#started thinkin 'bout this au again today

[x-pair-o-dice-x]

i miss my son, tails. i miss them a lot.

[aamalaaa]

sunrises & liquor (m) | myg

all that jazz

pairing: yoongi x reader

series: sunrises & liquor

rating: m(18+); cursing, alcohol consumption, smut, explicit content

genre: bar workers au, barman yoongi au, (kinda) forbidden relationship, angst, fluff, smut

summary: after a failed academic pursuit and a few meaningless and disappointing relationships, you decided to go back to what you never thought you would: the bar industry. There you find a family, friends, heartache, misunderstandings and one particular barman who just won’t get out of your head.

warnings: cursing, alcohol consumption (duh), smut, dom!yoongi, sub/brat!reader, dirty talk, oral sex(m.receiving), unprotected sex(wrap it before you tap it folks), car sex, rough sex, angst, reader has issues bro

a/n: welcome folks, to yet another chapter of s&l! it’s been more than lovely having you around, sharing your thoughts and screaming with me. I appreciate you!! anyhow, this is the longest one yet, my bad, and we’re getting into the final arc of this story, I reckon. I hope you thoroughly enjoy this one<3

//: btw, I listened to ‘Lost’ and ‘Thinkin bout you’ by Frank Ocean, and also ‘Meet me in the Hallway’ by Harry Styles while writing this one, I recommend it.

chapter word count: 8.5k (my bad)

previous | next

-

-

Today was a long day.

It started well enough, you woke up and ate breakfast with two of your best friends, exchanged a few texts with Yoongi and tried to help Jimin with his Hoseok problem. You even managed to convince him to meet up with the latter.

Turns out it ended up unraveling in the worst possible way and you were left to pick up the pieces of your dear friend’s heart all throughout the afternoon, trying to ignore the guilt gnawing at you in favor of focusing on your friend who really needed you.

Because this isn’t about you and how you feel bad about what happened and the role you played in this whole situation. This is about Jimin and how he just got basically rejected by his longtime crush and friend.

So you lay in bed, staring at the ceiling in an attempt to understand what in the actual fuck happened today and how to help, what to do to make both your friends feel a little less miserable.

And Hoseok may have rejected Jimin, but you know him and you’re sure this whole thing is eating at him, will probably keep him up at night. Hoseok never wants to hurt anyone, on the contrary, he always tries to help people feel a little more hopeful, a little less out of control.

You facepalm yourself and sigh loudly. How the fuck do you always end up all up in everybody’s business, your life is enough of a mess as it is. 

Your phone vibrates and you unlock it, smiling like a whole ass fool as soon as you notice Yoongi’s contact name pop up on your screen.

Love [6:37]: badly, spent the whole afternoon consoling Jiminie

Love [6:38]: I’m so tired

You drop your phone on the bed and head towards the bathroom to take a much needed shower. You stand under the stream of hot water for, well, way too long, before you step out of the shower and wrap a towel around your naked form, blow drying your hair as soon as you do.

You leisurely make your way towards your dresser and slip on a simple black t-shirt. Then, you unlock your cell phone again and try to force down the surge of energy you get when you notice two new messages from Yoongi. 

Music Man [6:41]: shit. poor Chim.

Music Man [6:41]: are you ok?

You sigh contentedly as you type in a response and send it.

Love [7:29]: yeah I am, just need to unwind and go to sleep early.

You start scrolling through netflix, almost settling on a title before you feel your phone vibrate on your stomach.

Music Man [7:36]: wanna come over?

You grin and start typing.

Love [7:37]: mmmhm, idk. that’s at least a 15 minutes drive.

The reply is almost instantaneous.

Music Man [7:37]: I made budae jjigae..

Love [7:38]: say no more

Love [7:38]: leaving in 10

You start getting ready, pulling on some jeans and a coat, then you brush your teeth and grab your purse.

You look at your phone before dropping it in your bag.

Music Man [7:40]: bring overnight stuff [:

“Did you get my last text?”

You push past Yoongi and head inside the apartment.

“I did,” You reply in a monotonous tone.

He closes the front door. “Where’s your overnight stuff?”

You grin and lift your purse up,

“Here.”

“You’re sleeping in… jeans?”

You slip your coat off and hang it, wagging your eyebrows playfully. “Or maybe I’m sleeping naked?”

“Are you trying to be the end of me?” Yoongi groans.

You chuckle lightheartedly,

“Don’t act like you’ve never seen a naked woman before, please.”

“Definitely not, but they weren’t you. I don’t think you realize the power you have over me, love.” He draws closer and engulfs you in a tight embrace, laying a gentle press of his lips on top of your head.

You blush profusely, thankful for the fact that your face is hidden from Yoongi’s scrutinizing gaze. This might be the most romantic and simultaneously arousing thing you’ve ever heard. 

Shit.

“Then you’ll lend me sleeping clothes will you?” You nip at his exposed collarbones.

Yoongi shudders quietly. “So this was your plan the whole time? Make a man weak so you can steal his clothes and why not, his cat too maybe?”

You laugh against the crook of his neck. “Damn, you caught me.”

“That’s cold, angel.”

You lift your head up and your eyes meet an absolutely devastating pout.

“Poor baby,” You coo before cupping his soft cheeks, pressing your lips on his for a few seconds and sighing in absolute bliss, the blond man’s arms tightening around you as you get lost in each other’s taste. You break it off first, parting an inch or two from him and staying there for a short moment, the both of you breathing in each other’s air, eyes closed.

“I just think your clothes smell nice,” You whisper tenderly.

Yoongi hums. “What do they smell like?”

You dip your head down and press your forehead on his shoulder, a light pinkish tint taking over your cheeks, and mumble, “You.”

“So you think I smell nice?” 

You slap his hip and groan in embarrassment. “I hate you.”

“Sure you do.” He chortles, a calloused hand making its way through your freshly washed hair.

You stay unmoving for a few moments, trying to will the heat in your cheeks away and then raise your head, first noticing Cat, laying on the couch and judging the both of you with it’s golden orbs, before catching the spicy scent of budae jjigae for the first time since you came in.

“You actually cooked, like for real.”

Yoongi lets go of his hold on you and rubs the back of his neck. “Well, yeah.”

You approach the stove top, taking  in a deep breath through your nose.

“I thought you were finessing me so I would come over.”

“That’s rich coming from you, clothes stealer.” Yoongi says, a playful indignant tone to his voice.

“Hey! I borrow them, I don’t steal them.”

“Tell that to the hoodie I haven’t seen in the last two months.”

You cross your arms and pout, leaning on the counter. “You gave that to me, meanie.”

“Po-tay-to, po-tah-to.”

“That’s not fair,” You squint your eyes at him.

Yoongi chuckles and kisses your temple, taking two bowls from the cupboard and filling them with two portions of the still-warm meal before putting them down on the counter along with utensils and two water bottles.

“Eat up before it gets cold.”

You whine but still sit down at the counter, slurping and munching hungrily at the delicious comforting meal. Yoongi watches you with an amused expression, eating quietly and slowly. Once you’ve annihilated your portion you put your utensils down and quirk a brow at the blond man,

“What?” you take a sip of water.

Yoongi shrugs, a crooked smile on his lips. “Nothing, you’re just cute.”

You choke on the liquid, coughing loudly and bring a hand up to your chest, violently slapping it to help clear your obstructed airways. Yoongi laughs and runs a hand up and down your back in a soothing motion. 

“You’re mean,” You croak out once your fit of coughs settles down.

“I’m sorry,” He massages the nape of your neck, dissipating any feeling of annoyance you might’ve had.

You pout. “Better make it up to me then.”

“Anything you want, love.”

"Anything?" You lift a brow and send him a seductive smile, slowly getting up and wrapping your arms around his neck.

Yoongi’s breath hitches in his throat as he lets out a low, rumbly, “Anything.”

You twirl a blond strand of hair between your deft fingers, a wicked grin lifting the corners of your mouth. “Then I want a massage and cuddles.”

Yoongi huffs incredulously and shakes his head, lightly swatting at your ass. “It would be my pleasure.”

He lends you a pair of black sweatpants and a white t-shirt and you quickly brush your teeth before going to the living room and petting the furry animal, cooing and squealing when it starts purring in content.You then make your way back to Yoongi's room and swiftly slide under the bed’s covers. 

Yoongi enters the bathroom and comes out a few minutes later to find you almost passed out, snuggled in his sheets. He slides under the covers next to you and whispers,

“Do you want to go to sleep now, love?”

You shake your head and blink slowly, meeting deep chocolate-like eyes. Even in complete darkness Yoongi looks absolutely stunning, breathtaking, and you feel so fucking fond and grateful to be sharing a bed with him.

“Nuh-uh, you still have to give me a massage.”

“Alright, on your stomach then,” Yoongi chuckles and tucks a strand of hair beneath your ear. 

You leisurely comply, and give him an expectant look.

“It would be better if I took off your shirt, but it’s all up to you.”

You nod and send him a small smile, giving him permission.

And so Yoongi sits up straight and starts tugging your shirt off, you help him by lifting your torso and arms up. 

Once the garment is off, Yoongi slides his palms up your back with increasing pressure, spurring a satisfied moan out of you. 

“Is that enough pressure?” He whispers in a dark, gruff tone, sending shivers up your spine

You barely manage to whisper the next words, 

“It’s perfect.” 

He continues his ministrations, lingering for a long moment on your shoulders and collarbones, then trailing down to the dip of your back and slowly pressing his thumbs there while you can only let out small mewls of appreciation. 

You slowly slip in and out of consciousness, not even noticing that Yoongi has stopped massaging you until he whispers against your ear,   

“Time to sleep, angel.”

You groan and begrudgingly sit up, tugging the white t-shirt on before slumping down on your side, facing the opposite way from Yoongi. The latter inches closer and wraps a lazy arm around your waist, pressing himself flush against your back.

“Sweet dreams,” He presses a delicate kiss on your shoulder.

You wiggle in his embrace before slurring out a small,

“Sweet dreams Yoongi.”

You tug nervously at the off-the-shoulder neckline of the emerald green, floor length dress you put on merely a few minutes ago.

It’s 7:04, which means Yoongi is late, and Yoongi is almost never late. Which might mean something happened, but it could also just be your anxiety riddled mind making up scenarios to taunt you.

Nevertheless you can’t tame down the bubbling anxiety rising in your chest.

You’re checking your phone for the upteenth when you hear a slightly reluctant knock at your front door.

You swing it open in a matter of seconds, letting out a shaky breath of relief as soon as you see Yoongi’s soft features.

Your relief is short lived though, because his appearance knocks the air straight out of you.

You grip the doorknob forcefully as you take in the fitted black suit Yoongi is sporting, the white dress shirt and black bow, but most importantly his luscious locks of hair. Because they’re not the light, bleached blond you’ve been drawn to since you’ve met him. No, oh no. 

His hair is black. 

Jet black, as dark as a raven’s feathers. 

And if you thought blond was the best color for Yoongi before, you were not prepared for this one. Because holy shit, he’s the most gorgeous man you’ve ever been blessed to lay your eyes upon. 

The night’s announcing itself to be a long one. 

“You look amazing,” Yoongi declares as he tucks his hands in the pockets of his trousers, an awestruck look in his eyes.

“Holy shit,” Is all you manage to say, completely unaware of the compliment he just bestowed upon you.

Yoongi nervously cards a hand through his black hair. “Yeah..”

“Yoongi. Fucking hell. Don’t do that.” Your grip on the door handle strengthens and you take a deep breath, looking anywhere but in his direction. 

“Do what?” He scratches his head in confusion, oblivious to your internal struggle. 

“Your hair, oh my god.” You snap your gaze up, just now noticing how awkward the man looks standing in the doorway. “Umm, sorry, come in.”

You step out of the way and Yoongi slides in through the threshold, closing the door as you make your way to the closet and take out your winter coat. 

“Yeah I was so done with bleaching it, so I just went back to my natural color.”

You hum understandingly and the man leans on the wall, watching you curiously as your shaky hands fumble with the buttons of your black, fake fur coat. 

“Do you like it?” He questions, an amused glint to his tone.

You gulp loudly. “Y-yeah I do.” 

You curse under your breath as you struggle to button your coat, your mind reeling with thousands of filthy images you try to rid yourself of. Crazy how a simple change of hair color can have such an impact on you. 

But you’re only human, and Yoongi clearly is something else, no way a human being is allowed to look like this, like sin incarnated but also a god sent creature. It’s not fucking fair.

Strong, capable hands deftly take a hold of yours and snap the coat’s buttons in place. 

“You like it that much?” He chuckles teasingly.

You send a glare his way, only now noticing how close he’s standing. “How fucking dare you look this good in my house, in front of my fake plants nonetheless!”

Yoongi lifts a brow in amusement before taking a hold of your waist and drawing you flush against his broad chest. “What are you gonna do about it?” 

You gasp and slap his shoulder. “I can’t with you, I swear to god.”

Yoongi laughs loudly, showing off a heart shattering gummy smile that has your heartbeat picking up at an alarming rate.

“Are you actually mad?” He runs a hand up and down your back. You curse yourself for putting on your winter garment, wanting more than anything to feel his fingers on you.

“Yes, I am! How am I supposed to watch the musical when you look like this?” You pout angrily. 

“So dramatic..” 

And just like that he stops you from responding by locking his lips onto yours, tilting his head to the side to deepen the kiss before biting lightly at your bottom lip, tearing a soft whimper out of you.

He slowly backs you up against the wall, using the surprised gasp you emit to slide his tongue against your own, licking languidly and relentlessly as you try to take charge, failing time and time again.

You slide your hand all the way up to the back of his head, tugging lightly at the soft locks of hair, something you’ve been desperate to do since he appeared at your doorstep. 

Yoongi emits a deep groan, shivers instantly pricking at your skin despite the warm clothing you’re wearing and you slide your other hand up to the button of his jacket, wanting nothing more than to take it off and feel his warm skin sizzling under your palms.

But he parts from your lips just as your hand reaches the obstructing button and chuckles hoarsely,

“We can’t miss this show, love. Tae would be sad and you’d feel bad.”

“Damn, I hate that you’re right.”

Yoongi rests his forehead against yours and lightly shakes his head. “Believe me, I hate that I am too.” 

You stay there, catching your breaths for a few moments before you speak up again,

“Alright let’s go now, otherwise we won’t be leaving tonight.”

You see his jaw twitch as he steps away and takes your hand in his. 

“I’m in pain,” He solemnly declares.

You chuckle heartily,

“So dramatic.”

You arrive at the theater a mere thirty-something minutes before the musical Taehyung stars in begins, the billboard announcing ‘Chicago’ in bright capital letters.

You notice Seokjin and Hoseok almost as soon as you make your way in after dropping off your things at coat check.

They’re leaning against a high circular table and chatting, flutes of champagne in hand.

Seokjin speaks first,

“We were starting to wonder if you guys decided to bail on us to go have sex at Yoongi’s place or something.”

You give him a mortified look while Hoseok loudly chortles, gripping his stomach as he does so.

Yoongi lets out a drawn out sigh. “I need a drink.”

Seokjin perks up. “Let me accompany you! There’s a bit of a line.” 

He downs his own flute in one gulp as Yoongi sends a pained look your way but follows the older man nonetheless, leaving you and Hoseok alone.

The silence that reigns over the both of you feels awkward and strange. You don’t like it, not one bit.

“How is he?”

You snap your gaze towards the red haired man.

“Who?” You question futilely, already knowing the answer.

Hoseok sighs, a downcast look in his eyes. “Jimin..” 

You pick at your nails nervously, unsure if you should be talking about it or not. You ultimately decide it couldn’t hurt to do so. 

“I mean.. how do you think? You know him, he’s taking it pretty badly but he wouldn’t talk about it or what really happened. He’s resilient though, he’ll manage.”

“I know.. I’m just-“ He pauses. “I’m just kinda confused and lost right now? I didn’t expect this, at all. And I’ve wanted him to tell me that he loves me for so long, even dreamt about it. But I met Lia a few weeks ago and it’s going well you know? She’s kind and I know exactly what she thinks and where she’s at..”

You didn’t know about any of this. “Lia?” 

“Yeah, I met her at a party. You’d like her a lot I think.” He shoots you a half-hearted smile, making your heart sink. 

Hoseok doesn’t do half-hearted smiles.

“If you do, I’m sure I would too.”

Hoseok stares at the floor, eyebrows furrowed, like he’s deep in thoughts.

You sigh and ruffle his hair. “Whatever you do, I’ll be happy for you. As long as you know you’re making the right decision for you. Not anyone else.”

Hoseok eyes you almost pleadingly. “But no matter what I do, someone’s going to end up hurting..”

“Yup. That’s just the way things go most of the time.” You try to swallow the uptick of emotions in your throat.

“You’re such a pessimist,” The corner of his eyes crinkle in amusement.

“I have nothing to say in my defense.”

You notice Yoongi and Seokjin coming back your way, holding three flutes of champagne.

You give Hoseok a meaningful look, “Seriously though, think about it. I don’t want you to regret your decision later on, whatever that decision is.”

He nods harshly, just as the two men come up to you. Yoongi hands you a flute.

“Thanks,” You beam at him, touched that he thought to bring you one too.

He snakes an arm around your waist and takes a small sip of the bubbly drink. “Of course.”

“So, what role is Taehyung playing anyway?” Hoseok asks.

You perk up, excited about your friend’s upcoming performance. “Roxie! It’s a gender swapped reinterpretation of Chicago.”

“Damn, he basically got the lead role.” Yoongi whistles, impressed.

You preen with pride for your friend.

“He did,” Seokjin confirms in an adoring tone.

“Sweet!” Hoseok exclaims, drawing in a few pair of curious eyes.

You all drink your flutes pretty quickly and make a stop at the restroom before heading inside the theater and taking your seats.

You sit at the end of the row, Yoongi directly to your left, then followed by Hoseok and Seokjin. You apply a thin layer of lip gloss before tucking the stick back into your purse, only then noticing Yoongi eyeing you, indecipherable emotions swimming in his dark orbs.

You lean closer and lay a hand on his thigh,

“Something on my face?”

Yoongi snorts. “Anything I could answer to that would be corny as fuck.”

You feel your face heat up and look down bashfully.

“Hey,” He lifts your chin up with his index finger. “I didn’t say I was done looking.”

“Oh my god Yoongi, stop.” You squeeze his thigh in warning, very thankful for the low lighting, otherwise you’re positive he would notice the bright red tint spreading all over your face.

“Cute,” He coos softly, caressing your cheek gently before draping his arm around your shoulders, you lean onto him . 

The musical soon starts, and it’s absolutely mind blowing. You don’t remember ever seeing something quite like it. Taehyung adds a lot of flair to it, and you might’ve seen him in other plays before, but this takes home the cake, in your opinion at least. Because he owns the stage, the role, the songs. 

He is the role.

But as much as you try to stay focused, you can’t help but let yourself peer at Yoongi from time to time, getting caught up in the way the light illuminating the stage creates all sorts of shapes and shadows upon his hypnotizing features.

He’s fucking stunning.

You leave your hand on his thigh all throughout the show, rubbing slow circles on his knee with your dainty thumb.

And you’re acutely aware of the occasional shivers coursing through Yoongi as you sometimes let your hand wander a bit further up his thigh, notice the way his jaw ticks when you lightly squeeze the muscular limb. You also notice how your heartbeat picks up its pace the longer you keep testing the man’s patience, as if maybe your little teasing might have even more of an effect on you than on him.

When the last musical number starts, you let your hand venture even further up, your fingers now almost reaching the place you want them to reach the most.

You feel Yoongi‘s muscle strain, almost missing the low groan that reverberates through him when he forcefully grabs your wrist in warning, which automatically sends a rush of heat through your whole body.

You chance a glance at his tense features, his clenched jaw, his eyes staring intently at the stage, and almost pout when he doesn’t give you any attention, simply keeping his steady and forcefull hold on your wrist, making it impossible for you to move your hand in any way. 

The play soon ends and you all get up, Yoongi lets go of your wrist to applaud and once he’s done, he gets a hold of your hand and interwines your fingers, sending you a dark menacing look as he does so.

The four of you quickly make your way to the front hall and you text your friend.

my queen [10:43]: we’re waiting for you in the front hall! you were fucking incredible tae omg

You feel Yoongi’s hold on your hand strengthen as you wait for a reply.

Taebear [10:45]: be there in 15, gotta wait for ppl to leave 

And so you all wait, eagerly discussing and praising your friend’s performance and the musical as a whole between the four of you.

Time goes by so quickly that you yelp in surprise when you notice your best friend making his way towards your group.

“Tae oh my fucking god!” You let go of Yoongi’s hand and run into Taehyung’s arms. “You were unreal up there.” 

You part from him to let everyone congratulate his performance, Hoseok clapping excitedly and crushing him into a fierce hug while Yoongi simply pats him on the shoulder.

“You were born to be on stage sweetie,” Seokjin approaches him and lays a passionate kiss on the younger man’s lips.

They exchange a few words before Taehyung addresses you, his head laying on Seokjin’s large shoulders,

“I know we planned to go somewhere after this but I’m officially drained. Rain check? Y’all still owe me a celebratory meal.” 

You snort loudly. “All good babe. Go rest, you need it.”

Hoseok ruffles Seokjin’s hair. “Can I catch a ride with you?”

“As long as you never, ever, touch my hair again, yes.” 

Taehyung chuckles airily, an endeared boxy grin etched upon his face as he glances adoringly at the older man. 

And so you all say goodbye and head towards your respective cars. You slump down the passenger side’s seat and tug your coat off, waiting for Yoongi to start the ignition. 

He drives out of the parking lot and onto the highway, glancing at you from time to time, not saying a single word. You feel anxiety bubbling up your chest and decide to break the tense silence,

“Are you dropping me off at home?” 

Yoongi chuckles almost menacingly. “Oh no, we’re sleeping at my place tonight.” 

“Umm.. since when?” You give him a quizzical look.

He clenches his jaw before replying,

“Since you decided to play a game you know you can’t win.”

Oh.

You slide a hand up his thigh, your fingers brushing over his crotch, and relish in the sharp intake of air that reaches your ears. 

“What game?” You tease.

“Angel,” Yoongi rasps through gritted teeth, his hands gripping the wheel so forcefully that his knuckles turn white.

And you might be liking this a bit too much, but it’s way too fun to stop now. 

So you repeat the motion, sliding your hand up and down his thigh, brushing over his crotch again.

“Yes?” You flutter your eyelashes innocently. 

You barely even notice Yoongi taking the next exit and driving down small deserted streets until the car stops in a small parking lot next to the water.

You don’t recognize the public park in which you now find yourself in. 

“Uh, Yoongi? This isn’t your place as far as I know.”

The man lowers the backrest of the car seat to a more comfortable position, unfastens his seatbelt and grabs your hand, pushing it against the growing tent in his trousers, electrifying arousal growing sharply in your abdomen as he does so.

“Well, it seems like you couldn’t wait to be home to act like a brat. So go ahead, do what you want.”

You swallow thickly. “Here? What if someone walks past us?” 

Yoongi smirks and closes his eyes before bringing his arms up and slipping his hands behind his head. “Didn’t seem to bother you one bit earlier.”

And maybe it shouldn’t, but the thought of maybe getting caught, coupled with the alluring confidence emanating from Yoongi casts a hazy cloud in your mind, making you want to please the man more than anything in the world.

And so you unfasten your seatbelt and lift your skirt up to straddle the man easily. But he stops you before you can climb him,

“No.”

You stare at him in sheer confusion. 

“That’s not what you were trying to do earlier. Use your hands angel, then we’ll see if you deserve more.” 

You all but shudder and nod weakly. Yoongi might’ve been a bit dominating before, but it was nothing compared to this. The confident, authoritative glint in his voice sends your mind into a frenzy, you want to get to know this side of him better.

He quirks a brow at you and closes his eyes again,

“Well?” 

You snake a trembling hand up to the zipper of his trousers, struggling a bit before sliding it all the way down. You can feel how aroused he is, how hard his thick, warm length feels under the thin material of his underwear. It gives you a major boost of confidence, knowing how eager Yoongi actually is to feel you.

“Can you um..lift your hips,” You bashfully ask.

Yoongi blinks and chuckles amusedly before lifting his hips up and tugging his boxers and trousers halfway down, liberating his warm cock from the confines of his clothes. 

He watches carefully as you bring a hand up to your mouth and spit on it, his eyes darkening as soon as the thick saliva trickles down your palm.

His gaze only falters for a few seconds when you wrap your hand around him, and focuses again as soon as you start pumping him in slow, drawn out motions.

He stays silent, though immensely focused when you start going faster, swirling your wrist from time to time and applying a little more pressure when you reach his reddened tip, only to dive down again and again. 

His ragged breathing is the only thing that cues you in on how much he’s actually enjoying this and so, you ask with a tiny, shaky voice,

“Can I umm..”

The words don't come out. It’s not that you’re shy about doing it, It just feels weird to say out loud.

“Can you what?” He asks with a gravely low voice that sends a wave of shivers up your spine.

You look at him with pleading eyes as you continue sliding your hand up and down his length. Yoongi simply quirks a brow at you, refusing you mercy. 

“Can you what, love?”

You take a shallow breath and whisper, 

“Can I suck you off?”

You can almost sense the moment he breaks, it feels like the air inside the small car gets even more suffocating, making you lightheaded.

“Fuck, yeah, go on.”

A pleasurable knot forms itself in your stomach as you eagerly dive down to leave a teasing lick on the tip of Yoongi’s cock, the salty taste of precum coating your tongue deliciously.

You flick your tongue against the slit of his girth, smirking when you feel Yoongi jolt and moan quietly. He pushes away the strands of hair dangling in front of your eyes and grabs the rest of your hair in a messy bun, holding it in a firm but gentle grip.

He groans lowly when you slowly wrap your lips around him and slide down his length, pressing your tongue along his frenulum as you do so, and repeat the motion a few times, hollowing your cheeks to coax as much pleasure as you possibly can out of him. 

You come up for air for a few seconds before spitting on his cock and taking him back in your mouth, feeling every protruding vein on his thick member as you swirl your tongue around it. You rapidly pick up a faster pace, bobbing your head up and down as you hear a myriad of curses escape Yoongi’s lips.

It only makes you grow bolder and bolder and so you dive down lower, only stopping when your nose brushes against soft skin. You gag lightly and repeat the motion a second time, to the man’s greatest pleasure, if his choked guttural groan is anything to go by.

As soon as the tip of his thick length hits the back of your throat, you feel Yoongi bucking his hips forward, making you gag and cough loudly around him, saliva trickling down your mouth filthily. 

“Fuck I’m so sorry,” He tugs on your hair and lifts you up, the sharp sting sending a shock of pleasure through you.

You gasp for air and feel drool sliding along your throat, all the way down to the neckline of your dress, a few teardrops escaping your eyes.

“It’s ok.. I like it,” You rasp out as soon as you can breathe somewhat normally.

Yoongi groans. “Fucking hell, yeah? You like choking on my cock, angel?” 

You mewl in response, feeling a familiar wetness in between your legs slowly spreading to the inside of your thighs. 

“Can I fuck your mouth, mmhm? Can you do that for me?” He tilts your head upwards and brings you closer, his face now a few inches away from yours.

You nod frantically, more than excited by the prospect of Yoongi fucking into your mouth aggressively, using you as he pleases to get himself off. There’s nothing quite as tempting in the whole world. At least at this moment.

“You sure?” He wipes drool off your chin and gently strokes your flushed cheek with the back of his hand.

“Yes, please..”

“Begging to choke on my cock, for fuck’s sake.”

Yoongi bruisingly crashes his lips onto yours and devours your mouth with unbridled passion, instantly and greedily swallowing your whimpers as they reach your throat. 

He disconnects your mouths and breathes out unevenly. “You ready?” 

You nod eagerly and Yoongi guides you back to his painfully hard erection. You instantly wrap your lips around him, sighing in relief as soon as you do.

He growls mutedly. “Squeeze my thigh if you ever feel uncomfortable and want me to stop, ok angel?”

You hum and tantalizingly lick the side of his length, which only makes him tighten his hold on your hair. 

He starts bucking his hips forward, and it’s slow at first, as he drags the tip of his erection against your warm tongue numerous times. But he soon picks up his pace, snapping in and out of your mouth rapidly before engulfing himself far down your tight throat, only stopping when he hears you gagging around him. 

Then he picks up an unhurried pace again and alternates between slow and fast, aggressive and gentle. You feel dizzy and completely fucked out, your underwear completely ruined by sheer arousal. You don’t think you’ve ever been this turned on in your life.

You squeal in surprise when Yoongi lifts you up swiftly and kisses you feverishly, as if trying to taste each and every corner of your mouth with the help of his skilled tongue.

A thick trail of saliva connects both of your mouths when you part for air. Yoongi cups your cheeks and leaves a soft peck on your swollen lips, it has you seeing stars, your heart growing bigger in size at the care he exudes through his actions.

“Such a good girl for me.” 

You smile shyly at him and nuzzle the tip of his nose, pride blooming in your chest as you realize how good you’ve made him feel.  

“Come here angel.” 

He skirts your dress up to your hip bones and helps you straddle him, holding you in place as you settle somewhat comfortably on his lap. Your legs tremble furiously when you try to hold yourself up and you whine pitifully.

“Yoongi, I don’t think I can move my legs for long.”

He leaves a sweet peck on your lips before murmuring,

“I got you.”

Your heart soars as his words register and you dive down to the crook of his neck, leaving a trail of open mouthed kisses as you get rid of the bow around his collar. 

When the accessory is finally off, you leisurely unbutton his dress shirt, your fingers lingering longingly on the small expanse of his chest, now available to your rapacious hands.

You're thrown off guard when Yoongi drags the tip of his fingers against your covered core, spurring light jolts out of you as he teases you mercilessly for a few interminable seconds.

“Yoongi, please, I need you..” You sob out, your legs now shaking uncontrollably. 

“Just-, Give me a minute to make sure I don’t hurt you alright?”

“But I’m ready, please.” You plead brokenly, completely unbothered by how fucking needy you sound.

He takes a deep inhale, holding your waist with one hand before pushing your underwear aside and sliding two digits into you, his fingers meeting no resistance whatsoever.

You moan softly, and you think you could come just like this with how fucking aroused you are. 

“Fuck, you are ready.” 

Yoongi thrusts his fingers in and out of you, dragging them along your walls before slipping them out of you, much to your disappointment.

You whine and pout deeply. “I told you.”

“I know baby,” He soothes as he lightly slaps your cunt, making you shudder in his hold. 

He grips his own veiny girth, pumping it a few times while simultaneously holding your panties to the side before aligning himself with your entrance.

Your pout slowly morphs into a gasp when you feel his throbbing length sliding into you in one smooth motion, stretching you nicely around its circumference. 

“Oh fuck,” You harshly breathe out, your eyes rolling to the back of your head before coming back to focus on Yoongi’s.

The black haired man brings one hand to your hip and the other up to your throat, squeezing lightly as he steadily holds your gaze, burning lava swimming in his dark brown orbs. 

And that’s exactly how your whole body feels as Yoongi picks up a long languorous pace. Like lava, malleable, pliant and hot to the touch, like the only thing capable of laying a hand upon you would have to be something equally fiery. 

You always thought that Yoongi shared a lot of similarities with burning coal. Intoxicating, warm. Like if he wanted to, he could make you burn alongside him.

Though, if you’re being honest, you think you’ve been burning for quite some time.

You snap out of a daze like state when you feel Yoongi’s grip on your throat tightening and mewl loudly as he starts rapidly thrusting into you. He swirls his hips up and down and you can only hold on to his broad shoulders, gripping so harshly you might have left marks if it wasn’t for the jacket that the man hadn’t bothered to shrug off.

Then he slows down again, his shallow breath fanning over your face over and over again as you peer deep in his eyes, the knot in your abdomen tightening exponentially with every sharp thrust of his hips. 

You feel deft fingers crawling down your side, unzipping your dress in one quick motion before they tug the upper part of the garment down, your breast now bouncing up and down as Yoongi keeps fucking into you. 

He tweaks one of your pert nipples and latches his mouth on the other one, flicking and nibbling teasingly at it while you can only shiver in pure ecstasy.

A wanton moan slips past your throat when he suddenly picks up an unrelenting pace and you instinctively arch your back, deepening the angle at which he rams into you at full speed.

“Yoongi..” You whimper, bringing your forehead against his and the man soon cradles the side of your face. 

“Y-yeah?” He chokes out unevenly. 

Your vision focuses onto him as the rest grows blurry, you feel your orgasm at the tip of your fingers, tingling all over the extremities of your limbs, like a dam ready to burst at any moment.

“Don’t stop, fuck-“

Your head falls down on his shoulder and your peak washes over you in overwhelming waves, blinding you for a few moments as you hold onto his strong frame for dear life. You convulse and pulse steadily around him, clenching and unclenching while he continues his ministrations, his cock throbbing around your swollen folds.

“Babe-“ Yoongi starts, out of breath. “You need to get off, I’m gonna cum-” He rasps out, sinking his nails into the supple skin of your thigh.

And so you muster all the strength you can gather and lift your hips up, setting them back down as soon as you feel him slip out, much to your dismay.

He tries to grip himself but you beat him to it, pumping his veiny length fast and hard as Yoongi moans hoarsely and comes undone, spilling all over your hand in thick spurts of unrestrained pleasure.

You look into his eyes and bring your sticky hand up, licking away all traces of his white release while thoroughly maintaining eye contact. Yoongi stares at you with his mouth agape, breathing heavily and swallowing thickly.

“What are you doing to me,” He blinks and cards a trembling hand through his jet black hair, the other one softly caressing your bruised thigh.

“And what are you doing to-“ You abruptly stop, noticing light coming your way through the fogged up window. “Holy shit, someone’s coming!”

Yoongi sends you an alarmed look and lowers the backrest of his seat all the way down, making you lose your balance. You plant your hands on both sides of his body to try not to crush him under your weight and hide your face against his chest. 

“Are they close,” He whispers as he tries to cover your bare ass by laying a coat on top of your frame.

You roll your eyes against closed eyelids,

“I don’t know, I’d have to be able to see to tell you that.”

Yoongi swallows down a chuckle. “Fair enough.”

“Shhhh!” You whisper aggressively.

You both stay silent for a minute or two, your heart rates picking up when the light gets so close you can see it behind closed eyelids. But no one comes knocking on the window, and after a minute or two you lift your head up and tentatively take a peek outside.

“Oh my fucking god it was the cops, they didn’t see us,” You clasp a hand over your mouth and look at Yoongi with a mortified expression. “Can you imagine if they got here a few minutes ago.”

He glances at you with wide eyes before bursting into laughter, a wide grin appearing on his face. And you can’t help but follow suit, throwing yourself back against his chest as you both giggle endlessly.

“Oh shit, that was such a close call,” He wipes at the corner of his eyes.

You slap his chest playfully. “What a bad idea.”

“You weren’t complaining earlier,” He teases as he pulls your dress up and zips it back up, taking the opportunity to draw shapes along the expanse of your collarbone. 

You lay a long, soft kiss upon his pillowy lips, sinking into his hold for a few moments before murmuring against his lips,

“Let’s go home before someone else comes, yeah?” 

And he gives you such a tender look that you can’t help but feel so many things, things you don’t want to feel, things you’re scared of and can’t even mention out loud.

But you feel them still, simmering in your stomach comfortingly despite the terror lurking in your mind like a shadow.

“Yeah, let’s.”

“How are we this late?” 

Yoongi shoots you an unimpressed look.

“We’re late because someone decided to lay on the ground and cuddle Cat for at least a good ten minutes.” 

“Hey!” You yelp indignantly. “Cat looked like it needed cuddles.”

Yoongi slips his hand in yours as you both walk rapidly towards the bar’s main entrance.

“Cat always needs cuddles.”

“Ooo, reminds me of someone.”

The look of disgust on Yoongi’s face sends you into a raucous fit of laughter.

“Says you.”

You click your tongue, “Oh but I’m not afraid to admit it. You, on the other hand, will pretend you don’t want cuddles and affection, but you so do.”

