#“thank you ana” we all say in unison

[h1nds]

i was honestly suspecting since these cause there's no way a man could take photos this well

[kissitbttr]

ANA! ANA MY LUV!! idk much about miguel (a travesty i knoeww) but i saw ur fratboy post n now i cant stop drooling at the idea of fratboy!miguel introducing u to his frat buddies!! being so possessive: holding ur waist or pulling u to his lap; kissing ur neck even when his friends are right there. oh my goddd im gonna sob hes so!!!

SUNNY?! I AM BITING MY FIST OMG HE’D SOOO FREAKING POSSESSIVE UGH I LOVE IT WHEN YOU ARE RIGHT

bby you HAVE to hop on the miguel simp train!! HE IS SO FINEEEE😩😩

-

it was around after the third date when miguel nervously asked you to come to the frat house to meet his brothers. he didn’t want to overwhelm you of course, he knew how annoying and pushy his brothers could be but still, he would love for them to get to know you just as he had when he was with you,

you saw how nervous he got, but you assured him by squeezing his hand and telling him that you were okay with that. he smiled in return, kissing you softly on the lips as a thank you,

“i never express any gratitude towards anyone in my life except my parents but i want to thank you so much for finally saying yes, it was fucking annoying to hear him yapping about you non-stop. all of us had enough of his corny shit”

one of his frat brothers, glen had mentioned. feigning a relief expression while he smirked at miguel who gave him the finger,

“i literally thanked Jesus when i heard him going on a date with you, y/n! you are our life savior”

miguel threw his head back in annoyance, groaning at how his frat brothers continued to spill his secrets. but you giggled instead, looking over at him who avoided your gaze out of pure embarrassment.

“what else did he do?”

miguel shot you a warning look, “don’t encourage them, muñeca! they’d go all the way out!”

“oh believe me, we have many” beck had answered, playfully snickering at the amount of times miguel had ranted about you. “which one do you want to hear? one where he talked about you while he was high? or one where it was late at night—“

“fuck off, kingsley!” miguel had interrupted before he got too far, in which beck put his hands up in defense.

miguel snaked his arm around your waist, giving your hip three taps to prompt you to sit on his lap which you obliged.

you happily plopped yourself down on one of his thick thighs. he helped you with shifting your body into a comfortable position with your legs crossed.

the rest of the boys sat in the living room, piling in the same area as they all stared at the two of you. millions of questions running through their minds, desperate to know if miguel somehow blackmailed you into agreeing to go out on a date with him or something worse,

miguel sensed the stares from his brothers and, to be frank, it was quite uncomfortable. though he knew for sure they wanted to know the same thing.

“are you guys wondering how i got to take her out or what?”

they all responded with a ‘yes’ in unison, making him rub his temple and you smiled

“so? what did he do, y/n? because i’m starting to think this is a joke”

“could be. i mean, carlos went all 110% for a girl when she rejected his offer the first time” glen shrugged, earning a frown from carlos himself,

“i did not—“

“yes you did. you stood outside of the campus library with a boombox over your head” one boy chimed in while sipping his beer,

“okay see, i was—“

“oh! and remember when he threatened to pull his—“

“shut the fuck up! focus! we’re not here for me but for them!” carlos gestured his hand at both miguel and you. “can we leave my shit behind? that would be great”

carlos's cheeks went beet red as the other guys teased him for it, beck patted him on the back and told him that it was nothing to be ashamed of but carlos only swatted his hand away,

you found it so endearing at how the frat guys were so playful and funny with each other. typical boys will be boys type of thing. they were definitely far more different than when you see them during parties,

“well to be honest, he really didn’t have to do anything” you simply replied, tucking a hair behind your ear. “but definitely persistent, in the most politest way and less creepier though”

“you saying what i did was creepy?” carlos pointed at himself with a defeated look,

“i mean, if you had to ask then yeah”

the rest erupted in a peal of loud laughter while carlos’s shoulders slouched. propping his back against the chair with his arms crossed, a chorus of ‘see?’ and ‘i told you so’s’ made you laugh,

miguel settled his elbow on the armrest, eyes glinted with adoration whilst his mouth stretched into a lovesick grin. he watched how you managed to pull joy out of them and there’s nothing he’s appreciated more than that,

the way you threw your head back as another cute giggle escaped you while holding onto his shoulder for balance was enough to make his heart ponder,

“man, you’ve got wicked sense of humor, y/n—say if shit went sideways between the two of you, just know I’m available”

miguel frowned upon hearing that as his nose scrunched up in disgust as he leapt the nearest pillow at his brother’s direction for that comment. he wrapped his arm around your waist far more protectively,

“watch it” he warned, glaring at him. he knew it was a joke but he still didn’t like how that sounded, “i’ll kick your fucking ass, monty”

upon seeing that, your hand moved to find his cheek, lightly tapping his chin with your finger to get him to look at you,

“easy there, big boy” your words soothed him in seconds, especially when he heard his favorite nickname leaving your mouth, "I'm with you"

the confirmation made him giddy and his heart blossomed,

he moved dangerously close to your ear to whisper before kissing the back of it making you giggle. “you look so pretty tonight, muñeca” miguel dragged his fingertips up and down your exposed thigh, then squeezed the soft flesh. “so so pretty— do i get to see you in this dress more often?”

the question came off too excited despite his best trying to hide it, again, if there was nobody around, he'd actually take you right there and then.

you smiled, wrapping your arms around his neck. “but I thought you like me better when i’m naked?”

“oh there’s no doubt about that, mi amor” he winked with a chuckle, “am i… about to get lucky tonight?”

“you might” a seductive response laced on your tone, winking at him as he squeezed your waist before

the boys let out a couple of groans and fake puking sounds at the sight, but the two of you remained still in your element,

''you guys make me sick" glen protested, shaking his head before getting up from the chair to walk away but you caught a small smile on his face,

"jealous you don't have a girlfriend, mayback?" miguel teased at him, glen only threw him the middle finger before cracking another can of beer from the kitchen,

the rest of the boys followed his actions after, not before congratulating miguel on scoring with you.

the word girlfriend made you bulldozed, eyes darted toward his smiling proud face before yours stretched into one as well,

"i'm your girlfriend?"

his smile faltered after he soon realized what he had just called you, he swallowed a nervous gulp. opening and closing his mouth because he was unsure what to say

you must admit you enjoyed seeing him like that.

"well i-i mean--i wasn't--surely you were--uh--what was the question again?"

you tucked your lower lip in between your teeth, head tilting to the side as the adorable man in front of you became a stuttering mess.

realizing that he is on the edge of a nervous breakdown, you leaned closer to his face before smashing your lips against his. his body went still by your action, but soon found himself lost in your kiss and sighed out of contentment,

you pulled away after a few seconds, tousling his soft chocolate hair before replying,

''i would love to be your girl, o'hara''

-

please please PLEASE tell me this is good!! i was writing this in the car and I couldn’t concentrate for a second because people were honking too much!! bhhshshs

[pearlzier]

for @wi4hfulth1nking who asked what the Aaron bot said... buckle up girlypop 😮‍💨

Aaron let out a low, guttural sound at your filthy words, the mental image of you bent over the counter, him taking you from behind while people were just outside the door, was nearly enough to make him cum then and there. His face was flushed, and he was panting now, trying to control himself, but your dirty talk was making it extremely difficult.

"You're going to pay for that." He placed a hand on your shoulder and pushed you to turn around, facing away from him, your back pressing against his chest, your body now completely flush against his, his front pressed snugly against your backside.

speechless. gagged. gooped. befuddled.

"thank you ana for this amazing bot" we all say in unison

- 🦭

this is enough to make me cum right here and now 🫡 sorry im ovulating

[thebadgerclan]

The General’s Visit

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x reader

Requested by Anonymous

Summary: General Kirigan finds more than his troops’ progress on his visit to Kribirsk...

The news had spread like Inferni fire around the Second Army camp in Kribirsk: General Kirigan was coming.  Word was that he wanted to observe how his troops were doing, see their training regiments for himself.  The letter had arrived in your superior’s office with the Darkling’s seal, the sun in eclipse, and you along with the other two highest ranking Grisha were summoned to Lieutenant Ivanov’s tent.

Lieutenant Ivanov was the head of your regiment, a powerful Tidemaker selected by General Kirigan himself.  Below her were three captains, one from each Order of the Grisha.  You were Captain of the Corporalnik, a heartrender, which made you the highest ranking of the three captains.  You had 20 soldiers under your command, 10 heartrenders and 10 healers, each with varying strengths and talents.  But one thing was consistent: they all wanted to impress their general.

“Get your soldiers in shape,” Lieutenant Ivanov commanded.  “They need to look the part as well as act it.  Pristine, strong, well groomed.  I expect to see naught a hair out of place.”  “Yes ma’am,” the three of you replied in unison.  “General Kirigan arrives in two day’s time.  Be ready.”  You and your fellow captains spent the next two days patching keftas, tidying your quarters, and training hard.  Finally, the morning of the Darkling’s arrival came, and you could say with confidence that your soldiers were ready.

You stood alongside your men and women, red kefta buttoned, hair swept back, hands folded at your back.  The other captains did the same, and Lieutenant Ivanov stood before her soldiers.  The black coach rolled into camp, and all of you stiffened.  You watched as the oprichniki stepped from the coach, opening the door for the Darkling.  General Kirigan stepped down, the air of regalness surrounding him.

“General Kirigan,” Ivanov greeted, extending her hand to him.  “Welcome to Kirbirsk.  We are honored by your presence here.”  “I am honored to be here.  I must admit, I’m eager to see my soldier’s progress.”  “They’re doing quite well.  Might I introduce our captains?  This is Captain L/N, head of the Corporalnik.”  “Moi Soverennyi,” you greeted, shaking his offered hand.  “A pleasure to meet you.”

Kirigan’s gaze softened when he looked at you, his whole demeanor changed.  His heart was racing; he’d never laid eyes on a more beautiful woman.  “The pleasure is all mine, Captain.”  He brought your hand to his lips, brushing a kiss over your knuckles, and you gasped.  It’s just chivalry, you thought.  The other captains were men, General Kirigan would not kiss their hands, you were sure of that.  But what if it’s not just chivalry?

Of course you thought the General was handsome, you’d have to be blind not to.  Every woman and a fair amount of men pined for the General, they all wanted to earn his favor, to turn his gaze in their direction.  And you’d done just that, in the few seconds you’d been in his presence.  Your heart was pounding, and you used your power to slow it; you could not afford to be a blushing girl right now.  You were a captain of the Second Army, and you would behave as such.  

***

General Kirigan met the captains of the Etheralnik and the Materialnik, but his thoughts remained on you.  Aleksander had met countless women in his centuries long life, but none of them were nearly as beautiful as you.  You were a vision, powerful and strong too.  “Would you care to see our training regiments?  The Corporalnik are working in the clearing at the moment.”  Of course, part of his trip was to see his soldiers train, to see how they lived and the progress they were making, but he couldn’t stop the leap his heart gave at the prospect of seeing you again.

“I would be delighted,” he replied, following Lieutenant Ivanov into the clearing.  You were walking amongst your soldiers, barking orders as you oversaw their drills.  “Petyr, twilight!” you called, and a young man raised his hands.  The girl before him dropped to the ground, unconscious.  “Alexei, stupor!”  Another soldier raised his arms, and the boy before him dropped into a daze, as if drunk.  You nodded to the woman next to you, and she released a wild rabbit from a cage.  “Ana, down!”  She raised his hands, and the rabbit fell, dead in its tracks.

“Well done,” Aleksander praised, and your soldiers snapped to attention.  “Thank you, sir.  They’ve made excellent progress.”  “I can see.  May I have a word with you, Captain?”  “Of course,” you replied, following him a few feet away from your soldiers.  “Forgive me if I’m too forward, but you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the privilege to meet.”  The complement set your heart racing again and a blush to your cheeks, but you smirked.

“I’m sure you say that to all the captains you meet, General,” you said.  “Oh I assure you, only to the exceptionally beautiful ones.  And at that, only the strongest and most powerful ones.  Do you by chance have an amplifier?”  You nodded, pulling the tooth of a fox from beneath the collar of your kefta.  “Since I was 12.”  “Impressive.  Would you perhaps like to have dinner with me tonight?”  You smiled, looking at your boots.  “Thank you, sir, but I can’t.  We’ve only just met, and I dine with my men most nights.  But please don’t think me rude, sir, I appreciate your offer.”  “Of course, of course.  Maybe once we get to know each other more?”  You laughed softly.  “We’ll see.”

***

As the week went on, as Aleksander observed the men and women of Kribirsk’s Second Army, he only fell harder for you.  Not only were you stunningly gorgeous and incredibly powerful, you were kind, sweet, and personable.  You were one of the first at your soldiers’ sides when they were injured, you encouraged them when they were struggling, you praised them when they succeeded.

You’d been deeply flattered by the general’s offer, but you’d declined nonetheless.  You wanted to say yes, to leap into his arms and declare your love for him, but duty called, and you were also slightly wary.  If you were going to tumble with the general, you wanted to be sure he truly felt the way he claimed.  General Kirigan had attempted to ask you to have dinner with him, to go on a ride with him, to tour the village with him, but you’d denied him every time.

At this point, you were playing hard to get.  You knew that the Darkling’s feelings were true, that he was in love with you, but it was just a bit too fun to give up the charade.  But on the fifth night of General Kirigan’s visit, Fedyor arrived at your tent.  “The general wished to see you,” he said, and you stood, following him to the large black tent.  Fedyor paused just outside, the Darkling clearly wanted to see you alone.

You entered the tent, eyes adjusting to the dim light.  “General, you asked to see me?”  “Yes,” he said, rising from his desk.  “I did.  Captain, I was wondering; I’ve offered my company to you several times, yet you turn me down.  Is there a reason behind this?”  His eyes glinted in the candlelight, and you stepped closer, smiling.  “Well sir, my duty is first and foremost to my soldiers.  There is little time for much else.”

“I see.  But would dinner with me be too arduous a task?”  The Darkling slowly strode closer to you, and your heart leapt into your throat.  “Perhaps not,” you said, inching closer yet.  “But what would my men think?  I wouldn’t want to be seen as playing favorites.”  General Kirigan huffed, playfulness gone from his face.  “Don’t you see, Y/N?” he asked, using your given name for the first time.  “See what, sir?” you teased back.

But Kirigan was done playing; he stepped forward and took you into his arms, kissing you deeply.  His arms were tight around your middle lips firm against yours, holding you tight to him.  He kissed you for a long time, and when he pulled back, you were both breathless.  “I’ve been wanting to do that all week,” the Darkling said, forehead against yours.  “General-”  “Aleksander.  Please, call me Aleksander.”

“Aleksander, I…” you trailed off, unsure of what to say.  “I love you.  I am in love with you, Y/N.  Come to Os Alta with me.”  He wasn’t sure where the proposition came from, but he was sure of his words.  “I want you with me, love.  Come to the Little Palace with me.”  “What about my men?”  He adored your dedication to your soldiers, and Aleksander kissed your forehead.  “I’ll help you find a new captain.  I can’t bear the thought of being apart from you.”

You went on your tiptoes and kissed him again.  Aleksander held you tighter to him, deepening the kiss.  “I love you too,” you said against his lips.  “I love you, Aleksander, I love you too.”  Aleksander held you for a while longer before leading you to a settee, offering you wine.  “So,” you said after a while.  “Did you find everything you were looking for on this visit?”  Aleksander kissed your forehead.  “That and more, my dear.”

[buddiewho]

Begrudgingly, I re-watched the date scene. Now that I was actually paying close attention...it was an alarm sound from an iPhone. Therefore, this means Eddie did set an alarm to remind himself of the promise to be home in time to put Christopher to bed. Yet, my brain still keeps questioning the entire thing. Okay, Eddie's having a tough time with the fourth grade math. It's math, personally, I don't blame him. Anyhow, Ana makes her cute joke about 2+2 still equals 4. Then I thought, if it were that easy then why are we making the equation so damn hard? So damn hard that it led to Christopher being mad enough to run away to Buck. Super hard to the point Ana even mentions "taking a break" because Christopher is at this breaking point already so should we even move forward? "I don't want you going anywhere..." juxtaposed to Buck saying to your son, “I’m not going anywhere.” Which adds another piece to this equation because Christopher felt that he’d lose Buck to his Dad dating...? *cracks knuckles* If the equation is so simple. If it's 2+2=4 (and yeah I know they're 3), but if it's 2+2=4 then it's easy. The outcome should eventually look like Future Tense (4x03), but maybe with kisses between out and proud boyfriends co-parenting Christopher.  Really it's so easy to manipulate the 4x08 equation because it could've gone like this (if we weren't doing a slow burn, I suppose) and of course, I took many liberties as to imply one of them is already aware of the feelings they caught: 

"Hey Buck, I need you to come over. We're going to help Christopher with his math homework." There was groan on the other end of the line. "Why me? I can't do math," Buck announces without hesitation. He really doesn't want to do math, but it's Eddie and it's Chris so of course he was going to end up dragging himself over to the house.

"Come on. I don't get understand it. I need your help more than him. Besides, we might end up goggling shit, when Christopher isn't looking because I don't want him getting into that habit to do his homework. So get over here. We'll order pizza and maybe by the end of the homework session, we could play video games or something."

"Sounds enticing, but it's still math," Buck said as he was getting his shoes on. "Who am I kidding? I'll be there." Eddie laughed and hung up. __

"Buck!" Christopher said from the couch as he entered. "Hey, little man, I hear you need help with some math homework." "Did my Dad really call you?" "Yes, he did so apparently it's that bad. Don't know how I'm going to help. I was terrible at math." "Well, if it's the three of us, I think we'll do just fine," Christopher said so nonchalantly, but it tortured Buck's heart a little bit. It was a heart wrenching pang of sweet sweet happiness at the sheer acceptance from Christopher.

__

Pizza plates surrounded a notebook and worksheets. The three of them sat back on the couch; Buck and Eddie next to each other, Chris on the other side of Eddie. They were about fed up with this one problem. "I don't get it, Dad." "Yeah, me too," added Buck. "Yeah, me three," Eddie sighed. "We're nearly there, I think. If not I'm looking up the answers and that'll have to do."

"Wouldn't that be cheating?" Christopher asked. "Sort of," Eddie loosely explained. "Think of it as calling on an expert, a math expert, or a teacher," Buck explained some more. "But we don't use it every time. Just as the last resort." Christopher thought on it and then just changed the subject, "Can we take a break? Let's play a game before I have to go to bed."

