#making you pay attention over here “I am a soft and helpful wizard please help me!”

[omniscientwreck]

Let me combine both of your favorite things! I would love a little thing about Caduceus (in his infinite wisdom and questionable intelligence) trying to give either Essek or Caleb relationship advice that may or may not be actually helpful. Those two wizards are probably too much in their own heads to see what's right in front of them and could use a little nudge. Just imagine both of them going to Caduceus for advice on how they're attracted to the other and Caduceus just sitting there trying to fight to urge to facepalm.

Hello! Thank you for combining my two favourite things into this fic that took way too long but I'm quite pleased with! I hope you enjoy!

In which Caduceus has three conversations with two wizards fighting against a force bigger than either of them.

----------

The first of these conversations Caduceus had was expected. Gardening alongside Essek, teaching him how to sow beauty where destruction had laid waste had been therapeutic for both of them. Caduceus had never given up on the war criminal. It’s difficult to feel no sympathy for someone whose story was written across their face in blank but pleasant stares and a mask of platitudes.

The state he’d been in when they met him at the outpost had filled Caduceus with determination. He’d been as close to a wreck as they’d ever seen him and now kneeling alongside him and looking over to see a small self-satisfied smile as he observed the work they’d done, it feels like they’ve done something right. This second chance had been well earned and he has faith that Essek will continue to earn it for the rest of his days.

This Essek is determined to right wrongs, and he’s started with the garden. He pays careful attention to the plants, always asking if he’s unsure about the compatibility of certain species, and making sure to put them exactly where they tell him. When they work past the point when the sun disappears behind emerald leaves he takes off the gloves Jester had made him and digs his hands into the ground. It seems to bring him peace, it’s good that he’s found any.

Most of the time when they work it’s silent, creases pressed into Essek’s forehead. He sweats through the layers that serve to keep him safe from the heat overhead and always has to be cajoled into taking breaks or drinking water. It reminds him a bit of Yasha.

On the third day, when he’d nearly gone faint Caduceus has to intervene, “You don’t need to hurt yourself to repent you know.”

Essek takes great care to swallow and not choke on the water he’d been sipping, bad timing. The mask comes up again, “I don’t know what you mean.” he states flatly. He knows that Caduceus is smarter than that and it shows.

“Hurting yourself doesn’t change anything. It’s the creation of beauty here that tips your scales, not the destruction of yourself.”

He nods slowly, indigo eyes downcast. “I suppose you’re correct. I have much to atone for Caduceus. There is much work to be done before I will deserve any of the kindness you foist upon me.”

“Hey now, I decide who deserves my kindness. We all do.”

Essek nods again, running a dirt stained hand through his silver hair. It leaves streaks of dirt, Caduceus says nothing.

“It’s difficult to be made aware of your stark moral failings, to learn what it means to truly care for someone again. It’s difficult to care more than you expect and to know what is enough, if anything is.”

His eyes flick behind Caduceus, where he can hear Caleb explaining something to Luc and he understands more than Essek probably wants him to. “You’ll find enough.” Essek looks at him, eyes full of a delicate hope, easily shattered, “He’ll tell you when it’s enough.”

His eyes widen just slightly and a deep blush spreads across his face alongside a smile so small it’s like he doesn’t want to let himself accept the barrage of feelings it holds back. “If.” His voice is small but the weight is heavy in the tone.

Caduceus reaches a hand to cover one of his, “When. Remember, I see things the rest of you don’t.”

Essek smiles wryly at that, voice full of mirth, “Of course Mr. Clay the ever observing.”

They go in for dinner and Essek speaks up a little more, he’s a little more alive. The change is small, but Caduceus notices.

----------

The second conversation is less expected, completely unexpected if he’s being honest. Caleb arrives at the doorstep of the grove one evening around 8 months after they’d last seen each other. “Hallo friend, I hope I am not intruding.”

His smile is easier now, though still restrained by sadness. “Not at all Mr. Caleb you are always welcome here. There should be left overs from dinner, fix yourself a plate.”

Caleb allows himself to be ushered in and fussed over. He tells a few stories of the trial but Caduceus tries to steer away from that particular vein of conversation. It’s raw and it doesn’t look like he’s fully healed. There’s still one catch somewhere that he needs to loose himself from before the smile will be easy and free, before he can walk away from his past and toward the future.

“I am going to Aeor next.”

Ah.

When Caduceus doesn’t say anything he continues, voice laced with trepidation, “I am going to ask Essek to join me.” he wants Caduceus to convince him of something.

“Well, two wizards is better than one.” He eyes Caleb knowingly and the wizard squirms a bit under his gaze.

“It is just, a little strange isn’t it? The directions we are led in.” He trails off again, maybe he’s hoping for wisdom. Caduceus decides he can probably dispense something.

“You’ve never seemed like someone who wanted much to be herded into decisions to me.”

“It’s been a journey.”

Caduceus clears his dish and sets down a teapot, “It’s a journey you’re still on. One that might not have a definite end. Is it worth it to deny yourself happiness because you’re worried about whether you deserve it?”

That caught him a little off guard, copper hair shook a bit as he’d clearly gone a little further than Caleb was expecting. He likes to talk in metaphors so that he can hide from truths later, or at least pretend everything can have multiple meanings. It’s time for Caduceus to stop letting him twist words around in that expansive brain of his until the original meaning is obscured by hypotheticals.

“I cannot tell you what’s right Caleb, but if you came here for a reasonable perspective listen to the one I’m giving you.” He pours the tea and offers honey, “You will never know if you don’t go and I know you better than you think. You don’t like loose ends, not as long as there’s something to learn.”

He nods, staring into tea, they’re so similar and so stubborn that Caduceus can feel the loving annoyance usually directed at his siblings creeping in. “Caleb, stop punishing yourself for something that wasn’t your fault in the first place.” Caleb nearly interrupts but Caduceus keeps barrelling through, “Self-flagellation won’t get you anywhere, you’ll just end up with regrets and what ifs. Go explore Aeor, forget everything else for a bit. Do that thing the two of you do where you’re finishing each other’s sentences and nobody knows why you’re bothering to speak out loud because it’s obvious you’re thinking the same things.”

Caleb’s smile is smaller now, but lighter. “Ja mein Freunde, I think you will. Thank you for tolerating questions I don’t know how to ask out loud.”

Caduceus smiles back, “I think this will be good. If you need anything while you’re there don’t hesitate to reach out. Stock up on healing, you’ll need it.”

Caleb laughs at that and spends the night, before heading to Zadash the next morning, undoubtedly to clear out Pumat’s stock of healing potions.

----------

The third time this conversation is had it’s his fault. He doesn’t mean to start it, but honestly the situation is getting ridiculous and the sibling feelings Caduceus has to both the wizards are firmly cemented.

They decide to get everyone together maybe a year after the last conversation. It’s his first time seeing any of them since then and as soon as they’re all in the same room it’s like no time has passed at all. Essek had come to get him while Caleb gathered the rest at Beau and Yasha’s home in Rexxentrum. Jester wraps him in a crushing and loving hug, Beau gives him a punch that’s soft for her but still stings, Yasha offers clippings of flowers immediately, and Fjord’s hug is warm. Veth’s family is here and she looks happier than he’s ever seen her. Caleb greets him with the warmth that’s always burned behind eyes that hold less and less sorrow every time he sees him. He hopes they’ll drop it all together one day.

When they pop back into existence from the way Caleb and Essek look at each other Caduceus expects something to happen. He doesn’t know what exactly but they hold each other’s eyes in a profound way. There’s gravity to them and everyone can feel it, he’s getting tired of watching them fight it.

It seems so simple even though he doesn’t feel that kind of pull, to see where this is going. It’s feels like the days before a big storm, when everyone knows what’s coming and it’s getting a little ridiculous that you’re still waiting for lightning to strike.

Everyone else drinks, they cook and eat and tell stories. Caleb and Essek sit apart but spend the entire time stealing glances across the table when they don’t think the other is looking. Nearly always they catch each other.

Yasha plays on the bone harp, she’s gotten very good and Jester swings Veth around into a dance. Kingsley, three sheets to the wind, grabs Beau and whips her into a reluctant dance and her initial protests eventually bubble into laughter. Caleb sits beside Caduceus and Jester has switched to twirling a flustered Essek across the floor of the livingroom. It often turns to dancing with these people and he loves that they love it so much.

“As I recall you’re an excellent dancer Mr. Caleb, go cut in.”

He shakes his head, “Ah- I couldn’t. Yasha is playing and I don’t think you’re much of a dancer.” He looks over with a quirk of a brow.

“I’m sure Jester won’t mind a break.”

He coughs at that, “I ah-”

Caduceus shakes his head, “No, talking is done, this is getting ridiculous.” He puts a hand square on his back and guides Caleb to stand, “You two will weave circles of metaphor around each other until one of you drops. Go Caleb, follow gravity.”

He seems to understand, seems to accept Cadcueus’ words and as soon as he stands to full height, Essek is watching over Jester’s shoulder. She, thankfully, understands the same way Caduceus does and even sends a wink as she loudly proclaims, “Oh my gosh Essek I’m so tired, I think Caleb needs someone to dance with, go to him.” She extends her arm, releasing him, and his levitation doesn’t allow him to stumble at the abrupt change in momentum.

Essek and Caleb meet and Essek steps to the ground gracefully as Caleb holds his hand out and pulls him in.

Nobody says anything for fear of spooking the delicate peace that settles over both of them as they gently turn, but Yasha slows the music she’s playing a bit and a quiet celebration is shared in the eyes of the rest of the Nein.

Caduceus breathes a sigh of relief and Jester sits herself beside him, bringing an overly sweet juice she’d found on her travels for him to try. She tells him stories into the night, and the wizards never let each other’s hands go.

[neesieiumz]

Hi there, I noticed your requests are open! May I please request some smut for laxus with a fem reader, headcanons or scenario I don't mind (I hope this isn't too vague and I hope you do smut, if not some fluff would be nice) thanks!

Surprise {Laxus Dreyar x F!Reader}

Summary: You had news, important news to tell Laxus. You wanted to make it special, so while preparing the surprise, something happens. Will you be able to tell Laxus the news?

A/N: I AM SO SORRY!!! I was working on this ever since you made the request and I had that long bout of writers block and hated touching my WIPs! But now I can finally do this request! I wrote like six prompts for this request and this was the one that I could flesh out the most. I know you asked for smut, so I may do a part two of this, have it take place after the one year time skip. I just wanted have something for you, instead of leaving this in the drafts. 

Word count: 5k

---

You’ve been in the guild since you were young, and have stayed with them through thick and thin. You found solace in the Thunder Legion and in the arms of the Master’s grandson Laxus. The two of you clicked in ways you’ve never expected. You started as going close friends and went through it all together. From the Battle Royale, which did drift you to his sudden appearance at Tenrou Island. It was the two of you, along with the Thunder Legion, against the world. Ever since Tenrou Island, the two of you have been dating, and it was the best decision of your life. 

Now it was after the Grand Magic Games and for a while, things were peaceful in Magnolia. There were a lot of jobs being taken, wizards of Fairy Tail were thriving. It was all good.

You were out shopping, a soft smile on your face as you picked up things for the dinner tonight. You were planning a dinner with your boyfriend and his friends tonight. A special one you told them. You were wearing a black, spaghetti strap, corset top, with ripped, black jeans and a pair of strappy boot heels. You were in one of the best moods of your life, so excited for tonight. 

You picked up some dry pasta and placed it alongside your other items in your basket. You went over the list of everything you needed before heading to an empty checkout line. Once you began to place the different food you bought in the lane, your mind drifted back to before you arrived here. When you had to tell them why you couldn’t come with them for their restaurant job at 8-Island. 

“A special dinner? For what?” Bickslow questioned, crossing his arms. 

You just smiled smugly, placing your finger on top of your plump, glossy lips, “that, my dear friend, is for me to know and for you guys to find out! Now I don’t want to keep old man Yajima waiting! Go!” You shoved the long-tongued man, along with the rest of them, towards the large guild door. 

Laxus, being Laxus of course, barely budged from your efforts to push them out, instead choosing to turn around and grab you by the wrists. You tried to squirm out his hold but he held your wrists tighter and pulled you even closer, looking into your eyes. You squirmed at his intense stare, trying to look away from his blue-gray eyes. 

“You sure it’s nothing bad?” He questioned softly, one of his hands moving from your wrist to your waist. 

You relaxed a bit before smiling, exhaling through your nose. You raised an arm to caress his cheek softly, running your thumb over his lips. 

“I promise it’s a good thing.” Still holding his cheek, you leaned up and gave him a peck on his cheek, leaving a glossy print. 

He muttered “angrily” at your actions but his cheeks gave him away as they turned red which made him glance everywhere but at you. You smiled at his actions and gave them one final push out of the guild so they can make it on time for their restaurant job at 8-Island. 

“See you guys tonight! And don’t eat too much there, I’m making a big dinner!” You waved them off. 

The Thunder Legion turned around and waved at you back, Evergreen yelled at you to make your famous butter rolls. You smiled at her and yelled back that you already planned to make them. She smiled at you and turned back around and caught up with the rest of them. 

Laxus glanced back at you and winked at you, making you roll your eyes and smile at him and waved your fingers at him before entering the guild to talk to Mira about her recipe books. 

You smiled before hearing the cashier calling out to you. Your cheeks immediately burned in embarrassment, before pulling out your wallet to pay for your things. She handed you your receipt, which you thanked her for before summoning a cloud to help you carry all of your things home. It was already getting close to the time they were supposed to be returning from 8-Island anyways. You wanted to get dinner started for them so they wouldn’t be waiting long. 

You walked towards your home, clouds carrying your bags and your hands on your abdomen. 

Not realizing the horror that was happening to your loved ones right now. 

----

Meanwhile, at the Fairy Tail guild hall…

“How are we supposed to tell her?”

The entire guild was in the infirmary, moments after Freed carried all his team and Yajima back to the guild. They were currently unconscious, their bodies writhing in pain from the Bane particles in their system.  Porlyusica was still trying to ease their pain.

“Huh? Tell who?!” Natsu asked, looking around the guild. 

“You idiot!” Lucy yelled, hitting him in the back of the head before pointing all around the guild. 

“Who else?!? Y/n Of course! She’s not here! She doesn’t know what happened to them!”

Natsu looked at Lucy incredulously before looking around before realizing she was right, you weren’t here. No one has seen you since Laxus and the Thunder Legion left for their job. Mira, however, looked away and down as she started to recall the conversation you had with her. It was right before you left the guild, heading towards the stores in town today. 

“She went out in the town today,” Mira started, tears filling her waterline, “she said she had a surprise for Laxus and the Thunder Legion and wanted to make a special dinner for the four of them,” Mira told the whole guild, looking down at her hands, tears filling her eyes. 

“I have to make an amazing dinner for them tonight, cause of the news I have to tell them!” You were so excited, taking the book in Mira’s hands and putting it in your bag. 

Mira giggled and clasped her hands together in joy, “may I ask what this special surprise is supposed to be?”

You looked at Mira, eyeing her carefully. After Ever, you did think of Mira as your best friend. The two of you hit it off when you joined the guild with Evergreen. Plus she knew how to keep a secret. When she wanted to anyways. You took a deep breath and smiled before placing your hands on your abdomen. 

She looked down at your hands before looking back at you. You tapped your finger pads gently against your abdomen, making her look back down. She was still confused for a moment before her eyes widened in shock and she gasped loudly. 

“You- You’re preg-”

Frantically, you quickly reached up to her face and covered her mouth with your hands. You looked around to make sure that no one heard her. Luckily no one is paying attention to you guys. All you did was nod your head at what she was asking you before slowly removing your hand from your mouth. 

“I’m so happy for you!” Her eyes filled with tears as she carefully wrapped her arms around you. 

You smiled at her happiness and wrapped your arms around her, relishing in her warm hug. You both stayed like that for a moment before letting go. You told her that you hadn’t told Laxus or the Thunder Legion yet and that you wanted to make a special dinner for the five of you. To do that, you have to head out to the store to get the things you needed for dinner tonight. 

Mira smiled in happiness for you as she waved you off, seeing you walk out the guild doors, with a skip in your walk. 

“See you later Mira!”

Mira began to sob in her hands, taking a seat beside Laxus’ bed. Lisanna immediately began to comfort her, wrapping her arms around her older sister’s trembling shoulders. The entire guild could only look in sadness as the white-haired S-Class wizard cried for her friends. 

“T-this is going to kill her,” Mira sobbed, taking the tissue Juvia offered her. 

Gray opened his mouth, was about to say something when loud creaking, which usually came from the guild front doors, started filling the quiet air. They could hear footsteps slowly entering before hearing, 

“Hello!!? Where are you guys? Where is everyone?” 

It was you. It was way past the time that Laxus said he and the others would be home. After waiting for over an hour, you decided to come to the guild. You had planned to go to the 8-Island restaurant but city officials had closed off the area due to a gas leak. At least, that’s what they were telling people who asked. They would have told you something different, however, your guild Mark was on your shoulder blade, and you were wearing a jacket.

Mira began to cry harder, her body shaking. 

“I-I can’t-,” she choked, coughing into her hands. 

Master Makarov sighed, stroking his beard, his eyes closed. He stood there for a moment before turning around and headed towards the infirmary door. 

“Don’t worry child, I’ll tell her.”

——

You were getting worried. First Laxus and the Thunder Legion don’t show up and now the guildhall is empty. You changed out of your outfit, wearing a long-sleeved, black, ruched dress with ruffles all over the dress. Your coils, usually in a wash-and-go style, are now slicked up into an afro puff and decorated with a butterfly clip that Laxus had gotten you one time. You looked around at the empty guildhall, wondering where everyone was. 

“Guys, this is getting really weird… where are you?!” You called out one more time. 

You then heard movements behind you, making you quickly turn around and get in a battle stance. Only to find Master Makarov coming down the stairs. You let out a breath of relief before walking up to him. 

“I’m so glad to see you,” you smiled at your future grandfather-in-law, “where’s the rest of the guild? Have they all taken jobs again? And do you know where Laxus is? It’s getting late.”

Gramps sighed before taking your hand and leading you to the closest table to the stairs. He made you sit down as he looked down in anguish. 

“Gramps… is there something wrong?” You asked him tentatively, leaning over to try and look him in the face. 

You could see tears in his waterline which made you even worried. What could have happened for him to feel like crying?

“My dear Y/n… something has happened…”

——

The doors of the infirmary slammed open, causing everyone to gasp and turn around as they saw you running inside like a madwoman. You pushed them all away from you, basically having no regard for any of them. You soon reached the closest bed. 

Which just so happens to be Laxus’ bed. 

Your body began to shake as your eyes glanced over on his sickly body. He was pale, oh so very pale, you could almost see the poison moving through his veins. His eyes were closed but you could hear him grunt from the pain of the and writhe in pain. There was sweat glistening on his body. The tears were already falling from your eyes. 

“N-no, not L-Laxus,” you stuttered, slowly falling to your knees.

You couldn't breathe. You could see dark spots started to cloud your vision, you could feel your eyes beginning to flutter open and closed. You took a couple of steps back before you lost your footing, stumbling on yourself. 

“Y-Y/n?” You heard someone question but you couldn’t place who it was as your vision blackened, falling to the ground unconscious. 

“Y/N!”

Gray, being the closest male to you, immediately picked you up and placed you on the next empty bed, the one beside Freed’s. Porlyusica immediately came over to check on you, placing a stethoscope on your body and placing it at different vital areas. She removed the tool and placed her hands on your abdomen, her hands giving off a blue glow. A few seconds after her hands immediately turned pink. 

She slowly nodded her head, before removing her hands, the pink glow slowly fading away. The entire guild watched as Porlyusica slowly rose from her kneeling position before turning to face the rest of the guild, looking on at their collapsed guildmate with immense worry. 

“Well?!” Natsu questioned, “what’s wrong with her?”

Porlyusica just sighed and smiled sadly, shaking her head. 

“She’s pregnant.”

The entire guild gasped loudly at the news and the reveal only seemed to make Mira cry even harder. Some looked over at you, seeing your tears drying on your face as you rest. Some looked onto Master, waiting for his reaction. Others looked onto Porlyusica as she explained the reason for your fainting. 

“She just needs to rest, I guess she stressed herself out a little too much today and this just topped everything,” Porlyusica said, reaching over to pull up the blanket to right under your chin.

Porlyusica made sure that you were as comfortable as possible, before turning to the rest of the Fairy Tail Guild, “This is a crucial time for her, she needs to be resting… which means you all need to find the person who did this Laxus and the rest of the Thunder Legion and find them quickly!”

The guild’s all-around sullen faces became hardened with resolve, with these new developments, a new enemy was upon them. Master Makarov already started to make plans to find the other council members and protect them while making plans to find Tartarus. The entire guild soon cleared out of the infirmary, on Prolyusica’s orders, of course, saying that the large group was making her and her patients stuffy. After everyone left, Erza already yelled at them to start the search for the former council members. However, Mira and Lisanna stayed, looking on to your resting body before turning their eyes towards the Thunder Legion and Old Man Yajima. 

“Don’t worry Mira,” Lisanna said, giving her sister a reassuring one-sided hug, “Laxus and the others are gonna make it out of this alive and he and Y/n are gonna have their baby.”

Mira took a deep breath, wiping her tears away with a clean tissue. She looked down at her hands before forming a small smile on her face.

“Yeah, you’re right Lisanna.”

——

You were awake.

It had been two days since you found out about Laxus and the Thunder Legion’s demise. You were now awake and you barely spoke to anyone, using mostly nods and head shakes to communicate to people. Mira was the only one who would hear you speak real words. But the most she would get to hear you say is “no’s” and “yes”. The only time people would hear you speak full words and sentences is when you would talk to Laxus. He obviously couldn’t respond but you couldn’t help it. You knew he was mostly listening. At least you hoped. 

You refused to leave Laxus’s side, Mira had to bring you clothes from your home and you ate and slept in the guild. In the empty infirmary beds. No matter what, you refused to leave his side, no matter what people tried to tell you. A plus to this was that Porlyusica could do checkups on you. She made sure that the baby was growing and nothing was hindering their development. However she, and the other have been trying to convince you to take a break from the guild. Although you couldn’t go out and help people with the search, they wanted you to at least take a walk outside of the guild. 

“You can’t keep staying here Y/n, it’s not good for the baby,” Mira tried to convince you to take a walk but you wouldn’t budge. 

You were sitting by Laxus’ side, as you’ve always been, holding his hand and just looking at him. You were wearing a pair of comfy sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt. Your hair was dry and crunchy to the touch. You had not moisturized it for days, still pulled up in the same puff you had a couple of days ago. 

“How about you take a small walk, I can convince Levy to take over for me and I walk with you?”

Nothing. Not a word from you. You were still silent, sitting by Laxus’ side and holding his hand, slowly stroking it. Your eyes were lifeless, eyes heavy with bags. 

“Y/n, I know you're worried, but please think about what Laxus would want. He would want you to take care of yourself, take care of your baby. And staying like this isn’t good, you need a breath of fresh air. Please if not for me, for the baby then?”

You took a deep breath and leaned back, still holding his hand. 

“Mira is right, your baby comes before you now. Take some time outside, before you come back to this dreary place,” Porlyusica then said, looking at some herbs and oils in glass beakers. 

