#we never learn. we have been here before. why are we always stuck and running from the bullets

[chussyracing]

first race of the season. roman climbs 5/6 places. he retires in pits with 3/4 laps to go. the reason? they didn't screw his tyre on properly and it wasn't safe to continue 😭

[f1boistrash]

i have a name | l.s

a/n: so this is an idea i had after the miami gp and its been stuck in my head so im finally writing it. there is some slight jos slander and reader is max's sister

summary: y/n verstappen drives for f1 academy. they find comfort in a certain american when the media gets too much

Your whole life you've always been Max's sister. You didn't hate your brother for it because it wasn't his fault. You hated the world for being so small minded. You hated your dad for not caring. His words stuck in your head like a broken record. 'You're overreacting Y/N. It's not a big deal. You need to grow up.'

But it was a big deal because why couldn't they be bothered to learn your name. Your accomplishments throughout your career always amounted to 'Max's sister' it was never 'Y/N Verstappen'. You were sure if they could your trophies would say that too.

Going into the F1 Academy you thought it'd be different. You were excited when you got the call. The first person you told was Max and he was even more excited than you, if that was even possible. You were at the forefront of the series, watching young girls across the world become interested in the sport you loved. Something you wished you had growing up.

The driving was great. The team was great. Everything was great except the media. Its the one thing you dreaded stepping into the spotlight more. You tried to develop a thick skin like your brother but it was difficult when you constantly got picked at.

"So, Y/N, great day today. You qualified third. How was it?" The interviewer asked.

"Yeah it was great. Obviously we'd prefer P1 but we're still happy with the result and looking forward to pushing it even more tomorrow." You replied, grinning at your result. It might not be front of the grid but you were still proud.

"Your brother Max had a phenomenal season last year. Can we expect the same this year?" And there it was. Your first interview of the weekend and it only took one question before they asked you about your brother. Normally you didn't mind talking about Max's accomplishments. You were so unbelievably proud of him. It's when they start talking about him when they should be asking you about your race and your season that you get annoyed.

You plastered on your fake smile, hoping no one saw the disappointment flash across your face. "It's hard to say what this year will bring but what I do know is that Max will give it his everything. Whatever happens though I'm still proud of him."

Before anymore questions about Max could be asked your manager made a sign that time was up. You thanked the interviewer and left the media pen. She gave you a run down of tomorrows schedule as you were now finished for the day. Your manager didn't need to ask if you were okay because she knew you weren't. Working with you for a few years meant she had learnt all your tells.

You thanked her for today before parting ways, leaving you alone. The night air was brisk but welcoming. You shut your eyes and sighed enjoying the silence. You were supposed to be meeting Max tonight yet you couldn't bring yourself to move. Not wanting to face him just yet.

It was late and you weren't expecting many people left at the grid. Especially the F1 drivers which was why you jumped when a voice broke the silence. "Y/N right?" Logan said, your stomach fluttered when you looked at him. You have never really spoken to Logan before, only seeing him in passing but you always thought he was cute. He also called you by your name and not 'Max's sister' which was a welcomed surprise, used to his friends calling you that. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"It's fine, just wasn't expecting anyone to be left at the track." You told him. You took in his appearance under the setting sun. He was in his Williams uniform, his hair slightly tousled from wearing his hat all day.

"Yeah, I was just heading out. Had to do a few tweaks before tomorrow. What are you doing here late?" He asked.

"Media." You grimaced. Logan laughed, understanding your reaction.

"That bad huh?"

"Yep." You nodded. "Talked about Max the whole time."

The two of slowly started walking towards the car you have rented this weekend. It was one of the few left in the parking lot. "Seriously? That's so shit." Logan said, shaking his head. It wasn't out of pity though, more like anger.

"You get used to it." You shrugged.

"You shouldn't have to though." He told you, pulling you both to a stop. His eyes, looking at you intensely making you nervous. "You were incredible out there today and I'll definitely be watching tomorrow as you get your first podium of the season."

"Wait, you watched qualifying?" You asked, surprised.

"Don't tell my trainer though." Logan grinned, winking at you making you laugh. It was a sound he could get used to.

"Well thank you Logan. It means a lot." You thanked him, coming to a stop when you reached the drivers seat door.

"You have a name, Y/N. Your not just Max Verstappen's sister and I hope you know that." He said, earnestly.

You don't know what came over you but you found yourself leaning up, pressing a kiss on Logan's cheek. "Thank you."

-x-

"You're late." Was all Max said as you walked through your hotel room door. You kicked off your shoes, walking further into the room seeing your brother lying on your freshly made bed scrolling on his phone.

"Don't you have a sim race or something?" You asked, shoving his feet off your bed trying to change the subject because what else can you say? The reason you were late was the slight breakdown you had about the interview and then you bumped into Logan. You couldn't exactly tell Max that.

He playfully stuck his middle finger up at you, knowing you were making fun of him. "How was your day anyway? Excited for tomorrow?"

"Yeah it was good." You lied. You liked that Max was oblivious sometimes because it meant you didn't have to talk about what people said about you. However, you also hated his obliviousness because sometimes you wanted your brother to comfort you. "Hopefully people won't get sick of the Dutch national anthem." You grinned at Max who laughed loudly.

You asked Max about his day and he told you about how confident he was with this years car, excited to see what he can get out of it. He carried on talking as you got out of your team uniform and into some comfy clothes when he quietened down.

"When were you going to tell me?" Max asked when you exited the bathroom. "About what the interviewer said?"

"It's fine Max." You said, avoiding his gaze on you by putting your clothes away. You were afraid if you looked at him the dam would break.

"It's not fine, Y/N." He huffed, his voice raising out of anger. It wasn't aimed at you though, Max would never raise his voice at you. "It was so unprofessional. Not to mention the commentators today couldn't even be bothered to learn your name. I'm going to do something about it."

Max's reaction reminded you of Logan's. You didn't think anyone would care this much. Especially someone who you never really had a conversation with before. You knew it was pointless to ask Max to leave it alone so you didn't bother. "Just please don't do anything stupid."

"When have I ever done that?" Max asked and you laughed. You would run out of fingers if you counted all the times Max did something stupid.

It was getting late and you and Max said your goodbyes, leaving you alone once again with your thoughts. Instead of the video on repeat in your head it was Logan's words. You reached over for your phone and unlocked it, going straight to instagram to find Logan's profile. You hit follow before going to his dms.

Y/N:

Thank you again for tonight.

His response was quick making your stomach flutter.

Logan:

You don't need to keep thanking me Y/N

Y/N:

I know

I enjoyed talking to you tonight

So thank you for your company 😊

Logan:

I enjoyed talking to you too 😊

I hope we can do it again some time

You were sure you were grinning like an idiot but you didn't care. You had fallen for the American and hard.

Y/N:

I would love to ☺️

Good luck for tomorrow Logan 💙

Logan:

Good luck Y/N 😊

[ckret2]

Chapter 73 of human Bill Cipher still being stuck in the Mystery Shack but currently fearing back pain more than execution: it's Day 1 of Bill being off death row, let's see what everyone other than Soos is doing with their day.

When Fiddleford answered the door to Ford and Stan—Stan with the Quantum Destabilizer's case slung over his shoulder—the first thing Fiddleford said was, "That demon's still alive, isn't he?"

"Demon's still alive," Stan confirmed.

Ford let out a long sigh. "I was afraid we'd have to break the news."

"I figured when the power here flickered during your shot." He planted his hands on his hips. "You didn't use the NowUSeeitNowUDontium, did you?"

Ford shook his head.

"Well?" Fiddleford fixed Ford with an angry squint, lips pursed. (Maybe it wasn't an angry squint, Ford told himself hopefully. Maybe it was just because Fiddleford didn't have new glasses yet.) "Why didn'cha shoot him?"

"I couldn't. He escaped," Ford said. As panic began to bloom on Fiddleford's face, Ford quickly added, "But he's back! That's why I used the wrong fuel. Somehow he overheard that we'd made enough Dontium for one shot, and he—tried to persuade me to cover his escape. Firing a blank made him think I'd used the Dontium up and he was safe—"

"—So's he'd come back and you could get a proper shot at him! Ha!" Fiddleford jumped up, kicking his heels in the air, hollering, "Stanford Pines, you clever sonovagun!" His hooting and hollering died down as he realized, "So... why're you here with the destabilizer instead of shooting him?"

Ford and Stan exchanged a glance. Stan said, "Well—He—He's pretty harmless right now, really—And he's great with the kids—"

"Not with Dipper," Ford muttered.

"He's great with one of the kids."

Ford said, "And he's..." It would be a lie to say improving, wouldn't it? "He's... got the potential to improve. And we— We thought— If there's a chance he could do better..."

Sternly, Fiddleford said, "You let him get into your head again, didn't you."

Ford sighed. "I let him get into my head."

Stan held out the Quantum Destabilizer's case. "Which is why we're here. He's not in your head. You won't hesitate to pull the trigger."

"I getcha." Fiddleford accepted the case grimly. "You need me to finish the job."

Ford hastily added, "If—if it becomes necessary."

Fiddleford gave him a hard look.

Ford swallowed as he realized—as always, a moment too late—just what an enormous thing he was asking of Fiddleford and his fragile nerves. "But if you don't think— I mean, if you'd rather it stay in our hands—"

Fiddleford held the Quantum Destabilizer away from Ford. "No, no—you're right. It's safer here," he said. "You oughta shoot him. I'm never not gonna think you oughta shoot him. Especially now we know he knows how to escape. But, if you won't—better that this is in my hands than with the fellers what let that devil sucker 'em into thinking he deserves to live."

Ford wanted to say I'm sorry. If he was so sorry, why had he chosen to let Bill live? It seemed like his problems always became Fiddleford's problems—yet the only times Fiddleford's problems became Ford's was when Ford caused them. "Well—the good news is, even if he does escape, he can't get far. He's trapped inside Gravity Falls' weirdness barrier."

"Well, that's somethin'," Fiddleford muttered. Then he frowned and gave Ford a sharp look. "Wait," he said slowly. "Are you sure he can't get out?"

"I—" Ford tried to remember when they'd learned that. "Sure, we—found out that first night, didn't we?" It had been a very long night.

"Yeah!" Stan laughed. "Almost accidentally killed the guy by driving him into it."

Fiddleford nodded, his expression faraway and thoughtful. "I need to run some calculations," he said. "I'll let you know what I find."

He turned away, muttering to himself. Just before he shut the door, Ford saw Tate at the far end of the great hall, arms crossed, watching the proceedings sourly.

And then the door was shut without so much as a goodbye.

"Huh," Stan said. "Ominous!" He clapped Ford on the shoulder. "Welp, let's get home!"

####

Tate leaned into Fiddleford's lab. "Dad?"

Fiddleford was sitting at a space he'd cleared at a worktable, hunched forward and squinting to see his work as he ran through a towering stack of calculations, using a calculator to double-check his math and a second calculator to double-check the first one. As he often did, he'd put on an old record to help block out distractions; and an old country song was blasting at top volume as Fiddleford sang/yodeled along: "I haaate Bill Cipher more'n I looove my son! How I looong to shoot that sonuuuvaguuun. I'll seeee my boy when that triaaangle's done—cuz I haaate Bill Cipher more'n I looove my son—"

"Dad," Tate said louder.

"Tater!" Fiddleford sat up, automatically reached to adjust a pair of glasses he wasn't wearing, and just bumped the bridge of his nose. "What is it, son?"

"Couldja turn the volume down?"

"Turn th—?" Fiddleford looked at his record player, started when he realized what was playing, and quickly took the needle off the record. "Sorry, Tater, I—"

"It's fine," Tate said glumly.

"Didn't even realize which song'd come on. They're just words to sing along to. You know I don't really feel..."

"Just don't like Pluckin' Jim's yodeling style, that's all."

Fiddleford dropped his gaze. "All right, that's fine. I'll keep it down."

Tate stuck his hands in his pockets. "Might oughta be careful with that album, anyway. If any guests overhear it talking about the triangle and call the police..."

"Oh, I know, I know. You're right, I'll be careful. It's just..." He reached under his hat to scratch at his head like he was trying to massage his brain into working. "When it feels like the whole darn world's gone crazy, it's comforting hearin' somebody sing something sensible," he said. "I—I don't mean Jim's attitude toward his family. Just the rest of it."

"Mm." Tate nodded.

Fiddleford sighed and shook his head sadly. "I don't know—maybe I'm the one who's going crazy."

"Naw," Tate said immediately. "You're not. You're the sanest I've seen you since I was a kid, dad."

"Well—thank you, Tater. That means a lot."

"You're just stressed, that's all." Tate nodded toward Fiddleford's stack of calculations. "Don't overwork yourself, all right?"

"I won't, I promise."

"If you need help with all that math..."

"No, no, that's all right." Fiddleford waved off the offer. "It's got to do with Stanford's weirdness thingamajig." For the past few months, Fiddleford and Stanford had been working on a paper about the Law of Weirdness Magnetism—although that had seemingly ground to a stop at the start of summer.

Tate paused. "Okay, but I'm dragging you out of there for meals."

"Heh! I won't fight you."

As Tate left, Fiddleford set the needle back on the record, starting the next song: "The Three B's Poisoning Your Children (Booze, Bebop, and Bill)." Tate shut the door and let out a long sigh.

####

"I'll get it!" Dipper doubted anyone else could even hear the phone; Abuelita was asleep in the living room, Soos was upstairs hammering on something, and Bill and Mabel were at the far end of the house playing the piano and singing.

Dipper jogged into the office. "Hello?"

"Dipper!" Wendy said. "Dude! Just the man I wanted to reach."

"Wendy, hey! What's up?"

"Are you still looking for the Nightwigglers?"

"Yes! Why, did something happen?"

A couple weeks earlier, Wendy had shown him where her brother had seen the Fremont Nightwigglers; but by the time she showed him the path, they'd already come and gone a couple nights earlier. They'd found footprints and followed them to what looked like a campsite—there were odd empty burrows in the ground and traces of ashes—but when Dipper had tried to figure out where they'd gone after leaving the campsite, he'd lost their trail in the underbrush.

"Gus says he saw them on the same trail again last night," Wendy said. "Which means, if they were going back to that place we found with the burrows, and it was a campsite—"

"—then that's where they're camping today. So they'll still be there tonight!" Dipper laughed. "That's perfect! I can stake them out and watch when they wake up! Hey, do you wanna come along for a stakeout?"

Wendy groaned. "I wish. Gus freaked my dad out talking about the Nightwigglers. He says we have to stay home after dark and he's actually been checking our rooms."

"Aw, man. That stinks."

"But hey, tell me all about it at work, okay?"

"You got it! Oh—I could make a Guide to the Unexplained episode! I'll show you the whole thing."

"Oh, awesome. I can't wait to see these things," Wendy said. "Head's up, you probably wanna be quiet to avoid spooking them. Gus said they looked super skittish last night. They're probably wigging out because of gravity disappearing for a couple of days, lots of other wild animals are. I don't blame them, I'm still wondering what was up with that."

"Giant invisible flying axolotl from another dimension."

Wendy laughed in surprise. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah! I'll tell you about it at work too." Probably leaving out Bill's involvement. Speaking of Bill, where had he left Dipper's backpack? "I've gotta pack for the stakeout. Thanks for the tip!"

####

Gideon knocked on the shack's back door and waited anxiously, tugging at his sleeves and shifting from foot to foot.

The door opened to the sound of distant piano music. Dipper stood there holding a heavy backpack and a box of granola bars. "Gideon?" He didn't sound thrilled.

"Well, hey there, Dipper!" Gideon tried to sound more chipper than he felt. "I don't suppose Mabel's ar—"

"Nope," Dipper said. "What do you want?"

Gideon took a deep breath. "It's about Bill—"

"Shhh!" Dipper cast a nervous glance back toward Soos's grandma asleep in the living room. "Keep it down. Only Mabel and I know you know about Bill and no one else can find out."

"Why not?"

"Because... Mabel and I will get in trouble for not telling them sooner?"

Fair enough. Adults didn't need to know everything, Gideon thought. Voice lower, he said, "I didn't notice him with the others at Rainbow Club this week, and I saw that big laser thingamabob at the shack,"—and the next day received a panicked call from a cultist who couldn't reach Bill—"and... well—I need to know if Bill's dead, or—"

Over the piano playing, an off-key voice sang at top volume: "AND IIIIIIIIII will never HATE yooOoOOou—!" In the living room, Abuelita started from her nap, blinked sleepily, turned up the volume on the TV, and fell back asleep.

Gideon's shoulders sank in disappointment.

"Still alive," Dipper said. "He has a really bad backache, though."

"Well, dang it!" Gideon kicked at a twig on the porch. It didn't move.

"Yeah, I know," Dipper said. "But... I kinda think Bill has to stay alive? I heard this prophecy that I think is about Bill saving everyone? Probably not voluntarily—he actually really didn't want me to hear about the prophecy—so... yeah, we might just be stuck with him. At least for a while."

"Well," Gideon said sourly. "Isn't that just wonderful."

####

As he trudged home, Gideon tried to think of a way out of this. For one day, he'd thought he was blessedly free of Bill; finding out he was wrong felt like getting hauled back to prison.

