#searching for for years? is it my fault that you don't understand how deeply and hopelessly in love Mobius fell before hed even met a Loki?

[kittyhazelnut]

You have to kidding when you say lokius or whatever is the superior Loki ship? Just because you ship it that doesn't make it superior. On top of that Mobius is the ugliest person to ever ship loki with

man, fuck off. someone asked me my opinion on Loki ships and I responded with my opinion on Loki ships. this is that whole "everyone on tumblr is chronically online and thinks every post must be About Them Specifically" bullshit I was talking about earlier. a girl can't even call her fav ship superior in her own post about her own ships without some asshole getting mad that I didn't account for Every Single Marvel Fan's Opinion Ever. make your own post about your own favorite Loki ship if you're this bitter idfc just go away

[blossom-hwa]

tyun dragon au pls B)

I died this is ur fault fuck you chip <3

summertime drabble fest: send me an idol from the list (Stray Kids, Ateez, TXT, Seventeen) + a prompt (check out the post for ideas) and I’ll write a drabble for you!

REQUESTS CLOSED!

~

Title: Glass on the Ice and the Wind

Pairing: Taehyun x gender neutral!reader

Word count: 1.7k

Genre: fluff, dragon!au, mc is a glassblower

Warnings: n/a

~

When you return to your hometown, you don't tell anyone of your journey. 

Well, in ways, of course, you do. You must. People knew where you were going, knew the treasure that you sought—they knew you meant to find the rare dragon sands lost to legend hundreds of years ago or more. It would not have made sense if you'd come back, shimmering sand in tow, ready to be blown into the finest glass the world has ever known, and had no adventure in finding it. 

So you evade. Tell them bits and pieces, blather about the unimportant things—the price of supplies in surrounding villages, how green the forest leaves glinted under sunlight, the way the white sands of the beaches you crossed glowed in the pale of the moon. You tell them about towns they know, about some they do not know, and you tell them, of course, that you had a guide. 

"I would not have found the sands if not for him," you admit readily. "My journey would have been for naught, had I not found him first."

And so, there are questions about your guide that follow. Who was he, what was his name, how did he know the way to the dragon sands and why did he not come back with you? 

To all this you laugh, and smile, and give blithe answers away as though there is nothing to hide. A simple traveler of the winds, who gave you a name you could not pronounce (which is true—it was simply not the only name he gave). The path to the sands is one his family has known for generations. He would not have come, though you asked once. He has his own home on the winds, traveling where his fancy guides him—to the snow, to the sands, to the water, the trees. 

And all of this is true. None of it is a lie. Much easier to tell them this than, say, tell them that your guide was a dragon.

It's not as if they'd believe you, anyway. Dragons have been the stuff of legend for millennia—even more so than the sands you found, and the shimmering glass they make. No one believes they exist. You wouldn't have, if you had not met one yourself. Which is why you neglect to tell them this one detail, even though it forms the core of one man whom you've grown to care for deeply. 

Taehyun. You remember him every moment in your forge, with every bead of sweat that drips down your face. The fire in his eyes follows you in the flames that flicker and leap in your fireplace, the warmth of his laugh etched into every glass sculpture you create. You see him, the dragon you found and helped nurse back to health—you see him everywhere you go, though he has never once been here. 

On a dark night, the moon shining full in the sky, you find it in yourself to finally admit it, then. That you fell in love with a dragon. And that though you understand why he couldn't come with you—the same reason you couldn't stay with him—it still hurts to know that there could be nothing more of it.

It's not fair. Which is obvious—life isn't fair—but on nights like these where you miss Taehyun so much it feels like your breath is gone, you almost wish you hadn't gone on your search for the dragon sands. Almost is the key word, almost—because you know in your heart you never could have regretted meeting Taehyun, meeting a dragon and learning legends long lost to humans as you helped him in the ways you could to recover from the curse that had tried to eat away his soul. But if you'd never met him, never heard his voice, never saw his dark eyes under the light of the moon...

If you hadn't known what you were missing, at least you'd never have to mourn it.

But that sort of thinking isn't fair—not to Taehyun, and not to yourself. Which is why, in the morning, you go back to work as usual, and continue to find small comfort in your dragon's warmth everywhere you look. 

Until one morning under a cold, blue sky, when the wind blows so strongly that you crave the blazing heat of your forge as soon as you've forced yourself to climb out of bed. 

It was a day like this when you met the dragon who used to ride on the winds—no ice and snow, not just yet, but gales whipping you to and fro until you sought shelter in what you thought was an unoccupied cave. You smile a little at the memory, laughing at your fear when you realized the cave was not, in fact, unoccupied, and when you enter your forge the cold melts away and you get to work, toasty warm and safe from the chill. You haven't even been in there half an hour, though, before someone comes pounding at your door. 

"Y/N!" A pink-cheeked, breathless Huening Kai stands before you when you step outside. "Someone in the square is looking for you!"

"Looking for me?" You frown, trying to recall if you're expecting any guests. None that you can remember—it's getting too cold for travel, anyone who would have visited would have come in the warmer months. "Did they specifically ask for me? What was their name?"

"He didn't give a name, but he says he seeks the artisan who shaped dragon glass." Kai's eyes sparkle with interest, which is all that keeps you from shutting the door—too often, since you sold the first shimmering piece of glassware that sparkled like the first sun on snow after a blizzard, have you been besieged by those wanting to buy your little shop or try to pry the secret of the dragon sands from your lips. "He's not like the others, Y/N. He said you would know him."

Your frown deepens. Who would you know—

Oh. 

Oh.

You blink rapidly once, twice. Even with the chill of the air, something begins to warm in your stomach, in your chest—a reckless hope that grows against your will the longer you look at Kai. Because it can’t be him. There’s no way. 

And yet—

"You said he's in the square?"

You’ve thrown yourself into the cold wind almost before Kai has given you an answer.

The walk to the square is a short one, barely five minutes on a good day. In weather like this it's usually empty, and for good reason—you certainly wouldn't choose to if you didn't have to. But today, there are more people milling about than usual, fighting the sharp wind to gain a glimpse of—

Him. 

Wrapped in brown furs tinged with the slightest red, ice-pale streaks running through his dark, dark hair. Warm skin that almost seems to glow, and large eyes that catch yours where you stand at the edge of the square, knees turned to water and arms to jelly. He's dressed so plainly, just the way you would be if you'd thought to put on a coat to ward against the wind, but somehow, still, he wears those ragged furs like a prince.

Taehyun. The dragon you met, the dragon you loved—in his human form, now, in a place you never thought you'd see him.

You're not sure who moves first. In the end, though, it doesn't really matter. You meet, somehow, and then it's just you in his arms and him in yours, his inner warmth seeping into your skin, sheltering you against the chill the way he always did. 

"You're here." You realize you're tearing up the moment you speak, embarrassment and emotion clogging your throat. "Why are you here?"

He laughs, and the sound reverbs through your chest—comforting, like the soft gusts of wind that had followed his laughter when you tried to cheer him as he healed in his dark cave. "Why aren't you wearing a coat?" he asks in turn, all the warmth of his love in his eyes as he repeats a question he asked you so many moons ago. His arms pull you closer than you ever thought possible as your hand rises to touch his shoulder, his chin, his cheek, eyes searching his throat where you know there are scattered scales of icy blue hiding behind the furs covering his skin. 

You snort wetly, wiping the tears from your face. "Answer me first."

"As you wish." He smiles, and you realize then how much you missed this—how, in the end, you wouldn't have been able to bear the distance from your love, your dragon—how you'd have set out to find him again at least once before you died. The flames that dance in his eyes burn so steadily, rooting you to the here, the now, even as the winds that gust around you threaten to blow you away. "I told you before that I go where the winds blow."

A kiss to your forehead, another to your nose. Feather light, butterfly soft, and then he presses his lips to yours. 

You're there for seconds. You're there for an eternity. You're there as the sun rises and sets, the winds howling past—you're there, here, steady against the earth, steady as the fire banked in Taehyun's soul, whose warmth he has shared with you. 

When you break away, his eyes are soft, softer than they've ever been. And as you cup his cheek in your palm, brushing away a tear that has just begun to trickle down his skin, he speaks once more. "I go where the winds blow," he says again, words so quiet yet so warm against the icy cold. "This time, they brought me to you."

[thefandomboysblog]

some thoughts after a day since the news;

(it's long, but important, imo)

y'know what's the worst thing of this whole mess? i don't know if anyone's said yet, but I'll say it. i am sure that with varying degrees both in the team at large and steven, shane and ryan, all of them were very excited and hoped for the best and that all of them hoped that the audience they've grown, that i assume they love deeply, for what we've done for their careers at large for all the content they make and they are passionate about, supported them in this like we've done, for so long. they said it on the video but i assume they also think that personally, and it isn't a white lie because none of them strike me personally like i've stated before as fake online creators.

...they've done this; they have put this out into the world and turns out we don't support that, at all. i mean we do, or at least I hope most of us do since the reasons are very understandable and yet most won't be able to do it monetarily which is precisely what they hoped for apart of the chance to create better and bigger content and i can't imagine how that must feel. scratch that. i do.

I have got Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), as an autistic person, and for example right now I don't have money because I'm unemployed, and I have to work so everytime i search for jobs it feels like a chore, like I'm giving up some freedom, and I'm losing control of my own life, because any job at all is not what I want to do, and I don't want my actual passion and I want to do as career, which is writing, to become a hobby. Trust me that feeling, it's awful. I am sure it doesn't feel like what it does to me but I can't imagine it feels good. However in this economy, i must.

they want to do something and it's so big, and like everything in this godforsaken capitalistic world it costs money. they want to be able to do it but for now in YouTube it seems imposible, even if it isn't, because that is why we're saying it's a bad choice; in their perspective, or because they haven't been adviced better, it's what they see.

so they come up with this, and their only support, their fanbase, they say that it's not good. Not only that and I don't want to name names here (people who hate Steven or in general just want an excuse to be mean), they say they hate them for it, that it is a dumb move from them. so they are absolutely bashing them, everywhere.

As individuals, as human beings, because some of us forget they are people and not characters, that must genuinely be heart breaking, perhaps even, i don't know, it feels like we've betrayed their hopes and their trust.

Which is exactly what they've done to us. And this is where our problem appears... They've lost touch with their fanbase and we, because, sadly, we lack context and that's their fault as well, aren't able to fully understand their perspective and their needs and what they actually can give us in exchange so it is, for both parties, worth it.

My point is, just be humane about this. Just try to understand all of them as people, although it feels like they've bretayed our trust, whatever happens, wether they backtrack or keep going; people can and will make mistakes and well sometimes those people have to learn the hard way. Lift them back up, if and when they fall. These are, still, the same people, some of us, have followed for many years, however long you've been a part of their journey, I am sure you have a special place for them, in your hearts.

[futurebird]

Followers on tumblr

I've been really liking tumbler since I quit twitter and decided to split my time between here and the fediverse (Mastodon) but there is one thing I still don't understand-- how do people get followers here? On Twitter I followed about 1,000 people and had about 6,000 followers. On Mastodon I follow about 3,000 people and have about 11,000 followers. Here? I follow about 2,000 people but have... 300 followers. I know there are more people here who would enjoy my posts. I don't even feel conceited saying so. I'm really amazing! I know all about ants and write fun micro-fiction (mostly sci-fi) -- Getting a new follower is super rare for me. Most of my mutuals here are also people who recently moved over. (I tend to follow back most people who follow me. Unless the profile has no image. But when I follow people they mostly don't follow back. Feels like a little rejection every time.) It's pretty common for my posts to get 0 notes. It could be because my posts are bad and boring-- but I suspect that just not many people see them. Similar posts do great elsewhere. Is it possible that old-time tumblr users have gotten in the habit (due to bots) of not really following new people? There are a few accounts I really admire here and I feel like a sad pancake since none of them have followed me back. Follower counts and social media make people silly-- triggers my inner deeply unpopular teen-aged self and all of the bad feelings that go with those years. But, it's not like I'm going to stop writing or drawing or studying ants and math just because no one is listening. Maybe, with a little luck (that is, if you reblog this) someone who can offer some helpful advice will see this. PS. How can I find all of the black people? We have #BlackMastodon over on the fedi-- Black Twitter still exists... but I can't stand to go to that site anymore. Tumblr feels the most isolated in this way too. But, it might be my fault for not searching correctly.

[nya-vivi]

I'm only lucid enough at 2 am so here I go again ♡

I finished Heizou's hangout and realized two (2) things: 1) I am not as a horrible of a detective as I thought and 2) it's the canon ≠ fandom time on Heizou's characterization.

Anyways I have Thoughts™ (more like a rambling).

(cw: spoilers for Heizou's character stories, voiceovers and hangout. Not proofread).

Disclaimer on all this: I will talk about the voice actors and the translations. This doesn't mean I deprecate in any way or form the work of the voice actors nor the translations issued by each translation team.

To adress the second point, I don't know if it is a 'lost in translation' type of issue or what exactly, but having I played it in the japanese dub and on spanish subtitles, I can say this:

I don't know where the 'Heizou is flirty' statement comes from.

I could count like 2 to 3 instances Heizou actually could sound 'flirty' and most of them are when we (traveler) either agree with him in something important or answer correctly to something Heizou asks us. In his voice-overs he also doesn't sound 'flirty', he actually sounds charismatic and relaxed.

That being out of the way-- the real rambling lolol

Heizou is actually such a good person tho.

Like. In the last ending of the hangout mans really said he kept quiet about a very trumatic case for Ryuuji (who it is shown he cares deeply about) FOR YEARS because he was scared the truth would be too much for him at the time while also jeopardizing his relationship with Sango (who it seems he cares a lot for, like Ryuuji).

And well, he is right with this point. Imagine being told that your recently-assassinated father figure was actually not as a good of a person as he made himself to be and was assassinated also because of a political complot and that you were implicated directly on the assassination (unknowingly). Yeah.

And also it shows how well both Sango and Heizou knew each other, because Sango knew Heizou was hiding someone from her.

And when he said to Sango that he would help her search for Ryuuji in case he didn't go back to work the next day, without prompting? It shows he cares. A lot.

Same thing happened in Watatsumi. He knew something was fishy (it was not mean to be a pun, be my guest), but he also knew it wasn't exactly their fault and that something as big as this could put in risk a lot of people.

I feel like players forget that all about Heizou is to stop crime at it's root. It is not to be a great detective or to work in cases (those are a mean to an end), but to impose so much that criminality rate just either goes down or it stops existing. So telling the commission about Watatsumi is like the worst outcome.

He revels and hides in that position as 'great detective' but not without setbacks: because he is a great detective no one from work actually listens to him when he needs advice. Because he is a great detective and he is smart enough.

Screaming.

And the fact that he hates lies and liars the most? I think it is stated in one of his stories that he hates lies. And we can see that with the street theatre he makes to raise awareness about scammers. It is shown he doesn't have the patience for them, he keeps them around because they are useful and also because they can get reformed (linking this with the 'stop crime' agenda he has) so in his brain it works like this: reform=not crime.

He says it, he could have left them in jail. But he knew it wouldn't be productive for his vision of the world. Instead, he gets information, reduces crime and get community service.

Heizou works with a flexible but strict sense of morality. He understands better than anyone the grays in the black-white scale. It doesn't mean he personally have to like it.

Idk if this is even legible. I will think about it more this night. Idk if I will expand on this.

I love Heizou <3 Goodnight

[ninasbookshelf]

recs for sally rooney lovers: part 1

I will read anything Sally Rooney writes.

If you're like me—you admire Rooney's writing to the point where you'd savor even her daily to-do list if she released it—then you know intimately the horrifying and all-consuming experience of finishing Rooney's novels. "What am I supposed to do now?" Maybe you manage to briefly patch up the hollow feeling by ordering a used copy of Mr Salary on eBay, but the short story is over soon enough, and you are back to wondering whether you will ever read something so beautiful again.

Don't worry, I'm here.

I've been closely guarding my "Recommendations for Sally Rooney Lovers" list for the past few years. Slowly but surely I've added to the list, as I searched for hints of Rooney in other works I've read. For a time, I unintentionally made a habit of analyzing the books I read in the light of whether or not my fellow Sally Rooney fans would enjoy them, and why. Now I have enough recommendations for at least two posts, and I'm working my way towards a part three. I will make no promises on timing! It might even be awhile before part two is posted, because I really want to get it right. That being said, if you're a fan of Sally Rooney's writing and you enjoy these recommendations, please stick around! I'm saving a few of my favorites for part two.

There is something on this list for everyone. I give brief descriptions of each book and what is similar or different about the writing compared to Rooney's. To figure out which recommendations are best for you, I suggest considering what exactly it is you love about Sally Rooney's work, and then you can filter through the suggestions and see which ones share those traits.

I hope you enjoy!

Fault Lines by Emily Itami

I was lured into Fault Lines by the pretty book design and mention of Sally Rooney on the cover. The narration in the early pages is full of the long, winding, frazzled thoughts of a mother trying to keep her life together in Tokyo. This voice grated on me at first, but the more I read the less I noticed it, and soon enough I found myself immersed in the companionship of Mizuki's life.

Fault Lines echoes the intimacy of a Sally Rooney novel, sharing the confidential details of Mizuki's life as if she is a friend sharing her woes and escapades over coffee. It ties in reflections on both Japanese and American culture as the main character tries to find harmony between the mindset she is surrounded by and the one she grew to love while abroad. If you enjoy the close character insight and cultural reflections Rooney provides in her novels, Fault Lines is for you.

No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai

When I read No Longer Human for the first time in 2022, I fell in love.

Set in Japan, No Longer Human follows a young man in Japan named Oba Yozo as he tries to find his place and exist comfortably in a world where he often feels he doesn't belong. From a young age Oba Yozo learns to take on a certain "jokester" personality to get by, but this move results in his feeling insincere. The novel gives the reader such a raw look at the workings of the protagonist's mind throughout his life, that despite him being a deeply flawed person, by the end of the novel I couldn't help but have an affinity for the protagonist. It forces the reader to understand him. There were times when the protagonist angered me, and it actually hurt, that's how well I felt I knew him.

I think Rooney fans will be drawn to the way Dazai inserts the reader into the protagonist's psyche, as well as his interaction with the cultural changes happening in Japan and his relationship to money and class. As a warning, this book deals heavily with mental health and depression, so please keep that in mind before you decide to pick it up.

Scorpionfish by Natalie Bakopoulos

Scorpionfish follows Mira as she returns to a family apartment in Greece after the deaths of her parents. Mira gets into a routine of chatting with her new neighbor—a former sea captain—whenever the two are on their adjacent balconies, and slowly they start to open up to each other and find comfort in their daily routine as neighbors. This connection is set against a backdrop of Athens during a time when the city is facing instability economically and politically. Readers see the city and its people through Mira's eyes as she comes to terms with the reshaping of her familial, romantic, and even platonic relationships. We also see Mira's relationship to the city itself, and the difficulty of loving a place that one can't fully call home. One of the things I loved about this novel is the reflection on what I call "cultural limbo"; when you have one foot in the US and one in Greece, which one is yours? How do you exist floating somewhere in between?

The writing style is approachable and a great option for any Rooney fan.

Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados

I first read this book in 2021, and it was one of my favorite books of the year. I picked it up for the intriguing artwork on the covers, and I am so glad I did.

Happy Hour has refreshing and witty narration with keen observations on the New York City social scenes as experienced by Isa Epley and her best friend Gala. The two women are in their early twenties and are dead-set on having a summer of amusement in the city. The novel travels through both the quotidian and spontaneous events of their summer as the women navigate NYC nightlife, parties, friendships, and the dating scene. Happy Hour also details the sometimes harsh realities of Isa and Gala's situation as they try to get by financially in the city despite their lack of work visas. As a variety of issues attempt to derail their plans, Isa and Gala's determination to spend the summer simply enjoying themselves remains strong.

The writing in Happy Hour is more densely packed with observation than Rooney's works (which I find have more dialogue than Happy Hour if I remember correctly), but it's done in an intentional and artful way. The prose is charming and captivating, and the novel shares a tender depiction of female friendship. If you enjoy the reflective nature of Rooney's novels, the striving to get by, the intelligence and fun, and the way her characters find comfort through their relationships with each other, I recommend Happy Hour.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

If you need a break from fiction, this one is for you! Crying in H Mart is a memoir examining Michelle Zauner's relationship with her late mother as she reflects on her mother's battle with cancer. Zauner pieces together her experience through the help of Korean cuisine, trying to grow closer to her mother by learning to cook the meals her mother used to make. Crying in H Mart has an approachable writing style as well as reflections on family and culture that I think many Sally Rooney fans would enjoy.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

TSOA is a stunning Greek mythology retelling detailing the Trojan War from Patroclus' perspective. The novel features achingly beautiful prose, and as much as I love it, I am aware that it is definitely not for every Rooney fan. If you're looking for the direct, lucid style of writing that Rooney displays in her novels, TSOA isn't for you. TSOA is slow-paced and the narration is lyrical, dazzling, and often emotional.

What TSOA does have in common with Rooney is that it centers on a romantic relationship and a particular dedication between two characters. They make mistakes, fate and family members try to get in their way, but the couple are constantly drawn to each other. It's magnetic. If you enjoyed the intimacy of Rooney's works, and don't mind a slower-paced, lyrical change, this is a great option.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Convenience Store Woman is a sort of weird but striking novel that I wasn't convinced, at first, that I liked, but months down the line I found myself still thinking about it. Set in Japan, the novel follows Keiko, a convenience store worker who finds comfort in the straightforward rules of her workspace. She is happy in her role except for the constant judgments and pressures from her peers to search for something "better". She is also happy being single and living in a small apartment, except for the comments and questions from her friends and family. Throughout the story, Keiko struggles to find a way to maintain the lifestyle she enjoys without becoming socially unacceptable. The boundaries of Korean society collide with the life Keiko has in mind as Murata explores the definitions of success and happiness and whether there is any chance of creating harmony between personal happiness and societal expectation when that harmony fails to come naturally.

In Convenience Store Woman the reader is almost hyper-aware of Keiko's emotions and thoughts, which might be appealing if you enjoy the character personalities of Rooney's novels. Additionally, if you appreciate the social commentary that Rooney shares through her stories, Convenience Store Woman is worth a read.

How to Order the Universe by María José Ferrada

I read How to Order the Universe in the limbo of a train ride, in one sitting, cover to cover on my way to New York City.

Set in Chile, a young girl referred to as M joins her dad during his work as a traveling salesman. We see the world around them slowly shift as both M and her country grow and change, and eventually we see M's hindsight reckoning with her upbringing as she ventures into adulthood. It's a coming of age story that involves rumination on familial relationships, politics, and culture. If these are aspects of Sally Rooney's novels that you like, then you may enjoy How to Order the Universe as well. Ferrada doesn't speak quite as directly about politics as Rooney does—from what I remember it isn't actually discussed by the characters—but the political state of the country is deeply ingrained into the setting of the novel and is experienced through the eyes of a child growing up in that setting. It's also a short read, and great as a traveling companion.

