#i was having a sad day today and this made me happier to finally put together

[ageless-aislynn]

I've always loved the look of tv!Master Chief in his undersuit, so I did my best to recreate my very own action figure undersuit!John. 😇😉

Click to make bigger. Now, granted, people with steadier hands than I could've painted details on the suit to make it more authentic but, well, ya girl has to work with what ya girl has to work with. 🤷‍♀️😉

The recipe, if you're interested, is a Valaverse Action Force Special Ops trooper body and the Star Wars Black Series Axe Woves head. They did not swap easily, I should warn, but it's doable. 😉

I really love him and am so glad to have him on my desk at long last! ⭐💖⭐

[theweasleytwinsownmyjuicyass]

Friendly lips | L.N.

Lando Norris x friend!reader

Summary: Two close friends, find themselves at a pivotal moment during a Formula 1 race. When a spontaneous kiss ignites a spark of something neither can wrap their heads around.

Warnings: lil sexual themes, fluff.

Word count: ~1.2K

Friendly lips pt. 2

<

The air at the racetrack buzzed with excitement as the Formula 1 Grand Prix revved up for a thrilling race. Lando Norris stood by his car, nerves coursing through his veins. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment, you, his best friend and one of his biggest supporters, had promised to come watch the race, but you were nowhere to be found, and he feared you might have chosen not to come...

As the race began, Lando's focus shifted to the track, his bright orange McLaren darting ahead with exhilarating speed. The laps seemed to blur together, and he couldn't help but sneak glances at the garage every time he stopped for a change of tires, hoping to spot your familiar face. But you were nowhere in sight, and the weight of disappointment pressed down on him even more.

After what felt like an eternity, the race concluded with Lando securing a respectable finish. Exhausted and disappointed, he trudged over to the post-race interview area. Reporters surrounded him, thrusting microphones and cameras in his face, but his eyes continued to dart around the pit lane in search of you. Now his disappointment and sadness morphed into anger. Why the hell are you not here?

And then, as the interview began, something incredible happened. Lando's eyes locked onto you, standing in his garage, chatting with one of the mechanics.

He couldn't believe it. You were here. And you look fresh as a cherry plucked from a tree. Your lively rose blush covering your cheeks and that strawberry color lipgloss atop your lips which were pulled into the most dazzling smile he had ever seen. And your eyes. They were locked on him, sparkling brighter than the flashes of cameras surrounding him.

He completely disregarded the questions the interviewer was throwing at him now and sprinted toward you, his heart pounding with elation.

You were here for him and you were looking at him with remaints of tears in your eyes.

He came up to you, wrapping his arms around your waist. Before you could react, he lifted you off the ground and spun you around, earning an exuberant scream from you. Laughter spilled from both of you as he finally put you down, but he didn't let go. Instead, he held you close, nuzzling his face into your hair and taking a deep breath.

"Sorry for being late, Lando," you said, your voice warm with affection. "The traffic was insane, and I thought I'd miss it all."

Lando squeezed you tightly and replied, "Doesn't matter now. You're here, and that's all that matters.“

“Have you been crying?” he questioned, concern etched on his features, his warm finger just below your eye touching a wet patch left by a tear.

“How could I not? You finished yet another race in one piece. I could not be happier” you squished his cheek making the both of you giggle.

As the day turned into evening, Lando and you found yourselves in the comfort of his hotel room, cuddled up in bed, enjoying a movie. Lando lay on your chest, drawing lazy circles on your torso with his finger, while your hand was softly running through his tousled hair.

Lando lifted himself onto his forearms, his face hovering just above yours, and his deep blue eyes roamed your features. "Thank you for coming today," he murmured, a genuine smile gracing his lips "Seeing you made me really happy."

You gave him a warm smile and gently caressed his cheek. "I know, sorry I was late though."

He smirked mischievously, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. "I know a way you can make it up to me."

You chuckled, "That's disgusting, Lando."

Lando rolled onto his back, sighing dramatically. "Oh, come on, Y/N. Just one kiss, pleaseeee." He batted his eyelashes and gave you puppy-dog eyes.

You pretended to consider his request, raising an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because we're friends, and friends kiss each other when they really need it," Lando declared, grinning.

You thought for a moment then teasingly replied, "Hmm, you're right... I'm gonna go find Carlos and make out with him."

But before you could even attempt to get out of the bed, Lando playfully pushed you back down, his expression a mixture of amusement and determination. "Oh, baby, if you're kissing an F1 driver, it's gonna be me."

You couldn't help but laugh at his antics, feeling yourself succumb to his weird request. "Well, in that case, I suppose one little kiss won't hurt."

As your lips met, the laughter subsided into a warm, affectionate moment, one you have never experienced before with your friend.

Lando and you pulled away from the kiss, your heartbeats racing in sync, as if echoing the Formula 1 engines that had roared around the track earlier in the day. The air in the room felt charged, and you exchanged a long, searching look. Had you two just crossed the limits of friendship? Or was this merely another instance of casual, friendly behaviour between two good friends?

You shared a nervous but genuine laugh, trying to alleviate the tension with friendly banter.

"Well, that was interesting," Lando mused with a playful grin, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "But I guess friends sometimes do crazy things, right?"

You chuckled, "Well, if I ever need to practice my kissing skills, I know who to call," both trying but failing to diminish the weird feelings brewing inside.

“Well you’re a cheeky one aren’t you, just using me for my incredible kissing skills and a hot body” he feigned being mad and turned away from you with a pout, crossing his hands over his chest.

“Idiot,” you slap his back playfully feeling the awkwardness dissipate between you two, “now turn of the TV, it’s time to get some sleep before your race tomorrow.”

“Are you gonna be late to this one too?” he piped up mockingly again and soon regretted it letting out a few scared ‘sorry’ after you hit him with your pillow before laying it back in its place and murmuring out a “goodnight Norris.”

He chuckled once more staring at your now still form just a few feet away from him before getting under the covers himself, praying he wakes up tomorrow and finds out that as amazing as the kiss was, it was just a dream and there are no consequences left to deal with.

You lay together in the dark room, each of you with your own inner monologues revolving about the same thing. You both, but separately couldn't help but wonder if there was more to your relationship than just friendship now.

After all, it was indeed an unusual experience for friends to know the taste of each other's lips...

>

A.N. should there be a part 2?

[j0elmill3r]

The Last of the Real Ones

Pairing: Joel Miller x adopted!Daughter!Reader (She's just a baby)

Summary: Joel finds something - or someone - much different than what he planned to find on his latest supply run.

Warnings - Dead parents, blood, descriptions of violence, Joel is once again sad.

Word Count - 1.3k

Anonymous asked:

Kind of different idea: Joel finding a little baby girl (small child) on one of his supply runs/outings, and he ends up keeping her (you are so good with daughter!reader fics I can't handle the loooooveeee)

A/N: Going 3 for 3, it's me with 3 fics in a row? Who are they? A short but sweet one here, I hope everyone enjoys! As always, feedback, reblogs, and likes are always appreciated on this blog!

Joel Miller Masterlist

Joel stopped in his tracks as he noticed a couple of runners, crowded around something laying on the floor. 'Great, another ditched supply run', He thought to himself, sighing quietly. Getting ready to head back to where him and Tommy's new refuge was, he took notice of the runners scurrying off, some other poor bastard left to suffer the same fate as they did. As he made his way into the drivers seat of the old truck, he took a minute to think of Sarah.

She would have been 18 today.

It was a sour day for Joel, but he had volunteered to go on the supply run to try and keep his mind off of his daughter. But then something - no, someone - caught his attention. He slowly got out of the drivers side of the truck, quietly and stealthily making his way over to inspect what the runners had been so brainlessly invested in.

Oh.

His heart dropped as he saw you, laying sleepingxcfvg  in a bloodied car seat with a blood stained diaper bag clipped to the handle. Joel could only have assumed the two previous runners to be who used to be your mother and father, and judging by the handwritten note tucked in beside you, it was obvious that they were hoping someone would find you and take you in, look after you. Joel knew he couldn't leave you, a defenceless baby, here, all on your own - he knew he'd be sealing your fate, and may as well have fed you to the runners himself. Almost as if acting on fatherly instinct, Joel gently picked up the carrier by the handle, the diaper bag with some essential baby supplies gently tapping off your feet. He put you beside him in the truck, facing him on the passenger seat, taking the note out of your carrier.

To whoever finds our Y/N.

She is 6 months old, please, please take care of her as you would your own. She is so loving, loves to be held and will smile at you if you smile at her too. Please, do not tell her about us and what we became, she does not deserve that - just know that we loved her for the short time that we had with her, please keep our girl safe.

Joel sighed sadly as he looked over at you, now awake, your eyes studying him to see if you would trust him - His heart oddly swelling when you giggled and smiled at him, blissfully unaware of the world you were unfortunate enough to be born into. But he had decided, he would do as your parents had asked and look after you, and raise you as his own.

-

Even with all of the sleepless nights that had come with raising you, Joel honestly wouldn't have traded it for a thing - Tommy had even noticed that Joel was slightly happier, which he didn't think it was possible for anyone to get happier in a world like this. You were now two, and Joel and Tommy had finally found a QZ that was stable enough that Joel could raise you in and try to give you some form of childhood.

"Daddy," You nudged Joel's shoulder, trying your hardest to wake him up. He grumbled in response, waving you off and telling you to wake him in five more minutes - you, however, had no concept of time, as a toddler. You gave it five seconds. "Daddy!" You yelled, a frustrated pout on your face. Joel chuckled as he lifted you up onto his bed.

"Good morning  to you too, baby," He said sleepily, wrapping both of his arms around you. He loved the moments like these, they reminded him of his daughter, who you reminded him of so much with your sass. "You sleep good?" Joel asked you, smiling as you nodded, wriggling out of his arms and jumping out of his bed.

"Daddy I wanna go outside," You whined, pointing out to the front door, bouncing on your feet as your looked at your dad. Joel was reluctant, he wasn't sure on how the infection worked in children as young as you, he didn't want to risk you falling victim to the infection that had already stolen so many lives. He got out of bed, picking you up as he left his bedroom.

"I'm not sure, baby girl," Joel told you, pouring you a bowl of cereal and using the last of the powered milk which he had sourced.  "Let me think about it, okay?" He offered you a compromise, even though he knew it was going to be a no. He felt like you were his second chance, so he would do anything to keep you safe. You nodded and finished off your cereal, handing the bowl back to Joel as you wiped your face of the milk that coated your lips. "All done?" He asked you. You nodded and smiled at him, he smiled back.

"Yeah, thank you daddy," You told him, holding your arms out for him to carry you. Joel obliged and picked you up from under your arms, holding you at his waist and resting your head on his shoulder. He could afford to have the day off with you, there wasn't much he could really do with you, it wasn't as if Disney World had post apocalyptic opening hours - But you were happy enough to have him just spend the day with you, even if you spent it doing nothing, you hardly really knew much different. "Can I stay in my jammas today daddy?" You asked him, pulling the most innocent face you could. Joel couldn't resist it, he couldn't say no to your little face. You somehow managed to remind him that even in the dark days that this infection so often brought, that you, with your childish innocence, would brighten up those dark days.

"Of course baby, you can stay in your pyjamas today," He assured you, smiling as he started pulling your hair back into a pony tail, he knew you didn't like it in your face. "We can have a relaxed day today, okay?" He offered you, smiling as you nodded and cuddled into him. Joel didn't know how long you had been awake for before you decided to wake him up, but you must have been up for a good while, as indicated by the yawn and stretch you let out. "Are you tired, baby girl?" You nodded and cuddled into your dad, indicating that you didn't want to go to your bed to sleep. Joel rubbed your back as you dozed off to sleep in his lap, your head bobbing as you drifted off. He could have moved, put you to your own bed so he could go to work, but he wouldn't break his promise to you. So he sat with you on his lap, holding you as you slept peacefully in his arms.

He sometimes wondered if you ever doubted that Joel was your father, but then he realised that you hadn't known anything other than him, he would think of an excuse if you ever asked about your real parents, he would tell you the truth. But he hoped that you wouldn't, that you would always consider him your actual father.

[isadollie]

break a leg! • chigiri hyoma

★ telling someone to "break their leg" before an important event is supposed to bring them luck; but this time luck wasn't on your side.

★ this fic is a part of an amazing summer olympics collab by @tetzoro !! i'm so happy i'm able to take part in it 🫶 i had a lot of fun writing it!:3

"it's such a pretty city!" you sighed gently, your head resting against your boyfriend's shoulder. chigiri followed your gaze and smiled. "i told you, didn't i?"

the two of you were seated in a cute café, observing the busy streets of paris through the big window next to your table.

you looked into his eyes with a tiny smile. "you don't seem too stressed." he simply shrugged, pulling you a bit closer. "stress won't help me anyway. besides, you're here with me so i'm sure it will be fine." he pressed a gentle kiss on your forehead.

of course you were there with him. how could you not? your boyfriend has been very successful in the football field for quite a while now, but the olympics are a whole new level. and now that his team made it into the semi-finals, you couldn't be happier for him.

you gently played with his beautiful, long hair with a smile. it's a short calm moment, among of all the crazy things that have been happening lately; all the stress, all the emotions that came with the competitions. you wanted to enjoy this moment for as long as you could.

"hey... let's go and take some cute photos together." you chuckled, slowly standing up from your seat and offering him your hand. chigiri raised an eyebrow, but obeyed anyway.

as always, "taking photos together" turned into a whole professional session with you as a model. you kept on coming up with new poses and he's been taking hundreds of photos, already contemplating which ones he'll post on his instagram later. he loved to show you off after all.

"a bit more to the left, baby" he said gently, showing you where to stand. "perfect! now... how about you go up those stairs?" he pointed to the staircase a few meters away from you two. "i bet the pics will be amazing!"

you happily obeyed, climbing up the stairs as you made another cute pose. "oh my god, chigiri look!" you suddenly squealed, getting distracted from your little modeling role. "a kitten! aww, it's so cute!" you cooed, turning around to see as the small creature ran up the stairs next to you.

what you didn't expect though, is that this cute animal will make you distracted enough to lose your balance. last thing you remember is that your foot didn't touch the step as it was supposed to, your body falling down to the ground, followed by your boyfriend shouting out your name.

---★--------★--------★--------★--------★---

"does it still hurt a lot?" chigiri asked softly, gently combing your hair.

you nodded with a grimace as you looked down at your leg in a cast. you looked over at him as you munched on the sweet pastry he brought you. "it does. those chocolate muffins are really tasty though, you were right."

your body was still in pain after your fall, which you blamed entirely on the orange, fluffy cat from the staircase. you got to the hospital yesterday, where they told you your leg is broken. you also had a few bigger and smaller bruises on your arms and back.

earlier today chigiri's team won in the semi-finals, but due to your injury, you watched the whole match on the tv in your hospital room. as soon as the game ended and your boyfriend had a bit of free time, he immediately rushed to your side. after he took the muffins, of course.

chigiri sighed as he put the hairbrush down, pressing a tissue to your cheek to wipe some of the chocolate away. "i'm so sorry, darling" he said so sadly, almost as if your accident was his fault. "did the doctors say anything?"

you looked away slightly, knowing you have to tell him the sad truth. "yeah. i have to stay here for at least three days more. i won't be able to be there to see the finals from the stands."

the long-haired man nodded slowly as he sat down next to your bed. he expected it, but hearing it out loud made his heart ache even more. he didn't say anything, just wrapped his arms around you in a gentle hug, careful not to hurt you further.

the cute moment between the two of you have been suddenly interrupted as bachira stormed into the room with a big grin on his face, and a bunch of colorful markers in his hands. his eyes lit up even more as he saw your cast. "time to let my inner picasso come out!"

chigiri just sent him a glare, but you couldn't stop yourself from letting out a small laugh.

---★--------★--------★--------★--------★---

"i have to go now." your boyfriend said as he squeezed your hand gently. you saw how stressed he was, and you couldn't blame him.

competing for a gold medal at the olympics was not a joke, after all.

"good luck, love. don't you worry, yeah? it will be alright, i promise." you showed him a genuine smile, squeezing his hand back. he just sighed. "i just wish you could be there."

your eyes softened. "me too. but i have a tv here, i'll watch the whole game just like i did with the previous one, hm?"

hyoma smiled and leaned closer to stroke your cheek. "i really need to go now... i already have a missed call from nagi."

"right. i would tell you to break a leg, but i already did it, so no need for you to do the same."

he gently chuckled and pressed a soft kiss to your lips before he left the room.

---★--------★--------★--------★--------★---

this didn't look well.

the score was currently 1:0, and chigiri's team was losing. you were tossing in your bed; as much as your broken leg allowed you to.

his team was trying their best, but the opponents always found a way to get the ball back. you'd let out a gasp whenever chigiri had the ball, and then let out a curse whenever he lost it.

suddenly the tv turned off, and your heart almost jumped out of your chest.

"oh no, no, no!" you whined, clicking every button on the remote, but nothing worked. you got out your phone, and attempted to watch the game on it, but your battery was on only 9%, so it soon died too.

where did you put the damn charger?

it wasn't anywhere near you, and you couldn't move much around your bed, not to mention you couldn't sit up on your own.

you desperately asked one of the nurses for help, but she couldn't find your charger in the room as well, which only made you feel worse. she even was kind enough to bring you her own charger, but it didn't fit to your phone. she promised to ask her colleagues for a right type of charger, but because of her other responsibilities, she couldn't come back to you in a while.

you sighed deeply, running your shaky hands down your face, knowing that you ran out of possibilities.

---★--------★--------★--------★--------★---

"sweetheart, wake up..." a soft voice from your left made you slowly open your eyes, feeling your shoulder being gently shaken.

you yawned as your eyes finally opened, taking in the sight of your boyfriend. "ah, finally!" he huffed impatiently, lightly pinching your cheek.

"what's going on..?" you mumbled in confusion.

then the memories started to come back; how you watched the game, how the tv broke and how you couldn't find a proper charger. you must have fallen asleep in the middle of this chaos.

"i swear, waking you up from your beauty sleep is harder than winning a medal." chigiri teased gently, his eyes sparkling with genuine happiness.

"what..?" you rubbed your eyes and gasped, noticing the gold medal hanging from his neck. "you-! but it was 1:0-!"

he chuckled, still caressing your cheek. "at first, sure. but we ended up winning 2:1."

suddenly a pout formed on his face as he noticed your confusion.

"no way! you didn't see my goal?!"

"i can explain--!"

i wrote this in roughly 40 minutes so let me apologize for any mistakes i might have made! still, it was fun to write it:3

[wizzdot]

The Patron Saint of One Way Trips

Ch12

Description: sorry for the long wait guys! Work has been crazyyyy - anyway. Here it is! Lil bit of progress with Simon - I reckon it’ll be 1 step forward, 2 back for a little while. Simon and Laika are both as fucked up as each other!! It’s a long chapter to make up for the wait. Hope you enjoy!!

*Laika's (Y/N's) POV*

I'd been warned during dinner last night that I was going to be 'put through my paces' today. The Captain told me to get a good nights sleep. Kyle and Johnny dropped me off at my room - Kyle said goodnight with a soft kiss to my cheek, and Johnny told me not to let the bed bugs bite. He also kissed me on the cheek, but it was far too close to the corner of my mouth. He must have missed his target. I spent all night trying to brush it off.

