#i won't say (i'm in love)

[vera-deville]

I Will Say (I'm in Love)

08/04/2023 - 04/30/2024

Pairing: Leona Kingscholar x Reader Word Count: 2,787 Warnings: A fair amount of cursing; Reader's outfit is a dress and is decidedly purple; Reader does go through a little bit of a mental breakdown (I personally blame all the stress of NRC), but I promise it's gonna be alright- Gender: AFAB Tags: @viviennevermillion, @achy-boo, @savanaclaw1996, @otomyoli, @chroniccorvus Notes: This is the second part to this fic, so please check that out before reading this! Rook is basically a fairy godmother (even tho he's a stalker, but we don't talk about that). Oh, and I made a reference to Savanaclaw Rook, because he's been living in my head rent-free and thERE ARE NO FICS ABOUT IT DARN IT-

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

In which Y/N eventually does say that she's in love.

"Shit." Y/N hissed as she swung open the wardrobe door, only to reveal that there were no decent dresses.

"For fuck's sake!" The girl screeched, running her hands through her hair and yanking at it. Only the Great Seven could help her at this point. Did any of them specialize in luck with money? Or even better yet, did any of them specialize in stopping a person from splurging all their hard earnt bribed thaumarks on art supplies?

Grim wasn't even there to help with this whole fiasco!

Who else could she ask for money? Azul? No, that one's too slippery. Kalim? No, that one's guarded by a snake and talks too much. Vil? But that one's...

That one's perfect! He wouldn't be able to resist helping out someone to look fabulous! Besides, Y/N could handle potato insults for a bit if it meant getting a fabulous dress picked out by Vil Schoenheit himself.

And so the Prefect of Ramshackle ran as fast as her legs would carry her, all the way to the house of Pomefiore. It's a pretty name, filled with pretty people, but at this moment, only one pretty person mattered.

"VIIIILLLLL! I NEEEEEED YOUR HEEEELLLLLPPPP!"

That should grab his attention.

And grab his attention it did, because mere seconds later, a tall blonde stormed into the common room, vial of poison ready in his hand for the heathen that dared summon him in such a manner.

But before he could get a word in, Y/N asked, no begged him for help with a dress. And of course, him being the gracious queen he is, he couldn't leave the potato in such a state.

"Coral, though a nice color, would be far too bright for you for this event." Holding up a card of azure up to Y/N's shoulder, Vil decided that also would not do the trick. "Perhaps a glowy yellow brown?" Y/N perked at the fabric Vil held in his hands. It was just a small square piece of fabric, but it looked oh so pretty. Like sand glimmering in the sunlight.

And then suddenly the sun lit sand turned into purple.

A very familiar purple, though Y/N couldn't quite put her finger on it. Scrunching his face in contemplation, Vil nodded to himself before letting Y/N know that she should opt for a dress in that shade of lavender.

Which is how Y/N found herself in a shopping mall, looking high and low for a vaguely familiar shade of purple in a dress that she should have gotten ready long ago. Earlier, Y/N had pondered about who to bring with her (if she chose to bring anyone at all) to the mall to help her find just the right dress. Vil was the obvious choice, but Y/N wasn't sure she wanted to indulge in his kindness more than she already had. Rook was also a good choice, but Y/N didn't feel like admitting anything to him at the current moment (though knowing his nature, he probably already knew everything).

In the end, Y/N went by herself, not confident enough to bring anyone with her. In the hours she had to get ready for her event, Y/N had something of an epiphany. Anxiety was a bitch. No shade of purple seemed to match the shade card Vil had given her. And if she did find a dress in the color, the dress was not one she'd think herself beautiful in. In the off chance that she'd find a dress that was the right shade and style, Y/N would immediately go an try it on - only to despise the way it fit around her body.

This was now the 7th store that Y/N had walked into in hopes of finding the perfect lavender dress that eluded her grasps so.

And right off the bat, there was a beautiful dress. In the same shade Vil had instructed her to buy. In a style that made her heart pick up the pace because it was simply and utterly beautiful. Making a beeline towards the dress, Y/N gently ran her hands through the fabric. Good, it wasn't itchy. She pulled the dress to the side in such a way that she could see the back, but the dress still hung on the rack, and she could feel a heave of relief making its way through her lips. It was just right.

Her heart was racing now, and Y/N couldn't shake the grin off her face, and for once, she didn't even care. Speed-walking towards the dressing rooms, Y/N nearly threw open one of the stall's doors, and locked herself inside immediately. Hanging her purse on a hook, she stripped out her clothes and slipped the dress over her head and down her body.

Except it wasn't going down her body.

It was stuck at her hips.

With a gentle fury, Y/N pulled at the dress, trying to force the thing down her thighs.

It wasn't going down.

Looking back up at the mirror, as though it would be some sort of saving grace, she continued to try to pull the dress down, but no avail.

Eventually, she zeroed in on her eyes in the mirror, and that's when Y/N stopped for a brief moment. She took in her appearance. Dress half worn, frown embedded, sweat glistening, hair frenzied, shoes thrown in some corner, and worst of all: tears beginning to form.

In a moment of rash wrath, Y/N pulled the dress off her, and threw it against the mirror, letting the tears pour out her eyes as she hugged herself and turned away from the mirror.

It's like not a single thing would go her way and it was stupid, worrying this much over a dress, but that wasn't all there was to it. It wasn't just the dress. It was the event, the school, the people, it was the whole world she'd been dropped into.

Aware that she was still technically in a public setting and should maintain at least some semblance of decorum, Y/N kept her sobs and sniffles to herself.

Knock knock.

Whipping her head up, Y/N realized that an employee was knocking on the door, and sniffed once more. Wiping her eyes and her face and wearing the clothes and shoes she originally walked in with, she grabbed her purse and the damned lavender dress, plastered a smile on her face, and opened the door.

No need to burden others with her own burdens.

Except standing outside the door was no employee, but rather Rook Hunt.

Bewildered, Y/N rubbed her eyes again in hopes that she was hallucinating and wasn't actually seeing Rook Hunt right after she had an emotional breakdown.

Sadly, she was in fact seeing Rook Hunt after said emotional breakdown.

"What a magnificent coincidence my dear Trickster!" Rook said as he walked with Y/N out of the dressing rooms of the store.

"Uh, yeah, pretty cool coincidence Rook. What're you doing here?" Y/N asked, trying to move the focus away from her and on to Rook. If he noticed, he didn't make it known. He simply continued to prattle on about a new fashion line from a brand he liked.

The thing about Rook that Y/N enjoyed at this particular moment was how despite the fact that he was here to buy something for himself, he simply followed Y/N wherever she went while occasionally interrupting to ask if a particular garment would look good on him or not. (Y/N was sure he knew that it would look good on him, and that he simply wished to hear someone else say it).

It hadn't been too long since Y/N had returned the lavender dress she'd tried to wear to an employee at the store and had instead opted to accompany Rook to the store that had the new line he was looking for (as a change of pace of some sort). The store itself was very high-end, that much she could tell, and while she'd always had a rough suspicion that Rook was in fact secretly rich, him perusing through everything that caught his eye in the store (which was a lot) without bothering about the prices certainly cemented the suspicion in Y/N.

Mindlessly scanning her eyes through the aisles visible to her as she waited for Rook to emerge from his dressing room, Y/N scrunched her face as she remembered her dressing room incident from earlier. Even though she was feeling a lot better now, it didn't change the fact that she still had no dress, and was running out of time to get ready.

Bam!

The door smack open dramatically with an even more dramatic figure emerging from the depths within.

Rook actually looked really nice. He clearly had a good eye for these things, even if most of those things were taught to him by Vil. Apparently there was a time where Rook was in Savanaclaw, and was something of a diamond in the rough (Vil's words, not hers). Before Vil got used to Rook being...well, Rook, he had given him an atrocious bob cut in hopes of Rook finally leaving him alone.

Spoiler alert, it did not work. In fact, Rook embraced the haircut so much that he hasn't changed it since he first got it, and he certainly hasn't stopped his usual Rook self.

Personally, Y/N couldn't imagine Rook looking any different. But no matter how much she pestered either Rook or Vil for old photos of him from back in Savanaclaw, neither would budge (one because it was too hideous and the other because he simply found it fun to tease her).