Mira came up and grabbed you by the shoulders, “please just for five minutes, and then you can come back inside, okay?”

You sighed, glanced at her before looking at your lover, who was currently fighting for his life right now. You looked at him with longing, to see him wake up, to see his reaction when he learns of your state. You caressed his face, thumbing over his cheek before slowly sliding your hand off of his face. You looked back at Mira and nodded your head, sliding your chair back. You got up and followed Mira outside, ignoring the members who were running around, currently on the mission to find the former council members, hopeful to find the ones connected to FACE. 

Mira kept you updated about the guild at times.

The two of you stepped outside and took in the cool air slightly blowing in your faces. You took a deep breath as you began to rock back and forth. You crossed your arms together and rubbed them up your biceps to gain some warmth in your palms. 

“See, don’t you at least feel a bit better, more air in your lungs at least?”

You said nothing, just continued to look out into the Magnolia distance. Squinting your eyes, you could see the old Island-8 restaurant, and the construction workers beginning the new building. You felt a lump in your throat as you looked on, before taking a deep breath and rolling your shoulders back, feeling the joints in your backbones crack. 

“Y/n?”

You felt a force slightly push you at your shoulders, pulling you out of your headspace. You jumped a little before turning around looking at your friend, who looked at you with even more worry. You gave her a small smile as she grabbed your shoulder, joining you in looking at your home city. 

“You know he’s gonna pull through, so please don’t stress yourself out,” Mira said, laying her head on top of your shoulder. 

You let out a small breath throughout your nose before reaching out to place one hand on her head and the other one in your slightly protruding abdomen. The two of you just stood there for a while, taking in all the fresh air you could before someone called out to the both of you. 

The two of you glanced at each other before looking at Warren, who was sweating and panting like a dog in need of water. 

“Mira! We need you!”

Mira let go of you but looked back at you, eyes swimming with unspoken unconcern. You smiled and gestured for her to go. 

“Go,” you whispered, nodding your head towards Warren, “go find the council members.”

She smiled before following Warren into the guildhall. Yous sighed before turning back, staring at the horizon once more. The cool breeze  You smiled to yourself, the first real smile you’ve felt in days. 

“Laxus would love how this day looks…”

----

You were disoriented, the confusion caused your stomach to start to flip on itself. The baby definitely didn’t like the ride, no matter how smooth Carla tried to make it. You groaned as you tried to push yourself up from… the rock? You glanced around, only to find yourself in an unfamiliar place. You looked down to find yourself, surrounded by the Thunder Legion and Old Man Yajima, who was also laying on the ground, still unconscious. You gasped and stood up as quick as you could without upsetting your stomach and your baby anymore. The wind around you was blowing all around you, as in the distance, you could see a large building in the distance. You took a couple of small steps, squinting your eyes as you got a better look at the emblem sitting front and center of the castle. 

Tartarus. 

You gasped as you looked around to find your guildmates appearing all around you, coming from Cana’s cards. That’s when the final moments came back to you, you were sitting inside Laxus, holding his hand as Porlyusica administered something to help ease his pain. That’s when the door slammed open and you turned to find Cana running inside. Before she could explain herself, she had already placed all of you in the cards. She then handed them to the three exceeds, putting herself in a card as well, right before the whole guild hall blew up. Cana saved the entire guild’s lives just in time. 

“CHAAAAARGE!!!”

You quickly looked up, seeing an army of Tartarus soldiers, headed straight for you and your entire guild

“Y/n!” 

You turned around to see Cana looking back at you, holding her cards as she began to fight off the soldiers.

“You and the wounded get a safer place, you can’t fight in your condition!” She said, glancing down at your slightly protruding abdomen. 

You looked down at yourself before looking back at Cana, who was waiting for you to move. You just shook your head at her concern before cracking your neck. As you did that, the clouds above began to move as your eyes began to glow white. Your fingers twitched with bright, blue-white lightning, the most powerful type that you can control. The guild and even the soldiers glanced up at the changes in the weather, The wind began to blow all around, centering around you. You raised your hands high as thunder sounded off in the sky. 

“Thunder Clap!” You yelled, bringing your hands together in front of you in a swift motion. 

The loud clap echoed into a large soundwave which knocked down all the incoming soldiers that were closing in.  You turned your head and smirked at Cana, who just smirked back at you. You could feel Prolysica’s disappointment glaring right at your back but you couldn't sit back. Not when your entire guild was giving everything to save the kingdom and magic in this world.

“I think we’ll be just fine Cana, worry about getting into their guildhall!” You yelled, before summoning a bout of lightning from the skies to take on some more soldiers. 

She nodded at you before charging ahead, taking down more soldiers as she went. You took a deep breath before looking at the oncoming soldiers. Your eyes went white once more before as you took a crouching stance, lighting appearing at your fingers. 

“Let’s do this,” you whispered to yourself. 

You knew you couldn’t go all out, so you needed to take out as many as you can and save enough energy in case you needed to move the Thunder Legion and Old Man Yajima. 

---

You collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. You could hear Porlyusica exclaim, running over to you. Your magic power was greatly reduced since you have another lifeform feeding off of you. So you couldn't hold your own in a battle as long as you could anymore. After Tartarus activated Alegria, and someone somehow found a way to let you guys go. You immediately found yourselves surrounded by soldiers, and you were the only functioning wizard for miles, everyone getting separated in the rubble. So you had to fight them off, and you were already tired from the previous fight.

“You pushed yourself too hard! Now, look at you!” She turned you to your back, using her stethoscope and using her hand to feel around your abdomen. 

You could the ground rumble under you, the tiny stones jumping up and down. You turn your head to find even more soldiers headed your way. You tried to push Prolyuisca away from you, you had to keep fighting. But as soon as you did that, you could feel something cramp up painfully in your lower abdomen. The grip there, caused you to gasp painfully and lay back down, curling yourself into a fetal position. You pushed your coils out of your face as you glanced at the incoming soldiers, they were getting closer and closer. 

You took another deep breath and tried to sit up but this time, Porlyusica pushed you back down. 

“Lay back down! You pushed yourself too hard and now you baby could be in danger!”

“They’re coming, and we don’t have an offensive wizard anywhere around us! I have to fight through it!”

The pain only intensified every time you tried to move, your efforts going for naught. You could feel tears fall down your eyes, God was this it? You had no idea where your guild was, the entire Tartaros castle laid to rubble, and you couldn't get up anymore without endangering you and your unborn baby. 

That’s when you heard it. 

Lightning. 

The both of you glanced up, to where the soldiers were coming to only find them all taken down in one fell swoop, struck by yellow lighting. Once the smoke cleared, only one man was standing. 

Your man. 

 You gasped, feeling tears of happiness come to your waterline. He was shirtless, and you could see his body sweating even more than usual. He then turned his body halfway, looking down at you and Porlyusica. He just gave you his signature smirk before facing forward once more. 

“Take care of her. She stressed her and the little one too much.”

And with that, and a stroke of lightning from the sky, Laxus was gone. 

“LAXUS!!”

And that was the last thing you said before fainting from all the fighting and stress. 

---

You took a deep breath, smelling antiseptic and disinfectant. A hospital? Being your first thoughts, shifting about slightly. You could feel a thin blanket on top of you as you slowly opened your eyes, before squinting due to the bright lights above you. 

Yep, definitely a hospital. You thought. 

You took another deep breath before pushing yourself up, still feeling some soreness from the battle. Once you were setting up, you tensed up slightly as you heard a noise right beside you. A snore. You glanced to your left, before melting at the sight before you. 

Laxus was sitting right beside you, looking so much healthier than the last time you saw him. The color in his skin was back., which means that while you were asleep, Porlyusica must have gotten the blood to make the antidote. Currently, he was sitting in a hospital chair, which was tiny by the way so his very large body was stuck cramped in it. The sight was almost comical to you but the thought and gesture caused you to smile sweetly. You reached over to him, before taking his hand, stroking over his knuckles with your thumb. As you did that, you could hear him jump in his sleep, his snores going a higher octave for a moment before his own eyes began to open slowly. 

You smiled at him, “Morning sleepyhead,” you teased. 

His eyes widened. Your voice pulled him out of his sleepiness as he realized you were awake. He jumped out of his seat and wrapped his large arms around you, placing his head in your neck. You giggled at his actions before hugging him back, laying your head on his shoulder, taking a long whiff of his cologne. The two of you stayed like that for a long time, just staying there hugging each other. You could feel tears falling from your eyes, starting to make a damp spot on his shirt. You sniffled a couple of times, you had him back. You had your Laxus back and he was okay. 

“God I was so worried about you,” you choked on the lump in your throat, tightening the grip around his neck. 

You could hear him chuckle, “funny, I was gonna say the same thing about you, well the both of you.”

You could feel his arms slide down your back before going around your waist, his hand landing on your abdomen. You smiled at his actions, before moving your hand on top of his. With his other hand, he scooped you under your legs. He picked youtube and placed you on top of his lap, still holding you close to his body. You then leaned against his chest, feeling his heartbeat out of his chest. Both of your hands are still on top of your abdomen. 

“I’m pregnant.”

“I know. I heard everything you said.”

You smiled sadly, “I had a better way to tell you.”

You played around with the buttons on his shirt absentmindedly, more focused on the way he took a deep breath once you said that. 

“Is that so? Tell me about it.”

“Well, first I was gonna cook this big ass dinner…”

And the two of you stayed like that, relishing in each other’s touch until the Thunder Legion came to visit you. From there, the five of you made plans for your next move. Where to go, what you would do next.

-

[Taglist]

@perzawa

[glimmerglanger]

*whispers* if youre taking spicy prompts, may i suggest impotent!obi-wan + prostate stimulation for obikin please? Only if youre okay with it!!! I cannot thank you enough for all the chocolate cakes and sincerely wish you to be happy. thank you again and again and again!!!

soooooooooo i originally planned for this be for Sunday, but it’s really more ~feelings~ and dealing with a rough spot than just spicy. (Though, it is not safe for wizards, to be clear). It’s just not predominantly spicy. SO. I’m, uh... posting it now, instead? It also got longer than I expected.

