#not there's anything wrong with the names ginger and/or joy of course! i actually love them. i just feel like if buffy and angel ever

[oveliagirlhaditright]

LOL. In the Buffy tie-in book I read ("Unnatural Selection"), Buffy had to come up with the cover story that she and Angel were married and had two daughters: Ginger and Joy. And she came up with those names because ginger (the spice) was right in front of her, and the brand of the dishwasher she owned was "Joy"?

But an AU--or better yet, a continuation of this--where they have daughters and actually name them that. Pfft.

Also, interestingly enough, in these tie-in books, Buffy dreams of having kids with Angel quite a few times (like in moments where she gets to see her perfect life).

Not that that's what this was, but it's still definitely interesting.

[jaehyunzzmilk]

dinasty (part 2)

pairing: prince jaehyun x concubine reader

word count: 3.4 k

genre: Historical Mafia AU, smut, light angst

summary: after the perfect escape, you have to find a way to fit in your new life, leaving the past behind may seem easy when you're working for 4 princes and one of them is interested in you, right?

notes: hello again, part 2 is up and we have a new love triangle, thank you for liking the first part so much, and prepare for even more surprises

this doesn't have any relation to real facts and history, it's just pure fiction for entertainment purposes

warnings: violence, blood, cheating, unprotected sex, oral (female receiving)

main characters: jaehyun (prince), yuta (samurai, villain), ten (thai mafia, villain), kun (China's emperor warrior)

Reality - Part 2

Part 1 here

"- Nice tattoo!" the man says.

It was dark and his face was only visible through the moonlight.

You freeze, the man stays still looking at you like you were his prey.

You try to cover your body but your only reaction is to grab your stuff and run, praying he wasn't gonna come after you.

Arriving at your room, breathing heavily you try to think about what just happened. A guy like that had to be a prince or someone really important. Ms. Lee told you to be lowkey and on the first day you let a man see you naked in the bath area. "Whatever" You were just too tired to think, you didn't do anything wrong anyway, so you were gonna pretend that it didn't happen. The Korean Palace was gonna punish you for going to the wrong bath?

Suddenly you realize Kun's necklace isn't with you. "Fuck, I must have dropped there" but now it's too risky to come back and look for it so you decide to do that tomorrow. You lay down on your mattress and try to fall asleep.

-

Next morning Ms. Lee showed you the rest of the Palace, the kitchen and assigned your tasks. It was a lot of work and details, each of their meals had to be perfectly planned. They had someone even to taste the food before them so they know it's not poisoned.

"- I'm gonna be responsible for the King's meal and you're gonna be responsible for the four prince's meals."

-Four?

"- Yes, Taeil, Doyoung, Johnny and Jaehyun. Now you should prepare their tea, they always drink green tea in the morning."

While preparing the tea you wonder which one you saw at the bathing area and if you should tell Ms. Lee what happened yesterday.

You're walking with the trays to the dining place when you try to talk to her.

-Ms. Lee!

-"Yes"

-So yesterday...

You realize you still don't know much about Ms. Lee and even if Kun trusts her, you don't. Also you can't help but think that serving tea was much better than your life at the concubine's house, so you try quickly to think of something else to say.

-Well, yesterday… Before I met you… this man helped me at the harbor, he was wearing black clothes and had a samurai sword.

-"Stay away from him!" She turns at you. "They are dangerous, they will kill everything and everyone on their way, people you don't want to mess up with."

By Yuta's facial expression when you mentioned Ms. Lee's name you weren't surprised she said those words, you wonder why but she wasn't gonna be the one to give you the answers. Otherwise, you still weren't afraid of him, he was gonna be the last of your problems here.

-"Now let's get in there, first you bow and then you serve them the way I showed you, don't look at them in the eye and don't say anything." She says.

In silence, you enter the dining room along with the other servants behind you bringing the food plates and you stop in front of the tables on the floor where all the princes are. There are two on each side, the two oldest and the youngest, all of them are sitting on cushions, they all have long hair and are wearing beautiful hanboks.

-"Your highness, may I introduce you to your new servant 'y/n', she is my niece and she is gonna work with me in the kitchen from now on." Ms. Lee said while you bowed, you were still too nervous to look up and look at them. "Now, may we start with the tea." Ms. Lee turns to you and signs that you can go and serve them.

Holding the teapot you go to the first prince, the oldest, Taeil, he is very handsome, with his light brown hair, face delicate and mature at the same time. Slowly you pour the tea into the cup by his left, he doesn't do anything, just stays still looking down and you wonder if you did something wrong. On his right it's Doyoung, after you pour the tea he gives you a small nod which makes you feel calmer. He is also very handsome, shiny black long hair, perfect posture, he sure looks like a prince. On the other side, Johnny, you can feel he is looking at you, the first to say "thank you" after you pour the tea. His face is gorgeous, even if he is sitting down you can feel how tall and strong he is. And then, Jaehyun, the man from the bath. You freeze when he looks directly at your eyes, you try to stay calm and pour the tea but can't help but shake a little bit. He is the definition of perfection, he had perfect skin, perfect face, everything about him.

Jaehyun keeps staring at you even when you stand up and comes back to Ms. Lee side.

-"Seems like someone likes our new servant!" Johnny says laughing. The other boys look at him but Jaehyun remains silent and serious, still looking at you.

They give the first sip to their tea. Taeil stops and smells the cup.

-"Did someone… put ginger on the tea?" He asks.

Ms. Lee turns at you with her eyes wide open.

-"Did you put ginger when you were making the tea?" She says in a low voice. - Yes, that's how we usually drink it in China, I'm so sorry.

-"Don't..." Taeil says taking another sip "- From now on keep in that way". You see Jaehyun smirking with the corner of your eyes.

Your whole body relaxed, you felt like you were going to faint. Ms. Lee bows and tells them to excuse both of you. As soon as you enter the kitchen's door she grabs your arm.

-"You have no idea how lucky you were this time young lady, Taeil is the most picky to all the food we make, when he started speaking I thought I was gonna have a heart attack"

-Me too! But I'm so sorry, I swear I'm not doing anything again without asking you first.

-"Good! Now get back to work"

-

Later after you finish your schedule you come back to the bath area to look for Kun's necklace. You look everywhere but it's nowhere to be found.

-"Looking for this?" Jaehyun stops behind you holding your necklace.

You turn around and he comes closer to you.

-"I asked if you're looking for this?" Now he is inches from you.

-Ye- yes!

Jaehyun walks behind you and gently moves your hair to the side, putting the necklace on you.

-"Does that belong to your boyfriend?" He is so close it's almost he's whispering in your ears. You get goosebumps.

-Excuse me?

He smirks and comes back to look you in the eyes.

-"I fought in the war 2 years ago, I remember those from the chinese soldiers." He tilts his head to the side and looks at you from head to toe. "Or you did?"

-A prince fighting at the war?

-"And a very bloody one but yes... it would be a shame being a prince and let your people alone bring victory to your country"

-It does… belong to my boyfriend.

You hold your necklace in your chest.

-"And where is your precious boyfriend when a pretty face like you is talking to the enemy in another country?"

-It's complicated!

-"I have time!"

-Why? Do you want the full story to snitch on me?

-"Sweetie if I wanted to snitch you out I would have already!"

He was right.

-You wouldn't believe if I told you anyway!

-"Try me, I've seen it all"

You both sit on a stone beside the water.

-Well, when I was 9 my family was struggling, we didn't have food, money, anything… so my father sold me and my sister to a concubine's house. She went to a different house than mine so I never saw her again actually. But anyway after years of being a slave in all forms to that house I fell in love, to someone from the thai mafia, of course things got out of control, I was so dumb. When I tried to run away he found out and did this tattoo on me, I was in so much pain because I fell off the roof trying to run away that I didn't even felt the pain of the needle, I just stayed there, still. Then I met Kun, I fell in love again, he helped me to escape, and it worked.

-"And I assume that story of being Ms. Lee's niece is all lies."

-Yes! She helped to raise Kun and met his mother so it's the only reason she's doing this until he arrives.

-"Oh so he's coming."

-He works for the Emperor and he said they would kill both of us if he ran away, so he is gonna wait a little bit and ask to retire, he wants to do it the right way, then he'll join me.

-"If you allow me to say this but… I would never have let you to come alone, sometimes you don't have to do it the right way" He gets up and walks to the exit of the bath. "But I'm glad he did and we could meet"

You give a small smile with the corner of your lips.

-"Oh and by the way..." He turns at you. "The staff's bath area is on that way." He points to his left.

-I know now. Thanks.

He smiles and leaves.

-

Weeks passed and you were getting used to your new life. You were doing your job right, even making some different dishes from your hometown to the princes. Meanwhile you unexpectedly started spending time with Jaehyun. Since your conversation at the bath, you both got closer in a natural way. On every free time you had you spent time together, you mostly liked to walk on the garden because it was more private, he told you about his childhood, how he had to give up on so many things to be who the kings expected him to be, how he felt like he was on a prison his whole life and how he found joy on learning how to fight because it was the only way he had to express himself and not follow the rules. You were surprised at how wholesome he was, he made questions about your life in a way that you know he wasn't being just pity, he was interested in how other realities exist outside the Palace.

One afternoon Ms. Lee asked you to go to the flea market to buy fruit for the dinner's banquet. You went alone since now you were familiar with that.

Because of the summer there were a lot of different kinds of fruits on sale. You bought peaches because you knew Jaehyun likes it. After buying everything you needed you see some crowd gathering between the market, you approached them and notice some weird men you've never seen before. They were thieves. They were on their horses, destroying the sellers' stands, pushing everyone in their way, they even tried to put a food stand on fire. You saw a little kid who got lost from their parents and was crying right in the middle of the path where the thieves were. You run in his direction and catch him, putting him safely to the side of the road, when one of the men slaps your face "Get out of the way slut!"

The slap was hard so you fell on the ground when suddenly you see another group of men coming that way, they all had black clothes and katanas. The samurais. They were so fast, they fought the thieves in a blink of an eye. There are people running and dust everywhere, you feel a hand on you. "Let's get you out of here" you recognize the voice, Yuta holds you and takes you to a safe place.

-"Why every time I see you, you're in trouble? Didn't I tell you to not walk around alone?"

-I was just buying stuff at the market when they came out of nowhere.

-"You're bleeding, let me see your lips" Yuta takes the fabric that was covering his mouth and carefully wipes the blood on your lips.

-"You're gonna need ice if you don't want to get bruises..."

-Don't worry, I've had worse wounds! - You laugh.

-"You didn't tell me where you came from"

-You didn't either, and why are you doing this? Helping me when you told me to stay away?

-"Well you should!"

-I'm not afraid of you.

Yuta looks at you, his mysterious gaze turns into vulnerability.

-So, I will tell you my story if you tell me yours! - You say.

-"Years ago the king had a deal with Osaka’s emperor, since he traveled there and they proposed to do an alliance and protect each nation together, but when the war happened and the emperor asked for the samurais to fight on their side here in Korea. We came and it was all a trap, a lot of us died, the emperor stole our ships and made all his people be afraid of us spreading lies, that we were dangerous. Since we couldn’t come back home we settled ourselves here, but the funny thing is every time the small villages are in danger, like what you saw today, it’s us who come first to help them. You asked me why I saved you, where I came from, we take care of everyone, no matter what."

-I'm sorry!

-"Now your turn, what’s your dark pass?"

-Apparently like you I was also a victim of the war in my country, but other than having a sword and fighting I was just a concubine trapped in a house for so many years, let’s say I just involved myself with the wrong people and ran away.

-"It’s called a katana… the sword. And maybe I can teach you how to fight." He smiles.

-Me?

He gives you the sword.

-It's much lighter than I thought.

-"Careful, it's lighter but the blade is gonna be the sharpest of all swords. Here... You must hold like this!" He took your hands and taught you how to hold the sword, carefully he showed you some self defense moves.

-"Now if someone ever tries to slap your face again, you do this..." Yuta grabs your wrists and pins you agains't a tree, you can't move obviously, he is so close to you and you feel the sexual tension building.

-"Get away from her!" You hear a familiar voice screaming. It's Jaehyun.

Jaehyun gets off his horse, he was mad, you never saw him like that. You jump in front of Yuta.

-No wait! He saved my life! - You scream.

-"What? Y/n do you know who he is? He is a murderer." Jaehyun looks at you.

-"If you arrived 10 minutes earlier you could have joined us but the little prince was busy at his Palace right?" Yuta provokes him.

-"That's enough!" Jaehyun comes closer but Yuta doesn't even flinch.

-Please Jaehyun, let's go!

You grab his arm and take him away from Yuta.

- "This doesn't end here bastard!" - Jaehyun spits at Yuta's direction.

-

You come back to the Palace with Jaehyun and he takes you to the bath area.

He is sweating, you could see his veins popping because of how mad he was.

- Jaehyun please, everything is alright, you need to calm down!

- "No it's not, look at you, you're hurt" he grabs your face and touches your lip with his thumb.

- It's ok now, I was at the market when some thieves arrived, I was protecting a little kid who was gonna get hit by their horses, they got mad because I was in the way but I swear it was nothing and Yuta helped me and everyone in there!

- "What? How do you know his name?"

- When I arrived from China he saw me at the harbor, I was so weak from the trip he helped me and even took me to Ms. Lee! I don't care about your old family issues, he helped me and that's all.

- "I'm sorry I'm just… the Palace guards heard the thieves were at the market and when I knew you were there I got my horse and went after you, I just couldn't let anything bad happen to you y/n!"

He grabs your face with both of his hands and kisses you. You try to push him but still can't open your eyes and break the kiss completely "Jaehyun we shouldn't..."

- "If you don't want it then tell me to stop" your heart is beating so fast, you swallow hard and look up at Jaehyun, "I know I'm not the only one feeling this" He says kissing you hard again.

He is right. "Touch me" you say, grabbing his hands and placing them on your breasts. When he is caressing his hands on your breast he removes your necklace, dropping it on the ground. He unties your dress and slides the fabric until your lower body, he is on his knees in front of you and he passes his hands on the back of your thighs until your butt and kisses your thighs slowly. He keeps eye contact with you and licks your clit, you moan and grabs his hair in response to his tongue going faster.

In your head it felt so wrong because you were in love with Kun, but Jaehyun made you feel so needy, mind and body.

Jaehyun gives a hard lick on your clit and makes his way up to your stomach leaving a tray of kisses until your breasts, he sucks one nipple while his other hand and flicks the other one. He gets up and kisses you, the kiss was so wet, for a moment you forget that anything else exists while he kisses you hard, licking and sucking your bottom lip. He takes off his clothes, his hard dick slaps on his toned abs, pre cum leaking over his tip. Jaehyun lifts you up "Let's go inside" taking you to one of the hot tubs.

When you felt the heat of the water on your body, the feeling of pleasure and lust took over you, Jaehyun pulled you down onto his lap and gave you another kiss, you wrapped your arms around his neck when you feel his tip on your core. "Oh my god" you scream while his hands holding your waist puts you down until his whole length was inside of you. The feeling was so different, you got a harder friction because of the water and you start moving up and down to get used to his size. Jaehyun's shoulders and biceps tense while his cock is stretching you out. You bounce on him screaming in pleasure, body trembling as he helps you to move faster.

He was pushing all the way into you, hitting your g-spot. You arch your back and moan his name, clenching every time he enters you. You're almost out of breath when he sucks your neck and presses his thumb against your clit. "Jae, I'm gonna..." you can see he is close as well as he sucks your neck even harder and moves his finger faster. You scream when you feel your orgasm, your arching pussy made his cock tighter while he couldn't hold it anymore and released into you as well.

You both stay in the water for a bit recovering from the climax, he pulls you to his chest and you close your eyes.

-Am I dreaming?

-"I think the reality right now is better than your dreams."

"Reality" you thought, back at your own senses you couldn't help but be disappointed at yourself. Because of you Kun was risking his own life to help you to run away and now you're with the prince of the place he arranged you to work for. Maybe you were just a filthy concubine, maybe you deserved everything they did to you, even your tattoo. You roll your body and rest your head at the border of the hot tub, a tear coming out of your eye.

-

Part 3 coming soon

[boldlyvoid]

ain't it fun? | part 3

summary: reader just needs an NA meeting before they have a meltdown, they end up with the best friend they could ever make.

warnings: season 4 episode 7 plot but spencer doesn't have to go through it all alone. mentions of child molestation and murder

word count: 2K

P1 P2

Spencer calls from Vegas of all places, he’s staying an extra few days after a case and he won’t be home. “Actually, if I buy you a ticket would you fly out here for me?”

“Are you crazy?” She laughs, “what’s really going on babe?”

She doesn’t call him babe very often but when she does she can always hear him blush, he’s so giddy and cute he smiles wide and licks his lips a few times, but he doesn't this time.

“I’m not doing the best.”

“Do you need your girlfriend or do you need a meeting?” She asks because she knows there is a huge difference.

“I need my best friend.”

When she arrives in Vegas, she takes a taxi to his hotel and sits in his room all alone until he’s done whatever he was up to. There’s an envelope on the floor, “you’ve got the wrong guy” written on the front in a hasty black chicken scratch.

She hides along the wall, making sure no one can see her under the crack of the door. She manages to keep one foot on either side of the door frame as she looks out the peephole to see an older white man walking away from the door. He’s in a work uniform, on the phone, he’s whispering.

Once she’s sure he’s off the floor, she grabs her things and leaves the room. Leaving the envelope on the floor, she calls Spencer from the stairwell.

“Hey, I’m on my way back now,” Spencer answers.

“Someone dropped an envelope off in your room. I didn’t touch anything I just walked out after the guy left… can I meet you in the bar instead?”

“Yeah! Of course,” he encourages her safety protocols, “I’ll make sure the envelope is safe first, thank you for being smart.”

“No problem," she laughs, he was the genius and he was still calling her smart for following her gut.

"I’m just walking down the stairs cause he took the elevator. He was white, 5’8 ish and older; balding with grey hair so I’m guessing he was in his 60s, and he was on the phone with someone,” she gives his description quickly before she could forget it. “And the envelope says you got the wrong guy on the outside.”

“I know who that is, thank you. I love you,” each phrase got quieter and quieter and she knew he was in the car with his co-workers.

“I love you too, see you soon.”

—

It’s midnight in Virginia, it’s only 9pm in Vegas and Spencer’s been losing his mind trying to solve a case for his own sanity. He was getting nowhere, he’s even tried hypnosis to take him back to when he was 4. But nothing was working.

He’s in the middle of begging his mother to remember, “mom, this isn’t about me. This is about Riley Jenkins.”

“It was always about you…” Diana whispers.

“Please, mom—“

“Spencer,” Y/N’s eyes shoot open.

She’s just been sitting there, barely getting to know Diana as Spencer explained what he remembers. It was very intimate, but she already knew about the dream. She knew one day he’d want to learn more, and now he was.

“Listen to what she just said, it was always about you,” she repeats the words and Spencer looks more confused.

She steps forward and takes Diana’s hands in hers, sitting her down on the edge of her bed as she looks at her carefully. “This is hard, I know you’re really trying and I know how hard it is to talk to Spencer when he’s like this. But how about you tell me the story? Why was the Riley Jenkins case more about Spencer to you?”

Diana clues in then, her eyes zoning out as she remembers everything and Spencer sits quietly in the corner. “Riley was a real boy, poor boy…”

He’s amazed by the fact she’s so calm and good with his mother. “Yes he was, mom, how did I know him?”

“Your father was the t-ball coach, you were really more interested in chess and so eventually he let you go from the team, and you ended up playing in the park with this older man; who was also watching Riley before he died,” Diana explained softly. “It could have been you.”

Spencer gets closer and closer, eventually, he’s kneeling in front of his mother like a little boy at storytime. “What was his name mom?

“Gary Michaels.”

—

David and Derek are really nice guys. She’s sitting with them in the bar while Spencer has a heart-to-heart with his parents at the police station. It’s been a long day, he’s learned a lot and she couldn’t wait to unpack it all with him.

“How come you don’t come out with him more often?” Derek asks, unsure of how to broach the subject, but he wants to know.

“What do you know about me, first of all? Because it’ll tell me everything I need to fill you in on,” she asks in a question in response to his.

“I know you met at a support group, I know he loves you, and I know you live with him now.”

She smiles, “I have a rare disability that many people don't believe in, I work from home and I make little art pieces for the different seasons to make money, I don’t really like going outside. much”

“But you flew all the way to Vegas for him?” Derek smiles knowingly.

She nods gently, “he’s still my best friend in the whole world, Derek.”

“Thank you,” is all he says, “you’ve helped him be the same Spencer I met when he started. You’ve brought the joy back to his life, it’s nice to get to know you more.”

He asks to get her a drink then, to make up for everything she’s been through that day. All she wants is ginger ale and Derek gives her a strange look, he really has no idea that she’s a recovering drug addict. Spencer has kept all her secrets nice and safe in his big and beautiful mind.

“I’m allergic to most alcohol,” she isn't lying but it works. “Especially dark tequila and all vodkas, it’s because they’re made from potatoes and I have a potato starch intolerance... you know actually sometimes even hand sanitizers that are made in alcohol facilities give me an allergic reaction as well.”

“Okay, that right there,” he teases, “that’s why he keeps you all to himself.”

She laughs, “that was a bit of a Reid ramble, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Derek’s smile is so soft. “It really was.”

When she finally sees him again, it’s been almost a full day since he called her and asked for her to fly into Vegas. He needed her moral support while dealing with his parents, and he knew she was the only person who knew the extent of what he felt for them. He tried his hardest to be the best kid in the world for both of them, and yet sometimes he feels like both a disappointment and an unwanted mistake.

