#she’d never met a cat before so we weren’t sure how it’d go but she’s obsessed

[vaguelyhauntedcornfield]

We got my brother’s new cat home and the first thing my dog did was offer her her favorite ball 🥹

[swingstep]

Since a lot of people seemed interested... here’s a Ratswap AU post!

All the info will be under the cut since there’s, frankly, a lot of information. But for now: a synopsis!

Ratswap is a MRD roleswap AU! The basic swaps are Mad Rat with Rat God and Heart with Mimolette! The rest... are probably best to be read for yourself! Things get a lil weird, not every event is 1:1 per character! With that out of the way... here we go!

~~~

Hat Rat (aka swap!Rat God) is a perfectly normal pet rat living in a perfectly normal house with a little girl. She doesn’t have contact with much of anyone other than the girl and her pet cat who also lives there, but she’s pretty much on her own. Except for her imaginary friend, Mimolette!

But one day, she gets taken into the vet for a procedure. She’s not sure for what or for why, but once she gets there she starts, frankly, freaking out. Being stuck in a little cage surrounded by strangers with masks and bright lights and sharp objects... it was a nightmare. She didn’t know these people-- what did they want with her? 

It’s just before the operation starts that she hears a voice tell her to listen to her heart, put her paws on her chest, and make a wish. And, miraculously, something clicks-- and she opens her eyes back at the beginning of the day again! Turns out, this weird guy that calls himself “Mad Rat” was the one who helped her, and with a little convincing (but mostly just her being curious anyway,) she decides to leave her cozy life to see what really lies out there on the city skylines! So its an adventure with one rat, one imaginary heart friend, and one emo boy who just kinda showed up one day but they’re totally friends! :)

And Hat basically just... gets into trouble. She loves seeing the outside world for the first time but has no idea how it works, which leads to her just barely avoiding getting herself hurt or killed. Multiple times. To the chagrin of her companions. 

...Even though Mad Rat is kind of egging her on sometimes, He thinks its funny.

Mad Rat is treated as this "cool guide figure" who Totally knows what the outside world is like (he doesn’t.) and Mimolette is the very exhausted voice of reason (who is glad her friend is having fun but Please look before you cross the street please they’re begging you Hat pl--) 

At some point, Hat stumbles into a group of rats in an alley and decides to go say hi! She’d never met any other rats before, so she was pretty excited (though her companions seemed rather antsy at the idea.) It was quickly revealed that these rats weren’t exactly the friendliest, talking strangely in circles before suddenly seeming to panic at the sight of her and lashing out. Being small and slippery, she manages to scoot away before tripping and stumbling into a storm drain, throwing them off her trail. 

---

Hat seemed vaguely miffed about “the gall of those guys >:/” while Mad Rat advises she keep away from other rats, as they’re all “kind of assholes anyway.” He doesn’t seem to like them very much. Hat, despite the unintended tumble, actually is very excited to explore the sewers, despite the fact that they seem to be flooding just slightly. Mimolette isn’t exactly thrilled, but doesn’t stop her, coming along anyway.

Along the way, Hat begins hearing things distantly in the tunnels. Mad Rat begins ribbing her, suggesting it’s some sort of Monster or Ghost, which Hat and Mimolette protest to-- but... the noises had to come from somewhere, right..? They eventually reach the deepest parts of the sewers when Hat’s paranoia reaches its peak. There, they encounter the source. 

It starts with quiet echoes of Hat’s words, then piercing eyes in the dark. Soon, the form grows in size and volume, before its entire form makes itself apparent: a phantasmal form of writhing claws and limbs shambling towards them as it takes an almost feline form, the echo almost a bellow as it barrels towards the group. They Decide It’d Be A Good Idea To Run.

After a rather terrifying chase scene, the group finally makes their way out of the sewers. Mimolette is especially concerned (considering they were the only one who couldn’t see the ghost,) but Hat refuses to acknowledge anything that had just happened beyond “Haha! That was scary ! :)” Mimolette is starting to get pretty worried, but Hat seems to be mostly distracted– especially since Mad Rat seems to be actively taking the lead. They cant really do much, so Mimolette follows along and tries to keep an eye on things. They can't shake the feeling that something's on Hat's mind, though..

---

Eventually, the group heads to a nearby rooftop as the day seems to come to an end, watching the sun set for the first time, collectively. It’s a very lovely scene together, at least until they ask Hat what she thinks. She seemed to be mostly at a loss for words... before she blacks out.

...The clock winds back. Hat wakes up back on the windowsill of her old home. It’s revealed that Hat just… died. Right there. And time rolled back to the start of the day again. Mad Rat explains that her heart gave out on her, and he had to turn back time to stop it. Mimolette quickly begins freaking out about her friend dying, and Hat seems to be processing it, before she simply goes “So we get to do it all over again! :D” Mad Rat cheers her on for a Positive Mental Attitude™ before Hat runs off again, leaving Mimolette confused and concerned.

It isn't for a while that Mimolette decides to speak up, noticing that Hat had been incredibly spacey and flippant through the entire journey, refusing to even acknowledge her own fucking death. Hat shoots back that everything was fine, and that none of it was really that big of a deal, that it wasn't worth interrupting their time together. And Mimolette decides to stand firm, refusing to let Hat ignore the problem any longer. If they wanted to keep going like this, she'd have to get through them first. And for Hat, if it was a fight they wanted... well, it was a fight they were gonna get.

In the end, Hat manages to come out on top, but... the entire time, Mimolette would not stop talking. poking holes in her worldview. How it was weird that, all of a sudden, this guy showed up and convinced her to just leave. How she was seeing things, with the ghost in the sewers, or the “nightmares” in the streets.

...How she was completely ignoring how her own health was suffering, in favor of literally anything else. Because Mimolette could tell that something was wrong. They were her heart, and they could feel it coming even if Hat didn't want to face it. At its core, Hat was dying, and it was Mimolette's fault.

And hat couldn't argue with them. So... she didn't. She didn't like the conversation anymore. It wasn’t fun anymore. It was never fun. So Hat decided not to think about it anymore. Mad Rat was waiting, They had places to be. Mimolette didn't have the energy to argue anymore, so... they stayed quiet, and let her go.

---

Hat wasn't very talkative after that. Mad Rat just took the lead deciding where to go, what to see. Hat never brought up what'd happened. It was like it never happened. It wasn't until afterwards that things started to become slightly more clear, When they noticed a commotion on the roads.

As it turned out, Hat wasn't the only one to leave home that day. The little girls cat, Jack, noticed her departure and became worried, slipping outside and wandering the city to look for her. And cats aren't exactly as good at rats at slipping away from the dangers of a new place-- which becomes painfully obvious when they learn about how Jack met his untimely end looking for her on the busy streets. 

Mad Rat insists they keep going, saying that it was a shame, but it wasn't their issue anyway. But Hat couldn't shake this deep seated feeling of guilt. That what happened was her fault. That she knew something was wrong, That she knew it couldn't have been that easy-- that she knew that ghost was familiar for a reason. So, Hat takes things into her own paws, and turns back the clock.

 At the end of it, Hat manages to save him. Glad to see her, Jack offers to carry her back home to safety, but she backs away quickly. She doesn't explain, but... she just needs a minute. And... she runs away.

Making her way to the rooftops, Hat sits in silence before Mimolette appears again, concerned. And... hat rat lets her walls down. Because deep down, she’s fucking terrified. Of all of this. She was excited to have her friends, excited to see the world, finally, but... suddenly, everything was so real. All she wanted was to finally live the way she wanted with the people she loved after so long of just living so shallowly, away from the people with their sharp objects and bright lights and medical masks, and just... really truly be free. 

But she couldn't. She always knew she couldn't. Because knowing what she did, knowing what Mimolette told her... they all couldn't live in this situation. Mimolette was killing her, and she knew this, but that operation would take them away from her. She’d known the whole time. She could feel it coming too-- she just couldn’t bear to think about it, couldn’t bear to think about what it meant. She couldn’t bear to consider a life without her closest friend. So... she didn't. She kept following the cycle, kept seeing all she could, just so she wouldn't have to face a reality where Mimolette was taken away from her. Because what would she have then?

She couldn't deflect anymore, and Mimolette was the only one who would and could understand. Mimolette was the only one who would truly Listen. She couldn't take the truth even when it laid itself bare in front of her, when it bit back after she ignored it. Because even after she lashed out at them, deep down, it was all because she couldn't take hearing a goodbye from her own friend. She couldn't stand that Mimolette was so accepting of it. She couldn't stand that they were so willing to let her go that easily.

But... it wasn't really "being let go" at the end of it. They didn't fight because Mimolette didn't want to live-- they fought because Mimolette wanted, so desperately, despite themselves, that they wanted her to Live. And Hat couldn't accept that. She still couldn't. But she'd spent long enough ignoring the person who'd given their everything for her. After so long of talking together, of cheering them up, after painstakingly insisting that Mimolette was her friend, no matter how "real" they told themself they were-- Mimolette had made the choice to save her. and Hat would do anything to let that wish come true.

---

So... they go back. Jack was waiting right where they left him, waiting for her to come back. She'd made her choice-- she'd have to face her future head on. And... time stops.

Because there was one person who hadn't stated their claim-- one person who, after everything, just couldn't let it go. Mad Rat reveals his true nature.

Mad Rat was a parasite. He couldn't live on his own. His life revolved around the consumption of others, An endless cycle that he just couldn't bear. So, he just decided not to. He'd live the way he wanted to-- and he finally found someone who would share his dream, who he could finally live through. And it was fun! He'd gotten to see so much, to do so many things-- but after everything, here she was, throwing it all away. Because if she went home, if the operation went through, it would be the end of him too. And he couldn't have that. He'd thought Hat had finally chosen his side after her spat with her little friend, but she just went and threw everything he did for her back into his face. And he was pissed. 

They wanted to mess with his happy ending? They wanted to make him into a villain? He'd show them a fucking villain. So, for the first time, truly tapping into his abilities as this parasite, and give them one good fight-- vs the Phantom Sun. But, despite everything, despite how airheaded and dumb she played herself out to be-- Hat wasn't going to take this. Being betrayed by someone she called a friend... she didn’t have the energy for sulking anymore. She was fucking pissed. He wanted to mess with her? With the wishes of her friend? She'd show him what she was really capable of.

---

Despite the odds, through the power of a spoken promise between a rat and her heart, they overcame the impossible. Against the rage of the parasite, against the fury of the sun, Mimolette and Hat Rat reigned victorious. And at the end of their battle in the mindscape, Hat blacks out... and awakens to see Jack carrying her home, concerned at her sudden fainting spell. Mad Rat was nowhere to be seen. They were going home. 

Jack couldn't take them the whole way they came-- he'd have to find another way while she went back on her own. She'd made it that far, she would be fine. And so, just the two of them, Hat and Mimolette begin the trek back home. One last journey. Hat still wasn't ready, but... a promise was a promise. But as they closed in on their old home, things get... hard. 

Hat's vision swims again, and once more everything fades to black. Because Mad Rat wasn't done yet. He wasn't willing to let go that easily. He wasn't willing to give up that easily on his own life. If he had to take things into his own hands, he would. And Hat Rat was furious. This guy really thought he could play with her life, mess with the things she cared about without consequences? She was just as willing to go down fighting as he was. And if it was a fight he wanted, it was a fight he was gonna get.

And it wasn't easy. Mad Rat quite literally fought with every fiber of his being, pulled no punches, used every single one of the fears he knew she had in order to strike her down. But... she couldn't be kept down that easily. She never could. After all, she wasn't just fighting for herself anymore. She had someone to fight for. This wasn't just for her, not even remotely. 

But Mad Rat made the sole mistake of thinking he could stand in the way of her friend's final wish. And what he didnt know was ultimately his downfall: Hat wasn't some dumb useless house pet that could just be squished and be over it. Because after all the time they’d spent together, Hat understood him just as well. She knew all of his tricks. and that was what gave her the edge. And... she pushed through. He just couldnt keep up with her anymore. 

Mad Rat was defeated, but... he still couldn't let go. He had nothing left, but he still couldn't let go. He couldn't understand why she was so willing to so blindly follow into a point of no return. He couldn't understand why she was so willing to just lose everything just like that. They could've just kept going, exploring the world together, that same idyllic day, over and over. He couldn't understand-- he... he wasn't ready to go yet. And Hat hears this, and it all clicks into place. She understood him. Because at their core, they were the same, once. Unable to face forward, unable to let go of this unsustainable dream that their problems just weren’t there, This deep seated selfishness. 

And Hat sees this... and turns away. It wasn't up to her to fix him. It wasn't his choice to make. If he still thought that he could do what he wanted with her life... well, there was no hope reasoning with him. Their journey wasn’t over. His was.

---

So... they leave the final hallucination, make their way back to where the story began. The day was coming to a close, and they could both feel it. Her steps grew uncertain, focus wavering. Hat stumbles back to her cage, her energy finally giving out on her, that deadline closing in. But she was where the humans could find her-- that was what mattered. She could hear them coming. Things weren’t in her hands anymore. As her consciousness faded in and out, Mimolette appeared one final time to wait out the last of their time together. Hat couldn't respond to them, but they knew she could hear them. And... they just talked. 

Talked about their time together, how much they enjoyed spending time with her. how much she changed their fate-- even knowing that Mimolette wasn’t "real" like she was, Hat still fought with her entire being to let Mimolette see themself as a person-- someone that was cared for. And after all their time together, they could really feel it. They knew, they understood, and they hoped that Hat Rat could feel it from them as well. As the humans came in and prepared to take hat away, as the last of Hats consciousness hung on, Mimolette gave a final wave.

"Thanks for everything. it was fun." 

And everything after that was a blur. Movement, lights, dulled sound-- she couldn't comprehend it all, but just as quickly as it started.. she was back in her cage. Alone. Quiet. It was over. And she lay there. The quiet was enough to tell her what she needed to know... but it didn't stop her from wanting to call out. She knew she wouldn't get an answer. but.. through the quiet, someone else made their presence known. Jack had been waiting nearby, wanting to check on her. and... Hat let him. Because even though they'd never acknowledged each other before, even though he would never truly understand, he was the closest thing to someone who could remember-- and he knew what she did for him. Even if it wasn't the same, she could move forward with a new bond, a new friend. It’s what Mimolette would’ve wanted, after all.

[deadbiwrites]

a video of supergirl grabbing lena luthor's ass starts circulating and it's very embarrassing for sc but extremely funny to their friends

(I am SO sorry. Where do these hide? Why do I never see them? How long has this been here?!

Anyways, have some cute nonsense!)

The day starts like any other, honestly.

Like, sure, Kara’s never thrilled when she wakes up 20 minutes late and has to use superspeed to get through her morning routine and into the office on time, but it happens regularly enough that she’s just sort of used to it by now. Like, the sky is blue, the grass is green, she manages time poorly. Whatever.

But she does get to work on time, with just enough to spare that she can make a brief detour to Nia’s desk for the coffee her protege has already bought for her, thank her profusely (with perhaps minor promising of firstborn children), and slip into the morning meeting just as Snapper, James, and Lena start handing out assignments for the day.

“Well, well, good of you to join us, Ponytail. Let me guess, a family emergency kept you out all night again?”

‘I mean, that Abraxian wasn’t my family, technically, but someone’s family, so…’ “Something like that. Sorry.”

Lena catches her eye and quirks a brow in question, but Kara just shrugs easily and sips her coffee, pulling a silly face at her friend when Snapper’s attention moves away from her. When her eyes uncross, she can tell Lena is fighting not to laugh, eyes sparking with mirth as she bites her lip. Kara takes another sip of coffee, feeling a bit smug that she can get Lena to smile without even having to say anything to her. That’s real talent, right there.

Especially since Lena has to stand up at the front with James, who has been by turns cold, dejected, and surly toward her since their breakup (a big, real, final one) a few weeks prior. Lena had said that the whole thing was a mistake, that she should’ve never gone for it in the first place because she’d been right the first time- they’d had some chemistry, after all, but it certainly wasn’t compatible long-term. 

Which… Kara can certainly relate. Like, a lot.

Especially about the whole… James being kind of wounded about it part. That part had really sucked- when he’d done it with Kara, who he’d gone on like, a date with, it’d resulted in him deciding to become a vigilante. Rao only knows what he’ll do when it’s someone he dated on and off for over a year...

“Ponytail!”

Kara jumps, realizing too late that her wandering attention hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Yes, sir?”

Snapper rolls his eyes. “Great, now that you’ve stopped orbiting Saturn, you wanna go get that article started?”

Kara’s eyes widen slightly in a panic as she realizes that she has no idea what he’s talking about. “Uh…” Behind his back, Lena catches her eye and nods subtly. Thank Rao. “Yes. I super do.”

Lena snorts, James sighs deeply, and the meeting is adjourned.

**

“So what exactly am I supposed to be doing today?” Kara asks Lena as they stroll out of the conference room together.

“Well unfortunately for you, you have to interview a big-time CEO. You have a meeting scheduled with her in three hours.”

“You?” Kara asks hopefully.

“You’re very sweet,” Lena chuckles. “No, Elena Watts. She’s a real estate developer, and she runs a nonprofit organization for homeless youth. It’s one of the articles we’re doing for next month’s spread. Contrary to popular belief, Cat and I weren’t the only women with high-profile jobs in this city. ”

“Oh, that’s pretty cool! Have you met her?”

“Not personally, no, but I have donated to her charity- it’s a very good cause, especially the outreach they do with queer youth.”

Kara elbows Lena gently. “You’re such a softie.”

“Mmm, maybe. But if you tell anyone, you’re fired.”

Kara clutches a hand to her chest, feigning horror. “Why Miss Luthor, what a blatant abuse of power!”

Lena shrugs. “I’m a Luthor, darling, I have to keep up appearances somehow.”

“Ouch,” Kara laughs. “See you at lunch?”

“Only if lunch includes a milkshake- I have a teleconference with both boards today. Unless you feel like joining me?”

“Wow, well as fun as that sounds, I’m gonna go do literally anything else.” Her comms crackle to life, alerting her of a hostage situation downtown, and Kara sighs. So much for a work day. “Alright, well, I’m, um, gonna go… see what I can find on Elena Watts. Maybe over another cup of coffee at Noonan’s.” She widens her eyes a bit, trying her best to convey that she’s going to be on Super-duty for a little while.

Thankfully, Lena picks up on it and grins. “You just want sticky buns.”

“Lena, I always want sticky buns. They’re like, my second favorite thing to eat.”

“Oh? What’s the first?” Lena asks, voice just a bit lower than usual. 

Kara opens her mouth and closes it, flushing slightly as she averts her gaze and adjusts the laptop bag on her shoulder. Stuff like that has been happening more and more, and she’s not 100% sure what to do about it. Because on the one hand, it makes her stomach do flips and tie up in knots and makes her brain do this… staticky thing where nothing filters in or out, just a pleasant buzz of how funny and smart Lena is and how much Kara likes hanging out with her and being flirted with (because that’s definitely what’s been happening, even if neither of them is really ready to address it) and just generally looking at Lena.... who is currently biting her lip and grinning up at Kara, and that buzz makes her kinda dumb, which is just really unhelpful. But on the other hand, it’s also kinda awesome and Kara really enjoys it, and-

“Kara?”

She spaced out again. Crap.

“Um. What time are you free for lunch?”

Lena sighs, seeming slightly disappointed that Kara isn’t flirting back at the moment (and thank Rao Lena can’t read minds), but she smiles back easily enough as they step off of the elevator. “I should be done by two.”

Feeling emboldened, Kara turns so she’s walking backwards in front of Lena and grins. “It’s a date,” she says with a grin, ducking forward to press a quick “friendly” kiss high on Lena’s cheek. She whirls and jogs out the double doors, leaving Lena smiling exasperatedly after her.

**

It is genuinely baffling to Kara that people still commit crimes in National City. It’s not even an ego thing, really, since Kara tries to keep herself humble (even when she manages to wrap up a hostage situation within twenty seconds of arriving on-scene without injuring any of the criminals or damaging the building too badly). Like, yeah, she gets that there’s a certain element of crazies who just sorta gravitate to places with a local hero, the big-bads who have their own suits and geek-toys and abilities. Them, Kara gets. Kinda sorta. But the regular ones, who are armed with like, pistols? Or knives? Just regular man made stuff without even the benefit of magic or kryptonite or something?

Why? 

She’s sure that if she asked, Lena would have some sort of statistical thing about large cities and poverty and all sorts of other factors that would end up making Kara feel like a jerk for being uncharitable to the criminal element of her city, but at the moment she’s mostly too annoyed by the fact that she has to spend her weekdays chasing them around instead of chasing stories.

Once all the hostages are freed and the cops secure the scene, Kara departs, flying into the alley behind Noonan’s and changing into her regular clothes before she heads inside to do a bit of research before her meeting with Elena Watts in a few hours (just because she’d used it as a cover doesn’t mean it was a bad idea…). She finds her favorite little two-person booth tucked into a quiet corner, plugs in her laptop, and gets to work, asking the waitress to please keep both the coffee and the sticky buns coming.

She gets a surprising amount done by the time she needs to leave for the interview, having a good foundation for what she wants to write and who Elena Watts is.

Ms. Watts turns out to be a pretty nice lady around Eliza’s age, if a bit busy and distracted by the steady flow of people in and out of her office. She answers all Kara’s questions with aplomb, happy to elaborate on most every point and eager to draw attention to the rising issue of homelessness among children and teens in the US.

“When I was young, my dad lost his job at the auto plant. It was supposed to be a temporary layoff, but the factory never reopened. We ended up losing the house, and we lived so far from our extended family that staying with them wasn’t much of an option. We lived in our SUV for six months, sleeping at shelters every now and again, if we could find one that allowed families to stay together. We showered at the local YMCA. Five people and a dog, living and sleeping in an old station wagon- even now, it sounds ridiculous. Eventually, we got back on our feet, but I never forgot that. It was just six months, but it was- and remains- the scariest, most uncertain time in my entire life, and it shaped me in a lot of ways I didn’t expect. And there are kids and families who do that for years. I just want to help them the way I wish that someone had been able to help us.”

At the end of the interview, Kara thanks her profusely for her time and for sharing her story before hurrying off to CatCo to type up a draft for Snapper (“What’s wrong with you, Ponytail, why is everything you bring me sappy and sentimental?”), which she finishes an outline of just in time to send it off before running to Big Belly and L-Corp for lunch with Lena.

She greets the newest in a series of secretaries (Anna? Amy? Ava? Lena’s really missing Jess, these days, but from what she’s told Kara, Jess is kicking butt in her new role as VP of Operations and will probably take over for the COO when he retires in a few years), and the girl waves her in distractedly.

And that’s when Kara’s day goes from normal to not, because inside the office are two masked men holding a stone-faced Lena at gunpoint on her balcony and demanding… something, probably. Kara’s a bit distracted by the loaded gun aimed at Lena’s head.

“Hey!” she yells, attracting both their attention. They whirl on her and Lena’s eyes widen in alarm, and Kara suddenly realizes three things- 1) she’s in her Kara Danvers clothes, not the supersuit, 2) she can’t speed into the suit now that they’re both looking at her, and 3) she has no plan.

Crap.

“Who the hell are you?!” one of them demands.

Kara… doesn’t have a good or snappy answer for that, and instead does the only thing she can think of- she throws the large milkshakes she’s carrying at them as hard as she can.

Which, in retrospect, is too hard, apparently because while yes, it is both funny and gratifying to see two grown men get absolutely leveled by a tasty dairy treat to the face, the one closest to Lena manages to elbow her in such a way that she falls backwards over the rail with an instinctual scream that makes Kara’s heart fly into her throat. She whips off her glasses, and by the time she’s out the window and speeding toward Lena’s flailing form, the suit is materialized. She gets under Lena, catching her carefully and dropping a bit further before slowing down (because she’s been made aware that when she doesn’t, the people she’s saving may as well be hitting the pavement), finally coasting to a stop about 20 feet from the ground.

Lena’s face is screwed up in a forced sort of focus, her hands clutching tightly at Kara’s shoulders and cape as she holds her breath.

“Are you okay?” Kara asks quietly.

Lena swallows thickly and nods, eyes still firmly closed. “I’m alright. Thank you- I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite sure how to get out of that one.”

“What was that? What did they want?”

Lena cracks an eye open. “Oh. you know, just my quarterly assassination attempt. I think my mother was starting to miss me, so she wanted to reach out.”

Kara snorts. “That really shouldn’t be funny.”

“Maybe not, but here we are.” Lena shifts a bit in Kara’s arms, cheeks a bit flushed from the adrenaline rush, and clears her throat. “Not to be rude, Supergirl, but do you think that perhaps we could continue this conversation… on the ground?”

“Oh. Oh! Yeah, sorry. I forgot we were, uh, flying.”

Lena chuckles as they ascend slowly back up to her office. “You forgot you were flying?”

Kara shrugs with an easy smile. “I guess you have that effect on me.”

Lena huffs a laugh against Kara’s neck, eyes squeezed shut again. They alight on the balcony, finding the two men still unconscious, covered in Kara and Lena’s lunch. Lena sighs as Kara sets her down, pinching the bridge of her nose. “What a mess.”

“Yeah, sorry, I sorta… panicked.”  

“I was so looking forward to a milkshake too…” Lena laments playfully.

“Well, then I have good news and bad news,” Kara says. She reaches out and gently wipes a bit of her own chocolate shake from Lena’s cheek with the pad of her thumb, tucking it into her mouth on instinct to get a taste of it. “The good news is, you do, in fact, have some shake on you!”

“Whats the bad news?” 

“Also that you have some shake on you.” Kara laughs, gathering the two men in her arms and hefting them a bit so they’re easier to carry. “I’ll get you another one. Be right back.”

She drops the men at the police station with a brief explanation before flying back into the office. Lena hands over her discarded glasses with a wry grin.

“I figured you’d need these before the police arrive.” She’s putting on a brave front, but she’s clearly still more than a bit rattled, if her too-bright eyes and thundering heartbeat are anything to go by. Kara steps closer and opens her arms in invitation, and Lena doesn’t hesitate to step into them. “Thank you,” Lena says fervently, tucking her face into Kara’s shoulder and wrapping her arms tight around Kara’s waist. 