Obikin, established relationship. Not safe for wizards. Implications of past torture. Set sometime during the Clone Wars. Starts tense, ends well.

~~~~~~~~~~

They’d been together - whatever that meant, for them, at any given time - for an embarrassing stretch of time before Anakin noticed that he’d never properly touched Obi-Wan. In his defense, they’d spent the majority of that time deployed on one planet or another, not always together, even.

It was a weak defense, as such things went. He should have noticed sooner. It was just that….Obi-Wan always had an excuse, a reason to bolt away as soon as Anakin’s hands wandered southward, or if Anakin tried to tug at his waistband, or if he pressed too close, or--

The realization that he - actually - had no idea if Obi-Wan even wanted him hit while Obi-Wan was climbing off his knees. Obi-Wan’s mouth was red, wet. His cheeks were flushed. A moment ago, Anakin’s hands had been in his hair and Anakin’s cock had been--

“Feel better?” Obi-Wan asked, flashing him a grin and licking across his bottom lip. He looked flushed, hot and bothered. But when Anakin reached for him, he slid to the side, continuing, “I’m overdue for a meeting, we should catch up, later, though, before you return to the Resolute.”

“Obi-Wan,” Anakin managed to say, around the sudden clamoring realization in his head. But he was talking to nothing. Obi-Wan was already gone.

#

Confusion hit first, as Anakni tucked himself back into his pants. He went back over his memories, sure he’d--what, forgotten bringing Obi-Wan off? That was kriffing ridiculous, and he knew it. But…

But it seemed equally as ridiculous to realize that he’d never even gotten a hand inside Obi-Wan’s trousers. They’d just been so busy. And Obi-Wan had always had a reason, had always seen to Anakin and then…. Slipped away.

The confusion, really, didn’t last very long. It was crowded out all too effectively by anger. 

#

Anakin had been stewing for hours by the time Obi-Wan got back to his quarters. Anakin hadn’t left; knew he should have left, but…

He was sitting on the edge of Obi-Wan’s bed - a bed where Obi-Wan had touched him, stroking him until he came, only a few days ago - when the door opened. He felt a wash of fondness and warmth from Obi-Wan through the Force, and gritted his teeth together.

“There you are,” Obi-Wan said, tone warm, crossing the room, bending, and Anakin turned his face away. He felt Obi-Wan hesitate, felt the way Obi-Wan’s hand tensed on his shoulder. Heard puzzlement in Obi-Wan’s voice when he asked, wry, “Not in the mood, darling?”

The anger that had been kindling in Anakin’s chest flared brighter. He looked over, scowling, and snapped, “I don’t need your kriffing pity, you know?”

Obi-Wan blinked at him, hand still resting on Anakin’s shoulder. “I’ve no idea--”

He cut off when Anakin stood, and took a step back. Anakin followed him, itching with frustration and with - with humiliation, too. “What?” he asked, fighting the tightness in his throat, “you thought I just wouldn’t notice that you’ve been - what, exactly? Helping me out of - of duty?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Obi-Wan said, and then, louder, “Anakin!” when Anakin backed him into the wall. 

“I don’t need charity,” Anakin snarled, his spine a line of crackling lightning. “Despite what you might think, I don’t need your kriffing pity to get off. I’d rather use my own hand than have you -- put yourself out.”

Obi-Wan flinched at the words, color washing out of his face. He made to shift to the side and Anakin braced his hand on the wall. Obi-Wan looked across at him, mouth pressed tight, and said, “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but nothing I’ve done with you has been motivated by pity. Or charity. You must know that I--”

“What?” Anakin snapped, nerves strung too tight under his skin. “That you enjoy it?”

Obi-Wan scowled across at him, chin going up. “Of course, I--”

“Oh?” Anakin leaned closer, watched Obi-Wan’s eyes get wider. He put his other hand on Obi-Wan’s side, and rasped, dragging his fingers over cloth, “Then why don’t you show me how much you--”

Obi-Wan caught his wrist, squeezing hard, eyes getting strange and distant, expression….washing flat. All blank lines. He said, “Anakin, don’t.”

Anakin jerked his face to the side, barking a laugh. “Right,” he said, sharp, “that’s what I thought. I don’t even make you hard, do I? I think we’re done, then, if that’s--”

“I can’t.” Obi-Wan bit out, as Anakin pushed away from the wall, leaving him standing there, looking increasingly small. Anakin blinked, the sweep of his anger and embarrassment coming up short, blockaded.

He asked, “What?”

Obi-Wan’s mouth twitched, not into a smile. He was still staring forward, not at anything in particular. “I can’t ‘get hard,’” he repeated, gesturing out to the side with one hand, stepping away from the wall and tugging his robes to order. “Not since -- Rattatak. Ventress, she-- I - I can’t--” He cut off, shaking his head, sharply.

“I’m sorry to have upset you,” he said, before Anakin could recover from the curdling horror that had overtaken his anger too rapidly to be stopped. “I hope that your return to the Resolute is pleasant.” And then he was gone, just like that, out the door, before Anakin could lurch after him.

#

Anakin missed his transport to the Resolute. He sent Rex and Ahsoka a message, letting them know something required his attention on the Negotiator. He promised he’d meet up with them once they all reached their destination.

And then he grabbed Obi-Wan’s padd and did some research, anger and mortification still moving through him, but...but at least they had a purpose. He already had more than enough reasons to want Ventress dead. Adding one more to the pile didn’t make much of a difference in the long-run.

The shame of accusing Obi-Wan of - of being terrible to him, set heavier in his gut. Anakin pushed it aside. He could make it right. He could fix it. He was good at fixing things, always had been, even if people weren’t as easy as machines and droids.

He had a plan by the time Obi-Wan’s doors slid open again.

Obi-Wan hesitated in the doorway - he must not have been paying attention, not to pick up Anakin’s presence in the room before - and said, after a moment, “Something you needed, Anakin?”

Anakin stood, grimacing a little. “Yeah,” he said, clearing his throat. “A few things, actually.”

Obi-Wan nodded, still looking over to one side. He said, exhaustion in his voice, “Could they perhaps wait until--”

“I’m sorry,” Anakin blurted, into the space between them. Sometimes it felt like he was always apologizing to Obi-Wan, or to the Council, or to… Well. So many different people. Obi-Wan blinked, looking towards him for the first time. “I shouldn’t have...said those things I said, earlier, I just didn’t - you never told me, Obi-Wan. I didn’t know.”

Obi-Wan stared across at him. He said, “I told you I cared for you. I told you I wanted you.”

Anakin grimaced, flexing his hands in and out. “I know. I - I meant about Ventress. You never--”

He knew it was a mistake, even before he said it. Obi-Wan tensed across his shoulders, taking a half-step back towards the door, and Anakin blew out a breath. “But that’s alright,” he said, as reassuring as he could be, “I still shouldn’t have - I’m still sorry, Obi-Wan.”

He took a step closer, and Obi-Wan didn’t bolt, which was a good sign, he thought. Obi-Wan sighed, instead, and said, “I’m not angry at you, Anakin.”

“I know that.” Obi-Wan so rarely got angry with him. He sighed and risked touching Obi-Wan’s arm, relieved when Obi-Wan leaned into the touch. He dared pull Obi-Wan closer, into an embrace, chest aching when Obi-Wan leaned his forehead down, resting on Anakin’s shoulder. “I really am - so sorry. I just - I want you so much, and I thought - I thought you didn’t want me at all, and…” And he’d said idiotic, stupid things. He swallowed. “Let me make it up to you.”

Obi-Wan sighed, resting there against his chest, “There’s nothing to make up, I’m not--”

“There is,” Anakin said, shifting, breathing against his hair. “And I - I have a plan. Just. Come here. Please.”

Obi-Wan didn’t protest being led across to the bed, but he did wrinkle his nose. He said, “Anakin, I’m not exaggerating. I really can’t--”

“You don’t need to,” Anakin told him, ducking to kiss him. Force, he was an idiot. Obi-Wan kissed him so sweet and hungry, every time. He should have known--

Anakin shook that thought aside, sinking down onto the bunk and drawing Obi-Wan down across his lap. He felt a little tinge of embarrassment at how quickly he got hard; he knew Obi-Wan had to be able to feel it, but… Obi-Wan made no comment about it and did not seem bothered as Anakin drew him into another kiss.

“Are you apologizing by kissing me?” Obi-Wan asked, eventually, when Anakin’s mouth felt tender and his jaw ached. He sounded amused, more than anything. Relaxed. Anakin shrugged, a little. 

“Not really,” he said, and took the opportunity to start tugging at Obi-Wan’s belt. 

Obi-Wan made a little sighing sound, but helped, at least, with the removal of his robes. He said, “I know you like to solve problems, Anakin, but I--”

“I’m not trying to solve anything,” Anakin told him, kissing his soft, lovely mouth. “I just want to be close to you.” 

Obi-Wan shot him a look that said he didn’t believe a word of it, but didn’t protest further. He shivered at the kisses Anakin scattered across his neck and shoulder, anyway, and made sweet, delightful sounds as Anakin trailed touches across his skin. He hesitated, a little, when Anakin reached for his pants, and Anakin rasped, “It’s alright, let me.”

There were scars, all over Obi-Wan’s body. Some of them stretched across his stomach or ranged over his thighs. He’d never given them much thought. He traced them, absently, falling back into kissing Obi-Wan, stretching a hand out to retrieve the lubricant he’d set aside earlier. 

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan rasped, eventually, stained red all over his shoulders, voice quaking, “listen to me, I can’t--”

“I’m not trying to make you,” Anakin promised, kissing him again. “I have - I want to touch you. To make you feel good, but I’m not expecting -- just, just relax, alright? Let me take care of you. Just for a while.”

Obi-Wan wavered, tense in his arms, and then nodded. Anakin felt him relax, felt him choose to trust, and it made Anakin’s chest ache. Obi-Wan made a puzzled sound when Anakin tugged at him, turning him so his back rested against Anakin’s chest, while Anakin leaned against the wall. 

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to accomplish,” Obi-Wan rasped, as Anakin trailed kisses down his neck, sliding hands down his chest. He was painfully hard in his pants, but - but Obi-Wan had taken care of him so sweetly, earlier. He could deal with his erection, trapped in fabric, pressed to Obi-Wan’s back.

“I’m trying to make you feel as good as you make me feel,” Anakin murmured, making a protesting sound when he felt Obi-Wan open his mouth. “I know you can’t get hard, Obi-Wan. Relax.”

Obi-Wan cut off in a groan when Anakin nipped at his shoulder. Anakin smiled against his skin and slid a hand down his skin. Obi-Wan squirmed when Anakin tugged at his thigh, spreading his legs. Anakin drew his own leg up, hooking Obi-Wan’s over the top, and Obi-Wan gasped, “Oh, Anakin, I--”

“Sh,” Anakin murmured, nuzzling against his neck. “I’ve got you.” He curled his arm around Obi-Wan’s waist and held him, using the Force to slick his other fingers with the lube. “You just tell me how it feels, alright?” he said, sliding his hand down, back--

Obi-Wan jolted, a little, at the brush of touch against his skin. His head tilted back, heavy on Anakin’s shoulder as Anakin touched him, dipped a finger tip inside him. There’d been...instructions, for what Anakin wanted to do, dry and fairly boring.

Anakin was pretty sure he’d gotten the gist of them, anyway. He trailed kisses across Obi-Wan’s skin, sliding his finger out and in again, Obi-Wan squirming against him as he asked, “Good so far?”

“Strange so far,” Obi-Wan panted out, a wry note in his tone. “I’m not sure--”

“I am,” Anakin said, sliding his finger in a little further, looking--

Obi-Wan jolted against him, suddenly, stomach tensing beneath Anakin’s arm. He let out a little sound, wordless. Surprised. Anakin smiled against his skin, the beginnings of satisfaction warming his gut, making him harder.

He rubbed the pad of his finger in a circle, buried there, inside Obi-Wan’s body. And, oh, he liked the idea of being inside Obi-Wan. He’d entertained it before, a burning desire to get as close as possible and then closer, to--

He cut off those thoughts. That was...not part of the plan at the moment. Perhaps later. He circled his finger, instead, listening to Obi-Wan make surprised, ragged sounds into the air. There’d been all kinds of suggestions, about drawing this out, making it last, making a person beg--

Anakin didn’t want Obi-Wan to have to beg. Not for this. But he did adjust his grip, did dare a second finger, sliding two inside and feeling Obi-Wan’s spine arch, feeling the sound he made. “How’s that?” Anakin asked, rasping, the pads of his fingers circling to apply direct pressure.

“Kriff,” Obi-Wan panted, and he was flushing, all down his chest, wriggling in Anakin’s hold, and it did not matter that he wasn’t hard, Anakin could feel the pleasure echoing off of him. “It’s -- it’s good, Anakin, what---?”

“It’ll get better,” Anakin promised, meaning it, plans all clambering together in his head as he withdrew his fingers. Obi-Wan made a sharp noise of protest. “Don’t worry,” he said, switched arms, sliding his right hand down, between Obi-Wan’s legs, “I’ve got you, I’m going to take care of you.”

Obi-Wan arched when Anakin sunk two fingers into him, leather sliding against skin. The muscles in his thighs and stomach tensed. And he cried out, ragged, when Anakin ran a little vibration through his fingers, the metal thrumming as he dragged his fingertips in a circle, pressing down harder, feeling--

“Oh, fuck,” Obi-Wan panted, grabbing at his arm, body clenching around Anakin’s fingers. “Anakin--”

“Mm,” Anakin nuzzled at his throat, tightening his hold, so desperately grateful that Obi-Wan had let him do this, let him apologize. “There you go,” he rasped, “just like that, come on.”

And he felt it, when Obi-Wan came, felt the way he flashed all over with sweet, hot pleasure in the Force, felt it in the clench of Obi-Wan’s body, in the way he went limp, breathing raggedly, and it didn’t matter, really, that his cock had never stirred. 

“Force,” Obi-Wan slurred, sounding dazed, and Anakin hummed, sucked a kiss into his throat, and twisted his fingers, just a little.

[obeymebabes]

Heavenly Surprise (Simeon x MC)

Warnings: None, that would be sinful.

A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE PRETTIEST ANGEL IN THE REALMS, SIMEON! I always overlook this boy. He is such a great character, and so ungodly beautiful. I am so happy that I get to finally write birthday fics for the side babes.

Summary: After gifting Simeon with matching teacups, you both decide to indulge in some Celestial Realm grade tea, but Simeon forgot to mention the unexpected effect it has on humans.

~

The night was still young, and you had finally had some free time with the man of the hour. Simeon was delighted that you were able to join him and for a brief period of time, both of you were able to enjoy each other’s company alone, and to yourselves. There were no brothers to pester you, no small little Luke begging for your attention, not even the sight of a shady wizard who always seems to be there when you least expect it. No, instead, it was simply just the two of you together. An angel and his favorite human.

Like Barbatos, Simeon had a thing for tea. The special drink had a place in his heart. That being noted, you had wanted to give him the only thing that you knew would be suitable. Matching teacups. It was a gift to prove to him that you were paying close attention, as well as a way to send a message of wanting to have more times like this, where you were able to be with him free of the other pests. 

Upon opening the carefully wrapped gifts, he was captivated by the elegance of the designs. A regal looking white cup, traced with gold around the edges with carefully placed Celestial Realm blue swirls for an added decoration. He marveled at the designs, taking a moment to inspect every detail that was carefully placed upon the shiny piece of ceramic. Upon his investigation of the cups, he noticed that both of your names were carefully inscribed into the bottoms. The lettering was delicate, clearly the maker had taken his time with such craftsmanship. Simeon couldn’t help but beam such a bright smile in your direction. 

“My my, these are exquisite. I cannot believe such a stunning pair of teacups exists.” His gentle gleaming eyes found yours, setting the cups gently on a nearby table.

“I love them. Thank you. Is there any chance you would like to relax together now? I just received some Pure Tea from the Celestial Realm and I would be delighted if we could share some together.” His soft eyes pleaded for you to say yes. 

You nodded with a warm smile, and it was easy to spot the excitement that was plastered across his face. 

While he had gotten everything ready to prepare the tea, you had taken the time to admire the angel in all of his glory. The way his soft brown locks danced around his head when he moved, the stretch of his delicate brown skin when he reached for something, the gleam in his blue-green eyes when he subtly glanced in your direction. He was pure. The purest form of an angel you could lay your eyes on. He was in every way perfect, from head to toe. There wasn’t a single thing that was out of place. Nay a mark of imperfection as far as your eyes could wander.

“Little Lamb, the water is almost ready, may you fetch me the teacups on the table, please?” His compassionate voice gently snapping you out of your gazing trance. Getting up, you carefully brought the new teacups to him, watching as he set a tea bag into each one.

Carefully, he poured the boiling water into each cup, soaking the bag and immediately filling the air around you with a sweet smell. Taking both cups in hand, he moved them to seat you both comfortably next to the warm fire he had lit earlier to keep his room cozy and warm. 

“I am pleased that you are here to relax with me. Is it your first time having tea from the Celestial Realm?” He inquired, making small talk as you both waited for your tea to steep, and cool down enough to take a few sips.

“It is. I am excited to get to try it.” You answered, taking a glance at the picture perfect teacups that sat on the small table between you and the angel.

“I am pleased to know that I am the source of a new item for you to try. Celestial Realm tea is sweet and dances across your tastebuds, so there is no need to add sweeteners or any additives to it. But if you do feel as if you want to add to it, please let me know, I won’t be offended.” The angel let out a soft and quiet chuckle, settling back into the chair, watching the burning fire before him. 

The crackling fire was the only sound that filled the room. It had radiated such warmth, slowly lulling you into a state of relaxation. There was a sense of serenity. Time felt slow, your eyes beginning to feel heavy. Gently pulling you from the state of bliss you were currently experiencing was the sound of Simeon shifting in his seat.

“I believe your tea should be cool enough to taste. I am eager for you to try it.” His voice was low, seeing that you were in such a relaxed state, he didn’t want to startle you. With a warm smile, you delicately picked up the cup, pressing it to your lips, letting the warm liquid find its way into your mouth. 

The flavor was just as he had mentioned, a sweet, comforting flavor that sent a warm shiver down your body. It was as if the drink itself had just hugged you. The taste lingered on your tongue, causing you to take another small sip, closing your eyes and letting out a quiet “mmm”.

“Well?” Simeon interrogated, though with the noticeable happiness that was all over your face, he was able to tell that you enjoyed it.

“Don’t tell Barbatos but this might just be the best tea I have ever had.” You returned a smile, which earned a chuckle from him. “I am pleased to hear that, Little Lamb.”

Minutes passed, the sweet smell of the tea lingering in your nose as you continued to savor the pleasant taste on your tastebuds. But something felt off, there was a mild tingling sensation in the back of your throat, running down to your stomach. It wasn’t unpleasant, but surely not normal. Trying to brush it off, you closed your eyes, letting your other senses do the work for you.

“Simeon?” It was hardly a whisper. You could feel your cheeks heating up at the thought of him. “A-Are you sure that it is okay that I drank the tea? There wasn’t anything else in it, right?” You questioned, looking at him curiously.

His eyes looked at you confused, not understanding what you were getting at. Was there something wrong?

“No-” He paused, his eyes widening a bit as he thought over the effects of the tea. “Oh my, I must apologize. It seems I have forgotten that this tea has a special kind of effect on humans. There is an ingredient that will cause you to be a bit more honest than usual. I am so sorry, I hope that you can forgive me.” The concern in his voice was enough to tell you that he genuinely hadn’t remembered, and that there was no ill intent with his actions.

Panicking at the thought of revealing your secret admiration for him, you stood, quickly gathering your things. Simeon was quick to get up and try to reassure you that everything was okay.

“I am so sorry Simeon but I really think I should be going, I don’t want to say anything that I am going to regret later. I wouldn’t want to offend you or upset you in any way.” The words rushing to leave your mouth. 

The angel watched you, confused, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Little Lamb, there is nothing to be afraid of, you can trust me. I promise. What is it that you are so scared to tell me?”

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, your mind reacted, “Simeon I am in love with you.” Gasping at the words that just spewed passed your lips, you quickly covered your mouth, feeling the familiar heat spread across your cheeks from embarrassment. Standing in front of you with a similar flushed and shocked face, was Simeon. 

“MC, please, is this true?” His eyes were gentle, passionate. You nodded in response, avoiding his eye contact. The angel couldn’t help but grin, placing a reassuring gloved hand to your cheek, caressing your face tenderly.

“If we are being completely honest here, I admit that I too share such feelings for you. There are countless moments where I wish I could simply slow time to a halt, just to be able to spend forever with you.” Simeon’s eyes searched yours, leaning in softly, waiting to see if you felt that you shared the same spark that he saw between you.

The liquid courage you had coursing through your veins from the tea had led you here, to a moment you had dreamed of for so long. Leaning in to meet him, your eyes had closed, pressing your lips to his, passionately stealing a kiss from him. Pulling away to share a soft smile, you’d never seen him look so content before.

“MC, I have to say, this is quite a heavenly surprise. This may be the best birthday I have had yet, all thanks to you, of course. Please, stay a little longer. I really enjoy your company.” His soft gloved hand held your chin gently, mesmerized by the loving look in your eyes, visibly begging you to stay with him so he didn’t have to remain alone.

“Fine, I will stay, under one condition.” You teased, watching his gentle gaze fall, worried that you’d ask for something unobtainable.

“Hmm?” He hummed, curious.

“I just want to snuggle with you by the fire. It was relaxing earlier, but being close to you will be even better.” A beaming smile was plastered on your face as the angel nodded, taking your hand to lead you back to the spot in front of the flame. He had longed for this. For the gentle touch of his favorite human now wrapped closely in his arms.

While Simeon has had many, many birthdays, nothing can compare to this special night. He will never forget this special moment that you’ve shared together. He could only hope that this wouldn’t be the last.

~

[phoebe-delia]

Little Red

Wrote this to cheer myself up--but this isn't happy. You'll see.

CW: Murder

She stands on a cliffside, the wind blowing back her scarlet cape enough to reveal her hair to the black night. She lets her gaze run over the ground below, surveying the scene with a placid smile.

“Yes, this will be perfect” she lets her voice fade with the wind. She’s always prided herself on her softness; it was a useful tool when needed.

She examines her surroundings once more before she jerks the hood of her cape back over her hair and darts off into the night, no longer under the judgmental glare of the moonlight.

____

“Another one.”

Harry looks up to see Ron looking grimly at him and holding out the Prophet. Harry shivers; if that old rag actually had a trustworthy story, there was little doubt as to its subject.

“Another murder?” Harry took the newspaper and read over the headline: LITTLE RED STRIKES AGAIN: NEO DEATH EATER FOUND DEAD, WRAPPED IN RED CLOAK

Ron nods. “Apparently the body was found at the base of a steep cliff.”

Harry grimaces. “I bet Kingsley’s pissed.”

Ron snorts. “Yeah, ‘m not sure why the Prophet finds out about these murders before the Aurors; it’s embarrassing. Anything in the Quibbler?”

Harry lets out a laugh “I’d love to see Luna write about a murderer; can you imagine?”

“Yeah, it’d be, like, ‘Nargles Suspected of Murder’”

Harry grinned, shaking his head fondly. “Hm, maybe I’ll ask Luna, see if she has any reporter friends at the Prophet that she can convince to reveal their source.”

Ron nods. “Can’t hurt, mate.”

Then Harry has a thought that makes him groan in frustration. “Gods, Kingsley’s going to make us patrol longer isn’t he?”

“Beats paperwork at the desk,” Ron says with a shrug. “C’mon, let’s face the music. The meeting starts soon.” They walked away, the newspaper left open on the desk.

____

“P-please, Miss, I’ll—” the man writhes on the ground, choked by her spell. She shakes her head.

“No, Mr. Carrow, I’m afraid not,” her voice angelic compared to the man’s raspy, desperate screams.

She purses her lips. “I think that’s rather enough of you.” She draws her wand once more and casts a Silencing charm on him, so while his mouth is still stretched wide in agony, it no longer rends the air with sound.

“Better,” she says with a soft smile. “Much better.”

____

Luna sips her tea, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, Harry, I don’t know anybody at the Prophet.”

Harry’s eyebrows knit. “Really, you don’t have anyone who you could talk to, get them to give us a name?”

She frowns at him in slight disapproval. “I can’t manipulate another journalist, Harry; besides, that would be unethical for them to reveal an anonymous source. And anyway, I don’t know any of them, so I’m afraid I’m not of much help to you.”

Harry nods. “Alright, thanks anyway, Luna. So, enough about that—how are you? How’s your father?”

Luna’s lips press together tightly. “He’s…as expected, I suppose.” Harry feels his cheeks heat in slight shame. Xenophilius was a bit of a sore subject with Luna; he hadn’t been the same since his stint in Azkaban during Voldemort’s reign, constantly panicked and paranoid, a haunted look in his eyes.

“Well, if there’s anything I can do…” Harry gives her a small smile.

Luna’s face turns warm once more, filling Harry with relief. “Thank you, Harry, but we’ll be alright,” she says. “No need to worry about us.”

He grins at her. Good, old Luna.

____

Bellatrix feels calm for the first time in her life.

It’s freeing, really. Almost tingly and warm. She knows her objective, and nothing before this has ever felt more right.

Red cloak wrapped around her shoulders, she walks up the steps of the Ministry, a soft smile across her lips.

“Excuse me, ma’am? May I help you?” The receptionist smiles warmly at her. Bellatrix grins in return.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, you can. I’m here to turn myself into the Aurors. I am Little Red—”

The receptionist’s eyes widen to the size of saucers. She casts a quick Incarcerous, and Bellatrix didn’t mind the ropes tightening, squeezing her body. The woman begins speaking quickly into a device and suddenly Aurors in robes almost as scarlet as hers are swarming, clamping her wrists in a metal contraption and forcing her feet forward.

Bellatrix isn’t worried; everything is alright.

____

“But I still don’t understand—why did she target former Death Eaters?” Ron’s confusion is clear on his face.

Kingsley shakes his head. “She says it was revenge for how they treated her during the war, that they had it coming. Either way, I’m glad to have her behind bars and awaiting trial.”

The other Aurors around the room nod and murmur in agreement. Harry’s lips twist slightly, still bewildered. Why would Bellatrix just turn herself in to the authorities? She’d been missing for so long, most of the Wizarding World had forgotten about her. Either way, Harry supposed, it was only right she serve time for her crimes during the war. He didn’t give it another thought once Kingsley slanted him a look for not paying attention to instructions. Harry smiled sheepishly before pushing Bellatrix and Little Red out of his mind.

____

“Dad?”

Xeno looked up from his book with a start, his eyes wide with fear until he saw his daughter. He placed a trembling hand on his chest. “Darling, you startled me.”