*Johnny's POV*

The pizza had been good, Kyle was bold and kissed our little lass on the cheek. I couldn't stop myself, had to one up him.. Her little blush and awkward reaction made it worth the risk. Gaz and I practically ran back to our shared room - we needed to rest up for training tomorrow. We finally get to see what our little Lass is made of.

*Laika's (Y/N's) POV*

Knock Knock Knock

"Lass? Can we come in..? Y'ready for us?"

I'd just stepped out of the shower. "Uhh - two seconds.. I'm just getting changed" I shout back through the door. I rush to pull on some workout shorts and a black sports bra. I glance at myself in the mirror. I swear that I already look healthier - I'd gone sort of gaunt during my time at the facility. My skin looks brighter, I'm cleaner and relaxed... and happier.

"I'm dressed but still need to braid my hair.." As soon as the words have left my mouth, Johnny barrels into the room, followed closely by Kyle. "Mornin', Lass" - "Hi Johnny" I reply, softly. Kyle puts his arm around my shoulders and smiles brightly at me "ready for today? Cap's in charge of what we're doing.. just need to see where we are at with you.. apparently there's shit going down in Mexico so we might need to step in over there... Just before Christmas too.." he sighs sadly.

I furrow my brows - "Christmas? I thought it was October??" - "Ignore him, Lass, he is one of them crazy people who wants to put the tree up straight after Halloween".

I look at Kyle and giggle. "I thought it was winter when you first found me" - "It's always winter in Russia to be fair" Kyle jokes back. "Yeah but you can't go confusing me like that.. I've not been aware of seasons or dates for years, I was just starting to grasp it again.. so no Christmas stuff until December...?" I explain, feeling more and more relaxed around the two younger Alphas everyday. "You promise to be here for Christmas, then?" Johnny bargains. There's that sad flip in my stomach again. "I - I don't know where I'll be, Johnny.. I don't think I am in control of that decision".

"We'll not let you leave.." Kyle jokes "Aye, hide you away from the others" Johnny continues, nudging Kyle. They both laugh but I just shake my head.

We are interrupted by the Captain who stands in the open door, not stepping inside. "Laika, didn't I tell you that those two shouldn't just let themselves into your room like this...?" - "I - I let them in, Cap- Sorry- John" he huffs a laugh "If you say so. Put your trainers on and let's get to the gym before the basics turn up for the day. Ghost's there already". he grumbles, rolling his eyes at the possibility of basic training turning up mid-session.

"You don't have to worry if the rookies turn up, Lass. They're a bunch of prats, think they're all Billy big baws and like to throw their scents around and show off.. if any of them bother you, we'll sort 'em out" I look at Johnny and nod with furrowed brows. I was nervous.

The Lieutenant is loitering menacingly at the sparring mats when we all arrive at the gym. "Took your fuckin' time" he grunts. I try not to react but I can't help the guilt that washes over me. "Laika, on the mat" he jerks his head toward the mat. I obey and step onto the mat, ringing my hands together nervously, chewing the skin inside of my cheek. "Gaz, I want you to go through basic sparring movements, see what she's made of" the Luitennant orders. Kyle looks between the masked Alpha and myself with unsure eyes. "Are you sure..?" I look up at him nodding "I'll be ok.. orders are orders" I reassure myself, trying to slip back behind my own mask. Trying desperately to become the asset again. Unfeeling, cold and calculated.

My eyes start to take in Kyle's movements, analysing when and how he will move. He is the leanest of the pack of Alpha's, meaning he is probably the fastest. But I'm smaller and, hopefully, smarter. He steps, hesitantly onto the mat and raises his arms into a defensive position. "Gaz, for fuck sake, move!" the Lieutenant barks "She ain't going to throw the first punch!" Something inside of me screams 'NOW'.

I leap forward and slide to the ground taking Kyle's legs out from under him before he has the chance to react. He was too busy concentrating on the upper half of his body.

Kyle falls backwards and lands just beside me, so I scramble to get nearer, using my legs to restrain his arms and placing my forearm over his throat firmly so he couldn't move. I meet his eye, and he looks completely shocked. Then a slow smirk starts to form on his face. He reaches up and taps twice on my back. Impressive, lovie" he chuckles. I release him and clamber away from his body, which is still laying flat on the mat, I start apologising over and over again..

"Soap.. your turn. Try not to get distracted like Garrick did, this is all pointless if you go easy on her.." Ghost barks. I look at Johnny with sad eyes. "C'mon, lass.. you heard the man. Lets have a proper tussle" he wiggles his eyebrows. My body betrays me, as it so often does, falling victim to Johnny's flirtatious comments. I blush and look away. This time Johnny is on me as quickly as I look away. I'm the one caught off guard this time. SHIT.

He gets us both to the ground and I can tell he is attempting to use his weight advantage against me. He just wants to get me pinned which will win him the match. I realise that I need to get back to my feet, and fast. I allow him to roll me far too easily which gives me the momentum to push away from him. I knee toward his crotch while we roll and manage to catch him lightly, just enough for him to curl in on himself slightly, giving me a small enough window to climb back to my feet.

He tries to get up quickly but he is on his knees. I grab his neck and use all of my body weight to pull him to the floor, practically wrapped around his torso like some sort of demented koala bear. He chokes slightly and taps twice on my upper arm, which is currently holding his neck in a headlock. I immediately let go, "Sorry.. I'm sorry. I hate this..." I panic, thinking that I'd pissed him off. "Lass, nothin' to be sorry for. You're a feral little madam on the mats.." He brushes his legs off and grabs me around the shoulders, pulling me towards his chest. He presses a quick kiss to my hair and pushes me gently back towards the mat, not before whispering in my ear "Clever little Lass".

"Not bad" Ghost says. "Tell me what you think of knives.." - "the winner of a knife fight is whoever dies second, or finds help quickly enough to survive. No one stays clean in a knife fight.." I murmur. The luitennant tilts his head and narrows his eyes at me. It's difficult to read his thoughts when he has the mask on, but what I'd said obviously struck a nerve with him. "Show me what you mean by that - here.." he hands me a dummy knife and steps toward the mat behind me..

"Wi-with you..?" I ask nervously. "Problem?" he grunts back at me. I shake my head.

He stands there with confidence. I must look ridiculous. I don't know what to do. The lieutenant suddenly takes a wide swipe with the knife, it narrowly misses my stomach thanks to my quick survival instincts telling my body to jump backwards. I suddenly snap back into the 'asset' mindset. I leap forward and aim for his head. His eyes, to be specific. I see a flash of surprise cross his eyes before he slams the knife from my hand, pain shoots up my entire arm but I ignore it. I react by kicking his outstretched arm so that he is also knife-less. I then leap at him and try to clamber up his back. He grabs me by the shoulder and slams me hard on the ground winding me. I slide backwards, terrified at the behemoth of an Alpha towering over me. I whimper, scared trying to get away, still winded and pain still shooting up my arm.

"Stop. STOP" he bellows. I whimper again, confused and terrified. I can see a storm brewing behind the masked Alpha's eyes. "GAZ - get her up, for fuck sake.." the Lieutenant storms away from the gym, the Captain following closely behind him. My eyes don't leave his form until the gym doors swing shut and Kyle and Johnny are cooing at me, trying to calm me down.

*GHOSTS POV*

FUCK, she's not a trained soldier by any stretch. But Christ, she goes into a desperate survival mode. Kill or be killed is the only description I can think of. Watching how she sparred with Kyle and Johnny, she was scared. Acting out of fear, and fear alone.

I wanted to see her knife skills - I don't know why I decided I should spar with her. She suddenly switched. That look in her eyes. She was feral. She was genuinely trying to hurt me. She had no differentiation between training and real fighting. It was all real to her. Kill or be killed - and she thought I was trying to kill her... She thinks I'm a monster.

I try to stop her by disarming her, I know my thumping blow to her arm must have hurt. It had to, but she barely even flinched. She was in survival mode. She caught me off guard and disarmed me. Clever girl, leveling the playing field - if this was a real fight that is - but I was trying to halt the fight. She needed to cool off before she went even more feral.

I was NOT expecting her to leap at my back and try to choke me. It left me with only one option - to flip her and get her flat on the ground. It worked for a couple of seconds. She paused, the look in her eye no longer murderous. But within a split second, she stunk of pure fear. Like she was staring at death himself. Me. I try to step forward with a hand out to show that I was no longer armed but she backed away, eyes flashing like a cornered dog.

SHIT. Why'd my stomach do that. I'm trying to help her and she's fuckin' terrified of me. Fuckin' hurt her too.

"Stop" I try. It doesn't work. "STOP" fuck Simon, why can't you be fuckin' gentle for once?! Brute - my brain shouts at me.

"Gaz - get her up, for fuck sake.." I shout. She looks helpless but, fuck, I feel helpless as well. I've never felt like this.

The sharp, sour smell of her fear. It makes my eyes water. Makes me want to fuckin' hurl. I turn and leave, not feeling well all of a sudden.

She has two Alpha's she actually likes to help her. Fuck, I hope she isn't hurt.. I don't deserve nice things. My Pack are probably going to drop me now. The fucking brute that you are Simon Riley.

The anger at my own stupidity boils over. I'd almost made it back to the Pack room but my fist meets the wall before I get there. I roar, angrily - or did it sound more broken than that? FUCK. Then I smell Price. He is fuckin' seething. I can already smell him.

I slam the door to the shared room and slide down the wall, grabbing angrily at my mask. I rip it from my face. "ARGRGHHHHHH" I roar again. I grab fistfuls of my hair. Fuckin' prick.

I hear the door close and then a presence sit beside me. It's Price.

"What the bloody hell happened back there Simon?" he growls. I can tell he is holding back his rage.

"She was feral" I grunt. I didn't know what else to say..

"And why was that..? Why did you let it get to that stage..?" he asks. Fuck sake, he is treating me like a fuckin' child.

"Wasn't just me. The girl doesn't know the difference between practice and survival.. She was fighting for her fuckin' life" I growl, pulling at my hair.

I feel his hands pry mine away from my head. "Simon. C'mon. Look at me.." - "Alpha - I need some time..." I break slightly.

"Time for what, Simon?" - "Time to think. I don't understand what is happening.. I can't stand the girl. I can't be near her"

John stays silent beside me, knowing that I needed to find my own way out from this maze.

"But.. but when she had that look in her eye, I needed to protect her. Protect her from me.. It's either me or her, Cap. I can't be near her. I'll kill her".

A warm hand grips my shoulder and squeezes. "Simon. You are too hard on yourself. You are the glue that often holds this pack together. Laika is finding her place in a new world. You've been in a similar position. I have a feeling you two are more alike than you think. Please, give it time. I'm not throwing you out of the pack, Simon. I'm not even angry at you. Never doubt your place or importance here, Simon - Never. Is that understood?"

My eyes furrow. I grab my mask and pull it back over my face. "Yes, sir. Understood" - "good, now come. The boys will have calmed Laika down by now" - "I hurt her" I interrupt. "You didn't mean to. I know you were trying to stop the fight. I saw it" - "she will need the medic.. I hit her hard. Can't do anything gentle. Fuckin' brute" - "Simon.. you did what you had to... she was going feral. C'mon, no more sparring. We will move onto target practice and finish with a five kilometer run - together. That'll be enough to fill in her file. We can make up the rest. She is on the team, I don't care about all of the tests".

I can feel my head clearing, the pack Alpha had successfully dragged me from a dark spiral. My panic attacks were not pretty. I get back to my feet when he offers me a hand to help hoist me up. "Sorry.." - "No Simon, save your apologies. Small steps, yeah? Let's work on chipping away at that wall you put up around Laika first. The boys adore her already.." - "I know. Johnny reeks of her at night time. Felt like I was wakin' up next to a fuckin' Omega this morning" - "Simon, she hasn't presented. I had her tested - results aren't back till next.." - "John - she is a fuckin' Omega. Stunk of honey and oranges since the first time I saw her tied up against the wall when Johnny found her. Can't you smell her..?"

"Faintly. The doctors said her scent will settle once the drugs leave her system. But her scent - it's barely there, Simon. She smells more like Johnny and Kyle right now" he shakes his head at me as if he doesn't believe me. "That's impossible.." - "I'll talk to the doctors tomorrow, Simon. We've got to get through today. I've got Kate on at me about Mexico - we will need to decide what to do about that - so the sooner she is cleared to work with us, the better, understood?" - "Yes, sir" - "Right, screw your head back on and come with me. I'll take the lead for the rest of the day. You sit back with Johnny and cool yourself off, ok?" -

“Affirmative”

*Laika's (Y/N's) POV*

Kyle and Johnny saw what happened. They saw me trying to kill their pack mate. "I'm sorry - I don't - I don't know what happened.. I'm.." - "Shhh Love, hey, look at us - you need to look at us. We aren't angry at you. The Captain is with Simon, he will be ok. We need to check your back and your arm. You got hit pretty hard.." Kyle explains, stroking my cheek.

"Aye, Lass, c'mon, let us have a wee look, just want to make sure you're ok.." - "I'm fine.. I'm ok.." - "You sure..?" - "Yeah, promise" I assure them, even though I am feeling the aches from Ghost's hits. I jump slightly when the gym doors crash open. It's them. The Captain and Lieutenant. Ghost stops about 10 yards from the rest of us. I try not to look toward him, still feeling nervous. I see the Captain nod Johnny in Ghost's direction and Johnny immediately walks toward the massive Alpha and comforts him.

The Captain steps closer to me. "You're ok to continue? Not hurt?" - "No, Captain" I pretend. "Ok, we are going to the shooting range.. boys, lead the way" He directs toward Johnny and Ghost. They both turn and lead us to the shooting range. It's a huge open field. Targets and metal human-shaped silhouettes peaking out from behind pretend trenches and sand bag walls.

There are a couple of sergeants already shooting when we arrive. I get handed a set of ear protectors from John. He then walks me to a locked metal shed and explains that this is one of the gun-stores on the base.

"You said you were a sniper?" _ "Yes" - "What'd you use..?" - "Uhm.. A gun..?" - "You don't know what model of rifle?" - "Oh.. sorry.. no - I just used what they gave me, just happened to be quite good" I admit shyly. He huffs a small laugh and then grabs a large case and lays it gently on the ground, opening the top to reveal a huge, dark green rifle.

"This is an Accuracy International rifle.. we've used them for a long while now, best you'll get. We can alter sights and scopes to suit you. They're quite lightweight compared to other manufacturers. In all, it's probably seven kilos - give it a try and see what you think, Love". I stare at the piece of metal as if it would jump out and attack me. "This is the L96 model.. I assume that you used a Russian SV-98 type? They're popular over there. Poor mans sniper they are, if you were good with one of them, you'll be impressive with one of these" the Captain rambles. It's all pretty pointless to be honest because I know nothing about guns. I was just thrown one by a guard and told to shoot it, and punished if I missed. You learn fast that way.

I listen to him talk anyway, enjoying the gruffness of his voice and the fact that he seemed quite interested and excited to talk about guns. I nod along as if I understand what he is saying. "Ok, Let's give it a try then, love" -he hands me the gun and stands closely behind me. "See that target over there" he points "I want you to hit that - take your time". I nod and get comfortable holding the rifle. It feels different. Foreign. I lower myself to the ground and eye up the target in the scope. I breathe in and hold my breath. One, two, click.

"Well done - slightly left but hit the target" the Captain says. I furrow my brows, confused. "Can I try again?" I ask, disappointed. He shrugs and nods. I aim again and concentrate more this time. Breathe in. Hold it. One, Two, Shoot... Fuckin' left again.. what the fuck?

"You're doin' well, Lass. Why are you pissed off. It's not like you're missing.." Johnny pipes up. I scoff at him. "It should be hitting dead center.. I don't miss, Johnny.. I can't miss like this.." I rant. "I'm trying again, I think the guns sight is off.." I get into position the same as the last two tries but this time I aim half a line further to the right of the cross hair. One, two, Click. I huff a laugh. "Got it.. I need to aim off to the right to make a clean hit. I'll get used to it.." I mumble, continuing to eye the scope and point the rifle in different directions, pretending to aim at things. "Whoa, lass. Dinnae point it at us, fuck sake" Johnny jokes as I start turning slowly towards the pack. I was totally in my own little world there.

"We can have the sight adjusted if you like?" John offers "although I doubt it's this one that's been off. I reckon the one you've learnt to shoot with is off - so you naturally drop your rest arm to allow for the difference. Have you noticed that..?" John questions. "Uhm, no.. I've only ever used that sniper rifle.. I don't really know much about guns - was just given a crash course to be honest.."

He smiles and pats the top of my head "Well you ain't half bad for just having had a crash course, love - those hits would have passed you as a sniper here anyway, yet here you are complaining that you're a couple of millimeters left of where you wanted it.." I laugh nervously and look down at my feet.

Kyle walks up beside me and removes the gun from my arms and places it gently back in its case. "Better shot than most of us, anyway.. I reckon with a bit of familiarization with the new scope, you'll out-perform LT" I immediately glance back to the ground and feel nervous, scared to feel the wrath of the Lieutenant again. I subconsciously rub my sore arm before the Captain speaks up. "I wanted to end the day with a quick five kilometer run. It'll give Laika chance to see the perimeter of the base and also good exercise for you three lazy buggers!" he jokes. Johnny clutches his chest in false offence, Kyle just laughs and walks himself over to the Captain, giving him a gentle shove. "Lazy, sir? I'm not sure about that.." I blush - was he flirting with his Alpha? I shouldn't be witnessing this. I'm not one of them.. The Captain chuckles darkly and jokingly grabs Kyle by the scruff of his neck and growls softly at him, causing the younger Alpha to groan and blush. I turn away.

Johnny just laughs along, elbowing Simon who still looks pissed off from this mornings encounter.

The gun case gets placed on the floor of the large cabinet, stood upright. The Captain goes and chats to the supervisor and takes a small paper ticket and signs something. I watch from a distance, assuming he was just signing the gun back into storage. He returns to the group and smiles "Right, get your arses in gear. Take the first km steady as the warm up, then we will see who's the fastest. Finish is back here. Full lap of the base.. no cheating, Simon". I furrow my brows again, god I do that a lot, I'm going to get a frown line if I'm not careful. The Lieutenant didn't strike me as the type to cheat on a simple jog. I shake my head and watch the others limber up and stretch. I don't join them. Just watch, confused. I only ever ran when I was forced or chased. Never for.. leisure?

"Right, Kyle - lead us off for the first few hundred meters, just to get us onto the outside loop" - "Yessir'" Kyle chirps back. He strides off quickly. I try to stay with Johnny. Simon and John jogging gently behind. I stay on Johnny's heels for a few minutes but can feel myself getting tired. He keeps looking round at me as if he is surprised I'm still that close to him. Kyle is away out in front. How does he make it look so easy?! He is barely breaking a sweat, looks like he is just floating. I guess he was the best runner of the team. Johnny runs like a man possessed. I huff a laugh, his run matches his personality. All elbows and fast movements. He looked busy but he was still fast. I glance behind to try and spot the other two Alphas.