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo

Fictional but heavily based on the author's own experiences in Korea, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 details a woman's everyday battles with sexism, misogyny, and mental health. I think of this novel as an exposé of a cultural cover-up of the issues women face on a regular basis. The writing felt a bit rushed to me, although maybe that's intentional given how overworked and drained the protagonist feels. It's very much worth a read though, especially for fans of Conversations with Friends and those who appreciate the way women's issues are portrayed in Rooney's novels in general.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has more of a pop-fiction feel than Rooney's literary fiction, with a mystery edge to it as the fictional Old Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo slowly reveals her secrets to the reader. It's definitely more plot-based than, say, Normal People. If you're a "no plot just vibes" type, this isn't for you, but if you like a good plot-line with a few twists and turns, this is a great change of pace! Why I think it could work for Sally Rooney fans is that it gives the reader a close look at a specific character, her life philosophies, and her relationships, which are all key facets of Rooney's novels. It also discusses sexuality and how the labels attached to it affect the characters. If you're looking for something entertaining that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is a good pick.

Ok! That's it for part one. I have some really exciting recommendations in part two, hopefully up before Christmas so that you have more gift options for all the Sally Rooney fans in your life (especially you). I'll post it under the #sally rooney tag on my page when it's ready. Thanks for reading! ✨

[villainsandvictimsalliance]

Maybe what makes the difference between Aoyama and other villains is that he actually feels remorseful about what he did and wants to stop causing pain to others. Please don't lump him together with those who only think about themselves and harm the lives of people they've never met without an ounce of regret.

Anon, I have news.

Tomura started like Aoyama, so did Toga and Dabi. They all started by wanting to fit in: Tenko wanted to be a hero with a quirk, Touya wanted to be a hero and make his parents proud, Toga wanted to please her parents and have friends. So of course Aoyama doesn't look like a big villains right now, but if he had the development or the years of suffering of any of the three main villains... We don't know.

And yet, let's talk about regret.

Once of my first meta posts here on tumblr was about how people relate regret and guilt and shame with tears. For example, you saw right now Aoyama crying his heart out and you got the message "hey, this kid is feeling miserable and he's really sorry". But imagine then having people who, thanks to their traumas or way of being, doesn't show regret by tearing up. Take Dabi for example, who can't psychically cry. It's harder to build empathy with a character that is always smiling and never crying.

And yet, sometimes Dabi feels bad enough that his skin will tear from the staples and blood would come out of the wound. And you know when did it happen in the manga? When Dabi admitted he thought so much about the people he has hurt, he went crazy/insane.

And yet, the fandom rarely or never acknowledges that side of Dabi. It's easy to create a narrative when you very conveniently ignore an important fact.

Let's talk about Tenko, who was 5 years old when he got his quirk and combined with his traumas, the day and the stress of the quirk, ended up in him killing all his family, mostly by trying to reach for help.

With 5 years old, Tenko found himself on the streets, people constantly refusing to help him. What this kid could think of was "this must by a punishment for my acts" and "I don't deserve to be saved". I don't know you, but I find that extremely cruel. It was an accident, Tenko was a 5 years old kid, alone, hungry, desperate in the streets. He couldn't even properly cry at the moment. He was feeling so guilty and ashamed, he only wanted someone to protect him and tell him it was not his fault.

Later when AFO found him, Tenko got manipulated into thinking rage and violence was the right answer, and even more, that he would be forgiving for anything. So AFO changed the narrative in 5 years old Tenko's mind from "I did something bad, I deeply regret it, I'm searching for forgiveness" into "I did it on purpose, and even if I regret it, I'll be forgiven".

In a recent chapter, Horikoshi showed us very well how Tomura's (Tenko's) thinking process is totally different from what he says or shows out loud. Also, the side of Tomura that is full of empathy and is capable of feeling regret is still alive, but bury beneath all the years of abuse from AFO. The trauma blocks his emotions.

Let's talk about Toga, even. She's a teenager trying to understand her place in the world, so her position right now is "I deserve to live and I'm normal". I want to highlight the fact that she's Aoyama's age, but there's a great difference in here. While Aoyama was given a quirk to fit in, Toga was forced to repress hers. She had not magic help to mal it go away, and she got urge within her to use it, like any other kid would have. Also, whild Aoyama's parents somehow wanted to make him happy, Toga's parents onlt wanted to be happy themselves. Yes, both Aoyama and Toga had to pretend to be things they were not, but you see how it ended both times. Aoyama couldn't hold it any longer, neither could Toga.

Toga wanting to drink blood is not her being selfish. It's her just being, like anyone else. Toga felt ashamed and guilty for so many years, at least until she was around 15 years old, that she exploded and couldn't take it anymore. So it's not that she doesn't feel guilty, but rather that Toga is trying to learn from zero how she should truly exists in society.

And if Toga didn't feel guilty, even a little, she wouldn't have tried to connect with Ochako.

Aoyama is the exact prototype of villain. Sad childhood, not fitting in, parents that got the solution wrong, someone who took advantage of that situation, spiraling down in crimes, getting worst and worst...

But Aoyama has the privilege of having friends, friends that truly worry about him, friends to support him every minute, real friends. Tenko was alone, Toga was alone, Touya was almost alone. And the older they get, the worst the situation.

Finally, let's talk about wanting to stop harming others.

Doesn't Dabi want to tear down the hero system to show how corrupted it is and how heroes hurt people all the time? How there's so many people hurting because of them? How there are heroes like Endeavor still out there?

Doesn't Toga want to make the heroes understand that both the hero and villain category is dehumanizing? That heroes should try to save as much people as possible, and that villains should be included there? That they are people too?

And doesn't Tomura's arc is all about erasing the world and starting again so people can live better? Wasn't his first speech about the cycle of violence and the people getting hurt by the heroes and how they deserved something different? How the heroes hurt their families and act like it doesn't matter? How they are forgotten all the time?

The difference between Aoyama and the other villains is that he has things they never had. It's that Aoyama is still somehow starting. It's that Aoyama was admitted as a hero so he has the benefit, while other villains could never get it.

That's the difference.

If anything, saving the other villains is even more important and it's equally worthy.

[spidernerdsblog]

Match made in Hell : Chapter Thirteen

A/N : And this is it the last and final chapter. Kinda sad but mostly happy to finally finish this series. Hope you like this chapter. Let me know what you think.

Pairing : Mob! Tom Holland x Reader

Summary : you always wanted a simple life but to be born as the daughter of a dangerous mobster turned out to be a curse for you. Everything changes when your father gets your lover killed and forcefully marries you off to another mobster as a part of a deal. You hate your father and your husband the only thing you seek is now revenge. Will you ever be able to fall in love again or this burning hatred inside you will consume you?

Warnings : mature content, kidnapping, blood, violence, murder, death, language

SERIES MASTERLIST

“What? How?” you looked at him with a worrisome face.

“We don’t know yet but we are gonna catch him don’t worry” his hands come up to your shoulders in assurance.

“Then we must go now he might be planning something dangerous to take revenge on us” saying so you were about to rush back to your room to get dressed but Tom caught hold of your hand.

“Y/N stop, you can’t go” 

“Why? You only said we need to catch him” you look at him questioningly.

“By we I meant me and the boys. You are not going anywhere, not in this condition” he speaks softly placing a hand gently over your stomach “you remember what Dr. Martin said, right? No stress and as much rest as possible”

“But-but you don’t understand Tom I can help and I was pregnant the last time we caught him” you argue as Tom reaches his hand out to cup your face with an understanding smile.

“I know love but we weren’t aware of it at that time and I'm thankful that he didn’t do anything bad but not anymore" he caressed your cheek with his thumb "I’m not letting either of you come in harm's way” you were about to say something but he cut you off “please Y/N for this time just let me handle this. I know you’re strong and the most fearless woman I have ever met in my life but for this time for their sake at least stay back” 

You finally gave up hanging your head low with a sigh. He was right with your current situation; it wasn't a wise idea. The risk would be too much and you can’t afford it, not when it’s about the safety of the little ones growing inside you.

“Okay but promise me you’ll be careful and in no circumstance you will risk your life” you place your hand over his on your stomach “we will be waiting for you”

“I promise I’ll be safe” he presses a soft kiss on your forehead “you just take care of yourself. I have told the guards everything and Leslie will also be there” he gives a one last peck on your lips before parting “I’ll be back in no time I promise” he reassures smiling as you nod mirroring his smile.

****

Tom along with with his brothers and Harrison were at their office in Westminster discussing their next move to get hold of Ethan before he makes a move against them.

“Any news?” Tom asks Harrison. 

“Nothing,” he answers with disappointment.

“We searched downtown but found no trace of him,” Harry informs, exchanging glances with Sam.

“How is this even possible? A man escaped but is nowhere to be found?!” Tom groans in  frustration when they are interrupted by William whom Vanessa brought along with her in case he might be able to help track down Ethan with his years of experience with your father's mob.

“Only if the man has never left the place” he elucidates.

“What?” Tom’s brows knit in a frown.

“Has anyone seen him getting out of the house?” William throws the question to his men as they stood there silently with their gazes lowered down at the floor. 

“Answer the question you morons!” Tom barks at them.

“No sir” one of them squeaks out in response as the frown on Tom’s face grows deeper.

“Well then you have your answer Ethan is still in your house hiding maybe seeking for the right opportunity” William remarks.

“Right opportunity for what?” Vanessa questions.

“Y/N..” Tom’s voice comes out shaky as panic washes over his face at the realization “Y/N is all alone in the house. We need to go now!” 

****

You were in your room trying to keep yourself occupied by reading some books on parenting and childbirth to calm your nerves which honestly wasn’t helping much cause you knew how dangerous it is with Ethan escaping and the vipers seeking revenge. Since no one would be informing you about anything you thought it’s best, you take a nap as stressing about it will be useless and in turn be bad for the two little beans inside you. 

You were about to lie down when you heard shuffling noises outside of your room. Your hand instantly reached out to your bedside table, opening the drawer you took out your gun and got off the bed. You carefully tip-toed out of your room, eyes scanning the corridors when you felt someone’s presence behind you. You cocked your gun ready to turn and shoot. 

“I wouldn’t dare to do that” you heard, feeling the muzzle of a gun pressed to the back of your head. 

“Ethan?” you frowned deeply.

“Miss me baby?” his voice dark and full of malice. You went to shove him in the stomach with your elbow but he was quick to catch hold of your hand and twist it back as the gun fell from your grasp on the floor.

“You’re getting clumsy sweetheart” he chuckles tauntingly.

“What do you want?!” you hissed struggling to set free.

“You’ll get to know soon but for now start walking”

“What makes you think I’ll listen to whatever you say?” you grit under your teeth. 

“Well honey news is in the air that you're pretty knocked up right now" he snickers and your throat went dry, he knows "so if you don't do what I say I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to pull the trigger” 

Usually you were tough and it takes a lot to shake you but now it is different. You couldn’t think of fighting back as fear grasped on to your mind and body. You weren’t alone, you had two lives growing inside you and in no way you were going to put their lives in danger so you remained quiet and decided to do exactly what you were told. You slowly walked down the stairs with Ethan behind you holding you by your arm with one hand the other had his gun pointed at the back of your head when Leslie walked out of the kitchen.

“Ma’am!” she gasped in horror and immediately pressed the alarm on the nearby wall to alert the guards outside as she rushed towards you in an attempt to save you.

“Get back or she dies” Ethan threatens, pressing the gun further to your head.

“It’s ok Les just stay where you are” you say calmly. Two of Tom’s men posted at the gate barged in pointing their guns.

“Put down your gun now or you’ll regret it” they threaten, cocking their guns which made Ethan chuckle darkly.

“You really thought I would be so stupid to do this all alone” he snickers when three men dressed in all black rounded them from behind. They pulled out their guns and within seconds several gunshots were fired piercing through their bodies as both of the guards dropped dead.

“Leslie run!” you shout at her. 

“But…” she hesitates.

“Just go or they will kill you!” you tell her as she unwillingly ran to the back of the mansion to get out of the place.

“Yes, run to your boss and tell him that I got his most prized possession and soon I’ll have this whole city within my palms too” he grins wickedly. He then drags you out of the front door to the driveway where two SUV’s were parked.

“C'mon get inside the car” he nudged you as you reluctantly got in the passenger seat while he sat on the driver's seat and starts the car.

“Ethan you don’t wanna do this” you tried to talk some sense into him.

“Oh hell I wanna do it. Today I take back what is rightfully mine. Now shut the fuck up!” he yelled at you while driving and you flinched feeling utterly helpless.

“Tom is on his way he is gonna kill you and if my dad comes to know” you glared at him.

“I don’t care what that bastard wants, he has been using me to take hold of the drug cartel but I was the one who was using him to set up my own gang to take my sweet revenge. Your daddy thinks he owns the vipers, no honey, it's me who gives them the orders” he laughs when his eyes go to the phone in your hands “give me your phone” he orders.

“Why?” you tried to hide it away from him

“Just give it to me dammit!” he snatched it out of your hand and threw it out of the window on the side of the road “now no one will know where you are” he chuckles darkly speeding away through the traffic.

****

“Y/N! Y/N! Where are you?!” Tom stormed inside the house to be met with the two dead bodies of his men in a pool of blood.

“Oh God!” V gasped in horror and the boys were left dumbfounded at the scene in front of them..

“Y/N! Where are you?!” Tom called out again desperately.

“Sir!” a very terrified Leslie came running from the back of the house.

“Leslie, where is Y/N? Answer me!” he demanded.

“They took her sir” she broke down into tears as Tom felt the ground slipping from under his feet. 

“Uggh this is all my fault!” he knocks off the glass sculpture kept on the nearby table out of rage.

“Tom, calm down, get yourself together!” Harrison stops him from breaking any other things further.

“How can I stay calm Harrison?! That bastard took her and I wasn’t even there to save her. Now I don’t know where she is or even if she is alive or not” he laments.

“You need to think clearly, Tom. He won’t do anything to her I’m sure not until he gets what he wants” William remarks and just then Tom’s phone rang with an unknown caller id

“Take it I’m sure it’s him” William advised he pressed the call button as Ethan’s face became visible on the scream. 

“Hey Tom, what’s up man?” he says with a smug grin.

“You scum, where is Y/N?! If you lay a finger on her you’re gonna die a very brutal death!” Tom barked.

“Oh don’t worry, she's alright. For now. Say hi to your husband honey” he mocks flipping the camera towards you. Tom’s heart clenched seeing you tied up to a chair. You looked completely exhausted as you somehow lifted your face up to face the camera.

“Y/N…” he croaks a lump growing inside his throat as he fights back his tears after seeing you being treated like this when you should in the comfort of your home. 

“Tom-Tom, don’t agree to what he says it’s a tra-” you tried to warn him but were quickly cut off.

“Okay that’s enough sweetheart”

“Give me my Y/N back!” Tom growled in rage.

“Woah not so fast not until you give me what I want” he remarks with a smug grin.

“What the hell do you want?!”

“Nothing much, just hand over your mob and accept my allegiance only then you'll get your wife back. I’m giving you 12 hours to think Tom after that I’ll empty this gun into her head” he threatens and the call disconnects.

“Hey wait!” Tom yells at the dark screen.

“Let’s go! We don’t have much time” Tom was about to rush out when Harry stopped him

“Wait Tom, are you seriously going to hand over everything?”

“I'm ready to give up everything for Y/N. I don't give a fuck about the mob because that’s the reason behind Y/N, my wife, the mother of children is being held captive in the first place!” he snaps.

“Don’t do anything in a rush you don’t want to strengthen your enemy’s power do you?” William remarks..

“Yes Tom, I agree with William too. You do remember what the Coopers did back then before your dad had to kill them himself?” Harrison reminded him.

“Yes I do but what option do we have?” Tom sighed unable to find a way out

“You have an option” V speaks up

“What?” 

“Ask papa for help” she suggests

“Are you out of your mind?! You’re telling me to ask another enemy of ours for help for whom Y/N was almost going to die!” Tom says disapproving her idea.

“Just listen to me for once all this rivalry between you and our dad is just because of the business. If he comes to know that Y/N is in danger he would certainly help cause he loves his family more than anything” she explains.

“Vanessa is right Tom only Victor can help you. The vipers were his gang after all he will know everything and you also need more men to overpower Ethan” William agrees.

“What do you guys say?” Tom looks at his brothers and Harrison.

“You should call him” they all suggest unanimously. After a little pondering Tom took a deep breath and dialed his number.

“You really have the balls to call us after what you did Holland” Julian quipped.

“Julian you gotta listen to me mate this is important. Ethan escaped” 

“Well it's not our problem that he escaped”

“He has your sister Julian” Tom informs.

“And why would I help you to save her who is the reason we are about to lose the whole drug cartel”

“It wasn’t your sister Julian it was Ethan all along he had been double crossing you and using the vipers to grab hold of the drug cartel behind you back”

“So what? We just don’t care now end the call”

“Jules, wait your sister is pregnant” Tom reveals as Julian perks up at the news.

“What? What the hell are you talking about?” Julian asks with concern in his voice.

“She is expecting. I know you have had issues but I also know you care for her and so does Mr. Martinez. I know he is listening to this too. It's your daughter sir and if you really want her to stop hating you then help us take down Ethan” Tom’s voice breaks as he pleads with them.

“Dad?” Julian turned to Victor. 

“I'm gonna kill that bastard myself!” Victor mutters standing up from his chair enraged “everyone to get ready and tell them to meet at the Docklands”

****

After searching for almost three hours your father was able to locate you. You were being held in an old factory near Kennington. They drove to that place as fast as they could and stopped a mile ahead to not alert his goons. Carefully they walked over to the place and took down the guards posted outside surrounding the place. Tom along with Harrison and your father and brother entered the building killing anyone who came in their way. The deserted factory echoed with the loud noise of gunshots and you knew that Tom was here to rescue you.

“You hear that? Tom is here, you’re going to die Ethan” you quipped a knowing smile etched on your face.

“Not so easily” he goes to untie the ropes and pulls you up on your feet pressing his gun against the side of your head.

“Y/N!” Tom barged in.

“Come closer and she dies,” Ethan threatens.

“You might want to reconsider mate” Tom says with a sly smirk

“Why is that?”

“Your sister Meredith, is her name right? And she lives in an apartment near Brixton” he muses “guess what? my brothers happen to be there too” fear washed over Ethan’s face as he realized how the tables have turned and all thanks to your father who knew about his sister and told Tom about her.

“No, keep my sister out of this” he says weakly.

“You left me no choice mate” Tom tsks “it’s over Ethan so let Y/N go and no one gets hurt” he warns him as Ethan removes the gun from your head and lets go of you. You take one quick glance at him and then look at Tom standing in front of you. You immediately strided your way towards him with tears in your eyes but Ethan had something else in his mind. He lifted his gun again and pulled the trigger aiming at your back.

“Y/N!!” Tom shrieked but before the bullet could hit you Victor was on time to pull you in his tight embrace guarding you as the bullet hit him on his right  shoulder. He flinched in pain as you grasped on to his shirt trembling.

“Daddy?” you said weakly glancing up to him with tear filled eyes. 

“It’s ok mija I’m here now. Don’t worry everything is going to be alright” he caresses the back of your head gently as you feel your head spin. The stress was too much for you to handle and you fainted in his arms.

“Go get that motherfucker!” Tom shouted seeing Ethan trying to flee. His men were quick to grab him as Harrison snatched the gun out of his hand and punched him right at his face.

“Jules, take her to the hospital now!” your father instructed. Jules took you from his arms and carried you to the car and immediately left for the hospital.

Tom stalked his way towards Ethan as if he was a prey. He cocked his gun, his gaze stone cold eyes burning with rage. He kicks Ethan on his legs as his knees buckled and he kneeled down on the floor in front of him.

“Tom please let me go I swear I’ll go as far away as possible and never return back” Ethan begs for his mercy.

“You should have thought about it before you decided to shoot Y/N” Tom growled, pressing the gun in between his eyes. But for some reason he couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger. It didn’t feel right to him.

“Tom, what are you waiting for?” Harrison nudged him.

“I-I can’t, Y/N wouldn’t want this” Tom looked at him unsure of what to do “it’s better we hand him over to the police” he suggests.

“If you can’t I will” Victor interrupts and aggressively points his gun at Ethan.

“No Victor, wait!” Tom tried to stop him but it was too late he had already pulled the trigger and Ethan’s lifeless body collapsed on the ground.

“It’s ok Tom nobody gets away after messing with my family” he shrugs when the blaring of the sirens could be heard from a distance.

“Get out of here right now!” Victor says to Tom.

“But..” Tom hesitates.

“Leave or you’ll get caught too” he insists.

“What about you?”

“I think it’s time for me to pay for my crimes” he sighs looking at the gun in his hand with a contemplating smile etched on his face. The screeching of car tires could be heard as the bellowing of the sirens grew louder which was soon followed by the clamoring footsteps of people in tactical boots. 

“Now go to my daughter she needs you” Victor rushes him “and remember to keep her happy and safe or else I’ll hunt you down too” he warns him.

“Will keep that in mind” Tom smirks and walks out of the place.

“Raise your hands where I can see them!” Grace orders and without a single Victor raises his hands in surrender.

“Victor Martinez you are under arrest for embezzlement and several other crimes including hoarding and smuggling of illegal drugs and murders” Grace states pointing her gun at him along with a team of officers behind her. A male officer was quick to handcuff him. Tom watched it whole from a distance as he was led inside the police van before leaving for the hospital.

You woke up to the rhythmic beeping of the EKG. Your eyes slowly adjust to the lighting of the hospital room.

“Tom..Tom” you mumbled half awake.

“Hey, hey I’m right here” Tom quickly gets up from the couch and holds your hands as you sit up.

“Tom what happened?” you ask warily.

“You fainted honey, your blood pressure went low due to all the stress” he informs.

“What about our babies?” your hand goes to your stomach as you look at him with panic stricken eyes “are they ok? Tom, are they safe?” you rambled out of fear.

“Yes darling, they are safe and healthy the doctor’s confirmed” he assures you gently brushing your hair with his hands.

“Oh thank god” you heaved a sigh of relief.

“I think we should thank your dad too cause if he wasn’t there in time you would have got shot” he remarks.

“I know,” you say, staring at your lap.

“Y/N the interpol and police took your father”

“Well that was going to happen some or the other day anyways” you half shrugged.

“But he saved you, saved us”

“I know and that’s the irony for the first time my dad genuinely showed that cared about me and now I will never see him again” you say with regret in your voice.

4 months later….

You were seated in the huge courtroom of the New York State Supreme Court with Tom, Vanessa and your mother by your side as you awaited the jury’s verdict on the charges you, your father and brother have been indicted with. After your father’s arrest the underworld imploded and most of the leaders went into hiding to save their businesses and escape the law. It was a huge issue in the international media too, the trial went on for three months. You had to travel back and forth to appear before the court for the murders you were charged with. 

Though they could never find any proof against you, your dad and your husband made sure of that. Tom had told you that he had requested the families not to testify against you and they had agreed. But you know his way of requesting people very well : it's pointing a gun at their head. If they don’t agree then they are permanently relieved of their life. 