Luna frowned. “I am sorry, it wasn’t my intention.” She bent to kiss him lightly on the cheek and walked to the kitchen, putting down the groceries she’d brought to cook for the night.

“What’s for dinner, sweetheart?”

Luna smiled. “Squash soup and roast chicken.”

Xeno smiled. His favorite. “I really am the luckiest father in the world.”

Luna turned to look at him, pride shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Dad, really—” she pauses to remove the scarlet cloak from around her shoulders, letting her fingers linger over the fabric. “But I’m the lucky one.”

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 32

💖 first time reader click here 💖

Summary: Stephen Strange being a grown-up. Reader being a grown-up. Kind of. Revenge plot starts now - don't be like the mercenary, don't threaten reader's family. Avengers being good.. bros? Good found family idk. More smut + plot coming soon.

The silence hung awkwardly over us. Stephen wasn't the one to wax poetics, usually, and I wasn't in the mood to do anything but curl up somewhere warm, chug a bottle of liquor and fall asleep. Sleep is like death without the committment and after my little outburst, I inwardly prayed and begged for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. Instead, I was directed to sit and drink my tea by the sorcerer, who, by the way, was beginning to look like a kicked puppy.

It was starting to become unbearable. "I'm listening," I finally croaked out, shocked at how raspy my voice sounded. As if someone had forced me to choke on some nails - and I felt like it, too. My hands were shaking, all but spilling the hot tea onto them.

"Princess..." His mouth did the thing when he was worried, lips pursed, their corners upturned. "What we did was not... Right, you were drugged without your consent. I am sure Tony feels the same way."

My eyebrows rose, words bubbling up to the surface as I fought the urge to simply start calling Stephen some strong names. Had he been blind the whole time I flirted with him, had he not seen both me and Tony ogling him when we thought nobody could see? Every time I joked about the sexual tension between them - you know what they say, every joke has a little bit of truth in it.

Or maybe the sorcerer had used the incident as a convenient excuse for our little fuck-fest to be a one-time thing? I expected more, I won't lie, but I wouldn't put it above him. I knew all too well that some men tended to simply... Avoid.

I was angry, probably rightfully so, but it was not the time for me to comfort an adult man. My own life was going to shit, I had no mental energy to unburden his baseless guilt. It was selfish and it made me feel even more like shit, but it was as if someone had flipped a switch inside of me. I just didn't care about someone's heartbreak. I needed to solve another problem, a much bigger than a man that couldn't make up his mind.

I had to find that damn mercenary. It was the only real threat hanging over our heads; unlike any mission that I've seen the team go on before, they had thrown all the forces into catching the man that had gotten into their safe space, their home. That threatened to take what they thought as theirs. Long gone were the days of comfortable domesticity.

"Okay," I replied, nodding curtly. "I wanted it, if it helps any. I thought you were attractive the first day I saw you." I spoke bluntly, beginning to feel like myself more and more with each word that I spoke. "And again, no strings have to be attached. I'm sure Tony will understand it too, it's not his first rodeo."

Stephen's head shot up from where he was examining his clasped hands, to study me with furrowed brows. Cloaky moved where it was wrapped around me, attracting the sorcerer's attention - I, unfortunately, did not understand the Cloak's sign language and what it told Stephen remained a mystery to me. I was just delighted to be out of the cold and and wet clothes.

"I think you misunderstood me," Stephen eyed me with surprise. "I want more, but..." He trailed off, unsure. "I don't know. I'm surprised Banner hasn't gone green on me yet. I'm a doctor, I should have known..."

So, he was pulling a me and wallowing in pity. Is this really how pathetic I looked when I used to mope around the house earlier? No wonder my mother thinks I'm a baby. "Stephen, I'm really not in the mood to listen to bullshit. I wanted it, you wanted it, great, we can move on. Because with everything that has happened to me, I really have no energy to convince you I like you even while sober when you're sabotaging yourself." Sure, I might have ripped off the motivational speech from a self-help book my mother used to have laying around. My patience was wearing thinner with each second. "There, I said it. I like you, my boyfriends like you, you're welcome to the club if you decide to believe the fact that I am telling the truth." And if he wouldn't, well, I could get over it. I was planning to never act upon my feelings for both Tony and Bruce, it hadn't been as hard as I thought it would be. Especially with me being busy enough to just ignore the feelings.

At some point, I had grown attached to Stephen. Perhaps, if I and Tony hadn't decided to mess around with the sorcerer at the party, my feelings wouldn't have bloomed into anything more than physical attraction. Murphy's law had a particularly strong affinity on me, I noticed, because over and over I found myself falling head over heels for emotionally unavailable men. It worked out with Tony, which wasn't as surprising as one might expect, considering we're two halves of a whole idiot, but then Bruce also decided to pucker up - Stephen was bound to be the rock that I trip on.

Or not? Soft lips pressed against my forehead, beard hair softly tickling the tip of my nose. I was pressed against a solid chest, surrounded by warmth and comfort. "I'm sorry, I'm an idiot," Steph whispered, voice quivering.

"Well, it's not like this... Relationship... I've got going on is something commonplace," My arms wrapped around him, a deep sigh relaxing my body into his. "I'm sorry I yelled at you. It wasn't right."

Stephen chuckled, all but pulling me bodily into his lap. "Don't worry, Princess. I deserved it." As he spoke, the Cloak carefully unwrapped itself from me, drifting away with a parting pat on my back. "Now what happened with your parents?" Large palms pushed the hair out of my face, stormy blue eyes looking at me with worry.

"I should probably assemble all my significant others for this conversation," There was little enthusiasm in discussing the incident. I was an adult and had enough money to get by for a few months, at least until I could patent one of my inventions. I had plenty of knick-knacks that should be able to interest buyers, that much I knew, and while the legal side of the process was a blank slate to me, I knew I could be charismatic enough to have someone work it out for me.

"I don't think I'll be able to take Steve seriously when he says 'assemble', now," My third boyfriend chuckled, which - wow, I didn't have boyfriends and now I had three? Should I be considering opening a factory or something? Stephen adjusted his hold on me. "Let's go, I'll portal us in."

"My car's out there with all my stuff. I'll have to drive," I protested but made no move to get out of his lap.

"Tony is a billionaire, he can pay someone to retrieve it," Shrugging carelessly, he produced a golden circle of magic, the common room couch in plain sight at the other side of it. I heard voices and then Clint's head peaked through, a curiously tilted eyebrow morphing into full fledged face of confusion upon seeing the two of us.

Yikes. I had forgotten about the state of my dress and the bruise on my cheek. "Hey, bird. I need a drink," I said the first thing that popped into my mind, causing both Clint and Steph to laugh as the sorcerer carried me into the tower through the portal.

"I'm starting to think you go out there and look for trouble on purpose," The archer sighed, pulling out his phone and texting rapidly. Mine vibrated, too, once he was done, which meant he'd called for a family meeting. Blergh.

In no time, Tony appeared, dark circles under his eyes and yesterday's shirt on, towing a worried Bruce behind him. One after the other, the Avengers tickled in, looking restless and exhausted. Loki's frown was well on its way to becoming a full sneer.

"Talk, please," He requested, eyeing me with concern.

"Good news is I got our rogue wizard back," I poked Stephen in the chest. He was blushing. "Bad news is my mother threw me out and my father didn't pick up the phone, so technically I'm homeless and parent-less," I decided that spitting out straight facts was the easiest way to go about it. I mean, there was no good way to tell what I just told them.

The storm that I anticipated didn't appear. Just a lot of disappointed sighs all around, especially from Tony, who looked twenty years older after I'd confessed to the current state of my affairs. "You're not homeless, you live here," He pointed out, rubbing his face and muttering some very strong words under his nose. Particularly, the expressions involved my mother and various methods of fornication.

"We got your back, doll," Bucky nodded, coming over to wrap me in a gentle hug. He was like a brother from another mother to me at this point, kind and goofy and sensible. "I would propose to teaching that harpy a lesson but I think she's beyond it."

"Perhaps it's for the best," Loki mused suddenly. "If I recall correctly, your mother was against your career of choice, which is idiotic. Science is a noble and prospective path." The Asgardian, too, gave me a hug.

I wasn't crying! There were ninjas, in the vents, cutting onions! "Stop it guys, I'm gonna cry. I already look like shit!" The protest was silenced by Bruce's lips on mine, his tiny smile briefly covering my mouth with tenderness. After that, everybody somehow decided it was their job to try and make me cry; like a bad bitch, I resisted, but eventually broke and started sniffling when Tony began rambling about building me my own lab and Wanda offered to help me decorate my new apartment.

No matter how much my mind screamed at me to refuse, I forced that noise down. Fighting against myself, accepting help despite feeling unworthy of it - it was probably the hardest thing I've done in my whole life.

Bruce volunteered to carry my prone body to Tony's bedroom which was quickly becoming the master bedroom for the three of us - ever since the incident, both of my scientists stuck close to me whenever possible, aggressively cuddling me whenever they decided it was time to get some sleep. Which wasn't much these days, if I was being honest. Persuading Bruce to stay with me was a novelty - usually he didn't resist, but that time, I had to repeat myself multiple times that the team could handle business even without him being present.

I had my ulterior motives, of course. Tony and Stephen needed to talk. I only hoped their egos wouldn't clash without me to mediate - having two boyfriends start a fight wasn't something I wanted to experience. I had zero experience in those matters and had no idea how to manage all that. Are there handbooks for polyamorous relationships? I stuck a mental post-it note inside my brain to check it out.

I fell asleep with Bruce wrapped around me and woke up in the same position, having been too exhausted to move even in my sleep. Voices, rough and quiet, were the first thing I heard upon syncing my brain into a resemblance of a working order, instantly recognizing Stephen's deep baritone and Tony's teasing drawl.

"Expect either Reindeer Games or Kim Possible to come and terrify you," My engineer didn't sound particularly ecstatic. His voice came from somewhere around my feet; the hand wrapped around my ankle, thumb gently stroking the skin, must've been his.

"Duly noted," Stephen's reply was equally sarcastic, sounding a little closer. The warmth coming from my side was him. I could smell the faint spices that surrounded him, smell that I'd come to associate with the Sanctum.

Bruce snored away, not a care in the world.

My body, on the other hand, felt rested for what felt the first time in years. A pleasant ache in my muscles had me begrudgingly squirm out of Banner'd grasp, shamelessly pushing up into Stephen as I stretched with a juicy yawn. "What's poppin'?" I rubbed my eyes, finding the men awake looking at me with fond amusement.

"Just watching," Tony smiled, causing me to giggle at his accidental meme-ing. Was it even accidental? I refused to believe that a man well versed in IT was oblivious to meme culture.

Stephen, on the other hand... "We've discussed some things, wanted to talk to you too." His hand stroked my hair, face expression soft unlike anything I'd ever seen him have. "But you were sleeping. So cute."

Me, cute? There was a puddle of drool the size of a dollar bill on my pillow, I was pretty sure some of it had even gotten in Bruce's hair. Banner's sleep was quiet except for every five minutes when he'd let out a snore with a force somewhere between a Mack truck and a whale in mating season.

Cute, sure.

Bruce groaned, a tell-tale sign of him waking up. I met his eyes, brown, shiny, a narrow edge of green around his irises. Huh. Do I have three boyfriends or four?

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​@sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie @mikariell95 @gladiosamicitias

[lyranova]

🙇Julius

100 Follower Event!

Of course anon! I’m so sorry this took so long! I hope you like it and I apologize the ending isn’t very good but I tried my best 😅. I hope you all enjoy it!

Taglist: @simpingforthisonedeer

Word Count: 1,137

Warnings: None

——-

Marx sighed as he listened to the couple in the next room arguing. Well, debating more like. Anytime Julius and Y/N argued it sounded more like a debate than an actual argument. But it was still annoying to listen to, especially since that seemed to be all you two did here lately. Between the Royals breathing down Julius’s neck and Y/N’s family breathing down their neck for some reason, it was starting to put a strain on the two of them and their relationship. Marx jumped slightly as he suddenly heard someone slam their hands down onto a desk, he frowned curiously, what could possibly be going on in there?

“ Why don’t you ever listen to me and my ideas?” Y/N asked in a raised tone, they weren’t quite yelling but were almost at that point. Anytime Y/N would come up with an idea for a magic item or for a way to bring commoners and nobles together Julius shot it down or had some argument at the ready.

“ I do listen to your ideas Y/N! I’m just trying to help-.” Julius began before they cut him off.

“ No you’re not! You’re shooting them down without even a second thought, you dismiss them and only listen to my ideas because you think that it’ll placate me!” Y/N shouted, hurt in their voice before they turned around and stomped out of the room before Julius could stop them.

“ Wait-!” He called but they had already slammed the door shut. Julius sighed and leaned back in his chair, he loved listening to Y/N’s ideas, he always thought they were creative and imaginative, but right now he had so many people breathing down his neck asking for one thing or another that he couldn’t really concentrate on their thoughts and ideas.

“ S-Sir?” Marx called sheepishly before peering around his office door and looking at Julius, he looked hesitant before he noticed Y/N had gone. He let out a small sigh of relief before fully walking into the room and coming to stand beside Julius’s desk. “ Is everything alright?”

“ No, everything is not alright.” Julius said with a sigh before pinching the bridge of his nose, he glanced at the blue haired young man before frowning in thought. “ Marx, may I ask you something?”

“ Of course sir.” Marx said quickly, he watched the Wizard king stand and walk over to one of the windows that overlooked the Capital.

“ Am I...hm...am I being dismissive of Y/N and their ideas?” He asked softly, he looked back over to the young man and saw his face held a mixture of emotions.

“ May I be honest?” Julius nodded, of course Marx could be honest with him. That's what Julius counted on was Marx’s absolute honesty.

“ Then yes I believe you have, at least recently.” Marx told him firmly, he had been in the middle of the couples ‘debates’ many times and usually Julius was either distracted with something else or he wasn’t paying much attention. Julius nodded and bit his bottom lip in thought.

“ How do you think I should fix this?” He asked, the blue haired man blinked for a moment before his eyes narrowed. Julius knew how to fix this rift, and they both knew it, but apparently he wanted to hear Marx say it as well.

“ You need to apologize firstly, and then listen to Y/N’s ideas, actually listen to them. They’re amazing and very innovative.” Marx said with a firm nod, Julius smiled, that’s exactly what he wanted to hear, and what he had already planned on doing.

“ I agree. Thank you for your help Marx, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Julius said cheerfully before walking out of his office. “ Oh, do you mind finishing that paperwork for me? Thanks!” He threw over his shoulder before walking out of the room. Marx sighed and shook his head. Some things would never change.

——

Y/N sighed as they sat down in a chair outside, they were trying to calm down and going outside usually helped. But at the moment it wasn’t. They were completely irritated with Julius and his antics, why couldn’t he listen to them just this once? That’s all Y/N was asking, they wanted to help Julius change the Kingdom for the better. But how were they supposed to do that when he wouldn’t listen? They sighed before suddenly feeling someone's eyes on them, when they turned to look they saw Julius standing there with an apologetic look on his face.

“ I’m sorry Y/N.” He said almost immediately as he came over and sat across from them. They frowned at Julius and crossed their arms.

“ For what?” They asked with a raised eyebrow.

“ For not listening to you, for dismissing you, for being distracted and letting all the stress get to me. I shouldn’t be doing those things. Instead I should be lifting you up, encouraging you, telling you how amazing your ideas are, and giving you critiques and feedback if it’s warranted.” Julius sighed before looking down at the ground. “ I’ve been a terrible boyfriend, please forgive me.” He looked back up at Y/N with a ‘puppy dog’ look, his purple eyes wide and pleading, he knew they were unable to resist this look.

“ You haven’t been a terrible boyfriend. We’re both just stressed and we’re taking it out on each other instead of working through it like we should. I apologize as well, for saying all those things to you.” Julius quickly waved Y/N’s apology away.

“ It’s ok! I know you were just getting your frustration out. But,” suddenly Julius turned serious. “ you’re right we shouldn’t be taking our stress out on each other. So let’s make a deal, the next time one of us is stressed and it’s beginning to be too much we tell each other. We listen, we talk it over, and we try to get through it. If we are unable to for whatever reason, then we bring Marx in to be our mediator. Deal?” Julius suddenly stuck out his hand, a bright smile on his face. Y/N couldn’t help but smile as well, they grasped his hand in theirs.

“ Deal.” Before they knew what had happened Julius tugged on their arm and pulled them in to a kiss. It was soft, sweet, gentle, and full of love. When they parted Julius rested his forehead against theirs and smiled.

“ I love you with all my heart Y/N, I’m so sorry for my behavior.” They shook their head before placing another small kiss on his lips.

“ I love you too, and I forgive you. But please don’t apologize anymore when it wasn’t just your fault, ok?”

——

Ah i apologize this isn’t very good but I hope you all enjoyed 🥺💕! Thanks for reading and I hope you all have a good day~!

[indigobackfire]

26 and 30 for aspen and Diego!! -thimblerigshuffle

Thanks @thimblerigshuffle <3 <3

30) Who is embarrassed when they have to wear their glasses and who thinks they look super cute?

Aspen would definitely be embarrassed because she most certainly spent several years mocking Indigo and her glasses lovingly ofc. But then Diego would be all loving brushing her hair behind her ear, going "What's the shame in wanting to see the world clearer?" "Don't worry, we'll still be kissing eyes closed."

26) Who kissed first?

Aspen kissed Diego first. Given this opportunity, I'll try and write it 🙈 (damn is longer than I intended oops) (takes place in y6 during winter).

“Blimey, it’s dreich out here! Is this really a good idea?” Aspen asks.

Diego marches through the crisp cold air of the training grounds with confidence and excitement as if he was under the spring sun, not even his thick sweaters seemed to limit his movement. Aspen on the other hand kept her steps short on the sheet of snow and herself retracted under her two layers of sweatshirts and her chunkiest Slytherin scarf.

“Have I ever had a bad idea? Don’t answer.”

“Ya ken we can use the dueling club room.”

“It’s occupied.”

“Ugh! What about the Dragon Club?”

“They don’t appreciate my dueling very much over there since Indigo and I smashed the place. We apologized, fixed the mess up, but they’re not the most forgiving kind, unfortunately.” He turns around and holds a stance, signaling for her to stay in place, about three meters apart. “Besides, I want to duel you here!”

“But why!? It’s like two degrees right now!”

“You think a dark wizard would invite you in for a fight? ‘Oh, please, the weather is dreadful, let’s move this inside.’ I want you to get used to dueling under adverse circumstances. And with that attitude, I can’t help but wonder, are you even a Scotswoman?”

“Wow, now you—” She unwraps her scarf letting it loose around her neck, if he hadn’t such a pretty face she would’ve walked straight to him and shoved her wand in his eye. “Now you’ve offended my honour!”

“Ready your wand then!”

But Aspen wasn’t prepared, he shoots an Incendio that misses her for a hair’s distance.

“Diego!”

He smirks opening his arms. “Thought you might want a little heat.”

She shouts an Immobulus his way, but he ducks and sends an Expelliarmus making her wand fly over her head, falling behind her. Now, if she could stop and focus on something instead of her numb fingers or how her nose felt like it was about to fall off, she would’ve remembered his lesson on how to act in case a wand was lost, but her mind was still reacting to her body and instead of lowering to the ground, she tries to go after it on foot… on a straight line. He only gives her the time to pick her wand up before shouting, “Stupefy!”

She falls hard on her back and is left too embarrassed and angry to even get up. He walks to her. “What have I told you about turning your back to your opponent, Aspenita?”

“Is the duellers worst sin.”

“I even gave you a leeway, in a serious duel you wouldn’t even have time to process where the spell came from, you would be dead or worse.”

“Or worse…” She sits up. “Ah, great, my trousers are soaked! And my hair full of grass.”

“That’s what you get for not paying attention.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh, ugh—”

He furrows. “What’s wrong?”

“Uh, I think... ah, could ye…” And as he gets nearer, she pulls him by the ankle dropping him to the ground on his stomach. She’s cackling. “A new dueling rule for your playbook, Dieguito!”

He makes a both perplexed and impressed face to her, and as he kneels to try and advance towards her, she throws herself over him to get him back down, and with the weight of her torso, holding his arms back by his wrists, manages to keep him down.

“Does the snow feel good?” She says between teeth, pressing him down on the icy grass with her own body.

He struggles to free his wrists from her grip. “When did you get that strong?”

“Barnaby’s my best friend… or was, ah dinnae ken. I might’ve lost a couple of brain cells, but at least I put on some muscle. By seventh year I’ll be just as ripped.”

“Has Indigo and him… resolved their issues? Whatever they are.”

Aspen crosses her fingers and rests her chin on his chest, she can feel his heartbeat under her hands. “He refuses to tell me what’s wrong and she’s out acting like everything’s fine when it’s not. So no, they haven’t resolved a thing.”

“Barnaby still shows up for our fortnightly training but he’s usually quiet. Very strange for Barnaby, but on the other side, he’s never had a better performance before.”

“It breaks my heart to see them apart…If there was a pair that made me believe in true love, it was them.”

“Then there’s Phoenix and Ismelda—”

She holds his face. “Now, you stop. It’s frustrating enough the stuff with Indie and Barney, and now there’s also those two idiots—”

He holds her hands away from his face. “Ugh, your hands feel like ice needles!”

“And how are yours warm!? Bastard!”

He laughs making his chest vibrate against hers. “I’m always pipping hot, dear.”

“Blergh!”

Still holding her hands, he nears it to his mouth and blows hot breaths on them, her eyes focused on the plump of his lips, all the while her stomach flutters with snowflake-like butterflies. “And what about you?”

She blinks. “What about me?”

“Your relative’s hearts are breaking like glass, but how’s yours?”

She swallows hard. “You really asking me this? Seriously?”

He holds her hands against his lips, his voice comes as if a whisper. “I wanna know if I still hold possession of your heart.”

She drops her head to his chest. “I don’t wanna give you something you can’t hold… but it’s not like you don’t already have it.”

“Indigo asked patience of me and I’m attending to her request cause I too want what’s best for you. I’m still earning her trust in this regard. You’re too young and I might’ve not given the best examples in the past.”

“Too young my arse! You’re barely two years older.” She scoops up until they’re nose to nose, and the air in Diego’s lungs feels rarer. “I’m no bairn, Diego, I ken I want to be with ye, why isn’t that enough?”

“I love you too much to screw this up with haste.”

She opens up a smile with joy blossoming in her chest. “You… you love me?”

“Why you think I haven’t even looked the way of another girl? I’ll wait for you, the time I have to wait. Because there’ll come a time it won’t be an option to wait, we both know that.”

At the same time the weight of the world left her shoulders, a hot burden grew in her chest — laying as they were, even encapsulated in freezing air and with soaked bottoms, she couldn’t stop her blushing cheeks, the redness spreading to her whole face, speechless, leaving Diego to wonder if she was okay.

But before he could ask, she presses her lips against his and he doesn’t feel like breathing anymore or existing beyond the encounter of their mouths. He takes her scarf in handfuls and opens his mouth for her tongue, mindless about her still freezing hands on his neck. The kiss isn’t sloppy but is desperate, considering how long their wait had been, every second of it had to be made up for in this right moment.

It’s her to pull away first with burning lungs while he fishes for another and another feel of her lips — she still had a lot to learn about kissing with passion and he’d be more than willing to teach her. She stops for a moment to admire the redness her kiss left on his lips and smirks.

“You might be patient, but I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait to do this.”

He runs his thumb over her lips, tracing her skin discolorations. “Who am I to deny you of your wishes?” His stare makes her feel as if she won’t ever be as solid as she is under his eyes. “Aspen, you have me, my kisses and my victories and my dreams and all my love. I’m all yours.”

She gives him another soft kiss. “And I’m no different.”

He smiles. “And I don’t wanna ruin our moment, but I’ll get a frostbite on my buttcheeks if I don’t get up now.”

“Oh, sorry, love.” She releases him and helps him up. She looks around the training grounds, empty unless for the training dummies on the corner white with frost. She chuckles. “Damn, we didn’t duel at all.”

“I’ll make an exception just today, cause I feel like my ass is about to fall off and because I won’t be able to stupefy this pretty face. For today.”

She wraps an arm around his waist as they make their way back inside. “Perhaps I better find myself a new dueling partner…”

He looks down at her with a smile. “Never.”

[xomarauders]

hello everyone,

it has been far too long since i have posted anything on here and for that i apologize, but i have been working on some of my own writing as well as just dealing with personal stuff so please forgive me. 

i also might be changing this blog up a bit and start posting more than just marauders fanfiction (such as some of my own writing perhaps). i’m still not sure about this idea because i don’t really want to change my user name or anything and i do want to contiue writing fics so we’ll see! 

anyway, without further ado, here is my latest fic for yall :) hope you enjoy! (p.s. there is a second part coming!!!)

tw: internalized homophobia, implied child abuse, depictions of a panic attack

--

The cold December air was harsh against Marlene’s skin as she stood outside the small record shop she had been frequenting since she was fourteen. It was tucked away in the side of a building in London, offering solace to those who did not seem to fit in with the more fast-paced, business-like folk you so often saw among the sidewalks. The cigarette in her hand was offering little warmth but seemed to be calming her nerves, so she stayed outside to finish smoking it. It was winter break from Hogwarts and Marlene was relieved to be away from school for the time being as well as away from her friends. She couldn’t face them at the moment. Not after what she did.

