-Rin having a discussion in the background. It's then that it hit me that I just had discourse with THE Ciel Phantomhive. I turn away from Finny and {BFF/N} as I giddily giggle, setting the bow down and shortening the endpin. Come to think of it, Sebastian seemed to set it at just the perfect height for me.

How kind of him.

The rest of the night involves the six of us smaller servants walking to our quarters- after I finish packing up the bass- and general chatting about the day. We wave goodbye to the boys as they enter their chambers, and {BFF/N} follows me into mine, promising Mey-Rin that they'll join her in a second. Seeing our stuff, they let out a sigh of relief, and I simply set my phone in the top drawer of my nightstand.

We organize our stuff in silence, but conversation quickly picks up once we're done, King resting well on the second bed in the room. "Are you really alright?" They asked quietly as I undid my hair, letting the long. {H/C} locks fall down my back naturally. I gesture them over,

"Of course, sorry I didn't check in with you earlier. Was a bit in my head, and well- it's gonna be a while before we get into a pattern where discussion comes easily and is necessary." I apologize, sighing as I began to take off my dress. They sheepishly turned around.

"It's fine! You don't have to check in with me, or anything... I was just surprised. When did you promise to play bass for Ciel?"

"When I left you and Mey's room, I encountered Sebastian. I told him that we'd do a more formal interview when he was able, and he and I managed to meet around lunch time. I told him our skills and all that- and he told me about the other servants' actual purpose- and then he asked if I'd play bass for him after dinner." I pause.

"Granted, I didn't know it'd be a damn concert, but that's alright. I was itching to play, so I'm happy with today." I comment happily, my mood brightened.

They hum, "Well alright..." They reach around and rub their neck, obviously unsure what to say about that. "I talked with Mey-Rin and Finnian today. Mey-Rin doesn't seem to like you much but Finnian is fun to talk to about pretty flowers and uh,," They fluster, "Pretty cute, too."

I grin, making plans silently in my head for tomorrow. "Heh- alright then. have fun with those feelings, I guess." I turn them around on my own now that I'm in my nightgown, but not before unclasping the sides to their binder through their dress.

"{Y/N}!" They cry out, confused and embarrassed and surprised all in one, "GIVE A PERSON A WARNING, JEEZ!" They sigh, exasperated.

"I'm tired and didn't want to wait for you to undress, nerd." Walking back to my dresser, I take their nightgown off the top and hand it to them. "Quick change." I prompt, and they sigh, but motion for me to turn around. I wait until I hear the maid outfit drop to the ground, and hold the gown behind me. Then, I wait until it's definitely over their head before turning around.

"Have a nice sleep, {BFF/N}." I pull them into a hug, and they pat my back.

"Good night, {Y/N}." They agree silently, and I reluctantly let them go, watching them pick up their uniform and open the door. "I'll wake you up early, then." They slip out, and I stretch, yawning. I walk over and flop onto my bed, not bothering to pick up my own uniform from the ground.

I'm sure it's plenty clean.

I drift in and out of my half-sleep for a few hours, hearing a clock ticking in my room. I sigh, reaching for where I tucked away my purse, and I grab a lighter, before lighting the handheld candle set in my room. Putting on socks, I pick it up and begin my trek outside, figuring I might as well see if there's any interesting books in the library.

The steps are precarious at night, but I manage them, and I walk through the main foyer, before stopping to look up at the painting of the happy family still on display. "Oh, Ciel..." I mumble to myself, thinking to go up the steps, but not having the energy to follow through with it.

"Miss {Y/N}, you're still awake at this hour?" The demon asked, and I turned to him. He'd come from my right, which was the most awkward angle for me to talk to him at.

"Indeed I am. You are as well it would seem."

"Birds of a feather, perhaps." I give a soft smile at that, hoping it plays off as agreeability and not amusement.

Perhaps." I pause, "I hope the young lord was not offended by what I said earlier in the music room?" I decide to gather, looking about.

"If that is what is keeping you, I assure you he thought nothing ill of you for it." He assured, and I nodded. "What is keeping you, if I may ask?"

"Ah, nothing much. I find myself slow to slumber in new environments." I shrug, "I was hoping to find a book in the library that could bring me home... would you happen to have 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?'" I question, and he chuckles,

"A recent favourite of the young lord, but I doubt he'll mind if you borrow it for a night. Follow me." I nod and find my soft steps following after his silent ones as he leads me to the library. He, of course, immediately goes to the shelf where the book is, and hands it to me.

I smile at him and whisper my thanks, before curling up into one of the couches, opening the book. I'm both surprised and please when he gifts me a blanket to wrap around myself, and I nod at him once more, too lost in my book to pay close attention anymore. "I shall take my leave then, however," I turn to look at him, attention caught as he grins in my direction, "Have you ever been told you look particularly beautiful when you cry?"

I feel a small shiver go down my spine, but I simply smile, "A couple times, actually. Thanks for the the compliment." I appreciate, turning back to my book.

There is something different about the way he said it and the few other times I've heard it, however.

Notes:

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Chapter 3: Chapter Three - I'll Throw It All Away; Block Out the Whispers, And Carve My Own Path

Summary:

Trans shit happens, Y/N confesses to The Gay, and that's all that really happens this chapter ngl.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Okay I have no idea where I'm going-"

"That's okay, because I do!" The girl giggled as she led her best friend through the Wal-Mart in the state over. She'd been here several times previous; because her grandparents took her places all the time. Her friend gave her a questioning look, and she took their hand, leading them through the aisles.

"Where are we headed?" The young child asked, looking around at all the aisles.

"I mean, I thought maybe the art supplies. Gramma would buy something if I asked for it." The young girl stated, letting go of their hand and leading them further, less physically this time.

"... lucky you..." The other child mumbled, crossing their arms. They rolled their eyes- but the other girl couldn't see it.

"Yeah, I am pretty lucky, aren't I?" She turned to them, grinning, "So I guess it's good you have me, just like it's good I have you! You're smart and good at art- I'm kinda dumb but I'm very lucky!"

They huffed, but shrugged, smiling. "Sure, it is good that we're best friends."

The life of a Phantomhive servant- get this- isn't all sleeping in libraries and mind games with the boss and his right hand. Actually, it's fairly tame, all things considered. The first morning I truly woke up as a Phantomhive servant was one of tired eyes and a chilly, dark morning. So, I set to work, first things first, with lighting the furnace in the library. It was my first task of a new day, and I was excitable as I went about, going to a sideroom to the kitchen and grabbing a few logs of firewood- a few, generous but not wasteful- and then going into my room, where I grabbed my lighter.

I kept the momentum going and after checking to make sure the chimney was open, managed to light a small, warming fire in the furnace. With that, I concluded that portion of the morning a success, and headed down into my room more readily. It was time to get dressed.

I brushed my hair and braided it, before looping it around and tying it in place with a ribbon I found in the dresser. The maid's uniform is rather simple after that, and aside from lacing the century's equivalent of a 'one-size-fits-all' corset, I don't have many troubles. That is, until {BFF/N} comes running in for the morning, holding their uniform and binder in their arms. I sigh affectionately, knowing immediately what they're here to ask of me.

"Yesyes- turn around, sweetheart." I instruct, and carefully assist them in securing the tight straps in place, the early morning making them a bit groggy, but otherwise the two of us can get this part of the day ready without too many words between us. "Now wait a second." I stop them after we've gotten the under dress on, gently leading them into the center of my bedroom. Pulling some sheets off of the second bed, I place them on the ground to form a mat of sorts.

"Sit. We need to get rid of some of that hair of yours." I remind them, and I see their eyes light up.

"Oh, yeah." They sit down on the blanket, and I grin, digging through my things. I always keep my sharp pair of scissors on hand, and a comb... the room had a brush in it when I got here, and I could simply obtain a glass of water. I stand up, "I've got to go to the kitchen to get a cup of water quickly." I excuse, hurrying up into the kitchen to do just that. I silently thank whatever being sent us here that Ciel was rich enough to be part of the nobility with historic but working water filtration and plumbing. After filling a glass, I run back down, placing the cup of water on the ground.

I wet the comb, working it through their hair several times, before I have wetted it enough that it's not in the way anywhere. From there, I start cutting it, starting with the bottom few layers. I want the top half to keep the cute little curls that form in their hair, and I want them to like it. So I chop away, evening out the parts. I carefully pull the locks of hair away from them as I cut to keep it marginally more clean. Though it's a little patchy in the back where my hand slipped it's decent. Not professional, but it's passing at a glance.

They stand up and look in a mirror in my room and check out their hair excitedly. "Oh my gosh. Thanks!" They turned around and hugged me, and I hugged them back, perfectly happy to do something like this for my best friend. We separate, and I give them a small smile, squeezing their hands.

"Let's seize today, yeah?" I comment, gently pulling one of their cool hands up to my much warmer face.

"Yeah, let's seize today." I begin the separation and lightly pat their head, but when I do, they lightly jolt backwards by a worrying amount. "Woah- you good?" They lightly touch their head, nodding.

"Yeah, just woke up feeling a little light-headed, is all." I frown at that, gently running my hand through their newly-shortened hair.

"I'll see if I can't make you something a little extra today, then." I attempt to assure, though to myself or them is the question of the century. My mind starts to find its way to a diagnosis, but I know that's a bad idea. I just need to get them well-fed and cared for. It'll work itself out, and if it doesn't, that's when we can start worrying a little bit more.

"You know I won't be able to eat it." They comment, their thin fingers wiggling pointedly at me. I lightly stick out my tongue before bapping my head against theirs affectionately. The chill of the basement quarters finally hits me, and I shake my head, separating from them.

"Maybe- but I can still try." They roll their eyes and stand up, dusting the hair off of their uniform. It had been short to begin with, but no clean cut is perfect. I lift up the blanket and roll it up, placing it under the spare bed. When it's time to do laundry I'll recover it, but for right now it was fine where it was. I shake my head and help them with the rest of the uniform, before the two of us head out into the hallway, catching Baldroy and Finnian leaving.

I give a wave, holding out my hand to Baldroy. "I don't think we've officially got to know each other yet." Greeting them with a smile, "I'm {Y/N} {L/N}, and I'm clearly a new maid here."

His eyes are friendly with a hint of skepticism, and he takes my hand and shakes it. "Baldroy. I'm the chef in this manor. I'm well versed in the kitchen." 'And with ammunition,' I knowingly think to myself. I let go and briefly trace my braid, shyly looking to the side.

"I hope you understand if I get lost from time to time. The Phantomhive estate is quite large." I excuse softly. It's then that Mey-rin also leaves her shared quarters, and I pop up before he can say anything, "Also, this is my la- my best friend, {BFF/N}." Slip in another 'accidental' 'my lady' to emphasize our complex relationship and the backstory we've made so far, and gesture to them. "I hope you take care of them, they're quite..." I pause to 'think,' "... thin."

They hit my arm from behind, and Baldroy laughs at that, a friendly smile stuck on his face. "I'll see what I can do." I give him a thankful smile, taking a step in the direction of the kitchen. Sebastian walks out and spots the five of us in the hallway. I give him a small smile and a wave, stopping in my tracks and backing up slightly.

"There you all are- I would like to go over the adjusted schedule today." He informed, pulling out his pocket watch and looking at the time before tucking it away, clearly figuring that he had the time. "Finnian and Baldroy, you will continue with your daily tasks, although some days {BFF/N} and {Y/N} may assist you, should they find themselves available." He explained, before gesturing to the three of us,

"As for Mey-rin, {Y/N}, and {BFF/N}, you three will be on a rotating schedule. As of yesterday; {Y/N} worked on the bedrooms, {BFF/N} swept the floors, and Mey-rin cleaned the lounges. Today I will keep those three general tasks as priorities, but make it so that {Y/N} is cleaning the lounges, Mey-rin focuses on the floors, and {BFF/N} practices on the bedrooms. I will assist in teaching {BFF/N} as well as {Y/N} on our way of cleaning things when I have the time. As for the miscellaneous tasks..." He can talk a lot, I noticed, then realized that it made sense. He had to teach Ciel and the other servants. He'd get pretty well-versed in lecturing in that time.

"Is that clear?" I snap to attention, and nod to him, hearing a, "Yes sir!" From Mey-Rin. "You are all dismissed and may begin your work." I lightly bow before the other two head up the staircase. I hear Mey-rin start up conversation with {BFF/N} and gently smile to myself, following Baldroy out, myself.

"Is there anything you need help with before I head out, Baldroy?" I question politely, fiddling with my hands before putting them behind my back, staring at him.

"Not much 'at I can think of. Mr. Sebastian should assist me in the kitchen as he usually does, nothin' different, nothin' changed." He answered simply, and I shrug.

"Alrighty then. I was just making sure." I head up the stairs first now that I've done my designated check to make sure nobody else needs anything.

I dust off the mantle, placing the sconces back where they belong. The mirror resting on the wall serves as a soft reminder that cleaning is messy work, and I see that in the reflection there's a bit of dust in the upper left corner. Quickly going to the cart that was in the corner of the lounge- discreet 'in case the lord brought his guests in'- and carefully rung out the rag, knowing precisely how to clean mirrors. And that it's important to clean the mirrors; more people would notice it than you might think. Especially in the 19th century. I finish wiping down the mirror and toss the rag into one of the three tin pails resting on the cart.

I would say I enjoy cleaning, more or less. It's less work than socializing or writing essays, but I can't say it's better than a good manga or video game. It's one of those tasks you find yourself saddled with and make the best of. Taking the dustpan, I sweep the ashes out of the fire place, trying to make it as neat as possible before restocking the holders with firewood, and lighting it with one of my lighters and some of the newspapers set aside for kindling... after some light reading, of course. These people don't know it, but the information on these is wholly unique and worth a lot in our time.

A secondary benefit to this job is that it helps with my pyromania quite a bit. I can set things on fire here all day; so long as it's restricted to the fireplaces, which I don't mind. I watch the blaze thoroughly consume the newspaper and use a second newspaper to help it breathe, watching the logs catch aswell. I roll up the second newspaper and set it aside, watching the fire, and then setting one final log. I then stand up, stretch, and start to lightly dust off the couches, replacing the pillows.

Cleaning rooms for hours on end is also therapeutic, I would add, if I were talking to someone. It's very simple to move from room to room, dust things off so that they look used, and then move on to the next room. That being said, it's very annoying to have to silently keep track off all the rooms in this damned mansion. How many lounges did one thirteen year old boy need? He didn't even like people! I give a heavy sigh and look into the mirror above the fireplace in lounge #3,999 and pause.

Eyes widening slightly, I turn to the space behind me that was empty not even three seconds ago, giving Sebastian an inquisitive glance. "You're quiet." Is all I can think to say, before my face goes into a smile at my own statement.

"Of course I am, I'm simply-" He starts, and on impulse I cut him off;

"- wait please don't." I hold up my hand, surprising him slightly. "I..." I pause, bringing my hand to my neck and feigning a confused look, "... huh. For some reason I had the urge to stop you. I'm sorry, that was impolite of me." I apologize, having the common sense to appear bashful. "Uh- so you're here to check on my work, right?"

His face retains it's usual smile, creepily enough, and he looks around, running his fingers over the side table. "You are correct. You're shockingly thorough."

I shrug casually, giving him more of a genuine smile, "It would reflect poorly of the young lord if I left anything out of place or unclean. Surely such performance isn't that heavy of a shock?" I respond incredulously, and truly, I don't believe that good cleaning is that rare. Anyone with working hands and legs can clean.

"{BFF/N} found particular struggles with forgetting to check the dressers for insects." 'Forgot, or left them be because they didn't want to hurt the poor things?' I can't help the disappointed face I make, closing my eyes and holding my temple lightly. He turns to me, looking at the mirror, and then at the windows. "Still, this is quite impressive."

'My dude- it's CLEANING.' I keep a polite smile, lowing my hand. "Well, I've been doing this for a while now." I stop letting him distract me as I go to a decorative shelf, opening the cabinet doors so that I could clean the inside. "Did you come here just to compliment me, or...?" My patience might be wearing a little thin, maybe just a tad. Whatever it was, he was either hesitating to tell me because he was uncertain- highly unlikely, but no matter the person, never not an option- or because he was trying to draw out my patience. Personally, I didn't care for that kind of game.

"I was just thinking that I would be hard-pressed to be dissatisfied with your performance so far." He starts simply, looking around and running his hand over surfaces I've dusted. He looked around the room, long legs silently and steadily guiding him wherever he desired. Was I too big brain these past couple of times?

"I know you've hinted that you and {BFF/N}'s parents had your... differences in opinions." Shit, I probably was, and I'm not really that big brain really I just thought a lot about those instances. "So I'm wondering... what are those differences, really?" Fuck it. I can only think of one clear excuse;

"I like women!" I turn to him, throwing my hands up in the air. "I'm homosexual, alright?" I state flustered, though I'm not telling the full truth, I'm not lying. I just want to keep him from investigating any further, and well... might as well get it out of the way. He staggers slightly, appearing like that genuinely shocked him, and I realize what I actually just confessed to. Whoops.

"Oh." he covers his mouth, turning away, and I cover my face in some mixture of embarrassment, mild shame, and a little bit of anxiety at the fact that I just confessed to being a non-straight in the 19th Century. We stay like that for a while, and I get a good moment to truly think about my action here.

