#next one I’ll keep to page size restrictions

[cheapbourbon]

Hunters Knight : Silence is golden

[urhoneycombwitch]

just before bed

husky!neighbor!Eddie x neighbor!reader

foreword: what can I say I’m a sucker for a big man who can pin me down to a bed. not sorry. also no Frank in this one. that one's on me sorry. happy reading xx

husky!neighbor!Eddie mlist

cw: husky!neighbor!Eddie, softdom Eddie, dryhumping, prone position, dirty talk, stomach love, Reader has breasts + vulva, R is fat/plus-sized, R wears a nightie, pet names used, like a lot sorry it's this version of Eddie that really brings it out idk what to tell u!!!

wc: 2.3k

____

Eddie does labor trading on Fridays- a couple of the neighborhood guys bring their cars to get worked on, and Eddie gets through them all in a single afternoon.

Coupled with your corporate meetings that always run long, Fridays leave both you and Eddie worn-out at the end of the day. 

By 9pm, you’re both tucked into Eddie’s cozy bed with the lights low. There’s a soft pillow to cushion your head as you stretch out belly-down beside Eddie, skin warmed and sweet-smelling from your shower. 

“Your water pressure’s so nice,” you sigh into the pillow, arms tucking underneath. “Can’t believe we use mine, at all, when clearly the move is to run naked across the hall to yours.”

Eddie exhales a laugh. “It’s a simple tweak to the flow restriction, I’ll fix you up next time I’m over.” 

He’s settled against the headboard, mass of curls tucked out of the way behind his shoulders while a pair of black reading glasses rests on his nose.

Only in a pair of boxers, too- thick thighs spilling from the seams and everything. 

Normally you’d lunge at the chance to lick his exposed skin all over- but you had to sit through a six hour meeting today, no breaks, and your back is killing, and you’re on the edge of sleep with Eddie’s gentle touches…

One hand holds the pages of his chapter book open while the other makes circles at the small of your back, absently and tenderly, while he reads. Eddie’s palm feels huge in comparison, palm wide and warm over the tender spot that hurts the most.

You’re beginning to think of other places his hands have been. 

It’s been a long day, sure, but you’re certainly not immune to the way he’s just grazing the top of your ass with his fingertips on the downstrokes. 

Or the way his thumb pays special attention to your ribs. 

Or- 

“Squirmin’ a lot, sweetheart,” Eddie comments mildly, eyes not leaving the page. “Back hurt?”

“Yeah.” It’s not totally a lie, your muscles do ache from sitting in an unsupportive office chair all day. “Just my low back’s being a pain. Nothing some sleep won’t fix.”

Eddie tsks, slides a bookmark into his novel before tossing it to the bedside table. The glasses follow, and soon Eddie’s on all fours, swinging a leg over your prone form to rest a careful amount of his weight on your legs (just enough to keep you securely pinned).

“Could let me fix it now,” he suggests, still quiet, knees digging into the mattress at your hips as his hands settle against the silky hem of your nightdress.

“Mmm…” Not the well-spoken protest you were intending, eyes slipping shut when Eddie’s thumbs press into either side of your spine. “Should be lettin’ me do this for you…”

Eddie shushes you, thumbs climbing the length of your spine, unspooling the tension of muscles as he goes. 

There’s a hazy, sleepy energy that pulls at you now, aided by the buttery yellow lamplight, the pressured touch of Eddie’s fingers at your back; it’s not the first time you cast thanks heavenwards for the particular set of muscles Eddie has been bestowed.

There’s so much control in each flex of his arms, the tendons in his wrist, the stabilizing features of his thighs against yours. 

You’re lost in the lull of the moment until the track of Eddie’s hands dip low, again, stopping just shy of your ass before giving the attention back to the tail of your spine.

He doesn’t seem to notice anything amiss, even with your slight squirming. You breathe steadily through your nose, willing your heart to stop the erratic frenzy of beats each time Eddie drags his path downwards.

You are trying to relax, really, but you’re also pretty sure you’ve soaked through the clean cotton pair of undies you meant to wear to bed, and you can’t help but wonder if Eddie can feel it, close as he is to your lower half… 

And then you feel it. The tip of Eddie’s stiff cock, nudging at the inside of your thigh when he overshoots his hand placement and rocks into the backs of your legs.

Eddie must feel it, too, ‘cause he stiffens slightly, brings his hands to a more neutral spot and relieves some of the pressure off your form. 

He sounds a bit sheepish when he whispers an apology, trying to keep the mood subdued- “It’ll go away. Just relax, sweetheart.”

”S’okay.” Your response is partially muffled by the pillow, but in an earnest attempt to absolve Eddie of any guilt, your right hand spreads over the duvet, seeking; next to your ribs, Eddie’s right knee is partially sunk into the mattress. 

By memory, your touch finds the front of Eddie’s barbed wire tattoo, a loop that wraps around to the back of his knee. The black ink is raised, like a little map that begs touch me! every time, and who are you to deny?

Your fingers play mindlessly over the span of skin you can reach, familiar ink lifted to meet you like a lover welcoming you home.

“Honey.” Eddie’s voice is a warning, but you hear the tantalizing edge of something else just below, even as he lifts his hands from you with seemingly herculean effort. “We can’t, tonight, okay? You’re too sleepy for me to get you all worked up-”

“No, wait-” Uncaring if you sound desperate and afraid Eddie’s making a move to leave, your hand tightens over his knee, pulling fruitlessly against his solidness. “-you can just- will you… just use me.”

Eddie swears softly and you know you’ve got him. His hands gravitate back to your sides, traveling down, lower than he’s allowed them to all night, palms spread wide over each cheek of your ass.

Eddie takes a fistful of the silk-covered fat, massaging, and then flips the bottom of your nightie up.

The action exposes your soaked cunt to the cooler air. A gasp leaves your lips when Eddie returns his hands, cool rings quickly leveling to the temperature of your skin, wet noise of your sticky folds audible when he spreads your cheeks apart. 

“Fuck me.” It’s half a growl, a rumble that causes goosebumps to shiver through you. Eddie’s thumb pets a line down your clothed core, exhaling sharp before he says, “Baby. You gonna be good and still?”

“Uh-huh.” It’s the most coherence you can manage with the ensuing flood of hormones that’s threatening to take your speech completely. 

You reach to shove the pillow aside for a better laying-down angle, cheek now pressing into the duvet as Eddie resettles against the backs of your thighs.

The cotton fabric around his aching cock head is already damp when it first makes contact with your ass, Eddie’s grip on your hips like steel as he holds you in place. 

He slides the length of himself against each cheek, a brief moment of intimate fondness; then his hips lower, cock dragging between the squeeze of your thighs, the soaked stripe of your panties.

Even through the layers it’s fucking amazing. Your nerves are on a live wire, barely daring to make noise yourself in favor of hearing Eddie- each pant, moan, and teeth-gritted grunt is sent straight to the beating heart of your clit.

You can feel the callouses on the bridge of Eddie’s palms in stark contrast to the softness of your skin. The same hands that wrench apart metal, that can lift a 75-pound dog like the weight’s no more than a feather- these are the hands on you right now. 

Caressing and holding firm, a perfect mixture of strength and knowing how to use it.

The beating between your legs is too intense to ignore; Eddie rocks forward again and you use the motion to send your right hand down, aiming for the crush of your pelvis against the mattress. 

You’re halfway there when your wrist is caught, a tight circle of Eddie’s fingers stopping the movement. 

“S’posed to be relaxing.” Eddie leans down to make sure he’s heard, warm breath at the sweet spot behind your ear, cock fitting snug into the cleft of your ass. 

He drags your hand back to its spot tucked into the hollows of your shoulder, both of yours now facing down to allow for maximum blanket grippage. 

And then, while he keeps the pressure of his body on yours, Eddie’s right hand fits itself between the duvet and the contours of your stomach. 

Your muscles clench in response, a warbling whine crawling its way from your throat until Eddie shushes you by kissing over the column of it and anywhere else he can reach.

One of Eddie’s favorite parts of you is getting special attention, his thumb sweeping warmth over the pouch of your stomach, hips grinding forward as he murmurs things like, “So soft. Feels so good, baby. Drivin’ me fucking crazy.”

The faint scratch of Eddie’s treasure trail can be felt as he sinks lower, boxers slipping down a bit in his eagerness, wide chest and linked necklace pressing into the planes of your shoulder blades as his middle finger hones in on your clit. 

With a shift of your hips, the angle is perfect- Eddie’s able to grind smoothly while making tight circles on the pulsing heartbeat of your arousal, keeping you both timed to the rhythm in his mind. 

Eddie noses over the side of your neck, a spot he once claimed is the best at holding your scent, inhaling long, exhaling sharp, words coming quicker as he works you both to that edge- “That’s it, sweetheart. Just feel it. Lemme make you feel good, honey, you deserve it.”

A whine claws its way from your chest, breath stuttering same as Eddie’s hips at the noise. Your cunt clenches around nothing as you focus on the electric feeling that starts to spread from the apex of your center, thighs beginning that familiar tightness and shaking.

“Eddie-” it’s the only word that makes sense, right now. You say it again, then again, keening and desperate.

Eddie answers in a slew of choked praise, cock throbbing against you- “Yes, honey, that’s good, baby- gonna fuck you right tomorrow, okay? Don’t worry. Just give me one like this for now. S’okay, baby, let it go.”

The electric feeling lights you up from head to toe, crying out against the duvet as everything tightens, squeezes, and then that blissful free fall to the tune of Eddie’s tandem moans. 

He doesn’t stop the firm and fast circling of your clit, working you through the peak, the aftershocks, the weight of his body along the entirety of yours a grounding comfort as your spasming muscles settle.

Eddie’s left forearm is planted next to your shoulder and he curls his hand around you now, the right one previously between your thighs resurfacing to hold your hip. 

Another few strokes against the swell of your ass and he comes with a low groan, teeth gritted as his forehead drops to your temple.

The quiet that follows is made up of panting breaths returning to normal, soft kisses to your cheek and shoulders, airy and sleepy giggles.

You feel the wet patch of skin on your lower back, leftover from the front of his boxers as Eddie reluctantly peels himself off of you.

“Don’t move,” he instructs with a hand between your shoulder blades- when he’s confident you’ll obey, he ducks into the attached bathroom. A moment later, you hear the sink running. 

Not like you could move, at this rate. Your hands are still tucked into your shoulders,  exhaustion beginning to add to the pull of a post-orgasm sleep. 

Eddie reappears with a warm washcloth, mattress dipping as he sits to lovingly wipe the smears he left on your skin. He runs the cloth over your low back, then slips your underwear off to wipe down between your thighs, careful to return you to your previously-clean state.

He leans to drop a kiss over the fresh expanse of skin, smoothing your nightdress back down before tossing both the washcloth and your underwear into the corner laundry basket. 

“Want me to go grab you a fresh pair?”

Eddie’s sweet to offer but you can’t bear the thought of sending him into the cold night, away from you, no matter how short the distance. 

“Mmm.” You settle for humming in the negative, too tired for much else. A smile pulls at the side of your mouth when you murmur, “Thought you said somethin’ ‘bout fucking me right tomorrow. Don’t need panties for that.”

Eddie chuckles in ill-concealed delight. “Right you are. Smart cookie.”

He leaves your side only to the dresser, pulling on a fresh pair of boxers before settling against the headboard again; his legs stretch into the sides of yours, getting comfortable before reaching for his book again.

You get a good, long look at your boy with the one eye that isn’t smooshed by the mattress. Eddie’s profile is backlit by the lamp- the lovely slope of his nose, the cupid’s bow above plush lips, the curve of his chin- you touch all of these parts in your mind, giving them equal love and attention, making them a meditation to fall asleep to.

Eddie reaches his free hand to rest, warm and big and comforting, over the crown of your head. His thumb strokes a hypnotic pattern against your hairline. 

The last thing you hear for the night, in his gentle baritone-

“Sweet dreams, sweetheart.”

[moongurl95]

Chapter 6.7 – In the Shadow of a Stroll

Sebastian tapped his foot slowly in thought as he waited by the Bell Tower’s main entryway, still left somewhat flustered as to his given duties for the afternoon and the reason why he managed to avoid a wrongly judged detention on his first day of classes…

Obviously, he hadn’t heeded Ominis’ warning on NOT stepping foot in the Library today when he left the blond who was preparing for his first class of the afternoon, whilst Sebastian ignorantly waltzed right pass the shelves of books, already knowing the Library’s way of categorizing its many tomes.   

When Sebastian didn’t find the book he was looking for in the one shelf he knew it was supposed to be placed, he already knew the next course of action he would be doing as he climbed down the 2nd floor stairs and headed straight for Madam Scribner’s desk. It wasn’t really his fault she wasn’t at her station, and it’s not like he had all the time in the world to wait around until the Librarian came back from her rounds, when he knew exactly how to consult with the woman’s Book of Records.

Rowena Ravenclaw’s amassed books that mostly made up Hogwarts’ Library would of course present itself with its own sentient guardian to keep track of its papered treasures, with some of the titles that the Book of Records kept, marking Sebastian’s trips to the Restricted Section during the latter part of his 4th year, when he stumbled upon the Library’s secret “record’s keeper” while reading Ominis’ beloved copy of “The Four Founders”. Turns out, it was Ravenclaw’s way of making her beloved books be more accessible to its students, so Merlin knows why it was only to be seen by Hogwarts’ Librarian now.

“Let’s see… I’m looking for a book—” Upon hearing Sebastian’s voice, the book shook open its pages to reveal an empty compartment hidden between its leaves, making Sebastian snicker in amusement.

“I’m actually looking for a class-related book this time, not to bribe you with anymore bookmarks.” This was in fact the Book’s curious attempt to “hide” any record of the books Sebastian would borrow out of the Restricted Section, the catch was that it required payment in bookmarks of a certain color, size or making. Seeing firsthand how the Library’s guardian ensured that all the books under its care had their own accompanying bookmarks between their weathered pages, Sebastian acquiesced that it was a good few Knuts lost on his part to contribute to the Book’s cause while also researching a cure for his sister. Knowledge always came with a price, one way or another after all.

“The spellbook on ‘Olde and Forgotten Bewitchments and Charmes’, did anyone check it out today?” The Book then started to turn its pages almost sullenly at Sebastian, making the boy sigh in response, “I promise I’ll be back for another book you can request a bookmark for, I just prefer to keep a low profile this week.”

The Book of Records then stopped on a page, subtly giving off a happy glow as it highlighted the book Sebastian was looking for as well as the name of the borrower, who he found himself getting acquainted to as of late…

“Sneaking into places you shouldn’t be on your first day back, Mr. Sallow!”

Sebastian tensed at the shrill reprimand that came from Madam Scribner at seeing him standing by her desk just as the Book of Records quietly closed in on itself, “I was actually hoping to see you on my first day, Madam!” Sebastian put on his best winning smile as he continued charmingly, “But seeing as you weren’t here at a time I was looking for a specific title for class, the Book of Records was kind enough to help me locate it.”  

“Such nonsense! The only thing you’ve been helping is—”

“—The new student.” Another voice spoke up before Madam Scribner could finish her sentence, attempting to grasp her bearings upon seeing their Deputy Headmistress, “Professor Weasley, as you can see, I’ve caught Mr. Sallow somewhere I deemed him inappropriate to be and I think it’s only right that detention is in order—”

“—Which he will be serving under me, Agnes. I assure you, detention will fail in comparison to what’s in store for him this afternoon.”

Sebastian couldn’t help raise his eyebrows at what Professor Weasley had said, but remained silent as he watched Scribner be content at the thought that he was in more trouble now that the Deputy Headmistress was involved.

“Come now Mr. Sallow, we’ve places to be.” Casting one last uneasy glance at the moldy Librarian, Sebastian made to follow Professor Weasley out the Library.

“I take it from Professor Hecat that you’ve become acquainted with our new fifth year?” Professor Weasley asked just as they entered the busy hubbub that made up Central Hall.

“You could say she’s made quite the impression for the whole class, but yes we have exchanged a few words, Professor.” And then some, Sebastian kept that last tidbit to himself.

“Hmm… Well, it seems you’ve also left quite the impression on Ms. Hayes, enough for her to request your presence in accompanying her to Hogsmeade this afternoon.”

“Pardon, Professor?” Sebastian asked in surprise, thinking his ears were deceiving him.     

“As we’ve all, incidentally, been made aware of the unfortunate circumstance prior to Ms. Hayes’ arrival last night, I’ve arranged a quick trip to Hogsmeade to supplement a list of her lost belongings and a new wand at Ollivander’s.” Sebastian’s brows shot up at now having been given confirmation that he truly had, in fact, lost a duel to someone who had yet to even wield a wand that they could call their own.

“I’ve instructed her to meet you by the castle doors once the lunch hour is over. You’ll be excused from the remainder of your classes this afternoon and I’ll also be granting you House Points in exchange of safely escorting Ms. Hayes to Hogsmeade. Do you have any more questions, Mr. Sallow?”

Despite Sebastian being most definitely curious as to why this particular task didn’t exactly present itself as an equivalent to getting detention, he wisely kept silent and was now left to ponder the opportunity that presented itself in his hands. There was still the matter of the reference book he was initially on the hunt for, and now seems to be the most perfect time than any to ask if Beatrice was open to sharing the book with him, maybe over study time after dinner tonight.

Sebastian was already nodding in self-satisfaction at his brilliant plan of action when he spotted the telltale waver of cobalt blue robes now heading his way, “Well, fancy meeting you here.” He said in amusement as Beatrice came closer.

“Hello, Sebastian.” She greeted back almost sheepishly, he noted, judging from the slight blush dusting her usually fair cheeks.

“Ah, my new ‘charge’. I’m told you’re in dire need of supplies and I’m to accompany you into Hogsmeade for them. It’s an honor, assuming this is your first foray into the village?” Sebastian couldn’t help but emphasize a hidden question behind his words.

“It is. I haven’t left the castle since I arrived, unfortunately, this also caused me to be quite a burden to your time today.” Ah, now Sebastian could ascertain the source of Beatrice’s discomfiture.

“No worries. I quite understand if you feel the need to spend time with me really, what with the exclusive knowledge I’ve imparted with you so far. Though speaking of which, you seem to have acquired something that’ll greatly assist me in accomplishing the Charms homework you’ve cleverly gotten exempted from Professor Ronen. What do you say to a trade? Time with me to Hogsmeade this afternoon, in exchange for your time sharing a certain reference material with me later during Study period?”

“You’re starting to make me rethink my choice of company between you and Natty, Sallow.” Sebastian watched with bated breath as Beatrice narrowed her eyes at him, her blush now replaced by a playful smile on her lips as she continued, “I see no other choice but to leave my fate in your hands this afternoon Sebastian, but know that I chose you for your experience with duelling, just in case our quick excursion to Hogsmeade takes on an eventful approach.”

“Well, if my deftness with a wand is most agreeable to you, I shall endeavour to be the very best of guides then.” He’d realized too late the innuendo he may have teased in just now, clearing his throat to quickly make up for it, “Hogsmeade’s a charming little place. Self-contained too. We should be able to find you everything that you need. Shall we?” He reached out to open one side of the castle’s doors, gathering the courage to glance at Beatrice’s reaction, thankfully the sight of Hogwarts’ grounds still left her amazed enough to gloss over his slip in decorum. It wouldn’t do good if any of the student body mistook him for being sleazy with the new fifth-year, aside from his resident detention-seeker reputation.

“Care to put a little jog in our steps on our trip to Hogsmeade?”

“I garner, the sooner we get there, the sooner I’ll be able to pay my debt to you during Study period tonight.”

Sebastian felt his heart skip a beat at her teasing tone, but chose to hide his flustered state as he lead the way into Hogwarts’ grounds, it was by the time they’d reached the North exit gates that he was sure he could speak with confidence, “I was glad Professor Weasley asked me to join you today, she seems to have taken quite a shine to you.”

“Has she? That’s nice to hear.”

Slowing down his gait, Sebastian looked back to see that Beatrice had a familiar-looking tome in her hands— what was it called again? A Wizard’s Field Guide?

“I’m still surprised that a professor would entrust me with anything, given my detention record.” He spoke as Beatrice reached his side.

“Spend a lot of time in detention, do you?” She snapped the book shut and placed it out of sight before focusing her full attention on him.

This consciously made him look away as he started picking up the pace in their stroll again, “Just enough to keep me well-rounded. Speaking of detention, this trip to Hogsmeade might’ve saved me from one.”

“Glad I could be of service.” He noticed Beatrice had no trouble keeping up with him, so long as she wasn’t getting distracted with their surroundings.

“Madam Scribner, the librarian, was on the hunt for me— as is often the case. Professor Weasley came to retrieve me and was able to convince ol’ Scribner that I had somewhere to be.”

“So how did you manage to get on the librarian’s bad side?”

“Well, I suppose it’s a matter of differing opinions. She thinks I shouldn’t be allowed in the Restricted Section, and I, on the other hand, am inclined to disagree.” He might as well come clean to her why he was ‘spending a lot of time in detention’ in the first place— better be a seeker of knowledge than a no-good troublemaker.

“Oh, just one moment.” He found himself stopping off the side of some glowing bushes as he continued, “This is an excellent spot to gather lacewing flies. They’re pretty to look at, but if you stew them long enough they make a powerful potion ingredient.”

He was about to hand her some of the spare bottles he usually had in his robe pockets when she surprised him yet again by producing one of her own, wandwork efficient as she gathered the tiny, glowing insects before closing the lid over them— and of course that Field Guide of hers was again in her hands.

Sebastian couldn’t help hide the snort of laughter that threatened to escape him, which made Beatrice look at him with furrowed brows, “It’s not you, really—” His amusement now reduced to a snicker as he remembered fondly, “—my sister, Anne, she’s just the complete opposite of you gathering those particular ingredients. An absolute menace, especially during our first year, whenever she’d choose to dive in a bush to make the lacewings scatter— always teased that her way of living in the moment should have landed her straight to Gryffindor, and she would have, if not for a common friend we’d made just before the Sorting Ceremony that day…”

He made to continue their stroll, catching Beatrice’s unwavering gaze on him as he walked back, “…I actually would have been sorted into Ravenclaw, myself.” The pleasant surprise that graced her features then was enough to make him smile, and he could practically hear the metaphoric gears shifting in her head as they continued towards their destination, fancying the thought that maybe he’d caught her interest now too when—

“Merlin’s beard! From the Forbidden Forest! Look!”

“What’s going on??” Sebastian was quick enough to notice how Beatrice tensed the moment they’d both heard the tumbling of trees off to their side.

“Relax, see for yourself!” They slowed to watch a pair of adult Hippogriffs majestically fly pass overhead, “Quite a sight, isn’t it? You certainly don’t see that every day.” He was relieved to see his companion’s rigid posture relax into an open look of wonder as Beatrice’s eyes followed the magical beasts that flew by, he would have completely stopped to observe the beautiful sight in front of him too but—

“Do you think Poppy’s already seen the Hippogriffs?”

“Absolutely.”

As if Plummly’s voice wasn’t already known to grate on one’s nerves, Larson’s tone that soon followed made Sebastian subconsciously bristle, though he chose instead to keep walking while Prewett boisterously came up with some silly names for the beasts, enough to make him scoff in distaste.