"Trickster? Are you alright?" Rook asked Y/N who was lost in thought.

"Hmm?" Y/N hummed, snapping out of her thoughts. "Oh yeah, I'm alright. Sorry, I was just thinking about something." Doing a once-over of Rook, she said, "You look great."

Before she could get another word in, Rook slyly side-stepped her and made his way to some corner of the store not fully visible from where she was standing. Confused, Y/N tried leaning over to see where he'd gone, but when she couldn't see anything, she simply turned back and waited for him to come back.

He'd most probably seen something else he wanted to buy and was getting it.

Pulling out her phone, Y/N realized that she had less than an hour to get ready, and sighed. Still no dress. No completed hair or makeup. No nothing.

It was at this moment that Rook popped up in front of her face.

"There you are! Did you find something you wanted to try on-" Y/N asked when she looked at what Rook was holding in his hands.

It was a dress.

It was lavender in color.

It looked beautiful.

"I saw this dress, and I immediately thought that it would suit you so well! Hurry, go try it on~" Rook explained as he shoved Y/N towards the dressing room.

Sputtering, Y/N could only hold onto the dress thrust onto her arms as she was pushed by Rook. Once inside the room, she looked at the mirror.

Sigh.

Here we go again.

Tugging off her clothes, she pulled the dress over her figure with all the time she had.

Not looking at the mirror, she pulled the dress down her thighs. It went down just fine.

Huh.

Running her hands down the fabric and smoothening out any of the wrinkles in place, Y/N finally looked at her reflection. The dress was slightly loose, but not in a bad way. It gave her room to breathe. Besides, it'd probably shrink after she threw it in the wash. Y/N twirled around, watching the movement of the dress closely. It actually looked nice.

Hesitantly, Y/N brought her hand to the lock on the door and after taking in a deep breath, she opened it.

Rook was waiting patiently, and the look on his face when he saw her in the dress gave her some amount of confidence as she walked out.

"You look beautiful."

Y/N knew he wasn't lying. He'd never lie when it came to matters of beauty. But she also knew that he wasn't exaggerating. Rook, as dramatic and odd as he was, wasn't someone to exaggerate beauty. He simply spoke his mind, and that was something she respected about him.

"It certainly is a nice dress, but I can't pay for it Rook. I didn't bring enough." Y/N told him with a sad smile.

"Who said anything about you paying? I have already paid for the dress. All that you need to do is wear it!" Rook stated happily.

Despite being short of money most if not all the time, and bribing NRC's headmaster for payments (which in all honesty were well-deserved, taking into account all the work she did for him) amongst other things, Y/N had a certain respect for money. And a certain pride regarding money too. Especially when her friends were involved.

"Rook, I can't do that. This is way too expensive, and I'm not going to make you pay for it. I can't repay you, so I'm just not going to get this dress."

"Once again, Trickster, the dress has already been paid for. I didn't do this expecting you to pay me back, so don't worry about it, and just look like your prepossessing self."

Y/N could feel her eyes tear up again for the second time that day.

Before Rook could tell her to not ruin her face with tears, Y/N jumped him in a suffocating hug (one not unlike Floyd's infamous hugs) and thanked him profusely. Smiling, he looked down at her and wrapped her in an embrace of his own. She deserved much for everything she did around the school and more, and if this could be even a little helpful, he'd do it again.

"Now, now, don't cry Y/N." At the use of her name, she looked up at Rook's face. "You have something to attend, don't you? You can't do that if you're busy crying in a mall with me, now can you?"

Sniffing, Y/N nodded, and pulled back from Rook, wiping her tears away (luckily there weren't as much as before). "Did Vil tell you I was going on a date with Leona?" She asked.

"A date? With Leona!?" Rook exclaimed, much to Y/N's surprise. "I never thought I would see the day come!"

"Wait, so you didn't know?"

"My dear trickster, how could I have possibly known?"

With one more suspicious glance, Y/N dropped the subject.

"When is your date Trickster?"

"It's in less than an hour from now. Why?"

"And hour!? We have no time left." Rook cried out. Without missing a beat, he dragged Y/N with him out the store and to a salon that was just a few stores down. Sitting her down, he instructed an employee as to what to do with her (he was very particular when he told the employee to have the dress in perfect shape). For a second, he vaguely resembled Vil. This time, Y/N paid for the services herself, not taking no from Rook as an answer.

When all was said and done, Rook stood in front of Y/N, absorbing all the details, trying to figure out of it was all enough. A tiny bit of fuzz was on her shoulder, so he plucked it off smoothly before she could question anything.

"I-Thank you Rook. You have no idea how much this all means to me." Y/N told Rook.

"I would do anything for love to prevail *mon filou. And I would do even more for you." Rook told Y/N.

Smiling at Rook, she said, "You were right. I do like Leona. No, I love him. A lot. And by the looks of it, he likes me too!" Giving him one more hug, Y/N walked away, purse in hand, excited for her date with Leona.

"Ah, young love~ Whatever could be more beautiful?" Rook asked himself in a cheerful voice as he watched Ramshackle's Prefect walk off into the distance, one step at a time to her fairytale ending. Rook felt himself proud of reaching the mall just in time to help Y/N (her purse certainly helped in tracking her down).

That's two lovebirds he's helped today!

Turning back around and wandering through the mall, Rook wondered who he'd be helping next.

Author's Note: As you can see from the dates, I really took my time with this one. When I first started writing this last year, I was planning to write about Leona and Reader's date, or more specifically, how the date was arranged and all that fun stuff, but when I sat down to write today, it just went in a completely different direction. I've never really incorporated Rook into my writings (and if I did, he's there for like three sentences), but unpredictably, he ended up playing a larger role in this fanfic. If you'd like a third part to this where we find out about how Leona and Y/N even ended up agreeing to go on a date with each other, or perhaps we find out who Rook helped or is going to help, feel free to let me know!

Masterlist

[your-name-is-jim]

What Spock would sing as a Disney princess

(feat. Bones and everyone else being so done)

Listen, I have no excuse for this, but I did my best, so I hope someone will like it! :D

[melody-everbelle]

I Won’t Say I’m In Love (Wally Darling x Reader)

Title: I Won’t Say I’m In Love

Pairing: Wally Darling x gender neutral!reader

Word count: 593

Featured character(s): Julie Joyful, Sally Starlet, and Poppy Partridge

Warning(s): Denial, persuasion, and fluff :3

Summary: You try to convince yourself that falling in love with Wally is a bad idea. However, your neighbors think the opposite. 😉

Author's Note: Another Wally Darling fanfic! 🎉

I based this fanfic off of the aforementioned scene from Disney’s Hercules, so I hope you enjoy musical fanfics 🥰

***

You were out on a date with Wally Darling. During the event, Wally picked out your favorite flower and handed it to you. Before the date was over, he kissed your cheek and wished you goodnight.

As the night went on, you sat alone in the garden, admiring the flower that Wally gave you. Moments of you and him together crossed your mind, causing your heart to slightly flutter, and your cheeks to glow pink.

"Oh, Y/N," you said to yourself. "To think you have feelings for him."

After looking around to make sure that no one was around, you began to sing out loud.

(Y/N) If there's a prize for rotten judgement, I guess I've already won that No puppet's worth the aggravation That's ancient history, been there, done that

To your surprise, your friends, Julie Joyful, Sally Starlet, and Poppy Partridge tagged along. You tossed the flower away, only for Julie to catch it.

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) Who d'you think you're kidding? He's the earth and heaven to you Try to keep it hidden, Honey we can see right through you Girl/boy/hon, you can't conceal it We know how you're feeling Who you're thinking of

Julie walked over to return the flower to you, but you rejected it to her dismay.

(Y/N) No chance, no way, I won't say it, no no

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) You swoon, you sigh, why deny it? Oh oh

(Y/N) It's too... cliche I won't say I'm in love

You walked away from the trio to give yourself a break. As you continued touring around the garden, you couldn't help but mentally visualize romantic scenarios.

(Y/N) I thought my heart had learned its lesson It feels so good when you start out My head is screaming "Get a grip girl/boy/hon" Unless you're dying to cry your heart out

Julie, Sally, and Poppy followed along.

