#{ ND shut up you wear a scarf }

[just-raphael]

I’m trying to understand how no one ever considered I was ND as a kid:

- very quiet to almost be considered non-verbal at times;

- talking for HOURS about mommy favorite cartoon, which was my little pony and had been since I was 7 to 10;

- I stimmed a lot, I have video proof I was a stimming mess as a kid (still am);

- never understood social cues or just “non written rules”, always getting in trouble for that;

- couldn’t sit still during lessons because my whole body felt weird;

- couldn’t shut up when teacher treated me badly, they tended to call my parents quiet often because I always argued with them (like once I didn’t want to take off my comfort scarf and a teacher decided I couldn’t keep it? Why? Idk);

- I hated going buy groceries because the lights were too bright and the fridges made that stupid sound that makes my ear metaphorically bleed, once I told my mom and she said I was imagining it;

- picky eater, classic (I didn’t like onions because of the texture but I was perfectly fine with dehydrated onions, for example);

- I remember this one time I got really over stimulated at like 5, at my aunt wedding because something was wrong with my dress and I could feel it itch. Another time at I guess 12 I started crying because everything felt itchy and I didn’t want to wear anything other than pay pj.

I know my parents didn’t have to be informed on autism/ADHD but I get so angry when I think about these things (and others of course) and I can tell something was up with me, now that I asked them if they could get me tested they even said “but you’re good at school, you can’t have ADHD” or “you talk, how can you be autistic”

Guess what, I’m going to get tested anyway as soon as I turn 18 ‘cause I’m so fucking tired of people gaslighting me and of my brain gaslighting myself because I’m not lucky enough to have parents who want to help me

[monkeydlesbian]

# BNHA BOYS + SNOW!

a/n: we just had a shit ton of snow last week nd they’re calling for 4-8 more inches tmrw so i wanted to write about bnha boys nd snow hehe (*^▽^*)

IZUKU MIDORIYA ➔ loves it!! he thinks it looks absolutely gorgeous on the campus of UA (he’s right) and he loves the way it looks at night or early in the morning without footprints and piles of it everywhere. his favorite thing is seeing footprints from little creatures in the snow trailing across a wide area. he’s definitely the type to make homemade snow cream or snow cones and give it to you and the whole class. not one to engage in a snowball fight unless seriously provoked, so the class will probably catch him making snow angels with you and taking pictures of you making a tiny little snowman, which he sets as his lock screen (precious!). sure he likes the snow, but his favorite part is probably going back inside to put on warm clothes, make some hot chocolate, and curl up next to you and all of his friends by a really warm fire.

KATSUKI BAKUGOU ➔ he’s pretty indifferent to it! he does like the cold a little though, just because i have a feeling he runs hotter than the average human thanks to his quirk. he’s the type to sit outside on the porch and just watch the snow pile up inch after inch. he has no qualms in going outside with his classmates, even if he might grumble about it for a little. he’s not one to start a snowball fight, but if you drag him into it you cannot drag him back out. it doesn’t matter if you’re his s/o or not, you’re still probably going to get pelted by a couple snowballs (lovingly). while he isn’t always rolling around in the snow, there are hearts in his eyes watching you do just that. he sees snowflakes on your lashes and now his cheeks are red, not just from the cold. after all is said and done and everyone is back inside, he quite enjoys cooking a warm little meal for you and being your own personal space heater.

SHOUTO TODOROKI ➔ another one that’s pretty indifferent to it!! he’s used to the cold thanks to the right side of his body, so he’s pretty comfortable out there. i don't really see him running around in it, but he will participate in the occasional snowball fight and building of a snowman. he just looks so pretty standing outside, snowflakes on his scarf and two-toned hair ♥︎（ﾉ´∀`）. finds it amusing how his classmates will come up to him asking if he can warm their hands with his quirk, but he never declines. he loves warming you up the most, especially when you tell him that your cheeks are cold so he can cup them with his hand. he also loves watching the snow pile up; he could sit out on the porch and watch the snowfall for hours. the type to take candid pictures of his s/o playing in the snow and set it as his new contact picture for you, or print it out so he can have it on his desk. when you’ve had your fill and head back inside, he insists you cuddle him on his left side so he can warm you back up.

EIJIROU KIRISHIMA ➔ another snow lover!! he’s also another walking space heater, so i feel like he’s pretty comfortable in the cold. he strikes me as someone who barely wears any layers out there and is fine, which you and everyone else envy him for. LOVES every single cliché snow activity out there, especially sledding and snowball fights. and for both of these, you bet your ass that he’s going all out. nothing will compare though to picking you up and tossing you into the piles of snow and hearing you laugh. his cheeks and nose get so RED from the cold, but he’s still as warm as the sun. the pictures he takes of you are literally social media worthy, though his favorite one is a selfie of the both of you; he’s smiling, laughing, at the camera and you’re playfully biting at his cheek with a smile and your eyes squeezed shut. another one that will cook for you when you go back inside, and he makes a mean hot chocolate. he will gladly offer up his sweatshirts (and warm chest) for you to curl up in!

DENKI KAMINARI ➔ AHH he loves it!! BUT,, he absolutely hates the cold. he’s the exact opposite of his red-haired buddy, with about ten layers on and still shivering. he’s very enthusiastic about games in the snow, and he’s normally the one to initiate snowball fights. watch your back around him because he might try to shove snow down your jacket! another one with cheeks and a nose as red as a cherry because of the cold air. when he’s not being a public menace to everyone else, you can probably catch him with hearts in his eyes as he watches you play around with your classmates in the snow. he takes the WORST pictures of his s/o and and will set them as his lock screen, your contact picture, etc, but his excuse is that you “never look bad in a picture.” as much as he loves the fun he has outside, nothing compares to going back inside and wrapping his arms around you to soak up your body heat!!

HANTA SERO ➔ he’s pretty neutral about it! not the biggest fan of the cold but he does like the snow. he’s another one to just sit outside for hours and watch the snowfall!! there's something in me SCREAMING that sero takes games in the snow very seriously,,, you better hope and pray that you’re on the same team for a snowball fight. like his explosive best bud, he shows no mercy no matter who you are. always takes the prettiest pictures of his s/o playing in the snow… he will most definitely post you everywhere. he’s one to just tackle you into the snow like a damn linebacker and start blushing at the sight of you underneath him with snowflakes on your pretty lashes ♥︎（ﾉ´∀`）. LOVES going back inside to cook for you and the rest of the class and make hot chocolate, and he thinks the atmosphere in the common room after playing out in the snow for hours is the best thing in the world. i just know he has the best cuddles in the world, and he loves when you curl up into his chest to get warm!!

SHINSOU HITOSHI ➔ to be honest, i feel like shinsou isn’t a huge fan of the snow and cold in general, but he LOVES how pretty it looks. he will gladly sit inside in front of a large window and watch the snowfall buried up under a blanket. if you do manage to get him outside, he won’t be playing any games with his classmates or rolling around in the snow; he might make a little snowman with you or make a snow angel tho!! he’s another one that takes insanely pretty pictures of his s/o out in the snow, and he loves taking them with you. his favorite picture is of him kissing your cheek, his own red from the cold and your close proximity. his favorite part about the snow is obviously getting to go back inside to warm up, but not without his (delicious) hot chocolate and you, wrapped up in one of his bigger sweatshirts and curled into his side, tuckered out and snoring from your day in the snow.

[beggingforfootnotes]

under the mistletoe - h.s

requested: nope, just wanted to write a cute little holiday piece!

warnings: none

author’s note: merry christmas and happy holidays to all who celebrate! i had intended to get this piece up yesterday but life got in the way, so i’m giving it to you now

Harry’s keys frantically jingled as he pushed open the front door, gusts of wind hitting against his back. Snow crunched under his boots with each step, exclaiming, “‘s comin’ down out there!” His wife sat giggling on the sofa, clutching a cup of hot chocolate with her legs folded underneath herself. Unwrapping his scarf, he sighed at the house’s warmth that engulfed his body, “how were they today?” He leaned over the back of the couch, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Mm,” she hummed, turning so their lips could meet. “They missed their old man.”

His feet carried him around to where Y/N sat, shrugging off his heavy coat and draping it on the sofa arm. He settled in next to the woman, slinging his arm around her waist as his voice lowered, “old, huh? Don’ think an old man could fu—”

“James, Delilah,” Y/N shouted with a smirk, keeping her husband from finishing his filthy sentence. “Daddy’s home!” Wasting no time at the mention of their father, the couple’s twin toddlers came barreling down the family-portrait-lined hallway, their tiny footsteps echoing off of the walls, squeals piercing their parents’ ears as they drew closer. 

With arms opening wide and a gleaming smile growing by the millisecond, Harry embraced his son and daughter, chuckling through a groan as they tackled him. “Here’re m’babies!” He planted his lips on each of their heads, exaggerating a smooching sound and relishing in the melody of the giggles that escaped their little mouths, “missed y’so much. What did you and Mumma get up to today?”

“Me, ‘nd Delilah, ‘nd Mumma all played dress-up,” James began, his Harry-like emerald eyes lighting up, “it was really, super fun!”

Delilah exclaimed, bouncing her head up and down, curls falling into her eyes, “mhm! Mumma even let us wear your pretty necklaces! And...” As her daughter rambled on to Harry about her day, Y/N sunk further into the cushions, taking occasional sips from her mug, gaze wandering to the large window adjacent to the sofa. The snow continued to fall in blankets outside, raising up high enough to touch the bottom of the window’s glass, frost twinkling on the corners. This was everything she had ever wanted: a man whom she loved, and in turn loved her, so very dearly, two mini-versions of herself and Harry, a happy home. She couldn’t possibly dream of anything more.

“What d’ya think, darling?”

“Hm?” Y/N hummed, noting the new sensation of her husband’s hand rubbing her knee.

“If th’munchkins go t’bed right now, we get up first thing tomorrow mornin’ and make a snowman?”

Her eyes flickered between the children that sat on either side of Harry, nuzzled under his arms, their eyes wide and pleading. She sighed, “only if I get to pick the bedtime story.” Her babies cheered, quickly hopping off of the couch as Harry ushered them to get on their pajamas, sending a wink to his wife on the way out.

-

“First thing in the morning, H,” Y/N yawned, gently shutting their bedroom door behind her. “Do y’know how early ‘first thing in the morning’ is to our kids?” He chuckled from the bathroom, eyeing the woman through the mirror as he brushed his teeth. “Practically the ass-crack of dawn, that’s how early.”

Slurring through the toothbrush in his mouth, “‘nd I realized tha’ right after I promised them.” He spat the foam into the sink, quickly rinsing his mouth before wiping the excess paste off of his skin, “those kids’re g’na be th’death ‘f me, I swear.”

She nodded, slipping from her t-shirt and grabbing one of Harry’s from the floor, “you love them, though.”

“How could I not? They’re me.”’

“And me, don’t you forget,” she swatted his arm as he walked towards her, his hands finding refuge on the dip of her hips.

Harry’s left dimple deepened with his ever-growing grin, “that’s the best part, baby.” They walked backwards together until the back of Y/N’s legs hit the bed, her fingers tangling into his chocolate curls as he toppled onto her, noses brushing. A silence fell between the couple as they stared at one another, short breaths cutting through the air.

“We don’t get to do—“ she stopped, brows furrowed, fingers ceasing their twirls in her man’s hair. “What’s,” Y/N gently pushed Harry to the side, pointing to the ceiling, “what’s that?”

A sprig of mistletoe hung from the ceiling, dangling ever so lightly against the breeze of the fan. Harry knew exactly what she was on about— he taped the sprig there while she was reading to the twins— he just wanted to pull her leg. “What’s what?”

“That. On the ceiling.”

He craned his neck toward the ceiling, furrowing his brows as well. “It looks like,” eyes squinting, “mistletoe?” Turning back to look at his wife, a smirk painted itself across his face. “Y’know wha’ tha’ means, then?”

Y/N rolled her eyes, fingers going back to his locks. “Does that mean I have to kiss you?”

“Tha’ means y’have t’kiss me.”

“Gross,” she retorted, dragging out the ‘o’.

“I know, I know. Repulsive. Now,” he moved one of his hands from her hip to cup her jaw, thumb stroking her cheek. “Pucker up, buttercup.”

[wayward-dreamer]

Life’s Lessons - Part 10

Title: Life’s Lessons - A Lesson in Love and Hope

Pairing: Mechanic!Dean x Female!Teacher!Reader

Other Characters: OFCs: Jill (Y/N’s sister), Evie and Mia (Y/N’s nieces), OMC: Brian (Y/N’s brother-in-law)

Word Count: 6,385 (notes in bold, thoughts, texts, song lyrics in italics). 

Part Summary: As Christmas time approaches, Y/N and Dean are sad they can’t spend this time together as she goes home to New York for the holidays. However, their Christmas presents to each other prove that they have a future together.

Warnings: Slight angst, brief mention of reader’s exes, Dean’s self-deprecation rears its ugly head (slightly), Dean being sweet (yes, that’s a warning), Fluff (yes, it’s true, you read that correctly lol)

Music: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas by Jason Manns (Y/N at the airport scene), Let It Snow by Bing Crosby (playing in the background of Y/N and her sister girl talk scene), Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Jensen Ackles and Jason Manns (Christmas Eve scenes)

Life’s Lessons Spotify Playlist 

A/N: It’s a Christmas chapter! Yay! Great timing as it’s the first day of the holiday season! Thank you to everyone who has been reading and loving this series. I never thought it would get as much love as it has, and I’m so grateful to every single one of you! There’s only 5 parts and an epilogue left after this, I can’t believe we’re almost at the end, but there’s still quite a bit of story to tell. I’m so excited for you guys to see what happens! Happy reading and enjoy! :)

Life’s Lessons Masterlist

Dividers by the wonderful @firefly-graphics! Check her out for all your AU needs, and for festive themes!!!

Y/N smiled as she watched the kids rushing out the front doors of the school. It was officially the end of the day and the start of the holidays. She pulled her coat a little tighter around herself, as she called out to some students to be careful on the sidewalk, as it had snowed overnight. It was December 22nd, and school had let out early. In a few short hours, she was flying out to New York to spend the holidays with her family. She was nervous about the weather and was praying that her flight wouldn’t be grounded. She was also nervous to be headed home but considering Ethan had made the permanent move to L.A. she doubted he would be there.

She went back into the school and quickly packed up her things. She said goodbye to all the teachers and to Chuck and walked out with Cas and Charlie.

“Alright, here” Charlie said, as she handed her a small present in the parking lot.

“Oh Charlie, thank you” Y/N smiled, as she took it and handed one over to her as well. Y/N opened the gift, smiling as she saw the earrings she wanted during a time when she and Charlie had gone shopping, but didn’t buy.

Charlie hugged her after opening hers, a beautiful scarf that had her favorite colors.

Cas and Y/N exchanged gifts too, a new tie, white with little books on it for him because “blue may be your color, but you can branch out” and a leather-bound journal for her.

“Merry Christmas” all three of them hugged and called out to each other before they drove home.

Y/N hurried to get home as she still had a few more things to pack before she left in the evening. She had messaged Mark a few days after the incident with him, telling him that it was really over and to never call her, ever again. So far, it seemed like he had gotten the message, having not tried to contact her at all in the last few weeks. She was incredibly thankful for that. She was also thankful that in that time, she and Dean had been hanging out a lot, too. It was all very innocent and simple, just watching movies and making dinner together, or ordering take-out if they didn’t feel like cooking, after they both finished work. After that first night when they slept in her bed, they hadn’t done more than that. She was beginning to wonder when Dean would ask her out, and whether she should just ask him. Though she knew that maybe they just needed a little more time.

When she got home, she unzipped her boots and walked around in socked feet. She picked her suitcase which was half packed already and put it on the bed. She started putting some clothes and shoes and other items that she would need, including a few last-minute presents for her nieces.

Once she was finally finished packing, Y/N got changed into the clothes she’d be wearing to travel. A loose, grey, high-neck sweater and dark grey scarf, black pants and her grey coat, and white sneakers to make it easier on her feet in the airport. She had her carry-on and check-in bags ready by the door, needing both for this trip as she had to carry so many presents with her. She couldn’t wait to see her family after so many months away from them.

Dean shrugged on a thicker plaid shirt, wrapped a scarf around his neck and then his brown leather jacket. He picked up the rectangle shaped present he had wrapped horribly (he had never been good at that) and opened the front door, leaving the house and closing it.

He walked down the porch steps and across the path in his front yard, where he had cleared the snow off to the sides. He walked across the street and down the path of Y/N’s yard, which he had cleared for her, walking up her porch steps. He stood in front of the door and let out a big breath, pushing the doorbell. He had her present in his hand and he wanted to give it to her at that very moment. He had enlisted Dorothy’s help in finding it for Y/N, after an idea popped into his head and he couldn’t get rid of it. Considering Dorothy had connections, she had managed to get him a decent price on it; it was expensive but at least it didn’t cost him an absolute fortune once she haggled the price down.

The door opened, and Y/N was shocked to see Dean standing there. She stood at the threshold and admired how adorable he looked all rugged up to protect himself from the cold.

“Hi” she smiled, softly.

“Hi” he smirked, walking in when she stepped aside. “You leaving soon?”

“Yeah, my cab should be here any minute” she said, shutting the door.

Dean nodded, as he handed the present over to her. “Here.”

“Oh, Dean” she smiled at him, as she took it from him. “I was going to leave yours at your door, but-” she stopped herself as she tucked the present under her arm, gesturing for him to wait and walked into her office.

Dean watched as she came back, carrying a large, thin, rectangular shape wrapped up in silver wrapping and a giant red ribbon, tied into a bow.

“This is for you” she smiled, handing it over to him. “But you can’t open it until midnight, after Christmas Eve is over.”

“Okay. Wow. Thanks” he said, looking over it and wondering what the hell it was. “You can’t open yours till then, either.”

“New York’s an hour ahead” she laughed.

“Doesn’t matter. We both open them on our midnight. Deal?” he asked, smirking.

“Deal” she nodded, with a smile.

“So… New York. I’m glad you’ll get to see your folks for the holidays” he said, his smirk fading away knowing that she’d be so far away. He was happy for her, though. She deserved to see her family after so many months away.

“I can’t wait” she beamed. “Just to see them all, hug and cuddle my little nieces, soak up the holiday spirit.”

“That’s great.” He smirked. Seeing her love for her family made him positive that his own would love her, and she would love them.

He looked down at the present in her hand and smirked. He really hoped that it would let her know what he felt for her. Y/N looked at the present she got him and hoped that he’d like it. It was something for his new building where he was going to have the restoration garage. It would look amazing in his office, there.

A car horn honking pulled them out of their thoughts, and Y/N glanced down at her watch. She looked up at him smiling brightly.

“Merry Christmas, Dean” she said.

“Merry Christmas, Y/N” he smirked.

She moved in and wrapped her arms around his neck. His automatically came around her waist, pulling her into the hug. They held each other for a moment, basking in each other’s touch, their eyes closed. They jumped apart as the car horn sounded again.

Y/N laughed as she gathered her things. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Yeah” he agreed. “Here, let me help.”

Dean placed his huge present outside on the porch as Y/N walked out and closed the door to her house, locking it securely. Dean walked down the porch steps, with her check-in suitcase, putting it in the trunk of the cab. Y/N walked down and opened the door to the backseat, as Dean took her carry-on and put that in the trunk as well.  She waited for a moment, as Dean walked over to her after closing the trunk. She really wished she could stay back and spend time with him, but she had to see her family. She was really looking forward to it, but she couldn’t help but feel sad that she wouldn’t be with Dean.

He looked down at her, looking as beautiful as the day he first saw her. He hated that he wouldn’t get to see her over Christmas and New Years’, wishing that she could stay back, and they could spend the holidays together. He wished he could see the look on her face when she opened the present from him, but he would have to settle for hearing whether she liked it or not. He was really going to miss her. Kiss her! He thought to himself as he continued to look at her. Before he could think twice, he leaned in, pressing his lips against hers, softly.

It didn’t take long for it to deepen, as Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck. She smiled into the kiss, as he pulled her closer, their lips moving against each other’s. They were finally in each other’s arms again. There was so much behind the kiss; a promise of more to come, a promise of their future together, a promise of things being better for both of them. Y/N was the one to pull away, regretfully, but she had a plane to catch. “I really have to go” she said, frowning as she looked up at him. “But um… it’s about time you did that” she said, biting her lip.

Dean groaned when he saw her do that. “Don’t, sweetheart, or I won’t let you get on that plane.”

She laughed as she stopped. “Bye.” She leaned in and pecked his lips.

“Bye” he said, returning her smile.

With one last glance at him, she got into the cab. Dean watched it drive away with a smile on his face. He suddenly couldn’t wait to see her again.

Y/N eyes scanned over the crowds at the airport, trying to spot her dad. She had shoved her way through baggage claim and picked up her check-in and was now trying to find her father through the throngs of people embracing each other, excited to get their holiday celebrations underway. By the time they had a quick lay-over in Atlanta and flew into New York, it was 8.30pm, which was the scheduled time, and she was incredibly thankful to whatever higher power there was that got her there. It was still a 2-hour drive to Rhinebeck, and her family would most likely be sleeping by the time she got home, but at least she’d see them properly in the morning.

