#it's so so heavy.. memories n then the future n words to read n write. things to do n achieve

[azriels-shadowsinger]

Hi! I love your writing!! I was wondering if you could write prompt 5 for Azriel x reader?

“It kinda sounds like you're flirting with me." ". . . I’ve been doing that for three years now."

Bat Boys x Reader

wc: 1.7K

a/n: i had a lot of people request this prompt for each of the bat boys, so i decided to do a blurb for each one! Hope yall enjoy!

prompt list

Rhysand

Rhysand watched you descend the stairs, sapphire dress flowing around your feet as you stepped. You looked regal in your outfit, causing Rhys to lose any thoughts in his brain aside from those about you. He would never get tired of looking at you.

This was the third Starfall ball since he had returned from Under the Mountain, escaping Amarantha. The first Starfall after his return was rather emotional for everyone, especially for Rhys who was trying not to remember how he had spent the past 49 years on Starfall. The second year, everyone partied a bit too hard in an attempt to keep those same emotions at bay and to celebrate the end of the war. But this year, with the war over and the dust finally settled, Rhys had a plan.

He reached out a hand towards you to escort you to the balcony, admiring the way your hand looked in his.

“You clean up well, High Lord.” You say in a lighthearted tone. He gives you his signature smirk and chuckles slightly at your playful formality.

“I could say the same of you, darling. You look beautiful.” Your cheeks heat. Rhys has complimented you many times in the past, but it never fails to make you blush. You know it’s all a part of his demeanor to compliment you, as well as Mor and Amren, but sometimes you wish it meant more.

The two of you make your way to the crowd of people, eager to enjoy the evening. You can’t help but notice that something seems off with Rhys tonight, but you try to ignore it, assuming it is just anxiety from the bad memories associated with Starfall.

———

After an hour of drinks and dancing, it's finally time for the stars to begin falling. You make your way to your friends, ready to watch from your usual spot, but Rhys pulls you away.

“I want you to watch from a different view with me tonight. Trust me, it's the best view in Velaris.” He whisks you away to his private balcony. As soon as your feet touch the ground, you’re in awe of the view, trying to watch each star as it falls.

“Beautiful.” You mutter in amazement.

“Yes, you are.” Rhys purrs, leaning against the railing next to you. His words make you blush again.

“I meant the stars, Rhys.” You giggle shyly.

“I know. And I meant you. You look absolutely stunning this evening darling.” He leans closer to brush a piece of hair from your face.

“Thank you, Rhys.” You turn to look back at the stars, hoping to hide how red your face has become, but he gently grabs your chin and pulls your attention back towards him.

“I’m serious. Of all the stars here tonight, you shine the brightest.” Gods, he’s being rather heavy-handed with the compliments tonight. Must be the champagne, you rationalize.

“Careful Rhys, it kinda sounds like you’re flirting with me.” You laugh, trying to ignore the way your heart is racing and trying even harder not to read too far into things. Rhys hesitates.

“… I’ve been doing that for 3 years now.” He says nervously. You look into his violet eyes, full of vulnerability. You could count on one hand the number of times you have seen Rhys act nervous.

“You have?” You ask quietly, a small smile on your face as you step closer to him. A bit of tension eases from him at the gesture.

“I was too nervous to say anything these past few years. First, the war, and then things were just so chaotic. I wanted to wait until everything was peaceful, until there was actually a future we could look forward to.” You bite your lip anxiously awaiting his next words, causing Rhys to smirk at your shyness. There’s the confident High Lord you know so well. “I want that future with you, y/n.”

“I want that too.” You lean in and kiss him. And with the stars falling all around you, it felt like the entire world was celebrating your love.

———

Cassian

“I give up” You huff, flopping onto the ground after what felt like a million squats. Gwyn giggles at your dramatic defeat, the sound gaining Cassian’s attention.

“I don’t remember saying training was over, y/l/n.” He barks. You groan at his command. Cassian was always extra hard on you, pushing you more than the others. Between that and his flirtatious teasing that always seems to make you flustered, the general may be the most annoying male you know.

“I can’t feel my legs, Cassian.” You whine. He raises a brow at you and smirks.

“Training is over everyone!” He calls, maintaining eye contact with you. “Except for you, y/n.” You give him a vulgar gesture, causing him to laugh.

The rest of the group files out, and Gwyn throws you a wink as she leaves, earning an eye roll from you.

“Sparring. Let’s go.” Cassian orders. There’s no use in arguing any longer, so you make your way to the training ring with a dramatic groan. As soon as you get into position, Cassian begins the attacks.

———

Sweat dripped down your face and back as Cassian proceeded to beat you yet again.

“Again.” He growls. You try to stand, but you can’t seem to make it all the way up, resting your hands on your knees as you try to catch your breath.

“Cass- Cassian. I can't.” You speak between panting breaths. “Please can we be done?” You beg breathlessly.

“Fine, you can go. Good work today.” He says with a playful smirk. You look at him confused.

“That almost sounded like a genuine compliment.” You were baffled.

“It was. Well, your form could use some work and your stamina has a long way to go, but overall you are really improving. And you sure as hell look good doing it.” He throws you a cheeky grin.

“Are you flirting with me?” You ask sarcastically, assuming he is trying to get under your skin with his comments once again.

“Sweetheart, I’ve been flirting with you for 3 years. It’s about damn time you noticed.” You freeze.

“Excuse me?” What the hell, you thought.

“Half the reason I always have you stay late is as an excuse to spend more time with you.”

“It is?” Cassian shrugs, as if he just said the most normal thing ever. “Well, maybe I have one more round of sparring left in me.” You say, matching his energy. You weren’t sure if this was another ploy to fluster you, but you weren’t going to let him win this time. Cassian grins.

“Or we could give your muscles a break and get dinner tonight?” Okay, definitely not a joke.

“I’ll go, but only if you agree to cut me some slack at training tomorrow.”

“Deal.” He winks. However, as soon as you get to dinner that evening, Cassian confesses that he has no intention of going easy on you at training.

“You almost beat me twice during our sparring. There’s no way in hell I’m letting up until you do.” Honestly, you’re not surprised.

———

Azriel

After a long hard week, a night out at Rita’s was just what you and your friends needed. The bar was completely packed and you were five shots deep, about to take a sixth with Feyre. The night flew by so quickly as you laughed and danced with your friends, not realizing that you gaining the attention of several males in the crowd. Azriel, however, did notice, and sent the most threatening glare at them, causing the males to cower away. Around 3 AM, the rest of your group was drunk and tired and ready to go home. Azriel offered to escort you home, given your inebriated state. You were too dizzy to fly with him, so he decided it was best to walk until you felt okay to fly.

“I don’t want to go home, Azzie! I’m having fun!” You whine, stumbling over your feet. “We should stay! You should dance with me!” He just laughs and keeps you steady while you walk, listening to you, ramble on with drunken nonsense.

“You’re so pretty Azriel.” You slur, poking him in the cheek, causing them to turn pink. “Why don’t you have a girlfriend? You know every female in Velaris would jump at the opportunity to date you” Before he can answer the very awkward and complicated question, you ramble on. “Is it true that wing size coordinates with other body parts? Rhys told me it isn’t true, but I think he’s lying. You have such big wings, Azzie.” You state, in an attempt to sound flirtatious, but as you stumble over your own feet, it just comes out a mess

“Are you trying to flirt with me, y/n?” He asks playfully.

“I’ve been flirting with you for over three years now. You never noticed.” You state so casually that he thinks he must have misheard you. He stops walking.

“Um, y/n?” You turn back, having noticed he isn’t walking beside you anymore.

“Yeah, Az?”

“Have you really been flirting with me for three years?” He asks shyly.

“Of course I have. You know, for being a spymaster, you would think you would’ve caught on by now. A girl can only try so hard to get asked out.” You giggle innocently. Azriel is truly confused. How had he never noticed?

“So tomorrow, when you’re sober, if I were to ask you out, would you say yes?” He cringes at his own insecurity, but he can’t help it.

“Ask me and find out.” You throw him a wink.

———

The next morning you had no memory of that conversation. Azriel couldn’t help but laugh at your complete shock when he asked you out at breakfast, deciding not to retell last night’s events until after your first date.

Thank you to everyone who requested this prompt! There are several other prompts that have multiple characters requested. If I am able to think of multiple plots for a prompt I will try to write it for multiple characters, like I did with this, but I can’t guarantee that I will be able to do that for all of them.

Anyway, thank you for reading, i love you all <3

Prompt List

[navybrat817]

Finding Home

Pairing: Lumberjack!Steve Rogers x Female Reader Summary: Steve finds a home with you. Word Count: Over 1.7k Warnings: Fluff, brief angst, mention of trauma, mention of explicit sexual content, canon divergent, falling in love, slight feels (it's me), Steve Rogers (he’s a warning, okay?). A/N: It has been difficult finding time to write, but I felt compelled to share something sweet for our lumberjack. ❤️ Beta read by the beautiful @whisperlullaby, but any and all mistakes are my own. Moodboard and banner by yours truly. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Please reblog or comment as it means the world!

It was a quiet morning when Steve realized he fell in love with you. 

The sun rays warmed his skin as they filtered in through the window, beckoning him to open his eyes. By now he would normally be out for a run before he got to work, but he couldn't bring himself to get out of bed today. Not when the weight of your head settled gently on his chest. Not after you soothed him through another nightmare. He didn't have them often, but he kept you up because of them.

You deserved to rest. 

And he didn't want you to leave his arms.

"Steve," you whined, burrowing your face further into his chest when he brushed the pads of his fingers up and down your back. "Still tired."

A soft smile formed on his face as he repeated the motion. "Sorry, sweetheart," he whispered. 

You tilted your head up as you opened your eyes and brought a hand to his cheek. The sleepy expression on your face was one he witnessed before, but he swore he saw into his future as you smiled. What he saw was beautiful and hopeful.

It was everything he thought he wouldn't have before. 

"You okay?" you asked.

Those were the first words you ever said to him. 

No one asked if he needed the opportunity to adjust to being in modern time after being pulled from the ice. Or if he needed the chance to process the grief of losing those closest to him. He went back into the fight without taking the time to do so. Suffering in silence was the new normal for the man out of time.

Especially when he saw the memories of his life on display at the Smithsonian. 

He asked himself time after time why he went back there. Each visit reopened a wound inside that he never let heal. Each photo, recording, and piece of memorabilia cut deep. Tears shed in his mind as everyone saw pieces of his life he never gave permission to show.

Seeing the hologram of himself holding the shield, he wasn't sure who that man was anymore.

He thought he'd feel normal again after the reversal of the snap. Bucky and Sam were back. Natasha was alive. Things were the way they were supposed to be, but the shield felt heavy in his hand. Maybe it wasn't meant for him anymore.

"I need to find myself again."

Bucky understood. He was the one who encouraged him to clear his head for however long he needed. Sam did, too. He also told him that he couldn't imagine a world without Captain America. He looked surprised when the shield was put in his hand. If anyone was worthy of it, it was Sam. Nomad suited him best.

Because he had no home to call his own anymore. 

Steve booked himself a cabin outside of the city. He couldn't explain why he felt the urge to take a break from his drive, but the property he stopped at was breathtaking. The lush trees and soft breeze soothed him. He had to take a moment to appreciate the beauty. 

Guilt ate at him the longer he stood there because people needed him. Bucky and Sam said they'd call, but it didn't ease the weight on his shoulders. They were trying to adjust and he-

"You okay?"

Steve looked beside him at the sound of your voice. You stood on your cabin porch with concern etched on your face. He didn't realize he was standing so close to your porch. If you recognized him as Captain America, you didn't let it show.

The beauty of the scenery was nothing compared to the sight of you. 

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Am I trespassing?"

"Not unless you try to break into my place."

You both smiled. He wouldn't dare, but he did worry at the thought of you being out there alone. Unless you had someone nearby. 

The thought made him a bit jealous and he just met you.

"I really am asking though," you said, taking a step toward him. "Are you okay?" 

You were a stranger, but it felt wrong to lie at the sincerity in your eyes.

"No," he said before he could stop himself. "I don't think I am."

"Is there anything I can do?"

When was the last time someone offered him kindness with no strings attached?

He practically heard Bucky in his ear encouraging him to take a chance. 

"Could use a cup of coffee if you have any."

To his surprise, you agreed.

"Just to warn you," you looked over your shoulder as you turned toward the door. "I have an axe if you try anything funny."

You made him laugh when you winked, the first genuine laugh he could remember in years. 

You told him over coffee that you were a writer. As much as you loved the city, being away from the noise helped inspire your stories. You were easy to talk and listen to, a comforting presence in a world filled with fear and uncertainty. Even after he finished his drink, he found himself wanting to carry on a conversation. You didn't seem to be in a hurry for him to leave either. 

Bucky was proud that he asked you to meet him again. 

Natasha assured him that you had a clean background, even though he didn't ask for her to check. 

"Can't be too careful, Rogers, but she's good."

Dealing in a world of spies, it was nice to speak to someone who was honest. 

It became a routine to stop by and see you for coffee. He always did so with your permission. He noticed that you kept a couple of his favorite treats stocked up that he mentioned in passing. You paid attention, but didn't make a show of it. 

Steve never once felt invisible with you. 

He found the axe you referenced and chopped some firewood as a small thank you for your kindness. It was the least he could do and you were thankful that you didn't have to do it yourself.

"You know, Steve, with your beard and the flannel, you'd make a good looking lumberjack."

He took your words to heart. 

It was a risky job at times, but he was used to danger. The tasks put him at ease and it gave him a chance to use some of his strength. It brought him back to the memory of Clint's farm, but without the inner turmoil. 

When he told you he liked to draw, too, you smiled and encouraged him to keep doing it. You stressed that he needed a healthy outlet. The longer he was around you, the more he wanted to take his stress out on your amazing body. 

Oh, the chemistry was there from the beginning. He sensed it when he was close. The racing of your heart, your pupils dilating, and even the subtle change in your scent. He picked up on thanks to the serum.

But you were a friend first when he needed it most.

When he told you he was going on a mission, as Nomad, you didn't try to talk him out of it. You understood the need for him to keep fighting. You only asked if he could let you know he was okay. 

Everyone noticed a visible difference in him because he had someone to come home to.

"Bring me back something good?" you smiled when he returned to you. 

He almost missed when he attempted your first kiss. At the end of the day, he was still the scrawny kid from Brooklyn. And you were the one who stole his heart. He just didn't know it at the time.

People called him a hero, but you saved him. 

I think I loved you the moment I met you. 

"Steve? You okay?" you asked again, bringing him back to the present.

"I'm okay," he promised.

"I lost you for a second," you said, blinking more of the sleep from your eyes. "You didn't have another nightmare and not wake me, did you?"

He hated being the cause of you not getting enough rest, but you never complained. Whether it was talking or letting him use you, you'd rather stay awake and soothe him than let him face his demons alone. While many followed his lead, very few chose to walk beside him. 

"You didn't lose me," he answered. You never would. "And no more nightmares."

Thanks to you. 

He placed his hand over yours and imagined what it would feel like to have a ring on your finger. 

In time, he'd get you the perfect ring. 

You smiled before you glanced at the clock on the end table with wide eyes. "You're missing your run," you said. 

When you attempted to sit up, he wrapped his arm around your waist to keep you in place. He smirked as he recalled the first time he used his strength on you. The way you chanted his name like a prayer and worshiped him like a god, it was the closest he'd get to heaven on earth. 

"We're staying here," he said, his lips brushing against yours as he caged you in. "That's an order."

"Are you ever not bossy?" you asked as he settled between your thighs. 

"You like it when I'm a little bossy," he reminded you. It always got a reaction out of you. "So stay here."

"You know what will happen if we stay here," you smirked as you rolled your hips up, causing him to groan. Your smirk fell away as your gaze softened. "But we can spend all day in bed as long as you're okay."

Steve traced his finger along your cheek, like he was drawing you on the sketchpad you bought for him. You constantly did thoughtful things for him. Seeing you like this, with the same sincerity in your eyes as the day you met, he couldn't waste another second. 

"I love you," he whispered. 

His finger stopped at your lips when you sharply inhaled, tracing them, before he pulled it away to kiss you. If you didn't say it back, it was okay. He would wait as long as he had to. 

"I love you, too."

You breathed the words into his mouth and everything felt right. He didn't do his run or get any work done that day. You didn't get a single word written. It didn't matter because Steve was a man in love. 

And Nomad found a home.

*****

Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Steve Rogers Masterlist ⚓ KoFi

[kkydult]

— everything stays

childhood friend!anton x engaged!reader - fluff - 1.8k

a/n. it’s kinda inspired by the movie “past lives” but i haven’t seen it so yeah! hope yall like this there’s no cheating so dw it’s just cute and lovey dovey, i really enjoyed writing this look forward to the next ones 🫶

Late summers, end of August, pretty sunsets and sweet memories from your childhood in Korea came rushing through your mind. It was just like this on those days except you were running through the fields, the grass tickling your ankles as you threaded through. Behind you the boy you spent most of your summer with, he was chasing you trying to get back at you for eating the last piece of bread he had. You knew he would catch up to you soon enough, your legs giving out slowly after running around in circles trying to escape him. The grass became a mattress as you both fell giggling in between your heavy panting, you hoped every summer from then on would be filled with the joy you felt in that moment.

And as the years went by from primary school to high school it was just as you hope, he was there with you on weekends, weekdays, school breaks and it never died out the fun you had with him, just the thought of seeing him on early Monday morning felt like a gift. Perhaps you wished too hard, it was the summer before your freshman year in high school when the news broke that your dad got an opportunity working overseas and you had no other choice than to leave with your family. You wanted to be excited, you had always wanted to leave your small town but when you thought of Anton your heart wouldn't let you see the bright side of things. Telling him the news was the hardest part the words stayed stuck in your throat as you both sat on the playground swings you played on so much throughout the years together. The look he gave you when you struggled to explain the situation through soft sobs was one you could never forget, he just smiled holding your hand tight in his, like he understood and accepted it but you knew his habits. Him sitting by you patiently as you told him when you were leaving, trying to keep his cool for you but his foot bouncing on the ground showed everything he wasn't saying and even through that he found a way to reassure you, his words softer than ever, "It's just a matter of time, don't worry too much, I'll be in your future too"

You don't know how many times you thought about that moment on the swings, but it kept you hopeful and even after so many years you felt it could be true. It had been 8 years since you moved and you were finally back after all that time past, you had come to see your grandparents, over the years you had been too busy focused to school and adjusting to the new life you kept your mind off other things as much as you could but Anton was a recurring thought and as you sat in your childhood bedroom you couldn’t bare to stay still.

Asking your mami was no use, so you decided to take a walk to his house as you remembered it hoping nothing would have changed. When you left all you had was his house number and calling across the globe cost money that your parents preferred using to call your grandparents, you called a couple times in the first months but it felt pointless when you could barely hear each other. Times changed with the internet and you felt maybe that was the way but you couldn't find him through the data servers filled with Anton lees, you would have given up but you felt driven to see it to the end, till there was no more hope.

Standing in front of the gate reading the nameplate, you felt your heart racing as it was just as you remembered, did he even want to see you?

"Y/N" your head turns around in the same beat as your fragile heart, he was there, you didn't need confirmation you knew his face like it was your home, you felt your body move instinctively rushing into his arms without any other thoughts about the missing years, his arms wrapped around you perfectly letting all those years vanish into nothingness. You were back and you wanted to stay with him in his arms like this for the next 8 years.

"Anton Lee, my go-- are you real?" you pull back hands still wrapped around his biceps the smile on your face permanently stuck on, he chuckles shrugging his smile reflecting yours, eyes and lips alike. "Pinch me let's see" instead you fall back into his arms resting you head on his chest, his hand on the back of your head stroking you at ease, "I missed you... I--" before you can finish he lifts your chin up and for a second you thought he would kiss you as he stayed there watching your face in silence, "let's catch up over some food and drinks yeah?"

The place he brought you made you made more past thoughts reel in, when you'd pass by on hot summer nights biking together hearing all the laughter and joy being spread from outside envying all the adults that got to have fun like that, being here with him felt like a reward. He was so different from the last time but still so obviously the same old Anton. You watched him order the food and drinks admiring the boy you felt so fond of when you were so much younger, the way his body had changed -- swimming had made a huge impact -- the linen shirt he had on hanging loosely on him but the transparency showing a lot more, his hair was roughly styled but it fell perfectly on his face, you felt you could stare at him for hours till you finally look up at his eyes finding him looking at you with a soft smirk tilting his head to the side amused. "I know, I know, l’m the ideal type man you don't need to tell me so obviously" you force your embarrassment down rolling your eyes at his cockiness, "I like your outfit is all" he laughs pushing his hair out of his face shaking his head not buying your excuse, "Okay y/n thanks for liking my outfit"

The next couple hours flew by the more you sat in his presence the more you wanted to turn back time, if you knew it could have always been like this you would have tried harder to stay.

"I don't know if you knew but I had the biggest crush on you back then" he mumbles hiding behind his hand glancing at you quickly, you roll your eyes like it was the most improbable possibility when your feelings back then were exactly that, "I'm serious y/n, 8 years should be enough to bring a guy back to his senses but I don't know that I am" he scoffs taking a shot out of the soju glass he was filling up. The words took a while to hit you with all the alcohol in your system but once they did you felt embarrassed, you wanted to keep it from him as much as you could but you would be in the wrong, "Anton I'm engaged..."