Marlene rolled her eyes at herself for thinking of things she’d rather forget and tossed the butt of her cigarette to the ground before crushing it with the toe of her combat boot. With one last glance toward the busy street, she retreated into the record shop which greeted her immediately with the chime of a bell and rock music playing throughout the speakers of the store.

A man at the register with short, dirty blonde hair and rings through his eyebrows glanced up at her entrance, a smile appearing on his face.

“Marlene! Haven’t seen you in a while.” He commented, swinging his legs over the counter and making his way toward her. Marlene gave a non-committal shrug but returned the high-five he offered her with semi frozen fingers.

“How has business been, Curtis?” She asked, glancing around the nearly empty shop. There was no one else in there aside from the two of them and Marlene felt her heart break just a little bit. This was one of her favorite places to be, a place she and her friends would escape to during the summer to be with one another. She wondered if their absence was the reason for her melancholic mood.

“It hasn’t been bad. Just caught me on a slow day.” Curtis replied, seeming to notice Marlene’s shift in behavior. “Lily was in here the other day, actually. Got herself a few new albums.”

Marlene looked up at the mention of Lily and felt her cheeks burn slightly. She wondered if Lily had mentioned anything about the incident to Curtis. Judging by the passive look on his face, she assumed not and tried to school her own expression into a neutral one.

“Yeah? What albums?”

After Curtis introduced her to the new music Lily had gotten, Marlene picked up a few albums of her own to purchase before leaving the shop to get back home. She would have stayed to visit with Curtis longer, but she didn’t want to linger in a space that reminded her so much of her friends at the moment and she especially didn’t want to run into them anytime soon.

It was a bit of a walk to the closest floo station and the London streets were bustling with people walking home from work or coming out for the night. Marlene kept her head down, staring at the pavement in front of her and wrapping her jacket tightly around herself, blocking out the bitter cold as best she could. Suddenly, a body collided against her and she fell backwards, dropping her records in the process.

“What the fu—?” Marlene was cut off by the commotion of being pulled off the sidewalk and dragged into a nearby alley way.

She looked up, ready to scream insults at her attacker, but stopped at the sight of Sirius Black’s face. His hair was tied up in a bun, though most of it seemed to have fallen out, and there was a wide look of panic in his eyes that matched the rapid rise and fall of his chest. He was trembling finely and looked ready to pass out as he glanced behind him in a paranoid manner. It seemed as though he was running from something. Or someone.

“Sirius?” Marlene asked, keeping her voice low. She turned to look in the direction where Sirius was peering and spotted two men seemingly searching the crowd. Her eyebrows raised. There was something off about the two men…they did not fit in with the rest of the crowd, the clothes they wore were different, not really matching and the confused, disgusted looks on their faces made them stick out like sore thumbs. Realization hit her like a ton of bricks—they were wizards trying to blend in with a muggle crowd. Purebloods, to be exact.

She whirled around to look at Sirius once more. “Sirius, who are those men?” She hissed, desperate to know what kind of danger they could possibly be in. Rumors about dark wizards had begun circulating around Hogwarts for months now. Followers of Voldemort that had begun to call themselves “Death Eaters” were threatening the lives of muggleborns, though Marlene had never actually seen any such wizard. Until now, she supposed.

“We’ve got to get out of here.” Sirius said, completely ignoring her question. He looked down towards the other end of the alley to see a chain link fence and cursed. They were trapped it seemed and Marlene felt herself begin to panic.

“Sirius,” She said, her voice urgent, though she wasn’t sure what she was pleading for.

He turned to her once more, gripping her shoulders tightly and staring at her intently. “I have an idea, but you have to promise me that you won’t breathe a word of this to anybody, do you understand?”

Marlene nodded and then watched with complete shock and awe as Sirius disappeared, a large, black dog appearing in his place. Animagus, she realized with a jolt. The dog turned away, walking back down the alley before turning and barking at Marlene, as if motioning for her to follow. She blinked a few times, still shocked at the sudden change of events, before following him back into the streets. He stopped where she had dropped her records and Marlene bent down to pick them up, a slight frown playing on her lips at the sight of the bent corners of the packaging. She was just about to scold Sirius when a rough voice behind her cleared their throat. She looked up, just as Sirius growled, to see the two men from earlier standing there.

The men did not seem to pay attention to the dog, focusing their gaze solely on Marlene instead. She tried to keep her face neutral, raising a single eyebrow in their direction. “Can I help you?”

“Have you seen a boy run through here?” The shorter of the two men asked, his lip curling in disgust. The other man eyed Marlene warily, taking in her muggle attire and turning his nose up at the mere sight. Marlene tried not to roll her eyes.

“No.” She replied, sounding calmer than she felt.

The two men shared a look, as if trying to decide whether or not she was telling the truth, before nodding their understanding and moving past her without another word. Marlene felt as Sirius curled around her legs, watching as they disappeared around the corner before letting out a victorious bark. She looked down at him, shaking her head.

“I suppose you need somewhere to hide for a while?”

Another yelp and wag of his tale gave Marlene all the answers she needed.

****

“Well, this is home.” Marlene said with a sigh, dropping her records onto her bed with a soft thud. Sirius—still in his canine form—sniffed around before cocking his head in her direction and allowing his tongue to roll out of his mouth. Marlene wrinkled her nose at the slobber. “I think you are safe to go back to your usual…form. Unless you’re stuck that is.”

Again, Marlene watched in amazement as Sirius came back to himself, a shiver running through his body as he grinned at her. “Nice room you’ve got, McKinnon. Am I the first boy you’ve brought home?”

“Care to explain what just happened?” She asked, not caring for the way he seemed to avoid explaining himself.

Sirius shrugged, moving toward the desk in the corner of the room and running his fingers down the various artwork Marlene had spread out there. A look of wonder shined in his eyes as he delicately examined the paintings and drawings as if they were some sort of precious treasure. He stopped at a particular piece of a woman’s face done with charcoal pencil and Marlene felt herself blush at the way he traced the strokes that molded her lips.

“These are wonderful. Who did them?”

“I did.”

Sirius turned, his eyebrows raised with surprise and admiration. “Really? I didn’t know you were an artist.”

She stood up, marching over to where he stood, and removed the drawing from his grasp, shoving it beneath the rest of the art, effectively obscuring it from his wandering eyes, before turning to face him once more.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Black.”

She did not miss the way he seemed to flinch away from her before shaking it off and plastering another smirk across his face. “Touché.” He spoke quietly.  

Marlene felt a jolt of guilt in her gut, feeling bad for snapping at him. He was merely admiring her work. He did not understand the context of her drawing and likely wouldn’t make the connection. Afterall, he did not live in her mind where all the confusing thoughts and doubts resided. He could not possibly know her dirty little secret.

“Just…tell me what happened back there. Do I need to be afraid that someone might follow you here?” She asked, changing the topic.

“Those were the Lestrange brothers. Rabastan and Rodolphus. Purebloods. Family friends.”

“Why were they looking for you?”

“Because I may have said something rather…deplorable at my dear cousin’s engagement party.” Sirius said it with a grin, but Marlene noticed the flicker of fear in his eyes.

Marlene vaguely knew about the Black family and the way they presented themselves. Most of her ideas about them came from the mere reactions Sirius had whenever someone brought the prestigious bloodline. He was always loud about it, shouting about how stuck up they were in the Gryffindor common room and how grateful he was that he had not followed in their footsteps and ended up in Slytherin. She also knew that they were blood purists, believing that muggles were beneath them.

From what she had gathered, she was not a fan of them.

“Is there any way they can find you here?” Marlene asked, unwilling to allow her family to become endangered for hiding a self-proclaimed fugitive. Sirius just laughed, shaking his head so that his hair flung about. Marlene would have found it amusing how much it reminded her of a dog if it were under difference circumstances.

“I doubt they would. Going into muggle London was bad enough for them, they’re not going to continue their search in a muggle neighborhood.”

Marlene did not get the chance to ask what Sirius planned to do next due to the sound of the front door opening and her family announcing their presence.

“Marls!” Her father shouted up the steps. “We’re home!”

“Come down and tell us how your trip to London was. Your brother has been pestering me all afternoon about not letting him go with you.” Her mother spoke with a laugh and Marlene heard her brother scoff indignantly.

Marlene turned to Sirius, pointing a finger at him and giving him the best glare that she could. “Be on your best behavior. Go along with everything I say, are we clear?” Sirius just nodded, unwilling to cross her and with a final nod Marlene turned to exit the room with Sirius following closely behind. As they entered the living area, Marlene watched as her brother’s eyes went wide at the sight of Sirius.  

“Mum! Marlene’s brought a friend home!” He announced. The McKinnon’s turned, a look of surprise on each of their faces at the sight of the young man standing in their home. Marlene’s mother turned to her and offered a hesitant smile.

“Marlene, who’s your friend?”

“Mum, dad, this is Sirius. He goes to school with me.”

Her father instantly lit up, clasping her hands together as he plopped down on the sofa. “Another wizard! How nice to meet you, young man. I’m Grant McKinnon, but you can just call me Grant.” He offered Sirius a hand and Marlene tried her best not to smirk as Sirius suddenly stood up a bit straighter and shook her fathers’ hand as if he were meeting the Queen.

“A pleasure to meet you, sir. Lovely home you have here.”

“What a gentleman.” Her mother laughed lightly. “I’m Lottie.”

This time, Marlene had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing as she watched Sirius gently kiss her mother’s hand. Merlin, he really was a posh bastard.

“I’m Freddie.” Her brother greeted, not wanting to be left out, and Sirius’s eyes lit up.

“Like Freddie Mercury?”

“Exactly!” Freddie exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Just as Marlene was about to interrupt to give an explanation as to why Sirius was there in the first place, her family initiated a game of twenty questions directed toward the poor boy.

“So, you go to Hogwarts then?” Lottie asked, an easy smile playing on her lips. She moved to sit by her husband, smoothing out her yellow sun dress as she did so. Sirius nodded, a proud smile appearing on his face.

“Yes. Sorted into Gryffindor, just like Marlene.”

Grant leaned forward; an eyebrow raised. “That’s the one with the lion, right?”

Marlene rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Dad, you know it is.”

Her father merely laughed, raising his hands in defense as he leaned back once more. “I just want to make sure! I never went to Hogwarts now did I?”

“Oh, did you go to Beaubaxtons?” Sirius asked and Marlene cringed.

“Oxford, actually.” Her father answered easily, and Sirius glanced at Marlene with clear confusion on his face. Grant didn’t seem to mind though, catching on to what Sirius wasn’t fully understanding. “I don’t have magic, son.”

Sirius’s eyes went wide for the hundredth time that day it seemed, and he grinned wickedly. “You’re a muggle.” He stated as if he had just made a new discovery. Marlene got the impression that Sirius had never really spoken to a muggle before now.

“You’re pureblood then, Sirius?” Marlene’s mother asked, quickly connecting the dots of Sirius’s curiosity.

“Oh. Yeah. Yeah I am.” Sirius shifted a bit uncomfortably and Lottie frowned at the sudden change in behavior.

“I was the only witch in my family.” Lottie continued, changing the subject. “Was sorted into Ravenclaw at Hogwarts.”

“That’s what I’m going to be.” Freddie piped up, puffing his chest out in perfect eight-year old fashion. Marlene rolled her eyes.

“You still have three more years and there’s no guarantee you’ll follow in mum’s footsteps.”

Freddie narrowed his eyebrows and glared at Marlene. “But I want to be a Ravenclaw.”

“You can be whatever you want to be, mate.” Sirius said solemnly and Marlene found herself surprised at the sincerity in Sirius’s voice. She had never known Sirius to behave in such ways at school, often getting into trouble and shouting about loudly and animatedly. What he said had seemed to be an acceptable answer for Freddie, though, who beamed right back at Sirius.

“Sirius needs a place to stay.” Marlene blurted suddenly, and everyone’s attention turned toward her once more. Her mother gave her a dubious look, waiting patiently for an explanation while her father seemed to not even question the notion.

“For how long?” Grant asked.

“Oh. Uh, you don’t have to do that, sir. I’ll be okay on my own.”

Lottie leaned forward, reaching out for Sirius who instantly flinched in return, causing her to draw her hands back quickly, a stunned look on her face at his reaction. She cleared her throat and fixed him with a serious look. “It’s not problem if you need somewhere to sleep, Sirius. I would just like a reason and an idea of how long you would be staying.”

Sirius glanced at Marlene hesitantly. Clearly, he had not planned on staying here but he also had not planned on going home. Had he assumed that she would kick him to the streets? Perhaps that was what he had intended to do all along. Marlene frowned at the idea of Sirius wandering aimlessly about London, probably in his Animagus form, just to hide away from his family. She wondered how terrible they must be for him to resort to such a thing.

Marlene turned back to her parents, a resolute look on her face. “However long he needs.”

****

Grant quickly set up a cot for Sirius in Freddie’s bedroom—who was far too excited to have a roommate for the time being—and Sirius offered his thanks every five minutes with Grant dismissing it with a wave of his hand stating “it’s just what we do, son.”

Marlene was preparing for bed in her own room when a tentative knock came from the door. “Come in.”

Her mother walked in, shutting the door behind her with a soft click before making herself comfortable on Marlene’s bed. She looked at Marlene with a curious but open expression and Marlene found herself wondering if her mother could see right through her.  

“Is Sirius…someone you fancy?” She asked, and Marlene realized that perhaps her mother couldn’t see her at all.

“No.” She answered honestly, and her mother nodded, accepting the answer without question. Lottie still sat there though, mulling something around in her brain it seemed before letting it out.

“Is he in trouble?”

Marlene considered her mother’s question. The truth was that Marlene really wasn’t sure if Sirius was in trouble or not. It could just be him being his usual dramatic self and getting a kick out of ruining some extravagant family function, but somehow it felt different. The look of pure fear in his eyes when they were in that alley way was burned into her mind.

“I don’t know.” She said finally, her voice sounding more childish than she cared for. Her mother sighed, standing up and opening her arms which Marlene gratefully fell into. She closed her eyes, grateful that her parents were who they were. That they were so accepting and helpful towards everyone. It made her proud to be their daughter. She wondered idly if they would be accepting of everything or if there was some unforeseen limit to which their compassion reached.

Marlene thought about the events that occurred just a few days ago. The firewhiskey her and her friends had indulged in, intent on having one last night of fun before leaving each other for the winter holiday. She thought about the tingly feeling in her stomach as she leaned forward, placing her lips against Lily’s. She thought about the shocked look on Lily’s face and the small sound of surprise that came from Alice’s mouth. She thought about how she ran away before she could even give her friends a chance to ridicule her for her actions.  

It had been eating at her ever since, and now, as her mother held her in her arms, she wondered how she would react to the idea of her daughter liking girls.

“Mum?” Marlene asked, her heart rate picking up speed and hands starting to shake.

“Yes, dear?” Lottie pulled back, a look of concern on her face.

Marlene felt her throat close up, blocking off the words she wanted to confess. I can’t do this. Not now.

“Never mind.” She breathed, looking down at her feet instead of meeting her mother’s gaze. Lottie lingered there a moment, debating whether or not to push the subject. In the end, she just hugged Marlene tighter and smoothed out her hair.

“Okay. But you can always come talk to me whenever you need, okay?” Lottie kissed her daughter’s forehead and went to leave the room, turning in the doorway just before exiting. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, mum.”

As her mother left, Marlene crawled into bed, huddling deeply beneath the blankets and turning to face the wall, finally allowing her tears to fall.

****

Marlene awoke to a frantic knocking on her door. She shot up in bed, immediately reaching for her wand and pointing it towards the doorway. What if it was the Lestranges? What if they had followed Marlene and Sirius straight to her home? What if it were the Blacks themselves, here to take their runaway heir home and punish those who gave him sanctuary?

“Marls! Open the door, it’s Freddie!”

A feeling of relief as well as slight irritation flooded through her. Freddie was tolerable most of the time, but waking her up in the middle of the night was definitely not a way to get on Marlene’s good side.

“What do you want, Mercury?” She asked as she swung the door open. Freddie was standing there, his hands twisted together and his face painted with worry and fear that immediately caused Marlene’s sour attitude toward her brother to vanish. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s Sirius. He won’t stop shaking and, and I thought he was having a nightmare and so I went over to shake him awake and he…he freaked out! He screamed and pushed me away and now he’s huddled in the corner and he won’t stop crying and—”

Marlene pushed past her brother and moved down the hallway towards his bedroom. When she got there, the cot was flipped over and the blankets were in a tangled mess on the floor. Sirius was pressed against the wall, his knees tucked up against his chest and his hands pulling anxiously at his hair. He was muttering something Marlene couldn’t quite make out but whatever it was, he sounded utterly terrified. Marlene turned to Freddie who had followed closely behind her.

“Go get mom.”

Freddie nodded and raced away, seemingly grateful about being given a task. Marlene turned her attention back to Sirius. He hadn’t even noticed the two of them had come into the room, too lost in whatever memory he was reliving. Marlene had heard about this sort of behavior before, when her dad spoke of her grandfather and the effects the war had on him. The panicked breathing and dissociation that blinded a person to their realities were sure signs of post-traumatic stress, she was sure. She was also sure she that she was way out of her depth to properly break Sirius out of it, but she’d be dammed if she didn’t try.

“Sirius,” She spoke slowly, inching towards him before kneeling in front of him. He shook harder, his breath coming out in pants. Merlin, he was going to make himself pass out.

“Hey,” She grabbed his hand and he recoiled with a scream.

“No! No, please! Please don’t, it hurts.” He whimpered. Marlene felt sick and uncomfortable. This was not the Sirius Black she knew. This was a scared and hurt little boy that Marlene could not help.

“What is it?” Marlene turned. Her mother was standing in the doorway, her father and brother right behind her. She watched as Lottie’s eyes found Sirius and she motioned for Marlene to move away. Marlene obliged, standing, and watching her mother crouch down in her place.

“Sirius, sweetie? It’s Lottie. Marlene’s mom, remember?” He didn’t respond but Lottie didn’t seem deterred.

“Breathe with me, Sirius. I’m going to count and we are going to breathe.”

Marlene watched in awe as her mother calmly coaxed Sirius out of the horrific state he was trapped in. They breathed together, with Sirius attempting to match Lottie the more lucid he became. Eventually, Lottie took his hands in hers, rubbing small circles in his palms with the pads of her thumbs. She spoke softly to him, asking him questions about his surroundings and Sirius muttered back short responses. Slowly, he came back to himself. Marlene stood in the doorway, Freddie beside her still looking quite distressed and her father with an unreadable expression playing on his features.

“Marlene could you come sit here beside Sirius? I’m going to go whip up a potion for him to take. Freddie, Grant, why don’t you come help me? Give Sirius some space.”

Freddie nodded wordlessly and turned to head down the stairs followed by his father. As Marlene passed her mother, Lottie put a hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t make him talk about it,” She whispered, “just listen if he does.”

Marlene nodded and Lottie gave her a sad smile before leaving the two teens alone. Sirius stared down at his lap, his eyes puffy with tears and his hair a tangly mess. He seemed embarrassed and shifted slightly when Marlene took a seat next to him. She didn’t blame him. She’d be pretty embarrassed too if her whole bravado façade fell apart in front of an audience. It was quiet between them, and Marlene struggled as she thought of something to say. She wanted to ask Sirius what had happened, what kind of nightmare he’d had to cause such a reaction, but she refrained. Still, she thought she could gather a well enough idea.

“I’m thinking of cutting some fringe.” She says instead, reaching up to toy with a strand of her hair. Sirius blinks, glancing toward her and then back at his toes. “I think it’d be a nice change, you know. Eleanor Tippets has fringe and it’s quite nice looking, don’t you think?”

“I’ve never thought about Eleanor Tippets.” Sirius responds. Progress, she thinks.

“Me neither. Not really. Just noticed her hair is all.” Marlene purses her lips. “James has some wild hair, doesn’t he? Does it naturally look like that or does he do it on purpose?”

A ghost of a smile traces Sirius’ lips and Marlene feels her muscles lose a bit of the tension she was unaware she had been holding.

“It’s naturally messy, though he does run his fingers through it often.”

“When he flirts with all the girls?”

“Well, just one girl, really. He still can’t get over Evans.”

Marlene tenses a bit but forces the conversation to continue. “Lily is nice.”

“So is James. She still hasn’t given him a chance.”

Sirius was right, Marlene supposed. James Potter wasn’t exactly the poster boy for good behavior, but he was nice enough. He always helped first years with their homework and encouraged the Gryffindor Quidditch team to win the games and have fun doing it. Lily had talked about James before, to Marlene and Alice, usually to complain about how annoying he was or about what elaborate date he asked her on that week. At the time, Marlene thrilled over the fact that Lily was not into James and perhaps she imagined it was for the same reasons Marlene wasn’t into boys. Now, though, as she looked back on it, she could remember the faint blush gracing her friend’s cheeks each time James smiled at her and the way her lips would twitch upwards just before she told him to get lost.

“My parents hate me.” Sirius said suddenly. Marlene felt her heart stop. Even if she expected it, it was different to hear the words falling so painfully out of Sirius’ mouth. She looked towards him, at the hunch of his shoulders and the pain in his eyes. It was painful to see Sirius this way. He should be jumping on the bed or ranting to Marlene about David Bowie. He shouldn’t be sitting in the corner with trembling hands and a fear of his family. It wasn’t right.

“They shouldn’t hate you.” Marlene knew it was a lame response, but she didn’t know what to say. She had never prepared for a conversation like this, let alone with Sirius Black.

Sirius scoffed. “Oh, I don’t know. I sometimes hate me.”

“Why?”

“We’re not close enough for this conversation, McKinnon.”

“Well, you’re the one who started it.”

Before Sirius could reply, Lottie had stepped back into the room, a cup held in her hand that presumably held the potion she had concocted. Sirius accepted it gratefully, attempting to put his mask of perfect manners back on, though his hands still shook as he drank. Lottie exchanged a look with Marlene, a frown on her face and pity in her eyes. Marlene looked away. She knew Sirius would hate to have any pity directed towards him so it felt wrong to accept such a look.

“You can stay in my room for the rest the night,” Marlene said, “I don’t want you to scare my brother awake with your screams again. He might just wet the bed.”

Lottie opened her mouth to scold Marlene, but Sirius just let out that barking laugh that Marlene had come to enjoy now that she had learned about Sirius’ animagus form. Her parents set the cot up in Marlene’s room quickly and said goodnight once more before shutting the bedroom door. Sirius stood awkwardly next to the cot, his hands clasped together in front of him. Marlene crawled underneath her own blankets, scooting as close to the wall as she could before patting the space next to her. Sirius raised an eyebrow.

“Are you inviting me into your bed, McKinnon?”

Marlene rolled her eyes. “Just for sleep, you dog.”

Sirius hesitated, but slid in beside her after a moment of consideration. He was careful not to touch her, whether that was to make her more comfortable or him, Marlene wasn’t sure. She turned on her side so that she was facing him. He stared resolutely at the ceiling, his hands on his chest and eyes wide open.

“You can relax you know. I don’t bite.”

“Biting might be fun.”  

“Sirius—”

“I’m kidding!”

Marlene just shook her head. What a weird day, she thought as she closed her eyes and let her thoughts wander. Spending Christmas break with Sirius Black wasn’t something she had ever planned to do and now here he was, lying in her bed. Marlene wondered what Lily and Alice would say if she told them. She frowned as she thought of her friends. Would they still be her friends when she got back to Hogwarts? Or would they shy away from her, possibly even hate her. She couldn’t bear the sick feeling that washed over her at the idea of that.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Sirius asked. Marlene opened her eyes to see him gazing at her with an uncharacteristic look of empathy on his face. She narrowed her eyes at him.

“I’m thinking about how much sleep you’re costing me.”

Sirius flushed slightly, but persisted, nonetheless. “Oh, come on. Your face was all scrunched up, there’s no way you were thinking of sleep. Enlighten me, McKinnon.”

“No.”

“Is it a boy?”

“No.”

“Good. Then I have no competition.”

“Trust me when I say this, Sirius. You are not my type.”

Sirius hesitated and then, “I’m sorry for messing up your holiday. I can leave tomorrow. Find my way to James’ house. He’s more equipped to deal with this mess.”

Marlene wanted to reassure Sirius that he was no bother, that she was happy to help, but she couldn’t. Because she probably wasn’t as equipped to deal with all of Sirius’ stuff, not compared to James who knew Sirius better than anyone. Marlene suddenly felt a sense of guilt overcome her. She and Sirius had always been friends at school, chatting in the common room on occasion and sitting next to each other in history of magic, but they were never close. She supposed it was because Sirius didn’t let people get too close, no one except for James, Remus, and Peter. Not that she was any better.

“We can write him in the morning if that would make you more comfortable.” She mumbled. Sirius nodded.

“That would probably be best.”

“Sirius,” Marlene hesitated. “Sirius, I don’t want to pry or anything but…what happened? Why did you run away?”

A dark look settled over Sirius’ face and Marlene almost recoiled. Whatever happened had been bad, probably worse than Marlene could imagine. She almost regretted asking the question and was about to tell him he didn’t have to answer when he spoke in a breath.

“They tried to kill me.”

Marlene’s blood ran cold. She didn’t want to believe it. She wanted Sirius to crack a teasing smile and claim that he was just being his usual dramatic self and that he was exaggerating the story and that his parents just had some old-fashioned ideas that got him in trouble when he didn’t agree with them. That she could handle. But this…god, she was going to be sick.