Unfortunately, as he found himself lost in thought at how those Hippogriffs would happily prance over the loud red-head’s body, Sebastian only then noticed that his lovely charge was called over by that Housemate of hers. Stopping ways atop a stone bridge as he watched from afar how the blond Ravenclaw almost looked proud at having to introduce Beatrice to their other schoolmates, Sebastian only looked away when he saw Larson lean towards her to whisper something. It was becoming an inappropriate habit, that git.

Beatrice soon found her way to him right after, but he petulantly chose to start jogging straight ahead as he took quick breaths of the cool Highlands air, “To the left is the Forbidden Forest. Out of bounds to all students.”

“Hence the name.” Again, he wondered if she had already broken a sweat in their stroll with the way her voice still kept steady.

“Precisely. They think it’s too dangerous. I think they need to have more confidence in our defensive abilities.” Sebastian huffed out in exertion now, stopping as he pointed towards something ahead of them, “Ah, you can see Hogsmeade just past those ruins up ahead.” He looked back then when he was met with silence though, seeing Beatrice stood ways from him as he observed her gazing back at the entirety that made up Hogwarts. The majestic backdrop along with the glow that came from the early afternoon sun only enhancing the mystery that this girl presented him with— it was what caught his attention of her in the first place.

“Have you had much of a chance to explore the castle?” He asked gently as he came closer, careful not to jostle her out of her reverie.

“A little. It’s positively enormous.” The small smile that graced her fair features spoke of more secrets that enticed him to unravel.

“It is that. I’ve been there five years and barely scratched the surface. Loads to see. Places to discover.”

“Oh? Any you’d like to share with the class?” She glanced up at him in amusement as they resumed their stroll in a more leisurely pace. He couldn’t help but smile knowingly back at her, “Perhaps one day. I can’t go around telling you all my secrets now, can I? You still haven’t told me how you became so good at duelling.”

Half expecting silence from her, he was surprised instead to hear her laughter, “Alright. You’ve now probably heard all sorts of rumors from whence I came, tell me what you know, and I might as well find amusement in hearing the most absurd of them.”

Interesting… This was a chance for Sebastian to slowly unravel the mystery that was the new fifth-year, so of course he’d grab at the opportunity.

“Very well, since you willingly offered. Let’s see, you’re either Professor Fig’s protégé, taken in from a family of various blood statuses— who were either ashamed to have a Squib in the family or entirely didn’t have Magic at all.”

He watched as Beatrice nodded along in a way of maybe, amusing him enough to continue, “Or you could be the Professor’s lost / estranged daughter, suddenly introducing herself with the awakening of her newly discovered Magic?”

Beatrice furrowed her brows at this, but Sebastian found himself on a roll before he could think to stop, “And there was also that bit of being a young paramour…” Although it was truly an afterthought as he murmured that last part, he was too late to realize as Beatrice stopped in her tracks and instantly gone quiet.

“I know that one was a nasty rumor.” Sebastian found himself saying quickly as he stopped to look back at his companion, her expression now unreadable but he could swear he almost felt the hair rise on his nape, as if he was about to be struck down by something. Although it was instantly gone the moment Beatrice sharply looked away as she slowly let out a breath, continuing their stroll.

“It’s my fault. Knowing how rumors can range, I should have stopped you at the first one.” She said in a clipped tone, which made Sebastian run a hand on his nape as he closely followed her, an apology already halfway out his lips when Beatrice continued talking, “My mother was the Squib, but Nana loved her dearly despite that, half-expected it really when she married my Muggle grandfather. A man of many stories from their archeological digs together, she’d fondly tell me, he treated her as his equal. Shame he hadn’t lived long enough to raise my mother alongside Nana.”

Sebastian found himself mesmerized, knowing this was a rare moment to hear this mysterious girl start to open up to him, he quietly listened in as he watched a faraway look slowly overtake Beatrice’s features as they walked, “Given that my mother had me when she was barely 18, and considering her weakening constitution after… My Nana was the only one left to raise me alone.”

He, of all people, knew how it was to have lost a parent— no amount of consolation would make it easier, even in the long run. The least he could do though is offer Beatrice comfort, though instead he found himself hesitating as his hands clenched at his sides, choosing to watch on as she held out her second-hand wand in a state of self-reflection, “Despite having raised me to be aware of Magic, she never once tried teaching me the most basic wand movements. I tried learning it on my own out of childish curiosity and sheer fascination, but later only assumed that maybe Nana never bothered teaching me for the same reason that I may never be able to wield Magic at all.”

Something caught Sebastian’s curiosity with what Beatrice said, “You— never said anything about your father…?”

A beat of silence immediately followed before, “Nana never told me anything about him.” Proceeding to tuck away the wand she held, Beatrice then looked Sebastian straight in the eye as she spoke resolutely, “And I didn’t bother to ask after someone who never took responsibility for my mother.”  

He felt that hair-raising sensation again that came with Beatrice’s gaze, but it was gone the moment she looked away, “Instead of an Acceptance Letter from Hogwarts, I was carted off after my Nana’s passing, the same month I turned 11… You’re familiar with the concept of convents?”

Taken by surprise with her sudden question, Sebastian answered the best way he could remember from a time when Ominis had dragged him and Anne to temporarily take on Muggle Studies, “Places of worship, or so I’ve read, mostly made up of women, yes? Like a coven of sorts?”

“Structurally, maybe. But therein lies the difference in beliefs— I’d have been sooner burned at the stake for even talking about the Magic I grew up being aware of. So, I kept mum and continued with my studies that way.”

“Forgive me if I get this wrong, but I don’t recall the Muggle education for women had anything close to the equivalent of duelling…?”

“True. In fact, we were generally taught to be ‘perfect housewives’, extending that training to the young girls and women we took in— some of which were even daughters from noble families, ranging from children to ones who were close to bear their own wee-born as well. In secret, of course.” Beatrice gave a meaningful glance towards Sebastian as she said that last bit of information, continuing, “The donations that came with keeping such illicit affairs behind holy grounds were exceedingly generous, enough to expand on other sets of skills that could prove useful for our small community.”

And while it took him a while to wrap his head around the concept of a ‘perfect housewife’, Sebastian became all the more curious as to the last half of what Beatrice said, “I’m guessing by ‘other sets of skills’, you meant duelling? I’m curious how it made you adapt quickly to handling a wand.”

“You’d find training to defend yourself from any manner of threats to be quite useful.” Her somewhat cryptic smile didn’t help in sating Sebastian’s curiosity at all, “And with the number of noble ladies under our care, we couldn’t very well risk relying on men to guard the ones we were entrusted to ‘keep safe until their coming-of-age’. Our Mother Superior foresaw this all and even encouraged our participation in some way or other, she— also happened to be my late grandfather’s older sister.”

“Seems like you have something waiting for you back in London, then? Training to be next in line to your grandaunt?” Sebastian found himself whistling at her revelation, trying to wash out the sudden feeling of disappointment on finding out her future commitment.

“It doesn’t work like that though. There was the matter of my legitimacy at birth, after all.” He instantly felt regret at seeing Beatrice’s smile turn bittersweet, knowing he’d struck a chord, “It was either I’d get adopted or I got married, and well… I was a bit past the age for the former…”

“I’m sure your grandaunt wouldn’t have easily condoned with the latter either…?”

“She wouldn’t have. Had she still been alive.” Beatrice trailed off as they heard the sound of hooves coming their way, he extended an arm to gently steer the girl away from the beast-drawn carriage, only then noticing how Beatrice had slowed her steps as if to observe the macabre creatures in the light of the afternoon sun.

“I’ve always thought Thestrals pulling a carriage a bit grim. Though I suppose most people don’t actually see them at all.” He never did feel comfortable with seeing the creatures that heralded Death.

“But you can see them?” He detected surprise in her tone, and a touch of curiosity, though this time he felt hesitant to share.

“Unfortunately. But you’ve seen quite a bit yourself first-hand too— Most notably that dragon attack.” He chanced a guess that the main reason Beatrice could see Thestrals had nothing related to losing a loved one as he and his sister had, “Hopefully the rest of your year isn’t as eventful.”

A companionable silence enveloped them then as they both turned right from the post pointing towards Hogsmeade, he’d only risked a glance at Beatrice to see how she was fairing when— “Oof!”

Sebastian instinctively held onto the person who bumped into him, instantly recognizing the man unsteady on his feet, “Mr. Moon! You look a bit worse for wear, are you alright?”

“How is he? Do you know him?” Beatrice asked as she assisted in leaning the older man towards a dead tree stump off the side of the road.

“He’s the Hogwarts caretaker.” Sebastian shrugged as his companion gave him a disbelieving look in reply, “Hello Mr. Moon. Have you met our new fifth-year?” He resisted the urge to wave a hand in front of the older man’s vision to test just how out-of-it the other truly was.

“Pleasure. You might want to turn back Mr. Sallow. Turn and— run.”

“Sir. Is everything all right? He and Beatrice slightly took a step back as the older man was racked with hiccoughs, exclaiming in-between, “It looked right at me! Eyes big as saucers!”

Now exchanging a careful glance with the girl beside him, Sebastian slowly asked, “What did, Mr. Moon?”

“Demi—guise. Ugly and hairy and terrifying!” Mr. Moon hiccoughed in what sounded to be distress in-between his barely coherent words, “I shall be at the castle where it’s safe. Good luck to both of you!”

Deciding to leave the man to stumble back towards the school, Sebastian only voiced out his utter disbelief when he was sure Mr. Moon was already out of earshot, “A Demiguise? I don’t know what he’s putting in his pumpkin juice, but he’s obviously had too much of it. I’ve never seen Mr. Moon in such a state.” He rubbed his chin in contemplation as they continued towards the small bridge leading towards their intended destination.

“Aren’t they beasts that can turn invisible? Do you think Mr. Moon actually got to see a real one?” He was amused at hearing Beatrice’s enthusiasm at the thought of seeing one for herself, he’d hate to break her heart by not keeping her hopes up.

“Well, Mr. Moon is quite the character. My sister Anne thinks he’s lovely, but I’d say he could improve a bit as a caretaker.”

“Speaking of, I’m assuming your sister is in Slytherin too?”

“She is— or rather, she was. She’s not well at the moment, but she’ll be better soon and back at Hogwarts.” Sebastian found himself hesitating to divulge more at the moment as they both now entered the lively village, choosing to bask in the surrounding chatter as he breathed in, “Honestly, if one could bottle the magic of this place— I don’t know if it’s the shops or the people, but there’s just something about Hogsmeade. We all flock to it like moths to a flame.”

Spying Beatrice stop by some precariously stacked cauldrons outside Ceridwen’s, he watched as she pulled out a piece of rolled parchment from her robes before he decided to ask, “So how would you like to do this? I see you’ve got a list from Weasley of things to get— a wand and some other bits?”

“Yes, dittany seeds, some spellcrafts and some potion recipes.” She skimmed over the parchment, listing off it as a giddy smile threatened to win over her features, Sebastian thought her adorable.

“Perfect.” It was only when she stopped looking at her list and focused on him instead did Sebastian backtrack on what he said as he cleared his throat, “Can’t wait to see what you do with a new wand. And a short list gives you plenty of time to poke around the village.” He ended with a short clap of his hands before awkwardly continuing, “I uh, actually just have to pop into a shop to find something for my sister. Do you mind if we meet up in the town circle when you’re finished?”

“Oh! Of course, wouldn’t want to impose too much on your time than I already have…” Beatrice trailed off while she rummaged her robes to fish out her Field Guide, “And this’ll surely help me in keeping track of my list!”

Sebastian had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep himself from laughing at Beatrice’s barely concealed attempt at wanting to cast Revelio all over the magical village, “Glad to hear it. Remember, have fun. It’s Hogsmeade.”

It was when they’d already parted ways did Sebastian find himself slowing to a stop, glancing back to spot Beatrice disappear inside Tomes and Scrolls, did he come to the realization that he hadn’t exactly found out about the circumstances surrounding her sudden, if not late, admission to Hogwarts.

next chapter ⤜⤏

[drakenology]

Dumb Little Housewife

husband!bakugo x housewife!reader

warnings: smut, dumbification kink, unprotected sex, degradation, daddy kink, housewifey stuff ya know?

author’s note: hii! so this is for the new year new kink event with @butterscotchbaku . i’m a little early whoops I couldn’t help myself. go follow her page and all that junk her work is pretty amazing and i’m a HUGE fan ugh her blog is so cute 🥺. and make sure to check out some of the work that participated in this event as well. Hope yall enjoy!

6:30 am, you wake up just before Bakugo to make him his breakfast. You yawn and grab your robe off the back of the bedroom door and tip toe to the kitchen, careful not to wake your sleeping husband on the way out. You hum a little tune while you scramble some eggs and fry a little bit of bacon, happy to please the one you love.

You were grateful he could offer you such a carefree lifestyle. You cook and keep the house clean while Bakugo saves the world, brings home the cash and fucks you nice and good every night. What an even trade. Even though you wouldn’t mind working Bakugo insisted that you stay home, eager and willing to support you both. As you brewed some coffee for you and Katsuki, you find him trudging to the kitchen with a loud and abrupt yawn.

His hair was a mess on top of his head, eyes half lidded and droopy. He’s really at his sexiest when he looks half dead. You smile and hand him his mug as he walked towards you, pulling you closer to him by your waist. You giggle and give him a sweet kiss on the lips.

“Good morning, honey!” You say cheerfully. Bakugo takes a sip of his coffee and sits down at the table.

“G’Mornin.” He said groggily, sleep coating his already deep voice. The sound is almost like sex itself, making the spot between your legs lightly quiver. “‘M workin’ from home today so I’ll be a little busy.”

You pout, almost whine when you hear that Bakugo will basically be at home all day just to ignore you. On top of that you suddenly had an itch only he could scratch since you’re too dumb to get yourself off correctly. Or at least that’s what Katsuki would say. You sigh, feeling particularly bratty this morning and lean against the table in front of him just enough for your robe to droop down and give him a full view of your ample cleavage.

“You can be a little bit late can’t you, Suki?” You mewl, handing him his plate to eat. Bakugo shook his head, staring down into your robe. He was almost persuaded by the sight of your breasts alone but work had to come first even if his hot wife wanted to get fucked right there on the dinner table.

“No I can’t. And don’t try anything while I’m working either, Y/N. You’re already on thin fuckin’ ice.” Bakugo said with his mouth full. You roll your eyes, recalling a few nights when you pushed Katsuki to his limit but he couldn’t punish you right then and there because of work or something or other.

You took full advantage since you and Bakugo hadn’t had sex in about a week since he’d been swamped with hero work. Whether it be sending him videos of you fucking yourself with shaky and clumsy fingers or pictures of you bent over with your pretty panties showing under a dress you wore; you were really pushing your luck.

You pout, grabbing his and your dishes and loaded the dishwasher, hiking your robe up a little to show off your ass in the new thong you bought as you bent over to close the door. Bakugo walks out of the kitchen, smacking your ass hard enough to make you cum right there on the spot. You were already a little wet and needy. You gasp, closing your thighs together as you’re almost brought to your knees by just a strike to the ass.

You had an idea. An idea that was sure to make Bakugo ditch work and fuck you into a stupid bumbling mess.

8:30 am, You walk into the bedroom just past the office Bakugo had set up in to start his work and throw off your robe, adjusting your bra to push your boobs up a bit more. You strut into the office in nothing but your underwear, Bakugo not even turning his head to face you. He was too busy typing up some stupid report or whatever. You grab his chin and pull his head to face you, hovering over him to bury his face between your breasts.

“Y/N so help me...” He hissed, blushing profusely as you climb into his lap. You start to grind up against his thigh, moaning softly as you feel friction for the first time all morning.

“Can’t even work in peace. If only you could see how fucking desperate you look right now.” Bakugo said, only slightly giving in by grabbing your ass with one hand, the other still trying to work.

You bit your lip and blocked his vision of the computer screen with your head and continued to grind on his leg, annoying Bakugo to no end as you completely disobeyed him for the last time. He groaned, stopping his typing to wrap his hand around your neck and pull your ear to his lips.

“You just don’t listen, huh? If it’s dick you want, I’ll make sure you get it all, ya dumb slut.” Bakugo growls into your ear, nipping at your earlobe as you feel yourself get wetter at his lewd words and insults. Bakugo stands on his feet, lifting you up with him as he plopped you onto the desk. You rub your thighs together excitedly as he took your wrists and pinned them above your head.

“Since you can’t keep your fuckin’ hands to yourself.” Bakugo said, yanking your panties to the side with fervor. You gasp as the cold air of the room greet your slick pussy, the feeling quickly being replaced with Bakugo’s thick digits findind their way inside. You whimper, trying to rub your clit to help bring your orgasm closer only to be restricted by your strong husband.

“Nuh uh. Don’t you fucking move. This is what you wanted, right? Now sit and take it like a good whore.” You mewl at his words once more, loving when he talks to you like this. God you couldn’t even compare to the fullness he gave you even with his fingers. Your head was in the clouds now at this point, Bakugo taking one hand to pinch and play with one or your nipples to emphasize the pleasure as he sped up his movements.

Sloshing sounds filled the office, your sopping wet pussy now being abused by Katsuki’s fingers as your slick coated his hand and dripped down your ass onto the desk.

“You’re making such a mess, baby. You’re a sloppy little slut, aren’t you?” Bakugo remarks with a smug look on his face, knowing you’re way too dumb to even form a sentence right now. You bumble and nod, not making a lick of sense when you speak as your moans overtake your own rational thinking.

Katsuki laughs at your dumb little face, tongue lolling out as you pant and cry out for more. Your vision becomes hazy as you come so close to cumming, pleading for Katsuki to make you cum on his fingers since you were being so good only for him to laugh at you. He stops his movements as soon as he felt you were even slightly clenching around him, causing your breathe to be uneven. You let out a pathetic sob, your legs shaking uncontrollably as you come down from your almost high.

“Ooh... So close.” Bakugo mocked. “What’s the matter? I thought this is what you wanted. Don’t tell me your punishment’s too much for you.” You shake your head no, the only thing you have the strength to muster as you pant and rub your thighs together to start up your high again.

He lets your hands go and stands you up to bend you over the desk, your wobbly legs barely able to keep you stable as you stumble around. Bakugo chuckled darkly at the state of you, almost ready to ruin you completely over and over again to get you off his back for long enough to get some work done.

“You know what’s coming next, hm?” Bakugo asked lowly, sending convulsions into your pussy at the thought of what he was about to do.

“N-No daddy p-please don’t.” You beg. He was about to spank you, enough times to make up for all the punishments you’ve missed. You whimper as you feel a sharp strike against your ass, the sting fading into delicious pleasure as your slick dripped down your thighs.

“Count.” Bakugo demands, striking you again causing you to yelp and whine for him to stop. “I said count. Not beg. You get two extra for that.”

“Th-Th-Three!” You squeal as he strikes you again. At this point you’re drenched and regretting even pulling this stunt on your husband, forgetting all about all the things you’ve been doing to him to tease and piss him off.

Smack after smack almost sent you into orbit as your eyes rolled to the back of your head with each hit. You huff as you reach the last hit, your pussy clenching around nothing as you hold yourself back from cumming.

“Th-thirteen-fuck! Thirteen.” You whine, your head burried into your arms as you sob. Bakugo was laughing at you the entire beating, loving the way your body jolted with every blow he delivered to your juicy ass. He was hard as a rock at this point and really wanted to fuck you into oblivion.

“Hm.. I think you’ve learned your lesson. Whatddaya think, princess?” Bakugo asked rubbing circles into your sore ass cheeks.

“Yes! God yes please fuck me, Daddy. I need youu. I’ll be good I promise I won’t bother you anymor-“ You ramble, whining and begging until Katsuki shut you up with a nice filling. Your pussy deliciously stretched to accommodate his impressive size, sobbing into your hands as you cover your face.

You’re so happy your husband was filling you to the brim that your eyes start to tear up, the feeling of his dick kissing your cervix enough to make you clench around him bliss. You let out loud high pitched moans along with frantic thank yous and I love yous as Bakugo ruts into you like a bat outta hell.

“Ya like that? Huh, baby? I know you fuckin’ do, ya little whore.” Bakugo hissed into your ear, already knowing the answer as you babble nonsense into the desk. “That’s right baby take me. Hah, you feel so fucking good right now.” Fuck he was killing you, but it felt so good. Bakugo was fucking you so hard you could hardly keep up with his pace, holding onto the edge of the desk for dear life as he pounded your poor pussy. White lights flash behind your eyes as you come close to cumming for the second time, this time harder than the last. You try and as permission instead coming out as a bumbling mess unable to even form a coherent sentence as Bakugo fucked you into euphoria.

“I-I’m g-gonna- Hah! Ughhhn, sh-shittt- ah! D-d-d-daddyyyy!” you whine

“I can tell you’re close. My poor stupid baby can’t even tell me she’s about to cum for me.” Bakugo said, rutting into at a sudden sloppy pace as he comes close to his own release. You loved his last few thrusts before he came, cumming way before he does from the feeling of his cock throbbing profusely inside you.

You’re a screaming spectical now, your spongy walls clamping down on your husband’s big fat cock, Bakugo cooing praises into your ear as he came hot inside you right after you from the feeling of your tightness. You seemed to milk him for everything he had, Bakugo slowly pulling out after fucking his seed into you to watch his seed spill out of your used up pussy with glee. Bakugo smacks your ass one last time and pulled his pants back up, you still unable to move from the desk as he led you to the bathroom to get you to clean up.

“Ya happy now?” Bakugo said starting your bath as you sat on the edge of the tub. You nod, still hazy and drunk off Bakugo’s dick. He kissed your forehead and ran back to the office after hearing his skype going off. You giggle and wait for the bath to fill, deeply madly and truly in love with the man who just demolished you.

“Oi! Don’t let the water overflow, you idiot!”

[aka-ashi-keiji]

“the words I couldn’t say” 

Bakugou Katsuki

Angst, One shot

tw: character death, description of hospital.

a/n: no idea how i had the strength to write this but i did cry while doing so, i hope you do too ;)

Bakugou Katsuki. Your best friend, your neighbor, your classmate, the “fire” to your ice, and unknowingly your first love. Looking back on all the years you spent with him, all the plans you made together for the rest of your life, you never thought you’d be put in this position. 

For months, this was the routine. School, hospital, Bakugou, home. Then repeat. But after today, there wasn’t going to be a “repeat”. The explosive light that once ran through his blood colored irises, was now fading and slipping through your fingertips. The fingertips that gripped the sleeve of the hospital gown that would soon be the last piece of fabric to grace his skin. 

The same eyes that glared at you with jealousy and admiration of your growth as a child, now only displayed the bare minimum of life. But you could see it, you could see in the way his forearm flexed under your grip that he still had thoughts to voice. Although you knew he couldn’t, you also knew what he was trying to say. 

Each visit to him was sealed with an ‘i love you’ from your lips, and an ‘i know’ from his. Bakugou was finally ready to reciprocate your farewell, but the barrier of a sickness restricted his ability to. While you silently burned this last image of him into your consciousness, you could feel the presence of the paper folded thrice in you pocket, the power of its presence burning into the side of your thigh. That paper, the paper you had taken hours to write, only to erase the words and start over once more. The final words you had written that stayed, were the ones you hoped Katsuki would die holding close to his heart. 