“Always,” Kara promises, daring to press a reassuring kiss to Lena’s temple (and getting a bit of Lena’s strawberry shake for her troubles) before wrapping her up even tighter in her arms. “Are you actually okay?”

“I mean, my fear of heights has been reaffirmed,” Lena jokes, “but aside from that, I’m not hurt.”

“Good. I don’t like, love people pointing guns at you. Just so you know.”

“I’m not a fan either, for the record,” Lena drawls, burrowing even closer. “Even though I know you’ll save me, it still puts a damper on my day.”

Kara huffs a laugh. “Same.”

They stay like that for a few minutes, until Lena’s calmed down enough to stop shaking and calls her assistant (Audra, apparently) in, telling her what’d happened and that the police would be arriving shortly to take her and Kara’s statements, and please advise the security team to let them up discreetly. After the cops arrive, it’s a blur of questions, and Kara has to concentrate on telling the story of how she’d panicked and thrown the milkshakes at the men, and one of them had knocked Lena over the balcony (all true), and Kara had yelled for Supergirl, who had knocked the men out on her way to Lena (also technically mostly true. Technically. Mostly.). The police are sure to tell Kara that next time, she shouldn’t throw things at people with guns, and also to tell them both how lucky they are that Supergirl had shown up when she did.

“She’s always there when I need her,” Lena agrees, throwing a sly wink over the officer’s shoulder at Kara.

Kara just shakes her head and smiles. Even almost dying isn’t enough to make Lena not flirt with her. The woman is truly a marvel.

Kara’s comms crackle again, accompanied by Alex’s custom ringtone on her cell, and after assuring the police that she has no issue with giving another statement if they need her to later, hurries over to the DEO (making a quick stop in the back alley to change into her suit).

**

When Kara arrives, she’s told that J’onn and Alex are waiting for her in the Directors’ offices. She makes her way there, waving to the agents and scientists she knows. But it’s very weird, because every time one of them sees her, they start giggling before quickly hurrying off in the opposite direction. Like, literally everyone is whispering and pointing and giggling, and it’s giving Kara such visceral flashbacks to high school that it’s all she can do to not check her cape for a taped on sign that says ‘Kick me’ or ‘Freak’.

(Kids are mean.)

By the time Kara gets to her destination, she’s fully paranoid, sure that someone’s playing a prank on her, somehow, and that everyone but her is in on the joke. She opens the door with more force than intended and catches it just before the handle puts a hole in the wall, throwing Alex and J’onn a sheepish smile. She closes the door extra gently and leans against it heavily. J’onn and Alex just stare at her, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

“Busy day, Supergirl?” Alex asks, and after half a lifetime of spending time with her, Kara recognizes that she, too, is trying not to laugh. 

Kara’s had enough. “Okay, do I have something on my face? Or on the suit? Is someone messing with me?”

J’onn’s brow furrows. “No.”

“Then what’s the deal? Why is the entire DEO like… laughing at me? Did someone accidentally vent the lab fumes out into the main hub again?”

“No.”

“Did someone see me crash into that billboard last week?”

J’onn’s frown deepens. “What?”

“No,” Alex answers.

“Then why is everyone laughing at me?!”

“I mean, if I had to guess, I’d say it’s because of that,” Alex muses, nodding toward the big TV on the wall beside Kara.

She steps back to watch the news coverage of her dealing with the hostage situation this morning and frowns. “What, those guys? That was routine, what’s so funny about tha-”

“No, no, not that. That,” Alex clarifies, cranking up the volume.

“...reports are saying that the CEO of L-Corp, Lena Luthor, experienced an attempt on her life early this afternoon. Sources claim that she fell from a considerable height-”

“Hey, she was pushed,” Kara corrects.

“Shh!”

“...caught by Supergirl, who may have gotten a little… familiar with her.”

And there’s a video (clearly recorded on a cell phone but not the worst quality Kara’s ever seen) of Kara catching Lena and slowing to a stop above the sidewalk, of them talking quietly, of Kara’s hand definitely on Lena’s-

“Oh. Oh no.”

“Oh yes,” Alex drawls, clicking the TV off with relish, a large, evil-big-sister grin spreading across her face. “Congratulations, Supergirl- the world just watched you grope Lena Luthor’s ass.”

“But I’m not- I wasn’t groping, I was catching! My hands weren’t… If it was groping, I’d be all up on her, and I wasn’t!”

“Camera begs to differ. It’s already trending on Twitter in National CIty.”

Kara puts her head in her hands and groans. “Why?! I was trying to save her!”

“You were definitely trying to save part of her,” Alex agrees. “Granted, it’s a very nice part...”

Kara’s head pops up, and she shoots Alex a look that’s between a pout and a glare. “You’re not helping.”

Alex feigns confusion. “Am I supposed to be helping?”

“Alright, enough,” J’onn cuts in before Kara can retort. “We just wanted you to be aware. I don’t think that this is going to be taken for anything more than it is- a humorous moment in the middle of a successful rescue. You shouldn’t worry about the press.”

And truth be told, Kara isn't worried about the press- she’s worried about the fact that she’s going to have to face Lena after this. Lena, who she knows for a fact has google alerts set for herself, Kara Danvers, and Supergirl, a gesture which is normally actually sweet and kind but is right now definitely gonna bite her in the-

“Okay! So, is that all?”

Alex blinks, looks over at J’onn, and shrugs. “I mean, yeah. Try not to make a habit of groping your crush when you’re in the suit.”

“I wasn’t groping her-”

Alex grins. “So you admit you have a crush? Interesting…”

“Alex!”

**

J’onn’s prediction is mostly right- no one seems to be taking the shots of her grabbi- saving Lena as anything other than a funny blip of a moment in their coverage of it.

He was wrong about the sheer scale. The clip had gone totally viral in a matter of hours, and seemingly every major network in the country has run the clip at least once as a bit of filler-fluff, and almost every major network anchor (including the ones at CatCo, the traitors) has made at least a passing joke about Supergirl being ‘Super-Handsy'.

Which means that Kara is very late getting back to Lena’s office with replacement food. But like, she’s been busy, okay? It’s not like she’s avoiding Lena, or something, because she’s embarrassed- which she isn’t, because she didn’t do anything bad or wrong and-

Anyways, it’s well past sunset by the time Kara gets to Lena’s office door again. She hesitates outside it for just a moment before shouldering the door open and knocking tentatively.

Lena’s attention jerks from whatever she’d been absorbed in to Kara, and a relieved smile blooms across her face. “Hey there.”

Kara finds herself equally relieved to not experience a repeat performance of earlier scary situations. “Hi,” Kara says, unable to resist smiling back. She raises the bags and cup carrier. “I bring grease and milkshakes. Again.”

“Oh thank god, I’m starving,” Lena says, rolling her chair away from her desk and rising into a deep and probably much-needed stretch. Kara very determinedly does not stare at the slight sliver of soft tummy that appears between her blouse and skirt at the motion. “I’ve been staring at this screen for several hours. And Sam called to yell at me- she says hello, by the way- she and Ruby are in town next weekend.”

“Good!” Kara crosses the room to the couch as Lena does, easily spreading out the veritable buffet of fast food she’d brought over the coffee table. “I mean, not good that she yelled at you, or that you’re still at work, Miss Luthor,” she says pointedly, receiving only an unapologetic shrug in response. “But good that, um-”

“I get it,” Lena chuckles, resting a hand lightly on Kara’s knee and boy, if that doesn’t make Kara’s brain go fuzzy and dumb again… “Thank you, for checking in.”

“Of course I was gonna check on you, Lena,” Kara huffs. “Plus, I know you probably didn’t get lunch, so…”

Lena hums around a mouthful of burger, chewing until she can politely speak again. “Well it’s delicious. Did you make it yourself?” she teases with a sly grin.

“Oh, yeah, totally. Slaved away over a hot stove for this- I just wrapped it in Big Belly wrappers so you wouldn’t feel bad about it.”

“Very clever.” Lena pops the lid off of her milkshake and drags a fry through it (an advanced culinary delicacy Kara had horrified her with initially but had eventually become a bit of a guilty pleasure). “Although I have to say, traditionally you’d have to buy me dinner before you grabbed my ass.”

Kara chokes on a pickle. “Oh no,” she groans, dropping the burger onto the wrapper on the table and dropping her very red face into her hands as Lena laughs beside her. She peers out from between her fingers. “I am so sorry, I was just worried about you hitting the pavement and like, catching you in the least jarring way and I wasn’t paying attention to where my hands were and I didn’t even notice until I got back to the DEO and-”

“Well I have so say, I feel a bit offended that you didn’t even realize you were copping a feel...” When the only response is another groan and a deep flush spreading from Kara’s neck to the tips of her ears, Lena relents. “Kara, Kara, it’s fine!” she laughs, pulling Kara’s hands away from her face and giving them a grounding squeeze. “Nia’s been sending me memes about it all day, which has improved my mood significantly. On the grand scale of fallout from assassination attempts, this one was at least funny.”

“I know that’s supposed to be comforting, but all it makes me wanna do is wrap you in bubble wrap forever,” Kara informs her.

“Pass on that. But seriously, don’t worry about it- I know it wasn’t on purpose- unfortunately for me, you’re too noble to do something like that,” Lena laments playfully.

And whether it’s the knowledge that Lena is not, in fact, upset, the overall weirdness that has been this day, or this delicious burger fueling it, Kara feels a bit emboldened. “Hey Lena…”

“Yes?”

“What if I wanted to grab your butt? Just, y’know, as a hypothetical. For future reference.”

Lena quirks a brow at her, fighting a smile as she contemplates this. “Hmm. Strictly hypothetically?”

Kara scoots a bit closer on the couch. “Sure.”

 “Well, you’ve already bought me dinner…”

“And lunch, technically. Even if I gave it to the bad guys.”

“True. Plus you saved my life, so that gets you some points, probably.”

Kara pauses in her sly scooching. “Oh, hey, wait, no, that’s not-” 

“Kidding, Kara. I know you’d never use that to your advantage. I, however, have determined that strong moral fibre and nobility do, in fact, earn you more points, which is my choice on the matter and you get absolutely no say in it.”

“Oh. Um, alright, I think.”

Lena stares off into the middle distance, tapping her forefinger thoughtfully against her chin. Finally she shrugs. “Yes, I think you’re fulfilled the prerequisites for a bit of grab-ass today.”

Kara snorts, Lena laughs, and soon enough Kara takes her up on the offer.

**

“Hey Kara, remember that time you grabbed Lena’s ass and it made international news?” Nia asks around a mouthful of mushu pork.

“You mean last week? Yes, I remember,” Kara drawls. Beside her/halfway sitting on her lap, Lena snorts.

“That was the best.”

Alex glares. “Um, excuse you, no. No it was not. I had to sift through so much thirsting over my sister on like, every social media platform. It was the worst day of my life.”

Brainy’s brow furrows. “Surely that cannot be correct, Alex. Statistically speaking-”

Alex holds up a hand, cutting him off. “Trauma can’t be measured, Brainy.”

Kelly chuckles and presses a consoling kiss to Alex’s cheek, and it makes the tough agent melt into a doe-eyed puddle of mush that Kara snorts. And she says they’re gross... Kara sneaks a glance at Lena from the corner of her eye, and she catches Lena looking at her. She leans close and jostles her gently as she drops her head onto Lena’ shoulder. “We’re never gonna live that down, are we?”

“Probably not.”

“We have the worst friends.” When this elicits nothing but a chuckle, Kara tips her head back to see Lena still looking at her, a soft smile playing at her mouth and shining in her eyes. And like, this whole thing they’re doing is new, with the kissing and the actual dates and the... everything else. But the thing where Kara catches Lena looking at her and she doesn’t look away? That freakin’ knocks her out, every single time. “Hey,” she manages.

Lena grins down at her. “Hi.”

So yeah. Maybe the initial circumstances weren’t ideal, and she doesn’t love the mockery that’s been heaped upon her by all of her friends and loved ones (including Winn, who’d sent a missive from the future that literally just said ‘LOL’). But the fact is, Kara muses as she surges up just enough to kiss the corner of Lena’s mouth, that she doesn’t regret a thing.

[please-buckme]

A Broken Heart.

Lee Bodecker x fem!reader

Chapter 3

Chapter warnings: cursing, drinking, 18+, very slight mentions of sex

Chapter summary: Just how okay are you, Sheriff?

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Chapter 2 // Chapter 4

Lee knew the second he went home that night he’d regret it. He stayed late at the station just to avoid his wife and her snarled, red hot face that she always wore before having her daily yelling match with him.

His brakes screeched as he pulled into the dusty driveway. He shut the door as lightly as possible, hoping Laura-Jean was asleep and he wouldn’t have to deal with her mouth. He turned his keys ever so slight, unlocking the front door to his home and cracked it just enough to walk in, only to see Laura-Jean waiting for him. She had a cigarette in one hand and a crystal glass with just a splash of whiskey left inside.

Lee sighed, “So, you found my whiskey.” He threw his keys in the ball that sat on the coffee table. Then, he removed his hat and jacket, hanging them on the coat rack. “How was your day-“

“Cut the crap, Lee” she hissed, slamming the glass on the coffee table. “You know I heard about it. About you seein’ that girl.”

“When did she become ‘that girl’. You was best friends once upon a time. When did y’all stop being friends?” Lee asked rhetorically, pretending to think on it for a second, “oh, that’s right. When you masterminded your way into my life and left her with nothing and nobody.”

“Oh no, baby. We weren’t friends the second you two started datin’. She just didn’t know it, yet. And it was you who left her heart broken and alone. I wanted you and you wanted power. We’re a fuckin match made in HELL, BABY!”

“CHOOSIN’ YOU OVER HER WAS THE WORST MISTAKE I EVER MADE!” Lee shouted. “We’re both SO GODDAMN HAPPY, NOW, ain’t we.” He huffed, feeling his heartache when he thought about y/n being alone all this time and not being able to be there for her.

“You made your bed, Lee. Know one forced you to do anything.” Laura-Jean took a drag from her cigarette and wiped away the same tears that fell every night.

Lee loved Y/n more than he ever loved anyone in his entire life, but at the time he thought he loved his job more. When he heard she’d skipped town he was devastated. Devastated that she left, of course, but more devastated that he’d created a situation to where she felt she had to leave. Lee hid his feelings well in public but behind closed doors he was a complete mess without her.

When he heard she was back in town, he wasted no time in going over to see her. He wanted her to open the door and greet him like nothing had ever happened. He wanted her to leap into his arms and kiss him so softly, so tenderly like she used too. Things definitely didn’t go as planned.. either time he’d seen her.

The problem was, Lee had worked so hard to get where he was and to give it all away for Y/n? He just wasn’t sure he was ready for that. He loved her with every inch of his crooked heart. He knew deep down that she’s the only one for him and not even Laura-Jean could take that away.

Laura-Jean dubbed out her cigarette before coming face-to-face with Lee, “I don’t wanna hear about you talkin to that girl again. Am I clear?” She snarled that ugly snarl he’d grown to hate.

“Trust me, I’m sure she doesn’t wanna talk to me anyhow.” He sighed and picked up the crystal glass to finish off what remained of the liquor inside.

//

“It’s going to be okay, Mrs. Huckleberry. I’ll head home right now and call the station. Those scoundrels won’t get away with this.” You grinned, walking your elderly neighbor up to her front door before heading back home.

Nothing says welcome home like a smashed in mailbox. At least nine of your neighbors, including you, got their mailboxes bashed. You weren’t too torn up over it; it probably needed replacing anyways. To seem more neighborly,though, than your momma ever was at least, you decided you’d make the call to the police station for all the mailbox victims.

To no avail, the line was busy, probably more than just your neighborhood that got hit. So, you decided to go to the station before work. You’d make a quick statement and get out of there as quickly as possible to avoid any more contact with Lee.

It only took you 20 minutes to walk to the stations from your house. You looked nice considering you’d be heading to work right after this. You wore a fitting, brown skirt with a matching blazer, matching shoes and a white, cotton turtleneck underneath. Your cat eye glasses sat perfectly against the bridge of your nose and you decided today was an updo kind of day.

Just like when you went to the grocery store, everyone was watching you as you walked into the station. You went up to the secretary and cleared your throat when she didn’t acknowledge your presents.

“Sheriff’s not here.” She said never even looking up.

You sighed, “I’m not looking for the Sheriff. I need to talk to someone about my whole neighborhood getting our mailboxes smashed in.”

She smacked her gum, “mhmm.” She flipped through the magazine in front of her, still ignoring every advance you’d made.

“Gosh you know, It’s my first day as a secretary,too, I hope I’m at least as half as good as you are.” You give her the fakest smile you could muster.

She finally looked up, still smacking her gum, “It ain’t my first day.”

“Oh, sweetie, I’m not meanin’ to insulate ya.” You poured your lips, “Now, I’m just tryin to get what I need so I can be on my merry way. You can help me with that, can’t ya?” You nodded your head, frowning down at her as your voice carried a patronizing tone.

She scoffed before standing up from her chair, “Follow me.” She led you to one of the back offices where you saw an old friendly face.

“Karl?” You beam

He looked up and immediately wore the friendliest grin you’d seen in days.

“My my my, I heard you was back in town.” He stood from his chair and walked over to you, “Look at you. You don’t look any different from the day you left. Besides the tears and all.” He giggled.

“Too soon.” You said with a smile as you punched him in the shoulder.

“Well, what can I do you for? Unless you really did just come here to catch up.”

You bit your cheek, “No. I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t know you was a police officer, now, or I would’ve come by.”

“Well, I am the Sheriff’s best friend, of course he’d want me to be his right hand man.” He frowned, knowing the effect even his name would have on you, let alone his title. You’d honestly hoped he’d ditched him as a friend after everything that happened between the two of you. But Lee was his best friend. You couldn’t blame him for having a shitty guy for a friend. He and Lee were like brothers, it was stupid of you to think you’d change any of that.

You cleared your throat, only to break the silence, “Right, um, I need to report something. Me and a few of my neighbors got our mailboxes smashed in.”

He nodded, I’ll get the paperwork ready, please, have a seat.”

The filing cabinet wolfed open as he searched for the paperwork. Once he found it, he came back to his desk, filled out the form and highlighted where you needed to sign, dated and write your statement.

“I also need the names of your neighbors that got hit. Lee and I’ll go by later and get their statements.”

You hummed, “great.” Nothing pleased you more than to know Lee would be in your neighborhood again. Before you could dwell on it, Karl spoke again.

“You know, I’ve missed the hell outta you.” He grinned.

“Oh yeah?” You smiled, peeking up through your eyelashes before looking back down to finish your statement.

“Of course. Outta every girl Lee dated, you were my favorite. Laura-Jean’s just… a frigid bitch.” You giggled at his honesty.

“Well, I can’t say I feel bad for him. He got what was comin to’em.”

He chuckled, “Ah, hell, you ain’t wrong. I rung his neck for what he did to you. Toldl’em to go after you.”

Your heart sunk. Someone told Lee to come for you and he chose not to? You thought it’d just been because he didn’t know where you were, but by the way Karl’s telling it, he did know. He knew the whole time and just didn’t give enough of a shit about you, or your feelings for that matter, to go after you.

You couldn’t help your curiosity, “W-why didn’t he?”

“Stubborn. I- look I’ll tell you this but if you tell anyone I’ll deny it.”

“Just tell me, Karl.” Your heart was pounding and you weren’t certain as to why, yet. Maybe you were still holding onto hope that your Lee wasn’t gone. That under that hard shell your sweet, charming, wonder Lee was just waiting for you to bring him back to life.

“Laura-Jean don’t let him drink ‘cause all he does is talk about you. Sayin’ how much he misses you and lettin’ you go was the biggest mistake of his life. I pulled him over twice when he’s drunk out of his mind, but.. I think he’s on his way to you. I never asked though.”

You sat there, your mouth suddenly dry. How were you supposed to respond to this? Lee had been nothing but rude to you since the second you got back into town and now this. Now you truly did know he was just as messed up as you were. You hid the tiny smile that tried to crack through your trembling lips. He was just as messed up as you were.

For so long you’d blocked out all your happy memories with Lee and as you sat there trying not to grin like an idiot, the memories all came flooding back. Every kiss, every touch, every look, every groan and grunt, every ‘I love you’; everything. Your Lee was always glowing and happy, with a smile that made butterflies fly around in your belly every time you saw it. Your Lee was a cool summer breeze on a hot day; smooth and welcoming. Your Lee was the first snow in winter; surprising and astonishingly breathtaking. Your Lee was your Lee. But that’s it.

The Lee you came home to was an entirely different man, one you’d never met before. Now, instead of a crisp winter morning he was a harsh winter night; frigid and brutal. This thought made the butterflies disappear in your belly and the almost-grin to completely fade.

“I- I finished my statement.” Is all you could say. You were done talking about Lee.

Karl frowned, “Alright,” he said, taking the paper as you stood. “Well, hey, you’re welcome to stop by anytime. I really did miss you, Y/n.”

You gave him a soft smile in return, “Thank you, Karl. That means a lot, but you know I’m gonna avoid this place like the plague.”

He chuckled, “Fair enough.”

You said goodbye and headed back towards the front of the station. You got your usual glares as you walked through the lobby and to the door, but nothing mattered right now. Your heart was once again in pain. Having drudged up all those beautiful memories with a man you so loathed was killing you from the inside out. You wanted nothing more than to forget him and coming back to town surely was not helping you with that. A car pulled up as you walked with your head down. You didn’t look up to see who was driving, you just dodged and waved, trying to find your way back to the sidewalk.

“Y/n, wait!” Lee called from behind you. Before you could even think to keep walking you turned and looked at him as he stood by the cruiser. Your breath hitched in your throat and you cursed under your breath.

“What?” You asked, folding your arms.

“I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I don’t know what came over me and I feel awful about it.”

“I don’t care, Bodecker. But if you wanna make it up to me, you can make sure that I never see your face again while I’m here. I’ve been here three days and I haven’t gone one without seeing your goddamn face. You’re the reason I left but you sure as hell ain’t the reason I came back.” A tear fell down your cheek. Your energy was completely drained by all the events of the morning and you still had work.

“I’m curious, you still like those chocolate shakes down at Ruby's Diner?” He asked, scratching his head.

“Seriously? Did you hear a word that just came out of my mouth, Bodecker?”

“Just answer the damn question, Y/n.”

You sighed, “Yes, okay. I haven’t had one in years though. Not since-“

“Our last date.” He finished for you. He turned on his heels and opened the passenger side door to the cruiser. “Get in.”

“Are you crazy? Why in the hell would I go anywhere with you?” You looked at him in bewilderment.

“Well, I think if we’re gonna coexist in this town, we need to talk and there ain’t no better way to talk than over a chocolate shake from Ruby’s.” He smiled, knowing how much you used to love those shakes.

“I- I can’t. I got work.” You said, looking down at your feet. Everything was telling you to not get in that cruiser, but your heart was practically pulling you to it.

“Where at?” He asked, cocking his head to the side.

“Billy’s auto shop.”

“Ah, hell. You’ll be fine. I’ll drop you off after and explain the whole thing. Please, Y/n, get in the car.”

You sighed as your feet shuffled back and forth. You could just walk away and go to work as planned. You didn’t need an explanation and you really didn’t have to get along with him. You’d only be here a few months and then you’d never have to see him again. But, for some reason, your heart spoke for you before your brain even had time to think.

“Okay.” You whispered and hesitantly walked over to the cruiser; getting just close enough to smell Lee’s fresh aftershave. The second he closed the door your heart sank. We’re you really doing this and why the fuck was it so easy for him to persuade you? You wondered if maybe Karl hadn’t told you what he did then maybe you wouldn’t be here now.

Lee got in the driver's seat and buckled up, “You ready?”

“Yeah.”

Dividers by: @firefly-graphics

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[wesimpforxiao]

Say My Name and I’ll Be There:  10.3: The FINAL Chapter!

Author’s Note: IM SO SORRY IM A DAY LATE I ENDED UP BEING BUSIER THAN EXPECTED AND HAD TROUBLE WRITING BUT HERE IT IS!!!! THANK YOU FOR READING! Be sure to stick around for Inception(Childexreader) ;)

"Xiao! Come here real quick!"  

The yaksha glanced your way but didn't bother to get up since you were the one approaching him.  It took a moment to register that your hands were entangled in his hair, placing something in it.  Your smile was unusually bright today--so much so that it was blinding.  Not that he minded though; you've been through a lot these past few months.  Maybe this was the happiest you've been in awhile.

"I knew it," you beamed as you admired the flower crown atop his head, "You look so cute!"

"C...Cute?"  His gaze flicked away from you for a moment while the tips of his ears reddened. "I-"

"Oh, take the compliment already.  We've been together for awhile now.  You don't need to be so shy around me."  You let yourself fall back onto the grass that was shaded by a large orange tree.  Is it a gingko?  I need to ask Aether next time he comes in here, your mind trailed.

"I..."  Xiao returned his attention to you and lay down next to you, careful not to invade personal space and always leaving an inch or two of space between the two of you.  He let his hands lay on his abdomen until he jumped a little from you scooting over without a word.  When he looked at you, he was greeted by a cheeky smile.

"I know you're not used to this type of thing called affection, but I can tell you don't mind it."

"Hmph.  You've gotten smarter."

"Hey, I told you I'm not a stupid human!"

"You're beginning to sound like Aether's companion."

"Okay, there is a huge difference between emergency food and a stupid human."

"So you admit it?"

"Ugh, keep this up and I'll have no choice but to put more flowers in your hair."

"Do you dishonor every adeptus you come across?"

"Well, you're the only adeptus I've met besides Rex--Er, Zhongli!"  The filtered sunlight peeking through the leaves above blinded you when you broke eye contact with Xiao, so instead you propped yourself on your side and admired the view behind him.

Aether's Serenitea Pot was massive.  It had to span a mile or two in every direction, and the entire territory sat upon five tall cliffs that were connected via wooden bridges and held flowing waterfalls.  The weather was always pleasant day-round.  There were several pets outside of the main house on the main cliff that you had befriended, while Xiao seemed to connect the most with one of the gray tabby cats near the entrance.  You had caught them sitting quietly together on several occasions.

"Granny would've loved this place," you sigh.

"I shall go with you to visit her grave."  He didn't look at you as he said this, but the sincerity of his words rang as clear as the sky above.  "...She'd be happy to know you're safe."

"All thanks to you."  Despite originally admiring the scenery, your eyes had drifted downward and landed on his stomach.  Both of you were fully healed by now because of Bennett, and neither of you had any lasting effects from your battles minus the required resting time.  Your side held a prominent scar both at your front and your back, but did Xiao even get scars?  He never revealed the answer--mostly because you were too embarrassed to ask--and thus leaving the idea to your imagination.

"I should probably check on the situation outside soon; it's been awhile since Aether updated us."  Xiao sat up and summoned his spear--he had mentioned a few times that it was difficult for him to relax here and needed to keep himself busy since a comfortable life is a foreign concept.

"Oh, right..."  Your gaze followed his figure as he rose to his feet.  Sensing your--what was it, disappointment?--Xiao turned to you and removed his flower crown before gently placing it atop your head.  That action was followed by a faint smile, then his lips lightly pecked the tip of your nose.

"I shouldn't be long."

"You two love birds have made quite the nest here!  I've gotta say, Aether's got great taste."  A familiar voice caught both of you off your guard and Xiao's stance became aggressively defensive in an instant.  You and Xiao were supposed to be the only ones in the teapot at the moment, and even then, those who did occasionally stay in here didn't greet you like this.  The person that voice belonged to wasn't welcome--or at least, belonged to a presumably-dead man--regardless of that savior act he pulled in Snezhnaya.