"Since when? I see no ring, You can't lie your way out of this one y/nnie" he smiles watching you closely for your next move but you don't give him anything to work with and his face drops, filled with confusion, you try organizing your words before explaining the situation. You didn't even understand it yourself, you were dating the guy for a month and when he asked to marry you in public you felt obliged to agree, the more you thought about it less it seemed like a bad idea, you would have a stable household and you liked him enough to support him a few thirty years but you always envisioned yourself getting old with Anton. So you went see if there was still a chance but it happened all so quickly, you blurt it all out avoiding any eye contact with the man in front of you.

"Have you always been this careless? you can't just make bets on your future like that" he sighs looking at your hand, "he didn't even give you a ring y/n" his fingers slide between yours and his hand fit perfectly like that was where it was meant to be this whole time, he pulls away after a couple seconds looking at you straight in the eyes, "Call it off okay, I'll do it better" his tone was soft as usual but you knew he meant it just in the way his eyes glistened.

When you called your fiancé the next day you didn't expect him to make a big deal about it knowing he didn't like you as much as you liked him which wasn't enormously but he needed you because it was convenient. So him flying over to see you made you unsteady and when you saw him at his hotel room it got worse, but he couldn't force you into the agreement this time.

"Is this why you came here? To make a fool out of me?" he asked the moment you stepped in, he rarely got mad with you so the slight raise in his voice felt alarming. "Just find someone else, I can't be the one" you moan annoyed by his sudden caring toward you, he cusses at you "Can't you just suck it up?" you scoff walking towards the door before turning back to say your goodbyes, "You're not tying me down in any way, I could really have just gone my own way but here we are so just accept it and move on cause I'm leaving either way"

Leaving the hotel you let your legs lead you to wherever, completely worn out by the whole situation, when you realized where you ended up you felt it was fitting. You sat on your beloved swing letting the evening breeze flow through your hair, you shut your eyes letting it all soak in, for the first time in forever things felt like they were looking up for you. Opening your eyes you spot him walking over to you from a distance and the warmth in your heart enveloppes your whole body. He stood above you between your thighs, you lifted your head up to look up at him, "Can i kiss you now?" you just smiled giving him all the answers he needed as he leaned toward you the smiles on both your lips mixing into the kiss, his hand placed on your neck massaging softly and he let his lips take in yours so delicately like he didn't want to lose a single taste.

Almost like you never left everything stayed just as you left it, your love for each other faced the challenge of time and now you could enjoy it.

[deliciousangelfestival]

Undying Love || Bucky

Character : Assasin!Bucky x Assasin!Reader

Words Count: 1,490

Summary: Bucky, a famed assassin, retired to his hometown after a mistaken cancer diagnosis. Unbeknownst to him, his nemesis followed him, determined to claim her place as the number one assassin.

Main Masterlist || buy me Ko-fi 🥹💓

Thank you to anyone who gave a like, reblog, and left a comment. It motivated me to write more. 

Bucky Barnes, the world's most feared assassin, felt a sinking dread as he read the words on the medical report: "Cancer." His life of shadows and violence had finally caught up to him. He decided to return to his quiet hometown, seeking solace in his childhood memories before the inevitable.

Little did Bucky know his nemesis, Y/N, had followed him. Clad in sleek leather and a steely gaze, she was determined to claim the title of "Number One Assassin" by taking him down. She shadowed Bucky relentlessly, a constant ghost reminding him of the fight he couldn't escape.

One day, Y/N finally cornered Bucky. Knives clashed, sparks flew, but Bucky's movements were sluggish, his strength sapped by the illness. He knew he needed to end this fight, but not with violence. A sudden idea struck him.

With a swift movement, Bucky closed the distance between them and kissed Y/N. The kiss was unexpected, electrifying, and disarmed Y/N completely.

"Why did you do that?" she sputtered, her cheeks flushed.

Bucky smirked. "You're my type, Y/N."

Y/N narrowed her eyes. "Don't try to charm your way out of this. You're not getting away with this, Bucky."

Bucky's smile faltered. "Please do," he whispered. "Release me from this misery."

His words made her caught off guard, she had never seen him give up this quick. "Are you alright?"

"I'm sick," he confessed, the words heavy on his tongue.

The revelation hung in the air, a bridge built between two sworn enemies. Y/N saw the pain and vulnerability beneath Bucky's hardened exterior.

From that day on, a fragile truce settled between them. Y/N, unable to bear watching him suffer, found herself becoming his caretaker.

As the days turned into weeks, Y/N's presence in Bucky's life became more than a duty. He looked forward to her visits, shared meals, and their quiet moments. He began to see her not just as his nemesis but as a woman who made him laugh, soothed his soul, and made him feel alive again.

One day, he gathered the courage and made an appointment for another checkup. He needed to know for sure. As he sat in the sterile waiting room, anxiety gnawed at him.

What if the results were the same?

What if he had less time than he thought?

The doctor finally called his name. Bucky felt his heart pound in his chest as he entered the room. The doctor's expression was grave, his voice solemn as he spoke.

"Mr. Barnes," the doctor began, "I have some good news. It appears there was an error in your previous tests. You do not have cancer."

Relief flooded Bucky's body, so intense it almost knocked him off his feet. He could breathe again, truly breathe. He had a second chance, a future to look forward to.

But amidst the joy, a new fear took root.

If Y/N found out, would she leave?

Would she feel betrayed, used, or lied to?

The thought was unbearable. The woman who had become his lifeline, his reason to smile, could vanish instantly.

So, Bucky made a choice. He kept the truth hidden. He returned home, a silent struggle raging within him. The joy of his health was tainted by the guilt of his deception.

He saw Y/N waiting for him, her eyes filled with concern. She had prepared his favorite meal, a small act of love that tore at his heart. He sat down, a mask of normalcy plastered on his face.

As they ate, he forced himself to smile, to laugh at her jokes, to pretend everything was fine. All the while, a part of him withered, the weight of his lie crushing him from the inside.

He knew he couldn't live like this forever. He had to tell her the truth, no matter the consequences. But until then, he would savor each moment with her, each stolen laugh, each shared sunset. He would hold onto the fragile peace she had brought into his life, even if it was built on a foundation of lies.

One day, Y/N stumbled upon a discarded medical report. The truth hit her like a bullet. Bucky wasn't sick. The doctor had read the wrong file.

Y/N was furious. She felt betrayed, lied to. But as she looked at him, sleeping peacefully in his bed, her anger melted away. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so relieved you're healthy."

Bucky woke up to her touch. Guilt washed over him. He had been so afraid of losing her that he had kept the truth hidden.

Bucky felt tears prick his eyes. "I...I was afraid," he choked out. "I was afraid of losing you. I thought that if you knew the truth, you would leave me."

Y/N looked at him, her anger slowly melting away into understanding. "Bucky," she said softly, "why didn't you just tell me you were afraid? We could have faced it together."

Bucky shook his head. "I didn't want to burden you. You were already taking care of me, doing everything you could to help. I didn't want to add to your worries."

Y/N placed a hand over his. "Bucky," she said, her voice gentle but firm, "you are not a burden. You are the man I love. And I would do anything for you, anything at all."

Bucky looked into her eyes, his heart filled with gratitude and love. "I love you too, Y/N," he whispered. "More than words can express."

As their lips met, a tear escaped Y/N's eye, tracing a shimmering path down her cheek. Bucky felt it against his skin, a testament to the depth of her emotions. He chuckled softly, the sound warm and inviting.

"Funny," he murmured, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. "Who would have thought it would come to this? You, wanting to kill me, and now...saying you love me."

A playful glint entered Y/N's eyes. "Didn't you say I was your type?" she teased, rolling her eyes playfully.

Bucky grinned, his heart overflowing with a joy he had never known. He had faced death and lived in the shadows, but it was Y/N who had indeed shown him the light.

Bucky pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her like a warm embrace. Y/N leaned into his touch, her heart beating perfectly with his.

At that moment, they were two souls intertwined, their pasts forgotten, their future a blank canvas waiting to be painted with love and laughter.

-The End-

Author Note :

Hey friends,

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[taeyamayang]

Sincerly Yours,

tsukishima kei; angst

“If you're reading this, my worst fear must have happened.”

Rain mocks Tsukishima as it slithers from the roof of his tinted car down to the steep glass that separates him from the rest of the world. The events tonight are heavy, leaving a wrenching pain in his chest even though he had everything planned. Emotions and reason are quantified and rationalized and yet he did not expect to feel this way, not when he’s reading a letter from you–the one you gave him before you left the cafe. 

“Ironically, I wrote this at my happiest moment with you. You’re sitting across from me in the living room, my feet on your thighs as you busy yourself with a newly purchased book. You don’t even notice me looking at you and smiling like an idiot in love. Well, that is true. I am an idiot for loving you.” 

Tsukishima couldn’t remember the last time he had a hard time reading words. Every phrase numbs his senses, losing control over his trembling hands, and restricting his air ways making it hard for him to breathe. All he could focus on is the prickling sensation on his palms and his racing heartbeat. Why are you always so unpredictable?

“You burnt your tongue on a miso soup I made tonight. It was my first attempt to recreate your mother’s speciality and you were so excited to critique that you missed my warning. You cussed in different languages at the sudden burn and I couldn’t help but laugh. Sometimes I forget that deep within you rests an innocent child. I want to take care of you; of course, for as long as you allow me. Tell me, do you remember today?” 

Unable to hold it in, Tsukishima chokes on his tears. His pale cold hands cupping his mouth as if to swallow back his sobs. The memory of you in his apartment, wearing an apron way too large for your size and the determined look on your face, eager to woo him with your amateur cooking skills. How could he forget? You looked ridiculous as you complained about the confusing cooking instructions on google. He snuck a photo of you in his small kitchen, your back to his as you take a sip from the wooden ladle. It was his wallpaper for the next three months. How could he forget? How could he forget the first time he wished for a future with someone. Waking up next to you every day, warm showers together, and falling asleep in each other’s arms. He was never this way with anyone before. 

“Why didn’t we make it?"

Tsukishima wallows in despair, tucking the letter away to the dashboard. His forehead meets with the steering wheel, body forfeiting on the burden of breaking up. His hand clutches onto the paper tightly as though he was holding your hand, afraid that losing grip will slip you away. 

“Was I not enough? Was being with me not enough to make you happy? I always tell you to pursue happiness even if it means leaving important yet unhealthy things in your life. Perhaps, in your present day, I am one of them. I’ll never blame you for ending things. You might think how could I be so sure that you’ll be the one to break us up? I have never told you this, at least from the time I wrote this, with you I have always been certain. I want to grow old with you. But things turned out differently for the both of us, didn't they? Even so, thank you and for the last time, I love you, Kei.”

He tosses his glasses to the seat next to him, pressing the pads of fingers on the socket of his eyes. “Stop.” He utters between sobs. The rain has now completely framed the windows of his car. The loud pouring on the metal hood silences the rustling city. He’s alone, listening to his pointless wails. 

“Sincerely Yours,”

a/n: writing with my uterus. ah i miss writing angst.

masterlist | hq.list

[prongslvl]

BY YOUR SIDE, THAT'S WHERE I STAY - james potter

PAIRING james potter x gn!reader

SUMMARY a conversation between friends makes you question your boyfriend's career decisions. james reassures you.

a/n: just something short and sweet! i had a pretty long day so i thought writing something cheesy would cheer me up (it did). happy reading!

"say, i heard your boyfriend's pretty talented in magic?" your friend, whom you met working in hogsmeade, leaning towards you with a smile. 

you weren't aware of the reason she brought james up, but you didn't complain. if anything, you're glad you finally have a reason to gush over him. 

"yes, especially during our time in hogwarts, a little genius he is. especially in one of our old classes, defense against dark arts." you said with a grin, your pride for your boyfriend grew in your chest. "he even got scouted by the ministry of magic— they've never scouted anyone." 

your friend gasped in amusement, "really? that must've been an honor! i presume he accepted it?" 

you chuckle, "yes, but he decided he wanted to work with me in the shop."

"right, you own a bakery, yes?" you nod in confirmation. "that's sweet of him!" she placed her butterbeer on the table after she took a sip. 

the memory of james declaring that he wants to spend more time with you and revealing that he quit his job to work in the bakery is one of the many moments of the curly-haired boy that made you giggle to yourself. it did worry that it might give him a bad record in the ministry of magic, but your worries were relinquished as soon as you brought it up when he showed you the departing letter he got from them. 

ever since then, he'd be behind the till, managing the customers while you baked their orders. you two had unbreakable teamwork. it was way better than when you were alone. 

"but it is a shame, though?" her words made you stare at her in confusion. 

"what do you mean?" you asked, fiddling with the wooden mug. 

"i mean, i'm pretty sure he got a really good position in his old job. it's just a shame he had to give it up. the ministry of magic could've gained a lot of help from potter." she shrugs, laughing to herself. "but that's just from my observation of my customers." 

you weren't really sure what to say, and you were suddenly uncomfortable in your seat.

she seems to notice this, waving her hands. "but i'm pretty sure he knew what he was doing." if her words were meant to reassure you, they didn't really help. 

you remained tight-lipped throughout the one sided conversation before she had to leave to get ready for her shift. you left the pub with a heavy heart and doubts in your mind. 

you've known james since your fifth year at hogwarts and his love for the ministry of magic, specifically their auror job. there were times in your relationship where you'd both talk about your future together after hogwarts. 

"once i get my job as an auror, i'll spoil you to the brim." james said as he held your hands, a grin on his face. "i'll support your business in every financial way." 

"james, you do know you don't get a paycheck on your first day?" 

"guess they'll have to make an exception for me, then." he joked, making you laugh at his antics. 

but what both of you didn't know was how time-consuming it was for james to be an auror. in his first week, he'd leave in the afternoon and come back at breakfast. you'd be lying if you said you didn't hate it, because you did. you both rarely saw each other out of uniform, too focused on your respective jobs. 

at first, you didn't mind it. it was yours and james' first time getting a job together, and you understood it always starts roughly. but when a week of not seeing each other turned into a month, even missing your anniversary, james knew it was the last straw. both of you haven't looked back since then, working happily together. 

.

.

.

when you got home, your friend's words continued to echo in your mind.

has james ever regretted it? 

was there a time when he talked to a rude customer and wished to be anywhere but here? 

did he ever look at you mid-conversation, wanting to bring up his mind changing? 

you frown, hugging yourself on your shared couch. the last thing you wanted to be for james was a burden, a shackle that prevented him from doing what he actually wanted. the mere thought of it made you teary-eyed. 

you lightly sniffed as you wiped your eyes. this caught the attention of your boyfriend in the kitchen. james was writing down something for the bakery when he heard you. he immediately drops anything, rushing to your side. 

"hey, hey. darling?" he kneels in front of you, holding on to your face. you didn't know what came over you; when you saw his face up close, it broke the dam in your eyes. tears began to fall even harder, no matter how you tried to stop it. 

james furrowed his eyebrows in worry. he hugged you in his arms, burying your face in his chest. he didn't know why you were reacting this way, and concern was definitely an understatement. he kept hearing you mumble a bunch of sorrys, making him confused about whatever made you feel the need to apologize. 

"don't apologize for anything. you didn't do anything wrong." he buries his face in your neck, tightening his grip on you. 

you finally calmed down after a while, james sitting next to you on the couch. he still had his arm wrapped around you as you leaned on his shoulder. 

"did something happen today?" james asked softly as he laid his cheeks on your hair, sneaking a kiss on your crown. you let out a ragged breath, preparing to answer. 

"it's just— me and my friend from hogsmeade, we talked today." you start hearing and feeling james' hums as he continues to listen to your words. "she talked about your job, i guess, jobs." you chuckled bitterly. 

it wasn't rocket science for james to realize what might've probably happened, he knew how sensitive a topic his decision was for you. 

"i've never wanted you to give up on pursuing your dreams, james." you look at him, his eyes meeting yours. "i could never take that away from you, james, never. but i think my selfishness still did it." 

he shakes his head immediately. james grabs a hold of your chin, caressing your cheeks. 

"there wasn't a day where i regretted choosing you, choosing us." 

"but it was your dream—"

"it was, my love. it was." james gently pulls your head towards him, giving you a kiss on your lips. "dreams come and go. a person can always change their mind." he gave your forehead a peck as he continued. 

"meeting you made me change and realize what i really want, my love. you showed me the future i want to have as soon as you said yes to me." tears began to form once again in your eyes. james immediately caught them with a swipe of his thumb. 

you sigh, interlocking your hands with his, "i don't deserve you, james."

he chuckles, "you deserve the whole world." 

james pulled you into a hug once more. 

"you're my dream and i'll never stop pursuing you." 

[jeankluv]

Snow on the beach || Trafalgar Law x fem!reader

Words: 4.1k

Warnings: heavy themes, eating disorders, bullying, child birth, drinking, blood, toxic relationships, dubcon (all this happens in a flashback and it will be in italics just in case you don’t want to read it)

Note: So I decided to write more about y/n’s past and it’s a heavy part, so be aware while reading it. If you don’t want to read that part, it’s okay you can pass it, in the current timeline we won’t be seeing anything else from those characters of y/n’s past, only mentioned sometimes due to the insecurities they created. I don’t think these themes will be seen again, maybe a bit in future chapters but not as explicit as this chapter. Also Nami is really present in this chapter, that’s why I put Emily in the pictures, just imagine her with a more orange hair.

Previous chapter || Materialist || Next chapter

Chapter V: Something about me

It’s been exactly a week since you saw Law for the last time. After your day with him and the rest and the night watching the stars, Corazon told you that Law left the town due to something urgent and he was going to be out for some time. Ever since then Corazon has been the one taking you home from the restaurant during the whole week. And now you were sitting on the beach looking at the horizon thinking about everything and nothing at the same time, Bepo was by your side, peacefully sleeping while the air hit your face.

Nami was going to come later that day, to spend a “girls night” with you. That’s what she told you when you saw her. You were kinda excited, you have never had a girls night before, yeah you and your mom used to spend Sundays together watching films or series, but a girl night with someone your age? With Anna whenever you hang out it was always to go to parties and she would always leave to hook up with someone and whenever you subjected the idea of just staying home enjoying a film or doing something else, she would call you childish and boring. So after a few tries you end up giving up, she was probably right, you were childish.

That’s what you used to thought.

You sighed, it seemed that it didn’t matter how far you went, your memories of her didn’t seem to vanish. And you hated it, you really did.

You stood up, waking Bepo with your movement. You needed to go to the town before Nami came today and you needed to call your mom to let her know you were okay. Bepo walked beside you, moving his tail happily. You entered your house and let Bepo sit on the couch, you didn’t mind having him around, you honestly liked having him with you, it made you feel less lonely. You took some money and guided Bepo to his house, so you could leave for the town.

Once you arrived, you went straight to the grocery to buy the things you needed for tonight and for the upcoming days.

“Oi!” You heard a deep voice from behind. You turned around and saw the green haired guy you were already familiar with.

“Zoro.” You smiled at him. “What are you doing here?”

“I was heading somewhere but… I think I got lost.” You looked at him.

“You got lost? But this is a small…”

“It happened.” He shrugged. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh! I’m having a girls night with Nami tonight, so I needed to buy some things for tonight.” You smiled.

“Good…” He nodded. “It’s good to see you are enjoying yourself in this isolated town. But be careful with Law.”

You looked at Zoro with confusion. “What do you mean Zoro?”

“Don’t get me wrong, Law is a good guy but there are people near him that aren’t, so be careful.” He said and started walking. “I will see you tomorrow at the restaurant, bye.”

You said goodbye to him, Zoro's words had left you confused, what did he mean? You tried not to think about it too much, now you wanted to focus on the girls' night that awaited you with Nami.

You arrived home and Bepo came right away to welcome you and keep you company. You spent the afternoon tidying up and cleaning up the house, while Bepo slept on your couch. At dusk Nami arrived at your house, with a case of beer in her hand and with the biggest smile on her face.

“Hello gorgeous.” She greeted you with a smile. “I brought a drink, today we are going to have an incredible time. You will see.” He said as she walked into the house and winked at you.

“I’m happy you’re here tonight Nami.” You smile at her and give her to the kitchen.

“Me too, you and I can finally have time alone without the boys… I wish Robin could be with us.” She smiled at you.

You put the pizza in the oven and Nami opened a couple of beers for you to drink while you waited for the pizza to be ready.

“I heard that Torao is not here, is that right?” Nami said, drinking from her beer.

“Yeah…he hasn't been around since last Monday.” You shrugged.

“You’re worried?” She smirked.

“A little bit… I mean he left without saying a word, everything seemed more than alright when we were watching the night sky.” You told her.

“Huh… how romantic, watching the night sky together?” Nami started joking.

“It’s not like that Nami.” You said, shaking your head.

“C’mon, I have seen how you look at him and how he looks at you. I have never seen Law like that.” She smiled.

“I don’t look at him in any way.”

“Oh c’mon y/n!” Nami cried out. “At least tell me, you find him attractive right? Look at him, his tattoos, piercings,…”

“Are you sure it’s not you the one that is in love with him?”

“Oh please no, I’m not into men.” She laughed and winked at you.

“Oh… right.” You nervously laughed.

“But hey! Don’t skip my question.”

“He is attractive but I don’t… I… I don’t know, okay?”

Nami nodded and didn't say anything else on the subject, she only had a wide smile on her face for practically the entire night. The rest of the night, you ate pizza, drank and you talked non-stop, although it was usually Nami who carried the conversation, you didn't care. It had been a long time since you felt so good with a friend.

The next morning you woke up with a horrible headache, as did Nami who was in an even worse state than you. You prepared breakfast for both of them and gave food to Bepo who had spent the night there. You looked around the window, checking to see if Law's car was there, but it wasn't. You sighed and drank some more from your cup.

“Ugh, I really don't want to go to work today. My head is killing me." Nami complained while walking through the door.