They hug for so long when he finally enters the bar, that Derek gets up from the table and goes to find someone to occupy his time with. It’s Vegas and he’s Derek after all… it wasn’t going to be hard for him to have a woman hanging off of him soon, too.

Back in his hotel room, he passes out from exhaustion and she just stares at him. He’s been through so much that even his eidetic memory didn’t want to think about it anymore. normally he would recount his day to her with a smile, now he just sleeps peacefully for the first time in days.

He was so soft and sweet even after being through the most terrifying things the human mind and body can go through.

—

They take a few days off, his co-worker has a baby and it’s the perfect time for him to take her to meet them all. They won't be focused on her at all, and thus she will have fewer questions to answer.

Penelope Garcia is a blessing on this earth. The second Y/N lays eyes on her, she knows that they are going to be friends. She’s a hugger, and they’re good hugs, and she was already making plans to hang out and keep Y/N company when Spencer and the team were out of town.

JJ looked beautiful for just giving birth, Emily was intimidatingly smart and beautiful and she didn’t know how to really make eye contact with her without developing a crush on Spencer’s co-worker. Derek was kind as always, and Aaron gives a firm handshake.

JJ asks Spencer to be Henry’s godfather and it’s all a little too much for Spencer to handle after everything from the day before. He’s been through so much that Y/N can see the panic roaring through his veins as he tries to keep his cool in front of his friends.

But when they’re back in their own bed; in the safe space, they’ve created for one another. She’s running her hands along his back as he snuggles into her chest. Normally she’d tease him for being this close to her boobs, but they were comfortable and he likes to hear her heartbeat.

“I thought for a while they were going to tell me I was molested,” he whispers. “I was more relieved to know my mom witnessed a murder… and I hate myself for thinking that.”

“I was,” she whispers into his hair. “More than once by different men.”

He sits up to look at her, she shrugs, “my friend's dad tried to teach me how to drive by sitting me in his lap so that I’d have to bounce on him over the rocky back road. And a scout leader drove me home and kept his hand way too close to my parts and then a teacher-“

“How are you okay?” he stares at her like she's got 3 heads or something as he shakes his head lightly in disbelief.

She laughs, “I’m not. But I am at the same time? I can’t really explain it... it sucks and I hate it but I’m safe with you so I’m fine... but I’m not okay?”

“Yeah,” he smiles. “I’m fine with you but not okay, too.”

They're quiet for a bit, tilting their heads as they stare at each other with soft little smiles. She loves him and he loves her and all she can think about is forever.

“Can I ask you something?” She’s really serious now, looking at him carefully as his eyes light up.

“Anything!”

“Do you think you’ll want kids one day? Even after everything with your dad?” She’s careful, not wanting to hurt him to push him or make him think he’s letting her down if he says no.

“I want kids, even if it’s just one. I want to be a dad and do what my dad couldn’t. I want to love them and help them grow and teach them how to ride a bike and how to do Pythagorean theory,” his words are full of passion, he’s speaking from his gut.

“I want 3 kids,” she smiles. “With you.”

His eyes go wide, “why?”

She smiles because of course, he convinced himself she wouldn't want his kids, he was a worrier.

“My dad was okay, he was pretty distant and cold until I got sick and then he became one of my best friends. Your dad sucked. Together all that love that we craved will go into our little person and they’ll be so happy and wonderful and loved with us."

Spencer nods in agreement, it's soft and sweet and she makes a last-minute decision. "I don’t think I want kids if I can’t have them with you.”

“What’s your 5-year plan look like?” he asks abruptly like he wants to start having kids tomorrow.

“I don’t have one. But I’ve always dreamed of just being a stay-at-home mom and making art on the side. Maybe even babysitting a few other kids during the days… I don’t know. It always felt like a pipe dream before...”

“Before me?” He asks with a smile, proud and believing it. He really knows she loves him and it’s changed him for the better.

She nods, “you wouldn’t mind if I didn’t ever have a real job?”

“I think we’d be okay as a single income family, I make enough to support the apartment bills as well as groceries, then your income can for things you and the kids want. I’m good paying for everything else.”

She smiles, “you just said the kids.”

He’s giddy with excitement as he nods, “I want forever with you.”

“Okay,” she whispers, leaning in to press her lips against his gently like he could break.

He was so special and perfect to her. Even with the scratches and dings in his paint, he was a collector's item, a one-of-a-kind, never-made again, kind of man who she was really happy she found.

taglist: @g0lden-cth @doctorspenceryeet @samuel-de-champagne-problems @reiding-recs @ssavanessa22 @spookyspence @shemarmooresfedora @spencers-dria@reidsfish @manuosorioh @mochionly @jswessie187 @k-k0129 @calm-and-doctor

[edgeofmyniall]

The Arrival: Part Two

taglist | masterlist | 

trigger warning: descriptive telling of a miscarriage

The warm air hits Niall like a sudden force that kicks him in the stomach. His hand still lingers on the crook of Penelope’s back and he knows all too well that his heart is screaming for her. One look from her and he feels like he could vomit. 

It had always been that way for him when it came to Penelope Myers. She could make his thoughts dizzy, his heart sing, and his stomach knot with one singular look. If love was illegal, he would forever be in the top ten most wanted criminal in the world. He was absolutely, without a doubt, still in love with Poppy. 

Until he started to notice that Poppy cared for more of the material things than himself. Her gaze would linger on the necklaces and rings that he presented her when she thanked him. She could not stop praising the new car that sat in the garage when she called her mom. It was him that worked hard and gave Poppy the nicer things in life. And she failed to respect him in the way that Niall seemed fit. 

She was shallow, only loving him for the diamond on her hand and the car she drives.  

“How have you two been?” Amelia asks as her drink slings against the carpet. Clearly under the buzz of wine, she pulls both Niall and Poppy into a forced hug, letting her Yorkshire accent free from her imprisonment. The pretend couple look at one another before Amelia lets her grip go, forcing smiles on their faces. “Been a lot of rumors going about… a divorce, an affair? Not the two of you, I say,” Amelia smiles, genuinely believing her friends were still together. “Aren’t you two trying to have a baby?” 

Poppy cradles her torso in an unconscious decision-grief swallowing her whole. Niall presses his hand tighter around Poppy’s back, pulling her closer to him. They had been, trying, to say the least. Until one night Poppy woke up with bloody sheets and her torso feeling as if it’s been ripped open. Niall grieved only for a few weeks that his wife miscarried, but Poppy still grieves in silence. 

Three Years Ago

“Niall,” Poppy whined, her stomach feeling torn to shreds. She had woken from a deep slumber to the intense pain that scratched and clawed at her torso. She felt weak, both physically and mentally. She thought it might have been the food she had eaten for dinner, but it was more than that. She felt the loss move through her body. She moved her legs closer to her chest trying relieve the pain somehow. “Niall, please… I-”

“What is it?” Niall sat up, leaning on one arm as he turned toward his wife whose tears had soaked into her pillow. “What’s wrong?” Niall tries to wrap his arm around Poppy’s shaking body when he feels the dampness on the sheets. Quickly he turns on the lamp beside the bed and tosses the white sheets off Poppy’s body. The dark red liquid had stained the entirety of Poppy’s side of the bed. In the scene of life or death, Niall watches his wife lose the greatest joy she had. Still crouched in the fetal position, Penelope screams out as another wave of pain courses through her body. Her back muscles were tight contracting with the pain as her lower abdomen pulsates its muscles with the pain. Niall’s heart races as he becomes frantic. His breathing is erratic as he scoops his wife into his arms and carries her downstairs. 

“Please, please, please not the baby,” was the only thing that ran across his mind.

“It hurts, Niall. I can’t-” Poppy tries to speak through the tears and the gut wrenching pain, but fails as she buries her head into Niall’s chest as she cries. 

“Baby, shhh, it’ll be alright,” Niall lied, panic rising in his chest, trying his best to soothe his wife. He awkwardly opens the back seat of his car and lays Poppy down gently before racing back up the stairs to grab his phone. 

“Sam, get an emergency cleaning crew to my house as soon as fucking possible,” Niall tries to steady his request, but it comes off more as a demand. “I’m taking Penelope to the ER. Cancel all my meetings for tomorrow or today or what the fuck ever day it is. My wife lost my child and I- '' Niall screams into the empty house as tears fall down his face. His body shakes as he hits his fist into the wall, putting a hole into the painted drywall. “I got to go.” Niall shoves the phone into the pocket of his checkered pajama pants and flies to the nearest emergency room.

“Sir,” the doctor, a young and fairly new attendant, walks into the room. She carries herself in a way that one would when delivering bad news. Niall had been waiting in the hard metal chair while Poppy was rushed into the operating room. “Your wife has lost a lot of blood and she could have lost her life if you hadn’t made it here in time.”

“What about the baby?” Niall’s eyes wide as he takes in the unspoken words. He could read between the lines. “What about my baby?”

“The fetus did not make it,” the doctor’s face scrunched as she tried to break the life changing news. She tried so hard to stop her own tears from falling. “Penelope wasn’t far along and in the first trimester there is-”

“Eighty percent chance that a miscarriage could happen. I know, I researched everything when Poppy told me.” Niall hung his head and wept as the doctor stood in the solidary of Niall’s grief. “Is my wife okay? Did she make it?” Niall’s voice cracked at the thought of losing his best friend. His life would be shambles if he ever lost Poppy. 

“She’s in the recovery room asking for you. Penelope, it seems that she does have polycystic ovarian syndrome. It’s a condition that affects her hormone levels. Penelope has more male hormones than she should. PCOS makes it hard for women to become pregnant…”

“We had a hard time… We had an appointment to start with In Vetro, but then she was pregnant by some miracle,” Niall looked at the speckled white floor tiles, trying to steady his voice. 

“The high levels of testosterones caused the miscarriage. Mister Horan,” the doctor crossed her hands in front of her body. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Niall knew the doctor was truly sincere when she apologized, but nothing, no words, could bring his growing baby back.  

Niall’s trek to the recovery room seemed never ending. He wanted to reach his wife and to hold her close so badly that the white walls and floors of the hospital were an endless maze. Niall curses at the barriers that are keeping him from his wife, his best friend, that needed him. He tried so hard to hold himself together when he saw his wife, laying in a stiff hospital bed hooked up to beeping monitors. He watched her heart rate continuously flash across the screen. He held her hand, still soft and gentle just like the first time he held her hand. 

“I’m sorry,” Poppy said. Her eyes were still closed and heavy from the pain medication, but she knew the warmth of her husband’s hand. “It’s all my fault. My body... I-” Poppy’s voices cracked under the weight of her words. Everything she tried to say was too burdensome to speak.  The invisible barrier between them was overshadowing both of them and Niall had already begun to crack under it. 

“No. No, no, no,” Niall repeated as he pushed the wet, sticky tendrils of  light colored hair out of Poppy’s face, his voice finally cracking. He tried to be strong for his wife when she was at her weakest, but the sight of one of the strongest people he knew lying in a bed in grief that consumed her broke him. It was not her fault. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, but maybe his own. If he would have watched more closely for the signs, anything, he might have prevented this from happening. Pale and sickly cold with sweat, Niall smiles at the angel with dark circles under her eyes as if she was the inspiration of the Mona Lisa. Poppy swallows hard as she brings her husband’s hand to her lips, the touch of his hand to her skin causes another wave of tears. She had failed him and the baby. “We’ll try again.”

“We’re...giving it some time,” Poppy dances on the right words to say. She dares not speak of anything that might give any indication of what’s happened. She curses herself for living a secret life.

“Ah, well, it’ll come. All good things come when in their own time, innit that right, Niall? The business hasn’t been doing well, yeah?” Amelia’s eyes flicker with sarcasm as Niall swallows his anger. He knew deep down that Amelia had always been jealous of his success- the way that the business skyrocketed when the firm had helped their country in the decrease of pollution. He wants to say what he’s really thinking, what he really thinks of Amelia and her winery, but instead, he only gives back what Amelia dished. 

“Same could be said for you and Maxwell? Or is it Josh this week?” Amelia laughs, hurt and anger flash across her face, a look that would kill Niall where he stood. Poppy nudges Niall with her elbow and whispers, “Be nice” after Amelia disappears to fetch the unlucky lad of the week.

“I am. Being nice. Did you hear what she said about the business? Jesus Christ I could twist her head off. Ah, here is the lucky man. Name’s Niall.” Niall extends his hand out to the tall, tanned male who looks to belong in a magazine. His blonde hair is gelled back with a tiny curl swooping down his forehead. He flashes his teeth when he smiles. 

“Jayden. Nice to meet you and Miss?” Jayden almost bows as he looks at Poppy. “Mrs. Poppy, Niall’s...wife.” The word is a lie and it tastes bitter in Poppy’s mouth. She wishes she could get used to the taste by now, but it still is just the same. Poppy looks at Jayden, who is still holding her hand. Niall clears his throat as he pulls Poppy closer to him. 

“Leave your luggage by the door,” Amelia says before folding her arm around Jayden’s and showing them Justin’s home. As if they actually needed it. It was only to show off that the successful business couple came back to their roots, even if for a little while.

“Now, tell me,” Amelia whispered when Niall wandered over to the bar to collect a bottle of bourbon, “I saw a ginger hussie standing over Niall with her breasts all out when I came by the office one day to drop off some of my samples. I tried putting in the code on the gate at your house, but it wouldn’t work, but you would know that if you ever returned my calls.”

“Sorry about that, Millie, I’ve been busy with the magazine. Niall said she’s the new intern.” Poppy hates the taste of lies, boiling inside her as she spews one after another. 

“Well, she was all over him, and Niall was eating that shit up. I swear, I almost threw the bitch off the balcony meself.” Amelia’s brow furrowed as she looked up to her friend. “If the rumors are true…”

“No!” Poppy said a little too quickly and loudly, “I mean, no they aren’t. I trust Niall. He knows what he comes home to.” Poppy smiles reassuringly, but doubts her words. Does he really know her the way that Poppy does? Poppy only disciplines herself for ever believing that she knew Niall. She never did.

“Well, I trust you. I know that you would never lie to me cuz you’re me best friend, and I love you so fuckin’ much,” Amelia’s words slurred as brought her friend in for another hug. Poppy’s heart sank as the lies burned in her mouth. She could never take them back, and if her friend ever found out, their trust would be severed and the domino effect would begin. 

“I just hate that we’re together again under these circumstances. Justin was…” Poppy tried to find the words to describe what Justin meant to her. He had been her friend throughout college, and they had been close until the divorce. She was angry at Justin for keeping his cancer a secret from her for so long. She wanted to help, but Justin reassuringly let her know that unless she held the power of God, that there wasn’t anything that she could do. 

“Amazing, to say the least,” Amelia finished her friend’s sentence. Poppy looked over to Niall who stood next to Alex with a smile wide across his face. He was firmly gripping his glass of red wine when he looked over to his ex-wife and felt an old happiness and yearning for her. He swallowed the feeling down as he sipped his wine, cursing himself for letting his guard down. He still loved her. 

Two Years Ago

“Where were you last night?” Poopy asks, her hands crossed against her chest. “Where the fuck were you?” She cocks a brow as she looks at her husband who remained silent. The cold grey morning seeped into the pale white living room where the two were standing. Niall had only just come inside when Poppy stood at the base of the stairs. Her eyes, rimmed with red from worry and tears, watches her husband as he tosses his briefcase to the floor. 

“I was out, alright?” Niall sighed as he looked Poppy in her swollen eyes. He didn’t call her. Not even after the floods of texts and calls, Niall never once picked up his phone.

“Where?” Poppy asks, her voice sharp as a knife. She could feel the tears brimming over the edge of her lids and her mouth formed a frown. She thought of the worst.

“I was at the office late with reports,” Niall walked over to Poppy kissing her temple as he pulled her close. “I fell asleep. I should have called.”

“I was…” Poppy folded her arms around her husband and sighed, “I was so worried.” Poppy's head rests inside the crook of Niall’s neck and as she breathes in her husband, she breathes in the musk of a perfume she didn’t recognize.

“I’m going to take a shower and then we can go see your mother, okay?” Niall asked as he let his embrace go. It was foreign to her now. Who was this Niall standing in front of her now? The faint outline of red lipstick still stained his skin where she kissed him. It was smudged, like Niall had tried to vigorously rub the act of possession away.

“Yeah, sure.”

One by one, the two are reunited with old friends that they had lost contact with over the years. Each time, the two forced smiles and laughter for shared memories and explanations. No one dares to address the rumors that the couple are no longer together. That would mean facing the truth and digging up each lie they’ve spoken over the past year. Hours passed and the two felt as if they had finally come home after wandering around for years. Niall steals a quick glance from Poppy who is laughing at a joke that Jayden said. He wants to rescue her as he watches her subtly flirt with the stranger. His fear of losing Poppy had come true, by his own demise, but here in the warm fire scented room, he felt that he could lose Poppy all over again.  

“Where’s our rooms?” Niall finally asks after sharing a chardonnay with Alex, Justin’s long time girlfriend. Alex tried to keep the wine from coming up when Niall asked his question. Niall felt the secret becoming like loose strands the longer he stood there in front of his friends.

“Rooms? You and Poppy only need one, unless…”

“No, none of it’s true. Just misspoke is all,” Niall swallows the last of the wine in hopes of the conversation and upcoming questions dying. The bottle of unopened bourbon still stands on their suitcases waiting for Niall’s lips to taste. 

“Last door on the left upstairs. The usual room,” Alex cocks a brow when Niall strides over to Poppy and pulls her in the direction of the luggage. 

“Grab your bags and let’s go,” Niall breathes hard, angry at himself for letting the one word almost unravel the lie they’re both living. “We’re in our old room.”

“One room? We’re sharing?” Poppy asks as she pulls the handle out of her rolling suitcase. “Are you sure?”

“They don’t know, Penelope,” he growls, looking Poppy in the eyes before trudging upstairs leaving Poppy to her own demise. 

They don’t know.

She has to repeat this to herself, reminding her that while life moved forward for the two of them, their friends are stuck in the past. 

taglist: @niallerlover​, @yourpolaroid07,  @militrybarbi  

[izzyfandoms]

Logince - Curse

(This is one of 36 Halloween-themed ficlets I'm posting today! One for every sides/Remy/Emile/Thomas ship plus creativitwins!)

GENERAL TAGLIST: @quillfics42 @aj-draws @phantomofthesanderssides @phlying-squirrel @sly-is-my-name-loving-is-my-game @because-were-fam-ily @imtryingthisout @a-creepycookie @emo-disaster @littlestr @spooky-scary-virgil @fuyel @mimsidoodles @soupgremlin @aroaceagenderfluid @birdsbookshiddeninrealbirdsskin @quirkalurk @gingers-trashy-stuff @iinyxtello @justaqueercactus @melodiread @mrbubbajones @spookedferns @pun-master-logan @gayturtlez @k1ngtok1

Masterpost

Logan was cursed.

And he didn't mean that in an exaggerated or figurative sense. He wasn't just spectacularly unlucky, or saying that for no good reason.

He was actually, literally cursed, and had been for almost five years now.

It was how he had discovered the existence of magic. He had accidentally pissed off a witch - in hindsight, yelling at a mysterious old person following him home had probably been a mistake: if it hadn't let to a curse, it might have led to a kidnapping.

And, now, well... he was cursed.

No one could ever fall in love with him, or even develop any sort of crush on him.

It had at first seemed like a useless curse, when he was 12 and had no desire for romance. But now that he was a teenager, having had crushes on a variety of people, it was really starting to feel like a burden.

Like all curses, it could be broken, of course. Only his true love was immune to the curse, and could break it at first kiss.

But a kiss from anyone else would lead them to despise him: to hate him so much they never wanted to see him again. He had never kissed anyone, though, far too afraid of the curse to risk that.

He didn't believe he would ever find a true love, anyway.

And, honestly, Logan was skeptical that such a thing even existed.

(Though he had once felt that way about magic and witches and curses, and he had been very, very wrong about that.)

"Hey, hey, specs!" A voice called out as hand waved in front of Logan's face.

Logan snapped out of his thoughts, and his eyes suddenly landed on one of his friends, Roman, who was sat right beside him.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Roman continued with a teasing grin.

"My thoughts are worth much more than a penny," Logan huffed, crossing his arms and looking away. "You could not afford them."

Roman laughed, and Logan's heart skipped a beat in his chest.

(Oh, the joy of hearing the laughter of one who you adore. And, oh, the pain of a love thought unrequited.)

"It's your turn to spin," Roman said, gesturing to the bottle that was in the centre of their little group.

Remy - who was sat opposite Logan - let out an irritated huff, likely rolling his eyes behind his dark sunglasses.

"The bottle landed on you," Remy said, gesturing towards it. "So now you gotta spin it, and then kiss whoever it lands on, kay? C'mon, we haven't got all day. I haven't had a turn yet, hurry up."

Logan opened and closed his mouth a few times.

Roman turned and half-heartedly glared at Remy.

"Don't be a jerk, Rem. He doesn't have to play if he doesn't want to," Roman scolded. "Calm down."

"Well, why's he in the circle then?" Remy huffed, unaware of the fact that Logan had been so lost in thought, that he hadn't known what he'd agreed to. "Oh, whatever. I'll just spin for him."

Before Logan could stop him, Remy leant forward and spun the bottle. It spun and it spun and it spun and Logan was practically hypnotised by the long, turning movement, before it finally slowed to a stop...

... pointing at Roman.

There was a beat of silence, where Roman and Logan's eyes met, and both of their faces reddened as they stared at one another.

Then, Remus - who was sat right next to his brother - howled with laughter.

"Ha! Oh my god, that's hilarious."

Remy laughed, too, and Patton - who was sat between Remus and Remy - put his hand over his mouth to hide his own giggles out of politeness.