"Childe?"  More shocked than afraid, you too rose to your feet.  "What're you doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious?  I came here because I had something to say."  The harbinger was as carefree as ever, but as he walked towards you a slight limp became noticeable in his steps.  He was hiding an injury, but was it from Scaramouche or from Aether?

"What did you do to Aether?"  Xiao's voice was as low as a growl as he raised his spear higher.  He stood slightly ahead of you to ensure your safety since you no longer had a vision and couldn't use those mysterious anemo powers ever since the rescue.  And knowing you and your idiotic tendencies, he had to make sure you didn't do something stupid like try to fight Childe if provoked.

"Haha!  Relax!  Aether and Mr. Zhongli are doing just fine; in fact, they allowed me to enter!"  Childe hid a wince when he stopped walking, but noticed the flicker of recognition in your eyes.  His lips curled upward with flattery.   "Don't worry, ojou-chan.  A little scuff isn't going to take me out."

"I-I wasn't worrying about you."

He seemed unconvinced but faced Xiao again anyway.  "You'd be pleased to know that both Aether and Zhongli let me in on their own accord--no manipulation from me whatsoever."  The fact that he had to clarify that! "Why don't we chat over lunch?  I'll cook.  Show me to the kitchen, girlie?"

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

To say that you and Xiao were staring was a bit of an understatement.  Here you were, both sitting at the dining table in the main hall of Aether's adeptal house watching Childe cook up a meal fit for a large family while expertly navigating the kitchen like it was his own.  And when he served you, the delicious aroma that wafted into your nose was nothing short of enticing.  You and Xiao withheld your utensils--one out of weariness, and the other because it's not almond tofu.

"What?"  Childe let out a slight chuckle as he took his seat and dug into his plate.  You have no idea how thankful he was that there were forks in the drawers instead of chopsticks.  "Oh, perhaps you two already ate before my arrival?  More for me then I suppose."  

"Um, so why are you here?"

"I figured I'd give you an update regarding our little situation outside."

"'Little?'"  Xiao couldn't contain his scoff.  He hadn't dismissed his weapon either, and it levitated beside his seat.

"Seems like the quiet life hasn't changed you one bit, yaksha."  The harbinger stopped stuffing his face and set his fork aside to look at you.  "Regarding what happened with Scaramouche, I think it's safe to say I won."

"If it weren't for you coming here today, I would've assumed your untimely demise."  Ignoring Xiao's look of disapproval, you reached for your utensils and started to eat.  Both of you hadn't taken your eyes off of the harbinger as he cooked, so the chances that he may have tampered with the ingredients were low.  Plus it'd be out of his character to go about eliminating enemies like that.  "I'm grateful that you saved my life, but don't think for a second that that makes up for everything you've done to us."

"Oh, I wouldn't dare.  I know I've been aggressive for lack of a better term, but I'd like you to know that I'm only like that when it comes to my duties as one of the eleven harbingers.  Aside from that, I'm happy to call you a comrade just as I view Aether and Zhongli."

"Woah woah woah," you nearly choked.  "I'm certainly not going to start viewing you as a friend now."  

Childe simply laughed at your objection.  "Think what you may, but I do respect you and the rest of Aether's party.  As for my motherland and it's affairs, I think you'd be happy to know that the Tsaritsa has stopped her pursuit of you and Xiao.  She's not exactly appreciative of you wrecking the palace and would like to avoid any further destruction that can hamper her current plans."

"That's all it took for her to leave us alone?  You must be joking."  The archon had spent so much time and resources on hunting and imprisoning you--the idea of her giving up just like that had to be unrealistic, right?  And the fact that Xiao managed to bring the entire palace down...there's got to be some sort of bounty on your heads.

Childe met your gaze and held a level of sincerity equivalent to the time when he confessed his feelings and offered you a position among the harbingers on Dragonspine.  "Not in the slightest.  Regardless, you're free to lead carefree lives from now on.  Though if you'd like to rejoin the Fatui I'm sure I can pull some--"

"Nope.  I'm done with that."

"Ha! Very well then."  Childe resumed eating with an amused grin on his face, but Xiao wasn't satisfied with this conversation yet.

"You've given us no reason to trust your words."  His stare was hard and calculating as he tried to decipher any hidden motives behind Childe's friendliness.  It wouldn't be unusual for this to be some kind of trick.  In fact, he expected that there'd be some sort of catch.

The harbinger sent a brief glance Xiao's way before guiding another forkful of food into his mouth and shrugging.  "...Like I said, think what you may.  I don't care if you two choose to live in this realm or in Teyvat with the rest of us.  But then again it must be incredibly boring for a guardian yaksha to be lounging around in this domestic place.  I know I'd be driven mad if I had to live in such a quiet place for so long."

Xiao didn't flinch or give any indication that he was right, but your eyes briefly flicked his way.  It was uncomfortable for him to be 'relaxing' here with nothing to do.  It wasn't surprising that he'd be yearning to go out and uphold his contract with Rex Lapis again.

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

"Childe, wait."  Your hand gripped his forearm rather aggressively as he reached for the door handle to take his leave.  Xiao had heard a disturbance outside and went to check on the realm just in case, so it was only the two of you inside the mansion.

"What is it, ojou-chan?  Miss me already?"

"Yeah right."  As he turned to face you, your grip lightened until you let go.  He hadn't called you 'Mezzetin' once since he got here, only referring to you with this nickname like old times...Childe raised a confused brow.  "Why?"

"...Why?  Why what?"

"Why did you save me?  You could've just let Scaramouche kill me back there.  So...why did you risk your life to save mine when you didn't care less when I was tortured?"  Your stance was firm as you faced him head-on.  "I need to know."

"Ah," Childe awkwardly scratched the back of his head, "that."  Some sort of conflict flickered in those blue eyes of his as he formulated an answer he didn't quite know himself.  "Like I said earlier ojou-chan, I've always seen you as a com--no.  As a friend.  Just as Zhongli and I converse despite the Osial controversy, I see you in the same light despite my loyalty to the Tsaritsa."

"That doesn't answer my question, though.  You had several opportunities to stop what was happening, and it was only then when you decided to step in.  So why then?  What changed your mind?"

"I don't know."

"Bullshit, Tartaglia.  There's got to be strings attached to this, right?  You expect something in return from me? Just get on with it already and tell me."

"I doubt you'd be satisfied with my answer regardless," he muttered mostly to himself.  "I may be kind of a bad guy, but I'm not completely heartless."  He observed the stumped expression that sat on your face as the gears turned in your head.  Then, he turned to the door again.  "When you're ready, you should join Mr. Zhongli and I for drinks sometime.  Farewell, girlie."  He was gone.

Despite the deep-rooted grudge you held against the harbinger now, you couldn't help but still hold some sense of familiarity or gratitude for him.  You might just take on that offer if only to purposely antagonize him at the dinner table.

......

"Xiao, how did you get your tattoo?" The two of you were sitting beneath another one of the many trees native to Liyue in the adeptal realm, still waiting for news regarding your return to the mortal realm.  Several days have passed since Childe paid you a visit, and Zhongli and Aether still had yet to check in on the two of you.  To keep Xiao occupied and keep him from worrying, you'd ask him questions.  "I don't have any of your memories of it."

Despite his memories being shared with you due to your bond, the further back in time they're from, the blurrier they got.  The oldest memory you could 'remember' dealt with the god that enslaved him, and even then, there was no mention of the mysterious green markings that sat on his arm.

"I've always had these markings," he answered gruffly.  He had sat up a moment prior with the intent to exit the teapot out of concern for your companions, but your random question caught him off guard.  His amber eyes narrowed cynically when your fingers traced them.

"Do they have a special meaning?"

"'Meaning?'"  His gaze averted for a moment as he decided whether or not to indulge such a topic.  But your eyes were so full of life as you traced his arm, and your touch was so warm...  "They represent my true form."

"True form?"  You tilted your head and attempted to picture whatever the heck he would be, but all you saw were a bunch of random shapes.  The other adepti in Liyue are shaped like deer and cranes, but what the heck was this mosaic supposed to be picturing?  "And, uh, what would that be?"

Xiao let out a tiresome sigh and realized he may have made a mistake in answering these questions.  Now that he had told you, you weren't going to stop asking until you got to see for yourself.  He never uses his true form; very few had ever seen it and those who have have already passed.  Zhongli had only ever seen it once.

Seeing his apparent concern made you raise a brow.  "No way.  Don't tell me your true form is a bug or something!"

"Tch.  Is that really what came to mind?"  Xiao shot you a glare before standing.  He was planning on walking away and ending the conversation, but your silent pleading made him reconsider almost instantly.  We are alone, he thought.  Perhaps I could show her once.  "Fine," he grumbled.  "Close your eyes."

You obeyed.  He didn't exactly say 'no' when you asked if he'd be a bug.  He wasn't going to appear as such...right?  Butterflies fluttered in your stomach at the anticipation.  And just as your excitement grew, so did the winds that brushed past you.  Even the leaves in the tree above were shaking violently. Then, everything stilled.  Something soft brushed your fingertips, which were resting on your knees.  It was a cue.

"Hm?"  Xiao was no longer standing over you.  Instead stood a majestic bird with blue and green feathers that shimmered like glitter in the sunlight that filtered through the tree branches. "You're--!"

"--a bird," he finished.  He didn't say anything for a moment and allowed you to take it all in, seemingly shy or even embarrassed as you instantly reached out to touch him.

The blush that rushed to your cheeks was ignored by the both of you while your fingers grazed over the feathers that stuck up from the top of his head. He was beautiful; as breathtaking as a peacock, even.  Your fingers trailed down the back of his long neck, earning a rise of feathers as Xiao contemplated your movements.  His feathers were softer than the finest textiles in Liyue! And the tail feathers he had must've been as long as you are tall.  They glowed a light blue that's similar to the eyes of his mask.

"So beautiful," you whispered in adoration.  Xiao shifted his wait to his other foot.  "Thank you for showing me."  The fact that he did showed how much trust he placed in you--

The sound of a twig snapping scared the crap out of both of you--so much so that Xiao immediately transformed back into his mortal self.  Since he was so close to you though, it looked like he was sitting on you from the front angle.

"Hey guys! Sorry it took so long to check in--" Aether nearly stumbled when he approached you.  "Um...am I interrupting?"

"No!"

"The Vigilant Yaksha is BLUSHING?!"  Paimon squealed so loud that the three of you scowled.  "And what's with that sitting position?! You--"

"Paimon!" Aether swatted at his companion before she could say something that angered the yaksha.  "We came here for a reason!"

"Hey! Paimon is NOT a fly!"

"It's confirmed to be safe now.  You two can come home!"

"Wait, really?"  The two of you stood up.  "Are you sure?"

"Yep! There's no issue with the Fatui anymore.  Everyone's backed off.  We'll see you at the Pavilion for dinner to celebrate, okay? Don't be late!"  The two partners exited the realm in a flash.

"Ready?"  Xiao turned to you.

"Right now?! It's so sudd--"

"You don't have any belongings here anyways."  The statement cracked a smile on both faces.  "Let's go."  He reached to tap the symbol on his hand.

Your hand grabbed his.  "Wait!  Let me see you a little longer."  He was confused to say the least, but you didn't bother explaining how gorgeous he looked in the light right now.  Those amber eyes mirrored your own--though perhaps it'd be more accurate to say the opposite.  This is the last chapter of the crazy 'adventure' and the dangerous waltz with the Tsaritsa.  In just moments you'd be back in reality, return to Liyue Harbor, return to your Granny's grave, and he would return to his duty of protecting Liyue.  One more moment in this peaceful environment is all you need to admire him before life got hectic again.

Now your new adventure will be permanently at Xiao's side for however long your lifespan is: training with him, supporting him at his darkest moments, and loving him.  No matter what Teyvat brings next, you'll be able to take it on head-first despite lacking a vision and at his side.  You'll both thrive, not just survive.  And as you peered into his eyes, you could tell he felt the same.  "Okay," you nod.  "I'm ready."

[q-gorgeous]

Falling Out

fanfiction

ao3

Sam and Paulina are assigned as partners for a school project.

word count: 2581

for @phandom-phriend

heyo bro

“I don’t get what the big deal is.”

Sam stared at Paulina, who was standing in the middle of the hallway twirling her hair between her fingers. 

“You don’t get what the big deal is? Your boyfriend literally just beat someone up!”

Paulina scoffs. “He’s not my boyfriend! And that kid was a loser anyway. His family is just a bunch of freaks.”

Sam looked at Danny who was still laying on the floor, his breath wheezing from when it was knocked out of him. “He’s not a loser.” Sam mumbled.

“Excuse me?” Paulina looked over her nails.

“He’s not a loser!” Sam stomped up to Paulina, her face inches from the other girl’s. “He’s really nice and actually likes hearing about things I want to talk about! Unlike you.”

Tossing her hair over her shoulder, Paulina turned her nose up into the air. “That’s because all you like is that spooky ooky goth stuff. No one wants to listen to you talk about ghosts and spiders and witches.”

“He does.”

“That’s because he’s a loser.” Paulina poked a finger into Sam’s chest. “Why don’t you just drop him and this freaky goth phase and come hang out with your real friends.”

“You are not my friend.”

Paulina froze. “What?”

“I don’t know what bug crawled it’s way up your ass Paulina, but if this is how you’re going to treat people now I don’t want to be your friend anymore.”

She watched as Sam walked away from her and helped Danny off the ground. Sam whispered a few things to him and he nodded. They began to limp their way to the nurses office. 

Paulina clenched her fists together and her throat tightened. That’s fine. She didn’t need Sam. She had plenty of other friends. What did one falling out matter? She turned around and stomped her way in the opposite direction towards the cafeteria.

She didn’t need Sam Manson. 

QQQQQ

“But Mr. Lancer!” Paulina whined, her hands resting on the top of her desk as she stood up in protest. 

“I’m sorry Ms. Sanchez, but you and Ms. Manson will be partners for this project.”

Sam raised her hand. “I’d rather do my project on my own than work with her.”

Lancer pinched the bridge of his nose. “You two are partners for this project, end of discussion.”

“But-” Both girls chorused. 

“That’s enough! Ms. Sanchez, take your seat.”

Paulina huffed and crossed her arms as she sat down. Why did Lancer have to assign her and Sam to work together? Hasn’t he figured out that they hate each other yet?

Her gaze flicked over to where Sam was sitting. She was angrily scratching something into her notebook. She paused and her eyes met Paulina’s. They stared at each other for a moment before Paulina sneered in her direction and looked away. 

Paulina sat angrily stewing in her seat until the bell rang. She grabbed her backpack and slung it over her shoulder, heading out of the classroom at a brisk pace. She was putting the combination into her locker and had just gotten it open when Sam walked up and pushed it closed. 

“What do you want, Manson?” Paulina snapped. 

Sam rolled her eyes. “We’re supposed to work on that project together, remember? When are we going to meet for it?”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you just do it on your own and write my name on it.” Paulina twisted the dial on her locker again. 

“Nu uh. If we’re forced to be partners you’re gonna help with it.”

Paulina groaned and opened her locker again. “I guess we can start working on it today after school.”

“Great. I’ll meet you at your house when school is over then.”

“What?” Paulina squawked and turned towards Sam. “Why my house?”

“I don’t want my parents thinking we’re friends again.”

Paulina just stared at her but frowned when Sam pushed the locker closed again and started walking away. She clenched her fists. As if they would ever be friends again. 

The rest of the day passed by both too quick and slow at the same time. She dreaded having Sam come over and having to talk to her so much that even though the day dragged on and on, when she was at home and a knock sounded on the door it felt like she had just been standing at her locker. 

Paulina opened the front door, a bored look on her face when her eyes met Sam’s. They stood there for a moment before Paulina waved her in. Sam stepped in, looking around and Paulina closed the door behind her. 

“So what is this project we’re supposed to be doing anyways?” Paulina led the way to the kitchen where her backpack sat on the table.

Sam sighed. “You weren’t even paying attention when he went over it?”

“I was too busy being angry at Lancer.”

Rolling her eyes, Sam set her backpack on the table and pulled some papers out. “He wants us to find a screenplay to go over. We have to read it and analyze it like we would for a book in class but he wants us to perform part of it in class.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know Paulina!” Sam threw her hands up in the air. “Why do they make us do anything? Now pick one from this list.” She threw a piece of paper at Paulina. “This is a list of plays I thought we would both be interested in.”

Paulina stared at Sam, stunned that she’d even consider Paulina’s interests when they clearly hated each other. Slowly, she looked down at the paper, her eyes scanning over the list. One popped out to her.

“Isn’t this one a musical? Does that count?”

Sam peered around at the paper. “I would think so. They’re basically plays, just with songs. I can’t see why it wouldn’t count.”

“Hm.” Paulina pursed her lips. “If we do this one are we gonna perform a song or a different part of the musical?” She looked over at Sam. She had a dangerous, determined look on her face.

“Only if we want to blow everyone else out of the water.”

Paulina stared for a few seconds, her cheeks heating up. Then she coughed and looked back at the paper.

“Yeah, okay. Let’s do that one.”

QQQQQ

“Why are they all named Heather anyways?”

Sam shrugged as Paulina squinted at her copy of the script. 

They sat in the middle of the stage in the empty auditorium. The rest of their class was in the library, but Mr. Lancer had given them permission to go over their own project in the auditorium. 

“What I wanna know is why there’s always so much drama in musicals set in high schools.” Sam wrinkled her nose. “Like I know we have the A-Listers and everything but this in here is so excessive.”

“What, you don’t like drama?” Paulina rested her chin on her hand, shooting Sam a smile.

“I don’t like high schoolers killing other high schoolers.”

Paulina’s smile fell. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” Sam looked down and away. She took a deep breath and stood up with her script in her hand. “Anyways. Let’s figure out which part we want to perform for the class.”

Paulina took a look at the list of songs they had. “What about Seventeen or Shine a Light? I listened to those a couple times and they both have different tones but they seem like they’d be fun to sing.”

Sam nodded. “And there’s not much about sex in either of those. That’s another thing, why do musicals about high schoolers talk so much about sex?” She faked a gag. “I think those are good choices because some of those songs would be so embarrassing to perform in front of the class.”

Paulina frowned. “If this one has stuff in it that makes you uncomfortable why’d you include it on the list?”

Sam shrugged. “I figured it’d make Lancer squirm. He didn’t actually give any specifications on what we could pick anyways. Now let’s get started. Which part do you want?”

“Oh oh! Can I have the lead part? That is, if you didn’t want it?” Paulina started standing up from where she sat on the floor.

Sam shook her head. “You can have it if you want. Want to practice Seventeen first?”

“Sure.”

The music started playing after Sam hit a button on her phone and it filled up the room.

Paulina took a deep breath. 

“Fine, we're damaged

Really damaged.

But that does not make us wise.

We're not special.

We're not different.

We don't choose who lives or dies.”

Paulina looked up at Sam as she sung the lyrics.

“Let’s be normal. See bad movies

Sneak a beer and watch TV.

We'll bake brownies, 

or go bowling --

Don't you want a life with me?

Can't we be seventeen?

That's all I want to do

If you could let me in.

I could be good with you.”

Paulina’s cheeks flushed but she continued singing.

“People hurt us.”

“Or they vanish…”

Goosebumps traveled over Paulina’s arms as Sam’s voice rang out towards her. 

“And you're right that really blows.

But we let go…”

Sam looked up and met Paulina’s eyes and it felt like Paulina was electrocuted. She pulled her eyes away and looked back down at her paper. They finished up the song and Paulina kept staring at her paper until Sam left out a breathless laugh.

“That was so cool! I’ve never really thought about doing theater or anything because it’s not very, you know, goth. But that was exhilarating!” 

Paulina watched as Sam laughed and smiled. She could feel herself falling in and laughed herself. 

QQQQQ

Paulina and Sam laughed as they walked out of the school together. Their project was due in two days and they were heading to Sam’s house to practice their song a bit more. 

“I can’t wait to see Lancer’s face when we discuss what the musical is about. Do you think he’ll-”

BOOM! 

Sam got cut off as something exploded ahead of them, sending both girls sprawling to the ground. 

Looking behind them from where she was on the ground, Paulina saw a giant animalistic ghost. It looked somewhere between a cross of a snake and a cat and it looked like it was about to shoot another blast off from it’s fangs. 

Just as the blast was launched towards Paulina, something crashed into the side of the ghost's head, sending the shot soaring into the sky instead. 

“Run! Get out of here!” Phantom shouted as he shot back at the ghost.

She stood up shakily but didn’t run away. She looked around the front of the school for Sam, where she saw the other girl in the middle of the sidewalk holding a...lipstick? With a determined look on her face. 

What was she planning to do with a tube of lipstick?

Paulina had begun inching her way over to Sam when a green blast came out of the lipstick she was holding onto. It shot into the ghost a couple of times, distracting it from Phantom’s attacks for a moment. 

It bared its teeth at Sam but Phantom punched it in the side of the head. Snarling, it batted Phantom away, sending it flying across the parking lot and it faced back towards Sam. 

Paulina felt like everything was happening in slow motion. When the ghost bared its teeth again, when another ball of ectoplasm started dripping from its fangs, when Paulina ran desperately across the parking lot and barreled Sam out of the way and onto the ground just before the blast created a crater in the ground where she stood a moment before. The ghost started snarling at them again.

“Hey ugly!” 

Phantom viciously threw another ectoblast at the ghost, stunning it before finally pulling it into his thermos. 

Paulina gasped and turned back to where Sam was still laying underneath her. 

“Sam! Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m-” Sam paused, frowning and her face flushing before she spoke again, looking over Paulina’s shoulder. “Shut up.”

“What?” 

Sam groaned. “That dip is making faces over there.”

Paulina turned around to see Phantom making kissy faces at them. She raised an eyebrow at him and he paused to give her a grin.

“Okay well, my job is done. Have fun you two!”

And he jumped into the air and flew away. 

“Seriously though.” Paulina crawled off of Sam and helped her up. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Why’d you do that anyways?” Her brows furrowed. “I would’ve been okay. You didn’t have to do anything.”

Paulina gaped at her. “It was about to attack you! It tried! It left a crater in the ground where you were standing! Why wouldn’t I have done anything?”

Sam looked away. “I didn’t think you cared.” She said softly.

Paulina’s stomach plummeted. “I wouldn’t have two weeks ago.” She whispered. “But then we got paired up for this project, and I realized that you’re actually very cool and that I was just really dumb in middle school.”

Sam looked at her. 

“And I think I’ve always sort of missed you. But I decided to never stop being mad so I never figured that out.”

“I guess I did the same thing too.” Sam said. “I could’ve decided to talk to you on my own and talk things out after a while but I just didn’t want to.”

“But it was my fault. I was the one being a terrible person.”

“Are you going to continue being a terrible person though?”

Paulina’s mind went back to the first time Sam’s rage had been bestowed upon her, when one of Paulina’s friends beat up one of Sam’s friends. She didn’t want to be the cause of that again. 

“No.”

“Well.” Sam smiled. “That’s the important part. That you’re capable of change.” She picked up her bag from where she had dropped it during the attack. “Now come on, my mom was gonna make cookies when we got home.”

Paulina smiled back at her and held up her arm to the other girl. Sam looked at it and linked her own arm with Paulina’s. Together they walked away from the school.

QQQQQ

Sam and Paulina’s chests rose up and down as they held their arms up into the air after performing the piece they picked from their musical. The class clapped for them and they lowered their arms and bowed.

“Very nice, Ms. Sanchez and Ms. Manson. Though, I wish you had picked something more appropriate than.” He squinted at the sheet they handed him. “Heathers the musical.”

Sam snickered. “Of course, Mr. Lancer. We’ll try to keep that in mind next time.”

Lancer gave her a look. “Yes, be sure that you do. Alright up next we have-”

Sam and Paulina walked back to their desks and sat down. Paulina shot a look to where Sam was sitting with Danny and Tucker, who were both making kissy faces at her while she swatted at them. Sam’s gaze met hers and Paulina waved at her before blowing a kiss to her across the room.

Sam’s face turned the brightest shade of red Paulina had ever seen it and she opened a folder and stuck her face inside it. Danny and Tucker were both teasing her even more, seemingly losing their mind about it. Paulina giggled at them and turned her focus back to the front of the classroom.

[writersrealmbts]

All I Want for Christmas

Description: You’re ready for another Christmas at the shelter, but Taehyung has other ideas, and brings you home with him instead. You never thought you’d receive this many gifts.

“For the Christmas request, can I please request a human!Taehyung x Calico cat hybrid!fem!reader where he adopts her and brings her home on Christmas? It’d be so cute because she’d be so happy to have a home and it’d honestly be the best Christmas for both of them🥰🐈💜”

Warnings: Fluff and stuff

Posted: 12/17/2020

Tags: taehyung x reader, hybrid au, hybrid reader, calico cat!reader

1,779 words

A/N: For @kpopgirlbtssvt​

You stared out your window at the glittering, snow-covered scenery, while you played with the Christmas-bells bracelet that your secret Santa had gotten for you. You loved it. You liked the gentle sound it made instead of the harsh jangle of the bells that someone had hung on your door, a cacophony of dissonance that made your tail curl.

You winced, turning toward the door as it opened. You weren’t sure why it would be opening, you’d just returned from breakfast and it wasn’t time for activities yet.

A stranger stood in the doorway, holding papers and a small gift bag. And while he didn’t look familiar, he smelled very familiar.

The one that had been observing everyone for adoption purposes for the past two weeks.

He smiled softly at you. “Hello, y/n. My name is Taehyung. I got you a Christmas present.”

You felt excitement bubbling up within you, and you slowly moved toward him.

He met you half-way, holding out the bag.

You carefully took it, bowing slightly, then carefully pulling the gift from the bag.

It was a charm bracelet, pretty and gold and shiny and it had three charms. One was a sleigh, carefully and intricately made with a bag of presents in the back. Another was a cute, but realistic looking bear. The last were simple mark-tags, ones that displayed your basic information and your owner’s….

You slowly looked back up at him. “You’re adopting me?”

He shook his head. “I have already adopted you. I’m bringing you home. I have more presents for you at home. I hope you can accept my first gift, though,” He said, looking hopeful.

You grinned and eagerly put it on behind your jingle-bracelet, admiring it in the morning light. You were being adopted!

He laughed a bit. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” You agreed, vibrating with excitement. You were getting the best Christmas present ever! You had an owner! You were being taken to a home!

“Y/n, your things?” The shelter worker prompted.

“Oh! Right!” You bounded toward the closet and grabbed your two dresses, your socks, and your shoes, putting them into the laundry sack, then got your 2 pairs of pants and 2 sets of pajamas and 3 shirts. “Ok!”

“Pillow? Friend?”