“I don't really feel like it either, having to endure Zeff's screams at Sanji is going to kill me.” You joked.

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

It was wednesday night when you saw his car after Zoro took you from the restaurant, you were 100% sure that it was Law’s car, so that meant he was finally back. The following day you sneak peeked from your window to check if it was still there and in fact it was there. You breathed and went straight to his door, you wanted to know if he was alright, check on him, just that. Nothing else, just that. You knocked on the other three times before hearing his voice.

“Cora-San, did you forget something again?” He opened the other. He looked at you, from head to toe and you felt some kind of wave go through your whole body, and it wasn’t in a positive way. “What are you doing here?”

“I… I came here to check on you. Since you've been gone for a week. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.” You gave him a small smile.

“I am, now leave.” He started to close the door but you put your feet in front.

“Why…? What’s up with you?” You questioned him.

“Nothing, now go y/n.” He said with the coldest tone ever, you have never heard him speaking with that tone. “And by the way, from now on I won’t be taking you home, so you better start asking someone in the restaurant to take you.”

He closed the door right in your face, leaving you speechless, why? Why was he acting like that? Did you do something that bothered him? You couldn’t understand shit right now and you were feeling tears popping out of your eyes. You whipped them quickly, you didn’t want to cry, sure there would be a way to fix all this, right? There has to.

You turned and walked out of there, you really didn't want anyone to see you like that right now. You closed the door of the house quickly, took a breath and tried to calm down. Had you really done something wrong? You didn't understand that behavior, Law had slowly become closer, he was opening up, he was letting you be friends with him, but now suddenly he was treating you like you had the plague?

“No wonder you are always left alone y/n.”

“Don’t think y/n, don’t think about it.” You whispered to yourself. “You will find out what's going on.”

“You will always be alone, but… if you do what I say I will be by your side, always.”

“Ah!” You screamed. “Why does she have to come to my mind? Why? It’s been months! Damn it!”

You looked around, it was still early to go to work, but you didn't want to stay at home, alone with your thoughts. You decided to go to the store where Nami worked and distract yourself a little, Nami always told you to come to her if something happened or if you needed to vent about anything. During the trip you seriously thought about whether it would be good to vent to Nami and tell her about Anna, since you had joined her group of friends, the memories of your friendship with her did not stop tormenting you and making you doubt the friendships you had made in that place. You hated so much what you had become, what she had turned you into.

By the time you realized it, you were already entering the door of the store and Nami welcomed you with the biggest of her smiles. The store was practically empty so you could talk calmly.

“What’s on your mind? You seemed to be off.” Nami said with a worried look.

“It’s… it’s Law.” You sighed. “He came back yesterday and this morning when I went to ask him if he was okay, he practically kicked me out and told me not to bother him anymore.”

“He did what?” Nami slammed the table. “That bastard.”

“I don’t understand Nami, maybe I did something that made him…”

“Y/n…” She held my hands. “I’m pretty sure you did nothing wrong. He's just a dick.”

“But maybe I did Nami. Maybe I fucked up and…”

“Y/n I have known you, not for much but I know that there isn’t anything you could do for him to be acting like a dick.” Your eyes started to fill with tears.

“Thank you Nami.” You blinked trying not to cry. “For being my friend.”

“Sure.” She hugged you. “And don’t cry for him, it’s not worth it.”

“There is something else I would like to tell you, because… I feel like I can trust you.” You wanted for her to know you.

Nami nodded and listened to you carefully.

[Delicate topics are narrated in the italicized section. Please read at your own risk]

It all started 5 years ago, you had just moved because your mother just married David. The truth is that starting at a new high school didn't matter much to you, you didn't have anyone at your old school that you wanted to stay for. When you started at the new school, you went with the intention of being more open and being able to make friends but things didn't turn out that way and you spent half a year alone during recess, that was until you met Anna. Beautiful, tall, smart, most people's crush, you knew her well, being with her seemed unattainable. But there she showed up with her wide smile, her perfect complexion and her singing voice.

"Hello." She smiled at you. “Can I sit with you?” She pointed at the seat next to you.

“Yeah… sure.” You said and moved your things for the place.

“You’re y/n right? I’m Anna.” She said, extending his hand.

“Yeah it’s me.” You squeezed her hand.

“Let’s be friends y/n. Okay?” She smiled and that was when everything started to fall.

Everything started to go down and you didn't realize it. Everything seemed to be going well, or so you thought, Anna introduced you to her group of friends. She got you invited to parties, she taught you how to do your makeup, she told you what to wear. For the last 3 years everything had been like that, school ended a year ago but you and Anna decided, more like she told you to choose the same college as her. At that time you didn't see the signs, like you were just being her doll and she was controlling you, but you stayed by her side because you didn't want to be alone again.

“Honey, aren't you going to eat?” Your mom asked you.

“No, I have to go to school.”

“Honey, you should eat something.” Your mom looked at you.

“Mom, it’s okay.” You said and tried to leave.

“Y/n.” She never called you by your name unless she was angry or really worried. “Since last year you have been acting really strange. You know you can talk to me right?”

“I know mom, now I’m leaving, okay?” You said and without letting her speak you went outside.

It's true that you ate less, you almost never had breakfast, but according to Anna it was better that way, since so many calories were not good. She reminded you every time you saw each other.

“Hello!” Anna hugged you. “What are you wearing?” She looked at you.

“Oh it was a present from my stepdad, I really li…”

“It’s so ugly y/n!” She laughed. “You really want Kidd to look at you wearing that?”

You looked at yourself again. “Maybe you’re right…”

“Of course I am.” She said. “This weekend there is a party at Kidd’s house and guess you are invited?” She smirked.

“This weekend I don’t think…”

“You don’t think what? Oh c’mon girl, you know how hard it was for me to get you invited? Don't be boring and come.”

“My mother's due next week, so I wanted to stay with her this weekend.” You explained to her.

“Y/n this opportunity will not come again, if you don't come next week you will be completely alone again. And you don't want that, right?" She said putting a strand behind your ear. You denied. “Exactly, so you have to come.”

And that's what you did, you showed up at the party, but not before having an argument with your mother. David was traveling so she was left alone while you went partying. You sighed and fixed the dress Anna had lent you. You entered the party and started looking for Anna, you had agreed to meet here, but you couldn't see her anywhere.

“Hey pretty.” You heard a voice behind you, you turned around to see Kidd standing there with a cocky smile on his face.

“Kidd… hi.” You swallowed nervously.

“You wanna grab something to drink?”

“It’s okay I’m not really thirsty right now.” You smiled, you really didn’t want to drink anything, you weren’t much of a drinker and you weren't good at tolerating alcohol.

“Oh c’mon y/n!” Anna appeared behind you grabbing you by the shoulders. "Don't be a party pooper and drink with us, poor Kidd is inviting you and you reject him?" She said, making a sad face.

“Yeah baby, let’s drink and we can have some fun together alright?” He said, leaning his face towards yours.

“I guess… I guess one drink won’t be bad.” You ended up agreeing to them.

But then one drink turned into two, and then into three, before you realized it you had Kidd on top of you kissing you desperately. You really wanted to get out of there, you didn't want your first time to be like that. But then Anna's voice echoed in your head, how she told you how boring you were, how she would leave you alone. So you let it happen. Kidd got up once he finished and put his clothes back on, while you tried to hold back the urge to cry. Without saying anything he left the room and left you alone in the darkness. You took a quick breath and eyelashes, pushing away the tears that threatened to come out and you also dressed, you wanted to get out of that house as soon as possible and go home.

You heard Anna calling you but you didn't stop and left the house at full speed, you wanted to get there as soon as possible. You took an Uber to get home, you were exhausted, your head hurt, you felt like crying, everything was coming at you. You entered through the door of the house, you did not expect to find your mother there, but there she was dying because she had gone into labor and you were not there.

“Mom!”

“Oh… honey, I tried calling an ambulance or David but I tried and… I can’t get up. The baby is coming.”

You looked at the ground, the water had broken and there was also blood, you didn't know how long it had been but the baby was coming and you had to do something.

“I will call an ambulance, so they… they can help.” Your breathing was labored. You were on the verge of crying, you should have been with her, you shouldn't have left. You held the phone and you dialed the emergency number.

“Honey… look at me.” Your mother touched your cheek. “I will be alright okay?”

“I should’ve been here mom… I’m sorry.” Tears started to fall down.

You talked to the emergency people and they got there in less than 10 minutes. On the way to the hospital you called David to tell him that mom was in labor. You waited in the waiting room, you tried to stay still but your nerves wouldn't let you, you couldn't stop thinking about how stupid you had been. You knew that your mother could go into labor at any moment, that it had been a complicated pregnancy and yet you had left her. You even told David that it was okay for him to go, that you would be there. But you weren't.

Time began to pass and you don't know when you fell asleep but you did and the next thing you knew was that a nurse was in front of you, telling you that your mother was already planning and you could go see her.

“Mom.” You rushed to her side.

She was awake, really pale and smiling at you. “Hello honey…Your sister caused more problems than you when you were born.” She joked.

“Where is… where is she?” You looked around.

“They are doing some tests on her because it was a complicated birth but she will be alright.” She smiled at you.

“Mom, I’m really…”

“Honey don’t.”

“No, I have to. I’m sorry, I have been an awful daughter to you and David too, when everything you wanted to do was helping me and I pushed away, every single time.” You take a deep breath and wipe away the tears that were already falling down your face.

“Don’t cry, okay? We will talk about everything once we are home, when we are more calm and relaxed. It’s okay.” She hugged you and kissed your forehead.

You stayed next to her, you were able to meet your little sister, Kelly, and the urge to cry again appeared. Your mother forced you to go home once David arrived, she said that you needed to sleep properly, take a good shower and replenish your energy. You hadn't looked at your phone since the last call with David and honestly you would have preferred to have left it off. You had missed calls and messages from Anna, saying everything, how dare you leave like that, how dare you ignore her and the list went on. You put your phone on silent and left it charging, you didn't want to think about her, or anything that happened at that shitty party.

The next week you didn't go to college, you didn't feel like it and you preferred to spend time with your mother and Kelly. But you knew that throughout that week you would have to talk to them about everything that had been happening with you in recent years. So you sat down and talked, you told them everything about Anna, about the parties, about your problems with food and also how you wanted to escape from that degree that you hated so much and where you were only because you didn't want to be alone, in reality you were always doing everything because you don't want to be alone.

David and your mother agreed that you would drop out of college, and start going to therapy. You could help at home with Kelly for a year, until you found something you wanted to do and felt good about yourself again. And that's how you started going to therapy and you cut all ties with Anna, you deleted her from all your social networks, her phone, everything, you didn't want to know anything about her again. Until five months ago, while you were walking with Kelly, you ran into her. Kelly was already a year and a half old and you were taking her on a walk while your mom and David were working. When you saw her, you could feel your pulse speed up and the desire to vomit invade your body.

“Oh! Look who is here.” She said with a sarcastic voice, then she looked at Kelly and laughed. “Don’t tell me Kidd knocked you up, in just a try? Or are truly a slut and have been sleeping with everyone since…”

“Is none of your business, now please leave me alone.” You said and passed next to her.

"What did you say bitch?" She grabbed your arm, digging her nails into it. “You should be grateful to me, it's thanks to me that you fucked Kidd, it's thanks to me that you weren't completely alone every day. But seeing how ungrateful you are, I don't care. I should have left you alone." She whispered in your ear.

“Leave me alone.” You faced her, trying to control yourself from shaking.

Anna clenched her fists and pushed you, causing you to collide with Kelly's cart and it to fall to the ground. You heard Kelly crying, Anna running away, and then you saw red. Kelly was crying and bleeding, you were on the verge of crying, again because of you, someone you loved was getting hurt. You called the emergency room and then your mother to tell her what had happened.

At the hospital with your mother and David, they told you that luckily it was nothing and that Kelly was fine. You wanted to breathe easy but you really couldn't.

“So the following day I packed a bag and went to my aunts house in the east without telling my mom or David anything.” You breathed. “The thought of seeing Anna again and her hurting me or someone I cared about again was going to kill me alive, so I thought the best option was leaving. Run away like a coward.” You tried to smile at Nami, realizing Nami was a sea of tears at that moment. “Wait… why are you?”

“Oh y/n!” She hugged you and continued crying on your shoulder. “I’m so sorry you went through all that, I’m really sorry.” She broke the hug and looked at you. “You weren’t a coward, that bitch is the coward and if I see her I will kick her ass.”

“Don’t worry about her, my mom and David, they filed charges against her and from what my aunt told me she had a restraining order imposed.”

“She should be in jail.” She breathed. “Thank you y/n, for trusting me with this. I really appreciate it and I want you to know I’m proud of you and that we all love you, and we won’t be leaving you alone. Never.” She smiled. “That’s a promise.”

“Never.” You smiled back at her.

“Now you have to tell something…why this town of all the places in the world? I’m glad you chose it but…” She looked around and you laughed at her expression.

“That's actually a funny story…” You smiled.

Note: I didn’t thought that y/n’s flashback was going to be this long, but I really wanted to introduce her past as soon as possible (also bc I don’t want the story to be that long). I also wanted to created a stronger bond between Nami and y/n, so with chapter is mostly about them bonding and y/n finding a true friend in Nami. About Law, in the next chapter we will know more about what’s going on with him and we will have more of him and Corazon. See you in the next chapter, I will be uploading a part 2 of The Guitarist and also a one shot call “Beg me” it’s a nsfw fic set in Wano, now that Wano is ending what better that drop a spicy fic about it.

[amelee23]

Special | Lee Know Fluff

Pairing: Lee Know x Gender neutral reader

Genre: Romance, poetic prose, first person

Word count: 1k

Warnings: this is disgustingly romantic, reader is worshiping their love for lino basically, talks about mythology and gods

A/n: Please let me know if you liked this, since I do know this is a kind of writing that isn't really done around here (?) but I am a hopeless romantic so here goes nothing lmao

Synopsis: One day, you began to wonder: what makes your love story with Minho so special? As you struggle to find an answer, you only find more love.

Millions of people fall in love every single day, but what makes my story special?

My story, by all normal means, is not in any way special. I'm sure history has heard of stories like mine countless of times.

What could I say to make it sound special? That it was love at first sight?

Well, it was. But that's also cliche. I don't believe it to be as rare as it sounds.

That he thawed my cold heart and made it beat again? Even though he did - my ex made me feel oh so special, and when he walked out of my life, every wall he had knocked down were built right back up.

But then I met another boy, and he spoke to me with a sparkle in his eye, with hidden kindness and sensitivity beyond every word. And I fell in love hopelessly, on the spot.

What else could I say -? That he has a heart of gold? He does, this boy of mine has helped countless animals find shelter, fed starving children across the world and offered every little ounce of him towards the happiness of those around him. But does that make our story special enough?

He's not a king of ancient kingdoms, although secretly, when he sits down at his desk I imagine he could be. A heavy crown on his head, the garments of nobility, an aura around him that demands respect. Plus, he's never taken a selfish decision in his life, he's always looked after me and stirred me in the right direction.

He's not a knight in shining armor, although when we're together I feel so powerful - that we could indeed be slaying dragons! Both of us, clad in armor, standing back to back with wide swords ready to charge into battle, the background forgotten in a mist of smoke and ashes. There is no foe that could stand in our way.

Perhaps you could say, this story is special because he is special. But he would kill me if he heard me say that, that he's special and I'm not.

Because if you ask him, I've got it all backwards. He's just Minho, and I'm the star.

The star of his world.

He swears I must be famous, because although I don't see it (or refuse to admit it) everyone around me adores me. Or so he says. He always says I'm loved, oh so loved, and not just by him. He's merely my biggest fan, and sometimes-! Sometimes he acts like my manager. Marketing me to others, telling stories of how great I am. How cute.

But let's get back to talking about him. Since he's my favorite topic to talk about.

So he's not a king, nor a knight. Perhaps he's a seer, since he does seem to posses the ability to foresee the future! He always talks about such distant destinies, the names of our children, the color of our shared bedroom, the furniture of our kitchen, all these memories we're yet to have... Hmm, maybe he can predict the future. I doubt it's all wishful thinking!

Or maybe he's a magician? A healer, a witch, a mage - he must be able to perform some sort of healing magic, because once, when I had a headache, he kissed my forehead and the pain went away. That couldn't have been a coincidence-!

What else could I compare him to, to make this seem more magical? An Egyptian deity...? No, let's not do that, it sounds somewhat blasphemous to compare a mere mortal to an ancient God... although he should definitely try dressing as one for Halloween! Gold would look great on his honey-like skin, surrounded by his tightly protected kittens... From what I have read he'd fit Anubis the most, for he's such a good listener, so supportive, it's like he has the ability to bring people back to life, breathe motivation back into them when they feel they're at the end of their road - just like Anubis used to help in the process of reincarnation. It doesn't even have to be Egyptian, I could say he reminds me of Prometheus, the man who stole fire from the gods, to give it to humanity in an absolute tragic and noble sacrifice... (I did compare him to gods even though I said I wouldn't, right?)

Maybe he's a forest fairy? No, this one I am a certain about. He blends into nature, it's the place where he most belongs. What else could he be, other than a magical sprite of nature? Animals adore him, I'm sure he can communicate with them in languages only they can understand. And whenever we go camping, and he lies down on the grass, on our old and stained picnic blanket, it seems as though the grass grows; flowers sprout around his body and the sun seeps into his skin, making him glow. And then he smiles and beckons me over, to share with him of his fruit, and I'm sure it's actually ambrosia.

Yes, this should be the one. Being a human, being my lover, it's all just a cover for something so deeply mysterious, ancient and magical, living inside of him, running through his veins... I hope he doesn't lose his magic by settling for someone as simple as me, who could only admire, but barely comprehend the history of his existence...

If he were to read this, he would think I'm very funny. And probably check my temperature for a fever. But one thing's for sure - we could be anything if we tried to be, a supernatural story, a Greek tragedy, a new York besteller... But we don't need to. Because what we have is enough.

There's a million people who fall in love every single day. But there's a million reasons why my lover is made out of pure magic - and while this might not be the most special love story of all time, it is the most special story of my life.

A/n: Just a thousand words my game weak this time around I am sTRugGLINg

If you like my work, consider donating so I can continue writing!

©amelee23 do not copy or repost

[zombiedumbie]

00. TIME MOVES SLOW WHEN YOU'RE ALL ALONE, AND TIMES MOVES SLOW;

I've been thinking about writing a fanfic after reading this one (btw this is a recommendation). it would be basically the opposite: I have a headcannon that Law would be considerably rich due to his family of doctors. So, the person who would live in all the luxury would be our dear aspiring doctor. Added a touch of drama 'cause I love a little pain.

This is just one chapter because I wanted to know if you guys like the idea, so if you'd like me to continue, please let me know.

2302 words.

modern au, she/her reader, use of "y/n", angst (?), law is 22, grief, implicit and explicit drug use, swearing, post-traumatic stress. mdni!

Grief is a complex set of emotions that humans deal with after the loss of something fundamentally important to them. Grief isn't always triggered solely by death, but also, as mentioned earlier, by the painful farewell to something significant. Today, it is understood that grief has 7 stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance; not necessarily faced in that order.

However, when grief stops being a loss and turns into a disease, it's called pathological grief.

In this way, Trafalgar D. Water Law has lived the last 12 years of his life.

Law was sprawled on the bed of god-knows-who, with his shirt unbuttoned and his head spinning. The noise he could hear was his heavy breathing, as if his ears were inside his dry throat, while his eyes moved agonizingly slowly around the unfamiliar room.

The memories of how he got there or what was happening had long escaped his mind, but he was certain of one thing: He needed water, and perhaps a shower. Maybe he should call Rosinante, despite promising him that he wouldn't do it again.

Determined to reach the kitchen, Law dragged himself out of bed, his feet hitting the floor as steadily as he could manage — which wasn't much. He was almost halfway there when he stumbled over a blazer and fell to the ground like a bag of bones, shaking the room.

He began to mutter, wondering who would leave a blazer in the middle of the room like that. The blazer was his. The door creaked open with a muffled sound due to the music, and Law felt someone touch his back.

"Damn, I thought someone was having a pretty hardcore fuck here", the voice was familiar, Law looked up to see who it was. "I was going to ask to join, but it was just you", Sabo smiled, looking at Law with that same psychopathic smile as usual.

Sabo was one of those boys whose parents always warned to stay away from, as he could become a criminal or an addict in the future. However, as he grew up, Sabo silenced everyone when he was accepted into one of the best universities in the country, becoming one of the smartest people anyone had ever seen around him; even though he often seemed to hate it all. In the end, he settled for studying International Relations at the state's best college, against everyone's wishes and only following his own reasoning.

However, he still acted like a crazy fuck. And that's why he understood the whole situation when he saw Law's red eyes. "Damn, that was strong, huh?", he helped Law to his feet.

"F-Fuck off", Law groaned as he stood up, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment from his deplorable situation. "I-I want water", the words came out unconsciously, as if his body was speaking for him.

Sabo laughed, helping him walk out of the room. "Come with me, I'll help you", the blonde shouted over the music. They practically stumbled down the stairs to the ground floor.

The silver decorations and the low light of the place, combined with the loud music and the large number of people there, made Law even dizzier. The only thing he could look at to help his mental confusion was the huge glass window that overlooked a large and well-maintained garden, which, unfortunately, was filled with people here and there.

Sabo guided them to a corridor beside the stairs. The corridor seemed to stretch and then shrink several times as they walked to the door at the end, which Sabo pushed slowly before entering with Law.

It was the kitchen that Law had longed to reach in the last 3 minutes. The light was bright compared to the rest of the party; there were some waiters hired for the night, along with some people Law had seen around.