"Dinnae' look back when you're running Lassie, you'll trip!" Johnny shouts, while running backwards. What a showoff! I scoff and roll my eyes at him before wiping the sweat from my brow. "The two big'uns are slow, lass! Too heavy to be speedy like me and Kyle.." He jokes, speeding up and slowing down. "Johnny!" I pant, struggling to talk while gasping for air "Stop showing off!" - "No, Lass - I'm impressed, you're doing well! Didn't think you'd keep up with me to be honest - Gaz ran track when he was at school, he coulda been a pro runner, fucken bullshit. He has the record on base - as if I didn't almost bust a fuckin' gut to beat him to still lose" he laughs. I glance up ahead and Kyle is barely even trying. In fact, it looks like he is on his phone.. he has slowed right down as if he is waiting for us.

I just concentrate on forcing my feet to keep hitting the ground one in front of the other. I couldn't say that I was enjoying this, but it was better than being forced or chased.. It was weirdly satisfying. My lungs were on fire but I wasn't in danger.. I was just running for the sake of it - something I never thought I'd ever manage to do again. I felt like a child in a playground. The strange nostalgic feeling helps to push the pain and fatigue away. I actually somehow manage to pick up the pace. I glance back behind me and can no longer see the two larger Alphas. Just Kyle a couple of hundred meters ahead, and Johnny about ten meters in front of me.

I fall into a relaxed state, all I could hear was my own breaths and all I concentrated on was keeping them even. In Out In Out In Out. A few meters we turn a corner and I spot the Captain and Lieutenant ahead of us all. HANG ON A FUCKIN' MINUTE - CHEATS. I speed up, as does Johnny. "Ya see that, Lass, fuckin' Cap dinnae even take his own advice. Let's get them!" He shouts back to me mischievously. I giggle and shake my head fondly, but push myself faster.

Kyle goes past them first and obviously makes a comment because Ghost gestures with his hands and John throws his head back and laughs while still jogging slowly. I don't quite hear as Johnny and I are still about fifty meters behind them. C'mon, lass - you jump Cap, I'll get Ghost.."

"Jump... wait Johnny - what do you mean...?" Johnny had already shot off and almost caught up to them. I push myself into a sprint and my face splits into a huge smile. Johnny had leapt onto Simon's Ghost's back and bundled them both to the ground. I don't quite know what came over me in the moment. I laugh and leap at John in the same style that Johnny had with Ghost. John huffs as I hit into his back and stays running for a few strides before eventually loosing his balance and falling to the ground. He rolls so that he is underneath me and takes the brunt of the fall. He grunts as his back hits the grass. I can hear Johnny cackling like a madman and then the Captain speaks from underneath me.

"Johnny's bad behavior is rubbing off on you, love.." I blush and look away, only to meet eyes with Kyle, who is smiling brightly at the scene in front of him. I decide to be very brave. I stop laughing along with Johnny and sit back on his lap and reply back playfully "Bad behavior, Sir? It wasn't us who broke our own rule of not cheating.." I trail off, feeling nervous at how he was going to take my response. He goes silent before growling. I freeze momentarily before I feel his warm arms around me. He stands easily holding my weight and drops me off in Kyle's arms. "Cheeky little thing, you are. I'll need to ask Kyle to teach you some manners, you little minx.." My face heats up and I hide in Kyle's shoulder, giggling. I look over to Johnny who is beaming even though he is pinned by the largest Alpha. Christ, the Lieutenant is massive. Something inside of me makes me whimper, thinking that Johnny is in danger. I wriggle slightly and Kyle turns me away from the scene and whispers into my ear "Simon would never hurt any of us.. trust me on that, yeah?" I whine a reply along the lines of 'mmmhmm'.

*John's POV*

Simon and I decide to treat the final run as a leisurely jog. I already knew that the two young Alphas would shoot off like bloody rockets. They always did the same. What I don't expect is for little Y/N to keep pace with Johnny. Yes, she looks like she is struggling slightly, but the girl has guts. She keeps the pace.

Simon grunts at me around half way through, says that we should meet them at the end so that they 'don't get up to any mischief'. Of course, I agree, and nod in the direction of the best short cut. My knees aren't getting any younger, after all.

Simon and I rejoin the outer perimeter, having cut the top loop out. Kyle jogs by and tells us that our cheating isn't going to go down well with Johnny. Simon tells him to 'do one, Garrick' and something about how we aren't all 'failed athletes' like him which forces a laugh to bellow from my mouth. Such a back handed compliment.

The next thing that I do not predict happening is for Johnny to fell Simon like a fuckin' tree - the boy near on rugby tackles the lad. I watch it all happen from the corner of my eye, laughing as Simon hits the deck and Johnny crawls over him. The boy is like a terrier. Insatiable and endlessly energetic. The next thing I don't reckon on happening is for Y/N to creep around my peripheral vision and leap onto my back.

It's a given, she is much lighter that Johnny, but she also carries herself with much more grace. Her 'rugby tackle' method was rather cat-like. I manage to stay upright for a few strides until her leg taps mine, causing me to trip. It was one of those falls when you know you're going down. It gives me time to spin and take the fall so that I don't land on her, or catapult her, face first, into the grass.

I land on my back and stare back up at her happy face while she is draped across my chest, clung like a Koala. Her walls were down in this moment. She is genuinely happy. I have to move heaven and earth to not grab at her. Her scent is rolling off of her - as strong and sweet as I have smelt it. Control yourself, John!

She blushes like crazy at my comment - about how Johnny is rubbing off on her. She then sasses back at me and Christ, I need to get away from her before I do something that will scare her away. But I'm a greedy man. I stand with her, not quite able to release her yet. I drop her off with sweet Kyle. He wouldn't take advantage of her like I would. I cant help myself. I make an overly sexual remark about Kyle teaching her manners. We all know it wouldn't be Kyle who taught her manners. That job is down to Simon and I. Kyle and Y/N blush, I notice that Kyle nuzzles into her neck when she hides her pretty little blush in his shoulder. Cheeky boy couldn't help himself could he?

Something changes in her expression when she looks up to see Simon pinning Johnny. Then, almost within a split second, her scent changes to a sharper, sour scent. She is scared again. Simon notices the change without even looking. I can tell by his body language. He softens his hold on the younger Alpha and leans down to scent him, Johnny laughs and nuzzles all over Simon's mask. I glance to see how Laika reacts but Kyle had already turned her away. Damn it!

When will she ever see the soft side of Simon Riley?

I take a deep breath, to try and calm myself down from the earlier excitement. As an Alpha, I hadn't had a woman - let alone a possible Omega - sitting on top of me for years now. Of course, my body reacted accordingly. Once I've successfully chilled out, I turn and step back towards a smirking Kyle and a happier Y/N.

I push the loose strands of her hair back behind her ears. "C'mon love".

She giggles and apologises for her earlier behavior. "Don't ever say sorry for having fun, love. I enjoyed seeing you like that. Even Simon chuckled at your little sassy comment.." I wiggle my eyebrows. She blushes again and looks down. She really is unsure of Simon.

I'd - We'd - need to rectify that...

- two days later -

*Laika's (Y/N's) POV*

Darkness, wet, blood, pain, screaming...

Another nightmare. I thought they were getting better. I cannot get myself out of this one, tossing and turning. I can feel the sweat and tears falling from my face. Was that real or just the nightmare?

*Ghost's POV*

A blood curdling scream echoes the hallway at about 1AM. I was sitting in the kitchen with my feet up on the coffee table, reading a book. I stand up immediately and follow my nose to her room. What the fuck am I supposed to do. The others are all asleep, she is fuckin' terrified of me but she is whimpering and crashing about in there. Fuck it. I'm going in. The annoying Alpha voice inside of my brain is screaming to help her. I wish it would shut the fuck up to be honest. It's been louder than ever since the second she turned up.

I bang on the door - no answer. I step into the strange room hesitantly. Stupid girl didn't even lock the door. I know that Alphas shouldn't intrude Omega's nests, but she needed help.

She isn't on the fuckin' bed. She's ran away, heard me fuckin' coming. She is hiding somewhere. Stupid fuckin' bastard - should never have come in here. She probably thinks I'm coming to kill her.

Over the sound of my thoughts, I hear another pained whimper. The cupboard. Don't tell me that she's-

She is in the fuckin' cupboard. In a fuckin' nest. A nest with Johnny and Kyle's clothes and - is that Cap's missing towel? He lost that yesterday..

I find myself staring at the sight inside of the cupboard. Probably for too long, because I'm drawn back to the situation when she starts breathing erratically.

I try to gently tap her arm. She doesn't wake up. I squeeze her arm now, she flinches, but still doesn't wake up.

"Laika.. it's - fuck - it's me.. Ghost... Wake up..." - nothing. Just more thrashing around.

"Fuckin' hell" I grumble. I lower myself so that I am knelt on the floor in the doorway of the open cupboard. I grab her shoulders and shake. It's the only option I have, having tried everything else.

She snaps out of her nightmare with a shriek, slapping and scrabbling at my chest and face. "Fuck girl - it's me.. I'm - I'm tryin to fuckin' help you" - "DON'T TOUCH ME - GET AWAY" she yells at me.

I'd be lying if my heart didn't freeze over when she says that. Such fear in her voice. Fuck it. Only option left. I grab her around the waist and hold her in one arm, flinging her over my shoulder. She is crying and crashing my back with weak, panicked punches. I hardly feel it. Too numb from her words. I march her out of her room and down the hallway. "Pl-please - please don't" she cries. What the fuck did she think I was gonna do to her?!

I reach the door I was looking for and open in, storming in and dumping her on the bed. She clambers quickly away from me, over the limbs of my pack mates. John wakes up abruptly, instantly in defense mode. She flies towards him and clings to his torso as if she fitted there all too perfectly. She is sobbing now. John growls as he blinks away sleep.

"What the fuck, Simon. What've you done..?" He looks between the sobbing mess clung to him, and me. Great, my own fuckin' Alpha thinks I've 'done' something to her.

By now Johnny and Kyle had woken up too. They move to the space between myself and the girl. Were they creating a barrier?! Didn't they trust me..? Of course they don't. You're a monster.

I sigh, feeling broken, and turn to leave the room. Christ knows where to, but I needed to disappear for a while. I'm almost out of the room. I stop when I hear her. "Si-simon..?"

I don't turn. I just face the doorway, still intending to leave.

Then the Captain speaks up "Answer her, Simon.." I sigh again.

"What?" I snap over my shoulder at her. I see her flinch, "I'm - I'm sorry.." she whines "S'fine" I grunt back, still not turning to face her.

"What happened?" Johnny asks. I don't expect to feel his hand in mine, tugging me back toward the bed. "Get off Johnny" I shake his hand away from mine, but ever persistent, he grabs at my hand again. "Si - what happened?" he asks again.

"The girl was havin' a fuckin' nightmare. Heard her screaming from the kitchen. Didn't even wake up when I banged on the door. She was hiding in her fuckin' cupboard. Didn't even lock her door".

"So.. you helped her..?" Kyle asks hesitantly "what else was I 'sposed to do? Fuckin' let her scream the place down all night?" I snap back - ok fair, that was uncalled for. I have my own fair share of nightmares. Those in glass houses 'n all that bullshit....

"S-sorry.. I didn't mean-" - "I said s'fine" I grunt at her. She hides behind John's shoulder now. She's terrified of me.

"Y/N.. what do you want to do..?" Kyle asks her "Don't want to be a-alone again.." she whimpers back at him. He strokes her cheek. Why can't I be gentle like that?

"Alpha.. can - can she stay here for tonight..?" He asks John nervously. I forgot Johnny was still holding my hand, but he squeezes it excitedly when Kyle asks if she can stay.

"Y/N.. would you feel comfortable here..? I give you my word, we will not touch you.. not hurt you..it's your choice.."

*Laika's (Y/N's) POV*

"Y/N.. would you feel comfortable here..? I give you my word, we will not touch you.. not hurt you..it's your choice.." The captain asks me.. I sniffle into his shoulder. His bare shoulder. "Please.. please, if it's ok - ok with everyone.." I stutter and sniff. "Shhh sweetheart, it's ok.." John reassures me, rubbing my back softly.

He lays me down between him and Kyle. I glance towards Johnny and Ghost. Johnny has finally succeeded in dragging Ghost into the bed. He is as far away from me as he can possibly be on the massive bed. Johnny snuggles up to him and rests his head against Ghost's chest. I can almost see some of the tension leave Ghost's body. I look away and roll to face Kyle. He is already looking at me as I turn around. He smiles softly down at me and whispers "you ok, love?" I nod against the pillow. He motions towards himself and as my eyes meet his motioning hand, I notice that he is also shirtless. Do none of these men wear a shirt to bed?!

I furrow my brows at his gesture "C'mere love, snuggle up to me" he chuckles. "I don't want to be a burden" I sniffle, my face still red and puffy from all of the crying. "Never, now come here" he motions towards himself again. "Gaz.. behave" John warns from his position behind me. "Behaving, sir" - "Better fuckin' be" he grumbles back. His voice was extra gravelly at this time of night. I shuffle towards Kyle and he engulfs me in his arms. He is so warm.. His scent calms me down almost immediately. I push my head so it's resting atop his chest. He slots his chin over the top of my head.

I drift off to sleep, quicker than I had for years. The last thing I feel is a strong, hairy arm wrap around both of us and pull us slightly closer.

[unformula1]

dear oscar (OP81 x LS2)

dear oscar (OP81 x LS2)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ synopsis: Logan writes a letter to help him manage his feelings, it does everything BUT manage feelings. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ pairing: logan sargeant x oscar piastri w/c: 892 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ a/n: this is day FOUR (lando's number) of loscar posts until we get a loscar podium!! some angst today!! might make this a series very much inspired from https://archiveofourown.org/works/54754315 masterlist ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ taglist: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan crushes the sheet of paper and throws it into the pile of already crushed papers. He puts down the pen and cracks his fingers, again.

He’s been at this for hours and he hates it knowing he’s terrible at expressing himself and Oscar’s probably not going to even look at this. 

Logan takes a deep breath once again and picks up his pen.

Dear Oscar,

I’m not very good at expressing my feelings but I’ll try my best.

I’ve missed you lately and I miss all our late night conversations, my nights feel empty without them. I miss our friendship and the very long conversations we had. 

When you asked me how I was doing and I said “it’s been alright.” That was a blatant lie. I’ve been doing absolutely horrible. I haven’t seen a good day in months and every morning I ask myself why I’m doing this to myself, I ask if everything I left behind was worth it. Should I have given up?

 I’m glad you’re doing well and winning trophies, I’ve never been happier for you. Remember when your rookie year was being compared to Hamilton’s? That was amazing. 

Great, now he’s gone off track again, absolutely perfect. Logan’s pen left the paper again and he contemplated crushing this one up. He eventually decided against it and his pen tip touched the paper again.

He doesn’t know what he’s going to write anymore but he doesn’t care. He just wants to let his feelings out.

I hate how we don’t talk anymore. I hate how life has to pull its strings on us. I hate how we walk past each other as if we never knew each other. I’ve been trying my hardest, I really have.

I want to talk to you. I want to hear your voice again. 

I’ve been making wishes on every shooting star I’ve seen and been throwing in a penny for every wishing well I’ve come across, just wishing you were my friend again, wishing that I could go back in time and relive those moments in PREMA.

I didn’t treasure those times enough.

Every single time I see any McLaren video, I stop and stare, imagining that it could’ve been you and I. Believe me, I love how you and Lando have developed one of the closest bonds ever and trust me, I think Alex is a perfect teammate. 

But I just wish that we had another chance and I wouldn’t fuck it up this time. I really wish I did.

Every single time Lando calls you “Osc”, it makes me shiver just knowing that I could never be half the person Lando was. I do everything and risk it all just trying to be more like Lando or just someone who you would bother to look at

His mind flashes back to every single time he and Oscar have done anything together, watch movies, do stupid promotional videos, even sad times came back and made him wish he took those moments better.

He tears up slightly, but wipes his tears away before they spill onto the paper. Lando’s voice saying “Osc” rings in his head like an annoying bell which kills him slightly every time it repeats. 

Osc.

Osc.

Osc.

He slams his hand into the table, causing everything to jolt, even getting startled by his own actions. Logan isn’t even on Lando’s level, not even a quarter of the way there.

Lando’s better in every way, definitely much better teammate than Logan would’ve been.

His tears resurface but he doesn’t wipe them away this time, he lets them trickle down his cheek, cling on to his skin at his chin and finally drop down onto the paper, causing a stain.

More tears cause stains on the bottom part of the paper before Logan wipes them all away.

Please…

I miss you Oscar.

Regards Love

Logan

He places the pen down and looks at the letter, which has tear stains, but Logan couldn’t care less. He puts the letter down and folds it neatly in half, slotting it into a brown envelope. He seals the envelope tight, wrinkling the paper from pressing too hardly. 

He takes his pen up again and the tip floats above the paper.

He takes a few seconds before writing.

To: Oscar Piastri

His throat stings from crying. He didn’t even cry for that long but it hurts him. His own words repeat in his head like a knife twisting into his body.

He opens up Oscar’s chat on his phone, his last message being left on Seen.

3 weeks ago Great race :)

He hasn’t even given Oscar a message for the Australian Grand Prix but Logan couldn’t care less.

His fingers hover over his keyboard.

Can we meet sometime soon?

He hesitates about sending it.

Osc.

Osc.

Osc.

Osc.

He turns off his phone and takes a deep breath. 

He sits on his couch and leans back. The thoughts endlessly flying around in his head, like phantoms of his past haunting him again.

He closes his eyes and keeps them shut, imagining whatever makes him feel happy. 

Oscar.

Oscar.

Oscar.

Osc.

The tears squeeze their way past his eyelids and slide down his cheek. It’s a devastating feeling. 

He covers his head with a pillow and keeps his eyes tightly shut, crying himself to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ there will be a part 2 (hopefully) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[death-paint]

Spellbound

Leon Kennedy x Fem! Witch! Reader

Word Count: 2224

Warnings: sickeningly sweet fluff

Finally finished it! This fic has been in the works for months. Mainly because of writer's block and general executive dysfunction. It's definitely happier than my last fic, but I do also have another angst fic coming. This is my second time ever posting a fic on Tumblr, so please be gentle with any critique ;w; I hope you all enjoy!! Fic under the cut!!

Although this particular piece isn't NFSW, minors DO NOT INTERACT with my content.

dividers by @cafekitsune

You danced around the apartment you shared with your boyfriend, waving around a little stick of incense as the smoke wafted into the room. He scrunched up his nose at the smell, but stared at you affectionately from the doorway. The music you had playing only enhanced the mood as you finally set the incense in the holder before walking into the kitchen and setting it on the windowsill. You were in a good mood today, wiggling your hips as you washed the dishes, getting ready to cook dinner for the two of you.

Leon walked up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist, nuzzling his head into the crook of your neck and inhaling the scent of your shampoo. You swayed a little more dramatically as you felt his touch, humming along to the song that carried through the house as you spun around.

"Hey, baby," he said softly, "What's got you feelin' so good this afternoon?"

"Getting some new supplies in the mail," you reply. "Bought some stuff online from a small business that I've been waiting on for a while."

"What kind of supplies?" Leon asked, confused.