"Yeah, sure. Let's take a break. I don't think it's due for a couple days anyway." Eddie agreed. Buck leaned close, their shoulders now touching. "So what happened to not looking up answers in front of him?"

"This math problem pissed me off," Eddie said through gritted teeth. Then he softened. "Thanks for the save with that explanation." "It's all good. So Christopher are we playing the usual?" "Yeah, the pirate against the wolf that's the fighting game we always play." "Maybe the two of you should try different characters?" "No," they both said in unison and Eddie just laughed. He started to clean up their mess as Buck jumped up to help Christopher get the game turned on. Eddie came back and Buck was surprised when he sat directly next to him instead of putting Christopher in the middle. Buck wasn't going to complain. Then something shitty happened. Something really shitty. Eddie touches their shoulders again and then whispers, "You know how I told you I ran into Christopher's old teacher Ana Flores. I should call her? It's just you mentioned teacher earlier and I thought..." Eddie's voice trailed off and Buck tried not to press the controller buttons harder than needed. When Buck didn't immediately respond, Eddie seemed to forget what he said because he went on to loudly say, "Buck, you really should change your character. You never win as the pirate."

Buck chuckled. "I like the pirate. I'd be a pirate if I could." "Of course you would." "And I'd be a wolf," Christopher interjects. "Nice choice," Eddie tells his son. "What about you Dad? What would you be?" "Probably a ninja or something," Buck offers. "Maybe," Eddie muses. "But I was thinking a simple, clean, and efficient boxer." "Practical," Buck rolls his eyes. "Where's the imagination?" "Okay, pirate, I'll be your first mate then." Buck smirks, wondering if there were any implications beyond that statement. "No, you'd be part of the crew, swabbing the deck of my ship," he jokes. "I see how it is," Eddie bit his lip. "All right. Expect a mutiny led by me then."

"I win!" Christopher announces, pulling them out of their imaginary world. "Of course, you do." Buck smiles. Eddie looks at the time, not believing that much of it had passed. "How about a story before bed?" Eddie asks Chris. "Not from Buck." "Oh, yeah, I don't blame you," Eddie gently elbows Chris. "It's because of the kid in the rotisserie isn't it?" "Yup," said Chris. "Hey! That was a cautionary tale." "Yeah, okay," Eddie gave him a playful glare. "All right, let's get to bed." They were at Christopher's door when Buck stopped Eddie. Christopher shuffled inside towards his bed. "I got a story for tonight," Buck stated. "And what's that?" "Hansel and Gretel." Eddie's fist clenched and he contemplated playfully punching Buck's arm, but he didn't. He just looked him square in the face and crossed his arms. Buck lost it at the sort of scolding Dad face, "I'm kidding. I'm kidding. We'll read something light and fluffy. Like Little Red Riding Hood. It has a wolf."

"Buck!" "All right, all right, I'm done." Buck held up his hands. Christopher had sat on the edge of his bed, half-listening to them. "So pajamas. Then a story and bed." Eddie rattled off. "I'm kind of tired so maybe no story tonight," Christopher yawned. "Thanks for coming over to help with my homework." Buck smiles from the doorway. "I'll leave you two then. Goodnight, Christopher." "Goodnight, Buck," Eddie and Christopher say in unison, making each other laugh. Buck smiles at them and skips to the living room where he left his jacket. He trots to the door and then looks down the hallway. Part of him wanted to stay, but he didn't want to overstep so he takes his leave. As he climbed into his jeep and started it, Buck suddenly couldn't get one thought out of his mind, what if Eddie called that teacher, Ana Flores? What if tomorrow or the next day, he calls her instead? __

It's just Ana offers to come over and help Christopher with his homework. And I kept thinking we're really making this math equation truly difficult because NO MATTER how INCAPABLE they are at math, there's someone already AT HOME that could help Eddie with his son's homework. So they had one good date and then the second date was, "Oh wait I could use her "apparent" math skills to help my son with his homework. Don't forget to set the alarm to be back in time for bed. Oh shit there's construction, I'm going to be late. Wonder if Buck got him to bed? Christopher is probably being stubborn since I'm late." Then of course by bringing her over before Christopher gets to see Tia or Abuela or even Carla seems strange. What's going on? Especially when everything seems fine without forcing Ana into the equation. Can you force equations? Manipulate maybe, more like a chemical/science equation [exactly how Eddie is doing it by forcing himself into this role]? I don't know. Equations do take work. Like the fact that Buck has stayed over BEFORE either to watch Christopher and tell stories and/or stayed long enough after a game night to see Christopher off to sleep and that night he decided to tell a cautionary tale- in which Eddie was apprehensive, but it's Buck telling it and Eddie's there too, Chris would feel safe- until that night Christopher couldn't get to sleep for the next hour.

Equations are long, complicated work and one has already been laid out between Buck and Eddie. 

The rest (as we've already agreed) is up to the universe.

[doitjake]

The music in us - P2

Jake kiszka x reader

warnings: none.

Request: “two rockstars meeting in a festival, and both bands hanging out cause they are both friends with the struts, then jake starts falling in love w this person because of their personality, talent and charisma, they start to match in the second day of camping at the festival and then the bands have to play in the same day, jake tells his feeling and the reader doesn’t know how to react.”

A/N:  sorry it took so long to bring the second part and unfortunately or luckily we will have part three! I hope you guys like it and if you want to see a specific scene in the second part comment here or you can send me a message / question!!

Requests here: https://forms.gle/6uMRSCzFvyR2FgZPA

"Wake up, bitch." I open my eyes and see Ana climbing down from her bed, going straight to mine. Strange, usually Lexa who has the job of waking us up.

I sit up in bed before Ana could reach over and start pulling my covers off. Ana looks satisfied and walks towards Lexa's bed.

"Let me sleep, Ana." Lexa covers her head with the sheets.

Poppy comes out of the bathroom, already with her makeup and hair done. "This is what happens when you spend the night hooking up with a drummer." Poppy stops next to Ana who laughs looking at Lexa.

"Hanging out with WHO?" I finally really wake up and still hit my head on Ana's bed, which is on top of mine.

"Lexa and Danny kissed yesterday at karaoke." Ana speaks excitedly and Poppy continues. "Momma got it off!"

In less than 2 seconds Lexa stands up and appears at Poppy and Ana's side. "Shut the fuck up." I can see her red cheeks as she walks past me to go to the bathroom.

"What about you, honey?" Poppy looks at me arching her eyebrow."You and Jake hm, I felt the tension."

"WE ALL FEEL IT!" Lexa shouts from the bathroom, over the sound of water.

"Why don't you talk more about yesterday, Lexa?" I yell in response, causing her to shut up.

"Did kissing happen?" Ana asks.

"Oh my God people, he just walked me to the bus." Lexa comes out of the bathroom and I walk in right after her. "You guys are watching too many movies." I say already inside the bathroom.Inside I take a quick shower before some of my band mates start complaining.

Back in the room I get my boots and some necklaces and rings to complete my outfit, Poppy comes to me saying that Ana and Lexa are already gone to make it to a concert of some indie band at the festival.

Poppy and I get out of the bus and head towards the stages, which are already starting to get crowded. We pass by the security guards - who for some reason laugh when they see us - showing us our badges to enter the VIP area of one of the stages, which is now occupied by the members of Bloc Party. When we enter we see Luke, Adam, Sam and Josh at one end of the stage.

"Hi girls!" Sam is the first to see us as we approach and am I going crazy or did I really see Poppy blush now?

"Hey guys" Luke offers us each a bottle of beer. Poppy accepts, going to sit on one of the benches below the stage, I nod my head no. "It's not even noon, Luke." I laugh walking over to Poppy. "May I ask why you sat down, dear? We have to be on the big stage in 15 minutes for the Aerosmith show, they're opening."

Poppy's face contorts into a grimace as she looks across the festival to the stage. "You know Y/N, you who are an Aerosmith fan here, you're not going to make your pretty friend walk all this way to see a band I don't even listen to much?" Poppy smiles childishly at me.

"You are the worst friend in the world!" I speak to as I walk past the boys to say goodbye to them.

"I love you too!" Poppy shouts as I am almost at the stage exit.

As I walk to the other stage, I realize how beautiful the festival is. Camping tents circle the lawn, groups of friends take fun pictures lying down, not caring about the grass and a little bit of mud. Food trucks begin to set up their trailers to receive the drunken crowd in need of something solid in their stomachs, Poppy and Ana are included in this crowd. I laugh with thought and only realize that there was someone in front of me when I bump into her as I enter the vip air of the stage.

"I'm sorry." I raise my gaze to the person and am relieved that it is not a stranger who would probably cuss me out. "Oh, hi Jake!" I smile at the man in front of me.

"Hi Y/N." He laughs making room for me to pass. "How are you doing?"

"Well, how about you?"

"Fine too." Jake leans against one of the bars, he's even more handsome in the daylight, shit! "Still feel like you're going to pass out at any moment?" He smiles at me.

"Don't even remind me of that!" I smile too. "And you Sir, you have to promise that even if I faint you won't let anyone take me away from this privileged place." I point to the VIP area we are in, which is less than a meter from the stage.

"Okay, I promise!" Jake laughs and runs his fingers through his bracelets, coming closer to me, to speak something in my ear. "I know the whole festival has probably already seen this, but I think it's only fair to warn you that your badge is backwards." He looks at me amused and waves his own badge.

I look at my badge and see that all the writing and pictures are upside down. I try to turn it over still holding the rope, but I only make it worse, making the badge fall into the grass.

Before I can duck to pick it up, Jake does it for me and he also catches the badge cord around my neck with his own fingers and puts the badge away easily.

"There!"

I look at him and smile at the same time blushing. "Thanks."

Jake shrugs his shoulder smiling.

We both look over our shoulder when we hear familiar voices. Coming towards us are Ana, Gethin and a little behind them Lexa and Danny. Very close.

I laugh at the scene and Jake seems to read my mind and follows me smiling at the 'couple'.

"Cute, huh?" Ana nods to Lexa and Danny, making them both blush.

I pat her arm lightly and turn to Gethin and Danny. "Hi guys."  

"Hey Y/N." The two respond in unison.

Gethin crouches on the floor opening a bale of beer and handing it out to each of us. I get tired of rejecting drinks, so I accept. Before I can open mine, Danny and Gethin are already toasting with their bottles.

I shiver at the whisper right next to my ear. "I said, beer guys."

I turn to Jake smiling at the memory of our first conversation.

The half-computerized voice comes out of the speakers, announcing that soon the band will take the stage. And maybe it's the adrenaline from the concert about to start, but I take courage and approach Jake.

"So, today the girls and I are going to build a bonfire on the lawn behind our bus." I look at him, who has a sideways smile on his face and nods. "Do you want to join us? I mean, you and all the boys too."

"Sure."

We smile at each other and only stop when seconds later, Joe Perry and Steven Tyler enter the stage, being followed by the rest of the band afterwards.

"No fainting, eh." Jake speaks low to me, but loud enough for me to hear over the beginning of 'DREAM ON.'

"No getting me out of here if I faint." I speak would be but can't stand it and follow Jake in laughter as he throws his head back.

And now the show really begins.

I spend the next two hours singing (screaming) all the Aerosmith songs, some hours cuddling with Ana, other times helping Gethin open another bale of beer.

Jake, Ana and Gethin spend the last 4 minutes of the show laughing at me and Lexa, because we were crying of 'I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing' until we saw that Danny was also almost crying and then we were all engaged in the mission of laughing at him.

Definitely one of the best moments of my life.

When the concert of a small alternative band starts, we leave the VIP area and head towards the food trucks. Ok, maybe I am also part of the audience that needs something solid in the belly.

As we sit down on some folding chairs, Josh, Luke, Jed and Adam come towards us. Josh frowns, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of me.

"Where are Sam and Poppy?"

"Are you guys too drunk and have you forgotten that they were both with you?" I ask laughing and the 4 boys in front of me look even more confused.

"They said they were going to meet you in the VIP area of the big stage." Adam replies.

All ten of us stare at each other's faces. Then Josh can't help himself and lets out a laugh and everyone starts to understand what really happened.

"Wow, two couples in less than a day of festival?" Luke hisses.

Even though I am a few chairs away from Lexa and Danny I can feel them both wanting to hide when we all give them quick glances, my glance is quick but so much so that I miss the scene of the two of them smiling at each other.

When I finish eating everyone is still too busy discussing Poppy and Sam and how they match as a couple.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to Jake, who has also finished eating.

"We have an hour and a half until the Stones concert and I have half a bottle of Whiskey on the bus." He raises one of his eyebrows with an inviting smile.

"I'm in."

No one seems to care much when we say we're going for a walk around the festival. No one except Ana.

"Hey, Luke, look at the third couple!" She points to me and Jake laughing.

And for the second time in the day I feel all my blood rising to my cheeks. But I still have a little bit of bad bitch attitude left in me, so I yell back. "Only if you and Josh are the fourth." I hear Jake laugh behind me and get up the courage to look back, where I find Guitarist with his hand raised so we can have a high-five.

I slap his hand and look at Ana again and see a unique scene, my cousin embarrassed as Josh winks at her playfully.

Jake and I make our way back to the buses, stopping to look at a stall full of handmade jewelry. I leave with a lanyard with a pendant of James Jamerson's miniature Fender Precision bass and Jake with a leather bracelet, also with a pendant, a miniature Fender Stratocaster, Hendrix's trademark.

We stayed chatting about these iconic instruments until we arrived at his bus door.

"Welcome, Miss." He opens the door for me and I walk past him laughing.

Their bus is not much different from ours, except for the amount of drinks in one corner. But who am I kidding? If it weren't for Lexa, ours would be like this too.

Jake goes over to the corner and says he's going to get the glasses and the bottle and I sit down on the small brown leather sofa.

I pick up a book that was on the little table next to the couch, "Is it yours?" Jake comes over to me holding a bottle of Jack Daniel's and two glasses, one with ice and the other without.

"Yes." Jake sets the glasses down and opens the bottle. "Have you read it?"

I look at the paperback edition of an Edgar Allan Poe book of short stories and nod. "A classic." Jake fills both glasses with the liquid. "The best kind for touring."

Jake smiles and holds out one of the glasses to me. "No ice, right?"

"Right!" I smile at him.

We toast with our glasses and relax on the couch.

"Do you want to hear something?" Jake asks pointing to the small radio on the small table.

I say yes, even though the silence between us is not at all uncomfortable.

I smile when Five By Five by the Stones starts to play.

Jake lays back on the couch smiling as well "Just to get in the mood."

"I get it, Keith Richards's 'fangirl'." I wink at him, getting a laugh in response.

By the time the fifth and final one starts, we are at the end of the bottle.

I look at Jake beside me, his eyes and hands are focused on filling our glasses for the last time. A wavy lock of hair falls across his face, while the rest is tucked behind his shoulders.

And it must be the fault of the damned drink that I take my fingers to this lock and curl it around my finger, making it almost curl when I let go.

Jake looks over his shoulder and laughs anasaly. I pull my fingers out of his hair, embarrassed.

"Sorry, it was kind of irresistible." I give him a nervous smile.

Jake offers me my glass and smiles, "It's okay, Y/N!" He props his glass on the floor and brings his hand up to my hair, curling it in his finger, the same way I did with him.

Jake rests his cheek against the back of the couch and smiles. "Sorry, it was kind of irresistible."

I laugh and stare at the ceiling for a few seconds, but when I turn my gaze back to Jake, he is no longer smiling. But he doesn't look angry or upset. He scans my entire face, until his gaze meets mine again. My hair still curled on his finger.

"Would you be mad if I said I really want to kiss you?" Jake asks and shit I feel time stop and all that silly teenage nervousness come back.

I look at him and Jake looks anxious, waiting for an answer.

"No." I speak low, because for some reason my voice seems to get lost inside me, "I wouldn't be mad."

"And you wouldn't be mad if I actually kissed either?" Jake smiles sideways at me.

Without moving much, I leave my glass on the floor next to his.

"I would be mad if you didn't kiss." I admit smiling at him.

His fingers that were holding a lock of my hair, go to the back of my neck pulling me closer, one of my hands goes to his arm and the other goes through his hair.

And then our lips are together and when I briefly open my mouth, Jake gets the message and begins to explore my entire mouth. One of his hands goes to my waist, looking for support to deepen the kiss.

Neither Jake nor I care when the music stops.

Our breaths are a pleasant sound to both of us now.

His hands slide to the back of my thigh, pulling me onto his lap.

My two hands go to his neck while trying to make as much contact as possible with his mouth. I curse Jake mentally as he separates our kiss, he realizes my disappointment and laughs as he brings his mouth to my neck and I take back all the swearing I did second before.

Just as I am about to start the last buttons on his shirt (the only ones that were buttoned) a noise at the door and voices make me quickly get off Jake's lap.

"There are locks on these buses you know, brother?" We look at Sam who is dying to laugh at the moment.

And when Poppy's head appears through the door I realize that he is not the only one dying of laughter.

[dbizzy1989]

Buck and Chris were spending the day at the park. Eddie had to work and Carla was on vacation, so Buck stepped in and volunteered to watch his little buddy. It wasn’t a difficult thing to do, the two of them were thick as thieves. Looking at them you’d probably think they were father and son.

Chris had run ahead to play with his friends. Today was a scheduled playdate with a bunch of other kids from Chris’ school. Buck had been been to a few of these before but he didn’t quite recognize any of the other parents today. As he sat their on the bench, he watched Chris play with his friends. The kid was amazing, keeping up with his friends in spite of his crutches.

“Is this seat taken?” A voice broke Buck’s gaze on Christopher. Buck looked up to see a beautiful women standing before him.

“No, go right ahead. I’m Buck.”

“I’m Ana Flores. Nice to meet you Buck. Forgive me but are you the Buck? Christopher talks about you very often?” The women questioned Buck, who at this point was more than perplexed. It seemed she had the upper hand because he didn’t know who she was.

“I guess I am, I didn’t realize that I had a reputation. Not anymore anyway.” Buck stated, referring back to his 1.0 phase.

“Oh yeah, Chris talks about you all the time in class. He’s very fond of you.”

“I’m pretty fond of him to. Are you Ana Flores as in Mrs. Flores? Chris’ teacher, right?” A lightbulb went off above Buck’s head as he realized who he was speaking to.

“I’m sorry, yes. That is me, Mrs. Flores.”