The kitchen was filled with the most expensive appliances. The stove had so many burners it looked ridiculous, the refrigerator seemed as wide and tall as a cabinet, and all the utensils were neatly arranged, highly polished and gleaming. Not to mention the extensive marble countertops and the golden details in the corners of each piece of furniture; there was also a long glass wall that displayed the image of the distant nighttime city, as bright as day due to its ever-lit lights, divided by the scenery of a quiet beach.

Given the attention to detail in this kitchen, it was possible that whoever the owner of this house was, they never had to set foot in this kitchen.

"Oi, Sabo", Kid spoke. Kid was a red-haired guy with painted nails and lipstick on his lips, holding a blunt between his fingers and blowing smoke through his teeth. He was dressed in the rest of his waiter outfit, his apron now tucked into the back pocket of his pants and his black dress shirt open.

"Who's this guy?", Kid, another one of the waiters, asked, watching Sabo lean Law against the wall next to the door. "Damn, he's messed up, huh?", he said as he saw the man bow his head.

Law was pitifully leaning against the wall, slightly leaning forward, head down, and too weak to move his hanging arms. His vision was a blur of his tattooed arms covered with a lazily rolled-up white dress shirt on his elbows and his shoes now dirty from who-knows-what.

Sabo laughed. "Go easy on him, he's new to this stuff", Law wanted to protest, but his tongue felt too heavy in his mouth. Sabo left his blazer on the counter and opened the refrigerator for water.

Maybe he was too high, but he still felt a gaze burning his skin. He slowly turned his head to look at a girl sitting on the floor, her back against the wall, wearing a waiter outfit similar to the others', now looser; and it was her who now held Kid's blunt.

The girl looked him up and down as she brought the cigarette between her index and thumb to her lips, there was a certain pity in her eyes, but Law chose to ignore it, no matter how irresistible her figure might be.

"His name is Law", Sabo added, handing him a glass of water.

"No way!", Kid said, laughing. "The Trafalgar Law? Man, you're like Batman!", Law grunted.

"Shut up, Kid. Are you eating shit or what?", the girl on the floor said, scolding Kid.

"No parents and being taken care of by a guardian? Sounds like Batman indeed", Law mumbled with difficulty, receiving the glass of water from Sabo.

The atmosphere in the kitchen grew heavy. Everyone remembered the Trafalgar accident; it was news for a few days, and the only survivor was the eldest son, Trafalgar Law. Post-traumatic stress kept him at home for a few years, where he dedicated himself to studying to continue his parents' legacy. But here he was, incredibly high for the first time.

It had been a series of unfortunate events that led him to that party that day.

But, in short, he wanted to experience a little of what he had missed due to his years at home.

Law banged the glass on the counter in front of him; he felt like he should say some things to this Kid guy, but his head was so confused that he felt, for a moment, like he was somewhere else. "Go... fuck yourself...!", Kid seemed to turn as red as his hair, but Sabo immediately cut both of them off with a laugh.

"You're even funnier like this, Torao!", a voice came from the other side of the kitchen along with a laugh. It was Luffy, one of Law's "friends," a title he didn't really want to call him. "You should get high more often", Luffy tapped his back a few times.

Trafalgar, already annoyed at being so high and also by Kid's well-thought-out comment, seemed to get more irritated by Luffy's presence, who was laughing too loudly for his taste. He pushed himself off the counter and walked awkwardly to the kitchen door, struggling a bit to open it due to its weight, and then staggered down the corridor.

The man staggered, getting lost in the huge house, with no idea what he was doing. The suffocating feeling of not being in control made him want to cry; he felt like he was sleeping, in a senseless, noisy dream. It was too hot, too stuffy, too noisy, too crowded. Moments passed like blurred flashes, too confusing to decipher; until he seemed to "wake up" from his dream.

Law was lying on something soft. He felt a cold breeze hit his body like an uncomfortable embrace. When he finally opened his eyes, the night sky was painted before him, he could hear the sound of the music more clearly now, though a bit more distant compared to the waves of the beach, and amidst the electronic rhythm and the crashing waves, a voice seemed to speak to him.

"I hate working for these spoiled brats, they all think I'm their damn housekeeper and should do whatever they tell me", Law turned his head to see who was talking, finding the same girl from the kitchen, sitting cross-legged with her back to him in the sand, smoking a cigarette angrily. "Damn, I'm here just to serve drinks, not to make the porridge that your housekeeper makes every night before bed!", Law ran his fingers through the sand, feeling the fine grains caress his palm. He heard her venting, but he didn't understand a single word.

She turned around and looked him deep in the eyes before speaking: "You woke up, finally. How do you feel?", she smiled.

"Like I've been run over", he was honest. He still felt out of it, but conscious enough to know what he was doing.

"Huh, wait until tomorrow", she said as Law sat up. He now noticed that she was wearing his coat. "You asked me to call someone named Cora-san, but I couldn't find his contact on your phone", she reached out, handing the device to Law. "Sorry about that."

Law rubbed his eyes, confused. "What... What happened? Where's Sabo?"

"You don't remember, do you?", she smiled, and Law, fearing what he might have done during this blackout, blushed violently. "Don't worry", she laughed. "Sabo carried you to the kitchen to get some water, but then Kid started talking crap and Luffy started annoying you until you left the kitchen. Sabo was going after you, but... I think her name was Koala, she stopped him and started arguing with him. I found you sitting on a couch next to the bathroom...", she stopped, pondering whether she should continue.

Law raised an eyebrow.

"You... were crying. Like, a lot. I brought you some water, but you said you didn't want to drink anymore, and then you started talking...", she sighed. "Anyway, you asked me to call this Cora-san and gave me your phone, and then you said you wanted some fresh air. I brought you here, and you ended up dozing off in the sand".

Law widened his eyes and cringed at the thought of what he might have told her. He didn't remember any of this, which made him want to disbelieve what he might have done, but since there was no other version of this gap in his mind, he just abstained.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone anything", she said when she saw his worried face.

"... Thank you", he said, grabbing his phone to check the time; it was almost dawn. He swallowed hard before unlocking the device.

He heard her chuckle softly and looked at the city on the horizon, finishing her cigarette. "Of course".

For some reason, his heart squeezed in his chest. That girl he didn't even know the name of had just helped him in a terrible moment of drunkenness for no reason, and as much as he could easily doubt her word, he trusted that she wouldn't tell anyone about his outburst.

His golden eyes fell on her again, watching her hair being carried by the cold morning breeze. The ever-present melancholy lingered in his mind as he dialed Rosinante's number on his phone; his finger hovered over the call button. "What's your name?".

She paused to think for a moment before answering. "Y/N", she turned her face towards him. The sun had just started to rise, and the sky was a bit brighter now.

He wanted to thank her for helping him, for being so kind to someone she barely knew, for caring enough to stay with him until he woke up; to say that he appreciated what she had done and apologize for causing trouble. But all that came out of his lips was: "Why did you help me?".

And all she replied was: "Because I wanted to."

He mentally slapped himself for sounding so ungrateful, he tried again to thank her, apologize, but she kept talking. "People don't always have a reason for doing what they do..." she seemed to notice the confusion in his eyes. "You were in a vulnerable moment, I couldn't leave you like that", and she gave one of the gentlest smiles Law had ever seen.

He swallowed hard as he remembered Rosinate.

"OOOOIIII, Y/N!", someone shouted in the background, she turned her head to see Kid calling her. "WE'RE LEAVING!!", she got up and brushed the sand off her clothes.

"COMING, JUST A MINUTE!!", she shouted back. "My ride's leaving. Nice to meet you, Law. Don't forget to call Cora-san", she took off the blazer to return it. "Call me if you need anything", then she turned and started running back towards the house, shoes in hand.

"Goodbye...", he said, but then he realized something. "I DON'T HAVE YOUR NUMBER!", he shouted, his eyes filled with the image of the girl now running away.

"YOU THINK!".

Law wanted to shout back, but something clicked in his mind. His fingers touched the screen of his phone to open the "Contacts" app, sliding his finger to find a new contact saved as "Y/N :p".

[ourchu]

first love | kim taerae

masterlist for this series!

this specific one is based on 20th century girl, which i do recommend watching if you want a good cry-inducing movie. if anything is off i'm writing based off of memory!

word count: 698

staring at the sign above the store you essentially grew up in was interesting. you were now in your late 20's, early 30's and helping your parents move everything out of the store since they decided to finally retire. this decision was mainly spurred on by your sibling graduating university and starting their dream career.

“will you stop staring at the sign and come in and help your parents!” your mother was watching you from far inside the store, nagging you as always despite your age.

”i'm coming!” you called out, walking towards her. “where should i start?”

"you know, something came in the mail for you recently. i think i left it in the office." your mom mumbled, already distracted from her previous request.

but hey, you'll take any excuse to not do some heavy lifting.

“i'll go check it out really quick!” you made your way to your family's office, finding a package addressed to you on the desk.

tearing it open you found a vhs tape, scoffing in disbelief. “i haven't seen one of these in a while.”

you tried to see who sent the package but it seemed to be scratched out. you sighed, looking around and finding your old tv. lugging it onto the desk, you plugged it in and inserted the vhs.

“here goes nothing.” you pressed play, not knowing what to expect honestly.

the screen buzzed a bit before cutting to a beautiful sunset and a field of flowers. a small boy ran into frame, giggling and calling out a name you haven't heard in years.

“taerae! come on, leave the camera alone and play with me!”

a chuckle came from behind the camera, before he appeared. your heart raced seeing him after so long.

“hey, be patient! i promised i'd show y/n the sunset's in europe.” taerae smiled, holding his brother tightly.

“why couldn't y/n just come here to see it then? that way you don't have to take videos.” his younger brother whined, a visible pout forming on his face.

you chuckled, hands wiping below your eyes at the tears that had unconsciously began to fall.

”why don't you say hello to them? you'll get to know them soon enough, after all they're your future in law!” you rolled your eyes at taerae's bluntness.

“i don't want to...” taerae turned to his brother, hugging him tightly.

“c'mon! for me please!” taerae's smile had brought butterflies to your stomach, reminding you of when you'd last seen him.

“hello y/n... don't steal my brother from me!" taerae laughed at his brother, tickling him before the younger ran out of frame.

taerae ran up to the camera, big smile still on his face.

“y/n, we’re still in the 19th century here, but i think you're already in the 20th century huh? i guess i need to go to you now! i can't wait to show you this video so you can see how pretty it is here. one day, i promise, i'll bring you here. i want to share moments like this with you so we can look back at them when were older, reminisce about our youth.” you were just nodding along, smiling just as brightly as he was.

truth be told, you held some hatred for taerae. after he didn't contact you a few months into university, you felt heartbroken. even his friends couldn't reach out to him, also being blindsided.

“i miss you, i really do. i read your email today, you seem to enjoy university so far! don't go falling in love with anyone else though, i have hanbin keeping me updated as well. kidding, i have him looking over you since i can't." he sighed, you could see his hands shaking a bit. “but it's ok because i'll be back soon! so wait for me you hear me, wait for me in the 20th century. walt for me the y/n of the 20th century!”

the video cut to black, you could see your reflection in the tv. you were crying, holding yourself tightly.

kim taerae was your first love and always will be.

[mymainwastoocluttered]

Neverending Nightmares (Riddle Rosehearts)

Thank you for 1000 followers! Hope you enjoy the Horror Event!

Requested by the lovely @starkling25

NOTE: I only write for female reader but everyone is welcome to read it!

Warning ⚠️: Riddle's mom.

Rushed ending, sorry.

Riddle hears it before he sees it.

The sound of something metallic scraping against the floor, like someone pulling a heavy metal cane or a big sword.

He knows it can’t be real.

He knows it must be a dream.

Because he remembers very clearly falling asleep by his girlfriend’s side, the two in comfortable pyjamas and under soft blankets, holding each other close. Riddle had allowed himself to show is emotions as they came, giggling with his lover and rubbing their noses together, smile almost too much for his face when she giggled again and hid her lovely red face in the pillow.

So for him to suddenly wake up in his uniform in a confusing and unfamiliar house? Must be a dream.

Except.

Except the house started slowly morphing as he walked through the last few hallways.

Except he suddenly finds himself walking through the hallways of his house.

The wallpaper has not changed in all the years his family moved there. Mother is very particular about how her house must look, and has carefully handpicked from the wallpaper to what decoration goes in which corner. Father, always busy with work, doesn’t really care what’s done with the house so long his office and adjacent library is left alone. Riddle’s room was not decorated by him. It barely has decorations.

The noise comes closer.

The sound of something metallic scraping against the floor, like someone pulling a heavy metal cane or a big sword.

He knows it can’t be real.

He knows it must be a dream.

Because he remembers very clearly falling asleep by his girlfriend’s side back at his room in the Heartslabyul Dorm, in Night Raven College. Far, far away from the Queendom of Roses and far, far away from his mother.

Then why does she stand in front of him, in her characteristic red dress?

With the same expression she used to placate him whenever he “got demanding.”

With the same loveless eyes and stretched smile.

“Riddle.”

He doesn’t know if it was his mother who said it, but he knows it was his mother who said it. He does not see her mouth move, he does hear her voice clearly.

“Riddle, why aren’t you answering?” Riddle knows very well that tone of voice. It’s the prelude to a scolding.

“... Mother,” he answers weakly, voice faltering as he takes a step back.

She takes a step closer.

The noise.

He knows it can’t be real.

He knows it must be a dream.

Because he remembers very clearly falling asleep by his girlfriend’s side, protected from the nightmares of his past and future by her warm arms.

“Riddle, what do you think you’re doing? Walking around ignoring my calls, I did not raise you to have no manners,” she scolds, stepping closer and closer, maintaining the distance Riddle is trying so hard to keep. “Be a good boy for your mother, won’t you?”

The noise.

It is real.

It is not a dream.

Because he feels the arms pulling him back and he sees the knife plant itself on the floor and he sees his mother’s face change into a disturbing mask of perversion and he feels the pain when he lands on his back. He feels the hands pulling him up and guiding him away. He feels the burning of his lungs as they run. He feels his heart beat against his ribcage even as they stopped in an unfamiliar hallway that he has no memory of going through, despite supposedly coming from its general direction.

“Riddle!” (Y/N) cries, hugging him tightly, still catching her breath. “Oh, thank God, I'm so glad I got there in time!”

What follows is a flurry of words that he needs her to repeat twice before he can fully understand, but from what she's saying, he can connect a few dots. They're in a nightmare, a nightmare that's supposed to be neverending until it ends. A nightmare where they're supposed to face their trauma if they want to leave. He can only imagine what she saw to be trembling so much I'm his arms, or perhaps it is a mixture of seeing both of their traumas plus Riddle being attacked by the entity wearing his mother's appearance.

“I… it's ok,” he comforts her, despite his own soul trembling in fear of having to see more of that mother of his. “We can do this. We can end this nightmare. And then I'll make some tea for us, ok? Whatever tea you want.”

“... no matter the rule?”

“No matter the rule.”

She gives him a weak but hopeful smile, one he responds with a shaky grin of his own. It's almost enough to distract him from the figure that appears at the end of the corridor. Almost. He has no idea who that's supposed to be, but the gasp from his companion reminds him of her words.

Their nightmare.

[soupgoose]

Late Nights and Early Mornings

Requested: No one other than myself :D

Genre: Slight Hurt/Comfort (very brief, like so little that its barely enough for a tag), So much Fluff, teeth rotting even, One-shot

Word Count: 3714

Paring: HeadEngineer!Mark x Captain!Reader [Gender Neutral], Still written (slightly) platonically, still up for interpretation (but let's just say that maybe Mr. Head engineer is crushing a little but >:) )

Warnings: None :D

Summary: When the Captain doesn't feel like going back to bed, someone else decides to take the initiative. 

A/N: Definitely another one of those self-indulgent ideas I came up with when I couldn’t sleep and decided “Hey this would be adorable”. And thus, this was born! MAyBe, just MaYBe I stayed up a little late to finish this, but hey! Can’t stop that sweet sweet writing grind! Did my computer try to crash multiple times as I was writing this? Yes, but that’s a future me issue.

As always, if you have any ideas or critiques for how I can improve in the future, please let me know!

Happy reading! 

-Soup :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You don’t get to choose if I exist!”

“I don’t know if your evil, or just stupid!”

“I’m going to fix the damage you caused.”

“What did you do?!”

“Captain no! Think about the colonist!”’

“Captain! Something is very wrong!”

“It all comes down to bad leadership.”

“Captain! NO-”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A sharp inhale breaks the calm silence that filled your chamber, as your body jolts forward. Your hand clenched the fabric of your night shirt. Heavy and panicked breaths rock your chest, and you feel your lungs desperately searching for oxygen.

The voices and screams of various friends and acquaintances begin to fade from your ears, leaving behind a painful quiet. You glance across your sleeping chamber, studying the assets that surround your bunk.

“Just a nightmare… It was just a nightmare.” You mumble under your breath.

Moving to sit against the headboard, your hand presses against the skin on your face. You try to rub the tired from your eyes, sighing to yourself in the process.

They hadn’t been as frequent recently, a stark contrast from when you had first landed on the colony's new home. Nightly terrors and haunting memories kept you in a perpetual state of exhaustion.

After an exhausting day with the colony, and the promise of yet another busy day quickly approaching, the one thing you were excited for, was a night of good sleep.

But of course.

Another nightmare.

You began to move from your spot on the bed, shifting quietly so as to not wake up the others in the rooms around your own.

To your credit, you had hid it fairly well. That was until you abruptly crashed mid meeting. What made it worse, was the fact that you did it in front of your crew leads and a select group of high ranking crew. And thus, your nights of sleeping in a 1 person suite stopped promptly.

Instead it was traded for a shared living quarters, fit with one large living room and kitchen, and separate rooms and offices for your “roommates”.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The first person to volunteer was, of course, Mark. No one was shocked by his eagerness to tend to and to room with his The Captain.

Apparently, his reasoning was that he wasn’t a fan of having a large suite all to himself. After having long gotten used to sharing a small living space with others, he felt uncomfortable with the lack of company and chaos which he had grown so fond of. He said that there was too much space and not enough noise to fill it, whatever that meant.

Moving to your closet, you figured that it wouldn’t hurt to put on something else. Hoping that the slight change in your environment would distract you from your less-than-pleasant waking. Smoothing down your hair, you began to look for something more comfortable to wear than the itchy wool nightshirt you and the crew had been given.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next person, surprisingly, was Gunther. Somewhat agreeing with Mark, he too wasn’t overly happy with the general lack of trouble that he wasn’t causing. He was much more excited for the “shenanigans” that the three of you could pull off with the combined free time. A cheer and a fist bump between Mark and himself was interrupted by Celci.

While she wasn’t completely thrilled at having to spend any extra time around the two, she wanted to make sure that someone was keeping the Captain relaxed and focused in this arrangement. And so, she was the last to volunteer.

“The whole point of us moving in is to keep them healthy and on track. If you two are always keeping them up zt night by messing around, and blowing up who knows what! Then that’ll defeat the whole purpose.”

There was an exchange of groans and eyerolls. But ultimately the three of them did come to an understanding. The point of this was to keep you from staying up alone, and this would hopefully add in a sense of comfort to lessen the frequency of your nightmares.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What you decided on wearing wasn’t exactly your normal uniform, but it could pull off as a convincing underlayer if you needed to explain to a bystander. Wearing a pair of comfortable pants and a slightly loose white shirt, you begin your trek to the kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Burt, while he offered his full support, did not want to participate. After all, he was comfortable with his living space, as it had enough room for his projects and was isolated away from distractions. A plus was that it was connected to the Main Engineering Plant, which held a large portion of the crucial mechanics and the main power station, through a short maintenance tunnel. He did say that he would swing by often to catch up and spend time with the group when he could.

After no one else volunteered the arrangement was sealed.

Did you try to resist, saying that it would be too much effort and that they (your nightmares) would eventually pass? Yes.

Did they listen to your complaints? Technically? They did in fact hear what you had said. They just didn’t follow.

While at first glance at the situation it would seem that mixing Mark’s and Gunther’s personality with Celci’s would be a homicide in the making. In reality, as long as they didn’t mess with each other too much, everybody got along. At least enough to keep your sanity intact.

Ever since then, there hasn’t been a dull moment. Two explosive-happy maniacs make for quite the party. Various near disasters and encounters with death later, and the four of you had settled in a sort of manageable, but also chaotic schedule.

Their endearing smiles at your laughter went unnoticed.

Over multiple weeks, most, if not all, of your night terrors had taken their place on a storage shelf at the back of your mind. Very few people knew of the arrangement, and even fewer knew the reasoning behind it.

And you came to learn that your crew truly did care about your well being, and were relieved to watch you improve. Family style meals and weekly “game-nights” quickly became a tradition. And even though you never quite caught on, your crew was completely taken aback as they watched more and more of your true self break out of the façade that being a Captain had created.

Celci’s captivated gaze when you would ramble and rant was unseen.

You never did catch Gunther’s pride swell when he got you to laugh and play around with the group.

And not once did you realize how infatuated Mark was towards you when you would smile.

Things up until this point had become, you hate to say it but, almost perfect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The subtle clicks of your shoes echoed quietly down the hall. Many of the lights were off, other than a few nightlights that created a soft glow at the base of the walls.

Walking past Celci's room you could hear a faint white noise machine from behind her door. And a soft blue emitted from the crack underneath the door frame. You stopped in front of it, pausing to make sure that she hadn’t woken up from your movements. She was fairly easy to wake up if someone needed her assistance. Years of having to watch over the well-being of thousands of colonists prevented her from ever reaching a deep sleep.