“Why?” Her voice sounded childish, laced with curiosity, and horrified awe.

“I…disagreed with them, as usual. But this time it was because of more personal beliefs.”

“Personal beliefs?”

“I told them I was gay.”

There was a stutter in Marlene’s heart, a sudden thrill that she wasn’t alone, such an excitement that she almost screamed “me too!” back at him. But she didn’t. Because right now was about Sirius, not her.  Instead, she reached out and took Sirius’ hand. He flinched at the motion but Marlene did not let go. She could not let go, not now, not when she might be the only person who Sirius might be able to relate to, that he might be the only person who could understand her. She felt the need to cling to this, to remember this moment as Sirius told her this secret with raw vulnerability and tears in his eyes because not only was the world cruel to people like them but his own parents couldn’t see past their own prejudices to just love their son. Instead, they set out to hurt and even kill. Marlene could make this moment matter. She could make this moment a happy moment for him.

“I’m so fucking proud of you.”

Sirius finally met her gaze, surprise evident on his face. She grinned back at him, her own eyes watering.

“I am so fucking proud of you, Sirius. For being strong enough and brave enough to stand up to your parents and be who you are. I really admire that and I am so happy that you shared it with me. Thank you.”

Sirius’ body seemed to lose all the tension he had been holding since bumping into Marlene earlier that day. God, had it only been a day? Marlene felt as though Sirius had been there for weeks, ready to burst at the seams at any moment. And this was that moment. He started crying in earnest, his body shaking and eyes becoming blinded with tears. Marlene inched forward, wrapping her arms around him, and holding him close. Her own face was wet with tears of joy and pain for her friend.

Eventually they fell asleep, wrapped tightly around each other. It was how Lottie found them in the morning.

[emelywrites]

Hi👋🏻 Diego Hargreeves request! Maybe a little weird... but a Hogwarts au where he is a Gryffindor or Slytherin and he has a girlfriend who is a Ravenclaw, and he is all soft with her and cute, which surprises his siblings?😂 Some fluff for our hearts❤️

Okay I think we opened up a big prompt for discussion here. In my head, Luther, Diego and Ben are Gryffindors; Klaus and Vanya are Hufflepuffs; Alison is a Ravenclaw and Five is a Slytherin, but please discuss in the comments!

Warnings: Language, (hints at incest maybe cause of Luther and Alison, but not really), I think that’s it, tell me if you find something else please

Umbrella Academy meets Hogwarts

„This one’s really bad, Y/L/N, where’s Madam Pomfrey?“, Professor McGonagall asked when they laid Diego onto one of the many free beds in the hospital wing.

This game had apparently turned out to be a rather peaceful one. Hufflepuff against Gryffindor. You rarely went to Quidditch games, specifically because you helped out in the hospital wing quite a bit. You normally would have gone to a game when your boyfriend or your own house were playing but today you had to stay in the hospital wing to make sure no one would die. And with most of the Hargreeves siblings being on their respective Quidditch teams your assistance was required a lot.

„Madam Pomfrey went out to get some more ointment. Last week, when Vanya accidentally blew up the potions classroom we had to use it all up“, you explained with a look to your boyfriend.

Diego and you had been dating on the down low since your fourth year when his sister, Alison, who was a Ravenclaw like you, had introduced you, rather unintentionally.

There was a big test coming up in History of Magic and you and Alison had been sitting in the library all day trying to learn everything you hadn’t been paying attention to in class. And with Professor Binns even putting himself to sleep sometimes with his talking it was quite a lot that you had to recover yourselves. History of Magic was one of the classes you had with the Gryffindors and even though Alison’s brothers Luther, Diego and Ben were in that house you had never really been paying attention to them.

„Help!“, a boy yelled across the library, earning a death stare from Madam Pince though he didn’t seem to notice.

He ran towards you both and fell onto the free chair.

„Diego, what the fuck?“, Alison said.

So that was Diego. You had always known who Alison’s brothers were though you had never quite bothered learning which one was which.

„I have no idea what I’m doing. You gotta help me, sis. Please. We’re team zero, remember?“

„You mean History of Magic?“, she asked.

„For one, but there’s also this potions essay that I have to write until Friday and that Divination quiz on Thursday“, he sighed, slumping his head onto the table.

„Mister Hargreeves, how is ist that every time you enter this library you become a nuisance without fail?“, Madam Pince whisper-yelled at him, „You are banned from the library until the end of the year, let that be a lesson. If you need a book, maybe one of your siblings will be kind enough to get it for you.“

She pulled him up by his arm and dragged him out of the library. You looked after them but Alison had gone back to studying and you needed this study session with her just as much so you joined her. That evening you coincidentally found Diego sitting by a window and you spent all night in a secret passageway where you tried to teach him about the first Wizarding War. He got an Acceptable and excitedly came to you to thank you. Ever since that day, you’d been spending a lot of time together.

Now you were tending to your boyfriend who had fallen asleep after a healing potion and a Sleeping Draught to help him recover. You had put his sprained wrist into a cast and fixed his broken ankle with a whisper of „Episkey“ and then went to cleaning up around him. When Madam Pomfrey got back to the Hospital Wing she sent you to your dorm since it had gotten quite late. You quickly spared a glance to see if she was looking and when she didn’t you placed a quick kiss onto your sleeping boyfriend’s forehead before you left.

The next morning, a Sunday, you quickly took some food from the Great Hall and then went to the Hospital Wing to have breakfast with Diego. You didn’t notice that Alison was eyeing you suspiciously. You arrived by his bedside to see him wide awake toying with some ball, probably much to Madam Pomfrey and the other two patients’ annoyance. You caught the ball mid-air, set the food onto his bedside table and closed the curtains around his bed.

„Y/N, my hero, accept my snuggles as a thank you for saving my life“, he said a little loudly.

You giggled and sat down on his bed. He scooted up and pulled you into him with his healthy arm. You spent the day eating the food you had brought and talking about everything and nothing. He told you about the game in all possible detail while you were snuggled into his side. When he was done with his grand story about how many points he scored and how heroic it was of him to take the Bludger (that as far as you could tell he hadn’t even noticed but it would have hit one of the other chasers if not him but you let him have his moment) he pulled you even closer and pressed a kiss to your head. You both just enjoyed being in each other’s arms and drifted off to sleep for a short nap until Madam Pomfrey woke you up to alert you both that Diego could go now.

You parted ways in front of the Great Hall, but not before he pulled you close by your hand again, which he kissed before pressing another one to your lips. You sat down in front of Alison at the Ravenclaw table. She was smirking at you.

„What?“, you asked, narrowing your eyes at her.

„How the fuck is he so fucking soft for you?“

„I have no idea what on earth you’re on about“, you simply answered loading some lasagna onto your plate.

„Yeah, sure you don’t. I just hear all types of rumors“, she smirked, „You aren’t very discreet when you’re kissing right in front of the hall, you know?“

„Jealous I am with the attractive one of your brothers and you’re stuck with Luther?“, you grinned.

„Haha, you know that’s not true, we never even kissed.“

She dropped the topic.

Over the next few days it became quite apparent that all of Diego’s siblings and probably most people at school had found out about you two so you weren’t even trying to hide anymore and just started holding hands on your ways through the halls. He always pressed a kiss to your head and you always pressed a kiss to his cheek before you parted ways in front of a classroom or your common room. Speaking of which, he was always walking you places now and often coming late to his own classes because of it. Much to the annoyance of some of his siblings who had to follow sometimes out of practicality. 

On a snowy Saturday afternoon you were sitting in the Three Broomsticks just enjoying your butterbeers sitting very close to one another, his arm around you. HIs siblings were with you guys, just sitting at the same table as you two because it was so full.

„Aw, you two are too sweet!“, Klaus exclaimed.

„Oh yeah? When I put my arm around Alison it’s weird but they’re cute“, Luther said, crossing his arms.

„Maybe the simple reason for that is that they’re not related“, Five responded, uninterested.

„We’re not biological“, Alison said.

„Yeah, but what would you say if I kissed Vanya?“, Klaus mused.

„I’d say ‚Gross, get off, weirdo‘“, Vanya replied, her face showing disgust.

„We never even kissed“, Alison downed the rest of her butterbeer and got up, „You’re paying“, she demanded from no one in particular and left.

„Diego Hargreeves, the big softie“, Ben smirked.

Diego shifted in his seat and looked down at you. He smiled.

„Whatever, I guess I’m a softie then, you guys are just jealous“, he drank his own butterbeer, then the rest of yours and then he got up and pulled you along, „you’re paying“, he repeated his sister’s actions and then pulled you out of the place.

When you were out on the street he pulled you close and kissed you. 

„My softie“, you smiled.

[deadzonetourguide]

// This is a voice-acted version of a fanfic I wrote on AO3, Rainy Days! Go check that and my other posted romac fics if you like this!

---

Shelter is always a problem out in the wasteland, but sometimes you strike lucky. Sometimes you strike extremely lucky. A hotel, albeit not a huge one, resting somewhat intact close to what would have once been the coast, if there was any ocean left. Just a wide expanse of sand, debris, and the occasional giant, mutated crab amongst other monsters. And just in time too, it had started to rain. It’s not much of a problem, but it increases the risk of various hazards, so it’s usually better to find shelter and wait out the rain and the eventual pooling of irradiated and acidic water for a couple of days.

I trail along beside Engie, the two of us carrying all the supplies while Captain leads us into the building, Pilot already running ahead to check the place out. I’m not quite paying attention to what Captain’s saying about receptionists and bell-boys, but suddenly Engie comes to a halt beside me, dragging me out of my daydream.

“Hey, uh, Engie?” I frown, looking around at the other man, who had very suddenly become quite rigid with a slight shake to him. He’s panicking over something, I realise, sighing softly and putting down my own bags to go over and try to coax out what’s wrong with the guy. “What’s up?”

". . . Don’t feel well. I’ll be. . . outside. Fresh air. Call me when it’s safe." Engie almost whimpers, scrabbling to put down all the stuff he was carrying and head right back out of this hole in the side of the building that was probably once an entrance way.

I watch with an increasing frown. Fresh air? In this world? He probably got spooked by something, and I know I should stick around and watch to make sure he didn’t get into any trouble in the rain - from the safety of the hotel, of course, making my way over to another hole in the wall to look out from. Not even a minute passes before a high pitched screech reaches the ears of both me and Engie, the latter ceasing up in panic while I fumble to grab my gun, only for the source of the noise to reveal himself. Pilot sprints at Engie, yelling something about “playtime on the beach with Doctor Angie”, and in turn the poor doctor spins on his heel and runs in the opposite direction. I can’t help but laugh.

“Careful, Pi, don’t hurt yourselves!” I call out, watching them play this impromptu game of tag, mostly saying that to ensure that Pilot doesn’t inadvertently kill Engie somehow, and that both of them stay out of trouble. At least the DEX has turned on someone else for a while, I think to myself.

It’s a long while of watching them both sprint up and down the beach, stop for a moment to let Engie catch his breath, occasionally with Pilot coming up to gently pat him on the back or sit them both down in the damp sand, only for him to give chase again the moment Engie tries to get up and move away, before I realise that something is missing. Rather, someone. Where did Captain go off to? Considering the other two are busy, the job of finding zeer comes down to me. Not that I mind all too much in reality, but I’ll certainly make a deal out of it.

Turning away from the makeshift window I’d been watching out of, I proceed to start my search off on the bottom floor. I check the lobby, cringing a little at the decaying skeleton behind the counter, then checks what was probably a dining hall and joined kitchen (with some interest, but I find no edible food to speak of, much to my disappointment), and then finally resign myself to searching each and every room on this floor. Dammit. At least I won’t have to bust my shoulder breaking the doors down to look in the rooms, since, presumably, if Captain’s in one of the rooms zee would have already opened the door.

It’s some time into my search until a harsh, discordant sound reaches me, accompanied by a distant grumbling. For a moment I wonder if it was some kind of monster, but the grumble sounded just a bit Captain-like, and I’d have to check it out anyway, just in case. I head in the direction of the sound, only just pushing the door of the room I thought it came from open when a sound - music - suddenly fills the air. Actual music. . . it’s rather soft and light. When was the last time I heard anything like that? It takes me a moment to register the actual room before me, seeing the source of the music as a slightly battered record player with a somehow intact record spinning around on it, and next to the table it’s resting on is a very familiar trench-coated figure.

“SNIPPEY! LOOK AT WHAT I HAVE FOUND!” I can hear the smile in zeer voice, as if zee’s mask didn’t constantly convey a smile anyway. Softening just a little, I walk over as zee gestures excitedly at the record player.

“How did you even find this?” I ask, frowning softly. “I thought these things were made obsolete ages ago, and if there were any left they’d be in pretty bad condition. And to find one in a hotel, of all places?”

“SHUSH-SHUSH-SHUSH. A GOOD WIZARD NEVER REVEALS ZEER SECRETS!!” Zee gently presses a finger against my mask as zee shushes me, resulting in a slightly confused frown from me. “AND, A GOOD HOLIDAY ALWAYS NEEDS GOOD MUSIC!”

“We’re not. . . this isn’t a holiday.” At this point, I should find it useless to dispute Captain’s logic, especially since I typically give into the narrative anyway. It’s at this point I spot what probably would have been glass doors at the back of the room facing the ocean front, leading to a little boardwalk with steps down to the beach, but the glass has long since been blown in. Through them, I can still see Engie and Pilot running around outside, to which I sigh. “Oh. . . those two are still at it? They’ll be soaked through.”

Captain turns to see what I’m looking at, delightedly clasping zeer hands together and sighing softly. “AH! MEINE FAMILIE. PILOT IS ALREADY PLAYING ON ZEE BEACH WITH GRANDPA ENGIE!” While I’m trying to figure out how Engie is a grandpa and how the rest of us would supposedly fit into a typical family dynamic and just how flustered I am about the conclusion I get to, Captain waltzes over to the doors and dramatically throws them open. “WE CAN WATCH OVER THEM FROM THE STEPS! AND WE WILL STILL BE ABLE TO HEAR OUR MUSIC!!” Zee announces, before stepping out into the rain and pretending to take a deep inhale of the sea air, then goes and sits on the steps. “GO GET HIM, MEIN PILOT!” Zee calls once down, alerting both runners to zee’s presence and stopping them in their tracks. There’s a faint "SIR YES SIR!" from Pilot before he begins to chase again, with a newfound vigor, much to Engie’s presumed dismay.

In the meantime, I was trying to inspect the record player to ignore the fluttering feeling in my chest, trying to figure out how on earth it’s still able to function. Did Captain really luck out? But finding not only an intact player, but also a record to go along with it - the odds had to be impossible, right? But the proof is here, right in front of my eyes. . . Sighing deeply, I decide that I shouldn’t think too much about it. What song even is this? I feel like it should be familiar, and it is, vaguely. When and where I would have heard it, I don’t know, but that feeling in my chest doesn’t go away as I listen to the lyrics.

“Fill my heart with song,     And let me sing forevermore,         You are all I long for,              All I worship and adore. . .”

I walked away to the doors before those feelings could get even more bothersome, looking out into the rain to squint at Pilot and Engie running, then to Captain sitting on the steps, now looking back at me and gently patting the space next to zeer in a silent invitation. “I’m not sitting out there. It’s raining.” I grumble, crossing my arms.

I can almost feel the pout in Captain’s slightly disappointed stare, but then, zee seems to light up. “AHA! BUT, DEAR! I HAVE AN UMBRELLA!” To which zee promptly pulls an umbrella from seemingly nowhere, and to which I have to pretend very hard that my face isn’t reddening under my mask, arms crossing tighter in an attempt to hide just how tender being called “dear” made me feel.

We stare at each other for several moments, until I sigh and shake my head, reluctantly stepping out and walking over to sit next to Captain. Usually I would ensure that there would be a respectable distance of a few inches between us, but since it’s raining and I’d really like to not get wet, I sit right next to zeer, gently bumping shoulders. There’s no harm in this, is there? No, I convince myself, this would be fine. So why is my heart beating so hard in my chest? Is it the lyrics of the song, the fact that Captain chose it, the fact that we’re both sitting so close to one another now, or a combination of the three? I know that it shouldn’t bother me so much, there’s no way that zee means it in the way I think zee does, it’s just another layer of eccentricness. And besides, we’ve been closer at times, and there was no absolute confirmation then. . .

The music stops for a moment, dragging me out of my thoughts enough to lay them to rest. Whatever I think, it doesn’t matter, there’s no use being nervous over it when things like this will happen again. So, there’s no use in worrying over daring to get a little closer, daring to relax, to space out a little watching my friends run about in the closeness and warmth of someone I like with music playing gently in the background. And so, I dare to. Exhaling a soft sigh, I rest my head on Captain’s shoulder, inching just a little closer. This is allowed, I won’t be rejected, I’m allowed to do this, please please don’t reject me--

And then Captain gently curls an arm around my waist, and immediately everything feels okay. Not around my shoulders like a friend would do, no. Around my waist, like a. . .

Huh. I really do talk myself down, don’t I? I should really stop letting my anxiety control me. Especially when I feel every shred of worry melt away as Captain pulls me just that little bit closer with a content hum, resting zeer head against mine in turn. Was zee just waiting for me to realise, or have we both been drifting closer without noticing until now? How long have we been this. . . gentle and tender in each other’s company?

Whatever the answer is, we were both happy to stay here like this, watching the rest of our small family play in the rain gently drumming around us all, music of forgotten eras playing with lyrics of putting heads on shoulders and holding someone close, of kisses goodnight and of you and I falling in love, gently playing us away into the slow approaching night. And maybe the songs that play for us will come true, one day.

[mefd19]

Failing Forward PT 2

PT1

Two days out from Port Zoon they paused in the route to hunt and fix a broken wheel. It was good timing, according to Caduceus.

“We should probably make a plan.” Caduceus ladled soup into bowls. Caleb tasted his politely before reaching for the salts. “There are children involved, so we should be extra careful.”

“I think Beau is good with kids,” Jester grinned, “Remember how she was with her brother? It was so sweet, Beau.”

Beau shrugged and tilted her head. “I could help with gathering information I guess. And I mean, I am your first mate, so I’m happy to go in there for you.” 

“Yeah, something tells me the Matron won’t be as receptive to your brand of charm.” Fjord made an apologetic face. “At least from what I know of her she’s very protective of the children, and who she lets near them.”

“Oh!” Veth popped her head up from her bowl. “What if I pretend to be an orphan! I can change my shape and-”

Everyone shook their heads with varying degrees of intensity. 

“The kids aren’t allowed in the business areas,” Fjord explained.

At the same time Caleb said, “It would be incredibly taxing to keep you in character long enough.”

“Listen,” Fjord held up a hand. “I appreciate everyone wanting to help me, but this should be relatively easy. I walk in, I ask about business details as if I’m interested in adopting, find out what Sabien’s interest is. If he’s just trying to pay it forward, so be it and we walk away.”

Caleb set his bowl aside and rubbed his mouth. “You said the Matron is protective?”

“Yes, bless her. One of the good ones, from what I’ve heard. I hope that's true.” There’s a shadow there, under Fjord’s words and behind his eyes. A shadow Caleb recognizes when he looks in the mirror. 

Yasha tilted her head. “Wait, what if Sabien is there? Will he try to kill you again?”

Fjord shook his head. “He’s not in Zoon right now. At least as far as Kotho could tell.”

“So the plan is; you walk into the orphanage and ask about adopting.” Caleb asked.

“Yes, that’s about the long and short of it.”

“And the Matron will be amenable to that?”

For a moment Fjord paused. “Well, alright, maybe she will say no, but-”

“Oh,” Caduceus nodded, “I see what Mister Caleb means.”

“What’s wrong with me asking to adopt a child?” Fjord drew his eyebrows down and spread his hands wide, confused. “I was an orphan myself once, it makes sense I would come back to help another.”

“There’s nothing wrong with it,” Caleb held a hand out. “Nothing at all. It’s very in character. I just think it might be better if you had a partner. Two parents are better than one, are better than none.”

“That’s very good Caleb,” Caduceus smiled and nodded. “I’m sure you’ll be able to find any important information too.”

“Wait,” Caleb stilled, eyes going a bit wide. “I didn’t mean-”

“Suddenly I’m marrying Caleb?!” Fjord yelped, looking between Caleb and Caduceus. “Hold on just a-”

“-figured someone else would-”

“Ok ok ok!” Jester held her hands up. “We get it! Jeez. You guys don’t like each other enough to go undercover together, fine.”

Without missing a beat they both instantly started talking again.

“That’s not what I meant Caleb, I didn’t-”

“-wasn’t trying to push myself into the middle of-”

“-obviously you’re the most qualified because-”

Yasha whistled, low and drawn out. “Anyone else think they’re being weird about this?”

“Definitely.” Beau raised an eyebrow. “You two do make the most sense though, so maybe stow the panic for a second. Fjord’s got the know-how, and he talks good. Caleb talks good when he has to and he can find damn near anything that’s written down.”

“Plus he can pass messages with me,” Veth twirled the copper wire between her fingers before vanishing it back into her dress. “And it makes sense they would be at an orphanage. Newlyweds looking to start their family.”

“You can even use some of your real history in your cover!” Jester grinned and clasped her hands under her chin. “Oh how sweet, a teacher falling for his student!”

Beau grinned as she caught on. “That’s great Jess! Caleb was a teacher in, I don’t know, maybe Alfield? And Fjord went to learn magic after he got burned out working the docks.”

“And they’re coming back here to escape the war.” Caduceus nodded. “Nice and simple, I like it.”

“Great,” Fjord snapped. His cheeks were darker green than normal and he was avoiding looking at Caleb. “Now that you have my life re-written to suit your fantasy-”

“I’m sorry, Fjord.”

Caleb’s voice was so quiet, his face turned away, that it was surprising Fjord heard him at all. But he stopped and looked at the ground between his feet.

Caleb is good at something, after all. 

Fucking up.

---

Caleb’s spell components were exactly as he left them. He ran his fingers over the strange assortment of things, counting and recounting, looking for any sign that they would not perform. Satisfied, he began tucking them away again, updating his internal list of things he should purchase when the opportunity arose. Each small pouch was filled, patted. The drawstring was drawn tight, bringing the smaller compartments together and cinching the top.

“All set?”

Despite what Fjord liked to claim, Caleb did not spontaneously levitate. He was startled, because he thought his traveling companions were polite, and polite people do not sneak up and startle their friends. 

When Fjord stopped cackling to himself he leaned against the back of the cart Caleb was seated in. “Jester said you had some paperwork for us?”

“Yes.” Caleb had to lean to pull his bag out from under himself, muttering under his breath about sneaky green folk making his life harder. “Here, sign this one, make sure it looks alright.”

Fjord took the paper and his hand brushed against Caleb’s for a moment, eyes already flicking over the paper's contents. Caleb clenched his fingers and swallowed.

“This is uncharacteristically brazen of you, Caleb.”

His head whipped up to look at Fjord, eyes wide and throat tight. Did he think- did he know that-

But Fjord’s eyes were soft and teasing, and he tilted the paper at Caleb. “Also wholly unromantic. A marriage proposal by thrusting a certificate for me to sign? My dear we are going to have to work on your acts of love.”

“Oh.” Caleb’s mind was blank. “Er…”

Fjord rolled his eyes and turned back to the paper. “Relax, Caleb, I’m joking.” Then he frowned and tapped near the bottom. “What’s this about?”

Caleb leaned forward and peeked over the edge of the sheaf. “Those are our names, Fjord.”

In response Fjord threw him a look. “Yes, thank you master wizard. Except you took my last name.”

Looking up at Fjord’s face Caleb realized he made a mistake. Or maybe two. But one was definitely thinking it was a good idea to lean into Fjord’s space to look at the paper. He was too close to Fjord, who was looking down at him intensely. It made it hard to focus.

“Is that a problem?” He managed. Fjord’s eyes tightened and he chewed his lip for a moment. 

“I mean…” Fjord thought for a moment. “I suppose it isn’t. Not really? But also, I don’t think we should use my real name. I mean, something Sabien would recognize. Or could be traced back to us later.”

Of course. “Of course. I should have thought of that.” 

Fjord slid down so he was at Caleb’s eye level, resting on the back step of the cart. “Well, I don’t mind taking the name Widogast, but you’ve been using it for a while now haven’t you? That might be getting recognizable too.”

Caleb suddenly thought Fjord Ermendrud unbidden and inhaled sharply. “Probably,” he got out. “We could pick something new?”

“Hmm.” Fjord squinted out, across the fields. “Likely something Zemnian.”

“Why Zemnian?” Caleb frowned at Fjord. Did he think he needed to conform or something? Fjord had a habit of feeling inadequate, he didn’t even reveal his last name out of shame for months. Caleb had thought taking ‘Stone’ for his name would be appreciated, and now Fjord was turning things around on him. Again.

“Well my dear,” Fjord flourished a hand, cluing Caleb in that he was putting on airs. “We planned on staying in the Empire before this dreadful war started. Of course I would take a proper Zemnian name to help me fit in, so I wouldn’t draw so much attention to my beloved.”

“Hmm,” Caleb scratched his chin idly. “I appreciate that you were willing to give up your love of the ocean to be with me. But I think I was secretly thrilled to leave. We probably fought quite a bit about who got to be the martyr.”

Fjord barked out another laugh and Caduceus paused in walking by to turn and watch them. “Too true. But still- when we married we planned to stay in the Empire. A Zemnian name?”

“Gebirge?” Caleb tried. “Caleb and Fjord Gebirge? Or if you would rather have some alliteration, perhaps Felsen?”

“I like Felsen,” Caduceus said with a smile. He walked over to peer at the paper. “Fjord Felsen. Rolls off the tongue.”

After a moment in thought Fjord nodded. “It does sound rather Zemnian.”

“Here,” Caleb flipped through his papers and pulled out another, unsigned. “Let me just-” as he scribbled his new signature. Caleb Felsen