Not my smartest play, now that I actually think about it. I probably could have just said they were abusing {BFF/N}, or something. I didn't have to tell him I was gay. Granted, maybe this was a big brain play. I clear my throat, rubbing my cheeks to make the blood continue it's path. I turn back to him, and he seemed to be in the process of recovering himself. Though I catch the faintest flicker of a grin- your eyes tend to naturally go to his mouth when you're a fan- he otherwise tries to maintain an amused if not neutral face.

My hands leave my face, tucking them into my chest before waving as I speak once more, "So. Yeah. I'm... okay it's not that I don't like guys, right? It's just that I do like girls, and one of the other maids picked up on this, and some rumours started, and so we left. That combined with how they treated {BFF/N}... well, it seemed like a good idea at the time." I should really probably stop talking.

"Calm yourself, miss {Y/N}, I understand completely. Although, I will say, that's quite a confession to make to the head butler of all people. If I were a crueler man, I'd find a way to punish you for your... misgivings." My blood ran a bit cold at that, and my hands found their way to my apron, fiddling with the fabric.

"I understand, most people don't really get it. I understand if you think I'm a danger to society, or something." Part of me wanted to go into the more specifics of my romanticality and sexuality, but I didn't want to confuse him too much.

"No, no. I personally don't understand the desire to court one's own sex, but if that's how you feel, there's no preventing it, now is there?" He hums, and like a rare butterfly to an etymologist, I find myself fluttering about the mesh cage, unsure what to do in this new environment I've gotten caught in. I simply smile softly, albeit shyly, and turn back to the cabinet.

"I have cleaning to do, I believe it would be better for us if you went to go serve our lord his mid-morning snack." I recommended, turning around and clearing the first shelf. I heard him chuckle.

"Very well then, if you require assistance, I won't be far away." He promised, leaving the room as quickly and silently as he entered. I don't tell him that I won't be needing his assistance- though I won't- and instead hold my tongue, going back to a 'default' face now that I am free from the obligations of looking at all pleased to be here. I hum a small tune to myself as I place the items back onto a dusted shelf.

Though things could certainly be worse. Given that I'm not immediately kicked out, I'll just remain calm. I'm more worried {BFF/N} will break, really. At least my outburst was... well, it wasn't great, but it could have been worse. I'm worried about them saying something that somehow wouldn't quite fit in with the narrative, and, out of a little bit of conspiracy, I move away from the window and text them just in case. '{BFF/N}, btw, I just came out as gay to Seb. That's my reason for fleeing. Ur parents still sussy tho.' I wait a moment, seeing their bubbles pop up for a second before going away.

At least they got the message. I put my phone away- turning it all the way off to preserve the battery- and then continue cleaning the shelf. Well, hope that that goes well.

I sit on the counter of the kitchen near the staff bedrooms, flicking on and off the lighter that had managed it's way with me. It was metal and cold, a novice engraving of a flame on one side, my father's initials tucked in the corner. The motion was simple- flip the top, strike the side. Fire. I knew it was bad for the striker to keep doing that, but I needed some solace.

I keep my ankles crossed and swing my legs back and forth, watching the fire in a mind-numbing haze. The lounges were easy enough to clean. They'd probably be finished by- "Oi. {Y/N}, right?" I startle, immediately flipping my lighter closed and looking to the years-familiar voice, hand pocketing it at the same time.

"Ah, Baldroy, yeah?" I give him a nod and an empty smile. "It's lunch time so after helping Sebastian plate lord Ciel's meal, I was taking a small break." I reason aloud, hopping off the counter and reaching for the rag.

As he walked closer, I noticed he had an eyebrow raised, "I coulda guessed. I was jus' wonderin' if you had any preferences." A pause, "For lunch, of course."

I take the rag and move to the sink, turning it on, "Well, I don't really have any hard set favourites," I answer, wetting the rag and then wringing it out, "Though I'm partial to pastas- nothing with tomatoes in it, though. I hate tomatoes." My nose scrunched up as I move back to the centre island counter, setting the rag on it.

He watches, still, and part of me wonders if he's thinking about pulling a gun on me right here. What would I even do about that? My current answer was somewhere near 'lie down and die.' "Ya' hate tomatoes? Why?"

"It would be easier to list the one reason I can bear seeing them around me;" I joke, wiping the counter and then tossing the rag at the sink, "I am not God, so I cannot remove them." I joke, smiling to myself as the rag makes it directly in. Baldroy laughs at that, and I lean onto the counter once more, though I don't climb onto it as he goes to look for a pot or pan in the counters. "What about you?"

"Ah, I like cake, but that's not really a food... I guess meat. Meat and meat-based foods. Like pigs in a blanket or steak." He pauses his search, and I see him swallow. "Mmmn- steak."

People from anime are weird. I also take the opportunity to admire him. Baldroy is, of course, among the denizens of Black Butler. His role in the anime and manga is to defend the manor. His blonde hair and blue eyes make him handsome enough- and his body is that of a larger man. Any girl from the normal planet would be more than in-love with him. "What in the nine hells..." he comments, and I snap out of it, eyes following his arms as he pulls out a curled-up plastic skeleton.

My hands fly to my mouth as I make a vague honking noise, surprised and amused all at once. He turns to me, skeleton in grasp, and I turn away, laughing into my hands. How did it get here? I had completely forgotten about that- because why would that ever be on my mind? He holds the skeleton up to the light, knowing it's not real but trying to figure out what it's made out of. I don't comment as he moves it in his hand for a few solid moments, setting it down on the counter. "Well this is an odd ornament. It ain't real, but it's certainly unique. Whoever placed this 'ere musta' been tryin' to scare someone..." He commented, rubbing his chin.

"You think it might have something to do with {BFF/N} and I?" I ask, having collected myself. I pick it up by the arms and look at it. I sit it on the counter proper. "Maybe someone's trying to scare us off? I wouldn't blame them, but that's the only reason I can see for putting this here." I comment aloud,

"Putting what, where?" The smooth voice of Sebastian rings out, before Baldroy can answer, Mey-rin beside him with the cart.

"The lass here was just worried about this toy skeleton that was under the sink-" Baldroy gestures to it, and Mey-rin's eyebrows shoot into her hairline. "I would be too, honestly. It's pretty ominous."

"That is ominous, yes it is," Mey-rin responds, walking up to it, "I find myself wondering if it's any of us, though." She responds, hand on one half of her face as she frowns, and I join her.

"Well, I didn't want to presume the Lord's manor unsafe, of course," I start, picking up Chad, "but I'm uncertain as to if anyone here could have or would do this. However, regardless of if I accuse someone here or say someone outside brought it in..."

"You'd be questioning the Lord's safety measures, and your own personal safety." Sebastian finished for me, though I didn't ask him to. His eyes trained on me. I carefully hugged the skeleton to my chest,

"Right. So I think I'm just going to take this to my room and call that that, yeah?" I question, looking around the room. Baldroy shrugs with a noncommittal response, and Mey-rin nods. "Right- I'll see you three in about two minutes." I respond, not waiting for Sebastian's answer before heading out of the room.

I look down at Chad in my arms, then waving to {BFF/N} and Finnian in the halls. They both seem shocked- {BFF/N} teetering on amused- and I enter my room, setting Chad down on the extra bed, next to King. "Well, this is officially weird."

I hear a scream ring out through the hallway, and I lean up from looking underneath a guest bed. Seconds later, I hear a crash of glass follow, and I narrow my eyes with a small sigh. I wipe my hands off on the apron and then step out, looking to where the sound came from. "Mey-rin?" Sure enough, Mey-rin was sitting on the ground, clutching at the open air to catch a box of something that landed one foot away.

"I- I've got it, yes I do..." She states defeatedly, and her and I both wince when she picks up the box and we hear the glass crunch against itself.

"Lovingly, I don't think you do." I mumble, approaching her empathetically and leaning down over the box. I lightly place my hand on the top and push it back to the ground. I gently open it, cringing at the broken china. "What were these for?"

"The young lord is having guests tomorrow, he is, and Mr. Sebastian asked me to get the china down from the storage..." She wilted, and I hum, picking up a piece out and then another, pressing the two pieces together. They fit together pretty well, still. Though, it wouldn't do any good to serve food on broken tableware.

"Lead me to the closet, maybe there's something that looks similar." I offer, picking up the box and looking down at her.

"We aren't going to fix it?" She asked, standing up.

"Oh no, we shouldn't be serving broken dishes to our guests. Especially not anyone important..." I hum, and she moves in front of me, "Who's visiting, if I may?"

"Oh, Lady Ravenwatch, of course. She and lord Phantomhive are pretty close." I pause, my steps silencing in the hall, and I feel my heart stall for a good three seconds. Mey-rin, of course, pick up on it right away, and I watch her turn to look towards me. "{Y/N}?" I take a deep breath,

"Oh, really?" I continue walking, shaking off the harrowing feeling crawling up my spine. I know everything about Black Butler but I don't at all remember a person named Lady Ravenwatch. Though the name is thematic, it's unfamiliar. Mey-rin tilts her head, though.

"Yes, they are! Do you know of her?"

"No, I don't," that's the problem, "What does she do?" I question, trying to put feelers out. I don't know who this Ravenwatch lady is- I'm not even sure if maybe I just forgot about her in some list of nobles they prattled off. Although, 'pretty close' is a strange way to describe anyone to Ciel. I would barely call him and Sebastian 'pretty close.'

"Oh, well as her name implies, her family makes and sells timepieces- watches and the like." She answered, and I nod along, "Though she's a fairly new name, she's very well respected and the young master and her have business meetings from time to time."

"Isn't Ciel in the toy industry?" She gives me a Look at that, and I clear my throat, "Isn't our master in the toy industry?" I have the decency to look ashamed- I mean I only know Ciel that well in theory- and she just gives a forgiving smile.

"Yes, but apparently they go to the same people for a few things and met because of it." She prattles on about some rumours about how they first met getting handkerchiefs, as my mind wanders further into what he could use a watchmaker for. Really, their connection would only be useful for replacing things in the manor and maybe scoping out discounts on small parts. Though he could also keep her around for the aesthetic, that doesn't really... fit his type. Maybe if Sebastian had a say in it, but certainly not Ciel.

Mey-rin and I make it to the closet, and I decide to put the thoughts out of my mind. Entering the dark room, I set the box down on a stool as I open it. Deftly, I shift the broken porcelain shards around the box, pulling out a more intact piece- one of a few- and set it on a shelf. "... So we need one that looks like this..." The cups that were broken were pretty averagely expensive, a simple white with a decorative blue trim. Knowing Ciel, he definitely had more like this. I pulled down another box, and I go to open it before I hear a fairly distinct gunshot.

I pause, of course, and look to Mey-rin, who's also startled by the noise, albeit for different reasons, and in a different way. She looks down the hall, then at me again. I nod for her to leave, and she closes the door to the closet- leaving me in relative dark. Part of me wants to pull out my phone or lighter, but I cannot be bothered, and so I wait the thirty seconds it takes for my eyes to adjust. I lean closer to the door, opening up the box and investigating the pieces, keeping a calm mind best I can. A few shaky breaths escape, and I put the box back up, since it doesn't have the design I'm looking for.

A few more gunshots go off in the span of time it takes for me to investigate another box, and they pick up for a brief second before petering off. I find the box I'm looking for, and I exit the closet, seeing Mey-Rin running my direction. She stops in the middle of the hallway, seeming surprised by my calm demeanor.

"Is there anything you need out here worth your life?" She asked, dramatically. They aren't real people anyways, I decide- this is just a silly show. So long as {BFF/N} and I are safe, I really shouldn't take anything seriously. My eyebrows furrow, and I just laugh it off, shrugging.

I hold up the box with a small grin, "I mean... maybe this box of china?" Mey-rin did not look amused.

Notes:

I never stop screaming

[thesolotomyhan]

dating david barron would include

a/n: aaand aqui llegue,,  a queued up post this time, i hope i did it right because this was supposed to be posted yesterday but i completely forgot,, but heres some barron content that mis reinas have ordered so lets get into it shall we bebes ?

wow ok??? someone please slap me upside the cabezota because i halted everything in progress just to get this fucking written todo por un pinche sicario that all of you have had me fall slowly in love with so es culpa de todos USTEDES that were here ok??

so honestly when i imagined barron in a relationship i feel like for him to really let himself go and be all smiley you would have to be really embedded into his heart first

but im not going to lie the hard exterior that he has would probably break the very second you even smiled at him the first time anyways so its not so hard for him to be soft around you

and from then thats when he knows he found the one for him and hes fucked for eternal

but something i feel like i should make clear,, is that he wont let it show so much in public how much you have him wrapped around your finger,,i feel like hes going to be letting his whole guard down when its just the two of you and theres no wandering eyes on you both -

and so before we get right into the whole heart wrenching fluff that makes me soft after establishing this

lets first get started with how you two met and were beginning to date yeah? yeah sounds good

so honestly i have a lot of ways I’m thinking about the beginning of your relationship going and ill just let you choose your own route with whatever you feel like going with

because on one end i can imagine the two of you being bffs ,, like you two grew up in the same neighborhood and shit

the both of you looking out for one another always hanging out with eachother,, just fucking destined to end up with eachother because of your bond and connection :((((

and could you imagine :((( him being overprotective of you even way before you two were a thing :((

like a young hotheaded barron being head over heeels for you :((

maybe that’s even why he went to prison at what? 16? maybe because some guy was trying to hurt you so he protected you instead of killing some guy for sitting on his car ya know? wow :(

but i also have this second route like maybe you meeting him sometime around the time francisco got out of jail in s2 and they had his welcome home party at roxanne ??

Yeah and so now could you imagine being either best friends with ramon or even francisco and being there to celebrate or get this maybe your an arellano sibling too because wow am i right? or am i right ??

so anyways you meeting barron there when pancho introduces him to everyone -

and idk why he gives me embobado vibes you know? like him having this frozen deer in the headlights look when he locks eyes with you

like im imagining when he sees someone he likes and lo dejan impactado hes just fucking staring the whole time he possibly can and if you catch him looking at you,, him just giving you this small smile and slight nod lol

:((but wow and could you imagine him just talking with you all night from then on because maybe you were grateful he had franciscos back in prison at thats how you struck up a conversation with him

and lets say maybe from then on whenever you see him because youre always around,, making talk with him,, 

kind of like this slow burn build up to your relationship because could you just imagine the day you both spill out your emotions when you realize how much you both actually are in love and proceeding to keep it a secret from the rest of the arellanos? Just the adrenaline from that alone ? yeah wow

but listen because i also have this other route we can go

because one of you anons sent me an ask/blurb thing where you talked about you being dinas bodyguard :)))) and having this enemies relationship:))  going on with barron:) and omg i-

that pinche scenario has lived in my mind since then and i blame everything about you for that ,, and for making me trip over air for barron - who ever you are

but yeah that’s another way we can go,,, just something where you both are trying to one up the other and prove who’s the better bodyguard and shit

having this side-eye glare you both would do when the other gets more compliments about your duties/what youve done 

always bantering whos a better shot and whos liked more ,, just getting on eachothers nerves basically 

and then :))) your love for eachother kind of hits a little after the christine shooting let’s say you were there and maybe barron pulled you into him before he started shooting trying to protect you because i imagine him being the one to realize his feelings first just a little -

and wow COULD YOU IMAGINE THE FUCKING DUO YOU TWO WOULD MAKE SHOOTING BACK AT CHAPOS PEOPLE i- NO ONE TALK TO ME

LIKE ??? MAYBE THE TWO OF YOU GETTING PINNED DOWN BUT THEN YOURE OUT HERE GETTING HIS BACK - AND THEN HIM GETTING YOURS ,, PROTECTING EACHOTHER

HIM HAVING THIS SURPRISED LOOK BUT LOWKEY STARTING TO REALLY FALL IN LOVE WHEN HE SEES YOU GIVING THE SAME ATTITUDE BACK- LAWD

like right then he’s going to make sure you BOTH get out of there safely he doesn’t give a shit about his “hatred” for you anymore wow

anyways ill let you decide which route you want to take because either fucking way you both would end up being this cute ass couple that everytime pancha sees you two he’s being that bitch that teases barron for finally having a soft spot that makes him happy :(

moving on now,, i feel like barron would be the type to live a relationship with “private but not a secret” motto thing ya know??

like he makes it known hes already tied down by you but unless hes asked hes not going to spill everything about you,, he likes having his own private life going on with you separate with the shit he does alright i just wanted to get that out there,,

and omg :(( his kisses yall ?? i feel like hes not one to really openly give you them in front of everyone and outright show how actually weak you make him deep down

so he might opt to just be giving you small quick kisses on your cheek and on your lips :( maybe even giving you a small smile when you pull away and softly tell you “i love you “ so only you hear it :(((

god hes so hard faced all the time but you just know he means everything from the bottom of his heart whenever he tells you small things or says that he loves you even if its like a quick te amo! before hes bolting out the door to go do his “job”

but the times it would be just the two of you when he comes home to you,,, i feel like he would love to pick you up when you come up to him,, giving you this smile only he allows around you when he feels your hands on his cheeks and him just squeezing you tighter against him -

the soft fucking look he would have when you start to kiss him again :((( i cant

also him loving it when you would place your hands on his shoulders or even around his neck when youre kissing him or just plainly talking to him because he would have this small little fucking grin on his face looking back at you,, his own hands wrapping around your back :(((( im

and when hes dating you i feel like he would act so ,,, caballeroso ?? with you like im talking about him opening doors for you all the time,, helping you get out of the car and shit and just giving you this smile when he leads you through the door of some place :(

the two of you always seen holding hands with your fingers intertwined :( or him having his arm thrown around your shoulder - no matter the occasion :( wow

and also ? club dates is a regular occurrence for you both alright?