As the crowd around her cleared, she spotted her father and beamed as he saw her too, waving frantically. She rushed over to him and launched herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. She felt tears prick her eyes as she laughed, happy to finally see him again.

“Oh sweetie, let me look at you” he said, pulling away from the hug and holding her at arms’ length. “You look different.” He eyed her, his brows knitted together.

“I’m still the same me, dad” she shrugged, laughing slightly.

“It’s so good to see you” he smiled, his eyes glistening. “Come on, let’s go.”

As they walked out of the airport, a bearded man with glasses was jamming “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” on his guitar. His case was open in front of him, and Y/N quickly walked over, dropping a 20-dollar bill in.

“Thanks” he smiled. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas!” she called back and then hurried over to her dad, who was wheeling her bags to the parking lot. She smiled as she walked beside him; Christmas was her favorite holiday, and it was already off to a great start.

The drive back home was filled with Y/N catching up on everything she had missed. Her dad told her that her mom was going crazy with excitement of her being there soon and was making sure everything was perfect. Y/N laughed; her mom didn’t need to do anything extra to make things special considering it always would be no matter what, but she wouldn’t be her mom if she didn’t.

When they arrived home, Y/N gasped as she saw the house decorated so beautifully. The lights and decorations on the house were as stunning as always, and she was glad she got to see them again. As they went in, Y/N laughed quietly to herself as saw her mother, fast asleep on one couch, and her brother-in-law asleep on the other. Her sister and the kids were most likely asleep upstairs.

“I’ll get them up, you go upstairs” her dad whispered. “Brian can carry that up.” He gestured to her large suitcase.

“Thanks, dad” she whispered, as she quietly walked up the stairs with her carry-on.

She walked to her old bedroom and flicked on the light. She laughed slightly as she saw it still hadn’t changed at all since before she left for college. All her Backstreet Boys and NSYNC posters were still up on one wall, her Led Zeppelin ones still up on the other. She really had an eclectic taste in music. She heard a soft knock on the door and turned, seeing her brother-in-law, Brian, walk in with her suitcase. She smiled as she walked over, hugging him tightly.

“Jill’s gonna freak in the morning. I tried waking her up but Evie’s practically sleeping on top of her” Brian said, laughing slightly.

“I’ll catch them in the morning” she said, folding her arms across her chest.

Brian nodded, smiling at her. “It’s good to have you home. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight” she said, watching him leave and shut the door behind him.

Y/N quickly got changed for bed and slipped under the covers. As she drifted off, she couldn’t wait to see everyone else in the morning.

It was great to be home.

“Auntie Y/N!” a little voice yelled as it barrelled through Y/N’s room and bounced up on the bed.

Y/N gasped and flinched as a little body flung itself over her. She relaxed when she realized where she was, and held her 5-year-old niece, Evie tighter.

“I’m so happy you’re here” she smiled down at Y/N.

“So am I, sweetie” Y/N smiled, rocking her side to side as she didn’t let go.

Y/N looked up at the door when she saw her sister standing against the doorframe, holding her 8-month-old niece, Mia on her hip.

“This one wants to say hi, too” Jill said, smiling.

Y/N got up from bed, Evie stuck to her leg as she walked over to her sister. She hugged her tight, feeling a few tears escape down her face.

“I missed you, so much” Y/N said, holding Jill tighter.

“I missed you too” Jill said, pulling away and smiling at her.

Y/N smiled as she saw the baby. She was so big now, having only been 4 months when she left for Lawrence. She reached for her, but little Mia scrunched her face up, squirming into her mother.

“This one needs to be fed, so you get cleaned up and come downstairs. Mom’s making breakfast” Jill said, kissing Y/N’s cheek and taking the girls out of the room.

Y/N quickly brushed her teeth and threw her robe on over her pyjamas. She raced down the stairs and into the kitchen, smiling when she saw her mom’s back as she stood at the stove.

“Mom” Y/N said, as she walked over.

Her mom turned around and nearly started crying on the spot. She rushed over and took Y/N in her arms, hugging her tight.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here” her mom said to her as she pulled away, wiping her eyes.

“Me too” Y/N smiled.

“Alright, the pancakes are almost done. So, sit down and help yourself, and everyone else will down soon” her mom said, gesturing to the table that was already set.

“Can’t I help with something?” Y/N asked, frowning.

“No, you just got here, honey. Relax, we’ll put you to work tomorrow” her mom laughed, as she playfully shoved her towards the dining table.

Y/N laughed and shook her head as she walked over, licking her lips at the sight of the delicious breakfast.

After a great breakfast with her family, Y/N helped Evie decorate another gingerbread house, because the two she did with grandma yesterday weren’t enough. Jill sat with Mia on her lap, across from Y/N at the dining table, as Let It Snow played in the background through the house. Brian had gone back to their house to get some more bottles for the baby, and her parents had rushed out to deliver some homemade Christmas cake to their friends. So, Y/N was glad she and her sister were alone for a while, to have some proper girl talk.

“So…” Jill trailed off, as she distracted the baby with her toy, and tried to ice a piece of the gingerbread house with one hand. “How are things with Mark?”

Y/N smiled, sheepishly, feeling guilty she hadn’t told her sister yet. “Things are… over.”

“What?” Jill asked, wide eyes looking up at her.

Y/N shrugged, as she iced one part of the roof for the gingerbread house. “Things got a little… complicated.”

“Well, considering I only know whatever you told me up to the third date, I need the specifics” Jill said, shifting Mia when she started to fuss.

“I know, I’m sorry I haven’t talked to you in a while” Y/N frowned, looking up at her sister.

“It’s okay, Y/N. Don’t apologize. I mean, we’ve both been busy” Jill laughed slightly, gesturing her head between her two daughters.

Y/N looked at Evie sitting next to her and smiled, seeing her niece in full concentration as she decorated, her tongue sticking out.

“This one has to leave, though” Y/N said, looking at Evie and then Jill.

Jill nodded in understanding. “Evie, honey. Can you stop what you’re doing for a second?”

“What is it, mommy?” Evie asked, her big eyes looking at her mom.

“Can you make sure all the presents are kept neatly under the tree?” Jill asked her in return.

“Okay” she replied, simply, not understanding why she had to go but doing it anyway.

Once she was out of earshot, Jill turned to Y/N. “Okay. Spill.”

Y/N took the next few moments to tell Jill everything that had happened with Mark.

“Fuck” Jill remarked, not knowing what to say.

“Yeah” Y/N nodded.

A short pause fell between them as Jill thought about everything her sister just told her.

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” Jill asked, her eyes teary.

“I didn’t want you guys to worry about me” Y/N replied, shaking her head. “And don’t tell mom and dad, they’d freak out. I’ll tell them myself at a later stage.”

Jill sighed, but nodded. “Okay.”

“Thank you” Y/N smiled, softly. She bit her lip, wondering if she should tell her sister about Dean too. Maybe it was too soon?

Jill tapped her fingers on the table as she watched her sister, her face looking like her brain was overloaded with thoughts.

“There’s something else” Jill said, knowingly. “Isn’t there?”

Y/N looked at her sister, tentatively. She wasn’t sure if she should say it or not.

Jill cocked her head to the side, a smile gracing her face as she understood. “Who is he?”

Y/N scoffed, impressed with her sister’s intuition.

She spent another couple of minutes telling Jill everything about Dean. She felt a smile tug at her lips as she talked about him. After everything she had been through in the past, and then with Mark, she thought for minute back there she’d never be able to think of dating someone again, but things were different with Dean.

“So… when you get back, what’s going to happen?” Jill asked, curious about what she was thinking of doing.

“I… don’t know, but… I know that he’s it now” Y/N replied, her smile growing.

Jill smiled. “I gotta say, I’ve never seen you like this. Yeah sure, you’ve been with a few guys, but this is different.”

“It feels different this time” Y/N nodded. “I don’t want to get my hopes up, but… it feels like this is it. And I know he’s some years older than me, but that doesn’t matter to me.”

Truth be told, men who were slightly older than her were a turn on for her. Plus, she had only ever been with guys her own age. Maybe it was time for a change.

In that moment, Y/N’s baby niece started to fuss in Jill’s lap.

“Oh, honey. You can’t be hungry, I just fed you” Jill said, frowning as she didn’t know what was wrong.

Y/N got up and walked over to their side of the table. She slowly picked up the baby and held her close, lightly bouncing her. Little Mia smiled and Jill smiled, too.

“She just needs a little lovin’ from her aunt” Y/N smiled, kissing her niece’s chubby cheek.

Jill admired her sister with the baby. “You look good like that.”

“Stop” Y/N laughed, shaking her head. She didn’t need those thoughts in her head at that moment. She had always loved children, and couldn’t wait to have her own, but she wondered if Dean was the one who she would have them with. Did he even want any?

The doorbell rang and interrupted them. Y/N gave little Mia back to Jill and walked to the front door. She screamed when she opened it and saw Katie smiling at her. The friends hugged tightly, laughing.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Katie said, swaying them side to side.

“Me too” Y/N tearfully told her, letting go of her and letting her into the house. “You just missed girl talk, though.”

“Well, catch me up. I’m all ears” Katie said, walking into the house, taking off her coat.

Y/N laughed as she followed behind her, ready to divulge everything she told Jill to her best friend as well.

The next day brought a whirlwind of familial chaos, as Y/N’s family got everything ready for Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas carols were playing in the background, as her mom worked on the ham, her dad helped with all the sides and her sister was in charge of decorating the rest of the house, the table and setting it. Brian was keeping the kids entertained and Y/N was making pudding and few other treats for dessert.

It took all day, but they finally got everything ready and in time for dinner. As everyone got dressed and ready, Y/N took some time to admire the house. The lights were dimmed, the candles were lit, and everything was bathed in a beautiful glow. The lights on the tree were shining, and the fireplace crackled, adding to the ambience of the room. She was so glad to be here with her family and to spend this time with them.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Let your heart be light

From now on,

Our troubles will be out of sight

She quickly had a shower, and then got ready for dinner in a red, A-line dress, with sleeves that came to her mid-forearm. She pinned her Y/H/C hair into a bun, a few strands framing her face. She put on her nude heels and then went downstairs to join her family.

Dinner was absolutely divine, and her mom had outdone herself, yet again. Everything from the ham to the pudding for dessert was perfect, and everyone was absolutely stuffed by the end. They all relaxed on the couch and sang some carols, drank eggnog and enjoyed the fact that they were all together again. For the first time in a long time, Y/N had no fear about Ethan or Mark, or any of the other troubles she had had in the past. All she needed was her family and hoped that the man who she had fallen in love from the minute she saw him, would also be a permanent figure in her life.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Make the Yule-tide gay,

From now on,

Our troubles will be miles away

It was pretty much the same vibe over at the Winchesters.

Mary had assigned jobs for everyone, stating to the boys that they weren’t getting out of it just because they didn’t live at home anymore. She made Eileen and Sam come early as well as Dean, so that they could all do their assigned jobs.

Once everything was ready before dinner, everyone put on their ugly Christmas sweaters, a Winchester tradition that was something silly but fun. Bobby, Ellen and Jo arrived, and they all greeted each other. They sat around talking and laughing as they ate, and afterwards sat around on the couches, listening to carols while drinking eggnog. No one trusted Sam with it anymore, so it was Eileen’s job to mix it since she joined their family. Dean smiled as he looked around at his family, content for the first time in years.

Here we are as in olden days,

Happy golden days of yore

Loving friends who are dear to us,

Gather near to us once more

However, Dean was the first one to notice when Eileen wasn’t drinking any. He gestured to her and then signed “are you okay?”, which was just one of the things of what little he knew, but he was trying to get better at it. She nodded and then smiled at Sam. They had a small conversation between themselves, before Sam turned to everyone with a huge smile on his face.

“Well, now’s as good a time as any to tell you… we’re having a baby” he said, beaming. “Eileen’s 16 weeks in.”

Dean’s eyes widened but his smile grew as he got up, and hugged his brother first, Mary and Eileen hugging as Mary cried. Everyone hugged the expecting parents, before they all sat back down.

“Congratulations, guys” Dean said, as he returned to one side of the couch. “That’s awesome, seriously.”

Sam smiled as he kissed Eileen’s cheek. “Thanks, Dean.”

“Oh, I can’t wait for my first grandchild!” Mary exclaimed, as John kissed her head.

Dean’s mind wandered off as Eileen and Sam were talking about moving into a bigger place. Mary was listening intently, but Dean couldn’t focus on the conversation. He couldn’t have been happier for his little brother and sister-in-law. They were going to make great parents; he knew that to be the absolute truth. However, he couldn’t help but feel an unexpected sadness wash over him. He never thought of himself as the “having kids” type of guy, hell, he never pictured himself in a serious relationship. That was when he was younger though. As he got older, he realized he wanted those things, and even though he was happy for Sam, he felt a little jealous sometimes that his little brother would have all of that before he did.

The last year of his life had been a waste, as he tried to salvage a relationship with Lisa. He couldn’t help but think where he would be if he had broken up with her a year ago. Mostly likely with Y/N as soon as she got to Lawrence he thought as he tried to concentrate on the conversation his family was having. It was no use though, as his mind continued torment him with the possibilities that could’ve been, if he had just claimed his freedom sooner.

Dean silently excused himself and walked out to the back porch of his childhood home. He let out a long breath, seeing it cloud up in the cold. He sipped the eggnog, feeling the kick of the alcohol warm him up. He smiled sadly as he thought about Y/N, so far away from him, in New York with her own family. He wondered what she wanted from life and whether their wants would align, whether having a family was something she wanted or not. He really hoped so.

“Merry freakin’ Christmas” he mumbled to himself. He never had a problem with being alone, but as he got older it had started to become a fear for him. Maybe that was why it took so long to see the whole truth with Lisa.

“Sure is” he heard someone say behind him. He turned and saw his mom standing behind him.

“I’ll be back in soon, mom” he said, turning away from her.

“Actually” she started as she stood next to him and faced him. “I was thinking we could talk.”

“About?” he asked, staring down at his eggnog.

Mary was quiet for a moment before she spoke. “Who is she?”

Dean scoffed as he closed his eyes. Of course his mom had figured it out.

He opened his eyes and looked at her, his jaw clenched. “She’s… she’s the best person I’ve ever known and… I have no idea if I should do anything about this because honestly, she deserves more than me.”

“Isn’t that up to her?” Mary asked, knowingly. “If you’re spending so much time with her, and I know you have because I’ve hardly seen you over the last few weeks, then doesn’t that mean that she wants to give you a chance?”

Dean blinked a few times as he took in what Mary just said. “I guess.”

“Then all you have to is take the leap” Mary smiled.

Dean nodded slowly, scrubbing a hand down his face. “Yeah.”

Mary nodded. “Just know, you have to bring her here because we need to meet her.”

Dean groaned and laughed, shaking his head. “Great.”

Mary smiled, leaning over to kiss his cold cheek. “Come inside soon, it’s way too cold.”

“I will” he promised as he watched her go back in.

Dean smirked as he thought about how Y/N would actually fit in with his family. He knew he needed to muster up the courage and just ask her out. Let go of the fear that had developed because of everything that had happened with Lisa. Maybe it was too soon after, but the truth was, he didn’t want more time. He was ready to be happy.

Through the years

We all be together,

If the Fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.

At midnight, Y/N and her family all wished each other a Merry Christmas, before they cleared everything up and each of them headed to bed. They would be up in several hours again, to open the presents anyway. As she went upstairs, there was one thing she needed to do before she headed to bed. Walking into her room, she shut the door and walked over to her carry-on bag. She opened it and found the present from Dean. She moved the bag back to the floor and then sat down on her bed, the present in her hand.

She laughed a little as she saw the envelope on it had her name but also “READ AFTER OPENING” in Dean’s all caps writing. She opened the wrapping, frowning when the thing was wrapped in brown paper as well. She unwrapped the brown paper, noticing that it was a very old but beautiful, hardcover book. She frowned again, but as she turned the book around and saw the spine, she gasped loudly.

In her hand, was an early edition of her favorite novel of all time, Jane Eyre. Y/N’s eyes widened as they started to well up with tears. She remembered telling him it was her favorite at dinner with him. It was yet another thing he remembered about her, the Led Zeppelin album being the first. She felt the tears rolling down her face as she opened the book, slowly flicking through it. She closed it and hugged it to her chest. She couldn’t believe he had done this for her.

She put the book in her lap and picked up the envelope, opening it and sliding the card out. Opening the card, she smiled through tears as she read his words.

Merry Christmas, sweetheart.

I hate that you’re not here with me, but I can’t wait until you’re back. There’s a lot that I wanna say, but I’ve never been good with words. So, I’m just gonna do my best.

I’ve never been surer of anything, than I am that you’re the greatest person that I’ll ever know. You’re beautiful, smart, strong as all hell, and have the kindest heart of anyone I know. I know how freaking lucky I am that you’re in my life.

I hope this present lets you know how much you mean to me. How much you’ll always mean to me.

Y/N, this is it for me. You’re it for me. I need you to know that.

Have an amazing time with your family and I’ll see you as soon as you get back.

Dean

She laughed through her tears, shaking her head. She had never been surer of anything either; that he was the greatest man she had ever known. That she was so madly in love with him, and she couldn’t wait to tell him that someday.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas

When it reached midnight in Kansas, Dean said a quick “Merry Christmas” to everyone, but everyone kept wondering why he was heading off so quickly.

“You know, you can just stay the night to open presents in the morning” Mary told him as she handed out warm cider to everybody.

“No, there’s uh… something I gotta do” Dean said, putting his jacket on.

“Something or… someone?” Jo asked, smiling suspiciously.

“Shut up, Jo” he groaned, glaring at her.

Jo laughed as she and Sam looked at each other.

“Seriously, what’s the rush, kid?” Bobby asked, curiously.

“Can a man not have a little time to himself anymore? Jeez” Dean grumbled, shaking his head.

“Alright, everyone leave him alone” Mary said, calming everyone down. “He’ll be back soon anyway.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek, patting his shoulder.

He would be back in several hours anyway to open presents with everyone, but at that moment he had to see what was awaiting him.

When he got home, he walked over to the big present from Y/N, resting against a wall in his living room. He chuckled as he looked over the size of it, wondering what the hell she had gotten him. He opened the large bow, letting it fall away. He dug his finger into the edge of the wrapping and ripped it open, at every side to see the present more clearly.

“Holy shit” he gasped as his mouth open in awe.

The present was a large black frame, with a black and white photo of his beloved Baby, shining away in the sun. It looked like his backyard in the background of it, and he had to wonder how she took this photo. On the corner of the frame was an envelope with his name written on it. He took it and opened it, smirking as he saw her handwriting.

Merry Christmas, Dean!

I took this photo for you to hang in your new office at the restoration site. There’s nothing better to convince the customers to bring their cars to you than a picture of Baby.

I’m so proud of you for everything you’re working towards. It’s going to bring so many amazing things your way; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I hope that the new year brings you everything you wish for, because if there’s anyone who deserves it, it’s you. You’ve been an amazing support to me, and I’ll never forget everything you’ve done for me. Ever.

I can’t wait to see you when I get back and just be near you again.

Y/N xx

He smirked as he read over the note a few times. She really was something else. He couldn’t believe that someone like her would want someone like him, but he knew how lucky he was that she was in his life.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas

He looked at the clock and saw that it was ten past midnight, which meant it was ten past 1am in New York. Y/N was probably asleep, but he really wanted to speak to her. He sent her a quick text, asking if she was awake. When he got a reply instantly that she was, he dialled her number. In New York, Y/N sat up instantly when her phone rang and picked it up.

“Hi” she said, smiling. “Dean, I… I don’t even know what to say.”

“Did I make the English teacher speechless?” he teased with a smirk on his face.

“Yes” she admitted. “Dean, it’s… thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Dean smiled. “Well, it’s like I’ve said before, sweetheart. You don’t ever have to thank me.”

“Did you… did you mean it? What you said?” she asked. She already knew it was the truth, but she just needed to hear it. She just needed to know for certain.

“Yes” he replied. There was no pause. No hesitation.

Y/N felt tears welling up in her eyes all over again. “You’re… you’re it for me, too.”

Dean smiled, feeling like his heart would burst from her confession that she felt the same.

“Thanks for the photo. It’s so freaking awesome, Y/N” he smirked as he looked over at it.

“You’re welcome” she said, smiling. “But Dean, now our presents are totally uneven. This would’ve been so expensive-” she said as she picked the book, but Dean cut her off.

“Hey, no. It’s not about that, okay? I knew… I knew that I wanted you to have it. Plus, with Dorothy’s help it wasn’t too expensive, so we’re good” he reassured her.

“Okay” she said, nodding.

Dean looked up at the time and knew he should end the call. “I should let you go. Merry Christmas, Y/N.”

“Merry Christmas, Dean” she smiled as they both hung up the phone.

