#their biggest fight happens during the night-- their reunion and the start of friendship under sunlight that shines against them--- l iKE ye

[magnusbae]

You realize that the 2022 meeting is the first one to have some actual daylight? (all the previous scenes they shared together were with candle light illuminating them etc..)

Additionally, please consider the fact that it was during the night that they met and fought in 1889, and how it was still raining in the 1989 scene Hob was in alone, for it to finally have daylight to bathe them both in sunshine in the 2022 scene.

Really gives a nice metaphor to meeting in the dark of the night versus in the open, under direct sunlight, no?

[jjungkookislife]

Quarterly Fic Recs 2021 #2

Hello! I’m back with another rec list! Here are fics I’ve read, loved and thoroughly enjoyed in the second quarter of 2021! They are all very wonderful fics! Each story has its own genre, warnings (and are mostly 18+), so please take that into consideration before reading. If any authors would like me to untag them, please let me know. Enjoy!

Yoongi

before i leave you @hollyhomburg

summary: Yoongi Disappears- leaving behind a shattered pack. 8 months later, Jimin finds Yoongi in an H-mart of all places.

Hoseok

heart-on @junghelioseok

summary: my boss is always telling me how perfect her son would be for me and she promises he’s coming to the next holiday party and don’t worry he’s heard all about me too and ALSO there’s this dude i slept with once a couple of months ago and sometimes he still sends me dick pics when i ask him to at 3 in the morning cause seriously dude’s got a good dick

Jungkook

charmolypi @njssi

summary: Work and pleasure should never be combined — or so the saying goes. But you were never really one to follow the rules in their entirety and neither were the ones around you. Love, lust, interest. Five people. In the workplace. What could go wrong? Everyone just wants to get something, after all.

when you least expect it @johobi

summary: You’re in love with your childhood friend, Taehyung. The problem is, you treasure your friendship with him far too much to ever risk losing it. Oh, and he’s quite the Casanova. At your wits’ end with feelings you can no longer hide as diligently as you once did, you ask him to set you up with someone, anyone, in a last ditch attempt to avoid a heartbreaking conversation.

wherever there is you @jeonstudios

summary: you’ve been drinking, haven’t you?

instant gratification @dovechim

fuckboi@jungkook x cheerleader!reader

haze @yyooni

summary: So you’ve fucked the biggest fuck boy on campus. It’s a one and done. One night stand. A wham bam thank you ma’am. So why does it happen again?

OT7/Multiple Members

because i’m yours @minniepetals

summary: you should have known they’d never let you go after gathering the courage to ask for a kiss

blazed @ironicarmy

summary: Your friends try to cheer you up during Christmastime, but things go south once Hoseok appears with a mysterious brown bag.

Seokjin

one step @cutechim

summary:  attending an ex’s wedding is never easy, but you might just have the perfect remedy—if you can pluck up the courage to take it.

platonic @joheunsaram

summary: Finding a new method for stress relief, you rope in your bestfriend/fwb to try it out with you.

show me yours and i’ll show you mine @ktheist

summary: you’re a horny bunny yet kim seokjin always seems to manage to slide out of your grasps like a fox every time.

Yoongi

before i leave you pt. 7 @/hollyhomburg

summary: Pack omega kim Seokjin knows how to handle things when they go south (or alternatively you get triggered, Yoongi has a panic attack, and it’s a good thing the pack is there to help)

Hoseok

risky business @yoonjinkooked

summary: The person who invented smart glass office walls knew what they were doing. Your secretary fucks you stupid in the office.

snapshot @xjoonchildx

summary: after a day at the beach, hoseok has some surprises in store for his longtime love

keep me warm @ppersonna

summary: camping is always a great time when you’re with your friends, but even better with your boyfriend, hoseok.

it’s you @jinpanman

summary: An accidental confession throws your years-long friendship with Hoseok into disarray.

Namjoon

love bytes @stutterfly

summary: It’s been a year since you first met Kim Namjoon, the passionate, talented English professor at the local campus. He’s always been clumsy and aloof, but he’s on a whole new level in terms of “technologically incapable.” One call to IT was all it took to pull you into his life, and with it a whole string of friendships full of flirtatious banter and undying support.

Your dating situation has been drier than the Sahara for years now, and you’ve wasted too many lonely nights drinking alone, so you try your hand at Tinder. But you’re not getting any bites. When the group finds out, they are more than willing to help–even Namjoon, though he finds it increasingly difficult to deny that he’s hopelessly smitten. You consider their opinions on potential Tinder dates while fighting off feelings you never knew were brewing for the caring soul who becomes the home you never had.

out of my league @/ppersona

summary: Kim Namjoon was never supposed to find out about your years-long hopeless crush on him. And he most definitely was not supposed to find out about it in front of all your coworkers in a company-wide meeting.

so this is love @jinpanman

summary: “So this is the miracle that I’ve been dreaming of. So this is love.”

problem solved @sugasbabiie

summary: Namjoon helps you with more than math problems tonight.

love is @hxseok-honee

summary: they say that love is supposed to transcend time and space and that it knows no limits. but putting an ocean and thousands of miles between two people won’t make things any easier, will it? 

Jimin

potent pink @dntaewithluv

summary: The first time you see Park Jimin you’re instantly entranced by him. And it turns out he lives in the apartment next to the one you’re moving into, so even better he’s your hot neighbor. When the previous tenant confesses to you that he was the best hook up she ever had, you’re that much more intrigued. The first time you meet him, however, you’re deciding immediately that you hate him and want to stay as far away from him as possible. Jimin is determined to be a constant in your life though, and he definitely is that. Both a constant flirt and a constant pain in your ass. Is a ruined second impression enough to prevent you from ever giving him a second chance?

