#she allowed all the kids to throw dodge balls at his face

[spadesolace]

catch it (then keep it)

lasallian! yeji x atenean! reader

yeji isn’t the biggest fan of sports, who would have thought a girl would make her feel motivated to attend class

word count: 2.2k

yeji is not the biggest fan of possibly getting hit in the face by a ball. especially at a speed that is quite disturbing that she won’t be able to react fast enough.

here she is, getting ready for her second meeting in class, but there’s a new face. a part of her  assumed she was absent during the first meeting. yeji is unsure if she’s a student who isn’t wearing the discussed shirt assigned to the class or if she was a senior. she’s aware of the amount of past students the coach allows to join the class to teach dodgeball but it’s the first she’s seen your face. taking notice that you’re closer to the coach more compared to the rest of the so-called seniors of the class.

you have the face card but she would have been familiar with your face by the school’s freedom wall now because who wouldn’t have a crush on you. although she sees some resemblance between you and the coach that makes her think that you two could be related. during attendance, you were calling out names, somewhat getting to familiarize the students?

“hwang?” you look at the group seated on the floor, until your gaze stops at the girl who’s hand is raised.

“present!” to others this was nothing but to yeji, seeing you look at her with a smile, nodding in confirmation that you heard her and continuing on. she felt something in her heart, one she’s unsure of.

the following meetings you were there to help and coach the girl’s team as the boys played to their heart's content. yeji notices that your jerseys or sportswear isn’t from DLSU but from a different school, so it wasn't uncommon for people to be wearing their old Ateneo jersey. especially if you’re just visiting.

“ah- she’s from ateneo.” one of yeji’s classmates confirms as you run around and play with the rest of the class. somehow even if you're sweaty and competitive, she loves to watch you play. dodgeball isn’t supposed to be seen as cool, that sport was normally played in elementary and high school but here you are - in your element as you throw a ball so hard at one of the boys. she took note of how you have fast reflexes right away, how easily you dodge the ball or how you could catch it with ease.

even during yeji’s short conversation with the coach while she admires you, he drops on some story about how his daughter is such an athletic kid who enjoys playing any type of sport known to man. it was a bonus that you have the looks as the coach would casually say, but everyone in that class knows very well how beautiful his daughter is. yeji finds it hard not to like you, despite only seeing the special guest only during her physical education. you were the motivation she needed to attend this 2 hour class.

word spreads fast, not only was it past students visiting the gym, even friends of yeji’s classmates would visit and see the pretty girl from the rival school coaching.

“where’s the pretty girl?” ryujin visited once only to tease yeji, but seeing how shy her friend got - it was enough to mess with her. as yeji pointed at the other side of the court as you cheer for the class, she understands why people are gathering around as if it’s a celebrity. 

“ok gets, ganda nga.” yeji shoved ryujin as she looked back at you with a smile.

if only she knew you were this popular amongst the other classes that you’ve participated in, then she would have heard about this athletic girl from the rival school that is the child of a coach in La Salle taking the hearts of many. at this point there’s at least two posts about you on the freedom wall, which makes her question it all over because why are there so many people watching you but little to none posts about it.

you’re friendly, everyone knows that but yeji was too shy to ask for your socials despite the multiple encounters of you saving her from being hit in the face because she wasn’t able to catch it easily.

that was the first thing yeji liked about you. how fast you’d act just to make sure no one would get hurt aside from yourself. almost every week she’d see some bandage in your body, either your arms or your knees. brushing it off like it’s nothing and clearly to your father - it was something. when you had to sit one out - yeji took it as an opportunity to talk to you.

short yet memorable, you remember her as the girl that looks like the light fury from how to train your dragon and how she was one of the few that knew how to play but was a bit scared when it comes to actually having the ball. seeing her closer, admiring her beauty, she’s pretty you’ve mentioned that to one of your close friends here that is currently playing and lowkey teasing you about it because you sort of have your fair share of dating Lasallians.

yet you made the first move.

“hi.” you smiled at her as you moved a bit so she could sit down next to you, ”yeji, right?”

it took her by surprise that you remembered her name and face when you’ve been bombarded by the other students who are trying their best to catch your attention.

“yeah, you remember?” you could only nod as you took note of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s for your dad who possibly plans to recruit for the team. yeji could only sit there next to you as she watches the game go on - it would have been like that if you didn’t speak up or if she didn’t help you keep track of everything.

“your team is up next,” setting aside your ipad as you look at her with a reassuring smile, ”make sure to catch the ball with your hands, not your face.”

yeji took notice of your teasing as the game is close to ending, short and memorable but to her it was the start of something.

luck wasn’t on either of your sides because for the past three meetings, you weren’t there. yeji couldn’t bring it to herself to ask the coach where you’ve been because she’s not really one to do something about her fleeting crush on you. her dating you, an atenean? it might be the dream for others but it was far from her reach when she doesn’t even know if you swing that way. she kept her mouth shut, waiting for you to walk out of that elevator with your duffle bag, crocs, and a smile on your face.

three weeks and nothing but disappointment.

by the time it was midterms, yeji lost all hope that you’ll watch her play. her head down and walking to her usual spot by the classrooms and waiting till the coach arrives. she was settling in, back facing the students playing volleyball, turning to lean her back on the wall when a ball was about to hit her in the face. eyes closed and getting ready for impact until she heard a loud smack right in front of her. slowly opening her eyes to see you there crouching and passing the ball back to the people playing.

“yeji, you alright?” it was as if a knight in shining armour saved her from a dragon, if that dragon was small and in the shape of a ball. she could only nod at you smiling at her as she thanked you.

“paano mo-”

“hindi mo ata ako naririnig na binabati kita.” (translation: i don’t think you heard me greeting you.) you pointed to where your stuff is, a few centimetres away from her spot. it made you laugh that she was too preoccupied to notice that you were already looking at her from where you were moments ago.

yeji could only look at you in awe as another ball was about to come towards you. seeing it hit your back and crouching to the floor as it was painful due to the strong impact. you could only look at the group playing, clearly it were the seniors as they profusely apologised to you. seeing how you took care of the issue (and how they clearly aren’t paying attention to their surroundings) made her heart skip a beat. you came back to double check if she was indeed fine.

“i’m fine, you on the other hand, are not.” she could only caress your back and smile at you as you finally give in and tell her that it did somehow hurt more than you expected it to be.

“it’s fine really,” you sat down next to yeji as she caressed your back, “i once took a volleyball to the face. it did hurt but i was brave about it!”

“tanga mo.” she’s warming up as you shrug and laugh at her.

“part of my charm.” you could only laugh as yeji smacks you on the shoulder.

“you know,” you look at her with such curiosity and interest that she had to stop her thoughts of kissing you right there and then. “you’re from Ateneo but you’re spending your friday night at La Salle.”

a faint smile but also avoiding her gaze, you’re not too keen on the idea of letting her in on the little secret crush you have on her. as you opened your mouth, immediately closing it once you hear the bell that your father always presses to let the class know its time. watching yeji drop everything and run to the coach as you sit there and take that as a sign to keep quiet for now. 

you would sit there for the first 30 minutes of class, warming up as well as they run around and get ready to play. yeji in a messy ponytail leaves you sitting there and watching her run around, smile, laugh, and have fun. she’s brighter than the last time you saw her, there’s some spark of joy in her eyes as she plays and it’s her best play yet.

“uy, she could melt if you keep looking at her like that.” you look at your friend and flip her off as she sits down next to you as she joins in and watches the game.

“she’s pretty.” your friend looks at yeji then back at you, there’s a teasing smile that makes you want to shove her off her chair and continue watching the game.

“bakla.” you shove her lightly and see her lose balance a bit in her chair as you two laugh.

“so are you.”

you’re never too sure of your feelings for yeji because you rarely see her, and it’s only once a week. she’s obligated to be in this class but you aren’t, nothing but a simple visitor who helps her father in his work. it’s different because for once you’re looking forward to driving to La Salle and rushing to see your father just so you could see her within those two hours and hope you could get the courage to talk to her.

sometimes you wanna thank the people playing and almost hitting her for giving you a chance to talk to her longer than usual. that you could see her be a bit affectionate and check up on you as she makes sure you weren’t too in pain from being hit by a volleyball. although it seems cruel that you wish to somehow get closer to her, befriend her, get the socials and keep on talking after this whole thing is done because you want to see her again.

you want to get to know her more than what she plays or what her major is. you want to know what’s her favorite color, what she does in her free time, what her interests are, and you’re suddenly blanking out as you see yeji holding her face with her hand.

she walks towards you, pointing to the cooler next to the table. she got hit in the face.

“sit down,” you stood up and offered your chair, getting the ice pack and crouching in front of her, “put your hand down.”

yeji sits there, flinching as the cold plastic touches her skin. she could hear you telling the guy who hit yeji on the face, you weren’t screaming but she sensed that you’re pissed and concerned. you kept on sighing as she checked on her cheek every one to two minutes to ensure there’s no blood but a bit swollen.

“does it still hurt?”

“no… i think i can move my jaw a bit.” you removed the ice pack, gently holding her face to see if there’s any swelling. to yeji, this was a bit too much as you looked intently at her - she shouldn’t be thinking of how soft your lips would feel on top of hers or how soft your hands are and how gentle you’re holding her face. you let go and smile as you gave her the ice pack back.

“you’re good, but just ice it for a few more minutes.” she could only nod, look up at you and be mesmerized, patting her head and walking out to talk to the boy who threw the ball. yeji feels her chest tightening, butterflies erupting in her stomach, and her face heating up as she looks down and try to contain her emotions at bay. oh, she has a crush on an atenean.

[zaraomarrogers]

Always and Forever - 7

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Fem Reader

Warnings: fluff, angst, smut, minors do not interact, 18+, mentions of drug.

A/n: I got inspired by Jimmy Kimmel's Dodge ball segment on Lightyear's promotion.

~*~

Steve parked the car in the parking area of the Day care centre and ran towards the entrance. He was so excited today because his little bean had participated in the dodge ball game that was going to take place in the centre. Kids’ parents were to play with them in a team. Steve was thrilled to experience this with Malcolm. The father and son duo had been practicing the game for days now. Of course, Malcolm was still very small to throw or even basket the basket ball but Steve was sure that Malcolm will be great at one of his favourite game one day. Yes, one day!

It had almost been two and a half months since Steve came to Boston and in this time he had cherished every second of Malcolm’s existence. He didn’t remember the last time he was this much happy in the past four years. Things with Y/n were progressive or so he thought. Her cold and collected demeanour in the beginning was slowly turned into smiles and nods in the passing, but what they truly gelled on was their work strategy. Steve and Y/n were a force to reckon with when they had their business minds in action. She’d even share Malcolm’s funny stories with him and they’d have a good laugh on that but things still got tense sometimes. She still hadn’t allowed him completely into her life but Steve was grateful for the little crumbs of her life she had offered so far.

Steve had couple of more encounters with Andy Barber after the first one where he almost lost his sense of calm. Both Y/n and him hadn’t addressed the incident, it was still there hanging like so many other things both of them were diligently avoiding to discuss. Andy Barber was a colleague as well as a family friend of Y/n's dad. Andy had been Daniel Carter’s assistant for years. Steve barely kept his calm whenever Andy was at the Potts Fashion House, he tried his hardest to be civil with him. 

“Dadddddyyyyyy!” Malcolm let out a joyful scream when Steve entered the gymnasium.

“Heyy bubba..” Steve hold him up in his arms and kissed both his cheeks. He glanced at Y/n who was talking to one of the parents. She nodded at him with a smile.

“You ready, Mal?” Steve asked Malcolm putting him down on the floor and recieved an eager nod from their son.

Soon enough they were in the positions for the game and with the sound of a buzzer, it had begun. Steve and Malcolm were competing against another pair of daughter and daddy duo. Just when the buzzer went for the final round, Steve started trying to basket the ball in between all the balls that had been thrown at him from all the directions. He had basket four balls in a row and won the competition in the final round.

Happiness on Malcolm’s face was a sight to be seen. He was jumping up and down and when finally Steve took him in his arms, his little bean peppered his face with kisses. This was his first win in any competition and he experienced it with Steve, the simple thought had made Steve’s heart full and elated. Y/n came down to the duo hugging and kissing Malcolm. She complimented Steve with an awkward hug.

After an hour or so when the photos of the winner's family had been taken, they left for home. Malcolm wanted to sit with Steve in his car so Y/n had to let him. They arrived at Carter’s residence where Wanda, Bucky and Daniel were already there and celebrating Malcolm’s win. Things were still tense between Y/n’s dad and Steve but bearable enough for both of them to be in each other’s presence.

Dinner was nothing short of grand, courtesy to Wanda and Bucky. Malcolm repeated the whole game and how he won it over and over to his grand dad. Steve was his hero and he didn’t shy away to made it known to everyone. All of them ate in a friendly atmosphere. Malcolm was seated on the chair between his parents. Y/n had cut the pieces of stake for him and Steve showed him putting a fork in meat and veggie. The three of them were oblivion of the fact that everyone around them were enjoying this view.

“Steve, can I talk to you for a sec?” Alice gently tap on Steve’s shoulder when he was helping Wanda and Y/n to clean up the table.

“Sure! Everything good?” He was little curious.

“Yes. Everything’s fine. Just... Dan wanted to speak to you, if that’s okay...”

“Absolutely.” Steve smiled at Alice and crouched down on Malcolm’s level who was clinging on Steve’s leg.

“Bubba, daddy has to talk with grandpa, it’s past your bed time already. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Noooo daddy, I wana pway with you.” Malcolm whined grabbing Steve’s leg little more tightly.

“Mal??” Y/n called her son, seeing the situation Steve was in. It wasn’t the first time Malcolm didn’t want to let Steve go, Y/n had to intervene and play a mediator.

“Who’s gonna go to library with me? I thought of taking Wan Wan with me... and have some fun with the colours.” Y/n knew he’d take the bait. Malcolm had developed a liking for library. He’d easily spend couple of hours in painting and colouring the books. He left Steve’s leg and ran towards Y/n who immediately took him in her arms.

“Mama, I paint ewephant and giwaffe. Bring also home. ‘kay mama? And get a doughnut when come home. ‘kay mama?”

Taking a hint, Steve silently left the living room and walked towards the Daniel Carter’s office. He knocked on the door and entered. Alice and Daniel were already there and seated on the couch. Alice smiled warmly at Steve, motioning him to take the seat across them. Hesitantly, Steve sat down, he could feel the tension in the air.

“What’s your plan?” Daniel asked him with a frown.

“Pardon.”

“I need to know if you’re going to stay in Malcolm’s life? Or this is just temporary setup?”

“This is not a temporary setup. I can assure you that I’m here permanently..... as long as Y/n and Malcolm wants me in their life.”

“What guarantee do you have that you aren’t going to hurt my daughter and my grand son? Again!?”

“Dan!” Alice placed a hand on her husband’s arm, giving him a look.

“He had hurt her before, I need to be sure before trusting him and letting him in our lives.” He looked at Alice and then at Steve.

“I understand your concern Mr. Carter, I can only give you my word that I will not in my right mind, ever, try to hurt Y/n and Malcolm.” Steve said looking straight into Daniel's eyes with conviction. His tone was firm. “As long as Y/n wants me in Malcolm’s life, I would stay and try to be a good father for Malcolm. I love both of them with all my heart, I can’t think of hurting either of ‘em.”

Daniel Carter scoffed, “You had hurt her before, do you know she came to me broken and betrayed.”

“Daniel please!” Alice intervened.

“How could I trust you with my daughter again? I’d made that mistake once.” His voice was raised a little.

Steve was quiet for a bit. He realised he had nothing to say to Y/n’s dad. If he was in his place, he would not let the person anywhere near her daughter. He was grateful that Daniel was atleast letting him in his house and in her daughter's life.

“I’m ashamed of what happened, I still don’t remember how it happened.” Steve’s head hung low and his voice shaken. “It’s like... its wiped off of my brain. I don’t know... I can’t remember anything when I think of that night.”

“What does that mean?” Alice asked, “would you mind elaborating it?”

Steve sighed, he didn’t want to remember that ominous day, “I can’t remember how I end up with Peggy in her bedroom. I remember clearly Y/n and I were dancing, both of us had couple of drinks but I wasn’t drunk, I asked Y/n to meet me at the harbour front because.... I had everything planned...” Steve gulped, tears were at the brim of his eyes, “....I wanted to propose to her.” A tear escaped his eye and Alice gasped at Steve’s revelation. “... After that all I remember was waking up next to Peggy in her bedroom.”

“My goodness! I don’t know what to say.” Alice sighed.

“Did you take the test?” Daniel said after an awkward silence.

“Test?” Steve frowned.

“Drug test! Did you get a test?”

“No! I-I didn’t..” Steve gulped hard. How could he tell them that he was too shocked to think about it. Y/n was gone by the time he woke up the next day. He went to find her to New Jersey but when he couldn’t find her there, he didn’t put more effort in finding her because he was so disgusted by himself.  

“I think you might have been drugged.” Daniel was lost in his thoughts. His demeanour towards Steve had suddenly changed. His mind was trying to process this new information.

“What about your commitments in New York? You have work there right?”

“Uhh Yeah! I still have couple a weeks here but umm I’m willing to move my work here on permanent basis. It’d be no big deal.”

“Other involvements you might want to share? Any woman or women?”

“There was one but... it was over.. before I came here... but officially ended things when I came here.”

Steve was tensed, he didn’t know how to tell them that he was engaged to Peggy.

“Anything you want to add, Steve?” Alice read his un- easiness.

“Umm.. Actually... I was engaged to Peggy, but it wasn’t... it was just convenient at that time and didn’t mean anything other than beneficial for both of our careers. Working with Stark had helped....”

Steve was speaking so fast, he was clarifying without having been asked. Daniel cut him off before he finished.

“Let me sum it up for you, Eleanor had suggested that engagement.” He said knowingly.

Steve was dumbfounded. He looked at Y/n’s dad and nodded slowly. He was getting anxious with every passing second.

“Does Y/n know about that?” Alice asked softly.

“No. I tried bringing it up, but she doesn’t wana talk about what happened four years ago.”

“But you need to tell her the truth, Steve. She’d let you in, I can see that, we all can see that, but you need to tell her the truth before completely moving here.” Alice was right, Steve knew he had to man up and address the elephant.

“My daughter deserves to know the whole truth. In these four years, she didn’t let any man in her life and as her dad I respected her choice. But she can’t be like this her whole life. Andy Barber, I assume you already know him. He’d been my assistant and a very close friend. I’ve been wanting Y/n to pursue him, but on her own time and when she finally took a step forward in her life, you came in, Steve.”

Steve was listening to Daniel Carter’s and each word he had uttered was like a hammer on his brain.

Daniel Carter shook his head and sighed, “Steve you must know that she was wholeheartedly in love with you, I mean walk to hell and back with you. If, and that’s an if, Andy and her would start dating you owe this to her. She deserves someone who loves her the same time she loves them.” He turned to Steve, “I know that she hasn’t truly gotten over you, but I think she’s gotten over you enough to allow someone else into her heart.” Steve nodded solemnly knowing that he was right.

“I’ve known you since you were a child Steve, but you will have to earn her trust back. Tell her what you’ve told us.” He gently patted Steve’s shoulder and walked out of his office. Steve’s face was pale, he was unable to comprehend what Daniel jade just told him. Alice walked closer to him, gently squeezing his arm, “She has a date tomorrow, it isn’t the first time she’s going out with him, it was just been couple of friendly dinners but Dan is right, Andy is the first man she allowed in her and Malcolm’s life in all these years.”

Steve was standing in the middle of the room with pale face and mouth hung open. He was having difficulty in breathing. When he tried to breathe, his heart hurt. His vision had gotten blurry but he wiped his eyes immediately and walked out of the room. Alice was telling him something but he didn’t listen, he made his way to the front door and moment he opened the door, strong gush of wind send chills to his whole being. He closed the door immediately and shivered.

“I think you should stay the night in the couch. We didn’t realise, there’s windstorm warning. Its dangerous driving in this weather. Steve wasn’t in a mental state to refuse Alice’s offer, he nodded making his way to the couch in the living room where Alice had already put an extra pillow and blanket. She left the room after telling him to be comfortable. But Steve was far from being comfortable. He knew he was going to have a panic attack. He knew he needed to hold on to something in order to calm down. He looked around the house, it was dead silence meaning Malcolm was asleep and Y/n was in her room. Bucky and Wanda had already left. He felt a wave of nausea surging up, before he knew what he was doing he ran up the stairs and into Y/n’s room. He moved towards her bed, taking off his shoes he moved under the covers, pulling Y/n to his chest. Her back was pressed on his chest, he placed his leg over hers. She gasped with the sudden intrusion but much to her surprise her body got relaxed instantly, all too familiar with Steve’s touch. She was trapped in Steve’s hold, annoyed she asked, “What the hell is wrong with you, Steve? You can’t just...”

“Please Y/n... please...” Steve whispered holding her tightly, “I-I ca- can’t breathe.” Y/n felt something warm on her neck where Steve’s face was hidden. It didn’t take her a second to know what was happening. She slowly started rubbing Steve’s hand that was holding her by the waist.

“Just breathe in and breathe out.... with me... Steve, just like me..”

“Please don’t go with him...” he sobbed in her neck. “please don’t Y/n/n... please don’t go... please no..” more tears dampen the back of her neck, she tried to turn towards him but his grip only tighten.

“Please Steve, you need to breathe, just breathe with me okay.” She kept rubbing the back of his hand and slowly turned to face him. Steve was sobbing uncontrollably and it broke her heart. It wasn’t a new scene for her, it had happened when her mom made her break up with Steve when they were only seventeen, that was the first time Steve got a panic attack and only she knew how to calm him down. It was difficult for her to move but she turned to lie on her back and put Steve’s head on chest right above her heart. She gently stroked her fingers in his hair and keep repeating soothing words to him. Rythm of her beating heart would calm him down. In that moment, Steve was like a child, silently crying and begging her not to go with Andy. He didn’t say his name but Y/n knew the reason behind Steve’s panic attack. It made her ponder over what happened four years ago. But immediately she disaffect those thoughts, her self mechanism actively in work.

Steve was fast asleep on her chest, still holding her from waist. She smiled looking at him, whenever Malcolm got sick or just in mood, she put him to sleep like this. She fell asleep with Steve’s head on her chest and her fingers in his hair. When she woke up again, their position had changed, her head was in the crook of Steve’s neck, his arms wrapped around her protectively. She carefully moved away from him placing a pillow in her place and setting Steve’s arm around that pillow. She came to sit down on the couch in her room, frustrated over her body loosing Steve’s natural warmth, she huffed and lie down, after tossing and turning for more minutes, she wandered off the sleep land again. Next time she woke it was already morning. She stretched and yawned, gasped loudly when she heard a chuckle. She pushed her head up from the pillow to see Steve leaned against the head rest , smiling at her. He looked like he’d been awake.

“I was waiting for you to wake up.” Steve said, his hoarse voice sent shivers down her spine.

“I want to apologise for last night. I didn’t know what had gotten into me, I can’t justify my actions....”

“It’s alright! Steve. You don’t have to...” she stood up with him.

“No its not! I crossed the line and I apologise for that.” He smiled softly at her.

They stood there in the middle of her bedroom, awkwardly looking anywhere but each other.

“All- all the b-best for umm..” Steve stuttered, his hands were shaking.

“It’s not a date, Steve. I’m not ready to date anyone at this point in my life. My only priority is Mal.” She softly took his cold hands in her warm ones. Looking at him like she was searching something in his eyes. All she could see was undeniable love for her. She stood on her tip toes, leaning forward she placed her lips on the corner of his mouth.

“Steve, I-I forgi...” She whispered pulling away but Steve cut her off.

“I don’t deserve your forgiveness... not yet.” He whispered touching her forehead with his. Intertwining their fingers, he relished her proximity, breathing in the same space as her.

“I need to go back to New York  tonight. I didn’t plan to go tonight, but in order to be here, completely, with no ties to hold me back, I have to go and get things done, so that I can come back here to you and Mal.” He kissed her forehead softly.

She nodded with a small smile, all of a sudden she felt something was off with him, like he wasn’t mentally there, something was holding him back but she couldn’t put it to words.

“How long have you been up?” she asked making little distance between them.

“Does it matter?” He shrugged earning a raised eye brow from her.

“I got up the moment you leave the bed.”

“What?” Y/n frowned.

“It’s nothing, it’s just.. uhh.. nothing... just leave it.” Steve couldn’t tell her that he hadn’t been able to sleep alone in the bed ever since that night. It had been four fucking years and he was still unable to sleep in the bed. One of the reasons he indulged himself in work, because he found work chair and couch more comfortable than the bed. The nights he spent fucking random women, he’d left the place almost immediately after the deed was done. He’d been known for his rudeness. The people, especially women didn’t this side of Steve that he had fixed for Y/n, Malcolm and his Ma. He had been totally a different person in all these years, and he couldn’t tell this to Y/n who was looking at him expectantly.