When you said that to him he laughed it off by saying “that’s preposterous! I would never do that” and you gave him ‘not buying it’ look “okay the old me would but I’m a changed man now and as I promised no violence” he clarified. But you knew better and you didn’t mind this time really cause you didn’t want to abandon this beautiful life you finally got and go to jail. 

Moreover in less than two months there will be two new additions to your little family and you don’t want to miss any of it. You knew that you could never get rid of the blood in your hands and so did Tom but this time you are gonna start afresh for those pure little souls that are coming to light up your entire world and remove the darkness that had been clouding your lives.

“The jury have reached a verdict” the judge’s voice echoed through the silent courtroom and Tom places his hand over yours comfortingly giving you a reassuring smile telling you that everything will be ok “and they unanimously find Victor Martinez guilty of the following charges related to extortion, money laundering, murders and illegal smuggling of drugs. He is being sentenced to lifetime imprisonment” the judge declared.

“Also due to lack of evidence the jury declares Julian Martinez and Y/N Holland innocent and free of all charges” he adds and Tom squeezes your hand gently with a soft smile and a relief in his eyes as you look at him mirroring his smile. 

“The court is adjourned for the day” the judge announced and everybody stood up from their seats to walk out of the room one by one. You watched your dad getting handcuffed and being taken away by the officials as your brother followed them to finish the rest of the formalities that needed to be done before they took your father to the prison. For once you wanted to hug him tight and let him know that you loved him even after whatever went down between you. You wanted to let him know that you have forgiven him, you felt bad for your mother too after all he is her husband.

“Don’t worry honey I’ll be fine” she touches your shoulder breaking you out of your thoughts. 

“I’m really sorry mom you don’t deserve this” you sniffled

“It’s ok, Y/N I knew this day was coming soon and how much ever you feel bad a crime is a crime”

“Mom, you can come live with us. I can talk to Tom, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind” you offered.

“No sweetie that’s not happening I’m better off here and Jules will be there I will be perfectly ok. You just take care of yourselves”  

“Hello Mrs Martinez” Tom interrupts.

“Hello Tom”

“Honey it’s quite some time you ate anything let’s get you something shall we?” he suggested to you.

“Yeah I’m feeling a little hungry to be honest” you  remarked.

“I know love, let’s go then there’s a nice café right around the corner of the street” he says as Julian joins you three too.

“All formalities are complete, it’s time for us to leave as well” he informs as you walk to him and held his hands.

“Jules please take care of my mother” you ask him with hopeful eyes.

“I will don’t worry” he pulls you in a hug and kisses your forehead “you guys take care too, alright” you nod and go to hug your mom before leaving the place with Tom.

Tom and you slowly walked out of the court and made your way to the café. Upon entering the shop you saw Vanessa already waiting for you as you went and sat down at the table while Tom went to give your orders. You were a little bit out of breath cause being seven months pregnant with twins is no big joke. You get easily tired now. Your stomach has grown round and big in the past few months which makes it difficult for you to bend down. But Tom was always there for you patiently helping you out. He even signed up for birthing and parenting classes so that you are ready for everything.

“Well finally it’s over isn’t it? You got what you wanted” V chimes.

“Yeah kind of” you sigh “is it wrong though that I feel bad for him?”

“Not at all after all he is our father we have the right to feel bad but past is past we gotta move on” you remarks “so how are the little munchkins?”

“Oh they are doing quite well and also not letting their mother sleep with their constant kicking seems like they can’t wait to come out already and so do I. I really want my precious sleep back” you joked.

“Oh sissy for the next two years forget about sleep cause you will be getting none” V snickers.

“Can’t complain though I voluntarily signed up for it” you shake your head smiling as you pull out a file from inside your bag “here” you say handing over the file to her.

“What is this?” V looks at you cluelessly.

“A deal is a deal, open it” you tell her as she opens the file and goes through the papers. Her eyes widened with shock as she finished reading the last page.

“What?! Are you serious?” 

“I told you I’ll give your rightful share in the family so this is it” you stated.

“But you are giving me the rum and diamond business. That’s yours” she emphasized.

“I know but I don’t have the time or interest to run it and I can’t handle the business in New York while staying in London. Moreover, Tom has decided to start a chain of luxury resorts and since I have a management degree I’ll be helping him to expand it” you explain “so I’m entrusting you with our family businesses. Welcome to the family V” you look at her with a proud smile.

“I’ll not disappoint you” she promises.

“I know you won’t”

..................................................................................

If you want to send blurb requests based on the series I'm more than eager to write so send me your ideas. Also suggest me some cute baby names both girl and boy. I was thinking of going with Beatrice or April and Cole or Ben but would like to hear your opinions as well ❤️

[dracowars]

the right thing | draco malfoy

pairing: draco x slytherin!reader

word count: 3,0k

summary: where y/n does the only right thing, much to the dismay of everyone else

a/n: i had this idea in mind for so long and finally managed to bring it to life, enjoy <3

warnings: angst, mentions of death, mentions of childbirth, torture, mentions of blood

universe: harry potter

"Darling, are you listening to me?", your father's voice tears you out of your dreamy, peaceful thoughts and you silently direct your gaze from the nature outside, which is quickly passing by, to him. As an answer you nod, even though you were definitely not listening a bit.

"Very good! I am so incredibly proud of my grown up daughter", he smiles at you and takes off the glasses he used to read out what is written on the parchment in his hand to you when you were not listening.

You do not answer or show a reaction, causing your father to clear his throat nervously before looking down while you switch your own gaze back out of the moving carriage.

As much as you would like to believe what he is saying, you can't. This man has ruined your entire life and is now only trying to make up for it with his stupid niceness and courtesy. Just like he always has, knowing that you will never forgive him for what he did.

The sudden waggling of the carriage makes you assume that you have arrived and at that very moment you recognize the large creaking gate that leads into a wide avenue to a huge mansion. The Malfoy Manor.

Your pureblood family has been very influential for generations, just like the Malfoys, so it not really surprising that you and Draco immediately befriended each other in your first year at Hogwarts. A friendship that soon became more than that.

What you did not expect, however, is that you would get engaged to each other just as quickly.

Your parents wasted no time after learning about your relationship. After all, it would mean the continuation of the purity of your families as well as the union of two of the most influential families in the whole wizarding world. And it was clear for both of you that you were lucky to have met, because otherwise you would probably have married someone you would not have loved with your whole heart.

And yet, you are not happy.

The creaking of the carriage door opening by magic, makes you flinch before you follow your father out and are now standing in front of the huge building you have already visited several times. One of the house elves leads you to the large front door and another leads you through the halls of Malfoy Manor, past the numerous locked doors and through sparsely furnished corridors.

As soon as you arrive in the long, dark dining room, your breath gets stuck in your throat when you look over your father's shoulder, only to see many faces that you would not have expected to see here. Especially not the face of a specific someone since you originally assumed that you would only gather here to discuss more wedding preparations.

"Oh, how nice! The Y/L/N family has finally made it", the Dark Lord grins devilishly, locking his cold eyes with you, and your father bows respectfully before you two sit down at the wooden table, directly across from Draco and his parents. He throws you an unsettling glance and your pulse rises immediately.

"Very well. Now that we are complete, let us begin", Voldemort speaks up treacherously while strutting around the end of the table, his wand openly displayed in his pale, bony hands.

If there is one wizard in this entire universe that you can't stand, it is definitely him, even though you are a Death Eater and thus belong to his close entourage.

But you never had a choice.

Your mother died during childbirth, but your father had already foreseen it and did not want it to come true. In order to prevent this, he ran to Voldemort and his people to beg for help. He so gladly granted him his wish, but only on the condition that his only daughter and heir to the wealthy Y/L/N family will become a Death Eater at the age of sixteen. And so it happened.

Of course he was not able to rescue your mother from death, but you are not sure whether you would be sitting here at this table right now without his help or if you would not have survived the birth either. Whatever it is, you do not know what you would have preferred.

All in all, you harbor an abysmally hatred for this man as well as for your own father, who simply sold his daughter to the evil in person. For nothing but an empty promise.

In your eyes this man is not and never will be your father. To you, he is nothing more than a ridiculous, old and bitter coward.

You hear Voldemort keep talking in the background, but his words do not go inside of your head and you just emotionlessly stare at Draco on the other side, who switches his intimidated gaze between you and the other end of the table. Only when you follow his gaze do you understand why he has this kind of an expression plastered all over his face.

At the other end, across from the position where Voldemort is currently making his hate speech against Harry Potter, a terrible looking woman hangs upside down from the ceiling, softly whimpering. Floating in the air by a spell, she moves around a bit and if it were not for her making quiet noises, you would have thought she was dead.

But when her empty gaze meets yours, an ice-cold shiver runs down your spine. It is Mrs. Burbage, your Muggle Studies teacher. You almost did not recognize her because of her distorted appearance. Her pale, lifeless face, however, seems to be staring at you, almost piercing through you, making you feel like it is your fault that she is hanging there.

You quickly turn away from her and look down at the empty table, which suddenly seems much more interesting than anything else in the room while you try not to let the deep, ingrained shock show. Taking in a deep breath, you only lift your head up again when a silver snake's head is thrown on the table, frightening you for a second.

Apparently Voldemort has just damaged Lucius Malfoy's wand in order to use it himself. The look on Lucius' face makes you shudder again. You have never seen him like this before and you have had to spend a lot of time with him and the other Death Eaters already.

Just as shocked as you are, Draco is as well while looking to his father. Draco, like you, never wanted to become a Death Eater, but his father's failures eventually forced him into this position and now you are both bound to the same horrible fate, caused by your own fathers.

While Voldemort continues to drag their family name into the dirt with his words, you and Draco just look at each other intensely. As if you could understand what is going on in the others' mind.

At least until a green spark flies across the table in the middle of you two and Nagini snakes over it shortly afterwards. Unnoticed, you move your chair back a litte. Already suspecting what is going to happen, you turn your head away and try to block out the disgusting and disturbing noises that are triggered by killing one of your favorite teachers.

In the end, however, you are unable to take it any longer, getting up and running out of the room with your head and shoulders lowered, but you can still hear how the Dark Lord declares the meeting finished as you run down the stairs. Holding your hand in front of your mouth, your insides make a flip and you feel incredibly sick all of a sudden when you come to a stop in one of the hallways.

Startled you turn around when you hear your name behind you, but as soon as you recognize that it is Draco who followed you, you crash into his arms and he catches you, protectively holding you against him.

"D-Draco", you bitterly sob into his chest and he just hugs you tighter, trying to calm you down.

"Shh, love. I know, I know", he silences you softly and puts his hand on the back of your head while you remain in this position for a few minutes. Until you hear your father's annoying voice.

Moving away from Draco and straightening your posture, you look in the direction from where your father is now running towards you, Narcissa closely behind him.

"Darling, there you are! I will go back home now and you will have a nice time here", he happily announces, not even noticing how miserable you are. But what else did you expect from him?

"We will take good care of her, don't worry", Narcissa smiles, but it does not quite reach her eyes and therefore stays cold. Your father seems satisfied by her answer and, together with all the other Death Eaters, leaves.

"I will make us some tea", Narcissa clears her throat and you follow her into the salon, your hands intertwined.

A few days later Draco and you comfortably lay on the couch in front of the big fireplace in the afternoon, an open book about potions in your lap, your head leaned against his broad shoulder. As you continue to rummage through your book, Draco gently takes your hand in his and smiles down at you before placing a kiss on the top of your head.

Your little moment of peace and contentment, however, is quickly destroyed again when Bellatrix's crazy laugh echoes through the room.

"Draco, Y/N, my darlings! I searched for you everywhere", she giggles as she strolls towards you, pressing her wand against her temple as she stops in front of the sofa. You expectantly look up at her, waiting for her to explain why she so rudely interrupted your moment.

"Bellatrix! What is going on here?", Lucius suddenly rushes in after her, Narcissa following him, so that you are all gathered now.

"Oh! I assume you have already met our lovely guests", Bellatrix laughs and, as if on cue, two more men enter the living room. Death Eaters. Deeply breathing in shock, you abruptly get onto your feet when you discover that they did not come alone.

Hermione, Ron and someone who somehow looks like Harry Potter but isn't, are pushed ahead of them until they are ungently thrown to the ground, right in front of Bellatrix's feet.

"Welcome, welcome", she licks her lips bloodthirstily, a playful laugh escaping her throat as your gaze meets Hermione's. There is nothing but disappointment in her eyes. Disappointed that you do not step in, that you just watch.

You avert your gaze and look at the other person and the longer you look at him, the more it becomes clear to you that this is Harry Potter after all. Terrible things have been done to his face that made you barely recognize him.

"Why are they here?", you choke out and Bellatrix turns to you in amusement, giggling while mockingly sulking as she presses her knife against Harry's throat.

"Why not? Well, Draco! Why don't you come over here and and take a closer look", she urges Draco and he slowly loosens his grip on your hand, not even realizing how hard you have squeezed his. He cautiously walks towards his aunt, even though you would like to stop him immediately.

"Come closer. What does he look like to you, huh?", she asks him and Draco stops right in front of them.

He hesitates.

Lucius suddenly stirs next to you and puts his hand on Draco's back, whispering something into his ear which you can't hear before he raises his voice out of nowhere when one of the Death Eaters intervenes. Narcissa manages to calm Lucius down though and pull him away from their son.

"Don't be shy, sweetie. Come over", Bellatrix persuades him and takes his hand to pull him closer to the disfigured Harry, giving him a better view. You can clearly see the fear in Harry's eye that is not swollen, and something deep inside of you keeps telling you that it would not be right to betray him. You are about to step in when Draco mutters under his breath for the first time since they entered the room, kneeling down in front of Harry.

"What is wrong with his face?"

"Yes, what is wrong with his face?", Bellatrix counters and adresses the two men, but you automatically block out their conversation, only being able to concentrate on Harry and Draco. Draco examines his face closely, but you are sure that he too immediately recognized that it is actually Harry. However, he gets up with a shake of his head and remains silent.

You just do not understand why he does not say anything.

Maybe he never wanted to become a Death Eater either, but still, you always had different views on Harry Potter and his Gryffindor friends. He loathed them since first year, and yet he does not betray him now.

The sudden screeching by Bellatrix and the following fighting noises release you from your numbness and you only see how she orders the now injured men to disappear, a silver sword in her hand that was not there before.

"Put the boys in the cell! I will have a conversation with this one", she angrily growls and pushes Harry and Ron to Narcissa and Wormtail, who take them to the basement. "Get out!"

Not being able to move from the spot, you stop and do not obey her instructions, making her give you an aggressive look until Draco quickly grabs your wrist and roughly pulls you away from the scene, Hermione now alone with Bellatrix.

You have just left the room when you hear a terrible scream from behind you and there is no doubt that it came from Hermione.

"What is she doing to her, Draco?", you furiously ask him and pull your hand out of his strong grip, a little too strong for your liking.

"I don't know. Let us go upstairs and-"

"No!", you interrupt him angrily and his eyes widen at your sudden outburst, not expecting it.

"No?"

"I am not just going to look away when someone is tortured!", you yell at him and immediately turn around to go back, but Draco stops you.

"You can't do anything for her, Y/N! It is the best idea if we just stay quiet and let it happen. I can't risk them harming you as well", he explains and his voice softens towards the end, almost gets vulnerable, which is why the tension in your body slowly fades.

"But Draco.. This is Harry Potter and if your aunt finds out about it, he is doomed!", you sadly whisper and place your hands on his chest, fists clenched.

"Do you think I do not know? I do not want them to get him either, but we have no choice if we want to stay safe, my love", Draco sighs and lowers his head in defeat, his left hand clasping and loosening your fist, the cold rings on his finger slightly touching your skin. "Promise me that you will stay safe here with me."

"I-I.. I promise", you nod and avert your gaze, unable to look in his eyes while uttering such a lie. However, Draco has no chance to say anything about it when in the next moment a loud clink shakes the walls of the mansion.

Throwing a shocked look at each other, you quickly return to the room and abruptly stop in the middle when you see Narcissa defending attacks by Harry and Ron. Lucius growls behind you and you see him laying on the glass table that probably was destroyed by the impact of his body hitting against it. You are about to pull out your wand when Bellatrix loudly yells.

"STOP!"

Everyone's gaze falls on the knife she is holding against Hermione's throat and you discover a bleeding wound on her forearm, the word 'mudblood' cut deeply into her skin. Bellatrix's work.

"Drop your wands!", she orders and shortly afterwards they fall to the ground. "Pick them up, Draco!"

With you by the hand, Draco quickly picks up their wands and leads you back to his parents, his body blocking you protectively as he stands in front of you.

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here. It's Harry Potter", Bellatrix whisper-yells into Hermione's ear, who is trying to suppress her sobs while Harry's face is suddenly turning back to normal. "Just in time for the Dark Lord.. Call him!"

The last command coming from her mouth makes you swallow hard, but the lump in your throat won't go away. Especially not when all eyes are on you and Draco alone now. Their faces soaked in expectation and disappointment, it only intensifies the conflict within you.

"Call him!"

Releasing you from your suffering, Lucius steps forward when neither Draco nor you stir a single bit, pulls up his sleeve to reveal the Dark Mark on his forearm, the same one that painfully adorns your skin as well and always reminds you of who you have to obey. You see how the snake slowly winds around the skull and you look back and forth between him and Hermione, trembling.

"I am sorry, Draco", you breathe out barely audible, closing your eyes while doing so before letting go of his hand.

In a matter of seconds, you raise your wand, aim at the magnificent chandelier on the ceiling that is directly above Bellatrix and Hermione, and the following words fall off your lips with sudden ease.

"Confringo!"

All at once everything that happens next is like in slow motion. The huge chandelier crashes down onto the parquet, freeing Hermione from Bellatrix's grip and you are thrown to the ground as well. Raising your blurry gaze again, you see feet right in front of you and are suddenly pulled up onto your legs again.

By no other than Harry.

He brings you to the others and the last thing you see is the hurt, disappointment and heartbreak on Draco's pale face as you feel a stabbing, sharp pain from both your own broken heart and the dagger piercing through your skin that was thrown by Bellatrix before you vanish into thin air.

[lostysworld]

A healing touch – Kaz Brekker x reader

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 (final)

Pairing: Kaz Brekker x reader

Warning: OOC (I hope it's not too much in this chapter :D), a little bit of angst.

Summary: something inevitable happens, that causes you to reveal your true feelings

A/N: I hope guys, you'll like it) Also I was hit by the song "Paradise" by Chase Atlantic, and I think it's perfect for them here))

Masterlist

The weather is perfect. Perfect for visiting your friends in the Crow Club. You don't have any plans for the whole day, and not even for helping your parents in the bakery, so you decide to spend this morning with pleasure.

The anticipation of seeing Kaz is so strong, after yesterday's evening, that your fingertips are tingling with joy. Does it mean, he will finally start treating you another way, more...intimate.

But when you come up to the club's doors, two men from Brekker's guard block your way. As you want to ask what the matter is, Jasper appears behind their backs.

– It's okay, guys. Let me settle this, - he claps their shoulders and comes to you.

– What's going on, Jas? - it is strange, that you are not allowed to go further. The boy's glance changes from cheerful to sympathetic one.

– I'm afraid, you are banished, Y/N.

– What?! Kaz banished me?

What you could possibly do to cause such a move from the man. When you left him yesterday's night, everything was alright.

– I want to talk to him.

– Y/N, I don't think-

– He banished me from the club, and, as I suppose, from the Slat too, and if it's his decision, I will not argue. But I only want to know the reason, Jas, - for a second you are peering at each other intensely. – Do I not deserve it?

– You do.

– Lead the way, then.

You may be a ray of sunshine, as others see you, but you also have a strength to fight back, if it's necessary. And now it is the time.

The wooden ladder squeaks under your steps, and you can swear, that Kaz already learns about your presence in the club. Well, he'd better know.

On the last stair you step forwards in front of Jasper, opening the door in Kaz's office. The man is sitting behind his table, showered with different documents. Rapidly he raises his head to meet you in the doorway.

Jasper takes a step back and leaves you two for his own sake.

Brekker furrows, his jaw's clenched.

– As far as I know, you are banished form the club, Y/N.

– We both know, I don't obey your orders.

You look at each other with such anger and rage, but deeply in your chest you still feel resentment towards him.

– What the matter, Kaz, - you throw you hands up, coming closer. Brekker doesn't move, he doesn't even take a step back from you. – Have I done something wrong?

Your eyes are roaming across his face. Kaz looks tired, as if he didn't sleep that night at all, dark circles under his eyes become more visible.

– Nothing, - he stands out of the table, leaning on its side now with arms crossed on his chest.

– Nothing? Is it your answer? - the man is still silent. – Don't want to give me a reason?

Of course he doesn't have to, but you think, he will do it as your friend. Even if you see him as much more than a friend to you.

– Kaz, we are friends-

– Yes...'friends', - his voice is full of unhidden venom, that makes you furious and lost at the same time. – Your friends are downstairs, and you still can meet them outside of the club.

You still don't understand, but something tells you, Brekker won't explain you anything. He has his own strange reasons, and, like everything else about him, you just have to accept this.

The man waves you off.

– If it's all, - he switches his displeased gaze on you. – I still have a lot of work.

Is it the end? He just doesn't want to see you anymore.

– Of course, Mr. Brekker, - he flinches barely visibly from your addressing. – I will no longer bother you.

You comes out, slamming the door behind your back.

Kaz closes his tired eyes rubbing his face. What did you want to hear from him? What could he possibly tell? That he doesn't want you here because of the constant life-threatening? That he serves as a magnet for all killers in Ketterdam, and is afraid that you will pay his price?

You'd better stay in your little shiny bakery and never met him in years.

The sudden urge to abandon it all and stop you from leaving is overweighted by his common sense, and he just throws everything from his table in anger.

Kaz Brekker is never drunk, but now something is driving him to the bottle of whiskey in his drawer.

Even if the man doesn't want to remember this now, the day, when he first met Y/N, is so vivid in front of his eyes.

Flashback.

It is a winter evening, almost night, calm and snowy, and Kaz comes out of the Slat to find Jasper, whom all of them are waiting for discussing the next heist. And why he of all of people, should look for him?

It is cold, and the man shrugs his shoulders. His leather gloves don't bring him any warm at all and his fingertips start freezing.

After a half an hour of wandering across the town, he finally hears that familiar voice and sees Jasper along with a young woman, who the boy is hugging with one arm.

– Why should I search for you, Jasper, while you're having fun with another girlfriend of yours?

Brekker is grim, but after one glance at the girl next to Jas, he feels a bit confused. Her wide y/c eyes seem looking right inside his soul.

– I'm not his girlfriend.

As fast as the boy opens his mouth to explain, the girl cuts him off. Her voice is calm, but the man catches a sparkle of surprise in it.

Jasper waves her to Brekker.

– It's Kaz, he's my boss, - the girl steps forwards and extends her arms for a handshake.