That morning, as they fell asleep for a few more hours before they had to wake up again, even with miles and miles between them, they fell asleep with dreams of each other. They fell into a peaceful slumber, knowing this was the start of something magical for both of them.

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

-x-

Tags: @flamencodiva @deanwanddamons @winchest09 @katehuntington @akshi8278 @hobby27 @michellethetvaddict @spngirl05 @kyjey @halesandy @440mxs-wife @stoneyggirl @deanswaywardgirl @wonder-cole @that-one-gay-girl @redbarn1995 @marianita195 @babypink224221 @deans-baby-momma​ @parinarain​ @thoughts-and-funnies​ @mandalou29​ @castiels-a-winchester @ellewritesfix05​ @jerkbitchidjitassbutt​ @supraveng​ @roonyxx​ @supernatural-love14​ @vicmc624​ @prettyboyswow​ @lunarmoon8​

[ahkaahshi]

anything for you [miya atsumu x reader]

pairing: miya atsumu x fem reader

genre: fluff

warning(s): n/a

word count: 1.5k

overview: your boyfriend does everything he can to make your special day as great as possible

notes: a commission for @tsumue​! happy birthday lia ❤️ I hope you have a wonderful day and that this helps brighten it just a bit! sending you lots of love!

The sound of the front door to the apartment swinging shut awakens you from your deep, peaceful slumber. Rubbing your eyes to bring your surroundings into focus as you sit up with a yawn, you glance over at the alarm clock on your bedside table. You’ve woken up a bit later than usual, you find—much to your satisfaction, since you’d needed the rest after a long and tiresome week—but it’s the sharp, blue numbers displayed above the time that draw your attention. The date is a special one that makes your heart leap with excitement and brings a smile onto your lips.

With a newfound energy, you slide out of bed so you can march over to the bedroom door. Shuffling down the hallway towards the kitchen brings your significant other into view and widens the grin on your face. “Whatcha doin’, ‘Tsumu?” you inquire in a sing-song voice, making your way over to where he’s standing in front of the counter, lifting small boxes out of a plastic bag.

He jumps at the sound of your voice and whirls around to face you, caramel colored eyes wide with shock. “H-Honey! Thought you were still sleepin’!” With far less subtlety than he probably intended, he throws a dishtowel over whatever it is he was unpacking before asking, “I just got back from practice ‘nd trainin’, so, uh… wanna do me a favor ‘nd close yer eyes real quick?”

His clearly frazzled state elicits a small giggle from you, and you decide to play along by shutting your eyes and waiting patiently as you listen to his footsteps travel around your shared home. Soon enough, you feel something come to rest atop your head that feels like a headband, and a small object being placed into the palm of your hand.

When Atsumu tells you to open your eyes, you see him standing in front of you, a fluffy, pink party hat on his head and a small party popper in his hand. Pointing it away from you, he pulls on the string to unleash a wave of confetti and streamers with a loud pop, and you do the same with the one you realize he’s given you in the spirit of things.

“Happy birthday, (f/n)!” he cheers, dumping a clump of confetti over your head and pulling you into a tight hug. His lips meet with yours as he pulls away so he can give you a few, affectionate kisses. “Love ya, baby.”

Your heart flutters in your chest at the tenderness behind his actions, and your fingers tangle themselves in his golden head of hair so you can bring him closer to you to reward him with a few more pecks. “I love you too,” is your gentle response given with a grin that spreads across his own lips as well, “Thanks, babe.”

“Please, hold yer ‘thank yous’ til the end,” he notes with a snicker, “Or else you’ll be givin’ a lot of ‘em today.” As he brushes a few pieces of brightly colored tissue paper off his Team Japan sweater, he makes his way back into the kitchen. “Gimme a sec, ‘kay?”

While he messes around with what he’s brought home, you wander over to a mirror in the entryway to check what’s on your head. To your amusement, he’d placed a headband on you that reads, in silver letters extending atop your head, “It’s my birthday!”

Once he’s finished with his task, he calls you back into the living room where you’re greeted with a plate of your favorite dessert. Plunged into it are two, burning candles that read out your age, and he gestures for you to join him so he can serenade you with what is always an off-tune rendition of Happy Birthday. He tries, and that’s what matters, which is why you pull him into a tight hug before the two of you dig into your sweet meal.

“Hey,” he mentions after you’ve both scarfed down your breakfast treats, “Why don’tcha go ‘nd get the shower runnin’? I’ll be there in a minute.”

You furrow your eyebrows at him and tease, “You’re the stinky one between us, ‘Tsumu.”

“Which is why I’m comin’ in with ya!” he groans, “Now, go on. I’ll clean this up.”

Rather than continuing your banter with him, as you normally would, you decide to go along with his plans and head into the bedroom. His hand planting itself firmly on your butt before you walk away doesn’t surprise you, and you simply chuckle as you smack it away playfully. It’s not long after you’ve stripped off and gotten into the shower to freshen up that he comes to join you and snatches the soapy loofah out of your hands so he can work on lathering you up instead. And when the two of you have finished enjoying each other’s company beneath the warm water, you find another surprise waiting for you on top of a set of comfy pajamas he’s laid out over the bed for you.

With wide, (e/c) eyes, you reach for the bracelet resting atop one of your—his­—favorite sweaters, and Atsumu carefully fastens it around your wrist for you. Gently, he kisses the back of your hand while you admire the way the dainty jewelry looks against your skin. “Atsumu…” you murmur, still in awe of how beautiful it is, “I love this so much.” It’s hard not to thank him for it, but you know he’ll tease you if you do, so you settle for showing your appreciation by showering him with kisses.

“Looks perfect on ya,” he comments when your lips separate, “’nd I bet it’ll go great with my sweater.”

A giggle bubbles in your throat as you take a moment longer to fawn over your newest accessory before getting dressed. In the brief silences that linger in the room during the pauses in your conversation, you swear you hear the television on in the living room. Noticing your gaze drift towards the door brings Atsumu to attention, and he rushes out of the bedroom to investigate. However, when you hear the sound of an argument echoing through the door—instigated by your boyfriend’s clear, “Oi! What the hell are ya doin’? Turn it down!”—you’ve already formed your suspicions, which are confirmed when you wander outside.

Standing in the center of the room, beneath an array of multicolored streamers and a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY! sign is none other than Osamu—a party hat perched atop his head of dark hair and a plate of what you’d had for breakfast in one of his hands. When he sees you, he puts the dessert down for a moment to place a noisemaker in his mouth and give it a blow as he shoots off another party popper.

“’Tsumu offered you some food in exchange for doing this, huh?” you mention after the two of you break away from a hug and he’s offered you his warm, birthday wishes.

He nods and chuckles before saying, “But, even if he hadn’t, I woulda stopped by anyway. Giving you a pat on the shoulder, he offers, “Next time ya come over to the restaurant, yer meal’s on me if ya wear that headband.”

“What about mine?” Atsumu butts in.

“It ain’t your birthday, ‘Tsumu,” is his quick retort, “Anyway, I’ll be leavin’ you two lovebirds alone now ‘nd gettin’ back to work. Hope ya have a nice day, (f/n).”

With that said, he grabs a container from your kitchen to take his unfinished dessert in before heading out again, only stopping to take a few photos of you and Atsumu together beneath the sign he’s put up when his twin nags him about it. Once he’s gone, your boyfriend makes a quick trip to the bedroom to grab, you soon find, layers of blankets that he tosses onto the floor.

“Blanket fort?” he suggests, a bright smile lighting up his handsome features.

Enthusiastically, you accept by helping him rearrange your furniture to construct a small hideaway beneath layers of blankets. After you’ve ensured that it won’t collapse in on you, the two of you fill it with pillows before grabbing a laptop to watch movies on and climbing inside. Atsumu reaches out towards you, welcoming you into his arms so he can pull your body flush against his and ensconce yourselves beneath a blanket.

Giving you a squeeze and pressing his lips to the crown of your head, he murmurs, “Wanna just stay like this for the whole day?”

You hum with approval as you nestle your head in the crook of his neck and pepper his exposed skin with tender pecks. “I would love to.” A short silence befalls the two of you, during which he takes to tracing little circles along the small of your back with his fingers. “‘Tsumu?”

“What’s up?”

“I know the day’s not over yet but thank you—for all of this. I really appreciate it.”

Directing your gaze upwards at him brings your eyes to his, and the loving look he regards you with fills your body with warmth. The kiss he plants on your lips is tender and soft, and he seals his gentle expression of affection with the words, “Anything for you, sweetheart.”

fun fact that didn’t make it into the story: most of the guys from the team bought you a gift, and omi’s was a pair of team japan socks since he got worried about you when you said your feet were prone to getting cold.

masterlist ⭐︎ treat me to a coffee!

taglists (see pinned post on my blog for form)

general: @dinablossom, @newfriendjen, @devlovesiwa-channn, @ohbyunhunn, @aftcrlust, @mister-future, @kyleclxin, @kac-chowsballs, @osamusmiya, @nit-sir-hc, @arixtsukki, @shinsurou, @ichorizaki, @dominikmagnus, @yamagucji, @krynnza, @tendo-sxtori​

atsumu: @pretty-setters, @misora-msby​, @why-aminot-dead, @lotsoffandomrecs, @tsumue, @heyhinata

[tcthinecwnself-a]

"I hate you, and the yellow and red combo is so tacky." @NEGSY

Wow. Rude.

“Ya know what else is tacky, Dorkwing? Your tie.” And up goes his hand to YANK that tie down so that Darkwing is below him. “Who even wears ties anymore?” 

[fortheloveoffanfic]

This Christmas (pt1)

John Wick x Reader. A John Wick AU. (A/n- Just a tiny, five part Au where John is Y/n’s boss.)

Masterlist  

Warnings- none

New York Y/n’s desk was probably the most obvious give away that Christmas was her favorite holiday of all time. She had everything; from tinsel running cheerfully around the edges and a tiny tree in one corner, to a little snowman figurine and a decorative jar of striped candy canes. That year, she’d even put out extra to buy a little Santa Claus figurine to greet everyone coming out of the elevator. The rest of the floor hadn’t really caught on though, her boss was never one to get into the holiday spirit anyways. But Y/n didn’t mind, she probably had enough for them both. 

That morning, three weeks before the big day, she was sitting at her little station in the waiting room, tapping away on her computer, contentedly working her way through everything John had assigned her as she hummed in time with the Christmas carols wafting through her ear buds, loud enough for her to enjoy it though not so much so as to hamper her from hearing if the phone would ring. A classic had just started up, and like the others, Y/n had committed it to memory and was completely ready to get in tune with Mariah Carey when a knocking on the upper part of her receptionist’s desk roused her attention. It was Robert, the company’s head of marketing, flashing her a winning grin as he leaned forward on the matted grey surface. “I see our Christmas queen strikes again,” he gave her area a once over, his smile not wavering.

“That she has,” Y/n returned, beaming. Robert was a friend, a good one and he never let the vast differences in their positions at the company get in the way of inviting her to drinks with other board members or taking the extra elevator ride to bring her coffee whenever he could. “Do you like it?” Removing her ear buds, Y/n shifted her keyboard to give herself some room to fold her elbows on the desk.

“Like it?” Robert furrowed his brows, “I love it! You should come over and help me decorate,” when Y/n rolled her eyes, dismissing the notion, he clarified, “I’m being serious! You won’t have to do any of the heavy lifting, I swear, I’d be grateful for just your direction.”

Giggling, Y/n leaned back into her chair, folding her arms across her chest, “Can’t you pay someone to do all that Rob? What do you need me for?”

“I guess I could,” he shrugged, depositing a colorful gift bag with crepe paper sticking out at the top in front of him, he straightened up, slipping his hands into his pockets, “But it won’t be the same. I’m pretty clueless with…..making sure things flow so perfectly,” he gestured to the way she’d dressed up her station; just enough to show off the spirit, though not in a gaudy, over the top way, “But I like to get involved, you know? Please say you’ll come. I may not be able to decorate like a pro, but my hot cocoa is awesome.”

Leaning in conspiringly, Y/n held her chin in her palm, “Are you trying to bribe me with amazing cocoa that I’ve never tasted?”

“I am,” his voice dropped an octave, and when Robert leaned in towards the desk, he spoke in a whisper, “The secret’s whiskey.”

“Ohh,” Y/n mused, “Very tempting, can you do Saturday?”

“I most definitely can.” just as they continued to make plans, out from the hallway, came their boss, and CEO of the company, John Wick. It was hard to not notice him, considering he seemed to have this air about him that attracted all eyes the minute he walked into a room. He was just…..magnetic. “Y/n,” he teased, “You didn’t tell me the Grinch was in.”

From her usual perch, Y/n stuttered, unlike Robert, she was afraid of what would happen if John felt insulted by a harmless joke. He was an asset to the company, of a high caliber, but her? She was just an assistant. Thankfully though, John didn’t give her a moment to speak before speaking up, shaking his head, “Don’t you have work to do Rob? Things to finalize before the conference.”

“It’s three weeks away,” Robert defended, taking on a bothered expression. He turned to John, leaning against the lip of the desk and crossing one ankle in front of the other. Likewise, John neared the pair, lingering closer to the edge, laying a large palm on the cool top, not yet regarding Y/n.

“Only three weeks,” John emphasized with a heavy sigh, “Did you really just come up here to bother my secretary? Cause if you don’t, Y/n does have work to.” 

“I can see that,” Robert nodded towards the thick planner laid out next to her computer, right next to several papers and little notes reminding her of all the things she had to get done. Buy gifts for everyone on John’s very long yet impersonal list, schedule flights to England for the conference, book him a hotel room, organize his calendar and set appointment dates. And that was barely a quarter of it. By the rate things were going, Y/n was beginning to wonder if John was even going to take Christmas day off. “You’ve got her burning the midnight oil.”

“It’s eleven am,” John noted gruffly. In her three years of working under him, Y/n had never once heard the man crack a joke, or laugh for that matter. He was so serious that often, Y/n would wonder if he even smiled. Maybe that's why he looked so good for a man nearing fifty. That, and the real possibility of him having a fancy home gym. “Maybe it’s time to get back to your office Robert.”

“Right,” Robert fought a frown, only to turn back to Y/n as he picked up the gift, “Just one more thing,” as he looked at her, he smiled again, holding the bag out to her, “I got you this Y/n.”

Scoffing a delighted laugh, Y/n retrieved the present, “No fair, you’re early. I haven’t even had time to get your gift yet.”

“This isn’t your Christmas present,” Robert gestured for her to unveil his gift, “Open it, come on.”

“Alright, fine. But if it's not- oh my god!” Gasping loudly, her jaw hung slack and Y/n held up the ceramic mug that had been secured inside. It was rounded and painted to look like a gingerbread man wearing a scarf, and it had even come equipped with a candy cane spoon. “Rob,”  standing abruptly, disregarding her boss eyeing their exchange, “I love it,” Y/n walked around to meet him on the other side, immediately pulling him into a warm hug, “Thank you!”

“I knew you would,” he grinned as they pulled apart, “I should probably get back now though. But I’ll call you tonight so we can talk about Saturday.”

“Sounds great!” Waving as Robert retreated towards the elevator, she gave her new mug another look, “I can’t wait to use this,” Y/n noted, more to herself, only catching John staring at her when she looked up once more, “I’m sorry Mr. Wick, is there something you needed? If its about your flight plan, I’m calling the agency this afternoon so-”

“You know we have a no fraternization policy, right?” He cut her off, straightening his back and cutting her a stern look.

“I….uh….You mean…..” Looking between John and her opened present, Y/n furrowed her brows, confused. Of course, Robert was perhaps one of the most eligible bachelors, besides John himself, at the company; he was attractive, charming and quite the gentleman. But Y/n had never even thought of viewing him in a romantic light, they were friends and nothing more. “That was…..that was nothing,” she waved the thought off, “Robert is just a good friend. He probably just saw that while he was shopping or something. We do that kind of thing all the time.”

Humming his response, John kept his head held intimidatingly high. He always seemed so much bigger than her and Y/n could never decide whether or not it was thrilling or frightening. John himself was quite the looker, dark hair, dark eyes and enthrallingly mysterious. Even on a regular day he looked like he belonged on the posters for some high end brand or the other. “I need you in my office,” already, he was walking off and Y/n was left scurrying to match his long strides in her heels.

“What is this about?” Breathless as John shut the heavy door behind them, Y/n tried to right herself as she went before his desk. The large room, with dark porcelain floors and hardwood walls, accented by elegant furniture was familiar territory and Y/n knew it almost as well as she knew her own apartment. Papers on the right of his desk were dealt with, the ones on the left weren’t. There was an integrated mini refrigerator among the cabinets and he kept an extra suit, custom Tom Ford cause he never wore anything but, in the closet where he kept his coat. Come to think of it, Y/n probably knew more about John than anyone else in that entire building,

“Its about the conference,” coolly, he sank into his imposing leather chair, gracefully scooting towards his imported, mahogany desk. “It’s good that you haven’t called the agency yet, cause now you’ll be booking three tickets; you’re coming too.”

Stammering, Y/n’s eyes went wide with surprise. That wasn’t right, that wasn’t right at all. She was supposed to have Christmas week off, so she could fly home to be with her family, but that wasn’t really possible if John would be taking her across the pond for a conference filled with stuffy, middle aged people with too much money and no one to spend it on. “Mr. Wick…..I…..I already applied for that week off.”

“No you didn’t, you never submitted an application,” he didn’t even look at her, firing up his laptop and probably ready to be done with the matter.

“Yes, I did,” frenzied, and panicked, Y/n looked to his desk, where, lo and behold, her application for time off sat on among the smaller pile of paperwork, the one on the left side. But that was impossible, she’d given it to him weeks ago! “It’s right there,” she pointed accusingly to where it had been sticking out from beneath some investment proposal or the other. 

Snatching it up, John scanned the pages before swearing under his breath. It was the first time she’d ever seen him so bewildered. “Y/n,” he sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face, “I’m sorry it must have gotten mixed up in the hustle.”

“I….” She wanted to argue, tell him that an apology wouldn’t make up for keeping her away from her family. Y/n wanted to yell that she’d be taking the week off anyway. But she couldn’t. Not just because he was her boss, but because he was John, who despite his very hardened exterior, had earned himself a soft spot in her heart. Y/n cared for him, in a way she probably shouldn’t have and the thought of bailing when he needed her wasn’t one she could entertain. “It’s okay,” forcing a smile and biting back tears, she blinked quickly, “I guess I should get to planning our flights.”

“Y/n-” he began, but it was too late, Y/n had already turned on her heel and was moving towards the door, swiping hastily at her eyes before she could listen to him say anything else. 

Three Weeks Later Despite being separated merely by six inches in the car ride to the airport, Y/n swore that she could feel John's heat radiating, seeping through her thick layers. It was both an exciting and uncomfortable experience. On one hand, being that close to him almost had her giddy; feeding the school girl crush she'd developed on her boss. While on the other, things felt clumsy and tense; he didn't seem interested in talking,  she didn't know what they could possibly talk about besides work and sharing an hour long car ride and six am was plain out awkward. Still, they’d made it through in almost complete silence. 

Even at the airport, whilst walking to where they had agreed to meet Robert at the waiting area in anticipation of their flight, John had stayed silent and Y/n felt something of a dead limb walking beside him. He was always quiet and, like clockwork, as the year dwindled down, he seemed to grow even colder, as New York’s winter resided inside him. Usually, Y/n tried to not to let it get to her, but they were going to spend the week together; she’d given up family time for work and his silence was making her feel a bit lonely. Her only glimmer of hope for some good, warm company had been in Robert, even if Y/n got the feeling that John wouldn’t be giving them too much time together.

The chill between them lingered all the way through, though, when they all met up, things were uncharacteristically different. Immediately upon greeting each other, Y/n had instinctively pulled Robert into a hug, standing on the tip toes of her suede knee-highs so she could loop her arms around his neck, staying like that until John cleared his throat. When Y/n pulled away, she rubbed her gloved hands together, glancing at John, not really knowing what to feel when she looked at him and consequently looking away quickly. “ Uh…” checking her phone, Y/n exhaled shakily; there was still quite a bit of time left and the thought of having to spend it with both Robert and John was unnerving. She knew he wasn’t exactly a fan of their friendship, though, she could never tell why and without having to ponder on it, Y/n  had already known that they were in for a long morning.

“Why don’t we head over to the lounge, get some drinks?” John filled the silence, causing Y/n to snap her head up and look directly at them. John wanted to grab drinks, with them? When she finally gathered the courage to face him, she found that John was looking directly at her, as if he were really only seeking her response.

Staring back at him, as she always did, Y/n found it hard to not lose herself in those dark pools, so endless that she might have drowned if she wasn’t too careful. The request was simple and impersonal, but still very unlike the John she’d grown to know. “Okay,” forcing herself to nod and simultaneously shifting her gaze back to Robert who now stood beside her, Y/n agreed, “We can do that. But it’s a little early, don’t you think?”