Taehyung

hush, yeah? @kithtaehyung

summary: the innocent accident that started it all

unfinished business @/dntaewithluv

summary: Besides wanting to catch up with some old friends, there’s only one reason you found yourself agreeing to attend your 10 year high school reunion. The boy you were in love with back then is going to be there, and you’re determined to finally make your move. Except, unfortunately, it turns out that Kim Seokjin is very much happily married. Kim Taehyung, however, is very much single and feels like he has something to prove to you after you turned him down all those years ago. One night is all it takes to make you realize you made the biggest mistake of your life.

under the covers @jessikahathaway

spy!au

darling @bloomsuga

summary: “go to sleep, darling.”

as endless as the stars ^

summary: he waited 160 years to meet you again, and now that he has, he’s not letting go. or: “i love you as deep as the ocean and as endless as the stars”

dirty dishes @jaysdimples

summary: when your boyfriend can’t seem to keep his hands to himself so he stirs up a little trouble in the kitchen while everyone else is a few feet away in the next room

devotion @/sweetbunnykook

summary: You and Taehyung were inseparable once. When you come back to your hometown after three years, fate pulls you back to him. And this time, Taehyung won’t ever keep his eyes off of you.

Jungkook

commercial break; twelve @1kook

summary: Anyway, if it was up to Jungkook, Kim Doyeon would not be a member of the Engagement Ring Committee.

tease @adonis-koo

summary:You came with the intentions of your best friend landing a job as a stripper. You never meant to catch the eyes of the king stripper of the establishment- Jeon Jungkook, yourself. With what was supposed to be a harmless way of paying off college debt faster you find yourself falling into a very odd and passionate relationship with your new mentor. Between infidelity, passion and jealousy there’s never a dull moment at Cherry Bomb.

jock!jk @angelguk

summary: going raw with jock jk

evolution of a lover’s heart @jeonstudios

summary: the rules are simple: first one to take the virginity wins.

euphoria @btssavedmylifeblr

summary: At the end of your life, you are given one day to live again with the man you loved. A lifetime’s love story told in a single day.

idealizations concerning real life relations @venusiangguk

summary: jungkook loves to be loved, but he doesn’t love in return.

relax @itsbuffsanta

summary: jk is antsy after the concert, so you help him relax.

employee of the month @/dntaewithluv

summary: Sometimes it truly amazes you how much of an idiot your boyfriend can be. But you also find it impossible to say no to him. Even when it involves letting him fuck you at his work on the same day that he gets awarded employee of the month…

ego 08 @suga-kookiemonster

summary: what’s a girl to do when her sweet, innocent baby lab partner isn’t quite so sweet and innocent? well, he’s a grown-ass man, and you’re about to learn that the hard way.

only you 10 @sweetbunnykook 

summary: Jeon Jungkook, your wedding photographer, helps you escape on your big day upon learning about a secret your groom-to-be kept hidden. You soon fall for this young, passionate photographer. However, you underestimated just how much he was willing to reciprocate that love. Maybe, you think, he’s loving you just a little too much.  

lunchbox lovers @jiminrings

stem major!koo x cold senior!y/n

crunchyroll & rail @/1kook

summary: Never mind the fact you really like Sailor Moon, or that you really want to pay attention to every little detail; the moment becomes Jungkook and his big smile and his red cheeks and the tiny box he produces from within his pocket.

only for you @jikookiekosmos

summary: It’s the night before your wedding and you should be happy…but a fight with your fiancé leaves you second guessing everything. A visit from the blue-haired boy of your dreams is just what you need to make it right.

lillies @dewykth

summary: “… white lines, pretty baby, tattoos, don’t know what they mean, they’re special just for you…”

bluekooberry @kimtaehyunq

summary: Your adoring boyfriend, Jungkook, surprises you with a brand new hairstyle before your trip to visit him for the weekend. He’s excited to see you, feed you, and give you exactly what you want.

bad reputation @noteguk

summary: in which you have to deal with some strange emotions for the first time.

not yet @bratkook

summary: jungkook feels the pang of guilt in his gut when you spot your recent ex out with his new girl, and what better way to make the jerk hurt than to have him believe you were now dating him, the neighbor he had been insecure about your whole relationship

incoming: elite chatboy @kookingtae

summary: welcome to Elite Chatroom, a sex chat company with a wide variety of services such as text messaging, phone call, and video chat. you signed up online for the most basic text service plan not knowing what to expect, but you certainly didn’t think you’d end up actually liking the man behind the screen.

ineffable @euphoria-vmin7

summary: your best friend Jeon Jeongguk has always been amazing and deserved the best, so you’ve hid your love for him. But unbeknowsnt to you, there may be feelings that could change everything between you two…

touch @gardentulips

summary: when you tease and please one another

Multiple Members

friendly fire @kpopfanfictrash

summary: The dynamic: Hoseok; your friend and previous fuck buddy. Jungkook; Hoseok’s roommate and subject of your massive crush. The scene: determined not to drunk-gush about your crush any more (to his face), you decide to seclude yourself from all campus parties. Until, of course, Hoseok guilts you into a favor. Things spiral from there.

the boys are back in town @/dntaewithluv

summary: Getting stood up by your date definitely hadn’t been on your agenda for the evening. Also definitely not on your agenda: bumping into Park Jimin and Jeon Jungkook. Together. On the same exact night. It’s been a while since you’ve seen your two best friends, as well as lovers on multiple occasions, from your high school and college days. A chance meeting, some drinks, and a trip down memory lane is all it takes to reignite the attraction between the three of you. Old habits die hard, but these two? They just might be the death of you.

ruin you @taegularities

summary: “His eyes hold unfathomable darkness that lures you in, captures your very soul, steals any air you are trying to draw. And you know without a doubt that you’re on the path to utter and irrevocable ruination.”

ruin you (once more) ^

summary: Taehyung and Jungkook can’t keep their hands off you. Not even in the elevator.