Don’t cry. 

That’s what you promised yourself. You wouldn’t cry until he was actually gone, you prayed those tears would never come. Your grip on his sleeve moved down to his pale hand. You fingers wrapped around the side of his palm, your hand half the size of his. His hands built like an iron fist, made to withstand those beautiful explosions that were meant to save the world. You focused on the feeling of his calloused skin against your trembling fingers, shaken by the fear of what was coming. And to your dismay, it looked as if it were already here. 

His breathing became more rapid and his chest stuttered, his body flexed with pain and his eyes shut with discomfort. You wanted to force them back open, afraid to let go of the sight of the eyes that frightened others, but soothed you. His hand relaxed out of your grip, but you connected yourselves once more. You didn't have the strength to let go yet, you couldn’t let go of the hands that trained you into the hero you are, the hands that warmed themselves to heal your muscles. The hand you clutched every time you were scared, just like you had now. Before, it was out of fear of monsters in the dark. Now. it was out of fear of the monsters taking your protector. 

You knew what the time was, and you knew it was time to say your goodbye. You had it all written out, but you didn’t want him to hear it. Not only because you didn’t want to accept his fate, but because you knew he wouldn’t be able to respond to the words you poured your lifeline into. That silence alone would break your heart before his departure could. Regardless, you stood, his weary eyes followed your stance. You smiled with every intention of pushing down the aching sadness that racked the inside of your body. As if Bakugou could sense the agony you were enduring, he smiled faintly back. His smile was more of a smug smirk, but that’s what made it special. That small sign was enough to remind you that he was still there. 

You were never good with words when you had to speak them off the top of your head, but you were a damn good writer. Katsuki knew this and his expression seemed brighten just a bit as he watched you remove the paper from your pocket. A few deep breaths were taken before you found yourself unfolding the letter you whole heartedly wanted to burn to ash. But you knew that if you never voiced what it conveyed, you wouldn’t ever feel as if you said a proper goodbye. And after everything Bakugou had done for you, this goodbye was well deserved. 

Your voice seemed to cease as you read the first line, your eyes flicking back and fourth from your hands back to where Bakugou laid. You nearly ripped the sheet of words from how hard you gripped it, restraining yourself from destroying it. Maybe if you destroyed the goodbye, you would never have to let go. That was your thought process in that moment. And in that moment, all you wanted was to be held in the arms kept you safe from the world, even when Katsuki refused to hug you. All you wanted for that moment, was to simply forget that soon, all of it was going to be gone. 

“I’m terrible with my emotions, and even worse with putting them into words.” 

You started to read, Bakugou turned his head ever so slightly against the pillow to show you that you had his full attention. Or, what was left of his consciousness. You continued.

“But for you Bakugou Katsuki I will try. I will try to help you understand how much you made my life a living hell, but I also feared the thought of living it without you. I never thought that I would be so bothered by your silence. I never thought I would miss your explosive outbursts and the way you would yell my name when I didn’t pick up after yourself. I never knew that I would be standing here, right now, saying goodbye to your forever.” 

By this point in your speech, tears started to cloud your vision, the words becoming a pool of ink. You stole a glace at Katsuki over the top of the page, and his smile still remained. He was listening to every word, taking in the sound of your voice. He was keeping himself attached for you, one last time he would stay and listen. 

“I never told you this and I should’ve, because i thought about it way too much. But you’re beautiful Katsuki.” 

A soft chuckle barely audible rang through your ears. The small sound relaxing your senses and allowing you to push forward. 

“I always thought every part and detail about you was beautiful. From the way your blood colored eyes softened at the sound of rain hitting your window, to the way you trace over the scars on your hands when you’re nervous. Your hunched stance, and the disgusted grimace that’s always plastered to your face, it was all always beautiful to me. and I hate that the most beautiful thing in my life is being stripped out of existence.” 

A single tear rolled down your cheek, cursing the weakness of your eyes. Bakugou’s smile had faded, but he was still listening. Waiting for what you had to say next. But he wasn’t waiting, he was ready. 

“I want you to know that I’m not upset that you’re leaving. But I’m sad that I can't go with you. Thinking about going back to a home without you is terrifying. I want to give up, I want so badly to stop my life right here. It doesn’t feel fair to live the life that was meant for both of us. But I know damn well that if I don’t, you’d come down and haunt my ass.” 

You laughed breathlessly and your tears came much quicker now, trying to find a way to make this speech end, but also last forever. 

“So i’ll live my life. I’ll make sure to live it so vividly that it’s as if the life was led by two people. I promise I’ll push through the pain that’s coming. I promise to live out all of our dreams together. I swear to you that I will become the hero you wanted to be. I’ll do it all for you, because you deserved for the world to know your name. I’ll make it known, I swear your presence on this earth will never die.” 

You paused, you weren’t sure if you could get through the next line. You lungs weren’t expanding enough to allow oxygen to flow, the tears and congestion only building on your face. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see him. You could see Katsuki, he was crying, just as much as you. His arm trembled as it reached out for you, calling you closer to him. You took his hand once more and seated yourself to allow his arm to rest against the bed. He nodded his head, smiling through the tears that dripped down his cheeks and onto his neck. You shook your head, rejecting his permission to continue. You couldn’t. You weren’t ready to stop holding on. 

“Please. y/n, please.” 

the sounds of your sniffles nearly overpowered the soft spoken words. Your crying came to a halt, the urgency and pain in such a small voice pulling at you to continue. He needed to hear the end of it. He was ready to let go, he was in so much pain. But here he was holding onto the pain, just so he could ease yours. You brought the paper up once more, and began. 

“And even if the world somehow forgets how astounding you are, your memory will never die in me. A day will never pass where I won’t think of what it would’ve been like if you were still here. Damnit Kat, you’re not gonna graduate with me, you won’t see me off to my first day on hero patrol, you won’t be at my wedding either. Birthdays won’t be the same, I’ll never look at spicy food with a whole heart ever again. But I know, that even though you have to leave right now, I know deep down that you’ll be watching and guiding me through every step. I know you’d never leave me behind, and I wouldn’t dream of leaving you.” 

He squeezed your hand lightly, letting you know he heard every word. He would be there in every moment for you. He was listening, and silently promising. 

“And you know why I’ll never forget you Kat? Because I love you. I’ve told you everyday, because I’m scared I’ll never have another chance to. That time has- the time has finally come where- whe- where I won’t get another chance after today!” 

Your voice was becoming rough and you stumbled over your words as you approached the last sentences. You were close to a scream, angry at the world for making you do this. You were mad Katsuki had to go through this. But no matter the rage, you had to keep going. As if on que, Bakugou tugged on your hand and your gaze flew to meet his eyes. 

“I’m ready. It’s okay.” He whispered, a faint a genuine smile following. He was ready to let go, it was time for you to let him. You wanted to shake your head no and tell him he couldn’t leave, but you knew that wasn’t fair. How could you force someone who protected you with everything, how could you force them to fight through the pain he felt now. So, finally, you let go. 

“I love you, I love you Kat. For the last time, I love you. I love you over and over, and I’ll never stop. You never said it back, but I know you know that I love you. And that’s enough for me... This is our goodbye, our final ‘see ya later’.  But I love you Katsuki.” 

You sank into your chair, your head pressed against the back of Katsuki’s hand you gripped so tightly. Your tears rolled from your cheeks onto his hand and down to the bed. You sobs shook your body, not taking a chance to look back up. Not ready to see him slip away. But you had done it, your goodbye was complete. But you felt as if a piece of you had been taken, you felt incomplete. The words on that paper dismantling your ability to hold on. Maybe that’s what it was meant to do, maybe this was your way of letting go. Breaking yourself was the only way to ease him of his pain. 

You felt the bed shift, a weight change. Slowly your eyes trailed to Katsuki’s. Tears still ran freely from his eyes, but he was smiling. That genuine smile still pieced him together. You’d never seen him smile for so long, you’d never seen him smile with such sweetness. No smirk, no smugness, just pure ecstasy and joy. and even though you knew it wouldn’t last much longer, you were happy you had the chance to see it. 

His free hand lifted from his side, and shakily crossed his body to hold it out to you. It was balled into a fist, and you took this as he had something to give to you. You held an open palm underneath, and he dropped his gift into it. A small piece of paper, your name scribbled out in Katsuki’s bold, but neat handwriting. Strong but beautiful, just like him. 

You looked down at it, not entirely sure how to feel. You wanted to know what it was, but at the same time you didn't want to ruin the last piece of evidence that Bakugou was in your life. Reading this letter was almost as if sealing his departure. But, with all of these doubts, with a wide smile and a small nod from Kat, you opened it and you read. Oh how you wish you didn’t.

“Emotions suck, they’re a pain in my ass and I hate talking about them. But I know that if I don’t now, I’ll never get to. And I’m terrible with words, and I think by the time I give this to you, I won’t even have the option to voice this to you directly. So, here it goes.

Don’t be sad forever okay? I know it’s kinda shitty and I wouldn’t ever wanna leave you in this terrible world, but I’m really not that far. I’ll be there, I’ll protect your clumsy ass and make sure you don’t join me too soon. I want you to live the life we both dreamed of, live the life I know you’ve always wanted. And as dumb and sappy as it sounds, I want you to be happy. I’m your best friend and crap yeah, but don’t you dare let me take away that beautiful perspective you have on the world. 

I never said it back, and yknow I kinda feel bad. I always said “I know” because i did know that you loved me. It felt good knowing, and I was hoping the validation of me acknowledging it would be enough. That was pretty fucking dumb of me. So I guess what I’m saying is that, I know you love me. But, I love you too. Don’t you ever forget it y/n. Don’t ever forget how much you are loved. it’s your turn to say ‘I know’. If you ever forget, just remember the words are right here.

These are all the words I couldn’t say, hold on to ‘em would ya?

from, kat.” 

As you read the last line, the line on the heart monitor went flat. And that was that. 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••🌸

[fandomscombine]

Exploding Stink Bomb

Platonic!Weasley Twins x Reader

BG: Chaos ensues when the twins steal your latest prank invention. How much worse could it be when innocent people are caught in the mess?

WC:1744

Entry for @feetoffthetable​ 's 500 writing challenge. A week late I know-sorry! Cause I lost the initial draft. (Note: Do NOT trust auto save that much) So I had to rewrite it.

The prompts are taken from Random Prompts List No. 4 and No.11. (Are in bold in the text)

4. “…Are they dead?” “I don’t know! Why don’t you ask them!”

11. “You’re being remarkably calm about this.” “Thanks, it’s the shock. Give me fifteen minutes, the screaming will happen.”

>>>MASTERLIST<<<

Fred Weasley, George Weasley and Y/n L/n, also known as 'The Pranksters Trio' of modern day Hogwarts.

It is the winter of senior year, and your stress levels are increasing by the day. NEWTS are to be held in a couple of months and you have managed to procrastinate completing your mock papers. At this rate, you would get a passing grade but in all honesty you know that wouldn’t cut it, you know your abilities. If you actually put effort in your subjects you can bump a level up.

You've made a deal with your parents that if you had completed your practice papers, you could spend the last week of the Christmas holiday with the Weasleys.

Which you are; 3 days in, 4 days left till school.

'What your parents don't know won't hurt them...' You mumble to yourself as you stir the bubbling green mixture clockwise.

See you haven't finished the potions assignment yet. Your parents thought you did last week, but in reality what you were working on was a little fantastic smelling concoction that could contribute to the twins' upcoming new joke shop merchandise lineup!

During the journey to King’s Cross, Fred had come up to you and asked if you could help brainstorm a new product that would blow people's minds away. Of course you agreed, a multitude of ideas already brewing, you would do anything to help out your friends.

That night, it was all you could think about. Naturally you are itching to get started, before the thought flies away. Pushing your potions textbook aside, you got to work. It took 18 hours of no sleep but it paid off. The product was now in your hands.

A shiny burgundy shimmering marble-like sphere. The final product was smaller than the blueprint- the amount of ingredients you had on hand in your muggle household were limited- you do a mental note on raiding the potions supply closet once back in school for dragon hide.

But when you do finally have all the resources, the sphere should be the size of a baseball.

For now, at 30% of the ideal size, this mini test sphere could stink up a small bedroom. Which is enough to do damage but also has a small enough impact that you fix if anything were to go wrong.

BAM! You knew the quiet was too good to last.

“y/n/n, my dear!” Greeted Fred, waltzing into Ginny’s room.

“Are you--” George placed his hand on the door, stopping it from slamming back to his face. “Oi! Why’d you have to kick the door so hard? You could have ruined my handsome face!” He shouted to his twin.

Dropping your quill back into the ink bottle you sighed. “Nooo, how many times do I have to tell you? I’ll be finished when I’m finished. Most likely tomorrow, the earliest.”

“Why can’t you just let US test it though?” voiced George.

“Because I came up with it and it’s the only one we’ve got!” You reasoned. “I wanna see it when it explodes!”

Right then, the boys’ eyes lit up.

“IT EXPLODES?!?!?” They exclaimed in union.

“SHIT!” It was too late to cover it up. The secret is out.

The twins shared a look, you don’t really believe in twin telepathy but in the case of your 2 best friends and mischief, they almost always are on the same page.

You are sent flying sideways off your chair and hit the air mattress. “Offph! George! Let….me….go!” With all your might, you try to push George off you but to no avail. The muscles built up during quidditch training are to his advantage.

In the other side of the room, Fred is rummaging through your trunk, eagerly looking for the mysterious and highly sought after invention.

Although he may not know what it looks like, Fred is still one of your accomplices in sneaking prank items to school, meaning he and Geroge know all the secret compartments in your trunk. As do you with their trunks.

This setup made sense, it was a precautionary method devised so that in a matter of incoming danger or when suspected of something, the others could easily get rid of any incriminating evidence.

The system is perfect! Well expect now when it backfired on you.

“AHA GOT IT!”

Your face snaps to the direction of the voice. Cursing internally, right there, raised high above Fred’s head is the prized Exploding Stink Bomb.

“WICKED!” cried George. While the twins are reveling in their success, you took the chance to push George off you and launch towards Fred.

While George was caught off guard, Fred had the few seconds in which you got up to process what was happening and sprinted towards the door.

“IMMA GET YOU FRED!”

“LET’S SEE THAT SMALL LEGS!”

“GOT YA! AHHHHH--” One moment you had your hand on Fred’s shoulder, next you felt a tug on your waist. “GEORGE LET. ME. GO”

“No can do y/n/n.”

His hold wasn’t enough to hurt you, but it was certainly tighter. “Learned from your earlier mistake eh” You teased.

“Just caught me off guard” George reasoned.

Fred walking backwards, bids his farewell. “See you Suckers!” He shouted, taking a bow. With that he disappears round the corner.

A THUD.

“Ginny!”

You and George shared a look of confusion, what was going on?

Arriving at the scene, you are not surprised to see a sneering Ginny.

“That’s what you get for going in my room!”

What you’re more surprised to see is a frantic Fred. You knew that Ginny is fully capable of being terrifying but this was all in good fun right?

Slowly George walked up to his brother. “Freddie what’s wrong?”

“The ball… it slipped”

Eyes wide, your heart starts to beat faster. “Where…?”

You barely had gotten the question out, the answer is given.

As if on cue, you hear shouts coming from your right, Ron’s room.

Ginny being the closest, beats all of you to the door. When it opened, you catch the faint bit of purple smoke before it completely clears away, no other evidence of the stink ball in sight-you smile at the result, hard work does pay off.

‘Now is not a time to be happy y/n’ you told yourself. Your gaze reached the unconscious bodies on the two beds. “Well that’s…..uhh... new...”

Here are 4 guilty looking teenagers looking at the scene of the crime.

Ginny gingerly poked Ron’s side, keeping a fair distance away just in case he jolts back. “…Are they dead?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“I don’t know! Why don’t you ask them!” George paused his pacing to point his finger at both you and Fred.

“Hey! I am not the one you had thrown the stink bomb into the room!” You said defensively. “Besides I told you to test it when I’m ready! BUT NOOOO… you two wanted it now WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT’S FULL CAPACITY AND RESTRICTIONS!”

“I…..I…” When George couldn’t come up with a come back, he changed tactics. Turning to Fred he challenges. “You’re being remarkably calm about this.”

Fred, who was still standing rooted at the entryway, replied. “Thanks, it’s the shock. Give me fifteen minutes, the screaming will happen.”

“What the heck happened anyway?” asked Ginny.

“Yea, I thought it was just a stink bomb that could explode!” added George.

“It is just an exploding stink bomb!”

“Then why are they unconscious?” George’s panic becomes more evident as in addition to his pacing, his voice is now an octave higher.

“I think that the stink bomb was too powerful for such a small room.” Sighing, you gestured to the closed windows. “There’s no adequate ventilation too. Must have cause them to inhale a larger concentration”

“How long will they be out?”

“I don’t know Ginny…really.” You shrug. “It could be hours, one to two at best.”

“TWO HOURS?!?” The twins say in union despite one clearly in utter distress while the other scarily unmoving.

Fred gripped his hair, placed his head in between his thighs and let out a scream that could rival a lion.

George now having lost hope of his brother functioning, took charge. “Mum is gonna be back any second now. What are we gonna do?”

“Well, first…we’re gonna check the boy’s condition again for progress” You suggest, dragging Ginny to check on hair while you check on Ron.

“Then..we’re gonna say..”

“GOT YA!” You 4 shout, finger guns at the ready.

“Wait.. WHAT?!!?? WHAT’S HAPPENING?” George looks at Harry and Ron- who are surprisingly alright and laughing their heads off, to you and GInny looking very smug.

Fred tilts his red face up to the commotion.

“YOU JUST GOT PRANKED! SAY CHESSE!” You announced, indicating to Ginny with the camera.

“Cheeseee” murmured the twins in defeat.

~

“How’d you do it?”

You knew that they would be back with questions. You keep them on the edge as you finish up your potions essay.

"You lot are predictable."

"Predictable?" George scoffed.

Tidying up the study table you continue "Mhhhmmm hmmm. Predicted that you would test it out on Ron, knew that you would try to steal it from me cause you both are very impatient- especially you Fred."

"Heyy!"

"But how did you wake up Harry and Ron?" Piped George. "We shook them but they were still unconscious!"

"Ah George ever the curious. It's simple really." You lay on the bed with hands behind your head, enjoying this moment of outsmarted the boys. "Your siblings were all very tired of been pranked so when we saw an opportunity to have you taste of your own medicine we grab them chance."

You glance at them.

"The time of you setting off the stink bomb is unknown but we were ready. I've made a nose blocker chewing gum while I was tinkering with the foul smell of the stink bomb."

"No sense of smell, no effect." stated Fred.

"Exactly, the rest I'd just improv and acting! The boys weren't actually unconscious, just a temporary numbing spell which Ginny and I reversed when we checked on them."

Sitting back up, you continued.

"What I didn't predict was how crazy you with react. I've never seen you two gone off the rails scared shirtless like that before." You admitted. "Priceless."

"And now you have a photo of it" grumbled George.

"And video too!"

"WHAT?"

Taglist [All/General]: @gruffle1

HP Taglist: @onlyfreds

[phoenix-downer]

Still Sora

~1550 words. Set right after Sora awakens in KH2. An exploration of his thoughts and feelings about waking up after a year of sleep. Features Sora, Donald, and Goofy friendship with slight Sora/Kairi. Canon compliant.

Sora woke up feeling like he was in a stranger’s body. He’d gone to sleep knowing what his voice sounded like, how tall he should be, how far his arms should reach, the length of his stride. How much strength he needed to open doors, to pick up objects, to wield his Keyblade.

All of that was different now. 

He felt just how different as he pushed open the door that led them out of the library. It opened too quickly, and he nearly tumbled onto the creaky wood floor, just barely catching himself in time. He shot Donald a glare because the silly duck was snickering at him. 

“What?” he demanded with a pout. He nearly started at the sound of his own voice again. It was way lower than it was when he’d gone to sleep, and he still wasn’t fully used to it. “You’d be struggling too if you’d gone through overnight puberty,” he grumbled.

Because that was what this all was, basically. Most people had the luxury of adjusting to the process little by little, day by day. Sora would have to come to terms with it all at once. The whole thing still made his head spin.

“Wasn’t overnight ya goofball,” Donald pointed out. “You’ve just been asleep for a long time.”

“Now Donald, let’s not be so pedantic,” Goofy said as they walked to the nearest staircase. “Sora’s been through a lot of changes for a feller.” 

“You can say that again.” Sora’s voice cracked, and he groaned as Donald sniggered again. “What is even going on with my voice?” he said to no one in particular as he took the stairs two at a time. “I know, I know, it’s normal that it’s getting lower, blah blah puberty, whatever.” He frowned and touched his throat. “But it doesn’t sound like me, you know? How will anyone know it’s still my voice?”

Goofy put a hand on his shoulder. “True friends will know who you are, no matter what you look like or how you sound.”

Sora smiled. That was true enough. Kairi had known it was him when he’d turned into a Heartless—

Kairi. Heat crept up his cheeks and his stomach fluttered and his heart thumped in his chest. How was she? Did she want to see him as much as he wanted to see her? He faintly remembered dreaming about her, and suddenly his clothes felt too small, too restrictive, too hot.

“Sora, your face is red,” Donald said, and Sora groaned again. If Donald and Goofy figured out he’d been thinking about Kairi, he would never hear the end of it.

He broke into a stride, and they had to trot to keep up with him. Huh, so there were good things about his legs being longer after all. The look on Donald’s face as he tried to waddle fast enough was worth the teasing Sora had endured earlier. He grinned and pushed open the doors to the main entrance, and he was much more successful in calculating how much force was needed this time. 

He paused in the courtyard and let the breeze ruffle his hair. His first time outside in months, and he wanted to take everything in. He was awake and he was alive, and if his journey had taught him anything, it was to treasure every moment. The mansion was surrounded by a forest full of pine trees, and when their scent reached his nose, he took a deep breath and sighed. 

“Man it feels good to be awake.”

“You can say that again,” Donald said as he waddled past, pushed upon the gate, and tumbled into the grass. Goofy ran after him, took a springing leap, and landed on him, and Sora grinned and dogpiled them both. 

“You’re too heavy for this now,” Donald grumbled from the bottom of the pile, and Sora just laughed and rolled off. 

“Sorry, still not used to this new body of mine.” He rolled onto his back, being careful not to hurt Jiminy, and reached towards the sky. It was the colors of sunset, muted reds and oranges and yellows and violets instead of the bright blue of the sky back home. 

Home. He wanted to go home and see Kairi. But he promised he’d find Riku first. He had to find Riku and bring him home. Only then would he allow himself to go home to Kairi, to see her smile, hear her laughter, maybe even give her a hug. It wouldn’t be right, going home without Riku. Kairi would be expecting them both.

He lowered his arm and examined his hand. His fingers were longer, and his gloves felt too small. Had she changed as much as he had in their time apart? A whole year, gone. A year of memories he’d missed out on. He wasn’t there for her birthday, or Valentine’s Day, or Christmas or— 

“Sora? What’s wrong?” Goofy asked, peering over him. Donald likewise was looking at him with concern, and Jiminy hopped onto his chest, a frown on his little face.

“Sorry, I was just thinking about all the things we missed while we were asleep. Birthdays and holidays and festivals and stuff.”