“It’s nice to officially meet you then. So how’s my little man doing in school?” Buck knew about the skateboard incident and he knew Chris was a smart kid. He just wanted to make sure that Chris was doing well in school otherwise.

“Like I told Mr. Diaz, he’s doing very well. Chris is a bright kid and very funny. He is lucky to have two dads that love him so much. I can see how he turned out the way he did.”

“Um, thanks I guess. I’m, I’m not his Dad though. Eddie and I aren’t dating.” Buck was taken a back by her comment. He often felt like Chris’s dad but he knew that he was more like a fun uncle.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. He talks about his Daddy Buck so much that I just assumed. I’m so embarrassed.”

“It’s all good, Eddie is a great guy and I’d be lucky to date him but he’s my best friend. That’s it.” Buck wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince more of that: Himself or Ana.

“At any rate, Chris is one lucky kid to have two people that adore him so much. He really does speak the world of you.”

“I’m the lucky one really.” The two of them sat there quietly for a bit. Buck went back to watching Chris play with his friends. His mind started to wander after a bit. It was nice to hear someone call him Chris’ dad.

“Well, I have to get going Buck, it was nice chatting with you. I have to go get my nephew so we can go to the movies.” Ana pointed to one of the kids playing with Chris. She called out his name and he ran over to her.

“No problem. It was nice meeting you Ana. Have fun at the movies”. Buck waved them goodbye and went back to his observing. The sound of crutches on the pavement woke him from his thoughts.

“Hey Buck, can we go? I’m hungry.” Asked Chris.

“Sure thing Buddy, where do you want to go?”

“Chick Fil A! Can I get a milkshake too?” Chris begged. Buck was quite literally unable to say no.

“Whatever you want superman!” The two of them began their walk back to the car. Buck helped Chris into his seat and they headed to their destination. “ I met your teacher today buddy, Mrs. flores. She said you’re doing great in school. I’m very proud of you Chris. You’re a great kid.”

“Thanks Buck!” Chris smiled that infectious smile and soon Buck caught it too.

“She also said that you call me Daddy Buck. You know I’m not your Dad, right. Not that I wouldn’t want to be but I’m not.” It hurt Buck to say this but he needed to make sure that Chris understood what he was saying.

“I know that Buck. But you and Daddy spend so much time together. Him and Mommy did the same thing so that must mean that you are like her but you’re not a girl. You’re a boy so that makes you my Dad.” Chris informed Buck of this as though it was the honest truth. As if it were that easy to be someone’s Dad. Even though his two “parents” weren’t dating.

“Ok Buddy, that makes complete sense. Looks like we’re here bud!” Buck parked the car and the two headed in the restaurant. Later that night, Buck was going to have a talk with Eddie but for now, he was starving. They ate their lunch, polishing it off with a chocolate milkshake for Chris. Buck might regret the sugar high later but Chris was not an easy kid to say no to.

Later that night:

Eddie finished his shift and headed straight home. After a long day, all he wanted was to spend time with his son. He got home around dinner time. He opened the door to the sounds of laughter emanating from the kitchen. He dropped his bag by the door, kicked off his shoes and headed towards the kitchen.

“Hey Buddy! How was your day with Buck?” Eddie asked as he knelt down to hug Chris.

“It was great Dad! We went to the park and then I had a milkshake! Chocolate of course.”

“A milkshake?! Sounds like you had a great day, I wish I could have been there with you guys.”

“It’s ok Daddy, there will be other days.” Chris put his hand on Eddie’s shoulder reassuringly.

“I can’t wait. What’s for dinner?” Questioned Eddie.

“What do you want? I can go get something while you get changed.” Buck was eager to get out for a bit. Not that he wanted to leave but Chris was exhausting after a while. The kid had so much energy sometimes and Buck needed a moment to compose himself.

“Pizza is fine, just get the usual.” Eddie said as he headed to get changed.

“Sounds good, I’ll be back in a flash!” Buck sprinted out to his car. The drive to the pizza place was relaxing. Buck couldn’t help but wonder though, he really was like a Dad to Chris. The three of them spent so much time together that they had a usual pizza order for crying out loud. Does that mean that he was dating Eddie though? The thought crossed his mind before but he usually didn’t give it much attention. Maybe it was time that him and Eddie had that talk too.

Buck made his way up the steps to Eddie’s door. Pizza in hand, he turned the knob and let himself in. Eddie had set the table and Chris was waiting patiently for their meal.

“Pizza delivery for Diaz!” Buck joked. He placed the pie on the table and they dug in. Conversation flowed like it normally did. Eddie talked about work and Chris told Eddie what him and Buck did that day. Eventually they migrated to the couch for a movie. Chris had plopped down in between Buck and Eddie just like many nights before.

Not too long after though, Chris was sound asleep. Eddie had his arm slung over the back of the couch, close enough to touch buck yet miles away. Eddie wanted so desperately to wrap his arm around Buck. He wanted to lay it all on the line and tell Buck how he felt but in the back of his mind he felt some hesitation. So he sat there on the couch mindlessly watching the movie. Perhaps he could find the courage to talk to Buck some other night.

“Hey Eddie? We need to talk”. Buck’s voice snapped Eddie out of his thoughts.

“Talk about what Buck?”

“Well, I found out today that Chris calls me Daddy Buck. Now, I love that kid like my own but I don’t know that I like him calling me that.”

“Oh, well...I didn’t think it would be a big deal. I thought it was harmless. You’re pretty much his Dad as much as I am. I can tell him not to call you that though, it’s no biggie. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” Eddie was a little hurt but he understood where Buck was coming from.

“It’s not that I’m uncomfortable it’s just I don’t want to get his hopes up. I think he might think we are dating. We’re not and I don’t want him to be confused. Not that I wouldn’t want to date you Eddie but I don’t want him to be confused.”

“Then why don’t we just date?” Questioned Eddie.

“Oh, I mean, um, yeah. I’d be down for that. We pretty much are already, we just never really labeled it. Do you really want to date me Eddie?”

“Buck, look where we are right now. It’s a Friday night and we’re on my couch with my son watching a movie. You could be out having fun but you’re here. Ask yourself, is this where you want to be? I know this is where I want to be.”

“Of course Eddie, this is where I want to be. I’ve had my fun but now I want this. This right here, you me and Chris, this is what I consider fun now. Just relaxing with my family and taking it easy.”

Buck’s words had given Eddie the courage to finally make a move. His arm inched it’s was up from the back of the couch to around Buck’s back. Buck’s shoulder was warm and it felt like his hand fit perfectly there. If Chris wasn’t sprawled out between them, Eddie would have pulled Buck in closer. For now though, this contact was enough to sustain Eddie for the night. He had his two boys with him on the couch, to ask for more would be selfish.

“We gotta get Chris to bed Eddie. He can’t be comfortable in that position.” Eddie nodded in agreement. The two men got up gently. Buck picking up Chris’s head from his lap and Eddie lovingly nudging him awake.

“Wake up Buddy, we should get you to bed.” Eddie’s voice was soft and sweet. Buck felt his heart swell up a bit, he was one lucky man to be here right now.

“Ok Daddy, is Buck going to tuck me in too?”

“Of course buddy, I’ll even make you breakfast in the morning!” Buck shot Chris a smile that melted Eddie’s heart. He was one lucky man to be here right now.

“Can I have a milkshake for breakfast?” Chris sleepily asked.

“No Christopher, but maybe later.” Eddie replied.

“Ok.” Chris whispered into Eddie’s neck. The three of them were on their way to tuck Chris in. Eddie carrying his son and Buck following behind them. They tucked him in, gave him plenty of goodnight kisses and turned out the lights. “Goodnight Dad, goodnight Daddy Buck.”

“Goodnight buddy” Buck and Eddie replied in unison. Eddie closed Chris’ door, he and Buck lingered in the hallway for a moment. The two men wanted to kiss but there was still some trepidation. Instead, Eddie reached out and pulled Buck into a tight hug. They held their position for a moment. Eventually they let go, Eddie was the first to speak.

“So, if you want to spend the night you can Buck. I’d rather you not drive home at this hour. You can crash in the guest room or with me. No pressure.” Eddie was hoping Buck would share his space tonight but was fully aware that it might be too soon. They had literally just established their relationship after all.

“As long as I get to be the big spoon!” Buck responded.

“I’d like that” Eddie happily gave in.

[imherongraystairstrash]

Matthew x Lucie Part 3 (Final Part!)

Author’s note: Hello again! This is the final part of my Fairondale Fanfic. I apologize in advance for it’s length. Here are the other parts if you haven’t read them yet: Part 1 Part 2. Also, if you have any requests (a ship or a scene between two or more characters) feel free to send me a message! FOUR MORE DAYS ‘TIL CHAIN OF GOLD LET’S GOOOO!!!!

-Ana (aka imherongraystairstrash)

The night dragged on, and after their intricate plan was done, Lucie and Matthew stood together, their shoulders touching.

“Soak it in, Luce. This is the last time our parents will look at us with love for a long time.”

Lucie couldn’t help but smile.

“Are you ready, Fairchild?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

Matthew gave Anna a thumbs up. She had initially refused to help, but even she could not resist their pleads. Thomas had managed to round them all up, and now they were talking amounts themselves. Anna walked out of the shadows, and moved her way towards the table. She greeted them all and stayed with them chattering along. Matthew looked at Lucie.

“Here it goes.”

Matthew, got on one knee. He looked up at her, through his blond hair. Then, he began talking nonsense, quietly enough so that they could still hear what their parent’s reactions.

“Lucie, since the day I met you, I knew we were destined to be together.”

“Is that Matthew Fairchild proposing to Lucie Herondale?” They heard Anna say.

Although the action did not make sound, Lucie felt like she could hear their heads turning.

“Lucie Herondale, will you marry me?”

Tessa gasped. Charlotte paled. Henry was smiling absentmindedly, probably not even aware of what was going on. Will, who had usually held a calm dementor, was clutching his glass tightly, whispering something to Charlotte.

“Matthew,” Lucie said, “I would love to, but I do not want you to marry me if it is not out of love. I not even sure if it’s yours or Thomas’.”

“Lucie,” Tessa began, “What are your talking about?”

“Mother! How could you not know?”

“Know what?” Will and Tessa both asked.

“I’m expecting.”

At that moment, Will, Tessa and Charlotte were in complete shock. Later, Sophie and Gideon joined them, realizing that their son, Thomas, could potentially be the father. Cecily and Gabriel looked relieved that for once Christopher was not the one that screwed up. Henry just looked confused.

“Expecting what?” He asked.

Lucie and Matthew just looked at him. Surely he knew what they were talking about.

“A baby.” Matthew said finally.

“Oh. That’s great news!”

“No, it’s not, Henry! They’re sixteen!” said Charlotte.

“Actually, I’m seventeen.” said Matthew.

“Matthew, I don’t care how old you are right now, all I know is that, at this moment, it’s not old enough to have a child.”

“Lucie,” said Tessa, after regaining some of her composure, “Whatever do you mean by you don’t know who’s baby it is.”

“Oh, right. Well, it was a wild night, there really is no way of knowing.”

Will and Tessa looked like they might just pass out right there.

“Lucie, Matthew, what have you done to our parents?” asked Jamie, seemingly come out of the shadows.

“I just told them about the baby.”

“Lucie! You were supposed to wait for us so it would soften the blow when we confessed our wrongdoings.”

Every turned to Jamie.

“What did you do James?” asked Will

“Oh nothing.”

“James Herondale, whatever you did, I don’t think it could be worse than what your sister did, so tell me what happened before I hurl you into the pits of Hell.” said Tessa

“Hey Jamie.” Said Matthew

“What?”

“I think you should tell her. I’ve never been to Hell, but I have lived with Charles my entire life, so I have a pretty good idea on what it must be like. It’s not good.”

“Thanks, Matthew!”

“Anytime!”

“What did you do?” interjected Tessa.

“Oh right, well I was strolling through the park one Sunday afternoon—”

“Sometime today please.”

“I set loose approximately 50 ducks in the institute.”

Will choked on his water and fell out of his chair.

“50 ducks?”

“Approximately.”

Will turned to Tessa. “Forget about hurling James into Hell, throw me instead! I would rather burn in Hell than come home tonight.”

“Mum, dad. I got a tattoo in Spain.” Thomas said.

Sophie seemed to be having difficulty breathing.

“Are we confessing?” said Christopher out of nowhere.

“NO.” Cecily and Gabriel said in unison.

“Yes,” said Anna, “Do you have anything you would like to contribute?”

“No, not really.”

Gabriel released the breath he had been holding. Cecily got up from her chair and embraced her son tightly, kissing his cheeks and forehead while repeating “My sweet son.” It was a heartfelt moment nobody seemed to what to break.

“Well I do have a confession.” said Anna out of nowhere.

Everyone turned to her.

“I’ve decided to learn to play the Pibgorn.”

Everyone looked blankly at her except for Cecily and Will, though their expressions were completely different. Cecily looked like she had just seen a ghost. Will looked very amused.

“Well Cecily, it looks like you’re in for a treat!”

“Shut up, William. Your daughter has a 50% chance of being pregnant with either a Lightworm’s or Matthew Fairchild’s offspring.”

“Oh, that reminds me.” He turned to face Matthew. “I’m going to have to kill you.”

“What? The baby could be Thomas’ just as much as mine!”

“Yes, and despite the fact that he is a Lightworm, it would be an honor to have my grandchild be half Thomas.”

“Why, thank you Mr. Herondale.” said Thomas

“You’re very welcome, Thomas.” Will said “Alright, where was I? Oh yes, I was going to kill Matthew. And then I’m going to kill James because he betrayed me.”

“You can’t kill me!”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m your only son!”

“Tessa’s immortal, we can make another one.” Will rebutted, while Tessa made a finger gun, and pretended to shot it at Jamie.

“It’s a good thing I am not pregnant than.” said Lucie

It was Tessa’s turn to go up the Lucie and hug her.

“I was ready to peel your skin off.” She told her.

Will turned to Jamie and raised an eyebrow.

“Where would I find 50 ducks, father?”

Will stared at Jamie.

“It’s going to take a while before I can trust you, son.”

“I can live with that.”

Anna reassured Cecily she was not planning on learning the Pibgorn anytime soon.

All eyes fell on Thomas.

“Oh, I really did get a tattoo.”

Gideon considered him for a second before saying:

“Well, we are Shadowhunters…”

Even though it wasn’t at all funny, all the parents laughed like crazy. It was probably out of relief that their children were not going to be parents or learn instruments at time soon.

They were all outside. James and Will seemed to be playing a game of some sorts were they had to touch the other’s shoulder without getting their shoulder touched by the other. Lucie and Tessa were watching them, laughing when Tessa told Will to duck, and Will looked over his shoulder yelling “Where?!”. Matthew was kneeling down beside his father.

“So, Lucie is not pregnant?”

Matthew laughed. “No, it was just a joke.”

“I don’t think your mother found it very funny.” Henry laughed.

Matthew couldn’t help but join him.

Soon, the Herondales had to depart. Matthew said goodbye the Aunt Tessa and then Uncle Will.

“I apologize for wanting to kill you today.”

“If he really did get Lucie pregnant, I would have killed him too.” said James

Finally he said farewell to Lucie.

“It’s a shame Cordelia had to leave on such a short notice.” said Matthew.

“It is. She would have loved this.”

They stood there.

“Lucie?”

“Hmm?”

“You never answered my proposal.”

“Lucie!” Tessa called.

“Coming!” she turned to Matthew, “Until next time, Fairchild.”

Before leaving, she planted a kiss on Matthew’s cheek. Matthew stared at her as she ran to her family, getting caught her father’s embrace.

Thanks for reading! Please reblog instead of reposting!

[squeallywrites]

Promise Ch.8

Ken woke the next morning with warm arms around him, Ann sleeping peacefully next to him. Careful not to wake her, he slips from the bed, noting that her wounds were completely healed. Smiling to himself, Ken made his way to the bathroom, noticing N and Leo asleep on the floor. Stepping into the shower he groaned as the warm water hit his back, ignoring the voice in the back of his head saying that the water shouldn’t be warm. ‘In fact, how do we even have water and power?’ After he finished, he wiped the condensation off the mirror, his eyes zeroing in on where Ann bit him last night…but there was barely a scar. ‘Ann must’ve healed me.’ So he shrugged to himself and went back to the bedroom to get dressed. Ana was stretching when Ken walked in.

“Morning,” she greeted, “How are you feeling?”

“Surprisingly okay. Did you take enough?”

She doesn’t say anything for a few minutes, her head low. Ken sits next to her.

“Ann?” he rubs her arms to comfort her, now realising she’s warm to the touch.

There are tears in her eyes, threatening to spill over, “I’m sorry, but you would’ve died if I didn’t do something.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re now a vampire.”

Ken looks away before speaking, “That certain explains how I healed so fast.”

“Remember I did heal you before without turning you, but this was different. I lost control,” her head falls forward, “I’m sorry I didn’t give you a choice.”

Ken pulls her into a hug, catching her off-guard as they toppled over.

“I’m glad you did anyway,” he murmurs into her neck before pecking the skin there.

There was a knock at the door and the couple broke apart.

“Come in,” the two said in unison.

N gingerly took a step in, keeping one foot out the door. Ken protectively sat in front of Ann as she eyed N’s hidden arm.

“Morning. Any trouble?” Ken greets

“Not really. There were a few close calls, but other than that,” N said, “You’re looking better.”

Ana’s eyes narrow at the man, “No thanks to Leo.”

Tension fills the room.

“Soooo, I’m going to help make breakfast. Just wanted to make sure you were okay,” N scurries away. Ken and Ana sigh and get off the bed to get dressed. Afterwards, the two head for the living room. Leo was cooking breakfast as N walked passed them to go grab a clean pair of clothes. As Ken started to talk to Leo, N’s blood-curdling scream cuts them off. He soon ran out yelling, “Why is there so much blood all over the bed??!?!?!”

“Ana was injured last night, remember? That’s why you had to sleep on the couch,” Leo shrugs.

“Nonononono. There’s a lot more blood than what Ana could have bled out!”

“Meaning?”

N shakily points a gun at Ana, “She’s one of them.”

Ana scoffs while Ken looks at the manager confused. Leo runs to the bedroom to see for himself. When he comes back he takes the gun from N and the older hides behind Leo.

“He’s right. Far too much blood for it to be from just you.”