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) You keep on denying Who you are and how you're feeling Baby we're not buying Hon, we saw you hit the ceiling Face it like a grown-up When you gonna own up that you got, got, got it bad?

Eventually, you walked around an area of the garden where there were statues of the residents of the Neighborhood.

(Y/N) No chance no way I won't say it, no no

You accidentally bumped into a statue of Wally, causing you to grin and blush.

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) Give up, give in, check the grin you're in love

Embarrassed, you recoiled from the statue.

(Y/N) This scene won't play, I won't say I'm in love

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) You're doing flips, read our lips: you're in love!

(Y/N) You're way off base, I won't say it

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) She/he/they won't say it, no

You eventually returned to the spot where Wally kissed your cheek.

(Y/N) Get off my case, I won't say it

Altogether, Julie, Sally, and Poppy place the flower next to you.

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) Girl/boy/hon, don't be proud, it's okay you're in love

Recognizing the flower, you brought it close to your face. You finally realized that your love for Wally was valid.

(Y/N) Ooh, at least out loud, I won't say I'm in love

While singing the last word, you leaned back towards a large, gnarled tree and fell asleep shortly after.

(Julie, Sally, and Poppy) Shoo-loo, shoo-loo, shoo-loo sha-la-la-la-la-la, ahh 💖

[maiochiruhanabira7]

MY MAN LOID IS DOWN BAD FR and it’s apparently for ‘the mission’ 😔

“No chance no way I won't say it, no no it’s too cliche I won't say I'm in love”

It’s getting embarrassing now 🤡

[the-banana-0verlord]

I won’t say (I’m in love) (Idia Shroud X Reader)

Note: Gn reader, maybe ooc, songfic, a bit of a crackfic tbh, go watch the cover by Annapantsu on youtube!

***

You picked a white flower from a nearby tree and handed it to Idia. You had invited him on a date on main street. Your smile illuminated the night, making his hair flush pink. As the date got to an end, you kissed his cheek and wished him goodnight.

Idia looked at the statue of the King of the Underworld, remembering the night’s events. Behind him, he heard Ortho approach.

« Nii-san! How was your date?

-It was... fine.

-Your hair’s all pink and you’re heartbeat is irregular. Brother, you’re in love!

-Me? In love? You gotta be kidding.

He sat on a bench, the image of your smile flashing through his mind as he looked to the flower you gifted him.

« If there's a prize for rotten judgement I guess I've already won that No person is worth the aggravation That's ancient history Been there, done that»

Ortho followed his brother as he headed to the dorm, stepping in front of him.

« Who'd you think you're kidding? They’re the earth and heaven to you Try to keep it hidden Brother, I can see right through you Nii, you can't conceal it, I know how you're feeling Who you're thinking of.»

Idia pushed his sibling aside.

« No chance! No way! I won't say it, no, no.»

Ortho took his arm and pulled him to the direction from where you left.

« You swoon, you sigh Why deny it?»

With difficulty, The taller boy broke through the grip.

« It's too cliché  I won't say I'm in love.»

He entered the portal room, stroking richly decorated pillar with the tip on his fingers.

« I thought my heart had learned its lesson It feels so good when you start out  My head is screaming, "Get a grip, boy!"  Unless you're dying to cry your heart out.»

He tried to enter the Ignihyde portal, but Ortho blocked with his body.

« You keep on denying who you are and how you're feeling  Nii, I’m not buying, San, I saw you hit the ceiling Face it like a grown-up  When you gonna own up that you got, got, got it bad? »

Idia frowned. He was sure to deactivate Ortho for a while when he’ll get to his room, if he gets there.

« No chance! No way! I won't say it, no, no.»

Ortho grabbed his face and forced him to look him in the eyes.

« Give up, give in Check the grin, you're in love.»

Idia saw it as an opening and bolted through the mirror.

« This scene won't play I won't say I'm in love.»

He erupted in the lounge, his students staring at him with surprise. Ortho followed soon after.

« You're doing flips, read our lips You're in love!»

At this point, the whole dorm knew about Idia’s crush on you. One of them opened the pink DEL light option. The boy yelped at the change of atmosphere.

« You're way off base I won't say it (she won't say it loud, his dormmates chanted.) Get off my case! (Sha-la) I won't say it (ooh)»

The Ignihyde students grouped behind Ortho, a light show coming from everywhere backing them up.

« Nii, don't be proud It's okay, you're in love.»

Idia opened his room door, falling over on his bed, clutching the white flower.

« Oh-oh, oh-oh At least out loud I won't say I'm in love...»

(chu-ru, chu-ru, chu-ru, chu-ru) (Sha-la-la-la-la-la, ahh...)

[bloodypeachblog]

HAZBIN HOTEL: Vox, Velvette, Valentino - I Won't Say I'm in Love (from Disney's Hercules) [made with Synth V and FL Studio 21]

aka: If the Hazbin Hotel universe in my mind was a Jukebox Musical

@omniuravity @fatgumsurpremacy-remastered @neonvehk

Cast:

Vox = Kevin

Velvette = Solaria

Valentino = Ritchy

So i did this today. Is this a Y/N x Vox post? Yes. Is it autism? Kind of. Am I vibing with it? Yes. Would I pay for an animation of this? Yes, but I'm not rich. If anyone wants to make that a reality themselves, can they? ABSOLUTELY.

Context: So Vox is in love with Y/N and Velvette and Valentino are on his ass about it. Y/N is a music Demon and she died in the 1980s, hence the 80s synth pop instrumental.

Enjoy!

[wolfmage553]

Why has nobody made an animatic of SMG3 singing I Won't Say I'm In Love with the perma-dead characters in place of the muses?

[nam-naelle]

Lately, I've been addicted to disney love songs. A Whole New World, So This is Love, Once Upon a Dream, Nightmare Before Christmas' Finale/Reprise, Get This Right (from frozen 2), etc.

I can't help but picture SORIKU in place of whoever's actually in the movie, and it's always beautiful. Especially with the images in mind.

I must say, though, that I am PARTICULARLY obsessed with Meg's "I Won't Say I'm In Love". I'd just love to see that. They build a statue in honor of Sora, Riku stumbles upon it and desperately tries to convince himself that he doesn't want to share a paopu fruit with him.

Somebody HAS to draw that scene. I'm begging you! ⭐

[live-from-flaturn]

Starring Kim in the role of Megara and featuring the Bodyguards (and Porsche) as the Muses.

You can partially blame @vegasandhishedgehog for this, by the way.

[chicgeekgirl89]

I Won’t Say I’m in Love

Fandom: 911 Lone Star

Characters: Carlos Reyes, T.K. Strand, Michelle Blake, Adriana and Francesca

CW: Tequila and Drinking

Summary: 

“Seriously Carlitos?” Adriana says. “Have you seen your face lately?”

“My face?” Carlos asks.

Adriana rolls her eyes. “The last time you looked this besotted you were six years old and the Blakes had just brought home their new puppy.”

“I—what?”

“You spend all your free time with him. And when you finally deign to give us a couple hours, all you do is talk about him,” Francesca says.

“I do not!”

A fic in which Carlos Reyes cannot possibly be in love with T.K. Strand. 

Read on AO3

“No wait, put that back, use this one,” Carlos says, plucking the bottle from his sister’s fingers and handing her a different one instead.

“Um, what the hell? Why are you giving me the shitty tequila?” Francesca asks incredulously.

“Yeah, what the hell? We don’t rate top shelf?” Adriana echoes as she dumps chips into a bowl.

“That bottle is for special occasions,” Carlos tells them, closing his liquor cabinet firmly. 

Francesca slaps a hand to her chest. “Are you telling me that hanging out with your favorite sister and cousin doesn’t rate as a special occasion?” 

“Oh it’s definitely special,” Carlos says, biting back a chuckle at the snark he’s about to unleash. “But considering that your goal is to outdrink each other in margs tonight, I think I’ll hold onto the good stuff.”

“I bet he lets T.K. drink the good stuff,” Adriana grumbles.

“Actually T.K. doesn’t drink,” Carlos says matter of factly, moving the bowl of chips from  the counter over to the table. 

“You mean he doesn’t drink tequila,” Francesca corrects.