If the adults didn't know he knew about Bill, maybe he could tell the Stans that Bill had been using him—surely they'd forgive Gideon for using a little dream magic to brainwash the town, right? Stan understood the lengths a businessman had to go to to advertise his business, and Ford was apparently the one who'd recorded the spell in the first place—and maybe the two of them could prevent Bill from spilling his blackmail to the rest of the town; or maybe Gideon could arrange for the Stans to "accidentally" find out Gideon had been working for Bill, and then Bill couldn't blame Gideon for spilling the beans...

Or maybe he could just stop helping Bill. Simple as that. He knew he'd been helping Bill arrange escape plans. Bill had promised he'd keep quiet about Gideon's crimes as long as Gideon didn't pick up dream magic again; but he'd never required Gideon to help him. The only issue was what his contact in Bill's cult might do and whether she might out him as one of Bill's allies; maybe he could just tell her that his parents were getting suspicious and he couldn't be a go-between anymore...

When he got home, as soon as he opened the front door he could hear his father excitedly talking in the kitchen: "It's the darnedest thing! I don't know where they came from—must be tourists, I suppose..."

Gideon followed his voice into the kitchen. "Daddy? What's all this fuss?"

Bud was grinning from ear to ear; even Joy was faintly smiling, a half-washed dish forgotten in her yellow-gloved hands. "There you are," Bud said. "Son, I've got the most terrific news! I just sold the three most expensive cars on the lot, all on the same day! Can you believe that?!"

"Well, hot dog!" Gideon grinned as well, relief washing over him. "That oughta keep us going for a while, shouldn't it?"

"It sure will! I guess you were right—we never needed any magic hocus-pocus, just good salesmanship!" Bud beamed. "But it's just the darnedest thing," he said again, "they all said they'd been referred to the dealership by a Mr. Locke."

Gideon's smile froze and his stomach flipped.

"I don't remember any Mr. Locke passing through town."

"Oh," Joy said, "there was one a—a week or two ago. Some sort of talent agent, I think? He came to see Gideon."

"Did he," Bud said, clearly a bit deflated that it wasn't his prowess as a salesman that had lured these customers to town; but he quickly recovered, "Why, that's wonderful! Maybe looking to line up another television appearance?"

"No no no," Gideon said quickly, "no, it was—it was purely a social visit. I-I knew him last summer. I'm not doing that sort of... television thing anymore."

"Ah, well. Still! Having connections pays off," Bud said. "If all he wants to do is send customers our way, I'll be mighty happy! If he comes by again, invite him to stay for dinner, it's the least we can offer him as thanks."

"I think that's a—a wonderful idea," Joy said, voice even softer than usual. "He was very friendly."

"Son?" Bud called. "Where you headed?"

"Just upstairs, I remembered I need to make a call," Gideon said. He had to ensure Sue knew Bill was alive.

Seemed like he'd be working with her and Bill for a while yet. His family couldn't afford for him not to.

####

Dipper pounced the Stans the moment they entered the shack. "Hey! Great Uncle Ford!" 

"Dipper? What—"

"Grunkle Ford, remember you promised that as soon as we weren't dealing with any Bill bull, we could go on an investigation—?"

"Hey," Stan said sternly, "any Bill what?"

"Bull... soup?" Dipper tried.

Stan nodded, satisfied. "That's right. And if your parents ask, that's exactly what you think it means." At Ford's look of amazement, Stan said, "What! Last year the kids' parents said if they came home swearing, I couldn't take 'em over the summer again."

Dipper resumed his attack: "Well, we're not dealing with any Bill bullsoup today! Come help me track the Nightwigglers!" He held up his journal, proudly showing off his unfinished spread. "Wendy told me where they're camping today! If we're there before they wake up, we can finally see them in person!"

"Really? Tonight?" Ford asked. "We just had a late night yesterday."

"Can't we have two late nights and sleep in tomorrow?" Dipper pled. "They might not be there tomorrow night! What's more important: sleep, or seeing the Nightwigglers?"

"Yes, I see your point. You're absolutely right," Ford said. "I could take a nap now and we can leave after dinner."

"Yes!"

Stan groaned, "Great—the insomniacs are enabling each other." He shook his head and started upstairs, muttering, "I'm gonna see what Soos is hammering on."

Dipper said, "I've already packed my camping supplies! Do you need help packing? I can help you pack! Come on—I can show you where we're going, too!" He impatiently led the way to the elevator.

####

This weekend, Bill had escaped the shack, faked his death, and proven that the whole Pines family actually wanted him alive; and yet, for all that, Mabel thought he seemed pretty down in the dumps today. He'd been kind of off since the eclipse.

Actually, now that she thought about it, he'd been off since before the eclipse, ever since the day he'd been grumpy to her about the glass pyramid "Mysteries." She was pretty sure he wasn't mad at her about that anymore; so she didn't know what was wrong.

But even though Mabel could see him wince when he leaned certain ways or moved his arms too quickly, he was trying to hide that he was in pain and he was trying to hide his gloomy mood. He grinned when he played the piano, and he alternated between popular songs that she knew and could sing along with and a bunch of old boring things like jazz and opera. (Bill tried to sing along to everything, even when he shouldn't. Mabel was pretty sure he was the worst opera soprano in the world.)

She didn't know how to fix whatever was actually bothering him. She could hang out with him and sing and talk—that seemed to make him happier. But Bill needed more than that.

He needed more friends.

Bill attempted a run, one hand crossing over the other and back as he rolled up the keyboard; his hands tripped over each other and stumbled across several keys at once.

Mabel laughed. "That sounded like a musical fart!"

Bill blew a raspberry. "I'll show you a musical fart." He attempted the run again, and messed up again.

Mabel laughed again. "I don't think you've got that part."

"Hey! I'm usually great at that part. It's this body—I'm used to playing it with flat fingers, I haven't practiced it with an extra dimension before," said Bill, who was lying, and had never been good at that part, and truthfully was pleased he now had an excuse that let him pretend he was actually better than he was. "Playing piano in a human body really holds me back. It takes nine hands to play my favorite song." That wasn't a lie.

He started the song over and elbowed Mabel. "Hey. Something's eating at you. What's up, kid?"

She hadn't realized she wasn't hiding her gloomy thoughts well enough. "Uuugh, I want you to meet my friends, but this morning Grunkle Ford said I still can't invite them over even though you're off death row. I guess he and Grunkle Stan are still worried you'll brainwash them or something?"

"Pff. We're still—renegotiating the terms of my imprisonment."

"Oh yeah? What have you renegotiated so far?"

The corners of Bill's mouth turned down. Mabel suspected that might have something to do with his foul mood. "Hey, I've got an idea to get your friends over here."

"Yeah?"

"Tell your uncles that the girls' parents are starting to wonder why you haven't been inviting them over like you did last summer. Say they're beginning to think that something is going on over here, and they're worried you're not in a safe environment—buuut if their kids can come over and see everyone's just been adjusting to a new guest, maaaybe their parents will calm down, right?"

Mabel shot Bill a dirty look. "Bill! That's a complete lie."

"But it's the kind of lie that could easily be true, and might even be true in the future, so is it really a lie?"

"Yeah it is."

"No it's not! Besides, it'll get your friends over here and it won't hurt anything, won't it?"

Mabel grimaced. "Okay, I can try—but if I try it and it works and I bring my friends over, you've got to make friends with them."

"Hmm!" Bill's face twisted up. "I like Candy's taste in art. And her bloodthirst."

Mabel elbowed him. "What do you have against Grenda?"

####

Eight-year-old Grenda sat at her desk kicking her feet and staring at her $1 bill, waiting for the bell to ring for lunch. It was Chocolate Chip Cookie Monday, they were fresh and gooey, and she was ready.

For the first time, she noticed the design on the dollar had a weird little one-eyed triangle with a hat. She pulled out a marker and drew a little smile under his eye.

And then she added buck teeth to the smile.

And then she gave him a second eye, stupid glasses, and a spiky beard that poked out in every direction.

And then drew wavy stink lines over him and added a word bubble that said "I'M SMELLY!"

"Heh. Stupid looking guy," she mumbled.

####

With an air of haughty disdain, Bill said, "She knows what she did."

"Okay, but you'll be nice to her, right? Pleeease?"

"All right, fine," Bill said. "For you, I'll be nice."

####

"Grunkle Stannn can my friends please come over? Even their parents think it's weird that they haven't been here all summer! If Grenda and Candy come over they'll know nothing weird's going on!"

"Uhhh..." Stan grimaced. "The last thing we need is parents asking questions... Yeah, sure, you should probably do that sometime soon. Maybe after we figure out what we're doing with Bill for the rest of the summer—"

"Thanks!" Mabel hugged him, ran off, and decided she'd heard Stan say "yeah, sure, you should."

She pulled out her phone. "Candy! Grenda!" She kept her voice at a loud whisper. "Great news! Dipper's gonna be out with Grunkle Ford tonight and I kinda-sorta got permission for a sleepover! Get ready for a party. I have a plan."

####

(This is a bit of a transition chapter for a couple more plots, but I hope y'all enjoyed! Let me know what you think!)

[icallhimjoey]

said it without saying it 👈 can we fucking just say it already?

ALL RIGHT OKAY jcf, fine, this one is for the girls who can't get enough of the mark and poppy au — this one follows 'said it without saying it', love ya babes you're all the best mwah <3 Wordcount: 4K

---

At Long Last

There’s no denying it anymore.

You feel it all the time.

Every day.

Joe can do the most mundane thing, the absolute bare-minimum tiniest little thing, and you feel it swell within your chest before it slowly leaks into all of your limbs and drips out of your fingers and toes.

You knew it was going to happen this way.

Always thought that you’d blurt out the words Joe wanted to hear the most in a moment where it’d completely catch him off guard.

When he’d come back from a run and was aching to get into the shower. Or when he’d have a difficult time practicing his lines, frustration about to make him burst at the seams. Or when he’d be getting his make-up done before an event, and there’d be other people there, flustering him beyond belief.

You’d nearly said it once.

Joe had told you no.

This isn’t the time.

You had felt it in that moment, so so strongly, simmering beneath the surface, unspoken yet overwhelming. Since then, the moments had started piling up, and you’ve come to realise that… there’s a pattern.

Just when you think you’ve slotted Joe into the right box in your mind, something changes, and you feel it.

It’s disorienting, and… embarrassing, honestly. After years of knowing him, of learning how to anticipate his reaction to situations, his facial expressions, what he would say… you’ve learned that actually, you’re wrong. A lot. All the time.

He surprises you.

You adapt.

Little bit by little bit.

The puzzle pieces that used to make up Joe get replaced by new ones that you like a lot better.

But, you’re only human. And a first impression — as well as actual first-hand experience — is proving hard to shake. Some puzzle pieces are hard to remove. Feel like they’ve been glued in place. And sometimes you think you’ve replaced a piece, but then come to find out your brain has just stuck the old piece back in place. You’re smart, but it’s a difficult task to overrule your nervous system.

One wrong turn.

A sharp twist.

Snow in your face, your knee in agony. Later you realised you’d also bent your arms in a weird way in an attempt to break your fall.

None of your injuries were catastrophic, not even serious enough for a cast, but enough to cut the skiing trip short and keep you limping for weeks. Poppy said she’d never seen Joe take responsibility in the way he had.

Joe usually left a lot of things for others to decide. Would flow along with whatever everyone else thought was best without issue. But you were hurt, so, no, Mark. I know we have four days of trip left, but we’re going home, all right? I don’t care what she says, we’re not all taking a lift up a mountain and leaving her down here on her own. 

You still blush every time you think back to how Poppy quoted Joe scolding Mark for suggesting you just stay in bed while they hit the slopes.

You’re mostly recovered now, able to walk, dance, and chase buses just fine. You easily forget that there’s a fragility there still. Something to be careful with. It’s why some days, some evenings, after hours on your feet in shoes not designed for support, the ache comes back.

Quiet and dull.

Not enough to make a real fuss over. Joe feels guilty enough about the whole thing to begin with. He doesn’t need the reminder, months later, that his idea – his decision to suggest a skiing trip in front of your friends, making it impossible for you to say no – had left you bruised and battered.

So you never really mention it.

You will easily hide rubbing a hand to your knee under the dinner table, and will swallow a wince when you stand up after sitting on the sofa for a while.

Joe doesn’t mention it either, so you presume you are hiding it well.

But then after a long Saturday of errands, you get back home to find Joe already there. In your kitchen. Your favourite throw blanket slung over his shoulder. Steaming mug of tea in his hand, and the microwave humming in front of him.

“Hey,” you sound surprised. “Wasn’t expecting you. Are you making dinner?”

Joe turns his head as he nods towards your sofa. “Go sit.”

The mental gymnastics it takes to replace one of Joe’s puzzle pieces with one that microwaves food proves impossible. There’s no way he’s microwaving food.

Turns out you’re right.

You let yourself drop onto your sofa quite heavily before bending over to take your shoes off.

When you sit back up, Joe’s there, both his hands full.

“Sit back,” he motions with his head. “Feet up. No, on the sofa. Both legs.”

You’re not quite sure what’s happening, but can’t help but smile whilst you do as you’re told.

“Take this. Careful, it’s still boiling.”

A hot mug of tea is cautiously handed to you.

You see how next, he reaches for the throw blanket that he’s still carrying over his shoulder and makes a whole show of shaking it out before he gently drapes it over you.

In the kitchen, the microwave beeps.

“What are you making?” you ask curiously, and Joe just smiles. Doesn’t say anything. Just tucks the blanket around your hips, looks at your mug until you take a careful sip, and then quickly jogs back to your kitchen.

It’s not food.

Joe doesn’t come back with food.

Before you even fully understand what he’s holding, Joe takes hold of the blanket by your feet and reveals your leg.

“Figured it might be one of those days,” he says and softly places a heat pack over your knee before he gently folds the blanket back.

And, fuck... that’s nice.

You don’t quite know how to react to any of this.

You didn’t know he was aware. That he’d noticed. And then he hadn’t even asked if your knee hurt… just knew it might, and cared enough to surprise you like this.

There’s a faint prickle of tears behind your eyes that you rapidly blink away, and you feel it then. You feel it inside of your chest, feel it in the warmth of the mug that you’re holding, feel it in the comfort of being taken care of inside of your own home whilst you didn’t even ask for anything.

You’re openly staring at him, and Joe just smiles as he sees the cogwheels turn in your mind. You need to take a deep breath to make sure your lip doesn’t wobble, and then busy yourself by taking another sip of tea.

“Comfy?” he asks, touching a warm hand over the blanket, making sure the microwavable heat pack’s in place.

All you can do is give a jerky nod.

He presses a kiss to your forehead and says something about dinner next, but you barely catch it. You’re trying too hard not to cry. Trying too hard not to say something too big for the moment.

And it aches, not to say it.

The words sit on the edge of your tongue, and you could so very easily give them to him now. You know he wants them, that much is clear, but there’s something holding you back, still. Something that makes you want to keep them to yourself, just for a breath longer.

Joe got to carry this feeling on his own for so long. He’d held onto it for ages, carried it as a secret he hadn’t even told Poppy about.

It only feels fair that you get to cradle it too, quiet and unspoken, before it becomes something shared.

Joe doesn’t make it any easier though.

Makes it really fucking difficult, actually.

You’re not sure if he’s even aware of what he’s doing, and the inner struggle that he leaves you with, but one night, he manages to get you stupidly close to breaking several times, you think he must know. That he’s just going out of his way for it now. That he can somehow sense that you’re close just from the look in your eyes and the blush on your cheeks and, just to put you out of your own-inflicted misery, will try whatever he can to pull you over that threshold already.

He manages to pull you right onto that threshold when you’re getting ready for a party.

You’re halfway done – hair up, earrings on, black strappy dress getting zipped up by Joe – when you frown at your own reflection.

Joe asks if anything’s wrong, and: nothing’s wrong. Not really. So you tell him, “Nothing…” as you tug on the hem of the dress, smooth the fabric over your hips, and turn to give your backside an uncertain glance.

Joe keeps quiet as he steps into the doorway, hands in his pockets, leaning against the frame.

“You know that other dress… my green one? God, that dress would’ve killed…” you muse. “But the zipper on that’s still busted, so… this’ll have to do.”

It’s honestly fine.

The dress is fine.

Your eyes keep finding things just slightly wrong about it in your reflection, and you sigh. One of those long, shoulder-dropping sighs. You’re trying not to make a big deal out of something that genuinely isn’t, but somehow, still kind of is.

This dress will look stupid next to what Poppy will be wearing. You will somehow look overdressed and underdressed at once.

When you finally peel your eyes away from yourself and give Joe a small smile, he suddenly frowns.

“Green dress?”

“Yea,” you turn and find a pair of heels to wear. “Remember the one I bought online a couple week ago? I broke the zipper when I tried it on so I couldn’t return it – not that I wanted to return it, it somehow fit me just right–”

“This green dress?” Joe interrupts you, having gone into your wardrobe to retrieve it. He’s holding your green dress by the hanger, twirls it in his hand to showcase how it’s zipped up, and… you’re not sure if you’re seeing that correctly.