"You- you don't have to," Roman stumbled over his words. "If you don't want to. It's okay."

Logan had never wanted something more in his whole life. And he had never not wanted something more, either.

Kissing Roman... was something he dreamt about practically every night. He was head over heels - having so deeply fallen for Roman that it almost hurt to look at him.

He wanted to kiss him. He really, really wanted to kiss him.

But, if he did... then Roman would hate him. Roman would despise him.

He didn't want that.

He really, really didn't want that.

But... there was a small, totally illogical part of Logan's brain that told him that maybe it didn't matter. If Roman wasnt going to love him back anyway, maybe making him hate him would be easier.

And one kiss would be better than the nothing he would get otherwise.

Logan made his decision, and decided to act upon it before he could actually think it through and change his mind.

(Roman had been trying to get Logan to loosen up and be more impulsive for a while. Logan doubted that this was what Roman had intended, but he chose not to think about that any longer.)

"Okay," Logan said.

Roman's eyes widened. "Really? Okay?"

Logan nodded. "Yes, okay. I- I don't see the harm in just one kiss."

(Logan knew that Roman knew that he'd never kissed anyone before, quite unlike Roman himself. Perhaps that was why Roman was so hesitant.)

"Yes, okay! Do this quickly so I can have my turn," Remy said, clapping his hands together.

"You do realise that you do not decide when you have a turn, right?" Logan said flatly. "It is entirely random."

Remy blew a raspberry, waving his hand dismissively.

"Well, I'm never gonna get a turn if you two take so long. Now, c'mon, smooch so we can get this over with."

"Uh..." Roman trailed off, giving Logan a questioning look despite his earlier confirmation.

Logan nodded, taking a deep breath to prepare himself. Then, he shifted forward, closer to Roman.

He wasn't sure exactly what to do, especially since he had no experience kissing anybody, but, luckily, Roman seemed to understand this and took the first step. He reached up, gently taking Logan's face in his hands.

Roman paused for a moment, hesitating, before he leant in and kissed Logan.

The moment his warm, soft lips met Logan's, something shattered inside of him. For one, terrible moment, he thought it was his heart breaking.

But then he realised that he wasn't hurting. Instead, he was... happy.

So, so happy.

And when Roman pulled away, Logan didn't have time to feel any kind of dread.

He opened his eyes as Roman pulled back, looking into Roman's. He searched for any kind of hatred, but... there was nothing of the sort.

Roman was looking at him so fondly, so softly, that he couldn't possibly hate him.

Logan did not understand.

Until he did.

His eyes widened.

Before he could say anything - though he had absolutely no idea what he could even say - he was interrupted by Remus wolf-whistling.

"Ha! Get a room you two," he called out.

Roman turned and glared at his brother, breaking the moment between him and Logan.

"Shut it, Remus."

Logan... did not know what to think.

Roman didn't hate him. Roman did not hate him.

Roman... kissed him, and did not hate him.

Was the curse broken? If so, did that mean... did that mean...

Logan stared at Roman, and as the game continued - their friends moving on from the two of them - Roman turned to look back at him. He gave Logan a soft, fond smile that gave Logan wonderful butterflies in his stomach.

Roman... did Roman break Logan's curse?

Was Roman his true love?

Did Roman love Logan?

Logan reached forward, taking Roman's hand in his own and squeezing it.

[carewyncromwell]

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star, So we'll know where you are --  Gleaming in the skies above, Lead me to the one who loves me...”

~“The Second Star to the Right (cover),” by Simone

x~x~x~x

HEY PETER PAN ANON! I MADE YOU SOMETHING!! 8D

Hahaha, yes! This is Peter-Pan!Orion and Wendy!Carewyn (Carewyndy?). No, I won’t be writing this AU before the Tangled AU at least (and yes, I should have that up hopefully by next week)...but I couldn’t resist doodling these and talking a bit about the daydreaming I did based on this concept. Orion’s ripped pants were kind of based on how the pants are ripped in the 2003 Peter Pan’s costume, but I just couldn’t resist giving him his canon fingerless armwarmers. (I see them being forest green just like his pants, though, while his tunic is a light tan.)

Basically I see eternally 12-1/2-year old Orion Amari taking a strong liking to 10-year-old Carewyn Cromwell when she comes to Neverland. Even though she does act a bit too grown-up sometimes, it’s largely because of how deeply she feels for other people -- she’s determined to protect others, whether from bullying or actual danger, and she hates the thought of anyone feeling alone. She actually is the only person who’s ever asked Orion if he was lonely, being the only child who was destined to never grow up. And as much as Orion will airily state that “to die would be an awfully big adventure,” he finds that it’s Carewyn who believes this most, for the idea of growing older doesn’t frighten her the way it does her grandfather, the man now called Captain Hook. If anything, what makes her saddest about leaving Neverland is not for her sake, but for Orion’s -- she, Jacob, Charlie, and Bill were all going home to London, along with a good chunk of Orion’s friends among the Lost Kids...and Carewyn hated the thought that she’d never see her friend Orion again. So she reminded Orion that she would always have her window open at night, if he ever wanted to come and visit, hear her read a story or two, or even just listen to her singing while she did her evening chores. Sensing Orion’s hesitance, she reassured him that she’d never forget him. 

Orion proceeded to return to life in Neverland, embarking on those same old adventures that make the days blur and make it easy to forget things. Forgetting was part of Neverland’s magic -- even Bill had almost forgotten he had a new baby sister back in London, when he, Charlie, and Carewyn had been there with Orion and the Lost Kids. But, as Orion would often tell himself, adults forgot things in the other world too: they forgot the joys of childhood, they forgot the freedom and the simple pleasures and the bottomless daydreams. All of them, every last one of them, eventually forgot how to fly. 

But perhaps because of Carewyn’s final promise, every time Orion thought of how easy it was to forget things in Neverland, and therefore how easy it was to forget things outside of it, Carewyn’s face and words always returned to his mind. And so, the memory of her conviction and caring never strayed too far from his mind...and with it, other thoughts would crop up too. How stable things had been, when Carewyn was around. How well she understood him and how easy it was to talk to her and trust in her. And it was then that Orion realized that he really, truly missed Carewyn. It was a feeling he’d never really experienced that deeply before, not even for the other children who had eventually returned home to their families. Even Bill and Charlie, who Orion likewise grew reasonably fond of, didn’t make him feel like his stomach was always empty, no matter how much food he ate -- like his heart was scraping at the inside of his chest like a hungry animal desperate to devour something outside its cage. And that feeling only intensified when his fairy guardian Merula would try to urge him to go challenge Torvus and the centaurs to a race or splash around with the mermaids, even when Orion wasn’t in the mood to do so. 

Orion felt restless, unsure of quite what was wrong with him and not knowing how to explain his muddled thought process to McNully and his remaining Lost Kids. One day Orion was eventually persuaded by McNully to lead an expedition to find a lost chest of pirate treasure, and for a short while, the Boy Who Never Grew Up was simply able to enjoy pulling one over on his old enemy and sharing the loot with his gang. That changed, though, when Captain Hook crashed the party. 

Orion and Hook traded as many blows as ever, throwing insults at each other like they always did -- but this day, Hook said one barbed phrase that stuck in Orion’s ear more than he ever would’ve admitted.

“Already forgotten my dear Winnie, I see. But I guess I can’t be surprised. After all, the only thing that can break through Neverland’s curse -- that thing that makes everyone forget...is love. And you -- ha -- you don’t know anything about that, do you, boy?”

Love. Yes. That was the thing that made Carewyn remember her lost brother and mother, even while she was a Lost Girl. That was the thing that had made Charlie remember his parents, even after he’d forgotten London altogether. That was the thing that made Bill remember his other siblings, once he remembered how his baby sister Ginny would always cry after her afternoon nap until he came home from his newspaper route and bounced her up and down for a minute or two. That was the thing that had made Jacob remember his little sister in London, even after he was kidnapped by Hook and commandeered into piracy. And, Orion realized, it was the thing that he missed most about Carewyn -- her ability to love more deeply than anyone else he had ever known...like a mother would, and yet like an equal...a companion, more than just someone to go on adventures with. 

Orion tried to broach this topic with Merula, but the huffy little fairy put up her walls and stubbornly refused to let them down. Feelings were grown-up things, and Orion didn’t need grown-up things! Orion wanted to agree, but the feelings he felt were becoming heavy -- so heavy, in fact, that he found it harder for him to find his center, to think thoughts happy enough that he could fly to any height he wanted. He actually found himself hovering and floating more than flying...and this troubled him. It made him more anxious than he could remember ever being. 

Then the thought struck him -- why didn’t he just go and visit Carewyn? She said he could, whenever he wanted. She could tell him some stories and sing some songs for him -- maybe she could even sew him a new pocket for his shirt! These thoughts perked Orion up a bit, and he decided to leave for London straightaway. 

He hadn’t expected it to be so cold -- for you see, in Neverland, it’s every season all year ‘round, all except winter. It was a fact Carewyn had lamented, for winter was her favorite season. She loved the Christmas holidays and how everyone would gather around the fireplace with warm food together and sing Christmas songs and tell stories. It had actually sounded kind of nice to Orion, when she described it to him and the Lost Kids -- but on this day in London, Orion didn’t think the cold was so nice, nor the gray, dreary city itself. There were buildings that had been crushed and holes in cobblestone streets, made by bombs that had been dropped by German Zeppelins, and just about nobody raised their heads enough to look skyward. The adults prowling the streets were just as lacking of joy as Orion had always imagined them to be, yet it wasn’t due to stupid grown-up things like wearing a tie to work or paying bills. Instead there was exhaustion, sadness...pain. Orion hated these people’s wrinkles even more than the ones he’d see on the pirates’ faces, from dwelling on mindless things like how much treasure they had or what their daily duties were. 

But none of that mattered, of course. What mattered was seeing Carewyn. But alas, when Orion arrived at the Weasleys’ house, it was still daytime...and the window to the room Carewyn, Bill, and Charlie once shared was locked. 

Orion rattled at the window desperately, slapping the glass and pulling at its handles as he cried her name. All logic left his mind -- his breathing became raspier and weaker even as he shouted louder. 

She had to be there -- she had to be there -- she couldn’t have forgotten -- she wouldn’t have forgotten -- she promised -- she promised she wouldn’t forget him -- love was what kept someone from forgetting -- Carewyn knew love better than anyone -- she loved her brother -- she loved the Weasleys -- she loved the Lost Kids and Torvus and the mermaids and the fairies -- she loved Orion -- didn’t she love -- ?

As Orion’s anxiety spiked, the magic of Merula’s fairy dust began to abandon him. He found himself becoming heavier. He tried to cling onto the windowsill, pulling at and smacking the window, but it wasn’t wide enough for him to hold onto while it was closed. Soon enough he found himself falling slowly, like someone drifting down to the bottom of a pool...and when he landed on the ground, he landed on his knees, shaking. He clasped his hands together, his eyes wide and hollow upon the frosty ground as wintry condensation fell from his panting lips. 

He’d lost his happy thought. He’d lost it. 

He tried to fly. He tried desperately to fly, only to fall and scrape his knees and hands. Never in his life had Orion Amari ever been so frightened, shuddering from head to toe in the freezing cold. 

He shakily got to his bare feet and, barely knowing where he was going, he walked. He wandered aimlessly, his eyes glassing over as he gasped for air, searching every revolted and anxious face that he passed as the faces’ owners cringed at the state of his long hair, ripped clothes, and lack of shoes. 

Orion wandered for what felt like hours, until at long last, as if by fate, he ended up not far away from a Church-funded school, which taught both elementary and higher-elementary-level students. One of those such students was a girl with a ginger braid and almond-shaped blue eyes, walking home with several classmates, including a black-haired girl with glasses carrying a bunch of books, a rather pretty blonde with pigtail braids, and a rather cowardly-looking boy with blond hair, brown eyes, and a very thick sweater and mittens over his Church-provided uniform. The ginger-haired girl herself was wrapped up in a rather thick old dark blue blanket she’d turned into a shawl after it got ripped and had been holding it tightly around herself when, all of a sudden, she heard her name being cried by a misty, and yet anxious voice. 

“Carewyn! Carewyn...!”

One can only imagine what Carewyn’s school friends Rowan Khanna, Penny Haywood, and Ben Copper thought, seeing such a scrawny, ragamuffin street boy running toward their friend. Rowan actually tried to step in front of Carewyn as if to protect her, while Ben made as if to cling onto Carewyn’s arm in terror. But Carewyn herself, her eyes very wide upon the boy, immediately tore away from both Rowan and Ben and ran to Orion without a single shred of hesitation. 

“Orion?!”

She barreled over, whipping the shawl off her shoulders and wrapping it around his instead. 

“Orion, what are you doing here?! You’re going to catch a death of cold!”

Orion hadn’t been able to stop shaking for an instant, but her shouting his name, rushing to take care of him -- her remembering him -- it made his heart feel like a beast craving food again. Her concern wet his appetite. He wanted it. He wanted her caring. He wanted her love...

She was as tall as him. She’d been so tiny before...

“Carewyn...you know this boy?” asked Rowan, looking bewildered.

“Yes,” said Carewyn, glancing over her shoulder, “he’s a friend. Rowan, this is Orion. Orion, this is -- ”

“You’ve...grown older,” Orion’s absent mumble cut her off. 

Carewyn fixed him with a faintly reproachful look. “I’m afraid that does happen, in the span of three years...”

Thirteen. She was thirteen. ...She was older than him.

Carewyn’s eyes welled up with concern as she looked Orion over. She turned to her friends quickly. 

“...I’d better get him inside and warm...I’ll see you all tomorrow, okay?”

She quickly bid her friends goodbye, before wrapping an arm tightly around Orion’s shoulders as best she could, rubbing his arm through her shawl in an attempt to warm him. 

“Orion, what were you thinking?” she whispered, her voice full of concern as her eyes stayed locked ahead at their path. “Coming here in broad daylight, in this cold...”

Orion had started to shake again, his hands clasping more tightly. 

“Your window was shut,” he mumbled. 

Carewyn looked very upset. “...My old window, you mean? The one I shared with Bill and Charlie? Oh, Orion, I don’t share a room with Bill and Charlie anymore -- I share with Ginny now. Girls’ room, you know. Charlie and Percy actually share that room now...Bill’s sharing a flat with several other boys, closer to the newspaper’s headquarters in the East End...” 

Her eyes rippled with pain. 

“...Ginny’s and my room doesn’t have a window,” she explained. “I’ve told Charlie and Percy to keep their window open for me, but...well, Percy’s grown up way too fast. He must have closed it to block out the air raid sirens last night and forgotten to reopen it...”

Orion didn’t understand half of what Carewyn was saying, but the tone she spoke with held such reassurance and remorse that it soothed the racing anxiety that had so paralyzed him. He closed his eyes as the adrenaline his anxiety had built up ebbed away, leaving him oddly drained and colder than ever. He was so out of it that he barely seemed to acknowledge that his head flopped down onto her shoulder. 

“Orion?” said Carewyn, startled and worried. 

But Orion merely inhaled and exhaled slowly. Her caring fed that beast in his chest. He wanted a bit more. 

“Carewyn,” he murmured, “did...did you think of me?”

He felt Carewyn adjust her arm around him. 

“Of course I did,” she said softly. “I told you I would never forget you.”

The tenseness in Orion’s clasped hands and face loosened its grasp. “...Because you love me.”

Carewyn looked at him, her eyebrows furrowed with confusion. “What?”

But Orion barely reacted -- as if he didn’t think what he’d said was the least bit weird. 

“There’s only one thing that can prevent someone from forgetting...and that’s love. For once you love someone, your heart never really forgets them. Instead they become part of you...an indispensable piece...that would make you feel incomplete, if it was ever removed.”

Orion slowly opened his eyes, his lips spreading into a small, rather soft smile that made him look a bit more like his usual self. 

“...It’s what helped you remember your brother and the Weasleys, while you were with me...and your brother remember you, while he was with Hook,” he said. “It’s something I know nothing about...but I know you know it very well.”

Carewyn considered him for a moment, before returning her gaze back to the road. Plenty of people passing by gave her and Orion the side-eye, but she didn’t care. 

“I don’t know if I’d say you know nothing about it,” she said at last. “You remembered me just as much as I remembered you, did you not?”

Orion’s smile faded from his lips as his eyes widened ever-so-slightly. Then his expression slowly relaxed.

“...Perhaps...”

His black eyes trailed over her arm around his shoulders and her hand rubbing up and down his arm hesitantly. His arm beside her chest twitched slightly -- then, very, very tentatively, he tried to wrap his arm around her shoulders in return. It was a bit awkward, with the shawl wrapped around him...but once Carewyn sussed out what he was doing, she adjusted enough to give the shawl enough slack that he could successfully hold her in return. Once he had gotten his arm around her, he seemed oddly proud of himself, his smile spreading and his eyes closing again as he leaned into her, his head beside hers on her shoulder. 

They stayed that way for several blocks, walking in silence and simply enjoying each others’ company. Orion felt his center of balance returning to him. It was like having this stable place, with his arms wrapped around Carewyn’s shoulders and hers around his, was the earth he needed under his feet to launch himself back up into the air. He felt like he might even be able to fly again at some point...maybe not yet, but soon. Time always moved more slowly in Neverland than in London anyhow, so no one would mind if he took his time...

“...Carewyn?” 

“Hmm?”

“I...don’t know if I can make it back to Neverland,” he confessed. 

Carewyn looked at him, her eyes once again flooding with concern. 

“I fell, when I failed to open your window,” Orion explained. “I’ve only ever fallen like that once before...when...”

“...When Grandfather made you think unhappy thoughts,” Carewyn finished grimly. She turned away from him, facing the road again. 

Orion nodded. His black eyes flickered across her face, even though she was no longer looking at him. 

Hook had taunted him then that Carewyn had no reason to stay in Neverland -- that she preferred the thought of growing old and dying to staying with him -- that he could never meet her high standards. He’d taunted that one day, Orion would go back to find her window locked and barred -- a grown woman who’s forgotten all about him, about Neverland, about how to fly...who’s replaced all of it with adult things Orion could never understand. Ambition. Family. ...Husband. 

Carewyn wasn’t an adult yet, but she certainly wasn’t a child anymore either. There was a practicality to her posture -- a steadiness and gravity to how she walked. There was a neatness and meticulousness in how she handled her appearance. And yet even so, her hands were still so warm and her eyes were still so soft...and the sincerity in the little wrinkles that creased her brow and eyes and kissed at the corners of her lips was just the same. 

Carewyn raised her head in Orion’s direction, but her eyes couldn’t quite reach his. Instead they landed vaguely on his shoulder. 

“...I never told you...Grandfather was wrong, did I?” she asked quietly. 

Orion tilted his head. “...I suppose it depends on which thing he said that you’re thinking of. You did say you’d never forget me, or Neverland...or how to fly.”

“Yes,” said Carewyn, “but I didn’t say that he was wrong, that you’d never understand ambition or family. That’s definitely not true. Ambition isn’t just an adult thing -- you dream of never growing up, of never losing your freedom or your independence...your spirit. That’s a wonderful ambition. And you have a wonderful family too, in Neverland. The centaurs and mermaids -- Merula and the fairies -- the Lost Kids! You take care of them as if they were your family.”

Orion stared at her for a moment, his face very unreadable, but his black eyes rippling with a strange emotion. Then he curled his fingers into the puffy white sleeve of her shirt. 

“...And...the last thing?” he asked softly. “‘Husband?’”

Carewyn frowned deeply. “Is marriage something you even want to understand?”

“No!” said Orion instantly, looking revolted. “No...but...well...”

He swallowed, his own gaze drifting away. “...If you grow up...you’ll eventually want one, won’t you?”

Carewyn cocked her brows coolly. “It’s possible. But honestly, marriage seems like a bit of a bother. I’ve had to answer to plenty of adults in my life: I’d hate to have to answer to one more by choice. Especially if it means I have to give up Jacob, my friends, and my dreams just to make him comfortable.”

She said this so huffily, and yet it comforted Orion more than he could ever properly express. His own chest seemed to lighten and he felt better able to breathe again. His eyes softened upon Carewyn’s face. 

“...I see.”

The two finally reached the Weasley home again. Orion noticed the house across the street that Carewyn had once pointed out was hers and Jacob’s had been boarded up. 

“It’ll get torn down soon,” said Carewyn, noticing Orion’s gaze. “The family that lived there had their house ransacked, just because they were German...”

Her eyes narrowed. 

“...It’s disgusting, how they were treated,” she added to herself. “They were very nice to Jacob and me, when we first came home...”

“Where is your brother?” asked Orion. 

Carewyn deflated. 

“...The war front,” she said sadly. “He’d been saving up so we could move into our own place, but...well, the army needed soldiers, so both he and Mr. Weasley signed up. Mrs. Weasley let me stay here, so I wouldn’t have to struggle to find a place to stay myself.”

Orion felt something oddly like pity prickling at his chest. “You mean you’ve lost him again, after only just getting him back?”

Carewyn didn’t answer as she opened the door of the Weasley home and bustled him inside. Once the door was closed, she guided him over to the main room and into an armchair, wrapping several more blankets around him. 

“Wait here,” she said. Her lips spread into a fuller smile. “I’ll make you some hot cocoa -- that’s sure to help you fly again.”

Orion felt his heart give a somersault. 

“Do you remember?” he said very quickly, before she could leave the room. “...Do you remember how to fly?”

Carewyn beamed. 

“Of course. All you need is faith and trust, and to have been brushed with fairy dust. Then you think happy, wonderful thoughts, and...”

She spread her arms, and -- amazingly -- her feet actually came up off the ground.