Ana steps in front of Ken, “But that doesn’t mean that I’m a zombie. Does it make any sense that I would be a zombie?”

“You did die. I was there with Ken that night.”

“But I also have free will and thought. Those creatures out there don’t.”

Leo stares her in the eye for a moment before relaxing, nodding at her argument. As she moves out of the way, N caught sight of the bite mark on Ken’s neck and out of pure terror, took the gun back and shot Ana in her stomach. She buckles over as Ken rips the gun away from N. Leo goes to Ana’s side to help her only to find her already mostly healed.

“What the—“

A loud growl rips through the air. Ana pushes Leo out of the way to stop Ken as he bares his fangs at N.

“No!!” She pries him off causing the two to fall into the sunlight coming through the broken window. Next thing the humans knew was that they were completely alone in the main room. Leo and N look at each other before looking for the other two.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What was that?” Ken whispered to Ana as they lay in the tub. N had done a poor search of the bathroom and in giving up, turned off the lights again and closed the door, leaving the two in privacy. After they fell sunlight, they had retreated to the small room of darkness.

“I guess the myth about sunlight is true,” she sighs.

“That certainly puts a dampener on any escape plans,” grumbles Ken.

“That’s it!”

“What?”

Ana sits up, “We can leave now! Remember the plan that we came up with yesterday that I tossed aside because you would have been in danger?”

His eyes widen with realisation, “I can get us a van and you can lower the Leo and N down!”

The bathroom door swung open and Leo appeared, “I thought I heard voices in here.”

“Leo…,” Ken starts.

The older just sighs, “What are you exactly?”

“A vampire.”

Leo raises a brow, “Really? But isn’t that impossible?”

“Hyung, we’re in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. What exactly is impossible anymore? How else do you explain the fact that she is alive, can fall from the top floor of a building and land without a scratch, has already healed from the fight last night, and can speak in complete sentences? Obviously, she is not a zombie,” Ken rolls his eyes. Ana got out of the tub and gently grabs Leo’s shoulder. Using her nail, she nicks his skin, causing blood to slowly flow from the wound. He jerks back, pulling from her grasp, “Ow. What was that for?”

“Look into my eyes,” she says. As he did, her light grey eyes swirled into a deep scarlet. Her pupils sharpened into slits like that of a feline. His gaze flicked to Ken’s, which were the same red, but his pupils were completely gone. Ana smiled, showing off the elongated canines. Leo opened his mouth, but no sound came out. In the end, he just sighs, “I guess I should be thankful that you are what you are, because I don’t think I would be alive otherwise.”

With that, he leaves.

“He took that….surprisingly well,” Ken’s brows were furrowed, confused at his hyung’s acceptance.

“And yet he didn’t say anything about you,” she turns to him. His eyes had returned to normal, but the hunger still lingered, “You alright? We need to get some blood in you.”

“I’m fine for now.”

“In any case, we should go into town soon. See about getting ourselves something.”

Ken nods, “We’re low on ammo, so we might as get some more when we’re out.”

“Really? Shit. And the sun is still out.”

“Maybe we can move around in the shade?”

Ana’s quiet as she thinks, “What about the sewers?”

Ken just looked at her.

“What? When you think about it, the sewers allow easy travel without the risk of being hit by sunlight.”

“Did you always think like this?”

“I don’t really know, but you learn some things when you’re restricted,” she takes a deep breath before shaking her head. He pulled her into a hug and gave her a quick kiss. The two made their way to the living room. N caught sight of Ana and immediately threw his arms around her, “I’m so sorry!!!”

“It’s alright N. I should have told you guys when you first came to our room.”

“How long have you been a vampire?” N asked.

“Only a few days.”

“Really? But you seem to know what you’re doing.”

“I used to read a lot of mythology and folklore books,” Ana shrugs, “Vampires always fascinated me so I read everything about them. However, I’m tremendously glad that we don’t sparkle.”

They all chuckle at that, and then N caught something.

“Sorry, ‘we’?”

“I’m one too,” said Ken from behind Ana.

“WHAT!?” The manager yelled, “SINCE WHEN!?”

“This morning,” he mumbled, looking down at the floor before glaring up at N, “And would you stop yelling. I’m surprised we haven’t been attacked again because of all the noise.”

N got up to and walked straight up Ken, looking up at the man who was just a few inches taller than him.

“What happened?” he demanded.

Ken sighed deeply, but Ana quickly cut him off, “Ken forced me to feed on his blood last night when I was wounded from Leo’s stupidity, however I took too much and so I turned him in order to save his life.”

The oldest doesn’t say anything after that.

“Okay then. So what do we do now?” Asks Leo.

“Ken and I are going into town to get supplies. You guys hang back here,” Ana explains, “Can I trust that you two won’t die while we’re gone?”

Leo nods, “We’ll stay in the room.”