“This green dress that I took to get fixed like… three days after you got it?”

You blink at it.

“This the one?”

At him.

“Hmm? Is this the dress you mean?” Joe’s doing a bad job at hiding a smug smile and his pride at being able to surprise you with something he thought you would’ve noticed much earlier.

It’s that stupid face that makes you feel it then. You feel it when you see how he goes a little soft when you stare at the dress that he then gently hands over. You feel it when he goes to unzip the black dress you’re still wearing, sliding the straps from your shoulders with careful fingers.

You make eye-contact in the mirror and nearly say it then.

Nearly.

Instead, you mutter a meek, “Yea, thanks.” that makes Joe laugh out loud before he tells you to hurry up, because Poppy is going to kill the both of you if you turn up late.

You quietly wonder how much more you’re able to take.

How much longer until feeling it turns into saying it.

Joe lets you cool off just enough before it happens again, just a couple of hours later.

The party over at Mark and Poppy’s was only small, and fairly casual if you went by Poppy’s definition of the word. At the end of the night, when it is just the four of you left, you find yourself in the kitchen to pour yourself a last drink.

You hadn’t heard Mark’s comment.

Hadn’t heard Joe’s response either.

You have only been out of the room for two minutes, but the shift in atmosphere is hard to ignore when you step back in. You can see how Poppy is pressing her lips together, hiding her face from Mark as she pushes her chin against her shoulder and looks at Joe with big eyes. It looks like she’s trying not to laugh, or say something stupid.

Mark looks a little miffed, and before you can audible ask what you just missed, Joe loudly clears his throat and asks Poppy something unimportant about a party guest you don’t know. Poppy immediately falls into conversation with him.

You give Mark a look.

What’s up?

He simply shakes his head.

Nothing. Don’t worry about it.

And just like that, the moment has passed.

You learn later, through a whispered chat with Poppy by the front door, that Mark said something about you that was… well, true, actually. Which makes sense, obviously. If there’s one person who knows you inside and out, better than anyone else you can think of, it’s Mark.

“You know what she’s like. She gets all twitchy if things don’t go her way.”

Mark hadn’t meant any offence – there was no malicious intent. He would’ve easily said that to your face, no problem. Just a light joke that probably would’ve made you punch his arm before making a similar statement about one of his flaws. The comment made Poppy snort, and Mark chuckled lightly before Joe cut him off.

Because Joe hadn’t laughed.

Apparently, Poppy said, he hadn’t even blinked.

“He didn’t say much, but…” Poppy whispers like it’s hot gossip she’s sharing whilst you sling your arms into your jacket. “He put Mark in place a little… told him that it wasn’t fair of him to say that, and that you get quiet when you’re nervous, not controlling. That he should know the difference.”

That was it.

It’s a weird bit of information to receive just before you’re about to leave.

You think you do get twitchy when you feel like you don’t have control over a situation. That’s actually a totally fair thing to say. Mark’s right. He’s your best friend who you feel is totally allowed to make an off-hand comment about you like that – you know you’ve said worse things about Mark without him in the room for that matter.

But somehow… Joe’s more right.

And Joe knew that.

And then he had said so out loud and had defended you even when you weren’t there to hear it.

That’s... strange.

Somehow difficult to fully accept.

You’re not sure how to respond to Poppy – she seems gleefully shocked at this… new development. What do you say to someone who’s just told you that her best friend, someone who used to hover at the edge of your life without really ever touching it, is now apparently seeing you more clearly, more accurately, than your own best friend?

When Joe and you leave, he doesn’t bring it up.

Just holds your hand and leads you down the pavement and tells you how you looked the best out of everyone tonight to which you say that you don’t care if you looked the best out of everyone tonight but then Joe says that you looked better than Poppy and Poppy actually looked fucking stunning, she always does, so you can’t help but smile as you feel a blush creep up your neck.

You don’t want to say I love you just because Joe’s saying nice things about you to your face and, as you’ve just found out, behind your back as well, but you feel it.

Your toes are slowly curling over the edge of the threshold and you know it’s not going to take much more than a little nudge for it to come spilling out.

It nearly does when Joe squeezes your hand a little tighter when you cross streets.

It nearly does when you can tell how he’s adjusts his pace a couple of times to make sure you’re not overextending your knee.

It so very nearly does when, suddenly, he takes a few jogging steps up ahead when you walk past a pub. Before he stops, you already know that he’s going to, and you slow to halt to witness exactly what you just predicted.

“Gelato?”

Joe stops right in front of the ice cream place, and in a flicker of a memory, you see Joe standing there in the exact same spot, holding the door open with the same hand, asking you the exact same question he’d asked you that first time.

Before.

Before, when you weren’t anything other than Mark and Poppy’s best mates that were forced to hang out together because they got given a job to do.

Before, when you were convinced Joe hated every second he had to spend in your vicinity because all he’d ever do was keep quiet and distant, and all you’d ever do in response was overthink every single little interaction you’d had.

Before, when you thought it was stupid and pretentious that he said ‘gelato’ instead of ‘ice cream’.

You still think that.

When he suggested getting ice cream that night, it was to make up for something dumb he’d said. You assumed he’d just tried his best to be polite – inviting you to get a sweet treat just to make sure Mark wouldn’t skin him alive.

“My treat.” Joe adds, echoing his former self.

Hit with a clear-as-day nostalgia, you give an exaggerated sigh followed by a massive roll of your eyes as you drop your shoulders.

“Fine.”

The small table you shared once before is taken, but if it hadn’t been, you’re sure Joe would’ve lead you over it in a bid to override that memory for a new, better one. Instead, you end up on the bench outside the shop, tubs of ice cream and plastic spoons in hand.

Joe’s quiet, like he was back then, but, it’s different now.

Now you get to sit really close to him, in your green dress, the one that he secretly got fixed for you, the sneaky fucker. Your whole side is pressed up against Joe’s, even though there’s plenty of space for three, maybe even four people, and if Joe didn’t need both his hands to have his dessert, he would’ve slung his arm around your shoulder to pull you even closer. When you jokingly attempt to scoot, pressing the two of you even tighter together, Joe grins and places his foot in between both of yours, casually twisting your legs together as he shovels hazelnut ice cream into his mouth.

“That was a weird day, wasn’t it?” Joe suddenly says.

“Weird?”

Joe gives you a sideways smile. “Well… yea. Loved it, and hated it.”

You watch as he thoughtfully swirls his little spoon about, before he continues, “I felt so awkward and embarrassed… I remember thinking, what the fuck, she’s actually having gelato with me.”

“Be normal and say ice cream.”

Joe leans forward a little and looks up at the big sign behind the two of you that clearly says Italian Gelato before giving you a pointed look. “It’s gelato.” Joe says sternly, brow furrowed, and you don’t take him seriously at all. You shove his shoulder with yours as you smile, eyes on your ice cream.

Ice cream.

There’s a moment of comfortable silence that you’re afraid to break, because you know Joe is slowly working his way through feelings he found stuck within this memory.

“Genuinely thought I’d fucked up beyond repair, that night.” Joe thinks back. “I remember offering you a bite because I didn’t really know what to say, and the second I did, I was already thinking, you fucking idiot…” he shakes his head a little as he smiles to himself and his voice softens when he says, “But then you took a small spoonful.”

“Offered you a bite of mine.” you casually interject through a mouthful.

“And you offered me, a bite, of yours.” Joe repeats it like every word weighs heavy with indescribable meaning. “You know what that did to me? After all I’d basically done ever since we met was make you feel unwelcome?” Joe eyes you for a moment, then tuts in self-disdain and has to look away. “God, you’re something else, you know that? And I’m an idiot. Clearly. Didn’t know how to fix months of me acting like a fucking dick, so I just… tried not to stare at you as I fell harder, and then went, here, have some, like that was the answer– Jesus, what was I even on, honestly?”

You think Joe’s mostly talking to himself at this point, but he’s doing a great job at transporting you back in time. You try picturing yourself, all awkward and unsure, stumbling through what you thought was your first ever normal conversation with Joe. And him— wanting so badly to say something different than what he did.

Joe’s right, that night was weird, but you think that maybe… yea. Maybe that night was the moment when something shifted. When something inside of you, something only small, changed the way you looked at Joe which, eventually, as luck would have it, snowballed into this exact moment, right here, right now.

Oh, wow.

Yea, that’s… that’s exactly right.

That night was when the first little puzzle piece got wriggled out of place.

The realisation sort of hits you like a freight train running and it makes everything come to a standstill. 

“And then you just went– … you know I didn’t deserve that, right?”

Your ice cream melts unnoticed in your hand as you stare into space, and Joe gives you a slight nudge with his shoulder that pulls everything back into focus.

“Don’t deserve you…”

Your eyes meet his, and neither of you smile.

Not yet.

It settles between you. Something warm. Full.

You feel it, then.

Joe keeps surprising you.

You try to swallow around what’s stuck in your throat, but end up loudly clearing it instead.

Inside of your mind there’s a million things happening. You kind of want to tell Joe that Poppy told you what he said to Mark when you weren’t in the room. Want to tell him that going out of his way to do something kind for you, like taking a dress over to a tailor to get a zipper fixed, makes your chest ache with feelings you don’t know how to express. Want to tell him that, that night, ages ago, when Joe suggested gelato as a late night treat after you’d just stormed off, was the turning point that changed… well, everything.

You want to tell him that—

“I love you.”

Soft. Cracked. True.

You’ve hurled yourself right over that threshold.

You’re sat on a bench outside of an ice cream shop together, holding little tubs of melting ice cream that you’re eating with tiny, colourful, plastic spoons, and shut the fuck up, Joe’s heart is about to burst from his chest.

Everything has halted.

He’s looking at you, expression unchanging, and he’s quiet and calm as he lets the world catch up to him. Just like Joe didn’t rush you, you don’t rush him.

He just told you that he didn’t think he deserved your kindness all that time ago, and that he doesn’t deserve you now and then you just went and turned this moment into the most important one of his life.

Give him a second.

It takes a moment of just sitting shoulder to shoulder with you, and just when you start to think that maybe something’s wrong, Joe looks down and lets his eye fall on his melting ice cream.

“Joe—…”

You’re scared he’s forgotten how to breathe.

He slowly goes for a scoop of his hazelnut ice cream, seems to change his mind, but then goes ahead anyway. Then, instead of bringing it to his own mouth, he hovers it in front of yours.

‘I remember offering you a bite because I didn’t really know what to say.’

Your gaze moves from what he’s offering to his eyes, and can’t help the pursed little smile that tugs on your lips before you let them curl around the spoon and take the bite.

‘But then you took a small spoonful.’

It’s the cheesiest and most predictable move you can make, but with a mouth full of his hazelnut gelato, you do your best to gather a last spoonful of your mostly melted salted caramel.

‘And you offered me a bite of yours.’

Joe doesn’t even go for it.

Finds that the offer in and of itself is plenty and would much rather taste the ice cream directly from your mouth, right now, if he’s honest.

You just told him you love him.

You love him.

You love him.

He’ll beat himself up for this later, but he hasn’t even finished the thought that this means he’s allowed to say it back bef—

“I love you too.”

---

The Taglisted

@almightywdm, @alwayslindie, @capricornrisingsstuff, @chaoticgood-munson, @dailyobsession

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@ferfan14, @figmentofquinn, @gri959, @hazelenys, @joesquinns

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@xxladymjxx, @yunirgo

add yourself

[rook-laidir]

Democracy won! Here’s more banter!

The poll wasn’t rigged, I swear

Rook: Remember when we thought we just had to track down a mage and stop a ritual?

Harding: Feels like that was a hundred years ago.

Rook: Do you think we’re in over our heads?

Harding: Well, tracking down one ancient god turned into having to kill two of them and another one’s stuck in your head. I think that’s as in over our heads as we can get.

Rook: Well, it’ll make a great story at least. If we live to tell it.

Harding: Rook!

~

Lucanis: The stalls along the docks in Rivain, they remind me of Treviso’s market.

Rook: Yeah. Before…

Lucanis: Treviso will rebuild. The Antivan Crows will see to it. I was actually going to ask if you had any recommendations for spice blends I can find there. You know a lot of the vendors.

Rook: My mother used to run a stall and I’d help out. As for the spices, I’ll introduce you to Rolan. He has the good stuff.

~

Rook: Did you like the spices?

Lucanis: How much do you think it would take to convince him to open a stall in Treviso?

Rook: He’s been there since I was a kid, but you never know. Everyone has a price. And I’ve seen your villa, you can afford it.

~

Lucanis: What did your mother sell on the docks?

Rook: Jewelry. I’d look for shells and shiny stuff on the beach and she’s make jewelry with it.

Lucanis: So you were always a treasure hunter then.

Rook: Guess so. Never really thought of it that way.

~

Davrin: Rook-

Rook: It’s not happening.

Davrin: At some point, you gotta-

Rook: No thank you.

Davrin: You almost drowned in the Necropolis and there’s hardly any water down there in the first place. You gotta learn how to swim.

Rook: Do I, though?

Davrin: Yes, you do.

~

Emmrich: You know, Rook, sometimes certain traumatic events can leave a lasting impression. There might not be any scars, but they can still evoke a physical response.

Rook: Ok?

Emmrich: If there’s anything you need to talk about, I’m always happy to lend an ear.

Rook: Thanks?

Emmrich: Perhaps talking through the experience and processing certain emotions could help you overcome your fear of water.

Rook: (groans) Not you too.

~

Rook: I was tossed off of a ship when I was younger. Back when I was a slave.

Emmrich: Is that why you’re so fearful of swimming?

Rook: My arms were too tired and I couldn’t keep my head above water. I got lucky and floated on some driftwood back to shore. Haven’t really been able to get my head underwater without panicking since.

Emmrich: Thank you for trusting me with this, Rook. Talking about our fears helps us come to terms with them so we can work with them instead of against them.

Rook: Is that what you do with your fear of death?

Emmrich: Not death, dying. And yes.

~

Rook: I had an interesting talk with Rana the other day.

Neve: Oh?

Rook: Something about not even you being able to find me if I hurt you.

Neve: (laughs) She’s a good friend.

~

Rook: So did you and Rana ever…

Neve: Ever what? Work a case together? Plenty.

Rook: You know that’s not what I meant.

Neve: Well, if you ask the question, I might answer it.

Rook: Did you two ever…you know…

Neve: Are you blushing?

Rook: Just put me out of my misery here.

Neve: You asked. And is there a particular reason you’re asking?

Rook: Just wondering if you ever wanted to…you know, again. And if maybe I could…Or I mean we could, I guess…

Neve: Oh really. I think I can arrange that.

~

Taash: You still owe me thirty gold.

Rook: The bet was who could kill more Venatori in the Hall. You killed the demons.

Taash: The Venatori brought them, that still counts.

Rook: Sorry, Taash. The gold’s mine.

Taash: Fine. But next time I’m picking the bet.

~

Taash: Hey. I’m glad you’re a they too.

Rook: Thanks, Taash!

Taash: It’s good to figure this stuff out with people who get it.

Rook: Can’t promise I have all the answers, but I’m happy to help.

~

Bellara: Did you catch up on “Crossed Daggers and Hearts?”

Rook: Still can’t believe what happened to Ricardo.

Bellara: What happened to…Rook, did you read ahead?

Rook: Sorry, I got invested. Did you not get to that part yet?

Bellara: No! What happened to Ricardo?

Rook: You’re gonna have to find out for yourself.

Bellara: Can I borrow your copy? I promise I won’t lose it this time.

[6feathered6siren6]

Can you write a fic where Ronin finds out that reader was indeed a murderer (preferably one that he looks up to?) but being a writer is just their public job as a cover up?

Bloody fangs licked clean(Ronin x Reader)

Authors note: I litterally want to name a killer after an animal, and got stuck with a wolf. So here is a killer named after one! I had a lot of fun learning about wolves killing their prey, but I didn't write much about it, hopefully another day. Anyway, enjoy!!

Trigger warnings

Killing

Slight torture(?)

---

Wolf…

A creature that kills prey with their fangs. 

“One other news related to killers, Canis Lupus is still out there. Recently they have started putting a calling card on the people they kill, a wolf mask. If you see anyone with a mask similar to this, call the authorities.” 

You place your cup down, looking at your TV. A wolf mask? That’s new. You shrug it off as you grab the remote and turn it off. Grabbing the cup, you head back to your room. Finally back on your computer, you can continue to write your novel. Maybe get into the server, it should be game night right?

–

Killer_shits

goreboy: anyone See the Killer?

hitmeuppp: Oh, oh! 

hitmeuppp: The one who recently put a calling card on their kills?

goreboy: Ya

goreboy: weird they Have one now

K9: Maybe to scare someone? Though their killings are more rapid.

Angelic: Are we talking about Canis lupus again? The wolf killer?

LUCA_IS_SO_COOL: Yeah! They killed someone again! 

U/N: Didn’t know Canis lupus is famous here

hitmeuppp: Uh YEAH! We have been hunting them down to join, or at least me and few are. V wants to put them away.

K9: It’s been tricky tracking them down. They are smart and easily hidden. 

goreboy: just say Your furry companion Is Hiding from you

K9: I hope you can hear my eyes rolling.

