#remembering Auntie Hazel

[galleryyuhself]

Galleryyuhself - A rousing tribute to the late (Auntie) Hazel Ward Redman by her fellow colleague Neil Giuseppi.

Image of Morris Connor Pianist and co host to Auntie Hazel Ward at (far left)

HAZEL WARD-REDMAN

This morning I am presenting a biographical sketch of one of the greatest women I have ever known.Apart from my mother, Undine Giuseppi, I cannot think of any professional woman who has had a greater impact on my life than Hazel Ward-Redman.Hazel was the consummate professional. She insisted on excellence in everything that she did.

From the time I joined television I watched her every move, intent on learning whatever I could from this very talented woman.Hazel was one of the pioneers of ttt, (Trinidad and Tobago Television) which she joined in 1962 prior to the launch of the station. She had previously worked at Radio Trinidad.She was born Hazel Avion Wilson on July 20th, 1935, at Number 8 Fonrose Street in San Fernando. She was the daughter of Austin and Valentine Wilson and was one of nine children.Hazel’s primary education was at the Coffee Street E.C. School. She then attended St. Joseph’s Convent in San Fernando.

On graduating she taught at the Convent for a short while before venturing into the field of broadcasting. She became a Radio Announcer with the Voice of Rediffusion. From there she moved to Radio Trinidad where she produced and presented a number of programmes, mainly dealing with women’s issues.But being a radio presenter was not to be the eventual  role she was destined to play.And so it was that when a new dawn was emerging over an independent Trinidad and Tobago in 1962, Hazel Ward-Redman was one of a team of pioneers who braved the uncharted waters to launch ttt, an institution which over the next 43 years was to play an integral part in the development of Trinidad and Tobago and which was instrumental in moulding the lives of each and every one of us.Aunty Hazel, as she became known to all, was an almost larger-than-life figure on our television screens for most of those years.Her cultural programmes like “12 and Under” and “Teen Talent” and her magazine programmes like “Mainly for Women,” “Centre Stage” and “Not for Women Only” set standards of excellence that television producers and presenters today would do well to emulate.Strange though it may seem, few people remember that she was the first Weather Anchor at ttt, a position she handled with the same flair and professionalism she did on all her other television programmes.

Image of Morris Connor Pianist and co host to Auntie Hazel Ward at (far left) a young entertainer on her Twelve and Under Show, Auntie Hazel herself and her co-host Richard Pierre.

But Aunty Hazel was more than merely a Producer and Presenter of Television programmes.She was a teacher and mentor to thousands of young people whose lives she influenced positively. She was a guiding light when all around seemed dark and hopeless. While at ttt she got the opportunity to be trained at the B.B.C. in London.The story of how that came about is quite interesting and speaks volumes to the high regard in which she was held at all levels of the society.She related to her sisters that one day, while at work, she received a telephone call from the-then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams.“What can I do to help you?” was the question posed by Dr. Williams.Hazel immediately thought that this was a great opportunity for her to get the much-needed funding and support that was required for the children’s programmes she was producing at the time and she began to outline the areas that wanted the greatest assistance.“That’s not what I meant,” interjected Dr. Williams in his usual abrupt manner. “What can I do to help you personally?”Hazel could not believe what she was hearing and immediately told the Prime Minister that her greatest dream had always been to receive professional training at the B.B.C. in London.

Shortly afterwards, her dream came to pass, thanks to Dr. Williams.She received many awards during her lifetime.These include the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) in the sphere of Culture…. the National Women’s Action Committee Award for outstanding contribution to the development of Women in the Arts… the San Fernando City Council Award for her contributions in Arts and Entertainment… the Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association Award for Media Excellence… and the Vanguard Award from the National Drama Association of Trinidad and Tobago.Hazel had a deep religious faith and whenever in Port of Spain she ensured that she attended service at the All Saints Anglican Church.Her love of Almighty God was uncompromising.Although she had none of her own, Hazel loved children and devoted her life to creating opportunities for the nation’s youth.She was also very family-oriented and took great pain to ensure that her brothers and sisters remained a close-knit unit at all times. She also took great interest in her nieces and nephews, particularly those who were involved in the arts.She was a loving and committed wife. In the last few years until his death in 2012 she devoted herself to caring for her husband, Archie, during his illness.

She was always impeccably dressed in public, as most of us knew.What we perhaps did not know was that this emphasis on dressing properly extended even to the confines of her own home.Her niece, Gillian, who lived with her for some time, recalls that she was always amazed that whenever Hazel came home, she would never put on a T Shirt and shorts as most of us are wont to do but instead would change into some elegant wear, a Meiling creation perhaps.This prompted Gillian to remark one day in true local parlance, “But like this woman ent have no home clothes or what.”But this was the woman, Hazel Ward-Redman. She maintained the highest standards in all aspects of her life at all times.I knew Hazel even before I joined ttt in 1971.My parents were very friendly with Wilton Hercules and his wife, Ena. Ena was Hazel’s elder sister. Uncle Will was my Godfather while Aunt Ena was my sister’s Godmother. The two families were very close. When I joined ttt, she always took a keen interest in my career and would always be willing to provide advice and assistance whenever she could. She was also never afraid to pull me up when she thought I had done something wrong.I remember in 1979, after the coup in Grenada, I had succeeded in obtaining an exclusive telephone interview with Maurice Bishop, one of the leaders of the insurrection.The day after the interview was aired, Hazel stormed into the Newsroom and although she congratulated me on scooping the other media and conducting what she thought was a very good interview, she chided me for calling him Maurice and not Mr. Bishop.“You must understand,” she said, “that although you know him personally, you must realise that he is now the Head of the Government of Grenada and must be treated with the dignity and respect that that office demands.”I have never forgotten that lesson.                                                                                                                           

That was the type of person that Hazel Ward-Redman always was. She gave everyone the respect that they deserved.And she handled everything she did with class. I remember at a function at which both she and I were present, a slightly intoxicated individual attempted to make a pass at her. I was actually sorry for the poor individual when she had finished with him. And she never raised her voice; she never used any language of which she would be ashamed. It was a truly classy put down. I always admired that about her.After I left ttt she always followed my career with interest and many were the conversations we had on the telephone. In 2014 during her illness I felt it important that she should meet Carol with whom I was about to get married.We visited her at her home in San Fernando and spent an hour or so with her.As we were leaving she gave me a wink and a nod of approval.That was the positive note on which my visit ended. It was the last time I saw her alive.On Monday 27th October, 2014, at 7.15 a.m., Hazel Ward-Redman, Teacher, Television Producer and Presenter extra-ordinaire, Educator, Guide, Mentor, Patriot and Wife breathed her last on this earth and went to sit alongside her late husband, Archie, forever at the feet of the Lord.I shall always remember being tremendously honoured when I was asked by her niece, Gillian, to deliver a tribute at her funeral, an invitation I accepted without hesitation.To the end of my days, I shall always be proud to have had this champion of a woman as a friend and professional associate.

[sapchat]

We Are Not Our Fathers, But I Am Yours

Azriel x Reader

Summary: Back by quite literal popular demand: It’s been a few months since you and Az have taken Hawthorne in, and now he has questions about what you guys are to him.

Warnings: I say bastard once. We talk about Azriel's lovely father and the rest of his family. oo I mention that Elain and Lucien had a weird relationship, but just saying "whatever they got going on"

Words: 2.8k

Part One

You're Reading Part Two!!(2)

“How is it, being a mother?” Feyre asked while watching Hawthorne play with little Nyx. The six-year-old, whilst bigger than the one-and-a-half-year-old, still knew to be gentle enough to play.

“It’s… nice, I mean I know I’m not his actual mother. But it’s weird, in the last couple of months I feel like I’d do anything to protect him, I mean honestly, I’d probably sacrifice Az to protect him.” I say, giving a chuckle towards the end.

“I know, Rhys and I said the same thing with Nyx. I mean you remember how Rhys was while I was pregnant, but the minute that little boy got here. It was game over for us both.” Feyre said smiling at the little boys.

We sat drinking our tea a little more watching them play in Elain’s garden before she turned to me again.

“I know that you guys are unofficially planning on moving to Windhaven once he’s eight, so he can be trained. Me and Rhys want you guys in his mother’s house. I know you will be back and forth but instead of getting your guys’ own place, just use it.”

I look at Feyre tears in my eyes from what she and Rhys are offering, then grab her hand, “Thank you guys, I’ll be sure to tell Az when we get home.”

“How is the spymaster doing with this… adjustment?” The High Lady asked a small glint in her eye.

I’d taken to the adjustment quite quickly, as I had already been playing caregiver before we had decided. Azriel was adjusting a little slower. I couldn’t tell if it was due to the lack of parental figures in his younger years, or because of how quickly it went from me and him, to me him and a child.

“He’s,” a quick pause, “Adjusting. It’s been slow, and he’s more awkward than usual. Hawthorne pretty quickly accepted that I was essentially a mother to him. But with Az, I don’t know. Hawthorne had a father who protected him for five years, and then we showed up and told him he wouldn’t see him again. He still calls him Azriel, or Azzie, or a variation of that. And whilst he hasn’t called me his mother it’s like it’s on the tip of his tongue.” I tell her honestly.

I mean we never truly expected him to see us as his parents, but it’s still weird having a child call you by name. Nothing with aunt or uncle in front of it or anything either.

“I think it’ll be okay. Hawthorne knows you both love him, and you both care for him and protect him. You get that and Azriel gets that. He couldn’t have two better parents.” Feyre tells me reassuringly. It seemed like she was going to add something else but then Hawthrone ran over, Nyx stumbling after him.

“Can we have cake now Aunty Feyre?” Hawthorne asked looking from his spot at her knees batty his dark eyelashes.

The child really could pass for our child if it came down to it. The same Illyrian features, hazel eyes, dark almost black hair, and golden skin. There have been times when we walked down the street after collecting him from the Velaris school that people had stopped and awed at how cute of a family we were. How our son was so cute and a carbon copy of his father.

Taking the smiles, they receive as thanks; they don’t notice how tense we become. How I glance at my mate, and he just glances down, some distant look in his eye that I can’t describe.

“That’s not up to me,” Feyre says nodding her head in my direction. The little boy looked at me, eyes gleaming in hope.

“Come on little shadow, let’s see if Aunt Elain and the twins have lunch for us,” I say standing and straightening my pantsuit out. I took his hand and waited for Feyre to pick up the little prince and we went into the Townhouse.

Nuala, Cerridwen, and Elain greeted us, pouring some tea into glasses, and watered-down juice into small cups for the boys. Hawthorne ran excitedly to the three in the kitchenette, and looked into Elain’s brown eyes, “You have snacks?”

Elain smiled down at the boy, smiling down at the little Illyrian. “We do have snacks. But I don’t know if you get to have any.” She said, joy glinting in her eyes at pestering the little boy.

Hawthorne looked stunned at her for a second, as if he couldn’t believe he was being denied something, and quickly turned to me, “Aunt Elain’s being mean!”

We all laughed as the little boy pouted in disbelief, even more so when he saw us all laughing. His foot stomped the ground, his wings flaring a little.

The laughing calmed a little as Rhys, Cass, and Az entered the house. They stood in the doorway watching all of us standing around looking at a little grumpy Illyrian.

The child looked at the three males and ran over to Azriel slamming into his legs. He placed a hand lightly on his back and looked around in question. “They’re being mean to me Azzie!”

At that Rhys let out a laugh, Cassian joining in. My mate looked at me in question, “Is there a reason I have a grumpy child hiding in my legs?”

“He’s just trying to get snacks for our lunch. Which he wouldn’t expect that unless someone kept letting him sneak some.” I told him, lightly glaring in his direction, but sent love down the bond nonetheless.

Azriel picked the boy up, his wings fluttering away as he did. “She’s right, you have to eat your lunch before sweets.” Hawthorne looked at Azriel in shock.

“But you and Uncle Cassin always give snacks like that before dinner!” Everyone turned to look at the two in question, a little glimmer of amusement shining through.

Feyre looked to me with humor all over her face, “Well, now we know why he hardly eats his lunch and dinner now.”

It was later in the evening; you were trying to give the boy a quick little bath. He was mainly just splashing around. Azriel watched with amusement as you tried to run a cloth over him.

“You could help you know. I mean how did Rhys’ mother give all of you baths.” I say huffing wiping sweaty hair from my face. You were going to need a bath after this.

Azriel had a small smile on his usual blank face, “She usually gave up after the first five minutes. I’m surprised you’ve tried this for as long as you have.”

Having the child around has made him more emotionally viewable. Where he used to only show how he felt, few and far between, now it’s more common. Sitting on your heels you let an exhausted sigh leave.

“You know little thorn in my side,” You say pinching his nose, he laughs in response, “I’m just going to sit over here and when you deem yourself clean let me know.” The dark-haired boy nodded and went back to playing immediately.

You walked over and sat by Az, leaning your head against him. “Who knew raising a little Illyrian was such work.”

Azriel leaned his head down letting out a huff of a laugh. “Imagine more than one in a house.” And you did, just for a second. But it wasn’t Rhys, Cassian, or Azriel you were picturing. It was Hawthorne and a few others. Some that did look like Azriel and one that looked like you. You pictured it long enough that you must have somehow sent what you were thinking down the bond. Because Azriel sent nothing but joy and love back.

“Let’s get this one situated first,” Azriel whispered, arm wrapping around you. You smiled up at him, excitement glistening in your eyes.

By the time you sent Azriel to put the kid to bed, you stayed back to clean up the mess in the bathroom. By the time you got to the boys’ room, you could hear them talking.

“Why don’t I have ears like her?” It was Hawthorne asking the question, and it made you pause in confusion.

“Because she’s what is called High-Fae, and you’re an Illyrian. Like me.” There was shuffling, Azriel must have been tucking him in.

“So… does that mean she can’t be my mom?” It was a quiet question, and silence followed after it.

“What makes you say that little shadow?”

“Well, if I’m like you, and she’s not like us. Then she can’t be my mom, right? Like Nyx. Aunt Feyre and Uncle Rhys both have pointy ears, just like Nyx.”

“You don’t have to look like someone for them to be family. Just like me and your uncles don’t look alike, they’re still my brothers. Just like she can still be your mom. Now, it’s time for you to get to bed.” You smiled, and quickly wiped your face before entering the room.

“What are we still doing up little soldier?” You walked over to him and took Az’s spot on the bed. Hawthrone smiled at you, peeking out from under the covers.

You tucked him in just a little tighter, leaned over and gave him a kiss on the head then brushed his hair from his face.

You sat for a second, looking at your little joy, then whispered goodnight, and just when you went to shut the door you heard it. “Goodnight mama.”

Holding back your tears just a little, you turned back and said, “Goodnight little shadow.” Then shut the door. And turned to Azriel's chest to shed some of the tears.

“Come on,” he whispered, “Let’s get you cleaned up and then to bed.”

You had picked Hawthrone up from school a few days later when he asked you a question.

“You and Azriel are together, right?” It surprised you; it was an odd question for a six-year-old. “Like… Like Aunty Feyre and Uncle Rhys?”

“Yes. Just like them, me and Azriel are mates. You remember what mates are right?” I said holding his hand as we walked down the sidewalk by the Sidra. You and Azriel had talked to him about a few things before you guys could get him in a school. So, he could know who his family would be, and about some of the world.

He nodded his head, he knew the story of me and Azriel, at least as kid friendly as you could get with Az’s job. I mean you yourself were only a healer at the school before meeting the Inner Circle. Then Madja recruited you to help with what few kids came through her shop. After about three years you were Madja’s right-hand man, thus introducing you to the Inner Circle for all their bumps and bruises. So Hawthrone knew you two were mates, like Feyre and Rhysand, and Nesta and Cassian. Whilst Elain and Lucien’s dynamic still confused him a little.

“So, if you’re my mother, does that make Az my father?” You almost stumbled at the question. Azriel had struggled in the first few weeks of having Hawthrone, he didn’t have good parental figures, so trying to play dad to a kid was a struggle.

With Nyx he had no issue, he could play uncle, be there for a few hours but at the end of the day Nyx went back to his own parents.