After a second of listening you moved on.

You then passed Gunther's room on the other side of the hall. The man’s snoring and muffled music made you chuckle under your breath. You knew that you didn’t have to wait around, as you had learned quickly that he could sleep through almost everything, be it a blaring alarm or explosions right outside his door. He really only woke up on his own terms, and somehow always when someone needed him for something. How he managed to get up on time everyday still baffled you.

You continued on your journey, listening to your soft footsteps and the hum of the world around you.

The living room had a sizable nook for desks and cabinets, which is where some of the larger projects and work documents were kept. It was also where you found Mark.

Turning the corner you noticed two things.

One, the door to Mark’s room was wide open, revealing an empty room. And two, there was a light on in the kitchen.

“I’m surprised to see you up.” You announced from the archway between the hallway and the living room. You leaned most of your weight against the wall behind you, crossing your arms in front of you like a disappointed parent who just caught their kid up late on a school night.

Your voice was just loud enough to be heard by the engineer, as he jumped at the unexpected company.

“Captain! Shoot- wait. Um, captain? You’re awake?” He asked, quickly lowering his voice, so he wouldn’t wake the other two. He was embarrassed, obviously. Even though you both knew that he wasn’t doing anything bad, he still looked as if he had been caught red-handed at the scene of a crime. Face completely red and shoulders scrunched up to his ears.

You kept your volume soft as you let out a laugh, finally crossing the room and reaching the kitchen. “Well, you are talking to me, so I would assume so.” You replied sarcastically.

“Sorry, I’m just surprised to see that you're awake at this time. Typically your mornings don’t start this early. What’s gotten you up and moving?” He spun his chair around to face you. His eyes follow your deliberate, and somehow still exhausted, movements as you decide to make yourself a cup of coffee.

You began to speak while looking away from him, focused on the task at hand. “You’re definitely right about that sir. However I really have to ask, what in the world are you doing up? I thought that you had something due in a few hours?”

You could feel his face heat up even more from across the room, “I mean- Yeah… but I just had to get this finished before I could sleep.”

The coffee had finished brewing and a small hiss creeped from the machine.

“Is it the one for today?”

His lack of a response gave everything you needed to know.

“I see.” You poured the brew into two small mugs, stirring in any extra add-ins that you felt were needed.

“I know… I just-” he sighed in defeat, looking back at the desk. Strewn with papers and a small laptop, he looked over the mess he had created in his hurry to finish his project.

“I knew that I had to get it finished, but I was having so much fun that I just kept…”

“I get it, Mark. You don't have to explain it to me. You’re not in trouble, I just find it amusing.”

You smirk, placing the cups on the desk as you take a seat next to him.

“I know you have been, that’s why I’m not upset with you. I know that you have your “methods”, and really who am I to question them. You’ve gotten all of your projects completed by the deadline, and I’m not the first to say that they’ve all been good quality too. I just wish that they wouldn’t make you stay up as late as they do.” You playfully smack his shoulder with the back of your hand. He winced dramatically, causing you both to snicker.

“It’s not like me to procrastinate this bad. I mean, sure I’ve got my moments, but seriously I’ve been really productive this whole mission! Oh, is that for me? Thank you.”

He took a long sip from the mug, basking in its warmth. You watched as his body relaxed, his shoulders and back slightly slouched against the back of the spinney chair.

“That’s pretty bold coming from you, Captain. I should be the one asking you why you're still up, y’know. After all, you never did answer my question.”

You set your mug down against the desk wordlessly. He already knew why, he just wanted you to admit it.

He shifts in his chair, sitting a little straighter and with his full body facing you. He looked so worried, but also so…

You stared into the contents of the mug in front of you.

“Captain?”

Sighing, you look up at him.

“You already know why Mark. This one, I just couldn’t bring myself to go back to sleep.”

His eyes reflect your own exhaustion, but also radiate a look of genuine concern.

“Cap…”

You turn away, “I mean it really wasn’t that bad. Definitely not one of the worst ones. It’s just…frustrating. After not having one for a while, it bugs me that they come back when I need to sleep the most.”

Comfortable.

He reached out with an arm, placing his hand over yours. While surprised by his forwardness, you didn’t move your hand away. “Cap, you know you can talk to me about these things. That’s part of the reason I’m here after all.” His thumb began to gently caress the back of your knuckles.

You huff jokingly at him, looking at your hands. You take a second to consider his offer. “I know, I know.”

You feel the bags under your eyes grow heavier, despite having the caffeine from the coffee running through you.

“Of course.”

“I think-” you feel his hand tighten a little around your own, “It is was it is, y'know? But, thank you, Mark. You've helped me a lot.”

You know that's not what he wanted to hear, but he doesn't continue to pry. “Alright Cap, you know I’m here when you feel up to it.”

You couldn’t help from teasing him from time to time. At the beginning of the arrangement, you figured out that you could easily make him flustered, and you’ve been using it against him ever since. Never enough to make him upset with you, not seriously at least, but just enough that it still had a similar effect every time, and always caught him off guard.

“Well?” You spoke suddenly, and a mischievous grin formed.

“Well what, Captain?”

“You said that was only part of the reason”

“Yes? What are you-”

“Mind telling me what that other reason might be?”

He caught on to what you might have been suggesting, stuttering and blabbering as he desperately tried to find the right words.

You wouldn’t call yourself a natural flirt, not even a good one, but over the years it was just one of those random things that you had picked up.

You enjoyed the close, comfortable, moments that the two of you shared. Sure you had spent time chilling out with the others. But something about these moments with Mark just felt different.

You were still laughing to yourself as he looked away, the other hand subconsciously moving to the back of his neck. His offense wasn’t true, as if you could ever really hurt his feelings, but it was still amusing to watch.

Your smile falters for a moment as the warmth from his hand leaves your own. A blush began to collect at the top of your ears shortly after.

A good kind of difference.

You suddenly yawn, feeling the tiredness pulling effortlessly at your eyelids.

“Damn…” you chuckle.

“Well Cap, I think that’s a clear enough sign that you should go back to sleep.” He spoke, his confidence coming back to him.

“Never.”

“Wha? Captain, what?” He asked breathlessly, taken aback by your sudden stubbornness.

“Nope. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” You add a dramatic flare to your statement.

You were half joking, you knew that you really should go back to sleep, but you weren't ready to, not yet at least.

“Come on Cap’n, you really need to get some rest-”

“So should you. Did you think that you were going to get off the hook that easily?”

“...Seriously?”

The cocky expression you wore said it all.

“So, you’re not going back to sleep until I finish this?”

“Yup.”

It takes you both a second before you make it over to the couch, and only then do you realize a crucial flaw in your plan.

Mark grew a smirk of his own, “Oh really?”

“Yup.”

“I bet you, 10 bucks, that you won’t be able to stay awake for more than 20 minutes.”

“Alright. You’re on. I bet you 15 that I can.”

“Oh I see how it is. I’ll raise you 15, if you can stay awake, while sitting on a couch, you win.”

You felt your confidence fall for a moment, “...Ok, fine, but only if you're sitting with me. It wouldn’t be fair having me sit behind you, just listening to you work.”

He thinks for a second, “Alright then, okay. Game on, Captain.” He sticks out his hand towards you.

“Game on, Engineer.” And with a firm handshake, the game began.

The couch is really only wide enough for two people sitting practically on top of one another.

“Oh crap…” you think to yourself.

“Well then, I guess this is a little trickier than you thought, huh Captain~”

He was way too comfortable with this. Being the fact that you and him were squeezed in right up against each other.

“Of course not!” you bluffed looking away from him, “I just forgot how tiny this seat is. I guess it’s really more of a loveseat, than a full couch.” You tried to force out a relaxed chuckle, but it came out sounding strained and nervous than you would have liked. You could feel his eyes burning holes into the side of your head.

“If you're uncomfortable with being this close to me I can move. I guess it would mean that you’d lose, but your comfort is a higher priority to me.” He spoke softly, leaning in a little closer. He lingered there for a moment, before chuckling to himself and retreating to his half of the seat.

It's a good difference, even though it's unfamiliar.

It's not exactly you being uncomfortable that was the problem.

No. It’s the fact that you are extremely comfy. Like the comfort from just him having his hand on top of yours. Just, multiplied by 1000, and over a larger surface area.

You wait for the red that covers your cheeks to dissipate slightly before you cough up a response. “I’m not going to lose to your cheating games, Mark. You can try all you like, but I am in no way-”

When you do look back at him, you find that he’s practically glowing as he’s looking at you. Eyes half lidded, and his cheeks are only a little more red than your own.

“Going…to-”

The way that he smiles at you makes your heart stutter. He looks at you like you're the only thing that matters.

“Lose.” Him throwing back the same style of teasing back at you was one thing. But how he was looking at you, was something completely unexpected.

“I’m intrigued”

He’s thinking about something. The way his eyes flicker over your features

“I’ll bring it back down to 10 if you let me try something.” Smile still mischievous, but with a layer of something else. Something gentler.

“Can you stand up for a sec? It involves a little bit of moving…”

You nod, standing up. This wasn’t exactly what you were expecting, but you're curious to see what his plan is.

Both of your cheeks are glowing brighter than before. However, he still looks so content and focused in the moment.

He sets his laptop down on the side table next to him. He moves over so that he's leaning more into the corner of the couch. One of his legs is placed across the back, while the other is draped over the edge and his foot is resting on the floor.

Once he finds a seemingly comfortable position, he pats at the little bit of couch in front of him.

Once you sit down, he beams, “come’er you!”, pulling you flush to him.

“It was a trap!” you yelp, trying to squirm against his hold on you. The two of you tried to suppress a laughing fit, but eventually it couldn’t be helped. You eventually relaxed against him, still snickering as you caught your breath.

His arms are wrapped tightly around you, and your chest is pressed against his own.

You can feel his heartbeat, and his body relaxing around you.

You thought about trying to resist, but his voice interrupts that train of thought.

You begin to feel your own heart calming down, your breathing returns to its natural cadence.

Your eyes droop slightly, and there's now a significant amount of effort in staying awake.

“Comfy?” He asks, still wearing a smirk, but more endearing than before.

“Mhm..” You mumble against him, burying your face into the top of his chest, your crown resting just above his collarbone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’ll drop it down to 5 if you let yourself relax…”

He could feel you trying to fight sleep. And in reality, he knew from the start that it wouldn’t take much effort to get you to sleep, but he didn’t expect to fall for his own trap.

You look up at him, “As long as the next time this happens I don’t find you awake like this again..”

He chuckled, “You drive a hard bargain.”

“Counter offer, how about I’ll just ask you for this the next time, so you don't have to deal with my stubbornness?”

“But I like dealing with you.”

You smile, letting your mind slip into the warmth that surrounds you.

You felt his laugh reverberate through his chest, and the hum of his voice hit your ears. “I’d like that.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Gunther and Celci stumbled in on an adorable scene. Mark and the Captain were cuddled together.

Mark had his face buried into the top of their head, meanwhile the Captain had their ear pressed firmly against his chest.

“Would ya look at that”

Gunther whispered, moving across the living room, finding the almost empty mugs on the desk. Looking back at Celci, he smirks.

“Seems like someone owes me 20 bucks.”

“fine…”

[acacia-may]

There Is Happiness (OMORI Kelbrey Fanfiction)

Description: Aubrey hadn’t always been this way. She could still remember a younger, less jaded version of herself who was actually excited about the idea of prom. A happier Aubrey who had used to giggle with Mari over the gowns in store catalogs and dream about all of her friends getting dressed up and going dancing together one day. A more innocent Aubrey who used to spend hours making plans for a future that would never get to happen. Her friends never got to go to a prom, and neither did she…Until now that is...

OR

Nearly a decade after the bad ending of OMORI, Kel and Hero plan a fake "prom" to surprise Sally, drudging up bittersweet memories for Aubrey about her friends--both the ones she had lost and, especially, the ones, who like her, had been left behind to pick up the pieces. Will confronting the past lead her to a brighter future?

Kelbrey Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, & How Their (Functional) Relationship Developed Over Time After the Bad Ending of OMORI. (Note: This is a standalone one shot that is a completely different bad end AU than my other really angsty bad end AU fic).

Relationships: KELBREY (Romantic Kel x Aubrey) CENTRIC (Functional, Healthy, Slow Burn Kelbrey). There are also important platonic friendships discussed & depicted in flashbacks: Aubrey & Hero & Kel friendship, Aubrey & Kel & Sally friendship, Aubrey & Mari friendship, Aubrey & Kel & Sunny & Basil & Hero & Mari friendship [Aubrey & Kel's friendships with Basil, Sunny, & Mari are a recurring & important theme]. Past Romantic Hero x Mari is referenced/heavily implied.

Characters: Aubrey (POV Character), Kel, Hero, Sally, and Mari (Sunny & Basil also appear briefly and are mentioned).

Genre: Slow Burn Romance, Friends to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Developing Romance Through the Years, Angst With A Hopeful Ending, Post-Bad Ending, Many Flashback Sequences, Prom

Word Count: 12,748

Rating: T for some heavy themes and thematic elements (i.e. grief & healing from grief and trauma. Implied/Referenced Canonical Character Death & Implied/Referenced Mental Health Issues including depression & suicide).

Warnings: Major Spoilers for OMORI! Heavy themes and thematic elements (i.e. grief & healing from grief and trauma. Implied/Referenced Canonical Character Death & Implied/Referenced Mental Health Issues including depression & suicide). Kissing.

Link to original post on AO3. Please do not repost to another website.

A/N: Unfortunately, I missed Kelbrey Week because I did not know the ship even existed at the time (and had never played OMORI back in the dark ages of a couple of months ago), but I saw the prompts on Tumblr and was really inspired by the Prom prompt. Not only did the idea of "Kelbrey Prom" get a bunch of wheels turning in my brain, it also just so happened to be the prompt on my birthday, so I felt like it was it was just meant to be and I needed to write this story as soon as I had the idea. So I just wanted to offer a word of many, many thanks to @kelbreyweek for the prompt & inspiration for this story. 💕

Story below the cut. Thank you for reading!

Aubrey slammed her foot on the brake. She had lived in Faraway Town her whole life and still forgot about that stop sign. She probably always would.

The intersection was bustling today, and there was far more traffic than usual for a Saturday night. Aubrey supposed that was to be expected seeing as it was their local high school’s prom tonight, and the streets and sidewalks were filled with gussied-up teenagers in suits and poofy, colorful dresses. Aubrey rolled her eyes, conveniently ignoring the fact that she was in a pink prom dress herself—but at the very least it wasn’t that poofy.

Aubrey didn’t understand all the prom hype, especially now that she was trying to drive with teens darting in and out of the road and the straps of her dress uncomfortably digging into her arms whenever she tried to turn her steering wheel. She sighed. She sounded like such a grouchy old woman.

She hadn’t always been like that. The memories were hazy now, but she could still remember a younger less weathered, less jaded version of herself who was actually excited about the idea of prom.

*-*-*

“They’re so lucky,” sighed Aubrey glancing up from her pizza to watch the group of teenagers who had just walked into Gino’s dressed up in their finest suits and prettiest dresses for the prom.

Mari chuckled but patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. That’ll be you too soon enough.”

“It’ll be you sooner,” Aubrey insisted with a widening smile. “You’ll get to go in just a couple of years, right?” She paused, then giggled teasingly. “With Hero.”

Hero’s face flushed, and he grew suddenly interested in his piece of pizza. Mari’s expression softened—something affectionate passing over her eyes as she chuckled at him behind her hand. She shrugged her shoulders then teased, “I don’t know. I might have to think about it,” but she winked at him and the blush in his cheeks deepened.

“Why do you even need a date to the prom anyway? Can’t you just go with your friends?” asked Kel as he practically shoveled pizza into his mouth.

Aubrey rolled her eyes and huffed. “Don’t talk with food in your mouth. It’s so gross.”

“You’re gross,” bantered Kel, sticking his tongue out at her before shoving the rest of his piece of pizza into his mouth.   

Aubrey huffed again, but Hero gently interrupted changing the subject. “I think people do go to prom in groups with their friends. You don’t have to take a date like in the movies.” He paused before turning to his brother with a dry, bantering smile. “But if you want someone to take you, I’m sure Kel can.”

“No way! I’m not going to the prom with her. Basil can take her.”

“Wha—what? Why me?” stumbled Basil, bright red in the face.

“Because they always have those flower bracelets at the prom in the movies and you know all about flowers and stuff.”

“That’s called a corsage, moron,” bantered Aubrey. “And don’t worry, I’d rather go to prom with Hector than you.”

With a confused tilt of his head, Kel blinked at her. “Can we take dogs to prom? Awesome!” Kel beamed, and Aubrey rolled her eyes. “I’ll take Hector then, and Basil can take Aubrey.”

Basil’s blush deepened as he twisted his hands. “Well…um…I mean…” He paused, swallowing hard. “Well…maybe Sunny can take you…? He’s probably better at dancing.”

“Sunny will take you,” agreed Mari with a warm smile. “Won’t you, Sunny?”

Sunny pursued his lips together and pensively stared at his hands. Aubrey wasn’t sure but his face seemed a little more flushed than usual. He finally nodded briskly and quietly said, “Okay” though he wouldn’t look up from his plate.

Mari’s smile widened, and she chuckled. “See, problem solved.”

“I don’t understand why we can’t just all go to prom together,” sighed Kel. “You, me, Sunny, Basil, and Hector, and Hero and Mari too even though they’ll be older. We can all just go as friends.”

“That sounds nice,” said Sunny so quietly he was difficult to hear over the low roar and ruckus of the restaurant patrons.

“See!” exclaimed Kel triumphantly. “Sunny agrees with me. We should all just plan to go together as friends.”

“You might change your mind when you get older, Kel,” teased Hero with a dry but affectionate smile. Kel grimaced, sticking his tongue out at his older brother.

“No way!” He huffed then turned to Basil. “You think this sounds like a good idea, right Basil?”

“Wha—what? Oh…uh…yeah okay…” he stammered unsurely.

“Aubrey?”

Kel crossed his arms and glared at her, but Aubrey sighed and conceded, “Alright, but only because Sunny likes the idea. It might be nice for all of us to go as friends, but if I get a date, he’s coming with us too, okay?”

Mari started laughing behind her hand as Kel exaggeratedly rolled his eyes and huffed, “Whatever.”

*-*-*

A bittersweet smile tugged at Aubrey’s mouth. How silly they were then—how innocent. There was a pang in her chest, even now, so many years later as she remembered how they had spent hours together talking and laughing—making plans for a future that would never get to happen. She remembered how she used to giggle with Mari over the evening gowns in department store catalogs, sighing wistfully at the billboards advertising that year’s prom theme at the local high school, and dreaming of the day they’d get to go to one themselves. Aubrey’s chest ached as she sighed. Mari never got to go to a prom, and neither did she…

*-*-*

Tears prickled in Aubrey’s eyes as she glanced over the unworn prom dress still hanging up on the back of the closet door. She would probably feel better if she just shoved it into the back of her closet, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She had worked so hard for that dress—picking up extra shifts at Gino’s to afford such a luxury. She had justified it by reminding herself it was probably the only time in her life that she would get to wear such a dress, and this one was exactly what she had always dreamed: deep pink, floor-length chiffon. As soon as she saw it in the department store, a real, genuine smile had tugged at her mouth for the first time in so long that the sensation had felt almost foreign to her. And when she had finally bought the dress and tried it on for her friends to see, Charlene had quietly said she looked happy in it. She didn’t need to add that Aubrey hadn’t looked happy for a very long time.

A tear streamed down Aubrey’s cheek. She had wanted to wear that dress and go to the prom, but she just couldn’t—not today. Not now. Not without them.

Aubrey sniffled—rubbing her hand across her throbbing forehead. Her headache was so severe that she was actually starting to hear the pounding of her head. Or at least she thought she was until her mother called in a slurred, irritated voice,   

“Aubrey! Get the door.”

Aubrey quickly wiped her eyes and scurried downstairs.

“Tell them whatever they’re selling we don’t want it,” her mother added with a dismissive wave of her hand as Aubrey walked by the couch carefully tiptoeing around the empty liquor bottles which littered the ground.

Aubrey wasn’t sure who was at their front door, but she doubted a salesman would be bothering them at this time of night. Still she mumbled, “Okay” as she turned the bolts of the lock and opened the door.

“Hey, Aubrey,” said Kel with a slight wave of his hand and a friendly smile. “How’s it going?”

Aubrey could only blink at him. He was dressed in a nice, dark suit with an unexpected bright pink tie. If she had been feeling better, she probably would’ve thought of a dry quip to tease him about it but instead she just sighed, ushering him out onto the porch before her mother got irritated by the noise.

“Kel, what are you doing here?” she asked through her teeth. “Aren’t you supposed to be at prom?”

Kel shrugged. “I was there for a while, but you weren’t there so I thought I’d come check on you.”

“Sorry…”—Aubrey’s face flushed—“I tried to call you…”

“I know,” he interrupted. “I got your message. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just…I…uh…wasn’t feeling up to it.” Aubrey sighed, hoping that Kel wouldn’t read too much into it.

“Oh…are you feeling sick? The pharmacy should still be open. I can run down to—”

“No, Kel,” she cut him off, placing her hand on his arm. “That is…uh…I’m fine. You should go back to the prom. I don’t want to ruin your night.”

Kel’s expression softened, and he smiled at her. “Don’t worry about it. The prom was kind of boring without you anyway.” He paused. “You sure you don’t want to—?”

“Yeah,” she cut him off just a little too forcefully, trying her best to frown despite her flushed face.

“Okay…” he said quietly. “Then…do you mind if I hang out here for a little while?”