“It’s the airport, Y/n,” Robert teased lightly as he nudged her shoulder, “Besides, it's already noon in London, so technically, you’re just…….pre-assimilating.”

Battling an amused grin, Y/n rolled her eyes, adjusting the bag on her shoulder as she prepared to start moving towards the lounge, “That’s not a real thing.”

“Technically it is, I mean, Hardy made up words all the time and no one did anything about that. You,” he emphasized pointedly, “Love Hardy.”

“Hardy is a timeless, literary genius. You are a marketer from New York, it’s clearly not the same,” she laughed. She could tell that Robert was about to add something more, though, when John interrupted them, sternly urging them to move along, he dropped the matter, instead insisting that he take one of her bigger bags. “Oh, you don’t have to.”

“Yeah, but I want to,” he said, claiming one of her carry ons before she could protest any further. “We should get going, before Scrooge over here loses it.”

“You’ve gotta stop that,” Y/n admonished before they set off, “You’re gonna get fired or something.”

“I’m not gonna get fired, relax-”

“If you kids are finished,” they both looked to John immediately as he scolded them, and Y/n shuddered at the way his tell tale signs of irritation shone through; a quirked brow, an evident scowl and a hardness in his jaw that screamed that he was at his rope’s end with their banter. 

“We are,” she spoke up without giving Robert the opportunity to come up with another questionable joke directed at their very unamused boss. Then, not offering anything further, she followed John’s  lead as he walked off, not paying any mind to how far they were behind him. 

Though, the peace was short lived when Y/n tripped as they reached the bottom of one of those short lived staircases that had been placed purely for aesthetic purposes, accidently dropping her rolling suitcase as she stumbled forward. With reflexes faster than she could have registered, John spun, barely sparing a moment to set aside his own suitcase before catching her at the shoulders. By the time he’d helped her right herself, Y/n’s chest was barely a hair away from his and with the way he was bent, his face wasn’t much further from hers. Swallowing thickly, for the first time Y/n didn’t feel small under his bottomless stare, instead, she felt like he was seeing into her; trying to speak into her. It was hard to decipher it, and it could have very well been her own unspoken affections blurring things, but Y/n could have sworn that he was seeing her in a different light.

Everything around them seemed to slow down, like the universe was letting her savor the proximity that she’d never experience again. “Are you okay?” John’s inquiry pierced their fragile moment, and all of a sudden, it was as if someone had hit play on a remote so reality would resume.

“I…..I’m fine, thanks,” she smiled weakly, her expression faltering when John pulled away. Then, simultaneously remembering her fallen suitcase, they both bent over to get it, leaving John’s hand to unconsciously fall over Y/n’s. For a split second, they stared at their hands, together, on the black plastic handle, looking very suggestive with the way they were positioned. “I uh, I got it,” flustered, Y/n gave the bag a gentle tug.

John didn’t let up immediately though, instead sparing her a peculiar stare, “Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

“It’s okay,” she exhaled shakily. Y/n couldn't let him take it, else she’d read too much into it, and no good would come from reading too much into an innocent though rare act of inconsequential kindness from John Wick. He didn’t feel the same, they weren’t even friends, it wasn’t worth it. “Thanks though.”

They stood and John immediately put some distance between them. “Good,” he scoffed coldly, walking off before they could exchange anything else. 

“Hey,” Robert touched her shoulder, causing Y/n to jump. She’d been looking on as John walked off, rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do or think. “You okay? That could have been a nasty fall, especially in those shoes.”

“Yeah,” finally tearing her gaze away from John’s slowly shrinking form so she could greet Robert’s concern with her own bewilderment, “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Vaguely, she heard his response, though it sounded far off as she inevitably succumbed to  letting thoughts of the past five minds swim around in her head; caught between wishing it meant something and thinking that it more than likely didn’t. 

****** Tagging- @harrisongslimited @magnificentclodpiebanana  @keandrews @greenmanalishi  @rdjloverxxx @danceoftwowolves  @planetkt @wheretheriversrunintothesea

[umbralwings]

Guide to St. Benedict’s Manor II

There are three floors and a basement.

There is no basement.

The thing on the top floor moves very quickly but is unmotivated: use this to your advantage. Don’t play jazz or classical music in the hallway.

The elevator lies.

The thing on the bottom floor is slow and quick to anger and its mass takes up the whole hallway. Should it come after you, try to make it to the exercise area: most of the gym equipment is broken but try to look like you’re doing something, it will likely pass you by.

If the lights in the hallway connecting Manor I and Manor II are off at the wrong time DO NOT use your own light source: whistle or hum a cheery tune and walk down the hall as normal and you’ll emerge in the real manor in the right world.

There is always someone in the sitting room on the bottom floor, regardless of what you may or may not see. Try not to sit on anyone, as they will be less willing to help later on.

The welcome mats move around: pay them no mind unless you are a guest. If a mat has appeared or disappeared in front of the door of someone you are visiting, leave immediately -it won’t be your friend/family who answers the door.

If you have to press the call button for the elevator more than twice, use the stairs. Trust me.

If you use the stairs, open the door and listen first: if it is quiet, proceed; if you hear breathing coming from above or below, shut the door as quietly as you can, wait a few minutes and try again; if you hear breathing on the same floor as you, SHUT THE DOOR IMMEDIATELY.

The bodak on the 2nd floor likes to walk behind people.

If an apartment door opens on its own, do not look inside.

If you see a nun at the end of a hallway: if they are in front of you and facing away, continue normally; if they are in front of you and facing you, say that you are visiting (lie if you must, if you’re lucky they’ll turn away); if they are behind you and facing away, continue as you were but be very quiet; if they are behind you and facing you, RUN.

Sometimes if you go to the sitting room on the bottom floor there will already be somebody there, you’ll never remember what their face looks like. If they are wearing a burgundy scarf, you are safe; if they’re wearing a chartreuse scarf, you are in danger -do not walk through any doorways or archways- sit for awhile and read a book or play on your phone, check periodically to see if their scarf has changed; if they are wearing a blue scarf you’ve crossed through and it’s already too late.

When the power goes out, do NOT look in the corner of your eye. They don’t like it when you see them.

The laundry room is a safe place, if a bit dull. However, you can’t get there late at night.

Never, ever enter an apartment with a missing number.

If you enter a floor and the numbers are wrong, leave the premises immediately; do not return again until after the next new moon.

If you’re outside at night and the overhead lights change color, something has gone horribly wrong.

If you’re in the stairwell and you hear someone whistling, there’s a 50/50 chance they’re just a normal tenant. In the hallways there’s a 75% chance they’re just a normal tenant.

[kill-for-cookies]

Promise is a beautiful lie (pt. 7)

Dhawan!Master x Reader

Words: 3191

Note: Finally I wrote it! And that’s why I have a very good mood. Hope, you too. Oh, and friendly reminder, my inbox is open and you can send me requests.

Previous parts:  1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

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The Doctor didn't tell you where you were going today. All she said was it would be a little hot. Obviously, she decided to surprise you. You never were happy with surprises. You liked when everyone talked to you straight. Besides, waiting was a real torture for you. You couldn't stand it. 

Now you were in the TARDIS wardrobe, looking at yourself in the mirror. You were wearing a shirt and skirt. You liked it. Simple but stylish. But you decided to put on a white scarf made of light fabric. Now it was perfect. 

'I like it. Looks great' you inwardly made a compliment. 

'It would look better if you wore purple.'

Of course, how could be without him? Could the Master ever leave you alone for one day? You didn't process last night's meeting in the TARDIS and he was here again. There was one but. You didn't mind. Well, not exactly. You were, of course, but not as much as you could have been. Earlier you would have tried to get rid of the Master, but now you didn't really want it. Yes, there was a note of discontent, but certainly not a fountain. 

'Has anyone ever told you you're obsessed with purple?' there was one advantage of this conversation. You could tease the Master. The main thing was not to get carried away. 

'Yes, they don't shut up. Usually they quickly fall silent for some reason... So strange!' he said it so dramatically that you immediately rolled eyes. The sarcasm clearly sounded in his voice. 

You walked through the corridors of the TARDIS, coming back to the console room. You decided to leave his remark without comment. Maybe the Master would leave you if you just didn't say anything. Honestly, you didn't particularly want to tease or argue with him. Just wanted to spend some time quietly on some alien planet. You had a lot of thoughts to deal with. For example, what the hell happened yesterday? So you were begging for two or three hours of solitude and peace.

'So, where are you going this time?' but apparently, this would remain a pipe dream. Deep down, you took a deep breath.

'Why do you want to know?'

'It's not polite to answer questions with questions, love' you could feel his grin. Could even imagine it. So often you had seen the Master lately. You felt it near your ear. Damn telepathy. Sometimes you just hated this. 

'Anyway, I won't tell you until I know why' you crossed your arms over your chest, which made you a little uncomfortable walking. But you couldn't help yourself. 

'I'm just curious' to your surprise, you believed the Master. It really sounded sincere. But out of habit, you asked. 

'Really?'

'Yes, I'm not lying. Swear on two hearts it is.'

'I'm sorry. Just last time you pretended to be a different person and were jealous of yourself.'

'I wasn't jealous' you were sure the Master was offended and pouted. He often reminded you of a little spoiled child.

'Oh, right. How could I forget about your unsurpassed acting talent?'

'I forgive you. Next time I won't be so generous' you rolled eyes again. You thought you would soon see your entrails.

Finally you reached the console room. The Doctor was waiting for you, leaning on the console and reading a book. You didn't want to know what it was about. Either in a language that the TARDIS refused to translate or you wouldn't understand complicated words.

"Doc, I'm ready" she smiled and put the book away, looking at you.

"Wow! Scarf! I love scarves. I wore it once. It was so long that when folded in half it reached my heels and I was taller" your face immediately broke into a wide smile. You had no doubts that it was true.

'I always wanted to straighten it so the Doctor would fall.'

You weren't even surprised by the Master's comment. It was a little funny, though. Usually he tried to kill the Doctor, set a death trap for her. But right now it was quite different. Just a little prank. He was definitely a child at heart.

'I think it's cute' you objected.

'You just didn't see the scarf. It was multicolored and striped. No sense of style. I've never had a problem with style' and here he was again. Did the Master ever get tired of praises? Obviously not.

"Y/N, is everything okay? You're frowning" the Doctor peeked around the central column. Damn, she noticed. You got carried away with argument. Emotions showed on your face.

"Er... I was just talking to my mother yesterday. It brought up couple of unpleasant memories. It's okay."

You tried to give the Doctor a confused smile, but it was more tight and unconvincing. But it was enough for her to stop asking questions. A small sigh of relief escaped from your throat.

'Liar. Did you learn it from the Doctor or you always did it?' the Master teased. This situation clearly amused him. You really wanted to see his face and hit him so hard.

The Doctor stood at the door and opened it, inviting you to come out. So you did. You were met by a scorching red sun, which made you close eyes and put hand to your forehead to create some shade.

The sharp smell of spices hit your nose. So sharp that you wanted to sneeze. In front of you were stalls with all sorts of things. Spices, flowers, fruits, vegetables, technologies, etc. It seemed you could buy here everything in the Universe.

It was so atmospheric. There was a lot of people. Some of them examined and brought goods. Others shouted and argued. Apparently, didn't agree on price or quality.

Everything seemed so alive here. Real. No pomp and conventions. Simple and clear. That was what you really liked and missed a little. You couldn't take your eyes off this sight. It was even a little breathtaking. In a good way, of course.

"Welcome to Guoron. Planet of merchants and markets" the Doctor put hand on your shoulder as she lined up with you. "You said you wanted something simple. So I thought..." she didn't finish the sentence when she saw the tears in your eyes. "Sorry. I thought you'd like it. I can take you somewhere else..."

"Don't you dare. Don't even think about it" you said sharply, raising your voice at the Doctor and wiping away tears. "I'm crying with happiness. I didn't think it would be so great" you added more gently after seeing her surprised and wondering look.

The Doctor brightened. Her eyes showed she let out a deep mental breath. She was about to say something, but jumped up and ran to the counter.

"Oh, look. It's a waste-to-fuel Converter. I didn't know it was invented in the 37th century. I thought I was 39th. I learn something new every day" the Doctor never changed. This was probably a good thing. Besides, it was difficult not to like it. Every time she did that, you instantly smiled.

You decided to leave the Doctor. Let her examine mechanisms on his own. You weren't as interested in it as her. Honestly, you weren't interested at all.

You moved forward. Stalls were endless. It was like the street, you were walking on, led to nowhere. 

You had some kind of alien fruit in your hands. You were given it to taste even though you didn't have any money. The Doctor must forget to give money to you. Or just didn't have it as usual.

The fruit was blue, round and bumpy. It was glowing a little. In general, it resembled a raspberry. Just increased in size. You took a small bite of the fruit. It tasted like watermelon. Great! Your first alien fruit was edible and delicious. But you hardly finished your meal when the Master appeared in your mind again.

'Aren't you tired of lying to the Doctor?' he definitely wasn't going to leave you alone. It was getting annoying, as if everything, that had happened yesterday, didn't make any sense.

'What else should I do? Tell her everything? I don't think that's a good idea. So what do you suggest?'

Before the Master could respond, you heard that someone was addressing to you and trying to get your attention.

"The girl with white scarf!" you turned and looked around. You were the only one who wore a scarf. Certainly white. But you asked with embarrassment.

"Me?" you said to the old lady in the orange dress, moving closer to her.

"Yes, you" she just smiled sweetly, even though you were still looking at her in confusion. You certainly didn't expect that someone here would address to you. "Don't you want to know your fate?"

"Sorry, but I don't believe in fate" you were already half-turned and about to leave, but the old lady wasn't going to give up so quickly.

"Aren't you curious, Y/N?" your eyes immediately widened as soon as you heard your name.

Where did she know it? Did someone tell her? But who then? Not many people know it (especially on another planet or century). You certainly weren't as famous as the Master or the Doctor.

"W-where do you know?" you barely managed to say it. Your voice was trembling. Disquiet and anxiety grew in you at an extraordinary rate.

The old lady didn't answer you. She just signed to follow her. You weren't sure you should do it. On the one hand, you really wanted to. After all, you always were curious.

On the other hand, you were worried. Maybe it was a trick. Like using you as bait for the Doctor. And that wouldn't surprise you very much. In your practice, this was the norm.

'Don't go, dear. Surely this is some kind of trap' in the Master's voice there was a... concern? He worried about you? If you didn't know him, you'd be pretty sure he did.

'It's nice to know you care about me' through the bond, you felt his resentment and annoyance. He must have crossed arms over his chest and rolled eyes. 'But I want to know where she knows my name. If you don't like it, get out of my head.'

It wasn't a good idea to talk to the Master like that, but you didn't care. This old woman was right. You were very curious. So much that it got the better of your disquiet. And even though you didn't believe in predictions, you couldn't help yourself. 

Long pause. A long, tense pause. You even started to get nervous, because the Master didn't say anything. Nothing radiated through the bond, as if he wasn't in your head, although you could tell it wasn't true. 

'Okay. I'll give you fifteen minutes' and now you were alone. Alone with all this madness. You were hoping in fifteen minutes you wouldn't hear the Master saying 'I told you so'.

You were a little sad he was gone. Honestly, you wanted him to stay. Now you regretted you sent him away. At least, it would be some support. And even if the Master teased you, it would be much better than being alone.

You went inside the store. It was dark. The only light sources were candles. The room had a couple of bookcases with various books. There were skulls on some of the shelves. You wanted to believe these were 'magic' skulls and not something else.

In the middle of the room was a table with two chairs. The old lady was already sitting at the table, shuffling cards, waiting for you, like she knew you would come in.

"Glad you didn't listen to the Master" you froze in place with round eyes. You didn't even hide your surprise.

How the hell did she know about the Master? He was in your head. He even wasn't on this planet. And in general, how did she know you argued with him to come in or not? Now you weren't only curious, but also scared.

"Sit down" you slowly sat in the chair in front of the old lady. You were still waiting for the catch.

"Where do you know my name?"

It was the only thing that made you be here. You wanted to deal with this quickly and get out of here as quickly as possible. That lady scared the hell out of you. Perhaps, more than the Master had ever done.

"Take four cards from the deck" you quickly blinked your eyes. Your mouth opened to object, but she cut you off. "Just do it. I promise you'll get answers."

Brilliant! It didn't bother you at all. The woman, who knew your name and your meetings with the Master (even the Doctor wasn't aware of it), didn't frighten you at all. Just the best day on this damn planet!

Your hand with wariness (as if you put your hand on a hot pan) pulled out four cards.

"I made predictions to many people. Counts, generals, kings and others. And some of them came across a card that means deadly danger" she said, shuffling your cards.

'Um... Okay, but how does that explain she knows me?' you thought to yourself, shifting in your chair. You were hoping the Master would say something now. But unfortunately, this didn't happen.

"Your first card is the inverted King of swords. In your past there was a strong enemy who caused you a lot of trouble and suffering. He has done you serious harm. Did you have him?" the abrupt transition confused you a little. Maybe this old lady would tell you later what she meant earlier.

You were thinking. Yeah, you had one guy at school who bullied and humiliated you. You even cried about it a couple of times, but you wouldn't call him a strong enemy.

In general, you could include the Master there, if we talked about the past. But he wasn't exactly your enemy, he was the Doctor's. But considering he threatened you and your friends... So theoretically, he was.

"Yes, I had. But perhaps, everyone had such person" the lady nodded at this and on her face was written 'fair'.

"Well, they were threatened with death, but they were always saved by someone" you frowned, trying to understand who she was talking about. Probably about her clients. "The more such predictions were made, the more I learned about this person. And that was you."

Wait what? You quickly blinked in surprise. Would you save someone? Of course, you traveled with the Doctor, but usually it was she, who saved the situation.

"Well, yes, I'm traveling with the Doctor, but I'm only helping her..." you lowered your head and rubbed your neck in confusion.

"No, it was you and not with the Doctor. Have any clue?"

Even if that was true, how could you save alien kings and counts without her? You didn't have your own ship... And then it hit you. You even forgot about it. You met the Master from your future and he said you two were together. Well, after that, you interrupted him, not wanting to know what he meant.

Apparently, in the future, you would travel with the Master and dissuade him from killing. And it seemed possible. Of course, you were a little unsure of your guess, but that was the only explanation.

Besides, the more you met the Master, the more you believed he could change. And if he could, maybe one day... you would leave the Doctor for him (and just a month ago you thought that was impossible).

You would not because you were attracted to the Master. You just felt like you were the only one who were good to him. Plus, the Doctor had Fam. In the worst case, she would easily find a new companion, but the Master wouldn't.

"Wow! Congratulations. You got the Sun. Now your life is like a fairy tale. Adventure and true love. Perfect combination" okay, let's say the first time it was an accident. But now it didn't feel like this.

You definitely couldn't complain about your life now. It was really good. You saw the stars and history again with your own eyes. And there was definitely something between you and the Master. You wouldn't say (at least, for now) it was love. But you couldn't deny you didn't have feelings for him, either.

"Let's say I believe you, but why did you say 'I'm glad you didn't listen to the Master'?" you decided she shouldn't know she was right. You still didn't trust her, but the more time passed, the more you believed her story.

"I know you've been talking to him a lot lately. Don't worry, the Doctor won't know about it" the tension began to gradually leave your muscles. You didn't even notice it until now. "I know a lot about you from the predictions. Didn't I say that?" you looked away. You needed time to digest all this information.

Honestly, you weren't as scared as you were when you first came in. Of course, you were, but for some reason, deep down, you believed her. Felt this lady would do no harm to you.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Really sorry" your eyes were quickly up to her face, asking 'what happened?' "Inverted Ten of swords. This is one of the most frightening card. You will soon face a terrible ordeal. And it will bring you tears, pain and devastation."

It was like you were struck by lightning. Although you didn't believe in fate (after all, previous cards didn't fully convince you), it was still scary to hear this. You didn't want to know what the last card would be. It didn't take a genius to figure out what it would tell you. Your future in general.

You got up and walked quickly to the door. The old lady tried to stop you, but you weren't going to turn around. You were devastated. No thoughts, no emotions. Just nothing. The only thing you wanted was fresh air. Well, as far as it was possible in the market.

When you entered a small alley, you stopped and pressed your back against the wall, taking a deep breath and closing your eyes. Surely, you didn't think the day would pass like this. It was supposed to be wonderful. Supposed to be. 

You had no idea you were going to be so upset today. Especially from fortune telling. It was more likely the Master would spoil your mood, but certainly not this.Maybe you shouldn't have left. Maybe the last card was a good one. Maybe everything would end well. You would live happily ever after...

You stood there for a few more minutes in silence. Alone with yourself... Damn, you wished the Master was back in your head. His taunts would cheer you up. Who knew you loved them so much? Certainly not you.

When you came back to normal a little, you were about to leave and find the Doctor, but you were violently grabbed by arms.

[diyunho]

The Joker x Reader - “To The Moon And Back”

Trapped between the world of the dead and the world of the living, you couldn’t move on without him. Just another ghost condemned to love beyond the grave, unable to find its way towards eternity. The Joker and his Queen were nothing more now than two souls belonging to different planes of existence, doomed to suffer until they could meet again.  