“Do you want Azriel to be your father?” I asked a little hesitant, I didn’t want to cause any issue for Az, or Hawthorne. It hadn’t been that long ago that you guys got him out of a bad situation in an Illyrian camp. From his own father.

“I don’t know. I know he likes me now. Before it was… strange,”

“Confusing, you’re looking for the word confusing.”

“Cun-fushion.”

“Well, if you’re really confused then you could ask him. He always tells you that you can tell him anything. The same goes for asking questions. That’s called communicating.” Hawthorne sounded the word out to himself, then sat for a minute in thought. Right as you were about to ask him a question he perked up, wings twitching.

“Oo oo oo can we stop and get sweets!” You’ve got to pick a different path to walk along.

“We’re home-!”

“We got sweets!!”

“We got sweets! Hawthorne those were supposed to be a surprise.” Setting the box of treats down on the table of the River House you followed the tiny stuttering of feet flying through the house in the direction of the rest of the voices.

You found some of the family in the sitting room and joined Azriel on the arm of his chair. Hawthorne was already telling Elain about his very eventful day at school, using his arms to explain it better.

I leaned over just slightly so Az could hear me, “He was asking some questions on the walk here.”

Azriel turned and looked at me, a look of almost fear in his eyes. Then furrowed his eyebrows in question.

“Nothing serious was just asking if we were together, a few other things I’ll tell you alone.”

“He asked if we were together?” I laughed a little then ran a hand through his hair looking at my boy.

“Yea, I thought the same thing. Asked if it was the same way as Rhys and Feyre.”

“Was it serious? What he asked, which is why you don’t want to tell me here.” There’s that wariness that Azriel always had regarding us.

“Just… something I figured we could talk to him about later, about parentage.” Azriel is all but locked up at that. Hands that had been clasped together moved to hide almost, shadows coming to drape over him a little. One moved to join Hawthorne and wrapping around him. “Just the basics, but it could be time to tell him something though, before we all go to Windhaven.”

Azriel nodded his head, distress flowing down the bond, I sent reassurance back.

By the time dinner was done, the sweets were eaten, and everyone went off to their respective houses. You met Hawthorne and Azriel in his room with some cocoa. Whipp cream and cinnamon on top.

“Wanna know how I got these marks on my hands?” Hawthorne glanced down at Azriel’s hand, then to his face, an indescribable look on his little face. Then he slightly nodded.

“I was born to a lord in a camp. My mother wasn’t with him though, remember how you had called me a bastard when we first met?” Hawthorne nodded guiltily, “It’s okay, that’s what it’s called when your mother and father have a kid without being together. My father’s wife didn’t like it, didn’t like me.” Azriel took a deep breath, and I handed him a cup, so he had something to fidget with.

“They had two other sons, older that didn’t like. Since they didn’t like me, they kept me locked away in… my bedroom,” the safest option rather than a ‘dungeon’ “One day, my brothers decided to test how well we could heal…. By the time my father’s guards got there, it was too late, and the fire did this.”

“Did your father do anything to stop them from being mean to you…?” Hawthorne silently asked Azriel, looking at his hands and then back to his face.

“No. My father was a really bad man. Really mean too. Kept me away from people and from flying, but when they found out I could talk with the shadows, they took me to the camp we’ll go to when you’re older. And I met your Uncle Rhys and Uncle Cassian, and Aunt Mor.” Azriel told him, Hawthorne glanced in my direction now.

“Was my father like yours was?” Hawthorne asked me, Azriel eyes widened a little, I opened my mouth to answer and reassure him but Azriel beat me to hit.

“No! You are nothing like your father. Understood?” Hawthorne nodded, “Just like I’m not my father.”

Hawthorne sat for a second, even more silent than usual when pondering a question.

“Are… are you, my father? Like she’s my Mother?” A silent tear dripped down your mate's face, almost matching the ones building in your own.

“I am nothing like either of our fathers. And whilst I might not be the one who created you, your father, I can be your father. If you’ll allow me to.” Hawthorne’s eyes watered up then flung himself into Azriels’ arms, wings trying to wrap around him. Azriel hugged back and wrapped his own wings around him, as you sat taking in the scene.

He stood from his hugging position and took your hand, and the three of you went just two doors down to your own room. Where the three of you slept, you on the left, Azriel on the right, and just under Azriel’s wing and under your arms was Hawthorne. The little dark-haired, hazel-eyed Illyrian slept soundly, between his two parents.

Like it, tell me how you feel, share it with your friends. Share it with your grandma. Share it with the weird guy that lives at the end of the street who knows way too much about the K.G.B

Side note if you made it this far please dear god tell me what you would get the IC for solstice/Christmas presents. I have ideas for them all but Rhys. Please it can be on anom or anything 😂

[harlowcomehome]

You’re my daddy, not his! :

Requested by my 💛 anon.

You and Jack were rushing around the house, trying to make sure that you had baby-proofed everything you needed to for safety measures.

You had already done this because of your own kids but you wanted to make extra sure your company was safe.

“I forgot what it was like to have a small baby around” Jack laughed.

Hazel was already nine and Jade was going to be four.

“I think we both did way too much but better safe than sorry” you shrugged. “Sandra said she’d be here in about an hour.”

“So in two hours then?” Jack teased.

Sandra was a friend of both of you, Jack had met her through the label and her oldest child had a lot of play dates with Hazel when they were younger. Her oldest, named Lordes was six and then Sandra just had another baby a couple months ago, so you and Jack invited her over for one of your family barbecues so everyone could meet her new addition.

“Clay said he’d be here in about fifteen minutes to start grilling” Jack smiled and you nodded.

“You know you’re capable of grilling too right?” You teased.

“Clay does it better though” he smiled, and he wasn’t wrong.

You clicked your tongue at him, shaking your head as you handed him the food that would need to be grilled.

“Daddy, can you set up the sprinkler? Please?” Hazel asked impatiently as she already had her bathing suit on.

Jade walked over to you, “I don’t wanna play in the sprinkler, I tired.” She yawned and you picked her up, resting her as best you could on your hip.

“Do you wanna take a nap? Your uncles and aunties will be here soon” you reminded her as you knew she wouldn’t remember.

“Small one” she yawned and you walked her to her room.

“Let me know if you need anything” You pushed her curls out of her face and kissed her on the forehead before quietly leaving her room.

Shortly after you left her room Clay, Urban, and Copelan showed up. “Hey, guys!” You walked over and gave them all a hug and let them know Jack was in the backyard with Hazel.

“Need help with anything?” Copelan asked you before you assured him you were fine and he joined everyone else.

Your house started to fill up with all the usual family and friends it always did, and then finally Sandra showed up. Jack was right, she was always fashionably late but you didn’t mind it.

Jade had just woken up from her nap and decided to join her sister and cousins in the backyard.

“Oh my gosh! Sandra!” You hugged her and greeted Lordes before asking to hold her new baby boy.

“Of course! Gives my arms a rest” Sandra smiled.

Jack walked inside and assured her the food was ready and to let loose and relax. She knew everyone there anyway.

You sat down on the couch, admiring the baby. “Hi Santiago, I’m y/n. I’m so glad your mommy could make it today so I could finally meet you” you whispered.

Jack sat beside you, admiring how beautiful you looked holding four-month-old Santiago.

“He’s so little” you hummed, smiling at the baby.

“He’s adorable too” Jack responded.

“Do you wanna hold him?” You looked up at Jack. He eagerly nodded, taking him from you as softly as possible.

You smiled at your husband, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss the days when your babies were tiny. He had such strong paternal instincts and you found it incredibly attractive.

Santiago cooed and made small mumbling sounds but he was asleep for the most part.

“Don’t look at me like that” he half chuckled as he looked up and into your eyes.

“Why? You might mess around and give me another?” You winked and he just smiled and shook his head.

“Sometimes I think about it”’ he admitted, “but not for long, two is more than enough.”

Jack never forgot your difficult birth with Jade, and obviously you didn’t either. It traumatized you both.

“Does it make you sad that we never had a son?” You looked down at Santiago, with tears in your eyes.

“Never, I have my girls and that’s all that I need” he hummed, leaning over safely to kiss you. “You three keep me on my toes enough as it is” he laughed.

Hazel and Jade walked in quietly, “can we see the baby?” Hazel asked excitedly but Jade was more reserved.

You noticed Jade looking at Jack intensely. “Why’s daddy holding that baby?” Jade asked you, as she crawled into your lap. She was still watching her dads every move.

“This is Santiago” Jack showed both the girls but Jade remained uninterested.

“He’s so cute” Hazel giggled as she sat between both you and Jack.

“Not cute,” Jade said with a huff, “Bald.”

“Jade!” Hazel gasped.

“Don’t know why daddy is holding a baby that’s not his baby” She scooted off your lap and went and sat on the arm of the couch next to Jack.

“You don’t need to hold him” she scolded, wagging her finger at him.

You realized what was going on here and wanted to giggle but you felt genuinely bad for Jade. When Jade was born Hazel had to learn to share her parents but Jade never had that experience.

“Jade, it’s okay. Daddy is just holding him while Sandra eats” You tried to calm her emotions.

Jack wanted to comfort her, but his hands were full.

“What’s wrong with her?” Hazel whispered to you.

“Remember when Jade was born and you had to share Daddy?”

“Yeah? She doesn’t wanna share?” Hazel whispered.

“Yeah, something like that bug” you sighed.

“You’re my daddy, not- not” Her eyes filled with tears and she started to cough on her own spit.

She was about to have a full fledge Jade Harper Harlow breakdown.

“Oh shit” Hazel cussed but you were too overwhelmed to react.

“Gimme the baby” You reached your hands out to Jack and took Santiago as he stood up to comfort Jade.

“Jadey” he picked her up as she started to wail. He took her to her room as he tried not to disturb the baby.

Sandra walked in, as she heard crying. Lordes followed too. “I heard crying?”

“Jade was a little jealous after seeing her dad hold Santiago. She didn’t sleep much today.” You nervously laughed.

“Oh, she was the same way” she motioned to her daughter Lordes.

“Hazel too” You smiled and Hazel groaned.

“I don’t remember.”

“Me and Daddy definitely do though” you laughed.

You handed Santiago back to Sandra for a feeding and you went to check on Jade and Jack. Hazel went back outside to play with Lordes and her cousins.

You walked up to the door, you heard sniffling and you quietly opened the door. Jade was in Jack's lap and he was rocking her back and forth.

“You know you’re daddies baby right? I love you so much” he continued to tell her and she sniffled. She was more calm than she was a few moments ago.

“Why holding the baby? Mommy didn’t have a baby.”

“Sandra is mommy and i’s friend and she had a baby. She was just letting me and your mommy hold him.”

You sat down beside them on the bed.

“So he’s not living here?” She said excitedly looking at you both and Jack chuckled.

“No baby, he will go home with Sandra when she leaves” he reassured her.

“Ohs, he will go home? Does this mean you still loves me?”

“That’ll never change” you and Jack said in unison.

“Ohs, I feel silly now” she giggled wiping her eyes. “I go play?”

“Yes sweetheart, go play” Jack helped her off his lap and you both watched as she ran out of the room.

“I told you, the three of you keep me on my toes”’ he laughed and you scooted closer to him.

“I love how you handled that” You pulled him closer for a kiss.

“Oh really? Let me handle you next” he winked.

[rebeliz7]

AUGUST - PART 3

August 3/3

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader 

…

August, 21th

You walk slowly down the hallway, your eyes firmly locked on the ground and your moving feet. Maybe you’re dreaming, you certainly feel like it. 

You try swallowing down the metaphorical knot tied around your throat, but the action only makes your chest ache and you can’t focus on anything but that, no matter how hard you try. 

It was always going to end like this, you knew it. You always knew it. 

“There she is!” Steve’s voice finally makes you look up, and his face is the first thing you see because he’s coming towards you with a big smile on his lips and open arms. 

“Hey,” you manage to say right before he hugs you against his chest, and you hold onto him for a few long seconds before he pulls back. 

“Were you sleeping? Sorry to wake you.” He’s smiling, and you know everyone else is gathered behind him, but you can’t look - not yet. 

“You couldn’t find a razor in the Middle east?” You ask him, referring to his bushy beard and he laughs, before he wraps an arm around your shoulders and turns back around, dragging you along with him. 

He tells you something about beards and everyone laughs, but you don’t listen to any of it as all the blood in your veins rushes to your ears the moment you see them together. 

And you have no right, you know it. But to see Wanda’s arms wrapped around Natasha from behind, huge smiles planted on both of their faces, makes you feel as if they’ve shot you and they don’t regret it. 

Logically, in this analogy, you know you’ve shot yourself but you can’t help but feel what you feel.

“Told you I’d have his back,” Natasha tells you as she disentagles herself from her wife’s arms, and walks towards you. 

You don’t look up, firmly focusing on her face and her dark hair, since she’s dyed it somewhere along their mission. Steve promptly lets go of you to give her way, and you desperately wish that he hadn’t. 

“Hey, kid.” She hugs you, her voice soft as she wraps her arms around you and despite feeling like she’s taking everything away from you, you hug her too. “God, you’re tense.”

She smiles, her hands rubbing up and down your arms and you feel like you’re going to be sick. 

“Didn’t you tell me you were coming down with something?” Kate is suddenly by your side, throwing an arm around your shoulders and pulling you against her side, and away from Natasha. “I think it might be the flu.”

“Oh, I’ll make you something.” Natasha rubs your arm one last time, and you nod distractedly. 

You’re out of it, it feels as if you’re dreaming and you can’t wake up, no matter how hard you try. 

“Come on, killer. Let’s let Auntie Nattie here cook you a magic potion, huh?”

“She used to be likable. What happened to her?” Natasha complains and Clint laughs, as does Wanda. 

“Clint happened to her,” she says and you finally look up. Her eyes meet yours for a split second, and the emotion unraveling in her hazel eyes almost chokes you up. 

But Kate pulls you around and practically drags you out of the living room and down the hallway leading to the elevator. 

You can still hear laughter while you wait for the elevator to arrive, and Kate hugs you a little tighter, which you appreciate.

The two of you ride the elevator in silence, walk towards your bedroom in silence and when you go straight to your bed, Kate sits beside you in silence. 

…

August, 22th

You don’t remember falling asleep, but the moment you blink yourself awake you realize that you’ve been crying in your sleep. 

Everything hurts. Your chest feels like it might be splitting open, and this pain is so real that you could swear that you’ve hurt your ribs or someone kicked the living hell out of you last night. 

But the reality is that no one touched you, and the pain that’s slowly consuming you is that of your broken heart.

Kate is gone and it’s only a little after five, and you know you won’t be going back to sleep.

To think that only five hours ago you were happy, and now - God! You can’t feel like this, it’s not fair for you to feel like this. You have no right. 

A soft knock on your door makes you look up and before you can think of getting up, Wanda walks inside and quickly shuts the door behind her.

She hesitates the moment the door clicks shut behind her, and she presses her back against it as she looks at you with a pained expression on her face.   

“I’m so sorry,” she says after a beat, shaking her head and then she rushes to your bed—to you.

There’s a moment where you think that this might be a dream, but the way she gets under the covers, her cold hand reaching to cup your face and her lips pressing a hard kiss on your temple, tells you that this is real. 

“I’m so sorry,” she says again, her lips kissing your cheeks and your lips repeatedly. 

She hugs you close and you hug her too, and you finally let yourself cry and she’s there, cleaning your tears away as soon as they begin to fall and kissing you again and again. 

You don’t know how long you cry for, but when you stop Wanda’s arms are still wrapped around you, her lips still pressing soft kisses on your temple. All pretenses are gone, she can’t deny knowing exactly what you feel for her anymore and you don’t know what it’ll happen. 

You’re afraid to speak, knowing that once you do you’ll have to accept whatever comes out of her mouth in response. 

“Let me grab a tissue,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper and she reaches to your nightstand to grab the box of tissues you keep there. 

“Thanks.” You take a tissue and she sets the box behind you, before she takes the tissue from your hands. 

“You’re so beautiful,” she says as she cleans your cheeks, and you know your chin is trembling when she delicately touches it with two of her fingers.