Seokjin

kairos @luffles424

summary: When your financial aid falls through for your last year of school, you fear you’ll have to drop out and postpone your degree. Until Taehyung gives you a suggestion to make a lot of money, quick. His idea can’t possibly end well, can it?

appetence @luffles424

summary: appetence (n.) - an eager desire, an instinctive inclination; an attraction or a natural bondIt’s time for Seokjin’s rut. Are either of you prepared for this step?

tiny lights, tiny lies @ggukcangetit

summary: you aren’t sure when exactly your best friend’s brother went from being an oddly annoying set of broad shoulders to the shoulders you frequently fell asleep against.

Yoongi

the little things @kimtaehyunq

summary: When the present isn’t exactly enough for you right now, Yoongi is here for you through it all. He makes sure you know you aren’t alone and that it’s ok to feel alone.

cyberslut @kimnjss

summary:  he has no idea who you are… up front, you’re sweet and innocent - but in reality you’re the exact opposite. running your own nsfw account, where your favorite topic is his hands.

yoongi drabble @joonsgalore

life guard au

Hoseok

benefits @cutechim

summary: you and hoseok have taken the ‘friends’ out of friends with benefits, but exclusivity has its own perks.

Namjoon

namjoon drabble @lovetrivia

summary: You’re a hot girl on Twitch and Namjoon is an absolute simp.

Jimin

baby fever @writtenwhalien

summary: Jimin wants another baby, and much to your delight, he’s determined to give you one.

jimin drabble @/1kook

best friend au

small hands jimin drabble @lavishedinjimin

established relationship au

silk and lace @sunshyngal

summary: Min Nara is the newly dumped fiance to the Crown prince of Korea, Park Jimin. She’s not overtly upset , because at least now she can live her life without the pressure of the monarchy hanging over her head. Besides , Nara has a very dirty little secret. While she spends the day as the perfect high society girl with an impeccable pedigree , her nights are filled with lacy lingerie and webcams.  Ignored by the man she’s meant to marry, she revels in the greedy lust of strangers on the internet. It’s her way of saying ‘fuck you’ to a system that sees her as nothing but a toy, molded for the future King. Park Jimin doesn’t know the first thing about his supposed fiancee. And he has no intention of learning either. He knows just what debutante girls are like and he has no patience for the kind. Besides, his girlfriend of three years, the elegant and independent Irene is everything he would ever want in a wife . Or is she?Because in the secrecy of his office , after the day’s work is done , Park Jimin has a very scintillating vice that he likes to indulge in : the beautiful camgirl who calls herself the Temptress. Jimin can’t get enough of the girl’s lush thighs wrapped in silk, the pretty pink of her nipples in see through bralettes and the glittering temptation of the jeweled plugs she likes to stuff herself full with.Jimin thinks she embodies  everything he can never allow himself to have as a Prince : filth, sin and decadence , all wrapped up in Silk and Lace.

Taehyung

nip it in the bud @opaljm

summary: You’re not sure how you ended up here, but maybe a shitty ex and a horrible breakup had a hand in what placed you in front of the tattoo parlor. It was already a nerve-wracking experience, but what you never expected was seeing that the owner and artist giving you nipple piercings was your older brother’s best friend you hadn’t seen in ages. to make things even worse, he got fucking hotter.

taehyung drabble @joonsgalore

sugar daddy au

peanut @jungxk

summary: the making of peanut.

Jungkook

pretty kitty @venusiangguk

summary: you’re jk’s baby, his toy, and now his pretty little pet.

heavy metal @hisunshiine

summary: You come home from a trip to find your fuckbuddy has a… hole-y surprise.

devour @bloomsuga

summary: my sweet angel… i am going to devour you

grain of sand @jungkookiebus

summary: Blind since the age of 18 from a genetic disorder, Jungkook walked through life as if he never lost it, but on one fateful day seven years ago he literally almost runs into you. He fell in love nearly immediately. Fast forward to the present and it’s just another day in your quiet life with him by your side.

under the oak tree @mingoyeob

summary: as the eldest daughter of a duke, it’s your duty to marry at your father’s will. yet you didn’t expect to be marrying jeon jungkook, a knight of low status, especially when he departs for an expedition without another word after your first night. when he comes back three years later, this time as a renowned hero, how will you be able to face him and how will things change between you and your new husband?

jungkook drabble @1kook

dilf!jk

commercial break: thirteen ^

summary: Because for as much shit as you let him get away with, Jungkook is certain you’ll draw the line today.

sh. @wwilloww

summary: How could you say no to a month away in the mountains with your friends after six months of grueling quarantine?

jungkook drabble @lavishedinjimin

daddy!jk

OT7/Multiple Members

the end @jimlingss

summary: It’s been a habit of yours to vent in the form of love letters. There’s six in total. They’re kept secret, hidden in your closet. But on your 30th birthday, what you least expect is for each letter to become reality. All done by the whacky ghost of Christmas future trying to grant your birthday wish.

[jostepherjoestar]

Can I ask what would happen if the yakuza La Squadra member got drunk with majima and began singing 24 hour Cinderella (full costume and all) as the team watch confused and laughing their asses off and kiryu kinda just enjoying the reunion

I can only imagine La Squadra’s reaction when their yakuza La Squadra member who’s normally serious and kinda stoic starts singing and dancing with majima in flashy outfits that look like the 80’s puked on them

Former Yakuza La Squadra member letting loose at karaoke

When two anons think alike and cozy is loving this idea, it must happen because wow this is just *chefs kiss* thank you for asking my dearies 💖✨(we’re all allowed to call them oushi-chan fyi 😎, this was so fun to write so it’s a bit longer than expected) 24 hour cinderella is the song they sing

CW: excessive alcohol use, embarrassingly wholesome fun

Majima and Kiryu’s visit was sadly coming to an end. Their week spent in Napoli walking around with their old friend brought them some mindless new adventure that for once didn’t include having to ward off punks every street corner. It felt refreshing, their former colleague glad to show them around whenever they had the time, even spending afternoons with their current teammates and the guests. The men had slowly began bonding among them, the power of temporary friendship was not one bound by language barriers. Even though the stand users were experienced fighters, Kiryu and Majima had tips to lend for more streetwise moves which the group gladly accepted.