because if hes going to be spending his entire time being on guard for benjamin, pancha and basically everyone in the family hes going to be one busy mf and not have the time to actually plan something for you

so the times he would have to go to the club as his “time off” with the rest of the arellanos he would love to take you as his plus one when he can :)))

but other times since youre already close with the arellanos,, you would already be there and barron would be the one to show up -

and im sorry but i laugh to the thought of before everyone knew you two were a thing ,, i imagine benjamin being the annoying mf he is looking at barron one day when he finds out like ??? how in tf do you have a girl?? like he lowkey kind of bullies barron because he seems too hard ? and not soft enough for someone to love lol

and i just know franciscos ass is right behind min going ? Y QUE TIENE?? No es tu pedo -apoco el te juzga a ti por estar con ruth cabron? Lol because i feel like he would definitely be your guys number 1 supporter you know?

and oh my god i dont know if its the hopeless romantic in me but everytime i see that scene in s3 of him going back to logan heights to recruit some of his guys ,, 

for some reason why mind just wandered to him loving to have you sitting on the hood of his car :(

him situated right in between your legs and just kissing you,, letting you play with the ends of his hair ,, the two of you just softly laughing,, giving eachother hearteyes- bye thats so soft for me

and also? remembering the fact that he would be so infatuated with you i feel like he wouldnt even know he would have a staring problem with you lol

like it happens a lot when he’s at home with you and he’s just sitting somewhere his eyes never breaking away from you when youre getting ready or youre busy doing something

but whatever it is he’s just straight up staring and if you catch him he’s just going to laugh it off but continue to look at you with this shine in his eyes :(((( hes so in love i cry -

and no because his barrio also loving you so much :(( youre apart of them in a way :(

all of them referring to you or knowing you as HIS NENA :((( i wow

because i imagined something along the lines of them going to someone if they ask for you like “oh youre looking for barrons nena?” AND IDK WHY I SOB TO THATplease tell me im not the only one to feel some type of way because of that- :(  

also ? OVERPROTECTIVE TAKEN TO ANOTHER LEVEL OK?? because him being the top sicario for tj? and seeing all the shit he has done for the arellanos?? good god do not get me started on the type of measures and protectiveness this bitch would go through just for you to be safe under him -

and like if shit ever hits the fan in tj like maybe lets say the time mayo was hitting them from all sides,, barron definitely having you stay far away from the cagadero and stay in san diego for the time being :((

 because not only would his whole barrio downright vow to protect you just like he would :(( but because hes not about to lose the most important person to him :(

IM SO- hear me out because i have this thought of associating you just caressing the side of his jaw either when youre getting up from your spot next to him to go get something or just you doing it after he kisses you or just something that causes you to leave him for just a second

but :( the way he would look at you ALL IN LOVE BUT LOST 

AND FOR YOU TO JUST SEE HIS OJITOS ALL SOFT WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT HIM HAS Me sobbing

Like you softly giggling at him when he moves his hand to grab yours before you move any further away, like “wait adonde vas babe? “ All soft and just giving you this slight unnoticeable pout because youre leaving him- woW im done:(((

and maybe it’s me or maybe not and you guys can see where im getting at but him loving :(( to see you wear something of his ,, like maybe you wearing one of his shirts with your outfit when you go out :(

or maybe even wearing that chain he has when he isn’t wearing it

but whatever you choose to wear of his ,, it never fails to make him feel all mushy on the inside ,, 

his heart feeling like its just being squeezed and he would have this small little smile when he looks at you all enamorado because his girl wearing his things??? he couldn’t be any prouder :( alright im going to go sob

him also calling you all the time whenever he can throughout the day :(

because just hearing your voice has him smiling to himself :(

ugh also i feel like he would love to rant to you about some stories he would have or what he had to do that day

because he would have this smile on his face that you would be listening to him and all the things he’s been through :(( im

ONE LAST THING?? HIM:(( loving to give you these good morning pecks,,,

he does it all the time even when you’re not awake but he’ll just whispering something like ill be back later babe :(((

or even when youre awake or when he comes back home to you,, he would do that thing where he would have you stuck in between him and the bed :(( holding himself up over you

His body in between your legs and him giving you this grin while he leans down and kisses you

his smile growing even bigger when he hears you laugh and continue to pull him down to you to kiss him :(( I- :(

ohwow ok ???? ill just leave it here yes ? no ? or do we want to see some nsfw?? i dont know but I’ll see myself out now -

taglist: @coaxium-captain-rex @visintaes @sheeshgivemeabreak @artemiseamoon @afterneptune @wtfisgoingonlol @sxndythinkstoomuch @avatar-m0m0​ 

let me know if you want to be added!

[bucky-hues]

stucky fic recs

here are some stucky fic recs! as always, be sure to read the warnings for each fic <3

one shots

finding home | @thedamageofherdays

cap steve x modern bucky

After he is caught in a terrible rainstorm while hiking, Bucky is glad to find shelter at the cottage Steve shares with his daughter and his dog. Bucky ends up finding so much more than just a safe place to spend the night.

x | @dreadlockholiday

steve x bucky

Request: Bucky looking through a glossy magazine and saying something like "God, can you imagine being paid for just looking cute?" And without thought Steve replies, "you'd be a millionaire" and Bucky just blushes furiously while Steve's all like 😳 *oh no, I just said that out loud*

x | @dreadlockholiday (18+)

steve x bucky

Bucky finds his BFF Steve's sketchbook... and it's full of nothing but sketches of Bucky... naked.

sweethearts | @musette22

steve x bucky

Steve confesses his feelings to Bucky using sweethearts

my moon, my man | @musette22 (18+)

steve x bucky (modern au)

AU meet-cute. Strangers on a Train, but with less murder and more sexual tension.

make it till you fake it | AggressiveWhenStartled (AO3)

steve x bucky

“Ned,” Peter said, like a drowning man sighting land. “Ned. Captain America and the Winter Soldier are fake dating right now and it is the most painfully awkward and obvious thing I have ever seen, all of us want to die, Ned.”

things my heart used to know | Nightwing11 (AO3)

steve x bucky

In a world where soulmates can communicate telepathically with their partners, Steve Rogers has always had Bucky Barnes with him, a calming voice in a sea of turmoil. And, when Bucky falls off the train during World War II, Steve experiences deafening silence for the first time.

Now, after crashing a plane in the Arctic to save the world and being frozen for 70 years, Steve’s still trying to figure out how to live without Bucky there. His new friends are trying to help him adjust, to move on. And he thought he was doing better, he really did.

So, why is he suddenly hearing Bucky’s voice again?

catfish | @buckmebxrnes (18+)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Steve Rogers is a famous movie star, known for his role as Captain America. Bucky Barnes is a bored law student who drinks too much wine. Bucky gets on match.com to boost his confidence. What he doesn't expect is a guy using Steve Rogers' pictures on a dating profile. Bucky decides to mess with the guy. After all, what idiot uses Steve Rogers' pictures on a dating site?

Not like it's really him, right? Bucky may need more wine.

let's go have fun | @sebastanbucky

steve x bucky

“Nat wanted me to-” Nat clears her throat and he rolls his eyes. “I wanted to tell you something.” He looks at Steve with a look he hopes says ‘play along’. “Okay. What did you want to tell me?” Bucky has to take a deep breath to keep from laughing again, it helps with his performance as Nat nods encouragingly at him. “I’m gay.” He says, making his voice sound shaky and weak.

the way you came around | sokaless (AO3)

steve x bucky

After a while, Bucky says, “You know, this song sounds like it was written for you.” “That's funny,” Steve remarks. “I chose it because it reminded me of you.” Steve gives Bucky an iPod full of his favourite songs from the 21st century to help him deal with his nightmares. Bucky has a new mission- to find out who Steve is in love with, because there are a few too many unrequited love songs on that iPod.

stuck on you | wearing_tearing (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

“Bucky? You don’t look so hot.”

Bucky makes a tiny little sound in the back of his throat, only to start coughing. Of course he doesn’t look hot. He’s sick and he’s dying and Steve obviously isn’t attracted to him.

you have the place next to my place | justanotherStonyfan (AO3)

cap steve x modern bucky

prompt: “We live in adjacent apartments and our bedrooms are on opposite sides of a very thin wall and one night I heard you crying and talked to you through the wall” AU

Captain America helps the Vet next door.

you’ve got (30) new matches | williamkaplans (AO3)

steve x bucky

When everyone finds out Steve's bi thanks to Bucky's recovering memories, Natasha kicks up her match-making into high gear. Steve has zero luck, but Natasha won't give up, especially when Sam (jokingly) suggests online dating. It isn't long before Steve finds someone, a someone who seems eerily familiar.

perfectly right wrong number | melonbutterfly (AO3)

cap steve x modern bucky

It all starts because Steve is too dumb to handle his smartphone.

A wrong number AU in which Bucky Barnes doesn't enter Steve's life (meaning: Bucky wasn't born until the eighties, but Steve is still Captain America) until Steve accidentally dials the wrong number. Wherein there is a lot of texting, some advice via Natasha and Darcy, a bit of pining, and a first date in an amusement park. Oh, and on top of being a disabled veteran, Bucky is a professional catwalker. Literally.

put your number in my phone | MacksDramaticShenanigans (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Steve tucks his phone back into his pocket and turns back to the computer. He only has to click a few times before he finds the link to the questionnaire and opens it, inputting the participant number before hitting next. The beginnings of the consent form fills the page, and all Steve has left to do now is wait for the participant— one James Barnes, according to the website— to show up.

Thankfully, Steve doesn’t end up having to wait very long. James Barnes shows up ten minutes early and knocks on the door before cracking it open and peeking in.

“Oh, hi,” he says, when he spots Steve sitting at the desk. He pushes the door open all the way and steps into the room just as Steve spins in the chair to face him.

“Um, I’m, uh, a bit early, but I’m here for the decision making study,” James continues, clear blue eyes flickering around the room before landing on Steve again. The skin between his eyebrows crinkles up a little, and god, Steve probably shouldn’t find his uncertainty as cute as he does. “Am I in the right place?”

wouldn’t it be nice | MacksDramaticShenanigans (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

"You are never going to believe what just happened," Bucky bemoans, shaking his head. He's at Steve's side in a moment and doesn't bother to give any warning before he dramatically falls into Steve's lap. Steve just barely manages to save his book from getting squashed.

"What is it?" Steve asks, matching Bucky's dramatic tone. "What am I not going to believe?"

"I just got off the phone with Natasha," he starts. "She cancelled on me!" Bucky throws his arms up, nearly smacking Steve in the face in the process.

Steve carefully places his hand on Bucky's forearm and lowers it away from his face.

"You're kidding," he says, a frown curving onto his lips at the news.

"I wish I was," he sighs. Bucky presses his lips together into a disappointed line and deflates against the back of the couch, slinking down Steve's thighs a little. "Who goes to Coney Island alone? How pathetic is that?"

Steve snorts, earning a glare from Bucky, and pats Bucky's thigh. "Aw, don't be such a sourpuss, Buck," he says. "Who said anything about going alone?"

all jokes aside | darksknight (AO3)

steve x bucky

"Before we know it Banner’s gonna be makin’ insinuations.” (Everyone "jokes" about Steve and Bucky being in a relationship until, eventually, they admit that they are.)

barnes & rogers and the goddamn truth

steve x bucky (teacher au)

There are three well-known facts at Shield High:

1. The history teacher Mr. Barnes is a stone-cold terror, and it’s not even because he only has one arm. 2. The other history teacher, Mr. Rogers, is a mysterious enigma, and it’s something to do with the body of a Greek God and contradicting stories of his past. (They’re all rumours, anyway.) 3. Mr Barnes and Mr Rogers hate each other.

Bucky wouldn’t have it any other way.

in the shadows | DragonWannabe (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky

Five times they thought they were almost caught, one time someone found out, and one time they didn't have to hide.

OR:

Bucky and Steve grew up in a time when people like them went to jail.

single and looking | Jaiden_S (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky

"Bucky held his place with his index finger and turned the magazine over to check the date on the cover. It was brand new, just out this month. An unexpected cord of anxiety tightened in Bucky’s chest. Single and looking? Frantically, he flipped back to the article. What exactly was Steve looking for? According to the article, Steve’s dream girl should be intelligent, altruistic, well-versed in current events and have a wicked sense of humor. Oh, and he had a thing for high heels and red lipstick. Bucky’s stomach churned as he re-read the article. Was that really what Steve wanted? Make-up and stilettos?"

A slightly sappy tale of two utterly besotted super-soldiers who excel at miscommunication.

these american dreams (ain’t no white picket fences left for me) | kariye (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky

In which Bucky has a house, a dog, an herb garden, and a serious case of insomnia. Welcome to Havensport, Indiana (population 8,294), where Tom’s Neighborhood Grocer stays open all night, little old ladies call the car shop to get their refrigerators repaired, and the heat of summer days and the length of summer nights can make you think that this perfect world will last forever.

i’ve been careless with a delicate man | paraxdisepink (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky

Steve lets SHIELD think he and Bucky were boyfriends so they’ll let him see the Winter Soldier in medical.

knock on wood | 74days (AO3) 

steve x bucky (modern au)

Steve Rogers lives a quiet, steady life, until his next door neighbour moves in and starts having incredibly energetic sex every night. All Steve wants is for him to move his bed away from the wall so the damn headboard doesn't knock a hole through his wall.

progressively bigger keys | spinawren (AO3)

steve x bucky

“A very little key will open a very heavy door.” ― Charles Dickens, Hunted Down

Steve and Bucky, it appears, have less need for a key and more use for a battering ram in trying to come out of the closet.

(The one where Steve tries to do one thing (one thing!) without causing a national ruckus, but the press are determined to see Bucky as Steve's best friend. And nothing more.)

stucky discover gay rights | Alicia_Borealis (AO3)

steve x bucky

“Then, why-” Steve stopped himself and looked at Bucky, who had tears rolling freely down his cheeks. “We’re- we’re not sick?”

“Wait, what?” Tony asked.

“Being a homosexual, it isn’t… wrong?”

-

The story of how Steve Roger's loved and lost Bucky, then how he got him back and then how he realised he was allowed to love him after all.

thursday nights with bucky barnes | Ellessey (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Steve has a comfortable, well-worn routine for his Thursday nights, until the old man who runs the laundromat breaks his hip.

Then Steve has Bucky instead.

to seek a nood-er world | jehans (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky

Send noodz

Steve has been staring at his phone for the last six minutes, eyes narrowed so much they’re almost closed at this point, trying to figure out what the hell Bucky means. Noodz? What the fuck are noodz?

Listen, Steve is at least marginally aware of modern pop culture. He’s heard of nudes — not that nudes are exactly a modern invention; artists have been creating them for millennia — and he does know that people tend to misspell words to be cute or funny. They did that when he was young, too. Because time is a flat circle, apparently.

But, wait—does that mean…?

No. Not possible. Bucky isn’t asking Steve to send him…nudes.

Right?

tied ‘round your throat | sleepypercy (AO3) (18+)

police officer steve x serial killer bucky

Steve's a small-town police officer trying to track a serial killer who's been in Steve's bed the whole time.

much tattoo about nothing | Deisderium (AO3) (18+)

cap steve x modern bucky

Steve Rogers gets a lot of email requests, but never one like this: James Barnes wants to use his healing factor to practice tattoos.

Turns out tattoos give Steve boners.

the perfect man | Ellessey (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Setting up a dating profile is decidedly not in Bucky's skill-set, but against all odds he manages to connect with someone who makes the one-night stand he thought he wanted feel like not nearly enough.

kiss me and take off your clothes | steveandbucky (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Steve Rogers is dared to send a dick pic to a blog which critiques dick pics (run by none other than Bucky Barnes). Hilarity ensues.

i can’t dare to dream about you anymore | steveandbucky (AO3) 

steve x bucky (modern au)

Steve considers himself to be a pretty open-minded guy, which is why he can't quite understand why he feels so uncomfortable whenever he sees his gay roommate kissing guys. He's not homophobic, but how else can he explain the way his stomach twists at the sight?

It takes him a while to catch on.

exam room b | steveandbucky (AO3)

modern steve x nurse bucky

“Wait, what do you mean he asked for me?”

“He asked if the cute male nurse with the ponytail was working today. I assume he meant you.”

kickstart my heart | Kalee60 (AO3) (18+)

doctor steve x modern bucky

Bucky’s Wednesday wasn’t off to a great start. Not only did he wake up in a hospital with his annoyed best friend staring down at him, his treating Doctor just happened to be way too familiar, and the reason for that was slightly mortifying.