“I feel like a mess,” you tell her and she kisses you, her lips pressing against yours in a soft and familiar kiss that steals your breath away. 

“None of that, you’re beautiful.” She kisses your nose, and although you don’t feel pretty you still try to smile through your pain. 

“Was that our last kiss?” You ask her and she takes a deep breath, and lets the air out slowly. You watch her swallowing hard, her own chin trembling as her eyes turn glassy while she looks at you. 

Your stomach tightens, like it always does when you know you’re about to be sucker punched, and Wanda kisses you again.

This is it, you think, as you return her kiss. This is your last kiss, and you don’t want it to be. 

You kiss for long and excruciating seconds, it might even be a minute but it ends, and she pulls back slightly. 

Her hands are still cold as they cup your face, and her eyes reflect pain the longer she looks at you. It almost seems like a storm is unraveling behind her eyes, and you desperately want to know what she’s thinking. 

What does she see now when she looks at you?

“That was our last kiss,” she says and although you knew she’d confirm that, it still feels like a stray bullet is piercing through your chest. 

“Okay.” Your voice breaks as you nod your head twice, and she takes in another shattering breath. 

“We agreed,” she reminds you, her voice breaking as well and you almost gather the necessary courage to ask what you’ve been wanting to ask her for a few days now. 

“You did listen to my warning.” You point out and a few tears escape her eyes, and as if she can’t help herself, she kisses you hard and you let her. 

She kisses you demandingly, as if there’s a part of her that wants to devour you, take all that she can get from you with one last kiss and you let her. 

The pressing of her body against yours makes you lay on your back, and she follows you in kind, her body sliding on top of you with the liberty that you’ve granted her. 

But this kiss ends too, and when she pulls back you cradle her face in your hands one last time. 

You don’t want it to end, you don’t want this to be the last time that you feel her breath against yours. You don’t want to have to miss the weight of her body on top of yours, and you don’t want to dream about the smell of her shampoo this close. 

“Your order, you mean?” She asks you with a hint of humor, though her eyes keep you prisoner of the emotions swirling in them. 

“I - Wanda, I - ”

The frightening realization that you almost spell those words out for her, has you both freezing on the spot. 

She kisses you again, and you wrap your arms around her as she sneaks her hands under your shirt. You’ve never retorted to tears for any situation you’ve seen yourself involved in, and now crying is all you can think about. 

“I’m so sorry,” she says the moment she pulls back, when you haven’t even opened your eyes again yet. 

“You keep saying that,” you tell her and she kisses your cheeks, holds onto you and presses her forehead on your shoulder, as if she can’t stand the idea of leaving you. 

“Ask me to stay,” she tells you, pulling back and looking into your eyes with a little bit of desperation. 

“What?” 

“Ask me,” she says, almost pleadingly and although you’re confused you still kiss her silly for a few hopeful seconds. 

“August is not over yet,” you tell her, perhaps sounding way more desperate than she just did. 

“August.” The word leaves her parted lips in a sigh, or maybe a prayer. “August isn’t over yet.”

…

You go about your day as normally as you can, and you might not feel happy with the way things seem to be about to unfold, but at least you’re not feeling completely destroyed. You think. 

Natasha meets you in the meeting launch with a cup of a steaming drink, that she tells you to take to help you feel better. You only meet her stare with a sinking feeling in your stomach, while you try hard not to think about what you’re doing and what it means for her, or you. 

There’s a debriefing, not that you’re paying the necessary attention to everything that’s being said. 

You do gather a few points. Natasha apparently discovered some very dark and important state secrets that will secure the team’s freedom for good. She’ll no longer have to answer the Government's shady calls, nor do their dirty work ever again. 

You only notice Rhodey’s presence when he claps his hands twice, before standing up and hugging her tightly. He’s so proud of her, and he’s not afraid of showing it. 

“You did good,” he tells her in earnest and Natasha smiles, but not fully. She’s proud too, you can tell by the way she keeps trying to hold back her smile. 

She’s happy that she’s done this, she’s happy because the White House will no longer call upon her with these less than ideal missions anymore. 

“It was long overdue.” She shrugs, but everyone else takes turns in congratulating her. 

You do your part, of course, as one of her oldests friends you hug her too and congratulate her sincerely. Natasha squishes you, she pats your arms and smiles widely at you, a real smile, a big one and your heart seems to break for a very different reason. 

You know she holds a special place in her heart for you, you know she feels somehow responsible for you and you really do love her and appreciate her, which makes all of this immensely harder for you. 

The realization that you don’t want to lose her friendship hits your full force. If there was anyone who deserved your unwavering loyalty, that someone was Natasha. 

The thought flies out of your mind the moment Wanda’s lips are insistently kissing a path down your neck the second you two find yourselves alone though. 

…

August, 23rd

Daisy is a ball of energy around Natasha, she’s eager to know what’s next for her and to be completely honest, so are you.

It’s clear that Natasha’s grown attached to Daisy, at least it’s clear to you, you’re not sure if it is for the rest of the team. She’s never been an S.O. before, and taking over Daisy’s training was a personal favor to Fury more than anything. 

“Hey, rookie. Warm up, I’ll be right back.” Natasha calls out, and Daisy gives her a thumbs up without being able to suppress the grin on her face. 

“You gotta show me those tapes,” Natasha tells you next and you nod, before the two of you begin to walk to your office. 

She’s heard about the simulation you ran since the night she came back, and you know she’s about to give Daisy a small mission, maybe as soon as today or tomorrow. 

“What do you think?” She asks you conversationally as you walk through the main reception area. You don’t need her to elaborate, and although you wish you could still see her in the eye, you pretend to check your phone as you answer. 

You can’t look at her face, not without wanting to blurt it all out. 

It should be easy, you tell yourself. It should be easy to keep this secret from her or anyone for that matter. You’re a trained spy, one of the best, and holding secrets is your specialty. It turns out that you’re still learning though. 

“I think starting her off with a low risk mission is the next step to go. You know how it goes from there.” 

Your voice carries out and the lull silence that follows it tells you that she notices how hard you’re trying, not that she knows exactly what you’re hiding, at least you hope she doesn’t know. 

Which reminds you, you still haven’t talked to Kate and each time you're with Wanda, talking is the last thing you two do. 

“You think she’s ready?” She asks as you walk inside your office and you open your laptop, her voice gives nothing away. 

You remind yourself that she’s never been an S.O. before, and if she’s asking you this then she wants an honest answer. 

You’re her friend. Before you knew anyone else in this team, in this country, before you even knew that Wanda existed, Natasha was your friend and the person who ultimately gave you a second chance. 

You owe her.  

The guilt settles in your stomach heavily, it feels as if your insides are getting tangled up inside you and it makes you slightly nauseous. 

“You think she has what it takes?” She asks you, as you bring up the video of the simulation on your computer, and you finally turn to look at her fully. 

“She’s special, Nat.” You nod, and a small proud grin appears on her lips. “She could very well one day lead this team. But you already knew that, didn’t you?”

“She’s got heart,” she says as you both sit in front of your desk. 

“She’s got heart.” You agree, and you press play. 

The video is just starting when your phone vibrates with a new text message, and the second you see Wanda’s name on your screen you almost panic. 

Meet me in your car. Is all it says, and you’re on your feet before you can even think of an excuse to tell Nat.

“I’ll be right back,” is all you say before you rush out of your own office. 

You make it to your car in record time and Wanda’s lips are on yours in an instant. You kiss her back, you hold onto her and when she pulls you onto her lap, you willingly straddle her.

“God, I’ve missed you.” She combs your hair back, a pretty smile on her lips as she smiles up at you. 

Watching into her eyes, you can see nothing but sincerity. She’s happy to see you, her hands are touching every inch of you that she can reach and the guilt that was threatening to swallow you whole just a few minutes ago, is gone for now. 

“Nat is taking Daisy on a mission tonight,” she tells you, confirming what you suspected . “Clint and Kate are going too.”

“It doesn’t sound like a small mission if they’re all going,” you tell her and she kisses your lips softly, her eyes still shining with mirth as she presses her lips against yours. 

“They’re just retrieving a hard drive. It looks like Kate’s contact came through. But you know Nat, she won’t take any chances this early on with Daisy.”

You do know Nat, and in the blink of an eye the guilt returns. This is wrong, and you know it.

It’s wrong to be with her wife like this, to have been with her wife like this. 

It’s wrong, and you care. You do care. 

“You talked to Kate?” You finally ask her and she nods her head, her hand still on your hair while the other one squeezes your waist slightly under your shirt. 

“She won’t say anything.” She assures you, her eyes shining with something else that you can’t fully read, as she stares up at you. 

“How can you be sure? If she mentions anything to Clint - ”

“She won’t.” She cuts you off and the sound of her voice tips you off. What swirls in her eyes it’s something you haven’t seen before, sadness maybe. 

“You’re okay?” You ask her, as you cup her face in your hands. She turns and kisses the palm of your hand, and then your wrist and the action makes your chest ache. You still think that she might lo - she might have feelings for you.  

“I’m okay.” She says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m okay.” She repeats as she wraps her arms around your waist and hides her face in your neck, breathing you in. 

You hug her too, pressing yourself closer and when minutes begin to pass by, you realize that you’re content. What more could you ever want? With her by your side, with her acting like this, you’d never need anything more. 

And yet, now that every single thing seems to have fallen in place again, you know that you can’t have her, not for good. 

God, you should have never agreed to this. You should have kept your distance. You should have respected Natasha the slightest bit. 

“Can I come over tonight?” She asks, lifting her head with unsure eyes, as if you could ever say no to her and completely oblivious to the storm unraveling inside your head. 

You should say no, even though you don’t want to, you should. 

“Of course.” You nod, although you still feel like there’s something that she’s not telling you. 

Maybe she’s going to break this up sooner than you thought she would. God knows you don’t have the strength to do it yourself, so she needs to.

…

August, 24th

It’s past midnight when Wanda slips inside your room quietly. She must think you’re asleep because you watch as she leans heavily against your closed door, her face the picture of anguish but she takes a deep breath, unwilling to cry. 

Your stomach drops at the sight, and you feel a pang in your chest. 

She’s gonna end this. She’s gonna tell you that she can’t see you anymore, and you’ll accept it because you know this has to end.

“Wan?” You call out, nervous and afraid despite everything. 

She takes a moment to take one last deep breath, and then she walks over to your bed with a wide smile that you know is not genuine. 

“Baby, I’m sorry.” She says as she takes off her long sweater, leaving her in only a tank and sleeping shorts. “I know it’s late.”

“It’s okay,” you tell her. She gets under the covers as you turn around to face her. That sadness you saw on her face in the parking lot is still there, now more prominent than before. 

A part of you knows that she’s hiding something from you, and you’re not sure you want to find out what that is. 

“I want to hold you,” she says and you feel something snap, you can’t take it anymore. 

“Why do you sound like that?” You ask her and she frowns. 

“Like what?”

“Like you already regret whatever you came here to do.”

She’s immobile for a moment, her eyes just taking you in as she ponders on her answer. When she finally moves, she presses herself close to you, to the point where your chests are touching and her hand is pressing on your hip. 

“I don’t regret being here with you.” She speaks slowly and tenderly, as if the mere act of talking is hurting her. 

If there’s a knot around her throat then you know the feeling well. But she’s fighting against the need to cry, and you can see that clearly too. 

Maybe she’s feeling the same way you are, maybe guilt is also about to swallow her whole. You know what the right thing to do is here. You know. 

“Then what is it?” You ask her.

“I want us,” she says and you stop breathing. “I want you, all the time. You’re in my mind all the time, and I want you.”

She might not be here to end this after all, and you don’t know how to react to what she’s saying. 

“Wanda, I - ”

“Is this what you feel for me?” Her voice breaks, her hand pulling you impossibly closer to her own body. She knows the answer to that question. “I don’t regret you. It’s just - it pains me to have to wait to see you, to touch you, to kiss you.”

She presses her lips against yours harshly, as if desperate to kiss you and you wrap her in your arms in response, kissing her back. 

She’s still the love of your life, you bitterly realize. 

“I want you,” she fiercely tells you, the torment in her eyes no longer easy to hide as she looks at you. “I want us.”

“But I’m yours already.” You tell her easily, knowing well that you’ve never spoken truer words before. 

You caress her cheeks with your thumbs, holding her close. She knew this from the beginning, you never hid the fact that you’re in love with her and although a part of you is elated to know that she does feel something for you, you’re also very much aware of how much she’s hurting because of the same reason. 

She looks like she’s about to burst into tears, but she doesn’t cry and she doesn’t speak again either and when she reaches down between your legs, her hand slipping past your sleeping shorts and panties, you don’t stop her. 

Gasping against her mouth, you hold onto her as she enters you with her fingers, fast and a little roughly, and you allow it because you can tell how much she needs this. She has a lot to think about but right now, she needs the distraction and you understand that.  

When you cum, she doesn’t stop and your strangled cries seem to only fuel her need to feel you closer. She takes off her clothes in a rush before helping you out of yours, just as fast, just as desperate. She’s rough in a way that speaks loudly to you. 

She’s not trying to mark you, or to claim you. No, she’s trying to find the answers to this predicament in your body, in your skin, in your scent and the way you gasp out her name each time that she makes you cum. 

You want to touch her, but she pins your hands above your head the second you try it, a silent command in her eyes as she lowers herself between your legs one more time. 

…

When you open your eyes, you realize that you must have passed out. Not that you can be blamed for it… you have no idea how many times you came and Wanda was - Wanda was insatiable. 

“You okay?” She asks you, and with a start you notice that she’s hugging you from behind, and she probably hasn’t slept at all. The small clock on your nightstand points at five thirty, and a heavy weight settles on your chest all over again.

You feel guilty to be here, so guilty that you can’t be fully present even.    

“Yeah, I’m okay.” You reach for her hand, resting comfortably on your belly, and intertwine your fingers through hers. Your bodies twisted in the bedsheets tell the story of a passionate and slightly wild night and you love it to an extent, but it also scares you. 

You love everything about last night, about her words, about her actions. You want her too, you want everything with her and yet, you still know that this is wrong and you both need to put an end to it. 

“Wanda, I - ”

“Please.” She presses her cheek against yours, cutting you off and moving fast, as if she knows exactly what you’re about to say. “Please, baby. Give me a little bit of time, please.”

Knowing that she doesn’t want to talk confuses you, no matter how hard you try to put yourself in her shoes. You want to understand, and you do to an extent but to you the answer is simple. You’d never doubt when it comes to her, you’d choose her in this lifetime and every other lifetime because she’s the only person you’ve ever loved like this. 

But she’s not free to choose, choosing her right now will mean hurting someone who’s friendship you value. Choosing her will mean hurting her, and Natasha. 

She was already in love when you started this, she was never yours, not completely. 

The pain she must be feeling, the thought of it is enough to devastate you. You never wanted to hurt her in any way, you never wanted her to experience pain like that because you knew how agonizing it was. 

“You meant it?” You still ask and she hugs you closer, pressing her front to your back with relatively more force than necessary, as if she were afraid to lose you. 

“Baby,” she whispers, the pet name falling from her lips pleadingly. “I don’t know what to do.”

Her voice breaks and you panic, but when you try to turn around she doesn’t let you, keeping you where you are as she takes deep breaths. 

“Please,” she begs again and your heart breaks for her. “Please.”

“You love me,” you speak, without being able to hold it back any longer. You didn’t want to say it out loud, afraid that she’d deny it but that’s no longer an option, is it? And she can’t expect you to say nothing when it’s obvious that this, what you two have together, has stopped being fun. 

“Please.” She begs again, her voice sounding more broken and you think she’s crying now.

“Do you?” You ask her softly and she takes a deep breath, her body shaking against yours as she does. 

Just when you start to believe that she won’t give you an answer, she pushes lightly on your shoulder for you to lay on your back, her hand still holding yours and her red, raw eyes now looking down at you as she hovers over you. 

She’s been crying, and she’s in pain, which is the last thing you ever wanted. The last thing. 

She’s beautiful, even when her hair is this much of a mess and her eyes looking swollen. She’s beautiful and you don’t want to lose her, ever…

...and maybe you already have. 