"You'll see." You giggled at his cluelessness. "I'll teach you everything you need to know once it's here."

"Aw, come on, babe you're killin' me," he groaned. "Just tell me."

"Nope." You stand firm as you finish washing the dishes from earlier that day, taking one of the pots and putting it on the stove for pasta. "You'll have to wait, baby."

He finally let it go and sat down at the dining table, watching as you worked your magic. You bent down into a lower cabinet, pulling out a mason jar full of water with writing scribbled on the lid, and poured it into the pot. Leon raised an eyebrow. Why would you need to jar water? Why was it labeled? Did it have something in it? How did he not see it in the cabinet before?

“Hey…What’s up with the jar?” He asked, curiosity ever-so-present in his voice.

“Oh, this?” You held up the now empty jar. “It’s a little bit of moon water I made last full moon.”

He let your explanation sit with him for a beat, but he was still confused.

“I-…Moon water?” You let out another giggle.

“Yeah, baby. Moon water. You put water in a clear container and let it sit outside at night during whatever moon phase you wanna make it in.”

He chuckled, shaking his head as you provided more information.

“And what’s that supposed to do?” He pressed further.

“Depends on the phase.” You answered nonchalantly, turning back around to salt the water in the pot before adding in the spaghetti noodles. Leon scoffed, giving a smirk and shaking his head even when you couldn’t see him. But you could hear it in his voice.

“I call bullshit.” He started. “You really expect me to believe that you think moonlight has some magical powers? Come on, babe.”

“I know it doesn’t…not in the way you’re thinking, at least,” you replied, now sounding almost sad. “I know, it sounds crazy, doesn’t it?”

Leon immediately backtracked, taking note of how belittled you appeared to feel.

“Wait- no, I’m sorry, I…” He sighed, trying to find the words. “It’s just…an unfamiliar idea to me is all. I don’t mean to make you feel bad about it, hon.”

“Well…if you do it again I’m not gonna teach you,” you huffed, pulling cheese and a carton of heavy cream out of the fridge. You grabbed another pot, thought for a moment, and then put it back, deciding against making more dishes for yourself to clean. You turned to the windowsill, where the now spent incense lay in a pile of ash on its holder, next to the herbs you had in little flowerpots.

You plucked a few leaves of each. All for taste, as well as practising your craft. Rosemary, thyme and basil for love, oregano to strengthen the bond with your partner, garlic and parsley for protection, a little bit of onion powder for good health, salt and pepper to purify your energy, and a sprinkle of (common) sage to dispel negativity. You laid everything out on the nearby cutting board, wiping your hands and turning to the pot of noodles. The strainer was already in the sink, and you grabbed a measuring cup to fill it with some of the starchy water before dumping the rest down the drain, the noodles caught in the metal colander.

That same pot was used just moments later. You threw it back on the burner, quickly turning down the heat and throwing in just enough pasta water to cover the bottom. You were just about to pick up the block of cheese to grate it when Leon stood up from his chair, taking it from you and giving you a kiss on the cheek before grating it himself.

“Can’t have you doing everything by yourself, love.” It was your turn to scoff now.

“That was literally the only thing I had left,” you told him, eyebrows raised as you crossed your arms.

He shrugged.

“Just thought I should take care of the rest.”

“You’re an ass,” you playfully smacked his shoulder.

“You know you love me.” He looked up briefly from his task, grinning.

Soon enough, dinner was finished and the two of you curled up on the couch with full bellies, deciding to leave the dishes to be dealt with in the morning. The two of you took turns flicking through your usual channels, but nothing good was on tonight. You even flicked through some streaming networks, but to your dismay, still couldn’t find anything you hadn’t already finished or were even interested in starting.

“Hey…How about I give you a reading?” You asked, clasping your hands together and raising them to your mouth as you smiled, waiting for his response.

“First moon water, now the…card…thing?” He answered your question with another before giving a sigh. “Sure, why not.”

As soon as he gave his seemingly reluctant approval, you hopped up off the couch and quickly walked to the altar in the corner of the room. You’d done most of the decorating, seeing as Leon rarely had time (even when he was home) to worry about the aesthetics of his living space. He’d wondered what was up with all of the suns, moons and stars, the occasional seashell here and there, and just chalked it up to you having an eccentric taste– which, to be honest, wasn’t that far off. The wall above the altar was full of dried flowers, some from bouquets that Leon bought you, others foraged. If he was being honest, at first he thought they looked kind of creepy, but over time he learned to like it. He thought it was cute that you kept the flowers he bought you, figuring you putting them on display was your way of showing appreciation for his affection. Small animal bones and crystals were arranged carefully on the altar, along with candles of varying sizes and colors– some burned down a bit more than others– and little trinkets he’d brought home from missions as well.

Leon watched as you opened the drawer and pulled out a deck of tarot cards, taking in your excitement. He loved making you happy, even if it meant doing something he was a little skeptical about. He couldn’t help but crack a smile as he saw your own, affection filling his gaze as you plopped back down on the couch.

You pulled out the deck of cards and a notepad from its box, set the notebook down, and began to shuffle.

“Wait…Tarot readings tell you your past, present, and future, right?” Leon asked, bows furrowing quizzically.

“Not necessarily,” you explained. “Most readings will give you advice about a current situation. It might tell you what will happen if you don’t take that advice, though,”

“So…you’re giving me life advice…with cards?” He shot out another question. “Am I getting that right?”

“Well…yeah, pretty much.” You shrugged. “There’s different kind of readings, too. Financial readings, love readings, career readings…”

“Let’s just start with a general one, yeah?” Leon suggested, a bit nervous about being able to retain all that information.

“Alright…I’ll shuffle, you tell me when to stop, and I’ll pull a card. We’ll do that for a basic three card spread.” You picked up the pace, shuffling only a few cards around when Leon told you to pull the first card. You pulled it away from the deck and placed it on the coffee table in front of you. You shuffled again, a bit longer this time, rinse and repeat.

One by one, you turn the cards over. 

“Wait, this one’s upside down…” Leon reached over to turn the card around, but you gently pushed his hand away.

“It’s supposed to be, babe. It has a meaning that way, too.” You turned the rest of the cards over. “King of Swords in reverse…Three of Cups…and Strength.”

“King of swords, and strength, huh? I must be a pretty macho man.” He chuckled.

“Well…The King of Swords in reverse can mean that you’re…impulsive or manipulative, kind of just…irrational,” you corrected him, treading lightly on your words and trying not to upset him.

“Irrational? Manipulative? When have I ever been manipulative?” his tone was defensive.

“Shush, don’t take it so personally, babe. They’re just cards.”

“Okay…what about the other two?” Leon huffed.

“Three of Cups represents happiness or overcoming some kind of hardship,” you turn to him, awaiting another response.

“Definitely have had a few of those,” he chuckled, calming down. “Alright, and the last one?”

“Strength represents…well, strength of course, and that you’re compassionate, patient, and that you can keep a cool head under pressure. Well, most of the time, seeing as you have the King of Swords in reverse as well.”

“Huh…well I guess that’s pretty accurate,” he said with a click of his tongue. “Can…I do one for you?”

“Of course!” You answered. “I can teach you how to read them, it’ll be fun!”

“Sure, okay. What’s next, you teach me spells?” He asked jokingly.

“I can!” Leon laughed briefly at your answer, before realizing you were serious.

You pulled up a website with a list of the meanings for the cards, and shoved the three cards from the previous reading back into the deck. You then handed the deck to Leon, having seen him shuffle cards before and knowing he was fairly good at it. He made a show of it, knowing you liked to watch as his skilled fingers cut the deck and shuffled effortlessly.

“How you want me to deal ‘em, pretty girl?” He smirked, finishing up when the first card fell out of the deck.

“You can do it however you feel is best, Leon,” you said. Leon nodded, opting to just pull the next two cards from the top. “I was thinking of asking about how things would work out between us, though.”

“Do you really need cards to tell you that?” Leon asked. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Let’s see…”

He flipped the first card over.

“The moon…What’s the moon gotta do with us?”

“Ooh…The Moon…” you repeat, your tone seeming to imply to him that the meaning was a bad one. “Complicated romance, uncertainty about love.”

Leon’s face dropped before he frantically turned over the next two cards,

“High priestess and queen of wands…”

“Keep patient, calm exterior with inner passion, intimacy…And for the Queen of Wands…an independent, cheerful and confident lover and… openness in the relationship.”

“And…What would that mean altogether?” Leon tilted is head with curiosity, his pretty blue eyes full of worry.

“Well, to me, it means that what we have is a bit hard to figure out at first, but if we stay patient with each other and communicate calmly, we’ll be okay.” You tilt your head back at him mockingly before continuing. “What’s the matter, mister? I thought you didn’t believe in this kind of stuff?”

“Pssh, I don’t” Leon scoffs. “Just…wanted to quiz you.”

“Mhm…sure, let’s go with that, love.” You shove the cards back into the deck and give him a kiss on the cheek before standing up to put the cards back on your altar. Leon goes through the collection of dvds on the shelf underneath the tv, and eventually pulls out something that looks like a shitty romcom. You raise an eyebrow at him.

“What? Don’t like it?” he asks.

“Never been a romcom kinda gal, you know that, Lee.” You reply.

“Fine, what do you wanna watch, then?”

“Let’s just play a game together or something.”

“Alright, but I’ll just watch you.”

Soon enough, after a couple hours of trying to figure out a puzzle, you finally got tired (and frustrated) enough to go to bed. You took a quick shower, changed into some pajamas, and climbed into bed next to Leon. He pulled you closer, noses brushing together as you tangled your legs with his own.

“I love you,” Leon whispered.

“Even if you think my witchy stuff is silly?” you asked, giving him puppy dog eyes.

“Of course, baby.” Leon kissed your forehead as the two of you closed your eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.

“I love you too Leon. So much."

[i-am-baechu]

Chapter Nine

Wishes (M) (Season One) 

Summary: After a long day of classes, Min Yoongi decides to take a break at the music hall that has become his second home. He walks in with his cigarette lit and his blank expression quickly changes when he sees a girl playing his piano. The moment their eyes meet, their lives become complicated and Yoongi blames himself for her future pain. Was the love we had honest? 

Genre: Gang au!, college au!,  strangers to enemies (one-sided), strangers to lovers, slow burn, friendships, romance, angst,  little comedy, and smut

Main pairing: Gang leader! Min Yoongi x Pianist! Reader 

Warnings: Explicit language, smut, mature themes, gangs, violence, smoking cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol usage 

Warnings for this chapter: Mention of death and smut 

Author's Note: This chapter has a lot of feelings. Learning more about Y/N’s past! 

Playlist: All I want - Kodaline

⇜ Masterlist ⇝

Love is truthful and a security blanket. It makes you feel at home and the corruption of the real world is silent for one night. With love, darkness will disappear and the light will come forward. Love can change lives. However, love can also be part of the corruption. The love you have for someone can be used as ammunition to another. You just didn’t know about it until it was too late. What you have left is a broken heart and tears that can put waterfalls to shame. Love is powerful, maybe too powerful.     

The night sky was bright with the moon being the main attraction. The sky itself was dark but it had a hint of blue. Van Gogh would’ve painted this sky over and over again. Y/N looked away from the sky and toward Yoongi with a soft smile, “I like moments like this.”

Yoongi gave her a tight smile and she knew his mind was clouded. She didn’t want to ruin their moment by asking, “I do too.” 

She rubbed her fingertips on top of his knuckles  and looked back at the sky, “Just stay with me.” 

“I’ll stay with you, Y/N.” 

Two Days Ago

Y/N glanced at the mirror with a wide smile. Today, Dawon’s dress was ready to be picked up and she could finally pick up her dress. She could finally try on the final product. Dawon and Y/N made a pact that they would always try on dresses together, even if their dress was ready; they would wait. They started this pact when they were in elementary school and it stuck with them to this day. 

Y/N twirled in the light blue embroidered floral ballerina dress and couldn’t help but giggle, “I always feel like a princess here.”

Dawon smiled at her and looked at her white dress with 3D floral detailing, “I told you it was worth waiting for one more week.” 

“I agree.” 

Dawon turned towards them and tilted her head in curiosity. This caused Y/N to stop and return the stare, “What?” 

“You're happier today...did something happen yesterday to cause this?” 

Y/N felt her face get hot and smiled, “If I tell you, it must be kept between us.” 

Dawon nodded her head at this, “I expected it.” 

Y/N grabbed Dawon’s hand and headed towards the couch to sit. She looked around them and saw there was no one. She took a deep breath and smiled, “I kissed someone.” 

Dawon’s eyes widen at this, “Who?” 

“You know that man who was waiting for me the other day?” 

“Yes...”

“I kissed him.” 

Dawon smiled at this but it quickly dropped, “How long have you known him?” 

“Five months..maybe more. I lost count honestly.” 

Dawon gave her a worried look but she quickly wiped it off, “What do you know about him?” 

Y/N looked back at Dawon, “I know about his parents and I met his friends...”

“Is that all?” 

Y/N nodded her head, “He doesn’t talk about his parents because...it’s a sad story. I hope you can understand.”

“I understand...but you don’t know him?” 

Y/N looked away and glanced down at her shoes, “I know him enough.” 

“Y/N, do you really know him? I don’t want you making the wrong move because you want that warmth.” 

Y/N bit her lip and then looked at Dawon, “It was just a kiss...that’s all.” 

“Did it mean something to you?” 

Did it mean something to me? I felt so happy when it happened... “Not sure...still trying to figure it out.” 

Dawon frowned at this and wrapped her arm over her shoulders, “I didn’t mean to bring you down. I just remember what happened with-”

“Please...I don’t want to hear his name...thank you for caring about me.”

Dawon rubbed her shoulder gently, “I don’t want to see you heartbroken. That’s all.”

“I know...I know.” 

Later that day, Y/N sat in her room and she stared at the ceiling with empty eyes. She knew why Dawon was cautious about her love life. She was hurt before but it wasn’t because of normal circumstances. When someone wants to break up with someone, they simply tell the other person. They just don’t die and you never see them again. Things like that don’t normally happen but of course, it happened to her. She closed her eyes and she met his eyes once more...

Y/N was eighteen and she was waiting at the park. Today marked their fourth anniversary and she couldn’t be happier. She pushed her hair behind her ear as she sat on the swing. She was barely moving but all of a sudden, she was moving in the air. She let out a small laugh and looked over her shoulder, “Seungcheol, if you push me out of this swing-”

“You will punch me. I already know.” 

She pouted at this and puffed her cheeks, “Let me finish my sentence.” 

He stopped the swing and leaned down to have their noses touching, “I will always finish your sentences.” 

She rolled her eyes and leaned forward to place a quick kiss on his lips, “Shut up. Where are we going?” 

Seungcheol tilted his head and gave her a wink. He sat next to her in the swing and smiled, “I thought we had a park date. You know we did meet here.” 

“Some of the best talks are at the park.”

He leaned to the side and intertwined their fingers together, “You took that from me.”

“I know.” 

They sat on the swings and they talked about random things. He looked back at her and smiled, “You know...I love you so much.”

She let out a small laugh, “I love you so much.”

“This isn’t a competition.”

“Yeah, if it was...I would win. Loser.” 

She jumped up in her bed and she wiped her face. The tears were nonstop and she couldn’t help but let her emotions take over. She sobbed into her pillow as she remembered Seungcheol. Seungcheol loved her so much that anyone could feel the love. The moment she heard he passed away, she lost a part of herself. She never knew his last goodbye would be the last time she heard his voice. She died a little whenever she thought of it. He brought out the best of her and after he left, her soul was wiped clean. A blank canvas that was begging for paint. 

She sat up in her bed and she turned towards the picture of her and Seungcheol. Her fingertips gently touched the picture and she smiled. Everything about him was perfect. That’s what's hard about moving on. How can you move on from something so perfect? She tried to move on but he’s never gone because in her heart he still lives on. Deep in her heart, she wants to move on but now it's clicking in her head. Maybe she’ll never love another for the rest of her life. 

In Y/N’s heart, she knew Yoongi was sent to her to experience that love again. To feel that warmth again. It’s been four years and she finally felt that spark again. Was it so wrong of her to feel love again? Maybe...she doesn’t even know anymore. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

The next day, it felt like a blur. Her mind was taking control of her and there was nothing she could do. Everything made her think of Seungcheol; the poem she had to read in class to the winds gently touching her face at break. Everything made her think of him and there was no one to dry her tears. Was it a mistake to have feelings for Yoongi? Was it wrong of her to move on from him? There were so many emotions that she kept down and it didn’t come to the surface until the kiss. She just ignored it and continued to live life. Never having second thoughts. That was her downfall. 

Dawon intertwined their fingers together as they walked out of the classroom “I’m sorry for yesterday. I didn’t mean to-”

“No...you’re my best friend. You knew I was having these thoughts and you brought them to the surface.” 

Dawon nodded her head at this but the guilt was in her eyes, “You should do what makes you happy and listen to your heart. I just want you to be careful.” 

Y/N let out a small laugh and she glanced down at her shoes, “I was going to visit his brother today.”

“Seungcheol’s brother? Is he back in town?” 

Y/N looked up and nodded her head, “He texted me last night and he wants me to go with him.”

“Do you want me to come?”

Y/N shook her head and smiled, “I need to do it alone...” 

“I understand. Just know, I’m here for you.” 

“I know.” 

They walked outside and Y/N’s eyes landed on Yoongi. He was leaning against the wall and was on his phone. She stood still and stared at him. He was so different from Seungcheol but that wasn’t a bad thing. Yoongi was Yoongi and Seungcheol was Seungcheol. She knew in the four years since Seungcheol’s passing, she’s changed. She caged her heart because she knew no one would ever love her like Seungcheol but here she is staring at the man that could do just that. Love her.  

She swallowed some spit and smiled at Dawon, “I’ll see you later.”

Dawon glanced at Yoongi and then back at her, “I love you, remember that. I’ll support whatever you want to do. Always.”

“I love you too, Dawon.” 

Y/N slowly walked up to him and she felt the wind blowing her hair. It felt like when Seungcheol would pick her up and spin her around. At that moment, she knew he was standing next to her and she couldn’t bear to look at him. She felt like he was betraying him in a way.

“Hey...”

She watched Yoongi's face turn into worry, “What’s wrong?” 

“Thinking too much...can we go to the park?” 

“Yeah, you always go to the park.”

Y/N smiled and nodded her head, “It’s my favorite place.” 

They walked in silence and Y/N could feel Yoongi’s eyes on her but she couldn’t meet them. She sat on the swing and stared up at the sky. The clouds were moving so slowly but so fast at the same time. That’s how time felt to her. She turned to the side and she saw Seungcheol appear. She quickly shook her head and she saw Yoongi looking at her with concerned eyes, “Bambi, are you alright?”

She nodded her head and looked up at the sky, “I was just thinking about things.” 

“Thinking is dangerous.” 

She let out a small laugh, “Don’t I know that? How is everything? You know with Namjoon’s dad and the case...the case that could get me killed?”She heard him cough and she turned to look at him. He had a face that she couldn’t read or she picked it up but she couldn’t say it out loud, “You never gave me an update on it.” 

“Just know I’m taking care of it. I’ll protect you.”She looked away and let out a small sigh, Are you really protecting me if you're hiding? “Bambi.” 