“Sorry, what did you say? I zoned out.”

“I can see that.” Y/n was near the bathroom door. “Do you want to wake Malcolm up? You might want to tell him about your New York trip?” She smiled lightly.

“Ohh sure.. I’d love to wake him up.”

“Best of luck with that.” She chuckled and entered the bathroom.

“What does that mean?”

“You’ll find out.” She hollered over the shower.

Steve pouted and walked towards Malcolm’s room. He didn’t know he was in for a hyper active Malcolm.

“Hey Bubba, good morning.” Steve sat down beside the sleeping child, gently stroking his hair.

“C'mon buddy wake up. We’re gonna have your favourite breakfast.” He tried again after some time, caressing his cheek.

Y/n came in after a short while, dressed in black denim and loose sweater, she was looking drop dead gorgeous even in slightly damp hair.

“You haven’t woken him up?” she smirked.

“I’ve been trying.”

“Mal-pal, wakey wakey time. Daddy is here, C'mon sweet heart.” Y/n simply open the blinds of Mal's room, bright morning sun directly shine on little boy’s face and with a whine he woke up.

“Mama, where daddy?” it was a funny scene in front of Steve’s eyes, Malcolm didn’t see him sitting on the edge of the bed because little bean was busy looking at the calendar that was hanged on the wall beside his bed.

“I’m right here, bubba.” Steve picked him up and tickled him in the ribs. Malcolm’s screamed with pure joy and pushed his face in Steve’s neck. His hands were in his daddy's hair.

“You wakey wakey, daddy. I so happy.” Placing a kiss on both Steve’s cheek, he looked at his daddy with those beautiful blue eyes.

“I’m happy too... so happy to be here.” Steve kissed back his son. Malcolm was tracing Steve’s features from his fingers. Y/n cleared her throat, “I think we should brush our teeth first.” She ruffled Malcolm’s hair, who was still in Steve’s arms.

“Yeah! Mama’s right.”

“Why no play ‘efowe bwush?” Malcolm pouted when Steve handed him into Y/n's open arms.

“Because we can’t let germs and bad breath live inside our mouth, Mal-pal. C'mon we have so much to do today, right?”

“Libwawy?” Malcolm bounced in Y/n's arms.

“Daddy come Libwawy?”

Steve’s phone started vibrating in his jeans pocket. “Yes, bubba, we’ll go to library.” He took the phone out while answering Malcolm who was inside the bathroom with Y/n. Steve  frowned at the caller ID. It was Peggy’s call, he declined and looked at the furious messages from her. She threatened him if he wouldn’t pick up her call, she’d come down to Boston. Steve wasn’t in a mood for Peggy’s non-sense, but he didn’t want her to come to Boston either. That meant he had to go to NewYork now instead of tonight.

“Damn it!” He uttered under his breath.

[morimakesfanart]

I mean I know that mori isn’t scared of drakon but maybe she’d be scared of her as a child? Or maybe she would be weirded out by hina’s size ( kids can be brutal) as a kid I was a waking ball of sas so I’m curious how little mori would act

I was carrying garden snakes around the backyard with my dad when I was 3-4. Little Mori will be nervous because he is a human that doesn't look human. I was scared of people in mascot costumes and cried because of the Easter Bunny at the mall. Learning there isn't a human head in his mouth will make him infinitely less scary. I have always liked lizards and snakes, so little Mori will be fascinated by Drakon.

HOWEVER I really liked tall adults because I liked being carried and climbing. I would climb onto the shoulders of any tall adults that would let me, and enjoy being high up. I have the opposite of a fear of heights. I would call top bunk, and would lay on the back of sofas like a cat (until my parents would come in the room and yell at me).

As soon as Drakon and Hina make it clear to little Mori that they are nice to kids, she will love them and climb them. She will absolutely grab onto Drakon's tail as he walks around.

Little Mori will be scared of Hina's children without question. Explanation under the cut for those interested.

(CW: child bullying & physical injuries)

Child me was scared of taller children because children aren't self aware. I got hurt at parties ages 3-7 with pinatas because I would get trampled because I was smaller than everyone else, and so eventually I would hide behind my parents and cry whenever a pinata was pulled out.

I also got actively bullied for being small, and there was an incident when I was 5. A group of kids started making fun of me for being small including 8 y/os. I had pride in being small so I proclaimed they were mean and wrong. When they wouldn't stop, I repeated the "sticks and stones" rhyme. That made the older kid ds really angry, and the younger kids wanting to be cool egged on the older kids, so they all got stuck in group mentality, and chased me around the playground throwing sticks and stones at me. Because I'm small I was able to escape under the oldest's legs, dodge, and run away. The only one that managed to hit me was someone I thought was my friend and on my side, but when I thought I was safely away with just him, he threw a stick at my face. That was when the counselors finally stepped in and took notice. I did have a small scar on the crook of my right eye that took about 10 years to fade.

When I was 8 I was invited to a Lazer tag party but we were short on people so 3 teenagers were allowed in with us and one ran past me and hit me in the eye with his Lazer gun. I had a black eye for a while.

I still had pride in being small but I kept ending up in places and with people that were not good for short people.

[staytiny-angel]

Missed Me (Kiss Me)

Notes: Just a little HangGrace drabble cause I was up all night

@axelwolf8109 @taurielthepirateking @the-iridescent-phoenix @imswitchbabemox

Even at six years old, Ava Grace Sinclair took one look at Adam Page and knew that he was something special. It was the first day of elementary school, and her class had finally been let out for recess. As he had moved schools after kindergarten, Ava had spent the day completely overwhelmed by her new environment. But to a six-year-old, a playground is a playground, and little Ava felt more sure of herself under the heat of the August sun and surrounded by the excited squeals of her classmates. 

She was making his way to the edge of the playground toward the swings when a loud shriek of laughter rang out, catching her attention. Turning to the grassy area nearby, Ava immediately spotted the source of the noise—a small boy with tanned skin, round cheeks and longish curly blond hair running around among the other kids. They were playing some kind of game with a rubber ball, the kind of game that children make up where there aren’t really any rules and they just laugh and tire themselves out. Something drew Ava to the loud boy, and she eagerly bounded over to join the group.

Come to find out, the game was similar to dodge ball, and the loud boy’s name was Adam. He told Ava about the game with a wide grin, excitedly welcoming the newcomer and even introducing him to another boy named Kenny—who Adam said was his brother but was actually his best friend.

When the game resumed, Ava worked up a sweat running around the field with Adam and the other kids, squealing when the person with the ball came too close or tried to hit her with it. Ava eventually found herself with the ball after being hit, so naturally she focused his attack on Adam. The boy quickly realized he was being singled out and did his best to outrun Ava.

Ava, after getting close enough, finally took aim at Ava, tossing the ball as hard as her little arms would allow. To Ava’s dismay, the boy managed to dodge her throw, sending the ball across the grassy field toward the fence. Realizing his victory, Adam’s face lit up in satisfaction.

“Missed me, missed me, now you gotta kiss me!” Adam called out, childishly teasing.

Back then, Ava simply pouted at the taunt before running to get the ball back and trying again.

***

“Can you believe we’ve been friends for twelve years?” Ava asks before unwrapping another Starburst and popping it in her mouth.

Adam snorts, standing up from his bed in their shared apartment. “No, I can’t believe I put up with your ass for this long.”

“Hey!” Ava shouts indignantly. “It’s me that has to put up with you!”

Adam pauses in the space between his bed and dresser “Okay, but was I the one who almost burnt down our apartment three days after move-in trying to make ramen?”

“Shut up, it was an accident!” Ava reaches for her pile of discarded pink Starbursts, blindly grabbing one and chucking it toward Adam.

Even from his relatively close position near the desk, Adam sees the candy coming and barely manages to avoid it, the sound of it hitting the floor behind him reverberating in the room as he turns to Ava to gloat. Maybe it’s just because of Ava bringing up the length of their friendship, but he’s immediately reminded of the day they met.

“Ha, missed me! You know what that means—you gotta kiss me.” Adam jokes, harkening back to his taunt on their first day of elementary school, a day permanently etched in both their memories.

Immediately, he feels the atmosphere shift. Ava doesn’t say anything, keeping her eyes on Adam, but stands from her spot on Adam's bed and walks over until the two are standing face to face. Adam is sure his confusion is evident as Ava’s mouth slowly turns up in a smirk.

“Okay,” Ava says. “bet.”

The words barely register to Adam before Ava is leaning in, connecting their lips. Maybe out of reflex (or maybe something else), he gives in, relaxing into the kiss. Ava’s hand reaches up, gently cupping his cheek. Shockingly, Adam finds that kissing his best friend isn’t all that unpleasant—her lips are soft and she tastes like the Starbursts she was just eating. In fact, it’s quite… nice. The kiss doesn’t last long, but Adam isn’t the one to pull away.

When Ava looks at him, Adam can feel the heat rising to his cheeks and the tips of his ears.

“Well, I certainly follow through, don’t I?” The other jokes, and the atmosphere returns to normal.

Adam gets a rush of courage, slipping back into his usual demeanor. He hums, pretending to think for a moment.

“You did this time… But,” Adam grins. “I think you still owe me another kiss from when we were kids.”

A brief look of surprise flashes over Ava’s features before she smiles knowingly, stepping closer. Adam eagerly reaches out, wrapping his arms around the other’s neck as Ava’s hands find his waist. Just like that, their lips connect again, the action seeming as natural as breathing.

And if they continue even after Ava makes up her owed kisses, well… Adam certainly doesn’t mind.

[chaoslulled]

since when do you ever tell anyone how you really feel? - farlan

it's  a  fair  assessment  rolled  up  in  the  fact  that  levi doesn't  tell anyone  how  he  feels   ––   he  keeps  his  cards  close  to  his  chest  because  this  is  where  he  is  meant  to  be,  because  this  is  the  place  where  he  falls  into  line  so  easily.   it  doesn't  matter  who  it  is  or  who  it  should  be   ––   levi  will  tell  the  pretty  lies  that  he  needs  to  in  order  to  protect  himself.

that  even  goes  for friends  who  have  been  there  too  long,  who  have  seen  the ugly  sides  of  him.   who  have  seen  him  with  bruises  around  his  eyes,  bloodied  lips   &   broken  nose.   it  makes  him  twitch  nervously,  his  fingers  tapping  against  his  knees  through  the  material  of  his  jeans.   his  head  aches  something  awful,  a  hangover  of  a  different  kind,   &   he  hates.

he  hates  because  he  is  sat  next  to  farlan  in  his  apartment   &   his  head  is  pounding   &   his  throat  feels  weird   &   his  chest  keeps  doing  weird  things.   it's  strange  in  the  way  that  he  closes  his  eyes   &   debates  what  he  wants  to  say,  turns  his  head  a  little  before  he  chickens  out   &   lets  it  fall  away  again.

farlan,  as  annoying  as  he  can  be,  is patient.   lets  levi  have  the  time  he  needs  to  work  it  out.   levi  doesn't  want  to  even  speak  the  words  into  existence   &   farlan  seems  to  know  it.   there's  so  much  out  there  that  keeps  rolling  around  in  his  skull,  knocking  over   &   over  again. 

he likes  erwin.   he  likes  the  stupid  blonde  with  golden  retriever  energy   ––   the  one  who  looks  at  his  child  with  so  much  soft  adornment  in  his  features,  who  still  keeps  their  mother  in  the  know  even  though  he  doesn't  have  to.   hell,  he  even  likes  bryn,  for  all  his  dislike  of  children.   bryn,  who  looks  like  a  splitting  image  of  their  father  in  all  the  right  ways,  with  eyes  too  bright   &   blonde  hair  a  little  too  wispy  when  they  twirl  in  circles   &   throw  a  dodge ball.

&   it's  not  like  he's  new  to  relationships   ––   it's  just...he's  realizing  he's  got  scars.   scars  that  he  hadn't  known  were  really  there,  things  that  he  thought  were  just  parts  of  a normal  break  up.   they  aren't  though,  are  they?   your  ex  shouldn't  make  your  skin  feel  like  it's  crawling  off  of  your  bones.   you  shouldn't  feel  this  weird  exhaustion  at  just  the  thought  of  being  with  someone  else.

he  lets  out  a  frustrated  breath   &   throws  himself  back  on  the  couch  more,  allows  it  to  tip   &   creak  a  little  unflattering.   farlan  gives  him  a  bemused  look  for  a  moment   &   he  lets  out  a  shaky  exhale  through  his  lips.   there's  so  patience  in  those  eyes   &   all  he  wants  to  do  is  escape.   he  wants  to  run  away  from  this  like  he's  managed  to  run  away  from  things  before.

but  instead,  he  gives  in.   he  crawls  over   &   presses  his  face  in  his  lap,  the  misery  crashing  down  around  him.  

〝  i  like  him,  farlan.   &   that's  a  problem.   he  has  a  kid,  that's  enough  of  a  red  flag  right  there.  〞  levi's  always  been  good  at  talking  himself  out  of  things   ––   he  wasn't  good  enough  to  be  with  a senator's  son,  but  yet  he's  supposed  to  be  good  enough  to  be  a  permanent  fixture  in  someone's  family  unit?   there's  not  even  a  chance  in  hell.

levi  feels  that  familiar  tug  in  his  stomach,  the  clutch  of  his  chest.   he  tugs  his  knees  up  a  little  more,  cheek  pressing  into  the  fabric  of  farlan's  pants.   〝  i'm  not  family  material.   we  both  know  that. 〞

his  voice  is  quiet  when  he  admits  it.   he  holds  nothing  against  his  mother   ––   kuchel  had  done  what  she  had  to   &   had  gotten  herself  together  when  she  needed  to.   but  what  did  he  know  of  love?   of  a  family  unit?   his  'family  unit'  consisted  of  an  uncle  that  was  drunk  out  of  his  mind,  a  single  mother  who  was  a  prostitute,   &   a  father  that  he  has  never  met  before.

what  kind  of  good,  solid  foundation  could  he  ever  hope  to  provide  in  that  little  unit?   to  a  child  with  too  bright  eyes   &   a  father  that  adores  her?   that  has  it  all  figured  out?

levi's  tongue  presses  to  the  roof  of  his  mouth   &   he  tries  to  ignore  how  the  room  blurs  slightly,  how  there's  wetness  on  his  lashes.   he  blinks  a  few  times,  trying  to  push  it  away.   〝  this  is  stupid.   lets  just  go  get  drunk  or  something.   i  don't  want  to  talk  about  it  anymore.  〞

[skullz-chamber]

Last night I was about to sleep early and my sister called me bc Isaac ( my youngest nephew who is 8, autistic, has ADHD, a speech impediment and ODD ) got a concussion at school bc his teacher threw him. She claims she lightly jerked her arm from him and he fell but mans was speaking straight jibberish for 30 mins, couldn't walk properly and couldn't eat. I'm like.. girl I'm one deranged mf and even I've never thrown Isaac.. you're literally not fit to be around children and that's coming from someone who is property of the state.

[randomperson351]

Lifeguard - BH

Summary: Being the only Wheeler child that isn't doing anything, your mother (Mrs Wheeler) asks you to come and get her from the pool, but you leave with something much better.

Inspo: Stranger things s3 ep1

Do not repost or rewrite any of my work. Minors and blank blogs will be blocked.

Masterlist

"Yeah, okay mum I'm leaving now...yeah okay see you soon, bye."

"Oh and Melissa don't forget to bring my purse, I need some money to buy food for when we get home."

"Okay, bye now!" I put the telephone back on the receiver, grabbed her purse and the keys to my car to go and collect my mother from the swimming pool. Mike was out with his group of friends probably doing something he shouldn't be and Nancy was at work with Jonathan so I was on pick up duty.

It wasn't a long drive to the pool, probably 15 minutes maximum which in theory gave her plenty of time to be ready for when I arrive. I really didn't want to have to go inside and be stuck talking to all her stupid friends for another 30 minutes or something, no doubt they'll just talk about some 'hot new lifeguard' that apparently works there. I mean seriously they are all old enough to be this guys mother by the sound of it and they still thirst after him some ditzy teenagers, it was ridiculous!

I pulled into the car park and took a deep breath before entering the gates to the pool and I immediately spotted my mum and her gal pals all sprawled out on their sunbeds.

Here goes nothing, I thought.

"Oh hi honey, I'm almost ready could you just grab my towel and shoes from over there? I'll be out of the changing rooms in a few minutes." She asked me before I could even put my bag down.

"Sure." I replied, wandering to the other side of the pool and getting her shoes.

Where the fuck is her towel? I looked around and couldn't see it anywhere and started panicking slightly.

"Looking for something?" A deep voice said behind me, the same unmistakable voice of popular boy Billy Hargrove who had my mother's towel in his hand as he walked towards me.

"Actually yes, thank you." I said as I took the towel from his hand, hoping to end the conversation there.

"I thought you didn't swim?" He pondered looking at me, clearly not finished with what he was going to say.

"I can, I just choose not to." I told him, packing her towel and shoes away in my bag.

"How come?"

I finally looked up to him; his head was tilted down and to the left slightly as he watched me with his entrancing blue eyes, calculating all my subtle reactions.

"You work here Hargrove, can you not see how goddamn busy this place gets? There's kids everywhere to dodge the whole time I'm in the water, people have got beach balls they're throwing around and there is no room left to just swim." I answered him, keeping eye contact as I felt compelled to explain myself to him.

"So you like it private then?" He questioned me, lifting a piece of chewing gum to his lips before he actually began to chew it.

"Yeah, I guess I do. I'll see you around Billy." I said trying to move around him but he didn't budge, and neither did the smirk on his face.

"You know, I could teach you if you like?"

The breath went out of me as I composed myself, "What?"

"Well, you see, I know all the styles," he began, lowering his voice as he listed each one off, "freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke."

"Okay, no. First of all, I'm not allowed; the house is like a goddamn fortress at the moment-"

"Not allowed to what, have fun?" He quizzed me with a small shake of his head and an innocent look on his face.

"Second of all," I continued like I didn't hear him, "I don't think I need any swimming lessons, thanks though." I finished.

"Oh you see, I think you do. I just don't think you've had the right teacher; come to think of it, there is a good pool out at Motel 6 on Cornwallis. Very quiet, you know, very private. Shall we say tonight, eight o'clock?" Billy lowered his head down to mine even more and spoke softly so that no one could hear him.

I stood closer to him and kept eye contact as I replied, "If you think you're going to entice me to have sex with you through swimming metaphors-"

"Melissa come on, let's go home!" My mother called from outside the changing rooms, but neither me or Billy looked away from each other.

"You would be absolutely right I'll be there at 7:30 no earlier no later, coming!" I rushed out so she wouldn't suspect anything.

"See you there." He whispered.

I walked out from behind him and speed walked over to meet her at the changing room exit so I could avoid as many questions from her as possible.

"Have a nice day Miss and Mrs wheeler!" Billy waved at us as we left.

"Thank you." She replied in a horribly suggestive way causing me to gag and shoo her out the exit; feeling someone looking at me, I looked back to see Billy, who gave me a wink before I left to follow my mum back to my car.

"What was that about?" She asked me as soon as we were sat in the car.

"What was what about?" I replied, giving her her purse she asked for on the phone to try and distract her from the situation.

"You and Billy Hargrove, the young, attractive, muscular new lifeguard." She explained practically drooling over the thought of him.

"Oh, me and Billy, right, yeah we go to the same school." I told her starting up the car.

"What?" Her being genuinely confused this time.

"Same English class, we were just talking about what we were doing for the project we've been assigned. All harmless." I finished softly with an innocent smile.

"I know honey, I trust you. So, where can we get some food from, I'm starving!" She exclaimed.

Me too ma, but I'm not hungry for food.

[notchesandbullets]

Wherever You Go, I Will Follow (Boxer! Metal Arm! Bakugou x Reader) Underground!AU

Art credit: @/helloclonion on Instagram

Warnings: violence, drinking (everyone is of age), hints of ptsd and depression, mentions of cloning norms, angst but fluffy ending.

Synopsis: Bakugou doesn’t like to talk about what happened to his left arm. Years of fighting underground had made him harder than nails. Society was messed up. Children weren’t born, they were made and any who aren’t adopted are raised in mass orphanages. But you’re special. And you’ve chosen the light even though you’ve seen the darkness. Who else to get through to his heart other than someone like you?

Words: 7.8k

The lights blind you momentarily as they flashed on. The humidity in such a crowded space packed with people was making your skin crawl but it was worth it for the greatly anticipated show.

An underground arena that had this much hype was rare since most fighters didn’t make it past their 20s due to injuries so severe from boxing that it cost them their lives.

There were zero qualified doctors here in the society riddled with old factories that didn't exist anymore and sleazy underground cities where nothing could grow anymore due to the pollution. It had fallen to ruin and only a select handful that could heal like they claimed to. 

Due to that little insignificant fact, that meant the expected lifespan of everyone down here wasn’t more than 30 years of age.

Of course, it varied from section to section, but there was enough pattern to know that there wasn’t long to live once you got to your teens.

Therefore, everyone lived fast and hard down here, trying to experience as much as they could before it was their time to go.

And while you couldn’t say that you blamed them, that wasn’t how you wanted to live. You wanted to fight back against the norm and make a difference that would change this world.

Which is why you were so interested in this particular fighter.

Bakugou Katsuki. 

A reformed individual with a criminal record after a looting with his crew went sideways. He was stronger than most with an attitude and ego bigger than the city itself.

He was renowned to be one of the baddest in the underground and had a personality as difficult as a cloned Siberian tiger.

You sighed and rolled your eyes. You didn’t know why Mic couldn’t come scout today instead of you, you hated how jam packed Bakugou’s fights got, which is why you always steered clear of them.

Well, that and because you weren’t exactly partial to his famed temper.

Then, the glint of metal had you on the edge of your seat, eyes sparkling with curiosity as you caught a better look the second time around as he stomped into the ring. 

Was that… a metal arm?

It looked like something straight out of Marvel’s Winter Soldier from back in the day. Scarily so. 

You faintly recalled that his opponent’s name was Shindou, supposedly the underground’s upcoming rising star to the top. His undefeated reputation preceded him and he certainly was easy on the eyes.

So why did you find your gaze drawn to the arrogant boxer with a cocky smirk on his face across from the guy that was cuter than him?

Metal arm flexing, sweat dripped down his brow, his crimson eyes narrowed in concentration and tinged with a hint of malice as his much larger rival took a swing at him to kick off the round.

Bakugou blocked it head on, retaliating with a force that sent him spiraling towards the cage. His wrapped hands were crusted with blood and he hastily brushed the dirtied, spiky hair that fell into his eyes out of his face, a ravenous hunger coming through as he bounced on the balls of his feet. 

“Is that all you fucking got, extra?!” He screamed in Shindou’s face and you actually had to cover your ears at the sheer volume that carried through the stadium, egging him on.

Your mouth dried as Bakugou caught him across the jaw the second he flew at him, knocking out his opponent in one go, calling the match in under thirty seconds flat. 

Holy shit, he’s good. You thought to yourself, thoroughly impressed, barely able to hear yourself over the crowd’s roar as Bakugou punched his fist in the air victoriously. 

His technique seemed rough to the naked eye but taking a closer look, his form and tactics were flawless. His overall strategy could use a little work, since he seemed particularly keen on using brute strength, but he was really good at turning the tables on his opponent in an instant.

And really good at making sure that they couldn’t get up again after he threw them down.

You had your share of good fighters. Not like that, you dirty minded creature, you were a scout for your father’s gym. 

Aizawa wasn’t a revered name by any means, but that didn’t mean he lacked skill. He was the one who could take down more people than any other pro could, but he absolutely hated media attention. Hence why almost no one knew of his abilities, other than a select few of his colleagues and fellow fighters. 

And you of course. You were so incredibly proud of your him.

He had recently been scouting new talent after taking in several kids: Shinsou, Todoroki and Midoriya. 

The female boxers in his ring were a literal force to be reckoned with. You weren’t sure you’d ever seen someone pack a punch with as much power as Uraraka when she got serious. And no one could beat Yaoyorozu when they stepped in the same arena as her.

In the underground, it was normal to come across those that talked big, but rarely have you ever seen them deliver.

This guy had some raw talent. Perfect. 

Looks like Uncle Hizashi’s instinct was right.

After the fights ended and the exciting night came to a close, you wormed your way through the rows of people lining up to claim their bets that they had placed at the beginning of the night. You were at least smart enough not to get sucked into all that. 

A cage match had too many variables. The odds could change in a split second, no matter how good or bad the fighter was. And since there were no rules, anybody could win. 