With misunderstandings in the air, a snarky nurse who is a pain in his butt and the ugliest neck brace known to man attached to his body. There was no way his Wednesday was ever going to improve. Could it?

you make me feel.. | kalika_999 (AO3) (18+)

cap steve x modern bucky

All Steve wanted was to take a breather, decompress after a mission and go out for a jog in the rain. He wasn't expecting to hide out in a bookstore filled with new and used books or that the employee that worked there thought he was an absolute loser and didn't even realize he was insulting Captain America.

nothing in the world that could stop it | rainbow_nerds (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Bucky just wanted to send his best friend a picture of his cat being an idiot while he was taking a bath. Was it really his fault for forgetting the full length mirror right opposite the tub?

rescue me and hold me in your arms | 74days (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Bucky is on the worst date of his life, and what he really needs of for this waitress to get the message he's sending her with his mind to rescue him. She doesn't, but she does send someone to extract him from a night of torture...

odd ways | peterbparker (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

“And it would have been an amazing night with my son if he wasn’t distracted by the hot guy on the other side of the room,” Sarah sighed, shaking her head. “He’s been looking over at you for the past fifteen minutes.”

Bucky choked on the mouthful of beer he had just taken.

“What?” he croaked. Things were starting to make a little more sense now.

“Right?” Sarah said, waving her hand towards her son. “He completely ignored my garden stories because he’s been making eyes at you so I decided to come over and introduce myself.”

series

rare is this love (keep it covered) | @musette22 (18+)

cap steve x modern bucky

It’s 2014. Captain America has been out of the ice for three years and is trudging along, saving the world and trying to get used to living in the future. Steve thinks he knows how the rest of his life is going to pan out – a life of duty, which he chose when he signed up to be Erskine’s science experiment. But then, he meets Bucky Barnes: the out-of-this-world-gorgeous mechanic and war vet, who turns Steve’s life upside down and makes him question everything he thought he knew. Slowly, Steve comes to realize there is more to life than duty and punching Nazis. Just one problem though: how on earth does a 96-year-old virgin who only just realized he may not be entirely straight make the transition from crush to relationship? Cue healthy amounts of self-doubt, awkward flirting, pretty blushing, existential crises, emotional growth, and maybe, possibly, a sexual awakening.

coming up easy | @musette22 (18+)

steve x bucky (modern au)

“Listen, I was just thinking,” Steve says, his face open, eyebrows raised in a tentatively hopeful expression. “Why don’t you come stay at my place for a while? I’ve got an office that I barely use, and a change of scenery might do you good, right? Help you beat that writer’s block?” With a crooked smile, he adds, “I promise I’m not a serial killer.”

While Bucky would normally crack a joke about how that’s exactly what a serial killer would say, right now, all he can do is blink at Steve in surprise, heart tripping over itself in his chest. Steve wants him to come and stay at his place. In Massachusetts. Just the two of them.

"Oh," Bucky croaks. "I- Wow."

“I mean, no pressure,” Steve says hastily. “Totally fine if you don’t wanna. I just thought I’d offer, in case it might help, y’know?”

“Yeah.” Bucky ignores the little voice in his head that sounds an awful lot Nat and Becca, telling him he’s setting himself up for heartbreak. “I mean, if you’re sure, that would be amazing.”

4 minute window | @cesperanza

steve x bucky

"Look, if they catch me," Bucky muttered, "they're either going to kill me or they're going to put me in a box with a little window and—Steve, I can't."

swapped | writeonclara (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

if u wanted my number u couldve just asked

u didnt have to steal my whole phone ;)

Steve stared down at his phone, confused. He didn't recognize the number – except, oh wait, he really did. That was his number. On his phone.

He flipped the phone over, then slid one hand down his face. Not his phone.

“Fuck,” he muttered.

[stupid fucking] brooklyn hipster bros | relenaflanel (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Bucky's mother gives him an ultimatum. Bucky doesn't respond well.

All Barneses are stubborn assholes, Steve observes, as though he doesn't see the irony of calling someone else stubborn. Or an asshole.

And Bucky can't even deny he is a total asshole for lying to his mother about dating Steve just so he doesn't have to bring someone else to her wedding, but damn if he's not going to give the lie everything he has.

brought to brightness | eyres (AO3)

cap steve x modern bucky

Army veteran Bucky Barnes has fallen in love with Steve, a guy he met online a few months after he returned from Afghanistan. Only problem is, he doesn't know Steve's last name or even what he looks like.

When his sister helps him send his story into MTV's Catfish, he's hoping they can help him meet Steve or, at least, let him move on with his life if Steve isn't real. Little does he know, Steve and Captain America have more in common than just a first name.

slide to answer | relenaflanel (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

"What do I do?” Steve appealed into the phone. “I’m freaking out.”

There was silence on the other end of the line. It lasted so long that Steve pulled the receiver away from his ear and frowned at it. Pay phones were old. Maybe this one wasn’t working despite the obvious dial tone when he picked up.

“Ok,” a stranger’s voice said over the phone. “First acknowledge the fact that you dialed the wrong number, but be quick about it because my cab is a few blocks away from my own plans and I’m about to drop some truth bombs on you.”

how to woo the winter soldier | writeonclara (AO3)

steve x bucky

“I think I’m ready to date again,” Steve said.

“What,” Natasha said.

“What?” Clint said, lowering his binoculars. He blinked at the dumbstruck look on the Captain’s face, then followed his gaze to where he was staring dopily at—at the Winter fucking Soldier.

“Steve, no,” Clint groaned.

Or: Steve courts the Winter Soldier.

all these things that i’ve done | @not-withoutyou 

steve x bucky

Steve was the patron saint of waiting too long. Bucky was atoning for his sins. Maybe they’d both been forsaken, abandoned by the light. Maybe they’d find a way back to each other again.

Post civil war, if things had gone differently.

find a way (to make it back home) | belwrites (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky (college au)

Fresh off a year abroad, Head Resident Assistant Steve Rogers finds his senior year of college to be full of changes, and he's not just talking about the growth spurt. He's more concerned with the fact that his best friend...isn't talking to him? Is dating his ex? May or may not be missing an arm?

In which Steve has no fucking clue what's going on, but he's trying, Bucky learns how to communicate with his best friend again, and everyone quietly panics about the future.

is it pretending if i already want you? | OhCaptainMyCaptain (AO3) (18+)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Based on prompt: Pretend Boyfriends AU where one of their families is always wondering why they're never in a relationship, so the other offers to pretend to be their boyfriend for some family event

the roommate | layersofart, Niitza (AO3)

cap steve x modern bucky

In which Steven G. Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America, gets a roommate. Who rapidly turns into his "roommate"—in the euphemistic sense of the word.

It takes SHIELD and the rest of the Avengers an absurd amount of time to notice.

dear mr. postman | odetteandodile (AO3)

steve x bucky (modern au)

Steve and Bucky revive an old friendship, get married (but totally just as friends, for reasons), and navigate a few of the many trials of the heart that come with falling in love with your best friend.

fate will play us out | steveandbucky (AO3) (18+)

cap steve x modern bucky

Bucky has landed himself a job with Stark Industries. He doesn't know yet that the job is actually being the PR manager for the Avengers.

Bucky has also started dating Steve Rogers. He also doesn't know yet that Steve is Captain America.

Bucky's life is about to get a whole lot more exciting.

the avengers hate club | notebooksandlaptops (AO3)

pop star steve x modern bucky

Bucky falls hopelessly for Steve and starts an Avengers hate club with the lead singer of the Avengers.

songbird | chicklette (AO3) (18+)

modern steve x musician bucky

At 43, James Barnes is a washed up old man. He’s got a dozen Grammys in the hall closet, an agent that can’t get him a deal, a decade-old case of writer’s block, a moody teen-aged daughter, and the gorgeous actress Natasha Romanova for an ex-wife. Well, one of them anyway. He’s a man who’s given up on finding joy in his life, and if it wasn’t for his kid, he’d have probably found a way to quit the world a long time ago.

Enter Steven Grant Rogers, struggling twenty-something, orphan, and someone who has no idea who Barnes is, other than some musician his mom liked a lot. The two men meet by accident, doing nothing more than passing the time in a quiet bar. But when a pap gets a shot of the two men embracing, Bucky takes it as a chance to finally come out as bisexual, and his agent makes him a proposition: Ten new songs and one very sweet boyfriend will get him a new record deal that will maybe, just maybe put him back on top.

Now all he has to do is write the songs, convince the kid, and not fall in love. Should be easy, right?

the right partner | LeeHan (AO3) (18+)

cap steve x ws bucky

Steve meets a beautiful man with a bright laugh on a sunny day in Italy. Captain America meets the elusive Winter Soldier moments later.

Date Bucky Barnes. Defeat the Winter Soldier. Bring down Hydra. How hard could it be?

[hologramcowboy]

All speculation, if anyone knows private details please keep them to yourself. The kids deserve privacy and safety. I wouldn’t even speculate about the Ackles whereabouts if it weren’t for the fact that there is clearly something weird going on between Jensen and Danneel. Like when Danneel was pretending Jensen was still in Colorado when he was quarantining in Canada, or when she tried to pass off old pictures as new when he “went to visit” before going silent on Instagram after years of using Jensen and the kids for attention.

I think the house in Colorado is just a vacation home and Danneel goes back and forth between NOLA and Austin, with NOLA being the new home base for her and the kids.

Danneel doesn’t really follow any Colorado based accounts other than a nail artist, a jewelry maker (who is friends with both the Ackles and the Padalecki’s) and a vacation account. In comparison, she follows a ton of small business accounts from both NOLA and Austin. I always thought it was weird that she didn’t try to integrate into the Telluride rich lady circle the way she did in Austin and NOLA, but if it’s just their vacation/pandemic get away that makes sense. Plus no one has spotted her or Jensen there in months and the last time we have proof of them being there was Christmas break 2021.

Danneel is spotted in Austin semi regularly in her brother’s neighborhood. We also know that she goes there to get her hair done, and still sees her nail lady there. Marcus, her BFF and stylist/saboteur is also Austin based so she must go back to visit him and terrorize small businesses with her modeling abilities. She doesn’t get the attend the same events Gen does not because she doesn’t live there, but because she isn’t well liked enough to get invited.

We know that the Ackles are currently renting a house in NOLA due to the most recent con, and we know that the kids are with them because Jensen mentioned sharing JJ’s room while Danneel was sick. So the whole family is in NOLA, not just Jensen and Danneel for work. It makes sense that NOLA is the new home base because the kids (at least JJ) need to be enrolled in school, and I highly doubt they were pulled out of school for the month of April so that Jensen and Danneel could pretend to play producer and party. Also the new mommy group Danneel was hanging out with during Mardi Graas suggests that she’s made some more permanent roots there.

That being said, I don’t think that Jensen lives with them full time. Even Danneel has admitted that their marriage is better when he’s not around. Jensen probably goes back and forth between Austin and NOLA (spending most of his time in Austin), and soon New Mexico when season 3 of Big Sky starts filming.

This was written with so much clarity and dedication. Thank you so much. ❤️ "terrorize small businesses with her modeling abilities"

Also, me when I have to be subjected to pictures of Elta modeling:

Sorry, had to get that out of my system. Thank you again for taking the time to generously share, I am sure the anon is going to love reading this as much as I did if not more.

[purrincess-chat]

Marinette Dupain-Cheng’s Spite Playlist: Remix CH9

This is the first new chapter! Every last bit of it has never been read before (except by me and my betas)! What nefarious schemes will Adrien and Chloe try? Find out below!

Previous    First      Next      AO3

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Chapter 9: Emperor’s New Clothes

“Are you sure this is going to work?” Adrien asked as Chloe adjusted her wig. He peeked over the railing to the courtyard below with a frown. All of their classmates were gathered, enjoying their break—completely unsuspecting of what was about to commence.

“Of course it’ll work. These people are idiots who will believe anything.” Chloe snapped her compact shut and tossed it into her purse. “If they had any sort of intelligence, they would have seen right through Lila by now.”

“Yeah, but what if they-” Chloe pressed a finger to his lips.

“Just leave this to me, Adrikins. Being mean isn’t exactly your area of expertise.” She patted his cheek. “Little Miss Lie-la is about to be exposed. Now get into position!”

Adrien swallowed hard before climbing down the stairs to stand by the science lab door. Even though he agreed to help Chloe get back at Lila, he wasn’t entirely ready to deal with the guilt that came with it. Lila was a menace, and her lies needed to stop—that much Adrien could agree with, but he’d be lying if he said it didn’t make his skin crawl.

To justify going through with it, he reminded himself why he’d agreed to help in the first place. Marinette didn’t deserve to be pushed away from her friends, and freeing them from Lila’s grasp would help her move on. This was for Marinette, and on those terms only, he could accept it.

“Hello, everyone! It’s me, your favorite superheroine, Ladybug!” Chloe called into the courtyard as she descended the stairs, and every head turned to face her.

“Is that Ladybug?”

“It is Ladybug!”

“Is there an akuma?”

Adrien hung back with a wince as a crowd gathered around her. This was for Marinette. Lila needed to be stopped. He agreed to this.

“Yo, Ladybug, what are you doing here?” Nino asked.

Chloe placed a hand on her hip. “Oh, I was just in the neighborhood being a super amazing superheroine and protecting Paris from akumas, and I thought I’d stop in and visit my bff. So where exactly is Lila Rossi?” Chloe pressed a hand over her eyes and scanned the courtyard.

“She’s over here!” Alya waved. Despite Lila’s best efforts to shrink behind Alya, her new bestie wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to talk to Ladybug.

“Ah, there you are, my bff. It’s been so long since we’ve last seen each other. You remember? That time I saved your life, and we became instant bffs?” Chloe crossed her fingers. “You haven’t returned my calls, so I was starting to get worried.”

“Lila’s been out of the country until recently, and she’s been super busy catching up on school ever since she got back,” Alya explained. She patted Lila’s shoulder with a beam, and Lila offered a sheepish grin in return.

“Uh, yeah…” Lila’s face blanched.

They had her cornered. This was actually working! Maybe Adrien wouldn’t have to get involved after all.

“Oh, right, you went to Achu to visit Prince Ali. Funny though, I talked to Prince Ali yesterday—his assistant wanted to make sure that Paris was safe for his upcoming visit, so naturally they called me—I asked him how your visit went, and he didn’t remember inviting you to come to his palace.” Chloe cupped her cheek in one hand. “How weird is that?”

“Wait, what?” Everyone turned to look at Lila who stiffened, and a smirk curled on Chloe’s lips.

“But you were gone for over a month, Lila. I thought you said Prince Ali invited you to come stay with him,” Rose said. She hugged her scrapbook full of Prince Ali magazine clippings to her chest.

“He did!”

“But Ladybug just said he didn’t.” Alix crossed her arms over her chest.

“Well, she must be mistaken,” Lila said. “I’m your friend. Why would I lie to you?”

“Ladybug is a superhero. She’d never lie to us either.”

“What’s the truth then?”

“Yeah, Lila, tell us the truth.” Chloe egged. “Or perhaps you’d prefer to hear it from someone else? I’ve got a pretty killer witness. Adrikins, be a dear and come over here.”

Adrien hesitated, heart hammering in his chest. He couldn’t go through with this. Even though Lila deserved it, he couldn’t bring himself to call her out like this in front of everyone. There had to be another way.

“Wait a second, Adrikins?” Alya’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t think we have to wonder who’s telling the truth, do we, Chloe?”

“What? I’m not Chloe! She has way better hair than I, Ladybug, do. Plus she’s way funnier, prettier, smarter, and hey!” She spun around as Kim ripped off her wig.

“Ugh, we should have known,” Alya said. “You’re just upset because Lila beat you for class rep. Honestly, Chloe, grow up!”

“Yeah, Chloe, this is super lame.”

“Why do you always gotta pick on people?”

“You just can’t stand that someone’s getting more attention than you.”

Chloe shot Adrien a cutting glare as if to say, “Get out here and do your part,” but Adrien shot her an apologetic wince before ducking into the science lab.

“What are you doing? You can still stop that girl,” Plagg said when Adrien pulled his shirt aside.

“I panicked. I don’t want it to go down like this,” Adrien said. He ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. “I just can’t do it.”

“So you’re just going to let her keep using everyone?” Plagg asked.

Adrien squeezed his eyes shut, shaking his head. “Transform me!”

“Nice try, Chloe, but Lila won fair and square,” Nino said when Chat Noir landed in the courtyard.

Chloe blew a piece of hair from her face grumpily. “You all are so stupid if you actually believe anything she says. Even Dupain-Cheng realized she was a liar. I don’t want to be your class representative anyway. You’re all so lame.”

“The only liar here is you, Ladybug,” Alix said, and Kim waved her black wig over her head tauntingly.

“Lila is a liar! Ask Adrien. He can tell you!” Chloe’s cheeks flushed an angry red.

“Dude, leave Adrien alone.” Nino groaned, shaking his head. “Just admit you’re jealous, so we can all go home.”

“I’m really sorry if I’ve upset you, Chloe. If you want, I can talk to Mlle. Bustier about letting you be the class rep instead if it means so much to you. I don’t want us to fight,” Lila said humbly.

“Liar!” Chloe stomped her foot.

“I’m not lying! I promise,” Lila said. She held up her right hand for emphasis.

“Oh really?” Every head turned around as Chat Noir laid his staff across his shoulders.

“Yo, it’s Chat Noir! Like for real this time!”

“What are you doing here, Chat Noir?” Alya pulled out her phone to record.

“I heard that m’lady was making a house call, so I thought I’d come by and make sure everything was in order.” He cast a smirk in Chloe’s direction. “But it looks like someone just wanted to play dress-up.”