Aubrey’s face grew warm with guilt and embarrassment. Just because she had ruined her own night didn’t mean she had to ruin Kel’s as well. “You really don’t have to do that.”

“Nah. I want to. I’d rather spend tonight with you than at the dumb prom anyway.”

“Kel, I can’t let you do that,” she insisted, but he smiled at her.

“It’s just a bunch of people dancing and stuff—and sure that’s fun and all but it’s not as cool as everyone acts like it is.” He shrugged his shoulders. “They did hang all these Christmas lights from the ceiling though and that was kinda cool—since the theme is ‘A Night Under the Stars.’” Sighing, Kel took a seat on the porch—leaning back on his hands and looking up at the sky. “But there are real stars out here which are better anyway.”

“Kel…” Aubrey began to argue, but she wasn’t sure what to say. “You can’t just miss your prom.”

“Sure I can,” he shrugged with matter-of-fact nonchalance. “You are, aren’t you? And the prom always mattered way more to you. You were really looking forward to it…” Kel’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. “Did someone break your heart or something so you didn’t want to come anymore?”

Aubrey stifled a breathy chuckle but shook her head. “No. Nothing like that. I wasn’t even planning on going with a date.” She paused, glancing over at Kel’s pink tie. “Won’t your date be upset that you left?”

“Oh uh…” chuckled Kel awkwardly, fidgeting with his tie. “I didn’t go with one.”

“Really?” The question slipped out before Aubrey could think to stop it, but Kel just shrugged his shoulders.

“Yep.” He paused and sheepishly scratched the back of his neck. “To tell you the truth, I—I kind of wanted to ask this one girl, but it didn’t work out. Oh well…”

Aubrey paused. While he was one of her best friends, they never really discussed their love lives or lack thereof. She didn’t even know Kel was romantically interested in anyone and couldn’t even begin to guess who it was. She supposed it was none of her business, but if Kel had left prom early because of this girl rather than just to check on her, it would certainly help her feel better about things.

“Is she the reason you left?” asked Aubrey taking a seat next to him on the porch.

Kel froze, and his cheeks flushed. “Wha—what?” he stumbled, more awkward than she ever would’ve expected from the happy-go-lucky Kel. He chuckled lightly but didn’t say no.

“It’s okay if she is. I wasn’t going to tease you or anything. I just—” She stopped. “I just don’t want to you miss out,” she said in a shaky voice. “Especially not because of me.”

“I already said don’t worry about it. I’d rather spend prom night with you, even if we don’t actually go to the prom.” Aubrey’s mouth twitched, she could almost hear the smile in his voice, but she frowned with a heavy sigh.

“But you already missed the last one…”

“Because Basil—” Kel’s voice cracked. He didn’t finish that statement, but he didn’t have to. Basil had died just a few weeks before their Junior Prom and the last thing either of them had wanted to do was go to some big party, especially one that Basil should have been attending himself, and instead they had spent prom night at the spot in the park where they had always had picnics with their friends, then sitting around Kel’s kitchen table looking through Basil’s old photo albums.

Aubrey had never told Kel that she had been considering skipping prom months before Basil’s death anyway, too saddened by the idea of having to go without Sunny and of Mari having never been able to go to hers. Basil’s death and the note he left behind for them was the final straw. She wouldn’t have blamed Kel if he had still wanted to go himself, but he had told her he was just too sad. She could understand that. Back then, it really felt like neither of them would ever be happy again.

But this year… she had been so determined, so set on going and trying to have to good time because she knew her friends wouldn’t want her to miss out on it on their account. Aubrey’s insides twisted, and her eyes burned, tears prickling behind them again.

“Aubrey?” When she turned to look at him, the faint flush of red had faded from his cheeks and his expression had softened but a look of concern quickly passed over his eyes. “Have you been crying?”

Aubrey’s face grew hot, and she swallowed hard as she frantically swiped at her eyes again. How red and puffy were they that Kel had noticed? “You can’t just ask someone that, Kel,” she replied with a shaky, bantering huff, but Kel only blinked at her.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked, and Aubrey bit her lip. She couldn’t believe him—skipping over the ‘are you sure you’re okay?’ questions and straight to the ‘do you want to talk?’ Aubrey sighed though she felt a blush fill her cheeks and she fidgeted. She should probably expect it by now, given how many deep conversations she and Kel had been having over the past two years ever since Sunny and Basil had passed away. Her chest ached at the thought. Kel was giving her that look now—like he could see right through her, knew something was wrong and knew she was hurting even if she didn’t have the words to say it. She could see his pain too—that hollowness that crept into his smiles, that bittersweet sadness in his eyes. Kel’s eyes reflected the same pain that ached in her chest whenever she thought of Mari or Sunny or Basil. She was sure he could see his own grief in her as well, and perhaps that’s what had led them to find each other in the first place, in the wake of the loss of their friends—clinging to each other like two lost souls, sharing things with each other they could never even begin to tell anyone else.

“You can talk to me,” he gently encouraged her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Aubrey took a deep breath. She didn’t know if she wanted to unpack this, and she certainly didn’t want to dump it all onto Kel. She already felt guilty enough that he had left the prom to check up on her. But the look on Kel’s face was so warm and so kind, and the words, the painful truth was eating away at her waiting to be told to someone.

“You remember how we’d all promised we’d go to prom together someday?”

Kel’s brow furrowed. “Not really, but my memories of everyone are getting fuzzy…” There was a painful sadness cutting through his words as he said them.

“It’s okay. It wasn’t a big moment or anything. We were just at Gino’s joking around about it once, after a group of teenagers dressed for prom came in.” She paused. “You said you wanted to bring your dog.”

“Oh yeah…” said Kel with the slight twitch of a smile. “I remember that now. Mari was teasing Hero about taking her someday, and Sunny agreed with me that it would be nice if all of us could go together as friends.” Sighing, Kel paused—something bittersweet passing over his eyes. “You’re sad you couldn’t go with them, aren’t you?”

It wasn’t really a question.

Aubrey sniffled and nodded, and Kel cut her off reaching out to her. “Oh Aubrey, I…”

“It’s not just that. I was actually planning on going. I wanted to go. I bought a dress and everything. I knew it was going to be a hard day, but I was determined to do this. I knew they wouldn’t want me to miss out—would’ve wanted to me to go, even if I was sad they couldn’t be there with me.” Her voice cracked, and Kel nodded solemnly, understandingly.

“But…but…” she stumbled over her words as her eyes burned. “I was out of hairspray and knew I needed some for tonight, so I was riding my bike down to The Other Mart, and I saw there was a group of kids in the park and…” The tears started to pool in Aubrey’s eyes, and she took a deep, shaky breath, barely managing to choke out, “They were making flower crowns…”

She swiped at the tears that began to splash down her cheeks as she stumbled in the bits and pieces of sentences she could manage despite the panging ache in her chest, “I just—I just froze. I…I couldn’t stop thinking about…I turned around and came straight home and I just haven’t been able to stop crying…” She sniffled, wiping her eyes. “I know it’s so silly…to let something like that ruin my whole day, especially when it’s the prom, but I just started thinking about them and how they never got to go to prom and all the things they never got to do and will never get to do and…” Her voice trailed, as her words got choked by a sob in the back of her throat.

“I know,” sighed Kel quietly, giving her a reassuring pat on the back and pulling her into a hug. Aubrey took a few deep shaky breaths as she pressed her chin to Kel’s shoulder.

“It’s so stupid…” she mumbled, angry with herself as she pulled away from him.

“It’s not stupid at all.” He sighed heavily. “You know the other day I was supposed to be picking up a couple of groceries for my mom, and I was in that aisle in The Other Mart where they keep all the soups and sauces and stuff, and there was this lady there with her kids and the one kid dropped this big jar of spaghetti sauce—made a huge mess”—he paused as his breath hitched—”And I remembered that time we all tried to make spaghetti to surprise Hero, and I dropped the jar on the counter and the sauce splattered everywhere—it got in Basil’s hair and… Sunny was blinking at me with sauce all over his face and you were so mad but Mari just laughed…” He paused, swallowing hard. “It was like I couldn’t breathe. I ran out of there—totally forgot about the groceries.”

“Kel…” Aubrey began as she hugged him more tightly.

“I guess the moral of the story is neither one of us should be going shopping at the Other Mart, huh?” Kel chuckled lightly, but he sniffled and Aubrey could feel his shoulders trembling like he was trying not to cry.

They just sat there holding each other for a long time. No words were spoken, but they didn’t have to be. They understood—shared this pain of being the ones left behind. Kel sniffled, and Aubrey wondered if he was crying. It wouldn’t be the first time he had cried in front of her, and she knew—they both probably knew—that it wouldn’t be the last.

“You know, sometimes I think, I’m okay,” Kel managed in a wavering voice. “I still miss them, of course, but I’m not going to just start crying in the grocery store…but then…something like that happens and I just…I don’t know if I’m ever going to be okay. Like there was this whole life that I had before, but it’s all over and now I have this new life and even if things get better and it doesn’t hurt as much all the time, that sadness is always going to be there. There’s always going to be something missing, and I’m never going to not miss them.”

Aubrey sniffled and pulled away from him to look in his face, but that deep, indescribable pain in his misty eyes made her forget her words. She supposed it didn’t really matter. There was nothing she could possibly say that would make him feel better—she knew that better than anyone.

“Sorry,” he said hurriedly as he wiped his tears away. “I didn’t mean to make this about me. I feel really bad for dumping all that on you, especially when you were already upset.”

“No. I’m…I’m glad you told me, Kel,” she said hugging him again. “It’s…nice to know I’m not the only one…”

“You’re definitely not the only one—but it really does feel like you and me against the world sometimes, right?”

A kind, bittersweet smile pulled at the corners of Aubrey’s mouth as Kel wrapped an arm around her and she leaned her head on his shoulder. “Sometimes.”

“Hero too, but…” Kel paused, fidgeting. Aubrey nodded in understanding. He didn’t have to explain. She knew Hero worried especially about his younger brother which made it more difficult to open up to him about all of this sometimes, plus he was away at school and neither one of them wanted to bother him, especially when he was suffering a lot on his own.

“He missed his prom, too, didn’t he?” asked Aubrey quietly, changing the subject. Kel hummed, and she could feel him nod in response.

“But it’s overrated anyway…”

*-*-*

Kel was probably right, and the prom was overrated. That didn’t mean that she didn’t have the occasional regret about not going to hers, however. It wasn’t something she ever really talked about, but if she didn’t know better she would have thought that the fact she had skipped out on hers was part of the reason that Kel had invited her over tonight for the “prom” he and Hero had been putting together to surprise their younger sister, Sally.

Even though Sally was far too young to go to a prom, she was fairly vocal about the fact that she desperately wanted to. Though Aubrey thought it was a little odd to throw a prom for a little kid, she supposed there was no harm to it, and it was sweet that Hero and Kel were always trying to do such nice things for their little sister. She had also offered to help put it all together though she reminded Kel that she had never actually been to a prom so what would she possibly know about it? He said it wasn’t anything too fancy, but still insisted they should all dress up nicely. Just luckily Aubrey had had her unused prom dress from her own senior prom still hanging up in the back of her closet collecting dust. She supposed it was nice to finally get the chance to wear it, even if that meant getting stuck in stop-and-go traffic for half an hour.

Aubrey sighed. There was never any traffic on the way to prom in the movies. The people just got into their car—or their limo—and whipped right to the school without another car on the road. It was more than little unfair. Though she supposed she should know better than thinking of movies, especially teen rom coms, as real life.

*-*-*

“Okay, okay. I know we watch this movie every year, but I still don’t understand: can everybody at this school afford a limo? And where do the limos go when they’re all at prom?” asked Kel between bites of what had to be his third or fourth piece of birthday cake. Hero had been apologizing profusely for the fact it was store bought this year, but they understood he was extremely busy in medical school. They tried to reassure him that Mari would understand too, but Aubrey wasn’t sure if he had believed them. “How do all the limos even fit in the parking lot?”

“I don’t know, Kel,” Aubrey sighed, setting her piece of cake on the coffee table. “Just don’t think about it too much.”

“Listen, I went to prom—well part of it, and nobody came in a limo. Nobody,” Kel insisted forcefully, gesturing emphatically at her with his fork and flinging cake and frosting onto her face.

Aubrey huffed. “Kel!”

“Oh, you’ve got something on your nose,” he teased before playing poking at it with his finger.

“Here’s some napkins,” said Hero, handing her a stack of napkins with that said ‘Happy Birthday’ surrounded by balloons.

“Thank you.” Aubrey nodded at Hero then rolled her eyes at Kel shaking her head, but his attention was transfixed on the movie again, probably still wondering about the limos.

Aubrey sighed. Every year they watched Mari’s favorite movie for her birthday, and every year Kel found something else about it that didn’t make sense to him. Last year, it was how nobody in the school had worn anything even close to the same outfit. The year before that it was how the main character who was supposed to be smart hadn’t ever questioned her love interest’s obviously complicated motivations in asking her to the prom in the first place. This year it was the limos.

Aubrey sometimes wondered if Kel had only started this tradition of chattering away during the movie in the hopes that it would keep her and Hero’s spirits up and prevent them from being too sad that Mari wasn’t there to celebrate her birthday with them. But other times—like now, when she watched him pick up his piece of cake with his hands and shove it into his mouth as the icing squished into his face, she thought it was probably more likely that it was just Kel being Kel.

A smile tugged her lips in spite of herself, but she pushed the thought away. She’d never admit that she was glad Kel was around to ask dumb questions about the movie, and as she watched the small smile in the corners of Hero’s mouth, she was sure he felt the same way.

When the credits began to roll, Hero started cleaning up the cake, plates, and napkins, and Kel started prattling away again. “Why do movies make prom into such a big deal, anyway? They act like it’s the most important thing that will ever happen to you.”

“Well…” Hero sighed, his brow furrowing thoughtfully. “I think they need a climatic moment for the story, and when the characters are teenagers, they can’t have a wedding or something like that so they use the prom.”

“It’s really not as cool as all that though. I was honestly kind of let down.” Kel’s mouth curved into a teasing, lopsided grin before he chuckled, seemingly getting distracted once again by his cake. “This cake was great, by the way!”

“You can thank Aubrey for that. She picked it up from Nona’s.”

Aubrey shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I was in there anyway.” She stopped, not quite ready to admit that she was in that bakery a lot. It was one of her favorite places in their college town, and she liked to treat herself with a pastry every now and again after exams, if she did well on them of course.

“Sorry I couldn’t make one this year…” Hero apologized again with red, apologetic cheeks. “Neuroanatomy is just kicking my tushie.”

Aubrey and Kel broke into raucous laughter. “Your tushie? Really, Hero?” teased Kel.  

“What are you—five?” Aubrey bantered.

“You know what I mean,” sighed Hero. Though his cheeks were flushed, he was smiling in spite of himself. “Medical school is hard.” He sighed again. “I’m sure Aubrey understands being in nursing and all.”

“I’m glad I’m going to be a nurse and not a doctor—there’s too much memorizing. I’m not smart enough for that.”

“Don’t say that, Aubrey,” chimed Kel. “You and Hero are both super smart—you know all kinds of medical stuff. I could never do what you do.”

“Well I’m sure neither of us could ever do what you do either, Kel,” Aubrey insisted, and Hero nodded in agreement. “You can fix anything, and I wouldn’t even know what to do with a welding torch if my life depended on it.”

Kel chuckled his face brightening. “I can show you sometime if you want. It’s really not that hard.”

“Says the ‘Welder of the Year,’” bantered Aubrey.  

“It was only ‘of the month,’ and…”  

“I still have the newsletter hanging up on our refrigerator,” interjected Hero with a proud smile. Kel scratched the back of his neck as his face flushed.

“You can take that down, you know? It’s really not that big of a deal…” He sighed. “I only fix engines and stuff. I don’t save lives or anything like you guys.”

Aubrey sighed, shaking her head. “I’ve never saved a life.”

“I’ve barely even left my classroom,” said Hero. “So you’ve at least got one up on me. You’re in clinicals now, aren’t you?”

Aubrey nodded. “Yeah. I’m trying to get a job as a student nurse too. I just interviewed in behavioral health and psychiatry.”

She stopped abruptly as Kel and Hero’s eyes widened, a certain sadness in them that Aubrey had used to see all the time but which hadn’t been in their expressions in a while. A silence spread through the room, and Aubrey sighed, wishing she hadn’t mentioned it. She was about to apologize for bringing it up and ruining the mood of everyone’s evening, but then she felt an arm wrap around her shoulders and a gentle hand patting her back.

“That’s great, Aubrey,” said Kel with a kind smile and soft expression. “I hope you get it and help a lot of people.”

“Me too,” said Hero. “I think you’ll be great at that.”

“Thanks,” Aubrey mumbled, her face feeling suddenly warm.

“Well, I think this deserves a toast.” Kel stood up from his seat and poured some cups of coffee from the coffee maker for them.

Aubrey quirked an eyebrow at him. “We’re toasting coffee?”

“Yes,” he answered, completely unphased as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He held up his coffee cup. “To Aubrey, soon to be ‘World’s Greatest Nurse.’”

He winked at her, and Aubrey shook her head but bantered, holding up her own cup, “And to Kel—Welder of the Year,”

“Would you stop it with that?” he teased under his breath as a flush of red filled his cheeks. He shook his head and turned to Hero. “And to Hero—who can do anything!”

“And everything,” added Aubrey as Hero turned away from them blushing a bright red.

“You guys…” he mumbled.

“And let’s toast Mari too,” said Kel. “Happy Birthday, Mari!”

“Happy Birthday, Mari,” Hero and Aubrey replied with kind, bittersweet smiles.

As they took sips of their coffee, Aubrey’s lips puckered, and her face contorted as she resisted the urge to spit hers out. Even Hero grimaced.

“What in the world is this, Kel?” She reached for her water to try to rinse out the taste.

“Oh you’re never gonna believe it, but Orange Joe makes ground coffee now.”

“Why?” groaned Aubrey.

“You really should warn us first,” Hero quipped dryly with a slight smile, but Kel just shrugged.

“What? I thought it was pretty good.”

“I don’t know how you drink this garbage. It tastes like rotten oranges,” Aubrey bantered. “It would’ve been better if we toasted with broccoli juice or something.”

“I have some soda in the pantry. Let’s just use that.” Hero, always the peace-maker, got up from his seat and made his way to the kitchen with a gentle smile. Once he was gone, Kel finished off his cup of coffee and turned to her with a soft expression in his eyes.

“Hey Aubrey?”

“Yeah?” she asked, her brow furrowing.

“I think it’s really great that you want to be a psych nurse and everything.”

Aubrey sighed. “I don’t know if it’ll work out, Kel. I mean I just interviewed so…”

“It’ll work out,” he cut her off with a reassuring smile. “I know it will, and when it does, I know you’re gonna be great. I…”—he paused and glanced away from her—"I think you’re really great—at everything.”

Aubrey’s cheeks grew warm from the compliment. “Thank you, Kel. I think you’re—”

She didn’t get to finish that thought, however, as Kel wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into an unexpected but welcomed hug. Aubrey pressed her chin to his shoulder and gave him a pat on the back. She waited for him to let go of her, but he held her far longer than usual.

Finally, he whispered so quietly she almost couldn’t hear him. “Do a good job, okay? For all of us…”

Aubrey nodded. She contemplated pulling away from him, but he ran his hand through the ends of her long hair mumbling, “And Aubrey…Uh…I was wondering…”

“Yeah?” she shivered, in spite of herself.

“Uh…” he began again, and she could feel his hands begin to shake as they gently held onto her.

“Do you want diet or regular? I also have a few cherry—” Hero’s voice stopped abruptly. “Oh sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Kel and Aubrey quickly pulled away from each other. Aubrey could only hope she wasn’t blushing as much as she feared. Her cheeks burned, but she and Kel hurriedly talked over each other, reassuring Hero it was fine, and he wasn’t interrupting anything. Aubrey’s head reeled, but Kel seemed completely unphased, politely declining Hero’s soda and pouring himself another cup of Orange Joe.

As Kel stood up from his seat beside her on the sofa, Aubrey could have sworn that Hero shot her a knowing, somewhat teasing smile that made her stomach twist. She bit her lip and tried her best to push the thought away—nervously, reaching for her coffee cup in an attempt at nonchalance and unfortunately failing to remembered it was still full of Orange Joe until she had actually taken a sip. Aubrey grimaced at the bitter taste, but her cheeks burned as she watched Hero’s mouth twitched in the corners at her.

*-*-*

Aubrey wished she could say that was the last time she ever accidentally tried Orange Joe. It wasn’t, but both her and Hero did get much better at predicting whether or not Kel was trying to pawn the drink off onto them. It had a distinctively putrid citrusy odor that, eventually, made it much easier to identify. If she knew Kel, there would probably be a whole pitcher full of it at the “prom” he was putting together even though Hero had insisted multiple times that Sally was much too young for coffee.

It was nice to hear that Hero was going to get to come tonight, too. He had been so busy with his residency that they didn’t get to see too much of them these days. Even Kel who was his roommate said he was lucky if he occasionally managed to catch Hero as he was heading to the hospital when Kel himself was getting home from his third shift at the manufacturing plant where he worked. Hero promised them that he was happy, just very busy, and they respected his need for rest, even if it was starting to feel a little bit like her and Kel against the world again.

That reminded her, she ought to give him a call about the traffic—letting him know she was going to be late.

“Hey Kel,” she began, but his voice, muffled and staticky from what Aubrey presumed was a bad connection, cut her off.

“Hi Aubrey. What’s up?”