Feeling a chuckle on your lips, you hear when Ronin messages you. 

goreboy: back to writing your Book

goreboy: weren’t ya Suppose to be Offline?

goreboy: if You are on, Lets talk

You felt your lips pull into a smile as you pressed the call button,  only a few rings until he accepted. Always the devil, acting high and mighty when you video call him. But you love it. 

“There you are,” He said. “So how are we doing this fine night?”

“Tired, but more importantly, didn’t know Canis lupus was famous here, can I ask how?” You lean on the arm of your chair, staring at him. 

“Wolfy killer? Well, started when V heard about them. Like a killer who kills like those dogs in the wild. He was interested, then their killing got into our lovely town. We had to look into them, and then everyone was into them. The furry killer made its mark without being here. So we have to get them in. Plus, the devil got to know why they kill like that.” He hummed. 

You paused. You joined this server not too long ago, you never knew they were interested nor your lover wanting to be masked- wait…

“Furry killer?” You questioned.

“Yeah, after all a wolf is one.” You felt your eyes roll as you shook your head at his answer. “Aside from that, let's continue our game. Hope you won’t back down from this.” 

–

Mask.

A wolf mask on the bodies?

That wasn’t for Canis Lupus. They never use a calling card, after all, their kills are specifically killed in a way, it would be the calling card. There’s a copycat… copy wolf? You don’t know as you shake your head. You hold your gun and knife in your pockets. Your strength should be enough but who knows.. But there is someone who is pretending to be you. And you need to make sure it’s known.

You started walking into the allies, pulling your hood up, trying to pull them out. And soon enough they took the bait. Before they could run from you, you pull the gun out and shoot their legs, making sure they can’t move like prey. 

They scream, huffing and puffing, trying to make excuses. A mask falls out of their hoodie pocket. A wolf mask. A fake calling card. Tears stream out with shaking words. Going from pleading to threats, how they would kill you like all the other prey they killed. Pulling out your knife, you don’t want to let them die easily. No… it would be slow. As they bleed, you sit next to them, taking a selfie as they try to cover their wounds. Standing up, seeing their eyes cloud, then taking another photo, flipping them off. 

You turn around seeing the mask they dropped. You walked over to it, then walked back to them, checking their hoodie pocket to only see more of those masks. You throw that mask onto their chest before walking off. 

–

Killer_shits

goreboy: Thought so

goreboy: [Link to Copycat of Canis Lupus killed by killer]

hitmeupp: IT WAS A COPYCAT

LUCA_IS_SO_COOL: Or 👀 copywolf?

Feli: Luca…

hitmeuppp: COPYWOLF!! SO COPYWOLF!

U/N: :P Maybe don’t… copy me???

U/N: [Photos, one of your selfie with the copycat bleeding out, then the second dead with your middle finger]

U/N: I will never put a calling card on my kills. :I

For a moment no one texted until it just turned into a screaming fest.

hitmeuppp: :0000

hitmeuppp: Reader… 

hitmeuppp: YOUR CANIS LUPUS?11!!??!

LUCA_IS_SO_COOL: AND NEVER TOLD US?????

goreboy: damn

goreboy: putting Those fangs To use

LUCA_IS_SO_COOL: AND WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THEM IN FRONT OF THEM!!

hitmeuppp: RONIN LEARNED EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM EXCEPT THAT IT WAS HIS PARTNER!!!

You laugh as you read Misaki’s text before they start spam ‘@’ing V to see it. You see a surprise video call from Ronin, you accept with a smile on your face, chuckling at him.

“And you thought I was a harmless writer,” You teased. 

“You hid from the devil, never telling him your sins. That your fangs have dug into peoples throats.” He said. 

“Well, to be honest, when I joined I thought this server was a roleplay server, so could you blame me hiding at first?” You saw his dumbfounded face funny, that you actually thought that this server was fake. “But I forgot, can you blame me?”

“Yes, I can, Cerberus. Thought you would tell your goreish boyfriend your darkest secrets.” 

You raised your eyebrow when he called you, cerberus, but you decided not to talk about it. “Hey, you never told me that you were looking into me.” 

“I got to know the killers around, I mean look at V, he lives nearby. I have to know who is in my territory.”

“Aw, how sweet.” You snort. 

“That aside, I have to say, the sweet killer hiding as a horror novel was smart, hiding away behind those books.” He said, looking so proud of his partner, being able to hide and also protect their killer's name.

“Oh, I actually want to be a writer, I just want to know how a crowbar kills someone, and I just didn’t want to do the work and get caught.” You said, scratching your head. Giving an awkward laugh as you did. 

He rolled his eyes as he shook his head at you. “Such a lazy dog.” 

“Thank you for the info, Lover boy.” You smiled gleefully. “Couldn’t write it without you.” 

Who knew Cerberus and the Devil was a killer combo?

[starlightseinz]

Take a Chance with Me or I don't wanna know you anymore. : Part 1

We got a little older now I wish I didn't know you that you got worse You think that you're changing, while I'm stuck in my ways But growing up ain't the same as turning into strangers Idontwannknowyou! by MICO Oh, why can't you for once Disregard the world, and run to what you know is real? Take a chance with me, take a chance with me Take a Chance with Me by NIKI

Modern AU Vi x Teacher Reader

warnings : idk kinda hurt but trust me its fluffy and icky romantic, my first time writing after 5 years be kind, also didn't proof read so bear with me.

plot : Your Isha's teacher, you and vi had a rollercoaster of a past during college wanting to fix the way things happened before she talks to you about it.

Heavy breaths as you look at her tears swelled in her eyes as she shook her head in dissapointment slamming the door behind you, and with that she lost you for good.

Violet ... the name lingered for so long in your heart and veins as years passed by it seemed like the chances of seeing her once again wore thin against fate just a quick glance from your peripheral vision was all you wished for but with no luck you haven't seen her after five years since you both graduated college you finished with a degree in secondary education and she got her long dreamed for aeronautic engineering the same year as you, even being departs apart from each other the two of you would always had found time for one another no label and shit is what you had with her you'd think she'd actually had the nerve to ask you out but never actually it always seemed to be little and spontaneous rendezvous with her. And yet you find yourself seeking any form of assurance that what you two had was a sacred and only for the two of you and that she was at least scared of losing you and yet to your surprise she wasn't which now led to two months before graduation screams and shouting filled the room items scattered in your apartment once neatly arranged flowers now lay on the cold wooden floor of your room once deafening screams changed with your heavy breathing and sobs as you sat on the edge of your bed a slam of the door reminded you that you're now alone for good the bed that once beared witness for your sweet moments now cold with memories of this night you tried to calm yourself down reminding yourself you guys were never 'lovers' never was you have always been a stray in her heart. 

Five years passed and you are now a teacher a dream you've always wanted is now here, you may have spent months moving on but now that didn't matter your life as a teacher is fun taking care of little kids and teaching and sharing lessons to them always brought you joy, you couldn't really ask for more your days were always filled with laughter your once empty desked will be filled with little gifts and now you have a designated drawer for it smiling softly at the memory as you parked near the school grounds and made your way towards the school greeted by everyone you made your way to your room clean and ready for another day of learning setting all your belongings down you made your rounds around the room sipping your coffee soon the quiet room were filled by little munchkins that was sure to leave a mess after class you begin your lesson for an hour or so soon break came, much to your surprise you saw your principal Cassandra waving at you through the window as you smiled and stood up from your desk making your way outside.

Ah Principal Cassandra what can I do for you?" you asked with a smile as she immediately pulled you towards her office "dear uhm we have a new student I know late enrollee but this is a very special case and you are the only one I can trust with handling this case" she said as she smiled widely as the two of you made your way to her office "The child has selective mutism she's in there with her guardian her aunt sadly her mother had work so she was the one sent" she said gesturing at the two that was facing their back from the window a tall woman wearing a clean white polo and a little blue haired girl that wore overalls splattered with paint you smiled fondly "I understand don't worry Cass I got this" you said with confidence "I wanted her to meet you first before she went to class she might get overwhelmed" you nod slowly as your eyes shifted at the adult she was with her figure was oddly familiar red hair but longer and kept in a clean slick back, broad shoulders, as her blazer hang perfectly around her shoulders, "come on I'll introduce you to her" Cassandra said as she opened the door soon the little girl looked at you as you went inside hesitant but she still managed to smile at you.

"Miss Lanes this is Miss Parker she'll be Isha's teacher for the whole year and trust my word when I say your niece will be in good hands" Never in your life have you felt you life flashbefore you as you met the eyes of the person you've dread to see once again she looked . . . handsome much more than you last saw her clean and formal looking you felt her eyes on you linger than how much you wanted as you quickly put up a front smiling widely facing the child "Hi Isha! I'm Miss Parker it is so lovely to meet you dear are you excited for school?" you asked softly kneeling down to her height as she looked up to you nervously her eyes went to Vi before she nods."I really like your hair kinda wish I had some fun colors too and your overalls wow! did you make it?" a smile slowly formed in the kids face as she nods with much more enthusiasm as she spun to show off her clothes you felt eyes on you as you continued to talk to Isha as you felt more and more nervous soon you had finally had her ready for class after a quick introduction to your kids they welcomed her with open arms and was happily socialising with the others. 

Vi was still in the room as she insisted to watch just incase something went wrong you only nodded along her request as you sat down to you desk as the kids had butterfly time were they could talk and play with others, and again eyes were on you just one set of eyes bore into the back of your skull trying your best to distract yourself with non-existent work in your laptop.Hearing her footsteps from behind you gulped nervously "You don't plan on ignoring me the whole time I'm here right?" her voice sweet as ever spoke as you closed your eyes trying to calm yourself down you turned in you chair as you were met with her powder blue eyes you have once again fallen inlove with . . . okay maybe you haven't moved on properly. . . "Sorry I - I just don't know what to say to you" you muttered almost losing your voice as you cleared your throat, "Well you look. . . good and it's nice seeing you . . . again" you smiled faintly and crossed your arms to your chest a way to comfort yourself from the awkward tension "You uhm you look alright rare to see you all clean and formal though" a chuckle left your lips as you looked at her once again admiring her face once scrawny college student you've fallen in love with now looked mature.

You sighed softly as your gaze shifted down to your feet soon silence and a weird tension filled the air between the two of you, feeling her move her position in front of you as she leaned on your table “This is probably not the ideal place for this but, I wanted to say sorry for what I did it was not mature of me to leave you like that I-I . . . I was scared that if I spoke my heart out I’d lose you and I did. I'm sorry I’m not asking for forgiveness and maybe a chance to give myself another chance to you.” she said softly her eyes met yours filled with genuine and hope you gulped down again shuffling your feet.

“You don’t have to give me an answer now I just want you to give me a chance to have another chance with you not as a stranger this time”

Your heart was beating out your chest as you nodded taking a deep breath and looking around your classroom seeing the kids still playing around you let yourself sink deep into thought you don’t know if it would be the right thing to do but your heart screams to give it another chance and you really want to, walking closer to her as you took her hand gently against your small ones she looked at you searching your face for any clue of your answer “An ultimatum Vi. . . I’ll give you the chance, mess it up. then I don’t wanna know you anymore.” your voice had a shaken tone but it was firm and serious meeting her gaze once again now filled with determination as she nodded that stupid lopsided smile you love plastered on her face “I won’t mess it up cupcake”

hibou's final thoughts : so! hi, im hibou this is my first work after years of not writing I really hope you guys like it I take suggestions please do drop by to send messages I also take ideas I'd be happy to write them! there might be a part two we'll never know!

NIKI and MICO ignited something in me aha.

[arcaneorphic]

Unravel Me

Pairing: Remus Lupin x F! Reader

Genre: Soulmate AU (Reincarnation) Series, Angst, Hurt/ Comfort, Fluff, Slow burn

Summary: Remus Lupin never believed he had a soulmate—until one accidental touch shatters his carefully built walls. The wolf inside him has always known, but Remus refuses to accept that fate could be so cruel as to tie her to him. Haunted by longing and fear, he tries to run, but she is relentless—warmth slipping through the cracks, undoing him piece by piece. As desire wars with self-doubt, Remus must decide: fight fate or surrender to the one thing he’s always denied himself.

Prev. // Next

Word Count: 3752

Chapter Three: An Olive Branch

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

By the time Remus made his way back to the Gryffindor common room it was well past curfew. There were a few perks that came with being a prefect. One of them being that when professors saw him past curfew, sans usual troublesome company, they tended to do little more than offer a passing nod. 

It wasn’t that they didn’t suspect anything. He was, after all, best mates with James Potter and Sirius Black. But Remus had a reputation for being the responsible one, the voice of reason, the one who reeled them in when they took things too far. There was also the added detail that the faculty knew about his situation and often let the young lycanthrope meander in all his gloomy glory. 

Remus should have known what would be awaiting him when he entered the common room. It was mostly empty, save for a few straggling  students and one black dog sprawled across the couch nearest to the fireplace.

Sirius. 

Of course the mutt would be waiting for him. 

Sirius, for as brash as he could be, was loyal to a fault.  It was something Remus had learned early on—before he even understood why someone like Sirius Black had latched onto him of all people in any way other than a dorm mate. Before he realized that once Sirius considered you his, there was no shaking him, no escaping his unwavering devotion.

Which meant that no matter how much of an arse he had been earlier, no matter how much he had pushed and prodded, Sirius was still here. Waiting. Because that’s what he did.

Remus sighed, rubbing a hand down his face and took the space beside Padfoot, moving the dogs hind legs haphazardly to make space. The dog’s eyes tracked him, but did nothing else.

Sirius tended to do this after an argument, regardless of who it was with or what it was about. It was easier than trying to voice the things he meant to say instead—things that got stuck in his throat, swallowed by years of conditioning, by scars left over from being born a Black. It was difficult to say sorry when no one had ever offered it before, like trying to learn something second-hand when everyone else was already fluent in it. 

For as upset or irritated Remus had been when he left, he understood. If he had the option to hide away then Remus would do the same. 

Remus sank down into the well-worn cushion, keeping his gaze on the fireplace. He rubbed at his temples and let out a sigh as he muttered, “Alright, how long are we going to keep this up for?”

Padfoot gave a huffing noise in response. James was the dog whisperer, able to decipher all of Sirius’ dog-isims with an ease that was entertaining at best and creepy at worst. Remus did not have that skill. 

He kept his voice low, not wanting to be overheard talking to the mystery dog of Gryffindor tower. The general consensus among the student body was that the massive black dog often seen lurking around at least one of the Marauders was James’ dog.

It was a ridiculous assumption, really. But James—ever the performer—had leaned into the narrative with a theatrical flourish, claiming it just couldn’t bear not being by his side during the school year. Half true, but there was also the added fact that the  dog also had to graduate or face what would surely be a ticked off Mrs. Potter.

Which meant that, to most of Gryffindor, Remus was currently sitting beside James’ dog, holding a whispered conversation like a complete lunatic. Lucky for him the common room was emptying out, so no one would witness Loony Lupin at it again. 

He sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Right, well, since you’re clearly not shifting back anytime soon, I’m just going to assume you’re feeling guilty and don’t know how to say it.”

Padfoot huffed in return, and if a dog could roll its eyes, Remus was sure he just had. 

“Best we hash it out now, though,” Remus continued, voice low and even.

If it were anyone else, he wouldn’t be so keen to confront this so quickly—would let it fester, let it settle into something quiet and unspoken, something that could be buried beneath time and avoidance. Sirius and Remus were both masters at that, in their own right. Sirius was all laughs and humor, covering up anything unpleasant with a charming glamour. Remus’ approach was different, but just as avoidant. He would simply… pretend it didn’t happen. 

But he and Sirius… they had a history of conflict.

Maybe not conflict resolution, exactly, but conflict? Plenty.

And history had taught them both that if they didn’t face it now, it would only end in something far worse—an explosion neither of them had the patience or energy for.

Padfoot stayed still, ears flicking slightly, watching him with an unreadable expression.

Remus exhaled sharply. “Look, I know what you were doing back there.” His fingers tapped idly against the arm of the chair. “And I know you thought it was funny, and maybe it was—to you.”

Padfoot let out a low whuff that sounded suspiciously like a chuckle.

Remus shot him a look. “But it wasn’t to me.” His voice was quieter now, steady but firm. “So if you’ve got something to say, say it. Because if you plan on continuing to pull sh—”

Before he could finish, Padfoot huffed again—then, with an exaggerated stretch, shifted. 

The look on Sirius’ face wasn’t what he was expecting. It was apologetic or arrogant, it was carefully neutral. 

That, more than anything, put Remus on edge.

Because Sirius was never neutral. For him to be measured like this—to sit there, expression unreadable—meant that whatever he was about to say had been thought through.

Which was rare. And, frankly, a bit terrifying.

Remus swallowed, forcing himself to hold Sirius’ gaze. “Alright,” he said slowly. “Go on then.”

Sirius exhaled, rolling his shoulders slightly before speaking.

“You know,” he started, voice softer than usual, “for someone as smart as you are, you can be really thick sometimes.”