– Nice to meet you, Kaz, - a mischievous sparkle shines inside her gaze. – I'm Y/N.

Her voice rings, not getting lost in a noisy crowd. The way the young woman calls his name sounds...nice, and Brekker blinks for several times to return his previous cold demeanor.

She still stands with her hand awaiting for his reaction, and when Jasper wants to say about Brekker's touch aversion, the man instantly grabs her hand in his and shakes.

– Kaz Brekker, miss.

Her touch is warm, he feels it even through his glove. And all of her radiates with warmness, actually Kaz thinks it's a smell of baked bread.

A knowing grin appears on Jasper's face and he decides to keep quiet instead.

End of flashback.

Slowly you became a part of the team, and Kaz wondered for a thousand of times, how natural your presence was. It felt like the Crows have been knowing you for their whole lives.

And now you are gone, and it is his fault only. But Kaz would better know that you're safe, somewhere far away from him and his doubtful fortune.

The chilly wind becomes colder, as you make your way around Ketterdam, deciding not to come back to the bakery after your fight with Kaz. Otherwise you couldn't escape your mother's questions.

Slowly your anger calms down, and while the night falls on the town, you find yourself near the Slat.

Knowing this area you would never appear here in this time of the day or without any company, like Jas or Inej. Like Kaz.

You shake your head. Kaz kicks you out of his club like you have never belonged there, severing all the ties between you.

You feel yourself like a little naive girl, who is twisted around the finger will all your trust and friendship stuff.

There is no one except you on a narrow dark street, where only one lamppost is lit. Suddenly you hear steps behind you, that are echoing from dull stone walls of slams.

You turn around to see two men coming to you, as cold shiver runs down your spine. No way it can end up well.

You fasten you steps, noticing that the two behind you do the same. When you start running, you already abandon all thoughts about escaping alive.

In the end you bump into a wall, that can mean only a dead end of the street. Perfect, just perfect. Intending to come back while it's not that late, you doesn't notice a dark side street between two old houses, that may be your escape route.

But you still hesitate, and when you refuse to go there, someone's arm grabs you and drags into the alley.

Instantly a gloved hand closes your mouth, in case you want to scream. This familiar glance of Kaz in front of you calms down your rapidly beating heart, that pounds in your throat.

You exhale in relief, and both stand like this until the strangers' step disappear. He is so close to you, there is no an inch of space in between, but his palm. Slowly, he drops his hand, making sure that you won't scream.

He looks at you intensely like this for some minutes, and when the street is empty and silent, Brekker takes a step back.

– What the hell are you doing! - of course you could thank him first, but just can't hold back these words.

– Follow me.

He nods and goes further, not looking at you, trying to bring you to the safe place. After some time you find yourselves at the Slat with no Crows on the first floor.

Without a word you come with him into his room. Honestly, you don't have a slightest idea, what he is going to tell you now, after you morning incident.

The door is closed, and it feels like your freedom is cut off by his own hands.

– When I last saw you, I was a whiny pain in the ass, - you arch a brow at him. – And now you are waiting for me on the streets to save from a pair of thugs.

Brekker is silently watching you and it starts to drive you mad.

– Did you bring me here to keep quite, Kaz? - you watch him turn with his back to you and freeze. – At least tell me, what were you doing-

– That is the reason! - Brekker slams his hand on the table surface, and you flinch. – You think, that I don't care, but it's not true.

– Kaz-

– I banished you from the club, because I simply don't want you dead. Or this day didn't teach you anything?

– So you don't want me here? - your gaze is locked on the man. – You just throw me out.

– Is it the only thing you've heard?

– Than why I'm here now?

You know, he wants you alive, it is his only intention, but it's time for you to settle this. When Brekker doesn't respond, you go on.

– Oh, I can tell you, why, - you take several steps towards him, and the man doesn't move away. – Because I'm much safer here, in the Crow club or in the Slat, doesn't matter. Any place, where you are, I'm safer, Kaz.

– But you...you deserve more than the Crow club or the Slat, - he comes up to you, leaving a short distance between. – You deserve so much more, Y/N, and I can't give you that.

It is enough. Your emotions overwhelm you, and all anger, resentment and longing for the man you love now turn into tears, that are just flowing freely down your cheeks. You know every thing, that Kaz thinks about himself, and you just want him to shut up. Only because he deserves more too.

– I'm not asking for more, Brekker. Why don't you see it?

– Why are you so stubborn? - Kaz shortens the distance, taking his gloves off. He is watching a stray tear on your cheek, but can't force himself to raise his hand and brush it off.

– Because I love you, Kaz. If you want it or not.

The man stays speechless. Not that he doesn't want it, but he just doesn't expect your feelings. He shakes his head.

– It won't end up well.

– It isn't supposed to end, Kaz! - his answer only makes you cry more, as you turn away from him, starting roaming around the room. Why should he always be like this? – Unless you want it to end, of course.

– And what do you want, huh?! - the anger slowly overflows him. – If everything stays like this, that will only give you another reason to hate me in the end, Y/N!

– What do I want? I want to spend my life with you, Brekker, every single moment of it, - you throw your hands up in displeasure. – But as I see, it's not mutual.

Kaz is still silent, and you only have to leave him be. You don't want to hurt him with your words, and knowing that, you'd better go away now.

When you go downstairs, you see Nina and Matthias, but don't even turn to her, calling you. You know, it's rude, but nothing matters now.

[mimisempai]

Together we can get through anything

Summary:

Mobius has just stolen the Tempad from Ravonna and discovers the truth about the TVA. He goes to visit Loki's Timecell ready to do anything to be forgiven.

___________

I keep trying to explore Lokius throughout the episodes. And if many people seem to be desperate after the last episode, I am not, so let me give you the content you deserve. My faith in Lokius has not moved an inch. And Marvel won't change that. They deserve each other. They deserve to be happy together. And here they will be.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32288020

2637 words - Rating G

Part 9 of The Story of Loki and Mobius

Mobius had to act quickly before Ravonna realized he had switched their Tempad.

He went to hide between two shelves in the archives, pretending to look for files, and turned on the Tempad

He quickly found what he was looking for, the debriefing of the C-20 mission. He pressed play.

When the screen opened to show C-20 talking, it only took Mobius a few seconds to see that she wasn't crazy like Ravonna had claimed.

"You're not hearing me. I was there. This was real, what I saw. This is a place that I've been."

Mobius looked over his shoulder quickly and returned to the video.

"This wasn't the TVA. This was a memory. I lived down there. I went to that bar. I had friends. I had a whole life on the Sacred Timeline."

Mobius didn't want to believe it, but in the face of all that was being revealed to him, how could he not?

On the video, the interrogator told C-20 to calm down.

She retorted forcefully, "Calm down? I'm a Variant. So are you. So is every single person in this place."

"I'm ending this," it was the voice of Ravonna whose face then appeared on the screen and then staring at it, she turned it off.

It was all a lie. All variants. All stolen lives.

Among the thoughts that swirled in his head, one began to emerge, a single name.

Loki.

Loki had been right. Loki had not lied to him. Or hardly ever. Not where it mattered.

Suddenly, mixed with the elation he felt, came a sense of shame. He had gained Loki's fragile trust and at the first hurdle he had reacted like all the others who had not believed in Loki before him. Just because he was jealous. Because he had seen the complicity between Loki and the Variant, Sylvie.

For the first time in his work, his feelings had been stronger than his reason, and the way Loki had lashed out to defend her had deeply upset Mobius.

He had been cruel. Even if she really had been Loki's girlfriend, it was cruel to make him believe that she was dead. Even for the purpose of gaining information.

He had seen Loki in the Time Cell admit that he deserved to be alone, while Mobius had done everything to convince him otherwise before their disastrous parting in the supermarket.

And what had Mobius told him in the end?

"Wherever you go, it's just death, destruction, the literal ends of worlds. Well, I'm gonna have to close this case now, 'cause I don't need you anymore. Yeah, or as you might say, our interests are no longer aligned."

Loki had looked so hurt at that moment, and had said to him as the guards were taking him away, "You know, of all the liars in this place, and there are a great many, you're the biggest."

Mobius had asked him, sneering, "Why? Cause I lied about your girlfriend?"

Loki had just replied, seriously, "Oh, no. That I can respect. I mean, the lies you tell yourself."

He hadn't looked back once this time before walking through the door of the Time Cell.

As he made his way to a safe place to open a Timedoor to the Time Cell, he figured he would have a lot to make up for this time.

As he walked through the door, he found himself facing Loki who looked agitated.

He immediately asked him. "What are you doing?"

"Passing the time." Loki answered ironically.

Because Mobius couldn't help it, because the memory of the jealousy he had experienced was too strong, he asked without transition, "Do you care about this variant?"

Loki answered him directly, rushing the words as usual, "Sylvie? I'm not sure if caring is the right word. We've covered this back in there."

Mobius interrupted him by shouting, "Shut up!" he paused to calm himself, he was not there to blame Loki, he asked sincerely, "Do you really think you deserve to be alone?"

Seeing that Loki didn't answer, he called out, "Loki!"

The cheeky bastard replied, "You told me to shut up." Since when did he do what Mobius told him? Mobius repeated his question, "Do you believe you deserve to be alone?"

Loki, annoyed, replied, "I don't know."

"You better figure it out quick, because the nexus event the two of you caused, whatever that connection is, can bring this whole place down. So we better understand��"

"We"?

Mobius' heart sank at the way Loki said " we ". Because Mobius had made any possibility of a we vanish by withdrawing his trust from Loki. Loki's disbelief this time was entirely his own fault.

He asked Loki urgently, "Do you swear she didn't implant those memories in Hunter C-20?"

Loki didn't hesitate a moment before answering, "Mobius, no. I believe her!"

"So, I just have to trust the word of two Lokis?" Mobius answered rhetorically because the trust he had in Loki had risen from the ashes and even if he doubted the variant, he now knew that his trust in Loki was total.

"How about the word of a friend?"

Mobius gasped at the words he didn't expect in Loki's mouth.

Then he exhaled softly. Loki called himself his friend. Mobius still had the right to be his friend. Their bond was not broken.

So even if Loki's friendship it was the only thing he would get. If that was the only thing Loki would offer him, then he would accept it. He would cherish it, he would fight for it. He would be the loyal friend that Loki deserved.

He continued urgently, wanting to prove to Loki that his trust was real, "You were right, about the TVA. You were right from the beginning. And if you wanna save her, you need to trust me. Can we do that?"

He needed to hear Loki say it, to confirm that the trust between them was back, maybe not like before, but that it was there.

"Yes."

Once again a straightforward answer, without embellishment. A simple yes that said everything, that told the truth.

Mobius sighed with relief, "Okay."

He couldn't dwell on everything he'd said before, on all his false assertions dictated by ugly jealousy, disappointment and feelings of betrayal.

That's why he added, in an insistent tone, wanting to convince Loki with all his heart, "You could be whoever, whatever you wanna be, even someone good."

Loki looked at him, his eyes full of emotion, the same look he had had when Mobius had told him that he did not consider him a villain. The dawning hope of someone who didn't dare to believe it. Then Mobius continued to convince Loki at all costs, smiling sheepishly, "I mean, just in case anyone ever told you different."

Loki's smile, a smile that Mobius had never seen on his face before, was the best reward he could have received. A sense of mutual absolution, a feeling of shared respect, and perhaps something more that Mobius refused to name because he felt he had no right to.

He was walking towards the Timedoor when he felt himself being pulled back by Loki who had grabbed his sleeve.

"Mobius, wait!"

He turned back to Loki who was still holding him by the sleeve.

"What? Is there something wrong?"

Loki exclaimed, "Is there something wrong? Is there something wrong?!" he ran his hand through his hair with frustration, "I'm not the one who was just told that his whole life, what he was fighting for, the world he lived in, was a lie! Believe me I know what that feels like! So it's me asking you, how are YOU Mobius?"

At that moment Mobius became aware of the extent of what he had just discovered, of what it meant for him.He put his hand to his chest, his breathing quickened and a cold sweat ran down his body.

He heard Loki's voice as if in the distance and felt vaguely that the man was helping him to sit on the ground with his head between his legs.

Little by little, encouraged by Loki, he found regular breathing.

Loki put his hand on his arm, gently, as if not to frighten him.

"Mobius, I need to know, first if you can you close the timedoor and then, how time is passing here?"

Mobius closed the door and replied, "In this cell, it's like time doesn't flow outside, so no matter how long we spend here, it will take Ravonna and the Hunters a little while to find us."

"Good."

After a few moments of silence, Mobius spoke up, "You know what torments me the most now that I know? I wonder if I am real. Is what I've experienced real? And was what I believe or have believed in, real for a moment?"

Loki answered him softly, "You are real, just as I am real." seeing the distress in which Mobius found himself, he continued, "And if you don't believe me, I will show you what is real to me if you will let me." He just put two fingers on Mobius' temple without pressing, waiting for his answer. Mobius nodded.

A small green light connected Loki's fingers with Mobius' head.

Mobius saw sequences in his head racing by, as if he were moving from one room to another at full speed.

Mobius held out his hand to help Loki up.

Mobius remembered that moment of course, but the emotions were not his own, it was as if he was in Loki's head.

This time Loki didn't hesitate to take it. Once on his feet, he didn't want to let go of that hand, the only non-violent human contact he'd had in years. He didn't even realize that he was tightening his fingers on Mobius'.

He asked the question that had been burning in his mind, "If I'm not the villain, then what am I?"

They still hadn't let go of each other's hands and now Mobius' thumb was gently stroking the back of Loki's hand.

Mobius tilted his head a little, seeking Loki's gaze even more.

He said with that smile that Loki was beginning to appreciate, "I don't know, but we could search together, if you want."

Loki nodded slowly and answered with a slight smile.

Next scene.

"Oh once again, shut up!"

Loki replied with a mocking smile on his lips, "Make me."

It was as if a dam broke in Mobius.

He grabbed Loki's tie to pull him to him and before the god had time to wonder what he was doing, Mobius leaned in and placed his lips against Loki's.

Their first kiss in the elevator…

Next scene.

Mobius spoke with difficulty, still out of breath, "Later," he said, "We'll continue this later, I promise. We'll have to talk. But we really don't have time right now."

Loki nodded, and placed one last kiss on Mobius' lips before they parted, their reluctance more than obvious.

Seeing the uncertainty return to Loki's gaze, Mobius took his chin and said firmly with his eyes in his head, "Loki, I'm serious, we really will continue later. I swear I'm not playing, okay?"

Loki scrutinized him for a few seconds before nodding again and answering with that familiar mischievous grin, « Ok, let's go catch whoever thinks they are me."

Then he pushed Mobius forward and they went on their way.

Their second kiss... in the archive room.

Next scene.

Loki nodded but said nothing. He gently withdrew his hand and put his collar back on. Seeing that he was reluctant to speak, Mobius turned fully toward him and pulled him by the sleeve until he was standing between Mobius' knees.

Mobius remembered, it was the day when Loki had taken care of him, had given him the illusion of being on a jetski and then in return Mobius had shown Loki what he would want on a first date.

Looking at Loki from below, Mobius asked gently, "Loki, speak to me."

Loki replied just as softly, "Is this the kind of thing you like, the kind of thing you'd like to do...with me?"

"We could start with that after this whole thing is over, what do you say? Ah unless there's a rule that says gods don't date?" asked Mobius, raising an eyebrow.

Spreading his arms, a mischievous smile on his face, Loki said with his trademark emphasis, "Hey, I'm Loki, the god of mischief, since when do I follow rules?

Quickly checking behind his shoulder that no one was there, Mobius pulled Loki's head to his own with a gentle tug on his tie and proceeded to wipe the arrogant smile from Loki's lips in the only way he knew to be effective.

Next scene.

"Oh no Loki, I never wanted you to think you were a villain, I wanted you to see that you were not the one you insist on parading to the world."

Loki protested, "But you told me I was born to cause pain and suffering and death. That's how it is, that's how it was, that's how it will be. All so that others can achieve their best versions of themselves. "

"Yes, I told you that not because I think that's what you are, I was just showing you that that's what you were limiting yourself to because you yourself think you're only capable of that. Because you want to rule so badly, that you don't see that you are made for bigger things. You asked me to trust you yesterday. I did it because Loki I have faith in you and since you've been here you keep proving it. In your own way. Because you are undoubtedly the god of mischief. Unique. Not. A. Villain."

Mobius took his chin and placed a kiss on his forehead before standing up.

Their last moment together before the Alabama mission.

Loki gently removed his fingers from Mobius' head.

"Mobius, to me this was all real, everything we said to each other, everything that happened between us. It was probably the most real I've experienced in a long time."

Loki took her head in his hands and kissed her forehead, then whispered, "You. Are. Real. Mobius." then he kissed him gently, almost chastely before pulling back a little while still holding Mobius' head in his hands.

Mobius looked amazed and asked him a little hesitantly, "After everything that's happened, you would be willing to give me another chance?"

"Huh?" asked Loki, looking surprised, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the fact that at the first opportunity, I preferred to believe the worst rather than you, I let you down cowardly, blinded by the feeling betrayal and jealousy while I was the one who betrayed your trust "

Loki shook his head fondly.

"Oh Mobius, believe me I am a master of betrayal, low blow and jealousy. I never expected you to be perfect. After all, I tried to betray you at the first opportunity too. There are so many other parameters that we didn't know and still don't know. It's not about giving you another chance, it's about giving us another chance. So let's not waste it and let's make it something beautiful and good."

Loki stood up, and this time it was he who reached out to Mobius and helped him to his feet.

In an echo of a few days ago, it was he who gently stroked the back of Mobius' hand that he had kept in his own.

Mobius looked deeply into Loki's eyes again and asked him with a slightly hoarse voice, "If this is all fake, then who am I really?"

Loki replied with a smile, "We'll search together."

"Yes, yes, that I can do. " answered Mobius with a tightened throat.

Then he could not resist the impulse, the desire that was deep inside him since they had caught Loki and Sylvie.

He hugged Loki, the face in his hair, and, happy to find familiar sensations, he whispered into Loki's neck, "I'm so glad you're back safe and sound. You can't even imagine how much I missed you."

Loki tightened his arms around him and they stayed like that for a few seconds before pulling apart.

Mobius, opened a Timedoor and looked at Loki who nodded.

They crossed the door side by side, together, for all time, always.

______

🌈 Happy (last day) of Pride month ! 🌈 (Be pride every day!)

To celebrate, 1 day, 1 story. Phew done !

Be ready for smiles, laugh, fluff, tooth rotthing fluff, positive vibes and a lot of love! I hope you had enough !

[tomathomatommy]

Tw if you've been through poverty/homelessness for a while (esp. While young)

It's kinda disheartening, you know, this will be I think the third year now where I cannot afford to buy my friends gifts from myself this year. Though I would really prefer to. I really hate joint gifts. I don't feel like I have nice enough clothes to wear for holidays. Everything has become daily wear. I deeply appreciate anything new I am able to get due to my clothes being between 2-vintage years old. I need a winter coat. A hat, gloves. A scarf. Things that fit so I'm not freezing or layering so much I can't take anything off.

I can't describe how badly I have wanted fast food. It's been a few weeks now since I got groceries and I have basically just been filling my body with sugar. I want to take the bus, or have it delivered, or walk. But I'm maybe a 10 minute drive from a 7-11 but I'm not in the city so there's no sidewalks or anything to block snow, along with busses not coming out here. I can't have it delivered because of food stamp rules.

The mistreatment from my roommate is getting too much. My food is being eaten (I am on food stamps, they are not), Everything is consistently dirty (I wish I could say I had part in it), I am expected to take care of animals and do a lot of these household chores, doesn't matter what I'm dealing with during that day. [Edit: the mess has to do with her bathroom sanitation issues, food waste, food trash, normal trash, etc. These are all things I should not have to clean up as they are around 10 years older than me. It was never specified to me when I moved in that I would be getting asked to watch her dogs for free. I also offered at the beginning to clean her house for her regularly, but was told that wasn't necessary. I am deeply grateful that I have been able to live here this long, but this treatment on any human being isn't okay in my opinion.]

I have now applied to every job I am qualified and able to work at in walking distance throughout November. The only place that had promise will not deny my application though they intended to hire me if i changed my hours on the application. Everywhere else has denied me or ghosted me.

I really really try my best to push through every day and see the good parts of it, and to always work toward the betterment of my quality of life. I'm now in a state where I feel like it's out of my control. Even if I did get a minimum wage job right now, it would be spring or summer before I have the money to leave. And she's hoping I'm gone around January.

Now my roommate has attempted at support or helping me, and when I respond with initiative to work on this together I am left on my own. I have made many efforts to communicate. Even yesterday I sat down and was clear and frank about my job searching, and if there is anything I can do or she would like me to do, since it looks like I won't have the money by the end of the month to even put anything on a lease.

I'm not asking for money, I'm not asking you to care or support. I just really don't have a place where I can talk about this and I have more objective eyes reading.

Yes, there is a roof over my head and blankets. But think of how much use you can get from that when you are never wanted from there. I got here in July and it has felt nothing short of humiliating and patronizing I have to depend on others for most things and it makes me feel sick every time because I know how capable I am. [Edit: yes, if I would have gotten a job when it was warmer this would be easier. I am not saying I'm not at fault at all. But due to location, transportation, being uneducated and unmedicated, I feel I understandably made mistakes. But I don't believe that is any reason for anyone to be treated like this.]

[avionvadion]

More of my old pokemon drawings! Since... I’m apparently back in that obsession now. Frick. Oh well. These were for chapters 10 and 12 respectively. The Underground Hideout and The Taste of Freedom. 

Basil: Bulbasaur. Belladonna: Weepinbell. Ansem: Eevee. 

There is a lot of dark topics surrounding this story, such as kidnapping, trauma, and abuse, so... if that makes you uncomfortable please don’t keep reading. 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22998952/chapters/54987940

Grunt, the girl, is  thirteen. Various factors such as stress, depression, and malnourishment had caused her growth to be greatly stunted so she looks like a small child. One of her hands is crooked from an injury she received growing up in Team Rocket, the majority of her arm numb as a result of poor healing. She met Steven YEARS ago, which is the very start of the story, when he was ten and she was four. They made a promise over a broken dawn stone to meet again after she was taken in by social services, but then Team Rocket happened. Because of her lack of a name they called her “Grunt” to mock her future as a Team Rocket grunt. 

As a result of learning from the news that his very new friend got taken, Steven makes it a goal to track them down. Several years pass with no luck and everyone convinces him to give up, so he focuses on his career instead. But then... the headquarters blows up, because a certain legendary pokemon was told the truth and escaped. And he picks up where he left off, aiming to avenge the friend everyone is convinced is long dead or a member of Team Rocket, with Wallace and Winona’s help. (This is where the conspiracy theorist Steven drawing desire comes in, since he has all these old newspapers and stuff for all the Team Rocket sightings and missing children/pokemon) 

Meanwhile, Grunt- having recently escaped due to the explosion- ends up journeying, very reluctantly might I add, with Brock and eventually Blue, to strengthen her pokemon by taking on the gym leaders, heading back to Hoenn, and freeing all the children/pokemon being held captive by Team Rocket, and hopefully reunite with that friend she can no longer truly remember- the dawn stone being the only thing she had that reminds her that he had once existed. 