She slowly turned her head and she saw the look in his eyes that made her feel warm, “Trust me.” 

Do I? “Okay...”  

“You're quiet today...is everything okay?” 

She looked up at the sky and nodded her head, “I’m going to be okay. I just miss someone. That’s all.” 

“Who?” 

“Someone who's important...I can’t talk about it yet.” 

“I’ll be here to hear it. Whenever you're comfortable.” 

She looked back at him and gave him a sad smile, “I need some time alone.” 

“Y/N...is it because of our kiss? If you were uncomfortable-”

“I wasn’t...I wanted it. I just have other things on my mind and I need to be alone.”

Yoongi sighed and nodded his head. He grabbed her hand and rubbed her knuckles, “I’m here for you.”  

“I know...I’ll text you.” 

She walked towards her house without a care in the world. Before she entered her house, she turned her head to look at the tree in her front yard. It was just a plant to others but to her it held memories that will always make her feel safe. That’s all she wanted in life again, to feel safe and warm. 

Seungcheol loved the summer time. The warm air always made him smile so brightly and he loved going to the beach with Y/N. The waves gently touching their feet as the sun went down, it was the perfect scene for any couple. That didn’t mean Seungcheol hated winter. He loved winter as well. It gave him an excuse to cuddle with Y/N. 

The tree was empty of its leaves and the snow covered the ground. Seungcheol was walking Y/N home after a date. She always wondered how he could be so warm when the weather outside was the opposite. She always said it was because of his heart and his smile. The snow didn’t have a chance against it. 

They stood under the tree and Seungcheol grabbed her hand. She looked up in curiosity and raised her eyebrow, “What?” 

“I want to marry you.”

She let out a cough and blinked her eyes rapidly, “What?” 

“I want to marry you. I know your mom likes Eunwoo but your dad likes me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” 

“My mom only likes Eunwoo because of my dad’s business. That’s it. She likes you too...she said you're the perfect match for me.”

“But Eunwoo is richer so...he will always be better in her eyes.” 

She shook her head and leaned forward placing a kiss on his shoulder, “You're perfect for me...also, yes I would like to marry you.” 

“That’s good because I already got you a ring.” 

She entered her house and she started crying when the door touched her back. Her vision became blurry and everything around her became silent. Seungcheol wasn’t a good man, he was a great one. To find a great man is so rare in this world. Anyone can declare their love and affection but if you can’t show warmth from the heart then the affection is wasted. She wasn’t sure about Yoongi. It was clear he was hiding something from her and she couldn’t tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing. The one thing she hated in this world was liars. Once you lie, you can never recover the trust. No matter how many times you apologize. 

“Flower?”

She turned her head and she couldn’t tell who it was but she didn’t care. She ran into their arms and cried. She felt arms around her waist and whispers of comfort, “I miss him...I want him here with me. I hate feeling confused and so afraid. If he was here, I wouldn’t be feeling like this.” 

“Oh, flower.” 

The hug became tighter and she looked up to see her father looking down, “I want Seungcheol back...but I’m slowly falling for someone else. I felt that spark again. Am I a bad person?”

“No, flower. Your heart is allowing you to love again. That’s beautiful. It’s hard and I can’t say I know how it feels to lose someone I love but just know, they will always be here. Seungcheol would want you to be happy.” 

“I-I had a whole future with him...is it wrong my future is without him now?” 

“He will always be a part of your history, flower. You don’t have to rewrite your future. He can always be a part of it, it will be different but different is good.” 

She calmed down and let out a cough, “Seungcheol’s brother is going to pick me up soon...”

“Do you need alone time with him?”

“I do.” 

Her father wiped the tears away and placed a kiss on the top of her head, “Love never dies, it lives on. Remember that.” 

She sat on the grass and stared at the gray stone. He will forever be frozen at the age of nineteen while she lives her life. It was as if life was mocking her. She placed white roses down and she smiled gently, “Hi Seungcheol...I miss you. I know you know this already but I think about you everyday but lately my mind was somewhere else.” 

She looked up at the sky and then back at the stone. She gently touched it with her fingertip, “I still have the ring...I don’t wear it anymore. I can’t...I have it on my nightstand. When I wake up in the morning it's the first thing I see.”

She sighed and wiped away some tears as she continued, “I remember the day you were taken away from me...I never knew that was the last I love you I would ever hear from you...”

It was another warm night, the worst kind. That didn’t stop Y/N and Seungcheol. His bedroom became her second home and she knew where everything was. The street lamp peaked through the blinds but she didn’t even bother at looking at the soft light. 

His hand reaches down, finding her clit within a moment. He knew her body like the back of his hand, “Ch-Cheol.”

“My love.” He entered his middle finger and it made her close her eyes tight, “Ch-Cheol, I’m close.” 

“I want you to cum with me.” 

She opened her eyes and nodded her head, “Always with you.” 

He guided the tip of his cock into her and he circled at her entrance as she let out a soft moan. He slightly enters and exits her hole. He loved to tease her. After a few seconds, he finally entered and he leaned down. Placing his hands on each side of her body. 

She gripped his biceps as she looked at him with a dazed outlook, “I-I love you.”

“I love you. I love you so much.” 

He starts to move, cock sliding in and out. The rhythm created a forbbion song with the moon being its producer. He leaned down kissing her neck as she ran her fingers through his hair. This is all she wanted. To be close to him. Her thighs shook in his palms and her eyes closed again. The feeling was overwhelming and she already knew what was happening, “I’m-”

“I know, baby.” 

After a while, they cuddle in his bed. His fingers playing a song against her bare skin, a song that only he knew. She kissed his chest and looked up at him with a soft smile, “I love you.”

“I love you more.”

He slowly got up and she sat up with a confused look, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to get us some food. Joo Won, should be open.”

“Yeah, he should be. Text me when you get there, okay?”

“Of course babe. I love you.”

“Love you more.” 

She closed her eyes and let sleep take over her. She had her phone on full volume and when it started vibrating, she quickly sat up. She saw the caller ID and was confused. She answered the call, “Joo Won?”  

“Y/N...Seungcheol.”

“Yes?”

“Y/N, I’m so sorry-” Everything went silent and she was in a state of shock. She quickly put her clothes on and ran outside without putting her shoes on. She ran for what felt like hours but it was only a matter of minutes. She saw the red and blue light and her world came crashing down. She slowly walked towards the tape and saw what looked like a body under a white sheet. She turned her head to see Joo Won talking to an officer. The world she had was now gone and it was in a matter of seconds. She fell to her knees and let out a loud sob. She laid in tears all night, alone with him by her side. 

She wiped her eyes and gripped at her jeans, “You brought out the best of me...I didn’t even know I had that. When you said your last goodbye, I died a little bit. I never thought that you would be taken away from me. I never thought that for a second. If you were still here, we would be married. I wonder if we will have a baby on the way...”

She leaned forward and gently touched the picture in the stone, “I don’t know what to do with my life now. I’m so confused. Yoongi...he’s great but I feel like he’s hiding so much from me. I can’t help but have this attraction towards him but I feel like I have to be cautious. It’s hard for me to understand this spark with Yoongi because I know if you were here, I wouldn’t even think about that spark with him. I’m just scared...I’m so scared to love again because you were taken away from me...and I have nothing left. I just don’t know what to do.”

Just then a butterfly went on her hand and she started crying harder, “Is this you? I wish I could touch you again. I wish I could hear your voice again. I wish you...I wish you were here with me.” 

That night, Y/N couldn’t get any sleep. She snuck out of her house and entered the garden that was behind her house. She sat in the middle where all the flowers surrounded her. She let the smell encase her and she closed her eyes. 

“How did you even get these flowers?” 

Seungcheol shrugged his shoulders and handed them to her, “Do you even know what they are?”

“No, I don’t.” 

Seungcheol smiled and leaned forward placing a kiss on her forehead, “Their heliotropes, love. They symbolize how I feel about you.”

Y/N felt her face get hot and she let out a small laugh, “Can you tell me?”

“Eternal love. I will love you forever. Even when I’m the wind, I will always love you.”

“I will love you even if I’m the sky.”

Seungcheol smiled at this and gave her a quick peck, “Every butterfly you see is me. I don’t have a lot of time to see you because of school but just look at butterflies and know that's me.”  

“Are you calling yourself a insect?” 

“Shut up.” 

She opened her eyes and let out a small laugh. She wiped her eyes and let out a deep sigh. She looked to her side and plucked out a purple hyacinth with a frown, “Yoongi...please don’t hurt me. I don’t know if I can handle it.”

Tag List:

@hopefulrascalstatesmantoad @secfir @amberpanda99

@yoongibaybee

[huskyweebo]

Yesterday is Valentine’s Day ! well, i meant to post it On the day but I passed out before I finished proof Reading-

Anyways, well what does a single person do with his free time on that day ? Write fanfic of course!

Here is some RadioApple !!

Valentine's Day Surprise !

Today was Valentines Day and All around the hotel People gave gifts to their lovers, or to their Crushes.

Husker had Finally confessed to Angel and it was a nice sight. Almost everyone had gotten a gift with the intent of Romantic Love, and Boy was lucifer depressed. Of course Charlie had given a Gift but that was different. He had hoped for somone else to give one.

A couple days prior he had Asked the Radio Demon his thoughts on Valentines Day, for Lucifer, he Personally wasnt fond of it since Lilith had Left him. He also remembered the Day Cupid Was created for the Holiday. But now he was curious, what did his crush Think about the Holiday? 

“ Its Scandilous. “ 

“ Im sorry what? “ he blurted out. Alastor Looked At lucifer With an Odd Expression, 

“ The only Reason I Dont dissapear On this day to get away from all this lovey Dovey Nonesense, Is that Rosie Gives me The hottest gossip she has, for mostly break up, “ he suddenly appeared sadistic as if thinking about Previous Valentines. 

“ Oh! Oh, Right, Yes, “ Lucifer luaghed nervously, “ I mean, I dont either phht- i mean i Was There when they made Valentines Day and My first thought was; ‘ Hey, now thats STUPID ‘ “ He luaghed more awkwardly, and then turned feeling severely disappointed. Alastor Raised an Eyebrow. 

Cbsck to present day, he was waving away Charlie And Vaggie, they were going to a fancy restaurant and Lucifer volunteered to Watch over the Hotel

“ Are you Reallyyyy Sure that you dont want to hand over the Responsibitly over to Al? Dont you think you should have fun too? “ She said with Sad eyes, Lucifer shook his head.

“ Nope! Bitch you know i prefer Ruling Hell than get a date for this holiday, HA! “ He said very awkwardly. Charlie nodded, after a brief connection of eyes with Vaggie she turned to leave with His Duaghter. He sighed,

“ they grow up so fast, “ He went back in. He looked around, the hotel was closed for guests today so that leaves only Nifty and he to be present. he Assumed that Alastor was with The cannibal Overlord due to his comment a couple days ago. 

Today it was the most quietest hes heard the Hotel,

it felt like Being in the royal Castel again… All alone. Lucifer groans, he leaned against a wall and put his face on his Hands. He never realized how sofficating Silence was. 

After he moved into the hotel to Help his daughter he was too busy to feel Depression, but now, with nothing to do and no one to talk to, he could feel it settling in like a dark cloud.

He was alone, Again, on Valentines day,

it reminded him about how much more Lilth is happier without him..

He heard a squeak,  “ Ultamte Bad Boy! Come here!!  “ Nifty giggled, he put his hands down. She was very jittery Her bouncing, 

“ What is it Nifty? “ He said softly, she ran up to him and Grabbed his hand, 

“ Come on ! i have to take you somewhere! “ she said excitedly. 

“ Wha- Where?! “ He stammered, for someone as tiny as Her she was surprisingly Strong. she pulled him up to the elevator to go to the very top. She didnt say much during the ride but she persistently keep his hand in hers and she was muttering words he could not understand. 

The Elevator Opened and she started pulling him to the left. She stopped at the door that led to the patio. 

“ Go, Go, go! “ She said pushing him a little, then rushed away, luaghing. 

“ Weirddd “ Lucifer Said to himself.

what on earth was that? He thought. Why would she want him to be here? Maybe to see a new collection of dead insects, or alive. he pulled out the bug spray he had in his pocket preparing for what would be behind the doors.

He pushed it open,

Lucifer dropped the can and his eyes widened. In front of him was a small table. Alastor, with a wide smile, was sitting on one of the seats. He got up,

Lucifer shut the door immediately and leaned against. He could hear his heart beating, 

“ Fuck, Fuck, Fuck, “ He muttered repeatedly under his breath, Lucifer felt His Face heat up and His legs threatened to Give in. he did not expect this, he wished for something but he didnt think it would actually be answered.

He wasnt ready, all he was ready for is to go to his room and be alone with his depressing thoughts.

In front of him the shadow morphed and Alastor appeared, 

“ Your Duaghter Acts much like you, “ He stated, titling his head. Lucifer was stunned, all he could do was smile slightly, He couldnt speak. The Radio Demon saw that and took advantage.

“ I must say I prepared this for you and it was quite rude for you to slam the Door on such a thing, “ He put his hands behind his back and waited for the others response. 

Lucifer blinked, suddenly he was able to move. He cleared his throat, 

“ um, yes sorry about that- “ he forced out. The silence was ackward as Alastor seemed to be thinking, 

“ Well my dear I think we should start this over, “ He Held out his hand. “ May you join me for dinner, “ Lucifer stared at it, 

the thoughts of being alone for valentines day for the 10th year in a row dawned on him.

He didnt want that again, he wanted to be happy, he didnt want to keep deppressing over someone that didnt like him.

He should be looking forward to the one who does.. And he was right in front of him. 

A sudden burst of courage came to him, he gave his hand To alastor, which made him chuckle a little, 

“ good, thank you, “ Lucifers heart skipped a beat.

He led him by the hand and pulled a seat back. as Lucifer sat down Alastor kept his hand on his, once he was settled, he leaned forward and kissed Lucifer’s hand.

“ My highness “ he spoke, “ oh my Me, he said ‘ My ‘ instead of you, MY HIGHNESS “ Lucifer screamed in his head like a teenage girl.

“ in front we have a fantastic meal of deer that I picked and killed myself, I hope it is to your liking, “ he said while opening the cloche to reveal a fantastical meal.

“ why thank you Alastor, “ Lucifer said hiding his blushing face, he wondered why he was doing this, he never thought Alastor thoughtful.

“ may I ask why you are doing this? I thought you didn’t like Valentine’s Day “ he blurted out, As Alastor served both of them he looked up,

“ well a couple days ago you asked me about Valentine’s Day and I couldn’t help but notice your expression when i responded. “ Lucifer looked guilty, “ so I asked my mo- Rosie what I should do and she cheerfully helped me exert this wonderful dinner. “ he gestured around. Lucifer smiled helplessly,

“ oh, t-thank you Alastor, I’ve never saw you as a type to be romantic, “ Alastor smiled more genuinely,

“ well anything for my dear highness, “ he kissed Lucifer’s hand again, giving him butterflies.

It was a splendid meal, and the night was a dinner he won’t ever forget, he has never felt this alive in years.

They chatted all dinner, they laughed and even Alastor told him how it was like on earth, and the good things about. It made Lucifer relieved, that did not only sprout evil on earth, but buetiful things aswell.

Once they finished, Alastor spoke,

“ well, I must say, I now understand why people celebrate this vile holiday, if you find the right one.. it’s quite enjoyable, “ He looked deeply into Lucifer’s eyes, whose widened.

“ Right.. one ? “ Alastor nodded. It was a confession, Lucifer felt like he was about to faint,

“ Yes! “ he exclaimed getting up, he cleared his throat, blushed embarrassingly. “ I mean, I also agree, and this was wonderful, thank you Alastor. Tonight’s has been wonderful “ The Radio Demon got up aswell, he held out his hand, and Lucifer took it.

“ We aren’t done yet. I think we also have a reservation in your quarters.

“ Wait what? “ he said curiously, as they walked towards his room Alastor turned and winked,

“ Oh. “ Lucifer got the hint, he blushed then giggled,

“ oh Alastor, this has been my favorite Valentine’s Day for the first time in Eons “ Alastors eyes sparkles

“ that’s saying something if you were here before the birth of earth, “ Alastor said, Lucifer kissed the side of his chin. The walked in Lucifer’s quarters and closed the door

—

A couple hours later they were both laying on Lucifer’s bed. Alastor stared at Lucifer as he slept, he immediately passed out after he put one Pj clothes. The short king face was passive, he was like a kitten when he slept, he was adorable.

Adorable?

He has only called people adorable to spite people, but now he knew it was a genuine thought. He has never felt this way before, not even when he was alive.

“ Dad, Dad? “ Charlie knocked on the door. Alastor opened it with a flick of a hand, he did not want her to disturb his highness.

“ Dad? I was just wondering how you were doing. Nifty was acting weird but she said that you went u- “ she stopped immediately when she saw Alastor holding her dad defensively.

“ oh. Um well, ha I didn’t mean to disturb you, sorry! “ she stammered scooting back,

“ say a word to anyone and I will make love to your father again. “ he said roughly, narrowing his eyes. Her face cringed,

“ I did not need to know you did, to begin with, “ she shut the door quietly. Alastor Rolled his eyes,

Alastor felt Lucifer cuddle deeper in his chest, he sighed peacefully. Alastor leaned to kiss his head, which Lucifer unconsciously leaned toward it. Alastor laid his head on top of the blonde-haired and went to sleep.

The End.

The Make Love thing was inspired by a post I saw [ I don't remember where tho ]

[yoonsdoll]

universe - yjh

content : n-i!jeonghan x gn!reader ; angst ; 0.5k words ; one mention about having a family together ! - maybe this universe is against you both. an : i dont know why i did this to myself

two years ago today yoon jeonghan decided to confess his love. he swore that if he kept it hidden any longer it’d tear him apart. the most beautiful moment in his life was meeting you, right after the day he finally made you his.

he remembers wishing to every shooting star he saw that you’d accept his confession - that you’d accept him. that you’d accept the idea of holding hands on walks, you’d accept the idea of going on dates together and hugging each other in the warmth of his bed. that you’d accept the idea of his lips on yours after what felt like years of waiting. 

and you did. but you didn’t just accept it, you welcomed it with a smile on your face, an exploding heart, and an ‘i love you.’

you craved his touch on cold days, his voice on sadder ones. and when you told him that, he internally cursed at himself for not confessing earlier, yet being content that he could now provide you with everything you need. 

‘i wish for us to be together in every universe, no matter the circumstances.’ he told you, ‘i love you so much, and i want to keep that love, whoever we may be.’

somehow he always managed to say the right things, he made you feel so loved. so wanted. and you did the same back. you took care of him on his worst days, and you made him smile even wider on his best ones. he was so full of your love, he believed your hearts were intertwined.

‘..do you think we will get married in this universe?’ you replied.

‘i don't have a single doubt.’ 

‘how come?’