“I do.” She speaks the words so softly, a whisper that seems to break her and sew her back together again. “I love you.” She’s frowning, her eyes firmly locking you in.

“Wanda.” She reaches out to wipe away your tears, tears that you didn’t even know were shedding.  

She’s just told you everything you wanted to hear, and that only makes your resolve clearer.

“You’re so beautiful,” she says as her face twists in pain and without a second thought you wrap your arms around her, just as she begins to cry. 

Hiding her face in your neck, she cries for nearly fifteen minutes without stopping and clinging so hard to you that you almost feel suffocated by the intensity of it all. 

She loves you, and you know what to do.

…

August, 25th

She’s gone when you wake up. 

You tried to stay up when she stopped crying, but you were so tired and your mind was quiet, knowing well what you’ll have to do to make things right. 

The heavy weight of your actions and their consequences seem to settle in the pit of your stomach, and you know the uncomfortable feeling of it won’t leave you alone anytime soon. 

So much for your analogy of don’t dwell on things that already happened, and that you can’t control. This guilt is eating you alive and you can’t get past it.  

This love-this all consuming love you feel for Wanda is unprecedented, but it’s making you see things as you’ve never seen them before. After what you’ve heard about love, as one does more often than not, you expected it to somehow blind you, to make you lose control of yourself. 

In a way you guess it did that, but it also has you thinking that as infinite as love truly feels like, it’s also very limited. 

There’s so much you’d do for Wanda, to keep her with you and to make her happy, to make her want you. You can’t imagine yourself saying no to any of her requests, but there are things that you’re not willing to do, there are things that you’re not willing to change about yourself and that’s something that you’ve just discovered as well. 

You won’t be this person, you won’t stay and be the one who broke off a marriage, who caused so much pain. You can’t.

The minutes seem to drag on and the day becomes the longest of your life. You don’t look for Wanda, and she doesn’t look for you either.  

…

August, 26th

The team arrives early in the morning, all smiles and proud grins in all of their faces. Daisy’s a natural, but you knew that already. 

It is with a pang of melancholy that you congratulate her and welcome her on the team. You can’t think of a better person to fill in your absence. She’ll keep Tony on his toes, and Natasha will still have someone to look after in this place. You know she needs it to ground herself. 

“Everything okay?” Steve asks you, effectively preventing you from looking over at Wanda when she joins everyone in the hanger. 

“I think the sun is setting, Stevie.” 

He sighs heavily, a protest dies in his tongue and his shoulders tense at the same time. He’s still the most expressive guy, even after all your effort in trying to make a spy out of him. 

A very long time ago, when you were still apprehensive of this team and this place, he made you promise that you wouldn’t run, not that you were planning on it but he needed you to commit to the Avengers fully, and he needed to hear you say it.

So you did, you promised and he promised to understand when your time was up in return. 

“You sure?” He asks you and when you kiss his cheek in response, he smiles sadly while nodding his head. “Of course you are.”

…

She finds you in the locker room, and she’s not happy to have been ignored for the last few hours. You turned off your phone for a reason, and a reason alone. 

“I tell you I love you, and that’s code for you to ignore all my texts?” She asks, and your stomach drops. 

You want, and you want. 

You just came to pick up your clothes, but the moment you look at her, a tidal wave of emotion washes over you completely. 

“I love you too, you know?” You tell her softly, somehow feeling defeated and that is not how it should have gone. The first time you exchanged these words should have been in a completely different setting, under very different circumstances. “But you already knew that.”

“You don’t think that’s a good thing? Us, loving each other?” Tears are quick to gather in her eyes as she asks you this question, and despite wanting nothing more than to give her the answer she’s looking for, that weight in the pit of your stomach reminds you of what’s right. 

“It could have been.” You nod, trying hard to swallow the knot around your throat. “It could have been the best thing.”

“I-I don’t know-” she sighs, the tears gathered in her eyes roll down her cheeks and you want to take away all that pain from her. You never wanted this, you never wanted to see her hurting. 

“You don’t know what to do.” You finish for her, and she takes in a deep breath, trying to collect herself. 

You always knew, and she told you from the very beginning that she plans to stay married, but that doesn’t change how it affects you. She’s already chosen, that’s why it hurts like it does.  

“I know I love you,” she says, her voice sounding much more confident that she looks and you smile, however small. 

Yes, you think to yourself, you did want her to love you. But ultimately August was never meant to turn into this, naively you believed you’d make memories that could carry you through the rest of your life. You wanted to know, you wanted to feel, you wanted to experience her but you never wanted to hurt her. 

“I love you too,” you tell her as you close the distance and finally reach out to touch her. She’s tense, the hands resting on her hips are slightly shaking, she’s scared. 

“I love you so, so much.” You take her hands and pull until she gives in and lets you hug her, and she hugs you back. 

“What am I gonna do?” She asks after a beat and you close your eyes, willing your brain to remember what it feels like to be in her arms. 

You always knew. You always knew you’d be the one who’d end up losing. You knew. 

“I love you, Wanda.” You tell her and she pulls back, a frown on her face as she stares at you. It must be something in the sound of your voice that tips her off. 

“I don’t want to lose you,” she fiercely tells you. 

“I don’t want to lose you either.” You cup her face, and you notice how hard she's gripping your shirt, she’s still trembling. “But I’m not gonna stay here just to be your mistress.”

Her eyes show nothing but uncertainty now, her grip on your shirt somehow tightens and you know what she’s gonna say even before she does. 

“Stay here?” She asks, suspicion lacing her tone and the frown on her face now more prominent, her accent thicker. “You’re not leaving.”

“Is that an order?” You ask her with humor, despite being uncalled for and her frown somehow deepens. 

“You’re not leaving.” She shakes her head, her voice stronger and you smile, although the heartbreak you feel might be making it seem more like a grimace. 

“This was never supposed to turn out this way,” you tell her and she shakes her head. “You weren’t allowed to fall in love with me, remember?”

“You can’t leave. You can’t. You can’t leave me.” Tears are still rolling down her face, now faster than before. 

“You’re hurting, and that was never part of our deal. August was never supposed to make you feel this way.”

“August,” she whispers the word as if it was cursed. You’re starting to see it that way too, so you wouldn’t exactly fault her for it. 

“August.”

It doesn’t surprise you when she kisses you, no matter how demanding and desperate the kiss feels. You’d do anything, you think, to stay here with her and forget about the world outside of these four walls.

“You can’t leave,” she tells you, the moment she pulls back, and there’s something different in the way she says it this time around. 

“You’re gonna stop me?” You challenge her, but as soon as that wave of bravado comes, it’s gone and you deflate almost instantly. 

If you’d been more careful you would have caught the look on her face as she pondered your words, but the moment passes quickly and you take a step back from her embrace, and you try to center yourself again. 

“I’m not gonna be this person, Wanda. I’m not gonna be the person that ruins someone’s marriage, I’m not-”

“You’re not ruining anything.” She cuts you off. “I’m not getting a divorce, I’m not-”

“Exactly.” You interrupt her too, her words, like daggers to your heart, give you the necessary push. “There’s a bigger picture here, Wanda. You told me that this is more than just a team, and I get it.”

“We’re not talking about the team right now.”

“We are, whatever happens here-”

“Nothing has to happen. Nothing has to change.” She tries to cut you off again.

“I’m not gonna be your dirty little secret forever!” Your voice echoes in the otherwise empty locker room, and she looks away, at a loss of words. 

You have no right, you always knew. You always knew what this was. God! 

“I know you’re not getting a divorce, I don’t want you to.”

“You’re not a dirty secret,” she tells you and when she takes your hands, you seem to breathe a little easier. Her hands are cold, which is a reminder that even though everything changes, also everything stays the same. 

“Tony knows,” you blurt out as an afterthought, which is absurd because you should have told her a lot sooner. 

“He does?” Wanda asks, worry suddenly swimming in her eyes, clear for you to see.

“Yes, I don’t know why I didn’t tell you sooner. I should have.”

“I’ll talk to him.” She assures you, her hands squeezing yours lightly. 

Looking into her eyes you can almost breathe in her anxiousness, her slight panic, her confusion and above all, her pain. But there’s something more there too, a quiet and dangerous determination that you’ve seen before, but you don’t know what to make of it. 

“What are you thinking?” She asks you softly, her hand reaching out to cup your face, as if things were still the same. 

“I’m leaving, Wanda.” You tell her, and she shakes her head. 

“No, you can’t just leave.”

“I can, and I will.” 

“No, you can’t.” The red mist of her powers swirls in her eyes threateningly, and you flinch back instinctively. Despite having been as close as you’ve been to her for the past month, you’ve never seen her powers this up close, not like this. 

“I’m sorry.” She apologizes quickly, her hands holding you close. 

“It’s-it’s okay.” 

Your heart is beating fast, even after she jumps back when the door bursts open and Steve walks inside, Bucky following close behind. 

“Hey, Wanda.” Steve smiles as Bucky takes off his shirt, and you try to get your heart rate back to normal. “Natasha’s looking for you.” 

“Thanks. I’ll go find her.” Wanda answers absentmindedly, her eyes still trained on you. “Don’t do anything until we talk. Please?”

You can see her trying to keep her tone casual, although the look in her eyes betrays her. The way she spoke about Kate not saying anything suddenly strikes you differently. You know what she’s capable of, the possibility that she actually made Kate forget she ever saw anything is there. 

“Okay.” You agree quickly, and although she takes a moment to leave, she still does. 

…

The rest of the day goes by in a blur of uncertainty for you, but however curious you grow about what you think might be happening, you refuse to call or try to contact Wanda.

She doesn’t contact you either. 

…

August, 27th

You wake up to the sound of the alarms blazing, and red lights flashing around your bedroom. Friday is repeating a warning message, and you slide off your bed with the utmost care, picking up the gun you keep under your mattress on your way. 

Pressing your back against the side of your bed, you try to make contact through your phone but the signal is down and there’s no wifi connection. Friday is still repeating the same message, over and over again, which means that whoever is doing this knows what they’re doing a little bit too well. 

You’re about to make for your door when it opens from the outside with a hard shove. 

“It’s me!” Wanda shouts when you raise your gun, your finger about to pull the trigger and you let out a hard sigh.

“What is going on?” You ask her, standing up and walking quickly towards your closet. “I almost shot you.”

“Friday is down, Tony is freaking out and we can’t reach Fury, or anyone outside of this place for that matter.”

You dress quickly, changing into one of your tactical uniforms that you keep in your room for emergencies, and load yourself with a few rounds of bullets and two more guns.

“There’s no wifi connection,” you tell her as you pick up your hair and then secure two hand knives onto your boots. 

“I know, come on.” She says, and before you can make for the door she grabs your hand, and you finally take a long and hard look at her. 

She’s still wearing the same clothes she was wearing before, when you were talking in the gym, and her eyes look red and a little swollen. She looks disheveled, as if she hasn’t slept in days and you’re only barely noticing. 

“Where’s everyone else?” You ask her, as you take in her appearance, but she doesn’t answer, instead she pulls you closer until her lips are crushing against yours and you have no other option but to kiss her back. 

Frowning, you kiss her quietly and wantonly, even under the circumstances you’re under, you can still feel yourself weaken under her spell. 

You don’t want this to be over, you don’t want to have to miss her, you don’t want to have to dream about kissing her and miss the way her lips once felt against yours. 

But you know what the right thing to do is. 

You have to leave, and you have to do it soon. 

Her hand is gripping your hair and her lips bruisingly pressing against yours, when the earpiece you’re wearing crackles to life and Tony’s voice comes through. 

“I have control again. Is everyone alright?” He asks, and you pull back. 

Cupping her face, you quickly wipe away a tear that’s slowly making its way down her pale cheek. 

“You’re not leaving,” she tells you and you feel your heart breaking. 

“I have to.” You argue, and her chin trembles as tears begin to roll down her face faster. 

“You don’t.” She shakes her head, her hand still gripping your hair and keeping you close. 

You hear a shot being fired, and Tony’s loud voice comes through. You have to move, but somehow you find yourself rooted to the spot. 

“Wanda.” You sigh and she shakes her head again, refusing to see your point. 

“You’re not leaving,” she says and you see her eyes shining red, and a wave of panic hits you unexpectedly.

“Tony?” You ask her and she grabs your waist with her free hand, pulling herself that much closer to you, until she’s pressing her forehead against yours, her other hand still buried in your hair. 

“He won’t say anything,” she assures you with morbid confidence. 

“What did you do?” You finally ask her, fear lacing your tone, fear that’s quick to spread to every inch of your body. 

“August was supposed to be ours,” she says and you grip her wrists as you try to look into her eyes. 

“It is. It has been.” Your words don’t seem to register to her, and she lets out a sob that breaks you completely. 

“August was supposed to be ours.” She repeats, as if she didn’t hear you in the first place. 

“Wanda, what did you do?” Your voice breaks, and she finally looks at you. 

There’s an explosion somewhere close, you can hear the team’s voices in your ear shouting, fighting and grunting in pain. Everyone else is battling an enemy somewhere close and you can’t look away from Wanda’s crazed look in her eyes. 

“You’re not leaving,” she says again. “I’d rather you stay-”

“Wanda.” You plead, not knowing what’s happening completely. 

“-even if you don’t remember us.”

“Wanda, no.” You try to pull back from her hold, but her grip is iron tight. 

“I’ll remember for us both.” She assures you, as you become terrified. “I’ll remember for us both.”

She cries, her eyes glow red and she kisses you one last time, however short and bitter.

…

August, 28th

…

August, 29th

You wake up in a Hospital room, alone and confused. 

Your head hurts, and your throat is sandpaper dry. 

You have no idea how or why you’re in this bed. 

“Hey, you’re finally awake.” Natasha enters your room, and when you try to speak and fail, she rushes to pour some water in a cup for you. 

She helps you sit up a little bit, and holds the cup to your lips for you to drink. 

“There you go.” She puts the cup aside as you lay down again. 

“What-what happened?” You ask her, and she sits on the edge of your bed before taking your hand in hers. 

“The Compound was attacked. We found you unconscious in your room. You were probably standing too close to one of the bombs that went off.”

You have no recollection of a fight, and the more you try to remember what happened, your headache gets worse. Natasha’s forehead is patched up, and she’s sporting a nasty large bruise on her collarbone and neck, all signs of a battle that you have no recollection of. 

“The team?” You ask her, worrisome creeping up on you and she squeezes your hand lightly. 

“Clint was shot, and Tony took a hit. He’s being watched, Bruce says he’ll be alright.”

“Bruce is here?” You ask her, as you struggle to swallow, which she immediately notices. 

“Here,” she says as she gives you more water to drink. You thank her, and she takes your hand in hers one more time. “You feeling alright?”

“Confused more than anything.” You admit, a frown taking over your expression. “I can’t remember the attack, or what was happening before.”

“It was the middle of the night,” she tells you calmly. “You were probably asleep, we all were. Wanda left to find you, but she never made it to your bedroom.”

Wanda. You think you’d remember if she was ever in your room.

“I must have hit my head pretty hard, huh?” Natasha smiles, however sadly and you realize that she must have been worried. She’s always felt somewhat responsible for you, ever since you joined the team. 

“I’m glad you’re okay,” she says. “You had us worried for a bit there.”

You’re about to say something when Wanda walks inside the room, and if you believed in cliches, you’d think that she just stole your breath away. As it is though, you look away, barely catching her eyes in greeting. 

She’s dangerous to look at, you’ve learnt. 

“You’re feeling okay?” She asks, and the anxiousness in her tone catches you by surprise. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine,” Natasha says. “Just a bit confused, as was to be expected.”

Wanda rushes, or you think that she does, to the side of your bed, her eyes glancing at every inch of your face. Which confuses you even more, the way she’s behaving, since you two have never been that close and you actively try to avoid spending too much time around her--for reasons. 

“You’re okay?” She asks you, her hand reaching out as if to touch your face, but she pulls back at the last second. 

“Yeah.” You try to nod, and her eyes frantically search for something in your face. “Are you?”

“I’m fine,” she says quickly, too quickly for it to be genuine. “I’m fine.”