The moment you closed your eyes forever, something inside him shattered to pieces. It wasn’t his heart; The Joker only wished he would have been that lucky. It was something else, buried deep inside for a very long time: feelings he thought he didn’t have, ignored and neglected until it was too late.

The Queen of Gotham fought leukemia with the best treatments money can buy: J spared no expense in trying to find a cure for a disease that spread despite of all the efforts to contain the damage. He used to get so angry, blaming you for the worsening condition you couldn’t control:

“Why aren’t you getting better, hm?”

“You know why…” you tried to reason with The Joker despite the fact you realized he was acting like that in order to hide his sorrow.

“Are you doing it on purpose to annoy me?! Get better, do you hear me?” he would shout, frustrated when you just smiled and hugged him:

“Are you gonna miss me?”

“NO! You’re a pain in the ass and I can’t stand you!”

J would mess around with the cute scarf covering your bald head since he didn’t know what else to do.

“Well that’s too bad,” you softly kissed his lips, sighing. “Because I love you to the moon and back, twice around the world plus this,” and you showed him the small gap between your index finger and thumb, waiting for his usual reply. It never failed.

“What difference does this make?!” he pointed towards your fingers.

“It makes all the difference when you measure love,” you whispered and he rolled his eyes.

“What a bunch of crap!” he would get worked up for nothing and it made you giggle.

You would stare at each other for a few moments, then you would bring up the sensitive topic:

“I really think I should move out and get my own place…”

J detested the subject, not his favorite. He didn’t want to talk about it.

“Why do you wanna move out?” he pretended not to understand what you’re aiming at.

“I’m getting worse and worse…You could come and visit me, but I believe it would be easier for both if you don’t witness everything. I’ll have nurses, doctors, my meds…”

“Shut up!” he would growl, yanking at your waist. “You’re not moving out and if you mention about this one more time, I’ll get really pissed!”

“You don’t want to see me die…do you?” and the sadness in your voice halted his tirade. “Don’t you want to remember me the way I was? When I was pretty?”

“Yeah, pretty annoying,” The Joker would huff, not being able to stop a sassy remark.

The Clown Prince of Crime pretended to be grouchy, but liked it when you laughed at how stubborn he was. J hated there was nothing that could be done; feeling helpless wasn’t an emotion your boyfriend was accustomed to. And couldn’t stand the unbearable thought that his woman will be gone soon and he will be left behind without her. How strange since he didn’t even like her…Not even a little bit…Definitely not to the moon and back, twice around the world, plus the tiny gap between he fingers that gave it a more personal touch. That was her thing. Not his.

Sometimes you couldn’t sleep at night; the pain was getting worse and the strong medications that used to give you relief weren’t that efficient anymore. You would sneak out of the master bedroom and go to J’s office because you didn’t want to wake him up. A depressed Y/N would turn on The Joker’s laptop and looked at baby pictures online, wishing she was a mother herself: the mother of his children.

“What are you doing, kid?” J would find you there after searching around the Penthouse in the middle of the night. He would rub his eyes, displeased you abandoned the bed and tormented your mind with the game he was familiar with.

“Picking a new Emma and Kase,” you scrolled down the numerous pages, sniffling in front of the computer.

“Let’s see then,” J came over and lifted you from the chair, sat down and pulled you in his lap.

Before you got sick you were actually trying to get pregnant; you both wanted a boy and a girl, you even picked the names: Emma for the girl and Kase for the boy. Just foolish stuff that couples indulge into until it wasn’t silly anymore. It just became impossible.

“She’s cute,” he gestured towards a little girl’s pic. “I think she could pass as ours.”

“She is adorable. Our daughter would have probably looked like this...” you rested your forehead on his. “What about him? Do you think Kase would have looked like this little man?” you suddenly got a boost of energy and waited for the confirmation.

“Most definitely!” The Joker tried to cheer you up since you seemed upset. You squirmed on his knees, the muscle cramps intensifying with each passing second. Not a single sound came out of you but he knew you were uncomfortable and struggled to hide the throbbing ache.

“Turn around,” J moved you so that you can straddle his lap. Your head pressed on his shoulder and he started moving his hands up and down your back, attempting to soothe the pain with a soft massage. “Is this better?”

“So much better…” you took deep breaths and wrapped your hands around his neck, enjoying his touch and the intimacy. “How far do you think the moon is?” he suddenly wondered.

“Mmm?”

“Lemme google this,” The Joker extended his arms so he can reach the laptop and typed in a hurry. “Wow, lots of miles: 238,900 to be precise. Now let’s see how wide the Earth is…7,917.5miles. Not bad. Times two for twice around the world… We are looking at 15,835. Add this together with the calculator and… according to your formula you love me the equivalent of 254,735 miles, plus the maybe three-four inches you always show me between your fingers. Useless if you want my opinion but you insist it makes a difference. High total though. One could say I got under your skin, huh?”

“Yes, one could say that”, you snickered and lifted your head enough to kiss his cheek, then went back to your previous position so The Joker can pamper you more. It felt very relaxing and you fell asleep. He knew you had such a hard time resting and he didn’t move until his body went numb.

Eventually J had to get up from the chair and slowly walked with you in his arms towards the bedroom. He stopped in front of the huge windows separating the living room from the terrace, gazing at the moon while tightening the grip on his girl because somehow she felt so far away.

Two months after that night, The Joker was reading the newspaper when you came out of the walk-in closet squeezing your favorite dress: a beautiful white gown, embedded with Swarovski crystals that was a Christmas gift from him a few years back.

“J…” you got his attention and he turned another page, pretending not to hear you. “J…” you tried again. “Umm…after I… after I die, can you please bury me in this dress?”

His mood instantly switched, the jaw so clenched it was probably hurting.

“Say what?” J snarled and glared at the frail Y/N; he wanted to yell at her but no sounds came out.

“Can you please bury me with this dress?” The Joker frowned and you took advantage of his silence to address the unpleasant things you couldn’t postpone anymore:

“At the funeral…can you please wear one of your white suits? I know you’re not crazy about the color, but at least we can match one last time…Could you… could you do that for me?” and your eyes got teary since it wasn’t easy to bring it up.

He stood there with his mouth opened, completely appalled. You knew he would rant and have a fit, that’s why you blurred out in a hurry:

“I bought my casket too, this way you don’t have to! It’s at the warehouse on 72nd Street!”

The Joker was truly speechless; it was beyond him how you could utter such aberrations. He was actually getting ready to state his perspective on the matter when you hesitantly stepped towards him, not having the strength for a fight. You dragged your feet on the carpet until you were close enough to kneel by him and hugged his knees, still holding the dress also.

“Don’t be mad at me, ok?” a remorseful Queen pleaded. “You can’t afford to hate me right now…There’s no time…”

The Joker placed the newspaper on the couch he was sitting on, conflicted by your remarks. He pulled you up in his lap, took off your scarf and kissed your shaved head, finally verbalizing his thoughts.

“I’ll make sure you wear your stupid frock and I’ll wear the white suit, deal?”

You nodded a yes, relived your last wishes will be taken care of.

“And you’ll remember how pretty I once was?” the shaky tone warned of imminent crying.

“You are pretty,” The Joker stated with such sincerity it made you smile before bursting into tears: you felt so ugly, dull and unattractive for months you rarely glanced in the mirror. “But I am not getting near that casket until I have to, alright?” he made sure to underline and meant it.

“Y-yes,” you stuttered and cuddled to his body, searching for some reassurance from the only person able to offer it: the man whom you feared was not prepared to lose you despite showing the opposite.

That was the last argument you had about the gloomy future before you passed away 9 weeks later. The Joker kept his promise: he dressed you with the white gown himself and placed you in the casket afterwards, just him and his departed Queen inside the warehouse on the 72nd Street. Everyone was waiting outside, not daring to disturb your last moments together.

J made sure you looked impeccable even if it didn’t matter anymore. He kissed your cold lips one last time, the reality of not seeing you again creeping up in his heart.

“Who’s gonna love me to the moon and back now, hm?...” he muttered absent minded and closed the casket, thinking he was ready to say goodbye. J opened it back the next second, hovering over the woman he wasn’t actually ready to let go.

“Fuck…” The Joker felt dizzy and wiped his sweaty forehead, not realizing he was having a panic attack. He took off his white jacket and tossed it on the floor while pacing around the huge room in a failed attempt to calm down.

“So you’re just gonna leave me??!!” he snapped and returned to your side, but Y/N couldn’t answer anymore. “That’s it?! You’re just…just… leaving? You fucking horrible woman, I hate you! Do you hear me? I hate you!!!”

The Queen was peacefully asleep and didn’t argue back. That’s when he took your hands in his and kissed them until there was no more resentment; it was pointless anyway.

“I don’t hate you, I don’t hate you at all, I don’t,” he admitted to the truth, pressing your fingers against his cheeks. “I don’t hate you Princess…”

After a few minutes he pecked your wrists and carefully positioned your hands on your tummy, sealing the casket shut. It took so much out of him to keep it that way and not open it. The Joker had no clue why he was feeling so miserable and desperate, oblivious to the simple truth: he loved Y/N and didn’t even know it.

By the end of the excruciating day he was entirely drained. The King of Gotham retreated at the Penthouse and ordered not to be disturbed under any circumstances. It was so quiet without you and he wondered around the rooms, looking at everything you left behind. When J ended up inside your walk-in closet, reality hit with such intensity he had to sit down: you were gone forever and he couldn’t save you.

He stayed there surrounded by your clothes until night time, when he finally went on the terrace to look at the night sky. The moon was shining and he didn’t care about the cold air, stunned at how beautiful it was. He fell asleep on one of the couches, frozen to the bone by morning time.

Lara came to check up on him and found The Joker sleeping, worried he might get sick after being outside for so long. The woman was Frost’s cousin and one of the most trusted bodyguards.

She didn’t dare wake him; just turned on the electric fire pit and covered him with blankets, this way he could warm up. He mumbled in his dreamless daze and she caressed his face, hoping the grief won’t change him to the point of no return. J moved and she got scared, thinking he might open his eyes and reprimand for the brazen gesture. Lara left in a hurry and planned to drop by later in the day to see if he would want something to eat, worried about the state he was in.

Somebody else was also concerned with The Joker’s well-being and still by his side. He moaned in his sleep and you whispered:

“Don’t be sad, I’m still here,” but he didn’t hear you. “I’m here baby,” you touched his Damaged tattoo although he didn’t feel your presence.

Trapped between the world of the dead and the world of the living, you couldn’t move on without him. Just another ghost condemned to love beyond the grave, unable to find its way towards eternity. The Joker and his Queen were nothing more now than two souls belonging to different planes of existence, doomed to suffer until they could meet again.  

The days, weeks and months flew by regardless; time never stops or slows down for anybody, merciless in its never-ending infinity.  

It made you happy when you realized why Lara kept on coming over and didn’t seem bothered when she was ignored, yelled at or chased away: she was in love with The Joker and it gave you hope. Heavens knows he wasn’t easy to love and needed somebody’s affection like he needed air.

A year and a half after your death, the woman spent the night at the Penthouse for the first time. J woke up and went to take a shower, a sleepy Lara crawling on his side of the bed so she can snuggle with his pillow. She had no idea that used to be your side of the bed.

The Clown Prince of Crime returned to the master bedroom and completely lost it: he dragged her out of the bed and almost broke her arm while violently shoving her towards the exit. She kept on begging him to stop until he slammed her in the elevator, so enraged he wanted to kill the woman he spent the night with only hours earlier.

“Don’t ever come back!!” The Joker hissed at the terrified Lara that did not understand why she was one step away from disaster.

“Please don’t do this,” she uttered through tears and you didn’t approve of his actions either.

“What are you doing?! You need her, don’t push her away!” you talked even if he couldn’t hear you. You cupped his face and looked into the blue eyes that couldn’t see the distressed Queen imploring for mercy on behalf on another. “Just tell her, she didn’t know!! Just open your mouth and tell her!!!” you shouted and maybe somehow you managed to influence his thoughts because The Joker actually explained his rage:

“Nobody sleeps on her side of bed besides me, do you understand?! Nobody! Do you think you can take her place? She will always be my Queen and you are nothing more than somebody I fucked!!”

“Why would you say something like that?” you sighed, upset he was so cruel to the woman that meant his salvation from the nothingness he dealt with since your death. “She’s not trying to take my place, that’s not why she’s here.”  

You were certain that meant the end for the two of them but instead Lara nervously apologized for a mistake she wasn’t guilty committing:

“I’m so sorry… Please don’t send me away… I’m really sorry, ok? I will never sleep on her side of the bed again, I swear.”

She carefully walked out of the elevator and he growled, still mad about her transgression:

“Make sure you don’t or you’ll regret it!” *************

The Joker was going to be a father soon: Lara got pregnant with twins and after finding out they will have a boy and a girl, they started thinking about names. Actually she was the one suggesting different monikers because J already had his mind set on what he wanted: Emma and Kase, a secret tribute to his lost Princess that didn’t get a chance to be the mother of his children.

When the twins were born and J held them for the first time, something strange happened: they didn’t cry at all, just fussed for a little bit before falling asleep in his arms.

“Do you think we’ll be this lucky all the time?” he joked with Lara, the new mother worn out after being in labor for several hours.

“God I hope so,” she found the strength to smile and watched him curiously analyzing his babies, smitten with the tiny angels and how perfect they looked.

The Joker and his girlfriend had no way of knowing that you were the reason why their son and daughter didn’t cry: you kept on caressing their faces and your outwordly presence soothed the newborns; they felt nothing but your love.

Every time they would wake up in the middle of the night, Y/N was there to comfort them.

“Ssssttt, don’t cry,” you would whisper and hum lullabies until Emma and Kase closed their eyes again.

Lara and J believed they had the best babies ever since they were able to rest throughout the night and didn’t have to wake up besides the feeding times.

When they started crawling, they would follow each other and sometimes stopped in the same time, cooing at the ethereal shape they could see floating around the Penthouse.

“Awww, look how cute,” Lana would point out at the babies that were sitting on the blanket, actually reaching their hands towards you because they wanted to be picked up, not knowing you couldn’t do that. “They are so adorable,” she would rest her head on The Joker’s shoulder, grateful he was there to witness them grow.

The twins would suddenly scream and giggle, completely delighted by your invisible kisses and J couldn’t help it anymore:

“Com’ere little monsters!” he would get up and snatch them from the blanket, covering them in kisses. That prompted more screaming and laughter, nothing short of a small miracle: The Joker loved his children even if he didn’t know it.

When Emma and Kase got older, they started talking about The Sparkly Lady, something their parents believed to be an imaginary friend.

“Is she pretty?” The Joker would tease the 5 year old twins because they amused him with their innocent answers.

“U-hum,” Emma would reply while playing with her toys.

“She has long hair and a white dress and she sparkles!!” Kase would excitedly describe you to his father.

“Wow, does she?!” J would wink at Lara and she chuckled at all the details they would come with it: smart kids with a vivid imagination, no doubt about it. “Maybe daddy should see if The Sparkly Lady is single, right honey?”

“You’re hilarious,” Lara gave him a disapproving glare, folding clothes and placing them in drawers.

“I think mommy’s jealous,” J scoffed, passing his fingers through the green hair.

The woman rolled her eyes and went upstairs to see if laundry was done while The Joker fumbled with his laptop, opening a folder that had pictures of you. He liked to look at them when Lara wasn’t around, not because he was afraid he would hurt her fillings, but because it was something personal he didn’t want to share.

“Oh,” Emma suddenly lost interest in her doll and came over to crawl on The Joker’s knees. “The Sparkly Lady,” she touched the screen filled with the image of a beautiful Y/N wearing the white dress embedded with Swarovski crystals  gifted to her by The Joker a lot of Christmases ago. The little girl leaned over and kissed the screen, snickering because she got shy.

Kase hopped in his father’s lap, playfully pocking his sister. “Emma look, The Sparkly Lady!” he jumped up and down on The Joker’s knees and kissed the screen, imitating his sister’s gesture.

J didn’t know what to say, he was dumbfounded. The children never saw you in real life or in other pictures, they just happened to be there for once when he was browsing your folder. And they both referred to you with the same name.

“This…this is The Sparkly Lady?” he muttered in disbelief.

“A-ha,” Emma confirmed and pulled down on his jacket so she can whisper in his ear. “Daddy, she’s saying she loves you to the moon and back,” she bit on her lip and Kase carefully listened to your words and repeated to his father.

“And… huh?” the young boy had to pause because he had a hard time hearing. “And twice around the world!”

“Plus this!” his daughter showed him the small gap between her fingers, copying what you were showing her. “She says she’ll wait for you,” Emma continued and then pouted. “Where are you going, daddy?”

“Daddy, can we come?” Kase tugged on his father’s shirt but The Joker couldn’t reply or react.

He looked around the room as if it would offer an answer to the shocking revelation, his lips barely moving:

“Princess?...”

His Queen smiled, thankful the little ones finally helped deliver the message to the man she never stopped loving. She waited for so long for a chance to let him know she was still there that nothing else mattered.

You gently wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. J couldn’t feel or hear you, yet you still reassured him:

“I’ll wait ...”

 Also read: MASTERLIST

http://diyunho(dot)tumblr(dot)com/post/153664676321/joker-x-reader-masterlist

AO3 account - same blog name: DiYunho

[myimmortaltotaldrama]

Chapter 42. da blak parade AN: omg da new season iz kumming out rlly soon I kant wait!!!1111. I fink dat gwen will be really the same person as crimson koz dey are both goffick. omg I hope joques nd tome get 2getha dat will be so shmexxy, wont it?? If dey don’t den fresh is hamophobic!!!!!111111 thx 4 da help wiv facts, rahce u rok!!!111 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX666XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I sat depressedly in the producers office wiv Kelly, Blaineley, Trent's dad, Duncan's dad, Chris and Chef. The producer was sitting in front of us cruelly. He looked more young den he did in da future. “What da hell is this anyway??” he cackled meanly. I hoped he didn’t find out dat I was frum another time. “Whatever u do don’t blame Gwen , u jerk.” Satan said. “Yah, siriusly she was trying to get Satan and Kelly back together.” Chef said deviantly. “Be quiet you Satanists.” the Producer cockled. “If ur lucky I’ll probably send u all to prison!!! That will teach u to copolate in da Mess Hall.” “You fucking poser.” I muttoned. “I bet you’ve never herd of GC.” Trent's dad said. “Shut up!!!” Duncan's dad shouted. “Yeah shut up!!!!” Chris said preppily. “No u shut up!!!!!!!!1111” said Blaineley. “I’ve had enough of u Satanists in my camp!!!!” shouted the Producer spuriously. Suddenly I grabed ma iPod from him. “Evry1! Jump in b4 itz 2 l8!!! I jumped in2 it. But only 1 odder person jumpd in. It was……..Satan. “You dunderheads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111” screamed the Producer wisely as we went. I looked around. I wuz in da cabin wiv Satan. I was wearing a blak plaid miniskirt with hot blue fishnetz, a sexy blak MCR corset and blak stiletto boots with green pentagroms on dem. My earrings were blake Satanist sins and my raven hair was all around me. “Hey kool where iz dis?” she asked in an emo voice. “Dis is da future. da Producrs iPod dat he tried to take away from me wuz really also a tim machine.” I told her. “Kool what’s an ipatch?” she whimpered. “It’s somefing u use 2 lizzen 2 music.” I yakked. Suddenly some of my friends walked in. “OMG you’re fucking alive!” said Izzy wearing a blak leather jocket, blak baggy pants and a goffik black Frum First to Last shirt. I explained 2 her why I was alive. “Konichiwa, bitch.” said Courtney. “Hey, motherfucker.” Said Harold with his red hair. He waz wearing a black P?ATD t-shit and blak baggy pants. “Hey whose that, Gwen?” Leshawna questioned as she walked in wearing a beige t-shit with a red pentarom on it with lace at the bottom, red letther pants, and brown flats. she wesnt aprep or anything. “Oh its Satan.” I told her and she nodded knowing da truth. Suddenly Satan started to cry. “Are you okay Satan?” we asked concernedly. “OMFG ur from da future!!1! What if u don’t like m anymore koz were from difrent times?????” she asked. “No I still like you.” I said “Ok.” she said ressuredly. I let her lizzen 2 Teenagers by MCR on my ipod while I was about to go outside to find out some fingz. I gave Harold a signal to keep Satan occupied. Satan fell asleep. I took the iPod. I was about to walk outside. Don ran in!!!!!!!1111 he was wearing a olive colored cardigan, black jeans, a white scarf, sunglasses, and blakc shoes. “Oh my fucking god, where’s Duncan!!!!111 How did Chris get back here!!!” I asked sadly. “Gwen I was so worried abott u but I know you can’t fucking die because you’re a vrompire. Chris came back because that girl Heather freed him. I never liked her she was a bad contestant.” Don said reassuredly. “That bitch!!!!!!!1” I shouted angrily. I hated Heather because she was a fucking prep. “Yes they are on the loose at this school. Chris is back the producers is on his way to help evry1. Tell evry1 u see to lock themselves in their room!!!!!!” Don said worriedly. “OK. But where’s Duncan???? How cum he was doing it with Cody?????” Then I said “Lizzen evry1, I have

sumthing imptent to do. in hr evry1 stay!!!!!!!!!” wiv dat I ran out. “Good luck Gwennie!!!!!!!11” everyone cried. I ran sexily down the path in2 da Mess Hall. There was hardly ne1 else outside nd tere was an atmosphere of horrer. On da way I saw Heather laughing on da stairs. She was wearing a a slutty pink shirt wiv flowers on it, a blu jean skirt Abercromie and pink stiletoos. She looked jest like a cross of those fucking preps Hilery Duff and Lindsey Lohan. “You fucking bitch!!!!!111” I shouted angrily. “No, your totally a bitch. Now Blaineley will like totally kill u!” she laughed. I put up my middle finger at her. When I had reached da Mess Hall I saw Trent. “OMG Trent!!!!111” I yielded. We hugged each udder happily. He locked at me wif his green eyes and spiky blak hair. “I wus so worried you died!” moaned Trent. “I know but Im a vampire lol. When I woke up I wuz back in 1980, so neway I bought Blaineler from when she was yung with me.” “Where’s Duncan?” I asked spuriously. “Duncan? You mean that fukking poser who betroyed you?” Trent snarkled with anger. “I NO BUT WE HAV 2 FIND HIM.” I SED SMARTY. “I’ll do it den.” Trent said angstily. “OK.” I argreed. Suddenly……….all da lights in da hall went out. And den…….da mark of blaineley appeared. “Oh my fucking satan!!!!!” Trent shouted. “I fink Blaineley has arrivd.” I sed anxiously. “Fuck, I have to find Duncan!!1 I guess we shood separate.” “Ok.” Trent sed diapperating. I ran out of the MessHall.