You squeaked in alarm and raced to the bed to grab the pillow and your stuffed calico kitty that had ears and a tail exactly like yours, then hesitated, hand on the old, worn blanket that you kept carefully folded over the end of your bed.

The worker nodded, smiling softly. “It’s yours.”

You grinned again and shoved those things into the sack as well. “Ready!”

“Uh, you might want to wear some shoes instead of slippers,” Taehyung suggested gently, looking just as happy as ever. Not scolding.

You stared down at your slippers for just a minute too long before diving into the sack and grabbing your shoes.

“Relax, kitten. We’ve got time to get home, it’s not going anywhere,” Taehyung said in a soothing tone as you fumbled with the straps of your shiny, black shoes. They looked cute with your red Christmas dress with the pretty white furry lining. You didn’t care what that know-it-all tabby three doors down said, you thought the shoes were cute. And they fit you, it was rare for shoes to actually fit properly, though the shelter tried their hardest to make sure all of you had at least one pair of shoes that fit properly, outside of the slippers which were bought in the proper sizes for everyone.

“Y/n! I found the…sash….” The other hybrid peered into the room, swallowing hard. “Oh…are you….”

“I’ve been adopted, Jiyoung!” You squeaked happily, dragging your sack over to her. “What did you find?”

“The sash, to the dress,” She said eagerly, grinning in happiness for you and then whipping the white sash around your waist and tying it in a big, fancy bow behind you. “There! Now it isn’t just a sack! I will tell you again, though, it was made to be a costume.”

“It’s pretty and soft,” You argued, hugging yourself.

She kissed your cheek. “Good luck in your new home, y/n. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” You responded, voice a choked whisper. You were leaving your friends.

Someone gently took your sack of belongings from you. “Come on, y/n. Let’s go show you your new home.”

You looked back at the gentle, understanding expression on Taehyung’s face and melted a bit. “Okay.”

Jiyoung patted your arm and hurried back down the hall to the donations room where she helped out. She was one of the owner’s hybrids, so at least you knew she was loved.

“Everyone else is in the main room, they’ve been told you’ve been adopted and are waiting to say goodbye,” The shelter worker said gently, noticing your hesitation.

You nodded and took Taehyung’s offered hand, going to the main room.

And maybe you gave your jingle bracelet to the grumpy tabby from three doors down because you knew she’d been jealous of it and you wanted her to be happy and your secret santa had given you an approving smile.

You sort of bet that Taehyung might get you another if you asked really, really nicely.

Taehyung’s car was very nice, nicer than any vehicle you’d ever been in before, and he played Christmas music softly on the radio as if knowing you were nervous as well as excited.

“I understand the sleigh, because you’re adopting me on Christmas, right?” You asked, attention on the charm bracelet again.

He nodded, smiling.

“But what about the bear?”

He looked a little sheepish. “Um…well, I have this song. It’s called winter bear, so I thought after a while if you look at the bear charm you’ll think of it as part of me.”

You were purring before he even finished speaking, holding your wrist and the bracelet close to your heart while you stared out the windows at the Christmas decorations the people all bundled up.

He parked at a large apartment building, grabbing your things and offering to hold your hand again. “Anyway, I do sometimes travel for work. And I was hoping the charm might remind you of me if I’m not able to take you with me. I’m going to make sure to try and get you in every trip, because you’re my responsibility now, but there will be times even when you’re with me on a trip that you might be at the hotel while I’m working. If you can’t go with me on a trip, you’ll probably stay with my parents, and they’re really nice so I think you’ll like them and I won’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with. And—”

“Taehyung-ah,” You whispered, trying to be respectful since you weren’t sure how he wanted you to address him yet. “It’s a little cold outside.”

He blinked at you, then his eyes widened and his eyebrows rose. “You don’t have a coat!”

You shook you head.

He hurried you into the building then ran back and grabbed the sack when you pointed it out, before punching the button to the elevator and muttering about warming you up so that you wouldn’t get sick and how he was a terrible owner.

You patted his arm. “You’re not a terrible owner, and I’m not that cold. See, I’m not shivering. We can still have a nice Christmas.”

“Right,” He breathed, sounding relieved. “You sure you’re okay?”

You nodded, smiling up at him.

“Right, oh, and you can just call me Taehyung.”

You nodded again, smiling and blinking up at him.

He led the way down the hall once the doors opened, holding your hand again, unlocking the door to his apartment (it had a pretty wreath on it). “It isn’t much but this is home.”

You stepped in and took off your shoes, then realized you didn’t have your slippers out.

He caught your panicked looked and smiled gesturing to two pairs of slippers, one pair smaller than the others that looked adorable and comfortable. Like fairy slippers. “I got those for you. They told me your sizes so I could get you some things.”

You felt warm all over and you carefully tried on the slippers, purring at how soft they were.

He looked relieved that you liked them.

Then you saw the rest of his apartment and gaped. Not because of the Christmas tree, which really was delightfully decorated, but because it was very large. You’d seen other apartments before, for home visits before adoptions that fell through at the previous shelter you’d been in as a child. This place was…expensive.

“Wow,” You breathed.

“Like I said, it’s not much, I don’t really even have that much furniture. I just sort of moved in a couple months ago.” He rubbed his neck.

You stared at him, then at the apartment. “It’s huge. You lived here alone?”

“Oh…well…yeah. That’s also why I got you, I’m not used to living alone and the others drop by now and then and I drop by their places now and then but…it’s not the same as what I’m used to and then I saw the shelter and I just got curious and…I didn’t want to be alone anymore and you were so bright and lively that I thought…you’d help me liven the place up. Help it feel warm in here instead of empty.” He looked embarrassed.

You smiled. “I can certainly try.”

He smiled back at you. “Ready for your presents?”

“I feel bad, I don’t have presents for you,” You replied, worried.

“You being here and enjoying what I’ve gotten for you will be enough,” He reassured you, looking happy again.

You nodded and let him lead you through the apartment to a door with a ribbon stuck to it.

“This is your room, y/n,” He whispered, then opened the door.

You squeaked in surprise as you looked around the absolutely plush room. Big bed, lots of pillows and blankets, and pretty pretty furniture. Gentle colors, pretty colors. A lamp, a ceiling fan. And he had some clothes in the dresser and the closet, and some books on the shelves.

He was watching you hopefully, waiting to see if you liked it all.

Your eyes filled with tears and you raced over you hug his waist tightly. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” You breathed, locking your arms around him.

His lips pressed lightly to your temple. “Merry Christmas, y/n.”

“Merry Christmas,” You whispered back.

[ikingsley]

Ina x MC: My Star

Ina x MC: My Star

Summary: Ina and Luna take their relationship to the next level.

Warnings: Fluff! So much fluff.

Tag: @samanthadalton @domakir @kulaykape @hellyeah90sbaby @dopeyouth @kwaj05 @thedaft1​ @swimmingshoebakerydreamer @kaitlynliaofanxx (Let me know if you’d like to be added or removed)​

Author’s Notes: Events after the gala in QB Ch 16. Unfortunately, I have been busy with school and work, but I’ve still been writing. I’ve been working on a new series, one that tells about Ina and Luna’s future together. Here’s the start to their future relationship.

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May 3 @5:42 PM

Ina: Hey. I have a little something for you. Do you want to swing by my place and pick it up? Maybe stay for dinner too?

Luna picked up her phone, reading the message. They had been together officially for a few months now, but the gala had in a way halted their progress. It’d been a few weeks since Ina and Luna had truly been together for a date. Conversations through texts and FaceTime calls that lasted well into the night did occur frequently, but nothing of the romance the two had grown used to. Neither one knew how to approach the delicate situation they found themselves in. 

Luna: I’ll be there.

Luna walked quickly to her dorm, grabbing a hoodie. She trudged over to Ina’s apartment and waited patiently on the other side of the door. Ina opened it and gave her that million-dollar smile. 

“Hey,” Luna breathed out, her breath hitching after seeing Ina physically after weeks.

“Luna. You’re looking as radiant as ever. Come inside.”

Ina’s glance to the outside world did not go unnoticed. It was if she was searching for someone watching her. Not finding anyone who caught her attention, Ina closed the door and bolted it as she welcomed Luna inside.

“You know, you didn’t have to get me anything.”

“You finished your first year at Belvoire. I think that deserves some celebration.”

Luna looked around, taking in Ina’s apartment once more. Then she smelled it.  She looked around the kitchen and saw the oven light on.

“Is Ina ‘I-Burned-Pasta’ Kingsley cooking?”

“Well, attempting to. I have some chicken in there.”

“Color me impressed. Does that chicken happen to be for me?”

“No,” Ina chimed in, turning around to attend to her food. “It’s for a twin sister you never knew you had that I also happen to be going out with.”

Luna only rolled her eyes at Ina in reaction, but reached forwards to hug her from behind.

“I missed you,” Luna whispered into Ina’s ear.

Ina spun Luna around and stared intensely into her eyes. “And I, you. Our FaceTimes weren’t enough for me. I don’t know what happens next with my future at Belvoire, but I know I want my future with you.”

Ina pressed a kiss against Luna’s temple. The timer went off and Ina pulled the chicken out of the oven.

“Me too. I-” Luna stopped.

Ina stopped and swiveled around waiting to hear those three words. “I…what?” Ina questioned. And how she longed to hear those words uttered from Luna’s mouth. Ina heard them frequently from Lilian and Charlotte, but she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d heard it from a partner. Excluding Luna, it’d been so long since she’d felt that kind of intimacy.

“I…I wonder what we have to accompany this chicken!” Luna diverted.

“Oh. I forgot to tell you. I have some broccoli in there too. Maybe I have some…wait- this went bad.” Ina dumped the rotten spinach in the trash. “Yeah, only broccoli.”

“That’s perfect.”

Soon, Ina placed a full plate in front of Luna and settled beside her. They took their first bite and surprised was only one way to describe the taste.

“This is uh…interes-” Luna remarked as she politely forced herself to swallow a portion of the food.

“You don’t need to-”

“Thanks.” Luna ejected what was left of the chicken from her mouth like it were a toxin.

“So, pizza?” Ina said and sputtered out the chicken. It was bone dry and there was too much seasoning of all sorts. Too many things had been combined.

“Please. No offense.”

“None taken. It’s the thought that counts, no?”

“You’re improving every time I see you cook, so let’s call it progress,” Luna smiled as she patted Ina’s shoulder. She stood up to grab her phone and order pizza.

Ina sighed and flopped on the couch. She so desperately wanted this night to go well. She herself was nervous. Ina had spent the previous nights tossing and turning. It finally had dawned on her that she was in love with Luna. Ever since she met her she’d slowly been falling more and more under Luna’s spell. Now she was completely enraptured by her. The simple facial features that morphed into an infectious smile. The way her nose crinkled when she laughed at Ina’s horrible jokes and witty banter. The way Luna caressed her face as she swept her into a kiss. Everything had been coming together.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Luna asked while she sat down next to Ina indicating she had just gotten off the phone for pizza delivery.

“Just...contemplating everything surrounding us. I’ve come to understand what’s truly important to me, which ultimately boils down to Lil, Charlotte and you of course. I don’t dislike my job, but maybe this is an opportunity for me to try and search for a more research-based career rather than actively teaching.”

Ina stood up, grabbing a small, elegantly wrapped rectangular box.

“I care for you too, Ina,” Luna smiled. “You so did not wrap this by the way.”

“Hey! I’ve gotten better at gift wrapping.”

“Not this good-”

“Oh hush, you. Open it.”

Luna meticulously pulled off the wrapping. Inside was a small framed poster. The poster had a big circle right in its center with some stars in it.

“Ina, this is beautiful. Is this-?”

“The stars on the day we met.”

“I don’t know what to say, babe. It’s...it’s perfect. I love you. I mean, I love it! Yeah! I love it.”

The silence that followed was highly drawn out. Both - who could talk a mile a minute when they were excited or passionately ranting - were dead silent. Ina replayed the moment in her head over and over. Had she heard right?

Luna was more bewildered with herself. She’d been too used to toxic, quickly-ending high school relationships. But as more time passed since she’d let the cat out of the bag, the more she realized that this somewhat spur-of-the-moment confession had more truth in it than anything she’d ever said before. She did love Ina. She loved the way Ina would tell her about her day, getting particularly loud during both the best and worst parts of the day. She loved the way Ina made her laugh or actually kept up with her nerdy discussions. She loved the way Ina would leave anything she was doing if Luna needed something. She loved the way Ina cared for Luna during her stressful finals and tended to her every need. She loved the way Ina balanced her so well. 

But deep down, Luna was scared. Scared of being hurt again. Scared of loving someone who only loved her if she acted in a certain way. But that someone wasn’t Ina. She’d found more of herself through Ina. And she’d found something she deserved in a relationship - a mutual respect.

“Can I crash here? I’m pretty tired.”

“Yes, but Luna...”

“Good night!”

“Wait-”

Ina’s urgency made Luna swivel around and she finally met Ina’s eyes. They were full of admiration, love, happiness.

“Did you mean it, Luna?”

“Mean...what?”

“You know.”

“Well, words are a tricky thing. After all, there’s a whole branch of anthropology that focuses on linguistics. It’s very complex!”

Ina hummed softly. “Yes, well...good night.” Ina pressed a chaste kiss on Luna’s forehead and Luna began to turn around to the bedroom. “I love you, Lu.”

Again, Luna stopped in her tracks. “What?”

“I love you, Garcia,” she grinned. “Come here.”

Luna ran towards Ina as she swept her in her arms. Luna jumped into Ina pressing her lips against Ina’s. Ina carried Luna’s small frame and paraded her around the apartment, often breaking their kiss with more admissions of love.

“I love you, Ina. With all my heart. You know pieces of my past and so I was scared to say it. I know we haven’t officially been together for long, but what I feel for you, it’s beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. I am...deeply in love with you, however scary it may seem.”

“Read the caption under the stars, my love.”

Quietly, Luna descended from Ina’s arms and picked up the poster she’d just been gifted. Under the stars was a small quote. 

I love you, what star do you live on? - Conrad Aiken 

Ina Kingsley and Luna Garcia

The Day the Stars Aligned. September 6, 2020 | 4 AM | Dreams Diner, New York 

“I love you so much you big nerd,” Luna beamed and wiped away the tears that began forming at the corner of her eyes. “I love you, Ina Kingsley.”

“Sol.”

“Sun? My name, Luna, means moon in Spanish. But I guess I’m your sun too.”

“You are. By the way, I know that, Lu.” Luna gave her a ‘really? are you sure about that’ look. “I am fluent in Spanish thank you very much! I learned it before English!”

“As did I,” Luna retorted.

“Right, well. My middle name. It’s Sol.”

~

A few months later...

“I can’t believe I’m here,” Ina laughed.

“Honestly, same.”

“What? You basically coerced me into coming!” Ina exclaimed. “I thought we were going to the museum.”

“We will after if you’re up to it. And you would’ve come regardless. You love me too much.”

“Touché.”

“Such a little simp.”

“And?”

“No, nothing,” Luna said quickly. She proceeded to whisper simp once again under her breath.

A strong, tatted man opened the dark curtains, letting the establishment soak in the sunlight.

“How can I help you?” he asked.

“We’re here for tattoos!” Luna said happily.

“Yes, well, we are at a tattoo parlor,” Ina retorted.

“Sorry. Don’t mind her. She’s just grumpy all the time.”

Ina made a face at Luna, her brows furrowed in frustration. Just through that look, Luna knew not to pester Ina once more. She gave her a ‘you’re in trouble when we get home’ look.

“You both are willingly getting tattoos?” the man asked. It was definitely more directed towards Ina.

Bashfully, Ina nodded. Never in a million years did she think she’d do this. A tattoo. Jesus Christ. Luna was right. If she pulled out a Merriam-Webster dictionary, she knew she’d find a full page photo of herself next to the word simp - a word they’d specifically added just for her.

“What are you guys looking for? Something small, something big? Something plain, something colorful?”

Who was this man? Dr. Seuss’s son? Ina thought to herself.

“Just something small. Maybe on my hip or something,” Luna answered for the both of them as Ina nodded in agreement.

As fun as this little bonding activity was, both women were professionals. Nothing could be too blatantly obvious. Potentially hypothetically, Ina couldn’t have her students ask her about her new tattoo rather than anthropology.

“Do you guys have any designs you want me to copy?” the man asked as he put on gloves.

“Umm...I didn’t have anything in specific in mind. Maybe her name or something that reminds me of her? A rose maybe?” Luna began rambling as her thoughts took over.

The two women stood aside in silence, pondering what they would get. It was unlike them - they were always prepared for everything.

“Hey, Luna,” Ina turned to face her partner. “Why don’t we get a sun and moon?”

“Aww, Ina,” she smiled.

Goddamn those heart eyes, Ina thought.

“Okay, why don’t you get a moon and I’ll get a sun,” Luna said. “That way I’ll always be reminded of you, and you me.”

“I’d like nothing more, my love.”

And after being called a baby multiple times by Luna and a few blaring yelps - mostly on Ina’s part - they were permanently linked by ink. 

“I love you but I am never ever doing that again, Luna.”

[melanielocke]

Lost in the Shadows - Chapter 24

AO3

Taglist: @nott-the-best @foxglove-airmid @alastair-esfandiyar-carstairs1 @justanormaldemon @styxdrawings @ipromiseiwillwrite @a-dream-dirty-and-bruised@alastair-appreciation-month

Previous Chapter: Chapter 23

Next Chapter: Chapter 25

Lucie was exhausted. She’d used more magic today than she had in her entire life and when they were finished eating Thomas’ admittedly very good shepherd’s pie, she was so tired she wanted to go to bed. She usually had a bit of an irregular sleeping schedule, you never knew when inspiration might hit, but right now she needed sleep more than anything. She suspected no one else would want to go to sleep yet. Thomas and Alastair had curled up on the couch, cuddling while watching a movie. They both seemed to really like touch, Lucie noticed, which was something she’d expected from Thomas, but not Alastair. Cordelia had always described him as having difficulty showing physical affection, but perhaps it was different with Thomas. Cordelia was on the other couch, reading a book she’d borrowed from her.

‘Can I talk to you?’ she asked her mother.

‘Of course, Lu,’ her mother said. ‘Where did you want to go?’

She and her mother went upstairs to Lucie’s bedroom. She didn’t think Alastair had the energy required for messing with someone’s memory right now, so she left him. Perhaps he could help tomorrow, or whenever he felt like it. Restoring years of memories had to be hard.

‘Alright, so we freed Grace,’ Lucie said. ‘And she had some information. Including a story about a witch with powers similar to mine, who sealed the thief away in his realm and then fell asleep in the land in between for a 130 years.’

Tessa tilted her head. ‘Like sleeping beauty?’

‘I think she woke up by herself,’ Lucie said. ‘With the strange way time moves there, she could have just passed out for a little while, but woken up 130 years later. Anyway, according to Grace this woman’s name was Theresa Gray and she was the thief’s daughter. And she woke up about twenty years ago. The thief took her memories and replaced them with false ones.’

Tessa frowned. ‘And you think I was that witch in a past life? You know I have no powers, right? Nothing like what you can do.’

‘According to Grace, the thief took your powers.’

Jessamine walked into the room, through the wall as she so often did. Jessamine, who’d met a miss Gray who was a witch around the same time period…

‘Show yourself, Jess,’ Lucie said. ‘Come here.’

Jessamine sat down on her bed next to her.

‘Do you recognize my mother?’ Lucie asked.

Jessamine frowned. ‘She’s come here regularly for the past twenty years or so,’ she said.

‘No, I mean before that. What did Mr. Gray’s sister look like, the other one who could see you?’

‘Your mother looks a lot like her, Lucie. But she lived 150 years ago.’

‘But could they be the same person?’ Lucie asked.

Jessamine tilted her head. ‘It’s been a long time… But yes. It could have been her, if it weren’t for the time passed.’

‘See!’ Lucie said triumphantly. ‘It was you. You’ve been here after Jessamine died to offer condolences, because she was to be married to your brother.’

‘My brother died in a car accident,’ Tessa said. ‘In the 1990s.’

Lucie didn’t know much about this uncle, her mother barely talked about him and she didn’t even know his name. Now she began to suspect these false memories of everyone around her dying were the only way such a fake past could make sense. Because she’d woken up in this century alone, everyone she knew had died.

‘Alastair could help you,’ Lucie said. ‘To remember. It could be important. Besides, it must suck not knowing who you are.’

Tessa put her hand on Lucie’s shoulder. ‘I know who I am, Lu. I have a PhD and do medical research. I am your mother. But if in the past I was someone else, I am willing to find out.’

Lucie wanted to finish some writing but her eyes were falling shut, there was no point.

She slept restlessly that night. She dreamt of an old fashioned stone castle, a man on a throne decorated with bones. She only got glimpses of him. Of the horns on his head. No, they weren’t horns, they were antlers. A pair of red eyes. Not just the iris was red, the entire eye was, shining in the dark.

‘I know what you did, Lucie Herondale. I know what you are. And I will make you pay.’

Lucie shot up, drenched in sweat. Was it a nightmare, or a warning? Lucie couldn’t be sure. All she could see where those horrible eyes, burning red. She changed into a clean pajama, but at least the bed seemed clean enough. Lucie just wasn’t sure if she would fall back asleep. Her heart was still racing, and it was worse knowing that the monster might be real. Could that be him, the thief of souls? Grace had said he’d been human once, and beyond the antlers and the eyes he had been human in appearance, even if Lucie had only seen flashes. Had he found out she’d stolen Barbara from him? It seemed like an obvious explanation. Did he know about her mother? Barbara was still around here, Lucie wasn’t sure how or when she’d move on and neither was Barbara herself. She’d be safer when she wasn’t here as a ghost anymore, but perhaps she’d want a chance to talk to uncle Gabriel as well. Lucie imagined it would be harder for him though. Uncle Gabriel did not remember his mother at all, she wasn’t sure what it’d be like, to be confronted with a mother who’d died so long ago you didn’t remember her. But perhaps it was still nice to at least be given a chance to meet her, even if only once.

Lucie decided she could not go back to sleep and checked the time. It was around ten, she’d gone to bed very early. She suspected Cordelia might be going to bed right now. She usually went to bed around ten and considering it had been an exhausting day for her as well she didn’t think Cordelia would be up much later.

Lucie left her room, plushie sparrow in her arms, sprinting to where she knew the light switch was until she could turn it on. It was stupid and irrational, she knew, but part of her expected to see a pair of red glowing eyes any moment. Not that turning the light on would protect her but at least she felt safer. She walked over to Cordelia’s bedroom and knocked on the door.

Cordelia opened, wearing her pajama top but the jean shorts she’d changed into after showering.

‘Are you alright, Lu?’ she asked.

‘Nightmare,’ she said. ‘Can I come in?’

Cordelia gestured for her to come in and Lucie did, sitting down on Cordelia’s bed with her plushie sparrow. Cordelia had her redhead Persian cat plushie on the bed. Lucie knew Cordelia wanted to get a Persian cat for a pet when she lived on her own. Uncle Jem had one, although that little beast hated everyone except uncle Jem, her father in particular. Cordelia quickly changed into her pajama bottoms and sat down on the bed next to Lucie. Fortunately, there was enough space for the two of them.

‘What did you dream of?’ Cordelia asked, putting her arms around Lucie.

It was comforting, to be touched on her own terms, to be touched by Cordelia. It wasn’t always easy, but Cordelia would always be an exception. Her fingers were soft and send sparks down Lucie’s spine. Her arms were firm and applied just enough pressure for it to be comforting but not painful. Cordelia was both chubby and muscular, and it felt nice.

‘I think it might have been the thief of souls,’ Lucie admitted. ‘He said that he knew what I’d done and I’d pay the price. I don’t know, it could have been an ordinary nightmare. There’s no way to tell, is there?’

‘I don’t know,’ Cordelia said. ‘But I have cortana right here. If he so much as dares come close to you, I’ll stab him with my sword. I don’t care if he’s some all powerful immortal being. Cortana can kill anything.’

Lucie curled up against Cordelia. ‘That’s comforting. But I don’t know what to do. We’ve set Grace free, but now what? Even stopping Tatiana’s plans won’t be enough, not if the creature she works for is after me regardless of what she does.’

‘We’ll destroy it,’ Cordelia promised. ‘We’ll find a way. I won’t let anything hurt you.’

Cordelia kissed her forehead, gently running her fingers through her hair and Lucie felt herself burn up. Cordelia had no idea how she felt about her, did she? Lucie felt a little guilty about not telling her, but what if Cordelia didn’t feel the same way? She surely wouldn’t want to hold Lucie like this if she knew?

So instead she remained silent, both of them falling asleep like this. It worked, Lucie didn’t have any other nightmares. She slept until late the next morning, and only woke when Cordelia wanted to get out of bed and started moving. She felt rested again, as if she’d slept for a week.

After breakfast, Cordelia decided to help her and Thomas with wielding the dagger Alastair had given them. Lucie guessed when necessary she might stab something, but it was just as likely someone could disarm her and use the weapon against her. She didn’t want to rely on magic alone, she still hadn’t realized its full potential and it tired her too much. At least Thomas had some natural talent with the dagger.

Alastair was in conversation with Lucie’s mother, helping her with her memory Lucie guessed. It was difficult for Alastair because he had no starting point, but they’d taken Jessamine as a start and worked through association. Alastair had explained that he usually worked through timeline, but in this case association would be an easier way in. Lucie knew it had to be confusing for her mother. She couldn’t imagine finding out she was really a Victorian lady who’d travelled through time and forgotten all about it.

Her father helped out here and there as well. It was easy to forget he’d learnt all of this too, training with uncle Jem, but even after all these years he knew what he was doing.

‘I used to wield throwing knives,’ her father said. ‘I don’t think this dagger is balanced enough for throwing though. Excellent for stabbing. I must admit it looks very familiar, I think I used to have a dagger that looks just like this.’

Her father turned Lucie’s dagger around in his hand. ‘Even the jewels and the inscription matches. Where did you get this?’

‘Alastair gave it to me,’ Lucie said. ‘Not sure where he got it.’

‘It was a gift,’ Alastair clarified, who’d just came to join them. ‘Tessa is starting to remember, but I think it’s best to take it slowly. It’ll be easier now that the first memories came back.’

Will gazed up thoughtfully. ‘A gift, huh? Oh, of course, I gave the dagger away. A long time ago, to Charlotte Fairchild. Some monsters were after her, we later learned those were Benedict Lightwood’s as he held a grudge against her family or something, and Jem and I killed the beasts. I gave her a dagger that looked just like this one.’

***

Alastair didn’t know Charlotte Fairchild personally. He’d never met any of Charles’ family, aside from Matthew whom he knew from school. Charles had never wanted him to and Alastair had thought it was best at the time. He knew Charlotte was a member of the parliament for labour, and she was probably a much better politician than her son would ever be, but apart from that he didn’t know much about her. He certainly didn’t know she had once been involved in the supernatural as well.

‘Perhaps it’s a different dagger,’ Will mused. ‘Or Charlotte sold it or gave it away, I don’t think I ever asked what she did with it.’

‘Didn’t you say this one was a gift from your ex?’ Lucie asked.

Alastair stiffened. He hadn’t realized at all, but if Will knew Charlotte, did he also know Charles? It made sense, of course. His son James was best friends with Matthew Fairchild. But Charles had always seemed a bit like an isolated person to Alastair. Not in the sense that he had no friends or family, but Alastair didn’t know anyone Charles spent time with, and therefore it had never occurred to him that other people might know Charles.