You learn about a new terrorist group, hellbent on eliminating the Avengers and every other heroic initiative around the globe, claiming freedom, true freedom, whatever that means.

Natasha has to tell you about a mission she and Steve apparently left on for most of August, not that you can recall it. 

The Doctors, and Bruce have to go over several tests with you. They do an MRI and they keep you in observation, trying to figure out how you might have forgotten an entire month, but none of them can explain it.

Wanda stays when Natasha is needed in the Compound, and she keeps a close eye on you, nervously pacing each room you’re taken to and paying close attention to each interaction you have.  

“It’s a bit weird, isn’t it?” Kate asks you conversationally when she comes by to visit. Her left hand is patched up, after apparently she stopped someone from stabbing her with her bare hands. 

“August is just a month.” You shrug, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. You hit your head and you forgot a few weeks of your life, but overall, you’re okay and you can always make new memories. 

“August was important,” Wanda says from the couch where she’s been sitting inside your room. Her voice trembles, and you catch it with yet another wave of confusion washing over you. “August meant something.”

“There’s nothing I can do now though,” you tell her and just when you catch her eyes, she looks away in a rush. 

You try not to look at her for long, you make a point of not being close to her, or try to understand what exactly each tone of her voice means. This crush you harbor for Natasha’s wife is dangerous, and you know it. 

“I guess not,” she says, her voice uncarestalistaclly soft. It almost sounds as if she’s one step away from falling into the abyss, and you don’t understand why. 

“You okay?” You ask her again, and she swallows with obvious difficulty before she nods her head. 

“I’m fine,” she says one more time. “They attacked our home, and it just-it scared me, that's all.” 

…

August, 30th

The hardest part about being the only one who remembers something, is the constant need to talk about it and knowing that she can’t. 

Wanda drives you back home with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She drives your car, the same car you used countless times to drive her away and kiss her silly. 

You sit in the passenger seat, looking outside the window and avoiding looking at her, all things you used to do before August tenth.

She continuously tries to swallow down the knot around her throat, but she’s aware that the damn knot is there to stay. No matter what she does now, she can never take back what she’s done. She can never undo what she did. 

“You feeling better?” She asks you, and you nod your head. She knows nothing is wrong with you, physically at least, but she can’t help but ask. 

“Yeah. I’m okay. Kinda curious about August, but no more than that.” You admit, and she clears her throat subtly, if only to keep her tears at bay. 

It seems like your logic about not being able to change the past is back in full force too. 

“You spent most of the time with Daisy,” she tells you and that spikes your interest, you turn to look at her fully, while she continues to drive. 

“That’s Natasha’s rookie, right?” 

“Nat asked you to keep an eye on her while she was away.”

“Did I torture her? Did I make her want to drop the towel? I’m not sure if I’m a good teacher to be honest.” 

She smiles, appreciating your usual sense of humor, while a wave of nostalgia curses through her entire body. She misses you. 

She misses you so devastatingly hard, and you don’t know because she made sure that you don’t. 

Wanting to scream, she grips the wheel with both hands and grits her teeth instead. 

“You’re a good teacher,” she says, her voice breaking as she speaks and she sees you catching it, but you’ve gone back to being the person you were before august. 

“Why, thank you.” You grin, but you also look away. You look away because you were always respectful, you always kept your distance and you would have never crossed any line if she hadn’t asked you to. 

…

August 31st

She doesn’t sleep, she can’t, and Natasha notices. 

“I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” She says again and again, when Natasha gives her that look that means she knows something, but won’t say anything until Wanda is ready to talk.

Wanda might never be ready to admit to another living soul of what she’s done in August. 

She tracks you down without even noticing. She makes a point of starting lunch when you’re in the kitchen, just so she can see you for a couple of minutes. Because that’s all she gets now, just a couple of minutes that aren’t really hers to have. 

She doesn’t eat, she's not hungry. 

“I’m okay. I’ll have something later.” She tells her wife when Natasha notices. 

Natasha doesn’t push, she’s not that kind of person.

Wanda tracks you down to the gym, where you’re sitting on the mats, trading jokes with Daisy and Kate, and a new wave of guilt threatens to break her. 

Flicking Clint’s memory wasn’t that hard, she barely wished for it and the next moment all the suspicion he was harvouring for you vanished. Making Kate forget was a little harder, however young, Kate’s always been the one with the strongest will among the lot of you.

You never knew, although she’s certain that you were close to figuring it out. 

She never wanted August to end like this, but the thought of you leaving for good made her panic. She’d rather carry the story of you in her mind, all by herself, than never see you again. 

You won’t remember, but she will for the both of you. 

After all, August was always meant to be hers and hers alone. 

...

[silent-raven13]

Flower Shop Across the Music Store

(AU: Miles works at a flower shop. Hobie owes his music Store.)

The sound of the machine printing out a long list of receipts had the young man ripped it off to had to the customer. "Here's your receipt. Remember no returns if it's open." The Punker said in a serious tone before going back to reorganizing some CDs.

The customer left with a nod before taking his leave with his skateboard in his other hand. The front door opens with its bell ringing, a group of three teenage boys wearing Y2K outfits; large baggy pants, and oversize shirts. Very old school style of New York, with Jordans, and timberlands.

Hobie glances over, "Manny, did you do your homework?" At a brown teenage boy wearing bright red oversize t-shirt, baggy pants and Jordans. The one called Manny had a buzz cut with one earring in his left ear, he sucked his teeth in with an eye roll.

"Man," Manny frowns at his adopted older brother, "I was."

"Oh yeh? Let me see it?" The owner of the shop asked.

"Come on, bro." Manny grunts.

"Don't give me that. Go to the back and do your homework. Those are the rules." Hobie crosses his arms. "Unless you wanna go back to yer mama?"

Manny groans, "No. But can I just go skate for a bit. I swear I'll be back at five and do my homework!"

"Alright. But I better see you here before those lights turned on." Hobie pointed at the lamp lights on the street. "I'm gonna make jerk chicken and rice and peas! So you better get home by dinner time."

"Ight, bro! I will." Manny walks out with his friends going to the park to skate and hang out.

The punker merely rolled his eyes, he felt more like a dad to this kid than a brother at times. He heard the boys calling all at once, then one of them said, "Aye, look over there! it's a gonna be a Flower shop."

"Nah, mane. Who goes buy flowers?" A friend of Manny said.

"Who knows but it's better than that wack ass junk store."

"Ya that place was cover in dust."

Hobie saw the boys walking away laughing, he peeks over the shop across his store to find a flower shop being set up. Huh, he never noticed that. The Grand Opening show it's today with a free rose.

Two older Latina women went inside the shop to buy some flowers, coming out with their own bouquets. The punker arched his eyebrows being interested in the shop, during his lunch break he decided to go check it out.

Of course, by the looks on the Flower Shop it look a bit to posh for the neighborhood of Brooklyn. So he wore his black leather jacket and went full Punk on his aesthetics to see if the owners would freak out. He's biggest worry if it's a rich white owner trying to take over a black and brown neighborhood.

"Not on my watch!" He thought to himself before going over to the flower shop.

The door bing with an automatic ringer whenever the door open. The flower shop is small, but had many beautiful flowers with decent prices. "Coming." Hearing a male voice.

Hobie checks around seeing a lot of roses, so many in different types from white to pink to yellow to the iconic red ones. Then, he heard footsteps behind him. He turns around as he heard, "Sorry about that. I was setting up the vases behind the counter."

The moment Hobie's eyes saw the young man, it felt like love at first sight. He never seen anyone so beautiful in his life. The young cashier had big hazel eyes with a cute wide nose and dimple wide smile with those plump lips. The young man have dark skin and coily tapered Afro, with earrings on both ears. He wore an apron over his sunny yellow collar shorts and overalls that have Sunflower embroidered and OG Jordans.

"Uhhh..." Hobie felt like he was styling a sun by the way this man's face glows so brightly.

"Hm?" The cashier tilted his head to the side with those big doe eyes.

The punker saw the cashier's name tag, "Miles. Um, are you the owner?"

"Me? Nah, this is my aunty's shop. I'm working here part time." He looked worried, "Oh do you need to speak to her? My aunty and Uncle will be here tomorrow!"

Hobie never thought he would see someone this cute. "No. No-no!" He raised his hand up, "It's all good. I just wanna say I own a music shop across the street."

"OH! I always wanted to go there! You're the owner! Wow, you dress so cool." Miles' big hazel eyes gleams with excitement.

"Heh, I guess so. It's pretty crappy."

"Oh, I don't think so." Miles giggles, "I think it gives a bit of personality."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mmhmm."

"Never thought it that way." Hobie crosses his arms then slowly asked, "So, what you got for sale?"

"We got twelve dollar bouquets roses." Miles pointed out, "They are small but enough to be romantic." He to hold a bequest of Sunflowers, "Sorry, I need to fix this." He wanted to have the Sunflower flowers their own attention.

"Huh, you look like a Sunflower." Hobie's hand reach out to touch Miles' cheek, "Sunflower." There eyes met.

The young man felt his body heated up by this handsome Punker. Seeing him so tall and having Heterochromia eyes made him look so damn cool and attractive. "Oh, no one ever called me that or any flower."

"I think Sunflower fits you perfectly. Anyway, I like to buy that Sunflower." He offer.

"Oh this one?" Miles is holding it with great care.

This is what Hobie wanted to hold Miles and the best way was that Sunflower. He casually chuckles, "I like that one."

'Okay, I'll ring it up for you." The cashier nodded heading to the front desk to charge the flower. The two stay quiet it until Hobie couldn't take it anymore.

"Here, luv. Maybe you need a discount from her." He slid his phone number on a piece .

"Ehh?" Miles felt his cheeks warm when seeing the phone number on a piece of paper. "Don't you think that's old school?" His hazel eyes onto the punker.

"So? I wanna make my point across." The Punker flirted.

"Okay... but I didn't catch your name." The cashier went to wrap the sunflower.

"Hobie. Hobie Brown." He grins at Miles. "Let me take you out for a cup of coffee."

"I do like coffee." Miles flirted with him, having this warm smile. He could stare at Hobie's one silver blue eyes and the other being brown.

"Yeah." Hobie flirted back, "Hopefully, you and I can go further like dinner or a movie."

"Hehehe," The cashier giggles, "I would like that if things go well."

"I think you and I both know, luv, that we're gonna get along super well with each other." He smirks at him.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

The two were staring into each other having big smiles on their faces. Miles couldn't help but be attractive to the punker. "What about tonight?"

"Cup of coffee?"

"Maybe or a movie, since you already said we fit goo together." Miles hums having to charge the Sunflower. "That'll be five thirty five."

"Heh, alright." Hobie grins having to pull out his wallet to pay in cash, "How about this? I take you to a nice Dominican restaurant down there, and see where it goes."

"OKay. I do like Dominican food." Miles' eyes on him, they were interested.

"Alright, when you get off?"

"Around five. My uncle comes by to help close the shop." Miles said, "I'll be ready by then."

"Okay, I'll come by. I normally close shop early too." Hobie grins at the cashier. "See you then, Sunflower."

"See you, Hobie." He smiles at him watching him leave the store.

Hobie could only fantasize about Miles and the smell of Sunflowers just reminds the punker of him. His heart race thinking about it, then he remembers about his adopted brother.

He quickly texted him.

Hobie: Yo, I got a date at five. You can hang out with your friends longer.

Manny: Sweet, can I stay over at Luis till ten?

Hobie: Sure. Do your homework!

Manny: Sure thing bro.

Hobie smirks with that. Now he gotta think what to wear for this date. God, he knows this is the one. His soul mate, he could feel it in his bones!

[qrosewinter]

Toxic

Prev-Next

Description : Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3... To be continued.

Summery: Where a girl from New Zealand goes to brooklyn to live with her Auntie and Uncle, mets a brooklyn boy with secrets and a voice like honey with pretty hazel green eyes.

Where a brooklyn boy mets a girl from New Zealand with an accent he's never heard before, who he can't seem to forget.

And a Polynesian girl struggling to find who she is in the concrete jungle of NYC so far from home.

The start of the most unlikely relationship between two people starts to bloom, between a brooklyn boy who's just a little misunderstood.

Will this relationship bloom or stay untouched? Maybe we should let fate take the lead for this one.

Fic summary: slow burn, obvious to flirting, a little bit of angst, romance, revenge, anger.

WARNINGS ⚠️: Horrible attempts at slang, Horrible attempts at Spanish, Swearing, Weapons, Gore, Drugs, Alcohol, Mature themes, Spelling mistakes.

Chapter 2: Am I seeing shit again.

Are you hearing voices again? -Unknown

{{♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡}}

It's been about 3-4 days since I went to Visions and walked right into someone making a damn fool out of myself, but then again, what's new?

Not gonna lie it wasn't one of my best moments how awkward I felt I mean like, why in hells name did I say 'Have a good day' so god dammed awkwardly, why the fuck did I even say it at all!?

Could have said something like, "Well, sorry about that, but I gotta go, see ya. But not you had to go and say".

'Have a good day?', if I could punch myself so hard right now to make myself forget I ever said that I would, in a heartbeat.

But too bad you can't now can you :/

I'll be starting at Visions next week though, so I guess I have more chances to male myself out to be a fool, they did tell me during my little interview thing or whatever you wanna call it.

They didn't have any dormrooms ready for me at the moment.

so I won't be moving to the dorms anytime soon, which is fair.

I did so happen to start up at that school. What? A little past first term or semester, I think they call it here in America?

I don't know. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the education system here, and I still don't understand a damn thing.

But anyway, I won't be put in a dorm room yet until they find an either an empty one or someone without a roommate, which I don't think will happen anytime soon.

But the good news is I don't live very far from school. The bad news is I'd have to wake up earlier to get ready and be out the door before school starts, which sucks ass.

But beggers can't be choosers, so I'll take it, means I won't have to share a room with someone I don't know that's a plus, I guess.

Still don't know how I'll handle seeing that guy. It'll be awkward. That's for

《 ○ 》

"Y/N!" My Auntie lily yelled from the kitchen, and I snapped out of my thoughts and looked away from the little notebook I was writing in seated at my desk.

"Yeah?" I called back out to her as I leaned back in my desk chair, tilting my head towards the door and waiting for a response.

But when I didn't get one, I groaned, frustrated, and rolled my eyes.

I hated when people did that. Even when parents did that, call out your name to get your attention, but don't say a damn thing, so you gotta get up to see what they want.

Only to be asked to do the most simplistic things ever, like pass them the TV remote.

But it's right in front of them on the coffee table, or they don't even remember anymore and tell you never mind.

I got up grumbling to myself under my breath as I walked out of my bedroom.

in the simplest outfit of an oversized black hoodie with a small red and white mushroom on the front over my left breast and two bigger ones on the back, with the words 'Let's take a trip' and just some simple army green shorts that used to be pants before I cut them up into shorts.

My hair was pulled back messily into an attempt at a bun before I gave up and left it as is.

I walked down the hallway towards the kitchen, my bare feet barely making any sound on the carpet until I got to the kitchen.

And I leaned against the doorframe. "Yeah?" I said to my auntie, lazily raising an eyebrow at her with my hands stuffed into my hoodie pocket.

"Ah there you are, Me haere koe ki te toa maku ki te tiki i etahi mea maku, he rarangi takuKa taea e koe te haere ki te toa maku, ki te tiki etahi mea, he rarangi taku me etahi moni hei tiki." my Auntie said to me as she said to me as she picked up a list she had written out for me and held it out for me to take, along with a few bills to pay for everything on the list.

I groaned tipping my head back "ko te iwa i te po ka hiahia koe kia haere ahau ki te toa ko ahau anake" I said back to her as I dropped my head forward and took the list and money reluctantly.

"Yes, you'll be fine. Just take a knife and put it in your pocket." My Auntie huffed at me, waving my words off as she turned around to finish putting the dishes away.

I grumbled but didn't complain openly at least as I plucked a semi-sharp knife from the knife block and shoved it into my pocket as I turned and walked back to my room to get my jandels (Flip flops for the Americans :) )

I slipped them on, pulled my hood up over my messy hair shoved the list and money into my pocket along with putting my phone in my back pocket and taking just one earbud out of my JBL case and putting it in my ear.