Sirius continued before Remus had the chance to respond, “The only reason I invited her was for you, you dolt. And I’m near certain the only reason she agreed was for much the same reason. She seemed completely uninterested in me until the moment you came up.”

Remus’ stomach twisted, but Sirius didn’t give him time to dwell on it.

“Look,” Sirius leveled him with a stare that made him want to be anywhere else, “if you don’t do something, someone else surely will.”

And then, quieter, more serious than Remus had ever heard him, he added, “And they’ll mean it, too.”

The weight of those words settled over him, heavy and inescapable.

Because that was the thing, wasn’t it?

Sirius was playing—pushing buttons, forcing him to react—but someone else? Someone who didn’t know what she was to him, what she could be?

They wouldn’t just be stirring the pot.

They’d be taking her from him.

Remus knew that Sirius was right, as annoying as that was to admit to himself. That familiar ache, the one he had felt earlier, the one that had settled into his ribs like a phantom pain—it was back. The echo of loss, something old and lingering, something left over from times before.

Because this wasn’t new.

He had felt it before, in ways he couldn’t explain, in lives he couldn’t remember. The unbearable weight of something just out of reach, something that had been his once—only to slip away before he ever had the chance to hold it.

He wondered, not for the first time that day, what their story had been.

In another life, in another time, had they met under different circumstances? Had it been easy, effortless, without the weight of secrets and hesitation pressing between them?

Had he fought for her then, or had he been just as much of a coward as he was now?

Had she left him? Had she been taken from him? Had he watched her walk away, powerless to stop it, just as he felt now? 

Remus was pulled from his thoughts before he could spiral further, “You owe it to yourself, Moons, to see where it could go. And, if not for you then,  for her. Girls got it bad.” 

That sent a jolt through him, something too warm, too dangerous. He swallowed, trying to suppress the way his heart jumped at the idea.

“She does not,” he muttered, even he didn’t sound convinced.

Sirius only raised a brow. “Sure, mate. As the one who actually spoke to her,” low blow but Remus would let it pass, “I’d be willing to put money on it.”

All Remus could do was look away as he felt his cheeks begin to warm. It was silly, really, the way even the idea that she felt even half of what he refused to acknowledge fully made his heart race. Made something inside him—something deep and impossible to ignore—hope.

Hope was a dangerous thing. It was sharp-edged, deceptively fragile—something that, if held too tightly, had the ability to sever what little remained of his resolve.

Remus had spent years keeping hope at arm’s length, refusing to let it take root where it could one day betray him. Because hope led to wanting, and wanting led to disappointment, and disappointment… disappointment was a pain he was far too familiar with.

And yet—

Sitting here, with Sirius’ words still echoing in his mind, with the thought that maybe—just maybe—she felt even a fraction of what he did…

He felt it.

He felt it in the way she held his gaze and refused to be the first one to let it go. In the way she was patient—patient enough to let him fester, to let him wrestle with himself, to let him come to terms with just how wrong he had been about so much of his life.

She hadn’t pushed. Hadn’t demanded answers, hadn’t called him a coward, hadn’t forced him to acknowledge the thing sitting heavy between them.

He swallowed hard, willing the feeling away, but Sirius had already seen it.

And judging by the shit-eating grin now plastered across his face, he wasn’t going to let it go anytime soon.

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

He felt like hell. All he managed was maybe two hours of sleep last night—and that was being generous—and his body was paying for it now. His limbs felt heavy, his head dull with exhaustion.

It wasn’t just the lack of sleep. It was the thinking. The endless loop of thoughts that had kept him tossing and turning, the restless ache that had settled in his chest and refused to leave. 

The wolf sensed her before he did, which was becoming par for the course as of late. It was almost comical the way it stood at attention when she was near. The way it listened for her, keenly aware of where she was in the room even if Remus refused to look. 

He had made the choice last night, somewhere between the restless tossing and turning, when sleep refused to find him; he would stop avoiding her.

It didn’t mean he’d talk to her. Didn’t mean he’d seek her out, or initiate anything, or do anything that could remotely resemble admitting the way she affected him. 

It wasn’t much, James would argue that it was nothing, but it was something. Because for Remus, not running was a choice. A deliberate, difficult choice. It went against everything he had trained himself to do, against every instinct that told him distance was safer, that wanting was dangerous.

Just standing still—letting himself exist in the same space as her without fleeing—was the hardest thing he had done in a long time. 

In class, one of the few where they sat near each other, he had taken his usual seat instead of the one he had switched to after they returned to classes after their incident. Before he had started avoiding her. Before he had let fear dictate his every move.

And now, without a word, without acknowledgment, he had simply sat down.

He didn’t look at her, didn’t let himself check for a reaction, but he didn’t have to. He felt it—her surprise. 

And for the first time in weeks, the wolf in him was silent, still. Satisfied, for now, with simply being in her presence again. 

They didn’t sit directly next to each other, but they were only separated by two people, who tended to arrive just before class started. It meant he was here. That he had stopped running, at least for now. He hoped it would show her that he was trying. 

He got there early, like he usually did, and so did she. It used to be part of an unspoken routine—one they had never acknowledged, never put into words, but had simply fallen into over time.

A quiet, shared habit.

One that he had broken at the height of his avoidance.

But now, here they were again. The way she moved was… stiffer once she saw him. Hesitant enough for Remus to notice, but he figured he’d notice if she decided to try a different perfume. Was that weird? Felt a little weird, but it was true. 

The classroom was nearly empty, the usual pre-lesson hush settling in, and for the first time in weeks, they existed in the same space without him immediately searching for an escape route.

He didn’t look at her. Not yet.

But he could feel her there.

And judging by the shift in the air between them, she had noticed, too.

“I don’t have to go,” she broke the silence. Her voice soft and low. It made his heart race. 

“Sorry?” he replied dumbly. He chanced a glance at her then, only to find that she wasn’t looking at him. Instead she was fishing for something in her book bag, her expression unreadable, her movements casual—too casual.

“Hogsmeade,” she had replied simply. “I don’t have to go if it’ll make you uncomfortable.”

Remus stilled.

For a moment, he wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly. The words hung between them, deceptively light, but their weight settled deep in his chest.

She was giving him a choice.

Not pushing, not demanding an answer—just offering him a way out. A kindness he didn’t deserve.

Because she shouldn’t care. She shouldn’t be thinking about him, about how he felt, about whether or not his comfort was worth missing something she had every right to enjoy.

But she was.

And it made his already racing heart stutter.

That treacherous part of his mind wished she would look at him. Selfish in its need to have her eyes on him, “You can… do whatever you want.” 

The words might’ve felt dismissive, he was aiming for dismissive, but it didn’t quite land. There was something else there, woven between the syllables. Like he wasn’t just telling her she could do whatever she wanted in regards to the outing, but in general. Like he was telling her whatever she decided, whatever she chose to do would be okay. 

This was the first time they’d spoken since that night, and he thought it should feel different. It was as awkward as he thought it would be, yes, but also easy. Like he didn’t have to think too hard about his words before he spoke them, like they spilled from him as an offering to her. He knew then that he would answer any question she asked him if only to just continue to hear her voice. What a dangerous thing. He would divulge every secret he’d ever had, every thought he let remain unsaid if she asked him to. 

One of the students who sat between them arrived then, sliding into their usual seat and effectively cutting off their conversation.

Remus exhaled, glancing down at his hands as if he had meant for the moment to end there. As if he hadn’t been caught up in the unexpected ease of it all.

She didn’t say anything else, and neither did he.

But something about the interaction lingered, hanging in the air between them like a thread left untied.

And for the first time in weeks, Remus didn’t feel the immediate urge to run.

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

As Remus continued his day he thought about her, not that it was surprising in any means. She took up much of his headspace lately. Now, though, he had a whole new interaction to pick apart and stew over:

The way she had spoken to him—soft, deliberate, as if he were a cornered animal who might spook if she made any sudden movement. The fact that she not  only noticed his avoidance, but that she had acknowledged it in the quietest, most careful way possible. That she had given him an out—and that he hadn’t taken it.

The way it had felt so natural to talk to her again. Like slipping into something familiar, something he had missed more than he had allowed himself to realize.

What bothered him though, was her refusal to look at him. Just yesterday she had held his gaze so boldly and what? Suddenly she was avoiding him? The shift unsettled him in a way he couldn’t quite place. Had she changed her mind? Decided he wasn’t worth the trouble after all? Or was she simply giving him space, waiting, again, for him to figure himself out?

It couldn’t be the former because… it just couldn’t be. Remus couldn’t explain it, but he felt as if he would know if that were the case. There was something unspoken between them—something that had lingered even in the silence, in the spaces between words. A thread that tied them together, no matter how much distance he had tried to put between them. If she had changed her mind, if she had decided he wasn’t worth the trouble, he would have felt it. But he didn’t.

So, it meant the latter. It meant that she was giving him grace, the opportunity to figure his shit out while giving him the space to do that. Giving him a pass to take if he wanted it. 

She was offering him an olive branch.  

That made his chest ache in a way he wasn’t prepared for. Because she shouldn’t be this patient with him. She shouldn’t wait for him, shouldn’t let him fumble his way through his own fears and hesitations like this.

But she was.

And now, the real question was—was he going to take the out she had so carefully left for him?

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

“You are quite possibly the silliest man I’ve ever met, to ever exist really,” she said in a tone that said the opposite. She sat on a chair at a table, in a home that was hers… theirs. He kneeled before her, looking up at her as if she was the center of all things created. She was. Her gentle hands cupped his face like he was something to be treasured. 

She was glorious, in the way that made men paint or carve marble in hopes that they could capture her beauty for the rest of time. So that people thousands of years later may look upon it and wonder if such beauty was even real.  In the way that could make men go to war, or make them do whatever they could to return from it. She surely had to be one of the muses, there was nothing else that made sense to him. 

He laughed, something rich and not his own, at least not what it was now, “You think my love for you is silly? What a cruel thing to say to a man, my light.  I am bearing my soul to you and you say such callous things to me.”

She laughs softly, the sound Apollo himself wished he could recreate. They stayed in that silence for a moment, a respite from all they had been through in the past few hours. He rubs soothing patterns where his hands rest on her hip, knowing that beneath the strength she shows there is worry laying in wait. He could see it in the way she holds his face, as if attempting to burn it into her memory more than it already is. 

“I don’t want you to go,” whispered in hopes that the gods would not hear, so that they did not know the depth of her devotion to one man ran deeper than her worship of them. “Just… you must return to me, please. I cannot… I do not want to be here if you are not in it. 

“Oh, meli,” love is etched into each syllable of the endearment. “I would follow you into hades, do you think there is anything that could keep me from you? In this life, in the next, and for as long as Gaia remains I shall always return to you.” 

“What if you don’t,” she lets her tears fall freely and he feels his heart ache. 

“I will.”

“And if you don’t?”

“Then I will find you again. Always.”

“Swear it,” she removes a hand to wipe at her tears and he misses her warmth terribly. 

“I do,” he says without hesitation. And he knows that he means it, even if he wasn’t sure how or why. All he knew was that the woman before him was the other half of him, made separate by Zues but that didn’t stop them from reuniting. If the king of gods could not keep them separated, then neither could death or time. “I am tied to you, my light. Wherever you are, no matter the distance or circumstance I shall always search for you, I will always return to you.”

The Greeks were not known for their happy endings, and so seemed fitting that they had not gotten theirs. He did not return to her, lost in a battle fought for greed or power or something that did not matter. His dying breath and the last thoughts to float through his mind were of her. Of her smile. Of her wit. Of the way she made the world brighter because she had graced it with her existence. His light. His love. His reason.

A cosmic thread formed or found for the first time, a promise made. 

Unravel Me Masterlist

Taglist: @a1ienmush, @boromoony, @kitkatkl, @moonyswifee, @mxg111

[lovelytsunoda]

vermont // daniel ricciardo

summary: the ski trip sounded all well and good in theory. except for the fact that she would rather be in the chalet than on the slopes. so when she gets stuck on a ski lift and starts to hyperventilate, danny is the one to calm her down.

pairing: daniel ricciardo x female!reader

warnings: anxiety attack, fear of heights/vertigo, best wingwoman chloe, delusional and oblivious scotty, use of ‘pretty girl’, it feels kind of rushed and I don’t know how I feel about the ending-

she should have told chloe to come on the trip without her. she should have admitted she’s never been skiing before. but when she tried, scotty convinced her to come along anyways, because as far as the aussie was concerned “anybody can learn, it’s easy!”.

and yet, here she was, staring at the ski suit laid out on her double bed, rethinking every life choice she’d ever made leading up to this point.

her hands rubbed the fabric of her maroon turtleneck, teasing her bottom lip between her teeth.

god, this was such and awful idea.

there was a knock on her door, chloe’s voice carrying through. “y/n! are you ready yet? we’re heading down to the slopes!”

“coming out in just a second!” she called, hastily pulling the jacket over her clothes.

____

it was a nice enough day outside: the sun was bright, and the air warmer than expected for vermont in early december, a thick dusting of snow on the slopes as she tromped ungracefully over to the ski rental, where scotty and chloe were waiting with lance and his girlfriend marilou.

"there she is!" scotty shouts. "ready to put your skis on?"

"hang on, don't we have to wait for someone? we're missing a few people." she said nervously, trying desperately to put off the inevitable, even though she had promised chloe that she would at least try to get out of her shell this weekend

marilou nodded. "just daniel. knowing him, he's slept in and forgotten the plan, or he got distracted on his way out."

ah, yes. daniel ricciardo.

the man who made her heart skip three beats, the one person in their small, small friend group who always somehow managed to calm her down, remind her that the world wasn't so bad or scary and that everything would be okay in the end.

“well, we can’t start without the life of the party!” she said it too quickly, no doubt her nerves were showing.

there were so many winter activities they could have picked. so why skiing? why the one thing she’d sworn she’d never ever ever do?

“don’t need to wait guys!” when the sound of daniel ricciardos aussie drawl carried across the wind, she squeezed her eyes shut, resisting the urge to scream an expletive. “I’m right here, sorry I’m late!”

chloe shot her a sympathetic glance as the boys fist bumped each other and the crew turned in the direction of the ski lift.

“you’ll do fine!” the canadian encouraged, looping her arm around her best friend. “skiing is easy, it’s all downhill!”

y/n narrows her eyes. “it’s the not knowing how to balance or steer and accidentally crashing into things I’m better off not crashing into.”

chloe laughed, shaking her head as she patted y/n's shoulder. "don't think like that! just come and enjoy the outdoors with us!"

but despite it all, despite the friendly energy of the trip, the good vibes all around, she couldn't help but feel like she was intruding on a couple's trip: chloe and scotty, lance and marilou. daniel and . . . wait, he came alone too, didn't he?

but she didn't have time to think about it before she was strapped in to a pair of ski's, scotty's hands at her back to push her down the training hill.

it only took like....twenty tries before she figured it out, her skis sailing through the snow like butter as she finally managed to stay upright for the third run in a row. she was really getting the hang of it, she thought, pride swelling in her chest.

"nice job, y/n!" daniel shouted, having just come down one of the hills next to her smaller, beginner hill. "you're a natural!"

at the sound of praise dripping from daniel's lips, she felt her face go pink, and she was certain that it wasn't just from the cold, and that there was something more to it.

"oh, well, i've been practicing a lot. i feel kind of bad, actually, for monopolizing all of scotty's time. keeping him away from his wife and all that." she coughed to clear her throat, one gloved hand smoothing her hair back under the pom-pom toque she was wearing on top of her head.

daniel laughed. a big, hearty laugh that sent butterflies afloat in her chest, the kind of infectious laughter that could bring a smile to anybody's face.

"why don't you come up to the other hill with me, and we try you on something a little bigger?"

she turned her head in the direction daniel was gesturing, and she felt her stomach drop to the floor. "no way, not a chance. that's too high, my dude. what if is break my neck?"

scotty skidded to a stop in front of her, moving to look at the mountain. “no, no, that’s a good starter mountain is you want to move up to something bigger! go for it!”

while daniel cheered, y/n groaned, cursing inwardly.

beside her, lance laughed “you’ll have to move up to a bigger hill eventually, y/n. it’s okay to be scared.”

“I’m not scared!” okay, maybe she was. just a little bit.

the group headed towards the ski lifts, filing in in sets of two, each pair heading for a different level hill. scotty and chloe headed for one of the most advanced, marilou and lance heading for a hill that was somewhere in the middle.

and that meant that is she wanted company on her hill, she would be stuck with daniel.

“after you, milady.” daniel chuckled, gesturing to the ski carriage, allowing her to slide in first, the aussie settling next to her.

the bar snapped down, the lift beginning on its way to take the skiers up the mountain. from this high up, the view across the slopes was actually quite nice: evergreens dusted in snow, ant-sized people in bright coats making their way down mountains.

until she stopped looking eye level, and found her eyes drifting downwards, stomach slammed instantly with vertigo.

yep, she was never doing that again.

“you okay?” daniel asked, concerned when he watched her scrunch her face up, eyes screwed shut.

“yep, yep. just trying not to look down.” she was gripping the chest bar so tightly that she was certain her knuckles were white underneath her gloves.

daniel frowned, reaching for her hand. “it’s okay to be scared of heights. is this why you didn’t want to come up the mountain?”