“I’m leaving you on the side of the road tonight,” He deadpans, letting go of your hand and walking faster ahead. 

“That’s mean!” You holler and quicken your pace, grabbing his arm and leaning your head on his shoulder as the man wraps an arm around your waist.

You stop just a few feet away from the door and tug on his arm. “Yoongi.” 

“What is it?” He lifts his hand up to your cheek, carefully cradling it.

“Kiss me?” You give him your best puppy eyes.

Yoongi rolls his eyes but still leans down to lay a chaste (but fatal nonetheless) kiss upon your lips, stroking your cold cheek with the back of his thumb as he does so. 

You chase after his plush lips once he parts from you, earning you a low chuckle from the object of your affection, “Greedy.”

You pout, “So what.”

The barman shakes his head fondly. “Nothing, you’re just cute.”

“Well-,”

“You guys coming in or?” 

You both simultaneously turn towards the disruption, annoyed, just then noticing Namjoon holding the door open from the inside of the establishment.

The doorman shrugs and gives you a dimpled smile. “It’s freezing, I’m not gonna hold it forever.”

“Yeah we’re coming,” Yoongi mumbles as he slips his hand in yours and walks through the threshold.

You follow him as he steps up the stairs, an impish smile on your lips. “You’re holding my hand again.” 

He gives you a questioning look. “So what?” 

“You and Cat share a lot of traits, that’s all.”

“Oh fucking hell.”

Saturday night ends up being a pretty busy night, as usual, and so, time goes by so fast you barely have time to blink before the night is over.

You’re probing through your purse in the employees lounge when Yoongi’s voice reaches your ears, making you still in your movements instantly.

“I mean what do you want me to say Joon? I thought it might’ve been something special, but turns out it was only physical attraction and sex. I realized that not too long ago.” He sighs. “I feel fucking awful, but it is what it is.”

And if you thought you’d known heartbreak before, nothing could prepare you for the painful manner in which your stomach churns as Yoongi’s words sink in, or the way your heart feels like it’s been ripped from your chest, only to be aggressively stepped on again and again.

You don’t understand, can’t comprehend, how Yoongi can act the way he does when he’s with you, only to then say that the connection you share is merely physical, replaceable. 

You fight back tears as you make your way behind the bar, staring intently at the back of Yoongi’s black head of hair. 

“I mean it can be pretty hard to tell the difference between lust and love, I get it. They’re both so intertwined together most of the time.” Namjoon explains matter-of-factly.

“I mean what I did still sucks-“

“Yoongi..” You croak out, trying to the best of your abilities to keep it together, though you feel like you probably won’t succeed in doing so.

Both men turn around and look at you in surprise.

“I thought-“ Your voice cracks under the weight of overwhelming emotions tearing through your chest and up your throat.

You feel like throwing up, actually throwing up.

Yoongi’s surprised expression morphs into one of immense concern, he furrows his brows and steps closer.

“What’s going on?” He asks with urgency.

You shake your head frantically and step backwards as a teardrop rolls down your cheek treacherously. “I thought-“ You stop again. 

“I don’t.. I don’t know what I thought, it clearly doesn’t matter.” You turn on your heels and head back to the employees lounge, taking your purse and coat as Yoongi follows you and grabs your elbow, making you swivel around in a dizzying motion.

“Talk to me angel, what’s happening? What are you talking about? You’re scaring me..”

“Yeah well, maybe if you told me I was only a good fuck from the moment you figured it out, we wouldn’t be here right now.” You sneer angrily, hurt and shame engulfing you in a red fog of anger

Yoongi’s eyes widen. “Woah, what are you talking about? I’m confused as fuck.” 

“So am I! I can’t talk to you right now Yoongi, I’ll take a cab home.”

You shrug his hands off and storm out of the lounge, not even noticing your friends' shocked stares as you almost run to the exit, too ashamed by your emotions to let them see you like this. 

Swinging the door open, you step down the street, only stopping in your tracks once you remember your car isn’t here and you need to order a cab.

And so you open the uber app and book a ride, ignoring a notification from Jimin as the screen informs you that your driver should be here in five minutes. You exhale sharply and close your eyes, reminding yourself to take deep breaths. 

Your heart almost leaps out of your chest when you hear a door being thrown open and footsteps inching closer to you.

“Angel what the fuck is going on, talk to me. I don’t understand, fuck, you know I don’t see you as just a good fuck I-“ Yoongi’s pleading voice tugs viciously at your heartstrings, tears now streaming down your face in an unrestrained manner.

“I heard you talking to Namjoon just now, Yoongi..” You hiccup brokenly.

Yoongi cups your face delicately and you avoid his troubled gaze, opting to look at the ground instead.

There’s a thin layer of snow glistening on the concrete. You hadn’t even noticed it had been snowing until now.

“Look at me please.” 

You shake your head no, knowing you would probably break down and full on sob if you did.

He brings his forehead against yours, his hold on both sides of your face steady and so comforting it only amplifies your confused state. 

“Look at me..” 

And you can’t ignore the way his voice breaks, so you sniffle loudly and slowly lift your gaze up, meeting teary dark pools of gloom as you do. 

“I wasn’t talking about you just now, Namjoon-ah asked about Sam.. You know I think so much more of you, why would you even think I’d treat you like this..”

A sob racks through your whole being as you shakily exhale and squeeze your eyes shut. “I didn’t- I’m sorry I just assumed the worst I-“ 

“Shhh, hey, it’s ok.” 

“But it’s not ok Yoongi.” You blink a few tears away and hold his gaze. “You give me absolutely no reason to doubt you, and yet.”

You inhale deeply before speaking again, your voice tiny and feeble, unfamiliar to your own ears, 

“How is this supposed to work -us- if I can’t bring myself to trust you?”

“Woah, what are you even saying? We’ll figure it out.” Yoongi soothes, a hint of anxiousness in his warm tone.

“No, you’re not listening. You deserve better than this, than me.” 

“That’s not true.”

Yoongi’s eyes glisten with unshed tears and you just know, at that exact moment, that you really do not deserve him. Because anybody responsible for this man’s tears and pain isn’t deserving of him, plain and simple.

A black car enters your field of view and halts in front of the bar’s facade, a few meters away from you and Yoongi. You recognize the little taxi sign on top of it.

“My cab is here,” You whisper, as you peck his cheek one last time and start heading towards the cab, walking away from a dejected Yoongi with a numb mind and shattered heart.

You want to go back to his arms, let yourself be happy and content in his secure hold. But you can’t, because you feel so much for him, too much. Too much love, admiration and affection, and you can’t hold him back.

You won’t.

-

-

a/n: im not crying it’s fine, we’re good. ok ok.. I’m sorry, I love you<3 as always your feedback and comments are ALWAYS appreciated, thank you<3

// to be added to the sunrises & liquor tag list click right here and interact with the taglist post, thank you for reading <3

taglist: @knapris @tarahardcore @tea4sykes @bonitaangel @kthstrawberryshortcake-main @princesspiineapple @funkylittlebisexuall @kikaninchen-2 @diorjgguk @purplelo @lil6nmrll @perfect-bae @bxcndd @funsizemarsbar92 @kookoo-kachoo @variety-is-the-joy-of-life @glowunderthemoon @idkjustlovingbts @minijagiya @bwormie @fragmentof-indifference

[guardianofrivendell]

Someone Like You - Chapter 2

Fíli x OC Fenna - fake dating AU written by @laurfilijames and @guardianofrivendell

Summary: When Fíli finds himself in the servant’s quarters after fleeing from a very persistent Dwarrowdam, he meets Fenna, a kind and gentle laundry maid. An unexpected friendship blooms and Fíli quickly learns that they’re running from similar things. He brings up the ‘perfect’ solution for their problems: faking a courtship. That way Fíli gets to escape the attention of the Dwarrowdams and Fenna gets to see parts of the mountain she’s never been to or allowed to go. But then the friendship starts to grow into something more and the line between fake and real courtship is getting very thin… Oh yes, and have we mentioned Fenna doesn’t know Fíli is the Crown Prince?

Warnings: Fíli’s imagination running wild (a little smutty but nothing explicit) and a looong chapter (8.5k!) so grab a cup of tea or coffee and make yourself comfortable!

Laurfilijames masterlist Guardianofrivendell masterlist

A/N: It’s finally here! This chapter was a hard one to write (no pun intended) simply because there was so much to tell and explore and once @laurfilijames and I are on a roll, there’s no stopping us!  Enjoy and let us know what you think! Comments and reblogs are much appreciated :) 

Fíli did his best to focus on the meeting. He really did. But it was impossible, ever since he met her, Fenna was the only thing he could think about.

Everything about her consumed his thoughts, everything around him seemed to remind him of her and even if it didn’t, he’d find himself dreaming up something that allowed him to think of her again. The thought that she could possibly be his One had popped up in his mind on occasion and he couldn’t shake the hopeful feeling it gave him. 

He needed to see her again. Tomorrow, today. Preferably in the next hour. 

Either way, this meeting needed to end. 

Fíli sat slouched back in his chair, staring blankly in front of him while Balin and Thorin bickered about something he was completely uninterested in. He knew one day he would be leading a meeting exactly like this and that he would need to know everything that Thorin was spewing on about, but that would be ages from now. 

He eventually tuned them out completely and began to imagine he was with her instead. 

Her light brown curls bounced around her head as she hovered over him, straddling his lap, her body exposed to him, wearing nothing but the bright smile that adorned her freckled cheeks. She leaned forward and kissed him slowly, her tongue tangling with his, the taste of her perfectly sweet. Fíli’s hands roamed everywhere on her body, the feel of her soft skin exquisite against his calloused hands. 

“Fíli…” his name fell softly from her lips as she sank onto him, connecting their bodies completely. She looked heavenly rolling against him, his name used as her mantra as she lost herself in pleasure…

“Fíli!” Thorin’s voice barked at him, startling him so much he smacked his arm hard on the table. Rubbing his elbow, he looked up to see everyone in the room staring at him quizzically, had someone asked him a question?

Apparently Thorin had called his name multiple times to get his attention, meanwhile all he heard was Fenna’s melodic voice while he was lost in his daydream. 

Dwalin looked the most concerned for his well-being, and when Thorin went back to whatever it was he was talking about, he leaned closer to Fíli and nudged his arm.

“Thinkin’ ‘bout a lass, aren’t ya, lad?” he whispered with a sly grin.

It couldn’t have been that obvious, could it? No one was able to see through the wood table to know what was going on between his legs. They couldn’t have any clue. 

Fíli straightened himself in his chair and palmed the bulge in his trousers, vowing to pay attention to what was left in the meeting and then go on a mission to find Fenna as soon as it was done. 

So, that’s where he found himself now. Practically bolting out of the meeting room as soon as Thorin gave his final word for the day, Fíli set out in search of the beautiful Dwarrowdam he couldn’t get out of his head. 

He weaved his way deeper into the mountain, wracking his foggy brain to remember exactly where it was he had found her only days before. The only thing he remembered were the servant’s wings and that he’d been near the laundry rooms at some point... if only he could remember how to get there. Normally he’d ask his brother, but Fíli thought it would be better not to involve Kíli this time. Somehow he wasn’t ready to share her yet.

He’d never felt so captivated by anyone in his life, but there was something about Fenna that begged him to learn more about her. All her favorites, what made her happy, what scared her, the things that took her breath away, her hopes and dreams... he wanted to know everything about her.

Fíli started retracing his steps from the kitchens, attempting to recall the path he’d set while running away from Frieda. After leading himself down the wrong course and starting over again three times, he let out a frustrated growl and placed his hands on his hips, looking around for something that might seem familiar, anything that might send him in the right direction.

What if Fenna was a figment of his imagination? What if he dreamt the whole thing? 

No. She was more than real. He had the headache the day after as proof. But what if Mahal was determined to prevent him from ever finding her again, a way of telling him she wasn’t his One?

He cursed out loud at the thought and kicked a stone with his boot before setting off down a corridor, officially giving up for the day. 

Fíli didn’t know where he was headed, allowing himself to be lost in thought as he wandered aimlessly through the mountain, letting his feet take him wherever they tread with no real destination in mind. 

Dread filled him as he imagined what it would be like to be forced into a marriage with someone he didn’t love, someone like Frieda, sentenced to a lifetime of misery and melancholy. There was no way he could let that happen. He refused. 

Just as he stepped around the next corner, a wall of humid, warm air hit him hard, bringing him out of his stupor as if he’d walked straight into a pillar, or hit over the head with a sack of laundry… 

The faint smell of lemons lingered in the moist atmosphere, the same scent he knew he couldn’t forget, and hope coursed through his veins. 

Fíli picked up his pace, smiling politely as he passed by a few dwarrow going about their work, trying his best not to break out into a run. He passed a tapestry that looked vaguely familiar, and then a statue carved into the mountain stone that he knew for certain he had noticed before, and then finally... there she was. 

Fenna sat on a bench, her arms hidden in steamy water as she scrubbed away at a garment, her curls moving in time with her action, brows furrowed slightly as she concentrated on getting the garment clean. 

Fíli stood frozen in place, admiring her effortless beauty as she completed what she would certainly consider to be a mundane task, yet to him she looked so perfect. Fenna smiled at a passing dwarrow, exchanging a pleasant “Good day to you!” and Fíli felt his heart sing. Seeing her flash her warm smile was enough to get him walking again to approach her, everything about her so inviting. 

Feeling overly confident, Fíli suddenly forgot he didn’t know what he would say to her, but it was too late to worry about that as he was now three strides away from her, now two… one…

He was about to stammer out an awkward greeting when Fenna thankfully beat him to it. 

“Oh? Hello!” Fenna greeted him with a questioning look. “I didn’t expect to see you down here again.”

There we go, that was nice while it lasted, Fíli thought. She must have figured out who he was, knowing that no member of the royal family would ever be in this part of the mountain on purpose. 

“And why is that?” he asked, wanting to be sure. 

“Just that no one ever comes to visit me at work.” She held up a dirty pair of undergarments before sloshing them back down into the soapy water, giving him a telling look. “It’s not that nice a place to visit, is it?” 

Fíli chuckled at her amazing sense of humour, and felt relieved she still didn’t seem to have figured out he was a prince. 

“No, I suppose it isn’t, but I think you’re worth visiting.” He winked at her as he picked up the opposite end of a large sheet she was stuffing into the water to wash next and began scrubbing it against the rough sides of the tub. “At least let me help you if I’m going to be down here bothering you.” 

“Oh, no I couldn’t expect you to help!” she gasped, trying to pull the sheet out of his hands. “I’m sure you’re tired from working hard all day yourself.” 

“I’m happy to. I used to help my amad all the time with laundry back in Ered Luin.” 

“Well in that case… I really do appreciate how helpful you’ve been to me. I could use someone like you around more often.”

She gave him a shy smile as she looked down at her hands and started washing her end of the material. Was it possible that she was even more beautiful than Fíli remembered? 

“Yes, you should appreciate it,” he joked. “Especially considering I’m still willing to help even after you tossed a sack of clothes at my head.” 

Fenna laughed, loud and true and it had to be the most wonderful sound he’d ever heard. She shook her head as her grin turned into a genuinely happy smile and Fíli wanted to commit how she looked to memory. 

They carried on a general conversation as they both scrubbed away at what seemed to Fíli was an endless amount of bed sheets, and he thought to himself how comfortable he felt being in her presence. Nothing seemed forced, everything felt natural. 

Then Fenna went quiet for a moment, and the crease between her brows suggested she was attempting to figure something out, to solve a mystery. 

“What is it?” he asked with a trace of concern.

“It’s just funny that both of our names, your name and my nickname, are the same.” Her head was cocked to the side as she continued to mull over her thoughts. “It doesn’t happen that often does it?” 

Fíli chuckled, one side of his mouth pulling upward. 

“Well, to be honest, it’s not my full name either,” he began. He took a deep breath, starting to get worried that as soon as he said his name, his days of being a common dwarf to Fenna were over. “My name is Fíli.”

As soon as it left his lips he winced in anticipation of her reaction. But the reaction he expected never came. He watched her taking it in, anxiously rubbing his thighs and his heart pounded against his chest.

“Fíli?” she repeated, trying out his name and Fíli could’ve sworn he died at that exact moment. Fenna shrugged her shoulders slightly. “An unusual name don’t you think? What does it even mean?”

He laughed again, this time out of disbelief and slight offence. He started thinking of something to say that would satisfy her question while still keeping his pride, but he came up short realizing he didn’t even know what his name meant. His mouth fell open, and then closed again, before finally scratching his head.

“I actually have no idea what it means…”

Much to his relief, Fenna giggled and continued on with her task, the mention of his name still not sparking any recognition in her. 

Fíli happily helped her finish washing the sheets, and even though her duties were done for the day, he didn’t quite feel ready to leave her yet. He lingered as long as he could, until Fenna announced she had to leave to go pick up Finn. 

“Say hello to him for me,” he said. 

“I will! He’ll be glad to know his new friend was thinking of him.” Fenna glanced around the room to ensure everything was tidied and put away. “Will you be coming back tomorrow? I'm on sheet duty again.” Her eyebrows wiggled in a way to entice him into helping again, little did she know he didn’t need any convincing to return. 

“I can’t wait,” Fíli answered, meaning every word. 

*

They repeated the same process multiple times during the following weeks. After a rushed day of royal obligations or spending time in the forges, Fíli made his way to the laundry rooms where he would help Fenna finish up her work. He simply couldn’t get enough of her. She was enchanting in every way imaginable, and she still had no clue who he really was. Fíli had never felt so at home with someone, so at ease just to be himself. 

Already he was learning so much about her, how she moved to Erebor from the Iron Hills only a few months ago, how she somehow managed to juggle full days of work all while being the primary caregiver for her little brother Finn while her parents worked days longer than she did, and of course all the little things that made her smile when she talked about them. He told her what he could about himself without revealing too much, still enjoying his anonymity with her. He shared that he works in the forges as a blacksmith, moved here when Erebor was reclaimed, and how close he was to his family, especially his uncle. Just enough about his life to not feel like he was omitting all of the truth. 

Fíli found himself rushing to get to her again now, his day long and exhausting, the only thing keeping him going was knowing he would get to see her. 

Trying his best not to break into a run down the path to the laundry rooms he now could never forget, Fíli weaved and scooted around all sorts of Dwarrow coming and going throughout the mountain. He didn’t notice one of them was his dear younger brother, their shoulders colliding as they passed. 

“Ah, sorry!” Fíli called over his shoulder before he noticed the scowl of the dark-haired Dwarf whose face he knew better than his own. 

With a hard shove on his chest, Kíli scolded his older brother, “Oi, Fee! Watch where you’re going! You’re lucky that was me and not someone else.” 

“I said I was sorry!” Fíli shrugged and began walking backwards, not daring to pause in his mission to get to Fenna. 

“Where are you going in such a hurry anyway?” Kíli’s eyebrows furrowed and he started following his brother, needing answers for why Fíli was never around lately. 

“Don’t worry about it, it doesn’t concern you! I have to go, I'm already late!”

“Late for what?” Kíli threw up his hands and jogged a few strides to keep up. 

He’s not going to let this go, Fíli thought to himself, wondering how much he should divulge to the always nosy Kíli. Fíli came to a stop and sighed heavily. “Look, I’m seeing a girl…”

“YOU’RE COURTING SOMEONE?!” Kíli shouted excitedly, everyone around them turning to look. Fíli gripped his brother hard on the arm and pulled him over to the side, his frustrations quickly growing. 

“Not so loud! We’re not courting. I only met her a few weeks ago, I just-”

Before he could even finish Kíli was spewing out questions, and all Fíli could do was run his hand over his face and wait for him to stop to take a breath. 

“Who is she? Do I know her? Is she noble? What colour is her hair? Have you kissed? Have you made her a courting gift yet?” 

Finally Kíli paused long enough for Fíli to get a word in, putting his hands on his shoulders and looking his overly excited brother dead in the eyes. But Kíli wasn’t finished yet, his eyes suddenly went wide and dread settled on his face. “It’s not Frieda is it?”

Fíli was so surprised by his brother’s question that he choked on his own spit, a violent coughing fit racking through his body as a result.

“No! Mahal no! Kíli, why would you even say that?!” he gasped as soon as he could speak again.

Kíli relaxed visibly, letting out a sigh of relief. “Good, I don’t think I could’ve handled her becoming my sister.”

Fíli sighed. “Kíli, listen to me. I will tell you everything later, I promise, but right now I’m really late, and if I’m any later there might not be anything left to tell you about, okay?” 

Fíli broke away from his brother before another delay could happen, rolling his eyes as he heard Kíli yell after him as he turned the corner, “Make sure you tell her about me!” 

“I didn’t think you were going to come today,” Fenna said as she worked at folding a pile of pillowcases. 

“I’m sorry, I got held up by my brother. I would’ve been here much sooner if it wasn’t for him,” Fíli explained. 

Fenna smiled at him and shook her head, “There’s nothing to apologize for! I know what it’s like to have to pause everything to look after the little ones.” She carefully folded another pillowcase, neatly smoothing out the linen so no wrinkles were present. “Speaking of which, don’t you think it would be nice for them to play together? Your brother and Finn?” 

Fenna moved onto her next task of washing what to Fíli seemed like the never-ending pile of sheets, not pausing in her idea of their brothers having a playdate. “Finn could certainly do with some new friends, he’s always hanging out with a couple of reckless pebbles, and I think they could become a poor influence on him,” she continued. 

Fíli stood there dumbfounded. Did she really think Kíli and Finn were the same age? When had he given off that impression, he wondered. But then again, Kíli at times does have the maturity of a pebble. They would probably hit it off right away.

Just as Fíli was about to correct her, he got distracted by watching Fenna doing the most peculiar thing. She carefully plucked the tops off of a bouquet of fresh flowers and tossed them into the wash water along with fresh lemons where a set of sheets were soaking. 

“How come you’re doing that?” he asked, curiously. 

Her blue eyes met his and she smiled as she explained. 

“It’s my own special touch. I only do it for the royals, of course. My way of thanking them and letting them know how much I appreciate all they’ve done to make Erebor such a lovely place to live.” 

Fíli folded his arms across his chest and nodded as he took that information in, only then noticing the royal crest on the sheets. For all he knew those were his... 

But Mahal, was she ever thoughtful. He gave her a warm smile, “I’m sure they appreciate it very much, Fenna,” he said, wanting her to know that what she was doing really made a difference. It also gave him the opportunity to ask her a question he had been dreading to know the answer to. “Have you ever met them? The royal family?”

She shook her head, not looking up from her work. “No, I haven’t. I don’t leave these parts of the mountain much. Did you? Meet them, I mean.”

“Yes, I’ve met them on occasion. They’re kind enough,” he answered, “but are you serious? You’ve never been out of the servants' wings?”

Fenna sighed, releasing the sheets out of her grip but keeping her hands in the warm water. “It’s not that I don’t want to, Fíli. I would give anything to see the mountain in all its glory, to see the beauty everyone’s talking about. I want to know what it would be like to dress up and dance at one of the grand feasts they throw in the Great Hall. But you don’t see any laundry maids or servants walking around upstairs, do you? I know my place and I’m grateful that we found a home here. I really shouldn’t complain, I have my family and my health.” She met his eyes for a few seconds before she smiled, “and you.”

Fíli watched her for a moment, taking in her soft features as she returned to her task, his heart swelling at how wonderful and genuine she was. Would she ever know that any flower in all of Middle Earth could never rival her beauty? She looked up at him and suddenly he was dying to know what she would look like when he gifted her a bunch of her favourite ones. 

“What’s your favorite flower?” 

“Cornflowers. I love how blue they are.” She paused her scrubbing and rested her hands on the edge of the tub, her expression like she just realized something. “They’re almost as blue as your eyes,” she pointed out. “Now that’s all I’ll think of every time I see them.” She gave him another bright smile before carrying on and Fíli sighed with contentment. 

He wondered for a moment if he was on her mind as much as she was stuck on his before coming to the realization that he didn’t actually know if she was already committed to another Dwarf.

“You better not let your partner know you’re thinking of me every time you see cornflowers,” he joked, testing the waters. 

Fenna shook her head and a small smile appeared, but she didn’t look up at him. 

“Oh, no, I’m not betrothed to anyone. I’ve never wanted to be married,” she said as naturally as if she was talking about the weather. 

Fíli could scarcely believe his ears, how could a beautiful Dwarrowdam like her not want to share her life with someone? He knew of Dwarves who were married to their craft, but somehow Fenna didn’t seem like the type.

“Why is that?” 

Fenna finally glanced up at him and gave a small shrug with her shoulders, “It’s not like I have the time. I have work, and Finn,” she explained. “Trust me, the last thing I need is a husband on top of that.” 

Fíli hummed, mulling over her answer in his mind. Shame, he thought. 

“What about you? Do you want to marry?” Fenna asked in return. 

“One day I hope to be. But only because I’ve found my One, I’d rather not have an arranged marriage. My family is determined to have me married off sooner rather than later, and because of that I’m constantly being bombarded by Dwarrowdams who don’t know the first thing about me.” Fíli could feel his heart sink slightly as he told her his situation, but he couldn’t help but smile when he looked back at her, her face tender and understanding. “Funny enough, that’s how I ended up down here that first day.” 

“Really?” Fenna asked with piqued curiosity.

Fíli nodded and chuckled before continuing his story. 

“Yes. There’s this insufferable one in particular, Frieda. She was literally chasing me. I had no choice but to make a run for it, and eventually my fleeing led me right here to you.” 

Fenna covered her mouth with her hand to try to stifle her amusement and before they knew it, both of them were bursting with laughter. 

“I’m sorry! It’s really not funny,” she apologized as she tried to get a hold of herself. “You don’t deserve to be in that situation, Fíli. I’m confident you’ll find your One sooner than you think.” 

I think I already have, Fíli thought. 

“One can only hope.”

*

A few days later, Fíli made his way through the crowd at the marketplace, apologizing every few seconds because he kept bumping into people. The flower stand he was trying to get to was on the far side of the marketplace and he had the greatest difficulty getting there. The hall was packed with dwarrow trying to get their groceries and shopping before closing time. All this trouble for a few cornflowers, he thought, but immediately regretted it. She was worth it. Fenna was worth it. 

In normal circumstances, he would never even come here at this time of day, and certainly not by himself. In normal circumstances, people would make way for him as soon as they realized who he was, whispering how unusual it was to see a member of the Royal Family in the marketplace. 

But these weren’t normal circumstances. 

For one, he wasn’t dressed as a member of the Royal Family. He never was when he was on his way to see Fenna, but it was the first time he went out in public like this. He easily blended into the crowd with his plain tunic and breeches, not a single merchant or Erebor citizen giving him a second glance. Fíli was both delighted and offended by this. Sure, it opened a new perspective, meaning that he could walk around the mountain freely whenever he wanted or needed an escape but this meant that the people of Erebor didn’t know him. Despite all his efforts and the hard work he put in during meetings and negotiations, at the end of the day he was nothing more than a title and a Dwarf dressed in royal clothes. And for the life of him, Fíli didn’t know what he could do to change this. 

Thorin was making a difference to these people, therefore they remembered him. He had no doubt that if Thorin would walk around in the clothes of a servant, people would still recognize their King. So why wasn’t it the same for him?

Before he could let his political insecurities get the best of him, someone stepped in front of him, effectively blocking his path. 

“Prince Fíli?”

The relief he felt that someone finally recognized him was very short-lived when his brain caught up and remembered why he was trying to avoid the person belonging to that voice. 

“Miss Frieda,” he nodded, his annoyance painfully obvious as he tried to look over her head to locate the flower stand. It wasn’t that far now, just a few steps. He only needed to get out of Frieda’s claws, and he knew from experience that wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Far from easy actually. Frieda on the other hand was blissfully unaware of Fíli’s state of annoyance with her, and started rambling so fast he couldn’t get a single word in if he wanted to.

“It’s highly uncommon for you to be here, your Highness. May I ask what you are doing here? And why are you dressed like this?”

Fíli stared at her, his mouth opened and closed a few times while he was trying to come up with another reason besides ‘I came here to buy the favorite flowers of a laundry maid I met and can’t get out of my head, just to be the reason she smiles today’. He had a feeling Frieda wouldn’t take it so well. Maybe he should tell her then, he suddenly thought and the corner of his lips twitched in amusement. 

“Oh, how silly of me, oh my! You are here to look for a courting gift, of course! That’s why you’re in disguise, how clever!” she suddenly bursted out, her voice impossibly high. They gained the attention of a few bypassers and Fíli nodded politely at them. “How could I forget, I’ve hinted so many times I loved that deep pink dress master Frunik has in his shop. To be honest, I thought I wasn’t forward enough, I am truly sorry I didn’t give you enough credit, my prince.”

Fíli finally had enough. After weeks of trying to let her down gently, she still couldn’t take a hint and Fíli was losing the last bit of patience he had left. She was the last person in the whole mountain he would want to court willingly, and it was about time he made that very clear. 

“Frieda, no, you’re reading too much into this. I am not here to look for a courting gift, and if I was, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be a gift for you. I am sorry, but this,” he gestured between the both of them, “will never happen.”

A number of emotions flashed across the Dwarrowdam’s face, and just when Fíli thought she was about to burst in tears, her features twisted into a scowl and her eyes darkened as she leaned closer to him.. 

“I believe you forgot who’s standing before you, Your Highness,” she spoke, her voice surprisingly low and even. “You see, I am not the kind of Dwarf who gives up easily. I want to be your wife, Prince Fíli. And I always, always, get what I want.”  

Fíli stared at her, surprised at the sudden change in behavior. She stood up straight again, went with her hands through her carefully braided hair and beard to see if everything was still in place and then, just like that, her whole demeanor switched back to the sickeningly sweet Dwarrowdam with the screechy high voice. “I hope you enjoy gift shopping, my prince. Remember, I love pink!”

A bad taste lingered in his mouth as he watched Frieda disappear between the market stalls. What would it take for him to finally get rid of her? 

He stepped aside to let a couple pass through, the Dwarrowdam’s hands holding onto her fiancée’s arm and Fíli couldn’t help the smile forming on his lips. It was so obvious how in love they were, their attention only on each other, the world around them not important. That lucky Dwarf wouldn’t have to worry about ambitious Dwarrowdams with stubbornness issues chasing him down every day, Fíli sighed to himself. 

Wait a minute… If he was in a courtship, if he was already betrothed to someone else, Frieda would have no choice but to leave him alone! Even someone as determined as her wouldn't have the guts to try and come in between a royal engagement. Besides, if he was correct about her true motives, she would immediately try to find another high ranked Dwarf to persuade into marriage.

There was just that tiny little problem about him not really wanting to be betrothed. It felt like he had to choose between the lesser of two evils, and no matter what choice he made, he was going to be forced into a courtship. 

Unless… unless he pretended to court someone else. 

Of course, that was it! If Frieda thought he was taken, she would eventually have to move on. Once she was married - and Fíli was quite certain it wouldn’t take very long - he could ‘end’ the courtship and let out a sigh of relief. Plus the council would stop pushing him into marriage for a while as well, so he would be dealing with two problems at once. 

It wasn’t in his nature to deceive people but honestly, Frieda left him no other choice. 

But who was he going to fake court? It had to be someone he was comfortable with, someone who wasn’t really interested in marrying him. Who wouldn’t fall in love with his title. The last thing he wanted was another suitor added to the pile. 

There wasn’t really anyone who was close to being a suitable candidate. Well, that wasn’t entirely true, Fíli thought when his eyes fell on the cornflowers. They stood out so vividly amongst all the others in the stand, Fíli taking notice of them as soon as he approached the stall. His thoughts continued as he let the flower petals glide through his fingers, Fenna would be perfect for the ‘role’. 

She literally said that she wasn’t interested in marriage. She definitely wasn’t after his title, she didn’t even know there was one. To her he was Fíli, a blacksmith of the Blue Mountains. 

He felt comfortable around her. More than comfortable.

And that might become a problem, he realized. He had enough trouble keeping himself and his thoughts under control around her when the only thing they really did was talk, and now he was planning to take it to a whole different level. Faking a courtship would mean he had to keep her close at his side, his arm around her, pretending to be madly in love. 

Which is exactly where the problem lay. Fíli wouldn’t have to work too hard to pretend. There was no doubt he would court her for real if she’d let him. He already couldn’t stop thinking about how soft her rosy skin would feel against his, how sweet her lips would taste, how much pleasure he could give her if they were actually courting…

But she made it clear she wasn’t looking for a partner and Fíli respected her choice, so he wouldn’t ask her, settling to try his luck with a fake courtship instead.

She just had to say yes first. 

Once he was satisfied with his selection of flowers, he thanked the vendor when he handed them back over. 

“You’re going to make someone really happy with these,” the florist commented as Fíli paid him a few coins. “You know, cornflowers symbolize a positive hope for the future.” 

“I’m counting on it,” Fíli said to himself, and started his walk to the laundry rooms. 

*

“Are you done for the day?” Fíli asked her, leaning against the doorframe in an attempt to appear confident and relaxed, while in reality it couldn’t be further from the truth. He’d joined Fenna in one of the laundry rooms while she was finishing up for the day, just like he always did. The cornflowers were hidden behind his back, waiting for the right moment to be presented. He had absolutely no idea how she would react to his question, and that made him more anxious than he’d like to admit. 

He watched her clean out one of the giant tubs they used to wash the bed sheets. Fíli wouldn’t be Fíli if he hadn’t offered to help her, but Fenna had declined, giving him that look he knew all too well by now. The one that told him she could handle it just fine.

“A few more minutes,” she answered, blowing a stray curl out of her face with a huff. “Why?”

Fíli shrugged his shoulders in response, which earned him a smile.

“Then stop being so impatient,” she laughed and she flipped the tub over to get rid of the soapy water. He watched it run over the floor, straight into a tiny hole in the ground that served as a drain. The now empty tub went to the corner of the laundry room, ready to be used again tomorrow. 

For such a tiny Dwarrowdam, she sure had a lot of strength, Fíli marveled. He subconsciously rubbed his head, where she had smacked him a few weeks ago. He knew first-hand how strong she could be, so why was he still surprised? Or should he say, impressed? 

“There, all set,” Fenna announced when she grabbed her bag. Her soft hands smoothed her skirt down before her eyes met Fíli’s. She cocked her head when she noticed he seemed to be lost in thought. “Is everything okay?”

Fíli blinked a few times and pushed himself off of the doorframe, hands still clutching the flowers. 

“Of course,” he smiled at her, before he added, “I’m with you.” And he could swear he saw a small falter in her step when she passed him. Maybe he didn’t need to worry about her answer after all. 

“Fenna, wait,” he called after her, a sudden burst of confidence rushing through him. He revealed the flowers when she turned back to him. “These are for you.”

“Cornflowers?” she asked softly, before she looked at him with those wide blue eyes. “You remembered!” 

“They’re your favorite. How could I forget?” 

She smiled at him, a genuine smile, one that lit up her whole face. Fíli wanted to stay in this moment forever. This, making Fenna happy, was his purpose. 

They walked through the corridors of the laundry wing, Fíli falling a few steps behind while he was lost in thought. He still hadn’t decided what would be the best way to bring up his proposition, should he tell her about his previous encounter with Frieda or present it more as a step-by-step plan? But were there even multiple steps? They wouldn’t exactly work towards a specific goal, it was just pretending to court each other to get Frieda off his back. And the council, but Fenna didn’t need to know that part. 

And that was another thing to worry about: how much longer was he able to hide his heritage? 

He had been lucky enough to avoid most people when he was visiting Fenna, but when he would court her - no, fake court her, he reminded himself - he had no choice but to be seen with her in public. Frieda wouldn’t believe him otherwise. 

Doubt started to creep up on him. Today could've been pure luck or just a coincidence that he went unnoticed while at the marketplace, and he wasn’t prepared to push his luck a second time. It would only take one person, just the one, who would address him by his title and his cover was blown, and to be honest he didn’t really feel like- 

“Okay, out with it!” Fenna ordered, pulling him out of his thoughts. He didn’t miss the slight hint of amusement in her voice. 

“What?”