“Then barricade the door as soon as we leave. Since we’ll most likely be back at night, we’ll come through the window,” is all she says as Ken grabs an empty bag before they’re off.

~~~~~~~~~~

@loveandkpoptarts

[kiriti2009]

Dear America: Preserve These Things For The Love Of God

They say that in Europe our things are tiny and that in America your things are super-sized, and that’s a dangerous statement, prone to error when referring to anything other than the size of our Coca-Colas.

Any further debate could lead to a conflict of unprecedented proportions and distract us from the real issue: Here in Europe we are jealous of a lot of what you have in the United States of America. In particular, three things: God, liberty and civil society. In the social democratic Europe we live in, these three pillars have all but disappeared like the sun setting at the dusk of a civilization. In their stead we are left with secularism, conditional freedom and an all-encompassing state that demands money from us day and night in the form of taxes, while all we can do is shrug our shoulders, pay up and say, as did Bartleby: “I’d prefer no to.”

I write these lines, sit in a German alehouse “Cervecería Alemana” in Plaza Santa Ana in Madrid, an old cafe in which the dazzling Ava Gardner whittled away hours when she was living in Madrid, and in which Hemingway often sought refuge in good beer and beautiful people common to so many other bars in Europe. Midway through the 20th century another celebrated writer would also sit here. The Spaniard, Enrique Jardiel Poncela, was a successful comedian that, just over 30, relocated to the United States to write scripts for Fox studios.

He had such a penchant for tucking himself away in a bar in Madrid to write, that they had to build his office in Hollywood to resemble one, for him to be inspired. Jardiel hated the Hollywood vibe and on returning to Spain said that Americans were like “big kids,” although I’m not sure that’s actually a criticism. He also wrote that if a European wanted to understand America, he would have to buy, on arrival there, a “Bible, an automobile and a corkscrew.”

The corkscrew bit troubles me, even though these were the ’30s. By the way, his epitaph read: “If you want everyone to praise you, die.” When he did die, before his corpse had grown cold, everyone did praise him. And immediately afterward, not having ever displayed any political affiliation, everyone forgot about him. If there is anything this brilliant Spanish comedian got right, it was to be free, gaining himself enmity from both left and right. The European press has never been made for freedom, which is nothing other than the ability to say and do whatever you want and the strength to shoulder the consequences.

A student reaches for an inflated globe during a “Fridays for Future” protest for urgent climate action on May 24, 2019 in Muenster, northwestern Germany.

We envy almost everything about the press in America, from its independence from the government to the bravery shown by many of its greatest journalists, often opting for honor in harakiri — in ink — when the cause is a worthy one; sometimes it’s a sad collective suicide, like when they try to portray Nancy Pelosi as a rising star in the practice of origami. But even a despicable silver-screen villain like Walter Matthau from “The Front Page” captivates us, because in his madness we find an apt description of the wild press that was needed to create the brilliant myth of pressrooms littered by whisky filled flasks, and incredibly unstable individuals trying to keep the government at bay. 

Half the things that opinion-makers in the States would make the secular public in secular Europe shake in their boots and cross themselves, and that’s another thing that you got right: It’s important to call an imbecile an imbecile if you don’t you run the risk of confusing the public. And nothing describes the average European: confused and stunned. We’re not even well-manipulated à la Soviet, because even though the left wing tries whenever it can, the European center-right works ceaselessly toward that postmodern sickness called appeasement.

The outcome is that the right wing receives the brunt of the insults, the left being better liars, and nobody can freely say whatever they want in a newspaper without first reading carefully the European Single Thought Law. There are 70 million Twitter users just waiting to write your column, coming close to choking on their own bile as they spit insults at you, while your own contribution to social unrest is safely censored. If you’re right wing, they’ll come down on you like a ton of bricks.

To disagree, to think freely, to stand out, is to dig your own grave in modern Europe. There is a very European bias toward the bureaucratic structuring of private initiatives that becomes truly exasperating. Even in love.

Maybe because of liberty, the United States helps people become millionaires while Europe hinders them. Sometimes quite embarrassingly so. Just one example. Spain’s new social communist government has threatened to cripple rich people with taxes. As a result, an exodus to Portugal has begun. What does this government do? Rectify? No. They threaten with consequences against those leaving. This is all we could expect from a government whose vice president criticizes and insults the owner of Inditex, my brilliant fellow countryman Amancio Ortega, for having donated expensive, latest generation cancer treatment machines, to Spanish hospitals. According to Spanish Vice President Pablo Iglesias, the Spanish public health service doesn’t need “handouts” from the rich. Maybe he’s right. But the Spanish cancer patients sure do. Some people just keep proving Jardiel Poncelaright again when he said: “Those that don’t dare to be intelligent, become politicians.” There are exceptions, but they’re not in Pedro Sánchez’s government.

Spanish far-left Podemos party leader Pablo Iglesias gives a speech during the first day of the parliamentary investiture debate to vote through a prime minister, at the Spanish Congress (Las Cortes) on July 22, 2019, in Madrid.

As a rule, the States’ civil society is healthier than the European because it’s careful not to devote itself to mass ideological prostitution. I said “mass,” I’m not here to naively canonise the whole country, ignoring that you’ve had presidents whose main virtue was knowing how to dance salsa. But even then it’s different. Your genuinely democratic culture — impossible to export– makes it easy to get rid of cretins that manage to reach office.

In Europe, the more independent civic leaders raise their voices and lead all they can, but only until they’re gobbled up by one party or another. Then they become accommodated and their voices become muddled. That might very well be the problem: this very European obsession with security, be it employment, unemployment, social life, housing or relationships. Everything has to be as secure and predictable as German engineering, which is why there exists a certain disdain for the American dream. If America can be reduced to a hamburger, part of the European elite can be reduced to the unassembled pieces of a wardrobe from Ikea; if they ever manage to get it together, in an armed conflict, you’ll find me on the hamburger’s side.

Somehow mobility and meritocracy muddy the social democrat dream, which as with communism, needs poor and hungry to survive. Sometimes I wonder why modern Europeans are so enthusiastic about living when most of their state tutored, predictable and bureaucratic lives are a bore. Obviously Mediterranean Europe is the exception; boredom is impossible there.

All of this has a tragic consequence. The lack of a sense of humor extends like a plague throughout the continent. Europe has lost its sense of humor and that’s it’s drama. You only need see that safety warnings printed on any appliance produced in the European Union to understand how total safety and security is an illness. You can’t take your job so seriously. If you sell phone batteries, don’t place a warning on them, in 10 different languages, asking the buyer not to nibble on it. Don’t make a fool of yourself in 10 different languages. The legal cobweb covering the Old Continent making you do it is no excuse. Exporting illegal batteries is better than looking like a world-class idiot all over the world.

But Europe takes itself too seriously. Everything is regulated in its pocket-sized nations. Everything is vital. Everything is serious. Everything is exceedingly dull. Americans can joke and laugh about filling some dictator full of holes without tearing their hair out and crying, which is exactly what the French, Belgian or the Danes do. The Dutch aren’t laughing so loud this week because some genius in the government has decided it would be a good idea to legalize an anti–old people pill. Suddenly, Dutch progressive OAPs, that have been smoking spliffs since their teens, feel less enthusiastic about death-dealing because they’ve realized that in this year’s Halloween parties they will be the dead.

Incidentally, proof of Europe’s idiotization is that, given a choice as to what we import from the United States, instead of choosing liberty, wealth or the size of the damn ice in our drinks, we chose Halloween, which we would gladly send back to you in a box with its corresponding bow and a thank-you note “always thinking of you.”

Something else we envy. When a policeman shoots down a dangerous terrorist, you all ask how the policeman is and swell with pride over his heroism. In Europe though, public opinion and the media react differently:

Couldn’t he have spared the man’s life?

Was it proportional?

Did he read him his rights?

He wasn’t gunned down for wearing explosives and six machetes, he was murdered for being an Arab.

The same happens with military ops. If no one botches it, America will still rally behind their military when they are deployed, even if there has been political dissent. These small shows of unison that upstage the differences, around basic issues, are what make a nation great. Small things can be huge.

Maybe because Americans don’t believe that the state will save them, and much less guarantee them everlasting life within the foreseeable future, they still choose to trust in God. And that’s understandable. When one sees Bernie Sanders and thinks, if an electoral catastrophe were to occur, that one’s life would be in his hands, it’s a huge relief to know you always have God to save you.

What’s more, God is present daily in the lives of men that, as with any civilization, want to transcend their own arrogance. Which is why, when a politician finishes speaking with a “God bless America!” no one is surprised or shocked. It even sounds good, magnificent, glorious. On the other hand, in Europe, if one finishes his speech with a “God bless Sweden!” or “God bless Denmark!” it just doesn’t work. It’s almost like saying “God bless the International Monetary Fund!” It doesn’t even sound good. What’s more you’ll instantly see people rise from their seats and call out:

Why do you say “God”? I’m an atheist. It’s offensive.

Why do you say “God” and not Goddess? Chauvinist! It’s offensive.

Why do you say “God” and not Mother Nature? I identify as a rabbit. Ethnocentrist! It’s offensive.

In the end you just give up, leave God out of it, but reference Satan because you want to send the whole world to hell. But then, once more, another uproar, like a cat fight on Twitter: Christianocentric! Islamophobe. Allah is great. It’s offensive. That’s when you decide to put an end to the event and hang yourself in a toilet stall. That’s how things are in Europe.

Of course, Europe also has the History, it’s still at the origin of our civilization, illustrious ruins, Spanish literature, British humor, Houllebecq and Swedish women. But it also has its fair share of disappointments. France was supposed to be fun. All of my damned bohemians burned Paris down between opium dens, poetry and whisky. It was all just an illusion. These days their grandchildren don’t go out at night, they only read the state’s Official Bulletin and instead of alcohol, they down copious amounts of ecological tea in vegan tea shops where they extract the tea by caressing the leaves.

What about Spain? My country is another matter. Spaniards are only Europeans during work hours. From six in the afternoon onward — Brussels time — we stop being European and we do whatever we feel like until 8 a.m. the next day. This makes other Europeans feel awkward when they come to do business here. They would much prefer to see a hoard of fools following one another mindlessly through the streets like Lemmings, that strange video game from the ’80s. I mean they would rather be in Berlin than Madrid. We don’t do it because we love partying, but to safeguard the essence of ancient Europe, when Romans would commit the seven deadly sins all together, leave work mid-afternoon for a siesta and always found an excuse for a toast (not the bread one). Our sacred duty as Spaniards is to keep these worthy traditions alive, whatever Brussels says.

It’s not that Europe is a bad idea, just the same as the — oh so different — United States isn’t either. Europe, and I mean the European Union, is a place where we can sit down and talk instead of being gunned down and invaded. It has its benefits, especially in what concerns public spending on weapons. But neither Americans nor Europeans can permit themselves to be complacent. Europe needs to recover its identity or Brexit will be just the beginning, and America needs to keep an eye on what’s happening over here, because no one’s immune to a plague of stupid people corrupting the power. Although I suspect that in the end, whatever happens in the future, here in Europe, we’ll always be jealous of the size of your missiles, Reagan’s politics, Scarlett Johansson’s beauty, George Clooney’s elegance and having a president who tweets all in caps.

[breakfreefromyourlies]

With a taste of your lips (Part 2) – Reader x Gwilym Lee

Summary: You landed your first pretty big job on the set of the BohRap movie, what could go wrong? Except your feelings?

A/N: I’m overjoyed to read that you liked the first part. So here’s the second. I continue building the tension and don’t want to go too fast. Don’t hesitate to tell me what you think of it. Also tell me if you want to be added to the tag list. And remember that English is not my first language so I’m sorry if there are grammatical mistakes.  

Pairing: Gwilym Lee x Reader

Words count: 1.1k

PART 1

You had not realized how fast the last few days shooting the “Live Aid” performance had passed. Eighty percent of the movie still had to be shot and the boys needed to get their focus back after such an emotional experience.

“Yes boss, the boys are absolutely killing it. Everything is under control and I’m doing my best to help as much as I can. I can’t wait for you to see the final scenes, it will look amazing on screen. Brian and Roger are delighted, we’re all very happy.” You said over the phone to Graham King, your boss. “The next filming session starts this afternoon. I’ll let you know how it went. Talk to you later.” You added before hanging up.

“I’m glad you don’t talk bad about us behind our back to your boss.” Ben said jokingly, making you jump with surprise.

“Gosh Ben you scared me! I didn’t hear you come in.” You shouted before adding with a smirk on your face “I still have time to do so you know. The shooting is far from being over and I would love to get you in some troubles.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Ben said, acting all shocked.

“Watch me” You replied, a smug look on your face.  

“I wouldn’t try it Ben. You know she is not kidding.” Joe said entering the room with Gwilym and Rami by his sides.

“Thank you, Joe.” You replied, eyes still locked in Ben’s. “Anyway, are you guys ready for today? It’s the shooting of the “We will rock you” scene, remember?” You asked.

“Yes about that Y/N/N, could you please help me rehearse my lines? I’m not so sure I get them right.” Gwilym asked, walking towards you.

You could smell his perfume from how close he was to you now. The mix of wood and sage with a tint of fougere was uncanny yet so heady. The fragrance was a delight to your nose and made you forget where you were for a few seconds.

“S-Sure Gwil, no problem! Do you guys also need help with yours?” You asked not wanting to seem rude in front of Rami, Ben and Joe.  

They all exchanged a look and a shared smirk before saying in unison “No we’re good! Thanks. We’ll leave you two.”  

Thanks God!

“Well if you feel as so, see you guys later.” You said, relieved that they chose not to stay.

The boys left you and Gwilym in the shooting room that was transformed as Queen’s studio, ready to rehearse.

You loved helping Gwilym with his lines. Watching him bring his character to life and the amount of work he was willing to put in inspired you. It was also a fun opportunity to step into the shoes of an aspiring actress.

“So which part do you need my help on?” You asked him while looking at the script.  

“Well, if we could start from the beginning. You know Brian waiting for Freddie to arrive but then deciding to start anyway.” He said. “Oh and no need to do the part where Chrissie kiss Brian you know.” he added, still looking at his script.

“Oh too bad! I could have almost kissed the younger version of Brian May. You truly break my heart here Gwil.” You replied chuckling, not knowing if it was actually a joke to you.

His eyes caught yours for a few seconds before looking down again.

“Well let’s start from “Stamp to this beat”.” He said before clearing his throat.  

——

You both played the scene without a glitch.

“Well I guess you’re good Gwil. You truly know it to perfection.” You told him, wondering why he had asked you to rehearse as he seemed to know it more than by heart. “I hope you’ll give me an award when the shooting is over for all the times I helped you.” You added, chuckling.

“I’ll give you anything you want. You’ll just have to ask.” He replied, smiling. “And thanks again Y/N/N, I feel more confident now.” He added, looking at your eyes then your lips.

“I always dreamed of being an actress when I was younger.” You said, almost whispering. “I was always pretending to be someone else. Well, Disney princesses mostly but still. My mother couldn’t keep up with all the roles I played at home. I also loved pretending that I was winning an Oscar. I would take a water bottle as the award and thanked everyone who helped me achieve this dream.” You reminisced. “But well, I guess life had something else in store for me.” You finished, feeling a little nostalgic.

“I’m sure you would have been an amazing actress but you’re also very amazing at the job you’re doing now and I’m glad you’re doing it by our side.” Gwilym replied, placing his right hand on your arm.

“Are you guys done?” Rami shouted as he entered the room, taking you out of your thoughts.

“Yep, all finished.” Gwilym said, removing his hand from your arm and standing up as soon as he heard Rami.

“Let’s go eat! We have a busy afternoon waiting for us.” Rami added, waving his hand towards the exit.

You were happy to be with the boys during lunch. Joe and Rami were by your sides as Gwilym and Ben were facing you.

“So how was the rehearsal guys?” Joe asked, between two bites.

“Well, Y/N did a better job portraying all your characters at once than you did so far.” Gwilym said laughing.

“Asshole!” Ben said throwing a piece of bread at him.  

“I can’t help it that I’m so good. Don’t be jealous.” You laughed all smugly.

“His opinion is flawed by his feelings anyway. You could give the worst performance of all times, he would still praise you.” Joe added.

Gwilym threw back the bread at Joe’s face.

“Guys! Stop playing with the food!” You shouted, trying to change the subject.

“Yes mom.” Gwilym replied sending a few fries at you.  

“You’ll so regret it Lee!” You threatened him before seeing his face expression change completely as he looked at something or someone behind you.

You turned around to look in the same direction and saw a beautiful blonde girl coming to your table. Gwilym immediately stood up and walked toward her disconcerted.  

“Hey babe, surprise!” She said, coming closer to him.

“H-hum what are you doing here?” Gwilym mumbled to her.

“You said I could come anytime to visit the set and see you shoot. So here I am. Aren’t you happy I came?” She replied, almost hurt he didn’t give her a grand entrance.  

“Yes sure, I just wasn’t expecting it, you.” He told her. “Hum, let me introduce you.” He added, walking towards the group.

“So guys hum, meet Ana, she’s m-my” Gwilym started.

“I’m Gwilym’s girlfriend.” She interrupted him while extending her hand to shake yours.  

I’m sorry, girl-WHAT?

[a-atlantics-blog]

True Crime, Chapter One

Leah Vine, conspiracy theorist, podcaster, comedian, along with her brother, Alex.

Spencer Reid, genius, FBI profiler, friend.

After their two world's happen to collide when Leah and her brother travel to a small town with a series of murders, Leah's interest for true crime spikes, and her photographic memory comes in handy.

Chole Bennet as Leah Vine

Aaron Taylor Johnson as Alex Vine

Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid

"Hello ladies and gents-" Leah started into the microphone, getting cut off by Alex.

"This is the moment you've waited for," Alex laughed.

"Every time!" Leah yelled, "I'm so sorry, that was literally ear rape. If you do not know who we are, I'm Leah Vine, here with my fraternal twin brother and co-host, Alex."

"Hi there!" Alex said, "so, Leah, what are we talking about today?"

"Today we are talking about the murders Port Gibson, which is a city in Claiborne County, Mississippi," Leah answered in weird voice, "this city has a total population of 1,600, which really isn't that many people, if you ask me."

"Leah has done so much research on this case, I really hope talking about this one makes you all happy," Alex laughed.

"Here's our usual disclaimer; Alex and I are comedians, we joke about everything, you've been warned," Leah said, "so on to this case. It all started in 1969—" Alex snorted, "shut up. Anyway, in 1969 this dude was going around and killing hippies. It started with a young woman named Ana, no last name given. This dude stabbed her several times in the stomach, shouting over and over 'perish for your sins'."

"Wait, wait, wait," Alex said, "so you're saying this Catholic activist, pretty much just like... Stabbed this poor girl while saying 'die bitch'?"

Leah laughed, "pretty much."

"So tell them why we're talking about this case, Leah," Alex said.

"There have been more murders of women who have a hippie aesthetic being murdered in Port Gibson," Leah informed, "and we are investigators, journalists, we have a vlog channel. Which means, we are going to Port Gibson to investigate these murders."

"Alright, so," Leah said, looking at the camera, "we have landed in Port Gibson and there has been another murder." She panned the camera to Alex, poking his cheek. He took off his sunglasses and gave a smoulder to the camera.

"Please edit that out," Alex laughed.

"Wait, we're here," Leah said, quickly jogging up to the yellow tape.

"Excuse me ma'am," an officer said, "we're gonna need you to step back." Leah nodded, stepping back a bit as Alex tried to negotiate.

"So Alex is trying to negotiate, and—" Leah was cut off by an attractive, young man.

"Excuse me," he said, Leah immediately turned to to him, raising her eyebrows, "I-I've seen you and your brother online before. I-if you like, you could maybe help out? You seem to have a knack for finding information."

"Uh, uh," Leah stuttered, "y-yeah! Sure, I'd love to!"

"I'm Spencer, by the way, Spencer Reid," the man said.

"I'm Leah, but if you've seen my brother and I online I'm sure you already know that," Leah laughed, tucking hair behind her ear.

"Let's go," Spencer nodded, grabbing her hand. Leah's cheeks turned red, and she kept her head down.

"Reid!" A darker man said, "who's the hottie?" Leah raised her eyebrows, looking down. The comment reminded her of an event in her home town that scarred her. Something she would rather not talk about.

"This is Leah Vine, she's a true crime investigator along with her brother, Alex," Spencer said, "Leah, this is Derek Morgan."

"Very nice to meet you," Leah smiled, before grabbing a pair of latex gloves and looking around, "was any shouting heard?"

"Yes, neighbors heard a man shouting 'perish for your sins', why?" Morgan asked.

"In 1969—" Leah was cut off by her brother.

"Ah, 69 the magic," Alex laughed. Leah rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, this dude started a killing spree in 1969, his first victim being a young woman named Ana," Leah continued, "he stabbed her several times in the stomach, while shouting 'perish for your sins'."

"In other words," Alex said, "a religious activist went around shouting 'die bitch!'. Fucked up, if you ask me."

"Does he make jokes out of everything?" Morgan asked, raising his eyebrows.