The man antagonists in this story are Richard (Rich) and Velga, Giovanni, and all of Team Rocket. (Jesse and James will make their appearance in ORAS) 

Chapter 10 Bit: I had been more than prepared to defend myself against anything the adult could have done. The battle went by easier than expected, especially compared to Rich and Velga, and his tactics reminded me more of those random goons found lurking about in Mt. Moon when Brock and I had been searching for the fossils. What neither of us had been expecting, however, was what happened after I defeated him.

"Wh… What!?"

"I told you before," I growled, starting to feel the familiar sensation of frustration as my words continued to fail in being understood by this person, "I'm not joining you."

"But… with your skills you could totally become a top leader!" He protested. "Your pōkemon and leadership are incredible!" When he saw I was not being swayed he faltered, taking several steps back. His teeth ground together and his eyes lit up with rage, frustration on his face. "You and that boy… damn it all! Do you realize what you're turning down!? You selfish, spoiled little kids will never understand what it's like to be part of something great! Not like this! So I guess… I'll just have to show you."

"Explain!" Brock frowned deeply when the adult started to cackle, the teen stepping forward and readying to summon a pokemon at a moment's notice. "What are you trying to do? Why does Team Rocket want to use kids so badly?"

"Hm?" He tilted his head, blinking. "Oh, you haven't figured it out? You really are just a child."

I closed my eyes, expression growing empty and solemn. It was such an obvious answer, one I had learned a long time ago. Considering how he's acted so far, I knew my travelling companion would not like the answer. Ignorance, in cases like these, was complete and total bliss. But when living under such terrible conditions like I had for so long ignorance was a curse and knowledge was power. With his view of the world, I knew the truth would only enrage him further should he find out.

"Brock, don't…"

The boy looked back at me, confused when he heard my voice trail off and go quiet. "But you want to know, right? You deserve to know! Grunt, you-"

"Grunt?" The adult echoed. Realization dawned on his face and he whirled around, staring at me with big eyes. "You can't be… no, no, no- hold on. Yes, of course! How did I not realize!? You were there that day, weren't you? The day the headquarters blew up…"

The hate on his face intensified and Brock tensed, chills going down his spine as he took a fearful step back, holding a shaky arm up in front of me, the boy bravely pushing me behind him. His actions no longer surprised me, though the logic behind them did. "It wasn't her fault!" He protested, defending me. The way he said it made it almost sound like that sentence would solve everything; that it would make all the hurt go away. Brock, despite his fear, spoke with confidence.

Unfortunately, he knew nothing. I still haven't explained everything to him.

Him believing that I didn't know why children were being used was proof of that. I knew all too well why kids like me were targeted; I just… found it hard to speak about it. I think I just didn't want to upset him anymore than he already was over my situation, which was weird. He shouldn't be so upset about it; it wasn't like my life was something particularly special that should be deserving of attention, and yet… here we are.

He said I was the one who cared too much, but it was so obviously the other way around. This only showed more with Brock's kind words.

Unfortunately, the person across from us did not care to listen. He was bristling with rage, only hearing and focusing on what he wanted to. "It was… It was you! You little brat- my friend died in that fire!"

I flinched at those words, the guilt washing over me like a tidal wave. It was suffocating, the weight of the lives taken crushing me inside. My head ducked down as he continued to scream, Brock's back being the only thing blocking him from my view. The boy kept me behind him as best as he could as we started to become surrounded- all the trainers from before crowding around us and removing their disguises, revealing the large red R that was plastered over all of their chests.

"That's not on you," I heard Brock say firmly, speaking to me and momentarily snapping me out of my darker thoughts, his attention never leaving the evil trainers around us, "you didn't mean for it to happen."

But... I still caused it. I freed the legendary pōkemon that exploded the building.

Their deaths were on my hands. I murdered them.

And these people… those that were little kids had actually been wearing well-made masks, revealing very small adults. They were all Team Rocket. In my panic to rescue Blue I made a very grave mistake; I stopped observing. If I had paid the slightest bit of attention to their attire or appearance anymore than I had then this could have been avoided. I knew their tactics inside-out and yet I let this happen.

I… I screwed up. Frick.

Why do I keep making the simplest of mistakes? Was it because this was the outside world?

It was so much larger and vast than I had ever expected it to be, and despite my reluctance to trust strangers I still found myself letting down my guard, fooled by the kindness that had been shown to me by so many. This was going to cost us dearly.

The people started to grow closer and I tensed, watching as Ansem and Basil growled at the Team Rocket members. There were so many of them; I could handle one or two of them easily, but six? The leader yelled at me, cursing my existence, and without realizing I found myself grabbing onto the hem of Brock's jacket, scared as the consequences of my foolishness caught up with me, clinging onto the newer light shining before me in desperation for comfort.

I… caused this.

I failed. Just like back in the caves, I… couldn't protect anyone.

We were totally trapped.

Brock glanced over his shoulder at me before turning around, wrapping his arms around me. I was shaking, barely breathing as horror and guilt took over, the older teen keeping me pressed close to his chest protectively. He called out to my pōkemon, catching their attention as I started to shut down and surrender to my darker emotions. "Ansem, Belladonna, Basil! Get us out of here!"

"Oh, no you don't! Aerodactyl, go!" The violet-haired man raised a hand outwards, eyes flashing dangerously. A large gust of wind appeared, nearly blowing us all off our feet. Suddenly a big pōkemon appeared from a pōkeball, flying high into the air, beating its wings. An ear-piercing screech erupted from its throat, making it difficult to hear the goon speak. "If it weren't for the boss wanting you alive, I'd kill you myself! So instead, I'll have you all suffer! "

The ground began to shake, and Brock stumbled sideways- being forced to let go as I staggered backwards. Basil panicked and leapt into his arms, scared of being seperated, and Ansem started to bark again and dashed towards me, Belladonna right behind him.

Just where was this earthquake coming from? It wasn't from his Aerodactyl; it was coming from…

...underground?

Oh frick, oh frick, oh Arceus, oh gods-

I'm so sorry-!

We're going to be killed!

I screwed up!

This is all my fault!

Why did I escape so soon!?

The ground itself began to open up, shifting as two metal slabs drifted apart, and as I sat there frozen in terror Brock was shouting, calling out me as he stumbled over, trying to get to me and the rest of my pōkemon. Basil wailed loudly, tears in his eyes, and in my shock it took me a second too long to notice Brock's outstretched hand. I struggled to move, constantly knocked back down by the violent shaking of the earth, and in my desperation I reached out for him.

This was all too familiar.

In the recesses of my mind, buried deep into my memory from a time long ago, I remembered. It wasn't the first time I bore witness to such a thing, but I was certainly never on it when it happened. It was just like how the Hoenn base opened up when I was first stolen away and… when I left to Kanto on that cursed helicopter Rich and Velga made me ride.

And, deeper still, I had the feeling that I once reached out like this for someone. Who, I wasn't sure, but the sensation of a memory was there- trying to claw its way to the surface and tearing at my brain, forcing my skull to throb even more than it already was.

The Team Rocket goon raised his voice, shouting at us with a crazed grin, rage in his eyes. "Your pōkemon, your supplies; they'll all be ours!" He declared. "And you, Grunt, traitor to our kind, will suffer alongside your foolish companion!"

That was when the ground beneath me gave way, crumbling to pieces, and as I fell through the trap door I saw a quick flash of green-and-brown as Brock leapt after, following me down into the underground like a fool.

"Together forever! Trapped in the underground maze we've created!"

Rather than air, I thought of water- cold, freezing water that was filled with debris, and skies that seemed to boil with heat. Falling deeper and deeper, sinking below the surface.

Stuck… in the terrifying abyss of darkness.

As we tumbled deep into the black I muttered not so much as a word, not even able to scream, only watching with wide eyes as the light above us vanished. For a moment, as the trap doors closed and we continued to fall, all hope was lost. I found myself wondering if this was truly the end.

"A-Are you okay? What's wrong?"

It was still there- buried in the recesses of my mind. As much as I felt I should start ignoring it, I couldn't help but find that the traces of connection still held strong. My heart just couldn't let go. Everything always went back to that one person, after all, and I spent so long surviving on the pure hope of seeing him again. Even now he was haunting me, the memory of that promise keeping me rooted to this earth.

Earth…

So many years I spent living on this planet; obeying orders, acting as the puppet I was groomed to be, and plotting schemes that were only doomed to fail. Everything I ever dreamed of or desired to obtain was just too far out of reach, and they were all centered around that boy I had met so long ago. As time past my goals did shift, focusing more on the rescue of the other children, but the fact remained- I wanted to see him again.

To thank him for saving me so many times.

But… it was all an illusion. Even this freedom I have now is false.

I'm still trapped by Team Rocket.

And now… I've never felt more useless. Falling endlessly through nothingness, mind and heart slowly giving up as everything went downhill once more. It wasn't as if I truly desired to go on this journey in the first place; all I wanted was to find the police, inform them of the hideout, and then go on my way to find that mysterious boy whom I made a promise to. Yet… those plans failed too.

Everything I come up with just… fails.

Perhaps this was the world's cruel sense of justice- to get back at me for causing such a tragedy. Team Rocket was full of cruel and terrible people; they were evil beyond belief. But that didn't mean the deserved to die. Those evil enough to kidnap children and torture them, stealing them away from their families, and even go so far as to experiment on innocent pōkemon…

They needed to be imprisoned. That fate, that kind of suffering, was far worse and more befitting.

But… I was starting to believe that there was no such thing as justice. Only karma, the world making twists and turns to toy with the lives of those that lived on its back.

"Don't forget about me, you hear!?"

I'm sorry. I did. I remember your words, though the voice that once accompanied them is long gone. It was thanks to you that I became so good at surviving, yet I'm afraid that that itself was a grave mistake. My existence only ever seemed to cause others to hurt. Whether it be by putting them in danger or inadvertently hurting them with words…

I'm starting to think you should have let me rot on that street.

"Veeevaa!"

That cry snapped me back into my senses.

The world around me seemed to recollect sound and my eyes slowly opened, vision taking a while to adjust to the dark. In the distance, somewhere nearby, I could hear Ansem barking. Brock was screaming- calling out to me and trying to locate where I was. The guilt hit full force as I thought about the family that was waiting for him. They had told me to protect him, to keep him safe, and here he is falling to his death because of me.

There's… no way I can just let him die, can I?

Not like this.

Basil, Belladonna… they were all so innocent. Like the kind strangers I've met, they've only done things to help me. The pōkemon chose me as their trainer.

Did that… Did that condemn them to this fate? Because they outstretched their hands to me?

I don't… want that. I don't want them to suffer because of me.

Too much blood has already been spilled.

I can't help people; I'm only ever good at endangering them. My only real accomplishment was staying alive- so, that means… I just have to figure out a way to extend that to those I surrounded myself with. The determination to reach my goal, the willingness to do whatever it took to reach the finish line. The reluctance of falling back into the arms of those who would hurt me, to accept those who would gather me.

Obligation, obedience. Fear, guilt. Cowardice, courage.

Hate… and love.

My eyes squeezed tightly shut, burning with tears as so many emotions welled up inside me, mixing together and creation a concoction that was far from healthy. As they bubbled up, some strange sensation rising in the back of my throat, I opened my mouth and out came a cry- a scream full of rage and frustration, aggravating my still-not-quite-healed vocal chords. A howl echoed out afterwards, coming from the ever loyal Ansem, the pōkemon reacting quite intensely to my overflowing emotions. My arms shot out and I reached blindly in the direction I heard them, body coiling around a large and soft body, fur tickling my face.

It was so dark I couldn't see anything and it hurt so much to keep my eyes open, but I have to get us through this! I have to survive, so they can survive! It's the only thing my foolish self is good at!

I had no idea how much longer we had before we splat against the ground, as we had been falling for quite a while, and as a result of this knowledge adrenaline started to pump through my veins, causing my heart to race as I hiccuped and choked, mind reeling with ideas and solutions to the problem we found ourselves in. That goon said we were heading into an underground maze, which meant it could very well be a Team Rocket hideout they've created. Our pōkemon, our supplies- he said they would be theirs.

This trap was most likely designed to capture those who refused their offer to join the organization, made with the intention of stealing their money and pōkemon.

That meant that there had to be some sort of safety mechanism at the bottom- or maybe they expected us to call the pōkemon back into their pōkeballs to save them, leaving us humans to splatter into goop at the bottom. Regardless the reason, the design, or their plans, we couldn't risk just falling forever until we became sludge on the ground. We had to take precautions. And, as someone who grown up learning how to plot and scheme by the very criminals that were entrapping us, they were greatly underestimating me.

No… they were underestimating us.

I'm not alone anymore. Brock, the pōkemon… we're all here working together. Journeying together. We're friends.

And Brock just so happened to be a retired gym leader, who owned a pōkemon that was so large that he could easily stop our fall if he so wished.

If memory served correctly, and I'm praying it did because I'm panicking so badly right now that it was rather hard to think straight, Onix was a pōkemon who liked to burrow in underground places. He could even evolve naturally into some kind of steel-type pōkemon once deep enough, becoming embedded with either crystals or diamonds, or maybe both.

It might hurt a bit, but… we could use him to our advantage here. Feeling Ansem nuzzle his face into the curve of my bandaged neck, I called out as loudly as I could, ignoring the sensation of what felt like glass piercing the inside of my throat. "Brooooock!"

"Grunt!?" The boy was alarmed. It sounded like he was coming somewhere from my… left… yet higher up. He jumped in after me, so it makes sense that I'm farther down than him. "Grunt, where are you!?"

"O-Over here!"

Ansem started to bark, sensing my pain as I started to cough. Frick- I seriously needed a drink now. It felt like needles were stabbing my neck from the inside. It was almost as if the pōkemon was trying to alert the others to our presence, so that I wouldn't have to.

Still, if we couldn't reach each other… the plan might not work. "Can you hear me!? G-Grab my hand!"

"Where!?"

I reached out above me, following the sound of his voice, trying to grasp some part of him.

Something brushed my fingers and, before I even had a chance to latch on, his hand grabbed onto my wrist and suddenly I was being pulling forward. I barely had time to let out a yelp before his arms were around my back, holding me and Ansem to him, the boy cradling the back of my head as if to shield my skull from anymore injury. I wasn't quite sure when it happened, how it happened, but sometime during the past few days his touches were starting to become less anxiety inducing and more comforting.

"I've got you!"

I didn't flinch away as much in the hospital when he was braiding my hair back then, either, so I could only assume it was because of something during my wretched stay there. Something that was actually making me reach out for touch. Keeping one hand on his shoulder and the other wrapped around Ansem so not to drop him, I was about to suggest my idea when Brock yelled again.

"W-We need to do something quick!"

"I-I know, just- where's Onix!?"

"Onix? Oh, of course!" Keeping an arm around my waist, Ansem wailing as his claws dug deep into my shoulder, Basil clinging to Brock's backpack while Belladonna cried from somewhere nearby, Brock reached out to his belt. Snatching a pōkeball and enlargening it, he held it up into the air and yelled, "Onix, come out! I choose you!"

Chapter 12 Bit: 

I squeezed my eyes tightly shut, bringing the dawn stone up and resting my knuckles against my lips. My voice was muffled, but I didn't care. Everything just hurt so much, yet somehow not enough all the same. The cold, the numbness- it was all there. Amplified. Suffocating. Choking. I could barely think.

"H-he gave… he gave me the stone… t-to remind me. To remind him in case he… he forgot about me."

"...I see." Brock gave my shoulder a light squeeze, seeing how hard I was trying not to break down. "I'm glad he found you, then."

Yeah. But…

"I-I don't remember." Brock's eyebrows shot up, alarmed when he heard the sudden crack in my voice. I looked up at him, bottom lip quivering as a fresh wave of tears welled up. "I-I don't remember him, Brock. H-His face, his name, I- I can't… I can't r-recall…"

I can't recall anything.

Before he could say something to that and before I could say anything else, the woman suddenly spoke up- near flinching back when Ansem snarled at her. "W-We're here! T-Take this staircase and go through the teleporter, and you'll find the control room. See? I-I'll… I'll show you!"

Inhaling sharply, trying to distance myself from my emotions long enough to get through whatever the next encounter was, I pulled away from Brock and picked up the pace, moving my short legs as fast as they would go. I waited until the woman was through the teleporter to go myself, Ansem still being carried and stone back in my pocket, and Belladonna and Basil followed suit. Then it was Brock, then Machamp and Blue, and gradually the rest of the pōkemon…

But we weren't the only group here in the room. Without a word Machamp lowered Blue to the ground, leaving me to struggle in holding him up alone until Brock came over and grabbed the teen by the shoulders. Then the large muscular pōkemon stepped forward, standing in front of us three with Ansem and Umbreon on either side of him. Basil and Belladonna released the woman we were holding captive and she stumbled forward, rushing to the group of Team Rocket goons and… their pōkemon.

They were expecting us.

I mean, I can only imagine how much word got around about us kids when Brock was tending to Blue back in the lab- the people Belladonna knocked out must have woken up and alerted the higher-ups. These people, the adults, were more than ready to fight.

Or, rather, more than ready to have innocent pōkemon do the fighting for them.

The woman we had released whirled around with a gasp, striking the pose every goon had been forced to memorize. It took everything I had not to cringe at the sight of it, instead focusing on making sure I didn't topple over from Blue's body weight. "To infect the world with devastation, to blight all people in every nation! To denounce the goodness of truth and love, to extend our wrath to the stars above! We are Team Rocket circling the earth day and night, and you are just a bunch of brats in our way! C'mon, everyone- group attack!"

Oh no. Okay. Here we go.

A Tauros lowed and stomped a hoof against the floor, a Meowth residing atop its back. Two Zubats flew around them, flapping their wings as they stared at us nervously. Brock scowled, clicking his tongue and using one hand to reach to his belt. "Of course there are several here… Geodude, go! Help out the others!"

"M-Machamp…!" Blue began, voice hoarse from coughing. "Get them!"

"Ansem-!" I was unable to finish. Machamp was suddenly storming forward, locked onto its targets, swinging with all four fists at the Tauros when it charged. I cringed and ducked my head down upon hearing the bull-pōkemon's cries of pain, knowing full well it was fighting against its will. I hated this violence so much. "Belladonna, Basil…"

"Bulba!"

"Weeeepin!"

Vines erupted from their bodies and swung towards their foes, catching the Zubats before they could unleash a devasting flying-attack upon them. Meowth leapt up from the defeated Tauros' back, landing atop Machamp's head and using it to boost itself up again, and slashed at the vines. Basil cried out and loosened his hold, allowing a Zubat to escape, and the pōkemon hurriedly let loose several blades of wind.

Aerial Ace.

Belladonna was sent flying, several cuts lining her body as she crashed into the wall, vines retreated back into her body. Basil let out a concerned shout, but barely had time to recover himself when the second Zubat slammed itself right into him, head ramming into his side. No…

"Stand up!" My voice was panicked. Blue looked down at me in surprise as Brock ordered his Geodude to defend Belladonna as Meowth approached her. He never heard me sound so desperate and scared before. "Stand up now!"

Don't do this.

Don't you dare die.

"Basil!"

We haven't lost a single battle, so there was no way it could happen now. I won't let it.

Bulbasaur struggled to push himself up onto his feet, red eyes watering from the pain. Cuts now lined his legs from Zubat using Aerial Ace on him after the headbutt, but his expression was a determined one.

Ansem, seeing the way his companions were harmed, let out an angered roar, deciding to leave Meowth and Belladonna's Zubat alone for now, Geodude taking care of it with Machamp's help, and targeted Basil's Zubat instead. Stretching out his claws, Ansem jumped into the air as high as his legs would let him, and he caught his front paws on the pōkemon's wings, knocking it greatly off balance.

"Vaaaa!"

As they fell to the ground Ansem rolled over, biting down hard into its wings and tearing them. He was furious. The woman from before- the one we had guide us here- was glaring daggers at us, shaking with her fists held to her side in a rage. The other Team Rocket goons were both startled and very much angry, unable to believe they were now losing the battle. Worse of all, it was to a bunch of kids and their pōkemon.

Feeling Blue's weight increase I shifted in place, standing on my toes in an attempt to straighten my back and keep Blue from leaning over too much. Unfortunately, that was quite difficult as I was the smallest human in existence and these two were hecking towers in comparison. I could feel the heat coming off of Blue's face due to his fever- his heart pounding desperately in his chest in an attempt to keep him breathing. It was very unnerving.

"W-Weezings!" I glanced behind me as best as I could, trying to get a look at the other pōkemon, but auburn hair was in the way. "C-Can you help? Please?"

"Weeez?" They looked at me, surprised. "Weezing?"

The many Weezings looked at each other. If memory served right, these pōkemon had a variety of very useful moves- assuming they've already learned them, of course, and Belladonna was a bit too hurt to use her Sleeping Powder special on them.

"Weez…"

"Weez, Weezing!"

"Weez!"

"O-On the Team Rocket members!" I continued, voice cracking a little. Brock stopped issuing orders and looking back at me, alarmed. Then a bright grin spread across his face.

"Grunt, you're a genius!"

That was the wrong thing to say. The higher-up Team Rocket members shared a glance, their faces paling and somehow becoming disbelieving and enraged all at once. "Wait, what?"

"Grunt?"

One of them pointed at me, narrowing his eyes. "You're the escapee from headquarters? You? I knew you were a child, but… how old are you!? Eight?" The gaped, dumbfounded, and I tensed upon hearing their words. I was starting to believe that maybe going by my old title was a bad idea, and that maybe I should just go around titleless and nameless. "The fuck? Holy Arceus- if we bring you back to the boss…"

"We'll be promoted again!" A female Team Rocket member gasped, pressing her hands to her face. The woman from before looked exasperated by their behavior, her main goal being revenge for how we treated her. "And their pōkemon… they might be ours!"

"Who cares about that?" Another exclaimed. "Think of the pay raise!"

"Wow," Blue choked out, trying to joke, "you're famous, huh?"

My expression went blank at that, disliking the attention I was receiving. A flash of purple in the corner of my eyes snapped me back into attention, and I raised my head with wide eyes to see the many Weezings floating forward, Machamp carrying Belladonna and Basil back to us while Ansem removed his fangs from a fainted Zubat.

The Weezings continued forward, not stopping until they were past our pōkemon and residing over the fainted ones, facing the Team Rocket goons with a strange look in their eyes. The poison-type pōkemon looked angry, hurt, scared… and very fierce. "W-Weezings?"

Suddenly, and without warning, they all surged forward- flying over the crowd to the goons and headbutting them as hard as they possibly could. On impact the Weezings let out huge clouds of grey and purple smoke, causing the Team Rocket goons to start coughing as the smoke filled up the area. The many Zubats behind us, the ones we freed, decided they wanted to help out as well- swinging their wings forward and causing air blades to shoot towards them, slicing at the goons and tearing up their uniforms.