[fox-and-benedict]

[Fanfic, 100% Orange Juice] Lazy Sunday

Series: 100% OJ / Suguri Words: 1510 Characters: Suguri, Hime Originally Posted: March 6th, 2017 (original here) A/N: Another SugiHime story. This one was a bit self-indulgent, because it basically started with a tangent that I really didn’t want to let go of, and eventually just tagged a story onto the end of it. I love tangents, but usually try to be a little more restrained nowadays. Still fun as heck, though.

It was a lazy Sunday. Well, it would have been. It was a curious phenomenon; before Suguri met Hime, every Sunday was a lazy Sunday. It was the only flavour of Sunday available. You could perhaps make a call to the manager of the Sunday store and ask her to stock new and innovative varieties of Sunday, and she would simply push up her metaphorical glasses and say, “Our consumer data says that Lazy Sundays are the best selling Sunday by far. Do you know how many Lazy Sundays are being consumed worldwide? In fact, we have a 100% takeup rate. Why would we stock anything else, given that everybody loves Lazy Sundays so much?”

Well, you would say, Lazy Sundays are very nice and nobody is denying that, but a change is as good as a rest, isn’t it? There’s nothing wrong with trying just a little something new every once in a while to see if you like it. The store manager would look at you, check the data on her phone (which looks suspiciously not like actual data and more like a candy-based puzzle game) and say, “Sorry, but it just wouldn’t be profitable for us. If you want Sundays, you’ll just have to abide by the ones we have, or check with one of our competitors. By the way, the only ones we have are lazy ones, and our competitors don’t exist.”

So, defeated, you would slink back to your bed for an enforced lie-in of at least two hours, followed by shuffling about to make an easy breakfast so you could count as being awake at noon. It was the only choice.

Until, of course, Hime appeared. Hime had taken the world of Sunday selling by storm, mainly because she was from Space, and Space’s idea of a Sunday was very different. Mainly it didn’t exist, because having seven days of the week when you weren’t on a chunk of rock hurtling through space around the day’s namesake seemed a little silly.

In the end, Hime had bravely purged any and all traces of the insidious Lazy Sunday from Suguri’s home, because Lazy Sundays bored her and there were few things as dangerous as Hime when she was bored. It brought out her impish streak, which was a mile wide and twice as long, with every step being a new and embarrassing hazard for anybody trying to walk the path. She was a master at unexpected teasing, a 2nd Dan at dry retorts, an unrelenting agent of whimsy that spread her missive of mischief as far as her arms would allow.

In short, Hime had not sat in the core of a spaceship for 10,000 years so she could be bored and sleep in all day. She did, at least, come fully furnished with helpful suggestions for things that would entertain her and keep everybody within an arm’s reach of their sanity.

“Suguri, let’s go visit Saki today.”

Suguri sucked the top of her pen. She was valiantly wrestling with the crossword puzzle, which she knew from experience was harder than wrestling a polar bear. There were things printed words on a sheet of tree pulp could do to your brain that even half a ton of raw ursine muscle and carnivorous intent couldn’t.

“I do enjoy Saki’s company,” she murmured, in between scrawling “apotheosis” into the little box with her childish, loopy handwriting.

“Of course you do. She’s blonde, homeless, and hilariously dangerous. You have a track record with that kind of girl, you know,” Hime said. Hime was currently draped across the loveseat, her head lolling over the arm, looking at Suguri upside down. Her hair was hanging down; her forehead was formidable.

“One girl does not constitute a track record. Ooh, constitute. I think that fits. Anyway, even if I enjoyed myself, what would you do?”

“Gossip about old times, braid each other’s hair, debase myself for baked goods. It has all the makings of a fun afternoon!”

Suguri sighed, and shut her newspaper. It was a reluctant admission of defeat; even her smallest, squigliest handwriting had not managed to compress ‘recalcitrant’ into a space meant for four letters. “Yes, well. Last I heard, Saki was in Brazil. Even with our speed, we’d struggle to fly to Brazil in less than twelve hours.”

Hime pouted. Or perhaps not. Hime was very good at pouting without actually pouting. She would imply a pout, and that made them all the more effective because she could still retain the appearance of being refined and sanguine while being childish. “Oh, boo. I know! Let’s hire out a rowboat. We can enjoy a day on the water. Me, you, the sunshine, dragonflies, reeds, lilypads, krakens...”

Aside from the fact that Hime didn’t seem to know if she wanted to sail down the River Nile or straight down into the cold, pressurised depths of the ocean, Suguri had some private objections to that plan. Firstly, she thought Hime had spent enough time on boats. A spaceship, according to Suguri, was just a boat that happened to be in space. According to Hime, it was a ship, because a boat had to have oars, and could you imagine trying to paddle to Neptune? Neither one of them was correct, but both of them were very passionate about it.

Secondly, Suguri had recently brought home a bookshelf. (She didn’t know quite how she’d done it. She acquired furniture the same way that people acquired lost puppies; it just sort’ve appeared at her ankles one day and she picked it up and fussed it and gave it a loving home). She had donated it to Hime, and kept a semi-close eye on the contents. In the last two weeks, it had accrued a number of books about pirates, and Suguri thought that Hime might not be able to resist an opportunity to swash some buckles.

“Why don’t you take a look at your unfinished knitting projects?” Suguri asked, jerking her head towards the corner. The corner was dominated by a sprawling jungle of worsted spread, in a variety of beautiful pastel colours. Last time Suguri had checked, Hime had been working on a shapeless bundle of cloth that she described as ‘a scarf, but it’s a very postmodern kind of scarf.’

Hime winced. “Aha. I think I’ll leave that for today. One day, I shall have needlework that strikes wonder into the hearts of the gods themselves, but I have thousands of years to attain that skill, so I needn’t be in a hurry.”

Suguri smiled to herself. She had knit, on and off, for a stretch of fifty years in her ten thousand year life, but Hime was adamant about learning to do it herself. The next time Hime went to stay with Kyoko, Saki or Iru, Suguri fully intended to knit her a nice sweater to see the reaction. (Suguri had also, in her past, spent a long time wrangling various ‘postmodern’ knitted garments back into wearable shape, with questionable success.)

“Hah… That still doesn’t solve the problem of what to do. Suguri, do you mind if I spoon feed you three tubs of chocolate fudge ice cream? I feel like that will bring us both closer to enlightenment.”

In Suguri’s opinion, the only thing eating three tubs of ice cream in a row would enlighten her of was her lunch. She took the suggestion as the warning shot that it was. It was time to unveil her secret weapon.

“Hime, how much do you like loud noises?”

“I’m not really a huge fan,” Hime said, conveniently forgetting that she was sometimes a steady source of loud noises.

“Okay. How much do you like Kae?”

“I feel like you just asked the same question twice but in different ways. Oh well. I suppose it depends on how you serve her – rare, medium or well done?”

“Anything less than well done wouldn’t even singe that one. Anyway, she recently made some friends who are also loud and have guitars, and sent us some free tickets.”

“Free tickets! Those are the best kind,” Hime replied wryly. “Oh, but what shall I wear? My wardrobe is rather light on ripped t-shirts and spiked collars, although that could be addressed. Will we need to daub ourselves with eyeliner and draw stars on our faces, do you think?”

With that, Hime launched herself from the loveseat, pleased with the itenerary of the day. It was a fine one. There would be loud noises and moshing, which, in Hime’s understanding, was like dancing except it incorporated violence, and thus was a fusion of two things she was rather good at. There would also be Kae, who would most likely be louder than the band, but always a source of fun. Suguri watched her go, pleased with her work. Although crossword mastery still eluded her, Hime was happy and not sowing gentle chaos in the surrounding area, which was victory enough. Unlike Hime, though, Suguri knew exactly what she would be wearing to Kae’s concert.

Earplugs.

[theinvulnerabletide]

Space Things: moon, Betelgeuse, Centaurus, sombrero galaxy, wormhole for Whisper; Neptune, aldebaran, delphinus, bode’s galaxy, comet for Oriana; Jupiter, deneb, Phoenix, andromeda, black hole for Maggie; mercury, Canopus, Orion, cigar galaxy, nebula for Lyra; earth, Sirius, Libra, cartwheel galaxy, supernova for Thirteen; mercury, alphard, Cygnus, Milky Way, meteor for Celandine; Uranus, Vega, hydra, sunflower galaxy, pulsar for Az’ar; Pluto, Rigel, Cassiopeia, black eye galaxy, comet for Kori

H’okay this is going under the cut because it is almost 2000 words and got very, very long. I apologize if you are on mobile. 

For Whisper: my terrible disaster tiefling sea sorceress:

Moon: What are you currently studying/hope to study?

Whisper is currently studying like…one and a half things in her free time. Which is taking forever because she’snot exactly a bookish person. She is currently learning Primordial (and is onlyabout 130 days from fluency!) and is muddling her way through spellcomposition.

Betelgeuse: What’s something you can never forget about?

Oh man. There’s a lot of things thatweigh on Whisper’s mind, but her obligations might be the heaviest, especiallywhen her loyalties start to conflict.

Centaurus: Favorite holiday?

Fisher’s Respite. Back home it was likea full-on Irish wake (after a very long church ceremony, which Whisper foundfascinating) and Whisper was even allowed to party with the adults for a littlewhile after she was old enough. Some of her favorite memories are from herfamily’s celebrations.

Her second favorite is probably TheGreat Hunt because of all the food. Though meeting a certain Wizard might havesoured that some.

Sombrero Galaxy: Do you have a crush right now?

Define “crush.” Because Whisper wouldcrush you for insinuating anything. In her own words, she likes most of theparty well enough, finds them all pretty attractive and would probably sleepwith them if she knew they weren’t going to be weird about it.

That’s what she tells herself, and Ithink she’s probably even convinced herself of it. But there’s definitely areason she’s only slept with an old friend and a professional since the partyjoined up. *waggles eyebrows*

Wormhole: What’s something you wish would happen, but knowwon’t?

Whisper has been waiting for a veryspecific thing to happen almost her entire life, and she’s half given up hopeof it ever occurring, so… being told she can come back home.

For Oriana, my aasimar paladin of Wahreight, and the Lady of Ambrose Grove;

Neptune: When’s your birthday?

Oriana doesn’t know her actualbirthday, but she chose day 197 (16 Alma'artius) as the day to celebrate on.

Aldebaran: What’s something you care desperately about?

Doing her job the best of herability. The weird thing about Oriana is that she definitely believes in hercalling, in protecting and serving and making the world a better place. Shedesperately wants to protect the people she cares about and those who can’thelp themselves.

Delphinus: Favorite study?

I won’t say that Oriana hatesstudying, because she was methodical about it growing up and placed pretty highin all of her classes because of it, but she’s not a cleric, so she’s not inthe whole research division. More retrieval and dissemination.

That said, she really is enjoying theent philosophy books that Shade gifted her with, and I’m sure she’ll pick up afew more in the same vein once she’s finished with them.

Bode’s Galaxy: Have you ever had a secret admirer?

Not that she knows of. Though theremight have been someone who came up with her through paladin training and justnever came forward?

Comet: What’s your big dream?

Her dream used to be to make headlibrarian and perhaps get a small temple of her own to administer, but now it’sjust making the town of Ambrose Grove flourish again. She just wants to bringpeace and prosperity to the people she’s been made the guardian of.

For Maggie, my brand-newhuman warlock~

Jupiter: Do you have any siblings?

Yep! Maggie has a younger brother namedJack, who is training to be a wizard.

Deneb: Have you ever been out of your home country?

I don’t think Maggie has even been outof her province. She’s been out of Estwald a few times, to go into the forestto meet her patron, or out to smaller villages to help out with supernaturalthreats, but that’s probably as far from home as she has ever been.

Phoenix: Favorite thing to wear?

Maggie has a thick dark woolen long coatthat she wears in leiu of armor, a blue scarf she usually pairs with it. Theclothes underneath change, but her boots probably never do.

Andromeda: Do you consider yourself social?

Maggie’s entire world basically comesdown to work and her family, out of necessity. Letting people get too closecould expose her and give the Church exactly what they need to see her hung.She’d rather not have that happen.

Black Hole: What’s the last thing you want to see?

The last thing she would ever want tosee is her faerie godmother again. But the last thing she wants to see, like before she dies? Hm. I don’t know. Maybe a sunsetover the ocean; she’s never been to the ocean, but she hears its beautiful.

For Lyra, myhalf-elven rogue/pirate captain of the Star Song.

Mercury: What’s your full name?

Lyra Cooper is her whole name. Her mother never gave her a middle one. 

Canopus: Have you ever broken a bone?

Lyra has broken more than a few bones.Some of them from jumping off of buildings and not being able to stop herselffrom hitting the ground, some of them deliberately done by the head of the thieves’guilds she’s been in to teach her a lesson. She had an arm and her nose brokenby Blackthorne himself.

Once she jumped off the bird’s nestand tried to swing down via a rope, but she missed the rope and hit the deckwrong and broke her ankle.

Orion: Favorite month?

Hm. It would probably be Mirius. Lyraalways did love the spring.

Cigar Galaxy: How’s your flirting skills?

Pretty good, all told, when she turnson the charm. She has been taught how to engage and flirt and be all kinds ofcharming. But she never flirts if it’s not for a specific purpose.

Nebula: If you could undo one thing in your life, what wouldit be?

Her mother’s death. If only hermother had survived, well. Who knows where she’d be now? Definitely not thecaptain of a skyship, but all those intervening years of pain and near-starvationand killing and hurting people for a living would also not have happened, andshe wants that almost as much as she wants to see her mother one last time.

For Thirteen, myfish-out-of-water Tabaxi rogue/monk.

Earth: Where’s your home?

Thirteen hails from a jungle islandoff the main continent of the world we were on. Faraway or something like that?Idk I can’t remember what it’s called and I am Too Lazy to get up and find thecampaign map.

But she grew up in a hidden Tabaxisociety and has since been exiled.

Sirius: Have you ever failed a class?

Hell no she hasn’t. She was in thetop percentile of all her classes because she is that damn good.

Libra: Favorite color?

Gold.

Cartwheel Galaxy: When was your first kiss?

Tabaxi don’t kiss like humans orother humanoids do. I don’t think their mouths are made for it. They do touchnoses though, and I think that would have been at about 16, with some male inher class who she just managed to beat.

Supernova: What’s one thing you want to do before you die?

Find the asshole who killed hermentor and rip his guts open.

Celandine, my preciousgnome wizard prodigy

Mercury: What’s your full name?

Celandine Salvia Darkhollow.

Alphard: Have you ever lost a friend?

Yes, I think she has. Aside from hersister, Greldamine, she had one good friend until she was about 6 years old,Emelina, who lived next door. Celandine doesn’t quite remember if she died orjust moved away, only that when they started 2nd grade, Emelina wasn’tthere.

Cygnus: Favourite weather?

Thunderstorms, definitely. Rain helpsher focus and the lightning provides power for all sorts of experiments.

Milky Way: Who’s your oldest friend?  

I think she would count Greldaminehas her oldest friend, since Greldamine has been there since before she wasborn.  

Meteor: What’s something you wish you could tell, but can’t?

The thing is, Celandine doesn’t havemuch of a filter on her, and she doesn’t know when shutting up is the bestoption, so most of the things she wants to say get said.

Maybe she wishes she could talk toher parents more frankly about what being a teenager is like, but she knows shewould get grounded and her tools taken away if they learned 1/8th ofthe shenanigans her and her friends have gotten up to this first year of highschool.

For Az’ar: the Shadar’kaiLore Wizard

Uranus: What’s your hobby?

Az’ar doesn’t really have anyhobbies. She has one goal and basically everything she does furthers it in someway or another.

Vega: What’s something you’ve done that you wish you hadn’t?

I think the only thing she regrets atall is having to kill so many Shadar’kai on the way out of the Shadowfell. But theywere in her way, and since they were offering her violence, she had to returnit. I bet she regrets not stealing away while most of the tribe were asleep,though, or hiding her attempt to leave better.

Hydra: Favorite sound?

The not-quite silence of an emptylibrary.

Sunflower Galaxy: Would you date/make friends with someoneout of pity?

Oh, hell no she would not. I thinkthe furthest she’d go out of pity is to kill them.

Pulsar: What do you hope to do in the next 10 years?

1.) Determine a non-lich,non-necromatic way to remain alive forever.2.) Become the most powerful mage in all the realms.3.) Find the gods wherever they hide and kill them for good.

Kori: Oh heythat’s me!

Pluto: What time is it right now where you are?

5:56pm, CDT

Rigel: Have you ever gone on a rollercoaster?

I have. And I do enjoy them a lot,though it’s been a while for me. I think the last time was when my family wentup to the Wisconsin Dells and we spent the day at Mount Olympus? Good day.

Cassiopeia: Favorite book?

Oh, gosh. This is such a hardquestion because not only does it change all the time, but I have like 60 ofthem at once.

I’m going to go with the His DarkMaterials series for my favorite books of all time (followed very closely bythe Abhorsen Series by Garth Nix), and my current favorite book is Space Operaby Cathrynne M. Valente, and my favorite short story collection is theConservation of Shadows by Yoon Ha Lee.

Black Eye Galaxy: Do you believe in love at first sight?

Love? No. Weird visceral attraction?Yes. I have had some very intense first eye contact before. And even that muchsounds super weird so I’m going to stop there.

Comet: What’s your big dream?

Oh, man. A partner or two, a house orapartment that’s big enough for everyone, maybe with a yard with just enoughroom for a garden in the back, and a room I can use for a library/office. Abook series that’s actually making money that is still in print, even if I haveto work a job or two on the side of writing. We’re living comfortably andpaying our bills on time and I get to see my friends pretty often, and there’sd&d on the weekends and maybe I get invited to stream stuff occasionally.

That’s really it. Quiet mornings, a cat or two, lotsof reading.

[protectjugheadjonesiii]

Ever Since New York

Check the Ever Since New York Masterlist for series updates!

Pairing: Jughead x Reader

Description: After his junior year, Jughead goes to New York for a writing internship.  

Warnings: some swearing, you might cry

Word count: 4,574

A/N: umm first of all thank you for 7000 followers?? holy crap. anywho wowowow this is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written. It’s based off of the song “Ever Since New York” from Harry Styles’s album (which I love btw).  This is probably my favorite thing I’ve ever written tbh. Hope you all enjoy!

Tell me something, tell me something You don’t know nothing, just pretend you do

After years of saving the money he earned at the Twilight Drive-In and other odd jobs, Jughead finally had enough to buy a plane ticket to New York.  He had discovered a writing internship there that he knew he had to do. It didn’t take much effort to convince his dad to allow him to go; in fact, FP even offered to pitch in some money. Jughead refused, claiming that he wanted to do this all on his own.  He wanted to deserve this internship as much as possible.

He started talking to Veronica frequently, asking her about her time in New York.  She, of course, gladly answered all of Jughead’s questions.  She was glad to finally bond with her boyfriend’s best friend.  

Jughead also pestered Betty with questions, seeing as she had done an internship similar to his two summers ago.  It was a bit awkward at first, since the two of them used to date.  However, they both got over their awkwardness for the sake of preparing Jughead for his internship.