"They both do, actually," Spencer answered, "they have a podcast and they're well known stand up comedians in about fourteen states." Leah nodded in confirmation.

"Who's the older one?" Morgan asked.

"We're twins, does it matter?" Leah and Alex asked in unison.

"You can tell Leah is the older one because she's at least two inches shorter than Alex," Spencer said, before pointing to the platform boots she was wearing, "however, those boots add at least six inches on her, making her taller than Alex."

Leah raised her eyebrows, "I'm impressed."

"What the hell do you do for a living?" Alex asked.

"Anyway, the dude killing the hippies in 1969 would hide the knife in high up places," Leah said, "and there are exposed beams up there." A smirk found its way to her face. She walked over to a stepping stool, putting it slightly to the right of the beam. She jumped, grabbing on to the beam and pulling herself up. Spencer and everyone else in the room were surprised.

"She did gymnastics when we were kids," Alex smiled. Another smirked came over Leah's lips as she picked up a knife, her smirk soon being overcome by a smile.

"Got it," Leah said. She threw at a box, the blade landing perfectly in it. She swung her leg over the beam, trying to carefully get herself down, "I did not think this through." Her fingers started to slip, "shit, I'm slipping!"

Spencer quickly went over, "let go, I'm right here." Leah let go, her heart speeding up as she fell. However, she didn't hit the floor, instead, Spencer had caught her. Leah quickly got out of his grasp.

"Thanks," Leah smiled. Alex was laughing his ass off, damn near on his knees, "keep laughing, you'll be on your knees for a whole different reason." Alex immediately stopped laughing, which caused Morgan to laugh.

"And what's she gonna do? Slap you really hard?" Morgan asked. Leah walked over and smiled sweetly while she placed her hands on his shoulders. She brought her knee up, and kneed him in the dick.

"That," Leah said as Morgan groaned in pain. Spencer laughed.

"Well, now we know not to mess with her," Spencer said.

[angel-of-death-2015]

Surprise!  Surprise!  Merry Christmas @kireiscorner from your LoliRock Secret Santa!  I know you wanted something with Talisto but the direction I was trying to go for went far left lol.  I know you wanted something related to your culture and religion so I decided to go with having a parranda!  I know how much Christianity means to you and I didn’t want to botch it so I had to kinda redo it all.  But it all worked out!  Also I didn’t know what was a good song for a parranda so I decided to use the one called “Let Love Light the Way” from Elena of Avalor.  I hope you enjoy it!

Let Love Light the Way

The entire place was beautiful.  Nothing but pristine decorations everywhere.  Garland of the colors of silver, crystal blue, and white wrapped around the banisters all around the palace.  Crystal gems that looked like stars hung from the ceiling like chandeliers.  The palace looked enchanting.  Despite the enthralling look of the building, a lingering atmosphere of disappointment and frustration filled the room with a pair of siblings.  Two thirteen year-olds were reading some comic books while listening to music.  The male twin sighed in frustration

“I hate this!  Why did mom and dad have to be away of all times?” He angrily turned a page in the book.  He heard his sister sigh.

“I know, I know Damien.  I hate that mom and dad are away too but they’ll be back in a few days!  Then we can ring in the new year together!”

“It’s not the same though Ana!” Damien sighed as he closed the book. “Stupid council.  Always trying to keep everyone busy just because they’re grumpy and smell weird.” Ana laughed at her twin’s comment. “Not to mention that our parents won’t be here with us to share and open presents.  It’s not fun if they aren’t here.”

Ana nodded in agreement. “Do you still have any ideas on what to get them too?” The girl closed the comic and took out a notebook.  She smiled at some of the lyrics she came up with several months ago.  It wasn’t easy to make them either.  Ana looked up when she heard Damien humming to himself.

“I...got nothing.”

“...Dude, really.  We need an idea.”

Damien pulled his silver hair a bit. “I literally don’t have any idea!  It’s not like we can just buy them something!  We’re royalty for Ephedian sake!  Mom could easily just request for something to be made in no time flat!  And knowing dad, if it’s not something he could use to give to mom or prank Auntie Prax with, he won’t use it.” The little prince sighed again. “We’re not really small kids anymore Ana.  It’s hard to figure out what to get for the best parents ever this time of year.  Not to mention that they won’t be home to have it.  The magic of it all won’t be there.”

Damien’s elder twin frowned.  Her brother was right.  It’s not like they can just make any little drawing or bracelet.  Something has to be from the heart.  But what exactly can they do?  Anastasia flipped through some of the pages in her song book.  She carefully read the lyrics she stayed up all night for.  A gentle tune went through her mind as she looked over her recent song.  An idea suddenly hit her like a bolt of lightning.

“I got it!” Her younger twin almost fell out of his chair from the sudden outburst.

“Got what?”

“We’ll write a song!  That’s their gift!” Damien blinked his honey eyes a few times.

“A song?  That’s our gift to them?” Damien pondered over it. “Keep talking sis.”

“Okay, so we can just call them and sing our own song to them.  That way, they can get their gift from us and the magic can be there!”

“Not bad!  Not bad at all!  How many days do we got left?”

“Not sure.  Let me check.” Ana grabbed a calendar from her brother’s desk.  Her shoulders slumped in a bit of disappointment.

“We only have today…”

“Not a problem!  To the music room!” Damien gathered two books and Anastasia’s song books.  He grabbed his twin’s hand and ran out of the room.

“What’s another word that rhymes with ‘holiday’?” The younger twin huffed as he thought.

“Um…’goliday’?”

Ana frowned. “That’s not even a word.” She sighed out loud.  They’ve been in the music room for an hour and so far, they haven’t gotten anywhere aside from one or two lines.  It also didn’t help that the siblings were getting hungry.

“Sorry but I’m not the songwriter here!  That’s in your territory.”

Ana sighed again. “Let’s just go and get lunch.  I’m starving.”

Damien shrugged in agreement.  He hopped off of the piano and opened the door for his sister.  Both siblings walked down a long hallway to reach the dining hall.

“This songwriting thing is a lot harder than it looks.  How do you even manage to do it?”

His sister shrugged. “I dunno.  Sometimes it just comes to me.  It can get super annoying too.”

Green eyes looked up to see a painted family portrait on the wall.  In the painting was a woman with beautiful dark brown skin and short crystal blue hair.  She was sitting in a chair, wearing a white and dark blue gown with sheer material at the bottom to show off her nice legs.  Her honey-colored eyes showed warmth and love that can draw anyone to them.  Next to her was a man with porcelain skin with numerous scars that hold many untold stories.  His hair was long and the color of sweet red wine.  His snake-like eyes were green: playful and inviting.  A royal robe of dark and light green fitted him perfectly.  He smiled to show off his fangs.  Both royals were holding two small children smiling widely.  Anastasia smiled from seeing the painting.  She was so lucky to have such amazing and beautiful parents.  A small frown graced her face when she felt a twinge of pain coming from her arm.

“You’re too busy staring into space to see you almost ran into the door Miss Daisy!” Damien smirked after pinching his sister.  Both teens walked into the large dining hall and took their seats.  A smell of roasted meat coming from the kitchen made their mouths water in anticipation.

“Afternoon your Highnesses!” A servant with long purple locs came from the double doors with two silver domes covering their trays.  He sets them before the young royals and uncovers the food. “Today you will have vunelury sandwiches: one with onatoes and the other without.  Along for your sides, you will have funnel fries and a helping of your favorite fruits.  For your drinks, we have zunnilade and abble juice.”

“Thanks Kylo!” Both twins said in unison before digging into their food.

“You’re very welcome!” The servant spotted Anastasia’s notebook on the table. “Writing another song Ms. Ana?”

The elder twin swallowed her food. “Yeah!  We’re trying to-”

“Don’t give it away Miss Daisy!  It’s supposed to be a secret!” Damien chided with his mouth full.

“It’s a secret present from our parents doofus!  Kylo wouldn’t tell them anything!” Green eyes narrowed at the younger Ydinoran prince.

“A present you say?  For the holiday tomorrow?” Asked Kylo, arching his eyebrow in curiosity.

“Yeah.  We know they can’t be here nor did we have any ideas on what to get them.  So we decided to write a song instead!” Anastasia briefly shifted her eyes downward. “We just wish they’d be here instead of having to come home way later.  And yes, we know it’s for the kingdom’s business but it still sucks.”

The brown-skinned man smiled.  He took a pitcher and poured more juice into his prince’s cup. “You kids are something special.  Your idea is wonderful.” He briefly thought of an idea. “Perhaps you can give your parents their gift along with something that can make it more special.”

The “special” part piqued the twin’s interest.

“What do you mean by ‘special’?” Ana asked as she peeled a munana.

“Do you mind if I take a rest?”

“Of course you can! You’re family Sly-Ky!” Damien smiled from hearing the elder man chuckle.  Kylo took a seat in front of the young royals.

“Well...Before you were born and before the war with Gramorr,” The servant took a small breath from mentioning the evil wizard’s name, “there was a tradition that we Xerins loved to do for this holiday every year.  We used to gather in large groups and sing songs together.  We’d bring anyone that wanted to come along and we’d go to the town square.  It became a large celebration with food, some games, and a lot of fellowship.  We call the custom a ‘parranda’.” Kylo gave a small smile. “Your mother and Aunt Izira led a parranda once when they were children.”

“They did?!”

“Yes!  It was such a wonderful time!” The elder servant gave a sad smile. “The tradition seems to be lost now.  It would be splendid if everyone could remember the parranda.”

The twins finished their food and looked at each other.  To think that an entire tradition was forgotten because of a war that happened before they were born!  As if they had telepathy, the siblings smiled and nodded to each other in agreement.  They turned to the servant and gave wide smiles.

“Kylo?  Can you help us with our gift?  For everyone?”

The man widened his eyes in shock.  Tears threatened to spill from the overwhelming emotion.  These kids are truly special.  He smiled and nodded.

“Of course!”

Anastasia and her brother rose from the table and took Kylo’s hands.

“Then let’s get moving!  We have to get this finished by tonight!”

A sigh came from the woman’s lips.  She was exhausted from attending that four hour long meeting.  Why couldn’t she just stay home for this?  She felt a migraine coming on and she didn’t like it one bit.

“Talia?  You okay?” Honey-colored orbs looked up to see a man with burgundy hair holding a platter of tea and an assortment of desserts.  He sets the platter down on the table in front of Talia.

“I guess I am.” The tone in her voice didn’t ease his worries.

“Talk to me.” The man sat down next to his wife and hugged her.  He felt Talia relax in his hold.

“I just...Mephisto, that meeting was longer than necessary all because the council of Zexon and Martine were complete morons!  And it didn’t help that three of them questioned my authority!” Talia fought tears of frustration from leaking. “Not to mention that it’s the holiday and we can’t be with Dami and Ana.  We made sure to not leave the kids by themselves on holidays.  I don’t want them to go through that like how we did!” Talia felt her husband’s embrace grow tighter.

“I know...But we just need to last a little longer.  I hate not being with my juice bugs right now.  I got their presents ready to knock their socks off!” Mephisto pumped his fist into the air, causing his wife to chuckle.

“The sooner we sort out everything, the sooner we can go home.”

“Okay, let’s go over this one more time.” Declared Anastasia as she strummed the chords of her guitar.  Her brother had his own guitar in his arms, tuning one of the chords correctly.  The pair began to sing their song in harmony, striking the correct chords to their specific notes.  Once they were done, Kylo stood up to give an ovation.

“You two are definitely ready.”

“We are?”

Kylo nodded. “Yes, you are.  We’ve practiced more than enough.  Now is the time!” Both twins grinned widely. “I’ll let the maids prepare your clothing at once.  Be sure to pick the best footwear for walking!” On that note, the servant left the room.

The elder twin released a breath. “We did it!  And just in time too.”

“I know!  I just hope that mom and dad will like it.”

“They will!  I guarantee it!  It’s your nerves talking you dork.”

Honey eyes rolled in amusement of the nickname. “Come on.  We gotta get going.”

The royal twins of Ydinora quickly made their way to their chambers.  Their robes for the holiday were laid across their beds, waiting to be worn.  Both siblings quickly changed into their royal holiday robes and grabbed their guitars.  They met each other in the hallway.

“Do I look okay?” Ana did a three-sixty to show off her robe.  It was white with a sheer tail cascading down below her waist.  Her arms were laced with a design of a wild Edenian flower vine that sparkled in the light.  The bust was covered with sparkly diamonds as well as the waist.  Anastasia’s hair was pulled into a high ponytail with a Xuna flower accenting the silver locks.

Damien looked up and down and smiled. “Like a sparkly dork.” His sister rolled her eyes.

“Whatever.  At least you look decent.” Ana smiled and rolled her eyes as her brother did a three-sixty as well.  He was wearing a similar robe but had on a sheer cape and fancy bow tie.  The design on his sleeves were the vines of a different Ephedian wildflower with a different glittered color.

“I look amazing!  In any case, we need to meet with Kylo.  We gotta get started somewhere.”

The elder twin nodded as she led her brother down the hall.  The twins reached the gate of the palace and saw several servants and guards waiting for them to arrive.  Kylo was among them.

“Evening your Highnesses!  Are you prepared?”

They both nodded. “As prepared as we’ll ever be!”

“Then let us begin!”

Anastasia strummed her guitar first before Damien joined in.  “It’s holiday time!  The most special of seasons!  So come gather round to remember the reason.” The group exits out of the main gate and start walking into the villages.

Damien smiled as he saw people coming out of their homes with bright smiles.  He took his turn to sing next. “So come walk with me!  Sing along and you’ll see! On this holiday, let love light the way!”

Both twins joined together in harmony. “You need nothing more!  Than those you adore!  On this holiday, let love light the way!”

The group got larger and larger with more Ydinorian citizens joining in.  Many young adults and elders were overjoyed to reunite with their tradition that was buried those years ago.  Some citizens brought snacks and actual meals to share with everyone as they traveled to the destination the twins were leading to.  Everyone was able to catch on to the chorus of the song in no-time flat as they continued to walk through the realm of Ignus.  Many villagers of the realm came out of their homes to join in as well.  The young royals of Ydinora beamed when the citizens of Ignus marched out with their traditional instruments and joined in.  Their traditional foods were shared among the Ydinorians and vice-versa.  The large crowd came by the royal palace where a young princess ran out with her traditional holiday robe on.  Three guards and an advisor came out with her as well.

“I can’t believe it!  An actual parranda!” The princess exclaimed, running straight for the twins at the gate.

“Hey Karina!  Are you joining in too?”

“No, I’m just standing outside looking fancy for the grass.  Of course I’m joining in!” The Ignus princess stood next to Anastasia and started marching. “Where are we headed by the way?”

“To give a special gift for two special people.”

Talia stretched to the ceiling and felt a gentle pop from her back.  That tension is finally gone.  She changed into a casual outfit consisting a blue blouse with dark blue pants and black ballet flats.  It’s almost dinner time and all she wanted to do was eat and stay in her room.  It’s enough that she won’t be home with her babies for the holiday but to deal with more idiocy from those council members?  If she didn’t have that restraint and poise, she would’ve done something she wouldn’t be proud of but wouldn’t care.  She was about to take a book out from her bag but stopped when she heard the door slam open.

“Crystal-offensio!” Talia stopped the barrage of crystals when she heard several familiar screams.

“Honey!  It’s only me and the others!” Mephisto yelled as he let down his shield.

“Well I wouldn’t have done that if you didn’t burst through the door like that!” She crossed her arms, trying to lessen her racing heartbeat.

A woman with flowing pink hair stepped into the room.  Another woman with an orange ponytail stepped in. “We’re sorry for scaring you!”

Honey-colored orbs rolled in annoyance. “Well, can anyone please tell me why you guys just busted into my room like something happened?”

The woman with the orange ponytail bounced up and down like she used to as a teenager. “Ooohh!  Talia!  You gotta come see this!  You’re gonna love it!”

“Love exactly what Auriana?  You got any idea what she’s talking about Iris?”

Blue eyes shined with excitement.  The Ephedian queen gently pushed her friend outside of the room. “It’d be much better if you just come and see for yourself.”

Talia briefly huffed as she was pushed to the main hallway.  The group walked to the end then took a right to lead out to the balcony that oversees the very large courtyard.  Mephisto opened the door and escorted his wife out.

“On this holiday, let love light the way!” The voices of hundreds rang in the air.  Talia was stunned by how many people came to the realm and sang their hearts out.  Where did they come from?!  Why are they here?!

“Talia!  Look down there at the fountain!” Exclaimed Auriana with sheer excitement.

Talia looked at the fountain and felt tears spring to her eyes.  She felt her husband wrap his arm around her to keep her from falling to her knees.  On the large fountain stood the young Ydinorian twins in their festive robes, strumming their guitars and singing out.  Beside both of them were the princesses of the realms of Ignus, Volta, Calix, Sirius, and Zuron, Kylo, Queen Izira and Praxina.  They were surrounded by guards from each realm that came to join the parranda.

“So come sing with me!  All together we’ll be!  On this holiday, let love light the way!” The instruments from each realm was heard.  Love and warmth radiated from the entire crowd.  Tears finally shed from Talia’s eyes from happiness.  She hasn’t had a parranda since she was a child nor has she seen such a large crowd of many Ephedians come together to attend a Xerin tradition.

Without another second to spare, Talia raced back inside and flew down the stairs.  Her husband and friends were right on her heels.  She came out of the main door and raced to the sea of singing Ephedians.  The guards stepped aside to let the twins meet their parents.  The twins stopped singing while the crowd continued.

“Hi mom!  Hi dad!” Anastasia grinned as she set her guitar down on the side.

Talia sniffed, taking a hanky from Mephisto and dabbed her eyes. “What is all of this?  What are you two doing here?”

“I’d like to know myself kiddos.” Praxina’s brother wasn’t upset, but he was still concerned considering how the kids had to walk for miles upon miles just to get here.

The twins looked at each other and nodded. “This is your gift from us to you!”

“We thought it’d be okay if we came to you guys for the holiday.  It’s not fun if you two are away!  And we didn’t know what to get you.  So, here you go!”

Both parents laughed as they brought their children into their arms and hugged them tightly.  The crowd cheered from seeing the Ydinorian royal family reunite.  Talia and Mephisto released the twins but kept them at a close length.

“You two really outdid yourselves.  I’m truly speechless!  From the song to reviving the parranda?  This is the greatest gift I’ve ever received!” Talia kissed her babies’ foreheads. “I love you so much!”

“Kids, you must’ve done something right to make your mother this speechless.  The last time that happened was when you first got your powers!” Mephisto winced in pain from receiving a hard punch from his older twin.

“Don’t ruin the moment fool!”

The group of royals laughed as Mephisto rubbed his arm.

“Ana?  Dami?  Can we join in too?”

The twins’ eyes light up like fireworks bursting in the sky.  They grabbed their guitars and started strumming the strings.

“Follow our lead!” The group nodded as Ana and her twin began to sing once more.

“And down every street are new friends we can meet!  On this holiday, let love light the way!” Several dancers from Ignus readied their stances and used their magic to perform a series of fireworks to burst in the evening sky. “So come walk with me!  Sing along and you’ll see!  On this holiday, let love light the way!”

The queens of Ephedia and Volta paired together and locked arms with each other.  Praxina did the same thing with her sister-in-law despite frowning from the loud volume of villagers singing and performing with their instruments.  Mephisto held Talia with one arm while wrapping the other around Ana.  Talia wrapped both of her arms around both of the twins.

“You need nothing more!  Than those you adore!  On this holiday, let love-”

“Let love-”

“Let love-”

“Let love-”

“Let love light the way!” More fireworks popped into the night.  The large crowd consisting of various realms cheered as they fellowshipped with each other.  The twins set their guitars down and tightly hugged their parents.

“We love you mom and dad!  And happy holidays!” Talia and Mephisto exhaled with love and happiness as they squeezed their children.

“And we love you too!  Thank you for the best presents ever!”

[tindomielsilverthorn]

Void Bolt Ch. 5

A collab with @devsash

Ch 4

At the cottage, midday

Anas carefully wielded the knife, dicing the onions. "Are these enough, little one?" he asked. "Or do you need more?” Somewhere outside the house, Mehe's rhythmic hammer strikes against a nail were clearly audible over Goldeneyes's soft muttering as he tended to the herbs in the garden.

Niqi looked over at the board, shaking her head. “I think one more...” she murmured as she sat peeling the carrots. She turned her head to the side slightly and wiped her cheek on her shoulder.

He nodded, picking up another onion and began to peel it. "Meheaaris talks a lot to himself," he said quietly. "I think he's used to living alone."

“Gil used to do that too,” she offered. “When he first took me in.” She finished peeling the carrot and started to clean up.

"Does he still do it?" he asked, dicing the onion.

“Sometimes,” she nodded. “I don’t see him as much anymore.” She sat at the table absently lining the carrots up in front of her.

"Why not? Has he been busy?" Anas swept the diced onions onto a plate before setting the knife down. "Here."

“What?” She looked over at the plate. “Oh. Thank you.”  She picked up the onions and carried them to the stove, placing them into the pot to start sweating. “He spends most of his time with Silannah now,” she shrugged. “Which makes sense.”

"Do you miss him?"

She looked over to him, her blue eyes dim. “Very much,” she said quietly. “I’m lucky to have Æl, you, and Mehe though. Else I’d be alone.”

"You'll always have me, Niqi." He smiled gently at her. She stirred the onions, added a bit of salt and pepper and turned to Anas. Wandering over to him, she wrapped her arms about his waist. He chuckled, gently placing his hand on the top of her head. "Is there anything else I can help with?"

“Could you find the stew meat? I will start cutting up the carrots.” She squeezed him tight before releasing him. “Thank you… for everything.”

"You're welcome, little one." He glanced around the kitchen with a frown before calling out, “Mehe!”

"Yes?" an identical pair of voices chorused. Goldeneyes's face appeared at one window as Mehe peered in from another, both wearing the same curious expression.

Anas blinked at the duo. "Uh... where's the meat for lunch?” Niqi glanced back and forth between the two, a small laugh popping out. The Sin'dorei and Ren'dorei men arched an eyebrow at her in unison.