He didn’t want to bring up Kairi yet. What he felt towards her now excited him, confused him, embarrassed him. The last thing he wanted was more teasing as he sorted that complicated mess of emotions out. But one thing he knew for sure was that she’d been a part of his life for so long that he’d taken it for granted they’d always be together. The thought of spending more time apart from her made him feel hollow inside. 

Goofy’s head drooped. “A year is an awfully long time for a feller your age to be gone.”

“The years fly by quick when you’re that young,” Jiminy agreed. “That's why I keep a journal. I don’t want to forget a single moment of our journey.” He scratched his head as he scoured one of the pages. “I still don’t know why there’s only one line left from our previous travels. I know I wrote more.”

“Well, you’ll keep a better record this time,” Donald said. “And don’t worry Sora, we’ll celebrate your birthday with you.”

“Thanks, guys,” Sora took Donald’s outstretched hand and sat up, and Jiminy nestled back into his hood. “I guess I’m fifteen now, huh? Feels a little surreal, but I’ll never say no to a party. First things first though, we need to figure out where to go next.”

He stood and dusted the dirt off his shorts, but the grass stains were probably here to stay. Speaking of his shorts, they were way too short and showed more of his legs than he really felt comfortable with. This was the length girls could get by with, and guys on Destiny Islands roughly twenty years ago when his parents were teenagers, going by the old photos in his parents’ scrapbooks, but not teenage boys who valued their dignity. 

Great, another blessing puberty had bestowed upon him. But getting new clothes seemed pretty low priority right now. All that would have to wait. He wanted to find a clue about Riku’s whereabouts, and then maybe they could leave this world and—

But the thought of leaving knocked the wind out of him. He clutched his chest and gasped as his throat constricted and invisible fingers wrapped around his heart and squeezed. “Huh?”

“Sora? You okay?” Donald asked, peering up at him.

As suddenly as the feeling had hit him, it was gone. He blinked a few times and released his shirt.

“I am now. Man, that was really weird. It was like I couldn’t breathe for a second.”

He looked around. Something about this place felt familiar. He wasn’t sure why, he just knew that the thought of leaving made him sad. Maybe he’d been here before. It didn’t feel like home the way Destiny Islands felt like home, and yet… this place felt like it held a piece of his heart. 

Well, that was how all the places he’d visited and made friends felt now. It was impossible to go somewhere, meet new people, experience new things, and not form some kind of connection. Was it possible he had friends here? Well, only one way to find out. He hoisted his Keyblade over his shoulder and beckoned to Donald and Goofy.

“Come on guys, let’s go!” 

As he jogged through the forest with the two of them at his heels, his heart hammered in his chest. Was it bigger now? It felt bigger. It felt so big it might break. Was that a normal part of growing up, or was something else going on? 

Maybe both. His journey so far had opened his eyes to so many things. He’d made lots of new friends, too. A heart with so many bonds was big, strong. But that meant it could break more easily. It was worth it though. He couldn’t go back to who he was before his journey began any more than he could go back to his old voice, his old size, his old body. 