Goading Chloe probably wasn’t his smartest move, seeing as she was absolutely going to kill Adrien for chickening out, but he needed everyone on his side. Taking cheap shots at Chloe was always an instant crowd-pleaser.

“So, since you’re so honest, is there anything you’d like to share with the class?” he asked Lila. “Now would be a good time to get anything that your friends don’t know about you off your chest.”

She didn’t seem deterred by his presence at all, eyes glinting with amusement. Chat Noir bristled, grip tightening on his staff. Lila held no remorse for any of her actions, and she’d cling to her lies until the very end. Chat Noir bit his tongue hard as she turned to everyone else and plastered on a pout.

“There is something I want to tell all of you…” She clasped her hands over her heart. “I’ve been hesitant because I know you all have mixed feelings, but I think Marinette is behind all of this.”

“What?” Chat Noir and Chloe said in unison.

“Why do you say that, Lila?” Alya asked.

“Well, the other day on my way home I saw Chloe going to Marinette’s house, and now she’s here calling me a liar just like Marinette used to do,” Lila said, letting her face fall into her hands. “I just don’t know what I did to deserve to be treated this way.”

Everyone crowded closer to her offering their sympathy as alligator tears rolled down her cheeks, and a host of cutting glares aimed at Chloe. They should have planned for something like this. Lila always bent the truth to suit herself.

Rage boiled in Chat’s core, and it took every ounce of his willpower not to tackle Lila to the ground. How could anyone be so despicable?  

“Hang on,” he said firmly, forcing his shoulders to relax. “I’ve met Marinette a few times, and she doesn’t seem like that type of girl.”

“Yeah, I’m not so sure that’s true either, Lila,” Alix spoke up. “I mean, Chloe and Marinette hate each other. Chloe would rather die than set foot in her house.”

Alya pursed her lips and turned to Chloe. “Is it true? Did you go to Marinette’s house?”

Chloe averted her gaze, crossing her arms over her chest. “I did go to see Dupain-Cheng at her tiny, disgusting hovel, but…she refused to help me—stupid little goody-two-shoes,” Chloe said. She met Alya’s gaze head-on and squared her jaw. “But with friends like you, I’m starting to see why she left. She was nothing but nice to you losers, and yet you’d so easily believe that she’d help me get back at someone. You’re all so pathetic.”

“The only pathetic one here is you, Chloe. Lila’s never done anything. None of us have! We’re sick and tired of putting up with your crud,” Nathaniel said, and several classmates echoed their agreement.

“Whatever. I don’t want to be your class representative anyway if you’re all too stupid to tell the difference between a diamond and a lump of coal.” Chloe flipped her hair over her shoulder, hips swaying as she stalked to the locker room.

Chat Noir almost chased after her, but his staff beeped with a message from Ladybug. There was an akuma across town. Chloe was going to have to wait.

♪♫♪ Broken Pieces Shine ♪♫♪

Marinette chewed her pencil, tilting her head to examine her designs from different angles. Clara’s deadline was still several weeks away, but she already had tons of ideas. Would Clara like a tasteful pantsuit or a flowing gown? Which one said ‘award-winner?’ Maybe if she added a sash or changed up the neckline…

The lunchroom bustled several simultaneous conversations, condensed into a uniform hum in Marinette’s ears while she worked. She was vaguely aware of her friends at the table with her, but when Macy leaned in to get a closer look at what she was working on, she still jumped.

“Ooo, are those for you-know-who?” she asked.

“Shh!” Marinette covered her sketchbook and glanced around to ensure no one had overheard. “Yes, but they’re not final. I’m just playing around with some ideas.”

“I like them,” Macy said. “Look at this one, Eliott. Eliott?”

He was unusually quiet that day, but Marinette had been too enthralled in her own work to notice. His nose was buried in a booklet, seemingly as engrossed in it as Marinette had been with her designs. He only looked up when Macy stuck her hand in front of his face.

“What?” He blinked.

“Marinette is designing top-secret things, and she needs opinions,” Macy said.

“Can’t you ask Martin?” he asked.

Macy gave him an incredulous look. “Martin left 10 minutes ago to go work with his group on their science project. Weren’t you listening?” She scolded. Though in Eliott’s defense, Marinette hadn’t noticed either.

“Oh, sorry. Guess I was distracted.” He closed the cover but marked the page with his finger. “So what do you need?”

Macy shook her head, taking a bite of her cake. “You two are such space cadets today.”

“What are you studying, Eliott?” Marinette asked. She tilted her head to get a better look at the cover.

“I’m in a community play, and we have rehearsal tonight,” he said nonchalantly.

“Wow, that’s so awesome! What part did you get?”

“Oh, it’s nothing special…” Eliott sat back with a smirk and shrugged.

“He’s being modest. He’s playing one of the leads, and he’s super excited about it. He memorized his lines in like 3 days, but he always reads over the script again before rehearsals.” Macy finished her cake and stood up. “I’m gonna get another drink. Help Marinette with her designs!”

“Fine, but can you get me a slice of that cake, please?” Eliott requested. He pressed his palms together with a smile. Macy rolled her eyes but headed for the dessert stand anyway.

“So, you got a lead role. What play are you guys doing?” Marinette asked, and Eliott tossed her the script.

Miraculous! The Battle of Heroes’ Day

“Oh, so it’s about Ladybug and Chat Noir,” Marinette said with as much casualty as she could muster. “Wait, if you’re playing a lead role then that means…”

“You guessed it, m’lady.” He winked.

Marinette bit back a laugh. The director definitely cast the right person. Put Eliott in a blond wig, and even she’d believe he was Chat Noir.

“That’s so awesome! When is it opening? I’d love to come watch.” She passed back the script, and he found his page again.

“Not for a couple more weeks, but if you want, I can see about getting you into one of our dress rehearsals soon,” he offered.

“Really? Yeah, I’d love to.”

Macy returned with Eliott’s slice of cake, but not before Gabrielle locked on target. “Did you save any cake for the rest of us? No wonder your uniform looks so tight these days.”

When Macy froze, Marinette turned to Gabrielle with a glare. “She got it for Eliott because some people don’t spend all of their time thinking about themselves.”

“I think about other people all the time,” Gabrielle said with a wicked grin. “I’ve actually been feeling sorry for Macy after Simon rejected her three weeks ago. If only she were prettier, then maybe Eliott would be more than just a friend.”

“Eliott and I aren’t like that.” Macy shot back.

“Clearly,” Gabrielle said with a grunt. “Tell me, Eliott. Have you ever thought about dating Macy?”

“Well, no, but-”

Gabrielle threw her head back with a laugh, and Macy’s cheeks flushed a deep red. She stormed from the cafeteria, tears bubbling in her eyes. Gabrielle watched her go with a triumphant smirk that made Marinette’s blood boil.

“You should go after her,” Marinette said to Eliott.

“Trust me, she doesn’t want to see me after that.” He shrugged and returned to his script.

“How can you say that? She’s your best friend, and best friends should always be there for each other no matter what!” Marinette slammed her palm on the table, but when Eliott refused to look at her, her jaw clenched. “You’re wrong. I think you’re the exact person Macy wants to see right now.” She didn’t wait for his reply before gathering her sketchbook and chasing after Macy.

The halls were empty and quiet, the chorus of chatter from the cafeteria fading as Marinette raced down the stairs. Macy was nowhere in sight, and Marinette didn’t know where to begin looking for her. After a week, Marinette was still learning her way around—not to mention still learning her new friends.

If it were Alya, Marinette knew exactly where to look, which treat from the bakery would always cheer her up, and as a last resort, where she was ticklish. She didn’t have those ins with Macy yet.

Eliott would know.

Eliott… How could he sit by while his friend was upset? Didn’t he care about her at all? If they really were best friends, then why didn’t he stand up for her and believe her when she said she was hurt? It was so obvious that Gabrielle just wanted attention. How could he let her come between them? Why did he let her walk away? Shouldn’t he chase after his best friend and make sure she was okay? Isn’t that what friends were supposed to do?

Marinette leaned against a row of lockers, shoulders heaving and tears stinging her eyes. Wasn’t she a good friend? Didn’t she always take care of everyone? So why would they turn their backs on her? How could they leave her all alone?

“What’s wrong, Marinette?” Tikki poked her head out of Marinette’s blazer.

Marinette sat on the floor with a sigh, resting her head against the lockers. “It just gets so hard,” she whispered. “Always being there for everyone. Being the one to fix everything for everyone. Sometimes I just wonder… who will be there to fix me when I need it?”

“You’ve got me,” Tikki said. She floated up to nuzzle Marinette’s cheek. “And your parents, Master Fu, Adrien.”

Marinette smiled at that, petting Tikki’s bulbous head with one finger. “Thanks, Tikki. I needed a friend.”

Screams echoed up the hall, and Marinette jumped to her feet. Shaking off the last of her doubts, she slapped her cheeks and took a deep breath. She wasn’t alone, and she would make sure her friends never were either.

“That sounded like it came from the cafeteria. I think it’s safe to say we know where Macy is,” Marinette said. “Transform me!”

Terrified teens with crooked teeth and unibrows rushed past as Ladybug entered the cafeteria. All around the room, her classmates cowered from the akuma zeroing in on Gabrielle in the center. Macy had become the perfect porcelain doll carrying a mirror in her hands—no doubt where the akuma was hiding.

Ladybug hooked her yoyo around Gabrielle’s shoulders and tugged her to safety, even if she deserved whatever punishment Macy was about to give her.  “Get somewhere safe,” she ordered.

“Duh,” Gabrielle said. Ever the gracious one.

“You’re welcome.” Ladybug rolled her eyes as Gabrielle raced off.

With Gabrielle out of the way, the akuma settled for Thomas. She held her mirror in front of him, and his handsome face broke out in angry red zits. The misshapen students fleeing the cafeteria all made sense. Gabrielle told Macy she wasn’t attractive, so now she was making everyone else look the part instead.

“You shouldn’t have let her get away, Ladybug. I think everyone here would like to know what she’s ashamed of,” the akuma said.

While that much might have been true, Ladybug wasn’t in the business of agreeing with one of Hawkmoth’s villains. “Revenge is never the answer, Macy. You’re better than this. Let me help you.”

“I’m not Macy anymore. My name is Mirror-Mirror!” she shouted. Her glassy eyes bore all of her pain, the real Macy screaming inside. “If you want to help me, then give me your Miraculous!”

Ladybug dodged her strike, flipping backward onto a table. Mirror-Mirror wasted no time charging in again and again, the destructive force of her anguish taking its toll on the cafeteria. It was impossible to get a hit in edgewise without seeing herself in the mirror, and Chat Noir hadn’t turned up yet.

“Kitty, I’m battling an akuma, and I really need your help! Where are you?” Ladybug spoke into her yoyo phone. Looks like she’d have to navigate this one on her own. “Lucky Charm!”

A slingshot seemed straight forward enough, but what could she use as ammo? Nothing stood out, and in her moment of distraction, she barely dodged a flying table. Her lucky charm skittered across the floor as she stumbled into her landing, and Mirror-Mirror closed in.

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall, what darkest fears hide in us all?”

“No!” Ladybug tried to shield her face, but it was too late. Her eyes locked with her reflection, and she sank to her knees, all of the fight leaving her body.

What was happening? Everyone else got pimples or big feet, so why couldn’t she move? If Macy’s mirror made everyone unattractive, then why? Why did she feel so…helpless?

What darkest fears hide in us all?

Of course! Her mirror didn’t just make people unattractive. It turned them into the thing they’re most ashamed of—the parts of themselves they hid from the world. And what was Ladybug ashamed of? Failing? Perhaps. Having her identity exposed? Probably.

But as Mirror-Mirror reached for her earrings, their eyes locked, and she saw what she truly feared. The mirror didn’t take her powers. It took her will to fight. More than anything she wanted to save Macy. To save Alya. Her friends. Everyone. But her legs refused to move.

Ladybug’s greatest fear wasn’t losing. It was being powerless to help the people she loved most.

“I can’t do it,” she whispered, head falling.

Mirror-Mirror’s fingers closed around her earrings, but before she could remove them, Chat Noir’s staff struck her side, sending her flying into the wall.

“Ladybug!” He rushed to her side. “Sorry it took so long, m’lady. Are you alright?”

“No.” She shook her head.

Chat Noir cast a nervous glance at Mirror-Mirror as she stood up. “Come on. We’ve gotta move.”

“I can’t,” Ladybug repeated.

“Are you hurt?” Chat Noir bent one of her knees. “M’lady? What’s wrong?”

“I can’t save her, Chat Noir.”

He searched her expression before scooping her up and leaping out of the way of another attack. He set her down gently and brandished his staff. Would he leave her one day too? What if she couldn’t protect him either?

No. That was ridiculous. Chat Noir would always have her back.

You thought Alya would have your back too. Look how that turned out.

That was different. Lila was manipulating her.

Who’s to say a villain couldn’t do the same to Chat Noir? He could turn his back on you.

He wouldn’t.

But he could.

Ladybug squeezed her eyes shut, pushing against the darkness clouding her mind. Ever since she became Ladybug, she’d always relied on her head to get through tough situations. Now even her own thoughts were working against her. She didn’t know what to believe anymore. Macy needed her help. She needed to save her friends.

Mirror-Mirror kicked Chat Noir in the gut, spreading him on his back. His staff rolled into Ladybug’s feet as Mirror-Mirror closed in. She needed to help him, but her legs wouldn’t budge. Her lucky charm was only a few yards away. If she moved now, she could reach it before Mirror-Mirror changed Chat Noir too.

But what was the point? Even if she did reach it in time, she still hadn’t figured out what to do with it. This battle was over.

“Hey, Macy!”  Eliott stood in the doorway, shoulders squared and head high. His hands were balled into tight fists to hide how they shook as he approached.

Ladybug assumed he ran away after getting zapped just like everyone else, but he looked completely normal. She hadn’t seen him since she left to find Macy, so he should have been in the cafeteria when Mirror-Mirror first attacked. Had he gone to look for Macy after all?

Mirror-Mirror abandoned Chat Noir, freeing him to rush to Ladybug’s side. He retrieved her lucky charm on the way and placed it in her hands. “Come on, Ladybug. Think.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t stand up for you earlier,” Eliott said, and when she raised her mirror, he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Go ahead if it will make you feel better, but it’s not going to do you any good.”

When Eliott remained unchanged, she lowered the mirror with a growl. “Why isn’t it working?”

“Because I’m already the thing I’m most ashamed of,” Eliott said. “I was a bad friend to you, and that hurts me more than anything else ever could. Marinette was right. Friends should never turn their backs on one another, and that’s why I’m never going to abandon you again.”

“LB.” Chat Noir placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m here. What do you need?”

Eliott hadn’t abandoned Macy, and Chat Noir wasn’t abandoning her. Not all friendships were destined to fail. So long as she held onto her faith in the people she loved, everything would be alright.

Ladybug turned the slingshot over in her hands. If she combined it with Chat Noir’s staff… She loaded the slingshot and aimed for the pillar diagonally across from them. The staff ricocheted off the wall, soaring right into the mirror. The glass shattered, and a black butterfly fluttered out.

Chat Noir pulled her to her feet, and she captured the akuma with one swipe of her yoyo. She took a deep breath as Miraculous Ladybug returned everything to normal, the last traces of her insecurities fading. When Chat Noir offered her a fist, she stretched up to hug his neck instead—he didn’t complain.

As Hawkmoth’s magic faded, Macy collapsed forward into Eliott’s arms. “What happened?” she groaned.

“You were akumatized, but I’ve got you,” he said gently.

Students filed back into the cafeteria, cheering for another victory over Hawkmoth. Gabrielle stood at the back of the crowd, arms crossed over her chest, and Eliott eyed her with a frown.

“I know I should have stood up for you, but Gabrielle didn’t let me finish,” he said. “You’re not just a friend to me, Macy. You’re my family, so of course I’ve never thought of you that way.” When Gabrielle rolled her eyes, he continued, “I think this has shown us that we all have things about ourselves that we don’t like, and just because I’ve never seen you that way doesn’t mean I don’t think you’re really beautiful, Mace.”

Macy hugged his neck, prompting more cheers from their classmates. Ladybug and Chat Noir used the noise as cover to slip silently out the door.

♪♫♪ Stall Me ♪♫♪

The day was over when Adrien made it back to school. Most of the students had already gone home, and he believed Chloe had too until he rounded the corner to his locker. He was going to have to face her eventually, though he hoped to delay it a while longer.

She didn’t say anything, but he knew that look all too well. Arms crossed, hip cocked, lips pursed. It was the same look she gave her butler when he took too long to bring her sushi, and Adrien lowered his head like a puppy awaiting a scolding.

“Chloe, I-”

“Oh, now you want to speak.” She quirked a brow.

“I’m sorry!”

“What happened?” She demanded. “I needed your help, and you didn’t have my back. We could have exposed her!”

He averted his gaze. “I know.”

“Why didn’t you stick to the plan?”

“It just didn’t feel right. I panicked.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Next time I’ll do better. I promise.”

“Next time? No one in this school is going to believe anything we say about her now because you chickened out!” She jabbed his chest with her finger. “I hope your conscience is happy. You made me look ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous! Maybe I should leave like Dupain-Cheng.”