Orion’s black eyes widened. Then his mouth slowly spread into the fullest, brightest smile as he found himself coming up off the ground himself. He floated just below her, spreading both of his arms too so as to take her hands and hold them out on either side of them.

Even when the world was so miserable -- even when she had so much reason to forget...Carewyn still knew how to fly. 

“You’re flying,” said Carewyn with a warm smile. 

Orion’s eyes sparkled as he guided her around in a circle, just as he had when they danced with the fairies. “I found a happy thought.”

“Did you? What is it?”

“A person whose company makes you feel stronger, when you’re at your worst.”

Carewyn smiled. “I believe that’s what’s called a ‘friend,’ Orion Amari.”

Orion’s midnight-black eyes gleamed.

Yes. A friend. Not just someone to go on adventures with, or look after, or play make-believe with, or give direction -- but someone to be your shoulder to lean on. To listen, to comfort...to love. That was a friend. As much as he cherished the Lost Kids, he was the one who had found them -- they answered to him, seeing him as leader, since there was supposedly no one else who could. 

This friend...he wanted this friend by his side forever. “Forever,” as Carewyn had once reminded him, was an awfully long time -- but he didn’t hesitate in this thought at all. 

And so, not long after, the Boy Who Never Grew Up returned to Neverland. He passed his mantle of leadership onto Lost Boy McNully, said a quick goodbye to all of the members of his Neverland family...and decided to leave for good. Even his short trip back to the Second Star to the Right took up a few weeks, but when he returned to London, his friend was waiting for him. And Orion and Carewyn grew up together, as close of friends as teenagers and later adults as they were as children. Orion grew more than just a fraction of an inch -- he soon towered a good head over Carewyn once more. He even grew a mustache, and a beard too! And yet even with this, it was never beneath his dignity to climb a tree, nor to engage in food fights, nor to read adventure books about pirates, nor to crow like a rooster upon winning a game. No matter how much his other classmates at school would frown, and no matter how much the adults would disdain and scold him, Orion never cared -- and neither did Carewyn, or Bill or Charlie, or any of the other friends he made over the years. 

So you see, even if Orion grew older, he never truly grew up...for all children grow up, except one. And one day -- many, many years down the road from when Orion first made the choice to stay -- he looked at Carewyn and realized that his first and dearest friend had become something even more precious: a friend he wished to love, cherish, and live beside far longer than forever. A friend he would call “lover.” 

[tsc-updates]

Modern TID - Part 6

Part 5 - Part 7

Will and Tessa had been dating for two weeks. It was after the fifth date that they had considered it official. When Will got home, he received a photo from her. It was a screenshot of her status update. It read “In a relationship”.

But they still hadn’t kissed.

It was driving him insane. Being so close to her, holding her hand, leaning down only to have her turn her head the other way laughing was killing him. It also made him more attracted to her. He was completely at her mercy.

They saw each other as much as possible, with how strict her brother had become all of a sudden. Will had almost skipped with joy when she had called him last night informing him that her brother was going on a business trip for three weeks. He wouldn’t have hours to drop her off anymore and maybe, just maybe, he could finally enter her building.

His heart almost leapt out of her chest when she invited him over to “bake cookies”. That had to be a code. No one bakes cookies at ten pm at night. Right?

He changed shirts four times. He put on a black one first, made him look white as a ghost. Then he put on a mauve one, he had no words for how terrible he looked. He tried out a blue one, but something wasn’t quite right. At last, he put on a white one, and just decided to take this one and stop thinking about it too hard.

He spent twenty minutes on his hair. He wanted to make it look not brushed but styled. As if he was a character in a movie and had just rolled out of bed. Messy but sexy. He sprayed cologne on himself every time he changed his shirt or rearranged his hair.

“You do realize that you’ve sprayed that on yourself about seven times now, right?” Jem was on Will’s bed, lying on his back, reading one of Jessamine’s magazines. “Did you know that a celebrity I never knew the name of, who earns a living by doing a job I didn’t know existed, did something I don’t care about at all?”

Will sniffed himself. “I smell like a horny thirteen-year-old boy.”

Jem scoffed. “You are a horny thirteen-year-old boy.”

He turned to his best friend. He pointed a finger. “Excuse you, but I am a horny nineteen-year-old boy.”

“So we’re not counting your mental age?” Jem laughed. Will grabbed one of the shirts he tried on earlier and threw it at him. It hit the magazine, which fell to the floor with a small thud. “Hey, I was reading that!”

Will raised an eyebrow. “Were you?”

Jem shook his head. “Nah not really.”

Will gave an exasperated sigh. “Help me!”

His best friend gave a laugh as he sat upon the bed. “Fine.” He put his hands out as a sign of complete attention.

Will dropped his head. “Do I look sexy like this?”

“I’d really rather not answer that.”

Will looked up smirking. “James Carstairs, are you insecure in your masculinity?”

“Of course not. I just don’t want people to think I have a thing for you.”

“What would be wrong with a guy having a thing for a guy?” “Nothing wrong with a guy having a thing for a guy. I just don’t want people to think I have a thing for you specifically.” Jem got up and came to stand beside him facing the mirror. “I have much higher standards.”

Will scoffed. “Please! I’m the highest of standards. Plus, I’m the only one who can put up with you anyway.”

“I thought that was my line?” Jem said smirking. he put his hands on his shoulders. “You look great. Stop being so nervous.” Will turned back to the mirror. “And for the love of God Will, do something about that smell. It’s like you’ve swum in the Thames.”

After hopefully masking the smell, Will raced downstairs. It had already been almost an hour since Tessa invited him, and he didn’t want to keep her waiting any longer. His wishes of hurrying up were wrecked when Charlotte stopped him at the front door. “And where do you think you’re going at this time of night?”

He shrugged. “Just going for a walk.”

She looked down at her wrist. “At eleven at night?” She looked him up and down. “And so well dressed?”

“Just because I’m gonna walk alone at night, it doesn’t mean I can’t look nice.” He waved his hands. “I deserve to look nice for myself.”

She crossed her arms and leaned on the bannister of the staircase right in front of the door. “This doesn’t happen to have anything to do with the girls you’ve been seeing for the past few weeks does it?”

Will widened his eyes. “What girl?”

“The girl you’ve been hiding from us.”

“I haven’t been hiding her.” He complained.

“Ah-ha so you are dating someone!” She pointed a finger at him. Will sighed in exasperation. “Is there a reason why we can’t meet her? Does she only wear bright pink? Is she obsessively into small dogs?” She gasped. “Does she have something against gingers?”

“No, Charlotte. None of that.” He looked away grinning. “She’s perfect.”

“Then why haven’t we met her yet?” Charlotte said impatiently.

Will sighed. “Look, if it’s that important to you... I’ll arrange something for this weekend. Okay?” He put his hands on her shoulders to hold her steady, so she wouldn’t hug him. Unable to move, she simply nodded her head excitedly.

He went to leave. Before he could close the door he heard Charlotte call out to him. “You wanna know why it matters so much to meet her?” Will didn’t answer, urging her to continue. “Because if there’s someone out there that makes you smile like that, then they are worth meeting.”

Will didn’t reply, simply shut the door behind him. But he was smiling. And he smiled all the way to Tessa’s apartment. Standing in front of her building he was going to ring the buzzer so she’d let him in... when he realized he didn’t know her floor or apartment door.

He could try to guess. Or he could just ring all the buzzers and hope one of them is the correct one. After doing so he realized he could’ve just texted her and ask. “Too late now.” He thought as the door buzzed him in.

He walked inside the building and started going up the stairs when he realized that he still didn’t know her floor or apartment number. “Good job, moron.” He said to himself.

“Will?” He heard Tessa’s voice calling out to him. He looked up and saw her leaning from the first, second, third, fourth floor. He smirked and jogged up the stairs. The universe was working on his side tonight.

He saw her as soon as he got to her floor. She was standing by the door, an apron around her, her hair and face with flour all over. She was breathtaking. “Hey.” She smiled up at him.

“Hey.” It came out under his breath. It took every single will power in him not to brush a rebel strand of hair that was falling on her eyes.

Tessa took his hand and pulled him inside, locking the door behind him. “So do you want to batter the mix or roll it out?”

He stood frozen at the door and she returned to her counter. There were ingredients for cookies everywhere, cookie mix in a bowl and a similar mix on the counter waiting to be rolled out. There was also cookies cooking in the oven as well. “So when you invited me over to bake cookies, you actually meant bake cookies.”

“Of course. What else would I mean?” She turned to him, an eyebrow raised in confusion.

“Nothing.” He shook his head and took off his jacket. He hung it on the coat rack. It was bare except for his. He looked around. It was a simple, nearly bare apartment. The couch was red and old, and the small tv was on top of a small cardboard box. There was no dinner table, nor cushioned chairs. The fridge was his height, and there was no freezer. The over could barely fit the tray of cookies she had already put in. There were three doors on the wall behind the couch. Two were closed, must be her brother’s room and the bathroom, and the other was ajar. Inside he could see a small bed and the corner of a wardrobe, but not much else.

He had never realized how little her living conditions were. She was also so full of life he never considered she could have serious money problems. The clash between them was clear. He lived in a manor full of expensive and opulent things. He never had to worry about how he was going to get his next meal, how he couldn’t buy something out of a whim because he might not have money to pay the bills later on. He had the urge to take her away from here. To give her a room at the manor and shower her with everything and anything she wanted. But he knew it wasn’t his place to offer, not yet at least.

He came to stand beside her. He picked up the wooden cookie roller and smiled at her. “I can roll.”

She smiled and pointed at the circle-shaped metal cutters next to him. “Rolling implies cutting too.”

He nodded. “I think I can handle it.”

They worked side by side in comfortable silence. She mixed, he rolled and cut, and the cookies in the oven kept baking. A little while after she tried to get something from the cabinet above her. Even on her tiptoes, she struggled. “What’s the point of being tall if I can’t reach stuff?” She huffed.

Will laughed. “I got it.” He got behind her and reached to take the stuff she pointed to. It was a measuring cup. “Here you go.”

She had turned to face him. They were so close that their noses almost bumped together. She reached to take it from his hands. When their fingers brushed he dropped it. It didn’t break but it rolled away. “Sorry.” He moved to get it but she stopped him.

“Leave it.” She whispered. She was staring up at him with those big grey eyes of hers. He felt dizzy as if he had just walked inside one of his dreams.

“Tess-”

“Yes.” She interrupted him. “Yes, you can kiss me now.”

He dipped his head and softly pressed his lips against hers. It woke every single nerve in his body. He held onto the counter. If he hadn’t, his knees would’ve given in and he would’ve fallen. It lasted only a few seconds. He broke the kiss and opened his eyes to look at her. She was already looking at him.

They didn’t speak, not with words. The look on each other’s eyes was clear. They leaned in together for a kiss full of hunger and desperation. Three weeks. Three weeks worth of frustration all released in one kiss. Her hands clasped on his neck and his move from the counter to her hips. She flinched. He quickly removed his hands and was going to stop the kiss, but she urged him to continue. This time, instead of putting his hands on her hips he rested them on her back, pulling her closer to him.

She buried her fingers in his hair and he unconsciously pressed her against the counter. He was afraid he’d hurt her, but the noise she made wasn’t of pain. His stomach was doing three thousand flips a second. His hands formed fists as he pulled on her shirt. He felt her nod, and it took him a second to understand what she was nodding him to. He softly and carefully pulled her shirt above her head. Before he could lean down and kiss her again, she was working on the buttons of his shirt and failing. “Why is this so complicated?” She complained.

“I got it.” He undid his buttons himself and pulled his shirt off. A cold rush of air went through him but it couldn’t ease the heat radiating off him. She put her hands on his shoulders and gave a small jump, wrapping her legs around him. He lost his ability to breath or even think. But those things were overrated anyway.

“Couch.” She whispered against his lips. He took her over to the couch and fell backwards, leaving her sitting on top of him. They both started laughing. She was still laughing when he sat up and kissed her. This kiss was softer, sweeter, the hunger was gone but the desperation still an undertone.

Suddenly, a very familiar smell invaded Will’s nose. “Do you smell burnt?” He asked her while her kisses travelled down his jaw and neck.

She leapt from the couch immediately. “The cookies!” She yelled. She grabbed a kitchen cloth and took the tray of burned cookies out of the oven. She put it over the sink and groaned. “Dammit!”

He went over to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s ok. We have more.” He pointed to all the other cookies they had made that were ready to be baked.

She looked at the cookies and something flashed in her eyes. “You know, it would be really unfair to you to come all this way to help make the cookies, only for you to leave without trying them.”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

She was smiling. “My brother is out of town you know?”

“Yeah I know, you told me.”

She laughed. “You really don’t see where I’m going with this?”

“I have an idea but I don’t want to assume.” He brushed his hair out of his eyes.

“Do you want to stay over tonight?” Her cheeks pinked up. It was so cute he had to control himself not to swoon.

“I would love to.” He grinned.

She took his hand and brought him over to the room with the ajar door. She picked up their shirts from the floor and threw his at him. As he put on the shirt she grabbed her laptop and opened it on her bed. “I opened my Netflix account.” She stood up and walked over to the door. “Pick a movie for us to watch. Anything but documentary or horror. I’ll go put the cookies in the oven and warm up some milk.” She walked away.

He sat on the bed and cruised through the Romantic movies section. This was a date after all. He spotted the movie “Life As We Know It”, a movie he’d been forced to watch several times. He leaned back on her pillows and waited for her. She returned with two glasses of milk. She sat next to him and handed him a cup while reading the title of the movie he’d chosen.

“Are you psychic?” She leaned against him. “I’ve always wanted to see this movie.”

“I have two sisters. I know what girls like.”

She looked at him confused. “You have two sisters?”

He froze. His heart stopped. One. He has one sister. “Yeah, Sophie and Jessamine. They’re not technically my sisters, but they’re like sisters.” He technically wasn’t lying, not about Sophie at least.

It was a good enough answer for Tessa. “If it has the Will Herondale seal of approval than it’s got to be good.”

Little did she know, she had the biggest Will Herondale seal of approval of all.

[queenofcats17]

Sammy Gets A Fish Boyfriend

@lt-lemonade did this cool Mermaid AU picture and I wanted to write it.

———————————————————-

Sammy wasn’t a huge fan of fishing. 

Alright, maybe that wasn’t fair. He did like fishing. Just not for his dinner or anything. He enjoyed sitting out on the water in his boat, just him and the waves. He didn’t care if he caught any fish. It was enough to just be alone in the silence. He didn’t much care for cleaning and gutting fish either. It was far too messy for him. Susie always teased him about that. 

“Why do you go out there if you don’t want to catch fish?” She often asked while poking his cheek. “Seems kind of pointless to me.”

“Give him a break,” Jack would then say. “Peace is hard to find.”

Times like those, Sammy wondered why he hadn’t gotten a house of his own. Then again, he did enjoy sharing a home with Jack and Susie. It certainly made paying rent easier when it was split three ways. Chores were easier too. But that was beside the point. 

In any case, fishing served as an escape for him. And what he was escaping today was Susie’s continued attempts to matchmake him. The two had dated for a time before both realizing they were gay and mutually breaking up. Susie had found herself a girlfriend, Allison, but Sammy remained alone. Susie, ever a bit of a worrywart, was concerned. Sammy had a tendency to isolate himself and he didn’t have many friends. So, she’d recently begun trying to set him up with various men in an attempt to get him a boyfriend. 

Sammy appreciated the thought, but if he was going to get a boyfriend he wanted to do it himself. Most of the men hadn’t exactly been winners either. Susie had set up another date that day and Sammy had snuck off as quickly and quietly as he could. He was planning on telling Susie that he wanted her to stop this matchmaking, which he previously hadn’t because he’d been afraid of hurting her feelings. He needed to get up the courage to do it as well. 

So that was why he was out in his boat, his rod in the water and his banjo at his side. It was blessedly quiet, the only sounds around him the screech of the seagulls and the gentle lap of the waves. Sammy tapped his foot against the bottom of the boat as a song surfaced in his mind. It was a song from the record Susie had gotten him for his birthday. He hummed to himself a bit, his head bobbing from side to side as he listened to the music in his head. Eventually, he set his rod aside, picking up his banjo and plucking out the tune while the words spilled from his lips. 

He quickly lost himself in the song, oblivious to everything but himself and the music. These were the moments he lived for. 

Suddenly, a voice broke him from his reverie.

“You sing good!” 

Sammy shrieked, dropping his banjo and almost capsizing the boat. His head whipped around as he tried to locate the source of the voice. It didn’t take him long to find it. 

A guy was leaning on the right side of his boat. He was pale-skinned and freckled, with long and luxuriously wavy ginger hair. The guy wasn’t wearing a shirt and had wet hair plastered against his face, so Sammy initially assumed he’d somehow attracted the attention of a swimmer. Until he noticed the strange fins coming off the man’s face and arms and the red and green spots that were absolutely a part of the man’s skin. Then the man swept his hair out of his eyes, revealing they were abnormally large for a human and the most beautiful shade of green Sammy had ever seen. 

“Uh...hi?” Sammy said slowly, trying to fight the blush rising on his cheeks.

“Hi!” The man gave him a big smile, revealing a row of very sharp teeth. Sammy internally began to scream. This was a merman. He was talking to a merman. He was talking to an honest to goodness merman. 

Oh gods, the merman had told him he sang well. The merman had told him he sang well and was now watching him with the cutest little puppy dog smile. 

“It’s, um, it’s ‘you sing well’.” Sammy awkwardly cleared his throat. “What you meant to say is, ‘you sing well’.”

“Well, you sing well then!” The merman said, slapping his tail against the water in an adorably happy manner.

“Thank you.” Sammy smiled politely at him. “It’s nice to know my music is appreciated.” He awkwardly put his banjo aside, turning to more fully face the strange man. “My name is Sammy Lawrence. What’s your name?”

“Wally Franks.” The merman stuck his hand out to Sammy, revealing that he had webbing in between his fingers. “It’s nice to meet you, Sammy.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well.” Sammy shook his hand, finding it surprisingly warm if a bit slimy.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before,” Sammy said after he withdrew his hand. “Do you live here?”

“Oh, I’ve been around,” Wally answered, shrugging slightly. “I’m just not supposed to show myself to humans for safety.”

“Like you’re doing now?” Sammy stifled a giggle. 

“.....Oh.” Wally’s face fell as he realized what exactly he was doing. “....Fuck.”

Sammy bit his lip. Oh gods, this guy was cute. He looked like a disappointed puppy.

“I’m not going to hurt you if that’s what you're worried about.” Sammy tried to reassure him. “And I won’t tell anyone you’re here either.” He'd heard stories about people selling mermaids to traveling sideshows or vivisecting them, and he already knew that he absolutely did not want that to happen to Wally.

“Really?” Wally immediately perked up, his eyes sparkling hopefully.

“Really.” Sammy nodded. “I promise.”

“Thank you so much!” Wally practically launched himself into the boat to hug Sammy. Sammy was a bit startled by this, letting out a shout of surprise as he felt wet arms wrap around him in a rather strong hug. Wally may have looked scrawny, but he most certainly was not.

“Oh, sorry.” Wally laughed sheepishly as he pulled away. “Probably shouldn’t have done that. I just get a little carried away sometimes.”

“No, it’s alright. I didn’t mind.” Sammy gave him a reassuring smile. He could still feel the lingering warmth of Wally’s body pressed against his. His face felt uncomfortably warm. He needed to go home and try to sort his head out.

“Okay!” Wally smiled back at him, revealing his sharp teeth again. 

“I, uh, I should get going.” Sammy awkwardly cleared his throat again.

“Can you come back?” Wally asked. “Later, I mean. I wanna hear you sing again!”

“Of course,” Sammy immediately replied. 

“Awesome!” Wally gave him another hug, then jumped off the boat and disappeared into the water. 

Sammy sat there for a moment or two, dumbfounded. It almost felt as though he’d dreamed the whole encounter. But the evidence was there. His clothes were damp where Wally had hugged him. The boat smelled faintly fishy. But not fishy in the way that fish smelled fishy. It was a different kind of fishy. It actually smelled....rather nice.

Sammy quickly shook his head. He needed to get home. Susie and Jack would be worried if he was gone for too long. He shifted in the boat, picking up the oars and beginning to row back. He thought he caught a glimpse of ginger hair and orange scales as he rowed back, which made his heart begin to speed up and him row faster. 

“You were gone for quite a while,” Susie said when he returned. “Did you get caught up in playing again?” She was in the kitchen making soup. It was her day to cook, after all.

“Something like that,” Sammy mumbled, placing his banjo in its usual place in the corner of the living room. Jack, who was sitting on the couch, wrinkled his nose. 

“It smells like you dropped a fish on yourself again,” he said. 

“Oh, uh, yeah.” Sammy looked down at his damp clothes, still smelling of Wally. “I, uh, I caught a fish and it flopped all over me.”

“Let me guess, you didn’t happen to bring it home, did you?” Susie poked her head out of the kitchen, her lips pursed and her eyebrow raised. 

“It got away.”

“I thought so.” Susie’s serious face broke and she was unable to keep a giggle from slipping out. “Why don’t you go take a shower? Dinner will be done soon.”

“Yeah, okay.” Sammy nodded, heading to go change and take a shower. 

After that, Sammy started going out in his boat more and more frequently. Jack joked that Sammy had finally found a boyfriend, which always got a laugh out of Susie and made Sammy go beet red. It wasn’t too far from the truth. He was going out there to see Wally. He didn’t always see the merman, but more often than not Wally would find his way to Sammy’s boat, drawn in by the sound of the musician’s voice. 

After a few months of meeting, Sammy brought Wally a present. 