‘Yes, I did. Charles never told me where he’d gotten it, I’d assumed he’d bought it.’

Perhaps Charles had found it among his mother’s old things and asked if he could have it, so he could give it to Alastair? Charles had never said it had belonged to his mother, he’d never said anything about where he’d gotten it and Alastair had assumed he must have bought it, although he’d never asked. He’d assumed the dagger must have been expensive considering the jewels. Charles was rich and had not shied away from giving him expensive gifts Alastair never could have bought on his own. Those gifts had made him feel so special, had made him forget about all the times Charles had dismissed him or pressured him into doing something. Had convinced him the pain didn’t matter because Charles loved him.

Of course, Alastair didn’t care much about how much money someone was spending on him, and he would have liked it if someone found him such a gift among his mother’s things, but not telling about it and letting Alastair believe he’d bought it was weird, right?

‘You mean you got it from Charles Fairchild? Charles was your ex?’

Alastair could easily read the shock on Thomas’ face. ‘I didn’t realize you knew him.’

‘I always saw him as Matthew’s annoying older brother, but I did know him. He used to be friends with my sisters. My parents have been very close with Charlotte and Henry for as long as I can remember, I’ve come there since I was a child. I never realized he might be someone I knew.’

Stupid, Alastair thought. Of course they knew Charles. Charles might have kept him away from his family and friends, but Matthew was Charles’ younger brother and Matthew and Thomas had been friends since they were little, before Charles had moved out. Did everyone here know him?

‘Charles Fairchild is your ex?’ Lucie’s eyes were wide with shock, but she also seemed intrigued.

Alastair stepped back. He knew what would happen, of course, he wasn’t stupid. Some unnamed man they had never heard of they could vilify. Someone they didn’t know could have been an abuser. But if they knew Charles, they would believe him over Alastair, wouldn’t they? They’d know him as he presented himself to the world, charming and hardworking and considerate, and would question Alastair’s story. Was he really that bad? Hadn’t he just asked for it?

He hadn’t told Will and Tessa the details about his relationship, of course, only Cordelia, Thomas and Gideon knew more than that he had broken up with someone some months ago. Now he couldn’t tell anyone else, couldn’t count on them to believe him. Not that he’d intended to necessarily, but he wished he could have.

‘Yes,’ Alastair said stiffly. ‘He gave me that dagger when I turned seventeen. I didn’t know it belonged to his mother before I got it. I didn’t want to return it after the break up, so that’s why I gave it to Lucie.’

Will didn’t seem to have any additional questions, but Alastair wasn’t so sure what he thought of the story. Even without any information, he had to be able to figure out Alastair had been a minor at the time of their relationship and Charles was not. Of course, not everyone thought that was wrong.

Alastair retreated inside, just as Tessa came outside. Looking for him? She’d just remembered visiting Jessamine in this house, the easiest entry to her old memory and had to be very overwhelmed. Not sure what to do now, the only distraction offered by the ringing of a doorbell. He guessed that would be Thomas’ parents, so Alastair went to open the door. Gideon would find out Charles had been his ex, right? Someone he’d known since he was a child. Alastair was a little overwhelmed from the discovery, scared what everyone would think. He opened the door expecting Thomas’ parents. Instead, it was his cousin Jem.

‘What are you doing here?’ Alastair realized that sounded rather rude. He’d been working at being nicer lately. Only for people who deserved it, of course, but Jem was one of those people. ‘Sorry. I mean, I wasn’t expecting you here.’

‘That’s alright. I came because I was worried.’

Alastair frowned. ‘Why?’

Had Will told Jem of what was happening here? Considering how close they were, he probably would have.

‘I haven’t heard a thing from Will and Tessa in some time,’ Jem said. ‘Nor has your mother heard anything from you or your sister.’

‘I’ve texted her every single day. She hasn’t read anything though.’

He and Thomas had speculated something like this might be going on, something blocking their lines of communication. He guessed that must be true. He led Jem to the living room.

‘I suspected something like this could happen. Will did mention something of the supernatural being active here, and sometimes that interferes with communication. I have not been able to reach any of you, nor did Gabriel and Cecily.’

‘Gideon said he couldn’t reach Gabriel, but apparently it was not unusual for Gabriel to disappear like that,’ Alastair said.

In this age of phones and technology, Alastair couldn’t imagine not responding to anything for several days.

‘That’s because back when he and Cecily still investigated the supernatural, phones tended to go haywire when they were deep in the middle of something. It’s something they got used to.’

The idea of his mother not sending a reply at all because she didn’t receive anything was certainly better than her purposely ignoring him, especially after Alastair had sent her a picture of him and Thomas.

‘And now it’s happening here.’

‘Yes,’ Jem said. ‘Your enemy wants to isolate you. That’s why I came here, I knew something was going on and you might need help.’

‘Well, you’re not wrong,’ Alastair said. ‘How is my mother?’

‘She is a bit worried, but I assured her there was no need for her to come here, that I would check in. I told her there was a chance I wouldn’t be able to reach her either. There’s something else she’s been wanting to tell you and your sister, but since she’s been unable to contact either of you, she’s asked me to tell you.’

Alastair was instantly sick with worry. ‘She’s not going back to Father, is she?’

‘No, that’s not it. Do you still not wish to know how your father has been doing? Otherwise I could give you some more information.’

Alastair considered his options. ‘I just want to know that my mother is safe from him,’ he said.

‘He’s at a clinic,’ Jem said. ‘Your mother has not visited. She is trying to find a way to get the house back after the divorce, but is currently still staying with Risa.’

Alastair was not sure what to think of that. Alastair had lived the first few years of his life in the old Carstairs manor, but his father had been forced to sell it because of financial problems. Jem had bought it back some years later, as a doctor he had the income to afford it. Not to mention he probably had saved his inheritance instead of spending it on alcohol. They’d moved into a smaller but honestly still bigger than average house, which had been paid for at least partially with his mother’s money. Who would get the house after the divorce was a bit tricky. While it would be convenient for them to have the house, Alastair feared there were too many bad memories attached to it. He didn’t want to go back to living there, even without his father.

‘You know, my offer still stands. You can come live with me,’ Jem added. ‘I have plenty of space.’

Alastair knew moving in with Jem was probably more practical than living with Risa. She didn’t really have the space to accommodate an entire family since she’d always lived on her own and didn’t have a high income like Jem did. The main reason he’d turned down the offer was because he didn’t know Jem all that well. Father had always done the best he could to keep him away from their family, and he was this distant relative he vaguely knew of. But after sharing a room with Cordelia for some time, he guessed perhaps moving in with Jem was a better idea. He’d even considered moving out altogether like many students did, but he didn’t think that was feasible with the money he had, not without getting roommates who were likely going to be messy and consumers of alcohol like students often were. Not to mention people often chose their new roommates and Alastair knew realistically, no one would choose him. Even if he didn’t know Jem all that well, living with him would probably be preferable.

‘I’ll think on it,’ Alastair said. ‘At this point it might be the only feasible idea. I don’t think it would be right to impose on Risa for much longer.’

‘You and your mother and sister will always be welcome with me,’ Jem said. ‘Now, how are you? With everything that’s been happening, I imagine this summer was not the escape you’d hoped it would be.’

‘Not really,’ Alastair said. ‘But it’s not all bad. I’ve grown closer to Thomas. We’re in a relationship now. It’s all very new though, and I find it difficult to open myself again, or to accept that he cares. He keeps saying he does, but this voice in my head tells me he couldn’t possibly care about me.’

‘It’s hard, to accept that you are loved after everything you’ve been through,’ Jem said. ‘To believe it, really.’

Alastair felt a bit embarrassed by it all, as he often did. Both Jem and his therapist had often assured him having a mental disorder was nothing to be ashamed of, but that didn’t stop Alastair from feeling weak and broken.

‘I will think about moving in with you at the end of the summer,’ Alastair decided, if only because it was the least bad option he had. He didn’t want to make a permanent decision yet, but it was a good option. He knew few people had the luxury of having a cousin he could just move in with. ‘But on one condition. I do get to keep my dagger collection.’

‘You still have those, then?’

‘They’re important to me,’ Alastair insisted. ‘Right now, we use them in case we need to defend ourselves, but beyond that they’re decorative.’

‘I don’t mind them,’ Jem said. ‘I’m just concerned that you’ll hurt yourself.’

‘I could also hurt myself with razor blades and kitchen knives. But I don’t. I’ve never cut myself, and I don’t intend to start,’ Alastair said.

To be honest, he did understand why some people did. Some had said that cutting made the pain go away for a moment and Alastair could understand doing anything to make the pain go away. Alastair had been more prone to hurting others than himself though, lashing out as a way of coping. Both were quite maladaptive coping methods, but fortunately Alastair had at least learnt to stop lashing out.

‘I trust you,’ Jem said. ‘Are you getting along with the others here? You always struggled socially.’

Some time ago Jem had considered that like Lucie, he might be autistic, but Alastair wasn’t sure. His issues with social interaction could also be due to trauma. It was always frustrating, how people around him worried about his lack of friends. He was still considering getting tested for it, but waiting lists for autism assessment, especially in adulthood, were endless and the longer he postponed making a decision, the longer it would take.

‘I am,’ Alastair said. ‘Mostly with Thomas.’

‘Yes, you mentioned you were in a relationship with him. Is he treating you well? Better than the last one, I hope,’ Jem said.

‘Yes he is. He is sweet. Speaking of the last one, do you know Charles Fairchild? I just discovered that everyone else here knows him.’

Alastair figured it anyone would be on his side, it would be Jem, so perhaps it was best to hear how well everyone knew Charles from Jem. He very much did not want to talk about Charles, but he also knew he should be prepared.

‘I knew him well when he was a child. Lately, not so much. I still see Henry and Charlotte, but Charles doesn’t live with them anymore, so I haven’t seen him in a while. You don’t mean to say he is your ex boyfriend?’

‘Everyone knows him apparently. I didn’t realize. And I told Thomas and Gideon the whole story without mentioning his name. But now Thomas knows it was him because of the goddamn dagger and why would they believe me over someone they knew since he was a child?’

‘Alastair, I believe you,’ Jem said. ‘That I did not expect such a thing from Charles only tells me I did not know him at all. Some people are simply good at hiding what they’re really like.’

Alastair guessed he was such a person too. He spent so much time hiding how broken and awful he really was.

‘I do not think knowing the person who hurt you will make them stop believing you,’ Jem added. ‘They might be shocked to know Charles was capable of such a thing, and I understand you might prefer not to discuss it, but they will still believe you.’

‘How can you know?’

‘Because Will and Tessa and Gideon and Sophie are my friends, and I trust them. Now, where are Will and Tessa? I would like to greet them.’

‘They’re just outside,’ Alastair said, leading Jem into the garden where Cordelia and Will were still helping Thomas and Lucie wield their daggers properly.

Truly becoming skilled with them would take years, but they would have to make do with the time they had.

‘Jem, I didn’t know you were coming!’ Tessa said.

‘I had become worried,’ Jem said. ‘And I missed you.’

Jem hugged Tessa, and then Will. Alastair envied their close friendship sometimes, one that had endured over the years even after Will and Jem had stopped training to fight together. Perhaps he really did lack the social skills to build such a friendship.

‘I think we all missed you,’ Will said. ‘I didn’t realize you’d be coming.’

‘You’ve been cut off from communicating with people outside,’ Jem said. ‘I realized when none of you responded to me, or Gabriel, or Sona. I thought it would be best to come here and see for myself. Gabriel and Cecily would have come, but they couldn’t find a babysitter.’

‘Of course. You’re always welcome here,’ Tessa said.

‘Now I do have to deliver a message to Cordelia and Alastair,’ Jem said.

Alastair and Cordelia followed Jem back inside. He was still worried, scared something was not right. All he knew was his mother was not going back to his father.

‘What is it?’ Cordelia asked. ‘Nothing bad, I hope?’

‘No, nothing bad. She really wanted to tell you this herself, but considering the circumstances she gave me permission to tell you. She is expecting a child.’

‘Wait, what? And how?’ Cordelia asked.

‘She likely got pregnant shortly before leaving Elias,’ Jem said. ‘And didn’t realize until after you two left. Despite the circumstances she is very happy about it and excited to meet her new baby. She hopes you are as well.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Cordelia said. ‘But wow, I really did not expect a baby sibling,’ Cordelia said.

‘Me neither,’ Alastair said. ‘But the baby will have everything they need. They won’t be burdened by Father.’

Alastair could never have guessed he’d have another baby sibling, but even now, not knowing them at all, he knew he’d do anything for the baby. He knew he could not quite be a father, but he could be a good older brother, a better one than he’d been to Cordelia at least. He could make sure the baby wouldn’t have to grow up like he had, and would always have someone to tell them they were loved and perfect and enough as they were. Although Alastair could never have anticipated this news, he was happy.

[collecting-stories]

Tara - ep. 11 - Georgia

Summary: The reader’s birthday is right around the corner. Tara shares a secret with Daryl that only she knows. 

A/N: Someone recently asked about me posting pictures that inspired Georgia so I thought I would share the pinterest board I use for it.  (I’ll add more as the series moves along. If you wanna see anything specific like outfit inspo let me know lol).

Georgia Masterlist | The Walking Dead Masterlist

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

“My baby! Look at her.” You cheered, standing in the parking lot of Dale’s autobody as Daryl drove the Jeep up and parked beside you. He had told you to come by after work to collect the Jeep at the shop, thinking it’d be better that way then you showing up at his house. “Thank you.”

“Just doing my job.” He shrugged, handing the keys over to you. “Another tussle with the cat?” He asked, catching sight of the cut on your cheek. Without thinking he reached up and brushed his hand across the cut and you flinched a little.  

You smiled though, when you met his eyes, “yeah, can’t resist ‘em.”  

“Thought maybe ya were getting into it at the diner, heard ya got arrested,” he teased.  

“I wasn’t arrested! Who told you I was arrested?”  

“Calm yerself down. Michonne said she picked ya up Friday night with Maggie Greene.” He replied. Michonne had given him an earful about it on Saturday morning when she’d seen him in the parking lot of the gas station.  

“I was at Shane’s party, there was a fight.” You replied, “but I wasn’t arrested.” You wondered if Michonne told Daryl that she called you his girlfriend and whether or not that bothered him. If he corrected her everytime or if he didn’t say one way or another. “Anyway, I went cause Aiden told me he’d tell my mom we’ve been hanging out if I didn’t. I didn’t want you to get in trouble,” you admitted.

With both of the boys only in holding over night to ‘cool off’ as the sheriff called it, you were sure that Aiden had convinced his mom to tell yours about all the time you were spending with Daryl. You’d spent all last night laying in bed freaking out over the thought of Daryl getting in trouble because you were stupid enough to not just go talk to Deanna in the moment.  

“Don’t worry ‘bout me, ya shouldn’t be spending time hanging around me anyway.” He mused, leaning against the side of your jeep. “Don’t matter anyway, going hunting for a few days...sure they’ll forget about whatever gossip they got running out their mouths by then.”

“When are you going?”

“Leavin’ in the morning why?” He asked.  

“How long you gonna be gone?”

“Why?” Daryl asked again, “ya want me ta print ya an itinerary or something?”  

“No. I’m just asking.” You frowned, hoping it looked like a glare but positive it looked much more like a pout. The thought of Daryl leaving, even for a weekend, was all kinds of awful. It was already going to be weird not going to his house three times a week to watch him work on the car and you were afraid that he would stop wanting you around now that the car was fixed. Going hunting felt like the final thing before he told you to stop bothering him for good. “You still gonna teach me car stuff when you come back?”

“Told ya I would.” He said. When Tiny called his name from the back of the shop, Daryl stood up, wiping imaginary dirt off his hands. “I gotta get back ta work, ya stay outta prison til I’m back, ya hear.”

“I wasn’t arrested!” You stressed,  

“Course ya weren’t.” He hesitated for a moment, hands in the pockets of his coveralls as he stood there, waiting to say whatever was on his mind. “I’ll only be a few days, I see ya after. Teach ya how to drive.”

“I know how to drive!” You laughed, “you told me I was good driver.”

“When was that?”  

“Daryl!”  

He grinned, brushing his hair back with his hand before shaking it out. “I’ll be seeing ya alright?”

“I’ll see you when you get back.” You nodded, finally opening the door to your jeep as Daryl headed back into the auto shop to help Tiny. You waved to Axel as you peeled out, not headed far though, you had a shift at the diner to get back to.  

You hadn’t mentioned it to Daryl then though you had been planning to. It was your birthday soon. About two weeks and you’d be eighteen. It wouldn’t matter what Deanna told your mom or what Aiden said and maybe, Michonne’s teasing wouldn’t have to be just teasing. It was all wishful thinking though. There was still the unavoidable possibility that he didn’t like you at all and that when you told him how you felt he wouldn’t reciprocate. Maggie told you that you were crazy to even think that way, Daryl was obviously into you, according to her.  

You’d spent enough time with him though, you knew he wouldn’t come around easy. But that was okay, you were pretty willing to stick it out even if all you ever got was a glimpse of a smile.  

-

The diner was packed when you got there, almost unusually so for a Thursday night but you recognized the two girls sitting at the counter the moment you walked through the front door. You waved while you ducked in the back to drop your things and clock in, fixing the apron around your dress and coming back out the double doors behind the counter.  

“What are you guys doing here?” You asked, stopping in front of Maggie and Tara before you waited on anyone else.  

Maggie only came by the diner if she was driving you home and lately she hadn’t. Tara came even more infrequently so you knew they had to want something if they were sitting there, especially at the beginning of your shift.

“Wanted to get dinner, saw you across the street with your boyfriend.” Tara teased.  

“Shut up.”

“You tell him that you’re gonna be eighteen soon.” She questioned. “You guys can-”

“Tara! Shut up!” You smacked the back of her hand with the pad of paper in your hand, “my God.”

“We came over because we were talking party ideas and wanted to know what you wanted for your birthday?” Maggie cut in, bringing the conversation back to something more appropriate for a diner full of families.

“After the other night...no party. Just us, Glenn...maybe Eugene? No one else, please.” You laughed.  

“You know what would be more fun than a party?” Lori commented, stopping behind you.  

You twisted around, looking at your co-worker, “waiting on tables?” You replied. She was always on your case, it was no surprise that she would’ve been ease-dropping on the conversation.  

“Especially since you aren’t being paid to stand here chitchatting with your friends.” She retorted.  

“I’m going, I’m going,” you muttered, “discuss without me...no party.” You insisted, walking around the counter to go wait on the tables in your section.

Tara spun in her stool, watching you chat up tables of families. “Watch her, I’ll be right back.” She instructed, hopping off the stool. Maggie was about to ask where she was headed but Tara was already across the diner, the bell on the door clattering behind her as she left. Through the picture windows Maggie could see her cut across the street to the garage. You would kill them if you found out, surely.  

-

Tara walked up the small parking lot to the garage. She’d been there once to drop you off but had never been inside. She’d only seen Daryl a handful of times and only talked to him once. Not exactly the basis for inviting him to come to a birthday dinner for you that she couldn’t even imagine him agreeing too.  

“Can I help you?” T-Dog called, spying the girl walking into the open garage a little less confident now that she was through the door.  

“Is Daryl here?”  

“D! You got a visitor.” T-Dog shouted, looking back at Tara skeptically before walking off to go back to work.  

Daryl appeared on the other side of a four-door sedan, eyes narrowing when he realized the visitor was not you. Tara smiled a little too apprehensively, walking over to him and waving. “Hey, I’m Tara...I’m friends with-”

“Yeah, I recognize ya,” Daryl replied, leaning against the car. “What’re ya doing here?”

“Well...you might not know but she’s turning eighteen in two weeks and we were planning on having a party for her, nothing special but...” Tara shrugged, “I wanted to invite you.”

“I’m busy.”  

“In two weeks? I didn’t even tell you the date.” She pointed out.  

“Yeah and? She didn’t tell me herself, ain’t something she wants me ta know.” He replied. It seemed logical enough for him. You hadn’t mentioned your birthday to him at all. Maybe the party was a surprise but you hadn’t even brought up the exact date so why would you want him at a party with your friends?  

“I think she’s probably just nervous, you know?” Tara tried to argue. Considering how much you talked about Daryl on a daily basis she wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t mention anything to him out of sheer anxiety. You were eighteen...the implications were there.  

“What for?”

“Well,” Tara paused, was he joking? “She’s eighteen...you guys could like...date.”

Daryl brought his hand up, chewing at the tip of his thumb, cheeks going red at the word. He’d thought about it. Hell, he thought about it all the time. At Thanksgiving, in the parking lot on Christmas Eve, at the stupid winter fest, in his truck while you were driving to Woodbury, anytime he looked over at you while he was working on the car. What he wouldn’t give to have that, to kiss you whenever he wanted, to be close to you, but that kind of happiness wasn’t in the cards for him.  

You were a fluke, a weird accident that happened in his timeline and once the universe righted itself you would be fixing your eye on someone who was better for you. Someone who would live up to all the standards that people in King County had.  

“I got work.” He finally said, looking back down at the car in front of him.  

“Okay. Just, think about it?” Tara requested. “She really likes you and, I know my opinion is whatever but, she deserves some happiness.” Tara turned, leaving the shop to get back to Maggie, hoping you didn’t notice her absence too much.  

“What’d ya mean?” Daryl called after her.  

Tara paused, looking back at him, “don’t tell her I told you...no one knows.” She stressed, “things aren’t exactly...her parents aren’t what everyone thinks.”  

As she headed back to the diner Daryl exhaled, kicking the tire of the sedan as that feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. The same feeling he’d pushed away earlier when he saw the scratch on your cheek. The one he’d ignored just after Christmas when you told him you tousled with a cat at the Greene’s. It was that feeling, nagging, coupled with the smallest hint of something familiar behind your eyes.  

He knew the feeling. He lived it. But you shouldn’t have to.  

-

Taglist: @hopesxxhigh @coffeebooksandfandom @jodiereedus22 @tehfabbooty @thecaptainsgingersnap @of-storms-and-sadness @twdeadfanfic @alwaysadreamingoptimist  @mainokutan @sabertooth-potato @solllaris @bucky-barnes-babies @ly--canthrope @daryldixonandfrogs @jaycc7983 @easnuppa @imaginecrushes @tonystarkismyboy @watchmeaspire @harpersmariano @guccicloudz @sapphire-angel @buzzybhee @alexbealee @elodieyung @its-evita-here 

[chandelier-s-notebook]

Doodlewash April 2021 prompt 8: Woodpecker

Facts about woodpecker behaviours

They live solitary lives

Highly antisocial species that are aggressive towards their own kind

But some of them still live in groups

Will defend their food stash, drive away others, return frequently

Aggressive behaviours include bill-pointing and jabbing, head shaking, wing flicking, chasing, drumming and vocalisations.

Morse code like territorial drumming

Also, just for clarification 93-10-01 = Tommy 83-11-03 = Hannahxxrose 27-10-01 = Sammygreen 93-08-02 = CupToast/Crumb 12-11-04 = TimeDeo 09-10-01 = Purpled

CW: Child Fighting Ring (nothing gore-y), food (<-- for those that want that warning)

--------------------------

After being kidnapped on his walk from Tubbo and the Sweet Shoppe and Bakery in District 87 to his and Ranboo’s place in District 93, he was taken into the back of a van that already had four children inside.

Before getting into the van, the two men that took him tried to take the cupcakes. Tommy did not take kindly to this. He might have bite one of the guy’s arms and kicked the other in the groin.

That was when the driver came out of the van and held Tommy harshly into his chest. Tommy was shouting about the cupcakes still. He ripped himself out of the man’s arms and stood protectively a few feet away.

“You gonna run kid?”

Tommy mutely shock his head. “That guy has a gun.”

“You bit my arm fucker!”

“You tried to take my cupcake!”

The drive sent him an incredulous look. “We’re trying to take you?”

“Yeah? Well I can control the safety of my fucker cupcakes dick.”

The man with the gun pulled it out.

“Please don’t shoot me over a cupcake.”

“Get in the van kid.”

“Please open the door.”

The driver opened the back door and Tommy steps inside. He notices another four kids on the van floor. Tommy sits down and curls up as the door closes behind him.

The car jerks forward, and Tommy splits his cupcake between the four others. He didn’t think he’d be eating one anytime soon, but he knew he should probably make nice with others.

- - -

They arrived at the cite and the children were taken out of the can and into a room. With Tommy there, the other kids followed this confident ten year old into the den. Tommy was a little sad to see them so trusting, but if he had learned anything from his two years on the streets of District 93, and others, it was to comply with the wronguns.

The men took any belongings the children still had on them and gave them serial numbers. District-Age-Number, Tommy became 93-10-01.

The girl with roses on her shirt became 83-11-03. The boy with a green fringe became 27-10-01. The girl with her cat face fingerless gloves taken away became 93-08-02. And the boy with a knitted Christmas sweater became 12-11-04.

Once they were given bead bracelets with their identification, the five children were taken to what amounted to a boxing ring.

93-08-02 took a step behind Tommy, trying to hide in his shadow.

All five of them were taken into the boxing ring one at a time. They were up against kids their ages from different districts.

93-08-02 was in tatters. It was as if everything was catching up to her and she was not doing well. Tommy didn’t manage to watch 83-11-03, 27-10-01, and 12-11-04 fight while the kidnappers assessed their skill; the criminals weren’t going to make their fighting kids fight someone way above their skill level. Tommy spent that time calming 93-08-02.

Then the men came for Tommy. “93-10-01. It’s your turn.”

Tommy looked around. He couldn’t see 83-11-03, 27-10-01, or 12-11-04. He assumed that they had been taken away. Tommy saw a group of kids his age and older, as well as another group of younger children.

“Think Crumb could go first?”

The man gave him a blank stare.

Tommy grasped her wrist can read her bracelet. “Could 93-08-02 go first? I think she’d like it if someone she knew was in the crowd.”

The man gave him a cold stare.

“Please?”

The man roughly grabbed 93-08-02 by the arm. She shrieked and looked to Tommy with wide eyes.

Tommy reminded himself that it was better for everyone if they complied and didn’t cause trouble. He gave her a tight smile. Another woman pushed Tommy to the edge of the boxing ring.

Tommy tries to keep his face neutral, but can’t stop the winces. He watches 93-08-02 Crumb try to fight. She couldn’t really fight, but didn’t get completely beat up.

The man from earlier then took Crumb away. She screamed and shouted and wanted to stay with someone she had started to trust.

One of the other kids that Crumb fought grabbed her by the shoulders and told her to calm down. Crumb took a deep breath and waved to Tommy goodbye, slightly more content that someone her age was around.

Tommy stepped into the ring. He was forced to fight the kid, he dodged and weaved and escaped the other kid. Tommy was stupidly tall so he had the reach advantage. He managed to kick and punch were it hurt the other kid in order to win.