For their last night in Italy Majima had requested karaoke, it had become quite the fad overseas now. New karaoke bars popping up all over town carrying the cheesiest hits and unknown gems. Begrudgingly oushi-chan booked their room, it would be cramped with ten muscled humans packed in the small room, but they’d all grown a lot closer over time. It seemed like the visit did them good, opening up more about their past and letting their guard down, even if it was just a smidge. But nothing had completely broken that stoic façade just yet. It made the team of assassins even more interested in the life of their latest team member. Risotto knew how annoying it could be to have people prying at the gates, begging them to open up, so after his prank of calling them oushi-chan he opted to let them be and just observe.

The alcohol was flowing like waterfalls in rainy season, luckily for them they kept it at one kind, some good old Sambuca making the room stink of anise. Every shot taken irrupting groans and smacking lips as everyone had begun to loosen up. Formaggio and Illuso were actually getting along for once, even singing a duet together, the quality of their singing varying to whoever you asked. Prosciutto had brought along playing cards so they could all play a game or two between songs, bringing the mood up to a high tension. Whoever lost had to go up there and sing as punishment. Kiryu had been quite good at playing, gladly avoiding having to embarrass himself even though he’d been indulging in the Italian liqueur, sure he’d remember the smell forever. Risotto just seemed to enjoy the company and the bustling room that was loud enough without music filling it, carefully sipping his drink, he never really liked to get overtly wasted. Ghiaccio had been scowling all throughout the game, knee bouncing up and down in anticipation. If he were to lose, his biggest tantrum yet would take place, he was under no circumstances going to sing.

Unfortunately for oushi-chan, they were losing quite badly, all the way at the bottom followed by an unlucky Majima, who had slung his arm around Melone. They’d become quite familiar over the span of the visit; always glad to get into a fight. Both way over their alcohol intake, swaying every so often as Melone tricked him into playing the worst card possible by pointing it out and encouragingly nodding. With an exasperated groan the stoic drunk slammed their cards down, knowing the punishment that followed. Majima only grew a mischievous grin as he started digging behind him on the cushioned booth. “Here oushi-chan, I thought I’d return it to you.” he handed a folded jacket over, the iridescent lapels glinting in the low light while their eyes widened as they recognised it. “Majima... you didn’t.” a soft, bordering on emotional, glint of nostalgia hazing their eyes. The Sambuca had taken its toll, letting al inhibitions take a backseat as they accepted the jacket they so loved to dance around in on drunk nights like these. Of course only them and Majima knew of it, not another soul had seen them executing their trained choreographies. It still smelled like smoke and apple flavoured sake as they put it on, nodding to Majima who had surprisingly brought along his own matching cropped sparkly jacket, like he’d been planning on this all along. It had been his plan, his most fond memories of any kind were having mindless fun with his beloved oushi-chan.

The rest of the group had begun egging them on, nagging for the two losers to get up front and engage in their retribution. Prosciutto noticed the tacky matching jackets, nudging his colleagues to pay attention as he barely contained a cackle. All eyes were on them, a devious grin on Illuso’s and Melone’s faces as they admired the shell oushi-chan crept out of as they looked through the song choices. Luckily for the two performers, their favourite song had become a cult classic in a few select European countries, Italy including. The serious frowned brows on their face didn’t match the sparkly outfit, Risotto fully intrigued at what was to follow, hardly even trying to conceal his amusement.

The clammy room was filled with hushed voices trying to make sense of the two in front, looking like an idol duo preparing for their concert, heads down, mics in hand. “Sta' zitto!” the former yakuza’s voice commanded the room as the men shut up, Kiryu knowing Majima’s usual performances already anticipating a great show, a slight smirk on his lips. As the nostalgic corny 80′s synths started, their heads snapped up, commencing their show. Formaggio instantly cackled in shock, slapping Pesci’s arm to assure him he was seeing this as well, the green tufted man’s mouth slack as he took in the show. As they began singing, voices harmonising beautifully and not even missing a beat, the team of assassins were perplexed by the smile adorning their teammate’s face. They beamed confidence, those fiery eyes they’d seen in battle now equipped as a different weapon. Ghiaccio couldn’t contain his smirk either, never had he expected to witness this display. The dimple on Risotto’s cheek now at full potential when their usually stoic underling shot him a wink during their performance. The duo slid over their small stage, energetic moves from side to side while still perfectly singing along. How many times have they done this before, a question on everyone’s minds. Kiryu wasn’t even surprised, he knew those two were close, knowing that their fights weren’t the only bonding they were doing.

As the two would-be-idols finished up, resting in their final pose while catching their breaths, their audience broke out in cheers and applause. “How did you guys do that?!” Formaggio yelled as he took their teammate under his shoulder, wobbling from his drunken state. They sat down, taking big gulps of water to satiate their thirst from performing, their stoic face making a comeback as the complements overlapped, not even being clear who was saying what. Melone slinking back next to Majima giving him a double thumbs up, admiring how great he did, while the other man coyly rubbed his neck shooting Kiryu a look who just smirked back telling him to handle this himself. “You will never see me do this again and I hope you all forget by morning.” oushi-chan slurred, wiping their mouth with the jacket. They didn’t regret the performance, it felt freeing to let loose again, especially with their old friend, but it was still embarrassing to have done it in front of the team knowing they’d tease later on.