“You’re not saying anything, but I can see your brain working overtime.” She placed a small hand on his wrist to stop him and it felt like a flare of heat shooting up his arm. Don’t let go, he prayed. She didn’t.

When he didn’t answer immediately, she gently squeezed his arm to encourage him. “Talk to me, Fíli. What’s wrong?” Her voice was soft and he couldn’t deny her plea. 

Well… here goes nothing. 

“I bumped into Frieda on my way here,” he started. 

Fenna pulled a face when she heard Frieda’s name and he chuckled. “Yes, it went exactly like you think. There is just no escaping her.”

“Some people obviously can’t take no for an answer. I’m sorry you had to deal with her again, Fíli,” she sympathized, squeezing his arm a second time but in a more comforting manner. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”

She let go of his arm after that and Fíli shoved his hands in his pockets to stop himself from reaching out to her, already missing her touch.

“Actually, there is something you could do that might help.”

“Of course!”

Fíli smiled at her eagerness to help him, giving him a perfect opportunity to bring up his plan. “The only way Frieda would leave me alone is if I was courting someone else…” he hinted, hoping she would fill in the blanks herself. 

Fenna looked at him expectantly so he continued. “I said before that I only want to marry or court if I found my One and that is still the truth. But I was thinking… What if I pretended to court someone? What if I found someone who’s willing to accompany me on certain events and act as my betrothed? That way Frieda has no other choice but to move on, and my family will get off my back for a while as well.”

Fíli watched her take in his words. She didn’t immediately burst out in laughter so that was a good start. He was sure that if he could explain it thoroughly, she would be willing to go through with it. But when she started frowning and raised one of her small fingers to poke at his chest, he became a lot less sure.

“Even if you were to find someone who wants to do this for you Fíli, and I’m sure that won’t be easy, how long are you planning to keep up the ruse? If Frieda is as persistent as you told me, she won’t give up that easily.”

“You underestimate her, Fenna. The minute she realizes she can’t have me, she’ll move on to the next high ranked Dwarf. She’ll be married before you know it and then I can end the fake courtship. No harm done.”

“High ranked Dwarf? I thought you said you worked in the forges?”

Fíli realized his slip-up too late and hurried to explain himself. “I-I do! I do work in the forges. But I come from a noble family, and most of the time people only see me as a way to get higher up. They’re not interested in me as a person, only what I can do for them or their reputation.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I am not the type of person to judge someone by his title or appearance... You do know that right?”

Of course she wouldn’t, he thought. Fenna was too kind, too good to be like that. “I know that now, yes. But after we first met, I didn’t want to take any risks. It was nice to be treated like a person for a change and not a stepping stone.” 

He was getting good at this, being honest without telling the whole truth. There would come a time he had to be honest with her, he realized that, but right now he wanted to stay like this. Just Fíli. 

“Fíli,” Fenna soothed, cradling one of his hands in hers, “it would never matter to me, not even if you were of royal blood.” 

She laughed at the silliness of her words, and he chuckled nervously. “Yeah, imagine that!”

They resumed their walking, leaving the humid air behind them and their previous conversation topic abandoned until Fíli brought it up again. 

“So what do you think? Of the whole pretending to court idea?”

“I think people will end up hurt no matter what. Whoever you’re thinking of asking, they might end up with real feelings. Even you, Fíli! And don’t get me wrong I don’t sympathize with Frieda at all, but how do you think she would feel if she finds out you deceived her?” 

He didn’t know how to respond to that. Of course Fenna would put the feelings of others first.

“But if you feel like you have no other option, and provided that you agreed on a good set of rules and guidelines upfront, then it might just work,” she added. “Do you have someone in mind? Maybe I can ask one of the maids here?” she offered.

“We’re going to spend a lot of time together, so it has to be someone I’m comfortable with. Someone I can be myself around.”

“Of course, that is a given. You cannot pretend to be in love if you can’t stand each other.”

“Someone who is kind and has a good heart,” he continued, easily describing her. 

Fenna agreed with a hum, adjusting the flowers to lay on her arm. “That makes sense.”

“Someone who is not interested in courting me for real,” he added, “and won’t use this whole thing against me afterwards.”

“I cannot think of anyone who-”

“Someone like you…” Fíli said, holding his breath in anticipation. 

She turned to him with a gasp. “Me? Fíli, you can’t be serious?”

“Why not? Everything I just said applies to you.”

“I-I can’t!”

“Of course you can! Think about it, Fenna, you’ll finally be able to see the mountain! I can take you to the Great Hall, the forges, and the view! Mahal, the view from the upper levels is breathtaking. I can’t wait to show you!”

His enthusiasm was endearing, but Fenna was too nervous to agree to his plan. Fíli was part of the nobility, she simply didn’t belong there. Not even if it was only pretend. Even though he was nothing like the noble Dwarves and Dwarrowdams her friends told her about and she really enjoyed his company, she was using every excuse she could think of not to agree. 

“I can’t abandon my work. They-they need me here,” she quickly answered, carefully tucking the flowers in her bag. 

“You won’t have to stop working, I have my own duties to fulfill as well. I will only make sure you can be missed from time to time.” He smiled at her, but she didn’t return it yet. He watched her fingers fidget, picking at the stems of the cornflowers and he placed his hand over them to stop her. “You’re the only one I want to do this with.”

Fíli watched as she suddenly froze, the color slowly draining from her face.  

“Fenna? What’s wrong?” His eyes searched hers, worried that he somehow overstepped. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable. He was about to apologize, trying to make her feel at ease again, even willing to throw the whole plan out the door, but she braced herself on his forearms and brought her face closer before he could say anything. 

“Please catch me,” she whispered, her eyes pleading with him to do as she asked. 

There was no way Fíli was going to deny her anything she wanted, especially when she was looking at him like that. If only he understood what she wanted exactly.

“Catch you? Why? What’s wrong?”

Fenna glanced at something behind him and went even paler if that was possible, her grip on his arms tightening. 

Fíli frowned at her reaction and looked over his shoulder, only to see another Dwarf at the end of the corridor making his way over to them, eyeing them curiously. 

“I’m going to fake a faint. There’s no time to explain further, just promise me you’ll catch me!”  

She didn’t wait for an answer, giving him almost no time to react as she closed her eyes and collapsed with a flourish.

Fíli lunged forward and was just in time to wrap his arms around her, before he gently lowered Fenna’s limp body to the ground. 

“Very convincing, Fee,” he whispered, her nickname easily falling from his mouth. “Did you practice this?” 

Her lips twitched, a hint of a smile appearing but her face went stoic when the Dwarf called out to her. “Fenna?!”

Fíli quickly put two and two together, realizing she was trying to avoid interacting with the male Dwarf in question. He chuckled softly, who would’ve thought Fenna had her own ‘Frieda’ to worry about? 

“Don’t worry, I got this,” he whispered to her. He carefully placed an arm under her knees and the other went around her back, lifting her up with ease.

“Is she alright?” the dwarf asked when he had reached them, the panic clear in his voice. 

“Just a small faint,” Fíli answered, “She’s exhausted. I’ll make sure she gets home so she can have a much needed rest.”

“Maybe I should-” he protested, already reaching out in an attempt to take Fenna over.

Fíli instinctively took a step back, adjusting his hold on her so her head rested on his chest. “Thank you, but I will take care of her. You may go.”

The dwarf tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at Fíli for a few seconds before he suddenly asked, “Do I know you from somewhere? You look oddly familiar.”

“No, I don’t believe we’ve met. Now if you will excuse me, I have to take Fenna home.”

Fíli swiftly turned around and started walking in the opposite direction, rushing to get away before the dwarf would recognize him. Staring at Fenna’s face, he noticed how peaceful she looked, her features relaxed and her breathing even. He almost believed she was actually sleeping, and Fíli suddenly had to fight the overwhelming need to kiss her. He couldn’t quite explain it, but it felt right to have her in his arms, close to him. Close to his heart. 

When they turned the corner, he jostled her a bit before he whispered into her hair, “You can open your eyes now, he’s gone.”

Fenna opened one eye and checked her surroundings, visibly relaxing when there was no one around. 

“Did you have a nice nap?” Fíli chuckled. 

She didn't answer but pushed his chest in a playful manner instead, which had no effect at all since he was still holding her in his arms. 

“You can put me down now.”

“Are you sure? You’re not feeling lightheaded? Dizzy?” he teased. 

Fenna crossed her arms. “You’re enjoying this a little too much, if you ask me.”

“Can you blame me?” He gently put her feet back on the ground, but kept his hands on her waist a little longer than was strictly necessary. As a precaution of course… One can never be too careful. 

“Thank you,” Fenna said, “for catching me, and for sending him away.”

“Care to tell me what that was all about? Who was that?” 

Fenna sighed and rubbed her face with both hands. Now she genuinely looked exhausted, Fíli thought. 

“That was Jothem, my father’s apprentice,” she explained. “I guess you can say he’s kind of my Frieda in a way.” 

A wide smile appeared on Fíli’s face. “That’s not funny!” Fenna scolded him. 

“No! I’m not laughing because of it, it’s just… I thought the exact same thing when I realized you didn’t want to talk to him.”

“Jothem isn’t all that bad, he’s a nice Dwarf and doesn’t mean any harm. My parents would love to see us united, so there is someone who will look after me and Finn once they’re gone. But you know me Fíli, I can take care of myself. And Finn. But just like with you and Frieda, he can’t take no for an answer. Not even multiple ones. So I’ve been trying to avoid him, leading him on instead.” She sighed dramatically, “I’m a horrible Dwarf.”

Fíli took both of her hands in his, squeezing them lightly. “Hey, none of that, alright? You’re the sweetest, kindest and loveliest Dwarf in the whole mountain.” Not to mention the most beautiful one, he thought to himself. “But you do know there is a perfect solution for this right?”

Fenna eyed him sceptically, a look that didn’t suit her, Fíli decided. 

“I hate to admit it, but you’re right. It would solve both of our problems, wouldn’t it?” She bit her bottom lip as she thought it over one more time.

“We will both get rid of our Frieda's this way, that’s true,” he said, sensing that she was about to give in to his plan. “And you’ll be able to see the mountain. The only thing you need to do is stay by my side.”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this but...”

“You’re saying yes?”

She looked at him, her clear blue eyes wide, and Fíli could tell she was putting all of her trust in him.

“Yes.”

Guardianofrivendell permanent taglist: @roosliefje​ @kata1803​ @entishramblings​ @artsywaterlily​ @sleepy-daydream-in-a-rose​ @marvelschriss​ @kumqu4t​ @the-banannah​ @dark-angel-is-back​ @the-fandoms-georgie​ @lathalea​ @xxbyimm​ @sokkasdarling​ @katethewriter​ @aredhel-of-gondolin​ @starry-cookies @thepeanutcollective @elvish-sky​ @moony-artnstuff​ @emmapotato88 @kirenia15​ @vicmackeybullshxt @hey-its-nonny​ @moarfandomtrash​ @beenovel​ @cassiabaggins​ @shethereadinghobbit​ @justfollowtheroad​ @laurfilijames​ @fizzyxcustard​ @brokennerdalert​ @linasofia​ @naimadrawsstuff​ @errruvande​ @m-sterboggins​​

Laurfilijames permanent taglist:  @guardianofrivendell​ @midearthwritings​ @cassiabaggins​ @lilith15000​ @trishthedishofreis​ @linasofia​ @unbeatablecurlgirl​ @the-poldarkian​ @lathalea​​

Someone Like You taglist: @aduialel​​ @wishingtobeinadifferentuniverse​​ @bitter-sweet-farmgirl​​ @enchantzz​​ @peneigh-dredzfohl @juitoverride​​ @rachel1959 @that-dam-percabeth-shipper​​ @louise-12 @carolineesnell​​

If your name is scratched through, we couldn’t tag you! So make sure to check your settings, so you’ll get notified when there’s a new chapter out. If you want your name removed from one of the taglists, let us know! No hard feelings whatsoever. 

[muffindaddystyles]

Hates to, Hate you.

Word Count: 8k

Summary: Harry realizes that hurting Y/N broke him into pieces and tries to win her back with the confession of true feelings, will Y/N let him? If yes, how? How will he walk through fire for her?

Pairing: Famous!Harry x Reader!with anxiety.

AU: fake dating, slow burn, sexual tension, enemies to lover!

Warning: Mentions of violence, sexual assault, language, adult topics. 

PART 1, MASTERLIST

"Please, stop." He says dolefully rubbing his eyebrows to get rid of the ache pounding in his head. 

He's miserable. It hurts to not have her with him. It's been two tragic months of going through constant sleepless nights, disrestless stomach, intoxicating himself to forget her,  staring at things like a hawk and missing her terribly.

He was alone before her and never felt this lonely.

He sees her everywhere. In his dreams and her shadows in his drawing room getting excited over a ceramic vase someone gifted him. Dancing in his kitchen to the beat of pink floyd and hip-checking him for a cheerful nudge, in his back garden rescuing a sparrow who broke it's neck and in his attic stressing over her assignments. 

Everything reminds him of her. The fruity drinks that the barista's handing to the people, the fairy lights upon their heads and how she used to fond over them —- buying it for his bedroom too and when he refused to hang them, she just brushed off his snarky comment and did it herself. 

The ring in Harris finger floods back all the bitter-sweet memories of the time he refused to have a lil fun with her, (Y/N and Harris made friendship rings and bracelets for eachother with the colorful beads to spend their boring time in his home waiting for him to write some lines before they went to a gumball shop) as they try to knock some senses in their friend's brain, "You tried to dodge a heartbreak and still ended up shattering your heart, yourself." They worry about him. That he's been bearing the pain all alone and not sharing it with anyone. 

His voice croak-y and hoarse, "How's she?" The question haunts him. She blocked his phone number and even in the wee hours of night he wrecks his mind whether he should call her or not, he couldn't because she doesn't want to hear his voice. 

He misses her voice. He misses her complaints and whines as if they filled the stoic parts of his life with happiness. 

"How'd I know?" Harris lowers down to rest their elbows on the table, "I -- I thought . . she isn't in contact with ye'?" When Harris shakes their head with a gesture that he's being truthful it sinks his heart furthermore. 

He clears his throat, twisting the jewels on his hand and sucks his bottom lip to muster some courage, "I've been seeing someone." Harris chokes on the boba they were chewing on for so long, "You what?" They are completely perturbed at his statement. Even though they've been working together and been friends before Y/N came in the picture, she's still their bezzy and we don't betray our bezzies like that. 

"Yeah, someone to help me sort me feelings out." Harry frowns confusedly and then realization washes upon him so he becomes frantic in his chair, "No . . not what you're thinkin'." He runs his fingers through his hair to subside the twitch in them. 

"A therapist, 'm talkin' bout a therapist . ." He sighs watching his tea waft down sympathetically. 

"Oh. That's a good start, Harry!" Harris tries to bring the same dimply boyish smile that used to flutter over his lips whenever she used to tease him, unfortunately it never appears. 

// 

Y/N didn't handle her first ever heartbreak well. She lost her appetite, her focus on her studies and to her surprise didn't shed a single tear –-- it just kept piling in her chest and she waited for the moment it'd burst until she saw those pictures plastered all over social media. Pictures of him with some model that isn't a shorty pants like her at all, totally how those ladies described his type to be and someone with whom he wouldn't be embarrassed to hang out with. 

She's everything, Y/N's jealous of. Those sparkling blue eyes compared to her boring brown ones, handsome figure and the radiance of richness. 

Then she got stuck into her life responsibilities and worried about other things such that; she wasn't able to pay any bills and her flat's rent despite doing two part time jobs along with doing her class-fellows assignments in return of money and still got kicked out of it. Her close friend offered her to live in her studio and she has made it her kitchen, study, sleeping room with her stuff and clothes scattered everywhere.

She lives on noodles and toasted breads sometimes treating herself with delights of kit-kat bars in the middle of nights. 

Watches her friend do her work and leave when the night comes by —- she has never felt this lonely in her entire life. 

"So, was it love at first sight?" Nora her friend asks, handing her cuppa tea and a scone. Y/N let a weak sad smile slip, shaking her head and reminiscing all those moments where she was falling in love with him without even realizing, "Falling in love slowly patiently is the most beautiful . . . at some time I used to loathe his existence but staying with him and after knowing him, it was like --— an escapeless tunnel. I didn't realize it, till one day I woke up and my heart saw him in a different light, where I wanted to give him all me lovin' but he wasn't ready for it." She shrugs sipping the hot beverage and doesn't flinch from the burn that tingles at the tip of her tongue. 

When she put her cup aside Nora takes her hand assuring her sweetly, "You'll have that person soon -- he's just on his way, with a big bouquet of roses and a teddy bear to give you the lovin' you deserve." Y/N giggles at that waving her off and not showing how her person is still Harry. What does she do to forget him? To fool her in thinking he isn't her first love.

"Aish, Nora aren't you gettin' late? Gooo." She had some clients to meet before she stopped here at studio to grab some things but it turned into a girlie hangout, "Take care honey and don't forget to put a bucket there." She points to the corner where water's dripping from the rooftop and Y/N exhaled an exasperated sigh of breath when the door clicks leaving her alone yet again. 

// 

It was past twelve and when usually she pulls an all nighter to study -- today she decided to sleep early. Her bad habit of overthinking kicks in again, this time it's not over some silly thing but she ponders over where she went wrong? She should've kept her feelings to herself and atleast would have been sleeping in her bed cuddled with her chonky cat Zippy. 

She misses Zippy badly. 

A noise of door unlocking loudly drags her from her reverie and her heart pounds against her ribcage ready to break it. Who could be at this hour of night? It could be Nora since she's the only one who got keys to the place. 

Sitting up quickly she squints against the blinding lights and watches someone's boot stepping over her blanket that flopped onto the floor from the sofa she's sleeping on. 

"Kevin? What are you doing here?" He's Nora's boyfriend and her classfellow. He just shrugs tumbling his way towards the sofa and she tries to scoot back from him as much as possible, "I'm here to see you. . ." He slurs. It knocks her breath out, filling terror in her veins as the heels of her feet rub against the leather of the couch in her effort to be away from him. 

"What? This's not appropriate I -- I . . suggest you to call Nora s –- so, what're you doin —-" She squeaks in fear sinking into the couch when he towers over her and traps her under him with his hands on either side of her body aggressively, "I like you. Why don't you get it!!" She flinches when he shouts angrily with bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol disgusts her springing tears in her eyes. 

"Please, stop . . ." She whispers with silent tears running down her throat using all her strength to push at his shoulders but he grips her hips tightly and yanks at her sleeping shirt revealing the strap of her bralette. She couldn't even cry for help. It's useless so putting some belief in herself for the last time she uses all her power and kicks him in his crotch pushing him roughly on the floor. 

His nails tear at her delicate skin but she doesn't care before running out of the studio ignoring the names he's calling her from behind.

She runs away, away and away. Not thinking twice where she's going before crossing the bridges and tunnels. It feels like her ears are bleeding with the echo of loud horns of traffic and the hopelessness of her life makes her fall on her knees. She cries all the tears she was bottling up for months feeling like she's running out of time and reaching dangerously near to her end. 

She's been in the same neighbourhood she's been before many times. The chilly wind doesn't prick goosebumps over her skin, the night's darkness doesn't scare her and the stray dog that's barking somewhere in far doesn't affect her at all as she stares at the door from where she has stepped into her comfort space many times. 

Harry's with Scottie. His childhood friend who's here in London for some shoot. They were lounged in the living room talking their hearts out and their cringey memories from when they were small when he halted mid-talk, jaw slacking when his eyes took the sight of someone standing at his main door from the multiple security screens appearing on the telly. 

He doesn't believe at first. Thinking he's hallucinating and that maybe he just saw a flicker of a ghost but when she looks up revealing her sad face and those big brown eyes he rushes to open the door. 

"Fuck." He breathes out working on the heavy cold locks of the oak door with shaky hands anxiously and she was about to walk away with her back turned to him when he spurts out her name in haste, "Y/N." She listens to him. Insides breaking with the nirvana and scent of him surrounding her. 

His breath hitches in his throat when she spins to meet his apprehensive gaze and she doesn't give him a chance to have a proper look at her before falling in his arms, her head hitting his chest and body shaking vigorously as she sobs sadly. 

"Darlin'?" He asks worriedly, slipping his arms around her shoulders to lull her in his embrace, "Are you oka?" He feels like his stomach ate his heart as he anticipates an explanation from her and she isn't doing anything but crying. 

"You're scarin' me, pet. What happened honey?" He pulls away to cradle her face in his calloused palms. His chests pangs with hurt and remorse upon seeing her tear stained cheeks, wobbly blue lips, and disheveled state. 

He steps inside with her still in his arms and rubs his hand down her spine to calm her down as little sad sniffles and hiccups keep slipping out of her mouth. 

He sits her on the sofa squatting down infront of her and Scottie brings her water. When she refuses to drink it because Harry strokes his thumb against the apple of her cheek, "Shh, 's okay . . you're okay. You're with me now, sweet girl." It's like the world and anything else has blurred around him and his ever priority's focusing on her only. His observant gaze dawdles from her face to her bruised shoulder emitting an afflicted gasp of trepidity from between his lips and it deepens to a growl when it fell over her hip-bone where the fabric of her pyjama's spotted with blood.

He glances up at Scottie who gives him a knowing look of horror. He gets closer to her and she doesn't retract as his thumb streaks away the blood oozing from her shoulder gently, saying nothing as he examines it. 

After a brief pause Y/N's heart skips a nervous beat when he tilts her chin to have a better look at her face, taking in the evidence of someone handling his petal so brutally it left scratches at her face. 

Harry looks her dead in the eyes. His anger barely restrained tippling from the pot ready to leave burns, his voice is tense and quite, ears heating with wrath. 

"Who did this to you?" 

"Kevin." The tears are back at her waterline more concerned that he's panicking because of her and Scottie sits beside her massaging her shoulders. 

"Kevin, who?" Harry's question is curt controlling himself from finding this mother fucker himself and beat the shit out of him, "H -- he's my friend's boyfriend, I though --– was sleeping in her studio 'n 'n --- when he . . . he —-- " She hides her face in her palms unable to speak but Harry quickly pulls her down in a comforting hug whispering sweet things to stop her crying. 

She parts from him with puffy eyes and swollen lips shaking her head at her stupidity, "I … I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come here, 'm gonna leave — ' " She's a weeping blubbering mess trying to stand up on her jello legs with the help of the couch's armrest. 

He catches her wrist crying out, "No! Don't! please, please stay . . . . fo' me?" Scottie has never seen him like this. Bended out of shape for a person, begging them on his knees to protect them as he rambles loudly. 

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden on you, I -- I'll go in the morning." Since she has nowhere to go it's better she sleeps here for a night instead of on the streets. 

Harry finds it ironic. That once he didn't want her overnights now he wants her all days and weeks, perhaps till the end of his life. 

He's gonna win her back.

He hands her his tattered comfy sleeping clothes and the spare toothbrush leaving her to it. When he comes back downstairs Scottie's waiting for him at the main door. 

"You should report a file against that bastard the first thing in the morning." Scottie tells him seriously and he nods. His head snaps when she spoke softly, smiling at him, "You're in love." 

"What?" 

"I haven't seen you like that with anyone, Harry. Make it to her foolish boi -- tell her what you feel." She laughs, jolting him with his shoulders and he smiles timidly bidding her a good-bye. 

The door to her room's ajar opened as he peeks inside to make sure she's okay and sighs deeply when finds her staring blankly at the ceiling. The floorboard creaks when he pads inside quietly and her stare diverts to him while he stands on the foot of bed, "I read somewhere that cuddlin' helps ye'sleep better, you w'na try?" She hums in return, fisting the duvet under her chin and slip shuts her eyes remaining stiff in her spot when he slides under the duvet closer to her. 

She turns into a puddle when his long arms wrap around her tummy, "Is this okay?" His voice a mere whisper of care earning an honest nod from her -- his thigh strings over her legs to cocoon her in his warmth completely, ". . and this?" She again nod at him so, 

He smushes his cheek into the crook of her neck and she could feel something moist on her skin while his lips puckered to speak, "Y/N?" He murmures broken and sad snuggling more into her. 

"Hmm?" She hums, the exhaustion from walking and crying this much forcing her to sleep, "I've missed you, terribly." Her heart leaps and she wants to exchange the familiarity of emotions but her tongue remains heavy in her mouth. 

// 

Her toes curls and fingers clutches the wrinkly fabric of the pillow case she had her head rested on but now it's slipping down from over it due to her body shaking vigorously as she tries to escape those filthy, gruesome hands like a terrifying shadows of evil choking her throat and sucking the life out of her. 

Harry's head snaps down to where she was snuggled to his side moments ago when she murmur-yells no,no,no,no'. He feels like someone placed a heavy brick over his chest at the sight of his lovie writhing like a leaf petrified of whatever she's dreaming of and his shoulders rolls back while he perches on his elbow to shake her gently out of it. 

"Y/N . . ." He remains dulcet. Chewing onto his already swollen bottom lip since he didn't even close his eyes the entire night manipulating the plush flesh, he doesn't know what kept him awake —- but it sure was this sense of responsibility to make her feel protected under his wings. She smacks his arm away pushing at his chest with her all might to skid away to the edge of the bed in her sleepy state, so he quickly hunches on wobbly knees to catch her before she falls. 

"It's just me, Angel, Harry –- wake up darlin'," His heart beating ominously frantic and head jumbling with horrible thoughts of what she's going through as her warmed up cheeks soak with tears, he has never seen her like this, he never wanted to see her for the first time after months like this --- shattered to pieces and drained of her energy.

He smooths his thumb to caress her cheek slightly and swipe those sad tears away. She wakes up with a gasp making him jerk his chin back, blinking rapidly to confirm her surroundings and her fearful vision zeros to his panicked features. She places her palms against his pectorals to make sure he's real and there and that ugly nightmare just ended, "Harry?" He gulps the thick web of tears down his throat and bobs his head. 

"Yes, sweet girl, Harry . . ." The very streaks of golden rays sneak through the curtains and dances between their faces as she fists the hem of his shirt, "It was just a nightmare." He assures her running his hand up and down her arms to calm her down. 

"Don't be afraid, dovie' won't let anybody hurt ya from now on, g'na protect you —--" It was the last straw for her before she flipped him over and climbed out of his bed to get out from his room. 

"Shit." He drives into a state of frenzy following her down the stairs like a puppy almost missing a step or two as she wears the slippers she came in last night, "Where ye' goin'?" His muscles twitch in a hurry to make his next move and save whatever's between them that's keeping him sane, " Dunno, away from you." She shrugs, lost in her own fog and the sting in his heart's unbearable with the inflammation of hurt. 

"Why?" He tumbles through the last step and infront of her, eyes bloodshot and heart how from the squeezing agony of loosing her for second time for the same cause. 

"Because, I w'na forget about you!!" The scream she had in her lungs to convey her anger gets stuck in her throat. His shoulders slump from the burden of guilt and regret. 

"Why?" He feels like throwing up with the unbearable anguish of him hurting to a point he wants to wash his memories out of her mind. 

"Because you make me so confused, Harry…" Her face pinches into an exasperated expression of hopelessness while she nudges him aside to pass by him and to the main door but he catches her wrist before she could step outside and never come back to him, "I wouldn't confuse you from now on …. 've been better fo' you y/n, 'cos I want you to know that I'm yours." His confession springes her off guard by pure stupefaction and when she looks at him -- he's already gazing at her as if she's the moon surrounded by singing stars. 

"Please, let me fight for you baby." Tears springs at his waterline ready to welcome a sob out of his lungs. Because he knows he'll be unable to live his life without her, his love will rot in the cage of his heart because he'd never be able to express it for anyone except her. 

He continues not holding back anything from her instead unlocking another love language and that's being vulnerable and completely defenceless to her, "While being with you I still thought a part of me was in love with my ex and I didn't want ya to be me second priority, could neve', was so so wrong 'cos even though you're not my firsts you're gonna be my lasts. I'll make sure that you're." He gulps down the tears blocking his wind pipes and making it difficult to speak. 

"I want you to give us another chance, to forgive me and give me a proper chance to love you 'cos that's what you deserve . .." The sincerity and genuineness in his stained smaragdine irises turns her pudgy in his hold, ". . . you deserve all the lovin' in this world, honey." 

"Work for it then." She tells him and his pretty eyes widen adorably as of some golden fish, a vivacious smile adorns his features and he doesn't take a moment before swiping her off her feet and into his arms to hug her tightly. 

His insides feels like nourishing after a time with contentment and satisfaction. 

To have his loved one in his arms. 

In his life.

"Thank you, Thank you, Thank youuu." He rambles into the crook of her neck, elated and joyful. Swaying their bodies together and making her smile softly after a prolonged time of suffering. 

She'll heal. 

He'll make sure to put ointment of affection and love on her wounds to help her heal, for herself but nobody else. 

// 

"You've got to be kidding me!" She mutters putting the alcohol swab on his torn bleeding knuckles and he squeaks locking his calf around her ankle, "Ouch! Ye' mad woman." 

Harry and her went to file a report against Kevin, along with Nora who became her witness because she despises that disgusting of a man to be even around her and her studio let alone her boyfriend. 

Harry was her biggest support through the whole process and dropped her off assuring her he'll pick all her stuff from Nora's place. There he was, Kevin. Stumbling at the footpath after Nora kicked him and his luggage out. 

Harry's very patient and optimistic but not when his loved ones get hurt. He didn't know what was happening around him before he sprinted towards Kevin and punched him square in his face, breaking his nose and busting his own knuckles with a fierce shout of "y'son of a bastard!" 

"If I ever . . . ever see ya near her, I promise that you wouldn't be able to see the living daylight." He grunted, resisting to hit him in the shin with his boots and walked past him to the studio to collect her stuff. 

He was grief stricken seeing the way she had to live and not finding her pet cat anywhere. His heart could be heard cracking into tinytinytiny pieces when Nora told him that Y/N gave it to the vet since she was unable to afford it. 

When she catches him staring up at her like a love-stricken puppy she huffs wrapping a band-aid around his knuckles, "'M mad at you." He seems unfazed making her gasp when brings her closer with his legs wrapped around her's, "Why . . . you're always mad at me." He whines jutting out his bottom lip and she shakes her head at his silly dotiness. 

"You -– you can't go hurtin' yourself fo' me, H." She's very unaware, because certainly he'd do it as many times. 

She narrows down her eyes to squint him in offense when he brushes her comment off with nonchalance and raises his bandaged wrist up to her face, "Will you kiss it better' fo' me, pet?" Her insides crumbles like dry rose petals falling from a beloved book of her favourite romances. 

"Hmm?" He nudges it in a questioning suppressing a smirk. She wipes her clammy and antiseptic hands down her trousers not meeting his gaze while taking his hand awkwardly but delicately closer to where her soft mouth is located; she halts glowering at him, "Only if you ask nicely." 

"That wasn't nice? Thought I was being a good boy there." He mumbles diligently pulling at the hem of her shirt and she bites down a smile, fingers still wrapped round his wrist. 

"Pretty please…?" He wheezes his words out begging-ly -- upper lip curving, pupils dilating and she shrugs, "..if you insist so.." His grin was immaculate that of golden sun when she pressed her lips to his knuckles carefully giving it a gentle pat afterward. 

"Not doing that again." She breathes out the air she was winding up inside her for so long. Spinning on her heels to turn her back towards him and put the first aid back under the sink, "We'll see 'bout that, let's do some grocery." He stands up patting his thighs loudly, "Wouldn't be surprised if we'll find bugs in me cabinet instead of goodies." 

// 

They've been roaming isles for an hour now and they always end up fighting who will push it. Harry doesn't let her because she keeps on filling it with instant noodles, chocolate bars and sakurai oreos. 

"How about we try to live till our fifties wouldn't be that beautiful?" He follows behind her closely. His chest brushes against her shoulders everytime she makes a stop to cooes over some brightly coloured food and candies, "'M trying to make it till next year, dunno 'bout you." She mutters grumpy-ly tossing another packet of cherry lollipop inside the trolley.

He puts it back. 

With a strict warning glare to her way. 

"I want you to stay healthy." He says sternly glaring up at her from his ducked position. She tosses the lollipop back from the shelf, "'M paying for my things." She dismisses him off panning deadly. 

"Fo' fucks sake, 's not 'bout money!" He grits annoyed at her stubbornness and she arches her brow leaning against the trolley, "Harry…'m not an actress or some high-paid model. Lemme enjoy real things, okay? Or just say you'd look too outta my league standing next to me." Her brows pints down into a frown and her shoulder slumps with her body further relaxing against the trolley. 

She's up for a debate with him right in the middle of the junk food aisle if that's the case.

"See. That's why I don't want to be married!" A couple from far banters off in astonishment catching Y/N completely off guard. 

"Uh-ah!" She yelps getting startled from the boom of interruption and a high-pitch squeaks leaves out of her petite lungs when the trolley rolls from under her perched elbow making her stumble for a nice trip but the bang never came as Harry coiled his arm around her waist to pull her on stable feet with a firm hand over her smallest of back. 

His gentle pupils flicker between her frenzied one's, noses tickling and teasing each other with each spurt of breath that rushes out of her parted soft mouth and against his cheek. 

"Maybe it's not that bad after all." The couple who were planning their future based on another couple, who's not even a couple yet but trying to work on it with their shared amount of affection; sighs in awement leaving Harry and Y/N in their own bubble. 

He takes her by the elbow and helps her with his lips thinned, "Careful there." His mumble is deep and coherent husk. 

She didn't whine about his green vegetables, boring low fat cheese and planned meals, celery or whatever that shit is, after that. Walking by his side like a kid who just got relief from his time out punishment. 

While on the counter she asked him politely rather than biting his head of, "Lemme pay please. I'm already imposing on you by staying at your place." She knows that he wouldn't let her. Harry wants to take care of her -- in every way. He just hopes she warms up to him slowly that there will be a day she thinks of his home as hers too, oh how the table turns! 

T'not make her think that his love for her is only restrictive to materialistic things he lets her pay --- but for half of it. 

"D'ya got a change, miss?" The cashier asks her and she cranes her neck up to him. He denies waving his credit card with a disappointed expression so she quickly takes a chewing gum from the racks beside in return for the change. 

He stops in his tracks. Watching her with glinting eyes more like fawning at her when she sways on her feet happily swinging the bag in her hold side by side. 

"C'mon Harry!" She grins twiddling her fingers in a gesture to usher him where she's standing beside his car, "Yup. On your command, darlin'." He shakes his head. To fetch himself from the fond-land he always enters with anything she does. 

// 

There's a low hum of telly buzzing in the room as they sit crossed legs on the coffee rug with their knees brushing if any of them moves their bum a tad, while they slurp onto the remaining soup in the noodles cup. 

This whole time he wanted to say something, to talk to her, his heart out and make it a domestic routine of sharing stuff while they eat comfy in eachother's presence but seems like his tongue betrays him everytime and his needy eyes always want to admire her and the little things she does. 

He licks his lips, nodding profusely when she asks for his cup and chopsticks to take to the kitchen. A huge sigh of relief vanishes out from his chest when she disappears inside giving him time to re-collect himself, he rummages through the bag to take out the chewing gum they bought at the last moment. 

He rips the packet with his teeth but it remains pressed there between his morals when he senses the familiarity of the foil --- she bought a fucking condom out of accident! 

At the same moment she pads outside halting in her tracks infront of him with a horrendous expression as her peepers wouldn't stop blinking. He doesn't not know what got into him but he throws it her way as if he's utterly disgusted by it. 

Sinks into the couch and refuses to meet her gaze. She throws it back at him, "I don't want it, keep it you might need it." There he goes. The smugness fuels back as he outstretches his arm over the back of the couch and man-spreads scrutinizing the way her eyes linger at his meaty thighs before flicking them away with a nervous gulp. 

"You've already planned it all out, hun?" He smirks rubbing the belly of his nose with his pinky's knuckle and she folds her elbows under her breasts shaking her head at his teasing, "Yeah planning to . . . murder you t'night." She laughs out evilly when his eyes widen comically. 

"Hmm. I see. Didn't know ye' were this kinky 'n naughty." She rolls her eyes at his edgy nip. She wouldn't admit it but him testing her patience turns her hot and flustered. 