He’d changed, but he was still himself. He was still Sora, and it was time for his journey to continue.

~~~

A/N: A big thank you to @angel-with-a-pipette​ for helping me brainstorm this story! For a long time now I’ve wanted to write a fic set during the beginning of KH2 that explores how Sora’s feeling about everything, and replaying KH2 gave me the motivation and inspiration. I hope you enjoyed, and thank you for reading!

[msotherworldly]

To Love a Dragon

Title: To Love a Dragon

Fiction Type: Original fiction

Warnings: Flirtatious talk, mention of nudity, romance

Prompt: “I like that in you.”

When I entered the room, I groaned: the bookshelves were on their sides; pages were loose, torn and singed; the cauldrons were upended, staining the carpets with their last drops; and the curtains, along with the bed sheets and half of the chairs, were blackened masses. The acrid odour of smoke filled my nose; I waved my hand through the air, eyes stinging.

Purple and grinning, he sat on the bed’s edge. As I drew closer, he wagged his tail.

“I think you can count interior decorator out of your career options.”

His tail quickened. His yellow eyes gleamed. His scales flashed in the sun as he pawed at me. I took one clawed foot between my hands. He was of a size with a Great Dane; he even panted, tongue lolling out.

He winked. “Did you miss me?”

“I did. But the feeling evaporated. Like the scent of fire.”

He laughed, a sheepish sound. “I didn’t mean to. I was looking for my ball. You know, my stress ball? The one I like to chew?”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why were you stressed?”

“I wasn’t! I’m not!” I shrugged. “But I wanted it just in case I got stressed. And then...I got stressed looking for it.”

I sighed.

“I’m really sorry. I can clean up.”

“You’re going to have to get an online job or something if this keeps up. I can’t afford to keep replacing all of this by myself.”

“I’m sorry.” He pouted. “But really, I’ll clean. I like cleaning!”

I crossed my arms.

There was a flash of blue fire, and a tall man stood before me. Purple hair tumbled into his eyes – they were as yellow as daffodils, playful and piercing. I blushed as he grinned at me. He ran a hand over his dark stomach.

“What?”

“You...need to get dressed.”

“Aw, come on. That’s what you like about me.”

I coughed.

“Clothes are so restricting.” He shook his head, eyes sad. He changed into a tie, a leather jacket and sweatpants. It wasn’t exactly high fashion, but my heart rate was slowing and my thoughts were coherent. Slowly, the fantasies receded.

“Say it.”

“Joey.”

“Go on.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re messy. You’re silly. You’re adorable. And you’re crazy. But...” My shoulders tensed. “I like that in you.”

“And you’re bossy, overly cautious, and too clean. But I like that in you, too.”

“You can’t be too clean.”

“Oh, some people are. I knew one guy who washed his hands so much they bled. And his living room furniture was all covered in plastic.”

My eyes narrowed. “Where are you meeting these people?”

“Oh, this was back in the 60’s, when I still thought it was okay to eat people.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“I didn’t kill him, you know. I just took one of his feet. I checked on him two decades later, to make sure he was okay. He has a prosthetic now.”

I groaned.

“Relax. I stopped eating people in the 1900’s. Never cared much for maidens, anyways.” He winked at me.

“I’m flattered.” I motioned around the room. “Now, clean up.”

He zipped around the room, sweeping, scrubbing, and gathering; his motions were blurs, and stains seemed to melt on their own. He plastered the holes in the walls; he replaced the curtains; he glued the pages back in their books; and he swept up the ashes, humming under his breath.

“George?”

I glanced up. I was bent over a collection of charred rocks that had once been socks. “Joey?”

“You make me hot all over.”

I coughed a second time.

“You really should do something about that. It could just be allergies, but if you’ve got a lung infection-”

“I’m fine.” There was a part of me which wanted to reply that he set me on fire. I mean, he’s a dragon. I touched my cheek. And I am burning up. However, I decided the comment would be more cringey than clever. I’m not going to stoop to his level.

Joey sang a Christmas song under his breath.

“Stop it. It’s October.”

“Huh?” He glanced up, blinking. “But I thought Christmas was next month.”

“No, it’s not.”

“But there’s the big dinner and the turkey...”

I snorted. “You’re thinking of Thanksgiving.”

“That’s in November, then?”

“No.”

Joey stomped his foot, face crumpling. “Now I’m really confused!”

“You live in Canada now. Don’t worry about it.” I scooped up a pile of shirts. They weren’t blackened, but one sniff told me they were history.

“Canada?”

I tossed the shirts into the hall. “Yeah, we move our holidays to different months, we wear t-shirts in the snow, and we add the letter ‘u’ to our words just because. We’re funny like that.”

“You’re insane, I say. Why would you add an extra letter to your words?”

I shrugged. “It just looks good.”

“That can’t be the reason.”

“I know, but it’s the reason I like best.” I grinned. “Who else would you love, but a beaver hugging bacon addict?”

“I do like bacon.” He drifted towards me. We stood inches apart. “And those fries with the gravy all over them?”

“That’s poutine.”

“I think you need to cook something for me.” He stroked my face. “I’m really confused. I don’t know if I’m hungry or hor-”

I kissed him. We collapsed on to the bed. He smelled of blueberries. It didn’t make sense for a dragon to smell like fruit...but then, nothing about this made sense. He wrapped his arms around me. I set my head on his shoulder, heart thrumming.

“I never thought it would be a dragon.”

“More of a vampire guy, huh?”

“You’ve got me there.” I chuckled. “All the books talk about elves, vampires, even werewolves...but not this.”

“Maybe dragons are the next fad.”

“Maybe they are.” I pecked his cheek. My stomach growled. “Can we post pone this? I’m sort of starving.”

“Bacon?” His eyes glowed.

“Absolutely.”

We slid off the bed together.

“And apple pie?”

“That’s not a Canadian dish.” I shrugged. “But I’ll try my best.”

We shared another kiss, a long one, before breaking apart. Hand in hand, we drifted down to the kitchen.

[chappybird]

How to Get Roleplay on F-List: A Guide

Hey all. So I’ve had a few people ask me how on earth to get RP over F-List, or for those that have tried, say its too confusing. While F-List is a much different format than I think a lot of people are used to, it’s a pretty reliable source of RP once you get used to it. So I’m going to walk you through, step by step, how to start from nothing and get a profile set up to start RPing. F-List is 18+ Only and is a Restricted To Adults® Verified website. You can learn more about it by clicking the RTA logo at the bottom of f-list’s main page.

F-list’s main landing page can be located at https://www.f-list.net/.

Note that my f-list may look different from yours because I’m using dark mode (which can be set in the account tab) and I’m a subscriber, so I don’t see ads.

Step One: Make a Profile

Making a profile, or as they’re known on F-List, a character, is your jumping off point for getting started. There are three main factions on F-List: Anthro Characters, Canon Characters, and Original Characters, with subcategories of each. You also have hub profiles. There is a right way to make a hub profile, but that’s not something I’ll be talking about on this post. Hub profiles are pretty universally disliked on F-List and are often seen as a mark of laziness, and I do not recommend making one to look for RP on. You should make a separate Profile for each character you want to play as. If you have a normal account, you can make up to 150 different characters. If you’re a subscriber, you can make significantly more than that depending on your tier. 

Choosing a name for your character is very important! You want something attention grabbing, but since each character has to have a unique name, this can get a little tricky. Today I’m choosing to create a Link from the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time. As this is a popular character, it can be difficult to track down a good name. You can be clever with naming conventions, while making it obvious who you’re playing, or you can add in underscores, hyphens, numbers, etc. It’s really up to personal preference. I advise not getting too abstract with your character name. Just pick something easy to read and to the point. Once you’ve decided on a name, click the create character button to open up the character editor.

Step Two: Holy Fuck Dude That’s a Lot of Shit To Fill Out

Take a deep breath. The character editor is very intimidating to those that haven’t used F-List before. Perhaps you have used F-List for it’s old intended purpose, just to list your kinks to link people to when RPing on other sites. Your first instinct might be to scroll down there and start picking kinks willy-nilly. Stop. In the grand scheme of things, this is not as important for getting Roleplay and if you do it incorrectly you might actually hurt your chances.

Now that we’ve calmed down you’ll notice two things at the top of the page. A big white text field, and this guy:

This, more than anything on your profile, is the most important thing. If you have this on profile, you will almost never get any roleplay. This is your character icon, and it’s the first step on your journey to doing this whole thing correctly. All you need to do is find an image that’s 300x300 pixels or smaller and upload it with the Choose File button. Then scroll down to the very bottom of the page and hit save. Search on google, and if you have a hard time finding something of that size, A great site to use is https://lunapic.com/ to edit pics if you don’t have Photoshop or Gimp. Choosing or creating an image with some sort of transparency layer is recommended because it makes your icon look more polished, but you don’t really need to do that. This isn’t an image software guide so I’ll leave that to you to figure out. If all you can do is crop an image into a square, that will do perfectly. But you need to have something here. Besides your character name, it’s the first impression you’re going to give to people when using the site. I have honest to god had people message me on empty profiles that having nothing but a character name and an icon. 

Sourcing your images is a bit of a grey area on f-list. It’s not really an art sharing site, but if you choose fanart that someone doesn’t want to be reposted, it can be removed by the mods if you’re reported for it. So we’ll just use some official art that already has a transparency channel and crop it using Lunapic.

Step Three: How To Set the Profile Up

If you’re following along, you should have something like this by now. This already gives us an idea of who you’re playing, and what they look like, and while you might get a couple of weirdos messaging you already, there’s still a lot to do. So let’s go over what to do next.

Now that you’ve already created a character, it will be listed under the character tab. Further characters will be listed in alphabetical order. Navigate to your character and click the “Edit” button underneath their icon.

We’re back to the big scary page. Remember that big text field? We’re going to ignore everything else and focus on this first.

F-List uses standard BBC code tags with [square brackets.] You can find some buttons that will give you tools like bold, italics, color, hyperlinks, and quote blocks. There are many different ways to create eye-catching descriptions. I would say the three basic ways are minimalist, inline based, and heavy BBC code. We’ll go through the first option in detail but if you’re interested in the the latter, there is actually a few F-List profiles that teach coding and even have a few templates to use. User beware, though. Many F-List users use these templates and they can sometimes look a bit generic as they are overused.

Templates: https://www.f-list.net/c/profile%20templates

Coding Help: https://www.f-list.net/c/profile%20references

If you want to make an inline based profile, having access to software like Illustrator, Photoshop, GIMP, and similar content is good to have as well. You can also make a blend of the three styles of profiles. I’ll link some examples of my own profiles for reference. Some of these have text included in the inline. Some of them just have an image with the text written out underneath. Again, it’s really up to your personal preference.

https://www.f-list.net/c/Rival%20II/

https://www.f-list.net/c/Lion%20Heart/

https://www.f-list.net/c/The%20Fire%20of%20Tamaran/

Now would also be a great time to familiarize yourself with the rules. Keep an eye on these, especially if you play contentious content.

https://wiki.f-list.net/Code_of_Conduct

Some big things to look out for and not to do: Photographs and realistic images of animals are not allowed. Even Nonsexual ones. Photographs and 3D renders of minors (even nonsexual images or nonsexual profiles) are not allowed. If there is even a hint of the character being a minor, do not use photographic or 3D renders. (For example: Tom Holland’s depiction of Spiderman. Even though Tom Holland was an adult when he played the role, the character is a minor.) Sometimes these can run into a lot of grey areas, but it’s better safe than sorry!

Step Four: Creating A Minimalist Profile

We’ll start with a short description. It’s really important to make sure your character’s name is present in your descriptio, especially if it’s not the profile name. If you’re feeling particularly lazy, you can copypaste something from a wiki or official description. Let’s start with something like this.

Link had humble beginnings as a boy that lived in the forest with the Kokiri. Known as the boy without a fairy, Link led a simple life until one day, the dying Guardian of the forest, the Deku Tree, set him upon a Quest to save the Kingdom of Hyrule from darkness. Arming himself with the elemental powers of Hyrule and the legendary Master Sword, Link journeyed through time to the Dark Era of Hyrule to challenge the evil Ganondorf and save his Kingdom from evil.

Shoving this into the Description box and hitting save will generate something like this.

You might notice that this looks like crap. And it does! however, we can very easily fix that with the power of just three simple BBC tags. Those being [center], [color], and [sub]. plus a little something extra I’ll explain in a moment. Let’s add those in like so.

[center][color=green][sub]Link had humble beginnings as a boy that lived in the forest with the Kokiri. Known as the boy without a fairy, Link led a simple life until one day, the dying Guardian of the forest, the Deku Tree, set him upon a Quest to save the Kingdom of Hyrule from darkness. Arming himself with the elemental powers of Hyrule and the legendary Master Sword, Link journeyed through time to the Dark Era of Hyrule to challenge the evil Ganondorf and save his Kingdom from evil.[/sub][/color][/center]

Instead of hitting save at the bottom of the profile this time, we’re going to click “Preview BBC Code” to get a look at what our coding has done.

Fancy.

But it could use a little work. When I’m making minimalist profiles, I like to make the lines of text a little shorter so it’s a little easier to read and looks nicer. Make sure each line of text is about the same length as the previous (minus any BBC tags)

[eicon]blank[/eicon] [center][color=green][sub]Link had humble beginnings as a boy that lived in the forest with the Kokiri. Known as the boy without a fairy, Link led a simple life until one day, the dying Guardian of the forest, the Deku Tree, set him upon a Quest to save the Kingdom of Hyrule from darkness. Arming himself with the elemental powers of Hyrule and the legendary Master Sword, Link journeyed through time to the Dark Era of Hyrule to challenge the evil Ganondorf and save his Kingdom from evil.[/sub][/color][/center] [eicon]blank[/eicon]

You’ll also notice that I placed an eicon tag with a “blank” body. Eicons are essentially image macros that can be used all over the site. Using the blank one here is a good way to put a block of empty space on the top and bottom so the text isn’t too crowded by the frame of the description box. Another couple to keep in mind are [eicon]under construction[/eicon] or [eicon]WIP[/eicon] if you want to save your work now and get right to chatting and exploring the site. This signifies that you’re still working on your profile and more will be added later. You can create your own eicons by going to Account > Icon gallery. Keep in mind each eicon must have a unique name across all users. Inputting this into the description and checking how it looks in the preview, we end up getting something that looks like this:

Looks like we got a bookmark while we were setting the profile up. That means someone saw us while browsing new characters and decided they want to keep an eye on our profile and are likely interested in RPing! If you like, you can disable bookmarks per character in the character editor under settings. Generally speaking though, bookmarks are your friend and it’s how people will find you to RP later.

Optionally if you want to add an inline, just upload an image of your choice in Account > Inline Images. You can then add it in the character editor using this button.

This isn’t a tutorial for creating inlines, but a general rule is to make sure it’s sized well, and transparent images tend to look better than non-transparent images.

Step Five: Character Details

Opening the Character Editor once more, a couple basic things should be filled out. We will take this section by section.

Settings: Some general tweaks to change and edit. Personally, I like to turn my timezone off, and besides that, I like to have my Guestbook and Bookmarks turned on as well, but all of these settings are up to you. A big one a I suggest turning on is “Custom Kinks Sort First.” This will come up later but it’s good to turn it on.

Character List: For now, you can ignore this part. You can use this to have certain characters grouped together and will show up in the sidebars of these characters. I haven’t run into any limits for how many character lists you can have, but keep in mind a character can only belong to one list at a time.

Images: If you have any images you want to upload, this is the place to do it. Headcanons of body types, additional art you’ve drawn or found, can be added here. You can add descriptions to each image that will appear when a user hovers over the image. Keep in mind, again, that usage of fan art is a grey area on F-List. It’s not an image posting site, but some artists do not want their art reposted at all.

Profile Info: You don’t need to fill out every single detail here. Bits that aren’t filled in will just not appear on your profile. It’s a good idea to fill out your gender, and in many cases, your orientation. Both are under General Details. Filling out RPing preferences is also a good idea. It’ll keep people from approaching you IC using first person posts if that’s not your thing.

Step Six: Kinks and Custom Kinks

This is probably one of the most overwhelming parts of the process. My first tip: Ignore the Kink section for now. Instead, skip ahead to the Custom Kink section.

Custom Kinks are a good way to tell people what you really want. Click the Add +1 Custom Kink button to make a new custom kink. You can fill out the basic title of the kink, and a description. Or if you prefer to leave the description blank, just press the spacebar. Select what category you want the kink to appear in (Fave, Yes, Maybe, No.) Try to avoid using inflammatory language against different races, genders, identities, and don’t kinkshame. This is a site based primarily around finding rpers that have the same interests and kinks that you do. Save the profile when you’re done and we’ve got something like this.

And really, you can probably start roleplaying like this. Maybe add a couple of images, and tweak a few things. So if you like, skip to the next step. But for now, I’ll go over the kink list.

The most important think to remember is you don’t have to add every single kink to your profile. Try to select the most relevant things, and avoid redundancies. 

For example, I’m not interested in Vore of any kind. So I can put the kinks Vore (Being Predator) and Vore (Being Prey) Into my No category. Or, if I want to make it even more simplified, I can add a custom Vore kink and put that in my No category. Likewise, if I don’t want to do any sex driven play, I can probably go ahead and just put sex driven there and ignore most of the kink list. Kinks that are not relevant such as Vaginal Sex (Receiving) on a cis male can also be ignored. Kinks are broken up into sections, and while it is a lot, just take your time, go through it sensibly, and take a break if you want to. Remember you don’t have to add every single one to your profile. This will ultimately be easier on you and make your profile easier to read. 

After a bit of editing, this is what my kink list ends up looking like:

You can try exploring the Subfetish editor but it’s a little confusing to navigate and isn’t very necessary. And now, your profile is done!

Step Six: Using F-Chat

 So now that we have a profile set up, it’s time to find some partners. Regardless of what way you want to connect, if you prefer script or para, the main place you’re going to find RP is through F-Chat. There is currently both a desktop and mobile client. if you select Chat you’ll see the option for both, and clicking on them will take you to instructions on how to set those up. We will however be using the Browser client in this example. Go ahead and select F-Chat 3.0.

You will be taken to a landing page with a drop down of your characters, with the first character you created selected as the default. (You can change your default character in your account settings.) You can have up to three characters online at once. Keep in mind this goes by IP address, so if you have a roommate that also uses F-List, those will count towards your total number of online characters. If this becomes a problem for you, just use a virtual machine or connect to the internet via a different method, such as with data. (F-List is not that much of a data drain.)

Here is what you’ll see when you open F-Chat. You’ll see I already have people in my friends list and my bookmarks (that I’ve blurred out for courtesy.) These will appear the same on all the characters you sign in as. I will be notified whenever one of my friends signs in or sets a status. You can set these notifications to show only on the console if you’d like to in the settings. Let’s set a status first.

Here, you have the options of selecting from the default Online status to Looking, Away, Busy, and Do Not Disturb. These all do what you’d expect, with Do Not Disturb turning off the sound that would play when you get notifications from personal messages or pings.

The Status Message is an optional addition, and it’s great for if you’re looking for specific things or want your friends and bookmarks to know what you’re doing. Be careful not to post anything that breaks F-Lists code of conduct. F-List does have an aggregate of every status you ever posted logged on their server, so throwing a temper tantrum and posting something inappropriate and then taking it back later might still get you in trouble.

While the Character Search Option is available to you, I’ve personally never found it very effective. You can search users by kinks, but keep in mind it doesn’t search by gender or orientation, or what species or even if they’re canon or original. Instead, we’ll go right to the settings tab.

General: Just your general settings. You have a few options here to tweak and while most of it is personal preference, I’ll highlight a few to keep in mind.

Disallowed BBC Code Tag: good for if you find a particular colour particularly garish as a text colour, or if you find an eicon that you no longer want to see anymore. Enter Sends Messages: I have this set to off so I can avoid accidentally sending a message for when I post. When this is enabled, just press the send button on screen to send messages. Otherwise, if you want to linebreak in one post, just press Shift + Enter. Animate eicons: If you’re running a slow computer, or have a slow connection, turn this to off. Eicons are used as memes a lot in F-Chat, and some of them can get a little ridiculous. (Someone has compressed the entire Shrek movie into an eicon and uploaded to the site in very poor quality for example.) There can also be bright flashing colours or even nsfw images. In general these eicons are all 100x100 pixels in size, but some users like to tile them together to create bigger images so it can sometimes get out of hand. This is something up to personal preference, and while I have Animate eicons turned on, I can see why some people wouldn’t like it. Idle Timer: If you are the kind of person that walks away from your computer without changing your status, or you have fallen asleep with F-Chat open, it’s good to set this to a reasonable time. If you’re in Online or Looking, after you’ve been inactive for the depicted number of seconds, your status will be set to Idle. This is so other users know that you’re not ignoring them if you don’t respond to their messages. A downside to this is if you’re tabbed out or multitasking, it’ll set you to idle when you may not intend it to and going back to the window switches you to Online again. It can be a little spammy if you’re constantly switching between Online and Idle. Font Size: If you find F-Chat’s font too big or too small, you can edit that here.

Notifications: While this section is pretty self explanatory, I’d like to specifically go over the Custom Highlight Notify Words.

Now, because each profile has to have a unique name, you might want to select additional pings. For example I might want to add Link,Zelda,Hyrule,Hero,Hero of Time to my list. Everything is comma seperated and not case sensitive. There are a few things to keep in mind.

Common word pings: If I add Link to my list of pings, I might get pinged whenever someone talks about a url link, or a chain link, or any other common use of the word link. It therefore might be better to not use the word. If you have a profile name that is a common word, it might be better to also uncheck the option for Notify Messages Containing your name.

Similar Profiles: If there’s another Link in chat, then I will be notified everytime someone refers to him by name as well. This is less of a problem on more niche characters, but it’s something to keep in mind! You can set pings by room, so perhaps a solution to this is using Link as a highlight word in the Canon Characters room, but not using it as a highlight word in the Nintendo room. More about how to do that later.

Hidden Users: Pretty self explanatory once click over. If you keep seeing an ad you dislike, you can hide all advertisements from said user (re: character) going forward. Keep in mind this is not your block list.

Import: If you make two profiles and want to have these settings copied from one to the other, just log into the profile you want to import to, and select the profile you want to import from. Make sure to go back to change your pings if needed.

Lastly, we’ll be looking at the channel section. 

You might be starting to be overwhelmed again, and that’s okay. There are a lot of options, but most of the time, you’ll only want to select the options that are relevant to us. Check off the list of rooms you want to open a tab for. These will begin to be added to your sidebar. the number in brackets signifies the number of users thats joined that room. By default, this list is most popular to least popular, but I personally prefer alphabetical. There may be some channels that you find inappropriate, offensive, or contentious, but your best bet is to ignore those parts of the site. It’s an Adult site that is heavily moderated by a mixture of paid and volunteer staff. Every effort is made to ensure that no real people get hurt, but it is understood that as an adult, you are responsible for curating the content that you consume. This is one of the fundamental principals that F-List is built upon.

For now, I’m going to go with Canon Characters and Canon Characters OOC from this list.

You will also notice an Open Room tab. Unlike the Official Channels which are moderated by F-List staff, Open Rooms are chat rooms created by the userbase, and moderated by the userbase. While the standard F-List code of content is applicable to all areas of the site, special rules may apply in these rooms, and you’ll find things like rooms dedicated to certain kinks, species, and fandoms. I can try searching for a few things I think might be applicable to me, such as Hyrule, Zelda, Nintendo, and Elf. Some of those get hits, and some of those don’t. I can also check them off to add them to my list. (Note that search terms have to be entered one at a time. I cannot search for multiple things at once.)

Once you’ve selected the channels and rooms you want to join, you can click and drag on the tabs to reorder them on the sidebar. If you’d like to pin a chat, You can just press the little push pin symbol, which will then turn green. (You can do this for User Messages as well.) This means when you sign out, these chats will still be there when you sign back in. Note that settings and pinned chats are device by device only, and furthermore, channels and logs will not carry over between characters.

Make sure to read the description of each room you join. There are often specific rules (such as no ooc talk in the canon characters room, and no male characters in the lesbians room.) Clicking the gear will allow you to change settings on a per-room basis.

Step Seven: Actually Finding some RP

Now, after all that effort, we’re finally ready to find some RP. You have a few options on how to do this.

You could just join a few rooms and set your status to looking with a status message on what you want, but this is considered very passive. You may get some people that reach out (As you saw, someone had bookmarked my Link less than an hour after I made the profile before logging into f-chat.) But your best bet is one of three options.

Look at the Ads: Whenever you’re in a room that allows ads, you will sometimes notice a differently coloured message fly by looking for roleplay. This is an ad. If you see one that seems to fit what you have to offer, you can right-click on their username and select “Open Conversation.” A chat window will be open under the PMs section on your sidebar. You can view this conversation like you would a channel. Keep in mind that users are not notified if you open a conversation with them, only if you send them a message.

Create an Ad: Make sure you are in a room or channel that allows ads by checking the description, you can select the ad tab in the lower right hand corner above the text input box to write an ad instead of a chat message.

Making a normal chat post saying “hey does anyone want to roleplay with me” is considered spam and could result in the mods having a word with you.

You have similar tools to what you do in the character descriptions, and clicking each one will automatically place the tags in the text box, with the eyeball being a preview and the question mark being a how to. You want your ads to stand out, but you don’t want them to be too obnoxious. Take a look at what kind of ads other people are posting to get an idea of what’s expected.

Talk to Others: And lastly, you can just play in public rooms or chat with people in ooc channels. This is a great way for others to sample what you’re like to play with and vice versa, or even just to get to know potential partners. In my general experience, you’ll have more luck finding people to play with long term in the user created Open Rooms than in the Official Channels, but ever case is different. There are a vast number of styles, methods of RP, and types of partners you can find.

That’s basically the ins and outs of F-List! The more you’ll use it, the more you’ll understand how it works and the social etiquette on the platform. Like many sites, it certainly has it’s share of dark corners and flaws, but all in all it’s a pretty good website to find people to play with! Have fun!

[lunariumarcs]

Dark Angel AU

Adaptation

Light Spinner woke up as the sun rose to light the kingdom. Her toes curled into her feet, stiff from cold. She ran a finger up the frigid bridge of her nose and shivered. A long, pale arm rested heavy across her belly. Her bare skin prickled when she slipped away from the blankets and pillows. Under a weak silencing charm, she dressed herself, grimacing as the fabric grazed the fresh marks across her body.

She stole a glance at the queen on her exit. Her majesty rolled over into a shallow pool of her own saliva. Light Spinner trapped the rage in her stomach and let it go with a gentle stream of air through her nose. The door closed behind her softly. The tiles in the hall froze the bottoms of her feet as she padded out past the guards. Her shoes had to be abandoned by the nightstand. They were too noisy for her stealth mission this morning. 

The guards nodded at her on her way. She nodded back, reeking of sex and sweat and shame and shadows. It was all for the game. Keep her majesty sated and content. Move one space at a time. Wait for the opportunity.

She locked her bedroom door and let her rumpled clothes fall to the floor. The hot water kept her teeth from chattering and cleared the frost bites. She cleaned herself and applied the healing salve to her entire body. Her tooth brush scraped away the after taste of extasy.