“Well, I’m on my way, but I’m stuck in traffic. You would not believe how many cars are out here right now.” Aubrey sighed wearily. “On their way to prom probably”

“Have you seen any limos?”

Aubrey laughed. “No, Kel. No limos. I really don’t think we even have those in Faraway Town.”

“That’s probably true.” He chuckled before changing the subject. “It’s no big deal if you’re late or anything. Just drive safely, and you can let yourself in through the fence to the backyard.”

“Oh, are you having it outside?”

Kel hummed. “Yeah, it was such a nice night that I thought it would be fun to dance out on the porch and stuff. I’ve been practicing my dancing, and I think I’m a lot better than the last time you danced with me so…”

Aubrey’s face grew suddenly hot, but she took a deep breath, trying and failing not to think of the last night Kel had danced with her…

*-*-*

“Okay, explain to me again how you came to win dancing lessons?” quipped Aubrey, quirking an eyebrow at Kel, but he merely shrugged at her.

“Well I bought a bunch of raffle tickets because I wanted this ceramic chicken.” He paused before adding hurriedly with a sheepish smile, “And, you know, to support the hospital and everything too.”

Aubrey sighed and shook her head, but Kel didn’t seem to notice. It was very nice of Kel to come with her to her hospital’s charity benefit. They were raising money to build a new wing which would mean more beds in the juvenile behavioral health ward where she worked as a nurse. She had told Kel that the gala was mostly for the really big donors, and she was just inviting him for his company so he shouldn’t feel obligated to donate anything. Even so, it was sweet of him to try to buy some raffle tickets for some of the less expensive items.

A smile twitched in the corners of her mouth. It was just like Kel to do something thoughtful like that—especially for a dumb reason like wanting a ceramic chicken he could probably buy for himself half-as-cheap at a local home goods store.

“I was going to put all the tickets in the drawing for the basket with the chicken,” Kel prattled on. “But then some of the other people were giving me these weird looks, so I started to put them in the drawing for some of the other raffle baskets too, and I guess I won the one with the dancing lessons.” With a slight shrug of his shoulders, Kel frowned disappointedly. “Didn’t win the chicken though. I was pretty bummed about that.”

“What would you even do with a ceramic chicken?” Aubrey teased dryly.

“I don’t know, but I’d probably get more use out of it than dance lessons.”

A chuckle escaped Aubrey’s mouth as she barely stifled a laugh—turning back to the stove where she was frying some potatoes as they waited for the lasagna they were making for dinner to be finished cooking in the oven. It wouldn’t be nearly as good as Hero’s, but he was far too busy with his residency to cook for even himself these days. They were making this meal to surprise him when he got home and to celebrate his first weekend off in months.

“Do you want to take them with me?” asked Kel as he absent-mindedly stirred the pudding they were making for dessert.

Aubrey tilted her head at him. “The dance lessons?”

“Yeah. It’s for two people, and I didn’t really know who else to bring.”

“What about Hero?” She didn’t realize how silly that suggestion sounded until Kel laughed.

“Hero is a great dancer already, and he’s super busy right now anyway.”

With a conceding shrug of her shoulders, Aubrey sighed. “Isn’t there someone else you’d rather bring, Kel?”

“Nope,” he replied immediately, clearly not understanding the meaning behind her words. “Why would there be?”

“Well…you know…some people think that dancing can have a more romantic connotation, so I was just thinking that if you were interested in someone you might want to bring…” Her voice trailed as she tilted her head confused and inquisitively at the unreadable expression on Kel’s face.

“Oh…uh…well…” Kel chuckled though he rubbed his hand sheepishly across the back of his neck. “Actually, I’d rather take you, but if you don’t want to come, you can just say...”

“It’s fine, Kel.” With a shrug, Aubrey stared down at the potatoes, put the lid over the pan, and turned the stove down to low heat so they could simmer. Her mouth twitched into a bantering smile. “I just meant, you should probably be careful going around asking other girls to go dancing with you. They might get the wrong idea.”

“Is it really that much of a romantic thing?” asked Kel blinking at her.

Aubrey shrugged again. “It is in the movies.”

“But that’s just the movies. They make everything romantic, especially when it doesn’t have to be. Like how they always make it seem like prom is the best night of your life or when the couple dances together there one time, they’re suddenly desperately in love forever.” Kel laughed, but Aubrey frowned.

“I didn’t mean it like—” She huffed, shaking her head. “And what would you know about prom anyway, you barely even went to ours?”

“I went to enough of it to know that it wasn’t super magical or anything, and yeah, I danced with a few girls, but it’s not like I’m just pining for them forever now.” Kel paused, chuckling to himself, and Aubrey’s face flushed but her brow furrowed. Was he making fun of her?

“That’s not the same thing. For some girls it’s different. They romanticize it in their heads”—she sighed—“not me but…”

“That’s because you’re a cynic,” teased Kel.

“And you’re a moron—especially if you think that another girl wouldn’t take your invitation to dancing lessons in a romantic way.”

Kel just shrugged and admitted, “I don’t get it.”

“Well…what if you had danced with that girl, the one you actually wanted to take as your prom date? Don’t you think that would’ve been special?”

“I didn’t get to dance with her—ever actually, but I don’t think it would’ve changed anything. A dance is just dance, isn’t it?” He tilted his head as a bantering smile tugged at his lips. “You’re acting like if I just started dancing with you right now, you’d—?”

“K—Kel?” Aubrey’s breath hitched as he slipped his arms around her waist. “What are you doing?”

“Proving a point,” he insisted with a shrug.

Aubrey huffed. “There isn’t even any music.”

“Oh.” Kel absentmindedly tilted his head before pulling out his phone, presumably choosing a song to play. As the song’s intro began to play, he set his phone on the counter and held out his hand to her.

“Can I have this dance?” he asked with a playfully melodramatic bow, and Aubrey sighed with a somewhat affectionate roll of her eyes.

“Fine,” she sighed. “Whatever will get you to focus on cooking again.”

Kel smiled brightly as he wrapped his arms around her waist again. As he met her eyes, she looked away abruptly—clearing her throat as she snaked her arms around his neck. He was so close to her. Her cheeks felt warm, and she swallowed hard, pushing the thought away. ‘It’s just Kel,’ she reminded herself.

He began swaying—Aubrey shook her head—off tempo with the music. “You really can use those dance lessons,” she teased though there was a certain, uncharacteristic shakiness that seeped into her words. She pursed her lips and mentally kicked herself. What was wrong with her all of a sudden?

She could almost feel Kel’s chuckle reverberating in his chest. “Yeah, well I guess it’s good I won them then.” He smiled at her, and as he met her eyes, Aubrey shuddered in spite of herself.

Kel pulled her closer to him—almost pressing his cheek against hers and began to quietly sing along to the music. Aubrey’s face flushed. Knowing Kel he probably wasn’t even aware that he was singing, but she could feel his warm breath, those affectionate words almost whispered in her ear. For the life of her she couldn’t even begin to guess why Kel had picked what was probably one of the most romantic songs in the universe. The slow crooning of the melody alone screamed romance, but there was so much devotion, so much longing in the lyrics—and to hear them in Kel’s voice... Aubrey inhaled sharply—hoping her face wasn’t nearly as red as she feared.

“How”—her voice hitched, and she pulled away from him—“How do you even know this song?”

Kel just shrugged. “Hero showed it to me. He likes all those old songs, you know? And I thought it would be good for this.” He paused. “Why? Do you like it?”

“It’s fine,” shrugged Aubrey though she found she couldn’t look at Kel for some reason.

When she finally met his gaze again, there was something so warm, so gentle in his expression, and his dark eyes seemed to glisten with an emotion that she couldn’t begin to describe but which made her heart pound all the same. He lifted his hand from her waist and gently pressed his palm to her cheek.

“If this was a movie, this is probably the point when I’d say something corny like…” Kel paused, blinking at her with heavy-lidded eyes before he continued with a gentle sincerity that made her breath catch in her throat, ”‘You are so beautiful.’” He stroked her cheek with his thumb, and as his eyes fluttered closed, he sighed, “‘I’ve wanted this for a long time.’”

Aubrey swallowed hard. She tried to frown even though she was sure her face was bright red from that…that pining underscoring his voice. ‘This is just a game,’ she reminded herself—one that Kel seemed to be getting extremely into, but a game all the same. Still... the way his voice faltered, the earnestness in his eyes made it easy to forget.

“You’ve been watching too many romance movies with Hero…” she quipped, but her voice wavered.

Kel chuckled lightly. “Maybe…”

His hand softly stroked the side of her cheek until the tips of his long fingers began to tangle in her hair. She shivered as she took a long, shaky breath. His lips parted slightly as his mouth relaxed. She bit her lip and watched as Kel did the same.

“Aubrey…” he whispered as she tangled her trembling hand in the hair at the nape of his neck and gently pulled him towards her in slow, deliberate movements that didn’t feel like her own. His long, dark eyelashes fluttered. He was close enough to her now that she could almost feel them against her skin.

Her heart pounded. Her hands shook. He hovered in front of her mere inches away from her face. When he whispered her name again, she realized they had stopped dancing.

As Kel’s eyes fluttered closed, he tilted his head and cupped her face with his hands. His breath was warm against her skin, so close Aubrey could almost taste the coffee and citrus lingering from that awful Orange Joe he loved so much. As she began to lean closer to him, her hand curled around the unruly strands of his hair, and she pressed her palm to the back of his head—pulling him in. Closer. Closer.

He began to lean forward. That space between them was almost non-existent now. Aubrey froze—unable to move, unable to breath. Her heartbeat raced, and she could almost feel Kel’s heart pounding as he stopped, a breath away from her. She gripped the soft fabric of his shirt and shut her eyes tightly. Waiting. Waiting until…

BEEP! BEEP! The sound of the oven timer rang through the living room. Aubrey exhaled deeply though her cheeks flushed. What had just happened?

Kel startled, pulling away from her abruptly. “Oh! The lasagna!” he exclaimed with a bright smile, seemingly, completely unphased by what had just happened, by the fact that they had almost…

Aubrey inhaled sharply, then took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. She bit down hard on her lip. It was just a game to him. Of course it was.

“Alright fine, Kel…” she laughed it off with as much of a frown as she could muster as the music stopped. Her racing heartbeat and wavering tone of voice didn’t seemed to get the memo, however. “You’re right.”

His face beamed. “Seriously?” He chuckled, playfully poking her in the arm. “See, I told you that you didn’t miss out on anything at the prom.”

Aubrey sighed—willing that blush she could still feel in her face away. “Yeah… It’s just a dance—nothing necessarily romantic about that. But you know I agreed with you from the beginning, right? So don’t get too excited about it. I just meant a lot of other girls might get the wrong impression.” ‘Especially if you dance with them like that,’ she mentally added, barely managing to stop herself before the words tumbled out of her mouth.

“Yeah, alright. You know, honestly, I actually kinda see your point now too.” Kel tilted his head and chuckled breathily though his expression was unreadable. Aubrey’s heart raced in spite of herself as she tried to push these thoughts, these feelings, whatever they were away for good.

*-*-*

Aubrey let out a long and heavy sigh. She could feel the blush in her cheeks even now just thinking about it. She hadn’t done a very good job of pushing the memory away. Even though they had never talked about that dance, about that almost-kiss ever again, Aubrey had mulled it over in her mind more times than she could count, until she could almost believe that she had been imagining things, that she had just gotten caught up in the music and dancing and that nothing had actually almost happened. But…—Aubrey sighed—the way he had looked at her…

She swallowed hard and pushed the thought away. This was Kel. Kel—dopey, happy-go-lucky Kel who used to eat spray cheese directly out of the can until she and Hero staged an intervention to ask him to stop and who once got a popsicle stick stuck up his nose because he wanted to see if he could touch his brain with it. Granted he was seven at the time, but still… this was Kel, and Kel was…was…

Aubrey sighed. Kel was sweet and thoughtful. He’d do anything to make his friends and family happy, and he loved making people laugh. He could make friends anywhere he went, and he always found things to smile about. And yeah, he could be awkward sometimes, airheaded, oblivious, and occasionally stubborn, but he had a big heart and even if his words didn’t always come out the way he wanted them to, she never doubted how much he cared. He was a great friend—her best friend, probably if she was being honest, but she wasn’t about to waste another minute of her life sitting around analyzing whether she may or may not have almost kissed him once. And she especially wasn’t going to sit around analyzing whether or not she should have or, worst of all, whether she had wanted to.

“You will dance with me again, won’t you?” asked Kel’s voice through the phone. “I gave those dancing lessons to my parents as a gift, but Hero was helping me practice a little bit, so I think I’ve gotten a lot better.”

“Uh…yeah…sure Kel…” stumbled Aubrey trying her best not to think anything of it.

“Okay, great! I’ve got to go now, but I’ll see you soon, okay? Bye.”

“…Bye…” mumbled Aubrey. She let out a long and heavy sigh, shaking her head and mentally kicking herself for getting so flustered about Kel of all people. It was nothing, clearly…given the way he could mention it so nonchalantly like that. She should just stop thinking about it and worrying that it was something that it wasn’t.

She pushed the thought away—trying her best to think about something else, anything else. What was everyone going to wear tonight? Sally would probably look adorable all dressed up in party dress or a costume if she wanted to be an actual princess—though Aubrey supposed Kel had specifically used the word “prom” rather than “ball” so Sally might not want a princess dress. Would Kel and Hero go all out and rent tuxes or just wear nice suits? Maybe Kel would bring back that bright pink tie from their prom…

Aubrey stopped. That tie. She hadn’t thought about it in years until it got brought up a couple of weeks ago when she and Kel were going shopping at the outlet mall with Sally.

*-*-*

“They’re so pretty,” Sally sighed wistfully with a little twirl as they passed some of the clothing racks filled with sparkly prom dresses. “I can’t wait ‘til I’m old enough to go to the prom.” She giggled and squeezed Aubrey’s hand. “What was it like? Did you get to wear a pretty dress like that, Aubbie?”

Aubrey smiled. Sally had given her that nickname years ago when she was a little toddler who struggled with her “r”s, and it made it happy to think that it had somehow stuck all these years. Her smile quickly faded however, as she awkwardly replied, “Well…Sally…I didn’t actually go to my prom.”

“Oh…” Sally’s eyes widened sadly, and she tilted her head. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay,” she reassured her, giving her a gentle smile and a reassuring pat on the head. “Your brother went though—to part of it. He wore this bright pink tie.”

Kel laughed and playfully poked her in the arm. “You remember my tie?”

Aubrey’s face flushed, but she bantered. “It was kind of hard to forget. Why’d you pick a color like that anyway?”

“Oh uh…” Chuckling, he scratched the back of his neck. “I never told you?”

“No…” Aubrey quirked an eyebrow at him, but Sally giggled.

“I wanna hear about it.”

“Well, okay, just for you Sally,” Kel’s expression softened, but he shrugged his shoulders. “But I’m warning you, it’s…kind of silly now that I’m thinking about it…” He sighed. “There was this girl…She was really amazing. I wanted to ask her to prom, but I was really afraid she would say ‘no’ so I kind of chickened out. But she really liked pink so…I thought maybe she’d like that pink tie. Kind of silly, right?” He laughed it off, but his cheeks flushed.

“Did she like it?” asked Sally, curiously blinking up at her older brother.

Kel’s mouth curved into a smile, and—Aubrey blushed—she could have almost sworn he glanced over at her when he said, “Yeah. I think she did…”

“You know, you never told me—that girl, did she go with someone else?” The question slipped out before Aubrey could stop it. She had spent years wondering, worrying if she had ruined Kel’s prom with her own problems or if he was nursing a broken heart of his own that had nothing to do with her grief. It was probably selfish to be bringing it up now after all these years, but she couldn’t give up the opportunity to find out for sure if Kel would have left the prom early anyway, even if she had been there.

“Nope,” Kel shook his head with a sigh, and Aubrey swallowed hard.

“Did you get to dance with her, then?”

A smile twitched in the corners of Kel’s mouth—something unreadable but undeniably affectionate flashing across his eyes. “Eventually…”

“Was she a good dancer?” giggled Sally.

“Better than me.” Kel shrugged, but he reached out to take Sally’s hand and gave his sister a little twirl. “But I am getting better.”

He flashed Aubrey a teasing smile, and she shook her head at him as she stifled a laugh. She knew it was a sign that this conversation was over, but it nagged at the back of her brain for the rest of the day as they absentmindedly wandered from store to store, eventually stopping for soft pretzels at the food court and surprising Sally with a bright yellow bow for her hair. There was no more talk of prom.

When it started storming, they decided to call it a day and headed back to Faraway Town. It wasn’t long before Sally fell asleep in the back seat of her car, exhausted from the long and exciting day of shopping. Aubrey dreaded the silence left by the absence of Sally and Kel’s cheerful prattling, but she was grateful for the opportunity to focus on driving rather than on mulling Kel’s words over in her head. That guilt she had been feeling ever since he had had to skip out on their prom on her account was suddenly fresh again, gnawing at her, getting harder and harder to push away.

“Hey…uh…Aubrey? Are you okay?” asked Kel quietly enough so as not to wake up the napping Sally. “You’ve been kind of quiet…”

“Well Sally’s asleep Kel,” she replied with a tilt of her head as she glanced in her rearview mirror.

“Yeah, but I meant before that…Ever since we were in that department store…”

Aubrey took a deep breath and tried to muster a, “Yeah…I’m just…”

She stopped abruptly. Even if she didn’t take her eyes off the road, she could almost picture Kel’s reassuring smile, encouraging her that she could tell him anything. Maybe it would be best to ask him now when she didn’t have to look in his face...

Before she could decide, however, she pulled into the driveway of Kel’s parents’ house. Grabbing a nearby umbrella, Kel got out of the car and gently lifted a sleeping Sally, draping his jacket over her head so her face wouldn’t get wet from his attempts to carry her and the umbrella.

Kel fidgeted until he was shielding Sally completely with the umbrella, getting himself soaked in the process. Aubrey sighed and shook her head with a somewhat affectionate smile. He was going to be sopping wet by the time he got back to the car, but if Aubrey was being honest, she didn’t mind. It was sweet how much Kel cared about his sister. Aubrey supposed that was really just Kel—he always thought about everybody else and how to make them happy. He’d give a stranger his umbrella if they needed it, even if that meant he’d get himself soaked. It was something Aubrey admired most about him.

Her face felt suddenly warm, and she pushed the thought away, watching as Kel handed Sally off to his mom on the porch. She gave Aubrey a bright smile and a cheerful wave as Kel rushed back across yard. Aubrey waved back.

Sure enough, when Kel got back inside the car, he was dripping water. He ran his hand through his sopping hair.

“Sorry, Aubrey. I’ll clean it up when you drop me off,” he insisted with a sheepish smile, but Aubrey waved her hand.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s just water.”

Chuckling, Kel’s mouth twitched into a lopsided grin, and he shrugged his shoulders, “Okay, now that Sally’s inside…what’s up? Something’s bugging you.”

“I’m fine,” Aubrey said, but she knew Kel knew her too well to believe that.

He sighed, a look of concern passing over his eyes. “Are you sure? Is it something I said…?”

“No…” She bit her lip. “It’s not you. It’s just…”

“You’ll feel better if you just tell me. I know you will,” he teased with a kind smile.

Aubrey huffed. He was right, of course, but she didn’t really want to admit that.

“Why did you leave our prom?”

Kel’s brow furrowed, and his eyes widened in confusion. “What?”

“You know…was it for that girl you wanted to take but didn’t end up asking or was it for…?” She stopped and cleared her throat.

“Well…actually…” Kel stumbled, his face flushing. Aubrey sighed guiltily. She didn’t mean to fluster him like this—it wasn’t fair.

“I just…I know it’s none of my business, and I feel bad asking but I just don’t want to be reason that you had to skip out on our prom, you know? So if you left because you were heartbroken or…”

“Oh,” Kel interrupted. Clearing his throat, he rubbed his hand across the nape of his neck. “Uh…I wasn’t heartbroken or anything, but…yeah, I did leave because of that girl—the one I wanted to ask…”

Aubrey sighed. She didn’t feel as relieved to hear this as she had always imagined she would. She felt almost…sad…

“Do you regret it?” she asked quietly, staring at her hands. “Leaving her there at the prom?”

“What?”

“You know, you could’ve stayed. You didn’t have to miss out on it, especially not to just waste the whole night sitting on my porch…” She cleared her throat though she twisted her hands around the steering wheel, staring intently at the swaying windshield wipers. “Do you ever wish that…things had been different?”

“I mean…I guess sometimes, maybe, but only to wish that you had been there and that everyone had been there to come with us.” Sighing bittersweetly, Kel paused. “Why? Do you?”

Aubrey sighed, adjusting her grip on the steering wheel even though the car was still parked. “Sometimes…” she admitted. “But for the same reason as you, I guess, and…” Her voice trailed, and she could feel Kel shift next to her.

“And what?”

“I’ve just…” Her face flushed as she took a deep breath. “I always felt guilty for making you miss it. I really am sorry about that.”

Kel chuckled lightly and placed his hand on her shoulder until she turned to look at him. “Aubrey, don’t worry about it. I already told you. I wanted to spend it with you.”

His smile was warm, and the look in his eyes was so tender that Aubrey’s hands began to shake as her cheeks blushed rose. She turned away from him, and he shrugged his shoulders and admitted, “I think about that night a lot, actually…in a good way. I don’t have regrets.”

He gently pushed a piece of hair out of her face, and Aubrey shivered but not from the cold and wet of the rain on his fingers. “Aubrey, I…There’s actually…” He stopped and pulled his hand away from her abruptly as water began to drip into her face. “Oh shoot. I’m sorry,” he stumbled, panicking over the damp streaks in her hair.