You found the boxer in the designated fighters’ alcove security had put there especially for them to wind down. Here, they would be hidden away from the crowd and only the fighters knew about this spot aside from those that protected it.

“You’re good.”

Bakugou snorted, not looking up at the sound of your voice as he continued to unwrap the tape from his hands. “Of course I am, dumbass.”

You cocked an eyebrow at his arrogant attitude but after a fight like that, you guessed the pride was well deserved. After all, the guy he went up against was undefeated. No one had beat him and after Shindou earned his reputation of tearing the limbs off of the fighters he faced, no one wanted to step into the ring with him after that.

But Bakugou didn’t back away, even going so far as to taunt this guy, boldly proclaiming that he’d beat him.

Normally, you would brush off those guys as no good but he made good on what he said he would do, so you were at least a little bit curious.

A little.

You still didn’t like his attitude though. 

Tossing the bloodied wraps in his bag, he ignored you as you just stood there like a lost puppy. People like you didn’t belong in the underground.

Soft.

Bakugou scowled and huffed scornfully, throwing his bandages down with a little more force than necessary. 

Patching up wasn’t too bad this time around. He was lucky the round ended when it did though, that fucking extra had too much boisterous energy and willpower that had carried him this far. Still, it was better than fighting bare-knuckled. 

There was a time when wraps or gloves weren’t allowed. People liked the blood and violence, and craved someone to come out victorious by taking the other’s life.

Fucking sickos if anyone asked him. 

Bakugou slung his gym bag over his shoulder and shouldered his way past you since you had yet to say a word after that initial, begrudging praise. He couldn’t care less if you hung around but he wasn’t going to stick around for the damn media to catch whiff of this fight.

Once it was leaked that he had won, they would take a percentage of his cut and he would have to go without food for another week just to pay rent on that shitty place he stayed at. 

It wasn’t much but it was better than the streets.

“Wait.” You called out, inwardly chastising yourself for being so pathetic. 

You weren’t star-struck or nothing, so why were you feeling so tongue-tied?

Taking a deep breath when he snapped his head around to glare at you in annoyance for stopping him, you rolled your eyes when he tapped his foot impatiently. 

“You gonna take all fucking night, extra?” Bakugou barked at you, clearly not playing around. 

Your eyes widened as the metal plates on his left arm clinked together as he raised up his fist threateningly.

“I’ve got places to go and shit to do.” He grumbled. “So if you’re just going to stand there like a fucking—”

“Do you want to be a part of Aizawa’s gym?” You blurted out before he could get too carried away on his rant.

Bakugou arched an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn’t been expecting that. It was rare that the scruffy old man took on recruits.

Huffing, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and scrutinized you. “Who the hell are you?”

You cringed at how rough his voice laced with suspicion came out but you supposed you could understand. 

Collectors were far too common these days, usually rich scouts from corporations that searched for talented fighters to partake in their financial war when it turned bloody.

You weren’t really sure how it was possible for those airheads to train delinquents into soldiers for their military to fight in the wars that they created, but all you were really concerned about was dodging those scouts.

They weren’t people to trifle with.

Bakugou’s suspicions were misplaced this time around though and you jutted out your hip, planting your hand on it as you regarded him disinterestedly. 

There was only one thing that you could say to get him to trust you.

“He’s my dad.” You said quietly.

The boxer nearly choked on air and you flashed him a cheeky grin when he whipped his head around to glare at you.

“Fuck, seriously?”

You nodded and a heavy exhale whooshed out of his lungs in one breath.

Bakugou cocked up an eyebrow, seeing you in a completely different light. “Holy shit.”

You resisted the urge to dash away under his intrigue but you flinched when his eyes landed on you again.

“Sorry.” Bakugou muttered, averting his eyes. “Just never seen one before.”

You scratched the back of your neck, a habit you picked up from your introverted father whenever he was put in uncomfortable situations. “Yeah…”

Children weren’t born anymore, it was illegal. Partly because expenses couldn’t be covered if people got pregnant and partly because the kids would have nowhere to go, but mostly because the government wanted a controlled population. 

By controlling the gene pool, they could create whoever and whomever they chose, placing them in different status’ around the world to fill in the gaps and create the perfect society.

Except, it really wasn’t all that perfect.

You had been a product of your mom and dad’s unconditional love for each other, something else that was also forbidden, especially in the underground cities where disease ran rampant and claimed numerous innocent lives everyday. 

Your mother wasn’t dead but she did have to leave soon after you were born to protect you from the government officials that would come if she stayed.

Your dad was heartbroken but once every three years, the three of you were reunited under the bridge where seagulls cried and the waves crashed upon the shore.

Once upon a time.

Bakugou crossed his arms over his chest, his bicep bulging and you were willing to wager that he specifically got those measurements for his metal arm tailored to those specifications just so his huge muscles were distractingly the same size. 

He was still not entirely convinced you were who you said you were. He knew that you had to at least be a bastard’s biological child, no one was bold enough or fucking stupid to say that much out loud, but he still wasn’t sure that the old man was your dad.

Not bothering to be discreet as he eyed you up and down, he motioned for you to give him a little more information.

“Aizawa, huh?” Bakugou drawled. “You don’t fucking look like a brat that belongs to him.”

Clearing your throat, you smirked. Now you were the one tapping your foot impatiently. “Thanks, I’m told I have my mother’s eyes.”

He glared at your sarcasm but you didn’t care.

Craning your neck to the side to get a better look at that beautiful arm of his, you pouted when he ducked out of range.

“Prove that he’s your dad.” He demanded and you feigned innocence before shooting him a grin when he rolled his eyes irritably. 

Crossing your arms over your chest, you responded cheekily, “Coffee and cats are his two favorite things in the world, and he only tolerates Uncle Hizashi on a whim when he’s wasted.”

Bakugou barked out laughing and you smiled at the boisterous sound escaping from his lungs. 

“So,” You kicked your feet, scuffing the dirt as you sidled over to him. “You in or what?”

His left arm glinted in the dim, flickering light of the alcove and he tucked in his chin the slightest bit to stare down at you, the corner of his mouth quirked up.

“Hell yeah.”

Exactly one year later, you were weaving in between the clustered bodies in the dingy underground bar you were at to make your way to the obnoxious and rowdy group in the back, all while balancing a tray of beers in one hand.

They had just arrived a few minutes ago, eagerly chatting with your dad, who was their trainer, even though he looked like he’d rather be anywhere else but here.

Your skirt flared around your ankles as you sashayed through the crowd dancing on the dancefloor, a couple strands of hair sticking to your forehead from the exertion of how many tables you waited on already.

“First round’s here!!” You announced, beaming brightly at the packed group of 15.

Shoji, Mineta, and a few others couldn’t make it due to conflicting schedules. But it was alright, they would come again another time. Besides, you were quite sure that a special someone couldn’t care less if they made it or not for this particular day. 

“YES!!” Kaminari shouted escatically, throwing his hands up in the air.

A chorus of “thank you’s” came from the girls as Ashido eagerly reached for her first drink of the night, downing half the bottle in one go. You predicted she was going to be out like a light within the hour if she kept that pace up. 

“Don’t get shitfaced, Kaminari.” Jirou twirled a strand of her dark hair cockily as she teasingly held the last one out of arm’s reach. “Lightweight.”

“Jirou!!” Kaminari protested while the table burst into laughter.

The edgy fighter eventually gave into him, shaking her head in disapproval when he proceeded to chug all of it straight like it was some kind of shot. A knowing smirk appeared on her face when he choked.

“Told you so.” She rubbed in his face as Asui leaned into her side.

“Shut up!!” Kaminari shouted between violent bouts of coughing. It only got worse when Ashido slapped his back, already drunk.

But the slight pink dusted across his cheeks clued you in on what he was really doing.

You shook your head. If he was any more dense, you would’ve smacked him upside the head. Maybe then he would’ve come to his senses and that he didn’t need to do all these things to impress her. 

Jirou never hated anything more than someone who felt fake to her.

As you distributed the rest of the drinks to a clueless Todoroki, a way too eager Midoriya, and handed water to Koda, who thanked you shyly with a small nod.

You smiled at him, then left to the bar that your uncle was managing to get the order for the next table while Iida shouted for everyone to make sure they drank responsibly so that they didn’t cause any problems for you. 

But it was largely ignored in favor of raising their beers in a toast for the birthday boy.

Bakugou scowled in the corner that he was shoved into, wondering why he of all people had to be dragged to this shitty celebration for a birthday he couldn’t care less about. It was too loud here and it was making his head hurt. The only consolation he got was that you were a rare sight, wearing a dress that he had bought for you a week ago.

The seamstress who had made it for him specifically had charged him an incredible amount of money for it, since fabric of any kind that wasn’t made from recycled garbage liners was nearly impossible to come by.

But being a part of the ring of fighters that made up Aizawa’s Warriors gave him credibility and enabled him to make even more money than he did before, so it wasn’t a problem.

That much. 

After rent on his rundown place and scrounging for food, he had saved up the rest for weeks before he was able to afford the pale blue satin dress edged with delicate white lace around the sleeves that cascaded off your shoulders. The tightly-fitted bodice that wrapped around your waist was a simple leather corset, accentuating those curves of yours more than should be legally allowed.

You looked absolutely delicious. 

You continued to sweep around the tavern, oblivious to the looks you were getting. You had a bit of expertise in waitressing due to the lack of income your dad was able to provide so you had to convince him that you really didn’t mind helping out with the staff tonight.

The bar, owned by your Uncle Hizashi, a retired fighter but not retired in spirit, had all the profits go to the orphanages the city couldn’t keep track of or be bothered to pay for; which enabled those kids who were abandoned to have a roof over their heads in all the uncertainty.

The state of those houses holding those homeless children were horrendous. 

But your dad and uncle were taking steps to create something new that would provide them with some relief and a new family.

Kirishima clapped the ash-blond on the shoulder, jarring him out of his annoyance. “Come on, Bakugou, loosen up!!” 

He clicked his tongue and scowled at the red-haired guy’s energy. No one would think that this fun-loving guy and people person would be such a terrifying fighter in the arena.

Kirishima frowned when he noticed his lack of enthusiasm. “C’mon man, I know this isn’t your scene but Y/N worked really hard on this.”

Bakugou’s drink nearly spilled as he set it down abruptly. He wasn’t expecting that. Aizawa had told him that his friends had arranged this.

Picking up on his confusion, Kirishima then proceeded to tell him about how you gathered everybody to ask if they’d be willing to attend the party and how all of them enthusiastically said yes. You had gotten special permission from your Uncle Hizashi to borrow the VIP section of his bar and convinced your father to go easy on their training today. 

Really, the grumpy man with the metal arm should be thanking you since you were the reason all of them weren’t sore to death with barely enough energy to keep their heads up. 

Kirishima was going to blame it on Aizawa. He was tough on them. Too tough. No one should be that determined to make their students push past their limits but everyone knew it came from him caring more than anyone else. 

They were all like his adopted children, in a weird, skewed way. But, no one was going to argue against it. None of them had their biological parents in the picture. 

Besides, Aizawa had enough room for them all to crash in his home. An abandoned mansion overrun with thick green vines but had no working electricity whatsoever looked like something straight out of one of those old horror movies back in the 3000s. 

Bakugou scoffed. Like hell should he care about whether or not you planned this. He didn’t ask you to do any of this, you decided to do it all on your own. 

“Whatever.” He grumbled, snatching his bottle before stalking away from his shocked friends left in the dust. 

Todoroki raised an eyebrow as Kirishima sighed and Midoriya’s expression saddened when he saw him leave. They were supposed to be celebrating…

And yet, all three of them knew why today was so hard for the explosive boxer.

You frowned as you noticed the slumped figure retreating to the back of the establishment. Finishing up serving the drinks for the table you were waiting on, you briefly made a detour to your uncle and asked if it was alright that you take a break.

Ever the doting uncle who loved to spoil you rotten, Mic’s eyes softened understandingly when he noticed who you were staring after and granted you permission.

“Just don’t tell your dad I let you off the hook.” He bargained with an exaggerated wink and you giggled.

“I won’t.” You reassured, setting down the tray and squeezing his hand in thanks.

Then, you followed Bakugou. 

He disappeared around the corner and as soon as you tailed him, you came to a stop in front of a heavy door. Your brow furrowed, wondering why he would be coming here. 

Step after familiar step you took until you eventually came to a standstill on the roof.

Behind you, the heavy door slammed close but it sounded different than usual. Something metal crashed into it, denting it by the sounds of it, and it wasn’t until you turned around that you found Bakugou’s vermilion eyes boring into yours.

The wind was stronger up here and you pinned your arms down to your side, knowing full well from experience how mortifying it would be if your skirt decided to flip up right now.

“What the fuck are you doing up here?” He snapped angrily.

To his surprise, you didn’t look the least bit fazed by his outburst.

“I live here.” You responded nonchalantly, undeterred by his characteristic abrasiveness. 

If Bakugou was startled at that revelation, he didn’t show it. If anything, he looked even more irked, though you didn’t know why. He didn’t have any reason to suspect you of lying but in this world, it was safer to be skeptical than sorry.

However, you hadn’t given him one reason to doubt you the entire year you’ve known him. Not one.

So if anything, he trusted you more than the majority of the rats in his rundown city and just as much as his small circle of extras. 

Picking your way past him carefully since the roof didn’t have a safety rail, you made your way towards the curtained tent hiding behind the generator. Pushing the tattered material back, you showed him the bedroll and small table set up with a few bottles of water, a case of beer and a worn book. 

Bakugou’s mouth dropped open but he recovered quickly so by the time you turned back around, he had the same indifferent, kind of irritated look on his face.

Then, he was a bit at a loss of what to do. It wasn’t often he was faced with the dilemma of being wrong so blatantly. Should he apologize? Even when he didn’t say anything but the thought that you were crazy ran through his head? Should he apologize for something you weren’t even aware of?

Nah, fuck that.

You gingerly took a seat at the edge of the roof, leaning back on your hands as your legs dangled. Patting the spot next to you invitingly, a soft smile curved on the corners of your mouth as he grumbled but came over anyway. He plopped down on your right side and you took a moment to study him. 

He looked exhausted, spirit whittled down to the bone until there was nothing left for him to salvage. His eyes were bloodshot and the beer bottle in his hand probably wasn’t doing any favors for him.

Glancing at him out of the corner of your eyes, you asked worriedly, “You okay?”

He huffed in annoyance at your question.

“Fine.” He ground out through clenched teeth and you shut your mouth.

Bakugou clearly wasn’t looking to talk but you yearned to help. You wanted to be there for him. 

Kirishima hadn’t told you much, only that the incident that took Bakugou’s arm happened a long time ago and wasn’t something he liked to relive. 

You didn’t push it. You had your own share of traumatic experiences in this god-forsaken place and hated nothing more than being forced to talk about by a well meaning friend. So you understood it well. 

Instead of pushing the topic, you sat with him in silence. You didn’t ask why he walked away from the party or why it looked like he was drowning himself in his sorrows to forget something, you just offered him a quiet place to sit, with the company of yours truly.

Fate was flawed. You knew that ever since you were born.

The warped sense of justice that the city had was suffocating. People were put away in prison only to be left to rot with no chance of redemption. Those that made it out were casted out to the underground with no hope to see the light. 

Combatants-for-hire wasn’t an unusual job to take on in the ruined city. All Might knew you too had been mixed up in some shit. 

But it was what made you strong in the end.

“I’m here.” Was all you said softly, staring out at the city lights that were especially illuminating tonight.

Thanks to the heavy pollution, the stars could no longer be seen with the naked eye so this was the closest thing you could get to those twinkling lights raised high in the sky. 

“It’s funny.”

You tilted your head towards him as he spoke and was a bit surprised to find him looking directly back at you with an expression you couldn’t quite decipher. 

His eyes were a little dazed, probably from the alcohol, but he looked a little more grounded than he did a minute ago.

Bakugou chuckled but it was short and grated against your ears for a second.

It was mocking.

He tipped his head back, downing the rest of his drink before harshly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand while he crushed the bottle in his metal fist.

Leaning over, he let go and let the shiny crystals plummet to the ground below. 

You smiled faintly, watching how they sparkled. It looked so pretty. 

Sitting back down, Bakugou mimicked your posture and huffed out a dry laugh. “Out of all the shitty extras in the world, you would be the only one to fucking get through to me.”

Your puzzlement must’ve shown through his alcohol-induced haze because the next thing you knew was that he teetered to the side as he lost control of his equilibrium and careened into you.

Out of reflex, you caught him and gasped at the temperature difference as his cold metal arm pressed against you. You could feel it through the thin fabric of your dress and latched onto it when he moved to pull away.

“Sorry.” Bakugou slurred curtly as he gathered his bearings and tried to detangle you from him. 

But his coordination wasn’t the best and he was growing more and more frustrated when you wouldn’t let go.

He snarled. “Let go.”

You shook your head firmly. “You could fall.”

Oh yeah. You two were on the roof. 

This was a bad idea. 

He didn’t know how he ended up here with you but he needed to leave. Immediately. 

Bakugou stumbled to his feet, somehow managing to lose his way halfway to the door and face-planted in something that smelled faintly of lavender. Snuggling into the soft thing that was rubbing against his face, his brow furrowed in annoyance as you giggled at him.

“You have to take me out on a date first if you want that.” You teased lightly and he immediately sat up as he realized he had crashed in your bed.

He scrambled upright, nearly falling over again in his haste. “Fuck, I’m—”

“It’s alright, Katsuki.” You reassured nonchalantly, coming down to sit beside him, but not close enough where your legs were touching.

Bakugou’s mouth twitched at the sound of his first name but his eyes softened the barest bit and he didn’t fight against it. 

Before he met you, he hated his name. It was a reminder that the place he came from was from a lab, cooked up like some sort of sick science experiment to fulfill a role in society that was chosen by some prick who had money.

It was a reminder that he wasn’t real. That he was expendable to all those bastards that ran the world.

But when you used it, when you spoke it with such tentative curiosity and genuine concern, he didn’t feel so unimportant anymore.

“Fuck.” Bakugou breathed as you leaned closer to examine his face.

Your forehead creased in worry and you raised a hand to his head to check his temperature to make sure he wasn’t running a fever. “Are you feeling alright?”

Squeaking when he suddenly grabbed your hand, you gasped in shock when he tugged you towards him. 

You crashed into his chest and your cheeks flushed hotly as his chiseled form honed from years of training molded against your front. 

His arm wrapped around your shoulders and it took a second to realize that his metal arm was planted firmly on the ground, keeping the two of you steady. 

But when you reached out your fingers to brush against it, he ripped away from you.

You pulled back immediately, apology weighing in your gaze as your eyes flicked away from him. “I’m sorry, I—”

“It’s fucking hideous.”

You balked at his tenor. “W-What?!”

Bakugou looked away from you, his gaze fixed on the ground behind you as he rested his chin on top of your head, stubbornly refusing to look you in the eye as you breathed steadily against the base of his neck.

You were warm. Delicate.

Precious.

He didn’t expect someone like you to understand.

His vermilion eyes were shadowed by the ghosts of his past that continued to haunt him and he sighed heavily, curling his arm around you tighter. He didn’t want to let you go just let but he didn’t know why you weren’t pushing him away. 

Your soft voice rang out. “Katsuki, what do you mean? It’s not hideous at all.”

He clicked his tongue but otherwise didn’t verbalize his disagreement. 

“How could someone like you possibly understand this shit?” He spat but you didn’t recoil like he was half hoping you would.

At least then he would have an excuse to leave, under the guise that he had upset you. But you didn’t do any of that. 

Too fucking precious. Always saw the good in everything just like that shitty nerd. 

You closed your eyes in defeat. “No… I suppose I can’t.”

You didn’t quite understand him. 

The bite in his tone sounded like you had hit too close to home, and yet, his thumb was absentmindedly running over the satin of your dress that he had bought you, your side heating up under his chest and warmth bloomed from your heart.

And yet, he wasn’t pushing you away.

Leaning down, you rested your forehead against his shoulder, your heart beating too loud for your own ears. “You don’t have to say anything, but I know what it feels like to be an outcast too.”

Bakugou eyed you cautiously, wondering if this was some sort of trick because he was drunk and definitely not as attentive as normally but your tone was open.

Honest. 

“Yeah, maybe you do.” He scoffed, scorning you under his breath. “Maybe you don’t. It doesn’t fucking matter to me.”

“Maybe it doesn’t.” You whispered, tracing patterns on his chest as your head lolled to the side to gaze at him with complete vulnerability. “But just know that you aren’t alone.”

Bakugou whipped his head around as you stared at him. Didn’t you get it already? He didn’t want to fucking taint you with all of this shit that went on down here.

He didn’t want to tell you that he had to settle tinkering with whatever scrap metal he could find in the junkyard just to make his left arm operational again, didn’t want to tell you that the government had offered him a real replacement prosthetic but at the cost of becoming one of their combatants fighting in a war he never chose and as a result, he was casted to the side when something went wrong.

He had lost everything. 

The second he had been tossed out on the street, he had come crawling back to Kiko, a spunky little girl a part of the UA orphanage in the east, one of the ones that Mic funneled money towards to fund their food and supply them with fresh water every three days.

The girl, no more than ten at the time, with her dirty blonde pigtails sticking out on either side of her lopsided head, had been born with a unique appearance.

The officials called it a defect, as though they were talking about an object of mass production.

Fucking disgusting.

It never seemed to bother the girl though, and she often claimed that she was tougher than all those men in fancy suits. Bakugou liked her spirit already.

Kiko had had this habit of tracing her stubby little fingers all over the scars from his fights whenever he came to visit and it had been her idea to forgo a realistic prosthetic from the corporation that was looking to hire him and just go out, full badass, just like Bucky in the Winter Soldier.

It was her favorite movie but Bakugou claimed he had absolutely no idea where she learned that kind of language from. 

He had chuckled and patted her on the head at the time, swearing to hell and back that there was no fucking way he was going to build a metal arm. He would scare the kids if he did that, not to mention, full-grown adults.

But Kiko simply bounded over to him and beamed up at him like nothing was wrong in the world. It was fucking contagious, begging for him to at least consider it, selling the point of how cool it would look.

“You would be a superhero, Bakugou!!” She cheered, raising her hands up high, demanding for him to lift her up even though she wasn’t five anymore. “And you could save everybody, just like you want to!!”

He never got a chance to show her the finished product. Would she have liked it? Would she run around, screaming in his shitty apartment as she played with it when he detached it for cleaning? Would she try to hit him over the head with it when she thought he wasn’t looking like the cheeky brat he knew that she was?

Bakugou could hear her squeals of excitement so vividly some nights that he woke up from his terror of that night, soaked in cold sweat from a memory of the girl he had failed to save.

Defeated and overwhelmed by his circumstances after being rejected by the very people who sought him out because of his talent, he had ventured to the orphanage that night and on a whim, demanded her to live with him. He would take care of her, protect her, teach her things that she couldn’t learn from anyone else.

The widest smile he had ever seen stretched across Kiko’s face and she accepted his demands with eyes tearing up with joy. 

He vowed to protect her. 

He failed. 

He had an unsettled score with the government officials he had upset on his way out from the lab that day they told him he had been scraped from the program. 

The enraged fighter went on a rampage, tearing down anything in his path and clearing out the experiment rooms, offering freedom and a second chance to anyone willing and brave enough to take it. 

And as a result, many took him up on his offer and fled that place with white walls and food too bland to actually be considered nutritious.

There was no doubt about it. He pissed them off the day he saved the others.  

They had come for her and taken her last year on his birthday as revenge for freeing those they were experimenting on. He found a crumpled, poorly wrapped, newspaper covered package lost in the clutter of his apartment when he got home.

The creaking old door that kept out winter drafts had caved in, signifying that it had broken in with considerable force, and Kiko was gone.

That crushed gift hidden under the stairwell was the only thing that remained of her.

Inside, there was a small metal pin in the shape of an explosion. For his personality. Corny, but the little girl was simple-minded and liked the sentiment she found in things that she repurposed. 

Bakugou always thought it was fucking weird but he hadn’t taken it off ever since that day. 

The metal plates of his arm glided, clinking together softly as the polished steel lifted to trace your jaw, the pin visible on the inside of his wrist.

To keep her close to him always.

He had stormed their stronghold but by the time he got there, they were gone. Everything.

Every vial, all the equipment, every single one of the samples and officials had disappeared into thin air. 

Bakugou had tried everything to track Kiko down, paying off the highest crime organizations to get more eyes out on the street but nothing worked. She was gone.

And she wasn’t ever going to come back.

You were silent when he finished telling you his depressing life story, sure you were bored to death but when he started to get up, he found that he couldn’t get very far with you draped over his body like this.

Bakugou had a fleeting thought that you had fallen asleep while he had been lamenting and rehashing every depressing detail from his past but he noticed the stuttering rise and fall of your back.