Before I left the apartment, after going down some stairs out of the apartment building.

I tapped the side of my earbud about two times to skip through the songs I didn't want to listen too until I settled on 'Never enough by Six60' a classic song from a band back home.

"Still can't shake the feelin' in my bones, it won't leave me, it won't let me go," I sung under my breath to myself as I kept walking down the dark empty streets to the store about three blocks away.

It was dark besides a few lightposts lining the streets, some flickering others doing just fine. Brooklyn in the daytime was so different compared to the nighttime.

At night, it was dangerous. You had to keep your guard up, and I wasn't stupid. I knew crime ran wild at night in brooklyn.

I'd seen enough of it on TV, hearing people tall about it, and so on. It's the reason this city had a curfew, and why it kept getting early depending on just how bad it kept getting, and so far, it was getting worse before it's ever going to get better.

The once lively streets looked so much darker, like something out of a horror movie, not a sound besides the faint buzzing of streetlights.

feral cats digging through trash, the odd whisper of something in the alleyways and the sound of TV's playing from inside buildings.

But I wasn't completely dumb, I knew as quiet as it was, as empty as everything seemed around me.

I wasn't actually alone out here tonight, there was others out here, none with good intentions and anyone who did.

well, let's just say they wouldn't be there for long.

which is the reason my aunt made me take a knife with me for self-defense.

And what I knew I had to do was keep an eye out so I was, I kept an eye on my surroundings.

but made sure to make myself look relaxed and not all tense knowing that I'll just draw attention to myself if I did.

I glanced up and around me, though the streets were dangerous at night. I couldn't help but find them strangely beautiful too.

The way the stars just barely, peeked through the clouds in the sky under the pollution in the air, the way the street lights cast light on curtain parts of the streets and slowly left the others bathed in darkness.

The way the colours played off of everything around me was just in a strangely weird and beautiful. It's in its own dark twisted kinda way, of course, but still had a certain charm to it.

"There was a time when you would've given me everything that you own, The only thing you left me was alone.." I sung to myself under my breath as I kept my hands in my pocket.

my right hand gripping the handle of the knife loosely judt in case.

I sighed softly, sqinting my eyes as i looked in front of me.

I was tired from not sleeping properly the past few nights.

for some reason staying up until five in the morning then going to sleep, which yes I know is fucking stupid.

But I just couldn't get to sleep, for some stupid reason or another.

But still, I kept walking. I had just 2 more blocks to go before I hit the store to grab a few things, and then I could go home, collapse in bed, and die until tomorrow afternoon hopefully.

~I guess our time is up, I've given you too much, I just need to keep on movin', cause I still crave your touch, why won't you fade to dust?~

~so I can line you up, enough is never enough (ooh-ooh), enough is never enough(ooh-ooh), with every single does (oh-oh-oh), losin' all control (oh-oh-oh), never is never enough(ooh-ooh)~

( Miles's POV)

Meanwhile, with Miles....

~as I walk though the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at myself and realize there's nothin' left, 'cause I've been blastin' and laughin' so long that, even my mama thinks that my mind is gone~

Miles hummed along to the music playing in his ears from his earbuds plugged into his phone shoved I his front pocket, as he he slipped on his jacket, a a dark purple nearing black in the low light of his Uncle's apartment.

Just another night as the prowler, and another night of getting his Mami the supplies she needed for the hospital she worked at.

so underfunded sometimes patients who needed their medicine who didn't get it in time, didn't make it.

~but I ain't never crossed a man who didn't deserve it, me be treated like a punk, you know that's unheard of, you better watch how ya talkin' and where ya walkin'~

Music was one of the ways Miles pumped himself up as he got ready to go out there with hi mask on, on the streets that he remembered used to be so beautiful before the corruption sunk its claws into his city and with it his Dad.

~or you and your homies might be lined in chalk, I really hate to trip but I gotta loc, as they croak, I see myself in pistol smoke, fool, I'm the kind of G that little homies wanna be like, on my knees in the night, sayin' prayers in the steertlights~

Miles clenched his jaw and shook his head, rolling his shoulders.

'Naw ain't got time to think like that, get your in the game Miles' he thought to himself as he finished suiting up, he took one look at himself in the reflection of the windows in his Uncle's living room and stood a little straighter.

~we've been spendin' most their lives livin' in a gangsta's paradise, we've been spendin' most their lives livin' in a gangsta's paradise, we've keep spendin' most our lives livin' in a gangsta's paradise, we've been spendin' most our lives livin' in a gangsta's paradise~

'I'm gonna make you proud Dad, swear it' Miles thought as he took his earbuds out and unplugged them from his phone the music of 'Gangsta's paradise by Coolio, L.V' spilling from his phone as his mask smoothly slid over his face.Lookingng back at Miles was the prowler in his reflection.

"Ay Neph time to ,go," Uncle Aaron called out from the door, and Miles nodded.

"On my way, Unc," Miles said to Aaron, his voice distorted by the voice changer in his mask as he made his way to the door.

Long since having paused his music as he put his gloves on with a Sharp click.

~look at the situation they got me facin', I can't live a normal life, i was raised by the stripes, so I gotta be down with the hood team, too much television watchin' got me chasin' dreams, I'm an educated fool with money on my mind, got a ten in my hand and a gleam in my eye~

Miles followed Aaron to the rooftop of the apartment, building his clawed hands clenching and unclenching as he walked.

"You remember the plan?" Aaron said, walking in front of miles looking through his phone at the time, before he tucked his phone back in his pocket

"Mm, I remember get the shit be in be out," Miles muttered to his uncle as they made it to the rooftop, and he looked over the buildings around them.

Some had fires going on top of them, others didn't, but you could see the gleam of neon lights of tall skyscraper buildings in the distance and people moving around under the glow of lights shining though there apartment windows.

~I'm a loc'd out gangsta, set trippin' banger, and my homies is down, so don't arouse my anger, fool, death ain't nothin' but a heartbeat away~

"Got yo earpiece?" Aaron asked Miles before he got ready to leave, handing Miles a black backpack.

"Yeah, it's in," Miles replied as he shrugged on the bag, Aaron handed him.

"Eyes sharp," Aaron said to Miles, nodding at him, standing back and tapping his earpiece in his own ear to turn it on.

"Mind steady," Miles said back with a nod before he was off using his grappling hook in hand to swing odd through the city under cover of the night towards the docs where a new shipment of medical supplies were waiting.

~I'm livin' my life do-or-die, uh, what can I say, I'm 23 now, but will I live to see 24?, with way things is goin', I don't know, tell me why are we so blind to see, the ones we hurt are you and me~

Miles weaved in and out of alleyways High above on the air, flipping through the air and rolling along the side of buildings to build momentum as he headed for the docs using his titanium claws to grip onto the ledges of buildings to throw himself forward.

~we've been spendin' most their lives livin' in a gangsta's paradise~

//////////

(Y/N's POV)

Seeing the store up ahead, I signed in relief.

"Thank fuck man" I grumbled under my breath as I pushed the door open and walked inside taking the list out of my pocket pocket I picked up a basket nearby from the door.

And started on my walk around the store for the items on the list my Auntie gave me.

"Dried chilli's, tortilla's, milk, bread and a juice" I mumbled under my breath reading over the list with a nod to myself as I repeated over and over in my head what was needed as I shoved the list in my pocket.

I walked around the store, throwing what was needed into the basket, and then, lastly, the juice.

I grunted softly, feeling how heavy the basket was now. The juice was in it.

"Damn," I muttered under my breath, gripping the handles of the basket just a little tighter as I walked towards checkout.

I paused, looking down at a shelf with some lollies on it- sorry, correction candies, my bad, I forgot I was in America.

I snorted softly to myself, amused as I picked up an interesting looking candies I'd never seen before or tired.

"Milk duds? Looks interesting, " I muttered to myself, and with a shurg, I dropped the box in the basket, a little treat for myself when I was walking home.

Making it to checkout, I set my basket on the counter.

"Hi, just these, please," I said politely to the casher, who looked like she'd rather be anywhere but here right now.

I shoved my hands in my hoodie pocket, standing there a little awkwardly as she checked them out for me.

'Mood, I feel you, my G', I thought to myself, glancing up at the girl at the counter, checking out my items for me.

She was actually really pretty, dark skinned with cornrows, and really pretty blue eyes that contrasted beautifully with her skin.

"That'll be $36.50, cash or card?" The girl spoke up a little drly, sounding tired, which is fair, so I didn't hold it against her.

"Cash, thank you," I said to her with a small smile as I counted out two $20's from the cash my Auntie gave to me and handed it to her.

"You wanna a bag?" She asked me as she counted out my change, which came to $3.50 as she handed it to me, and I took it, putting the change in my pocket.

"Yes, please," I said to her as she bagged up my items and handed me the bag.

"Thank you, have a good night," I said to her before I left, more in habit really from growing up in New Zealand, anytime.

"Mm," the girl muttered as she went back to playing on her phone, what she had been doing before I got to check out.

And I once more started on my walk home, glancing up at the sky every once in awhile hoping to see stars but only really managing to see planes or helicopters flying around

I frowned in disappointment before shrugging it off with a sigh.

With the bag of stuff in my left hand, I reached into my pocket with my right hand for my phone and used my fingerprint ID to open it.

I scrolled through my playlists, looking for a song to listen to as I walked, something I was in the mood for.

I scrolled for a bit as I walked every once in awhile looking up to make sure I didn't walk into anything, as I kept scrolling not finding a song I was interested in as I switched between another playlist had.

And when I thought I found a song, I heard the rustling of clothes, pained grunts, and low voices speaking coming up ahead from an alleyway.

I kept walking curiosity peeked, even in my tired state. i couldn't help but be nosey.

I shoved my phone back in my pocket, coming to a stop next to the alleyway, and I turned my head to look down it.

And there was a man being pinned to a wall, an arm against his throat making it hard to breathe for the overweight white man, a hand pinned to the wall by metal claws gleaming in the faint moonlight.

And the one holding the overweight man, he was interesting, to say the least.

Purple and black dominating his outfit, from the shoes to the accessories on his clothes, a mask over his face, like pixels on an old ass box TV, the kind before flat screen TVs, but not really as pixilated as yours think.

And two braids running down the back of his head that looked familiar stopping just past his shoulders.

They both seemed to pause after hearing my foot steps and turned to look at me.

But me being tired, overly exhausted, blinked at them lazily and confused, my brows frowned.

"Fuck I need to sleep more I'm starting to hallucinate again" I grumbled to myself my voice echoing a little down the alleyway as I started walking away rubbing at my eyes unimpressed at myself.

Just chalking what I saw up to my imagination fucking with me for not sleeping properly, honestly wouldn't be the first time, always had a shitty sleeping schedule.

Very few times I'd get the maximum eight hours of sleep, I'd either go to bed between 11pm to about 5am, cause I'm that stupid to stay up that late, only to be pissed off and tired the next day.

I shrugged and let my hand drop from my eyes.

I walked slightly hunched and legs feeling heavy, it felt like my legs were gonna give out on me, but well mama didn't raise no bitch, so we keep on going.

I didn't realise when I started daydreaming, or maybe i was dissociating again?, who knows.

But by the time I snapped out of it, I was home, standing in front of my apartment door, before I ever realized where I was.

"Mm," I mumbled to myself, paying it no mind as I opened the door and stepped inside, kicking off my jandels by the side of the door.

"I'm back," I called out as I walked into the kitchen and dropped the bag on the kitchen counter, digging through it for my milk duds I got.

Once I had the box in hand, I shoved it into my pocket and wondered off to my room.

"Any trouble well you were out, bub!" Lily called out from the living room.

"Nah, it was algoods, Auntie!" I called back out to her as I crawled into bed, flinching just a little when I felt something sharp poke my stomach.

Reaching into my hoodie pocket, I dumped out everything that was in it, from my phone, the change and extra cash I was given, my milk duds, and finally, the knife I forgot I had.

"Forgot about that," I mused to myself as I dumped the change and knife on my bedside table, picked up the box of chocolate covered lollies, and opened the box.I dumpedng a few in my hand before popping them on my mouth and chewing.

I scrunched my nose up at the taste. It wasn't the best candy I'd ever had or lollie for that matter, tasted too well fake to me, far too artificial then anything I'd ever tasted before.

So I dropped the box of sweets on my nightstand and picked up my water bottle. I always left on my bedside table and took a swing to wash out my mouth with a small grimace.

"Well that was disappointing" I muttered to myself setting my water bottle back down, as I picked up my phone and slid down more in my bed to get comfortable as I pulled the blankets up to my neck.

Turning it on, I went onto Tiktok and used the automatic scrolling feature, as well as plugged my phone in as I propped my phone up against the wall.

Watching the random videos that played as my eyes grew heavy.

Before sleep finally claimed me, and I was out like a light.

(MILES POV)

Miles had just gotten home after taking a bit of a detour after dropping off the supplies at his Mami's hospital.

He grunted as he kicked off his shoes, and dropped his jacket on the floor, taking off the black collar around his neck that held his mask and dropped it into a box he kept all his dad's all accessories and his own.

He stripped off the layers of his Prowler suit and replaced it with his own tank top and some sweats before putting on his purple durag that had little gold crowns on it over his braids.

He then picked up the pieces of his suit and dropped them into a box he took aw, y hidden in his closet.

He then dropped onto his bed with a si. Onene had taken behind his head as he picked up his phone to check for any messages from his mami.

He tapped on his Mami's contact after seeing an unread message from her.

'Gonna be working late again tonight, leftovers are in the microwave, Te amo duerme dormido ❤️'

Miles signed softly, another night shift. Made him glad he cleaned the house before heading over to his uncle's.

He pulled his hand out from behind his hand and started to type a message.

'Te amo Mami, no trabajes tan duro ❤️'

He hit send, plugged his phone in, and shifted to pull his blankets over himself as he rolled over to go to sleep.

'That girl again, huh shame I still ain't know her name,' Miles thought to himself amused.

Remembering how those sleepy tired eyes had looked at him tonight, or should he say the prowler.

How she had looked at the prowler had convinced herself what she'd seen was nothing but hallucinations cause she was so tired.

He was sure he'd see her again, and he knew just like the first time, and the second it'll just be as interesting as the first.

Then maybe, just maybe next time he'd know where she was from, know what that accent she had was.

Until then, he'd sleep. He had school tomorrow after all.

So he shut his eyes, got comfortable, and let himself relax enough to maybe, this time, sleep a full night.

And if not, well, he'd deal with it in the morning.

{{♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡}}

Hi! Sorry for the delay in this chapter, I'm gonna try and write at least two before I post another and work on a schedule to be able to post them.

I try and work on them when I'm not busy at home, and when I'm not busy at work, I'll let you guys know now. Until then, happy reading.

Translation:

Ka taea e koe te haere ki te toa maku, ki te tiki etahi mea, he rarangi taku me etahi moni hei tiki. = can you go to the shop for me, and get a few things, i have a list and some money to get them.

ko te iwa i te po ka hiahia koe kia haere ahau ki te toa ko ahau anake = it's nine at night and you want me to go to the store by myself

Te amo duerme dormido = I love you, sleep tight.

Te amo Mami, no trabajes tan duro = I love you Mommy, don't work too hard.

[itsgigikay]

When It All Started

A/N: This was a pretty long one, I’m either thinking of making this into a series or just making a two part type of thing. Let me know what you all prefer. Again I apologize for any grammar/spelling mistakes. Feedback is always welcomed! Much love!!

Harry Styles x Reader

Warning: Little bit of smut in the beginning. Fetus harry.

“H-harry” she whimpered, sinking down on her husband where their pelvic bones meet. His hands on her hips helped her with the movements.

“Oh go-fuckkk baby you look so pretty. Your tits bouncing-“ Bringing his tongue closer to her right areola teasing her, teasing it then finally popping the hard nipple in his mouth giving it a little pull and finally sucking on it she lets out a groan. What made her stomach coil even more was when his hand grasped her left boob giving it a little squeeze while still sucking on her right nipple. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head while throwing it back and letting out something incoherent.