"Night, H." She yawns and his heart grows ten times bigger at the softness of her appearance. She cranes her head against her shoulder to look at him from the spot she's standing at when his voice calls for her, "Y/N!? Ye'really into knives? In the bed I mean." His grin mischievous knowing fully well what he's doing to her as he waits for her answer propped on his knees. 

She slams the door at his face and he plops back into the sofa with a pouty victorious smile. 

// 

Harry didn't realise that in the middle of watching Gilmore Girls on the telly he fell asleep straining his neck from keeping it in a weird angle, his arms hugging the pillow and feet dangling adorably nowhere. He groans knuckling away the sleep and tries to wake up when he heard a feeble noise of someone taking his name until he looks up and finds Y/N towering him with her fluffy cream blanket pinched around her head darlingly. 

"What happened, pet? Y'okay!?" He gasps trying to sit up and take her precious face to inspect her properly but she shakes her head and lays him back gently. 

Her nose runny and cheeks rosied as she asks for a favour from him, "Can I -- um," She wipes her nose with the sleeve of her sweater paw. He doesn't question her further and opens his long arms to welcome her for a warm embrace. 

"C'mere, pet." His whisper delicate to her. 

She lies down pressed to his front resting her head on his sprawled arm and scooches herself closer to him smiling shyly against his hoodie where a Harry is embroidered in pink thread. It's like a gust of fresh spring and dew of nighty mountains as Harry takes a relaxing breather snuggling her impossibly affectionately close to himself, petting down her sweet smelling hair. 

"Y'can talk to me 'bout anythin'." Their heart-beats in sync as he keeps his palm spread at her back to protect her from falling, "Ye' know that right?" He pulls back to cradle her chin between his fingers and look her in eyes sincerely. 

"I know that button. Sleep for now, hmm?" He smiles softly, shutting his eyes from giving out how much a mere love name's enough to fuse him into a cloud of giddiness. 

// 

In the morning though, Harry's a small spoon and Y/N a big one. Her limbs trying to latch to his body in every way possible with her cheek smashed against his shoulder blade. 

His lips quirks up into a lazy loopy smile full of contentment and peacefulness as he weaves his each finger into her's to bring her knuckles to his mouth and smother it in kisses, "Rise n' shine you furball." He rasps. chin doubling adorably as he tries to look at his squirmy girl. 

He turns to face her side, temples touching and lips hovering over eachother's skin. He feels her smiling against his chin as she cuddles up into him, "I'd like to make you a brekkie…." She murmurs playing with baby curls on the nape of his neck. 

"Dunno 'bout that. What if you poison me, t'death?" He giggles and she smacks his belly pouting grumpy-ly. 

"Offer, expired. no more brekkie for you." She tells him wiggling out of his grip and walks towards kitchen but burst into gleeful laugh when he wraps around her calves like a koala bear, "Was jokinnnn', babe." He emphasizes his words with a twinge of whine and she meanders her hand in his ruffled curls. 

"Kay! Kay! But, I could only make you omelette and sour bread." He jumps back on his feet enthusiastically looping his arm around her clavicles, "No problem. Glad t'eat  anythin' made from your lovely hands."

She made him brekkie and he made fabulous peach tea for them. She blabbered off and he listened with careful ears. He praised her with glinting proud eyes and she treasured these praises in her heart. 

While she chewed slowly he messaged his manager that he couldn't come to any working place for a week or so. He wants to make it special and memorable for them, their honeymoon phase. 

"D'ya have any class today?" He asks her leaning towards her atop the counter, "Nope 's Saturday dummy." She chuckles flicking her thumb against his forehead and he gives a dimpled grin with bolted shut eyes.

"Yeah … silly me." 

"Why?" 

"So that I could take ye' ona date." His inners bouncing desperate to know her answer, "Me?" She points at herself surprised with parted lips.  

"Yes you, is there somebody else sitting with us? Hello?" He calls for that non-existent person and she suckles her bottom lip to subside her squeals down. She breathes out, "Some ghostie? Evil spirit? Jesus himself —-" She cuts his banter of. With a light slap to the back of his hand. 

"Okay." She says with an excited shake of head happiness bare in her words and Harry literally slips from his seat padding towards her in haste, "I'd love to." She confirms with a sweet smile and he hooks his nimble finger around her jeans loop to pull her closer to him for a fervid emotional hug. 

//

She was a frolic mess in her room trying out her outfits and fitting into her skirts, trousers anything that could match perfectly. Deciding to terminate any ideas to wear cotton floral sun-dresses instead ends up tucking a baby pink sweater into her chequered white and black plaid trouser along with a pair of Mary Janes booties. 

She took huge puffs of breath to calm her wild heart down when the knock on her door appeared. He decided to be a full on romantic today doing all the date rituals without any shame dressing up in a silk shirt three shades lighter than her's, with a pussy bow around his neck and she thinks she couldn't be more in love with him as he has a bunch of sunflowers and jasmines in the cracks of his jewels adorned fingers. 

"Well, well, well, Look who came to their enemy's door holding presents." She smirks and he scowls, "Oh cut it. 'M here to pick y'up fo' our date." 

What makes her lose her mind's Zippy on his shoulder.

"Oh my goodness! Harry!" She leaps towards him and takes her fluffy beast in her arms and showers Zippy's crown with many many kisses, "Thank you!" She cries out joyfully wrapping her free arm around his waist and cuddles him for dear life. 

"I lo —-- " She thinks it'd be embarrassing to say it on the first date and Harry almost had a mini heart-attack but she changed her words, "I can't be more grateful to you, thank you so much." 

"Now, stop thankin' me hunny." He gives her the flowers he plucked himself from his backyard and kisses the apple of her cheek turning her into a gooey mesh. 

"Where is it?" She avoids checking him out. 

"Why should I tell ya?" He nudges her to lock her elbow around his and she gazes up at him with loving eyes, "'cos 'm your date that's why."

"Bribe me then." He grins bashfully. 

"Harry!!" She gasps and huffs tipy-toeing timidly to plant a soft kiss to his chin but it lands against his throat making him thin his lips to give out a noise that could embarrass both of them. 

"Not telling you." He squeaks dragging her outside into the porch and she whines, "You leech!" 

// 

"You did not!" She snaps her neck in utter exhilaration from the view in front of her and towards Harry who's watching her with puffed cheeks to not to give out his bunny smile as her face turns guppy. The sunshine dawdles around them and she pulls him down to her level with the tug of their intertwined hands, "You're somethin' else, Styles." It warms his blood. Bursting sentiments of pure love and amiability through each orifice that leads to his heart. 

"Only fo' you." He whispers stroking the plush of her cheek -- restraining to place his needy  lips on her alluring pillow one's inviting him to have a good taste of their sweetness before they could taste the ripeness of strawberries growing at the farm he just took her. 

"Uhm. Let's see who could collect more!" She grins pushing herself three steps away from him with support of his pecs, "What's the prize?" He asks pawing at her hips to keep her in intimate distance and she giggles tapping his chin. 

"A feeling of saccharine-ss and sweetness when we'll eat those strawberries out." She tries not to step on heavy branches that are still growing and makes her way to the fresh patch, "Perhaps, that could be acquired from eatin' somethin' else out too." His wet lips brushes against her earlobe as he speaks, sending a shiver down her spine. 

"You're being very loud and lewd." She pokes him in ribs. Squatting down to pluck a juicy perfectly sized strawberry and hovering it against his mouth to give him a taste, "Hmm what could I say 'm a man of dirty words." His eyes darken to an intoxicating shade of emerald as his heart-shaped magenta lips wrap around the strawberry to split it in two with his teeth. 

He still remembers. How her mouth tasted that night, how her lips came molding around his's like a stamp of a lover's letter and her body fitted against his's like a lost piece of puzzle. 

Just made for him. 

"Harry …" She's out of words. Maybe, breath. 

"Yes dovie?" He hooks his finger into her belt's loop to saturate the thread like distance between them and makes tight hold at the nape of her neck to crane her head up to meet his honey eyed gaze, "D'ya know how to make strawberry mochi?" His shoulder slumps at her question and he rests his cheek atop her temple cutely. 

"Noo." His voice sort of whine-y. 

"No, problem. We'll make it together." She chuckles turning back to collect the strawberries into her basket. 

She never had this fun. Messing around with him. Feeding eachother the sweet fruit. Him scaring her that some rat sprinted by her feet and enjoying the way she jumps at him, only wheezing comically when she throws a blow at him. 

Her giggles bounces off each and every ivory flower and leafy plant as he pins her to the viridescent grass, with his thighs and tickles her non-stop. What started as raspberries turns into sloppy smothers of kisses all over her face. 

"Harry!!" She bursts into another fit of laughter, "Stop." She warns him squeezing her thighs around his waist and he giggles challenging her. 

"O'what? Huhh?" She closes her eyes nuzzling into his arm that's trapping her down, "Or I'll kiss you…" Her voice gentle and dulcet making his grip loosen and heartbeat fastens like a thunderbolt. 

"'M not afraid of that." He gives a toothy grin sneaking a glance at her hand which's gliding up his throat to cup his cheek, eyelids fluttering like petals from breeze as she smudges her sweet mesh coated lips against his's in a tenderly ardent, and yearningly amiable kiss feeling her pulse ring in her ears with so much force. 

His fingers make their home down her smooth hair to cup the nape of her neck, elbows digging into mud when he lifts her up to deepen the kiss sloppily. Just her. Only her. Swirling inside of him as his very thought. 

Their noses crooking perfectly, skins kissing and bodies hitched to eachother with the knot of souls. 

She whimpers into his mouth squishing the poor strawberry she was holding in her free hand from the intensity of fierce sentiments she's spiraling in; to have him all and swallow him all because he's that damn gorgeous. His tongue pokes and tickles the plush insides of her small mouth tasting the strawberry straight from where he loves the most. His belly burning with the fire of desire feeling the way her body's reacting with puriency to his subtle touches of affection. 

He was dying to have a kiss from her the day she gave him her lips that night and he couldn't resist but to think about it regularly. 

A wet filthy sound bubbles around them when they part away with the remnants of spit in the form of intricate strings connecting them; that breaks when he relaxes his forehead against her's taking a good breather of mossy air. 

"S' messy." He tuts when his eyes fall at her palm covered in strawberry pulp. 

She gasps giddy-ly when he pokes his pink tongue out and takes a huge swipe up her palm with an erotic hum that rattled her insides. 

"H -- arry." She nibbles at her bottom lip to filter noises she's unable to hold meanwhile he sucks her fingers one by one to clean them, her panties twisting with an ache of want. 

"Hmm. All nice 'n clean, now we should go." He says flipping her wrist to act as if he's inspecting it. Brushes the dirt of his trousers leaving her baffled and grumpy. When she doesn't stand up he squats down at her level arching a brow at her and before she could know what's happening she's thrown over his broad shoulder like a rag doll. 

Her squeals hearty and giggly as she tries to punch his back but her breath gets caught in her throat when his large hand comes spanking her butt-cheek. He waits for her reaction —- grinning cheekily when she sucks in her weak mewls and grabs the back of his neck blabbering his name off. 

He puts her back on the ground once out on the gravel path and hands her the basket piled with strawberries. Ducks down to sponge a kiss to her cheek telling her to stay glued to her spot as he leaves to pay. 

She smiles down at her feet then at the sky revinding all the moments and their lovely kiss that makes her feel all warm and stupidly gooey. 

While boarding the train he wiggles his finger behind himself to get a hold on her and keep her close to him, craning his neck with a lopsided sly smile, "Hold me hand." 

"If you insist." She nods with a grin slipping her fingers over his palm and he wovens them with his own with a firm grip stepping inside the train and helps her to do so with his free hand behind her head. 

She sighs. Sitting with her back pressed against the window of the train. One leg folded and other dangling from the seat as she stares at Harry with a pouty smile. 

"Don't ya think you're sittin' too far away from me?" He says, grabbing her knee, "Come here." And slides her towards himself now their thighs overlapping. He doesn't like even the mere distance between them —-- might sound sappy but he wants to be like her scent. 

"Happy?" She pinches his cheek and he winces dramatically ruffling her already loose tresses of hair making her look as if she was on a roller coaster minutes ago, "aren't you a one clingy bunny!" She huffs trying to blow away the hair falling in her eyes. He bobs his head in agreement and slings his elbow around her shoulders to tuck her under his chin protectively. 

// 

"Okie, now add some sugar in it —- aish slow down …" She coughs waving away the sugar dust tickling her nostrils as Harry poured so much sugar all at once. He has his chin rested on her head and her hips crooned against his thighs as they make the strawberry and vanilla mochi together. 

His puffer jacket on her shoulders (To the time they went to buy grocery stuff it started being cold and Harry being a mommy he took out his jacket and bundled her up in it) —- She sneezes and he quips pecking her hair, "Bless your heart." Fetches her a tissue too. 

"Thank you, bubs." She giggles grabbing his jaw bringing him down to smooch a kiss to his lips. She pulls back but he persists snaking his palm around the nape of her neck to keep her put —- she gives in with her heart fluttering like candle flame in a destructive storm. 

Turns in his embrace and hooks her elbows behind his head patching tiny, tiny, tiny pecks on his pillowy lips until he gets desperate to kiss her mouth and tongue pushing her to his front by gliding his hand into the back-pocket of her jeans. 

Her head lulls. Feeling as if the kitchen got filled with candy clouds floating around her when he cradles her cheeks in his both palms lapping at her bottom lip and nips at it with every whimper of desire that falls, "Mine." He breathes out rubbing the bridge of his nose up and down her cheek like a puppy nuzzling into his favourite plushie. 

"Yours." She says without any hesitation. 

He smashes his wet lips back on hers. Swirls of gleeful colours surrounding them as he feels like he could kiss her forever. 

She gasps gazing down lustfully at his wine cherried lips when he holds her from waist and sits her on the wooden counter, "I want you to take me." She murmurs nailing at the silk of his top and he paws at her hip-bones cravingly, it makes her feel like one the most desired women alive. 

"I'm all yours to pleasure you lovie'," He looks her in the eyes with so much love and affection it melts her whole, "Just ask me and I'll give me girl what she wants …. " He says trailing sloppy kisses down her throat. Her head falls against the tiled wall giving him more access to her skin --- so he could mark her as he wishes. 

The heat from his mouth to her bare skin arouses her to an extent she feels wetness sticking to the insides of her thighs with each grind of his crotch against her's. 

She tugs at the roots of his curls, mouth parted around a moan when he grazes his touch over her plump breasts, "Is this okay?" He asks breathlessly and she bobs her head vigorously latching onto him. 

"Yes, please, more … " He blinks to let reality sink in when she raises her arms in the air for him to get rid of her clothes. 

He smiles. Hard. Crinkles forming by his eyes and cheery lines around his mouth as she looks up at him with those doe eyes glinting with his own reflection. 

She squirms grumpily and he cackles loudly when she hooks his fingers into the hem of her jeans as a sign that "just undress me right now and fuck me hard over this counter." But, the romantic sap he's just keeps on being a tease. 

"Fuck me already." She huffs locking her ankles behind his back. 

"Trust me, I want it as bad as y'do but are you sure —-- " 

"I'm --- just fuck …. " She cuts him off, cupping his cheeks and kisses his mouth. He groans when she sucks his swollen lip in between his teeth and lifts her pelvis grinned against his swell lining in his trouser to elaborate her neediness through actions, 

He undresses her finally folding them and putting them away nicely while she stays a breathless mess just in her undies, her sheer panties soaked in her juices and profanities of moans fuses into air from both of them as Harry places his hands on her knees. Irises darkening with lust when he looks at the delicate lines of her drippy pussy lips forming from underneath the material. 

"Spread your legs, I want to feel how turned on I made you feel." His voice an obscene grunt and it tingles her core making her feel she should obey him, "Fuckin' hell." His moan is dirty as he rubs the pad of his long digits against her soaked centre. His piercing gaze flitting between her thighs crumbled her in the best way possible. 

She fists the hem of his top, tugging at it with the blabbering of his name. 

A series of pornographic whines leaves her through her nose when he demands her to raise her bum so he could get rid of the last thing being a bother to them. 

"Oh my — " She arches her spine when his fingers withered in her stickiness, between her glistening pussy lips to her mound pinching her clitoris in the way and listens to the soapy noises he's creating while lathering his hand with her juices he'd love more to coat his tongue with. 

"This is what you want, hmm? For me to bend you over this counter right fucking now and pump me thick cock inside your sweet cunt from behind till you're screaming for me to ram harder inside you, so deep that you feel me in your little tummy and I keep it there for hours making you cum on it again and again — many time that you're milky and cramped around my prick like a filthy girl you're." He dips his impossibly sweet pink tongue inside her mouth and makes her sip down his dirty words through her throat not letting her mewls slip out as his lengthy finger slicks inside her causing her melt against his chest with a turmoil of emotions and heat she never felt before. 

Her brain whirles with the mantra of fuckfuckfuck but her guppy lips says otherwise, she coils her arms around his shoulders scratching her nails down his neck — eyes rolling back as she shakes with the build of ecstasy. 

"You're so snug and warm, sweets. Can't wait to be inside you." He husks curling his digit to give her upper wall a good rub, "Harry!" Her scream comes out gruff vibrating with a sexy octave. 

"Yes, baby." He pinches her chin between his thumb and forefinger staining soft wet kisses from the corner of her lips, to her rosy cheeks and down her throat sewing love bites along her veins.

"Does it feel good, hmm? 'M g'na stuff you full of my prick bet it'll make you feel like heavens --" Her brows tenses up as he forces her to keep her eyes locked with his's and groans with the throb in his cock bound to implode with each whimper of his name she lets out hiking up her knees on the counter — the heels of her feet sticking firmly against the edge of the counter giving a carnally pleasing view for him to enjoy and ooze with sticky precum. 

He huffs out breathily, fingers sliding in and out at a fast pace while he moves down to take her perky nipple between his teeth teasing it with nip of his tongue, "Fuck. Mhmm baby I've so many dirty things to d'to you, would you be an atta girl and be naughty with me?" He nuzzles his curls against her skin grinding his knuckles up and down against her swollen clit. 

"Yes, yes, yes." She moans trying to sink impossibly deep on his fingers. He admires her in amusement as her belly twists into ripples and she thrashes in his tight hold —- broken into pieces of vulnerability foxily. 

He withers his gaze to where he's driving his fingers roughly inside her and a cold shiver runs down his spine, eyelashes fluttering and he sucks his bottom lip brutally praising her softly, "yes just like that darling taking my fingers so good —- they'll look pretty down your throat too while I'll fill your other holes with me, all me." He wraps a hand around her throat giving it a light squeeze and it was enough to spread warmth and the saccharine feeling of fullness in her every tissue gushing over his fingers. 

"You're mine." He growls nipping at her sweet spot –-- wearing her out with his continuous different motions inside her. His wrist glistening with her come and her head lulls on his tanned shoulder, eyes slip shut, chest levitating with shallow breaths. 

She cups his cheeks wrapping her trembling legs around his waist and kisses his smile, it's sloppy and barely a kiss with their lazy effort to keep their mouths on each other to soak into intimacy. 

Next they're a moaning and crying mess on the kitchen floor with her knee hooked around his hip to keep him close as he stretches her out leaving a pleasurable burn against her squishy inviting walls. 

His cock sits warm inside her pussy and his balls snug against her bum. It's torturous waiting for her to give a signal that he might move because he couldn't resist but to be rock hard inside her and fuck her for hours but his knees are laughing at him for being unable to bear the sting of cold tiles. 

"You can move, 'm okay." She whispers hugging him for dear life and he nods grinding his hips slowly, the bulbous head of his dick hitting all the right spots —- he's so good at fucking. 

He takes her fleshy tits in his palms caressing them with each lewd stroke of his cock inside her and treats her glistening lips from his spit back to his mouth, pecking it generously. 

"Pull me hair." He groans pushing hard and guides her hand into his swirl of sweaty curls — hips stuttering, eyes rolling back into his skull erotically when she does so peppering loving kisses under his earlobe, "You're g'na ruin me lovie … fuck me please." He whines grabbing her ass and lifts her pelvis to slide inside her dripping pussy with much more roughness. 

She has never seen him like this. Shredded to seams for her, sweat beading down his gorgeous face like glimmer of pearls and eyes mossed with so much lust and desperation it knocks air out of her lungs. 

He rolls them over gently and her squeal turns into a shameless yawp when he feels much more bigger than before inside her with her being on top of him —- he was right she could feel him in her tummy. 

She's clueless what to do. Not that she's gonna show it –- she doesn't want to give him an impression that she knows barely anything about riding but the way she begins with zealous back and forth movement digging the heels of her palms against his pecks wrecks him havoc. 

"You're doin' so good pet, yes, yes, yes. Use me baby. Use me like your little fuck toy 'm c'mon." He grabs the nape of her neck and brings her down to skim his tongue over her lips, manipulating the plushiness of them with his teeth. His balls slapping against her skin as she bounces on his cock diligently and he fists the soft flesh of her bum with both of his hands to help her ride him knows she's labouring herself out, "I'm all yours." He says caressing her sides to make sure she's okay and brushes the wisp of sticky hair behind her ear. 

"You're looking so sexy sitting on my dick like that -- how about I don't allow you to cum so you could keep me warm with your pussy like that fo' hours?" His pants out gripping at her thighs as his prick spills with wetness inside her and she cries out shaking, "No!" He smirks crinkled forming by his eyes and takes this chance to drive hard up inside her making her flop onto his chest. 

She gasps moistly, pulsating around him feeling every ridge and vein of his cock stroking against her walls creating obscene noises of skin meeting skin and their moistures mixing soapily like gooe.

"Cum fo' me baby -- squeezing me s' tight. I know you're there." His pants laboured and heavy as he sucks his own digits coating them with his spit nicely and glides them down pressing them to her weeping bud, then flickers it in prolong circles. Toes curling. His thrusts consistent and fast. She crooks her nose against his's murmuring to him with a wavering voice. 

"I'm gonna cum, fuck." 

"You're gonna make me come." 

Her eyes widen in surprise but her body reacts otherwise albeit she has never experienced it —- but her moans were uncontrollable when he spanked her butt cheek and she crampied down at him jolting tremendously with the wave of insanity spreading to her bones.

"I'm a naughty boy, give it to me." He kisses his teeth together man spreading and throwing his knees up to ram up inside her perfectly.

His eyes shuts till he could see white spotting behind them -- he spills inside her in form of thick ribbons and milks her cunt with it riding her out of her high. She clings to his body and snuggles into him to tone down the shivers running down her spine with each tiny orgasm she feels rushing out with his lazy thrusts.

"I'm jello." She tells him and he looks down at her with a mishevious grin, "Does that give me a reason to eat you whole?" She rolls her eyes poking at his cheek with a grossed out expression. 

"I'm still inside ye', remember?" He stirs his hips to make her realise and she yelps not know if it's making her feel hot or utterly sensitive, "You're insatiable." She mumbles pouting her lips to indicate him she's dying for his lips to smooch kisses to her. 

"No kidding I love the noises you make when you come undone." She confesses timidly drawing stars at his chest and he giggles kissing her temple gently, "Stop before you wake me buddy up again –- he quite fond of you." He blushes hiding his face into the crook of her neck with tiny voice. 

// 

They're canoodling under the fluffy blanket on the sofa watching telly after they just took a bath together, shampooing eachother with peach scents and drying eachother off with warm towels. She's nuzzled into his side wearing one of his baby yellow robes, his arm stays around her shoulder thumb addicted to caressing her silky cheek, sometimes spreading his fingers down her throat to tip her chin up to smooch sweet kisses on her lips.

"You're cute when you're not a pest." She giggles and he frowns comically pretending to munch her alive, "That's very rude -- you should be thankful that I lov — " Her heart almost stops functioning. 

They were sipping onto their green teas and nibbling onto the strawberry mochi they made and refrigerated before when the doorbell rang making them groan in laziness.

She stood up going to see what took Harry so long on the door and got revealed to him talking instinctively to whoever rang the bell. 

"Hi, Y/N." Scottie smiles at him. Carrying her luggage and Y/N looks down at her attire for a second then forwards her hand shyly. She was so scared that day –- it's a blur to her but now she watches Scottie properly she realizes …. She's the same girl from all the paparazzi photos.

Something switches off inside her. The rainbows and confettis, the moonlight and stars and the nebula of the whole galaxy she had consumed in her little body from making love to Harry just shuts down into a white noise.

Her bottom lip plumps into a pout. Eyebrows trembling from this confused feeling of some invisible thing squeezing the life out of her. 

She's jealous. 

"I just came here to say bye." Scottie's voice makes her focus back into reality. 

"Oh…" She just nods. She doesn't return the hug even though her brain guilt trips her for that and when Scottie leaves with the air thick and tense, Harry corners her in between a wall and piece of furniture cradling her grumpy face in his careful palms speaking gently to her. 

"You don't 'ave to worry 'bout her, she's just a friend …. Infact you don't have to worry 'bout anyone because I love you so so much baby that I don't see myself spending me life with anyone else." She glances up at him twice, jaw falling slack from shock and he chuckles smothering her in kind-hearted kisses when she stares at him like a hawk. 

"You what!?" 

"I love you, Y/N." Her eyes closing like a moth flapping nearer to fire and finding peace in burning inside it. 

"I love you too so much." She whispers and welcomes his lips melting against her ardently. With the passion only lovers hold. Amiability she couldn't find anyone else but in his embrace, in his kisses and his lovemaking. 

"Can we go back to cuddlin'? Me feet gettin' cold baby." He whines treading fastly into the living room while carrying her like a kitten from behind and makes squeaky noises once snoozed under the warmth of the blanket. 

He touches their foreheads. Kissing the tip of her nose adorably. 

"I love you." Then burst into giggles. When she returns the passion coyly. 

"I love you too." 

[thinkingoutlouddblog]

Harry Fic Recs #3

It has been far too long since I have done one of these posts, especially considering how many amazing fics I have read between now and my last recommendation post. There are definitely fics I will miss and this is a reflection only on my memory and probably how long ago I read them. There is a plethora of truly exceptional works on tumblr, each of them requiring huge amounts of effort to be delivered to us as readers cost free so please please take the time to thank writers for fics you love, and at the very least give them a like (and a reblog, we love those too!).

Without further ado, I present fics that I adore!

First of all, a couple fanfictions from Wattpad because I have finally started reading fics from there for the first time since 2014. If you like me didn’t cross over to wattpad, I recommend you do so for these fics in particular. 

Stall by @/MysteryMixtapes - a lot of people reading this list probably think this is an obvious one but I had honestly never even heard of any wattpad fics until the end of last year so there might be someone else in the same boat as me. This is nice and long, dark but also very fun and humorous at times. It is the best of both worlds in a lot of ways. You get to see dark and gritty mob!H but also some very sweet moments. The writing is outstanding, some of the absolute best that is around in fanfiction anywhere today. I don’t want to give too much away, so just believe me when I say this is a must read.

Aerial by @/peanutboyfriend - this story is simply gorgeous down to its every detail. Set in 60s Malibu, this story follows Harry and an original main character who have been thrown together as aerial performers in the circus. This book throws you into a perfectly crafted world that is simply beautiful. I often found myself wanting to step right in. It is slow burn, full of tension, twists, sickly sweet moments and also angst.

!Kinda spoilers! What these two books have in common is what I believe to be an accurate depiction of navigating a romantic relationship and the ups and downs of trying to create a healthy dynamic, and often having to get things very wrong before you get them right.

Now back to my tumblr fam! I am going to list first the user and then their fics that I recommend in particular, but I honestly recommend everything on these lovely people’s masterlists.

@moonchildstyles

Aster - absolutely stunning tattoo artist!h fic, I could say so much but I don’t want to give too much away. But we start with y/n starting to make her own way in the world when she meets Harry, who is a bit of a dick to her even though she has a crush on him. The main character is so sweet in this, and it is all so beautifully written, I loved every word.

Chiaroscuro - suuuuuuuch an addictive vampire!h fic. My only qualm with this series is that it was not longer because I could honestly read about this little world forever. We start with y/n on the job hunt when she stumbles upon a live in house keeper position. Niall, who is handling the hiring for his friend, is lovely but something doesn’t seem quite right with this beautiful home or its handsome owner. 

@jawllines

Harry hates the other camp counselors and Y/N is very optimistic - this fic was so freaking sweet, a lovely bit of protective!h, squishable reader and just a fun vibe. All of her fics are really nice and long, and build beautiful worlds which you could practically step inside.

Here is her masterlist because all her writing is fabulous, all her stories are so original, well-written and gripping. I could sit her and list ten different stories I could just cut out the middle man and send you straight to her masterlist because you won’t find a single story on there you won’t love.

@sunflowervolvimp3 + @adashofniallandasprinkleoflunacy

You’re Someone I Just Want Around - I actually don’t have the vocabulary to express how much I am loving this story. These two lovelies are writing this gorgeous vamp!h fic together. They are serving slow burn, friends with benefits, secretly a vampire Harry with a dark past, who is, of course, in denial of his own feelings. This story is so fun, sexy and sweet, I am loving every moment and can’t wait to see what happens next. 

Both these lovely authors do some of my favourite tropes and aus in their solo writings so I am just going to say check out both of their masterlists (sunflower...) and (adashof...)

@angelisverba

Thinkin’ Bout You - holy fucking shitballs I can’t recommend this enough. This is about Florist!H who is a total freaking sweetie and has a giant crush on one of his new customers. The character creation was gorgeous, and every word painted the prettiest picture of this little world. Simply lovely, from start to finish.

@havethetimeofyourstyles 

Say It - sparks fly in the restaurant when Harry is assigned to show the new waitress the ropes. I adored this fic, it has that perfect blend of angst and freshly blooming romance (and also got a little bit saucy which we all love to see). Gorgeous fic, I cannot recommend it enough.

Pebbles and the Scarecrow - this fic had me absolutely squealing over how cute it was. I love halloween!harry. I love dad!harry. The two together, especially executed so well just melts my brain. This was actually unbearably cute. Co-ordinated costumes. Teacher!harry. Need I say more stop reading me talking about and go read it right now.

@majorharry

Fairies First - the absolute sweetest dad to be!h and pregnant!reader. Super cute and so well written, as is every fic on her masterlist. Read them all but also here are some more of my personal faves

The Thrill of the Chase - I literally read this first thing this morning when I woke up and saw it had been posted and I adore it! We have hunter!harry which is a trope I feel like you never see but based on this fic alone, I am obsessed. It’s a lowkey cottagecore vibe so if that’s what you’re into, you will love it.

@harry-writings​ 

Drive Me Wild - in which harry has trouble expressing emotions and reader talks too much. Okay I was so obsessed with this fic and could read a full length book of this au. Quiet!h and super chatty!yn are the cutest combination and the angst hurts so good my god. But also the fluff warms my soul.

The Mute Series - where Harry doesn’t talk and falls in love with y/n. I think I’ve read this fic at least three times. We have mute!harry, college!harry, and just overall sweet, shy lovely, Harry. This fic is gorgeous, it tugs on your heartstrings so aggressively and I just love it to pieces. 

Once again, these are some of my favourite writers on tumblr, and these are simply some of my favourites of all their works and I recommend going through their whole masterlists. 

[boogiewrites]

Mae Flowers Ch. 7

Characters: Alfie Solomons x Mae LeBlanc (OFC)

Summary: A modern, magical Alfie Solomons AU.  Mae works towards growing her powers and Alfie is there to explain every step. They begin learning more about each other and find a connection that neither truly expected.

Warnings/Tags: Language.Magic/Supernatural. Soul mates.Some domestic fluff, getting to know you stage. Talk of the unknown.

Click on my screenname then go to Mobile Masterlist in my bio for my other works and chapters. (Had to do this since Tumblr killed links, sorry.)

The sun rose high enough to peek through her curtain. It wakes her by gently kissing her face. Mae greeted the new day with enthusiasm.

Alfie had given her the task of sprouting, growing, and blooming a plant with her powers. She had been a bit cocky, she supposes, after the meditation went so well. But using her own undisciplined powers to do work was entirely different from receiving a gift of knowledge from her light. With Alfie's strong influence, the visions were much stronger than she could’ve formed herself. He’d asked endless questions, just like she would do. But unlike her, he'd had years to find the answers.

She stood in the kitchen, glaring out the bay doors at the sprouted plant on the patio table. She sipped her coffee as the maker gurgled in the background. The house was quiet, save Percy's feet crunching in the litter box.

Alfie had set her a task, and she was days into trying to achieve it. He had vaguely explained that he had some spell work to do that he needed privacy to accomplish. After giggling at the way he pronounced privacy she nodded and he disappeared. He’d still been up every morning,  looking a little rough around the edges. She didn’t want to pry but she also thought she might want to know what was going on in her house.

It was almost 10, she’d taken her time and lazed around long enough. She'd showered and eaten while hoping he would appear. But he hadn’t. So her curiosity got the better of her.

She made her way to the wall that held the archway to her sunroom and the door to the guest bedroom. She stood with a furrowed brow and pressed lips. She felt like she might be behaving rudely. She quietly knocks, her hand hovering over the door for some minutes before she talked herself into it. A quiet knock, then a more confident one after no noise from the other side. She pressed her ear to the door and heard nothing, not knowing if she felt relieved or more worried.

“Alfie?” She asked with a crack to her morning voice, not yet warmed up. No response. She tried to focus, head to the door, and see if she could feel anything. She didn’t really know what she was doing though, they hadn’t gotten to that lesson yet.

With no answer she reluctantly reaches for the knob, hand once again waiting to take action. As she clicks it, it sounded like one of the loudest noises she’d ever heard. She makes a space big enough to peep her round face through.

“Alfie?” she spoke softly, voice barely above a whisper into the stillness of the room. She made her way in, turning to see him star fished on the bed. His hair was a mess, hands still covered in what looked like soot, and lips pooched out while he was clearly in a deep sleep.

There were jars sealed with wax all over the dresser, salt around them, and little labels attached with twine to each. She was most curious and began to move towards them before a sudden grunt and sniff catch her attention from the bed. Unknowingly she’d passed the threshold of protection Alfie had cast and it had woken him up from his much-needed rest.

“Mmph Mae? What ya- bloody hell what time is it?” His brow arches high, dad noises followed as he rolled over to reach for his phone. “Oh fuck I’ve slept in.” He mutters and begins the process of moving his tired and half awake limbs to sit up on the bed.

“It’s not a problem, I just didn’t know what you were doing in here. I knocked… by the way. I was worried about you.” She explains hesitantly.

“No need. Just restin' me eyes.”

“Mm hmm.” She hums.

“Don’t appreciate that sarcasm Mae.” He rubs his eyes but she sees the grin behind his soft dark gingery beard.

“I knocked… like I said, twice, and said your name and you just laid there so…”

“You callin' me a liar? Bold of ya.” He kept a deep gruff tone as he yawns and stretches, but she could tell he was joking somehow. She felt comfortable with him in the snippy exchanges.

“Well I ain’t callin' you a truther.” She shrugs and gives a huff of a laugh.

“You’re a funny little flower, Mae.” Her odd response makes him laugh that turns into a cough. They share a pleasant lingering smile before something catches Mae’s attention. A movement under the covers of the bed.

He feels it against his hand and shoots his eyes in the direction Maes wide ones are staring.

“What the-?” He grumbles and jerks back the covers, and much to Maes horror a huge snake is making its way from the bed to the floor and towards the open window. “Fuck me, that wasn’t a dream? Ya sneaky cunt! Get out, ya slag!” He shoves the snake off the bed with a heavy thump while Mae presses herself against the door with too many questions rapid firing in her head. “I was tired from the work and you come all the way out here-?” His hands wave and he stops as if he were interrupted as he pushed the snake out the window. “Work innit?” He snaps and opens the window wider. “Ya ain’t fuckin special love. That’s always been ya problem. If ya never learn you’re gonna be like that forever!” He sticks his face thru the window opening before slamming it shut.

He turned around all huffed and annoyed and now awake.

“Uh… friend of yours?” Mae asks with a broken nervous laugh.

“I’m sorry Mae. She snuck in, I didn’t invite her. She’s never been much for respecting people’s space.”