Well, at least you weren’t asleep, but now he didn’t know how to feel when he had told you all of that and you had yet to say anything.

“I know you don’t want pity.” You whispered into his shoulder.

He raised an eyebrow but waited for you to continue.

“I know there’s nothing that I can say that would make the pain go away or bring Kiko back,” You said softly. “But I’m here for you.”

Bakugou pressed his cheek against your hair and inhaled your sweet scent, closing his eyes as an unseen weight lifted from off of his shoulders. 

“Thank you.” He murmured quietly with great difficulty. 

You smiled slightly, glad that you were able to provide him with a little bit of comfort. “Anytime.”

The two of you stayed entwined for a few more moments, time stretching as he held onto you, soaking up your soothing presence while you relaxed against his hold.

“Katsuki?” You called quietly when he still didn’t let go after five more minutes.

Tightening his arm around you, he frowned when you struggled in his grip. 

“Stop fucking moving.” He demanded and you ceased fighting in favor of pulling back to flick him on the forehead. “Oi, did you just fucking flick me?!”

“Yes.” You replied bluntly, snickering when he rolled his eyes. 

There he was.

Bakugou protested hotly when you pushed down his arms to untangle from him but you shushed him with a giggle, leaning back to open the box of beer by your bed, grabbing two bottles and fishing for something from underneath your pillow

In the underground city where liquor was the only thing that was plentiful, you would take what you could get. 

Bakugou caught the beer that you threw at him in midair with an expression a mix between annoyance that you tossed it at his face and gratitude that you knew how he needed another drink after that tale. 

“What the fuck is that for?” He scoffed, pointing to the roll of gauze in your hand. “You get a papercut or some shit?”

You rolled your eyes in disbelief, failing to notice how his eyes raked over you to look for any kind of injury you might be hiding from him, and held it up to him. “No, but it looks like you did.”

He almost spilled his beer that he just popped the lid off of, mouth furrowing in a deep-seated frown when he followed your gaze and landed on the cuts on his knuckles from the fight that happened earlier that night.

“Fuck.” He cursed, setting down the beer hard to wipe up the blood.

He hadn’t even known when he got hurt. 

But he didn’t even get started on tending to it when your gentle hands wrapped around his and you took over for him. 

“Here.” You murmured, pouring some water onto a clean cloth and dabbing carefully at his cuts. “Let me.”

“You’re fucking weird.” Bakugou grumbled but allowed you to take over. 

Your touch was so much lighter than the rough pads of his fingers. He was always too impatient whenever he had to patch himself up, jerking at the bandages to get them to lay flat when they wouldn’t cooperate.

It was a fucking pain to stop the bleeding when his shitty fingers fumbled with it. It was a trip to hell and back every single time he had to attend to wounds he got from boxing.

Your nose scrunched up in concentration as you finished cleaning the area before securely wrapping the soft cotton around his knuckles.

“There.” You declared in satisfaction, sitting back on your knees.

Admiring your handiwork with an unreadable expression, it was a second before Bakugou nodded begrudgingly with thanks.

“It’s not complete shit.” 

You giggled. “Thanks.”

He picked back up his drink and took a swig.

Offering up yours, you hid your surprise when he actually recognized the gesture and clinked his glass against yours.

The distinct hum from the music in the establishment below filtered up to the roof, filling the silence and the occasional echo of steel grating against each other. The low lights were pleasant and the ambiance was soothing as you two drank away the night.

You shivered, catching a chill as the night air blew by, but before you could reach for your blanket, Bakugou was tucking you in his side. 

“Get over here, dumbass.” He mumbled, turning his face away so that you wouldn’t see his blush. “You’re gonna get fucking sick.”

You noticed how he still kept your metal arm away from you. That wound was still too fresh and somehow you had a feeling that no matter how much time would pass, things would never quite be the same again.

Playing with the hem of your dress, you smiled softly. “But I wanted to wear it today, it was a special occasion.”

Special occasion his ass. It was fucking freezing out here and all you were wearing was that summer dress. His brow knitted as you puffed out your cheeks, breath visible, and he wasn’t so sure he wanted to leave you out here when it was so cold out.

“I’m sorry.” Bakugou apologized quietly as you lost interest in toying with the pale blue satin and folded your hands neatly in your lap.

At your questioning gaze, he suppressed the urge to roll his eyes but heat crept up his neck.

“For storming out on the celebration you planned, dumbass.” He grumbled, flicking you on the forehead in a similar fashion hat you had done earlier.

Whining, you held onto your forehead as you made an exaggeration of pain. He rolled his eyes at your antics and you giggled, snuggling further into his side.

“You’re warm.” You mused.

Bakugou scowled, cheeks still pink from the embarrassment tingling through his whole body. “Oi, are you fucking ignoring m—”

“Of course not.” You retorted, pinching his side in retaliation for the flick he gave you before your voice dropped a little. “It’s just— There isn’t anything you need to apologize for. I understand.”

Those words, they were so simple and yet, warmth bloomed in his chest from how they fell from your lips. 

And he could see that you were truly genuine.

He had rejected your kindness earlier when Kirishima had told him you had planned out all of this for him. He had never quite been accustomed to generously that lacked a price or some kind of condition.

Then again, he had never met someone quite like you. 

As you rested against his shoulder, Bakugou took the empty beer bottle from you and placed it on the other side of him so that you didn’t break it and cut yourself when you woke up from your little nap.

He gazed out into the city that had caused him so much misery and wondered how it was even possible for someone like you to exist.

Birthdays, he still hated them, but maybe, just maybe, he could start to heal.

It would start by telling that old man that you fucking needed a new place to sleep that wasn’t the goddamn roof.

It was a good thing he knew just the place you could go.

Brushing back the hair out of your eyes, he allowed a small smile to form on his face as you breathed softly, evenly and he smirked against the top of your head as a thought crossed his mind. And even though he knew you couldn’t hear him, he still murmured quietly.

“How do you feel about seagulls and sand, princess?”

[sparkledfirecracker]

Sunny Fall Out

Synth’s 5K Follower Challenge / How it started – How’s it going?

@syntheticavenger , again congrats on reaching 5K 😊!

Title: Sunny Fall Out

Pairing: Frank Adler x Female Reader

Challenge: Frank Adler / Babysitting Mary

Warning: Swearing and fluff

My blog is an 18+ only zone, minors do not interact. Don’t let the fluff fool you.

A/N: My second entry for Synt’s 5K follower challenge. This fluff entered my brain while working on this dark filthy twisted mobster story. Took a break to write up this fluffy drabble for the lovely anon who requested this for the challenge. Lightly proofread, so all mistakes are my own. ENJOY!

Pictures for moodboard found on Pinterest, credit to the respectful owners!

How it started:

Frank Adler, your next door neighbour, with his complicated character. He was your weakness, his toned physique, his hard working ethic and his devotion to Mary. Exhaustion had overtaken your body when Frank ambushed you. There he had stood; practically begging you to watch Mary for a couple of hours. Roberta being out for the day and he had no-one else to turn to.

You loved that little girl and wouldn’t — nor couldn’t — say no to an opportunity to watch her. Even when you were exhausted and all you wanted to do was catch up on some much needed sleep.

Hours had been filled with chatter, pillow fort building and currently; watching a movie allowing you to doze off. It hadn’t been long when your nap was interrupted, the snuggled up girl moving with impatience.

“How about we paint some nails?” You croak

“YES!” An exciting peep from the small human. “What colour?”

“We can check, there is tons of different shades.” You smiled, getting up and grabbing your keys out of your bag. “I’ll be right back, don’t burn down the house, okay?”

“I won’t.” A mini promise before you hurried next door.

Only briefly getting used to the comfort of your home. You grabbed the small basket with nail polishes and remover. Running back and settling back down in the homemade fort. It hadn’t taken you long to decide on a colour, pink with a glittery shimmer.

“Mary, sit still.” You chirped firming your hold.

“You’re tickling me.” The foot in your hand tried to wriggle out of your grasp. Loud giggles erupting from the small body on your opposite.

“If you keep this up you’ll have more nail polish on your skin than the actual toenails.” You giggle, hearing the door open and keys being tossed on the table with a loud thud.

Frank leaned his hands down on the table. He looked like he had a rough day with whatever he had to do.

“We’re painting toenails.” Mary gleamed showing him the foot we were working on.

“Are you serious?” He sounded aggravated. Mary’s face dropped at Franks annoyed words. Assuming she’d experienced a minor outburst from him before. You couldn’t get a good read on him and opted for the immediate apology.

“Sorry, I thought it might be okay, since it’s only her toenails -- they can be hidden.” Screwing the brush back on the bottle. “I should have asked first.”

“You should have indeed.” He growled

“Mary come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” The disappointed pout on her pale face made your heart sink. Getting up and holding your hand out for her.

“Thanks for watching her, but I didn’t expect to come back to all this girly nonsense and fucking mess.” Frank grumbled. His impatience growing when you weren’t moving fast enough “Just leave it and get out already.” His annoyance had softened when he spoke the harsh words, too late for an apology now.

“Shut up Frank, I thought it was a nice gesture.” Dropping Mary’s hand and pushing past Frank’s body. You turned around to look at him. “You just didn’t have to be a dick about it.” Slamming the door on your way out.

Large steps taken to your house next door, balled fists by your side while you mumbled angrily to yourself. Fighting the tears that were threatening to fall from being exhausted and emotional, clearly the lack of sleep coursing your body. A squeal escaped when you were tugged -- a little too roughly -- on your arm, making you spin around. Frank!

“Leave me alone, you ignorant prick.” You tried breaking free from his grasp, hitting his arm with your free hand.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry won’t cut it.” You spat tears now streaming down your cheeks from the overwhelming tiredness consuming your body.

“It’ll have to do”

“It won’t and you know what,” You took in a sharp breath “You’re such an asshole you know that? I did something nice for Mary and here you come, barging in and being all rude and taking your shitty mood out on me. She looked devastated about having to take off some innocent nail polish. I did you a favour when you practically begged me to babysit her. It is just nail polish, Frank, not a full blown makeover to become the next pageant queen of the state…”

The anger unleashed onto him had made you feel slightly better. Before you could speak two large hands had pulled you in and enveloped your lips harshly. The shock made time stand still and then your thoughts recollected themselves at what was happening. Trying to push him off.

“I am really sorry,” Frank looks down at you taking in your features, his cheeks blushed. “I shouldn’t have taken out my rough day on you, it’s just -- it’s just Evelyn making life difficult for a second time ‘round”

You knew his mother was ruthless when it came to Mary. He had told you some small stuff, but knew their relationship was complicated. You’d seen her once and she made shivers run down your spine. She didn’t look like a pleasant person to be around.

Your face softened at his explanation “You want to talk about it over a couple of beers?”

“No, I don’t”

“You don’t want beer? I am truly shocked.” You feigned a gasp, clutching your chest in shocked surprise.

“I want the beer; I don’t want to talk -- I want to make it up to you.”

“For what exactly, Frank?”

“Being an asshole, can I persuade you with an offer of beer and pizza?” It wasn’t really a question, but it was a nice sincere suggestion.

You contemplated for a moment, you grabbed his face and risen to your toes. Pulling him down in your cradled grip and pressing your lips gently to his.

“Does this mean she can paint my nails again?” Mary shouted from the door. Breaking away from the kiss, Frank let’s out a grunt and you both turn your head towards the blonde girl grinning widely in the opening.

“MARY! Get inside”

“Play nice asshole.” With a giggle you slapped his chest playfully.

How’s it going – 6 months later

Your sundress clung to your body, yelping at the cold water from the exploded water balloon. You’re quick to grab the hose holding it in Mary’s direction, joyful shrieks filling the air.

“STOP! STOP!” She yelled, trying to fight her way towards you.

“No, you started it, you’ll finish it.” You laughed continuing to pour the cold water on her.

She fell down and let out a frustrated sob. You initially thought she’d gotten hurt, but when you reached her she full blown sprayed you with her water gun.

“That’s cheating.” You protested, you turn your head at the large grumble from the familiar truck you had been waiting to see. Mischief coursing through your body and you look down at Mary who expresses the same delight as you. “Let’s get Frank.”

“YES!!!” The exhilaration clearly visibly, jumping up and down.

Hiding around the corner you watch Frank approach the house, unknowingly, scanning through the mail. Mary runs up to him with her water gun and you throw some water balloons his way. Hitting him on his head and arm.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME!” Frank growled looking at the both of you giggling. “This is how I get welcomed home?” He opened the door and tossed the mail inside, before returning with a wide grin, grabbing a filled bucket by the door and running your way.

“RUN” Mary shrieked heading off, Frank followed in her tracks. Grabbing her by the arm and locking her between his legs. Her frantic movements were no match to his firm hold and she screeches when the cold water is poured down on her.

You couldn’t help but laugh at the interaction. Frank whispers something in her ear and she nods. He lets her go and he waves at you, raising your eyebrow in confusion, but soon realize that Mary is running your way.

“You traitor.” You chuckle pointing towards Mary.

Running away quickly, sprinting around the house trying to dodge Mary. She launches her small body at you, hanging onto you like a Koala. It has clearly slowed you down and before you know it Frank catches you, securing you in his grasp. Mary let’s go and runs away.

“I missed you.” You muse giving him a quick peck on his lips, batting your eyelashes at him.

“I missed you too, but that cute look is not going to charm me.” He places a gentle kiss on your lips, pulling back giving you a devilish look. “We’ve got other ways to deal with naughty girls like you.” With ease Frank lifts you over your shoulder, you slap his ass animatedly trying to get him to put you down.

[americasmarauders]

Hey Luiza!! Ok so I don’t know if this is too big of an ask BUT would you maybe consider, if you’re comfortable with it, writing up (from prompt list 1) #24 that leads into #11 with Tim Drake?

author's note: has this been sitting in my ask box for, what, 4 months? yes it has. I'm deeply sorry for that, love, but suddenly life got in that way, and I found myself unmotivated and uninspired. But now, hopefully, I'll have a couple of weeks of peace and I managed to complete this request. I hope you don't mind, but I put my own spin on the prompts, slightly altering them. Hopefuly it's up to par with what you expected. I re-worked an old draft of mine, one that was supposed to be a royal!au based on Love Story by Taylor Swift, to fit the prompts. It's still a royal!au and it still has some colors of Taylor Swift, nevertheless I hope you like it.

prompts: #24: banter in which one of them’s like… “i love you” and the other person’s like “ok” and the first one’s like “say it back” and the other one’s just like “no 😝” and the first one gets frustrated because “why wouldn’t you say it back we always say i love you before we leave”

#11: when one of them is hurt by the antagonist… and their lover goes… absolutely ballistic and does everything in their power to get to the person they love, to the point in which the antagonist and it’s crew have to physically restrain them… and it still doesn’t stop them… they just keep kicking… doesn’t matter what happens to them… doesn’t matter if they get beaten in the process… as long as their lover is safe… words: 3,982

masterlist

request masterlist

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She leaned to the railing of the balcony, summer air gently brushing on her skirt and her skin, a small smile playing at her lips. Her hands fidgeted nervously as she waited for her love to encounter her in that abandoned corner of her family’s palace.

A sigh escaped her lips as she attentively listened to the noises around her. The rumble of the party could still be heard, even if faintly. There were barely any rounds in that part of the castle, especially with the big ball her father had decided to throw. She had millimetrically chosen that balcony: something far enough from the ballroom, so they wouldn’t be bothered, but not too far in case they got caught. She could see the moon clearly from where she stood, its light illuminating the fountain down below beautifully. She thought about how his eyes would be beautiful under the Moon’s light and her heart fluttered.

She had been warned about the Waynes, mostly by her adoptive Father, who wasn’t exactly a fan of Bruce Wayne, King of Gotham. Their relationship was civil, but it wasn’t safe from animosities, many that had happened in their past, when both were still young princes trying to get their bearings of their upcoming roles. A war was brewing back then, a war that had not ended as of yet, and she remembered her Father telling her how palpable the tension in the air was, how exasperated his mentor was that he was as prepared to be a king both militarily and educationally. She only imagined King Bruce’s mentor felt the same.

Unfortunately, the antipathy extended to the plethora of adopted children King Bruce had. Her father always spoke of them with a corner of disdain, his lips twisting into a frown. He had to have contact with them, the trades of their kingdom depended on Gotham a whole lot, but he had shielded his children from the Wayne kids. When she was smaller, when she had just arrived in the castle fresh from the streets, she had believed every word from her Father. She had stayed away from them, actively avoiding them when she saw a pair of raven hair and bright eyes looking in her direction. When she grew up, she stopped thinking about dodging their attention so attentively, but still stayed out of their way, not wanting to get on her Father’s bad side.

The way she saw it, she didn’t exactly mess with the Waynes, in fact it was the other way around. Tim had stumbled onto her life, and he had been quite persistent, in spite of her trying to be cold towards him. He knew she really couldn’t resist him somehow, he always knew more than he ever let on, he saw the way she smiled when he’d pass through her on a stupid ball his Father threw for whatever reason. She pretended to not see him, to not feel his smile etched into her brain forever.

Tim managed to crawl his way to her heart and now she couldn’t imagine a life without his clever remarks and easy going smile. She remembered vividly when they danced for the first time. He had asked her, the first time he’d even whispered anything to her. It was like every eye was on her while she was hesitating to grab his hand. Her eyes flickered to his face, his smile faltered for a second. She remembered feeling her heart tightening at his deflation, and grabbed his hand immediately after.

His grip tightened on her hand, his smile firm and reassuring. She felt herself tense when they finally arrived on the dance floor, his other hand respectfully laying on her back. He whispered to her gently, begging to not let her eyes drift away from his. She listened to him, her heart beating fast, a mix of anxiety and something else, something better and new. He made snide comments about the people present at the Wayne ball, making laughter bubble underneath her skin. He had vanquished her nerves with a smile and bright eyes.

Hands slipped on her middle, hugging from behind. Tim’s scent flooded her, a smile blooming on her face. She moved to turn in his arms to face him, his hands allowing her movement. He was classically handsome, his blue eyes accentuated by the moonlight, sending butterflies to her entire being. His smile floored her, her hands finding his face, caressing lightly his cheeks.

“No one saw you?” she whispered, her forehead leaning on his, her breath mingling with his.

“No,” he shook his head, his forehead grazing on hers. His hands cradled her face, his eyes closed. “You look breathtaking tonight,” his voice was steady and precise.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” she smirked, her hands falling to his shoulders delicately. Her eyes were filled with an inexplicable love, something that consumed her wholly. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” his lips ghosted over hers, tempting her to close the tiny gap between them. She chased the smile growing on her lips, closing the space between them and interlocking their lips. Tim had promptly responded to her kiss with a gentleness only he was capable of, kindness that made something inside her explode.

She rested her forehead on his, looking deep into his moonlit eyes with an adoration that couldn’t be contained by the vessel of her body anymore. Her heart felt calm again, next to him it was like every cell of her body was finally settling into some level of tranquility. The sinking hole she felt when he was miles away back in his kingdom was rapidly filled when he smiled at her and rested his hand on her cheek. The world was filled with screaming colors once again.

“I wish I didn’t have to leave you,” he confessed, his voice barely over a whisper, his hands cradling her face carefully.

“I know, Tim,” the whisper fled from her lips, “I feel the same, but we have to, we’ve talked about this.”

“I know,” a sigh escaped his lips, defeated and resigned. He took a step back, putting space between them. She immediately felt his absence, a coldness settling inside her. His elbows rested brutally on the railing of the balcony, his knuckles as tense as his jaw. She felt it in her bones that something was deeply wrong with him, something inside him had shifted. “We could run, you know?” he suggested, his eyes finding hers once again, full of hope. “I have a safe house far away, Kon helps me keep it. We could settle down there, live a calm life.”

“Where’s this coming from, Timmy?” she whispered, her eyes closed imagining the life Tim had laid out for her.

“I’m so tired, love,” his head shook from side to side, “I'm so tired of fighting, of briefing meetings and seeing innocents die. I don’t know if I can’t take it anymore.”

“I know,” her hands rested on top of his, “but, Tim, we can’t. We can’t leave everyone behind, this is bigger than us.”

“Why not?” his voice grew with a strong tone of anger. “I just want one thing, Y/N, one thing. I want to be able to love you, without all this weight on my back that I’ve been carrying ever since my parents handed me to Bruce when I was 12. I’m exhausted all the time, I miss you like I’m missing my own heart all the time. I can’t take this anymore.”

“Tim...” she started, her voice soft and understanding, but he quickly interrupted her.

“Marry me,” he turned to her abruptly, grabbing her hands tightly. Her mouth was agape, her heart beating out of her chest. “We can get married quietly at dawn, and then we’ll live at my safe house, we’ll make it a home.”

Her eyes flew crazily over his face, looking for any hint that he was playing a prank on her, pulling purposefully on the strings of her heart. His face didn’t betray any signs of any lies, her mouth got dry and her hands started to sweat. Her brain ran a thousand different scenarios, trying to grasp onto some hope that maybe what Tim had suggested to her might work. She found none.

She shook her head, her throat tightening up. “We can’t,” she whispered, her hands slipping from his. “It wouldn’t work, Timmy. We would be hunted down, we wouldn’t have peace at all. We’d have to live a life constantly running from our past.”

“So we’d do it,” he went to grab her hands again, but she didn’t let him, his hands grasping into summer air. “I can find other houses across the continent, I can make sure we are not found.”

Tears escaped her eyes, betraying her feelings to Tim. She shook her head, her arms crossing over her stomach. “No,” she whispered, “I can’t.”

“Hey,” his fingers lifted her chin, making her look at him, “penny for your thoughts?”

She couldn’t handle being touched by Tim, his touch poisoned her thoughts. If he touched her, she’d make a decision she’d regret, and she wouldn’t have that. “I can’t do it, Tim, I can’t leave everything behind.”

“It’s not going to be easy,” he started, “but we’ll make it.”

“You’re not understanding,” her voice showed the bubbling anger and fear inside her, “I can’t abandon everything like you’re suggesting, Tim. I can’t leave all those people who depend on me, all those families that expect me to show up and give them some comfort,” she sniffed, brushing off a couple of tears running on her cheeks. “If I leave, Tim, I’d be miserable.”

He took a step back at the brutality of her words. “You’d have me,” he whispered, “I’ll love you until the end of my days, I’d never let you be miserable.”

“It wouldn’t be enough,” she replied, her knuckles tight. “I love you, Tim, with everything in me, more than the number of stars in the Universe, but it wouldn’t be enough to cover the guilt I’d feel.”

He inhaled a sharp breath, his hands gripping the railings angrily. “I’m leaving to battle tomorrow,” he stated, his voice steady and impassive.

“I know,” a mutter left her lips.

“This is your last chance before I go,” he turned to her briskly, “please, run away with me.”

“No,” she shook her head, her voice barely a whisper.

Tim huffed and left, his footsteps heavy and angry. But it wasn’t that that had broken her heart. They always said ‘I love you’ when they had to say goodbye.

Tim hadn’t said ‘I love you’.

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Out of everything Tim was expecting from his day -- to dying on the battlefield, to ending a war, the list was practically endless -- he hadn’t expected receiving the letter that was in his hands.

He didn’t even know Roy knew about them. He must have guessed, though, she told everything to Roy, she loved him deeply, a love he sometimes wished resembled the love he shared with his own brothers. But things in the Wayne household were different, more secretive and cold. Sometimes, Tim thought back on how different his life would have turned out if his parents hadn’t dropped him off at Wayne Manor to run. Maybe, he would have followed in his father’s footsteps and became a fine swordsmith, maybe worthy enough to work for the Wayne family like his father before him. Maybe, it would have happened what his parents feared the most: they would have run out of business, losing every penny they owned and living in poverty for the rest of their existence.

Tim was ultimately glad his parents had made that tough decision, he wouldn’t be a Prince if they hadn’t, he wouldn’t have met his soulmate if they hadn’t.

Her. He had royally screwed up with her, he shouldn’t have pushed her too far, he knew where she stood on the subject. But he felt his impatience grow inside of him, his frustrations got the better of him and soon he was blinded only by his undying love for her and the anger he felt at the world for failing him once again.

Tim hadn’t said ‘I love you’ to her when he left. It was that realisation that pained in his chest even now, as Jason handed him a foreign letter from Roy, her brother. It was that regret that flooded him when he read the rushed words scratched on paper, his heart picking up a beat as his eyes processed the fatalistic words presented to him.

He stood up briskly from his seat, ignoring Dick rambling about the strategy they were supposed to adopt to overturn their enemy. He heard some complaints, Bruce calling after him asking where he was going. Tim ignored, only capable of focusing on the letter and his last conversation with her, the things he did not say to her and the regret he felt on the things that had been said.