‘i just don't think there is ever a reality where i won't ask you to marry me.’

yoon jeonghan wasn’t a liar. he didn’t wish for anything more than to marry you and create a cute little family with you, living comfortably thanks to his well paying job and growing old together as you experienced everlasting love. 

and so when you and him decided to end things off due to an unresolved argument, he was heartbroken. of course you were too; waves of sadness crashing against your heart. but ever since he lost you, he lost home. realisation that the once shared-dreams were now nothing but a fragment of the past.

it was bittersweet. he hated himself for not fighting for you, for that night where instead of impulsive words spilling out his lips, he could have been apologising and swearing to have made a mistake on his half. yet a part of him wanted to believe that it was for the better, that you’d be happier without him - even though he was aware that wasn’t the case. 

maybe someday he will get the courage to tell you just how much he misses you. maybe he will put a matching ring on your finger if things go well. or maybe, this universe is the odd one out, one where you are simply not meant to be.

[sunandflame]

Flame and Water, Chapter 13

Ship & Trope: Kyojuro x Fem!Reader (Water Pillars Tsuguko) / Slowburn

Warnings: fluff / canon-type stuff / nsfw

Word Count: 4497 Words

pinterest board of Flame and Water

spotify playlist for Flame and Water

crossposted on AO3

Masterlist of Flame and Water

Weeks had passed and as cheesy as it might sound, you were on cloud nine not able to take your eyes off each other. The other was always present, whether mentally or physically. Your time together was one of the most beautiful moments in your life, always present with each other, whether mentally or physically, and it was so unreal how each day could be better than the day before. You made the best of it knowing about the life of a Slayer and how quickly it could end. Which was why the decision to become Kyojuro’s Tsugoku was easy for you to decide. To make it official, you both sent your Kasugai crows, Shimizu and Kaname, to Giyuu and Ubuyashiki, respectively, to inform them. Ubuyashiki approved the joint missions and thus the time together.

So it surprised you that such an introverted person that you were, was perfectly fine with spending 24/7 with such an energetic and extroverted person. It should exhaust you, but you enjoyed the time with him and were happier than ever. You were thankful that you now knew everything about your past, even if meeting Shinjuro ended in chaos, because now you were able to handle your fear of flames better than before.

In your training sessions, it didn't count that you were together. The training with Kyojuro continued to stay hard and your teacher, and boyfriend, was merciless as usual. You could really see and feel the results and one day it finally happened. You managed to use the flame breathing. You cried out in surprise at your first success, just to drop your bokken to jump into Kyojuro's arms, beaming with joy. It was a big success for you and also for him a dream come true. The dream of a Tsuguko who could use flame breathing. But neglecting water breathing was out of the question for you as it was a crucial part of your being. You would learn to use both of them in combination and you did after endless hours of training. Flame and water were now in harmony.

"If you keep it up like that you'll surpass me, my water lily! Or should I call you now my little flame?" He laughed when he stepped towards you to give you a kiss on your temple.

"I will never be able to surpass you, since you are my eternal flame." You surprised him with a kiss on his lips before giggling and pulling away so you both could continue with the training.

Water lily was a term of endearment that he came up with during a little picnic at a nearby lake to the Rengoku estate. Senjuro was there too and the boy seemed really attached to you. You couldn't blame him since you were the first female role model in his life and he was still so young and innocent. The food was delicious and the conversation delightful. Kyojuro fished a water lily out of the lake to put the flower in your hair and then gently caressed your cheek. "You are as beautiful and pure as this water lily..." Words he whispered into your ear before giving you a soft kiss on the ear. 

Senjuro had watched the interaction between the both of you with bright eyes. "I know I have no recollection of mother, but you two give me hope that mother and father were just as loving towards each other."

You and Kyojuro locked eyes just before turning to Senjuro. You didn't know much about Ruka because Kyojuro didn't talk much about her. Except that she was the one who taught him her strong morals. You admired the woman who made Kyojuro the man you love so much today and at the same time you were sad that you would never have the opportunity to get to know her.

Kyojuro turned away from you to turn towards Senjuro, taking his small hands in his big calloused ones. "Father and mother loved each other very much, which is also the reason for father's long-lasting grief."

Kyojuro's words gave you something to think about and you slowly came to understand the bitter man you hadn't seen anymore after the one confrontation. His love for his wife must have been so strong that he had to numb the pain of her loss with alcohol. Unfortunately, alcohol changes people for the worse. Your thoughts were interrupted by Kyojuro's next words. "I know you were too young when your mother died, but if you want to imagine her, watch Y/N. She is just as wise, gentle and graceful as mother was." He turned his face to you and gave you a soft smile.

Senjuro's eyes radiated a childish delight as his gaze darted back and forth between you and his brother. "You have no idea how happy that makes me, Aniue. That Y/N is now part of our family too, as a big sister." Big tears rolled down his cheeks and you too felt the tears dwelling at the corner of your eyes. 

You moved up to the two boys and hugged them lovingly like a mother would. "Yes, we will always stay together..."

So the nickname Water Lily not only stood for the love Kyojuro had for you, but also for the new and fresh family bond that had also developed between the three of you. You held it and the meaning behind it dear to you because it was full of love and affection.

~~~

Kyojuro brought out the best in you and thanks to him you became more open and no longer afraid to express your feelings without fear of being judged for it. He always gave you the feeling as you were the most special thing in this world. He had influenced you, but your nature also influenced him. He allowed himself to be sad every now and then, and talk about the things he couldn't even think about. It was as if fire and water complemented each other and made the most of their properties. You were like Yin and Yang. You couldn't do it without each other and you were also a very good team in combat.

So it wasn't difficult to kill this one strong demon that was raging in Kyojuro's area. Nevertheless, both of you were too exhausted to start the return journey immediately. So you entered a hostel that immediately recognized you as the people, who had rescued them, and gave you the best room with a private onsen for free. It was too much of a thank you, but you didn't want to be so rude as to refuse the gift and a hot bath sounded just so good in both your ears.

It was a beautiful room and you couldn't decide what you wanted to see first. So you didn’t even notice how your loving but impatient boyfriend had taken off his clothes. With a wrapped towel around his waist, he pushed the door aside that headed towards the onsen.

Your cheeks turned red as you took in your boyfriend's muscular and broad back. He turned his head slightly towards you with a wide grin, not knowing what the sight of his body was doing to you. "Hope it's okay if I use the onsen first, I will hurry up so you can have it for you the whole evening!"

Your heart was in your mouth and you first had to sit down on the large bed of the room. You spent a lot of time together and when you slept you both usually shared a futon to lay in each other's arms, but you were always fully dressed and there were never indecent thoughts about it. That had now changed in one fell swoop. Your mind was now filled with suggestive images and you tried to control the flush on your face and your heart that was beating wildly in your chest. Suggestive images of naked limbs entwined together in an inappropriate way when suddenly the color drained from your face as you remembered how your own body looked like. 

He was so handsome and you were just - damaged. Filled with scars and hideous burns. Kyojuro would never find you desirable. Those were the thoughts you told yourself and yet you couldn't help but think of what you just had seen. Even if you had only caught a glimpse, you had seen his scars and scratches, and there were a great number of them.

This was probably the toll of being a hashira. Then why were you so consumed by self-doubt and self-hatred? Kyojuro would never bully you about your scars or say anything about them. Still, there was the fear, the fear of seeing disgust or something else in his eyes.

You shook off any doubts and undressed yourself, not waiting any longer. Covered with a thin towel you stepped onto the cold stone outdoors with your bare feet. As quiet as your steps were, Kyojuro noticed your presence immediately and turned to you with a wide grin, only to be speechless the next moment.

“I hope it's okay if I join you?” The Flame Hashira was still speechless and could only nod. His face and body had turned red and you weren't sure if it was because of the hot water. You still feigned confidence, but on the inside, your nerves were stretched to the breaking point. You slid the towel along your curves to the floor and used your toes to feel the heat of the water, only the next moment to slowly immerse yourself until your breasts and entire lower body were covered under the water.

There was a short, awkward silence where you both didn't dare to look at each other. Too embarrassed of this new situation you forced on the both of you. You were about to open your mouth to say something when he opened his mouth too. Both of you immediately closed your mouth to let the other finish, but now you were lulled into silence again.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so impatient. I'll wait for you to finish-"

"No!" You were already standing up with your upper body. Kyojuro's eyes fell on your breasts and his cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. "No, please don't go!" And so you sank back into the water and silence surrounded you and no sight of relaxation. Only this time Kyojuro dared to stare at you.

"Kyojuro... You are staring..." you began to whisper, cheeks flushed.

“I am sorry- I just can’t keep my eyes from you.”

The smile on your lips turned bitter, because you knew exactly why he was staring. It was the same reason why you wanted to avoid it. “I know I look hide-”

"- beautiful..." He didn’t let you finish the word, knowing what you wanted to say. He looked at you so sincerely, so full of desperate love. "Can I come closer...?" He was so careful and gentle with his question that it brought tears to your eyes. 

You nodded slightly. “You never have to ask.” He slowly approached you, just to take your face in his hand and kiss you on the lips. 

It was a soft and tender kiss and you both sighed into the kiss before breaking and leaning your foreheads against each other. His gaze wandered to your left shoulder where the brand mark started. It went over your left arm to your elbow. Your right side and breasts were unharmed but not the right part of your stomach - it went over to your back which was completely scarred, like your left leg. 

With cautious fingers he ran down your shoulder to your arm, fascinated by the different texture of the skin. Kyojuro looked worried. "I'm not hurting you, right?" He'd stopped immediately when he thought about the possibility of hurting you. 

You shook your head. "No.."

“Do they still hurt?” There was no pity in his voice, only concern and curiosity. His hand stroked your skin again and you slowly dared to touch him too. Your hand ran down his strong shoulders along his arms where you felt the strong biceps. You felt his tremble and saw how he enjoyed it, which is why you didn't stop. 

“It did hurt in the past. Sometimes it still does, especially when I feel stressed or troubled. Then the skin feels tight. Especially the back, that’s where it's the worst.”

He looked at you with an undefined look. "May I...?"

You just nodded wordlessly and turned around, taking your hair and draping it over your shoulder.

You waited patiently, letting him take in the image of your scarred back, knowing it wasn't something he saw every day probably. You were about to say something when you suddenly felt the searing heat of his lips on your back. A shudder ran down your spine and you tried to stifle the whimper that came out of your mouth. Especially when you felt his hands on your waist, holding you steady while his mouth worked up along your spine only to stop at your neck and take a deep breath. "Your scent... It's so intoxicating to me. Sweeter than any sweet potato..." he chuckled before sinking his face back into the hollow between your neck and shoulder and nibbled at the skin. His hands had meanwhile wandered higher up to your breasts. Your whimper turned to a moan as you felt his large calloused hand slowly and deliberately kneading your breasts.

"I can stop anytime…” Kyojuro groaned more than talked and you could hear the desire in his voice. With what kind of self-control would he stop now? It all felt way too good, you just wanted to look at him. As if he had read your mind, he turned you around and grabbed your face with both hands and kissed you so hard that you couldn't breathe. 

“Are you sure you are able to stop anytime?” Your both foreheads touched each other while gasping for air. There was a teasing undertone in your voice and while you both took a breath your hands were not able to keep still. Your hands caressed along his big muscular chest, that he seems to hide well while under the slayer uniform. You've never felt anything like desire for another person, but the sight of him made your mouth water. And before you could even think your lips were on his skin, kissing and nibbling along his pec. You heard a hiss coming out between his teeth and you immediately stopped to look up.

His face was red, but not in pain. “If you keep teasing me like this, then I can’t guarantee anything, my water lily.” 

“Oh- Was it too much?” You immediately pulled your hands away and stepped back. That means you wanted to step back, but he immediately had his hands on your waist, pulling you flush against him. 

“No, please don’t stop touching me…” You looked up at him and realized something. Namely that Kyojuro was apparently touch-starved. It made sense when you consider how he was raised. So it was not really a surprise. 

“I won’t…” you smiled and laid your hands on his face, pulling him down for a deep kiss.

At one point Kyojuro had carried you from the onsen to the bed. You kept your promise and your hands did not leave his body, touching everywhere where you could reach. You lay there entwined and he worshiped every part of your body, from head to toe. Praising them with words and kisses to let you know how much he loved you.

"I never did this with anyone else before. I should feel nervous and unsure, but with you it just feels right. It seems like my body and soul knows what to do.” And he was right. You didn’t feel nervous even though it was the first time for both of you. You both just let your feelings and your love guide you. Now and then there were moments when you both had to laugh about some mishaps, but it brought you both only closer.

There was a little bit of restraint at the beginning, but his kisses and words soothed the sharp quick pain. Your bodies were connected and it was like you both were one soul.

~~~

You lay exhausted on his chest, both of your hair were totally disheveled. It was good that you were both trained Slayers and had more stamina than normal people. So it was possible for both of you to get through 1-2 more rounds after getting a taste for how good sex really felt, but now you had reached your limit.

Your fingers drew lazy circles on his chest and surveyed all the small scars that adorned his body. For every scar there was a story he told you. It was exciting to listen to and it only made him more beautiful in your eyes. “How are those scars make you sexier while mine are just plain ugly. Though those old scars on my body are probably the only reminder to my past.”

"You are not your scars my love.”

“I know I just think I look hideous. How do you even still love me after seeing them?” You said it half-jokingly and laughed as you went, but one look at Kyojuro was enough to see that he didn't find it funny. His everlasting smile was gone. He grabbed your hand and kissed every fingertip.

“Never say something like this about yourself again. You are so beautiful, it frustrates me that you can’t see your own beauty. Y/N, look at me. Would you stop loving me if I lost an eye or adorn a huge scar on my torso?”

“Kyojuro don't say things like that! Of course I would! I- I am sorry... It's hard to let go of old habits. But I will try to see myself through your eyes.”

“I don’t ask for more.” You had looked into his eyes and saw his unconditional love for you. There was not a spark of doubt in it and as hot as the fire was, so was his love for you.

~~~

"Is this really the same person we met months ago? She seems so different so-"

"Kyaa! So adorable!" You heard the pink-haired girl squeak and interrupt the tall man who was the Sound Pillar.

“Y/N, you really seem like a different person. I am glad that you feel better.” Kocho gave you a soft smile. 

“Who cares! Most important is if she can fight and not run away as soon as she sees Rengoku! Where is he actually?” Shinazugawa's gaze pierced you, but you just stared at him without moving.

“You are right. Was he not the one who called for this meeting?”

“Apologies for the delay! I had Senjuro wrap up some food for us as I have something important to announce!” Some rolled their eyes in exasperation until they heard his next words. “Y/N and I are getting married!” And left everyone flabbergasted. Your heart had already jumped up happily when he stood next to you and put his strong arm around your waist and gave you a kiss on the cheek in greeting.

After a brief silence of shock, you were immediately bombarded with questions. Kyojuro laughed, remaining vague on some of the answers and you started to blush under the sudden attention of them all.

Yes, your beloved Kyojuro didn't wait long to pop the question, adding that he didn't see the point of waiting long, since he already knew that you were the only person he would love in his life and that he wanted to grow old with you with a lot of children. You had laughed at the sudden change and about this wonderful fantasy of his that might come true in the future. With tears of happiness you agreed to his proposal and became his fiance.

All in all it was a beautiful day. The engagement of the two of you was celebrated with the food that Kyojuro brought, although some were reluctant to participate. But overall it was a nice distraction from the mundane of a Demon Slayer which was all about death and grief. 

"So that's why you're Rengoku-san's Tsuguko?" Giyuu joined you, while you watched the love of your life laughing and talking to Tengen about something.

“No, not just because of that.” Your gaze wandered over to your old master. “He taught me to come out of myself. I am no longer haunted by the things that have happened to me. I am no longer ashamed that I am alive.”

"Yes, I see that. You look happier."

"I am," you gave him a soft smile. "Giyuu, you too deserve to be happy." No matter what the other Hashiras thought about the Water Pillar, he was still an important person to you, you might even say he was like an elder brother to you and he deserved to be freed from his personal demons. You wished for it with all your heart.

~~~

Days passed, missions were done together, until you sustained an injury. You had broken your arm and even more shameful was how it happened. It hadn't happened during a mission or during a brutal fight against a demon. No, it was a bright day when you and Kyojuro trained together. Senjuro had called you and that little moment of inattention had cost you.

Kyojuro didn't turn his head to him like you did, but attacked you with the bokken. In the corner of your eye you could still see the wooden sword coming towards you and you managed to dodge it, but it was so inelegant and so out of balance that you fell down on your right arm and broke it.

You were terribly embarrassed when Kyojuro panicked and carried you in his arms to the Butterfly Mansion, but you allowed it, even though you were able to walk. The arm was straightened and put in a cast and it was sweet to see how worried your fiancé was and yet you couldn't help but notice how nervous he was seeing you like this.

With your uninjured hand you took his and squeezed lightly. "Hey, I'm fine. Only, my sword arm is broken, which means we can't do any missions together right now."

"Yeah, I understand..." His voice was quiet, his face looked distant and now you were really worried. You put your hand on his cheek and brought him back to the here and now. "Sorry, my water lily... I was just thinking about my mother in her final days of sickness.”

“Oh Kyojuro…” You pulled him closer to you to give him a tight hug. “I am okay, it’s only broken. In a few weeks I will be okay. Look, in the meantime I can plan our wedding if you want, since I am not able to train much.”

"That sounds good." And there was his smile again that you loved so much.

Since it was not a complicated break, you could go right back with Kyojuro. He wanted to carry you in his arms again, but this time you firmly refused. You were too embarrassed as someone else might see it, and yet you found it incredibly sweet how he cared about you. Just like Senjuro who had apologized to you several times. You had to assure him that it wasn't his fault but just your carelessness.

You were pampered with your favorite food and everything else there was. A week passed before Kyojuro was called to a mission, alone without you.

“I don't like sending you alone on a mission, even though I know you'll come back to me safely.” 

Your arm was still in a cast, making you ineligible for any missions. Your good hand smoothed his white haori over his shoulder before you rested your cheek against his chest, his strong arms holding you in a tight embrace while you listened to his strong and steady heartbeat.

Still in his embrace, Kyojuro looked down at you and gave you a soft smile. His calloused hand brushed against your cheek. You blinked slowly with a smile to indicate that you were okay, thanks to him. It was so easy to communicate with him without saying a word. It was as if an invisible and inseparable bond connected you. He leaned down, brought his face closer to yours to meet up your lips, sharing a long and passionate kiss that made you both flush in desire.