“Wuh… so it was a friend?” She asks with eyes still looking at the spot where the snake had slithered out even though Alfie is moving around the room now to put the sheets back on the bed in his pajamas, a very rumpled white t-shirt with a v cut and his always present smattering of amulet holding necklaces.

“Well… yes and no. Bit complicated.”

“Like Facebook ‘It’s Complicated or…?”

“Like what?” He stops to plop on the bed and gives her an intimidating stare that suggests she might be behaving like an idiot.

“Y’know the relationship options on Facebook?” She says with an obvious nod. “You do know what Facebook is right?”

“Of course I fuckin know what Facebook is ya cheeky bugger.” he says harshly but huffs a single hard laugh.

She grins at his response and continued on with a lazy lilt to the early afternoon conversation. Her hands moving casually as she talked like the dust that was visible in the sun through the guest, well, Alfie’s room window now. “People can put it’s complicated as a relationship status. Usually, a sign someone’s made some bad decisions at some point.”

“Yeah? Like, fuck a snake?”

She snorts and covers her mouth as she laughs with bright eyes. “I wasn’t gonna say it but-“

“Didn’t have to read ya mind to know that’s what you were thinkin’, mate.” He shakes his head and fussed with his hair for a moment.

“I’ve been told I have a very bad poker face.”

“Terrible.” He says obviously but she felt the warm tone in his voice as he stood and gave her a smile that wasn’t accusing. “But it’s also somethin' you can learn.”

“Another thing to add to the long list of things you’re going to teach me.”

“That it is.” He says with an affirmative nod. “It comes with controlling your emotions. You feel things so strongly because you are unpracticed but we’re workin' in it yeah?” He nods and pats her shoulder.

“We are. I don’t feel as bad as I usually do after a rough day like yesterday.”

“Very good. Since I slept in like a fuckin lazy sod have ya got around to ya studies today?” They both move and carry a conversation into the kitchen as he makes himself some tea.

“Not yet, was being slow because I didn’t want to start until you got up. But then-“ she motions towards the cracked guest room door.

“Ridiculous, innit?” the previous annoyance at his unexpected visitor comes back to show on his face. “Not even my house and she doesn’t know you, yeah? Just invites herself in. Like everything’s bloody normal.”

Mae blinks with curious but very polite eyes as he rests against the counter for a moment, huffing and displacing a fluff of hair hanging onto his forehead. “I’m glad you also don’t think it’s normal. I know things are gonna start changing now, but python booty calls were not something I was prepared to handle.” She pauses her thousand-yard stare shifts to him. Blinking her full lashes over brown, now golden in the noon sun, eyes. “Not to be rude or anything. Just… being honest.” She shrugs, making herself smaller. “Thought it would be best to be… y’know with… all this witchy stuff.”

“First off, not a booty call.” He dismisses with a swipe of an expressive finger. “Secondly, honesty is the best policy. Always…. Unless ya Gotta lie.” He gives a more sly and cheeky smile her way as he takes a sip of tea.

“Are you lying about the snake booty call?”

“Nah, mate.” He gruffs out casually, “Not that I didn’t before she found herself in her current form. A stone-cold bitch of a witch that one. Piss off the wrong witch and ya go 'bout bein a twat and then next thing ya know you’re cursed to take her so-called, and very dramatically said at the time I might add- “true form”. He pauses, his tight but expressive face once again hides behind the tea mug and the fluff of mustache over the rim. “Old flame 'n that. Long, long time ago now.”

“How long is long for you? Since you’re…?”

“I prefer the term immortal to old if that’s what’s ya askin'.”

“I wasn’t but thanks for clarifying.”

“Years before you were even swimmin' in ya gran dads bollocks.”

“That’s the grossest way I’ve ever heard that put. Creative but, still gross.”

“Didn’t mean to be crude at the table, love.” He gives a nod but the polite face has mischievous and playful eyes behind it.

She huffs out a quiet laugh. “Wasn't a complaint.”

“Good to see ya aren’t squeamish. A sense of humor will help ya out in this work. Also nice to know my other half isn’t a stick in the mud.”

“Oh, I’ve been called that before.” She adds quickly and he laughs.

“Eh, don’t seem too bad to me Mae.”

“Well we just started so just give me a bit and I’ll let ya down.”

“Bad attitude like that means one thing.”

“What?”

“You didn’t eat a good breakfast did you?”

“I had-“

“Yeah, those bloody breakfast bar- bullshit things.” He cuts her off. “Ya have to eat real food now, pet. So we’ll be late getting at it today but nothings gonna get accomplished by no human without bein' fueled properly.”

“I don’t usually cook a big breakfast.”

“And ya ain’t gonna start now. I got it.” It’s almost as if her thought of standing to help was nipped from her mind, swearing she might’ve felt a light push to stay in her seat by some invisible force.

"You're not fattening me up to eat me are you? You and that snake?” She asks with a subtle playful smile but accusing eyes.

He lets out a loud sudden amused sound at her suggestion. “Maybe I am. Gonna butter ya up and stuff you in the oven.” He gives her a wink and chuckles to himself at the delightful energy she was putting out today before he turned back to the counter.

She blinks rapidly and finds herself hiding a flush in her cheeks at the seemingly innocent gesture. She retreats back to her normal sitting posture clenching her teeth to fight the smile that would otherwise appear on her face. Being forced to reckon with a handsome man winking at her that she wasn’t repulsed by was something new and she didn’t want to look like a giggling school girl. She was far from being a schoolgirl by being in her thirties but he made that same old energy bubble up inside her.

She clears her throat and tries to gain control of her emotions before they sweep her away. Since he’d been around all sorts of things were becoming quickly overwhelming. Since Alfie's appearance in her life, she’d started having mood swings, vivid intense dreams, and some rather animalistic passing thoughts. Most of them with the focus being on her new roommate. And she wasn’t talking about the unusual amount of reptiles she’d seen the past few days. She could swear the birds chirped louder now. It was as if she was going through some psychic puberty. Every sense and emotion was turned up so drastically it was as if she could feel a static tingling at all times. It didn’t hurt, but it was something she was trying to get a grip on. She was trying to be optimistic but her first round of puberty was something she felt she’d failed miserably at.

Alfie could feel her energy shifting and remained quiet. He had been both confused and impressed with her attempts to control all this new energy herself. He didn’t know why she didn’t ask about it but knew she was a scrappy little thing, forgo the occasional breakdown. Which he thought she had earned.

“MROW?” Percy jolts up from his warm bed in the sunroom, his morning sun spot starting to shift. He trots into the kitchen, the shifting of energy from his master drawing him from the bed.

He was a welcome distraction for her and both the men in the room, both he and Alfie felt ease as soon as Percy was in Mae’s lap and focusing her attention.

“Good little lad you’ve got there,” Alfie says, looking over his shoulder at the cat purring and grooming its owner.

“When he wants to be he’s very sweet.” Mae let’s put a sigh and cuddles him closer, feeling the tension in her body dissipate as she rubbing her face into the fur of the large white fluffy boy with his pink toe beans and nose.

“You know… I have a Percy.”

“You have a cat?”

“No, love. Percy is your familiar. I have one right now as well.”

She blinks in thought for a moment. “My familiar?” She asks, directed at the cat who was staring up at her with bright green eyes.

“A companion. A kindred spirit. He’s a little soul that is meant to help yours.”

She stares into the cat's eyes. “He just showed up one day. Like he already lived here.”

“Because he was called to you. Your power must’ve been blossoming at the time.”

“So you’re my familiar huh? If you’re supposed to help, why do you sleep on my clean laundry?”

Alfie let out an amused chuckle.

“Mrrm.” Percy responds and flicks his tail.

“I’d like to know how sleeping all day is supposed to help me out.” Mae gives him a big smile and scratches his chest. “Sassy little butthead.”

He purrs in response and rubs against her chest.

“Is your familiar a cat?” Mae asks while fussing over the affectionate cat in her arms.

“Oh no. Charles is nothing of the sort. A cat wouldn’t suit me would it?”

“A big fluffy ginger cat might.”

“Offensive language.” Alfie protests and Mae chuckles to herself.

“What is he then?”

“I’ll have you meet him sometime soon. Best to let him introduce himself instead of me.”

“Is he an animal?”

“He is. Familiars tend to be.”

“Can they be other things?”

“Sometimes a human. But rarely. Some have been Fae. Some like to stay in specter form if their counterpart is gifted in communicating with that plane.”

“So like spirit guides?”

“Good comparison, yes.” Alfie nods as he continues moving about the kitchen. “There are many forms any single soul can take, you see..” he began an impromptu lecture which he had done on occasion for the sake of educating her.  He kept talking, as she found he had the tendency to do if the mood struck him.  For now, he stuck to lessons about her, the baby steps any born and raised witch would know without even realizing. He didn’t want the sweet thing to seem like she lacked common sense when it came time to mingle with others like them. So he tried to begin with what to do to be able to perform at your best.  He spoke of fuel and food, energy creation and destruction, and how it works with people like them. Or well, her, he was different from her biologically. But that was a lesson for another day.

—————————-

Alfie checks on Mae once again, a little lump sat in the grass in her back garden with those golden eyes focused on her task. He hadn’t really known how fast or slow the process would go, and the fact that she had made any progress at all made him happy for her. She sat with her hands pushed against her face, elbows on her knees as she sat with crossed legs in the grass in front of the plant. Her button nose was wrinkled, thick dark brows made her look more severe than usual. A stray loose curl would flop in the wind on occasion, but besides that, she was being very still. The fruit-bearing trees planted along the high fence line now had different symbols in new shiny paint. Mae had learned about protection and she was taking it very seriously. The glitter paint, her choice, sparkled in the light along with the various windchimes and suncatchers she had hanging all over the garden. You could always hear at least a small ting of metal against metal outside, it was something Alfie grew accustomed to quickly and found it rather pleasant now. All her new decor made space seem even more full of life with the rapid onset of spring. Not to mention Mae’s growing powers were causing the flora all around her home to begin to flourish early.

Alfie was writing labels, carefully packaging the spells he’d made to send out. He was enjoying a quiet afternoon. The weather was pleasant and the clink of chimes with the lazy breaths of wind outside was a calming melody. He was musing about how nice it was to finally feel some true calm for the first time in his afterlife. This is why the sudden shrill scream of Mae made him almost drop a spell jar in surprise. He would’ve never let his guard down enough to get caught off guard like that before he’d met Mae. He’d never stopped to consider if being with his other soul half might make him soft. But it was swept away from his cares when he saw the bundle of sunshine that was Mae. He could see the joyous yellow rays emanating from her small feminine form. Her hair bouncier and her cheeks flushed as she screamed his name in the middle of jumping up and down with excitement.

“Alfie! LOOK!” She squeals and stomps her feet, her hands with the chipped yellow polish point towards a now fully bloomed plant on the ground.

“WHAY!” He throws his arms up in celebration! “Mozel tov boobah!” He claps and approaches her. Much to his surprise she fillings herself towards him in an impactful hug. As soon as her delightfully soft cheek pressed bare against the fuzzy section of his chest his shirt allowed, their breaths caught in tandem. His hand on the back of her fluffy hair, one arm keeping her steady in her back. There was an ebb and flow that much resembled (to those gifted enough to see such a thing) an aftershock that shot through them on contact and was sent back into the world around them.

It felt almost as if she was in the middle of a giant speaker in the back of some fuck boy's car. Or those old 5ive gum commercials. The second feels drawn out and heavy as that pulse connects them and is loaded into their systems. something neither had felt in such a pure form before they felt a split moment of euphoria. A total lack of worry and anxiety, total zen.

They both exhale with synced breath and everything shifts back to its former self. Mae looks up at Alfie with an expression of what the hell was that and he blinks down at her and tells her that for the first time in a long time. He didn’t exactly have the answer.

Mae licks her lips and looks at his chest, her nose set above puckered lips showing the wheels turning behind her eyes. That were a very vivid -damn near glowing actually- golden. They were large and often wet and they reminded Alfie of a frog on occasion. Especially when she wore her little round glasses. He considers this a compliment as he is quite fond of frogs.

“That was..” she takes a deep breath and clears her throat, “...you know those little sand...zen gardens with the stick and you-?” She draws a swirl on his back where her hands stay.

“Yeah. With the wee Buddha’s?”

“I feel like what one of those is supposed to make you feel.”

“Felt much like I’d gone up and slapped the Buddha and he hit me arse back on my end.”

“Didn’t it feel… good? Though?” Her face shows her uncertainty as it always does.

“Ya bloody right it did.” He lets out a warm laugh that reassures her.

“What is..?” She hugs him again. The same grip as before but it doesn’t happen. She squeezes. Waits. Alfie looks around after her third attempt and considers intervening.

“‘Ere.” Alfie says. Moving her hand to mirror his, slightly outstretched towards each other. “Can you see that?” He asks quietly as if he might scare something away.

“I don’t… I feel something though. I think…”

“Trust your intuition, Mae. It’s where the answers are.”

She follows his advice, taking a deep breath and a slow exhale and clearing her mind and really looking at the space between their hands.

“Do you feel anything?” He asks after a moment, seeing her face shift.

“Yes.” A much more confident response.

“Good girl. What is it?”

“It’s..almost like electricity.”

He keeps quiet as he sees it differently. It fascinates him.

“Like the Ghostbusters ray guns.” She answers seriously then laughs. “Except it isn’t really a color exactly it’s, it’s sort of yellow.”

“I see yellow as well.” He nods.

“Now concentrate. Look at the… rays and what they feel like.”

“Oh! They’re happy.” She answers quickly and cheerfully.

“What happens when I-?” He asks and touches their fingertips together.

She smiles and laughs, “It's like you’re touching the surface of a lake.

“It’s a reflection.” He nods.  “Now watch.” He begins to move it away and it’s as if a string is being pulled, the flow is taffy and it becomes thinner the farther away he gets. Her power is less loud, less clear the farther he is.

“It’s reacting to you.”

“It’s us. Welcome to stage one of your awakening. You can now see energy.”

“Did this happen because of the flower?” her head tilts like a curious baby animal.

“Flower?”

“Oh! Shit! I forgot! The flower! Alfie look!” She grabs his wrist and proudly shows off the fully blossomed Lily.

“Brilliant work, love.” He touches it and it’s strong and very alive. “Look at this little lass. Gorgeous.” He pets the plants leaves affectionately. “Lovely innit.” He leans towards Mae. “Takes after her muva.” He teases.

“I don’t see anything around it.” She says waving her hand near it.

“You won’t see everything at once. Be grateful for that because you’d go as mad as the first mantis shrimp.” He snorts at his own joke.

“The what?” She asks and shakes her head. “Alfie stop talking about mudbugs and explain.”

“You’re growing Mae darling! It’s all very good. Don’t worry. If there was cause for worry I would tell you, yeah? You’re learning to wield your powers and activating new ones. Natural innit?”

“So this is just my power growing?” She asks referring to the wobbly bit of energy as she moved closer to his body.

“I believe it is our souls. They want to be close. The closer the more vivid it is, see?” He touches his nose to hers and shows the tiny jolt of electricity that appears where their skin touches.

“It’s like static electricity. But it doesn’t hurt.”

“Nah, love they’re happy. They want to be close, little monkeys. They haven’t seen each other for so long. They get a bit excited.” He chuckles and rubs her arms reassuringly. He left a warm and good feeling behind in his wake. “Your powers are growing. You’re doing so well. In fact, I believe you are much deserved a few celebratory festivities, love.” He speaks quietly as he remains close to her.

“Like donuts?” She asks with a perky inflection.

“Could be but I was thinkin' more you should get yourself done up. Celebrate yourself. We can go out and I suppose eat since that seems to be where your mind is.”

“Done up? Like go out and eat together? A date?” There’s a mild flash of horror in her eyes.

“If that term scares you so then no. I am simply your friend-“

“Soul mate” she corrects.

“...soul mate who believes you should do things to celebrate this growth. Hard work earns hard play and you Mae darling have been working your bum off. You deserve it. Stop selling yourself short.”

“You being able to read me is good and all but it also really gets on my nerves. You get too real too fast on me like I’m just supposed to be okay with you plainly saying my obvious shortcomings.”

“It’s called growth. It’s what we’re here for.”

“When am I going to make you start growing?”

“Already have.” He states fast.

“I have?”

“Course! I don’t know if you could tell but I have not historically been known to be a very… coddling man. I have been alone and seen and done violence with my darkness… but being around you, your soul, it makes me feel like I’m young again at times. Your...spunky little personality- which is a great relief I must add- paired with the positive attitude and earnest approach has made me address how I approach things.”

“You like my personality?” her eyes look a bit sad but more intrigued.

“That’s what you took from that?” He chuckles.

“It’s a really nice compliment.” She quickly feels tears burn in her eyes.

“Oh bless your cotton socks.” Alfie laughs and pulls her in for a hug. “You little bugger.” He rubs her back as she gives him a tentative hug back. “You are kind and honest and curious. The world needs more like you. Your emotions are a gift. I do not see them as the burden you do. Most humans go through life feeling so very little. Did you know? It is a blessing to feel so strongly.”

“You’re so nice.” She sniffles and he once again laughs and kisses her head. “C’mon love. Let’s have a cuppa and we’ll get dresed up eh?”

“And then we go get food.” She sniffles.

“Yes, darling Mae then when go get food.” He lets out a deep chesty laugh as he escorts her back towards the house.

@jaegeeeeer​  @brianaisasongbird​ @hardygal69​ @emerald-bijou​ @captstefanbrandt​ @coolgh0st​ @tinastarkandco​ @xstylishmileage​   @s-h-e-w-r-i-t-e-s​ @peakys-mystic​

[thelastspeecher]

All right, here’s the last thing I have written up for the Avatar AU so far.  I’ll probably write more at some point, but this is all I got right now.  Enjoy Stan beginning his Avatar training.

(As a note: This AU is a collaborative effort, with @vulpixen, @bluestuffeh, and @nour386 involved in its development.)

——————————————————————————————

              Stan walked into the kitchen, his vision still bleary from sleep.  He yawned widely, stretched, and scratched his back.

              “Good morning, Stan,” chirped someone at the kitchen table.

              “Mornin’, Sally,” Stan grunted, recognizing the speaker by their voice.  He opened the fridge to find breakfast.  “So, when are the Fire Sages supposed to show up?”

              “They’re already here,” Ma McGucket replied.  Stan froze.  The handle of the fridge slipped from his suddenly weak grip.  He turned to face the kitchen table.  Ma McGucket wasn’t alone.  The Fire Sages were sitting with her.

              “Uh…”  Stan stared. “…Hi?”

              “Greetings, young avatar,” said the Fire Sage with the most ornate headdress.  Stan swallowed nervously.  “We are excited to make your acquaintance, Avatar Stan.”

              Avatar Stan.  Bile rose in Stan’s throat.  Avatar Stan.

              “We look forward to testing your mastery of firebending,” the Fire Sage continued.  Stan nodded.  “Sally has told us that you seem to be very familiar with the more martial aspects. That’s a good start.”

              “Yeah, I, uh…”  Stan rubbed the back of his neck.  “I got some training in firebending fighting when I was a kid.”

              “Excellent.”  The Fire Sages rose from the table.  “Care to begin your assessment?”

              “Um, I haven’t had breakfast yet,” Stan pointed out. He looked at Sally helplessly. Sally nodded slightly.

              “Please, come outside with me while the Avatar gets ready for the day.  I can show you the area where I thought the assessment could take place,” she said, her noble heritage showing in the gracious way she kicked the sages out of the kitchen.  Stan smiled gratefully at her as she left.  He opened the fridge again.

              Now…breakfast.

----- 

              Stan laid flat on his back, spread-eagled, staring up at the sky blankly.  Light footsteps sounded nearby.

              “You all right there?” a voice asked, amused. Stan let out a long groan.  The speaker, Angie, chuckled and sat next to him. “Those Fire Sages really put ya through the wringer.”

              “They had to test my bending,” Stan grunting, pushing himself up into a sitting position as well.  He winced.  “Where’s your dad?  I could use some healing.”

              “Let me!” Lute said eagerly, rushing over. “Take off yer shirt.”

              “You always try to get me to take off my clothes,” Stan muttered.  He removed the shirt anyways.  Lute bended water from the nearby pond, hovering it over Stan’s bruises and lacerations.  Stan let out a sigh.  “That’s better.”

              “How’d the test go?” Lute asked.  Stan shrugged.  “Don’t move while I’m healin’ ya!”

              “It went all right, I think.  I was able to do everything they asked except for lightning.” Stan scowled.  “I never got the hang of lightning.”

              “Well, not to offend ya or anything, but you don’t exactly have the right state of mind fer lightningbending,” Angie said. “It requires a calm mind free of conflict and personal strife.  Yer lackin’ in both those things.”  Stan rolled his eyes.  “What’s next, if ya passed?”

              “I guess…airbending.”

              “And if ya didn’t pass?”

              “More firebending training.”  Stan directed his scowl at the ground.  “I don’t really want that, though.  Kinda got my fill of it as a kid, y’know?”

              “No,” Lute and Angie said together.  Lute sent the water back to the pond.

              “We enjoyed our trainin’,” he said.

              “Yeah, that’s ‘cause you have good parents. Mine aren’t,” Stan said firmly.  The Fire Sages approached.  “Shit.”  Stan hurriedly slipped on his shirt and stood.  Lute and Angie got to their feet as well.  “…So?” he asked once the Fire Sages had stopped in front of him.

              “You’ve passed,” the head Fire Sage said.  Stan’s jaw dropped.

              “Wait, really?”

              “Yes.  We would prefer if you were capable of the cold fire, but it’s not a skill that we require when determining mastery.”  The head Fire Sage smiled.  “We’ve already contacted the Western Air Temple.  They’ll be sending an air bison to take you for your training next week.” Stan’s mouth went dry.  “One thing we need to address will also be your animal guide.”

              “Oh, I figured that Shanklin would be my animal guide,” Stan said.  The Fire Sages frowned.  “Shanklin? My dragon?”

              “…You have a dragon?” the head Fire Sage asked. Stan nodded.

              “I found his egg while I was homeless and kept it. Not long after I moved in with the McGuckets, he hatched.”

              “And you named him…Shanklin,” one of the Fire Sages said.

              “Yep.”

              “Why not something more traditional and noble, like Shen or Mizumi?” the Fire Sage probed.  Stan shrugged.

              “I liked Shanklin.  So I went with Shanklin.”  Lute frowned at Stan.

              “Wait, Shanklin is a dragon?  The way you talked ‘bout him, I thought he was some sort of possum-raccoon,” Lute said.  Stan grinned.

              “Heh, yeah, he acts like one.”

              “We would like to see this…Shanklin,” the head Fire Sage said.

              “Sure thing.  But first, uh, just so you know, I’m not gonna go on my training trip alone.” Stan put an arm each around Lute and Angie’s shoulders.  “I’m bringing my crew with me.  The Stang.”

              “The Stang?” Angie asked.

              “Like ‘gang’ but also my name.”

              “Pretty sure that’s been used before.”

              “Whatever.”  Stan looked at the head Fire Sage.  “These guys are my Team Avatar.  So they come with me.”  The Fire Sages seemed a bit disgruntled by the announcement, but after a moment, bowed.

              “As you wish, young Avatar.  We’ll be back tomorrow to meet Shanklin and discuss the specifics of your trip to the temple.”  As the Fire Sages walked away, Lute punched Stan roughly.

              “Were ya thinkin’ of askin’ us ‘fore ya decided we were goin’ to go travel the world with ya?” Lute asked, feigning anger.

              “Are you gonna turn it down?” Stan asked.

              “No, but-”

              “Then I don’t see what the problem is.”

              “Ha!”  Angie let out a bark of laughter.  “I love yer style, Stan.  Oh, sorry.” Angie bowed.  “Avatar Stan.”

              “Shut up,” Stan muttered.

              Angie snickered.

----- 

              “Excellent work today, young Avatar,” Ami, Stan’s airbending teacher, said, bowing to him.  “You’re a natural airbender.”

              “I’ve always been a big fan of freedom,” Stan said, grinning crookedly.  “Makes sense I’d be good at the element of it.”  Ami laughed.  “I’ll see you guys at dinner.”  Ami nodded and walked away.  Stan turned to Angie and Lute, who had been watching his training session.  At least, he thought they were watching his training session.

              Lute was bending a small orb of water, tossing it between his hands, while Angie stared down at the ground with a frown. Stan cleared his throat.  Lute and Angie looked up.  The orb of water fell to the ground.  Angie grinned at Stan.

              “Good work bein’ the leaf,” she said snarkily. Stan crossed his arms.

              “Are you making fun of me?” he asked.  Angie got off the small rock chair she had bended when Stan’s session started.  With a quick stomp, the chair melted back into the ground.

              “What?  Never,” she said, walking over.  “I’m very proud of ya fer doin’ so well.”

              “If anything, she’s makin’ fun of airbendin’,” Lute said, pulling up the water he had dropped and sending it into the flask he kept by his side.  Angie side-eyed Lute.

              “I wouldn’t do that,” she said pointedly. “Airbending is a noble bending art that almost went extinct.  I wouldn’t dream of mockin’ it.”  She crossed her arms.  “Even if it’s beyond comprehension,” she muttered.  Stan raised an eyebrow.

              “Beyond comprehension?  I comprehend it just fine.  Airbending is all about thinking on your feet, listening to your instincts.”

              “Don’t go too hard on her,” Lute said.  “She’s an earthbender.  She’s used to a stubborn element, not an easygoin’ one.  She don’t understand the importance of goin’ with the flow and lettin’ things happen sometimes.”  A small pebble hit Lute in the shoulder.  “Hey!”

              “You say that like fire don’t require a firm hand,” Angie scoffed.  “Honestly, firebendin’ has more in common with earthbendin’ than airbendin’.”

              “You’re probably right about that,” Stan agreed. He nudged a toe against the ground. “But…I dunno.  I learned pretty early on how important it is to pay attention to your surroundings and adapt to any changes.”  He looked back up.  Angie’s jaw was set firmly.  Something smoldered in Lute’s eyes.  “…What?”

              “Air is defensive.  Fire is offensive.  Hearin’ that ya learned at a young age how to act in a way inherently dif’rent from ya ain’t good,” Angie snarled.  “A firebender child shouldn’t be in a situation where they have to hide instead of forge forward.”

              “What are you implying?” Stan asked.  Lute and Angie exchanged a look.  “Spit it out, McGuckets.”

              “What exactly made yer parents so bad?” Lute asked quietly.  Stan froze. “You haven’t told us any specifics, just that they weren’t good, that they spent all their attention on yer brother, and you didn’t enjoy learnin’ yer native element.”  He tapped his chin.  “Actually, no, that list includes a couple specifics.”

              “What’s done is done,” Stan grunted.  He crossed his arms.  “It’s not important what my parents were like, okay?  Actually, it’s good, if you think about it.  I picked up airbending right away ‘cause of them!”

              “That’s one way to look at it,” Lute mumbled. Angie huffed.  “Angie, he wants us to drop it.  We should drop it.”

              “Fine.”  Angie shifted her stance slightly.  A rock hovered in the air for a brief moment, then sped towards Stan.  Stan caught it with his hand.  Angie smirked.  “That won’t cut it when ya learn earthbending, Stan.”

              “Good thing I’m not doing it yet, then,” Stan retorted, tossing the rock in his hands.  He chucked it over his shoulder.  “Let’s go eat.  Being the leaf is hungry work.”

[athena-athena]

A Dream Come True (Yondu x Reader)

A/N:  This is an AU that takes place after the events of Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and Y/N has joined the Guardians aboard the Benatar.

Tagged List: @celticheart72 @beenerdish @misfitgirlwrites @animeaniseed 

Warnings:  Smut.  

You were in the common room, curled up on one of the couches, reading a book, when Yondu came in and sat on the other end of the couch.

"Ya mind if I sit in here an' work?"

"Not at all," you answered, smiling at him.

"I'll try not ta interrupt yer readin'."

"It's fine," you assured him.

You went back to your book as Yondu started fiddling with a broken holopad.

A few minutes passed in companionable silence, until Yondu asked you, "Ya mind helpin' me fer a minute?"

You looked up from your book to see him holding up two wires out of the back of the holopad.

"Sure." You set your book aside, and scooted closer to him. "What do you need?"

"Can ya hold these two wires so I can solder ‘em together?”

"Okay, no problem."

You took the two wires from him, as he told you, "Hold 'em together, jus' like that."

"Got it."

It didn't take long for him to finish soldering them, and, once he was done, you handed the mended wire to him.

"'Preciate that, Y/N.  Sorry fer botherin' ya while ya's readin'."

"It's no bother. I'm glad I could help." You smiled at him, then continued, "Is there anything else I can do?"

"Nah, I got it. Go 'head an' finish yer book."

You slid back to the end of the couch and picked up your book, returning to the page where you'd left off.

After a few more minutes, you glanced up to see Yondu intently concentrating on repairing the holopad. Since he wasn’t paying any attention to you at the moment, you took the opportunity to study his profile. You hadn’t spent much time with him since joining the Guardians on the Benatar, and admittedly hadn’t given much thought to the Centaurian before now. Your paths hadn’t really crossed, and the only thing you knew about him was that he was sort of a father figure to Peter, though you still hadn’t quite figured out their dynamic.

You turned your attention back to your book, not wanting him to catch you staring at him. You weren’t even sure why you were staring at him. It’s not like you were attracted to him.  At least, that’s what you’d been telling yourself for the past couple of weeks. You didn’t even know him that well.  You breathed a quiet laugh at the thought.  

“Yer book funny?”

You looked up and blushed. He had no way of knowing what you’d actually been thinking about, so you just nodded, trying to keep your cool. “Um, yeah.”

“Ain’t never been much of a reader. What’s it ‘bout?”

It was Jane Eyre, which was decidedly not funny, but you hoped he’d never heard of it. You gave a brief summary of the book, and he raised a brow.

“Don’t sound too funny ta me.”

Drat. “Oh, yeah, it’s not really funny. Just that certain part was, um, kinda funny.”

“Oh.”

Trying to change the subject, you asked, “Do you just not like reading? Or never found a book that interested you?”

“Never really gave it much thought, ta be honest. Didn’t have no opportunities fer it when I’s growin’ up, an’ it ain’t somethin’ I wanted ta do after I’s grown.”

“Oh, okay. Well, if you wanted to give it a try, I have a few books in my quarters you can borrow.”

He gave you a crooked grin, and replied, “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“How’s the holopad repair coming along?”

“Think I ‘bout got it.”

“Good!”

“Yep. Ya wanna read some a yer book ta me while I finish fixin’ this? So I’s can see if it sounds like somethin’ I’d wanna read?”

“Oh. Um, yeah, I can do that.” You were totally not sure that you could do that. As much as you loved to read, reading out loud was not high on your list of fun things to do. “Do you want me to start from the beginning?”

“Nah, jus’ start with whatever part yer readin’ now.”

“Okay.”

He grinned at you, then continued working on the holopad. You cleared your throat and nervously began to read. You felt exceedingly self-conscious at first, but after a few minutes, you forgot you had an audience and lost yourself in the story.

You didn’t stop until you heard a beeping noise, and, glancing up, caught Yondu staring at you. You couldn’t read his expression, and he quickly turned his attention back to the beeping holopad.

“Think I fixed it.”

“Good!”

“Kraglin’ll be happy. He didn’t wanna hafta buy a new one.”

You smiled at him as he pressed a few more buttons on the holopad. “So, what do you think of Jane Eyre so far?”

“It ain’t so bad.  Dunno if I’d be able ta read it myself, but I like ta hear ya read it ta me.”

You blushed again, though he wasn’t looking at you. “I’d be happy to read it from the beginning for you, if you wanted.”

Looking up at you, he replied, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

You were saved from having to think of a response by Peter walking into the room.

“Hey, Y/N. What’s up, you old doofus?”

Yondu grunted a reply, as you said, “Hey, Peter.”

“What are you two doing in here?”

“I was reading, and Yondu was working on a holopad.”

“Oh, yeah, Kraglin mentioned that. You get it fixed, Yondu?”

“Yep.”

“Oh, I almost forgot… Rocket is looking for you, Y/N. He said something about a mini blaster?”

“Oh! Yeah, he said he was going to work on one for me. Where is he?"

"The last time I saw him, he was heading to your quarters to see if he could find you."

"Okay, thanks. I'll go find him.” Standing up, you slipped on your boots.  “I'll see y'all later."

They both told you goodbye, and you set off in search of Rocket.

---

You woke the next morning, with the last vestiges of a dream slipping away from you. You had the vague feeling that it had been a very good dream, but every time you would come close to remembering any details, it would slip away again. Shaking your head, you let it go, and got up to start your day.

Later in the day, you decided to take a break and find some lunch. You passed Yondu in the corridor on your way to the galley, and the sight of him caused your dream from the previous night to come rushing back to you. Blushing to the tips of your ears, you sputtered out a hello.

"Hey, Y/N! Where ya headed?" His brows creased in concern as he looked at you more closely. "Ya okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine! Just fine. I was, um, on my way to find some lunch."

"Mind if I join ya?"

"Not at all."

He grinned at you, then fell into step beside you as you continued on your way to the galley.

You couldn't think of anything to say, due to the fact that your brain was now determined to let you remember the entire dream, detail by glorious detail.

Yondu definitely played a starring role in the dream, and the things he was doing to you were better left kept to yourself.

"Been thinkin' 'bout tha book you's readin' yesterday. Wanna know how it ends. Ya think ya can read some more of it today?"

You weren't sure if you could spend any length of time next to him without melting, thanks to the memory of him in your dream on replay, but you replied, "Yeah, that sounds good."

The two of you reached the galley, and after grabbing a couple of sandwiches and bottles of water, you sat next to each other at a table. Try as you might, you could not stop thinking about the dream. His hands, his mouth, his voice – everything was reminding you of what he was doing in the dream, and it was all you could do to keep from throwing yourself at him right there at the table.

Trying to pull yourself together, you took a bite of your sandwich.

"How'd that mini blaster tha Rat make work out fer ya?"

You finished chewing, and replied, "It's great. I'm not really familiar with shooting weapons, but it's easy to handle."

"Good. I can give ya some lessons, if ya want?"

The thought of Yondu giving you shooting lessons was sending your dream-addled brain into overload, but you managed a calm, "I would love that, thank you."

"We can start tomorrow, if ya ain't got nothin' else planned."

"Tomorrow would be perfect." You couldn't help but imagine his hands on you as he helped you aim your blaster.

"We'll say it's a trade – ya read ta me, an' I'll help ya with yer shootin'."

You smiled at him. "Sounds good."

---

Later that afternoon found you in the common area with Yondu again, except this time you were hyper aware of him sitting at the other end of the couch. The more you thought about the dream – and you'd thought about it A LOT since the memory of it had come back to you earlier in the day – the more you struggled to keep yourself from acting on your feelings.

There was no way you could ever mention this to a soul, and especially not to Yondu, but you also weren't sure how you could continue to live on this space ship in such close proximity to him without dying every time you saw him.

Trying to ignore your growing frustration, you picked up your book.

"Do you still want to start from the beginning?"

"Yeah, if it ain't no trouble."

"No trouble at all."

He grinned at you, and you felt a wave of desire wash over you.  Get it together, Y/N. Focus on reading!

Blushing, you cleared your throat, and began to read. Yondu was a very attentive listener, and it was killing you to be the sole focus of his attention.  Of course, you wanted to be the sole focus of his attention, but in very different circumstances.

You tried not to glance up, but couldn't resist looking up into his ruby eyes every now and then as he watched you read.

After about an hour, he stopped you. "Ya wanna take a break? Get somethin' ta drink? Don't wanna wear ya out. We can stop fer the day, if ya want."

“A drink sounds good. We can keep reading afterwards, though. I'm enjoying it."

"Ya sure?"

"Yeah." You were just enjoying the feeling of being in the same room as him, and if that meant reading until you lost your voice, so be it.

---

After the two of you returned to the common area, you sat down on the couch again. You noticed that Yondu sat considerably closer to you this time, and you felt your body temperature rise.