Tim didn’t have anything on him other than his sword and that cursed piece of paper, but he still made his way to the stables, overlooking the weird stares he received on the way. His horse was softly munching on some hay, unaware of the ride she was about to be put on. The letter found its way to Tim’s pocket hastily, as he put on his saddle on his mare, his jaw tight with emotion.

“So that’s it?” Tim heard, closing his eyes at the voice. “You’re just gonna march to Star City, because Roy sent you a letter?”

“It’s not that, Jason,” Tim muttered, hyper-focused on securing the saddle on his horse.

“I wish I could make you do shit that easily, I would’ve made you do my field notes ages ago,” Jason liked teasing his brother, Tim guessed it was because it was easy to get a reaction out of him.

“It’s not that,” he gritted through his clenched teeth, aggressively releasing the lock of the saddle. His mare complained at the gesture. Even her found a way to scold Tim.

“Then what is it? What’s more important in Star City than here, with your army, fighting for our people?” Jason cleared, watching the anger rise in Tim’s expression quickly and overwhelmingly.

Tim shook his head, not allowing his brother to have the satisfaction of gaining a reaction out of him. He promptly got up on his horse, gently guiding her towards the exit. Jason got in front of his horse, stopping the motion completely. “Get out of the way, Jason,” Tim’s voice was low and menacingly, “I won’t warn you a second time.”

“You don’t scare me, Timothy,” Jason scoffed at his brother’s attempt of intimidation. “Get over yourself, baby bird, you can’t scare me. Now, tell me, why such a rush?”

Tim’s eyes hovered on his brother’s face, looking down at him. The letter was fished out of his pocket and tossed to Jason. His brother caught it, and hastily read its contents. “So? If they needed help containing these rebels they wouldn’t have sent you a letter,” Jason argued, his hands motioning to his brother.

“Jason,” Tim softly said, “read it again.”

His brother looked at him weirdly and did as he said. His eyes moved more slowly now, taking in the words that had ripped Tim’s heart out of his chest. “Oh,” Jason muttered, looking up at his brother once again, “oh.”

“Get out of the way, please,” Tim begged, his voice breaking.

“What are you gonna do when you get there?” Jason asked, confused at his brother’s reaction. “It’s not like you have any medical expertise, Tim, you’re not going to be able to help her.”

“I don’t know, Jason, I just have to be there,” he responded, briskly. His voice was full of contained emotion, like if Tim mad one false step everything would overflow and he would inevitably break. “I can’t lose her, I just can’t.”

Jason sighed, one of his hands resting on the holster of his sword the other on his waist. It was like he was thinking everything through, analysing thousands of scenarios Tim couldn’t even fathom. Jason was the brother everyone underestimated. He was exceptionally strong and big, he had a knack for violence no other Wayne boy had, but he was an incredible strategist, maybe the best out of all of them.

He stepped out of the way not before saying “I’ll cover for you, but I can’t promise they won’t find out.”

With that Tim ran off, the wind whipping angrily at his hair, reflective of the storm inside himself.

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Tim dismounted from his horse just outside the gates of her family’s castle. The guards looked at him suspiciously, as he strode proudly toward the gate that separated him and her. He eyed the guards with an austerity he reserved for a few occasions, he never liked making people feel inferior, but his morals were askew in light of the news weighing down his chest.

“I demand to be let in,” he ordered, his voice stern and tight.

The guard in front of him raised an eyebrow, appalled by Tim’s audacity. “And who might you be?”

“I’m Prince Tim, of Gotham, and I will get in the castle, so please move,” he gathered all the authority he could muster inside him, and spoke as if he was the monarch of that kingdom.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but you do not have authority here,” the guard shook his head, his hand sliding to his sword slowly. Tim took that as a sign of hostility, trying in a peacock kind of way to show he was the one with the upper hand in the situation.

Tim scoffed at the pathetic demonstration, jumping at the throat of the guard and slamming him to the wall behind him. “Listen here, I have been riding for the past 5 hours, I have not stopped once and, at this point, I’m fuelled by spite and anger,” his voice was low and threatening, and he could see fear rise in the guard’s eyes. He couldn’t scare Jason, but he could scare other people. “I’m not going to be stopped by some mid-level pathetic guard,” it was weird saying insulting things to other people. Tim rarely bad-mouthed, but at that moment it felt liberating.

“Tim,” he felt a hand rest on his shoulder, “release the guard.”

Tim looked over his shoulder, Roy standing there with a calm expression, something that contradicted the feeling in his eyes. Tim shoved the guard out of his hands, dropping them violently to his sides. Roy ordered a guard to take care of Tim’s mare, gently leading Tim inside the castle’s grounds.

“She’s been asking for you,” Roy stated, his voice elusive and calm. “No one understands why, but I do.”

“How is she?” the words that Tim was afraid of saying slipped past his lips. Asking how she was made everything that had happened to her, something he had just found out, incredibly real.

“Considering that she spent the past few days being held hostage, considerably well,” Roy conceded, rubbing his hands behind his back. “A bit bruised and shaken up. But, as far as I know, well.”

“Good,” Tim swallowed the lump inside his throat, relieved to hear what Roy had said. They walked down a straight hallway, something he guessed took them from the main gates to near where she was staying.

“She told me what happened between you,” Roy manifested, filling the awkward silence growing. “She’s been beating herself up for it.”

“It’s my fault,” Tim shook his head, “I shouldn’t have said anything, I already knew her answer, it was stupid.”

“It wasn’t, trust me, if I was in the same position as you, I would’ve probably done the same,” he shrugged, turning a sharp left, “probably worse.”

Tim laughed, humourlessly, at Roy’s comment. “Listen, kid, I get it, truly. But with this,” Roy waved his hands around, “sometimes, you gotta play the long game.”

“I hate the long game,” Tim muttered, like a little kid.

“No one said it was going to be easy,” Roy scolded him, like his brother would have done. “But if you truly love her, like you say you do, then play your cards right.”

They stopped, in front of a dirty pink door, Roy’s hands gripped the handle, a small smirk on his face. Tim straightened his posture, shedding the young brother façade he unwillingly slipped on and reverting to the young Prince ways. He took a deep breath, shuffling to organize his emotions inside his brain. Roy opened the door and pushed Tim inside the room, rapidly closing the door back up.

He had never been to her room, even of all those years of courting secretly, sneaking into dark hallways, and kissing under the moonlight. Her room had always felt off bounds to him, even if it had never been expressed as such. He slowly walked into the room further, watching how every corner had her imprint in it.

She was sitting by the window, the curtains opened, a soft summer breeze gently moving her hair out of her eyes. She only wore a simple gown, almost a nightgown, making Tim feel incredibly overdressed. There were bruises littered over her arms and neck, and he felt a mixture of anger and guilt bubble underneath his skin. He struggled to contain it, hoping the people that had done that to her were already six feet underneath the ground.

Her gaze flipped to him, and his stomach somersaulted inside him. She opened a shy smile, waving timidly for him to approach her. He walked calmly towards her, his hands behind his back fidgeting nervously. She got up from her seat, and stood waiting patiently for him.

“Hi,” he whispered, in front of her. His hands itched to touch her, bring her closer and cradle her as if she was the most precious and delicate thing in the world. To him, she was.

“Hi,” she looked down at the ground, her feet bare. “I’m so--”

“No,” he interrupted her, “don’t. I’m the one who should be sorry, I’m the one to blame.”

“Tim, you didn’t do anything.”

“I did everything,” he admitted, “I didn’t say ‘I love you’,” tears sprung to his eyes, ones that he had been trying to keep at bay for a long time. “I left and suddenly you were in danger and I wasn’t there to help you. All because I was stupidly proud and bitter and I--”

“Stop,” her hands found his face, her thumbs brushing carefully on his cheekbones. “It’s not your fault, you couldn’t have known. I certainly didn’t.”

“I should have…”

“No, Timmy, you’re just a man,” she took a step closer, her body hovering next to him warmly. It was like the ice that had settled on him instantly melted when she stepped next to him, “one that I love very much. But I made mistakes that night, and so did you. And it’s okay.”

He breathed right for the first time in days. The guilt he had been carrying like a cross on his back felt lighter, almost nonexistent. A smile made way to his face, albeit a timid one, and he grabbed her hands, the warmth she irradiated seeping into him. “I missed you.”

She smiled at him, a smile no longer free of hurt, but full of more meaning than before. “There was a question you asked that night,” she whispered, her breath mingling with his, “one I didn’t answer.”

“There was?”

“Yes,” she nodded, her nose brushing on his delicately. “Ask it again.”

“Are you sure?” Tim looked into her eyes, looking for a sign of uncertainty or regret.

“Just ask it.”

“Will you marry me?” he whispered, his lips brushing hers.

“Yes.”

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[amlovelies]

Kindling

big thanks to everyone on discord for your help and feedback on this one 💜. Julia and Cyn rescue some hostages and then make out in an alley 😉

fandom: fhr pairing: Julia Ortega/f!sidestep (Cynthia Basri) rating: M, death/violence mention as well as some mild spice words: 2.9k read on ao3

               Even without your telepathy, it’s easy to know where to go. The craned necks of passersby and the distant sound of sirens all point towards Los Diablos’ latest disaster. Ortega had been frustratingly vague in her message, no information, just an address and a ‘come quick’. Not that you really need details. There’s nothing else you’d rather be doing.

               There had been a time when you had to work to slip behind the barricade unnoticed. Back when you were still an unknown vigilante, as likely to be a nuisance as an assistance. When you had to amplify your usual projections: ‘don’t notice me’ and ‘there’s nobody there.’  It’s still uncomfortable letting them drop, feeling the moment when you are seen, when you are recognized. Feeling little excited exclamations of ‘Sidestep’ and ‘hero’ in the minds around you.

               Uncomfortable, unfamiliar, but also real. You spend so much of your time hiding, just a ghost in a crowd, dancing at the edges of life, but not now. Not when the officers give a respectful nod in your direction. Not when they look at you like someone who matters, like someone who can help.

               You allow your mind to expand, to scan the city block around you as you take in the scene.  Brushing over the crowd, you sense nothing to be concerned with, just morbid curiosity and anxiety. A customer is worried about their favorite teller. Exclamations that this is a nice neighborhood, things like this aren’t supposed to happen here. Never mind that they have no idea what ‘this’ is, they’re just irritated at the disruption to their daily routines.

               You know the moment Ortega notices you by the lift at the edge of her mouth. She throws a smile in your direction that makes your stomach knot before returning her attention to the officer in front of her. You still don’t know what to do about this new thing. Fuck, you shouldn’t even call it a thing, that makes it too real. So what if you’ve been kissing, so what if you’ve let her see your face? You’re sure it’s just a passing fancy on her part, a new way to stave off boredom, and you are too stupid and selfish to stop it.

               She nods at your approach, and you take the opportunity to listen in. An established routine, it’s happened more than once that the LDPD failed to give the Rangers crucial information.  Sometimes it was simple incompetence, like an officer in over their head who was unable to recall the right details. Not always though. Not everyone has such an appreciative viewpoint of the Rangers, and some have a real problem with having to play second fiddle to a woman. Want to see her knocked down a peg or two (or in that case, nursing a couple broken ribs).

                               Even if she hadn’t asked, you would have checked. Would have let your consciousness spiral out, gentle fingers touching lightly against the minds around you, getting a fuller picture of the situation. It’s too ingrained a reflex, your primary role, reinforced in endless hours of training. Always meant to be a fly on the wall, not a part of the action, only there to report and monitor. Not anymore. You are so much more now.

               Seems like a botched robbery. The ringleader is a fire boost, Pyradical, and he has at least two modded goons with him.  That’s more firepower than the LDPD can comfortably deal with. It makes sense they called the Rangers in. You’ve heard the name before. He’s new on the scene and young. Early twenties or so, another desperate kid taking a chance with the boost drugs and looking to get rich quick. He was blamed for the robbery of La Brea Jewelers last month. Nasty. Last you heard, the security guard was still in the ICU recovering from the burns, but that had been a solo job. He’s getting more daring.

               Ortega gives you a look as the officer mentions hostages, and you switch your focus. A year ago, this would have been outside your range, but not now. A deep breath as you push your consciousness out to toward the darkened bank. Heat, intrusive and suffocating, blazes across your consciousness and your lips pull back in a snarl in response. You change direction, not trusting yourself to touch the knotted maelstrom of Pyradical’s thoughts. Even that brief connection was enough to make your muscles tense and bunch.

               The hostages are easy to pinpoint, beacons of terror and despair. The officer had said four hostages, but you only count three. Did they separate the hostages? Or is this an inside job? You need more information so you let your consciousness dip down, no longer a light brush, but letting yourself connect with one of them.  

               You rear back almost instantly as the scent of burning flesh fills your nostrils. A steadying hand on your shoulder keeps you from wobbling.

               “You okay?” Anathema asks. Her brow is furrowed until you give her a small nod. Her frown returns, however, as you relay what you had seen in the teller’s memories. The branch manager was dead, Pyradical holding a flaming hand to his face when he refused to input his half of the vault combo. You need to move quick.

               It’s a simple plan: you and Anathema will sneak around back and focus on getting the hostages out. Ortega will create a big showy diversion and keep Pyradical busy. Getting attention is what she does best after all. Power has been cut to the building, so you don’t have to worry about any alarms. Anathema rubs her hands together and you grimace as the sharp scent of acid fills the air.  You’ll never get used to the sound of metal bubbling as she presses her palm against the lock. You close your eyes and focus on the minds inside. The world narrows down. Narrows down to just this building, you feel yourself settle into your body. Awareness focused, reflexes honed, like an arrow ready to be fired, listening and waiting to react.

               The mod guarding the back door goes down easy. He had no hope of dodging your punch to his throat. Especially not when his brain is telling him you’re still a foot out of reach. He goes down and you keep moving.

               It’s stuffy inside, warm even for Los Diablos. Sobs, muffled and hopeless escape from behind the teller line, but no sounds of alarm. You step over the prone body and into the dim interior of the bank, Anathema following close behind. Any second now Ortega and her distraction should arrive.

               Glass shatters as her familiar form crashes through the front window. A roar of surprised anger erupts and chaos descends. It takes an effort to ignore the sounds of the fight, the fizzle of Ortega’s mods and flesh hitting flesh, you have to ball your fingers into a tight fist as you resist the urge to join her. Orange and white light paint the walls in bright flashes as you draw closer to the hostages.

               You catch an intention and roll to the left as a bullet narrowly misses you. Before you exit your roll, Anathema is already moving, her fist flying towards the shooter’s face.

               You trust her enough to turn your back on the fight. The hostages look dazed, eyes unfocused and tears staining their faces. The fear rolling off them hits you like a wave and you strengthen your shields. You make quick work of the zip ties binding their ankles and wrists. One of them begins to bolt, fear clouding his judgment. He’s only focused on the safety promised by the daylight shining through the shattered window, not one the flames shooting from Pyradical’s hands.

               It’s a good thing you’re quick, hands flying out to grab the back of his jacket and pull him away from the danger. Heat billows in waves from the lobby. Even through your mask, your eyes burn from the acrid smoke as cheap décor goes up in flames.

               Ortega’s voice taunts from the lobby. You can’t make out the words, but you know the tone. As long as she’s laughing things are under control.

               It’s easy enough to soothe the hostages, just a gentle brush against their minds, a promise of safety, of making it out of here alive, to trust, to be ready.  A firm command to their minds and they follow you out the door.  

               You lead the hostages to the waiting hands of the paramedics who are waiting with shock blankets and oxygen masks. Your objective completed you turn back to the building. Smoke pours out the shattered window mixing with the omnipresent Los Diablos haze. If you don’t end this fight soon the whole building is going to go up.

               You’re nearly to the building when Ortega leaps out the window.

                 “Get down!” she yells. Not that you are given a choice as she barrels into you. The wind is knocked out of your lungs as she tackles you to the ground.

               “What the fuck—” but the words are lost in the explosion that shakes the ground.

               Your ears ring. Ortega’s lips are moving, but you have no idea what she’s saying. Probably some dumb quip.

               This is not the time or the thing you should be focused on, but she’s so close. It feels different. Different now that she’s kissed you. Different now that you’ve felt her lips against yours. Fuck, you want to feel them again.

               You should focus on the fact that there was just an explosion, but instead your whole world has shrunk down to the weight of her body pressing you into the ground. The concrete is hard and painful under your body. There’s nowhere else you’d rather be.

               “Was that really necessary?” Your voice has none of the steel you were hoping for. It’s a gulping flustered thing.

               “Better safe than sorry,” Ortega says with a wink. “Besides, I’m quite comfy.”

               “Really? Is that all you think about?”

               “Only around you,” she says as she presses her lips down against yours. Even with the mask in the way, you can’t help but gasp. She doesn’t need her mods, or even to touch your skin to leave you feeling electrified.

               And then she’s up, all movement and action, turning back to the burning shell of the building. Anathema emerges, one of the goons in tow, and you breathe a sigh of relief as Julia surges forward to help her. Smoke rises in thin tendrils from her suit, and there are patches where the fabric has burned away to reveal her pale freckled skin underneath. Skin that is untouched and undamaged despite being caught in the explosion.

               Pyradical is dead, going out in a blaze of glory rather than allowing the Rangers to bring him in.

               The hostages are shaken up, but physically fine. The goon you’d left unconscious by the back door is carted away in the back of an ambulance, the other in the back of a cop car. He’s lucky to be alive. Anathema shielded his body with her own during the explosion. Not that he’s feeling particularly grateful right now.

               The action is over and you let yourself slip into the background. Anathema has already left, back to HQ for a shower and change of clothes. Ortega holds court answering questions and smiling for the cameras. You should leave, head home, but you can’t bring yourself to yet. Not with the glances Ortega keeps shooting you.

               At last satiated, the press leaves, and with them the rest of the crowd. It’s oddly peaceful. The fire from the explosion has long since been put out, though smoke still hangs in the air. The surrounding area is almost empty, now that the excitement is over, people go on with their day.

               You fall into step with Ortega as she walks to where her motorcycle is parked. It’s a natural instinct to envelop her in your projection, to let her pass unnoticed as well. A young woman nearly walks into her, and Ortega shoots you a questioning glance. You shrug, she should be used to this trick of yours by now. It’s just easier to wrap you both in a bubble of anonymity. To not have to worry about sharing her with the public.

           Her smile turns wicked, and something in your stomach flutters, twists, knots. You don’t have the language to describe the things that smile does to you. You can’t read her thoughts, but you can guess her intentions. This is when you should dodge, should step to the side, distance yourself. You don’t. You let her grab your hand and pull you into the dimness between two buildings.

                Her hands are quick, nimble, as they roll up the edge of your mask with ease. As if it was a regular practiced movement, and maybe it is becoming one. How many times have you let this happen now? You’d have to stop her if she tried to remove the whole thing, but she doesn’t. Only your mouth is exposed, and only for a moment, before she captures your lips in a kiss.

               This is so much better than that ghost of a kiss during the fight, so much better when you can feel the brand of her lips on yours. A small sigh escapes you, and that’s all the invitation she needs to deepen the kiss. Her tongue darts out, teasing and quick; one hand grips the back of your head. Her nails scrape against the nanoweave of your mask as she angles you exactly how she wants you.

                Oh, this is foolish. This is playing with fire and knowing that you will get burnt, but not caring. You have so many scars already, what is one more?

               The kiss breaks and she pulls back. You chase her lips, wanting more, needing more. Another drag, another kiss, you’re used to wanting things that will end up hurting you.

               “You’re too damn tall,” you huff. You need her closer, but you don’t trust your footing balancing on your tip toes. Your arms wind around her neck as you attempt to pull her down to your height. She concedes bending down to kiss you again. She chuckles against your lips, the reverberations traveling down to your toes and sending a shiver down your spine.

               Before you can protest, her hands move to your waist, and she lifts you with an ease that draws a surprised squeak out of you, one that is cut off as she captures your lips again. Your legs wrap around her waist as if by instinct, pulling her flush against you. Nothing but your skinsuits between you. You trust yours to stop a knife, a bullet, but now it feels so insubstantial. Unable to protect you from hungry press of Ortega between your thighs as she holds you pinned against the brick wall of the alley.

               Adrenaline from the fight is still coursing through your veins. Your very blood transforms into an electrical current, dancing through your veins and grounding you on the feel of Ortega’s lips. You wonder if this is how she always feels. Your fingers knot in her hair, pulling it out of her careful braid. The small curls at the nape of her neck wrapping themselves around your fingers much like how your limbs are wrapped around her.

                You should stop this, eventually you will have to stop this, but that thought is a small voice compared to the screaming of your body. A voice drowned out by the groan Ortega makes as you nibble on her bottom lip, and her grip tightens on your thigh. For a few moments the rest of the world ceases to exist. There is nothing but this moment. You don’t think, can’t think of anything but her. Her hands and her lips and the blood pounding in your veins. You thought you felt alive during that fight? There’s no comparison.

               Eventually, the kiss breaks, and she rests her forehead against yours. You both are breathing heavy; your pulse is a wild erratic thing. A softer kiss this time, not quite a peck, still letting herself linger, but the frantic need of a few moments ago has dissipated.                

                Your legs wobble when she sets you back down on your feet. From the smug smile on her face, you know she notices. You wish you had a sharp quip at the ready, but you’re still too drunk on her.

                At least pulling your mask down means she can’t see your facial expressions.

               You walk back to the bike in silence. She’s closer than she needs to be. Her hand keeps brushing against your arm. Gentle, accidental touches which you know are no accident at all.

                “Come back to HQ with me?” she asks as she climbs onto the bike. “I’ll order pizza and you can keep me company while I do paperwork?” 

               You don’t have to read her mind to know she isn’t thinking about paperwork. Not with the way her eyes trail over your body. Letting you know she is looking, appreciating.

                “Only because I’m hungry,” you lie as you take the helmet from her outstretched hand and climb behind her.

                “Don’t worry,” say says with a wicked laugh, her hand squeezing yours where it rests on her waist. “I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”

[leossmoonn]

Under the Surface [Zuko]

masterlist

pairing - zuko x fem, fire bender!reader 

type - angst, fluff

summary - you and zuko have been friends since you were babies, your mom being best friend’s with his uncle. you both don’t realize that you two are in love with each other until you two get in a fight

warnings / includes - language, oblivious flirting and denying feelings, you and zuko are both 16, zuko is more outgoing and extroverted w you since you have known him for so long, and yes you all are hunting the avatar, oh aaand italics are your thoughts unless i say who is thinking them

————

*gif isn’t mine*

“Y/n… Wake up, Y/n…” a low, soothing voice spoke to you in your dreams. 

“Hm,” you hummed, turning over in your bed.  “Y/n? Y/n! Stop! God, you’re crushing me! Wow, you smell nice,” the voice said.

You furrowed your brows. 

What did I just hear?

You opened your eyes slowly, the sun from the window streaming in. You looked around the room, smiling as you heard the birds chirp from outside. It wasn’t until you realised you were on top of someone when you got up immediately. Who was the person, might you ask? Well, it happened to be your best friend Zuko. 

“What are you doing in my bed!” You exclaimed, stumbling out and reaching for your robe that you had set on your nightstand. You wrapped it around your nightgown, turning to Zuko.

“Trying to wake you up. I’m bored, I’ve been up for a few hours,” Zuko explained.

“I was sleeping in. Ever heard of it? Maybe you should try it,” you smirked. 

“I can’t do that when I’m hunting the Avatar,” Zuko said.

You went to your dresser to find a hair-tie. “Ah, right. You know, you don’t actually have to do what your father says, right?”

Zuko narrowed his eyes at you as you put your hair up in a messy bun. “You do know that I have to win back my honour, right?”

You chuckled, “You don’t have to do that. Your father is a jerk, full offense.”

“He’s not, he just… he just wants to set me on the right path,” Zuko said. 

You sighed and went back to your bed, sitting next to him. You put your hand on his shoulder and looked into his ember eyes. “I know you hate when I say this, but you should listen to your uncle. You know Iroh was right about everything.”

“Shut up, Y/n. Uncle was captured and therefore, not here, so we don’t listen to him anymore.” Azula’s bratty voice sounded from your room. You and Zuko looked to see Azula standing in your door way. 

You glared at her. “Don’t talk about Iroh like that, Azula.”

She rolled her eyes. “He doesn’t know what I’m saying, it doesn’t matter.”

You frowned. “Why are you even here?”

Azula crossed her arms against her chest, leaning against the door frame. “Making sure you two are up and ready to train.”

“It’s like, 9 in the morning. Can’t we eat breakfast first?” You asked. 

“Breakfast is for people who don’t catch the Avatar. C’mon, Zuzu, Mai wants to see you,” Azula smirked. 

Zuko nodded and got up. “See you downstairs, Y/n.”

“See you,” you waved, watching him and Azula walk away. 