“What’s this?” Wally asked as Sammy handed him the object. It was a box, six inches wide and six inches tall, topped by the figure of a cartoon wolf playing the clarinet. There was a key on the back, the only part of the object that lacked the splotches of green rust. 

“It’s a music box,” Sammy explained. “I found it an antique shop ages ago and a friend of mine helped me to fix it so that it will play again.” He’d tried to clean it as best he could, but the rust was too deep in some places to be removed. 

He turned the shiny key on the back and the music began to play. The music was tinny and quiet, but beautiful all the same. Wally’s eyes widened, their green depths sparkling with wonder. Sammy smiled softly at Wally’s joy. That had been the reaction he’d been hoping for.

“You’re...giving this to me?” Wally asked when the music box finally fell silent.

“I am,” Sammy said. “I thought it’d be nice for you to have something to remind you of me.” 

Wally looked slowly up at him. He looked on the verge of tears. For a moment, Sammy was worried. Had he been wrong? Did Wally not like it? Then Wally’s face split in that goofy grin that Sammy so adored. 

“Thank you so much,” he said. “I love it!”

He launched himself into the boat again to hug Sammy. 

“I’m glad.” Sammy laughed out of relief, patting Wally’s back. Wally’s skin felt different than a normal human’s. Smoother. It was like touching a dolphin. Not that Sammy knew what a dolphin felt like. 

“I’m gonna find you a present,” Wally said when he pulled back. 

“You don’t need to do that,” Sammy tried to insist, but Wally wasn’t about to hear it. 

“No, you got me a really nice present, and now I’m gonna get you one,” he said. “It’s gonna be great!” 

Then, before Sammy could say anything, he pressed a kiss to Sammy’s lips and jumped back out of the boat with the music box under his arm. Sammy sat there, just as stunned as the first time he’d met Wally. 

Huh. Maybe Jack was right. Maybe he did have a boyfriend. 

[ldelreyna]

CHAPTER V

.

.

"All this champagne drunken home

Against the current oh, oh

Everybody see I love him

Cause it's a feeling that you get

When the afternoon is set

On the bridge into the city...”

- Over The Love, Florence And The Machine

.

.

.

Half of Sansa got up from her bed happy, satisfied, and with her soul lighter, it seemed. But her other half pondered the consequences of their actions last night and she was afraid of the reaction Jon had.

And questions lingered in her head even more.

She went out the door of her chambers and followed the routine path to break her fast Had Jon given up on everything and gone back to the Wall?

"Sansa, I will ride to the borders with the Six Kingdoms. They had trouble closing some parts and some people tried to overtake and went North."

She opened her mouth a few times ... was that all he would tell me?

"When you get back we need to talk." She raised her nose and looked at him haughtily and finished her walk down the stairs listening to him following her.

"Sansa ..."

"You'll have enough time to think while you make this trip you just invented."

He took her hand in his, Sansa stopped and turned to him at once with that touch.

"Please do not say you're sorry," she begged.

"I would never say that, Sansa."

"But you thought." She snapped back.

Jon was trying, at all costs, to not engage in a fight, but it seems that Sansa was pushing him hard.

"Oh, that's good now. Read minds, too?"

"Do not try to hide your mistakes with sarcasm, Jon." He hated the tone of her voice, with some sort of anger and hate.

"I'm not trying to hide anything! And look, now, you are the one who is saying that yesterday was a mistake. Not me."

Sansa shook her head. She would not make this one of those terrible fights they always had. "You know the mistake I mean." She said last before turning her back and finally leaving him in the middle of the stairs even more confused than he already was.

He thought Sansa would reject him at all costs, that for her the night that passed it happened because of the heat of the moment and it could never be repeated. He just wanted to protect her, protect her integrity. What would the servants think if they saw Jon leaving so late and after such a long time the Queen's chambers? A massive and bad gossip could start and that was no good for Sansa. Not even a little.

The rest of the day passed like the wind, sometimes fast, sometimes calm and slow. Much had to do regarding the North, the Glover’s once more causing trouble with their neighbors. Sansa had no choice and took away Lord Glover's lands after the Long Night as punishment for not having fought with his own and broken his promise to King Jon. She called him a coward in front of the whole council and caused extreme public shame to the man. It was the only way to secure her authority in front of her own.

…

The castle was decorated but completely empty. Jon heard the noise of the music, the drums, the people dancing and talking, but not a living soul in there. Except for Bran, who was - as always – in his creepiest form, very thoughtful in front of the fireplace, analyzing the flames but with his mind miles away.

"Did you find Arya?" Jon questioned his brother and for a second he questioned himself: is he my brother?

"She's in a land of strange people. Warm weather, very hot. People walk almost without clothes. "

Jon closed his eyes, controlling himself, he could not do something to protect her, but he had not slept well since the night Arya announced that she would brave unfamiliar lands, even though he knew she was better at killing than he was, that she could protect herself.

"You can’t do anything, Jon. Arya is on her own. "

"For the first time you say something I already know." He teased, tried to bring some smile to Bran's lips, but, as always, nothing.

"The festivities are being held in the  God's Woods. Sansa is waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs. Have you made your decision?"

Jon knew that  Bran knew, just about everything, but he did not have the courage to say anything, or maybe justify himself. "The prince of Dorne came to me." Bran turned to Jon, wanted to intimidate his brother. "He’ll go to you too, Jon. To Ask for your permission. "

"For what?"

"To court, Sansa" Bran replied evasively, he knew Jon's question was silly and coming from tantrums generated by the recent confused feelings that were raising within the eldest.

"Sansa does not need a prince of Dorne."

With that being said, Jon left the middle hall and strode down the stairs, enjoying the essence of Sansa's scent already scattered there. Her hair was loose and unruly in curls that ran to her waist, the gold-trimmed dress covered her legs and arms, but the generous cleavage on her bust took away all the innocence that the rest of her clothing was trying to give. She had a golden crown that looked more like gold twigs united to anoint a queen. The region of the eyes was made in pastel and blue tones stronger, elongated lashes and mouth more pink than normal.

She was a forest nymph.

Jon smiled sideways without her even realizing his presence and was surprised by the fact she was waiting for him.

"Hi." He said getting closer.

Sansa raised her nose and looked him up and down. She was still upset.

"You look beautiful."

"I didn’t want to arrive alone at the festivities." She cut him off and walked ahead hoping he would come after her.

The drums were getting louder and louder along with the noise of the people dancing around the huge and numerous fires they had been able to put there.

"Sansa, there's a huge elephant between us. Let's not pretend it isn’t because it does. "

"It was you who ran away, Jon, not me."

"I know, I'm sorry. I just-"

"You just wanted to run. I know. But I am a Queen, Jon, and I have no time for a man who can't face his feelings as brave as he faces his enemies.”

She was clearly saying he was a coward and she wasn't wrong, Jon was being a coward. He recognized that too.

The conversation was cut off as the guests were already around them, greeting Sansa and Jon. They offered drinks, invited them to dance. The people there all characterized with mystical creatures of their pagan culture. The old gods, of course, were what Sansa decided to continue as the faith of her people. She wanted nothing that connected them to the South and Northerners were satisfied with that. But some still followed the culture of the new gods and though the young queen hated it, she pretended not to object. But most of her people were quite happy with her choice, they were rejecting any connection with the south and that means most of them there were not actually enjoying the presence of some lords there but everything was about politics after all.

Tormund was invited as well as some of the wildlings which meant happiness and joy was ensured there. And the big man was quite drunk and teasing everybody while he was dancing around one of the bonfires.

"Little Jon" He greeted the last King with a loud exclamation. "I heard you're betrothing the young Queen! Let's celebrate this!"

Jon was overcome by an instant fear, Sansa was right, he was always afraid of facing his feelings. God damn it!

"What do you mean?" He asked more serious than ever when the ginger man held him by his shoulders with a big smile of drunkenness at his big face.

"They are saying your smart Queen is marrying the Dorne boy."

"All lies. Sansa is marrying no Dorne man” Jon was fast with his words and much as he was harsh with his tone of voice and the anger implied there.

"So it is true? People also say she may marry you. I got say man, I always wanted to see you both together."

"When you met her, she was still my sister." Jon pointed like Tormund was saying giant shits.

"Well, you odd people who have those silly things. Love is love, Jon!"

"YEAH!"

One of the drunk ones screamed with the words of Tormund allowing Jon to realize lots of people were listening to their conversation.

The yelling raised between those around them and soon Tormund was laughing hard engaged in another stupid conversation.

Jon wishes he had all that happiness inside of him like his friend.

Sansa was far but watching Jon, unable to take her eyes from his strong shape and rough face features, trying to smile and seems lighter than he was, Sansa knew both were quite tense about everything.

"Are you listening, my Queen?" The Dorne prince, who Sansa couldn’t remember the name, asked after a long time almost talking to himself.

"I am sorry... you were saying...?"

"That I shall ask your brother's permission to court you."

Sansa blinked for a moment, assimilating what it was said, from a strange man, with odd eyes and untrustworthy smile.

Like her nightmares.

"Who said I intend to marry, my Lord?"

The man was shocked by the way Sansa was annoyed by his suggestion, he thought she would be flattered, he was a handsome man after all.

"Every  woman aspire to marry, my Lady."

"I am not any woman and I am certainly not your lady. I am a Queen. I shall be the one who will say when and with whom I intend to  marry, and when this comes to be, I shall propose to  the man myself."

She smiled with the monstrosity her words seemed to him, like an enormous sin.

"No woman propose to a man."

"Your words just made sure you're not a man to me."

He could not believe. What an arrogant and silly young woman.

"I will pretend your words were mistaken and I advised you to listen to my proposal tomorrow. If you're a Queen as you said, you'll see the political meaning of this union."

The man left quite disturbed by the little conversation he had with the queen and she was not worried about him but concerned with what he could propose that would benefit the North.

"I don't like him." Jon said appearing at her side out of nowhere.

"Me neither. But he might offer good things for us."

"You're not actually considering, are you?"

"You know.” Sansa concluded herself. “He talked to you? What an idiot, thinking a Queen needs any man's permission." After that she was sure she hated him. Very much indeed.

“Bran talked to me.” Jon clarified. "But it's your day. Let's not waste with disturbing shits."

Sansa joined her hands in front of her body and turned herself to Jon, analyzing every expression it was forming at his face while she was facing him. 

"You confuse me." She said firmly.

"I confuse myself."

Sansa blinked. What was he trying to say? What exactly did he want from her?

"You can make a wish, it's your day." Jon was referring her name day.

"I can make many wishes, Jon."

"I mean to me." He explained.

People were passing, laughing loud and talking very close to them while both were inside this sort of bubble where the air was rare, and their minds were haunted by images of their little moment last night.

"Anything?" She asked.

"Anything." He cleared.

"I wish you would be honest with me. About everything."

After a long time thinking, both of them unable to take their eyes from each other, trying at all costs to stay in the present, but with the taste of each other's lips springing up with impure desires and pleasant memories, Jon took a deep breath and offered his hand to her looking deeply at her eyes.

"Take my hand and I will promise you, I'll let you lead me to the most honest place we could ever be."

  NOTES:

1. The chapter has been revised by the most incredible D. And I love it! And the gif belongs to my bf littlegirlinvisible.

2. I am very happy with all the reach me and littlegirlinvisible are having. It may not be much for some but for me it’s a lot.

3. Reblog, like and comment if you’re enjoying.

4. You’re all free to give me prompts and ideas. I am also open to request for another works.

My fanfictions have a lot of smuts, really a lot. If you are not comfortable with this, you are warned.

Follow the tag # swan song jonsa fanfic to see the posts and the gifsets whenever you want.

p.s. did everyone liked the smut? should I do more or nah?

.

.

I sincerely hope that everyone is enjoying it.

.

.

CHAPTER INDEX:

CHAPTER I

CHAPTER II

CHAPTER III

CHAPTER IV

CHAPTER V

.

.

[fanficsandmoregalore]

Love By Moonlight

Kylo Ren x Reader chapt 2

While Kylo Ren was planning a festival, similar plans were being made in the Village La Resistance, under the rule of alpha couple, Leia and Han. The two had hosted several small parties, similar to festivals, but only certain packs were allowed to attend, for the safety of the village. They were called "confrences", but they were too formal and the villagers were usually bored by them. Like Kylo, Leia and Han had many allies and a fairly large pack but it was still a very closed community. Their village was a bit less advanced than Kylo's but that was okay. Everyone knew everyone which is why they decided to try to host another festival. Leia had gotten news that a handful of her villagers had not found their soulmates. One of those villagers was Rey's good friend, (y/n), who was a very shy omega.

 "(Y/n), come on!" Rey excitedly cheered as she dragged you to the center of the village. Rey had been talking about the plans for the festival nonstop since she heard Leia talk about it with Han. She was so excited for you to possibly meet your soulmate. She always felt bad for you, figuring you must've been so lonely. Truth be told, you were fine on your own, you sometimes preferred it. At last, Rey had successfully dragged you to the village square for the big announcement. News must travel fast because everyone was talking about the festival when you arrived. Leia and Han walked out of their home that was at the center of the village and everyone cheered immediately upon seeing their faces. Han signaled for everyone to quiet down.

 "We will be hosting yet another conference with our usual allies." Leia stated with a serious tone. The villagers all began to chatter amongst themselves, obviously very confused. Then Leia smiled and giggled a bit, making Han smile and chuckle.

 "She's kidding everyone. This year, we will be bringing back an old tradition. We are going to be hosting a festival!" And with that, everyone cheered. Except you, of course. You didn't like the confrences and the festival would only be a larger, more rowdy version of them.

 "Isn't this great?! A festival! I'm so excited!" Finn asked Rey loudly so she could hear him over the crowd. Finn was Rey's mate. Rey found Finn alone and hurt after he had saved Poe, another member of your pack and another one of your friends. Finn was originally in Kylo's pack but left because he felt out of place and didn't agree with their customs but nobody ever really asked him about it, he was just accepted as a new member when he arrived.

 "Yeah! Maybe we'll finally find out who this cutie's soulmate is." And there he was, Poe. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders from behind you and kissed your cheek, making you blush. Rey and Finn laughed and began to talk between themselves. Poe was always a big flirt when it came to you but you never returned the gestures. He was only a friend, nothing more and nothing less. But no matter what you told Rey, she was convinced you and Poe were soulmates.

 "You as excited as Finn, (y/n)?" Poe whispered into your ear. You shook your head and he hugged you.

 "I am. I hope i find my soulmate this time 'round. Maybe i have but i just haven't heard her sweet voice siging out to me." Poe's whisper was smooth but still not romantically appealing to you. Many girls in the village and elsewhere hoped they were destined to be Poe's mate but he had his heart set on you.  Poe went from having his arms around your shoulders to having his hand resting around your hip as he talked next to you with Rey and Finn.

 "You guys, i'm going to go home." You said quietly. They were too busy happily talking about the festival to hear you and you sighed. This wasn't unusual of them and it didn't make you upset or anything, it was just the fact that they didn't understand you. That's what you wanted from a mate, someone who understood how you felt. Poe was nice and all but he was too affectionate and loud for your liking. And his singing never called out to you, he sang to you often so you were definitely sure, but he kept trying anyway. You removed yourself from Poe's grip, which caught his attention, and started walking towards your home outside of the village. Poe gently grabbed your shoulder as he caught up to you, though you had only gotten a few feet away.

 "(Y/n), where are you going? Leia and Han were going to talk more about the festiva-"

 Poe stopped and began to growl, putting you behind him protectively, baring his fangs and his nails turned to claws. You heard gasps from the other villagers and looked over Poe's shoulder to see a blonde lady in a knight's suit of armor, a ginger who wore a black coat and black pants tucked into his boots, and a pack of grey wolves behind them, all showing their fangs. Han was quick to come and get between the visitors, you and Poe, who was still shielding you.

 "What the hell do you want?" Han questioned sternly, he seemed to know them and not in a good way. The blonde only rolled her eyes and looked to the ginger. He scoffed and handed Han a piece of parchment. Leia joined his side and looked at the page as well while the red-haired man spoke.

 "Your son, Kylo Ren, decided to bring back tradition and is hosting a festival."

 "Kylo Ren is not my son." Han hissed out, with resent lacing his words.

 "Either way, due to the code of our kind, we must invite all the neighboring packs and what not, that means you as well. That has our location and a list of who all has recieved an invitation. It's up to you whether or not you want to attend."

Han scoffed, crumbling the thing in his hands.

"No thanks."

"We'll inform Kylo Ren that you won't be coming. What a shame." The ginger said sarcastically and with that, the strangers left. Leia looked at Han with hurt eyes as if he had insulted her directly.

"Han, this might be our only chance to see our son again! What were you thinking?!"

 "Kylo Ren is a monster. Our son isn't." After that, Han gave the parchment to Leia and walked away. Leia looked at you and Poe, asking if you two were alright.

"I'm fine. You okay, (y/n)?" Poe said, he turned to you, looking normal again. You nodded and stood there awkwardly as Rey and Finn came over to join you.

"Leia, what are we gonna do? You're not actually considering going to Starkiller Village, are you?" Finn asked. Leia let out a sigh and looked in the direction the strangers had came from.

"He's my son. I haven't seen him since we ..... i want to go. I want to see him." Leia stated defiantly, "But Han will more than likely not let me go...at least not alone." Leia smiled at the four of you. You knew exactly where she was going with this and you didnt want any part of it.

You tried to tell her you didnt want to go, you were only an omega.

"Leia, i'd love to help bu-"

"Great! We'll meet back here in the morning to go to Starkiller Village and scope things out. If it seems fine, we'll attend Be-...Kylo's festival." Leia didn't like hearing her son's new name leave her mouth but the feeling of sadness was quickly replaced by joy when she thought about how she'd win her son back and they'd all be happy. Everyone split up, heading to their own homes, and you heading off to yours.

Early the next morning, against your better judgement, you showed up to the spot to meet with Leia, Rey, Finn, and Poe. They were waiting for you and before you got close to the others, Poe came over to you.

"Listen, (y/n). If we get there and anything happens, you stick close to me. I'll protect you, alright?"

"Sure thing, Poe. Thanks."

Poe gently pinched your cheek as he smiled.

"Anything for my girl."

You smiled but internally cringed. It was cute, too cute. You both walked the few feet to get with the rest of your group. Leia had a map and you could see where she had circled the location for Starkiller Village. It wasn't too far actually but it wasn't close either, a good 30 miles, if not more. You were uneasy as Leia talked about her plan. You had heard so many bad things about that village and even worse things about its alpha, Kylo Ren. You didn't know what he looked like but your friends described him as a scarred monster, a truly terrible human being, and so on and so forth.

"If we are separated by some chance, i want you all to find the river, follow it upstream to the waterfall and wait there until morning. I will come find you." Leia stated, pointing to the river in the map. And with that, the group was off. Leia was unaware that Han was very aware of her plans and was following your group, to make sure his wife was safe and, even if he didn't admit it, to see his son who he had cast out all those years ago.

- meanwhile -

"YOU DID WHAT!?" Kylo screamed at Hux. Hux rolled his eyes as Kylo began to destroy an entire room with his bare hands.

"I invited your parents' village; it's the code of werewolves to invite all the ne-"

"I know the damn code but I gave you direct orders not to invite them!"

"Sir, if you're going to host a festival, you have to do it right. And that means, all packs are invited, allies or not." Phasma added. Kylo threw another chair at the the wall, it shattered from the force he threw it with.

"I don't know why you're so angry, they're not coming anyway. Your father, Han Solo, was very clear about that."

"Han Solo is not my father!" Kylo growled, his eyes were a burning yellow. If he got any more upset, he'd wind up destroying his entire home. Hux chuckled to himself, recalling Han saying something similar about Kylo. Kylo sat in his throne chair, the only one remaining, and sighed as he pinched his temple.

"This was a bad idea. Nobody will want to show up." Kylo thought out loud. He was sure nobody would attend his festival and that he wouldn't find his soulmate after all.

"It would appear you're wrong. We have company." Hux stated as he looked out the window. Kylo stood and looked out the window. In the woods, he saw his mother leading 4 others. Kylo growled loudly but it escalated into a loud scream of anger.

"Did you guys hear that?"

Poe looked around, you were all close to the village by now but still in the woods.

"Poe, be quiet or we'll be spotted." Finn warned his friend in a whisper. And as if on cue, your group was surrounded by a pack of wolves similar to the ones from before. You all gathered around Leia to keep her safe but she stepped forward and from the shadows came the one she wanted to see. He circled around your group, slowly, looking over each and everyone one of you before stopping again in front of his mother.

"Hello, Ben."

"That's not my name." Kylo quickly replied, "What do you want, mother?"

"I want to come to your festival." She stated with a smile, clearly not frightened at all. Kylo frowned and turned his back to his mother. You looked at Kylo, he wasn't nearly as scary looking as everyone said.

"If my beta hadn't gone against my orders, you wouldn't even have an invitation. I'm feeling generous so I'll let you leave in peace....this time. But don't come back. Ever."

"What a jerk."

Everyone turned to look at you. You covered your mouth, regretting your sudden outburst. Kylo walked over to you and towered over you, trying to be intimidating. Poe was right by you, an arm already in front of you in case Kylo tried anything, and Kylo took note of it.

"And who are you? I know the rest of these people, but you are...new." Kylo asked, but he wasn't interested, he was annoyed and wanted to know who he was annoyed with.

"Uh, i'm (y/n)."

"Hmm, interesting." Kylo backed up and thought for a minute. He pointed at you but looked at his mother.

"Give her to me. Consider her collateral. You can come back and get her on the day of the festiva, and she satys here so i know that you won't plan some sort of attack. Deal?"

"No! Take me instead!" Poe took hold of your hand and begged Kylo. Kylo smirked and shook his head.