You started to read again, but struggled to keep your focus on the story. Your thoughts kept drifting to the memory of his hands as they’d roamed over your body in your dream, and how it had felt to have him kiss you. You wondered how it would feel for him to really kiss you. You completely lost your train of thought, and stopped mid-sentence.

"I'm sorry."

"Ya okay?"

"Yeah, just distracted."

"Let's stop. Gettin' kinda late anyway."

You glanced at the clock, surprised that it was so late. "I didn't realize it was this late!"

"Shouldn't have let ya read so long. Jus' really like listenin' ta yer voice."

You melted under the look he was giving you. You weren't sure if it was the look or the fact that you always lost all judgment when it was this late, but you couldn't stop yourself from saying, "I had a dream about you last night."

You instantly regretted it, and felt your face turn red.

His grin grew slowly, before he finally replied, "That right? What happened in yer dream?"

You couldn't believe you'd started this conversation, and had no idea how to answer him.

"Was it a good dream?" he asked.

"Yes..."

"How good was it?"

"Very good."

His grin grew even wider, and he slid closer to you, picking up your hand as he started to caress it.

"Was I touchin' ya?"

Breathless now, you answered, "Yes."

"Did ya like it?"

You nodded, and his other hand slid up your thigh.

"What else was I doin'?"

"There was... there was kissing..."

He drew closer to you and whispered, "Like this?”  His lips met yours, and it was even better than your dream.

When he finally broke the kiss, you murmured, "Something like that."

He laughed softly, and said, "More'n kissing?"

Biting your lip, you nodded, and the look in his eyes filled you with a need that surprised you.

He pulled you onto his lap as he continued to kiss you, and you reveled in the feel of his hands on your body as they made their slow and unhurried way under your shirt.

"Ya wanna take this ta yer quarters?"

You didn't even hesitate, standing and grabbing his coat lapels to pull him up beside you.

He grinned again, and took your hand as you led the way to your room, stopping occasionally for him to press kisses against your neck and lips.

When you finally reached your room, you stepped inside, closing the door behind the two of you.

Yondu had you pressed against it as soon as it shut, kissing you with a new intensity. You hungrily returned his kisses, as his hands began to pull at your shirt.

You lifted your arms, allowing him to remove it, and he instantly moved his lips lower as you moaned softly.

You slid off his duster and he stopped kissing you long enough to pull his own shirt off. You kicked off your boots and he followed suit, before lifting you and carrying you to the bed. He gently placed you on it, then lowered himself on top of you.  

After a few more minutes, he helped you wiggle out of your pants, before he stood and removed his own.  Sliding back into bed, he removed your bra and panties, agonizingly slowly.  You decided to return the favor, slowly removing his underwear, then lazily trailed your hands up and down his body.  

He shuddered at your light touch, and you leaned up to kiss his lips, continuing your gentle exploration of his body.  He stopped kissing your lips, only to start kissing his way down your neck, his hands roaming your body in turn.  

You whimpered as his fingers brushed your skin, and he flashed you a wicked grin.  “This better’n yer dream?”

“Definitely.”

His grin widened, before trailing kisses down your chest and stomach. He stopped, suddenly, and looking up at you, said, “Ya wanna tell me ‘xactly what I did ta ya in yer dream?”

“You’re doing pretty good without any guidance,” you answered breathlessly.

He laughed softly.  “Well if ya change yer mind...”  

You arched your back as he continued kissing you, his tongue moving in a way you were pretty sure was illegal in several places on Terra.

“Yondu,” you whispered, causing him to kiss his way back up to your lips.  

“What is it, darlin’?”

You looked into his ruby eyes, and breathed, “I need you.”

He stared into your eyes for a moment, before he replied, “Well, ya got me.”

He slowly entered you, and you held onto him tightly as he began to move inside you.  

_

Later, as the two of you lay entwined, Yondu asked, “How’d that live up ta yer dream?”

“It was much better than my dream.”

He laughed softly, then pulled you closer to kiss you.  “Glad ta hear it.”

“Maybe I’ll have another dream tonight that we can reenact tomorrow.”

“An’ if ya don’t, I think we can make up our own dream here in yer bed.”

“Mmm… that sounds good.”

You yawned, and he smiled at you.  “Sweet dreams, darlin’.”

“Night, Yondu.”

Snuggling closer to him, you had the fleeting thought that maybe dreams did come true.

[1899-newsboy-strike]

Cinderella AU - Jack Kelly Imagine

Requested: Cinderella AU with Jack Kelly

Warnings: prepare yourselves for a long one :) (28 paragraphs oops)

Summary of request: Cinderella AU where Jack is one of several servants working under Wiesel Oscar and Morris. After overhearing the Delancey’s talking about the royal ball he wants to go but is denied. He finally gets help from a fairy godmother he’s able to go for an opportunity to get a climb in status and meets a princess while he’s there and using a fake name. 

Part two

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

Jack awoke to the sun shining through the window and in his face. He rubbed his eyes as he pulled out his stopwatch to see the time. He quickly got up to get dressed before he started to wake the other servants before he headed down to make breakfast for Wiesel and his nephews. Jack sighed as he scrambled half a dozen eggs in a pan. “Mornin’ Jack.” One of the other servants greeted as they walked in. “Mornin’. Do me a solid and make the orange juice will you?” Jack asked as he turned too see Albert. “No can do. I’s got the pleasure of shining shoes all day. I’ll ask ‘round.” Albert explained as he patted Jack on the back as he walked by.

“Hey Jack, Al said you needed help?” Jack heard from behind him. “Yeah, oranges at over there.” He responded not turning around as he continued to cook and put everything on plates as it was done. “You gonna need help taking it out Jack? I’m supposed to be washing clothes today.” Romeo explained as Jack finally finished plating everything. “No I got it thanks for the help.” Jack smiled at him as he grabbed the drinks and went into the dinning hall. “You have to wear your best clothes tomorrow. None of the girls will look at you if you look like one of the servants.” Oscar told Morris as he gave Jack a dirty look as the drinks were placed in front of them. “You’re one to talk with your ugly mug you’re going to need more than you’re best clothes if we’re going to get any of the girls there to pay attention to you.” Morris fired back to his brother and Jack smirked.

“What are you smiling at?” Oscar spat as he looked at Jack. “Nothing, just thinkin’ ‘bout the ball.” Jack explained as he walked back to the kitchen to get the food. “You’re not thinking about going are you?” Morris laughed as Jack set the plates in front of the both of the brothers and their uncle. “It seems like a good opportunity to meet some fellow artists that’s goin’ there. If you’s let me take the day off to go of course.” Jack explained as he looked over at Wiesel. “Oh you won’t have the day off, and you’re not allowed to go to the ball. If anyone sees any of my servants there I’ll be seen as a joke.” Wiesel laughed as he began to eat his meal not giving Jack a chance to argue.

For days Jack sulked as he thought about the ball that the brothers wouldn’t shut up about. Jack would wake up and fall asleep thinking about the ball, and he couldn’t seem to get it out of his head no matter how hard he tried. On the day of the ball Jack woke up on a mission. He quickly got up woke the others and cooked breakfast for Wiesel and the brothers so fast that he was done in less than an hour. He ignored everyone as he worked like a mad man doing the jobs he was informed to do that day and finished as soon as the Delanceys were going to leave with their uncle, until Jack stopped them.

“Mr. Wiesel I’s finished everythin’ I’s been instructed to do for the day. I was wondering if you’d consider lettin’ me go?” Jack asked Wiesel as they were almost out the door making Wiesel scoff. “The answer is still no. I won’t have you making me look bad, and as for finishing your work, maybe you can be useful and help the others with their work.” Wiesel explained as he walked out leaving Jack crushed as he watched them all walk away from the house. As they got smaller and smaller Jack just stood as he tried to think of what he could do. As an idea finally popped into his head Jack finally moved from his spot as he made his way toward the rest of the servants.

“Hey, Race come over here for a minute.” Jack said as he stood in the doorway. “Somethin’ wrong?” Race asked as he walked over to Jack. “I’s headin’ out to Medda’s, so I’s leavin’ you in charge in the meantime. I expect everythin’ in order when I get back.” Jack explained making Race nod his head. “I won’t let you down. Just make sure to be back before the brothers and Wiesel get back. They’s probably gonna get here around twelve, so just make sure to get back before then or Wiesel will have your head.” Race explained making Jack nod. “Thanks Racer, I owe you one.” Jack patted him on his shoulder as he walked out and headed to Medda’s. 

“I can’t believe he wouldn’t let me go ‘cause he thinks I’s gonna embarrass him or somethin’!” Jack exclaimed to Medda as he continued to rant about the ball and how he really wished that he could become an artist full time instead of having to clean and cook for Wiesel and his nephews. Medda sat in silence as she listened to Jack go on about his dream. Medda couldn’t help but feel sorry for the boy sitting in front of her. “I’ll tell you what Jack. Walk with me over to the shop and we’ll figure something out.” Medda explained as she got up and motioned for Jack to follow her. 

“What are we goin’ there for? Do you need help with any of the suits again?” Jack asked as they began to make their way over to the shop that was a block away. “You’re going to the ball.” She explained making Jack stop in his tracks. “What?” He asked as he stared at Medda. “You’re going to that ball. I have a suit that won’t be picked up for a few more days that you can borrow. I’ll clean you up and you can go work for that dream of yours.” She explained making a big smile appear on Jack’s face. The rest of the way to the shop Jack did nothing but thank Medda for what she was doing for him.

Jack stared at himself in the mirror smiling as he finally looked like he wasn’t a servant. “Don’t go messing up your hair now.” Medda said as Jack was about to touch his hair. “Now get along before you’re too late.” She explained as Jack gave her one last hug before heading out the door. Jack ran as fast as he could in the direction of the ball since it had already started. As Jack reached the front he was greeted by the servants who were working there, and they were surprised at the kindness Jack showed them as he greeted each one he passed by instead of ignoring them like the rest of the people there.

It had been longer than Jack liked as he spoke to the many artists that he recognized, and he had been shot down each time. He got “not with an accent like that.” and “I don’t work with scum.” With each bash Jack got he began to give up and just walked into the hall to get away from the noise of the people dancing and talking. He realized that the walls on both sides were littered with painting that Jack just couldn’t take his eyes off of. Jack had been too distracted by the paintings on the wall to hear someone fuming and walking in his direction, until he was shoved and a body was on top of him.

“I’m sorry, I guess you couldn’t help but fall for me.” Jack said as he looked and saw that a beautiful girl had fallen on top of him. “I’m sorry I should have looked where I was going.” She laughed as she got off Jack and wiped herself off. “Nice to meet you” He said to the girls surprise as Jack had seemed more laid back than most of the princes she’d seen that night.  “It’s nice to meet you too.” She smiled up at him. “I like you, you’re much more relaxed than all those men in there.” She explained as she looked back in the direction she’d just come from.

“So what brings you to the ball?” Y/N asked as she began to walk in the opposite direction with Jack following her. “I came to... talk to other artists that are here, and you?” Jack asks not wanting her to ignore him once she found out he was nothing but a servant. “I live here. I have to attend everything, make a good impression once I find someone to marry and become Queen.” She explained making Jack’s throat “You’s Y/N Y/L/N?” He asked with his eyes wide making her nod sheepishly. “That’d be me.” She nodded sheepishly, and that’s when Jack happened to look at the clock near them.

“Well it was nice talking to you Y/N, but I’s gotta go, I didn’t realize how late it was.” Jack explained making Y/N look at the clock. “I’m sorry to have kept you so long. Maybe you could come to the dinner we are having tomorrow if you have time.” Y/N explained making Jack nod before he ran out the door and back home. Y/N watched as Jack left and couldn’t help but think there was a slim chance of seeing him the next day. 

Jack ran for his life all the way back home hoping that he had time to go through the front door and didn’t have to go around back if Wiesel was already home. “Jack!” Someone called out as he neared the house making him look up. “You gotta climb up the side! They’s home and downstairs!” Race called from the window making Jack give him a thumbs up as he rounded the corner and started to climb up the side groaning because the suit made it difficult to climb as fast as he’d want. “Welcome home, so how was it?” Race asked as he helped Jack through the window.

“You really met the princess?” Crutchie asked Jack as all the servants were sat around listening to Jack talk about his night. “Yeah, she even invited me to go to this dinner they’s havin’ tomorrow, but I don’t know.” Jack explained making Crutchie almost wack Jack upside the head with his crutch. “Jack you’s never gonna get a chance like this ever again and you’s not sure?!” He exclaimed making the rest of the servants agree making Jack sigh as he nodded. “Alright, alright. All of you’s better head to bed, we’s got a day off tomorrow, gotta make the most of it.” Jack told all of them as he got up to finally get changed.

“Hey, I didn’t think you were coming.” Y/N smiled as Jack stood on the steps with clammy hands. “Wouldn’t have missed it.” Jack explained making her smile grow as she stepped to the side motioning for him to come in. The whole time they ate Jack was sweating, nervous that he’d be caught and someone would bring to everyone’s attention that he was nothing but a servant. Y/N gave Jack a reassuring smile from across the table sensing his nerves, even though she couldn’t understand why he seemed so nervous and different than the night before.

“You seemed nervous back there.” Y/N explained as she walked with Jack in the backyard. “I ain’t used to bein’ around so many people is all.” Jack half lied making her nod. “You know, I didn’t catch your name.” Y/N explained as both of them sat down making Jack’s breath catch in his throat. He tried to quickly think before he finally thought of a name that he remembered seeing the night before as he was changing out of the suit. “Francis Sullivan.” He quickly said the words just flying out of his mouth without a second thought. “Nice to finally know, you left in such a hurry I hadn’t gotten your name.” Y/N explained making Jack scratch the back of his neck. “Yeah, I was late heading back home.” He explained making her nod showing she understood.

After that day Y/N and Jack had seen each other at least three times a week. They had become closer than they had originally planned, and no one knew, both of them not wanting everyone to know since rumors would spread like wildfire, and it wouldn’t end well for either of them. Jack especially didn’t want anyone finding out knowing that once Y/N knew who Jack really was she wouldn’t want anything to do with him anymore.

It had been months since they’d been together, both parties infatuated beyond belief with the other. Jack had taken up drawing the woman he loved whenever he was unable to see her and the servants took notice. “Jack how many different drawings are you’s gonna do of her?” Romeo had asked looking over the pages that littered Jack’s room with Y/N’s face. “As many as I can think of.” Jack responded not even looking up from the new drawing he was working on. “Alright.” Romeo smirked as he looked over at the other servants nodding over at Jack making them all just shake their heads.

“He’s really wonderful.” You continued as you had been talking to the maids in kitchen as you were sprawled out on the table. “Y/N how many times do I have to remind you to sit properly or your father will have a fit.” Y/N’s favorite maid who had also happened to be the top maid explained as she walked into the room. “Oh Adelaide must you ruin all my fun?” Y/N joked as she climbed off the table and sat down on one of the chairs. “What have you all been talking about?” Adelaide asked ignoring her question but giving her a small smile instead. “Miss Y/N has a secret relationship.” One of the other maids informed making Y/N’s face heat up. “His name is Francis Sullivan.” She confirmed with a nod. “He’s really sweet. He’s so different from all these men I’ve met before, he doesn’t like me because of all of this.” Y/N explained as she gestured to the whole room. “He likes me for me.” She continued as she smiled. 

“What a nice name, sounds very high class.” Adelaide smiled as she walked over making Y/N shake her head. “I don’t care about names or status, haven’t you met the Delanceys? They’re a very high class family but the brothers are horrible.” Y/N explained. “I had to run away from Oscar the other night because he wouldn’t leave me alone. The only good thing that came out of that was meeting Francis.” She continued as she looked at the clock and almost flew out of the chair she was in. “I’m going to change, he’ll be here soon.” Y/N almost squealed as she ran up to her room making Adelaide turn to the other maids. “No word of this to her father you hear? He won’t like that this a secret.” She explained as she looked back in the direction Y/N left with a small smile on her face. 

“Long time no see.” Jack greeted as Y/N came into view. He grabbed her hand giving it a kiss making Y/N blush as she sat down next to Jack. “I’ve missed you.” She said making Jack smile. “I’s missed you more.” Jack told her as he reached into his pocket. “Made you somethin’.” He explained as he handed her a piece of folded up paper. Y/N slowly unfolded it trying not rip it. “Francis this is beautiful.” Y/N whispered softly as her fingers ran over the lines that connected to depict her face in a way she’d never seen it before. “I love it. Thank you.” She said as she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a hug. “It’s nothin’.” Jack smiled down at her as she pulled away. They stared at each other with smiles on their faces like they were the only two people in the world. 

Before either of them could think they both subconsciously leaned into each other until their lips met. Y/N smiled into the kiss as Jack’s hand held her cheek softly caressing it. They both pulled away out of breath as they continued to stare at each other. “Francis?” Y/N asked making Jack almost correct her in his daze till he remembered his lie. Instead he hummed in response as he watched her bite her lip. “I… would you come to the event we are having tomorrow? I know you usually do, but would you court me? If we don’t start letting people know that we are together my father will start looking for one of the princes to marry me.” Y/N explained causing Jack’s heart to race. “I’d love to. I’s gotta go, I’s got things to do tomorrow before I come.” Jack lied through his teeth as he kissed Y/N’s forehead as they both said their goodbyes before Jack made his way back home. 

“What’s wrong? You’s look like you’s seen a ghost.” Crutchie explained as Jack was staring at the wall for what seemed like ages. “She wants me to court her tomorrow. How’s I supposed to do that without her findin’ out I ain’t some prince.” Jack explained as he continued to stare at the wall. “I ain’t goin’. I ain’t gonna embarrass her like that.” Jack continued as Crutchie walked over to Jack. “You’s gotta tell her sometime.” He told Jack making Jack sigh. “I ain’t gonna see her no more. I’s just gonna hurt her or embarrass her when she finds out about me.” Jack explained making Crutchie furrow his brows. “You’s gonna hurt her if you just disappear.” Crutchie informed him making Jack nod. “It’s the only way.” Jack explained as he put his head in his hands. 

True to his word Jack never showed up the following evening leaving Y/N confused and upset as she was ready to finally come clean about her relationship with him. Day after day Y/N was left worried as she hadn’t seen Jack nor heard a word from him or anyone about the man. Each night she’d talk to the maids about how much she missed her beloved. Y/N couldn’t help but feel as though she did something wrong for the first week, thinking he was taking time away from her to calm down. It wasn’t until a month had passed without seeing Jack that Y/N was worried something bad may have happened and decided to take matters in her own hand. 

Y/N paced outside her fathers door as she argued with herself whether she should go in or not. She took a deep breath as her hand turned into a fist before she slightly knocked on the door. “Come in.” She heard her father say making her shaky hand turn the knob as she walked in. “Father you’re still in charge of calling people to court right?” Y/N asked making her father look up from what he was doing. “Yes I am. Is something wrong?” He asked making Y/N avert her eyes. “I just need to call find a man…” She explained making her father give her a skeptical look. “Alright then, what’s his name?” He asked after seeing the desperate look on his daughters face. 

Y/N stood with her father chewing on her lip as she waited for Francis to show up in the courtroom. “They’ll be here any minute, stop slouching and stop biting that lip of yours.” Her father explained making her sigh as she stood up straighter intertwining her hands behind her back letting go of her lip that was now red from her biting it so much. The door to the court opened causing Y/N to perk up as she thought she’d see the love of her life, but was met by a much older man who looked nothing like the man she knew, the only thing that was familiar was the suit that man had been wearing. “Francis?” Y/N asked skeptically as she walked closer to the man. “Yes Princess Y/N, that would be me.” The man smiled at her as she continued to stare. “May I ask you a few questions?” She asked making the man in front of her nod.

Y/N was on a mission as she went around town trying to look for the answers she was desperate for, until someone finally directed her to the tailor shop in town. “Thank you very much.” She had thanked the man who had walked her all the way to the shop before she walked in and got the answers she was looking for before heading out again in the direction of the theatre that was only a few minutes away. As Y/N walked in she was about to ask someone if they knew a Medda until she stumbled across someone. “You.” She breathed out catching the attention of the man in front of her that she knew as Francis Sullivan.

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

Okay so this is the whole request if anyone is interested in reading it.

Cinderella AU. Jack is one of several Servants (Newsies) working under Wiesel and his Nephews Oscar and Morris. Jack overhears the brothers talking about going to the royal ball and flirting with the princesses. Our driven protagonist sees the ball as a chance for him to associate with more high ranked artists and to climb in status but Wiesel of course denies his request. When they’re gone Jack leaves his duties in the house and goes to town to rant to (the fairy godmother) Medda. Medda, feeling sorry for him, decides to fix Jack up herself. Because she owns not only the theatre, but also the local tailoring shop, she gives Jack a suit which belonged to someone else but since he’d take a few days more to pick it up, Jack could borrow it and attend the ball. So he does and besides ignoring the Delanceys, he tries to get in contact with as many artists as he can. But hearing his accent makes them think he’s dirt. Frustrated, he goes out to the hall. and he looks at the paintings on the walls to calm down a bit to then go home. While he’s looking at the portraits, a lady accidentally walks into him. He apologises being in the way, but not without adding a cheesy joke (You fell for me). The lady (Princess Reader), notices how he is much more relaxed than the proper princes she was originally running from and strikes up a conversation. They talk the entire night until twelve o’clock when Jack knew Wiesel and the boys would be home so he rushes to get out of there but not before Reader invites him to to the royal dinner the next day. When home, Jack tells his boys about the experience. He’s not sure about the dinner at first cuz he ain’t royal that’s risky. But Crutchie reminds him that he’s never gonna get a chance like this, so he goes. This time reader asks for his name. Since Jack Kelly isn’t a royal name, he panics but suddenly remembers who the suit he has belongs to originally. “Francis Sullivan” He says. Reader keeps inviting Jack and Jack keeps going and eventually they get a romantic (secret) relationship. Jack draws her when at home and reader talks about the wonderful Francis Sullivan to her maids. Reader decides to ask Jack to court him officially at the next event she invited him to, but he never shows up. A month passes without a single word from Jack. Worried, the reader asks for her father to call the man, Francis Sullivan, to court. The reader realises something’s not right. /🍄

[pittbull-enthusiast]

Sunburn (Modern! Hockey! AU) - Albert Dasilva x Reader

Part 1

Oh my gaWD!!! I read this post and I totally got inspired by it, so I just had to write it out! As a self-proclaimed hockey freak and lover of Albert Dasilva, I just couldn’t resist ;)

https://graylier.tumblr.com/post/178226887046/so-i-read-something-about-hockey-player-albert-and

Warnings: Some language and like, one innuendo?

—

Albert’s skates flew effortlessly on the ice beneath him, quickly changing directions when the small rubber puck would skid away. He breathed in the cold, damp smell of sweat and blood, relishing in the sound of hockey sticks colliding with the ice, grunts and yells of his fellow teammates, and the swift sound of his skates on the rink. Adrenaline pulsed through his body as he skated through the players, slamming one in the glass before skating off again. This was Heaven for him.

He came to an abrupt stop as his coach called the practice game to an end. He pulled off his helmet and shook his head a bit, his red locks getting even more messed up than before, when he was joined by two of his fellow teammates.

“Nice work out there today, Dasilva,” said Jack with a grin. “You’s definitely one of my strongest players out there.” Jack Kelly was the team captain for Albert’s high school hockey team, and he had the most experience out of anyone on the there. A compliment from him was a big deal.

“Thanks, Kelly.” Albert replied with a confident smile. Race skated up too and nodded, affectionately ruffling Albert’s hair.

“Damn right he’s one of the best,” Race exclaimed. “You seen him play against Queens last week? He had em’ shakin’ in their skates!”

“Yeah, just like you had me shakin’ the other ni-”

“Dammit Romeo, why’d you have ta come in and make it weird-”

“It’s not like you’re any better-!”

The boys continued to banter as they made their way to the locker room with a chuckling Albert and Jack behind them.

-

When they were done changing, Albert hoisted his hockey bag on his shoulder and walked out with Race, only half-paying attention to the story he was telling about some outdoor hockey scuffle he had gotten into.

“This guy was a real bruiser too, you knows how them Brooklyn boys are. He had been messin’ with Jo Jo the entire game, so I shoved him right into the bench! Man, you should’a been there! The look on his face was- hey, are you paying attention?”

The answer was no. Albert was not paying attention. Not to Racetrack, anyway. His eyes were glued on a (H/C) haired girl walking happily with Katherine holding what seemed to be posters to hang up around the stands. She was smiling widely at something Katherine was saying, and Albert nearly lost his breath when she flipped her hair to the other side of her head. Race’s eyes slowly followed to where Albert’s were trained, and then a slow smirk spread across his face.

“I see you’re admiring (Y/N) again, Al.” He said cheekily. Albert flushed pink and ran a hand through his hair, clearly embarrassed by the comment.

“I don’t know what you’re talkin’ ‘bout Racer, she’s just my friend. Nothin’ else.” Race raised an eyebrow and glanced back at the pretty girl who was now hanging a banner on the entry of the rink.

“No ‘friend’ makes Albert Dasilva as flustered as ya are now, Al.” He chided in a sing-song voice. Albert rolled his eyes and pushed Race’s head while Race cackled and tried to swat his hand away.

“If that’s right,” Race started, “Then you wouldn’t mind if I just called her over-”

“Wait-”

“HEY (Y/N)!” Albert groaned and whipped his head around to where she was standing, his heart skipping a beat when she looked over and beamed, briefly making eye contact with Albert and... did her cheeks turn a little pink? No, Albert decided. She was farther away than he was, it must’ve been a trick of the light.

“Hey, fellas!” She called happily, carefully stepping down from her stool and walking over. “How was practice today?”

“Oh, you know, it was a total breeze.” Race said with a grin. “Right, Albert?” Race nudged Albert’s side and he nodded, trying to pull himself together enough to attempt a verbal response.

“Ahem- yeah, totally. Complete lightwork.” He coughed out, managing a smile. She must’ve thought he was a total moron. They’ve known each other since freshman year, hung out multiple times with friends, goofed off together in class, and yet here Albert was; a complete, blubbering idiot.

(Y/N) quirked her eyebrow suspiciously. “If it was so easy,” She countered, looking specifically at Albert, “Then why’re ya cheeks so red? Looks like a hard day of practice for you boys to me.”

“Nah, that’s just Albert.” Race said with a wink. Albert shot him a look and turned to (Y/N), who had an amused look on her face.

“I, uh… erm.. sunburned.” Albert stuttered, trying to ignore Race’s look of utter disgust at his pitiful excuse out of the corner of his eye.

“I keep tellin’ ya, Al.” Race taunted. “You gotta put that SPF shit on every day, you sweet little ginger snap, you.”

“Why don’t you’s go wait in the car?” Albert said with a pointed look at Race, and (Y/N) giggled. She loved how Albert and Race bantered with each other. It was rather cute how Albert would keep Race in check, considering it was always the opposite when they were on the ice.

“Fine. Fine. I can tell when I’m not wanted. I’m just sayin’, body’s a temple.” Race said dramatically while walking away towards the car. Though, not before giving Albert a wink and making a heart with his hands behind (Y/N)’s back as he walked away. That little-

“You guys are absolutely ridiculous.” (Y/N) interrupted Albert’s thoughts, and he realized he probably was scowling in Race’s direction. Quickly fixing his face, he scratched the back of his head and unconsciously stepped closer to her.

“Yeah, so I’ve been told.” He grinned. (Y/N) tilted her head up a bit to meet Albert’s eyes, and he couldn’t help but get lost in them. God, everything about her was so beautiful, and her hair. The smell itself was intoxicating. He realized that they had been staring for a little too long and glanced down, cheeks pink again. How the hell could she make him like this?

“So, you’re gonna be playing in the game next Friday, right?” She asked hopefully. She was blissfully aware of how flustered she was making Albert at the moment - not that it was hard - and how cute it was to see him like that. She nearly died right there and then when he bit his lip and looked back at her again, nodding his head.

“Yeah, I’ll be out there almost all night.” He said. “Will, uh, will you be there?”

“Yup, I sure will. I gotta go to the games anyways for ASB, but I um,” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Damn her nerves. “I’d go watch you play anyways, even if I wasn’t getting graded on it.”

Albert’s eyes widened and his heart quickened. She didn’t say ‘them,’ as in the team. She said ‘you,’ as in him, Albert Dasilva. Oh god. He had to say something, anything to make her realize how much he loved that. Should he say something flirty back? Confess? Ask her out on a date? Propose?

“Oh.”

Albert mentally facepalmed. What the hell was that? Nice goin’ genius, now she probably thinks he’s even more of an idiot than originally thought. As his cheeks flushed an even deeper red, (Y/N) smirked and stepped closer, raising a hand to his cheek.

“Damn, Dasilva,” She said, gently rubbing her thumb across his cheek. “Your sunburn is gettin’ worse by the second.”

Albert’s heart was pounding against his chest as he maintained eye contact with (Y/N). Her palms were soft against his cheek, and the gentle but mischievous smile playing on her lips didn’t just make his heart flutter, but also made him think that maybe he did have a chance (she was holding his face, after all). Maybe this was a chance to redeem himself from that horrendous sunburn excuse, or the dimwit response he gave when she complimented him. If he could just gather the courage to grab her hand, lean forward a bit more-

“Hey, (Y/N)! I could really use your help over here!” Katherine’s strained voice cut in on tension between the two. Albert looked over (Y/N)’s shoulder as (Y/N) took her hand off his face and turned around. Katherine was about to fall off the ladder she was standing on in an attempt to pin the banner up. Before he could offer to help her out, (Y/N)’s eyes widened and she looked back at Albert.

“Shit- I gotta go help her with that, I’ll see you tomorrow, Albert!” (Y/N) said and quickly sprinted away. Albert watched her run off and stood there, looking stunned and mildly disappointed before snapping out of it and walking outside to his car, where Race happened to be waiting (im)patiently. He threw his bag in the trunk and slammed it shut, then plopped himself in the driver’s seat and put his head on the wheel.

“Went that well, huh?” Race said with a raised eyebrow. Leaning closer, he said, “Hey, at least your sunburn’s lookin’ a lot better. What, you got some aloe in your pocket or somethin’?” Albert groaned miserably and Race rolled his eyes. “Do I wanna know what happened?” He asked.

“Depends on how well you can handle what an idiot I am.” Albert replied, head still on the steering wheel of his car.

“Try me.”

Albert explained to Race what happened and wasn’t surprised when Race yelled, “‘Oh’? That’s all you had to say to that? ‘Oh’? Are you outta’ your mind?’

“I wasn’t thinkin’ properly, Race! It’s not my fault, I completely lose my wit around her. My confidence completely goes down the drain; she probably is wonderin’ why everyone says I’m so cocky all the time.”

Race sighed. “Just stop beatin’ ‘round the bush and ask her out already. This is painful.”

Albert rolled his eyes and started the car. “She probably doesn’t even like me like that anyways, Race. She’s probably just bein’ nice.”

“Oh, so we’re back at you denying this entire situation again?” Race said exasperatedly.

“What situation?”

“Shut up.”

[fallen029]

Can I request something too? Modern high school Miraxus au. Love your stories

Class was insufferable and Laxus was all, but losing hope in ever learning the quadratic formula. He did nothing to help his cause, of course, given the fact that he certainly wasn’t paying attention and was, instead, pretty focused on something far more important. Rather than copying down any of the notes during the first half of class, he spent it filling the lines of his notebook with something far more important. In his deliberate lettering, he worked diligently at it, thoughtful and questioning on the only thing that meant something to him in his life.

Music.

Besides, Freed could teach him how to, uh, solve the, uh, what was it? Quads or something? Freed was probably a master at quads. Whatever the fuck that meant. Yeah. Formulas were his thing. Laxus did catch a warning the teacher offered right before the bell to end the period, something about a test in the coming days over the subject and, well, yeah, surely, Freed could help him.

And if not, well, fuck school anyways.

Fuck everything, anyways.

“You,” Evergreen complained as she met him in the hallway though her eyes were searching around him for someone else, “look happy today, Laxus.”

“He’s thinkin’ about fuckin’,” Bickslow offered as they’d met there, outside of his locker, as the teen fiddled around in there for something.

“What?” Ever asked with a frown as Laxus mostly ignored the two of them. They were definitely the lower tier of friends. Right now, he just needed Freed to come around, so he could drop off his calc homework and instruct the guy to call him later that night, if not come over, to teach him how to do it. Maybe.

If things went right, Laxus might have plans.

“We’re all,” Bickslow insisted, “thinkin’ ‘bout fuckin’ all the time. Except, of course, when you’re thinkin’ about eatin’. Or sleepin’. Do you think about sleepin’, do you think, Laxus, Ever, when you’re sleepin’? What are you thinkin’ about then? Nothin’? I’ve been wonderin’- Ah, here ya are, babies.”

Ever’s eyes widened at the latter half of his sentence and finally glanced in the locker. “Bickslow, what the fuck?”

“I found ‘em, see?” he remarked as he’d lifted his massive amount of junk in his locker up to reveal a sweater beneath that housed five little mice. “Babies. Their mother had been killed. Squished.”

“By what?”

“My shoe. Mice are fuckin’ disgustin’.”

“Bickslow-”

“No, Ever, I was doing a service to the world. But then I saw these little, pink, scared babies, and-”

“Where did you find them? Home? And you brought them here?”

“Ah, no, I found them down in the basement.”

“Basement of what?”

“The school.” He was really growing annoyed with her. She was so fucking dense. “I, uh, mightta found some paint cans down there if you, uh, catch my, uh, drift, yeah?”

But she didn’t care about that. Instead, she began to lecture him about taking fucking baby rodents in as pets, to which he argued they weren’t pets, they were his children now, he’d named them, so she could get fucked, and in fact, there came Elfman Strauss right then, and then Evergreen got mad and actually called Elfman over to stomp Bickslow instead and it was just a whole thing.

A whole thing that Laxus wanted nothing to do with.

Leaving them then (it was clear they needed no help in their descent into madness), he was kind of annoyed because he’d just wasted an entire minute of the short amount of time he had between classes. Not on their drivel (though that too was a waste), but rather the fact he was waiting for someone who didn’t pass by and that was shit. His time was golden.

She was in the library, which is what he figured, as he sped-walked to get there before next bell. Mirajane Strauss. She was at a table with her lame sister and her sister’s even lamer friend, Natsu. Fucking gross.

“I waited for you,” he complained as he approached the table they were seated at. “Mira.”

She smiled though, from his presence, though his looming over the table really put a damper on Natsu and Lisanna.

“We’re meeting in the library today. Did I forget that?” She only shrugged some at him. “Sorry.”

“Yeah, well- What the fuck are you doing, Dragneel?” Laxus complained then as he observed he and Lisanna, seated across from one another at the square table, both leaning forwards as she held a lighter, slight flame ablaze, as the other guy held a finger right through the middle of the round flame. “Moron.”

“I bet he couldn’t hold it there for-” Lisanna started, but Natsu finally swore, removing his finger. As Laxus glared and Mira looked on quizzically though, he just shoved his finger into his mouth before, with his other hand, moving to stick another finger through the flame. And then Lisanna started counting softly under her breath.

Fucking underclassmen.

“We’re in our first aid class, anyways,” Mira pointed out slowly. “We’re supposed to be researching for our term papers, but I guess if he burns himself bad enough, Ms. Porlyusica can have us-”

Laxus blood ran cold just from the name. “Is she in here yet? Shit. I don’t wanna see her.”

“At least you’re not in the class.” And Lisanna sent her sister a glare as Natsu, once more, had to pull his finger away in pain. “I only took it because Mira insisted to us that-”

“I thought,” her sister complained right back, “that Mr. Gildarts was teaching the class. He used to. It’s not my fault he got fired.”

“That’s right.” Natsu spit his fingers out of his mouth to glare at Laxus. “It’s yours!”

“Look, pyro, I’m really not in the mood,” the blond retorted with a glare. “I ain’t got nothin’ to do with what my grandfather does.”

“He fired him for showing up drunk, literally, everyday.” Mira’s eyes fell back to the thick medical book before her. “I really don’t think that Master Makarov had a choice.”