You sighed in annoyance. You hated seeing Azula first thing in the morning, and hearing about Mai. Mai was one of her accomplices, more or less her friend. Mai had a huge crush on Zuko ever since she met him when you all were kids. She bothered you a little bit, but only because she always got in your and Zuko’s way. Always head butting into your guys’s conversations, climbing all over Zuko, flirting with him by giving him a death glare. It was the worst. You wish she would leave him alone, he was your friend long before her’s. 

You got up, putting on a red, short-sleeved tank and black pants. You brushed out your hair, putting it up into a pony tail, brushing your teeth and washing your face before you went downstairs. 

As you climbed down the stairs of the beach house, you saw Mai and Zuko on the couch, Mai cuddling close.

God, can she can any more obvious?

“Hello, Y/n,” Mai said in her lifeless, mono-toned voice. 

“Hey,” you said dismissivley. You went over to the kitchen, getting yourself a glass of milk and some turtle-duck eggs. 

You started making yourself some breakfast, feeling an evil presence behind you.

“May I help you?” You asked, not needing to look to know who it was. 

“Stay away form Zuko,” Azula threatened. 

“I'm his best friend, Azula. He asked me to come on this trip, so no,” you said. 

“You will, Y/n. You will stop reminding him of our fat, depressed Uncle and stop flirting with him for Mai.”

You scoffed, not believing what she was saying. “First of all, Zuko doesn’t need to fall into the dark hole of loneliness and mommy and daddy issues like you have. Second of all, we do not flirt. He’s my friend and we make jokes, that’s what it’s like having a friend, Azula. I can tell you’ve never experienced it.”

Azula narrowed her eyes at you. “Iroh was a big distraction and now that he’s gone, Zuko can focus on the task at hand, but not with you spewing useless nonsense in his ears. And you and Zuko do flirt. Mai is feeling a little sad and jealous because of it.”

“Wow Mai has feelings? That's news to me,” you laughed. 

Azula walked up to you, fire sitting in her hand. “You do what I say, Y/n.”

“Or what?” You challenged.

“Or I’ll make sure you lose you bender forever,” Azula spat. 

Your eyes widened, but you kept your cool. “We’ll see about that.”

Azula gave you one lasting glare before turning on her heels to leave. You scoffed to yourself, shaking your head. 

She is so in over her head. Iroh being a distraction? Us flirting? No way in hell.

You scrabbled your eggs, putting them on a plate and going back to the living room. You only saw Ty Lee there, brushing out her pretty, long hair. 

“Hey, Ty Lee, where’s Zuko?” You asked. 

“Zuko went on the beach to train with Mai. I think she’s gonna try to kiss him tonight,” Ty Lee said. Her eyes widened. “Oh, uh, I wasn’t supposed to say that.”

You smiled softly, “No worries, I won’t mention anything to Mai. Thanks for letting me know.”

“Of course! You know, you should kiss Zuko instead of Mai,” Ty Lee said. 

You furrowed your brows. “Isn’t Mai like your best friend? Shouldn’t you be telling me to stay away from him?”

Ty Lee shrugged. “I guess, but Mai and Zuko don’t look good together. You two do. You’ve always have.”

Her words made your heart flutter. You and Zuko? Being a couple? 

No. That’s wrong.

You laughed off the discomfort you were feeling. “I appreciate it, but Zuko and I are just friends. I have no romantic feelings for him whatsoever.”

Ty Lee turned to you with a small smirk. “You sure?”

You nodded. “Yep. What makes you think otherwise?”

“Just the way you look at each other,” she said.

“What way do I look at him?” You asked intrigued.

“Like you’re secretly in love with him!”

You felt your face get warm and you looked away, hiding the blush that was coming onto your cheeks. “No, I look at him like he's my best friend and a dork, which he is.”

Ty Lee giggled, “Keep telling yourself that, Y/n. Just know that none of us believe that you two are just friends.”

Your eyes hardened at her. “Well, we are. I’m going down to the beach to train with them.”

“Have fun at staring at Zuko shirtless!” Ty Lee giggled. 

You rolled your eyes, setting your plate and cup down to go outside. You spotted Mai and Zuko training, Zuko shooting fireballs at Mai. You smirked as you saw her lack a little, obviously being too focused on Zuko shirtless. 

“Mind if I join?” You asked, strutting over. 

Zuko looked to you, smiling widely. “Not at all. Go ahead and take a break, Mai.”

Mai frowned and look at you. She walked off, keeping a hardened stare at you. You smirked at her, walking over to replace her spot across from Zuko. 

“Ready, hotman?” You giggled. 

Zuko rolled his eyes. “Don’t call me that.”

“Sorry, no can do,” you said, throwing fire at him.

He dodged it easily, summersaulting and throwing fire your way. You ducked down, backflipping over to him and taking a hold of his arm, throwing him down. 

You smirked, “You’re really bad, hotman.”

Zuko glared at you, “Oh, yeah? Watch this.”

He took ahold of your arm, spinning you around and throwing you. You landed against a rock, but you managed to hold your arms out to catch yourself. Zuko looked at you, worried. 

“Are you okay?” “I’m okay,” you smiled.  “Okay, good,” Zuko said before shooting fire your way. 

You moved out of the way, dodging it my just a few millimetres. 

“You’re gonna regret that!” You exclaimed, making a huge ball of fire in your hand, throwing it Zuko’s way. 

Zuko slid under the fire, standing back up and throwing flame after flame. You dodged each attack expertly, throwing fire of your own at him. You eventually got to where you were only a few feet away from him. You ran up, getting ready to jump up and pin him down, but Zuko was already one step ahead of you. He threw fire at you, making you lose your balance from trying to jump over it, allowing Zuko to take ahold of your wrists, pinning you down in the sand. 

You let out an ‘oof’, looking up at Zuko’s face. You couldn’t help but stare. His forehead was lined with sweat, a triumphant and sexy smile overtaking his lips. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his chest heaving from trying to calm down. 

Wow, he looks… so good. Damn, has he always had abs? Broad shoulders? When has his lips ever looked this soft?

“You okay?” Zuko’s raspy voice made your eyes snap up from his chest to his eyes. His eyes were bright gold, his pupils dilated at he looked deeply into your e/c eyes. 

“Y-Yeah I just…” your voice trailed off. You struggled to find an excuse as to why you were looking at his body. “I um… was just wondering when you were going to let me go.”

Zuko’s eyes widened and he broke out of the trance he was in. He got off of you, his hands letting go of your wrists. 

“Right, sorry,” he said. 

“No problem. That was good, though. Aang definitely has no chance,” you smiled. 

“I thought you were against my mission,” Zuko said.

You shrugged, getting up. “Well, I am, but you asked me to be here for support so I'm gonna support you, even though I think it’s wrong.”

Zukos smiled gratefully. “Thank you. That means a lot, Y/n/n.”

You blushed at your nickname, shrugging sheepishly. “No problem. Wanna go swim to cool off?”

“Yeah,” Zuko smiled. 

“Great!” You smiled back. You two went back into the house, changing into your swim wear. 

You put on a pink bikini top and a mid-waist pink bottom. You brushed out your hair, leaving it down. You went outside and to the more public part of the beach, finding Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee there. 

“Hi, Y/n! Oh, I love the pink! It suits you well,” Ty Lee grinned.

You smiled. “Thank you, Ty Lee. I think white looks great on you as well.”

“Thank you,” Ty Lee smiled. “Zuko, how do you think Y/n looks?” Ty Lee nudged the boy who was looking at the sand.  

He looked up to you, his eyes widening. The last time he saw you in a swimsuit was when you two were 10, and you were in a modest one piece. He looked over you in your bikini, being surprised at how your body developed.

Wow, she looks… beautiful, he thought.

You noticed his stare, blushing and putting your hands behind your back sheepishly.

“Zuko?” Ty Lee nudged him again. 

Zuko’s averted his eyes from your’s, blushing profusely. “You look… good.”

You smiled. “Thank you. Training really has helped.”

“I hear ya!” Ty Lee smiled. “Let’s go in the ocean!”

You nodded, feeling eyes on you. You turned around to see Azula and Mai staring daggers at you. You rolled your eyes, turning back to Ty Lee who was already in the water. 

“This is going to be cold,” Zuko grumbled.

You turned to him, smiling. “C’mon, Zu, it’ll be fine.”

Zuko frowned, “I think I’m just gonna stay back and drink lemonade.”

You pouted, “Zuko! This is your time to relax! C’mon, please?”

Zuko looked at your puppy dog eyes and quivering lip, sighing in defeat. 

“Fine.” You jumped up and down on the balls on your feet, clapping your hands in excitement. You took his hand, leading him into the water. Your stomach did cartwheels as he intertwined your fingers. 

Why am I feeling like this? Pull it together, Y/n, he’s your best friend.

You ran into the water, chills immediately running up your spine. You walked until the water was up to the bottom of your chest. You sat down in the sand, the water then reaching up almost to your neck. You looked to Zuko who was playing with the wet sand.

“See? Not so bad,” you said.

“I guess,” Zuko shrugged with a small smile on his face.

You two sat in silence until Zuko splashed water at you.

“Really? We’re doing this right now?” You chuckled.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Zuko avoided eye contact, then splashed at you again.

You stood up, splash a big wave at him.

“You’re gonna regret that,” Zuko playfully glared at you.

You giggled, running away from him. Zuko kept splashing water at you, you turning around to splash him back.

“Your splashes are bigger than mine. Stop!” Zuko whined.

You smirked. “Make me.”

Zuko ran over to you, trying to catch you. You ran away from him, managing to trip over a rock. You landed on the sand, the water going up all the way to your neck. Zuko came at you and you started to splash water at him, only for him to grab your wrists roughly.

Your innocent eyes looked up at his, the feeling of him holding your wrists making your heart drop.

“Can’t splash me now,” Zuko said lowly.

You blushed a little, trying to fight against his hold. You kicked his leg and Zuko went onto his knees in-between your legs, trying to keep his hold on your wrists, but failing. You ended up pinning him down in the water, your legs moving to straddle his waist.

“I can splash you now,” you smirked.

You took one hand off his shoulder, reaching down to the water, but Zuko grabbed your wrist again. He looked up into your eyes, his eyes dark dispite the glaring sun.

You felt yourself lean closer to him, your eyes dragging themselves down his face to his lips.

They look so soft... so kissable.

Your eyes flickered back up to his ember eyes, seeing him doing the same motion you had just done. As your mouths were a few militers from each other, a voice interrupted you two.

You pulled away, looking back to see Ty Lee calling you two over.

You looked back to Zuko, noticing his face was a bright red. You got off of him in silence, running back to the shore, not bothering to wait for Zuko.

“Hey, what were you two doing over there?” Ty Lee asked.

“Just wresting,” you said quickly.

“Didn’t look like wresting. It looked like you two were about to ki-"

“No, Ty Lee!” You cut your friend off. “We did not kiss, we will never kiss. He is my best friend and that’s all he ever will be!”

Ty Lee’s eyes went wide. “Sorry, Y/n.”

You sighed, running your fingers through your wet hair. “It.... It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean any harm. I’m sorry for yelling.”

Ty Lee nodded, offering you a forgiving smile. “Well, it’s dinnertime. Are you hungry.”

“Yeah,” you nodded.

“Great! Let’s go!” Ty Lee exclaimed.

You nodded, following her back to the beach house.

Meanwhile, Zuko stood on the beach, lips in a frown. He had heard your outburst about you two only being friends.

“See, Zuko, she doesn’t like you like that,” Azula said.

“I... I thought she did,” Zuko said.

“Well, you know who does like you?” Azula smirked.

“Who?”

Azula rolled her eyes. “Are you blind? Mai.”

“Oh,” was all Zuko said.

“And I know you have some feelings for Mai. Just forget about Y/n, Mai is so much better.”

Not really. Was what Zuko thought.

“Alright, yeah,” but those were the words that he said.

“Let’s go, big brother. Mai is waiting,” Azula said.

Zuko nodded, walking back to the beach house.

Dinner was awkward. You and Zuko usually were always talking, but the only words you said to each other were “can you pass the rice”.“yeah”. It was awkward to say the least. After dinner was even more awkward.

You all were in the living room, talking amongst yourselves. Well, all of them except you. You were sitting in a chair by yourself, watching Mai flirt with Zuko, and Zuko looking like he was enjoying it.

What does he see in her anyways?

You sighed, taking a sip of your tea. You put your head on the arm rest, not being able to stop thinking about the beach.

How close you and Zuko were. How a million of butterflies were fluttering in your heart and stomach. How your head was a little dizzy and how you were leaning towards Zuko with no hesitation. How you two almost kissed.

You didn’t know what you would’ve done if you two had kissed. You were glad that you were interrupted, but a little part of you deep down knew that you wished you did kiss him. To feel his soft lips on your’s. His hands going over to your waist, holding you closer.

You shook your head. There was no way you two would ever do that, or could. Especially since Zuko seemed perfectly smitten with Mai.

“You know, you could make your move now. Right before Mai snatches him,” Ty Lee said, noticing you looking at Zuko longingly.

You shrugged. “Nah, it’s fine. I don’t want to make a move anyways.”

Ty Lee frowned and sat in front of you. “Y/n, we all know you’re in love with him, and that’s okay. Just tell him, I’m sure he feels the same.”

You groaned. “I’m not in love! He’s just my friend!”

The outburst had the whole room quiet. You looked at Zuko, who had a frown on his face, and Mai who had a smirk in her’s. You grimaced, getting out of your seat.

“I’m going to bed. Screw this,” you muttered before stomping away.

“Looks like Little Miss Perfect is jealous,” Mai smirked.

Zuko looked at your retreating figure worringly.

“I... I’m gonna go and make sure she’s okay,”

“What! Zuko!” Mai exclaimed as he got up and followed you to your room.

Once he got to your room, he saw you on your bed, sniffling.

“Hey, you okay?” Zuko asked softly.

You looked up, wiping the tears off your face. “Yeah.”

“Can I sit down?” Zuko asked.

You nodded, watching as he took a seat next to you.

“Wanna talk about it?” Zuko asked.

You sighed. “It’s just so annoying.”

“What is?”

“Mai.”

Zuko furrowed his brows. “Why?”

You chuckled. “You don’t notice how she is all over you? And follows you around like some love-sick polar-bear dog? It’s pathetic.”

“Well, at least she shows interest in me,” Zuko argued.

“Yeah, but she’s not the right girl for you,” you said.

“Then who is?” Zuko asked. You shrugged. “I dunno. Just not her.”

Zuko huffed. “Well, I think Mai is a good girl.” You scoffed. “Alright, Zuko, if that’s what you think.”

“Why are you so mean towards her?”

You glared at him. “Because, she literally interrupts everything! She holds the most stupid grudges, and she just can’t wait to steal you away from me!”

Zuko frowned, “I don’t belong you, Y/n.”

You groaned. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what do you mean?” Zuko challenged, looking you in the eye.

You got up, feeling awkward. “I don’t know.”

Zuko got up with you. “Do you like me, Y/n?”

Your eyes widened. “What?”

“Do you like me? Like the way Mai does?”

“I... I don’t know.”

“Why? Why don’t you know?”

You groaned, “I don’t know!”

“I think you do, Y/n. You’ve been sending mixed singals to me all day!” Zuko exclaimed. “What do you care? You’re in love with Mai!” You shouted.

“I’m not!” Zuko exclaimed.

“Yeah, you are,” you chuckled sourly.

“Even if I was, why do you care?”

“Because I’m in love with you, you idiot!” You yelled.

Your eyes widened and you slapped your hand over your mouth.

Oh. Shit.

Zuko’s eyes widened as well, but quickly turned soft and a smile grew on his face. “You do?”

You looked up at him. “Yeah... I... I guess I do.”

“Good.”

“Why is that good? You like Mai,” you said.

Zuko moved close to you, slipping his hand into yours. “I don’t. She’s nice and all, but you’re right, she’s not the girl for me. You are.”

You smiled a little. “Really?”

Zuko nodded. “Really?”

“Oh... wow,” you said.

“Yeah, wow,” Zuko grinned.

You felt his arm snake around your waist, your eyes flickering down to his lips and up to his eyes again. You leaned in, your eyes fluttering shut. Your lips met his and your heart exploded.

Damn. This is fucking amazing.

————

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[novelist-becca]

Won’t you let me in?

Fandom: The Owl House

Relationships: Eda & Luz

Summary: After the events of Separate Tides, Eda and Luz have a talk. Title is from the song “Strange Sight” by KT Tunstall.

AO3

What a day this is turning out to be, Eda thought as the so-called “Golden Guard” approached her and Luz. 

The witch had originally planned to take the money back to the house after checking in on the Selkidomus. 

But then she got caught, and it turned out Luz was on the ship instead of safe at home. (She had expected Luz to follow the cart home after they started driving back to the house) The kid had apparently wanted in on the bounty hunt, once again not knowing what she was getting into. Forget the money that was forgotten in the boiling sea, Luz was more important! Eda had of course questioned her.

“Now why were YOU on that ship to begin with? You could've gotten killed!” 

And then the Golden Chump showed up, and here they are. 

“Hello, criminals!” He said. “What's about to happen should be relatively painless. If you just do what I say.” 

“And why would we do that?” Luz retorted.

“Because none of you can use real magic.” He said, pointing a finger at the both of them. 

Eda narrowed her eyes and pointed back. “You don't know that.” Sure, glyph magic was different, but she won't stand the talk of it not being “real”. They haven't seen Luz in action.

The Golden Guard shrugged. “Maybe not. But I do know you're standing on a plant that eats flesh.” 

On cue, Eda and Luz looked down to see that they were indeed, standing on a flesh eating plant. And just in time, both of them could already feel the thing burning through their shoes. They yelped and lept to the side as the guard just watched. 

Ugh, stupid Golden Guard…, Eda thought. 

“Ahahaha! Okay.” He chortled. “The human will remain a sailor to repay all the money she lost.”

Eda tensed up at that idea. As if she'd allow Luz to become a pawn for the stupid emperor, just for some stupid money! 

Luz needs to be safe at home…

“While the Owl Lady will be arrested, again! For attacking one of the emperor's ships.” 

Luz looked at Eda, surprised. “Emperor’s ship?” She repeated. 

“They're the only ones worth robbing.” Eda replied. At least the kid didn't know. She thought. She supposed Luz wouldn't have gone if she knew this was a setup from Belos. She turned back to the guard.

“Why are you guys hunting the Selkidomus? It's a peaceful creature and you're provoking it!” Eda demanded. 

“The emperor ordered me to slay one. I'm just following orders.” The guard said nonchalantly. 

Losing her cool, Eda glared at him. “Well I'm just gonna smack you around a bit!” She shouted, snapping her arm off. Unfortunately, the Golden Guard was too quick for her, dodging her to the point where she tripped. 

“Leave Eda alone!” Eda heard Luz shout. Then the kid was tossed aside next to her. 

Apparently, the dingus wasn't finished with them quite yet, because he then threatened to dip them into the Boiling Sea, ouch, but then he changed his mind. 

“I don't have to be that mean.” He said snarkily. 

Titan I hate this guy already…

“No one will have to be a sailor or get arrested. If one of you follows those Selkidomus tracks and slays the beast.” He ordered. “Here! I'll help!” Then the guard materialized a sword into the air, dropping it in front of them. 

What is it with the coven and slaying innocent creatures?!

Luz looked at the sword, and back up to the guard, pleading with her eyes. 

The guard rubbed his mask. “Ugh, you're making this difficult. Go, or I drown the bird.” He said, revealing King behind the cage he had. Thankfully, the demon appeared unharmed. 

Eda looked at Luz, seeing her conflicted face. If she had Owlbert with her right now, she would've grabbed her kid and tried to make a break for it, as if the ordeal never happened. 

But of course it wasn't that simple. 

Luz sighed. “Fine.” And to Eda’s alarm, she picked up the sword. “I'll do it.” She said in a low voice. 

Eda reached out an arm as Luz headed towards the cave. 

“Luz, wait!” She pleaded. There had to be a way out of this other than killing! “Luz!” 

~ 

On the way to the area where the Selkidomus was, Eda was trying to disuade Luz from doing what she was about to do. 

“Luz, don't hurt the Selkidomus. We can find another way out of this.” She said. 

But Luz kept walking. “You heard what he said, Eda. If you and King want to be free…” Luz stopped in front of a ditch and jumped onto a shipwreck. “Then I have to do this alone.”

The witch found it hard to ignore that Luz excluded herself from the “being free” deal, and her heart started pounding at the sight of Luz being above a ditch again. She didn't like where this was going at all. 

“What's this ‘alone’ business? Don't you remember?” Eda tried reminding her. “Us weirdos have to-” 

“What? Stick together?” Luz snapped. She looked at Eda, forlorn, almost startling her with the sadness in her face. “Because you stuck with me you lost your magic! You almost got turned to stone, and now you can't even afford your apple blood because you're worried about what I need to eat!” She rambled, looking down sadly. 

Eda stared at Luz, her heart breaking for the girl. She knew Luz was going through some things, but she didn't think it was this bad. Only a week and a half of them being together again, and Luz still blames herself. She should've paid more attention in the last week. Eda tried to find the words to tell Luz that no, this isn't your fault, you can come down from there and we can find a different way to go back home together. 

But before Eda could come up with an answer, the Selkidomus below growled, meaning it was awake. Luz kept her balance on the beam, then looked away from Eda.

“It's my fault all this happened, that's why I've got to do this alone.” She looked back at Eda, smiling. “I'll make it all up to you, Eda the Owl Lady. I promise.” 

Then, to Eda’s horror, Luz let herself fall off the beam and down the ditch. She couldn't help reaching her hands out, as if she could actually catch her. Her heart dropped to her stomach and she couldn't help crying out Luz’s name. 

No, no, NO-

Suddenly, Eda was reminded of that day on the bridge. Her sister tossing Luz aside like a ragdoll, into the ditch, that terrified little girl screaming as she fell, onto the spikes- 

“LUZ!” 

Eda shook herself out of her stupor, reminding herself of what to do. 

Thinking quickly, Eda grabbed a nearby vibe and lept down the ditch to find her kid.

She just got her back, and she'll be damned if she lost her again.

Soon enough, the witch found a safe ledge to stand on and Eda spotted the kid on the ground, preparing to throw herself at the Selkidomus, which was already defending itself. Eda spotted a nearby branch, thick and strong enough to use. She tugged on it, preparing to swing. 

Just as Luz had catapaulted herself in the air with her ice glyph, Eda swung in just in time. She wrapped an arm around Luz, holding her as tight and as close as possible under one arm so she wouldn't be dropped. 

I gotcha, kiddo!

Thankfully they were able to avoid the creature’s jaws and landed safely in a bush. 

As soon as they landed, Luz had tumbled out of Eda’s arms and clumsily sat back up. Eda recovered as well, turning back to the kid. 

Eda pointed a finger at Luz, and she stared back with wide eyes, startled. 

“You think throwing your life away is gonna help me? Well it won't.” Eda said firmly. She needed Luz to hear this. Luz deserved to hear this. 

“You helped me find King’s crown when you barely knew me, you saved me from turning to stone,” Eda averted her eyes from the kid, starting to feel emotional. “And you even got me talking to my sister again.” She looked back up, seeing that Luz was still listening. 

“So…unfortunately for you…my life is pretty great because I'm friends with Luz the Human.” Eda finished, her voice wavering. 

That seemed to be exactly what Luz needed, because now she was looking at her with glistening eyes and a trembling lip.

Eda blinked her eyes hard to keep the tears at bay, and her face got serious again.

Focus, Eda, we need to get out of here.

“Now,” She snapped out of it and grabbed Luz’s face, startling her. “Your guilt-ridden brain is clouding your judgement.” She said, poking Luz’s forehead. “There’s gotta be a way out of this where no one has to get hurt.” Eda let go of the kid’s cheeks and looked around the cave.

Just then, a small noise made them turn around. A baby Selkidomus had approached them. Luz looked at it for a moment, putting the pieces together in her head, then turned back to Eda.

“Eda,” the witch looked at Luz, willing to hear any plan she had right now.

“Do you wanna learn your first glyph?” She asked with a determined smile, holding up one of her light glyphs.

Not for the first time, Eda marvels at just how bright her kid is.

~

Later, Luz and Eda had managed to create a fake Selkidomus out of plant glyphs and made it work by using the light glyphs to fool the Golden Guard into thinking they were fighting the real thing.

The power of theatrics and a bright young mind. 

Moments later, Eda had gotten up and used whatever paper was left to draw more light glyphs on the ground. 

She still remembers the first time Luz casted these glyphs. They were so beautiful, and Eda always found them comforting. And now she gets to draw them herself. It only took a week for her to finally try it, but it was worth it.