I tried not to flinch away this time upon hearing their screams, but it was too much. I just… couldn't not close my eyes. Machamp setting Basil and Belladonna by my feet, he dashed back into the action with Geodude, Ansem following behind. Together they all attacked the goons, knocking them out hard as they collapsed onto the ground. I think I heard a nasty crack from one of them, probably from the one Machamp punched in the ribs, but…

No. You know what? I'm not…

I'm not going to think about it. I cringed and shook my head, eyebrows knitting together as pain temporary flickered onto my expression. I tightened my hold on Blue's arm and waist, shifting once more as I nearly lost balance from standing on my toes for so long. "Um, frick. Okay. Uh- Brock, I-"

"I'm on it."

"Huh?" I blinked, eyes opening and turning to see him walking over there where the adults and pōkemon were, the Weezings' smoke clearing. He still had to hold part of his hood over his mouth so he wouldn't start coughing, since there was quite a bit left, but it was otherwise okay for him to head into it. "What are-"

Oh.

He knelt down, patting the adults down in an attempt to find what I could only assume to be a keycard or remote, or anything that would help us get out of here. He tossed whatever pōkeballs he found onto the ground, leaving Machamp to stomp on the empty ones- while freeing the others that remained inside. Brock also rummaged through their bags, pulling out several super potions and berries, and used those on the fainted and injured pōkemon.

Blue and I slowly waddled our way over there, and upon seeing the pōkemon's confused stares and the way the boys were looking at me… I had to greet the previously abused pōkemon. It was very awkward and uncomfortable, and it was only thanks to the other rescued pōkemon jumping into the conversation that the newly freed ones calmed down. It was mess.

Meowth looked especially lost.

"Meow…?"

A Weezing floated down and spoke to it. Understanding dawned on its face and relieved tears welled up in the pōkemon's eyes.

"Mrrooooooow!"

Haaaah, I need to get out of here. Brock shoved the remainder of the supplies into his own backpack, deciding that Team Rocket didn't need these supplies if they were just going to use them for villainy, and he slid the straps over his shoulders. Standing, he let out a heavy sigh and looked up, smiling softly at Geodude as he floated over. "Hey, buddy. You did great out there!" He raised a hand, petting the pōkemon lightly on the head.

"Geooo!" Geodude beamed, proud of himself. Shortly after, Brock recalled the pōkemon back into its ball. The boy turned, staring at the large array of computers behind him.

"I… think this might be the control panel you were talking about, Grunt."

Yeah. Yeah, he calls me by my title way too often.

He was a stupidly nice person, but every time he called me by that title it always sent whatever Team Rocket goon we were battling into a fury. And while, strategically, it could be a good thing as that meant the opponent would stop thinking clearly and act on impulse… it mostly depended on the person we were dealing with. And while deciding not to go by it anymore would prevent that from happening, chances are Team Rocket will now recognize me no matter what since so many have seen what I look like.

So… what should I do?

I bit down on my lip, thinking deeply as I glanced around at the many screens and buttons. They were all so familiar to me, yet strange all the same. How come? It wasn't from the Hoenn base, though I have seen many adults work with the computers there. I watched as Brock began to fiddle with the buttons, Basil marching up and nuzzling his leg, Belladonna and Ansem sitting at my feet. I've come to the conclusion that Basil really liked Brock, which just goes further to show what a kind person he is.

I'm surprised he didn't choose him as trainer instead.

[honeyoongiah]

Most beautiful coincidence

Pairings: Yoongi x Elly (reader)

Genre: Bookworm! Yoongi AU, fluff

Words: 2.9k

Warnings: none!

Summary: Yoongi spent most of his time in the universities library with his nose in some books to escape from reality. At least until Elly decided to sit on the other side of the shelf and showed him that love stories don't just exist in books.

A/N: another Oneshot that has a special place in my heart. I hope you'll feel the warmth that I felt during the writing process.

It was a surprisingly hot november day as Elly walked down the hallways of her college. Packed with countless books, she made her way to the library to learn how she always did for exams.

The room was cold because the air conditioner tried its best to fight the heat, so she quickly started to shiver in her top and cursed the long summer.

"Isn't it supposed to be a little colder outside?", she mumbled to herself while walking through the library searching for that one book she knew she'd need. Everyone was silent so she tried to be as well, but apparently someone on the other side of the shelf noticed her.

"Global warming."

It was the voice of a boy, but she couldn't see him through the books. He sounded a little annoyed but maybe that was just his normal tone, she wouldn't know.

"I-I'm sorry I didn't want to disturb you.", she said in worry. Most of the people here got really mad for being interrupted and she understood. This was a place of silence to study, but she couldn't control her mumbling sometimes.

The voice buzzed something that sounded like "it's okay" and Elly started to relax again. Just as she looked for a table to sit on, she realized that she was a little too late with that. Every single chair was already taken and she ran her fingers through her hair.

What should she do now?

Well, obviously there were people sitting on the ground in between the shelfs just as this mysterious boy she couldn't see. "Hey uhm, sorry for bothering you again but would you mind if I sit here? The library is full."

"No.", he answered shortly before there was silence again. "Thank you.", Elly answered and smiled friendly until she realized he wouldn't see it.

She had to admit it was somehow calming to know that there was someone right next to her, even if they weren't talking and didn't even know each other.

Sitting down and taking some notes, she didn't realize how time flew by.

"Ohh god I gotta go or I'll miss my lecture.", she talked to herself again and got up, packing her things in a rush.

"Don't run with books in your hand, though. It'll be dangerous for them... and for you too.", the boy answered again, sounding a little amused by his own comment.

"I won't be a threat to the books, I promise. I don't know if I can say the same about me, though.", Elly chuckled. She didn't feel right to just go without saying anything. "So uhm... Goodbye."

"Bye."

With that said she began to rush, but without running, so she wouldn't miss informations that were relevant to her exam.

____

Just a day went by and she had to visit the library again. Without really thinking about it she ended up in the same spot she was yesterday. It had something calming not to sit together with all that stressed and desperate students.

Elly sat down again and leaned her back against the shelf made of wood. She was curious now. Was she alone, or did he happen to be here too?

"Mysterious boy from yesterday? Are you here?"

First there was silence and she already thought that he wasn't here, until she heard a dark chuckle from the other side. "Mysterious boy, huh."

"Oh hello, you're actually here again."

"Well, actually this is my favorite spot since I first entered this college. So I'm rather surprised of you being here again.", he explained and Ellys eyes grew big. "Oh I didn't intend to steal it from you, I'm sorry."

"You didn't. You're on the other side of the shelf."

"Well that's true."

The silence broke over them again, although she began to like talking to him. It had something carefree and noncommittal. So unlike what she felt at the university. He cleared his throat and seemed to be focussed again to what Elly couldn't see from here. Again many minutes passed before he was the one breaking the silence for the first time. "Are you doing well? The subject should be particularly difficult this semester."

Elly sighed and when he heard that, he immediately laughed. "Okay, I have my answer."

"No joke, it's terrible. But I can do it. Thanks for asking."

Suddenly she felt an object pressed against her back, but without hurting her. Amazed, she looked at the book the boy had handed her through the shelf. His hand was thin, his fingers long and also narrow and defined by bones and veins. "Here, that helped me a lot last year."

Fleetingly, she flipped through it and realized immediately how useful it would be for her. "Oh my god, thank you, that will help!"

"My pleasure."

"By the way, my name is Elly. You said the book really helped you last year, so you're a year above me?" For a few seconds she had to wait for an answer and thought he hadn't heard her or didn't want to talk, but then she heard him. "My name is Min Yoongi and yes, I am one year ahead of you."

Elly gave a low ah and nodded her head. "I have never heard of you, although I know so many students here." A few students tried to pass her, but with so many books in the way it was a lot harder. Elly looked at them with an apologetic look. "That doesn't surprise me. I don't even think my lecturer knows that I exist. At least they can't connect my name with a face. I don't go to many lectures, because I rather teach everything myself and spend my time here."

"It's impressive that you can teach yourself.", she marveled, shuddering just at the thought of trying. Sure, she was good at learning on her own but it helped immensely if someone explained it to her. "I just don't like being around People much, I prefer the company of books of all kinds."

"You just weren't around the right People then, Yoongi.", she spoke her thoughts out loud and hoped she didn't cross a line. "You're probably right but I don't even try anymore."

"That's sad though. You might miss someone very special."

The usual silence greeted them again as Yoongi thought about her words.

He really didn't have much emotional connections since he was young, he early began to bury his nose in books he found interesting. The genre didn't really matter to him as long as it had a happy ending.

Yoongi knew that sounded cheesy but he just didn't feel right when stories ended with heartbreak or other pain. He liked to feel that comfortable warmth of satisfaction when everything turned out to be okay.

It was so far from reality, maybe that was what kept him reading all day. He found the real world terrible, not knowing if there will be a happy end for anyone and not being able to skip through the bad parts if he'd like to.

Books never hurt your feelings or leave you behind.

Books were so much more comforting than dealing with his actual life and the people around him. It was definitely way more fun.

"I have to go now.", he told her and got up from the ground. Elly heard the rustling noises next to her and tried to see him through the mass of books next to her, but besides his black pants she didn't see much.

"Okay Yoongi. I hope we'll talk tomorrow?", she asked casually which made him froze in his movements. Why would she want to talk to him again? "Sure. I'll be here.", he answered though, a light smile gracing his face.

_____

A few weeks passed by and Elly couldn't imagine not being in the library every day anymore. She started talking to Yoongi in her free time on the same spot as the day before. And they talked about everything.

The topic didn't really matter, they always managed to find something to say. Either they discussed something and shared their opinions, which were very often the same, or they opened up about personal issues and feelings.

He opened up about his past and why he became so distant, the whole issue with his parents and how they never understood him the way he needed.

Yoongi never did that before. But it felt right to finally do and when he heard Elly saying that this wasn't his fault he knew that he needed to hear that at least once.

Elly talked about her past broken friendships and relationships who hurt her deeply and made her insecure. She told him that she often felt she wasn't enough and he reassured that this feeling wasn't valid.

To him she was enough.

He held her hand through the shelf when he heard her snuffling and brushed his thumb over her skin to calm her a little.

Sometimes they just enjoyed knowing the other one was right beside them when they had tough days or were feeling like a more silent day. They didn't need to talk.

Slowly they became really close although they still didn't know how the other one looked like. It didn't matter to them, they found it funny and special.

Even her grades got better because he always helped her when she needed someone to explain it again. He was calm, patient and didn't set her under any pressure. She felt comfortable telling him when she had a problem.

"Hey Yoongs, I'm back.", she greeted him and sat down on her favorite place in this university. Maybe even in general. "Hey Elly, I've missed you."

"I missed you too. How was your day?", she asked and placed her hand in the shelf which he immediately took into his. That was a new habit that neither of them knew how it began but they enjoyed it.

"It was fine. I took a look on the new curriculum for my semester and learned a few things in advance. Then I started a new book and read it until you came. What about you?"

"You're incredible. How do you teach yourself the whole fucking curriculum? I'll never understand. Can I have your brain please?", she grumbled but still with admiration for him. "You're incredibly intelligent Elly. Don't put yourself down so much." - "T-thank you."

He squeezed her hand and chuckled when he noticed that she was flustered. "It's the truth. I really think you are amazing in any way possible but you need to see it yourself."

"You're so kind. So supportive and caring. I think you are amazing too Yoongi.", she answered while smiling and stared out of the window.

"Would you mind coming over to the other side and sit next to me?", Yoongi asked and took her by surprise. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but that somehow made her nervous. "How come so suddenly?"

"I don't know... I just feel like it. You don't have to though."

"N-no I want to! Wait I'll come.", she quickly said and let go of him to stand up, which made her feel incomplete for a moment. With these words Yoongi felt nervous now too.

He would look the person who knows him best now, with his good sides but all his flaws too, in the eyes for the first time.

Elly was thinking about the same things too. It was somehow scary, but in a good way. She was curious how he looked like, but she was insecure about showing herself. Will he think I'm pretty? Why does that matter to me?

Slowly, but not too slowly for Yoongi to notice how unsure she was, she walked around the shelf that separated them for the past months now and immediately met two dark brown eyes looking at her.

She smiled shyly and sat down next to him.

Yoongi was too overwhelmed to really hide his staring. He admired every inch of her, trying to imprint the details of her face in his mind. She truly was beautiful to him.

He gently stroked a wisp of hair behind her ear and made her blush. Without him noticing she was admiring him too. His blonde hair she'd really like to touch, his brown eyes which sent out warmth and looked so vulnerable and his soft looking red lips.

"So... uhm what are you reading at the moment?", she tried to break the tension between the two, even though it felt good having his eyes on her. "Oh, I'm reading a novel about- wait do you really want to know?" - "You like the book don't you? So yes I do want to know."

His lips parted while he thought about where to start. He took the book in his hands and let his fingertips run over the cover. "Well, it's about a young detective who tries to solve a murder in the city he lives in, near his own home. He consults a lot of people and there is where he meets this woman for the first time."

Elly listened to him with honest interest and Yoongi didn't feel so good in years. He wasn't used to people caring about what he was reading, but she did. "He starts to develop feelings, but she's the prime suspect in his case. Although he really wants to believe her that she is innocent, everything speaks against her. So he's in a big discrepance."

While he continues talking about how they try to find the real murderer and that Yoongi still isn't sure if she is innocent but hopes for it because he wants a happy end, Elly noticed the sparkle in his eyes.

She could see how comfortable and happy he was feeling right now and she couldn't suppress a loving smile. "And then he- wait why are you smiling?", he interrupted himself and looked at her confused.

"You just look so happy. It makes me smile.", she blurred out and felt shy about it right away. "I uhm... yes I am. I enjoy spending time with you."

Elly didn't know how much time passed while she looked into his eyes, she could drown in them. Only his voice brought her back. "Would you like to spend time with me outside of this library?"

"Y-yes! Of course. I know a better library only 20 minutes away from here.", she teased him and he laughed. It took every nervousness away. "I'm serious Elly. I don't know much about these things, but I know that I want to spend more time with you. Would you like to go eat something after lecture today?"

He found her so cute with red cheeks, it suited her overall cuteness he thought. "Yes Yoongi, I'd love to."

Her words made him weak, he never experienced something like this before. Yoongi only read about it in books.

Was it really his turn this time? Is it possible that he could be as happy as the characters in his books? Was he really blessed to experience something like that too?

These thoughts didn't leave him when they both left the university for today. Yoongi suggested to go to one of her favorite restaurants if she has one, since he didn't really go out much.

Quickly they figured they didn't want to sit inside though, but just get something and go to a place Yoongi told her about a few times. It was a single bench in the middle of nowhere but with a beautiful view of the city.

"You said you like reading here if you're not in the library, right?", Elly asked when in between her bites. "Yes. It's so calming and silent here. It's my special place."

Elly put her box down and parted her lips, just like she wanted to say something, but remained silent. "What did you want to say?", Yoongi asked because of course he noticed. He looked only at her, even though his favorite view was right in front of him.

"It's nothing. I'm embarrassed to say it.", she admitted and buried her face in her hands. Yoongi was sure he never saw something so pure. "It's okay, you don't have to be ashamed of anything. Just tell me.", he said and came a little closer.

He took one of her hands and held her just as he did many times while they were hanging out in the library. Both thought they were fitting into each other perfectly. "I think you made the library to my own special place, Yoongi."

If she was a book, Yoongi would read her again and again. He thought she was so perfect, every little bit of her. She was that type of girl people were writing books about he enjoyed and he never thought they existed in reality.

But it seemed like he found her and therefore his own story.

"I'm glad I started talking to you out of the sudden and got to know you. You are the most beautiful coincidence of my life.", he confessed and stroked her cheek with this thumb.

She smiled at his words, her heart beating so fast when he leaned over with half closed eyes and his nose brushing against hers. "Can I kiss you now?", he whispered and she felt his breath on her skin.

An almost not audible "yes" left her mouth and he gently lay his lips on hers. He felt so soft against her, she could feel how careful and loving he was treating her.

After separating again he kissed her nose and made her chuckle before saying: "I really like you, Elly."

[missnxthingg]

Hii~ A request for Tom Holland x Reader :3 well, i don't know how to explain (i hope my english is not too bad and understandable) but it would be fun if Tom and Reader were in love with each other, but one day their families set up an arranged marriage and they don't know with whom (when it is to marry Tom and Reader, they don't know that they both come from a wealthy family) and therefore they do their best to cancel this wedding separately

Summary: Tom and (Y/N) have been dating for a while now and both knew that they loved the other more than anything in the world. But when they received the news that they were going to marry someone else, they try everything to call off the wedding, without knowing the whole story behind it

A/N: I loved your request, I really did. Don’t worry about your English, it’s fine! Also, my first language is Portuguese (the hardest language to speak on Earth, to be honest), so I make my own mistakes sometimes and I apologize. I made up names for family members to give some reality to the story and I got a little carried away with 10K words. And sorry I took too long.

Words: 10.2K 

Pairing: Rich!CEO!Tom Holland x Rich!Reader

Warnings: Mentions of sex, cursing, alcohol.

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ALWAYS THERE

Valentine’s Day was a very special day for many couples, especially for those who just got together and were really looking forward to having a nice date with their significant other. It didn’t really matter how cold the day was, the streets were full of couples trying to get to their dates and restaurants all booked up. For (Y/N) and Tom, it would be the very first time spending Valentine’s Day together. The had just got together, after meeting in each in a pub and started going out on dates together. It was fast but they really were completely falling for each other and that’s why today was so special for both of them.

The day started with (Y/N) getting a huge bouquet of flowers over her work dress and getting a lot of funny or jealous looks from her coworkers. And after a full day of work, both her and Tom rushed to their dinner reservation. Tom made sure to get the best place to have dinner with his girl, just because he wanted everything to be perfect. Somewhere that wasn’t crowded and the food was just so good. They almost lost their reservation because of the traffic, but luckily they made it to the restaurant just in time.

“Hi, darling. Happy valentine’s day.” Tom pulled her by the waist and kissed her deeply.

“Happy valentine’s day love.” She fixed his hair and smiled. “I’m sorry I’m late, it’s just… Traffic and work.”

“Yeah, I know. Me too.” He smiled and kissed her again. “Shall we go in?”

“Yes! I’m starving.” He followed her inside with a hand on the small of her back.

It was the perfect place for both of them. Not very crowded, lots of wine options, good music and good food. It was just so perfect, just the two of them, after a long day of work. They weren’t together for long, but judging by their faces when they were looking at each other, you could just know how in love they were.

“Thank you for the flowers earlier. Lilies are my favourite.”

“Just a little something for my favourite girl.” He searched for her hands over the table and rubbed circles with his thumb on the back of her hand. “How was your day?”

“Full. I had many job interviews to make and a really long and boring meeting. And I had to stick around a little longer just to choose the last outfits for tomorrow’s photoshoot.”

“Wow, you must be really tired.” He said and she nodded.

“Mostly mentally tired, but I’m okay now.” She tightened her grip on his hand and smiled. “How was your’s?”

“Tiring as well, but is mostly my dad’s fault. He’s been bothering me all week to come to dinner with both him and my mother and to be honest, it’s not something I’ve been looking forward to having because every time we are together, we fight.”

“Oh, I wish I could just go with you. It would be lovely to meet your parents. But my aunt is hosting a dinner tomorrow with a big part of my family and my mom said it’s important for me to be there.”

“It’s okay, darling. Maybe you can meet my parents some other time and I can meet yours. I just know that I’m dying to meet the two that graced us with your presence in the world.” He smirked and she laughed.

“That was cheesy.” 

“I know.” Both of them laughed and got excited to see their food coming in. “But yeah, I’m serious. I can’t wait to meet them because I really want this to be a serious thing.”

“I’m glad you are because I am too.” She blushed slightly, taking in her food for the first time. “Uhm, this is delicious.”

“I know right? I came here for a business lunch once and absolutely loved it!”

“It’s just so good. I don’t know if I’m starving or if this is really good.”

“I think both, darling.” He chuckled and she nodded, agreeing.

It was the perfect valentine date after a long day of work and stress, seeing each other and having a simple and nice dinner together was enough to calm their hearts. Tom couldn’t describe the way he felt about her. When she walked into the room was like she could just pull out every single particle of oxygen from the air and he needed her to be around so he could breathe again. She was literally breathtaking and Tom knew it since the first time they met. He also knew he wanted to marry that girl someday. (Y/N) literally felt the same and Tom somehow turned to be the person that really got her and he was the one that made her smile after a hard day. She couldn’t get herself to say, afraid that saying it would make it all go away, but she wanted to be with him for the rest of her life. Of course, they were taking things slowly and it was too early into their relationship to even start talking about marriage, but it was something both of them wanted.

“I’m so glad we did this today. Our first valentine’s day together.” (Y/N) said after they ordered dessert.

“One we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.”

“And we’ll tell our kids about it.” After they both realized what they’d just said, both fell into silence. “Sorry, I shouldn’t…”

“No, I started it.” He said looking down to the table. “But I really want this to be the first of many valentine’s days.”

“Me too.” She smiled. “And I’m sorry for rushing things and talking about kids, but I want it if you want it. Not right now of course, but if I had to have someone’s babies, I’d have yours.”

“I’d have yours too.” He blushed and both of them smiled widely for each other. 

“That’s cute, planning our future.”

“Really cute.” 

They were truly happy together and it was like nothing was going to tear them apart. What they weren’t expecting was the next day and the dinner they were going to have with their families separately. The end of their night was amazing, almost flawless. They ended up going back to her apartment and spending the whole night together with all their intimacy and everything. They woke up in each other’s arms but they quickly had to leave the apartment to go to work.

Working on the fashion industry could be hard most of the times, but (Y/N) loved every second of it. She spent the whole day working on a photoshoot for a fashion magazine interview and gathered new material to start some new small collection. It was a busy day, but she felt renewed after last night’s events and was really looking forward to spending some time with her family that she hasn’t seen in ages. So when the night came, she just ran to go get herself ready for a nice dinner with her family.

Of course, she found the nicest and most expensive dress in her closet just to go to that dinner. If there’s a thing she knew about her family is that they always noticed those little details like what she was wearing, especially after many investments in her fashion school. She needed to look absolutely perfect for them and she found the perfect dress for the occasion. It was a short white dress with a turtleneck and a long creme coat that fit her just fine and it was elegant, perfect for a family dinner.

Her aunt’s house was absolutely lovely. It was outside town and it kind of looked like a Victorian palace, but it was only her mansion that was so big that a person could easily get lost inside. Wasn’t much different from her old parent’s house, before they moved to a luxury apartment in the city, but her aunt’s was much bigger. She loved her family, but when it came to money and luxury, they’d never hold anything back to get it, coming to a point where they married her cousin Rufus with a girl, daughter of a big company in Paris, just to earn more money with the marriage. And years later she found out that Rufus was gay, which you repugned their forced marriage even more.