Adriana snorts. “Lightweight.”

“No I mean he’s sober,” Carlos tells them. “He doesn’t drink at all.”

There’s silence, which is terrifying since usually the two of them never shut up, and Carlos snaps his head up looking around frantically for a tornado or a rabid mountain lion or a man with good morals and a steady job, whatever has made the girls go suddenly mute with horror. 

Instead of danger he finds both of them staring at him in shock. “Is he…is he okay?” Adriana asks quietly.

“Yes?” Carlos says in confusion. “Believe it or not some people choose not to drink themselves into oblivion on a regular basis.”

“Well then. Wow. He is a strong man,” Francesca says. 

Carlos’ mind immediately drifts to some very, very sexy things that happened mere hours ago and he smiles. “Yes, he is.”

Adriana and Francesca exchange a glance, but he ignores them, choosing to finish putting the final touches on their margaritas instead. 

He’s just adding decorative limes when the doorbell rings and Adriana runs to get it. “You are my favorite man in the entire universe!” she exclaims as she opens the door, startling the delivery driver on the other side.

He stares open mouthed at the beautiful, exuberant woman in front of him. “Th-thank you?” he stammers. “That’s um, $43.50.”

“Oh.” She turns back and purses her lips into a pout at Carlos. “I—“

“Conveniently forgot your wallet?” he asks, already rifling through his own. He hands over the cash along with a tip and thanks the man while Adriana whisks the bags away to the counter where she and Francesca start eagerly pulling out cartons.

“Wait! Get him back! This isn’t right!” Francesca calls just as Carlos bids the guy goodnight and closes the door.

“What’s wrong with it?” Carlos crosses the room and glances into the bags, not finding anything amiss. 

“There’s no Mongolian beef or scallion pancakes,” Adriana says, checking the labels again. “They gave us sesame chicken instead. And wonton soup.”

“Oh, no, that’s right,” Carlos says as he opens the cabinet to the left of the sink and grabs some plates.

“You always get Mongolian beef,” Francesca says in confusion. “Like, always.”

Carlos shrugs. “T.K. likes sesame chicken and wonton soup. It just sounded good tonight.”

There’s another brief silence full of loaded glances, which Carlos ignores. It’s bait. And he knows better than to take it. “I got extra egg rolls,” he says and that is enough to get them digging back through the bags again.

Carlos has a rule about eating on the couch, but Adriana and Francesca have never once followed it, so he doesn’t even bother wasting his breath reminding them as they settle into place in front of his TV. He does reach over and exaggeratedly put coasters underneath their glasses, sending them pointed looks, which they ignore as they chatter on about how their stocks are doing and what the Kardashians have been up to lately. The women in his life contain shocking multitudes. 

He pulls up Netflix as he takes a bit of chicken. They’ve chosen to watch a couple episodes of Great British Baking Show, one of the few things they can all agree on. 

“Why is Stranger Things in your recently watched?” Adriana asks. “That’s not your kind of show.”

“T.K. likes it. We’ve been watching it together. It’s fun,” Carlos says.

“Wow. Okay. You really are in love,” Francesca says with a laugh.

The words shoot an unexpected bolt of panic through Carlos’ chest and he almost chokes on the bite of rice and chicken in his mouth. “I’m not in love,” he says. “We’ve been together for like a month.”

“Seriously Carlitos?” Adriana says. “Have you seen your face lately?”

“My face?” Carlos asks.

  Adriana rolls her eyes. “The last time you looked this besotted you were six years old and the Blakes had just brought home their new puppy.”

“I—what?”

“You spend all your free time with him. And when you finally deign to give us a couple hours, all you do is talk about him,” Francesca says.

“I do not!”

“Carlos, I can tell you T.K.’s Chinese order, that he was on the track team in high school, that he once rescued a guy from the Chrysler building, hell I can tell you his shoe size,” Adriana says. “You’ve got his hair product in your bathroom, his vitamins on your counter…”

Carlos narrows his eyes. “How do you know I’ve got his hair products in my bathroom?”

Francesca shrugs. “Sometimes we snoop to see if you’ve got anything good in there.”

“You shouldn’t be snooping around in my bathroom!” he cries.

“Don’t change the subject,” Adriana chastises him.

Carlos takes a sip of his margarita. And then another. And then another. He’s not drunk enough for this. Not even close. He might need to go break out the expensive tequila after all. “We’re dating,” he finally says. “That’s all.”

“Okay,” Francesca scoffs.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Carlos asks.

“It means I believe that you believe that all you’re doing is dating.”

Carlos blinks a couple times. “That sentence doesn’t even make sense.”

“What she’s saying is that you’re delusional,” Adriana tells him. “You love this guy. Like love love him.”

“T.K. is…great,” Carlos says. “I mean, he’s better than great. He’s…” Words like “incredible,” “impressive,” and “amazing” all float through his mind, but none of them quite seem to be right. T.K.’s all of those things and more, he’s…

“The love of your life?” Francesca supplies the answer for him, amusement all over her face.

Carlos scowls at her. “Stop putting words in my mouth. And how would you know anyway? The two of you go through men at a rate previously unknown to humankind. Have you ever even been in love?”

“Nope,” Adriana says, popping the “p” and then using her chopsticks to pick up another bite.

“Hey! I was in love with Brandon Sanchez in tenth grade!” Francesca says, shoving her cousin with her foot. 

“Oh you were not. You just loved his abs.”

Francesca breaks into a dreamy smile. “He did have really great abs.” She sighs. “Okay, fine, I wasn’t in love. But that doesn’t mean I don’t know what it looks like. I’ve watched every episode of Grey’s Anatomy.”

“Look, admit it or not, it doesn’t matter,” Adriana tells him. “We’re happy that you’re finally happy. When you very stupidly married your fake wife, we weren’t sure you’d ever find your happy ending, but we’re glad you have.” She pauses. “In more ways than one I’d imagine.”

Carlos winces. “Could you not bring up Iris ever again? Thanks.”

He’s beyond grateful that she’s alive, but it’s ripped open some incredibly painful old wounds and he is doing his very best not to think about how it complicates his life in fun new and excruciating ways.

“Whatever hermano,” Francesca says around a mouthful of chow mein. “You want to be in denial about your feelings, that’s between you and T.K.”

“Did Carlos tell you that T.K.’s a male dancer?” Adriana asks, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Francesca whips her head around to look at her brother accusingly. “Wait I thought you said he was a firefighter!” Light dawns in her eyes. “Ohhhhh. That kind of firefighter.”

“No, he’s an actual firefighter,” Carlos says, taking the last egg roll as punishment for their obnoxiousness. 

“Have you checked? Because if you yank on his pants and they come apart with velcro…”

“His turnouts are real,” Carlos tells them. “I work with him. I’ve seen him in action.”

“Oh yeah, I’m sure you’ve seen him in action a lot,” Adriana says with a wicked grin.

Francesca throws a pillow at her. “Perv. I don’t want to think about my brother’s sex life.”

The girls end up getting very drunk (as he knew they would) their margaritas becoming progressively less margarita and significantly more like large shots as the night goes on. They both end up passed out before midnight. He carries Francesca up to his spare room and tucks her in, but Adriana only rouses enough to shove him away and tell him to “fuck off.” He sets a few pillows on the floor next to the couch so she doesn’t die if she falls off in the night and then takes himself to bed.

In the morning they’re both hungover so he makes them omelets and forces them to drink water and take some Tylenol before ejecting them from his home. Their groggy state is probably why they don’t argue much about being awake before ten in the morning, they’re practically docile when they’re like this. He tells them to go home, but he’s pretty sure they’re headed out for bloody marys instead. 

T.K.’s not on shift, but he’s spending time with his dad today and won’t be by until later, so Carlos busies himself by doing some weekend cleaning around the condo, making a quick trip to the farmer’s market to find something for dinner, and then…he doesn’t know what to do.

He tries to read a book, but it doesn’t hold his interest. So he scours his streaming services for a show to watch, but his eyes keep drifting away, and he’s halfway through an episode of some random procedural before he realizes he has no idea what’s happening. He turns it off with a sigh. He’s never struggled to entertain himself on a weekend before and he can’t quite put his finger on why he’s so bored today.