“Chloe-”

“No! No more excuses. If you really want to stop Lila, then call me when you’re actually ready to do something,” Chloe said. With a flip of her ponytail, she shoved past him.

Adrien leaned against his locker with a sigh, running a hand through his hair. Mirror-Mirror didn’t have to show him what he was ashamed of—he already knew. He was a coward, and now everything was ruined.

[guiltysecretpasttime]

Blended - 2

As you can see - so I decided to pursue Blended. Originally, there was no serious plot to this, I swear. I was just winging it but before I knew it - I was exploring this interesting new AU that I’ve unearthed and I thought, eh why not? Now, I have quite a backstory for our main characters here. Which, unfortunately, will not yet be revealed below but just the same, hope you like this!

---

Title: Blended

Previous installment here.

Legend of Korra, Lin/Tenzin, Modern AU, no bending

Multi-part, WIP

—

Narook’s

Lin sucked in a deep breath. She released it slowly, counting up to five.

Her eyes blinked, wishing for all the strength in the universe not to forsake her.

She had taught her sons never to play the break-up one-up game but good Agni, she wanted to say that she is winning this particular break-up even a decade or so after.

Yes Lin, you can do this. You have won this break-up.

She tried to give herself an imaginary fist pump.

Yes, sure. Real mature of you.

Feeling that she had done enough pep talk, Lin plastered a smile on her face. She had gotten good at this in the past years after all.

Now or never. For Jinora.

She crossed the room quickly. “Hey kid, sorry I’m late.” Lin pressed a kiss on Jinora’s hair, not meeting the eyes of the other occupants of the booth. The young girl faced her to give a kiss and a hug in return. “Of all the days, I know.” Lin focused on tucking some stray hair strands behind Jinora’s ear. “I don’t even know why Mr Sato has an assistant if the man barely follows his own schedule.”

She finally took a seat and faced the now gaping man across her.

“Ah – this is my mom –,” Jinora started to introduce her at the same time that Lin extended her hand.

“I’m Lin, Jinora’s mom. Nice to meet you.”

The bald man automatically reached to grasp her hand to shake it He was a beat too slow to release her hand and Lin involuntarily frowned at that.

Ikki elbowed her father. “His name is Tenzin.” She added helpfully. “He’s my dad.”

No kidding.

She put up the menu as a shield between them to prolong the inevitable conversation; a ruse of reviewing the food and beverage lists even if the diner has yet to update it in the past five years.

Belatedly, all her uncharitable thoughts about the faceless man that was Ikki’s father came to the forefront of her mind.  

Figures he would be that stuffy businessman who did not have his kids play with the neighborhood kids.

Speaking of kids…

The two girls were sharing a plate of waffles beside them. The waffles were slathered with butter, whipped cream, maple syrup and sprinkled on with chopped peanut butter cups. She frowned and glared at the man across her from behind the menu. That was a sugar overload and sugar crash waiting to happen. And happen it will when the two girls would be in her care later today. He would not have to deal with that.

Tenzin only had a cup of coffee in front of him. She eyed the porcelain canisters at the side containing cream and sugar. The sugar bowl was only a third full and she would bet that it was full earlier before he had his hands on it.

She put down the menu and decided they have had enough time.

Lin waved a waiter over and requested for a tall glass of lemonade.

Tenzin was still looking at her apprehensively.

As he should.

If he thinks I will cash in on this 'renewed' connection, he is very much mistaken.

“So, I believe you have some concerns about Ikki staying over?” Lin was pleased to note that her voice did not even waver at any point.

She felt the curious eyes of the kids turn to them; their own conversation turning into whispers.

That seemed to snap Tenzin out of his thoughts.

“That is - that- no I don’t -.” He stammered unbecomingly.

Lin briefly wondered how this man managed to lead a conglomerate with this level of eloquence.

Ikki pounced on this. “Does it mean I can stay over at Jinora’s and Ms Lin’s? I promise I will behave, Daddy. And I swear we will produce the best project ever – with glitters, and sparkles and all the colors.” She beamed from the side, clutching at her father’s arm in excitement.

“It’s not our first sleepover at the house,” Lin interjected gently. “But I understand it’s Ikki’s first time to sleep over that is not with family. So you might have some questions for me – about the overnight stay.” She amended quickly, if the look in his eyes meant that he did have questions - just not related to the sleepover.

He motioned to speak but was interrupted by the serving placing a glass of lemonade between them.

“Well,” Lin calmly took a sip. “I could probably start with my questions and just chime in if there’s anything that comes to your mind.” She pulled out a pen and a small notepad from her bag. “Does she have allergic reactions to food -?”

“Shrimp and crab.” Tenzin responded in a subdued manner, absentmindedly stirring his coffee. A habit that Lin knew to indicate his nervousness.

“That won’t be a problem because,” Lin began but was interrupted by her daughter.

“Me too!” Jinora pointed to herself with a grin. “I’m allergic to crab and shrimp as well!”

There was a small shriek as the two girls began chattering about being besties and twinsies.

Tenzin’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the display.

If that was how they would react over a common allergy (of all things that they could get from their father, it would be his ironic allergy to shellfish, which was to his mother’s consternation – but that’s a different story), wait until they realize they were sisters, Lin idly pondered.

She froze.

Sisters.

It did not dawn on her until then, put in simplistic terms, the two girls are related. She looked at them thoughtfully now, trying to see similarities in their features.

Half-sisters.

Lin corrected herself. Everyone knew how much she had clung to that particular distinction in her own family.

She clicked her pen and noted down in neat precise letters about Ikki’s allergy. “How about emergency numbers or any medicines that she needs to take regularly?”

Tenzin lifted Ikki’s bag, he showed her the bag tag which has all the emergency numbers. He also stated that there were no other allergies or any meds that the kid needs to take.

The pen continued to scratch on the pad.

Pen scratched on the pad.

“Bed time?”

“I'll leave it to your judgment to what's reasonable.” The fingers continued to hold the spoon that stirred the coffee. “They are bound to stay up later because of the project, I suppose.”

A back and forth of more questions and answers continued in the same vein.

When Lin (and Tenzin) was satisfied with the childcare information, flipped back the note pad and kept it and the pen back in her bag. “Alright then, are you really okay with Ikki staying over? If not,” She peered at him, gauging his reaction. “I can easily bring her back to your house later tonight.”

Tenzin shook his head with conviction. “No need, I mean, yes, it’s okay for her to spend time with you.” His face looked stricken at what he said. “No that’s not why I’m implying – I mean.”

Lin resisted rolling her eyes. “I get it.”

 ---

“I get it.”

Did she really, though?

Tenzin tilted his head down, stirring his coffee again, which has gone cold really. He did not dare ask for another refill as he had lost count of how many he had drank in his nervousness.

He inattentively watched the interaction of his daughter with Lin and her daughter.

Lin laughed at something Ikki was talking about.

If nothing else, Lin looked –

Happy.

Contented.

Tenzin was happy, truly, that his childhood friend (among other epithets he had for her, he thought heavily) is in a good place. He would be lying to claim that she did not cross his mind once in a while. He did wonder what had become of her. Their parting was not…ideal. And that was putting it very very lightly.

Now, here he was years later, sitting across her, having finished a conversation about their respective daughters. Lin was warm to Ikki, and he was thankful that she did not seem to bear a grudge against his daughter because of their past.

It was a surreal scenario, to say the least.

If Bumi had told him that was what he would be doing that Friday afternoon, he would have probably slapped his brother upside the head. Or checked his breath for the stench of alcohol.

This was not a normal Friday afternoon for him.

When Lin sat in their booth, he felt a chill run up his spine. The air left his lungs, as though someone had punched him suddenly.

No, it can’t be. Was his first thought.

And yet – he knew it was her.

He would recognize her anywhere. There was no mistaking the way she carried herself, the smirk, the flashing of her grey eyes – only a moment of emotion before it was hidden by the veneer of politeness.

It was cold but his palms turned sweaty. It was an odd feeling really, like a memory that was at the fringes of his mind suddenly before him. He did not know what to make of it.

As much as he was sure he has not forgotten her – when she started introducing herself, he wondered if the same can be said for the other way around.

He had moved far to start a new life with his children. Figures, that, with his luck, he lands at the very town that Lin lived at.

But if Lin wanted to keep it like they did not know each other, fine then. He could handle that. It would be simpler that way, he supposed, especially if Jinora and Ikki would remain friends (bffs, Ikki had said).

It was a cliché but he really did think the years were kind to Lin Beifong.

Is it still Beifong?

He surreptitiously peeked at her hands on the table. One of her fingers was sporting a ring.

So maybe not a Beifong…

He took a sip of his coffee and made a face, forgetting momentarily that it was little more than sludge.

 Before long, the bell at the diner’s door tinkled, announcing that more customers had entered.

Lin turned to face the door at the sound. Her face brightened up and Tenzin craned his neck to see who had arrived.

There was a young man with yellow-orange eyes, a messenger bag slung across his body. His eyes alighted at their corner booth and he smiled, more of lifting the corner of his mouth really than an actual smile.

Tenzin barely heard Lin excuse herself from the table; the two girls, still eating their pile of waffles and chatting about some singer or actor (he wasn’t exactly paying attention), took no notice of her.

Lin went to the newcomer, who raised his hand slightly as greeting.

He watched them with curious fascination – or horrible fascination, he wasn’t sure.

There was that odd tug at his stomach (that he would rather not explore, no, thank you) when the young man (boy, really now Lin? He grumbled internally, never mind his own ex-wife was years younger than him) moved to hug her and give her a kiss on the cheek.

Yes, it was definitely not Tenzin’s usual Friday afternoon.

---

Note: I enjoyed writing this. Pretty cathartic - did you like reading it too? Let me know! 

[chrisevansgoodgirl]

My current night time daydream is with new next-door neighbor Chris. Like all the moms/wife’s gossip about this hot, single guy, “is he gay? a murderer?”

I obviously leave him some baked good and my number in case he needs anything.

CUT TO: The neighborhood pool party, I’m looking hot as hell in my swimsuit. Him whispering in my ear about good I look and being a tease.

Bonus points for the faint handprint on my ass, from him getting too excited

Ughhhhh 😩😩 Christopher. The hot neighbor and I’m sure he’s soooo mysterious bc like why the fuck isn’t he married!? The actual answer is that he’s a romantic who’s just waiting for the love of his life.

No, but imagine this. Bc we love this trope. You’re divorced, it’s been a couple of years and you have a still-married maybe-kinda-alcoholic bff who is always chaotic. You feel bad for Chris bc the way these women get around him is just embarrassing. Sure, most of it is just fun. Not many would actually leave their husbands for him or have affairs, at least that’s what you tell yourself.

Regardless, he’s very closed off and everyone knows that. He’s talked to a few people, he’s made a few almost-friends. But you didn’t really speak to him until his adorable puppy (bc dodger, my future step son, is a puppy and always will be) comes up to you with a toy. Chris, of course, so extra about his dog, hurries over and starts apologizing. You obviously were not upset and Dodger seems to like you. Probably because you’re lightly dragging your sharp nails over the top of his head, something Chris seems to notice.

And you make a joke, bc you feel so awkward, about how you can get him an appointment with your usual nail technician. He likes that bc most women in the neighborhood are too nervous to joke with him, or are literally just trying to get as physically close to him as they can.

You don’t see him much after that, it always seems like he’s busy. He has people over a lot, not many and they’re never loud so it wasn’t like it was an issue. You assumed family and friends and okay, your friend is the one that’s watching. Not you…bc you knew she was going to tell you everything anyway. There have been two women around his age range to enter that house but your friend has deduced that they are currently taken by someone who is not Chris.

You get the idea to leave him a plate of cookies because you were helping your friend for the school bake sale she got roped into. You really did not need to arrange them so perfectly and make about 9 different cookies, but you did anyway. And you leave your number. Just in case. It made sense when your friend told you to do it but then you freak out for the next few days bc you worry he might think you’re just like everyone else. But nothing changes, he starts saying hi to you when he sees you. You were acquaintances, nothing more nothing less.

But then the pool party rolls around. At first, it sounds like he’s not going. It sounds like he would rather break a limb to get out of it. But then you mention you have to go, your friend is throwing it and she would be beyond offended if you didn’t show up. Regardless, the two weeks leading up to it, you guys start spending more time together. Dinners, just little things, and then a kiss!

Just a small, innocent kiss. But you freak out bc you’re sure that you were the one who kissed him (which is actually not what happened) and you don’t want him to think you don’t like him as a friend. And you’re so desperate to preserve the “friendship” bc you don’t really have friends and you like talking to him and you just don’t want him to hate you. So you rush out of there and hide away until the pool party.

The last person you were expecting to be there was Chris. Why would he? He hasn’t said one positive word about it. And had he given you any idea that he was going to show up, you would not have worn the tiny suit you chose. But there you were, feeling more naked than ever even tho this was what you always wore to these stupid things.

Anyway. You really can’t avoid him. Your neighbors have all noticed you getting closer and they are wildly jealous about it. If you tried to escape him and hide with them, it would just be a million and one questions. So, you don’t try to avoid him, but it is still so painfully awkward for you. You have to apologize about the kiss and obviously he’s confused bc he kissed you, why are you apologizing?

So, this weird conversation is interrupted by your friend wanting to thank everyone for showing up. Christopher takes that time that you are not facing him, that you are not expecting anything to tell you how good he thinks you look. And he is so close and so warm and his voice is sooo deep. And he starts to get so fucking dominant and accuses you of only wearing that suit to tease him. And you argue, promising that you always wear this. And he then bluntly asks you “so, when you got dressed today, you didn’t think about me bending you over the bathroom counter?” And at that point, you can barely wait for your friend to stop talking. You are shaking bc you want him sooo badly. and he just keeps talking. “you weren’t thinking about how good i could make your pussy feel? you weren’t thinking about my cock?” and um, hell yes, you’d given that particular part of his body a lot of thought in the past.

And yes, he does bend you over the counter and you guys are doing great w sound, being super discreet until you tell him he can do whatever he wants to your ass. Which was a heat of the moment comment but you are not at all upset about the handprint that your neighbors can clearly see.

[soldrawss]

Does Big Bro!Mikey AU have an april or no? I think it would be nice for Mikey to have a bff april!!

April is a part of this au, yes! She started out as just a classmate of Mikey’s, they had the same homeroom in high school before Mikey dropped out the summer before his Junior year. They hadn’t really kept in contact, mostly because she only knew him by proxy (Mikey was nice and friendly to everyone, April of course included, but they didn’t have much in common, and their main friend groups were different, so they didn’t hang out much) and when Mikey all but disappeared without an explanation, she kinda just figured he moved or something, and left it at that, not giving him any thought for the next three years.

That is, until she meets him again, in the halls of Hunter College, looking like he was gonna collapse at any minute, which he kinda does, into an empty bench at the schools outside cafe and lounge area. April waffles for a few seconds, because ‘holy shit is that Mike Hamato?’ before biting the bullet and making her way over to say, “Hey, Michael right? Hi, it’s been a while. It’s April, we had homeroom together freshman and sophomore year. I haven’t seen you since Savanti Romero’s pool party. How are you?” And his smile is a slow, automatic thing at first, more out of common politeness than anything else, but then it grows into something much more genuine and glacier melting when he responds back, “April, hey, yeah, hi! Wow, has it really been that long? Man, it seems like just yesterday you were fishing Mondo and me out of the pool after one too many chicken fights. It’s good to see you!”

And catching up seemed so easy, April was almost surprised they hadn’t been better friends in high school. Though, she suspected that was mostly due to Mikey’s incredibly easy charm and naturally inviting warmth. (Dude could make friends with just about anyone)

He was a little different than how she remembered, a little more weather-worn and tired, a kinda weariness that hung off his shoulders like heavyweights. But there was still a bright shine to those penny-colored eyes, and when he smiled, it was with all the dimples and joy that she remembers so clearly from when she was 15. Holding back a laugh at the Hamato kid that was preforming springing handstands across the cafeteria just to draw attention away from the impending fight between two of their more hotheaded classmates and ease the tension out of the air in a ridiculous but effective manner.

She doesn’t ask why he left high school, it doesn’t really occur to her to ask, but after 2 hours of talking (April not even realizing she was missing her history class because she was so caught up in their catching up) he offers the information anyway.

His dad died. When he was barely 16, and he was left alone with 3 baby brothers and no other family that could help take care of them, and oh my god, he just dropped out of school to get his GED like it was the most common thing in the world and he went to work, what, 2, sometimes 3 jobs just to make enough money to support them all and April didn’t mean for tears to start pooling up because that so wasn’t fair to Mikey at all, if anyone should be crying, it should be him, but Mikey just looks a little shy and bashful about it all. “It was hard, but we got through it. And hey, now I’m working at like, this really prestigious Italian restaurant, super classy and everything! And they pay me more than I’m probably worth, but I’ll get my culinary degree in like a year, and then after that, a lot of things will change,” He says like everything in the world is just that easy, handing April a few tissues from his book bag and giving her one of those genuine, if not a little crooked, smiles of his.

Mikey promises to have lunch with her again (because April absolutely refuses to let this dandelion haired lunatic walk away from her life a second time and practically demands that they hang out again) since they both have the same free time before their respective classes at the college, and makes a show of saving her number with probably a few too many emojis as a contact name just to make her smile.