She parked her car in the middle of many other cars in front of the house, that was lit up with some amazing spotlights, making it look like a heavenly place. She rocked those heels making her way to the front door, trying to get a little bit more of quietness before she entered a place with a bunch of people bombing her with questions, but before she even rang the doorbell, the big wood door opened revealing one of her aunt’s butlers.

“Good evening, Ms (Y/L/N).” He said with a sympathetic smile on her face.

“Good evening, Mr Williams. Anyone here yet?”

“Everyone. And they were just waiting for your arrival.”

“Uhm, bummer that I’m so late for this.” She fixed her hair and he gave her some space to come in. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

(Y/N)’s aunt Amelia was the kind of woman that wanted everything perfect and in order, which meant that a simple family dinner could be easily turned to be a fancy dinner. Everyone was dressed nicely, which made you feel slightly underdressed. Her aunt herself was wearing a big black furry coat, expensive jewellery and Louboutins. Amelia welcome her niece like she was the most important guest of the night as if she was famous or something. She approached her with two glasses of Whisky in hand and a half-smoked cigarette between her fingers.

“(Y/N) darling, finally! We were already thinking you weren’t going to make it.”

“Sorry Auntie, I’ve been busy at work.” She replied with a smile on her face.

“Oh, so you must be really tired.” She extended one of the glasses towards her niece and winked. “Here, you might need to get some energy for tonight. I know how much you like Whisky with coconut water ice cubes.”

“Thank you, I’ve been needing this all day.”

“Come on, the whole family is waiting for you.”

The living room was filled with family, that including many of your aunts and uncles, cousins and their small families, your mom, dad and younger sister. Everyone was socializing, with drinks on hands and making nice conversation with each other. Very calmly, she made sure to say hi to everyone in particular. Her uncle Robert still made some bad jokes like every other uncle, some of her women cousins were having the motherhood fever and all they talked about was having kids. Her mom and dad were glad to see their older daughter again without any interruptions since she was too busy with work and secretly busy with a new boyfriend. Her younger sister was a little bored at that party, but she was trying to have a good time with her recently married husband and trying to get away from all the maternity talk. And for least, she met her cousin Rufus, sitting on the ground and playing with his twin little daughters while his wife was sitting on the couch with their newborn son.

“Hey Ruffie, so glad to see you here.”

“Hey (Y/N), glad to see you too.” He smiled at her while she kneeled down to meet with his daughters.

“Oh my God, Ronnie and Poppy are so big!” She smiled at him and he smiled back. 

“Time flies cousin. And now I have three kids.”

“And they are completely adorable.” She fixed Ronnie’s hair and picked her up in her arms. “Hey Ronnie, how have you been?”

“Good auntie (Y/N). Have you seen my dress? Dad said you made it for me.” She asked showing her beautiful yellow dress with little flowers all over it.

“That’s right darling, did you like it? I sent them to you and your sister as a gift.” 

“I loved it. And I’m sure Poppy liked it too.”

“(Y/N), for fuck’s sake, don’t get close to Veronica or Penelope with Whisky. It’s not good for them.” Her mother said from the couch, where she was holding her baby in the middle of all the girls.

“It’s not like I’m giving them to drink, Bonnie.” She replied back.

“Still, the smell is not good for them and it’s a bad influence. That’s why we don’t have any alcohol in the house.” She said to the other mothers. “We should drink around three little kids, it’s just… wrong.” (Y/N) rolled her eyes and rested Ronnie on the ground, finishing her drink right after.

“She’s just so annoying, isn’t she?” You sister, Olivia, asked on your ears.

“Don’t even start on that. She always gets on my nerves.”

“Well, let’s eat!” Aunt Amelia announced.

Dinner was fun, catching up with family and drinking the nicest bottles of wine one could possibly find with a great meal made by Amelia’s personal chef. Everything was just spectacular and everyone was having a good time. (Y/N) loved her family, even though they were messed up people and sometimes they married boring people just for the money and luxury. It was still great to be around them because after all, they were her family. (Y/N) was just glad that Olivia’s husband Wyatt was a decent guy and was treating everyone good. They all enjoyed a good meal together and almost gave up eating by the time dessert was served. After a couple of minutes, people started saying goodbye, going to their homes or to their rooms, leaving only (Y/N), her parents, Olivia and Wyatt, Rufus and his newborn son and Amelia.

Well, speaking of her aunt, she served herself and her son with a good glass of wine, saying that nobody would tell his wife, which he appreciated and drank the whole with excitement. Olivia finally said goodbye to everyone, leaving with her husband back to their house. Rufus finished his drink and went for a walk to try getting his son to sleep. Amelia lighted up a cigar and offered it to the ones left at the table, which all politely decline, except for (Y/N), who accepted it.

“Look at you, darling. So much like me. I’m very proud.” Amelia said.

“It just came to me that all of those times we left (Y/N) with Amelia, she taught her daughter to be a whisky and cigar appreciator.” Her dad said, cracking a laugh.

“That’s why she didn’t turn out to be a boring girl like you Harry.” 

“I just hope Olivia didn’t turn out to be like you two.” Alice said in the middle of a laugh.

“Uhm, auntie Amelia. Why exactly did you host this dinner? Cigars and my favourite whisky, also my favourite food and dessert. I know you like to please people, but not that much specifically.”

“She’s smart, Harry!” Amelia pointed her cigar towards her niece and sipped her whisky.

“Well, darling, we were talking to your aunt since Olivia got married and we were all just impressed that she got engaged before you did. Not to be totally rude, but you’re 27 darling and she’s 24.”

“I haven’t met someone special yet. Also, I’ve been really busy with work. You know that I need to sacrifice myself to get some good money as you all do.”

“Well, actually talking about money. We are trying to open the horizons for our company and after some long talks about how it happened before in our family and turned out to be just fine, we decided that you can help us get where we want.”

“What do you mean?” She did a confused face to her aunt and she laughed, looking back to Alice gripping tightly on her glass of wine.

“What your aunt is trying to say is that you’re the only single one left in the family and we are going to get you married to one of our associate’s son to unite the company’s. It would be beneficial for both you and him, also for the family business, since we’re all going to get a lot of money out of this. You can drop your work and work much less with us.”

“That’s completely insane! And disgusting. I’m not marrying someone I don’t love, or worst, someone I don’t know!”

“He’s a great kid and very handsome,” Amelia said, resting her glass on the table. “And you know we got to do everything to keep the family good. If we don’t do this, we might go bankrupt in a year.”

“I can’t believe you’re trying to do this to me, just the same as you did with Rufus and the same the rest of this disgusting family did for money. Marriage without love, that’s absolutely insane! You’re all insane.”

“Well, we’re not proposing it to you. We decided and you’re marrying that guy, rather you like it or not.” Harry said and (Y/N) dropped her glass on the floor. “The marriage will be here, a small reunion with just the important people and it has to be done in two weeks, only in time for you to choose a dress. Your aunt and mother took care of all the rest of the ceremony.”

“Just know that you completely ruined my life right now.” She left the table and ran for her car. Rufus was leaned against it with his baby pressed on his chest completely asleep. Some tears were already falling from her face and she tried to hide it.

“I know that’s fucked up.” Rufus said before she could get into the car. “I was also one of the few that was truly forced to marry someone I don’t like. And God, I wish it was because of money, but it was because my homophobic mother didn’t want to see me married with a guy.”

“It’s so unfair! I love someone and I was planning to spend the rest of my life with him, but they are taking it all away from me.” She said lost between tears. “How do you manage to not completely destroy yourself?”

“Hidden affairs. If Bonnie finds out that I’m gay, she’ll lose her mind. That’s why I try to be discreet and I always go out with other guys, but this is the only thing that keeps me sane. Also, my kids help me a lot, I love them no matter what.”

“That’s so sweet.” She smiled and cleaned some tears from her face. “Hey, how did you manage to have three kids if you don’t even like girls?”

“To be very honest, I don’t know. But it’s sex. if they do the right thing, it just turns out to be good.” She nodded, opening her car door. “Hey, (Y/N). I’m sorry you won’t get to be with your guy anymore, but you’ll make it work.”

“God, I hope so.” 

All the way through town, while (Y/N) was arriving at her aunt’s house, Tom was leaving his last meeting of the day to go to his mother’s house. All he truly wanted to do was go to his own apartment and just enjoy a beer alone, or maybe invited his girlfriend over to watch a movie and order something to eat. But since she wasn’t even home and that dinner somehow meant a lot for his mother, he drove directly to her house, which was slightly close to his work. His mother was waiting outside by the time he got there.

“Hey mum, I’m home.” She smiled to see her son parking in front of her house.

“Hello love, oh, I missed you.” She threw her arms around him a pulled him into a hug.

“Why are you outside. It’s cold out here.” He said once his hands got in contact with her cold skin.

“Oh, I was just getting some fresh air while your father finishes dinner.” She fixed his hair and smiled. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“I’m happy to see you too.” He genuinely was and that made him smile. Tom could be worried about having a fight with his parents or maybe he was too tired to be there, but he missed his family and just being with them without having to worry about anything.

“Let’s go inside, everyone is waiting for you.”

Harry was the first one to find Tom when he came into the room, hugging him tightly with a big smile on his face. Paddy came to him second, letting his video game go just to meet with his big brother. Sam waited for Tom to get to the kitchen along with his dad since both of them were doing dinner. The whole place still felt a lot like home, so memories made in there and it always felt nice to be there, especially with the homemade food smell in the air along with some of his favourite people. Their parents decided to ditch their personal chef and make Tom’s favourite food from when he was a kid, homemade lasagna.

“Son, I bought your favourite whiskey.” His dad said, pouring some for Tom.

“Oh thanks, dad!” He smiled and took some of the liquor.

“You can take it home afterwards if you want it.” Tom nodded and thanked again.

Even though his brothers seemed normal and treating it like a normal family dinner, Tom noticed his parents were acting weird, a little spaced out and worried about something. He didn’t want to bring it up in the middle of dinner, especially while his twin brothers were talking excitedly about their new projects and their girlfriend and his younger brother talked about college, but he would definitely bring it up later.

“So I’m thinking about proposing to Elysia soon.” Sam said and everyone cheered, happy for the guy. “We’ve been together for a long time now and maybe it’s time for us to take the next step.”

“It would be lovely, darling.” Nikki said with a smile, surprised with the revelation.

“And what about you Harry?” Tom asked and his brother smiled.

“I don’t think I’m taking that step just yet with my girlfriend, especially now that I’ve been busy with my job. I think I’m just okay with the way things are.”

“How about you Tom, seeing anyone?” Paddy asked and his parents started to pay more attention to the conversation, shutting up to listen carefully. Tom wasn’t sure if it was time to talk about his girlfriend just now, maybe he wanted to keep it all to himself a little more so he could just enjoy her alone.

“Uhm not really, I mean, I’ve been dating some people but nothing serious. You know, same as you Harry, work’s been hard and I haven’t found the right girl yet.” He lied to their faces and everyone seemed to believe in his story. 

“I’m sure you’ll find the right girl soon.” Paddy smiled. “I’ve found a really nice one in uni, haven’t asked her out yet but she’s really cute.”

“I’m glad you found someone.” Tom smiled widely, happy to see that every brother found someone that they truly liked now.

The rest of the dinner was really nice, just catching up in each other’s lives and having fun with the bad jokes thrown around the table. He really didn’t regret coming to their parent’s house today and was really glad to see his family again. By the end of the night, Harry said he had to leave early because of the job that required him very early in the morning. Sam and Paddy started cleaning the living room together, leaving right before they finished it. Tom stook around a little longer to help his mom do the dishes and clean the kitchen, which meant that it was the perfect time to ask them what was wrong.

“Okay, you’ve been acting weird all night.” Tom said pointing to both of his parents. “Like really weird. Spaced out and worried faces. What’s going on? And why the dinner in the middle of the week?”

“We wanted to talk to you about something, sweetie.” His mother said, sitting next to Dom and looking at his son with a worried glance. “You’re 27 Tom and you haven’t even met someone yet. You’re the only single brother left in the family and it’s getting harder and harder to see you finally marrying someone.”

“Also, your mother and I have been talking a lot about expanding the business. We talked to one other enterprise we wanted to associate with and the owner only offered us one way to unite the companies.”

“Which is?” Tom frowned and crossed his arms.

“You have to marry one of the owner’s daughter.” His mom continued and Tom's eyes widened.

“In two weeks.” 

“What the fuck? Are you serious?”

“Yes, we are very serious. And you don’t have another choice.”

“I don’t even know this girl.” He spits in anger and his mother held back.

“I know. But you’ve been single for so long, maybe it was meant for it to happen that way. You know Tom, maybe she’s a really nice girl and it’s the perfect woman for you.”

“I don’t want perfect. I want to marry someone I love. I don’t even know the other girl.” 

“Please, you need to do this. If you don’t, we might get sued.” His dad begged and Tom shook his head.

“I can’t talk about it right now. I gotta go.”

“Tom…” His mother called but he didn’t look back, going straight to his car and shutting the door behind him.

Tom had a hard time driving home, blinded by the tears falling down his face. He tried to work through everything he just discovered and all he could think about was (Y/N). He could never leave her to marry someone he doesn’t even know. He truly loves her and couldn’t imagine himself being with anybody else but her. (Y/N) wasn’t exactly in the best place right now, crying out of anger and sadness. She made her way home much quicker than it usually takes, rushing to just get to her apartment and crumble in her own bed. They didn’t even know what to think about, only wanting it all to be just a lie.

“(Y/N)?” Tom called his girlfriend once he got home.

“Hey, Tom.” She said softly, trying to cover her own crying voice.

“Are you already home?” He asked and she hummed. “Uhm, I had a really bad night and I just wanted to hear your voice.”

“I had a bad night too. Do you wanna talk about it?”

“No, definitely not.” He shot back quickly. “Do you?”

“Not right now. I wanted to hear your voice too. God, I wish you were here.”

“Promise me we’ll have dinner tomorrow.” He pleaded, making her smile for the first time.

“You can come over to my apartment and we’ll see what we can find for dinner. But I’m not in the mood for going out for dinner. I just wanna cuddle up in my PJs with my favourite boy.”

“I’ll be there.” He said and both of them paused for a second. “I love you.”

“I love you too. So much.” Both of their hearts ached when they said those words, so true and so painful.

“Good night my love.” By that time, Tom was already lost in his own tears.

“Good night Tommy.” She said between her own as well and quickly hung up before breaking down. 

It was the hardest night of their lives. (Y/N) cried herself to sleep that night, not even bothering on changing from her clothes before lying down. Tom cried a lot too, but he couldn’t get himself to sleep, spending almost the whole night alone in the door, lightened up only by the television light trying to entertain him somehow. Both called in sick the next morning, not only because they didn’t feel like leaving the house, but mostly because they were trying to avoid any family member. 

Tom started his day differently. He opted for black coffee instead of his usual tea, trying to find something to make him stay awake. He didn’t shower right after, coming back to bed once he finished and calling his best mate Harrison, because he needed to vent and he knew that Harrison was the only one who would understand him.

“You’re kidding me, right? Arranged marriage Tom? That’s completely insane? It’s the 21st Century, we don’t have arranged marriages anymore.”

“Try saying that to my parents Harrison.”

“I’m really, truly sorry for all of this. I know I’ve only met (Y/N) once and your relationship is new, but I know how much she means to you and how much you love her.”

“I was going to marry that girl, Haz. Now I’m marrying the girl I’ve never seen before. God, it doesn’t even make sense!”

“You don’t need to marry the other one.”

“My parents could get sued if I don’t marry her. I don’t know what to do, really. I love (Y/N) so much and I don’t even know how to have such a conversation with her.” He started crying again and Harrison remained silent.

“I’m truly sorry Tom. If there’s anything I can help you with, I will.”

“Thank you Haz, you’re my best mate.”

“You’re mine too Tom. I’ll call later to check on you, just… Today pretend you don’t have anything going on. Have one last good night with her before you tell her.”

“That’s a good idea, I’ll try it.” 

Tom had everything planned for his last night with her. He bought flowers and some food from the restaurant they had their first date. He drove early to her house, not wanting to be away from her much longer and found her baking in the kitchen. The smell was so good, as homemade chocolate cake should smell like. It was Tom’s favourite and she knew it was since they had it on their second date in her apartment, where she baked some just for him.

“Uhm, this smells so good,” Tom said, hugging her from behind and kissing her neck. “I got here in a good hour.”

“You took to long to get here.” She mumbled, finishing the cake’s cover.

“I actually came earlier.” He turned her around and pulled her into a kiss. She leaned back in the counter, pulling him by the neck, deepening the kiss.

“I know, it’s just… I’m still bummed out by last night and all I wanted was to just be with you.”

“I’m here now.” He kissed her temple and hugged her. “Let’s do something to forget about our horrible night.”

“Uhm, thank you.” She mumbled against his chest and smiled.

“So… I bought us dinner. A little something from the restaurant we had our first date."

"Oh, that's so nice! I love that restaurant."

"Also, I bought you these." He gave her the flower bouquet and she opened a wide smile.

"Oh my God Tom, this is beautiful. Thank you! I love carnations." She brought the flowers to her nose to smell it. "You're full of surprises today."

"I just wanna see a pretty smile on my girl's face." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"I haven't bought you anything, Tommy."

"Oh it's okay, you made my favourite cake. Already good." 

"Maybe I can pay you back later if you stay the night." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back into a kiss.

"I was hoping you'd ask that, darling." He mumbled between kisses and she smiled.

"Come on, there's some wine in the fridge."

"Oh, and I bought some appetizers."

Tom and (Y/N) had a lot of fun together that night. They shared a bottle of wine and danced together to every song that was playing. During a slow one, he swayed her side to side, chin resting on top of her head, eyes closed and bodies as close as possible. Both of them wish that moment wouldn't be over at all, because they knew that it might be the last time they were so close like this. The only thing was that they didn't know that the other knew it was their last night and they had to take advantage of it. Earlier that day, (Y/N) decided that she would tell him later because tonight she just wanted to have one last good night next to him.

"Thank you for being here." She whispered against her chest. "I love you."

"I love you too, darling." He tightened his grip around her and kissed the top of her head "And I'll always be right here with you, no matter what happens. I promise you."

"I promise you too." She tried hard to hold back her tears, letting only a small one go down her cheek. Her heart ached in pain because she wanted to be with him and have a happily ever after along him.

"Should we eat something? I'm starting to feel a little hungry."

"Yeah, sure." She nodded and he pulled her to the kitchen. "What did you get us?"

"Some pasta, roasted meat and those amazing cheesy potatoes they have." Tom picked some pans to heat their dinner and re-do everything he got for them.

"Sounds delicious." She hugged him from behind and buried her nose on the back of his neck. She was gonna miss that smell and he was gonna miss those hugs while he was cooking.

"It not only sounds like it, but it is indeed."

"Uhm, anything's good for me." she was needy and whining. Somehow, she didn't want to let him go.

He finished the dinner and both ate it in the living room while they talked about everything that came into their mind, sharing more stories about each other and just bonding over a delicious meal and good background music. Tom fell in love with her every time he looked at her, she was absolutely perfect, sitting there in a pretty pink dress, hair falling over her shoulders and a pretty smile on her face. Absolutely flawless, almost angelic. And she would say the same about him because looking at him right now made her realise he was the only one she wanted next to him for the rest of her life. And that was the moment they both thought “I have to do everything I can to cancel the wedding because there was no way they would give up on their love just yet. 

So the next morning, when they both woke up for a short night sleep, they both needed to leave for work, but both of them went to meet with their parents. Tom went to his parent’s office in the official headquarters and found them drinking some tea and replying to emails, as they normally do by the morning.

“Mom, dad. I know you won’t like what I have to say but I won’t marry that girl. And I really don’t care what you think, because I love someone else and I can’t see myself marrying someone I don’t truly love.”

“I’m sorry Tom, but if you won’t do it the easy way, we’ll do it the hard way.” Dom started saying, resting his glasses over the table.

“And what’s the hard way?”

“First of all, you’ll get fired from your job and we won’t make you a recommendation letter for a new job, nor we’ll give you money for surviving.”

“What the fuck? You wouldn’t do that.”

“Yes, we would. Also, you have to consider that if we don’t go through with this wedding, we’ll lose tons of money.” His mother said and he sighed, closing his eyes.

“This is so fucked up…” Tom rubbed his face and sat down in front of his mom. She tried to reach him to comfort him, but he dodged her hand.

“At least give the other girl a chance.”

“I don’t know, okay? I mean, I hope you know you’re literally ruining my life forever, you know that? And I hope you know that for the rest of your lives, looking at all of your sons, married to the girls they love and knowing that one of them doesn’t love his wife as the other ones do.” They all fell into silence and Tom sighed. “I’ll meet the girl, but I’m not promising I’ll appear for the wedding.”

“I can arrange for you two to meet.” Dom said and Tom nodded.

“And she’s on board with all of this?” He asked and both his parents nodded. “Fucking pathetic…”

“When are you free this week?”

“I don’t know, talk to her and I’ll see what I can do.” Tom exited and Nikki ran after his son, finding him waiting for the elevator with tears in his eyes.

“Son, please. I know this is the worst, but you gotta make sacrifices for the family. We’re about to go bankrupt and if you marry that girl, her family promised to help us get back on our feet.”

“I know this is important for the family mum, but you know, I always thought about marriage and how I someday wanted to marry someone I truly loved. And I found her and she’s spectacular. But now I can’t marry her because of this stupid shit you’re pulling and I’ll do it anyway because I care too much about you all.”

“I’m so sorry Tom.” She said and he stepped into the lift.

“No, you’re not.”

While Tom was confronting his parents, (Y/N) completely ignored her own work, driving to her aunt’s office where she knew she would find both her parents and her aunt. They were about to have a serious conversation and they were gonna have to listen to her ramble on about everything on her mind. Luckily they were found having a meeting on a reserved room and it was so confidential that security tried to keep you away, but when your aunt noticed something going on, she allowed her niece to come in.

“We need to talk.” She said, throwing her bag on a chair and not even bothering sitting down. (Y/N) crossed her arms and stared at her parents and aunt. Harry and Alice stared at her with concern in his eyes, but Amelia lifted an eyebrow and leaned back into her seat.

“Come in, (Y/N).” She said, pouring herself some water.

“We need to talk about the wedding.” She said and her aunt nodded, pointing to a chair.

“Sit down, darling.” Her father said and she did, trying to remain calm because the screaming wasn’t going to get her anywhere.

“First question, why are you doing this? How is it good for the family or the company?”

“Well, the family that owns the other company is almost going bankrupt by themselves, but a little research said that if we unite both our business, it will be beneficial for all of us.” Her aunt started and (Y/N) frowned.

“And why do I have to get married for the companies to come together?”

“Because technically we can’t just simply say we got together because of the money, it would look bad for press and the industry. A marriage would be the perfect reason to unite both companies and that’s why after we do it, we’re gonna ask you to leave your job in the magazine to come lead around here, with a big rise.”

“Oh okay, so first you want me to marry someone I don’t even know and then make me leave the job I absolutely love?”

“It’s for everyone’s good, my love.” Her mom said for the first time and (Y/N) rolled her eyes.