You bit your lip and looked up shyly. "Do you have to go immediately? Maybe we could- I mean who knows how many weeks this mission will take…”

You heard his low chuckle and felt his lips on your forehead. "If you knew how much I'd like to share the futon with you right now, but you know trains wait for no one."

~~~

The fight had been brutal and if there was any hope of victory, it was dashed when Akaza's arm pierced through his torso. But he was not saddened. Even though he hadn't managed to kill the demon, he had managed to keep everyone alive and safe and that was also a merit, right?

It was difficult for him to breathe with only one lung. The demon's arm had dissolved while he was saying his last words to the Kamado boy he had grown so fond of in such a short time.

“I want you to tell my little brother Senjuro to take the path that he thinks is right, to follow his heart. And tell my father to take care of himself…” He tried not to breathe too deeply and paused as his strength was slowly fading while pain in his chest was excruciating. "And please tell my Y/N not to grieve too much and to feel free to let me wait in the afterlife. I will be waiting for her." He was sad for the moment knowing how much his water lily will grieve for him, but he knows that she was strong.

He could feel the blood oozing and turning the ground around him red. He saw his mother once more before closing his eyes with a smile, before he woke up again with a loud gasp.

His face was panicked as the young history student clutched at his chest, feeling bewilderment over the dream of his death. He was sweating, and checked for his eye that had seemed to be smashed too. 

Everything was still there. 

He was healthy and alive, so why did he keep seeing those weird dreams of himself as a swordsman and his brutal death? And who was this Y/N he kept thinking of? Questions upon questions he couldn't answer in the middle of the night, only he knew that these dreams had a deeper meaning than they should have.

🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥🌊 🔥

*sighs* Damn that was hard... Even for me. This story means so much for me and I wanna thank everyone who was with me along this way. I wanna apologize to everyone too. I know that some of you might be mad at me, which is totally understandable, but please (!) stay tuned till the epilogue comes out which I will post in a few hours. Than you may understand why I chose this route.

Big thanks to my lovely friend @desi-the-blue-eyed-kakushi for beta reading and editing who thinks that I am the incarnation of evil for writing this. (I know you still love me.)

Also don't forget to check out the playlist I made for Flame and Water. It will set the mood for the epilogue

Taglist:

@krillfromsky @kingmultiverse404 @deepressed @nelissecrectplace @yomoya-girl @theycallmemrsbarnes @roninishere @beelzmunchkin @kyojurismo @stuckinthewrongworld @lynnw @love-me-satoru @felix99999l @noarawriteszr @strawberrymm @rye-flower @demonslayeranimex @kittenssss-blog-blog @hanatsuki-hime @kxthxrinx3180 @thatw3ird0 @lovely-nayiq @annie-napier @cole-silas @inonezu-808 @witchy-scribblings @drowsydoggy @anjox @xkanrojimitsurix @ahashiraswife @mamayan @flametrashira @crazycatlddy

[starsaroundmyscarsblog]

What would this blog be, without a Taylor-inspired one shot?😄

Right Where You Left Me

Summary: Marc Breaks Your Heart and Leave You Haunted

Marc × reader

Warnings: Angst. Like a shit ton of it. I may have almost cried. Also implementing some lines (sort of) from sad romance songs.

Part II is up BTW - its called happier x happier

Friends get break up, friends get married Strangers get born, strangers get buried

Trends change, rumours fly through new skies

But I'm right where you left me

Today was supposed to be a happy day. You hadn't seen Marc in months, as he'd been doing some private security work in Egypt, under his former officer Raul Bushman, and even though you were used to him being away months at a time, you still got nervous every time you were reunited, and today, especially, you could feel your heart pound.

As you reflected on it later, maybe at the time it had been your body's way of warning you. To turn back, stay in bed all day, not meet Marc at that little restaurant you both loved to go to.

He'd been acting distant for a while. And at first, you thought it'd just been a bad day. But then, a bad day turned into a bad week, and almost a month had passed, and nothing was the same. Whenever you texted him, Marc's answers seemed short, more calculated, like he was having to put effort into spending time with you when it should just come naturally. Still, you were positive that whatever it was bothering him, you would sort it out today when you saw each other. Your relationships had grown so strong because of your ability to talk and communicate with each other.

Matches burn after the other

Pages turn and stick to each other

Wages earned and lessons learned

But I, I'm right where you left me

You blew out the candles in your shared apartment, a lavender scent, bought just so you could make it smell nicer before closing your book and stretching. You had to hurry if you wanted to make it to the airport in time to pick him up. Then, onto the little café right next to the local Barnes and Noble. It was a tradition started when he first started going on tours with the navy. You'd always pick him up at the airport, and he'd buy you a new book, and you two would go to the café for drinks and to talk. In those moments, though the entire world was going by, it felt like all there was was him and his deep brown eyes.

After getting dressed, you headed over to your car and pulled out of the drive, leaving as early as possible. Marc didn't text you when he made landfull, but that didn't matter because you spotted him in front of the airport waiting anyway. You quickly parked and ran up to him, giving him a tight hug, but even though he hugged back, something felt different. You shrugged it off, thinking it was just you. He put his suitcase in the trunk, and climbed into the passenger seat next to you as you pulled out into the main road.

"So do you wanna drop your things home and change, then go to the café, or go there first and maybe get lunch on the way home?" You asked, looking out ahead, to make sure you were turning safely

"Do we have to go to the café today?" He asked "I'm not really feeling it."

You were a little surprised by Marc's answer. Normally he was the one suggesting you go. Thinking he was just in a grumpy mood, you encouraged him

"Oh, come on, it's tradition."

"Fine." He sighed, his reaction hurting you a little, even though you acted like it didn't. Finally, you pulled up to the café and entered, Marc following suit, the comforting smell of cinemmon and coffee warming your heart.

Help, I'm still at the restaurant

Still sitting in a corner I haunt

Cross-legged in the dim light

They say, "What a sad sight"

You made way for the little booth in the corner by the window, where you always sat, since Marc liked to watch the world go by. You smiled at him as you sat down, though he didn't smile back. 'Maybe he didn't see it...' You thought, before one of the waiter's came up to you, asking what you wanted

"Can I have a hot chocolate please?"

"Sure. What about you sir?"

Marc was staring out the window, completely deaf to the waiter's question

"Marc." You shook his arm a little.

"What?" His eyes flickered between you and the waiter "Oh, sorry. Gimme a coffee please."

The waiter went off quickly.

That was weird. He normally got the same as you. Hot chocolate.

I, I swear you could hear a hair pin drop

Right when I felt the moment stop

Glass shattered on the white cloth

Everybody moved on

Marc didn't make any conversation like he normally did, so you decided to sart. You asked him about his time in Egypt, but his answers were short, so after the waiter delivered the drinks, you changed the topic onto yourself, feeling a little awkward. You were just telling him about work when he burst out:

"I met someone."

Time stood still.

I, I stayed there

Dust collected on my pinned-up hair

They expected me to find somewhere

Some perspective, but I sat and stared

"What do you mean?" You asked, though you knew what he meant.

"I met someone," he repeated, slightly louder "In Egypt. Layla. Her name's Layla."

You felt the tears forming, but you wouldn't let them fall. Not now. He couldn’t see you weak.

"How long?" You asked, just stirring your hot chocolate carefully

"What?"

"How long have you loved her. When did you figure it out?"

"Y/N" Marc sighed, leaning back "It doesn't matter."

"Marc, if I'm going to give you up forever to another woman, I deserve to know how long you've loved her."

He sighed again

"I don't know. I didn't plan this," he replied, saying the last part hurriedly."I met her through work, and then, you know, we kept spending more time together -

"And you forgot about me."

"Y/N it's not that simple."

"Isn't it? Another woman came along, and I wasn't important anymore."

"That's not true. It's just different with her."

"How?" You asked."How is any different Marc? Does she sacrifice her sleep and comfort you when you have nightmares or panic attacks? Did she sacrifice a job to be closer to you? Did she sacrifice her dreams so you can live yours? What's so different about her, Marc?"

"Because, the way I love Layla, I can't love you!" He finally snapped, though not loud enough for everyone to hear him.

You couldn't speak. You couldn't move. It was like there was this heavy, depressed weight over you, ridding you of any power.

"And I appreciate everything you've done for me. I'm sorry, Y/N. But you deserve better... Someone who can love you better."

He moved to hold your hand, but you moved away from him, haunted. Frozen.

'I deserve you.' You wanted to say, to scream it out. 'I've been there for you through everything. Not Laila.'

Right where you left me

You left me no, oh, you left me no

You left me no choice but to stay here forever

You left me, you left me no, oh, you left me no

You left me no choice but to stay here forever

Marc stood up, his coffee still untouched. A part of you knew this would be the last time you saw him. But you couldn't move. You wanted to. Hold his hand, bring him back to you, and make him forget Layla. But, you knew, in the pit of your desperate little heart it was. Over.

"I'll my things from the apartment tomorrow."

You couldn't even respond, but your eyes went blurry. He took the keys, got his suitcases out of the car, and returned them to you, almost hesitating.

"Y/N, I-m

"Just go. Please Marc. Just go."

So he did.

You stayed in that café all morning, all afternoon, all evening, all night. The world came and went. And everything was still there. The coffee Marc had gone cold. Yours had been finished earlier in an attempt to console yourself.

If it wasn't for the fact that they had to close at 11, you would have stayed there all night too. You didn't want to go home. You didn't want to face the mind-numbing emptiness of your apartment right now, but you were the one paying for it, so you might as well.

You drove home in silence, parking your car next to your building, before taking the lift up to your floor. For some reason, before you turned the door, you had this strange hope. That Marc would be there, making dinner, that it had all been some terrible but dream, but as you stepped inside, you were faced with the fact that this wasn't some typical nightmare, but your new reality, and so for the first time all day, you let yourself crack, and the tears roll down.

Did you ever hear about the girl who got frozen?

Time went on for everybody else, she won't know it

She's still 23 inside her fantasy

How it was supposed to be

Did you hear about the girl who lives in delusion?

Break-ups happen every day, you don't have to lose it

She's still 23 inside her fantasy

And you're sitting in front of me

A few days after Marc had gotten his things (which had been done with his spare key while you were at work, which he had left on the doormat) you had turned down all the pictures framed of you and him on the shelves and kitchen counter. You didn't have the heart to throw them away. You wanted to, but just couldn't. Your friends had tried to cheer you up, take you out to parties, or introduce you to new guys, but nothing worked. The parties were packed with people, but you found them empty and lifeless, and the dates paled in compared to Marc. Your friends eventually grew tired of hearing that you missed him and told you to "just get over him." But it wasn't that simple. Marc Spector wasn't just another guy. He was your solar system; your universe. There'd never be another him

At the restaurant, when I was still the one you want

Cross-legged in the dim light, everything was just right

I, I could feel the mascara run

You told me that you met someone

Glass shattered on the white cloth

Everybody moved on

So you ended up at the fateful café where Marc broke up with you. You didn't know why. It was where he shattered you in two, but you had also had some of your happiest memories there. When he told you he liked you, then loved you. You could see it now, the dim light reflecting off his bright eyes. It was perfect. Life with him was perfect.

Help, I'm still at the restaurant

Still sitting in a corner I haunt

Cross-legged in the dim light

You revisited that café every day, for you don't know how long. Days, weeks, months, maybe even a year. You were so caught up in him. You couldn't help it. You had never been so happy. Never will be again. Sometimes, when it was dark or rainy, you thought you saw him leaning against a streetlight opposite the café. But then you blinked, and nothing was there. You wondered at that point who you were looking out for by coming there. Why were you at that stupid little place? He didn't go to it anymore. Because of you. He wanted a new life. With someone else. You were the past. Layla was the present. Had your future with him been a lie?

I, I stayed there

Dust collected on my pinned-up hair

I'm sure that you got a wife out there

Kids and Christmas, but I'm unaware

'Cause I'm right where

I cause no harm, mind my business

If our love died young, I can't bear witness

And it's been so long

But if you ever think you got it wrong

A few years had passed, and you were still there. You were sure Marc had moved on by now. Sure, he and Layla were married. Were happy. Maybe she was expecting. Sometimes, you imagined it had been you. You he had chosen to love above everyone else. You hadn't found anyone new. Even though you had tried, it was almost like you were still waiting for him. In case he came back. To you.

I'm right where you left me

You left me no, oh, you left me no

You left me no choice but to stay here forever

You left me

You left me no, oh, you left me no

You left me no choice but to stay here forever

But you knew you would always be there. The world would come and go. Dynasties would rise and fall. People would be born and live, break up, and marry, right here in this quaint little shop. But you would stay here, forever in pain, while Marc spent his forever in love.

[the-tickly-faerie]

Ok prompt: Lee!Hunter, Ler!Darius: Darius training Hunter maybe with abominations and such to distract him with tickles?

Tickly Training

a/n I watched the new Owl house episode and it made me sad so I wrote this lol. I hope it's good! This is like 1000+ words. Warning Major fluff ahead like cavity-inducing fluff. you have been warned.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Bonesborough, with no signs of boiling rain. Kids were playing outside, and young witches were training. One young witch in particle had finally gotten his guardian(dad). Hunter had been begging Darius to train him since he started living with the abomination head. At first, Darius just wanted Hunter to relax from all the crazy stuff that had happened over the past month or so, but Hunter was persistent. He always brought up how he needed to learn what his new magic could do. A good agreement, but Darius was stubborn and made hunter relax as much as he could. After asking and asking Darius finally agreed with a tired but playful smile. He was just happy Hunter was a lot happier and healthier, both physically and mentally. 

“Alright Hunter, we aren’t going to be any type of hard training. We are just going to take it easy-”

“Darius I don’t want you to go easy on me! I won’t get better if you to challenge me! Plus I’ve had way worse done to me so you don’t need to worry!” Hunter flashed a smile, while somehow talking cheerfully about his dark past. Darius reminded himself that Hunter need to get him a therapist. 

“I understand that little prince but- how do I put this. So think of today kinda like a stretch to get your body moving before we get to the heavier stuff. Today is just to ease you back in. Does that make sense?” Darius knows the blonde hates pity so he knew he had to put it in a way that it didn’t sound like pity. 

“Oh I guess that’s smart,” Hunter responded once he understood that it was like stretching.

“All lets start with actual stretching to warm up.” Darius led Hunter through some simple stretches while maybe poking him in the belly and slightly tickling him, just to get him giggling. He thought Hunter’s giggles were brighter and more warm than the sun. He has worked hard to make sure his little prince(son) smiled more. 

First thing they started with was simple dodging. Darius made some abominations to chase after and try to corner hunter. Hunter, in response, would teleport or easily dodge. It was easy for Hunter, Darius knew that but again easy stuff. But Hunter decided that he would take this to playfully be cocky to Darius. Darius loved the banter, because he knew that Hunter felt save to be able to do that.

“Wow this is so easy Darius, I though you were like this big tough coven head? Maybe your the one that needs training,” Hunter said with cockiness in his voice.

“Oh please blondie, if I wanted you I could take you down easily.”

“Nope you can’t! I’m to cool for you” Hunter knew that Darius totally could but it was fun to tease the older man. 

“Little prince, we both know that you can barely handle getting tickled on your tummy. If your enemies knew that they could take you down from that, while cooing about how absolutely adorable you laughter and smile is,” Darius loved to point out that Hunter was extremely ticklish, a side effect of being incredible touched starved. Tickling was a way that they could bond and it encouraged Hunter to laugh and that it was ok to be a kid. 

“Hey! Thats not true!” Hunter blushed furiously. Darius just chuckled. They go back and forth. Each time getting a little harder. At one point Darius decided to test if Hunter was still good at looking at his surroundings. He summoned a couple abmoninations infront of the boy, while putting one at the back. He and Hunter go back and forth teasing Hunter destorying the abominations. Then suddenly without warning Hunter is lifted and trapped in the arms of an abomination. 

“What? Darius this is cheating,” Hunter started squriming. He never noticed that Darius summoned one behind him. He started frowning and feeling like he wasn’t as good as he used to be. Darius let him down from the abomination and walked up to him and put a hard on his shoulder. 

“Don’t look sad and don’t worry about that I was just testing. It’s all about learning,” the dad sense could tell that Hunter was beating himself down. 

“I used to be so good at surveying my surroundings! I was the golden guard for titan’s sake,” Hunter could feel himself getting frustrated. Darius but his hand under the boys chin and lifted his head gently making Hunter look at him. 

“Hunter is okay not to be good at everything. You are learning that’s why we are training. To get better. So stop beating yourself up. You did great.”

“I didn’t though! You went easy on me! I should have been better.”

“I don’t like seeing you sad, so i think you should laugh.” Immediately Hunter knew what Darius meant, and he started to blush. He was now distracted from not being the best, he was now focused on the fact that Darius was getting closer with tickle claws.

“Darius, no I’m not sad anymore! No tick- um, none of those.” Hunter could feel the butterflies swarm his belly and giggles fill up him throat. Hunter started to move backward, Darius moving forward with a smirk. 

“Oh I think you do need tickle little prince. I need to hear you laugh to prove to me that you aren’t even thinking about the thought that you aren’t [erfect and it bad.” Hunter decided that this would be a good time to turn the other direction and run. Of course Darius saw this coming, as Hunter tended to do this when the promise of tickles was made. So Darius summon an abomination to grab Hunter and bring him to Darius.”

“Darharhius nohoh, I don’t nehed them,” the closer Hunter got Darius the more he squirmed and giggles fly out of him. Before he knew it, Darius was right near him. 

“Oh hello little prince,” that was all was said before Darius started tickling Hunter’s belly. His squirming had accidentally made his shirt his up, ‘bad’ for hunter great for Darius. As soon as Darius’s fingers touches Hunter’s tummy, all the giggles hunter was hiding flew out. 

“Darhahrius nohohoh *snort*.”

“Awww there we go. There’s that adorable laugh filled with those snorts! See you not even thinking about earlier.” Darius moves his fingers between Hunter’s belly and his hips. Hunter was full on belly laughing and squirming furiously.

“Oh my, you are being a wiggle worm. Maybe I should start calling you giggle prince or wiggle prince.”

“Nohohoho nohoht thahat nihicknahame,”

“No? Okay I’ll stick with little prince just for you.” 

Hunter’s face was getting redder and redder obviously flustered beyond belief. Hunter was feeling better and lighter completely forgetting about feeling sad. Tickling did really make him feel better, even if it was embarrassing and flustering. 

Darius decided to end with a the most ticklish thing that was known to man. The dreaded raspberries. He took a large breathe and placed a giant ticklish raspberry on Hunter’s neck. Hunter’s laugh rises in octaves, so high Darius was actually surprised of how high it got.

“DHAHAHAHAD,” Hunter screeched, accidentally calling Darius, dad. After the massive rise in octave his laugh go silent and he fell limp completely tickled pink. Darius let hunter get the rest of his giggles out and when he was sure Hunter would fall over from phantom tickles, he had the abomination let him down. 

“Now no more bad-mouthing yourself alright? Or I’ll do that again.” Darius said putting his arm around the blonde boy. Said blonde boy smiled and nodded. Neither mentioned the fatherly name that Hunter screeched out, but it warmed Darius’s heart to know that Hunter thought of him like that. 

“Now let's go inside you need a shower,” Darius said ruffling his hair already messed-up hair. The two walked back to Darius’s house. 

[cupidspup]

Take A Break Pt. 2/2

A/N: This part of the concept thing leaves off of the last part so if you haven't read the last one the beginning of this one may be a little confusing at the beginning :p -Puppy

Prompt: You and your caregiver take the day to spend together [heart] In this part you really start to get in touch with your little roots!

 C/W: parental type names (daddy/dada/mama/mommy/baba ect.)I'm going to try and switch up the names for the sake of being a little more inclusive! 

You start to finish up your apple snack, savoring the cute shapes and a little sad that you won't be able to take them in much anymore. Your caregiver apparently notices this and ruffles your hair. "Don't worry sweetheart, I can cut up some more fruit for you another time if you'd like." They give you a warm smile and you can't help but light up at them. You just love your caregiver so much you can't help it! "Hehe thankie papa!" You smile wide at your caregiver and they grab the last apple slice. 