Not until T.K. knocks on his door around five o’clock.

Carlos practically runs, wrenching the door open so fast it nearly goes flying out of his hand and slams into the wall. “Hey,” he says, immediately reaching for T.K.’s waist and pulling him inside, as he presses a kiss to his lips.

“Hey,” T.K. says when they pull apart, his eyes sparkling with fun. “That’s a way nicer welcome than I get at my dad’s house.”

“I missed you,” Carlos says and that’s when the realization strikes him. He wasn’t bored this afternoon. He was lonely.

Adriana and Francesca’s words drift through his mind and he takes a step back, putting some distance between them, not wanting to seem too weirdly eager. “How was your time with your dad?”

“Good,” T.K. says, dropping his bag by the door. “We got lunch at this vegan place he wanted to try and then I helped him set up a new phone.”

Carlos winces in sympathy. “How did that go?”

T.K. sinks down onto a stool at the counter as Carlos heads back to the stove. “You know for a guy who really tries to stay with the times, he’s definitely an old man when it comes to technology.”

That makes Carlos chuckle. “Been there. I had to help my abuelita get on Facebook a couple years ago so she could see pictures of her great grandbabies. It did not go well.”

“I cannot even tell you how many times I had to explain to him that there are no buttons anymore,” T.K. says with a roll of his eyes as he pops a grape from the bowl on the counter into his mouth. “Thanks for rescuing me. I’m sure he’ll call with questions, but I’m going to ignore him and deal with that another day.” He smiles up at Carlos. “Tonight I’m all yours.”

Carlos’ stomach explodes with butterflies so intense that he feels almost like he might need to sit down. What the hell is going on with him?

He turns away to stir the sauce he’s got going and feels T.K. come up behind him. He practically melts when T.K. slides his arms around his waist and plants his head on his shoulder. “Whatcha makin’?” he asks.

“Bolognese,” Carlos says, resisting the urge to whip around and claim his mouth right here and now in the kitchen. “And I got fresh berries from the market today for dessert. I made whipped cream earlier.”

T.K. groans. “I literally don’t know how I survived before I met you. My dad’s cooking trends significantly more healthy than hearty.”

“That’s how I lured you in,” Carlos says, turning a little so he can smirk suggestively. “I know a desperately hungry man when I see one.”

“Oh I was hungry,” T.K. says with a chuckle, and then he drops his voice. “But it wasn’t for your cooking. That’s just a perk.”

He kisses the side of Carlos’ neck and Carlos shivers. “If I leave this it’s going to burn,” he says, sucking in a shaky breath when T.K. doesn’t stop at one kiss but continues to press his lips into Carlos’ skin

T.K. sighs and lets go, hopping up to sit on the counter, swinging his legs and back forth. “Fine. But you owe me later. Now, tell me all about movie night.”

“Well no one got alcohol poisoning, so we’re going to consider it a win,” Carlos says as he puts the pasta on to boil.

T.K. snorts. “They sound like fun. When do I get invited?”

“Ha!” Carlos blurts out a laugh louder than he means to because the thought of T.K. being interrogated by Adriana and Francesa is more terrifying than anything else he can think of. “Trust me, it’s safer if you’re not.”

“Come on!” T.K. says. “They’re important to you! I need to meet your people!”

“You work with Michelle.”

T.K. rolls his eyes. “That’s not the same. Michelle’s not your family.”

Technically she kind of is, but Carlos isn’t ready to spill those beans yet. “Here, taste this,” he says, changing the subject as he brings a spoon to T.K.’s lips.

“Wow,” T.K. says as he swallows. “That’s incredible.”

“It’ll be ready in like five minutes,” Carlos tells him. 

“Can I help with something?”

“You can set the table.”

T.K. hops off the counter and Carlos’ heart does something funny as he watches him open the silverware drawer and pull plates down from one of the cupboards. He doesn’t need Carlos to tell him where things are; he already knows. He’s not a guest here anymore, he belongs.

They eat and then T.K. helps him wash up the dishes before suggesting they settle down to watch another episode of Stranger Things, which he knows means T.K. is going to watch for about ten minutes before he starts fooling around. It’s therefore not a surprise when they abandon the episode halfway through to make their way up to Carlos’ bedroom.

They hold each other after, sweaty and breathless, and as amazing as the sex was, this is better. Feeling T.K. breathe against him, knowing T.K. is his boyfriend, that he’s not just here for a good time is…everything. The dinners together, the watching TV, the going on dates to movies and the matching toothbrushes in the bathroom, it all feels like everything he’s ever wanted. Like everything he never thought he’d be able to have. 

It feels like…

The word love flickers through his mind and his heart stutters in his chest. It can’t…this can’t…

Before he can examine anything more fully T.K. props himself up on one elbow and runs a hand down Carlos’ chest. “I’m going to take a shower. Want to join me?”

That’s not an offer he’s going to refuse and so that word, those four letters, get pushed from his mind for a little longer.

                                                         XXX 

He has lunch with Michelle two days later. When she finally arrives (late) she looks exhausted and Carlos’ heart squeezes with sympathy. “Hey chica,” he says warmly, pulling her into a hug.

“Hey.” She holds on for longer than normal and Carlos lets her, trying to absorb some of the sadness he can feel radiating off of her.

“How are you?” he asks when they finally break apart.

Her face is drawn and there are dark circles under her eyes. Iris’ decision to stay out on the streets is weighing on her in a different way than her sister’s first disappearance ever did. Michelle fought tooth and nail for years and now that there’s no one left to fight it’s like she’s been emptied out.

Carlos should have checked on her sooner.

“Hungry,” she says, sending him a genuine if somewhat tired smile. “I hope you don’t want any guac because I am going to eat all of this.” She reaches for a chip and digs into the appetizer he’s ordered for them.

“All yours,” he tells her, nudging the basket closer. “I got you a lemonade too.”

“Bless you,” she says gratefully.

“Also just a heads up, my mom wants to bring over tamales for you and your mom on Tuesday. And you know she won’t take no for an answer.”

“Tamales from Andrea? Who could say no to that?” Michelle says with a smile.

“How’s your mom doing?” 

“She’s…okay,” Michelle tells him and he can see the worry wearing at the edges of her. “It’s hard. We both just want Iris home, but she’s still not interested. It’s going to be a long process.”

“Would it help if I went to see her?”

Michelles shakes her head and dips another chip. “I think right now it’s better if she doesn’t feel overwhelmed or pressured. But once we get her back and on some meds, I’m sure she’d love to see you.”

There’s relief and guilt mixed together at those words, but Carlos pushes it all aside. “She’s still on my health insurance. So whatever she needs, let me know and I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you,” she tells him softly, reaching over to place her hand on top of his. “Enough about me though! What’s up with you and T.K.? You guys are official now, right?”

Carlos steals a chip and nods. “We are, yes.”

“And how is that?” Michelle’s face says she already knows exactly how it is.

“It’s good,” Carlos says mildly.

She smacks the table. “Come on Reyes! I’m stuck in the family drama muck over here, let me live vicariously through you and the sexy boyfriend!”

“It doesn’t bother you at all that you are asking for explicit details about your co-worker?”

“Well you don’t have to tell me everything. Just a little. Come on. Is it still the honeymoon period? Or does he snore? Or drool?”

Carlos chuckles. “Yes, no, and no.”

“Good,” she says. “Love looks good on you.”

He sighs, curling a hand around his cup. “What?” she asks in confusion.

“Why does everyone keep saying that? That I’m in love?”

“Well you are, aren’t you?”

“No!” Carlos says it too loudly and immediately looks around to make sure no one else noticed. “It’s too early for that. We barely know each other.”

“Carlos you’ve been head over heels for him since the moment you met. I saw you that night at the honky tonk with stars in your eyes.”

“That was just attraction. And lust,” Carlos says, remembering the sparks that had ignited in him the second T.K. had said yes to a dance. Those sparks have yet to be extinguished.

“I mean, I’m sure he’s good in bed, but nobody is that good in bed,” she tells him, huffing out a laugh. “You talk about him constantly. You spend all your free time together. He pushed you away and then you invited him back in anyway. Sweetie, you sat at his bedside and held his hand while he was in a coma.”