After a lot of chatter, the room was starting to quiet down again as the night was coming to an end. A lazy game of cards being played as some others conversed among themselves, Kiryu and Majima out for a smoke with Prosciutto. Risotto slid over next to the sleepy idol who’d been leaning their head against the soft cushioned booth, halfway to dreamland. “That was really impressive, never saw that coming.” Risotto’s deep voice snapped them out of the stupor, their face only flushing more than previously. “You’re not blackout drunk are you?” they whispered trying to focus on their capo who was moving around their blurry vision. “Not even close.” he smirked, laying a compassionate hand on their shoulder. “Don’t worry, you can beat the memories out of them later.” he joked trying to put them at ease with the threatening suggestion. “That’s great.” yawning as their eyes fluttered closed again, the alcohol and activity having taken its toll. All the while oushi-chan slowly fell forward, hitting Risotto’s chest and accepting the comforting pillow it made. His plush muscles formed a very nice resting place for the exhausted drunk. The ambience of the room was like white noise humming them to sleep, a small satisfied groan coming from them as Risotto let them rest, taking another sip of his drink, glad to have seen a different side of his latest member.

[lifeistooshorttowasteyourtime]

Chapter 7

She didn’t know how long she had been cursing, casting defensive spells, running for her life. Maia saw Tina once and in another she saw the Scamanders together against five men, but she couldn’t stop to help them, because she wanted to maintain her promise to keep Queenie safe. Both women defended themselves as best as they could, and Maia's protective spells were of great help, but they knew their strength would falter at some point as that people, their enemies, were stronger than them.

The healer stumbled when she was in the midst of a duel with a small man of stature but with a force in his spells that made her retreat until her feet found a hole in the ground and fell on her back. At that moment, she closed her eyes and held her breath, waiting for the killing curse. Maia wondered if everything would become darkness or light, but she was not afraid, she had accepted since the war began that her life could end at any time. Her parents knew that she loved them and fought for their safety, and Scamy would learn to live without her, surrounded by other creatures in Newt's suitcase. Newt. She allowed herself a slight smile at the thought of his shy smile and his bright eyes on that face kissed by freckles.

-Maia!

The woman sat up to see Queenie in front of her, having created a protective field. Maia got up quickly and conjured another field that joined Queenie's. They saw how three exhausted people went behind them, protecting themselves with the field. However, an explosion in the middle of the battle caused everyone on both sides to fall to the ground and a thunderous silence seized the forest of Epping. Maia reached for Queenie's hand, but she was faster and Queenie wrapped her arms around Maia’s waist, calming her. Everyone present turned their eyes to the two figures who stood several feet from them. Queenie recognized Grindelwald while Maia did the same with Professor Dumbledore.

-At last…- the healer mumbled, making a field for those closer to them so           any attack could surprise them.

They heard both man talking, but they couldn’t understand their words. Nerveless, everybody stood up when the two men raised their wands and the light of both of them illuminated all the clear.

-HE’S MINE!- Grindelwald screamed to stop his followers to do something against Dumbledore.

While the two great wizards fought, Maia took the opportunity to look for her friends. She saw Tina standing beside Theseus, who had his arm around the woman's shoulders, but Newt wasn’t around and the terror settled on her chest.

The battle between Dumbledore and Grindelwald didn’t last long, but everyone who was there would always remember it as a masterly, epic battle. No one acted during the fight, fascinated watching the two mightiest wizards fight because it was a superb class of talent.

Finally Dumbledore disarmed him, Grindelwald's wand falling to the ground for a second before Dumbledore blew it into his hand. By the time Grindelwald was disarmed and vulnerable, the aurors and other wizards who had come to fight, turned against the followers with renewed strength, defeating every one of them. The minister walked up to Grindelwald and arrested him with special handcuffs, all under the watchful eye of Dumbledore who seemed downcast and disappeared once his rival was with the minister.

Maia and Queenie got up gasping, letting the tiredness and adrenaline come out. The healer looked to the place where she knew Theseus and Tina were, but she only saw the woman running towards them, calling her sister’s name. Tina pounced on Queenie, hugging her tightly and almost knocking her down. Maia smiled at them for a moment before looking back at the crowd. Everyone was moving, arrests, reunions, smiles and tears. Then she saw the red-haired brothers appear, with some scratches, but safe and sound. Maia felt her tense muscles relaxed suddenly, causing her to almost fall to the floor. But instead of doing so, she ran to them and hugged them both breathing in haste. Newt and Theseus looked at each other with a small smile and gently returned the embrace. Seconds later Maia pulled away and wiped away her tears.

-Are you both okay?

-Yes, perfectly. And you?- Theseus asked while Newt looked her up and down to check if she was really okay.

Maia nodded with a small smile. Theseus put his hand on her shoulder and smiled before going to the Goldstein sisters. Newt and Maia looked at each other without saying a word and hugged again. She wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her tiptoes while he surrounded her waist, pressing her softly against his body. Maia sighed against his neck and mumbled:

-Thanks Merlin you are okay.

Newt raised one of his hand and stroked her hair softly. They didn’t say anything else, just stayed there hugging, blocking the noise around them. At least until Tina, Queenie and Theseus approached, making them to pull away. Maia took her wand and made healing spells on all of them, the scratches disappearing.

-We have to go back to the house, Jacob must be very nervous waiting news- Queenie said with her sweet voice.

-I’m not going back to the house- Maia announced with a small smile -I’m going to see my parents, I need to see them and hug them.

Theseus half smiled and nodded.

-Send us a patronus when you are with them, to know you are okay.

-Sure- Maia looked at Queenie -give Jacob a kiss for me, I’ll go back tomorrow.