Tommy was unscathed, and the people kept dumping other kids on him. Tommy kept dodging as the kids dumped got more feral and desperate to win. Then the woman told Tommy to get out of the ring.

The drive from earlier had a cupcake. He held it out and Tommy snatched it. “Follow me.”

Tommy followed the dude to a cell down a hallway. The door was opened and Tommy entered without fuss.

The door closed behind him.

“What was with the cupcake?”

The man walked away.

- - -

Tommy had been there for a week. It was a tough, fucking terrible, week, but a week nonetheless.

He very quickly learnt that these people were using kidnapped children for an illegal fighting ring, where people bet money on who would win. Tommy spent to much time dodging that they started putting him in the ring with three to five other kids.

The kids were only allowed outside of their cells from an hour before their fights to an hour after. Tommy was allowed out of his cell more than others because Crumb refused to fight without him in the roof, and he was on kitchen duty. Tommy would help prepare food for the other prisoners children.

One day one of the ladies in charge of dishing out the food approached him with a tray of food, a key, and a cupcake. “Take this to room 322. Down the hall and to the left. You’ll have to hand feed the person in there.”

Tommy took the cupcake. He was definitely being bribed for something with cupcakes. “Okay.” Tommy took the tray and key, leaving the wrapper on the counter.

He walked down the hall to room 322. He entered the room and saw a blond kid his age chained to the wall will enough slack to move around. There was a cot with a nice pillow and a blanket.

“Hi.”

The kid whipped his head around to the sound. “Food?”

“Yeah.”

The kid gestured to his shackled hands. “Need someone to help me eat.”

“Oh. Yeah. Okay. You gonna hurt me?”

“And not eat?” the kid tried to joke.

Tommy sat down near the kid and twirled some spaghetti onto the fork. “I’m Tommy.”

“Purpled.”

Tommy pulled the fork away in surprise. “Purpled? Punz’s brother?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s why—“

“That’s why I’m in a separate room.”

“Gotcha gotcha. Better set up than what I’ve got. You even have a blanket!”

“What do you have?”

“A cage and a concrete floor.”

“Ouch.”

“Eh.” Tommy finally gave Purpled a mouthful of food. “I’m sure it’d be worse for you than me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“People know Punz. He’s getting big at the Hero Academy.” Tommy scoffs. “Good on him. But y’know. District 9 kid. District 93 kid. Pretty sure you’ve had a bed for your whole like.”

“93?”

“Yeah? What of it bitch boy. You got kidnapped just the same. And I’m sure you have better security than the nothing I got.”

“I’ve never met someone from below District 34.” He chewed on another bite of food. “Well. Sapnap patrols 43, but he grew up with my brother.”

“Well now you have.”

“Actually. I’ve met Eighty-Seven.”

“Eighty-Seven? You mean, someone from 87?”

“No. That’s what we call him, Eighty-Seven.”

“Why?”

“Well…”

“You guys are dicks.”

“He’s fine with it.”

“Is he?” Tommy gave him another bite. “Does he have a name?”

Purpled tilted his head and chewed thoughtfully. “Eret..?”

Tommy startled slightly. “Ok.” He gave Purpled another bite.

“You know him?”

Tommy thought about the vigilante he’d seen in District 87. Then remembered that Purpled was from District 9 and probably didn’t have good connotations with vigilantes. “Not really.” Tommy went to roll another bite when the stainless steel hit porcelain. “Well. That was nice. We’ll talk next time I get to feed you.”

Purpled sobered and looked at the floor, like he had just remember that he was being kept hostage.

Then there was a knock on the door. Tommy and Purpled both froze. The door opened. “Is 93-10-01 here?”

“Come on big man, use my name.”

Purpled winced at the jovial tone Tommy took to their captors.

Tommy seemed the faultier slightly under the harsher gazes of the men. “Ok. We’re done. Just chatting about how much nicer his room back home is. I’ve never had satin sheets.”

“Out.”

Tommy scurried out of the room. The man followed him all the way to the kitchen where he returned the tray. He was about to dip away back to his cell when he registered the cupcake on the counter. He looked to the man block the door with a questioning look.

The man gestured to the cupcake. He gave Tommy a have smirk when he grabbed the cupcake. “Don’t tell the others about “09-10-01 okay?”

“Okay.” Tommy took a bite of his cupcake. He polished it off and then the man moved from the door. “You have a fight with 12-11-04 this evening.”

Tommy’s stride stuttered. “Got it.”

[tardytothepardy]

Fruits Basket - Vol 22

The snowball that has been tumbling down a hill for these last several books is finally rolling to a halt. I wonder how Akito feels about it. Surely she's not gonna become upset.

Today we arrive with Kyo to Kyo's house, after being told by Hanajima that there's something he needs to do before he can see Tohru. He needs to talk to his dad, and it's gonna be the first time in a long time that he's done it. He's nervous as all hell, he feels nauseous just standing at the front door, but he still follows through. The second his father sees him, he's already in a rage. He yells at the servant(?) who let Kyo in, then zeroes straight on Kyo after Kyo asks why he's home in the first place, it's the middle of the workday, isn't it?

Kyo's father (he never gets a name, as far as I can tell) says that he wasn't feeling well, and it's Kyo's fault because,,, his mom died. Yup, makes sense. After all this time, Kyo's father still rants and raves and insists that it was Kyo's fault that his mother died, and Kyo says, "Yeah, I know it is." Kyo's father starts cackling, asking the servant if she also heard Kyo saying that, then asking for someone to call up the main Sohma house, to get Kyo and throw him in the dungeon (it's not actually a dungeon but I'll always think of it like that), but Kyo says he won't go there. He won't even step foot in that room, because he's going to live outside, because he met someone and he really cares about her, and he wants to be around her for the rest of his life. Naturally, Kyo's father rejects that, saying that there's no way the family would allow that, there's no way that Kyo can go off and try to have a normal life after "what he did", throwing his family into shame by being born (because he totally chose to be the cat, this is common knowledge), and he asks why Kyo's mother had to give birth to Kyo in the first place, which makes Kyo freeze up. He's heard that phrase before, when he was a kid. He hadn't realized it before, but after hearing his father say it, he realizes that it was his father that said it to his mother, "Why did you have to give birth to such a child?". Right in front of said child, by the way. Clearly the man did not and does not care. Kyo asks his father if he was the one who said it, which makes Kyo's father lash out again, how dare Kyo insinuate that he (Kyo's father) is the reason that Kyo's mother (why did neither of these people get a name ;-;) committed suicide, there's no way it's his fault, there was never anything he said or did that would make her do that, obviously, how could Kyo even vaguely say something that could be construed as such, and clearly it is not his fault but Kyo's! It has to be Kyo's fault, it simply has to!

Probably during all that screaming, Kyo thinks about how much he wishes his mom was happy, that she had never felt the way she did that led to her suicide. As a kid, it was difficult for him to understand, but now he does, not that it makes much of a difference. Whether he understood or not, she's still gone.

Finally, Kyo pushes his father away, saying that he won't give up on himself, and that he wants to make the most of his life while he still has it. His father again objects, and tries to grab Kyo, who deflects pretty easily (whoa it's almost like he's been trained for most of his life for scenarios vaguely similar to this) and his father just starts screaming that Kyo is going to kill him. You know what Kyo is doing? He's just pushing away his father's hand. That's it. His father is still screaming bloody murder (which is what he seems to think is gonna happen to him) when the scene jumps to Akito talking to one of the head maids, talking about Kyo, about if they should get someone to take him away, but Akito says that she wants that place destroyed. The maid asks if she thinks Kyo's father will approve, but Akito basically says, "It doesn't matter what he approves, I've decided it will be destroyed." After that, the maid notes that Akito has changed, and that she liked Akito before, but Akito doesn't care. Change, don't change, she'll be trying to progress and move on, even if some people around her object to it. Generally, there seems to be a lot of introspective going on for both of them.

Then we change to see Hiro and Kisa, who is reassuring Hiro that it's not a bad thing that his curse broke, and that no one is going to hate him because of it. If anything, she's happy for him, and is glad that he told her first, out of anyone else. Hiro asks if Kisa hates him now that he isn't part of the Juunishi anymore, and she asks him if he thinks of her any different because she still is. Midway through reassuring Kisa that that wasn't the case, Kyo announces his presence by vomiting behind some bushes. Hiro exclaims how gross that was (I'm not putting that against him, he has no way of really knowing (or understanding) why Kyo did that), and Kisa offers Kyo a tissue, and Kyo straight up basically hallucinates seeing Tohru. (Dang,, he's really affected by all this. He's, if you don't mind me saying this, down bad. Really bad.)

Kyo tries to visit Tohru again, but Hanajima and Uotani block his way completely. I would go into why but I've already said it, but one thing that does happen is that Hanajima and Uotani run into or meet (or something) Akito, who tells them that she's the reason that Tohru had those cuts, and kinda why she got hurt in the first place. She's also the reason why Kureno is in the hospital. Naturally, Akito is very ashamed of this, but surprisingly, Uotani and Hanajima are pretty cool about it. Hanajima tells Akito that Tohru isn't blaming anyone for the incident, so it's better if Akito not beat herself up so much over it, because it definitely won't make Tohru feel any better. As Akito was admitting what she'd done to Kureno, Hanajima straight up asked her if she was a girl, and when Akito didn't say no, suddenly things clicked into place: when Kureno was talking about having to stay by the side of a girl, Akito was that girl. This realization seems to mostly be on Uotani's side, who is also thinking about how much Kureno really means to her. I mean, she interacted with him a handful of times, and that was a while ago. She doesn't really know much about him, only that he seems to have a similar demeanor to Tohru, that sort of blind kindness kinda thing.

Uotani later goes to talk to Kureno, and he says that, to help Akito move on, he needs to leave, go far away. Uotani offers to go with him (after graduation and stuff), because she luh-luh-likes him (she refuses to say it), so that's nice.

Meanwhile, (more like after? Idk, timey wimey stuff) Kyo is heading to Kazuma's house, and he sees Akito walking out the front gate. Huh? What the fuck is Akito doing there? Kyo goes to confront Akito, but all she says is that he can live whatever life he wants to, and she refuses to clarify. Right before the bickering can start, who but Hanajima opens the front gate, asking if Akito is really leaving so soon? (She even uses a nickname, which Akito isn't the biggest fan of) Naturally, that freaks out Kyo. What is that girl doing here? Is she friends with Akito? How did that happen? When did that happen? Then Kazuma pops up, and Hanajima again acts familiar and friendly with him?! How does she do that that's so fucking weird!

Kazuma tells Kyo that he knows that Kyo went to talk to his dad, and that Akito knows as well. He also says that Akito plans for that dungeon room to be destroyed which is nice. Kazuma says that fixing relations between the main house or his personal family won't be so easy, but it was a nice start.

Jumping ahead a little, it seems that Akito has called all of the Juunishi (even Kyo, and we all know how rare that is) to the main Sohma house. She has something that she needs to tell them, and they have no guesses. Haru says that Akito seems to have changed since the whole incident with Tohru and stuff, which is a welcome change, even if it's still strange and confusing. (Personally, in that situation I would definitely have bated breath, because when there's a person that usually is disagreeable at best suddenly changes to being nice, all I can ever do is just wait for them to go back to being nasty. I just can't trust it when people switch like that, it's eerie)

Yuki then tells Kyo that Tohru's getting out of the hospital soon, which causes Kyo to speed off to Hanajima and Uotani, asking if now he can finally see Tohru. They say, "yeah, yeah," then ask him what outfits (because they're paging through a magazine) would look best on Tohru. Kyo has no fucking idea, Tohru could probably wear anything and he'd be fine with it.

Meanwhile, it seems that Yuki has some jealousy(?) concerning Tohru and Kyo. It's mostly because both parties know about the whole zodiac thing, but between him and Machi, that's not the case. There's a considerable risk that the secret came out, or that he tells Machi, and she finds it too weird and she breaks off any little relationship that is starting to grow between them. It'd probably just drop back to acquaintances, or worse: awkward acquaintances, where everyone asks what happened, weren't you guys close? Ugh. That sounds terrible.

So anyway, Yuki's busy worrying about that, it's a whole thing. I think he kinda tries to tell Machi at some point, but Kimi busts in asking about her hairbrush. And though he doesn't succeed in telling Machi, he knows that he has to, because this is a pretty big thing to hide from someone. It's probably difficult and straining to be a couple and you refuse to let your partner be physically close to you without ever telling them why. (Just panic and say that you have an allergy to human skin and admit that you're in complete misery because of it, it's fine, nbd)

The scene switches to Akito talking to Shigure, telling him that she's going to end the whole Juunishi thing. She's tired of all of it at this point, of people treating her the way they do because she's "God". She says that everyone (though I suppose in this scene she's saying this to Shigure specifically) will be released from her, that everyone can go and do whatever they want to do. Shigure says that if that's the case, then he'll be relieved. (I know he's teasing and all, but like, dude, can you maybe not right now?) He gives her a "farewell gift", which she looks fairly distraught about, but we won't see what it is yet, because now I have to describe Kyo's general panick over seeing Tohru again.

So yeah, the day that Tohru is released from the hospital, somehow Kyo almost seemed to forget about it until Yuki brought it up. Yuki wouldn't be going along though, because he has something else to do.

On the way to the hospital, Kyo's just rethinking all the stuff that he's said and that has been said to him throughout this whole thing. Yuki told him to just act normal, the fuck even is normal now? How does he do that? Will Tohru forgive him? What even does he like about Tohru? Does he still like her? What does he like about her? How much about that thing does he like? He has no fucking idea, how does he even talk to her? Then he sees her, none of that shit matters. The only thing that does matter is that he loves her goddammit.

Unfortunately for that romantic moment, the second Tohru sees Kyo, she dashes off. He gives chase after a moment of "oh jeez ;-;".

The perspective shifts to Tohru. She apparently didn't mean to run, her feet just went on their own. It isn't what she meant to do, she did want to see Kyo again, but who has control over their bodies in highly emotional moments anyway? She told herself that when she next saw him, she was going to smile. She practiced doing so, or that what she thought anyway. There's a moment where we see Yuki talking to Tohru while she's still bedridden, and when he tries (very hesitantly) to bring up Kyo, she changes the topic pretty quickly, along with crying literally at his name. It hurts her so much to hear it. She thinks that she's a burden by being unable to let go of everyone. She thinks she needs to move from Kyo after what he said, but she just can't. She meant what she said that she would stay by Kyo's side, even if it turns out he doesn't like her. She tried to not let it bother her, but clearly that didn't happen.

Finally, Kyo catches up to her (a second time, she pushed him away twice in that fantastic emotional upheaval), and she's crying. She's desperately trying to stop, she doesn't want to be a burden, she doesn't want him to hate her, stop crying! He takes her hand, and apologizes for all his bs. He says that he was only thinking about himself, about his own regrets. He ignored her feelings, and he says that he should've known better: the world doesn't give second chances, but he's taking this chance to try to apologize. He then says those magic words that Tohru did not think he'd say at all: he wants to be with her, he doesn't want anyone else, because he loves her. (Holy shit, they both love each other? Now this is a game changer, for sure)

Tohru's completely shocked, and can only muster tiny soft questions like "does that mean i can stay with you?" and "can i hold your hand?" with lots of ellipses, because shock. Kyo points out that she's already holding his hand, and then he kisses her (She does know that that's their second kiss, right? No? Hm, Kyo feels awkward about that). Kyo then pulls her to her feet (she was sitting on a garden wall thingie), and asks if they can hug, despite the whole cat thing. He says he thinks that the curse will probably become an inconvenience to her, but Tohru says that she loves him, and that it doesn't matter, everything will work out. And so they hug and,,,,

nothing happens.

The fuck?!

Before we get to the hug, we get a quick flashback to when Akito visited Tohru in the hospital. Akito admits that she was jealous of Tohru, and that she thinks that Tohru is prettier than herself. Tohru denies that, and asks that Akito not categorize things like that, because when you think like that, you just "use them to seperate yourself out", in her words. She says that she is not without blame, that Akito was just living her life as best she could, despite all the bad stuff that was happening to her. She destroyed Akito's world, essentially, and whether or not it was for better or worse, she still acknowledges that she ended up hurting Akito, a lot.

It goes back to the present, still with Akito, as the curse is breaking for so many of the Juunishi, Kyo, Ayame, Ritsu, Kisa, Kagura, Izusu, Haru, Hatori, and lastly Shigure (no i'm not forgetting anyone, the story isn't finished), and she's telling her father (who is, if you have forgotten, quite dead) that she doesn't have to be "god" anymore, that she can just be herself. She's still scared by that idea, because she is aware of how many people she's hurt, and she doesn't think she has any redeeming qualities, she's just alone, scared, and hurt. After showing all of these people's curse breaking, it circles back to the hospital, where Tohru is again offering her friendship to Akito, so that, if Akito truly feels she has nothing else, then at least she can have that.

Back to Tohru and Kyo, after they hug and he doesn't turn into a cat, it's a feeling of shock, but then Kyo tears off his bracelet, and it breaks, the beads going everywhere, and he doesn't turn into anything. I personally have a very small idea of how fucking elated he must have been about that. This lifelong burden, somehow worse than what the other Juunishi had to deal with, something that he's been shunned for (as if he had any choice in the matter), and now it's gone. It's all done, he doesn't have to worry about that anymore.

Now, before Kyo went off to see Tohru, Yuki mentioned that he had something to do. That Something(tm) was calling Machi, and meeting up. He's planning on telling her about the whole Juunishi thing, just get it out in the air. He feels kinda weird, indescribably, but he figures he's just nervous. Before he can think about it, Machi shows up. This is it: this is when he tells her-- whoa what? There's a little rat (probably a voice in his head, the rat spirit, something like that), and it tells him that he's the last. It thanks him for keeping the promise, and bids him goodbye, walking to the other spirits. Whoa. That's intense. How do you even begin to explain that?

Then, we see the story of the Juunishi, how it started in the first place: There was once this dude who lived all alone, at the top of a mountain. Even after going down the mountain, and seeing other people, he was still alone. Despite having a lot of power and experience and memories, he knew that he was unlike other people, and developed a fear of other people, of getting hurt, and of being different than others. One day, a cat showed up, and said that it had been watching the dude for a while, and it wanted to be by his side, and so it did. This made the dude (he's God, should I just refer to him as "God" rather than "the dude"? Probably) very happy, and he thought that if he can get along fine with one, why not more? Who wouldn't want more happiness? So he made and sent out a bunch of invitations for a nice banquet, and some animals came to it: a dog, a ram, a dragon, a monkey, a rat, a snake, an ox, a horse, a bird, a rabbit, a boar, and a tiger. They all collected and all had a fun banquet for many nights.

Suddenly though, the cat fell over, and everyone was distraught. There's was nothing to be done, his life had run out. This was a reminder that death is inevitable, and can happen before you're ready. This upset all of them, and so God prepared a drink and had the cat drink it. It was the thing that created the bond, and he said that however times that everyone there is born, or dies, they will all be together, and they will always be friends, until the end of time. Everyone agreed to it, and the rat was the first to drink, and the rest followed in their sequential order. After the last had drank, the cat started to cry, and asked why God had forced him to drink, saying that he didn't want eternity. No one had expected this response, and they scolded the cat for it. He continued, saying that he knows that death is scary, but it is important to accept that things come to an end, and that he was happy that he met God. If there was a time when they met again in another life, he wanted it to be a natural thing, and to be surrounded with more than those who were sort of forced to be there.

No one wanted to hear those words, however, and the cat died alone. Eventually, one by one, they started to die, leaving God alone once again. But once his time came, he wasn't afraid, because it meant that he could once again see his friends.

Seeing how that story of friendship had over time been twisted into a curse, a burden, kinda sucks, to be honest. The best of intentions don't always work out though.

Now we're pulled back to Yuki and Machi, who is pretty confused. Yuki tries to explain, that he just said goodbye to someone who has been with him his whole life, and despite it being unpleasant to deal with, he's still emotional about them leaving. He is glad that they have left, because he now has freedom. Freedom to do what, you may ask? To hug Machi, which is exactly what he does. I suppose this is some kinda scandalous pda or something because it shows people walking by blushing or whatever. Maybe it's just the American culture in me, but I wouldn't look twice if I saw something like that. (Whoa, it's almost as if different places have different standards and views and cultures, holy shit) After that, Machi asks if she can use his name (because she's always called him "President" up until now), he says she can, they kiss, it's a whole thing. Very cute stuff. (sorry i summarized that so quickly, idk how to talk about that stuff lmao 😳😬)

I'll just leave it there for now, move onto the next, and last, book.

[bnhaclaimedmysoul]

Sero mirio shinsou reacting to s/o playing with eri (maybe eri asks s/o about their relationship and s/o talks softly about it while the boys listen) ☺️💞

this legit took so much of time lmao

Sero Hanta

-it’d be a night where the both of you just wanted to relax to the fullest and just stay in bed after a long exhausting week

-but your plans were interrupted by aizawa because he was called for a meeting late in the night and he couldn’t leave eri alone

-so he left eri in your care and asked you to take care of the two babies

-and sero would just be so confused as you and aizawa chuckle

-in the beginning, eri is just so scared by the both of you 

-sje knew that you were aizawa’s students but she had never met you guys

-and then you jab sero in the ribs to fetch some candied apples 

-it just became a tradition for your dorm to store some candied apples as an ice breaker since she was really shy

-and eri would happen to drop then and there

-as he scurries down the stairs to go fetch some, she stand in the corner, twirling her hair in nervousness

-and when you say “someon e is off to get your favourite snack”

-her eyes light up in awe as she excitedly question whether she was going to get candied apples

-and when you confirmed, she claps in happiness and is excited

-when sero does come with her snack she giggles and takes them from him before softly thanking him

-and while sucking on her sugary treat, you ask her what she wants to do

-and she just looks at you unsure of what she wants to do

-you get up to fetch your special box with hair accessories and place it in front of her

-she open the box in curiosity and when she find sparkly vute hair pins and slides

-she’s overjoyed

-and when you fetch your comb and usher her to come to you

-she squeals and runs towards you and gives the box to sero

-while sitting in your lap as you lovingly brush her hair, she tells sero what she accessories she wants 

-”sero niichan, the pink one!!!!”

-”eri chan, there are so many pink ones :(((”

-”the one with strawberries on them, have you found it??”

-”I found an icecream one, let’s search for the strawberry one to make eri-chan happy :)”

-and she giggles in response

-so sero was put on the duty of providing you all the accessories sero likes as you make her pretty and cute

-and you started to experiment with her hair and bedazzle them in cute accessories

-she leans into your soothing touch and sighs in satisfaction

-and when you ask her if she’s having fun, she agrees 

-”can I ask you a question?”

-and when you reply that she can ask you whatever she wants

-”are you and sero niichan friends?”

-and the question caught both of you off guard, as the both of your faces immediately broke out into blushes 

-and while you were trying to search for the words to explain it to her, her hand touches yours as she asks why you weren’t playing with her 

-and when you apologize telling that you were thinking about something and secure her the stray strands of her hair with some more slides

-you tell her that you and sero were really close friends who hang out a lot because they like being with each other

-”so you’re like besties?”

-”yes”

-”the besties of the besties?”

-”yeeeessss”

-”the besties of the besties of besties?”

-”yes eri-chan, let’s go watch tv now, shall we?”

-and as she dashed off to the common area in excitement, the both of you were left alone in the room and you could feel your heart race at what just happened

-”so y/n-chan, we’re the besties of the besties of besties?”

-you couldn't help but playfully hit his arm while laughing and placing a small kiss on his cheek

Shinsou Hitoshi

-when aizawa just decides to interrupt your time together, he’s just annoyed at him in the beginning

-”you won’t leave me during training and even my free time??”

-”well, child interaction is a skill you need as a hero, so do it”

-and when eri meets the both of you

-he sorta distant because he doesn’t know what to do?

-do you greet a child with a hello or just evade all contact?

-and when you saw his awkwardness, you knew you had to take control before this the atmosphere got too crazy

-and as you were about to approach her, a loud purr broke the silence 

-and it got eri all curious as her eyes lit up in the darkness

-she wanted to search for the source of the cute sound

-”do you want to know where that came from?”

-and upon hearing your question, she enthusiastically nods

-and when you hold your hand, she takes it and enthusiastically goes on a search for it

-and when she sees the white furry cat on the sofa, lazily bathing itself in silence

-she. is. in. awe.

-she lets a squeal out but then holds it in seeing at how the cat just seems to prefer silence

-meanwhile, you sneak away to get some snacks for the young girl and to let shinsou do his “training”

-shinsou chuckles at the sight of eri

-and clears his throat to tell her that she can go a pet the beauty

-her eyes light up the thought of running her hands through the cat’s luxurious coat

-and she doesn’t hesitate to take the offer up

-and when she looks at him, wondering how to comfortably pet it

-he doesn’t really understand it 

-and when she shyly asks him

-he ruffles her hair and shows her how to do it and asks her to do the same

-and when she caresses the cat and it lets out  a purr of satisfaction

-he crouches down and says “see, the cat likes you”

-”really???? are you 100 percent sure????”

-and when he chuckles and lets her know that he’s not lying

-the both of them just spend the longest time playing with the cat by giving it treats brushing it’s coat

-you were soft at the sight of it, so you sneaked your phone in and took a couple of pictures for your memories

-and when you come back with a tray full of snacks and goodies

-she squeals in happiness 

-”y/n oneechan! shinsou oni chan told me that the cat likes meeee”

-and when you pull her cheeks and tell her that you’re happy for her, she just smiles gracefully

-and as the three of your sat, with the cat now in eri’s lap, snacking 

-the cat falls asleep and everybody is just soft at the sight

-and when you ask eri if you she wants you to pick the cat up so that she can sit with ease

-she declines and shhs everyone in the room “because the noise will make the kitty get up and be sad”

-and you look at shinsou and the both of you break in breathy chuckles at the soft sight

-and after a while of petting the cat in it’s sleep, it decided that it was time and jumped off eri’s lap before licking her fingers

-”are you sad that the cat left you eri-chan?”

-”mmmmm. I think so. but you and shinsou niichan are there so....”

-”oh? i’m glad that you don’t feel lonely then”

-”y/n oneesan, a question!! do you like shinsou onichan?”