“maybe. that, and the fear of making a fool out of myself.” She was tight lipped as she answered, still keeping her eyes closed.

but now, she only felt like her heart would beat out if her chest because of the hand on top of hers, not the fall to the ground.

“we’re almost at the top, and then your skis will be on solid ground again.”

she slowly opened her eyes. “thank you.”

over the hum of the lift, she heard a groaning, and then a snap. the ski lift stuttered to a stop, and she couldn’t stop the terrified shriek that left her parted lips, one gloved hand reaching to squeeze the life out of daniels arm.

“hey, hey!” daniel shouted, trying to be heard over other panicked skiers. “look at me, look at me. can you do that?”

her chest was getting tight, body frozen with fear. she couldn’t open her eyes, limbs made of lead as she clung to the man next to her in the lift

“I-I don’t think I can, danny.”

“yeah you can. just focus on me, not the way the carriage is moving, and not what’s below you.” his voice was soothing, grounding. enough that she was able to turn her head slightly and open her eyes to face him.

“see, that wasn’t so hard, was it, pretty girl?”

“no.” her voice was stil shaky as she stared into daniels eyes, feeling suddenly like he could see every part of her. every secret, every long held and unspoken truth.

and she liked it.

“just keep your breathing steady, and we will be out of here before you know it.” his voice started level and calm, his breath curling up into mist in the air.

“promise me?”

daniel leaned in, his soft lips warm against her forehead. the simple action, not quite a kiss but not that innocent either, set her skin ablaze in pink again, warmth spreading through her frozen appendages, from the tip of her nose to the ends of her fingertips.

“I promise.” daniel assured her, his gloved thumb rubbing reassuring circles on her skin.

she wasn’t sure how long they had been sitting like that when the lift whirred to life again, the carriage shakily confusing it’s ascent up the hill. realizing that the lift was moving again, she pulled away from danny, averting her eyes, looking anywhere except the man who had just held her so tenderly.

she shook her head, pulling her ski goggles back down over her eyes. “sorry, I don’t know where that came from.”

“don’t apologize, pretty girl.” daniel said softly. “you were scared. and I liked knowing that I could make you feel better. I care about you, y/n. as more than a friend.”

she paused, pulling her goggles back up. “you do?”

daniel beamed. “of course I do, and I’d love to get to know you better.”

“buy me a hot chocolate if I make it down the hill one piece?” she suggested, gently placing a hand on his forearm.

the lift reached the top of the hill, the bar raising and allowing the pair to slide off the metal chair, Danny’s hand in hers as he took the lead, guiding her towards the slope.

“and if I make it to the bottom first, you have to kiss me.” danny wagered, a mischevious look in his eyes as he flicked his goggles down.

y/n laughed, inching towards the slope like bambi on ice, all shaky legs and flailing limbs. “i think I ’ll take you up on that, ricciardo!”

TAGS:

@magnummagnussen @libraryofloveletters @thatsdemko @lorarri @userlando @silverstonesainz @cartierre @love4lando @sidcrosbyspuck @silversainz

[inspirationalucky]

"THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT" PROMPTS & STARTERS. demonic possession & hauntings. adjust as needed!

"i need help! someone's outside!"

"just try to stay calm. i know you're scared."

"this is very sudden, but listen to me. we have to start right away."

"i'm sorry, i didn't know until it made itself known this morning."

"i didn't know that it was here... let alone bound to you."

"i had no way of knowing the possession had started."

"you need to take this seriously. you need to act quickly."

"you can't leave, [name]! i can't allow that for you... or for others."

"so we stay calm... ok?"

"treat it like a normal day. staying focused will help."

"you don't have to believe me, but i hope you do before it's too late."

"the only way to save yourself is to banish the demon before you're too far gone."

"you'll need to learn the demon's name, bind it to it's chosen body, and burn it in the retort."

"i know this is a lot to take in."

"i had years to learn what i know. you have hours."

"you can't trust the phones. anything can be manipulated."

"good luck, [name]. i'm sorry this had to happen."

"yeah, screw all of... whatever this is."

"to banish a demon to hell, it must be bound to its chosen body and burned."

"you're just seeing things."

"i'm just seeing things... i need to get back to work, it's fine."

"it's my fucking fault!"

"don't really have a choice... i'm stuck here... fuck."

"you did this to me... it's all your fault."

"why are you still doing this?"

"i'm going to kill you, [name]."

"why did you let me die? this is all your fault."

"i regret every second with you."

"time is running out, [name]."

"hate me all you want. he's dead because of you."

"you should be the one here. lifeless... worthless... you're a waste of this body."

"you're wasting this body... give it to me."

"i should be killed on sight."

"this should banish the demon."

"my coming shall herald glorious sorrow."

"i will claim the flesh of man for my own."

"i need you to let me in, sweety."

"don't you love your grandma?"

"it's so cold out here... i'd love to come in... let me in, [name]!"

"let me in you little bitch!"

"i just want to visit you. don't you miss me?"

"awww, what's wrong [name]? don't be afraid of your [relation]!"

"i knew you'd find me... i'm all alone and scared."

"i'm fucking scared! didn't you hear me?"

"help. me. get me the fuck out of here!"

"oh, look at this... who are you now?"

"who could do this to someone? i think you should let me out."

"you'll be here soon."

"ok baby don't worry... it's ok, it's ok. i'll get you out of here."

"no, no, i'm not going!"

"get me out of here, they're gonna kill me!"

"come back! let me out!"

"where am i? what happened? let me go!"

"i'm sorry, this is the only way."

"seriously, [name], why are you hiding? don't be scared."

"let me out you little shit! you'll fucking burn!"

"you can never fix what you've done! see you soon."

"it's nice not to be the one down there for a change."

"did i make it? is it over?"

"it's never really over."

"oh, i've just been waiting... for so, so long."

"[name] isn't here, you fucking idiot!"

"here i am, you worthless old shit! here i am!"

"it's never over, but you survived."

"can i leave? i want to go home."

"you can leave. but once an entity finds you, all the houses of hell will do anything to get back to you."

"i'm sorry, but it doesn't end here."

"from now on, there's always a chance this will happen again, no matter where you are."

"i don't want this! i just want to leave! what do i do?"

"i'm sorry, but there's no going back."

"so, what? you're waging some selfless holy war?"

"it's not a war. it's survival. and i'd hardly call it selfless."

"i wish i could claim to be someone better, suffering hell to save us all."

"i simply want to live another day, just like anyone else."

"i could run and live the rest of my days in fear, or i could learn to face it and keep some semblance of a normal life."

"i don't know what you experienced, but i know it uses the worst parts of you against yourself."

"the more you experience, the more you'll confront the darkest parts of your life."

"i'm offering the tools to take control. the choice is yours. i hope you come back."

"what you've been doing is monstrous!"

"i've said already that i've had to accept everything about myself. just like you do. this is a necessary evil."

"she's down there right now, just suffering for no reason!"

"[name] is not down there! not anymore, she's been gone for years."

"you want to have a chance at life!? it comes at a cost. this cost!"

"you have to make a choice just like i did."

"i've seen many experience what you did. none have survived."

"i've watched them degrade and suffer until they're no longer themselves."

[op814kitty]

Sparks Fly - Lost the Breakup Part 4

A/n: I'm sorry for the long wait between chapter, I find it hard to write longform style things without jumping straight to the fun stuff and building enough tension.... But we all learn somehow so i hope you bear with me.

Previous Part || Next Part

The cool air hit your burning face as you rushed onto the balcony and began to pace in the small space. The hiss of the shower echoed from the bathroom. You ran your hands through your hair and heaved a deep breath. 

What. The. Fuck. 

Oscar is just a friend, right? So why do you feel like an electric current is running through your whole body? You slump onto the small chair occupying the space, you head resting in your hands. You need to clear your head. Standing back up, you spot the small notebook on the desk in the corner of the room. Quickly scrawling a note to Oscar. 

Gone for a walk, don’t wait up. 

–

The cool water of the shower did nothing to wash away the excitement running through Oscar's skin. He had almost done it. He’d almost kissed her. He tilts his head back and lets the water run over his face. The way she looked up at him minutes ago flashed through his mind, was she disappointed that he’d pulled away? Was she disgusted that it had even happened? Oscar’s mind races with the possibilities. 

Once he had washed his hair and relaxed from the day of travelling, he stepped out of the shower. Immediately, he realised that in his haste he had forgotten a change of clothes. 

Wrapping a fluffy hotel towel around his hips he poked his head out of the bathroom. Y/n was nowhere to be seen but he could see that a note had been written on the pad by the desk. 

He stepped out of the bathroom and quickly read the note before getting dressed into pyjama pants and laying on the couch to watch some netflix. If she wasn't going to be here when he went to sleep, she couldn't argue that he deserved the bed more. 

–

Oscar thankfully had left by the time you awoke. Now, half an hour later and sipping a coffee on the balcony, you decide to bite the bullet and text Oscar. 

Y/n:  I’m sorry if I snore 

Osc: You don’t, Don’t worry

Y/n:  Shouldn't have taken the couch though, I thought I had won it fair and square 

Osc: As I said, My mother would kill me if I let a lady sleep on the couch

Osc: Although I can’t say my back is thanking me though

Y/n:  Maybe you should come share the bed then…

You fling your phone onto the couch next to you and run your hands through your hair. Your phone buzzes and you grab it, before lowering it back down again. You stare down at it, eyes wide with nervous curiosity. It buzzes again and, your nerves suddenly overcome, you open your chat with Oscar. 

Osc: I mean if you’re offering

Osc: We’re both adults right 

– 

You are settled in bed once Oscar returns from his media duties, having grabbed dinner with his team on the way back to the hotel. 

“Hey, How was your day?” he asks  after coming through the door, placing his backpack next to the door and pulling his team polo over his head. 

Your mouth goes dry at his toned chest. You had seen him shirtless before, but he had really bulked up since joining the team. Everything was turned up, every muscle defined perfectly without Oscar looking strange or too big. 

“Y/n?” he asks again.

“Oh yeah” You answer lamely, “ I went and explored a little, I forgot that there's not really much to do around here outside of the race, but I was thinking that while you're at the track tomorrow I’d drive down to Stavelot and visit the Abbey and the Race Museum… If  you don’t mind me using the hire car that is?” 

Oscar smiled, “I got the car so you wouldn't be stuck at the hotel, it's yours to use. I’ll ask one of the guys to give me a ride to the track.” 

You nod, “Okay, it's just Lando didn't like me driving the hire cars, and he always wanted me at the track with him so I never got to go exploring” 

“You don’t have to explain.” Oscar grabbed his pyjama pants and his towel, “I’m going to have a shower, do you want to pick a movie to watch?” 

–

You burst out  a giggle when you look at Oscar. He’s sitting popped against the headboard of the hotel bed, mouthing  along with the words of the movie. You’d picked Cars for nostalgia, but watching Oscar remembering all the words to the childhood classic was more entertaining. 

Oscar looked at you, his ‘secret weapon’ ice cream bowl abandoned on the nightstand. 

“What?” He laughs with you, “I love this movie!”

“Nothing” You hum, curling up tight under the blankets, facing Oscar. Your eyelids fluttering when you realise how tired you are. 

“Goodnight, y/n” Oscar murmurs, running his hands through your hair splayed on the pillow. 

You mumble a goodnight back before drifting off to the murmur of the tv and his hands in your hair. 

–

YN LN spotted in Spa ahead of the Belgian GP. Does this mark a reunion for YN and Lando?

-

Lando grips his phone as he storms towards Oscar’s hotel room. Rage pumping through his veins. He bangs on the door with his fist, pausing before banging again. 

Oscar swings the door open, his hair mussed and wiping sleep from his eyes. 

“What the fuck is going on, mate?” He mumbles, leaning gently against the door. 

“Where the fuck is she?” Lando asks loudly, making a start into the room. Oscar gently places his hand on Lando’s chest and pushes him back into the hallway. “I know she’s here.” 

“Can you chill out?” Oscar hisses, “Yes, shes here” 

“ I-” Lando begins but Oscar puts a hand up to stop him. 

“Mate, you fucked up. You hurt her and then when she saw you in Monaco, you hurt her again.” Oscar says. “She didn’t come to see you. She came with me. Go to bed.” 

“How am I supposed to sleep when you’re fucking my girlfriend?” 

“Lando” Oscar gently places his hand on Lando’s shoulder, “ She’s not your girlfriend anymore.”

All of the emotions hit him at once and Lando found himself with tears running down his cheeks. 

“But I love her,” Lando sobs. “We can’t-, I can’t, I need her”

Oscar pulls him into a hug, Lando’s face smashing into his shoulder. 

“Goodnight, Lando.” Oscar releases the older man, “We can talk more in the morning”

The door to the hotel room clicks shut, leaving a sniffling Lando in the hallway. Oscar rested his head against the shut door. He never wanted to hurt Lando. Just like Lando hadn’t wanted to hurt you. They would talk in the morning though. 

Oscar turns and shuffles back to bed, slipping under the covers next to you. 

Taglist: @amz824 @cmleitora @herexpertcollector @piastrams @coriyaps @milkysoop

[avendjarin]

shifting songs day 120 !

all shifting songs

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

sign of the times ⭒ harry styles

“just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times, we gotta get away from here, we gotta get away from here, just stop your crying, it’ll be alright”

“just stop your crying, have the time of your life, breaking through the atmosphere, things look pretty good from here, remember everything will be alright, we can meet again somewhere, somewhere far away from here”

“we never learn, we’ve been here before, why are we always stuck and running from the bullets?”

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 72

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe: Military School

Words: 5K

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Monday, March 21; 6:30 AM - Dormitory

The atmosphere on this Monday morning is very heavy. It isn't Lucy who came to do the daily check. It seems that information about last night's incident has been escalated higher than expected. It’s crazy how a minor altercation could have such wide-reaching consequences. When I asked Ingrid about it, she said it was beyond her control. Wiegman was apparently notified last night by students who complained, and it seems this has landed Alba in serious trouble. It looks like she’ll be stuck with Lucy all day. I find it excessive, but according to Ingrid, Wiegman wanted to impose a severe punishment on someone who is in their final year. I hadn’t noticed before, but it seems several people witnessed the dispute from behind their windows. Alexia is furious to learn we’ve been spied on like this. Fortunately, nothing serious was revealed. It’s safe to say there’s no point in discussing it with Ale this morning. I didn’t try to stop her when she stormed out of the room this morning. I did make sure to thank Ingrid for the information before we went our separate ways. I was about to join my roommate at that moment, but Misa intercepted me as I was leaving.

"Hey."

"Hi."

She seems really uncomfortable. I think I know why she’s here. We might not get along, but we’re connected by our loved ones who have issues. We witnessed a conversation that should have stayed private. The difference between her and me is that I know the answers to her questions, and she must suspect as much. I abandon the idea of joining Ale to stay with Misa, who looks quite worried.

"People seem pretty excited this morning..." she comments.

I smile sadly. I can tell she’s trying to make small talk. She probably doesn’t know what’s going on. If I know, it’s because I have good relations with the instructors. I nervously run my hand through my hair. If I were in her place, I’d appreciate being informed, so I go ahead.

"Listen, I just learned that Alba’s in serious trouble because of her outburst last night. She’s going to be stuck with Bronze for the day."

"Really?" she asks, surprised. "Damn... How do you know?"

"Uh, Engen. She just informed Ale. She left angry. I was planning to join her."

I congratulate myself on coming up with such a realistic excuse. If we know, it’s only because we hang out with our instructor outside of here.

"This is ridiculous! This situation is going too far!"

"I agree."

"Bronze did this?"

"No, Wiegman was informed. She’s just following orders, I suppose..."

"You seem close with her. Can’t you talk to her?"

"I’d like to, but when the orders don’t come from her, there’s not much she can do."

She bites her lip and shakes her head. She looks distressed. I hope they haven’t planned anything for the weekend because Alba is likely to be stuck here because of this situation.

"Thanks... You’re nicer than I expected."

"Uh, thanks, I guess."

We laugh together. In reality, I’ve never quite known what to make of her. She’s intriguing. She’s always been cold from the start. I was surprised that Alba was dating her, but then again, she must be nicer than we all imagine.

"We didn’t start off well; I’m sorry. I was afraid you might be interested in Alba someday. She’s always shown interest in you since you arrived, whereas I’ve had my eye on her for a long time," she admits.

I smile at her honesty. I suspected her behavior was related to Alba. She used to give me dagger looks every time she saw us laughing together.

"You don’t have to apologize; I understand. She made advances, but I turned her down right from the start. I’m in a situation I’m happy with my girlfriend, and I have no intention of looking elsewhere. So you can be at ease."

She nods again. I can tell she’s holding back questions.

"Go on, it’s my day of charity, so ask me the questions that are bothering you."

"Oh no—"

"Yes, I insist," I giggle. "Take advantage of it, it doesn’t happen every day."

"No, I was just thinking that you’re close with Ale. Alba really values your friendship. She thought Alexia was very lonely before you came."

"That’s true. We’ve become very close."