Queenie smiled nodding. Finally Maia looked at all of them before disappearing and land in corner of her parent’s street. They got scared when someone called at their door at that hours in the night but Maia hugged them tight in the moment they opened the door.

-Darling, what happens?- Maggie Carpenter asked startled while Maia’s father, Richard, stroked her hair.

-It’s over, it’s finally over- she murmured starting to cry.

She hadn’t realized how much she wanted to cry until that moment, to release the tension, the adrenaline, the fear, the relief, all at once in the form of tears. Maia's father closed the door as her mother continued to hug her, whispering words of calm in her ear.

That night Maia didn’t sleep, that time not for work, but because she spent all night talking to her parents. She had not been completely honest with her parents, had protected her house, and told them roughly what was going on in her world, but she didn’t want to frighten or worry them. However, she needed to tell them the danger that the magical world had suffered, including her. Her parents, far from reproaching her what she did, understood and listened carefully during all her explanation.

She also ventured to tell them of her reunion with Newt and her new friendship with Theseus and three Americans. How much each and every one of them meant to her and the hope that someday, not very far away, they could know them. Finally, she related the loss of her house to the enemy, her parents didn’t hesitate to offer her return their home until she could afford a new one.

The healer finally fell asleep at 9 o'clock in the morning, waking up at lunch time. She sent another patronus to the house so her friends would not be frightened. She ate with her parents and before leaving, she promised to return as soon as possible because she imagined the work still to come.

Maia appeared in the house at 5 in the afternoon, being received by Scamy that made her fall to the ground while he embraced her neck. She laughed and stroked his silky hair as she apologized for not having returned home before. The rest of the adults appeared in the room soon after, laughing at the sight. Finally, when the woman got up, Jacob smiled at her and went to give her a hug that she gladly accepted.

-Thank you very much- he said with a smile.

-Why?

-For keeping your promise- he answered while he looked at Queenie behind him with a smile.

Queenie approached, standing next to her partner while looking at Maia with a big smile.

-How it was the meeting with your parents?

-I haven’t let them sleep that much, I want to be with them so bad…

Tina approached the too and wrapped her arm around Maia’s shoulders.

-We’ve been invited to a dinner celebrated by the ministry, to thank everyone who fought and honor all that we’ve lost in the way.

-Me too?

-Of course! Without healers we have been lost.

Maia blushed and nodded.

-Alright, at what time is it?

-Eight- Theseus answered -and it’s a formal one.

-I’m afraid I don’t have proper clothes.

-Don’t worry!- Queenie said wrapping her arm with Maia’s -I’ll make the perfect dress for you, trust in me.

Maia looked at Tia that laughed slightly, Maia looked again at Queenie and nodded with a smile.

-Alright.

-Wonderful!

Queenie pulled her softly to go to the rooms, when they walked past Newt, Maia and he looked at each other with a smile and she stretched out her hand to squeeze his before letting her enthusiastic friend take her.

Theseus looked at his brother and put his hand on Newt’s shoulder before saying in low voice:

-I think you so resume what you almost did in your suitcase yesterday- Newt blushed looking at his feet but didn’t say anything.

Two and a half hours later, Maia appeared with Queenie, both ready, finding Theseus and Tina sitting on the couch, holding hands and smiling. Queenie covered her mouth, trying to avoid giggling but both aurors heard her and turned to see the two women. Tina approached smiling radiantly, in her own dark dress that accentuated her eyes and hair as well as her skin that glowed like her marble. While Queenie chose lilac instead of pink, Maia had decided to proudly wear the color of her house, yellow. She let her hair fall in soft slings that fell on her shoulders.

-You look gorgeous Maia- Tina said hugging her.

-It’s Queenie’s work- she replied blushing.

-The dress is really beautiful, yes- said Tina taking Maia’s hands -but it’s not the dress which makes you gorgeous.

Maia laughed. Theseus approached and smiled, the biggest smile the healers has seen until then.

-I agree with Tina.

-Thank you Theseus, you look quite handsome yourself- he said looking at his suit with an approbation face -where are Jacob and Newt?

-Jacob is finishing of preparing himself, he’s nervous about being around that many wizards- Queenie replied.

-Newt had to go, a petition of the minister- Theseus commented.

That only made Maia more nervous, who was a bit insecure about what Newt could think after seeing her dressed like this. Queenie looked at her with wide eyes, but she didn’t want to say anything because she knew that she had been able to listen to her friend's thoughts because Maia had not made occlumancy to her mind that time.

A little later Jacob appeared, all dressed up and with a nervous smile. Queenie couldn’t help but giggle and kiss him in front of the funny look of the other three adults. The five of them appeared in the ministry instead of using the chimney by Jacob, who didn’t release Queenie's hand even when they walked through the great hall and greeted many wizards and witches in their way. Maia recognized many co-workers, several aurors she had met in the ministry, or those she had seen on the battlefield a day ago. But she couldn’t find the person she most wanted to see.

-Miss Carpenter.

Maia turned to see the minister approaching her with a smile.

-You look radiant, darling- he kissed the back of her hand -could I have a few words with you?

The woman nodded and looked at her friends letting them now she will join them later. The minister pushed her away and coughed before talking:

-Are you alright?

-Yes, perfectly. I haven’t suffered any harm that couldn’t be healed with a spell.

-I’m glad to hear that. I must ask you to join your coworkers tomorrow, as you know, there are a lot of injured ones after the battle of yesterday.

-Of course, sir.

-That wasn’t the reason why I wanted to talk to you, I know you are a great professional. I wanted you to know that there will be reconstructions of those structures affected by the followers of Grindelwald, including your house- Maia opened her eyes wide -when the incident with your house happened, Mr. Scamander made it very clear to me that whatever it would cost, we had to give you back your home and I totally agree. Your sacrifice for the cause must be rewarded.