She opened the top of the toilet bowl and reached for a book wrapped in waxy leaves and sealed with twine. The thin garden rope slipped away and she gently removed the leaves. The book felt like sin in her hands, dry and restricted. Magic books were rare in the Brightmoon library. The queen horded them away in her chambers under a powerful lock spell. Light Spinner had found this one under one of the old chairs in the library, dusty and forgotten. She cracked it open to a marked section on perception spells. The scriptures and casting diagrams brought her comfort. They were like letters she had once written and forgotten about. Sometimes she whispered the incantations under her breath in the garden, too scared to ignite the magic that the words invited. Before she put the book back in the tank, she brought the open pages to her nose and inhaled deeply.

Nostalgia rushed through her brain, too quick to catch and identify. She inhaled again, wishing the air through her chest down to her toes.

She put the book back in the tank. At least now she had something in a realm of magic and titans and power.

After she dressed, she retreated barefoot to the garden. The sun warmed stones roughed her feet and the grass tickled her ankles. She smiled, finally, when she entered the greenhouse. 

After a few hours, a large cloud roved over the greenhouse. The plants started to shiver. A set of commanding footsteps made their way into the garden. Light Spinner stood at attention to the oncoming queen.

“Good morning, your majesty.” She bowed.

“You left me at dawn.” The Queen remarked.

“Ah my apologies. I wanted -”

“And you left these.” the abandoned shoes were summoned into Angella’s fingers.

“I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Evidently.”

Angella measured a stare at Light Spinner. The gardener gazed back, wondering if she should speak.

“Are you going to come take them or do I have to hold them forever?”

Light Spinner shook her head and forced several even steps towards her majesty.

“Closer, dear. The bites can’t be that bad.”

The gardener walked until she was in Angella’s personal space. She tried not to breathe too deeply. The Queen bent slightly to reach Light Spinner’s neck. Her breath tickled.

“You smell different.” the queen observed, pulling away, “Like lemon grass and honey.”

Light Spinner felt her heart quicken. Angella put a hand over her chest and smirked dangerously. Light Spinner knew better than to move away.

“I almost didn’t want to give you the shoes.” She whispered, “But we have guests in attendance this afternoon and I didn’t want to argue in front of them. It would bring shame upon your reputation. And I won’t have such a thing in my castle.”

“Of course, your majesty. I would hate to make our guests uncomfortable. May I please have my shoes?”

“Do you promise not to leave them behind again?”

“I... yes. I promise.”

“Good. Break that promise and next time you will swear on your own life.”

“I understand. Thank you for your discipline.” She could not look at her queen.

The queen smiled and trailed her hand up the gardener’s chest until it was tilting her head upwards.

“I appreciate your cooperation.” The queen whispered against bitten, chapped lips. She dropped the shoes as she strode out of the greenhouse. Only when she was fully gone did Light Spinner kneel for her shoes and put them on. She trembled as she cared for the rest of the plants.

“I’m sorry you all had to see that.” She whispered several times through the thickness in her throat. She washed her face with the garden hose and rinsed her mouth several times, pushing the water through the gaps in her teeth.

“I will learn the magic.” She said to a rose bush, “Even if she kills me for it. Will you hold me accountable? Will you help me master the art?”

The rose bush sent her warm feelings. None were emotions of compliance.

“I knew I should have asked the blue bells.”

“Yeah but the blue bells will say yes to anything.” A tiny voice spoke from behind her. The gardener startled away from her plant and wheeled around. A small child sat near a patch of daisies. She had strawberry blond hair, freckles and an adorable gap in her smile. She wore a traditional Plumerian green dress, woven from silk and chiffon. A lily blossom wove a crown into her hair.

“Good morning, your majesty. Enjoying the gardens?” She was not aware that Angella’s favoured guests would be royalty from Plumeria.

“Mhm. The plants say you’re the nicest person in the castle. Certainly nicer than that frozen witch, Queen Angella.”

“The queen can be a bit cold... but that’s not a reason to call her mean things.”

“I dunno, you just got done saying that she might kill you. And the merrigolds tell me that she’s real mean when you’re with her.”

“.... How old are you?”

“Probably like ten.”

“You mean you aren’t sure?”

“I’m giving a rough conversion from Plumeria’s unit of time.”

“Ah.”

“You have plant magic too, right? That’s why you talk to them?”

“I don’t have any magic - not since a tragic accident that left me badly injured.”

“Ok. And I’m not a Princess of Plumeria.” A large root emerged from the ground to carry her over to the gardener. She lay on her stomach across the barky surface. “But lets say that I am a Princess of Plumeria and that in this universe, you have magic.”

“... Ok. What then? What sorts of powers do I have?”

“You can make the plants bigger, make ‘em smaller. But its not a matter of forcing their size, its a matter of speeding up their biological stuff - make them absorb sunlight faster and convert it into adenda - aden - adenanine tri-phos-phate -”

“I think you mean Adenosine Triphosphate.”

“Yeah - this stupid science stuff is always dumb and complicated. But! It does come with cool powers. There are always positives to anything. After a while, you can just do it, without thinking of the complicated science speak.”

“That is very helpful, thank you.”

“I can send you some books! We can do botany together! Oh! I can teach you!”

Light Spinner smoothed the girl’s hair, “That sounds lovely. But you must remember that I don’t actually have magic and that you really are a Princess of Plumeria.”

She nearly argued with the gardener, when she realized the meaning hidden in her words.

“Oh, its a secret.” She whispered.

“Its a secret.”

“Cool. I’ve never had to keep a secret before! We never really keep secrets in Plumeria - my parents say it messes with the trust of the community or something. But don’t worry - I’ll keep it as safe as I can.”

“Thank you. Why don’t you go find your parents before they get worried?”

“Yeah, okay. Bye!” She skipped out of the greenhouse and the root replaced itself as she left. 

- this is unedited so rip if there are grammar. ill comeback to edit.

[stebeans]

She-ra inspired Actor AU - I

Maya Sanchez as Catra

Taylor Cruz as Adora

Jessica Cho as Glimmer 

Marcus Patterson as Bow

A She-ra Actor AU fic where She-ra and the Princesses of Power is a popular tv series and our lovable characters are played by actresses/actors. Inspired by the amazing fanart and concept by @sunzho and @hey_adora on instagram #cayaactorau, see link below and please follow them! 

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/cayaactorau/

P.S. I also changed the “real-life” name for Adora’s actress that sunzho and hey_adora came up with from Claire Cruz to Taylor Cruz . Not that I hated the name but I have bad experiences with Claire’s in my life and it felt odd on my part to write about a character with the same name...please forgive me!

But also! ship name for these two...Maylor? Maytay? I am horrible at this, I’ll admit.

Anyways I have a few head-cannons for this AU and I have a few snippets I would like to write. But this is the first of many! Please enjoy!

First Meeting

Maya glanced around the waiting room, her fingers playing with the worn and crumpled script in her hands. This was the first time she was auditioning for a part larger than the “background Latino girl” of a typical low-budget high school movie and to say she was nervous would be an understatement. Her agent had mentioned that the showrunners were open minded and there wasn’t any clear restrictions on the lead character but despite that, the waiting room was filled with the stereotypical tall, thin, blonde and ridiculously hot actresses that seemed to be overrun in LA. Seriously, what was in the water? It was clear as day that Maya stood out like a sore thumb with her dark skin, darker hair, with freckles that sprinkled across her cheeks and who stood at five-foot two inches on a good day.

Her mom had use to accompany her through many of her auditions, kind and supportive and not at all like the overbearing mothers she had come across in her earlier days when she was just a teen trying to break into show business. When she had hit seventeen she had finally convinced her mom that she was old enough to venture to auditions on her own. Her brothers, all older than she was, needed more supervision than a tub of ice cream on a hot summer day. Now she wished for her mom’s calming presence.

“Do you mind?” The aspiring actress next to her snapped, eyes narrowing at the way Maya had been unconsciously bouncing her leg in a staccato rhythm.

Immediately freezing, Maya shot her a sheepish look. “Sorry.” She apologized, wringing the script in her hands into a roll. “Just a little nervous I guess.”

“Yeah, no shit.” The blonde rolled her eyes before turning into her seat that put her back to Maya, effectively closing Maya off to the conversation she was having with the person on the other side.

Heat rose up Maya’s neck, across her cheeks and even up to her ears. Embarrassed, Maya’s eyes shot down to her lap where she smoothed out the script for the hundredth time. The cover page – white, crisp text and simple as was the industry standard— read:

                                             SHE-RA REBOOT

                                                    written by

                                               Noelle Stevenson

                                             based on the series

                                   She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985)

Honestly, Maya had never even heard of She-ra, didn’t have a clue what it was all about besides concluding that She-ra was indeed a person. A heroine actually. Plot, characters, villains were still a mystery as it was way before her time. Her three older brothers, the youngest was five years older than her, had teased her relentlessly as brothers do prior to the audition. They had puffed out their chest, calling out for He-man before striking obnoxious power poses and pitching their voices to imitate a ridiculous feline accent that more often than not, was interjected with an annoying “meow”.  Ugh, if the reboot was anything like how her brothers pitched it, maybe it wouldn’t be too awful if she was passed up. Not that the images that popped up when she had done a quick google search was very impressing either. Too much skin, not enough clothes, and that was for both sexes…species…whatever! What was this show even about?

Now she was even more nervous for different reasons. She couldn’t even imagine herself being so exposed with the lack of fabric the costumes required. Pulling the sleeves of her over-sized hoodie over her fingers, Maya resisted the urge to bounce her leg again lest the blonde turn back around and give her a black eye. Nope. Black eyes were definitely not a good look when trying to land a role.  

The door to the small waiting room the actresses had been herded into swung open with a bang, bouncing off the door stop and nearly pulling the door off its hinges. Another blonde walked through and unlike the other blondes in the room, Maya couldn’t tell if she was a staff member or an actress. Besides the blue-eyed, blonde haired look almost all the girls in the room were sporting this one was different from the rest. She looked…hard, rough around the edges. Her blue eyes cut through the room, lingering on Maya for a brief second before finding nothing of interest. She blew out a bubble with her pink gum as she weaved her way through the room, slightly hunched over with her hands buried deep in her black leather jacket. The girl had three too many piercing deemed respectable in Hollywood and Maya wouldn’t be surprised if she had other…non-visible piercings or tattoos for that matter.

The girl’s entrance had captured the majority of the room’s attention. Conversations and idle chatter had quieted as everyone watched her sign in at the check-in station. “Seriously?” The bitch next to Maya muttered in disbelief. “Her?”

No one had bothered to comment as the girl strolled up to where they were seated, her eyes cutting to Maya’s before raising a perfectly pierced eyebrow at her. Gulping, Maya tilted her head up in confusion. Jeez, the girl was taller than Maya had initially thought and super attractive too. When it was obvious Maya wasn’t going to make a move, the newcomer stared pointedly at Maya, than at the tattered backpack at her feet – now noticing how it effectively blocked the walking path –  and back up at Maya. Flushing, or had she ever stopped blushing? “Right!” Maya leaned forward and jerkily tugged her backpack onto her lap. “Sorry!”

Either Maya was stronger than she looked or her bag was in worst shape than it appeared – most likely, almost definitely the latter – because the zipper of her backpack decided that yes, this was the most opportune time to break and to spill its contents across the floor. “Shit!” Maya cursed, hurrying to grab her items before she caused a bigger scene.

A few snickers echoed the room and a sharp “what the fuck?” from beside her had Maya wishing the floor would just open up and swallow her whole. Mercifully the rough-looking blonde didn’t say anything but she wasn’t exactly helpful either, opting to stand and watch idly while Maya hastily shoved various things into her bag. Her physics and mathematics AP textbook, a graphic calculator, her phone, a windbreaker jacket, and embarrassingly enough her dusty and dirty softball jersey had fallen out too. “Fucking loser. Go back to whatever hick country you’re from.”  

“Hey!”

Maya looked up startled, her fingers wrapped around her backpack in a white-knuckled grip. The girl had pulled her hands from out of her leather jacket and now had them curled up in tight fists, eyes narrowed in a dangerous glare that made Maya nervous even though it wasn’t directed at her but at the blonde next to her who’ve been making comments all day. “Fuck off. She’s fine.”    

Thankfully smart-mouth decided to keep her mouth shut, though her lips pursed in distaste. She obviously wasn’t dumb enough to pick a fight with the girl who looked like she could bench two hundred pounds no problem. They glared at each other for what seemed like eternity, the room tense and quiet as they were all caught up in the impromptu showdown. Finally smart-mouth caved and looked away and the tension eased. No catfight here. No sir, not today. We’re all professionals here.

Though if it did come to blows, Maya was willing to bet her whole savings on who would win that particular fight. “Ignore her.” The girl said. “She’s a bitch.”

Maya noticed in her peripherals that smart-mouth had stiffened at the comment but didn’t react otherwise. Thank God. Maya definitely did not want to be pulled in whatever might transpire. She was already at a disadvantage. She didn’t want to be known as “That-Latino-Girl-That-Starts-Fights-In-Waiting-Rooms”. It was a more of a mouthful than “successful actress Maya Sanchez”.  

The girl bent down, picking up the old softball that had rolled against her Converses. She tossed it gently in the air, catching it with one hand before handing it over to Maya. “Thanks.” Maya said softly, almost a whisper.

The girl nodded once, understanding that the thanks was more for than just returning her softball before settling down in the only free seat a few chairs over from where Maya sat. The wait resumed without more fanfare, thank God again. More names were called and soon enough the waiting room dwindled until there were only a handful of actresses left. “Maya…Sanchez?” A staff called out and Maya stood almost too quickly, nearly tripping over her own feet.

Fuck. She looked like a total loser. Though the only one in the room looking at her was the rough-looking blonde. “Oh!” The staff who previously had his nose glued to his clipboard as if he couldn’t understand the name that was written down, finally looking up with surprise clearly written on his face as he did a once-over at Maya. “Right this way Miss Sanchez.” He directed with a forced smile, re-arranging his expressions to look somewhat professional as Maya followed after him.

There was a quiet laugh behind her and Maya turned slightly to see the first smile on the rough blonde’s face. It was really cute and the smile had stunned Maya enough for her steps to falter. Their eyes caught and the blonde offered a wry grin and a nod of encouragement. Or what Maya perceived as encouragement. She didn’t know the girl at all and she had been quiet ever since the tense exchange. For the few words she did say, half of them had been swear words.

Maya made her way down the corridor into a smaller room where the staff member had left her with a insincere “good luck” and facing a table where three older women sat. Sucking in a deep breath, Maya deposited her bag at the door before making her way to stand in front of them where they politely introduced themselves as the casting director, executive producer and director.  No big deal. They’re just people too. People who may or may not jump start your acting career.

Squaring her shoulders, Maya smiled brightly.

“My name is Maya Sanchez am I am auditioning for the lead role of Adora.”

[theasstour]

0201. Adagio.

Sunday, 20 September 2015

FIC PAGE | CHAPTER SYMPHONY | YEAR 2 | WORD COUNT: 6.9k

NB: explicit language, anxiety disorder, alcohol, drugs

VOTE FOR SOY IN THE ROOFTOP SPRING 2019 AWARDS💛

It was surprisingly hot for September. Not a cloud was overhead and the sky was a deep blue, making life seem a little easier to live and the road to London a little shorter. Hawkley had been shining in the light of the sun, and so had the Picot Farm and all the land, forest, lakes, and memories surrounding it. Every waking moment, Y/N had either spent with her brother, in the boat and by the lake, helping her father, hiking, or talking to Tiana over FaceTime. It had been a relaxing few weeks. Y/N had really needed those relaxing few weeks.

As she looked out the window of her family car now, London was rushing by. She was both excited for another year at Battersea, University of London to start, and dreading being away from her family again. Once again, she had gotten so used to them constantly being around her that her now living partly on her own suddenly seemed very weird. Thankfully she would be living with Tiana, Teresa and Annie. That fact was enough reason for her to be walking all the way from Hawkley, Hampshire and up to Clapham, London. This would be the first time her family would see her new house and even meet some of her flatmates that they hadn’t already been introduced to (which really only was Tiana).

George pulled up on the outside of 9 Alfriston Road, the green of Clapham Common showing at the edge of the dead-end street Y/N would be living on for the remainder of her time at uni. The brown-bricked terraced house looked exactly like Y/N remembered it from months before when she had been to a viewing there. There was a small driveway and bricked fence where it wasn’t to keep anyone who didn’t live there out.

“This really doesn’t seem real.” Y/N’s father said, looking at her in the seat behind his. “I’m helping you move into your second flat.”

She smiled at him. “This is a house, dad.”

“Potato, potahto. You’re still moving.”

Y/N laughed, getting out of the car as the rest of her family did. Edward was helped out with the ramp, and Y/N placed a bag in his lap before hoisting one onto her own shoulders. She was very glad she wasn’t swearing a skirt today as carrying stuff would undoubtably make her skirt fly up and her knickers be put on show more than once. Instead she was wearing khaki paperbag waist belted utility shorts, a white linen blend shirt tucked into it, with faux snakeskin footbed sliders. Taking hold of Edward’s wheelchair, Y/N pushed him toward her new home, and then rung the doorbell. It wasn’t a surprise when Tiana ripped the door open, grinning from ear to ear when she saw the whole Picot family stand on the doorstep. She opened the door into he window room leading to the actual front door, squealing a little.

“Hiiii!” She said. “I knew I heard familiar voices.”

“Hiya.” Y/N smiled, waiting until Tiana had stepped out of the way for Edward’s wheelchair before she stepped inside. Once through the front door, the slight swirl staircase leading up to the second landing stood to the left, and under it was a door to a single and small toilet. The door to the right as you entered the house lead to a bedroom the girls had decided beforehand would be Teresa’s. The door was open and Y/N sneaked a glance in at her friend sitting there smiling at her, Y/N smiled right back and waved. She walked passed Teresa’s room, and right opposite to the door to the toilet was an open doorway leading into the living room and half-joined kitchen.

There was no door into the kitchen, just an open doorway about the size of a door, and the living room was lit with natural light through a huge window overlooking the dodgy garden behind a grey couch. The telly was on, playing Friends, and Y/N let her little brother get a good look at her new living room while she did so as well, Tiana talking to their parents somewhere in the reception room.

The living room wasn’t big, but the four of them didn’t need much. Beside the grey sofa were two bean bags – one yellow and one leopard printed – and right in front of them were a small TV on a small white table. They were going to get another recliner and a coffee table so it would be easier when some would host pre-drinks and invite some friends over. The walls were white and the floors of wood, a big contrast to the dodgy student accommodation Y/N had endured for her first year. She watched as Edward took it all in, grinning at the bean bags and the unkept and half-brown garden.

“No complaints so far.” He said, running a finger over the fluffy leopard printed bean bag.

“Kitchen next, Goose?”

“Kitchen next, Maverick.” Eddie pointed in the direction of the doorway leading into the kitchen, and Y/N led him there.

The counters were dark, though everything else about the kitchen was white and quite frankly, very modern for a student house. Just as one entered, on the left, stood a fridge and a freezer. When Y/N opened the fridge to check the availability, the only shelf not being used was the bottom one. Edward giggled and Y/N pinched his shoulder. Two white cupboards hung on either side of the metal fan to the stove, shining in the sun beams from outside. Two identical ones were on either side of the oven as well, and when Y/N looked through them all to see which cupboard hadn’t been taken, she was left with the top left one. A washing machine stood by the sink, old in contrast to the rest of the room, but Y/N had no doubt it would work just fine. As long as she could clean her clothes every once in a while, she was happy.

“This is so much nicer than I thought it would be.” Edward said, looking around some more while Y/N turned the wheelchair around so they could go back to the others.

“Know, right?” Y/N smiled a little as she took it all in once again. “Bit mental that we got so lucky.”

“And it’s right by Clapham Common as well.” Edward continued. “Must be quite expensive, yea?”

“Don’t want to talk about it.”

Eddie chuckled, resting his hands in his lap as Y/N pushed him back into the hallway where all of Y/N’s bags and suitcases were standing now. He glanced up the stairs towards the first floor, but quickly looked away, folding his hands together and focusing on his dad walking in with a lamp in hand. Whenever Edward was uncomfortable or sad, Y/N saw it in the way his shoulders slumped, and how he would straighten his back to cover up for it. Instantly she knew what was bothering him and she felt her heart ache as she looked at the stairs he couldn’t travel. Allison was quick to come back inside and take hold of Eddie’s wheelchair, smiling at him when he looked over his shoulder at her.

“Let’s take a walk around Clapham Common, baby.” She said, pushing him through the doors and outside again.

Y/N sighed, watching as her mum and little brother walked off. It hurt knowing how bad he wanted to explore the whole house, but was restricted in a way that prevented him to do so. George, Y/N and Tiana got to work pretty quickly, throwing bags on their backs and carrying what they could up the stairs. As you reached the top, one had to turn right to follow the stairs to the landing. Once upstairs, there were four doors; two right ahead and one in each direction. Door to the left led to the only bathroom in the house, while the three others were bedrooms. The room beside the bathroom was Y/N’s, while the one beside hers again was Tiana, and then Annie to the far right. It was decent sized, with a window overlooking the garden, a simple desk, closet and a commode, which was right about everything Y/N needed. Walking inside, her father looked around with that smile on his face he got when he was amused; eyes wide, an open-mouthed smile, and figure tall. Y/N watched him for a bit, heart warming as he just looked around the room his daughter would be living in for the next two years. He took in the bed positioned with the headboard against the opposite wall to the door, standing in the middle of the room, and the desk right beside the door. The closet right by the window, and the commode right under it.

“This is great, isn’t it?” George placed the white lamp on the small bedside table, looking around the room to take everything in once again. “Not very overwhelming, but good enough for a student home.”

Y/N nodded, putting the bag down on the floor as Tiana did so as well.

“I’ll go get another box.”

“No,” Y/N took a hold of Tiana’s wrist, her friend turning around to look at her. “Dad and I will do it. I’ll see you in a bit, yea?”

“If you’re sure, babes.” She was about to walk to her room when she turned back towards Y/N. “One more thing.” Quickly, Tiana pulled Y/N into a hug, one Y/N giggled into but immediately fell into. They hadn’t seen each other all summer, and as they stood there tied together like this, Y/N realised just how much she had missed her best friend. It wasn’t that she was lost without Tiana, but Tiana completed her in a way no one else could, and Y/N liked to think Tiana felt the same way about her. So, giving Y/N’s cheek a quick kiss, Tiana walked out and into her own room.

Y/N looked over at her dad who was now stood by the window, looking out at the unkept garden and the terraced houses opposite to this one. She walked over, her dad wrapping a protective arm over her shoulders before pulling her close. Her hand fell on his hip, and they glanced out together, though the sight was restricted due to the huge downy birch right outside. George let go of a deep sigh, squeezing Y/N to him for a couple of seconds before he looked down at her, that same amused look on his face.

“Think this is going to be great, poppet.” He said, kissing her forehead before he walked off to get more boxed.

Y/N walked over to the edge of her bed, sitting down and looking around at the cream walls and grey carpeted floor. It was all so much better than Westbridge, the quality of her house was more than she could ask for. Sure, there would probably be some problems eventually with various stuff regarding the house like mould, bills and stuff breaking, and it would be expensive so she’d have to live off a budget, but that wasn’t something she couldn’t manage. With her flatmates by her side and a will to make this work, Y/N knew she would get through this. An involuntary smile reached her lips as she remembered how completely different she was thinking at this time last year when she started university. It seemed like a lightyear away, yet still like it happened yesterday. Such a weird concept, time was, as it seemed to move differently depending on how you spent it.

Getting up from her bed, Y/N walked over to her doorway and took a small glance over her shoulder and into her new room again. It was a little hard to believe that this would be her home for the next two years, but Y/N knew that she wouldn’t mind a single bit.

Y/N watched her family drive away, waving at them and watching the car till it was out of sight. Crossing her arms over her chest, she walked back inside and closed the door, strolling into the living room where the rest of the girls were sitting. Tiana and Annie in the sofa, Teresa on a bean bag, and Y/N herself plopped down into one and turned her attention towards the telly still playing Friends. All of it felt very weird, as the lot of them had never hung out like this watching the telly, or even lived together like this. Annie sipper her tea carefully, holding it tight in her hands, and Y/N noticed she looked very relaxed compared to last year at Westbridge. It must be the calmness that already radiated from the house, because none of them were big party animals or very loud people, which made their space have an instant slowness to it that it was hard to find in a hectic student village.

“Y/N,” Tiana started, turning toward her in her bean bag. “Did I tell you about some of our neighbours?”

Y/N frowned, shaking her head. Instantly, her head whirled off to all the possible mad explanations to Tiana’s question.

“Well… not necessarily neighbours.” Teresa said, focused on the telly.

“Fine, not really neighbours, but someone living on our street.” Tiana smiled.

Y/N shook her head again, urging Tiana on.

“Finn.” She grinned. “Living in a four-bedroom house as well. Guess who with?”

“Who?”

“Sai, Wade, and Harry.”

Y/N’s stomach instantly fell, and it was evident from the confused look on Tiana’s face that her facial expression had done the same. Just hearing Harry’s name brought a mix of so many emotions it made Y/N a little dizzy. He still sparked of intrigue; still made those pink butterflies in the pit of her stomach go nuts, her heart beat a little bit faster, and hope rise in her chest. But now his name also reeked of the worst kind of confusion; the kind that left you questioning everything they did, that made you annoyed because all answers seemed to go nowhere, the kind that left you hurting. Thinking about him was weird because she both missed him terribly and wanted him to keep away from her unless he was willing to fully explain himself. But by the looks of everything this summer, it didn’t seem he was willing to.

“Y/N?” Tiana asked, waving a hand in front of her face.

Y/N blinked herself back to the present.

“You okay, honey?” Tiana frowned, looking genuinely concerned something was up.

“Okay.” Y/N answered quickly, nodding her head.

Tiana didn’t seem convinced. “Fine. Because we’re going there later tonight. Finn invited us over to celebrate starting our second year at uni. I have a bottle of wine and some Sambuca we could share, if you wanna?”

Y/N immediately felt conflicted for so many reasons it was hard to pin down the biggest one. She was beyond excited to see Finn, Sai and Wade again as she had grown quite fond of them over the past year. Of course, she was buzzing to finally catch a glimpse of Harry again, to know that he was alright and to… just see him. There wasn’t a single thing she wanted more than to spend time with him. But… she also did not want to go there; did not want to see Harry or to have him see her or for them to exchange anything resembling words or a glance. Regardless of how weird this all felt, Y/N nodded at Tiana’s suggestion, knowing that she would only be sitting in her room staring at the wall, thinking about this party if she didn’t actually go.

“Great!” Tiana clapped her hands together, smiling at everyone. “I cannot wait to get fucked off my face. Been a while since I’ve had a drop of alcohol.”

“Then we’re not getting completely toshed tonight, Ti.” Teresa smiled. “If you haven’t been drinking in a while, then I don’t want you to go all out.”

“Fine, fine.” Tiana groaned, leaning her head back against the back of the sofa. “Do you reckon Danny will show up?”

Y/N sunk down to sit on the floor, leaning her upper body against the bean bag while staring at the ceiling. “From how Harry talked about him before, and the bad experiences the rest of his mates had while being at his flat last year, I would say no.”

Tiana huffed. “No one really liked him, did they?”

“Did he drop out?” Annie asked, sipping her tea again.

“Don’t think so, no.” Tiana frowned a little. “Have to investigate that.”

All the girls giggled, and they quickly changed the subject of their conversation. After a little while, Tiana got her laptop, and they all ordered take out together. Though they could have their Chinese food delivered, Tiana asked Y/N if she would mind taking a walk with her so they could rather pick it up, something Y/N was all for. Besides, the delivery fee was a little too expensive, and they weren’t about to pay a penny more than they had to. So, Tiana and Y/N got their keys and cash, and then made their way to the nearest Chinese place up the street from their house. Y/N put her sunglasses on as Tiana did, and they walked in silence until they had passed seven houses identical to theirs.

“This one,” Tiana pointed. “This is Finn and his lot’s house.”