He blew on the ink for a moment, narrowed his eyes as he scanned the rest of the page, and handed it to Fjord. “Your turn.”

This time Caleb tried to keep their hands from touching, but the quill was small and delicate. Fjord’s hand covered his entirely as he slipped the instrument from his fingers. 

Fjord Felsen

“Wonderful,” Caleb pulled the paper away and rolled it up. “Now you are bound to me, my condolences.”

At that Fjord grinned again and rubbed his palm. “Does Felsen mean anything or is it an old Zemnian name?”

“Stone, rock.”

Caduceus’ laugh was loud, startled out of him, and Fjord narrowed his eyes at Caleb. “You sneak.”

Caleb ducked his head, cheeks slightly flushed. Entirely too pleased with himself.

[girls-scenarios]

A Touch

Idol: Heejin (Loona)

Prompt: Hello there, can I request a hogwarts Au fem! reader(Ravenclaw) x heejin (gryffindor) where heejin has a crush on the reader and they start dating after the reader has to help heejin with potions class Please and thank you!! ❤️❤️

Writer: Admin Kiwi

A/N: I haven’t seen the movies in a hot minute, but I’m hoping to watch them during quarantine. That’s one way to spend my time, at least. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

♡ Tip Jar♡

You felt the heat on the back of your neck before you heard the bang. The heat made your skin tingle, and you ducked just as a loud BAM knocked you forward into your table. Behind you, a cauldron bubbled and spit, sending the failed potion spewing onto your robes. The hiss made you wince and jump up, slipping out of the robe before whatever had just exploded onto you could seep through the cloth. A curse lingered on your lips, your nose crinkling into a frown until a low, soft voice stopped you in your tracks.

“I’m so sorry! I must have thrown in the wrong ingredient!” A pretty girl in Gryffindor robes was standing behind the cauldron, her face smudged by her own explosion and her brown hair standing on end. Her lips were turned down in a pout, and you felt your heart skip before you shook your head, looking down at your robes instead. The potion, thankfully, hadn’t left any marks.

“T-that’s okay....” You trailed off, all the curses you’d thought of before disappearing and leaving you speechless. Beside you, your fellow Ravenclaw student Hyewon looked up at you incredulously, like she couldn’t believe you weren’t upset. You’d cursed at other students in potions before, but something about this girl made your heart skip a beat as she whined and wiped at her face, trying to explain herself to her partner, who looked just as shocked as everyone else.

Thankfully, you wouldn’t have to explain yourself to Hyewon, because the professor cleared his throat loudly and stomped over to the offending cauldron.

“Miss Jeon Heejin, do you care explaining how you blew up a potion that is not meant to blow up?”

“I-I must have added the wrong ingredient,” Heejin said, bowing her head and clasping her hands together nervously. Right then, she did not look like a brave Gryffindor. Instead, she resembled a scolded puppy. Your heart went out to her, just as you remembered your classmates talking about her. Heejin, the girl who blew up everything she touched. You’d never been lucky enough to be in a class with her until this year, apparently.

“You have continuously messed up almost every potion we’ve made this year, how have you not learned from your past mistakes yet? Will it take blowing up this whole room for you to learn to pay attention and be careful?”

“I was doing better though! I hadn’t blown up anything yet this year.” Heejin gained some of her confidence back, straightening her shoulders before a well-placed glare from the professor made her slump back down again.

“You’ve gotten almost every potion wrong, not blowing them up isn’t something you should be proud of! How you’ve gotten this far in your wizarding schooling with skills like this, I don’t know, but I’ve half a mind to-.”

“Excuse me.” You butted in, surprising even yourself as you stepped forward. The professor stopped and turned to look at you, his eyebrows raising.

“Yes, (Y/N)?”

“I couldn’t help but overhear your lecture. If she needs help in potions, I would be happy to tutor her. After all, I am the top student in the class.”

Heejin’s eyes went wide, before a slow smile spread over her face. “Really? You’d do that for me?” Her happiness made you feel better about your very sudden decision, and you smiled, nodding your head as you folded your robe over your arm.

“Of course. If that’s okay with you, professor.”

“By all means.” The professor sighed and waved his hand. “Anything to keep her from blowing something up again.” With that, he walked away, and you held out your hand.

“I’m (Y/N), from Ravenclaw.”

“I’m Heejin, from Gryffindor.”

“I know,” you said with a smile, “you’re the one who blows up everything you touch.”

Her cheeks flushed at the nickname and she sighed, trying to run her hands the her now-frayed hair. “It’s not like I do it on purpose. I just can’t get the hang of potions. I’ve never been any good at it.”

“Hopefully we can fix that. Meet me here after dinner. I’ll get permission to use the room after hours and we’ll work from there. Sound like a plan?”

Her smile returned and she nodded. “That sounds great, thank you again!”

“No problem.”

As you returned to your seat, Hyewon wiggled her eyebrows. “Since when do you help the helpless?” She whispered, grinning, and you did your best to ignore her, turning your attention instead to your own perfect potion.

“That’s none of your business.”

-

When you met Heejin that evening, she’d cleaned up and somehow looked even prettier, the petite bridge of her nose visible without the presence of soot on her face. She’d washed her hair, and it now lay in waves down across her shoulders. Her Gryffindor robe was big on her, and you had a feeling that someone had let her borrow theirs, because hers had looked pretty messed up earlier. Still, she was smiling, and your heart skipped a beat as you walked up to her.

God. She was too pretty.

“Ready?” You asked, pulling out the key in your pocket, and she nodded, looking all too excited. It made you a bit nervous.

“I’m ready! How did you get them to give you the key?”

“I’m the best potions student in Hogwarts,” you explained smoothly, bragging a bit as you opened the door and let her inside. “They know I won’t mess anything up.”

“That’s impressive. Potions is really hard.” Heejin sighed as she sat down at the single table left with a cauldron, per your request, pressing her hands against the seat and swinging her legs. “There’s just so many things to remember and they all get jumbled up in my head. Same with all the stirring and the temperature of the fire.... It’s too complicated.”

“It’s a science.” You walked to the ingredients cabinet as you spoke. “Nobody ever gets it right on the first time. That’s why there’s so much damage control for the first years. But once you get it down, it becomes easier and easier. Memorization and confidence are key.” After a short pause to look at the list of ingredients for Confusing Concoction, you grabbed the things you needed and turned to her with a smile. “I’ll teach you how I do it.”

Heejin was a good student, despite her reputation. She watched and listened carefully and took notes with a sparkly red pen as you explained each of the ingredients in detail and what purpose they had in the potion. Although she was obviously nervous as she stood next to the cauldron, your reassurance that you were only handing her the correct things made her more confident, and she did as you told her, putting things in one by one and stirring the cauldron slow.

You were mostly just watching as she put in the last thing, put the movement of her wrist caught your eye. She was stirring faster. To make sure that you weren’t just imagining things, you watched a little longer. Sure enough, Heejin seemed to speed up with each stir, and you smiled to yourself. You’d found the problem.

“Okay,” you said, stepping forward and putting your hand on her wrist. She startled slightly as you moved behind her, and you realized belatedly that this was a pretty intimate position. Clearing your throat, you moved to the side a bit to give her more space, doing your best to focus on the potion instead of on how good she smelt. “I found your problem. You stir really, really fast.”

She blinked, but let you move her wrist slowly around the cauldron in a slight zig-zag pattern. “But all the ingredients are in, does the speed matter anymore?”

“It’s the most important right now. If everything mixes together too quickly, it can cause an explosion. For Confusing Concoction, you want to stir slowly and make the letter z. That’s what makes it thicken to the right consistency.”

“Oh....” She fell quiet until you took your wrist away, your throat dry. Without your hand, she continued to do the right motion, and a smile came to her lips. “That’s not so hard!”

“Nope. Not at all.” Once the potion was at the right consistency, you reached over to stop her wrist and smiled. “You did it. That’s Confusing Concoction, the very same potion you blew up on me in class.”

She blushed, but she was still smiling as she backed away. “Wow. I really did it! It didn’t blow up or turn a strange color or anything!” Her eyes were wide as she peered down at it. “How can you tell it’s ready?”

“Three things.” You pointed at how the potion stuck slightly to the stirring stick. “First, his potion is supposed to have this thick consistency. Almost like molasses or syrup.” Then you pointed to the clock. “Second, I know that it takes a certain amount of time to brew correctly. Third, the color is correct. Even one ingredient wrong would have made the color off. Since it meets all of those criteria, I have to say that you have successfully created Confusing Concoction.”

“You’re so cool,” Heejin breathed, and your heart skipped another beat. “This is great! I can’t believe I really did it! With your help, of course, but I’ve never done this well!”

You laughed, and wondered why you found her sheepish smile so adorable before reminding yourself to be a good tutor. “You’ll do even better by the time I’m done with you. Now come on, I’m going to get a sample of this to show the professor, and then we should clean up and get to bed. Oh, and I’ve got some reading material for you.”

When the two of you parted ways at the door, Heejin left you with a quick hug and a wave, and your heart wouldn’t stop pounding.

-

“How’s tutoring Heejin been? I’ve seen the two of you giggling together in the hallway. It seems like there’s a lot more than tutoring going on.” Hyewon cornered you one day as you parted ways with Heejin outside the Ravenclaw portrait (she’d decided to walk you back to your dorms, and you’d be lying if it didn’t make your heart skip a beat).

“Don’t be silly. I’m trying to make sure that she doesn’t blow us all up one day.” You tried your best to scoff like you would have before you met Heejin, but your heart just wasn’t with it. Plus, your heart was beating like crazy, and you were pretty sure your ears were red. Hyewon just smiled and raised her eyebrows.

“But you like her.”

You swallowed and ducked around her, her heart shuddering in your chest. You couldn’t even try and deny it anymore, but that didn’t mean you were confident enough to say it. Not when Heejin looked like a cute, confused bunny, or when her smile was as radiant as the sun.

“Shut up,” you said, for a lack of anything else to say. Hyewon just snickered and followed you inside.

-

Heejin had slowly wiggled her way into your heart with her cute smile and her soft hair and her scrunched up nose when she concentrated. The tutoring sessions were still tutoring, you still taught her potions and answered any questions she had, but there was more... talking. Getting to know each other. Smiling and laughing.

They’d turned into something you looked forward to at the end of the day, and you wondered if Heejin felt the same way.

One thing was for sure, though. She was improving in potions every day. Soon, she wouldn’t even need your help anymore.

And you weren’t sure what you’d do when that happened.

-

“Whatever you’re doing to help Heejin, it’s working. She’s improving exponentially.” The professor smiled widely at you, and you did your best to smile back. Usually, you’d love hearing teacher’s praise, but this time, you felt a sense of dread.

“Thank you, sir.”

“You know, if she passes this upcoming test, she won’t even need help anymore. We’re going to be brewing Draught of Peace, and if she can successfully brew that, she can brew anything!”

Your heart dropped. It was just as you’d expected. Your days with Heejin were coming to a close. But you smiled anyway, nodding as the professor looked at you. You couldn’t do anything to hurt Heejin’s grades.

“I’ll do my best to make sure she passes.”

-

This time of the year was always a blur, only made worse by your worry over what you’d do once your tutoring sessions ended. Before you new it, it was the day of the big test in potions, and you faltered at the door, not wanting to go inside. Was this what test anxiety was like?

“What’s wrong?” Hyewon asked sleepily, bumping into your back.

“I-I don’t want to go into class today.”

She frowned. “What do you mean? You’ll do fine, you’re the number one student when it comes to potions.”

“That’s not it,” you said, and she finally got it, letting out a little sigh.

“Oh, it’s Heejin.”

“Yeah.”

“Listen, you guys have gotten really close. I don’t think she’ll just drop you after she finally passes something in potions. She doesn’t seem like that type of person.”

“You think so?” You looked at your friend, feeling pathetic for being so scared, and she wrapped an arm around your shoulder.

“I know so. And I’m never wrong. Now let’s get inside before we get points taken away for being late.”

The room was already almost full, only a few straggling students still missing, and you turned to look at Heejin before you could help yourself. She was studying the notes she’d taken with you the day before, her nose scrunched up in concentration, but when you looked up and locked eyes with you, she smiled.

“Good luck,” she said softly as you passed, and you couldn’t help smiling as well.

“Good luck to you too.”

As you reached your seat, you took a deep breath and closed your eyes. You were the best potions student in the school. You had no reason to be nervous. You could do this.

When you opened your eyes again, the ingredient cabinet was open, and you were in the zone. You didn’t think about Heejin, even as much as you wanted to. You focused on your own potion until it was done, then sat back with a sigh and a little smile.

You’d done it.

Then you heard an excited yell behind you, and you turned around to see that Heejin had done it too. Her face was flushed from excitement and she’d smudged something on her face, but she’d finished the potion. And she hadn’t blown anything up.

“Very good, Heejin,” the professor said with a smile. “I’m impressed.”

“Thank you!” She beamed from his praise, almost glowing as she stepped away from her table, and you couldn’t look away. Not even when she turned and locked eyes with you, or when she began to walk around her table.

The next thing you knew, your arms were full of one Jeon Heejin, and she was hugging you tight. She also smelt distinctly of vanilla and flowers, and you wondered for a moment if her lips would be as soft as her face was against yours before she pulled away and you snapped out of it.

“I did it! And it’s all because of you!” She was still smiling, holding onto your shoulders, and her smile was too contagious not to smile back, even if you felt a little sad as you did.

“It was your hard work and willingness to learn that made you succeed. I just helped. I’m proud of you.” At your words, the tips of her ears colored pink with pleasure and she glanced down, uncharacteristically shy.

“Thank you. For everything.”

“Of course.”

It wasn’t until class was ending and everyone was moving towards the doors that you had the courage to tell her. Swallowing, you patted her shoulder and put on a fake smile. “Congratulations again. I was happy to tutor you.”

She smiled, but then it faded a bit as your words sank in. “What do you mean by that?”

“The professor said that, if you passed this test, you wouldn’t need my help anymore. But I had a lot of fun with you, and I’m proud of how far you came.”

“Oh.” Her face fell and you wanted to cheer her up, to hug her, to do something, but one of her friends came to her side, whining about how hard the test had been, and she cleared her throat. “Um, I had fun too. Thank you again. I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah,” you said, giving her a little wave. “See you around.”

You turned to watch her walk away once you were outside the classroom, and Hyewon sighed.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I couldn’t.”

“But you guys obviously like each other. Come on, I could have cut that tension with a knife.”

You turned away, clutching your books tighter. You didn’t know why you hadn’t said anything, but the words just hadn’t come out. All you could do was shake your head at Hyewon and say “I know.”

-

Once the evening rolled around, you found yourself restless. Laying in bed didn’t seem right, but neither did doing homework, and eventually you grew frustrated with distracting yourself and stood up, throwing on your shoes and heading out of the dorms. You no longer had the key, but you figured a walk to the potions classroom might help you feel better.

As you approached, you saw a figure sitting outside the doors, her head leaned back against the wall. Your heart stopped and, for a moment, you stopped too. Could it be? When you started walking again, your heart was pounding in your chest, the beating only getting faster as you got closer and the figure turned to look at you.

It was Heejin. And she was smiling.

“I was hoping you’d come.”

You found yourself smiling as well as you shoved your hands into your pockets and stopped in front of her. “Sorry, I don’t have the key,” you said, even though you knew that wasn’t what she was waiting for. Sure enough, she just laughed before standing to her feet.

“I really like you, (Y/N),” she said bluntly, and your heart did a back flip inside your chest. So this was the brave Gryffindor that had been inside Heejin this whole time. “And I don’t want to stop seeing you. Even if it’s not tutoring, I want to be around you.”

“I like you too,” you admitted, relieved to finally have the feelings off your chest. You felt giddy and nervous, yet it was so right at the same time. “And I don’t want to stop seeing you either.”

“Good.” She stepped closer to you, her eyes sparkling in the candlelit hallway. “Then let’s date.”

“Okay.”

You usually weren’t one to be bossed around. But this time, as you smiled widely and pulled your hands out of your pockets to reach out and grab her hands instead, you found you didn’t mind. You also found that Heejin’s lips were just as soft as her skin when she giggled and leaned in to kiss you, silently sealing the deal with her gentle vanilla-scented touch.

[g--r-e--e-n]

Of herbs and riddles Pt.1

Pairing: GN! MC x Satan.

Content: Fantasy AU for Obey me! MAX that was supposed to be posted as a whole but I can't fully finish it on time so at least have this :')

Warnings: It says hell at some point but I'm not sure if that's a swearword. Pretty sure anything else is not worrying, please tell me if you think otherwise so I can properly tag any sort of danger away!

(Edit: Apparently says "hell" several times. Sue me or something, I'm already crying either way.)

"Good morning, sir!" You cheerfully welcomed the young man crossing your apothecary's door. "How may I help you?"

He smiles softly, reaching the counter and looking you with the most beautiful piercing eyes you had ever seen.

"Good morning to you too." The man greets elegantly, his golden hair reflecting the candlelight filling your modest shop, the morning sun still to weak to allow the flames to die as they had been made to. By his clothes and the softness of his long and slender fingers, you soon understood he was one of those few big fishes passing by this small pound that your village is. "My dear brother has gained quite a wicked heartburn after a rather copious dinner. I was hoping you would have some remedy for his condition."

"Sure thing, sir!" You gladly answered. You loved your work as much as it was possible, and having such an interesting customer was definitely a plus, specially since foreigners were known for their generous tips. "Let me see..."

You begin wandering around your store, the magic candles now dying to let the soft sun come through the window.

The young blonde man stared quietly at you, following you quietly and looking over your shoulder towards the dried leaves and small bottles. He had seen many in his books, old as time itself, yet memorizing all of them would've been imposible within a mortal lifetime. However, instead of jealous, he felt mesmerized. There were little things he admired as much as knowledge, and you were filled with it.

Getting his head our from those thoughts, you turned around with some little bags.

"Give him a cup of chamomile tea and root of Ginger, he shall be fine sooner than a cock sings. If he's not, come over again and I'll give you a special bred of tea I'm working on." You started walking towards the counter again, closely followed by your customer and the smell of the herbs. "Giving him something to chew on rather than eat could help him too, if you feel on a rush."

"Thank you" He absentmindedly replied, the jewels in his eyes lost in the little bags you handed over, a slight hope blossoming in your chest. He said nothing about being unable to come again, so perhaps he was a newcomer rather than a traveler. "How much?"

"Two pieces for the root, the rest is on the house" you replied, keeping your smile as you handed the goods over. "After all, you're new here, aren't you?"

Your client stared at you, taking the plants and handing you the money ever so graciously you felt like you had met an angel. Four coins weighted down your hand.

"That we are." He softly said, a smile to his face. "My older brother came for a gig, he was the main wizard in the neighboring village, but he soon fell in love with this land of yours and made all of us tag along."

There was something this guy wasn't telling you, you just knew.

"Are you a wizard too, sir?"

"Not quite. I'm just a librarian." He vaguely answered, shrugging. "And I better get home before my brothers begin to grief me."

You let go a soft laugh, as he flashed you another of his smiles, turning his back to you, hand waving in the air as his silhouette.

"Wait!" You stopped him. You needed his name, something, anything, and you didn't even know why.

"Yes..?"

"... Don't let him drink milk. Makes it worse."

He laughed a bit, saying something you didn't quite want to hear, too embarrassed. What the hell had just happened?

You sighed, trying your best to keep on working, sorting your material and attending the folk with a smile brighter than the sun itself.

You had made yourself a name thanks to your knowledge, being one of the few fools to dedicate your life to science when magic was a thing. Nobody would've betted anything on you, but here you were, healing people better than any witch ever could, knowing by heart every plant that grew around your hometown.

It had been hard, but you felt like you were living a good life. You felt happy with your own situation, and after the librarian's visit, you could barely keep your heart from bouncing in excitement, hoping to meet him again.

Your chance, of course, took you fully by surprise, way sooner than expected.

It had been four days, and you were about to close after a pretty exhausting day of work when the librarian entered the place, any complains dying on your throat at the sight of his worry.

"Good evening sir, are you alright? Is it your brother again?"

You walked over to him, concern painted all over your face, but not daring to invade his personal space.

"No. Yes. What you gave me last time worked marvelously. It's not that." He sighed, closing his eyes for a second. You could see the dark skin under them. "It's other brother, actually. He's a reckless young man, and got himself in a fight. His condition is not serious, but he keeps on complaining about the scars that might be left in his face. Do you think you could help him?"

Oh. So his brother was that one idiot that tried to get away without paying from the butcher. God, you hoped he wasn't too bad.

"Yes, sure, one second." You nod before looking from plants again, his gaze fixed upon them as last time, making you somehow nervous. Perhaps a little conversation could help, while you grab the herbs. "So... Have you been sleeping fine, sir? You seem rather tired to me."

You slowly turn around, some bottles resting in your arms, softly clinking against each other as you walked towards the counter.

"I'm reading a book full of riddles." He admitted, feeling oddly at ease withing your little shop. "This far I've solved them all, yet there's one that I can't quite lay my finger on."

You start mixing substances, peeling carefully some aloe.

"Well, why don't you tell me the riddle? Maybe I can help you out."

The librarian stared at you in disbelief. Did you really think you could solve something he didn't?

Of course, he didn't really want to refuse, and would much rather see you fail by yourself.

"Sure thing" he says with a smile, his eyes shining dangerously. "I am valued by men, fetched from afar, Gleaned on the hill-slopes, gathered in groves,

In dale and on down.

All day through the air,

Wings bore me aloft, and brought me with cunning

Safe under roof.

Men steeped me in vats.

Now I have power to pummel and bind,

To cast to the earth, old man and young.

Soon he shall find who reaches to seize me,

Pits force against force, that he's flat on the ground,

Stripped of his strength if he cease not his folly,

Loud in his speech, but of power despoiled

To manage his mind, his hands or his feet.

Now ask me my name, who can bind men on earth,

And lay fools low in the light of day."

You rise an eyebrow, sealing mixing your little beverage with as much energy as you could gather.

"Sir, you must be kidding me. How could not figure that out?" You questioned, staring at the liquid to check it's colour and quality. "It's mead. Honey mead, they make some at the monastery up the hill. At times I use it to make some of my beverages taste nice, it makes any biter taste disappear."

The librarian blinks a couple times. He had thought wine to be the answer, which apparently was a close call, but whatever you were talking about didn't really ring a bell.

"It's an alcoholic beverage, right?

"Never tried it?" You were rather surprised, really. He looked like a fine man, one of those who would attend hundreds of fancy dinners. How can he not know his liquors?.

"My brothers don't like me drinking." He admits, a defeated smile to his soft lips. "I pretty much stick to tea most of the time."

"At least it's healthy!" You smile at hin, handing the mix. "Here you go, sir. It's oily and a bit thick, the onion extract might itch a bit, but worry not, it'll work perfectly. Rub it against any mark your brother might have left and it will soon be gone. If the mark happens to be darker than his skin, cut a lemon in two and rub it against the wound."

"Thank you." The blonde man smiled cheerfully, your conversation very obviously pleasing him. You had no idea how close he was to ripping the book's pages apart because of that damn riddle. "How much?"

"Two coins shall suffice, sir!" You handed him your gooey mix, receiving five whole coins in exchange. Your eyes wide . "Sir, I beg your pardon, but isn't this a bit too much? You already paid me double last time!"

He shakes his head gently.

"Two for the medicine, two for the riddle, and one for humouring me. What is it but fair?"

He messed up your hair before you could complain, soon heading home to his brothers, leaving the fire grow on your cheeks, too stunned to even close the shop as you were supposed to.

You couldn't help but find yourself hoping to meet him again, waiting for another three days to go by. Your dear librarian, however, took very little time.

In two days, he was already in front of you again, while you attended your neighbor's cuts, not allowing yourself to get your attention from the poor man no matter how handsome your new favorite customer was.

In a few minutes, your neighbor had already paid and waved you goodbye, happy as ever. You couldn't stop yourself from smiling like a fool, loving your job, before finally paying the librarian some attention.

"Good afternoon, sir! How may I help you today?"

"It's one of my brothers" he said, to none of your surprises. Honestly, he must be wasting a fortune in helping them. How many brothers did he even have? "He's been failing asleep during his shift at work, through his studying lessons, and I'm afraid he'll end up sleeping his days away. Would you be able to help me?"

You nood, soon heading to fish some herbs, as always followed by the tall man and his cryptic gaze. You didn't even know his name yet, but something about him felt like meeting an old friend.

"You know, I usually would give you some green tea, but..." You softly smile, pulling something from the bottom of your shelf before facing the young man, showing him your little treasure. "A friend of mine likes to travel. At times, he brings me this to help me whenever I feel tired or sick. I'm not exaggerating when I say it makes miracles! It's called Siberian Gingsen, but you might as well call it the holy grail. Just please remember to keep the dosage small and preferably during mornings, unless you want your brother to stay awake all night. "

Your customer nods, listening closely.