It wasn’t long before Luz returned with King safely out of the cage. When she approached, Eda took a ball of light in her hands and glanced up at Luz.

“My first glyph! Did I do good?” If she was being completely honest, Eda felt like a giddy little kid again, learning new magic and sharing it with the people she loved. It felt wonderful.

Luz observed her with a bright smile. “Yeah! You did great!”

The baby Selkidomus returned, quickly worming its way toward Luz, nuzzling her, which delighted the kid as she was hugging back.

“Baby, awwwww!” She cooed, and a part of Eda was relieved to see the Luz she knew begin to return.

“Wait- what is that?!” King asked, alarmed.

“Don’t worry, King, once the mother saw we weren’t a threat to her baby she calmed down.” Eda reassured, patting the baby gently. Then she turned to the mother behind them. “This area is dangerous,” she explained. “You need to move further out, into the sea.” 

Understanding Eda’s warning, the creature nodded. Then something strange happened. It started...gagging. Until it puked up a pile of some gold goop, which Eda recognized to be Selkie Gris.

Mother of Titan, they hit the jackpot!

Luz stared at it with disgust for a few seconds before Eda excitedly pulled her close in a side hug. 

“Hot dang! It gave you the treasure of the sea!” Eda said in excitement, holding her kid with one arm and holding the other arm out to present their prize.

“Gold? ...Tuna?” Luz said in confusion.

“It’s Selkie Gris!” Eda let Luz go and scooped some of the stuff into her hands. “People pay big money for it at the night market!” Seeing Luz’s still confused face, she got an idea. The witch smushed it in her hands and took the opportunity to rub it on the kid’s face. “Ahh, feeelll the money, Luz! Luxuriate it!” She teased. 

“No, no, Eda! Ahh!” As expected, Luz protested and squirmed against the touch, but she was starting to laugh, which is what Eda wanted. 

Eda smirked, taking hold of the kid’s hands as she tried and failed to get away. “What? Don’t like to luxuriate? There’s a whole pile of luxury right here!” Then she grabbed Luz’s arms and swiftly tossed her into the pile, earning a yelp from the girl. “Move over!” Eda said, following suit and landing face down.

“Edaa!” Luz protested, but she broke out into laughter with Eda. It filled the witch with much joy to see Luz laughing and smiling again. She deserved it after the rough day they just had.

With that being said, after a minute, Eda got up and decided it was finally time to head home. Maintaining her balance, she reached her hands out to Luz and hoisted her up, keeping a tight grip on her so she wouldn’t fall. 

Thankfully, the Golden Guard didn’t obliterate her boat, so they had a way back home. Eda used an extra sack she had to bag the Selkie gris so they could take it home. It was significantly lighter than the snails. They would have to make a trip the night market to trade it off soon. Something had finally gone right today!

“You ready to go home?” Eda asked, turning to Luz, who was settled behind her with King on her shoulder. 

“Aye-aye, captain!” Luz said, saluting. 

That’s the Luz I know and love, Eda thought. “Alrighty then, brace yourself!” and she, King and Luz started their way back home.

~

It was seven in the evening, and the trio had made it home. After Lilith had presented her scrying potion, Eda had gone off to order their takeout, leaving Luz alone with her thoughts in the hallway.

...Something Luz really didn’t like doing. 

A lot had happened all in one night, from her and Eda getting ambushed by the Golden Guard, to her being forced to go slay the Selkidomus (knowing she was about to take away a baby’s mother back there made it worse to think about), to Eda talking her out of it. 

In all honesty, Luz felt like she needed to hear those words. Eda was right. She had done so much to help her, and she did seem happier whenever Luz was around. Maybe she wasn’t a burden after all…

She was snapped out of her thoughts when the witch in question came back around the corner. 

“Well, I’m tired. How about you, kid?” She said, yawning. 

“Hungry.” Luz said simply. 

“Don’t worry, food should be here in about a half hour.” Eda replied, ruffling Luz’s hair. Then she noticed a familiar look on her face. “You okay, kid?”

Luz shook herself out of her thoughts. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

Eda put a hand on her shoulder. “I know that look. You’re deep in thought.” Luz looked down at the floor. “Do you wanna talk about it? You know you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” The witch knew it would only make it worse for the girl to keep things inside. And after what happened in the cave, she wanted to know how it got this bad.

Luz supposes it wouldn’t hurt. She trusted Eda. “Okay…” she gave a small nod. 

Eda slung an arm around her shoulders. ‘’C’mon, walk with me.” and the two walked slowly down the hallway. 

“A lot just happened tonight.”

“That’s for sure.” Eda agreed. “I- you really scared me back there, you know?” she said, hand tightening on Luz’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry.” Luz answered. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Eda. She supposes she doesn’t always consider that endangering herself contributes to that. “I just...wanted to make things right.”

They stopped walking as Eda turned to her. “You don’t owe me anything, Luz. You know that, right?” She said, meeting the girl’s eyes.

“But-”

“No buts. I promise I’m not angry, kiddo, I just hate seeing you like this.” She sighs. “I wish you would’ve told me before things got this far.” Noticing Luz starting to sag, she guides them to sit against the wall so they can talk more comfortably.

“I promise I’m not angry.” Eda repeats softly. “You're just a kid, you really shouldn't have to carry shit like this…”

Luz takes a breath and continues to speak. “I hated seeing you and Lilith have such a hard time with money. And most of the money that we did have was spent on me. I-I thought that if I got a big enough bounty, you wouldn’t have to worry so much about me anymore, and I wouldn’t be such a burden to you.” Luz could feel tears starting to build up. “But I guess I messed that up.”

“Hey.” Eda said, tilting Luz’s wobbling chin up. “Listen to me. Don’t you think like that.” She moved the hand to Luz’s shoulder. “You were never a burden, okay?”

Luz looked at her with teary eyes. “Really?”

“Really. A burden is an unwanted responsibility. But you?” Eda used her thumb to gently wipe away some of Luz’s tears. “I’ll never get tired of you. You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time. I want to take care of you. You mean so much to me.” 

At this point, Luz is smiling wide with a few stray tears rolling down her face. “Do you really mean that?”

Eda nodded, cupping her cheek. “Of course I do. I told you a week ago that I don’t regret anything. You’re a wonderful kid, Luz. Anyone that calls you otherwise is stupid.” Luz giggles at that. “I’ll pummel anyone that says otherwise.”

Luz hesitantly moves in for a hug, and Eda draws her in easily. “You promise?”

Eda nods, pulling Luz closer. “I promise. It’s okay.” She begins to stroke Luz’s hair a little bit. Then another thought intrudes her mind. Her grip tightens around her kid once more. 

“You really scared me when you jumped down there…” Eda spoke. “I thought I was gonna lose you again.” The memory of Luz falling towards those spikes is never going away anytime soon. The witch felt like her nightmares were coming true. No way in hell does she ever want to go through that again.

Luz nuzzles closer. “I know… I promise I’ll be more careful.” She isn’t sure it’s a promise she can keep, but she’s willing to try. A part of Luz notices that Eda’s becoming more and more casual with touch, but chooses to ignore it.

“Good.” Eda pulled away from the embrace, still holding Luz by her shoulders. “Remember that, okay? I don’t want you talking to yourself like this.” She said, tapping the kid’s head.

“I will.” Before they got up, Luz moved in for one more hug. “I love you, Eda.” Not for the first time, Luz was grateful that Eda made no small effort to just be there for her. She underestimated her.

Eda hugged her back. “I love you too, Luz.”

Then, a knock at the door, and a screech from Hooty.

“Looks like the food’s here! You still hungry, kiddo?” 

“Oh my god, yes.” Luz groaned. 

Eda laughed, stood up, and offered a hand to help Luz up. Unfortunately, the girl stood up too quickly, causing her to stumble a bit.

“Ahhh, head rush, head rush!” Luz murmured. She held onto Eda’s hand.

“You good?” Eda asked with a laugh.

“Yup, yup, I’m good. Just stood up too fast.”

“Wanna race to the kitchen?” Eda offered. “I’ll give you a head start.”

Luz chuckled. “You’re on!”

Yeah, Eda thought, looking fondly at her kid. I still don’t regret anything.

And Luz looked at Eda, seeing her heterochromatic eyes. True, the witch might've lost all her powers, but she didn't lose her love.

[sparklingchan]

Chapter 4|| Stormbringer- Stray Kids Demigod AU

Pairing : Reader(fem.) X Felix

Word count : 1.9k+

Warnings : Fight scenes, injuries but nothing too intense.

Genre : Romance, Demigod AU, fluff, angst.

Description: The day of the Capture the flag game arrives and there’s no denying that you and Felix make a wonderful team. Somewhere in the back of your head, you make a quiet note to have him by your side even when the real quests start.

A/N : Y’all I’m so bad at writing action scenes XDD I swear I’m trying to get better at it.

Enjoy!

SERIES MASTERLIST ||  Click here for introduction to the story and glossary and here for the Stray Kids demigod diaries!

Game mornings have always been your favorite.

Leaving out having to wake up early, you love everything else about game mornings; the little cheer song Apollo kids go about singing, the freshly cut fruits at breakfast which are otherwise a rare sight, camp students being all nice to each other which again is kind of rare, all the Satyrs moving here and there with banners and swords and arrows. The camp feels livelier than ever.

And to Felix, this sight is a complete different world. Almost like a pleasant dream.

Felix watches all the excited kids move around the camp, the jumping Satyr, the hearty breakfast and a new, foreign glow on your face as you sit across from him, explaining the game to him once again.

"Weren't you paying attention the first time?" You deadpan when he asks you to repeat, your front teeth nibbling against your lower lip in annoyance.

Felix smiles sheepishly and tilts his head with a shrug of his shoulders, as if to say 'Not really.'

You end up explaining it to him again because who could ever say no to that smile.

"So Capture the flag game is played in different ways by different Camps all around the world. As for Camp Levanter, we have a special set of rules that are to be followed."

"We're divided into two groups, which are further divided into smaller sub groups. Each group only has one purpose - to capture the flag that has been hidden at the Athena temple on the hill behind our camp. We can use dummy weapons to stop our opponents from getting to the flag first but we're not allowed to fatally hurt anyone or use our powers. Whoever gets to the flag first, wins. Do you understand now?"

Felix nods with a tense smile.

"I'm nervous, y/n." He later goes on to admit as Minho and Eden declare the beginning of the games and call over the participants near the starting line. You glance at him and he is fidgety, like a middle schooler going to his first date. He wears a loose black t-shirt with a pair of extra baggy pants and his fingers play with the blonde strands of his hair.

When he catches your gaze, he smiles ever so sweetly.

You look away.

You feel the adrenaline course through your own veins as you gently pat his shoulder, "We're gonna win this. Trust me."

The other participants soon gather at the starting line, the competitiveness very much distinct in their sharp glances and quiet snickers, a contrast to how it were this morning. You'd never been one to be nervous before and today, you feel more confident than you've ever felt before. You wonder if the boy standing beside you, with his fingers tight around the sharp wooden sword, has something to do with this sudden confident outburst.

"Alright. Everyone, get ready!" Minho grabs everyone's attention with his loud voice, "And.....GO!"

Eden blows the Horn and you turn to look at Felix, sending him a wink,

"We're winning this, Lee."

*

A few seconds into the game and you realise that Felix and you make a bloody wonderful team. He's good with the sword while you're good with the arrows, he has sharp senses while you have sharp reflexes.

Your opponents attack you at the most random, unexpected moment but the both of you happen to defeat everyone of them and move closer to the temple, climbing through the thick mountain forest.

"You know, I didn't think we'd make such a great team. " Felix admits, panting and wincing as a tree branch brushes past a bruise on his arm, "You're not that bad, eh?"

You manage to giggle just before an arrow wheezes past you, missing you by a single inch.

Your heart as if stops beating for a second.

"Shit! I thought we were leading!" You hiss, falling on the ground.

Felix gets ready to defend your vulnerable position, his sword raising in alarm.

While on the ground, you quickly grab an arrow and position your bow in the direction from which the opponents' arrow flew.

You hear crunching of leaves and branches and quiet whispering.

"They're here." Felix mutters.

The footsteps get closer and closer and before you know it, Felix is tackled aggressively onto the ground. You turn around and shoot your arrow, almost blinded by the suddenness of the situation.

"Goddamn it, Han Jisung!" Felix groans as he wrestles for dominance over Jisung, who is laughing almost maniacally.

"Jisung, I swear to-" you are about to get up and run towards the wrestling duo, but an arrow falls onto the ground, just near your feet.

Its your arrow.

"I underestimated you, y/n. You seem to be a pretty good archer." Changbin appears from behind one of the trees, a visible bruise on his cheek from where the blunt, rubber arrowhead must have hit him.

"And I, you." You respond, grabbing another arrow and stretching the string of your bow, "We're going to win this, Changbin. You might as well get going before I bruise your pretty face again."

Your words come from nowhere but a place of playfulness and competition, but Changbin's eyes turn dark.

You quickly run over to cover Felix, who seems to have gained dominance over a very tired Jisung, all of Jisung's arrows having fallen out of the case and onto the ground.

"I could say the same for you." Changbin approaches you, a wooden knife in one hand and a spear in the other.

He attacks and you dodge, smooth like a cat.

"Felix! Go! Get the flag!" You yell and hope Felix realises that Jisung is too tired to keep up a good fight, "Quick! Go now!"

Felix jumps from a panting, sweaty Jisung and runs towards the temple on top of the hill, his footsteps momentarily slowing down as he turns around to look at you, as if for reassurance.

You nod, "Go."

Your eyes turn to Changbin, who has his head tilted with a smirk on his face.

"I have always been a better runner than Felix, you know."

He tries to run past you but you grab the back of his shirt and drag him back, almost slipping in the process. Reflexively, he grabs your hand and forces his shirt out of your fist while you struggle to keep your feet flat on the ground.

Changbin is strong, you realise, extremely strong so when you try to throw in a punch, he dodges it easily.

Your brain is running wild now; your only motive being distracting Changbin from running after Felix.

"He won't go easy on you just because you've grown up together, you know." You say, almost mockingly as he tries to get out of your tight grip. You wonder if his shirt collar might tear because of it.

He scoffs, not bothering to answer but instead reaches for his wooden knife. And in the blink of an eye, the knife slashes across your forehead.

"Oh, God!" You groan, clutching the burning area on your forehead. Your body once again falls onto the ground, your vision extremely blurry.

With barely an eye open, you see Changbin run up the hill but you're quick to move and grab his feet such that he trips and falls down. You drag him down further, while he struggles to climb up.

Your heart beat is in your throat, your vision almost zero and your entire body is as if on fire. You pray to the Gods that Felix comes down the hill with the flag because in this state, you could only hold onto Changbin for so long. And not to mention Jisung who's slowly getting up with loud groans and complains falling out of his mouth.

As if on que, you hear footsteps hurrying down from up the hill and soon an enthusiastic voice follows,

"Y/n! We won!"

You wish to run up and hug the man but in your state, all you can do is let go of Changbin's leg and let out a sigh of relief, followed by a giggle.

"Told you, didn't I?"

* You often find yourself thanking the makers of Camp Levanter for making the Zeus cabin as far away from the others as possible that afternoon. It gives a much needed sense of privacy and the luxury of being able to choose when to socialize.

"I hope it doesn't leave a scar behind." You mutter to yourself, tending to your wounds on the verandah of your cabin.

You dip a cotton ball in an anti septic lotion and gently dab over your forehead, wincing when it stings.

"Need help?" You hear a heavy voice from near the staircase of the cabin and your heart jumps a little at his sight, "If you don't mind."

You run your eyes over the various purple and red marks on Felix's body and you pat the space next to you on the floor for him to come sit on.

"Your friend is dangerous." You remark when he settles down, flashing him your forehead wound.

He shrugs guiltily, "He's just a little aggressive, that's all. He'll come around."

Felix shifts in his seat and takes the cotton ball from your hand, silently volunteering to clean your forehead wound.

The sting is still very prominent, but Felix's other hand rubs comforting circles on your cheek to ease the pain.

"Minho told me that you met mom." He mutters after a few seconds, his lips turned down into a frown. Almost as if the news upset him.

"Yeah, I did." You admit as he applies an ointment and then fixes a bandaid over your wound.

"Have you never met-"

"No, I haven't. I don't know what she looks like or sounds like. My father never told me and she never bothered to show herself." Is he angry that his mother met you and not him?

You purse your lips, the sudden rise in tension making you uncomfortable.

"Hey, hey. I am not angry at you in particular." Ah, Aphrodite kids can feel auras. "I just wished she'd come to meet me as well. I don't know why she doesn't. " he mutters.

"Well," you start, "If it makes you feel any better, she did tell me that she wants you to go with us for a quest. Says its important for you to go."

Felix's eyes glimmer with a sense of relief. "Really?"

"Yes, of course and I'm sure she'll meet you soon." You reassure him, though you yourself weren't sure what Aphrodite might do. She isn't the most motherly entity, according to Hyunjin and the other Aphrodite kids.

"Do you want me to go the quest?"

You are applying the ointment on the bruise on his cheek when he decides to drop that question, catching you off guard.

"Why would my approval matter?" You ask.

"It matters." He almost whispers, "To me."

Heat races to your face at his unexpected yet sweet words. You know you shouldn't feel like this, you shouldn't get flustered because of a boy you met only a couple of days ago but under his unsettlingly calm gaze, you find yourself melting. Bit by bit.

"Okay, enough talk." You shake out of the trance, "Go to your cabin and rest. We leave tomorrow night. I hope you paid attention while Minho was explaining the quest or do I need to repeat it?"

Felix giggles, shaking his head, "I paid attention."

He jogs down the small stairs of your cabin and waves you goodbye, making his way to his cabin.

"And Felix,"

"Yes?"

I want you to come with me to the quest.

"Don't forget to have Ambrosia before bed. It'll help your wounds heal faster."

Oh, silly,silly, y/n!

[smellss]

after all these years - zuko x reader

gif credit: @forgotten-or-unknown-truestories​

a/n

I love the concept of the gaang interacting with all there children and i haven’t seen to many oneshots about it. I hope you enjoy this one because i think it’s my favourite one yet. keep requesting

- smells x 

the laugh of children could be heard echoing through the hallways of the palace, the patter of feet coming closer and closer to banquet hall were y/n was helping organize decorations for the banquet this evening 

uh oh here we go

“your highness the children are here to speak with you” the guard explained, trying to suppress his grin

“thank you enzo, let them in please” y/n smiled kindly to the guard, knowing what was coming next

the children all came in dressed in there best clothes for the feast they all huddled into a group,all whisper shouting until lin and kya pushed tenzin forward to speak

“um hello auntie y/n, we were wondering if we could ask you something?” little tenzin asked very shyly, looking down towards the ground trying not to make eye contact with y/n

“of course what can i help you all with?” y/n smiled to the children

“well um-m see we where...” tenzin stuttered his face becoming redder by the second, the children beginning to giggle behind him except for lin who scowled at all of them for teasing tenzin 

instead izumi took over instead pushing tenzin back to the group

“well mum, you know how we are all supposed to sleep in our separate rooms after the feast tonight. we were wondering if instead we could bring all our sleeping mats into one room and stay together?” the young girl spoke very quickly to her mother drawing out the last part, looking at y/n with pleading eyes

“like a sleepover” bumi added stepping forward to stand with izumi

“we promise to be extra, extra good aunt y/n don’t we guys?” kya said turning around to the kids, all of them nodding their heads and giving cheesy smiles

spirits how am i supposed to say no

“well if all of your parents say it’s alright, then i don’t see why you can’t” y/n exclaimed making eye contact with each of them giving them a warm smile

a wave of cheers erupted from the group, all of them running to y/n to wrapping there little arms around her legs yelling thank you over and over again

“now all of you run along the feast will start soon” y/n smiled to the children as they ran off happily discussing who was going to sleep next to who

izumi ran back one last time throwing her arms around y/n’s waist and squeezing it tightly

“you’re the coolest mum ever!” izumi exclaimed smiling widely, before running back to her friends

y/n smiled to herself, before walking over to help one of the guards hang up a picture frame

after hours of hanging up artwork, lighting candles and setting the table the feast was ready to begin. the children all sat at there table while all the gaang sat together, the people of the fire nation began to enter as zuko gave the opening speech to allow the feast to commence.

“it is not true” y/n exclaimed crossing her arms and pouting at her friends all teasing her

“love it’s true, they asked you because you can’t say no to them” zuko chuckled amused, placing a arm on his wife’s chair smilingly at his wife 

“no it is not!” y/n exclaimed flabbergasted at her husbands comment, throwing her hands in the air

“sure it isn’t buttercup, i’m sure that if they you asked you something you could say no” toph teased the woman, taking a sip of her drink looking staring at y/n knowing she would crack under her hard stare 

“there just so many of them and they always make tenzin talk for them and he has these little pleading eyes so i can’t say no” y/n rambled out before, snuggling her head into the crook of zuko’s neck out of embarrassment

the group laughed loudly at y/n, katara and aang nodding agreeing with knowing of there son’s bargaining capabilities 

the rest of the feast was a roaring success, everyone leaving with full stomach’s and droopy eye’s. the children all ran to the large room filled with sleeping mats, cushions and blankets the adult’s followed behind laughing at the children’s antics. the children all changed into there sleeping wear and began to settle for bed, y/n volunteered to stay with the children until they fell asleep. 

“be good for aunt y/n okay guys” aang said nodding at kya,bumi and tenzin all lying on there sleeping mats 

“we love you” katara whispered placing a kiss on each of there heads before walking out of the door arm wrapped around aang’s waist smiling 

“be good you two, okay?” toph exclaimed to lin and su, the girls smiled giving toph a quick hug before running back to there sleeping mat, sokka also winked at the beifong sisters from the door making both the girls giggle before walking out with toph

“izumi, i’ll see you in the morning okay?” zuko whispered into the girls ear giving her a tickle before walking over to y/n

“i’ll see you later love” zuko exclaimed kissing y/n on the head before walking out waving to all the kids before shutting the door 

the children erupted with loud voices and shuffling of mats now moving them around after there parents had gone lin and tenzin sheepishly moving there mats next to one another, kya and izumi moved so they would be next to su and bumi.

y/n shook her head and smiled at the children, lin and tenzin reminding her of herself and zuko when they were travelling with the rest of the gaang 

“okay, now that you have moved and gotten all of your talking out it’s time for sleep” y/n exclaimed to the children, resulting in a wave of groans and sighs 

“but mum we aren’t tired yet!” izumi whined flopping dramatically back onto her sleeping mat, y/n rolling her eyes at her daughters antics 

she really is so much like zuko  

“could you tell us a story please?” lin asked hesitantly a chorus of yes and pleases following lin’s question

“well i suppose so, what story would you like?” y/n questioned to the children

they all turned to each other and huddled little snippets of conversation could be heard like “no that’s boring” or “weird”, finally su and kya turned around with a squeal

“could you tell us the story of how you and uncle zuko met please?” the girls giggled and the boys groaned

“it’s going to be all gross and romantic” tenzin sighed in annoyance placing his chin in his hand

“what’s wrong with romance tenzin?” lin raised her brow at young air bender with a smirk plastering her face

tenzin let out a muffled nothing blush dusting his cheeks as he looked away from the young beifong girl

“well zuko and i didn’t get a long at first actually, we met at the northern water tribe when we fought against each other.” y/n began to explain to the children

“stop, leave him alone” y/n yelled as she jumped in front of aang and sent water crystals flying at zuko’s head, the fire prince shielding himself with a wall of fire

“i don’t think we have met yet, prince zuko soon to be capture of the avatar” zuko mocked the girl, sending back a ball of fire which y/n gracefully dodged

“i wish i could say it was a pleasure to meet you but it isn’t” y/n yelled sending a wave of water over freezing zuko in a block of ice

“by the way the names y/n” y/n smiled running over to help katara with aang

“woah you trapped dad in ice” izumi gasped looking at her mother with wide eyes

“yes well he was trying to capture aang” y/n explained to her daughter, making the other kids giggled at the thought of the two men trying to capture each other

“i met zuko again when he joined our group at the northern air temple, i didn’t trust him at first i was still convinced he was trying to capture aang. so he tried to convince me that he wasn’t.” y/n smiled at the memory

“spirits y/n what is it going to take to get you to trust me” zuko yelled at the girl throwing his hands in the air out of frustration

“i don’t know zuko, all this time we have been running from you and i’m not sure if i can trust you” y/n yelled back tears beginning to form in her eyes

“please y/n just give me a second chance” zuko pleaded, showing y/n a side of himself that she had never seen before

“okay i will give you a second chance,if you hug me” y/n said smirking at the boy

“what why would you want that” zuko exclaimed stepping away from the girl exasperated at the idea

“come on zuko one hug and i’ll give you a second chance” y/n teased opening her arms and wrapping them around zuko

the fire bender turned a bright shade of red as the girl squeezed him tightly, zuko reluctently wrapped his arms around the girl

y/n smiled contently, quickly placed a kiss on his cheek and skipped away yelling a “thanks zuko” over her shoulder

zuko stood there in shock placing a hand on his cheek were y/n has kissed him

“auntie y/n why did you hug him” kya asked tilting her head

“yes why did you hug me?” zuko questioned leaning against the door smirking at his wife before walking over to her, scary all the kids and y/n

“zuko spirits, how many times have i told you not to sneak up on me” y/n scolded the man whacking him on the chest causing him and the children to chuckle

“sorry love but i wanted to see what was talking you so long but now i want to know why did you hug me” zuko questioned his wife

“well i know how much you hated being hugged or anything involving another person touching you ,it made you feel like you were trusting them which weren’t really open too. so i knew that if you let me hug you and you accepted it that then you truly trusted me and i could trust you.” y/n explained to her husband smiling at him as the kids awed at the couple

“also i had a bit of a crush on you then��� y/n laughed before zuko hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear “i love you”

“now i think that is enough stories for tonight so goodnight everyone” y/n exclaimed waving to all the kids blowing out all of the candles, before walking out the door

“thanks for that zuko i don’t think i-mph” y/n was silenced by zuko’s lips pressing against her, still after all these years it sent fire works through her body

“thank you for trusting me love” zuko whispered tucking a stray piece of y/n’s hair behind her ear earning a loving smile from his wife.