And what turned into a promise for another lunch date turned into almost a daily routine, them having lunch together on the bench, talking about classes and teachers and jobs and April’s problematic little kitten she affectionately named Mayhem and Mikey’s little brothers who are probably equally as problematic but he doesn’t have a say in what their names are, and things are fun and casual between Hamato and her.

That is, until two months later, when April gets a call from Mikey at 5pm on a Saturday.

“Donnie’s sick,” Mikey says almost breathlessly, and even without the context, April was already springing to her feet just at the sheer tension and concern in Mikey’s voice, like a taught wire about to snap. “I can’t get off work for another few hours, but I don’t want to leave him by himself with a fever. And I know this is like, putting you on the spot and really awkward and you can totally say no if you want to, but I don’t know who else to call and,-”

“Mike, it’s ok. Breathe hun,” April is saying, not unkindly pushing Mayhem off her lap and reaching for her backpack off the floor in her dorm room, stuffing a few random things in it before grabbing her jacket and her car keys off the counter. “Text me your address. I’ll be over there in 5 minutes tops.”

And it’s more of a promise than a fact, because his building is technically 20 minutes away from hers, but April makes it in 10 just by spite alone (and maybe driving a little recklessly downtown) and knocks on the door of the little apartment on the 6th floor, unit 404.

It takes a hesitant second, but then the door lock clicks open and April is greeted by warm brown eyes and a freckled face that reminds April so much of Mikey that it takes her almost a full 10 seconds before she introduces herself with an automatic smile. “Hi sweetheart, I’m April. I’m a friend of your older brother Mikey.”

Raphael, if April remembered Mikey’s brothers correctly, didn’t really need much convincing to let April in after she mentioned he was a friend of Mikey's, and doesn’t hesitate to pull her into their little apartment, leading her to the bedroom that the twins share with a small but tight little fist around hers.

“Mikey called and said you were coming. Leo’s atah sleepover, but Donnie’s in here. His head’s still hot and his voice is all scratchy, even though I made sure that he took the medicine Mikey left out. And he won’t eat anything I give him,” the 7-year-old reports diligently, much more mature than April had expected from the young child. 

April’s been babysitting since she was 11, and considering how all the neighborhood kids around her block adore her, she likes to think that she’s got a pretty solid Ph.D. in knowing how to take care of a sick pre-teen who wants nothing to do with her. So the heavy-lidded and red-eyed glare that Donatello shoots at her from under his covers is duly noted but otherwise ignored as she gently knocks on the door and slowly follows a much less hesitant Raphael into the bedroom.

It takes a while, a long while, for Donatello, no, Donnie, to warm up to her, but he gets there eventually, with the help of Raphael, Raph, who’s hanging off of Aprils shoulders, having warmed up to her almost immediately simply because ‘any friend of Mikey’s is a friend of ours Dee! Don’t be mean and eat some soup!’

After realizing that Donnie just had a little cold, and was in no real danger even with a fever, Raph seemed to cheer up immensely, and was more than willing to help answer all of April’s questions about what medicine Donnie had taken, any allergies, the last time he ate, and even helped her make some egg drop soup since they didn’t have enough ingredients of chicken noodle, which Donnie put up a fight about, but eventually took after one look of Raph’s puppy dog eyes.

Donnie was out like a light 15 minutes later, after taking some night time cough medicine and April sent a reassuring text to Mikey two hours later when his fever finally broke, to which Mikey replied with an explosion of heart emoji’s that April couldn’t rightly decipher other than he was happy about it.

Mikey got home at 11 that night, and April had to flag him down quietly from where she sat trapped under a sleeping, pj clad Raph on the couch; a Jupiter Jim movie marathon playing on the tv. 

“Thank you so much, April,” Mikey said to her in the kitchen 20 minutes later, handing her a cup of hot tea. He had efficiently plucked Raph off of April’s lap like a pro with years of experience, putting him into his own bed before checking on a still sleeping Donnie, whose face was no longer a burnt red from his fever earlier. “I don’t know what I would have done without you. I don’t get my paycheck till next week, so I can’t really pay you right now, but I brought home some chocolate mousse cake from my work that you can have until I can-” “You didn’t tell me you worked at Huesso’s!” April didn’t shout, because there were two kids sleeping down the hallway, as she grabbed the bag Mikey had offered to her. “Dude, their deserts are like, crazy good! I love their cheesecake, but they’re stupid expensive and you have to get a reservation like, 4 months in advance to get in.” And April uses the change in topics as a distraction because there was no way she’d let Mikey try to pay her for helping out, she didn’t even want that to be an option. April didn’t do this for the money. She wanted to help out Mikey out. She liked Mikey. She thought he was funny and charming and had a heart big enough to cradle the entire world if he was as big as all the love he has. And she adored being around his baby brothers.

April grins at Mikey when she opens the box, and slides her finger over the glossy frosting of the cake and licks her fingers of the chocolatey goodness before she says, “Listen, if I could convince you to bring me home deserts from this place, then I’ll hang out with the boys anytime you want me too. You have my number, literally call me anytime, for any reason, and I’m here.”

[spidernerdsblog]

I forgot that you existed : Chapter one

A/N: okay chapter one is here going a little slow with the storyline wanted to add a little bit of details to the lives of the characters. I can guarantee in next chapter our hero will be in full form and not just in flashbacks. Hope you like it. Feedbacks and suggestions are always welcome.

Pairing : Tom Holland × Singer reader

 Summary: It's been more than five years since you and Tom have gone their own ways after a heartbreaking breakup which had left both of you shattered. Both of you thought that you were finally over with each other and were happy in your respective lives until you meet again at a reunion trip planned by your best friend and you realise you are still not done with each other.

 Warnings: none, flashbacks.

 Mini playlist: love story, ME! By Taylor Swift

We were both young when I first saw you

I close my eyes, and the flashback starts

I'm standing there

On a balcony in summer air

 Sounds of giggles and laughter " No! she is my best friend" Harrison exclaimed pulling you by grabbing your left hand towards him "No she is my best friend!" Tom said, pulling your right hand. You couldn't stop giggling as you were stuck between a tug of war between your two best friends who stated that you can only be best friend to any one of them not both. You were only 5 years old then Tom & Harrison both 3 years older than you but you loved hanging out with them.

Your parents shifted from LA to London for their work and coincidentally your house was in the same neighborhood as were of the boys. You all became friends through your mothers when they used to take you to the park when you were toddlers. You were the only girl of the whole boys gang consisting of Tom, Harrison, Harry and Sam and they were very protective about you. You used to boss them around.

 As Haz and Tom were quarrelling over whose best friend you were in the backyard of the Holland's house. Tom out of nowhere declared "if it's that so Y/N is my girlfriend" and gave a gentle peck on your lips, you stood there in shock and soon you started blushing as you covered your face with your hands and ran inside to your mother who was chatting with Nikki.

 You went up to your mom and asked innocently "Mom, Tom said that I'm his girlfriend and gave me a kissy like you give me every night before bed. Is he no more my best friend ?" Both the mothers started laughing as Nikki spoke  “no peanut he will always be your best friend and if you love bugs stay like this forever maybe he can be your husband too."

 You scrunched your face and said "eww!! I will not marry him"

 “why is that so? " your mother asked laughing

 "he always steals my chocolates" you said innocently “no I don't!! Tom said from behind as he entered the house with Haz, “yes you did yesterday only you took it from my bag at school” both of you now started arguing. Nikki and your mom burst into laughter after hearing it. That was the beginning of your love story.

 Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone

I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run

You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess

It's a love story baby just say "Yes"

 .........................................................

You loved to listen to songs as it helps to release your stress and this song of yours was very dear to you as it reminded you of some sweet memories. You were scrolling through the photographs that you had taken back when you were living in London together with the boys as you thought about that whole incident, your actual first kiss, you smiled and shook your head at the realization that you both had disappointed your mothers.

 You finally dialled Harrison's number he picked up instantly

 "Hey Y/N!"

 "Hello.. this is 911 what is your emergency?" You chuckled

 "You will never change will ya?"

 "That was the plan actually to never change"

 "Talking to you after a long time man missed your voice so much"

 "Me too Haz.. So how's everything going there?"

 "Yeah everything is fine here just wrapped up my new film."

 "Great!! How are the boys, Nikki and Dom?"

 "They are all fine. Harry is busy with his new film's plot, Sam as usual experimenting with new dishes."

 "An.. and how's he?" You hesitatedly asked

 "He's good too wrapped up Avengers 5 will be returning home tomorrow.

By the way congratulations for the success of your new album to be honest it's a badass album the lyrics are dope."

 You giggled.. "Thanks Haz"

 "So now are you free or still have any upcoming projects?"

 "I can never be free Haz I m always working, always thinking of lyrics for my next song. Leave all that, what was the emergency that you said to call so urgently?"

 "Ummm.. Y/N I want something from you."

"Anything for you Haz"

 "You have to promise me first Y/N that whatever I say you have to say yes"

 "When have I ever said you no anyways just tell me"

 "No! Y/N first promise me"

 "Uggh Okay Haz I promise now spit it out. Sometimes you really act childish." you rolled your eyes.

"I want you to come back home I mean back here at London I have planned a 10 days trip to Cornwall at my beach house which we all used to go every summer when we were kids it's a sort of reunion for the whole gang I have invited Z and Jacob too"

 "Haz you know I only go on Christmas every year to spend time with you guys because that is when I m free. And I'm pretty busy this month. I have a recording to be done next week for my upcoming single."

 "Y/N you promised you will not refuse me. I just want a little time from your busy life.”

 "But Haz…"

 "And also I'm gonna celebrate my 30th birthday there, your man is getting old love."

 "Umm... I don't know what to say Haz I'm confused"

 "If you're thinking about him I can assure you there will be no problem besides he is not single anymore so why worry?"

 That is the problem Haz you said in your mind.

 "Umm okay I'll give it a thought and let you know after confirming the availability of dates." You ended the call and fell back on your bed, your hands and legs spreading across the bed  like a starfish. You face palmed and groaned.

 You went into a deep thought, your brain still processing the whole conversation you had with Harrison. After a few minutes you heard your phone buzzing and you smiled as you looked to see who was calling. It was Zendaya, face timing you. You had seriously wished to talk to someone right now. You have very few close friends in the industry and Zendaya was one of them. You collaborated with her for your bad blood music video and you guys clicked instantly from that day you became really close. She was your 3am BFF and you both knew each other's darkest secrets. You picked up the call.

 "So Haz called you up didn't he?"

 "Bingo!! So what are you thinking?" Zendaya laughed

 "I don't know Z. I just feel scared. I know I have met him a couple of times during my Christmas visits after everything happened  but that was just a one day thing and this whole 10 day trip is freaking me out. I also don't want to disappoint Haz. I missed all of his birthdays for the past few years on purpose just to avoid Tom."

 " You are just over thinking babe everything will be fine and I will be there to cheer up your emotional ass. Besides as much as I know Tom is very chilled out he will not bother you."

 " I don't think so. He has a very cold attitude towards me even now whenever I go back home. "

 After you moved to NY you almost begged your parents to move here and stay with you but they were adamant of staying in London so once in a year you used to visit your family and friends during Christmas. The Christmas Dinner was always hosted by the Holland's after your break up you always panicked to go to their house. The first year when you went. The boys, Nikki, Dom welcomed you as if nothing had happened; they hugged you with joy. But when you went to give Tom a hug he just backed off and out of formality gave you a shoulder hug and you got your hint to stay away. He even brought his new girlfriend for the dinner which you thought he did on purpose to make you jealous or hurt you. And you were actually hurt at the thought that he really moved on so quickly. So you avoided family gatherings to prevent such awkward situations.

  "Babe your life doesn’t revolve around Tom he was a part of your life which is over. Start living your life. And we are in our early 30’s and still single don’t wanna die like that do you ??. Even if you want you can have your sweet little revenge by showing off that hot body on the beach and show that asshole what he missed." Z smirked.

 You quirked your eyebrows “So you're telling me to be a bitchy ex who doesn’t want to see her ex boyfriend happy”

 " Nooo!!! I didn’t mean that just show him how happy you are, that you are one of a kind, he will never find anyone like you in his life. We are gonna have a blast honey and you are coming so start packing."

 You had to finally give in with a deep sigh you said .."okay Z I ll go but if I jump off the cliff after all the mental stress I'm going to get in those 10 days you and Haz will be responsible for it." you laughed.

"Oh we won't want that. Besides you have handled more stressful moments than this you will be fine dramaqueen." Zendaya said.

 You talked to Alex about the whole trip to sort out the dates. He was a little sceptical at first about the whole reunion with ex trip , but he believed in you and gave you a nod for the trip. You informed the good news to Haz of your approval to the whole trip. Before you could leave for your unplanned vacation you had to finish recording and shooting for your new upcoming single featuring Breidon Urie.

 "I promise that you'll never find another like me

I know that I'm a handful, baby, uh

I know I never think before I jump

And you're the kind of guy the ladies want

(And there's a lot of cool chicks out there)

I know that I went psycho on the phone

I never leave well enough alone

And trouble's gonna follow where I go

(And there's a lot of cool chicks out there)

But one of these things is not like the others

Like a rainbow with all of the colors

Baby doll, when it comes to a lover

I promise that you'll never find another like

Me-e-e, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

I'm the only one of me

Baby, that's the fun of me

Eeh-eeh-eeh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

You're the only one of you

Baby, that's the fun of you

And I promise that nobody's gonna love you like me-e-e"..............

 The song was soon officially released by the music company and the audience loved it and your work was done for the moment and now you could focus on the trip. All of a sudden you were really feeling excited about the whole thing. You and Z were constantly texting each other to plan about the journey.

 The day arrived and you met Z at the airport. "So ready for the battle?" she chuckled. You rolled your eyes and laughed "going on a battle would have been much easier compared to this I guess" but in your mind you were confident. Yes you had finally decided that you're ready to face Tom Holland to show him that you have also moved on. And to show him that he'll never find another like you.

 The nine hour flight was uneventful as both you and Z slept most of the time which proved that you both were in dire need of a vacation away from your hectic glamorous lives.

 It was around 5 ‘o’ clock in the morning in London when your plane landed. Both of you collected your check in luggages. Check out was hassle free as it was early morning with few people around and nobody recognised you as both of you were in your hoodies. As you came out of the exit door you started to look amongst the crowd and finally you saw those familiar icy blue eyes approaching towards you.

 “Ah!! Finally the star arrived” Harrison hugged you tight

“And all credit goes to you Z because our star has stopped listening to her best friend may be got someone else to replace me” he hugged zendaya and started laughing

“getting rid of you has been one of the failures of my life" you pouted

 "Ouch!" Harrison dramatically placed his hands on his chest as if hurt.

 "No one can ever replace you from my life you idiot" you lightly punched his arm.

 Harrison chuckled and said with a fake French accent "I m your chauffeur for the day, madame your car awaits at the parking lot."

 After you three put all your luggages in the car. Z and you sat at the back seat and Harrison sat on the driver's seat as he started the car. It was an approximate four hour ride to his beach house.

 " You know Haz I really missed the summer in London so glad I said yes to your plan."

 "The only thing I liked about London when I came for Spiderman:FFH shoot is the Harry Potter museum" Zendaya declared

 You noticed Harrison looked a little off today so you asked "you look a little bit stressed out Haz what's the matter bud?"

 "How do you read my mind so easily?" Harrison sighed.

 "I'm your best friend dumbo now tell me what is the thing that is bothering you so much?" you said with concern in your voice.

 "Okay I need to say you something, just don't be mad Tom will be bringing his fiancee too at the beach house. But don't worry everything will be fine I promise."

 Your face went expression less as you looked at Harrison then to Zendaya. You were starting to panic from inside. You let out a sigh and rolled your eyes as you leaned on Zendaya's shoulder. She rubbed your shoulder to comfort you as you thought in your mind "what a great start to this cursed trip."

..................................................................................

Taglists:If you want to be added send in an ask i will be happy to add you.

@sophs-library

[felicia-cat-hardy]

My 'Pretty Little Liars' Obsession Led Me To My Best Friend

“Got a secret, can you keep it?” Well, I’ve got one: Though Pretty Little Liars ended in 2017, the seven-season mystery thriller schemed its way into being an integral part of my life for the long haul, so much so that the opening credits live in my head rent-free. To this day, each time I hear the sinister theme song — “Secret” by The Pierces — I’m brought right back to my childhood comfort show (ahem, obsession). The visuals begin with a swipe of mascara, the smear of red lipstick, and a clasp of a heel onto a porcelain doll, which makes me feel like I’m watching someone get pampered for prom. Until, of course, it cuts to four girls standing in front of a casket. It's a chilling moment, one that, until Season 6B, ended with Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale) delivering her iconic “shh.” I got cast under the show’s spell the first time I saw it, and I wasn’t the only one: Pretty Little Liars led me to my best friend.

Ironically, plotlines about deceit and betrayal actually helped ignite a long-lasting friendship. In 2011, the only other person I knew to be watching PLL was my now-BFF, Taylor, who’s been by my side for over a decade. We were only about 11 and 12 when it premiered, so shout out to our parents for letting us watch a show that dealt with very adult themes like substance use disorder, assault, and grief. Unlike our classmates, who watched tween-appropriate hits like iCarly and Victorious, we became PLL stans.