 "Open wide, little one!" they say with a loving voice. You squirm happily and allow them to feed you the snack, your chest pings as you feel yourself regress even further. "There's my good boy/girl/baby. Now, let me go and wash this plate while you go get your stuffies hm? I bet they're dying to get some playtime with you sweetheart!" You nod happily in agreement and run off to get your favorite stuffies. It doesn't matter how many or if you make a mess. Right now is your time and messes can always be cleaned up later. As you run back to the room your caregiver calls out to you. 

“So, little one, what are we doing with your little friends today?” they say as you set up your plushies one after the other. As you make your plushies sit up in a circle you think of a scene for you both to act out with them. It is a very important job after all. How can you play with your caregiver if there’s no story? Finally you settle on a oldie but a goodie.

 "Oh babyyyyy! Hurry back soon I'm gonna put your cartoons on!" right when they finish calling for you, you're already at the entrance of the living room ready with all of your little friends. "M ready mama! Can we watch [insert cartoon that you like here]?" Your caregiver chuckles and pretends to think for a moment. "I dunno cutie, someone didn't use their manners when they asked. Can you?” You giggle in response, the teasing already giving you butterflies. “Babaaaaa!! Pleeeeease can we watch it?” You bury your face into the stuffies in your arms, the teasing overwhelming yet perfect. “Good job sweetheart! Using their manners so nicely for me!” They quickly switch the channel to the show of your choosing and sit on the floor with you. 

“We gonna play house! N dis one,” you point to your favorite stuffie in the circle, “is the mommy! N dis one is the daddy! N dis one n dis one n dis one are da babies N-” as you ramble and assign roles to your stuffies your caregiver sits and listens. Your caregiver always loved it when you spoke. Hearing you ramble about just anything makes your caregivers heart swell up with joy. Nothing makes them happier than seeing you so deep in your regression and so comfortable to be yourself. Just as you finish assigning roles you give your caregiver their respective stuffie. “Here you take dis one! You’re gonna play this one n m gonna play dis one okie?”. Your caregiver smiles and nods in response, getting into character as they play with you.

Playing with your caregiver is something you’ve always enjoyed. Even though you were shy about it at first it was still fun to do! Sure it took some time but a the end of the day, there’s no one else you’d rather have as your playmate than your caregiver. And they felt so, so honored that you’d choose them as a playmate. Getting to play with you and fulfil your playfulness is one of the things they loved most about being your caregiver. Seeing you become so carefree and happy is what made all of the work worth it. As you both play out the scene, your caregiver makes sure to be interactive with you. Leaving not a second of silence or awkward pauses for you. They understand that in order for you two to play without any trouble is for them to reciprocate your playfulness! Playing is never boring or embarrassing with your caregiver around. Your caregiver melts from your cuteness as you play. Your favorite thing about playing with your stuffies is when your caregiver makes silly and cute voices for your little friends! You love the personalities that they do it makes everything much more fun! Soon enough you start to get tired of playing with your fluffy friends and little yawns start to escape from you. Today has taken more energy out of you more than you thought.

“Hey baby boy/girl, is someone getting tired?” Your caregiver says as you start to slow down with your playing. Your cheeks start to heat up at the mention and you start to pout a little.

“Nu-uh! M not sleepy!” you exclaim at your caregiver, though your droopy eyes and slow movements say completely otherwise. Your caregiver puts their stuffie down gently and moves to face you. “Sweetheart you’ve done a lot of stuff today, it’s okay if you need a little bit of naptime to recharge. Your toys will always be around, cutie. We can always keep playing when you wake up.” You start to fuss at the mention of naptime. You don’t wanna nap yet! You just started playing didn’t you? Or at least it felt like it. You try and fight back with your caregiver but you can’t help another yawn as you rub your eyes. Okay maybe a nap doesn’t sound too bad right now. Pouting as you speak you finally stop playing and move to your caregiver’s arms. “You promise we keep playing after naptime, mommy?” Your caregiver smiles and nods, rubbing your back gently as they lift you up. “Of course, prince/princess/princex. We can do absolutely whatever you’d like after you’ve taken your nap. Now, do you want baba’s help with some pj’s? Or can you do it all by yourself?” You take a minute to think about it before clinging onto your caregiver. They chuckle and pat your back softly. “Haha okay, I’ll help you little one.”

They carry you and set you down on your bed and turning to grab a onesie for you. “Alrighty honey, which onesie would you prefer for me to give you?” They hold up a few different color options, all being footed onesies to keep you nice and cozy while you sleep. You point to the one that is your favorite color and make an affirmative sound to tell them that’s your choice today. They put the rest of the onesies back and lay the one you’ve picked out on the bed next to you. “Excellent choice my little one, you’ll look so great in this one!” With a kiss on your forehead they help you into your onesie, tickling your tummy quickly before zipping up your onesie.

“Does my baby want something to drink before they take their nap? A bottle or a sippy with some milk maybe?” Immediately you perk up and nod. Drinking from a bottle/sippy always makes you feel perfectly small! “Mhmm mhmm yes pleas, baba!”

“You got it cutie, you sit here with [insert favorite stuffie’s name here] while I go get that for you little one.” They hand you your favorite stuffie and you cuddle them close. The feeling of their fabric on your face so nice and comforting to you. Before your caregiver leaves the room they kiss your head and ruffle your hair, uttering a small “cutie” as they leave. While they’re gone you settle into your bed, bringing some more of your friends in with you. You yawn and sigh after, even though you want to do work like you had planned earlier you have to admit one thing. It’s nice to regress again after not doing so for so long. Seeing your caregiver be so attentive and so happy to look after you brings you so many butterflies. ‘Why did I ever stop regressing in the first place?’, you think to yourself. As you make yourself comfy your caregiver is back in the room.

“Awe sweetheart don’t fall asleep yet! I’ve got your drink right here!” They hand you your bottle/sippy and you gladly take it. You give them a sleepy smile and take some sips. Your caregiver then gives you a kiss on your cheek before turning to leave, but you won’t let them leave that easily. How could you possibly go to sleep without some cuddles from your caregiver? Whining at them with a pout you make some grabby hands at them and they turn around. “Oh how silly of me! How could I have possibly forgotten my baby’s bedtime cuddles? Scoot over, my sleepy baby! Mommy’s coming for ya!” And true to their word, they climb into bed with you and snuggle you close. They softly pat your back as you sip on your bottle/sippy, already drifting to sleep.  The sound of your soft snores and cooing fills the room. And of course, your caregiver has you safe and comfortable in their arms. Naptime is always safe with them around.

“Good night my sweet thing. I’ll be here when you wake up and we’ll play whatever your little self wants. I love you so much baby. Sweet dreams. ♡”

[checkoutmybookshelf]

The Middle School Series That Frankly Should Have Been More Popular Than It Was

So seventh grade for me was horrendous for a variety of reasons, from the remnants of a full-on poodle perm to being actively and horrifically allergic and asthmatic (yes, both things) to the building. My saving grace that year was a standing hall pass to the library during lunch, and Cameron Dokey's The Storyteller's Daughter.

The Once Upon a Time is Timeless series is a firmly middle grade set of fairy and folk tale retellings, and frankly for what they are, they are worlds better than they had any right to be. As is a common refrain on this blog, I do own more of this series, but they're in tubs in my dad's basement in Alaska, so we're just gonna cover the three that I physically have in my possession on my current book shelf 3,000 miles away from those book tubs.

I want to start with The Storyteller's Daughter, because this was the first of these books that I read and was my first book introduction to the Arabian Nights (my actual first introduction was the Wishbone episode, because I was a PBS 90s kid). That said, the cover on my shelf is not the cover that drew me in, no. My 12-year-old, did not know that Orientalism was a thing self saw this cover on the shelf,

and literally could not check this book out fast enough. Sterotypical cover design aside, the stories within the frame narrative were lovely, and there was a lush, comforting quality to the prose itself that was immensely required for a very sad, very sick seventh grader. This was the literary equivalent of a luxury hot choclate that I could have every day at lunch, tucked into a chair in the library (no, I didn't eat lunch for that entire school year because I felt so awful and just wanted my books). As of writing this post more years later than I care to put a number on, I still have not managed to read the actual Arabian Nights, so I'm not going to comment on adaptation. I will simply say that this book saved my sanity as a middle schooler, and for that reason alone I will never not recommend Shaharazad's story and the stories she and her mother tell.

I could talk about issues of orientalism, cultural appropriation, and fetishizing the Arabic world, and the academic in me is refusing to let this pass without saying that those are issues that have a valid place in the overall conversation, because series that uncritically retell other cultures' stories lean hard into problematic--and this series does this for their Mulan retelling too. But even bearing all of that in mind, I wouldn't shy away from recommending this series to middle schoolers who desperately need comfort stories.

I found Suzanne Weyn's The Diamond Secret as an undergrad, when I was trying (and ultimately failing) to conceive a research project around the weird pervasiveness of retellings of the folk tale about Anastasia's survival and how, even after the family's bodies were discovered in the 1980s, the discovery was made public in the 1990s, and the family were reinterred in...I want to say like 2014? People were still desperate to tell a happier story, in which the Grand Duchess who inexplicably captured imaginations got to live a full life. I still have my collection of both historical books about the Romanovs and fiction versions of the Anastasia story, and this is by far my favorite fiction version.

I might still write that research project some day, because the mythologizing of a 17-year-old is just a fascinating process to my academic mind, but today is not this day. Today, I want to gush about how well this version of the story was done. Nadya's story has some grit, some actual danger, and revolves around actual human emotions, not a makeover. Like this book is the movie Don Bluth and Gary Goldman wanted to make, but they ended up with a Disney princess clone that sucked so much of the character work that made this book so good.

Finally we come to the eyebrow raiser of these three books, Suzanne Weyn's The Night Dance. I wouldn't have automatically mashed up an Arthurian side character with the 12 dancing princesses fairy tale, but y'know, it's not the worst mash-up I've ever read, and the 12 danging princesses are extremely flexible in terms of how you want to contextualize them and what other IP you want to cross them with (just off the top of my head, Barbie did the 12 dancing princesses, and Juliet Marillier adapted it for her Wildwood Dancing). This book is fine, but it's one of the more forgettable versions of this particular fairy tale, so if you want to jump into this series, I don't recommend starting here. I also don't recommend skipping it completely, so have a resounding "it's fine."

[ninjago-fa-story]

Ninjago FA Prequel: Restart Chapter 5: Past Life

Life's been going great recently, asides from the fact that I can physically feel Cruz's absence within my body. I do have the full element, but I also possess the one part that once belonged to him, which is something my body is not used to. This would not be too much of a problem if he were around, but he isn't. All I can do at the moment is to wait it out, which I know will happen eventually, if given time. Aniela sure knows how to take care of me in a way it makes me feel comfortable, I felt better in just about 3-and-a-half weeks.

It was one of those days where Aniela and I just sit and chat for a while, joined by Bethany and Liberty. I may not have existed in this timeline until recently, but most of the events I knew of still happened, minus the serpentine war. Take Liberty as an example: Her personality is the same as the one I got used to; bubbly, energetic and never sitting still. Her jokes are just as bad, but still amusing nonetheless. Today, she has been showing me Polaroids of her husband, whom she just recently got married to, the same guy she married in my time, except that it happened a lot sooner, around 15 years ago. Everything takes its time I guess, and who knows, maybe that will cause fate to play out differently, too.

Chatting with her felt somewhat comforting, this entire restart does, to be honest. "You know, Cliff is a very talented actor, and an even better husband. He is always right by my side when I wake up, softly smiling during his sleep. I can tell he is just as happy with me than I am with him. We truly are soulmates." The way she was talking about him made me wonder how they ended up so driven apart. For all I know, she went as far and abandoned her own child after leaving him. This was the first time I genuinely felt sorry for a fate I don't have anything to do with, it's not like I could have avoided it. Even if I would have tried, the chances of him believing me are almost equal to zero. In the end, knowing the truth may not actually help, but worsen the situation completely. I wish I could just disappear like this. No sorrow. No sadness. No painful memories. Just nothing. I wish I could just disappear and make all the terrible things that happened because of me come undone. Everyone would be a lot happier without me. I caused immense pain. My life just doesn't matter…

"Hey Adonis, are you alright? You seem to be quite shaken up by something…" Whatever it was that she said, it brought me back to reality right away. Her gentle and motherly voice gave me a feeling of safety, yet I was able to feel that something bothers her. It is I who was the reason. "Sorry for being a burden to you..." I swallowed a big chunk of air, not really knowing how to put it. As soon as these words left my mouth, an uncomfortable sensation ran down spine, knowing that I probably won the lottery with them. But the truth couldn't be any further from my expectation. "Oh heavens! You aren't a burden, dear! I am actually quite glad to have a roommate like you, it was ways to quiet before you moved in! Besides, I really like taking care of you, because I know you would do the same thing for me. Well, at least I hope so. I want to show you that not every person you meet always wishes you the worst."

My body felt achy and cold, yet so stiff and warm at the same time. My breath got pretty unstable just thinking of the heavy weight I put on others, but Aniela's soft hand on my shoulder calmed my mind down enough for me to snap back into reality. I was not alone, and I certainly won't be ever again. "Your life is what you make of it. Nobody can tell you what to do. You are not someone else's puppet, you are you. I know what you have been going through and I can tell you are happy to be free, but don't let the past control your future." "For once I feel like I can finally be happy and start a new life. It's one of my biggest dreams come true, but I have lost everything once before, I don't want it to happen again." Aniela remained silent the entire time, just sitting there to offer me comfort. Even Liberty decided to help by bringing me a glass of water. To be honest, that was something I have always appreciated about her, she is always friendly and tries to help wherever she can. It was a trait I learned to appreciate in the previous timeline, that apparently didn't change in this one. The four of us decided to have a sleepover tonight, just like real friends do, throwing me back to a time long ago.

---

"Hey Acronix, may I come in? I am somewhat lonely all by myself." "I thought we aren't supposed to be in other people's rooms... But I will allow it. The others cannot expect us to stay all by ourselves the entire time, can't friends stay over at another friend's place? Besides, we have always trusted each other."

"I guess. It's just that Kōri is neighboring my room and the walls are kind of thin... His room is so cold, that I need two heaters to keep mine somewhat warm. And your brother snores." "I know. He just sleeps badly, that's all. You should get used to it after a while."

Neither of the two were able to properly sleep that night, so they decided to beat time by playing some board games. As hours went by, even more Elemental Masters decided joining the late-night game session, and soon the entire monastery gathered around a game of Hazard. Despite the initial dissatisfaction stemming from Wu and Garmadon, even they did not mind, despite the training planned for the next day. They figured that a day of wouldn't hurt anybody, as long as they are prepared for what's to come. it was the first time in the History of the Elemental Alliance that every single member engages in a single action.

All except for one. Krux was unable to sleep, just like his brother has suspected. He instead paced around the Monastery, blocking out the laughter and conversations that originated from a single spot. He tries fighting it for a while, but it gets increasingly strenuous the longer he tries. Maybe it is just best to give in and let his mind consume him, it will surface sooner or later anyways, it's better willingly than forcefully.

"Brother! What are you doing here? I heard steps and had no idea you were awake. Maybe you want to join us? We are playing Hazard. Looks like Bhāra is winning though."

"What are you guys doing?! You know the Serpentine are on the rise! It's our duty to protect this world! We can't be prepared if we are playing games all night! We need to be well-rested to be able to fight. Don't forget that, Adonis." "The world is not just about fighting, brother! Where is the fun in that? I would prefer not having to, anyways. Why aren't you happy that we don't have to focus on a potential war for one second?" "It might start sooner than you think! Don't be irresponsible!" "We are only 17, Cruz. All our life it has just been about the protection of this world, how to use our powers in battle and how to avoid being killed. I want something else. I want that carefree teenage-hood everyone keeps talking about. And don't forget what you have done, either. You can be glad i didn't tell anyone that you are the one responsible for their deaths. You live for the fight, which is exactly what padre has warned us about. Don't think we can win a fight just because we have Elemental Powers, using them to much can cause disaster. No matter what power, there is always a risk." "Don't come with padre, Adonis! He isn't here anymore, and he is certainly not coming back, either. Don't you dare talking about him ever again! I told you millions of times that it was another me who is responsible for all this. How dare you think that I wanted to kill them." Krux snapped at his brother in such a loud voice that even the other Elemental Masters got alarmed about the situation, making their way to the battleground. The older brother quickly got a hold of the younger's throat, almost suffocating him to death, just before throwing him against the nearby door, which gave in under the pressure. Adonis was back on his feet just as quickly, unsuccessfully attempting to calm his brother down. Cruz grabbed a nearby sword, pointing it towards his brother, who received a fairly deep cut in the process. Right on his cheek. "I don't want to fight. I never did... I just want my brother back!" "There is no brother anymore, weakling. It's just me, your biggest FEAR!" Acronix swiftly ran back outside to where the other Elementals were standing, getting Bhāra to hold the other back in place. The twin struggled to free himself from the invisible force, but once he did, he just plummeted to the floor, drained from all his energy. "What... just happened? Why am I... here...? Brother? Is that you?" The Time Elemental had no clue about what to say, he just ran over to his brother to embrace him in a hug.

Krux was locked up in his room after that. Every single Elemental Master lost their trust after what has happened. Even if it was true that Krux was just a vessel for something greater, that thing is out to cause harm, they can't risk letting it lose. However, it never resurfaced and Krux was out to slowly re-socialize again. The others couldn't quite recognize their friend, he has really changed since. The older Time Elemental really tried his best, which made the others very happy. Acronix's wound has healed up fast, thanks to some minor use of his own Elemental Power, but the scar will probably forever stay where it is now. The recent battle has left an emotional trauma that keeps Acronix up at night. There is just so much about it that his mind cannot comprehend. "Hey Liberty, I once again have a restless night. Can I stay at your place? I don't want to be alone." "Heh, guess you are asking me for advice after last time. Want to talk about it?" "I am just worried about my brother. He is acting weirdly nice over the past few weeks. While he is probably just trying his best to regain our trust again, i can't help but wonder if it even him doing all this. What if it is just FEAR acting as him? I hope so much that it is the first case, I really don't want to lose him, he is all I have ever since he ki- our parents died. I really miss them, but knowing that my brother is around eases the pain a little. Well, it did until now. Now I am just scared about anything that could potentially happen at some point in time. I am genuinely terrified just thinking about it. I wish these two strangers never came into our lives, they ruined him. They ruined everything. I know I swore of fighting to the best of my abilities, but it these two men ever cross our paths again, I will coldly end their lives without hesitation. They don't deserve life. They took the only people I ever knew to love, they deserve to get the same fate. Maybe then I can finally be at peace. Maybe then that thing will finally leave my brother at peace. I WANT THIS PAIN TO JUST STOP!" "He killed them. didn't he?" Acronix just quietly nodded, keeping his head low, eyes pointed at the ground. Liberty did the only right thing and embraced the male, who was clearly shaken up by the current conversation. There was nothing but pain and fear within his head, so much so that he has difficulties to handle them sometimes. His friend's act of kindness released those worries, however. There was absolutely nothing but her steady heartbeat and her calm breathing and for just a short period of time, there was absolutely nothing inside his mind.