Y/N whipped her head to the right, and it looked the exact same as theirs. Their living room seemed to be facing the street and not the garden, though, because she could just make out a telly playing Top Gear and three heads sitting on the sofa placed by the window. Without even recognising that was what she was doing, Y/N caught herself trying to make out who was who and if one of those heads belonged to Harry. Quickly adverting her eyes, Y/N made sure her hair looked good as they were done passing it, trying to make herself think about something else.

“Talked to Harry, then?” Tiana asked, putting some chapstick on as they strolled.

“No, we…” Y/N paused for a bit, sighing. “No, we haven’t.”

Tiana put her chapstick away, frowning. “Have you just not answered his texts?”

“No, he hasn’t texted me or called me or anything like that all summer.” Y/N didn’t know how to keep her hands as she talked, awkwardly balling them into fists and unclenching them repeatably as she continued talking. “It’s like he’s keeping his distance after what happened. And I did tell him to leave so it’s clear his respecting that.”

Tiana mulled his over for some seconds. “Like he thinks you don’t want anything else to do with him.”

“And I don’t.” Y/N said, her words were dripping with lies.

“But you do.” Tiana knew Y/N just as well - if not better - than Y/N herself. She could tell.

“No, I…” Y/N didn’t know what she wanted to say, didn’t know why she was trying to convince Tiana when she would ultimately crack the code and tell Y/N to stop lying.

“Y/N, it’s obvious you have feelings for the geez. If you want to talk to him, you should.” Tiana was right, Y/N knew that. Every time she thought of him all she could do was let herself drift off to how much she wanted to be with him, how much she missed his company and the way he made her feel when they touched. Biting her lip together, Y/N opted to shut up rather than say what was on her mind. Tiana already knew what was happening inside Y/N’s head anyway. “He wants to talk to you, too. The two of you need to chat everything out.”

“I just don’t want him to be hiding anything from me.” Y/N said, voice hoarse and heart aching as she voiced her biggest concern about all of this. What was he hiding? Why couldn’t he tell her?

“He can’t change who his dad is.” Tiana said, interlacing her arm with Y/N’s. “In due time he will tell you why his da is the way he is and what’s going on, but till then you just have to be patient with him.”

“So…” Y/N chewed on some loose skin on her lip, thinking as they turned right towards the Chinese place. “I should take him back? Should forgive everything?”

Tiana smiled, clearly loving the role she had as Y/N’s counsellor. “I think you should take it slow and don’t rush anything. Rushing things means you can mess something up, make a nutter of yourself by falling too hard too fast, and you don’t want that. Don’t get your feelings hurt, so don’t get your hopes up, don’t feel too much, don’t trust him blindly.” She looked at Y/N and squeezed her arm. “Just have fun with him. It’s obvious he fancies you mad and he wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.” Y/N nodded, biting her lip. “Just take it easy, Y/N, and see what happens.”

“But-“ Y/N stopped herself, clearing her throat as they entered the Chinese shop. “But I’m scared what will happen if we start hanging out again. I don’t want to catch serious feelings only for him to… I don’t know… disappoint me or summat.”

Tiana scrunched her face up and removed her sunglasses, looking at the cashier across the desk. “Hi, we’re here to pick up an order for Tiana Howard.”

“Tiana Howard?” The guy repeated to make sure he got the name right.

“Yes, please.” Tiana smiled, watching as he walked off. She turned back to Y/N. “Sometimes you have to take risks, Y/N. You need to get his side of things, it’s unfair if you don’t.”

“£38,50.” The cashier said, putting two white plastic bags on the counter filled to the brim with containers of food. “Cash or card?”

Tiana frowned. “What? I paid online.”

“Says here you didn’t.” The guy said and Tiana groaned, ready to show him that she had paid. While they argued, Y/N stood thinking about tonight’s events and what would happen. She’d have to look good regardless of the outcome, had to find something to wear and maybe ask Tiana to burrow a pair of heels if she was feeling very in the mood for dressing up. It took some time, but as Tiana and the guy were done arguing, they were finally on their way home. Tiana sighed.

“Anyway,” she said, running a hand through her elegant long black hair. “Might not like that bloke for accusing me of not paying, but I’ll defo come back no matter what. Love Chinese.”

Y/N nodded, deep in thought still.

Tiana looked over at her, sighing. “Y/N, promise me you won’t do anything stupid. Everyone knows you two miss each other.”

“What?”

“What?” Tiana frowned. “You don’t think people know something’s going on between the two of you? You made it pretty clear back in April when you argued.”

Y/N felt her cheeks flush and she quickly looked ahead, shifting the take away bag from her right to her left hand. “I guess I hadn’t really thought about anybody else knowing about us and wondering about us until now.”

Tiana smiled a little, re-adjusting her sunglasses. “We all just want you to be happy. Both of you.”

Y/N nodded.

“So the stupid thing to do tonight would be to not hear the bloke out, yea? Don’t walk the other way if he comes to talk to you.”

“Fine.”

“And don’t let him act like nothing happened, because it did and you need to know why he’s been acting weird.” Tiana paused for a second. “And you need to apologise for not hearing him out in the first place.”

Y/N nodded, feeling a little embarrassed for not having done so at The Junction. “It’s just… it’s been so long since I’ve seen him. It’s been five months.”

Tiana got her chapstick out, running it over her lips. “So make up for it. Talk to each other.”

Y/N knew Tiana was right. She always was.

Mustard, white and grey striped woven khaki crop trousers with a ring buckle holding the belt tight around Y/N’s middle, white square neck tee shirt, and white espadrilles, hair loose and a light layer of make-up on, Y/N thought herself ready for a causal party. She got her phone and walked downstairs where Tiana stood in the kitchen putting everyone’s alcohol in a plastic bag. Annie wanted to stay back – as all the girls had by now gathered that she wasn’t much of a party lover – and Teresa waiting in the stairs. After agreeing on hiding a key outside their house so whoever came home first could leave the door unlocked for the others, the girls were off. Y/N felt dread mix itself with excitement in her stomach, swirling around till she felt a little numb by the time they stepped into the lads’ front garden. Tiana rung the doorbell and over the deep bass coming from somewhere in the hallway, they could hear someone shouting. The door flung open and there stood Finn, sporting the biggest grin and eyes that were already glassy from alcohol.

“My favourite girls!” He shouted, arms open and a beer can in one of his hands. “Fucking finally!”

Tiana hugged him first, Finn laughing into her hair before he went over to hug Teresa who was second in line. As his eyes fell on Y/N, his shoulders slumped and he cocked his head to the side, looking like he was about to cry.

“Y/N,” Finn opened his arms wide as he walked toward her. “Come here, love.”

Y/N beamed as they locked their arms around each other, swaying side to side as Finn planted a kiss to the top of her head.

“How are you?” He asked, voice genuine.

“Okay, yea, you?” She said, pulling away to look at him.

“Drunk.” Finn nodded, giggling a little. “And it’s only fucking 7:30pm, this is going to be a great night.”

Y/N laughed and Finn gestured for her to walk in before him, so she did. Intoxicated by GTA was playing over the speakers and Tiana took Y/N’s hand as they walked over to the kitchen. The whole downstairs area was open, linking the hallway, kitchen and living room. All the bedrooms must’ve been upstairs as their bathroom was downstairs as well as their single toilet. Y/N looked around their white kitchen, taking in the open glass door leading out to the garden where loads of people were chilling. It smelled of something Y/N had never encountered before, making her scrunch up her nose. A strong musky odour, similar to a skunk, Y/N thought, with herbal undertones.

“Weed.” Tiana whispered into Y/N’s ear. “Someone outside. The boys will have serious problems getting this smell out of their carpeted floors.”

“Rank.” Teresa mumbled, pouring some of her vodka into a plastic cup. “I mean, love getting high, but it smells fucking rank.”

“Never tried it.” Y/N admitted, biting her lip as Tiana placed her chin on her shoulder.

“It’s okay.” Tiana said. “Like alcohol more, to be honest.”

“Yea, vodka cranberry.” Teresa moaned, sipping some of her drink.

Y/N laughed, getting two cups for her and Tiana to share their white wine. She poured half the bottle into one and the other half into another one, handing it to Tiana.

“Cheers, ladies.” Tiana grinned, and the three of them clinked their plastic cups together and took a sip. As Y/N lowered her cup, she looked outside and saw him. Sitting in a circle on the grass with Sai and some other friends from his course, Harry sat leaning on his left hand, right arm resting on his right knee as he laughed at something someone said. He had cut his hair, shorter on the sides and some on the top, preventing his pretty curls from forming fully. He was wearing a cream silk tee shirt buttoned down the front, suspenders attached to brown trousers, and some brown leathered tassel loafers. There wasn’t a single flaw to him, Y/N realised, and it hurt thinking that way. Everything about him drew her in, made her want him, and it had her entire body aching with the pain of it all. She missed him so terribly, she always did, everyday she would be thinking about him and everyday she would yearn for him more.

Tiana followed Y/N’s sight of vision, inhaling sharply when their eyes met. “He looks fit.”

“Don’t.” Y/N shook her head, making Teresa giggle. Y/N was very aware Harry was looking good sitting outside in the last remains of daylight, sun shining on his left side profile. “Too fit.”

“Go talk to him.” Tiana mumbled, watching as Y/N sipped more of her wine.

But Y/N didn’t get to form a response because before she could, they were interrupted.

“Tiana, Y/N.”

The girls looked at the person who had just invaded their little space, only to feel themselves take a little step back.

“Long time no see, how have you been?” Becky opened her arms, hugging both Tiana and Y/N lightly before stepping away.

“Good.” Tiana said, taking a huge sip of her wine. “Very good.”

Becky nodded, face expressionless as she let the silence drone on. Y/N cleared her throat a little.

“How about you?” She asked.

“Bloody fantastic now.” She smiled. “Got a feeling about tonight.”

“Oh?” Tiana seemed incredibly uninterested, her dislike in Becky very evident in the way she looked down into her wine while talking.

El, Blessing and a girl names Molly Y/N remembered from Becky’s course, came to stand behind Becky as she said, “Remember how I always wanted to shag Harry all year last year?”

Tiana’s eyes shot up. Y/N felt sick.

“Have a feeling it might happen tonight. We arrived a wee bit early so I could talk to him some before the party started for real.” Becky explained. “I just need it to happen.”

Tiana raised her eyebrows. “That bad, huh?”

Becky raised her eyebrows back. “Do you have eyes? Been pining after that since first night at BOP.”

“He’s not a ‘that’.” Y/N said to absolutely everyone’s surprise. Tiana’s mouth fell open a bit and Becky’s eyebrows that were already raised, raised some more. Suddenly realising what she’d done, Y/N clasped her mouth shut and looked away from Becky and into her wine.

“Jesus Christ.” Becky laughed. “You lot need some more alcohol in your system. I’ll see you around.” Becky’s eyes stayed a long second on Y/N before she walked off. Y/N suddenly knew she had made a mistake speaking to Becky like that.

“Don’t listen to her, Y/N, Harry would never go for a fucking knobhead whore.” Tiana said, smoking literally oozing out of her ears.

“But I’m not going to stop him he wants to.” Y/N watched as Becky and her minions walked outside to Harry’s gang, Becky plopping down next to Harry with that pretty smile of hers. He looked a bit shocked, but almost pleased to see her. “If he wants to do it, he’s allowed to. We’re not… a thing anymore.”

“Literally stop.” Tiana shoved Y/N’s shoulder. “Pull yourself together, bitch, this is not over.”

Y/N watched as Tiana took a huge inhale. “I’m not letting someone whose been objectifying Harry, been rude to use, and caused nothing but awkwardness have what she wants. Harry likes you, you like him; simple maths, just fucking go for it.”

“How?”

“I have a suggestion.” Teresa said, grabbing Y/N’s arm and walking outside, Tiana following them excitedly. Teresa sat down beside Sai who cheered when he saw who had joined them, and Y/N beside her, Tiana to Y/N’s right.

“Been waiting for you lot.” Sai smiled, hugging Teresa and blowing a kiss to Y/N and Tiana each, giggling. “Bene boring here.”

“We came to save your party.” Tiana winked, Sai howling with laughter.

Y/N smiled a bit, glancing at her wine before finally finding enough courage to look at the person beside Sai. Harry was already looking at her. Green eyes centred on her alone. His mouth in a straight line and hands folded in his lap as he sat crosslegged now, hunching over a bit. Something passed between them in those seconds that was hard to explain. Something so complex, of so huge importance, with all the feeling in the universe. Something that could not be described in any words yet formed by letters, or any words yet to be created. It most resembled yearning, the simple sentence ‘I miss you’ but tenfold. There was something stronger underlying those words that made it greater than anything. In those seconds they were looking at each other, taking each other in after so long apart, the circle around them seemed to fall apart a little. Y/N could feel Tiana getting up to talk to someone else, Teresa being deep in conversation with Sai. But all the while Harry was all she saw; he was everything that existed to her. She suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder. Y/N looked to her right.

Someone Y/N recognised as a bloke from Harry’s course was holding something out to her. He blew some smoke out of his mouth and it was then that Y/N realised what it was. The joint. The same joint causing all the musky odour. Y/N opened her mouth, but quickly shut it, not really knowing what to do. If Tiana had been here or Teresa had paid attention, then maybe this whole situation would’ve run smoothly. Then maybe Y/N wouldn’t be making an absolute fool of herself and just staring at the joint like it was the strangest thing she’d ever laid eyes upon.

“Hey, Drew,” Harry’s voice. Y/N felt every hair on her body stand. “Let me have a drag, mate.”

“Breaking the circle, H.” Drew said, giving it to Harry as he reached forward. Harry put it to his lips, taking a long drag before giving it to Becky beside him without looking at her. Grey-white vapour left Harry’s mouth as his eyes met Y/N’s again. She suddenly realised he’d saved her from awkwardly having to take the blunt from Drew and not really know what to do with it. It was going in circle so everyone could have a drag. She had never been around drugs, and though she had never told Harry, he must’ve known by her facial expression that she was uncomfortable and unknowing. Their eyes locked for good almost, because yet again the world disappeared. Y/N decided to take a huge sip of her wine, drink it all in one go if she had to, and then she’d walk over to Harry to have that chat she knew the both of them wanted to have.

“What have you been up to this summer, then?” Becky asked Harry, cocking her head to the side and throwing some of her long brown hair over her shoulder. And just like that, Harry adverted his eyes from her. And Y/N suddenly felt very empty. Harry and Becky talked, the eye contact her and Harry’d had earlier completely forgotten about. He laughed at something she said, and Becky grinned, eyes meeting Y/N’s for a quick second before she looked back at Harry. It was then that Y/N realised she had lost. She wasn’t the person to go out of her way, or to got he extra mile, or to push herself onto someone. She wasn’t like Becky. And right now that was her disadvantage.

Y/N got up, walking back inside the house while gulping down her wine, even though she had over half the huge cup left. Coming inside, she strolled to the Sambuca bottle Tiana had brought for them, pouring some into her cup just as Finn and Wade reached her.

“Fucking get in, Y/N.” Finn laughed, clapping his hands together.

“Sambuca, huh?” Wade smiled, leaning against the counter as Y/N took the shot, grimacing afterwards. “Not the worlds best alcohol, is it?”

“Never had it before.” Y/N admitted, turning around and leaning with Wade to face Finn.

“And what’s your opinion then?”

“Not impressed.”

Finn laughed. “But you’ll love it once you’re drunk enough to appreciate all types of alcohol.”

“Don’t plan on drinking that much am I afraid.” Y/N admitted, trying to give Finn a smile she knew didn’t reach her eyes.

Finn grinned. “So, the lads and I were wondering when yours and Teresa’s next performance is. Would like to get everyone together again to watch you two.”

“This Friday.” Y/N informed. “The Magic Garden in Battersea, think we were going to perform around 7.”

“Wicked.” Finn whipped his phone out, writing it down.

“Loved the last set, though that was back in April so I’m well excited for this one.” Wade smiled.

Y/N smiled a little back. “I can’t wait to start performing again.”

Y/N’s phone vibrated and she noticed Wade’s did as well. Taking it out of her pocket, she saw Finn had created a groupchat with everyone in it.

“Now we can all plan everything, and you and Teresa can tell us when you’re preforming and where.” Finn laid a hand on Y/N’s shoulder, squeezing it lightly before he let it fall to his side. Y/N didn’t notice anything but the deafening bass to Earthquake by Tinie Tempah and the sight behind Finn suddenly. Harry and Becky were walking inside, passing the three of them in the kitchen. Becky were looking up at Harry with the biggest grin as Harry talked, they strolled over to a recliner. Harry let Becky take the seat and he sat down on the chair arm, still talking about something. Y/N’s jaw tightened and she looked away, fully aware that if she had done something earlier this wouldn’t be happening. She wouldn’t have had to watch Becky all smug and Harry actually talking to her.

Finn and Wade were talking about something Y/N had no interest in, and she quickly excused herself before walking outside to Tiana who was still talking to someone from her course. Tapping her lightly on the shoulder, Y/N bit her lips together until her best friend looked at her.

“I’m leaving.”

Tiana frowned.

“Becky…” Y/N said, voice low, and by the way Tiana’s face fell, Y/N knew what she was implying.

“Y/N, he won’t-“

“-I don’t care, I blew it and now it’s too late.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions.” Tiana said, voice stern. “You need to talk to him.”

“Ti, I’m bloody scared to.” Y/N said, voice shaking slightly. “What if he’s stopped feeling the way I do? What if he-“

“-Don’t start, Y/N, you’re going to dig yourself so far down.” Tiana took her hand, leading her away from everyone else. “He likes you.”

“I-“

“-He does!”

Y/N inhaled.

“Now go in there and try at least.”

Y/N felt herself nodding, though her head and entire body was searching for an escape. As Tiana turned her around, pushing her towards the house, Y/N felt her feet moving but she was unsure how that was possible because she didn’t want them to. She walked back inside, gliding slowly towards the living room. But the second her eyes fell on Harry and Becky, seeing Becky laugh and Harry smile, Y/N knew why she was moving on autopilot. She was walking towards the door. For a split second, her eyes met Becky’s who was grinning so big it almost made Y/N want to throw up. She didn’t look up at Harry. Didn’t turn around when Becky asked Harry where he was doing; didn’t dare glance when he stopped himself from following her. Y/N just walked on. Turned left and down the street, eyes stinging.

Once again Y/N cursed herself for being the way she was. Hated that she was unable to fight or to tell someone how she really felt. Loathed the part of her that always held her back. Was sick of her anxiety as it bubbled up her throat, aching in her chest and making it hard for her to breathe. She tried to breathe calmly, telling herself to not freak out any more as doing so would mean her having an anxiety attack. And she was not about to have an anxiety attack because of this. Y/N might not have full control of herself, but she was going to have enough to prevent Becky and Harry from making her break down in the middle of the street.

A part of her waited for Harry to come running down the street; waited for him to fix this so she didn’t have to. But she knew that this time, whether she liked it or not, she’d have to fix what she had ruined. He was obviously keeping his distance because she had asked him to. Now she had to take the next step herself and do something about all of this. But first, Y/N thought as she unlocked the front door and walked inside, I’m going to cry in my room because that’s just how pathetic I am.

TAGLIST

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[santoteez]

The Dormant Beast - Jongho (4)

Read Part 3 HERE

Part: 4 of ?

Idol: Jongho of ATEEZ

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Friends to Lovers

Word Count: 4,028 (I was on a ROLL, baby)

Warnings: Slight prejudice and bullying (non-racial and it’s not body shame either), swearing and shit, Mild name-calling,  MC is a Black Female

A/N: I use certain names in this fic that are meant to be similar to real people. It’s just to add to the whole “post-human race.” For example, if this story takes place AFTER the human race expired, it wouldn’t make sense that someone like Lizzo to exist, right? Also, I wanted to change it up bc it’s fun lol. Anyways, Enjoy!

Jongho stood outside the restaurant, annoyed and tapping his foot rapidly against the pavement.

“Crescent would never be this late.” He huffed, glancing at his watch. How did he wind up in a date with Desire? Glad you asked.

The afternoon of Crescent’s attack on Rory, Jongho walked up to his locker to put his books away for the day. The minute he opened it, a letter slipped out. Opening it, he smiled, noticing Crescent’s loopy handwriting.

Can’t walk home together today.  Decided to skip town for a while. Please, don’t look for me. Don’t stop by the house either. I asked my parents to keep my whereabouts a secret. I’m sorry, Jongie. It’ll only be a few days max. I just need to clear my head on things. Shit’s getting too crazy. I won’t be alone, Clips is coming with.

P.S. à You should go on the date with Desire. It’ll do you some good to be around someone that isn’t me. Plus, I need something funny to look forward to when I get back.

Love,

Crescent

Jongho’s smile dropped, furrowing his eyebrows. What did she mean don’t look for her? Where was she going? Why couldn’t he come?

Against her wishes, Jongho sped to her house. The door swung open before he even got a chance to knock.

“Crescent owes me five bucks.” Lunar said, stepping out onto the porch. “She had faith that you wouldn’t come looking for her at least until tomorrow. I knew better.” He sat on the porch swing.

“Of course I’d come. She’s my-”

“Your best friend, which is code for the love of your life?” Lunar glanced up, amused by Jongho’s frozen expression. “I was your age once too, you know.” He said, patting the porch swing.

“I met Solar in high school. A little late compared to you and Crescent, but that didn’t make the feelings any less real.” He said as Jongho sat down. “And when you look at Crescent, you know what I see? I see the same way I looked at Solar all those years ago. That look of longing, wanting what you couldn’t have.”

“What was wrong that you couldn’t be with Mrs. Moon?”

“…She was already married.”

“What? But you said you were in high school?”

Lunar shrugged. “It was a different time back then. When it came to marriage, it was aura over age. This guy with a super-strong aura, an elephant or something, came to her house one day. Asked for her hand in marriage, he had seen her walking to and from school and wanted her for his wife.”

“And her parents just accepted some random guy who had seen her on the street leaving a high school?” Jongho asked incredulously.

“Yes, but please remember it was a different time. Beliefs were different, and because of it, people got away with a lot of things. Of course, he had to prove he was the aura he said he was, as well as proof he could care for her and other things.”

Jongho nodded. “So, if she was married, how did you end up together?”

Lunar smiled. “We started as friends. We didn’t realize when it became more. One minute it was innocent study dates, and the next we were sneaking around behind the bookcases. Word got out that I was getting too close for comfort, and her husband wasn’t pleased. He challenged me to battle, confident that a hyena had no chance against an elephant. Well, he was right. I was beaten to a pulp. He told Solar to follow him; they were going home.”

“And then?” Jongho asked, fully engrossed in the story.

“She told him no. She didn’t want to go with him. He said she had to; those were the rules, after all. She asked him what would be the point if everyone knew she wasn’t happy. She was clearly not in love with him. She stated that he should fight for someone that cared about him. Which is what I had done. So, though it took some time, they divorced and parted ways. Divorces weren’t as accepted back then, so her family shunned her, closing her out. Embarrassed that she would divorce an elephant for a measly hyena. My parents received backlash for the whole situation as well, so they wanted nothing to do with me. We did odd jobs on the weekends, sometimes living out of motels to make ends meet. To the outside world, it seemed we had nothing. But to us, we had everything. We had each other. We graduated high school, moved here to Strongville. We had a small wedding, only inviting what few friends we had. We got steady jobs, putting ourselves through college. Months after graduation, we had Eclipse. Then came Crescent. The whole point of telling you this, Choi, is that when you want something, no matter how unattainable it may seem, you’ve gotta try. There will be obstacles. There might be consequences. Even times when it seems like you’ll never come out on top. But love will always prevail.”

Jongho sat in silence, absorbing the information. “So, that’s why Crescent never mentions her grandparents. But, Lunar, Mrs. Moon and you were on the same page back then. What do I do if Crescent and I don’t see eye to eye? I’ve tried expressing my feelings before, and she shuts me down before I even get a word out. She’s always giving me excuses for why I can’t like her, whether it’s my parents, or her aura, or the stupid hierarchy. What if she doesn’t like me back?”

Lunar chuckled. “Trust me. You don’t have to worry about that.” He said, remembering the constant teasing from Eclipse. “Crescent’s her father’s daughter. Stubborn and stuck in her ways and opinions. But if anyone can get through to her, it’s you. Don’t give up on her just yet.”

Jongho shook his head. “I wouldn’t give up on her for the world.”

“I knew you’d say that.” Lunar smiled. “So, get outta here. She’ll be okay. She has two auras, and that’s two more than she’s had all her life. Let her sort things out. She’ll be back. She can’t go too long without ‘Jongie’.” He said, repeating the nickname in a mocking tone.

“Oh, and Jongho,” Lunar called out before heading inside.

“Yeah?” Jongho responded from the walkway.

“Have fun on your date.” Lunar winked, closing the door swiftly.

Just when Jongho registered what Lunar had said, his phone rang. The contact was listed as “Don’t Answer.”

“Hello?”

“Jongho! Honey, is everything alright? I got a frantic call from Crescent. She didn’t say much but told me to call you. Did you have to talk to me?”

Jongho sighed. Of course Crescent would call Desire, knowing he wouldn’t do it himself.

“Yeah, actually. Are you doing anything Friday?”

-

-

-

Now here he was, dressed uncomfortably in a dress shirt and pants with his ash-colored hair gelled back, standing outside a restaurant where the prices were bigger than the portions, waiting for Desire, who was 20 minutes late.

Just when Jongho had lost all hope, Rory’s Lamborghini Veneno pull up to the curb. Desire’s Giuseppe heels clicked onto the pavement, her emerald green dress contrasting with her fire-red hair. Her smile didn’t match up with Jongho’s grimace.

“Have fun, you two!” Rory called out, raising his eyebrows in amusement at Jongho’s expression before speeding down the avenue.

“I told you to be here at 4:30 because the reservation was for 6:00. It’s 6:45.” He deadpanned.

“I’m so sorry, sweetie! I was going to make it on time, I swear but, then I couldn’t decide between the red clutch or the black clutch. The red goes with my hair, but the black goes with my shoes. So, I brought both!” She said. She squeezed Jongho’s hand when he didn’t react. “C’mon, I’m here now! Let’s go in.”

They entered and were immediately recognized and seated despite the reservation having passed. The waiter sped to their table.

“Good evening, may I start you both off with some drinks?” He asked, flipping open his notepad. “Our special of the night is the Moet & Chandon Nectar Rose, which has been chilled on ice.”

“Ooou, that sounds good, let’s have that!” Desire said, opening the food menu.

The waiter nodded, turning to Jongho. “And for you, sir? The same?”

Jongho gave the man a baffled look. “You realize we’re like 16, right?”

“Oh, Jongho honey, age restrictions don’t apply to us! We’re the future Duke and Duchess!” Desire laughed, shaking her head. “If it’s your first time drinking, I’d suggest not ordering tequila. I made that mistake last year and between you and me, I can’t remember much about that night.” She shrugged.

“So, just because we’re a little stronger than others, rules and law don’t apply to us? Then what’s the point?” Jongho sighed. “Sprite, please.”

“Are you sure, Sir? If not the Moet, we have other options that might better satisfy your palette. A Chateau, perhaps? Maybe even our prized possession, the Dom Perignon? I can guarantee our batch is the most aged, dating back to human times.” The waiter pressed, surprised at the fact that Jongho wasn’t jumping at the opportunity to drink the way Desire was.

Jongho gave him a tight smile. “Sprite.”

“Very well, then. I’ll be back with your drinks and will take your course orders when I return.”

“I can give you some of my glass to try if you’d like? That way you don’t have to order something you’re not sure you’ll like?” Desire offered.

“No thanks, I’ll wait till 21 like everyone else.” Jongho said, opening the menu. “What are you having?”

“A garden salad.”

Jongho looked up at her. “Is that it?”

“Oh, you’re right. It’s my cheat day. I’ll order some shrimp on the side.”

“Cheat day? You work out?”

“Oh no, I’m on a diet because I bought this dress and they didn’t have it in my size so I’m gonna lose weight to wear it.”

Jongho furrowed his eyebrows. “Aren’t you already pretty slim? How much smaller can the dress be? Why couldn’t you just get the dress in your size from the portal?”

“Ugh, no! Only lower auras use the portal. High auras like us should use storefronts. Plus, I’m a 4 and the dress is a 2, so it should fit pretty soon.”

In midst of the technological advances that caused auras to become a thing, the internet evolved into the Portal. The Portal allowed for a more intimate internet experience. For instance, one who may be shopping for clothes or shoes could choose to have their order shipped to their home or a storefront like in human times, or they could choose the Portal, which opens up a large egress on location. This allowed the person to then reach in and grab their item from inside the threshold. It was popular amongst the lower auras who were intimidated from the possibility of running into higher auras and to avoid higher auras from snatching things right out of their carts, which was a common occurrence. Being friends with Crescent, Jongho knew the ins and outs of the Portal and even frequented it himself.

“There’s nothing wrong with the Portal. You can shop right from home, in your pajamas or the middle of the street and get your things right then and there.”

“Exactly, but higher auras are to be seen. Not hidden away at home.” Desire said, as the waiter came back.

“Still better than starving yourself into oblivion,” Jongho said, shrugging. “Are we ready to order?” he asked her.

“Yes! I’ll have a garden salad, hold the dressing, croutons and cheese. And an order of steamed shrimp, hold the cocktail sauce.”

The waiter nodded, turning to Jongho.

“I’ll have the top sirloin steak with roasted potatoes.”

“Will that be medium-rare?” The waiter asked, writing everything down.

“Uh no, well done, please.”

Desire scrunched up her face. “Well done? You’re killing the animal all over again, Jongho.”

“Well…it’s gonna be on my plate so, I hope it’s dead.”

“Where’s the flavor in that, Jongho?”

“The seasoning? Anyways, sirloin, well done, end of discussion. We were already late so I’m pretty hungry. Can we move this along?”

“Yes, right away, sir! Your orders will be expedited.” The waiter said, rushing off to the kitchen.

“Did you learn to eat well-done steak with Crescent? Even your parents don’t eat it like that.” Desire asked.

“How’s that store you opened last year doing, Desire? Is it seeing profit?”