"I knew you'd say that, Dameron. But you're not as pretty to look at." Kylo said, purposely trying to make Poe angry, and he did.

"Come on." Kylo said to you before turning to walk back to his village.

"What if i say no?" You asked. Kylo turned on his heel and faced you. You were feeling surprisingly confident for someone who is always really shy and nervous around strangers.

"If you say no, then you can go back to your village, no problem, but you will never come back to mine. Not for some festival or any other reason."

You looked at Leia then back to Kylo and sighed. Leia was always there for you, it was time you returned the favor. She really wanted to go to this festival all to see her son and you were gonna be the reason she did. You looked up at Kylo and he smirked again, knowing your answer.

"Right this way, (y/n)."

[that-rogue-valar]

Light of My World

Pairings: Mairon (Sauron) x Leithrien (Hirilgwathren)

Warnings: Child-birth, some language (I think), battle and mentions of blood and wounds 

A/N: This is published on my Quotev, bitochaos. Enjoy! 

 "Sauron, please!" I cried, holding on to the fabric of his robes as tears cascaded down my cheeks. "Don't go, just let the army go and fight." 

My husband cupped my face and connected his lips to my forehead for a split second. He leaned his forehead against mine.  "Why do you want me to stay so badly, Hiril?" Sauron asked, his voice lowered to a whisper. 

I dared not to let go of his robes, so I kept the fabric wrapped tightly in my fists. I couldn't bear the thought of him going to battle and getting injured or his physical body dying away because of it. 

He seemed to take notice of the anxiety that began to boil in my lungs. "What is it, Hirilgwathren?" 

"Sauron...I am..." I trailed off, staring into his golden orbs. "Sauron, I am with child. Please, do not be angry--" 

Sauron cut me off and captured my lips with his own, quick and chaste, yet just long enough to shut me up. I laced my fingers in his ginger hair and whimpered. He pulled away, then leaned his forehead against mine again. 

"I am not angry, Hiril," he whispered. "Thank you, my dove." 

"You are staying, no?" I questioned. "Please, stay with us." 

He shook his head and held me flush against him. I didn't bother moving, didn't bother messing up what was going on. Instead, I remained silent as my hot tears streamed down my face in utter sorrow. Sauron placed his large hand on the back of my head and gently massaged his fingers against my skull. The other wandered down to my hips and rubbed my abdomen with his thumbs. That was all it took before my tears became heavy sobs. 

"You mustn't go," I croaked. "You mustn't go."

"I know, darling," Sauron said. "I promise, it will be no more than a month. I will return to you, Hirilgwathren." 

He lowered himself down to his knees and pressed a kiss to my stomach. I felt myself crumbling slowly as he whispered his goodbyes and promises of his return to our unborn child. I brought his face up to mine and gave him one last kiss before he walked out of the doors of Barad-dur. 

By the time my husband returned, it had been several months since he left. I sent messengers frequently to relay my letters to Sauron over the course of the war and sketches of everyday life in the palace. My swollen abdomen restricted me from my daily activities and I voiced my frustration to Sauron through my letters. 

"Lady Hirilgwathren?" One of the servants asked after she knocked on the door to my chambers. "You have been summoned." 

"By whom?" 

"He requested that his identity be hidden for the romance of it." 

I made my way down to the front gates, slowly but surely. My child restricted such hasty movements and I hadn't been able to move much faster than a waddle for the past two months.

I knew immediately who summoned me when I saw a speckle of ginger hair against black armor. My breath hitched in my lungs and tried my best to run to him. Sauron looked as if he were about to panic at the sight of his heavily pregnant wife, half waddling, half running towards him.

"Sauron!" I squealed, throwing my arms around his neck. "You're home!" 

He nodded, kissing my lips with slow and raw passion. I felt tears, this time out of pure joy, creep down my face. Sauron pulled away and wiped my tears from my face. 

Without thinking, he knelt in front of me like he did whenever he went to battle, his heavy body sinking slightly in the sands of Mordor. He placed his hands on either side of my belly and smiled.

"Hello, little one," he said, his lips pressed against my stomach as he spoke to our child. "I am your Ada. I know you haven't heard my voice for several months, little one, and I know your Mamil has taken great care of you in there." 

"This is the first time your child has stopped kicking me for months." I chuckled, brushing his long locks out of his eyes with my fingers. 

Sauron peered up at me as he felt his child kick against his large hands. A smile crept across his face and sheer terror ripped across mine. As soon as he saw what was going on-- either by the large puddle forming on the ground or by the look on my face-- he plucked himself from the ground and scooped me into his arms. 

"Sauron! I can walk!" I shouted, struggling to squirm out of his grip. I just accepted it.

One of the servant girls met us at the door and saw immediately that I was in labor. She went to go fetch the other servant girls to assist me during the birth of our child. 

I cried out in pain for ten long, wretched hours. My child was slowly tearing my body piece by piece. Sauron stayed beside me the entire night, offering me water or brushing the hair out of my eyes. One of the servants announced that she could see the baby's head. 

"Red hair!" One of them squealed, clapping her hands. "They've got red hair!" 

Sauron smirked beside me and I punched him in the chest. I did my best to push until the pressure was gone and my child's wails filled the air. 

"Congratulations, sir. Congratulations, miss," the girl cradling my child's body said. "Beautiful boy, miss." 

Sauron kissed my temple and whispered his thanks into my ear. "You did so well, my dove," he muttered. "So well." 

We discussed several names-- Sauron's suggestion was Melkor, of course-- before I came up with Caldir. As much as my husband hated me naming our son in my native tongue, he agreed that Caldir was going to be our son's name. 

"Caldir, hmm?" Sauron cooed, lifting our child out of my arms and into his. Caldir wiggled himself into a more comfortable position in his Ada's arms. "You are to treat your mother well and respect her," my husband whispered to our newborn son. "All others, just forget it. Just treat Ada and Mamil like we treat you, little one." 

I chuckled and leaned my head on Sauron's broad shoulder, watching as my ginger child slept peacefully in his father's arms. My husband rocked a slow pace as he held Caldir, his eyes not leaving his son a single time. I could've sworn I saw tears forming in his eyes and I nearly killed over at the sight of Sauron crying. 

"Are you crying, my love?" I questioned, shifting my body to get a better look at his face. Sauron shook his head and tried to look away from me. "It is alright, Sauron. You do not have to be embarrassed. We made this being together, it is special." 

A deep laugh boomed from my husband's chest and Caldir stirred, eventually opening his eyes. "He's...he's got your ears and your eyes," Sauron observed. "Those Eru-damned ears of yours." 

"But we are the fairest of the Children," I prodded my finger into his chest. "The Maiar aren't." 

Sauron rolled his eyes. "Sure, my dove, keep telling yourself that." 

Five years later...

"Do not teach our sons Black Speech!" I shouted, Sauron, Caldir and our youngest son, Isilme, whipping their heads around at the sound of my voice. Both of them looked as if they could faint. 

Sauron crossed his arms over his chest. "Why not? He will have to communicate with the armies somehow," my husband protested. "Besides, your Quenya and your traditions are pointless." 

I stepped over to my five-year-old son and placed my hands on his little shoulders. "Caldir, Isilme," I began. "Why don't you two go and get ready for dinner." 

The boys both nodded and took off towards their chambers, leaving me with his father. Sauron smirked at me as soon as the door clicked shut. 

"I ought to smack you upside your stupid head," I hissed. "You cannot tell Caldir and Isilme that my heritage is stupid!" 

Sauron shrugged and held out his hand to me. Even though I was angry with him, I put my hand in his and tried to keep a straight face. It didn't work. I found myself kneeling in his lap, eyes locked with his. Sauron held my hands against his chest. 

"You know I love you, Hiril," Sauron muttered. "But we both know why I despise it so much." 

I nodded. "But the boys should know that they are half-elven." 

"Why? You do not have to tell them your parentage--" 

"Sauron!" I shouted, shooting the most sinister glare I could muster. Sauron looked half-taken back and actually looked shocked that I yelled at him like that. I lowered my voice before I continued. "Those are my children too." 

My husband brought a hand up to cup the side of my face, golden eyes watching for some sort of disapproval in mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face in the crook of it. He shivered when he felt my tears and he seemed to know that he did something wrong. 

"Are you alright, Hiril?" Sauron's deep voice was barely audible. 

I shook my head. "I used to be known only as Leithrien, the youngest daughter of Finarfin and Earwen. Now I am known as the Betrayer, the wife of Evil," I choked out. "My kin refuse to love me like they once did. I am no longer Leithrien and it hurts, Sauron. It hurts so badly." 

Sauron laced his fingers in my golden hair. I whimpered at his touch and let my sobs go. The hurt that was built up over a millennia was being released. I wept for the life that I could have had if I hadn't rebelled and married Sauron. I wept for the life my children could have had if it weren't for my decisions. I wept for my kin that I had lost from my rebellion. 

But I wouldn't trade the years I have spent in Barad-dur and Angband for anything. I wouldn't trade my husband or my children for the life I could have had. They were the light of my world. My sun and my moon. What my sons were named for. 

My husband's voice shushed me. "I know, my dove," Sauron whispered. "Sometimes I too wonder what could have been if I hadn't made the decisions that I have made."

"I wish the Valar would give us a second chance, for the children," I muttered. I felt his head bob in agreement. 

Caldir and Isilme deserved to see the light in the world and not the dark. They deserved so much better. 

"I will have a messenger sent tomorrow," Sauron told me. "Just stop crying, would you?" 

I gave him a quick kiss and dried the wetness that was left behind by my sorrow with the sleeve of my gown. I thanked him over and over again until he told me to shut my blabbering up. My sorrow was replaced by excitement and anxieties. What if the Valar will not forgive us? What if our entire family is sent into the shadow with Melkor? 

Into the Third Age and the Destruction of the Ring...

The sight of him was pitiful. I held him in my arms, trying to help him in any way I could. He writhed and cried out in pain as the Ring was being destroyed. He was dying. Our sons stood, watching in complete horror as their immortal and seemingly invincible father died before them. 

"Sauron, please!" I begged, brushing the bright red hair out of his face. "Please, don't leave me. Stay, stay." 

"I never told you." Sauron choked. "I never told you what the messenger said." 

I shook my head, hot tears brimming my eyelids. "Don't."

"Your sister wants you to depart to Aman with her," my husband muttered. "Take Caldir and Isilme. I will be put on trial when I go to Aman. Leave me and make your journey to the Blessed Realm. I will be there whenever you reach the shores." 

I couldn't. Caldir and Isilme tried pulling me away, but I remained still. I held my iron grip on Sauron's red robes and refused to move from him. I could feel his flesh dying. He wasn't warm any longer. He was gone. 

My world went dark and my cries echoed in the halls of Barad-dur. The hands of my sons clasped on my shoulders as they knelt down beside me. 

"Mamil," Caldir said. "Ada would want us to go. You know that. He told us to depart and see your sister." 

They had to drag me away from my husband's lifeless body. He would be restored in Valinor if the Valar granted him a second chance. I just had to have that hope in my heart. I could not find it. 

We reached the Grey Havens after our long journey. My sister waited there, accompanied by a group of Elves that I assumed to be her children and grandchildren. I learned later that the one elleth was, in fact, her granddaughter and she was married to a marchwarden. They had a child together. Galadriel gave me a gentle smile, something that I craved so long to see from my kin. 

"It has been long since I have seen you, Leithrien," Galadriel said, her voice soft and kind. 

"It has been too long," I told her. "I missed too much. I missed my family." 

Galadriel dipped her head in an understanding manner. "I am assuming these two to be your sons." 

I nodded my head. "Yes," I began. "Caldir is the eldest of the two and looks the most like his father. Isilme is the youngest." 

Caldir and Isilme gave the Elvish greeting I worked so hard to implement in their lives. Sauron didn't appreciate it. 

"And your husband? Where is he?" Galadriel questioned. 

I felt my breathing hitch. He was gone. He was in Aman by now, his trial was probably over and he either was sent with his old master or granted a second chance. Caldir snapped me out of my thoughts by placing his slender hand on my shoulder. 

"When the Halflings destroyed the Ring, he died away in this world," I explained. "He is waiting for me in Valinor." 

We boarded the ship and sailed until we saw the shores of Aman. Long had it been since I last saw the shores of the Blessed Realm. My heart longed to see my home again. 

My sons were in awe as we set foot upon the shore. I remembered the sands, the trees, the warmth of the sun. The sweet smell of the fauna of Yavanna and the salty aroma of the seas of Ulmo filled my nostrils as the memories of my homeland swelled in my heart. 

I was home. 

A familiar figure stood tall at the end of the wooden dock. The joy in my heart was overflowing after the figure turned around. 

He waited for me. 

"Mairon!" I shouted, forgetting to be a proper Elvish lady. "Mairon!" 

I ran towards him, my gown gathered in my fists to keep myself from tripping on the fabric. He ran towards me until we met in the middle, his strong arms wrapping around my waist and plucking me off the ground. I wasted no time waiting for him to kiss me. I collided my lips against his and time seemed to stop. 

"You waited for me," I breathed out once we pulled away. "You waited." 

He chuckled, nodding his head. "Yeah, I did. It got boring."

I rolled my eyes at his faked annoyed tone. I laced my fingers in his familiar ginger hair and studied his brilliant golden eyes that I knew so well. They were different. They were happy and innocent. They were Mairon's eyes and not Sauron's.

Our sons came clambering off the boat, their arms open wide as they ran towards us. Mairon put me down and the boys wrapped me and their father in a bone-crushing hug. I squirmed, trying to see over the top of their arms, but I was too short compared to the Maia and our Half-Maiar children. 

We journeyed to Tirion, my birthplace, and there they stood. My Mamil and Ada awaited on the balcony of their bedroom. I lifted my hand and waved, shouting to my parents. 

Mamil placed her hand over her mouth and Ada ran into the house, coming down the stairs to greet me. Mamil followed not too long after. 

"Ada! Mamil!" I whispered, gathered in their sweet embraces. "I am home, Mamil. I am home, Ada." 

My parents pulled away after what seemed like an eternity. Ada studied Mairon through judging eyes. 

"Are these two yours?" Mamil gestured to Caldir and Isilme. 

"Those two are Caldir and Isilme," I said with a nod and grabbed hold of Mairon's arm, pulling his body towards me. "And this is my husband, Mairon. We have been married since I left Aman." 

"You left Aman because you married Sauron, Leithrien," Mamil observed. "Not this Mairon." 

"Yes," I admitted. "But this is him. Was him." 

Mamil eyed Mairon with the same judging glare that Ada gave him. They welcomed him nonetheless but kept an ever watchful eye on him. 

 * * * 

"This is the last one, Mairon!" I grunted, laying my hand on my swollen abdomen. I swore back in Barad-dur whenever Isilme was born that he would be my last child but my husband, however, couldn't keep it in his pants. We had six more after Isilme. 

Mairon smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. "Sure, sweetheart." 

"My sister had one daughter, one of my brothers only had two children and here I am with seven and one more on the way," I grumbled. "No. More." 

Our final son was born not too long after our conversation. Mamil, Ada and my siblings had gotten used to the routine of having a baby in the family frequently and asked when the next was going to be born. Mairon said soon and I said never. 

Mairon and I made enough children to fill the House of Finwe with constant noise and annoyance. Mamil and Ada insisted on paying for us to have our own home built not too far from theirs. 

Our children grew to be well-known smithies, generals, and architects in Aman. We were proud and soon we had our own grandchildren to chase after. 

Sometimes, we all get happy endings in the end.

[thedarksideofriverdale]

In Unity, There Is Strength Part 9

Riverdale Kurtz AU // Werewolf AU // Kurtz X OC

Masterlist

Guide for Creatures and Characters

Meet the OC

Playlist

Zara wanted to go home. But, her mother insisted that she stay for her own safety. In other words, her mother was working late tonight even though her own daughter almost died. 

Most of her friends had to leave upon their parents’ orders, Betty being the last. As she started to exit the room, Zara grabbed her wrist and look at her with concerned eyes. “Betty, are you going to be okay?”

Betty took a deep breath, trying to prevent tears. And then, she said, “I hated him so much, Z, but I can’t help it. He was my dad before he became a menace to my mom and Polly. The only reason my mom’s dealing with this is because I have no guardian at home anymore. She’s left the Farm long enough to convince Social Services, but after that, I’m all alone.” She took a deep breath. “I’m scared.” Zara looked at her for a moment and said, “Being scared isn’t a weakness. Not seeking help from your friends is. We’re all here for you. We’re a pack, a family.” Betty chuckled and said, “You’re beginning to sound like Archie.” The two girls laughed before Betty’s mom whisked her away from the room. As soon as she left, Zara’s broody roommate entered through the door. “Why haven’t you left?” Zara asked, looking away from him to check the time. “Isn’t it time for your game?” “I’m not going tonight,” Kurtz responded, putting down his third coffee cup on her forgotten food tray. “We need to talk.” “Oh joy. What do you wanna talk about, wolfy? Wanna chat about Gryphons and Gargoyles? Or maybe about the fact that you killed our only source of information about the sacrifices? What’s it gonna be, Kurtz?” Zara asked, clenching her fists. “How about the fact that you were foolish enough to go back to a crime scene? Of a killer who managed to kill a werewolf. Just what exactly were you hoping to accomplish? You’re a weak human.” “And you’re a weak werewolf.” Zara crossed her arms across her chest and scrunched her eyebrows in frustration. Glaring at him for a while, Zara eased up a bit and said, “This conversation is going nowhere. We need to set some ground rules, you and me. We’re constantly fighting, and it needs to end.” “Agreed. Number 1: you’re not investigating this case without me from now on.” “Now, just hang on a moment-“ “Not even with the others. They don’t know what’s going on.” “And you do?” Kurtz stayed silent. “Beautiful. How about this for number 2? No more secrets.” “I can’t promise that.” “Why not? What is so important that you’re hiding from me?” Zara asked, her voice raising an octave. “Something that I don’t want reaching the ears of Hiram Lodge,” Kurtz replied quietly.

Zara furrowed her brows and asked, “Why would I feed information to Hiram?” “You tell Archie. Archie tells Veronica. And, I don’t trust that bitch.” “Veronica hasn’t said anything to her father!” Zara exclaimed, exasperated at constantly defending Veronica from the rest of the pack and now from Kurtz. “And, you can vouch for that?” Kurtz asked, raising a brow. “Well…” Zara paused. “Come to think of it, there are times when… the hunters just managed to stumble upon the pack. But, that could just be coincidence...” Not really, she thought, recalling an event that happened just a few months ago. Winter vacation when Archie and Jughead went skiing… How did the hunters know Archie would be in the same area Cassidy Bullock got murdered? “There was a guy, a wannabe werewolf hunter named Cassidy Bullock. He tried to go after Archie and Jughead while they were on a skiing vacation. Archie fought him off quite easily and left the ski lodge quickly after that, but the hunters ambushed them, pinning them for the guy’s murder. The only way they could’ve known that Archie had an altercation with this man is if…” “Veronica told Hiram,” Kurtz finished. Zara looked at him in surprise. “It’s not that shocking. You people really thought a hunter’s daughter wasn’t going to be loyal to her father,” he said with a chuckle. “Veronica hates her dad. She wants to be with Archie-“ “Who wants to be with you,” Kurtz deadpanned. “Excuse me?!” “Oh please. Have you not noticed how much he respects you, more so than his own girlfriend. He listens to you first. He consults you first. And, you should’ve felt his emotions when we found you. The amount of love he has for you-” “Will never be reciprocated. I don’t love Archie,” Zara said pointedly. “Try telling that to a jealous, teenage girl.” Zara sat back against her pillows, looking away from Kurtz and instead opting to gaze at the night sky through the window. She tried digesting the information, but it was too confusing. However, she decided to concede. “Fine… I won’t tell Archie anything about you. Now, will you come clean?” “… Very well. What do you want to know?” “Why did your pack get involved with Gryphons and Gargoyles?” Kurtz was silent, collecting his thoughts. Then, he replied, “You know what an emissary is, don’t you?” “Of course. They’re druids who offer counsel to alphas. Practically every seasoned pack has one.” Kurtz nodded. “My emissary was a seer of sorts. He used the G&G board as a vessel for his prophecies. He had the craft down so perfectly that we knew where hunters would be, other supernatural creatures, even the police. Then, the hunters were suspicious. To them, this made us too powerful.” Kurtz laughed with a sinister look in his eyes. “They figured it had to be something magical, and the one thing my emissary couldn’t predict was them abducting him. Hiram and his goons tortured him until he gave the location of where we would be in the woods. We’re not a flawless pack; we’ve committed crimes. Bodies have piled up.” “Like Dilton Doiley…” Kurtz nodded. “That must have been when your pack got massacred,” Zara said quietly, trying to process the story. “After he dealt with everyone in the pack aside from me and one of my betas, he killed my emissary.” “So, why do you keep the board if he’s dead?” “I got pissed at you last night for a reason. You were right; I am trying to rebuild my pack. But, this time I’m starting with an emissary. I recruit people from school to play the game and see if they can predict anything.” “But, no one is doing it as well as your emissary did.” Kurtz nodded. “What about the drug addiction?” “My emissary needed a hallucinogen to accurately make predictions, so I cooked fizzle rocks for him. But, I can’t give them to potential emissaries unless I test them first in front of them.” “And, the drug’s so addictive that now, you can’t stop.” Zara sighed. “Why are you doing this to yourself? You know you can’t be alpha again, right?” “Wrong. I can if my bite takes on another human. If it doesn’t, the human dies.” “So, you’re willing to kill someone to test your theory?” Zara asked fearfully. Kurtz gave her a wide grin and replied, “Anything for power.”