"I've dressed it," Goldeneyes said, pointing towards a covered bowl on the table with the trowel in his hand.

Anas glanced at it. "Right. Thank you, Meheaaris." He picked the bowl up, uncovering it.

"Hmmm," came the reply before Goldeneyes returned to his work. Mehe shrugged at Anas before disappearing as well. The ringing of his hammer resumed shortly after.

Niqi crawled up into a chair and leaned up in her knees. Pulling the cutting board over, she started chopping the carrots. "I'm still getting used to having Mehe and Goldeneyes here," Anas said. He carried the bowl to the sink before carefully rinsing the meat.

“It has to be hard on top of what happened to you,” She frowned. “Mehe told me. Anas, why didn’t you say?”

"You were already so upset. I couldn't make you feel worse." Anas sighed. "You needed me, little one. Besides, I'm getting better slowly but surely."

“You’re so good to me… I… I don’t deserve it.” She pushed the chopped pieces aside, picking up another.

Anas blinked, glancing at her. "Of course you do. If our places were switched, would you think I didn't deserve to be helped?"

“You’re… you’re a good person. You can help people, heal people… save them...” She choked out. The knife slipped from her hands falling to the table with a clatter. She buried her face in her arms.

Anas rinsed his hands, wiping them on a cloth. He stepped to her and lifted her into his arms. "You're a good person too, little one," he murmured, hugging her gently.

She cried into his hair, holding on to him. “What if he… what if he was right? That I am only good for… for...” she wasn’t able to finish the words.

He shook his head. "That's not true. You're an amazing friend and a wonderful seamstress. You helped Mehe and myself when we were going hungry. You even let us live here, in this house that was intended for you and Ælithil." He stroked her hair comfortingly. "You've helped us more than we can ever repay you, little one. I'm so glad to have you in my life."

She held on till she managed to get control over herself, at least a small amount. “I’m sorry. You… Oh Light, you shouldn’t be holding me… you’re supposed to rest!” She leaned back, looking at him, concerned.

"I'm not straining myself, little one." He kissed her forehead.

She hugged his neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, big brother,” she whispered into his ear. She cleared her throat a little. “We should probably keep working on lunch. Mehe will be working up an appetite and Goldeneyes...ummm, maybe?”

Outside, Goldeneyes growled almost inaudibly as he continued weeding. Anas's ears twitched as he glanced towards the window. "We should," he agreed, setting her gently on her feet.

“Did I say something wrong?” she asked in a whisper, seeing him move. She crossed to the stove to check on the onions and give them a stir.

He shook his head. "You didn't," he said quietly. "But it seems that Goldeneyes doesn't trust you."

Her ears drooped. “Just like with Mehe...”

"Well, he's technically also Mehe." Anas rested a hand on her shoulder.

“I know. But this one has a whole different reason for hating me.” She set the spoon down and smiled. “Mehe… um, your Mehe, he was really kind to me last night.”

"My Mehe?" Anas chuckled. "What did he do?"

Niqi’s eyes dropped to her feet. “He insisted on setting up the blanket for me. Made it nice and cozy. He even tucked me in. And when I woke him with my crying, he came out to check on me.”

He smiled. "Mehe is a kind man. I'm glad he was there for you when I wasn't."

“He’s kind of blunt about it though,” she laughed ever so lightly. “He just wants to fix it.”

Anas grinned, handing her the bowl of meat. "Did he?"

“Kind of? I still had nightmares, but waking to you both there made it better.” She picked up the bowl and added the contents to the pot. Taking a whiff, she closed her eyes. “That smells wonderful. What did he add to it?”

"It's his own recipe, I believe." Anas peered into the pot. "Something he invented."

“It’s like… Autumn...” she looked at it again. “I’m going to finish the carrots. Do you think you could stir that a bit?” She made her way back to the table. Her hair dropped into her face as she started working. Sighing, she pulled it back with a tendril and started chopping again.

Anas stirred it with the ladle. "Do you and Ælithil cook together?"

Niqi smiled, laughing a little. “No. There’s no kitchen in the tower. We mostly get food from the taverns and such.”

"Right. Though if you had the chance, would you like to cook with him?"

“I would love it. Although, I honestly don’t know if he can cook.” She sat there, pondering it.

"Maybe you should ask him about it," Anas suggested. "Who knows? The two of you might end up with something else in common."

“Perhaps,” She grunted, practically standing on the chair to get leverage on the last, and largest carrot.

He glanced over his shoulder at her. "Need help?"

"This carrot is defeating me..."

He chuckled. "Let me do that."

Heaving a sigh, she set the knife down and got out of the way. "Defeated by a vegetable..."

Anas picked up the knife and set to chopping it up. "I wonder if Mehe would grow these as well as his herbs," he mused. "Having our own vegetables sounds wonderful."

She walked over to the pot, pouring in a bit of water. "I bet he would if you asked him to."

"I will." He grinned, sweeping the chopped carrots into the plate. "There, all done.”

"They can go in in a little while...I wonder if some tomatoes would taste good in this with the spices...." She looked outside considering her options.

"Sounds like a good idea!" Anas set the knife down. "Though I don't think we have any at home right now."

"Well then I guess we'll have to go without for today." She walked over to the back door and sat on the steps. She watched the flowers in Mehe's garden sway in the breeze as she picked at the hem on her borrowed shirt.

"Goldeneyes really has a pair of green thumbs." Anas walked over to the pot. Picking up the ladle, he began to stir it again. "Ever since he came here, the plants have really been flourishing."

"They are very pretty. I wonder what he does?"

"He weeds them, applies fertilizer, talks to them, waters them." Anas smiled. "I think they really make him happy."

"Well it's working. And seeing him smile a little would be nice, I guess." She shrugged.

"Even the bloodthistle is growing so well. Did you see all the blooms they've put out?"

She shook her head. "I haven't gone out there. I...didn't want to disturb anyone."

"You mean Goldeneyes?"

"Yes," she whispered. She peered around, nervous she's being heard.

"He won't hurt you," Anas said firmly. "He knows you're my sister and that Mehe and I would never allow you to come to harm here."

Niqi shivered despite his words. "All right. I will," she swallowed. "I will go look."

He nodded. "I'll go with you if you want. Though it'll have to wait until this is done." He lifted the ladle to his lips, tasting it. "I think it's missing a little something. Here, try it and tell me what you think."

She got up and moved to his side. Taking a taste for herself, she nodded. “It needs...hmmm, Oh Light! The carrots! We didn’t put them in yet.” She grabbed the plate and dumped it in.

He laughed aloud at that. "Mother Moon, how could I forget? Thank you, little one."

“I did too. It’s ok, this way they won’t get too mushy.” She carefully stirred them in and set the ladle aside.

"That's true." Anas sniffed the aroma wafting from the pot and sighed. "It smells so good. You're a wonderful cook, Niqi."

“You think so? I used to hang out in the kitchen when Minn’da wasn’t paying attention. Cook was nice to me. He would let me help sometimes.” She climbed back up into the chair and leaned back. She winced and jumped forward.

Anas started. "Elune above! Are you okay?”

She nodded a little, tears having sprung to her eyes. “I think whatever Mehe put on my back yesterday is wearing off.”

"Your back?" Anas moved closer, concerned. "May I have a look?"

Niqi turned so he could look. She put her hands on the back of the chair and rested her head on them.

Anas carefully lifted the hem of her shirt, frowning at the variety of mottled colors marking her back. "I... could heal it," he said hesitantly, "but it would hurt. Or would you prefer I help you reapply the ointment?"

“It already hurts,” she sniffled. “Would… would it help you practice?”

"No. I don't want to cause you more pain." Anas lowered the shirt. "I'll get the ointment."

“It’s ok… if you want to try.” She offered it gently, knowing how sensitive it was for him. “Practice would make it better for you, right?”

"It would." Anas sighed. "It'll hurt, but it'll be fine once I'm done. Are you sure, little one?"

“I’m sure. Do you need me to do anything?” She adjusted herself in the chair so she was fully stable.

"No." Anas lifted her shirt once more to expose the bruises. "Just try to hold still." His eyes shifted to purple as the shadows swirled towards him. Niqi gripped the back of the chair, took a deep breath and held it.

"Mother Moon, guide my hand," he murmured before gently touching her back. The icy magic seeped into her flesh, spreading from his fingers. It yanked broken blood vessels together, scouring away the visible marks on her skin. Niqi gasped and gripped the chair harder. She whimpered, but did her best not to cry out, at least at first. "Hold on, little one." Anas's brow furrowed as the final marks vanished from her skin. He lifted his hand, allowing the shadows to retreat.

She cried out as he finished. As the cold subsided, she took a few gasping breaths. “Oh Light...” she choked out.

"Are you okay, Niqi?" Anas asked, touching her shoulder.

Her breathing leveled out as she nodded. “I’m okay. I’m okay. Oooh wow.” She set her forehead against her hands. “That was intense. Are they gone?”

"They are." He lowered the hem of her shirt once more. "I'm sorry for hurting you, little one.” A small sound at the window made his ears twitch. He glanced over, only to see Mehe and Goldeneyes peering in, watching him. Goldeneyes wore an expression of awe while Mehe gave him an encouraging nod. "She's okay," Anas said. "I just healed her bruises.”

Niqi flushed a deep purple when she realized they were watching. “It’s all right,” she reassured him. She turned around and leaned back. Smiling up at him, she sighed. “All better. Thank you, Anas.”

"Glad I could help," he said, smiling in relief.

“It was cold. Like that thing that came out of me,” she observed. “Like ice with spikes.”

Anas blinked. "Something from the Shadow then?"

“I’m not sure. It just happened.”

"It could be," Mehe said as he entered the kitchen. "The Shadow and Void are characteristically cold." Goldeneyes stepped in a moment later, closing the door behind him.

“So then I...” Her eyes went wide, surprised.

"Is that very surprising?" Mehe chuckled wryly. "We are Ren'dorei after all."

She shook her head. “It’s not that. I’m just not very… um… skilled? With magic.”

"Shadow and Void magic is very different from the arcane." Mehe bent over the sink to rinse his hands as Goldeneyes disappeared into the guestroom.

“But how do I control it? And… how do I do it again?” Her voice was a blend of frustration and curiosity. “I wasn’t trying to do anything. It just happened.”

"That would require opening yourself to the Shadow." Mehe glanced at her. "It can be unsafe if you don't know how to suppress the whispers. But, if you want, I could link with you and help keep you steady."

“Link with me?” She looked to Mehe, her brow furrowed as she tried to work out what he meant.

"He means join your magic with his," Anas explained. "He'll be able to help keep the flow under control.”

Mehe turned to Anas. "Will you help as well, dear one? I could use your strength if it goes awry."

“But… is it safe for Anas to do that right now? I don’t want to harm him.” She wiggled from the chair and moved to the stove.

"I'll be okay, little one," Anas said reassuringly. "Mehe knows how to draw upon my power without hurting me.”

"But only if you both want to," Mehe said firmly. "The Shadow is only slightly safer than the Void, but not very much safer."

Niqi stirred the pot a bit, set the ladle down and turned to Mehe. “I don’t want to hurt someone because I fling Shadow magic without knowing how.”

"But if you don't know how to control it, you might accidentally hurt someone," Anas said with a sigh. "I know I did when it first happened to me.”

“You did?” She placed her hand gently on his arm. She shifted in place, her tendrils curling around each other. “Could you help me with the control?”

"Yes," Mehe said calmly. "It's how I taught Anas."

“Then, it’s a good idea, I think,” she wiped her hands on the cloth by the sink.

Mehe nodded. "We can try after lunch if you want."

Niqi nodded and bowed her head to him. “Lunch is almost ready. Just a few more minutes until everything is cooked through.”

"Anything I can do to help?" Mehe glanced at the pot. "That smells really good."

Niqi giggled. “You think so? I didn’t pick the seasoning, but the rest Anas and I did together. Anas rescued me from the evil carrot.”

Mehe chuckled. "I'm glad he did." One of his tendrils curled up to caress Anas's cheek tenderly.

Anas turned his head slightly, brushing his lips over the glowing limb. "Niqi did a wonderful job holding out against it though," he said with a grin.

Niqi smiled at the two of them. “Not sure I would say that... “ she quipped. “Light save me, you two are precious.”

Anas laughed. "I'll get the bowls. Would you help me wipe down the table, my love?” Mehe nodded, picking up the cloth.

[dominodebt]

four-stroke cycle

"Sometimes I can hear my bones straining under the weight of all the lives I'm not living." -Johnathan Safran Foer

(They meet at an impasse—the proverbial fork. Who were they before they buried themselves beneath all this metal? Who are they now?)

overwatch | 5,048 | ao3

At this point in his tenure at Blackwatch—which is more or less a month and a half—Genji has learned that appearances can be deceiving.

It's a lesson he learned first with Dr. Ziegler—the slender, pale slip of a woman with fair hair who Genji had immediately branded as unremarkable, save for the brilliant brain that kept her useful. She'd walked into his room upon their first meeting, head bowed over the clipboard in her hands, and he'd waited for her to look up—waited for this unarmed woman to shrink back from him like all the others.

Then she'd turned her eyes on him—and fuck those eyes—sharper than his own sword and drawn to his flaws faster than his face. Genji had swallowed very, very hard.

He'd misjudged Jesse McCree in the same way. Upon their introduction, he'd seen little more than a messy, unsophisticated arms dealer prone to a lucky shot now and again. He'd talked too loudly, dressed too ostentatiously—Genji once spent a summer with a shock of green hair, so he knows damn well what he's talking about—and tried too hard to be everything for everyone. He seemed to be trying to make a brother out of Genji, and considering how things had ended with Genji's last brother, he wasn't exactly in the market for a new one.

Then Genji found the jaw of a Blackwatch agent who had been antagonizing him for weeks mysteriously broken, and McCree nursing a bruised fist with a cocky grin the very same day. Genji had merely quirked an eyebrow.

Commander Reyes had perhaps gotten the worst of Genji's ill-founded verdicts—a tall, brick wall of a man whose steady tones and wise advice and genuine concern clashed with Genji's fresh hatred and anger, and he'd railed against him for no reason other than his unwillingness to accept the help and support so calmly offered to him. He'd disparaged the man in his mind, ducked his gaze when he could, skirted his path at every opportunity until even the young girl—the sniper's daughter, Fareeha—had loudly and unabashedly asked him why he was so afraid of Gabriel.

Then of course Genji had sat and listened as Reyes had vouched for him before a United Nations council—watched as this man who was loyalty and steadfastness personified—put his own honor and prestige at stake in defense of a boy who had done nothing but shun him. Afterwards, when the council had grudgingly agreed to Reyes' terms, Genji had forced himself to quietly thank the Commander, and nearly stumbled when the man replied by placing a heavy hand on his shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

And yet despite all this, he can't stop judgment from clouding his vision as he catches sight of a newcomer speaking with the quintessential trio of Overwatch brass—Reyes, Morrison, and Amari—in the Blackwatch hanger.

The girl is short and thin—willowy frame swallowed up by the enormous blue hooded jacket she wears. Her skinny legs sport black leggings with a hole or two, and her shoes look to be clunky and ineffective—high-top sneakers with the laces untied, a blinding shade of yellow with neon pink accents. On her head, she wears a backwards baseball cap. Genji squints. If he's not completely mistaken, the logo it bares is some kind of…glaring rabbit.

"You wanna put him in a mech?"

So caught up in his appraisal, Genji nearly misses the girl speaking. She's studying a tablet, appearing completely unaware of his presence while Reyes and Morrison glance up in horrifying unison to meet his eyes where he lurks across the hanger, trying to melt into the shadows cast by a stealth jet.

Amari doesn't look up, but then she doesn't need too—she sees everything.

"Not quite," the sniper murmurs, reaching out to change the image on the tablet. Genji cranes his neck, trying to see what she's looking at, but the angle the girl holds it at obscures his gaze.

"Oh." The girl seems to consider whatever new information she sees, rocking back on her heels, one hand deep in the pocket of her jacket. "You wanna make him the mech."

Genji bristles at the implication—he doesn't know how, but he knows he's the topic of conversation—but the girl chatters on, handing the tablet back to Amari and calling up a handful of holographic screens around her.

"Sure, I mean—Omnic tech is wicked—but it depends on how much of his fleshy bits he's got left, y'know?" She tugs idly on one of the strings of her jacket, while her other hand moves through the air—thin fingers sorting through various holographic screens that Genji can't make out from his distance. "He'd need a helmet, for sure. Probably something to stabilize his spine, because that shit looks wonky as hell—"

"We were hoping you could speak with Dr. Ziegler," Morrison cuts her off as politely as he can. "Perhaps combine your mechanical knowledge with her medical knowledge."

Something about this seems to amuse the girl, Genji notes—her lips tug up in a half-smile as she dismisses the floating screens with a quick, flippant gesture.

"Sure," she agrees easily, dropping her arms. She's restless—fingers of one hand tapping out a rhythm on her hip, while her other hand traces the zipper of her jacket, picking idly at the metal teeth. "But like, you do know she can do that on her own, right? Like, you don't need to spare my feelings or try to make me feel useful or whatever—Angela Ziegler doesn't need anyone's help." She shrugs. "For anything."

Genji can't see the small, sharp smirk that twists Ana Amari's face from his vantage point, but he knows it's there when she says, "If only that were true, Sergeant."

The girl—Sergeant? Genji chooses to ignore that—just shrugs again, and Reyes decides to speak up.

"She designed the suit Genji wears now," he remarks. "If nothing else, maybe you could give it a look and see what you think?"

"Be happy too," the girl agrees affably. "I assume that's him lurking over by the stealth jet, yes?"

Genji goes deathly still—Reyes and Morrison find him again, and this time Amari joins them, her buckshot eyes picking his form out of the darkness with ease.

"So it is," she murmurs, accented voice warm with amusement. "Speak of the devil."

Caught beyond a shadow of a doubt—he should have known better than to bet against Amari's sight—Genji slinks into the open, squinting slightly under the bright lights of the hanger.

The girl studies him curiously for a moment—he can feel her gaze rove over his form—before shrugging, apparently uninterested by the miracle of medical technology that stands before her.

"Neat," she offers, turning her back on him. "Come on, let's take a walk. It's nice out."

Genji hesitates—he had honestly only been trying to eavesdrop on tomorrow's plans regarding the mission to Ilios—but with a somewhat stern look from Morrison, a smirk from Amari, and a firm nod and a glance that all but screams behave from Reyes, he follows the girl out of the hanger and into the cool Milan evening.

They walk in silence for a moment—conversation not quite possible with her outdistancing him, given her head start and Genji's disinterest in catching up with her—until she stops atop the hill that overlooks Blackwatch's training fields, turning around to face him somewhat expectantly.

"So." Genji bristles on instinct as her eyes—large and brown and bright in the moonlight—meet his. "You're Genji Shimada."

He says nothing. Who else could he be?

"Sergeant Hana Song," she tells him breezily, sticking out a hand. He ignores it, and she doesn't seem surprised, smoothly withdrawing it after a moment to pull a soda can out of the pocket of her jacket. "I'm with MEKA."

Genji has no idea what that means. He also doesn't think he's ever cared less about something. The girl's casual mannerisms—the way she'd nonchalantly discussed something so monumentally important to him—rankles Genji in a way that draws out his worst temperament as they make their way away from hanger and the watchful eyes of their superiors.

Well, his superiors, anyway. The fact that this girl has rank of any kind already puts her leagues above him—the thought annoys him even more

"You are a child," Genji says coldly, and the girl—Hana, not a girl but a Sergeant—just rolls her eyes, popping off the tab of her soda with a practiced flick of her thumb.

"I get that you think you probably look, like, super cool and badass with all that Omnic tech," she says, taking a swig. "But you're obviously not much older than me. And my age doesn't define me, but thanks for playing." Her tone is off-handed and casual—like she's telling off some punk at an arcade and not dishing out sass to the half-dead heir of a clan of assassins.

Genji scoffs out of habit, but his curiosity is piqued. He knows there has to be more to her than what he sees—Reyes had left her out here alone with him while he's fully armed—and Genji can't remember the last time he'd been unaccompanied in the presence of someone who couldn't subdue him should the need arise.

Probably because it had never happened.

She must catch his wandering stare, because her lips quirk up in a harsh kind of smirk—tight, with a few too many teeth.

"I'm a gamer," she explains casually, leaning back against the half-wall that overlooks Blackwatch's training fields. This late at night they're completely empty, and the artificial turf is bathed in an eerie glow by the floodlights stationed around. The aluminum can flashes in the light as she lifts it to her lips. "Professionally," she adds, like that makes any difference.

Genji just stares, irritation darkening his expression. Endlessly clever, their little guest. A gamer. Honestly. What does she take him for?

"There's no need to tell such a stupid lie," he says, tone dark with dislike. He folds his arms, glaring out into the inky blackness of the training fields. "I'm the property of a secret organization. I'm familiar with the concept of confidentiality."

Something he says snags—her eyes snap to his sharply in the near-dark, expression suddenly cold.

"You aren't property," she tells him, and he's caught off-guard by the bite to her words.

"As good as," he retorts, unsure why he's angry in response to her anger, but there it is.

They glare at each other for a moment—Genji's struck by the raw ferocity of her gaze, before it seems to melt back to that coy coolness she'd sported earlier.

"Then let's go." She shrugs away from the wall, arching an eyebrow. "If things are that bad, you shouldn't be here." She takes a swig of her soda, and Genji honestly can't tell if she's joking or not when she lowers the can and tips him a wink. "I'll bust you out."

He gives her a hard look, trying to place her tone. Her smirk implies a joke, but her eyes are staggeringly serious. He resolves to ignore the whole display, folding his arms across his chest and looking away from her.

He counts three merciful seconds of silence before she's speaking again.

"I have a question."

"Of course you do."

"This, not wearing clothes thing—" she gestures helpfully to his half-bare chest "—what's that about?"

Genji bristles. "What?"

"Because I'm pretty sure being half-Ominc isn't an excuse to let it all hang out, y'know?" She quirks an eyebrow and Genji glares down at her, bewildered and annoyed. "You're like, legally indecent right now."