“i would do again it a thousand times” y/n gleamed embracing zuko tightly just like she did all those years ago. 



[lumosandnoxwriting]

True Love - George Weasley

Title: True Love Pairing: George Weasley x Fem!Reader Summary: George may have married a girl his dead twin brother may have been in love with at some point but it’s really not what it looks like. A/N: this fic is born out of my hatred for a post I saw a few days ago that said George and Angelina only got together as a way to mourn Fred, and that they would eventually get divorced. Requests are open and feedback is always appreciated!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George is tiptoeing past Roxanne’s partially opened door to get a glass of water when he hears the little girl call out to him.

“Daddy?”

George stops in his tracks and shuffles over to her door, peeking in the crack. The only light in the room comes from a pink everlasting fire Y/N had produced in a jar for their daughter to use as a night light a few weeks ago. Roxanne is curled up in a ball in her bed, drowning in her fluffy comforter. George and Y/N had tucked her in and kissed her goodnight a few hours ago, so he frowns when he notices that her deep brown eyes are open and blinking up at him.

“What’s wrong, pumpkin?” George asks as he pushes her door open.

Roxanne sits up a little, reaching out to him. “Can’t sleep.”

George smiles at her grumbly voice, sounding so much like her mother does when she’s tired. He enters her room with a small laugh and takes a seat on the edge of her bed. He strokes her mess of curls they call hair and presses a kiss to her forehead.

“Well that’s no good, pumpkin. How can Daddy fix that?”

Roxanne, smiles up at him, leaning back into her pillows. “Can I get a story? Please?” she begs.

George lets out a chuckle. “Of course.” He starts to reach for the copy of The Tales of Beadle the Bard that Y/N had placed on Roxanne’s night stand a few hours ago after she had fallen asleep. But he stops in his tracks when Roxanne grabs his forearm.

“Noo,” she coos quietly. “A story from your head, Daddy.”

George raises his eyebrows and chuckles at her demanding tone. Yep, there is no denying that she is Y/N’s daughter.

“Of course, pumpkin, how silly of me.” He brings his hand that had been reaching for the book back and places it on her cheek. “Any requests, darling? I could always whip out the one about the brave knight who lost an ear in battle.” George winks at his daughter while gesturing towards his missing ear, causing her to giggle.

“No, not that one. You always tell that one,” she teases.

George laughs again, tapping Roxanne on her nose. “Well sorry,” he drawls. “How about the one where the three brave knights rescue the King from the dungeon using their flying stead?” George frowns slightly at the memory of his twin, a pang of sadness in his chest. George gives Roxanne a questioning look when she shakes her head. “What do you wanna hear then, pumpkin?”

“Tell me the story about how you and Mummy fell in love,” she asks, looking up at him hopefully.

George bites his lip, contemplating the idea. Y/N and George had never really told their kids the full story of how they met, considering that it was pretty questionable. All they had told Roxanne and Fred ii is that they had been friends while at school, and a few years after graduation they met again and fell in love. They never mentioned the fact that Y/N used to date Fred.

“Well sweetie you know that story. Mummy and I went to school at Hogwarts together, and went our separate ways after graduation and then we got together a few years after,” George explains, trying to dodge the question.

Roxanne rolls her eyes. “That’s the short version. I wanna hear the whole thing. Please Daddy?”

George sighs, he can’t resist her pleas. “Alright, pumpkin. I guess our story begins on the morning of May 3rd, 1998.”

-

George is sitting on the ground next to Fred’s body, mostly alone. There are groups of people scattered around the Great Hall, some mourning the loss of their loved ones, others waiting for Madam Pomfrey and the other Healers that arrived from St. Mungo’s to help them. Everyone seems to be leaving George alone, allowing him to spend a few more fleeting moments with his twin.

He’s looking down at his hands, tears streaming down his face, so he doesn’t realize that someone has joined him until she speaks.

“Hey, George,” Y/N speaks quietly, voice shaking.

George looks up at the sound of her voice. Y/N is sitting on the ground too, on Fred’s other side, tears streaming down her face. She’s covered in dirt and blood and George can’t imagine that he looks any better.

“Hey, Y/N,” he mutters after he clears his throat. His throat feels raw, probably from a mixture of the crying and the fact that he hadn’t spoken in a few hours.

George watches as Y/N stares intently at Fred’s face, her hand coming up to stroke his cheek. They’re quiet for so long that George jumps slightly when Y/N speaks up.

“It’s been years since anything has happened between us and yet I still feel,” she cuts off abruptly to let out a few sobs.

Y/N begins to cry harder and George places a hand over the one she has placed on Fred’s chest. He squeezes her hand tightly, wishing there was more he could do to make her feel better.

-

“Mummy used to be with Uncle Fred?” Roxanne asks, pulling George out of his thoughts. Roxanne and Fred ii had heard many stories about their dear Uncle Fred from both of their parents and various other family members throughout their lives. But George and Y/N made a point to make sure that no one ever mentioned her past with Fred. Not because she was ashamed at the fact that she had once been with Fred, but because she didn’t want to confuse them.

George nods, blinking away the tears in his eyes. “Many, many years ago, they were together. Back when we were at Hogwarts. Your Uncle Fred and I met your Mum when we were all in our first year at Hogwarts. You know we were all in the same house and played on the Quidditch team together. You’ve heard Uncle Harry talk about the Triwizard tournament, right?” George waits for Roxanne to nod before continuing. “We were all in our sixth year when that happened and there was this great huge ball on Christmas called the Yule Ball. Uncle Fred asked your Mum to be his date, and they dated for a few months afterwards.”

Roxanne purses her lips, thinking about what her father has just said. “And when Uncle Fred died, Mummy still loved him?”

“Not exactly,” he answers.

Roxanne groans and rolls her eyes at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

George rolls his eyes playfully. “Maybe if you hadn’t interrupted my story you would know by now,” he teases.

Roxanne sticks out her tongue playfully but doesn’t say anything else.  

“So, I guess our story continues in June of 1999.”

-

“Hey George. The store looks great,” Y/N speaks, shocking George. He turns around from where he had been stocking a shelf, a smile appearing on his face when he sees the familiar girl standing in front of him.

George hasn’t seen Y/N since the day they cried together over Fred’s body. He heard that she came by his funeral briefly, but he hadn’t seen her himself. Now, a little over a year later here she is, and George can’t help but think how beautiful she is. Her hair frames her face perfectly, and she is smiling warmly at him.

“Hey, Y/N. Thanks, it’s definitely getting there. Not quite back at its prime but, it definitely will be soon,” he says wistfully, looking around the shop.

After Fred’s death he hadn’t been able to step back into the store he had started with his brother. It hurt too much, and it almost felt wrong to go back to work without his partner in crime. The store had always been their dream, and George didn’t think he could carry on without Fred. He spent the first six months after Fred’s death moping around The Burrow, spending most of his time in bed, alone.

Everyone in the family had been patient with him, all of them taking time to grieve as well. Until one night, Molly sat him down and with as much love as possible told him that enough was enough. She had reminded him that Fred wouldn’t want George to throw away their dream just because he couldn’t be there with him. That the best way to honor his brother would be to carry on making their dream a reality. George, realizing his mother was right, had started planning new products that very evening.

He spent the next 5 months after that developing new products and perfecting them. 2 months ago, he finally plucked up the courage to enter the abandoned shop for the first time and started to put it back together. Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes had officially been open again for 2 weeks and running the store has made George the happiest he’s been in months.

“Every time I would come to Diagon Alley I’d check to see if the store was open again, and I’m glad it is. If there’s anything people need these days it’s some Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes,” Y/N says with a laugh.

There had been mass celebrations after Voldemort’s defeat, but so many lives had been lost that they were short lived, and the wizarding community had needed to slowly heal. Things had been getting back to normal, Diagon Alley was just as busy as it had been before, and George could hear happy voices and laughter every time the door to the shop opened.

George chuckles. “A bit of mischief makes everyone feel better. Things have been crazy since I reopened, I can barely keep up on my own.” He gestures towards the shelf he had been restocking when she came in, and the other various shelves that were missing products. “I never realized how much work it was, it was way easier when there was two of us. Between selling the products, making them and stocking them I’m exhausted,” he admits with a small laugh.

“I didn’t want to say it but, you look exhausted,” she teases, smiling at him playfully. “That’s um, kinda why I came in. I mean I obviously came in so I could see you,” she admits, blushing. “But also, I was wondering if you were hiring? I’ve been working freelance for The Daily Prophet but it’s not enough to keep me busy.”

George tries not to let his surprise show on his face. Y/N had always been supportive of George and Fred’s antics, but had never wanted to actively participate. George scratches the back of his head like he’s thinking about her offer, not wanting to seem too eager. “Yeah actually, that would be great. I could really use the help. I’ll have to get some references of course. Make sure you’re not too difficult to work with,” he teases.

Y/N rolls her eyes, playfully shoving George’s shoulder. “We got paired together in potions one-time years ago and you’re still giving me shit about it, Weasley? Unbelievable.”

-

“Mummy used to work with you? Before Uncle Ron did?” Roxanne asks, interrupting the story again.

George hums as he nods. Once Ron quit the Aurors office and came to work with George Y/N had left. Her and George were beginning to start their family, and she wanted to be a stay at home mum. She started writing again as well and had become a pretty successful children’s book author in the wizarding world.

“Yup. Uncle Ron used to work with Uncle Harry at the ministry, before you and your brother were born. So, your Mummy helped out at the shop, and then me and Mummy got married and decided to have your brother, so Uncle Ron decided to quit his job and work with me,” George explains.

Roxanne has a bewildered look on her face, like she had never thought about the fact that all the people she loves had lives before she was born. “So how did you and Mummy get together then? Fall in love?”

George chuckles. “I’m getting there, missy, don’t you worry about it.”

-

Y/N had only been working for George for a few weeks when he realized he had a huge problem. He was developing feelings for her. He had always found her attractive, but when Fred expressed interest in her during their fourth year he pushed those thoughts away. He was always the more reserved twin and doubted that he would ever act on those feelings anyway.

But now that they’ve been spending so much time together and working together so closely he can’t help but feel those things again. She’s just as beautiful has she had been back at school but there was so many other things too.

Her smile was so bright that it could light up the whole shop. She was always there to offer him a warm smile and a helping hand, staying late into the night to help him restock shelves or coming in on the weekends to help make a new stock for the upcoming week. She was always sending him little winks too throughout the day as they worked. While she was upselling a product to someone, or when he just seemed down and needed a pick me up, all he had to do was look over to her and she’d give him a reassuring wink.

And it certainly didn’t help that she was so damn good at her job. She was always helping him to arrange the store in the best way possible, moving around displays and finding new, exciting ways to showcase their range of products. She was so good with the customers too, always able to help someone, their customers always raved to George about how amazing she was as they checked out.

And her touch, it sent electric waves shooting down his spine. Whether it was a reassuring squeeze on his shoulders as he stirred a new potion late at night, or a hand on his back as she passed behind him his brain seemed to short circuit whenever they came in contact with each other.

It didn’t help that her presence had begun to creep into other parts of his life as well. She had only been working there a few days when Molly popped in to see how things were going. His mum had been so excited to see Y/N and invited her to dinner at The Burrow that night; since then it has become a weekly occurrence. He’s bumped into her at The Burrow more than once during the weekends as well, her and Ginny flying around each other and passing a Quaffle back and forth.

“Morning, George!” Y/N calls as she pushes through the shop door.

George jumps at the sound of her voice, not expecting to see her. It’s early on a Sunday morning, and George figured he’d be alone in the shop all day to catch up on the things they hadn’t finished the night before.

George stands up from where he had been kneeling behind the counter, trying to count out the safe, but mostly thinking of the girl who just entered the store. He smiles as she bounds up to the counter.

“What are you doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you,” he stutters, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. “But you were here late last night, I didn’t think you’d come in today.”

Y/N smiles at George, taking off her bag and placing it on the counter. “Well we didn’t finish everything last night, did we? You’ll actually be able to go out and enjoy your day if we’re both here working.” George gives her a look, prompting her to continue. “Besides I don’t mind being here all the time. I like being here.”

George’s smile fades, figuring that Y/n likes being here so much because it reminds her of Fred. They haven’t talked about that morning, when she had practically declared her love for his dead brother as they both cried, and George doesn’t plan on bringing it up.

He’s brought out of his deep thoughts as she passes by him, her hand brushing his arm and sending electric shocks up to his neck. He clears his throat to try and get rid of the lump in it. “Well thanks, I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem! What do you need me to do boss?”

George looks to the to-do list he had made after closing on Friday. Well the to-do list Y/N had made for him; she really was a huge help around the shop. Even if she did distract him from his work from time to time.

“Well looks like the next thing up on the list is,” he pauses, suddenly nervous. “Next thing up is to restock the love potions. But uh, I checked in the back earlier and we’re all out, so you’ll need to brew up a new batch.”

Y/N nods, heading towards the storeroom to grab the needed ingredients. “Yeah I can do that, no problem.” She pokes her head back through the door. “Or are you still hung up on that whole potions thing and don’t trust me?”

George laughs with her, his nervousness melting away at her playful tone. “Just get to work, yeah?”

With Y/N out of sight George is able to get back to work, and he had forgotten that she was there. That was until she interrupted him while he was stocking the shelves, causing him to shout and drop all of the Skiving Snackboxes he had in his arms.

“Bloody hell, Y/N. Forgot you were here,” he says with a nervous laugh, his cheeks tinted pink with embarrassment. He turns to face her, glancing at the cauldron in her hands. “What’s up?”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you Georgie,” she says with a laugh, causing George’s knees to quiver at the nickname. “I haven’t made a potion in ages, let alone Amorentia. Just wanted to see if you could check it? Make sure I did it right.”

“Yea, ‘course,” George says quietly, leaning close to look at the potion. He stirs it with the silver spoon, checking to make sure the consistency is right. He’s a little nervous, leaning in so close to Y/N that he momentarily forgets what Amorentia does. “Forgot to mention, but that new perfume you’ve been wearing smells really good.” Y/N gasps, taking a small step back. George looks up at her. “What?”

“Thanks but um. I’m not wearing any perfume today,” she stutters out, refusing to meet George’s eyes.

George is about to question her, since he definitely just smelled her perfume, when it dawns on him. He wasn’t smelling her perse, but the Amorentia smelled like her to him. And he just admitted that.

“Look, Y/N I. I,” but he trails off, unsure of what to say. He opens his mouth to say something else but is stopped by Y/N stepping close to him and pressing a hard kiss to his lips. It lasts just long enough for George to grip her waist and for Y/N’s hands to tangle in his hair. Just as quickly as she had kissed him her lips were gone and they were just staring at each other.

She opens her mouth to speak, but when nothing comes out she closes it again. And before George knows it she’s rushing towards the counter to grab her bag. “I should go. Yeah I should go. I’ll see you later,” she rambles. And before George can blink again the door is shutting behind her.

-

“So, Mummy kissed you first!” Roxanne says excitedly when George stops talking.

“What? Like it’s surprising?” George scoffs with a chuckle.

Roxanne shrugs her shoulders, playfully smiling at him. “I mean have you seen how pretty Mummy is? And you’re, well you’re alright I guess.”

George can tell that she’s teasing him, and as payback he tickles her sides, causing her to shriek with laughter.

“Shhh,” he whispers, realizing just how late it is. “We don’t want to wake your brother up, or your Mummy.”

Roxanne nods, taking a few deep breaths to settle down. “So, what happens next? You and Mummy kiss and then what?”

-

George is still horrified about what happened the next morning as he opens the shop. He’s exhausted, having stayed up most of the night finishing everything on his list. It shouldn’t have taken him that long, but he kept getting distracted, thinking of how Y/N’s lips felt on his.

He’s about to grab the door handle so he can unlock it and officially open up when the door swings open and Y/N is walking through it. They collide, and George instinctively reaches out and grabs her around the waist so she doesn’t fall to the ground.

A moment later he realizes what he did and he lets go, stepping back. His cheeks are red and he rubs his neck sheepishly. “Sorry! Sorry. I didn’t think you’d come in today so I was just. Sorry, sorry.”

Once he finishes his rambling he turns on his heel and practically runs towards the counter, not even daring to glance at Y/N. But he can hear her footsteps following behind him and when he turns around she’s standing at the counter, an apologetic look on her face.

“I’m the one who should be apologizing to you, Georgie. I shouldn’t have ran out on you like that. And I shouldn’t have kissed you that was… well anyway, I’m sorry,” she says quickly.

George opens his mouth to respond, but the door to the shop swings open and Y/N is off to help the few customers who came in.

“You need help with anything?”

George looks up from the papers on his desk to see Y/N poking her head into his office. They haven’t spoken since their weird moment this morning, and after the afternoon rush George excused himself to his office to work on paperwork while Y/N stocked some shelves and made up a new display. But that must have been hours ago now, as the sliver of shop George can see over Y/N’s head looks dark.

“Just been going over the books. Well trying to at least,” he admits, running a hand through his hair. “I let Fred do it the last time. Well no, I didn’t let him, he insisted on it. Some crap about how he needed to know how to do it. But boy was listening to him a mistake,” he admits with a sad chuckle. “I can’t make out half of what he wrote and the half I can is completely wrong.”

Y/N doesn’t say anything, but gives him a sad look. George feels awkward in the silence, so he continues to ramble on.

“And I wanna be mad at him, for not taking it seriously but. Then I get mad at myself for feeling that way. And then I feel sad because he’s not here for me to just ask him what the hell it says and then I try and figure it out and get mad when I can’t and it’s just a vicious cycle.”

Y/N doesn’t say anything right away, trying to choose her words carefully. She comes into his office and takes a seat at one of the chairs across from George’s desk. George runs his hands through his hair again, silently pleading that she says something. A few more quiet moments pass before Y/N speaks.

“That sounds. Well frankly that sounds like hell. But it’s okay to feel like that, you know. It’s okay to be mad at Fred. It’s okay to feel whatever you want towards Fred, that’s a normal part of grieving, George,” she explains, leaning forward in her chair.

“So, years will go by and I’ll still feel,” George mumbles almost without thinking. He casts his eyes downward, not wanting to look Y/N in the eyes or see the expression on her face.

A pink blush flushes Y/N’s face. “You, um, remember that then? You never mentioned it, so I figured you forgot about it, or maybe never even heard it. I was kinda hoping that you never even heard it.”

George looks up at her then, staring deeply into her eyes. “Is that why you came into the shop that day? Why you started working here? So, you could feel closer to Fred? Is that why you kissed me?” His last question is quieter, practically a whisper. He feels ashamed as soon as he asks, he wants to take it back.

But then Y/N lets out a laugh, shocking George. He looks at her quizzically. “What? Are you laughing at me?”

Y/N shakes her head no, but continues to laugh, almost as if she can’t stop herself. It takes what feels like an eternity for her laughter to die down, and once it does she scoots closer to George, reaching out to touch his hand.

“That day, when we were sitting there in the Great Hall, I wasn’t talking about still feeling love for Fred. I never really loved Fred. Not in that way at least.”

George is taken aback by that. “What do you mean?”

“Georgie, Fred and I dated for like 4 months when we were 16. It was nice to have someone to go to Hogsmeade with or carry my books and it was fun spending time with Fred but I wasn’t in love with him. And Fred knew that, that’s why we broke things off.”

George looks at Y/N. He’s trying not to get his hopes up, but he’s still so confused about everything. “So, what the hell were you talking about that day? Because I sure as hell thought you were talking about still being in love with Fred.”

Y/N bites her lip, dropping her gaze to the floor. “I was talking about feeling guilty, George.”

George suddenly pushes away from his desk, beginning to pace back and forth. “Feeling guilty for what, then?”

“Feeling guilty for being in love with his twin brother!” Y/N admits suddenly, causing George to stop in his tracks.

“Come again?” he asks, looking down at Y/N. His eyes follow her as she stands up and walks over to him.

“I was never in love with Fred. And after we broke up I started to fall in love with you. But I never acted on it because I felt guilty. I knew Fred had strong feelings for me, so I never tried to act on my feelings for you. And that day, when I saw you in the Great Hall, even though it had been years all of those feelings came rushing back. How I felt for you, how guilty I felt for feeling those things. That’s why I came over there that day, because I wanted to see you, make sure you were okay. And I hoped that saying goodbye to Fred would make me feel okay to try and approach you.”

Suddenly it dawns on George. “That’s why you came to his funeral, then? To put those guilty feelings to rest once and for all.”

Y/N nods, taking one of George’s hands in hers. “That’s why I didn’t stay long. The second I saw you I wanted to run into your arms and kiss you. But I figured that was probably not the right time or place to fling myself at you.”

George laughs, trying to imagine what he would have done if Y/N had done that. He uses his free hand to reach up and cup Y/N’s cheek. “So that day you came into the shop, it was to see me?”

Y/N rolls her eyes but nods. “I said that, didn’t I dummy? That I came into the shop to see you. I would make excuses to head to Diagon Alley nearly every day to check to see if the shop was open. It took me two weeks to get the courage to actually walk in once you opened back up. And truth be told-“ she stops, letting her gaze drop to the floor. “I didn’t really need a job. I just wanted an excuse to spend more time with you.”

Suddenly so many things started making sense to George. “So that’s why you would stay in late? Come in on days off?”

Y/N nods. “And why I agreed to come to dinner at The Burrow every week, and why I agreed to help Ginny with her Quidditch training.”

“Not to keep the memory of my dead brother alive?” George asks, almost unable to believe everything he’s heard. Y/N shakes her head. “But to be close to me, because you’re in love with me?”

Instead of nodding Y/N grabs George’s face and brings their lips together in a heated kiss. George is frozen for a moment, his brain trying to catch up with what’s going on. Once it does he kisses Y/N back hungrily, his hands gripping her hips tightly. They kiss for a few moments before Y/N pulls away breathless.

-

“And that was that. Your Mum and I got together and the rest is history.”

George stops with his story, waiting for Roxanne to say something. When she doesn’t he looks down, a smile spreading across his face when he notices her eyes have fluttered closed and she’s breathing slowly. He presses a kiss to her forehead and tucks her blanket around her tighter.

He’s closing her door behind him quietly when he runs into his wife, nearly shouting at the scare she gave him.

“Bloody hell, how long have you been standing there, love?” he asks, wrapping his arms around Y/N’s waist.

“Long enough to hear you spill all of our dark secrets,” she responds with a quiet laugh.

George frowns. “Are you mad? I know we said we wouldn’t tell them, but you know I can’t resist her puppy eyes, just like how I can’t resist yours.”

Y/N doesn’t answer him, choosing to press a kiss to his lips instead. Y/N buries her hands in George’s hair as he deepens their kiss, his hands squeezing her hips tightly. They both can’t help but be reminded of the kiss they shared all those years ago that George had just finished recounting.

“Why did you get out of bed anyway, hm? You were sound asleep when I went to get my water,” George asks a few minutes later when they’re back in bed.

Y/N shrugs, snuggling up into George’s side. “You were gone for ages. Thought maybe you were sneaking some of those chocolate chip cookies I made, wanted to catch you in the act. ”George laughs, throwing an arm around his wife and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“So, you weren’t lying in bed awake, thinking of my dead brother?” he jokes with a chuckle.

Y/N smacks him on the chest lightly, laughing along with him. “You’re lucky I love you, Weasley.”

“You’re right, my love. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”