“I’m surprised you’re back at school,” Veronica said to Zara as they both took their seats AP biology. “Thought you would take some time recuperating at home.” Zara looked at Veronica through her peripheral vision and replied, “I can’t miss too much class. Finals are coming up.” Stop talking to me, stop talking to me, stop talking to me… Luckily, their teacher came in then to begin the class. When the bell rang, Zara rushed out of class before Veronica could talk to her and went to the rest of her classes without a hitch. As soon as the lunch bell rang, she ran to Kurtz’s locker, and the boy was putting away his backpack when he saw her almost trip while running towards him. He rolled his eyes and asked, “What is it?” “I’m avoiding Veronica,” Zara replied which elicited a dark laugh from Kurtz. She glared at him, and the two made their way to the cafeteria. Betty saw Zara enter and waved her over to the table, but Veronica was already sitting there with Archie snug against her. Zara said quietly to Kurtz, “The weather’s nice outside. Let’s sit outside today.” Kurtz said nothing but followed her out once the two got their trays. When they sat down, Kurtz said sternly, “They’re your pack. You can’t separate yourself from them.” “I’m not separating myself!” Zara exclaimed. “I’m just trying not to get on Veronica’s bad side. The more I stay away from her and Archie, the better. I’ll just see them at pack meetings and that’s that.” “I’ve got a better idea; get a boyfriend. Make yourself less threatening,” Kurtz suggested as he stuffed some mac and cheese into his mouth. Zara blushed at the suggestion to which Kurtz ordered, “Stop getting flustered. It’s just a suggestion. But, it would stop the ginger alpha from pining after you and his manic girlfriend from wanting to skewer you.” Zara didn’t say anything in response but was contemplating the idea. Problem was, she spent all her time running around after monsters with other monsters that she had no interactions with boys. At all. She scrunched her nose, and Kurtz laughed quietly. “What’s the problem?” “I don’t know any boys to actually ask them out,” Zara gritted out. She then went to take a sip of her water. “How about you go out with me?” Zara spat out her water all over her tray. “You’re such a loser,” Kurtz said, rolling his eyes. “Well, excuse me if I’m shocked at the most appalling idea I’ve ever heard. I don’t want anything to do with you aside from giving you room and board at my house.” She started cleaning up her lap and sighed at her soggy sandwich. “It doesn’t have to be real. Just a façade so that the pack’s convinced.” Zara rolled her eyes and said, “The pack will sense me lying, smart one.” “Lying can be sensed because someone’s pulse is accelerated, and their voice is shaky. This can all be attributed to first relationship jitters.” Kurtz’s response actually sounded smart, smart enough to convince Zara that it could work, but… “What if they block me out because I’m going out with you? News flash, they don’t like you.” “They’re not going to drop you just because you’re going out with me. They have faith in you, especially Archie.” “Yeah, don’t remind me. He’s the reason we’re even thinking about this stupid plan. Also, how do you know they’re not listening in on us right now?” “The cafeteria is too loud for their senses to parse through it to reach us. So, are you down?” Pausing for a bit, Zara said, “Fine. Let’s date.”

Notification Squad: @the-gargoyle-queen @-thatgirloverthere- @that-idiot125 @sweetscamille @kurtzyoufunkylittledruggy

Anyone else who would like to be tagged, comment on the post! 

Looking for people who can make some manips, so send me a message!

[forlornmelody]

OC Interview

Tagged by the lovely @bronzeagelove and @rpgwarrior4824. Oo. This looks like fun.

Tagging @a-sunny-daze, @n0rmandysr1, and @starsandskies if you’d like to share.

This is my character sitting down during the events of Mass Effect 3. Before the Citadel Coup.

Rules

1. Choose an OC. 2. Answer them as that OC. 3. Tag 5 people to do the same.

1. What is your name?

“Artemis Shepard.”

2. Do you know why are you named that?

My parents were mythology nerds. I think if they didn’t settle down on their farm they would have been college professors. They certainly liked to lecture.

3. Are you single or taken?

“…it’s complicated.”

4. Have any abilities or powers?

“I can wipe the floor with you before you even know I’m coming. Or take you out win a single shot. Your pick.”

5. Stop being a Mary Sue.

“What’s a Mary Sue?....Oh! I’m way too f—messed up for that label.

6. What’s your eye color?

“Dark brown. Almost black.”

7. How about your hair color?

“Brunette.”

8. Have any family members?

“Deceased. And no, I don’t want to talk about Mindoir.”

9. Oh? How about pets?

“I have a hamster named David and a bunch of fish I manage to keep alive.”

10. That’s cool, I guess. Now tell me something you don’t like? Injustice. People who do wrong thing for the right reasons. Doesn’t make it right.

11. Do you have any activities/hobbies that you like to do?

I don’t have much free time, but I love exercise and building model ships. —That makes me sound rather boring, doesn’t it?

12. Have you ever hurt anyone in any way before?

You know I work for the military, right?

13. Ever… killed anyone before?

....You really don’t know. Um. Yes. Unfortunately it’s practically in my job description. I try to avoid it if possible but sometimes I’m not given a choice.

14. What kind of animal are you?

A homosapien? Or do you mean metaphorically speaking? Um. Well. My partner called me a lioness in—oh. Oops. She says not to share that information with the public. And yes, of course she’s listening in.

15. Name your worst habits?

It drives Miranda crazy when I drink straight from the carton or belch with my mouth open.

16. Do you look up to anyone at all?

Admiral David Anderson has been a mentor to me for most of my life. He’s an incredible soldier and human being. The Alliance is—I’m lucky to have him.

17. Are you gay, straight or bisexual?

I’m so gay I’m having trouble writing this with a straight face. Sorry dudes. (Not really sorry at all, actually.)

18. Do you go to school?

I went to a tiny colony school on Mindoir, and then to N School as part of my Alliance training. Pretty busy these days so my education is limited to reading.

19. Ever want to marry and have kids one day?

Oh. Well. Maybe? Not sure I’ll live that long but it’s nice to dream about, I guess.

20. Do you have any fangirls/fanboys?

Ugh. Yes. They know who they are.

21. What are you most afraid of?

Failure.

22. What do you usually wear?

When I’m not in uniform, I tend to be a bit of a tomboy—butch if you want to call it that. Denim. Leather jackets. Boots. I love boots. I will only wear a skirt if the Powers That Be demand it.

23. What’s one food that tempts you?

Pie. I can’t get enough fresh baked pie.

24. Am I annoying to you?

I mean, you’re getting really personal here, aren’t you? But that’s your problem not mine.

25. Well, it’s still not over!

Joy.

26. What class are you (low/middle/high)?

We didn’t have much money on the farm—anything we made went back into the land and our animals. But I do okay nowadays. I make enough to buy what I want most of the time. Key word: most.

27. How many friends do you have?

I would consider most of my crew, past and present to be friends. And if you’re going to report me for fraternization, you’re a couple years too late.

28. What are your thoughts on pie?

We talked about this.

29. Favorite drink?

A really good ginger ale. Or fresh lemonade. I don’t drink alcohol anymore.

30. What’s your favorite place?

As much as I love outer space, I do love being planetside. Somewhere where I can feel a warm breeze. Or a crisp one. I’m not picky.

31. Are you interested in anyone?

My partner? I’m also interested in stopping an intergalactic war, but we don’t always get what we want.

32. That was a stupid question…

No kidding.

33. Would you rather swim in a lake or the ocean?

Lake. Less chance of sneaker waves.

34. What’s your type?

Heh. Well. I like confident women. Butch, femme, or something in between, doesn’t matter. Women who have a strong sense of self and what they fight for. Those that can keep up with a marine.

35. Any fetishes?

Excuse me? That’s...that’s none of your business.

36. Camping or outdoors?

...Camping usually involves the outdoors, doesn’t it? And yes. I’ll take that over a hotel room any day of the week. You know, unless it’s a planet where it’s raining acid or the air is toxic. Or the temperature is—you get my point.

[futurewriter2000]

Because I hate you the most

A/N: Well....unexpected but real. I love it. I don’t know why but I love it and I know it’s short but I hope you love it too. If you don’t I can delete it and write another but like..pls like it.

REQUEST: Can you do a image about the reader being Sirius daughter and god daughter of Remus, but when Sirius got sent to Azkaban Remus didn’t want to raise her because he believes he is going to hurt her(cuz he’s a werewolf) so she got raised by the Malfoys or something like that and they finally reunite in the Prisoner of Azkaban or The Order of tge Phoenix.(only if you understand what I am saying)

TAGS:  @siriusly-loves-snuffles, @slither-in-a-half, @nadinissavage, @shadyladyperfection, @geeksareunique, @ashkuuuu, @xinyourdreamsx, @maralisa124, @loserslytherpuff, @chloe-geoghegan1, @heritier-de-la-ravenclaw, @musekala, @moonysmilkshake, @crispyfrenchfrieschrusis, @unicorn-sparkles123

xx

The day you found out you weren’t a Malfoy you were in your 4th year at Hogwarts. It came out of your father’s, Lucious’, mouth on the day of your big fight.

The two of you always fought about little things. You weren’t as obedient as you were before. You became stubborn and troublesome when a rumor started spreading around about Sirius Black secret daughter. It circled the Hogwarts’ halls when he escaped Azkaban and you always wondered who is the mystery, daughter?

It all made sense.

Why you didn't have platinum blonde hair? Why there wasn’t any resemblance to your little brother or your father, only your mother, Narcissa. That’s what you always called them because they were your parents, not him.

Though your father was strict and though the two of you had many fights, arguments, and disagreements, he loved you. He loved both you and Draco with the same amount of love his heart could provide. He may not have shown it but he did and he still does. There were times where he couldn’t keep his laugh in because of your humor. Times where you were so stubborn he’d take all four of you somewhere but called it “because he wants to not because you asked him to”...

But that day, when the two of you had an argument of a meaningless thing he blurted out the secret.

Deep down you knew. Somewhere, buried, hidden,... you knew. But it hurt. Why he said it, how he said it...and you knew he regretted it the moment he let the words come out his mouth.

You locked yourself in that room for days. That fake room of yours, the fake life of yours...

No matter how much you wanted to fit in the family, there was something holding you back. The Black blood. Maybe that was why you felt closer to Narcissa and Draco than you did with Lucious. It confused you because you didn’t know what you were or what they were. Your mother suddenly becoming your aunt and your little brother your cousin? What was your father than to you? Which father?

Narcissa explained the story. The whole story. How were you born, where were you born and to whom you were born? She didn’t know what kind of father Sirius was before he got sent to Azkaban but despite the reason of crime, you expected he was the bad kind. She said your godfather, Remus John Lupin didn’t want to take you in. He never explained the reason why, only that it would be too dangerous for him to take care of a baby. That pissed you off. You loved your Defense against the Dark Arts professor. But that would explain the shocking expression when he first saw you and the privileges he gave you that year. She said that when she and Lucious tried to conceive, start a family...there were some problems and a thought that they maybe couldn’t after months of trying. But then a baby girl appeared on their doorstep with a small letter tucked in her blanket. She said it was the best thing God could have given them. Lucious was, of course, furious but your charm won him over the moment he laid his eyes on you. It may have taken him a year to learn to love you but he did and you became his daughter, whom he would protect with his life.

Draco didn’t understand. The two of you had to work through a lot to get back where the two of you were before he found out. He was a sneaky little snitch but when it got to family and hard times, the two of you were there for each other. As much as both of you didn’t want to admit it, you were close. First seven years of his life was unbearable. Maybe because his father treated him differently than he did with you but through it all, the two of you realized no matter who or what, the two of you are family. To be completely honest, both of you knowing pulled you closer together.

Lucious. He was a complicated man with many dark secrets but the moment he decided to keep you was the best day of his life. He was a pureblood, just as many others, but he was a human and when you’re human with a heart, you can grow to love a girl, no matter how cold or emotionless you think you are. Fights, they were never-ending. And when you thought you hated him enough since he told you you weren’t his, you get proven wrong. Whole fourth year in Hogwarts was a complete mess but the terrifying moment you found out Sirius Black broke in school, guess who was the first person you wrote a letter to? Your father, your real father.

They were your family, your real family.

Today, you were starting your sixth year at Hogwarts. Proud Slytherin and a proud Slytherin Quidditch Chaser. A Slytherin Prefect and a perfect student. Maybe you did get in some troubles, especially with Professor McGonagall, but the test you barely studied for always ended with an O. Outstanding.

“ Cheerio, my little brother who loves to take hot bubble baths each day! “ you shouted when you finally left Draco’s compartment, succeeding in your job as an older sister and embarrassing the poor boy.

“ Does he really? “ scoffed one of your friends, walking right after you.

“ No but he started that awful rumor about me last year so I am just returning a favor. “ you smirked, turning around at her before walking backward in your usual apartment.

“ Oi! Mind where you’re walking! “ shouted one of the gingers, causing you to roll your eyes.

“ Weasley, mind telling me what you are doing in my compartment? “ you spat out harshly, crossing your arms over your chest.

“ We didn’t see your name on it but we don’t mind you joining in. “ smirked the other, winking at you.

“ No thank you, Frederick, “ you replied with another harsh tone.

“ Firstly, it’s Fred and secondly, I’m George! “ he shouted as you left, leaving a foolish smile for you to hide.

You knew it was George. Despite all the hate, you showed him back there, you always fancied the boy. He was clever, funny, cunning and kind but he was also a Weasley and you...well you can definitely not date a Weasley. Maybe snog, but not date.

Your father hated the Weasleys and until you met them, you did too. They are lovable and kind which makes them really hard to hate but them knowing you’re a Malfoy, daughter of Lucious Malfoy, makes them treat you with the same attitude as to your father. Though lately, they are showing a different attitude. Almost as they knew.

But they couldn’t, could they?

“ (y/n)! “ shouted someone from the crowd of Gryffindors. The fifth-year with messy black hair and hazel eyes.

“ Potter? “ you quirked an eyebrow at him. “ Did I hear you call out my name? “ you smirked. “ First time I hear it fall from your lips. “

It shocked you completely as he didn’t retord any sarcastic comment or remark to you, only spoke nervously. “ Actually, I wanted to talk to you about..well about...”

“ About what? “

“ About you know...”

“ No, I don’t. “

But you did.

“ Sirius...Black, your f-”

“ Don’t you say it Potter. “ you cut him off before he could finish the sentence. “ He is nobody to me. A criminal. That is all he is.”

“ But he told me-”

“ He told you?!” you started to shout. “ You’ve been talking to him?!”

“ Shh! “ he shushed you, pulling you into a dark corner. “ Not so loud, somebody might hear us. “ he warned and you quickly calmed down, taking a few deep breaths like a mother told you. “ I just want to expla-”

“ Harry. I’m going to stop you right there. “ you cut him off again. “ I don’t want to hear about him. I don’t want anything to do with him. I just want to finish my year at Hogwarts and find a good job in a Ministry of Magic. “ you spoke calmly and with a soft tone, something he never got from you.

And he nodded. He nodded and let you leave.

---

The following day wasn’t any different than yesterday. The only difference was that this time it wasn’t Harry who talked to you, it was a Weasley, George Weasley.

He charmed his way in and convinced you to go on a walk with him but you ended up in a Shrieking Shack with a man instead.

His eyes were smiling at yours. Grey eyes flooded with pain yet joy. They weren’t the only ones. A familiar man was standing beside him. A man with green eyes, the "favorite" professor.

“(y/n).” he spoke softly and carefully, causing a tear roll down your cheek.

He was the man. A man you hated for so many years for leaving you. A man who you hated to share your blood with, even your genes.

“ You lied, George. “ you turned your head to the redhead. “ You said we were going for a walk. “

“ You wouldn’t come here if I told you.”

“ I trusted you, George! “ you tone started to raise. “ Of course I couldn't have come here. I told Harry just yesterday I don’t want to meet this man! “ you pointed at Sirius with your eyes stuck on George. It was hard to look at the man after what he did to you. “ I don’t want to know you, Black! “ you spat out, causing your heart to ache at your words. “ Fourteen years! “

“ I know, love and I am here to expla-”

“ Fourteen years! Two of those you had time to see me so why start now, huh! NOBODY! You're a nobody to me! No father, no friend and no man! You are a nobody, Sirius Black. Only a criminal!  “ your tears soaked your cheeks while your heart kept squeezing at your own words. " What did you expect? That I'll welcome you with open arms?! Tell you how much I thought about you for the past years since I found out! I didn't! I wanted to kill myself for knowing your blood ran through mine veins! A man who killed his own best friends? Who left his own daughter!? “ he stared with guilt and pain, trying not to shed any tears but did. And as pure they appeared to be, you already had your mind set. " I have a father. A real one and his name is Lucius Malfoy. "

He stepped away with a cold shiver entering his body. It hurt for you to say his name in that much hate. How you spoke, hurt and in pain, with so much hate and so much anger. It hurt him.

" And you! “ you turned to the man beside him, guilt in his eyes as well. “ You had a chance to tell me! You saw me suffering with it and you stood by and watched me drown in dark! You didn’t even want me! “

“ I couldn’t take care of you. I could have hurt you. “ he spoke with his gaze on the ground.

“ You could have never hurt me more than you did with keeping the truth from me. “

“ (y/n), just let us explain.” George spoke softly, touching you by the arm which you gladly stepped away from.

“ I hate you! “ you glared at him. “ I hate you, George Weasley! I hate all of you! “  you turned to Sirius, seeing as he was facing you his back. “ And you, Sirius Black. I hate you the most. “

[peterpumpkinparker]

Getting Better |2|~ River Lea

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2000

Masterlist

Spotify PLaylist

Constructive Criticism always appreciated!

“Parker,”

his last period’s teacher stated plainly, barely loud enough to be heard over the yell of the rowdy teens.

Peter picked up his tired head, his brown eyes looking up tiredly. The teacher’s stony face was evident with sternness as she looked upon the paper in her hand.

Peter’s stomach erupted with butterflies as he jumped up quickly. Did he do it?

He raced to her desk, signing a paper with tingling hands and looked at the paper, a hint of pale blue on the borders of the crisp white edges. His heart raced and his hands rubbed the soft interior of his sweatshirt as she looked at the paper with a face of steel.

It felt like an hour (when it was only a few seconds), but the stern woman handed Peter his report card.

“Not bad Mr. Parker,” she stated with the smallest hint of a smile, “much better than last semester. Just make sure you keep it up.”

Peter looked at the small sheet, the angry butterflies in his stomach transforming into what felt like soft clouds.

“Um uh- yeah, of course,” Peter replied as he still stared at the paper in disbelief.

He walked back to his seat, thumbing each letter grade in each class. A smile played on his lips- mostly B’s, and a hand full of A’s. Much better than last year- towards the end of that year, when being his alter ego was getting a little out of hand, he was skipping classes and not doing work, which resulted in him almost failing. He had worked tirelessly to start paying attention in class again and getting his grades back up- and to his surprise, he actually did it. Now he just had to do it over and over again throughout the year. But he would manage. Nothing in the world was going to make him repeat what he did last year.

In his transfixed state of self pride over his report card, Peter wasn’t paying attention to the clock, which was unlike him. Peter was the kid who counted down the seconds before the bell rang, his jitters making him tap his foot furiously on the floor or rap his pencil on his desk.

The shrill period bell rang, declaring the school day was over. The kids stampeded out of the room as the teacher yelled out about the test next class, Peter being the strangler. He stuffed his pencils and paper in his semi-new backpack, then carefully folding his report card and placing it in the pocket of his jeans. Peter nodded a goodbye to his teacher, and shuffled his way into the packed hallway.

A new type of joy bubbled in his stomach- this was going to top the already good day off- it was time to be Spiderman.

Peter put in his earbuds quickly and  jogged out of the school, weaving through the very familiar streets and sidewalks until he finally reached his favorite deli, the worn words “Delmar” clearly being seen from the streets. He walked in, a little chime going off as he opened the glass door. The smell of salty food filled the air as a loud Spanish conversation was being heard in the back room. Warm light filtered in from the street.

Peter was just pulling out his earbuds as someone shoved his shoulder, the person clearly in a hurry. Peter grunted from the contact, a “Sorry” already spilling out of his chapped lips as the person walked out the door. The person didn’t turn to reply, their rushing body walking out the door as the same chime sounded yet again. With one white earbud dangling from his hand, he turned to see only a glimpse of the stranger out of the window- a girl, the female’s hair being obscured by a red handkerchief that covered most of her forehead and neck, while black sunglasses obscured her eyes.

Peter looked at the now empty street, his senses making his fingers tingle and his abused shoulder thump with what felt like electricity- an unsettling feeling started traveling throughout his body.

“That was weird”, he thought with a confused look on his face.

He was still looking out the window when a familiar voice called his last name. He tentatively looked away from the window, turning to meet the expectant face of Mr. Delmar.

“Oh hey Mr. Delmar,” Peter replied hesitantly. “How’s it going?”

“Not bad, kid, not bad- been a pretty busy day but I aint complaining.” Mr. Delmar chuckled with an air of ease.

“Thats good….really good,” Peter said distracted, wondering why his Spidey senses reacted so harshly to when who-ever-that-was brushed his shoulder.

“You gonna order?” Mr. Delmar again broke his train of thought.

“Oh- yeah- yeah! Sorry, could I get my usual? With a pack of gummy worms, thanks,” Peter gave a tight smile, looking out the window yet again as Mr. Delmar told, in Spanish, the person next to him what to make for Peter’s order.

A few minutes later, Mr. Delmar laid his sandwich and pack of candy on the counter next to the cash register.

“By any chance- do you know who that was? The one with the-” Peter motioned to his head as he handed him a crumpled 10 dollar bill.

“The girl with the handkerchief? Nope, never saw her before, sorry kid,” he replied as he handed him back a couple ones with some change.