“At least can I have a name?”

“We don’t know his name.”

“Fucking perfect.” She chuckled and crossed her arms.“What if I don’t? What will happen?”

“Their company will go bankrupt in less than a month and we’ll lose popularity quickly, and it will coast us a lot of money, maybe it’ll coast everybody’s job around here.” (Y/N) sighed and leaned back into her seat.

“It’s just so unfair, you know. You do it ALL the fucking time and I’m getting tired of seeing people in this family only married because of the money or because you don’t approve their significant others, like Rufus.”

“What about my son?” Amelia leaned up and frowned, making (Y/N) laugh.

“He’s gay, auntie. And you made him marry a rich blonde girl because you couldn’t accept the fact that he was in love with an actor.”

“Shut up!” She shouted, making her niece laugh harder.

“Don’t worry. I’ll think about doing your little dirty job, but I wanna meet the guy, tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Isn’t it too early?” Her dad asked and she rolled her eyes again. God, she was getting tired of rolling her eyes.

“Not for someone who’s marrying a guy they don’t know in two weeks. I already think it’s too late.” She walked to the door, rocking her heels, but turned back before she left. “Oh, just so you know, if I do what you’re asking me, you’re all guilty of my unhappiness since I’m not marrying the one I wanted to.”

Nobody dared to say another word and she left after a small nod from herself and a crooked smile. She had to see that guys face for once but was ready to run away with Tom after that. The day was hard for both of them, would they go through with the wedding and leave the person they loved the most or would they help their family? It wasn’t easy to decide and they needed time. Tom denied the request of meeting the girl tomorrow since he had a big meeting and she understood, not bothering much about meeting him because it would be pointless.

The week went by and both of them couldn’t get together to meet the one they were about to marry, too busy with work for that, but always finding time to go to each other’s apartment to spend the night together. They couldn’t tell the other what was going on, it was too painful and they had to enjoy it all until there was no time left. Tom lied awake almost every night he had her on his arms, thinking how hard it will be to tell her and maybe come up with a way to tell her soon because he couldn’t keep lying to her.

During the last week before the wedding, (Y/N)’s sister went dress hunting with her and they both had a long conversation about weddings and about everything that was going on. Olivia was getting married soon, but she was lucky enough to pick her own husband and being so in love with him that no one could break them apart and that was all (Y/N) wanted.

“I’m disgusted with what they’re doing to you.” Olivia said from outside the cabin. A nice lady was adjusting the dress in your body. “I mean, it’s so unfair. It makes me want to call off my own wedding because I don’t think it’s fair to you.”

“No, Liv. Seriously, don’t do this. Marry that guy because I know he’s incredible and this is what you deserve.”

“But this is not what you deserve, (Y/N).” She said and (Y/N) lowered her eyes to her dress.

“Okay miss, I think it’s good.” The lady said and she stepped out of the cabin to show the dress to her sister.

“Wow.” He sister started, jaw-dropping in a second. The dress was transparent, all decorated with little shinning rocks, forming a beautiful rosé dress. She looked absolutely stunning. “You look amazing!”

“I don’t know, maybe I should go with a simple white dress. I don’t even am excited about this wedding.”

“Babe, no! You’re already doing something you didn’t want to be doing. You deserve at least a pretty dress.”

“I wish I would be wearing this to marry Tom.” She said, with eyes full of tears. “God, leaving him will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

“I’m really sorry, darling.” Olivia held her sister into a tight hug. “Just know that you look absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” She cleaned a tear away and smiled at her sister. “Now, let’s go find your dress darling.”

Tom’s mom picked is suit for him because he couldn’t even bring himself to choose what to wear because he decided to do it for his family and he still hasn’t met the girl. Harrison was the only one besides the family that knew and was invited for the wedding. Tom said he couldn’t do it if Harrison wasn’t there.

“It’s two days before the wedding and I haven’t even met my wife, or told (Y/N) about everything. And I don’t think I’ll even have one last night with her, because she said she’ll be away for a job this weekend.”

“This sucks. But I guess you’ll just have to call her or something. I don’t know, you can’t marry the other girl without telling (Y/N). She’s the love of your life and she deserves to know why you’re leaving her.”

“I know, I’ll call her, I promise.”

But Tom kept postponing it while (Y/N) kept avoiding him and suddenly the day of the wedding came. Tom hadn’t slept all night, too worried about what was going to happen and that (Y/N) wouldn’t take his calls. (Y/N) also didn’t sleep much that night, but got some rest close to dawn. The wedding was going to be in her aunt’s backyard and since early in the morning there were people setting the wedding and making everything look perfect, even though it was a corrupted wedding. She slept in the house and was woken up by her sister with a good breakfast.

“I know today will be awful, but I want to at least try pleasing you with a good breakfast.”

“Thank you, Liv.” (Y/N) smiled at her sister and took the cup of tea she got. “I’m nervous and I’m avoiding Tom.”

“You shouldn’t and you know that.” She nodded and her sister fixed her hair. “Finish your breakfast and call him, please.”

“Okay.”

But she didn’t, not because she didn’t want to, but because her room started to get crowded with people wanting to get her ready for the wedding. They did everything they possibly could do with her such as facial masks, a good shower with hair hydration, finishing with the makeup and hairstyle. Her face was gorgeous and they left her alone for a while before putting the dress on. That was when she found the time to run to the balcony and have a cigarette to calm her nerves and maybe find somewhere quiet to have the hardest conversation of her life.

While she was lighting up the cigarette in the balcony, Harrison parked his car where he was supposed to park with Tom sitting right next to him, completely distracted and with dark bags under his eyes. He was still glancing down to his phone, waiting for a reply or maybe a sign that she was still alive somehow. Maybe he could still get to say he loved her for the last time before ruining everything or before knowing she was upset with him, especially to be doing this over the phone. And just before he started dialling her number, his phone started to ring.

“Tom?” She asked.

“Hey, baby. I’ve been calling you.” He said and the pain in his chest started to come out again.

“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve been avoiding you. We should talk.”

“Yeah, we should.” He stepped out of the car and started to walk towards a bench in the front garden. “I’ve been avoiding you too.”

“First, before we talk, I need you to know that I love you so much and that you’re the love of my life. I know it’s too early to say something like that because we’ve not been dating for long, but I feel it deep in my heart.” She started to tear up, which made her sit down on the ground, feeling her legs turning to jelly.

“I love you too. And I don’t care if it’s too early because I love you more than anything in the world.” He started crying himself. 

“That’s why what I’m about to say to you is the hardest thing in the world. I tried to postpone it the most and it sucks that we’re having this conversation over the phone.” Tom started listening to her saying the sentence twice as if she was close. He started to look around to see if it was something from his own head and it probably was. “But we have to break up because I’m about to do something I’ll regret for the rest of my life just to help my family and it sucks that its price is our relationship. I’m being forced to marry some guy today and I don’t even know him, all of this just to help the family business.”

“Wait, what?” He asked, frowning. “I was calling you to tell the same thing.”

“What the fuck? Tom, where are you?”

“I’m at the wedding, in the front garden.”

(Y/N) hung up and ran for the front garden as fast as she could, not even bothering on putting some clothes on or even shoes. And there she was barefoot, running in her silky robe with only her underwear underneath it. She left Tom confused and calling her name when she hung up. A lot of people tried to talk to her such as her own mother, aunt and even her cousin Rufus, but she didn’t care what they were saying. Could Tom be the one they were forcing you to marry? She got the confirmation once she stepped outside the house. Harrison was standing right next to her, but all she could focus was on the guy standing in front of the bench, talking to his phone with tears in his eyes.

“(Y/N)?” He called one more time and she smiled.

“I’m right here Tom.” She spoke softly and Tom turned to her, hanging up the phone and keeping it in his pocket. Harrison slowly walked into the house, closing the door to give them some privacy.

“Oh my God.” He ran to her and pulled her off the ground, spinning her around as if he didn’t believe what was in front of him. “You’re the one I’m supposed to marry today?”

“I guess so.” She said with a big smile on her face, rubbing his cheek with her thumb. “God, I had no idea it was you.”

“If I knew it was you, I would have been on board with all of this since day one.”

“Me too.” She said and he finally closed it with a long passionate kiss. “I love you so much.”

“I love you so much too.” He said between kisses and finally settled her on the floor. “I had no idea how to tell you about everything and it was the worst feeling in the world, knowing I would have to walk away from you and never come back. It was so unfair.”

“I know it was, but it’s okay, we’re okay now. I don’t think it could be more okay than this.”

“Marry me, (Y/N).” He whispered against her lips and she nodded, pulling him into another kiss.

“Yes, I will, a million times yes!”

By that time, the whole front garden was crowded with their whole family wanting to know what was going on, finding them kissing and wondering what was going on. How did they know each other and how’s this happening. The only one smiling was Harrison because he was the only one who knew what was going on.

“What the fuck is happening here.” Alice, (Y/N)’s mother, asked once she saw her daughter kissing the boy.

“Mom, dad, Liv. I would like you to meet my boyfriend Tom. Coincidentally he’s the one I was supposed to marry today.”

“We didn’t know you had a boyfriend.” Her father said and she smiled.

“It’s because I never told you about any of my relationships and this one wasn’t much different.” 

“So, are you all happy with the wedding after all?” Harry asked and they both nodded, looking into each other’s eyes.

“That’s how you end a good love story.” Harrison mumbled and Tom smiled at him.

“Okay, this is confusing.” Her aunt said and (Y/N) suggested that they should go inside so they could all talk.

So they all catch up on what was happening and what actually happened the past two weeks and it was completely crazy but everyone understood it. Tom and (Y/N) couldn’t believe what was going on and what was supposed to be a sad day turned to be the happiest day of their lives.

“What are you waiting for, you idiots? Go get ready!” Olivia said and they both rushed to finish getting ready.

Soon the whole place was crowded with important people, like family and friends from work. It was going to be a small ceremony and super simple. But since it was with the right person, nothing else mattered, because they would do it even if they were all alone. Amelia did a good job decorating her backyard and everything looked so simple and beautiful, with lots of flowers and fairy lights. It seemed perfect, but yet, maybe it was the occasion that made everything better.

Tom was over the moon and nervous at the same time. He walked down the small aisle and waited for his bride anxiously, sometimes looking at Harrison to get some reassurance of what he was doing, receiving some comfort from his best friend. He nodded, still too nervous to think. But (Y/N) stepped out of the house with her father and she looked absolutely flawless like some heaven-sent light lied over her and all he could see was her, all he could hear was their heartbeats. She could take his breath away with a simple smile and right now she was killing him in every possible way. He fought the urge to cry once he saw her but he couldn’t, tearing up once she approached him. Tom was all she could see as well and he looked fantastic. It was meant to be, she knew it because it wouldn’t have happened that way if it wasn’t meant to be. 

“You look so beautiful.” He said between tears, facing lighting up once she touched their hands.

“You look beautiful too.” She said with a wide smile.

“This dress…” He was breathless and couldn’t get to say the words. “This dress can take anyone’s breath away.”

“You know, when I went to try on dresses, I didn’t want this one because I imagined getting married to you in this and I didn’t want to marry some other guy with this one.”

“I guess it was all meant to be.”

It was a simple ceremony, where there were beautiful things said to each other, an exchange of rings and a big kiss in the end. They couldn’t be happier with what was happening. They loved each other and they would love each other through all eternity. The party was so good, with good food and drinks and lots of music. Also, it was an opportunity for them to meet the family.

“Liv, this is Tom, the one I talked to you about.” (Y/N) said, introducing them.

“It’s so good to finally meet you.” Tom said standing his hand in the air, which Olivia slapped it away, pulling him into a hug.

“We’re family now and I’m glad you’re here to make my sister happy.”

“I’m glad I’m here too.”

“It’s good to meet you too, Tom.” She leaned back and they both smiled. “I’m glad it all worked out in the end, (Y/N) was devastated that she wasn’t marrying you.

“Well, Tom was devasted as well.” Harry approached them and rested one hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Can I finally meet the girl you lied to us about.”

“You lied about me?” She asked raising her eyebrows and he laughed.

“I just said I didn’t have a girlfriend, you did the same thing silly.” He bumped her nose and (Y/N) stepped forward to hug Harry.

“Nice to meet you, Harry.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, (Y/N).” They smiled and Tom chuckled, pulling his wife into a hug. 

“I wish we all had met in another circumstance but this is nice.”

“Come on, you idiots! Let’s dance.” Harrison pulled them to the dancefloor where everyone was enjoying the party.

It was a different wedding, a weird one, but they’d do it all again. There was the sign of the universe that they were meant to be together and it was just amazing. The wedding was perfect in its own way and of course, they’d do another one in time with all of their friends and everything. But this one represented so much more for both of them. So they danced to every song and had the time of their lives. Also, it was a great opportunity to meet the family, which they all did. Tom couldn’t get his hands off his wife, or his eyes at all. She was perfect and everyone got to agree with him.

“(Y/N), can I talk to you?” Amelia said, pulling her niece alone to the side and she nodded. “I wanted to apologize to you because after looking at you and Tom together, I can see how much you love that kid. You were really meant to be and if you married someone else, it would make you miserable.”

“Thank you, auntie. I really appreciate it.”  

“I bought you both a little something. I was already giving it before and I made sure to get the best place to redeem myself, but here are your tickets for the honeymoon.” She said giving her some tickets to Greece.

“Oh, this is great, thank you!” She held the tickets between her hands and tried to find Tom with her eyes, but found Rufus having a fight with his wife. “Actually auntie, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Anything, (Y/N).”

“Please let Rufus divorce his wife and finally be happy. You know he deserves to be happy. It would be the biggest gift for me and I would even give these back to you if you want it.”

“Keep it.” Her aunt said and looked at Rufus still arguing with his wife. 

“You know he’s unhappy, think about it.” She said and her aunt nodded.

“Maybe this whole thing taught us all a lesson.”

“I hope it did.” (Y/N) smiled and walked away to find Tom, who was doing shots with his brothers in the back with his tie already up around his head.“Oh my God, baby, don’t get trashed at our own wedding.”

“I married the woman of my dreams!” He shouted and kissed her passionately. “I love you, baby. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” She gave him another quick peck and showed him the tickets. “Tom, we’re going to Greece for our honeymoon!”

“That’s amazing!” He shouted and she smiled at her dorky husband. “I’m truly happy.”

“I am too.”

“Lovebirds. The driver is waiting to get you to your hotel room.” Olivia said and (Y/N) frowned.

“Hotel room?”

“A little gift from me and Wyatt. Enjoy the little surprises I have for you there.”

“Come on Tom, let’s go.” 

(Y/N) pulled him and they said goodbye to everyone, leaving right after. They made out a lot in the car, starting what was going to be an all-night thing. They were extremely happy and everything was now perfect. The hotel room was one of the nicest they’d ever seen, with a lot of gifts all over it, such as alcohol and even some sex toys which made you both embarrassed and excited for tonight.

“Your sister is naughty.” He said, pulling her into a kiss mid-laugh.

“I know, she’s such a pervert.” She said kissing him again.

“You know darling, I love you in this dress but you look so good without it.” He ran his hands down her body, grabbing her ass tightly.

“So come take it off.” She pulled him to bed and he sighed.

“Oh, fuck, I will.”

That was the perfect ending for the perfect day and they felt more intimate than they ever felt before. I was so good that they didn’t even notice the sun coming up, too busy being each other’s to care. In the end, they could only get the conclusion that they were meant to be.

…………………

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[witchcraftingboop]

Further Insight on Briar's Recent Discourse & Prim's Apparent Grooming of Younger, Newer Witches

It was suggested to me that instead of making one long post (which I was genuinely sorry for creating in the moment as well), that I should offer the second half in a separate one so that it is easier to share and harder to simply ignore as a wall of text.

Here is the link to the first half of the current JBird and Briar discourse floating around. I highly encourage everyone involved in the Witchblr community to review both posts and not just this final addition. 

Regarding Prim stirring the pot, I actually do have proof of that on my page somewhere if you wouldn't mind my sending it to you? The person I reblogged it from, Mahi, also received death threats from Prim when they were only 16 and Prim was 20 (I can't ask him to share that though because Prim has since used her following to drive him off of Tumblr and he's still fairly [and justifiably] sensitive about it.)

Regarding Briar's statements more specifically though, I can see where the confusion is coming from. After the "in France" part, she's just defining a relevant term (hence the use of "irrelevant details) and then giving an explanation of how she came to be so knowledgeable about that term/concept. I wouldn't say she's calling Prim's activism an "irrelevant detail," but pointing out how Prim uses it as a shield against backlash whenever another blog (not just tradcrafters) calls out her platform. I don't expect you to fully understand or see what I mean when I say that, of course. Because you are still new, and these are habits I've observed of hers from nearly a year of following their interactions. I would, however, like to point out that Briar doesn't say anything racist about Prim and does not once bring up her race. In fact, I think if you read her entire post and not just point 3 as Prim has it cropped out in all of her mentions of it, you would see more fully the depth and amount of frustration Briar is trying to express. Similarly, Briar never threatened to dox Prim. She has, in fact, repeatedly tried to point out that Prim should be protecting her online information and be more aware of how to stop others from finding out about her private life/situation. These statements, however, have since been warped by Prim and her followers to come off as a threat on her life. Briar's statements above aren't a threat of doxxing. She's never once posted Prim's personal information or told others to find it or use it in any way. She has, however, searched for Taglocks on Prim, something witches especially are known to look for. In that search she found more than she was even looking for, despite trying to tell Prim repeatedly to stop being so open online with the information she posts about herself. Doxxing though is not racist. It is something used by them, sure, but it is not inherently racist.

Additionally, Prim has raised money, sure, but I still have not seen any actual receipts as to her *actually* donating it to any public or private organizations. This, for me, is highly suspect. In reality, we still have no idea where that money is. Whereas with Briar, she took no money in for a couple days on her readings and instead merely asked that those requesting a reading first submit proof of donation to an organization linked in the post. She raised substantial money for the BLM movement, but no one seems to want to bring that up in all of their "she's a racist" discourse. Also, the observation that someone is misleading or gaslighting their following is not racist. Just because she said Prim was recently using her BLM reblogs & promotions to do it *this time* still does not make it racist. Questionable wording is just something the reader disagrees with, in my opinion, and should be addressed as such.

I'm not going to lie, I do feel a little frustrated at this point. I was really hoping to come to you and see that you had concrete proof to offer that Briar is a racist. I do understand that you have your own reasons for feeding into the assumptions and twisted outlooks already taken on Briar's words, but I don't have enough energy in me to fully swallow my tongue on this one. I really do hope that you at least consider what I've said here. I'm not sure what I can say at this point because all of the information I've read from you thus far has been purely conjecture or assumptions or just "not feeling right" about the wordings on a single post. A racist, from my perspective, is not something I would ever feel comfortable calling someone off of this lack of evidence.

I understand it is hard to separate preconceived notions from your mind when reading through the words of others, but I really do miss when you were more open to the words of others. If I could ask one thing of you, it'd be to please try to read Briar's post again but from the perspective of seeing it how it was meant to be: a witch who has been on the butt end of Prim's harassment for going on three years now. She is tired of the wild accusations and constantly having to defend herself, and even when she supplied her proof a couple years ago, no one wanted to hear her. She has, largely, given up on being heard, and now screams into what feels like a void when attacked.

Proof of Prim stirring the pot that I offered: An example of Prim actively seeking out the community and trying to stir the pot with an already dealt with situation that had passed over a year ago.

A direct source that I offered as further proof of what has occurred already: This is one from the account mentioned before who was directly involved with the previous discord server where the Trio incident took place a couple years back.

[A Reply.] I think, to be fair, I saw your comments on her previous posts through your main, and with how much aggression you packed into those messages, I don't necessarily blame her for deciding not to engage with your private messages. As I've said, she's very used to people attacking her like that, and in her mind, unfortunately, you've probably been added to the list of aggressive people ready to fling the blame at her rather than look at the situation as a whole. I do apologize for the way her post may have made you feel, but I think it's also important to remember the potentially aggressive things you left on her page (I'm not saying you meant to come off that way, but even I couldn't help but read that way). Also, regarding the ask, it's no small secret that the occultists of the tradcraft group are skilled and well-versed in hexes and curses. When reading her posts about how she may respond to further antagonism on Prim's part, I see a fully realized occultist wielding their most well kept and trained weapon: baneful magic. I'm sure Prim herself also understands that the "threat on her life" she's saying she's so afraid of, isn't a physical threat, but a metaphysical one. She has repeatedly and continually tried to drag these people through the mud, and now that they're refusing to just sit back and be canceled, she's afraid. She knows how strong their magic is, and they aren't shy about it 🤷‍♀️

[A Reply.] No, I completely understand where you're coming from. I, personally, have seen your willingness to talk things through, despite how aggressive you can come off at times in the things you say, so I think that's why I was genuinely so surprised to see your comments on some of her posts. But I do think her response and refusal to further directly engage with you is warranted and her right. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell who is genuinely open to talking and who is just trying to bait and add to the problem. And with how aggressive your comments were, 8 honestly think she most likely was responding from a place of "oh look another young Prim follower here to bait and berate me." I don't think she looks down on you for your age, but her views are likely a reflection of the fact that a lot of 18yos follow Prim and have openly harassed her without even asking for her input on the matter.

At this point, I would like to talk about the second half of the title of this particular post. Grooming. This is a very serious allegation against Prim that I have not spoken on previously because I had no proof that it was happening. With this person's permission, I would like to share how exactly they wound up fighting Prim's battles for her.

I will note: I am highly disgusted by what follows.

[A Reply.] Oh no! You cannot fault yourself for this! Prim is a known manipulator, and the fact that she was able to make you somehow think this is part of your being "gullible and naive" is just testament to the fact that she's gotten wayyy too good at what she does. This is in no way your fault or because of some fault within you. Practiced manipulators are cunning and dangerous even to the best of us. It was unfortunate that she chose you, but her twisting you around is in no way a bad reflection on you as a person!

I've chosen to include my reply to this person rather than our continued discussion because of how personal and involved our conversation turned. I've included it to show, as well, that grooming others to fight your battles is (though this should go without saying) NEVER OKAY. Prim has shown her true colors, in my opinion, and while I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt time and time again, I simply cannot permit myself to ignore the harm and damage she's inflicted on not only the tradcraft community, but also this innocent group of friends. A group who that has hitherto dedicated their time to sussing out predators, terfs, nazis, and racists. A group that should never have had to deal with being gaslit and manipulated by a well-known and respected blogger on this platform.

I cannot reiterate enough how sorry and deeply shocked I am at the information this person has brought to my attention. I am still stunned by Prim's activities and unable to fathom how many other potential individuals are out there being groomed to support and fight for her cause. I am sorry to the Witchblr community as a whole. I feel as if I have sat by and watched as Witchblr has been manipulated and am therefore complacent in the damage and needless hurt that has been allowed to spread throughout our community. I am just so very, very sorry.

I will be taking a couple days off of Tumblr because of this, as I feel as if I need space and time to think, but my inbox is always open and I am always available to speak with others on my return.