"She must confide in you a lot."

I smile, understanding where she’s going with this.

"Yes. I know everything that’s going on, but it’s not my place to say."

"Do you know her girlfriend?"

"Yes. I’ve seen her before. She’s from Manchester."

"Yes, Alba knows that, but she doesn’t know who knows, and I think that’s what’s bothering her. She realizes it’s serious and she doesn’t know if the girl is decent."

"She’s good for her, I can assure you. She’s the love of her life. If Alexia doesn’t reveal her identity, it’s because she’s afraid Alba won’t accept her. It would be a disaster for her; she’s only known her sister as family before her girlfriend and me."

"I see..."

"Well, you know what? Try to pass on this message to her before tonight so she can calm down. As for me, I’ll go see Bronze to see if I can change her mind about the confrontation tonight."

"I don’t think you’ll manage. They almost fought last night because of Alba. She’s out of control when she’s angry, and I doubt Bronze will let this discussion go on without a mediator."

"You think?"

"Definitely. Negotiate our presence at the meeting instead. Maybe our presence will reassure them."

She’s probably right. Lucy won’t risk leaving them alone after last night. I’ll need to persuade her not to repeat anything to Jenni then.

"Okay," I sigh. "We’ll go with that."

"Cool... Thanks for your help."

"You don’t have to thank me. I’m doing it for Alexia. But it was nice talking to you."

She gives me a shy smile in response. I think I might have at least managed to bury the hatchet with this conversation, so that’s a win.

"If you want to know, I was a bit annoyed that you managed to be so well-connected in such a short time. You hadn’t done anything to make friends, yet you were the center of everyone’s attention when you arrived. I never figured out how you did it," she laughs.

"It’s thanks to Ale that I got into the group. That’s why I owe her so much. As for the attention from other students, I could have done without it, you know," I giggle.

"Not surprising," she laughs. "It must have been really overwhelming."

"Yeah, but it’s all over now, and that’s a relief."

"People eventually get used to everything," she finishes with a shrug.

I nod and open the door to the cafeteria.

"Want to eat with us?" I offer.

"I’d love to, thanks."

"Just don’t expect a good atmosphere. I’ve never seen Ale in such a foul mood."

She laughs, saying she wouldn’t expect anything different given the situation. I really hope everything gets resolved quickly.

Monday, March 21; 1:45 PM - Classroom Building

I make my way through the students heading to their classes as I head to Lucy’s office. I haven’t had the chance to see or speak with her yet. However, just seeing her from afar with a tense expression and Alba slumped on the table at noon makes it clear that their morning wasn’t the most glorious.

-   Bronze,   I call out as she’s about to close the door to her office.

I see her frown before spotting me in the crowd. She relaxes and lets me in before shutting the door. Before I can say a word, I find myself pressed against the door with her lips on mine. I cling to her hair, but it’s quickly interrupted by a throat clearing. I blush seeing Ingrid in the room, but Lucy doesn’t seem bothered, sighing into my neck. Her friend watches us with a small amused smile while I am mortified. I don’t particularly enjoy public displays, but I endure it knowing Lucy needs affection right now. I don’t even dare to ask the question I came for, fearing it might upset her.

-   Can we just go back to the weekend?   she murmurs.

I laugh, running my hand through her hair and kissing her temple.

-   I’d like that too.  

-   Tell me you’re here to explain all this nonsense. Alba didn’t want to tell me anything, no matter how much I tried to break her this morning.  

I raise an eyebrow. I expected her to figure it out herself.

-   What?  

-   I thought you’d understand. Alba was worried because we came back just before the scheduled time. Since it had never happened before, she thought she was never coming back. She knows Ale is seeing someone, but she doesn’t know who it is.  

-   Oh... Is this all because she doesn’t know about Jenni? It’s absurd.  

-   Well, I’d be annoyed too if Joan didn’t tell me who he’s seeing. Can you imagine the worry she must have if she hadn’t come back?  

She sighs and steps back. I understand she might not get it since she doesn’t have siblings, but I do.

-   And so what? I’m not going to force Alexia to reveal Jenni’s identity.  

-   I spoke with Misa this morning,   I say, raising her eyebrow.   We’d like to be present tonight. At least we can help ease the atmosphere. I can’t see Alexia until tonight, so I won’t have time to talk to her before then.  

-   Okay,   she sighs.   Let’s do that. Now I’ll walk you to class,   she says, checking her watch.   You’re late after all.  

-   It’s not a big deal.  

-   It will be if he doesn’t accept you. You won’t get your weekend if Wiegman is in a bad mood.  

-   I have Johnson. I’ll just use your charm and we’ll be set.  

I give her a wink that makes her roll her eyes with a small smile. She kisses me one last time and waves goodbye to Ingrid. We head towards my classroom. This day feels endless; I can’t wait for it to be over.

  Monday, March 21; 5:15 PM - Lucy’s Office  

I’m slouched in a chair in front of Lucy’s desk, waiting for the others to arrive. Misa was the first to come. She chose the chair next to mine to keep the Putellas siblings as far away as possible, just in case. I managed to catch her between classes to tell her to come here after school. Ingrid isn’t here, but I’m not surprised. She never involves herself in problems that don’t concern her unless she has to. Lucy sips her coffee while observing us. Misa, who’s in class with Alba and Ale, let us know she was the first to leave the locker rooms after their sports session. She didn’t want to wait for them because she suspects they’re taking their time.

-   If this keeps up, I’m going to go get them,   my girlfriend says, annoyed.

Just then, there’s a knock on the door. Alexia is the first to enter, closely followed by her brother. You can feel the palpable tension radiating from them. When Ale sees me, she looks surprised at first but then relieved. She immediately sits down next to me.

-   Sorry for the delay,   she says to my girlfriend.

-   No problem. We’re just waiting for you, Alba. I don’t have all day.  

Alba clenches her fists and takes the last available seat next to Misa. No one knows how this conversation will end, but Lucy is the one who takes charge, opening the proceedings.

-   Well. We’re finally gathered after a fifteen-minute wait,   she says with a disconcerting calm.   Don’t think I’m thrilled to be here for such a ridiculous matter. What happened yesterday is unacceptable. Private matters should not be exposed like they were yesterday. I won’t force anyone to talk, but if you need to, now is the time. Misa and Ona insisted on being here to support you. We’ll act as mediators if needed. It’s not something that’s offered to you every day.  

Her opening statement leads to silence. For a long time, no one dares to speak. Alexia focuses intently on her nails while her sister turns her head away from us. I exchange a look with Misa that says a lot about our thoughts.

-   I don’t understand why you don’t just say who it is,   Alba says very calmly.

Lucy, who has been watching us, leans back in her seat, crossing her arms while making sure to keep her coffee in hand. She’s understood that she’s just started the discussion.

-   Because you always act excessively when it comes to my relationships. I’ve never been able to have a decent friend. Either they ran away because you were too protective, or you made me lose them by making us change schools.  

-   Oh, and you think I enjoyed doing that? You have a talent for always picking the wrong people! Most of them weren’t even worth associating with.  

-   Excuse me, but I wouldn’t have appreciated someone choosing my friends for me either,  I interject.

-   You have nothing to say,   she snaps at me.   You don’t know what kind of mess we were in. And besides, you’re not exactly good at choosing your friends either!  

Lucy sits up at these words. I knew she would defend me, but I didn’t need her to do it.

-   You don’t know anything about my life either! Who do you think you are to judge everyone around you? It’s honorable to want to protect your sister from the world, but we live in a world where suffering is not an option. We all go through tough times, but that doesn’t mean everyone else has to suffer too! Yes, I had a painful past, yes, I struggled to overcome it, but I did it! Alexia is challenging you to show that she’s finally ready to live without you in her life, and you’re having a hard time accepting it, that’s all! You’ll have to face the fact that she’s not the little girl you used to defend at all costs!  

My retort surprises her enough to silence her completely. When I catch Lucy’s eye, I notice her smile. I feel proud of myself for managing to say this without stuttering. I’m no longer that defenseless girl who arrived here at the beginning of the year. I’m finally starting to regain my confidence.

-  Ona is right, Ale murmurs.   You’re my sister, and I understand your intentions, but you’re really being a pain. I’ve never regretted following you here, but you really need to stop covering for me. I can make my own decisions now.  

-   I’m sorry you feel that way, she sighs.

She stands up, turning his back on us. Our words seem to have affected her more than she wanted. After a moment of reflection, she turns back around.

-   Are you afraid I’ll judge your girlfriend? Does she even exist?  

-   Of course she exists. If I’m not telling you who she is, it’s because I fear your reaction.  

-   If you say that, then I must know her. Are you back with Laia?  

-   Eww, no!  

I laugh at the image. It’s true; she did date her. I almost forgot how she no longer hangs out with us much. Ale sighs, casting a glance my way. She’s trying to figure out what to do, but it’s not up to me to decide. So, I shrug.

-   You know her too, Ona?   she suddenly realizes.

-   Well, yes. I thought I had already mentioned that we spend our weekends together lately.  

-   With your girlfriend, I assume, she murmurs, staring at my neck.

I turn around, burying my head in my hands. Lucy seems to find this scene amusing, even though it’s all her fault. She seriously needs to calm her bloodlust in the future.

-   Anyway, she grumbles.   If I promise to accept her, would you be willing to introduce her to me? We could have a man-to-man conversation that way.  

I roll my eyes. Alexia sighs and, against all odds, surprises everyone by conceding.

-   Her name is Jenni. Jenni Hermoso  

I turn to see Alba’s reaction. She doesn’t seem to recognize the name at first. I then remember she doesn’t know the names. There’s a spark in her eyes as she makes the connection.

-   Hermoso ? Instructor Hermoso ?  

-   You promised not to get angry,   I remind her.

She takes a deep breath, pinching the bridge of her nose. Everything must have clicked into place in her mind.

-  You were the student who had a relationship with her? Are you kidding me? You let Luna get expelled in your place!? 

-  It was her idea,  Alexia defends herself.  She wanted to leave here. 

Seeing that she was starting to lose her composure despite her promise not to get angry, I glance at Misa to signal her. It’s her moment to act. She understands the message and stands up.

-  Remember what I told you this afternoon,  Misa says.

-  How can I believe that she’s a good match for her!? She’s much older than she is! 

-  Not that much, Lucy replies. Only six years. 

We all turn to Lucy. Her expression is cold. It’s clear she will defend her best friend at all costs. Alba turns pale, but the reasons are different from what I expected.

-  A-are you going to tell Wiegman? Alexia will be expelled if you do! 

That’s true; I hadn’t considered that option. She doesn’t know that Lucy is my girlfriend.

-  No,  she says.  The matter is closed, and I have no intention of jeopardizing a student’s future at this point in the year. 

She nods with relief. We exchange a small, discreet smile. Living our relationship in front of my loved ones is getting increasingly difficult.

-  I want to meet her. 

-  I’m not sure that’s a good idea,  Ale comments.

-  Why not? You want me to accept her, don’t you? So, I want to meet her. I want to make sure she takes care of you. 

Alexia looks at me with concern. It’s a good idea. I would have suggested that we accompany her for this encounter, but Lucy would never agree. Too many people already know about us, and we can’t risk putting ourselves in more danger. One wrong conversation and everything could be ruined. I still nod gently to confirm that she should agree. She bites her lip and turns to her sister.

-  Okay. But I’m warning you, you better not threaten her or anything. I really care about her, so you better not mess things up. We both know how you can lose your temper over nothing. 

-  Yeah, yeah, I’ll try to stay calm,  she mutters.

-  Well, I think that’s settled then. 

-  Yes. Thank you, Ale replies.

-  It’s my job. Now, you all better get out of here. I have other work waiting for me. 

-  Can I stay? For my homework. 

-  If you want, but I won’t have time to help you with your revisions tonight. 

-  That’s okay. I was told to slow down, so I’m not sure I’ll be studying tonight. 

-  I don’t know who told you that, but it’s very good advice. 

I laugh as I get up. The others follow suit and put the two extra chairs back in front of Ingrid’s desk. I tell them I’ll join them once I’m finished here. Unlike me, they are very eager to leave.

-  If you could avoid getting into fights before then, I’d appreciate it. 

-  We’ll try,  Alexia replies with amusement.  Have a good evening. 

-  Good evening to you too. 

They leave, leaving the door open. I would have preferred them to close it, but it’s not a big deal. Lucy is already engrossed in her computer, so I take out my things.

-  That went pretty well, didn’t it?  Lucy asks.

-  Yes, it did. I think it’ll be fine now. 

-  Hmm. Alexia realizes we won’t be there for the meeting between the two buddy, right? 

I laugh and nod.

-  I think she suspects as much, but I’ll remind her. 

-  Good. What a shitty day. You better not make a mistake this week. I don’t want to end up spending my weekend here as well. 

-  I’ll try to be on my best behavior,  I tease her.

-  It’s not funny. I have a meeting with Wiegman on Friday. I’m going to give her my resignation letter. 

-  Oh, really? 

I didn’t even know she had written it. Anyway, she must have prepared it during the day.

-  Aren’t you happy?  she smiles.  It feels like the end is near. 

-  It’s not that I’m not happy, it’s just that it adds more pressure,  I giggle.

She rolls her eyes with amusement. I’ve never had the blues about an exam. Even my high school diploma seemed less important compared to now.

-  It’ll be fine, don’t worry. You’re really putting too much pressure on yourself for nothing. 

-  Hmm. 

-  Finish your homework and then go join your friends. It’ll do you good. Alexia is probably looking forward to talking to you. 

I nod and get to work. She’s right. I could tell she hoped I would follow her advice.

-  Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you,  I say, making her laugh.

-  I don’t know either. I often wonder that myself,  she teases.

-  Oh, and by the way. You’re not planning to talk about what happened with Jenni, are you? 

-  I would have if it hadn’t ended so well. We’ll see how things turn out now. One thing’s for sure, it’s their problem, not ours. 

I bite my lip at her response. She’s right, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying about my friend. I hope everything will turn out okay for her. I really don’t want to have to pick up the pieces.

[nomatterwhatnomatterwhere]

What a (Not so) Strange World XIX

(Don't just) Wait and Trust to Fate

A.N: I'm really sorry this is so short compared to the others chapters, I tried, really, but I didn't like where it was headed - honestly I'm not even really satisfied - but I felt that If I kept on re-writing it I would be forever stuck on this -more than I already was I mean . There's still a little bit of world building, because I like that, so let me know what do you think

Part XVIII Part XX

As a teacher, Crewel was used to not fully understanding the actions and reasoning of his students.

Most of them were puppies who did not yet fully understand how the world worked outside school - no matter how much many of them needed a leash to mitigate the damage of their walks.

Sometimes he found himself thinking that even some adults needed someone to teach them manners, given how some of their actions didn't make the slightest bit of sense.

Crowley did not really fall into this category: it was rather common knowledge that the role of HeadMaster was awarded not to the person with the greatest magical power, but to the person who had demonstrated an extraordinary ability to reason.

It went without saying that these people were often peculiar in the way they did things, and their motives were not always clear, but there was usually reasoning behind their decisions.

Crowel had proved to be that kind of person, so despite everything, it was hard to question what he did.

You didn't have the slightest confidence in him, you'd made that clear from the start, you'd made no secret of it, from the time you'd arrived at the NRC to the unpleasant situation Mr Roseheart had found himself in, there had never been a situation where you hadn't complained about the HeadMaster's manner.

Crewel had found it amusing at first, your obvious displeasure - and probable disappointment - in Croweley, but neither he nor Trein had really given too much thought to the situation.

The Headmasters were also involved in matters outside the school, increasing the burden of responsibility.

It hadn't been that strange that he'd forgotten to escort you to the room they'd prepared for you, plus there was also Yuu's situation to consider in all that.

But this was the first time in a very long time that Crewel found himself wondering what exactly was going through Crowley's mind

"So, you're telling me" he began, running through his hair, as if trying to see if he understood "That the Headmaster appointed Yuu and Grim to investigate all these incidents, you and a few other Heartslabyul students decided to join them, looking for possible targets and possible clues…"

"The Headmaster didn't appoint Yuu and Grim, he threatened them! How… this is…", shaking his head, irritated at the mere recollection. Puffed " Riddle and the others decided to help after what happened to Trey, but it seems that Riddle had already noticed that something strange was happening, so Cater had already noted down some possible targets. But we still don't know who the culprit might be."

"But you're working on something, I assume’"Your eyes had lit up. Crewel knew that light, it was the one that came on when you learned something new, when you got an idea ‘Is that why you came here?’

You felt yourself blush on your face. It wasn't as if you were trying to hide the reason for your visit, but the fact that it was so clear embarrassed you.

(But Crewel knew you, he knew how to react to certain things, and it wasn't as if you were so difficult to read.

You just had to observe carefully)

"Kind of…" you looked around at the various books, ledgers and filing cabinets in the room ‘ There is an archive for Unique Magic that I could use?…’

Crewel weighed your words for a moment, before heading towards an inlaid wooden bookcase.

" Every country does have a register of Unique Magic, but as far as I know you cannot see them without a permit. If you want to know more you should ask Professor Trein".

He levitated a pair of registers towards you.