She let out another moan, her hands running through his hair leaving them on his shoulders so she could continue bouncing on his cock. One hand settling at the top of his hair and one around his shoulder. His hands trying to get every feeling of her but settling on her left hip and one hand covering her whole back. Both their pants filling up the room as they get closer to their orgasm.

Y/N and Harry have known each for as long as they can remember. They meet in the bakery where he used to work in, W. Mandeville Bakery. Y/N had walked in with her niece, Jenifer. That morning she had promised her a treat, more like a bribe, since it was the first day of school. Y/N was new to this town, she lived in New York her whole life but her dad was fired from his job after 12 years they had let him go. He had finally got a new job with great pay, benefits for him, his kids and even his grandbaby Jenifer, however there was one condition the position is in the United Kingdom so here they are in Holmes Chapel 6 months later.

When Y/N and Jenifer entered the front door chimed. Y/N and Jenifer came closer and looked through the windows and menu to see what looked appetizing. “Can I help you with anything?” Y/N looked up and saw a boy with a mop of curly hair, green eyes,dimples on each cheek, and wearing an apron with a name tag that said “HARRY” in big bold letters.

“Hi yes sorry, Jeni, did you pick what you wanted?” she said nervously to her niece.

“I no know auntie” she looked up at her aunt with those big brown eyes shrugging her shoulders “Mister you have anyfing good?” looking back at Harry behind the register.

“Well we have the vetenies fancy is always a favorite” he said walking around to point them out.

“I want doughnuts” Jenifer said, furrowing her eyebrows and stomping her feet, while looking up at Y/N.

“What about doughnuts?” Y/N asked while signing as her hazel eyes met his green eyes, with a little pink dust creeping on her cheeks.

“Oh doughnuts are good” he said while giggling with Y/N, smiling hard that his dimples were on display.

“Can we get two please” she said while taking her wallet out and handing him money.

“Sure that will be 10 pounds please… i’ll bring them right over” he said handing her the change. “You don’t look like you’re from here” he said while starting to get little bags for the doughnuts.

“Uh ya no we just moved her last week, from New York.” pulling a small strand of hair behind her ear.

“What flavor would you like, plain glazed or jelly filled? That's pretty cool, what school would you be going to?” he replied.

“One of each should be fine and I’m going to Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School And Sixth Form College, Year 13 you’ve heard of it?” she said. She was pretty nervous to start school tomorrow, being the new kid is never easy.

“Yeah I’ll be in Year 12 actually, maybe we’ll have some classes together” he said, handing her the bags of sweets his blood rushing to the apples of his cheeks.

“Uh yeah maybe we will and thanks again, Harry” thanking him while picking up the bag and walking towards the door.

“Wait I didn’t get your name” he asked right as she was stepping out the door.

“Y/N” she said, looking down and walking out while holding Jenifer’s hand.

Little did she know after that day Harry would be her best friend, and even her crush. She wouldn’t know he’s got the same feelings she does. She didn’t know he’ll be Harry Styles and she’ll be there every step of the way through the hate, heartbreak of the band breaking up, heartbreak of girls, the peak of his solo fame. Most importantly, she didn't know he’ll end up her boyfriend, her fiance and her better half, a husband who will always think about her, who he’ll always come home to and who will always love her for her no matter what.

[nerdasaurus1200]

I just remembered this other instance of Cass being sneaky. Auntie Hazel and Papa Hector would be proud XD

[thedragonholder]

The kung-Kang family.

It has been a long time almost twenty-five years since tournament, twenty-five years since kung Lao, Liu kang, Kitana and jade became revenants, twenty-five years since some revenants returned to human and twenty years since the war had begun between NetherRealm and outworld.

The war has been going on for a long time since all these events have happened the gods thought they know who lived and who died but what they did not know was that there were people who were hidden from their eyes.

In a faraway land in Japan was the inari village where people lived in small villages away from the city the crime rates were high but strange things kept happening around the village things no one would remember especially about how the things had ended.

"Zhuyin How much longer do we have to keep walking? "A girl with black hair in twin braids with bangs in the front she had fair skin and black eyes she wore a black inner robe under blue hanfu that was tied up with a blue belt and she also wore brown arm guards and black boots "just a few more minutes Yijun" a boy with black hair in a low ponytail and tan skin with brown eyes said he wore a white buttoned up shirt under a red hanfu that was tied up with a red belt on his waist he also wore black pants and black boots "you said that five minutes ago Yijun" Zhuyin said to Yijun "maybe it would help if you keep quiet instead of being annoying all the time" Zhiyun said to Yijun with a frown Yijun rolled his eyes at her "whatever" Yijun said to Zhuyin.

The village was currently at peace in the morning with the people doing their usual some selling stuff in markets and shops, some buying stuff, some travelling and trading stuff from other villages and Yijun was looking around while Zhuyin was walking ahead to find an inn if they have enough money "hey have you sensed any of dads soldiers anywhere?" Yijun asked a bit scared "no I haven't which is a bit strange" Zhuyin said to Yijun "if he didn't, I am glad but what if sends aunty?" Yijun asked Zhuyin a bit scared "no he would not" Zhuyin said to Yijun.

meanwhile a boy with long brown hair in a half up and half down with a small bun on top and amber eyes with pale skin noticed the two siblings with pale skin he was wearing white robes with bandages wrapped around his neck he also wore brown shoes along with his arms he was currently at the vegetable shop buying some stuff "how much for the carrot?" the man asked, "30 yen" the vegetable vender said the man looked confused "isn't that a bit pricy for one carrot?" the man asked "business is going bad kid now either buy it or scram!!" the vegetable vender said to the man "are you sure the business is going bad or just your vegetables?" another man came he had brown hair in a high ponytail he had tan skin and hazel eyes he wore a blue haori over a coffee brown kimono and black pants he also wore black boots "what are you talking about!? my vegetables are fresh!!" the vegetable vender said "not to me they are not-" "Hiroto- nii san maybe we should leave" the man said to Hiroto who looked at him "yea there will be shops with good vegetables Ryu" Hiroto said to Ryu.

As they were going to go something happened the ground shook creating a small earthquake suddenly the ground shook again and again as a creature was coming for the village it looked like two giant manticores and this sent the village into panic as they ran hid in shops suddenly the two manticores ran to Yijun and Zhuyin direction to attack them "looks like dad sent them" Zhuyin said "but there aren't manticores in the nether realm" Yijun said to Zhuyin "then who else will-" " watch out!!" Zhuyin and Yijun looked in front only to see the manticores getting blasted away with two men standing in front of them "what are you doing it's dangerous!!" Zhuyin said "looks like we have some newcomers Ryu" Hiroto said to Ryu with a smirk 'I know but manticores escaping the forest is unusual" Ryu said "Lian.." Hiroto mumbled to himself.

"Shall we put them back brother?" Ryu asked, "I will take the one on the left" Hiroto said as he put on a shaolin hat Zhuyin was shocked seeing the hat 'it looks like the rogue revenants? who are they?" Zhuyin thought seeing Hiroto wear his razor brimmed hat.

both of the manticores rushed towards the two siblings Hiroto took his razor brimmed hat and threw it towards one of the manticores who jumped over it is causing the hat to go afar but Hiroto smirked as the hat came back and sliced the manticores tail off Hiroto then teleported above the minotaur in midair and used wind blade it went through the manticore killing it.

'His attacks seem out of range but his aura_' "watch out!!" Zhuyin's thoughts got interrupted as Ryu pushed him afar and accidentally got on top of him as they dodged the second manticore' tail Zhuyin looked at Ryu who smiled at him "are you alright?" Ryu asked Zhuyin blushed slightly seeing Ryu close to him and his bright smile "I'm fine" Zhuyin said, and Ryu got off Zhuyin "stay here I will Handle this" Ryu said to Zhuyin as he faced the manticore.

Ryu kicked his feet on the ground and levitated a boulder he punched the boulder sending it fast towards the manticore causing it to fly Ryu then created orange aura around his hands as the white bandage in his arms wrapped around the manticores head using it to lift the manticore's knocked out body and he sent the boulder towards the manticores stomach causing blood tor burst out creating the manticore turned into dust along with the other.

Ryu and hiroto walked to the vegetable vender "we will be taking these" hiroto said ryu took the carrots and his grocery bag "so dumplings or vegetable rice?" Ryu asked as they walked together "dumplings i guess i am in the mood for some heavy dinner" Hiroto said to ryu "I'll be making other stuff too Hiroto" ryu said to hiroto "and lian will be helping you as her punishment" hiroto said to ryu "really nii-san?" Ryu asked Hiroto.

Yijun went to zhuyin and helped him up "are you alright?" Yijun asked "I am fine" Zhuyin mumbled "those brats!! They expect us to give them stuff just because they defeat monsters for us!!" The rude vegetable vendor said "if it weren't for them our village would have been destroyed you dumb vendor!!" One of the villagers said "but you don't know who their family is plus that hat looks like that damn revenants!!" The vegetable vender said "may i ask who?" Zhuyin asked the vender he had guessed who it might be "i don't remember-" "was it kung lao!?" Yijun asked the vegetable vender his eye's widened and he nodded "yes that's the name but the strange thing is no one knows where they live and no one can even trace them" the vegetable vender said.

"looks like this just got more complicated yijun but if it connects to him then it looks like both are closer than we thought" zhuyin said to yijun "let's find an inn to rest first " yijun said to zhuyin as both of them Went to look for an inn still wondering about the two brothers they saw but something was definitely right there was a connection Between them and the rogue revenant and they just need to find it out.

[crsentfairy]

💛🌻 leave 5 facts about 3 of your ocs and pass them on to other people, asking them about an oc of your choice or let them choose what they want !! 🌻💛

Lloyd Miles 🥊

his middle name is Benson. he inherited it from his maternal grandfather. lloyd hates that guy.

his eyes used to be a bright and piercing aqua blue when he was a baby. it toned down to a sea-green-ish color as he grew older. he wished he had brown eyes or at least a dark hazel. (he's tired of jumpscaring others.)

lloyd's favorite pizza toppings are mushrooms and sausages.

he dislikes being compared to the singer with the same name. it's been a running gag but it just got boring to him.. very fast. find something new!!!

lloyd has a closer bond to his aunt, Eloise, than with his own mother. at one point, he started calling eloise 'mom' for a long time before he was (reluctantly) told by ellie herself to stop because it was "hurting Donna's feelings". though he reverted back to calling her auntie/aunt elle, this did not improve his relationship with his mother.

Miriam Hawthorne 🎧

she's 5 foot 6 inches.

when she was three months old, miriam was christened in the very same catholic church she later fell victim to their sexual abuse throughout her adolescence. her family had only stopped going when they moved out of town.

miriam hasn't seen her father for so long, she could barely remember what he looked like anymore. her mother, Heidi, hid all of their family pictures.

most of the things miriam owned are hand me downs from her (now estranged) paternal cousins who are well off. they lost contact due to heidi being a control freak and fearing that the items gifted to miriam have been "cursed by the devil." as you can tell from this, miriam dislikes her mother.

miriam's favorite color is blue. she can be seen very often wearing something blue, be it a bracelet or a shirt.

Giselle Connor 💋

giselle is an aquarius! (jan 21)

she took gymnastics when she was 13 years old, and is extremely flexible.

both of her parents are present in her life physically, but her father is emotionally absent. this in turn made her strive for his attention even if it were for just two seconds.. until she stopped. she started mimicking her mother's actions and mannerisms, and developed a skewered view on romance, sexuality, and love in general. boys are a challenge to conquest, until they get boring. then onto the next one!

she had a melanie martinez phase in middle school. one of the few things she'd ever be embarrassed about like. Ever

ever since bumping into lloyd in the downtown cafe, she's easily found his social media accounts (he's a semi-public figure for crying out loud) and found his full name, address, birth chart, and even his workplace. she's called his job before asking specifically to be transferred to his department (tech support) before, posing as a customer under many different aliases, much to lloyd's ignorance.

[astra-galaxie]

“An elephant?! That’s so cool! I like penguins!” - Milagros Santiago

Biographical information

Full Name: Milagros Santiago

Nickname(s): Mila

Gender: Female

Status: Alive

Age: 6 (season 3)

Birth: 2010

Race: Human

Nationality: Puerto Rican-American

Origin: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A

Residence:

McMurdo Station, South Pole

Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A (formerly)

Profession(s): Penguin Enthusiast

Family:

Alondra Santiago (mother) (deceased)

Unnamed father

Camila Martinez (adoptive mother)

Unnamed grandparents

Carmen Martinez (aunt)

Sanjay Korrapati (cousin)

Affiliation(s): McMurdo Station

Profile

Height: 3’5”

Age: 6 (season 3)

Weight: 40lbs

Eyes: hazel

Blood: A+

Hailing from Baltimore, Milagros Santiago is a young girl with caramel skin, hazel brown eyes, and bouncy curls of long black hair. With her favourite colour being purple, she wears a dark purple parka with matching boots, black snow pants, a lilac hat, scarf, gloves and darker lilac earmuffs.

Synopsis

McMurdo Station’s unofficial penguin expert, Milagros, is the adopted daughter of Camila Martinez.

She is a curious young girl who loves asking questions to learn about new things. She loves science and learning about biology, physics, chemistry, and weather patterns. But she's also a big fan of fantasy novels and can easily get lost in an imaginary world as she reads her favourite books.

Milagros lost her mother at a young age. She doesn't remember much about Alondra, but she remembers her singing lullabies to put her to sleep and having princess tea parties with her and Auntie Camila. She's lucky to have recordings of her mother, and her favourite ones are the videos of Alondra singing and dancing with her as they reenact the dancing scenes from fairy tale movies.

After Alondra passed away, it was just her and Auntie Camila in their little apartment. The place seemed cold and empty without her Mommy, but soon, their family became bigger. She and Camila moved into a rental house close to Camila's parents, and Milagros loved visiting her new grandparents. Her Mommy's parents also visit from Puerto Rico, and while she only sees them a few times a year, she still treasures their time together.

A few weeks after her sixth birthday, Camila announced that she had been offered a job in Antarctica and Milagros was invited to come along. Despite the cold weather, the girl was ecstatic to move to the South Pole. She couldn't wait to see her newest favourite animal, penguins, and make lots of new penguin friends.

Several weeks after moving to Antarctica and befriending the penguins, Camila informed her that Auntie Carmen and her team would be visiting them. Milagros was excited to show Carmen and her friends around the station and penguin reserve but was even more excited to meet her new cousin Sanjay.

After Camila had been cleared of murder, she and Milagros took the Bureau out to visit the penguin reserve. Milagros introduced the penguins to the team by name and taught the humans everything she knew about the animal. While she might still have a lot to learn, she felt proud of herself as she saw everyone smiling and listening to her ramble.

But after a few days, Auntie Carmen, Sanjay and the Bureau needed to leave. Milagros didn't want them to go, but she knew there were bad guys out there they needed to take down, so she didn't try to stow away on the plane. But she still made Auntie Carmen and Sanjay promise to take pictures and get her souvenirs from everywhere they visited.

Months later, near the end of The Darkest Hour, Milagros and Camila returned to celebrate the defeat of SOMBRA alongside the rest of the Bureau's family and friends.

Story Information

First appeared: Death Below Zero

Trivia

Inspiration for her came from Encanto. Her name means miracle (miracle candle), and her Puerto Rican heritage comes from one of the movie’s (also one of my favourite) music composers being of Puerto Rican descent (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

Her stuffed penguin, Pip, was a gift from Camila when she told Milagros they were moving to Antarctica. Milagros sleeps with Pip every night and claims he keeps her nightmares and the cold away

When living in Baltimore, Camila takes Milagros on weekly trips to the cemetery to visit Alondra’s grave. Milagros updates her mother on everything that happened during the previous week and sometimes brings along things to show the grave

Once they return from Antarctica, Milagros plans to bring her scrapbook to her mother’s grave so that she can tell Alondra all about her adventures and penguin friends

She loves dressing up as characters from her favourite movies, especially princesses. Sometimes Camila will dress in matching costumes

Mila hopes that she'll be able to convince Sanjay to dress up with her for Halloween so they can get extra candy for their matching costumes!