Carlos goes silent as he processes this, thinking about all the feelings he’s been having over the last few months. Feelings he’s never had before. Feelings that have him feeling just barely this side of crazy. “Am I?” he asks, barely more than a whisper. “Am I in love with him?”

“Would it be so bad?” Michelle asks. “If you are?”

“I—I don’t know,” Carlos says. “I don’t want to freak him out.”

“You don’t have to tell him,” she says. “You can wait until the moment feels right. You can even wait for him to say it first if that’s what works best for you.”

“God,” Carlos groans as he buries his face in his free hand. “I don’t know how to do a relationship like this.”

“Hey.” She reaches up and brushes a hand over his cheek, a fond smile on her face. “You deserve to be loved Carlos. So if you love him, then love him. And if he wants to, let him love you back. Don’t listen to that voice in your head telling you it’s too soon or that you’re not worthy or that he couldn’t want someone like you. Let it happen. And enjoy it.”

She winks at him and picks up a menu. “Now, let’s decide what we’re eating because these chips alone are not going to cut it.”

                                                         XXX

He hates days like this. Days where it feels like they can’t save anyone. There’s too much blood, too much crying, too much trauma, and it makes him question whether or not this job is worth it. 

He’ll sleep on it and feel better in the morning, he always does. But right now he’s down a deep, dark hole of grief over lives that will never be the same because there’s too much evil in this world and they didn’t get there in time to stop it today. 

The hole is so deep and so dark that he doesn’t even remember he has a boyfriend until he walks in his front door and sees T.K. sitting on his couch. “Oh, Jesus,” he says in surprise, a hand going to his chest as his heart gives a startled leap the sight of someone else in his space.

“And hello to you too,” T.K. says with a laugh as he mutes the TV. 

“Sorry,” Carlos says. “Sorry, I just, I didn’t expect you to be here.”

“You gave me a key and said to use it,” T.K. says, eyes going from cheery to wary in a heartbeat. “Did you not want me to—“

“No,” Carlos interrupts quickly. “No, of course I meant for you to use it. You can come whenever you want. You belong here. I just didn’t…it’s been a long day.”

He drops his stuff, not even bothering to put it all away correctly and heads for the kitchen. He’s so tired that if he closes his eyes he could probably fall asleep standing up, but he’s also starving and dinner isn’t going to cook itself. “Did you eat? Do you want um…” he scans the fridge trying to make the contents form a meal. “Tacos? Or I could do like a stir fry?”

He feels T.K. come up behind him. “Why don’t we do takeout tonight? Or I can cook.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

T.K. reaches around Carlos’ body and gently pushes the refrigerator closed. “I know you don’t mind, but you’re exhausted. You don’t need to cook. Let me figure it out for tonight,” he says softly.

Carlos can’t come up with a response. His brain is telling him that he needs to provide a meal, but he’s so tired he can’t come up with words to explain that to T.K.

His silence goes on for too long and T.K. reaches down and laces their hands together. “Come on, come with me,” he says, tugging softly and leading Carlos over to the couch. 

Carlos sinks down into the cushions and T.K. grabs a throw pillow, leaning it against the arm rest. “Lay down,” he says, reaching to help Carlos lift his feet up so that he’s completely horizontal.

Carlos shifts, nestling himself into the cushions until he’s comfortable as T.K. settles onto the edge of the coffee table, eyes searching his. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Carlos shakes his head. Not right now. He can’t. 

“Okay.” T.K. reaches out and brushes a hand over Carlos’ curls, still slicked back from his day at work. “Why don’t you close your eyes for a little bit? I’ll wake you up when the food is ready.”

He hasn’t had someone take care of him like this in years, not since he was a kid. It feels…good. So good. 

T.K. stands up, but Carlos catches his hand. “Thank you,” he says.

“Hey, what are boyfriends for?” T.K. tells him with a smile. 

He watches as T.K. bops around the kitchen pulling out way more pots and pans than necessary and it’s so right it makes his heart ache.

I love you.

The words swell inside of him and this time he feels them without fear. They’re a certainty. Permanent. Something everyone else has been seeing and he feels stupid that he ever doubted their truth. He loves T.K. Has probably loved him since he laid on eyes on him.

“Hey T.K.?” 

“Yeah babe?” T.K. calls back as he rinses vegetables in the sink.

“I—“ 

The words are true, but he hesitates to say them yet. The little voice that tells him they’re real also tells him that he needs to wait, because he might be ready, but he’s not sure T.K. is. So he finds other words instead. “I meant it. What I said before. You belong here.”

T.K. pauses and his face breaks into a smile so big that it’s like the sun has come out. “Thanks babe.”

He goes back to work, already making more of a mess than Carlos usually makes during the entire dinner process. Carlos’ eyes drift closed to the sound of pots and pans clanking around and he feels himself relaxing despite the chaos. 

This is love. And it’s good. 

[vera-deville]

I Will Say (I'm Fucked)

05/06/2024 - 05/10/2024

Pairing: Leona Kingscholar x Reader Word Count: 2,027 Warnings: The usual cursing; Y/N does the infamous Wattpad stuttering (it's only one line, I promise-) Gender: AFAB Tags: @viviennevermillion, @achy-boo, @savanaclaw1996, @otomyoli, @chroniccorvus Notes: This is the third and final installment to this fic, so please read the previous two parts for more context!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

In which Leona finally asks out his favorite herbivore.

"Shit." Y/N hissed as she swung open the door to her dorm, only to reveal a certain blonde stalker outside.

"You're late Trickster~" Rook sang.

"I know, I know, don't tell Vil though-" You replied, eyes practically begging for him to give you a free pass.

"Seeing as you're not in Pomefiore..." He began, "I suppose I could let it slide this once."

You heaved a sigh of relief, until you felt that heave get locked in your throat at the sight of another person behind Rook.

Vil Schoenheit.

Vil Schoenheit was the house warden of Pomefiore, a house belonging to the esteemed Night Raven College (or NRC for short). He was a well-renowned actor, a celebrity in his own right, and possessed beauty that rivaled no other (except for maybe Neige in the eyes of some Rook). He was known for his strictness, but no one could deny the results that emerged from them (except for maybe Epel).

Vil Schoenheit was also a good friend of Y/N. One of her closest friends, in fact. And as such, his generosity knew no limits with her.

Hence why she was getting torn into pieces as the trio walked to their respective classrooms.

"Vil, as much as I love you, I will not hesitate to throw your new eyeshadow palette into the garbage if you don't stop harassing me in the hallways this morning." You told the beauty queen.

Seething, he replied, "You will do no such thing." Eyes steel cold, he walked a little faster ahead as he continued, "As a Prefect, I expect you to uphold certain virtues even if you do not have many people in your dorm.

You sneered at this.

"Don't tell me how to do my job Schoenheit."

"Then do it properly Prefect."

Rook watched as the two of you glowered over one another, simply happy to be basking in the presence of his friends (plus it was always amusing when you and Vil would argue). He knew that despite your differences, the two of you were as close as friends could be. Even your bickering was in loving nature.

Soon enough, you reached your class and the Pomefiore duo bade goodbye to you before making their way to their class. Smiling to yourself, you played the last five minutes in your head over and over, highlighting your favorite bits as you sat in your seat.

Mozus Trein was a very particular individual. The subject he taught wasn't necessarily popular amongst the students of NRC, but amongst the fair few who did enjoy the class was the Prefect of Ramshackle.

You.

History did by no means come easy to you, but seeing as you were in a completely different world and said world had magic in it, reading history books was more or less akin to reading fairytales. And there were so many of them-

In short, you were something of a fan of Twisted Wonderland's history.

And it showed great results.

"Well done again Y/N." Professor Trein smiled at you as he placed the test paper on your desk. "You seem to have done exceptionally well on the essay portion of your test."

You thank him and say, "Well, the history of Briar Valley is particularly fascinating."

"Every bit the teacher's pet, I see." The professor jested.

You gawked in response.

Class ended sooner than you wished (in your defense, it really was an interesting class), but the rumbling of your stomach opened avenue to better things in life.

In other words - lunch.

Walking alongside Grim, you meet the rest of your first year friends in the cafeteria. With your utensils in hand, you were oh so ready to dig in when a certain red-head interrupted you.