"Your brother does not have any heart issues, does he?" You ask, slightly ridding off your excitement. "We could try something else then."

He softly shakes his head.

"No, don't worry. That little brat is surprisingly healthy seeing as how he spends his days doing nothing." He sighs. As much as he enjoyed Belphegor's company, at times it was a bit worrying. No human should sleep this much without being considered dead. "How much is it?"

You stare at the Gingsen, struggling a bit. You had never thought of actually selling it, but it's not like you needed it anyways, so that's not really a reason to rise the prize. Still, it's an imported good, right?

You sigh, realizing you needed an assistant more than you'd like to, before going back to your default smile.

"Two coins shall suffice, sir!" You gifted him a smile Satan knew he would not forget in some days now. Despite his blush, he handed you four coins. "Sir, please..."

"Two for the remedy. Two for... Going to the fair tomorrow?" His words surprised you, and even if you tried your best to hide it, you were red up to your ears. "I heard from some villagers you don't usually frequent that sort of events, so I really won't mind it if you decline, but... I think we could have a nice time there."

His gentle, genuinely caring tone softly melted your heart, sweet as belladonna and just as dangerous.

You didn't really have a life aside from the shop and, at times, the market. All your free time was spent diving between pages, looking for all the information you could gather, and something in this almost stranger's eyes told you he wasn't really a party kind of person. God, ge didn't even know honey wine.

"Sir, I... I don't even know your name." You mumbled, confused, not used to how blunt this gentleman was, not even moving his eyes, calling yours like light calls a moth.

"Oh. Right." He said, faking surprise, not really willing to admit he liked being called "sir" ever so politely, fairly sure it would ruin the whole mood. "I'm Satan. A pleasure to meet you..."

He expectantly looked at you, and soon you gifted him your name, his new favorite sound.

"And now that you have a name to call me by, will you come to our little date?" He tried his best to sound secure, fearing he already knew the answer. "I'm sorry, I hope I'm not coming off as too strong. I just-"

"No, it's fine. Why not?" You smile as you best can, still nervous, but way too afraid the situation would worse with Satan's lose tongue. "Let's meet tomorrow morning at the fountain, shall we? Usually there's music as early as sunrise, I'm sure you'll adore it."

"Then I'll trust you" he answered, genuinely glad this turned out so nicely. It almost seemed like a dream. "Now, I shall go before that brother of mine falls asleep again."

And just as elegantly as he had entered, he left, his image lingering in your memory for a while.

A date.

You were having a date.

A date with the gorgeous foreigner who just so happened to frequently visit your shop.

A date with Satan.

What the hell.

[hpdabbles]

Luminescent Eyes

For @yammalammadingdong123  who asked for “Harry Potter/George Weasley/Fred Weasley soulmate au”. 

Soul mates were a tricky thing in the wizarding world. Everyone and their mom had a different opinion about what they were. 

People like their own mother, Molly, believed that a soul mate was a romantic partner meant to complete your life while others like their father, Arthur,  believed soul mates were a missing part of you that you could live without if needed to and that they didn’t have to be romantic. 

If you were to ask George or Fred they tell you it was a mix of the two. They like to think they didn’t need a romantic partner to be complete but would like to have that sappy lovey-dovey relationship regardless. 

 It was slightly different for them, however, as everyone knew a pair of magical twins always tended to be each other soul mates. 

One of the wizarding world’s unexplainable phenomenons and often got people like their mother’s pants in a twist when it was pointed out that a soul mate didn’t have to be romantic. 

People argued that magical twins were exceptions not expectations. Outliners that shouldn’t be counted. 

Fred and George didn’t mind too much. Their magic pulled to each other and they contemplated each other, life was whole when they were near each other. No one could come between them. 

They complimented each other and while it wasn’t the “completion” that people spoke about the redheaded twins always felt that it was right. They liked being Fred and George, a part of a pair but all the same separate when it counted.

Not that anyone really could tell. Sometimes it felt like people forgot the “And” in Fred and George and just thought of them as Fred/George. When they were younger it agitated them, especially since it felt that no one cared about which twin they spoke to. They didn’t care if one of them disappeared because a replacement was already set up.

Bill could tell them apart on occasion but that was only due to their brother always paying attention to small details- a reason he was such a good curse breaker- it wasn’t due to what other people had.

Where they had an identity right off the beater’s bat.

Eventually they turn it into a joke. If people were confusing them on purpose why not make them feel bad about it? Why not have them guess which was George and Fred. Why not make Gred and Feorge a joke at their expense instead of the twins? 

It was their first prank which quickly turns into their passion. Mischief was the new path of life they eagerly walked. Things were fine, they had each other and everyone could fight about what a soul mate was.

That was until they meet him.

At the time they had no idea why their magic urges them to walk away from the family at the train station, their feet moved on their own until they came upon a young boy who was struggling to get his trunk on board. George has always been the kinder of the twins, which he proved by offering some help.

The boy had been shocked, staring up at them from his clothes in the same condition as their own and broken glasses,  and George remembers thinking “One of us. Another poverty child”. It made him smile which spur on the child to accept their help.

Together the twins had loaded the trunk onto the train waving the boy’s soft thank you. 

“What are your names?” The boy asked.

“I’m Fred” Fred answered truthfully which meant George had to give his real name as well. To make it fun, he added an exaggerated wink as if though to say George isn’t my real name. 

He wonders how long it’ll take the boy to believe that. He stands and waits for the dark-haired boy to get confused so they can lunch a new prank always looking for chances to do so.

 Instead, they are surprised by the boys’ green eyes giving off a luminescent green as if though someone had placed a light right behind the pair of pupils for a moment. 

The only other person he has ever seen that happen to was Fred, back when they had been laying in the crib together and had rolled over to stare at each other for the first time on their own. 

 Fred's first word had been a broken attempt of “Geo-org” but it had been enough. His brother’s blue eyes had lightened up the same way when he gave back a babble of “Fe-ed”. And that had sealed their pact back before they had even grown their teeth. 

But-how?

“I’m Harry” Harry says as if though he hadn’t noticed the identification of a soul mate. “Harry Potter” 

It’s only because of how they are standing that George is able to catch the light of both his and Fred’s pulls lighting up, in the railing above Harry’s head. The boy jumps slightly then he stares  “Your eyes....”

“Good day than Harry! Do hope you enjoy your ride!” Fred cuts in cheerfully, tipping an invisible hat at him and strolling away with a cheerful strut and carefree whistle. George is right behind him smiling widely as if though neither he or his brother were doing what they were doing.

Which was running away, because new soul mate meant it was time to get the fuck out of there so they could figure out what the hell that meant. It wasn’t until they found their family again and they let Harry’s name leave their lips that they even connect the fact Harry is the Boy-Who-Live. 

They try to stay away for the rest of the trip even though Ron managed to get a seat with Harry. They have to think. 

When Harry is sorted into Griffindor they offer him a wide grin, which Harry shyly returns back. George’s stomach flips for no apparent reason. He doesn’t like it but oddly enough he doesn’t hate it either.

Later that night Harry stops by the third year’s corner to wish them goodnight, acting as if though he didn’t cross the common room to do so and somehow missed the upper years watching in confusion. Years tended to only interact with their own. 

“Good night Fred,” He says first to the twin on the ground before locking eyes with George who was lounging like a graceless cat on the couch. “Good night George. I hope you sleep well.”

George's stomach fips again, twisting in nervous excitement as he notices Harry had refrained from using any word of plural. That had been a message for each of them separately. He had acknowledged them separately. 

He can’t help but grin though when he saw a chance to mess with him. “I’m not George. I’m Fred”

“And I’m George” Fred picks up without missing a beat. George can see that his brother’s left-hand fingers twitching slightly letting him know his own stomach isn’t as settled as he likes to make people think. 

His friends all roll their eyes fondly but Harry shakes his head before anyone can let him know it’s okay to confuse them. “No you’re not.”

“Excuse me? I’m pretty sure I know which twin I am” Fred jokes. 

“You’re not George, you’re Fred,” Harry says adorably stubborn, “You said so on the train.”

“I think you have me confused with my brother. We are identical”

Harry’s brow crinkles in confusion. He looks around the room just now realizing people are looking at him and right before their eyes he folds in on himself slightly. George resists the urge to reach out and comfort me, baffled by the sudden knowledge that Harry likes it when someone plays with his hair to calm down. 

The boy’s green eyes are locked on his sleeve before lifting his chin to stare right into Fred’s own pair somehow both shy and daring. “You may look alike but you aren’t exact copies. I can tell your Fred. Isn’t it a bit silly to play pretend at your age?”

George jaw drops as Harry swings around to march back to the First-year dorm his robes blowing behind him and suddenly, he knows.

“Our other half-”

“-is bloody perfect”

They grin at each other promising without words that they will wait two more years for Harry to get older before they make a move.

The twins have always believed soul mates could be a romantic complement, not one’s complement, and that if they ever did have someone they would love it would be someone that would try to come between them. 

Now in Harry, they may have found just that. Maybe magic really was onto something when it matched them together at birth and made them wait three years for Harry to come into the world.

“Oh no” Lee Jordan groans  “That’s not we just thought of a prank smile that a I’m in love smile. Please don’t point that thing at me. I refuse to be the poor idiot you two menses have feelings for. What half are you lot going on about?”

“What kind of a best friend are you,” Fred asks from the ground with a laugh  “Can’t you tell we’re talking about our soul mate here? He’s our future husband”

“I thought you were each other soul mates?” Lee asks without much worry. Their friend had always a strange sense of priorities.  “Incest.”

“No.”

“Not incest?”

“No.”

George did not like the idea of snogging Fred thank you very much, but Harry on the other hand.... his face started to warm up.  

“Harry Potter is our soul mate”

Lee tilts his head considering that.  “Does he feel like a homey house?”

“What?” 

“My grandmother said a soul mate feels like a house that can feel homey. Not that you lived there before but a place you feel to your bones the very first moment you walk in that you can belong there. A house that feels homey and welcoming without trying.”

George thinks that over and yeah...yeah that’s exactly what Harry felt to him. Like something he knew in a dream but somehow very real. He had felt connected with him without a real reason. He felt like home.

Lee studies their faces, one of the only people in the world who came close to knowing what went on in their heads. It may have something to do with Lee being someone who likes details as much as Bill, but he rather point them out to observers then built them into an answer for a curse reversal. 

A reason Lee is the Quidditch announcer then player. The other reason is that Lee screams like someone set his pants on fire whenever he gets on a broom. Scary Cat.

“Then he is your soul mate. How are you going to woo him?”

“Pranks,” They say together at once

Lee laughs “I’m pretty sure he won’t like that. Didn’t you see the way he was twirling his fingers into his sleeves? He doesn’t like attention.”

“Then how do we get him to like us?”  Pranks were all that the twins had. Without them, there wasn’t anything that made them different to the other Weasleys running around. 

Lee throws them a smother, pressing his hands on his chest dramatically “Trouble in love, ah to be young? Maybe the Maunders might have a idea”

Which meant was just as hopeless in the love department as they were. Not that it matters. Surely Prongs, who often boasted about having the pretty’s red-headed girl's attention, would know how to win Harry over.

Later that night, as the rest of the Gryffindor third years sleep, the twins are shocked that Prongs writes nothing but threats to spear their manhoods after admitting who they were attempting to woo. Why would their hero be so against them chasing Harry? His age?

They already swore to wait till Harry’s third year since eleven seem awful young anyway. It doesn’t help that Moony and Padfoot add their own threats of tearing them apart if they lay one finger on  “Sweet innocent little Potter”

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

Infinity War (6)

CHAPTER 6: TRUST

Loki & The Avengers

Summary: A work inspired by @queencfthestarsdrfoster ‘s post of the universe where Loki is alive and Thor is avenged.

Series: Will contain all- and more- that we saw in Infinity War. Will not contain smut and fluff for obvious reasons. Might contain weird humor though.

Chapter content: story time. emotions time. new science bros time?

Warnings: talk about the past

Word count: So my cousin wanted to make sure I knew how to smoke before I wasted his precious joint. I wasted good five drags of his cigarette because I kept ‘mouth-fagging’ (heard that for the first time) but when it came to the joint, I kinda (in my sister-in-law’s words) aced it. Now, this in no way means any of you little ones reading this are encouraged to do this. I am a twenty-five year old idiot who does not know how to breathe right. You guys are better than me. And I kinda impressed my cousin by showing them Tari’s little pet. Hehe.

MASTERLIST & Taglist in bio, my love

“We’ll be landing in ten minutes. You better have something up your sleeve for these people.”

Loki smirks at Rhodey. “Is our beloved Captain going to be there?” The curiosity is laced with pure mischief. So much that even Tony can smell it from the cockpit.

Rhodey crosses his arms across his chest and tilts his head at the God. “What is it with you and Steve? You have a crush on him or something?”

Loki shrugs and leaves the silence to be taken as whatever answer they please. Giving up, Rhodey walks and seats himself down in the cockpit next to Tony, who does not seem as welcoming to the company. “What are you doing here? Go in sit the back with the Grinch.”

“Relax, he’ll be fine,” Rhodey reassures, lying back into the seat.

“I didn’t mean-”

“I know who you mean. The wizard is back there too.”

“That guy is on some meditative high floating about like-”

“Relax!”

Loki looks in the direction before easing himself into his seat. The soft streak of light coming in from ahead falls on his dehydrated and wounded skin. For a simple moment, the warmth on his face feels beautiful. It feels free. This star always had a different effect on him; to the point that Loki closes his eyes for a brief moment and soaks up as much of that warmth as it can. His Jotun form feels a different comfort for those minute specs of time and all the memories of the day he has had, float in the space of his mind. No noise. Just the inaudible pictures running at a slow pace, every grain of colour remembered just as it was. Every fire, every explosion, every tear down the eyes, every tear in the enemy’s skin, every drop of blood lost, every drop of blood avenged. The space shows it all till it brings him back on earth, in this jet, under the sun rays falling on him till he starts to feel a chill on his neck.

Loki opens his eyes and sighs, tired as he is. He knows what is the cause of his discomfort- nothing harmless. It’s just that he is still not used to the little human looking at him with the curiosity of a child with those huge dark eyes and surprisingly not scared of him or judging him unlike his father. Scratch that; from his mentor.

“I know you are curious,” Loki utters, his head still resting on the headrest of the seat, tired of life in general, “just ask what you want.”

Peter’s eyes light up, his body adjusting itself in the seat next to Loki on its own. “Oh, okay,” he begins, making Loki wonder in slight surprise how long has this kid been holding himself back, “why did Thanos use you in Battle of New York? How did he get to you? Like did he leave you a text or something or was a like a proper meeting where he called you in his dungeon? Or did he booby trap you to get there? And once you said no, did he like put some spell on you? And why didn’t you tell your brother about it? Thor would’ve helped you, right? And I heard he’d taken you back to Asgard once the battle ended. So, like, you guys must have talked then. Thor must know about Thanos too. Did you make a plan on how to take him down? Are there more necklaces out there like Doctor Strange has? What do they do? Are they here? On earth? Will Thanos be coming to earth to get them? Do we make up a battle plan to stop him? Will we be able to stop him? If we don’t stop him what’s gonna happen?”

Peter finally breathes, something Loki is surprised to witness. Such concern weighing down those young bright eyes. And to think he once had the same fervour. Once. The pocket dimension is accessed to bring out a green packet. Peter eyes it as pale fingers tear it apart from one side to reveal little violet spheres inside, their smell reaching those inquisitive little nostrils.

“Here,” Loki offers them to him.

“Kids don’t take things from strangers here,” Tony announces from the cockpit. Rhodey looks back while Strange opens one eye to observe whatever it is Loki holds.

“It’s chocolate, Stark. Calm down and fly your toy. Take one while you’re at it. It will help get rid of your anxiety for a while,” the God declares.

 “It’s fine, Stark,” Strange adds, going back into his meditative pose, “it’s harmless.”

Peter has already popped one in his mouth, the expression on his face reflecting- without any filters- how good it must be. “It’s better than any I’ve ever tasted before!”

Loki smiles at him, feeling one softly crunch under his teeth. With a content sigh, he begins.

“Before the battle of New York, the last time I saw my family was when I tried to take over Asgard. I had a falling out with my...with the Allfather. And Thor. He was to be announced the king by Odin but I felt it was not the right thing to do because he was not ready to take over that role yet. So, I did what I thought the best. I conspired with the Jotuns. They are...were at one time a species bent on dominating the world, monsters in the eyes of all. I did so to delay Thor’s kingship and destroy the Jotuns once and for all. What I did not know at that time was that I...was one of them.”

“The Jotuns?”

“Yes. I was a Jotun who, when an infant, had been taken away by Odin to be raised as his own. I had been abandoned by my father because unlike those frost giants, I was weak and small and hence a disgrace to the king to whom I was born as a son. So, I was left at the alters of forgotten temples where Odin decided my fate after he won the battle against the Jotuns. I was raised just like my brother to look at the frost giants as monsters; the greatest evil of the world. Once I realised what I was, and tried to do right by...Odin, I killed my father, the Jotuns and when that did not suffice...I killed myself.”

Loki can see the emotions brewing in Peter’s eyes. He notices the silence going further than just these puppy eyes, at the foreign ears pretending to be in a world of their own but paying full attention to whatever history is unfurling around them.

“Then?” Peter is almost too afraid to ask.

“Then the universe decided to intervene,” he continues, “I was supposed to die once sucked into a wormhole. But somehow I survived. I figured it was the accelerated healing due to the Jotun blood that flows through me. Or maybe it was a magic that had long protected me from the world. Either way, I found myself on a barren moon, half alive, waiting to die till it felt much arduous than living itself. I gathered whatever strength I had to walk. And walk I did till I found the lowest of life living in the dark corners. I mixed within, to survive before I found resources to move to other planets and lay low. It was an easy task once I regained my strength. I was able to shapeshift into what people wanted to see. The underbelly of certain galaxies found my talents with magic quite useful, which got them objects nowhere within the reach of normal aliens and I got to live on the highest price paid for my efforts. They did not go unnoticed by the assassins who were looking for someone like me to do their bidding. The only downside was they belonged to Thanos and I was going to be paid in kind.”

“In kind?”

“In kind.”

“I don’t ge-oh...Oh...I’m so sorry.”

“Their kindness came with the price of my sanity. Not that I was a completely balanced being before. But Thanos made sure I was moulded into a weapon he could use to wage war on Earth to get him the stone he desired. The space stone. It was-”

“In the tesseract that SHIELD discovered with Captain Rogers,” Peter quips in enthusiastically before he absorbs the hint of amusement lining Loki’s face. “I uh...went through some of their files,” he whispers.

“Illegally?” Loki asks in a whisper himself, bending a little in the little one’s direction.

“...maybe,” Peter shrugs, making Loki chuckle. “Good boy.” The praise takes him by surprise, but it makes his eyes lighter nonetheless.

“Now, Thanos would have invaded earth ages ago if he wanted to. But he did not do it because the last time his henchmen tried to, someone had sent them running back with their tails between their legs. Some say it was a witch that glowed. Others said it was a demon. And the ones with brittle egos announced that the earth had sent a God in the shape of a woman to throw them off their guard. Of course, I thought they were making excuses until I saw it for myself.”

“How?”

“It’s a whole story for another day, child. But to be brief, Barton helped me understand a lot of this planet’s history when he was under the influence of the mind stone. And Nicholas Fury has been one busy man.”

“Son of a bitch,” curses come flying from the front of the jet, “I knew it.”

“So, I was a mere pawn in Thanos’ plan to invade earth. I was controlled and forced to bend to his wishes of procuring the stone in exchange for my life. He was inside my head the entire time I was here on earth. Except for all the moments the sceptre was separated from me. That was the only time I was able to keep a part of my conscience alive and sane enough to think of ways to survive while making sure the stones never got into Thanos’ hands again.”

The blue ocean gives way to African lands beneath them, deserts and grasslands stretching for miles. The sun directly above them makes the inside of the flying machine glow brighter, striking off every reflective surface it can find once it finds its way through the glass. And in that brightness, a thought washes away those long-forgotten anxious bugs sitting in some dark corners of Tony’s mind. The bugs that had sucked on his own rationality ever since the battle of New York. The questions he wanted to ask the God himself but never had the time or resources for it.

“It was you,” Tony declares as his dark honey eyes looked at some void in the distance outside, “you built the failsafe in the portal.”

“Of course, I built the failsafe in the portal. What am I, a monster?” Loki scoffs in Tony’s direction, clearly being bothered by the fact that it only dawned the genius now. “Doctor Selvig helped me with the restricted technology you people had and I made sure there was a way to stop the attack. And a way to stop me. And not to mention I could not have let the earth be destroyed or I would not have heard the end of it from Thor or his girlfriend.”

“Oh tone it down, Maleficent, you killed Phil,” Tony fumes.

“Oh relax, he is alive!” Loki sings back, annoyed.

The jet feels a turbulent jerk before finding its balance but throwing Strange off his. Turning on autopilot, Tony gets up and walks in the back to face Loki. “What did you just say?”

Loki can see all the shades slowly crawling over Tony’s face- anger, denial, resentment, shock, more denial, fury…

“Go ahead,” Loki challenges, “ask Fury.”

“...you killed eighty people.”

“Collateral damage. I’m not a saint either.”

Only the hum of the engine makes up for this deafening silence between these two that makes Rhodey, Peter and Strange uncomfortable. Soon enough, Tony sits down opposite Loki, taking all three of them by surprise.

“Ignoring that statement for now,” Tony narrowed his eyes at Loki, “after Thor took you back-”

“I was imprisoned, Thor’s girlfriend discovered the aether and my mother was killed, the dark elves were destroyed and Thor was given the freedom to go back to the love of his life.”

“That was you too, wasn’t it?” Tony added without a pause. “You sent Thor away. And if I’ve seen the pattern correctly, you sent the aether away and kept the Tesseract on Asgard.”

Loki lets the smirk play on his lips. He is impressed by Stark’s deductions and the same time is internally a little envious of not having met this man during a better time. The things we could have achieved together.

“Yeah,” Tony nods only slightly, giving that two-second smirk that vanishes as quickly as it had appeared, “smart move. Sending your family away. Keeping the stones apart. Thor told me his father made peace treaties when he left. So, adding to the previous list you increased Asgard’s defences in case Thanos ever came looking for you or the stones there.”

“Stop before you start sounding impressed, Stark,” Loki mentions with a gentle smile, “this colour does not suit you.”

“Rest it, daddy issues,” Tony chimes, “I’m only appreciating your strategies. Not really a fan of this persona. Never have been.”

Loki does not miss the tick in Tony’s beard as his fingers move in some calculative thought. “What has been bothering me is you had it all- every piece of information on that bastard and never once did you bother to warn anyone. Not even your brother. Do you have any idea how much lives could have been saved had you kept your fucking ego aside and tried to make amends for all the crap you put people through.”

It isn’t much but the reflection of the warm glow from the sun outside touches Loki’s eyes enough to reflect a veiled pain behind those few fast blinks and the movement of his fingers on his other palm. If hadn’t been for his own experience, Tony would have missed reading Loki’s shallow breaths, the urge to fight off the tears building in those tired edges, the sweat collecting on his neck.

“Tell me honestly, Anthony Stark,” Loki states, catching Tony off guard for a fraction of second, “Why, for the love of all things alive, did you not tell your family about the threat you saw coming earlier? And when you did, what exactly did they do?”

Tony opens his mouth just to shut it back up, a thing out of the usual for the people who know this man all too well. He stands up, turns around, only to turn back at Loki and point his finger at him, to try and speak again. And again, he fails. Hands on his hips, he clinches his jaw. “That doesn’t make us the same.”

“Oh, no, it does not,” Loki agrees, “it only shows our shortcomings. Battles on the field are much easier to run into than the battles in our minds.”

There is much disbelief internally but a part of him cannot help but look at Loki in a new light. And Tony curses this part again and again for no reason but the imminent truth that comes out of that Silvertongue.

“We’re here,” Rhodey announces from the cockpit, trying to get Tony to come back and breathe.

“Don’t listen to any advice he gives you,” Tony warns Peter, making the boy nod in uncertainty and the God chuckle in delight. Tony goes back but not before he has taken those exotic chocolates from Peter’s grasp. “First rule of stranges, kid!”

“Those are chocolates, Mr Stark,” Peter whines as he watches Tony walk to the cockpit and take a seat.

He pops one in his mouth, feeling the silken magic work in his mouth.

“You ready?” Rhodey asks his friend, “you’re going in a completely foreign country with a criminal, a magician and a whole lot of unresolved emotions with Cap.”

“Yeah yeah yeah, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Tony remarks, popping another one in his mouth.

“Dammit, why are they so good!” He whispers in surprise, making his best friend roll his eyes and pray for whatever was about to come.