" Some students develop their Unique Magic before enrolling, but some others do actually develop it here, and when they do, it gets written in here."

"And I can… have them?"

"Usually not. A Unique Magic is something personal to a Mage, and while for some it's not a problem to make it known, for others it is. But this seems to me to be a situation where an exception can be made. If your student has developed his Unique Magic during his schooling, you will find it written down".

He messed up your hair, advising you to get to class before you were too late.

(On the way you peeked, to see if the deer was still where you had seen it, but it was already gone).

You had felt a little guilty during the lesson.

Trein was going over the concept of magicpens, explaining their importance to a wizard, but you hadn't followed a single word: you were too busy trying to get something out of what Crewel had given you.

You had concentrated on the students of Savana Claw, following what Rook had told you, but you hadn't been able to find much.

The roster Azul had given you listed the players who possessed Unique magic, so you went to check which of them had developed it at the school, but none of their spells seemed likely to cause the incidents that were taking place.

All that remained was for you to investigate what the Unique Magic of those you hadn't yet eliminated from the list might be.

To think that the Housewarden was among them was already giving you a headache.

From what you remembered they hadn't been very hospitable the last time you'd shown up in their territory.

(When the lesson was over, Trein sent you an admonishing look, probably knowing that you hadn't followed his lecture at all and that this would affect your schooling.

It was no mystery, you knew that Trein always marked who attended the lesson).

You were near the courtyard when you heard Grim's shrill voice shout something, forcing you to turn in the direction his voice came from.

You were not surprised to see the three Problem Child and Yuu. What surprised you was seeing a third person with them.

You only realised who it was when he walked past you, moving away from the first years, while you did the opposite: it was Savanaclaw's little hyena.

While Deuce was worrying about how Riddle might react to the fact that “they'd let him get away”, you went to get the magic pens that had been - very kindly - left on a nearby wall.

Yuu filled you in on what had happened as Ace and Deuce - and Grim, especially Grim - got into a fight with Jack, who, honestly, you hadn't even seen coming.

Still, it certainly wasn't hard to notice.

The scene must have been funny from the outside: three students and a cat having a fight and two other students not far away chatting as if nothing was happening.

The fact that they had managed to find out that Ruggie was the culprit before you had mildly irritated you: sometimes you really complicate your life.

The fact remained that what Ruggie said was true: there was no proof that he had caused those incidents

(Semantics; if you had managed to organise things well you would have been able to find something, you were sure of that, but first it was better to listen to what Jack had to say)

"Cowardly tricks make me sick! There is no meaning in such a victory! I wanted to use my power to claim victory at the summit!"

"Ah" you heard Ace sigh "This guy is a pain in the ass."

You couldn't help but smile "You'll find that Jack here cares a lot about honour."

("I get it! I really get it! That feeling!"

‘We have our nuisances too’).

The information Jack had was extremely interesting - although the part where he talked about Leona made you smile: you remembered how he used to talk about Vil when you were younger - and had somewhat confirmed your suspicions

( and what Rook had told you. Now that you thought about it, you were ready to bet that the blond knew exactly who was behind this plan. )

You were astonished when the wolf said he didn't want to take part in the plan that Riddle - who had arrived with Carter - was about to explain, but you had to hold back a laugh when Yuu pointed out to him that he wouldn't be able to do much on his own

"I-it's back…' Prefect, blunt insight."

As you listened to Riddle's plan you couldn't help but think, amusingly, that Ace reacted to Jack's way of being, the same way you reacted to his

It had been a while since you'd found something funny.

As always let me know if you wanna be tagged

@jessiegerl, @mewchiili

Divider by @sweetmelodygraphics

[jukesjoint]

Hey, request for Jordan Li:

So, what if Jordan's ex liked them better in their male/female form, and they got insecure because of it. Now they're dating reader, and that insecurity rises. So, the reader assures them that they're perfect in both forms. Smut or fluff?

Thanks.

I Like You in More Ways Than One !!

warnings, insecurities, fluff. SMUT (first time tell me how it was OK? OK!) pairings, jordan li x reader. don’t think this was my best but i really hoped u enjoyed lol

Relationships are a tricky path to follow. You’ll always have a piece of the person that came once before and although there are some that tend to learn how to live with it, there are others who simply hold on to those in the most degrading way possible. Relationships are our puzzle pieces and for a piece to go missing, it’s hard finding the right one that will fit into that vacant spot once more.

Jordan’s ex left a huge dent in them after their relationship ended. It felt like a farce most of the time, but Jordan wasn’t the kind of person to see their partner for who they really are. When they’re in a relationship, a partnership, all they ever see is a rose coloured world. Where everything their significant other does cannot and will not be impacted in a negative way. It’s why Jordan found themselves in situationships more often than an actual relationship nowadays.

Opening their eyes to the wrongs of what their ex put them through was like whiplash. How could they have been so clueless to the way they were treated. Jordan hadn't taken into account just how others acted around their ex, too. So, it was a breath of fresh air when you arrived into their life. Jordan didn't really know what to do or how to react to certain things. With their ex, it seemed as though everything was a problem and Jordan had to walk on eggshells around her.

Whenever she caught them in their female form, the attraction, the yearning (if you can even call it that) dissipated. She didn’t love all parts of them, having shown it one night at a party that Jordan did not attend. It broke them for weeks knowing it was all just a facade for her. That it showed Jordan wasn’t good enough for to even keep a girlfriend. And yet here they were, hopelessly devoted to you, letting their heart feel again and love again and be enthralled in the warmth of intimacy.

But no matter how much Jordan felt for you, there was always a shred of doubt that had them second guessing themselves over and over again. What if you never liked them in their female form? What if you’re just being nice and sparing their feelings because you know how sensitive they get? What if all this is a practical joke and you’re just waiting on the day for them to fuck up so you can finally leave?

Jordan was so stuck in their head sometimes, it was kind of infuriating but this is something they hide so well.

You both were supposed to meet up for a lunch date after your noon classes, but Jordan was nowhere to be found and it started to make you worry. None of your phone calls were being answered, texts left on delivered. You were going around in a twist trying to find them. “Hey, have you guys seen Jordan?” The blonde was the first to look up at you, a big grin spreading across her lips. “____, hey! No I haven’t. Everything good?” Cate asked, hand on your arm as she squeezed it gently. Andre was beside her, the shake of his head telling you he hasn’t seen them either.

“We were supposed to meet up for lunch. I just…I don’t know, this doesn’t happen. Usually they’ll tell me if they’re running late.” The worry was slowly settling into your chest as you emitted a shaky breath. Cate sensed your discomfort immediately and drew herself closer to you. Her hands were comforting, but it didn’t do much to settle the overwhelming feeling. You tried to calm yourself, being outside was a good distraction with the many things around you. “Okay. Okay, hey listen. I’ll help you find them.”

You nodded as you turned around with her to begin your search of Jordan, leaving Andre behind. “Yeah! I’ll just be here, not like I want to search for them too.” His words went off to deaf ears, both you and Cate recalling where Jordan was before you were supposed to meet.

You were going around in a twist. Jordan wasn’t in their dorm room, not in the canteen, the commons or the gym. You tried their phone several times and no answer. Cate was beginning to see just how stressed this was all making you, opting to split up so you both can cover more ground to find Jordan. Please just, fucking be okay. You thought to yourself as you did a 360 on the middle of campus to see if you’ll spot them. It didn’t click to you until minutes later that Jordan was hiding and their hiding place was somewhere that wasn’t quite easy to find.

But the both of you frequented there a lot when you just wanted to be in each other’s presence without anyone else interfering. You began your long trek up the woods to the very secluded clearing of the mountains behind the school. It was like a quiet pocket on Earth that was surrounded by water and trees that stretched for miles high. It was the one place that Jordan had found in order to collect themselves after any event that triggers them.

Being out of breath was not an issue for you, knowing every step and where to avoid placing your feet as you finally made it to the clearing. Your wide eyes laid on the very person you were worried about for the past two hours, your heart sinking as you heard them sniff several times.

“Baby…”

“Fuck! You scared me! What the fuck, what are you doing here?” Jordan, in their female form, got up quickly, wiping away the tears that were sliding down their plumped and redden cheeks. You quickly rushed over placing your hands over them as she looked at you with sorrow eyes. “You didn’t meet up with me for our lunch date, I was going crazy out of my mind wondering wheee you were.”

Jordan’s eyes softened once more before a wave of tears spilled from their brown eyes once more; your heart cracked looking at them in despair. What happened to make her feel this way? And why couldn’t she feel like she could talk to you? You wrapped your arms around her in a tight, warm hug, allowing her body to shake vigorously as they let out a wailing sob. You didn’t know what was going on and when you find out you were surely going to make whoever made Jordan cry pay.

“What’s going on, huh? Why’d you hide from me? Please tell me, did I do something? I can’t stand seeing you like this.” Jordan moved out of your hug, wiping at the snot that formed on your sweater and her nose. She shook her head, grabbing on to your hands to lead you to the rock they were sitting on to have you sit next to them. “It’s not you, trust me it’s never you.” It was a whisper that you almost didn’t catch. Thank you supersonic hearing!

Jordan’s hands found a home on the nape of your neck, your hand immediately placed over hers. You scanned their face, “Talk to me, lovebug.”

“I…uh…I saw my ex this morning. On accident. It wasn’t intentional.” The worry in your chest was replaced with a sizzling anger that was sure to grow into full on rage, “What did she do?”

“No. No she didn’t do anything. I didn’t even let her see me. I just…it just triggered me and I didn’t know what to do so I came here.

“Our relationship wasn’t the best. And I got flashbacks to it and I felt like it was bleeding into ours, but I was making it up in my head.” Jordan paused, squeezing your neck gently before continuing, “I never told you that she preferred me as a guy when we dated. She knew of my ability, but she didn’t take it so kindly whenever I would switch.” She laughed softly to make light of the situation, as if it was something comical to joke about. The expression on your face immediately changed hers back.

“I always just felt like arm candy to her, but I was so in love her, baby I kinda let that all go.” You sat listening to her as she rambled about her ex. Nothing angered you more than when Jordan was made to feel insecure and though you preferred them to just be them when you both were together, it didn’t stop the inkling feeling Jordan had in the back of their mind that you were just being nice about it. “I thought that you probably felt the same way. I don’t know…I don’t know why I thought that.”

You leaned forward to kiss them slowly. Jordan hummed softly as your lips caressed theirs, their hand sliding to your side to pull you closer. It went on for about three minutes before you both pulled away for some air. “Jordy…I don’t want you ever to feel that way with me. I don’t care at all, I care about you. You as in Jordan. The person who would always make sure they have an extra sweater in their gym bag for me. The one who knows my latte order like the back of their hand. The one who doesn’t care when I whine and complain constantly when I’m on my period and have taken over your entire room to self medicate,” you both giggled as you finished your sentence.

It was true, though. You didn’t care at all which form Jordan took as long as they were happy. Comfortable. “Your ex will begin to cough in six days and we can celebrate her death after that. But for now, I just want you to know that I love you. Jordan Li, the love of my life. Property Brothers fanatic. Comic book extraordinaire,” your hands made a home on their warm cheeks, thumb caressing the soft skin as you stared deep into their eyes. “I don’t want anyone else but you. Nobody but you.”

Jordan’s heart beat rapidly in their chest, leaning forward again to plant a steamy kiss on your lips. Nothing made them more sure about your relationship than this moment and all Jordan wanted to do was ravish you alive. “I love you.”

“I love you, so so much.” Your words were breathy, eyes immediately shutting as you laid them back against the rock to climb up over them. The kiss was deepening as you couldn’t help, but smirk a little as you planted your leg between their legs; Jordan lazily humping your thigh. Your hands were suddenly everywhere until you remembered Cate, “Oh my god! Wait! Before we continue I have to tell Cate I found you!”

You scrambled to get up only for Jordan to snatch your phone out of your hand and toss it into the unsettling lake before you. “Jordan!”

“I’ll get you a new one. I need you now.” That shut you right up as you both resumed kissing, this time with Jordan on top. You slid your hands underneath their sweater, moaning as you felt their breasts spill into your hands. Squeezing them brought out the nastiest moan to ever escape Jordan which you even more aroused than you were before. The lips smacking together made the noise echo through the open area, your leg finding its place back in between her legs.

They grind against your thigh, legs squeezing together to create more friction. You tweaked her nipples causing her to push her chest out more and her hand finding its place on the strands of your hair, tugging lightly. You whined softly, your left hand abandoning her soft mound to travel achingly slow towards the place she needed you most. Along with your thigh, your hand added more pressure to her clit, hips stuttering slowly. “Fuck, fuck please touch me. I want your fingers inside me,” she moaned against your lips.

You happily obliged, flipping her over to have her on her back. The rock wasn’t the most comfortable place to be doing this, but you both had major experience going at it on the same rock so they were used to the prickling along their back. Said the “pain’s tolerable knowing I’ll cum because of you.” You held it over their heads for a month. You brought your fingers to their lips, “Suck,” and Jordan being the good girl she is took both fingers into her mouth, wetting it as much as she can with her saliva.

“That’s a good girl,” she could’ve came right then and there if it wasn’t for the sudden intrusion of your fingers in her hole. Her back lifted into an arch, a loud moan echoing through the woods. Your fingers worked expertly as you lifted her sweater to wrap you warm lips around her nipple. Jordan’s moan sounded wet and strained, hands on your shoulders immediately squeezing them with her all might. You felt her squeezing the hell out of your fingers, dripping on to your palms, swirling your tongue around the now perky, hardened nipple.

Pumping your fingers in and out of her while circling your thumb on her clit was driving her mad. She has started panting, short breaths as her legs squeezed around your hand once more. “Come on, you can do it for me, baby. Just let go.” That one little command had her spilling all over your hand, humping your hand as you continued to pump your fingers in and out of her as she came. You rode out her orgasm long enough for her to begin pulling your hand out of her pants to get some reprieve.

“Hm, fuck,” Jordan breathed out. You lifted your wet fingers to your mouth to lick off her juices from them. You moaned, sliding your tongue between them to get every last bit that hung off of them. She watched you with cloudy eyes and a gapped mouth and swore she couldn’t fall for you more than she did in that moment. “Don’t ever think I don’t want you, you hear me?”

“Yes. Yes. Fuck yes, I’ll never think that again.”

“That’s my girl.”

[residentfromnowhere]

| SOUP |

GiyuuTomiokaXHashira!Reader

TW: 18+ Themes, Masturbation, & Voyeurism Kink

Note: not proofread and I was half sleep when I made this so apologies for this mess of a Drabble -w-

“Yes, Y/N fuck me harder…ffffuuck-“

How did you get here? How did it get to this point and When did it get to this point? How did you get yourself into this mess of a situation to where your trapped in the door way of your friends home when all you were doing was delivering a bowl of soup. Soup for Christ sakes? And to someone who you thought was just a good friend no less? One second, you were walking down a path you have taken dozens of times to reach a fellow hashiras house and then the next thing you know, you open a door and hear not just anyone moaning, but him moaning. Loudly. See, it’s not the moaning that startles you and makes you stop in your tracks, it’s the fact that he’s moaning YOUR NAME out of all things and saying the most lewd and vulgar phrases afterwards that makes you freeze.

If anyone saw you now, they would think that you were a statue. Stuck between making a run for it or just standing there and waiting until after he’s done. There were many windows of opportunity to where you could have ran for the hills but each time, your body would cease to function, making you have to hear him call out to you and talk about you in such a way that you don’t know if you will ever recover from this. You were terrified to even breath in fear that he would notice but knew that if you didn’t leave soon, you would see something that will alter your perception of him forever

Giyuu Tomioka was a kind, quiet soul whose skill was nothing short of amazing and can easily be recognized as one of the demons corps best. He was the first to ever speak to you when you first arrived and always showed kindness and understanding towards you. So imagine how shocking it must be to see someone you look up to and call “friend” pleasuring them self to the thought of you. You respected him and saw him as more of a teacher than anything so why is it that you’re just now learning about his feelings for you And like this?

You snap out of your train of thought when you suddenly hear a low, breathless grunt. You finally get the courage to look through the cracked door and see a half naked Giyuu panting, chest rapidly moving up and down as he watched the remaining of his essence spurt out and god it was so much. He was covered in it and the thump from him laying down made you jump backward, having your head hit the wind chimes right above you. You both freeze, not knowing what to do and at that moment, you decided to drop the soup and run faster than you ever ran in your life and never thinking of turning back.

Ever since that day, you haven’t been able to look him in the eyes but he didn’t show that he minded it. At first, you weren’t sure if he saw you or guessed that you were there but after a few conversations, things seemingly went back to normal. Well, so you thought. What you didn’t know was that he sensed you and knew the entire time you were there and it just made him hornier. He was too far deep to stop now and he thought since his muse was there, he might as well put on a show.

He’s only keeping quiet for the sake of the friendship and for your own peace of mind but when I say that even after you left, he had another round because the very fact that you stayed made him horny and honestly couldn’t help himself, i mean he went harder than before. You could have sworn he mumbled something along the lines of “thank you for the soup” while walking away but wasn’t to sure. I guess we will never know, hmm?