"Yo Y/N."

"What is it Ace?" You asked, annoyed at the timing he had.

"Leona's been watching you really intensely." He noted. But then his smile turned mischievous. "When'd you piss him off?"

Having had enough of him already, you smacked the back of his head, nearly breaking out a grin after hearing Deuce choke on his sandwich when he laughed at the action. "I didn't do shit Trappola. Don't jinx it-"

Rubbing the back of his head, he said, "You're fucking crazy, you know that, right?"

"Damn straight."

Jack, though not fond of the use of vulgar language, did also find the situation funny, and barely managed to conceal a snort as he ate his own food. Epel on the other hand felt no need to conceal his as he guffawed his enthusiasm all whilst bits and pieces of food fell out.

Unfortunately for Epel, he did not notice the looming figure of his house's warden steadily approaching him.

"It seems our lessons still haven't gotten through to you Baby Potato." Vil sneered as Epel whipped around to see him, clearly not expecting to see him. "No matter. I'll be sure to whip you into shape soon enough."

The rest of the first years watched as Epel visibly shivered at Vil's words and as he was dragged away by the said man.

"It's not fair! Y/N and Ace cursed too!"

Whipping his head around to glare at the other two perpetrators, Vil only shook his head before continuing to drag Epel to his immediate lessons.

Epel felt betrayed, and Ace's stink eye wasn't really making matters better.

Rook slunk around to you before anyone else could notice, and managed to say one thing before Vil called for him.

"Roi des Lions seems to be very interested in something in your direction my dear Trickster."

You looked around your friends, trying to determine if they'd heard what Rook had said, but Lady Luck seemed to be on your side because they were still busy watching Epel get dragged away.

Shooting Rook a glare as he went on his merry way to wreak havoc elsewhere, you decided to chance a peek at the lion who now two very annoying (but for some reason highly observant) people had mentioned was staring at you.

Sure enough, he was indeed staring at you.

Not in a smoldering way (which is what you assumed), but rather a lazy manner which befit his personality wholly.

And upon noticing you looking at him in return, Leona's lazy stare mutated into a sly grin (also befitting his personality wholly) before he finally turned his gaze to his food.

The interaction left you feeling a tad giddy, but mainly because he was such an intimidating figure. Not because you had a large sweltering crush on him or anything.

Oh wait.

We're done being in denial now, aren't we?

So maybe, just maybe, the giddiness could be attributed to the chemical infatuation you had with the man.

It was later on in the day, around the time that classes were ending for the day that you found Ruggie.

Or rather, Ruggie found you.

And boy was he weird as hell (weirder than usual, that is).

You noticed that the lavender-colored flower petal tangled in his scarf as he simply watched you for a full 5 seconds (yes, you counted), and then proceeded to do his little hyena laugh before saying "Have fun Y/N~"

However, Twisted Wonderland was full of weirdos, and if you gave every single one of them the time of your day, you'd be stuck the resident therapist. Not that you don't already do that.

Besides, you had to get to Professor Crewel's class, and no one wanted to be late for that-

This time, Lady Luck was not on your side because you had in fact been late (albeit by a few mere seconds), but it was enough to be called out in front of the whole class by Crewel and put a damper on your already dampered mood.

You couldn't wait for classes to be done with already-

Sucking it up, you propelled through the class, only to lose all motivation by the end of it, because Crewel had assigned homework. And a lot of it.

The homework in itself wasn't anything too difficult. If there was something you didn't know, all you had to do was reference a textbook, and that'd be it. The problem lied in the fact that Crewel had assigned a 1,500 word essay regarding any potion of the students' choice and they had to finish it over the weekend.

This was too much. Even for Crewel.

Grim wanted to go watch Ace's basketball practice with Deuce, and you figured that you could use the time alone and maybe even get a head start on your essay, so you walked with vigor back to Ramshackle.

When you got there, a tall figure rests against your door, and you nearly jump back in fright from the sight.

"Leona!? What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you."

Oooooh, that was smooth (although anything that came out of his mouth seemed smooth at this point).

Deciding to be a little braver than usual, you pranced right up to him, faking a confident smile and asked, "what for?"

And that's when a flurry of lavender was gently jolted into your line of sight.

It took a few seconds, but you were eventually able to will yourself to look at Leona instead of the flowers.

"I'm here to ask you out."

Now your heart had gone quiet too.

"Uh-" You started, "I-me?"

Real smooth.

"Who else for, Herbivore?" Leona asked, eyebrow raising questioningly.

"Just wondering," you make out meekly. So much for the brave confident girl act.

Trying to regain mobility in your arms, you tried to gracefully accept the flowers.

"You look like a mechanical doll." Leona commented on the strange way your limbs seemed to move.

That seemed to snap you out of your lovestruck daze as you grabbed the flower bouquet with one hand and hit Leona's arm with the other.

Not it felt awkward.

You still hadn't responded to the whole 'I came here to ask you out' thing and you'd also just slapped the guy (although it wouldn't have done any damage whatsoever on him) right after you grabbed the flowers he got for you.

You kinda wanted to disappear at the moment.

"So?" Leona prodded. Looking up at him again, trying to find the words, he continued "do you want to go out with me?"

You like to think it was his eyes. His eyes though intimidating, also bring some strange sense of calmness over you. And it was those eyes that made you answer him clear-headed.

"Yes. Yes, I do."

And now that you were a little more clear in the mind, you noticed how Leona's facial expression showed the tiniest bit of expression - relief. And that's when you realized that you weren't the only nervous person in this situation. Leona (although to what extent, you were unsure) was also anxious, clearly about what your answer, your decision would be.

"Great. I'll see you at The Winstonian next Friday at 7:00 P.M."

The Winstonian? That sounded fancy.

"I'll see you then Leona."

Nodding, Leona started walking away when you interrupted him with a question.

"Hey Leona? What's the dress code?"

"Just wear something formal."

That was a problem. You didn't have anything formal in your closet (aside from your NRC uniforms, but you really didn't think anyone would wear that to a first date-

Leona waited a moment to see if you had any more questions before sauntering off back to his dorm.

"Leona!"

He turned around.

Pushing your rapidly beating heart down your chest, you asked, "Can you help me with this essay I have to write for Crewel?"

It wasn't much, and sure, the date was in a week, but letting him go now seemed like such a waste. Maybe you could spend just a teensy bit of time with him before the big night.

Leona's eyes glowed a green ember.

"Sure Herbivore."

You couldn't help the grin from spreading on your face as you invited the lion into your dorm and at the idea of a totally not study date with him before the actual first date.

God you were so fucked for this man.

Author's Note: Alright, so this (not originally planned to be) series is officially over! I hope I did the last part justice and that you enjoyed reading it (not gonna lie, it feels like it's missing something), but I have decided that if I ever find out something that I want to add to this, I can always do so in the form of drabbles. Also, it's worth mentioning that the original idea I had for this story was that Leona would keep trying to ask out the reader, but fail a whole bunch of times before succeeding. I obviously went down a different route, but I might write that story idea separately (not affiliated with this series). Thank you for reading!

Masterlist

[hoarder-of-dragons]

Guys

Merlin singing "I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" from Hercules and Arthur singing "I Think I’m in Love" by Kat Dahlia

[melody-everbelle]

I Won’t Say I’m In Love (Part 2) (Wally Darling x Reader)

Title: I Won’t Say I’m In Love (Part 2)

Pairing: Wally Darling x gender neutral!reader

Word count: 318

Warning(s): Fluff :3

Summary: After the events from last night, you tell Wally about how you feel.

Author's Note: This was suggested by @etherealyblue and I thought it’d be fun to make a part 2!

You can read part 1 here!

***

After the events of last night, you lay still under the large, gnarled tree, having sweet dreams about you and Wally together until you heard a familiar voice calling your name.

"Hello! Y/N, wake up!"

You suddenly woke up and opened your eyes to find a figure that looked like Wally in front of you. 

"Gah!" You were startled and recoiled away from the figure at first. It wasn't until you rubbed your eyes to get a better vision that you realized that it was just Wally.

"Oh, it's just you," you said much to your relief. "Sorry I scared you like that," your cheeks were tinged with a shade of pink.