Genji honestly sputters—his typical angry indignation can't quite find a handhold on his tongue in his haste to assert the fact that he is not legally indecent, thank you very much, and who does this girl think she is?

She takes another sip of her soda, eyes crinkling with laughter over the top of the can as she smirks at him.

"I hardly think—" he begins.

He breaks off as she chucks the empty soda can at his face—his hand jerks up to catch it before he can even consider the action—and it gives a satisfying crunch as he sinks his metallic fingers into it.

For a brief moment, he debates just throwing the damn thing back at her, but he stays his hand when their eyes catch. Her eyebrow quirks.

"Throw it," she says, inclining her head out towards the training fields.

"What?" Her hand has disappeared up the back of her jacket, and he has a feeling it isn't more sodas she has stowed away there.

She rolls her eyes at his apparent incompetence, miming a throwing action with her free hand.

"Throw it," she repeats, more firmly this time, and with a scoff and few idle curses, Genji hurls the can out into the darkness as hard as he can.

It's quickly swallowed up by the dusk that's settled over them, and Genji squints, trying to track it, but his gaze is quickly diverted as Hana rustles with something at her back—a determined cut to her jaw—

In one smooth movement, she's drawn a weapon—a blaster of some sort, with a charm swinging from the butt of it—takes the briefest of aim, and fires.

A brilliant green burst of energy fires out the barrel, streaking through the sky and Genji has exactly one second to consider how fucking impossible this is—

A quiet ping! echoes back to where they stand as she picks the soda can out of the night sky, and he sees shards of aluminum wink as they catch the glow of the floodlights in its resulting burst. Hana tucks her blaster back in the waistband of her pants with a smug grin of satisfaction.

"Like I said." Genji snaps his gaze down to see her stowing the gun away, one hand on her hip, surveying her handiwork—she hardly moved to take the shot. Her eyes cut to his—sharp and bright. "I'm a gamer. Professionally."

He moves away from the wall to stand over her—an old intimidation tactic that feels like a reflex—and she just looks up at him without a glimmer of interest, utterly unbothered by the red-eyed creature looming above her.

"You did not learn that from playing games." His voice rattles out from beneath his half-mask with white-hot anger.

"Do you actually think being taller than me makes you scary?" she drawls, lifting an eyebrow. She sounds uninterested—bored. Her hands are back in her pockets, not even reaching for her weapon. "Because in case it somehow escaped your notice, I'm pretty fucking short."

Another stand-off—she refuses to duck his gaze, holding his eyes forcefully. Genji can't remember the last time he'd been challenged like this—even before he'd become a mess of human and Omnic parts, he'd been the damned heir of the Shimada Clan—but this girl doesn't seem to give a shit about any of that.

As she shifts her weight something flashes on the inside of her wrist, and it catches Genji's gaze, arresting his attention until she notices.

"What are you—oh." Spying his object of interest, she pulls up the sleeve of her jacket to reveal a sort of wrist brace with a keypad. She twists her arm to give him a better view, and it glints with a metallic sheen in the artificial lights of the training fields.

"It calls my mech," she explains—unprompted and off-handed—and Genji frowns hard behind his mask.

"It what?"

"My mech," she repeats, rolling her eyes. "Should we switch to a different language? My Japanese isn't great but like, you're clearly not hearing to me—"

"Why do you have a mech?"

Something about his question—posed sharply for no reason other than his utter fucking annoyance at her ability to keep surprising him—seems to amuse her, and he watches warily as she lets loose a rather tight smirk.

"Because I have a slightly higher percentage of taking down Omnics while inside it," Hana replies, quirking an eyebrow. "Only slightly though."

His anger deflates—flat lines into disbelief.

"Really." He stares her down, a little unnerved at how evenly she meets his eyes. "You. Fight Omnics."

She scoffs at his tone, rolling her eyes up to give him a look of annoyance. "Y'know, for a guy who's gone through all the shit you have, you sure seem to be taken by surprise a lot."

Genji huffs a sigh, working to marshal his temper. "I've fought Omnics before, and I hardly think—"

"Not like this you haven't," she says—and there's a sudden catch to her voice, like the scrape of a struck match.

He opens his mouth to rebut, but she's hit some switch on her wrist brace, and Genji watches as a hologram blooms to life between them.

It's enormous. Genji blinks, stepping back on instinct as both he and Hana are bathed in the watery blue glow of a massive, snake-like creature that unfurls from the light put out by Hana's device. It twists within the confines of its projection, flexing its claws, baring its teeth—

"It rose out of the East China Sea three years ago," she explains quietly, and Genji starts at the sound of her voice. "Obliterated the Korean Peninsula and assaulted its neighbors—China, Japan, parts of Russia—only to sink back into the water. We thought it was just…a fluke. A freak accident." She shifts inside her jacket—thin fingers of her free hand tugging on the strings of the hood. "Then it came back. For Korea, specifically."

The name of the country falls from her lips in a way that immediately tells Genji it's home—more than that, even. It's her heart, her judgment, her will. He never had that love for Japan, but he once held it for his own family—it's a staggering, overwhelming kind of devotion.

Genji gives a slow nod. He can't look away from the hologram. Neither can she.

"We made drones—hundreds of them—operated by artificial intelligent to try and destroy it." Here she swallows hard, and Genji realizes she hasn't even gotten to the worst part of the story. The light from the hologram highlights worry lines that mar her forehead.

"So what happened?"

"It learns."

Genji's eyes snap to hers, confused.

"The drone's AI couldn't keep pace with the Omnic's," she says. He wonders what she's seeing as she gazes up at the serpentine Omnic winding and writhing between them—wonders what memory she's reliving. Her expression is haunted, and he can tell by the way it sits on her face that it's familiar to her. "So they decided to give them pilots."

Genji frowns. "You're a pilot?" That still doesn't explain the skill and authority this girl touts. And aren't pilots supposed to be…tall?

She heaves a very put-upon sigh, rolling her eyes with exaggeration. "I'm a gamer," she reminds him. "As I apparently have to keep telling you."

"How does a gamer—?"

"The flight controls of the mechs are identical to the ones used in 16-Bit Hero." He snaps his eyes to hers—affronted by her interruption—and is struck by the way her gaze gleams—a stare like a switchblade. She punches a code into the keypad, and the hologram winks out of existence, dousing them with darkness once more.

"A game where I've held the top score for about five years."

Genji balks.

"They put video game players—"

"Why are you so hung up on that?" she cuts him off again, hand on her hip. Genji just glowers back. "Yeah, okay, so I'm a gamer. If I can pilot a mech as well as I can—and believe me, I'm pretty damn good at it—why does it matter how I learned?"

Genji just gazes evenly at her, trying to temper his mood, but Hana continues hotly, "People were dying—my people—my friends and neighbors and family!"

"Had you ever been trained in combat?" Genji asks, voice harsher than he intends. "Games might have sharpened your reflexes, but there is more to fighting than—"

She flings her arms wide, exasperated. "Look, dude, just because I'm not, like, a sword master or whatever doesn't make me any less of a fighter than you, okay?" She drops her arms, and they flop to her side with a soft whumpf. She suddenly looks very, very small, silhouetted against the training field floodlights as she is.

"I'd die for my country—for the people I care about. Isn't that enough?"

Genji looks away, staring out into the training fields. Hana chases him—sidesteps until she stands before him, and while he could easily dodge her gaze by merely staring over her head, he finds his eyes drawn to her own.

"What do you fight for, then?" she demands—she doesn't raise her voice, but her words still burn—eyes narrowed and too bright in the darkness. "What makes your cause so fucking noble that you have a right to judge mine?"

Genji's voice whips out low and fast. "I never judged your cause."

"But you judge me."

He scoffs. "That doesn't make you special."

She mutters something under her breath—so curt and harsh he knows it to be a curse—and looks away, the new angle allowing the floodlights to fall across her face, sharpening the look of annoyance she wears.

"I should kidnap you," she grumbles, half to herself, and Genji starts slightly. "Your head's way too far up your ass."

He bristles again—her unpredictable pace and tone is a stark switch from the typical steady seriousness of Blackwatch.

A moment of silence rolls over them as they both glare off in different directions. Genji keeps waiting for the moment when she'll just throw him a dirty look and march off—nothing's keeping her here, as far as he's aware, and he's been far from polite—but instead she just sighs, crossing her arms and looking up at him, expression distinctly exasperated.

"Look. Dude. Do you want this fancy Omnic suit or not?"

Genji frowns. "What?"

Hana sighs again, waving a hand around a bit wildly. "The whole reason I'm here. Do you want an upgraded suit? One that would let you fight? Well, fight better, anyway." She's watching him closely now—like she can draw the truth out of him without his permission.

Genji's not entirely sure she can't.

"It's your call. I get the feeling you've done a lot of fighting." Her eyes quickly skirt his profile—lingering on some of the raw scars bare in his half-armor. "I'd understand if you didn't want to fight anymore. Overwatch can beg for MEKA's expertise all they want—but if you don't want it, they can choke."

His eyebrow rises without his permission. "Choke?"

Hana shrugs. "Sure. I mean, I'm pretty sure you didn't really mean it when you said you were Blackwatch's property, but that feeling had to come from somewhere." Her hands grow restless again—Genji watches as she fiddles with the cuff of her sleeve, eyes lowered. "I like Commander Reyes, but Morrison…" she trails off, chewing her lip. "He gives me weird vibes. Win at all costs kind of vibes." Her gaze flickers to his, like she's gauging his reaction. He keeps his expression expertly schooled.

"I just—I don't want to act like I know what you've been through. You can't imagine the kinds of things I've seen and done, so I'm not going to do the same to you, but—" she cuts herself off, whisking her hat off for one moment to drag her hand through the long brown locks, staring out into the night closing in around them, huffing out a sigh.

"But?" Genji prompts lightly.

Her eyes cut to his—Genji wonders if he'll ever get used to the immediacy with which she commands his gaze.

"It feels like it's you against the world," she tells him softly. "But sometimes…it's just you against yourself."

Genji doesn't speak for a moment—just lets the many meanings of her words wash over him.

"As long as we're quoting philosophies at each other," he offers quietly. "Have you ever heard that life isn't a game?"

A small smile quirks her lips, and she glances up at him, tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear. She absolutely has heard this before, he surmises. Probably many times.

"I mean, if you treat everything like a game," she says. "What's the difference?"

Genji frowns hard. "When it's your own life at stake—" he begins.

Hana scoffs, shaking her head. "I have to," she interrupts. "I have to have a degree of separation—pretend like I'll just respawn if I go down, act like I've got a bunch of extra lives or whatever—the alternative is too horrifying." She looks up at him, expression disarmingly serious. "I'm too young to die."

So was I, Genji wants to say, but for the first time that night, bites his tongue. He's not dead—not really. A dead man couldn't be standing out here, in the cool Milan evening, trading barbs with a professional gamer who boasts a shot that rivals a soldier's.

He's not him. But he's not not him either.

"I meant what I said, by the way," she murmurs, drawing Genji's gaze once more. She lifts one eyebrow, assessing him calmly. "You feel indebted to Blackwatch, and I get that. But before you throw yourself out into a conflict like this, maybe know yourself a little better?" She shrugs, features pinched with a sudden flash of pain. "Seems like kind of a waste to risk your life when you haven't even decided what you're living for, you know?"

Genji tilts his head, digesting her words.

"And you?" he asks quietly. "You've weighed the risk yourself?"

Hana nods absently. "My equation was a lot easier," she replies. Busy fingers tap against the brick of the wall they lean against. The girl simply can't sit still, it seems. "I live for Korea or I die for it."

The unshakeable sureness of her words—and the disarming calm with which she speaks them—throws Genji. What would if feel like to care that deeply and honestly for something? He didn't want to die for Hanzo's pride—so what would he be willing to die for?

Then—so fast Genji's hand twitches toward his blade on instinct—Hana lurches forward to seize his good arm, pulling a sharpie out of her pocket and yanking the cap off inelegantly with her teeth.

He jerks away, but she tugs right back, and after a brief stare down, he surrenders and lays his arm flat in her hands.

"Soda, sharpies, a gun…" he watches her scribble down a set of numbers on the pale expanse of his skin. "What else do you have in your pockets?"

"Everything," is her prim response. "And I don't keep my gun in my pocket, that'd be stupid."

His lips curve in the makings of a smirk, but it falls as she pulls away, admiring her handiwork as she looks over what he can only assume is her phone number scrawled across his arm.

"There." She pockets the pockets the pen with a pleased expression. "Now you can call me or something?"

Genji bends his arm to inspect the number, lifting an eyebrow at her wording. "Or something?"

She rolls her eyes, flapping him quiet. "You know what I mean. Text me. Send me a picture of your dinner. Write me angsty poems about how much you hate the gorgeous rolling hills of Milan. I don't know." She shrugs. "You need a friend, dude. Like, desperately."

His expression sours—he does not need a friend—but she smiles softly and knocks her hip against his, their contrasting heights making the action a little awkward.

"We'll come up with a code for when you want to be busted out of here," she tells him, leaning close into his space, voice low and conspiring. "We'll call it, like, jailbreak or something."

"Not a very complicated code," he murmurs back, playing along at least partially.

She groans and pulls away—her eye roll so completely over-the-top and dramatic he almost cracks a grin.

"Fine," she bites out in a tone that holds absolutely no heat. "Since you're so clever, you can decide what the code is."

Genji is about to reply—can feel a sarcastic remark on the tip of his tongue, and it tastes so familiar, so like him—

A figure approaches—Genji suddenly hears the crunching of grass and his whole demeanor shifts and darkens as a man in a stiff uniform stops a few feet away.

"Sergeant Song."

Hana turns, and Genji watches—transfixed—as the girl's casual stance snaps into a formal salute.

"Sergeant Jo," she greets the man, the timbre of her voice lower and steadier than it has been all evening.

He nods, and Hana drops the salute.

"We're leaving soon—you done?"

She gives him a firm nod and the man's gaze skims over Genji for a moment before he turns to leave, and Hana follows suit.

Genji stands alone at the half wall a bit awkwardly for a moment—does he say goodbye?—when Hana's voice drifts back.

"You should check out my stream sometime," she calls to him. He can hear the shit-eating grin in her voice, so help him. She tosses a throwaway glance over her shoulder, eyebrow raised. "Maybe you could learn something."

He pulls a face, bewildered. "Stream?"

"I'm a gamer!" she shouts back at him, the anger in her voice belied by her grin. "Profess—!"

"I know!" Genji interrupts, smirking below his face-plate. "Professionally."

Her answering smile is dazzling. Then she holds up a fist—thumb stuck between her middle and index finger—and vanishes over the hill after her fellow solider.

knock knock guess who it is with a fic that nobody asked for and shouldn't have taken four fuckin' months to write???

so things have been rough. very very rough. but in a new game I call Stop Being A Bummer On Main, I'm just gonna say the worst isn't quite over, but a lot of good stuff has happened and things are starting to even out. my motivation to write took an obvious hit since it's been uh checks notes a cool four months since I've posted something but hey! I'm here and you're here and this fic is mediocre at best but dammit I'm trying lmao

anyway hi my name's Duch welcome to Headcanon Land:

1) Angela Ziegler is a fucking icon and people everywhere look up to her, but particularly young girls interested in science and medicine, such as Hana Song

2) I know skins don't have any bearing on canon or lore (nothing in Overwatch seems to have any bearing on canon or lore) but I like to think D.Va's Junker skin implies that, should the need arise, she could totally recreate her mech out of spare garbage lying around, thus implying she's handy as hell with mechanics. Going further with that, we know Hana's skill as a pilot is credited to her skill as a gamer, but I like to think gamers proposed themselves to the military and not the other way around. I think it makes much more sense that Hana herself built some sort of prototype that utilized the controls from 16-Bit Hero

3) Genji and Hana are much closer in age and are absolute nightmares to each other for no reason other than they can be

 4) I hate the Black Cat skin and I know that's not a headcanon but goddammit Blizz give me a Sgt. Song skin I'm fucking begging you please

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[imagine-loki]

If I could Turn Back Time, I’d Still Choose This

TITLE:  If I could Turn Back Time, I’d Still Choose This

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 31

AUTHOR: wolfpawn

ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine that when Odin found Loki on Jotunheim, he did not take him to raise as his son, as Frigga was pregnant at the time, instead he was given to a normal Aesir family. Years later, Loki meets Odin’s daughter Sigyn, and trouble ensues.

Loki paced as he waited. Anastasia stated she would return to inform him of the goings on in Asgard, he was almost frantic. There was a rumour, one that made him feel an incredible gripping pain in his stomach. That Sigyn was engaged to be married, to what could only be described as the love of her life. He did not know if there was any truth to it, all he knew was he needed to know what was really going on. When he heard horses passing, the first few he checked, but they either continued going or they wanted his father for a reason, so he remained pacing, but not looking out the window.

‘You are making Narfi dizzy.’ His mother commented.

Loki looked at his son, who did indeed seem to be almost unable to focus. ‘Sorry.’

‘She said she would return today, but not a time, you have to be patient.’

‘I cannot be, I need to know.’

‘If she has…’

‘No...I…’ His eyes filled with tears. ‘She wouldn’t.’

‘But she may very well have, Loki.’

‘No, she wouldn’t.’ He repeated.

‘She has.’ They turned to see Anastasia in the doorway. ‘In two weeks, it will be announced to the realms that Princess Sigyn of Asgard is marrying Lord Fandral Evanson of Asgard later this year.’ Loki’s eyes were wide as a pained sound left his mouth. ‘Now, listen to me Duckie and I will tell you everything.’ Anastasia sat down on a vacant chair, stealing Narfi from his father as she did so. ‘Odin thought to banish Sigyn to Midgard, permanently. Thor heard this, knowing the only way to keep her on realm was to imply she was no issue, the most obvious way to do so was a courtship. He called in his close friend to assist, they have acted as though they are courting, but my idiot nephew is pushing a marriage, without their wishes being taken into consideration.’

‘So she does not…’

Anastasia shook her head. ‘No, Duckie, her heart only has one name in it, yours.’ Loki could not stop the gasp of relief and elation at her words. ‘She knows I am speaking with you.’ He looked at the older woman. ‘She wanted you to know, it is all a rouse, there is only you. When she sensed these little cherubs magic, she cried, knowing they are with you. She wishes more than anything to be with you, Duckie. She is being forced to bide her time, but she wants to be with you and these two angels. She wanted me to give you a letter, but he knew she could try and made sure she couldn’t have correspondence with you, thankfully she is far smarter than her father. He doesn’t realise it, but she has taken back all her seidr. She only needs to bide her time, as much as it is killing her to do so.’ Anastasia looked to Narfi, who was looking at her curiously. ‘You sense her, don’t you, Little One.’ Loki frowned. ‘Seidr is so strong, it those who hone their skills can sense others nearby. Your two beautiful boys cannot hone it yet, but they can sense it, from their time in their mother. Her seidr nurtured them, so of course, it soothes them. She will be with you, as soon as is possible.’

‘When?’

‘I cannot say for sure.’ Anastasia explained. ‘It needs to be done carefully, if he suspects before we are ready, then he will ensure she never sees these beautiful boys.’ She looked sadly at Narfi. ‘She never even got to hold you, how cruel can anyone be, to prevent your mother even knowing what you were.’

‘What?’ Loki and his mother asked in unison.

‘She didn't even get to know if the second one was a girl or a boy. Thor informed her of her sons’ genders.’ Anastasia looked directly at Loki’s mother as she spoke again. ‘I know you question my great-niece’s want to be with her children. From what Loki told me of your struggles, I understand that to you could not comprehend allowing yourself be divided from them, but Sigyn has not got that luxury, she is in a situation that complicates things in a manner we cannot always understand.’ She explained.

‘I just….’

Anastasia nodded. ‘I understand, I do. To those of us that were not able to have our own, the idea of others not with theirs is unfathomable.’ Anastasia gave a knowing look, to which the other woman was able to understand her meaning. ‘Sigyn is crippled by the need to be with her children, just understand that.’ She nodded.

‘Then we prepare.’ Loki stated, his mood raised by their exchange of words. ‘If she says she will get here, I believe she will.’

‘She will, Duckie. And I swear to you, whatever you hear of her and this Fandral boy, it is nothing. There is nothing there, on either of their parts.’ Loki nodded. ‘It will not be long.’

‘Thank you, Ana, I cannot put into words…’

‘Stay the course, Duckie. Stay the course. I will not leave the realms until I see you and my beloved Sigyn together again with your children.’

*

‘Hey.’ Dafydd stared at Loki as the other man seemed almost giddy upon his arrival to the forge. ‘Are you okay?’

‘Better than it.’ Loki beamed.

‘So the Duchess returned?’

‘Yes.’

‘And?’

‘The rumours are true.’ Loki seemed almost on the verge of giggling.

‘The one where the mother of your children, the woman you love, is to wed another man?’ Loki nodded elatedly. ‘I am failing to see how is this a good thing?’ Dafydd admitted, confused.

‘It is a ruse.’

‘A ruse?’

‘She doesn't love him, they do not even want this, it is being forced by the Allfather, neither of them want it, they are doing everything to try and stop it. She...she loves me still. She is trying to find a way to us.’

Dafydd took a moment to process what Loki told him. ‘Okay….I think…?’

‘There is nothing to think, she does not want him.’

‘But if she is forced to wed him?’

‘It will not come to that.’

‘You seem so certain.’

‘You don’t know her, or indeed Ana, they will very much get this done if they say they will.’ Loki smiled.

Dafydd, though he was doubtful, could not argue Loki’s words. He knew little of the Duchess of Asgard, merely that she was a formidable woman, and of Princess Sigyn, he had gone and asked his own family about the Aesir royal, but there was little to be said, she was apparently very beautiful and looked like the Allmother, of her character and mind, nothing was really known. ‘I hope for you and those two tykes that you’re right. I only want you all to be happy.’ Dafydd smiled.

‘Thank you, my friend.’ Loki beamed in response.