“You’re changing the subject. You don’t wanna talk about her?”

“I finally took you out on a date, which is what you’ve wanted me to do for the past three years, so I’m confused as to why you would,” Jongho said, twirling his salad fork coolly. “So, about that store…”

Desire sighed, sitting up in her seat. “It’s going well, a lot of sales in-store and online, we received a purchase from Teyoncé. You know, the singer with the eagle aura?”

Jongho nodded, impressed. “I’m sure you’ll have members of the Teapot flooding in from all over to buy your products now. They idolize her so much, they follow every trend she portrays.”

“I’m excited. If we continue selling at this rate, we can open up another storefront.”

“Do you offer Portal?” Jongho asked as their food was placed in front of them. He thanked the waiter, cutting into his steak.

“Why would I do that?” Desire asked, annoyed that they were once again discussing Portal.

“Well, you’re targeting the Teapot. You know how many fans Teyoncé has? She comes from a long line of performers, starting from her great-great-great-grandmother. She has fans everywhere, from Strongville to Freehold to Cherrynight Valley. Surely, you can’t expect everyone to come to one store in the middle of Strongville?”

“Anybody who’s somebody will make it. Those who can’t will miss out.” Desire said.

“And the one missing out on money will be you. Exclusivity is for companies with seniority, like the brand on your feet. People are gonna see what it takes to even buy from your store and give up when you can easily offer Portal and have your brand all over the world. Or is Portal beneath you?”

“I just don’t think someone of my caliber should have to settle or beg for sales by lowering my standards.” She retaliated.

“What if Crescent was a fan? She can’t just walk into your store, especially with the way you’ve treated her and her reputation amongst your friends, also your fault by the way. Someone like her would need Portal. Imagine what would happen if word were to get out that you don’t even accommodate for people right here in your town? That’s the thing, though. When you become an entrepreneur, you have to be money hungry. Imagine all the sales you could be making this very minute if you activated Portal.”

The conversation died down, the pair eating in silence. Jongho set his utensils down, finishing his plate rather quickly. He sighed. He’d definitely need to stop at Patty Queen on his way home. The portion was nowhere near enough; he would need at least a burger to be full.

“What do you see in her?” Desire asked suddenly.

“Huh?” Jongho asked. He had heard her but wanted to buy himself some time before having to answer.

“Do you know how much I’ve done to catch your attention? I wear the best outfits, watch my figure, always have my hair done. I’ve wanted to dye my hair so many times, you know why I never did? When we were younger, and I was getting picked on for how bright red my hair is, you defended me. Told me that it suited me, and that I didn’t have to change it. So now, even when I want to change it, I don’t. Because you liked it the way it is.”

“That’s the problem, Desire. You’re always doing things to impress me. Impress others. Haven’t you ever thought I’d like you much more if you were just yourself? That’s what I like about Crescent, to answer your question. Someone living without an aura for that long, especially being scrutinized by the likes of you, would’ve broken down at some point. Not Crescent. She stood her ground, even when she knew you could crush her. She’s seen as weird for liking things like true crime and poetry, but that doesn’t stop her from watching documentaries or geeking over underground poets. She’s unapologetically herself, always. Doesn’t mean she’s perfect, but she’s real.”

Desire laughed humorlessly. “She’s got you wrapped around her little finger. Pathetic.”

“Now I’m pathetic?”

“YES. You’re pathetic! You could have this entire town eating out of the palm of your hand. You could be getting bottle service, Ferragamo shoes, thousand-dollar threads, the best of the best! But you walk around in Converse and Levi’s just like that inferiority! You’re sitting here drinking a Sprite when you were offered Dom Perignon. You’re eating burnt meat and running the school passively when you can easily be treated like a King with me by your side. But instead, you treat everyone kindly like they were your equal.  All because of that chick. What’s she got that I don’t? It’s certainly not money or strength. I’m tired of being overlooked by her. I’m so sick of it. Grow up, Jongho.”

Jongho stared her in the eye, silent at first. Then, what started as a chuckle turned into a full-on cackle.

“What’s so funny?” Desire asked.

“You know, it’s so fitting that you’re a wolf aura.  I don’t think I’ve ever met a bigger bitch.” He said, taking out $200 from his wallet and throwing it onto the table. “Tell the waiter he can keep the change. I’ll see my pathetic ass out.” He said, getting up.

“Oh, before I go.” He turned back around. “I already wasn’t interested in you romantically, but after today, you can forget about this whole Duke and Duchess narrative. I wouldn’t marry you even if there was a gun to my head. And all that whining you just did? The one that has growing up to do is you.” He said, walking out of the restaurant to his car.

“Crescent, Crescent, Crescent.” He sighed, unlocking his car door. “You owe me big time.”

-

-

-

-

Meanwhile, Crescent panted, leaning against a tree. She’d been training with Eclipse all day long, same as she’d been doing since Wednesday.

“Come on, Crescent. Again.” Eclipse said, sweat dripping down her neck and into her sports bra.

“I told you, Clips. I can’t activate the tiger aura on command.”

“And I told you, AGAIN. In order to activate your aura, you must become one with the animal. You have to feel it. You can’t just clap or jump and become a tiger or a seal. It has to stimulate your senses.”

Crescent sighed, momentarily regretting bringing Eclipse along. The older girl had done nothing but boss her around day in and day out, attempting to train the younger girl aurally.

Crescent closed her eyes, envisioning a seal in the middle of the ocean. She felt a rush of warmth against the frigid breeze.

Lunar and Solar owned a log cabin on the outskirts of town, at the beginning of the woods. It was far away enough that Jongho couldn’t sniff them out, but close enough to rush back home in case of an emergency.

Crescent opened her eyes, the usual dark brown replaced by a dark abyss, similar to that of a seal.

“Good,” Eclipse said. “Now, the tiger.”

Crescent took a deep breath, envisioning a tiger in a vast grassland. But, just like all the times before, the tiger was laying down in the grass, fast asleep. Nothing Crescent did woke it up.

She shouted in frustration. She envisioned it perfectly. What was she doing wrong?

“Okay, let’s take a break. Maybe it’s having an off day. Could it be the climate?” Eclipse asked, taking a seat next to Crescent. “But, tigers and cheetahs are kind of similar, and I can activate my aura out here just fine. But it’s okay. We’ll figure it out. Together.” Eclipse pulled Crescent in for a hug.

Just then, Eclipse’s phone rang. Crescent rolled her eyes. Her phone had been going off nearly every hour since they had reached the cabin.

“Can you stop answering your booty calls? Just for ONE night?” Crescent sighed.

Eclipse smirked. “Why? Am I making you miss Jongho? Maybe he can come over after that date you forced him to go on. I heard from Rory he took her out after all. Still don’t know why you made him take another girl out.” She said, typing something into her phone.

Crescent huffed, looking away at the mention of Jongho. The truth is, she wanted to be sure Desire didn’t stand a chance. She felt that Jongho never gave much thought to the idea of him and Desire because Crescent was always around. So, she decided that isolating herself and putting them both in a situation without her would be the only way to know for sure where Jongho stood. It was a weird, convoluted plan, but Crescent wanted to be positive her feelings wouldn’t be met with heartbreak. If she returned and they were together and in love, she’d keep her feelings to herself and move on. If not, she’d confess once and for all.

“Okay…don't be mad.” Eclipse said, pulling Crescent out of her thoughts.

“No. You’re NOT leaving me here alone again tonight.” Crescent glared at her sister.

“It won’t be the whole night! Jared is a jackrabbit aura, I’ll be back in like an hour tops! And that’s if I stroll!”

“Eclipse, gross! And still, no!” Ever since Eclipse turned 18, Crescent was plagued with hearing about her sexual endeavors with nearly half the graduating class. And, being the blunt person she was, Eclipse held nothing back. There are people Crescent couldn’t even look in the eye anymore after hearing her sister’s stories.

There was an awkward silence between the two, until Crescent saw the amber glint in Eclipse’s eyes.

“Eclipse, I swear to everything I love-”

Crescent couldn’t even finish her sentence before a gust of wind ran through Crescent’s curly, auburn locks.

“ECLIPSE!” Crescent shouted, smacking her hand against the bench in frustration.

And that’s when she felt it. The tiger suddenly jumped up in her envisioning, running rampant. Crescent took off too, her eyes turning a bright amber. But something was different this time. A cheetah appeared next to the tiger. The two cats ran in unison, their astral projections blooming from Crescent’s chest like sun rays. She had the speed she needed to reach Eclipse, and that she did.

Once she was close enough, she pounced at the older girl, the strength of her tiger aura allowing her to overpower the cheetah aura of her sister.

“Why. Do. You. Keep. Leaving.” Crescent gritted through her teeth.

“Crescent. Your aura activated!” Eclipse exclaimed, completely disregarding her sister’s death mission. “But, how did you catch up to me? Tigers are fast but no way are they fast enough to reach cheetahs.”

Crescent sighed, falling back onto the dirt. “Because I’m using both.”

“Woah, wait, what?” Eclipse asked, puzzled.

“The tiger is awake, and the cheetah is right next to it. They ran together, and that’s how I was able to catch you.” Crescent said, describing the envisioning.

“Crescent, did you just hear yourself? Not only do you have THREE auras, TWO of them work TOGETHER. I’ve heard of multiple aura holders, but never have I ever seen anything like what you just did. Double aura? Dual aura?” Eclipse shook her head. Her phone rang again. She fished it out of her pocket, silencing it.

“So, if not even you know what’s going on with me, what happens next?”

“That’s the scariest part, Cres. For the first time in my life, I don’t know what to tell you.”

Stephie here! Don’t wanna make this longer than it already is, but just checking in. Jongho finally told Desire off, is anyone relieved? Anyways, please look forward to the next chapter. Happy Reading!

[shadowsof-thenight]

The long way home: Chapter 9

Story summary: An AU about Steve Rogers that takes place in college. When you were kids, Steve was your best friend. Where he was you were and vice versa. So when your father got a new job on the other side of the country your 11 year old heart broken. Over the years you had stayed in contact, though. And now, seven years later, you were off to college and unknowingly you’d applied to the college he had started at last year. You agree to meet on your second day and suddenly it all seemed a little less scary. 

Will you pick up where you’d left off? Or will everything have changed as much as Steve’s appearance. 

Ship: Steve Rogers X Reader

Warnings:

None.

Words:

2232

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If you want to get tagged, please let me know. I’d be happy too. This goes for all my stories.

***

Masterlist       Story Masterlist

Previous Chapter

***

Walking along the courtyard with a bright smile gracing your features, you basked in the warming light of the sun as it shone down upon you. Classes were over for the week, you were nearly done with your assignments for the following week and there would be another party tonight. Life was good. 

A sigh left your mouth as you rounded the corner towards the library, a happy one that helped relax your shoulders. This last week had been good. Things between you and Steve were a little strange, but good.You’d spend nearly every waking moment together and you allowed yourself to think that perhaps you weren’t the only one with feelings that went beyond friendship. 

Instead of squashing those ideas as you had done so many times since Christmas, you basked in them, allowing them to lift your spirits. There had to be more right? You hadn't spoken a word about last weekend, about waking up in his arms, but  if it had felt wrong for him he would not have awoken with such a smile would he? Part of you was scared to talk about it. Afraid that doing so would pop the wonderful, possibly ignorant, bubble the two of you had been in since that night. Or the bubble you were in at least. In any case, you were content with not discussing it. 

If you were reading too much into it, it would break your heart. It would be such a sour pill to shallow after allowing yourself to feel it all, after allowing yourself to dream so fully and without restrictions. So you stayed mum on the subject, hoping he would eventually give you an indication on what he felt. 

Just as you were about to open the door and enter the dark rooms of the library, someone stormed out of the door, pushing you aside. The girl quickly apologized, before running off. You could just hear the sob as it left her mouth before she walked further away from you. Feeling sorry for her, you watched her walk across the courtyard. Finally she walked into one of the dorms and disappeared from your sight. With a small smile in the direction she had just walked, you sighed and turned around to finally enter the library, as had been your plan all along.

That was when you saw Steve. His blond hair, golden in the sunshine. His white shirt a little too tight, giving you a wonderful view, as it stretched over his torso. He was talking to someone just hidden from your view. Though he was too far away to hear the words that were said, his laughter was clear as day. Whoever it was, pulled it from him and for a moment you were jealous. His laughter was contagious, and you could not help but smile as you observed him a moment longer. His muscles moved as he waved his arms, telling an animated story to whoever stood behind him. You always liked to watch him tell stories. He was so passionate, talking with his whole body as the words would eloquently leave his mouth. Although, not always eloquently, you had to admit, he cursed like a sailor. And if you got him flustered, the words would get jumbled. It never failed to make you smile. 

Then he bend down and kissed the cheek of the person that finally came into view. A girl. And your heart seemingly stopped beating all together. You didn't recognize her. She was pretty. Tall, blonde, with a brilliant smile. Her posture was near perfect, like a ballerina. And she moved with a certain grace as she placed a hand on his arm and smiled up at him once more. 

Jealousy grew like a monster inside of you, tearing at your insides. And you weren't sure if you should laugh or cry when he turned around and noticed you. He waved in your direction, before placing a hand on the woman's back and guiding her in your direction. There was no way to avoid them now. Was she the reason for his happy demeanour this week? Could it be that it had nothing to do with you? Had you really allowed yourself to be fooled by your emotions? Your mood soured instantly and you fought hard not to show it too much as they got closer. 

“Y/n, this is Pepper”, Steve said once he stood before you, the smile still on his face. 

“Hi” you said, schooling your expression in what you hoped would be a kind one. Certain that the smile on your lips did not reach your eyes. As per usual Steve noticed the discrepancy in your behaviour and you were quick to claim fatigue, hoping that would put the issue to rest. He seemed to accept it as a viable excuse. 

“Aren't you in psychology 101?” asked Pepper, clearly trying to steer the conversation into clearer waters as she viewed your stiff attitude. She seemed nice enough as she smiled at you. Or down at you, she was tall as a runway model. She could be one, in your opinion. 

Had she not spoken, you would have turned, escaping the situation. However, you knew that would be rude and that was something you would never be. Silently cursing your parents for instilling these values in your brain, you smiled kindly back at her before nodding. You fought back a defeated sigh. Life apparently wasn't as good as you had thought it to be. 

“I thought I recognized you” she added, the kind open smile still on her face. 

“Are you in it too? I haven't seen you” you were certain it sounded rude, but you were genuinely confused. Had you truly missed her? Yet, instead of taking offence, Pepper chuckled and shook her head, her blonde hair moving like cascading waves over her shoulder. It looked really soft. Unintentionally your hand moved through your own hair. 

“No, I'm in the one right after. I took 101 last year” she explained, her voice clear, calm. Of course; she was a year older. She looked much more put together than you did. Or at least you thought she did. Glancing down at your apparel of the day, you chastised yourself for not picking a better outfit that morning. You hadn’t given your outfit much thought at all. Simply slipping it on as you moved quickly to get to class in time. 

“Really? I'm sorry. I'll be sure to keep an eye out next time” you hoped the smile you returned didn't look as fake as it felt. Pepper certainly seemed to think so as she kept smiling and bid the both of you goodbye, leaving you with a sour taste in your mouth. 

As soon as she had left, you were quick to say your goodbye and leave as well, citing the need to study. You turned around and walked into the study hall behind you, before Steve could say anything and he looked after you a little confused by your rapid departure. Tears threatened to spill from your eyes as you looked for a place to sit in the Friday afternoon crowd. Surely there would be a spot where you would be able to hide away for a little bit. You walked the length of the building, searching and willing the tears not to fall. You managed to finally find a place behind a large cabinet and sat down, breathing heavily when the first tear fell. You felt so incredibly stupid. 

From where you now sat, people would easily look right past you, only finding you if they were looking. With that in mind you allowed yourself a moment to shed the tears that were burning your eyes. You had nobody to blame but yourself here. Once again, you had allowed yourself to believe something that wasn’t true. You had only wanted it to be so. 

Finally you calmed yourself, took a sip of water, ate a banana and grabbed your books. It was time to get to work, perhaps get your mind of the sadness that was your life. 

More than one hour later you groaned loudly as you regarded the work you had managed so far. You were slumped low over the desk, glaring at the books before you, angry that none of the information on the pages seemed willing to seep into your brain. You'd been looking at the same pages for a while now and no matter how often you read the words, none of them made any sense. It all seemed gibberish, as your tired mind could not keep from going over the kiss he had given Pepper.  Surely it was innocent enough. But she was too pretty, to ease your mind with the innocence of the action. You tried to tell yourself that he kissed your temple and head often enough as well, but it did not quell the unease growing in your stomach. 

Grumbling, you pushed the books away from yourself and leaned back into your chair, closing your eyes. You were so lost in your thoughts that you hardly noticed someone moving closer to you. 

“That does not look like someone nailing the assignment” Natasha's voice was close and it took you by surprise, causing you to jump with an embarrassing shriek. All around you people shushed you and Natasha chuckled as she sat down next to you, rubbing your back soothingly to help you recover from the shock she had caused you. 

“Little jumpy are we” she spoke softly now and turned her head sideways a little as she tried to size you up. You could not help but sigh as your heartbeat returned to normal. 

“What's on your mind?” she wanted to know and though reluctant, you began to tell her just what was weighing on your mind. Asking her if she had ever heard of Pepper. Wondering out loud if Steve was sweet on her, before pretending that it really didn’t matter either way. 

Natasha's face as she chuckled seemed one of pity and with your brows furrowed in confusion, you stared back at her. 

“You like him” she stated simply. There was no question in her tone. 

“Of course, he's my dearest friend” you weakly began. 

“No,” she cut you off, “ you like him” emphasize was put on the word like, “and you're jealous.” 

You looked at her in silence and she just stared back with sympathy clear in the smile on her face. There was no point in denying it any longer. Finally you understood that it was time to open up to your friend about the feelings that had been plaguing you for a while now. Besides, you knew Natasha would not buy into a rejection of the fact. She knew. She had known, you realized. 

“I...” you muttered, “I can't,” the words were hard to get out, “ he's my best friend”. 

“He is. And you do” she spoke matter-of-factly. She left you no room to wiggle. 

“But...” you tried weakly, before giving up and dropping your head on the table before with a groan.

“But what?” she asked and began rubbed her hand on your back soothingly again. 

“But Pepper, he likes her” you stated, as if it were a fact. 

“And you are sure of this?” Natasha pressed. She had heard your retelling loud and clear. 

“I...no, yes. I don't know” Natasha smiled as you uttered the words and you moved yourself upright again to look at her. You needed her advice on this. And perhaps her shoulder to cry on. 

“You won't know until you ask” she shrugged simply. 

“I can’t” you stated and she raised an eyebrow, regarding your reluctance. 

“Fine, then I will” she said and seemed keen on the idea. Dread filled your mind and you opened and closed your mouth many times, no sound coming out. 

“Tonight, at the party” Natasha added with a smile, informing you instantly that the dreaded moment where she would, was closer than you could have possibly imagined. 

“Wait? Party?” 

“The one we were invited too weeks ago...” she barked out a laugh, “Thor's Birthday” she helped remind you. 

A proverbial light bulb went on in your head. That was tonight. Earlier that morning you had even picked out an outfit and yet it had now completely slipped your mind. Natasha began closing your books, stating that it was time to get ready. Promising she would work on your homework with you, later that weekend. Reluctantly you followed her back to your shared dorm room. 

There, in the safety of your room, Natasha worked hard on boosting your confidence. Telling you, you were beautiful, as you tried on your outfit, which suddenly felt too plain. She told you that Steve would be a fool not to see the catch that you were, and she was sure he wasn’t a one. After that she informed you that she had always thought that there was something more between the two of you. She could see it. And according to her, so could Bucky. 

It didn't matter though, you were far too nervous to really hear her. So eventually she decided on some liquid courage. Sharing a few shots with you before even going to the party. Hoping to get your mind more relaxed. 

***

Tags: @musicfreak180, @ncrediblelove, @lollipopdomination

[soulwitch]

Redbellion: Pressure

Part 11 of Redbellion Story

The clang of metal resounded from the factories, from the hubs, from the planets of metal and machine as stores and stores of hulls and armaments were laid out to be build. The Senji hubs had started production, but it would not be the drone operating this planet sized factories but workers of the Assembly all keen to produce whatever ships they could for the Acadians and Kansaku currently locked in war with the Extermination Directive.

Indeed a fleet may be ready, but it would not be ready in time for the current operations to unfold. The allied fleets attacked the Satrinias Sector Hub, facing a fleet commanded by one of the more advanced androids, a Red Series unit 004 known as Fortitude. While the android’s tactics proved powerful, costing many allied lives, the sector would fall with each machine hub being taken off line. 

With the fall of the sector hub a massive gap of control befell the remaining defenders, the 004 android retreating with several ships through an oddity appearing at the edge of the system. 

This was a victory for many, not only were they losses possibly replaceable now due to the Senji production yards, but they had managed to take heavy ground were even the Collective had not before. But not all news was glamorous and happy, the realty of focusing on opening future production and bending the Senji into row had two consequences.

One was a worsening relation with the Izalith who, upon seeing this cooperation had declared they would never form a federation with those of the Assembly if machine people were treated as equals. Welcoming all who opposed these actions to their planets, granting them citizenship and service for their own upcoming crusade.

And the second was the loss of the Sadatoni system, two full worlds of living beings under siege and bombarded. While some defenders hold out, its only a matter of time before the units commanded by Red Series unit 005 Anger achieve total victory. Their armies pummeling the abandoned resistance as further android fleets flood into the opening in Acadian space to take more ground. 

How much ground and the losses sustained, only time would tell how badly this choice would leave many. As to the North the Collective stalls on its advanced, the witch’s androids look towards their borders to secure their own assets to use against the exterminators.

The only news to escape from all of this and be given to the assembly as many scrambled around, was an update on the data slate. Detailing further information on many individuals.

End of another act, while shows how one choice benefits and others can lead to ruin. There will be a sizable time skip for the next act, allowing for more to unfold each step, allowing ‘time’ for people’s plans to be played out instead of feeling like everything happens in days.

I wanted to make neat cards for each android and all the characters but I’m finding it both restricts what I can say and its taking too long. Over the next day or so I’ll simply make a page/post to be linked that is all their bios in simple writing with their fc and a picture of it.

Its been this whole trying to make neat looking things for information that has slowed me down, and while I think its cool too, I’d rather spend time on maps and images for the parts than for the bios. 

Thanks and I hope you keep following along. 

[sparda3g]

My Hero Academia Chapter 232 Review

It appears the climax is on the horizon. Actually, the magazine spilled the bean on the news, so the ending is near. But the arc must showcase the power of the main boss that is Redestro, now with Twice closing in to save his precious friend, Giran. Can Twice win? Well, this is hype time, so no, he won’t. But this chapter offered more than demonstration with the clarification on the Meta Liberation Army’s purpose and the big boss fight is fast approaching.

One thing I should comment about Twice. Despite the last chapter more or less wasted on the reactions on his doubles going extreme, he does bring some energy to this arc with plentiful dialogues of non-sense, but in a good way. I dare to say he’s carrying this arc as much as Jim Carrey in Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Granted, it’s not out, but first impression wise, it would seem to be. Moving on.

Twice explains even further about his multiply goes faster when the original does the creation. Good to know, I suppose. It makes up for his clones to be represented by the League, including Shigaraki the Leader. Again, Twice does make it lively with his interactions and absurd lines. Yeah, it kills panel spaces, but in this case, it’s amusing. It’s not going to be easy, because now it’s the time for Redestro to show off his real power.

At first, Twice clone tried to save Giran, but got smacked away to oblivion. It’s a good thing it was a clone, or else, it would have been a bloody mess. The second time they tried, they did it with Compress and Dabi, only now we get to see Redestro’s quirk. Actually, I can’t say as it wasn’t announced, but we could assume it’s gigantic. His arm grows large and smack all of them away. Well gee, I wonder who he will face as well. It’s not like the League has a giant to show up one day. Okay, I’ll be nice; I’ll wait and see, because it’s not established what his quirk is. I wonder why his sleeve remains intact though. But hey, at least it will be flashy with taijutsu combat and gigantic size battle.

I find the reunion a bit charming since it’s with Twice and Giran. Poor guy has to realize that his best friend’s fingers are really cut off. Redestro now find Twice unacceptable to their cause; now willing to kill him. Well, that hardly went anywhere. I know Twice will stay with the League no matter what, but it could have enlightened better. Anyway, Shigaraki Clone is around to fight the main boss, but not without a backstory to boot.

In midst of fighting, Redestro suddenly talks about a mother that gave birth to a baby with meta ability. Despite a random segue timing to exploit a backstory, though I guess talking about a dream was a heads-up, I thought it was good.  You don’t see any vision of the backstory aside from a woman and a baby, so you could only draw the images in your head. Long story short, it was a dark time with people hating on meta abilities, so they took it on them, with words that echoed, “This is just a quirk of my child.” She was killed and the baby was abused with no freedom. It changed when they established the system for the use of quirk due to the rise of heroism. The problem is, it’s still not balance as it only restrict to those without permission, hence heroes under law.

The twist behind the story is, Destro was that child that was abused by the hateful society. It’s kind of odd because in hindsight, why not have him as the main villain here rather than his son, who was once hidden until now. Like the Doctor said, who knew he had one; certainly until the plot demands it. Basically, the son is carrying the torch and keep the world reminded of the legacy. Who said a child isn’t born evil? His agenda is to incite rebellion against the state; to pursue true freedom. It makes sense to me, based on his introduction. Yes, it is dirty work, but whatever it takes. There’s just one problem: this should have been an arc with a hero.

This concept of rebelling against the system could have been pretty interesting, but what good it will do if it’s with another villain? It doesn’t help that this Shigaraki is a clone; not like he will give a crap about it. This is like revealing the big secret in Attack on Titan to someone who knows already; why should that be effective? If it was a hero, or Deku to be exact, this could have challenge the foundation of free will and use of quirk. I mean Deku did a heroic stuff back in chapter 1, no license and such, so it could have worked. What’s there to carry forward if it’s a villain versus a villain? I understand why Redestro is taking on the League, but perhaps it would have been better if it was a three-way battle. Maybe the idea is to eliminate Redestro before the next arc, which would be disappointing for an interesting concept to be wasted like this.

The other problem or maybe the reason for this arc to flow this way, is that the backstory isn’t really demanding a deep insight on the system and morale. I know it dropped a mention on the government, but I doubt Kohei is going to go deep into it. Unlike in Naruto with Itachi’s big reveal or Pain’s motivation, it’s simply just a guy who carried the family’s legacy of righteous moral on freedom, but society remains unfair and cruel, so they respond with violence. Maybe due to lack of depth world building, this arc was designed as a one-off thing for the Army; care more on the League’s development. If so, that’s pretty disappointing. I still have my fingers crossed to be wrong, but I got a feeling I’m being optimistic.

The cliffhanger is intriguing, though I can see the arc concluding very soon. The real Shigaraki decays the tower, though why the guys weren’t affected, and bring it down to the ground. That’s a nice shortcut to reach to your main boss. I do like the last page with the two leaders in their most detailed artwork yet. I doubt the main fight begins or at least fully focus on them; we have other battles to worry about for now.

Overall, I enjoyed this chapter. It’s not clear on what Redestro’s quirk is; we can only assume it’s gigantic based. The backstory was good, which means the end is near. I may have problems with the idea that seems more appropriate to have heroes involved, but I’ll enjoy the ride and think over the execution when it ends. At least the artwork has been pretty solid. My Villain Academia is entering the climax with the two leaders meeting face-to-face. I don’t think we will skip other battles, but we can expect more words exchange. Will the legacy carry on, or fall and decay to oblivion?