“It’s really amazing,” Betty told him.  “It’s a great experience, and you’ll learn so much.”

“What are other people like?” Jughead inquired.  “Are they pricks?”

“Sometimes,” Betty laughed. “It depends.  Do you know how many other people are participating in the internship?”

“Just one,” he answered, shrugging.  “I don’t know who it is though.”

“Well, if they’re a jerk then that’s gonna suck,” she offered.  “But if they’re nice, they may become one of the closest friends you’ll ever have.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Betty replied and nodded.  “You’re gonna spend all summer with this other person.  They’re either gonna drive you up the wall or become your new best friend.”

I need something, tell me something new Choose your words, ‘cause there’s no antidote For this curse, oh, what’s it waiting for? Must this hurt you just before you go?

“Have fun in New York, Jug.” FP patted his son on the back as they stood at the airport gate.  Betty, Veronica, Archie, Fred Andrews, and Kevin stood behind FP, all wearing supportive smiles.  Jughead glanced around at the group who followed him to the airport, filled with admiration of his friends and family.

“Thank you guys,” he said, fighting back a giant grin.  “You didn’t all have to come, though.”

“Of course we did,” Fred Andrews argued.  “We’re not gonna see you all summer, Jughead.  We have to give you a proper send-off.”

“Well, proper send-off achieved,” Jughead laughed.  He watched as others in the line began to move.  “I guess I should go now.  Thanks for this.  See you all in August.”  As he turned on his heel and walked away, the group of six gleefully waved at Jughead’s retreating figure.

“You aren’t worried about Jughead all alone in a giant city?” Fred asked FP as they exited the airport.

“Nah,” FP responded, waving his hand.  “He’s a smart kid, he’ll find his way.”

Oh, tell me something I don’t already know Oh, tell me something I don’t already know

“Hi, I’m Jughead Jones,” he introduced himself at the front desk.  “I’m here for the writing internship.”

The lady sitting behind the desk glanced up at Jughead.  “Ah, yes! We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Jones!” she exclaimed, standing from her chair.

“Oh, am I late?” Jughead inquired.  

The lady shook her head. “Oh no, not at all.  Your counterpart just got here early, so we’ve been waiting for you to start.”

“My counterpart?”

“Miss (Y/N) (Y/L/N),” she gestured to a girl sitting on a chair against the wall, flipping through a magazine.  The girl perked up when she heard her name, and saw Jughead and the receptionist staring at her.

“Is this him?” (Y/N) questioned, standing up and setting the magazine down.  Jughead noticed it was a TIME magazine.  

“Yes,” the receptionist answered.  “(Y/N), this is Jughead Jones.”  Jughead stuck his hand out to shake, and (Y/N) firmly shook his hand.

“I hope you’re not an asshole,” she blatantly said as they released hands, “because we’re gonna be stuck with each other all summer.”

“I was thinking the same thing about you,” he quipped.  

(Y/N) raised her eyebrow in interest.  “Quick-witted,” she noted with a smirk forming on her face.  “I like it.”

“You better,” Jughead fired back, biting back a grin.  “Like you said, we’ll be around each other all summer.”

“If we were together any longer, I’d worry about you falling in love with me,” she jokingly warned. “So be careful.”

Brooklyn saw me, empty at the news There’s no water inside this swimming pool

“When’d you get here?” (Y/N) asked as she and Jughead exited the building, their first day of the internship finished.

“Two days ago,” Jughead answered with his hands in his pockets.  “What about you?”

“Last week.”  Her pace was quick, and she seemed determined to get somewhere.  “Are you hungry?  Because I’m starving.”

“I would love some food,” Jughead almost moaned at the thought of food.  He was only able to scarf down a small lunch in the midst of the business.

“I know this great burger place,” (Y/N) explained as she led the way to the restaurant.  “It’ll make every other burger you’ve ever eaten seem like a pile of shit on a bun.”

“I doubt that,” Jughead scoffed.  “There’s a diner where I’m from that makes the best burgers you’ll ever eat.”

“Where are you from?”

“Riverdale,” he said. “Pop’s diner, that’s what it’s called. If you ever find yourself in Riverdale, stop by Pop’s.  Trust me, you’ll thank me.”

“Well we’re not in Riverdale right now, Jughead Jones,” (Y/N) reminded him.  “So you should thank your lucky stars that I am your counterpart, because I’ve been here for the past week. You know what I’ve been doing for that week?  Exploring, Jones.  I have tried and evaluated twenty-one restaurants, and I know where to go for whatever you’re craving.”

“What if I’m craving Korean food?” he quizzed.

“32nd street, there’s a great Korean grill,” she immediately responded.

“Ethiopian?”

“There’s a quaint little place on 135th street.”

“What if I want to get wasted?” Jughead smirked.

“There’s a club a couple of blocks away with shitty security,” (Y/N) answered with a smirk equally as wide.  “Or maybe I was just an exception, seeing as how attractive I am.”

“I think you overestimate yourself,” he scoffed, playfully rolling his eyes.  

(Y/N) lightly slapped him on the arm.  “I do not!” she retaliated.  

“Whatever, keep lying to yourself.”  Jughead quickened his pace, leaving (Y/N) behind him.

“Hey!” she called out, rushing to catch up to him.  “You better not leave me!  You don’t even know where you’re going.”

“You’re still here,” he noted, casually wrapping his arm around her shoulders.  “Lead the way, (Y/N).”

Almost over, had enough from you And I’ve been praying, I never did before

“God, this food sucks,” (Y/N) whispered, gesturing towards the plates of Japanese food sitting in front of her and Jughead.  “That place we ate at last week was so much better.”

“True,” Jughead agreed with a mouthful of food.  “But this place is cheaper.”

“Rightfully so!” she exclaimed, jabbing at her tofu with a chopstick.  Jughead silently laughed and shook his head, continuing to eat his fried rice.  He watched as (Y/N) picked at her dish, examining each aspect of the meal.  

It had been three weeks since their internship had begun, and Jughead and (Y/N) quickly became close friends.  They bonded over the overwhelming amount of work at their internship and their food-discovering adventures.  Jughead didn’t know how he would’ve survived an entire summer in New York without (Y/N) by his side.  They even stayed at the same hotel, so during a sleepless night, one would wake the other and stay up all night talking.  On those nights, they would drink hot chocolate.

“I’ve got the check tonight, Jug,” (Y/N) said, snapping Jughead out of his thoughts as she took the bill from the waitress.  Jughead furiously shook his head.

“No, (Y/N), you got dinner yesterday,” he protested, reaching out towards the bill.  “I’ll cover it tonight.”

“You got lunch!” she exasperatedly exclaimed.  “I can handle it.  Dinner wasn’t even expensive last night or tonight.”  

Jughead huffed as the waitress returned and took (Y/N)’s money.  “Fine,” he pouted, “but we’re gonna go out for desert, and I’m paying for it.”

“Fine.”

“Ice cream?” Jughead offered, standing from his chair.  (Y/N) followed suit, and they exited the diner.  She slowly grabbed his hand, intertwining their fingers.

“I’m feeling frozen yogurt tonight,” she countered his offer, grinning up at him.

“What’s the difference?” Jughead playfully scoffed, trying not to blush at their hand-holding.  They had started doing it last week after he almost lost (Y/N) in a giant mass of people.

“I swear to God, Jug, you said the same thing last week, and I explicitly explained it to you.”  (Y/N) rolled her eyes.  “Ice cream is-”

“Made with cream, whereas frozen yogurt is a yogurt-based treat,” Jughead quoted what (Y/N) had told him last week.

“I knew you paid attention to me.”

Understand I’m talking to the walls I’ve been praying ever since New York

In the middle of the night, the phone started ringing.  Jughead, still half-asleep, answered it with his eyes remaining shut.  

“You can come over,” he said, not waiting for the caller to initiate the conversation.

“Okay,” (Y/N)’s quiet voice responded, and she hung up.  A few moments later, a soft knock resonated through Jughead’s hotel room.  He rolled off of his bed, throwing on a t-shirt, and opened the door.  (Y/N) stood in the doorway, slightly shaking.  

“You cold?” Jughead murmured.  (Y/N) wordlessly nodded.  He gently grabbed her arm and led her inside, shutting the door behind them.  He stripped the blanket off from his bed and draped it over her shoulders, wrapping (Y/N) in the soft white material.  (Y/N) smiled up at him.

“Why do you put up with me?” she asked, sitting on his bed.  Jughead mimicked her actions and sat next to her.

“What do you mean?” he questioned, furrowing his eyebrows.

“How are you not sick of me?” she elaborated.  “I mean, we’ve been constantly hanging out for, what, a month and a half now?  You know if I’m annoying you, you can just tell me. I’ll back off.”

“Why would you annoy me?” he asked, slowly wrapping his arms around her waist and pulled her into his lap. “You’re the best part about this internship.”

“You’re full of shit.”

“I’m not,” Jughead lightly laughed, slightly nudging her.  “I’m serious, (Y/N).  Before I came, I was asking my friend Betty about internships.  She did one two years ago, so she knew what she was talking about. She told me that the people I’ll meet during this internship will either drive me up the wall or become one of my closest friends.”

“So I haven’t driven you up the wall?” (Y/N) inquired with a tentative smile.

“Of course not,” Jughead laughed loudly this time.  A moment of silence ensued, both (Y/N) and Jughead overwhelmed by sleepiness.

“Is Betty your girlfriend?” (Y/N) broke the silence, staring up at Jughead.

“No,” he muttered, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.  “She was,” he admitted, “but not anymore.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing bad,” he shrugged. “Sometimes things just don’t work out, you know?”

“Yeah,” (Y/N) muttered. “I had a boyfriend.”

“Really?  That’s shocking.”

“Shut up!” she whined, elbowing him.  “Yes, I had a boyfriend.  He was actually a total dickhead.”

“How?” Jughead asked, growing concerned.  

(Y/N) looked up at him and giggled.  “Oh, you’re worried,” she cooed, placing a hand on his chin.  Jughead swatted it away.

“Sue me,” he retorted, but then grew serious.  “But really, what happened?”

“Nothing bad,” she replied, facing away from Jughead.  “We were dating for a while, and… I don’t know.  He never really supported me in anything.  He wasn’t nice to any of my friends, and I didn’t notice for so long because I was so fucking smitten.  Eventually it hit me one day, and I realized that he was horrible.  So, naturally, I dumped him.”

“As one does,” Jughead nodded, nonchalantly tracing patterns on (Y/N)’s right arm with his thumb.  

(Y/N) slumped and sighed. “What time is it?”

Jughead glanced at the clock with its blaring, bright red numbers.  “Three o’clock.”

“Jesus,” she muttered, rubbing her eyes.  “I should… I should get back to my room.”  She jumped off the bed and trekked towards the door, her bare feet dragging on the carpet.

“Wait,” Jughead commanded, grabbing her arm.  “Don’t go, it’s too late.”

“You say that as if I have to walk across New York City,” (Y/N) joked.  “It’s fine, Jug, my room is down the hall.  I’m not gonna get mugged.”

“No, but you may fall over before you reach your room,” he countered with a lighthearted smirk. “Just stay here tonight, okay?” (Y/N), too tired to argue, needed no more convincing as she turned around and climbed into Jughead’s bed. He laid down, patting the space next to him.  (Y/N) tentatively settled next to him, slowly resting her head on the neighboring pillow. “You can get closer than that, you know,” he told her, amused by her unusually timid nature.  She hesitantly scooted closer to him, until she was near enough for Jughead to wrap his arms around her waist and pull her against his chest.  “That’s better,” he whispered into her hair.  She draped one arm around his torso, the other arm tucked under their now-shared pillow.

“Night, Jug,” she murmured, eyes already closed.  He smiled at her.

“Goodnight, (Y/N).”

Oh, tell me something I don’t already know Oh, tell me something I don’t already know Oh, tell me something I don’t already know Oh, tell me something I don’t already know

“Oh, Jughead, how is it?” Betty eagerly asked, her face displayed on his laptop screen.  

“It’s been great,” Jughead answered.  

“What restaurants have you tried?” Veronica questioned from her spot next to Betty.

“A bunch,” he vaguely replied.  “(Y/N) is attempting to try every restaurant in New York City.  I think it’s impossible, but she’s determined.”

“Who is (Y/N)?” Archie inquired, popping his head into the camera’s view.  

Jughead laughed, “Where do I begin?  She’s my ‘counterpart’ for the internship.  We’ve become very close.”

“I told you,” Betty grinned. Jughead nodded.

“You were right,” he admitted.  “Right when I met her, I… I don’t know, it just felt like something clicked between us. We’re inseparable.”  Betty’s expression slightly darkened, but Jughead waved it off as a bit off jealousy.

“Ah, you’ve got it bad, bro,” Archie laughed at his best friend.  Jughead rolled his eyes.

“It’s not like that, Arch,” he explained.  “It’s like Betty said, you grow really close to people when you spend so much time together.”

“But you don’t blush when you talk about them,” Veronica noted, pointing out Jughead’s dusty pink cheeks.

“You’re imagining things,” Jughead scoffed.  Betty, Archie, and Veronica shared a knowing glance.

“If you say so,” Veronica sing-songed.  Before Jughead could respond, there was a knock on his door.  A smile subconsciously grew on his face.

“Speaking of (Y/N),” he said, standing up and walking towards the door.  He opened it, and, as expected, (Y/N) stood there.

“Are we going or not, Jug?” she pressed, grabbing his hand.  “I told you the line for the rainbow bagels is super long.  I don’t want to spend all of Saturday waiting for one, even though they’re so fucking pretty.”

“I’m video chatting with my friends right now,” Jughead told her, gesturing towards his open laptop. “Can you wait like five more minutes?”

“Fine,” (Y/N) huffed, crossing her arms.  She stepped into his room, allowing him to close the door behind her.  She followed him as he sat back down in front of his laptop, resting her chin on his shoulder as she peered at the screen. “These are your friends?”

“Yeah,” he confirmed. “That’s Archie,” he gestured towards the redhead, “the blonde one is Betty, and that one is Veronica.”  (Y/N) smiled at Jughead’s Riverdale friends.

“You must be (Y/N),” Betty smiled.  “Jughead was just talking about you.”

“Of course he was,” (Y/N) joked, nudging his arm.  Jughead playfully shoved her back.

“So how’s it been? Three months with the infamous Jughead Jones?” Veronica inquired with a smirk dancing on her lips.  

“Well it hasn’t been three months quite yet,” (Y/N) corrected her.  “I’ve only gotta deal with this guy for two more weeks.” Jughead’s face slightly deflated as this realization hit him.  “Let me tell you, he’s quite the handful.”

“We know,” Archie laughed. Jughead opened his mouth to say something, but (Y/N) interrupted him.

“Shit, I left my phone in my room!” she exclaimed, standing up.  “I’ll be right back, Jug.”  She turned and faced the laptop.  “It was great talking to you guys.  I hope we can meet sometime!”  She quickly exited Jughead’s room.  Immediately, Veronica, Archie, and Betty bombarded him about (Y/N)

“She’s perfect,” Veronica cooed.  “She’s actually flawless, Jughead.”

“You lucked out, bro,” Archie told him.  “She’s a keeper.”

“She’s absolutely amazing, Jughead,” Betty smiled.  Jughead grinned and shook his head.

“You guys, I told you-”

“Don’t even go there,” Veronica interrupted him.  “That girl is absolutely perfect for you.  The way you two look at each other is… it seems like it’s from a fairytale. You two are soulmates, Jughead.

“She does seem great, Jug,” Archie agreed with her.  “I mean, I’ve never seen you like that with anyone.  No offense, Betty.”

“None taken, Archie,” she waved his comment off.  “They’re right though, Jug.  You never looked at me the way you look at (Y/N).”  Jughead couldn’t think of a clever retort.  “But be careful, Jughead.  Like (Y/N) said earlier, you two only have two more weeks together. If you haven’t done anything up to this point, you might want to consider whether or not it’s worth it to start something now.  Just ask yourself, is it worth the heartbreak that’ll happen when you have to leave her?” She pursed her lips as she watched Jughead’s face darken on her screen.

“Thanks guys,” he said halfheartedly.  “Really, thank you.  I’ll see you all in two weeks.”

Tell me something, tell me something You don’t know nothing, just pretend you do Tell me something just before you go

“Our last day!” (Y/N) exclaimed, prancing into Jughead’s hotel room.  After the video call he had two weeks ago ended, he decided to give her a key to his room.  “Our internship is over, and we have one last night to spend together, Jug.  Out of every place in all of New York City, where do you want to go, Jughead Jones?” she asked seductively, a coy smirk growing on her face.

“I’m feeling burgers tonight,” Jughead answered, trying to stop his expression from deflating.  “And then maybe we can get some cupcakes?”

“I like it!” she grinned. She grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the room, beginning the trek to their favorite restaurant.  “Jesus, I can’t believe it’s been three months already.”

“I know,” he agreed.  “It seems like my plane landed just yesterday.”

“Yeah,” (Y/N) breathed. They spent the rest of their walk in silence, choosing to listen to the bustling New York traffic.  

The waitresses at the restaurant, at this point, knew Jughead and (Y/N) as regulars.  They didn’t even bother giving them menus, knowing exactly what each of them would order.

“You two are my favorites,” the waitress whispered as she set their burgers in front of them.

“Thank you,” (Y/N) grinned. “I’m sorry to say, but it’s our last day here.”

“Oh,” the waitress sighed. “Well, you two better visit.  I don’t know what I’ll do without my favorite regulars.”  She walked away, leaving (Y/N) and Jughead to enjoy their burgers.

“You know,” Jughead noted through a mouth full of burger, “I don’t know how you’ve tried almost every restaurant in New York City while becoming a regular here.”

“Talent, Jug,” she told him, wiping her mouth on a napkin.  “It takes a hell of a lot of talent.”

They finished dinner and went to their favorite bakery to get cupcakes.  On their walk back to the hotel, they fell into silence once again. It wasn’t broken until they entered Jughead’s hotel room.  By now, almost all of (Y/N)’s stuff ended up in here.  They found it easier, rather than constantly having to switch back and forth between rooms to grab their stuff.

“So that was our last day,” (Y/N) claimed, flopping onto the bed.  Jughead stood by the bedside, crossing his arms with an amused smile.

“Unfortunately, it was,” he nodded.  He jumped next to her on the bed, earning a shriek from (Y/N).  He swallowed as he stared at her, knowing what he had to tell her. “Do you remember what you said to me on the first day we met?”

“That I know where to go for whatever you’re craving,” she answered with a grin.  Jughead laughed and shook his head.

“No, the other thing.”

“I hope you’re not an asshole because we’re gonna be stuck together all summer?” she offered.  He shook his head again.

“Nope.”

“I called you quick-witted?”

“No!”

“What is it?” (Y/N) demanded, sitting up so that she was hovering over Jughead as he remained laying down.

“You told me that if we were together any longer than just the summer, I might fall in love with you,” he explained, sitting up so that they were face-to-face.  (Y/N)’s grin slightly faded.

“Oh,” she murmured.  “Yeah, I did say that.”

“You were wrong,” Jughead said, trying to keep his voice steady.  He slowly grabbed her right hand.

“Really?” she asked as her eyes followed Jughead’s hand.

“Betty told me to be careful,” he explained, “because we’re not gonna be together that long.  And she was right.  I mean, why would we risk an immense amount of heartbreak just for the sake of a blissful few weeks together?”  When (Y/N) said nothing, he continued.  “So I figured I could just suck it up and get through the rest of our time together and not say anything.  It was a good plan, but you… you ruined it.”

“Sorry,” she quipped with a small smirk.  Jughead lovingly rolled his eyes.

“No you’re not,” he laughed. “You’re not sorry, and you shouldn’t be. Within the three months we’ve spent together, I’ve grown closer to you than I ever have with anyone else.  Hell, my ex-girlfriend said that we were great together.”

“She did?”

“Yeah,” he responded, grabbing her hands.  “Jesus, (Y/N), I’m in love with you.  I’m fucking in love with you, and it sucks.  It sucks because I don’t know if I’m ever gonna see you again.  And this is gonna cause so much heartbreak, for me at least, and maybe you too.  I just… I can’t keep it from you anymore.  But I also think, deep down, you already knew how I felt.”  Tears clouded (Y/N)’s eyes, and her lips quivered as she quickly enveloped Jughead in a hug.

“Fuck,” she whispered into his neck.  “Fuck, of course I love you, Jughead.”  He pulled himself out of her grip and stared at her, stroking his hand across her cheek. They both leaned in, pressing their foreheads against each other.  Their lips ghosted over each other, only millimeters apart.

“If I kiss you-”

“If you kiss me, everything is gonna go to shit, Jug,” she interrupted him.  He nodded but didn’t pull away.  They sat there like that on his bed on a minute, (Y/N) sitting on Jughead’s lap with her arms around his neck, foreheads touching and lips barely brushing.

The tension grew unbearable, so (Y/N) closed the gap and pressed her lips against his, trying to express what she had been feeling for the past three months.  