“That’s right, sis, sell out to your in-laws,” Lisanna retorted with a stuck out tongue.

“Gildarts deserved better,” Natsu agreed.

“You’re going to be late,” Mira warned her boyfriend instead as the guy still just stood there before the table. “And Ms. Porlyusica will, you know, eventually come to class. I guess.”

“Gildarts would have been here by now,” Lisanna insisted softly to which Natsu was quick to nod.

“I wanted to give you this.” And Laxus was pulling a folded sheet of paper from his pocket then, to hand to the oldest Strauss girl. “Mira.” He coughed then, as he passed it off, and looked off. “I thought maybe you could come over later, tonight, maybe, and we could go over it? I dunno though because Freed’s gonna freak out about calculus-”

Mira didn’t even open the paper, instead setting it down. “I’ll come over, Lax. Sometime around six, okay?”

He grinned then, easily, and she grinned and Lisanna gagged while Natsu just snatched up the lighter and held it under his palm instead.

“What,” Lisanna started as she tried to reach over and snatch the paper after the older boy rushed off, right as the bell for next period rang, “is this? Mira?”

But her sister snatched it first, holding it away from her. “None of your business.”

“I could burn it, after you read it,” Natsu offered. “If you really want to keep it secret, Mira.”

Ms. Porlyusica was entering the room then though, first to confiscate Natsu’s lighter and then to lecture them all on how little work they seemed to be doing in their research. As Lisanna and Natsu lamented their favorite lighter being gone forever (it had a super cool design on it and everything), Mirajane unfolded the paper and laid it flat against the pages of her book, to read over it without drawing much attention.

She marked her own corrections on the sheet of notebook paper, in far prettier handwriting than Laxus’ thick, block letters. It would be a long few classes though, before she saw him at lunch. She didn’t have time to sit with him either because Lucy was having a complete meltdown, again, over something really basic, Laxus grumbled, and dumb and stupid and girly and why was she just giving him the paper back? When he needed her to go over it with him?

“We can tonight,” she insisted as she rushed off, out of the cafeteria, to the girl’s bathroom, where she’d no doubt do little more than reaffirm all of Lucy’s bad behavior. Because this was all bad behavior. Laxus never did that with his friends. No. He made them better people. Smarter people.

“Uh, Laxus, I’s just wonderin’, is all, what would happen if, say, five baby mice kinda escaped my pockets and are now running freely about the cafeteria? I’m just wonderin’ though.”

Freed, who’d yet to hear about this development, hardly glanced up from his lunch tray. “That sounds like a high specific- What is crawling up my leg!”

“Oi, great! Ya found one!”

The day couldn’t end fast enough for Laxus. He still, as the only one with a car, take Freed, Ever, and Bickslow all home, but that sucked even worse because Bickslow was held after school, and Evergreen kept insisting they should let the little freak walk, but well…

So he was rushing a bit, around the house he shared with his grandfather, to pick up around the place as the clock ticked closer and closer to six. Makarov, who got home in the middle of his grandson’s meltdown over why neither of them ever vacuumed, and where did they even keep one, only snickered a bit.

“Mira coming over?”

“Shut up, gramps. And stay in your fucking room while she’s here.”

Yeah, right.

Makarov made sure to greet Mira at the door, just to get under the teen’s skin, but he also had better things to do than ruin his grandson’s life for the night.

“Keep the door open,” he snickered as Laxus led Mira to his room and that got a finger from the boy, but Makarov was already laughing into a beer can. “Before you end up like your father. Can’t raise another kid, I can’t.”

Mirajane’s cheeks were all red when they got in there, but Laxus only slammed the door heavily behind him.

“He’s a fucking creep,” he growled at the closed door, but she was already focusing on slipping her guitar case off her back.

“Anyways,” she began as she pulled an acoustic from the case, “did you read over the corrections I made? To your lyrics? I think it flows better, that way, Laxus.”

But he was too busy glaring to care much for her words. Still, when he fell down onto the floor, before his bed, she only moved to join him, guitar in her lap.

“You’re,” he grumbled softly as he pulled the folded sheet of paper from his pocket, to set it on the ground, at their sides, so she could glance over it, “the artist.”

“Hardly.” And she giggled some. “I really like your writing. Your structure or whatever, I guess? I’m not really technical.”

“Neither am I.”

“But you’re poetic.”

“Shuddup.”

“I’m not teasing you, dragon,” she insisted and he liked when she called him that. She started about a week after he first asked her out, because they went to the carnival that was in town and he won her this really big, bright, yellow dragon from those fucking trick games that they have. It made him feel special, to have a nickname. One so personal, just to her. “I really think you are.”

“Yeah, well,” he grumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head back, to glare up at the ceiling. “You can’t stay long, right?”

She never could. She had to get home and cook for her brother and sister. Their parents were gone, constantly, away on business, and as the oldest, she was needed to retain order.

“No,” she sighed as she took to testing each string, tuning them. “I can’t.”

“Then you should start tryin’, uh, chords or whatever it is that you do. How does it even work? So I wrote you something and now you’ll sing it and, what? Just see what sounds good?”

“Trial and error.” But she was nodding then, over to his desk in the corner. “While I do this though, you need to go over there and start looking over your pre-cal.”

“What?”

“Freed came up to me during gym class and said that you-”

“Fuckin’ turncoat.”

“If you flunk that class, Laxus, you can’t-”

“I fuckin’ know what I-”

“Do it.”

And she had a look about her, when she was annoyed. A dark one. It helped, he figured, when dealing with unruly younger siblings.

Still, he rose to his feet and sulked over to the desk. There were grumbles, of course, but those faded as she began to strum at her guitar and hum, softly, under her breath at first, trying to figure something, it seemed, and he grumbled again that it sounded better the way he wrote it, but Mira only strummed louder, and, well, he was probably still going to flunk, but he’d at least read over the chapter in the text book. It would have helped, of course, to have notes, but then he wouldn’t have been able to bullshit some words on a sheet of paper and con his girlfriend into coming over with it.

So really, who was really losing out?

Him on his education, fine, but once Mira started singing somewhere other than just the stupid school dances, who would be laughing then?

Probably not him, still, because he’d still be flunking.

Man, the more he thought about it, maybe he should actually start trying in class…

Or just bank on his girlfriend eventually making it big and taking care of him for the rest of forever.

He would, after all, have to be credited as her songwriter. Way more important than calc.

And when he eventually abandoned his work completely and she gave up on her guitar, and they were  all alone, there, together, on the floor, well, fuck school and making it big and every other dumb thing that tried to drown out the usual thing that occupied his thoughts.

“Fuck,” he complained against Mira’s lips when he heard his grandfather pass by, whistling a loud tune, down the hallway.

But Mirajane only giggled up at him and her eyes were so blue and nice and pretty and he wasn’t that poetic at all. That’s probably why she completely changed every fucking thing in the lyrics he’d given her.

He was never going to be accredited…

It was true though. Her eyes were all those things. And maybe that wasn’t deep or interesting and yeah, he probably was going to fail his test at least, but man, if that moment didn’t make it worth it.

“You’re really, uh, pretty, Mira,” he muttered softly as she moved back from him then, because it was late and she had to get home soon, to make sure her siblings ate. 

“Yeah,” she agreed. “I am.”

“Mira-”

“Did you want me to say you’re pretty too, Laxus? You have pretty hair.”

“Shuddup.”

“You can come over tomorrow.” She was moving to pack up her guitar. “To my house.”

“Hard pass.”

“My parents will be back then, from their business trip, and-”

“Bigger pass.”

“You’re coming.”

He was. 

“I’ll work more on the song too, for you,” she was going on as she was leaving and he rose, to walk her to door. “Dragon.”

He could feel a pit in his stomach rising, just from the thought of being around her father and mother again (they were more than a bit harsh), not to mention her brother and sister, but still managed his usual cocky grin. 

“Can’t,” he said as he led her out of the room, “wait.”

[you-a-southpaw-doll]

The Sheriff Returns - A Negan One-Shot Imagine

The wonderful artwork above was created for me by my new friend, @thamberlina! I absolutely love it! Thank you, again, for making this for me. :) 

Summary: After dealing with the undead in Lovelock, Nevada, the Sheriff and Leigh hightail it outta there and move to a small town in Virginia. Things go seemingly alright for a few years, before the dead start walking again and the Sheriff and Leigh find themselves in a situation they hoped they’d never have to encounter again. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like it’s gonna be ending anytime soon, if at all.

Warning(s): Explicit language – I mean, it is Negan. Possible gore. That’s it?

Author’s Note(s): I watched “Dead & Breakfast” the other day (‘cause I’ve been on a JDM binge and watching his movies) and after seeing how well The Sheriff handled the zombies in that movie, it got me thinkin’ ‘bout doin’ an AU backstory and havin’ Negan’s origins and ability to handle walkers so well come from his experience in dealin’ with the zombies in Lovelock.

Relationship(s): The Sheriff x Leigh (OFC). Negan x Leigh (OFC).

Character(s): The Sheriff. Negan. Leigh (OFC). The Drifter. Melody. Brief mention of Mr. Wise. Simon. Arat.

Taglist: @negans-network

The Sheriff Returns

2004 ~ Lovelock, Nevada

“What in tarnation?” The Sheriff asks, confused. “What do you mean those things there are ‘zombies’?”

As we all pile into the pickup truck, and the Sheriff hits the gas to get us out of there, the Drifter goes onto explain the legend behind the undead things that are going crazy and attacking everyone – both living and what’s supposed to be dead – inside the barn.

I move closer to the Sheriff’s side and he wraps his right arm ‘round me. He looks down at me, and I can see the emotions swirling in his murky hazel eyes. He’s always been good at hiding his emotions from others, but not from me.

I can tell that he’s slightly scared, confused, and doesn’t want to believe what the Drifter’s telling us. The Sheriff pulls up in front of the bed and breakfast where the travelers have been staying since they got into town last night.

We all hurry up inside and quickly board up all the windows and doors. We don’t know how long we’ve got till the so-called zombies get here. The Drifter said that they’d follow us back here.

Once we’ve gotten all of the windows and doors boarded up as much as they can be, we all start looking for weapons and anything else to defend ourselves if need to. The Sheriff and I head to the kitchen.

He pulls out a box and starts shifting through a drawer, pulling out various knives and other random items and pretends to jab the air. I can’t help but giggle as I watch his antics.

I know this isn’t really the time or place to giggle, but the Sheriff also finds a way to make me do so, not matter what’s going on or what we’re doing. He glances up at me, a smirk on his face.

“What, Leigh?” He asks, playfully.

“Nothin’. You’re just a goofball sometimes.” I say, grinning.

He chuckles. “Hush. I’m your goofball and you know you love it.”

I nod. “You’re right ‘bout that. Now, c’mon. Let’s find some more weapons.”

We get back to the task at hand and the Sheriff even finds a chainsaw and a can of gasoline. We meet up with the rest of the group and go over the game plan. One of the ladies makes a make-shift shotgun, which has both the Sheriff and I impressed.

The Drifter makes sure that we all know that the only way to take these fuckers out is by destroying the brain – whether it be a bullet between the eyes, chopping the heads off, or some other form of damaging the brain.

Eventually, we decide that the Sheriff, the drifter, Melody, and I will all head to the cemetery to dig up the body of Mr. Wise so that we can hopefully end this disaster.

Once we get to the cemetery, and do what we need to do, we finally start heading back into town. While we’re in front of the jailhouse, we get bombarded by a group of town zombies.

I have to tackle one of ‘em and quickly stab it in the side of the head before it can hurt the Sheriff. Once the zombie’s dead, I look at the Sheriff. He looks at me in slight shock.

“Thanks, hon.” He drawls.

I nod. “I didn’t wanna lose you.”

He gives me a small smile. Before the night is over, we’ve managed to get rid of the main source of the zombies, burned the remaining evidence, and ended the nightmare that’s plagued our small town for the last day and a half.

By the end of the week, the Sheriff and I decide that we’re ready to get outta here and start over somewhere else. He hands over the badge, naming him Sheriff, to the town’s records keeper.

He hops up in the pickup truck, next to me, and grins.

“Well, Leigh. What’d ya say we get outta here?” He asks.

I smile. “Sounds like a damn good plan to me, Sheriff.”

He chuckles. “It’s just Negan now, sweetheart. I ain’t the Sheriff ‘round these parts no more.”

I laugh and lean over to kiss him.

“You’ll always be my Sheriff.” I tease.

2016 ~ Virginia

Nearly twelve years have gone by since we left Lovelock, Nevada and moved across the country to a small town in Virginia. In that time, Negan’s gotten a job as the gym coach at the local high school.

I’ve opened up my own little bookstore on Main Street. Business has been good, and it still gives me the time to write my own novels on the side. Negan finally asked me to marry him once we got to Virginia.

I, of course, said yes. We’ve been together since 2002, so the thought of marrying him was something I’d gladly do. We got married the following year, so every night, we come home to each other, and life is good.

We haven’t had to worry ‘bout what went down in Lovelock since that night. Our town was so small, that the incident didn’t even get any news coverage, which is perfectly fine by us.

We just wanna forget about it. But, all good things must come to an end, right? It seems that’s case in my experience. For the last couple of weeks, we’ve heard the news reports about the dead coming back to life.

Negan and I both didn’t want to believe it when we first heard the reports, but we still made sure we were prepared. After last time, we didn’t want to be caught with our pants ‘round our ankles again.

Today, started out as any normal day. I made breakfast for Negan and I before he kissed me on his way out the door to go to the school, and I headed off to my little bookstore.

Business was slow for the first part of the morning, but that was nothing new. Tuesday mornings are always a little slow, so I just take the time to do inventory, clean, and work on my books.

By the time lunchtime rolled ‘round, I locked up, and go in my car to go meet Negan for lunch. This is something we’ve been doing since we moved here. Some days, he’ll escape from the school and meet me at the store.

Others, I’ll lock up and go meet him. Pulling into the school parking lot, I look ‘round for my husband’s 1967 Chevy Impala. He bought the car a few years back, fixed up, and now it’s his baby.

I can’t say I blame him. I love the car too. It’s a beauty, and he knows I’m a shocker for classic cars. I park beside the Impala, grab our lunches, and head inside. The security guard nods at me.

“Hello, Leigh. Here to see the Coach?” He asks.

I nod. “As always. He in his office?”

“Should be. Class let out ‘bout five minutes ago.”

“Thanks, Jimmy.”

“Not a problem. You have a good day now, ya hear?”

I chuckle. “You do the same.”

I make way through the hallways towards the coach’s office. Negan’s not there yet, but that’s ok. I go ahead and get our lunches set up on his desk. I plop down in his chair, propping my feet up on the edge of the desk.

A few minutes later, I hear the heavy footfalls that lets me know my husband’s almost here. I look up as he steps into his office, clad in a pair of black sweatpants, a grey t-shirt, a whistle hanging ‘round his neck, and a shit-eating grin on his face.

“There’s my fuckin’ gorgeous as hell wife!” He teases.

I blush. Ever since we moved here, Negan started cussing a lot more. And, I’m not gonna lie, it’s sexy as shit. Like, yeah. He’s still the gentle, yet sarcastic little shit he was when he was the Sheriff.

But, now, he doesn’t hold back anymore. He’s still gentle ‘round me, but he also knows how much it turns me on when he’s crass, so he cusses a lot, even when it’s just us.

I stand up outta his chair, and make my way over to him. I wrap my arms ‘round his waist, and he wraps his arms ‘round me. Since I’m only 5’3.5” and he’s 6’2”, there’s a decent height difference between us.

This means that when we’re both standing up, and in each other’s embrace, my arms go ‘round his waist, and he just holds me as much as he can. He lowers his head and gently kisses me at first.

Within a few seconds, though, the kiss gets heated, like it always does. When he pulls away, he’s got that smirk on his face that makes his dimples shine, even under the salt-and-pepper scruff he has lining his jaw.

I rest my head against his chest and just hold onto him. After a few minutes, I pull away, but only ‘cause I hear his stomach rumble. I look up at him.

“Someone’s hungry.” I tease.

He chuckles. “Fuck yeah, I am!”

I laugh and step away. We both get situated so that we can eat our lunches and talk ‘bout our mornings so far. After lunch, I kiss him one more time before heading back to my bookstore and him heading to the next class he teaches.

When I notice the sun starting to set, I finally lock up the store. Just as I’m pulling the key outta the lock, I hear groaning from behind me. Not just any groaning, though.

Groaning and moaning I’ve only heard once before, and that was twelve years ago. I bend down to grab the knife I have tucked in my boot. Standing up straight again, I turn ‘round, and sure ‘nough, I see a zombie.

I sigh but quickly stab it in the head. Three more appear from the corner of the building. I end them too before reaching for my phone to call Negan.

“Doll. I need you to get your ass back to the school. Now.” He says before I can get a word out.

“The school?” I ask.

“Yea. Those fuckers are back.”

“I know. I just killed four of ‘em.”

“Fuckin’ hell. Alright. Meet me at the school. Ok?”

“I will. I’ll be there in like ten minutes.”

“Good. And, doll?”

“Yes, honey?”

“I fuckin’ love you.”

“I love you too.”

We end the phone call and I hop in my car to meet him at the school. On the way there, I pass a bunch of zombies, just roaming ‘round in the streets, on the sidewalks, just everywhere.

Once I’m at the school, I hurry inside to my husband’s office. He’s there, and in the middle of changing out of his work outfit when I open the door. I take a brief moment to take him in.

He’s got his dark grey pants slung low on his hips, and is the process of slipping his white t-shirt on. I watch as the muscles in his chest ripple with his movements. Once his head pops through the top of the shirt, he smirks at me.

“Hey, sweetheart.” He says.

I smile. “Hi, honey.”

“Guess we gotta deal with these fuckers again, eh?”

I nod. “I guess so. At least we know how to take ‘em out.”

He nods. “That’s fuckin’ true.”

He sits down in his chair to pull his boots on. I walk over to him and kiss him. He sighs, happily, into the kiss. Afterwards, he slips his leather jacket on and zips it up halfway.

I hand him the red scarf I got him for our first wedding anniversary and he wraps it ‘round his neck loosely. I shove his work attire into his duffle bag as he reaches into the bottom drawer of his filing cabinet to pull out another bag.

I immediately recognize it. It’s the bag he put together to keep in his office in the event that something like this happened again. He slings the backpack over his shoulder before reaching for his lucky baseball bat.

I smirk. He really does love that thing. It’s just a simple Louisville Slugger, but he named it “Lucille” after our daughter that we lost. He looks at me.

“So...I guess we head to the house, see how bad things really are, and go from there?” He asks.

I nod. “Although, things are already pretty bad out there. There’s so many of the dead folks roaming ‘round it ain’t even funny. I had to run over a few of ‘em on my way here.”

“Fuckin’ hell. Ok. We’ll take the Impala then?”

I nod. “Sounds good to me.”

We start to head out to the car, but as soon as we get outside, we have to start taking down the zombies. Negan uses his baseball bat, and I use my knife, aiming for the heads.

We finally make it to the car. He hops in behind the wheel while I grab my own bag from my car. I get into the Impala and Negan drives towards our house.

A Few Weeks Later ~

We’ve been fighting the walkers for a few weeks now. Negan decided to name ‘em “walkers” ‘cause he felt the term “zombies” was too cliché and that these fuckers were different than what we encountered back in Nevada.

We still have the Impala, but we’ve picked up a few other folks. A man by the name of Simon and a woman by the name of Arat. They seem to be really good fighters, but are still shocked by the way things are, now that the world’s started to go to shit.

When we met ‘em, they were surrounded by a hoard of ‘bout twenty walkers. They were trying to take ‘em down, but weren’t doing so well. Negan and I stepped in and quickly took care of the walkers.

“AIM FOR THE HEADS!” Negan had yelled at Simon and Arat.

They did, and were finally able to take down a couple. They’ve been with us ever since.

“I still don’t see how y’all knew what to do to take ‘em down.” Simon says for ‘bout the fiftieth time since we rescued him and Arat.

I chuckle as Negan sighs. I look over my shoulder to the backseat where Simon and Arat are sitting.

“Let’s just say we’ve had experience dealin’ with these fuckers.” I say.

“But, how exactly? Y’all still ain’t told us.” Simon presses.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, Si.”

“Try me. At this point, I’ll believe almost anything.”

I sigh. “Twelve years ago, we had a case of zombies in the small town we lived in. There was a curse or some shit that brought ‘em back to life. We dealt with ‘em. Figured out that only way to take ‘em down was to destroy the brain in some way. After we took care of the situation, we left there and moved here to Virginia.”

“But…these things aren’t part of some curse, are they?”

I shake my head. “No. This is something different. They’re still zombies, but their origins are different than what we encountered.”

“Do you think it’ll end?”

I shrug. “Maybe. Maybe not. It’s been almost two months. The government has shut down. Shit’s hit the fan. I don’t see it ending anytime soon.”

“So, what do we do?”

“We get somewhere relatively fuckin’ safe, set up fuckin’ camp, and try to fuckin’ keep on living.” Negan says.

At that exact moment, Negan stops the car in front of what appears to be an abandoned factory of some sort.

“C’mon. Let’s check this place out.” He says.

We all get outta the car and head towards the gate and chain-link fence surrounding the factory. We clear the place relatively quickly. It seems that most people decided to flee, and since it was locked up tight, walkers weren’t able to get in.

“Alright. This seems ‘bout as good as any fuckin’ place we’ve fuckin’ come ‘cross. We’ll set up fuckin’ camp here, and try to keep on fuckin’ livin’.” Negan says.

It sounds pretty good to the rest of us, so we agree. I trust my husband’s judgement. Even if the other two didn’t agree to stay, I wouldn’t leave my husband’s side. Negan runs back out to the car and drives inside the gate.

Once he’s in, Simon closes the gate and locks it back up to the best of his ability. We all turn to look at our new home.

[nexttrickanvils]

(Please reblog I worked really hard on this)

WOOF! THIS TOOK A LOTTA WORK.

So for Day 8 of @haruokumuraweek2k18

Prompt: AU/Freeday/Bonus

Of course I had to indulge in @captmickey‘s and my Roleswap AU. But I didn’t just do a picture, I’ve also got a fic (which was beta’d by Mickey, thank you so much). Hope ya’ll enjoy and thank you for indulging me in celebrating my fave P5 character. :) Title: Foolish Empress

Characters: Fool!Haru, Lovers!Ryuji, Chariot!Ann, Kamoshida (regular and shadow)

Warnings: Canon-typical violence and pretty much Kamoshida in general. 

---------

Haru hoped that she was mistaken when she overheard people in the crowds talking about rain.

But no… it looked like her bad luck continued.

She quickly rushed to a nearby store with an awning and pulled out her phone. Shujin shouldn’t be too far off from here so if she ran... 

But as Haru opened her navigation app, that same strange black and red icon appeared once again. What was this? The third time it’s appeared? She really didn’t need her phone infected with a virus along with everything else.

“...I wonder if I should show my phone to Isshiki-san...”

Before Haru could attempt to delete the mysterious icon again, she spots someone rushing to the awning.

“Dammit! Stupid weatherman never gets it right!”

Now standing next to her is a young man with dark short messy hair wearing the Shujin uniform (though unlike hers, his jacket isn’t buttoned up.)

“I swear he...”

That was when the young man noticed Haru and he seemed to visibly deflate from his incoming rant. He looks her over and gives her the widest smile she’s ever seen.

“Hey what’s up? I don’t think I’ve seen ya before, first year?”

Haru shakes her head, “Third year, I’m a transfer student. I’m Haru Kurusu by the way.”

His eyes widen at that, “Oh! You’re the transfer everybody’s talking ‘bout? Heh, you’re uh… not what I expected. I was kinda thinkin’ that you were gonna be a Yanki girl or somethin’.”

“Huh? Why would you...”

But before Haru could finish her question, a rather fancy white sports car stops in front of them. The young man’s smile drops as he leans closer and whispers to her.

“Whatever you do, do not get in that car.”

The car window lowers and reveals an athletic looking older man in a tracksuit.

“Good morning! You two are gonna be late if you just stand there, let me give you a ride.”

“S-sure, thank you sir.” said the young man in a tone that Haru could only describe as… resigned

As the boy opens the passenger’s side door, the man gives him a teasing look.

“Come on Sakamoto, I thought you had better manners than that! Let the little lady have the front seat...”

“A-actually I can walk, I don’t mind the rain that much.” Haru responds

Haru swears she sees an annoyed expression on the man’s face but it’s gone in a flash.

“Alright, suit yourself. Looks like you get the front seat after all, Sakamoto. Lucky you!”

“Yeah… lucky me.”

He shoots Haru a sad smile as he enters the car. The window rises up and the older man drives off, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

The man didn’t seem too bad… so why did the boy (the man called him Sakamoto) warn her against going with him?

“Those two didn’t try anything did they?”

Haru turns to the new voice and sees a rather intimidating looking girl with short choppy blonde hair. She wore a black top paired with a red jacket decorated with several pins and a pair of red fingerless gloves. The only indication of what school she went to was the Shujin issued plaid skirt and the school’s emblem on her bag.

“W-who?”

“The two guys you were just with? Kamoshida and Sakamoto?”

“Kamoshida… he was the man in the car?”

“Yeah… he’s a perverted son of a bitch who acts like he’s king of a castle and Sakamoto follows him like a good little servant boy. You go to Shujin, you should know this.”

Haru looks at the intimidating girl with confusion, unsure of what to say first. Sakamoto seemed like the farthest thing from a “servant boy” if his warning and tone of voice was any indication.

It was then that the girl noticed Haru’s third year pin.

“Third year? So you’re a transfer student. Well word of advice, New Girl: I already told you why but you need to stay away from Kamoshida.”

With that the intimidating girl starts to walk away and Haru attempts to follow. Suddenly she’s hit with… something… something that leaves her feeling light-headed. Whatever it was, it hit the other girl too.

“Ugh… I do not need a headache today.”

The feeling vanished as quickly as it came and the two girls continued to walk into a small alley. Haru wasn’t sure why but something in the air felt… different. So distracted by her thoughts, she doesn’t notice when the blonde girl suddenly stops and she bumps into her.

“Hey!”

“I’m so sorry I...”

That was when Haru noticed why the other girl had stopped. Instead of the school, they found themselves in front of what looked like a large European castle.

“Did we… go the wrong way?”

“N-no way, I take this route all the time! Besides you don’t just… find a castle in Tokyo.”

They looked at the sign at the entrance.

“It says Shujin Academy...”

The blonde let out a frustrated noise and ran inside.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Haru shouted as she followed her in

If they had hoped for answers inside, they were disappointed. Haru thought she could see flashes of the school but they immediately shifted back to the castle.

“This is way too elaborate for a prank.”

The girl pulled out her cellphone and was greeted with a no service notification.

“Okay this is getting really weird.”

“Maybe we should just go back the way we...”

“HALT INTRUDERS!”

Haru and the blonde girl turned to the voice and saw a pair of fully armored knights with swords and shields.

“YOU ARE TRESPASSING UPON THE CASTLE OF OUR ESTEEMED KING!”

More guards arrived and attempted to surround the girls.

The blonde girl then pushed Haru away and shouted, “RUN! NOW!”

“But...!”

“I’ll catch up! Go!”

Haru backs away little by little before she turns and starts sprinting towards the exit. But her escape attempt is foiled by more guards. Before she could turn away, one of them knocks her out with their shield.

“LET ME GO!” 

“TAKE THEM AWAY. THE KING WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THEM.”

Those are the last things Haru heard before she lost consciousness.

---------

“Hey! Hey wake up! Come on New Girl, wake up!”

Haru slowly opened her eyes and saw the blonde girl knelt next to her with a worried expression.

“Are you alright?”

“My… my head hurts but...”

As she sat up, Haru finally got a look at her surroundings.

“Where are we?”

“Some kind of dungeon I think… I just know that this isn’t a dream.”

Suddenly the girls hear distant screaming. They rush to the cell door and look to see if they can find the source.

“We’re not the only ones in here are we?” Haru asked, panic in her voice

“I… I don’t want to believe it but...”

They glance at each other.

“We should find a way out. I mean maybe there’s a secret passage or something…” said the blonde

Haru nodded, “My name is Haru Kurusu by the way.”

“...Ann Takamaki.”

Haru and Ann tried their best but couldn’t find anything to could help them escape. That was when they heard the sound of steel boots marching. They once again approach the cell door and are greeted by more guards (or maybe they were the same guards, Haru wasn’t entirely sure.)

“BE GLAD THAT YOUR PUNISHMENT HAS BEEN DECIDED UPON. YOUR CHARGE IS “UNLAWFUL ENTRY.” THUS YOU WILL BE SENTENCED TO DEATH.”

“What!?” Both girls shouted

“No one’s allowed to do what they please in my castle.”

A man walks past the guards and Haru recognizes him immediately, his eyes were a glowing yellow and the clothes are different (and a lot more… creepy) but this is definitely the same man she saw this morning. The same one that Sakamoto and Ann tried to warn her about.

“K-Kamoshida!?” asked Ann

Kamoshida(?) smirks as he turns to Ann.

“Well, well if it isn’t Takamaki. Almost didn’t recognize you under that slab of make-up. Finally realized your mistake and came crawling back to me? And you even brought a little friend with you as an apology.”

“Don’t you dare go near us you scumbag! I’m not afraid to fight back again!”

“Now is that any way to speak to your king? You’re in over your head here, Takamaki. Not only have you snuck into my castle but now you’re committing the grave crime of insulting me- the KING! The punishment is Death. OPEN THE CELL!”

As soon as the door opens Ann tries to grab Haru’s wrist and run out. Unfortunately the guards separate them and slam the two into opposite walls.

Kamoshida walked towards Ann as she struggled in the guards' hold.

“Now I consider myself a benevolent king. So I’m willing to give you another chance. Just say you’re sorry for what you did and accept my old offer. I’ll happily spare you and your friend.”

In response, Ann simply spat in Kamoshida’s face. He grimaced as he wiped away the spit. He then retaliates by slapping Ann in the face.

“Very well, MEN! PREPARE THE EXECUTION!”

“No! Stop this immediately! Leave her alone!” Haru shouted

Kamoshida turns and grins at Haru. She feels a shiver down her spine as she’s immediately reminded of the man she encountered in her hometown. The man who ruined her life.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get your turn. Hold her there, I’ll deal with her after this one’s execution.”

The two guards holding her throw Haru against the stone wall again, and tighten their grip.

Haru found herself on the verge of tears. Just like before… there was nothing she could do.

“This is truly an unjust game… your chances of winning are almost none.”

She lifts her head and sees a shining blue butterfly.

“But if my voice is reaching you, there may yet be a possibility open to you...”

The butterfly and voice fade away but the latter is quickly replaced with someone new.

Are you just going to stand there while she dies by cruel hands?

Haru tries to look around for the source of the voice. It… it almost sounded like her own but more mature… more confident.

Do you truly believe doing nothing will spare you? Because you were punished for fighting back? Does that mean your previous actions were a mistake, my dear fated princess?

More images of that fateful night flash through Haru’s mind. The woman crying for help, the man grabbing Haru’s wrist, his fall as she pulled away… the police taking her to their car…

...No… it wasn’t a mistake… Even with what happened after, Haru would do it all over again if she had the choice.

“No… they weren’t...”

She sees one of the guards holding Ann by her throat; readying its sword to plunge into her heart. Haru’s expression goes from one of fear and confusion to anger and determination.

“Yes! YES! I CAN FEEL YOUR RESOLVE!”

In an instant the world felt like it stopped and Haru could feel nothing but a burning pain in her head. She starts to thrash within the guards’ hold, whimpering and screaming in pain...

“We shall form a vow at once! I am thou, thou art I! Now tell me… who... or rather what shall you betray...?”

She lets out one last blood-curdling scream...

“Your sense of justice… or society’s expectations?”

...Before lifting her head and glaring at Kamoshida.

“That’s enough!”

Kamoshida turns around and sends his own glare on Haru.

“You desire to be killed that much…? Hmph, I was planning on sparing you for a little bit but fine!”

The one guard lets go of Ann and she drops to the floor; hurt and out of breath but still alive. Kamoshida gives a nod and the guard next to Haru hits her with its shield, knocking off the fashion glasses from her face. She continues to glare as the guards surround her.

One prepares to strike her down when a burst of wind knocks it and the others down.

Once it’s gone, Haru feels something on her face. It feels like… a domino mask… she’s not sure why but… it needs to come off.

She grips the mask and pulls it as hard as she can. She feels her skin peeling away with it but it doesn’t stop her from ripping it off with a pained scream.

Blood drips down her face… and for the first time in a long time… Haru feels powerful. She starts to laugh and a sinister smirk appears on her face as she feels fire envelop her like a closing flower.

The fire quickly pulls away and transforms into a new figure at her side. Her other self.

She raises her hand and the figure reveals several weapons hidden in her dress. She blasts away some of the guards. The others who survived are pushed back into the wall.

“I am the Bestower of the Beautiful Betrayal! I am known as Milady!”

It looks like Haru’s luck is finally turning around.

[stardusttkachuk-main]

Pre-Christmas Catastrophe

Title: Pre-Christmas Catastrophe

Pairing: Ambulance Officer!Sam x Reader

Word Count: 2,093

Warnings: angst, graphic descriptions of car accident, fluff, mentions of pregnancy

Square Filled: Ambulance Officer!Sam

Prompt: White Christmas

Summary: AU Y/N is out finishing her Christmas shopping on one particularly snowy day. It’s smooth sailing until she’s coming home when her car slips on black ice. Luckily for her, she’s got an ambulance officer as a fiance who just so happens to be working that night.

A/N: Written for @spnaubingo

This is Day 21 of 25 Days of Christmas. Check out the full masterlist here!

A winter wonderland was the only way you could describe the view outside the window. You wanted nothing more than to run around in it, like you were a kid again, or fall down into the tufts of white and make snow angels, soaking your jeans and mittens without a care in the world. It was beautiful.

You had just a few errands to run before Christmas day, and it was fast approaching. You needed a few more gifts for Sam, and Sam insisted you get a gift for Harley, your two-year-old black lab. It was off to the mall for you.

The snow was thick as it came down, but it was still light out. You weren’t worried in the slightest, having driven in the snow every winter when it came. You slipped a little getting down the street, but caught yourself quickly, the four-wheel drive of your car making it easier to get down the snow packed road.

Pretty soon, you were on the highway, cautious but still reaching speeds of nearly 60 in some areas. The snow wasn’t sticking yet, and with all the cars passing, it kept the roads fairly clear. There were some cars that had to have been going 80, just flying down the fast lane and past everyone in their sights.

You took your exit, the mall crowded but not like it normally was on a weekend. You at least found a parking spot relatively easy, one that wasn’t far from the entrance. Your phone buzzed in your pocket and you opened the text, a smile on your face as you read through Sam’s words. “Thinkin’ bout you. Boys down here want to see that ring.” You looked down at your finger, the three white sapphire stones locked in a gold band staring back at you. Just two weeks ago Sam was on his knee, asking to spend a lifetime with you.

“Miss you,” you sent back. “Christmas is just around the corner, and we’ll have it all to ourselves.” You tucked your phone away again as you got out of your car and headed for the doors.

The snow had picked up. It was wetter now, and the sun had set, meaning it was colder. It was still thick but came down faster, like a miniature blizzard, still so beautiful though. Winter was your favorite season, for the reason that it snowed and the snow always made everything so sparkly and bright.

You were a bit more cautious as you took the freeway this time. Afternoon traffic had begun to start, and with the snow, things were a lot tighter and slower. Of course, there were always those people who just swerved in and out of traffic to be the first ones home.

White Christmas played through your radio. A smile drew over your lips as you realized you’d have a white Christmas this year, just like every year before. It was probably one of your favorite Christmas songs, for the sole reason that you grew up with snow on Christmas day and you always waited around by a window to watch the snow fall.

You moved into the left lane to go around a delivery truck, speeding up just a bit to make sure you got around him in time. Around a bend, your wheels gave out and you fishtailed, swerving into a barrier. You corrected, went full 360 and hit the other side, now sitting the complete opposite way, but your car didn’t stop.