As fans know, the show is loosely based on the Sara Shepard YA series of the same name, and the first book was my entry point into the PLL universe. I loved reading about blackmailers and murderers navigating high school, but I thought I was the only one who was into it. (Was this my ~I’m different~ complex showing, or were my peers just naturally more inclined to recap Dance Moms? I’ll never know.) So, Taylor first struck up a conversation with me at school because she spotted the first PLL book on my desk — you know, the one painted with porcelain wax dolls warning to “never trust a pretty girl with an ugly secret” in a Gothic script. She asked if I’d watched the TV adaptation yet and we immediately exchanged phone numbers to text about upcoming episodes. We then fell into the fandom. Fast.

I’d never talked to Taylor before this interaction — we had only been in a few classes together — but I always saw her as approachable and friendly. Universally, the beginning of middle school is a big and terrifying year when kids from different elementary schools unite. Eager to meet new people, I reached for friendship at any chance I could get. Taylor made it easy. Aside from being a genuinely kind person (a rare trait for a middle schooler!), she was fangirling over the same thing as me.

Fast forward over a decade later, and the show still feels timeless, especially in its accurate depictions of how dramatic high school can get. It’s no surprise there’s a PLL HBO Max reboot on the way along with the remakes of other buzzy shows from that era (hello, 2010s nostalgia). Ah. It was a simpler time. Back then, Freeform was still ABC Family and for me, Tuesdays meant one thing: PLL is on. What first started as a solo viewing experience soon became a designated hangout time, a time slot reserved for me and Taylor to gush over how much we loved Ashley Benson. (We still do!)

The series had a vibe similar to Gossip Girl or Bridgerton in that a mysterious, unidentifiable pot-stirrer keeps fans guessing each episode, but it was arguably so much better since “A,” the anonymous villain, is out for, you know, murder. Ultimately, it was the type of whodunit that made me and Taylor (and millions of viewers) go down a couple of Reddit rabbit holes — remember the “Aria is A” suspicion? — and this is where my and Taylor’s experience with fan theories began.

Oh, and let’s not forget the location. PLL takes place in the fictional suburb of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, and for two girls from Bucks Country — aka the Philadelphia ‘burbs — we ate it up. The beloved “Welcome to the Dollhouse” episode was exceptionally creepy not only because the Liars get locked into a life-size replica of their bedrooms, but also because our real neighborhood looks extremely similar to their hometown. It operates like Rosewood, too, in that small-town gossip travels at lightning speed.

The Pennsylvania-based plotline also made it easier for us to identify with the characters, who felt like extensions of ourselves. In many ways, we got to know each other through their personalities. Taylor is studious and high-achieving, obviously a Spencer. And I owned feather earrings because I saw Lucy Hale sport them in Season 1, so obviously an Aria. Asking “Are you more of a Hanna or an Emily?” held as much weight in 2012 as asking someone their rising sign in 2021. While it might not say much, it also tells you everything you need to know about a person.

PLL got its start right before live-tweeting shows became popularized, so when we weren’t together, I used to text Taylor on my slide-out keyboard phone (only Zillennials will remember) to compare notes without stumbling upon many spoilers. They read something like this: “Caleb and Hanna are soul mates, TBH.” Like every other fan, we theorized about why A had to be Ian… and Melissa… and Jenna… and Mona… and, you get the point. When our elaborate speculations ran cold, we’d pause DVR’d episodes to gather more clues, like glimpses of Red Coat’s face in her second season introduction, or inspections of those eerie-gloved hands assembling dolls and sharpening knives at the end of each episode.

This game of Clue made room for conversations about all the things. We were in high school during the show’s peak, so it felt like the Liars had laid the groundwork for how to operate our school’s halls. Rosewood High was not traditional — uh, multiple students came back from the dead (*cough* Mona and Alison) — but it did prepare us for the stressors of college applications and first romantic relationships. In fact, Benson’s Hanna Marin would be proud of my matchmaking skills because back then, I introduced Taylor to the boyfriend she’s still with today.

As we both grew up with the show, our friendship got even deeper. The Liars weren’t the only ones to share secrets, and I found it incredibly easy to confide in Taylor. She’s trustworthy, level-headed, compassionate, and an excellent listener. She’s someone I know will always pick up on the second ring and is the type of friend to be there with advice, reassurance, and a quick-witted one-liner. She once joked about never needing a diary because we’ve transcribed the past 10 years of our lives via text.

Our bond has remained strong, especially because the most outrageous PLL-esque plotlines of our lives are ones we’ve experienced together. I love Taylor because I don’t have to provide background for my stories. I’m even so familiar with the cast of characters in her life that when someone re-enters after a long period, I like to say they Alison DiLaurentis’ed her.

And on the off-chance she’s not there to witness something meaningful happen to me IRL, she’s always ready to decipher what went down over texts or dinner and drinks — just like we did when we were teens trying to figure out who A was (minus the wine, of course).

The way she can reconstruct my way of thinking and offer up a perspective I hadn’t seen before is almost paranormal. Whether these are Taylor’s naturally given talents or traits learned from peeling back all the layers of the series, I’m not sure. But she’s always there to decode situations with me — whether they relate to a TV show or during moments when I feel lost.

I couldn’t be more thankful that Taylor entered my life and that PLL played a role in our friendship. I feel so incredibly lucky to know someone like her. Plus, now I have someone who is obligated to watch the reboot with me. Ali was right: Friends do share secrets. And she’s ~quite literally~ the reason Taylor’s got all of mine. Spencer and Aria, you’ve got some competition.

Get Relationship Advice Here

[simtrospective]

SCRAPPED STORY CHALLENGE by @bugsims

01. Post a few screenshots from a scrapped scene / edit / story! 02. Share why you scrapped this specific thing. 03. Tag five friends, and watch the fun play out!

Thank you to @gilded-ghosts for the tag.

Because I wrote so much that you might prefer to skip, let me do 03. outside the cut. I tag...

@ladykendalsims - @jet-plane-sims - @boogey-studios - @pinkmonsimblr - @dynastiasimss

The above pictures (plus the related tray files) are all I have left of an idea that was half-formed to begin with and which never got off the ground at all.

01.

Depending on if you’re a follower of mine + how long you’ve been following me, you may have seen a few of these shots before but I’ll explain them anyway:

Set 1: The characters Charlie, Hick, and Craig, in their original states on the left and their enhanced, final states on the right;

Set 2: A few WIP pictures of the performance space/club/thing I built;

Set 3: A bunch of test shots I took to see how the characters looked interacting, what they did naturally, and how they looked when I ~directed them. I used these pics to try and find my editing style for the story. I didn’t find the style I wanted. Clearly.

02.

I scrapped this idea because it never came together; I didn’t connect with the characters; I didn’t care about the storyline; I’m not done with my new save so I couldn’t ~comfortably start telling this story when the rest of the world was/is disordered; and on and on. The point is, I wasn’t feeling any of this. Oh! And I hate the whole vibe and time period and aesthetic irl; what on earth was I thinking writing about it?!

So. What was this going to be?

[[Under the cut because this is... so, so long. So long.]]

Charlie, Hick, and Craig were

going

to live in Del Sol Valley in my new save, in the Pinnacles neighborhood, which I was

going

to turn into a Laurel Canyon-style neighborhood. An entire community of would-be songwriters/musicians were

going

to live in the two smaller lots and commune with one another and be the New Guard colliding with the Old Guard; the huge mansion lot was

going

to house an aging former film-current soap actor confronting his mortality and also hating the living shit out of these hippies whose existence he took as a personal affront--I digress. Back to the “story.”

Charlie, Hick, and Craig met after each arrived in DSV separately and they vibed and they moved in together, all in a matter of, like, a week’s time. Charlie and Hick vibed especially. So much in common! Such poor little rich [kids]! Both came from pampered environments in which their family money and respective fathers’ connections allowed them to skate through life and to play at being musicians because--despite crying oppression at the hands of upper class WASP-dom--they'll always have safety nets to ensure they’ll always be okay. Charlotte Grant graduated from her all-girls prep school and put on a floppy hat and became Charlie Grant; Richard Hickey (lololol) ripped up his acceptance letter to Britechester and grew his hair out and hitchhiked and told people to call him “Hick.” They’ve lived parallel lives and “recognize” one another as soon as they meet. They have an electric connection, but neither will verbalize that. Above all, they... really want to sleep together.

Craig grew up working class and has no safety net; he just wants a little adventure before he gets a real job/grows up/gets married (his gf back home is off to college; they’re long-distance; it’s... not going to work). He’s a good guitar player and he’s a good songwriter and that’s it but maybe it’ll be more? What do they say about the lottery? Can’t win if you don’t play? Charlie and Hick want to be famous ~rule the world. Hick plays guitar well and tries to write songs but they’re shitty. Charlie is passively learning the keyboard and writes songs that are not... bad...? Some are... good?

Charlie and Hick--can you tell they eclipse Craig, yet?--have weird sexual chemistry and tension: they tease, they flirt, they taunt, they enjoy one another’s attention but they never so much as hug. They both have cruel streaks as only disconnected, spoiled, emotionally stunted bluebloods can: the torture of their relationship/non-relationship gets them off more than anything else could and that thrill drives much of their behaviors: bringing wanton strangers home for one night stands, each hoping the other is watching/overhearing, fighting about little things, acting like inappropriately close siblings, acting like strangers. Craig suffers their whims; Charlie and Hick aren’t just united in their toxicity and their dreams of fame, but in how they make Craig into a third wheel or a--well, punching bag is too strong a term. Charlie and Hick think they’re teasing their bff but you know how it is to be teased allllll the tiiiiiiime and how it can make your head spin when people who can’t get along with one another join forces--without even having to discuss it--to turn on you. Their relationship gets patched up, you’re hurting, they insist it’s not a big deal and even that you even liked it. We’re all friends. We’re all best friends omg.

But sometimes they have fun together. They have a lot of fun together. Sometimes it all is everything each dreamed it would be. DSV is a wonderland and their careers are happening and life is happening and they’re best friends. They’re soulmates for life.

The three work on music, perform at clubs. Craig is starting to come into his own as a man. I hate the term coming-of-age but in the background of the Charlie & Hick Show, Craig is maturing. He has to, because C&H are fuck-ups. They jeopardize scheduled performances. They don’t know how to talk to club owners. They’re not interested in paying their dues. They are unable (or unwilling) to promote themselves without being obnoxious attention whores. They don’t practice or help write songs. They don’t take care of the house. Hick is late with his rent. Charlie thinks she can flirt her way out of everything. Craig is also the only one of them who works; he has a day job at a print shop, gives guitar lessons on the side, and makes sure the three get gigs and don’t get evicted. The only thing C&H put consistent effort toward is making the social scene or finding a party or scoring drugs or getting laid. As the group’s local star(s) rise, their fates start to change course which increases the interpersonal tension. Hick’s fun-loving nature is starting to turn into a legit substance abuse problem and he’s picking fights with the wrong people and socially devolving, his arrogance and issues and general laziness rendering him unable to relate to others; Charlie is getting a lot of attention from older men In the Business, who have the money and connections to make her a solo star, which she is shrewdly considering; and Craig’s resentment toward his “friends” and disillusionment with the superficiality of DSV is making him rethink his motivation for coming west in the first place.

Oh, and Charlie and Hick--again, as their paths change and as their weird tension remains unresolved--continue to take their bullshit out on Craig and now it’s not funny anymore, it’s not cute, it’s not exciting, and neither is it when Hick ruins a show by being too stoned to perform and neither is it when Charlie brings unsavory characters home who trash the three’s equipment and neither is it when C&H steal Craig’s songs and perform without him at a gig they didn’t tell him about.

What I intended was that the story would at first seem to be The Charlie and Hick Show, all about them, as if we’re supposed to root for them, but ideally, through my ~deft hand 🙄 the reader 🙄🙄 was supposed to be like, Um... hold on-- until it eventually was quite obvious that these two--though human; though in situations we could understand and empathize with--were captured at a point in their lives when they were Super Toxic Assholes, and what you were watching all along was Craig as Hero.

So I had ideas, but I didn’t know how to fit them together and I didn’t want a really long story and I couldn’t--I just couldn’t figure it out. I do know that the end was going to be Craig screwing them like they’d been screwing him, a final middle finger with consequences. I know that he and Hick were going to have words and Hick was going to try and fight him (such a loser) and Charlie was going to throw a Hail Mary of like... trying to seduce (lol) Craig into staying omg I always had a thing for you/we’d be such a great team/I always thought we could ~be something ~together uwu bullshit like that. Was this true? Was this true in her own mind? I think I was going to set the story up so that if you reread, yeah, it could be true, but she’s so flirty and manipulative and socially savvy and used to getting what she wants that who knows what her real feelings ever are? Ultimately that would’ve been irrelevant bc Craig never looked at her that way and hates her and Hick now; good going guys. It’s worth noting, I guess, that when I put the group on a test lot, Charlie was super into Craig immediately, went right to him, stood close to him, was eager to make romantic overtures; she went 0 to 60 in an instant and as so far as is possible in this game they had chemistry, but Craig was not feeling the romance. And no one was feeling Hick.

Anyway, Craig was going to move on with his life and Charlie and Hick were going to learn nothing and blame him, ~the end.

And then, as I continued to play my save and maybe tell more stories, there would be Easter eggs, references to Charlie, Hick, and Craig older/in the future and where they went in life in the background of other, unrelated stories: Hick’s substance abuse problems and rehab stints and going by Richard again and his eventual moderate fame and eventual sobriety and attempted comeback and his bad relationships with his exes and children; Charlie’s legit fame + marriage to a producer + eventual fade away + moderate comeback + solid second or third marriage and bff relationship with her children 🙄🙄🙄 and her palatial house on the coast and now she exclusively wears white and ivory and pampers her dogs and eats raw (but drinks wine) because it “cured” her undiagnosed, unnamed “autoimmune disorder,” which she wrote a book about resulting in a semi-comeback but as a Famous Person and not a musician. Craig going to college and becoming a high school English teacher who plays in a local band on the weekends and who has a good marriage (not to the long distance gf) and nice kids, one of whom would eventually have her own story where she pursued musicianship with her dad, which got him back into his first passion but it was a qt father-daughter project and not An Attempt to Be Famous.

So. Idk. That’s what this all would’ve been. But it wasn’t, and it won’t be!

[spicyfoodboi]

❤ 1 year celebration prompt list! ❤

Hey guys! Happy 1 year anniversary to my account! Well, it's on the 29th but I'm posting this early! I'm so thankful to meet everyone i interacted on here from the start of my account until now! I'm also thankful of everyone supporting me so thank you ❤ I know i'm not as popular as other newer people in the fandoms but i get around hehe!

Is it just me or is tumblr not giving my bff's banner justice 😔

This will include prompts and songs to go along with them! You can request from any of these fandoms!

Bnha

Haikyuu

Bungou stray dogs

Demon slayer (we trying them out again!)

(skipping enstars because i have a lot of requests for them lolol)

Leave an ask about a number and a character! Feel free to elaborate on what you want on top of that! Prompts could be made to whatever so please also add what ending you want if to have if you prefer.

Hope you guys enjoy!! ❤

1.       Two weeks by grizzly bear- walking down old streets

2.       Mansard roof by vampire weekend- sightseeing for a day

3.       White winter hymnal by fleet foxes- admiring them from a distance

4.       High enough by K. Flay- beating a gang each other

5.       Sweater weather by the neighborhood- placing your jacket on your shoulders/holding their hands in the jacket pocket (just choose from the 2!)

6.       Lotita by lana del ray- badass entrance in an afterparty

7.       Fucked my way up to the top by lana del ray- pulling a two-face bitch away from them

8.       Infinity by jaymes young- still loving them after breaking up

9.       This side of paradaise by coyote theory- comforting you through the phone

10.   Let's fall in love for the night by FINNEAS- fake dating turning into a real courting

11.   Corduroy dreams by rex orange county-  dancing and singing in the rain with them

12.   Cloud 9 by beach bunny- an amusement park date

13.   Out of my league by fitz and the tantrums- confessing to someone they think is out of their league (who could've guessed??)

14.   Are you bored yet? By wallows- in the car, on the beach, watching the sunset

15.   Sunkissed by khai dreams- a date and a picnic in a flower field

16.   I think you're really cool by guardin- they notice their crush in the bar so they start singing on the karaoke stage to get your attention

17.   Valentine by atlas- a date in a long-distance relationship

18.   Youngblood by 5 seconds of summer- house party, alcohol and all

19.   Get you the moon by kina, snow- catching you about to jump off at the last moment/breaking down in front of them

20.   I'm just a kid by simple kid- it's been a few weeks since you broke up with him before the start for summer

21.   Can I call you tonight? By dayglow- confessing over the phone

22.   Everytime by boy pablo- getting introduced to someone new after going through a breakup

23.   My kind of woman by mac demarco- being best friends with the person they're in love with

24.   Sunflower by rex orange county- realizing that they were wrong after a big fight

25.   Make you mine by PUBLIC- fighting for their love

26.   Can't sleep love by pentatonix- talking to a friend about them

27.   Pleaser by wallows- throwing a moving in party

28.   No going back by yuno- falling for their ex's best friend

29.   Was it something I said by mykey- passing notes during class

30.   Hundred by khalid- cleaning up their wounds after a fight