"No worries," Wally replied, accepting your apology. "How was last night?"

"Yeah, about that," you felt your heart flutter at Wally's mention of the previous night, "it's... a long story, but I'll explain it as quick as possible."

Wally lifted you up from the ground, and you spent the afternoon walking around the Neighborhood while explaining to Wally about your date with him, the kiss he gave you, and you expressing your feelings for him to Julie, Sally, and Poppy. "So with that being said, I must say," you concluded, "that I love you."

"Aww, Y/N," Wally chuckled with his cheeks flushed with pink, "that's very sweet of you. And as you know, I love you, too."

You giggled at the fact that Wally reciprocated his feelings for you before your noses nuzzled each other. At one point, Wally backed away and asked, "By the way, did I just hear you sing last night?"

"Wait, me? Singing?" You chuckled out of embarrassment, remembering last night's musical number. "Oh, it's nothing."

"But you sing so good," Wally complimented. "Perhaps you could sing me a lullaby at one point?"

"Well, we'll just see when it happens," you answered before you went back to nuzzling with him.

[my-muppet-art1224]

It's finally done!! I'm so happy that I got it finished up, before Valentine's Day!!

Muppets/Hercules- (I thought it would be funny to do a Disney and muppet mash up and I never expected it to take so long to finish)

Which muppet is what muses

Fozzie- thalia the muse of comedy

Uncle deadly- melpomene the muse of tragedy

Rowlf the dog- calliope the muse of epic poetry

Sam the eagle- clio the muse of history

Dr. Teeth- terpsichore the muse of dance

[a-reader-and-a-writer]

I Won't Say I'm In Love (Hangman Drabble)

Fandom: Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, Jake "Hangman" Seresin, f!reader

Word Count: 966

TW: Pining, Denying Feelings, Mentions of Being Cheated on in the Past, Reader w/ First Name, Mentions of Clothes

Notes: Based on "I Won't Say I'm in Love" from Hercules.

Thank you to @green-socks for the request! 💖

Top Gun Masterlist

“Shut up, Bradshaw. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jake increased the speed on his treadmill in the hopes his rapid footfalls or labored breathing would drown out the other pilot’s words.

But Rooster just turned off his own machine and walked around to lean on the front of Jake’s as he stared him dead in the eye. “Come on, man. There’s nothing wrong with having a little crush. We’ve all noticed the change in you over the last week or so. Every time she walks into the room, you light up like a Christmas tree. You’ve got it bad. Just tell her you like her and ask her out already!”

Jake snorted loudly as he continued to speed up his jogging. “You’re way off base. I don’t do relationships. Been there, done that, and it’s not worth the aggravation. Why put in all that effort when I can walk into any bar on any given night and walk out with any girl I want? Night after night after night. No mess, no feelings, just sex. Why would I want to change that?”  

Rooster stared at him in utter bewilderment for a moment before he shook his head and muttered, “Dude, who hurt you?”

Jake bristled at the remark, but he tried to casually brush it off. Rooster didn’t need to know how close his comment hit home. He didn’t need to know about the girl Jake had thought was the love of his life, the one he had bought a ring for only to come home early from a deployment to find her in their bed with her Pilates instructor.

So instead of addressing the comment, Jake increased the speed on the treadmill to the maximum setting as he huffed out, “Just get off my case.”

Throwing up his hands in defeat, Rooster said, “Fine. But maybe just consider the fact that while we have a perfectly fine, well-equipped, free workout room back on base, you drag me all the way down here every single day right before her shift so you can show off in all your post-workout glory. Or the fact you paid for my membership as well as yours so we can do that. Or the fact that you were late for a briefing last week because she switched shifts, and you hung around for an extra three hours just to see her for five minutes. You’ve got it bad and that’s okay. But I know you, and I just hope you don’t let your pride stand in the way of your happiness. Or hers.”

Rooster nodded towards the door and Jake’s eyes snapped to the figure walking through the front door. You looked just as perfect as ever in your yoga pants and “Hercules Gym” t-shirt. As you settled in behind the front desk, your eyes flickered around the room until they met Jake’s, and a brilliant smile spread across your lips.

Jake almost faceplanted as he stumbled under the glow of your gaze, but Rooster managed to turn down the speed just in time for Jake to catch his balance. Rooster raised one eyebrow as he gave Jake a very pointed look but didn’t say anything as he turned and walked towards the locker rooms. Chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath, Jake cast one last look in your direction before he followed.

Rooster had already changed clothes and left before Jake finished his shower which he was grateful for. Though the two men had squashed their old rivalry and grown closer after their recent mission together, Jake couldn’t deal with more of Rooster’s well-meaning lecturing right now. Deep down, Jake knew Rooster just wanted him to be happy, but he just wished he would leave him alone when it came to you.

Heading towards the front doors, Jake was thrilled to see you alone at the usually crowded front desks. As you heard him approaching, you glanced up and beamed when you saw who it was. “Hey, Jake! I saw Bradley leave a while ago and I thought I might have missed saying hi to you today. Did you have a good workout?”

“Always do.” He winked and flashed you a toothy grin before asking, “How are you today, Meg?”

“Oh, the usual. Overworked and understaffed, but what are you gonna do about it?” You glanced over Jake’s shoulder at something and groaned. “Speaking of which…. I’ve got to go get fresh towels out of the back. Will you still be here in a few minutes, or do you have to go?”

Jake’s mind flashed to the training session he had scheduled in less than an hour back on base and the strike he already had against him but that thought quickly faded as he looked at your hopeful face. “Yeah, I can stick around. Take your time.”

Somehow, your smile grew even wider as you nodded and said, “Great! I’ll be right back!”

You hurried from behind the counter and headed toward the back of the gym, giving Jake’s arm a soft squeeze as you passed by him. Leaning against the counter, Jake’s eyes never left your retreating form. The way you walked, the way you talked, from the moment he had met you, he had been hypnotized. And over the past few months, as he got to know you, your hold on him just grew stronger.

Because Rooster was right, although he had no idea how right he was. Jake didn’t just have a crush on you; it was so much more than that. For the first time in years, he felt the first stirrings of something deep in his chest. Something he thought he would never find again. And while he wouldn’t say the words out loud, he knew he was in love.

Taglist: @loverhymeswith, @babblydrabbly, @lorecraft, @green-socks, @heart-0n-fire, @marvelousmermaid, @mayhem24-7forever, @wildbornsiren, @hederasgarden, @the-untamed-soul, @inglourious-imagines, @airhogger, @piscesvancouverite, @straightforwardly, @bonnieelizabethparker, @srry-itshockeyszn, @flyinlove, @fandomhopped, @sweetheartlizzie07, @yjwnoot, @wanderdreamer, @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy, @callsign-fox, @imjess-themess, @callsign-phoenix

[princesssarisa]

What do you think of God Help the Outcasts vs. Someday (Hunchback of Notre Dame) and I Won’t Say I’m in Love vs. I Can’t Believe My Heart (Hercules)? Do you think the filmmakers made the right choice in which songs to cut and which to keep?

I think the filmmakers did make the right choice in both cases.

I love "Someday." But I agree with the filmmakers that when Esmeralda's attempt to stand up to Frollo has failed and she's trapped in the cathedral, and when the Archdeacon has urged her to pray for the change she longs to see in the world, a humble plea to God is more fitting than a power ballad. And since part of the song's purpose is to be overheard by Quasimodo and increase his admiration for Esmeralda, her prayer for the outcasts and the downtrodden, and her selflessness as she prays only for others and not for herself, is more fitting than the abstract ideals described in "Someday."

As for "I Won't Say I'm In Love" vs. "I Can't Believe My Heart," there's no contest. "I Can't Believe My Heart" is a pretty song, but in Meg's own words, "It's too cliché," and out of character for Meg at that point in the story. She wouldn't give in to her feelings for Hercules so easily; she needs to resist them at first with all her might. "I Won't Say I'm In Love" is a fantastic and unique song, with the perfect balance between lightheartedness and genuine feeling, and between showing Meg's denial and puncturing it to reveal her love. It's no wonder that there are probably a thousand videos of the song on YouTube that apply it to virtually every other fictional character who falls in love but won't admit it. A standard romantic ballad can't compare.