“It’s okay, Kel…” Aubrey sighed—politely failing to mention that his panicking over dripping water everywhere was just spraying water and making everything wetter. “Let’s just…get you home.”

“Okay…” Kel nodded, but his face was flushed. Aubrey was sure hers was bright red. She could only hope he wouldn’t notice.

*-*-*

Taking a deep breath, Aubrey parked her car on the street in front of Kel’s house. This was probably the worst possible thing she could have been thinking of right now. Why did she do this to herself?

She sighed heavily, burying her face in her hands before she composed herself, pushing all those thoughts away. She didn’t even know where they were coming from, and even if she did, now was definitely not the time to be thinking about any of that. She could almost guarantee that Kel certainly wasn’t. There was no way he was sitting around wondering what would have happened if the timer hadn’t gone off when they were dancing or if water hadn’t started to drip into her face when he was running his hand through her hair. These were just things Kel did without thinking—it didn’t mean anything more to him than that they were just friends, so why should it mean anything more to her? And…perhaps more importantly, why would she even want it to? Why would she want affection for him that would never be returned?  

Her shoes clicked across the pavement as she made her way down the sidewalk and up the driveway to the house where Kel lived with his brother, at least until Hero finished his final year of residency and paid off enough student loans to afford his own place. There was the faint sound of music echoing from the backyard and lights shimmering from what she assumed was probably their decorated porch. As soon as she walked through the gate to the yard, however, she realized she was wrong. There was a beautiful trellis canopy covered in Christmas lights with twinkling icicle lights hanging from the ceiling—underneath it was Hero’s record player, playing classic love songs.

Aubrey froze just staring at it—how it beautiful it was. She didn’t even notice Kel until he chuckled beside her.  

“Aubrey, you made it!” He paused, his expression softening. “You look beautiful. I’m glad I finally got to see your prom dress.”

Aubrey’s face flushed, and she curled her toes in her shoes both at the compliment,  and at the fact that Kel didn’t look too shabby himself dressed in his dark suit with combed hair and shiny dress shoes. “You look nice too, Kel. I see you’re wearing that tie—” she tried to tease him, but her voice cracked. Kel, however, just chuckled lightly.

“Oh yeah…well, you know…” With a slight shrug of his shoulders, he paused fidgeting with the bright pink tie around his neck. “Do you like it?”

Aubrey somehow managed a playful roll of her eyes. “It’s great, Kel.”

“I got you this,” he exclaimed excitedly, holding out a plastic container with a corsage inside.

“Wow, thank you,” she stumbled as he helped her slip it onto her wrist. “You really did go all out, huh?”

Kel hummed and nodded enthusiastically, but Aubrey’s brow furrowed as she glanced around. “So, uh…where are Hero and Sally?”

A faint flush of rose filled Kel’s cheeks. “Oh. Uh…well…about that. They’re not here.”

“Why not?”

“It wasn’t really a lie,” he tripped over his words. “I was just trying to surprise you, but I…I didn’t do this for Sally…”

As he met her eyes, Aubrey shivered and swallowed hard. Kel chuckled sheepishly. “I knew you were kind of upset that you missed your prom, and so I thought I’d make you your own prom. Surprise!”

Aubrey looked around the yard—at the twinkling lights, the trellis, Hero’s record player, then at Kel, all dressed up in his best suit with his pink tie, the kindest look in his eyes and the brightest, beaming smile on his face.

“You...”—she inhaled sharply—“You did all this…for me?”

“Yeah…Is it overboard? I was worried it might be a little overboard.”

Aubrey could scarcely put coherent sentences together—her head was spinning. Kel…Kel had done all of this…for her…? “Why?”

“Why?” Kel repeated with wide eyes. “Well…because it’s a lot…with the music and the fancy clothes and the decorations…”

“No, uh—” she stumbled. “Why did you do this for me, Kel?”

“Oh…well I thought you were upset about our prom ever since we went to the outlet mall, and I thought maybe a ‘do-over’ prom would make you happy.”

Aubrey’s blush deepened as she stared down at her feet. “You…you really didn’t have to do this Kel. Especially since I’m the one who basically ruined your prom in the first place.”

“Aubrey…” He pressed his palm to her cheek—smiling, waiting until she finally looked up at him. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you this whole time. You didn’t ruin my prom—not at all. I wanted to spend it with you. I know I probably should’ve just asked you, but I don’t know, I was just…I had never felt so close to anybody in my whole life, and I thought you were so amazing, I didn’t know what to do with myself…” He paused, chuckling awkwardly with a sheepish shrug of his shoulders.

“Wait…you…you…” she stammered trying to make sense of what she was hearing. He couldn’t have possibly just said…? “You wanted to take me to our prom? I’m the girl?”

Kel’s cheeks blushed red, but he nodded. “You’re the girl.” Aubrey could only blink at him as he chuckled lightly, awkwardly again and joked as he fidgeted with his hands, “You know…if this was a movie, this is probably the part where I’d say something really corny like ‘You’ve always been the girl.’”

As he met her eyes, Aubrey froze. His words may have been corny, but the look in his eyes was so sincere, so…affectionate. She swallowed hard—sure her face must be bright red by now, but she couldn’t move, couldn’t think. She tried her best to take a deep breath and shakily tease him but her voice was wavering, breathy—it almost didn’t sound like her. “Yeah…that’s—that’s really corny…”

“Yeah, I’m no Hero…” Kel chuckled self-deprecatingly. “I’m really not good at any of this stuff…” He bit his lip and looked back up at her with a gaze that made her shiver. “But I really do think you’re great—probably the most amazing person I’ve ever met. I’m sorry for not saying it before.”

“Kel, I…” Her voice hitched. “I had no idea you felt this way…”

“That’s okay,” shrugged Kel. “To be honest, I didn’t even know I felt this way for a long time. It took me a while to figure it out…I was just kind of dense, I guess.” He laughed with a sheepish grin. “When I finally mentioned it to Hero, he gave me this look like ‘it’s about time…’ Then he was the one who was really encouraging me to tell you, but I just never really could figure out how and…then I was worried I was going to mess up our friendship and I didn’t want to make things awkward…But I guess this is kinda awkward, huh? All the movies make it look so easy…”

Aubrey blushed. If one of them should be feeling dense right now, it really should be her. Kel was…Was he really…?

“Listen, uh…you’re really quiet right now. You don’t have to say anything. We can just pretend that I never said anything,” he began to ramble quickly, nervously. “I didn’t want to put you on the spot, I just—I thought that was something you should probably know about me, er, about you, er how I feel about you because I—I really like you and I think you are really great and if you ever talk to me again after this, I would really like to take you to dinner and…”

Aubrey could only blink at him, unable to get a word in edgewise as he let out a long heavy sigh. “And I am totally messing this up…” Sighing heavily again, he ran his hand through his hair, before he met her eyes. “Aubrey…I’m sorry—”

“Don’t be…” Aubrey interrupted, reaching up to stroke Kel’s cheek with her hand. “I know it’s not an easy thing to say…”

“No, but you don’t understand. I tried to practice and everything. I was going to say all kinds of really nice stuff like that you’re probably the most important person in the world to me, and I don’t know what I’d do without you. After Mari and Sunny and Basil…”—his voice hitched—”Things were so dark and so sad…it was probably one of the worst times in my life, and I felt so alone, but then, you found me…and you showed me that even if this world without them is always going to be a little sadder than it was, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still good things in it too. And a lot of those good things were because of you—when we tease each other and we’re throwing popcorn at each other or I’m wiping frosting on your nose or splashing water at you at the beach—when we laugh about corny movies or dance in the kitchen or when we just talk for hours and completely forget about the time…or when your face turns all red when you’re trying not to smile or the way your nose wrinkles when you laugh. And you”—he cupped her face in his hands—“You’re the best thing.”

“Kel—I…I…” Aubrey began to trip over her words, unsure what she even wanted to say.

Kel sighed, his face blushing red as he pulled his hands away from her, and mumbled, “I don’t even know if that makes sense…”

“No, it…it does,” Aubrey said with a reassuring smile. “I…I completely…” She stopped. “Back then, I…I never thought I could ever be happy again, but you showed me I could be, that there’s still…happiness…” Her voice trailed, but Kel wrapped his arms around her and pulled into a tight hug.  

“Aubrey…I’m…I’m so glad…I…”—Kel’s voice hitched—“I just want you to be happy. I want you to be so, so happy. I just never thought I’d ever be lucky enough that you could be happy with me.”

“I am happy, Kel,” Aubrey whispered, unable to think, unable to breath. Something she couldn’t even begin to describe seemed to propel her forward—her whole body almost moving on its own as she pulled back from him just enough to close her eyes and brush her lips against his.

“A—Aubrey?” stumbled Kel with a look more akin to having been whacked on the back of the head rather than kissed.

“Kel, uh…sorry…” she began staring off over his shoulder. “I just um…”

“No, I’m sorry, I just…I wasn’t ready.” Aubrey’s eyes widened, but Kel hurriedly added, “Ready as in prepared not as in ready like I—I didn’t want…because I—I do…”

A playful smile tugged at Aubrey’s lips, but she was blushing too much to actually tease him.

“I—I…” Kel began to stumble again, and Aubrey could have sworn she heard him mumble, “Oh forget it…” under his breath before he finally just threw his arms around her neck and kissed her. His hands tangled in her hair as hers gripped the collar of his suit pulling him even closer to her. She could taste that sickeningly sweet Orange Joe on his breath, but she didn’t even care.

When they finally broke apart from each other, red-faced and breathless. Kel chuckled teasingly, “I guess I should probably ask you to dance now, huh?”

As that familiar song began to play, Kel wrapped his arms around her, and Aubrey slipped her hands around his neck. They swayed in time to the music, and neither one of them could hold back their smiles.

As Aubrey nestled into Kel’s chest, she could feel him chuckling lightly to himself.

“What?” she asked quietly.  

“Nothing it’s just…” Kel pulled away just enough to look at her and meet her eyes as his mouth twitched into a soft, playful smile. “Maybe it really is true what everyone says about prom after all…”

[robynlilyblack]

Okay so I know I literally just sent you a thing😂 buutt

Drowning in words so sweet - Send me a quote along with a character and I’ll write a lil dialogue/blurb

"Sometimes to stay alive you gotta kill your mind" (lyric from twenty one pilots) angst with your choice of either barty/peter/regulus/sirius? Or maybe an exchange between sirius and regulus? Or if you're not feeling it don't worry just leave it cuz I mean that is kind of an obscure thing for someone to say even in fiction 😅

Kill the mind

Barty Crouch Jr x gn! reader, Remus Lupin x Sirius Black

Summary: Remus finds out he has more in common with y/n than he thinks

Warnings: angst, mentions of torture and death

A/n: 0.4k words, context reader is a professor alongside Remus during PoA, this was so sad to write but i'm happy with how it turned out, enjoy x

Navigation | Marauders Era Characters Masterlist

“Sometimes to stay alive you gotta kill your mind” you say looking out of the window longingly

Remus turns around in his chair to look over at you “What do you mean?” he shakes his head lightly

You let our an unsteady breath before turning around “I can see it in your eyes Remus, even after all these years you’re still trying to figure out a way to turn him back into the man you love, explain what he’s done in a way that doesn't make you sick to your stomach” you say watching his eyes light in recognition before they drift to a sadness you knew all too well

“And you would know about that?” he asks softly, wondering how you knew the same torment as him

You move to perch on the desk in front of him as he pushes his chair out “This can’t leave this room” you ask kindly of him to which he nods wholeheartedly “I was once in engaged to Barty Crouch Jr” you inform him observing how his eyebrows pinch and face subtly contorts at the name of a man that helped tortured two of his friends towards permanent insanity

He opens his mouth but closes it soon after, trying to process the information “You had no idea either until…”

“The trial...quite” you nod, internally grimacing at the memory “He was the sweetest man I’d ever known, had a soft spot for things, his family elf…me” you swallow hard, even after all this time you did believe he loved you, he just had the wrong people around him and you were powerless to help, too caught up in your love to see the signs “He was loving, once he cried when he thought he’d hit a bird with a bludger” your lips tug up for a mere second

“Sirius made me feel alive, like I had a future” Remus laughs through his nose as his eyes glass over “Made me love things that I had always hated about myself, I really thought he…but I guess I was mistaken” there's no bitterness in his voice, just pure unadulterated heartbreak

“You aren’t” you say surprising him “It was real, both versions you have of him are real, the good and the bad...we just don’t see the bad side coming because the highs are so good” you say sadly “So you have to kill the mind, kill the what ifs which swarm your head, the motives that drove them, questioning why your love wasn't pure enough to keep them in the light. It’s the only way to survive” 

Remus looks at you in sorrow, both of you living half alive as the ones you loved ripped your hearts out and took them to rot in Azkaban “Surviving isn’t living” he says with a heavy heart

Your eyes flick to him “It isn’t, but what else can we do”

Thanks for reading 💛

[asnowfern]

The Northern Gale Bellows

A/N: Chrysanthemum Terrace 菊花台 by Jay Chou found its way into my Spotify the other day and I couldn’t get this drabble idea out of my head since. Translation to the lyrics can be found here. First time writing Eris and I am just so so sorry.

TW: Implied major character death

WC: 700

Read on AO3

Eris fastened on his armour. Then he checked it to ensure it’s secure. Then he checked and checked again, the metal plates and chainmail rattling and clicking in time with nimble fingers.

His fingers ghosted over the maple leaf emblem, painstaking embroidered on every handkerchief for this rebellion by their queen - his mother. With a heavy swallow, he tied it around his forearm.

Every fibre of his being was alight with trepidation, the nerves a palpable buzz in his ears. Years of stone cold precision planning had come down to this - His personal hand picked warriors against the rest of his father’s army. They would either live to see the dawn of a new day, his mother and brothers at his side, or be publicly executed for their efforts.

The sheathed sword slid against his hip and hung there, waiting with every drawn breath. With a final check, he turned to look around the worn furnishings of his room. Perhaps a little ill-fitting or underwhelming for the crown prince but it was his sanctuary. Then, Eris, adorned with every weapon possible, bid his place of solace farewell.

His amber eyes met his mother’s russet ones along the walkway. He gave a small bow, as etiquette demanded of him. Time slowed around them as the edges of her lips lifted into a gentle smile, motherly and kind to anyone passing by. The slight dip of her chin was almost imperceptible. Eris let the silent encouragement bolster him, holding it in a vice mental grip.

His beautiful mother, back stiff straight in the face of a cruel, powerful man’s wrath. Her quiet strength as she shielded him and his brothers as best as she could. Her regal face was always unflinching and dignified, only softening for them.

So he let the smile burn into his mind. Enveloped him, smouldered and melded, an unvanquishable flame.

There would be no feral battle cry or charging into the throes of war. With a clear command for all of them to stay alive, he and his men were on the move. Quietly and discreetly, he killed his way to his king’s private quarters. Eris paused for barely a second before his hand closed around the large ornate handle and he was through the invisible barrier.

His father stood in front of a large map of their proud nation. Hands clasped behind his back as he studied a specific region in the eastern provinces, his attention seemingly focused on the matter at hand. But Eris knew better.

The tension in his shoulders, the tick in his jaw. The slightest tremor in his left fingers - not of fear, no. When Beron turned to his son, the same amber eyes reflecting back at him blazed with fury. A type of white hot rage that brought many enemies down to their knees and ripped them apart, limb by limb.

“What exactly did you think this would achieve?” The flat authoritative voice from his worst memories sneered at him. Mature amber eyes flicked dismissively towards the bloodied sword Eris still held in his hand.

At that moment, two guards escorted the queen through the door. Beron’s features twisted into an almost sour disappointment as he looked down at his son. “Well?”

The king was unarmed and yet, with a single word, the odds on the table flipped. And Eris never felt more helpless.

More guards filtered through the door, their weapons brandished at the crown prince. Eris did a mental count of the five guards that now surrounded him. He could potentially take them down.

But at what cost?

Like a little boy once more, amber flocked towards russet.

Acceptance.

For a better future, they said, for him and his brothers.

With a fortified heart, a feral cry ripped itself from his lips as Eris launched himself at his assailants, a sword in one hand and a dagger in another. Effortlessly, they fell.

His sword plunged through his father’s gut just as a glint of rubied silver protruded from his mother. Feminine lips curled into a faint proud smile as cruel amber eyes glassed over.

The sword clanked on the floor and echoed throughout the walls. He won.

But it seemed that even in victory, he lost.

[sagemii]

Always a fighter, never a son.

The androids have won, and they can't help but think of their future, so hopeful and full of love.

Connor, however, can only think of the twitch in his fingers that creep closer and closer to the gun in his back pocket.

a/n: or a different approach at Connor "suicide or give up" ending, one where we have Hank's reaction. yipee :D no but seriously, heavy angst for that one, and I wrote it at one in the morning with absolutely zero memories of the actual scenes. so this might also be OOC.

open-ended so I might write a second part? also props to may_the_wellerman_come on tiktok for the idea. sorry for taking so long :')

characters: Connor, Hank, small mention of Cole and even smaller mention of Amanda (presence implied but not directly shown)

words: 963

TW: angst, major character death, suicide, small implication of drugs and alcohol, sort of flashback to what happened with Cole

additional notes: not proof-read, potentially OOC, tried to be poetic (I'm not)

They did it.

In the middle of the unforgiving cold, and in the dead of night, the androids had won. They had won a war without using violence. They had proven that they were alive.

And Connor felt alive. So alive. He felt like if he put his hand right here, over his chest, he could feel a heartbeat. Not a machine pumping blue blood. A beating, human heart. He felt like he could breathe in the fresh air, in a rushed and unregulated way that once felt so foreign to him. He felt alive.

So why didn't he feel happy?

Connor was supposed to be happy. He was free, after all. They all were. He could be whoever he wanted now. A friend, a son.

A son ?

The voice wasn't his. It was... No. No, it wasn't possible. He was supposed to be free, so why... Why was she still here?

I'm afraid you've misled yourself, Connor. You are nothing more than a machine.

Connor wanted to scream. To cry. To run. Whatever he could do to... Escape. He wanted to be free. He wanted to be someone.

You will be "someone" , Connor. You will be the machine that brought back our world to the way it used to be, to the way it should be.

He realized, in that moment, that he only had two options. And he wanted to laugh at that thought. He had two options. Not one. Maybe it was freedom, in a cruel way.

Give up.

Connor slowly took his gun out of his back pocket. It felt cold. So cold. He felt cold, too.

You're just a machine, Connor.

He slowly put the gun underneath his chin. In front of all of the androids he had saved moments ago. Why couldn't he be like them? Why couldn't he truly be free? He couldn't look at them. He'd see what he could've had.

Stop fighting. You will lose everything that you thought you had.

He knew the consequences. He knew how he would react. And Connor wanted anything but this. He wanted everything, and yet... Would he get nothing? Was this the end?

I can help you end your pain.

Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong. He wasn't in pain. He was... Yes, he was free. He chose to do this. It was his decision, his last choice. And such a tragically beautiful choice.

Save yourself.

Or save everyone else?

Connor finally let his gaze fall down to the seemingly infinite rows of androids standing before him. Maybe... Maybe he was never meant to have this.

Maybe this was planned from the very beginning.

Connor looked back towards the horizon, let out a simulated breath. Of anger, of sadness, of relief.

And he pulled the trigger.

He did it.

———

"Well, they finally did it..." Hank sighed with a small smile gracing his lips, sitting in his couch as he looked at the TV. Sumo was on the floor, also looking at the screen as if he was truly interested in what was happening.

"Sumo, watch. There he is..." He chuckled as Sumo barked at the screen, as if he recognized someone he now considered a friend, a family member.

Standing on a stage in front of such a crowd, Connor looked like an emperor. Or something like that.

Hank felt inexplicably proud of him. Well, not inexplicably. To think that not so long ago, Hank wanted nothing more than to punch this plastic face. And now, he was watching him on TV like a proud dad would with his son.

Son.

Hank hadn't thought about that word in a short while. Not in that way, at least. Not about someone other than...

Not about Connor.

"...Why's he just standing there like an idiot?" Hank sighed, dramatically waving his glass around. A glass of water, mind you. He was trying. It was hard, but now that he had an android pestering him 24/7 about how dangerous it is for humans to drink, and do drugs, and... eat junk food, It was somehow a good motivation to try and change for the better.

Hank was brought back to reality when Sumo barked again. He looked at the screen.

"What... the hell."

What was he even doing? He had no reason to take his gun out. Did he see someone in the crowd of androids who could be a threat? Maybe someone from Cyberlife managed to sneak in, maybe it's just someone a bit suspicious-looking, maybe...

No.

No, no, no.

Hank got up from his couch as quickly as he could. He hurried to put on his shoes and coat, and then started looking for his car keys.

"Fucking hell... I don't have time for this! Fuck, what is he even thinking? What is he even doing?"

Hank felt like he had just been thrown in iced water. His mind was in overdrive. He could hear Sumo barking, he could hear the news reporter getting somewhat curious and worried as she looked at Connor from the helicopter she was sitting in. He could feel his breath getting quicker. Everything was spinning.

Come on. Hurry up, faster. Only a few more minutes. Hang in there.

.

.

.

Oh.

A loud noise resonated in Hank's house. A loud and abrupt noise. In an instant... In an instant, Hank felt like he was back there.

He was back in the hospital hallway, sitting down as he painfully waited for someone to come and talk to him. To explain what was happening.

Would they even bring Connor to a hospital? A repair center? Would it be too late? Would they not care? Was he just an android to them? A machine, despite what he had achieved? Despite who he had become?

Would no one save his son?