Jughead, too, attempted to convey every pent up confession he had, wishing that kisses could speak. He wanted his hands, which were encircling her waist, to tell her how she charmed him with her wit.  He wanted his eyes, which were closed with pleasure, to tell her how beautiful she was, especially when she trudged into his hotel room at three in the morning.  He wanted his lips, which were pressed against hers, to tell her how much he loved her.  He loved her, he loved her, and he wanted to keep saying it for the rest of his life.

For the sake of oxygen, the two pulled apart.  They kept their foreheads resting against each other.  

“Everything’s gone to shit,” (Y/N) whispered, and Jughead burst out into laughter.  (Y/N) followed suit by giggling, and their still-entangled limbs caused them to fall onto the bed so that (Y/N) was laying on top of Jughead. This only caused the pair to laugh harder.  

When their chuckles finally died down, (Y/N) climbed off from on top of Jughead and laid next to him, resting her head on his chest.  She combed her hand through his raven locks.

“I’m sorry that I fell in love with you,” Jughead apologized, kissing the top of her head. They were slowly falling asleep.

“Thank you for falling in love with me,” (Y/N) whispered, eyes fluttering shut.  “It may have all gone to shit, but it was worth it.”

Oh, tell me something I don’t already know Oh, tell me something I don’t already know Oh, tell me something I don’t already know Oh, tell me something I don’t already know

Jughead stepped off the plane and saw his dad and friends standing at the gate, excitedly waiting for him.  He didn’t say anything, he didn’t even bother smiling.  Immediately, everyone understood.  

While they were awaiting Jughead’s plane’s arrival, Betty, Veronica, and Archie explained to the rest of the group about (Y/N).  They told them about how Jughead spent three months falling in love with this girl, and they explained that they had never seen Jughead look so smitten before.  

“How was New York, Jug?” FP asked, taking Jughead’s suitcase from him.  Jughead shrugged.

“It was nice.”

“Good food?” he questioned, trying to get his son to open up.  Jughead nodded tiredly.

“Yeah, food was great,” he replied monotonously.

“And the internship?”

“Helpful,” Jughead responded.  “I think it’ll help me improve as a writer.”

“That’s good,” FP said, raking a hand through his hair.  “You had another person with you, right?”  FP noticed Jughead tense up at this.

“Yeah,” he answered quietly. “Yeah, I had a counterpart.”

“What was she like?” Jughead looked up at his dad.

“You already know who it is,” he replied, shaking his head.  “Who told you, Betty?”  FP pursed his lips.

“Yeah, her and Archie and Veronica.  But listen, Jug, you’re going to have your heart broken countless other times.  You’ll get over this girl,” he attempted to comfort Jughead.

“Dad, she wasn’t just a girl,” he protested.  “She was amazing and quick-witted, and I fell in love with her and then everything went to shit.  But the worst part is that it’s okay, because she loved me too.  She fucking loved me, and I kissed her, and now I may never see her again.”

“Well if you loved her that much, you may see her again,” FP shrugged.  “Fate is a tricky thing, son, but the universe seems to cooperate better if you love someone.”

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[freezing-kaiju]

Monster Watch Chapter 3: A Good Team

[symbra, widowtracily, pharmercy]

1987

Angel Falls, Washington

It was a cold night. Rain was pouring down in torrents. The streetlamps cast their orange light on the slippery sidewalks. The few pedestrians walking the streets were shivering under their umbrellas and raincoats.

Sombra was shivering too, but not from the cold. She never felt the cold. She ran down the sidewalk, desperately trying to run faster, just a little faster. Tears streamed down her face, never hitting the ground or even falling from her cheeks. And yet… below those crying eyes was a smile.

Satya. The name echoed through her mind.

How could she have forgotten? What happened to her when she died to make her forget? What had happened to Satya?

But none of that mattered right now. She was going to see her again.

-

Eventually, Sombra arrived at the library. It was a stately building, with brick walls and several gargoyles perched on the roof, but Sombra didn’t have time nor patience to admire the architecture. She phased through the door and floated towards the ceiling, which was supported by four large marble columns, heading for the trapdoor from before.

But when she tried to phase through, she just bumped against it. Por supuesto, Sombra thought. Ella es una bruja. It only makes sense that she'd have magic wards on her front door. Frustrated, she kicked the door.

Sombra heard footsteps above her. She heard Satya say, “WHO DARES…”

“Satya?” Sombra said, voice half a sob.

She heard a gasp and the trapdoor swung open. Without hesitating, she flew through the open space, making sure she was fully materialized, and bowled into Satya.

They embraced and crashed to the ground, sobbing.

“It’s… * sniff * it’s been so long,” Satya said, her voice quavering. “I thought you were gone forever...”

“Mi amor… You look as beautiful as i remembered,” Sombra said. “Almost like no time passed at all.”

And they lay there, holding each other tight, looking into each others’ eyes, and weeping with joy, finally reunited after so many years.

-

The next morning, over at Emily and Lena’s house, Emily was in the process of making breakfast. Amelie was eying the bacon she was frying hungrily, while Lena, already dressed and wearing a trucker hat, was staring at a toaster, impatiently waiting for her toast.

“You know, love, looking at it isn’t gonna make it toast faster,” Emily said.

Lena frowned. “Can too.”

The toaster promptly dinged.

“HA! See? I told you!” Lena did a little dance and yanked the toast out of the toaster, putting one piece in her mouth and the other in her vest pocket.

Emily smiled and rolled her eyes.

“Well, I’m off to work,” Lena said with a sigh, picking up her lunchbox and toolkit and heading to the door.

“Bye, love,” Emily said, “Don’t let Jamison drive you up the wall.”

“I’ll try.” Lena said, running over and giving Emily a peck on the cheek. “Cheers, love!”

Emily smiled and waved goodbye as Lena ran out the door and to her van.

As she drove off, Amelie asked, “Pardonez-moi, but what exactly is Lena’s profession?”

“She’s a car mechanic. It’s how she’s managed to keep that rubbish van of hers working.”

The bacon finished frying and Emily placed it on a plate, arranging three serving plates on the table and a place setting for both her and Amelie.

Emily took two waffles, a sausage, and a serving of hash browns, Amelie immediately covered her plate in bacon and sausages.

“Will I rant a bit about something?” Emily asked.

Amelie, in the process of shoveling bacon into her mouth, answered, “Why not? I think of myself as a good listener.” She had learned in her years on the run to listen to everything and take in as much information as possible.

“Right then,” Emily said. “Personally, I don’t exactly see why the Sixth Doctor was so reviled. His seasons didn’t have the best writing, sure, but I blame that mostly on the execs over at the BBC. They gave him so little to work with, but I says Colin sure made the best of it. His outfit was great, I loved his snark,a nd he really brought something new to the character of the Doctor. Now Seven,” -and here Emily gestured to her sweater, a pattern of red question marks and green zigzags- “he’s a great one, I’m somewhat glad they got rid of Six. He acts like a grandfather, goofy and doting, but he’s a smart one as well, always two steps ahead of his enemies. But yeah, they’re my favorites. Still miss Four a bit, but what can ya do.”

Amelie stared blankly at her for a few seconds. Emily could almost see the wheels turning in her head.

“Mon ami, that sounds fascinating, but I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Emily was flabbergasted. “The Doctor! You know, Doctor Who? The police box? Daleks? The Master? Jelly babies? Sonic screwdrivers?”

Amelie shook her head.

Emily’s eyes lit up. “Well then, I believe I know what we’re going ta do today!” She jumped up from her chair and grabbed Amelie’s arm, leading her into the living room.

-

Back at the library, an hour or so later, Sombra and Satya were getting caught up.

“So… Has anything important changed with you?” Sombra asked.

“Well, I gained some weight,” Satya said, gesturing at her midsection and generally chubby form. “I have chalked it up to lack of exercise and my own cooking.”

“You look beautiful, mi amor,” Sombra said reassuringly.

“Come to think of it, how come you haven’t aged?

Satya shrugged. “I don’t exactly know, but I have a theory. I tried to bring you back to life, the night you died. It failed; I said the words wrong, I missed a key ingredient, something along those lines. Point is that I failed. But seeing you here… maybe I succeeded in part. Maybe the residual life magic from that spell caught onto some strong emotion from you and brought you back. The spell was intended to bind two souls to each other, make our lives bound together. And that part must have succeeded; since you can’t age as a ghost, I have not aged either.”

“Makes sense,” Sombra said. She thought for a few seconds before another question came to mind. If anyone could answer this, it was Satya.

“Refresh my memory. How and why did I die?”

Satya looked down and shrugged. “I don’t know. We were dancing, you were laughing, and then suddenly you were choking, and y-you c-c-collapsed, and…” Satya trailed off, beginning to tear up. “S-sorry, it’s * sniff* it’s a traumatic memory for me.”

Sombra hugged Satya. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’m still here.” Sombra mulled over this information as she consoled her girlfriend. She had noticed a long time ago that her cause of death wasn’t obvious, but to learn that nobody else knew disquieted her. It looked like a mystery… and she liked mysteries.

After a few minutes, Satya wiped her arm across her face. “All right, I’m better now.” Suddenly, she had a flash of inspiration.

“I have an experiment I want to try out. Wait here.”

Satya ran into one of the back rooms. Sombra could hear the sound of things being shuffled through, metal clinking on metal, and drawers being opened and shut. Finally, Satya ran back out, carrying with a large pair of goggles. They were made of some sort of black metal, and had silver dials on the sides. The lenses seemed to shine with an otherworldly light.

“These are soulsense goggles. They let people figure out why a ghost came back. Usually used by ghost busters, but I’m just curious as to why you’re here. When I look through these, you’re gonna look like a specific color related to why you came back. Dark red for revenge, bright red for anger, light blue for magic, dark blue for misery, purple for love, etc.”

Satya snapped the goggles on and stared intently at Sombra. After a few unresponsive seconds, she collapsed to her knees and put her head in her hands, blushing a furious shade of red.

Sombra hurried over. “Satya? What did you see? Is it bad?”

Satya looked up at her, smiling from ear to ear. “I-I-I’ve never seen so much purple in my life!”

-

Sometime after lunch, Fareeha parked her motorcycle in front of Lena’s house and made the short walk up to the front door. She knocked three times, and Emily opened it.

“Fareeha! Top o’ the morning to ya!” Emily greeted her, smiling. She was wearing her usual panama hat and green scarf. Her sweater of the day was a yellow one with a pattern of red question marks and green horizontal zigzags. “We’re marathonin’ some Doctor Who over here.”

“Cool, Em,” Fareeha greeted in return. She was wearing a dark blue Toronto Maple Leafs t-shirt, jeans, and her usual blue flannel jacket. “You ready to go to the library?”

Emily considered for a second. “I guess. Where’s Angela?”

“At work. Same with Lena, right?”

“Right.”

“So uh… you ready to get going?”

“Just the two of us? On your motorcycle?” Emily shrugged. “Sure, seems reasonable. I’ll go tell Amelie we’re going.”

She turned around and ran back into the house.

-

Fareeha parked her motorcycle in front of the library. It was mid-afternoon. As they strode in, they noticed that there were some people in there, reading books, checking them out, the usual library patron things. Emily and Fareeha made a beeline for the corner directly below the trapdoor and looked up.

Amelie was looking down at them, next to the trapdoor. She gave Emily a sly smile and knocked on the door.

Emily smiled back. Fareeha looked at her somewhat quizzically, trying to figure out how on earth Amelie had gotten there faster when she was on foot and they were on a motorcycle.

The trapdoor opened slightly, and Amelie whispered something into it. It swung open and the ladder descended from it. Amelie skittered in, while Fareeha and Emily waited until nobody was looking before quickly scaling the ladder and entering the witch’s home.

The room looked much the same as the last time they saw it, everything still perfectly organized and categorized.

“¡Hola!”

Amelie jumped.

Sombra materialized behind her, giggling. She floated over their heads and turned to hover in front of them.

“Wow, arana, you’re high-strung. Gotta remember that...”

“My name,” Amelie said through gritted teeth, “is Amelie. A-me-lie. Got it?”

“Got it, arana,” Sombra said with a sly grin. “Hola, Fareeha. Hola, Emily. Coma estas?

“Hi, Sombra,” Fareeha said, “What’re you doing here?”

“It’s a long story,” Sombra said. She turned around and shouted, “Hey Satya, el equipo esta aqui, está la magia lista?

The ornate door creaked open and Symmetra stepped out. She carried herself as usual, but gone was the judging visage of yesterday and in its place was a faint yet joyful smile.

“Welcome back. I see your number is diminished today. Where are Angela and your British compatriot?” Symmetra asked quizzically.

“Angie and Lena are at work.” Fareeha answered.

“Fair enough.”

Symmetra lightly clapped her hands and a chest floated up to them. It was a somewhat ornate oak chest, with patterns of fire inlaid with what appeared to be gold leaf. She snapped her fingers and it opened.

“For you, Fareeha; a silver hockey stick that will amplify your already prodigious strength. I trust you are proficient in its use?”

Fareeha picked it up. “Good balance. Should feel heavier than it is, but it actually feels pretty light.” She tried a few practice swings. “And it handles good, eh?”

“For you, Emily; a silver-tipped umbrella that projects a shield when it is open, to protect you and your friends.”

“Cheers,” Emily said, picking up the umbrella.

“For you, Amelie; this visor will augment your already powerful vision and let you show what you see to others.”

Amelie picked up the visor. It covered her upper eyes with six ruby-red lenses.

“For Angela, a cadeuceus that she can channel her angelic powers through to heal allies. And for Lena, a necklace that will make her as fast as a wolf.”

The cadeuceus was long and made of some white metal, topped with an angel-wing design and a yellow gem, possibly a citrine or a yellow tourmaline. The necklace was a large, flat, glowing blue gem with curiously rotating patterns of rings within it, inlaid within a silver disk suspended from a sturdy silver chain.

Suddenly, Fareeha realized something.

“Umm… do you have some way for us to take these home?” she said quizzically.

“...What?” Symmetra said, nonplussed.

“We’ll look sorta conspicuous carrying these through a library, and the motorcycle we got here on doesn’t have a trunk,” Fareeha pointed out.

“Oh, y-yes, uh… I will provide you with a bag of holding… just g-give me a second...” Symmetra sputtered, and headed towards one of the back rooms. Once the door was closed behind her, she began kicking herself and muttering about being an idiot. How could she have made such an elementary mistake?

-

Angela strode up to the porch of a small house with a navy-blue tiled roof. She checked her watch.

4:26 P.M. Right on time. Angela knocked on the door.

She heard loud footsteps. Fareeha, beaming, opened the door and exclaimed, “Angie! There you are! C’mon, the game’s about to start!”

Angela smiled. “Glad I could make it, Fareeha.”

Angela was honestly glad that her schedule allowed her to spend time with Fareeha; the trade-off, though, was that she had to arrive at work at 5 o’clock sharp, and thus didn’t get much sleep.

Fareeha was sitting on the couch in front of her TV. She had a cooler of beer and a large bowl of popcorn.

Angela plopped down on the couch. She sighed, exhausted, and began undoing her ponytail, letting her hair down.

“Long day at work, Angie?”

“Mein Gott, yes. So much paperwork.”

Angela looked over at the coffee table and noticed a photo lying there. It appeared to be a young Fareeha, her father, and a woman she didn’t recognize. She had a tattoo similar to Fareeha’s, but on the other eye.

“Who’s that?” Angela asked, pointing to the woman in the photo.

Fareeha looked at it. “Oh yeah. That’s my mom. Dad said she left when I was a kid. Found that picture in my attic. Wish he could’ve told me more about her, but he’s not around to ask anymore, ya know.” She sighed and shrugged. “Well, least he’s in a better place. And hey! It’s been kinda nice, having the place all to myself… n’ you, of course.”

Angela smiled and put her arm around Fareeha’s shoulder. “Always finding that silver lining, aren’t you, liebling?”

“Yup,” Fareeha said, leaning over to kiss Angela on the cheek.

-

At around 6-o’clock, Lena pulled the van into her garage. She was singing along to a song on the radio, and when she parked the car and got out she continued to sing.

“Oh-oh, we’re halfway there,” Lena sung as she walked to the front door. “Whoa-oh, livin’ on a prayer!”

“Luv, I’m ho-ome!” Lena announced as she opened the door.

As she entered the house, she could hear that Emily was watching a show in the living room. From the sounds of lasers and British yelling, she assumed that it was Doctor Who.

Rounding the corner, she found her assumption correct. Emily and Amelie were sitting on the couch, with Amelie’s many legs and arms oddly curled around Emily in a comfortable, protective gesture. They both looked up.

“Bonjour, Lena,” Amelie said, waving to her with a free hand.

“Hey, love!” Emily greeted her. “Me and Amelie’ve been watchin’ some Doctor Who. Your dinner’s on the table, we already ate. It’s fish and chips.”

“Cheers, love!” Lena said. “I’ll leave ya to your show.”

Shortly thereafter, as Lena ate her dinner, she realized it felt kind of lonely, eating by herself. Oi, that’s a stupid thought, Lena thought. Em’s just over there in the living room, and Amelie too! Come to think of it, they look really nice together. Still, Lena felt that something was missing. She pushed that thought to the back of her brain, though.

-

“Fareeha.”

“wha...” Fareeha said, waking up. She was in bed, and it was dark out. She looked over at the clock. 11:30 P.M. Why was she awake now?

She felt Angela’s hand on her shoulder. Yawning, she said, “Ya amar, why’d you wake me-”

She trailed off when she saw Angela. She was sitting bolt upright. Her hair seemed to stand on end, and gone was her usual weary look. Bu most noticeably, her eyes were glowing white.

“Good. You are awake. We need to go.” Angela said, in an echoing, imposing voice that sounded almost like a choir.

Fareeha stared at her for a few seconds.

“Why?”

“Hellhounds. Other side of town. Get your gear. Get dressed. Call Lena.”

Fareeha got out of bed, half-awake but grinning. “Finally.”

-

On the edge of the woods, six figures stood. Fareeha was wearing blue hockey pads and wielding her hockey stick. Amelie was wearing a long hoodie, two pairs of black gloves, her visor, and was wielding a sniper rifle. Lena had her glowing necklace, a toolbelt strapped on over her bomber jacket, and was in the process of loading a handgun. Emily looked a bit apprehensive, but nevertheless she was brandishing her silver-tipped umbrella with the rest of them. Sombra was hovering in the air, practicing her punches and kicks. And Angela stood in the forefront of them all, hair flowing and body glowing with a dim yellow-white light, ready to unleash her full power but reined in for now.

“Are we ready?”

“Ready.” Fareeha said confidently.

Lena grinned. “Course we are!”

Amelie and Sombra nodded in assent. Emily hesitated for a second, then nodded as well.

“Then let’s go. Battle awaits.” Angela announced, leading on into the forest with the others close behind.

Soon, Amelie spotted a dim orange light. Then another, and another. “There they are!” she announced, pointing.

“Hellhounds. Ten of them.” Angela smiled. “Finally.” With that, her dim glow turned into a bright shine. Massive, angelic wings sprouted from her back as she began to glow all over, becoming a radiant, angelic figure. She rose into the air and hurtled towards the hellhound pack, yelling a battle cry.

Fareeha looked in awe for a few seconds before snapping out of it and following her, charging into battle with her weapon gripped tightly. Lena, Emily, and Sombra followed, with Amelie sticking back with her sniper rifle.

Angela lobbed a few bolts of light at the pack. Two of the hounds were hit and dissolved into ash. The pack scattered as a result. Fareeha whacked one in the head with her hockey stick and felt its skull crack under the swing a split second before it dissolved. She wheeled around and bashed another in the ribcage, leaving another ashpile behind her.

A hellhound leapt at Emily, but she opened her umbrella and it bounced off the shield, knocking her back a bit but repelling the slavering beast. She didn’t notice the other one lurking behind her, until a shot rang out and, with a yelp, the hound dissolved into ash. Emily looked over in the direction in the shot, and saw Amelie giving her two thumbs up. She gave a thumbs up in return.

The hound Emily died was swiftly dispatched by Lena, who was dashing around the area. She paused just long enough to shoot it right in the head before dashing off again, kicking up some ash in her wake. Sombra was having a bit of a harder time, since she neglected to bring weapons. Thus, she was engaged in a bit of fisticuffs with a hellhound. Jab right, kick left, roundhouse, and two decisive hits to the cranium brought the beast down, and Sombra floated off.

Lena noticed the remaining two hellhounds and ran over to one, shooting at it till it dissolved. Amelie took the last one with a decisive shot to the head.

As they dusted themselves off, Angela’s light bean to dim. She touched down, and all of a sudden she immediately stopped glowing. Fareeha ran over as Angela shuddered on her feet and collapsed in her arms.

“Angie! Are you okay?”

“Ja, liebling. Just… tired.” Angela sighed and looked up at Fareeha. “We make a good team, though.”

thanks so much for reading! Please let me know what you thought, and the next chapter’s already underway!

And as always, thank you to @reypadawanjedi, @space-agatka, @kalverzer, and my beta @sssammich