-and that caught you off guard, “eri-chan what makes you say that?”

-”you guys seem like good friends who take care of each other”

-”I don’t really like him”

-”d-do you hate him?”

-”no, no I don’t hate him”

-”then you like him?”

-”he’s my friend, so I do like him. like I like you eri-chan”

-”well, I like both you and shinsou niichan!”

-and when she said that, shinsou could no longer control heis laughter

-and when you pouted at him, he winks at you and mouths a “I like you too baby”

Mirio Togata

-the moment aizawa literally drops eri at mirio’s house

-eri is excited beyond control

-she’s just so happy to see mirio and immidetaly jumps into his arms when she sees him

-mirio is overjoyed at the sight of eri being so happy

-”eri-chan, I want you to meet someone special”

-and when he says that, she’s just confused 

-when you pop out of nowhere and greet her

-she’s a little bit scared and intimidated

-and asks mirio who you were

-when you see that she is slightly intimidated, you look at mirio to handle the situation

-but this boi pulls out an uno reverse card and says “well, eri-chan ask her, i’m not so sure”

-you legit glare at the boi for throwing you under the bus before looking at eri and holding your hand up for a high five

-she ends up giving you one and you ask her “do you really want to know?”

-and when she nods you look at her and say 

-”mirio is my prince and i’m his princess”

-and at the analogy, her eyes legit light up 

-”so he cares about you and buys a castle for you?”

-”i’m not sure about the castle, but he does look after me and keeps me happy”

-”does he tell you that he loves you and goes to ball room dances with you and buys you all the pretty gowns in the world?”

-”hmmmmmmmm. he’s a bit of a lazy prince so he doesn’t tell that to me everyday and he sucks at dancing, so no”

-he looks at you in disbelief

-”mirio niichan, why do you do this to her?”

-he’s now flustered, trying to convince her that he’s a really nice prince who loves his princess very much and loves young princess eri-chan a lot too

-”eri-chan, should we do something fun today, like make chocolate chip cookies?”

-”chocolate chip cookies????”

-”we’ll force mirio to help us and throw flour on him, want to see his scary face?”

-”yes!”

-and that’s how the day ended with you loads of belly hurting giggles, smeared chocolate around the cheeks, white spots on each of your aprons, frantic running around the dorms because eri didn’t want to be cached by the flour dusted monster

-when she made mirio promise that he’d take care of you as she made the both of pinky promise with your thumbs

-she also placed a small kiss on your cheek, promising that she’d drop by for another fun day sometime where she’d ask you how your life as a princess is

[chachkayes]

Sweet Relief - Mer x Hayes

Okay so this fic was based off a very short, misspelled fic outline that I wrote while I was half-awake after having a dream about Merhayes, only to be woken up to the sound of my cat crying. The outline itself was maybe 300 words long, if that. The full fic is about 2100 words - so honestly good on sleepy me for coming up with such an in depth fic idea. Enjoy :)

-------------------------------------------------------

The beach. It was where Meredith had escaped to when Derek had died, and it had become her solace with Derek while she was dying. Derek knew that as much as he wanted to be with the love of his life again, that he’d have to wait a while longer before finally getting to embrace her again. It wasn’t her time to go yet. Meredith was able to get closer to him as she got closer to crossing the threshold between life and death – and they were the point where they were able to sit beside each other on the beach, close enough so they didn’t have to yell to hear each other, but not close enough to the point where they could touch each other.

“Meredith.” Derek said after a long period of silence. Meredith looked over at her husband, the most content she’d felt in a very long time. “Meredith – you can’t stay here.” He finally told her. “As much as I love you and being able to see you – it’s not your time. The kids need you. Zola and Bailey are old enough now to remember how it’ll feel to lose their mom. Zola remembers losing me and she already has trust issues. Can you imagine what losing you would do to her? And Ellis – I never got to meet her. All she knows is you. She can’t lose you and not remember you as she grows up.” Meredith looked away from Derek as a tear fell down her cheek. “Hell, Meredith, Amelia needs you. She is barely holding it together as it is – her sobriety will be severely compromised if she has to tell her nieces and nephew that momma isn’t coming home. She needs you for advice and help with Scout. You need to see your nephew grow up, Mer.” Meredith stared at the sunset, trying to enjoy the peaceful waves hitting her feet. “And Maggie? She’s been losing more COVID patients than not. She is breaking down every time she talks to her boyfriend about how scared she is of losing you. You are the one person she trusts most in this world since losing her mom. She just lost Sabie too – if you die, if you cross the threshold and get to me, she might not survive it.”

Derek sighed as the water splashed against his feet. He knew that Meredith wasn’t fully listening to a word he said. “Cormac Hayes. That name sound familiar?” He finally said after contemplating how he’d get Meredith’s attention enough to convince her to live. It worked – Meredith’s head whipped around and her eyes met Derek’s. “How… what? What does he have to do with this?” Derek laughed. “I’m always with you Meredith, watching over you and our kids. I know who he is.” Meredith sighed and looked down at her feet. “He has everything to do with this. He’s a good man who cares about you more than he’s willing to admit to you or himself. He’s the one who saved your life. God, I wish you could’ve seen how quickly he came to your aide when he realized you’d collapsed. Heard how upset and distraught he was.” Meredith was listening to every word Derek had to say. “He’s one of my best friends there now.” She spoke up. “I know. I also know that if you die, Meredith, he will never believe in love again. He’s constantly finding ways to get updates on you. He sits in your room and asks his wife to keep you alive.” Tears were rolling down Meredith’s face and Derek wanted nothing more than to reach out and wipe them away. “Your death would fundamentally change the person he’s become. The people that Amelia, Maggie, Bailey, Richard have become. It’s not that I don’t want you to stay. I have missed being with you more than you could imagine. But you can’t stay here, it’s not your time. You’re too needed elsewhere.”

Finally, Meredith stood up, and Derek did the same. They faced each other, and Meredith took in every feature on Derek’s face. “I love you.” She finally said. “I love you too. And I’m always by your side, watching over you. But listen to me carefully – I don’t want you to be alone when you go back. Be with someone who you feel safe with, someone who will love you unconditionally, who will always choose you over everything and everyone else, and who knows and understands you fundamentally. You deserve to be happy. You and the kids deserve some stability.” Meredith began to walk backwards towards her starting point. “I’m going to miss you.” She said to Derek as more tears rolled down her face. “I know. But I’m always just a dream away.” He blew her a kiss and she finally turned around, walking faster to the log. One last time, before sitting down and waking up again, she looked to Derek. He was waving goodbye to her. “I love you!” She yelled. “I love you too!” He yelled back, and she finally sat down, heading back to her earthly body.

Teddy Altman and Andrew DeLuca stood outside Meredith’s window. It’d been a week since she’d fallen asleep and became unresponsive – making it 11 days since she’d first been admitted into the hospital. Her lungs weren’t getting worse, but she was showing no signs of getting better either. That’s why, when Meredith Grey moved her hand and slowly opened her eyes, Teddy Altman and Andrew DeLuca ran into Meredith’s room and immediately started trying to get her to wake up fully. They spoke loudly and grabbed O2 masks, restraining her as she fought back. “Get… off of me.” Meredith said as she wrestled with whoever was holding her hands down. “I feel better. I’ll keep the oxygen on. But for the love of god, get off of me.” Reluctantly, they let her go. “You guys are really loud, you know that right?” She glared at them. “Sorry, Mer.” Andrew chuckled. “Can I at least listen to your lungs?” Begrudgingly, Meredith obliged. “Fine.” Teddy grabbed her stethoscope and placed against Meredith’s chest and back. “Lungs seem to be improving.” Meredith smiled weakly. She may have been asleep for 7 days, but she was still tired and weak. In a moment of remembering what Derek had told her, she looked up to Teddy and asked, “Can you page Hayes for me?” Both Teddy and Andrew made insanely confused faces at Meredith’s request. “Are you sure you don’t want me to page, you know, your sisters?” Meredith brought her head back and blinked slowly. “No. I want to talk to Hayes right now, before I forget everything I need to say.” Andrew seemed to take major offence at Meredith’s lack of recognition for his presence, and that instead she was immediately asking for Cormac Hayes, someone he’d continuously argued with about Meredith’s care while she was out. “Okay, I’ll page him. DeLuca, let’s go.” Teddy sent the page off and DeLuca scoffed as he exited the room with Teddy.

Cormac Hayes was sitting at the computer, completely bored out of his mind on the peds floor, unable to shut his mind off from worrying about Meredith. His heart skipped a million beat when his pager went off, the room number connecting to Meredith’s. Every worst-case-scenario ran through his mind as he threw on his PPE and bolted to the elevator to get to her. To his surprise, when he reached Meredith’s room, she was lying in bed, alone, awake, and watching for him. He breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of her, alive. He put on the rest of his PPE and carefully opened her door. “Hey.” She said, smiling weakly at him. The sight of Meredith Grey smiling at him overwhelmed Hayes, and he could feel himself start to cry tears of complete relief. “Hey, hey. Come here. I’m alive, I’m okay.” She extended her hand, motioning for him to go sit on the end of her bed. “You were right, you know. This virus had nothing on me.” They laughed together at her reference. “I was so worried about you while you were unresponsive. I’m so relieved you’re alive.” Hayes said, looking directly into Meredith’s eyes. She grabbed his hand, squeezing it. “Me too.” She finally told him. “You know, I saw Derek while I was asleep.” He smiled at the thought of Meredith’s reaction to seeing her late-husband again. “And, he told me something. It took me a little off guard.” Hayes tilted his head. “I bet it was nice, seeing Derek again. What did he say?” Meredith gripped onto Hayes’ hand a little tighter. “He told me… that he’s watching over me. And then he said that if I had died, that you’d never believe in love again. What did he mean by that?” Hayes closed his eyes. Who could’ve guessed that the reason why Hayes had fallen for Meredith would also be the one to make him tell Meredith about the feelings for her that he was terrified of? “Before Abby died, she told me that it was okay to move on, that I had her permission. But I didn’t want to believe in love again after mine was taken from me so soon. I didn’t even think I could let myself feel anything for anyone else besides Abby. That was, until I met you. Had you died, I don’t know if I would’ve ever let myself feel anything for anyone ever again, since they seem to keep being taken from me so quickly.” Meredith sighed at Hayes’ words.

She had a suspicion that Hayes had feelings for her, but she never expected those feelings to be so deep for her. “You deserve to be happy, Hayes. Even if I hadn’t made it.” Hayes chuckled a little. “Grey, you’re starting to sound like Abby.” He said, which made Meredith laugh. “I just want you to know… let yourself feel whatever it is that you’re feeling. Because you’re not the only one experiencing them. I have them for you too.” Hayes looked at her, surprised. Meredith adjusted their hands that sat together so comfortably, and she laced their fingers together. “We don’t have to jump into anything. But know that I don’t feel like I have a decision to make, or options to choose from anymore. You told me, and Derek told me, to choose someone who would pick me over and over again, over everything and everyone. That’s you.” Had COVID not been an issue, Cormac Hayes would have kissed Meredith Grey right there and then. Instead, he pulled her in tightly for a hug. “I was hoping you’d apply that advice to whoever you chose to be with. Meredith, I promise that I will always choose you no matter what. I don’t commit lightly – when I say I’m in, I’m all in.” They pulled away from their hug. “So, what you’re saying is that you’re in?” Meredith said, her heart racing. “I am.” He responded to her. They smiled at each other, not saying a word. After a few moments of complete silence, Meredith spoke up “That sounded nice.” She said, running her hand over Hayes’. “What does?” He said, looking down at their hands and tangling their fingers together. “You calling me Meredith.” A sense of peace filled the room as both surgeons understood that Derek and Abigail had brought them together.

“Would you mind paging Maggie and Amelia? I haven’t seen them in a long time, and I figure Maggie could use some good news right now.” Hayes nods at her, and pages Meredith’s sisters to her room. Not too long after, he gets paged back to the peds floor. “It’s been so quiet on the peds floor today I’m almost surprised I got paged. I’ll come by again to see you later.” Meredith nodded, understanding that feeling all too well. “I’m already looking forward to it. Now, go save a life.” She smiled at him, and with one last hug, Hayes went on his way.

A few minutes later, Maggie and Amelia breathlessly barge into Meredith’s room, overjoyed at the sight of her alive, breathing, and happy. For the next hour, Meredith told them everything that happened while she was asleep – about Derek, George, and Lexie, and how Derek said he missed them, which made them cry, especially Amelia. However, she refrained from telling them anything about Hayes and the recent developments between them. They didn’t need to know quite yet.  

[evilwerewolves2]

Child’s Play Ch.2

~Making headlines~

At first everything was completely fine. You Tendou and Ushijima all went back more or less to how things were. That is until the mafia family Tendou was a part of made headlines. You and Iji watched the news together on that night. Ten was supposed to be there and watch a movie with you two and you hadn't received so much as a text explaining why he wasn't there yet. Iji got up to make popcorn and some instant ramen while you waited on Ten. He hadn't realized you switched the channel.

"Mixed feelings tonight as several bodies were found" ~Male News Reporter

"Why mixed feelings that's horrible" ~Female News Reporter

"Tonight several bodies were found most have been identified as members of the group known as the Jade Dragons" ~Male News Reporter

The mention of the name "Jade Dragons" was more than enough to catch Iji's attention.

"There has been one unidentifiable body found that has yet to be claimed but eye witnesses say that the groups leader Takashi Utsui was at the hotel when it was brutally attacked by the enemy Mafia of the Dragons the Ruby Raijū  also known by the name of Red Lightning while Utsui was a major donator to most all charities in our area nobody has seen or heard from Utsui since the raid this morning " ~Male News Reporter

"Now to our anonymous reporter who is on the scene right this second. How's it looking over there? " ~Male News Reporter

"Word on the street is that Red Lightning specifically raided the building where many died to get Utsui. God that is the last time I'm going to say that name." ~Anonymous Reporter

"Why is that?" ~Male News Reporter

"Word on the street is that the deceased Mafioso has a son who is known to be more terrifying than his father. He is also known for excessive revenge and it is believed that anyone who utters his name will likely meet a much worse fate than his father..." ~Anonymous Reporter

You've never been so terrified as you turn of the TV to face Ushijima. His eyes fixed on the TV eyes seething with rage and grief. He looks at you and seems to get more upset by the fear he can see in your eyes. You want to say it but don't want to meet your end the way the reporter said but you knew. Utsui is his fathers name.

~Blinded~

completely frozen in fear you kept eye contact for what seemed like an eternity. He spoke first.

"What." ~Ushijima

you instantly looked at the floor as you heard his footsteps approaching you on the couch. With each step he took your life seemed to flash before your eyes. he took a step in front of you and grabbed your face to make you look at him.

"What." ~Ushijima

you took a rushed breath to counter the fear in your heart but you choked and couldn't say anything.

"Why are you looking at me like that Y/N." ~Ushijima boomed

as you caught your breath you stammered.

"N.n..no.no reason s.s...ssorryy Us.ush...ushijima"

"Why so formal Y/N what happened to 'Iji'." ~Ushijima

Ushijima said those words looking into your soul getting so aggravated at the fear he saw swelling up inside his childhood best friend. The fear he knew was stemming from him. Hearing you say his full last name instead of the nickname you gave him as a kid was only confirmation, You knew. you knew he was now the leader of the dragons. You knew he was the one the anonymous reporter was talking about. 'anonymous reporter'

"tch I'll have his fucking head talking about me like that" ~Ushijima in his mind

Ushijima had become lost in thought, blinded by rage and the only thing that brought him out of it was your choking and pleading. in between breaths you managed to shout out.

"Please *Chokes* P..lease d.don't kill me I'm sorry!" ~Y/N

kill you? Why would he kill you? As he looked at you confused he realized his hand was crushing your throat. Your face completely purple as he let go of you. Tossing you to the floor by accident.

"Fuck. FUCK. Please. Please don't be scared of me. FUCK." ~Ushijima

you had just watched him hit himself in the head as he walked into the bathroom. You didn't know why but the only thought in your mind was "RUN" despite the only other thought you could come across in your mind you did run even if you thought it could make things worse.

~Cat and Mouse~

"FUCK!!" ~Ushijima

so many thoughts raced through Ushijima's head. Maybe I can convince her I'm not dangerous. No I almost choked her out she'd never believe that. You heard glass shatter and became so terrified that any doubt about what you were doing had completely vanished you grabbed your bag you had full of clothes money and some snacks. You'd lived on the street once before you could do it again. Fuck what if she runs from me. No no. She'd never run. Would she? as he headed back towards the door you had made your rushed escape out of your apartment and was three blocks down. Its a miracle what adrenaline can do. In your hurry you had left the door open.

"Please. Please tell me you didn't." ~Ushijima

his fists made contact with the kitchen counter his frustration only fueling his rage at this point. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe YOU. YOU RAN FROM HIM?!?! HE PAYED YOUR DEBT, HE SAVED YOUR LIFE, YOU OWED HIM! You owed him. You were still in debt to him by well over 900k 'credits'. He could make his underdogs find you. He could find you. In his rage he seemed to forget his pull with both the dragons and his physical body in general. If. No when he figures out  where you went he could easily catch you. He hadn't played volleyball since highschool but he was still very physically fit. You could never outrun him. He didn't know why but out of everything that had happened on that night with him finding out about his father among other things that had been bothering him in school the worst thing was you running. Why did you run. You told him you'd never leave again. You kissed him on the first day you came back. Why did you run?

He rushed out of your house slamming the door. He saw the hobo you often gave food and money and asked him a question.

"Where'd she go. I know you saw her" ~Ushijima

"I forgot maybe I could be persuaded to remember though" ~Hobo

he hated using his name as leverage but he HAD to. He NEEDED to find you

"Ushijima ring any bells? Here's your damn persuasion how about you don't end up the next one on the news." ~Ushijima

The hobo froze in fear for a second. It reminded Ushijima of the look you gave him. He HATED that look.

"She ran towards the college said she needed something. I had no idea you were." ~Hobo

Ushijima shot a terrifying glance at the hobo and said sharply.

"Thanks" ~Ushijima

and with that took off running towards the school. He knew you weren't dumb enough to take the obvious route when running away. so he took the alleys and caught a glimpse of you about a mile out. "How'd you get so far so quickly?!" he thought to himself "It's only been ten minutes" as he checked the clock he realized it'd been two whole hours since he noticed the door was hastily left open. "What the fuck" why did he see someone touching you.

It's been two hours, you're pretty far away from Ushijima when you run into Tendou.

"Hey bestie" ~Tendou

he noticed your rising fear as you looked around.

"What you looking for" ~Tendou keeping direct eye contact

"My, My bag?" ~Y/N

Tendou chuckled but not in a fun loving way in a more sinister way you couldn't quite put your finger on.

"You sure are a bad liar Y/N" ~Tendou smirked eerily

trying desperately to change the subject you spoke

"Where were you Ten we were supposed to watch a movie together" ~Y/N

He looked you up and down in an almost predatorial way

"Oh, I doubt Iji would want to see me right now, you saw the news. Is that who you're running from? Iji?" ~Tendou said running his hands through your hair.

The mortified look on your face said everything he needed to know. You were running from him. His attention turned to the obvious purplish black marks on your neck with what seemed to be scabs shaped like human fingernails. he delicately touched your neck as he said.

"Damn I never would have thought he would hurt you like this. He is madly in love with you Ya know? *Chuckles* He lost his temper bad what did you say? What did you do?"

"I, I don't know. I don't know Ten" ~Y/N

you spoke as your voice began to choke up and crack tears that had been forming as you spoke now began streaming down your cheeks.

"What did I do Ten?!?" ~Y/N

Fuck he made you cry? Jesus if Iji saw her like this right now I'd be more of a dead man than I already am. Tendou was mortified as he looked down into the football fields (soccer) and he was met with Jade eyes and hair rushing towards the both of you. You were collapsed on the floor breaking down holding Tendou's hand.

"I am so Fucking dead, Come on now Y/N lets get the FUCK outa here kay?" ~Tendou

You noticed some members of Red Lightning rushing towards Ten and you thought you heard fear in Ten's voice. He rushed you into a car and took off towards the Red district. Ushijima told you never to go there because you weren't protected. While the school was a mid ground having both heirs of the two major rival families go to the same school definitely made it a war zone. If you'd been paying attention you would have noticed it sooner but all of the fights were about someone over stepping territory. How had you never noticed that Ten was THE Lightning Dragon and Iji was THE Jaded dragon?!? YOUR CHILDHOOD BEST FRIENDS WERE MAFIA LEADERS!?

Ushijima had only caught a glimpse of you his attention fixed on Tendou as he shouted.

"Fucked this one up too huh?" ~Tendou

[fleckcmscott]

Bewitching Hour

Summary: October has been a blissfully busy month. With Halloween around the corner, Arthur and Y/N have some planning to do.

Warnings: Swearing

Words: 4,665

A/N: Special thanks to @hhandley80​ for this request! You've been so supportive and sweet. I truly appreciate you and hope you enjoy it!

On a side note, my oneshots will be more sporadic. I'm still writing but life has been life. Also, I've finished the first draft of another multi-chapter featuring Arthur and Y/N. It's going to take time to rewrite the subsequent drafts and edit, edit, edit. The chapters will go up once the story is ready. Thanks for your patience and support! 🙂 I heart you all!

If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask! 

Arthur's suggestion that they make plans to celebrate Halloween should not have been a surprise. He loved starting traditions with Y/N, and she prized adopting them with him. "It's been awhile," he'd said as they'd walked arm-in-arm to the laundromat. "I think it'd be nice."

Holidays had been a source of merriment most of her life. The beauty of red and green decorations at Christmas. Turkey and mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. An egg hunt and chocolate rabbit at Easter. The togetherness of family during them all.

Halloween, though, wasn't a favorite.

As a child, she'd had fun trick-or-treating, riding her bike from house to far-flung house. And she hadn't minded escorting her little sister as a teenager. Y/N's homemade witch costume had been passed down. She could still recall the sleekness of the ribbon between her fingers as she'd secured the pointed hat under Mabel's chin.

But the magic had fallen away. When married to Jeff, she'd had to attend his boss's annual party. After receiving an apologetic shrug and kiss, she'd be relegated to hanging out with the other wives. They'd included her in their recipe swaps, in their exchanges of mild gossip. Her natural friendliness made chit-chat easy, far easier than having a good time. Those evenings had been spent nursing a glass of wine and willing the clock to go faster.

During the period she'd cared for her father, she'd tried to hand out candy. She liked being a good neighbor and imparting kindness in the form of bite-sized sweets. As his health had declined, the porch light had gone dark. Random rings of the doorbell would result in shouting and swearing. Repeated attempts to explain the door's lock wasn't broken. Festivity would transform into drudgery. It hadn't been worth the trouble. Instead, she'd watched terrible TV specials while her thoughts wandered to a future far from Boonville. A future she'd doubted would ever be.

"I don't know if it's your thing," Arthur had continued, bringing her back to the present. "But you might enjoy it with me." The response he longed for was evident in the worrying of his pocket, outlines of his knuckles visible through the tan cloth.

Everything they'd experienced together had soothed the sting of those wasted years. The hesitancy lurking in her was silly. Unwelcome. Less than either of them deserved. She'd met his keen eyes and half-smile. The sudden mental image of him dressed as a cowboy or pirate, eyepatch and all, prompted a laugh. Convinced her as she dug out her dry-cleaning stub. "It isn't my thing," she'd said. "But you are."

Relief had relaxed his wrinkles, save for his crows feet, which had deepened as he'd returned her happy expression. A slender arm wrapped around her waist, drew her against his solid frame. Once the clerk disappeared through the swinging doors to retrieve their clothes, Arthur grasped her chin and kissed her. The tender explorations were soon sloppy, and she'd giggled, his enthusiasm becoming her own. Their noses had met, his lashes resting on his wide cheekbones. "I think you're the sweetest treat, Mrs. Fleck."

Currently, Donahue's Department Store, Gotham's number one retail emporium (if the ads were to be believed), was bustling with last-minute shoppers. Weary mothers escorted their babbling children through the aisles. Clerks swapped out displays for the changing blue light specials. Lines went for yards. Patricia and Y/N sought refuge at a corner table in the café on the top floor. The warm glow from the pendant lamps provided a relaxed ambience, one that matched the hot cider and pumpkin spice cake they were savoring.

"I've got my grandson on Sunday," Patricia said between bites. "My daughter's going to a party with a medical records tech from Gotham General. Met him when she missed the bus. They split a cab and hit it off." Chuckling, she lifted her mug. "Speaking of, how's married life been so far?"

Memories of the past week quickened Y/N's heart, until she thought it might stop. How Arthur had gripped her replacement Social Security card, just to read her new name. The way he'd grab her for a twirl whenever they were in the kitchen. The reverence in his gaze when they'd lay together after sex, a look that both thrilled and made her blush. "The bills for his medication and appointments will no longer make us cringe," she deadpanned. She lowered her fork. "When we met, I was kind of blindsided - I'm not the type to fall in love quickly." The corners of her lips tugged up. "Being married to Arthur feels like a habit. A habit I should have learned twenty years ago."

"I'm glad you found each other." Patricia reached across the light brown table and covered Y/N's hand, gave it a squeeze. Then she wiped frosting from her mouth and nodded in the direction of the escalator. "Now let's find a costume that'll drive him nuts."

Beyond the colorful cosmetics and pungent perfume counters, they sorted through racks of vinyl smocks and plastic masks. Pop culture icons and princesses. Vampires and spooks. Knockoffs of classic movie monsters. Most were poorly made and decidedly uninteresting. Y/N pawed through accessories in a nearby basket, a cigar here, a patched hat there. "How about a hobo? I could steal Arthur's tie."

"This was his idea. Give him something a little exciting." After a roll of Y/N's eyes, Patricia held out a plastic display bag. "Found it."

The white font on its blue label declared she should "Create a unique look!" A woman in a leopard-print leotard and bow-tie wore black cat ears and a tail, the only two items included in the set. Y/N's nose wrinkled. "I don't think so, Patricia." She rummaged through another bin and examined a hockey mask. "I don't show a lot of skin."

"You show Arthur." Patricia ignored Y/N's glare, continuing to shove it at her. "Every man loves a woman dressed as a cat. Our next lunch is on me if I'm wrong."

Patricia could be relentless, but Y/N had to admit she was usually right. She arched a brow as she eyed the costume. Maybe she could find a solid body suit instead of animal print. The kit was only $2.98. And her friend had made it a challenge. "You're on. But I'm not wearing a bow-tie." She crossed her arms across her chest and tapped her mouth. "Your turn. Would Robert like you as a French maid or a go-go dancer?"