She enjoys visiting the beach to build sand castles, swim, play in the waves, and take the pets Camila fosters for walks

Whenever they have a new pet to foster, Milagros makes them a bow or bandana to wear. Each one uses a different combination of fabrics, so no two bows or bandanas are the same

Her favourite animals to foster are dogs, cats, birds, and lizards

She also likes when they get to pet-sit people's fish. It's fun to watch them swim around in the tank

She was born without the lower half of her legs from just below her knees. She has prosthetics to help her walk, run, swim and dance

Grandma Martinez makes her special socks/sleeves in fun patterns that fit over her fake legs to cover the boring metal and plastic

Her favourite ones are the flower pattern socks that make it look like her legs a wrapped in flowers and the sparkly ones because she likes the way they shimmer in the light

Disclaimer: Character design was created using Rinmarugames Mega Anime Avatar Creator! I have only made minor edits to the design! Background courtesy of CriminalArtist5

Links to my stories:

The Case of the Criminal (Ao3/Wattpad)

Killer Bay (Ao3/Wattpad)

Where in the World are the Killers? (Ao3/Wattpad)

[la-undercover-latina]

Bedtime Memories

Summary: While Alex is on a small tour, Ella decides she wants time with her godbaby. When bedtime comes, Addison doesn’t want a regular bedtime story.l

Ella Sixx created by @youlightmeupfinn

“Alright, you’ve got a few choices for bedtime stories tonight Monkey,” Ella smiled at the toddler in her and Alex’s bed. Alex had gone on a small US tour, and Ella wanted godbaby time, which Andy and Amber were happy to oblige.

“I don’t want a wegula stowy,” Addison spoke softly while Ella pushed back some of the baby hairs that popped free from the loose pigtail braids.

“What kind of story Princess?”

“How it was growing up with mommy and unkie Jude,”

“Well mommy was always over when I was little,” Ella started before being cut off by the three year old that pushed closer to cuddle.

“Duh! You mommy’s sissy,” Addison rolled her eyes.

“No baby girl. Your mommy isn’t my sister,”

“But you my auntie,” A small frown appeared between Addison’s brows.

“So mommy is my cousin. Uncle Jude is my only sibling,”

“What’s that?” Addison tilted her head to the side, and in that moment, she looked like her mother, just with blue eyes instead of hazel.

“It’s a word that means brothers and sissies,” Ella explained before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“You still want a story from when mommy was little?” Addy nodded her head.

“Okay. So there was one night that I had a nightmare, and mommy stayed over enough that she had her own room. I think I was around your age, and instead of going by Gamma Tay and Grandpa Nikki, I went to your mommy. And she held me tight and then when I calmed down, she took me back to my room, put me on the bed, and then told all the monsters to leave me alone and that if they kept messing with me, she’d kick their butts. And after all the monsters were gone, she laid in my bed with me until I fell asleep, and apparently she didn’t leave even after I fell asleep. Gamma Tay came by to wake us up and get breakfast going and she said that she got really scared because she didn’t see mommy in her room. But then she came to my room and when she saw me cuddled up to mommy, she went and got the camera and got a picture,”

“Does Gamma Tay still have the picture?” Addy asked and Ella nodded, remembering seeing the picture in the photo albums that her mom had pulled out over her and Nikki’s birthday when she felt nostalgic.

Sleepily, the toddler cuddled up to her godmother.

“I hope if I’m a big sissy, I’m as good as mama,” Addison yawned before her blue eyes shut. And rather than correct the toddler, Ella smiled and kissed Addison’s forehead before pulling the covers to her chin and tucking her in.

“Goodnight Monkey,” Ella smiled at the memory that felt like only yesterday of Addison being born and everyone teasing Amber about her being a monkey baby.

[harlowcomehome]

jade defending y/n how hazel did jack

Cause we all know hazey girl is her father mini me and jade is a mini y/n- 🧌

“Don’t touch my mommy!”

It had been over a year since you had seen your best friend Destiny. Life had been pretty hectic for the both of you, she opened her own business back in your hometown and you living in Louisville, which wasn’t a little thirty minute drive like it used to be. You were both busy, but kept in contact constantly.

Both of the girls talked to her over FaceTime calls and Hazel had met her several times so she was familiar with Auntie Destiny but Jade didn’t remember her, only being two years old. You were excited for Destiny to come visit. It’s all you had been talking about for weeks and Jack thought it was really sweet to see how excited you were.

Jack had an album release at the end of the week and Destiny always made it a point to come to them, you looked at her like a sister more than a friend. Jack understood it, you felt about Destiny the way he was with Urban.

“Baby, did you wash the blankets?” You said as you put the sheets on the bed in your guest room.

“Yeah babe, folded and put in the closet” Jack came into the bedroom “you could’ve asked me to do it” he laughed as your struggled to get the fitted sheet on. “It’s fine, just make sure the girls eat breakfast.” He nodded, giving you a kiss on the forehead before exiting the room.

You finished putting the bed together and checked your phone for the time. You placed the gift basket on the dresser next to the bed, you always loved to give gifts as a way of showing your affection. When you walked out of the bedroom you saw Jack and the girls sitting at the table eating breakfast. “Do you have time to eat?” Jack looked at the time and you shook your head “eat it for me?” He nodded and you gave him and both of the girls a kiss as you headed out the door. “I’ll be back with Auntie Destiny1”

Hazel clapped and squealed and Jade couldn’t be bothered as she munched on her waffle.

The drive to the airport was pretty simple, you loved that. Destiny arrived right on time, you practically tackled each other to the ground when you embraced. “I missed you so much” she sobbed and you pulled back to get a better look at her, “you never cry! Are you okay? She laughed “I just really needed to see my best friend” she smiled and you helped her with her luggage.

“Where are the beautiful babies?” She asked with a tone of disappointment when you reached the car.

“I thought we could use a minute alone, Jacks at home with them” you smiled and she did too.

“Coffee?” You asked innocently, knowing it was your favorite thing to do together.

“Boba?” She suggested and you laughed, “I can do boba!”

You two went inside and sat for a while, sipping on your boba and just talking. You told her you were excited that she was visiting and you just started talking about life and everything in between. “I’m so excited to see little Jade, she looks so much like you as a kid” she laughed and you did too. “She’s honestly my mini me right?” She nodded “which is so crazy, Hazel is a spitting image of Jack and Jade is your twin too.” You laughed “Oh! I’m sure you noticed but she’s very shy like how I used to be, so just a warning. She may take a minute to get used to you.” Destiny nodded and the two of you headed back home.

When you opened the door to your house Hazel came running “Auntie Des Des!” Destiny picked her up and swing her around “there’s my Hazel girl!” Jack gave her a hug and then took her bags,. Jade was hiding behind him. You bent down to pick her up, she hid her face in the crook of your neck. “Jade, this is mommy’s best friend, your auntie Destiny.” Jade looked at her, still unsure but waved.

“Do you remember me?” Destiny spoke softly. “We talked about turtles, on mommy’s phone?”

Jade thought for a minute and nodded, you placed her on the ground and Destiny did the same with Hazel.

“I have a surprise for you” you giggled and Destiny rolled her eyes playfully “you don’t have to buy me stuff Y/N!” Jack came out of the guest room after he set her bags down “I told her” he teased and you both laughed.

“You seriously got me an entire basket?!” Destiny laughed and you blushed “I just missed you a lot okay?”

“A Cartier bracelet? Are you insane?” She laughed getting up from the bed and you ran from her knowing what came next.

“Destiny! Destiny! I swear!” You giggled as you hid on one side of the island in your kitchen. “We are too old for this!!”

“No you deserve to get tickled for that, you did too much” she laughed, chasing you around the living room.

Jack watched the two of you run around the house like kids as you tried to escape from Destiny. “Baby, help me!” You laughed and he did too “Nope, You deserve it” he laughed as he sat with Hazel and Jade on the ground playing with their dolls. Jade was annoyed though, probably because of the change in her routine and partly because it was her nap time and you and her aunt were being loud.

Destiny grabbed you and tickled you to the floor “mercy!” You yelled and she laughed, sitting next to you on the ground. Jade saw you on the ground and immediately stood up and ran over slapping the side of Destiny’s face “don’t touch my mommy” she said with a huff.

The silence was so loud.

You wanted to laugh but you knew you shouldn’t. You looked at Jack for help. After the shock wore off Hazel ran over “Jade, we use nice hands!”

Jack followed Hazel over to you. You and Destiny were looking at each other trying your best not to laugh.

“She was hurting mommy!” Jade looked up at Jack and huffed, crossing her arms and starting to poke her mouth out.

“Oh baby! Auntie wasn’t hurting mommy” you picked her up and sat her on your lap.

You motioned for Jack to go back to playing dolls with Hazel and he nodded, looking at you with wide eyes and you tried to suppress a laugh.

“Baby, we don’t hit” you sighed and you mouthed sorry to Destiny who was still trying to hide a giggle herself.

“Jade” she whispered, and Jade sniffled and looked at her, with teary eyes.

“I promise, I wasn’t hurting your mommy” she scooted closer and Jade leaned her head into you. You nodded at Destiny to continue.

“Jade, who is your best friend?”

“Mommy” she mumbled.

“And who else?”

“Hwazel and daddy” she mumbled.

“Well you know how Hazel is your best friend?”

Jade nodded.

“You’d never hurt her right?”

“Never” Jade sniffled.

“Your mom is my best friend too, she’s my Hazel” she smiled.

“Was just playing?” She asked as she rubbed her eyes.

“Tickling” Destiny said, knowing Jade knew that word.

“No tank you” she said and you both laughed.

“Do you forgive me?” She asked holding her arms out to Jade.

“I do” Jade nodded and gave Destiny a little hug before she ran back to Jack and Hazel.

“Looks like you have your own security guard Mrs. Harlow” Destiny teased.

“You should see Hazel with Jack” you laughed.

[guessillcallitart]

Hazel✨ (pics from pinterest)

Hazel listened to the lovely, crackling maple leaves underneath her boots as she walked away from the park. The silent child walked a few paces ahead of her. Her hands were in her pockets and she kept looking back and to the sides in a nervous manner. Hazel's heart sank as she realised just how unsafe the child felt. "Your aunt sounded very concerned of you", she started carefully. "She cares about you a lot." The child wouldn't meet her eyes. "I like Auntie Mira. She's fun." Hazel smiled. "I met her. She seems very nice indeed." After a few beats of silence, Hazel asked: "What about your mommy and daddy? What are they like?"

"Are you going to take me away?" The child sounded fearful now. Hazel sighed, wondering what to say. "It's a possibility, I'm afraid, but you have to remember, everyone just wants what's best for you."

"Mrs. Bloom gives me food when mommy isn't home."

"Mrs. Bloom?"

"She lives right next to us."

"Oh. Can you tell me how much your mommy is away?"

The child glanced at Hazel. "She comes home sometimes. Then she sleeps on the sofa. I make sure she's tucked in." Hazel blinked furiously. Don't cry, she told herself. You've done all this before. "She has a medication. The pills make her weird."

"Weird in what way?"

"She forgets who I am and who daddy is." The child had stopped and grabbed Hazel's sleeve. "Please don't take me away."

"You'll be alright. I promise you." Hazel hugged her. "I still need to ask you something. After that, I'll take you to a café. I'll get you something to eat." The child gave a small nod. "What about your daddy? What is he like?" Hazel asked. "He gives me something to help me sleep at night", the child said quietly. And Hazel knew this was all she would tell her for now.

taglist: @aloeverawrites, @your-absent-father, @aether-wasteland-s, @blackcrxwking, @yesireadbooks, @desastreus, @athenswrites, @rbbess110, @fioreshere (ask to be added or removed and let me know if I've forgotten to tag you😊)

[reshiiii]

Thanks for the tag @lichotenie (🌞❤️). 15 questions, tag 15 mutuals. Not sure if we're all mutuals, but alas. Feel free to not participate

Were you named after anyone?

Not to my knowledge, we don't don't uphold this tradition.

When was the last time you cried?

Last Saturday at friend's wedding.

Do you have kids?

Not to my knowledge, but I am an Auntie™.

No you use sarcasm a lot?

Not at all. /s

What's the first thing you notice about people?

Idk, probably the overall vibe? Face, usually.

What's your eye color?

Hazel? Greenish on the outside, brown in the center.

Any special talents?

Various craft's (or sewing my own historical clothing) bc i live in the land of delusion that I can make anything myself. And cooking.

Scary movies or happy endings?

Depending on the mood, but usually happy endings.

Where were you born?

In a hospital :).

What are your hobbies?

Historical reenactment, cooking and baking, various hand crafts.

Have any pets?

Not where I live now. But we have few cats and a dog and my parents' house.

What sports do you play/have you played?

Nothing really, I never was a sporty kid. I get my workout by trying to compensate my height and anger, i.e. while camping, building, or at work.

How tall are you?

156cm on a good day, if I remember correctly.

Favourite subject at school?

Elementary and high school: history, literature.

Uni: Textile production (paleolith to high medieval), Dante: art, culture and aesthetics of Middle ages

Dream job?

I simply do not dream of labour. Bookbinding.

Tagging @lynxs-shitposting-inc, @fabien-euskadi, @tealesbian, @vakarcs and anyone who wants to🌱

[surroundedbypearls]

‘CLOSET PUN’ - Excerpt #7

Juniper: The Witch Draft 1

[Excerpt below the cut!]

Junie looked around at each candle in turn to check they were all lit, that everything was in place, one last time.

She’d never done anything like this before. She’d never even considered it.

Once, when she was young, she recalled her grandmother’s untimely death, the arguments between her mother and her aunties over the will, which had been written in scattered and incomplete thoughts, in the way only a witch who wrote it with no lawyer on hand could have done.

And so she remembered sneaking about the house one late evening to spy her aunties and her mother performing  a starlit ritual, where they pressed their consciousness beyond the veil to search for their grandmother’s voice. She remembered the terror within her when she heard her grandmother’s old, croaky voice emerge from her Aunt Caroline’s lips. But then she made a crack at them for even performing this in the first place - “Are you that desperate to get at my riches, girls? There’s fuck-all riches.” - and she found herself muffling her giggles into her pyjama sleeve as she watched her mother argue with the spirit of her grandmother until, finally, the troublesome matter was put to rest. It hadn’t been so scary, then.

But a starlit ritual was different. Granny was still beyond the veil, she was never coming back. She didn’t know who this spirit was, or what harm they intended. If they had dragged themselves back from beyond the veil, then for what purpose? She couldn’t imagine what that process was like. Whether a spirit could feel pain or not, it couldn't have been a pleasant experience. What made them come back?

There was only one way to find out.

Downstairs in the entrance hall, the clock struck midnight. The witching hour. She almost felt herself come more alive at the sound. But there was no more time to waste.

“I am daughter of Hecate,” she said, reciting the opening words. “By the word of Hecate, I summon thee.”

Across the circle, Toby squeaked as the flame before him surged. He flinched back, but held tight to the circle.

"From the dark, I summon thee.”

A wind howled around them and she whipped her eyes open, the chill overwhelming her as she gripped May and Hazel’s hands tight enough to break them. Somehow the candles stayed lit, and though the floor didn’t seem to shake, the stones rattled within the centre of the circle like they were bouncing on a quaking surface. Her whole body felt alight, like she’d been struck by lightning, her vision blurring as her power surged.

A shadow grew within the centre of the circle, swirling like smoke as it fought against the ring of candles. Something hissed, and the room was filled with a smell of burning. Across the circle, Toby whimpered, but held on steadfast. Next to her, Hazel was trembling. What was this presence doing to her?

“Junie.”

She looked at May.

“It’s up to you. You have to talk to it.”

“Me? Jesus Christ.”

She should have expected as much. She held her grip. As long as the circle of candles was steadfast, the spirit could not possess them. But she wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold it within the summoning circle. Already, its power was draining on her, her concentration waning. She wasn’t strong enough to do this. She didn't have long.

“Who are you?” she asked, trying to keep her voice low. Surely, the wind wasn’t howling outside this room. She didn't want them to be caught. But it felt as though she should be screaming. “What’s your name?”

More on Closet Pun here! Leave an ask or a comment to be added to the taglist.