Your feet were pushing on the brakes as your hands tried to maneuver the wheel around to get yourself the right way. Another car came straight at you, hitting your front end and pushing you into the wall again. The airbags went off, your head flung back into your seat and then into the not-so-cushy white balloon. You could hear your horn and the other cars horn, but when you tried to move to assess the situation, pain shot throughout your entire body. You couldn’t move your hand to get your phone and silently prayed that someone would call 911 and come save you.

The end of White Christmas was still playing through your speakers as you began to scream and cry. Each bellow for help was cut off by a long gut-wrenching sob. Everything hurt now. You couldn’t move your head left or right, you could barely move your jaw to speak. A middle-aged woman opened your car door, frantically asking if you were okay. You weren’t even sure you responded, just listened as she assured you someone was on their way.

You never expected that someone to be Sam. You never expected to see him jump out of the ambulance and race for your car, completely dismissing everything he had learned in training.

“Y/N! Baby, it’s okay!” He assured. “It’s okay. You’re okay.” His voice was anything but calm, but you were conscious and crying. Hurt and bleeding but awake and talking, well, screaming. It was comforting to know that you didn’t get knocked out in the crash.

“I hit ice,” you mumbled, trying to move but being unable to. “Sam.” Tears brimmed in your eyes, wanting to turn your head to look at him and see his comforting face, but not being able to.

“You’re gonna be fine, Y/N. We’re gonna get you out of here.”

He started to move and you yelled. “Please don’t go, Sam. Please, stay here. Stay with me. Please.”

“It’s okay, baby. I’m right here.” He placed his hand on your hair and you flinched.

“It hurts,”

“I know.”

“Sam! What we got?” His partner called. You assumed he had checked out the other car. God, you hoped whoever was in there was alright.

“Uh.. female, 30’s, conscious. Possible concussion. Lacerations to head and chest. She says she can’t move and she’s in a lot of pain,” he responded. “You?”

“Female, early 20’s if not teen. Unresponsive. Pulse is slowing.”

You froze at his words, not having the heart to tell Sam to stay when he moved away. “I will be right back,” he assured, kissing your temple as gently as he could. You weren’t alone for long and just minutes later you could hear another set of sirens. “Alright, Y/N, we’re going to get you out now.”

“I can’t move,” you said.

“I know. I’m gonna help you okay? So is officer Taylor, but you have to cooperate. I need you to try, even if it hurts you need to try.” His voice was stern but shaking. He didn’t want to see you in any more pain than you already were. There were two sets of hands on your body, pulling you up. You screamed, begging for them to stop, but Sam continued to whisper praises and words of comfort to you as they got you onto a gurney. You saw that another ambulance had arrived and watched as two other EMT’s lifted a smaller woman onto their gurney. They had an oxygen mask on her and were working on a brace around her neck when a woman stood above you, asking you if you could move your head.

“I can’t,” you whimpered.

“That’s okay. I’m going to put a brace on you now. I need you to look straight up at me and I will try not to move you too much.”

Sam passed her the brace and held your head as still as possible as they fixated it around your neck. “Her pulse is dropping,” he informed, a waver in his voice and you knew he was scared.

“She’s still conscious,” the woman said. “We’ll get her on some oxygen in the van and keep her vitals in check until we get to the hospital. Sam, I need you to focus, you know how to do this and it’s no different with her, okay?”

“She’s my-”

“I know,” She cut Sam off. “But you have to focus until we get to the hospital.”

Sam drove. He was too much of a wreck to keep his eyes on you and make sure you were breathing or your pulse was where it needed to be. He wanted to be your fiance right now, not the ambulance officer who came to rescue you.

Sam never left your side as they got you into a room and nurses began checking your vitals once again. He stayed out of the way, watching as they hooked you up to an IV and started a pain reliever. Tears were still rolling down his cheeks, but everyone assured him you’d be okay.

“Hey, Y/N, we’re going to take you back for an X-ray and make sure you don’t have any fractures or something similar. You feelin’ okay?” A nurse asked, pulling up the sides of your bed and making sure everything was unlocked and ready to go.

“I think th-the morphine blocks most of the pain,” you gave a slight chuckle, watching as Sam smiled.

“Good,” she grinned. “Then it’s doing its job.”

When you got to the room, a technician set you up on the bed, throwing a leaded apron over you. “Any chance you’re pregnant, miss?”

“Um, I-I am. I don’t know how far along, I f-found out a couple days ago.”

“No worries. We’ll get you an ultrasound for that today, make sure everything is okay. We’re going to do an image of your legs and your neck okay? No damage to the baby at all.

It took about ten minutes to get everything done, and when you had gotten back onto the bed, they wheeled you down to another exam room, complete with ultrasound equipment.

You heard the heartbeat first, tearing up because you were so sure the little thing hadn’t made it.

“Strong heartbeat,” the ultrasound technician said, calming your fears even more. “So you’re measuring about 7 and a half weeks. Does that seem about right?”

“Y-Yeah.”

“Congratulations. I’ll print out some of these images for you. It kind of looks like a blob right now, but I’ll point out some key features,” she teased, watching as the images printed out one by one in a long train. “So, this is the heartbeat.” There were lines going up and down, just like on an adult EKG. “And, this would be the head and the little body. You can’t really see much of the arms or legs but they’re there. They’re little buds at this point.” She moved the picture down again. “And this is the spine. So, I’ll give these to you and you can go break the news to hubby, sound good?”

You laughed, your chest a little sore when you did, but nothing too bad. The pain was mild to what you were feeling just after the crash.

You made it back to your room just as the doctor had stepped in. “Went over your images. Everything looks just fine. There’s no breaks, fractures, nothing. We will send it over for a little extra examining, but if there is anything it’s minor and would probably be something that could heal on its own. You probably do have whiplash so you are going to be sore, but we’ll send you home with some pain medication for that. Take it easy for the next couple weeks, alright? Don’t go on any crazy roller coasters, or do acrobatics until everything clears up. And, of course, follow up with your regular doctor. They’ll be able to keep you in check and let you know when you’re good to get back to your daily life. Sound good?”

You nodded. “Sounds good. Thank you.”

“You take care. You’ve got an excuse to laze around for about nine months too,” he chuckled. “I’ll send a nurse in to get you all signed out and unhooked from all this, and then you two can be on your way.”

“Thank you,” Sam added as the doctor left. He looked over at you, one eyebrow raised. “Did he say nine months of laying around?”

A shy smile crossed your features. “Congratulations daddy.” His eyes got big as you pulled out the thread of pictures. Sam let out a deep breath, pulling you into a soft hug.

“Thank god I didn’t know about this beforehand or there is no way I would’ve stayed calm out there.”

You laughed, pursing your lips and waiting for Sam to kiss them. “I was going to tell you on Christmas. I already wrapped the pregnancy test and onesie so just act surprised when you unwrap it, okay?”

“Deal.”

Forever Tags: @iwantthedean @a-fan-fighting-for-equality @smoothdogsgirl @jayankles @faegal04 @feelmyroarrrr @27bmm @maddieburcham1 @melonshino @sayukoi @impalaimagining @riversong-sam @atc74 @goldenolaf25 @plaidstiel-wormstache @thegrouchiestunicorn @thebitterbookeater @growningupgeek @sandle44 @rda1989 @weasleywinchester @fightmenegan @itsmyeffingstory @angelblazon @mrswhozeewhatsis @meeshw777 @jotink78 @poukothenerd @mogaruke @devilgirlsarah @queencflair @hexparker @ruprecht0420 @summer-binging-spn @holychuckitsthewinchesters @super100012 @jerk-bitch-and-an-angel @supernatural-jackles @taste-of-dean @casownsmyass @danradislife @holyfuckloueh @hsjolie @winchester-negan @emoryhemsworth @i-am-enough-always @samisimportant @brooke-supernatural16 @there-must-be-a-lock @greys-anatomy839 @babytheimpalaimagines @obsessivecompulsivespn @superapplepie @esoltis280 @mirandaaustin93

Sam Tags: @wildfirewinchester @thing-you-do-with-that-thing @katie-the-writer @lenawiinchester @bambinovak @lavieenlex @legend-o-zelda @20secspnfam4 @barbedwireandbubblegum @lipstickandwhiskey @bemyqueenofdarkness @waiting4thedoctor @snarkpunsandsarcasm @itssierramcquade @xinyourdreamsx @blue-heaven-winchestergirl83 @alwaysbummedout @born-to-be-his-baby88

25 Days of Christmas Tags: @alex-zeppelin @imagineplotfulcharacters @alwaysbummedout

My tag list is still open! Add yourself here!

If there’s a strikethrough on your name, it means I can’t tag you! Go here to fix it!

[lokidiabolus]

Hey, Misha! Needless to say, I absolutely adore your writing 💓 I've always loved Childhood Friends!AU and I was wondering if you're keen on writing a prompt (or more prompts, it's not like I would be complaining haha!) about Newtmas as childhood friends? It would be so cool!

To be completely honest, childhood friends!AU is one of my favourite tropes ever. I had several ideas in my head for it, but this one occured to me y-day after p browsing internet, finding a picture of unrequired love kind of thing. I'll probably return to the childhood friends!au with different ideas, but I just had to get this one out ^^

Ao3 Version.

Newt was born in England, Brighton, but when hewas five, his family decided to move to America and settle down in a house witha white fence and a dog, living the American dream.  Newt hated it there – he hated how peoplespoke, he hated how they laughed, how they behaved, how nothing was like he wasused to. He missed his friends and their little house near the coast, the airand the beaches.

After a year he got used to his new life to adegree where he didn’t whine to his parents anymore, but secretly remainedbitter about people around him, until the first day of the first grade where hemet Thomas in his class.

Thomas was a kid of the same age; with bigbrown eyes and really adorable way of pronouncing “squirrel” (that was also whyNewt remembered him so well right the first day). He didn’t live too far fromNewt’s house, just few blocks actually, and he was the friendliest person Newtmet in America so far. They became friends very fast and 11 years later Newt consideredhim his best friend he could tell everything to.

Well, almost everything.

He started crushing on him when he was aboutfifteen, but if he really wanted to be honest, he probably somehow fell in lovewith Thomas’ adorableness right in the first grade and it stuck to him like aglue. He tried to get rid of the feeling at first, because hey, two guys andThomas being straighter than an arrow didn’t really offer anything but trouble,but he failed miserably, so he just decided to ignore the problem until it wouldeventually go away.

He was 17 now and it was still there. Newt wouldeven say worse than before, especially when Thomas started to date his highschool sweetheart Teresa and Newt had no idea what to do with himself. He wasstill the best friend, still the main person Thomas turned to and telleverything (sadly definitely everything)but how the creeping desperation inside of him progressed, Newt started to hatehimself with passion and the fear of not fulfilling the expectation of the TheBest FriendTM was eating him up alive.

“You’re awfully quiet today.”

Newt jolted and almost spilled his drink he wasabsentmindedly holding all this time, while sitting in Thomas’ bedroom,completely ignoring the TV that was playing. He didn’t even know why he cameover in the end, but it probably involved Teresa not being present. Spendingalone time with Thomas had been rather difficult lately, but Newt thought itwas better, since it would give him less chances to screw up.

“Sorry,” he put the glass with drink on thetable, wiping his hand to his trousers. “Just thinkin’.”

“’bout?” Thomas’ voice was full of curiosityand Newt sometimes thought he should work harder on pretending everything wasfine before Thomas would put one and one together.

“How lame your hair is today,” he shot back,glancing at his friend with a perfectly faked smirk, and Thomas sputtered.

“Noooo…”

“You look like an idiot,” he insisted, becausehey, Thomas really did look strange with the hair being all up and ready to runaway, judging from the weird angles it had. He kind of guessed it was Teresa’sinfluence or something, but it didn’t mean it looked good. Thomas groaned andslid down his bed and onto the floor like sack of potatoes.

“Fuck, I really hate it too,” he heard himsaying. “But I tried; therefore no one should criticize me.”

“Go wash it,” Newt nudged him and Thomascrawled away, whining all the way to the bathroom, and then some more frominside. He was dating Teresa for about four months now and Newt was alreadyspotting her touch on all kind of things – the hair, some clothes, even musictaste. All things were screaming no toNewt, but he couldn’t really say much about it, unless he wanted to upsetThomas marginally (unless it was really bad, like the hair today). They weremeeting up less too, gaming together felt like impossible task and all the freetime got usurped with deadly accuracy, as if on purpose. But Newt was braveenough to say it couldn’t be Teresa’s aim, because he was really trying hisbest to pretend, and nobody found out yet. Thomas even preferred her most ofthe time and Newt wasn’t the one to complain, it was usually other Thomas’friends who did.

Or was it because he wasn’t loud enough?Because he acted so reconciled with the fact Thomas was in love with somebodyelse?

No, he thought. Can’t be it. Would be weirder if I whined about it.

“Phew, that’s better,” Thomas emerged back fromthe bathroom, towel around his shoulders and his hair wetly plastered on hishead. “That’s for me believing what a girl is saying.”

“Feels bad, man,” Newt commented with a smile andThomas sat next to him on the floor with a sigh. The TV played some randomdrama and Thomas seemed too interested in it, which meant something wasbothering him but he tried to pretend everything was fine.

Newt tilted his head to the side and nudged himagain.

“What’s wrong?” he asked quietly and Thomasmade a face at the TV. Newt wasn’t sure if it the scene was that bad, since hebarely paid attention, or if it meant he didn’t want to talk about any problemthat could be occurring.

“Think I’m a shitty bf,” Thomas said with hiseyes still fixated on the screen. Newt stared back at him with no idea what thehell to say, until Thomas finally glanced towards him with embarrassedexpression.

“What,” Newt managed, his mind reeling. True,it was kind of strange Thomas wasn’t with Teresa as he always did, or at leaston the phone texting her, but he didn’t really think much of it until now. “Why?”

“Cuz she’s not happy,” Thomas answered withsurprising calm.

“Not happy?” Newt repeated incredulously. Whatelse she wanted from Thomas than what he was already giving her? They werebasically always together lately too. “She told you or something?”

“She didn’t need to,” Thomas shrugged, but itlooked rather weak. “She’s not happy cuz I’m not happy.”

Then break up withher, Newt greedyside wanted to say, but he forced himself to stop. Under no circumstances hewould say something like that, ever. Hewas going to support Thomas because he was his best friend, even though herepeated it in his head like mantra too many times so it would still be true.

“Did something happen between you?” he askedinstead, carefully, like walking over broken glass, and Thomas shook his head. “Youtalked about it with her?” Thomas nodded. “And?”

“I guess it’s kinda over?” Came a reply andNewt’s heart almost stopped. They broke up? Broke up for real?

Nonono, stop thinkingabout it!

“’m sorry to hear that, man,” Newt forced outas apologetically as he could and patted Thomas on his back. “Can I do anythingfor you to feel better?”

Because of course his stupid, greedy self wouldsay that. Like oh great, you broke up,let’s spend more time together again, so I can get my dose like a junkie beforeit’s too late!

“You being here is already doing a lot,” Thomassmiled at him gratefully and Newt kind of wanted to cry. This was not fair andyet it absolutely was, and in the end it changed nothing and it never would.Teresa might have been out of picture, but there were going to be other girls,other dates and relationships and Newt was stagnating on one spot, unable tomove forward, the best friend watching from side lines.

“Anytime, man,” he said anyway and when Thomasrested his head on Newt’s shoulder like a content overgrown cat, Newt waspretty sure he was soon going to burn in hell.

***

“Man, I’m so jelly of that guy.”

“Huh?” Newt raised his head from the notes whenWinston was staring into his phone like somebody sent him a death threat.

“I wanted to buy a ticket for today’s B-Clubperformance, but they are all sold out already,” Winston whined, uselesslyclicking on order while getting errormessages.

“That rubbish band?” Newt raised an eyebrow andWinston made a face at him.

“They may be rubbish, but it’s full of prettyladies, sue me,” he commented with pursed lips and Newt shook his head with achuckle. “And that bastard Thomas already have a ticket!”

“What?” that made Newt alert again, this timewith confused undertone. Thomas never listened to the band, quite frankly nevereven paid them much attention, despite the fact it was full of young girls, andsuddenly had a ticket for the show? Why?

“That chick Brenda got him one,” Winston letout a sigh. “Seriously. Lucky bastard, scoring a date and ogling at one night.”

A date?

Newt hated how his stomach clenched at that,like somebody was kicking him repeatedly. It had been two weeks since the break-upwith Teresa and Thomas fell back into his let’shang out every day routine with Newt. They usually had at least dinnertogether, either at Newt’s or Thomas’ home, and their parents were like: oh, glad to see you coming here again [name]!It was almost like they were kids once more, playing videogames or justtalking, even helping each other with assignments. Thomas never mentioned anyBrenda during the talks, and Newt was perfectly sure if there was a dating possibility,he would tell Newt as the first person. And Newt would smile and congratulatehim, as he always did, and the meetings would diminish, as they always did, andeverything would be the same once more.

But now he didn’t know about anything thatmight have even resemble Thomas wanting to date, and unless he met her justtoday and she immediately gave him a ticket for a rubbish show, it just fellout of the learned way of Thomas’ behaviour pattern.

He despised himself the moment he grabbed hisphone and sent Thomas a message about tonight’s dinner, because his masochisticside of wanting to suffer just couldn’t be repressed, apparently. Surely Thomaswould tell him about dating. Surely Winston just heard wrong?

Thomas – 14:21 – Sorrymy man, can’t tonight! Call it for tomorrow though, ayyy!

Newt sent something neutral back, he knew that,it was a well learned move, and then the rest of the day somehow passed as ablur.

***

“Chinese food.”

“Your favourite,” Thomas responded proudlywhile presenting the kitchen table full of white, neat boxes. The food in themsmelled fantastic and there was too much for just two of them, and Newt bit histongue in order to keep any questions about yesterday inside. Thomas waspractically glowing and he knew that kind of state – falling in love, beingobsessed, overdosed with endorphins. Newt had no bloody right to pry into it ifThomas didn’t want to tell him, and maybe it was easier with the blissedoblivion for a little longer.

“You’re too nice,” he said instead withpracticed smile, and no, he was happy for him, he was glad Thomas was in goodmood and in great place right now. He was still his best friend, and bestfriends were basically family. He was (bitterly) happy for him. “What’s theoccasion?”

“You looking like an advertisement for Twiggyfashion?” Thomas joked and pulled a chair away, gesturing for Newt to sit down.

Oh no, Newt thought. He’s going to drop something huge. He’s never this super nice without areason.

“Thomas,” he eyed him warily, but the brunetjust grinned and gestured towards the chair again, so Newt sat down and hopedfor the best. “You’re creeping me out now.”

“Oh no, this soon?” Thomas faked a shock andNewt wanted to groan. “What are you going to say after the candles and themarching band I ordered to play your favourite song?”

“I’d just rather die already,” Newt buried hisface in his hands and Thomas laughed in honest amusement and patted his back.

“Oh c’mon, Newtie, you know you love it anyway,”he had the nerve to wink at him and when he finally sat down on the other chairand handed Newt one of the boxes without pulling a bouquet of roses out of hisass, Newt could relax a little.

“So, I had been thinking,” Thomas started and Newtbraced for the inevitable as casually as he could. It was fine, a good friendordering his favourite food while telling him something insane, like thatwhoever Brenda had been was now pregnant and Thomas was dropping out of schoolto marry her to have a nice house at the beach, a golden retriever and a whitefence.

Good grief, I hopenot, for his own sake.

“I hope it didn’t hurt,” Newt piped withoutlooking at him when Thomas grew quiet. “You rarely use your brain, don’t strainit too much in one go.”

“Oi, I use it when it counts!” Thomas retortedback with a smile in his voice and Newt’s mouth curled up in a smile too,almost involuntarily. He kept his eyes on the food though, just to be sure.

“So?” he asked matter-of-factly and Thomassighed.

“Are you not going to look at me at all tonight?”

Newt blinked and glanced up, spotting Thomas’sour expression aimed at him.

“Huh?” he let out stupidly. “Uh, sorry. Lookingat you now.”

The sour expression stayed and Newt cleared histhroat and put the box back on the table.

“Sorry,” he repeated. “What’s yours I had been thinking thing then?”

“Eh, never mind, the mood is gone,” the brunetshrugged and reached for his food as well. “My bad.”

He didn’t elaborate even when Newt was glaringat him for a full minute after and then half of the first episode of Scrubs.

***

It came as no surprise when Thomas couldn’tcome for dinner the next day or the day after. It gave Newt the right message,and quite frankly he was a little glad he managed not to hear Thomas out theother day, because even when he could imagine what Thomas had to say, it wouldstill take too much effort to keep straight face during it. So he was nowcontent with the Schrodinger relationship that kept Thomas busy and justwallowed in his own self-pity for a change.

Was it going to be like this forever? Was hegoing to pin after him until he would be old and wrinkly and Thomas would havea wife, and kids and grandkids and occasionally invite Newt over for the good old-timesake while sporting his wife’s favoured brand of clothes and hairstyle?

Am I going to bebitter and alone forever because I just can’t give up?

He took his phone, his eyes fixated on Thomas’name in the chat log, and the last message was a lil busy this week, I will make it up to you.

“Make it up to me,” he read out loud, the lightfrom the phone almost blinding him in the dark room where he was hidden underthe covers.

Newt – 20:11 – Hey, Ireally miss you. Hewrote, then his fingers stopped and got back to the delete button, erasing thewhole message.

Newt – 20:15 – I loveyou since the first grade and can’t stop thinking about you. He wrote again, his fingerstrembling, and it hurt inside. He left the text shine on the screen for awhile, reading it over and over again, but it didn’t make it a lie, it didn’terase the truth in the words. He deleted it again until there was only ablinking cursor staring back at him, mockingly challenging him to writesomething that wouldn’t completely destroy the friendship he clung to almosthis whole life.

Newt – 20:30 – Hey! Anyplans for tonight? :)

He hit sent and tossed the phone next to him onthe mattress, leaving it bounce several times before landing screen down,muting the light. He knew what answer to expect and didn’t want to read itanytime soon.

The sleep claimed him almost immediately.

***

“Newtie, you’re getting old,” said Thomas’voice in his dream. It was warm and friendly and Newt imagined him sitting onhis bed, gently stroking his hair while smiling down at him.

“Am I?” he asked back, basking in the raremoment of calmness, free of bitter reality and his own wicked thoughts abouthis best friend.

“Falling asleep so early,” Thomas was stillsmiling and his hand was warm on Newt’s cheek, caressing it. “Is there somethingon your mind?”

“You,” Newt responded back and it was so easyand liberating to say it. “It has always been you.”

The caressing stopped for a fraction of second,but then Thomas was leaning down, tilting Newt’s chin up, and his lips were alittle dry, but Newt loved the kiss anyway. It was soft and gentle, like sailingon waves of serenity and when Thomas started to pull away, he boldly chased hislips, stealing one more kiss before letting go, swiping his tongue over Thomas’lower lip in satisfaction.

“I know it’s a little overdue, but,” Thomas’voice was lower now, huskier, and Newt goddamn loved this kind of dream. He lethis best friend, his unfulfilled love, to sit over him like a knight waking upa princess and it was ridiculous to think about it that way, but it fitted sowell Newt just had to chuckle at the thought.

“What?” There was evident confusion in Thomas’eyes, but Newt wished it away – not here, not now. Thomas, his dream Thomas,understood his thoughts.

“A knight and a sleeping beauty,” he said witha smile and Thomas barked out a laugh.

“Can’t say it doesn’t fit,” he agreed, and Newtfelt more clarity now, more noises came to him. He must have started to wake upand the thought made him sad.

“What I meant to say,” Thomas started talkingagain and Newt started to feel thirsty, like after a night in a hot room, and alittle stuffy. Didn’t he turn off the heating before going to sleep? Damn, itwas already ruining the dream like an apocalypse. “Was that I had beenthinking-,”

“Déjà vu,“ Newt mumbled and then it hit him.

He wasn’t sleeping. This wasn’t a dream. Thomaswas in his room, sitting on his bed, talking to him. Kissing him.

“And you never let me finish,” Thomas sighed,fully in flesh and here and Newtstarted to panic. The terror was setting in his bones like lead and pinned himto the bed with deadly accuracy of somebody, whose sentence was to die in thevery bed, by shame and mortification and so, so much bitterness.

“What are you doing here?” Newt croaked out,his eyes wide, and Thomas didn’t move an inch from his current bent downposition above him. The living nightmare was too cruel now, too merciless.

“You asked me what plans I have, I answered youand you didn’t reply,” Thomas responded with eerie calm for somebody who justgot kissed by his best friend out of the blue. “So I stopped by, auntie saidyou’re in your room and then I found you here sleeping.”

“Oh no,” Newt croaked. “Oh god no.”

“Then I kissed you, you were fine and now you’refreaking out,” Thomas ended the elaboration and added an eyeroll for a goodmeasure. Newt hoped the bed would open and swallow him whole.

“You were a dream!” Newt whined in defence, butunfortunately knew already it wasn’t the case. Thomas was here, and had beenhere when the apparent dream started, and Newt told him things he shouldn’thave, and the world might have ended today and it would be just perfect.

“Nope, not really,” Thomas assured him. “Wait,do you mean you’d kiss only dream me but not real me? Where’s the equality?”

“Thomas, please-,”

“Newt, I know you’re a smart guy,” Thomas didn’tlet him finish. “I know you are. But this is slow even for a snail running dry,just realize it already.”

Newt never felt so scared in his life, sofragile upon hoping in impossible, of Thomas being here, telling him he likedhim back in his own way, and no, it couldn’t be true, it couldn’t be happening.Not after all these years and-

“So I had been thinking,” Thomas started once more,and it was so familiar now, and he even stopped, looked at Newt expectantlylike he was challenging him to interrupt him once more, but Newt remained quietas a mouse, drinking Thomas in. “I had been thinking that we should date.”

Newt was happy the world didn’t end just yet.

[thelastspeecher]

Story Time

I usually like to include in the title of the post what AU the write is from, but this particular AU has such a long name that I don’t really want to.  This takes place in the Reverse Portal Stanley McGucket AU, and is a rare write that takes place from Lute’s perspective.  It’s not quite as Lute-centric as the thing I’ll be posting tomorrow, since it focuses a bit more on Stangie memories.  But still, we get some good Lute thoughts into what is going on in this tragic AU.

              “Uncle Lute, look!”  Lute looked up from the dishes he was currently in the process of washing.  His niece Daisy ran over, proudly holding a piece of paper.  Lute smiled and dried his hands.

              “What’s this?” he asked.

              “My teacher left a note on my project, sayin’ I’ve got potential in science she’s never seen before!” Daisy enthused.  Lute chuckled.  He took the piece of paper.  It was the results of her fourth-grade science fair project.  Angie had helped, but Daisy had insisted on doing the majority of the work on her own.

              “I ain’t all that surprised,” he said, ruffling her hair.  “Yer quite the smartie.  Just like yer ma.”  Daisy beamed. “Ya told her when she picked ya up, I assume?”  Daisy nodded. “Good.  I can put it on the fridge right away, then.”  Lute walked over to the fridge and stuck the paper on the door with a magnet shaped like a salamander.  He heard the front door open again.

              “Ma, are ya goin’ to tell us?” Emory’s voice asked eagerly.

              “Yes, sweetie, just let me take a seat in the livin’ room, okay?” Angie’s voice said.  Lute pursed his lips.  Angie was frequently tired, particularly since she started to help Ford with his research on the Gravity Falls anomalies, in addition to her own.  But the exhaustion in her voice wasn’t physical. It was emotional.  And that pointed to his missing brother-in-law.

              I knew they’d start askin’ about him eventually. The breadcrumbs Danny ‘n Daisy have, or what all Stanford ‘n myself tell ‘em isn’t enough.  They want to hear about Stan from their mother.

              “Don’t start without me!” Daisy said suddenly.  She darted out of the kitchen.  Lute took a deep breath and followed her into the living room.  Angie entered and took a seat on the couch.  Emily and Emmett, six years old and just done with their first week of school, climbed up next to her.  Daisy sat on the floor in front of the couch.  Danny joined her.

              “Angie,” Lute said softly.  Angie looked up.  In the seven years that had passed since Stan’s disappearance, the bright caramel color of her hair had started to fade, and she’d been forced to wear reading glasses regularly.  Lute couldn’t help but wonder if the stress of everything that had happened was what caused her to age so quickly.

              “I’m fine, Lute,” Angie said with a forced smile.  Lute leaned against the wall.

              “You don’t have to talk about him.  I can tell ‘em another story.”

              “No, we wanna hear about Dad from Ma!” Emmett protested from Angie’s lap. Lute blinked, surprised.  Emmett was the black sheep of his siblings, quiet and unsure.  He very rarely raised his voice, and even more rarely wasn’t willing to compromise.

              Maybe he’s finally gettin’ some stubbornness in him.  Lute smiled. Good.  Stan wouldn’t want a kid who’s willing to back down.

              “It’s fine, really,” Angie said to Lute.  She took a deep breath.  “It’s been seven years.  I can talk.”

              “Okay,” Lute replied.  He stayed where he was, determined to step in if Angie became too emotional to carry on.

              “What do ya want to hear about, babies?” Angie asked, stroking Emmett’s hair.

              “What was Dad like?” Emmett asked.  Angie smiled faintly.

              “It’d take a long time to explain everything about him,” she said.  “Like all people, he’s complex.”

              “Ma,” Danny piped up.  “Don’t dance around the question.”

              “All right, all right.  He’s stubborn.  Stubborn as a mule.  Loyal, willin’ to do anything to protect those he cares about.  He has issues showin’ emotion in front of people at times. He’d try to downplay anything he did to be kind as him doin’ just ‘cause it didn’t inconvenience him.  His voice would get all gruff when he talked about yer sisters, ‘cause it was the only way to hide how proud he is of ‘em, and how much he loves ‘em.”

              She’ll never stop usin’ present-tense, will she.

              “How did you two meet?” Danny asked.  Angie raised an eyebrow.

              “I know you’ve heard that story.”

              “Yeah, but not from you.”  Danny leaned forward.  “Did ya know he was the love of yer life the second ya laid eyes on him?”  Angie laughed.

              “Not by any means.  I was sixteen and hadn’t even left the state before.  I couldn’t feel any emotion other than curiosity until I got to know him.” Angie looked over at a photo on the wall, of her and Stan’s high school graduation.  “Most of the first interactions we had, I was confused how someone could be so obtuse.  He was a real fish outta water on the farm.”

              “But he got better,” Daisy said.  Angie nodded.

              “Yes.  He got better.”

              “How did ya know he was the one?” Danny asked.  Lute let out a small huff of amusement.

              There she goes, the hopeless romantic.  Lord, am I goin’ to have fun terrorizin’ her dates when she gets older.

              “I’m not quite sure,” Angie replied after a moment.  She untangled a knot in Emmett’s hair.  “It wasn’t one moment.  It was a series of moments that all built up.”

              “What were-” Danny started.

              “Where is he?” Emmett interrupted.  Angie’s face broke.  Lute stood straighter.

              “…I don’t know,” Angie whispered.

              “We’ve answered that question, Emmett,” Lute said.  Emmett looked over at him.

              “Yeah, but yer lyin’,” Emmett said firmly.

              “No, we were tellin’ the truth.”

              “No.  It doesn’t make sense,” Emmett insisted.

              And already his new stubbornness is comin’ to bite us in the butt.  He really is Stan’s son.

              “Honey, yer Uncle Ford was there,” Angie said gently.  “He saw what happened.”

              “Yeah.  Right after he and Dad had a big fight.  Uncle Ford could be lying to cover his tracks.  He probably is.  ‘Cause it doesn’t make any sense fer Dad to be- be wherever Uncle Ford’s machine took him!”

              “Junior,” Lute snapped, using the nickname he had come up with when Emmett was five and wanted to go by his middle name, Stanley.  “Yer on thin ice.”  Emmett glared at him.

              “I just want to know what really happened!” Emmett said, crossing his arms. “Dad shoulda been here!  He wasn’t!  If it’s Uncle Ford’s fault-”  A single tear traced its way down Angie’s cheek and landed on Emmett.  He looked at Angie, startled.  “O-oh.  Sorry, Ma.”

              “I’m fine,” Angie said.  She rubbed her eyes.  “I just don’t like thinkin’ ‘bout- ‘bout where yer dad is right now.”  Emory embraced Angie.

              “Ma, don’t cry,” Emory said softly.  Angie smiled through her tears.

              “Fer you, I’ll hold ‘em back.”

              “I’ll be quiet now,” Emmett mumbled.

              “You don’t need to be fer my sake, honey-bun,” Angie said.  Her voice was still thick with tears.  Emmett shook his head.

              “No, I- we should talk ‘bout the good things,” he said.  Angie stroked Emmett’s cheek.  “I don’t wanna think about him bein’ somewhere bad, either.”

              “Thank you, sweetie.”  Angie took a shuddering breath.  “Danny, the first time I knew yer father and I had somethin’ was when we moved in together. He jumped at the chance to move out of yer grandparents’ house, across the country, with no plan fer a job or anything.  Just so he could live with me.  Everything that happened after just made me more sure of it.  Our bickerin’ over the thermostat, me draggin’ him to museums and forests, him draggin’ me to sporting events.  The way- the way he’d just laugh if I jumped onto his back, takin’ on the challenge to carry me to whatever my destination was.”  Angie’s eyes grew misty with memory.  “The way he smelled and felt.  And…the day he proposed, blurting it out without thinkin’, without even havin’ the ring on him.”  Danny’s eyes widened.

              “Wait, how did Dad propose if he didn’t have a ring?” she asked.  Lute cocked his head, curious as well.

              I don’t think she ever told anyone how Stan proposed.  Angie smiled fondly.

              “We were down in the mines, and yer father kept tryin’ to get me to go to this fancy restaurant I liked.  But I ignored it, said I was fine traipsin’ ‘round underground.  I didn’t pay attention to what was goin’ on, and yer father had to rescue me from bein’ eaten by somethin’.  He tackled me, we rolled down a hill, and there, at the base of the hill, with me starin’ up at him, he asked me to marry him.”  Angie let out a small wistful sigh.  “Never did find out what exactly prompted him to pop the question then and there.  Knowin’ him, it probably just felt right.  And it did.  It was special.  Way more special than if it had happened at a restaurant.”

              “Aw,” Danny gushed.

              “I can see why ya kept that story a secret,” Lute said softly.  “It’s a sweet one.”

              “Yep.  And Stan’s got that hard shell.  He wouldn’t want folks to know he’s secretly sappy.”

              “He’s gonna come back, right?” Emory asked.  Angie nodded.

              “Yes,” she said.  “He will.” Lute’s heart sunk.

              She’s never goin’ to move on.

              “I think that’s enough story fer today,” Angie said briskly.  “Y’all have some homework, and I have some data to write up.”  The children grumbled, but gradually dispersed.  Once all four children were gone, Lute joined Angie on the couch. She was staring at the photo on the mantel of Stan, Angie, Danny, and Daisy during their first Halloween as a family. Stan and Angie were dressed as robbers, and the infant Danny and Daisy as sacks of money.

              “Banjey, it’s not right to get their hopes up like that,” Lute said in an undertone.

              “I know you don’t think he’ll come back,” Angie said softly.  “But I know my husband.  He’d do anything to come back to his fam’ly.  It’s not gettin’ their hopes up to let ‘em know that one day, their dad will be back.  It’s preparin’ ‘em fer the future.”  She stood. “I really do have research to work on.” She walked away.  Lute sighed.

              “Learn to keep yer darn mouth shut, McGucket,” he said to himself.  He stood up and walked over to the mantel to pick up the Halloween picture.  In the background, he could just make out Ford with his back turned, helping Tate go trick-or-treating.

              If there was anyone who could bring Stan back, it’d be Stanford.  And if there was anyone who could survive alternate realities to come back home to his family, it’d be Stan.  He set the picture back on the mantel.  Maybe I should try bein’ optimistic like Angie fer once.  It’d sure be better than assuming my brother’s dead.  He let out a sigh.

              “Somethin’ to ruminate on,” he said quietly.  He turned away from the mantel.

              Now, back to the dishes.