~~~~~

It was a busy season for performers. Arthur remembered HaHa's talent agency being booked solid for October by the end of August. Myriad functions at nursing homes, parties, and children's organizations took place throughout the city. Amusement Mile had a series of special events, allowing Arthur to work extra hours before the slowness of winter dragged in. Once the holiday was over, he'd buy make-up and props on clearance.

He'd always assumed he would like Halloween - if he'd had the chance to celebrate it properly. It was about connection, something he'd never managed. The customs gave him a pretense, a template to meet people, rather than leaving him wondering how to go about it. Provided a hiding place for his seeming inability to act normal.

Recollections of the day were few but vivid. When he'd been around eight, there'd been a party at school. The teacher had made brownies and given the students a half-hour respite from lessons. (A welcome relief, since he wasn't very good at most of them.) But he hadn't had a costume. Hadn't known how to reply when the other kids asked where it was. Not wanting to be left out, he'd pocketed a watercolor pallet and sneaked to the bathroom.

The teacher (he wished he could remember her name) had walked in as he'd smeared green and blue on his face, a pathetic attempt at a turtle. Fear of punishment had caused his laughter. But her kindness as she knelt, wiped away tears and pigment with a scratchy, brown paper towel, had calmed him. "Wait here," she'd instructed. It had taken all his courage not to run home.

After some minutes, she'd returned, an old white sheet in one hand, black marker and pair of scissors in the other. "The nurse won't miss this." She'd traced eyeholes, helped him cut them out. She'd asked questions. About his mother and what it was like at home. Questions he was at a loss for how to answer. Finally, she'd draped the cloth over his head. "There," she'd declared. "Gotham Elementary has its own ghost."

Even as he'd gotten taller and the sheet no longer went beyond his knees, that costume had remained his go-to. He'd venture out to the rest of his building, knocking on paint-chipped doors and pushing broken buzzers. Having learned to stay away from doors that yelling or funny smells emanated from, he hadn't gotten a lot of candy. What he had collected he'd shared with Penny. The wax lips became a free toy. He wasn't sure his memory of startling his mother and being tickled until he couldn't breathe was real or imagined.

At twelve, he was told he was too old to go trick-or-treating. He'd starting scrounging for change to buy hard candies at Helm's Pharmacy. They weren't particularly appetizing, but they'd been what he could afford. Only a few kids rang, a number that dwindled further every year. Most neighbors kept their distance, likely aware he was troubled. Cinnamon discs and butterscotch drops had loitered around the apartment for months. He'd sucked on them in an attempt to cut down on his smoking, just to save money. It hadn't worked.

Y/N hadn't spoken about the holiday, not the way she had other special occasions. At first, he'd thought it had slipped her mind. Work, planning their honeymoon, completing the red tape required to meld all aspects of their lives had taken up much of their time. But, given her reluctance to talk in detail about her past heartache, he'd come to assume her Halloweens had been unpleasant. He was certain he could change that.

Sitting on the dingy, dark green plastic seat of the train car, he giggled to himself, chest puffing up as he straightened. They'd been man and wife for eight whole days. Movies and songs said love was supposed to be somewhere between serendipitous and fated. A happy accident that was meant to be. Lying awake at night, he would find himself wondering where they were on that scale. If the emotions swirling through him - the excitement of belonging, the fear of fucking up - were what every newlywed felt. Then Y/N would snuggle closer in her sleep, murmur nonsense into his skin, and for a few minutes he'd be at peace.

Years had been spent trying to figure out who he was. Trying to find an identity, his role within the world. While he was still searching, it had been far easier to become accustomed to the role of "husband" than he'd dreamed.

Teaching his wife about events across the city had been a delight. Gotham Village's Annual Costume Extravaganza was a parade that went all the way to Gotham Square. He'd participated a couple of times, never formally registering but slipping into the clown section. It had been exhilarating. Had allowed him to pretend, for a little while, that he was being seen. That the crowds lining the sidewalks were cheering for him. Signs for extravagant balls were plastered on billboards and lampposts throughout the streets; he'd have gladly attended and shown her off. A haunted house was being held in a building in his old neighborhood, a fundraiser for the orphanage. He hadn't brought that up.

In the end, once he'd explained trick-or-treaters went from apartment to apartment, they'd decided on a cozy evening at home. The details had been left to her. Whatever she'd plan, he'd love it. He wondered what she'd disguise herself as. Would she be a sexy devil or nurse, like he'd seen on a sit-com? The notion sparked a fire in his cheeks.

Given how busy he'd be, he'd stay dressed as plain, old Carnival. Part of him regretted accepting two gigs, especially on a Sunday. He would have preferred her company. But he wanted to put the money towards the wedding band he'd put on layaway. (Even though they had one account, he wasn't going to let her chip in for it.) He should already be wearing it for all of Gotham to see.

The lurch of the subway prompted him to rise and grasp the pole grip. His stance widened as it came to a halt, knees bending with the instinct of a man who'd ridden public transportation since he was a boy. As soon as the graffiti-covered doors parted, he stepped out onto the platform and ascended the stairs, eager to share his new insurance information with Dr. Ludlow.

~~~~~

Scratchy violins and the hum of a theremin. Shrill shrieks and cracks of thunder. A cackle resounded, then a pipe organ, playing a melody in a minor key.

There was no doubt about it. Halloween spirit had saturated 4A.

NCB's Movie Marathon Mayhem had begun at 10:00 AM. Y/N had had it on since getting out of the shower, hoping to catch a horror classic while she decorated the apartment and prepared Bloody Mary mix. As she hung cotton batting between the television's rabbit ears, creating a long, narrow spider-web, she realized they were only playing cheesy B-movies. Giant insects threatening buildings. Science experiments gone wrong. Alien invasions. Oh well. At least she wouldn't have to pay much attention to get the gist of the plots.

The orange plastic platter, black bats along its edges, had been an impulse buy. She thought its array of sugary skeletons, candy bracelets, and Jolly Jack chocolate bars would be well received. But having seen only one or two kids in the lobby, she had no idea how many children lived in their building. She hoped she'd bought enough.

The cardstock window decorations she'd found were festive and matched Arthur's sweet nature. One portrayed a warted, green witch flying on a broom past a full moon. On the other, a ghost and mouse shared a pillowcase of candy and wished a "Happy Halloween." She held the tape dispenser between her teeth as she stuck them to their white front door.

Just then, the elevator dinged. Glancing to her left, she saw Arthur stroll down the cheerfully lit hallway. Buoyant expression on him, despite his white, blue, and red make-up being streaked from sweat. Striped prop bag on his shoulder and carved pumpkin cradled in his arms. "The store owner was going to throw it out," he explained with a half hug. "But he let me have it as a tip."

Classic, triangular eyes evoked the annual carving contest her parents had taken part of back home. Her father had been well-known in the community, being the town's only doctor. Entering the competition had been expected. They'd never won but enjoyed it all the same. Y/N had picked out the patterns and scooped out the squash's slimy innards. Her mother had baked the seeds. Peals of their laughter echoed in her ears, and a lump formed in her throat.

She swallowed hard against it. Dammit, Y/N. Get it together. This was supposed to be a special night for Arthur and her. She needed to distract herself. One of his curls peeked out from under his bald-cap and green wig. She twirled a strand around her finger. "With that toothy grin, it just might be your twin," she said. He pecked her temple, the kiss sticky from greasepaint. She lit the half-melted candles using his red lighter and put the jack-o-lantern just outside their door.

While he freshened his paint in the bedroom, she slinked into the bathroom to change. Arthur's and her routines were closely aligned; keeping her costume hidden had not been easy. The headband holding the furry cat ears was quite stiff, its teeth a tad sharp on her scalp. Once it was in place, she hid it under her hair. The lint on her form-fitting stretch top and leggings reminded her why she rarely wore all black. She retrieved her brown eyeliner from the nearby shelf and started in on her whiskers.

Arthur's footsteps neared, heavy due to his clown shoes, and Y/N turned to lean back on the sink. His thin lips parted as he scanned her body, forehead furrowed in pleasant surprise. His reaction planted a seed of bliss in her belly, one that bloomed every second they regarded each other. The lunch she'd have to spring for was well worth the pink shells of his ears. Eventually, she held out the fluffy, wired tail and a safety pin. "Would you pin this just below my waistband?"

Fingers grazing hers, he took it and sat on the toilet lid. He cupped her hips and pulled her closer, positioned her until the dampness of his breath hit a bare sliver of her back. "Hold still," he murmured, his voice sending a tingle through her. At his gentle ministrations, the spandex of her leggings felt snugger. "Did you- Did you read my journal?"

A faint click of metal as the pin closed. "No." She colored the tip of her nose, frowned at how lackluster the shade was. "I'd never do that. Even if I'm dying for a preview of your material. Why?"

"No reason." A soft huff, his shy smile clear in his answer. "I have an idea." He handed her a washcloth and hurried out of the room. She was patting her face dry when he returned, a fine tipped brush and pot of black greasepaint in his hand. "This'll look better."

Her brow arched. She'd only had her make-up done once; Patricia had invited her when they'd first met. Such an outing was not her preference, but Y/N had accepted, being new in town and wanting to learn about her colleague. There'd been champagne at the counter, which she'd sipped until she'd spent too much on eyeshadow and apricot scrub. The next morning, she'd put the products and a note on Patricia's desk: "I'll never forgive you. Thanks!"

The heat radiating from Arthur prompted her to close the gap between them. She craned her neck towards him, slid her palms to his yellow vest until she held him just below his ribs. His forefinger curled under her chin, lifted it slightly and angled it to the right. The cool, wet brush met her fevered skin. The dusty smell of the greasepaint blended with a whiff of stale cigarette smoke and traces of his sweat. She licked her lips.

The vibration of his chuckle was felt before heard. "I really like your costume," he said lowly. Two more ticklish caresses of the bristles on the apple of her cheek. "If you're not careful, I might werewolf and go wild."

She stretched closer to him, the fervor in his tone going straight to her center. Though he'd been growing bolder, his cocky side wasn't often revealed. She wanted it, thirsted to see more of the wild horse kicking inside him. Her touch ran over his chest, until she dipped under his black suspenders and pulled. "Are you going to gobble me up?"

Teasing strokes on her nose. "Maybe." Then his thumb whispered along her jaw and guided her face upwards. His kiss was supple, slow, a drag of his mouth as his tongue sought entry. She yielded, the simmer of anticipation bringing her to her toes. He groaned deeply and palmed her thigh, then fondled the curve of her rear-

The ding-dong of the doorbell halted them. He lifted his head and laughed, gaze sparkling. "I got paint on you."

She twisted in his arms and looked in the mirror. The whiskers caught her eye, embellished at the ends with dainty curlicues - his skill never ceased to impress her. Red brightened her lips and streaks of white were on her cheek. "It's all right. They'll just know I've been necking with a clown."

~~~~~

The sound of the bell continued. Over and over and over. More than it ever had in Otisburg. There were mummies, ghosts, a couple of skeletons. A superhero proudly displayed his red cape and blue tights, and a kid in her karate robe went on about her yellow belt. A tiny clown, too young to walk, was brought by her sister. As Arthur made funny faces, the baby cooed and tried to take his red, foam nose. Arthur parted with it gladly.

Only one member of the Wayne family appeared, slicked back hair and pompous pout making the disguise complete. The man accompanying the boy introduced himself as their upstairs neighbor and shook their hands. After one look at Y/N, he nudged Arthur's bicep. "So, she's the one keeping half the building up at night. Good on you, pal." Arthur blinked in confusion as she ushered the guy away, red-faced and muttering about his nerve.

Arthur was overly generous, giving out fistfuls of sweets while taking a few extra seconds to gather his nerves and compliment the costumes he liked best. It felt good to interact with strangers without constantly second guessing himself. Y/N would rub his arm or kiss his shoulder and tell him what a great job he was doing. "Kids are easy," he said, refilling the candy dish. But he reveled in her praises, anyway. And the knowledge that meeting the neighbors was going well.

Clean-up required little effort. The jack-o-lantern sat on their kitchen table, flames flickering as the wicks burned away. The door decor was packed safely for use next year. His plaid blazer was slung over the back of a dining chair and his wig was off. Y/N's decision to leave her whiskers on pleased him - she made a damn sexy cat. He pocketed the last few pieces of candy to snack on during the remainder of the evening.

The Sunday Night Special Presentation she'd picked out, a made-for-TV horror movie, began at 9:00 PM on GBC. Most of its airtime was punctuated by her tipsy snickers and legal wisecracks, which was typical when they watched something stupid. Yet, as the show went on, she grew quieter, barely speaking between sips of her third cocktail. As they sat on the sofa, her posture stiffened. Forearms crossed over her breasts. Her nails dug into her upper arm.

The change started two-thirds of the way into the show, when the plot about a doll running amok twisted into a story about a professional woman trying to assert herself against the demands of her mother. Against the expectations of availability. To fight for the simplicity of having dinner and peace and quiet. It resonated with him, which felt weird. Especially when the film cut to black, the implication being the mother would meet a violent end at the hands of her possessed daughter.

A cheerful jingle came on. Puerto Rico was a direct flight from Gotham Airport, it advertised, a flight that lasted "two hours and fifteen tropical minutes." They should get out while the weather was still good. The juxtaposition of mood broke him out of his ponderings. He flicked off the blaring television with the remote. Then he heard Y/N sniffling.

She set her glass on the coffee table, a slight tremble in her hand. "I need some air," she whispered as she rose, then went out onto the fire escape.

Arthur rubbed his thigh and pressed his lips together. He wasn't used to seeing her cry. Not from sadness. Should he follow her? Give her time? Both had worked previously, depending on the situation. But he wasn't sure what had upset her, what situation they were in now.

Exhaling sharply, he grabbed her glass and dumped the rest of the drink down the kitchen sink. Rinsed their dinner plates and put the slow cooker in the fridge. When he'd finished making decaf coffee ten minutes later, she still hadn't returned. He ambled towards the ajar glass door and stepped out.

Moonlight outlined her shapely figure and reflected off her hair, the silver a contrast to the orange glow of the streetlamps illuminating her face. Her stare seemed fixated on the street below. He followed it to see a group of ghouls and goblins spraying shaving cream on a shop window. A couple, one he'd see occasionally when out for a cigarette, walked down the sidewalk. A woman was half-carrying a drunk man towards a bus stop.

Upon clearing her throat, Y/N spoke. "I may not look like it, but I had a great time with you tonight. The movie just got to me." Relieved, Arthur sidled next to her, wrapped his arm about her back. Her head fell to his shoulder and she smoothed her hand over his stomach. "I don't mean to hide from you. Someday you'll know the details of my earlier life." She scoffed. "When I'm ready to think about them." He entwined their fingers and kissed her hairline, avoiding the wired tips of her cat ears.

Shivering, she took a shaky breath. "There are no skeletons in my closet. Only disappointments." Her voice cracked as she beamed at him, cupped his cheek, and pressed her face to his. "Knowing I'd get to have you would have made those years so much easier."

He held her tightly, massaging between her shoulders. She'd been speaking about herself, but he couldn't help thinking it was about him, too. His years with Penny. His stints in Arkham. The loneliness, the isolation, the endless anger and yearning to be more than a speck of dirt no one cared for. His journal was full of questions about where the hell his one and only was. If he'd known she'd be real, tangible instead of a figment, would existence have hurt less?

Wincing, he tried to push through those thoughts. To focus on her instead of himself. What mattered was that Y/N needed him. Perhaps a joke would cheer her. "I was thinking the other night of how easy it is to smile around you," he said. "You tickle my funny bone." Amusement bubbled in her throat, music to his ears. She released a contented sigh and nuzzled the crook of his neck.

Peaceful stillness ensued as the minutes passed. Though the breeze was chill, goosebumps forming on his pale skin, her affection kept his heart warm. His fingertips rubbed circles into her lower back, and she offered a pleasured hum. Across the way, footsteps pounded. He glanced to see a kid darting up the street, plastic pumpkin pail in tow. The boy's scream was filled with boundless energy: "Happy Halloween, Gotham!"

Snorting, Y/N took Arthur's hand and led him inside. The cheap tail she wore bounced with every exaggerated swivel of her hips. "I've behaved all evening, which your werewolf comment made extraordinarily difficult." She looped her arms around him and flashed a come-hither stare. "May I have a goodie?"

The scrape of her nails on his scalp coiled a knot in his abdomen. "Aren't you supposed to say 'trick-or-treat?'" he asked huskily.

"Your pussycat needs a petting or two." She closed the bedroom door behind them. "Maybe even a mauling."

His brows shot up on a hitched giggle. Then he palmed her hip while she started in on his buttons. Before she got too far, he traced a whisker with the pad of his thumb. Let their foreheads meet and pecked her eyelids. "Only if you give me something good to eat." He pressed into her, his enjoyment relentless, not waiting for her reply before devouring her mouth.

~~~~~

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