-I… I, thank you sir.

-Don’t thank me. Now, let’s enjoy the dinner miss- he offered his arm.

Maia laughed and let the minister to led her to the great room where all had been reunited. When she reached her table, there was just one empty chair next to Newt, who stood up smiling.

-Forgive me- she said.

-Don’t worry- Queenie answered for all.

The magizoologist pushed her chair for her and murmured:

-Hufflepuff pride?

-Always- she answered sitting with a smile.

-You look beautiful.

-Thank you Newt- he sat next to her -you look really good too, though…

With both hands, she straightened up his bowtie. Newt blushed and looked to other side with a lopsided smile.

-Thank you.

Once the whole room was full, the minister gave a speech where he praised the work of the whole magical community, highlighted the work of some aurors among whom was Theseus, who nodded solemnly but Maia saw how he took the hand of Tina under the table. The minister also asked for a minute of silence for all those who lost their lives in the war, asked them to collaborate to rebuild their world and encouraged everyone to move forward. Then they all started to dine, chatting with each other.

Tina and Queenie announced that they would stay in England for Queenie and Jacob to have the opportunity to be together. The new was received with great smiles and applauses that attracted the attention of neighboring tables, but they didn’t care, they had to celebrate the good news after so much suffering.

-The minister has been really generous to lend us the house in which we are now until we can find one- Tina explained with a smile.

-Jacob will stay with you?- Maia asked –I mean, Queenie and Jacob are not married yet…

The couple looked at each other with bright smiled, blushing but they didn’t say anything.

-Tina will be moved from MACUSA to our office of aurors- Theseus announced smiling a bit to the oldest sister who smiled back.

Newt and Maia looked at each other trying not to smile, it was evident that the decision of the Goldsteins to stay in England it was also because of the new and growing relationship between the aurors.

-I have to announce something too- Newt said calling the attention of all –the minister has asked me to come before you to ask me for a favor, a mission. I must travel to Japan, there’s a dragon’s colony that has being trained by Grindelwald followers. They were going to be used against us.

-When are you going, brother?

-In a week.

Everyone began to talk about Grindelwald's strategy, how much harm he could have caused. Except Maia, who kept quiet thinking that in a week she would separate again from Newt and wouldn’t know when he would return. But then, she remembered the moment they had shared in the suitcase, how she had felt comforted, loved, and ultimately desired. That moment when they had both leaned in as if he had wanted to kiss her, but if it he did want to, he wouldn’t leave that soon.

 What happened in the suitcase was just a product of fear and uncertainty of not knowing if we would survive. He was just confused because we care about each other. He doesn’t feel anything for me.

 Maia swallowed and left the cutlery on the plate, in the opportune moment because the minister got up and he concluded the dinner, making the tables disappear o they could start the dance. Queenie tried to reach her, having listened to Maia’s thoughts, but the healer coughed to call the attention of all.

-I’m terribly tired and tomorrow I must go back to San Mungo to help. It’s the best that I go.

-But…- Newt started to say but she smiled shaking her head.

-If I stay I won’t be able to rest anything and I want to be 100% rested tomorrow.

She looked at her friends, seeing the sadness in Queenie’s face.

-Have fun.

Before they could say anything else, Maia walked quickly towards the exit and disappeared in the hall to go to the house, picking up Scamy before going to her parents'. She also gave them the same excuse of having to rest, but in the dark solitude of her room she cursed herself for having hoped for something that was not going to happen.

Meanwhile, Queenie approached Newt as he sat watching the rest dancing, especially paying attention to his brother and Tina, smiling at the bond they shared. The woman sat next to the magizoologist who smiled at her, but that smile faded when he saw the worry on his friend's face.

-What happens?

-Newt I know you ask me not to intrude but you must know Maia thinks you don’t feel the same as her- the man frowned –when you have announced your trip to Japan, she has thought that what happened in your suitcase, whatever it was, was a product of confusion and fear of an uncertain future.

-No, that is not true, I wanted to…

-I know- Queenie took his hand -but she doesn’t. You should be clear with your feelings.

-Do you think I’ve done wrong in accepting the mission?

-No, of course no. It’s your work and Maia knows that, it’s just that she doesn’t have all the information.

Newt sighed, thinking in a way to tell Maia what he felt, how to make her believe that what he said was true. Queenie smiled and squeezed his hand.

-Just tell him, she’ll know you are not lying.

She stroked the back of his hand and went back to Jacob in the dancing floor while Newt contemplated the words he had to tell Maia the following day, expose his heart how he feared since he did it in the past and it was broken. But Maia wasn’t Leta, Maia would never hurt him.

[bleedingcoffee42]

Casablaca AU- Part 3

Part 1 and Part 2 

Leave it to me to say “This is just a place-setter I’ll change it later” and then bullshit some reason for keeping it.    Also “This sounds like a fun AU I’ll just write a few words”  is another line of BS I like to tell myself.   

Part 3 of the Casablance AU where Hughes and Roy try to make sense of this AU I’m writing and find their way out of it.   

xxxxxxxxx

Hughes gave Roy's shoulder a squeeze as he sat down on his desk.   “Sorry I interrupted your awkward reunion last night.”

“No you're not.  You wanted to know who she was and also see if you could learn more about me.  I'm sure you'll bring this up again next time we play poker.”  Roy leaned back in his chair as Hughes made himself comfortable on his desk and poured a drink for himself.  This was becoming a ritual he was starting to look forward to: The Chief of Police coming in around noon to poke around for information and steal his top shelf bourbon under the guise of some tentative friendship.  He liked Hughes.   He was the sort of opponent you wanted across from you in a chess game, one that would see though your moves but never let on he knew a damned thing about the game.  The kind of man who made you smarter and more aware of your own tells, Hughes kept him from growing complacent.  