“Oh, its okay, thanks anyway,” Peter said as his stomach fell slightly. Something about his senses was rubbing him the wrong way- but he brushed it off, thinking that his high excited emotions were making them “malfunction” a little. He stuffed his change and food into his backpack, petted Mr. Delmar’s fat ginger cat, and quickly left the shop, his mind completely forgetting the girl and going to usual spot to transform into the friendly neighborhood Spiderman.

___

He loved being Spiderman.

At school, he was the kid who sat quietly in the back, did his work, talked only to his friends. He was ridiculed by Flash for being smart- but as Spiderman, none of that was there. He had no nervousness, no awkwardness- he was free to do what he wanted, when he wanted and help people who needed it.

He got to help all the little Peter Parker’s who didn’t have the luxury of turning into Spiderman deal with all the Flash’s of the world.

Spider Man did have its downsides though. Like instead of the high schoolers at his school ridiculing him for being a nerd, the “city” bullies were shooting gun ammo at him.

Every job had its down sides though- his was just more on the deadly side, but he could care less.

Today was actually kinda slow. Peter didnt have to deal with any wierdos selling alien tech in dark alleyways, no guys trying to shoot him down with their own homemade inventions. It was kinda nice to Peter. Dealing with those guys were sometimes fun because it let him test his power’s limits, but doing it constantly was stressful and draining.

It was now starting to get dark, the last rays of light beaming out on the horizon, as if the sky wasn’t ready to give up its pretty shades of pink, orange, and red at sunset. Peter’s day as Spiderman went very smoothly, to his surprise (because it never really did)- he stopped someone from jacking a car, helped an oldy cross multiple streets (it took forever), help a little girl find her lost puppy, and met a couple of little fans on the way.

After the whole fight with Vulture last year, many families were thanking Spiderman heavily for keeping the streets safe for their children, which was rubbing off on the little ones. A whole Spiderman Revolution had taken over the city, little kids now begging their parents to get them Spiderman t-shirts and costumes, and little kids now looking up at the sky constantly trying to catch a glimpse of the human Spider. He didn’t want to admit it, but he really liked it. It was nice getting some recognition- even if it was coming from citizens who were now just learning how to add.

He loved meeting the little kids- they always made his day with their outlandish questions and shocked, excited faces.

The wind was now whipping in Peter’s face as he did his last patrols around NYC, his webs detaching and reattaching to each building he was flying through on his pearly white webbing. This was his favorite part- just flying through NYC, above the heads of everyone, almost like he was in his own little world. This was when he could think at his best- really think things over and figure stuff out that was bothering him. But, the week had been exhausting, filled with tests and high point assignments he had to do well on, so all he really wanted to do was go home.

He stopped by his spot where he kept his clothes, the sunset finally giving up its bright colors and letting the cool of night take over. He quickly grabbed his backpack, the webbing he used to protect it from muggers now being dissolved into nothing.

He grabbed his backpack and began to walk home.

He entered his apartment, twisting the key against the old doorknob. The faint smell of burnt food wafted in the air, an all too familiar smell to Peter.

“Aunt May?” He asked tentatively as he wrapped his earbuds tightly around his phone screen.

“Peter?” Aunt May shot her head behind the counter of the kitchen sink, her long brown tresses Falling gracefully against her back.

She smiled, and walked over to give him a hug.

“So,” she asked as she released him, “anything at school? Anything new? Interesting?” She pressed him a little, as if softly coaxing a conversation.

Peter tightened his lip, shaking his head nonchalantly.

“Nothing?” She asked again, almost as she was trying to get the truth out of something.

Peter looked up in confusion. There wasn’t anything that big today. It was pretty normal-hanged out with Ned, helped MJ plan a trip for the Quiz Bowl team, took notes all day.

She sighed happily, trying to suppress a smile.

“So,” She busied herself with a pot of spaghetti on the stove, “I got in the mail a copy of your report card.”

“Oh,” Peter said in realization, looking up at his aunt as he waited for her to say more.

“I’m really proud of you Pete.” She smiles at him, placing a kiss on his forehead. “You really are maturing, getting your time management down, planning your future-you can’t lose this Peter. ‘Kay? You gotta keep truckin forward-your too smart to throw it all away.All A’s and B’s!” She spewed out, her pride radiating off her face.

Peter smiled again, a little bit of embarrassment evident in his face.

He shrugged.

“It’s really not that big of a deal,” he smiled nonchalantly as he set his backpack down.

“Well, it is,” May stated, “which is why I tried to make a cake… which clearly,” she laughed, “Didn’t go very well at all.”

Peter chuckled, shaking his head happily. His aunt wasn’t the most amazing cook by any means, but she did try.

“So...I was thinking we could get some Thai? Sound good?”

Just as Aunt May finished, Peter felt his phone buzz in his back pocket.

He fumbled for it.

“Yeah, Yeah sounds great!” He smiled quickly to his Aunt, his heart picking up pace as he dashed to his room to answer the call.

“Hey-uh-Mr. Stark! What’s up?” Peter asked, awkwardly stuffing his free hand into his pocket.

“Nothing kid,” Stark replied nonchalantly, “was wondering what’s going on with you.”

Peter’s face shifted to surprise. Stark never called unless it was important-and most of the time if it was really important, Stark would visit him with warning. And never just to see “what’s going on” in his life.

“Uhm..” Peter mumbled, “just was gonna go out to eat with my Aunt.”

Peter looked out his door, hoping Stark would finish a little quickly so he wouldn’t leave his aunt waiting.

“Great great,” Stark sweeped away Peter’s sentence. “Listen kid-I called you to tell you something- not a mission or anything-just an event.”

Peter’s heart fell a little. He was hoping he would be doing another team up mission with Stark-those were always so awesome.

“in a couple weeks I’m gonna have something special going on, ya know, the whole Stark wedding and all...and I was actually going to invite you to it. If your up for it.”

Stark continued to talk, but Peter was so surprised and elated he started tuning it out. He actually got invited to something important to Stark. He always looked up to him, so this felt like an achievement of some sort.

“I’m-uh-Yeah sure! I’ll be there,” Peter accepted politely, his body turning away from his door.

“Great kid, Pepper’ll be happy,” Stark sighed, “but I’m sorry to break it to you, but a theres catch to this whole wedding thing.” Stark threw in, catching Peter off guard.

“Is it bad?” Peter asked tentatively, hoping it wasn’t crazy.

“Well, depends…,” Stark drawled out.

“You need to get a date.”

“Wait-What?!?” Peter yelped.

Not another date Peter thought. The last time he had to ask someone out, it wasn’t-well-amazing. He had taken his crush to Homecoming, but it turned out that her father was a super villain and tried to kill him. And he had to ditch his date, so that kind of ruined any type of relationship after that.

“Your gonna have to figure it out kid.” Stark instructed, cutting against Peter stuttering.

“Wait-did-why do I-“

“I gotta go kid!” Stark ended, “I’ll have Happy send you an invitation and all that, but remember-Get. A Date.”

“Bye kid,”

Peter heard a click from the other end. He pulled the phone away from his ear, staring at his screen. He breathed out, turning his tired body away from his phone and suppressing the want to roll his eyes.

And with that, Peter’s night got instantly more stressful and a little annoying.

Hope you guys enjoyed! More parts will be up soon, but thank you for reading!

Taggings:

@petersshirts @just4muggles @starksparker @starksmile @bisexualparkers @spiderboytotherescue @hollandroos 

(I seriously cant think of tags right now ACK)

[yerabearmum]

Finally got around to watching season 7 and HOOOO BOY do I have a lot to say

“he’s the youngest pilot ever to lead a mission into space” I think you forgot to mention ‘professional gay disaster’

Shiro looking at Keith, who is staring morosely out the window: he so obviously needs a hug but he would also glare a hole through my face if I come within ten feet of him how can I show this child love

DO YOU SEE LANCE'S LITTLE SWOOPY HAIRCUT

why is Little Lance’s voice deeper than Big Lance’s

“the emo kid’s doing it!” of course he is what more would you expect from the kid who never talks and openly but silently hates your guts

how does this twelve-year-old know how to drive in the first place

Kieth:*steals a car*

Me: PROTECT HIM

shiro doesn’t even look upset he’s just concerned and impressed

lance is so done with science in general

hello my name is takashi shirogane and welcome to my ted talk

Romelle’s hand gestures fill my soul with warmth

Coran is literally just Space Steve Irwin

Coran’s intimidation methods are #fierce

if that’s seriously how you used to wrangle yelmores then is it really any wonder why Alfor is dead

“like you, lance” an hour of adoring silence for this sibling relationship

how much you wanna bet Shiro is aware of everything around him and his only thought is “listen baby bro I already came back from death once why do you fear that I can’t do it again”

Keith yawns like a gay queen

I aspire the be the same level of zen as the recorder guy in the background

just remember that keith was and still is just as much of a showoff as Lance

Hunk’s expression when James says the only reason Keith is there is Shiro ‘james srsly are you trying to die”

“is that what mommy and daddy told you before-” MY MOMMA NEVER TOLD ME SHIT

there is exactly -.0002% chance of me ever getting over the gorgeous indigo color of Keith’s eyes they’re like tiny emo galaxies

consider: Homelle is such a wholesome hufflepuff ship

Lance Saves All Our Asses Again and It Goes Completely Unmentioned Afterwards Again: a novel by nobody because Lance gets as much recognition as a piece of bra lint

Pidgeot shaking a water drop off her head like a tiny woodland nerd sprite is my new reason for existing

my smol children just got smoler

Shiro looks like some kind of Gaydiana Jones on that hover thing

it’s probably just the anime eyes but it seriously looks like Little Keith is wearing eyeliner

shiro zooming off the cliff is like me trying outrun the overwhelming weight of existence

bby keith in the sunset is Hiro Hamada minus the tooth gap and personal healt- oh no wait that would be Shiro. shiro is baymax. floofy boi= marshmallow bun. WHERE DO THE CONSPIRACIES END.

honey you’re like twenty-two and a very bad liar

Admiral Sonda is just Sam Holt as a woman

literally the gayest gay breakup they could get away with. I applaud you

how dare they use the most underappreciated character as literal bait 

ah, i see rescuers down under made an appearance in the timespace of a single frame

why do the yelmores sound like Chewie

the phonotonium bubbles are bringin back memories of the Newtcase scene

that moment when you realize what he means by “you can’t do this to me again” and you feel your will to live crumble into Satan’s coffee grounds

the way that Lance says “ready to charge up the lions?” reminds me so much of that time in Eureka when Zane was like “ready to smash some unstable atoms together at the speed of light?” 

I can’t remember a single time that Lance looked happier or more excited about life in general that he does in the intro and... oh, look, there goes my heart. falling to the floor. shattering on the concrete. again. look at it go.

Coran honey they are standing right next to each other does it look like Cosmo is eating her

road trip humor

darling child do you honestly believe that this lion is going to let some random-ass person sit down and drive it

HE'S LONELYYYYYY

What the everloving fuck is wrong with the Altean alphabet

Hunk's selfies are so precious

"No. Nope. Nuh-uh. No way. Can't do this." BIG MOOD OKAY

ALLURA HAS FUCKING SUPER STRENGTH

yes thank you for that recap Lance we had not yet noticed the difficulty of our situation

"super dangerous it's perfect" yeah me too hon me too

will the little PEW PEW sounds ever cease to amuse me? the answer is no

Kosmo+Krolia is the ultimate kickass mom team

WAIT WHAT I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE JAWS WOULDN’T OPEN

guys come on have a little faith in him

I, too, sometimes narrate my life inside my head

Kosmo: oh I’m sorry I’ve been a wee bit BUSY DYING

so apparently Kaltinecker is just a generic name for space cows? I don’t like this

“who are you?” *Mushu voice, unfurls wings* “your worst nightmare”

Axca is just “whoop I kicked your ass mY bAd”

“Indeed I was, but now I am your savior.”

why is Ezor so lovable

“we’re going to have to use a more extreme approach” *pulls out silly string threateningly* “start talking”

Hunk looks so offended when they’re picking who to torture

Ezor would be perfect for one of those Garnier Fructis commercials where they pick stuff up with their hair

Can we talk about Lance and Pidge's sibling relationship? I think as much as they complain, they both really miss having that close kind of relationship. Pidge has Matt, of course, but he's not exactly open to talk anytime they want. This leaves Pidge and Lance to fall back on each other. Lance grew up in a big family, and probably also a very tight-knit one. So whether he realizes it or not, he depends on those kinds of connections, with stupid little arguments and support. I think that sibling connection is the one thing that really keeps them grounded when nothing else can.

Oh! And the other thing: This first occurred to me during the "DON'T YOU TOUCH HER" scene, because Lance is the first one to react protectively. Sure, the other's are protective of Pidge, but it's different for Lance because he reacts in such a 'big brother' sort of way. Again, Lance comes from a really big family, so playing the big brother role is second nature to him, and I love that it's such a huge part of his character to be protective.

*S&M plays every time Axca is onscreen*

Coran doing the Office Look

Coran: the lions are weak, we’ll end up right back here

Axca: then perish

I think the guard is already overwhelmed enough, what with having his quiznack handed to him by a couple of mice

Takashi honey does he look okay

why does Zethrid just sound like a guy trying and failing to do a girly voice

so apparently Axca has a type and that type is guys with ‘flippity hair’

Pidge’s smolness is a weapon in and of itself

when did Lance become the right-hand man I like this arrangement

“Can we just fight?” is the pg equivalent of “I’M GAY BITCH”

Ezor’s... head thing makes her look like Space Rapunzel

she was *Star Wars voice* seduced by the dark side of the force

do they seriously expect us to believe that there’s just an alien named Bob

‘intergalactic goofballs” is the most accurate description yet

“c’mere keith” WIVEL WIVEL WHIRL

“I... uhhh” is the most artist thing I have ever heard

do the creators just stuff cookies in their mouths and say random stuff to come up with alien words

WHY DIDN’T THEY GUESS KOSMO IS LOOKS MORE LIKE KOSMO THAN A LION

princess Lance is playing this game the right way don’t you yell at him

Keith’s voice when he says “windy cave?”

”the dumb one” bitch you’re the one who’s dead so who’s really the dumb one here

Bob please stop hurting my son his self-esteem is already fragile enough

Is he beautiful? Absolutely. Is he dumb? ABSOLUTELY NOT STOP HURTING HIM

One of these days Lance will straight up dab and on that day I will die of joy

Allura is literally picking up Hunk and I love it

now Allura’s asking the really big questions. I mean, what are any of us doing here. We’re just specks of dirt floating on the vast tissue of time

Pidge is trying so hard to look like she couldn’t care less and I’ve never related to anything more

She looks so smug whacking the camera

KEITH HAS OFFICIALLY ADOPTED SHIRO’S PROUD SPACE DAD FACE

Lance’s face when he’s talking about his little crush on Keith

CAN YOU TWO GET ANY GAYER

I just want Coran to get to earth and be Dumbledore in a play

I like the end music it’s so dancey and disco but not cringy

In the course of two seconds Coran goes from the Lorax to a ginger version of the guy from Ratatouille

KoSmO ThE dElIvErY wOlF

was that for real an alien dick joke

I like how both my gay sons have marks on their faces. Shiro has a scar, Keith has a Galra mark. What’s next? Lance with airbender tattoos? I hope not.

that is legit just a watermelon with tusks

oh Merlin no that’s even worse please go back to the watermelon

zippity zap your neck goes snap

don’t you love it when female characters literally glow with power? because I do

that was such an Avengers moment

Chat Noir would be proud of you, Hunk

Shiro is a savage

THE FACT THAT KEITH THOUGHT HE HAD TO EXPLAIN WHAT FLIGHT FORMATION EXERCISES ARE

the paladins adopting ‘quiznack’ into their casual cussing vocabulary is what I live for

if “something will come to kill us any minute now” is a good thing, you have severely low standards

oh yes lovely they’re having group hallucinations of space bats

OHHHHHHHHHHH YES BRING ON THE QUESTIONING OF EXISTENCE I NEED THIS ANGST

Hunk stubbornly refusing to sound off is so relatable like my stubbornness also drives all those around me slowly insane

HUNK IS LITERALLY SHOOTING A GIANT RAY OF SUNSHINE BECAUSE HE IS ACTUALLY A GIANT RAY OF SUNSHINE

Hunk being shocked by being shown any form of value and appreciation crushes my heart this boy needs to be loved

that enthusiastic “YEAH!” is what sleep deprived happiness sounds like

I like to imagine the voice actors practicing dramatic anime screaming while they drive to work and now I can’t breathe cuz I’m laughing too hard

WAIT WHAT I THOUGHT THE ENTIRE PROBLEM HERE WAS THAT THE LIONS WEREN’T CHARGED ENOUGH TO FORM VOLTRON

Keith and Lance’s bayards make giant magic wings that’s some serious soulmate shit right there

really you’re not gonna shoot it first to check if it’s real? after that whole space monster thing? you’re just gonna zoom toward it? hon c’mon

and of course the creators had to ask themselves “How can we best ruin this moment of joy? THE GALRA INVASION”

Colleen Holt is a force of nature and the living embodiment of “don’t fuck with me I’ve got the power of God and anime on my side”

Iverson: here’s what we know

Me: YOU FOOL YOU KNOW NOTHING

Sammy’s not having none of your shit so shut it before he tapes it

DO YOU SEE COLLEEN’S FACE I DON’T WANT LIFE ANYMORE

oh jeez they’re lined up by height that’s adorable

I like how this clearly takes place in a fairly distant future, but robots aren’t doing everything like people seem to think they would. The evident majority of labor is still done by people, like engineers and flight directors.

BITCH IT’LL BE YOUR WAR WHEN THE GALRA ARE ON YOUR DOORSTEP DO YOU REALLY WANNA WAIT UNITL THEN 

I’VE ONLY HAD COLLEEN FOR LIKE TEN MINUTES BUT IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO HER THIS SHOW WOULD BE DEAD TO ME

If they’d shown Keith’s recording it would’ve been like “Hey, it’s me. *with Kosmo sprawled across his lap, panting loudly. Lance is snickering quietly behind the camera* I don’t exactly, uh... have family on earth. But I’m Keith, the Garrison’s number one discipline problem. I wear the title proudly, but I still just wanted to... apologize, kind of, to pretty much every authority figure at the Garrison for making your life living hell. Yeah.”

“but everything changed when the Galra invaded”

does Kinkade ever speak? I kinda want him to be mute. A disabled fighter pilot would be the coolest thing

Veronica is such a badass 

aw man he spoke 

I can’t wait for when Krolia comes back to earth everyone’s gonna be like “oh fUCK A GALRA SHOOT IT DOWN” and then Keith walks out with his arms up like “HOLD IT THEY’RE WITH US” *Krolia steps out* “everybody say hi to my mom”

“Don’t miss” oh yeah I just thought I’d let them go this would be a great way to let Sandac know we’re here

THE SMALLEST PIDGEOT

oh my Merlin they have a dog

oh what a soft moment

what was with that dramatic look between Keith and Griffin? I mean I know this is Keith we’re talking about but there’s no way they held a grudge that long over a disagreement when they were... what? Eleven?

Allura is rocking that Garrison uniform

“Allura, you’re a genius!” yeah sweetie I know

OH MY MERLIN MY TWO ANGELS ARE HUGGING DO YOU SEE KEITH’S FACE

that’s going to electrocute him 

HOLY QUIZNACK SHE HAD A BALMERA CRYSTAL ON HER FOREHEAD THE WHOLE TIME

 Shiro’s hair floof looks less like a bird now and more like a dead bush

WHERE THE FUCK IS THIS ALLURALANCE COMING FROM THE STARS GAVE NO WARNING OF THIS I DO NOT ACCEPT

Veronica is officially one of my faves

Kaltinecker is just like “oh this is happening now”

SMUSH

I still can’t believe they got the particle barrier up in the first place

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE FACT THAT LANCE IS THE FIRST PERSON KEITH CALLS FOR

ohhhh look it’s launching somethings going good- wait never mind  WHY ALWAYS THIS

Leifstoder is adorable

CAN YOU ANIMATE SOMETHING ELSE 

Griffin has the voice of an angel

Shiro’s floating arm kind of ruins the dramatic hero effect of the doors opening into the light of battle

should the beams from the zyphorge canons be that pretty

I know Sendac is an ass and he deserves to die but I have to admire his dedication

NOW I’M FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEFALLIN

my major problem here is that, a) how is Shiro alive? he has no helmet, no oxygen tank. all the air should be sucked right out of his lungs. He should be dead, and b) NO HUMAN BEING CAN JUST BARREL THROUGH EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE UNPROTECTED LIKE THAT THE THERMOSPHERE IS LIKE 5OO KELVIN SHIRO SHOULD BE A CHARRED PILE OF BONES

we will remember this as the Battle of the Floating Arms

“Victory or de-” *Keith, falling fiercely from the sky* DEATH

aaaaaaaaaand the victory is short-lived

oh I missed this when is the last time they dedicated an entire episode to just fighting a giant-ass robot

KAWAII ANIME PLANCE

so what is this now? Dark matter? Dark quintessence?

Coran: but Voltron!

Shiro: bitch we are voltron

SoMeBoDy’S gOnNa DiEeE

is there anything I hate more than watching my children accept that they are about to die? My burning hatred for Severus Snape comes very close but no there is not

MATT HAS... I DUNNO WHAT IS THAT? A BOYFRIEND? A GIRLFRIEND? HE’S HOLDING SOMEBODY’S HAND AND HE LOOKS FABULOUS 

how much you wanna bet that when Haggar disappeared she took over Lotor’s little Altean colony and now she’s using them for the robots