“No way!  It will piss you off and you're impossible to beat when you're angry.”  Hughes grinned.   “You know that I've always been interested in your past.  You're the most intriguing and potentially dangerous man in this town and I know nothing about you, which is an affront to my professionalism.”

“You make it sound like you're writing a romance novel about me.”  Roy said as Hughes actually handed him a shot glass filled precisely with the correct amount of liquid.   It was done on purpose, Hughes now elevated him to an equal.   He saw Hughes's eyes just as he noted the unspoken gesture, appreciation for his own quick assessment of it, just before he tilted his head perfectly to catch a reflection off the light on his glasses and go back into hiding.   “Question is, who is the protagonist in this scandalous novel of yours?  You?”

Hughes flashed a grin.  “I do look fabulous in white.”

“I have to agree.”  Roy said and drank his shot and set it down.   “I think your wife might shoot me if I try to steal you away from her and I honestly don't share well.”

“I need back story, Major Mustang. So tell me, my handsome war hero, why did you go to war?”

“See the world.”  Roy said and saw the bottle tip over his shot glass again. “I heard they had some sights in Ishval.”

“It was a desert.” Hughes said with a smirk.  Roy never ceased to amuse him.

“I was misinformed.”  Roy shrugged.  “You were there too, Captain.   What did you fight for?”

“My life.”  Hughes answered honestly.   “I just wanted to stay alive.”

“So, as one veteran to another...” Roy said and looked at Hughes so he could see his eyes clearly, he was not trying to hide them from him now.   “When you hear that this man Lazlo is going to make a weapon to end the war and stop any more from beginning, what do you think?”

“I think we already fought a war to end all wars and that was the biggest line of bullshit I had ever heard in my life.  However I was a fool, a romantic fool, who thought I could protect my country.”  Hughes raised his own glass in a toast to a fellow soldier.   Roy clinked against it and they held the glasses higher in a salute and then drank.  Drank to surviving and drank to forget.

“So, who the hell is Lazlo?”  Roy asked.   “Is he real?  Is his research real?  Is he selling that research to someone else?”

“Nobody knows what he looks like.” Hughes sighed.  “Except maybe your girlfriend.”

“What are your orders Hughes?”  Roy asked.   “I know there is a reward for Lazlo, I have seen the posters, but we both know our government will print whatever they want.   Allegedly he's escaped with their research, but we both know that that probably means he escaped and he is the research.”

“All I know is what they want me to know.”  Hughes said.

“Which is?”

“Lazlo is on the run and the information he has is Amestrian property.  He must be captured alive.”  Hughes repeated his orders.   “He is being aided by sympathizers and those individuals may be eliminated if necessary. Now he's here, the end of the line, and he needs papers to get into Aerugo.  We have him cornered...until those papers materialize and he vanishes across the border with research that could give our enemy the edge over us.”

“Sounds like another bullshit reason for war.”  Roy said.  

“We've heard them all at this point.” Hughes agreed.   “If he escapes, Amestris goes into Auergo to find him before he can hand them his weapon.”

“This is beginning to sound more and more like a novel with a bad ending.”  Roy said.  “Especially since nobody knows what this guy even looks like.”

“Except your girlfriend.”  Hughes reminded him.  

“She left me for him, why do you think she'd betray him now?”  Roy asked and Hughes took off his glasses.

“Roy, you still love this girl and want to protect her.”  Hughes said and cleaned his glasses,   “No matter who she may or may not be dedicated to.   They leave, she leaves with him and his research.  They stay, they're trapped and she may be a casualty.  If Lazlo won't give his work to our country, nobody knows that he is actually going to give it to someone else. The fact that he refuses to let us have it....is probably because he saw exactly what we would do with it during the last war.”

“That's a very unpatriotic statement, Hughes.”  Roy said.  “Are you implying we killed our own people during a civil war for reasons other than defense?  That the last war that we saw...was for less than noble reasons?”

Hughes sighed.    “I remember hearing rumors about a weapon that could end the war last time.  I worked in Intelligence.   The Fuhrer signed an order to bring that war to a close.   There was a rumor of a project Lazarus that would end the war and prevent any one from ever testing our borders again. A weapon that would bring peace to Amestris forever.”

“That never happened.”  Roy said. However Riza said Lazlo was being held hostage by the government and left to save him.  She wouldn't tell him details because the knowledge would have put him in danger.  He was too hurt to read into that last night, then too drunk to give a damn.   Was he just being a desperate fool considering that maybe she did really love him and was just presented with something far greater than them both?  Like a weapon, too dangerous for anyone to have?  

“I don't know that I want to live in a world where it does.”  Hughes said and put on his glasses just soon enough to see Roy looking thoughtful.   He had given him the opportunity to let down his guard by cleaning his glasses, they both knew his eyesight was shit without them.   “A world where fear of some hellish weapon being unleashed hung over all of us.   Even in peace.”

“Lazlo.”  Roy said.   “Lazarus project.”

“Implies raising people from the dead?”  Hughes asked.   “I remember wondering about that back then.   Was it supposed to be ominous or just a diversion tactic from it's real purpose?”

“'Lo'....something you say to call attention to yourself.  As in how our real enemies watched us tear apart our own people, watched so we could intimidate them with our power.  Strike fear into them at how ruthless we were with our own people and made them tremble thinking of what we could do to theirs. ”  Roy locked eyes with Hughes.   They were both thinking beyond any alliances now, thinking past their positions and thinking of what this meant for the world they lived in.   They had seen what their country did with power.  

“Well right now all the attention is on us.”  Hughes said and nudged Roy with his foot.  “More precisely, on your girlfriend because she is the only possible connection to Lazlo anyone has right now.”